I £j UniversifK Library iif""» YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Bought with the income ofthe ALFRED E. PERKINS FUND OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. \ Descriptive Work on Jefferson County NEW YORK EDITED BY EDGAR C. EMERSON THE BOSTON HISTORY COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 1808 •s. PREFACE. It is now one hundred years since the first settlement was made in the county of Jefferson. About fifty years afterward Dr. Franklin B. Hough published a historical work upon our county, which was followed in subsequent years by other works which have served useful purposes. It would seem, however, that in none of these publications was any attempt made to trace the history and development of the county, be ginning with a full and complete description of the prehistoric traces, and following down in chronological order with the evidences of aborig inal occupancy, the advent of the white pioneers and the complete settlement, growth and development, in the results of which we have our admirable schools, our well established churches, our extensive and prosperous manufacturing enterprises, our patriotic citizenship which prompted nearly seven thousand men to enlist in the army and navy during the war of the rebellion and the payment of over $1,000,000 as bounties to volunteers, and in a population which in character, intelli gence and public spirit need not fear comparison with any in the state. This mission it has been the purpose of the present work to perform, thus rounding up the first century of its existence with a full and com plete history of everything that pertains to the occupancy, settlement, growth and development of our county. In recording the history of pioneer life, Dr. Hough's narrative has been largely consulted, as this invaluable work is and must always be taken as the ground work of all county historical publications. At the time Dr. Hough wrote, many of the pioneers were yet living, and he was able to record from their own lips the narrative of their privations, hardships and trials, and of their ultimate success. But while many of the avenues of information which were open to Dr. Hough are now closed, it is believed that the progress of the age, iv PREFACE. the advancement of science and the development in tbe study of Indian- ology have tended to elucidate many subjects connected with our his tory which in his time were but imperfectly understood and narrated. In the preparation of this work the authors have availed them selves of information gathered from all standard historical works now extant bearing upon the subject, from ancient writings and documents, and from fireside tales and family traditions. It is not contended that the events recorded are in every instance absolutely correct, as our early history is now largely a matter of tra dition, and freedom from error is therefore an impossible condition, but every effort has been made to verify as far as possible the accuracy of the statements in the text, and it is confidently believed to be as cor rect as it is possible for an historical work to be. The onerous task of making investigations and research, and collect ing material for this publication, has been mainly performed by Lewis Cass Aldrich, an assistant editor, by means of personal inquiry through out the county; to him is due in a large measure the credit for the compilation and arrangement of the work. The matter contained in the departments relating to personal and family history and biography was collected by agents of the publish ers, and has been submitted for correction to the persons most likely to insure its accuracy. In enumerating the sources from which assistance has been received it is impossible to name all who have rendered valuable aid, but among such persons, and without being invidious, we may be permitted to mention Col. Walter B. Camp, Levi H. Brown, Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe, Sen., Col. Albert D. Shaw, William G. Williams, Frank A. Hinds, Lawrence J. Goodale, James Dolan, Byron J. Strough, George E. Yost, Wm. M. Thomson, George W. Knowlton, Gen. Bradley Winslow and others, who by valuable information and timely suggestions have aided materially in the preparation of this work. The territory of our county is historic ground, and stirring events have taken place within its borders. It was the favorite hunting and fishing grounds of the Oneidas and Onondagas, to whom it originally belonged, and the remains of whose villages, fortifications and en trenched encampments yet meet the eye of the student of county his tory. Situated at the foot of Lake Ontario, it was the great thorough fare of travel between the Canadas and the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys, and for centuries was the theater of the most bloody en- PREFACE, v counters between the Algonquins of Canada and the Iroquois of New York in their repeated contests for the mastery of the region. Five years before the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers and but one year after the first settler stepped foot on Manhattan Island, our county was visited and traversed by the intrepid explorer, Samuel de Champlain, who noted and described the physical and productive features of its western border. It was again visited over two hundred years ago by De la Barre, then governor of New France, and it was here that the sachems of the Five Nations lighted their famous council fire while holding conference with that doughty Frenchman. Later on it was the rendezvous where was organized one of the most important expeditions of the French against the English, and it was also the theater of some of the most important events connected with the last war with Great Britain. It was for a considerable time the headquarters of the army assembled for the invasion of Canada, and movements were here inaugurated which to no inconsiderable extent have shaped the destiny of the nation. It was the site of stirring events connected with the so called Patriot war, and from the first its history has been largely a part of the public history of the country. The object of this work has been to correctly narrate these various important historical events, and it is now submitted to our people in the hope that it may help to preserve the record of the origin and growth of our county, and that when at some future time another chronicler of county history takes up the thread of our story he may be able to record a continuation of that marvelous prosperity which has marked the first century of our county's existence. Watertown, Sept. 1, 1898. EDGAR C. EMERSON. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. European Explorations and Discoveries — Evidences of Pre-historic Occupation — Ancient Indian Fortifications: — The French in Canada— New France — Sam uel de Champlain Visits the Territory now Comprising Jefferson County — Dutch Occupation in the Netherlands — Its Overthrow by the English — French and English Rivalry ___ .1-10 CHAPTER II. The Indian Occupation — Iroquois Tradition — Origin of the Confederacy — Indian Characteristics — Line between Oneida and Onondaga Territory — Jesuit Fathers Labor among the Iroquois — De la Barre's Expedition in 1684 — The Council at La Famine in the Present Town of Ellisburgh — Conflict of Authorities Regarding the Location of La Famine — Extracts from Charle voix's Letter — French Surveying Expedition in 1793 — La Famine and Hun gry Bay Undoubtedly Different Points — Downfall of Iroquois Confederacy. 10-20 CHAPTER III. Beginning of the French and Indian Wars — Causes Leading to Them— Jesuits Driven out of New York — De Courcelle's Expedition against the Iroquois — ¦ De Nonville's Peace Negotiations — French Treachery Costs Montreal — In vasions and Counter-invasions — English Colonists Become Involved — At tempt the Subjugation of Canada — Frontenac's Expedition — Treaty of Ryswick - - 21-25 CHAPTER IV. Conflicting Claims to Territory in the St. Lawrence Region — Treaty of Ryswick — War Positions along the St. Lawrence — Importance of a Post at Oswego— War Declared between Great Britain and France— Beginning of Hostilities —Forts Built on the Frontier— Attempts at Alliance with the Six Nations- Plans for Colonial Union Rejected— Campaign of 1755— Nothing Gained in 1756— French become Aggressors in 1757— De Villiers Establishes a Strong Post at Henderson Harbor— Attacks Fort Ontario and is Defeated— Vaud- viii CONTENTS. reuil Reinforces the French Garrison at the Harbor — Arrival of the Main Army under Montcalm — Here He Organizes a Successful Expedition against Oswego— Returns to Camp at Hendersen, but Soon Departs for Canada — English Victories in 1758 and 1759— End of the French Dominion 25-33 CHAPTER V. Return of Peace — Pontiac's League — Devil's Hole and Black Rock — Events Pre ceding the Revolution — Taxing the Colonies — The Continental Congress — Situation in Tryon County — Sir William Johnson — His Death — Sir John Johnson with Tories and Mohawks Depart for Canada — Brief Recapitula tion of Events of the Revolution — British Form an Alliance with the Iro quois — The Oneidas and Tuscaroras Friendly to Americans — Operations in the Mohawk Valley — Indian Outrages — Sullivan's Campaign — Other Events — Close of the War — The Treaty of Paris — British Maintain Armed Force on American Soil — The Boundary as Established _ 34— il CHAPTER VI. Extinguishing the Indian Titles to Land — Treaty with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix — Special Treaty with the Oneidas — Conflicting Claims of Massa chusetts and New York — The Hartford Convention — The Macomb Purchase — Its Extent and Subdivision — The Chassanis Tract' — Penet's Square 41-49 CHAPTER VII. Land Titles Continued — Great Tract Number Four, Macomb's Purchase — The Antwerp Company — Land Operations of Gouverneur Morris, Moss Kent and James Le Ray — Tracts Numbers Five and Six of Macomb's Purchase — The Boylston Tract — The Black River Tract — Lorraine, Ellisburgh and Worth — The Eleven Towns — Survey and Disposition of the Islands in Lake On tario and the St. Lawrence River _ 49-56 CHAPTER VIII. Division of the State into Counties — Tryon County Created — Counties Formed from Tryon — Jefferson and Lewis Counties Erected from Oneida — Thomas Jefferson — Brief Topographical and Geological Description of Jefferson County — The Glacial Period — Towns Formed — The Convention at Harris- burgh Discusses the Two County Project — Locating the County Buildings — History of the Court House, the Jail and the County Clerk's Office — The County Poor Farm — Several Changes in Superintendency 56-73 CHAPTER IX. A Brief Tribute to the Pioneers of Jefferson County — Creation and Settlement of the Towns —Subsequent Growth as Indicated by the Census Reports Boundaries of the County Permanently Established in 1813 — Town Bound aries also Defined _ 74-84 CONTENTS. ix CHAPTER X. Events Preceding the War of 1812-15— British Aggressions— The Embargo and Non-intercourse Acts— British Claims of Right to Search— Depressing Effect of the Embargo Act on the Inhabitants of Jefferson County— Smuggling Operations and Measures to Suppress Them— Arsenal Built at Watertown— The Beginning of Hostilities— General Brown's Militia on the Frontier— Sackets Harbor Becomes the Center of Operations— Brief Review of Events of 1813— Campaign for the Year 1813— British Take Ogden sburgh— Move ments about the Harbor— Ships Built— York Taken by the Americans- Death of General Pike— The Enemy Attacks Sackets Harbor— A Privateer ing Expedition— Operations on the Lake— Council of War at Sackets Har bor — Its Results — Expedition to the Champlain Country— Chrysler's Field — Campaign of 1814— Sandy Creek— Operations in Western New York— Militia again Called Out — The Return of Peace _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .84-105 CHAPTER XI. Sackets Harbor as a Military Station — Madison Barracks — The Naval Station and Customs District _ _ 105-126 CHAPTER XII. A Brief Chapter Relating to the More Prominent Events of the So-called Patriot War — -Reminiscences of the War as Related by a Participant. .126-135 CHAPTER XIII. THE WAR OF 1861-65 135 164 CHAPTER XIV. The Civil List, Showing the Names of Incumbents of Office under Federal, State and County Government from the Creation of the County to the Year 1897 164-170 CHAPTER XV. THE BENCH AND BAR... _ _ 171-198 CHAPTER XVI. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION... 198-229 CHAPTER XVII. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS _ __ 230-245 x CONTENTS CHAPTER XVIII. A Brief History of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and its Kindred Associations — The Jefferson County Historical Society .245-254 CHAPTER XIX. A Chapter Relating to Internal Improvements in Jefferson County — Public Highways — State Roads — Turnpikes — Plank Roads — Canals — Railroads — Post Routes — Early Lake Navigation — Telegraph Lines 254-268 CHAPTER XX. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN— THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF JEFFER SON COUNTY 269-394 CHAPTER XXI. THE TOWN OF ADAMS 395-429 CHAPTER XXII. THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA... _ 430-451 CHAPTER XXIII. THE TOWN OF ANTWERP _ 452-474 CHAPTER XXIV. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE 474-509 CHAPTER XXV. THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT 509-536 CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF CHAMPION 536-549 CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWN OF CLAYTON __ _ 549-573 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH 573-612 CONTENTS. xi CHAPTER XXIX. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON _ 613-628 CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD _ 629-660 CHAPTER XXXI. THE TOWN OF LE RAY.. __ 660-687 CHAPTER XXXII. THE TOWN OF LORRAINE.. _ 687-701 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE TOWN OF LYME 701-720 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TOWN OF ORLEANS __ 720-737 CHAPTER XXXV. * THE TOWN OF PAMELIA 738-746 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA _ 747-768 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF RODMAN 769-784 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND 784-806 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OF THERESA 806-824 CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN 825-844 xii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF WILNA _ 844-865 CHAPTER XLII. THE TOWN OF WORTH 866-875 PART II. BIOGRAPHICAL 877-936 PART III. PERSONAL REFERENCES.. 1-276 INDEX. GENERAL 277-312 PART II - 312 PART III -- - ..313-318 PORTRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAITS. Levi H. Brown facing 191 James M. Cleveland Andrew Cornwall J. Mortimer Crawe, M. Charles Crossmon Edgar C. Emerson Roswell P. Flower Robert P. Grant Hiram Herring __ Frank A. Hinds Benjamin F. Hunt George H. McKinley .. Horace E. Morse Alfred D. Remington . D. . 416 885200 440 893 894 565 902 904 907 908910913 CONTENTS. xm William Roberts Azariah H. Sawyer... John Avery Sherman . Jean R. Stebbins Byron B. Taggart William W. Taggart . Pardon C. Williams . . William G. Williams . .facing 763 342 919922 357929 180 312 ILLUSTRATIONS. Champlain's Attack on the Indian Fort '. 7 First Steamboat on the Great Lakes 266 Former Residence of Maj.-Gen. Jacob Brown.. 507 109 64 731 670046398399 Fort Pike __ Glacial Groovings and Potholes near Huntingtonville facing La Farge Mansion, the Le Ray Mansion, the Line-of-Battle Ship New Orleans Map of Ancient Fortification in Adams in Le Ray Ellisburgh. 577 ._ _ ..578 ..580 581 661 __ 662 663 ,769 771 772 786 826 828 829 830 in Rodman in Rutland in Watertown Champlain's Route - - 6 the Macomb Purchase - facing 45 Old Fort Carleton - - --- --511 Watertown in 1804 - 274 in 1812 - 280 in 1824 - - -286 in 1856 - - 292 Paddock Building, the -- ...392 Southeast View of Sackets Harbor in 1815 694 Watertown— Public Square Looking East between 276 and 277 «< " " " West " OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER I. Enropean Explorations and Discoveries — Evidences of Pre-historic Occupation — Ancient Indian Fortifications — The French in Canada — New France — Samuel de Champlain Visits the Territory now Comprising Jefferson County — Dutch Occupation in the Netherlands — Its Overthrow by the English — French and English Rivalry. In 1492, more than four hundred years ago, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese, sailing under the flag of Spain, landed on the shores of the American continent. This event has always been mentioned in history as the discovery of America, yet the first Europeans to visit the west ern hemisphere were Scandinavians, who colonized Iceland in A. D. 875, Greenland in 983, and about the year 1000 had cruised southward along the Atlantic coast as far as Massachusetts. However, of this mediaeval period of history of our fair land we have at best an imper fect knowledge, and some writers have asserted that the strange and almost unaccountable implements found in some parts of Jefferson county half a century and more ago were evidences of occupation by the people referred to, while others have attributed these discoveries to the unmistakable presence of the mound builders. Both are un doubtedly mistaken claims, and while the present writer readily con cedes the existence of a race of mound builders, he sees nothing in the discoveries in this part of the State which is inconsistent with the theory of continuous Indian occupation. The Jesuit fathers visited the region almost two centuries ago and many implements and utensils used by them, or which they taught the natives to make, were indeed crude and to us almost unaccountable. In the towns of Adams, Henderson, Brown- ville, Rodman, Rutland, Hounsfield, Le Ray, Ellisburgh, Watertown, and in fact in almost every town, the pioneers found tools, implements and utensils which were entirely novel in construction, the proper use l 2 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of which was wholly unknown, hence the assumption that they must be evidences of a pre-historic occupation. There have also been dis covered in various parts of the county remains of rudely constructed inclosures, built as were fortresses at that time, from which the infer ence has grown that once this region was the scene of great strife and contention between semi-barbarous races. Prominent among these fortifications is a line of intrenchments, be ginning in the town of Leray, near Sanford's Corners, and extending at intervals along the brow of Rutland and Dry hills and Sandy creek, in a southeasterly course through the towns of Leray, Rutland, Water- town, Rodman, Adams and Ellisburgh to Lake Ontario. These works, as a rule, are on the highest point of that range of hills, and invariably face toward the northwest. Excavations made by settlers furnished unmistakable evidences that these fortifications were of Indian con struction, and in fields adjoining them have been found fragments of rude pottery, carved pipes, lines of hearths, stone chisels and other im plements; also human bones, bones of animals, and skeletons buried in a sitting posture, surrounded with deposits of burned corn. In one of these works was found a large number of skeletons of males lying in great confusion, as if slain in its defense. There have also been found in various parts of the county mounds and bone-pits, which contained large numbers of human remains. The discovery of these various phenomena clearly indicates that these fortifications were of Iroquois construction. While this powerful people were, by nature savage and ferocious, they nevertheless pre sented the highest type of the American Indian ; were governed by tribal laws, and were united by a league something after the form of our American union. They built populous towns, the more exposed of which were protected by substantial though rude fortifications, and they also conducted an extensive though somewhat rude tillage of the soil. They were expert in carving on bones, clay and stones, and nothing appeared to possess greater importance in the savage estima tion than their pipes, which were frequently carved with rare ingenuity and skill. It was the custom of the Iroquois and kindred tribes to bury their dead in a sitting posture, and to place corn, kettles, pottery, trinkets and bows and arrows in the graves. It was also their custom in occa sional years to celebrate the " feast of the dead," during which they would exhume the bodies of slain warriors and carry them to a pit pre- EARLY DISCOVERIES. 3 pared as a place of sepulture, and there bury them promiscuously in a common grave. The territory of our county was a part of their hunting ground, and was a direct route between the Algonquins of Canada and the Iroquois of New York, between whom deadly feuds and wars had existed for centuries, and frequent forays were made on both sides. It was the Iroquois custom to erect fortifications with embankments and palisades on the sides exposed to hostile incursions, and they moved from place to place and erected new villages and defenses as the soil became un productive and as their fire wood was exhausted and not easily secured. Large districts in this State which are known to have been inhabited solely by the Iroquois are now marked with frequent remains of their ditches and enbankments. The writer therefore contends that these ancient earthworks are the remains of fortifications which were erected by the Iroquois to guard against their Canadian enemies, but at what particular time, or under what circumstances neither history or tradi tion furnishes us any reliable information. Champlain and De la Barre, the earliest discoverers and explorers, make no mention of their exist ence, and it is therefore fair to assume that if built before their time, they had then ceased to exist as structures of defense. However, it is not thought necessary to further pursue the inquiry in this place, as in the chapters devoted to town history these works will be described in detail, with drawings of the same so far as is possible to produce them. Following close upon the discoveries of Columbus and other early explorers, various foreign powers fitted out fleets and commissioned navigators to establish colonies in the vast and unknown continent ; and while hardly within the proper scope of this work to detail the re sults accomplished by those bold navigators, they naturally led to others of greater importance, eventually rendering the St. Lawrence region the battlefield of various contending powers, each striving for suprem acy and dominion over a territory of which Jefferson county is an im portant integral part. These events, however, will be but briefly mentioned, and only those will be detailed which have at least an in direct relation to our subject. In 1508 Aubert discovered the St. Lawrence River; and in 1524 Francis I, king of France, sent Jean Verrazzani on a voyage of explora tion to the new world. He entered a harbor, supposed to have been that of New York, and it is believed that his crew were the first Eu ropeans to land on the soil of what is now this State. The Gallic ex- 4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. plorer cruised along the coast about 2,100 miles, sailing as far north as Labrador, and giving to the whole region the name of " New France " — a name by which the French possessions in America were ever known during the dominion of that power. In 1534 the same king sent Jacques Cartier to the new country. He made two voyages and ascended the St. Lawrence as far as Montreal. The next year he again visited that region and brought a number of the French no bility, all filled with high hopes and bearing the blessings of the church. This party was determined upon the colonization of the country, but after suffering the rigors of a winter at the Isle of Orleans the scheme was abandoned and the party returned to France, taking with them the Indian chief Donnegana, who had been their generous host, and bore him with several others into hopeless captivity and final death. In 1540 Cartier again visited the scene of his former explorations, accompanied by Jean Francis de Roberval, the latter holding a king's commission as lieutenant-general over the new countries of Canada, Hochelaga and Saguenay, with the plenary powers of vice-' oyalty. The results of the voyage, however, were no more profitable than its predecessor, and the effect was to discourage further attempts in the same direction until about 1598, when New France, particularly its Canadian portion, was made a place of banishment for French convicts ; but even this plan failed, and it remained for private enterprise, stimu lated by the hope of gain, to make the first successful effort toward the permanent occupation of the country. The real discoverer and founder of a permanent colony in New France was Samuel de Champlain, a man born with an uncontrollable instinct of investigation and desire for knowledge of distant regions. His earlier adventures in America have no connection with this work and it is therefore sufficient to mention that in 1609, having counseled his patrons that the banks of the St. Lawrence River was the most favorable site for a new empire, he was sent to the country and found ed Quebec. To satisfy his love for exploration, Champlain united with the Canadian Indians and marched into the region to the southward • and the result was the discovery of the lake which bears his name and a conflict between the Algonquins (aided by Champlain) and a portion of the Iroquois, whose country he had invaded. In the battle the lat ter were defeated with the loss of two of their chiefs, both of whom fell by the hands of Champlain himself. This ill-timed invasion sig nalized the first hostile meeting between the white man and the Indian CHAMPLAIN'S EXPEDITION. 5 and low as the latter may have been in the scale of intel'igence and humanity, and terrible as were many of the subsequent deeds of the Iro quois, it cannot be denied that their early treatment by the whites could foster in the savage breast any other than feelings of bitterest hostility. Champlain had put four balls into his weapon, and noted with surprise the astonishment of the Iroquois at seeing two of their number "killed so instantly"; but the whole scene was only a vivid testimony of how little mercy tbe Iroquois were thenceforth to expect from their northern enemies and the pale-faced race which was eventually to drive them from tbeir domain. It was an age, however, in which might was ap pealed to more often than in later years, and the planting of the lowly banner of the Cross was frequently preceded by bloody conquest. It is in the light of the prevailing custom of the old world in Champlain's time that we must view bis ready hostility to the Indian. Undoubtedly tbe first European to set foot on the soil of what is now Jefferson county was the intrepid Champlain, who carried into effect an expedition of exploration and attempted conquest into the heart of Iroquois country about tbe middle of September, 1615, five years be fore tbe landing of the Pilgrims. Indeed, this is not now a disputed fact of history, for notwithstanding Champlain described several local ities by names not now known, he at the same time plainly noted promi nent points that are easily discovered by every well informed reader of early county history. However, in corroboration of our statement let us quote from the journal of the expedition made by Champlain him self and note how clearly he described localities with which the aver age reader is undoubtedly familiar: We continued along the borders of the Lake of the Entouhonorons,1 always hunting as above mentioned ; being there we crossed over at one of the extremities, tending eastward, which is the beginning (l'entre) of the River Saint Lawrence, in the parallel of 43° of latitude. There are several very beautiful islands in this passage. We made about fourteen leagues to cross to the other side of the lake, proceeding southward toward the enemy's country. The Indians concealed all their canoes in the woods, near the bank. We traveled by land about four leagues [10 miles] over a sandy plain when I observed a very pleasing and fine country, watered by numer ous small streams and two little rivers which empty into said lake, and a number of ponds and prairies, where there was an infinite quantity of game, a great many vines and fine trees, a vast number of chestnuts, the fruit of which was yet in the shell. It was quite small but well flavored. All the canoes being thus concealed we left the bank of the lake, which is 80 i Lake Ontario, Entouhonorons according to the French interpretation of the Indian dialect, paeaning the lake between the countries of the Hurons and Iroquois. 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. leagues long, and 25 wide. It is inhabited for the greater part by savages along the sides of the streams, and we continued our journey overland some 25 or 30 leagues. In the course of four days we traversed a number of streams and one river issu ing from a lake which empties into that of the Entouhonorons. This lake is 25 to 30 leagues in circumference, with many beautiful islands, and is the Iroquois fish ing grounds, fish being in abundance there. Map of Champlain's Route of Travel into the Province of New York in 1615. Taken from Parkman's " Pioneers of France in the New World." Further extracts from Champlain's narrative are unnecessary. The adventurous explorer made an extended tour throughout the entire region of the Canadas, extending his investigation throughout the re gion of all the great lakes on the northern or Canadian side. He had so ingratiated himself in the savage affection that they feasted him at all their villages and accompanied him on hisjourneyings. More than that, Champlain readily consented to join his little force of Frenchmen with the savages and to make a combined incursion into the very heart of the Iroquois country, hoping for the same success that rewarded his CHAMPLAIN'S EXPEDITION. first visit into the land of the Mohawks in 1609. This was the errand that brought the wily Frenchman to the foot of Lake Ontario in the early fall of 1615, where, accompanied by at least 2,500 Indian warriors, Champlain's Attack on the Indian Fort. From the Original in the State Library. he crossed over from the vicinity of Kingston in a southeasterly course to Galloup and Stony islands, and from there proceeded to near the mouth of Stony creek, in the present town of Henderson, where the 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. canoes were concealed in the woods. Champlain then proceeded south ward along the shore about ten miles, and then struck inland, thread ing the forests and crossing the outlet of Oneida lake, and after a march of four days entered the heart of the Iroquois country, where a battle was fought with unfortunate results to Champlain and his allied sav ages.1 In fact the forces under Champlain were defeated, the leader himself being wounded and carried on the return journey in a basket slung on the shoulders of his warriors. The retreat was made over the same route as the advance, and having safely embarked in their canoes, the invaders returned to Canada. This unsuccessful campaign taught the Indians that Champlain's strength in battle was not invincible, and at the same time intensified the hatred of the Iroquois against their Canadian enemies. A few weeks after the battle between Champlain and the Iroquois, in the country of the Mohawks, Henry Hudson, a navigator in the ser vice of the Dutch East India Company, anchored his ship (the Half- moon) at the mouth of the river which now bears his name. This was September 5, 1609. Hudson met the savages and was hospitably re ceived by them; but before his departure he subjected them to a knowl edge of the effects of intoxicating liquor — an experience perhaps more baneful in its results than that inflicted by Champlain with his murder ous weapon. Hudson ascended the river to a point within one hundred miles of that reached by Champlain, then returned to Europe and, through information he had gained, soon afterward established a Dutch colony, for which a charter was granted in 1614, naming the region "New Netherlands." The same year a fort was built on Manhattan Island, and the next year another, called Fort Orange, on the site of Albany. The Dutch were poor colonizers but excellent traders, and by dispensing gin and arms to the natives in exchange for furs they kept at peace with them until the administration of Governor Kieft whose unwise action provoked hostilities which continued almost with out interruption during the remainder of the Dutch dominion. Meanwhile, in 1607, the English had made their first permanent set tlement at Jamestown, Va., and in 1620 planted their historic colony at Plymouth Rock. These two colonies became the successful rivals of all others in that strife which finally left them masters of the country. i Champlain made a drawing of the Indian fortifications which he attempted to capture in this battle, and the same is reproduced here, as a matter of general historic interest rather than having any direct bearing on our county's history. ENGLISH, FRENCH AND DUTCH CLAIMS. 9 Thus on the discoveries and colonizations briefly noted, three great European powers based claims to at least a part of the territory em braced in the State of New York ; first, England, by reason of the dis covery of John Cabot, who sailed under commission from Henry VII, and on June 24, 1497, reached the sterile coast of Labrador, also that made in the following year by his son Sebastian, who explored the same coast from Newfoundland to Florida, claiming a territory eleven de grees in width and indefinitely extending westward; second, France, which, from the discoveries of Verrazzani, claimed a portion of the At lantic coast, and also (under the title of New France) an almost bound less region westward; third, Holland, which based on Hudson's discoveries a claim to the entire country from Cape Cod to the southern shore of Delaware Bay. The Dutch dominion in America, however, was of brief duration, in part due to the unwise action of Governor Kieft, but with the succession of Peter Stuyvesant, May, 1647, the discontent among the Indians was in a measure harmonized. The chief cause of the overthrow of the Dutch power was English rivalry. On March 12, 1664, Charles II, of England, granted by letters patent to his brother James, duke of York, all the country from the river St. Croix to the Kennebec in Maine, to gether with all the land from the west bank of the Connecticut River to the east side of Delaware Bay. The duke sent an English squadron to secure the gift, and on September 8, following, Governor Stuyvesant capitulated, being constrained to that course by the Dutch colonists, who preferred peace with tbe same privileges and liberties accorded the English colonists to a prolonged and perhaps fruitless contest. The English changed the name of New Amsterdam to New York, and thus ended the Dutch dominion in America. The vanquished people, how ever, did not withdraw from the region, but remained and continued to trade guns and gin to the Indians in exchange for furs, and thus supplied them with doubly destructive weapons. The peaceful relations existing between the Dutch and the Indians at the time of the English accession were maintained by the latter, but the strife between the English and the French continued, the former steadily gaining ground both through their success in forming and maintaining an alliance with the Iroquois, and also through the more per manent character of their settlements. However, before we proceed to treat of this branch of our subject it is proper that some reference be made to the Indian occupants of the region, for they were indeed an 2 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. important element in the early history of tbe nation, the State and the county. CHAPTER II. The Indian Occupation— Iroquois Tradition — Origin of the Confederacy — Indian Characteristics — Line between Oneida and Onondaga Territory — Jesuit Fathers Labor Among the Iroquois — De La Barr's Expedition in 1684 — The Council at La Famine in the Present Town of Ellisburgh — Conflict of Authorities Regarding the Location of La Famine — Extracts from Charlevoix's Letter — French Surveying Expedition in 1793 — La Famine and Hungry Bay Undoubtedly Different Points — Downfall of Iroquois Confederacy. Few authentic traces of the former Indian occupation of this part of the State are now discernible, and only the presence of an occasional descendant of some tribe from across the Canadian border reminds us of a once noted period in the history of the region ; but during the first score of years of white occupancy along the St. Lawrence the natives were fairly numerous in Jefferson county, for they were reluctant to leave their favorite hunting and fishing resorts and retire before ad vancing civilization and development. The region of country bordering the St. Lawrence River was for many years debatable ground, for the Algonquins of Canada and the Iroquois of this State were at deadly enmity from long before the time of the first French discoveries to the close of the Revolution. Whether the Algonquins or the ancestors of the Five Nation Indians were tbe first occupants here is a question on which writers differ, but that the Adirondack (or Algonquin) nation and after them the Iroquois, tra versed if they did not in fact inhabit the region, does not admit of doubt. However, the name " Montagners" was applied to all the St. Lawrence Indians, and was derived from a range of mountains extend ing northwesterly from near Quebec. Along the northern boundary of what is now Jefferson county, and thence extending far up to and be yond the Champlain country, as well as into the waters of Lake On tario, in an opposite direction, is the beautiful valley of the St. Law rence, which was formed by the Almighty into an unsurpassed natural highway for the canoes of the Indians, while the numerous islands in the river afforded every facility for fishing and pastime during peace INDIAN OCCUPANCY. 11 or of concealment in time of war. The mind may readily portray fleets of Indian war canoes gliding along the waters of the river, or stealth ily heading among the islands, while the paddles kept tune to the cadence of the war- songs of the savages bent upon their mission of rapine and blood. The St. Regis Indians also occasionally found their way into this part of the Iroquois country, yet such visits were not frequent, for, according to French accounts, they were easily terrified with the men tion of the name "Iroquois," and particularly stood in fear of the Oneidas of that famed confederacy. The Massasaugas were frequent visitors, but all Canadian Indians were regarded as intruders and re tired before the approach of the hated Oneidas. Indeed, as we have stated, this particular locality was for many years disputed territory, the whole river region being frontier country, and not continuously in habited by either people previous to the French discoveries. Cham plain's invasion of the Iroquois domain only intensified the hatred of one nation for the other, but in later years the Jesuits in a measure pacified them, or at least attempted to discourage hostile meetings be tween them until French and English rivalry led to frequent incursions on both sides, resulting in the destruction of Indian villages and the slaughter of their inhabitants. The Iroquois Indians were the nominal possessors of the territory treated in these pages, and comprised originally five related tribes or clans, living almost entirely within the State of New York. They were called Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, and were located across the State from east to west in the order named. Indian tradition ascribes their origin to Hiawatha, the incarnation of wisdom, about the beginning of the fifteenth century (1416 according to recent Indianologists). ' He came from his celestial home to dwell with the Onondagas, where he taught the related tribes all that was desirable to premote their welfare. Under his instruction the Onon dagas became the wisest counselors, the bravest warriors and the most successful hunters. While Hiawatha was thus living, the tribes were attacked by a powerful enemy from the north, who laid waste their vil lages and slaughtered the men, women and children. In this extrem ity they turned to Hiawatha who advised a council of all that could be gathered of the tribes, saying, " our safety is not alone in tbe club and dart, but in wise councils." (Ruttenbar.) The council was held on Onondaga Lake, and after much ceremony 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on the seventh day Hiawatha addressed the assembled tribes, giving to each of the five nations their location and degree of importance. The advice of the sage was deliberated upon until the next day, when the celebrated Iroquois confederacy was formed and all its details were perfected. Whether there is any foundation in fact for this traditionary source of the confederacy, it nevertheless grew into one of the most remark able and powerful combinations known in history. According to the disposition of their vast domain, the Onondagas,i the wisest nation, the counselors of the confederacy, occupied the central position, with the seat of councils on the shores of the lake named in allusion to them. Next east was the country of the Oneidas, within the boundaries of which was much of the territory that now constitutes Jefferson county, while the Onondagas claimed and occupied a part on the side border ing on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence.1 According to Lossing, the name " Iroquois" was given these Indians by the French, who prefixed the name " Huron," because their lan guage indicated the Hurons, who were seated on the shores of the Georgian Bay, to be a part of the Iroquios family, and, like them, were isolated in the midst of the Algonquins when discovered by the French. While to the Frenchmen the men of the confederacy were known as "Iroquois," by the Dutch they were called "Maquas," and by the Eng lish and also American colonists as "Mingoes." Among themselves they were called " Hedonosaunee," meaning "They form a cabin," or, more liberally, " The people of the long cabin." While the Iroquois were undoubtedly superior in mental capacity and more provident than their Canadian enemies, and other tribes, there is little indication that they were ever inclined to improve the condition in which they were found by the Europeans. They were closely at tached to their warrior and hunter life, and generally devoted their energies to the lower forms of gratification and enjoyment. Their dwellings were rude, their food coarse and poor, and their domestic habits unclean and barbarous. Their dress was ordinarily the skins of animals until the advent of the whites, and their women were degraded into mere beasts of burden; and while they believed in a Supreme ' According to Morgan, conceded authority, the line between the Onondagas and Oneidas ran north and south through " Deep Spring," in the present town of Manlius, Onondaga county thence bore westward to include within the Oneidas' territory the entire circuit of Oneida Lake-' thence returning eastward to the longitude of Deep Spring, in the town of Constantia Oswego county, and thence running north through Watertown to the St. Lawrence. THE JESUITS. 13 Being, they were swayed by superstitions, dreams and visions, and their feasts were exhibitions of debauchery and gluttony. This was the race of people encountered by Champlain when he came into the Iro quois country and welcomed them with the first volley of bullets ; a policy that was pursued by all his civilized successors. It cannot be denied that the Indians possessed redeeming characteristics, but they were so strongly dominated by their barbarous manner of life and sav age traits, that years of faithful missionary labor by the Jesuits and others were productive of little real benefit; and whatever is true of any one of the Five Nations (or, as they became in 1712, the Six Na tions) is equally true of all others. The Oneidas were perhaps more peaceful and domestic than any of the confederacy, yet all the early efforts of their civilization and conversion to Christianity were uncertain and discouraging. No strong influence for good was ever obtained among them previous to the time of Sir William Johnson, and even then it is doubtful if they were not moved more by the power of purchase than by love of right. When Champlain opened the way for French dominion in America the task of planting Christianity among the Indians was assigned to the Society of Jesus, founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1539 ; but while their primary object was to spread the gospel, they also endeavored to extend the French dominion. In 1636 Canada was restored to France, and within three years from that date there were fifteen Jesuits in the province. They afterward increased rapidly and extended their influ ence to a large number of tribes in the far west, but more particularly to the Mohawks and Senecas, the occupants of the east and west ex tremities of the long house. Between the years 1655 and 1769 at least twenty Jesuit priests la bored among the Oneidas and the Onondagas, and in their travels through the region there was evidence from which the inference is drawn that several of them visited the territory now comprising Jef ferson county; and there is also abundant evidence to show that they taught the natives how to construct the fortifications found in the region by the pioneers. Among the earliest missionary laborers was Father Brebeuf, prob ably about 1654 or 1655, and he was followed by Francis Joseph Le Mercier, May 17, 1656, to March 20, 1658; Paul Ragueneau and Francis Duperon, 1657-58; Simon Le Moyne, at various periods between 1654 and July, 1661 ; Pierre Joseph Mary Chaumont, September, 1665, to 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. March, 1668; Rene Menard, 1656-58; Julien Gamier, 1668; Claude Dablon at different periods between 1655 and 1670; Jacques Fremin, between 1656 and 1658; Pierre Rafiex, about the same time. Among the other and possibly later zealous workers were Francis Boniface, Francis De Gueslis, Jean Perron, Jacques Bruyas, Jean De Lamberville and still others of short periods. Tbey were followed by such noble workers as Talbot, Henry Barclay, John Ogilvie, Spencer, Timothy Woodbridge, Gideon Hawley, Eleazer Wheelock, Samuel Kirkland, Bishop Hobart, Eleazer Williams, Dan Barnes (Methodist) and others of less distinction, all of whom labored faithfully but with varied suc cess for the conversion of the Iroquois. All, however, were forced to admit that their efforts as a whole were unsatisfactory and discourag ing ; and even subsequent efforts to establish education and Christianity among the Indians, while yielding perhaps sufficient results to justify their prosecution, have constantly met with discouraging obstacles. During the latter portion of the period of Jesuit labors among the Iroquois, another considerable body of French and Canadian Indians assembled within the borders of what is now Jefferson county. This took place in 1684, nearly three-quarters of a century after Champlain's memorable visit. The French had long sought to establish a peace with the Iroquois, and their missionaries labored zealously to this end, though with only partial success on account of the old enmity between the contending Indian nations of New York and Canada and the fierce rivalry which had sprung up between tbe English and French colo nists. De la Barre's expedition to the Onondaga country in 1684 was sug gested with a twofold object in view; first a permanent peace with the Indians, and second, to effect a lodgment in the interior of the province of New York in extending the power of France. All missionary labors of tbe period were directed to this end. According to De la Barre's own narrative, the Iroquois had lived, previous to his arrival, with little consideration for the French, and he "wished to speak with them." At a conference previously held with the Iroquois at Montreal, their demands had been respected aud complied with, but notwithstanding all his consideration for them, the Five Nations had continued to wage war against the French and their Indian allies, in view of which acts of hostility one of two courses was open to the French governor-general; to detain the Iroquois "embassador'' held by him, or to wage war against them in their own country. At all events the Frenchman deter- DE LA BARRE'S EXPEDITION. 15 mined to hold a council and treaty with the Iroquois in the territory of the Onondagas, and expressed the belief that Governor Dongan would not interfere in his mission, which had only peace for its ostensible ob ject. In this conclusion, however, De la Barre was mistaken, as the provincial governor well knew the true purpose of the French, and openly cautioned the Indians not to treat with their avowed enemies. As a preliminary to his proposed visit De la Barre sent Father de Lambertville to his brother at Onondaga to arrange for a meeting at that place, while at the same time he began preparations for the jour ney. In this work he was much delayed by several adverse circum stances, and it was not until August, 1684, that he was ready to set out from Frontenac (Kingston). The events which followed are best nar rated in De la Barre's report of the expedition : Finally on the 21st my canoes arrived with what I sent them for (10.000 pounds of flour). I immediately set to work with all possible diligence to have bread and biscuit baked, and sent off forthwith the king's troops, D'Orvilher's and Dugan's two brigades, and 200 Christian savages to encamp at La Famine, a post favorable for fishing and hunting, and four (should be 24 leagues) leagues from Onontague, so as to be nearer the enemy and to be able to refresh our troops by fishing and the chase, whilst we were short of provisions, intending to join them myself with about 300 Frenchmen whom I had remaining. On the 27th the messenger arrived from Onontague with intelligence that Governor Dongan had forbid any conference with the Indians and French, but that the missionaries had persuaded the Iroquois to meet De la Barre at La Famine two days later. Resuming the narrative : On receipt of this news I called out my canoes in order to depart, and was accom panied by a dozen others, having caused six of the largest to be loaded with bread and biscuits for the army. After having been beaten by bad weather and high winds we arrived in two days at La Famine. I found there tertian and double tertian fever which broke out among our people so that more than 150 men were at tacked by it. I had also left some of them at the fort, which caused me to dispatch, on arriving, a Christian savage to Onontague to Le Moine, to request him to cause instant departure of those who were to come to meet me, which he did with so much diligence, though he and his children were sick, that he arrived as early as the 3d of September, with fourteen deputies; nine from Onontague, three from Oneida and two from Cayuga, who paid me their respects and whom I entertained in the best manner I was able, postponing until the morrow morning the talk about business, at which matters were fully discussed and peace concluded after six hours of delibera tion, three in the morning and as many after dinner. Father Brias speaking for us, andHotrehonati and Garagonkier forthe Iroquois; Tegancout, a Seneca present, the other Senecas not daring to come in order not to displease Col. Dongan, who 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sent to promise them a reinforcement of 400 horse and 400 foot if we attacked them. The treaty was concluded in the evening on the conditions annexed, and I promised to decamp the next day and withdraw my troops from their vicinity ; which I was indeed obliged to do by the number of sick which had augmented to such a degree that it was with difficulty I found enough persons in health to remove the sick to the canoes, besides the scarcity of provisions, having no more than the trifle of bread which I brought there. I allowed the Onontagues to light the council fire at this post without extinguishing that at Montreal, in order to be enabled to take posses sion of it by their consent when the king should desire it, and thereby exclude the English and Col. Dongan from their pretensions. Thus closes the narrative of De la Barre's visit to the country of the Onondagas in September, 1684. Although the exact location of La Famine has been questioned, the present writer has no doubt that the famous council fire was lighted and the treaty held at the mouth of the two Sandy creeks, in the present town of Ellisburgh. Although De la Barre's report may show discrepancies, and although various authori ties have located the scene of the council at points between Black River Bay and the mouth of Salmon River, certain and unmistakable indications and descriptions point to the spot mentioned as the site of the conference. The location was originally described by Champlain as possessing the fine fishing and hunting grounds, the sandy plains and the ponds and marshes, peculiarities not found elsewhere along the lake in this or Oswego county. The name La Famine was applied by De la Barre because of the scarcity of provisions and the fever which prevailed among his followers. On Col. Guy Johnson's map of the Iroquois country made in 1771 "Famine Bay" is indicated about in the vicinity of the Sandy creeks; and the information upon which the map was made was obtained from the Indians then inhabiting the re gion. On Sauthier's chorographical map of the province of New York made by order ot Governor Tryon and published in London in 1799, the Famine River (R. a la Famine) is indicated where the Sandy creeks discharge into Lake Ontario. On the same map Stony Point is called Pt. de la Traverse, and also Portland Point. Black River is noted as " R a Mr. de Comte," while Black River Bay is mentioned as "Niaou- eure " bay, and also as " Nivernois " bay. On a map of the Macomb purchase made in 1791, by the surveyor general, Black River Bay is called " Hungary Bay. " Thirty- seven years after De la Barre's visit, Father Charlevoix, who in 1720 and 1721 visited the North American French colonies by order of the king, addressed a letter to the Duchess de Lesdiguieres the CHARLEVOIX'S LETTER. 17 translated portion of which, relating to scenes in what is now this county, was as follows: Bay of Famine, 16th May, 1721. Madame : Here I am, detained by a contrary wind which may continue a long time and keep me more than a day in one of the worst places in the world. I there fore attempt to keep off ennui by writing to you. There are passing here constantly great armies of pigeons, which we name turtles; if one of them would take charge of my letters you might know, perhaps, the news before I can get away; but the savages have no aversion to dressing these birds for food, as do the Arabs and many other people. I embarked on the 14th, at precisely the same hour that I had arrived at the town of Catarocoui (Kingston). I had but six leagues to go to gain the Isle aux Chevrtuils (Carlton Island), where there is a fine port, which can receive large barques; but my Canadians had not visited their canoe, of (from) which the sun had melted the pitch in many places, so that it let in water at all points, and we were compelled to lose nearly two hours for repairs, in one of the islands at the outlet of Lake Ontario. We sailed hence at 10 o'clock in the morning, without being able to reach Isle aux Chevereuils, and were forced to spend the night very unpleasantly. I noticed here, for the first time, the vines in the woods. There were also small lizards that climb to the tops of the trees. I have not made this remark because they are only observed in these places for I am told they occur as far as Mexico. I left yesterday at an early hour, and at eleven in the morning stopped at the Galloo (Galloup) islands, three leagues from Deer (Carleton) island, at 43£° of lati tude. I re-embarked a little after noon, and accomplished a voyage of a league and a half, to reach Point de la Traverse (Stony Point). If I had coasted along the main land to this place from that where I passed the night, I should have had more than forty leagues to make, and should have been obliged to take this course had not the lake been calm ; for when it is agitated the waves are as great as on the open sea. It is not even possible to coast along when the wind is blowing off shore. From the point of Galloo islands we can see to the west the river Chouguen (Oswego), other wise called the river of the Onontague, which is distant fourteen leagues. As the lake was tranquil, with no appearance of foul weather, and a gentle breeze from the east was blowing, that barely filled our sail, I resolved to steer direct for this river with the view of saving fifteen or twenty leagues of circuit. My attendants, more experienced than I, deemed the attempt hazardous, but from complaisance yielded to my advice. The beauty of the country, which was passing on my left, did not tempt me any more than the salmon and quantities of other excellent fish, which they take in six fine rivers, which are two or three leagues from one another. We steered off then large, and in four hours found ourselves in a place we repented; for the wind arose suddenly, and we hastily wished ourselves near shore. We turned towards the nearest, from which we were still three leagues distant, and had much diffi culty in reaching it. At length, at seven o'clock in the evening, we landed in the Bay of Famine, thus named from the Marquis de la Barre, the governor-general of New France, losing nearly all his army by hunger and sickness in going to war with the Iroquois. It was high time that we landed, for the wind was very strong, and the waves so 3 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. great that we should not have dared to pass the Seine in Paris, opposite the Louvre, at such a time. In short, this place is very proper to destroy an army, who could only depend upon the chase and upon fishing for subsistence; besides the air ap pears very unwholesome. But nothing is finer than the forests, which cover all the shores of the lake. The white and red oaks tower almost to the clouds. There is also a tree of the largest class, of which the wood is hard but brittle, much resemb ling that of the plane tree, and of which the leaves have five angles, of the ordinary size, a fine green above and whitish beneath. They give it the name of cotonnier (button-wood) because in a little case not larger than an India chestnut there is con tained a kind of cotton, but this is good for nothing. In walking upon the shore of the lake I noticed that it has sensibly receded here. It is noticed that in the space of half a league in breadth, the land is much more low and sandy than beyond. I have also noticed in this lake, and they assure me the same occurs in all the others, almost continually a kind of ebb and flow; the rocks which are near the bank are covered and exposed several times within a quarter of an hour, although the surface of the lake is very calm, and there is no wind. After some reflection I imagine that this must come from springs that exist in the bottom of the lakes, and from the shock of currents of rivers which enter from all sides and which cause the intermittent movements. But can you believe, madame, that at this season, and at the 43° of latitude, there are still no leaves on the trees, although we sometimes have as much heat as you have in July? This doubtless is because the earth has been covered with snow for many months, and has not yet been sufficiently warmed to open the pores of the roots and cause the sap to rise. As for the rest, the Great and Little Famine (North and South Sandy Creeks) scarcely deserve the name of rivers; these are mere brooks, especially the latter, yet they abound in fish. There are here eagles of pro digious size; my people destroyed the nest of one that made a cart load of sticks, and two young unfledged eagles which were as large as the largest turkey-hens. They ate them and found them very good. This descriptive letter of Charlevoix is only cumulative evidence of the true location of La Famine, and leads the writer to the conclusion that it could not have been elsewhere than at the forks of the two Sandy Creeks, in the present town of Ellisburgh. Other early writers describe the vicinity with the same accuracy, varying only in minor details. All, however, agree upon the sandy and gradually sloping banks of the streams and shore of the lake. Then, as now, the stream from its mouth to the forks was navigable, and in 1814 the heavily laden American boats sailed up the river two miles to the point where the memorable battle was fought, and where the British pursued and were seriously defeated. This comparatively level region, so conced ed by all authorities, was in marked contrast with the banks of Sal mon River, which are bluffs, sometimes of as great height as fifty feet or more. This remark is suggested from the fact that at least one LA FAMINE AND HUNGRY BAY. 19 writer has located La Famine on Salmon Creek, in Oswego county. That stream is not, nor has it ever been, navigable more than a mile from the lake. The confusion of the names La Famine and Hungry Bay has given rise to much discussion and still more doubt among 'local authorities. The names apparently and evidently indicate the same meaning — famine and hunger, hence tbe assumption that the places indicated by each were one and the same. This theory, for it is nothing else, the present writer seriously doubts, yet acknowledges the difficulty of furnishing convincing proof to demonstrate his position. Nearly all authorities on the subject have admitted a doubt, and have not as sumed a definite position regarding it. Colden, in his excellent his tory of the Five Nations, says: " La Famine, by the Indians called Kaihohage, falls into the south side of the Cadarackui lake, about 30 miles from Onondaga. Hungry bay, which may be a translation of the word, is on some old maps represented as Chaumont bay, on others Henderson bay, and on others, all within Point Peninsula and Stony island. De Meueles, the commissary of the expedition, in a letter to the minister (Paris Doc, 11) says that the camp at La Famine was made 'in places never inhabited, entirely surrounded by swamps.'" Dr. Hough, upon whose statements and opinions all subsequent writer? have drawn with greater or less diligence, says the "precise locality oi Famine admits of a little doubt," but, after quoting from Colden, adds that it is " probable that the locality was in Henderson or Ellisburgh, more probably the latter town, which has extensive marshes near the lake, on both branches of Big Sandy creek." But it is not believed that Dr. Hough was of the opinion that the localities La Famine and Hun gry Bay were identical. If there should still remain a doubt whether La Famine was at the mouth of Salmon River, or Black River Bay or on Sandy Creek, it may be readily removed by reference to the Colonial History of New York (Vol. V., page 827), wherein is published the letter sent to Governor Burnet, of New York, by Marquis de Beauharnois, protesting against alleged encroachments of the English colonists on the territory of the French in building a fort at Oswego in 1727. In the remonstrance of the Frenchman, the latter mentions the several fortifications built by his people in their claimed territory, one of which was at La Famine. No such fort was ever built either at Salmon River or Black River Bay, but just above the point where the two branches of Sandy Creek 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. unite there stood a large fortress, which was built by the French be tween the time of De la Barre's visit in 1684, and 1727. This old structure is referred to at some length in the history of Ellisburgh. In the fall of 1793 a party of surveyors coasted along the south shore of Lake Ontario and noted several localities and points of interest in dicated on maps in their possession. The mission of the party was to survey the historic Castorland, the afterward known Chassanis tract. They sailed past the "Great Sandy creek," and further down ob served Stony Creek, as called by the English, but indicated on the French maps as " La Riviere de l'Assumption." Says the journal of the party: "We soon landed in a cove formed by the shore, half a mile within Point Traverse (Stony Point). . Point Traverse being the beginning of the great bay called by the English ' Hungry bay ' ; by the French 'Baie de Nivernois,' and by the Indians ' Naioure.' " Any further discussion of the question seems unnecessary in this place, and the preceding quotations and comments are made only to clear away the doubts and uncertainties regarding the identity of La Famine and Hungry Bay; and from all that has been said we are firmly of the opinion that the names mentioned referred to localities at least fifteen miles apart. But, to return to our general narrative. The advent of European nations was the forerunner of the downfall of the Iroquois confederacy, and doubtless will lead to the ultimate extinction of the race. The French invasion of 1693, together with that of three years later, cost the confederacy half its warriors. Their allegiance to the British (with the exception of the Oneidas) in the Revolutionary war proved to be a dependence on a falling power, and this in connection with tbe relentless vengeance of the American colonists broke up the once powerful league and scattered its members upon the friendly soil of Canada, or left them at the mercy of the State and general govern ment which consigned them to reservations with very imperfect pro vision for their support. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 21 CHAPTER III. Beginning of the French and Indian Wars — Causes leading to Them — Jesuits Driven out of New York — De Courcelle's Expedition against the Iroquois — De Nonville's Peace Negotiations — French Treachery Costs Montreal — Invasions and Counter- invasions — English Colonists become Involved — Attempt the Subjugation of Canada — Frontenac's Expedition — Treaty of Ryswick. From the death of Champlain until the end of the French dominion in America, the friendship established by that great explorer between his own people and the northern Indians was unbroken, while at the same time it led to the unyielding hostility of the Iroquois. If truces and formal treaties were made they were brief in duration and of little general effect. The Jesuit fathers labored zealously but they made no permanent progress in winning the affections of any of the Five Nations. Accepting the English view of their influence, they unsettled tbe sav age mind and led to such complications as to require from the provin cial authorities of New York, in 1700, an unjustifiable law inflicting the death penalty on every Romish priest who should come voluntarily into the province ; but even this severe measure did not entirely termi nate their work. After the accession of the English, the peaceful relations held with the Iroquois by the Dutch were continued, but strife and jealousy incessantly embroiled the English and ultimately led to a terrible war, which continued until 1763 (with brief intervals of peace) and delayed for many years the permanent settlement of the State. The period of these wars covered almost an entire century, and dur ing the latter portion of that time the St. Lawrence region, especially that part thereof which lay south of the north line of this county, and thence extending all along the river to and beyond Lake Ontario, was a thoroughfare of constant travel between the French possessions in Canada and the territory claimed and in part occupied by the English. History furnishes no authentic account of battles fought in this special locality previous to the closing years of that period, yet preparations were made for such an emergency as was evident in the discovery by the pioneers of decayed fortifications, the use of which are not satis factorily explained. 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The causes which led to the protracted contentions between the French and the Iroquois were clear and distinct; they began with the unwar ranted invasion of the Mohawk region by Champlain and his allied savages, which engendered an hostility that eventually cost hundreds of lives in battle, together with the ruthless slaughter of an equal or greater number who were innocent of warlike intent. The real strug gle of the period began soon after the conquest of the New Netherlands by the English, and ended only with the overthrow of the French power in America. To avenge past injuries and put an end to the Iroquois incursions into the French possessions, it was resolved, in 1665, to send against the confederacy a force that should completely subjugate them, and to this end, in January, 1666, Lord de Courcelles set out with less than six hundred troops and Indians to destroy the Mohawk country; but the severity of winter was so great that his men were reduced to distress and he was compelled to return. The Oneidas and Mohawks became aware of the invasion and determined upon vengeance, but were dissuaded from their purpose through the influence of Arent Cor- lear, who thus saved the defenceless Frenchmen from certain destruc tion. De Courcelle's expedition resulted in failure, yet its magnitude prompted the Iroquois to sue for peace, and a treaty with the French power was concluded in May, June and July, 1666, by the Mohawks, Oneidas and Senecas. During the treaty negotiations, however, an outrage was committed by the Mohawks, which led the governor of Canada (M. de Tracy) to chastise the offenders by invading their coun try in the fall of that year. The peace of Breda, July, 1667, between Holland, England and France, for a time terminated hostilities, but in 1669 the French and Iroquois were again at war. In 1673 another peace was agreed upon, and was maintained about eleven years, but in 1684 a rupture took place. At this time M. de la Barre was governor of Canada and New France, and Col. Dongan governor of New York. The former led an ineffect ual expedition against the Senecas, but was soon superseded by Mar quis de Nonville, who was instructed by his sovereign to preserve peace with the Indians. This he found impossible, and he therefore planned a powerful campaign against the Iroquois in 1687, destroying villages and crops, while the natives fled for protection to the governor of New York. This was granted, with the advice that no peace be again con cluded with the French. De Nonville, however, called a council of the FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 23 Iroquois chiefs and sachems with a view of peace, but treachery on the part of the French commander so enraged the whole confederacy that in July, 1689, they made a descent on Montreal and destroyed that im portant post. The French colony was now in a pitiable condition, but a welcome change was at hand. The divided counsels of the English colonists, growing out of the revolution in the mother country, by which William of Orange was placed on the throne, gave anew aspect to affairs. Count de Frontenac was again appointed governor of New France (May 21, 1689) and arrived in October. He made an earnest effort to negotiate peace with the Iroquois, but failing, determined to terrify them into neutrality ; for which purpose he fitted out three expeditions, one against New York, one against Connecticut, and the third against other parts of New England. As the result of tbe expedition against New York Schenectady was burned on the night of February 8 and 9, 1690, and but two houses, fifty or sixty men, women and children, and about twenty Mohawks were spared. This was done to show the Iroquois that it was the English and not they against whom the grudge was en tertained, for now the Frenchmen , were satisfied that all the depreda tions by the Indians were the result of English instigation. The repeated invasions by the French and Indians at last awakened the English colonies to tbe conviction that they must more thoroughly unite in their efforts against the enemies, therefore a convention was held in New York in 1690, at which time it was resolved to combine all the strength of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York for the subjugation of Canada, but through lack of efficient organization the expedition was abandoned. However, John Schuyler, grandfather of Philip Schuyler of Revolutionary fame, assembled his band of about one hundred and twenty " Christians and Indians," and made an incursion into the French possessions in Canada, destroyed much property and burned several villages. In the summer of 1691 Major Peter Schuy ler led a force of colonists and Indians into the same region with like results. The Iroquois, too, continued their incursions against the French, and were, perhaps, more dreaded by the latter than were the English. The inhabitants of New France were prevented from tilling their lands, and all crops were generally destroyed by the invaders. The fur trade was also nearly ruined by the Iroquois, who took possession of tbe passes between the French and their western allies and cut off the 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. traders. These forays so angered Count de Frontenac that he deter mined to bring them to a close; and to this end he collected a force of nearly 700 French and Indians, and in the winter of 1693 invaded the Mohawk valley, captured three castles and returned with about 300 prisoners. In 1695 another strong force of French and Indians came into the Onondaga country by way of the St. Lawrence, crossing be tween Frontenac and the American side within the limits of this county, and thence down to Oswego (" Choueguen," or " Ochoueguen," as known to the savages), from whence they entered the valley and dev astated the villages and growing crops. In September, 1697, was concluded the treaty of Ryswick, establish' ing peace between the French and English, but left unsettled the status of the Iroquois. The French insisted on the protection of their own allies but were unwilling to include the Iroquois, and even made prep arations to attack them with their whole force. The English, on the other hand, strenuously claimed the same terms for their allies, and Earl Bellomont informed Count de Frontenac that he would resist any attack on the Iroquois with the entire force of his government. This ended the threats of the French. Peace being thus established, the English left nothing undone to strengthen the friendship between themselves and the Iroquois, while Count de Frontenac in the same manner more firmly ingratiated him self into the affections of the Canadian Indians. He was the same en ergetic old peer who had long before encouraged La Salle in his brilliant discoveries, and whose name was for a time borne by Lake Ontario. Fort Frontenac, on the site of Kingston, was so named in his honor. His policy was both vigorous and cruel, but he partially re trieved tbe desperate condition of the French colony. The English, in their endeavors to promote a friendly relation with the Iroquois, distributed presents among the chiefs, and five of them were taken by Peter Schuyler to London, that they might become im pressed with the greatness of the government to which they were allied; but even this display of generosity did not prevent the Iroquois from making peace with the French in August, 1701/ and notwith standing the additional fact that they had, less than a month previously, ceded to Great Britain their hunting grounds in the western part of the province of New York. i The Five Nations made a treaty of neutrality with the French August 4, 1701, and thus be came an impassable barrier against the savages from the St. Lawrence.— Lossing. ' FRENCH AND ENGLISH RIVALRY. 25 However, on the accession of Anne to the British throne as successor to King William, in March, 1702, what is known in history as Queen Anne's war was soon begun, and continued until the treaty of Utrecht, April 11, 1713; but though felt in the colonies, this province fortun ately escaped its bloody consequences. CHAPTER IV. Conflicting Claims to Territory in the St. Lawrence Region — Treaty of Ryswick — War Positions along the St. Lawrence — Importance of a Post at Oswego — War De clared between Great Britain and France — Beginning of Hostilities — Forts Built on the Frontier — Attempts at Alliance with the Six Nations — Plans for Colonial Union Rejected — Campaign for 1755 — Nothing Gained in 1756 — French become Aggressors in 1757 — De Villiers Establishes a Strong Post at Henderson Harbor — Attacks Fort Ontario and is Defeated — Vaudreuil Reinforces the French Garrison at the Harbor — Arrival of the Main Army Under Montcalm — Here He Organizes a Successful Ex pedition against Oswego — Returns to Camp at Henderson, but Soon Departs for Canada — English Victories in 1758 and 1759 — End of the French Dominion. While the French were in possession of New France their influence over all the Indians within its limits was paramount, and they even dis puted with the English the alliance of the latter with the Iroquois ; but whatever may have been the foundation of French claims to the territory of Canada, or to a portion of the present territory of New York, they could hardly be recognized as holding any considerable por tion of what is now this county, although the early French maps showed that explorations had been made on both sides of the St. Lawrence, and some imperfect surveys had also been made, undoubtedly for the purpose of granting seigniories with the ultimate intention of settle ment. Indeed, the French possessions, as thus claimed, extended along Lake Champlain, on both sides, and up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario; thence westward to and along Lake Erie. However, early records and documents give no reliable data to show who may have been the grantees named in any of the seigniories outlined in this part of the St. Lawrence country, or that any such were made in fact. Returning again to the subject of French and English rivalry, it is evident that the claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction over the terri- i 26 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tory of New York asserted by the latter were based upon a much broader foundation of justice than those of France, but both should have been in some degree subject to the rights of the Iroquois as "original proprietors." Even admitting that four of the Iroquois na tions, in 1663, concluded a treaty with M. de Tracy, by which they placed themselves under the protection of the French king, it is evi dent that all the Five Nations were not a party to that treaty, and it is also evident that generally successful hostilities against the Iroquois by the French were continued for many years afterward. From this it would appear that the treaty stipulations were not sacredly regarded by either of the parties. On the other hand, although England in the cession of the Netherlands acquired only the territory held by the Dutch, she also secured the lasting allegiance of the Mohawks, and a firm friendship with the other Iroquois, a relation closely cemented through the influence of Sir William Johnson. In addition, the orig inal charter of Virginia carried the English possessions to the forty- fifth parallel, and later grants extended her sovereignty to the St. Lawrence River. The treaty of Ryswick (1697) declared that the belligerents should return to their possessions as each occupied them at the beginning of hostilities, and England put forth the claim that, at the period referred to in the treaty, her Iroquois allies were in occupation, by conquest, of Montreal and the shores of tbe St. Lawrence. The French government at the time seemed to have acknowledged that the Iroquois were embraced in the treaty. Thus the powers wrangled over the country of the Oneidas and Onondagas, which was but a short time before the undisputed do main of the confederacy. When France disputed the claims of Eng land and appealed to the council at Onondaga, a stern, savage warrior exclaimed: "We have ceded our lands to no one; we hold them of heaven alone." (Bancroft). Whether so much importance should attach to the treaties in which these untutored savages were pitted against the Europeans, either French or English, is questionable; especially when we consider the methods often adopted to induce the Indians to sign away their domain. Be this as it may, it is now generally believed that the intrusion of the French upon the possessions of the Iroquois, "at the sacrifice of so much blood and treasure, justice and the restraints and faith of treaties were subordinate to the lust of power and expediency." (Watson). The encroachments by the French upon tbe territory of the English FRENCH AND ENGLISH WAR. 27 and their allies, tbe Iroquois, was one of the chief causes of the French and Indian war. As early as 1731 the surveyor-general of the Can- adas made a complete survey of the entire Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys and the territory thus surveyed was divided into vast tracts, called " seigniories," and was intended to be granted to various proprie tors, either as rewards for service to the French crown, or for other con sideration. Acting under the assumed authority of ownership a number of the grantees attempted to occupy their lands in the Champlain valley, but the Canadian government, observing that war between England and France would soon take place, prepared for such an event by pos sessing themselves of the strongest points both in that and the St. Lawrence valley, and erecting suitable fortifications. The acknowl edged key to the country in the Champlain valley was Fort St. Fred erick (Crown Point), while the corresponding vantage point in the St. Lawrence region was in the vicinity of the Thousand Islands, at Fron tenac (Kingston), also at Henderson Harbor, Carlton Island and Oswego. All, however, were not fortified at that time. The post at Chouaguen (Oswego) was of great importance to each of the contending powers, but tbe English appear to have first occupied it as a trading point as early as 1720, and carried on considerable trade to tbe great chagrin of the Frenchmen. The fort was built in 1726, by order of Governor Burnet, learning which Marquis de Beauharnois, governor general of Canada, ordered it to be evacuated by the English garrison, and the fortress also to be destroyed, but neither demand had the desired effect. About the same time the French felt the need of fortifying the same place to protect their own trade, but being engaged with building forts in other localities this point was neglected until the opportunity was lost. The English maintained a garrison at Oswego from the time the fort was built until 1741 before any substantial re pairs were made, and in that year ,£600 were appropriated to strengthen that then very important position. During the final series of wars be tween England and France, Oswego and Frontenac were the highly important points in tbe St. Lawrence region. In March, 1744, war was declared between Great Britain and France, and the former power at once prosecuted measures for the conquest of the French possessions, and in June, 1745, Louisburg was surrendered. Then followed the descent upon Hoosic, and soon afterward more than twenty other minor expeditions were planned by the French against frontier English settlements in New England and eastern and central 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. New York. With the first announcement of hostilities many of tbe traders at Oswego hastily departed and left the post to be defended by only a few men, and while an attack was feared and even threatened it was delayed by tbe unfortunate condition in which tbe French found themselves through scarcity of supplies. In 1744 Lieutenant John Lindsay was appointed commander of the fort and held it for the next five years. In 1752 the fort was substantially rebuilt. The contest from 1744 to 1748 had an important object in the posses sion of the Mississippi valley, which the English claimed as an ex tension of their coast discoveries and settlements, and the French by right of occupancy, their forts already extending from Canada to Lou isiana. At the last mentioned date the English colonies contained more than a million inhabitants while the French had only about sixty thousand. The Iroquois would not engage in this strife until 1746, and they were disappointed at its sudden termination, having compro mised themselves with their old enemies in Canada, who were now more numerous and dangerous than formerly. Opposed and embarrassed by political factions, Governor Clinton re signed his office in October, 1753, and was succeeded by Sir Danvers Osborne. The same distractions, aggravated by the loss of his wife, threw the latter into a state of melancholia which ended in suicide. He was succeeded by James De Lancey, who, in 1754, in his message to the Assembly, called attention to recent French encroachments, whereupon the Assembly voted 1,000 pounds to bear its share of ex pense in building forts along the frontier. The French, by reason of victories in Pennsylvania in 1754, were in undisputed possession of the whole region west of the Alleghanies, and the necessity for united action by the English colonies was now too apparent to be overlooked. The Iroquois were also to some extent being alienated from the Eng lish, whose apathy and failures they did not relish. A convention of delegates from all the colonial assemblies was held at Albany in June, 1754, the object of which was to secure a continued alliance with the Six Nations (the Five Nations having been increased by acquisition of the Tuscaroras in 1712). Governor De Lancey pre sided and made a speech to the Indians who were present, after which the treaty was renewed and the Indians left apparently satisfied. Colo nel (afterward Sir William) Johnson was present and made many valu able suggestions to tbe delegates. He had by this time become well acquainted with the Indian character, and had ingratiated himself in CAMPAIGN OF 1755. 29 their affections, not only with the Mohawks among whom he lived, but as well among all the Iroquois. By the former he was made one of their sachems, was likewise made war-chief, and as such frequently assumed the costumes and habits of the Indians. Meanwhile, at the suggestion of the delegates from Massachusetts, a plan for the union of the colonies was taken into consideration ; and a committee of one from each colony was appointed to draw plans for this purpose, the fertile mind of Benjamin Franklin having already suggested that which was finally adopted. It was the forerunner of our federal constitution; but the assemblies rejected it on the ground that it encroached on their liberties, while the home government re jected it, claiming that it granted too much power to the people. While England and France were nominally at peace, the frontier was constantly harassed by hoards of Indians let loose by the French, and the colonists continued their appeals to the ministry. While the latter was hesitating, the Duke of Cumberland, then commanding the British armies, sent over early in 1755 General Edward Braddock with a detachment from the army in Ireland. Braddock soon met the col onial governors at Alexandria and measures were adopted for the protection of the colonies. Four expeditions were planned : First, the reduction of Nova Scotia; second, to recover the Ohio valley; third, to expel the French from Fort Niagara, and then unite with the move ment against Ohio; and fourth, the capture of Crown Point. Tbe first of these expeditions was entirely successful ; the second, under command of Braddock himself, was disastrous in the extreme. He neglected to send out scouts, as repeatedly counseled by Washing ton, and when within a few miles of Fort Du Quesne his army was sur prised by the concealed enemy and only saved from destruction by Washington, who, upon the fall of Braddock, assumed command and conducted the retreat. The expedition against Niagara, commanded by Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, was also unsuccessful, and many of his force left him after hearing of Braddock's defeat. The army gathered for the attack upon Crown Point was in command of Col. William Johnson, and comprised the militia and volunteers of New York and New England, together with a strong body of Mohawk warriors under chief King Hendrick. This expedition was only par tially successful, the loss on both sides being serious, and the French finally retreated to their defenses at Crown Point. The French regu lars fought with great heroism, but the Canadian Indians fled early in 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the battle, while the Senecas who had joined the French standard, seeing themselves opposed by their old brethren, the Mohawks, dis charged their weapons in the air and abandoned the conflict. The ser vices of General Johnson on this occasion, while at first severely cen sured, were eventually rewarded with a baronetcy, his office of super intendent of Indian affairs was confirmed, and he was granted the sum of five thousand pounds. From this event was acquired the title by which he was ever afterward known — " Sir WilHam Johnson." For the year 1756 three campaigns were organized; one against Fort Niagara with 6,000 men; the second against Fort Du Quesne with 3,000 men, and the third, by far the largest army yet assembled in the country, a force of 10,000 troops designed for the reduction of Crown Point, the occupation of the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys, and, if necessary, the invasion and subjugation of the Canadas. Gen. John Winslow was in command of the latter, but was soon joined by Gen eral Abercrombie with reinforcements from Lord Loudon, governor of Virginia. Abercrombie at once removed the provincial officers and re placed them with men from the regular army, who, though versed in tactics, knew nothing of the methods of military operations in a region such as this, or of contending against such foes as the allied French troops and Canadian Indians. However, during the year nothing was done in the way of taking the French strongholds, and the campaigns ended with greater advantage to the French than the English. The fort at Oswego had been protected by a strong garrison, and several sloops of war had been built and kept near there both for offensive and defensive operations; and when in this year General Shirley withdrew and left the fort protected only by a strong garrison, the French re garded the movement as a virtual victory for their arms, for by this time Oswego had become one of the most important posts on the Amer ican frontier. In 1757 the campaign was arranged on a scale equal to that of the preceding year, but at the same time the French under Montcalm were not inactive, and succeeded in gaining the friendship of the western Iroquois and brought them under their standard ; they were no longer unwilling to war against their old brethren of the once famous con federacy. Even the strong influence of Sir William Johnson could not enlist them in the British cause, Some of them, the Seneca^ and a few Cayugas and Onondagas, took up their residence in Canada, chiefly on account of French successes in the earlier years of the war. FRENCH SUCCESSES. 31 In this year the French became the aggressors, while the English officers appeared to prefer a mere defense, for they were now bur dened with Abercrombie and Webb, both of whom hindered the oper ations proposed, while Webb, by his consummate cowardice, was directly responsible for the loss of Oswego. M. de Villiers, commander of the French forces, who had been sent against Oswego, established head quarters at Niaoure Bay (now called Henderson Bay or Harbor), where he built a strong fortification (see history of Henderson) and from which point he sent out frequent detachments of Canadians and Indians to devastate and harass the frontier settlements of the English in the Mohawk valley. This was perhaps the most important position of the French on this side of the St. Lawrence, and one which gave constant annoyance to the English, for they knew that the fort at Oswego was the post most coveted by the enemy ; yet, when Webb was ordered to march to the relief of the garrison, two days before the surrender, his cowardly inactivity held him back. At the Oneida carrying place news of the fall of Oswego reached Webb, whereupon he immediately caused trees to be felled across Wood Creek, and fled with his troops to Ger man Flats. However, when in June, 1756, De Villiers from his en trenched position in what is now Jefferson county made a demonstration against Fort Ontario, and came into collision with Colonel Bradstreet's men, the intrepid Frenchman was unmercifully beaten. The French force stationed at Henderson Harbor comprised 900 troops, Canadians and Indians. When the plans for the attack on Oswego were complete, Marquis de Vaudreuil and a strong force of French soldiers were added to De Villiers' garrison at Henderson, and on August 6, the brave Mont calm also reached the place with the first division of his army, and four cannon. Two days later, the second division, comprising Beam's bat talion, arrived, and with it also came eighty bateaux laden with ar tillery and stores. This was perhaps the most formidable body of troops assembled within what is Jefferson county at any time previous to the battle of Sacket's Harbor. The daring French commander was active, and sent a strong detachment from the rendezvous to reconnoiter in the vicinity of Fort Oswego while he soon followed with the main army. On August 14, after a fierce battle which continued all day, the Eng lish were forced to surrender, and by the capitulation their strongest frontier post passed into the control of the victors. Montcalm's men destroyed the defenses while he with his army returned again to Hen derson Bay and went into camp. From here the several divisions soon proceeded to other points. 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Although the campaigns of the year, were generally disastrous to the English, that very fact seemed to infuse a little spirit into the ministry, which showed itself chiefly through the expressions of William Pitt. The American colonies now contained half a million inhabitants, and an army of about 50,000 men was at the command of Abercrombie. Commercial intercourse with Great Britain was undisturbed, and there was no reason why the French power should not be extinguished by one grand movement. However, at this special period the French were stronger than ever, her population more concentrated, and, above all, her commanders were by far the most able and competent soldiers. As has been well said by another writer: " Britain had sent to her col onies effete generals, bankrupt nobles and debauched parasites of the court. France selected her functionaries from the wisest, noblest and best of her people, and therefore her colonial interests were usually di rected with sagacity." In 1758 the tide of victory turned in favor of the English. The cam paigns of the year contemplated three general movements as in preceding years, and now Louisburg, Fort Du Quesne and Ticonderoga were the objective points sought to be overcome by the British. Louisburg was besieged and after several weeks of vigorous defense was surrendered. The arm}^ sent against Fort Du Quesne under command of General John Forbes came near disaster through the incapacity of that officer, and only the timely and decisive action of Washington brought victory to the English ; and on November 24, the French set fire to their defenses and fled down the river. The most important campaign of the year was the expedition against Ticonderoga and the descent upon Montreal and the Canadas, for which an army of 7,000 regulars, 9,000 provincials and a heavy train of artillery was assembled at the head of Lake Champlain about the beginnino- of July, On the morning of the 8th, Sir William Johnson arrived, accom panied with nearly 400 of his favorite Mohawk warriors, and a few others of the Six Nations who were friendly to the English. In the first engagement Johnson with his devoted Mohawks was so placed by the commanding officer that he could not take active part in the battle. Lord Howe was mortally wounded and the command devolved on Abercrombie, who, with his accustomed indecision and incapacity, allowed the French under Montcalm to gain a splendid victory, and one which cost more than 2,000 men. However, this terrible disaster was in part offset by the successful siege and final capture of Fort Frontenac by General Bradstreet during the month of August of that year. CAMPAIGN OF 1759. 33 In 1759, chiefly through the zeal of William Pitt, the campaign opened with more gratifying prospects for the English arms. General Amherst superseded Abercrombie, and when the new commander appealed to the colonies for militia the men were readily furnished although heavily burdened with debt on account of expenditures already made. The campaign of this year was proposed to be confined princi pally to driving the French from the territory of New York, and the only outside movement was that against Quebec. Fort Niagara and Ticonderoga were the strongholds most sought to be taken by the Eng lish, and at the same time, on the march to Niagara, it was determined to repossess Oswego and control that important avenue leading to the St. Lawrence region. General Prideaux, who was to command the expedition against Niagara, was the warm friend of Sir William John son, and the latter readily undertook to gather a force of Iroquois to aid in the campaign ; and he was so successful that at a council at Cana- joharie in April, not only the Mohawks, but as well a considerable number of Senecas joined his standard. When ready for the march Sir William had 700 warriors and a strong force of provincial troops in his command. After the fall of Niagara, Johnson returned and occu pied a position at Oswego until October, when he departed for Mount Johnson. In tbe Champlain regions the English armies were also successful. Montcalm had taken a position at Quebec to defend that stronghold against the assaults of General Wolfe; and there both these brave offi cers found their graves. General Amherst laid siege to Ticonderoga which was defended by a garrison of 400 men. The fort was evacu ated July 26, and this was soon followed by the withdrawal of the French from Crown Point. The domination of France was ended by the fall of Quebec, September 18, 1759, thus leaving the English mas ters of all Canada, for the surrender of Vaudreuil soon afterward was an inevitable result. Hostilities between the two nations ceased after these victories, although a formal peace was not established until 1763, when on Feb ruary 10 the treaty of Paris was signed, by which France ceded to Great Britain all her former possessions in Canada. On July 30, 1760, Gov ernor De Lancey suddenly died, and the government of the province passed into the hands of Cadwallader Colden. In October, 1761, Gen eral Robert Moncton was appointed governor of the province. 5 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER V. Return of Peace — Pontiac's League — Devil's Hole and Black Rock — Events Pre ceding the Revolution — Taxing the Colonies — The Continental Congress — Situation in Tryon County— Sir William Johnson — His Death — Sir John Johnson with Tories and Mohawks Depart for Canada — Brief Recapitulation of Events of the Revolu tion — British Form an Alliance with Iroquois — The Oneidas and Tuscaroras Friendly to Americans — Operations in the Mohawk Valley — Indian Outrages — Sullivan's Campaign — Other Events — Close of the War — The Treaty of Paris — British Main tain Armed Force on American Soil — The Boundary as Established. After the close of the final French and English war the former In dian occupants of the region returned to their accustomed haunts and pursuits. The Oneidas and the Onondagas were no longer in fear of their old Canadian enemies. The post at Oswego was again occupied by traders, and the beaver from the Castorland found ready exchange for such articles as the Indian required for his sustenance. Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the French troops from the region, the western Indians remembered them with affection and showed a strong disposition to still make war against the English. When the latter sought to occupy the territory recently evacuated, the noted chief, Pontiac, united all these tribes in a league against the British, which action was said to have been the result of French insti gation. In May, 1763, the league surprised nine of the twelve English posts, and massacred their garrisons. Niagara, Detroit and Pittsburg alone escaped surprise, and each successfully resisted a sieo-e. Later on in the same year followed the awful butcheries at Devil's Hole and Black Rock, in both of which the Senecas were participants. In April 1764, Sir William Johnson concluded a treaty with eight Seneca chiefs who for their nation promised to live at peace with the English, and at the same time ceded to the latter a large tract of land around Niag ara Falls. This treaty terminated the troubles in the province, but in the west Pontiac remained unconquered. To subdue him, in the summer of 1764, General Bradstreet was sent with a strong force of men (also ac companied by Sir William Johnson and his warriors) and fought and CAUSES LEADING TO THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 35 punished the refractory savages until they were glad to sue for peace. These events of course had no direct relation to the history of this part of the province, yet the feeling of dread was so great that along the Canadian border there was little attempt at settlement until the trouble was finally terminated. Scarcely had the echoes of this brief war died away than still an other cloud began to form in the political horizon. The ultimate result of ensuing troubles and discussion was the war for American independ ence, commonly known as the Revolution. The taxation to which the colonies were subjected by the mother country really began almost as far back as the time of the overthrow of the Dutch in the Netherlands, for it seems to have been the king's determination to make them self- supporting. The burden of debt was very heavy on Great Britain, but it was chiefly created by wars on her own side of the Atlantic. The ex pense occasioned by the wars on this side she proposed to have paid by the colonies, notwithstanding the great increase of her domain as the result of those wars. The time, however, had arrived when longer submission to England's oppressive measures could not be tolerated, for the colonies themselves were seriously burdened with debt on ac count of the wars, yet almost before the smoke of battle cleared away the ministry began devising plans to tax them without even the bare formality of asking consent. In 1764 a proposition was submitted to the House of Commons for creating a revenue in the colonies by the sale of stamps, and a bill to that effect was passed in March, 1765 The measure was denounced in the colonies, especially New York, and tbe "Sons of Liberty" were organized to oppose it. So widespread was public indignation that Parliament was forced to suspend the act, but this was done more to please English tradesmen than to relieve the distressed people; and in its stead were passed other oppressive laws, one of which required the colonies to pay for the maintenance of British troops in New York city. The Assembly, however, refused to comply with the demand, whereupon Parliament annulled its legis lative powers. Then followed an equally obnoxious act imposing a duty on tea and other staples imported into the colonies, which action called forth a loud protest from Massachusetts, and the Assembly of that province addressed a circular letter to the other colonies soliciting their assist ance in the defense of the common liberties. This action so angered the ministry that each of the colonial governors received a letter for- 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bidding their Assemblies to correspond with Massachusetts. This man date, however, was not respected, and the New York Assembly accom panied its disobedience with declarations of rights, and denunciations of Parliament ; and the people sustained their representatives and re turned nearly all of them to the next Assembly in 1769. Governor Colden was succeeded by Lord Dunmore in 1770, and came to his office with the royal direction to issue colonial bills of credit. In the mean time the duties had been removed from all articles except tea, and for a time colonial affairs moved more smoothly, but on July 18, 1871, William Tryon was appointed governor, and soon afterward the old difficulties were renewed. The East India Company tried to have the duty on tea removed, but without avail ; the mother country was determined to raise a revenue by tax on colonial imports and the result of this refusal was the destruction of the tea shipped to Boston, an event ever known in history as the " Boston Tea Party." This bold de fiance so enraged the ministry that the port of Boston was declared closed — -an outrage which called forth national indignation, and at pub lic meetings held for the consideration of the grievance, among the plans suggested for mutual protection was the assembling of a Colonial Congress. The "Continental Congress " was held at Philadelphia in September, 1774, and having adopted a declaration of rights, it addressed a peti tion to the king, and an appeal to the people of Great Britain and Can ada. The New York Assembly alone did not sanction the proceedings, but instead addressed a remonstrance to Parliament, which was treated with disdain. "On January 12, 1775, at a cabinet council, it was de clared that there was nothing in the proceedings of Congress that af forded any basis for an honorable reconciliation. It was therefore re solved to break off all commerce with the Americans; to protect the loyalists in the colonies, and to declare all others to be traitors and rebels." (Lossing). At this period of our history all that part of the province of New York which lay west of the Delaware River and a line extending thence north through Schoharie county and along the east line of Montgomery, Fulton and Hamilton counties (as now existing), and thence direct to Canada, comprised a single county by the name of Tryon, created in 1772, and named in allusion to William Tryon, then governor of the colony. At that time, and indeed for all the years between the close of the last French war and 1774, the leading spirit in the county was BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTION. 37 Sir William Johnson, whose home was at Johnstown, the seat of jus tice of the county. He was then superintendent of Indian affairs, and was busily engaged in settling the troubles occasioned by Pontiac's uprising. But Sir William also felt a deep interest in tbe questions which were then in the public mind, and was undoubtedly much dis turbed by the situation and the probability of another war, for he saw that such an outbreak was inevitable. In 1774 the baronet was again called upon to settle some Indian trouble, and although quite ill at the time he held a council at Johnson hall and delivered an address to six hundred Iroquois who were present, all the time being exposed to the burning heat of the July sun. The effort produced a fit, from which he died the next day, July 11, 1774. Had Sir William lived it is believed he would have espoused tbe cause of the colonies against the mother country, and many writers think his policy indicated such a purpose; but Sir John, his son, and the brothers in-law, Guy Johnson and Daniel Claus, were mere crea tures of the king, having no sympathy with the oppressed colonists, and used every energy they possessed to incite the Mohawks and other hostile Indians to deeds of inhuman butchery during the years of the Revolution. Sir John had succeeded to the superintendency of Indian affairs, and used his position to carry out his awful work. Indeed, so inimical was Ihe conduct of this unworthy trio that public indignation was aroused against them, and they fled from Johnstown and took up their abode in Canada; and with them also departed the Mohawk warriors, tbe armed Scotch Highlanders, and a considerable number of tory sympathizers. Tbe Indians who remained friendly to the Ameri cans were tbe Oneidas and the Tuscaroras. In April, 1775, with the battle at Lexington, the Revolution began. All through Tryon county the greatest fear of the people arose from the probability of an Indian invasion, instigated by the Johnsons, therefore all possible preparations were made to prevent surprise and resist an attack. The policy of the Americans had been only to secure the neutrality of the Indians, but their success was limited to the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, while the British made every possible effort to unite them in close alliance with the royal cause. Said one of theii officers: "We must let loose the savages upon the frontier of these scoundrels to inspire terror and make them submit. " Governor Tryon wrote to Germain, the British war secretary, that he was agreed as to the employment of Indians in the war, and Brant, 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Mohawk chief, was taken to England (1775-76) and shown marked favor by the government, and was authorized to lead all who would follow him against the colonists. Lord Chatham, however, hurled his bitterest invective against this inhumanity, and when it was advocated in parliament, "It is perfectly justifiable to use all the means that God and nature have put in our hands, " he indignantly exclaimed ; "I know not what idea that lord may entertain of God and nature, but I know that such abominable principles are equally abhorent to religion and humanity." But the appeal was in vain, and Germain gave instructions to employ the Indians against the colonists. A council had already been held in Montreal by the chiefs and warriors of the Iroquois, the Johnsons, Butlers and Brant taking part. Here the savages swore fealty to the king, this being the first act in the catalogue of slaughter and devastation that followed. The Senecas held off for a time, but the prospect of both blood and British gold was too much for them to withstand, and in 1777 they, in common with the Cayugas, Onondagas and Mohawks made a treaty with the British at Oswego, agreeing to serve the king throughout the war. The post at Oswego was first occupied by Col. Guy Johnson after he left Johnstown on his way to Canada; but later on its importance was so apparent that the British provided a strong garrison and supplied all necessary artillery for its defense. The British force comprised 400 regulars, 600 tories and 700 Indians, all commanded by General St. Leger, with Sir John Johnson and Joseph Brant officers of lower rank. They designed an attack upon Fort Schuyler, ' which was defended by 750 men under Col. Gansevoort. The battle of Oriskany followed, with no substantial success for the British, and they were prevented from forming a line of communication with Burgoyne through the Mohawk valley. Indeed, it was the intention of the Johnsons to make a com plete conquest of the region and then once more possess themselves of their old estate at Johnstown, but the results at Fort Schuyler and Oriskany seriously interfered with the plan. The most important features of the war during the years 1777 and 1778 were the Indian depredations in this State, beginning with Cobles- kill, and following with the more serious affairs at Wyoming and Cherry Valley, and still others of less consequence in the mean time; but these 1 To avoid misunderstanding on the part of the reader, it is proper to mention that Fort Stan wix was built in 1758 on the site of the present city of Rome, but was not used during the French and English war; and after the return of peace it fell into decay. In June, 177(3, Col. Dayton re built the fort, and it was then named Fort Schuyler. CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. 39 atrocities at last became so numerous that Congress determined to draw upon the troops in service for a general expedition against the Indians. The plan of the campaign called for two forces, one under General John Sullivan to march through the Susquehanna and Chemung valleys; thence down Seneca lake on both sides and into the Genesee country, destroying, burning and devastating as they went. The other force, under General Clinton, was to sweep through the Mohawk valley and thence westward into the upper Susquehanna region, destroying every vestige of the Indian occupancy and then join forces with Sullivan. Both of these movements were wholly successful, and the result was that the Indians, especially the Senecas, were driven to the protection .of Fort Niagara, nor could they afterward be persuaded to again oc cupy their villages until the end of the war. The complete subjugation of the Indians in the Genesee country was one of the most profitable expeditions of the war. Oswego of course had been abandoned by the British soon after the defeat at Fort Schuy ler and Oriskany, and Johnson and his troop of Royal Greens moved to the more congenial locality of Oswegatchie (Ogdensburg) ; Butler and Brant went to Niagara, while St. Leger made his headquarters at Montreal. In July, 1778, Lieutenant McClellan and a detachment from Gansevoort's army proceeded to Fort Ontario and destroyed all buildings and defenses save one which was occupied by a white woman. Thereafter, during the period of the war, this portion of the St. Law rence region was not so much used by the British as formerly ; still, in 1780, Sir John followed this route on the occasion of the attack on Johnstown, and an ineffectual attempt was made to cut off his retreat by the same way. During the entire period of the war, this was the natural and in many respects the most convenient avenue of travel between the Can adian frontier and the American settlements in New York, but as his tory records no conflicts of importance, other than those already men tioned, it hardly becomes this chapter to pursue the subject further at this time. The devastation and bloodshed that had thus far marked the track of war throughout the States was now approaching an end, and with Sir John Johnson's attempts at repossessing the Mohawk val ley, and the occasional depredations by the Indians in that and other parts of the State, hostilities were practically at an end; but in the marauding incursions the savages accomplished no such results as at Wyoming and Cherry Valley. In the mean time the war in other States 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. had gone forward with varying fortunes, and one after another of the British strongholds fell into the hands of the victorious Americans. In October, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered after which there were no active hostilities. However, peace between Great Britain and her revolted colonies was not restored until the treaty of Paris (January 20, 1783) was formally signed. By the stipulations of the treaty the boundary line between the possessions the two countries was established along the forty-fifth parallel, the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie. Notwithstanding the fact that the results of tbe war just closed de feated the expectation of Great Britain in compelling the American colonies to pay the expenses of the French war in this country, she nevertheless sought to secure some little comfort from defeat, and therefore directed that all importations to the States from Canada should be subject to duties; and in order to collect this tax custom posts were established along the Canadian border. However, before this act had been long in operation, and in June, 1784, all commercial intercourse between the province of .Canada and the States was entirely prohibited ; and still more, for a time no person was permitted to pass from Canada into the States without special authority in writing. This unfriendly relation between the mother country and her late subjects on this side of the Atlantic could not but be prejudicial to general in terests, but among all the petty acts of annoyance the most serious on the part of Great Britain was her violation of treaty stipulations in maintaining an armed force on the United States side of the line after peace had been agreed upon and signed; and when appealed to for reasons the British commanders replied that their orders were simply to cease hostilities and not to evacuate the territory. These garrisons were maintained all along the border, even from the eastern part of the New Hampshire grants (now Vermont) to a point as far west as Detroit, and occasionally a rupture took place be tween the victorious American pioneer and some disaffected subject of the king, which at times threatened to become serious and again in volve the nations. Great Britain attempted to excuse her action by pretending that the United States frequently violated the treaty pro visions, and while there was some foundation in fact for the claim the transgression was never serious, and not sufficient to even call for a protest from any other than a recently defeated nation. However, some of the military posts referred to were held by the British as late THE FORT SCHUYLER INDIAN TREATY. 41 as 1796, and the agents of the French company when first visiting the Castorlands were somewhat surprised to discover an armed British force in the country and in the immediate vicinity of the lands on which they proposed to found settlements. CHAPTER VI. Extinguishing the Indian Titles to Land— Treaty with the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix— Special Treaty with the Oneidas— Conflicting Claims of Massachusetts and New York— The Hartford Convention— The Macomb Purchase— Its Extent and Subdivision— The Chassanis Tract— Penet's Square. In the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States at the close of the Revolution no provision whatever was made for the Indian allies of the former power. The English offered them lands in Canada, but the Mohawks alone accepted, the others of the once fa mous confederacy preferring their old territory in New York. However, all the Six Nations except the Oneidas and the Tuscaroras were on tbe side of the British during the war, which proved an alliance with a falling power, and by the fortune of war they had no right whatever to hold or occupy the land as against the authority of either general or state government. Moreover, the Iroquois had twice violated their pledges and had plunged into war against the colonies without any provocation whatever except mere wantonness, which with the savage was nothing less than blind instinct. Notwithstanding the forfeiture of all their property rights, the Iro quois were treated with great moderation by the United States, were readily admitted to the benefits of peace, and were even recognized as owners of all the land in this State over which they had roamed pre vious to the Revolution. The property line, as it was called, previous ly drawn between the whites and the Indians, ran along the eastern border of Broome and Chenango counties, and thence northward to a point seven miles west of Rome. In October, 1784, at Fort Schuyler, formerly Fort Stanwix (Rome), a treaty was made between three com missioners representing the federal government and the sachems of the Six Nations. La Fayette was present and addressed the council, but was not one of the commissioners. All the nations were represented 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. at this treaty, the Oneidas by two of their "chiefs," says Dr. Hough, but of course meaning sachems, it frequently happening in making treaties that both chiefs and sachems were present and took part in the proceedings. The treaty at Fort Schuyler in 1784 was general in its character, but the United States wanted particularly to extinguish whatever claim the Six Nations might have to lands in Ohio and other western territory, and as well to further provide for certain rights in the western part of this State acquired under a previous treaty. However, the treaty car ried all the territory west of the property line. In September, 1788, the Oneidas made a definite treaty and sale of their lands in this State, at a council held at Fort Schuyler between George Clinton, governor, William Floyd, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Rich ard Varrick, Samuel Jones, Egbert Benson and Peter Gansevoort, jr. , commissioners representing the State of New York, and acting in pur suance of authority specially conferred. While all the lands now com prising Jefferson county were included and ceded by this treaty, a detailed description or reproduction of the conveyance itself can hardly be considered necessary to this chapter. The deed of cession is an in teresting document, yet it is sufficient to state that in consideration of the sum of $2,000 in money, a like sum in clothing and other goods, $1,000 in provisions, and also $500 in money, " to be paid towards building a grist mill and a saw mill at their village," the Oneida In dians conveyed to the State all their domain, with few and inconsid erable reservations. The whole transaction was honorably conducted, the consideration was fair, and no advantage whatever was taken of the ignorance of the Indian. As a matter of historic interest the statement may be made that at about this time New York was having a spirited controversy with an element of capital, 'influence and power, which for a time threatened much trouble in public affairs. After the close of the Revolution, when the States were looking somewhat carefully after their boundary lines, New York and Massachusetts fell into a dispute regarding the right of sovereignty, jurisdiction and ownership of this State, growing out of the indefinite and conflicting character of the royal grants to the Plymouth Company and to the Duke of York, which proved to be overlapping. To amicably settle the matter both States agreed to cede their claimed rights to the general government, but before the federal authorities could act the States themselves sent commissioners to the LAND CONCESSIONS. 43 "Hartford convention " (December 16, 1786), where the differences were adjusted. The result was that New York ceded to Massachusetts the pre-emptive right to all that part of the State which lay west of the eighty-second mile stone on the Pennsylvania line, and a line drawn thence about due north to Great Sodus Bay. By this cession Massa chusetts acquired the first right to purchase the land from the Indians, New York still retaining sovereignty and jurisdiction over the terri tory, as over the other part of the State. When the State of New York recognized the Indians as owners of any part of their former domain, just so soon did the country fill with speculators who sought to acquire these lands, with or without just compensation being paid therefor. One of these land companies was organized on an elaborate scale, and by various methods obtained a lease from the Six Nations for the term of 999 years of all their terri tory. The law at that time forbade the purchase of Indian titles by individuals or companies, whereupon this noted organization, the New York Genesee Land Company, which comprised several of the most influential and wealthy men of the State, negotiated the lease and thus attempted to evade the provisions of the law. The Legislature, how ever, refused to ratify or confirm the lease, whereupon it was annulled as of no effect, except that the proprietors succeeded in obtaining some very desirable concessions to which they were not justly en titled. These incidental observations may not have direct relation to the history of land titles in what is now Jefferson county, or Northern New York, but the definite and special treaty made with the Oneidas at about the time these events were taking place, naturally leads to the inference that the action of the State had some connection with them; which indeed was the case as by the proceeding referred to (the treaty of September 22, 1788) the State specially acquired title to the terri tory of the Oneidas, and gave them ample consideration therefor, and thus saved the Indian from the machinations of speculators, whose promises were fair, but who seldom fulfilled according to verbal agree ment. By the treaty at Fort Schuyler, October 22, 1784, with the Six Na tions, and by the supplemental treaty with the Oneidas, made Septem ber 22, 1788, the State became the absolute owner of all the lands formerly held by the Six Nations to which title had not previously been extinguished, and subject, of course, to the reservations contained in the deeds of cession, particularly of the tract known as Penet's 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Square, which the Oneidas reserved for the benefit of Peter Penet as a token of gratitude for services rendered by him. The office of "Commissioners of the land office" was created by an act passed May 11, 1784, to carry into execution the promises of bounty lands made by the State for Revolutionary services. The original bounty act was passed in 1780, and while it was designed primarily to carry out the pledges made by the State, it was also hoped that the commissioners would relieve the Legislature from the impor tunities of land operators and speculators who were constantly asking concessions to the great embarrassment of that body. However, the commissioners themselves soon became the subjects of severe censure and were charged with unfairness and favoritism. Macomb's Purchase, so called, stands on the public records as the largest extent of lands ever granted by the State to individuals, and originally included, after deducting allowances, 3,670,715 acres. The whole of Jefferson county, except Penet's Square and Tibbet's Point, is on the tract, and also the greater portion of Franklin and St. Law rence counties, the whole of Lewis and a part of Oswego. On June 22, 1791, Alexander Macomb made application to the land office for a grant or patent of lands in the northern part of the State, for the use and benefit of himself, Daniel McCormick and William Constable, all of the city of New York. The price offered, which was accepted, was eight pence per acre, payable one sixth part in one year, and the bal ance in five equal annual payments; yet, in the Macomb interest, it was agreed that in case one-sixth part of the consideration should be secured by satisfactory bonds "and paid, and another sixth in like manner secured," the grantees were to receive a patent for a sixth, in a square, "in one of the corners of the tract," and this manner of pro- ceedure was to be observed by the parties until the whole tract was paid for and patented to the proprietors ; a very fortunate understand ing for the proprietary if for any cause they should not be able to take and pay for the entire tract, they would nevertheless hold any sixth part, or any additional parts desirable, at the almost nominal price of eight pence per acre. The tract was surveyed at the expense of the purchasers, and on January 10, 1792, a patent was issued carrying title to 1,920,000 acres, being substantially all the original tract lying outside the present coun ties of St. Lawrence and Franklin. Indeed, the Macomb purchase is so important an element of Jefferson county history that a copy of the letters patent may properly be reproduced in this chapter, viz : Map of the Macomb Purchase in 1791. Showing Great Lots Nos. 4, 5 and 6, which include all of Jefferson County. The above cut is reproduced from the original map in the public records at Albany. THE MACOMB PATENT. 45 "The people of the State of New York, by the grace of God free and independent, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting : "Know you, that we have given, granted and confirmed and by these presents do give, grant and confirm, unto Alexander Macomb, in consequence of a purchase by him thereof made from the Commis sioners of our Land Office, all that certain parcel of land situated in the northern part of our said State, and comprehended within the fol lowing bounds, viz. : beginning at the most westerly corner of the tract of land commonly called Totten and Crossfield's purchase; running thence along the same south 30 degrees east about 21 miles to the most westerly corner of township No. 5 of said purchase; thence westerly in a direct line to the northwest corner of a tract of 16,052 acres of land granted to Henry Oothoudt; thence with a direct line to the mouth of Salmon River where it empties into Lake Ontario to the northward of Oswego ; thence northerly along the said lake and River St. Lawrence to a tract of land granted to Peter Penet; thence along tbe same south ten miles east ten miles north ten miles and west ten miles to the said River St. Lawrence ; thence down along the said river to where a course south 54 east will strike the place of beginning; and thence south 54 degrees east about 54 miles to the said place of beginning; estimated to contain 1,920,000 acres; reserving out of the same 800 acres of land, as the same is located in the surveyors' charts in this office, and with such bounds as shall be described in Letters Patent therefor hereafter to be granted. Together with all and singular of the rights, heredita ments, and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise apper taining, excepting and reserving to ourselves all gold and silver mines and five acres of every hundred acres of the said tract of land for high ways. To have and to hold the above described and granted premises unto the said Alexander Macomb, his heirs and assigns, as a good, in defeasible, established inheritance forever. On condition, neverthe less, that within tbe term of seven years, to be computed from the date hereof, there shall be one family actually settled on said tract of land hereby granted for every 640 acres thereof. Otherwise these Letters Patent and the estate herewith granted shall cease, determine and be come void. In testimony whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent and the great seal of our said State to be hereunto affixed. "Witness our trusted and well beloved George Clinton, Esq., Gover nor of our said State, General and Commander-in-chief of all militia, 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Admiral of the Navy of the same, at our city of New York, this 10th day of January in the year of our Lord 1792, and in the 16th year of our independence. Approved by the Commissioners of the Land Office and by the Secretary's Office, the 10th day of January, 1792. " Lewis A. Scott, Secretary. George Clinton." According to the original survey the entire purchase was divided into five great tracts, number one being wholly in Franklin county, and containing 821,819 acres. Number two contained 553,020 acres in St. Lawrence county, and number three contained 458,222 acres, also in St. Lawrence county. Tract number four of Macomb's purchase, 450,950 acres, included all that part of Jefferson county which lay north of a straight line drawn from Lake Ontario across the north part of Point Peninsula and Cherry Island through the south part of Limerick village, in Brownville, and thence continued to the east boundary of the county, crossing the Black river almost directly opposite Great Bend village.1 Of course this de scription is not perfectly accurate but will give the reader a fair idea of the location of the line between lots four and five of the historic Ma comb tract. Dr. Hough describes the same line as "drawn from the southwest corner of St. Lawrence county, north 87° west, to Lake On tario." Lot number five contained 26,250 acres, and lay next south of number four, while still further south was number six, containing 74,- 400 acres, but the division line between these lots was never surveyed. Alexander Macomb was a merchant and capitalist of New York city, but previous to that time he had been a fur trader at Detroit. How ever after he made the great purchase in this part of the State (for he was in fact the company, although Constable's and Mc Cormick's names appear in the transaction) he was unfortunate in business, lost his property, and was imprisoned for debt. He was the father of General Macomb who made the gallant defense of Plattsburgh in September, 1814. On June 6, and October 3, 1792, Macomb transferred to William Constable, his agent in Europe, all of lots numbers four, five and six, the expressed consideration for which was 50, 000 pounds. In the mean time, August 31, 1792, Constable deeded to Peter Chassanis, of Paris, a tract comprising 630,000 acres of this land, but it was found that he had conveyed less land than was intended, on which (March 25, 1793) 1 To the great majority of the inhabitants this line is commonly known as " the Chassanis line." t I I ( I ( THE CHASSANIS LANDS. 47 it was reconveyed to him. Again, April 12, 1793, in consideration of 25,000 pounds, Constable conveyed to Chassanis 210,000 acres of land in the Macomb tract, lying between the south line of lot four and Black river and extending into Lewis county. This was the tract so well known in history in this part of the State as "Tbe Chassanis tract," " The French company's land," and also as " The Castorland." It was called Chassanis tract because Peter Chassanis made the purchase and to all intents and purposes was its owner ; it was called the French company's land from the fact an " Association was formed for the pur chase and settlement of 600,000 acres of land " in New York State, sit uate between the 43d and 44th degrees of latitude, on Lake Ontario, and " thirty-five leagues from the city of Albany, where vessels land from Europe." The company made the settlements as contemplated by the articles of association, one of their hamlets being on the lake shore, a second at the Long Falls, where is now Carthage village, and another at the High Falls (now Lyon's Falls), but the most important settlement was farther east, in what is now Lewis county, where the hamlet of "Castorland" still preserves the name of this historic so ciety of French subjects. They, like the American colonists of a few years previous, were suffering under the restraints and oppressive measures forced upon them by an ungrateful government, and there fore sought refuge in this new, free land. Rodolph Tillier, whose name frequently appears in public records and documents in this county, was appointed attorney for Chassanis, and was empowered to administer and direct the affairs of the company in the Castorland; was authorized to sell and convey lands, make im provements, and in every way to act for the interest of the settlers. His appointment was made to this position April 11, 1797, and the many titles in this county and region, which come from Tillier, were made in bis representative capacity. He also negotiated a new con veyance from Constable, which carried title to the middle of Black River, the agreement bearing date February 18, 1797, and in 1799 the energetic agent caused to be made a more accurate and detailed survey of the purchase. In 1800 (March 6) he also secured for his proprietor from Constable a 30,000 acre tract of land in the eastern corner of lot number four, which was afterwards sold to James Le Ray (James Donatianus Le Ray de Chaumont), one of the most extensive and en terprising land proprietors in this part ofthe State, and one who con tributed much toward settling and building up the county during the 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. period of its early history. In the event of Tillier's death it was pro vided that Nicholas Olive should succeed him, but on March 27, 1800, Governor Morris was in fact appointed to the position, and, November 13, 1801, constituted Richard Coxe as his attorney. In the survey and subdivision made by Charles C. Broadhead, in 1794, a line running north from High Falls was assumed as the car dinal line, from which ranges were counted east and west. The sec ond cardinal, east and west line, was laid about nine miles from the falls, with reference to which the lots were also laid out. After the second conveyance from Constable to Tillier, a survey was made of the tract by William Cockburn & Son, and the same was laid off in lots of unequal size. The lands were sold to purchasers in parcels- suited to their requests, but among those who became owners on the Chassanis tract were many men of standing, influence and worth ; men who bought in many cases for speculative purposes alone, while others came and lived in the region and took an earnest part in its development. However, in the course of time all the larger lots were subdivided and sold in parcels, and now few indeed are the regularly cultivated farms on the old Chassanis tract of greater size than from 250 to 400 acres. Penet's Square, so called, was granted by tbe State to Peter Penet, in pursuance of the following reservation in the agreement of purchase between the Oneidas and the State: "And further, that the people of the State of New York shall, as a benevolence from the Oneidas to Peter Penet, and in return for services rendered by him to their na tion, grant to the same Peter Penet, of the said ceded lands, lying to the northward of the Oneida Lake, a tract of land ten miles square, wherever he shall elect the same." In pursuance of this reservation, August 8, 1789, the surveyor-gen eral was directed to lay off for and at the expense of Penet the tract to be selected by him. John Duncan acted for him and selected a loca tion in the north part of what is now this county, including the greater part of the towns of Clayton and Orleans, and a small portion of Pamelia, within its boundaries. The return of the survey was made and noted in the land office minutes, November 19, 1789. The patent itself was made to Duncan, November 19, 1789, in pursuance of a power of attorney from Penet, dated January 23 of that year. On July 13, 1790, for the nominal sum of five shillings, Duncan conveved the square to James Watson and James Greenleaf, of New York- and on February 26, 1795, Watson released his half to Greenleaf in' con- GREAT TRACT NUMBER FOUR. 49 sideration of ,£1,000. The latter, on September 4, 1707, sold the square, 64,000 acres, to Simon Desjardines, receiving therefor ^19,400. Desjardines sold the tract to Nicholas Olive on January 29, 1796, and Olive sold 44,000 acres to Herman Le Roy, William Bayard and James McEvers in trust for certain heirs; and by a partition deed, May 17, 1802, the lands of the tract were divided among owners according to their interests. On June 11, following, the proprietors released to each other, by which action the square was owned by Le Roy, Bayard & McEvers, 44,000 acres; John Wilkes, 12,000 acres, and Louis Le Guen, 8, 000 acres. However, by various later conveyances and occasional operation of the law, Joseph Russell and John La Farge became own ers of nearly the whole square, the latter eventually succeeding to the Russell interests. But the tract was more, apparently, than La Farge could successfully handle, for much of the land was sold for taxes. In later years litigation grew out of land tax title controversies in Orleans, an element of local history to which reference will be found in the chapter relating to that town. CHAPTER VII. Land Titles Continued — Great Tract Number Four, Macomb's Purchase — The Antwerp Company — Land Operations of Governeur Morris, Moss Kent and James LeRay — Tract Numbers Five and Six'of Macomb's Purchase — The Boylston Tract — The Black River Tract — Lorraine, Ellisburgh and Worth — The Eleven Towns — Survey and Disposition of the Islands in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. "Great Tract Number Four, Macomb's Purchase," which included all that part of Jefferson county lying north of the line described in the preceding chapter as dividing tracts four and five, was surveyed in 1795 by Evert Van Allen and his assistants, and was found to contain 450,000 acres, including reservations. As apart of the vast tract trans ferred by Macomb to William Constable, the latter offered No. 4 for sale in England. As early as 1792 Sir William Pultney negotiated for the purchase of a million acres in the Black River country, offering therefor a quarter of a dollar per acre, but through some cause the sale was not effected. However, it appears that Peter Chassanis held a pre-emptive claim to a much larger tract than originally purchased by 7 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. him, therefore when Constable negotiated the sale of the tract to Charles Michael De Wolf (April 12, 1793), he first secured the consent of Chassanis. De Wolf paid for number four 300,000 florins, equal to $125,356 U. S. money, but within a very short time he sold the tract to the Antwerp company, an organization of capitalists of the city of Antwerp, "who subscribed to the stock in shares of 1000 florins each, and who paid for the tract 680,000 florins." But the operations of the Antwerp company, like the French company on the Chassanis tract, proved unprofitable. On January 2, 1800, Governeur Morris, the com pany's agent in New York, took conveyances for half of the tract, and on the next day the remaining portion was transferred to James Le Ray, de Chaumont, better known and commonly mentioned in this work as James Le Ray. Under his deed, Morris became possessed of 220,000 acres, paying $48,889, while the consideration expressed in the deed to Le Ray was $46,315.12. The division line between Morris's and Le Ray's lands, as finally fixedj began at the southeast corner of Penet's square and run " thence to the south corner of lot 512; thence to the west corner of the present town of Antwerp, and along the southwest line of that town to the south corner of lot 337, and thence to the south line of No. 4." But agent Morris appears to have been an expensive developer, for at the time of retirement from his connection with the company his expenses and commissions had absorbed 26,840 acres of the tract. On Dec. 23, 1804, he sold 49,280 acres in the present town of Antwerp to Lewis R. Morris, for $62,000, and afterwards sold to Silvenus Hoard forty- one lots in the west part of the same town ; in which town the Lewis R. Morris lands were also situated. The remainder of that town (except three ranges of lots on the southeast side) was bought by David Parish, in 1808. On his retirement from the agency of the company, Morris was suc ceeded by Moss Kent, one of the pioneers and most influential men of the town of Champion. On June 15, 1809, the unsold lands owned by the company were transferred to Kent, but his management of affairs was brief, for, June 15, 1809, James Le Ray succeeded to the position, and on September 17, 1810, he purchased from his principals (the com pany), for 145,000 florins, all their remaining lands in America. Ac cording to Dr. Hough, LeRay was the owner of 126 shares of the Antwerp company's stock, while Governeur Morris owned 26 shares. Subsequently Le Ray had trouble with the company, not being able to JAMES LE RAY'S LAND DEALS. 51 pay in full for the lands he had purchased, and the result was an action against him and his final recourse to the insolvency court, and also the transfer of his lands to his son, in trust for his creditors. This pro ceeding was in 1824, at which time Mr. Le Ray was the owner of 30,758 acres of land in Franklin county; 73,947 acres in St. Lawrence county; 143,500 acres in Jefferson county, and 100,000 acres in Lewis county. Soon after he became actively interested in the lands in this region, Le Ray removed to the tract and established an office at the pretty little village of Le Raysville, named in allusion to the proprietor himself. He established mills and stores, and was indeed one of the most industrious and worthy developers in the region during its early history. He was a relative and close friend of John Juhel, one of the most extensive and wealthy merchants of New York city at that time, and through him Le Ray had access to large amounts of money, and, what was equally valuable, an almost unlimited credit. However, after the completion of the Erie canal through the central part of the state, lands in the northern region began to decline in value, as the tide of immigration and settlement set strongly toward that great highway of trade and traffic. In consequence of this, lands on tract number four were also depreciated in value and the ultimate result was the financial disaster which impaired but did not sweep away Le Ray's fortune. The land office was maintained at Le Raysville, a part of the time under the per sonal direction of tbe proprietor himself, or his attorneys, Isaac H. Bronson and Micah Sterling, but abont 1832 Le Ray returned to France. So near as can now be determined the office was removed to Carthage about 1835, and placed in charge of Patrick Somerville Stewart, who had been in tbe employ of the proprietor since about 1814. Mr. Stew art was in turn succeeded by L. J. Goodale, the last agent, but during intervening years several changes in the proprietary had been made. Among the many hundreds of sales made by Mr. Le Ray, or his rep resentatives, several are worthy of mention, especially those conveying title to considerable tracts of land. On October 8, 1805, Louis Augustin de Caulincourt (due de Vincence) purchased a tract near Millen's bay containing 4,840 acres, the deed for which was made to Count Peter Francis Real, who is said to have been chief of police under Napoleon. William and Gerardus Post purchased 11,880 acres in the present towns of Wilna and Diana, for $17,000. In 1818 Count de Survillers, other wise known as Joseph Bonaparte, made an agreement with Le Ray for the purchase of 150,000 acres of land, "to be taken in the most remote 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and unsettled portions " of the tract, for which he agreed to pay the equivalent of $120,000. A part of this purchase was in the extreme eastern part of Wilna, near Natural Bridge, where the count began the erection of a mansion and where he lived for a time, as will be seen by reference to the history of that town. Among the other purchasers of the period may be recalled the names of Francis Depau, in Alexandria, and William H. Harrison, in trust for the Antwerp company, two ranges of lots in the town of Antwerp. Harrison was agent for the company and sold a large body of land to John La Farge (24,230 acres), situate in Theresa, Antwerp, Alexandria and Orleans. The lands, how ever, were subsequently acquired by Samuel Stocking and Norris M. Woodruff. In June, 1835, La Farge succeeded to the ownership of all the "Count Survillers" lands in this and Lewis county, and was also one of the most enterprising proprietors in the region. La Fargeville, in the town of Orleans, was named in his honor. In this chapter no attempt has been made to follow the descent of land titles to the present occupants or even to all the purchasers from the original proprietors, for such action would involve the writer in a mass of records which would be almost wholly unintelligible, and resolve the work into an " abstract reference;" valuable, of course, if fully car ried out, but hardly within the proper scope of this volume. It is well known that great tract number four includes within its boundaries more than half of the county, in area, but not in population, and, as far as its land titles are concerned, it is almost historic territory; yet the brief allusion made to the original and the more important later changes in ownership will give the reader something of an idea of the source of titles in that part of the county. As has been mentioned, the division line between tracts numbers five and six of the Macomb purchase was never established by survey, and so far as the disposition of that part of the lands of the county is con cerned the lots may be treated as one. On December 18, 1792, in con sideration of ^100,000, William Constable sold the entire tract (except 25,000 acres) to Samuel Ward. On December 20, following, Ward sold to Thomas Boylston, of Boston, in consideration of ,£20,000, that portion of the tract beginning at the extreme southern angle of Lewis county (as now established) and " running thence to the mouth of Sal mon river and along the lake to Black river ; and thence up that stream to the north bounds of the present town of Leyden, and thence to tbe place of beginning " (Hough). According to the same authority, the THE BOYLSTON TRACT 53 course of Black river was then supposed to be nearly direct from the High Falls to tbe lake, and the tract was also supposed to contain about 400,000 acres. It was surveyed by Cockburn & Son in 1794, and con tained in fact 817,155 acres. Samuel Ward, Boylston's grantor, by his purchase from Constable became possessed of about 1,280,000 acres of land, and while the Boyls- ton tract included more than half of it a large amount still remained and was sold in parcels to other proprietors ; but as all of the lesser purchases were outside the limits of this county it is not necessary to follow their disposition in this chapter. On May 21, 1794, Boylston conveyed by deed of trust his title to the Boylston tract to George Lee, George Irving and Thomas Latham, as assignees of Lane, Son & Fraser of London, and by the assignees the tract was conveyed to John Johnson Phyn, also of London. William Constable was appointed Phyn's attorney, and in that capacity on July 15, 1795, sold 300,000 acres of the tract to Nicholas Low, William Hen derson, Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, which purchase in later years became known as "the Black river tract," and comprised the towns now called Hounsfield, Watertown, Rutland, Champion, Hen derson, Adams and Rodman, in this county, and Pinckney, Lowville, Denmark and Harrisburgh in Lewis county. The tract was at first supposed to contain 300,000 acres, but on measurement and survey fell short nearly 10,000 acres, therefore in compensation Constable con veyed to the proprietors township number two (now Worth), excepting 948 acres in the southeast corner which he reserved for his own use. The remainder of the Boylston tract was conveyed by Phyn to Con stable in 1796, and in the latter was contained the present town of Lor raine. William Constable authorized, by power of attorney, his brother James to act in the capacity of agent and sell the lauds in Europe, but investors were apparently in doubt as to the validity of the title, hence the proprietor secured written assurances from some of the most prom- iment men in the state to the effect that the titles were good, in their opinion. On March 22, 1797, Constable sold to Marvel Ellis, of Troy, the town now called Ellisburgh (except 3,000 acres in the southwest corner, which was sold March 17, 1797, to Robert Brown and Thomas Eddy) containing, according to Benjamin Wright's survey, 52,834 acres. Ellis mortgaged the land to secure a part of the purchase money, and becoming insolvent, his interest was sold, March 1, 1804, to Daniel 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. McCormick. The latter, however, soon afterward conveyed the lands to James Constable, John McVickar and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, as ex ecutors of William Constable, who had died May 22, 1803. On April 26, 1819, the Constable heirs conveyed the same tracts to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, who sold much of the land, the remainder, together with the title to Lorraine, eventually passing to William C. Pierrepont, son of Hezekiah. In a preceding paragraph mention is made of the fact that in 1797 William Constable conveyed to Robert Brown and Thomas Eddy a 3,000-acre tract of land in the southwest corner of Ellisburgh. This parcel had no resident or active agent, therefore, in accordance with a custom of the period, squatters came in and occupied the land and made some improvements of a temporary character. From this occu pancy the region became known as "No God." However, in June, 1804, Brown and Eddy sold half the tract to George Scriba, proprietor of a large body of land in what became Oswego county, and exchanged the other half for a farm in New Jersey. Scriba afterward sold to Will iam Bell. In April and May, 1796, by direction of the proprietors, Benjamin Wright made a survey of the Black river tract, divided the lands into townships and numbered them from one to eleven. From this fact the region became known as "the eleven towns." All were named, but whether by the surveyor or at the direction of the proprietary is uncer tain. Those of the towns now in Jefferson county were called as fol lows: No. 1, Hesoid, now Hounsfield; No. 2, Leghorn, now Watertown; No. 3, Milan, now Rutland; No. 4, Howard, now Champion; No. 6, Henderson, now as then ; No. 7, Aleppo, now Adams ; No. 8, Orpheus, now Rodman. The original name for Ellisburgh was Minos, while township No. 1 of the Boylston tract was originally called Malta, later Atticus, but now Lorraine, and No. 2, Fenelon, is now called Worth. The proprietors of the eleven towns decided the question of owner ship by drawing, or ballot, on August 5, 1796. As the result the abso lute title to Hounsfield, Champion, Denmark, Rodman, Harrisburgh and 1,283 acres of Worth, was given to Richard Harrison and Josiah O. Hoffman. Watertown, Adams, Lowville and 1,576 acres of Worth - were set off to Nicholas Low of New York. William Henderson's share in the division comprised Rutland, Henderson and Pinckney, with 649 acres of Worth, the latter town having been used only for compensation pusposes to " even up " any difference in value of the THE ISLANDS. 55 principal tracts. In the several chapters relating to town history will be found further allusion to these tracts, and their disposition by the original proprietors. In view of this fact more extended mention at this time is deemed unnecessary. The ownership of and jurisdiction over the islands in Lake Ontario and tbe St. Lawrence river was for a time a question of considerable doubt, although they were intended to be included in the patent from the state to Macomb. This uncertainty in part grew out of the fact that after the close of the revolution the British still retained possession and maintained garrisons of soldiers on the United States side of the line, and the advance contingent of French pioneers were quite sur prised to find an armed force in possession of the lands which they be lieved were unquestionably their own. The original Macomb contract was dated June 22, 1791, but when the patent was issued the islands were excluded from the instrument; and when the matter was finally settled they were patented to other parties. The Macomb rights passed to Daniel McCormick, who, on January 28, 1814, was recognized by the commissioners of the land office. The surveyor-general surveyed such of the islands as were clearly within the United States jurisdiction, and in case of error it was understood that the patentees of any found to be within British territory should be compensated for any loss suffered. However, McCormick sold his interests to D. A. and T. L. Ogden, which sale the land office sanctioned May 14, 1817. The commissioners appointed to establish the boundary line under the treaty of Ghent comprised General Peter B. Porter and Samuel Hawkins, tbe latter acting in the capacity of agent for the United States, while John Ogilvie represented his majesty. The work was begun in 1818 and was completed the next year. After this the islands were dis posed of as follows: A patent was issued February 15, 1823, to Elisha Camp, carrying title to all tbe islands ' ' between a line drawn at right angles to the river from Morristown village, and a meridian line drawn through the west ern point of Grindstone island," containing an aggregate of 15,402.9 acres. The area of Grindstone island was 5,291 acres; Wells's island, 8,068 acres; Indian Hut island, 369 acres. The patent also included several smaller islands without names. At the same date Elisha Camp was granted patents for Stony island, 1,536 acres; Calf island, 34.8 acres; Little Galloup island, 48.8 acres; Willow island, half an acre, and also 2,216.2 acres of the larger Galloup island. 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The United States acquired title to about 35 acres (30.75 and 5 acres, says Hough), on Galloup island by patent, or deed of cession, dated December 11, 1819, to be used for lighthouse purposes. At Tibbet's Point, on the main land, the government was also ceded three acres, January 25, 1827; Horse island, April 26, 1821, and a part of Carlton island, June 21, 1853. On November 3, 1823, Gull island (6.5 acres) and Snake island (1.4 acres) were patented to Melancton L. Woolsey. In the same manner, October 1, 1824, Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and others received a patent for Cherry island in Chaumont bay, 108.4 acres; Grenadier island, 1,290 acres, and Fox island, 257.5 acres. These owners were Pierre pont, Joshua Waddington and Thomas L. Ogden, who, on November 10, 1824, executed a partition deed by which the former acquired title to Grenadier and Cherry islands. On February 19, 1824, Pierrepont sold them to William and Gerardus Post, of New York. The western part of Carlton island, 500 acres in extent, was patented to Charles Smyth, October 2, 1828. CHAPTER VIII. Division of the State into Counties — Tryon County Created — Counties Formed from Tryon— Jefferson and Lewis Counties Erected from Oneida — Thomas Jefferson — Brief Topographical and Geological Description of Jefferson County — The Glacial Period— Towns Formed— The Convention at Harrisburgh Discusses the Two County Project— Locating the County Buildings— History of the Court House, the Jail and the County Clerk's Office— The County Poor Farm— Several Changes in the Superintendency. Under the Dutch rule the only civil divisions were the cities and towns. The Netherlands comprised a region that extended from New Amsterdam to Albany, thence over to the Battenkill, and also up the Mohawk toward Schenectady. Counties were first erected under the act of 1683, and were twelve in number: Albany, Cornwall, Dukes, Dutch ess, Kings, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester. From Albany county Cumberland was formed in 1766, Gloucester in 1770, and Charlotte and Tryon in 1772. The first two and part of the third were within the limits of the present state of CREATION OF COUNTIES. 57 Vermont, while Tryon county comprised the country west of a north and south line extending from St. Regis "to the west bounds of the township of Schenectady ; thence running irregularly southwest to the head of the Mohawk branch of the Delaware, and along the same to the southeast bounds of the present county of Broome; thence in a northwesterly direction to Fort Bull, on Wood creek, near the present city of Rome." Previous to the creation of Tryon county (March 24, 1772) all the territory within its boundaries was Indian country, so regarded, while the Dutch had no knowledge of it through any other source than Indian narrative. Thus, the first civil division of the State which included what is now Jefferson county, was old Tryon, veritable mother of coun ties in central and western New York. However, after the close of the revolution the name Tryon was so distasteful to the people of the state that in 1784 an act was passed changing it to Montgomery; so called in honor of Richard Montgomery, the brave American general who fell before the walls of Quebec. The first territorial reduction in Montgomery county was made in 1789 when Ontario was created, including within its boundaries all that part of the state west of Seneca lake, in the aggregate more than two million acres. In 1791 it was again reduced in area by the creation of Hamilton, Herkimer, Otsego and Tioga counties, leaving to the parent county only the territory which it now includes with that of Fulton, the latter having been set off in 1838. Oneida county was formed from Herkimer March 15, 1798, and in cluded all that is now Jefferson and Lewis, with parts of Clinton, Madi son and Oswego. On March 7, 1788, the legislature created a new town, called " Whitestown," one of the divisions of Montgomery county, which included an indefinite extent of territory in this part of the state, and therefore all this region was within its boundaries ; but no jurisdiction was exercised over what is now Jefferson county as no white occupant was then known to live within its borders. However, after the creation of Oneida county, and after settlement in this region was begun, Whitestown was divided (April 10, 1792) and Steuben and Mexico were formed, including all that is now this county. The town of Leyden was formed from Steuben and included all the territory within its present limits and as well all east and north of the Black river in this and Lewis county. From this it will be seen that at that time all the territory south of the river was part of Mexico, and all north a part of Leyden. 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jefferson and Lewis counties were created by an act of the legisla ture passed March 28, 1805, the effective portion of which relating to this county was as follows : "Be it enacted, &c, That all that part of the county of Oneida contained within the following bounds, to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of the town of Ellisburgh, on the easterly shore of Lake Ontario, and running along the southerly line of said town ; thence along the easterly line thereof to the southwest corner of the town of Malta; thence along the southerly line of the said town of Malta, and continuing the same course to the corner of townships number two, three, seven and eight ; thence along the east line of the said town of Malta aforesaid to the northeast corner thereof; thence in a direct line to the corner of the towns of Rutland and Champion; thence along the line between the said town of Champion and the town of Harrisburgh, to Black river; thence in a direct line to the bounds of the county of St. Lawrence, to intersect the same at the corner of townships numbers seven and eleven, in great tract number three, of Macomb's purchase; thence along the west erly bounds of the said St. Lawrence county to the north bounds of this state;. thence westerly and southerly along said bounds, including all the islands in the river St. Lawrence, in Lake Ontario, and in front thereof, and within this state, to the place of beginning, shall be and hereby is erected into a separate county, and shall be called and known by the name of Jefferson." Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, in whose honor this county was named, was one of the most conspicuous apostles of original democracy in America. He was born at Shadwell, Albe marle county, Va., April 2, 1743, and was the son of Peter Jefferson, one of the earlest settlers in that part of the country. In 1767, after a thorough elementary and legal education, young Jefferson was admitted to the bar and soon became a distinguished lawyer. He was elected to the house of Burgesses in 1768, and served with that body until the office closed at the beginning of the revolution. On June 11, 1776, he was appointed with Adams, Franklin, Sherman and Livingston, com missioner to prepare the declaration of independence; and he prepared the draft at the request of his associates. In 1779 he was elected gov ernor of Virginia. In 1782 he was summoned by Congress to act as one of the plenipotentiaries to negotiate the peace treaty with Great Britain, but was recalled from that service. In 1784 he was commis sioned to assist Franklin and Adams in negotiating treaties with Euro pean powers. In 1785 he was appointed minister to France, and in 1789 returned home and in the next year was appointed secretary of state under Washington. On March 4, 1801, he entered upon the dis charge of the duties of the office of president of the United States; was re-elected and began a second term March 4, 1805. He declined an NATURAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTY. 59 offered renomination, and retired to private life after almost forty years of public service. Thomas Jefferson died July 4, 1826, the same day on which John Adams, his predecessor in the presidential office, also died. Jefferson county, when created in 1805, included parts of eight towns of Oneida county, as follows: Adams, formed from Mexico, April 1, 1802; Brown ville, from Leyden, April 1, 1802; Champion, from Mexico, March 14, 1800; Ellisburgh, from Mexico, February 22, 1803; Lorraine, originally Malta, from Mexico, March 24, 1804; Rodman, as Harrison, from Adams, March 24, 1804; Rutland, from Watertown, April 1, 1802; Watertown from Mexico, March 14, 1800. (See Chapter IX for permanent town boundaries established in 1813). The boundaries of Jefferson county have been changed three times ; first, February 12, 1808, when Pinckney was included in Lewis county; second, April 5, 1 S10, by setting off a portion of Rodman to Lewis county ; and again in 1S131 when a part of Lewis county was annexed to Wilna. As then and now constituted the county contains a little more than 1868 square miles, or its equivalent in acres, 1,195,320. Therefore, in area Jefferson is one of the largest counties in the state. The natural physical features of the county are so well known and understood that hardly more than a passing allusion to that element of its history is necessary. In this region of the state nature has provided wonderfully and beautifully; and in some respects the county stands without a fellow. In that grand and vast region (comprising many lo calities and several towns) known as the Thousand Islands the most lavish display of nature is everywhere noticeable, and that very fact has given the county a peculiar prominence throughout the land. How ever, this subject will be found more fully treated in the town chap ters, and present attention may be devoted to a brief geological and topographical description of the region, the results of researches and deductions of a cotemporary writer. "The rocks of the county belong to the primary formation and the lower strata of the New York system. Gneiss is the underlying rock in the eastern localities, along the border of Wilna and Antwerp, also of the Thousand Islands, the shore of Alex andria bay, and of two strips of land extending from the eastern border, one toward Theresa Falls and the other toward Evans Mills. Above this is a deposit of Pots dam sandstone, which prevails throughout Wilna, Antwerp, Philadelphia, Theresa, i In Chapter IX will be found the fixed boundaries of this county established by the legis lature in 1813. 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Alexandria, Orleans and Clayton. The soil covering this rock is thin and is com posed chiefly of drift deposits. The rock itself is exceedingly dense and tough, and preserves diluvial scratches and marks with great distinctness. Next above this is a thin deposit of calciferous sandstone, extending through parts of Cape Vincent, Lyme, Clayton, Orleans and Le Ray ; and covering this is a deeper soil, the results chiefly of disintegration. The Black river limestone overlies this, and forms the sur face rock in many parts of the county north of the river, and also in parts of Cham pion and Rutland. Above this is the Trenton limestone, appearing on the lake shore at Cape Vincent and extending in a southeast direction through Lyme, Brownsville, Watertown, Rutland and Champion. This rock is of great thickness and forms the principal declivities of the plateau in the south part of the county. About midway in this strata is found the ancient lake ridge, while the caves near Watertown are in the lower strata of the same formation. Next above appears the Utica slate and the Lorraine shales, forming the summit of an irregular table land which covers the south peak in Champion, the south border of Rutland, the greater part of Rodman, a corner of Adams, the east part of Ellisburgh and the whole of Lorraine and Worth. These shales decompose easily and produce a deep, rich soil. Along the streams which flow from this formation the water has worn deep and often highly picturesque ravines, at times miles in length, and almost through the soft and yielding strata. Alluvial deposits are found where the streams from the slate flow out upon the lime stone; and drift deposits are scattered promiscuously over the entire county. One of the most remarkable of these is the 'Pine plains,' a sand barren several miles in extent in Wilna and Le Ray. The lake shore in Ellisburgh consists of drifting sand, behind which are marshes. From Stony Point to Cape Vincent the shore is bordered by the level edges of the Trenton limestone, but farther down the river it presents the alternation of rounded ridges of rocks, intervales and marshes which mark the primary formation." The most elevated lands are found in Champion, Wilna and Worth, Champion Peak being 1,700 feet above the lake, while the highest point in Worth is about 1,400 feet above the same level. Mt. McQuillan in Wilna can be seen from almost any point in the eastern part of this or the western portion of Lewis county. The principal watercourse of the county is the St. Lawrence (Gano- wogeh and Gahunda, as known to the Indians) which connects Lake Ontario (Neahga or Tecarneodi, in the Seneca dialect) with the ocean. Second in size, but of much importance to the county, is the Black river (Ka-hu-ah-go, meaning great or wide river) which has its source in the Adirondacks and thence by an exceedingly devious course enters the county on the east, between Wilna and Champion, thence flows a generally west course and discharges into Black river bay. Indian river drains much of the northern portion of the county, and is the principal waterway of the towns of Antwerp, Philadelphia, Theresa and the north part of Le Ray. The remaining streams of the county EVIDENCES OF GLACIAL ACTION. 61 worthy of mention are Perch and Chaumont rivers, the two Sandy creeks (called by the natives Tekadaogahe, " sloping banks "), Stony, French, Mill, Pleasant and Black creeks, and the numerous tributaries of each of them. In the north part of the county is the system of small lakes, nearly all in Theresa with two or more in each of tbe towns of Antwerp and Alexandria, nearly all being tributaries of Indian river. Hungry bay, including Henderson, Black river and Chaumont bays, has a coast line of considerable length; and the Thousand Islands far ther down offer numerous attractions from their charming scenery and historic associations. In the early history of the county iron ores were found in several towns, particularly in Antwerp, and this valuable dis covery led to the founding of several important manufacturing indus tries, notably at Carthage where the unlimited water power offered by the long falls attracted iron producers. There has also been found traces of lead and copper in the primary region, while limestone, sus ceptible of a variety of uses, and water limestone and barytes have been abundant. The level country bordering on the St. Lawrence has at times been subject to periods of severe and long continued drouth, a condition seldom experienced on the uplands ; but the latter are and from the time of earliest settlement have been noted for the great depth of snowfall in winter. In the lake and bay localities waterspouts, accompanied with dark clouds have occasionally been seen, and with this phenomenon have been heard loud and roaring noises, the source of much alarm to the early settlers. The intervale lands in the primary region have always been remark ably fertile, while the ridges are often naked rock. The soil over part of the sandstone is quite thin for successful cultivation, but the barren region is comparatively limited. The limestone and slate districts are very fertile and especially adapted to dairying and tbe production of spring grains, the former being, perhaps, the staple agricultural in dustry of the county. Evidences of Glacial Action and Physical Features of Jefferson County.1 There are some things, that while we cannot go back and actually prove them to the ocular sense, are nevertheless well substantiated as i Contributed by Prank A. Hinds, of Watertown. (12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. facts, by the results and evidences that are themselves now plainly be fore us. One of these things, is the existence at a remote period of the earth's history of a great ice age, when from the continuous deposits of snow upon the colder portions of the earth, without the annual occurrence of a warm season of sufficient length to melt it, a great accumulation of snow and ice was formed, covering portions of the earth's surface to a great depth. This period must have extended over long ages of time, while the relations between the earth and the sun were undergoing, by a slow process, a sufficient change in relative position, to make such a refrigeration possible. After this accumulation became very great and deep, owing partly perhaps to the semi-fluid characteristics of even solidly frozen ice, the mass acquired a slow but very positive motion, in a direction away from the locality of its formation ; and it is this motion of the great mass of ice, that has made the marks, and left the evidences, that now disclose to us its former existence. Jefferson county has some very interesting features of this nature ; but before taking up the evidences of its occupation by the ice, if we glance at some of the physical peculiarities of the continent, and notice the relation and repetition of them, in the surface configuration of the county, we may be better able to understand the peculiar direction of the ice motion of this locality. The eastern portion of our continent, as a glance at any good map of North America will show, is formed with characteristic lines in a north easterly and southwesterly direction, for instance, the coast line from Newfoundland to Florida lies northeast and southwest and is in line with the peninsula of Yucatan ; the Appalachian range of mountains, con sisting of the Alleghanies, Blue Ridge and Cumberland mountains with their northern extensions, the Catskills and Adirondacks, are almost exactly parallel with each other and with the coast; the St. Lawrence river, with its lakes, Ontario and Erie, and the lower Ohio and Missis sippi rivers form a line of water courses almost exactly northeast and southwest ; all these are examples on a large scale and show that this portion of the continent was formed on lines lying northeasterly and southwesterly. Jefferson county exhibits tbe same characteristic peculiarity in a very marked manner, though in comparatively minute detail. Throughout the towns of Alexandria, Antwerp and Orleans, the numerous granite ridges and valleys have a general trend from the northeast to the south- EVIDENCES OF GLACIAL ACTION. 63 west ; the rocky Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence river are all long and narrow, with their major axes northeast and southwest ; in the town of Hounsfield along the road between the villages of Brownville and Dexter are a number of limestone ridges, emerging slightly above the surface of the soil, and showing the same trend; a number of valleys to the northward of the Black river, in the towns of Pamelia, Brownville and Lyme also lie in the same direction ; the Indian river in the northerly part of the county flows southwesterly to a point near the village of Evans Mills, where at the confluence of two of these nearly parallel valleys, it suddenly turns back and flows northeast to its outlet; the Oswegatchie river, farther to the north and partly in St. Lawrence county, does precisely the same thing at the oxbow ; the nu merous small lakes in the towns of Theresa, Alexandria and Antwerp are drawn out long and narrow in the same direction ; the channel of the Black river, from Great Bend to Huntingtonville, is in the same direction, and the line is continued through the low swamp westward of the city of Watertown, near Fields Settlement, Sulphur Springs and Bedford Creek, to the lake near Campbell's Point. The present Black river channel through the city of Watertown and the town of Brown ville is probably of comparatively recent development and the result of some violent disturbance of nature. Much of the latter distance the river flows through deep rifts in the rocks which show more evidence of rending or splitting open, than of a naturally worn river bed; this latter course also crosses the general trend of the valleys, and is prob ably the result of seismic action, giving the river a shorter and lower channel to the lake. The deep valley through the town of Rutland, known as Rutland Hollow, with its southwesterly extension through the valley of Brook- side cemetery to North Adams, Smithville, Henderson, and following Stony creek to the lake, furnishes another line of continuous valleys lying northeast and southwest; while the creek and valley from Rut land center through Burrville to Adams village, uniting with the nearly parallel valley of the Sandy creek from South Champion through Tyler- ville, Whitesville and Rodman, in still another double system, lying just to the southeast, but maintaining the general parallelism of the system; all this goes to show that the natural features of Jefferson county are peculiarly faithful copies of the general physical outlines of the entire eastern portion of the continent. Taking the foregoing into account, we are not surprised when we 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. come to look at the indications of the ice movement of the Glacial period, to find that the groovings of the rocks show the general direc tion to have been northeast and southwest, or in the direction of the valleys. And while many of the streams, including the St. Lawrence river itself, now flow toward the northeast, the fact that the ice moved from the northeast toward the southwest is proven by finding the de tritus left by the moving glaciers always on the southwesterly sides of hills or rocky ledges, which afforded protection to it under the moving ice. At many points about the city of Watertown the limestone rocks are smoothly polished, and where denuded by nature or by artificial ex cavations, frequently show deep groovings and markings, showing plainly the direction of the moving glacier which polished and ploughed it out. The limestone ridges heretofore mentioned in the town of Hounsfield show very plainly the groovings and furrows made through them by the ice, or by the boulders of harder rock which were moved along by the ice and frozen into it as they ground their way along ; and even the hard granite ridges of the northern towns show distinct fur rows, all in the same general direction, while the surfaces of all the granite hills show a rounding off, and smoothing over of the surface, which plainly points to the scrubbing and polishing of glacial action. At Huntingtonville, just east of, and up the river from the city of Watertown, is a wide area of denuded rock along the river shore of Huntington island. This rock is the hard and durable Black river lime stone, and its surface shows on a large scale the smoothly worn furrows and polished grooves of glacial erosion, and all in parallel lines and northeasterly and southwesterly in direction. Here, also, just above the dam, and now partly covered with water by the pond, are a very interesting group of pot holes, sharply and deeply cut, and in many instances, having the original pieces of hard stone in them, which prob ably made them when, thousands of years ago, the water poured down through holes in the ice and kept them constantly moving in their place until the rounded holes were made as we now see them. The annexed cut, made from a photograph taken when the water was out of the pond, shows the work wrought by this kind of nature's play, as well as the lines and furrows in the smoothly polished rock. Other examples of glacial grooves are found crossing the Black river just below the city and near the large manufactory of the Watertown Steam Engine Co. ; these also lie northeast and southwest. Glacial Groovings and Potholes near Huntingtonville. EVIDENCES OF GLACIAL ACTION. 65 In traveling by railroad from Watertown to Rome, at a point just before reaching the village of Pierrepont Manor, may be seen a belt of country, very thickly covered by granite boulders. These stones are so plentiful as to almost cover the entire surface of the ground; the area thus occupied extends for something like a half mile along the line of the railroad. This belt may be easily followed southwesterly and passes a little to the south of the village of Ellisburgh, entering Lake On tario some distance southerly of the mouth of Sandy Creek. Following northeasterly from Pierrepont Manor, the writer has detected this same belt about three miles southeast of the village of Rodman, and again at a point just east of Tylerville. Since all these places are in a straight line across the country, and this line is northeast and southwest, it is believed to be a great medial moraine where some glacier, descending from the higher country, brought with it the characteristic granite rocks of the Adirondack hills and deposited them here as it moved along in its southwesterly course. The direction of the line, and the character of the stones in a country where the natural rock is all Trenton lime stone or slate, lead to the belief that this is a true medial moraine — and that these stones were transported by the ice during the glacial period. There are numerous oval hills throughout tbe country, which glacial- ists call drumlins ; they usually consist of boulders and stones, and ground up rock, frequently cemented together into hard pan, and are usually most abrupt on tbe northeast side, with the easiest slopes to the southwest. Prospect hill on the north side of the river in the city of Watertown is an example of one of these, as is also the small hill on State street just east of the Club House and owned by the Watertown Land Company. Part way up the slope of the Rutland hills, there is a strip of beach gravel, showing unmistakably the marks of a former lake border ; it is seen near East Watertown, at the Luther gravel beds, and again on the road between Huntingtonville and Black River village, near the prem ises of F. E. Wilson ; also it appears again in the ridge road near Tal- cott's, and again south of Watertown Center just above Brookside Cem etery. These points are all practically at the same altitude as is found by leveling from one to another, and are about 425 feet above the pres ent level of Lake Ontario. This elevated lake border has also been noticed at various other points, at practically the same altitude. Gla- cialists account for this phenomena in the following manner : When the glaciers were receding from this part of the earth; the seasons be- 9 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. coming warmer, and the summers of greater length; so that the great ice sheet, although still moving toward the south, found its front line gradually working backward to the north on account of the increasing warm weather, although this was doubtless a slow process and occupied a long period of years, as the southern limit of glaciation reached as far as Cincinnati, Ohio; there came a time when the great Ontario basin was free from ice, though the St. Lawrence river valley, its natural outlet was still dammed up, as was also the valley of the Mohawk, and the water was prevented from flowing down these channels to the sea. At this time the great lake valley was filled with water up to the point where it could find an outlet. This outlet, assuming there has been no change of level in the crust of the earth since that time, was probably at the south end of Lake Michigan ; the natural surface of the country at that point being only a little lower than tbe ancient lake border of Jefferson county, the water would naturally flow over at that point, and down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, keeping the surface of the great lake at about the level where we find its indi cations. During this time, and it must have been a long time, the lake borders along our hill slopes were formed ; waves lashing the shores rounded and smoothed the stones into pebbles, and deposited the gravel beds where we now find them. At this time also the mouth of the Black river must have been somewhere between the present villages of Carthage and Great Bend and the great elevated sandy plateau, known as the Pine plains, was the sand bar under water, formed in this great lake, at the mouth of Black river, just as such bars are always formed where a great river flows into a lake, or the sea. Black river at that time was probably a very large stream, carrying a large volume of water from the melting ice, and very easily brought down the sand in its course, and deposited it, on meeting with the quiet waters of the great lake. During the summer of 1896, while the water commissioners of the city of Watertown were excavating a deep trench for the intake water pipe on the north side of the river, across the farm of Hubert Isham, there was found under eight feet of solid boulder clay, a thin stratum of peat, in which was embedded a great number of small trees or bushes, evidently a dense growth upon a low swampy tract, which was crushed down and buried up when the superincumbent stratum of clay came on. This boulder clay is the recognized detritus of glacial action, the ground up rock, fragmentary stones, rounded boulders and TWO COUNTY PROJECT. 67 heterogeneous material which was pushed along by the moving glacier, and deposited wherever it might lodge in a place protected in some manner from the moving ice. On the northerly side of Black river, in the towns of Brownville, Pamelia and Le Ray, there are frequent escarpments or ledges of the stratified Black river limestone, occasioned by faults in the dipping- strata, the direction of whose strike is usually east and west, or south east and northwest, making the upheaved edge of these ledges nearly at right angles with the line of motion of the great Laurentian glacier. These ledges invariably have the northeasterly face worn smooth, often showing deep groovings up their faces in the line of glacial movement, while the southwesterly sides are as universally sloped off with a filling of this boulder cla}' ; the rugged and firm face of the rocks having pre sented a sturdy barrier to the advancing ice, gave protection for a de posit of tbe detritus on the sheltered side, thus making easy slopes toward the southwest, all more or less deeply covered with snow. In the case of the buried forest of undergrowth, found on the Isham farm, it is believed to have been grown at a period just antedating the advent of the last glacier that covered this portion of the country, and having been covered deeply with an airtight covering of this very com pact boulder clay, and the peaty stratum having been always fully saturated with water, this wood has been thus preserved through the unnumbered ages since it was first covered up ; while many generations of trees upon the surface above them have grown up and gone to decay. A specimen of this wood has been deposited with the Jefferson County Historical Society, and also one with the State Geologist, Prof. Hall, at Albany. The creation of at least one new county in this part of the state was not only a convenience but a necessity, and the subject of two counties seemed to find much favor among the scattered inhabitants; still it was not then supposed that the legislature would create more than one. However, to get a fair expression of the inhabitats and secure the best results, each of the towns chose three delegates to meet at the house of Freedom Wright, in Harrisburgh, on November 20, 1804, to discuss the situation and agree on a plan of action; but the question which most interested the delegates at the meeting was the location of the county buildings in the proposed shire. Among the leading men in the region at the time who took an earnest interest in the project were Nathan Sage, of Redfield; Walter Martin, of Martinsburg; Silas Stow G8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and others of Lowville; Moss Kent, Noadiah Hubbard, Egbert Ten Eyck and others, of Champion; Henry Coffeen, of Watertown, and Jacob Brown, of Brownville. Of course each available site for county build ings had its zealous advocates, but it was understood that in case of the creation of a single county the little settlement founded by Noadiah Hubbard in Champion was the most convenient for all purposes. In fact it appears that several years before this meeting was suggested, Champion had been fixed upon as a probable county seat, and a little coterie of lawyers had established themselves at that place. But the diversity of opinion and interests shown at the meeting determined the delegates to favor two counties, which were created accordingly, upon which the hopes and opportunities of Champion as a seat of justice were lost. Lewis and Jefferson counties were the result of this meet ing, and thereby tbe names of Thomas Jeffersom and Morgan Lewis were duly honored and perpetuated. The creating act provided for the appointment of three commission ers, "who shall not be resident within the western district of this state, or interested in either of the said counties of Jefferson or Lewis, for the purpose of designating the sites of the court houses and goals, of the said counties respectively, and after exploring the same, ascer tain and designate a fit and proper place in each of the said counties for erecting the said buildings," &c. In accordance with the authority vested in them, the governor and council of appointment designated Matthew Dorr, David Rogers aud John Van Benthuysen, commissioners to determine upon a site for the county buildings. In Lewis county the worthy commissioners were charged with misfeasance and unfairness, and while no such allegations were made against them in this county, they were nevertheless con stantly and earnestly besieged with applications from several localities which coveted the desired designation. Jacob Brown of Brownville was perhaps the most earnest, but he lost through a report that his part of the county was incapable of settlement by reason of its very level and swampy character. He then offered a site in Pamelia, but the ar biters were determined to locate the county seat south of Black river. At this time all tbe old advocates of Champion were silent, for the twTo county scheme destroyed her chances. The Watertown advocates were equally strong with the others, and led by Henry Coffeen they ulti mately secured the designation. At that time Watertown was a hamlet of some size and considerable business importance among the settled COUNTY BUILDINGS. 69 localities of the county; and the selection of that place as the seat of justice of the county was wholly fair, although a serious disappointment to the champions of other sites. The site was deeded to the county by Henry and Amos Coffeen, the committee of supervisors appointed to see that the conveyance was properly completed comprising Cliff French, Thomas White and Corlis Hinds. The first session of the board of supervisors was held October 1, 1805, in the little school house which stood on the site of the Universalist church of later years; but the board was so occupied with matters pertaining to the towns and tbe settlement of affairs with Lewis county, that the subject of county buildings was not discussed until 1806. It had been provided that until the jail was built the county should send prisoners to Whitestown, but this was a source of much inconvenience and gave rise to a feeling that many criminals might escape punishment from the fact that officers disliked the long journey from Watertown to the Oneida county seat. Therefore, to provide the necessary building, Corlis Hinds, Nicholas Salisbury and Jacob Brown were appointed a committee to examine and report as to the expediency and probable cost of a jail. The committee duly in quired into tbe matter and found and reported that two-thirds of the county tax was paid by non-residents; that -there was a probability of a change which wrould exempt the non-residents, wherefore it ap peared that the interests of the county demanded that a jail be built. The report also stated that a building would cost about $4,500, but that a jail built at a cost of $2,500 would be better than the system then in operation. Thus informed, the board selected Jacob Brown and Augustus Sack- ett to prepare a petition to the legislature for an act authorizing a tax levy of $2,500 for the erection of a court house and jail. The act was passed, the levy made, and on February 19, 1808, another act authorized an additional $2,500 to complete the work. William Smith, Gershom Tuttle and Noadiah Hubbard were selected to supervise the construc tion of the building after plans to be approved by the board. The work was done during the years 1807-8 by William Rice and Joel Mix, and the structure when finished was of frame, 45 x 60 feet in size, having an eastern front, and cost $4,997.58. The furnishings cost an addi tional $262.87. The first jail limits were established August 13, 1807. ' The present jail limits comprise the city limits. 1 The first jail limits included a small space around the court house, a part of the public 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1815 the supervisors determined upon the erection of a substantial clerk's office, and accordingly applied to the legislature for an enabling act, which was passed April 5, 1816, authorizing an expenditure of not more than $1,500 for the purpose. It was also provided that Ebenezer Wood, Ethel Bronson and Egbert Ten Eyck comprise the building committee. The clerk's office was accordingly erected, and stood on land between the Episcopal church and tbe square. It was used by the county until 1831, when a new clerk's office was completed in pursu ance of action of the supervisors during the years 1829 and 1830. Daniel Ward, Eli West and Stephen D. Sloan were commissioners to borrow moneys for the purpose of constructing the new building, and also to sell the old office and site. The second county clerk's office stood on Court street, north side, and was a substantial stone building, sufficient for a time, but the growth of the county in later years rendered it inadequate for its in tended purpose. On the completion of a new court house, in 1862, the clerk's records and papers were removed to that structure and placed in rooms especially arranged for them. In 1867 the supervisors made a contract of sale of the Court street lot to Harmon M. Mintborn, and on December 21, 1868 conveyed the property to him by deed. The building was removed and replaced with one of brick, and is now used for mercantile purposes. The old combined court house and jail, built in 1807-8, was damaged by fire in December, 1817, but was repaired at a cost of about $500. On February 9, 1821, the entire structure was burned and destroyed, thus necessitating new buildings. Then arose the question of removal of the county seat, and among the localities which put forth a strong claim for the proposed new building was Sackets Harbor, a delightful situation and one surroudded with many historic associations, but the appeal was in vain, and Watertown still contained the county buildings. The county again had recourse to the legislature, and on March 13, 1821, an act was passed authorizing a tax of $8,000, and a loan on. the credit of the county for $6,000 more, to be used in erecting two build- square and nearly all the dwellings in the village, while between these localities, "along the sides of the road, and some'.imes in the centre, were paths, from four to eight feet wide, with occasional crossings, so that by carefully observing his route, turning at right angles, and keeping himself in the strict ranges which the court had established, a man might visit nearly every building in the village ; but if the route was by any accident obstructed by a pile of lum ber, a pool of mud, or a loaded wagon, he must pass over, through or under, or else expose him self to the peril of losing this precious freedom."— fHough.) COUNTY BUILDINGS. 71 ings, one for a court house and the other for a jail. The committee to superintend the construction comprised Eliphalet Edmonds, Henry H. Coffeen and Jabez Foster, under whose direction in the same year the work was done. The court house was a substantial structure for its time, 45 x 48 feet in size, but in the course of the next thirty-five years it became unsuitable for its intended use, was not complete in all its appointments and altogether out of fashion as such buildings were then constructed. The need of a new and larger court house was acknowl edged but the supervisors were slow to act, and the result was that in 1858 the grand jury declared the building a public nuisance. Various means were suggested to remedy the defects, but a resolution to re build at last prevailed and was adopted. On January 7, 1861, plans were accepted, and about the same time a site was selected at the corner of Arsenal and Benedict streets, the same having been generously do nated by public spirited citizens. State moneys to the amount of $25,000 were borrowed by the county, and a contract was at once made with John Hose and Joseph Davis to construct the building, under the charge of W. H. White, supervising architect, and Joseph Atwell, A. W. Clark, A. C. Middleton, C. A. Benjamin, John H. Conklin, Henry Spicer and John Putman, supervisors' committee. The committee, however, proved to be a rather large and expensive body, hence was discharged and replaced with another comprising J. H. Conklin, D. W. Baldwin and Octave Blanc. The original cost of the new court house was $25,488.89. The building was formally dedicated October 7, 1862. The Jefferson county court house is a substantial brick building, with stone trimmings, two stories high, about 70 x 120 feet on the ground, and is in all respects an attractive structure in the view of an observer. It is surmounted with a tower and otherwise presents a good appear ance, while the well-kept lawn and grounds add to the attractiveness of the property. However, in the course of time the constant increase of business de manded more commodious quarters for county officials, and the question of a removal of the clerk's records from tbe main building was seriously considered as a measure of safety. On November 22, 1881, a resolu tion was presented to the board then in session to the effect that the office as then situated was unsafe as a depository for public records, whereupon a committee comprising supervisors Bingham, Kelsey and Mitchell was authorized to examine the premises and recommend some action to be adopted by the board at its next session. The matter 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. again came up for discussion in December, 1882, but the committee asked for more time, which was granted. At the next session (Dec, 1883), plans and proposals for a new, detached, fire-proof building were presented, with a suggestion to the effect that the Howland lot, on Benedict street, could be purchased at a cost of $2,600, and that the additional cost of a suitable building would be about $22,400; that $25,000 would cover the whole expense. Later on, however, an addi tional sum of $1,500 was asked for to furnish the office. The board determined to act and appointed T. C. Chittenden, W. D. Arms, Ralph Gurnee, the county judge and county clerk as a building committee, authorized to purchase the Howland lot and cause the building to be erected. The plans of architect J. W. Griffin were adopted, and the contract for construction was awarded to John Hardiman. The work was done during 1884, and on Nov. 25 the committee reported to the board that the cost of the building was $21,384.23; for architect's fees, $1,010, and that $1,532.39 had been expended for furniture and fix tures. After the destruction of the old jail in 1821, county prisoners were confined in the Lewis county jail until the burned structure was re placed. This was done in 1821, and by a resolution adopted by the su pervisors solitary cells were provided. However, the jail, like the old court house, at last became insufficient and not in keeping with the advanced sanitary regulations of the state. The question of recon struction was presented to the board Nov. 29, 1892, and a special com mittee comprising supervisors Yost, Strough and Arms was authorized to make the needed alterations and repairs, with such additions as were required by law. The work was done in 1893; the interior of the jail was substantially remodeled, and a new sheriff's residence was erected, at a total cost of $13,480.08, and the result was a good, substantial ¦ jail building, amply sufficient for all present purposes of the county. The subject of county maintenance of the poor was first seriously discussed by the supervisors in 1822, but not until three years later was definite action taken, when members Hubbard, Hart and Stewart were constituted a committee to ascertain the probable cost of a farm prop erty, situated within five miles from the court house, and well suited to its intended use. Several sites were offered tbe committee, and were reported to the board, which body selected the Dudley farm of 150 acres in Le Ray, five miles from the county seat. It cost $1,500. The buildings were repaired and arranged for their new tenants, and SUPERINTENDENT OF THE POOR. 73 here the count)' poor were maintained until 1832, when the supervisors determined to sell the property and secure another location. On Jan uary 25, 1833, the legislature passed an act authorizing the supervisors to borrow $4,000, and at the next session of the board it was resolved to purchase the J. Foster farm (situate one mile below Watertown, on the north side of the river) at a cost of $1, 500. The committee appointed to carry out the resolution of the board comprised Orville Hungerford, Joseph Graves and Bernard Bayless. Thus the present county poor farm and property were secured, although since that time the building has been remodeled, enlarged and repaired as occasion has required. In 1852 (April 12) the legislature passed an act relating to this county which authorized the election of only one overseer of the poor in each town, which officer, associated with the supervisor, performed all the duties of overseer therein, subject, however, to the restrictions and lim itations prescribed by the board of supervisors. At this time the office of county superintendent of the poor was abolished, so far as the elec tion of that officer was concerned, and the board was authorized to ap point a person to fill the position during its pleasure. The appointee was to reside on the farm and perform the duties of keeper, in addition to those incumbent on him as superintendent. This system, while perhaps a novel one, has its benefits in reduction of county expenses, and at the same time the proper committee of the board, and indeed tbe board itself, is able to know what expenditures are made, and how made, and are in no manner at the mercy of a gen eral county superintendent, as might be the case under the provisions of the law as it now exists. Under the original system, after the purchase of tbe Le Ray farm, superintendents were appointed, and were Orville Hungerford, William S. Ely, Peter Yandes, John Hoover and Asher Wilmot for the first year, and a like number annually until 1848, when the office became elective. The first elected incumbents of the office were David Montague, Charles F. Symonds and Phineas Hardy, 1848; Martin J. Hutchins, 1849; Peter S. Houck, 1850; and Austin Everitt, 1851. Under the new and present system the first appointee was Alpheus Parker, whose term be gan January 1, 1853, and who was succeeded in 1858 by Nathaniel Havens, jr. Colonel Heman Strong followed in 1860, and served until his death in April, 1876. The later superintendents have been A. W Wheelock, 1876-82, and John R. Washburn, 1883-97. 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER IX. A Brief Tribute to the Pioneers of Jefferson County — Creation and Settlement of the Towns — Subsequent Growth as Indicated by the Census Reports — Boundaries of the County Permanently Established in 1813 — Town Boundaries also Defined. In general and in particular the pioneers of Jefferson county were a determined and courageous set of men and women, many of whom came to the new region from more comfortable homes in the east to contend against the privations and hardships which always beset life in an undeveloped country. Many of them had seen service during the revolution, and were now prepared to face new dangers and possible death in the hope that they might establish fortunes for their own and their families' comfort which they could not gain in the rugged, hilly regions of New England. The character and condition of the St. Lawrence region was told in the east by the soldiers of the last French wars, and was repeated anew by the patriots of the revolution after that memorable struggle had passed. After the state had acquired title to the lands, the speculators, operators and companies came and received patents for consideration, and under their inspiring influence and rep resentations came the sturdy pioneer who cleared the land of its forest growth, built the cabins and the primitive mills, and thus prepared the way and made lighter the path and the toil of his family and followers. All honor, then, to this vanguard of new civilization, whose struggles and hardships gave being to a county in just seven short years after the first improvement was begun. All honor to the pioneers of Jefferson county, be they alien or citizen, foreign or native, for through their lives and work, the county came into life and took a place among the civil divisions of the state; a jurisdiction as grand, as vast, as beautiful, as diversified with the wildest and most remote extremes of nature's fancies, as rich and fertile in all the staples that agricultural industry can produce, and possessing natural resources and wealth equal to any region in this great commonwealth. Notwithstanding the fact that during the last French and Indian war the region now called Jefferson county became fairly known to the SETTLEMENT OF TOWNS. 75 English troops and to the American colonists, and regardless of the fact that during the revolution this region was the scene of many inter esting events, and also the route frequently chosen by the soldiery in passing to and from the Canadas, there appears to have been no per manent white settlement within its borders previous to the spring of 1797, when Noadiah Hubbard first came to township No. 4 of the Black river tract, then known as Howard but later as Champion, and prepared the way for future settlement. In the same year, if local record and tradition be true, Lyman and Marvel Ellis visited tbe town called Ellisburgh with a view to settlement. Lyman Ellis then pre pared a piece of land, sowed it with wheat, and harvested the crop in 1798. Judge Noadiah Hubbard, in his reminiscences of early life in the county, said: "Not one tree had been cut here for the purpose of making a settlement, nor was there a white man settled in what is now the county of Jefferson when I came here. I was the first white settler in the county. I remained here through the summer, and until Octo ber, engaged in making a clearing. We then returned to Steuben, where my family was, to spend the winter." Whether Noahiah Hubbard or Lyman Ellis was the first white settler in tbe county is a question which the present writer is unable to settle, but it is surprising that a country so well known as this in the year 1800 should have less than 1,200 inhabitants within its borders, or within territory then comprising the towns of Mexico and Leyden, which ul timately formed this county. The jurisdiction was created in 1805, at which time the towns comprising it were estimated to contain about 1,500 inhabitants. However, let us turn briefly to the towns compris ing the county at the time it was created, and note the names of the pioneers in each. During tbe revolution, and perhaps earlier, Carlton island was occupied by whites, British soldiers, but that possession was temporary and for the purpose of holding the island within the British dominion. Later, in 1786, Matthew Watson and William Guilland purchased the land warrant earned and held by William Richardson, of the American army, and located their claim on the island; but the commissioners of the land office were in doubt whether the island was within U. S. territory, hence sanctioned the location only on condition that the warrant should be void if the island should be found within British jurisdiction. True, Carlton island fell on the U. S. side of the boundary, and the patentees held under sure title, but whether they 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. occupied their land and improved it previous to 1800 is a question of much doubt. The town of Adams, originally Aleppo, township No. 7, Black river tract, was surveyed in 1796 by Benjamin Wright, and in 1799 Nicholas Salisbury and several companions visited the region in quest of a place for settlement. Soon afterward Mr. Salisbury made a purchase of land in the town, but no permanent settlement until the spring of 1800. In the meantime other prospective settlers had made purchases, but his was the pioneer effort in actual occupation. More than forty lots were sold previous to 1805, and the town in 1807 contained 163 legal voters. In Brownville, one of the county's most historic and substantial divisions, the lands were about equally divided by the south line of great lot number four of the Macomb purchase ; therefore settlement and improvement was divided between the proprietors under the Ant werp company and Rodolph Tillier, agent for the sale of lands on the Chassanis tract. He induced Jacob Brown to make an investment in lands on his tract, which resulted in a purchase, and in 1799 this worthy pioneer came to the town with a portion of his family and made the first improvement near the mouth of Philomel creek, on Black river, where was afterward built up the village of Brownville. In 1800 the pioneer erected a saw mill, and in 1801 a grist mill, both at the mouth of the creek. A bridge across the river was built in 1802, and a dam in 1806. Jacob Brown built the first house in the county north of Black river. Other pioneers in the town were George Brown, Samuel Brown (father to Jacob) and his family, John W. Collins, Richardson Avery, Nathan Parish and Horace Mather. In 1807 the town had 181 legal voters, with property qualifications. Champion, originally Howard, township No. 4, of the Black river tract, was settled in 1797-98 by Noadiah Hubbard. In 1799 Joel Mix came with his family, and also John and Thomas Ward, Ephraim Chamberlain, Samuel and David Starr, Jotham Mitchell, Salmon Ward, and Bela Hubbard, all of whom were young men without families. In 1807 this town had 182 legal voters. Ellisburgh, as has been mentioned, was first settled by Lyman Ellis in 1797, but soon afterward, during the same year, Caleb Ellis came, and also a company of men engaged by the pioneer to build a saw and grist mill on Sandy creek, and a dam across the stream. Caleb Ellis's family, Robert Fulton, Elijah Richardson, Hezekiah Pierce, Chauncey SETTLEMENT OF TOWNS. 77 Smith, William Root, Vial Salisbury, Isaac Waddle, Abram Wilcox and two men named Thornton came to the town in the spring of 1798. Lorraine, originally Malta, but later Atticus, township No. 1, of the Boylston tract, was settled in 1802 by pioneers James McKee and Elijah Fox, the latter a single man. Other early settlers, who came during the following winter were Comfort Stancliff, Benjamin Gates, John Alger, Seth Cutler and a Mr. Balcom. The first saw mill was built by Mr. Frost, and the first grist mill by Mr. Cutler, both in 1804, and located on Sandy creek. In 1807 Lorraine had 161 legally quali fied voters. Rodman, originally Orpheus, township No. 8, of the Black river tract, was settled in 1801, under the direction of Silas Stow, acting as agent for proprietors Harrison and Hoffman. The pioneers were An son and Ebenezer Moody, Jonathan, Noah and Aaron Davis, Benjamin Thomas, William Rice, and Simeon Hunt, followed in 1802 by Timothy Greenly and Thomas White. William Rice built the first saw mill in 1804, and the first grist mill in 1806. This town was settled rapidly, and in 1S07 contained 236 legal voters. Rutland, originally Milan, township No. 3, of the Black river tract, was settled under the management of Asher Miller, agent for proprie tor William Henderson. Miller himself was the pioneer, having come to the town in 1799 and opened a road from the river to a point near the center; and in the same year he induced a settlement by Levi But terfield, Perley Keyes, Amos Stebbins, William Keyes, David and Goldsmith Coffeen, Raphael Porter, Israel Wright, Jonathan and Clark Boss, James Killiam, Jeptha King, Charles Kelsey, Warren Foster, John Dole, Gardner Cleveland and John Cotes. Agent Miller appears to have been very active in making sales of land, as in 1807 he had about fifty families in the town, with a total number of inhabitants of 236, equal to Rodman, and with that town standing first in the county. David Coffeen, who was afterward identified with early events in Champion, built the first grist mill in Rutland in 1801, and the first saw mill in 1802. Levi Butterfield was the first tavern keeper, and Jacob Williams opened the first store. Watertown within its present limits embraces original township No. 2 of the Black river tract, or Leghorn, as then known. When created it included Nos. 1, 2 and 3 of the tract mentioned. The town was first surveyed in 1796 by Benjamin Wright, and afterward by Robert McDowell. It was subdivided in 1801 by Joseph Crary for Silas Stow 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as agent for Nicholas Low, the proprietor. Settlement, however, was begun by Henry Coffeen, Jonathan Cowan, Hart and Isaac Massey and Zachariah Butterfield, some of whom purchased lands in 1799 and came to the town in the next year, locating on the site where now stands the city.1 Oliver Bartholomew came during the same year and settled down the river about two and a half miles. These were the only families in the town during that year, although many prospective purchasers visited the locality, and some of them made contracts with the agents. The remaining towns of the county were of later formation, and were subdivisions of towns already mentioned, with the single exception of Wilna, which was formed from Le Ray and Leyden in 1813, and comprised lands from both the Chassanis tract and great lot No. 4 of the Macomb purchase. As the story is told at length in the history of the town, settlement in Wilna was begun on the site of Carthage by Henry Boutin, one of the French company, with intention to found a village ; and while that work was soon accomplished, few of the French settlers were concerned in it, and the honor in fact fell to the sturdy American pioneers. Hounsfield (originally Hesoid, township No. 1, Black river tract), was a subdivision of Watertown, and Henderson (No. 6 of the Black river tract) of Ellisburgh, both set off in 1806, while Worth, the terrritory of which was used as compensation or "boot" lands, was formed from Lorraine in 1848. The first perma nent settlement in Hounsfield was made in 1800 by Amos Fox, who also made the first improvements, but within tbe next two years at least thirty families had come in through the energetic action of Augustus Sacket, founder of the village now known as Sackets Harbor, and indeed one of the most prominent men of the county in his time. Hen derson began to settle in 1801, Thomas Clark, Samuel Stewart, Philip Crumett, John Stafford and Peter Cramer being the pioneers. In Worth the first settlers were Asaph Case and Leonard Bullock, who came in 1802, forty-six years before the town was set off from Lor raine. Iu the same manner a brief reference may be made to the towns 1 This has always been accredited history, yet Mi. Brock way's narrative says that in 1T0S Eliphalet Edmunds and brother came from Vermont and descended Black river in a boat; that when at the site of the subsequent village they had the misfortune to upset their craft, and thus lost their effects in the river. They then went to the south part of the county, and were followed to this locality in 1799, or the next year, by Nathaniel and Seyrel Harrington and Joshua Priest, all of whom settled on " Dry Hill." SETTLEMENT OF TOWNS. 79 north of the south line of great lot No. 3 of the Macomb tract. In this part of the county Brownville was the mother of towns, and originally included the entire region north of the line within the county, except a part of Wilna, which was taken from the territory adjoining on the east. Therefore General Brown was not only the pioneer of the town named after him within its present limits, but also of all that region of country which lay north of the south line of the great lot. For a time he was the sole occupant, with those who settled with him, of a terri tory larger than many of the present counties of the state. The first division of Brownville was made in 1806, when Le Ray was created, and included all the town now so called, together with Ant werp, Philadelphia and Theresa, and parts of Alexandria and Wilna. Settlement in Le Ray was begun in 1802 by a company under Benja min Brown, under the Le Ray proprietary. Among the pioneers were Dyer Rhodes, Gersbom and John Matoon, Joseph Child and sons, Thomas Ward, William Cooper and Benjamin Kirkbride. In 1807 Le Ray contained 153 legal voters. Antwerp was formed from Le Ray in 1810. The first settler was William Lee, who came in 1803, under tbe direction of Lewis R. Morris, then the proprietor. Mills were erected at Antwerp village in 1806-7, for Morris, by John Jennison. Wilna was formed from Le Ray and Leyden in 1813, but its settle ment was begun on the Chassanis tract side of the line. Alexandria and Philadelphia were formed in 1821, the former from Le Ray and Brownville, and the latter from Le Ray. Improvements in Alexandria were not begun until about 1811, when Mr. Le Ray made a clearing at the center, thus hoping to attract settlers to the locality, but owing to the uncertainties of the war actual settlement was delayed. This town, however, had an interesting history during the war, for an account of which see the following chapter and also the chapter relating to the town itself. A portion of Wells island and also many smaller islands form a part of Alexandria. In Philadelphia the first settlers were " Friends " from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, who came in 1804, among the first being Cadwallader Child, Mordecai Taylor and Samuel Evans. Robert Comfort kept the first tavern, Samuel Case the first store, and Thomas and John Townsend built the first saw mill. Theresa was set off from Alex andria in 1841, and was named in allusion to a daughter of Mr. Le Ray. Settlement in the town was begun about 1810, under the direct man agement of Le Ray, who caused land to be cleared and a saw mill built on Indian river, near the high falls (now Theresa). Among the early 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. settlers may be recalled the names of James Shurtleff, Anson and Jere miah Cheeseman, Sylvester Rodman, M. B. Ashley, Azariah Walton, Col. Bull, Abram Morrow, Joseph Miller, Archibald Fisher, James Lake, Ebenezer and N. W. Lull and J. D. Davidson. Lyme was the second town formed directly from Brownville, and was created in 1818. A part of Clayton was set off in 1833, and all of Cape Vincent in 1849. In Lyme settlement was begun in 1801 under Jonas Smith and Henry A. Delamater, agents for James Le Ray. The pio neers were Richard M. Esseltyn, T. Wheeler, Peter Pratt, and Jonas, David and Timothy Soper. Within the jurisdiction of Cape Vincent is included Grenadier, Fox and Carlton islands, the last mentioned of which has been noted in this chapter. Settlement on the mainland was begun in 1801 by Captain Abijah Putnam, at a point two miles below Cape Vincent village. Clayton was formed from Lyme and Orleans in 1833, taking from the latter two-fifths of Penet's square. The pioneer was one Bartlett (the christian name being unknown), who was stationed there by the land agents to maintain a ferry between Bartlett's point and Gananoque, but after about a year the settler burned his buildings and left the local ity. The proprietors also made other attempts to found a settlement, but failure appeared to attend each effort, and it was not until several years afterward that the region became permanently occupied. This, however, is historic territory and further mention properly belongs to the chapter relating to the town. Grindstone and several smaller isl ands are within the jurisdiction of Clayton. Pamelia, named by General Brown in honor of his wife, was formed from Brownville in 1819, and was first settled in 1799 by two men named Boshart and Kitts, whose stay was brief, and was followed by settlement of a more permanent character by Thomas Makepeace and Mr. Havens in 1804 and 1805. The town comprised two parts of three tracts, Penet's square, great lot No. 4, and the Chassanis tract ; but the portion taken from Penet's square was not annexed to the town until 1829. Orleans was also formed wholly from Brownville in 1821. A part of its territory was annexed to Pamelia in 1829, and the whole of Clayton was taken off in 1833. The town comprised three-fifths of Penet's square, and was originally settled by squatters, who occupied the land without color of title ; which fact becoming generally known, induced other settlement of the same character until the region was well filled POPULATION. 81 with families of the poorer class. This, together with the fact that there was a question as to the validity of the titles from Penet, delayed permanent settlement for several years. In 1817 settlers under ap proved title began coming in, for the lands were good and sold at reasonable prices. Roderic C. Frazier, Peter Pratt, Dr. Reubin Andrus and Samuel and Daniel Ellis are mentioned among the first permanent settlers. A portion of Wells island is within this town. This brief synopsis of organization and pioneer events in the several towns is but an introduction of subjects which are treated at much greater length in subsequent chapters, and is here made for the pur pose of preserving chronology. However, as tending to show the growth and development of the county and its towns, both in early and later years, recourse may be had to the federal and state census reports, from which is taken the aggregate number of inhabitants at the begin ning of each half decade. In 1807, with eleven towns in the county, the population was 1,983 1810, 15,143; 1814, 18,564; 1820, 33,882; 1825, 41,941; 1830, 48,425 1835, 53,798; 1840, 60,549; 1845, 64,999; 1850, 68,442; 1855, 65,420 1860, 69,825; 1865, 66,448; 1870, 65,415; 1875, 65,334; 1880, 66,103 1S85, no count; 1890, 68,806'; 1892, according to unofficial count, 70,358. It will be seen from this that the development of the county, from first to last, has been gradual, steady and constant. True, there have been times in which was shown a decrease in the number of inhabitants, nevertheless growth in every direction has been continuous, and it is doubtful if ever in the history of the county at large, under normal influences, has there been a more prosperous condition than at the present time. However, it is not within the province of our work to discuss conditions, nor to account for depressed periods. A glance at the extracts from the census reports shows that the greatest population was attained in 1892, assuming the count of that year to have been correct, while at any previous time the population was at its maximum in 1860. When the county was created by the legislature its .territory com prised eight towns, but in 1813 the boundaries of all the counties of the state were defined with much greater care than when first erected. Under the act of that year the new bounds established for this county were as follows : n 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Beginning at the southwest corner of the township of Minos (Ellisburgh), on the easterly shore of Lake Ontario, running thence along the southerly bounds of the said township, to the southeast corner thereof, thence northerly along the easterly bounds thereof, to the southwest corner ofthe township of Atticus (Lorraine); thence easterly along the south bounds of the townships of Atticus and Fenelon (Worth), to the southeast corner of the said township of Fenelon; thence northerly along the east bounds of the township of Fenelon to the northeast corner thereof; thence westerly along the north bounds thereof, to the southeast corner of the town ship of Orpheus (Rodman); thence northerly along the east bounds of the township of Orpheus to the south bounds of the township of Milan (Rutland); thence south easterly along the southerly bounds of the township of Milan to the southwest corner of the township of Howard (Champion) ; thence northeasterly along the southeasterly bounds of the township of Howard, to the easterly corner thereof, on the Black river ; thence in a direct line to the southwest corner of the lot in the eleventh west ern, and the twenty-first northern ranges in the subdivisions of great lot number five of Macomb's purchase ; thence east on the line between the twentieth and twenty- first northern ranges of lots to the southwestern corner of the lot in the tenth west ern, and twenty-first northern ranges of lots; thence north on the line between the tenth and eleventh western ranges to the south line of great lot number four, of Macomb's purchase; thence easterly along the said line to the corner of lots 808 and 809. of the subdivisions of said great lot number four; thence along the line of num bers 808 and 809, to lot 857 ; thence along the line of numbers 857 and 859 to the southeast corner of lot 857; thence northeasterly between lots numbers 857 and 859 to the northeast corner of lot 851 ; thence westerly along the line of lots numbers 851 and 850 to the southwest corner of lot 850; thence northeasterly along the lots to the boundary of the county of St. Lawrence, at the northeast corner of lot 834; thence northwesterly along the westerly bounds of the county of St. Lawrence to the north bounds of this state; thence westerly and southerly along the said north bounds of this state to a point west from the place of beginning. During the same session of the legislature, another act defined the boundaries of towns in all the counties; in this county as follows: Adams.— All that part of the said county of Jefferson known and distinguished by township number seven in Macomb's purchase, and called Aleppo on the surveyor- general's map, shall be and continue a town by the name of Adams. Antwerp.— All that part of the said county of Jefferson bounded as follows: Be ginning at the most easterly corner of lot number 148 of the subdivision of great lot number four of Macomb's purchase, on the line between the counties of St. Law rence and Jefferson ; thence southwesterly on the line between lots 148 and 149, and the same course continued to the most easterly corner of lot 134; thence easterly on the line between lots 162 and 163 and the same course continued to the bounds of the county, and then northerly and westerly along the same to the place of begin ning, shall be and continue a town by the name of Antwerp. Brownville.— And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson bounded east erly by the east line of a tract of land known and distinguished by the name of Penet's square, and the said line extended south to the Black river and north to -the bounds of the county; southerly by the Black river and a line run west from its BOUNDARIES OF TOWNS. 83 mouth to the bounds of the county, and westerly, northerly and northwesterly by the bounds of the county, together with the waters and islands west thereof within said county, shall be and continue a town by the name of Brownville. Champion. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and dis tinguished by township number four, in the tract of land aforesaid, and called How ard on the surveyor-general's map, shall be and continue a town by the name of Champion. Ellisburgh. — And that all that part of the county of Jefferson contained within the township in Macomb's purchase, 'distinguished on the map of this state made by the surveyor-general by the name of Minos, together with the water and islands west thereof to the bounds of the county, shall be and continue a town by the name of Ellisburgh. Henderson. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson contained within township number six in Macomb's purchase, and called Henderson on the sur veyor-general's map, and the same extended west to the bounds of the county, shall be and continue a town by the name of Henderson. Hounsfield. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and distinguished by township number one, and called Hesiod on the surveyor-general's map, in a tract of land belonging to Henry Champion and others, together with the waters and islands west thereof within said county, shall be and continue a town by the name of Hounsfield. Le Ray. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson bounded southerly by the Black river ; westerly by Brownville ; easterly by the town of Antwerp and the east bounds of the county; northwesterly, northerly and northeasterly by Ant werp and the bounds of the county, shall be and continue a town by the name of Le Ray. Lorraine. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and dis tinguished by townships number one and two in Macomb's purchase, and called Atticus and Fenelon on the surveyor general's map, shall be and continue a town by the name of Lorraine. Rodman.— And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and dis tinguished by township number eight in Macomb's purchase, and called Orpheus on the surveyor-general's map, shall be and continue a town by the name of Rodman. Rutland.— And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and dis tinguished by township number three, in a tract of land belonging to Henry Cham pion and others, and called Milan on the surveyor-general's map, shall be and con tinue a town by the name of Rutland. Watertown. — And that all that part of the said county of Jefferson known and distinguished by township number two of a tract of land belonging to Henry Cham pion and others, and called Leghorn on the surveyor-general's map, shall be and continne a town by the name of Watertown. Wilna. That from and after the first day of January next all the tract included between the bounds mentioned in the first enacting clause of this bill and the bound aries between the counties of Lewis and Jefferson on the east side of the Black river, as the same existed previous to the passing of this law, together with all that part of the town of Le Ray bounded southerly by the Black river, easterly and northerly by the above mentioned line and the town of Antwerp, and westerly by a line be- 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ginning at the most easterly corner of lot No. 710, and running southerly on the division line between lots No. 710 and 739, and the same course continued until it intersects the Black river, be erected into a new town by the name of Wilna ; and that all the remaining part of the town of Le Ray, and all the remaining part of the town of Leyden, shall be and remain separate towns as heretofore, by the respective names of Le Ray and Leyden, and the next town meetings in the said towns of Le- Ray and Leyden shall be held where they now stand adjourned to in said towns. Much, however, which might be said of the towns and their early settlement properly belongs to their separate histories, to which the at tention of the reader is directed. It so happened at the time when the legislature passed the act defining the boundaries of both county and towns, the whole country was involved in a serious war with Great Britain, and while the provisions of the act were carried out, questions of far more import were uppermost in the minds of the inhabitants. In fact at the time the entire frontier of this county was the scene of almost constant strife and turmoil, for at least three invasions of the territory had been made and still others were threatened. This was indeed a period of vast importance to the people of the region as well as of the country, and is therefore worthy of a place in these pages. CHAPTER X. Events Preceding the War of 1812-15— British Aggressions— The Embargo and Non-intercourse Acts— British Claims of Right to Search— Depressing Effect of the Embargo Act on the Inhabitants of Jefferson County— Smuggling Operations and Measures to Suppress it— Arsenal Built in Watertown— The Beginning of Hostilities —General Brown's Militia on the Frontier— Sackets Harbor Becomes the Center of Operations— Brief Review of Events of 1813— Campaign for the Year 1813— British Take Ogdensburgh— Movements About the Harbor— Ships Built— York Taken by the Americans— Death of General Pike— The Enemy Attack Sackets Harbor— A Privateering Expedition— Operations on the Lake— Council of War at Sackets Har bor—Its Results— Expedition to the Champlain Country— Chrysler's Field— Cam paign of 1814— Sandy Creek— Operations in Western New York— Militia Again Called Out— The Return of Peace. During the five years immediately preceding the second war with Great Britain, the entire country was in a condition of nominal peace, yet every political event on this side of the Atlantic showed a feeling CAUSES LEADING TO THE WAR OF 1812-15. 85 of unrest and disquiet and the certain approach of another contest at arms with the mother country. The United States had honorably ob served the provisions of tbe treaty made with Great Britain at the close of the revolution, and had maintained, too, a strict neutrality during the progress of the Napoleonic wars when gratitude should have prompt ed an alliance with France. However, let us refer in a general way to some of the leading events of the period previous to the outbreak of the war, and then to their effect on the early history of this county. For several years the aggressive acts of the British had been a sub ject of anxiety and regret to all Americans and had created a feeling of deep indignation throughout the country. The embargo laid by congress upon our shipping, as a means of safety, was found so inju rious to commercial interests that it was repealed, and the non-inter course act was passed in its stead. In April, 1809, the British ambas sador in Washington opened negotiations for the adjustment of difficul ties, and consented to a withdrawal of the " orders in council," so far as they affected the United States, on condition that the non-intercourse act be repealed. This was agreed to and the president issued a proc lamation to the effect that on the 10th of June trade with Great Britain might be resumed ; but the British government refused to ratify the proceedings and recalled her minister, whereupon the president re voked his proclamation and the non-intercourse act again went into operation. The most odious of all British aggressions during the period was the claim of "right to search," in pursuance of which British cruisers stopped American vessels on the ocean and seized such of their crews as were suspected to be subjects of the king and forced them into their service. This claim led to outrages to which no American could sub mit, and the only choice left to our nation was war or disgraceful hu miliation. One of the most flagrant violation of rights committed un der this claim was that perpetrated on hapless "Tom" Garnet, con- cededly an Englishman, but who soon after marriage was pressed into the British service and held for seven years before he was released ; and when permitted to depart was again seized and compelled to serve the king on the high seas several more years. In all this time he was not allowed to communicate with his family in any way. At last he escaped in South America, made his way across the Andes, enlisted on an American ship of war, and soon afterward came to the United States. Detailed for service on Lake Ontario, he was one of the crew of the 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Oneida, stationed at Sackets Habor, and accompanied Com. Chauncey's expedition against Kingston, were he was killed, as he had predicted to his mates he would meet his death. On June 12, 1812, President Madison sent a confidential message to congress in which he recapitulated the long list of British aggressions and declared it the the duty of congress to consider whether the Ameri can people should longer submit; but at tbe same time cautioned the house to avoid entanglements with other powers which were then hos tile with Great Britain. It was seen that war was unavoidable, but the measure was not without opposition in the middle and New England states. The opposing element was embraced in the federal party, whose argument was that the country was not prepared for war. The federalists then constituted a large and influential minority of the po litical element of congress, and had a strong following in the states not active in politics. They asked for further negotiations and met the attacks of the ruling party (the democratic and republican, for it went by both names) with charges of favoring Napoleon. War was formally declared June 18, 1812, but not before the president, in pursuance of an act of congress, issued an order for the detachment of 100,000 militia to be prepared for any emergency. The restrictive provisions of the embargo act of 1807 was the occa sion of much suffering and considerable disturbance in Jefferson county, and in fact all along the Canadian border. It reduced the price of grain and pot and pearl ashes, which could only reach Eng land by way of Canada. Indeed, it appeared as if the only means of living was taken away from many of the settlers who depended on the trade with Canada, and rather than suffer the hardships which con fronted them, many continued to trade with and through Canada in open defiance of the law. The road leading from Black river, near Brownville, to French creek became known as the "embargo road," from the great amount of secret traffic carried on after the act was passed. From all over New York goods (chiefly pot ashes) were sent to this point for transportation across the border, and before long the authorities found it necessary to send troops to enforce the law. Hart Massey siezed a large quantity of pork and pot ashes near Cape Vincent, but the "smugglers" recaptured the goods and bore them off to Kingston. Another favorite point for operations of this kind was in the town of Antwerp, about a mile north of the village, where it soon be came necessary to station a force of militia to stop the lawless work. SMUGGLING. S7 Notwithstanding the rigid enforcement of the embargo and non- intercourse laws, trade with Canada was secretly carried on, for the people could not starve in silence when the means of living was offered with so little apparent transgression ; and regardless of the fact that in 1808 Captain Bennet's company of infantry, and Lieut. Cross's battery of artillery were stationed at Sackets Harbor. In 1809 two detachments of Col. Paul Stickney's regiment were placed on the St. Lawrence shore, opposite Kingston, but trade still continued, though less in ex tent and far more covertly than before. In many cases the troops themselves were in full sympathy with the traders, and where the militia closely followed the local smugglers they were made to suffer in being refused supplies and conveniences necessary to their camp life. At one time this system of collusion between smugglers and troops became so widespread that the value of the service was much impaired and caused the commander to complain to the state authori ties. Oswego, Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent, Antwerp and Ogdens- burgh were tbe chief points of these operations, previous to the beginning of hostilities, and after war was declared, they were con tinued despite the vigilance of the officers; and when captured in the act of smuggling the penality inflicted seldom went beyond confisca tion of the goods and tbe temporary detention of the offenders. At Oswego in tbe summer of 1808 was planned an open and bold de fiance of the law, prompted, it is said by the political influences which opposed both the non-intercourse act and the suggestion of another rupture with Great Britain. The event took place outside the limits of our county, hence its details are not pertinent to this chapter. The smuggling operations were not wholly confined to the American side of the line, and the authorities were kept busy watching importations from Canada. The British schooner, Lord Nelson, bound from Kings ton to Niagara, in May, 1812, was captured in American waters by Capt. Woolsey's force, taken to Sackets Harbor, condemned and sold at auction. The vessel was renamed "Scourge," and was used in service until retaken by the British. On June 14, of the same year, the Ontario was seized at Cape Vincent, charged with violating tbe revenue laws and detained for a time. The Niagara was also captured about the same time, under a like charge, and was sold. Governor Tompkins, mindful of the approaching outbreak of war, as early as February 12, 1808, directed 500 stand of arms, with a consider able supply of ammunition, to be deposited at Champion, under the care 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of pioneer Noadiah Hubbard ; but before the munitions were taken to the place another order caused them to be deposited at Watertown, where the Arsenal was built during the year 1809, located on Columbia street, as then known, but Arsenal street of later years. It was after ward maintained as a state depository until sold under the act of April 19, 1850. In 1812 an act of congress authorized the president to raise a force of 100,000 minute men from the militia forces of the country, of which number the quota of this state was 13,500. In May following, Col. Chris. P. Bellinger was stationed at Sackets Harbor and Cape Vincent with a regiment, and remained on the frontier three months; but his service was more as protection against violation of the embargo laws than opposing the king's soldiers. However, war was soon declared, and on June 23, Brigadier-General Jacob Brown, one of this county's most influential men in its early history, and commander of the militia of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, was called upon to strengthen the force under Bellinger on the river front of the county. Col. Benedict, of St. Lawrence county, was also ordered to guard the frontier from Ogdensburgh to St. Regis. These orders were promptly carried out, but Gen. Brown acquainted the governor with the unfortu nate condition of his militiamen, who were then busy with their crops, to leave which would entail great loss, and asked for such action on the part of the state as was necessary to place the frontier in condition for successful defense. At the first announcement of war many of the settlers fled from their homes, abandoned their improvements and growing crops, and sought safety in tbe interior parts of the state. They had no special fear of the British soldiers, but it was rumored that the king's officers were again to let loose the Indians upon our settlements, and a repetition of Wyoming and Cherry Valley struck terror into the hearts of the more timid yeomen and their families. The fugitives from this county at first were few, but soon there came from the St. Lawrence region a large number and many from here were induced to join their flight. General Brown used every persuasion to check this hasty departure and succeeded in inducing many to return to their homes. He did more; with the force at his command he formed a guard line along the river front, constructed defenses at points most liable to attack, and gave his militia training service which proved of benefit later on. In this region hostilities were begun in a small way by Abner Hub- THE CAMPAIGN OF 1812 89 bard, an old revolutionary patriot, who with two comrades captured Fort Carlton, on that island, the garrison comprising three invalid men and two women. Hubbard's attack, however, was made without the knowledge or approval of the officers in command at the harbor. Whatever there was of value on the island was removed the next day and the buildings were burned. In retaliation the enemy at Kingston sought to detain a resident of Brownville, but having been warned by a friend, he made safe escape to the American side. In the latter part of April a fleet of trading vessels bound for the lake were pursued by the provincial militia, and two of them, the Sophia and the Island Packet, conveying families and goods, were captured near the foot of the Thousand Islands, and burned. The other boats put back to Og densburgh, where their arrival caused the greatest alarm. About this time a quantity of arms and ammunition were received and distributed in part among the Jefferson county militia and Col. Bellinger's com mand, and the remainder was sent to the arsenal at Russell. Thus equipped and being fairly well supplied with ammunition, Gen. Brown and his officers had not much fear of the results of a meeting with the enemy from across the river, but as the latter did not appear anxious to attack the Yankees the force at the harbor kept constantly moving to divert the attention of the British and keep them on the de fensive, and thus prevent their descent upon any of the posts not strong enough to resist them. Kingston was then the stronghold of the Brit ish in Canada, where was gathered both land and naval forces, and from which point might any time be expected an attack upon the Americans. Several trading and a few naval vessels were stationed at Ogdensburgh, but the place was otherwise poorly prepared for an at tack. The Oneida, Lord Nelson and several other vessels were at the harbor, and from the masthead of the former on July 9, Capt. Woolsey saw five British war sloops beating up the bay. Preparations were at once made to receive the enemy, alarm guns were fired and couriers were dispatched to call in Gen. Brown's militia. The British captured a small sloop laden with flour but put her crew ashore with a message for the American commander that the Nelson and Oneida were de manded by them ; that they did not propose an attack, but if a shot should be fired at them they would burn the village of Sackets Harbor. The British, however, were not aware of the strength of the defenses here, nor did they know that a long thirty-two pound gun had been mounted in a commanding position, and was far better than any carried by their 12 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fleet. This they soon discovered after their demand was refused and they had made an attack, for under command of William Vaughn the old long gun created such havoc with tbe British shipping that they hauled off and put back to Kingston, with their staunchest vessel, the Royal George, seriously disabled by a shot which raked her deck, cut her mast, stove a medicine chest and killed eight men. Gen. Brown was greatly elated by this victory, and in a letter to the governor spe cially commended the services of officers Woolsey, Bellinger and Camp. In July the British also made a demonstration against Ogdensburgh, intending to capture the trading vessels anchored there. In this at tempt they were beaten, as the Julia was manned with heavy guns, and sailed out into the river where she met the Earl of Moira and the Duke of Gloucester off Prescott, engaged them in a sharp battle, and then went to the relief of Ogdensburgh. Here she lay until early September and then returned with the other vessels to the lake. On August 20, Col. Bellinger's regiment was disbanded, the men re turning to their homes but the officers remained at the harbor. The troops had not been paid, which fact prompted Gen. Brown to write the governor on the subject, and also to suggest that 600 men were not sufficient to make a proper defense of the frontier from Oswego to St. Regis. Ten days later Capt. Benj. Forsyth and a company of riflemen were sent to strengthen the line. They were stationed at the harbor, but still Gen. Brown felt insecure in case a general attack should be made. In a letter to the governor, Sept. 17, he mentioned the strength of the Americans on the lake as comprising ten vessels beside the Oneida, six of which were at Sackets Harbor viz : Genesee Packet (after ward the Conquest) ; Experiment (afterward Growler) ; Collector (after ward Pert); Lord Nelson (afterward Scourge), and the Niagara and Julia. At Oswego were the Charles and Ann (afterward Gov. Tomp kins), Diana (afterward Hamilton), the Fair American and Ontario. The worthy general also represented to the governor that these vessels averaged from 70 to 100 tons burthen, and if armed with guns equal to the effective 32 pounder and manned with " such men as the nation could furnish," the lake could be easily controlled from the St. Lawrence to the rapids. In addition, the Americans had several small vessels of ten or twelve tons burthen and still others of less size. The earnest American general appealed to the governor for a respectable army, and closed his letter with the expressed hope that he would not be ordered from his command at the harbor, but that whatever called upon to do he would not be found "hindmost." THE CAMPAIGN OF 1812. 91 Learning that Gananoque, a British post about 20 miles below Kings ton, held a quantity of arms and military stores, of which our men were in great need, Gen. Brown sent Captains Forsyth and McNitt and Lieut. Brown to take them, all of which was done after a short skirmish. The result was 41 muskets, 3,000 cartridges and other supplies for the Americans, while about 150 barrels of provisions which could not be removed were burned. Notwithstanding these successes and the unquestioned ability of General Brown as a commander, he was superseded by Brigadier-Gen eral Richard Dodge, who arrived at Sackets Harbor on September 21. At this time Gen. Brown was ordered with his militia to proceed to Ogdensburgh and assume command at that post. This was the first real intelligence received by our brave county general that he was to be relieved of his old command, although he must have had an intimation to that effect when he wrote the governor that he hoped not to be re moved. But it appears that the higher authorities had decided to be gin active operations on the lake and the Canadian frontier, and they preferred to have an experienced officer in command at a post so im portant as Sackets Harbor was at that stage of the war. In accordance with his orders, Gen. Brown and his Jefferson county militia proceeded to Ogdensburgh, arriving on the 1st of October, and on the very next day engaged and repulsed the British in a sharp engagement at that place. Early in October Governor Tompkins arrived at Sackets Harbor, carefully looked over the situation along the frontier, and at once set about organizing a strong lake fleet and an equally formidable land force to act on the offensive in this part of the country. On October 6 Com. Isaac Chauncey came to command of the naval force, purchased several vessels and began the construction of others at the harbor, the work being under charge of Henry Eckford. The work was pushed with such vigor that early in November found Chauncey on the lake with the flag ship Oneida (Lieut. Woolsey), the Conquest (Lieut. Elliot), the Hamilton (Lieut. McPherson), tbe Governor Thompson (Lieut. Brown), the Pert (Mr. Arundel), the Julia (Mr. Trant), and the Growl er (Mr. Mix), all reasonably well armed, with a total of 40 guns, and manned with a force of 430 determined Americans. At this time the British had a much stronger naval force on the lake, comprising the vessels: Royal George, 26 guns, 260 men; Earl of Moira, 18 guns, 200 men ; Prince Regent, 18 guns, 150 men ; Duke of 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Gloucester, 14 guns, 80 men; Simcoe, 12 guns, 76 men; and the Seneca, 4 guns, 40 men. Regardless of the fact that he was outnumbered in every way, Chauncey sailed out on the lake and in every manner tried to draw the enemy into action. On October 10 he captured two schooners, burned one and sent the other under convoy of the Growler to Sackets Harbor, passing in front of Kingston in the hope that the British would follow while he lay in wait at the "False Ducks." Getting sight of the Royal George, he chased her into Kingston harbor, and opposed that vessel and the shore batteries for nearly an hour before he hauled off. The next morning the daring Yankee pursued the Simcoe and so riddled her with shot that she went to the bottom in Kingston harbor. Soon afterward the Growler captured the sloop Elizabeth, but adverse weather coming on, operations ceased for the next few days. In the mean time Com. Chauncey blockaded the enemy's vessels in Kingston harbor. This brave officer was confident that had not the sea son been so far advanced he could during the year take every British town on the lake. On November 26 the Madison was completed and launched at the harbor, having been built in forty-five days. During the same season Fort Tompkins was built, and stood on arise of ground fronting the bay, about 100 rods west of the site of the ship house of later years. Late in November an attempt was made to enter the lake with the fleet, but a fierce gale and heavy sea caused much damage and compelled the vessels to return to their former stations. In the early part of December navigation was closed and hostilities in this region were ended for the year. Meanwhile, the war in other localities progressed with varying fortunes, generally in favor of the British whose forces were larger and better equipped both on land and water. However, for our purposes, it is sufficient to mention only the surrender of General Hull at Detroit, the attack on Queenston which resulted unfavorably to the Americans, and the- surrender of our forces after a sanguinary engagement on the river Raisin. The plans of the campaign for 1813 contemplated several general movements against the British, prominent among which was the pro posed capture of Kingston and York (Toronto), the control of Lake On tario, and the consequent reduction of Canada. All of these operations were to be inaugurated and carried into execution from Sackets Harbor as headquarters. It was provided that 4,000 troops should assemble THE CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 98 there, among them being Gen. Brown's Jefferson county militia to the number of several hundred men. Col. Pike's force on Lake Champlain was also ordered to proceed with haste to this place, and preparations were made for an early and vigorous campaign against the enemy ; but while these things were going on smoothly the British slipped across tbe river and made a successful attack on Ogdensburgh, compelling Capt. Forsyth and his men to retreat to the harbor. This was on Feb. 22, and about a week previous to the arrival of Gen. Dearborn at Sackets Harbor. Early in March all was ready for an ice expedition against Kingston, but Com. Chauncey, of the naval force, had not arrived from New York, and although no sailing craft could co-operate with the troops it was deemed imprudent to make the march in his absence. Whether the British were informed of the intentions of the Americans is not certain, but during the winter they had assembled a heavy land and naval force at Kingston, and were well prepared for any movement that might be made against the place. They, too, were active early in tbe spring, and when the Americans were making ready to attack their stronghold, a messenger came to the harbor with a report that the enemy were about to assail the place with a considerable force. The rumor proved unfounded but its effect was to put our officers more on the defensive than the aggressive, and the project of an attack upon Kingston was for the time abandoned, notwithstanding the fact that the American force at that time numbered 5,000 regulars and twelve months men, 1,300 sailors ready to man the vessels, and 2,000 available militia. This strong marine force had been transferred to the lake from the Atlantic seaboard, many of the American ships having temporarily quit the sea on account of the war. It therefore became necessary to build more vessels at the harbor, and on April 7 the Jefferson, and on the 10th, the Jones was launched. About the same time the keel of the Gen. Pike was laid. About the middle of April the ice in the lake disappeared, and on the 19th the Growler sailed out to reconnoitre. At this time Gen. John Chandler was at the harbor and considered the force sufficiently strong to attack the enemy, but a letter from tbe secretary of war to General Dearborn discouraged any determined or hazardous movement, where upon the plans were again changed. However, Gen. Pike embarked 1 700 men on Chauncey's vessels and on the 25th sailed away on a 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. secret expedition. As was soon learned, York was the objective point, and its capture was the purpose of the movement. On the 27th of April the battle was fought and won, and the capital of Upper Canada fell into American hands. The details of the engagement are not necessary to this chapter, but the result was entirely satisfactory to our arms. The splendid war sloop, Duke of Gloucester, and a large quantity of army stores and supplies were also taken. The victory cost the Americans 14 men killed and 32 wounded in the battle, and 38 killed and 222 wounded in the fearful explosion of the magazine inside the fort. Of the enemy 225 were killed and wounded, and 700 militia men and 50 regulars were made prisoners of war. But the most serious disaster to the Americans in the battle was the death of brave Gen. Pike, who was mortally wounded in the fearful mine explosion at the close of the fight. He was taken on board the Pert, where he lived long enough to hear of the success of his command and died with the cap tured British standard under his head. His body was brought to Sackets Harbor and buried in the magazine of Fort Tompkins, in the same grave with Capt. Nicholson, who was killed at his side.' The American troops, with the captured stores, were taken to Niagara, after which Com. Chauncey returned to the harbor, embarked 350 more men and on May 22 sailed again for Niagara. Smarting under the humiliation of the defeat at York, the British determined to retaliate in a manner that would most annoy the Ameri cans, by the capture of Sackets Harbor and the destruction of the shipping and valuable stores known to be there. It was well under stood by the enemy that the defenses here had been weakened by at least two withdrawals of troops, and that at best only a feeble resist ance could be made by Col. Backus and his 200 dismounted dragoons and Capt. Ketchum's half hundred artillerymen, while the force of army invalids and recruits were considered of no moment in esti mating the garrisons at Forts Tompkins and Volunteer (this latter fort ' being just east of the village, built by a force of exempts). The Americans learned that the enemy were making preparations to attack the place, upon which Gen. Dearborn wrote Gen. Brown, who was then living on his farm at Brownville, to assume command at the harbor and put the place in a condition for defense ; but Brown had too much respect for Col. Backus's feelings to thus wound him, so he said 1 The bodies of these brave officers were afterward removed to Madison Barracks cemetery, where a handsome monument was erected over their graves THE ATTACK ON SACKETS HARBOR. 95 nothing of the order but at once repaired the defenses and sent warn ing to his militia to be ready for an immediate call to arms. Messen gers were also sent to other posts asking for troops, but this was all that could be done until it was known what the enemy really intended. On Friday, May 28, the British vessels Wolfe, Royal George, Earl of Moira, Prince Regent, Simcoe and Seneca, carrying a total of about 80 guns, and with 40 barges having on board 1,200 well trained troops, all commanded by Sir George Prevost, appeared in the offing of the har bor. The Americans, however, were not surprised, as the little Lady of the Lake had been cruising out in the channel watching the move ments of the British. Signal guns were fired to call in the militia and messengers were sent to distant posts in quest of aid. Col. Tuttle, of the regular army, was hourly expected with a strong force, while Col. Aspinwall with 300 men was ready to come from Oswego if needed. He embarked his force on barges and started for the harbor, but not knowing the whereabouts of the British ran foul of them when round ing Six Mile Point. Twelve of his boats were captured, but the men escaped safely on shore. Seven barges outsailed their pursuers and landed their men at the harbor. This diversion delayed the operations of the British and gave tbe Americans an opportunity to complete their defensive measures. Horse Island lay a mile distant, was well wooded, and here it was supposed the enemy would make a landing. The island connected with the mainland by a bar, and the situation was deemed an important one to control, therefore as fast as the militia came in they were armed and sent to that point, with orders to hold out as long as possible and then fall back into the woods, fighting all the way. About 400 other militia, with Col. Mills's Albany volunteers and a six pound cannon, were stationed on the shore opposite the island, and were ordered not to fire until the enemy were within pistol shot. Col. Gersbom Tuttle, another prominent citizen of this county, commanded the remainder of the militia and was stationed in the edge of the woods, back of the clearing along the shore, while Colonel Backus and his dragoons, of whom much was expected and much was received, took a position in the woods near the village, with intention to at once advance to Horse Island in case the enemy landed there. Col. Aspinwall's force held a position on Backus's left. The artillerists occupied Fort Tompkins, their only gun being the mounted thirty-two pounder. All these preparations were made by Gen. B own during the night previous to the battle. 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The morning of the battle, May 29, was clear and bright, and almost a dead calm, an unfortunate condition for the British who could not bring their vessels into position to co-operate with or even cover the landing of the infantry. However, at daybreak the enemy approached the outside of the island, coming in thirty three large boats. They made a landing and formed without opposition, but in attempting to cross the bar connecting with the mainland they met the heavy and serious fire of the militia and the cannon on Fort Tompkins. This con tinued for several minutes, but when Col. Mills fell mortally wounded the militia suddenly became alarmed and broke in confusion. Capt. Samuel McNitt and his company, with whom also was Gen. Brown, held their position nobly, but were cut off by the route of the others. He therefore retired toward the village, endeavoring to rally the militia on his way. In the mean time the British had advanced to the beach and formed in good order, but were soon opposed by Col. Backus, who checked their advance for a time, but far outnumbered, he fell back, disputing every inch of ground. This gave Gen. Brown and Caleb Westcott time to rally the militia, and with 100 of them went to the support of Backus, but as he happened to glance in the direction of the ship yard the gen eral saw a dense volume of smoke arising from the military store house on the dock. He at once went to the place and found that a rumor had been circulated that the Americans had lost the battle, and rather than see the stores captured at York fall again into the enemy's hands, Chauncey had ordered the buildings burned and several guns spiked. Gen. Brown ordered Lieut. Ketchum to hold Fort Tompkins as long as the flames would permit, then took his militia and went to Backus's as sistance. The fighting was fierce for a time, with the advantage, if any, in favor of the British, for they were under the gallant Captain Gray, who marched backward, sword in hand, leading and encouraging his men. However, he was struck with a ball and fell in front of his column, seeing which, the men turned and fled from the field, took to their boats and rowed back to their ships. Almost at the same time brave Col. Backus fell mortally wounded, and was carried from the field, but his men never wavered or ceased firing. One of the causes of the sudden British retreat was the sound of firearms from an unex pected quarter, which gave the impression that Col. Tuttle ' had arrived ' It is evident that among the officers in service during the war were two who were called Col. Tuttle, one in command of a force of regulars, and the other, Col. Gershom Tuttle, of Rut- THE ATTACK ON SACKETS HARBOR. 97 with a strong force of regulars, but which, in fact, was the earnest work of the rallied militia. Thus it happened that the Jefferson county militia commanded by Gen. Brown, Col. Tuttle, Capt. McNitt and other brave officers, first opposed the British on this memorable day, then retreated, but finally rallied and turned possible defeat into splendid victory. The results of the battle would have been entirely satisfactory to the American arms except for Chauncey's unfortunate blunder in setting fire to the store house. However, the flames were quenched with as little damage as possible, but not until half a million dollars in property had been de stroyed. All the shipping was saved, the vessels having been cut loose and sailed out of danger. In the battle the British lost 150 men in killed and wounded, and the Americans a like number in killed, wounded and missing. The British, when safely returned to their ships, sent a peremptory demand for surrender, but this being refused, they sent a flag with a request for surgeons to attend to their wounded, which of course could not be granted. Their vessels lay in the harbor for a time, then made sail for Kingston. In his official report to the secretary of war, Gen. Brown, in men tioning the conduct of his subordinate officers, said: "Of the officers who distinguished themselves, I cannot but repeat the name of Lieu tenant-Colonel Backus, who, praised be God! yet lives (Col. Backus lived about eight hours after being wounded). Captain McNitt's con duct was noble; he well deserves to be placed in the regular army. Major Swan, of the army, served as my adjutant, and was highly use ful. Lieut. Chauncey is a brave and honorable man. To him no blame can attach for what happened at the Navy Point. He was deceived. Lieut. Col. Tuttle was in march for this post, but with every exertion was unable to reach it in time to take part in the action. At the moment I am closing this communication, Com. Chauncey has arrived with his squadron This renders my longer stay here unnecessary. I shall therefore return to my home." So far as this immediate locality was concerned, the battle at Sackets Harbor on May 29, 1813, was perhaps the most notable event of the war. Still, hostilities in the vicinity were by no means ended, nor did military operations cease. Two days before the battle, Fort George land, commanding a detachment of Gen. Brown's militia. The Col. Tuttle, who rendered such gallant service in the battle of Sackets Harbor, was one of the pioneers of Rutland. 13 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was captured, and in June Com. Chauncey returned to the harbor to repair his ships and await the fitting out of the Pike, for he was not yet sufficiently strong to cope with the British on the lake with his fleet. In the mean time, on the 14th, he sent the Lady of the Lake to cruise on Lake Ontario, and when near Presque Isle she fell in with the British schooner Lady Murray, and took her, heavily laden with provisions, ammunition and military stores, to Sackets Harbor. Early in July the British made another attempt at the reduction of Sackets Harbor, sending a secret expedition in the night to burn the village and its defenses; but a British soldier deserted and brought the news to the Americans, learning which the enemy abandoned their scheme and returned to Kingston. On the day this attempt was made (July 2) Major-General Morgan Lewis arrived and assumed command of the troops at the harbor. General Dearborn was compelled by ill health to retire and on July 8 he was superseded by Major General James Wilkinson as commander of the American army. About the middle of July, M. W. Gilbert, a patriotic American, fitted out a privateering expedition, designed for a cruise of the St. Lawrence, and particularly for the capture of a fleet of British transports which was expected up the river laden with provisions, ammunition and sup plies for Kingston. The boats fitted out for this undertaking were the Neptune, armed with a six pounder, a swivel gun, and twenty-four vol unteers; Captain Samuel Dixon, master. The other boat was the Fox, under Captain Dimock, armed, and manned with twenty-one men de tached for the cruise from the 21st infantry. Of course this expedition had the sanction of the general in command at the harbor. On July 14 the little fleet sailed out into the river, and after touching at Cape Vincent and French creek lay to on the 17th in the mouth of a small creek among the Thousand Islands, awaiting developments. Two small boats were sent out to watch for the enemy, while Lieuten ant Hawkins went to Ogdensburgh on the same errand. That night they put in to the mouth of Cranberry creek and in the afternoon of the following day scouts Baldwin and Campbell came in with news that the provision fleet, under convoy of the Spitfire, was coming up the river. The next morning the enemy was seen at Simonds' Landing, upon which the daring Yankees at once pushed for shore and complete ly surprised the British, seized the gunboat and all the bateaux without firing a single shot. A company of twenty seven had previously been landed to cut off retreat, resulting in the capture of the whole British THE CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 99 force, all of whom were taken to Cranberry creek and thence sent to Sackets Harbor under guard of fifteen men. So great was the quantity of stores taken in this attack that the captors were required to call for help in disposing of it. At daybreak on the 21st a force of 250 British were discovered in the creek, but they were bravely met by thirty men and attacked while landing; and were so furiously assailed that they with difficulty escaped to the river. In returning to the harbor the adventurous privateersmen were encountered by the Earl of Moira, and were struck with shot several times before they escaped. The cap tured gunboat and several bateaux were sunk in the harbor without the consent of the captains, therefore the owners suffered eventual loss in tbeir undertaking. While these minor events were taking place the commanding officers at the harbor were making active preparations for a vigorous lake movement. The Pike was made ready for service, the other vessels overhauled, and on July 27 Chauncey sailed for Niagara with a fleet equal to that of the British ; but only misfortune followed, for on August 7 the Scourge and one other schooner were captured and sunk, and all on board, save sixteen, were lost. On the 9th the enemy cut out and captured the Julia and the Growler, upon which Chauncey left the Asp and Fair American at Niagara and returned to the harbor to repair damage and make ready for another trial. About the middle of August the Sylph was completed and added to the fleet, and on August 21 Chauncey sailed again, and after cruising about for several days, met the British on September 7 and 9 with about even results. In tbe mean time there were assembled at Sackets Harbor several military and naval commanders to determine upon some aggressive line of action for the remainder of the season. General Wilkinson ar rived on August 20, and on the 26th he, with Generals Lewis, Brown and Swartwout, and also Commodore Chauncey, held a council of war, and estimated carefully the strength of the enemy, and of their own -force (each about 9,000 available men). The British posts were at the head of Lake Ontario, Kingston and Prescott, while the strongholds of the Americans were Forts George and Niagara, Oswego, Sackets Har bor and the Champlain valley. The council also estimated the naval strength of the contending nations, and found the British had at least ten war vessels on the lake, with a total of 126 guns, while the Ameri cans had thirteen large and small vessels with a total of 126 guns. But it appears that all the propositions discussed at the council were 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rejected and nothing substantial was agreed upon. Wilkinson went to Fort George, and on the same day (Sept. 5), the secretary of war arrived at Sackets Harbor. Chauncey cruised over the lake between the harbor and Niagara and met the enemy only once as above stated. In the latter part of September all became activity at the harbor, and it appeared as if Wilkinson was really about to make some important move. Supplies and troops came pouring in, and even the little hamlet of Brownville was filled with the Jefferson county militia. Eight hundred men were left at Fort George and all others came to this lo cality. Central and western New York contributed 1,200 men for a special expedition and all were mobilized at the harbor. But the garri son left at Fort George indiscreetly abandoned that post, burned New ark, and then crossed to the American side. This angered the British, who afterward invaded the Niagara region, captured the fort and murdered many of its garrison, and later on committed the revengful and unwarranted outrages at Buffalo and Black Rock. However, the ever active Chauncey retrieved these misfortunes by his splendid victory on the river, when he fell in with the British near the False Ducks, re captured the Growler and the Julia, also the Mary Ann, Drummond, Lady Gore and one gunboat, and compelled the enemy to burn still another. With this prize there also fell into the American hands 300 German troops, allies of the British. All were taken to the harbor. Late in the season a plan was matured for a descent of the St. Law rence and the reduction of the British posts in the Champlain region. For this purpose many troops were collected at the harbor. Grenadier Island was fixed upon as the general rendezvous, but through some neglect the important details were shamefully bungled by the com mander, and the result was that the men became scattered all about the islands, while a few fell into the hands of the enemy. However, after a considerable loss of time order was restored and General Brown was directed to lead the advance movement down the river. Suspect ing an attack, the general took a position on French creek, established a guard line, and when the British thought to surprise him they were seriously repulsed through the effective work of Capt. McPherson's battery of light artillery. In the course of a short time the order came to make the general advance down the St. Lawrence. The secretary of war followed as far as Antwerp, where he remained a short time and then returned to the harbor. Of the experiences and sufferings of the American!; in this THE CAMPAIGN OF 1814 101 disastrous and ill timed expedition this work need not treat at length, but it may be said that on Nov. 11 was fought the battle at Chrysler's Field, after which the army went into winter quarters at French Mills. In February Gen. Brown returned to Sackets Harbor with his militia, while Gen. Wilkinson took the remainder of the army to Pittsburgh. This poorly planned and still worse managed campaign cost Wilkinson his rank; be was court martialed for drunkenness and incompetency, removed from command, and was succeeded by General Izard. While these events were taking place, Com. Chauncey, by Wilkin son's order, sailed for the head of the lake to convey to Sackets Harbor Gen. W. H. Harrison's army; but a severe storm scattered the vessels, wrecked some of them, and greatly delayed the voyage. However, all, save one, eventually returned to tbe harbor, having accomplished their mission, but Gen. Harrison resigned soon afterward. Thus ended the campaign for 1813 While the year witnessed dis asters to the American arms in certain localities the general results were nevertheless favorable both on land and lake. The winter months were spent in building and strengthening fortifications, particularly on the part of the British, who also employed spies to visit the American camps, note their operations and if possible ascertain their plan of cam paign for the next year. At Sackets Harbor the commanding officers were active, and the month of March, 1814, found eighteen war vessels of all grades ready for service. Their armament aggregated 108 guus. These vessels were the General Pike, commanded by Com. Chauncey; Madison, William M. Crane, master; Oneida, Lieut. Thomas Brown; Sylph, Melancthon T. Woolsey; Gov. Tompkins, St. Clair Elliott; Pert, Lieut. Samuel W. Adams; Conquest, Lieut. Henry Wells; Fair American, Lieut. Wolcott Chauncey; Ontario, John Stevens; Asp, Lieut. P. A. Jones; Lady of the Lake, Mervin P. Mix; and also the schooners Commandant, Hamilton, Growler, Julia, Elizabeth and the bomb vessel Mary. The British navy on the lake at the same time comprised the princi pal ships Prince Regent, 58 guns, 500 men ; Princess Charlotte, 42 guns, 300 to 400 men; Montreal, 24 guns; Niagara, 21 guns; Star, 16 guns; Charwell (formerly Earl of Moira), 15 guns; Magnet, 12 guns; Nettie, 10 guns; also 10 gunboats with a single gun each. The Saint Law rence, a large frigate of 102 guns, appeared on the lake soon afterward. As soon as the condition of the lake and river would permit the Lady of the Lake sailed out to note the condition of the enemy's works at 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and about Kingston, and if possible to learn something of their proba ble intentions. On April 24 it was noticed that the British fleet was about to sail, and on the next day Lieut. Dudley encountered three of their gunboats in the bay, where they had come with the evident pur pose to set fire to the American shipping at Sackets Harbor. They were specially anxious to destroy the Superior, a war frigate of 66 guns which was then nearly finished. Of course the British were easily driven from the bay. When the Superior was launched, May 1, a seri ous collision took place between the ship carpenters and sailors, and the soldiers, for between land and water Americans there was little friendship except as they united against the common enemy. But this disturbance, which at one time threatened to become a riot, was checked through the prompt action of Gen. Brown and officers Chauncey and Eckford. Early in May a strong force of British appeared in the harbor at Oswego for the double purpose of occupying that post and cutting off the armament designed for the warships Mohawk aud Jones, then on the stocks at Sackets Harbor, but as the Americans made a vigorous de fense the enemy drew off until the 6th and then reappeared and made a landing in the village. The supply convoy was then at Oswego Falls, in which direction the Americans retired, obstructing the way as they marched along. The British took a position near the Galloup islands to intercept the Americans when they should pass that point on the way to the harbor. In due time the stores reached Oswego, coming down the river under charge of Lieut. Woolsey and accompanied with Major Appling (a young Georgian who distinguished himself during the war and earned a lieutenant- colonel's commission) and 150 expert riflemen. On May 28, under cover of darkness, the boats left Oswego, intend ing to run into Sandy creek, carry the stores overland to Henderson Harbor and thence proceed to Sackets Harbor, about 20 miles distant. They gained the mouth of the creek on the 29th, passed two miles up the stream and there, through treachery or accident, were discovered by the enemy who at once prepared for an attack ; but in the meantime Woolsey, fearful of an attack, had sent couriers to Sackets Harbor for assistance, and also aroused the militia in the vicinity. A party of Oneidas under Lieut. Hill had come to his aid and the prudent Amer ican officer was thus prepared for the enemy. Capt. Harris's company of dragoons and Capt. Melvin's light artillery were on hand and held THE CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 103 commanding positions. The British were evidently not aware of the force opposed to them, nor of Major Appling's effective ambush, and when the attack was made it was so fiercely resisted that the surprise was complete and the astonished Britons surrendered almost at once. They lost 19 killed, 50 wounded, 130 prisoners and several cannon. This short battle was a notable event in the early history of the county. The officers especially commended for gallant conduct, as shown by Major Appling's report, were Lieuts. Mcintosh, Calhoun, McFarland, Armstrong and Smith, and Ensign Austin. Lieut. Wool- sey's report gave credit to Lieut. Pierce, sailingmaster Vaughn, and midshipmen Hart, Mackey and Canton. In the battle the Americans lost a cable and two guns, but captured one 24 pounder, one 68 pound carronade, several small cannon and a quantity of arms and ammuni- tian, besides the prisoners, of whom several were officers. Sir James Yeo, commander of tbe British fleet, continued his blockade for a few days, then left for Kingston, upon which the boats and prizes were taken to Sackets Harbor without further interruption.1 Between the middle of May and the early part of June many strong de tachments of troops and sailors arrived at the harbor, for now the war de partment had determined on an aggressive campaign against the British, hoping to end the war during the year. The village was the scene of many operations, and in a very short time the American navy was in fit condition to contest on equal footing with the enemy for supremacy on the lake. On June 11 the Mohawk, a 44 gun frigate, was launched, having been built by Henry Eckford in thirty three days. The British, however, were watchful of all that was being done on this side and for several days maintained a blockade out from the harbor. On the 19th Lieut. Gregory, with sailingmasters Vaugh and Dixon, captured the British ship Black Snake, one gun and 18 prisoners, but in making their way back were met by one of the enemy's powerful gunboats, and were compelled to scuttle and sink the prize, but escaped to Grenadier Island i "Such was the industry displayed in this labor that on Thursday there remained nothing but one large cable, which it was found extremely difficult to load on any vehicle, as it could not be divided, and a sufficient number of teams could not be advantageously attached to it. In this dilemma the idea was suggested of bearing it upon the shoulders of the men, and the proposal was cheerfully adopted by the citizens, who had assembled to assist in these operations. They were accordingly arranged in the order of their stature, and at the word of command shouldered the ponderous cable, and took up their line of march for Sackets Harbor, about ») miles distant, being as near together as they could conveniently walk. This novel procession passed by way of Ellis village and Smithville, and on the second day reached the harbor. As they approached the town the sailors came out to meet them, and with loud cheers relieved them of their burden, and marched triumphantly into the village." (Hough). 101 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with the prisoners, from whence the daring Americans made a safe re turn to the harbor. For this service the men were awarded $3,000 by congress. These minor expeditions were very annoying to the British and kept up until all the preparations for a general movement were completed. The enemy, however, succeeded in capturing the brothers Shoemaker and Mr. Graham, who were sailing a small boat from Oswego to Sackets Harbor on August 9. On July 31 the American fleet sailed for the Niagara country to co operate with the army assembled there. On September 16, four thou sand troops under command of Gen. Izard arrived at Sackets Harbor, and on the 21st, 3,000 of them embarked for Niagara. This left a small defensive force in this region, consisting of Col. Mitchell's artillery, and two battalions of infantry, under Majors Malcom and Brevoort. Gen. Brown was soon appointed to command and was ordered by the governor to assemble there the entire militia of Oneida, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis counties, once more to assist in guarding the fron tier. They soon began to arrive and when all were in, to the number of almost 3,000 men, there was no fit accommodations for quarters. The work of building two large ships of war was at once begun, the proposed names for which were New Orleans and Chippewa, but soon after their keels were laid there came the welcome news of peace. Other than as furnished in this chapter, a detail of the general events of the war of 1812-15 is not needed in this plan. The results of the struggle against renewed oppression were written in the conflicts on Lake Erie, the repulse of the invaders on the Delaware, the painful and humiliating scenes on the Chesapeake, the invasion of New York and the attempt to control the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers and Lake Champlain. The story is also told in the brilliant victories at Platts burg and Niagara, the battles at Black Rock, Lundy's Lane, Sackets Harbor and Sandy Creek, closing with the glorious defense at New Orleans. Above all were the masterly exploits of our navy, whose victories over the British cruisers gave the enemy the most serious view of American prowess. Peace, however, came at last, and the treaty was ratified February 15, 1815. The agreement made at Washington in April, 1817, between the sec retary of state and the British minister provided that only one armed vessel, of not more than 100 tons burden, and armed with one eio-hteen pound cannon, should be maintained on Lakes Ontario and Champlain; and President Monroe's proclamation of April 28, 1818, promulgated SACKETS HARBOR. 105 the agreement. In the meantime, until the treaty went into effect, the Lady of the Lake, 3 guns, and the Jones, IS guns, were on constant duty, while the Pike, Jefferson, Mohawk, Madison, Superior and Sylph were out of commission soon after peace was declared. They were protected for a time with roofs over the deck, but as years passed all were more or less decayed and some of them were sunk. On March 3 1834, by order of the war department, all vessels on Lakes Erie and Ontario, except the New Orleans and Chippewa, were sold. Of these famous old vessels the New Orleans was preserved until about 1880, and then dismantled, while tbe Chippewa was eventually sold for the value of the iron used in her construction. CHAPTER XI. Sackets Harbor as a Military Station— Madison Barracks— The Naval Station and Customs District. The history of Madison Barracks' and Sackets Harbor have been so closely interwoven ever since the memorable war of 1812 that an at tempt to separate one from the other for the purposes of a general narrative seems like taking away that which naturally and necessarily belongs to both. Indeed, in a great measure, the history of one has been a part of the record of the other, yet in the present chapter the writer proposes to furnish a concise narrative of events of Sackets Har bor and Madison barracks as a military station, dating from the time the first contingent of troops were sent to the village in 1808 to enforce obedience to the provisions of the embargo laws which congress had passed December 22, 1807. While both the state and general govern ments frequently dispatched troops for service on the frontier, occupy ing Sackets Harbor and its immediate vicinity as headquarters for operations, it was not until 1813 that New York ceded to the United States any part of the territory for a permanent military station. In ¦ deed, it was not until about the close of the war of 1812-15 that the 1 The data for the portion of this chapter which relates to Madison barracks was obtained from the "Medical history of the post," a faithful and accurate r( cord prepared by Surgeon Edward P. Vollum and preserved in the barracks' hospital ; also from the manuscript of an his torical address by Col. Walter B. Camp, of Sackets Harbor. 14 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. national government recognized the value of this special locality as a strategic point for the maintenance of an armed force. The events which preceded this time are furnished in detail in another chapter, therefore may be referred to very briefly in this connection. After tbe passage of the embargo act Oswego was for a time regarded as the principal point of operations on the northern border of the state, and in the summer of 1808 Lieut. Melancthon T. Woolsey was sent there to superintend the construction of the brig Oneida, which was launched early in the next year. She was built by Christopher Berge and Henry Eckford, and was pierced for sixteen guns. In 1808 a com pany of infantry under Capt. Bennet, and a detachment of artillery under Lieut. Cross, were stationed at Sackets Harbor to enforce the embargo laws, and from that time the village became the scene of con tinuous, military operations, and also one of the most important points in the United States, although both federal and state authorities were slow to appreciate the fact. In May, 1812, Col. Bellinger was ordered to the Harbor for the ostensible purpose of preventing infractions of the embargo act, but in reality to protect the frontier in the event of war, which then seemed imminent. On June 18, 1812, war was declared between the United States and Great Britain, upon which Gov. Tompkins at once ordered Brig.-Gen. Jacob Brown, commanding the Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties militia, to arm his men and guard the frontier from Ogdens burgh to St. Regis. This was done, and soon afterward Gen. Brown, as well as the officers who succeeded him, both of the army and navy, made Sackets Harbor their general rendezvous and headquarters. How ever, a further detail of events of the period is made at the hazard of repetition, and a brief chronological list of those events must suffice as an introductory to the essential portion of the chapter. 1812, May — The Lord Nelson, a British schooner, was taken and condemned for violating the revenue laws. She was afterward named "Scourge." June 14— Schooner Ontario taken, and discharged. July 19 — Attack on Sackets Harbor by five British war vessels, without injury to the Americans, but considerable loss to the enemy. July 30— Capt. Benjamin Forsyth arrived with troops from the regular army. July 31 — The Julia sailed for Ogdensburgh and encountered two British vessels at Morristown. Aug. 20 — Col. Bellinger's regiment discharged without being paid. Sept. 20 — Capt. Forsyth started upon an expedition against Gananoque. Sept. 21 — Gen. Dodge arrived and ordered Gen. Brown to Ogdensburgh. SACKETS HARBOR CHRONOLOGY. 107 1812, Oct. — Gov. Tompkins arrived at the harbor. " Oct. 6 — Com. Chauncey arrived to assume command of the naval force on the lake. " Oct. 12 — Capt. Forsyth's company ordered to Ogensburgh. " Nov. 8-14 — Chauncey cruised upon the lake and took several British vessels. " Nov. 26 — Ship Madison launched; built in 45 days. Fort Tompkins and bar racks were completed about the same time. 1813, Feb. — Col. Pike with 400 troops ordered to the harbor. " Feb. 32 — Capt. Forsyth driven from Ogdensburgh, returns to the harbor. " March — Gen. Dearborn arrived to command American army on frontier. " April 7 — Brig Jefferson launched. " April 10 — Brig Jones launched. " April 19 — The Groovier sailed out to reconnoiter. " April 22 — Gen. Pike's force embark for York (Toronto). " April 25 — Expedition sailed. " Ma}- 13 — Expedition returned laden with spoils of victory, and the remains of Gen. Pike and Capt. Nicholson, who were buried at the harbor. " May 29 — Sackets Harbor attacked by the British, who were repulsed with the loss of 150 men. The Americans lost a large quantity of military stores, including the spoils of York, through the burning of the store house. " June 1 — Com. Chauncey returned with the fleet. " June 12 — Ship Pike launched, 34 guns. " June 14 — Lieut. Walcott Chauncey went on a cruise and captured a schooner laden with provisions and arms. " July 2 — Maj.-Gen. Morgan Lewis arrived and took command. " July 3 — A secret expedition of the British to burn the Pike was defeated. " July 8 — Maj.-Gen. James Wilkinson succeeded Gen. Dearborn. " July 14: — The Neptune and Fox sailed down the river on a privateering cruise, and captured the gunboat Spitfire, 15 bateaux loaded with provisions and 69 prisoners. " Aug. 20 — Com. Chauncey, with the Pike, sailed for Niagara; the Sylph, built in 33 days, accompanied him. " Aug. 26. — Gen. Wilkinson and other officers hold a. council of war to decide upon a plan of action. " Sept. 5. — Gen. Armstrong, secretary of war, arrives at Sackets Harbor. " Oct. 26. — Gen. Wilkinson sailed on an expedition down the St. Lawrence, with disastrous results. " Nov. 25. — The Pike and other armed vessels sailed on a cruise among the Thousand islands " Nov. 25. — Com. Chauncey sailed for the head of lake Ontario and returned to the harbor with Gen. Harrison and his army. " December, and January 1814. — The winter was spent in ship building and strengthening the fortifications. 1814, April 34. —The Lady of the Lake sails out for a cruise. " May 1. The frigate Superior, 66 guns, launched in 80 days from the time her keel was laid. 103 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1814, June 15. — The crew of the ship Congress begin to arrive at the harbor. •' June 15. — Expedition under Lieut. Gregory sailed down the St. Lawrence, and on the 10th captured the gunboat Blacksnake ; for which service Con gress awarded Gregory $3,000. " June 26. — Another expedition under Gregory sailed and in a few days burned a British vessel on the stocks, and a quantity of stores, near Prescott. " July 31. — The American fleet sailed for Niagara. " Sept. 16. — Gen. Izard, with 4,000 troops, arrived at the harbor. " Sept. 30. — A gig of the Superior captured several boats laden with supplies for Kingston. " Oct. 5. — Col. Washington Irving, of the governor's military staff, visited the harbor. " Oct. 5. — Great alarm felt for the safety of Sackets Harbor, and orders issued for the immediate assembling of Gen. Brown's militia. " Oct. 5. — Work begun on the New Orleans, at Navy Point, and the Chippewa at Storrs' Harbor. In April, 1817, Richard Rush, secretary of state, and Charles Bagot, British envoy, concluded an agreement to the effect that but one armed vessel of not more than 100 tons burden, and armed with one 18-pound cannon, should be maintained on Lakes Ontario and Champlain. Until this treaty was ratified (April 28, 1818) the Lady of the Lake and the brig Jones was kept in service at the harbor, while the Pike, Jefferson, Mohawk, Madison, Superior and Sylph were dismantled soon after peace was restored. Work on the New Orleans was continued for a time and finally abandoned. She was to have been 187 feet on the keel, 56 feet of beam, and 30 feet depth of hold. Her builder was Henry Eckford, who, under orders from the gevernment, discontinued work about March, 1815. Early in the thirties the government caused a house to be erected over the hull,1 and in that condition this noble old relic of the war period was preserved until February, 1884, when the work of demolition was begun. During this operation the vessel parted in the middle and fell to the ground, instantly killing James Oates and seriously injuring three other workmen. The timber from which the New Orleans was to be constructed was cut in the forests surrounding the village, and the nails, spikes and bolts were forged at the shipyard on Navy Point. The Chippewa was to have been built on the same lines and model as the New Orleans, and was pierced for 110 guns. Work on this vessel was not so far advanced as on the New Orleans when the peace negotiations ended the war. The vessel was subsequently sold, and was burned for the iron used in its construction. 1 The ship house was blown down about 1882, which fact led to the sale of the vessel. FORTIFICATIONS OF SACKETS HARBOR. 109 The latter was ordered sold by an act of Congress in 1882, and was purchased at auction for $400, by Alfred Wilkinson of Syracuse. At the beginning of the war the vicinity of Sackets Harbor was wholly without defenses, but soon after the attack of June 19, 1812, a breastwork of logs was built around tbe village, one end touching the bay about half way between the harbor and Horse island, and the other at the site of Madison barracks, as afterward erected. Fort Tompkins was built during the summer of 1812, while a little to the westward stood the barracks (Smith's cantonment), strongly built of logs, in the form of a square, with a block house at each corner. The site of the battle ground, which to this day bears the name of Tomp kins park,' was on the lake, in the square now bounded by Washing ton, Hill and Main streets. The fort itself stood about on the site of the officers' quarters of the naval station. A little to the east of the village stood Fort Volunteer, a fortification of no great strength, which had been erected chiefly by a company of exempts. To the westward of Fort Tompkins was another fort or earthwork, strongly palisaded, having in its center a block house one story high. "By the side of the road leading to Henderson Harbor, stood old Fort Virginia, a square work, with bastions at the angles," and covered with a strong line of palisades. On the road leading from the village to Camp's Mills stood Fort Chauncey, a small circular tower, covered with plank and loop-holed for the use of musketry, being intended for small arm defense only. At a point eastward from the harbor and within the *J*Fort PiKe *S**i limits of the government tract whereon is Madison barracks, stood and still stands, old Fort Pike, yet preserved much in accord with its original lines. After the war was ended, and after the advantages of the situation from a military standpoint had become fully recognized in the determi- 1 On July 6, 1886, at an independence day celebration on the old battle ground at Sackets Harbor, Col. Walter B. Camp, executor of the estate of Col. Elisha Camp, in behalf of the heirs of the estate, formally presented to the Jefferson county historical society and the village of Sack ets Harbor, deeds of ccnveyance of the tract of land described as follows: "All that certain piece or parcel of land designated as the battle and camping-ground of 1812, lying in the village of Sackets Harbor, to have and to hold by deed and trust, according to the provisions of said papers, and to be known as Fort Tompkins Park." 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nation to establish the station, Smith's cantonment, adjoining the present navy yard, which was built to accommodate 2,000 troops, was found undesirable for permanent occupancy. Therefore, for the erec tion of suitable barracks to quarter a regiment of regular troops, ground was purchased and on it was built the officers' and soldiers' quarters which are still standing. The reservation of 39^ acres, before the re cent considerable enlargement, comprised several purchases, the first of which was made July 1, 1813, ' and thence continued as required until May, 1817. The land was enclosed on three sides with a pali saded picket fence, the northeast and southwest sides of which ex tended to the shores of the lake, with angles at convenient points to permit enfilading fire of musketry in case of attack. The plans for the barracks were made by William Smith of Water- town, and the credit was given to him for presenting the best among the many drawings submitted by professional architects for the build ing to cover the hull of the New Orleans. In the barracks plans the officers' quarters were separated by a sallyport. Each row of buildings was 217 x 33 feet in size. A double row of soldiers' quarters was erected, running parallel with the parade ground, and were each 453 x 23 feet in size. Work on the buildings was begun August 1, 181G, and they were finished in October, 1819. All the buildings (except the administration building and ice house) were of stone and were substantially constructed under the personal supervision of A. A. Q. M. Thomas Tupper,2 and cost $150,000. (Other authorities place the entire cost at $85,000). The mason work was done under contract by Oren Ives, and the carpenter work by Joseph Kimball, Philo Johnson and Chauncey Calhoun, and all with such vigor 1 The original act to cede the jurisdiction of certain lands m this state to the United States was passed by the legislature, March 20, 1807, but was limited in its extent and operation. On March 31, 1815, the legislature passed another act authorizing the cession of lands in the northern and western counties of the state to the United States, and therein provided that " the person administering the government of this state, the lieutenant-governor, the chancellor, the chief justice of the Supreme court, the secretary of state, the attorney-general and the surveyor-gen eral, for the time being, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners, with full power to them, or any four of them, to declare the consent of the legislature " to the acquisition of such parcels of land as shall be purchased by the government of the United States for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards and other needful buildings ; with the proviso that in case the ceded lands shall cease to be occupied for their intended purpose they shall revert to this state. '-' One authority says: " During the summer of 1815, Maj.-Gen. Jacob Brown issued orders for the building of Madison barracks, and placed his brother, Maj. Samuel Brown, A. Q. M., U. S. A., in general charge of the work, with Capt. Thomas Tupper, A. Q. M., U. S. A., as his assistant , The above orders seemed to have been issued by Gen. Brown on his^own responsibility, but they were afterward approved by the authorities at Washington." MADISON BARRACKS. Ill that on the 6th of October, 1816, five companies of the Second infantry abandoned Navy Point cantonment and took up quarters in the new and then unfinished barracks. No sanitary regulations appear to have been followed in designing or constructing the barracks, and in later years many deaths resulted from this careless neglect. There was also much scandal connected with the construction work, and Dr. Hough says that " considerable irregularity occurred in the issue of due bills for labor done on these works, which was in part remedied by an act passed in 1836, 'for the relief of Jesse Smith and others,'" and further adds that it would "be inexpedient to particularize intances of corruption and fraud in the expenditure of funds at this place, during the war, of which the government never had cognizance," etc. Whatever foundation in truth these rumors may have had, it is un questionably a fact that the greater share of the work both on building and roads was performed by members of the companies of the Second infantry. Details of men were made daily and were placed under charge of officers who forced their labors with a degree of severity not prac ticed in later years. However, discipline not even tempered with mod eration was a part of soldier life for many years after the close of the the second war with Great Britain, yet it is believed that the harshly drawn picture of severities practiced at the barracks during the early history of the post was in a measure exaggerated. Gen. Hugh Brady, the first commandant, stood among the foremost officers of his time, and at Madison barracks was associated with a superior class of sub ordinates, many of whom were accompanied with wives of high birth and Christian training. Indeed, from the regular and strict attendance at service each Sunday, the Second was sometimes referred to as " Brady's saints," but the commander himself was something of a martinet, and while hospitality reigned at his board, he rigidly enforced discipline among his soldiers. With the lapse of years and the con stantly increasing efficiency of the army, many of the old time customs and observances passed out of existence, and to-day it is a question whether the every day life of the common soldier is not more pleasant and accompanied with less responsibility and hardship than that of his commanding officers. When the Madison barracks were completed they were considered the most complete, and the post the most desirable, of any in the land, hence were much sought among army officers as a command. The buildings comprised the officers' and soldiers' quarters, a commissary 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and ordnance building, guard house, magazine at Fort Pike, and a blacksmith shop. The Second infantry was reorganized in 1815, and the ranks were filled with all classes and conditions pf men, such as citizen soldiers, volunteers, quartermasters, employees, teamsters and others, who had been mustered out of service at the close of the war. This regiment formed the garrison at the post from 1816 to 1828, and again by two companies of that command from April, 1829, to the early part of 1832, when the Black Hawk war demanded the presence of the troops at the scene of conflict. During Col. Brady's command at the post, several notable events took place, important among which was the duel fought by Dr. Burr, of the regular army and Lieut. Smith, of the Second infantry, in which both were slightly wounded. Another event worthy of record was the visit of President Monroe in August, 1817, which was made the occa sion of a public reception1 and celebration with a combination of mili tary and civic festivities. There were still other incidents of impor tance, but, unfortunate^, no record of the post between the years 1816 and 1833 appears to have been preserved; and all data of the period are drawn from Dr. Hough's history, he undoubtedly having had re course to the national record at Washington. "While Col. Brady had command of this station," says Hough, "the remains of most of the officers who had fallen in the field, or died of sickness on the frontier, were collected and buried together, within the pickets of Madison bar racks, doubtless with the intention that at a future time they should be honored with a monument worthy of the memory of American citi zens, who fell in the defense of American rights, and the vindication of our national sovereignty and honor." "A temporary wooden monument of pine boards, the form, without the substance, of a testimonial to their memory, and perhaps emblem atical of the empty and perishable honors, which our people are too wont to bestow upon those who deserve well of their country, was placed over the spot where these remains were buried, but which, from neglect, and the natural action of the elements, had tumbled down." This ingratitude of early years, if such indeed it really was, has been remedied in the erection, at the expense of the government, of a splen- i During his stay at the harbor, President Monroe was also entertained at the Mansion house. The ..Id stone building still stands and is owned by the Masonic fraternity. MADISON BARRACKS. 113 did monument to the memory of Gen. Zebulon M. Pike, and another, equally imposing in appearance, whereon appears this inscription : "Erected to the memory of the Unknown United States Soldiers and Sailors killed in action or dying of wounds in the vicinity during the war of 1812." These monuments were erected through the efforts of General O. B. Wilcox, commanding officer of the post, with the aid of patriotic citi zens of Sackets Harbor and the county. The Pike monument was un veiled and dedicated with formal ceremonies in November, 1885, by James K. Barnes post, G.A.R., assisted by the Twelfth U. S. Infantry and a vast concourse of citizens. The monument bears this inscrip tion: Brig.-Gen. Z. M. Pike, U.S.A., and his officers, Killed in Battle of York, Upper Canada, April 17, 1813. A further description of this monument at this time is not necessary, as they are permanent and conspicuous landmarks in the cemetery connected with the post. On the return of the victorious army from the battlefield of York, the bodies of Gen. Pike and Capt. Nicholson were buried in Fort Tompkins, but were subsequently transferred to the cemetery tract. In this connection it is also proper to add the names of tbe officers whose memory is perpetuated in these monu ments. They were Brig.-Gen. L. Covington, Brig.-Gen. Z. M. Pike, Lieut. Col. E. Backus, Capt. Benj. Nicholson, Lieut.-Col. Timothy Dix (father of John A. Dix and grandfather of Morgan Dix, D. D.), Col. John Tuttle, Col. John Mills, Maj. John Johnson, Lieut, and Asst. Qr. Mas ter-Gen. Van Derventer, and Capt. A.' Spencer. The remains of Col. Mills were removed to Albany in 1839. In 1826 or 1827 the bodies of the officers were removed from their former burial place at Navy Point, reinterred in the barracks cemetery, under the personal supervision of Col. Brady. The monument erected in memory of these brave offi cers and the unknown dead was dedicated on Decoration day, 1888, and at the request of Col. Richard I. Dodge, commandant at the post, the address of the occasion was delivered by Col. Walter B. Camp of Sackets Harbor. But, to return from this digression : Col. Brady was post comtnandant at Sackets Harbor and tbe barracks from the time it was established until 1824, and thereafter, except when on leave of absence, until 1828, 15 IU OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. when the regiment was ordered from that locality. With the depart ure the opinion gained circulation that the barracks would not again be occupied, whereupon, says the medical history of the post, " Capt. Allen Partridge, a teacher of some note in a military school at Middle- town, Conn., obtained consent of Peter B. Porter, then secretary of war, for the use of the place for a term of years as a military and scien tific school, which was approved by the president and afterward con firmed by a joint resolution of Congress, May 24, 1828." Under this authorization, however, nothing was in fact accomplished, and on November 21, 1828, two companies of the Second infantry re turned to the barracks under Capt. Wm. Hoffman. Again, in 1832, the troops were ordered to Florida to take part in the Black Hawk war, and the barracks were unoccupied until 1834, being for the time in charge of Ordnance Sergeant Gaines. In May of that year the regi ment returned and re-established headquarters, being then under com mand of Lieut.-Col. Cummings. After three years of uneventful bar racks life the patriot war broke out in 1837, and again the northern frontier was thrown into a state of excitement, for the cause which then sought to gain power and permanency in Canada found many fol lowers and still more sympathizers in this section of the state. The garrison at the barracks was at once called into active service, vacating the post temporarily, but returning in June, 1838. In August follow ing Col. (afterward General) W. J. Worth arrived and began the organ ization of the Eighth regiment of infantry, Col. Cummings and his command having in the mean time been ordered to the west, thus clos ing a long period of service at Madison barracks, although after his retirement from army life Col. Cummings made Brownville his place of residence. Col. Worth was an energetic military officer, and in later years gained the distinction he so clearly deserved. In 1838, on account of the in surrection then in progress, he was invested with considerable authority in order to prevent an open rupture with Great Britain. As a matter of precuation he repaired the buildings and defenses about Sackets Harbor and the barracks, and erected the commissary' and quartermas ter's storehouse, the hospital, guard bouse and ordnance buildings, at a total outlay of about $150,000. At the same time the Oneida and Telegraph were put in commission, 1 The old commissary storehouse stood on the bay front, near the present flag staff. It was subsequently burned. MADISON BARRACKS. 115 and in connection with British armed vessels patrolled the lake and river to prevent the operations of the patriot ships. During the unfor tunate battle of Windmill Point, Worth lay off the place, but of course could not interfere on foreign soil. He captured several patriot boats laden with arms and supplies, which were taken to the harbor and sold by the United States marshal. At Campbell's Point may be seen one of the captured cannon, the same having been bought by the village and afterward sold to its present owner. During the year 1S3S, Sackets Harbor and Madison barracks were visited by many distinguished civil and military personages, among whom were Gen. Macomb, commander-in chief of the U. S. army; Gen. Winfield Scott, of honored memory; Gov. Marcy, Gov. William H. Seward, Secretary of War Poinsett, and President Van Buren and his son Martin, all of whom were received at the barracks with military honors and sumptuously entertained during their stay. Col. Worth's com mand was noted for proficiency in drill, and the evolutions of the troops were the source of pleasure to the notables present. On one occasion a serious accident was narrowly averted. The reviewing party "stood near the sallyport, on a line with the flank of the command, and, at the discharge, a ramrod from one of the muskets flew like an arrow and struck into the ground between the president and Col. Worth, who were conversing together. " In the latter part of 1840 the Eighth infantry was ordered to Florida, and while there brought to an end the Seminole war. The next com mand to occupy the barracks was a detachment of two companies of the Second artillery, under Maj. M. M. Payne. In August, 1841, there arrived a portion of the Fourth artillery, under Maj. F. S. Belton, but in 1842 the artillery was relieved, and Maj. J. Plympton, with three companies of the Second infantry, replaced them. After this time no events of importance occurred until the outbreak ofthe Mexican war, when in August, 1846, tbe troops were sent to the border, and the bar racks remained in charge of Ordance Sergeant Gaines until November, 1848 Then the post was occupied by Maj. T. Lee with two companies of the Fourth infantry. Col. Camp is of the belief that Maj. Lee was the officer who, ten years before the date last mentioned, wrote the poem, " Watertown's a little place just back of Sackets Harbor," an effusion that created much amusement at the time. About this time, during Lee's command, Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant came to Madison barracks, remained one year, and was then 116 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sent to Detroit. At that time Grant was an unassuming young officer, full of life and vigor, and recollections of his stay at Sackets Harbor are very clear, being frequently referred to in later years when tbe hero of Appomattox was at the zenith of his glorious career. It is remembered that he was exceedingly fond of horses, and frequently raced all the way to Watertown to indulge in his favorite pastime of checker play ing with one of the most skillful players of the county seat. At the conclusion of one of these regular sittings Grant ran a foot race the length of the public square, winning the race and also the wager which depended on it. The young lieutenant is also recalled as having been an exceedingly abstemious and temperate man, and established a society of Sons of Temperance in the barracks. Among his acquaint ances at the harbor was Col. Walter B. Camp, from whom these remin iscences are chiefly obtained. Lieut.-Col. Bonneville succeeded Major Lee in command at the bar racks. He was the author of Bonneville's manuscripts of life in Ore gon, which was the foundation of one of Washington Irving's most in teresting works. Soon after 1850 Detroit, as a military post, was abandoned, upon which the Fourth infantry, under Col. William Whist ler, was transferred to Madison barracks. In 1852 the command was ordered to the far west, and for the next nine years, until 1861, the post was vacant, and was left in charge of Ordance Sergeant Gaines. During this time the buildings and fences became seriously dilapi dated, and the barracks in general suffered seriously from depredatory attacks of wanton persons. In October, 1861, the post was opened by Gov. Morgan, by permission of Mr. Cameron, secretary of war, as a depot for the organization of the Ninety-fourth regiment of New York volunteer infantry, with Col. Camp in command. This position was not sought by Col. Camp, and was only an expression of confidence and regard on the part of the ex ecutive. That the trust was worthily bestowed was shown in the fact that within the brief space of a day one company was enrolled, and in eighteen days the regimental organization was perfected. The gover nor publicly commended Col. Camp for his zeal, and expressed himself as very "proud of the Ninety-fourth." The regiment broke camp March 14, 1862, but in December of the preceding year, Lieut. Ryan with Co. B, Seventh U. S infantry, arrived at the barracks and assumed command. During the remaining years of the war, the barracks were frequently MADISON BARRACKS 117 used as a state military depot and the rendezvous for state troops,' and while they were also occupied by detachments of the Sixteenth U. S. infantry and Capt. Moore's company of frontier cavalry, soldier life here was comparatively uneventful, except as the latter command main tained constant guard between Henderson bay and Cape Vincent dur ing tbe threatened invasion from the Canadian border. However, during this period, Capt. Elisha Camp, A. Q. M., U. S. A., under orders from Washington, put the barracks in a good condition by extensive repairs. The work cost about $13,000. The next occupants were the 1st and 2d battalions of the Sixteenth infantry and one company of the Fourth infantry, under Col. Sibley, of the Sixteenth. The headquarters of the latter regiment were estab lished here June 20, 1865, continuing to April 30, 1867. On March 25, 1867, the detachments of the Fourth and Sixteenth infantry were re lieved by Second Lieutenant Bayne, Forty-second U. S. Inf. (V. R. C), and in April, 1S6T, the headquarters of the regiment were transferred to this post from Plattsburgh barracks, and so continued until April 13, 1869, when the command was ordered to Fort Gibson. Gen. J. B. Mcintosh was in charge of the post, and during his term about $25,000 were expended in repairs. In April, 1869, Lieut. Miltmore, First U. S. Art., with a small de tachment of Battery F arrived at the barracks, and was followed on the 14th by the remainder of tbe regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Duryea, who assumed and held command until May 26, 1870, when the troops were ordered to Ogdensburgh. The troops in the garrison during October, 1870, w.ere Battery F, First artillery, and Co. B, First U. S. Inf., under command of Major C. L. Best. He left November 1, 1872, and was succeeded by Lieut. J. L. Worden, jr. (son of Admiral Worden, of Monitor fame), of Co. B, First Inf. On December 7, Battery D, Third artillery arrived, under Capt. Trumbull, whose rank gave him com mand of the post, but on the 10th Lieut.-Col. and brevet Brig.-Gen. R. B. Ayers succeeded him. Gen. Ayers was one of the gallant com manding officers in the old army of the Potomac, and was frequently commended for bravery and meritorious service. On November 6, 1876, "eight sets of officers' quarters were de stroyed by fire, leaving only the colonel's quarters to the east of the sally-port." This unfortunate disaster, together with certain other 1 The 186th Inf., 20th Cav., and also the 10th Heavy Artillery were organized at Madison Bar racks. 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. events of a political character, nearly lost Sackets Harbor this desirable military post. Indeed, about that time there was shown considerable feeling favoring the abandonment of the station, and other cities on the lake border strongly and almost effectually succeeded in accom plishing the removal. However, through the timely and energetic in terference of Col. Camp, Congressman George A. Bagley and other prominent persons having influence with the head of the department at Washington, the current of inclination was checked, and after much argument and persuasion the barracks were retained at the harbor. At one time Gen. Sherman urged the removal, and strongly opposed fur ther improvements to the buildings and grounds, but when in 1882 the Twelfth U. S. Inf. had arrived, the old hero of the "march to the sea " visited the post and became so thoroughly convinced of the strate gic location that his former views were entirely changed. Congress man Bagley secured an appropriation of $25,000 to restore the burned quarters and make other needed improvements, especially those re lating to the sanitary condition of the reservation. Previous to this Surgeons Edwards and Turrill had urged an entire change in the sani tary regulations. Surgeon Turrill had found, after careful examina tion, twenty per cent, of organic matter in the earth around the quarters ; and three months after partial sewage only three per cent. of such matter remained. In 1876 Gen. Ayers left the post, and was temporarily succeeded by Lieut. Abbott. The latter was soon relieved by Brig.-Gen. James Robertson, Third artillery, who retired from service in 1879. Next came Major James R. Kelly, under whom the officers' quarters were rebuilt in 1879-80. Major Kelly was in turn succeeded by Major and brevet Brig.-Gen. W. M. Graham, who occupied the post until Sep tember 12, 1882, when Maj. Gen. Orlando B. Wilcox arrived with six companies of the Twelfth U. S. infantry. Under this popular officer and thorough soldier the greatest improvements in the sanitary regula tions of the post were made. He caused a Holly water supply to be established, provided furnace heating apparatus for the barracks, and in many other ways added to the health and comfort of the garrison. Gen. Wilcox was one of the chief factors in securing improvements to the barracks cemetery lot, and also in the erection of the monuments to the unknown dead and Gen. Pike. At the ever memorable Inde pendence day celebration, July 6, 1886, he was present and delivered an interesting address on " Sackets Harbor and the war of 1812." On MADISON BARRACKS. 119 October 14, 1886, Gen. Wilcox left the post, and was followed in com mand by Capt. Egbert and Col. Townsend, both of the Twelfth in fantry, but on July 25, 1887, the headquarters of the regiment were transferred, causing its removal from Madison barracks at that time. On August 10, 1887, Col. Richard Irvin Dodge arrived at the post with companies A, D, G, H and I, and also the band, of tbe Eleventh infantry, and was stationed here until the early part of October, 1891. The regiment was then ordered to another department, and on the 9th of the same month, Col. Charles G. Bartlett arrived with the regi mental band and Cos. B, D, G and F of the Ninth infantry. This command is now stationed at the barracks, and comprises all the com panies, with a total of about 550 officers and men. The subsequent commanding officers are mentioned in the appended table. During the period of Col. Dodge's command at the post, the im provements and additions to the barracks property were continued. Under orders of Gen. Sheridan tbe soldiers' quarters were raised an other story, and the administration building, 140 x 42 feet in size, was erected. The quartermaster's and the commissary's storehouses, both of stone, were also built, and a system of steam heating was extended throughont the barracks. The hospital was thoroughly remodeled, and an annex for the hospital steward was added to it. The most marked change of the period was the erection of officers' quarters at the right of the entrance to the grounds, replacing the old buildings erected in 1816-19. The cemetery, so long neglected, remained a reproach until Gen. Wilcox gave it special attention, and following him, Col. Dodge made it one of the most attractive spots on tbe reservation. The iron fence which formerly enclosed La Fayette park, Washington, was se cured by him and re-erected around the grounds. In making these and other minor improvements Col. Dodge expended more than $60,000. However, the most remarkable improvements and additions to the government reservation at this place have been made during the years the Ninth infantry has been quartered at the post. On May 12, 1892, the legislature passed an act to cede jurisdiction to the United States of such lands as were necessary for the purpose of the government ; and under this cession the United States purchased from individual owners additional lands to the extent of about fifty -three acres. Plans for properly laying out and improving tbe enlarged reservation tract, and the construction of necessary buildings thereon, were prepared by Capt. George E. Pond, A. Q. M., U. S. A., and Capt. Charles B. Thomp- 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. son, A. Q. M., U. S. A., and in accordance therewith the work was be gun and carried to substantial completion, though not to the full extent originally contemplated. In the latter part of November, 1893, Quar termaster Thomson reported on the status of the construction work as follows: "1. One common mess building of capacity to cook for, seat and feed 500 men; also containing dormitory and practice room for the regimental band. In the base ment is the central steam plant, the gas apparatus to light the barracks with gaso line; and also the post bakery." " 2. Two double barracks to house four companies of infantry." "3. Four double sets of officers' quarters, dwellings for eight officers." "4. Two double sets non-commissioned staff quarters, dwellings for the regi mental and post staff." " 5. One garbage cremator." "6. A complete system for the supply of pure water; with steel tank in stone water-tower. The pump station for this system is erected on the shore of Hender son bay, two miles distant. I have laid 2,000 feet of 10-inch pipe, 9.000 feet of 8-inch pipe, and 7,500 feet of 6-inch pipe for this water supply." "7. A complete system of sewerage consisting of over two miles of pipe discharg ing the sewage at the mouth of Mill creek." "8. The introduction of a complete system for twenty-six officers' quarters of in dividual steam and hot water heating aparatus." "9. A mile and one-half of macadam roads and sidewalks have been built." "The post will then accommodate (these improvements having been made) in these modern buildings, four companies of infantry and their complement of officers, the band, and the field and staff of a regiment. The cost of this work, approximately, is §309,000, about §58,000 of which has been expended upon the renewing of the sewerage, house plumbing, heating and water supply of the old post." In his report the quartermaster further says that " to provide for the whole regiment of eight companies will require the construction of two more double barracks, and four single sets of officers' quarters, dwellings for the three field officers of the regiment and for the med ical officer of the post; and these dwellings completed will cost approx imately $145,000." While contemplated in the original plans, these structures have not yet been fully built. Instead of the "two more double barracks," the old stone barracks were remodeled for the purpose and provided accom modations for four companies ; and instead of ' ' four single sets of officers' quarters," one double set was built, the work being done in 1897, under the supervision of Lieut. John P. Finley. Another important building erected in 1897 was the guard house, opposite the administration build ing. It cost about $5,000. The construction work for 1898 contem plates a new 24-bed hospital, for which provision has been made. MADISON BARRACKS. 121 With these splendid improvements Madison barracks has become a regimental post, and one of the most desirable military stations in the United States. Its command is still much sought by army officers, and fortunate indeed is the commander who secures the coveted assign ment. The Ninth U. S. infantry is one of the most popular regiments which has been stationed at the post, and is indeed a desirable acquisi tion to the vicinity of Sackets Harbor. The roster of commissioned officers is as follows: Colonel, William H. Powell; lieutenant-colonel, Ezra P. Ewers; major, George W. Davis; adjutant, Wendell L. Simpson ; quartermaster, John P. Finley; surgeon, Henry S. Kilbourne; assistant surgeon, Paul Shillock. Company officers. — Co. A, captain, Alpheus H. Bowman; 1st lieutenant, John M. Sigworth : 2d lieutenant, Thomas W. Darrah. Co. B, captain, William L. Carpenter ; 1st lieutenant, Andre W. Brewster; 2d lieutenant, Louis B. Lawton. Co. C, captain, Jesse M. Lee; 1st lieutenant, Charles R. Noyes; 2d lieutenant, Thomas W. Connell. Co. D, captain, John A. Baldwin; 1st lieutenant George Palmer; 2d lieutenant, Arthur W. Yates. Co. E, captain, Edgar B. Robertson ; 1st lieutenant, Carl Reich- mann; 2d lieutenant, Hugh D. Wise. Co. F, captain, Thomas S. McCaleb; 1st lieutenant, John Baxter; 2d lieutenant, Thomas F. Dwyer; additional 2d lieutenant, Warren S. Barlow. Co. G, captain, James Regan; 1st lieutenant, E. V. Bookmiller; 2d lieutenant, Louis H. Lewis. Co. H, captain, Morris C. Foote; 1st lieutenant. Robert H. Anderson; 2d lieutenant, Harry F. Rethers. Co. I, captain, Charles M. Rockefeller; 1st lieutenant, Frank L. Dodds; 2d lieutenant, Fred L. Munson. Co. K, captain, Alfred Morton; 1st lieutenant Frand De W. Ramsey; 2d lieutenant, Edgar F. Koehler. In the following list will be found the names of commanding officers at Madison barracks from 1816 to 1898: Col. Hugh Brady, 2d Inf. ; from fall of Capt. Wm. Hoffman, 2d Inf. ; Nov. 21, 1816-Jan., 1824. 1828-April 1, 1829. Lieut.-Col. Wm. Lawrence, 2d Inf. ; Jan. Col. Hugh Brady, 2d Inf. ; April 1-May -Dec. 1824 12, 1829. Col. Hugh Brady, 2d Inf.; Dec, 1824- Lieut.-Col. A. Cummings, 2d Inf.; May Feb. 1826. 12, 1829-May29, 1831. Capt. F. Staniford, 2d Inf. ; Feb.-March, Capt. O. Ransom, 2d Inf. ; May 29, 1831 1826. -Aug. 16, 1831. Col. Hugh Brady, 2d Inf. ; March-May, Capt. William Hoffman, 2d Inf. ; Aug. 1826. 16-Sept. 17, 1831. Brevet Capt. James Young, 2d Inf. ; May Lieut.-Col. A. Cummings, 2d Inf. ; Sept. -June, 1826. 17, 1831-May 20, 1832; May 9, 1834- Capt. J. D. Wilkins, 2d Inf. ; June-Au- June, 1837, and June-Aug. 28, 1838. gust, 1826. Col. W. J. Worth, 8th Inf. ; Aug. 28, 1838. Brevet Major N. S. Clark, 2d Inf. ; Aug., Capt. G. Wright, 8th Inf. ; fall of 1838- 1826-April, 1828. Apr. 1839. 16 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Capt. F. Staniford, 8th Inf. ; April 14- June26, 1839. Lieut.-Col. N. S. Clark, 8th Inf.; June 26-Oct. 1839. Col. W. J. Worth, 8th Inf. ; Oct.-Dec. 1839. Lieut.-Col. N. S. Clark, 8th Inf. ; Dec. 1839-Jan. 20, 1840. Capt. G. Wright, 8th Inf. ; Jan. 20-Feb. 2, 1840. Lieut.-Col. N. S. Clark, 8th Inf. ; Feb. 2 -April 22, 1840. Col. W. J. Worth, 8th Inf. ; April 22- May 2, 1840. Lieut. J. K. Smith, 8th Inf. ; May 2-Sept. 22, 1840. Major M. M. Payne, 2d Art. ; Sept. 22- Oct. 4, 1840. Lieut.-Col. J. B. Crane, 2d Art.; Oct. 4- Nov. 12, 1840. Major M. M. Payne, 2d Art. ; Nov. 12, 1840- Aug. 31, 1841. Major F. S. Belton, 4th Art. ; Aug. 13, 1841-June 24, 1842. Major J Plympton, 2d Inf. ; June 24, 1842-Dec. 4, 1844. Capt. J. J. Kingsbury, 2d Inf. ; Dec. 4, 1844-Jan. 30, 1845. Major J. Plympton, 2d Inf. ; Jan. 30, 1845 -Aug. 13, 1846. Major T. Lee, 4th Inf. ; Nov. 13, 1848- Sept. 7, 1849. Lieut.-Col. B. L. E. Bonneville, 4th Inf. ; Sept. 7, 1849-June27, 1851. Col. Wm. Whistler, 4th Inf. ; June 27, 1851-June 18, 1852. Lieut, Geo. Ryan, 7th U. S. Inf. ; Dec. 22, 1861-April 29, 1862. Capt. R. M. Stevenson, 7th Inf. ; April 29, 1862-died Oct. 8, 1862. Gen. Bradley Winslow, 186th N. Y. Vol. Inf. ; organized and rendzvoused at the barracks, June 18-Sept. 28, 1864. Lieut. Walter Clifford, 16th U. S. Inf ;. Nov. 8, 1864-Feb. 1865. Capt. Pliney Moore, Frontier Cavalry; March 5-May 10, 1865. Capt. H. E. Turner, Frontier Cavalry; May 10-June 20, 1865 Col. C. C. Sibley, 16th Inf. ; June 20, 1865 -March 29, 1866. Lieut.-Col. A. J. Slemmer,4th Inf. ;March 29-Sept. 29, 1866. Capt. Wm. H. Powell, 4th Inf. ; Sept. 29, 1866-March 25, 1867. Second Lieut. A. C. Bayne, 42d Inf. ; March 25-April 15, 1867. Major Tully McCrea, 42d Inf. ; Apr. 15- 29, 1867. Maj. Gen. J. B. Mcintosh, 42d Inf. ; Apr. 29-Dec. 1867. Maj. T. F. Rodenbough, 42d Inf. ; Dec. 12, 1867-May 26, 1868. Bvt. Maj. C. T. Greene, 42d Inf. ; May 26-June 3, 1868. Maj. T. F. Rodenbough, 42d Inf. ; June 7-Aug. 20, 1868. Bvt. Maj. C. T. Greene, 42d Inf. ; Aug. 30-Oct. 5, 1868. Maj. T. F. Rodenbough, 42d Inf. ; Oct. 5, 1868-Feb. 16, 1869. Bvt. Maj. C. T. Greene, 42d Inf. ; Feb. 16-March5, 1869. Bvt. Brig.-Gen. T. F. Rodenbough, 42d Inf. ; March 5-Apr. 13, 1869. Lieut. A. Miltmore, 1st Art. ; Apr. 13, 1869. Lieut.-Col. R. C. Duryea, 1st Art. ; Apr. 14, 1869-May 26, 1870, Maj. C. L. Best, 1st. Art. ; May 26, 1870 -Nov. 1, 1872. Lieut. Jno. L. Worden, Jr., 1st Inf. ; Nov. 1-Dec. 7, 1872. Capt. Jno. G. Trumbull, 3d Art. ; Dec. 7-10, 1872. Bvt. Brig.-Gen. R. B. Ayers, 3d Art. ; Dec. 10, 1872-1876. Lieut. Abbott, 3d Art. ; 1876. Bvt. Brig.-Gen. James Robertson, 3d Art; 1876-1879. Bvt. Maj. James R. Kelly, 3d Art. ; 1879 -1880. Bvt. Brig.-Gen. W. M. Graham, 3d Art.; 1880-Sept. 12, 1882. SACKETS HARBOR NAVAL STATION. 123 Bvt. Maj.- Gen. O. B. Wilcox, 12th Inf. ; Lieut. Col. Jacob Kline, 9th Inf. ; Feb. Sept. 12, 1882-Oct. 13, 1886. 1-June 3, 1896. Capt. Henry E. Egbert, 12th Inf. ; Oct. Col. Wm. J. Lyster, 9th Inf. ; June 3 15-Dec. 2, 1886. 1896-retired June 28, 1897, d. Sept. 8. Col, Edwin F. Townsend, 12th Inf. ; Dec. 1897. 2, 1886-June 17, 1887. Col. Ezra P. Ewers, 9th Inf. ; June 27- Col. Richard I. Dodge, llth Inf. ; Aug. Aug. 28, 1897. 10, 1887-Oct. 9, 1891. Col. Wm. H. Powell, 9th Inf. ; Aug. 28, Col. Charles G. Bartlett, 9th Inf. ; Oct. 9, 1897 . 1891-Feb. 1, 1896. Sackets Harbor Naval Station. —During the war of 1812-15, Sackets Harbor gained a prominence as a naval station fully equal to that acquired as a central point for military operations. Previous to the war a flourishing commerce had been built up on Lake Ontario and several vessels were constantly engaged in lake and river traffic. Nearly all of these regularly touched at the harbor, but it was not until the enforcement of the embargo laws necessitated an armed force at tbe harbor that the locality began to attract more than ordinary atten tion. In May, 1S12, the British schooner Lord Nelson was captured by Commodore Woolsey, and was brought to the harbor where both vessel and cargo were condemned and sold. Then followed the war with its multitude of events, all of which are detailed elsewhere. During the period, the authorities at Washington became convinced that this vicinity afforded the safest and best harbor on the lake, and after peace was restored the government acquired title to a tract of be tween three and four acres of land, through the same means as the military reservation was secured. The tract lay almost directly west and across the bay from the barracks, and eastward from Fort Tomp kins and the old battle ground and extended to the southeast extremity of Navy Point. The old shipyard was a scene of busy activity throughout the period of the war, the principal work of construction being under the direction of Henry Eckford, who possessed the capacity to put upon the lake a 44 gun frigate (Mohawk) in the brief space of 34 days. This famous master builder was an important factor in the success the American navy achieved during the war, and his efforts were rewarded with a substantial fortune, which, however, he afterward lost through unfor tunate investments. In another part of this chapter, and also in the chapter covering the events of 1812-15, will be found a record of the several vessels built at this station, hence the story needs no repetition in this place. 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The naval station at the harbor has been maintained by the govern ment ever since it was established, but since the close of hostilities no strong marine force has been stationed here, except during the patriot disturbances of 1837-40. The buildings at the station comprised the old ship house on Navy Point, the commodore's and shipkeeper's houses, the docks and such other structures as occasion required. During the war, Commodore Chauncey of course had command of the naval fleet, but after tbe terms of peace had been arranged only one armed vessel was kept in service. The station then became unimpor tant, and was placed in charge of a commanding officer, whose only subordinate was an appointed ship-keeper. The first officer in command was Lieut. Thomas Brownell, who had sailed under Perry, the hero of Lake Erie. He was followed (in the order named) by Captain Charles T. Piatt, George Sawyer, James Mc intosh, Josiah Tatnall, George N. Hollins, Josiah Tatnall (2d appt.), Com. E. A. F. Lavalette and Com. Theodore Bailey, the latter remain ing until some time during 1863, when he was relieved by Henry Met- calf, who also held the position of ship-keeper. In July, 1866, Com. J. B. Montgomery succeeded to the station, and remained three years, being then promoted to tbe rank of rear-admiral. Next came Com. Francis B. Ellison, followed in 1871 by Com. J. P. McKinstry. After about three weeks he was relieved by Capt. Alexander C. Rhind, who, at the end of another two weeks, was succeeded by ship-keeper Albert H. Metcalf. Then these offices were virtually consolidated, the ship- keeper afterward performing all required duties of the station. Among the commanders at this station were several officers who gained considerable notoriety in naval affairs, one of the most conspicu ous of whom was Capt. Tatnall. He was a Georgian by birth, and after having served in the command of the station went to Japan.1 He was promoted to commodore, and on returning to this country was again sent to the harbor to relieve Capt. Hollins. Soon after the out break of the war of 1861-5, Com. Tatnall yielded to the persuasions of his southern friends and cast his fortunes with the confederate navy, where he acquired much notoriety. His property at the harbor was confiscated, but local memories of the brave officer are clear and pleasant. He caused to be built around the station grounds tbe iron fence, with posts surmounted with 24-pound shot. Capt. Hollins went 1 Tatnall was commander of the frigate Niagara which brought the Japanese embassy to the United States about 1800. SACKETS HARBOR CUSTOMS DISTRICT. 125 from the harbor to the Mediterranean as commander of the U. S. frigate Susquehanna, but resigned his command to join the confederate navy. Com. Bailey, who served at the harbor one year, was afterward retired with the rank of rear-admiral. Commodore Montgomery re ceived his commission as midshipman at Sackets Harbor during the war of 1812, and was afterward assigned to Com. Perry's fleet on Lake Erie, and served during the ever memorable battle of Sept. 10, 1813. Montgomery also received his commission as rear-admiral at the har bor, and was soon afterward placed on the retired list.1 The succession of ship keepers at the station, so near as can now be determined, has been as follows: Mr. Finn, Mr. Richardson (the christian names being unknown), Joseph Fields, David Stewart, Henry Metcalf, Charles Harlow. Frank Kane, George Jones, Thomas Lindsey, Henry Metcalf and Albert Metcalf, the latter having been in charge many years. On May 30, 1826, congress passed an act appropriating $3,000 to be expended in clearing out and dredging Sackets Harbor, and on May 23, 182S, authorized a further expenditure of $3,000 for general harbor improvements.2 On May 3, 1831, the sum of $4,000 was appropriated "for a beacon," and the light house on Horse island was the result. Appropriations for improving the mouth of Black river were made as follows: July 4, 1836, $5,000; March 3, 1837, $10,000, and July 7, 1838, $22,401. In dredging the harbor in 1897 there was brought up an old brass mortar, undoubtedly a relic of the war of 1812. It was placed on the " common " in the village. Sackets Harbor Customs District. — On March 2, 1799, congress passed an act relating to the collection of duties at Lake Ontario ports, and established therefor two customs districts; one being the Niagara dis trict, including all the territory west of Genesee river, and the other the Oswego district, covering all the lake and river border east of the river. On March 3, 1803, a supplemental act was passed, authorizing the president in his discretion to establish another port of entry and delivery on the lake, and to appoint a collector of customs therefor. 1 Among the notable representatives of the U. S. navy at Sackets Harbor was Master Charles V. Morris, who came here about 1872 or '73, and was then on the retired list. He was a grandson of Lewis Morris (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence) and a son of Gen. Jacob Morris of revolutionary fame. Master Morris joined the navy in 1818, and was retired soon after the war of 1861-5, but served six years after his retirement. During the rebellion he served under Dahlgren and Farragut. He was also the intimate friend of President Lincoln. It is not now understood that Master Morris was stationed at the harbor in any capacity representative of the government. 2 Under some of these appropriations an extensive line of piers was built in the bay. 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In pursuance of this act the Sackets Harbor district was established in 1803, or the year following. Its territory was reduced by the forma tion of the Oswegatchie district, March 2, 1811, and the Cape Vincent district, April 18, 1818, the latter including all the territory below Point Peninsula. On March 3, 1863, an act was passed consolidating the Sackets Har bor and Cape Vincent districts, and necessitating the removal of the principal office to the latter place. Since that time the Sackets Harbor custom house has been maintained subordinate to the main office and in charge of a deputy collector. During the continuance of the district headquarters at the harbor, the collectors were as follows: Augustus Sacket, Hart Massey, Perley Keyes, John M. Canfield, Thomas Loomis, Danforth N. Barney, Leonard Dennison, John O. Dickey, Otis M. Cole, Daniel McCullough, Abram Kromer, Thomas S. Hall and William Howland. The first deputy collector in charge after this became an auxiliary station was Cornelius W. Inglehart. CHAPTER XII. A Brief Chapter Relating to the More Prominent Events of the So-called Patriot War — Reminiscences of the War as Related by a Participant. The years 1837-40 constituted a brief peried of excitement and dis turbance in the history of Jefferson county, and in fact all along the boundary between the United States and Canada, growing out of an abortive and ill-advised attempt on the part of a few rebellious subjects in Canada to overthrow the British government in the province. This feeble movement, while it had numerous sympathizers on this side of the line, received no countenance from the great body of the people; but from the fact that certain refugees from Canada, and others, all plotters and conspirators whose aim was to destroy the Canadian gov ernment, found this region a safe abiding place in which to develop tbeir schemes, the opinion became current on the other side of the line that the United States was lending assistance to the patriot cause. This the Canadian press in certain quarters openly charged, with fre- THE "PATRIOT WAR." 127 quent unjust and unwarranted insinuations of such character and to such an extent that much sympathy was thereby created in favor of the rebellious subjects on the partof persons who otherwise would have scorned the idea of such revolutionary measures as were permitted to be devised in this state. This embryo uprising has always been referred to in history as " the Patriot war," yet in its events, covering intervals of time during three years, there was not a single display of patriotism to suggest the title. The first overt act of hostility was the burning of the steamer Caroline, near Niagara Falls, on December 29, 1837, by a band of men from Canada, an act which aroused public indignation on both sides of the boundary, and particularly in the United States, where the insurgents sought to establish themselves and increase their following. On Jan uary 30, 1838, Congress appropriated $625,000 to call out and support the militia in suppressing this contemptible uprising, and to guard the frontier against a repetition elsewhere of an offense like that at Niagara. However, an interim of quiet prevailed during the next few weeks, and while there were no open acts of lawlessness, all through the northern region of the state secret organizations known as " Hunter lodges " were formed, many of them in Jefferson county, where the plotters seem to have gained a strong following among susceptible and advent ure-loving persons. Indeed, Watertown was a general headquarters for some of the leaders, and from this place circulars were sent out asking for money to provide clothing and subsistence "for certain political refugees within the county's borders." To a limited extent these various subterfuges were successful; some money was contributed and quite a number of easily swayed persons rallied tinder the patriot standard, but under the promise that no fighting was to be indulged in by those whp hoped to conquer the Canadas. Late in the winter of 1837-38 preparations were made to cross the St. Lawrence on the ice and inaugurate a combined movement against Kingston ; and to properly equip the motley horde which proposed to do this work, on the night of February 19, 1838, the arsenal at Watertown was entered and 400 stand of arms were taken away. For the appre hension of the thieves a reward of $250 was offered, and while part of the arms were afterward recovered the lawbreakers escaped punishment for the act. The arsenals at Elizabethtown and Batavia were likewise feloniously entered and robbed, and from the three arms and other munitions of war were taken to equip a considerable force of men. 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 20, 1838, there began to arrive at Clayton, as if by preconcerted arrangement, men to the num ber of several hundred, coming on sleighs and on foot, and at the same time there also arrived at this general rendezvous about 4,000 stand of arms, 20 barrels of cartridges, 500 long pikes, and a considerable sup ply of provisions. However, no arrangement had been made for quarters for the men, who suffered many hardships and exposures, hence many of them deserted their standard. So far as this notable army possessed a commander, one styling himself "General Rensse laer Van Rensselaer " assumed to stand in that relation, but his authority was disputed and general disorder prevailed. At the ap pointed headquarters on Hickory island the followers of McKenzie cre ated great disturbance through the jealousy of their leader, and many more troops left camp in disgust and returned to their homes; and when the remnant of the embryo army was called to duty not enough remained to carry back the arms and supplies to the United States side of the channel. Kingston was to have been attacked, captured and plundered by the patriot army, but the British military commander was well aware of the movement and prepared to defend tbe place. Indeed, he had assembled 1,600 Canadian militia and would have attacked the patriots on Hickory island had not the latter fled before the arrival of British troops; and when on the morning of February 24 a force did arrive they found only John Packard and George Hulsenberg, both of Clay ton, whom they lodged in the Kingston jail. This act of lawlessness prompted the authorities to station two com panies of militia at Cape Vincent to prevent further depredations of like character, and congress specially authorized the federal customs and naval officers to seize and detain any vessel, arms or munitions of war suspected of being a part of a similar expedition. However, several weeks passed during which comparative quiet reigned all along the border, when unexpectedly, on the night of May 29 and 30, the British steamer, Sir Robert Peel, was boarded, plundered and burned at Wells island by a party of masked and armed men, led by William (commonly mentioned as "Bill") Johnston. Pie had once been a British subject and a merchant, whose property had been con fiscated during the war of 1812-15 under a charge of insubordination, but escaped arrest and fled to the American camp at Sackets Harbor, where he was a spy iu the American service and gave much valuable THE "PATRIOT WAR." 129 assistance to the commanders at that post. His hatred of all things British bad never abated and was manifested in the lawlessness of the patriot war. On June 4, immediately after the affair at Wells island, Gov. Marcy visited Watertown and offered a reward of $500 for the capture of Johnston, $250 for each of his associates, David McLeod, Samuel C. Frey and Robert Smith, and $100 each for the others engaged in the recent outrage. The United States and Canadian governments also acted in concert and with such energy that on June 7 William Ander son, James Potts, Nathan Lee (an American), Chester and Seth Warner, William Smith, Marshall W. Forward, William S. Nichols and Henry Hunter were arrested and imprisoned in the county jail at Watertown, charged with complicity in the outrage at Wells island. Great public excitement followed and the feeling was heightened by a rumor that an attempt at rescue would be made. The trial of the alleged offenders, which began June 23, was a notable event in local annals, but the verdict " not guilty " was neither sur prising nor alarming, and only showed that the patriot cause had many strong sympathizers in that part of the state. At the trial Circuit Judge John P. Cushman presided, George C. Sherman was district attorney, and Abner Baker, sheriff. The verdict of acquittal had the effect, however, to stimulate the action of the government. On December 13 seven men under indictment were released from jail on their personal recognizance, and when this news reached Washington Major-General Macomb was sent to Sackets Harbor charged with the duty of preventing further outrages. His first action was to invite the co-operation of the Canadian military in a search for the patriots among the Thousand islands, resulting in the discovery of their retreat, but the matter was so badly managed that all the leaders and all but two of the patriots escaped. Soon afterward Lieut.-Col. Cummings (who was succeeded by Col. Worth), assumed command of the U. S. frontier, and the steamer Telegraph was chartered by tbe United States, and equipped for patrol service on the river and lake ; but even all this vigilance did not prevent the patriots from invading Canada at Windmill Point, where a battle was fought with disastrous results to the invaders. On this occasion, November 11, the steamer United States made her regular trip down the river, touching at the harbor, where it was dis covered she had on board about 150 male passengers, whose appear- 17 ISO OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ance was somewhat suspicious. At the landing here about thirty men went on board, and at Cape Vincent about ten or twelve. When at a point just below Millen's bay the steamer overtook and took in tow the schooners Charlotte of Oswego and Charlotte of Toronto, both of which proved to be laden with arms and munitions of war for the patriot force on the United States. The battle at Windmill Point soon fol lowed, the patriot leaders became frightened and fled, leaving their poor, misguided followers at the mercy of a maddened foe from whom no mercy could be expected. The prisoners were taken to Fort Henry, at Kingston, and were tried by a court martial, beginning November 26, 1838. Trial by British court martial has always been at best an unequal battle for life, in which the accused is presumed to be guilty until the contrary is proven, but on this occasion it is believed the stringency of military law was in a measure relaxed in favor of many of the American youth, who were foolishly led into the patriot ranks through the ma chinations of unscrupulous leaders; but this relaxation was chiefly due to the urgent appeals for mercy coming from the American side, and also through the public meetings held in this country (at Cape Vincent, December 18, Sackets Harbor on the 21st, Depauville and Ellisburgh the 27th, and Le Fargville the 31st). In December of this year court was in session at Watertown, and a matter of such grave importance naturally came to the attention of the bench and other court officials. At the suggestion of the presiding judge, a public meeting was held at the court house to take action in the premises. Judge McKnight pre sided, and Daniel Wardwell, Eli Farwell, Thomas Loomis, Abner Baker and O. V. Brainard were vice-presidents, and Dr. Reuben Goodale and and Joseph Mullin, secretaries. Addresses were made by Judge Grid- ley and Joshua A. Spencer, of Utica, and also Samuel Beardsley, At torney-General Richard Hulbert, Thomas C. Crittenden, Elisha Camp, William Smith and Daniel Wardwell, each of whom urged a proper observance of the law on all occasions, but at the same time expressed the earnest hope that moderation and mercy would temper the stern demands of Canadian justice. At an adjourned meeting on the follow ing day a series of resolutions were adopted, which were speedily car ried across the border to Kingston in the hands of earnest friends of the accused men. Of those on trial ten (chiefly leaders), were hanged; fifty- eight were pardoned; eighteen were released; sixty were trans ported to Van Dieman's land; three were acquitted; four turned THE "PATRIOT WAR," 131 " queen's evidence," while of the whole number accused, ten were not accounted for in the records. The leader, Bill Johnston,1 was captured in the states, November 17, 1838, imprisoned at Auburn but escaped; was recaptured by William Vaughn and taken to prison at Albany, from whence he also escaped. After the excitement of the period had passed away he returned to Clayton, where he was appointed keeper of the Rock island light. On April 8, 1839, the British steamer Commodore brought twenty-two of the pardoned men and delivered them to the civil authorities at Sackets Harbor, where the liberated Americans expressed their appreciation of the British clemency shown them. On the 27th of the same month thirty- seven more pardoned men were delivered at the harbor. The last of the series of outrages committed by the Canadian refugees was an attempt to destroy the steamer Great Britain while in Oswego harbor by exploding on board a trunk filled with combustible chemicals. The perpetrators of this act were arrested and confessed their guilt. This ended the nefarious business, but patrolling vessels were kept on the lake and river for a year or two, and a military force was also sta tioned at Madison barracks ready for duty should an emergency arise. On September 5, 1841, President Tyler issued a proclamation for the suppression of such secret societies as had committed the unlawful acts of the period of 1837-40, and soon afterward their depredations stopped. When the subject of an uprising against Canada was first seriously discussed in this vicinity, and the feelings of susceptible people began to be aroused, one Hill came from Buffalo and was actively engaged in organizing Hunter lodges throughout this section of the state; and in the course of a single week he rallied under his standard an aggregate of something like 1,800 men, young and old, and Nelson H. Truax, whom was then serving an apprenticeship at the harness trade with Jason Fairbanks, of Watertown, happened to be one of the number. The purpose of the movement, according to the expressions of Hill, and the understanding of his followers, was to organize a military force and " march to Canada to relieve the downtrodden and distressed 1 All writers of cotemporary history have mentioned the patriot leader as the " notorious Bill Tohnston." It is true that Johnston was deeply implicated in a ruthless and unlawful war like enterprise, and that the cause which he espoused had small foundation in wrong and op pression to justify the extreme measures adopted by its champions. Had the patriots been successful in their attempt to conquer Canada, their leaders would have been proclaimed heroes, and would have been rewarded with highest honors; but failing, they were denounced as rebels and outlaws. After the war Johnston returned to Clayton and spent his days, living a quiet life and enjoying the respect of neighbors and friends. 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. people of the mother country," and if they would organize here to the number of about 2,000 men, proceed thence to Sackets Harbor and from that port to Canada, the province could be subjugated in a very short time. But in the meantime it was necessary that the troops should proceed to the harbor, and there undergo a thorough training in drill and military tactics, the expenses of which were proposed to be borne by Hill. Accordingly, about 800 persons, all told, as Mr. Truax says, started from the county seat and marched to the harbor, where they remained about ten days, constantly under instruction in drill by one Corcoran, who had served the war of 1812 and was skilled in military tactics. At the end of the time the steamer United States came down from Buffalo, having in tow two schooners (the Charlotte of Toronto, and the Char lotte of Oswego). The patriot army at the harbor went on board, and the whole number, including those who came from Buffalo and others taken at Cape Vincent, amounted to about 800 men. From this it is seen that there were many desertions from the ranks of the army be fore the men were embarked. General Burge (or Birge) appeared to be supreme in command and had his temporary quarters on the steamer. After all were on board Mr. Truax set about forming an acquaintance with the commanding officer, and also sought to learn something of the composition and strength of the army with which it was proposed to invade Canada, He went " below " and there formed the acquaintance of one Conkrite, by whom he was told that on their schooner were about 300 men, while the steamer and the other schooner each had about 250 men, or in all a total of 800. During the voyage down the river " it leaked " out that General Burge intended to make a landing at Gananoque, with the intention to invest Canada from that point. When this place was reached the boats drew in to the dock, but when one of the men attempted to throw the rope to make fast, the speed of the steamer was not sufficiently checked, consequently the line parted and the vessels floated out into the stream. When the deck hand tried to make fast to the dock a British sentry fired at him, but without in jury, upon which the patriot sailor returned on board with all possible haste. After this incident the patriot commander determined to effect a landing at Prescott, nearly opposite Ogdensburgh, but when arrived off that point the steamer cut loose from the schooners and put into port at Ogdensburgh, without explanation or order to the troops on the THE "PATRIOT WAR." 133 sailing craft. One of the schooners floated down and stranded on a sand bar in the river while the men on the other made a landing on the Canadian side and found safe temporary quarters in the historic old windmill on the point. The troops on the grounded vessel were at the mercy of the waters but in no special danger on that score. Mr. Truax was on this boat, which lay where she struck from early morning until late in tbe afternoon. In this helpless condition the patriots were dis covered by the British, who soon after break of day sent the gunboat Experiment down the river to within firing distance, sending in a shot, then retiring to reload for another attack. This was the source of much annoyance to the patriots, who sought safety in the hold of their vessel while the upper works were completely riddled with shot. At last, tiring of this treatment, one of the patriots, G. O. Gardner, found an old six- pound cannon in the hold, and Mr. Truax and one Wright having discovered a gun-carriage in a concealed place, the gun was raised to the deck and mounted on the carriage, then loaded within six inches of the muzzle with ball, slugs and pieces of chains. Soon afterward the British again came down, fired a shot across the deck of the schooner, then swung down the stream to turn around; and just when " full broadside on " Gardner sighted the gun and Truax " touched her off," giving the enemy just as good as they sent. The result of this single discbarge, as reported tbe next day in the Kingston papers, was three British gunners killed and five others wounded. Moreover the Experiment did not again appear, and between four and five o'clock in the afternoon the Paul Pry came along and took on board all the stranded troops and carried them safely to Ogdensburgh. The men were given a hearty dinner at the patriot commander's expense, and remained at the hotel until late in the afternoon. About this time five of the men, of whom Mr. Truax was one, deter mined to cross the river to the windmill. Among the five was a son of Col. Vaughn, one of the heroes of 1812-15, George Kimball and two others whose names Mr. Truax does not recall. They at once procured a boat and crossed to the queen's domain, arriving at Windmill Point about dark. They were met on the river bank by a crowd of patriots and escorted to the windmill. This was Monday night, November 12, 1838. The famous windmill stood on the bank of the St. Lawrence river; was built of stone, six stories high, the walls being about three feet thick. It had previously been used as a grist mill and its machinery 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was operated with wind power. The party from the other schooner were already in possession, and had removed all the machinery, and had also "punched" holes through the walls that the building might be used for the purposes of a fortress. The troops, early on Tuesday morning, reorganized in military form and elected Col. Von Schoultz, a Polish exile, as their commander. This officer then addressed his men (in good English for a Polander) and advised every man to pro vide himself with good arms and plenty of ammunition, for he had been made aware that the British were "pressing hard upon them, and that they were in the enemy's country. " After the speech was finished the men cheered their commander and then returned to quarters in the mill. At about ten o'clock Von Schoultz discovered the British on the brow of a hill, nearly a mile away, upon which he ordered his men to take a position in a butternut grove about half a mile from the wind mill, and when there to prepare earth and breastworks to resist an attack, each man to act in his own defense. This was done hastily, but according to orders, and within the next half hour the enemy had reached a point within thirty-five rods of the grove, where Col. Dundas of the 88th regulars ordered his men to "dress up and fall in, four deep." In Dundas' command were 800 regulars, while on bis left was Col. Frazier with 700 Canadian militia. Then came the order to fire, and from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon was kept up a constant discharge of firearms. This battle, says Mr. Truax, "con sidering the odds, was as hard as ever was fought on this continent." Between two and three o'clock Col. Dundas gave an order to charge bayonets, and inasmuch as the patriots had no bayonets on their guns with which to repel the attack, they hastily concluded to "use their Yankee legs and get back to the windmill." In this attempt, however, thirty-six of the men were made prisoners, but the others reached the mill in safety. The result of this historic engagement, says Mr. Truax, and as reported in the Kingston papers, was 356 British regulars and 388 militia killed, while the loss to the patriots was only three killed and five wounded. But the fortune of war was with the British, and by Saturday night the last of the little invading army was securely im prisoned in the Kingston jail. The remainder of the story is told on a preceding page, hence needs no repetition in this place. Nelson H. Truax, who relates this incident of the patriot war, was born at Lowville, November 23, 1818, and in 1S26 came with his father, John Truax, and family to Antwerp, where he settled on a farm. Soon THE CIVIL WAR. 135 afterward Nelson went to live with William McAllaster, land agent for George Parish, but in 1833 removed to Watertown and served an ap prenticeship with Jason Fairbanks, learning the trade of harness mak ing. Later on he returned to Antwerp, where he lived several years, but in 1869 came again to the county seat where he has ever since re sided. He is a very estimable man and has always been highly re spected in the communities where he has lived. CHAPTER XIII. THE WAR OF 1861-65. In the history of nations there are times when reason is disregarded ; when all rational laws are trampled under foot ; when the best counsels are unheeded, and the wisest dictations of statesmen are ignored. These times grow out of the struggle of men for power in the race for personal advantage or political preferment; in contests for recognition with the determination to triumph and control regardless of the ex pressed wishes of the majority, and to secure success at the sacrifice of the rights of others. There can be but one end, one natural and legiti mate outcome of such conditions, and that revolution and war. The present generation has witnessed and been participants in the events of a period in our nation's history when no settlement of questions at issue was possible save by arbitrament of the sword. From the time when man first learned it possible to take the life of his brother, the stronger has triumphed in his ambition at the cost of blood. Nations have gone out in the smoke of battle, while others have enlarged their territory and brightened their civilization through victorious armies ; but while we all look for the time when reason shall hold absolute sway in the human mind and make war impossible, at least no longer a necessity, yet we must bear in mind that this great condition cannot be reached until man shall have advanced higher on the ladder of evolution, and when political ambition shall have become subordinate to the welfare of country. On an eventful morning in April, 1861, Moultrie's guns were trained on Sumter, and with that single boom of cannon, civil war in the 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. United States was proclaimed throughout the world ; the south was arrayed against the north in a strife that cost billions of money, hundreds of thousands of human lives, and untold suffering following in the wake of battle. For many years previous to 1860 strong antag onism between two sentiments had existed in this country; the south was the avowed enemy of the free paid labor of the north, and the north of the slave labor of the south. Advocates of both principles were earnest and determined, and their respective views were enlarged and extended until tbe remotest corners of our territorial limits became more or less impregnated with the prevailing ideas. The political con test of that year was fevered and exciting, for never before had so much depended on the result of the ballot. There were numerous murmurings of a significant character and preparations which carried alarm to a nation which had devoted all her energies to the fruitful arts of peace. Then followed an assault upon the integrity of the ballot and the will of the majority, which, if successful, must of necessity destroy our republican form of government. The voice of reason was lost in the thunder of the cannon. The question was: Shall liberty and union walk no longer hand in hand, and if either was to go out, which ? How sudden the transformation of the peaceful citizen into the uniformed soldier. Almost every citizen realized that it was his duty to be loyal in his service to the country, and volunteers were furnished from every state, county and town in the great north. Loyal men only knew that they were needed and hastened to respond; they ex changed the rippling music of the hillside stream for the thunder of deep mouthed cannon and deafening musketry volley. It was not with them a question what battles were to be fought, what graves filled, but the spirit of secession must be buried and breathe its last amid shriek ing shell and hissing bullet. Jefferson county was no exception to the rule, and freely sent her sons whose blood crimsoned the soil of a hundred battlefields. They fell as heroes fall, a sacrifice to union, liberty and freedom; and the mothers who gave these sons displayed a heroism which has been the admiration of the world, equal to the Spartan mothers in their un selfish sacrifice of household idols. The hardships of a soldier life, suffering from wounds and disease and the surrendering of young lives, presents a chapter of patriotism that warms the heart of every true American, but the weeks and months and years that came and passed, father, mother, wife, sister and brother waited in their homes; THE CIVIL WAR. 137 when the heart stood still as the stranger came to the door; when the hands trembled as the message was opened; and when in hushed words they wondered if the wounds would kill or had killed the soldier boy in whom they had such hope. When we reflect on all the scenes we can only doubt who suffered most when the shadows of war dark ened our fair land. During the period of the war there was furnished to the Union army a grand total of 2,867,345 men, of which the state of New York con tributed 484,260, and Jefferson county a total of probably 7,000 men, though not by any record extant can the number be accurately deter mined. Careful computations have been made, state, county and town records have been examined, and individual effort has been brought to bear in every locality, yet the results attained are unsatisfactory. From published muster rolls the names of about 5,000 of the county's soldiery have been obtained, but it is needless to reproduce them here as an unofficial or incomplete record. The state now has a corps of competent compilers engaged in preparing a complete roster of its sol diers in service during the war, and the work when published will be distributed and made accessible to all interested persons, in view of which it is not deemed prudent in this contemporary work to furnish a similar list, and one which at best would be imperfect.1 Again, almost every regiment in service from this state has a pub lished and widely circulated history, recounting at length all the trials and hardships, successes and reverses of its troops in and about the capital, at the front, in camp, and on the field of battle, where so many of Jefferson's patriot dead lie in eternal sleep 'neath the southern sun. Indeed, it seems not right to tell the story in its entirety again, nor to revive in the breasts of now aged parents, beloved brothers and sisters, or perhaps ever mourning children, fresh memories of the dust which feeds the wild flowers at Chancellorsville, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, Gettysburg, Peters burg, and a hundred other battlefields of the south. Nor need we re count the awful sufferings of Jefferson's sons in the loathsome pens at Andersonville, Salisbury, Libby and Belle Isle where others wait the final reveille. 1 Previous to July 2, 1862, the state kept no account with localities of troops furnished, and when quotas were assigned for drafting, they were constantly modified. Were it possible to collate the reports of provost-marshals throughout the state, more than 150,000 men would be unaccounted for. t 18 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. But, let us rather turn to scenes and incidents at home, noting the composition and organization of the several commands in which were Jefferson volunteers, and then follow them to the front and recall the battles in which the regiments and companies were engaged, as dis closed in official reports. The record is truly a proud one and from the disastrous scenes of first Bull Run to the crowning victory at Appo mattox forms one of the brightest pages in all its history; yet were we to reproduce the record in full, this volume would scarce contain the narrative. One of the most interesting events in connection with the military history of Jefferson county during'the war was the establishment of a provost-marshal's office and headquarters in Watertown, for the proper enlistment, examination and concentration of recruits, and their expe ditious transportation to the front when needed. At that time the 20th congressional district included Jefferson, Herkimer and Lewis counties, and Ambrose W. Clark was representative. Through his influence and friendly interest the designation was made, and also the appoint ment (April 16, 1863) of Frederick Emerson as provost-marshal; an appointment which met with approval on every hand, for Captain Em erson possessed the requisite qualities, temperament and disposition to fill the position with credit both to the war department and the county. The marshal stood firm and earnest in the performance of his frequent ly unpleasant duty, yet dealt leniently with doubtful cases.' During the incumbency of his office, a serious accident occurred which caused him much suffering, and from which he never afterward recovered, but his interest in the work committed to his charge did not abate. Indeed, this office is said to have been one of the best conducted of its kind in the state, a full share of the credit for which was due to the persevering efforts of the provost-marshal and the admirable corps of assistants drawn about him. 1 Perhaps the most trying occasion for Capt. Emerson and the people of the county seat was about the time of the draft. When the fact became known that the draft was really to be made great excitement prevailed in Watertown and a violent outbreak was feared. In this feeling of dread and uncertainty a committee visited the provost-marshal and made a request that the draft be postponed, at least until public excitement had subsided. The marshal held the matter under advisement only for a minute, and then replied : "Gentlemen, the draft will be made at the appointed time, and there will not be any demonstration against it." When the day arrived the inhabitants were wrought up to a fearful pitch of excitement, but all of a sudden there marched through the streets and took up quarters on Arcade street a full company of Michigan soldiers, direct from Gettysburgh, travel-strained but well trained and armed soldiers. Then the draft was made without serious incident, and only the usual copperhead mutterings were heard against it. THE CIVIL WAR. 139 Dr. Edward S. Walker, of Herkimer county, was detailed as examining surgeon, and Dr. Charles Goodale as assistant surgeon, both physicians of acknowledged ability, faithful to every duty, and popular through out the district. They, with Commissioner Arthur W. Pond, of Lewis county, comprised the examining board. The deputy provost-marshals were James J. Cook, of Herkimer county, and James B. Phillips, of Lewis county ; marshal's clerk, Charles H. Van Brakle, appointed April, 1863; resigned in September following, and enlisted, and was succeeded in office by John J. Safford. Both were competent attaches of the office. Clerk Safford, however, soon resigned, and was succeeded by Louis C. Greenleaf, who served until the office was closed at the end of war. Brayton C. Bailey was appointed enrolling clerk, and David O. Gates, assistant. The latter died late in 1863. Edward M. Gates was a later clerk, and his was the last name drawn on the occasion of the final draft, he himself turning the wheel. Lieut. I. P. Wodell, a vet eran, was appointed to command the veteran reserve corps, which com prised the military forces attached to the provost's headquarters. First Lieutenant George McOmber, who had served in the 94th infantry and who was discharged for wounds received at second Bull Run, was appointed special agent in May, 1863, but resigned in August follow ing and again entered the service as first lieutenant in the veteran re serve corps. He was succeeded as special agent by Albert D. Shaw, who had served two years in Co. A, 35th infantry, and who retained his position in tbe " provo's " office until it was finally closed. James P. Kirby, a veteran of the 94th infantry, who was also wounded at second Bull Run, was another special agent in the office. William Wright, a well known figure in and about tbe county seat during the period, officiated as janitor of quarters. The federal and state military laws, and the exigencies of war, re quired that every male person between the ages of 21 and 45 years be en rolled and made subject to military duty. Accordingly, the enrollment was made by persons especially designated in each of the towns, and when completed was revised and corrected by the special agents and clerks of the provost marshal's office.' The occasion, however, gave 1 The assistance received by the marshal from the patriotic citizens of each of the towns is worthy of more than a passing mention, yet from the fact that no record was kept showing the hundreds of instances of unselfish loyalty during the war period, the names of all the persons foremost in this commendable work cannot be recalled without omissions. Even from the out break of the war, » feeling of patriotism seemed to prevade the whole county, and at every cross-roads settlement one or more public meetings were held, addresses were made, and the 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. rise to many ludicrous incidents, and still others of a truly pathetic nature. To clear the rolls of men unfit for duty was an arduous task for the surgeons and other attaches of the office, and while all manner of tricks and devices were frequently resorted to in order to mislead the officials, they were seldom deceived. Then followed the period of furnishing substitutes by men who sought to relieve themselves of the possibilities of the "draft," and who possessed the means to do so. The generous bounty and premium offers for recruits to fill town quotas brought to the marshal's office many citizens and residents of Canada, some of whom were willing and earnest in their desire to enter the army, but there were others of an undesirable class, who sought only the bounty money and then a favorable opportunity to escape to British soil. This class was the cause of great annoyance to the office, and all along the frontier every precaution was required to be used to defeat the desperate wiles of the " bounty jumper," and also of the dis contented recruits who freely enlisted, then regretted the action and deserted to places of concealmeut within the county, or to more safe refuge across the border. Would space and policy permit, the narra tive of scenes and incidents might be extended indefinitely by reciting only the events connected with the provost-marshal's office and tbe per formance of its many duties by those in authority. The period was indeed one of excitement and interest, and many were the amusing and thrilling episodes witnessed by the officers and agents connected with the department. At times there was danger, especially during the period of the draft, for in various sections there existed a sentiment of strong opposition to the war, and one which manifested itself on more than one occasion. But now, that the period and its passion have flag was unfurled to the breeze at the top of the highest pole cut from the neighboring woods. Each town had its organization, whose object was to see that the quota should be filled without delay on every call for men. One of the most efficient organizations of this character was the Union league of Watertown, of which William C. Thompson was the first president, and Azariah H. Sawyer secretary, but later president. The league at one time had 500 members, a. fair pro portion of whom were democrats, for there was a strong effort to induce membership from that party. The purpose of the league was to develop a spirit of patriotism throughout the region; to unhesitatingly support the government on all war measures; to aid in enlisting men in the service, and also to do all possible things to hold m subjection a certain elernent of disorder and opposition to the catise for which our arms were contending. In other words the league was de voted to the Union in direct opposition to the spirit of Copperheadism, which, unless checked, threatened to become rampant in the region. The league was not a secret organization, yet at meetings only members were admitted. The exercises related chiefly to raising men and means for the prosecution of the war, but a quasi military organization was maintained, as an open anti-war outbreak was greatly feared. Indeed, on one occasion the president of the league, hav ing spent the early part of the night in writing letters, was returning from the post-office in the arcade when a large stone was hurled at but just missed his head. THE CIVIL WAR. 141 passed, and the party hatred and sectional animosities are no longer known in the south or the north, we may all fondly cherish the hope that ours is indeed " Union forever! One and inseparable." As near as can be determined Jefferson county sent into the Union army, in all departments during the period of the war, about 7,000 men. The county paid in bounties, through its towns, an aggregate of $333, 475.16, but the cost of the war to the county was a sum far greater than that mentioned; and in loss of life, sufferings on the battlefield and at home, in the hospital and at the fireside — when we reflect on all the scenes, all the miseries and all the heartaches, the loss cannot be estimated. At the legislative session of 1861 Jefferson county was represented in the Senate by James A. Bell, and David Montague, David J. Wager and Harvey Bailey represented the three assembly districts into which the count}' was divided. On April 12 a shot was fired from a mortar bat tery near old Fort Johnson and fell on Fort Sumter, which was held under the U. S. flag, and soon afterward the garrison surrendered. The news reached the state capitol on Sunday morning, the 14th, and on that afternoon an important and hastily assembled meeting of offi cials was held in tbe executive chamber. The subject was presented to the legislature next day, and at once a bill was passed providing for the enrollment of 30,000 volunteer militia to serve two years, and $3,000,000 were appropriated to meet the expense. At the same time a state military board was created. On April 15 the president issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 militia from the several northern states "to suppress treasonable re bellion," the quota of New York being seventeen regiments, and under that and later calls, the 12th of July found this state with a total of 46,224 men at the front. Now let us see what was Jefferson county's military record during this trying period and also during the subsequent years of the war. A glance at the official records disclose the fact that the county fur nished men for at least thirty different. regiments in all arms of the service, and that her contribution of a grand total of 7,000 was there fore much scattered. In some of the regiments the contingent was exceedingly small, hardly worth mention, but according to their im portance, service and strength they may be mentioned.- Twenty fourth Infantry. — This regiment was recruited almost wholly in Oswego county during the latter part of April and the early part of 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. May, 1861. The Jefferson county contingent comprised Company K, which was raised in Ellisburgh by Andrew J. Barney', who was elected captain; John P. Buckley, lieutenant; and Jonathan R. Ayers, ensign. The local headqurters were at Belleville. The Twenty fourth was in camp at Elmira until July 2, 1861, on which day, under Col. Timothy Sullivan, it was mustered into service and immediately left for Wash ington. On the 3d the men went into camp on Meridian Hill. The regiment was differently brigaded several times, but was finally at tached to the " Iron brigade " and made a splendid record with the army of the Potomac, operating entirely in Maryland and Virginia. However, the story of its service is best told by the appended official list of battles, beginning with Bailey's Cross Roads, in July, 1861, and closing at Chancellorsville in May, 1863. The regiment, under Col. Samuel R. Beardsley, was honorably discharged and mustered out at Elmira, May 29, 1863, having served the full term of enlistment. Later on Col. Wm. C. Raulston was authorized to reorganize the regiment for three years' service, but the authority was modified and it was re organized as the 24th N. Y. cavalry. During the period of its service the 24th lost a total of 122 men. The battles in which it took part were as follows : 1861.— Near Bailey's Cross Roads, Va., July 25; near Falls Church, Oct. 8. 1862— Falmouth, April 17-18; Massaponax, Aug. 6; Gen. Pope's campaign, Aug. 16-Sept. 2; Rappahannock river, Aug. 22; Sulphur Springs, Aug. 26; Gainesville, Aug. 28; Groveton, Aug. 29; Second Bull Run, Aug. 30; Little River turnpike, Sept. 1; South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14; Antietam, Sept. 17; Frekericksburg, Va. , Dec. 11-15. 1863— Pollack's Mill creek, April 29-May 2; Chancellorsville, May 2-3. Thirty -fifth Infantry.'1 — In many respects the 35th was one of the 1 Captain Barney was afterward promoted major of his regiment. He was the son of Dr. Lowry Barney of Henderson. In 1852, in New York city, Dr. Barney formed an acquaintance with General Thomas J. Jackson (better known in the service as "Stonewall " Jackson) and it appears that the latter's dyspepsia was a subject of conversation between them. Jackson be came so impressed with the doctor's suggestions as to treatment that he determined to and did visit Henderson and placed himself under Dr. Barney's care. Thus a family acquaintance was made. Just ten years later the once dyspeptic invalid was the famous Stonewall Jackson of the confederate service, and Andrew J. Barney at the same time held a major's commission in the 24th N. Y. Vol. Inf. At the second Bull Run battle (August 30, '62) Major Barney was killed, and as his men were bearing their lifeless burden from the field they were overtaken by General Jachson and his staff, and were made prisoners ; but chancing to look down at the pale, dead face of the Union officer, the rebel leader recognized his young friend of former years, and the son of his old physician in Henderson. He directed his men to properly care for and embalm the body, and Dr. Buell (late of Ellisburgh) went south and brought it from within the confeder ate lines and buried it in this county. 'JThis regiment never lost its formation while on duty, from the time of its organization until its disbandment — a record of rare military brilliancy, as all accustomed to active military THE CIVIL WAR. 143 most notable commands recruited in the county during the war, for the "flower and the youth " of Jefferson county were with the army. With the exception of four companies the regiment was raised within the county, and was therefore known as the " Jefferson county regiment." Briefly stated the command was recruited in the months of April and May, 1861, rendezvoused and organized at Elmira, and there on June llth was mustered into service for tbe term of two years, with William C. Brown, colonel; Stephen L. Potter, lieutenant colonel, and Newton B. Lord, major. However, during its service the personnel of the field and staff was materially changed, in view of which we may have recourse to official record and note these changes : William C. Brown, colonel; resigned August 2, 1861. Newton B. Lord, colonel; mustered as major; promoted- colonel August 21, 1861; resigned February 9, 1863. John G. Todd, colonel; mustered as captain; promoted major August 10, 1861; lieutenant-colonel Janury 1, 1863; colonel February 9, 1863. Stephen L. Potter, lieutenant-colonel ; resigned August 2, 1861. Bradley Winslow, lieutenant-colonel; mustered as captain; promoted lieutenant- colonel August 31, 1861; resigned October 31, 1862. David M. Evans, lieutenant colonel; enlisted as private Co. A; promoted 1st ser geant Co. I ; promoted adjutant October 28, 1861 ; major, January 1, 1863 ; lieutenant- colonel, February 9, 1863. Sidney J. Mendell, major; mustered as captain Co. G; promoted major February 9, 1863. Lafayette Little, adjutant; promoted captain Co. I October 28, 1861. Henry P. Taylor, adjutant; enlisted as private; promoted 1st sergeant; to 1st lieu- tenat Co. D December 19, 1861; detached A.D.C. to Gen. Paul December 10, 1862; promoted adjutant April 1, 1863. De Witt C. Van Slyck, surgeon ; mustered June 11, 1861. The others of tbe field staff may be mentioned as follows: Seth French, assistant surgeon ; mustered June 11, 1861; promoted surgeon and transferred to 21st Infantry. Benjamin F. Goodrich; assistant surgeon; mustered May 1, 1863. Samuel L. Merrill, chaplain; mustered June 15, 1861. James B. Carpenter, assistant surgeon ; resigned Jan. 13, 1863. Alexander Hull, quartermaster; mustered July 8, 1861. campaigns can attest. The nucleus of Co. A of the 35th was the old Black river corps, an inde pendent military organization of Watertown, and the "crack" company of the region. The Black river corps, however, was the outgrowth of the still older Citizens corps, an organization of similar character. Of the latter Cel. William C Brown was commander, but resigning, was succeeded by Capt. Potter who changed the company's form of drill and tactics, and under whom the name was also changed to Black river corps. All the men of the old company did not enlist in Co. A, but those who did constituted what was perhaps the finest appearing and most soldierly body of men sent out from northern New York during the war. 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. William W. Beckwith, sergeant-major; promoted 1st lieutenant Co. H, Oct. 15, 1861. William H. Gaige, sergeant-major; enlisted private Co. A; promoted sergeant- major Nov. 5, 1863. William F. Ryther, Q. M. sergeant ; enlisted private Co. C ; promoted sergeant ; promoted Q. M. sergeant Feb. 15, 1863. Nathan N. Lord, commjssary-sergeant ; promoted second lieutenant Co. D, Nov. 15. 1861. Dempster Doane, commissary-sergeant; enlisted private Co. D; promoted com missary-sergeant Nov. 15, 1861 ; 2d lieutentant March 10, 1863, and assigned to Co. D. George C. Smithe, commissary-sergeant; promoted Q. M. S. Feb. 15, 1863; pro moted commissary-sergeant March 11, 1863. George W. Wright, Q. M. S. ; promoted 2d lieutenant Co. C. Lorenzo B. Lawrence, hospital steward; mustered June 11, 1861. James B. Wells, sergeant-major;promoted sergeant-major Oct. 15, 1861 ; discharged Nov. 5, 1863. Company A was recruited in Watertown. Its officers were as fol lows: Bradley Winslow, captain; promoted lieutenant colonel Aug. 31, 1861. Henry C. Chittenden, captain ; promoted from 2d lieutenant Aug. 10, 1861. Jesse T. Rey nolds, 1st lieutenant; mustered June 11, 1861. Lothario D. Morgan, 2d lieutenant; promoted from 1st sergeant Sept. 9, 1861. Seth A. Coolidge, 2d lieutenant; en listed private; promoted sergeant; promoted 2d lieutenant Nov. 27, 1862. The non commissioned officers were: Sergeants — William W. Enos, Eben L. Wait, George Van Vleck, George McOmber, Louis C. Greenleaf. Corporals — William S. Smith, Milton Converse, Albert D. Shaw, John Ward, James M. Hamlin, Henry L. Christ ian, Frederick McOmber, Richard L. Warham. Company B was recruited at Copenhagen and was officered as follows : William N. Angle, captain ; resigned Nov. 25, 1862. Charles F. Smith, captain ; promoted from 1st lieutenant. John O'Hara, 1st lieutenant. Michael Kirby 2d lieutenant. Charles S. Munger, 2d lieutenant. Joseph C. Otts, 2d lieutenant. Company C was recruited at Theresa. The officers were : George W. Flower, captain ; resigned on account of wounds received at Antietam Nov. 5, 1862. Albert A. Pitcher, captain ; promoted captain Nov. 15, 1862. John Cud worth, 1st lieutenant; promoted 1st lieutenant Nov. 15, 1862. George J. Wright, 2d lieutenant: commissioned Jan. 10, 1863. Ira J. Folts, 1st sergeant; promoted sergeant Nov. 1, 1863. Sergeants — Delos Staplin, Frederick Slicker, John Robb 1st, George Monroe. Corporals— Hollan N. D. Parker, John Robb 2d, Albert Jackson, Josiah H. Albertson, August Myers, Charles Dougherty, John B. McDonald. Company D was recruited in New York city, Buffalo and Elmira. Its commissioned officers were: THE CIVIL WAR. 145 C. E. Zimmerman, captain. John E. Pollard, 1st lieutenant. Dempster Doane, 2d lieutenant. Company E was recruited at Watertown. Its officers were: John Lacy, captain, succeeded Dec. 12 1862, by John A. Haddock. John Bud- long, 1st lieutenant; promoted from 2d lieutenant Co. G Jan. 1, 1863. James H. Cramer, 2d lieutenant ; promoted from 1st sergeant April 1, 1863. Samuel Haddock, armorer. Moner Moran, 1st sergeant. Henry Baird, Gustave Porst, James Cannon, Thomas Farrell, sergeants. William Lane, Benjamin Larocque, George Doty, Edward Mair, George Gardner, corporals. Company F was recruited at Corning and Hammondsport. Its offi cers were : L. B. Shattuck, captain. N. N. Lord, 1st lieutenant. Albert Kendrick, 2d lieu tenant. Company G was recruited at Adams. Its officers were : Sidney J. Alendell, captain; promoted major Feb. 9, 1863. E. Jay Marsh, captain; enlisted 1st lieutenant; promoted captain Feb. 9, 1863. Caleb Slocum, 1st lieuten ant ; transferred from Co. F as 2d lieutenant ; promoted 1st lieutenant Feb. 9, 1863. Graham Dukeheart, 2d lieutenant; promoted from 1st sergeant Feb. 9, 1863. John Budlong, 2d lieutenant; transferred to Co. E. William W. Cary, James Dolan, Josiah Ripley, George Banks, John J. Parkham, sergeants. Myron J. Harrington, Rufus C. Hall, Walter P. Thayer, John B. Collins, corporals. Company H was recruited at Cazenovia. Its officers were: John G. Todd, captain; promoted major. James R. Barnett, captain, killed at Antietam. William W. Beckwith, captain, commissioned Sept. 18, 1862. Edwin D. Messinger, 1st lieutenant. George C. Brown, 2d lieutenant. Edward G. Frink, 2d lieutenant. Company I was recruited at Redwood. Its officers were as follows; Edgar Spalsbury, captain ; resigned and mustered out Oct. 28, 1861. Lafayette F. Lyttle, captain ; mustered as adjutant ; promoted captain to date from Oct. 28, 1861. Josiah H. Simpson, 1st lieutenant; took command of Co. D Dec. 20, 1862. Edwin R. Butterfield, 2d lieutenant; resigned and mustered out Oct. 7, 1862. John H. Keats, 2d lieutenant; promoted from sergeant Co. G Oct, 27, 1862. Adam J. Cratsenburgh, 1st sergeant. Nelson Hough, Gilinan Evans, John B. George, Levi Annable, sergeants. Edwin J. Pauting, Joseph A. Lewis, Calvin J. Relyea, Germon Reed, Mark Agur, Kendrick Brown, Joseph Turner, Albert Baird, corporals. Company K was recruited at Brownville. Its officers were as fol lows: Erskine M. Camp, captain; promoted assistant quartermaster, U. S. A., May 20, 1863. Charles E. Zimmerman, 1st lieutenant; promoted captain Co. D Jan. 17, 1862. Jay D. McWayne, 1st lieutenant; promoted 2d lieutenant June 17, 1861; 1st 19 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lieutenant Jan. 17, 1862. John O'Hara, 1st lieutenant; promoted 2d lieutenant Jan. 17, 1882; 1st lieutenant Co. B Nov. 27, 1862. Asahel B. Westcott, 2d lieutenant; promoted 2d lieutenant Feb. 20, 1863, and transferred to Co. C; transferred to Co, K March 1, 1863. Patrick Fitzpatrick, promoted 1st sergeant March 1, 1863. Henry Malone, William Lee, William T. Clark, John Keenan, sergeants. Albert Foster, Valentine Warr, Daniel Van Allen, William Bunker, Ozander W. Douglass, Henry C. Cook, Augustus Van Allen, Benjamin Worthingham, corporals. On July 11, 1862, fully organized and fairly well equipped with arms furnished by the state, the 35th broke camp at Elmira and proceeded at once by rail to Washington, where it camped on Meridian Hill, join ing the vast army of brave and willing but inexperienced soldiers there in the defenses of the capital. On the 24th the regiment camped on Arlington Heights, where during the next two months many changes were made among the commissioned officers, and from which point the men were engaged in pioneer and construction work, building forts and leveling forests. At the same time the command became prepared for the severe service they were soon afterward called upon to per form. Late in September the regiment took a position at Taylor's Tavern and continued construction and picket duty for the succeeding five months, but during this time (Aug. 27, 1861), a small detachment had a part in the skirmish at Hall's Hill, Va. At that time the 35th formed a part of Hunter's brigade, army of the Potomac; Oct. 15, 1861, it was attached to Wadsworth's brigade, McDowell's -division, A. of P. ; from March 13, 1862, it was in the 2d (Patrick's) brigade, 3d (King's) division, 1st -corps; from May, 1862, in the 2d brigade, King's division, department of the Rappahannock; from June, 26, 1862, in the 3d brigade, 1st division, 3d corps, army of Virginia; from Sept. 12, 1862, same division, same corps, A. of P.; from January, 1863, in provost guard brigade; and from April, 1863, was at Acquia Creek. The regiment left for Elmira in the latter part of May, 1863, and in that city (June 5) was discharged and mustered out of service, However, during the period of brigade, division and corps changes above noted, the 35th experienced many vicissitudes of fortune, participated in several severe battles and skirmishes, and lost a total of 100 men, of whom five died in the hands of the enemy. During all this service the men of the 35th never once faltered in action nor turned their backs to the enemy in battle. The period of its serv ice at the front was comparatively brief, but during the time the regi ment took part in twelve engagements, and when discharged brought back the flags given the companies when organized ; on none of which THE CIVIL WAR. 147 was there spot or blemish. But all the men did not return, and some of them are still sleeping on southern battlefields, sacrifices to the honor and integrity of the nation. Still, the best evidence of tbe serv ices of the regiment is shown in the list of engagements in which it participated, viz: 1861— Hall's Hill, Va., Aug. 37. 1862— Gen. Pope's campaign, Aug. 16-Sept. 2; Rappahannock River, Aug. 21; Sulphur Springs, Aug. 26; near Gainesville, Aug. 28; Groveton, Aug. 29; second Bull Run, Aug. 30; Fairfax Court House, Aug. 31; near Fairfax C. H., Sept. 4; South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14; Antietam, Sept. 17; Fredericksburg, Va. , Dec. 11-15. Fifty-ninth Infantry (Veteran). — The State organized this regiment (Union Guards) October 19. 1861, at East New York, by consolidating organizations recruited originally under authority from the war depart ment. The strength of the command was taken from New York city, but in Co. B were men from Jefferson and Lewis counties, New York city and Kings county. The local contribution was exceedingly small, hardly more than a "corporal's guard," yet a passing allusion to it must be made. The regiment left the state Nov. 23, 1861, and served in the defenses of the capital until the next spring. From Malvern Hill, Aug. 5, 1862, to the final surrender at Appomattox, in April, 1865, it engaged in many of the most serious and disastrous battles of the war, losing an aggregate of 271 men, of whom 64 died in the hands of the enemy. So far as the records disclose this county was not rep resented by any commissioned officer in the 59th. Ninety-fourth Infantry (Veteran). — In some respects the 94th was one of the most notable commands recruited in Jefferson county during the period of the war. The work of raising the regiment was begun in October, 1861, under the direction of Col. Walter B. Camp of Sackets Harbor, and so rapidly indeed did the towns respond to the call for men that in less than three months the companies were all full and ready for service. As is well known, the 94th was organized at Sackets Harbor, and was the first of the several volunteer regiments to be rendezvoused at the famous government military post called Madison barracks. It cannot be said that any one town contributed a single full company to the formation of the 94th, for at that particular time there appeared to be a determination on the part of nearly all the young and hardy men of the towns to enlist in the three years' service, and the call for recruits for this regiment opened tbe way for them. The regiment was mustered into service for three years, Jan. 6, 1862, 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and almost at once acquired the names of "Bell Rifles," the "Bell Jefferson Rifles," and also the " Sackets Harbor regiment," the latter undoubtedly from the fact that it was organized at that place, and also from the fact that the village mentioned was the home of Col. Camp, through whose energetic efforts the organization was so quicklyac- complished. On March 17, 1863, the regiment, on account of decima tion in its ranks, was consolidated into five companies, A, B, C, D and E, and received the 105th Vols, as its companies F, G, H, I and K. On Aug. 10, 1864, because of further decimations, about 100 men of the 97th were transferred to the 94th. At the expiration of its term , of enlistment the men entitled thereto were discharged, and the regi ment retained in service. The field and staff officers were as follows: Henry K. Viele, colonel; resigned May 2, 1862. Adrian R. Root, colonel; mus tered out with regiment. Calvin Littlefield, lieutenant colonel; resigned Nov. 1, 1862. John A. Kress, lieutenant-colonel; resigned Dec. 11, 1863. Samuel A. Mof- fet, lieutenant colonel; mustered out with regiment. William R. Hanford, major; resigned July 18, 1862. John A. Kress, major; promoted lieutenant-colonel. D. C. Tomlinson, major; discharged April 13, 1863. Samuel A. Moffet, major; promoted lieutenant-colonel Feb. 16, 1864. John McMahon, major; promoted colonel 188th Inf., Oct. 21, 1864. Henry P. Fish, major; killed April 1, 1865. Byron Parsons, major; mustered out with regiment. J. Frederick Earnest, junior, adjutant; pro moted captain Oct. 29, 1862. Charles E. Scoville, adjutant; promoted captain Dec. 17, 1863. Charles E. Hulbert, adjutant; mustered out Jan. 2, 1865. Charles H. Sprague, adjutant; mustered out with regiment. David O. De Wolf, Q. M. ; dis charged March 19, 1863. Jerome I. Shedd, Q. M. ; mustered out March 35, 1865. Jeremiah S. Reed, Q. M. ; mustered out with regiment. Charles Goodale, surgeon ; resigned May 11, 1862. Andrew H. Smith, surgeon; resigned Sept. 5, 1862. George W. Avery, surgeon; discharged March 19, 1863. David E. Chamberlain, surgeon; mustered out with regiment. Elbridge E. Seymour, assistant surgeon ; resigned January 28, 1863. John T. Brown, assistant surgeon; promoted to U. S. Vols. July 6, 1864. John D. Reynolds, assistant surgeon ; declined. Edmund G. Derby, assist ant surgeon; discharged Sept. 30, 1864. Winfield S. Fuller, assistant surgeon; not mustered. Porter L. F. Reynolds, assistant surgeon ; not mustered. William A. Nichols, chaplain ; resigned July 8, 1862. Philos G. Clark, chaplain ; mustered out with regiment. The company officers (commissioned) of the 94th were as follows: Company A— W. R. Hanford, captain; I. M. Beebe, 1st lieutenant; Samuel A. MofEet, 2d lieutenant. Company B— Lansing Snell, captain; Jacob S. Gates, 1st lieutenant; Charles L. Rundell, 2d lieutenant. Company C— James Emerson, cap tain; Bernard D. Searles, 1st lieutenant; Byron Parsons, 2d lieutenant. Company D— D. C. Tomlinson, captain; John D. Moore, 1st lieutenant; Charles E. Scoville, 2d lieutenant. Company E— Samuel Place, captain ; Calvin Timmerman, 1st lieu tenant. Company F— Harrison Bibbins, captain ; Duncan M. Nichols, 1st lieuten- THE CIVIL WAR. 149 ant; Horace G. White, 2d lieutenant. Company G— Austin Horr, captain ; John Lacy, 1st lieutenant; Edward P. Mayhew, 2d lieutenant. Company H— J. E. Briggs, captain; Levi Carpenter, 1st lieutenant; George McComber, 2d lieutenant. Com pany I— Abel M. Nutting, captain ; Mason J. Mansfield, 1st lieutenant. Company K— Calvin Littlefield, captain; A. E. Cooley, 1st lieutenant; W. J. M. Woodward, 2d lieutenant. The non-commissioned company officers were as follows: Company A— Sergeants, Seymour H. Joy, Julius Auguer, Charles E. Hulbert, Eugene Jewett, George B. Madison; corporals, F. P. Cleveland, Ransom Campbell, James E Fairbanks, Frederick Baxter, Washington M. Bliss, Jeremiah Carpenter, Charles J. Ferguson, Alexander Hay, jr. ; musicians, Samuel S. Lester, James M. Lyon ; wagoner, Jacob Waldburger. Company B — Sergeants, A. Judson Marshall, Orlo J. Mason, Chauncey W. Kil- born, Royal N. Joy, William Hore; corporals, Walter Loucks, J. D. Holley, William Hunnyman, W. L. Cook, Wayland F. Ford, Ezekiel Speidell, Foster M. Drake, Clark Wilder; musician, Charles Pierce; wagoner, Daniel Ladd. Company C — Sergeants, O. F. Boomer, Cyrus Edwards, Francis Potter, Rowland Halliday, Andrew J. Allen ; corporals, Albert Smith, W. H. H. Plumme, Claudius Emerson, William Steele, Joseph B. Dickson, Dunois Beaman, O. G. Cleveland, Thomas Spicer; drummer, Almon Harrington; fifer, Franklin Post. Company D — Sergeants, Dexter C. Sears, De Witt C. Carpenter, John Scott, John R. Smith, Charles Mosher ; corporals, Charles Fowler, Henry Sanders, S. B. Middle- ton, Wiliam Blanning, Ethan A. Wait, William Loan, James M. Sloat, Charles Haines; musician, Erastus Corn well; wagoner. James Hodge. Company E — Sergeants, Charles E. Parker, Orlo Cheever, Myron Conklin ; cor poral, Samuel De Mars. Company F — Sergeants, G. W. Lefever, Levi Washburn, Gilbert Woodward, John Loomis, Augustus Washburn ; corporals, Schuyler H. Bibbins, Austin A. Boying- ton, James McDonald, Barney Peanhus, Winfield Coleman, Charles E. Powers, Myron Petrie, M. E. Jones. Company G — Sergeants, C. C. Cornee, William Warring, Austin M. Horr, How ard Roseboom, Eaton A. Sikes; corporals, George C. Dempsey, John R. Fitzgerald, F. M. Wise, Don A. Freeman, M. S. B. Pringle, William McKendrey, Frank Bow- hall, James McQuinn; musicians, Henry Lucas, Henry Lawrence; wagoner, Fred S. Gillette. Company H — Sergeants, Warren S. Smith, Orrin D. Staplin, Charles Clark, Charles W. Sloat, Brayton C. Bailey; corporals, John Cushman, Avery Ames, George W. Clark, Nelson Switzer, Vincent D. Hart, W. W. Starkweather, Joseph Denny, John P. Cole; musician, Benjamin C. Near; wagoner, Thomas Basinger. Company I — Sergeants, A. W. Locklin, Frank D. Carter, Ebenezer Calhoun, John I. Woodworth, John Hawkins; corporals, Samuel H. Oberly, Horace Cooley, An drew Smith, James G. Files, Jay H. Wetmore, Isaac La Clere, Lewis Morrow, Wil lard Tripp; wagoner, Schofield Harrington ; 'fifer, W. D. Johnson; drummer, George Olney. Company K — Sergeants, Isaac P. Wodell, Alba H. Johnson, Joshua Miles, Martin 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. L. Cole, William F. Flansburgh; corporals, C. H. Sprague, C. B. Maxson, James Mclntyre, Hiram Wallace, O. Ramsdell, Francis Miller, Oliver P. Clark, Charles H. Davis; musicians, Byron A. Brewster, Lafayette Hewitt; wagoner, Isaac Parker. The foregoing list of company officers shows the personnel of that department at or about the time the regiment was mustered into ser vice, but during later months many changes were made among the commanding officers, and especially after the consolidation of the 94th and 105th regiments in March, 1863. In the formation of the several companies there seems to have been no attempt to enlist the men by towns, but just as the recruits chose they were permitted to join what ever company they preferred; and it cannot be said that any one town (except perhaps Watertown, Co. C) furnished an entire company in the command. This was perhaps fortunate, as the 94th was one of the hard fighting regiments for which this state was famous, and some of its companies were subjected to extraordinary losses in battle, and as the men were chosen promiscuously from the county no one town was subjected to unusual loss. The 94th, well organized and comparatively we 1 drilled, broke camp at the harbor March 18, 1862, and marched through the snow to Water- town, where the men embarked on cars for New York; and from that time to the end of its service the regiment was destined to more than its natural share of adventure. At Tivoli the train left the track and plunged into the Hudson River, but without more serious disaster than the loss of several officers' horses. The men stayed in New York about two days, camping in the barracks in City Hall park, and then pro ceeded to Washington and camped on Meridian hill, where a severely cold rain and filthy quarters caused some of the inexperienced youths to think seriously of home. The regiment's first move toward the front was down the Potomac to Acquia Creek, where it was attached to the 1st brigade, 2d division, department of the Rappahannock, and took part in Pope's Virginia campaign, having a share of the fighting and the serious losses of that memorable occasion; but the campaign proved an excellent school for our Jefferson county regiment, as was shown by its gallant service on later and still more important occasions. However, on these scenes we cannot dwell, but for the services of the regiment must refer the reader to the appended list of battles. After the Virginia campaign tbe 94th was attached to the 1st corps, army of the Potomac, and engaged in general service and provost guard duty until December, 1863, when it was assigned to the 8th THE CIVIL WAR. 151 corps. In May, 1864, it was transferred to the 5th corps and served with that command throughout the remaining period of its term of en listment. The services of the regiment in the field were indeed ar duous and severe, and its battle record is almost identical with that of the famous army of the Potomac. The last campaign, which ended at Appomattox, closed the story of one of the best regiments in the Union army. Military records show that the 94th lost about 125 men killed in battle or died of wounds received in action, while more than 250 died from disease and causes attributable to army life. The most sanguin ary battles in which it took part were the Rappahannock campaign, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Weldon Road and White Oak Ridge. How ever, as the best evidence of this part of its services, recourse may be had to the list of engagements in which it participated, viz. : 1862 — Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9; Gen. Pope's campaign, Aug. 16-Sept. 2; Rap pahannock river, Aug. 31; Rappahannock Station, Aug. 23; Thoroughfare Gap, Aug. 28; second Bull Run, Aug. 30; Little river turnpike, Sept. 1; South Mountain, Sept. 14; Antietam, Sept. 17; Williamsport, Md., Sept. 19-20; Fredericksburg, Va. , Dec. 11-15. 1863— Pollack's Mill creek, April 29-May 2; Chancellorsville, May 2-3; Get tysburg, Pa., July 1-3; near Hagerstown, Md., July 12-13; Mine Run campaign, Nov. 26-Dec. 2. 1864— Tolopotomoy, May 27-3.1; Cold Harbor, June 1-12; White Oak Swamp, June 13; before Petersburg, June 16; assault of Petersburg, June 16- 19; Weldon Road, Aug. 18-22; Hicksford raid, Dec. 6-11. 1865— Hatcher's Run, Feb. 5-7; Appomattox campaign, March 28- April' 9 ; White Oak Ridge, March 29- 31; Five Forks, April 1; fall of Petersburg, April 2; Appomattox Court House, April 9. One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Infantry — On June 18, 1864, the president called for 500,000 additional troops. At that time New York had in service more than 350,000 men, yet the quota of the state under the call was a little more than 77,500 men, and it required not only patriotism but earnest work to recruit new regiments from the avail able material left on the rolls in the hands of the several prOvost mar shals. Notwithstanding all this and and the other embarrassments of the period, the loyal men of Watertown and other towns undertook to raise still another regiment in the county. Prominently connected with the movement was a citizens' committee, comprising, among others, James F. Starbuck, E. B. Wynn, A. M. Farwell, W. V. V. Rosa, Dr. E. S. Lansing and L. J. Bigelow. Dr. Lansing secured from Governor Seymour the requisite authority, and delegated a part of his power to E. Jay Marsh, Lansing Snell, Henry J. Welch, J. D. McWayne, A. D. Sternberg, Richard McMullin, D. B. Rood, and others, all loyal and 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. patriotic citizens. The work of recruiting was pushed with such energy that in less than one month from the time it was begun the 186th reg iment of volunteer infantry was mustered into service for one year. With the exception of about 300 men the entire strength of the com mand was found in this county. The companies were recruited chiefly as follows: A at Wilna, Har- risburg, Croghan and Champion; B at Sackets Harbor; C at Adams, Lorraine, Worth and in Richmond county; E at Cape Vincent, Alex andria and Orleans; D at Clayton, Philadelphia, Pinckney, Rutland, Theresa and in Richmond county; F at Leyden, New Bremen, West Turin, Pinckney, Croghan and Denmark; G at Albany, Watertown, Tarrytown, Plattsburgh, New York city, Brooklyn, Herkimer and Graysville; H at Champion, Watertown, Sackets Harbor, Wilna, Hounsfield, Brownville and Montague; I at Sackets Harbor, Pamelia, Brownville, Adams, Hounsfield, Worth, Watertown, Lorraine and Richmond; K at Watertown. The regiment was rendezvoused and drilled preparatory for service while in camp at Sackets Harbor, but brief indeed was the stay there after it was sufficiently strong to go to the front. The composition of the field and staff at that time, and throughout the period of its service was as follows : Bradley Winslow, colonel; mustered out with regiment. E. J. Marsh, lieutenant- colonel; mustered out with regiment. Abram D. Sternberg, major; mustered out with regiment. Andrew J. Field, adjutant; discharged Dec. 19, 1864. Luther M. Marsh, adjutant; mustered out with regiment. Calvin Timmerman, quartermaster; mustered out with regiment. William C. Bailey, surgeon ; mustered out with regi ment. Eber S. Carlisle, assistant surgeon; discharged Feb. 17, 1865. James C. Coleman, assistant surgeon; mustered out with regiment. James H. Shaw, assist ant surgeon ; discharged Feb. 17, 1865. John H. Burnett, chaplain ; discharged Jan. 5, 1865. Lansing Snell, chaplain ; not mustered, declined. Company officers. — Captains, Lansing Snell, J. D. McWayne, Judson P. Legg, Edwin Swan, Henry Yates, R. R. McMullin, Charles D. Squires, George E. Ferris, William R. Wallace, Daniel B. Rood, K. W. Brown, John M. Reynolds, Huxham P. Bates. First lieutenants, W. W. Gleason, C. J. Edwards, B. B. Brown, A. S. Phil lips, C. N. Phelps, William K. Peck, James A. Taylor, Amos Morse, Edward E. Jones, James Matthews, W. P. Herring. Second lieutenants, Walter P. Marsh, Walsteen Failing, E. McComber, Delos Staplin, H. C. Grunett, Alexander Ladd, C. C. Robertson, H. W. Brown, O. L. Cutler, J. W. Bartlett, James G. Horr. On Sept. 28, 1864, the 186th broke camp at Sackets Harbor, or Mad ison barracks, and proceeded by rail from Watertown direct to Castle Garden, thence two days later by boat to City Point, Va. Here it was THE CIVIL WAR. 153 attached to the 2d brigade, 2d division, 9th corps, with the army ac tively operating in Virginia. The regiment participated in but few engagements, and in the Appomattox campaign of March and April, 1865, its severest losses were suffered. During the period of its service it lost a total of eighty-eight men, of whom thirty-three were killed in action, fifteen died of wounds, while sickness and disease contracted in service cost the command forty more men. The battles in which the 186th took part were as follows: Before Petersburg, Oct. 1, 1864-April 2, 1865; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27-28, 1864; Fort Stedman, March 25, 1865; Appomattox campaign, March 28-April 8, 1865; fall of Petersburg, April 2, 1865. One Hundred and Ninety-third Infantry. — On Jan. 21, 1865, Col. John Van Patten received authority to recruit this regiment. It was organ ized at Albany and was comprised of recruits from many counties who were ready for service but not then assigned. In Company G were about twenty-five men credited to Cape Vincent, although thirteen towns in various parts of the state contributed to the company. Com pany H was recruited at Watertown and Auburn, nearly seventy of the men being from Jefferson's county seat. The regiment left the state by detachments in March and April, 1865, and served in the 3d brigade, 3d division, army of the Shenandoah, from March 18, 1865, to July following, and then in the district of West Virginia, middle department, to the end of its term of enlistment, or the close of the war. From all causes the 193d lost twenty-five men. The Eighteenth Cavalry. — Although Jefferson county had contributed to the organization of several cavalry regiments previous to the 18th, the latter was the first command in this arm of the service in which it was represented by a fair contingent of men, the aggregate being something more than 100, chiefly in Companies H and L, with a few in two others. On May 11, 1863, Col. James J. Byrne was authorized to recruit a regiment, for which the name " Corning Light Infantry " was proposed, but on June 24 the designation "Infantry " was changed to " Cavalry. " The regiment was organized in New York city during the summer and fall of 1863, for a service of three years. The companies were mustered in as they were formed, between July 18, 1863, and January, 1864. They were recruited generally throughout the state, but those in which were Jefferson county volunteers were H, recruited in New York city, Cazenovia and Watertown ; I, at New York city, Albany, 20 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Cape Vincent and Buffalo; K at New York, Alexandria and Cape Vin cent ; and L and M at Alexandria, Albany, Columbia, Massena, Man- heim, Pamelia, Watertown and Winfield. Company H, which had about sixty Jefferson county men, left for the front Oct. 23, 1863; I and K on Dec. 13, and L and M in January, 1864, and served in the defenses of Washington, in the 22d corps, until Feb. 22, 1864, when tbe command was transferred to the department of the Gulf, finishing its long and noble career in tbe 1st brigade, 2d division, military divis ion of western Mississippi and Texas. Commanded by Col. Byrne, the 18th was honorably discharged and mustered out May 31, 1866, at Vic toria, Texas, having lost during the period of its service a total of 219 men, of whom eleven died in the enemy's hands. In the organization of the 18th this county appears not to have been represented on the field and staff, but of Co. H Warren S. Smith was captain, John H. Kiets, 1st, and Albert Cummings, 2d lieutenant. Joseph H. Sampson was captain of Co. L. In this company were about twenty-five Jefferson volunteers. The first military service of the regiment was performed in New York city during the period of the draft, after which it proceeded to Washington, and thence to the extreme south. From March 10 to May 22, 1864, the 18th took part in the Red river campaign, during which it participated in no less than twenty-six engagements and skir mishes. Later on in the summer the regiment fought eight more bat tles in Louisiana and Texas. The Twentieth Cavalry. — June 19, 1863, Col. Newton B. Lord re ceived authority to recruit a regiment of cavalry in the state. This was done during the summer and fall of that year, and on Oct. 8 the numerical designation was given, although in the service the command was perhaps best known as the " McClellan Cavalry." In its composi tion the counties of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Onondaga and Albany contributed men, the greatest contingent, however, being from this county, which was also generously represented on the field and staff. The regiment was organized and rendezvoused at Sackets Harbor, and there mustered into service for three years during the month of September, 1863. The companies were recruited chiefly as follows: A at Sackets Har bor, Champion, Denmark, Pinckney and Wilna; B at Sackets Harbor, Brownville, Clayton, Dexter, Lyme, Philadelphia, Orwell and Water- town ; C at. Antwerp, Alexandria, Le Ray, Theresa and Watertown ; THE CIVIL WAR. 155 D at Cape Vincent, Clayton, Ellisburgh, Mannsville, La Fargeville, Sackets Harbor and Watertown ; E at Champion, Diana, Croghan and Wilna; F at Copenhagen, Redwood and Syracuse; G at Albany, Cape Vincent, Evans Mills, Rome, Syracuse and Watertown; H at Antwerp, De Kalb, Edwards, Fowler and Gouverneur; I at Cape Vincent, Oswe go, Rome, Sackets Harbor, Syracuse and in St. Lawrence county ; K at Albany, Sandy Creek, Sackets Harbor, Wilna and Watertown ; L at Norwich, Oswego, Penn Yan, Sackets Harbor and Syracuse; and M at Sackets Harbor, Albany, Herkimer, Norwich, Mannsville, Oswego, Rome, Theresa and Watertown. From this it may be seen that every company in the regiment was represented by volunteers from the county, and that the strength of the command was from this region. The reg imental officers were as follows: Newton B. Lord, colonel; resigned March 23, 1865. David M. Evans, colonel; mustered out with regiment July 31, 1865. David M. Evans, lieutenant-colonel; pro moted colonel April 5, 1865. Jacob S. Gates, lieutenant-colonel ; mustered out with regiment. Charles F. Smith, major; resigned March 9, 1865. John G. Cudworth, major; not mustered, John Bower Preston, major; resigned July 8, 1865. Hiram H. Carpenter, major; not mustered. Jacob S. Gates, major; promoted lieutenant- colonel April 5, 1865. John O'Hara, major; resigned July 10, 1865. Patrick Fitz patrick, major; not mustered. Michael J. Connelly, adjutant; promoted captain Jan. 13, 1865. Seth E. Griffin, adjutant; promoted captam May 31, 1865. Albert V. Hoar, adjutant; mustered out with regiment. John Hardie, adjutant; not mus tered. Charles E. Zimmerman, quartermaster; resigned May 25, 1865. Randall D. C. Pollard, quartermaster; not mustered. Hiram H. Carpenter, commissary; mus tered out with regiment. William A. Madill, surgeon ; mustered out with regiment. Morris M. Carter, assistant surgeon; promoted surgeon 100th Inf., March 20, 1865. Edward C. Fox, assistant surgeon ; not mustered. Asa P. Knappen, assistant sur geon ; not mustered. Charles Cartin, assistant surgeon ; not mustered. Daniel C. Hickey, assistant surgeon; mustered out with regiment. Jedediah Winslow, chap lain ; mustered out with regiment. Company officers. ' — Company A, Charles F. Smith, captain ; Frederick M. Leon ard (resigned May 23, 1865), 1st lieutenant. Company B, John O'Hara (promoted major April 22, 1865), captain. Company C, John G. Cudworth, captain. Company D, Jacob S. Gates, captain. Company E, Norris M. -Carter (appointed assistant sur geon, Oct. 16, 1863), captain. Company F, Hiram H. Carpenter, captain ; Luther Lee, junior, 2d lieutenant. Company G, Henry C. Chittenden (dismissed Jan. 14, 1864), captain; Thomas H. Butler, 2d lieutenant. Company H, John Bower Preston, captain; James M. Spencer, 2d lieutenant. Company I, J. J. Carroll, captain. Com pany K, S. L. Bridgeford (discharged June 12, 1865), captain. Company L, J. Floyd 1 When the names of all commissioned company officers are not given, the reader will under stand that either the position was not filled at the time of organization, or that this county did not furnish the officers. 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thompson (discharged July 5, 1864), captain. Company M, Frederick Stewart (dis missed June 14, 1865), captain. From state records it is also learned that during the period of service other officers than those mentioned held captain's commissions, although the imperfect character of the adjutant-general's report makes it im possible to definitely determine to which company each officer belonged. They were: Seth E. Griffin, William McCrea (not mustered), Wayland F. Ford, Patrick Fitz patrick, Benjamin C. Budd, William Reynolds, William F. Ryther, Thomas H. Butler, James Spencer, jr., John D. Lee, John J. Loonie, William Sage, J. Casse, Michael J. Connelly, Albert V. Horr. The 20th left the state for the front Sept. 30, 1863, and in October was annexed to the 22d corps. Its actual service was not specially severe, as the losses aggregated only 130 men, of whom 123 died from disease and like causes, and six were killed in battle. Fifteen enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. Much of the time the regiment performed detached duty, Co. F. being stationed at Portsmouth, Va., in October, 1863, and all the men at the same place in November fol lowing, in the department of Virginia. In January, 1864, it was assigned to Heckman's division, 18th corps, and during that year served chiefly in the defenses of Portsmouth, in the district of East Virginia, also in the department of Virginia and North Carolina. In December it was transferred to the 1st brigade, Kautz's disvision of cavalry, army of the James. In March, 1865, Co. F was ordered to Fort Powhattan ; Co. G to McKenzie's division of cavalry, and Co. I to the provisional and 10th corps. In the meantime Co. D had been stationed at Fort Pocahontas, in the defenses of Ber muda Hundred. In this manner the regiment did duty much of the period of its service. It was honorably discharged and mustered out of service under Col. David M. Evans, July 31, 1865, Cos. E and H at Fortress Monroe, and the other companies at Manchester, Va. The regiment, or portions of it, took part in the following engagements: 1864— Smithfield, Va., Feb. 1; Suffolk, Feb. 20; Carrituck, April 23; Chuckatuck, June 6; Wood's Mills Hill, June 24; South Quay, July 3; Winton, N. C, July 29; Guiam's Ford, Aug. 12; Jamestown Island, Va., Sept. 3; Murfree's Depot, Oct. 16; before Petersburg and Richmond, Dec, 1864, to April 2, 1865. 1865— Darbytown road, Jan. 13; campaign of the Carolinas, March 1-26; fall of Petersburg, April 2; Deep Creek, April 3-4; Rice's Station, April 6; Burke's Station, April 7; Appomattox C. H. , April 9. The First Artillery (Light; veteran).— This regiment was organized THE CIVIL WAR. 157 at Elmira to serve three years, and received its numerical designation Oct. 16, 1861. Of the twelve batteries comprising the regiment Jeffer son county furnished one entire and parts of two others, of each of which a brief mention may be made. Battery C, Captain John W. Tamblin, was recruited chiefly in the towns of Watertown, Le Ray, Wilna, Philadelphia, Alexandria, Rut land and Champion, and was mustered into the U. S. service Sept. 6, 1861. It began service at and near Washington in November of that year; was in the artillery reserve, army of the Potomac, from February, 1862; in the military district of Washington from April, 1862; in the reserve corps, army of Yirginia, from July 2, 1862; in the defenses of the capital from August, 1862; in the 3d division, 5th corps, A. of P., from September, 1862 ; in the artillery brigade, same corps, from May, 1863; in the 3d brigade, artillery reserve, A. of P., from April, 1864; in the artillery brigade, 5th corps, A. of P., from May 16, 1864; and in the artillery reserve, A. of P., attached to the 9th corps, after January, 1805. The battery was discharged and mustered out of service, under Capt. David F. Ritchie, at Elmira, June 17, 1865. The commissioned officers of the battery were John W. Tamblin, captain ; Almont Barnes, 1st lieutenant, and William S. Cooper, 2d lieutenant. This company left the county full one hundred strong. Battery D, Capt. Thomas W. Osborn, was recruited at Watertown, Gouverneur, Russell, Antwerp, Cape Vincent, Diana, Stone's Mills, Pitcairn and Richville, and was mustered in the U. S. service at El mira, Sept. 6, 1861. In June, 1862, a part of Battery A was consoli dated with D. Captain Osborn's battery served at and about the national capital during the winter of 1862-3, and in March following was assigned to Hooker's division, 3d corps, A. of P., but in June was placed in the 2d division of the 3d corps; was in the artillery brigade from July, 1862; in the 1st division, 9th corps, from December, 1862; the 2d division, 3d corps, from February, 1863; the artillery brigade, 3d corps, from May, 1863; the artillery reserve, A. of P., from March, 1864; and in the artillery brigade of the 5th corps from May, 1864. It was mustered out and discharged, under Capt. James B. Hazelton, at Elmira, June 16, 1865. Battery D is credited with having participated in the battles at Yorktown, Williams burg, Seven Pines, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Rvin, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Chapel House. 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Batttery H, Capt. Joseph Spratt, was raised chiefly through the zeal of its commanding officer, in Watertown and vicinity, and also received a number of recruits from the vicinity of Lowville. It was mustered into the U. S. service at Elmira, Oct. 10, 1861, and in June, 1862, re ceived Lieutenant Ritchie and a number of men from Battery A by transfer. Its service in the field was at and near Washington from November, 1861; in Casey's division, 4th corps, A. of P., from March, 1862; at Gloucester Point, Va., in 4th corps, from August, 1862; at Yorktown, department of Virginia, 4th corps, from September, 1862; at Washington, in 22d corps, from July, 1863 ; in the artillery brigade, Ist corps, A. of P. from September, 1863; and in the artillery brigade, 5th corps, from March, 1864. It was discharged and mustered out at Elmira, under Capt. Charles E. Mink, June 19, 1865. In Battery H were about sixty-five men from Jefferson county. The company is credited with participation in the engagements at Yorktown, Fair Oaks, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Peeble'sFarm and Hatcher's Run. The Second Artillery (Heavy; veteran). — On the 24th of July, 1861, Col. John W. Latson received authority from the war department to recruit a regiment of artillery, of which the National Union Rangers formed a part; but soon afterward Col. Jeremiah Palmer received like permission from the governor of this state, upon which Colonel Latson's authority was revoked. The two partially formed organiza tions were then consolidated and formed eight companies. On the 18th of October, 1861, the new command was designated the Second regiment of artillery. On Dec. 5 following the Morgan and Flushing artillery were assigned to the Second, and the regimental organization thus became complete. The regiment was rendezvoused at Staten Island, and was there mustered into service for three years. Company H of the 2d artillery, which was also known as the Carth age battery, was recruited at Waterloo and Carthage, while Co. I con tained a small contingent of men from Watertown. The officers of Co. H were Charles L. Smith, captain; William S. Rulison, 1st lieu tenant, and Thomas Walters, 2d lieutenant. The first eight companies left the state Nov. 7, 1861, and the others about the middle of Decem ber. The regiment served in the defenses of the capital until the spring of 1862, after which it was attached to the army of the Potomac, and all its subsequent service was in Virginia, although in brigade, THE CIVIL WAR. 159 division and corps assignments the command was subject to frequent change. However, the service of the 2d was arduous and severe, and it lost an aggregate of 466 men, of whom more than 200 were killed in battle or died of wounds received in action. The reports show that 250 died from disease and other hardships of army life. On Sept. 29, 1865, under Col. Joseph N. G. Whistler, the regiment was mustered out of service at Washington, D. C. The battles of the 2d artillery were: Gen. Pope's campaign, Aug. 16-Sept. 2, 1862; Bull Run Bridge, Spottsylvania, Harris House, Milford Station, North Anna, Tolo potomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams Station, Hatcher's Run, Petersburg (March, 1865), and the Appomat tox campaign until the final surrender on April 9. The Tenth Artillery (Heavy). — This splendid organization of Jeffer son county troops for service during the war of 1861-65 was more familiarly known in army circles as the "Black river artillery," and. also as the "Jefferson county regiment." It was organized Dec. 31, 1862, from the fourth, fifth and seventh battalions of artillery, Col. Alexander Piper * commanding. The several battalions had been or ganized at Sackets Harbor in September, 1862, and the consolidation was effected under the orders of the war department, dated Dec. 27, 1862. The companies were mustered into the U. S. service for three years, chiefly at Sackets Harbor, as follows: A, B, C, D, E, F, G and M, Sept. 11; H and I, Sept. 12; K at Staten Island, Nov. 12, and L at Fort Schuyler, Dec. 27, 1862. The companies comprising tbe regiment were recruited about as fol lows: A, originally Co. A, 5th battalion, or 2d battalion Black river artil lery, at Watertown; B, originally D, 4th battalion, or 1st battalion Black river artillery, at Rodman, Adams, Lorraine and Worth ; C, orig inally C, 5th battalion, or 2d battalion Black river artillery, at Antwerp, Evans Mills, Le Ray and Philadelphia; D, originally B, 4th battalion, or 1st battalion Black river artillery, at Champion, Croghan, Diana, Rutland and Wilna; E, originally A, 4th battalion, or 1st battalion Black river artillery, at Ellisburgh and Henderson; F, originally D, 5th battalion, or 2d battalion Black river artillery, at Alexandria and 1 Colonel Piper was a graduate of West Point, and by thorough training and drill, brought his command to a standing of proficiency seldom attained by volunteer troops. The regiment was kept in the defenses of Washington for nearly two years, and when it left to join the 18th corps, in May, 1864, it was without question one of the strongest and best drilled bodies in the service. It left the county about 1,500 strong. 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Theresa; G, originally B, 5th battlion, or 2d battalion Black river ar tillery, at Clayton and Orleans; H, originally A, 7th battalion, or 3d battalion Black river artillery, at Antwerp, Adams, Boonville, Houns field, Watertown and Worth ; I, originally B, 7th battalion, or 3d bat talion Black river artillery, at Brownville and Hounsfield ; K, originally C, 7th battalion, or 3d battalion Black river artillery, at Watertown, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Orleans, Rutland, Pamelia, Le Roy and Osceola; L, originally D, 7th battalion, or 3d battalion Black river artillery, at Ellis burgh, Henderson, Adams, Watertown, Lyme, Cape Vincent and Houns field ; M, originally C, 4th battalion, or 1st battalion Black river artillery, at Cape Vincent, Pamelia and Lyme. This care in tracing with accuracy the formation of the regiment as it entered the service has been made necessary by reason of a general misunderstanding even on the part of the men themselves as to the means by which the command was created. The 4th battalion served at Fort Richmond and Sandy Hook, New York harbor, from Septem- 1862, until June, 1863, when it joined the other battalions. The 5th and 7th battalions left the state Sept. 17, 1862, and served in the de fenses of Washington, and with the 3d brigade, Haskins's division, 22d corps, from that time. The regiment, having left Washington May 24, 1864, served in the 4th brigade, 1st division, 18th corps, from June 5, 1864; in the 1st brigade, 2d division, 18th corps, from June 24, 1864; in the 1st brigade, De Russey's division, 22d corps, from August, 1864; in the 2d brigade, provisional division, with the army of the Shenandoah, from Sept. 27, 1864; and in the 2d brigade, Fer- rero's division, army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred, from Decem ber, 1864, as heavy artillery and infantry. On June 23, 1865, com manded by Lieutenant-Colonel George De Peyster Arden, the regiment was honorably discharged and mustered out at Petersburg, Va. The men whose term had not expired were transferred to Cos E, F and G, and assigned to the 6th artillery, second organization, from July 19, 1865. During its service the 10th artillery lost an aggregate of 267 men, of whom 26 were killed in action, 21 died from wounds, and 220 from diseases and other causes incident to war life. Having thus recalled the composition and services in the field of the Black river artillery, it is proper that an allusion be also made to the personnel of the field, staff and company officers of the regiment, as follows : Alexander Piper, colonel ; discharged June 23, 1865. Joseph Spratt, lieutenant- THE CIVIL WAR. 161 colonel; discharged April 5, 1864. George De Peyster Arden, lieutenant-colonel; discharged June 25, 1865. Joseph Spratt, major; promoted lieutenant-colonel Jan. 14, 1863. James B. Campbell, major; transferred to 6th N. Y. artillery. Thomas W. Osborn, major; appointed major 1st artillery. Charles C. Abell, major; trans ferred to 6th artillery. George De Peyster Arden, major; promoted lieutenant- colonel April 29, 1S64. Seneca R. Cowles, major; discharged June 23, 1865. Addi son W. Wheelock, adjutant; discharged June 2, 1865. Stephen W. Flower, quarter master; discharged June 23, 1865. Oliver S. Copeland, surgeon; discharged June 23, 1865. Addison W. Goodale, assistant surgeon ; discharged June 23, 1865. George N. Hubbard, assistant surgeon ; not mustered. Benjamin Hobbs, assistant surgeon; discharged March 4, 1864. B. Frank Pope, assistant surgeon; mustered out July 10, 1865. Moses E. Wilson, chaplain; discharged June 23, 1865. Company officers.— Company A, Edward P. Webb, captain; Elisha H. Tobey, 1st lieutenant; Leman A. Rising, 1st lieutenant ; Morris A. Reed, 1st lieutenant; Ad dison H. Wheelock, 1st lieutenant. Company B, Giles F. Kitts, captain; Franklin O. Sherman and Edward H. Smith, 1st lieutenants; Charles B. Spear and Daniel Ranney, 2d lieutenants. Company C, Charles C. Abell, captain ; Alexander Ken nedy, Timothy B. Ackerman, William M. Comstock, Eugene Miller, lieutenants. Company D, Seneca R. Cowles, captain; Lucian E. Carter, George B. Salter, 1st lieutenants; Walter A. Horr, James S. Ward, 2d lieutenants. Company E, Adams Gleghorn, captain; Elman Tyler, Andrew A. Wheeler, 1st lieutenants; Russell M. Jones, Malcolm G. Cook, 2d lieutenants. Company F, John S. Vanderburgh, cap tain; Isaac L. Huntington, Elias Getman, 1st lieutenants; Robert McKnight, Levi A. Butterfield, 2d lieutenants. Company G, Russell B. Biddlecom, captain ; Guvera H. Marshall, Eugene A. Chapman, 1st lieutenants; Victor B. Rothers, William J. Hart, 2d lieutenants. Company H, Samuel Middleton, captain ; Stephen W. Flower, John-H. Parker, 1st lieutenants; J. Randolph Knight, 2d lieutenant. Company I, Horace O. Gilmore, captain; Robert R. Bell, 1st lieutenant; Philander P. Grant, 2d lieutenant. Company K, Byron B. Taggart, captain ; Frederick Lansing, 1st lieu tenant; D. W. Burdick, 2d lieutenant. Company M, James M. Campbell, captain; John C. Armstrong, Bradley B. Brown, 1st lieutenants; John M. Wilcox, Philip Riley, 2d lieutenants. Battles of the Tenth Artillery.— (1864) Cold Harbor, June 5-12; before Petersburg and Richmond, June 15-Aug. 13, and Dec-April 2, 1865; assault of Petersburg, June 15-19; Cedar Creek, Oct. 19. (1865) Fall of Petersburg and Richmond, April 3. The Fourteenth Artillery (Heavy). — To the strength of this regi ment Jefferson county contributed more than 200 men, as shown by the imperfect records in existence, but it is understood the county in fact sent to the service with the command a greater number than was credited to it. Cos. A, C, D, E, H, I, K, L and M had volunteers from loyal Jefferson. The regiment was recruited in 1863 under au thority granted Col. Elisha G. Marshall. It was organized at Roches ter, and contained many men who had been in the two years' service. The companies were mustered in between the 29th of August, 1863, 21 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and the 17th of January, 1864. To Co. A, Watertown and Antwerp contributed men; to Co. C, Watertown; Co. D, Watertown; Co. E, Watertown; Co. H, Watertown; Co. I, Le Ray, Orleans, Clayton, Philadelphia and Watertown ; Co. K, Antwerp, Theresa, Wilna and Philadelphia; Co. L, Le Ray and Watertown; Co. M, Watertown, Adams, Pamelia, Rodman, Clayton and Ellisburgh. The only field and staff officer credited to the county was Charles H. Van Brahle, adjutant, mustered Jan. 7, 1864. The commissioned officers from this county were: Captains, Jerome B. Proctor and Jerome Cooper; 1st lieutenants, Schuyler Gardner, William Warring and Frank M. Thompson; 2d lieutenants, George B. Huntington, William W. Hunt, Byron Cuppernull, Kelsey Curtis and Daniel Corbin. On Oct. 13, 1863, Cos. A, B, C, D, E and F were ordered to duty in New York harbor. On Dec. 8, 1863, G and H were ordered to Fort Hamilton, New York. On Dec. 24, 1863, I and K were ordered to Fort Richmond, where L and M joined them in January, 1864. The regiment, serving as heavy artillery and infantry, remained in New York harbor, department of the east, until April, 1864; served in the provisional brigade, 9th corps, from April 23, 1864; in the provisional brigade, 1st division, 9th corps, from May 12, 1864; in the 3d brigade, 1st division, 9th corps, A. of P., from June 11, 1864; in 2d brigade, same division and corps, from June 18, 1864; in 3d brigade, 1st divis ion, 9th corps, A. of P., from September, 1864; and in the 1st brigade, Harden's division, 22d corps, from June, 1865, to Aug. 26, 1865, when, at Washington, D. C, then commanded by Colonel Marshall, it was mustered out of service. The losses aggregated 527 men, 133 were killed in action, 82 died of wounds, and 312 from disease and other causes.- Eighty-seven men died in the hands of the enemy. The battles of the 14th were : 1864 — Wilderness, May 5-7; Spottsylvania C. H., May 8-21; Ny River, May 10; North Anna, May 22-26; Tolopotomoy, May 27-31; Cold Harbor, June 1-12; Beulah Church, June 2; before Petersburg, June 16; assault of Petersburg, June 16-19; Mine explosion, July 30; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 18-21; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 30- Oct. 2; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27-28. 1865— Fort Stedman, March 25; fall of Peters burg, April 2. The preceding narrative cantains a special allusion to the regiments in all arms of the service during the war of 1861-65 in which were any considerable number of men from Jefferson county; yet the story is not fully told until we have made at least a passing reference to other THE CIVIL WAR. 163 commands in which were perhars a less number of the county's soldiery, but whose services were equally worthy with those before mentioned. Glancing over the military records of the state, we find the county was represented in other commands about as follows: In Co. B, 3d regiment of infantry (three months men) were privates Charles E. Taylor and Francis R. Vandewater. In Co. D, 53d regiment, was one county recruit. In Capt. N. G. Thorp's company, 57th infantry were two men. In the 93d regiment, Capt. Orville L. Colvin's company had nine men; Capt. George M. Voorhees's company, one man; and Cap tain Moshier's company, one man. In the 97th infantry, in Captain Parson's company, were seven men, and in Capt. Gustave M. Palmer's company (K) were four men from this county. In Capt. D. M. Emore's company of the 107th regiment were seven, and in Captain Lewis's company (K) were five Jefferson recruits. In Co. C, 106th regiment, was one man. In the cavalry arm of the service the men from Jefferson county were also much scattered through the different regiments, and in addi tion to those before mentioned we may note the 1st cavalry, in Co. D of which was one man, while Co. E had nine men. In the 6th cavalry, tbe famous 2d Ira Harris guards, were nine men, and in Scott's noted 900 (the llth cavalry) were four men. Co. H, 30th cavalry, had twenty men, and Co. I three men. Co. E of the famous "Northern Black Horse cavalry" contained a few Carthage men. Cos. H and I of the 13th, or Seymour light cavalry, had recruits from Watertown. In the 24th cavalry were twelve Jefferson men, all probably from Lorraine. . Watertown furnished two men for the 25th, and a few for the 26th cavalry, the latter being mustered into service at that place. Jefferson county was represented in the 1st regiment veteran cavalry by twenty- five men in Co. B, which was recruited at Adams and Ellisburgh, and twenty-three men in Co. F, recruited also in Adams. In the 26th, better known as the " Frontier cavalry," Captain Turner's independent company (No. 2) contained forty men, enlisted at Watertown. In the artillery branch of the service the county also contributed many men to commands not before mentioned, although the contingent was small and hardly sufficent in many cases to justify more than pass ing mention. In the 5th regiment, the Jackson heavy artillery, Theresa furnished a few recruits for Co. K, while Champion and Wilna were represented by men in Co. M. In the 8th regiment the town of Alex andria furnished a few men for Co. D. The 13th heavy artillery had a 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. total of thirty-two men from the county, who were scattered through five companies. The county had several men in Cos. A, B, C, G and I. The 16th heavy artillery had Watertown recruits in Cos. A, C and F, in all a total of twenty-two men. The 20th independent battery was recruited in part in the towns of Hounsfield and Watertown, but the State muster rolls credit the county with only two men in the com mand. In the service this battery was known as Anthon's battalion. Independent battery No. 28 also had recruits from the county, taking eighteen men from Cape Vincent, Lyme, Sackets Harbor and Water- town. This battery was otherwise known as Anthon's light artillery battalion, and also as Willard's battalion artillery. CHAPTER XIV. The Civil List, Showing the Names of Incumbents of Office under Federal, State and County Government from the Creation of the County to the Year 1897. Presidential Electors. — Eliphalet Edmonds, 1816; Jesse Smith, 1828; Ebenezer Wood, 1832; Orville Hungerford, 1836; Elbridge G. Merrick, 1840; Azariah Doane, 1844; John Bradley, 1848; Hiram Dewey, 1860; John Clarke, 1864; De Witt C West, 1868; Henry Spicer, 1872; De Witt C.West (at large), 1876; John C. Knowlton, 1880; De Witt C. Middleton, 1896. Representatives in Congress. — Moses Kent, 1813-15; 1815-17; William D. Ford, 1819-21; Micah Sterling, 1821-23; Egbert Ten Eyck, 1823-25, 1825-27 ; Joseph Hawk ins, 1829-31; Daniel Wardwell, 1831-33, 1833-35, 1835-37; Isaac H. Bronson, 1837- 39; Thomas C. Chittenden, 1839-41, 1841-43; Orville Hungerford, 1843^5, 1845-47; Joseph Mullin, 1847^9; Charles E. Clarke, 1849-51; Willard Ives, 1851-53; William A. Gilbert, 1855-57; Charles B. Hoard. 1857-59, 1859-61; Ambrose W. Clarke, 1861- 63, 1863-65; George A. Bagley, 1875-77; Charles R. Skinner, 1881-83, 1883-85; Frederick Lansing, 1889-90 ; (Roswell P . Flower, 1889-90, representing the 12th con gressional district). U. S. Court, Associate Judge, Eastern District of Florida. — Isaac H. Bronson, appointed March 14, 1840, and March 8, 1844. Consul to Manchester, Eng. —Albert D. Shaw, 1878-86. Consul to Toronto, Canada. — Albert D. Shaw, 1868-78. Governor.— Robwell P. Flower; elected Nov. 3, 1891. Lieutenant-Governor. — Allen C. Beach; elected Nov. 3, 1868; re-elected Nov., 1870. Secretary of State. — Allen C. Beach; elected Nov., 1877. THE CIVIL LIST. 165 Superintendent of Public Instruction.— Charles R. Skinner, appointed February 13, 1895; reappointed 1898. Attorney-General. — Dennis O'Brien, elected Nov. 6, 188:!; re-elected Nov., 1885. Commissioner of Insolvency. — Samuel Whittlesey, appointed April 8, 1811, Council of Appointment. — Perley Keyes, appointed Feb. 5, 1816. Delegates to Constitutional Conventions. — 1821, Hiram Steele, Egbert Ten Eyck ; 1846, Azel W. Danforth, Alpheus S. Greene, Elihu M. McNiel; 1867, Marcus Bick ford; 1894, Elon R. Brown. Commissioners of water power on Black River, (authorized by chapter 168, laws of 1894). — Fred W. Babcock, David M. Anderson, Charles Roland Remington, ap pointed March 28, 1894, Commissioner, Board of Claims. — Wilbur F. Porter, appointed Jan. 5, 1892. State Assessor. — John D. Ellis, appointed April 18, 1883. Fisheries, Game and Forest Commission. — Special Agent, A. B. Strough, ap pointed May 29, 1895; protector, Joseph Northup. Civil Service Commissioner. — Willard D. McKinstry, appointed Jan, 10, 1893. Board of Managers, Craig Colony. — Anson S. Thompson, appointed Jan. 20, 1896. Trustee, State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. — Oliver B. Cadwell, appointed Feb. 20, 1894. Inspector of State Prisons. — Dr. James K. Bates, elected Nov. 6, 1860; re-elected Nov. 3, 1863. Commissioner to Examine Fire Arms for National Guard, S N. Y. — Albert D. Shaw, appointed 1896. Associate fudge, Court of Appeals. — Dennis O'Brien, elected Nov. 9, 1889. fustices of Supreme Court sitting ex-officio in Court of Appeals. — Frederick W. Hubbard, Jan., 1856; Joseph Mullin, Jan, 1864. Circuit fudge. Supreme Coicrt. — Isaac H. Bronson. appointed May 18, 1838. fustices ofthe Supreme Court. — Frederick W. Hubbard, Nov. 6, 1849; Joseph Mullin, Nov. 3, 1857, Nov. 7, 1865, and Nov., 1873; Pardon C. Williams, Nov. 6, 1883; re-elected Nov. 2, 1897. Associate fustice, Appellate Division of Supreme Court. — Pardon C. Williams, appointed January, 1896. Commissioners of Supreme Court. — Wm. D. Ford, appointed 1817; David W, Bucklin, 1831. State Senators.— Perley Keyes, 1814-17, 1824-27; Robert Lansing, 1832-35; Micah Sterling, 1836-39; William Ruger, 1842-43; George C. Sherman, 1844-45; John W. Tamblin, 1848-49; Alanson Skinner, 1850-51, resigned April 17, 1851; Robert Lans ing, 1854-55; Gardner Towne, 1856-57; James A. Bell, 1860-65; Norris Winslow, 1870-73; Andrew C. Middleton, 1874-75; James F. Starbuck, 1876-77; Bradley Winslow, 1880-81; Frederick Lansing, 1882-85; Joseph Mullin, 1892-97 (died Sept. 2, 1897); Elon R. Brown, Nov. 2, 1897. Members of Assembly. — Henry Coffeen, 1806; Moss Kent, 1807; Lewis Graves, 1808; Corlis Hinds, David I. Andrus, 1809; Moses Kent, Ethel Bronson, 1810-11; David I. Andrus, John Durkee, 1813; Egbert Ten Eyck, Clark Allen, 1813; Ethel Bronson, Clark Allen, 1814; Ethel Bronson, 1815; Abel Cole, Amos Stebbins, 1816; Abel Cole, Ebenezer Wood, Nov. 1816-17; Abel Cole, Horatio Orvis, 1818; George 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brown, jr., John Cowles, 1819; Calvin McKnight, Hiram Steele, 1820; Richard Goodale, Amos Stebbins, Nov. 1820-21; George Andrus, John B. Esseltyn, 1832; Walter Cole, Richard Goodale, Converse Johnson, 1823; Richard Goodale, John Howe, John Stewart, 1834; John B. Esseltyn, Richard Goodale, George White, 1825; David W. Bucklin, Horatio Orvis, Daniel Wardwell, 1826; David W. Bucklin, Alpheus S. Greene, Daniel Wardwell, 1827-28; Jere Carrier, Titus Ives, Fleury Kieth, 1829; Curtis G. Brooks, Aaron Brown, Charles Orvis, 1830; Joseph C. Budd, Walter Cole, Fleury Kieth, 1831 ; William H. Angel, Philip Maxwell, Nathan Strong, 1832; William H. Angel, John Burch, Gotham Ives, 1833; Wm. H. Angel, Calvin McKnight, Eli West, 1834; Calvin Clark, Eli Farwell, Chas. Strong, 1835; Lowrey Barney, Richard Hulbert, Otis P. Starley, 1836; Jotham Bigelow, Richard Hulbert, John W. Tamblin, 1837; Charles B. Hoard, Richard Hulbert, Daniel Wardwell, 1838; Calvin Clark, Charles E. Clarke, Philip P. Gaige, 1839; Calvin Clark, Charles E. Clarke, Stephen Johnson, 1840; William McAllister, William C. Pierrepont, Joseph Webb, 1841; Elihu C. Church, Elihu M. McNeil, John W. Tamblin, 1842; Elihu C. Church, Joseph Graves, Job Lamson, 1843; Wm. Carlisle, Samuel Bond, Eli West, 1844; Lysander H. Brown, Azel W. Danforth, Edward S. Salisbury, 1845; Henderson Howk, Elihu M. McNeil, Levi Miller, 1846; John Boyden, Samuel J. Davis, John D. Davison, 1817 ; Benjamin Maxson, Harvey D. Parker, Fleury Kieth, 1848; George Gates, John L. Marsh, Bernard Bagley, 1849; John Winslow, Joel Haworth, Alfred Fox, 1850; William A. Gilbert, John Pool, jr., Loren Bushnell, 1851; William A. Gilbert, Merrill Coburn, William Rouse, 1852; James Gifford, De Witt C. West, Charles Smith, 1853; Calvin Littlefield, Jesse E. Willis, William Dewey, 1854; Calvin Littlefield, Moses Eames, Joshua Main, 1855; Hart Massey, Franklin Parker, Isaac Wells,- 1856; Calvin Littlefield, Cleanthus P. Granger, Abner W. Peck, 1857; George Babbitt, Elihu C. Church, Robert F. Austin, 1858; Russell Weaver, Patrick S. Stewart, Furman Fish, 1859; Bernard D. Searles William W. Taggart, Moses C. Jewett, 1860; David Montague, David J. Wager, Harvey Bailey, 1861; Jonathan M. Ackley, George W. Hazelton, William Dewey, 1862; Charles A. Benjamin, Levi Miller, William Dewey, 1863; George M. Hopkinson, Lewis Palmer, Wm. Dewey, 1864; James G. Kellogg, Lewis Palmer, Russell B. Biddlecom, 1865; Theodore Canfield, Nelson D. Ferguson, Russell B. Biddlecom, 1866; La Fayette J. Bigelow, Albert D. Shaw, 1867; L. J. Bigelow, Andrew Cornwall, 1868; Jay Dim- mock, Wm. W. Butterfield, 1869-70; James Johnson, Oliver C. Wyman, 1871; Oliver C. Wyman, Wm. W. Enos, 1872; Elam Persons, Horatio S. Hendee, 1873; Elam Persons, Hugh Smith, 1874; John F. Peck, George E. Yost, 1875; Lotas Ingalls, Lansing Becker, 1876; Charles R. Skinner, Henry Spicer, 1877; Charles R. Skinner, Wm. M. Thompson, 1878; Charles R. Skinner, George D. McAllister, 1879; Charles R. Skinner, John D. Ellis, 1880; Charles R. Skinner, Henry Benninger, 1881; Isaac L. Hunt, jr., Henry Benninger, 1882; Isaac L. Hunt, jr., Wm. M. Thompson, 1883; I. L. Hunt, jr., Eli J. Seeber, 1884; Allen E. Kilby, Eli J. Seeber, 1885; Allen E. Kilby, Edward B. Bulkley, 1886; Anson S. Thompson, Edward B. Bulkley, 1887; Anson S. Thompson, Andrew C. Comstock, 1888; Henry J. Lane, Andrew C. Com stock, 1889; Henry J. Lane, Isaac Mitchell, 1890; Harrison Fuller, Martin L. Wil lard, 1891; Harrison Fuller, 1892-94; Walter Zimmerman, Cornelius J. Clark, 1895-97. THE CIVIL LIST. 167 Court of Common Pleas (First Judges).— Augustus Sacket, Feb. 36, 1807'; Moss Kent, Feb. 26, 1810; Abel Cole, Feb. 26, 1818; Egbert Ten Eyck, Nov. 14, 1820; Calvin McKnight, Jan. 34, 1829; Thomas C. Chittenden, Feb. 28, 1840; Calvin Skin ner, April 1, 1845. County fudges.— Robert Lansing, June, 1847J ; William C. Thompson, Novem ber, 1851 ; Charles D. Wright, November, 1859 ; Azariah H. Sawyer, November, 1867 ; Charles H. Walts, November, 1877; John C. McCarten, November, 1889 (died iri office); Henry Purcell (appointed), 1892; Edgar C. Emerson, November, 1893. Special County fudges*.— David J. Wager, 1855; Arthur J. Brown, 1863; John B. Emmes, 1S65; Erwin F. Ramsdell, 1877; Alphonso E. Cooley, 1886, and still in office. Surrogates.— Benjamin Skinner, April 3, 18051 ; AmasaTrowbridge, Feb. 12, 1811; John M. Canfield, March 5, 1811; Elisha Camp, Feb. 26, 1813; David Perry, June 27, 1815; Lyman Munson, April 2, 1816; Benjamin Wright, Nov. 26, 1820; Lyman Munson, Feb. 13, 1821; Benjamin Wright, March 27, 1823; John Clarke, Feb. 28, 1840; Nathaniel P. Wardwell, Feb. 28, 1844; Lysapder H. Brown, June, 1847- ; James R. A. Perkins, November, 1S51 ; Milton H. Merwin, November, 1859; David M. Ben nett, November, 1863; William W. Taggart, November, 1867; Ross C. Scott, No vember, 1877; Charles L. Adams, November, 1895. Special Surrogates. — George W. Hungerford, November, 1849:! ; Isaac Vanvleck, 1851; Milton H. Merwin, 1854; La Fayette J. Bigelow, 1857; Samuel D. Barr, 1860; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1863; William W. Taggart, appointed vice Sawyer, Aug. 7, 1865; Ross C. Scott, appointed Jan. 3, 1868, and elected in November; Edgar North, 1877; John B. Emmes, 1880; Alonzo H. Francis, April 27, 1882; Frank T. Evans, November, 1882, and still in office. District Attorneys. — Under the act of 1796 this office was known as assistant attorney-general, and was filled by governor and council dur ing pleasure. The office of district attorney was created April 4, 1801. At first the state comprised seven districts, but in 1818 each county was constituted a separate district for the purposes of the office. The office was appointive previous to the constitution of 1846, but elective afterward. Under the act of 1801, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties (when created) comprised the eighth district, in which, after March 29, 1809, the incumbents of the office were as follows: Samuel Whittlesey, appointed April 6, 1808; Amos Benedict, Feb. 9, 1810; Samuel Whittlesey, Feb. 12, 1811; Amos Benedict, March 3, 1813. Since 1818 the succession has been as follows: David W. Bueklin, June 12, 1818; Horatio Shumway, Feb. 26, 1820; David W. Bucklin, Feb. 13, 1821; Robert Lansing, 1826; George C. Sherman, 1833; Dyer M. Burnham, 1840; Joseph Mullin, 1843; Robert Lansing, 1845 ; Joshua Moore, jr., 1846, and elected in June, 1847; James F. Starbuck, November, 1850; Delano C. Calvin, 1853; David M. Bennett, 1856; Bradley Winslow, 1859; La Fayette G. Bigelow, 1862; 1 Date of appointment. 2 Date of election. 3 Elected under act of April 10, 1849. 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bradley Winslow, 1865; Pardon C. Williams, 1868,1871; Watson M. Rogers, 1874, 1877 ; Edgar C. Emerson, 1880, 1883 ; Frank H. Peck, 1886, 1889 ; Virgil P. Kellogg, 1892, 1895. Sheriffs. — Under the first constitution sheriffs were appointed an nually by the council of appointment, and could not hold office more than four successive years; could hold no other office, and must be freeholders of the county to which appointed. Under the constitution of 1821, sheriffs have been elected for a term of three years, and are ineligible to re-election. Abel Sherman, April 3, 1805; Hugh Henderson, Feb. 24, 1808; Perley Keyes, March 15, 1808; David I. Andrus, March 16, 1812; John Paddock, Feb. 23, 1813; David I. Andrus, Feb. 16, 1815; Joseph Clark, Feb. 26, 1818; Amasa Trowbridge, March 6, 1819; Jason Fairbanks, Feb. 12, 1821, elected November, 1822; Henry A. Coffeen, 1825; John Fay, 1828; Herman Millard, 1831; Chauncey Baker, 1834; Abner Baker, 1837; Albert P. Brayton, 1840; Herman Strong, 1843 ; Walter Collins, 1846 ; Rufus Herrick, 1849; John C. Rouse, 1852; Wells Benton, 1855; Abner Baker, appointed, vice Benton, deceased, Oct. 12, 1857; Tilley R. Pratt, 1857; Francis A. Cross, 1860; Nathan Strong, 1863; James Johnson, 1866; Addison W. Wheelock, 1869; George Babbitt, 1872; Abner W. Peck, 1875; Leonard Seaton, 1878; G. Harrison Smith, 1881; James M. Felt, 1884; Willard E. Saxe, 1887; Levi Washburn, 1890; Edward Barton, 1893; Samuel B. Kellogg, 1896. County Clerks. — Under the colonial law this officer was clerk of the Common pleas, clerk of the peace and clerk of the sessions of the peace, in his county. Under the first constitution it was his duty to keep the county records, and act as clerk of the inferior court of Common pleas, and of the Oyer and Terminer. County clerks are now likewise clerks of the Supreme and County courts in tbeir counties, and their seals are declared to be the seals of the court. The term of office, since the adoption ofthe constitution of 1821, has been three years; also since that time the office has been elective. Henry Coffeen, April 3, 1805; Egbert Ten Eyck, March 5, 1807; Benjamin Skinner, Feb. 12, 1811; Richard M. Esseltyn, Feb. 26, 1813; Benjamin Skinner, Feb. 16, 1815; George Andrus, June 3, 1820; Henry H. Sherwood, Feb. 13, 1821, and elected Nov., 1822; Peleg Burchard, 1828; Daniel Lee, 1840; Charles B. Hoard, 1843; James B. Lynde, 1846; Isaac Munson, 1849; John L. Marsh, 1852; Russell B. Biddlecom, 1858; Dexter Wilder, 1861; Nelson D. Ferguson, 1867; Jacob Stears, jr., 1870; George Cole, 1876; Fred Waddingham, 1879; O. De Grasse Green, 1885; Frank D. Pierce, 1891, '94, '97. County Treasurers. — Previous to the constitution of 1846, county treasurers were appointed by boards of supervisors, but by an act passed in 1847 the office became elective; but supervisors are still authorized THE CIVIL LIST. 169 to fill vacancies in the office. Term, three years. The succession here furnished includes only the elected incumbents: William Smith, 1848; Silas Clark, 1851 ; James M. Clark, 1854; Myron Beebe, 1857 Benjamin F. Hotchkin, 1863; John M. Carpenter, 1869; Leman W. Tyler, 1875 Louis C. Greenleaf, 1878; Alanson D. Seaver, 1884; Addison L. Upham, 1890 Frank M. Parker, 1896. Superintendents of Common Schools. — In pursuance of au act of the legislature passed in 1840, the board of supervisors, in 1841, appointed Ira Mayhew and Henry D. Sewall as county superintendents. In 1842 Lysander H. Brown succeeded Mr. Sewall, and in the next year Porter Montgomery replaced Mr. Mayhew. On April 17, 1843, the legislature passed another act directing boards of supervisors to appoint county superintendents of schools, but in 1847 the act was abolished. Under the act of 1S43, Jefferson county comprised two commissioner districts. In the northern district the incumbents of the office were Henry D. Sewell, Lysander H. Brown and Erwin S. Barnes; in the southern Ira Mayhew and Porter Montgomery. School Commissioners. — The first election under the act creating this office (Laws of 1856) was held in November, 1857. In accordance with its provisions the supervisors divided the county into three commis sioner districts, as follows : First district, Adams, Brownville, Ellis burgh, Henderson, Hounsfield, Lorraine, Rodman and Worth. Second district, Antwerp, Champion, Le Ray, Philadelphia, Rutiand, Water- town and Wilna. Third district, Alexandria, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Lyme, Orleans, Pamelia and Theresa. The commissioners ' under this disposition of the territory were as follows : Henry H. Smith, La Fayette Lyttle, J. Ferdinand Dayan, 1858-60 ; Henry H. Smith, Jedediah Winslow, William Hawes, 1861-63; George A. Ranney, Samuel D. Barr, George H. Strough, 1864-66; Joseph M. Beaman, 2d dist, 1866; Alphonso E. Cooley, Joseph M. Beaman, Charles A. Kelsey, 1867-69; Alphonso E. Cooley, Ben nett F. Brown, Horace E. Morse, 1870-73; Willard C. Porter, Henry Purcell, George H. Strough, 1873-75; William H. Sias, Ambrose E. Sawyer, Don A. Watson, 1875- 78; Albert B. Watkins, Ambrose E. Sawyer, George W. Lingenfelter, 1879-81; Albert B. Watkins, Charles E. Hawkins, Wareham C. Hill, 1882-84; William H. Everett, Charles E. Hawkins, Perrin A. Strough, 1885-87; S. Whitford Mason, Tru man C. Gray, Charles E. 1888-90; S. Whitford Maxson, J. Frank La Rue, Perrin A. Strough, 1891-93. On December 9, 1892, the supervisors reorganized the school commissioner districts 1 Mentioned by districts, first, second and third. 22 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the county, and so divided the territory that district No. 1 included the towns of Adams, Ellisburgh, Le Ray, Lorraine, Pamelia, Rodman, Watertown and Worth; No. 3, included Alexandria, Antwerp, Champion, Philadelphia, Rutland, Theresa and Wilna; No. 3 included Brownville, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Henderson, Houns field, Lyme and Orleans. Under this disposition the commissioners have been as follows: Ernest N. Mc Kinley, J. Frank La Rue, Sheridan Clark, 189-1-96; Ernest N. McKinley, D. D. T. Marshall, R. Sheridan, 1897-99. Coroners. — Previous to the constitution of 1821 the incumbents of this office were appointed, but were elected afterward. The succession, with date of first appointment, has been as follows: Ambrose Pease, Hart Massey, Fairchild Hubbard, 1805; Oramel Brewster, 1808; Benj. Poole, jr., 1809; Nathaniel Haven, 1810; Jason Fairbanks, William Warring, Andrew S. Bond, 1811; Simeon Forbes, 1812; Elijah Fox, Henry Martin, Seth Bailey, Ezra Stearns, 1813; Daniel Leonard, 1814; Elijah Sheldon, Nathan Burnham, 1815; James Perry, 1816; Hiram Steele, 1817; Seth Otis, John B. Esseltyn, James Shields, Joseph Kellogg, John Cowles, Nathan Brown, Abijah Jenkins, 1818; Will iam Merrill, 1820; Suel Wilson, Luther Gilson, Gideon S. Sacket, Eseck Lewis, Jacob C. Greene, Sylvester Smith, John Chamberlin, Eleazer A. Scott, Pardon Smith, 1821; Alfred M. Ackley, 1822; (From this time to 1828 the records appear to have been lost). Azariah Walton, Alfred M. Ackley, Wm. Wood, Abijah Jenkins, 1828; Archibald Fisher, Abijah Jenkins, James McKenzie, Elijah Fields, 1831; Luther G. Hoyt, Elijah Fields, Mahlon P. Jackson, 1834; Truman S. Angel, Elijah Fields, Jotham Bigelow, Ebenezer Sabin, 1837; Asahel Smith, Liberty Cummings, Samnel W. Vincent, James C. Lynde, 1841 ; Arba Strong, Jedediah McCumber, Pearson Mundy, 1843; Samuel W. Gilbert, 1844; Samuel J. Davis, ,1845; James White, Thomas Benjamin, Jacob Cramer, John W. Fuller, 1846; Andrew Cornwell, 1847 Abraham Schuyler, Thomas Benjamin, Horace P. Mitchell, 1849; Jesse Davis, 1850 Abraham Schuyler, Aaron Eddy, Patrick Keon, 1852; Lyman E. Hungerford, 1853 Ambrose Huntington, 1854; Loren Bushnell, Nathaniel Ingerson, Walter Failing, 1855; William D. Lewis, Peter O. Williams, 1856; R.naldo M. Bingham, 1857; Jesse Davis, R. M. Bingham, James A. Bell, 1858; Loren Bushnell, William D. Lewis, 1859; Robert G. Angel, Valentine Parker, 1861; J. B. Tamblin, Robert G. Angel, 1864; Anson G. Thompson, Orrin F. Saunders, 1865; Orrin W. Smith, Addison W. Goodale, Anson G. Thompson, Orrin F. Saunders, 1868; Orrin, W. Smith, 1870; F. B. A. Lewis, 1870-74; Eugene A. Chapman, 1870-72; Henry W. Jewett, 1870-75; Joseph Thibalt, 1871-73; Perry Caswell, 1872-75; S. D. Lord, 1873, 1876-77; George N. Hubbard, 1874-77 ; L. F. Philips, 1875-77 ; Jacob Snell, 1876-77 ; James Stewart, 1878-80; Edmund G. Derby, 1879-81; J. Russell Finney, Edward Sill, M. D. Town- send, 1880-82; Samuel L. Merrill, 1881-86; Gary H. Wood, E. B. Pratt, C. M. Rex- ford, 1883-86; S. Corbin Clark, F. M. Vebber, 1886-88; Eugene A. Chapman, 1887- 89; George McCombs, M. L. Smith, 1889-91; De Witt C. Rodenhurst, 1890- ; Elmer E. Eddy, 1892- ; Le Dette G. Gifford, 1892-94; William H. Sias, 1893- ; Gordon P. Spencer, 1895-; Andrew J. Dick, 1896-97; John D. Coles, 1897. THE BENCH AND BAR. 171 CHAPTER XV. THE BENCH AND BAR. In the early history of New York the governor was in effect the maker, interpreter and enforcer of the laws, the chief judge of the court of final resort, while his councillors were generally his obedient follow ers. The execution of the English and colonial statutes rested with him, as did also the exercise of royal authority in the province; and it was not until the adoption of the first constitution that he ceased to contend for these prerogatives. By the constitution of 1777 the gover nor was entirely stripped of the judicial power which he possessed under the colonial rule, and that power was vested in the lieutenant- governor and the senate, also in the chancellor and justices of the Supreme court — the former to be elected by the people and the latter appointed by the council. This was the first radical separation of the judicial and legislative powers and the advancement of the judiciary to the position of a co-ordinate department of government, subject only to the limitation consequent upon the appointment of its members by the council. Even this mild restriction was soon felt to be incom patible, though it was not until the adoption of the constitution of 1846 that the last connection between the purely political and judicial branches of state government was abolished. From this time the judiciary became more directly representative of the people. The de velopment of the idea of responsibility of the courts to the people, from the time when all its members were at the beck and nod of an irrespon sible master, to the time when all the judges, even of the court of last resort, are voted for directly by the people, has been indeed remark able. Let us look briefly at the present arrangement and powers of the courts of the state and then at the elements from which they have grown. The whole scheme involves the idea of first, a determination of the facts and law by a trial court, then a review by a higher court of the law and facts, and ultimately of the law by a court of last resort. To accomplish the purposes of this scheme there has been devised and 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. established, first, the present court of Appeals, the ultimate tribunal of the state, perfected in its present form by the convention of 1867 and 1868, and taking the place of the old court for the trial of impeach ments and correction of errors. When first organized under the con stitution of 1846 the court comprised eight judges, four of whom were elected by the people and the remainder chosen from the justices of the Supreme court having the shortest time to serve. As reorganized in 1870, and now existing, the court consists of a chief judge and six asso ciate judges, who hold office for the term of fourteen years. The court is continually in session at Albany, except as it takes a recess on its own motion. It has full power to review the decisions of inferior courts when properly before it. Five judges constitute a quorum, and four must concur to render judgment. If four do not agree the case must be reargued. The legislature has provided how and when de cisions of inferior tribunals may be reviewed, and under tbe revised constitution of 1894, the legislature is authorized to still further restrict the jurisdiction of this court, and the right of appeal thereto. Under that revision it was specially provided that after December 31, 1895, the jurisdiction of the court of Appeals, except when the judgment is of death, shall be limited to questions of law, and no unanimous decis ion upon questions of fact in the appellate division of the Supreme court (except special cases) shall be reviewable in the court of Appeals. Upon the reorganization of the court in 1869 its work was far in arrears and the law commonly known as the judiciary act provided for a com mission of appeals to aid the court of Appeals; and still later there was organized a second division of the court of Appeals to assist in the dis position of business of the general court. The several limitations placed upon the court of Appeals by the constitution of 1894 are in part designed to relieve it from future similar embarrassments. Second in rank and jurisdiction stands the Supreme court, created originally by act of the representative assembly in 1691, and composed of a chief justice and four assistant justices to be appointed by the governor, and empowered to try all issues, civil, criminal or mixed. It was also given power to establish rules and ordinances and to regu late practice in the court. Appeals lay to the governor and council. The judges made an annual circuit of the state, under a commission from the governor giving them nisi prius, oyer and terminer and jail delivery powers. At first the judges were appointed by the governor and held office during his pleasure. Under the first constitution the THE BENCH AND BAR. 173 court was reorganized, and all proceedings were to be entitled in the name of the people. The constitution of 1821 made many and impor tant changes in the character and methods of the court; the judges were reduced to three, and appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate, to hold office during good behavior, or until sixty years of age. Four times each year the full court sat in review of their de cisions on the questions of law. By the constitution of 1846 the Su preme court was abolished, and a new court of the same name and hav ing general jurisdiction in law and equity was established in its place. Its members were composed of thirty three justices, to be elected by the people. The judiciary act of 1847 provided that general terms be held at least once a year in the counties having more than 40,000 in habitants, and in other counties once in two years ; and at least two special terms and two circuits were to be held yearly in each county except Hamilton. The court was also authorized to name the time and places of holding its terms, and those of the Oyer and Terminer, the latter a part of the Circuit court and held by the justice, county judge and two justices of sessions. After 1882 the Oyer and Terminer con sisted of a single justice of the Supreme court, but by the radical changes made by tbe constitution of 1894 Circuit courts and courts of Oyer and Terminer were abolished, and their jurisdiction was vested in the Supreme court. Provision was also made for an appellate divi sion of this court, to consist of seven justices in the first, and five in each of the other three judicial departments into which the state was divided. The appellate division was invested with the jurisdiction previously exercised by the Supreme court at general term, and such other power as tbe legislature is authorized to confer. From the jus tices of tbe Supreme court the governor designates those who shall constitute the appellate division, and also the presiding justice thereof; the latter to act during his term of office, the others for the term of five years. In this court four members constitute a quorum, and three must concur to render judgment. The judiciary article of the constitution of 1846 was amended in 1869, the legislature being authorized to provide (not more often than once in five years) for the organization of general terms consisting of a presiding justice and not more than three associates, but by the laws of 1870 the then organization of the general terms was abrogated, and the state was divided into four departments, and provision made for hold ing general terms in each. By the same act the governor was directed 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to designate from the justices of the Supreme court a presiding justice and two associates to constitute a general term in each department. A constitutional amendment was adopted in 1882, and the legislature in 1883 divided the state into five judicial departments, and provided for the election of twelve additional justices to hold office from the first day of June, 1884. The constitution of 1894 provided for the election of twelve more justices of the Supreme court, three to reside in the first, three in the second, and one in each of the other six judicial dis tricts of the state. The court of Chancery of the State of New York was an heirloom of the colonial period, and had its origin in the court of Assizes, the latter being vested with equity powers under the duke's laws. The court was established February 16, 1683, and went out of existence by limita tion in 1698; was revived by ordinance in 1701, suspended in 1703, and re established in 1704. Previous to that time matters in equity were heard in any of the courts organized in conformity with the duke's law. At first the court was unpopular, both the assembly and colonists op posing it with the argument that the crown had no authority to estab lish a court of equity in the province. Under the constitution of 1777 the court was reorganized, and in 177S masters and examiners were designated by the council of appointment, while registrars and clerks were appointed by the chancellor; and the latter also licensed all so licitors and counsellors of the court. Appeals lay to the court for the correction of errors. Under the constitution of 1821 the chancellor was appointed by the governor, and held office during good behavior, or until sixty years of age. Under the second constitution equity powers were vested in the circuit judges, and their decisions were reviewable on appeal to the chancellor. Soon, however, the equity character was vested in the chancellor alone, and the judges afterward as vice-chan cellors in their respective circuits. The constitution of 1846 abolished the court of Chancery, and vested its powers and duties in the Supreme court. By an act of the legislature passed in 1848, and entitled the "Code of Procedure," all distinction between actions at law and suits in equity was abolished, so far as procedure was concerned, and one uniform method of practice was adopted. June, 1877, the legislature enacted the " Code of Civil Procedure," to take the place of tbe code of 1848, and by this many minor changes in the practice of the court were made. These are, in brief, the changes through which the Supreme court THE BENCH AND BAR. 175 has passed in its growth from the prerogative of an irresponsible master to one of the most independent and enlightened instrumentalities for the protection and attainment of rights of citizens of which any state or nation, ancient or modern, can rightfully boast. So well is this fact understood by the people that by far the greater amount of business which might be done in inferior courts at less expense is actually taken to this court for settlement. Next in rank to the Supreme court is the County court, held in and for each county in the state, at such times and places as its judges may direct. This court had its origin in the English court of Sessions, and like it, had, at one time, only criminal jurisdiction, but in 1691 it was given both civil and criminal powers in cases of jury trial. By the act of 1691, and the decree of 1699, the civil jurisdiction of the court was conferred on the Common Pleas. However, by the radical changes made by the constitution of 1846, provision was made for a County court in each county in the state, except New York, to be held by an officer designated tbe "county judge," and to have such jurisdiction as the legislature should prescribe. Thus County courts have been given jurisdiction in various classes of actions and have also been invested with equity powers in the foreclosure of mortgages, the sale of infant's real estate, and also to partition lands, admeasure dower and care for the persons and estates of lunatics and habitual drunkards. The judici ary act of 1869 continued the existing jurisdiction in all actions in which the defendant lived in the county, and the damages claimed did not exceed $1,000. The constitution of 1894 likewise continued the court and increased its power by extending the amount of damages claimable to $2,000. Like the Supreme court, the County court has its civil and criminal sides. In criminal matters the county judge was formerly assisted by two justices of sessions, elected by the people from among the justices of the peace of the county. In the criminal branch of this court, known as the " Sessions," minor offenses were disposed of, and all indictments, except for murder could be sent to it for trial from the Oyer and Term iner. The constitution of 1894 abolished courts of Sessions, except in tbe county of New York, and its powers and duties (after December 31, 1895) were vested in the County court. By the codes of 1848 and 1877 the procedure and practice in this court were made to conform as nearly as possible to the practice of the Supreme court. This was done with the evident design to attract litigation into these minor courts and 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. thus relieve the Supreme court ; but in this there has been a failure, as litigants prefer the shield and broader powers of the higher court. Under the code county judges also perform the duties of a justice of the Supreme court at chambers. The County court has appellate juris diction over actions arising in justices' courts and Courts of Special Sessions. The constitution authorizes the legislature, on application of the board of supervisors, to provide for the election of a special county judge and special surrogate to assist the regular judge in the disposition of business of the County and Surrogate courts. Under this authority, on April 10, 1849, the legislature passed an act authorizing such officers in Jefferson county, to hold office for the term of three years, and re ceive such compensation as the supervisors shall determine. The old court of Common Pleas of the state of New York, the oldest tribunal of the state, which survived the changes of two constitutional revisions, was another heirloom of the colonial period, and was estab lished originally under the charters of 1686, for the counties of New York and Albany, and was made general to the state by the act of 1691. Under the first constitution the number of judges was various, there being as many as twelve in some counties, but the act of 1818 limited the judges to five in each county, including the first judge. The con stitution of 1821 continued the court, and its judges held office five years under appointment by tbe governor and senate. The court, ex cept in the county of New York, was abolished by the constitution of 1846. Surrogates' courts, one of which exists in each county of the state, are now courts of record, having a seal, and their especial jurisdiction is the settlement and care of estates of infants and of deceased persons. The derivation of the powers and practice of these courts is from the Ecclesiastical court of England, also in part through the colonial coun cil which existed during the rule of the Dutch, and exercised its author ity in accordance with Dutch Roman law, the custom of Aasdom, the Court of Burgomasters and Scheppens, the Orphan Masters, the May or's, the Prerogative, and the court of Probate. Under the colony the Prerogative court controlled all matters relating to the probate of wills and settlement of estates, but in 1692, by an act then passed, all pro bates and granting of letters of administration were to be under the hand of the governor or his delegate, and two freeholders were ap pointed in each town to care for the estates of persons dying intestate. THE BENCH AND BAR. 177 Under the duke's laws this duty had been performed by the constables, overseers and justices of each town. In 1778 the governor was divested of all this power, except the appointment of surrogate, and it was con ferred upon the judge of the court of Probate. Under the first consti tution surrogates were appointed by the council of appointment, and under tbe second by the governor with the approval of the senate. The constitution of 1846 provided that the county judge should per form tbe duties of surrogate in counties having less than 40,000 inhabi tants. By the code of civil procedure, surrogates are clothed with all the necessary powers to carry out the equitable and incidental require ments of their office. In its present form, and sitting weekly, this court affords a cheap and expeditious medium for the care and settle ment of estates and the guardianship of infants. The only remaining courts which are common to the whole state are the special Sessions, held by justices of the peace for the trial of minor offenses, and justices courts with a limited civil jurisdiction. Previous to the constitution of 1821 (modified in 1828) justices of the peace were appointed, but since that time have been elected. The office and its duties are descended from the English office of the same name, but are much less important, and under the laws of this state is purely the creature of the statute. The office is of little importance in the admin istration of law, and with the loss of much of its old time power has lost much of its former dignity. The organization of the courts in Jefferson county was accomplished with little difficulty, while much ceremony is said to have attended that important function. The act creating the county provided for two terms of the Common Pleas and General Sessions of the peace, the first to be held on the first Tuesday in June, and the second on the first Tuesday in December in each year. But so far as tbe records disclose there was no term of court held in the county previous to the second Tuesday in May, 1807, and then assembled in the old schoolhouse just south of Cowan's mills. While the records may have been imperfectly kept, or under the novelty of the situation, not kept at all, there was nevertheless a generous assemblage of lawyers at the new county seat almost as early as the creating act was announced, therefore when com missioners Matthew Dorr, David Rogers and John Van Bentheusen came to locate the county buildings, they were beset by those worthy wights in the interest of favored localities, yet all the art and influence of Jacob Brown could not prevail upon the commissioners to designate 23 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. either Brownville, or his other site north of the river in Pamelia. On the contrary the commissioners yielded to the persuasions of Henry Coffeen and his associates and the result was that the little hamlet of Watertown secured the coveted designation. The subject of county buildings, however, is so fully treated in a preceding chapter that not more than a passing allusion to it is necessary in this place. The first officers who were connected with the adminstration of law in the county were Augustus Sacket, first judge; Joshua Bealls and Perley Keyes, judges; Thomas White, Lyman Ellis and William Hun ter, assistant justices; Henry Coffeen, county clerk; Abel Sherman, sheriff; Benjamin Skinner, surrogate. The first term of the Supreme court for this county was held June 17, 1807, by presiding justice Smith Thompson; Augustus Sacket, Thomas White, judges, and Lyman Ellis, assistant justice. So long as this court was in existence under the first constitution Jefferson county furnished no presiding justice. Under the second constitution the office known as circuit judge (see preceding page) was created. The first and only incumbent of the office under its then existing character, and a resident of this county, was Isaac H. Bronson, appointed April 18, 1838. Isaac H. Bronson was the son of Ethel Bronson, and was born in Rutland. He studied law with Micah Sterling, his brother-in law, was admitted to practice in 1823, and soon became partner with his former instructor, under the firm name of Sterling & Bronson, concededly one of the strongest law firms in this part of the state. In 1836 he was elected to congress and Mr. Sterling to the state senate, thus the firm dissolved. As judge on the bench and lawyer at the bar of tbe court, Mr. Bronson was regarded as one of the foremost legists of his time. In 1840 Judge Bronson was appointed associate judge of the United States court for the eastern district of Florida. To the bench of the Supreme court the county has furnished several incumbents — Frederick W. Hubbard, Joseph Mullin, Milton H. Mer win and Pardon C. Williams, in the order named. Of each of these we may also make brief mention. Frederick W. Hubbard was the son of Noadiah Hubbard, the pioneer of Champion, and was a native of that town. He studied law with Lansing & Sherman, and came to the bar in 1838. He is remembered as a lawyer of ability and a man of great moral worth, and his eleva tion to the bench was a just tribute to his attainments and character. THE BENCH AND BAR. 179 He began his duties as justice of the Supreme court, January 1, 1852, served eight years and was then succeeded by Judge Mullin. He re turned to the practice, but a short time before his death removed to New York. Joseph Mullin was a native of Ireland, born in September, 1811, and came to Jefferson county with his parents when he was a child, settling in Brownville. He attended the common schools and for a time worked in a printing office, but later on was educated in the academy at Belle ville, where he prepared for college. After graduation he taught school several years, then read law in the office of Sterling & Bronson, and was admitted to practice in 1837. He at once took rank with the ablest younger members of the county bar, but soon rose to a standing of commanding influence in the profession in northern New York. He practiced alone until 1845, when John P. Brown, a former student in his office, became his partner, a relation which was maintained until 1847, when Mr. Brown died. In the fall following, Lawrence J. Good ale became his partner, continued five years, and was succeeded by Milton H. Merwin, In the fall of 1859 Mr. Mullin was elected justice of tbe Supreme court, was re-elected in 1867, and again in 1875. Hav ing attained his seventieth year, Judge Mullin was retired from the bench, December 31, 1881, having served long and faithfully in public office, and enjoying the admiration and esteem of the prof ession through out the state. As the civil list shows, he was district attorney in 1843- 45, and in congress in 1847-49. He died at Saratoga in June, 1882, but his home was at Watertown, where his remains lie buried. In January, 1864, Judge Mullin was ex-officio a member of the court of Appeals. Milton H. Merwin, whose long and honorable prof essional career has in part been made as a resident of Utica, was formerly a lawyer at the Jefferson county bar. He was admitted to practice in 1854, and soon rose to prominence in the profession. He was first appointed justice of the Supreme court, vice Doolittle, deceased, and was elected to the office Nov. 8, 1874. He afterward removed to Oneida county where he still resides. Judge Merwin was elected special surrogate of Jeffer son county in November, 1854, and surrogate in November, 1859. Charles Mason, late of Hamilton, is also to be mentioned in the same connection. He came to the county bar in 1835, was a lawyer of abil ity and practiced with success, but soon removed to other fields and was elected to the Supreme bench as his reward. 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pardon C. Williams, present associate justice of appellate division of the Supreme court (1st department), was born in Ellisburgh, July 12, 1842, and is the son of William Williams, a farmer of that town. He was educated at Belleville academy, Clinton liberal institute, and St. Lawrence university. In the spring of 1862 he began a course of law study in the office of Hammond & Bigelow, and was admitted to the bar at the Jefferson county general term in October, 1863. He at once began practice at the county seat, and was recognized as a leader among the younger members of the local bar. In November, 1868, he was elected district attorney, and was re-elected at the end of his first term, serving in all six years. He then returned to the general practice and for several years was one of the law firm of McCartin & Williams. On November 6, 1883, he was elected justice of the Supreme court for the fifth judicial district. In January, 1896, Judge Williams was appointed associate justice of the appellate division of the Supreme court. Dennis O'Brien, the only member of the Jefferson county bar elected by the people to the bench of the court of Appeals of the state, is a native of Ogdensburgh, born March 13, 1837. He read law in the office of Meyers & Magone, and was admitted to practice in May, 1861. In the fall of that year he came to live at Watertown, at once began practice, forming an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the county, particularly in democratic circles, where he was regarded as leader. In 1880 he was elected a member of the democratic state committee, and served four years with that body. In 1883 he was the democratic nominee for the attorney generalship, and was elected at the polls in November following; and was re-elected at the end of his first term. In 1889 Mr. O'Brien was nominated by the state convention of his party as its candidate for the court of Appeals bench, the highest judicial body of the state, and at the polls in November following he was elected. Whether as lawyer, attorney-general, or as judge, Mr. O'Brien has always occupied a high position in the profession in the state, and throughout the wide circle of bis acquaintance his social and mental qualities are greatly esteemed and admired. In the same manner we may recall and mention briefly the old Com mon Pleas judges. Augustus Sacket was first in the succession, appointed in 1807, and served until 1810. Judge Sacket was not learned in the law, yet at the first term of court held in the county he was one of the several persons admitted to practice law if so inclined. But Judge Sacket was possessed ¦/,. ,ra,'"J by-i/.K.Canwball. ¦*< , york ¦ Z&Ls^^_. G./^f^£^_^ Q>^X2-t<2_ THE BENCH AND BAR. 181 of a good fund of common sense, excellent judgment, and as one of the pioneers of western Hounsfield did much to build-up the settlement at Sackets Harbor, which was so named for him. He built there the first saw mill, and was otherwise identified with events of earl}' history. Moss Kent was appointed to the first judgeship in 1810, and served until succeeded by Abel Cole in 1818. Judge Kent was brother to Chief Justice James Kent, and first settled in Champion in this county, where some of the family were pioneers*. He soon afterward removed to Le Ray and was agent for the Le Ray proprietary for many years. He was a prominent figure in early county politics, was in congress in 1813-15, and again in 1815-17, the thirteenth and fourteen sessions. He was admitted to the bar at the first court held in, the county. Abel Cole, who followed Judge Kent on the Common Pleas bench, was not a lawyer, yet if all recollections of him be true he was a man of strong character and one whose influence was for good in his town of Rodman, and wherever known in the county. He was not a promi nent figure in county or local politics, but served one year as supervisor of his town. Egbert Ten Eyck was perhaps the most prominent of the Common Pleas judges, and was, withal, one of tbe most distinguished members of the old bar of tbe county; and was honored with more frequent ap pointment and election to positions of responsibility and trust than any of his associates at tbe bar. He came from the east, a graduate of Williams, and read law at Albany. He was admitted to practice in Jefferson county at the first term of court. His first residence was in Champion, to which place he was attracted about 1800 undoubtedly through tbe belief that the hamlet there would be the seat of justice of the new county then under consideration. The civil list, in another chapter will show the several positions to which Mr. Ten Eyck was chosen by the electors of the county, hence they need not be repeated here. In later years he removed to Watertown, where he died in 1844. Calvin McKnight, fifth in the succession of first judges of tbe Com mon Pleas, was not a lawyer, and while his rulings on the bench were occasionally surprising to the bar, his action was always so evidently sincere that he was seldom adversly criticised. Judge McKnight was an unassuming, self-respecting man, firm in whatever he undertook, possessed an irreproachable character, hence he was much respected in the county. He lived at Watertown. He was twice elected to the assembly. 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas C. Chittenden was an early settler in Adams, was admitted to the bar in 1813, and active in professional life until his death, in 1868. He was appointed first judge in 1840, served five years, and soon after entering his judicial office, removed to the county seat. He was one of the graceful speakers of the bar, possessed a fine presence, and was popular throughout the county; was elected to congress in in 1838, and served two terms. Calvin Skinner was the last of the old Common Pleas judges, and was appointed to office in 1845, serving two years. He lived at Adams, read law with Judge Chittenden, and was admitted to practice in 1826. He was also master in chancery and held several other minor offices. During the long period of his professional life, Judge Skinner lived at Adams, where, as well as throughout the county, he was regarded as a strong lawyer and upright man. His practice was general, but he ex celled in matters pertaining to the chancery courts. Robert Lansing, the first elected county judge under the constitution of 1846, and one of the most prominent lawyers of the county during the long period of his professional career, was a native of Albany, born in 1799. He entered Union college but was not graduated, after which, in 1817, he came to Watertown and read law in the office of Egbert Ten Eyck, and was admitted to practice in 1820. He then entered upon a long and entirely successful professional and political career; was one of the distinguished lawyers and fluent and logical advocates of the old bar. In county politics he held the offices of district attorney, county judge and state senator, filling each position with marked abil ity. The civil list will show the offices held, and the period of his ser vices, but as one of the leading law firm of Lansing & Sherman his best professional record was made. Judge Lansing died October 3, 1868, at the advanced age of nearly 80 years. William C. Thompson was elected county judge in the fall of 1851, and served two consecutive terms on the bench. He was another of the town of Adams' worthy contributions to the prominent early bar, having been admitted and began practice in 1839. He was a democrat in politics and defeated Joseph Mullin for the judgeship. After his election, Judge Thompson removed to the county seat, where he died in 1875. His wife was the daughter of Judge Chittenden. Charles D. Wright, one of the few surviving members of the old bar, and who still lives at the county seat, was admitted to practice in 1839, and was elected county judge in 1859. He was re-elected at the end THE BENCH AND BAR. 183 of his term. Judge Wright was the step-son of Bernard Bagley, the latter in many respects one of the best lawyers of the county. After admission he became a partner with Mr. Bagley, and thus was estab lished one of the strongest law firms in northern New York. Mr. Bagley's great strength was in the trial of causes in court, while Judge Wright had charge of their preparation in the office. Indeed, as a safe counsellor and office lawyer Judge Wright stood in the county almost without a peer. He is now retired from active professional work. Azariah H. Sawyer, who was elected county judge in 1867, and served thereafter on the bench for two terms, and who is still in active professional life at Watertown, was a native of Potsdam, the son of Rev. George Sawyer, a clergyman of the M. E. church. Judge Sawyer was admitted to practice at a term of court held at Watertown in April, 1S57, and soon afterwrard formed a partnership with James F. Starbuck, who was one of the examining committee. The firm relation was maintained for twenty-three years, until Mr. Starbuck's death, in 1880. Since that time Judge Sawyer has practiced without a partner. Charles H. Walts, fifth in the succession of county judges, was a native of Pamelia, born in 1839, and educated in the common schools and Jefferson county institute. He studied law in the office of Clark & Calvin, attended Albany law school, and was admitted to practice in 1861. He opened an office in Theresa but soon removed to Watertown and formed a partnership with F. W. Hubbard, and still later with W. F. Porter. Mr. Walts was elected county judge in 1877, and re-elected in 1883. At the expiration of his second term the law firm of Porter, Walts & Porter was formed, but now dissolved. Judge Walts practices without a partner. John C. McCartin was born in Alexandria in 1840, and in that town acquired his elementary education. He then came to Watertown and read law in the office of E. B. Wynn, and was admitted to the bar in 1860 or 1861. He soon became managing clerk in the office of Brown & Beach, but early in the war enlisted and was commissioned 1st lieu tenant, 14th N. Y. heavy artillery. On returning from the service he resumed practice but afterward formed a partnership with Judge Wil liams, a relation which was maintained to the time of his death, July 2, 1892. Mr. McCartin was elected county judge in November, 1889, and served in office a little more than two years. His election to this office was the first success of a democratic nominee for the position in a period of more than thirty years. 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Henry Purcell was appointed county judge in 1892, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge McCartin. He was born in Wilna in 1848; was educated at Watertown, and also in the academy at Antwerp. In 1872 he was elected county school commissioner in the second dis trict, and served three years. During this time he read law under the direction of Mr. McCartin, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. In 1879 he formed a partnership with the late Charles A. Sherman, a rela tion which was maintained until the death of the latter. In 1881 Judge Purcell was elected recorder of the city of Watertown, and served four years; was city attorney two years, and for several years member of the city board of education. Edgar C. Emerson, present county judge, is a native of Brown ville, the son of Alfred and Margery (Luther) Emerson, descendants from Puritan ancestors. Edgar was educated in the common schools, and when about nineteen years old began reading law at home. In 1870 he attended Albany law school, was graduated in 1871, and then continued his studies in the office of Dennis O'Brien at Watertown. He began practice in 1876, partner with Mr. O'Brien, under the style of O'Brien & Emerson, a firm well known throughout the county until 1889, when the senior partner was elected attorney-general of the state. In 1878 Mr. Emerson was city attorney; was elected district attorney in 1880, and again in 1883, and in November, 1892, was elected county judge. Reminiscences of the Old Bar. — The bar of Jefferson county has ever been noted for its strength. On the bench and at the bar of her courts have been men of marked ability and great moral worth; men of force; men of character; men whose social and mental qualities have made them famous, and have gained for them a high standing in the leg islative halls both of the state and the nation — many of whom have attained distinction and some of them eminence ; men whose influence has been so salutary and pervading that the whole bar seems to have caught something of its spirit and maintained such a freedom from all unworthy methods as can be found in very few communities. It is indeed difficult to separate the few from the many and exalt them above their fellows, yet in writing of the old bar we may properly recall those whose lives and character, abilities and power, naturally marked them as leaders in tbe ranks of the profession in their time. In preceding paragraphs the attempt has been made to mention in a general way some of the prominent characteristics of those of the THE BENCH AND BAR. 185 profession who attained positions on the bench, in view of which it is also appropriate that a brief mention be made of the laity of the pro fession, whose energies and power were devoted to the arduous labors of trial of cases in court, to safe and prudent counsel in tbe office, or who perhaps having political ambition gratified at the polls, became prominent in the civil history of the county. The court records show that on December 11, 1805, the attorney's oath of office was taken by Augustus Sacket, Moses Kent, Samuel C. Kannady, Benjamin Skinner and Egbert Ten Eyck, who were the pioneers of the profession in the county. Of three of them mention has been made on previous pages, but of the others we may note briefly. Samuel C. Kannady successfully combined the elements of lawyer, surveyor, land agent and " side judge." His chief occupation was land agent, representing the Le Ray proprietary, while his other adjuncts of business life were fortunate factors in his favor. He is remembered as an upright man, a good lawyer, and useful citizen. Benjamin Skin ner was the first surrogate of the county, and also held the office of county clerk several years. He, too, was a good lawyer, and a man much respected in the county. Elisha Camp was surrogate from 1813 to 1815, and a lawyer having an extensive practice. He lived at Sackets Harbor, where he engaged in other pursuits than the law and gradually drifted from the ranks of the profession. Thomas Skinner was one of the early lawyers, and was senior member of the law firm of Skinner & Sterling, which stood prom inent in tbe annals of the old bar. Samuel Whittlesey was admitted to the bar of the county in 1807, and was a lawyer of much promise, whose abilities we e not only recognized but honored with places of trust, but he yielded to temptation, fell, and was disgraced. Amos Benedict settled and began the practice of law at Watertown in 1807. He was a graduate of Yale, a young man of great promise, but in 1814 death cut short his career. Henry R. Storrs was one of the proprietors of Champion, and was better known as Colonel Storrs, but while he practiced law for a time, he was more engaged in dispos ing of his land, and soon afterward left the county. He was judge of Oneida county, from 1825 to 1830, and was in congress from 1817 to to 1821. Lyman Munson, as the civil list shows, was surrogate four years, enjoyed a fair practice, but soon left the bar. Ela Collins lived for a time at Watertown, and is recalled as a strong lawyer, but he after 24 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ward removed to Lowville, where he gained distinction in the profession, and was honored with a seat in congress. Micah Sterling was one of the giants of the profession in the county in early times. He located first at Adams, but on admission to tbe Com mon Pleas, in 1808 or 1811, removed to the county seat, where he after ward practiced, and where he was identified with the growth of the village in many ways. He was a graduate of Yale (1804), and came to the county well equipped for professional work. His bearing and deportment were always dignified, his oratory clear and pleasing, and his reasoning logical and strong, hence his high standing in the pro fession, in the senate, and in congress. His partnership with Isaac H. Bronson began in 1823, and continued to 1840. The firm of Sterling & Bronson was regarded as one of the strongest in this county, and its fame was known throughout the region. Mr. Sterling died April 11, 1844. David W. Bucklin was another of the eminent lawyers of the county. He came to the bar in 1811, and soon attained a position of distin guished prominence. He was especially strong before a jury, a shrewd cross examiner, and one who seldom failed to draw out the evidence most in his favor. His was a wonderful and powerful mind, while his whole manner and address marked him a lawyer of the best type in every way. He was district attorney from 1821 to 1826, but otherwise was not prominent in county politics except as a public speaker; but on the "stump" he was a power. He was in the senate in 1836-39, where his oratory, wit and sarcasm made him famous, but after his term expired he soon went to New York, where he died. George C. Sherman was law partner with Mr. Bucklin, and acquired his early legal training in the office of the latter. He was admitted to practice in 1823, and soon afterward the firm was established. By constant association with his distingnished partner, Mr. Sherman ac quired many of the characteristics of Mr. Bucklin, and became one of the leading lawyers of the county in his time. He was district attor ney from 1833 to 1840; was Common Pleas judge from 1843 to 1847, and in the fall of 1843 was elected to the senate. At one time he was partner with Robert Lansing, and the firm of Lansing & Sherman, like that of Bucklin & Sherman, was acknowledged as one of the strongest in the region ; and as a matter of fact, Mr. Sherman was in all respects the peer of his partners in professional life. He was inter ested largely in land operations, and thus acquired a fortune. In 1838 THE BENCH AND BAR. 187 he organized the Watertown bank and loan company, which, with his other business interests eventually drew hjm away from the profession and directed bis efforts in other channels. Mr. Sherman died April 28, 1863. Harlow Emerson was a conspicuous member of the old bar for many years. He came from Norwich, Conn., read law in Micah Sterl ing's office, and was admitted to practice in 1815. He was a bright, keen lawyer, a special pleader of note, and owed much of his early suc cess to the training received under the instruction of Mr. Sterling, with whom he was closely associated. Mr. Emerson was a close student, possessed a thorough understanding of tbe law, and never went half prepared into the trial of a case. His mind, too, was broad, and all his impulses were generous and liberal. He died June 24, 1846. Justin Butterfield was admitted to practice in the Common Pleas of this county in 1813, and lived for a time at Sackets Harbor, from whence he removed to the county seat. He went to Chicago about 1840, and there gained a high place in the profession, and was re warded with a substantial fortune. In this county he was regarded as one of tbe strongest lawyers at the bar, possessed of remarkable ability and splendid address. His removal was regarded as a serious loss to the bar in Watertown. William A. Green, who was related to Mr. Butterfield, succeeded to the business left by the latter when he removed from the harbor to the county seat. Mr. Green came to the local bar in 1830, and was a care ful, competent lawyer. He soon went to New York and practiced many years. He eventually returned to Watertown, but not to pro fessional work. John W. Tamblin, of Evans Mills, who was admitted to practice in 1831, did not attain a high standing in the profession as a lawyer, but in the early political history of the county was a prominent figure. His name appears in the civil list almost as frequently as that of any man in the county. As a manager in this special field he stood as a leader, and his power in political circles was very great. He was in the assembly several years, four years in the senate, and held other offices of perhaps minor importance. Soon after 1840 he removed to the county seat, and for a time edited a weekly newspaper. He pos sessed an excellent, retentive mind, had a special taste for scientific studies, and was something of a theorist. Benjamin Wright, who lived at Adams and practiced law in that 188 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. town for many years, was another respected member of the old bar, and held the office of surrogate for nearly twenty years. He was ad mitted as early as 1816, and was "side judge" from 1829 to 1836. Other recollections of him are meagre, but at one time Judge Wright was well known all through the county. His daughter married Bishop Whipple of Minnesota. William D. Ford was admitted to the bar in 1817, and was for many years in active practice at the county seat. His office was on Court street, about opposite the Goodale residence. Mr. Ford was father to Augustus Ford, the latter also a lawyer, admitted in 1833, and afterward well known about Sackets Harbor, both in legal and military circles. Edward B. Hawes also came to the bar in 1831, and lived at Belle ville, where he bad great reputation as a justice court practitioner. Indeed, his fame in this respect extended all through the county. He was generous, but his eccentricities operated against what might have been for him a high place in professional and social life. William Ruger was also one of the "class" admitted in 1831, and was perhaps more noted as a teacher of mathematics than as a lawyer. He was the author of " Ruger's arithmetic," once a standard work in this locality. At one time Mr. Ruger was partner with Charles Mason, and later on with Joshua Moore. The civil list shows him as senator in 1842-43. He was uncle to the late chief justice William C. Ruger of the court of Appeals. Charles Mason, afterward Justice Mason of the Supreme court, came to this county and was admitted to practice in the Common Pleas in' 1835: From that time to 1839 he was a partner of William Ruger, but then removed to Madison county, where he attained a high standing in the profession. Daniel Wardwell was an early prominent lawyer of Mannsville, senior member of the old and well known firm of Wardwell & Rossiter. Mr. Wardwell afterward lived at Adams. He was admitted to the bar in 1814, and gradually rose in the ranks of tbe profession, and in the field of politics, until he was rewarded with a seat in congress, serving from 1831 to 1837, three consecutive terms. He was a strong lawyer and an upright and honorable citizen. Lysander H. Brown, who for a period of more than half a century was in active professional life in this county, and who during that time established a reputation for ability and integrity not often excelled, THE BENCH AND BAR. 189 was a native of Brownville, born December 20, 1808. He entered Union college in 1831, and was graduated from that institution. In 1834 he became principal of Champion academy, then one of the most noted educational institutions of tbe region. Here he remained four years, reading law in the meantime, and in 1838 came to the county seat to complete his legal education. In October, 1839, he was admitted to the bar, and at once entered upon a professional and political career, which placed him high up with the most active minds in the state. In 1842 Mr. Brown was appointed county superintendent of common schools; in 1844 he was elected to the assembly, and in 1847 was the first elected surrogate of the county under the constitution of 1846. As a lawyer he possessed ability, and as a public speaker his powers were marvel ous, always exciting the admiration of his auditors. Mr. Brown died in 1892, at the advanced age of 84 years. Jasper W. Gilbert, who is remembered as one of the most prominent attorneys at the bar of the county for several years, was the son of Marenus W. Gilbert, and was admitted to practice in 1839. Later on he removed to Rochester, and thence to Brooklyn, where he was elected justice of the Supreme court, holding that position until retired by reason of the age limit. Joshua Moore came from Plattsburgh and was admitted to the local bar in 1839. At first his abilities found no opportunity to display their strength, but by a coincidence he suddenly leaped into public notice and favor. He was appointed district attorney in February, 1846, and was the first elected incumbent of the office under the constitution of that year. He first located at Brownville, but afterward removed to Watertown. He was a partner with Mr. Ruger, and later on with Levi H. Brown. Mr. Moore died in 1854. Luther J. Dorwin was known to the legal profession in this county for a period of more than fifty years, and in many respects was looked upon as the "father of the bar." He was a native of the county, born in Champion, and the son of Hubby Dorwin, one of the early settlers in that town. Mr. Dorwin was admitted to the bar in 1843, and is re membered as an excellent lawyer, a safe counsellor, and one whose in fluence in every walk in life was good. He was unquestionably one of the best equity court lawyers in the state. Charles E. Clarke was a native of Saybrook, Conn., a graduate of Yale, and became a member of the Jefferson county bar in 1815, yet memories of the man and lawyer are so clear and distinct that it appears 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as if he was still in professional life and work. He died in 1863, just one short year after having delivered a most instructive and pleasing address on the " old bar" of the county, on the occasion of the dedica tion of the court house in October, 1862. Mr. Clarke possessed a native ability as a lawyer and public speaker that specially marked his talent and gave him an enviable standing among his professional asso ciates. Indeed, he was regarded as one of the brightest lawyers of the bar, an ornament without tarnish. His brother, John Clarke, read law in his office, was admitted in 1825, and became his partner in practice; but Charles was engaged in milling enterprises and was thereby called away from professional work much of the time. He was a factor, too, in politics; was in the assembly in 1839-40, and in congress in 1849-51. John Clarke came to Watertown about 1820, and is remembered as a hard-working, strong, painstaking and conscientious lawyer. He was not specially prominent in public affairs, but held the appointive office of surrogate from 1840 to 1844. He was partner with Delano C. Cal vin for about ten years, beginning in 1855. Mr. Clarke died in 1865. Bernard Bagley was one of the most remarkable characters who ever engaged the attention of either court or jury in Jefferson county; but in this observation we do not detract one whit from his mental ability, for without question Mr. Bagley was one of the ablest practitioners at the bar. His traits were wholly his own, and in great measure dom inated his life and action; with them he was a power, but without them he might have been weak. His wonderful capacity to accurately meas ure and analyze character often worked greatly to his advantage, but his remarkable memory was his most potent auxiliary in preparing and trying cases. Moreover, he was a brilliant lawyer, and tbe most shrewd cross -examiner at the bar. These qualities drew to him an extensive clientage, for his skill was known throughout the region, Mr. Bagley was a native of Durham, Greene county, born Nov. 5, 1791, and first came to this county in 1812, engaging in teaching school and building roads in Antwerp. He came to the county seat about 1816, began reading law in Mr. Clarke's office, and was admitted to the bar in 1826. He died June 26, 1878. James F. Starbuck, whose brilliant professional and public career honored and elevated the bar of the county for a period of nearly forty years, was a native of Cayuga county, born Sept. 5, 1815, and came to Watertown in the spring of 1839. He began the study of law in the office of Lansing & Sherman, and was admitted to practice in the Com- mi ¦J:3M ,-. Hi -mgctfy .fsm?.i THE BENCH AND BAR. 191 mon Pleas in 1843, and in the Supreme court in 1844. He at once be gan practice and was soon recognized among the leading lawyers of the county, a standing he maintained throughout the long period of his professional life, while the respect he commanded from the bar and the people of the entire region outlived him, and survive even to this time. Mr. Starbuck was undoubtedly one of the strongest lawyers the county ever produced, and his service in the office of district attorney proved of value to his subsequent career. In 1846 he was secretary of the constitutional convention of that year. In 1850 he was elected district attorney, and served three years. In 1860 he was nominated for con gress, but was defeated at the polls. In 1875 he was elected to the state senate. Mr. Starbuck died in Watertown, December 20, 1880. Lawrence J. Goodale, now retired from active life, but who for a period of fifty seven years has been associated with the legal profession in Jefferson county (though a part of the time living out of the county) was born in Watertown February 20, 1816. He was educated at Union college, and in 1838 began reading law with Sterling & Bronson. In 1840 he was admitted to practice, but during the course of his long busi ness life he has engaged in various pursuits, chief among which was his management of the Le Ray property in this county and elsewhere, and also in mercantile pursuits in New York city. However, in 1842, Mr. Goodale was partner with Micah Sterling, and later on with Joseph Mullin. In 1856 he removed to New York, remained eight years, and returned in 1864, taking up his residence in Carthage, where he settled the Le Ray estates. Recently, however, he returned to Watertown and lives in comfortable retirement in the house where his father dwelt three-quarters of a century ago. Levi H. Brown, the senior member of the active Jefferson county bar, was born in Lorraine, March 27, 1818, and was the son of Aaron Brown, an early settler and successful farmer of that town. Levi spent his early life on the farm, was educated at the Belleville and Oxford (Chenango county) academies, after which, in 1841, he entered Union college, and was graduated in 1843. He began the study of law in Schenectady, in the office of Judge Jones, and completed his course with Calvin Skinner, at Adams. He was admitted to practice in 1846. He lived and practiced at Adams until 1852, then removed to the county seat and became law partner with Joshua Moore, under the firm style of Moore & Brown. The firm was dissolved by the death of the senior partner in April, 1854, after which Mr. Brown was 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. associated with Allen Beach in a partnership which continued until 1871. A later partner for a short time was Henry S. Gipson, but gen erally since Mr. Beach's retirement from the firm Mr. Brown has prac ticed without a partner. His business life has been devoted to the profession, and while he has taken a deep interest in all public and political questions, and entertains clear and well-settled opinions on all of them, his affiliation with the minority party in the county has kept him from service in any general public office. Nevertheless, in Water- town he has been elected to municipal and town offices, and has ever freely given his service and advice to his party in its councils. Allen C. Beach was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, October 9, 1828. He was educated in the Jordan and Mexico academies, then en tered Union college, and was graduated in 1849. He came to Water- town and for a year was teacher in the Black River Literary and Re ligious Institute, after which he read law under the instruction of Joshua Moore, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. In the same year he began practice and in 1854 became partner with. Levi H. Brown, a relation which was maintained until 1871 ; and it has been said with much truth that the firm of Brown & Beach was one of the strongest in the county, and enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Beach was elected lieutenant governor, and was re elected in 1870. In 1877 he was the nominee of the democratic party for the office of secretary of state, and was elected at the polls in No vember following; was renominated for a second term, but was de feated. In both county and state democratic circles Mr. Beach was for many years a prominent figure ; was chairman of the county com mittee from 1860 to 1870; was chairman of the state executive commit tee from 1868 to 1872, and was delegate to the democratic national conventions of 1860, '72 and '76. About 1880 he retired from active politics and professional work, and devotes himself to the care of pri vate interests. Referring briefly to other past members of the county bar, mention is due to the memory of Edmund B. Wynn, a native of New York city, and who came to the bar in 1846, after having read law with James F. Starbuck. He practiced for a time at Three Mile Bay, thence removed to Watertown, where he died February 15, 1892. Mr. Wynn was a lawyer of ability and possessed cultivated literary tastes. He was once a candidate for the Supreme court judgeship. Frederick Lansing, who for a period of thirty years honored the bar THE BENCH AND BAR. 193 with his ability and presence, was born in Herkimer county in 1838. He read law with Judge Hubbard, and was admitted to practice in 1859. During the war he enlisted, and was promoted to adjutant of the 8th Cavalry, serving with bravery until peace was restored. He then resumed practice, and in 1873 formed a partnership with Watson M. Rogers. From 1881 to 1885 Mr. Lansing was in the state senate, and in the fall of 1888 was elected to congress. Daniel G. Griffin was one of the strongest civil lawyers at the Jeffer son county bar, and in a political sense was one of the prominent men of the state. In recognition of his abilities he was appointed by Gov. Hill, in 1891, a member of. the convention tb revise the judiciary article of the state constitution. At one time he was chairman of the execu tive committee of the democratic state committee, and in 1896 was the candidate for the governorship on the national democratic ticket. Mr. Griffin was a native of Wilna, born in 1848. He was admitted to the bar in 1876. He died April 7, 1897. Charles W. Thompson was a native of St. Lawrence county, and practiced law at Theresa before coming to Watertown. His law part ner, both in Theresa and the county seat, was Arthur L. Chapman. Mr. Thompson was a strong lawyer and advocate, but death came when he was in the prime and vigor of professional life. He died May 6, 1895. Mills A. Hackley, of Belleville, was for many years a prominent figure in Ellisburgh history, and, withal, one of the best lawyers in southern Jefferson county. He was register in bankruptcy many years, under the national bankrupt law. He was particularly an office law yer, and a prudent, safe counsellor. His father was one of the old justices of the peace in that town. Alonzo and Paul C. Maxon, father and son, were for many years well known in legal circles at Adams. Both were good lawyers, and an honor to the profession. Nathan Whiting came from Herkimer county and began law practice at Philadelphia. Later on he removed to Carthage, where he also prac ticed but was more prominently connected with a banking enterprise which resulted in failure. He then came to Watertown and engaged in professional work to the end of his life. Samuel H. Hammond was a native of western New York and was there admitted to practice law. He came to the Jefferson county bar in 1861, and was identified with professional life in Watertown to the 25 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. time of his death. He was one of the old law firm of Hammond, Win- slow & Williams, his partners being Gen. Bradley Winslow and present Judge Williams of the Supreme court. This firm was formed in 1869, succeeding the older firms of Hammond & Bigelow and Hammond & Williams. Mr. Hammond was unquestionably one of the best jury lawyers and advocates at the county bar, possessing remarkable powers of eloquence and persuasion. La Fayette J. Bigelow was a native of Ellisburgh, from whence he came to the county seat and began the practice of law about 1857. He was district attorney from 1862 to 1865, and was in the assembly in 1867 and '68. He died soon after that time. Charles A. Sherman was the son of George A. Sherman of the old bar of the county. He was born in 1838, and was admitted to practice in 1860, after having been educated for the profession at Albany law school, and also after having the excellent instruction furnished by his distinguished father. Mr. Sherman was one of the most scholarly, polished young lawyers of the county bar. A brilliant future awaited him, but his untimely death (April 25, 1882) cut short a splendid career. His law partner was Frederick Lansing. Thus might the list be prolonged indefinitely, but the scope and policy of our work forbids. The successors to the old bar were equally worthy and honorable, but many of those who entered the profession subsequent to 1850 are still living and in active practice, and it is con trary to the design of our work to review the lives of those whose career is unfinished, except as they may have been members of the old bar or attained to positions on the bench. Could the narrative be extended, mention would be made of Porter, Rogers, Purcell, Smith, Brown, Winslow, Scott, Mullin (whose unfortunate and sudden taking off, Sept. 2, 1897, shocked the entire community), Kearns, the Breens, Trow bridge, Ballard, Fitch, Hooker, Saunders, Hunt, Ramsdell, Whipple, Taylor, Cooley, Davis, Trolan, Welch, Cook, Francis, Kilby, Evans, Lee, Stowell, Morse, Rees, Leffingwell, Harder, Bearup, Wheeler, Ford, Phelps, Nims, Ward, Atwell, Adams, Child, Walker, McConnell, and indeed almost the whole bar, for they are men of honor, capacity and worth. The professional and public lives of the practitioners, and also of the still younger members of the county bar, must for the present be an unwritten page, yet in another department of this volume, de voted to personal history, will be found sketches of the lives of hun dreds of the prominent professional and business men of the county, and of others who have been identified with local history. THE BENCH AND BAR. 195 However, that the record of the bar of the county may be made as complete as possible, the writer has availed himself of the county rec ords, old newspaper files, public and legal documents, old court calen dars, and, in fact, of all reliable sources of information, and has com piled therefrom the appended chronological register of the bar. The claim is not made that the list is in all respects perfect, or that it shows the name of every lawyer who has practiced at the bar in the county from its earliest history, but when we consider that no special record of the bar has ever been kept, and that our information has been drawn from widely scattered and occasionally doubtful sources, the reader will appreciate something of the difficulty attending the preparation of tbe roll. However, the "roster" shows for itself, and may be regarded as reasonably accurate, showing the names of lawyers and also the year in which each was admitted to or began practice in the county. , 1805. — Augustus Sacket, Moss Kent, Samuel C. Kannady, Benjamin Skinner, Egbert Ten Eyck. 1806. (Probably). — Elisha Camp, Thomas Y. Howe, Thomas Skinner, Isaac W. Bostwick, John Kirkland. 1807. — Samuel Whittlesey, Amos Benedict, Lyman Munson. 1808. — Ela Collins, Henry R. Storrs, Boswick & Allen, Micah Sterling, Artemus Stoel. 1809.— Sterling & Skinner. 1810.— William Brown. 1811.— Alfred Lathrop, David W. Bucklin, Popham & Radcliff, Wright & Camp, Wm. S. Radcliff, David Perry, Canfield & Brown, J. M. Canfield. 1813.— Ely & Camp, H. W. Channing. 1813.— Justin Butterfield, Samuel A. Talcott, Enoch Ely, Thomas C. Chittenden. 1814 — Barnabas Yale, Daniel Wardwell. 1815. — Harlow Emerson, Amos Holton, J. Rossiter, Samuel Beardsley, George Smith, Charles E. Clarke. 1817. — Abel P. Vosburgh, Wm. D. Ford, Baron S. Doty, John Cooke, Cornelius Low, H. Leavenworth. 1818. — David Brooks, jun. 1819.— E. Lee Smith, Charles Hayden. 1820.— Charles Dayan, Robert Lansing, Horatio ShumWay, John McCarty. 1822. — George P. Bond, Dyer Tillinghast, Benajah B. Phelps. 1823. — George C. Sherman, Isaac H. Bronson, John Adams. 1834.— Jeduthan Steele, Perley G. Keyes. 1825.— Edward Fowler, John Clarke. 1836.— Calvin Skinner, Alex. W. Stowe, Bernard Bagley, Orson Parker. 1828. — Marenus W. Matthews. 1829. Edwin Dodge, Edmund M. Eldridge, Stockwell Osgood. 1830.— William A. Greene, Horace Howe. 1831. —William Ruger, John W. Tamblin, Edward B. Hawes, Alfred D. Rathbun, 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Andrew Z. McCarty, Wm. H. Shumway, Henderson Spencer, Jason Marsh, Dyer N. Burnham. 1832.— Samuel G. Watson, Albert Richmond, Sanford M. Green. 1833.— Peter Yates, Augustus Ford, Nathan Rathbun. 1834.— John S. Bagg, George A. Benedict, Anthony Ten Eyck. 1835. — Charles Mason, Ahera G. Eastman. 1836.— Gouverneur M. Bucklin, Cyrus H. Stone. 1837.— Joseph Mullin, Alonzo M. Watson, Westel W. Wager. 1838.— Frederick W. Hubbard, George W. Hungerford, Wooster Sherman, 1839.— George Camp, William C. Thompson, Stephen G. Dodge, Lysander H. Brown, Randolph Barnes, John Henry Dutton, Allen Nims, Charles D. Wright, Nathaniel P. Wardwell, Joseph Curtis Partridge, Joshua Moore, Jasper W. Gilbert, John F. Hutchinson. 1840. — Marcus Bickford, William Forward, Lawrence J. Goodale. 1842. — George R. Fairbanks, Joseph W. Brackett, David J. Wager. 1843. — Gould T. Curtis, Eugene C. Leis, Luther J. Dorwin, James F. Starbuck, Wellington W. Butterfield, Laban H. Ainsworth, William L. Sherman, Charles W. Rogers, Albert A. Hawes. 1844.— Edwin Clark, Richard S. Hunt, James R. A. Perkins, John P. Brown. 1845. —Augustus Goodale, Isaac Van Vleck. 1846. — Levi H. Brown, William A. Gilbert, Stephen J. Hubbard, Merritt Andrus, Richard Ely, Silas A. Webb, Edmund B. Wynn, Wm. A. Ely. 1847.— Samuel Wardwell, Alexander Wilson, Samuel B. Starr, Albert B. Gilbert, Oliver Robbins. 1848.— John S. Newcomb, A. Wilson, S. J. Hubbard, E. B. Wynn, De Witt C. Priest, J Van Vleck. 1849.— W. F. Porter, Lotus Ingalls, E. J. Marsh, J. Boyer, P. D. Foster, W. L. Bishop, Thomas S. Hammond, A. B. Gilbert, E. Fowler. 1850.— De Witt C. Calvin, George A. Bagley, Alonzo Maxson, Silas A. Webb. 1851.— E. A. Brown, Thomas P. Saunders. 1852.— E. Q. Sewall. 1853.— Allen C. Beach. 1854. — Milton H. Merwin, Horace E. Morse, Fred. Emerson, William B. Farwell, John Lansing. 1855. — George H. Sherman. Bradley Winslow, G. L. Brown, H. C. Chittenden, George Gilbert, A. E. Morse. 1856.— M. G. Warrington, Thomas Hawley, O. W. Skinner, N. Vickery, David Bearup, E. R. Keene. 1857.— A. H. Sawyer, Joseph Spratt, Eli Overton, Mr. Gillett. 1858.— W. N. Sherman, Milton Ballard, Mr. Brockway, N. Whiting, Isaac Mun son. 1859.— Fred. Lansing, jr., Jesse T. Reynolds, J. W. Gilbert, P. C. Maxson, A. H. Francis. I860.— C. T. Hammond, Anson B. Moore, A. D. Sternberg, Charles A, Sherman, S. D. Barr, H. A. Gates, M. J. Connelly, Charles H. Kelsey, Parley Brown, Thomas C. Chittenden, 2d, Oliver Robbins, S. C. Green, A. A. Wheeler, S. J. Pratt, O. F. Atwood, J. B. Emmes, R. W. Keene, M. V. Brainerd, M. A. Hackley. THE BENCH AND BAR. 197 1861.— C. H. Walts, Stephen Strong, S. H. Hammond, John C. McCartin, Wm. H. Brown, A. J. Brown, J. F. Cook, Morris E. Lee, Dennis O'Brien, W. F. Ford. 1862.— W. W. Taggart, A. B. Cooley, George W. Wager, Wm. S. Phelps, Wm. B. Beckwith, J. C. Johnson, A. Harder. 1863.— Heniy J. Welch, Pardon C. Williams, Ross C. Scott, Francis N. Fitch. 1864. — Allen McGregor, John Cosgrove, R. R. Tousley, Julius D. Beckley. 1865.— William M. Forbes. 1866.— Edgar North. 1868.— Watson M. Rogers. 1870.— O. G. Walrath, H. W. Congdon, E. F. Ramsdell, John C. Fulton, H. C. Hawes, Don A. Watson, Hannibal Smith. 1871.— Joseph Mullin, jr. (died Sept. 3, 1897), H. S. Gipson, Edgar C. Emerson. 1873.— E. C. Dorwin, W. H. Hotchkin, Walton S. Lamb, Andrew J. Moore, G. B. R. Whipple, Allen E. Kilby, Charles H. Kimball, jun., Thomas F. Kearns. 1873.— Henry C. Cook (admitted in Schoharie county in 1853). 1874.— J. C. Trolan. 1875. — F. H. Remington, George W. Moak. 1876.— W. B. Breen, Henry Purcell, Daniel G. Griffin, John W. Hogan, C. W. Hubbard, Frederick D. Sherman, Thomas H. Breen, Frank T. Evans, C. W. Thompson. 1877.— George S. Hooker, Wilbur A. Porter, S. S. Trowbridge, W. A. Nims. 1878.— W. H. H. Tayler, George Fowler. 1879 — W. H. Gilman, H. M. Wilbur. 1880.— Elon R. Brown, A. F. Saunders, E. S. Woodman, T. F. Saunders, H. V. A. Ferguson, Wm. H. Reese, C. A. Kelsey, John C. Winslow. James A. Ward, J. M. Fairbanks, Fred. J. Merriman, F. C. Whitney, D. J. Cummings. 1881. — Homer A. Barnes, Hiram M. Brownell, F. D. Barker, Joseph Atwell Fred. J. Romang, F. D. Sherman, Joseph A. McConnell, William Cheeseman, L. E. Pruyne. 1883.— C. L. Adams, John Trainor. 1883.— M. A. Hildreth, A. D. Risley, H. J. Foote, W. B. Flansburgh, V. K. Kel logg, Samuel Child. 1884.— Frank H. Peck, G. E. Morse, D. H. McFalls, C. W. Simons, G. H. Walker, F. M. Erlicher, E. P. Webb, C. D. Thomas. 1885. — N. F. Breen, Fred. A. Baldwin. 1886. B. A. Field, H. W. Steele, Arthur L. Chapman, N. Van Namee. 1887.— E. S. Hunt, Edmund J. Wager. 1889. Royal E. Wilbur, Charles F. Bowen, John N. Carlisle, John Conboy, Robert Lansing, Isaac R. Breen, Edmund R. Wilson, Fred. Stowell. 1890.— G. E. Cornell. 1891.— William D. Kelley, Fred. B. Pitcher, George H. Cobb. 1893.— George P. Breen. 1893. Thomas Burns, Joseph Nellis, Gary M. Jones, Edward N. Smith, Harold L. Hooker, Charles G. Porter. 1894. C. A. Van Allen, James Brown, Peter J. Quinn, Sumner S. Bowman. 1895.— Grant W. Davis. 1896.— John B. Muzzy, John Bradley, George E. Reeves. 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1897.— A. F. Mills, Frederick M. Boyer. The Present Bar.— Adams— T. P. Saunders, I. L. Hunt, jr., E. F. Ramsdell, G. B. R. Whipple, W. H. H. Taylor, A. F. Saunders, T. F. Saunders, L. E. Pruyne, E. S. Hunt. Adams Center— A. E. Cooley, Grant W. Davis. Antwerp— J. C. Trolan, H. J. Foote. Carthage— Henry J. Welch, Henry C. Cook, A. H. Francis, Allen E. Kilby, F. T. Evans, W. B. Van Allen, Royal E. Wilbur, W. A. Porter, A. F. Mills. Cape Vincent— M. E. Lee, Fred Stowell. Clayton— Horace E. Morse, William H. Rees, F. D. Barker, G. E. Morse. Henderson — A. M. Leffingwell. Redwood — A. Harder. Theresa — David Bearup, C. A. Kelsey, C. A. Van Allen. Mannsville — A. A. Wheeler. Lafargeville — Wayland F. Ford. Le Ray— William S. Phelps. Watertown — John Lansing, L. J. Goodale. Levi H. Brown, Allen C. Beach, Charles D. Wright, Bradley Winslow, Milton Ballard, A. H. Sawyer, W. F. Porter, C. H. Walts, Ross C. Scott, W. M. Rogers, Edgar C. Emerson, Thomas F. Kearns, Fran cis N. Fitch, Hannibal Smith, Henry Purcell, George S. Hooker, S. S. Trowbridge, W. A. Nims, James A. Ward, Elon R. Brown, Joseph Atwell, C. L. Adams, Samuel Child, G. H. Walker, Joseph A. McConnell, Fred A. Baldwin, B. A, Field, H. W. Steele, A. Goodale, John N. Carlisle, John Conboy, Robert Lansing, Isaac R. Breen, Edmund R. Wilcox, Fred B. Pitcher, George H. Cobb, William W. Kelley, Edward N. Smith, Harold L. Hooker, Charles G. Porter, Thomas Burns, Joseph Nellis, Gary M. Jones, V. K. Kellogg, Arthur L. Chapman, William H. Gilman, N. F. Breen, John B. Muzzy, John Bradley, George E. Reeves, Frederick M. Boyer. CHATPER XVI. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. The medical profession of Jefferson county has preserved little of its own history, and while there are a few meagre records by which may be learned the proceedings and membership of medical societies that have been formed, there are no data upon which can be based a com plete history of the development of the profession from the time its pioneer first came into the county. The advance in all branches of art and science during the last century has indeed been marvelous, but in none has there been greater progress than in medicine and surgery. Medical science began with Hippocrates twenty-three hundred years THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 199 ago. He wrote extensively and his works served as a foundation for tbe succeeding literature of the profession, but the greatest advances in this science have been made during the last hundred years, and chiefly during the last half century. Among the hundreds of valuable dis coveries which have marked the period, mention may be made of one, the use of anesthetics, which benumb the nerves of sensation and pro duce a profound yet tranquil state of insensibility in which the patient sleeps and dreams, and the physician is left to the pleasing reflection that he causes no pain or suffering. There is probably no department of medicine at the present time more promising of good results than sanitary science. While physi ology and pathology are making known the functions of the human body and the nature and cause of disease, sanitary science is steadily teaching how the causes of disease may be removed or avoided, and health thereby secured. Progress during the coming hundred years, if only equal to that of the past, will more tdian have accomplished great works in the advancement of sanitary science; but the accom plishment of this work calls not only for the labor of the physician, but for the intelligent co-operation of the people. Indeed, if anything really great is to be done in this direction, and of preventing disease and premature death, it must be done largely by the people themselves. This implies that they must be instructed in sanitary science ; must be taught that unsanitary conditions most favor the origin of disease, how disease is spread, and the means of its prevention. If it be true that that knowledge is of the geatest benefit to us which teaches the means of self-preservation, then the importance of a widespread knowledge of how to prevent disease and untimely death cannot be overestimated. Settlement in the region now called Jefferson county began soon after 1790, but progressed slowly during the first ten or more years. The country was then an unbroken wilderness, and development was attended with many hardships and privations, and in certain of the marshy localities the existing climatic conditions were a menace to health. At that time, and for several years afterward, proper medical attendance was secured with difficulty, and when found the education of the practitioner was comparatively limited. The state of New York, unlike New England and Pennsylvania, had done very little to encourage science, and there were no schools of med icine worthy of the name nearer than Boston or Philadelphia. Few young men could then afford to go so far to qualify themselves for a profes- 300 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sion which promised little pecuniary inducement, and the custom was for the medical aspirant to enter the office of some practicing physician and read two or three years, at the same time accompanying his tutor in his professional visits and learning his methods of practice. At the end of his term the young doctor would seek some vacancy and begin practice. The legislation which then regulated the admission and practice of physicians was so defective as to be practically worthless. In 1806. however, the legislature passed an act repealing all former laws in ref erence to the profession and at the same time authorized a general state medical society and county societies as well. The Jefferson County Medical society was organized in conformity with the provisions of the act, at a meeting of physicians held at Water- town, December 17, 1806, at which time were present Daniel Barney, John Durkee, Eli Eastman, Benjamin Farlie, Hugh Henderson, Jabez Kingsbury, Isaiah Massey, Isaac Magoon, David B. Ripley, Ozias H. Rawson, James D. Seisco, Elias Skinner and H. Wilcox, representing at that time nearly if not quite the entire profession in the county. The organization was perfected by the election of John Durkee, presi dent; Daniel Barney, vice-president; Hugh Henderson, secretary; Isaiah Massey, treasurer; Benjamin Farlie, Eli Eastman, Hugh Hen derson, censors ; Hugh Henderson, delegate to the meeting of the state society. Of these pioneer officers and members of the society and of the pro fession in the county little is now known, and it was only through the persevering efforts of Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe that some brief recollec tions of them are obtainable. Dr. Henderson, the first delegate to the state society meeting, is believed to have been a graduate from the once famous medical institution at Fairfield, Herkimer county, soon after which he began practice at Rutland Center. His life in the county, however, was brief, for in 1808 Dr. Henry H. Sherwood suc ceeded him as delegate, and it is more than probable that he died in that year. His was the first burial in Rutland cemetery (on the hill opposite the lake), but his body was afterward removed to Brookside cemetery at Watertown. Dr. John Durkee, the first president, lived near Champion village, where he settled about 1800, being drawn there undoubtedly by the understanding that the hamlet was about to be designated as a county seat, but while this hope was not realized the worthy doctor remained, *-":/¦* fyMJigtfts 3ms lw ,33y"' '(Tl/i^yrM) $f .&} THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 201 and was one of the three delegates chosen to represent the town at the convention to discuss the new county question ; a discussion which re sulted in the creation of both Jefferson and Lewis counties. In later years, after a successful professional life in Champion, Dr. Durkee re moved to Terre Haute Ind., where he died. He was one of the asso ciate judges of this county in 1811, and in 1812 was elected to the as sembly. Dr. Benjamin Farlie (sometimes spelled Farley in Champion history), also came to the county about 1800 and practiced in Champion, his locating there being due to the influence of Judge Noadiah Hubbard, as was also that of Dr. Baudry, the French doctor, whose name does not appear in the society's record. Dr. Farlie practiced at Sackets Harbor previous to the war of 1812, and at a later period at the county seat, in company with his son, Ichabod. His daughter, Arthesa, married with Dr. John M. Barton, and after his death, with Mr. Mattison, father of Governor Mattison, of Illinois. Dr. Daniel Barney was one of the earliest physicians in Rutland, where he settled in 1802, and the next year removed to Adams, and finally to Henderson (April 7, 1807), where he died May 19, 1828. He was born at Swansea, Mass., July 2, 1768, married with Abigail Buck lin, and with his family came to Little Falls, N. Y. , in 1794, and thence to this county. He was in all respects a prominent physician and citizen. Dr. Isaiah Massey was brother to Hart Massey, a settler in Water- town in 1800, and was also connected with other pioneers of the county. He came from Vermont in 1801, and soon afterward performed the first surgical operation in the county, dressing the injury of an unfortunate man who had received an accidental gun-shot wound. In 1802 Dr. Massey opened a tavern in Watertown, and in 1805, was one of nine persons who donated and deeded the public square to the village. He was born June 2, 1778, and died at Jerseyville, 111., August 20, 1820. Dr. Eli Eastman was an educated physician and a man of excellent understanding on general subjects, but reliable facts of his early life are indeed meagre. He was married at Wetmore, N. Y., and came thence to Adams, where he lived and practiced to the time of his death, Sept. 16, 1844. He is believed to have been the first physician in that town. The surname Eastman stands for integrity both in professional and social life. Many later representatives of the name have been physi cians of note, and some of them have attained high standing in tbe pro- 26 202 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fession. Eli Eastman was one of the most prominent doctors in this county. He was at the battle of Sackets Harbor as surgeon. Of the seven other original members of the county medical society no recollections are obtainable, but they are equally worthy of mention in these annals. Indeed family records appear to be lamentably de fective, while the old minute books of the society have been destroyed many years. The few remnants saved from the disastrous fire of 1849 furnish unsatisfactory data for the writer. However, from such scat tered pages as were preserved we hear that meetings were held quite regularly, though no entry appears of officers elected annually. In 1807 the members admitted to the society were William Baker, the first regular physician at Sackets Harbor, where he settled in 1803; Daniel Brainerd, who came from Whitestown to Watertown about 1805, and died January 10, 1810; Joshua Beals, of Adams, settled about 1806; Joel Dresser, who began practice at Ellis village about 1805; Joseph Green, of whom no facts are secured; Isaac Weston, the first physician of Lorraine, settled about 1806 ; Abel Sherman, born at Brimfield, Mass., came from Clinton, N. Y., to Rutland in 1803, and died in 1835; Eli West, one of the most successful physicians and enter prising men of Carthage for many years, a native of Washington county, born July 26, 1792, and a resident of Carthage from May 15, 1816, to the time of his death, June 28, 1866. (Further mention of Dr. West will be found in the history of the town of Wilna and Carthage village) ; Horatio Orvis, the first physician of Le Ray, and one of the first graduates of Fairfield medical college, member of assembly in 1818, supervisor from 1819 to 1825, delegate to the state society in 1823, and president of the county society in 1829. In 1808 Henry H. Sherwood and Elisha Matthews were admitted to membership in the society. Dr. Sherwood was a good old-time physi cian and a prominent man in public affairs ; was loan commissioner from 1810 to 1829 ; associate judge in 1818, and appointed county clerk March 5, 1821. His practice began at Rutland but in 1821 he removed to Watertown, where he built a brick dwelling on Washington street. In later years he invented an electric battery much used by physician,", and moving to New York, he made a specialty of its manufacture. He died in that city. The honorary degree of M. D. was conferred on Dr. Sherwood in 1829 by the regents of the state university. In 1809 Paul Hutchinson became a member of the society, practicing at the county seat. In the same year also Amasa Trowbridge came to THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 203 the village and was partner with Dr. Hutchinson. Dr. Trowbridge was a physician of much note, a native of Pomfret, Conn., born May 17, 1779, having a good education, and beginning practice at the age of twenty years. He came to this state in 1805, living for a time at Trenton, but in 1809 came to Watertown. During the war of 1812-15 he organized the hospitals at Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent and Og densburgh, and was stationed at the harbor during the winters of 1812- 13; was associate judge from 1815 to 1818, and then succeeded to the first judgship of the Common pleas. On March 6, 1819, he was ap pointed sheriff. In 1834 he was appointed professor of surgery and medical jurisprudence in Willoughby (Ohio) university. In 1838 he removed to Painesville, Ohio, and in 1841 returned to Watertown, where he died April 11, 1859. In 1810 the members admitted to the society were Isaac S. Wood, Nathan Cheever, Russel Steele, Joshua Barrett, jun., and John M. Henderson. Dr. Wood was a native of Wilberham, Mass., came to Rodman in 1805 and was in practice until his death in 1849. Of the other physicians admitted in that year no data is to be found. In 1811 the new members were Noah Tubbs, Joseph Clary, John Spafford and John Cowen. Dr. Tubbs was an old-time doctor of Hen derson, successful in practice and well liked in the town. Dr. Spafford was from Vermont, and began his practice in Adams about 1810; was president of the society in 1813, and delegate to the state society in 1819. He died June 20, 1828. Dr. Cowen practiced and died at Rice's Corners. In 1811 Isaac Olney and William Robinson were added to the mem bership. Both were, physicians of Brownville, but of Dr. Olney we have no data. Dr. Robinson was a Vermonter, born at Bennington in 1785, and came to this county a licensed physician in 1810. He was surgeon during the war of 1812, and later on held the offices of asso ciate judge, and justice of the peace. He was the first permanent phy sician at Brownville, and to him General Brown generously gave a deed of a three-acre tract of land in the village. He died December 1, 1826. In 1813 Dr. Reuben Goodale was admitted to the society, and he was in some respects one of the most prominently known physicians and citizens of the county. He was closely identified with the society and its history for many years and held nearly all its offices ; but outside of professional life Dr. Goodale was engaged in farming, in mercantile trade, and was also a publisher, having been connected with the Con- 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. stellation from Dec. 13, 1830, to the latter part of the next year. He was also identified with interests of Watertown, and was a generous, public spirited man. He died January 26, 1871. In 1814 Frederick P. Markham (of whom we have no data) and Crafts P. Kimball became members. Dr. Kimball was a physician of Rut land, to which town he came from Otsego county in 1808. He was surgeon in Col. Tuttle's regiment and was frequently on the frontier at Sackets Harbor with the command. He was a large, splendidly- proportioned, intelligent person, and was highly respected wherever known. He was president of the society in 1819, and again in 1838. He died Nov. 7, 1872. In 1815 E. Dunton was admitted; a physician practicing at Plessis several years but afterward removed to Oswego. In 1816 Sidney Houghton and J. Marsh were admitted, the former ' having come from Marlborough, Vt., to Belleville in 1812, and resided and practiced there until his death in 1840. In 1817 Samuel Randall and Alpheus S. Green became members. Dr. Randall was the first physician of Antwerp, where he settled in 1808. He was also the first postmaster, appointed in 1809, holding the office several years. Dr. Green was a native of Rhode Island, and came to the Perch river locality in 1812, practicing there eighteen years. In 1823 he was one of the judges of the common pleas, and in 1826, and again in 1828, was member of assembly. He removed to Watertown and was appointed postmaster in 1829, holding office eleven years; was delegate to the constitutional convention of 1846. In the medical soci- ity he was equally prominent and year after year was elected to some of its chief offices. In 1832 he was honored by the state regents with the degree of M. D. He died in Utica in 1851. In 1818 John M. Burton, Alpheus Morse, W. H. Buchanan, Alfred Ely, Jonathan Sherwood and Benjamin Cushman were admitted mem bers of the society. Dr. Buchanan was a surgeon in the navy during the war of 1812-15, stationed at the harbor, remaining there after the war closed, and was prominently associated with the history of that locality. Dr. Burton practiced at the county seat, and is recalled as an active member of the society, and a respected man in the village. Dr. Cushman was located at Rodman for several years but later on re moved to Indiana. Dr. Sherwood was a native of Williamstown, Mass., an educated physician, and for several years a resident of Champion. He subsequently removed to Turin, where he died April, 15, 1829. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 305 In 1819 the new members admitted were Joseph N. Clark, David Nelson, L. M. Davis and Ambrose B. Page, of all of whom, except Dr. Nelson, we have no data. Dr. Nelson came from Philadelphia, Pa., and was surgeon's mate at Sackets Harbor during the war of 1812-15. He settled at Brownville about 1814, and lived there until his death in 1830. He was a prominent physician and leading citizen. In 1820 Ira A. Smith, Rufus S. Waite, Ralph Rogers and Oliver Brewster were admitted as members. Dr. Smith was educated pro fessionally at Little Falls, and was graduated at Fairfield medical col lege. Just when he came to Evans' Mills is uncertain, but for a time he engaged in mercantile pursuits with his professional work. He was president of the society in 1828, supervisor of Le Ray in 1836, and was prominently connected with the Congregational church. He died Jan uary 1, 1864. Dr. Rogers was a native of New Hampshire, and was graduated in medicine at Fairfield college. He practiced twelve years in Antwerp, then removed to Watertown and continued his professional life at the county seat thirty-eight more years, and died February 21, 1872. He was supervisor of Antwerp in 1828. Dr. Brewster came to Theresa from St. Lawrence county, and practiced in that village until his death, about 1853. In 1821 the new members were James A. Wells, of whom we have no record, and Joseph H. Bagg, the latter practicing at Rodman, and one of the censors of the society in 1828 and 1830. In 1822 there were admitted to membership James Brooks, the first physician of Theresa (settled in 1822, and died in 1823), and Ithamar B. Crawe. Although not according to the fixed policy of this work to fnrnish extended biographical sketches in this department, the present chapter could not be regarded as complete without more than a passing notice of this distinguished physican, botanist and scientist. Dr. Crawe was born at Enfield, Hartford county, Conn., June 11, 1792, and when nine years old removed with his parents to Hamilton, N. Y. In early life overwork produced physical disability, unfitting him for manual labor of any kind, hence he turned his attention to botanical studies, for which he had an inclination and which finally resulted in placing him among the first botanists of the country. He taught school suc cessfully but ill health compelled him to take sea voyages to regain his strength. In 1818 he began the study of medicine in connection with his botanical researches, and in 1821-22 attended the College of Physi cians and Surgeons, of New York. In the spring of 1822 he began 206 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. practice at Clinton, partner with Dr. Bissell, remaining there about six months when he removed to Watertown. Here he was actively en gaged several years, then went to Ogdensburgh at the request of lead ing citizens, remaining three years. He next engaged in mining at Lubec, Maine, but soon returned and located at Pontiac, Mich., where he lived about three years. Sickness compelled his return to Water- town where he lived when he came to his unfortunate death by drowning June 3, 1847, after having spent a day at his favorite pursuit in gathering botanical specimens on and about Perch lake. In this connection we may also mention the fact that Dr. Crawe was a prom inent Mason, the holder of the honorary degree of doctor of medicine conferred by the state regents at the recommendation ofthe state med ical society. He was secretary of the county society in 1825; censor six years; president in 1827 and 1842; .delegate to the state society in 1834 and '44. Dr. Crawe extracted opium from poppies in 1818; also discovered and described a number of new plants, one of which " Car ex Crawei" (Craw's sedge), was named in allusion to him. In 1823 E. Mayhew Adams and Walter Webb were elected members. Dr. Adams, as near as is known, came from Massachusetts and began practice at Smithville about 1825. Later on he removed to Cazenovia, and thence to Chicago, where he died. Dr. Webb was one of the few early physicians whose elementary and professional education were ac quired in the county. He was born at Hoosac in 1795, removed with his parents to Oneida county and thence to Perch river, this county. He taught school and at the same time read medicine with Dr. Green, and afterward with Dr. Trowbridge, of Watertown. He went to Fair field, where he studied with Dr. Willoughby, and where he was grad uated from the medical college in 1823. From that time he practiced at Adams until 1868, when he removed to Washington, N. J., where he died. In 1824 the society admitted William Bates as member. He, too, was educated in northern New York (at Lowville) and was licensed to practice medicine by the Lewis county medical society, Sept. 12, 1821. He located at Pamelia Four corners in 1823, removed to Lowville in 1831, to Copenhagen in 1836, and to South Rutland in 1845, where he lived until his death, June 19, 1859. Dr. N. W. Bates, of Central Square, was the son of Dr. William Bates. It is conceded on every hand that pioneership and early settlement in all branches of life and growth in Jefferson county was at an end in THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 207 the year 1825, in view of which it is doubtful whether the scope of the present chapter contemplates further extended mention of early physi cians of the county. In another department of this volume the reader will find biographical and family sketches of hundreds and perhaps thousands of early settlers and families. That department is provided for the especial and desirable purpose of separating as far as possible the purely historical and biographical elements of county history. However, in treating of special subjects some liberal construction of strict rule is permissible, and the foregoing sketches are furnished as part of the history of the old medical society organized away back in 1806, and continued in existence until about the year 1850, when through some lack of interest, and in good part due to the unfortunate repeal of state laws by the legislature, it was dissolved. Yet it is not our purpose in this chapter to omit mention of the members of the so ciety who were admitted between the year 1825 and the dissolution, but the record of names will be continued, followed by a concise history of the successor organization, the present county society, and other kin dred societies within the county. However, for further and extended mention of physicians of the county the reader is directed to the per sonal history department in a latter part of the work. In 1826, as disclosed by the records, new members were admitted as follows: Will iam I. Fisk, Charles Orvis, Caleb Woodward, Hiram Mills (Plessis), and Lowrey Barney (Henderson). In 1828 the membership was augmented by the admission of G. S. Sacket, Pelatiah Dwight (Adams), H. W. Bushnell (Sackets Harbor and Cape Vincent), Philip Maxwell, John D. Davison (Theresa), Almon Pitcher, E. M. Adams, A. W. Gray (Brownville), William J. Sikes (Watertown), Isaac Jenks, Samuel Wetmore and Foster Dexter (both of Adams), John P. Johnson (Champion), Converse J. Johnson (Champion), Caleb Preston, O. W. Cushman (La Fargeville), H. H. Hills (Chaumont and Champion), Elkanna French, Abner Benton (Ox Bow), D. S. Kimball, Ira Wright Watertown), Samuel Tucker (Rutland Center), David Dickerson (Sackets Harbor and Adams Center), Caleb Corp, Gordon P. Spencer (Champion), and Azariah Jones (Ellis burgh). In 1829 there were admitted La Mont Bagg, Caleb Burge (Rutland), Jesse Ayers (Brownville), James K. Bates (Brownville and Watertown), Richard Clark (Watertown), Henry J. Munson (Evan? Mills), and Alva Murdock (Philadelphia). In 1830 two members were added, James Green and Stephen Seymour, the latter a brother-in-law to Dr. E. M. Adams, and his successor at Smithville. In 1831 Soranus W. Hunt, Aaron Sumner, Samuel J. Gaines (Theresa) and Jonathan Ellis (Clayton) were admitted, and in 1833 W. H. Wiser was added to the roll of members. In 1834 Isaac Munson Was admitted. He was born in Herkimer county March 4, 1812, educated at Fairfield 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. academy and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, and began practice at Evans Mills soon after 1834; he removed to Rutland where he continued in practice until he was elected county clerk in 1849, when he removed to Watertowu. In March, 1853, he was elected vice-president of the Agricultural insurance company, and after the removal of its place of business from Evans Mills to the county seat he laid aside practice and engaged actively in the manage ment of its affairs. In 1835 Charles Eastman (Ellis village and Water- town), William A. Wood (Chaumont and Dexter), and Abraham Hawn (Rodman) were elected members. In 1836 Hannibal S. Dickerson (Rice's Corners) was admitted, and in 1837 James K. Bates' became a member. He practiced at Watertown. In 1838 Dr. Walter Dewey became a member, but as early as 1824 he was practicing at Antwerp, and died in the town in 1845. Amasa Trowbridge, jr., one of the most popular young physicians of Watertown, who was killed by an accident in the village, and Amos Ellis, of Brownville were admitted in 1839. Charles Goodale (born in Watertown, May 18, 1817, and surgeon of the 94th ,N. Y. Vol. Inf.) and William H. H. Davis (of Camp's Mills and Sackets Harbor) were admitted in 1841. Dr. Benjamin Tractor was admitted in 1842. In 1843 William V V. Rosa (Watertown), A. M. Van Ostrand (Watertown and Le Ray), Leonard Powers (Depauville and Stone's Mills), William E. Tyler (Sackets Harbor), and William G. Comstock (Evans Mills) were elected members of the society. Dr. E. S. Maxson, well known in Adams and Philadelphia, became a member in 1846. Martin J. Hutchins, who was licensed to practice by the county medical society in 1846, became a member in 1848, as also did Dr. Simon Goodie. Among the other medical practitioners living in the county during the period covered by the preceding narrative, although their names are not found on the society's records, and perhaps were not members, were Drs. Avery Ainsworth, Cape Vincent; Dr. Breed, Smithville; William J. Buckley Clayton; William Carlisle, Three Mile Bay; William Christie, Rodman, died March 26, 1881; Jonas S. Conkey, Antwerp, died May 16, 1883; Darwin Cushman, La Fargeville, died December, 1888; De Esting Dickerson, Rice's Corners (now in Kansas City, Mo.); Dr. Fairburn, Cape Vincent ; William Frame, Depauville, died September, 1848 ; William W. Good- 1 Dr. Bates was one ot the prominent physicians of the county, a thoroughly self-made and successful business man. He was born June 34, 1806, and acquired his medical education at Fairfield, where he was graduated. He practiced nearly 30 years at Brownville, and about 13 years at Watertown, removing to the latter place in 1848. Dr. Bates was an excellent business man and financier, and was also much interested in local polities; was elected inspector of state prisons in 1861 and held the office six years. He died in Watertown, June 30, 1873. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 209 win, Brownville, now dead; Samuel Guthrie,1 Sackets Harbor, died Oct. 19, 1848; Lucian Hannahs, Theresa, died May 8, 1876; H. W. F. King (or Koneg) Stone's Mills, died Aug. 14, 1855; E. Lemiro, Watertown, died Nov. 17, 1875; I. B. Massey, Rutland (now in Sandusky, O.); Vietus Oliver, Woodville, died in 1870; Albert Par sons, Black River, died March 24, 1887; William H. Robinson, Antwerp, died at Cedar Falls, Iowa; Dr. Sacket, Cape Vincent, dead; R. R. Sherman, Antwerp, died May 3, 1880; Dr. Sloat, Clayton; T. B. Wheeler, Watertown (now in Montreal); M. A. Winslow, Clayton (went west); Joseph Woodman, Whitesville. So far as can be learned from the imperfect records of the society, the presidents of the old organization were as follows : 1806, John Durkee; 1807-13, no record; 1813, John Spafford; 1814-18, no record; 1819, C. P. Kimball; 1820, William Robinson; 1831-34 no record; 1835, H. H. Sher wood; 1836, Alfred Ely; 1837, Walter Webb; 1828, Amasa Trowbridge; 1829, Hora tio Orvis; 1830, P. Maxwell; 1831-33, no record; 1834, Amasa Trowbridge; 1835, S. Houghton; 1836, Foster Dexter; 1837, James K. Bates; 1838, C. P. Kimball; 1839, A. S. Green; 1840, Kilborn Hannahs; 1841, H. S. Dickerson; 1842, Ithamar B. Crawe; 1843, Eli West; 1844, Isaac Munson. In later years, during the life of the society, the records do not show the names of presidents elected. In fact about this time the society began to decline, and when meetings were called they were not well attended. About this time, too, through some influence the legisla ture passed an act removing many' of the restrictions which had pre viously protected the legitimate practice, and the result was that numerous uneducated and unscrupulous persons set themselves up as medical practitioners to the great disgust and serious embarrassment of the profession at large, and for a time it appeared as if the entire clientage would fleck to the standard of these presuming quacks. Therefore it was only natural that interest in the society should de cline when the very best physicians held their practice only in uncer tain control. However, during the next score of years the necessity for a reorganized society was felt all through the county, and the sub ject was informally discussed among the leading physicians. At last in 1868, Drs. Lewis, Spencer and J. Mortimer Crawe, with several others, considered the matter seriously, and the result was a meeting of county physicians at the American hotel in Watertown on Septem ber 1, 1868, at which time these persons were assembled: Drs. Henry ' J Dr. Samuel Guthrie was one of the eminent representatives of his profession, a chemist of rare ability, and was one of three men who almost simultaneously discovered chloroform (the others being Soubieran, of France, and Liebig, of Germany). He was also the inventor and manufacturer of percussion pills. Dr. Guthrie was born in Brimfield, Mass., where he studied medicine with his father. He practiced a few years in Chenango county, N. Y., previous to coming to Sackets Harbor, where he afterward lived, and where he died Oct. 9, 1848. 27 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. G. P. Spencer, William R. Trowbridge, James K. Bates, J. Mortimer Crawe aud F. B. A. Lewis, of Watertown; H. S. Hendee, James T. Peeden and George N. Hubbard, of Carthage ; Truman Tuttle, of Rod man, and E. G. Derby, of Antwerp. This was indeed a small and wholly informal gathering of interested county physicians, but they had at heart the welfare of the profession at large, and it was not long before the membership assumed substan tial proportions, from which time the society has ever been a monu ment to the thoughtfulness and consideration of its founders. From the beginning mentioned the society has grown to include nearly an hundred active members at the present time, and is one of the largest and most useful organizations of its kind in this part of the state. Especially has its influence been felt in preventing quackery and un lawful practices, and within the period of its history many cases of non-compliance with established law have been investigated and the proper remedy applied. The legislative enactment of 1880 has been carefully observed, and subsequent amendments have been of benefit to all legitimate and honest medical practitioners. But, to return to the record : The Jefferson County Medical Society, new organization, was per fected at a meeting held at Watertown on September 1, 1868, when James T. Peeden was elected to the chair, and F. B. A. Lewis, secre tary pro tem. The first permanent officers elected were Henry G. P. Spencer, president; H. S. Hendee, vice-president; F. B. A. Lewis, secretary, and William R. Trowbridge, treasurer. All other details were provided for, and the society then began the history which has proved continuous and successful. A detailed narrative of its growth and usefulness, while perhaps interesting, can- hardly be considered essential to this chapter, but extracting from the records it is proper that we furnish a list of the members, in addition to those before men tioned, as they united with the society, and also the succession of presi dents in the order of election. The members follow : 1869.— H. M. Stevens, Frederick Bott, H. W. Jewett, E. A. Chapman, Ira H. Abell, Charles Parker, L. E. Frame, A. H. Gardner, L. F. Mason, Charles M. John son, Robert Clink. 1870.— N. M. Davidson, George G. Sabin, Parley H. Johnson, Anson S. Thompson Ezra B. Pratt, Eben S. Carlisle, Solomon V. Frame, Henry W. Streeter, William P Massey, William C. Bailey, Martin J. Hutchins, Charles A. Catlin, James D. Spencer Emerson Seymour. 1871.— Lewis C. Watson, AmosJEllis. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 211 1872.— A. A. Getman, J. H. Miller. 1873.— E. G. Howland, James Kelsey, N. O. Bemis, George G. Whitaker. 1874.— J. R. Sturtevant, D. E. Pierce, John Grafton, E. Sill, D. A. Gleason, George Seymour, A. B. Stevens, M. L. Overton, J. T. Millard, J. Aldrich Wood. 1875.— C. W. Burdick, Z. R. Babcock, L. E. Jones, H. S. Lane, A. K. Hale, Wil liam T. Burdick, K. Hannahs, Charles Douglass, A. R. Rudd. 1876.— S. L. Merrill, John Pierce, H. W. Streeter, S. L. Parmelee, N. D. Ferguson, S. W. Frame, N. G. Terry. 1877.— G. A. Wood, Lois Fitch Mansfield, Wm. E. Tyler, J. H. Tamblin, H. H. Deane, H. A. Mcllmoyl, C. D. Potter, A. J. Benedict, Jacob Daab, Charles Wright. 1878. — George M. McCombs. 1879.— S. E. Ballard, Edward W. Trowbridge, Russell Finney, J. B. Ammon, D. C. Rodenhurst, Wm. H. Forsyth, Mills K. Church. 1880.— B. C. Cheeseman, A. H. Allen, Allen S. Smith. 1881.— E. E. Ward, Charles M. Rexford, Miss F. C. Willard, M. L. Smith. 1882.— T. E. Maine, S. Corbin Clark, G. A. Blake, J. C. Graham, C. E. Jones, Frank G. Clink, W. A. Vincent. A. S. Low, C. S. Drury, H. D. Bingle. 1883.— F. M. Shepard, Wm. N. Rand, Caroline R. Conkey, Hiram A. Stearnes, E. H. Taft, R. J F. Burton. 1884.— D. L. Hubbard, F. W. H. Massey. 1886.— W. H. H. Sias. 1887. — George H. Davis, J. Mortimer Crawe, jun., Gordon P. Spencer, L. G. Gifford, Edward F. Johnson, George M. McCombs (re-admitted). 1888.— Jesse B. Low, Kate Parker, O. C. Eastman, W. O. Forrester, Frank R. Porter, Fred C. Bailey, J. W. Thompson, F. T. Dale, T. C. Baker. 1889.— A. J. Boyd, A. K. Hale, George E. Sylvester, H. H. Smith, Charles E. Rice. 1890.— J. Monroe Smith, G. H. Wood, Elmer E. Eddy. 1891.— E. R. McCreary, H. L. Smith. 1892.— J. E. Fowkes, G. A. Gardner. 1893.— Alfred Goss, L. E. Gardner, J. A. Barrett. 1894.— H. L. Ladd, F. R. Calkins. 1895.— Frederick J. Mann, W. N. Brown, E. S. Willard, W. J. Kellow, Isabel Meader. 1896.— C. N. Bibbins, Grant C. Madill, L. E. Jones, G. H. Ives. 1897.— E. J. Severance, A. W. Goodale, M. S. Lord, C. C. Kimball, A. J. Dick, H. A. Hoyt, N. P. Joyner. Other practicing physicians of the county whose names appear on the roll of mem bers are Ervin C. Witt, C. F. Adams, H. C. Potter and W. C. Fawdry. The honorary members are Drs. G. C. Madill, of Ogdensburgh; I. J. Fuller, of Spragueville ; George McCombs, of Binghamton ; J. W. Eddy, of Oswego ; W. F. Ford, of Utica; Roswell P. Parks, of Buffalo; B. F. Drury, of Gouverneur; F. F. Drury and A. H. Allen, of Gouverneur. Presidents.— 1868-69, Henry G. P. Spencer; 1870, James T. Peeden; 1871, Ira H. Abell; 1872, H. W. Jewett; 1873, M. J. Hutchins; 1874, William C. Bailey; 1875, J. Mortimer Crawe ; 1876, Kilborn Hannahs; 1877, William P. Massey; 1878, Luke E. Frame; 1879, William R. Trowbridge, 1880, L. E. Jones; 1881, E. B. Pratt; 1882, 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. J. R. Sturtevant; 1883, C. M. Johnson; 1884, A. B. Stevens; 1885, George N. Hub bard ; 1886, George G. Sabin ; 1887, Henry A. Mcllmoyl ; 1888, J. D. Spencer ; 1889, Charles Douglass; 1890, C. G. Stevens; 1891-93, E. A. Chapman; 1893, D. C. Rod enhurst; 1894, Frank Massey; 1895, C. M. Rexford; 1896, G. H. Wood; 1897, O. C. Eastman. Officers, 1897.— O. C. Eastman, president; W. A. Vincent, vice-president; J. M. Crawe, jr., treasurer; F. R. Calkins, secretary; G. H. Wood, delegate to state soci ety; J. A. Barnett, E. S. Willard, Isabel Meader, E. A. Chapman, G. G. Sabin, censors. The Watertown City Medical Society was organized March 17, 1878, having as original members Drs. John Grafton, W. R. Trowbridge, J, Mortimer Crawe, H. G. P. Spencer, J.D. Spencer, E. Sill, C.W. Burdick, A. R. Rudd, S. L. Parmelee, C. M. Johnson and H. H. Deane. Soon afterward the names of E. G. Howland and Addison S. Low were added to the roll. The chief object of the society was to secure a more frequent meeting of the representatives of the profession in the city than was possible in the county society, but it was distinctly under stood that the new organization should not in any manner conflict with the older one. At the time indicated the members met and elected these officers: W. R. Trowbridge, president; J. Mortimer Crawe, vice-president; H. H. Deane, secretary; J. D. Spencer, treasurer, curator and librarian. Notwithstanding the commendable purpose and favorable beginning of the city society, it proved to be a short-lived organization, and after the expiration of a little more than three years, due to lack of interest and the difficulty in assembling a quorum of active physicians, it was dissolved. The last meeting was held October 13, 1881. During the period of its history the presidents of the society were as follows: 1878, W. R.Trowbridge; 1879, John Grafton; 1880, J. Morti mer Crawe; 1881, E. C. Howland. The Watertown City Medical Society, the new organization, was formed at a meeting of physicians held January 28, 1896, in response to a general feeling on the part of the profession that closer association would be beneficial, all of which subsequent results have shown. The preliminary organization was effected by the election of J. Mortimer Crawe, chairman, and Charles N. Bibbins, secretary. On February 10 the physicians reassembled, adopted a constitution and by-laws, and elected these officers: J. Mortimer Crawe, president; Gilbert Cannon, vice-president; Charles N. Bibbins, secretary, and J. M. Crawe, jr., treasurer. The original members were J. Mortimer Crawe, Gilbert Cannon, THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 213 Charles N. Bibbjns, J. M. Crawe, jr., James D. Spencer, Wallace N. Brown, O. C. Eastman, M. Lee Smith, H. Ii. Deane, E. S. Willard, Charles C. Kimball and B. C. Cheeseman. The following members were added to the society soon after its organization : Isabel M. Meader, F. R. Calkins, CM. Rexford, Lois Fitch Mansfield, H. PI. Smith, E. R. McCreary, W J. Kellow, H. F. Kilborn, George H. Ives, J. M. Smith, H. G. P. Spencer, D. F. Connelly, Fred. B. Smith, J. A. Barnett, O. O. Stowell and Henry Hoyt. Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe has been president of the society since its organization, having been re-elected for a second term March 2, 1897. The other officers are Gilbert Cannon, vice-president; J. M. Crawe, jr., treasurer, and Charles N. Bibbins, secretary. Homoeopathy — A learned writer has said : All advancement comes through persecution; and " no cross, no crown," is applicable to science as well as to religion. Christianity itself surged through blood and fire to attain its mighty power. So, too, the medical world has been subject to convulsion from the earliest ages. Homeopathy sprang into existence something more than a century ago, discarded the settled rules of practice and asserted its claims before the world. Its dis tinguishing characteristics, then as now, consist in the employment of medicaments agreeable to the principles denoted by its name, "similia similibus curantur," or "like cures like." The principle, however, first rendered into practical science by Hahnemann, the founder of the homoeopathic school, dates far back of his time, and was even glanced at by Hippocrates; but it remained for Hahnemann to propound the startling dogma in 1790, while engaged in translating Cullin's Materia Medica from English into German. The school passed through many wonderful and prolonged tests, trials and opposition, and was eventu ally legalized in Bohemia in 1821; America in 1825; Russia in 1833; Austria in 1837; Prussia in 1843; England in 1858, and to day is rec ognized throughout the civilized world. But notwithstanding all this remarkable growth there are now less than twenty-five homoeopathic physicians in Jefferson county, and re gardless of the manifest advantages of professional association and or ganization, it was not until 1887 that a homoeopathic medical society was formed in the county. The local history of the profession of course far antedates that year, yet the school made no previous record except through the individual lives of its representatives. The pioneer of the school in the county is believed to have been Dr. U. S. Dunning, who came to Watertown in 1843, and combined the 214 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. practice of denistry with his professional work. After five or six years he emigrated to California, thence removed to Oregon, but eventually returned to Adams, where he died. The next homoeopath at the county seat was Dr. C. E. Boice, who remained a few years, and was followed by George W. Foote, Dr. Bailey and W. A. Hawley in the order men tioned. However, Dr. Simeon C. Knickerbocker was the first per manent disciple of simiha similibns curantur at Watertown, having come there in 1861, and practiced successfully to the time of his death. He was in all respects a worthy citizen. Drs. W. T. Laird and Ira V. Daggett came in 1872; Alfred G. Cole in 1877, all practicing at the county seat. Dr. Waldo located at Adams in 1863; J. W. Brown at Cathage in 1869 ; M. W. Gallup at Adams in 1875, and G. H. Wood at Antwerp in 1887. (Dr. Wood afterward joined the Jefferson County Medical Society). The Farrington Medical Club, which includes in its membership the homoeopathic physicians of Watertown and vicinity, was organized November 15, 1887, and was named in honor of and allusion to Dr. E. A. Farrington, lecturer on materia medica in Hahnemannian medical col lege, Philadelphia. The first officers of the club were S. S. Knicker bocker, president; W. T. Laird, vice-president, and M. M. Adams, sec retary and treasurer. The members, past and present, are C. S. Knickerbocker, W. T. Laird, G. A. Gifford, G. W. B. Smith, M. M. Adams, G. S. Farmer, R. F. Gates, H. De L. Knickerbocker and A. D. Chattaway. The presidents, in succession, have been as follows: 1887, S. C. Knickerbocker; 1888, W. T. Laird; 1889, G. S. Farmer; 1890, G A. Gifford; 1891, M. M. Adams; 1892, R. F. Gates; 1893, A. D. Chattaway; 1894, G. W. B. Smith; 1895, W. T. Laird; 1896, G. A. Gifford. The other present officers are: G. S. Farmer, vice-president; A. D. Chattaway, secretary and treasurer ; Drs. Gates, Smith and Laird, censors. The Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society was organized November 21, 1888, and under its constitution made eligible to mem bership any regularly licensed physician in the county who complied with the requirements of the law, and who was willing to avow his be lief in the homoeopathic doctrine of similia similibns curantur. The original members who signed the constitution and by-laws were Simeon C. Knickerbocker, G. A. Gifford, M. M. Adams, R. F. Gates, W. T. Laird, E. A. Simonds, G. S. Farmer, W. H. Nickelson, W. L. Hart- man and J. D. Cole. The later members were G. C. Hibbard, C. A. Simonds, James E. Ryan, Frederick L. Santway, G. W. B. Smith, H. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 215 De L. Knickerbocker, M. M. Ryan, A. D. Chattaway, F. F. Williams and George W. Bartlett; honorary member, M. H. Brunson, of Low ville. At the organization meeting, on the recommendation of a committee appointed for the purpose, Dr. Simeon C. Knickerbocker was elected pres ident; G. C. Hibband, vice president, and W. H. Nickelson, secretary and treasurer; delegate to state society, Dr. Nickelson; alternate, Dr. Farmer. The succession of presidents has been as follows:— 1888, S. C. Knickerbocker; 1889, G. H. Hibbard; 1890, E. A. Simonds; 1891, M. H. Brunson; 1892, F. L. Sant- way; 1S93, W. T. Laird; 1894, W. H. Nickelson; 1895, G. S. Farmer; 1896, J. E. Ryan. Having in this manner recalled the history of the medical profession and its representatives in the county, and having at some length re ferred to the several medical societies which have been formed from time to time, it is fitting that at least a brief mention be made of the personnel of the profession in the county at large at the present time. In the early years of the century the physicians of tbe state either did not possess any political power, or if so possessed had no knowledge of the fact ; but during the last score of years the profession has wielded a remarkable power in state politics, and have surrounded the practice with such safeguards that unlicensed practitioners and medical charla tans have but a feeble hold on the public confidence. True, the latest appeal to the credulity of the masses is an invention to heal the unfor tunate sick called "the Faith cure; " but it is now a well known fact that the persons seeking to popularize this means of cure are either de ceived themselves or they are deceiving others. "Filth brings fever, and prayer will not interpose." One of the most fortunate legislative enactments for the medical profession in this state was that passed in 1880, commonly known as tbe " registration act, " by which each practicing physician was (and still is) required to make and file with the county clerk in the county in which he proposes to practice, a certificate or affidavit stating his full name and address, place of birth, the authority by which he claims the right to practice physic and surgery in the state, and the name of the medical institution from which he was graduated, and the date thereof. This law was compulsory, and in accordance with its provisions, and the acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, there has been a very general compliance on the part of the physicians proposing to 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. practice in Jefferson county ; and the county medical society has made it their special and proper business to see that no violations of these various laws have been permitted. The Eclectic Medical society of the 18th senatorial district, state of New York, was organized in pursuance of articles of incorporation filed February 22, 1866. The society then existing included officers and members: L. Stanton, prest. ; J. H. Cooper, vice-prest. ; J. W. Sargent, secretary; A. P. Hale, treasurer, and members, E. Allen, C. E. Heaton, J. A. Rega, C. Waful, John Fassett, C. C. Hopkins and A. B. Harrington. The society organization was maintained for several years but gradually decreasing number of representatives of this school of medicine eventually worked its dissolution. Hardly more than three or four eclectics are now practicing in Jefferson county, but from public records it is learned that the following named representatives have practiced in this locality within the last twenty years: Samuel Bean, Le Fargeville; H. B. Potter, Le Fargeville; S. C. Markley, Watertown; Fred. W. Owen, Carthage; John B. Brooker, Omar; Geo. D. Hewitt, West Carthage; Chas. C. Hopkins, Le Raysville; Sherman Corbin, Sterlingville ; J. W. Sargent, Woodville; Mrs. Marian M. Tan ner, Omar; C. Waful, Le Raysville; John W. Owen, Carthage; Nellie G. Markley, Pamelia Four Corners; Frank M. Vebber, Carthage; W. H. Bluett, Watertown; Charles H. Reniff, Castorland; Charles J. Hull, West Carthage. The pioneer eclectic of the county was probably Dr. Alanson P. Hale, who began practice at Adams in 1835. Dr. Weeden Mosher, of Philadelphia, was another early representative of the same school. Having recourse to the registration books and records in the county clerk's office, the writer is able to furnish to the reader a brief but com plete history of each medical practitioner, of whatever school, in the county since the passage of the act of 1880. If there be others, whose names are not registered, they are practicing unlawfully and are amen able to the law. Extracting briefly from the records mentioned, the personnel of the profession in the county during tbe last score of years has been as shown by the appended rolls. (The data furnished shows the name, residence, place of birth, date of diploma or certifi cate, and the institution from which the physician was graduated, and arranged in the order of registration) : Lois Fitch Mansfield, Watertown; born Manlius, N. Y. ; diploma Feb. 29, 1876, Woman's Hospital Medical College, Chicago. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 217 James D. Spencer, Watertown ; born Denmark, N. Y. ; diploma May 1, 1876, Belle- vue Hospital Medical College, New York. James H. Tamblin, South Rutland; born Rutland; diploma Feb. 32, 1877, Medical department University of Buffalo. Frank E. Maine, Philadelphia; born West Walworth; diploma March 15, 1878, University of Pennsylvania. Martin L. Overton, Lorraine; born Henderson; diploma March 9, 1865, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Eugene A. Chapman, Belleville; born Belleville; diploma Feb. 25, 1862, Univer sity of Buffalo. John B. Ammann, Pamelia; born St. Gallon, Switzerland; diploma Feb. 4, 1867, Kanton Examining Board, St. Gallon. Albert Parsons, Black River; born Fairfax, Vt. ; diploma November, 1833, Berk shire Medical College, Massachusetts. G. H. Wood, Antwerp; born Ohio, N. Y. ; diploma June 21, 1877, Long Island College Hospital. Andrew B. Stevens, Black River ; born Canada ; diploma February, 1873, Univer sity of Buffalo. Kilborn Hannahs, Watertown ; born Herkimer county; diploma 1831, Fairfield Medical College. Charles A. Catlin, Redwood; born Litchfield, N. Y. ; diploma Dec. 23, 1861, Al bany Medical College. Henry A. Mcllmoyl, Clayton; born Edwardsburgh ; diploma March 31, 1876, McGill University, Montreal. A. K. Hale, Adams ; born Adams ; diploma March 25, 1874, University of Michigan. Henry W. Streeter, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March 7, 1868, Jeffer son Medical College, Philadelphia. John A. Rega, Belleville ; born Hamburg, Germany ; diploma March, 1862, Metro politan Medical College, New York, N. O. Bemis, Adams ; born Norwich, N. Y. ; diploma 1854, Berkshire Medical Col lege, Massachusetts John Muir, Pierrepont Manor; born Glasgow, Scotland; diploma Dec. 31, 1869, College Physicians and Surgeons, Ontario, Canada, and Geneva Medical College, New York. G. Mason McCombs, Clayton; born Lyme; diploma March 1, 1877, Bellevue Hos pital Medical College, New York. Samuel Bean, La Fargeville ; born Canada; diploma April 1, 1864, Eclectic Med ical College, Pennsylvania. Samuel E. Ballard, Natural Bridge; born Medina, N. Y. ; diploma Feb, 25, 1879, Buffalo Medical College. Strong Mosher Bennett, Adams; born Orwell, N. Y. ; diploma July 1, 1880, Uni versity of Michigan. Edward W. Trowbridge, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma Feb. 25, 1879, University of Buffalo. John H. Miller, Carthage; born Pamelia; diploma Nov, 9, 1859, Castleton Medical College, Vermont. 28 218 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. George G. Sabin, Stone's Mills; born Ontario, N. Y. ; diploma March 25, 1868, University of Michigan. M. J. Hutchins, Redwood; born Schuyler, N. Y. ; diploma June 3, 1852, Burlington Medical College, Vermont. H. B. Potter, La Fargeville ; born Canada; license July 14, 1876, Eclectic Medical Society, 18th Senatorial District, N. Y. J. R. Sturtevant, Theresa; born Sandy Hill, N. Y. ; diploma Dec. 23, 1872, Albany Medical College. Simeon L. Parmelee, Watertown; born Bangor, N. Y. ; diploma July, 1853, Wood stock Medical College, Vermont. Samuel L. Merrill, Mannsville; born Antwerp; diploma March 1, 1865, University of Nashville, Tennessee. Anson S. Thompson, Ellisburgh ; born Harrisburgh, N. Y. ; diploma May 18, 1856, American Medical College, Cincinnati, O, Nelson D. Furguson, Carthage; born Rutland; diploma Jan. 18, 1814, Geneva Medical College. S. W. Frame, Belleville ; born Depauville ; diploma 1875, Bellevue Hospital Med ical College. Leroy E. Jones, Evans Mills ; born Otsego county, N. Y. ; diploma Jan. 21, 1844, Geneva Medical College. J. A. Lane, Carthage; born Prescott, Ont., diploma March 28, 1877, McGill Med ical College, Montreal. DeWittC. Rodenhurst, Ox Bow; born Lowell, N. Y. ; diploma June 34, 1880, Long Island College Hospital. Alden R. Rudd, Watertown ; born Champion ; diploma 1870, Bellevue Hospital Medical College. Charles D. Shumway, Rodman ; born Troy, N. Y. ; diploma, Feb. 25, 1880, Buf falo Medical College. Henry G. B. Spencer, Watertown; born Champion; diploma March, 1846, Jeffer son Medical College, Philadelphia. Jacob Daab, La Fargeville; born Germany; diploma March, 1877, University of New York. Joseph Russell Finney, Rodman; born Henderson; diploma Feb. 12, 1879, Medical University of New York. J. A. Wood, Plessis; born Carthage; diploma Jan., 1874, Albany Medical College. W. G. Terry, Henderson; born Depauville; diploma March, .1875, Bellevue Hospital Medical College. Robert Klink, Redwood ; born Scotland ; diploma April 25, 1881, University of Glasgow. Frederick L. Santway, Theresa ; born Canton ; diploma Feb. 38, 1879, Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, Chicago. D. S. Kimball, Sackets Harbor; born Charleston, N. Y. ; license from Geneva Medical College. S. C. Markley, Watertown ; born St. Johnsville ; certificate April 33, 1880, Eclectic Medical Society, Black River District. Fred. W. Owen, Carthage; born Carthage; certificate July 32, 1878, Eclectic Med ical Society, Black River District, and N. Y. State Eclectic Medical Society. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 219 Gilbert Cannon, Ox Bow; born Almont, Canada; diploma April 1, 1877, McGill University, Montreal. Mills Kimball Church, Pierrepont Manor; born Canada; diploma May 1, 1864, Mc Gill University, Montreal. W. E. Tyler, Sackets Harbor; born Hounsfield: diploma Jan. 24, 1843, Geneva Medical College. A. J. Benedict, Sackets Harbor; born Cleveland, O. ; diploma Feb. 23, 1876, Uni versity of Buffalo. Charles Parker, Lyme; born Watertown; diploma June 16, 1847, Castleton Med ical College, Vermont. Albert A. Getman, Chaumont; born Chaumont; diploma Dec. 26, 1871, Albany Medical College. Wm. M. Goodwin, Brownville; born Brownville; diploma March, 1854, University Medical College, New York. James E. Kelsey, Theresa; born Theresa; diploma Feb. 13, 1874, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Syracuse. John B. Brooker, Omar; born England; diploma Nov. 18, 1874, Eclectic Medical Society, 18th Senatorial District, N. Y. Dyer E. Pierce, St. Lawrence ; born New Hartford, N. Y. ; diploma Jan. , 1839, Fairfield Medical College. William R. Trowbridge, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March, 1846, Wil loughby Medical University of Ohio. Luke E. Frame, Depauville; born Russia, N. Y. ; diploma Jan., 1844, Geneva Medical College. Charles M. Johnson, Watertown; born Depauville; diploma March 10, 1863, Jeffer son Medical College, Philadelphia. Charles Douglass, Dexter; born Evans Mills; diploma March 1, 1875, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. Emerson Seymour, Antwerp ; born Antwerp ; diploma March, 1865, Bellevue Hos pital Medical College. Arthur I. Jacobs, Mannsville; born Sandy Creek; diploma Feb., 1875, University of the City of New York. Eber S. Carlisle, Omar ; born Lanesborough, Mass.; diploma Feb., 1864, Buffalo Medical College. Lewis C. Watson, Alexandria Bay; born Watertown; diploma, Jan. 30, 1866, Geneva Medical College. F. B. A. Lewis, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma 1860, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. B. C. Cheeseman, Depauville; born Theresa; diploma March 3, 1880, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. George D. Hewitt, Carthage; born Denmark, N. Y. ; diploma Oct. 18, 1876, Eclectic Medical Society, State of New York, and diploma June 20, 1879, National Medical Society, Cleveland, O. Chas. S. Drury, Great Bend ; born Canton, N. Y. ; diploma June 26, 1879, Univer sity of Vermont. M. W. Gallup, Adams ; born Albany county ; diploma March, 1875, N. Y. Homoeo pathic Medical College, New York. 220 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. G. C. Hibbard, Mannsville; born Tarrytown, N. Y. ; diploma Feb. 21, 1866, West Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College, Ohio. Wm. C. Bailey, Adams Centre; born Brookfield, N. Y. ; diploma Nov., 1848, Berk shire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass. Cepha C. Hall, Watertown; born Hounsfield; diploma June 26, 1879, University of Michigan. Charles C. Hopkins, Le Raysville ; born Wilna ; certificate July 14, -1874, Eclectic Medical Society, 18th Senatorial District, N. Y. G. S. Farmer, Watertown ; born Fowler, N. Y. ; diploma March 4, 1874, Homoeo pathic Medical College, New York. Sherman Corbin, Sterlingville ; born Jefferson county ; license Oct. 21, 1875, Eclec tic Medical Society, New York state. William P. Massey, Brownville, born Watertown; diploma March 2, 1848, Univer sity of the City of New York. J. W. Sargent, Woodville; born New Hampshire; certificate Oct. 16, 1878, Eclectic Medical Society, state of New York. George N. Hubbard, Carthage; born New Lebanon; diploma June 18, 1854, Albany Medical College. Ira H. Abell, Antwerp; born Franklin county; diploma June, 1844, Vermont Med ical College, Woodstock, Vt. Edmund G. Derby, Antwerp; born Huntington, Vt. ; diploma June, 1847, Castle ton Medical College, Vermont. Sheldon Moak, Plessis; born Danube, N. Y. ; diploma Nov. 1, 1855, Castleton Medical College. Olin F. Buell, Henderson ; born Fairfield, N. Y. ; certificate Feb. 26, 1875, Oswego County Medical Society. A. B. Allen, Keeneville; born Antwerp; diploma June 34, 1879, Long Island Col lege Hospital. Thomas Masson, Cape Vincent; born Canada; diploma March 36, 1875, Queen's College, Kingston, Ont. J. Mortimer Crawe, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March 15, 1859, Jeffer son Medical College, Philadelphia. Mrs. Marion M. Tanner, Omar ; born Adams Center ; license July 10, 1874, Black River Eclectic Association of Jefferson county. H. H. Deane, Watertown ; born Franklin county, Vt. ; diploma June, 1876, Uni versity of Vermont. James T. Peeden, Carthage ; born New York city ; license Jan. 17, 1844, censors Lewis County Medical Society. Henry W. Jewett, Chaumont; born Oneida county; certificate Jan. 18, 1847, Oneida County Medical Society. E. B. Pratt. Brownville; born Greene county; diploma March, 1869, University of New York. John B. Wallace, Carthage; born Scotland; diploma Feb., 1873, University Hos pital, Glasgow, Scotland. Edward Sill, Watertown; born Rodman; diploma Jan., 1851, Albany Medical College. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 221 C. Waful, Le Raysville; born Montgomery county; certificate July 14, 1874, Ec lectic Medical Society of 18th Senatorial District, N. Y. J. H. Copp, Natural Bridge; born Mexico; diploma March, 1863, Metropolitan Medical College, New York. Peter O. Williams, Watertown; born Manlius; diploma July 1, 1875, Western Re serve College, Ohio. Z. R. Babcock, Lorraine; diploma Jan. 5, 1875, Jefferson County Medical Society. John W. Owen, Carthage; born Ireland; certificate Oct. 21, 1875, Eclectic Medical Society, State of New York. H. S. Lane, Philadelphia; born Massachusetts; diploma Jan. 5, 1875, Jefferson County Medical Society. P. H. Tohnson, Adams; born Henderson; diploma March 9, 1865, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. E. S. Willard, Adams; born Fairfield; diploma March 3, 1880, Albany Medical College. H. N. Bushnell, Cape Vincent ; born Jefferson county ; diploma March, 1848, Uni versity of the City of New York. John Pierce, Adams; born Adams; diploma November 25, 1846, Castleton Medical College, Vermont. S. V. Frame, Clayton ; born Depauville ; diploma Feb. 27. 1862, Buffalo Medical College. Parley E. Johnson, Natural Bridge ; born Otsego county; diploma Jan. 24, 1825, Herkimer County Medical Society. Sheldon D. Lord, Smithville; born Hamilton, N. Y. ;¦ diploma Feb., 1867, Bellevue Hospital Medical College. E. F. Butterfield; diploma Feb., 1867, Metropolitan Medical College, New York. George E. Hull, Carthage; born Madison county; diploma Feb., 1881, Eclectic Medical Society, City of New York. Charles M. Rexford, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma March 8, 1881, Uni versity of the City of New York. George A. R. Blake, Carthage; born Watertown; diploma March 1, 1881, Albany Medical College. E. E. Ward, Pamelia Four Corners; born Herkimer county; diploma March 1, 1881, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore ; endorsed by Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. C. S. Jones, Evans Mills; born Otsego county ; diploma Feb. 21, 1881, University of Buffalo. D. D. Cole, Pamelia Four Corners; born Jefferson county; diploma March 18, 1881, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. W. H. Nickelson, Adams; born Lowville; diploma Feb. 26, 1881, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Mason L. Smith, Watertown; born Madison county; diploma March 8, 1881, Uni versity of the City of New York. Ella M. Whitaker, Rodman; diploma March 12, 1877, Women's Medical College, Philadelphia. George G. Whitaker, Rodman ; born Fulton county ; diploma Dec. 26, 1865, Albany Medical College. 222 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Richard Coughlan, Watertown; born Hastings, Ont; diploma April 27, 1881, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont. Nellie G. Markley, Pamelia Four Corners; born Hicksville, O. ; certificate June 14, 1881, Eclectic Medical Society of Black River District. Addison S. Low, Watertown ; born Wifliamstown ; diploma Feb. 17, 1874, Univer sity of New York. Frank R. Porter, Watertown; born St. Johnsville; diploma June 24. 1881, Univer sity of the City of New York. Allen S. Smith, Cape Vincent ; born Fredericksburgh, Canada ; diploma March 20, 1881, University of the City of New York. George H. Littlefield, Adams; born Ellisburgh; diploma June 27, 1881, University of Vermont. W. A. Vincent, Watertown; born Clayton; diploma March 1, 1882, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. Frank G. Clink, Redwood; born Redwood; diploma Feb. 21, 1882, University of Buffalo. S. C. Clark, Smithville; born Deer River; diploma March 1, 1882, University of Maryland. James C. Graham, Keeneville; born Scotland; diploma June 17, 1881, Long Island Medical College Hospital. W. H. H. Sias, Henderson ; diploma March 7, 1882, University of the City of New York. Edward T. Johnson, Champion; born Champion; diploma Feb. 1883, Albany Medical College. F. M. Shepard, Watertown ; born Champion ; diploma March 7, 1883, University of the City of New York. George F. Gardner, Pierrepont Manor ; born Williamstown, N. Y. ; diploma August 4, 1878, Albany Medical College. William Hughes Oliphant, Redwood; born New Orleans, La.; diploma June 8, 1883, Toronto University. Francis W. Bruce, Carthage ; born Gouverneur ; diploma March 7, 1883, University Medical College of New York. Joshua M. Mansfield, Watertown; born Cheshire, Mass.; diploma Jan. 1873, Ben nett College, Chicago: Edward H. Taft, Sackets Harbor; born Potsdam; diploma Feb. 21, 1882, Univer sity of Buffalo. John D. Cole, Clayton; born Theresa; diploma Feb. 33, 1882, Hahnemann Med ical College, Chicago. A. J. Campbell, Watertown; born Cambridge, Eng. ; diploma April, 1859, Queen's College, London. W. T. Laird, Watertown ; born Floyd, N. Y. ; diploma Feb. 29, 1872, New York Homoeopathic Medical College. Elbridge Gerry Minor, Mannsville; born Ellisburgh; diploma March 3, 1883, Med ical department, University of the City of New Yojk. Ralph James Francis Burton, Philadelphia; born Warkworth, Ont. ; diploma from Victoria College, Toronto, endorsed April 6, 1883, by University of Buffalo. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 333 Caroline R. Conkey, Watertown; born Enfield, Mass., diploma May 31, 1881, Woman's Medical College Infirmary, New York. George H. Fulford, Henderson; born Chittenango; diploma March 3, 1880, Boston University School of Medicine. George Benjamin Phelps, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma May 15, 1883, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. William H. Cruikshank, Carthage; born Ireland; diploma Feb. 33, 1854, Buffalo University. Fred G. Trowbridge, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma Feb. 37, 1883, Uni versity of Buffalo. Randall L. Spencer, Carthage; born Brookfield, N. Y., diploma March, 1887, Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College. Thomas A. Moore, Cape Vincent; born Kingston, Ont; diploma April 24, 1883, from Queen's University, Kingston. William A. Rand, Spragueville ; born Pittsf ord, Vt. ; diploma June 25, 1883, Bur lington Medical College, Vermont. Dwight L. Hubbard, Carthage ; diploma June 25, 188-, University of Vermont. Hiram A. Stearns, Antwerp ; born Massena, N. Y. ; diploma June, 1883, Univer sity of the City of New York. Homer H. Hitchcock, Mannsville; born Mannsville; diploma Feb. 17, 1880, Uni versity of the City of New York. David L. Murray, Evans Mills ; born Embro, Can. ; diploma March 13, 1870, Uni versity of the City of New York. F. C. Bailey, Adams Centre; born Adams Centre; diploma June 28, 1883, Univer sity of Michigan. W. H. Bluett, Watertown; born Picton, Canada; diploma March, 1883, Eclectic Medical College, New York city. John B. Wallace, Carthage; born Scotland; diploma Feb. 29, 1884, Detroit Med ical College. Frank M. Vebber, Carthage; born Champion; diploma March 3, 1884, Eclectic Medical College, New York city. L. G. Gifford, Watertown; born Brownville; diploma March 5, 1884, University of the City of New York. Jesse B. Low, Watertown; born Pulaski; diploma June, 1881, Howard Medical College, Washington, D. C. Francis W. H. Massey, Brownville; born Brownville; diploma March 4, 1884, University of the City of New York. Edwin A. Simonds, Carthage; born Theresa; diploma Feb. 20, 1884, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Edward E. Brown, Watertown ; born Berkshire county, Mass. ; diploma Jan. 39, 1879, Albany Medical College. Clara A. Simonds, Carthage ; born Crawfordsville, Ind. ; diploma Feb. 20, 1884, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Charles H. Reniff, Rutland; born South Rutland; diploma March 3, 1884, Eclec tic Medical College of New York. Albert L. Morgan, Dexter; born Chester county, Pa.; diploma March 26, 1873, University of Michigan. 334 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A. M. Maclean, Watertown; born Seymour, Canada; diploma May, 1873, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Kingston. Edwin E. Campbell, Alexandria Bay; born Janesville, Wis., diploma Feb. 36, 1885, Chicago Homeopathic Medical College. Robert F. Gates, Brownville ; born Homesville, N. Y. ; diploma March 34, 1885, Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College. Henry G. Dawson, Cape Vincent ; born Wolf Island ; diploma April 29, 1885, Queen's University, Kingston. John F. Minot, Sackets Harbor ; born Boston, Mass. ; diploma June 22, 1882, Long Island College Hospital. Murray M. Adams, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma May 14, 1885, N. Y. Homeopathic Medical College. R. A. Stevens, Carthage; born Canada; diploma Feb. 25, 1879, College of Phy sicians and Surgeons, Keokuk. Edwin S. Maxson, Syracuse; born Geneva; diploma June 10, 1886, Syracuse Med ical University. James A. Barringer, Elba; born Schodack; diploma Feb. 25, 1873, University of Buffalo. James F. Minot, Sackets Harbor; born Marblehead, Mass.; diploma March 5, 1883, University of the City of New York. Wm. H. L. Starks, Troy; born Canaan, N. Y. ; diploma June 9, 1853, Castleton Medical College, Vermont. Joseph E. Garrison, Black River; born Philadelphia, Pa. ; diploma March 12, 1869, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. George H. Davis, Black River; born Belmont, N. Y. ; diploma June 20, 1884, University of Vermont. W. W. Hadley, Black River: born Cape Vincent; diploma Feb. 23, 1886, Univer sity of Buffalo. James E. Ryan, Redwood; born Redwood; diploma Feb. 23, 1886, Chicago Home opathic Medical College. Wm. A. Washburn, Adams ; born Oxford, N. Y. , diploma March 6, 1886, Univer sity of the City of New York. H. N. Coulter, Cape Vincent; born Hull, Quebec; diploma April 5, 1882, Queen's University, Kingston. Grant C. Madill, Watertown ; born Stockton, Cal. ; diploma March 15, 1886, Belle vue Hospital Medical College. A. N. Collins, Point Peninsula; born Point Peninsula; diploma June 25, 1885, University of Michigan. James Max Dupins, Clayton ; born Canada ; diploma April 28, 1880, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Kingston. Frederick B. Smith, Watertown ; born Bellevue, Ont. ; diploma April 26, 1886, Queen's University, Kingston. Edwin R. Maxson, Thousand Islands ; born Petersburgh, N. Y. ; diploma March 20, 1845, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Robert A. Smyth ; born Canada ; diploma April 8, 1883, Royal Academy of Medi cine, Ont. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 225 L. F. Mason, Evans Mills; born Madison county; diploma Dec. 22, 1868, Lewis County Medical Society. Whiting S. Worden, Syracuse; born Syracuse; diploma June 10, 1886, Syracuse Medical College. Calvin G. Stevens, Watertown; born Geddes; diploma June 12, 1884, Syracuse Medical College. Isadore L. Green, Sackets Harbor; born Hounsfield ; diploma Feb. 24, 1886, Hahne mann Medical College, Chicago. Wm. L. Hartman, Antwerp; born Theresa; diploma Feb. 24, 1887, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Fred. Albert Sweet, Antwerp, born Madrid, N. Y. ; diploma March 8, 1887, Uni versity of the City of New York. William Hay, Watertown ; born Stratford, Ont. ; diploma May 14, 1887, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Kingston. Isabel M. Meader, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma April 5, 1887, Woman's Hospital Medical College, Chicago. Wm. A. Zerns, Watertown; born Salem, N. J.; diploma March 13, 1872, Hahne mann Medical College, Philadelphia. Wm. Sidney Jacques, Watertown ; born London, Eng. ; diploma Dec. 10, 1866, Trinity College, London, Eng. David Fawdry, Watertown ; born Sackets Harbor ; commission, U. S. Navy, Sept. 7, 1864, and diploma Dec. 22, 1874, Lewis County Medical Society. William C. Fawdry, Barnes Corners; born Albany; diploma March 5, 1885 Albany Medical College. Walter Braun, Cape Vincent; born Haarback, Germany; diploma Dec. 18, 1848, University of Munich, Germany. Allen S. Smith, Cape Vincent; born Canada; diploma 1880, University of Buffalo. Alfred Goss, Adams; born Canton, N. Y. ; diploma June, 1883, University Medical College of Vermont. Charles J. Hull, West Carthage; born Madison, N. Y. ; diploma Feb. 23, 1881, Eclectic Medical College, city of New York. John J. Siggins, Watertown ; born Youngsville, Pa. ; diploma March 3, 1885, Mich igan College of Medicine, Detroit. Herbert L. Smith, South Rutland; born Rutland; diploma Feb. 38, 1888, Buffalo Medical College. Orlando C. Eastman, Watertown ; born Rodman ; diploma March 6, 1888, Univer sity of the City of New York. William Anson Forrester, Watertown; born Canada; diploma March 13, 1888, Bellevue Hospital Medical College. Kate Parker, Watertown; born Newark, N. J. ; diploma March 28, 1876, Woman's Medical College of New York Infirmary. J. H. Thompson, Fisher's Landing; born Gananoque, Canada; diploma March 31, 1888, McGill Medical College, Montreal. J. Mortimer Crawe, jr., Watertown: born Earlville; diploma May 12, 1887, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city. Frederick T. Dale, La Fargeville ; born Springfield, Mass.; diploma March 15, 1888, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. 29 226 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Thomas C. Baker, Watertown; born Canada; diploma April 3, 1888, Trinity Col lege, Toronto. Henry E. Brown, Carthage; born Malone; diploma March 12, 1887, University of the City of New York. Gordon P. Spencer, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March 14, 1887, Belle vue Hospital Medical College, New York. L. J. Cramer, South Rutland; born Rutland; diploma March 8, 1887, University of the City of New York. George Fegan, Sackets Harbor; born Cambridge, Mass.; diploma Feb. 26, 1889, Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. Herbert H. Smith, Watertown; born Hounsfield; diploma March 13, 1889, Univer- versity of the City of New York. George E. Sylvester, Clayton; born Clayton; diploma March 11, 1889, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. James Monroe Smith, Watertown; born Munnsville; diploma March 14, 1889, Uni versity of the City of New York. Alfred J. Boyd, Watertown ; born Dexter ; diploma March 13, 1889, University of the City of New York. H. M. Buchanan, St. Lawrence; born Kemptville, Ont.; diploma April 3, 1889, Queen's College, Kingston. M. W. Dawley, Adams; born Mexico; diploma June 1, 1886, Medical College of Cincinnati. George H. Soes, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March 13, 1889, Univer sity of the City of New York. Geo. W. B. Smith, Watertown; born Massena; diploma Feb. 18,1883, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Wm. E. Carpenter, Adams; born Lorraine; diploma March 21, 1890, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Elmer E. Eddy, Orleans; born Orleans; diploma March 25, 1890, University of Buffalo. Harold W. Hanford, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma April 10, 1890, N. Y. Homeopathic College. Thomas E. Watts, Natural Bridge; born Canada; diploma April 7, 1890, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Kingston. Samuel Gordon Todd, Felt's Mills; born Canada; diploma April 17, 1890, Queen's University, Kingston. W. Arthur McPherson, Dexter ; born Iroquois ; diploma April 3, 1890,- Royal Col lege, Kingston. Gilbert A. Foote, Brownville ; born Potsdam ; diploma Nov. 8, 1887, University of the City of New York. Charles O. Rice, Watertown; born Cape Vincent; diploma June 13, 1889, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. William H. H. Scott, Chaumont; born Southampton, Ont. ; diploma April 3, 1890, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Kingston. Gilbert R. Ellis, Rodman ; born Clayton ; diploma April 13, 1887, Medical depart ment Niagara University. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 227 Albert D. Chattaway, Watertown; born Springfield, Mass. ; diploma April 16, 1885, N. Y. Homeopathic Medical College. Milton Pratt, Black River; born Toledo, Ont. ; diploma April 3, 1888, Trinity Col lege, Toronto. Hubert De Lancey Knickerbocker, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma April 6, 1891, N. Y. Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Wm. J. Kellow, Watertown ; born Canada; diploma May 16, 1882, Victoria College, Coburg. Elgin R. McCreary, Watertown; born Washington, Pa. ; diploma March 24, 1891, University of Buffalo. Frederick H. Dorner, Le Ray ; born Jefferson county ; diploma June 22, 1891 , University Medical College of New York. Gustavus A. Gifford, Watertown; born Watertown; diploma February, 1867, Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College. John Grant; born Canada; diploma June 9, 1857, Albany Medical College. John Thomas Fowkes, Omar ; born Sheffield, Eng. ; diploma April 27, 1891, Queen's College, Kingston. Charles McLellan; born Scotland; diploma April 13, 1873, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ontario. William Henry Rankin; born Frontenac, Ontario; diploma April 33, 1889, Queen's College, Kingston. Herbert R. Norton, Mannsville; born Depauville; diploma March 24, 1891, Uni versity of Buffalo. Arlington D. Bassett, Smithville; born England; diploma March, 1880, University Medical College, Chicago Wallace Nelson Brown, Watertown; born Massachusetts; diploma March 28, 1892, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. Levi Eliiah Gardner, Le Ray ; born Le Ray ; diploma March 26, 1892, Long Island College Hospital. Alexander L. Ladd, Watertown; born St. Lawrence; diploma May 3, 1892, Uni versity of Buffalo. Rozelle V. M. Tunnell, Thousand Island Park; born Markville, N. Y; diploma April 28, 1890, Queen's University, Kingston. Olmsby O. Stowell, Watertown; born Canada; diploma March, 1869, Queen's University, Kingston. Frederick Benoit, Watertown; born Canada; diploma July 12, 1860, University of the City of New York. Charles Francis Adams, Carthage; born Martinsburgh, N. Y. ; diploma March' 27, 1893, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. Noble Palmer Joyner, Clayton; born Canada; diploma April 12, 1893, Queen's University, Kingston. Louis E. July, Alexandria Bay; born Alexandria; diploma March 21, 1893, Hahne mann Medical College, Chicago. Weldon M. Jones, Adams ; born Steuben county ; diploma March 3, 1874, College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. Frank F. Hutchins, Redwood ; born Redwood ; diploma April 4, 1893, University of the City of New York. 228 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Oscar H. Merrill, Adams; born Pinckney, N. Y. ; diploma March 8, 1881, Univer sity of the City of New York, Franklin B. Smith, Rochester; born Hillsdale, Mich.; diploma Feb. 26, 1879, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Charles N. Bibbins, Watertown ; born Watertown ; diploma March 26, 1894, Belle vue Hospital Medical College, New York. Frederick Russel Calkins, Watertown ; born Rodman ; diploma March 26, 1894, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. Harrison C. Potter, Sackets Harbor; born Adams; diploma May 1, 1894, Univer sity of Buffalo. Wm. E. Whitford, Ox Bow; born St. Lawrence county; diploma June 37, 1878, University of Vermont. Oliver Joseph La Fontaine, Chaumont; born Clayton; diploma May 1, 1894, Uni versity of the City of New York. Frederick James Mann, Watertown; born Utica; diploma May 3, 1893, University of Buffalo. Henry Ermenbrant, Watertown ; born New York city ; diploma March 8, 1882, United States Medical College. Matthew M. Ryan, Redwood; born Redwood; diploma April 5, 1894, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago. Andrew J. Dick, Watertown; born Three Mile Bay; diploma April 18, 1893, Uni versity of Buffalo. Charles C. Kimball, Watertown ; born South Bend, Minn. ; diploma April 30, 1895, University of Buffalo. F. A. Hadley, Black River ; born Cape Vincent ; diploma April 18, 1895, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. Robert B. Wilson, Sackets Harbor; born Oswego; diploma June 14, 1894, Syra cuse Medical College. William Vaux Ewers, Sackets Harbor; born Fort Hayes, Kansas; diploma June 7, 1894, University of Pennsylvania. John E. Jones, Evans Mills; born Cleveland; diploma April 3, 1896, University of Buffalo. Addison W. Goodale, Watertown ; born Fowler, N. Y. ; diploma June 8, 1858, Al bany Medical College. Robert J. Flint, Antwerp; born Lee Center; diploma April 3, 1894, Chicago Homeopathic Medical College. Thomas Henry Farrell, Thousand Island Park ; born Detroit ; diploma April 28, 1896, Queen's University, Kingston. Etson Wilson Teeple, Watertown; born Kingston, Ont.; diploma April 28, 1896, Queen's University, Kingston. Harold B. Stowell, Watertown; born Copenhagen; diploma April 17, 1895, Albany Medical College. William F. Singer, jr., Carthage; born Fabius, N. Y. ; diploma June 11, 1896, Col lege of Medicine, Syracuse. Henry Arthur Hoyt, Watertown ; born Deposit, N. Y. ; license July 7, 1896, N. Y. State Examining Board. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 229 John Henry Watson, Cape Vincent; born West Indies; diploma April, 1895, Mc Gill University, Montreal. Charles Brook Flint, Watertown ; born Oneida county ; diploma April 13, 1890, New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital. John M. Mills, Clayton; born Pennsylvania; diploma Feb. 21, 1882, University of Buffalo. William C. Couch, Ox Bow; born England; diploma April, 1895, Gross Medical College, Denver, Col. Albert Augustus Joslin, Watertown; born Wales, N. Y., diploma June 34, 1882, University of Vermont. Erwin W. Witt, Watertown; born Clayton; diploma April, 1897, University of Buf falo. Edwin Pearl McWayne, Sackets Harbor; born Brownville; diploma April 27, 1897, University of Buffalo. Frederick C. Peterson, Watertown; born Rutland; diploma May 5, 1896, Univer sity of Buffalo. Charles Edwin Pierce, Watertown; born Limerick, N. Y. ; diploma March 23, 1897, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. Richard Lodwick Gray, Clayton, born Clayton ; diploma June 13, 1897, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. George Louis Gridley, Syracuse; born Onondaga county; license July 18, 1894, New York State Board of Regents. George Waldron Bartlett, Watertown; born Watertown ; diploma May 2, 1895, New York Homeopathic Medical College. Sigefurd Dandurand, Watertown, born Canada; diploma March 26, 1889, Univer sity College, Montreal. Charles B. Hall, Carthage; born Carthage; license Feb. 6, 1895, University State of New York. Henry Francis Kilborn, Watertown; born Canada; diploma Feb. 22, 1881, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Buffalo. Egbert Le Fevre, Alexandria Bay; born New Jersey; diploma March 12, 1883, University of the City of New York. 230 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XVII. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS.^ The newspaper is a good sign. It is one of the chief indices of the intelligence of the community in which it is published, and its files are the footprints of the advancement and prosperity of the period of its publication. Yet it is surprising when searching our libraries to dis cover how little is written of the "art preservative of arts," and the educator of all educators. The newspaper with its splendid facilities for acquiring and disseminating news is now regarded as essential as the church or the schoolhouse, and in a great measure has taken the place of the rostrum and the professor's chair and become the "great teacher." No party, organization, enterprise or calling is now con sidered perfect without an "organ" to proclaim its advantages to the world. The history of the press in Jefferson county forms an interesting chapter in local annals, but how and to what extent the many news paper ventures of the past may be best mentioned is a doubtful ques tion. Looking back into the early history of the press in the county, it is found that newspapers were founded frequently, continued publica tion a few months, or perhaps years, then suspended and were soon afterward succeeded by other similar enterprises under different name and management. Whether the successor was the outgrowth of the older paper may at times have been doubtful, for in many cases no di rect connection between them can be traced, and each publisher, es pecially half a century or more ago, desired his paper to be regarded as an original enterprise, having no immediate connection with some previous unsuccessful venture in the ever changing field of journalism. This spirit of originality was continued until about the time of the war of 1861-65, from which dated a new era in the history of the press, as in almost all other avocations in business life ; and it is now regarded as undoubted evidence of continued prosperity if the average weekly newspaper can display the meaning words "Vol. XLVI, No. VI," or other symbolisms of like import, on the title page. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 231 Of course, as in nearly all public enterprises of the character, the first attempt to found a newspaper in Jefferson county began at the shire town in 1809, when pioneer Henry Coffeen issued the first number of the American Eagle, the exponent both of democracy and republi canism (for the ruling party went by both names at that time). James B. Robbins was in some manner concerned in the publication, and it is thought he abandonded the Black River Gazette at Martinsburg for a more promising field at Watertown. However, in 1812 Jarius Rich purchased the paper and changed its name to American Advocate, thus in a measure indicating a change of political sentiment, and continued its publication until 1817, when he sold out to the brothers Abbey. The Jefferson and Lewis Gazette was established by Seth A. and Dorephus Abbey, succeeding the American Advocate, in 1817, but in 1819, a change in the proprietorship was made and the paper was dis continued, Dorpheus Abbey removing to Oswego, while his brother remained and in that year issued the Independent Republican. The office was burned in 1825, causing the paper to suspend. In the meantime, in 1822, the Herald of Salvation, a semi monthly Universalist paper was started by Rev. Pitt Morse, and continued two years. In 1824 the Watertown Freeman was started by W. Woodward, aided by Perley G. Keyes, and was published continuously until 1833, when Mr. Keyes died, after which the paper passed into the hands of T. A. & A. L. Smith, and was continued as the Democratic Standard until consolidated (July, 1835), with the Watertown Eagle, which had been started in 1832, by John Calhoun. The united paper was thence forth known as the Eagle and Standard, the editorial chair being filled by Alvin Hunt, who used its colums to promote the political and other interests of Orville Hungerford, then and for many years one of the most prominent men of that part of the state. Indeed, the Eagle and Standard was one of the most powerful and influential democratic or gans in northern New York, and during the period of its existence was published under the name of Jeffersonian, the Watertown Jeffersonian, and still later as the Democratic Union, with which it was finally united. The present Re-Union, a leading paper of the county seat, is at least the indirect outgrowth of the Democratic Union. In Decem ber, 1851, John W. Tamblin became interested in the paper with Mr. Hunt, but in 1853 J. C. Hatch succeed to tbe Tamblin interest for a short time. From May, 1851, to May, 1853, the Jeffersonian office printed a daily edition. 232 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The local cotemporary of the Freeman was Thursday's Post, a week ly paper established October 19, 1826, by Theron Parsons & Co. It was published regularly for two years, and in January, 1828, passed into the hands of H. L. Harvey, who changed its name to the Register. On May 1, 1830, Benj. Cory acquired an interest in the office, and two weeks later the name of the paper was changed to Watertown Register and General Advertiser. Mr. Cory became sole owner in 1831, and changed its character from a neutral position on political questions to a determined opposition to Jacksonian democracy. On September 19, 1831, Mr. Cory renamed his paper Watertown Register, dropping the General Advertiser feature of the title page, and continued it without change until March 25, 1835, when John Haxton became editor. The paper was then rechristened North American. In 1839 H. S. Noble became proprietor and returned to the old name, Watertown Register, and so issued it until March 12, 1842, when he sold to William Hough, and the latter, in turn, in less than a month, was succeeded by William Welch, who continued the paper until 1843. It was then discontinued, and was followed under the same management by the Black River Journal. Soon afterward Joel Greene acquired a half interest with Welch, and the firm published the Journal until 1845, when Welch sold out. Soon afterward the paper was discontinued. The Genius of Philanthropy made its appearance in local journalism in 1828, under the management of Henry L. Harvey, proprietor of the Post, and also of the Watertown Register, of both of which mention has been made. The paper first mentioned was afterward merged in other publications. The Censor was started at Adams by Theron Parsons, in 1828, but was soon afterward removed to the county seat. In 1830 Enoch E. Camp became proprietor and changed the name to Anti-Masonic Sun, thus indicating the sentiment of its editor and the purpose of the paper. In 1830 Dr. R. Goodale became its owner and changed the name to Constellation. He continued it until 1832, then sold to Abner Morton, who changed its name to the Jefferson Reporter, and published it until 1834, when it was discontinued. The Independent Republican and Anti-Masonic Recorder began publication at Watertown in 1828, and was continued until 1830. It was then succeeded by the Watertown Censor, a strong anti-democratic sheet published by Abner Morton. The Voice of Jefferson was a campaign paper published during the THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 233 summer and fall of 1828. The Veto, also a campaign paper, was pub lished during the political contest of 1832. Two years later (1834), the Spirit of Seventy- Six attracted attention for a few months. The Patriot and Democrat made its appearance during the campaign of 1838. Editor Alvin Hunt fought through the memorable campaign of 1840 with a paper called the Aurora. Among the many other transient publications which found an abid ing place in Watertown, mention may be made of the Monitor, a quar terly sectarian publication, started January 1, 1830, and devoted to the work of the Presbyterian and Congregational societies of the region ; the Student printed by Mr. Cory and issued by the pupils of the Black river institute during the year beginning August 1, 1837; the Pioneer Phalanx and Independent Magazine, a monthly issued in the interest of the Fourier association in Watertown; the Watertown Spectator, a prohibition and no-license sheet published by Joel Greene for about two years, beginning December 22, 1846; the Sinai and Calvary Re porter, a quarterly, issued under the editorial supervision of Rev. Joseph A. Livingston, begun in October, 1852, and continued for a single number; the Phare des Lacs (Beacon of the Lakes) begun in May, 1858, by C. Petit, continued several years and finally removed to Toledo. The Democratic Union, to which passing reference is made in a pre ceding paragraph, was first issued August 29, 1846, under the proprie torship of Thomas Andrews and James Swindells, publishers, and Lysander H. Brown, editor. Thus was established one of the strongest and best known of the early newspapers of the county. For its subse quent history we may properly quote from the writings of Mr. Brock- way: " Swindells was in the paper only one week. April 15, 1847, Stephen Martin be came associate publisher. Sept. 2, John A. Haddock succeeded Martin. In June, 1848, Mr. Brown withdrew from the paper, J. C. Hatch taking his place, when the politics of the paper were changed from the support of Cass to that of Van Buren for the presidency. It subsequently passed into the hands of Charles A. Stevens and John A. Haddock. In the great fire of May 14, 1849, the office was destroyed, but in two weeks the publication of the paper was resumed. Sept. 12, Haddock became proprietor and publisher, and Oct. 15, 1851, Lysander H. Brown again became con nected with the paper, and continued with Haddock until November, when he be came sole publisher. January 9, 1853, L. H. Brown and E. R. Pollard became pub lishers. Mr. Brown continued in the concern till 1854, when Haddock again obtained possession and soon after transferred it to Elon Comstock, who consolidated it with 30 234 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Jeffersonian, styling the combined papers Jefferson Union. In December, 1855, the paper was sold to John W. Tamblin, who in May of the next year sold a two- thirds interest to Mr. Haddock and Royal Chamberlain. In the fall of 1856 E. J. Clark became proprietor of the paper and changed its name to Jefferson County Union, associating with him Royal Chamberlain. In 1859 Clark again became sole proprietor and so continued until January 1, 1865, when he sold the paper to R. A. Oakes." Quoting further from the same authority : "January 16, 1861, Hall & Bragdon started the Watertown Daily News, which was merged in the Daily Reformer, January 20, 1862. At this time the Weekly News was purchased and edited by J. W. Tamblin. January 19, 1865, Stephen Canfield purchased the interest of Tamblin in the News, and the paper was merged in the Jefferson County Union; S. Canfield & Co., publishers; R. A. Oakes, editor. July 1, 1865 Mr. Canfield bought the interest of Mr. Oakes, who gave place to H. H. Young as editor. The name of the paper was changed to the Democrat ; and in August Henry S. Munson bought the interest of Mr. Canfield and a daily was started called the Daily Democrat, with Young & Munson, editors. It was issued till Feb ruary, 1866. when it, with the weekly edition, was suspended. This left the democ racy without an organ. In May following, however, Anson B. Moore purchased the plant, and, with H. H. Young as editor, revived the Democrat. In 1868 A. H. Hall purchased the paper and changed the name to the Re-Union, and continued the paper till 1870, when he sold to George Moss and Walter A. Boon. In 1872 they started the Morning Dispatch (daily), and it was continued by them, C. W. Ha vens, C. J. Hynes and others, until May 7, 1881, when the plant was sold to D. T. Kelley and Charles W. Clare, who run the daily one year, when Kelley retired and the daily was discontinued;" From that time The Watertown Re Union has been regarded as one of the substantial newspaper publications of the county seat, and the recognized organ of the democracy in the county. In many respects it is looked upon as the pioneer representative of the press in the county, claiming origin in the old Watertown Freeman, established in 1824; and the claim is undoubted for direct lineage can be traced. The an cestor papers of the Re-Union, and from which it is descended, were the Freeman, Jan. 27, 1824; the Jeffersonian, Nov. 30, 1837; the Demo cratic Union, Aug. 9, 1846; the Democratic Union and Jeffersonian, merged 1854; the Jefferson Democrat, 1865; and the Watertown Re- Union, 1866. This chain of title and descent is plainly displayed on the title page of the paper, and may be regarded as correct, although differing slightly from other published statements. In the early part of 1846 Joel Greene began publishing the Daily Journal, but with indifferent success, hence changed it to the Water- town Tri-Weekly Journal, and so continued it until August 26, 1846, THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 235 when the paper was sold to Ambrose W. Clark and became the North ern State Journal. The name was subsequently changed to the North ern New York Journal. Later proprietors were George W. Smith and H. S. Noble, succeeded by Fayel & Clark, the latter firm selling out to the American party in 1856, but after the campaign of that year the paper came back to them. Mr. Clark was in congress in 1861, and about the same time Mr. Fayel found a position in the postoffice de partment, which he was compelled to resign on account of poor health. During these years the paper held only an uncertain existence. How ever, it soon passed into the hands of J. Budlong and Orson L. Had dock, who revived it, Budlong soon succeeding to the entire owner ship, but afterward taking 'as partner H. H. Smith (Sept. 16, 1865) and under whom the Journal was issued much of the next two years as a semi-weekly. On April 1, 1867, the paper was sold to Solon M. Hazen, continued by him until May of the following year and then sold to the owners of the Reformer, by whom it was discontinued. The New York Reformer was founded August 28, 1850, by L. In- galls, A. H. Burdick and L. M. Stowell. Mr. Burdick's interest ceased Oct. 16, and Mr. Stowell's March 11, 1858, and in August following John A. Haddock acquired an interest in the paper. Mr. Brockway became connected with the Reformer March 22, 1860. Isaac M. Beebe succeeded to the Haddock interest in September of the same year, and remained in the firm until October, 1861. On April 22 of this year Ingalls, Brockway & Beebe started the Daily Reformer. La Fayette J. Bigelow was one of the firm from the latter part of 1863 until his death, January 13, 1870, and was succeeded on the 1st of June following by Charles R. Skinner, tbe firm then being Ingalls, Brockway & Skinner. Mr. Brockway purchased the Ingalls interest in December, 1873, and the Skinner interest in August, 1874, and was sole proprietor until he took his sons as partners. The Watertown Reformer and Semi- Weekly Times, and also the Watertown Daily Times, were published by Beman Brockway & Sons until September, 1892, when the Brockway Sons company was incorporated. Under this management publication has since been continued although Beman Brockway died December 18, 1892. These papers, both the daily and semi-weekly, are among the most favorably known publications of the county at the present time. They are recognized exponents of republicanism in northern New York whose influence is felt and whose worth is acknowledged. The editorial department is under excellent direction, and the entire business 236 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the paper and company perfectly systematized and conducted. In all respects the papers issued by the Brockway Sons company are the strongest in northern New York, and rank among the leading journals of the state. The Watertown Post was founded and established July 16, 1870, by firm of Bragdon & Co., George C. Bragdon being the active factor in the enterprise. He retired from the firm Nov. 2, 1871, and tbe paper was published for the next year by Hanford, Wood & Plumb. In 1872 J. H. Treadwell succeeded to the Plumb interest, and was in turn (June, 1874) succeeded by R. A. Oakes. In September following Mr. Ingalls became sole proprietor and conducted the paper until September 1, 1892, when the present owner, L. G. Chase, assumed management. The Post is an interesting newspaper, republican in politics, but is de voted to miscellaneous reading and subjects, and finds warm welcome in all the towns of the county and even beyond its borders. The Republican was founded in 1883 by General Bradley Winslow, and entered the local journalistic field with every prospect of success, but after about a year it was merged in the Post. The Watertown Advocate was established February 7, 1884, by George E. Satchwell, although in December of the preceding year the first number of the paper had been issued, espousing the cause of prohibi tion. Since that time it has maintained a successful existence while the history of similar enterprises in the state has been one of only a transient life and ultimate downfall. The Advocate is devoted almost wholly to temperance miscellany and statistical matter and enjoys a fair circulation and advertising patronage. The Watertown Herald was established July 4, 1886, and was a "merger" of four country newspapers, the Copenhagen News, the Carthage Leader, the Jefferson County Herald (Theresa) and the Clay ton Free Press. Jere. Coughlin, a practical newspaper man of ex perience was the originator of the enterprise and all of its subsequent success has been due to his persevering industry and judgment, for never before in the history of journalism in this part of the state, or possibly the whole state, had a like attempt been made and carried to successful results. Mr. Coughlin undertook the enterprise to secure a good subscription list at the outset without the customary preliminary canvass, and issued a paper so entirely satisfactory that the circulation increased rather than decreased, and the most gratifying results at tended his efforts. The Herald is an independent and not neutral pa- THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 237 per, and discusses all public questions fearlessly and without prejudice. Its circulation extends throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, and has at least a hundred correspondents in as many towns and villages. One of its most interesting features is the illustrated de partment, all work for which is done at the home office. The Watertown Daily Standard, and the Watertown Semi Weekly Standard (issued Wednesday and Saturday), were founded March 21, 1894, by the Standard Publishing Company, incorporated just previous to that date. The officers of the company were John P. Douglas, pres ident; Daniel J. Eames, vice-president; D. C. Douglas, treasurer; and C. S. Adams, secretary. Mr. Eames was succeeded as vice-president by A. W. Munk, and Mr. Douglas as treasurer by Hannibal Smith, other than which there has been no subsequent change in the personnel of the management. The Standard, in both editions, is one of the leading newspaper publications in northern New York, thoroughly and unqualifiedly republican in sentiment and expression, and a factor for good in the councils of the party. It is admirably managed and ably edited, hence is in all respects a successful paper The Lodge Record, a semi-monthly publication devoted almost ex clusively to the interest and advancement of fraternal orders, was es tablished in 1893, the initial number appearing December 1 of that year. Addison B. Parker, the founder, has been at the head of the paper since it was started. The editor is Charles J. Bellinger. The Annals of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, a monthly magazine devoted to subjects especially interesting to Catholic readers, was es tablished in Watertown in 1887, and during the period of its publica tion gained a wide circulation and was productive of much good in its special field. Referring briefly to the daily press of the county seat (there have been no daily papers in the county outside the city of Watertown) first mention may be made of the Daily Journal, which was started in 1843 by Joel Greene, but was soon afterward changed into the Watertown Journal, a tri weekly, and continued until 1846. On May 10, 1851, the Daily Jeffersonian was issued from the office of the weekly Jeffersonian. It was continued for about two and one-half years and then suspended. The Daily Republican came into existence May 1, 1856, about the same time as the party of that name. It was issued from the Reformer office by proprietors Ingalls & Stowell, and warmly supported the can didacy of Mr. Fremont for the presidency; but after the campaign 238 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was ended the paper became unprofitable, therefore was discontin ued. The Daily Telegraph was founded by several interested citizens of Watertown, in 1858. The Atlantic cable had just been laid and the promoters of the enterprise hoped for substantial results through the increased facilities for acquiring news by that great consummation. J. D. Huntington, operator in charge of the local telegraph office, was the leading spirit of the paper, and was assisted by John H. Rice, Will iam Farwell and others. However, the Telegraph continued only one year, and was succeeded by the Daily News, founded by L. M. Stowell, March 13, 1859, and suspended after another year had passed. A second paper under the name of Daily News was started in Janu ary, 1861, by A. H. Hall, with L. J. Bigelow in the editorial chair un til March 16, when George C. Bragdon took charge. Under this direc tion the paper was continued with varying fortunes until January 20, 1862, when it was sold to the owners of the Daily Reformer, the latter having entered the field April 22, 1861, under the proprietorship of Ingalls, Brockway & Beebe, publishers of the Reformer. On January 4, 1870, the name Daily Reformer was changed to Watertown Times, and was then a small paper, having a limited circulation, but a fair advertising patronage. This paper developed into the Watertown Daily Times of the present day, one of the leading dailies of this part of the state. It is published by the Brockway Sons company, incor porated. The Daily Republican, a morning paper, was started in July, 1888, by the publishing firm of Ingalls, Shepard & Dewey, with L. Ingalls, Charles R. Skinner and H. E. Knickerbocker, editors. After six months of indifferent success the paper was suspended. The Watertown Evening News was started November 28, 1891, by W. B. Phillips, formerly of On the St. Lawrence, and Arthur E. Mc Allister. The partnership was dissolved December 16 of the same year, after which Mr. Phillips continued the publication alone until January 22, 1892, when the paper was suspended. The Watertown Daily Standard, which is mentioned at length in a preceding paragraph, was established March 21, 1894, and has since been published in connection with the semi-weekly edition by the same company. The Standard is one of the best dailies in this region, and with its local cotemporary stands at the head of the newspapers of the county. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 239 The Watertown Gazette was started April 19, 1896, by Charles W. Clare, owner and publisher of the Re-Union, who invested a considera ble sum of money in the enterprise with the full belief that a good, prudently managed democratic daily could be made a profitable invest ment. The office was equipped with modern presses of the best make, and a competent corps of editors and reporters was secured. During the campaign of that year, the Gazette advocated the nominees of the Chicago convention, and was well managed in other directions, but for some cause the enterprise failed of success, therefore the paper sus pended publication on September 8, 1896. In the same manner the history of the various newspaper publica tions in the outlying towns of the county may be briefly traced. In Adams, Theron Parsons, as proprietor, and Abner Morton, as editor, issued the first number of the Censor on July 1, 1828. It was an anti- masonic paper, and at the end of about six months was removed to Watertown and took the place of the Anti-Masonic Record. In 1830 it became the Anti-Masonic Sun, with Enoch Ely Camp as proprietor. The next paper at Adams was the Jefferson County Democrat, started in 1844 by Josephus C. Hatch and by him continued until 1847, when E. J. Clark became proprietor, he having previously held an interest in tbe enterprise. Mr. Clark conducted the Democrat until 1855, when he removed to Watertown to engage in other business, upon which the paper passed into the hands of Justus Eddy, and by him was changed to Jefferson County News, an independent weekly publication. In 1863 D. A. Wight, a bookseller of Adams, acquired an interest with Eddy and continued tbe News until April, 1865, when George C. Bragdon bought the plant and changed the name of the paper to Adams Visitor. The office was burned just previous to the day on which Mr. Bragdon was to issue his first number, but the plant was at once re stored, and an excellent paper was provided by this enterprising pro prietor for about three years, when Babcock & Delong bought the office. In 1869 S. R. Pratt purchased the Babcock interest, and through his influence the paper was enlarged to eight pages, and changed its name to Northern Temperance Journal, becoming the special organ of the Good Templar organizations and the temperance cause in general. It was thus continued until October 20, 1870, when the name was changed to Jefferson County Journal, an independent paper, as the experiment with a purely temperance organ did not meet with hoped for success. In 1871 the Pratt interest was purchased by 240 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. William J. Allen, and the new firm of Hatch & Allen continued the Journal with a good degree of success until failing health compelled Mr. Hatch's retirement from business. Mr. Allen then became sole proprietor, and has published the paper uninterruptedly to the present time. The circulation exceeds two thousand copies weekly, and the Journal is regarded as one of the substantial newspapers of the Black river country. The office is equipped with excellent job printing ma terial. The only other newspaper venture in Adams was that made in March, 1876, when H. W. Gunther & Co. issued the first number of the Adams Herald, a bright and newsy sheet, but at the end of one year the office material was sold to the owners of the Journal. The town of Wilna, and Carthage village in {particular, has for years been noted for the number and also for the quality of its newspaper publications. Indeed, the statement may be made without boast that Carthage has furnished to the county press some of its most brilliant contributors. The first paper printed in this enterprising village was the Carthagenian, of which David Johnson was editor, but the means nec essary to carry on the work was supplied by Hiram McCullom, for many years the leading business man of the locality. The first issue appeared Dec. 19, 1839. In politics the paper advocated the principles of the whig party, but its special mission was to influence public senti ment in favor of the Black river canal enterprise, which was then being earnestly discussed. On June 18, 1840, William H. Hough, another conspicuous figure in local journalism, became owner of the paper, and in April, 1843, changed its name to Black River Times. During this year the paper ceased publication. The People's Press, a neutral semi-monthly paper, was started Jan uary 1, 1847, by Myron F. Wilson, but soon afterward W. H. Colston became associate editor. In September following, L. Jones took charge, but the Press soon dropped out of existence. It was followed by the Black River Budget, published by Barnes & Burr for one year. The Carthage Standard was started in January, 1858, by the removal of a printing establishment from Constableville. A. W. Allen appears to have directed the affairs of the paper, but W. R. Merrill and E. R. Cole were its real founders, having been its proprietor previous to the removal. Soon after locating at Carthage Mr. Merrill became proprie tor, and was next succeeded by the firm of Merrill & Cole, with Charles T. Hammond as associate editor. In December, 1858, the Standard THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 241 was succeeded by the Black River Gazette, the latter the venture of Almont Barnes and Alva Wilson. It was continued a little more than one year. The Carthage Republican, which has been one of the permanent newspapers of the eastern part of the county, was founded in the spring of 1860 by Marcus Bickford, proprietor, and O. T. Atwood, associate editor. In September, 1865, the paper was sold to James H. Wilbur, who continued it with Mr. Bickford in the editor's chair. In 1866 M. M. Williams became partner in the management, and sole owner in 1872. In January of the next year S. R. Pratt became proprietor and in connection with the Republican published the Farmers' Journal, a grange paper, devoted to agricultural interests. The Journal, how ever, was sold in 1S76 to John O'Donnell, of Lowville. In August of this year Lloyd G. Chase, who has long been known in journalistic circles in the county, purchased the Republican, and installed Jere Coughlin, now the veteran editor of the Watertown Herald, at the head of its literary department. Mr. Chase owned and managed the paper until January, 1892, when he was succeeded by George W. Dickinson, the present proprietor, a practical printer, and now on the thirty-fifth year of his connection with newspaper work. The Northern New Yorker was started in April, 1875, by Durham & Gillett, but in the following fall Wesley Barr became proprietor. In April, 1876, Mr. Coughlin became editor and continued with the paper until it was merged into the Republican. Tbe Carthage Democrat made its initial appearance in the local journalistic field in 1879, under the proprietorship of E. D. Bates, who brought his press and other office equipment from Copenhagen. The paper suspended after three months. The Carthage Leader was established in March; 1876, under the ownership of B. G. & C. E. Seamans, but in June following passed into the hands of Jere Coughlin and was one of four leading country newspapers published in this region which in 1886 were by that capa ble journalist merged into the Watertown Herald. The Carthage Tribune was started in October, 1887, by a company of interested stockholders, but Wm. B. Kesler has all through this period been the active manager and leading spirit of the enterprise. Under his control the Tribune is one of the best country democratic newspapers in the county, and deservedly enjoys a liberal patronage both in its subscription and advertising departments. 31 242 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Sackets Harbor enjoys the prominence of having the second news paper published in the county. On March 18, 1817, George Camp issued the first number of the Sackets Harbor Gazette, and in 1818 changed the name to Gazette and Advertiser, and so continued it until 1820. The paper soon afterward passed into the hands of Matthew Cole, Elisha Camp and others, and on February 9, 1821, the new management changed its name to Jefferson Republican. It was con tinued until the early part of 1823 and then suspended. In the spring of 1824 the Freeman's Advocate was started by Truman Haskell, and was, like its predecessor, a federalistic sheet, showing that although the war had resulted contrary to the expectations of advocates of that party, the old spirit was still rampant in the region. But the Advo cate not only held to the federalist theories but as well was thoroughly anti- masonic in expression. It was a short lived paper and suspended publication in the latter part of 1828. Soon afterward, at just what date is now unknown, James Howe started the Sackets Harbor Courier, which he made a good and reason ably successful general family newspaper. It was discontinued about 1837. In this year was issued the first number of the Jefferson County Whig, the venture of Edward H. Purdy. It was continued about a year, and was followed in October, 1838, by the Sackets Harbor Jour nal, with Edmond M. Luff, publisher, and D. M. Burnham, editor. Mr. Luff soon became sole proprietor and continued the paper until the spring of 1841, when he was succeeded by Joel Greene. The last proprietor was Calvin Greene, under whom the paper suspended in 1843. About this time Joel Greene attempted the publication of a double edition paper called the Black River Journal, which he hoped to circulate freely both at the harbor and the county seat. The enter prise failed of success, and in 1846 the plant passed into the hands of A. W. Clark who conducted it only a short time. The next journalistic venture in this historic village was the Sackets Harbor Observer, founded March 20, 1848, by O. H. Harris, a pub lisher of spirit and capacity, who espoused the cause of the old whig party of that period. In 1852 Mr. Harris associated with Mr. Hunting ton and superseded the Observer with the Jefferson Farmer, neutral in politics, but a bright family paper devoted particularly to agricultural interests. The paper soon afterward passed entirely under Mr. Harris's control, and by him the original name was restored, and was main tained so long as the owner lived in the village. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PRESS. 343 At Cape Vincent the first newspaper was the Cape Vincent Gazette, founded May 8, 1858, by Paul T. Leach. In 1864 it was succeeded by the Frontier Patriot, a spirited paper issued under the ownership of P. H. Keenan until he entered the service and left the management of the office in the hands of Robert Mitchell. The latter suddenly disap peared and never returned, hence further publication was suspended. The Cape Vincent Eagle, one of the most enterprising and ably con ducted country papers of the county, was founded April 10, 1872, by Ames & Hunt. Mr. Ames soon succeeded to the sole proprietorship. On April 24, 1877, the Eagle was sold to Charles B. Wood, a practical newspaper man, and who by reason of his long service is one of the oldest publishers in the county. He is still its owner and editor. Soon after he bought the paper Mr. Wood changed its name to Dem ocratic Eagle, but later on restored the old headline. The Eagle is un questionably one of the strongest democratic country papers on the St. Lawrence river border. The first newspaper published at Theresa was the Theresa Chronicle, which made its appearance January 14, 1848, under the proprietorship of Elisha C. Burt, with James L. Bufford and William Fayel editors. The venture proved unprofitable,, hence publication was suspended after a few years. From this time until 1881 Theresa was without a local paper except the edition of Major Durham's Northern New Yorker, which was for a time circulated in the town under the name of Theresa Journal. The Theresa Advertiser made its appearance in 1881, under the management of W. S. Saunderson, a practical printer, but who unfortu nately lacked experience in the business department. The paper was published about two years. The next venture in this field was made by proprietor Van Slyke of the Antwerp Gazette, who sold an edition of that paper in this town under the name of the Sentinel. This par tially satisfactory arrangement was continued several years, but on January 1, 1895, Allen C. Strough issued the first number ofthe Theresa Weekly Gleaner, a bright, newsy sheet, fully in spirit with other inter ests in this flourishing village. Mr. Strough fills the position of editor and treasurer of the publishing company, and is in fact its owner, with S. P. Severn as business manager. In Clayton the first newspaper was the Clayton Independent started in May, 1873, by William D. Clark and George Beden. Before a year had passed Mr. Clark became sole owner, but at the end of two years 244 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was in turn succeeded by William H. Rees, a native of the town and a lawyer by profession, but nevertheless a capable newspaper publisher and editor. At the expiration of a year Mr. Rees sold out to Warren W. Ames, and the latter to George A. Lansing. Then Mr. Ames again came into control and took as partner Frank D. Rogers, of Chaumont. The next firm was Rogers & Brown, and still later E. C. Rogers ac quired an interest. Under these ownerships tbe paper was published with varying success, but in the winter of 1882-83 a disagreement in the firm led to suspension of the business. The Clayton Standard, the direct outgrowth of which was On The St. Lawrence, of the present day, was established June 23, 1883, by C. E. & F. G. Hocknel. In November, 1884, the senior partner succeeded the firm, and on January 1, 1886, the name of the paper was changed to On The St. Lawrence and Clayton Independent. At this time Mr. Hocknel purchased what was left of the Independent and merged it in his paper under the name mentioned. The latter portion of the name was afterward dropped. The paper was purchased in the winter of 1887 by Ratchford, Phillips & Slate and published by them one year. The next owners were Phillips & McCarn, who continued it two years. In 1890 the Thousand Island Publishing Company (limited) was organ ized with $5,000 capital, and under its management the paper has been successfully conducted. E. J. Welsh was editor until his death late in the fall of 1897. The Free Press was started at Clayton in the spring of 1885 by E. D. & W. M. Vincent, but the field and patronage were both limited, hence the publication was soon suspended. The Antwerp Gazette was the result of the first attempt to establish a newspaper publication in the enterprising village of Antwerp. James M. Beaman was founder of the enterprise and issued the first number of the paper September 1, 1873. On December 24 of the next year he was succeeded by James W. Van Slyke, afterward proprietor of the Philadelphia Monitor and the Theresa Sentinel, both of which were for a time issued from the office of the Gazette. On December 12, 1888, Mr. Van Slyke sold out to M. H. Bent, who continued the papers until February 15, 1892, when Duane W. Fuller succeeded him, and has since issued the Gazette, which is regarded as one of the best weekly newspapers in northern Jefferson county. In August, 1893, the Phila delphia edition of the paper, known as the Monitor, was sold to G. L, Olds. JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 245 _ The Philadelphia Budget was established in June, 1891, by C. R. Stoddard as an 8-column folio. On April 13, 1892, the paper was pur chased by G. L. Olds, formerly of Gouverneur. Under this manage ment the Budget became firmly established in the families of Philadel phia and adjoining towns, but to attain the best business results Mr. Olds, in August, 1893, purchased the subscription list of the Phila delphia Monitor, then printed in Antwerp, and consolidated the papers, so far as this town was concerned, under the name of the Budget Monitor, as now known. The Black River Herald, formerly known as the Croghan News, made its appearance in the enterprising village of Black River in May, 1889, under the proprietorship of P. B. Mereness, a newspaper man of good repute. The paper, however, failed to gain the patronage necessary for its support and was therefore discontinued in April, 1890. CHAPTER XVIII. A Brief History of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and its Kindred Associations — The Jefferson County Historical Society. The first agricultural exhibition within the present state of New York, of which there is any definite knowledge, was a cattle fair held at New Amsterdam, October 15, 1641. On November 11, 1692, an act was passed "for settling fairs and markets in each of the respective' cities and counties throughout this province," which remained in force until repealed by the legislature March 12, 1788. Previous to this time, and on March 8, 1773, a special act provided for fairs to be held in Albany, Cumberland and Tryon counties, but the revolution delayed the organization of any society under the act. Acts were also passed by the early legislatures applying to particular towns, but the custom of holding fairs under them soon fell into disuse. These exhibitions were more properly market days; no premiums were offered, but the products of farm culture were placed side by side and their comparative excellence was left to the determination of the pur chaser, which fact contributed to excite emulation among the producers. These fairs were generally held semi-annually, on fixed days, under the 246 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. direction of "governors and rulers," appointed in colonial times by the governor, and afterward by the judges of the county courts. The society for the promotion of agriculture, arts and manufactures was instituted February 26, 1791, and soon afterward, for more efficient action, the state was divided into as many districts as there were counties. The charter, however, expired in 1804, but the society was continued under the name of the "society for the promotion of useful arts." In 1808-12 premiums were offered for the best cloths of house hold manufacture, a part of which were awarded by the county judge and a part by the society. Under this offer pioneers Noadiah Hubbard and Hart Massey secured some exceedingly fine specimens of wool grown from sheep owned by James Le Ray, and made the same into cloth of such fine texture and finish that the judges could not determine which was the better, therefore divided the premium between the con testants. On April 7, 1819, the legislature created a board of agriculture, and appropriated $10,000 annually for two years to be distributed forthe promotion of agriculture and family domestic manufactures in the several counties, on condition that a like sum be subscribed by the county societies formed under the act. County societies on the Berk shire plan began to be formed in 1817, and by the exertions of DeWitt Clinton, Elkanah Watson and other friends of the measure, they were extended to most of the counties. Nearly all, however, soon fell into disuse, and that of Jefferson county is the only one of all which can trace an unbroken descent from that period. The Jefferson county agricultural society was formed at a meeting held at the house of Isaac Lee, in Watertown, October 25, 1817, and from that time to the present has been one of the permanent institu tions of the county, although during the period one or more reorganiza tions have been effected for the purpose of enlarging the society powers and more efficient operation. This was the second society of its kind in the state (that of Otsego county being the first). Availing them selves of the provisions of tbe acts of 1853 and 1855, the directors and stockholders of the society effected a reorganization, December 7, 1854, but the society has never lost its identity, nor has it failed to hold an annual exhibition. The absolute loss of original records precludes the possibility of a complete history of the society during the earlier years of its existence, but from published accounts data is gathered for this chapter. The JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 247 first officers were James D. Le Ray, president; Jacob Brown, 1st vice- president; Ethel Bronson, 2d vice president; Egbert Ten Eyck, secre tary; Oren Stone, treasurer. The "local committee," or director from each town, as required by law, was comprised as follows: William M. Lord, Hounsfield; Hart Massey, Watertown; George White, Rutland; Noadiah Hubbard, Champion; Ahiza Smith, Henderson; Eliphalet Ed monds, Adams; Nathan Strong, Rodman; Ebenezer Wood, Ellisburgh; Clark Allen, Lorraine; John B. Esseltyn, Lyme; Walter B. Cole, Brownville; Roswell Woodruff, Le Ray; Silvius Hoard, Antwerp; Thomas Brayton, Wilna. The objects of the society, as declared by the articles of association, were, 1st, "the promotion and improvement of agricultural and rural economy, " but it was also provided that "no salary or pecuniary re ward shall be allowed to any officers or committee of this society for discharging their official duties." All other provisions and precautions necessary for the government and well being of the society were duly attended to, but it is hardly necessary to mention them at length in this chapter. The first "cattle show and fair," as it was then called, was held September 28 and 29, 1818, and was a notable event in county annals. The agricultural address, customary on such occasions, was delivered by James D. Le Ray, the president, who then was one of the most prominent and influential men in this part ofthe state. Indeed, he was the originator of the society, as he was of the state society of later years. Governor De Witt Clinton was also present and made an ad dress. If all accounts be true the attendance on both days was very large, the display of stock and farm produce was gratifying, while the assembled county folk were very much interested in the exhibitions by Noadiah Hubbard and Colonel Harris in driving fifteen yoke of fine cattle attached to a cart, and a similar feat by Roswell Woodruff, who drove seventeen yoke of cattle in the same manner. A plowing match was another of the features, while in the village a grand celebration was held, and a salute was fired at the arsenal in honor of the event. In this year a viewing committee was appointed, comprising Samuel Brown, James Parker, Simeon Hunt, Curtis G. Brooks and Samuel Evans, who "visited nine towns, examined 75 subjects, and awarded 22 premiums in cups, goblets and spoons, worth $128; three premiums in plate, worth $25, on the plowing match; 18 premiums on stock, worth $156; and 14 premiums on domestic manufactures, worth $93. 248 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On March 28, 1828, an act of incorporation was secured for the so ciety, naming as incorporators " Le Ray de Chaumont" (James D. Le Ray), Perley Keyes, Elisha Camp, Peter N. Cushman, Egbert Ten Eyck, Rodney Burt, Daniel Eames, Micah Sterling, Noadiah Hubbard, Orville Hungerford, George White, Hiram Merrill, John Brown, Cur tis Golden, Samuel C. Kannady, Ezekiel Jewett, Albert Brayton, Sam uel Brown, John B. Esseltyn, Abijah Farwell, Edmund Kirby, "Vin cent Le Ray de Chaumont," Alfred Freeman, Simeon Hunt, Stoel Warner, Asa Carter, Jonathan Graves, William Doxtader, Clark Allen, Liberty Bates, "and such as might join." The new officers elected under this act were James Le Ray, presi dent; Perley Keyes, Elisha Camp and Peter N. Cushman, vice-presi dents; Orville Hungerford, treasurer; Egbert Ten Eyck, secretary. Two years later (1830), the society appealed to the legislature for authority to offer premiums to owners of horses for superiority in speed trials, such action being necessary from the fact that horses raised in the county were unsalable by reason of the distance of the region from the markets in which horses were purchased, hence there was no in ducement to breed such animals without fair probability of sale. The legislative committee reported favorably on the measure, but it did not become a law. In 1841 (May 5) an act was passed to encourage agricultural societies, by which the local organization was to receive $183 for five years, which action made reorganization necessary. Two years afterward an exhi bition hall was built in rear of the court house (as then located) for the society's use, but on August 24, 1851, land was purchased on the Brown ville road, fences were built and buildings were erected for the perma nent use of the society. The grounds comprised ten acres, but a later purchase added another ten acres, on which from time to time suitable halls and other buildings have been erected until now the society is as well equipped for fair purposes as any interior county in the state. From these elements the present Jefferson county agricultural society has grown, and at all times during its history has been regarded as one of the fixed institutions of the county. Indeed it has ever been pro gressive and permanent, which cannot be said of any similar society in the state. The absence of early records confines our statements to bare facts, but through the endeavors of interested members we are able to furnish to the reader a complete succession of presidents of the society from the time of organization, as follows : LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 249 James Le Ray, 1817-29; Jacob Brown, 1829-32; Vincent Le Ray, 1832-36; Noadiah Hubbard, 1836-38; George White, 1838-40; Orville Hungerford, 1841 ; Micah Sterling, 1842; Edmund Kirby, 1843; Hart Massey, 1844; Charles E. Clarke, 1845; Henderson Howk, 1846 ; Edward S. Salisbury, 1847 ; Willard Ives, 1848 ; Moses Eames, 1849 ; Jason Clark, 1850; Marsena R. Patrick, 1851; John A. Sherman, 1852; John Winslow, 1853; Solon D. Hungerford, 1854; Edward S. Massey. 1855; Benjamin Maxon, 1856; James Brodie, 1857; Alanson P. Sigourney, 1858; Cliff Eames, 1859; William Rouse. 1860; Hiram Converse, 1861; Evelyn F. Carter, 1862; Thomas V. Maxon, 1863; Daniel Parker, 1864; Tilley R. Pratt, 1865; Charles A- Benjamin, 1866; Lorenzo Baldwin, 1867; Daniel Green, 1868; John M. Wilcox 1869; Tilley R. Pratt, 1870; Simeon Mather, 1871; Samuel W. Strough, 1872; Norris Winslow, 1873; Alvin H. Hall, 1874; Henry Spicer, 1875; Madison Cooper, 1875, viceSpicer, resigned; Elliott Makepeace, 1876; Solon E. Hungerford, 1877; James F. Converse, 1878; Andrew C. Middleton, 1879-80; Royal Fuller, 1881-83; F. H. McNitt, 1884-86; H. S. Barbour, 1887; C. D. Hebert, 1888; H. S. Dean, 1889; Harrison Fuller, 1890-91; I. P. Wodell, 1892; F. R. Smith, 1893; Isaac Mitchell, 1893, vice Smith, resigned; J. A. D. Snell, 1893-94, vice Mitchell, deceased; E. A. Ayres, 1895; J. Sterling Sill, 1896; H. S. Barbour, 1897. The officers of the society for the current year 1897 are as follows: Henry S. Bar bour, Watertown, president; John M. Wilcox, Three Mile Bay, and E. E. Parker, Brownville, vice-presidents; Frank M. Parker, Watertown, treasurer; W. R. Skeels, Watertown, secretary; Harrison S. Dean, East Rodman, J. D. Lowe, Stone Mills, Walter Zimmerman, Brownville, Edward S. Pool, East Watertown, Fred B. Webb, Pierrepont Manor, and Will C. Baker, Watertown, directors ; P. T. Hammond, gen eral superintendent. Local agricultural societies were authorized by acts to which refer ence has been made on preceding pages. The first of the class in this county, and one of the first town societies in the state was that formed at Ellisburgh March 8, 1849, and originally known as the Ellisburgh agricultural society, of which Alvah Bull was president; Mason Salis bury and A. G. Earl, vice-presidents ; Wm. T. Searles, recording secre tary; Samuel Hackley, corresponding secretary; and Green Packer, James Brodie, A. F. Wood, M. Stearns, M. S. Wood and T. Shepard, executive committee. In the course of a few years it became desira ble to enlarge the jurisdiction of the society, and the town of Adams and Henderson were admitted to the privileges of the organization, hence a friendly rivalry naturally arose, each town striving to make the best exhibit at the annual meeting. The result was a large and successful society, and one which maintained a healthful existence for many years, but later the society declined and after several years of indifferent success the meetings were discontinued. The towns men tioned were added to the jurisdiction of the society, January 8, 1853, but with the understanding at that time that the annual exhibition was 32 250 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to be held in Ellisburgh. However, when the meetings there were no longer profitable, fairs were held at Adams. The joint society, the Ellisburgh, Adams and Henderson agricultural society, was incorpo rated January 21, 1856. The Cape Vincent agricultural society was organized in the early part of the year 1850, was distinctively a local institution and retained that character two years, when Lyme, Clayton and Wolf island were allowed to enter their products and compete for premiums. The so ciety flourished for several years and then the interest for some reason began to decline. The annual fairs were held irregularly and finally were discontinued. The society, however, never lost its identity and during more recent years has been revived, and now is the only town society in the county holding annual fairs. The Antwerp union agricultural society was incorporated August 3, 1872, prospered for several years and with others of its class gradually passed out of existence. The Redwood union agricultural society was incorporated August 27, 1874, but during the succeeding ten years was operated with vary ing success and finally dissolved. The Carthage union agricultural society was formed July 17, 1875, and began its career with every prospect of a continued existence. A desirable, site was secured, the grounds fenced and buildings were erected, and annual exhibitions were held for some time, but through some lack of interest the enterprise was finally abandoned. Incidental to the agricultural societies of the county, past and pres ent, are the granges, and while the latter are in a measure the out growth of the former they are in no way connected. Farmers' clubs had been formed in the county previous to 1873, for purely local pur poses, but for perfect protection and co operation the various grange organizations were formed. As is well understood, at that time far mers' interests had seriously declined, and the agriculturalists were more or less subject to the importunities of designing persons and poli ticians who sought only personal advantage. To resist these machin ations and at the same time to draw the farming classes into closer and more friendly relationship, the organization known as patrons of hus- bandy, or more commonly, granges, had been suggested and brought into existence. The first attempt to form a grange in the county was made in 1873, at a meeting of the farmers' club held June 27, when Wm. H. H. Ells- PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 351 worth was elected master, and V. C. Warriner secretary. The informal organization having been perfected, the national grange recognized the county society, and on January 26, 1874, granted it a charter. This was the beginning of a popular movement in the county, and as soon as the benefits of the proposed creations became known and understood by the farmers of the towns, granges were formed all through the re gion. A movement so sudden and widespread could not but attract attention from persons in authority, and others ambitious to become leaders for selfish ends, therefore the history of the grange from 1874 to 1885 was not one of complete success according to the strict inten tions of its founders. It became in a great measure a political organ ization. Many members were not agriculturalists in any sense and sought only political preferment at the expense of the members in good faith, hence for a time the order fell into disrepute, and it was not until it became entirely divorced from politics that grange affairs became beneficial to those for whom it was intended. This purging process required years to accomplish, and in many cases societies ceased to exist, but at last the desired end was reached and the grange was thenceforth recognized as one of the strongest institutions of the county, and a fac tor for great good among farming classes. By it they are banded and united in fraternal bonds, their interests are protected, and by the free and friendly interchange of sentiment on agricultural and general sub jects a lasting benefit has resulted. In 1873 there were three grange organizations in the county, with only a limited membership ; at the present time the granges number thirty-two, with a total membership of more than four thousand per sons. In addition is the county or Pomona grange, the members of which are drawn from the local organizations, and number 350 persons. The granges formed in 1873 were Union, of Ellisburgh, the town being almost always foremost in public enterprises ; also Watertown grange of Watertown, and Star grange of Hounsfield. They are numbered. respectively, 5, 7 and 9. Several of the town granges are incorporated and own property, their possessions generally consisting of a grange hall ; while their members are provident and progressive, and include many of the most substantial farmers of the county, the local officers have been neglectful in making and preserving records of the transac tions of their organization, which fact precludes the possibility of a complete history of each grange in the county. However, from rec ords extant we may learn the name, number and location of each, to- 252 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gether with its membership and present master, which may be noted about as follows, in the order of seniority. Union grange, No. 5, Ellisburgh, 164 members, J. J. Mather, master; Watertown grange, No. 7, Watertown, 449 members, H. P. Dunlap, master; Star grange, No. 9, Hounsfield, 172 members, A. M. Marsh, master; LaFargeville grange, No. 15, Orleans, 148 members, F. D. Gurnee, master; Mannsville grange, No. 16, Ellisburgh, 113 members, George Staplin, master; Champion grange, No. 18, Champion, 75 members, Ives B. Loomis, master; Indian River grange, No. 19, Antwerp, George Petty, master; South Rutland grange, No. 53, Rutland, 110 members, Elon O. Andrus, master; Depauville grange, No. 59, Clayton, 116 members, P. D. Patch, master; Smithville grange. No. 60, Henderson, 62 members, A. A. Robbins, mas ter; Pamelia Grange, No. 68, Pamelia, 202 members, E. J. Colligan, master; Car thage grange, No. 69, Wilna, 82 members, E. G. Lewis, master ; Philadelphia grange, No. 114, 208 members, Milan Baker, master, Lorraine grange, No. 117, Lorraine, 115 members, A. N. Fralick, master; Three Mile Bay grange, No. 126, Lyme, 139 members, George E. Herrick, master; Henderson grange, No. 145, Henderson, 88 members, W. C. Barrett, master; Adams grange, No. 145, Adams, J. H. Bemis, master; St. Lawrence grange. No. 396, Cape Vincent, 158 members, J. H. Corbin, master ; Natural Bridge grange, No. 497, Wilna, 104 members, F. W. Palmer, mas ter; Adams Center grange, No. 590, Adams, 204 members, A. M. Sanford, master; 1000 Island Grange, No. 593, Orleans, 80 members, Henry Otis, master; Cape Vin cent grange, No. 599, Cape Vincent, 82 members, F. E. McWayne, master; Perch River grange, Mo. 626, Brownville, 46 members, Wm. Pratt, master ; Plessis grange, No. 629, Alexandria, 187 members, Jerome Frost, master: Great Bend grange, No. 643, Champion, 132 members, Hugh Roberts, master; Clayton grange, No. 647, Clayton, 104 members, A. E. Spaulding, master; Theresa grange. No. 660, Theresa, 160 members, Irvin Van Allen, master ; Kirkland grange, No. 684, Alexandria, M. J. Jewett, master; Ox Bow grange, No. 691, Antwerp, 122 members, Corbett Bacon, master; Dexter grange, No. 724, Brownville, 211 members, Washington Sargent, master. The Jefferson County Historical Society. For more than a quarter of a century previous to the organization of the Jefferson county historical society the need of such an institution was seriously felt, especially among those of the county's people who represented an element of pioneership. The subject was discussed in an informal way, and at an occasional assemblage in which older resi dents chanced to be present, the desirability of a permanent organiza tion was urged with considerable zeal ; yet year after year passed and nothing tangible was the result. At length, in the early part of April, 1886, the press of the county publicly announced that on the 6th of that month a preliminary meeting would be held in the city for the purpose of determining the question, and, if desirable, the initial steps toward forming the society would be taken. JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 253 The persons foremost in this praisworthy effort were Col. Walter B. Camp, Charles R. Skinner, Daniel S. Marvin, Rev. Dr. R. Fisk, Col. Albert D. Shaw and perhaps others whose names did not appear in the published record. At the preliminary meeting, in addition to those already mentioned, were Dr. A. T. Jacobs, Justus Eddy, Philo M. Brown, J. A. Parker, Rev. J. Winslow, R. A. Oakes, Moses Eames, Sidney Cooper, E. M. Gates, Beman Brockway and F. D. Rogers. A temporary organization was effected by electing Mr. Brockway chairman, and Mr. Fisk secretary, after which followed a free discus sion of the subject, resulting in the appointment of a committee of five (Albert D. Shaw, Philo M. Brown, R. A. Oakes, W. B. Camp and Sid ney Cooper) to examine the draft of proposed constitution and by laws previously submitted by Mr. Skinner, and report a definite plan of organization at a meeting to be held May 10th following. The meeting was held at the appointed time, the constitution and by laws were adopted, officers were elected, and the society organiza tion was fully perfected. The constitution declared the object of the society to be the. " discovery, collection, preservation and publication of the history, historical records and data of and pertaining to Jefferson county; the collection and preservation of books, newspapers, pam phlets, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relics, manuscripts, let ters, journals, surveys, field books, and any and all other materials which may establish or illustrate such history," &c. It was also provided that the officers "should consist of a president, three vice-presidents, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, a librarian and a treasurer, each to be elected annually." Provision was also made for a board of councilors of twenty-six members, from among whom should be chosen an executive committee of five persons, and the latter, with the officers, to constitute a board of managers. The first officers of the society were as follows : President, Beman Brockway; vice-presidents, Col. Walter B. Camp, Moses Eames, John C. Sterling; recording secretary, Richmond Fisk; corresponding sec retary, R. A. Oakes; librarian and custodian, Daniel S. Marvin; treas urer, Nathaniel C. Wardwell; executive committee, A. D. Shaw, Fred Emerson, Justus Eddy, Sidney Cooper, P. Mi Brown. Thus was the Jefferson county historical society brought into active existence and successful operation. Its membership from the first has been large, its meetings have been well attended, and its affairs pru dently conducted. As a result of this general interest a valuable col- 254 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lection of historic relics and documents has been secured. The annual meeting in January in a good measure became a public function and on each occasion well known speakers and essayists contributed to the entertainment. Mr. Brockway continued in the office of president un til his death, December 16, 1892, and was then succeeded by Col. Walter B. Camp, former vice-president. The annual meeting in January, 1898, was not held, on account of the illness of the president and the absence from the county of other prominent members and officers. As a con sequence tbe officers at the last preceding annual meeting, January 13, 1897, were continued in their respective positions. However, in the year last mentioned, Secretary Ingalls died, and on May 11, George B. Massey was elected his successor. On the same date Mr. Marvin re signed his office as librarian and custodian, and Sidney Cooper was elected in his stead. The present members number nearly 150 persons. The present officers of the society are as follows: President, Col. Walter B. Camp; vice presidents, Elijah J. Clark and John C. Sterling; recording secretary, George B. Massey; corresponding secretary, va- vant; librarian and custodian, Sidney Cooper; treasurer, Nathaniel P. Wardwell. CHAPTER XIX. A Chapter Relating to Internal Improvements in Jefferson County — Public High ways—State Roads— Turnpikes— Plank Roads — Canals— Railroads— Post Routes- Early Lake Navigation — Telegraph Lines. From the beginning of settlement in the territory now comprising Jefferson county to the close of the war of 1812-15, there was a con stant disturbance of some kind which was calculated to retard develop ment and delay progress in almost every direction. When the first surveyors came to the region, the lake and river front was in possession of the British, who held their positions in violation of treaty stipula tions, and who only withdrew in 1796. Soon afterward, while there was no actual occupation by the military forces of the mother country, there were nevertheless political differences between Great Britain and the United States, which culminated in the war of which a preceding chapter treats. Notwithstanding this, and in spite of the fact that the INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 255 region was at all times subject to sudden invasion by hostile armed forces, there was shown in the first score of years of the county's history a constant and healthful growth, both in population and the develop ment of resources. The proprietors of the several tracts of land which comprised the county were active in every work tending to promote their own interests, but the state authorities were soon called upon to give assistance in laying out and constructing thoroughfares of travel and transportation for the accommodation of settlers and others who sought homes in the new region. The need of a proper system of highways frequently proved a serious embarrassment to the military authorities of tbe state and federal governments during the war of 1812, and had the turnpike been built between Johnstown and Sackets Har bor, as long before " prayed for " in an earnest appeal to the legisla ture, the battle of Sandy creek would not have been fought. At that early day there were but two popular roads for travel to the interior of the county, one by way of the Black river to High Falls and thence to the long falls and on down the river to its mouth, and the other by way of the Oswego river and Lake Ontario to the northern and west ern border of the county. The French road, so called, was perhaps the first highway in the county, and was constructed soon after settlement began, by Rudolph Tillier, agent for the proprietors of the Chassanis tract. It began at High Falls, east of the river, and run thence to the great bend, opposite the extreme north part of Champion, and from that point continued a nearly direct course to the present village of Clayton. The old road, however, eventually passed out of existence when more convenient highways were built. The Oswegatchie road was the result of an effort looking to that end which was begun in the latter part of 1799, although not until several years later was the road in fact built, and then not on the route at first proposed. Judge Nathan Ford was the prime mover of the enterprise, and he hoped to connect Oswegatchie with the Mohawk valley, afford ing easy communication with Albany. On March 26, 1803, the legislature authorized a lottery scheme for the purpose of raising a fund to construct roads in the state, chiefly in the Black river country. One of them was to extend from Rome to Brownville, and thence to the St. Lawrence, and another from near Preston's tavern, in Steuben, to High Falls, and thence through Turin, Lowville, Champion, Rutland, Watertown and Brownville, and inter- 256 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sect the other road between Brownville and the south bounds of great lot No. 4 of Macomb's purchase. Jacob Brown, Walter Martin and Peter Schuyler were appointed under the act to locate the road through the Black river valley, which was built at a cost of $30,000, and was known as the "State Road." The commissioners who laid out the second road were Henry McNiel, George Doolittle and Bill Smith, who were appointed March 26, 1803. An act of the legislature passed April 8, 1808, authorized Augustus Sackett, David I. Andrus and John Meacham to lay out a four rods wide state road from some convenient point in either Brownville or Hounsfield, as the judgment of the commissioners should determine, and to extend thence to unite with the road leading from Rome to the St. Lawrence. An act of the legislature, passed April 2, 1813, authorized the sur veyor-general to dispose of certain unappropriated lands of the state, and thereby create a fund of $4,000 to construct a road from Sackets Harbor to the village of Rome, and appointed as commissioners to supervise the work Henry Huntington, Clark Allen and Dan Taft. This thoroughfare when finished was made a stage road and one of the chief routes of travel to and from the region. Its necessity became apparent to the state authorities during the war then in progress. The Salt Point or state road between Salina (Syracuse) and Smith's Mills (Adams), was authorized by an act passed April 1, 1814, and was laid out by William Smith, George Brayton and Benjamin Wright. The road was built with a $5,000 fund derived from duties on salt and a tax on tbe land benefited. From the fact that the road was in part paid for with salt duties, and also led direct to the salt region, it was afterward known as the "Salt road." It was soon afterward continued to Dexter. In pursuance of an act of the legislature passed April 17, 1816, com missioners Robert McDowell, Eben Lucas and Abel Cole laid out a state road from Lowville to Henderson Harbor, which was built in part but not fully, as the region through which it was to be run was not well settled, nor were the lands of such a character as would justify the ex pense. However, the town of Pinckney was greatly benefited by this road. A road between French creek (Clayton) and Watertown was autho rized by an act passed April 1, 1824, and Amos Stebbins, Azariah Doane and Henry H. Coffeen were directed to supervise its construe- INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 257 tion and lay it out in such manner as would best serve the public in terests. The first principal highway between Antwerp and Canton, which was paid for by tax on lands benefited, was built in pursuance of an act passed April 18, 1828. On April 19, 1834, the legislature authorized a new road between a point on the Lyme and Clayton town boundary and extending thence to Chippewa bay, in Hammond; to be built at a cost of not more than $100 per mile, and paid for by tax on adjoining lands. The commis sioners were Loren Bailey, Azariah Walton and Eldridge Merrick, but the road was not completed until several years afterward, and the limit within which it was to be built was extended three times. A state road between the village of Carthage and Lake Champlain was authorized by an act of the legislature passed April 4, 1841; but the enabling act was amended in 1843, 1844 and again in 1847. It was soon afterward surveyed and opened, and was a highway of great im portance for many years although built through a then uninhabited and almost wilderness region. The highways which were surveyed and built under the immediate authority and in whole or in part at the expense of the state were gen erally called state roads whether they were or not such in fact. The roads to which reference has been made in preceding paragraphs were chiefly of this character, and were constructed whenever the persons most interested had sufficient influence with the legislative power to secure them. However, private enterprise on the part of agents of the several land companies operating in this part of the state caused the construction of many of the best early thoroughfares in the county; but roads laid out under this direction were built wholly to suit the interests of the proprietary, and without regard to the general wel fare. There were also the turnpike companies, all of which performed their work in pursuance of acts of the legislature. The government, too, had a part in highway construction in Jefferson county. This was done to connect the military stations along the St. Lawrence from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain. The work was done during the years 1818 and 1819, the route in this county being from Sackets Har bor through Brownville, Pamelia Four corners and Redwood to Ham mond. This was the afterward known " Military road." In the same manner a brief reference may be made to some of the more important 33 258 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. turnpike companies whose roads were factors in the early history and development of our county. Turnpikes. — The Oneida and Jefferson turnpike company was incor porated by an act of the legislature passed April 8, 1808, the corpor ators being Nathan Sage, Peter Colt, Augustus Sacket, Jacob Brown, David Smith and Eliphalet. Edmonds. Capital $4,700, in $25 shares. The company was authorized to "make a good road from near the house of James Tryon, in Rome, to Redfield; to the south branch of Sandy creek, in Malta; to Putnam's ferry on the St. Lawrence." On March 3, 1834, another comany of the same name was incorported with a capital of $20,000. The charter was amended in 1835 but the com pany never accomplished their proposed work. The St. Lawrence turnpike company, organized April 5, 1810, was for more than fifteen years one of the important corporations of the county. Its leading spirit was James Le Ray, who was associated with about thirty land proprietors in northern New York for the purpose of building a highway from a point about five miles north of Carthage to Bangor, in Franklin county. Russell Atwater was in charge of the work of construction, the cost of which was paid by subscription. The corporation was dissolved' in April, 1827, upon which the road was abandoned to the public. The Ogdensburgh turnpike company was organized June 8, 1812, just previous to the outbreak of the war. In the company and the work accomplished by it David Parish was a controlling factor, and expended largely of his own means to build the highway from Carthage to Ogdens burgh, through the towns of Wilna, Antwerp, Rossie and Morristown. James Le Ray was also prominently counected with this road. In 1826 the road lost its corporate character and was surrendered to the public use. The Black River and Sackets Harbor turnpike company was organ ized under authority of the legislature (by an act passed March 30, 1811), for the construction of a road from Lowville, by way of Mun ger's mills (Copenhagen) and Watertown, to Brownville. The members of the company were Daniel Kelley, John Paddock and John Brown. The road, however, was not built, nor was the companion highway constructed by the Sackets Harbor turnpike company, extending from Munger's Mills to Sackets Harbor. The proprietors of the latter com pany were Elisha Camp, Corlis Hinds and Thomas Converse; capital $20,000. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, 359 The Cape Vincent turnpike, as it was commonly known after its com pletion, was built by James Le Ray during the years 1815-16. On February 12, 1812, Mr. Le Ray had petitioned the legislature for per mission to build a highway from Black river, opposite Watertown, to the St. Lawrence river, but the state of war then existing delayed the measure, and not until March 31, 1815, was the enabling act passed authorizing the worthy proprietor to build and maintain a turnpike road between Cape Vincent and Perch river. Commissioners Elisha Camp, Musgrove Evans and Robert McDowell laid out the road, but the pro prietor was not compelled to build the bridge across Chaumont river.1 On April 12, 1816, authority was given to extend the road to Brown ville. On April 21, 1831, this road shared the fate of its predecessors and was surrendered to the public. Plank Roads. — The constitution of 1 846 forbade special legislation, and provided for general laws under which corporations should be or ganized. • One of these was " an act to provide for the incorporation of companies to construct plank roads and turnpikes." Under the provi sions of this act, and between 1848 and 1852, several hundred corpora tions were formed and several thousand miles of plank road were built in the state, of which at the present time less than one per cent, is in use, having been abandoned and divided into road districts as public town highways. The companies were required to report to the state but generally neglected to do so. The first board of " plank road inspectors " in this county comprised William Wood, Samuel Boyden and Walter Collins, appointed Nov. 17, 1847. From that time the incumbents of the office were kept very busy in performing their duties in the county, where during the years 1849- 51, many plank roads were built. However, it can hardly be consid ered within the proper scope of this work to refer at any length to the many highways opened and plank roads built under the provisions of the law as it then stood, but a mere mention of each, with date of or ganization, will suffice for our record. The Watertown and Sackets Harbor plank road company was the pioneer of its kind in the county, and was organized August 7, 1847 ; inspected June 13, 1848. Next came the Antwerp, Sterlingville and Great Bend plank road company, formed December 5, 1848, followed, 1 An act of the legislature passed March 12, 1813, authorized Vincent Le Ray de Chaumont and his associates to build a toll bridge over Chaumont river at "the place where the Cape Vin cent turnpike crosses." 260 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. about in the order mentioned, by the Lowville and Carthage, organized 1848; inspected 1849; the Carthage and Antwerp, organized 1849, road finished November, 1849; the Governeur, Somerville and Antwerp, 1849 ; the Pamelia and Evans Mills, 1849 ; the Watertown and Great Bend, 1849; the Great Bend and Copenhagen, 1849; the Rutland and Champion, 1849; the Watertown plank and turnpike rqad, 1849; the Watertown Central railroad, 1849; the Adams and Ellisburgh, 1849; the Dexter, Brownville and Pamelia, 1849 ; the Dexter and Limerick, 1849; the Dexter and Hounsfield, 1849; tbe Theresa and Alexandria Bay, 1849; the Theresa, and Clayton, 1849; the Hammond, Rossie and Antwerp, January 23, 1850; the Evans Mills and Ox Bow, 1852; the Theresa plank road, 1852. Canals. — The Jefferson county canal company was incorporated by the legislature April 15, 1828. The act authorized Vincent Le Ray, Philip Schuyler, Egbert Ten Eyck, Elisha Camp, Jason Fairbanks, Levi Beebe, Arthur Bronson, John Felt and Joseph Kimball " to make, con struct and forever maintain a canal of suitable width and dimensions from a point at the long falls, on Black river (Carthage), thence on the most eligible route through the village of Watertown to Sackets Har bor, on Lake Ontario." The capital of the company was $300,000, and the time within which the canal was to be completed was five years. This proposed waterway was never built. The Black river, between Carthage and High Falls, was declared a public highway by an act passed March 16, 1821, and on March 28, 1828, the Black river canal company was incorporated, but many years passed before the canal was in fact opened for traffic, or before the river was used as a highway for common carriers ; therefore, the construction of the local canal was im practicable. The effectual act by which the Black river canal was finally built was passed April 10, 1836, and work was begun the follow ing summer. In 1857 the state abandoned its plans for improving the channel of Black river by wing dams and piers, and ordered a dam lock to be built at the mouth of Otter creek ; and later on another dam was built and has since been maintained at Carthage. The " Black River company," which was incorporated April 17, 1832, was authorized to connect by railroads or canals, the Erie canal, at or near Rome or Her kimer, or both of them, with waters flowing into the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburgh, which are or may be rendered navigable, with the St. Lawrence at Cape Vincent, and with Lake Ontario at Sackets Harbor; and also to so improve Black river between High Falls and the village INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 261 of Carthage as to render the same navigable." The company carried forward tbe river improvement, and in 1832 built the " Cornelia" at Carthage, but the work of canal building fell upon the successor com pany, and was not finished until about twenty years later. In 1837, soon after the canal was begun, the people of this county seriously dis cussed the project of continuing the water course from Carthage to Og densburgh or to some other available point on the St. Lawrence; and during the years 1837, '38 and '39 meetings were held in several of the central and northern towns to interest the inhabitants in the scheme. On May 2, 1839, the legislature authorized a survey of the region, and Edward H. Broadhead did the work during the summer. He reported to the legislature in 1X40, and provision was made for the selection of one of the several routes suggested, but about that time the change of policy by the state so affected the project that it was finally abandoned. Railroads. — The Watertown and Rome railroad company and the Black river company were brought into existence by separate acts of the legislature, both passed April 17, 1832, and each contemplating the construction of a railroad in this county over what was substantially the same course, although the Black river company had the option of building either a railroad or a canal. The act which incorporated the distinctively railroad company provided that Orville Hungerford and Heniy H. Coffeen, and such others as should become stockholders in the company, " shall be a body corporate and politic, by the name of 'The Watertown and Rome Railroad Company,' " authorized to build a road from Rome to Watertown, and thence to the St. Lawrence river or Lake Ontario. Capital, $1,000,000. Work was to begin within three years and be completed within five years. Henry H. Coffeen, Edmund Kirby, Orville Hungerford and William Smith were appointed com missioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. The work, however, was neither begun nor completed within the required time, and on May 10, 1836, it became necessary to revive and amend the charter by leg islative action; and still again on May 6, 1837, when the line of the road was divided into three separate sections, either of which was permitted to be built under the amendments, but the sum of $10,000 was required to be expended within two years and the entire road fin ished in six years. Even this was not done, and on May 17, 1845, and again on April 28, 1848, recourse was had to the legislature for exten sions of time. Work on the road was begun in 1848 (Nov.) at Rome, and it was opened to Camden in 1849 ; to Pierrepont Manor in May, 262 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1851; to Watertown in September, 1851; to Chaumont in November of the same year, and to Cape Vincent, May 1, 1852. The Watertown and Cape Vincent railroad company was incorporated May 13, 1836, with $50,000 capital, to build a railroad between the county seat and Cape Vincent ; but as a separate organization nothing further than surveying was done, and the road when finally built was the property of the Watertown and Rome company. The Trenton and Sackets Harbor railroad company was incorporated May 15, 1837, with $600,000 capital, and authorized to build and oper ate a railroad detween Trenton, Oneida county, and Sackets Harbor. However, under the charter nothing was done and it remained for the successor, the Sackets Harbor and Ellisburgh company, to do whatever was accomplished. The subject was one of discussion only from 1848 to 1850, and in the latter year a new organization was perfected. Work was soon begun and on June 1, 1851, the road was opened, connecting Pierrepont Manor with Sackets Harbor. It was abandoned in 1862. The Sackets Harbor and Saratoga railroad company was chartered April 10, 1848, with $2,000,000 capital, to build a road between the points mentioned. The road was partly graded, but little else was done before the name was changed to Lake Ontario and Hudson rail road, the latter having been incorporated April 6, 1857. No part of the road was ever completed. The Ogdensburgh, Clayton and Rome railroad company was incor porated February 19, 1853, to build a road between the villages men tioned. The capital was $2,000,000, but after tbe work was partly done the enterprise was abandoned. The Potsdam and Watertown railroad company was organized Jan. 8, 1854, with $2,000,000 capital, to build a railroad between Potsdam and Watertown. Work was at once begun and on April 1, 1S57, the company was ready for business. In 1860 the company consolidated with the Watertown and Rome railroad company. This road is now a part of the system which extends throughout this county and is op erated by the Central-Hudson Company, of which mention will be made on a later page. The Sackets Harbor and Watertown railroad company was incor porated August 25, 1855, with $110,000 for the purpose of connecting the count}' seat with the leading lake port in the county or region. The line of the proposed road was surveyed but nothing further was done in tbe work of construction by that company. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 263 The Black River and Utica (commonly called the Utica and Black river) railroad company was incorporated January 29, 1853, opened their road to Trenton, January 1, 1855, and to Boonville on December 18 following. In 1868 the line was extended to Lowville, and in 1872 opened to Carthage, for it was the original intention of the company when formed to operate a continuous line of road from Utica to Clay ton. While tbe main line from Utica was being extended to Carthage an affiliated company (the Carthage, Watertown and Sackets Harbor) was organized and built a road between the points named, and when completed to Carthage, in 1872, it was merged in the Utica and Black river system. The Clayton and Theresa road was finished in 1873, and in 1875 became a part of the Utica and Black river road. In 1874 that part of the C, W. & S. H. road between the harbor and the county seat was completed and with the other part of the line passed under the control of the U. & B. R. company. The Black River and Morristown company was incorporated March 22, 1870 (capital $600,000), to build a railroad from Philadelphia, in this county, to Morristown, in St. Lawrence county, a distance of thirty - seven miles. The road was completed between Philadelphia and The resa in December, 1872, and when all was nearly finished, on October 29, 1873, it was leased to the U. & B. R. company on condition that the lessee finish and operate it. Indeed, by these negotiations the road virtually passed into the hands of the U. & B. R. Co. The road was completed to Redwood in November, 1874, and just one year later was entirely finished. The lessees connected the line with Ogdensburgh and operated the entire road as a part of their system until it finally passed into tbe hands of the R., W. &'0. company. The Carthage and Adirondack railroad company owes its existence to tbe efforts of George Gilbert, a lawyer of Carthage, and Joseph Pahud of Harrisville, who urged the construction of a line of railroad between these points as early as 1865. In 1866 surveys were made and in the same year the legislature authorized the incorporation of the company, but that was not in fact accomplished until the early part of 1883. The work of construction was begun, however, in 1869, and the roadbed was practically completed as far as Natural Bridge, then aban doned, and was only resumed with the organization of the Carthage and Adirondack company in the spring of 1883. In the meantime, the Clifton mining company proposed to build a road from their property to De Kalb Junction, to connect with the other line, and in 1868 the 364 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Black River and St. Lawrence railroad company was organized for that purpose. In 1883 this road consolidated with the C. & A- com pany's road, and when finally completed they became a part of the R., W. & O. system. The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburgh railroad company, to which frequent reference has been made, was incorporated January 14, 1875, under the general laws of 1850 (relating to such corporations) for the purpose of acquiring by lease, purchase or construction railroad proper ties and appurtenances, and operating them according to the laws of the state. On April 15, 1886, the company leased for a term of years all the lines of railroad formerly occupied by the Utica and Black river com pany in this county (and elsewhere as well) and managed them as a consolidated system until March, 1891, when they were leased to the New York Central and Hudson river railroad company, thus becoming a part of the great Central-Hudson sytem; a system almost complete so far as management is concerned ; but of doubtful benefit to Jefferson county from the fact that it has no competing lines of railroad, and all shippers and travelers are subject to the possible exactions of a single corporation, which in the absence of opposition may become oppressive. Post Routes ' were laid out and established through various portions of the county as follows : April 21, 1806, from Harrisburgh through Williamstown (De Kalb), Ogdensburgh, Potsdam, Chateaugay, to Plattsburgb ; also from Rome through Redfield, Adams (by Smith's Mills), to Sackets Harbor, and thence to Chaumont. April 28, 1810, from Utica, via Whitestown, Rome, Camden, Adams and Sackets Har bor to Brownville; from Utica, via Trenton, Steuben, Leyden, Turin, Lowville, Harrisburgh, Ox Bow, DeKalb, Canton, Ogdensburgh, Lis bon, Hamilton (Waddington), Madrid, Potsdam, Chesterfield (Lawrence), Malone and Chateaugay to Plattsburgh; from Harrisburgh, by Cham pion, Watertown and Brownville, to Port Putnam (below Cape Vincent). April 30, 1816, from Williamstown, by Richland, Ellisburgh and Hen derson, to Sackets Harbor; from Brownville to Cape Vincent. April 20, 1818, from Denmark, by Le Raysville, to Wilna. March 3, 1821, from Turin, by Harrisburgh, Copenhagen, Tylerville, Pinckney and Rodman, to Adams; from Watertown, by Le Raysville to Antwerp. May 8, 1822, from Champion to Alexandria, via Felts Mills, Le Rays ville, Evans Mills, Theresa and Plessis. March 3, 1825, from Water- 1 Hough. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 365 town, by Adams and Mannsville, to Sandy Creek and thence by Rich land to Syracuse. March 2, 1827, from Ellisburgh, by Smithville, to Sackets Harbor. May 24, 1828, from by Evans Mills, Philadelphia, Antwerp, Gouverneur, De Kalb and Heuvelton to Ogdensburgh. June 15, 1832, from Watertown, via Brownville and La Fargeville, to Cor nelia (Clayton), at the mouth of French creek ; thence by Depauville, to Brownville; also from Heuvelton, by De Peyster to Ox Bow. July 22, 1836, from Watertown, by Burr's Mills to Rodman; from Carthage through Great Bend, Le Raysville, Felt's Mills, Lockport (Black River) and Huntington's Mills to Watertown ; from Theresa, via the Glass works (Redwood) and South Hammond to Hammond. July 7, 1838, from New Haven, by Port Ontario and Lindseyville, to Ellisburgh. Aug. 31, 1842, from North Adams through Field's Settlement to Water- town. March 3, 1845, from Wilna by Natural Bridge to Diana. March 3, 1847, from Antwerp via Shingle Creek, Fowler, Fullerville, Edwards and Russell to Canton. August 14, 1848, from Copenhagen by Worthville to Lorraine; from La Fargeville by Shantyville (Orleans 4 Corners), Parker Settlement, Theresa, Ox Bow to Gouverneur. Sept. 27, 1850, from Pierrepont Manor to Sackets Harbor, via railroad ; from Adams Centre to Sackets Harbor; from Evans Mills to Ox Bow; from Lowville by Harrisburgh and Pinckney to Rodman. March 3, 1851, from Great Bend via Evans Mills to French Creek (Clayton). As late as 1874 or '75 there were four toll roads leading to and from the city of Watertown. One was out on State street, the toll-gate being about a mile from the square; a second toll road was on Washington street, the gate being in the vicinity of Elm street, as now laid out; a third was on the Pamelia road, on Le Ray street, the gate being just north of the Henry D. Converse residence. Mr. Converse owned the road about the time mentioned. The fourth toll road was that leading to Brownville, on which the gate was kept just west of the county house. This thoroughfare was macadamized road, and was owned by Alanson Skinner. All, however, were abandoned as toll roads about 1875. Early Lake Navigation. — Both the French and English built vessels on Lake Ontario during their contest for supremacy in America, and when in the early years of the present century Great Britain and the United States were for a second time at war, lake navigation played an im portant part in the struggle. In 1816 an agreement was made between 34 366 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the executors of Robert Fulton and Robert R Livingston and Edward P. Livingston, who were the owners of the right of steam navigation in this state, and Charles Smyth, Joseph C. Yates, Thomas C. Duane and David Boyd, by which the latter acquired the sole right to navigate boats and vessels (except war vessels) by steam on Lake Ontario lying within the lines of this state. On February 6, 1816, a petition was presented by Charles Smyth, David Boyd, Eri Lusher, Abram Van Santvoord and John J. De Graff asking for the act first above mentioned, but the same was not granted. On August 16, Smyth and Lusher became owners of the interest of their asso ciates, and as partners be gan the construction of a boat at Sackets Harbor. It was 110 feet long, 24 feet beam, eight feet deep, and measured 237 tons. The engine capacity was 21 horse power. This was the steamer Ontario, which was completed and put on the lake in 1817, and was the first steam craft to navigate that body of water. Then followed another attempt to secure an act of incorporation for the company, in which enterprise Charles Smyth and Eri Lusher were the controlling spirits, but who were associated with Jacob Brown, Melancthon T. Woolsey, Samuel F. Hooker, Hunter Crane and Elisha Camp. The attempt, however, did not succeed, for the monopoly of steam navigation was thought to be contrary to the spirit of the federal constitution, and was so held in February, 1824, after along and serious litigation. In the mean time the Ontario was run on the lake and river, making weekly trips between Lewiston and Ogdensburgh, but finding the time too short in which to cover the 600 miles of distance, it afterward made a trip every ten days. The boat was run until 1832, when it was broken up at Oswego. The next steamer was the Frontenac, built at Kingston, and was con tinued in use until 1832 when she went to pieces in Nutting's Bay, off the Henderson shore. There were on board six hands and 22 passen- First Steamboat on the Great Lakes, 1816. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 367 gers, all of whom were saved and drawn ashore in a three-bushel basket, rigged on a line with a ' ' Dutch harness. ' ' Among the other steamboats of about the same period, and all previous to 1834, were the Sophia, Robbins, Black Hawk (afterward Dolphin), Brownville (afterward the William Avery), Charles Carroll (afterward America) and the Paul Pry. The Ontario and St. Lawrence Steamboat company was incorporated Jan. 28, 1831, and in a measure superseded the old company which owned the Ontario and Martha Ogden. The company did business at Oswego, and built the United States, (launched in Nov. 1831) 142 feet long, 26 feet beam, 10 ft. depth of hold, and cost $56,000. This boat made a record during the Patriot war, carrying the invaders down the river to Windmill Point. She run from Lewiston to Ogdensburgh un til 1838, and afterward on the lake only until 1843, when she was broken up at Oswego, and her engines were transferred to the Rochester. Among the later steamboats built for lake and river navigation may be mentioned tbe following: The Oswego, at Oswego in 1833 ; the Jack Downing, built at Carthage in 1834, by Paul Boynton and drawn on wheels to Sackets Harbor; the Oneida, 227 tons, built at Oswego in 1836; tbe Telegraph, 196 tons, built at Dexter in 1836, and finally burned on Lake St. Clair; the Express built at Pultneyville in 1839, and laid up in 1850; the St. Lawrence, 402 tons, enrolled at Oswego in 1839, and went out of service at Clayton in 1850; the George Clinton and the President, both small boats built at Oswego about 1842; the John Marshall, a small steamer which was wrecked off the mouth of Sandy creek, Oct. 18, 1844, and several others of less consequence. The Ontario Steamer and Canal Boat company was incorporated about 1842, and did business at Oswego. This company built the Lady of the Lake (423 tons), which, after 1852, was run as a ferry boat be tween Cape Vincent and Kingston in connection with the railroad. The Rochester was built at Oswego in 1843. The Niagara was built at Clayton about the same time by the St. Lawrence steamboat company. The Cataract and the Ontario were both built at Clayton in 1847, fol lowed in 1849 by the Bay State. The Northerner was built at Oswego in the winter of 1849-50. The New York, then the largest steamer on the lake, was built at Clayton in 1851-52, by John Oades, at a cost of about $100,000. In 1848 the two companies last mentioned were con solidated under the name of the Ontario and St. Lawrence Steamboat company, with a capital of $750,000, and afterward operated a line of 368 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. eleven steamers during the boating season. The company continued to operate its lines, which included nearly all lake and river points, until 1858, when the competition of the Grand Trunk railway so seri ously affected its business that it went into the hands of a receiver, and its property was subsequently sold to the American Steamboat company. In later years other companies1 were organized and new steamers re placed the older ones. In this chapter only a brief allusion has been made to the general subject of lake and river navigation, but the at tention of the reader is directed to tbe several town histories for a more detailed narative concerning the local companies and their boats. Telegraph Lines. — The first telegraph line constructed and put in operation was in 1850, and was known as the O'Reiley Merchants line, operating on the Bain principle. It was constructed along the stage road from Oswego to Pulaski, Adams, Watertown, Theresa and Ogdens burgh, and in the course of a few years was purchased by the Morse company and operated under its system. In 1853 a telegraph line was established between Watertown and Sackets Harbor. The Montreal Telegraph company established its line on the south side of the St. Lawrence about 1860, and in 1870 bought out the United States Telegraph company, which in the meantime had gained a foot hold in the county. The Dominion Telegraph company began busi ness in the county in 1872. The Western Union, the Great Northwest ern of Canada, and the Postal Telegraph and Cable companies are of more recent operation, so far as this locality is concerned, but the exact year of construction in the county is uncertain. 'The more important of these were the Thousand Island Steamboat company, virtually a Canadian enterprise, which was incorporated May 15, 1854, and the Alexandria Bay Steamboat companj' incorporated October 23, 1895. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 269 CHAPTER XX. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN— THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF JEFFFRSON COUNTY.1 Township number two of the Black river tract was surveyed by Ben jamin Wright in 1796, and soon afterwards by Robert McDowell. Nicholas Low became possessed of the township in a general subdivi sion of the eleven towns among the owners (Low, Henderson, Harrison and Hoffman) which was made August 5, 1796, soon after Wright's survey was completed. In 1801 the territory was subdivided by Joseph Crary, under the direction of Silas Stow, the latter being the agent of Low, the proprietor. Surveyor Wright gave the name Watertown to township No. 2, from the fact that within its boundaries he found what he then regarded as several of the most desirable natural water privileges' in all of northern New York. Under his direction the lands of the township were subdi vided into lots, by Joseph Crary, as above stated, and on the river bor der (where the settlement was established, and whereupon in part stands the city) were numbers seven and eight. Of number 7 the sur veyor remarked: " This is a very good lot and has excellent mill seats on the river, without expensive dams, and with the greatest safety to 1 In preparing this chapter the writer has availed himself of such published works as are ex tant, and particularly the reminiscences and recollections of old settlers; and not in all cases has he exercised the utmost care in using quotation marks. Moreover, much of the data in the chapter was secured from still other natives and early residents of Watertown than those whose contributions have forced their way into print, and where a conflict of opinion has been en countered the writer has endeavored to secure a majority version as being the nearest correct. Having thus exhausted every reliable source of information the following narrative is furnished as a reasonably accurate history of the hamlet, village and city. 2 In making his survey and examination it is evident that Benj. Wright did not discover the famous caverns of Black river. Indeed, these wonderful openings were unknown to the earliest settlers. Several of these caves were found in the eastern part of the present city, opposite Factory square and about where was the little village of Juhelville. They were without special interest, and were formed by water running along the natural seams in the rocks. On the south bank of the river, about under the termination of Jackson street, is the entrance to a cave, which was first explored in the summer of 1838, aud is said to have been traced nearly 500 feet. This was known as the " ice cave," from the occurrence of ice during the summer months, which almost obstructed the entrance. From the slow transmission of temperature, the seasons be come reversed in the cavern. 270 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the mills." Baker and Munson streets, as now laid out, are about on the south boundary of the lot ; Hamlin street, extended north to the river, is on the east line, while just east of Cedar street is the west line. Lot No. 8 joins No. 7 on the east, and is thus described in Wright's field book: "This isa very good lot, and is well timbered; has fine mill seats, and land of the first quality; some few stone, and some pine timber." Subsequent events proved the accuracy of Benjamin Wright's survey of and comments concerning the village site as it appeared to him more than a century ago, and on which there was not then so much as a single habitation; nor have we any present knowledge that the foot of civilized white man had ever previously trod along the banks of Black river to notice the generous provision of nature for the benefit of man. It was this desirable series of natural water privileges that impelled Henry Coffeen, a Vermonter, and Zachariah Butterfield, from New Hampshire, to select this locality as their future place of abode. This was in 1800, but two years previous to that time Eliphalet and Christo pher Edmunds, both Vermont Yankees, came down the river from the high falls (Lyons Falls) in a boat, and had the misfortune to upset their craft in attempting to pass the upper falls on the village site. The Edmunds brothers were hunters, not settlers, and were in search of a locality that promised an abundance of game. However, the acci dent at the falls seemed to change their purpose. When the boat cap sized their game and ammunition disappeared in the water, whereupon they left the region and settled in the south part of the Black river country, Eliphalet Edmunds in Adams, and his brother in Ellisburgh, as afterward created and named. The next visitors to the village site, according to accepted authori ties, were Nathaniel and Seyrel Harrington and Joshua Priest (also Vermonters and acquaintances of the Edmunds) who came down the river in 1799 and took up lands on Dry hill, where they were pioneers. Then came Coffeen and Butterfield, both in March, 1800, and made the first improvements and settlement on the village site. It is believed that Mr. Coffeen arrived a few days earlier than his fellow pioneer, but both were soon followed by Jonathan Cowan, Hart and Isaiah Massey and Ezekiel Jewett. Pioneer Coffeen came from Oneida county, but was a native and former resident of Vermont. His land was between Coffeen and Court THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 271 streets and the river, and was improved chiefly for farming purposes ; but when this settlement was designated as the new county seat the lands were soon subdivided into building lots. Mr. Coffeen was the most active factor in securing the county buildings and donated the lands upon which the first court house was erected. Plis first log dwelling stood about on the site of the present Watertown National bank, from which point his lands extended westerly along the river to the top of Folt's hill, where his son, Henry H. Coffeen, afterward erected a dwelling. As more definitely described, the Coffeen land included (in whole or in part) lots number 2, 3, 13, 21 and 165 in the subdi vision of great lot number 7 of the town tract. Zachariah Butterfield built a log dwelling, acording to reliable authority, on the site of tbe present Washington hall building. But Mr. Butterfield does not ap pear to have been so prominent in early village history as many of his fellow pioneers, and recollections of him are meagre. He bought a considerable tract of land between Washington and State streets, and contributed a part of his purchase to the public square. Dr. Isaiah and Hart Massey evidently acted jointly in purchasing lands. Their tract began near the present corner of Arsenal street and the square, and extended thence south and west. The old land office book shows that Hart Massey made a purchase in 1800. His first dwelling stood at about the entrance to the Paddock arcade, but a little later on he built a frame house further south on Washington street, and still later erected a more pretentious brick residence on Massey street, the latter being named for him. Dr. Massey began life in the settlement by erecting, in 1802, a log tavern about on the south line of the American arcade. He was a physician, but being the only landlord of the place, was much occupied in looking to the com fort of his guests, and setting them safely on their journeys in search of places of settlement, for at that time the locality swarmed with prospectors and pioneers. Among the settlers the Masseys were prominent persons and were greatly respected throughout the Black river valley. Both left descendants and the family surname is still represented by some of the best business men of the county. Tonathan Cowan built a dam across the river (above Mill street) in 1802, and in the next year had his saw mill in operation. He was a practical millwright and miller, and was the uncle of Judge Esek Cowan, of Saratoga, the well-known law writer of later years. It is not known just how pioneer Cowan first acquired title, but itwasprob- 272 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ably by purchase from some owner who did not make a settlement here. He also built a dwelling near the mill, and within a year or two Israel Thornton erected and occupied the second log house in that locality. These structures led to opening a road to the (Cowan's) island,1 and to the mill, substantially on the route of Mill street, although it was not until nearly twenty-five years later that a bridge was built across the river at this point. Mr. Cowan died2 near Evans Mills, Nov. 27, 1840. Aside from his milling interests he was not especially promi nent in early Watertown history; but in after years he attracted some public attention by an attempt to regain possession of a part of the square, under the claim that he never parted with the title. On the trial it was proved that in certain conveyances he had bounded the lands therein sold in part by the square, which fact, with other specific acts, constituted a public dedication, and estopped his right to reclaim the land. Ezekiel Jewett owned a large tract of land between State street (a part of the state road) and the river, but he does not appear to have been a prominent factor in early village life. He is recalled, how ever, as a worthy pioneer and respected citizen. During the next two or three years, and before Jefferson county was set off from Oneida, a number of new settlers and families were added to the little community on Black river. Among the new arrivals of that period were a number of men who became known in the subsequent history of the village, but for some reason the precise date of their set- ment has never been determined by their descendants, or by earlier chroniclers of Watertown history. In this connection may be recalled the names of John Paddock, Chauncey Calhoun, Isaac Cutler, Philo Johnson, Jessie Doolittle, Joel Goodale, Medad Canfield, Aaron Keyes, J. Waite, William Huntington (died in Watertown, May 11, 1842), John Hathaway, Paoli Wells (hat maker), Seth Bailey, William Smith, Gersbom (afterward Colonel) Tuttle, Andrew Edmunds, Eli Rogers, Amasa Fox, Aaron Bacon, John Simmons and perhaps others, whose names are now forgotten, but all of whom were in some manner identi fied with the early interesting history of the hamlet previous to the designation of Watertown as the county seat. It is a fact that as early 1 This island, now known as Beebee's island, formed a part ot' Jonathan Cowan's purchase, and is said to have been offered by him to Jonathan Baker for $10. The latter offered $5, but being unable to agree the bargain failed. — (Hough.) 2 The first death in the village settlement was that of Isaac Thornton, who was crushed be neath a tree he had cut down. This event took place probably during the summer of 1802. The accident happened on the site where now stands the high school building. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 273 as 1802 or '3 the subject of two new counties in northern New York was seriously discussed, but at that time it was assumed that Champion would be the county seat of one of them, hence no special effort was made to secure the designation for Watertown. The accompanying map of Watertown in 1804 will serve to give the reader something of an idea of the situation of the village at that time, and a careful study of the buildings, roads and names of occupants will furnish a better story of pioneer life than can be described in several pages of history. The map has been prepared expressly for this work, and is taken from an original sketch made by Dyer Huntington. It was more recently in the possession of John G. Sterling, and by him was presented to the city. In the meantime other incoming settlers had discovered an excellent water power and desirable location for a village in the eastern part of the town, on a branch of Sandy creek, in a locality where lands were less expensive than on the river. The place soon became known as Burr's Mills or Burrville, after Captain John Burr, who settled there with his sons in 1802, and purchased the saw and grist mills which Hart Massey had built the previous year under contract with agent Stow. Soon after ward Jabez Foster opened a store (in which Orville Hungerford was clerk) and in the same year Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle had a distillery in operation. With these desirable adjuncts of village life, Burrville was a strong rival with Watertown, and for a time held the advantage, especially as it was about four miles nearer the expected county seat than our little struggling settlement on Black river, which then had no store and only Cowan's mill and Dr. Massey's tavern to attract strangers. In 1804 the new county project was the uppermost topic to engage the attention of the inhabitants, and at least two general conventions and several informal conferences discussed the matter with great inter est. During the latter part of the year, the advocates of the two county scheme were in the majority, and the result was an act of the legislature, passed March 28, 1805, creating Lewis and Jefferson coun ties, followed by the appointment of three non-resident commissioners to locate the site for county buildings in each jurisdiction. This final result destroyed the chance of Champion, whose leading advocates were such strong men as Egbert Ten Eyck and Moss Kent (at least one of whom afterward came to Watertown), and the next question was whether Watertown, Brownville or some place north of the river, 35 274 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. would be designated as the county seat. It was then that the influence and diplomacy of Henry Coffeen and his associates showed to advantage and prevailed with the commissioners. Watertown was made the seat Map of Watertown in 1804. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN 375 of justice, and Henry and Amos Coffeen donated and deeded to the county the site whereon the first court house and jail were erected. This special subject is so fully narrated in a preceding chapter that further detail in this place is unnecessary; but in this fortunate desig nation the future growth and prosperity of Watertown were fully assured, and required only the development of the natural resources offered by the splendid water power of Black river to establish and maintain this as the greatest industrial village and city of northern New York. That this end has been fully attained is known and recog nized in every business center of the eastern and middle Atlantic states, and is taught in almost every school room in the country. In the meantime, and before the question of the county seat had been fully determined, there was a steady growth in our little settle ment, and in 1803 Henry Coffeen and Andrew Edmunds built a bridge across the river at the foot of what is now Court street, and over which passed the old state road, which was laid out through the Black river valley in that year. About the same time the settlers on the village site " had it in wind " to follow the invariable New England custom of laying out their land regularly, and in its central portion establish a " village green," or "public square," around which business buildings should be erected: Just when this proposition assumed tangible form is not now definitely known, but there appears to have been an under standing, even from the time of the first settlement, that the present square would be the most suitable location, for previous to the laying out in fact there was hardly more than one or two log buildings on the tract. Henry Coffeen had previously offered to donate a piece of land in front of the court house for this purpose, but as the tract was west of what was then regarded as the central location, the offer was not accepted. Mr. Coffeen did, however, lay out the broad street in front of the court house (originally Madison, now Massey street), but his name is perpetuated in an east and west thoroughfare extending from Court street to the city limits. It is quite probable that the public square was donated and laid out for its special purpose sometime during the year 1805. The public- spirited owners who contributed to this commendable object were Henry Coffeen, Zachariah Butterfield, Jonathan Cowan, Jesse Doolittle, Hart and Isaiah Massey, Aaron Keyes and Medad Canfield ; and a por tion of them, whose lands bordered on Washington street, also donated a strip on the side of that beautiful thoroughfare extending south as far as Academy street. 276 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. One of the earliest public conveniences within the square was the primitive machine for grinding grain. A stump was " hollowed out " in the form of a mortar, and with an implement attached to a " spring pole " the grain was reduced to proper consistency for domestic use. When or by whom this rude implement was constructed is not known, but it was a truly Yankee " contrivance," and served its purpose until a grist mill was put in operation. It stood on the west side of the square, about opposite Dr. Massey's tavern. Another equally in genious piece of mechanism was the old " weighing-scales," which was erected about in front of the present Harris house. It was used to de termine the weight of a wagon load of produce, and comprised an up right post, surmounted with a sweep, much after the style of the old-fashioned well-sweep. At one end of the "sweep" were four chains, which fastened to the wheels of the vehicle; at the other end was suspended the weight, the " fifty sixes" being hung on until the pole balanced. The weights run 56 pounds each, for at that time it required 112 pounds gross to equal 100 pounds net weight. Several of the older residents remember this old apparatus, which stood until platform scales were invented and came into general use. Within its present limits, and undoubtedly as originally laid out, "the mall" (it was so called more often than " the square") contains three and seven tenths acres of land, but its present topographical con dition bears no resemblance to that of ninety four years ago. Then the American arcade corner was much elevated, while the eastern end of the mall was about on a level with the present railroad station. The land between these points was also much depressed, and was not then regarded of much value. Around the square the business portion of the village was built up, though chiefly near the upper end, and it re mained for a later generation of inhabitants to fill up the low lands of the mall, and beautify the tract with fountain, garden, monuments1 and other evidences of refinement and advancement. * After Watertown was designated the county seat there followed a rapid increase in population and business interests, and within the next ten years the character of the village materially changed. In 1805 a dam was constructed across the river below the bridge, and in the next 1 The beautiful soldiers' monument which adorns the western end of the square was erected in 1890, through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. George Cook. The corner stone was laid on Memorial Day. 2The beautiful foliage trees which so many years adorned the square were removed just previous to the laying of the first pavement, in 1894. I'lIIIff^— Watertown — Public Square, Looking East, Watektown — Public Square, Looking West. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 277 year Seth Bailey and Gershom Tuttle had a grist mill in operation at the north end On the Watertown side Potter's saw mill was built in 1806, followed soon after by H. H. Coffeen's grist mill. In the busi ness portion of the settlement, on the south side of the square, William Smith and John Paddock built and opened a store about on the site now occupied by John W. Spratt's store. Smith had come to the set tlement in 1802 with Joseph Sheldon and Septimus G. Adams, both of whom settled in the town, while he took up bis abode at the hamlet and made, during the year, 150 potash barrels, which were regarded as " legal tender " at that time. Paddock and Smith were the pioneer merchants, although during the preceding year Amasa Fox had par tially finished a frame building for store occupancy. Among the other interests which were begun here in 1805 was Jabez Foster's store, which was then removed from Burrville, and with it came the owner, and also Orville Hungerford, his clerk, but who after ward became one of the foremost men of the region. In the same year Cowan's grist mill was built near the saw- mill, and also a school house, the latter standing on the sight of the Universalist church. The same year witnessed the arrival of Dr. Daniel Brainard. About this time the current of settlement became so rapid that only with much difficulty can chronology be preserved. The location of the county buildings was soon determined, and immediately afterward a host of legal lights began practice here. In 1807, according to the court rec ords, twelve attorneys were admitted to practice, and of the number Benjamin Skinner, Egbert Ten Eyck, Amos Benedict and Samuel Whittlesey settled in the village. Within the next three years the pro fessional ranks were increased by the arrival of Ela Collins, Micah Ster ling, Thomas Skinner, David W. Bucklin and others whose names are not recalled, but whose residence here gave tone and character to the village and naturally added to its early importance. The early terms of court were held in the school house on the square until the court house was completed. In the same manner may be recalled the names of other early repre sentatives of business interests in the village du ing this period. In 1808 Gurdon Caswell started a small paper mill about on the site of the present Knowlton mills, and was a considerable producer in his way. Jason Fairbanks came to the village in 1808, and was afterwards a con spicuous figure in the local history. He was once sheriff, but was especially prominent in early political circles, and also in connection 278 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. with the noted " Whittlesey case," he, with Perley Keyes, being sure ties for Whittlesey on the bond of the latter as brigade-paymaster during the war of 1812". Perley Keyes was another interesting charac ter in the early history of the village, and also one of its most useful citizens. He was one of the judges of the first court of common pleas held in the county. He died May 13, 1834. Perley G. Keyes, more frequently known as "Gardner" Keyes, was his son; and Rev. Rich ard G. Keyes was his grandson. Thus might these reminiscences of early life and scenes in Watertown be continued to an almost indefinite length, for the mention of a single name and character suggests others continually until the chronicle of events becomes involved in a mass of biographical statistics. The years which followed the designation of the county seat were indeed eventful and fruitful of history, and the beginning of 1812 found the little village to contain about fifty householders and heads of families, and a total of about 500 inhabitants. In 1809, among the several en terprises then in existence, was the newspaper called the American Eagle, of which Judge Henry Coffeen was the founder, and Abram Tay lor, jr., publisher, and which was printed in a stone building standing near the court house. At that time (or in 1808) the public buildings comprised the court house, at tbe lower end of Court street, and the district school which stood on the south side of the square, for as yet there were but two informal church societies in existence (Congrega tional and Methodist), neither of which had a house of worship. There fore when the government directed the erection of an arsenal in the village, the whole population was alive with interest and excitement, for the very suggestion was calculated to arouse feelings of alarm. The chief product of the vicinity was potash, and Montreal was the best available market. The embargo act was then in force, and the wit and ingenuity of the dealers in the commodity was taxed to evade the vigilance of the customs officials. The old firm of Paddock & Smith were extensive shippers of potash, and in 1807 sent to British ports in Canada 2,800 barrels of that product, of a total value ($40 per barrel) of $112,000. The embargo act increased rather than diminished the traffic, as the advanced price created a temptation too great to resist. Hence it was only natural that the inhabitants wondered at the true meaning of a government arsenal in their quiet village. The United States arsenal at Watertown, which for half a century was one of the conspicuous landmarks of the village, was built during THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 279 the year 1809, under the personal direction of Hart Massey, who was then custom collector at Sackets Harbor. The building cost $1,940.99. It was built of brick, with stone trimmings, 40 x 60 feet in size, and two stories high. On the eastern slope of the roof was a platform, on which was mounted two six-pound cannon, unlimbered, standing muz zle to muzzle. The lower windows were protected with strong iron bars, and in the rear was a one-story guard house, built of wood. The premises were surrounded by a strong stockade of cedar posts, and just inside the gateway was a sentry-box. The entire structure presented a decidedly military appearance. The materials for its erection were furnished and the work done by Abram Jewett, Thaddeus Smith, Joseph Cook, David Stafford and Benjamin Goodale. This historic structure, of which not a vestige remains to mark the site, was erected on the south side of Columbia (now Arsenal) street, on lot No. 49, (now the premises of Mrs. C. A. Holden) a few rods west of Benedict street. Within its secure walls was deposited large quantities of military supplies, and during the war of 1812, its vicinity was frequently the rendezvous of troops, while at the same time the domicile of almost every patriotic citizen (and also the old academy building) was an ever open hospital for the care of the sick and wounded soldiers sent here from tbe harbor. After the close of the war the ar senal was still used as a military storehouse, a fact which so tempted the cupidity of the patriots during the contest against Canada, in 1837- 40, that on tbe night of February 19, 1838, they broke into the build ing and took therefrom 400 stand of arms. A number of other inter esting events were associated with the old arsenal, but in 1 850 it was ordered to be sold, the realty at private, and the arms and munitions at public sale. The site and buildings were purchased by O. & E. L. Paddock, who leased the latter for use as a tobacco factory, but after ward sold it to C. A. Holden, and who occupied it as a storehouse. The buildings were subsequently purchased by W. G. Williams, who demolished them and used the material in erecting a brick residence on Ten Eyck street, being the same more recently owned by C. W. Simons. The arms and other supplies were sold singly and in lots, and many of them are still treasured relics of by-gone days. Previous to the erection of the arsenal, the road on its north boundary was called Columbia street, but in allusion to the building the name was soon changed to Arsenal street. In order to further trace the growth of the village in its early history, 280 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the attention of the reader is directed to the accompanying map of Water- town in 1812, the same having been prepared with great care by a com petent surveyor. The original from which this view was prepared was Map of Watertown in 1812. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 281 long in the possession of John C. Sterling and was by him presented to the city. By reference to the map it will be seen that the village had at that time extended across the river, and in the vicinity of Bailey & Clark's mills a considerable settlement had been built up. The lands here were of course in the town of Brownville (afterward Pamelia), but at that time the village settlement was not limited by established bound aries on any side, and eventually the entire district with its vastly in creased interests became a part of the city. There were at that time fifteen buildings on what is now Main street, whose occupants were among the prominent business men of the village. The map indicates the character of tbe buildings, and the names of their occupants. The highway leading across the bridge and thence down the river (Main street), was a part of the state road, and was the most direct thorough fare from Brownville to the county seat. But returning to the south side of the river, it may be seen that with in the village proper many changes and improvements had been made, and as well there was a noticeable increase in population. The mall had taken regular form, and on the site where Judge Coffeen's first log dwelling was built was soon afterward erected a block of buildings. In the angles of Court and Columbia streets was a substantial stone build ing, believed to have been built by Jason Fairbanks, but otherwise this locality had no other structure on Columbia (Arsenal) street, and none on Court nearer than Benj. Skinner's office. Where now stands the American arcade was a row of three buildings, that farthest west being J. Clark's. Columbia street is imperfectly shown, and even the arsenal site is not indicated on tbe map. At this time there appeared to have been little growth about the square, only William Smith's store and the school house being on the south side. On the west was no improvement whatever, while on the north side were the buildings previously mentioned and Jesse Doolittle's house, the latter about on the site of Streeter & Brimmer's store of re cent years. Capt. John Paddock's store and dwelling stood where is now the Paddock building, but further up Washington street was Amos Benedict's building, on the site of the Jefferson county national bank. Judge Foster's residence (about five rods back from the street), Paoli Wells and Olney Pierce's residences, all on the west side. On the east side, in the rear of the Smith store, was Perley Keyes's residence, about on the site of the Agricultural block, and still further south were 36 282 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Gardner White's building and Micah Sterling's law office. Mr. Sterling's residence stood on the street named for him. The site of the old court house is clearly indicated, and north of it, between the state road and the river, is shown the " pest house." At the south end of the bridge, west of the road, is seen Bailey & Clark's distillery and brewery. Between the court house and the mall was the principal business and residence portion of the village, and the state road, now known as Court street, was the leading thoroughfare. The " Road to Brownville," now Coffeen street, was occupied chiefly for residence purposes. The Woodruff road (Franklin street) was laid out about on its present lines, and on it were James O'Reilly's house and Abram Jewett's brick yard, the latter an industry of great importance at that time. But further description seems needless, as a study of the map will clearly show the situation of the village at that time, and as well the names and residences of its people. A careful estimate of the number of inhabitants in the village proper in 1812 showed the total to be about 500, and that the business and manufacturing interests were equal to those of other localities similarly situated, although at this time there had been no special attempt to develop the remarkable resources offered by the water power of Black river. The period of industrial development in fact began in the lat ter part of 1813 (Dec. 20) in the incorporation of the Black river cotton and woolen manufacturing company, which resulted in building up the hamlet for many years known as Factory village, later called Factory square, and now an important locality within the corporate limits of the city. This enterprise was soon followed by others of like charac ter, and so increased the business prominence of the village that it became necessary to establish a municipality separate from the town of which it formed a part, that the internal affairs of government and protection might be secured without imposing a tax upon the town at large. Incorporation. — On April 5, 1816, the legislature passed an act to " Vest certain powers in the freeholders and inhabitants of the village of Watertown," the effective portion of which was as follows: Be it enacted, etc., "That the district of country in the town of Watertown, County of Jefferson, comprised in the following bounds, that is to say: Beginning at the middle of Black river, six rods west of the bridge, from thence south, 29 degrees W., 26 chains to the south side of the Arsenal road leading to Sackets Har bor; thence south 36 degrees E., 42 chains, 50 links, to the Huntington road; thence THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 283 north, 73 degrees E., 9 chains, 50 links, to the Woodruff road; thence north 57 de grees E., 48 chains, 50 links, to the Black river; thence down the middle of said river to the place of beginning, shall hereafter be known and distinguished by the name of the 'Village of Watertown.' " The second section of the act authorized the " qualified freeholders " and inhabitants to meet at some convenient place on the first Monday in May following and elect five resident freeholders to be trustees of the village. The third section declared the village to be a body cor porate and politic, and empowered to make all necessary improvements, erect fire engine houses, raise money by tax to purchase fire engines, supply the village with water for domestic and fire purposes, and to perform all necessary acts for the government and welfare of the in habitants. Section four authorized the trustees to make prudential laws and regulations for village government, establish public markets, drain, fill and improve streets, appoint officers relative to the inspec tion of weights and measures, but not to regulate or ascertain the price of any commodities or articles of provisions, " except the article of bread." Section six directed the election of three assessors, a treasurer, collector and five fire wardens. In accordance with the provisions of the act, the first village election was held in May, 1816, when officers were elected as follows: Timothy Burr, Egbert Ten Eyck, Olney Pierce, Marinus W Gilbert and Norris M. Woodruff, trustees; Rueben Goodale, William Smith and Orville Hungerford, assessors; Micah Sterling, treasurer; Seth Otis, collector; Jabez Foster, Samuel Watson, jr. , Rufus Backus, William Fletcher and Joseph Henry, fire wardens. At their first meeting, the trustees divided the village into five wards, to each of which a fire warden was assigned, and each was to be fur nished with four ladders. At the same time provision against fire was made, and on May 28, 1817, a fire company was organized. On June 10 following the sum of $200 was voted for the purchase of a fire en gine. This was the nucleus of the village and city fire department of subsequent years, a subject to which more extended reference may be found on later pages of this chapter. The act incorporating the village was first amended April 7, 1820, by extending the western boundary to a point seven and three -fourths rods below the bridge, and thence bearing south to the Arsenal road ; but under this act no other important changes were made. The act of April 17, 1826, was supplemental in its nature, and conferred additional police power on the trustees and other village authorities. 284 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The act of April 26, 1831, was entitled "An act to consolidate and amend the charter of the village of Watertown," and was in fact a virtual reincorporation. New and extended boundaries were therein described, and substantially the whole of great lots Nos. 7 and 8 were included within the corporate limits. Thus Factory village, which at that time was a considerable hamlet, was annexed to Watertown, and was perhaps its most important industrial portion. Under this act the inhabitants were authorized to annually elect five trustees, three assess ors, a clerk, treasurer and collector, all of whom were to be freeholders. The trustees were also authorized to expend annually $500 for village purposes. On April 16, 1832, the legislature amended the act of the previous year, and, among other things, carefully described the village boundaries; provided for not less than five nor more than seven wards, and authorized the election, by a plurality of ballots, of a village presi dent, three assessors, clerk, treasurer, collector and two police con stables. Provision was also made for the election of as many trustees as there were wards (one trustee for each, who should reside in the ward); also for two fire wardens for each ward and who should reside in the ward. The amendatory act of April 23, 1835, conveyed addi tional police power on the trustees. In 1852, by an act passed April 16, the village limits were again ex tended, the territory was directed to be divided into from five to seven wards, and the election of officers was substantially as set forth in the act of 1832. The powers of the trustees were extended, and the annual election was directed to be held on the first Monday of March. In the meantime, however, other acts were passed relating to various depart ments of local government, which will be set forth in their proper place. Other than is thus indicated, there was little change in the civil and political history of the village until the" latter lost its distinctive minor character and became a city under the provisions of the act of May 8, 1869. During the period of village history, the presidents (appointed and elected) were as follows: Timothy Burr, 1816; Isaac Lee, 1817; Orin Stone, 1818; William Smith, 1819; Egbert Ten Eyck, 1820; Olney Pierce, 1821; David W. Bucklin, 1822; Orville Hun gerford, 1823-24; Olney Pierce, 1825-26; Norris M. Woodruff, 1827-31; Jason Fair banks, 1832; Orville Hungerford, 1833-35; Jason Fairbanks, 1836; Dyer Huntington, 1837-38; David D. Otis, 1839; George C. Sherman, 1840; William Wood, 1841; Wil liam H. Robinson, 1842-43; Benj. Cory, 1844; Dyer Huntington, 1845; Orville V. Brainard, 1846; Stephen Boon, 1847; Peter S. Hawk, 1848; David D. Otis, 1849-50; THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 285 Joshua Moore, jr., 1851; Dr. Kilborn Hannahs, 1852; Joseph Mullin, 1853-54; Ran dolph Barnes, 1855; Henry H. Babcock, 1856-58; Ambrose W. Clark, 1859; Henry H. Babcock. 1860-63; John M. Carpenter, 1864-65; George A. Bagley, 1866; Wilbur F. Porter, 1867; Lysander H. Brown, 1868; Edmund B. Wynn, 1869. During all the years of its village existence and history, Watertown enjoyed a steady, continuous and healthful growth, both in population and commercial interests. In 1816 the inhabitants numbered hardly more than 900, the stores not more than one-half dozen, while the manufacturing interests included only the saw and grist mills, a small paper mill, the woolen factory and a few other enterprises of less note. In the next ten years the mercantile and manufacturing interests doubled in number, and the year 1824 found a resident population of 1,220 persons, 170 families, 142 dwellings, 36 mechanic's shops, 18 stores, 7 offices, one bank, one cotton and woolen factory, one planing and two saw mills, one furnace, one tannery, three paper mills, a ma chine shop, a fulling and carding mill, a distillery, four chair factories, a plow factory and a tin shop. There were also three school houses, two churches (and a third in course of erection), and six taverns. According to an admirably written descriptive sketch of the village in 1824, prepared by Beman Brockway (and recently published), the village school houses were located, respectively, on Sterling, Arsenal and Factory streets. The taverns, which were then regarded as public institutions, were kept by Sewell Brintnall, B. Ranney (about on the Woodruff house site), Stanton Brown, Elliott Makepeace, Dexter Hun gerford (cor. Arsenal street and the square) and Jarius Rich. 'Among those engaged in mercantile business between the dates mentioned," (1812 and 1834), says the Brockway narrative, "were William Smith, William Fes senden, Joseph Goodale, John and Loveland Paddock, Tuttle & Porter, J. Holt, Murdock & Frey, Saniforth & Brewster, John Sandford, Orin Stone, Eli Farwell, Jason Fairbanks, Luther. G. Hoyt, Silas Clark, Broderick & Duane, Lorenzo Prentice, Orville Hungerford, Adriel C. Ely, Knowlton & Rice, Frederick White, William Wood, Zenas Adams and I. & M. Symonds.'' "The tin shop was carried on by Norris M. Woodruff ; the fulling mill by Winslow Partridge ; the distillery by Mr. Foster ; the machine shop by Goulding and Nathan Wiley; the tannery by Jason Fairbanks, and the furnace which was on Beebee's island (formerly Cowan's island) by William Smith. One of the paper mills was car ried on by Knowlton & Rice.'' In 1824 tbe village streets were State (now Court), Court (now Cof feen), Madison (now Massey), Arsenal, Washington, Sterling, Factory, Mill, the State road (now State street), Water (now Huntington), Wood ruff (now Franklin), and Weaver (now High). In this year a some- z oH a w H«! THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 287 what elaborate map was made, showing streets, buildings and character of occupancy. The map was long in possession of John C. Sterling, and was by him presented to the city. Through the courtesy of public officials the map is permitted to be reproduced in this work, and is shown in the accompanying diagram. A written explanation of the various buildings and streets is given on the drawing, but the action of time has so effaced the description that it is now hardly discernible, and will not fully reproduce in answer to the photographer's endeavors. In bis reminiscences of early Watertown Mr. Brockway had access to the original map and produced therefrom many interesting recollections. Upon the latter the present writer has drawn in the preparation of this chapter, frequently using Mr. Brockway's own words. The map itself furnishes an interesting study of village history, and taken in connection with preceding similar illustrations, gives something of an idea of its early growth and development. According to the narrative, in 1830 the center of the public square was as low as the depot, from which it is evident that a vast amount of earth has been used to level it up to grade. There were bluffs at both the west and east ends of the park. The grounds at the American cor ner and on the upper end of Court street were six or eight feet higher than at present. The corner where Washington hall stands was a dozen or more feet higher, and the grounds where the Universalist and Bap tist churches are was on a level with the Peck place, which was re moved to make room for the Smith block. "The park was a good place for boys to slide down hill in the winter," and was put to that use for a quarter of a century after the settlement of Watertown was begun. Where now stands the Flower building was also a considera ble depression, and in " old times " the boys used to skate and slide nearly to the present savings bank site. The American corner was occupied for hotel purposes until it was purchased by the Keep estate a few years ago. The first tavern was built of logs, and was succeeded by a frame building. The latter was followed by tbe old Wheeler house, which stood until the fire of 1849, when it was burned, and tbe present building was erected on the site by Thomas W. Wheeler, father of Mrs. Edwin L. Paddock. In 1826 Dexter Hungerford kept the old hotel. Adjoining it on the south was Frederick White's fancy store, and next beyond was Loveland Pad dock's general dry goods store, in a three story brick building erected by John Paddock. Still further south, in the order mentioned were 288 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Norris M. Woodruff's store and tin shop; a dry goods store kept by the son in-law of Judge Ford; William Wood and Lewis Adams' dry goods store; Hungerford & Ely's store; Israel and Martin Symonds' general store, the latter on the corner of Stone street. On the opposite side, where stands Washington hall, was a two- story white, frame hotel kept by Luther Gilson. The next landlord was Charles Perkins, under whom the building was burned. Next south was a frame building, the upper story of which was the Masonic hall, while on the ground floor were the land offices of Charles E. and John Clark, and the book store of Knowlton & Rice. Next on the south lived Dyer Huntington, son of William Huntington, who came to the settlement in 1804. Then came an alley, beyond which was Huntington's drug, paint and oil store (stone building) and Silas Marvin's house (Union Club building). East of the hotel building on the corner of the square was a driveway covered by an arch, on the site where is now Palmiter's jewelry store, and then in order came John Brown's store and hotel, B. Steadman's and Abner Baker's meat market, William Smith's store and a bakery in the order mentioned. Where the Commercial block stands was the Henderson brick yard, which was afterward removed to Goodale street. The Universalist church erected in 1825, was a stone building and stood on a level with Franklin street. The hill at the east end of the square was once the site of Clark Rice's dwelling. The Streeter block site was a vegetable garden, and further north, on Mill street (south of the tracks) was the dwelling of Mr. Holt, a shoe dealer. Guyle Wilson occupied a house on the site more recently of the Hyde, Young & Hyde store, and on the Doolittle & Hall block site was Mr. Butler's house. Butler built the Centre house, located just south of the Knowlton Bros, paper mill. The hotel was afterwards sold to Francis Lamon, and still later was conducted by the father of Edward M. Gates. Mr. Gates afterwards purchased the Empire (Har ris) house. Norris M. Woodruff occupied a dwelling adjoining Butler's on the square, and next west was Elisha Makepeace's residence, which came up to Gurdon Caswell's tavern. Later landlords of the hotel were Mr. Hall and Clark Hewitt. Then the property was sold to Mr. Woodruff. Eli Smith lived next west of the tavern, and beyond him was a dwelling on the brow of the hill. On the extreme top of the hill (on the site of the Iron block), was Alanson Bissell's harness shop, which building was torn down in an attempt to check the progress of the fire in 1849. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 289 Eighteen or twenty steps led up to Bissell's shop, and opposite the lat ter was a good well, which all the neighbors patronized. West of the shop was the Mansion house, a two story stone building, and still further along was the Orrin Stone block and the Safford building. On the site of the Watertown national bank was an apothecary shop. Con tinuing west along the north side of Court street were, in succession, Wadsworth's dwelling, Micah Sterling's law office, A. G. Sargent's dwelling, Eli Smith's house and shoe shop, another dwelling, B. Ran- ney's tavern, Avery Skinner's dwelling (father of Charles R. Skinner), Norris M. Woodruff's carriage house, his dwelling, William Tanner's house, and Mr. Cooper's house. On the site where now stands the Jefferson county bank was the engine house. Other business places along the west side of Washing ton street were Gideon Wells' harness shop, S. White's store, O. Hun- gerford's store, S. Marvin's hat shop, a store belonging to the Paddock estate and Jabez Foster's store. The buildings along this front were of brick, except the hotel on the corner of Arsenal street. On Court street were about thirty buildings, occupied as stores and dwellings, and also two taverns, but the most prominent structure in the west part of the village, except the court house and jail, was the "sugar house," which stood north of the court house, with a front on Court (now Coffeen) street. At that time there were of course many other buildings than those mentioned, but the purpose of this narrative is to show more especially the condition of the village in the vicinity of the square, and at the same time to bring to notice the names of the more prominent factors in the early history of the place. When taken in connection with the accompanying map it is hoped the reader may gain some understand ing of the situation in Watertown as it was in 1824. As near as can be determined at this time, the work of filling the square was begun about 1835, and as the old buildings on the surround ing elevations were burned or torn down their sites were graded to the established level and the earth removed to the hollow spot in the center. This work was extended throughout a period of perhaps twenty years, and after the destructive fire of May 13, 1849, was carried forward rapidly, and the public square was made a common dumping ground. The ultimate result was beneficial, and when at last the park was brought up to grade, the public authorities, naturally aided by private generosity, adorned the tract with thrifty trees and made it the most at tractive spot in the city. 37 290 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. For twenty-five years following 1824, the village growth was steady and healthful ; a row of business buildings (with an occasional dwelling) almost surrounded the square, and also lined Court street on either side as far as the bridge. In the meantime mills and factories were being built at the foot of Mill street, on the island, and also in the vicinity of Factory square, at the upper falls. Indeed, Watertown had then be come an enterprising village, and was well ordered and governed in every respect. In 1849 a serious conflagration wiped out many of the best business buildings in the village, but in this disaster came ulti mate benefit; the fire had a purifying effect, and in place of the old plain structures there were built fine business blocks and buildings, which to-day are an ornament to the city. Like visitations of fire (noted on another page) came both before and after 1849, but from that year has dated a new era in Watertown history. In 1850 the population was about 4,500, and during the next ten years had in creased to about 5,875. In 1870, the year after Watertown became a city, the number of inhabitants within its limits was 9,336, but in this number was included a considerable population drawn from the terri tory of Pamelia, north of the river. This mention naturally suggests a brief allusion to the interesting little hamlets across the river, which for many years were known as Williamstown (later North Watertown) and Juhelville. The original name of the settlement on the north side of the river was Pamelia vil lage, so called by Gen. Brown in honor of his wife. In 1803 the bridge was built at the foot of Court street, and the opening of the state road the same year prepared the way for settlement in that locality north of the river. In 1804 there were several scattered improvements along the river, and here the pioneer of Brownville sought to have the county buildings located after he failed in the attempt to secure the coveted designation for Brownville. Just when Pamelia village became Will iamstown is uncertain, as also is the date of the change from the latter name to North Watertown. In 1805 the lower dam was built, and in the next year Seth Bailey and Gershom Tuttle erected a grist mill on the north side. The Haven family were already in this locality, a little back from the river, and had made a substantial improvement, but the mill soon drew new settlers to the vicinity. In 1812 there were fifteen buildings, variously occupied, scattered along the state road, as indicated on the map made in 1812. On the north side of the road was a family named Hildreth, also THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 391 David Haven, Z. Cagar, Rufus Stebbins and Josiah Farrar, all occu pants of dwellings, and Samuel Watson's house and office, Mr. Wheeler's dwelling and a small school house. The Bailey & Clark mill stood on the site now of the Taggart paper mill, and Bailey's house was north of the mill, about where the old Watson tavern afterward stood. Clark's house stood just to the west of his partner's. The school house stood on what is now Bradley street. One of the principal structures of early days on the north side of the river was that so long known as the " old Failing hotel. " It was built about 1807 or '8, and was the result of the handicraft of Samuel Mack, who thought he discovered an eligible site for a tavern on the corner of Main and Le Ray streets, where is now a vacant lot. Mack at once set about his task and erected a house of large proportions for the time, of somewhat imposing architecture. The house, according to Solon Massey's reminiscences, was two stories high " with a piazza projecting at each end of the two stories, from either of which the view of the river and of the court house grounds opposite was good." Colonel Mack, for thus our genial host was called, kept the "Trav eler's House " but a short time when he was succeeded by John W. Collins, and the latter, in turn, by David Haven, who occupied it at the beginning of the war of 1812. He was followed by Asa Harris, during whose occupancy, in the closing years of the war of 1812, it was made the headquarters for troops who happened to pass through the town. The next owner was Jacob Cramer, who, in 1831, sold to War ner Failing, from whom the house took and ever afterwards retained the name of the " old Failing hotel." He greatly improved the build ings, added to them and painted them brown. The next landlord was Alfred Lock, who subsequently rented the house to Orrin Pierce, but just previous to surrendering possession (about 1865) Lock gave a fare well ball. During the height of the enjoyment the structure accidently took fire and was destroyed. The growth of the village north of the river was hardly proportionate with that on the south side, and in 1824 it contained only 157 inhab itants, while the aggregate population of both sides was 1,337. At that time the industries of the place comprised Foster's flour mill, a saw mill, fulling mill, distillery and plow factory. In later years there was a steady growth, and when the village was absorbed by the city the population of North Watertown proper was something like seven or eight hundred. The accompanying map of the village in 1856 will give something of an idea of the condition of things at that time. 292 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the extreme eastern and settled portion, opposite Factory village, was the little hamlet called Juhelville, and so named in allusion to the mother of Vincent Le Ray's wife. This locality began to assume some importance after the construction of the upper dam and the organiza- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 293 tion of the Hamilton manufacturing company in 1835, and within the next fifteen years the industries centered here included two saw mills, a tannery, a pump factory, carriage works and an establishment for making cotton yarn, wicking, batting, carpet warp and twine. This factory was started in 1849 by A. Anderson. In 1850 the local popula tion was about 300, and the number was but slightly increased when the district was taken into the city. In the latter year both North Watertown and Juhelville lost their hamlet character, and the town of Pamelia likewise surrendered to the new creation about 700 acres of its territory and an aggregate of more than 1,200 inhabitants. For further details of the early and intermediate history of these northern hamlets the attention of the reader is directed to the chapter relating to Pamelia, and also to subsequent pages of the present chapter. City Incorporation. — Section 1, title 1, of chapter 714 of the laws of 1869 (passed May 8) reads in part as follows: "The district of the country, in the county of Jefferson, included within the bound aries described in the next section, shall be a city by the name of Watertown, and the citizens of this state from time to time inhabitants within the said boundaries shall be a corporation by the name of 'The City of Watertown,'" &c. The second section of the act described the city boundaries, which are so well known and understood that a further publication of them in this place is unnecessary. Section 1 of title 2 (as amended in 1870) provided that the officers' of the city should be a mayor, recorder, chamberlain," two justices of the peace, an overseer of the poor, a street commissioner, two city policemen, four assessors3 (one of whom shall be elected from each ward) ; also two aldermen, a supervisor, two fire wardens, one constable, one collector of taxes for each ward4 and three inspectors of elections for each election district in each ward. Section 2 (same title) provided for the election by general ticket of the mayor, recorder, chamberlain, street commissioner,'' assessors, justices of the peace, overseer of the poor, and two policemen. The other offices were elected on ward tickets. The annual city election 1 The offices of city attorney and surveyor were appointive under seetion 13. 2 Office of city clerk and treasurer abolished and chamberlain substituted. Laws of 1871, Chap. 810. 3 Under Chap. 368, Laws of 1876, the number was reduced to three, and the incumbents of the office were elected at large, one each year. * Office abolished, Chap. 471, Laws of 1875. 5 This office became appointive, Laws of 1876, Chap. 368. 294 ' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was provided to be held on the third Tuesday of December in each year. The first city election was held June 15, 1869, and resulted as follows; Mayor, George W. Flower; recorder, Laban H. Ainsworth; clerk, Edward M. Gates; treasurer, Louis C. Greenleaf; street commissioner, Jacob Hermes; overseer of the poor, Clark Wetherby; assessors, A. Palmer Smith, Hiram Converse, Will iam Howland; city policemen, Miles Guest, William McCutcheon. First ward. — Supervisor, John M. Carpenter; aldermen, Alonzo C. Hanchett, Joshua J. Bragger; collector, Birney Holcomb; firewardens, James M. Lyon, Thomas Millington, Second ward. — Supervisor, Norris Winslow ; aldermen, George L. Davis, David Hutchins; collector, William McMullin; constable, Job H.Armstrong; firewardens, Wm. S Palmer, John Mahan. Third ward. — Supervisor, Thomas C. Chittenden ; aldermen, Fred G. Ely, Den nis O'Brien; collector, James Holleran; constable, Luke McGlew; fire wardens, Thomas Phillips, Anson Lance. Fourth ward. — Supervisor, John C. McCartin ; aldermen, Truman S. Angel, Solon Wilder ; collector, Eugene G. Clark ; constable, John H. Phillips ; fire wardens, Dan iel Stiles, James Lyon. The city charter was first amended April 27, 1870, and second, April 23, 1871, the latter abolishing the office of city clerk and treasurer and conferring their powers and duties on the city chamberlain, which office was created under the same act. By chapter 471 of the laws of 1875, the ward office of collector of taxes was abolished. Under an act passed in 1876 (Chap. 368, section 8) the assessors were reduced to three; and by the same act the office of street commissioner was made appointive. On June 16, 1879, another amendment was adopted relating to the ap pointive power of the mayor. No further material amendment was made until 1885 (April 30) when an act was passed constituting a board of police commissioners, com • prising four appointees by the mayor (he being ex-officio a member of the board, but without a vote except in case of a tie), to be taken equally from the two great political parties of tbe state. This act was amended April 10, 1888, by conferring power upon tbe board to appoint four policemen, and also to perform other duties. The act of May 11, 1885, made it the duty of the mayor to nominate (and the council to confirm) a city attorney, surveyor, poundmaster, city sealer and 20 commissioners of deeds. The amendatory act of April 21, 1886, ex tended the power of the common council in relation to streets, high ways and sewers. By an act passed May 6, 1889, the act of 1857 was amended by vest- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 295 ing in the city the title to school sites and property. An act passed April 14, 1891, established a board of public works, comprising four members (two from each of the great parties, and the mayor ex-officio, but having no vote except in case of a tie). This board was empow ered to perform the duties of commissioners of highways in towns. By the same act the offices of street commissioner and city surveyor were abolished, and in lieu thereof the board was authorized to appoint a superintendent of public works and also a city engineer. The minor details of several sections of the act of April 14, 1891, were amended by the act of May 5, 1893. The City Hall. — On May 13, 1895, the legislature passed an act authorizing the council to submit to the tax payers of the city a propo sition to build and equip a city hall on the city market lot, and if affirm atively carried, to appropriate and bond therefor not to exceed $40,000. The question was submitted and carried, and during the years 1895-6 the present city hall was erected. The splendid structure needs no special description in this work. From an architectural point of view it is perhaps the most attractive building in the city, and stands as a permanent monument to the fidelity of those concerned in its erection. The architect was D. O'Kieff, and the builder John Hardiman. The entire cost was $56,900, for which bonds were issued to the extent of $40,000, and on sale netted $47,300. The council raised by appropria tion $6,000, and the balance of $4,600 stood as a claim against the city, and was met by bond issue in 1898. In 1897 (May 22), the legislature passed an act revising the city char ter, yet maintaining intact the old corporate boundaries established in 1869. The wards were increased to six. The annual election is held with the general state election on the Tuesday next succeeding the first Monday in November, 1897, and thereafter elections of city officers are to be held on the day of the general election in each odd-numbered year. The elective officers of the city are the mayor, president of the common council, city judge, two aldermen for each ward, one supervisor for each ward, nine commissioners of education, five commissioners of water works, and three assessors. The mayor, president of the common council, aldermen, supervisors and assessors hold office for the term of two years, and the city judge for the term of six years, all beginning on the first day of January following their election. Under the act, the appointive officers are the city attorney, treasurer, clerk, city engineer, sealer of weights and measures, two more constables, poundmaster, city hall janitor, five 296 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. commissioners of public works, five commissioners of health, five com missioners of public safety, five commissioners of charity, all appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the common council. The act provides that the city engineer shall also be appointed by the board of public works and the board of water works jointly. However, it can not be considered within the proper scope of this work to further pur sue the subject of municipal history, therefore this branch of the chap ter may be concluded with the succession of incumbents of the leading offices of the city. Mayors.— George W. Flower, 1869-71; Gilderoy Lord, 1872; Wilbur F. Porter, 1873-74; Bradley Winslow, 1875; LeviH. Brown, 1876; Wilbur F. Porter, 1877; John C. Streeter, 1878; Dennis O'Brien, 1879; Byron. B. Taggart, 1880-81; Nelson Bur dick, 1882-83; De Witt C. Middleton, 1884-85; Henry M. Allen, 1886; William E. Hart, 1887-88; John Nill, 1889; Wilbur F. Porter, 1890-91; Florentine D. Roth, 1892; H. F. Inglehart, 1893-94; James B. Wise, 1895-99. Recorders,.— Laban H. Ainsworth, 1869-81; Henry Purcell, 1882-85; Joseph A. McConnell, 1886-93 ; George H. Cobb, 1894-97. City fudge.— Joseph H. McConnell, 1898-. City Clerks.'— Edward M. Gates, 1869-70; Alonson D. Seaver, 1871; Gary M. Jones, 1896-. City Treasurer}— Louis C. Greanleaf, 1869-70; J. A. Quencer, 1871. City Chamber lain}— George Smith, 1872; Byron D. Adsit, 1873-75; Charles A. Settle, 1876; John L. Phelps, 1877-78; William J. Shepherd, 1879-83; William D. Hanchettt, 1884-88; John C. Lewis, 1889-93; Charles R. Murray, 1894-Dec. 1896; Frank D. Walts, by appointment, Dec, 1896-Feb. 1, 1897; Fred Waddingham, Feb. 1, 1897-April 12, 1897; Charles L. Parmelee, April 12, 1897-. City Attorneys.'*— -Joseph Mullin, Jr., 1870-71; John C. McCartin, 1872; John Lansing, 1873-74; Charles H. Walts, 1875-77; Edgar C. Emerson, 1878; John W. Hogan, 1879; George S. Hooker, 1880-82 ; Daniel G. Griffin, 1883; Charles L. Adams, 1884; Joseph Atwell, Jr., 1885-86; Henry Purcell, 1887-88; Charles L. Adams, 1889-90; John N. Carlisle, 1891-92; E. R. Wilcox, 1893-94; Edward N. Smith, 1895- 96 ; Frederick B. Pitcher, 1897-98. City Engineers.'1'— David J. Clark, 1870; Frank A. Hinds, 1871-73; William How land, 1874; Leslie B. Cook, 1875-76; Frank A. Hinds, 1877; William Howland, 1 The offices of clerk and treasurer were abolished in 1871, and the office of city chamberlain was created in their stead. The office of city clerk was revived by the act of 1807. 2 Mayor Flower nominated in succession for this office William C Thompson, Fred Lansing, Milton H. Merwin, Bradley Winslow and Azariah H. Sawyer, each of whom was in turn rejected by the council, the majority of whose members were democrats. Thus was established a pre cedent in Watertown political history which has since been foUowed with more or less persis tence. On July 27, 1869, the mayor employed the firm Starbuck & Sawyer to act as counsel to the city. 3 Previous to the act of April 14, 1891, this office was called city surveyor, The majority of the counsel rejected Mayor Flower's nominees, whereupon William Howland was employed to perform such duties of the office as were imperatively necessary. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 297 1878-82; Henry C. Hodgkins, 1883-85; Jason M. Fairbanks, 1886; Frank A. Hinds; 1887-88; Francis S. Pecke, 1889; Francis S. Hubbard, 1890, died in office and Fred erick E. Avery appointed April 15, 1890; Frederick E. Avery, 1890-93; Charles O. McComb, 1894-97. Supervisors. — 1869 — John M. Carpenter, 1st ward; Norris Winslow, 2d ward, Thomas C. Chittenden, 3d ward; John C. McCartin, 4th ward. 1870— Charles W. Acker, 1st ward; Norris Winslow, 2d; Thomas C. Chittenden, 3d; John C. Mc Cartin, 4th. 1871— Byron B. Taggart, 1st ; George Smith, 2d ; T. C. Chittenden, 3d ; D. W. Baldwin, 4th. 1872— B. B. Taggart, 1st; John C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chit tenden, 3d; G. C. Bradley, 4th. 1873— C. W. Acker, 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chittenden, 3d; L. F. Phillips, 4th. 1874— same as 1873. 1875— Thomas Keen- an, 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; C. A. Holden, 3d; Solon Wilder, 4th. 1876— Thomas Keenan, 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chittenden, 3d; C. W. Sloat, 4th. 1877— John C. Streeter, 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chittenden, 3d; C. W. Sloat, 4th. 1878— Thomas Keenan, 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chittenden, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1879— George Adams, jr., 1st; J. C. Knowlton, 2d; T. C. Chittenden, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1880— John E. Bergevin, 1st; J. A. Quencer, 2d; C. A. Holden, 3d; A. D. Seaver, 4th. 1881— John Nill, 1st; C. D. Bingham, 2d; C. A. Holden, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1882— John Nill, 1st; C. D. Bingham 2d; C. A. Holden, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1883— John Nill, 1st; C. D. Bingham, 2d; S. S. Trowbridge, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1884— John Nill, 1st; C. A. Settle, 2d; S. S. Trowbridge, 3d; Wm. H. Cole, 4th. 1835— John Nill, 1st; L. C. Greenleaf, 2d; Elon R. Brown, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1886— same as 1885. 1887— W. S. Carlisle, 1st; L. C. Greenleaf; 2d; Elon R. Brown, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1888— Foster Rhines, 1st; Jos. Atwell, jr., 2d; Elon R. Brown, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns, 4th. 1889— W. O. Smith, 1st; Jos. Atwell, jr., 2d; J. Barney Low, 3d; Thomas F. Kearns. 4th. 1890— Richard Holden, 1st; Jos. Atwell, jr., 2d; R. Eldridge Smiley, 3d ; Solon Wilder, 4th. 1891— same as 1890. 1892— B. J. Mc Carthy, 1st; Jos. Atwell, jr., 2d; R. E. Smiley, 3d; Solon Wilder, 4th. 1893— Rich ard Holden, 1st, Jos. Atwell, 2d; Alanson D. Seaver, 3d; Wm. H. Tallett, 4th. 1894— same as 1893. 1895— R. Holden, jr., 1st; Jos. Atwell, 2d; Jesse C. Ayers, 3d; Wm. H. Tallett, 4th. 1896— R. Holden, jr., 1st; Jos. Atwell, 2d; Harvey W. Steele, 3d; Wm. H. Tallett, 4th. 1897— Richard Holden, jr., 1st; Jos. Atwell, 2d; Harvey W. Steele, 3d; Wm. H. Tallett, 4th. 1898 -Richard Holden, jr., 1st ; Jos. Atwell, 2d; Harvey W. Steele, 3d; Wm. H. Tallett, 4th; Charles E. Makepeace, 5th; L. M. Babcock, 6th. Such, in brief and stripped of verbage, has been tbe civil and polit ical history of Watertown since it became an incorporated village and chartered city. In this connection many events might have been men tioned which are left unsaid, but it is hoped nothing has been mentioned which should have been omitted. All political history has its unwritten page, yet in this municipality the unrecorded portion is brief indeed. From first to last the city has shown a steady growth, and has now gained a population closely approaching 22,000 inhabitants, while at no 38 298 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. period in its history have there been as many and diversified interests as at the present time. True, there have been periods of general stag nation in business and manufacturing circles, but a careful observation of current events in the eastern and middle states during the last half score of years discloses the fact that the Watertown and Black river industries have suffered as little from adverse conditions as any locality in the region; and it is a fact that in this city to-day are noticeable less unoccupied stores and factory buildings than in any municipality of its size in the state. Nature has provided generously and abundantly for the manufacturing interests of Watertown, and an enterprising, thrifty and persevering people have accepted proffered opportunities. Water- town stands at the head of the manufacturing cities in this state north of the Central-Hudson railroad ; and the Black river, throughout its entire length, is acknowledged to furnish the best natural water power of any stream in the country. This fortunate possession has drawn numerous capitalists and invest ors to the place, but the chief factor in local success in this direction has been in the employment of home capital in nearly all industrial en terprises. This is shown in nearly every incorporated manufacturing company doing business on the river, and few, comparatively, are the non resident operators and producers. The foundation of all progress in this direction has been in the excellent water power furnished by Black river, rather than by advantageous railroad shipping facilities available to local manufacturers and merchants. If there is any draw back in commercial circles in Watertown and its vicinity, it lies in the fact that producers are wholly at tbe mercy of a railroad corporation operating without opposition, while relief from excessive freight and passenger rates can only be found in securing the construction of a new line of railroad to the center of trade and manufacture. Oswego, a rival city with Watertown in northern New York, is less than sixty miles distant, and possesses competing railway lines. The canal, too, is an important factor in commercial interests, and has the effect to materially reduce transportation rates. These same carrying facilities are easily withing the reach of Watertown manufacturers if any rea sonable encouragement be extended to the operating companies. Previous to the construction of a railroad through the Black river valley, all marketable products of the vicinity were taken to vSackets Harbor for shipment by water, or hauled with teams over the old state roads leading east and south. After the days of state roads had passed THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 299 there followed the era of turnpike and plank road companies, the for mer beginning in 1808 and closing in the course of the next twenty years. The first plank road constructed in the county was completed in 1848, and extended from Watertown to Sackets Harbor. During the next three or four years no less than half a dozen similar thorough fares led to the county seat, and in later years they became something of a nuisance on account of the invariable tolls collected. A railroad was suggested as early as 1832, although almost twenty years elapsed before the first road was in fact constructed and opened for traffic. The first locomotive on the old Watertown and Rome road arrived at Watertown at 11 o'clock at night, Sept. 5, 1851. In the next year this road was continued to Cape Vincent. This was the greatest public improvement Watertown had acquired, and almost im mediately thereafter its benefit was felt all through the county. In 1854 the Potsdam and Watertown road opened ready access to St. .Law rence county, and added materially to local prosperity. The eastern outlet by rail was completed in 1872, in the construction of the Carth age, Watertown and Sackets Harbor railroad. By the gradual process of corporation absorption all these several roads, and indeed all within Jefferson county, passed under control of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad company. This company was incorporated Jan uary 14, 1875, for the purpose of acquiring by lease, purchase or con struction, railroad properties and appurtenances, and operating them under the laws of the state. On April 15, 1886, the company leased for a term of years all the lines of railroads formerly operated by the Utica and Black river company in this county and elsewhere, and man aged them as a consolidated system until March, 1891, when they were leased to the New York Central and Hudson River railroad company, thus becoming a part of the great Central-Hudson system ; a system thoroughly complete so far as management is concerned, but of doubt ful benefit to Jefferson county, from the fact that it is without com peting lines, and all shippers and travelers are subject to the possible exactions of a single corporation, which in the absence of opposition, may become oppressive. The Jefferson County Industrial association was intended by its found ers to be of material assistance in building up manufacturing and busi ness interests in Watertown, though the existence of the organization was short. It was a joint stock company, organized in May, 1843, having for its object a union of labor and capital after the plan of 300 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Fourier. According to Dr. Hough, the association at one time num bered nearly 400 members, but was dissolved in the course of two years. "An establishment was founded two miles east of Watertown, at Cold brook, where about 600 acres of land were purchased, mechanic's shops fitted up and dwellings erected." The next organization for the promotion of trade was the Watertown Mechanics' association, which was formed August 13, 1844, by a com mittee of two persons from each trade. The object of tbe association was " the cultivation and improvement of the moral, social and intel lectual facilities, by diffusing information upon subjects connected with the mechanical arts; by exhibiting improvements, discussing the principles of mechanism and collecting statistics." But notwithstand ing the laudable objects of the association it proved to be short lived and passed out of existence in 1861. A number of the strongest men of the village were among the members of this organization, in which connection may be recalled the names of Wm. H. Robinson, Gilbert Bradford, W. Y. Buck, Avery Thomas, George Martin, James H. Ryther, Lorenzo Finney, O. L. Wheelock, C. E. Hubbard, John Jor dan, Timothy Turner, George Burr, A. Freeman, A. H. Burdick and John A. Haddock. The Watertown Manufacturer's aid association was the first institu tion of its kind designed to directly advance the producing interests of the city. It was first suggested by Mayor Winslow's inaugural address in 1875, and was organized soon afterward. Its purpose contemplated " a history of the settlement and progress of Watertown, a description of its commercial advantages as a manufacturing point, its location, its unsurpassed water power, its industry and general features of attraction to capitalists and manufacturers." The object of the association as de clared by its constitution was "to make an organized systematic effort to develop and aid the manufacturing interests of the city of Water- town." The first officers were Gen. Bradley Winslow, president; Dr. H. M. Stevens, vice-president; Charles R. Skinner, corresponding sec retary; W. C. Haven, recording secretary; John F. Moffett, treasurer; and Bradley Winslow, John C. Streeter, Chas. W. Sloat, C. D. Palmeter, Moses Eames, Rozelle H. Hall, Levi A. Johnson, Thos. S. Graves and A. D. Remington, trustees. The organization was maintained about two years, and under the inspiring influence of Gen. Winslow, Mr. Skinner and a few associates, was productive of much good in trade circles, but at the end of that time the association was dissolved. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 301 The Board of Trade of Watertown, the organization which has been so productive of good results and substantial benefits in local trade and manufacturing circles, was organized January 4, 1889, after the city had been nearly fifteen years without any regular association for the ad vancement of commercial interests. A preliminary meeting was held, a plan of organization was determined upon, and on the date mentioned the board was made complete. As declared in the constitution, the object of the association was " to collect and disseminate facts that shall tend to induce new enterprises to locate in our midst; to improve trans portation facilities; to encourage intercourse between business men ; to endeavor by all proper means to attract to the city such capital busi ness enterprises, inventions and manufacturers as shall promote its growth ; to co-operate with other similar associations in other cities, and to advertise the commercial and mercantile interests of the city of Watertown." The following officers were then chosen ; Byron B. Taggart, president ; A. D. Rem ington, 1st, George A. Bagley, 2d, Sidney Cooper, 3d, and S. F. Bagg, 4th vice-presi dents; Albert Bushnell, W.W. Conde, Levi H. Brown, George H. Babcock, George L. Davis, E. M. Gates, S. L. George, F. R. Farwell, L. C. Greenleaf, Frank A. Hinds, W. E. Hart, George W. Knowlton, L. A. Johnson, C. R. Remington, D. G. Griffin, E. W. Remington, Robert Hitchcock, J. F. Moffett, J. C. Streeter, J. M. Tilden, James B. Wise, S. T. Woolworth, George C. Sherman, George W. Wiggins, O. W. Wilmot, George B. Massey, John Nill, W. H. Smith, D. C. Middleton and R. N. Hall, directors, Notwithstanding the auspicious beginning of the organization and the many benefits which resulted from its operation and efforts, there appears to have been a noticeable lack of interest in the affairs of the board itself, and its meetings have been irregularly held and at times poorly attended. At tbe annual meeting in January, 1891, George L. Davis was elected president (vice Mr. Taggart) and Frank A. Sherman was elected secretary and treasurer. At this time the board deter mined to join the state board of trade. In later years the organization had been maintained intact, and the board is at all times subject to order in general meeting at the call of the president, Col. Albert D. Shaw. The work of building up Watertown as a commercial center began in fact about the time the first railroad was opened for traffic, and soon after the great fire of 1849. Following that disaster, a new village grew out of the old ruin, and within the next two years the splendid Woodruff house, the American, the Paddock buildings, the Iron block and still others of almost equal prominence appeared in places formerly 302 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. occupied by old unsightly structures ; and during the course of a few more years, by the erection of still other buildings, there was established a continuous row of brick structures extending from Mill street almost to the city hall, a distance of nearly sixty rods. It is doubtful if an other city in the state can boast of a similar unbroken row of brick buildings, none of which are less than three stories high. The village growth was the greatest between the years 1850 and 1869, and in the same manner the greatest advance strides in the city's history have been made since 1880. In this work it is not deemed advisable to note the year of erection of all the business buildings in the city, but rather to trace the growth and development of interests in a general way. The growth is in part indicated by the census reports, from which it appears that in 1870 the number of inhabitants in the city was 9,336; 1875, 9,992; 1880, 10,697; 1890, 14,725; 1892, 16,982; and at the pres ent time a careful estimate of the population places the number at 22,- 000. The Fire Department. — This is one of the oldest institutions of the city, and was brought into existence in an informal way with the act incorporating the village, in 1816. At the first election of officers Jabez Foster, Samuel Watson, jr., Rufus Backus, William Fletcher and Joseph Hersey were chosen fire wardens. At the first meeting of the trustees (May 13), the territory of the village was divided into five wards, and at the same time provision was made for "four good and sufficient ladders " for each. It was also ordered that each owner or occupant of a dwelling, store or office, factory or work shop should fur nish for immediate use one good leather bucket, of not less than ten quarts capacity. For every structure one story high, one bucket was required; if two or more stories, two buckets, each one of which should have the owner's name, and be kept in some convenient place. A failure to comply with this requirement subjected the delinquent to a fine of two dollars. On Sept. 20, 1816, the trustees vested the fire wardens with exclusive power in their respective wards in case of fire, and ordered that each warden provide himself with a white staff, seven feet long, "that he might be distingushed in case of fire." It was also ordered that on an alarm of fire, it was the duty of every male inhab itant of the village, of the age of fifteen years, to repair forthwith to the place of fire, and there take directions from the fire wardens, and any disobedience of the warden's orders was punishable with a fine of one dollar. At the annual village election in 1817 the fire wardens THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 303 chosen were Rufus Backus, Henry Brown, Jonathan Cowan, Samuel Watson, jr., and Micah Sterling. The first fire company was formed in pursuance of a resolution of the trustees, passed May 28, 1S17, and in response to a petition pre sented to the board by those who proposed to comprise the company, viz. : William Tanner, Abraham T. Dygert, Marinus W. Gilbert, Or ville Hungerford, Martin Y Symonds, Daniel Lee, Jonathan B. Burton, Edwin M. Seever, Thomas Baker, Solomon White, Dyer Huntington, Adriel Ely, Andrew Newell, Samuel Paddock, Silas Marvin, James Stone, jr., David W. Bucklin, Horatio Shumway, George Smith and Butler Ranney. The company thus formed at once set about securing a fire engine, and proposed to and did pay half the expense thereof, while the other half was paid by the village. The old machine cost $400, and thus equipped with apparatus the members took to themselves a more formal organization, and became known as Cataract fire com pany, the pioneer body of its kind in the village, comprising in its membership a number of the best business and professional men. The $200 paid by the company was raised by voluntary contribution, and thus was established a precedent of self maintenance and independence which has been upheld to the present time, and which in later years resulted in placing the department at the head of tbe purely volunteer fire organization of the state. The trustees, at a meeting held Sept. 27, 1817, adopted a resolution requesting William Smith (the pioneer merchant) to enlist not to ex ceed fifteen persons, ' ' who, with himself, shall form a hook and ladder company in the village." The company was formed, and Mr. Smith was chosen captain, but no record of the members can be found. About this time an engine house was built on the site of the old Jeffer son county bank building; but by whom built, or how long it stood, are things now unknown. The village map of 1824 shows the old building on that site, before Stone street was laid out. The first frame one story double engine house on the site of present firemen's hall was built in 1832, under the supervision of Isaac Day. Cataract fire company, and Captain Smith's hook and ladder company, comprised the village fire department from 1817 to 1832, and on Aug. 6, of the year last mentioned, the trustees formed another company to man and operate the engine owned by the Jefferson cotton mills. The members comprising the old organization were W. L. Beebee, L. W. Holmes, J. S. Young, J. A. Allen, J. H. Lawton, James Brown, George 304 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. M. Cline, Stephen and Henry Harrison, Richard Perkins, George Bige low, Jno. Ashley, Daniel C. Collins, Benj. F. Doolittle, A. J. Porter, Myron Beebee, Lucius Hubbard and Robert Hunter. At the same meeting the trustees numbered the engine companies as Nos. 1 and 2, and for more efficient department organization, appointed Dyer Hunt ington, chief, and Adriel Ely assistant engineer. Neptune engine company No. 3, was organized in April, 1835, and was furnished with the first " brake " engine brought to the village. The old apparatus was housed on Factory square, in the locality where the company's station is now built; and while the old organization has ever preserved its identity it has witnessed many vicissitudes and changes in later years. The original members were John C. Lasher, Nathaniel Wiley, A. P. Sigourney, Liberty and Alexander Cummings, Samuel R. Steadman, Levi Palmer, John Sigourney, George Goulding, R. M. Cummings, George W. Tripp, D. D. Hustis, Linus W. Clark, Hi ram Herring, George Burr, Milton Clark, Milton Carpenter, F. B. Fish er, Richard Monkhouse, J. H. Armstrong, G. W. Lawrence, Otis Col- well, Augustus Remington, Archibald Porter, Lampsing Hildreth, Thomas Snow, A. L. Cratsenberg and Conrad Lasher. On August 24, 1835, engine company No. 1 (the cotton mill company) was disbanded, and in the fall of 1837 Neptune company No. 3 was changed to No. 1. In April, 1838, the department comprised officers and companies as follows: Asher M. Corss, chief engineer; Neptune Engine Co., No. 1, G. W. Tripp, foreman, George Burr assistant, C. B. Lasher, clerk; thirty-three members. Cataract Engine Co., No. 2, W. H. Robinson, foreman, D. D. Otis, assistant, D. C. Gridley, clerk ;< twenty- three members. Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1, Charles Per kins, foreman; eight members. Previous to 1839 the village trustees had exercised all authority over the department and had appointed its chief and assistant engineers. However, in January, 1839, the trustees called a meeting of the com panies for the purpose of more perfect organization and the election of department officers. The meeting was held at F. R. Lamon's "inn" on the 7th, and W. H. Robinson was elected chief engineer, and John Sigourney and Charles Perkins, assistants. Mr. Perkins soon resigned and Benjamin F. Hotchkins was appointed in his place. Volunteer Co. No. 3 was organized in July, 1842, and took charge of the little hand engine formerly owned by the Jefferson cotton mills. The new company occupied quarters with Neptune and did good ser- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 305 vice for about three years, but disbanded in 1845. The members were James H. Ryther, foreman; and James S. Wood, D. T. Day, Henry and Austin R. Skinner, William Graham, Samuel Reid, J. M. Sigour ney, Solon Kimball, M. S. Day and Augustus Murray. In the same year a new engine was purchased, whereupon Jefferson Co. No. 3 was organized with William Y. Bush, foreman, and was assigned to quar ters in the department building on Stone street. In tbe meantime Cat aract engine had become disabled and unfit for service, and about the time Jefferson No. 3 was ready for duty the older company disbanded. In June, 1848, a new engine was purchased for Neptune, and in July following, Central Hose Co. No. 2 was formed to take charge of the old apparatus. The new company called their machine "Rough and Ready," and housed it in barns and other convenient buildings. "The Fire Department of the City of Watertown " was duly incor porated (and declared to be a body corporate and politic, capable of suing and being sued, purchasing holdings and conveying property) by an act of the legislature passed April 10, 1850. Under the act the governing authority of the department was vested in a board of direc tors, comprising the chief and assistant engineers, and also the per sons designated in the act; but, at the same time provision was made for the composition of the board in after years by the election of one member from each company, annually, who holds office for two years, and, who, with the chief and his assistants should constitute the same. The directors named in the creating act were Norris M. Woodruff, chief engineer; Benjamin F. Hotchkin and E. C. Lewis, assistant en gineers; and Charles S. Burt, Cyrenus H. Wright, Nathaniel Farn ham, Lotus Ingalls, William H. Sigourney, Chauncey Calhoun, jr., John C. Baker, and Otis L. Wheelock. The first meeting of directors was held June 14, 1850, and Lotus Ingalls was elected secretary. The chief engineer was ex-officio president of the board, and the assist ants, who were his appointees, were likewise constituted vice-presi dents. One of the most beneficent and providential provisions of the act, (as amended in 1858), and one which has resulted in placing the fire department of this city in a fortunate position not common to the country, was section 17, viz.: "It being understood that the great object of having a ' Fireman's fund ' is to get it sufficiently large, so that, from the interest and income, firemen who are injured while in the discharge of their duties may receive aid and assistance, and, if 39 306 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. need be, a respectable burial ; therefore it shall not be lawful for the board of directors to expend, appropriate, or create any indebtedness (except for investment) which shall exceed two thirds of the annual in come of the department, without the affirmative vote of at least four- fifths of the board of directors." Under this section and the subse quent by-laws, there has been created a generous fund for the benefit of the department; and with the accumulation of succeeding years the directors have acquired ownership of the fire department buildings of the city, except the central station on Stone street, and also own much of the apparatus used by the fire department. This subject, however, more properly belongs to a later portion of this narrative. In 1853, after the annual parade and review, the department adopted strong resolutions regarding its relations with the village, and pre sented the same, with the keys to the engine house, to the trustees; but after some deliberation (on Oct. 30) a satisfactory settlement of exist ing differences was reached, and the department again took possession of the building and apparatus. In 1854, Fireman's hall, on Stone street, was built by the village, and on February 26, 1855, the building was transferred to the department for occupancy for fire purposes. In December following a resolution of the trustees gave the use of the upper rooms of the building to Jefferson hose company, and the hook and ladder company, both of which companies had previously (under resolution of March 3, 1855) taken up their quarters on the ground floor, the hose company on the west and the truck on the east side. The building was materially enlarged in 1880. In the fall of 1853 the village system of water works was completed and in operation. This made necessary many changes in the equip ment of the fire department, all of which were accomplished during the next two years; and in August, 1856, tbe village was indebted to the fire department in the sum of $1,675 for such equipments. On Decem ber 15 of that year the directors purchased the Edmund Davis shop and lot on the south side of the square. The building was repaired and used as quarters for Central Hose company No. 2. On July 8, 1872, the property was sold to Norris Winslow, and in the same year the de partment purchased of Mrs. Lee a house and lot on the west side of Goodale street, whereon was erected (in 1873) the building now occu pied by Central Hose Co. No. 2. In the latter year, also, was built the brick engine house afterward occupied by Neptune Engine and Hose Co. No. 1. These buildings were then rented to the city for $880 per year. (The rental was afterward reduced to $700). THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 307 In 1875 the department purchased of Silsby & Co. the ' ' Watertown, " the first steam fire engine in the city. It was placed in care of Central Hose company, upon which the latter changed its name to Central Hose and Steamer Co. No. 2. The second steamer, the " R. P. Flower," was purchased by the directors in the early part of 1884, and was de signed to afford greater protection to the large manufacturing interests in the vicinity of Factory square. The engine cost $4,100, and was paid for by the department and city, each one half. It was placed in charge of Neptune Engine and Steamer Co. No. 1. This, in brief, is the history of the active element of the Watertown fire department. As now constituted it comprises ten companies, with an aggregate membership of 382 (20 less than in 1897). The active companies are Neptune Hose and Steamer Co. No. 1, which traces its ancestry to April, 1835, when the members took charge of the first brake engine brought to the village, and was then called Neptune En gine Co. No. 3; Central Hose and Steamer Co. No. 2. whose history runs to 1848, and whose service began with old "Rough and Ready " engine which had been laid aside by Neptune; Jefferson Hose Co. No. 3, which in 1845 superseded the company which manned the old Jeffer son cotton mills engine; Star Hose Co. No. 4, the junior organization of the department, which was formed by the directors January 20, 1890; and John Hancock Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, which had its origin in Capt. William Smith's company of fifteen members author ized by the trustees in 1817. One of the noticeable elements of the department is the organization known as the "Exempts," composed of firemen who have served five years with one of the active companies, and are, therefore, placed on the retired list. In this branch are now five companies — A, B, C, D, and E, each of which, except E, has 56 members. According to the admirable financial system of the department, the moneys thereof comprise two funds, known as the general and exempt firemen's funds. Any fireman of the department, after having com pleted five years' service, and receiving an honorable discharge from the directors, becomes eligible to membership in the exempt organization on payment of three dollars. This money constitutes the exempt fund, and is invested by tbe directors and the interest therefrom is used in caring for and beautifying the firemen's lot in Brookside cemetery. The general fund consists of all moneys of the department not a part of the exempt fund, and is derived from annual rental of department 308 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. buildings, compensation paid by the city, percentages received from in surance companies, interest from investments and other revenues com ing into the treasury. According to the treasurer's report (January 8, 1898), this fund aggregates $22,783.91, and the exempt fund $2,012.69. This in connection with the real estate and fire apparatus owned by the department aggregates a grand total of more than $40,000. On May 28, 1860, the directors purchased from tbe Watertown ceme tery association lots Nos. 34 to 47, in section A, and tbe walks connected therewith, for a fireman's lot. The original form of the tract was a half circle but the directors changed it to a complete circle. In August, 1890, a contract was made with George Van Vleck to erect a monument on the lot at the agreed price of $1,650. The work was completed during the following year. The unveiling and dedicatory ceremonies were held Saturday, June 20, 1891. The monument has a height of 16}4 feet of pure Barre granite, beautifully polished and engraved. The base is five feet, eight inches square, and eighteen inches high. The second base is four feet eight inches square, and fifteen inches high. The die is five feet three inches high, and four feet square. The base of the figure is four feet four inches square, and the height of the figure is eight feet. On the face of the die is the inscription "Water- town Fire Department," while on the second base are the figures "1891." The civil list of the department is as follows: Chief Engineers.— -Dyer Huntington, 1832-36; Asher M. Corss, 1836-39; W. H. Robinson, 1839- ;' Norris M. Woodruff, 1848-51; Nathaniel Farnham, 1852-53; Fred. Emerson, 1854-65; Solon B. Hart, 1866-67; Thomas C. Chittenden, 1868-69; Geo. L. Davis, 1870-71; John M. Carpenter, 1872-73; Wm. G. Carlisle, 1874-75; Robt. L. Utley, 1876; Henry A. Smith, 1877 to Mar., 1878; John E. Bergevin, 1878-79; Eugene C. VanNamee, 1880-81; Elbert W. Knapp, 1882-83; Wm. H. Cole, 1884;' Silas L. George, 1885-86; John L. McCarthy, 1887-88; Wm. Clark, 1889; Chas. E. McClare, 1890-91; Fred Morrison, 1892-93; John W. Phippin, 1894; George H. Sharlow, 1895-98. Secretaries.— Lotus Ingalls, 1850-51; John L. Baker, 1851 to August 4, 1852; Fred Emerson, 1852-53; John Rice, 1854-56; Ward E. Massey, 1854 to December 13,1856; William A- Loomis, 1856-October, 1858; John E. Dodge, 1858-59; La Fayette Little, 1860; Peler Hobson, 1861; Chas. H. Van Brackle, 1862-63; John H. McKay, 1864 (two days); Wm. W. Wright, 1864; La Fayette Little, 1864 to Sept. 11, 1865; Ross C- Scott, 1865-1898. Treasurers.— John L. Baker, 1851 ; Peter Horr, 1852-54; Robt. Porter, 1855-57; Norris Winslow, 1858-60 ; William Howard, 1861; Fred D. Sherman, 1862-63; Thos. i The department records from 1839 to 1848 are very imperfect. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 309 C. Chittenden, 1864-67; George B. Massey, 1868-69; Louis C. Greenleaf, 1K70; Pardon C. Williams, 1871-72; Jerome Bushnell, 1873-74; Chas. R. Skinner, 1875-77; Edgar C. Emerson, 1878-98. The department officers for the year 1898 are as follows: Geo. H. Sharlow, chief engineer; John H. Barry, first assistant; Robert J. Hale, second assistant; Ross C. Scott, secretary; Edgar C. Emerson, treasurer; board of directors: Geo. H. Sharlow, president; John H. Barry and Robt. J. Hale, vice-presidents; Ross C. Scott and Peter B. Montrois, of Neptune H. & L. Co. No. 1 ; Robert Carney and Chas. S.Chapin, of Central H. & S. Co. No. 2; Edgar C. Emerson and Fred F. Fields, of Jefferson Hose Co. No. 3; James M. Crane and James Wilde, of Star Hose Co. No. 4; F. M. Ferrin and Fred B. Devendorf, of Co. A, Exempts; J. Edward Massey and Gustavus Hardy, of Co. B, Exempts; James M. Dorsey and John Don nelly, of Co. C, Exempts; Edwin Scholes and George B. Johnson, Co. D, Exempts; Horace E. Taylor and Bradley C. Banter, Co. E, Exempts. In connection with the history of the fire department it is necessary that a brief allusion be made to some of tbe more disastrous fires which have destroyed village and city property in times past. Half a cent ury and more ago a fire that destroyed ten thousand dollars worth of property was regarded as a serious conflagration, almost a public calam ity, while now such events are not infrequent and are looked upon as not more than ordinary. The first serious fire in the village occurred Feb. 7, 1833, and burned the tannery and oil mill of Jason Fairbanks, the paper mill and printing establishment owned by Knowlton & Rice, and the morocco factory and dwelling owned by Kitts & Carpenter. These buildings were at the foot of Mill street, above the short bridge leading to Beebee's (originally Cowan's) island. Beebee's factory on the island was burned July 7, 1833. On December 22, 1841, the Black river woolen mills, at Factory vil lage, were burned. On March 21, 1848, occurred the fire which de stroyed Knowlton & Rice's mill and adjacent property, and an attend ing loss of life. The property then burned included the Winslow Partridge woolen mill, Philo Johnson's sash and blind factory, the Haddock axe factory, a large frame building on the site of the afterward known Jefferson mills, Farnham's tannery, Lord's plough works, a wagon shop, the bridge across the south channel, and several other buildings and structures. The old Union mill alone survived the dis astrous fire. Leonard Wright and Levi Palmer (members of Neptune No. 1) were burned to death in attempting to save property in the woolen mill. Many men were thrown out of employment as a result of this fire, and the people of the village generously contributed $1,100 for their relief. 310 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. i On Sunday morning, May 13, 1849, the village was visited with the most disastrous and sweeping fire of any during all its history, and one by which the greater portion of the business section was destroyed. The fire originated in a storage in rear of the First National, on the east end of the square (where is now Baird's jewelry store) and thence by a sudden explosion spreai to the American hotel and Paddock buildings, both of which were soon in ruins. The flames crossed Court street to the Wooster Sherman bank, and thence were blown by a brisk wind down the street to the Safford, Hayes and Peck blocks, and thence to the new Woodruff building, then one of the finest structures in the village. Here it was hoped the heavy walls would stay the flames, but the wooden cornice soon became ignited and in less than an hour the building was in ruins. The fire then worked down the square, and was only checked by tearing down a building in advance of it. In the meantime the Fairbanks stone block at the angle had taken fire, and down Court street as far as Jackson street was a complete line of flame. The fire also worked up Arsenal street, burning everything as far as the Post building, and the intermediate space between Arsenal and Court streets was entirely burned over. To the southward, every building between the square, Arsenal street and the Stone street church was burned to the ground within two short hours. In this conflagration which has ever been known in history as the ' ' great fire, " tbe buildings destroyed included the Episcopal church (on Court street), three print ing establishments, about thirty stores, the post-office, the Black River bank, Wooster Sherman's bank, Henry Keep's bank, the town clerk's office, the surrogate's office, the Y. M. C. A. rooms, and many dwell ing houses. Norris M. Woodruff was at this time chief of the fire department, and on that eventful night might be seen mounted on his horse, riding to and fro through the thickest of the smoke and falling embers, giving orders to everyone " to man the brakes," save property, and he did not ask any man to go where he dared not lead the way. When Court street was a lane of fire, and the goods of the merchants were piled in the streets, the chief galloped his horse through the street, and over the obstructions, encouraging every man to do his full duty. But almost before the smoke of the ruins had died away preparations were made to rebuild, and the following summer was the busiest of all in the early history of the village. On September 24, 1850, the Universalist church was burned. On THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 311 January 27, 1851, Perkins' hotel (on the site of Washington Hall) with the large block adjoining on Washington street, were burned; loss about $25,000. In the fall of 1852 there occurred six fires, on as many successive Fridays, and all of undoubted incendiary origin. Among the buildings destroyed in this year was the old "sugar house," which Judge Coffeen built many years before at the corner of Massey and Coffeen streets. On October 16, during this period, the Hunger ford building, the Citizen's bank and Sherman's bank, on the west side of Washington street were burned; and on November 5 following, "Mechanic's row," below the Union mills, was also destroyed, causing a loss of $20,000, and the death of Hudson Haddock, who perished in the flames while attempting to save some property. One of the most disastrous fires in the history of the village, which was all the more serious because of the fatalities and personal injuries that accompanied it, was the burning of the old Black river woolen mills, on Friday, May 6, 1859. The fire started in the " picking room " between five and six o'clock in the afternoon, and despite every effort to subdue the flames the most serious disaster followed. The building was filled with operatives at the time, and so rapid was the progress of the flames that at least a dozen employees were unable to make their escape without injury. Two persons, Angeline Sloan and John Shep herd, died from burns and injuries received from jumping from win- The injured were Mrs. Vincent White, Maria Greenwood, Celia Blod gett, James M. Griffin and child, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, Thomas Farrar, Elizabeth French, Mary Harris, Mary A. Huntley, Hannah Rogers, Thomas Osborne and Miss Simms. Subsequent to the period indicated in preceding paragraphs, fires of greater or less importance were frequent occurrences in local annals, but after the village and city had attained considerable population, and correspondingly large business interests, such events did not appear to attract the attention of those of early years, and passed into history without special notice. The fact nevertheless appears that hardly a prominent site within the business center has entirely escaped the rav ages of fire at some time during the period of its history. In this connection it is interesting to note the date of erection of some of the more prominent business buildings of the village and subsequent city, viz. : The Woodruff house, the commonly known Iron block, and also the Arcade buildings, were built immediately after the fire of 1849, or dur- 312 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing the years 1849-52. Washington hall, which for years was regarded as one of the finest business buildings in the village, was built in 1853, by Walter and Gilbert Woodruff, and came into the possession of John A. Sherman in July, 1859. The Streeter block, at the corner of the square and Mill street, was erected in 1843. The Hubbard building was erected in 1869. The Doolittle & Hall block was built in 1871. The marble front building, formerly the office of the Agricultural In surance company, and the Van Namee block, were all built in 1873. The Winslow block (now the Taggart block) was built by Norris M. Winslow in 1874. The Ryan block was built in 1876. The Flower building was erected in 1889; the Smith building in 1892; the Burdick building in 1893; the Jefferson County Savings Bank building in 1894. Educational Institutions.1 — The educational system of the village and city of Watertown, like that of all other of its institutions, has shown a slow, conservative and uniform growth from the earliest years of the century, and during that long period has developed from the primitive germ into an organism as complete and perfect as modern meth - ods and science can produce. School houses and books now open up to the poorest student the lights and opportunities of knowledge which royalty could not command one and two centuries ago, and it is no longer possible to compress the domain of learning within the narrow limits of the " Seven Professorships." The highest institutions of learn ing of a hundred years ago seldom offered the opportunity of education equal to that of the present high school. However, let us trace the history of the schools of this city from their infancy and thus learn something of their growth and development. In 1802, two short years after pioneer Henry Coffeen made the first settlement on the city site, his daughter Sally taught the children of the settlers in a little log barn which stood about on the site of the Times office in Arcade street, and soon afterward Heiress Coffeen (sis ter of Sally and daughter of the pioneer) opened a primitive school in a more comfortable log house on the road leading to Adams (Washing ton street.) This school was maintained until 1804, when the town of Water- town became an organized school district, and a school house was built on the hill south of the mall, on the site of the present Universalist church. This was indeed a primitive building, well worthy of the 1 Compiled from a historical sketch prepared by David G. Griffin, William G. Williams and others, and published in the public school reports. a/yuJ. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 313 name "the first village school house." It was elevated about four feet from the ground on the west side, and was " underpinned " at the corners and in tbe middle by three logs set on end. The interior was furnished with pine boards running the entire length of three sides, on which the children sat, while the teacher occupied the middle of the room. This was a somewhat historic structure, and in 1807 served the double purpose of school and court house. The first teacher was a Scotchman named McGregor, who remained a short time, and was fol lowed by an itinerate missionary who fortunately possessed the com bined qualities of preacher and pedagogue. After about two years he was succeeded by Roswell Babbitt (the uncle of former Sheriff George Babbitt), who, in turn, gave way to one Laidlow. Next came Jere miah, better known as "long-legged" Bishop, who "taught the school with book and rule," but whose slender income failed to properly main tain him, whereupon he was held for debt and placed on the "jail limits." Fortunately for the worthy pedagogue, the historic jail limits then included the school building. The later teachers, in succession, were Mr. Cowan and Joel Everett, the latter of whom left in 1816 to take charge of a school at Sackets Harbor. About this time the school building fell into disuse and was removed to the corner of Arsenal and and Arcade streets, where it was burned in 1849. Thus passed out of existence another of the pioneer structures of the village. In 1816, as is fully narrated on a preceding page, Watertown became an incorporated village, and soon afterward the territory was divided into two school districts, with Washington street the dividing line. In the next year the trustees purchased from Hart Massey the lots at the corner of Arsenal and Massey streets, whereon was erected a plain one- story brick school house, at a cost of $696. " In the meantime," says the Griffin narrative, "tbe brick academy on Washington street was refitted for the eastern district school," and Avery Skinner (who after ward became distinguished in public life) taught there from 1817 to 1823. He is remembered as one of the most efficient teachers in the early history of the village. In 1820 the old academy building was sold to the Presbyterian society, hence a new school for the district became necessary, but then arose a controversy which resulted in dividing the district. State street was the agreed dividing line, and the district north of that thoroughfare purchased a frame building on Factory street and refitted it for school occupancy. On the south side the trustees continued to occupy the academy until 1823, when the lot 40 314 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. whereon was afterward built Grace church was bought and a stone school house was erected. This building was replaced with another in 1846, the latter being occupied for school purposes until sold to the trustees of Grace church, in 1868. In the course of a few years the trustees in the district north of State street replaced the old frame building with a new brick structure which served its required purpose until 1852, when the property was sold (and later was occupied by Eli Hamlin as a carriage shop) and the Lamon street school house was erected. The building was materially enlarged in 1871, and repaired in 1876, and in the last year mentioned was re garded as the best school house in the city. In the same manner the growth of the village at length necessitated the erection of a larger school house in the eastern district, therefore in 1856 a considerable addition was made to the building. In 1888 its capacity was doubled. The condition of the village schools in 1840 is well illustrated in the following statement which was published in that year, viz. : " There are three school districts in the village of Watertown, and are numbered in connection with the school districts of the town, 2, 3 and 8. School in district No. 2 is taught by J. W. Weeks; school house on the corner of Arsenal street and Madi son square (Massey street); number of scholars 95; has a library of 98 volumes; trus tees, William Hinckley, P. Howk and H. Merrill. School in district No. 3 is taught by C. J. Wright; school house on Factory street; number of scholars 140; has a library ;, trustees, Baker Massey, Alexander Cummings and Harlow Scoville. School in district No. 8 is taught by Samuel Myrick ; school house on Sterling street; num ber of scholars, 50; trustees, Dr. William Sykes, William H. Robinson and N. W. Streeter.'' "The progress of the schools from 1840 to 1864,'' says Mr. Griffin's account, " did not wholly satisfy those interested in their welfare. Their supervision by the town superintendents, and afterward by the county school commissioners, was necessarily imperfect. There was no uniformity in text books in use, consequently people moving from one district to another were subjected to renewed and useless expendi tures. Private schools had become quite numerous, and while they did much to lower the standard of the public schools, yet none of them aimed at a thorough and systematic education. Owing to frequent changes of school officers, the full realiza tion of any reform system was found impossible." According to the district trustees' report for 1864, the year next pre ceding the incorporation of the board of education, the number of teachers employed in the village schools was 29 ; the number of chil dren of school age in the several districts was 2,633; number of pupils registered, 1,287; or only 48 per cent, of the children in the district. The Board of Education of the village of Watertown was incorpo- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 315 rated by an act of the legislature, passed April 21, 1865, and immediately afterward there followed a radical departure from the district system, and the establishment of the village schools upon a more efficient, pro gressive and substantial basis. The original act has been frequently amended that tbe schools might keep pace with the constantly improv ing methods adopted by the state department of public instruction, but it is hardly within the scope of this chapter to follow and note the sev eral changes inasmuch as the substance of the creating act has ever been preserved. The act provided for the election (on the first Monday in June after its passage) of nine commissioners,' who should comprise the board, and also that within ten days after the election the trustees should de termine by lot which three of their number should serve for three, two and one years, respectively. In accordance with the act the election was held, and at the first meeting held June 12, 1865, the personnel of the board was as follows : Theodore Babcock, John W. Armstrong, La fayette Lyttle, William V. V. Rosa, Allen C. Beach, Charles A. Sher man, Delano C. Calvin, Solon B. Hart and Talcott H. Camp. Com missioners Armstrong and Calvin resigned, and Mr. Camp failed to qualify, whereupon John M. Sigourney, Lotus Ingalls and I. S. Bing ham were appointed to fill the vacancies. The appointees from the institute were John C. Sterling and Milton H. Merwin. In June, 1865, tbe board leased for the term of three years all the property then held by the trustees of the institute, and in September following the Watertown high school was opened in the building, under the temporary principalship of William Reed, jr. From that time the board has held possession of the old institute by general lease, and the annual appointment of commissioners from its trustees is yet main tained, although there prevails a strong sentiment in favor of an abso lute transfer of the property to the city. The subsequent history of the village and city schools is written in the results of more than thirty years of constant progress and advance ment from one degree of perfection to another ; in the passing of the old and the incoming of the new generation of pupils ; in the abandon ment of the primitive school buildings and the erection of others of 1 Section 22 of the actprovided that in addition to the nine elective members of the board, the trustees of the Jefferson County Institute should designate two of their number to serve as members of Ihe board of education so long as the institute building should be leased to the vil lage for school purposes. This custom has ever since been pursued, and among the designated members from that body has come to the board some of its very best material. 316 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. modern style, and adapted to the more recent and approved methods of instruction. In no respect was this change more noticeable than in the adoption of the Quincey system of school conduct, which necessi tated radical alterations in several school buildings. As the village de veloped into an enterprising city and rapidly increased in commercial importance and population, the erection of new school buildings be came necessary, and as one has followed another so, too, has there been shown a close adherence to advanced methods, and particularly in re gard to comfort and health of pupils. The result of all this care and outlay of moneys has been to place the schools in a position of enviable prominence among the educational institutions of the state, and to re flect credit upon the commissioners and also upon the superintendents and the corps of teachers to whom the immediate management has been intrusted. In 1869 Watertown became a city, and in establishing its boundaries the small villages of North Watertown and Juhelville were included. This brought three additional schools within the corporate jurisdiction and they have since formed a part of the general system. The old stone school house on Bradley street was built in 1824, and was in use until about 1891, when it was abandoned for the present Mead street school house. In this connection, that our narrative may be made complete, a brief allusion to the school buildings of the city is appropriate. The high school building at the corner of State and Mechanic streets, still retains much of its original appearance. It is of brick, two stories high, above tbe basement, and was erected in 1838. It is owned by the trustees of Jefferson county institute, and is leased for a nominal consideration to the board of education. The Academy street building was originally erected in 1831, and was replaced in 1868 with the present building, at an expense of $9,950. The Arsenal street building was originally erected in 1817, and was entirely rebuilt in 1856. In 1883 its capacity was doubled. The Boon street building (frame) was first erected in 1859, and was rebuilt (with brick) in 1874. Tbe Bradley street building (stone) was erected in 1824, and was abandoned in 1891. The Cooper street building was erected in 1858, and was afterward frequently repaired. This property came to the city with the creating act of 1869. The new building on this site was begun in 1887, and was finished in 1891-92. Number 1 primary building, standing on the same lot, was erected in 1895, at a cost of $10,000. The whole property is valued at $20,300. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 317 The Factory street building was erected in 1823, but its use for school purposes was discontinued about the time the Pearl street school was opened. It is now owned by the city. The Lamon street building was erected in 1853; was enlarged in 1871, and materially repaired in 1876 and in 1896, the latter to conform with the Quincey system. The Mead street building was erected in 1891 to take the place of the old Bradley street school. The capacity of the school was doubled in 1895. The Pearl street building was erected in 1889 and cost, when completed, $6,468. It is located north of the river, at the corner of Pearl and Vincent streets. The Mullin street building was erected in 1867, but was torn down to make room for the more modern structure built in 1891. The latter cost $23,960. The Munson street building was erected in 1896, at a cost of $7,000, and is one of the most attrac tive and comfortable modern school houses in the city. The presidents of the board of education, in succession have been as follows : Theodore Babcock, 1865-68; Allen C. Beach, 1868-69; Theodore Babcock, 1869-70; Beaman Brockway, 1870-76; William W. Taggart, 1876-78; John Lansing, 1878-81; William W. Taggart, 1881-82; Edmund Q. Sewell, 1882-84; Hannibal Smith, 1884- 86; John Lansing, 1886-88; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1888-90; Thomas C. Chittenden, 1890-92; Chas. M. Rexford, 1892-94; Henry Purcell, 1894-96; George Adams, 1896- 97 ; George S. Hooker, 1897. Superintendents.— J. Felt, jr., 1865-66; H. H. Smith, 1866-69 ; William G. Williams, 1869-Feb, 1870; Hannibal Smith, March, 1870-73; Daniel G. Griffin, 1873-75; A. R. Beal, 1875-77; W. K. Wicks, 1877-79; Fred Seymour, 1879-93; William G. Williams, 1893. Principals of High School— William Read, 1865-66; N. M. Merrill, 1866-68; Edward P. Nichols, 1868-69 ; G. P. Manley, 1869-Jan. 1870; Hannibal Smith, Jan. 1870-74; W. K. Wicks, 1874-88; H. M. Hill, 1888-89; F. D. Shaver, 1889-91; James G. Riggs, 1891-92; T. F. Kane, 1892-93; E. W. Lyttle, 1893. Academic Schools. — In the preceding portion of this chapter frequent incidental mention has been made of the several academic schools which had an existence in the village previous to the incorporation of the board of education, and which were in a measure associated with the history of the common schools of the village. The first attempt to establish a seminary of higher standing than that of the old system was made about the year 1810, when a few public spirited citizens purchased from Judge Keyes the site whereon now stands the First Presbyterian church, and with a subscription fund of $2,500 began the erection of an academy building 32x40 feet in size. Unfortunately, however, the war caused a temporary delay in the work, and the building was first 318 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. used as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, and the design of the promoters of the academy project was never fully carried out. Soon after the war was ended the building was occupied by Rev. Daniel Banks, who opened it as a school and conducted it for several years with a fair degree of success. A few years later a Lancasterian school occupied part of the building, but this plan appears not to have met with hoped for success, hence was soon abandoned. In 1820 the building was sold for debt and passed into the ownership of the Watertown Ecclesiastic society. It was taken down about 1826 or '27 and the material was used in the construction of the Watertown Female academy on Clinton street, an institution without corporate character, and of which little is now known except that from 1828 to 1837 it was a school of much merit and good repute in the village. Miss Northrup and Miss Hooker (the latter a sister of Gen. "Joe" Hooker) were successively its principals. The female academy was founded for the instruction of young ladies, to the exclusion of the opposite sex, and its apparent success stimulated the establishment of an institution of like character for the education of young men. The first steps to that end were taken in 1831, and in the next year the Watertown academy was incorporated, with Micah Sterling, Egbert Ten Eyck, Orville Hungerford, Jason Fairbanks, Loveland Paddock, Henry D. Sewell, Thomas Baker, Reuben Goodale, Alpheus S. Green, Justin Butterfield, William Smith, Joseph Goodale, Joseph Kimball, George S. Boardman and John Sanford as its board of trustees. Norris M. Woodruff was a stockholder in the corporation with the trustees above mentioned. A large and comfortable stone building was erected on Academy street, and on September I 9, 1832, the school was opened with La Rue P. Thompson as principal. The institution, however, was not a financial success, and did not receive the patronage it justly deserved. As is stated, it was exclusively for the education of young men, but the influence of William Smith seems to have prevailed with tbe trustees, as a small room was set apart for his daughters, whom he desired to be under the instruction of principal Thompson. The latter was afterward followed as principal by Samuel Belding, and he, in turn, by Joseph Mullin (afterward Judge Mullin). In 1841 the charter was repealed and the institution virtually merged in the Black River Literary and Religious institute. The building was afterward occasionally occupied for school purposes (though for long periods was not in use) and later came into possession of the trustees THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 319 of the Wesleyan Methodist society, and was by them on July 11, 1868, conveyed to the village (consideration $2,000). The building was transferred to the city for the Academy street school in 1868, and was afterward occupied for school purposes until 1886, when, directly in rear of the old structure, the present school house was erected. In February, 1836, the Watertown Presbytery adopted a resolution proposing to unite with the Black River Congregational association in founding a school of high order and with marked religious tendency. The proposition met with favor, and a joint meeting of the bodies agreed upon a plan of operation, selecting Watertown as the most available location for the institution. On May 25 of the same year the legislature incorporated the famous Black River Literary and Religious institute, which with its successor corporation known as the Jefferson county institute, has maintained an existence to the present time. The first trustees were Marcus Smith, James H. Morrow, Eli Farwell, Jason Clark, George S. Boardman, Hart Massey, Roswell Finney, Crafts P. Kimball, Elisha Camp, Lewis A. Wickes, Henry Jones, George W. Knowlton, E. H. Snowden, John Covert, E. M. Adams, Elisha P. Cook, David Spear, Charles B. Pond, Artemus Chittenden, John A. Cathcart, David Granger, Abel L. Crandall, Roswell Pettibone and William Chit tenden. The trustees were authorized to establish in the village a seminary of learning, the annual income of which should not exceed $4,000. A lot was purchased on the corner of State and Mechanic streets, and a frame building was fitted up for temporary use. In the spring of 1837, the erection of the stone and brick academy building was begun, and on June 5 of the following year the corner stone was laid with impressive religious ceremonies. Governor Marcy was present. The school in the frame building was opened September, 1836, under charge of Rev. James B. Boyd, principal; Rev. John Covert, vice -principal; and Mrs. Covert, preceptress. The institution was recognized by the state board of regents January 30, 1838, and thereafter shared in the distribution of the literary fund. The former academy, which had always been feeble, speedily went down before the rivalry of the new institution, and a majority of the stockholders in the former assigned their interests to the trustees of the latter. The academy was suspended in 1838 or '39, and in 1841 its charter was dissolved by the legislature. The female academy also ceased to exist, as the institute had both male and female departments. 320 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Throughout the period of its existence the same general educational system was maintained in the institute, and there was no conflict what ever between its management and the trustees of the village schools. The latter furnished instruction in the primary and elementary branches, while the institute provided all the means for a higher education; and, regardless of the fact that it was purely a sectarian institution, it met with marked success for a long time, and hundreds of the best business and professional men of the county in later years refer with pride to the days spent and education acquired within those classic walls. In 1853 the number of pupils registered was more than 500. On February 23, 1846, the trustees determined to change the name from Black River Literary and Religious institute to Jefferson county institute, and an act to that effect was passed by the legislature on May 12 of that year. During the next twelve or fifteen years the institution was continued with good results to all concerned in the enterprise, but in the mean time the common and district schools of the state were con stantly advancing their standard of merit, and at the same time the state authorities were perfecting the plan of a general high school sys tem. In the course of time this was accomplished, and in April, 1865, the special act relating to the public schools of Watertown was passed by the legislature. In the act the trustees of the institute were author ized to lease or transfer by deed to the village their property for the purpose of a high school ; and it was also provided that while the build ing was held under lease the trustees should be entitled to be repre sented by two members of the board of education. Thus the famous Jefferson county institute was practically absorbed by the high school of the village and subsequent city, but through all the years to the present time the old corporation has maintained its existence, and is always represented on the board, furnishing to that body some of the most efficient members. During the period of its history tbe principals of the institute were as follows: Rev. James R. Boyd, 1837-48; D. W. Linsley, 1848-52; Rev. Alvin Parmalee, 1852-56; Rev. J. Sessions, 1856-59; M. P. Covert, 1859-61; Rev. George Kerr, 1861-65. Public School Library. — Previous to the incorporation of the board of education the only libraries available to tbe public were those in the three school districts of the village, (then) comprising an aggregate of perhaps 1,000 volumes. When the trustees of the Jefferson county in stitute leased their building to the board of education, they reserved THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 321 control of the library, chiefly on account of the valuable books it con tained. But as the books were little read, owing to the absence of any system of loaning, tbe trustees in 1872 generously offered to surrender control of the library to tbe board of education on certain conditions, one of which was a requirement that a suitable place be provided for its accommodation. The room in the Utley building, formerly occupied by the board, and also by the public library, was found insufficient to contain the institute library, therefore rooms Nos. 2 and 3 in the Doo little & Hall building were rented, and were occupied during the sum mer of 1872. At that time the consolidated library contained a total of 2,845 volumes, of which 1,323 were from the old public school library; 1,364 from the institute collection, and 158 from the old Delta Phi library of former years. From that to the present time the board of education has made an annual appropriation of moneys for the maintenance and increase of the library. The latter was kept in rooms rented for its use until the com pletion of the city hall and was then removed to specially prepared apartments in that splendid building. It is under the immediate care of a librarian, and tbe general charge of a committee of the board of education. The library now contains about 7,000 volumes. The Water Supply System. — In the spring of 1821 the village authori ties and business men began to discuss the subject of the water supply for domestic and fire purposes, but further than a discussion of the question nothing was accomplished. In 1829 the trustees appropriated $50 for the purpose of boring a well on Factory square, and in the next year it was voted to apply tbe proceeds of licenses in the third ward toward procuring a water supply for the village. At the trustees' meeting, May 21, 1829, the sum of $200 was voted for the purpose of boring for water, and accordingly an artesian well was begun on the public square, or mall. After the well had been bored to a considerable depth some person through wantonness dropped the steel drill, point upwards, in tbe hole, thus effectually stopping the work. In tbe same year, a company was formed for the purpose of boring for water on Factory square, and accordingly, a hole two and one-half inches in diameter was bored to a depth of about 127 feet, when water was found. The well was tubed and until about 1860 discharged a good supply of water, the latter being slightly charged with iron and sulphur. About the same time a similar well was drilled on Sewall's island, and at a depth of 80 feet was found both water and inflammable gas. The well 41 322 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was drilled deeper into the rock and both the former discoveries en tirely disappeared. The first regularly organized company whose object was to supply the village with water for all general purposes, was the Watertown water company, incorporated April 10, 1826, but beyond the creation of the corporation nothing appears to have been done by the promoters of the enterprise. The same fate seems to have overtaken the Water- town water works company, incorporated April 11, 1845. ' This com pany evidently acted with some deliberation and possibly with the en couragement of the village trustees. In 1844 the latter passed a reso lution directing engineer Timothy Dewey to make proper inquiries, plans and estimates with a view to determine the most available and sufficient sources of supply, and also the probable cost of the completed system. On November 13, 1844, Mr. Dewey made a detailed report which was published in the Jeffersonian on December 3d of that year. The worthy engineer reviewed the subject of water works systemr generally, mentioning the source of supply in many of the principal cities and European countries; and having evidently prepared the minds of the readers for the adoption of some system for this village, proceeded to set forth the desirability of a reservoir at the cold springs, on the Davenport farm, two and one-half miles from tbe village, from which the water was to be distributed through the streets by iron pipes. The second plan contemplated the construction of a system much upon the lines of tbe present water works. But the most inter esting portion of engineer Dewey's report was the argument in favor of a system of some kind. He said : "Beside, there will be a great saving of soap, as well as hard labor, in washing; more than one-third of the cost of soap will be saved, and one quarter of the time bestowed in this necessary occupation. How much longer shall it be said that the luxury of a bath in the health-preserving and invigorating element cannot be ob tained in Watertown ; that the element which the saint and savage, the Turk and Christian most adore shall remain a stranger in the place. Shall the hands and face only receive a small share of the blessing, and the vital organs take care of them selves as best they may ? . . . Why may it not soon be said that Watertown with its public square, with its spouting fountains, its literary and scientific institute, its fine and well filled churches, its moral and energetic population, its inexhaustible water power, is the most desirable residence in the northern part of this splendid Union ?" 1 The incorporators were Loveland Paddock, Timothy Dewey, F. W. Hubbard, N. M. Wood ruff and Orville Hungerford. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 323 However, on Mr. Dewey's report we cannot dwell at length. His plans were not adopted at the time, but may have been a factor in de termining the action of the commissioners who in fact established the village water system in 1853. Under the act of 1845 nothing substantial was accomplished, but eight years later a complete water works was constructed. The. incorporating act was passed March 22, and Love- land Paddock, George C. Sherman, Isaac H. Fisk, William H. Angel and Howell Cooper were declared to be the water commissioners ' of the village of Watertown. The commissioners were directed to furnish a joint bond in the sum of $60,000 for the faithful performance of their duties, and were authorized to borrow on the credit of the village the sum of $60,000 for a term of 30 years. With the fund created by the sale of bonds the water works system of the village was built during the year 1853, tbe water being turned into the pipes on November 23. The system still remains, yet not one vestige of the original plant is now in use. The first pumping house and reservoir were constructed by C. Jay Wells; the machinery was furnished by Hoard & Bradford, and the pipes were laid by J. Ball & Co. For tbe reservoir the commissioners secured from John C. Sterling a six acre tract of land a mile south east of the village, on the brow of a limestone ridge, 180 feet above the public square. Mr. Sterling, as executor of Micah Sterling's estate, also offered to convoy to the commissioners a twenty acre tract of land adjoining the reservoir lot, for tbe purposes of a park, but on the con dition that the same be laid out with drives, walks and other park im provements; and also that the sum of $250 be expended in this work within the next succeeding eighteen months. The offer was made April 9, 1853, and was accepted by the board, but the conditions were not fully carried out according to the terms of the donation, and on June 3, 1864, the commissioners reconveyed to the executors (John C. Sterling and Lawrence J. Goodale) a considerable portion of the tract. Through this inadvertence Watertown lost the opportunity of having a beautiful park tract. The water works was of ample capacity at the time of its construction, but as the village grew into a city, and increased in population and com mercial interests an enlargement of the system became necessary. In 1871 the reservoir capacity was more than doubled, and in 1882 a new 1 The act of May 22, 1897, declares that the commissioners of water works of the city shall con stitute the "board of water works." 324 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. pumping station was built at the so-called Delano falls, on the south side of the river. Other material improvements were also made, and in that year the board expended about $60,000. In 1897 still further additions were made, particularly in erecting a new pumping station at a cost of more than $30,000, and constructing a settling basin and laying intake pipe at the expense of more than $24,000. The entire cost of the system to the present time has been about $385,000, and the amout of outstanding water bonds is $235,000. This department of municipal government, however, is self-sustaining, and the water works are maintained with no expense to the taxpayers. The system com prises about 27 miles of main pipes; 250 fire hydrants; 1,500 taps. The annual revenue aggregates about $30,000. The presidents of the board of water commissioners have been as follows : Loveland Paddock, June-Sept, 1853; Geo. C. Sherman, Sept. 1853-June, 1863; Isaac H. Fisk, 1863-June, 1869; A. D. Remington, 1869-June, 1873; Richard Van Namee, 1873-July 6, 1886; John C. Knowlton, July 6, 1886-. The clerks of the board have been Geo. C. Sherman, 1853-58; G. R. Hanford, 1858-63; Isaac H. Fisk (prest. and secty.,) 1863-Jan. 1864; Chas. Strang, Jan. -Nov. 1864; John F. Moffett, 1864-1869: Nathaniel P. Wardwell, July 1, 1869-Jan. 1, 1898; Gary M. Jones, Jan. 1, 1898-. The Watertown Gaslight company was incorporated in March, 1852, with a capital of $20,000, although in September of the preceding year the trustees had by ordinance granted to Walworth, Nason & Guild the exclusive right to supply the village with resin gas for a period of ten years. The regularly organized gas company began operations in 1852 by erecting buildings on Anthony street and laying pipes throughout the principal business streets. The work was completed in due time and the affairs of the company were successfully conducted until 1874, when a reorganization was effected, a new set of stockholders came into the concern, and the operating capital was increased to $100,000. As the city increased in population and business importance the works have been from time to time enlarged and extended. In 1897 the gen erating capacity of the plant was doubled, and can now produce 200, 000 feet of gas per day. There are about fifteen miles of street pipes, and about 1,200 meters in use. The present officers of the company are Harry C. Whitney, president and manager; Anson R. Flower, vice- president; Silas L. George, secretary and treasurer; and Allen C. Beach, S. L. George, H. C. Whitney, A. R. Flower and Mrs. H. S. Story, directors. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 325 The Watertotvn Electric Light company was organized and incorpo rated in 1885, with a capital stock of $15,000. The first officers were Jno. C. McCartin, president; Charles H. Tubbs, treasurer; and E. S. Goodale, secretary. The company's works were at first located in an old stone building on Beebee's island, but in 1891 were removed to the large stone building erected at the corner of Mill and Moulton streets, on the north side of the river, on the site of the old " checkered" flour ing mill of early pears. The present company officers are Dewitt C. Middleton, president; Omar A. Hine, treasurer; and D. C. Middleton, A. C. Middleton, Mrs. Frank L. Baker, Amelia and Alice Baker, directors. The Watertown Street Railway company was organized in 1887, and on November 22 of that year the common council granted the franchise to build and operate the road from the eastern to the western limits of the city. The work of construction was begun November 24, 1888, and the road was opened for traffic May 20, 1891. The first officers of the company were A. D. Remington, prest. ; E. S. Goodale, sec. and treas. ; W. H. Cole, supt. ; and John C. Thompson, A. D. Remington, S. F. Bagg, E. S. Goodale, E. M. Gates, J. Mullin and Geo. B. Massey, directors. The operation of the road has been a great convenience to the people of the city, and particularly to citizens of Brownville, to which point the road was extended, but for some reason the investment has never been profitable for the stockholders. In 1896 the company went into the hands of a receiver, and in the latter part of 1897 the road and franchise were sold to non resident capitalists. Military. — Within a few years after tbe close of the war of 1861-5, the state authorities provided for the organization of militia organiza tions in each county, and in accordance with its provisions the 35th battalion of the 6th brigade, 4th division of national guards, state of New York, was organized with division and brigade headquarters at Watertown. The battalion comprised four companies, A, B and C of Watertown. and D of Theresa, and was for several years regarded as one of the most efficient militia organizations in this part of the state, excepting perhaps the U. S. troops at Madison barracks. In 1879 the splendid large armory was built for the use of the battalion, but in 1882, in conformity with the directions from the state military authorities the the organization was disbanded, and Co. C, being the best disciplined portion of the force, was resolved into the 39th separate company, as now existing. In 1875 James R. Miller, who came from the west of 326 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Scotland, and who had served with the famous Scottish volunteers, be came commandant of C company, 35th battalion, and held the captaincy until the spring of 1881, when he resigned; and it was through his in terest in the organization and his knowledge of military tactics that the company was brought to so high a degree of proficiency. He was suc ceeded by Capt. C. A. Settle, on whose death in 1884 Capt. Miller re turned to the command and practically reorganized the company and estab'ished it upon a safe basis, from both military and financial points of view. In the spring of 1888 he (and also Lieut. Scott, who had as sisted in elevating the company standing) resigned, and was succeeded by Capt. W. R. Zimmerman, and in the latter in turn by Capt. James Boyer, the present commandant, who was commissioned captain March 21, 1893. The Post-office. — Previous to the erection of the present beautiful government building the post office was kept in rooms rented for its occupancy; and in the early history of the village the office often changed location with each appointment of postmaster. In 1891 con gress appropriated $75,000 for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting a post-office building. The lot on Arsenal street was secured, at a cost of $15,000, and thereon was built during the years 1891-2 the present attractive stone structure. The work was done under the supervision of postmaster Edward M. Gates. The building was occu pied in May, 1892. (The post-office was kept in the Arcade from 1850 until the completion of the post-office building). Watertown was made a post-office station in 1804. Since that time the postmasters, with dates of appointment have been as follows: Henry Coffeen, April 1, 1804; Joseph Clark, Oct. 1, 1806; Paul Hutchinson, Jan. 1, 1812; Henry H. Sherwood, July 20, 1816; Daniel Lee, May 20, 1822; Alpheus S. Greene, June 3, 1829; Alvin Hunt, June 23, 1840; John F. Hutchinson, Sept. 27, 1841; Pearson Mundy, June 28, 1848; Philo S. Johnson, April 25, 1849; Wm. H. Sigourney, April 1, 1853 ; Levi Smith, April 9, 1861 ; Wm. G. Williams, Jan. 28, 1870 ; Alexander Campbell, Jan. 28, 1874; Wm.'G. Williams, May 8, 1874; E. M. Gates, July 1, 1882; John C. Streeter, July 26, 1886; E. M. Gates, Sept. 26,. 1889; Chas. W. Clare, April 15, 1893; De Witt C. Middleton, May 17, 1897. The State Fair. — Among tbe interesting events in connection with the past history of Watertown was the state fair, which was first held in the village in 1856. This indeed was an extraordinary occasion, and that the event should be properly celebrated, grounds were laid out in the locality known as " Keepes' woods," the tract being bounded by Academy, Franklin, Goodale and Gotham streets, as now laid out. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 327 The entrance was on Academy street, near the school house. The en tire situation is well shown in the map of Watertown made by J. D. Huntington in 1856, and reproduced in this work. The fair was held September 30-October 3, of the year mentioned, and if all memories of the occasion be true, was a gratifying success. The receipts aggregated $8,010. The next and final state fair in Watertown was held on the fair ground and race course in September, 1861, and was, like its predecessor, a successful event. The state authorities were at that time casting about for a favorable permanent location for the annual exhibition, and Watertown was one of five places seriously considered as available for the purpose. However, the locality was thought to be too far north, and the railroad facilities in sufficient, hence the project was abandoned so far as this municipality was concerned. Masonic. — The history of masonry in Watertown forms an interest ing chapter in the local annals. Indeed, in at least one respect this record is remarkable, for while there were hundreds of lodges through out the state which, during the so-called anti-masonic period, sur rendered their charters and suspended meeting on account of the pre vailing excitement and frequently threatened indignities, old Eastern Light lodge of Watertown retained its identity, organization, charter and jewels, and held regular meetings in the old lodge room.1 The candle set in the window was a sufficient notice of a meeting, and the brethren assembled and transacted business as if the period was with out dangers to institutions of this particular character. Eastern Light lodge, No. 136, F. and A. M., was instituted June 17, A. L., 5806, with the following charter officers and members: Powell Hall, W. M. ; Samuel C. Kannady, S. W. ; Zelotus Harvey, J. W. ; Benj. Allen, treas. ; Isaiah Massey, sec'y; Hart Massey, S. D. ; Josiah Farrar, J. D. ; Benj. Pool, S. S.; Samuel Foster, J. S. ; Andrew Bassinger, Tiler, and Gershom Tuttle, jr., members. In 1814 the lodge voted to surrender its charter and procure a new warrant for a Master's lodge, whereupon the property of the lodge was placed in possession of Mark Master Mason's lodge, No. 46 (at that time at work here) for safe keep ing until the new lodge should be instituted. A new warrant was is- 1 The present Masonic building is owned jointly by the National Union bank and the Masonic- bodies of the city, the first two stories being owned by the bank, and all above the second floor by the Masons. Incase the building is burned or otherwise destroyed the bank, or its successors, are to furnish the foundation and walls to the third story, and in the same manner the Masons are to keep the building properly roofed. 328 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sued June 5, 1817, and on the festival of St. John the Evangelist, of that year, Watertown lodge, No 289, was duly set to work, by Br. Joseph Enos, grand visitor. The brethren named in the warrant were Isaac Lee, master; Timothy Burr, S. W. , and George Smith, J. W. The records of Watertown lodge furnish many interesting incidents and reminiscences, and above all fully attest the genuine benevolence and charitableness of the institution. On one occasion in 1825 the lodge voted to appropriate $10 with which to provide an unfortunate brother with " a decent coat in which to appear at lodge meetings"; and about the same time the lodge resolved " to buy a cow for the use of a brother." As late as the year 1840, at a meeting held Dec. 8, on motion of Br. I. B. Crawe, it was resolved "that a sum of money not exceeding $20 be placed in tbe hands of a committee of two," who, in connection with a committee on the part of the chapter, were to pro cure a suit of clothes for Bro. . The history of the lodge has been uneventful, and from the time of its original charter has been a constantly growing body, and an instru ment for good in the community. In 1840 the number was changed to 49. Its present membership is 237. In the order of succession, the past masters have been as follows: Powell Hall, 1806-08; Samuel C. Kannady, 1809; Calvin McKnight, 1810-13; Isaiah Massey, 1814 ; Isaac Lee, 1815 (all of Eastern Light lodge). In 1816, while awaiting the new charter no officers were elected; Isaac Lee, 1817-19; Dyer Huntington, 1820-21; Abner Baker, jr., 1822-23; David W. Bucklin, 1824; Abner Baker, jr., 1825- 26 ; Isaac H. Bronson, 1827 ; Ithamar B. Crawe, 1828-29 ; Isaac H. Bronson, 1830-32 ; Asher N. Corss, 1833; no officers in 1834; Wm. H. Shumway, 1835; Asher N. Corss, 1836-39 (all of Watertown lodge No. 289); Asher N. Corss, 1840^4; Wm. H. Shum way, 1845; Calvin Auborn, 1846; Lysander H. Brown, 1847; Peter Horr, 1848; Lysander H. Brown, 1849-50; Alex. Button, 1851; Randolph Barnes, 1852-55; Wm. B. Farwell, 1856; Wm. A. Loomis, 1857-58; Stephen L. Potter, 1859-60; Edward L. Sargent, 1861-62; Nelson H. Pierce, 1863; Samuel N. Hodges, 1864; Geo. W. Nim- rocks, 1865; Allen C. Beach, 1866; Frederick Emerson, 1867; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1868-70; J. Addison Lawyer, 1871-72; Thomas C. Chittenden, 1873-74; Louis C. Greenleaf, 1875-76 ; James R. Miller, 1877-78 ; Watson M. Rogers, 1879-80 ; Leslie B. Cooke, 1881-82; Alanson D. Seaver, 1883-84; Wilbur F. Bingham, 1885; Chas. H. VanBrackle, 1886; Frank M. Bingham, 1887; Edgar C. Emerson, 1888-91; Wm. Loan, 1892; Willis W. Rice, 1893-94; George Adams, 1895-96; DeWitt C. Middleton, 1897-98. Watertown Chapter No. 59 R A. M., was instituted February 7, 1817, the first grand council consisting of Egbert Ten Eyck, H. P. ; Amasa Trowbridge, K, and Isaac Lee, S. Like the lodge, the chapter THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 329 has maintained a continuous and healthful existence from the date of its charter in 1817 to the present time, and the period of its history has not been interrupted by vicissitudes of unusual events. In 1829, at a special convention held March 26, a resolution was offered to the effect that the charter be surrendered to the grand chapter of the state. The chapter had been summoned for the occasion and a large number of brethren were present, but the proposition was unanimously rejected.' In tbe same manner at a convention held Sept. 14, 1833, a resolution was passed authorizing a sale of the furniture owned by the chapter, but at an adjourned convocation held Oct. 4, the previous action was rescinded. The chapter now numbers 173 members. Its past high priests, in succession, have been as follows: Egbert Ten Eyck, 1817-26; Gideon W. Wells, 1827; Abner Baker, jr., 1828-31; Ithamar B. Crawe, 1832-38; Orville Hungerford, 1839-40; Hiram K. Newcomb, 1841-43; Ithamar B. Crawe, 1844-45; Peter Horr, 1846; Lysander H. Brown, 1847; H. K. Newcomb, 1848; Orville Hungerford, 1849; Pearson Mundy, 1850; Peter Horr, 1851-53; L, H. Brown, 1854-61; Allen C. Beach, 1862-65; Roswell P. Flower, 1866-68; Nelson H. Pierce, 1869; John C. Armstrong, 1870-71; Louis C. Greenleaf, 1872-73; Thos. C. Chittenden, 1874-76; Leslie B. Cooke, 1877-79; Chas. D. Bingham, 1880-81; Wilbur F. Bingham, 1882-83; Willis W. Rice, 1884-91; Edgar C. Emerson, 1892-93; Frank Keefer, 1894-95; Fred T. York, 1896-97; Joseph Nellis, 1898. Watertown Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar, of Watertown, was organized February 22, 1826, under a dispensation issued by the grand encampment of the state, in answer to the petition of Sirs Orville Hungerford, Adriel Ely, Isaac H. Bronson and others. The first meeting under the dispensation was held March 24, 1826, at which were present in addition to those above mentioned, Sirs T. B. Brayton, who was appointed prelate, and George C. Sherman, who was named as recorder. The officers for the year were Orville Hungerford, com mander ; Adriel Ely, generalissimo ; Isaac H. Bronson, captain general ; Thos. R. Brayton, prelate; Geo. C. Sherman, senior warden; Abner Baker, jr., junior warden; Andrew Newell, treasurer; Geo. C. Sher man, recorder; Jas. H. Meigs, sentinel. On June 8, 1827, Sir Kt. Orville Hungerford was elected grand sen ior warden of the grand encampment of the state, and was promoted to G. C. G. at the annual conclave, June 6, 1828. On June 5, 1829, at the annual conclave of the grand encampment, Adriel Ely was elected *The chapter record reads: "Memo: At the action taken on the above resolution a full meeting was convened, and a great number of brethren were present ; and to the honor of the craft be it said not one voice was raised in favor ofthe resolution on finally taking the question." 43 330 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. G. C. G. In 1854 Sir George C. Sherman was elected G. C. G., and was promoted successively G. G. and D. G. M. in 1855 and '56. In September, 1862, the 49th annual conclave of the grand commandery of the state was held at the asylum of Watertown commandery, No. 11. In 1865 Pearson Mundy was elected G. C. In 1879 Thos. C. Chitten den was elected G. C. ¦ At the annual conclave held at Utica in 1896, Chas. D. Bingham was elected grand warden; and at the annual con clave held in 1897, he was elected grand sword bearer, which position he now holds. During the years 1829-31 there was but a single conclave held in each year on account of the anti-masonic crusade against all the orders of masonry, and in the year last mentioned business and meetings were suspended. The warrant for the encampment was retained several years, and was finally surrendered to the grand encampment, June 7, 1839. About the first of February, 1850, upon the petition of Orville Hun gerford, James H. Meigs, Solomon Robbins, jr., James C. Partridge, John Mullin, sen. and jun., Pitt Morse, Hugh Wiley, J. Whitley, Syl vester Reed and John McGuillon, the grand encampment of the state reissued its former warrant, and the commandery was revived. The dis pensation was issued February 25, 1850, and on the next day an en campment was held in Watertown. From this time the commandery maintained a continuous and prosperous existence, and has for many years been regarded as one of the strongest templar bodies in the state outside the large cities. The present membership is 272. In succession, the past commanders have been as follows: Orville Hungerford, 1826-28 ; Adriel Ely, 1829-30 ; Isaac H. Bronson, 1831 ; Or ville Hungerford, 1850; Sylvester Reed, 1851; George C, Sherman, 1852-60; Pearson Mundy, 1861-68; J.Addison Lawyer, 1869-70 ; Thomas C. Chittenden, 1871-72; John C. Armstrong, 1873; J. Addison Lawyer, 1874; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1875-76; Louis C. Greenleaf, 1877-78 ; R. E. Smiley, 1879-80 ; Henry A. House, 1881-82 ; James R. Miller, 1883-84; Leslie B. Cook, 1885-86; John C. Armstrong, 1887-88; Charles D. Bingham, 1889-90; A. Ten Eyck Lansing, 1891-93; Edgar C. Emerson, 1894-95; Willis W. Rice, 1896-97. Media Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., was organized April 6, 1891, with seven charter members, and during the seven years of its history has increased to the present number of 495 nobles. These members are of course Masons, but the organization is not otherwise associated with the craft. Odd Fellowship. —On September 24, 1844, Black River lodge, No. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 331 124, I. O. O. F., was instituted, with Fred S. Hawley, N. G. ; William H. Shumway, V. G. ; and Edwin Clark, secretary. In May, 1845, Iro quois lodge, No. 161, was instituted by district deputy William H. Shumway, with Benjamin Jervis, N. G. ; R. M. Chittenden, V.G. ; and Alexander Wilson, secretary. Both lodges were in a healthful condi tion and were constantly increasing in strength when the disastrous fire of May 13, 1849, laid waste the business portion of the village, and also destroyed all the records of both organizations. However, a reorgan ization was effected, and the former bodies were consolidated under the name of Jefferson Union lodge, No. 124, instituted August 4, 1849, with Ira F. Rowlson, N. G. , and William A. Loomis, V. G. From that time the lodge has maintained a continuous existence, and is now re garded as one of the oldest and most substantial Odd Fellow bodies in this part of the state. Its present membership is 296. Watertown City lodge, No. 291, I. O. O. F., was instituted September 20, 1871, by D. D. G. M. A. G. Wheeler with twenty charter members taken chiefly from old Jefferson Union lodge. The first officers were Lucius Gill, N. G. ; W. S. Carlisle, V. G. ; W. P. Brown, recording sec retary; M. V. Kitts financial secretary; and Daniel Lee, treasurer. This lodge has ever since been the rival of the parent organization, and has now outstripped the older body in point of membership, having at this time a total of 350. Corona lodge, No. 705, I.O.O.F., was brought into existence under a dispensation granted May 11, 1894, and was instituted June 12, follow ing, with 25 former members of Jefferson Union and Watertown lodges comprising its charter membership. A charter was issued to the new lodge, August 23, 1894. The present membership is 125. Montezuma Encampment, No. 27, was instituted November 19, 1847, by D.D.G.P. Nathan Randall, with J. J. Safford, C.P. ; Sylvester Smith, H.P. ; William H. Sigourney, S.W. ; John H. Smith, J.W. ; Benjamin Lewis, scribe, and Morris Livingston, treasurer. The en campment has ever been an increasing and popular Odd Fellow society, and now numbers about 100 swords. Canton Ridgley, No. 14, Patriarchs Militant, was mustered March 7, 1866, and has been an important element of Odd Fellowship in the city. Its present membership is about 40 persons. The City Opera House. — In 1885 A. D. and C. R. Remington and Edward M. Gates built the City opera house, one of the most complete, attractive and commodious buildings of its kind in this entire region. 332 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. It has a seating capacity for 1,350 persons. Previous to the erection of the opera house, the popular place for entertainments was the upper floor of old Washington hall. This building was erected by Walter and Gilbert Woodruff in 1854, and the entertainment hall occupied the whole third floor, having a large seating capacity. It is still used for its original purpose, though to a very limited extent since the comple tion of the city opera house in 1885. Still another place for lectures and other entertainments has been provided on the upper story of the city hall building. Indeed, there has not been a time within the last three-quarters of a century that Watertown has been without a reason ably convenient public assembly hall, but not until the erection of Wash ington hall had the village a place of this kind with proper accommo dations. Hotels. — In the earlier pages of this chapter frequent mention has been made of the old taverns and hotels of the village, which had an existence previous to the great fire of 1849. Among the numerous buildings then destroyed were the American and Columbian hotels, both of which were popular public houses. Two years later the Per kins hotel standing on the site of Washington hall was also burned, but in the meantime the splendid Woodruff house, and also the American and Columbian hotels had been rebuilt, the latter taking the name of Globe hotel. The Woodruff house, notwithstanding the fact that it was built nearly half a century ago, is still one of the largest and most complete public houses in northern New York. It was built by Norris M. Woodruff, and stands a lasting monument to his enterprise and public-spiritednes-. The American hotel was rebuilt after the fire, and was maintained as a public house until about the time the property became a part of the Henry Keep estate. ' The Columbian was rebuilt as tbe Globe hotel, and was maintained until 1891, when it was mate rially reconstructed and enlarged, and took the name "Otis house," after its owner. The Harris house, near the southeast corner of the square, stands on a location where a hotel has been maintained under various names and proprietors for a period of more than forty years. The Crowner house was built about the same time, but in 1895 gave i This once famous hostelry stood (and the building stiU stands) at the corner of the public square and Arsenal street. What is now the entrance to the upper floors was formerly Hagar & Beebee's jewelry store. The office was where is now Baker's grocery store, on Arsenal street, and in rear of it was the bar. Next beyond Baker's store was the billiard room. In later years Joseph Marrian's hotel at the corner of Arsenal and Arcade streets, took the name American. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 333 way to the Hotel Hardiman, the latter one of the finest public houses in the city. The City hotel was built about 1860, and was enlarged about 1874. Banking and Financial Institutions. — Well authenticated records in form us that the first attempt to establish a bank in Watertown was made in the early part of 1807, when an application was presented to the legislature for a charter, and also for a loan of $150,000, to the peo ple of the county, on good security, for the purpose of starting a bank in conformity with the laws then in operation At that time general banking powers could only be secured by act of the legislature, and in many of the earlier banks the state reserved the right to subscribe to the stock, and also to appoint directors to represent its interest in pro portion to the shares taken. In tbe application for the establishment of the local bank, it was proposed to issue bills of credit, which were sought to be declared legal tender for payment of debts. However, Mr. Kent, to whom the matter was referred, reported adversely, on the ground that the federal constitution forbade the states to make legal tender of any commodity other than gold and silver, wherefore tbe pe tition could not be granted. In 1808 the state loaned the county the sum of $10,339.86. In 1816 another attempt was made to establish a bank, but for several political reasons the scheme proved a failure. Thefefferson County bank, the direct outgrowth of which is the present Jefferson County National bank, was incorporated by act of the legis lature, passed April 17, 1816, in answer to the petition of John Brown, Roswell Woodruff, Eliphalet Edmunds, David I. Andrus, Ethel Bron son, Jabez Foster, Egbert Ten Eyck, Hoel Lawrence, Frederick White, Abel Cole and others. The charter authorized the bank to do business until January 1, 1832, with a capital of $50,000, in shares of $10 each. The commissioners appointed by the act to apportion the stock and locate the seat of operations of the bank, were Elisha Camp, of Houns field, Jesse Hopkins, of Henderson, Ebenezer Wood, of Ellisburgh, Jabez Foster, of Watertown, Clark Allen, of Lorraine, Samuel C. Kan- ady, of Rodman, Ethel Bronson, of Rutland, John Durkee, of Cham pion, Thomas Brayton, of Wilna, Silvius Hoard, of Antwerp, Musgrave Evans, of Le Ray, John Paddock, of Brownville, and Eliphalet Ed munds, of Adams. These commissioners met at Watertown, and, if local tradition be true, engaged in a long and animated discussion as to the proper place of business. The old rivalry between Brownville and Watertown was 334 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. again revived, and political conditions in both places had much to do with the spirited controversy which is said to have taken place. The result was that neither place secured the institution, but in compromis- sion Adams was favored with tbe designation. The first board of di rectors was chosen June 20, 1817, and comprised John Paddock, Hoel Lawrence, Ebenezer Wood, Clark Allen, David I. Andrus, Samuel F. Hooker, Elisha Camp, Frederick White, David Hale, Samuel C. Kan- ady, John Cowles, Eliphalet Edmunds and Josiah Sterling. John Paddock was the first president, and James Wood the first cashier. Under the direction and management thus indicated, the Jefferson County bank opened its doors for business in Adams in 1817, but dur ing the period of its operations at that place it was not a success from a financial point of view. Consequently, after a temporary suspension, in 1824, the legislature passed an act authorizing its removal to the county seat, and also requiring each of the directors to own at least $500 of the capital stock. On April 14, 1830, the charter was amended by increasing the capital to $80,000, and another amendment (June 19, 1836), still further increased the amount to $200,000. In 1844 the cap ital was reduced to $148,800. In 1827 this institution had become one of the safety fund banks of the state, and remained such until 1853, when it was reorganized as an associated free bank, authorized to do business until January 1, 1900. Its securities comprised stocks and real estate, and it was thereafter recognized as one of the solid financial institutions of northern New York, and was perhaps the leading bank of the county until 1865, when it went into voluntary liquidation and reorganized as the Jefferson County National bank, a name well known in banking circles through out the entire state. The Jefferson County National bank succeeded the old pioneer bank ing institution by a transfer of interest dated August 3, 1865, and was thereupon organized under the name indicated, with a capital of $148, 000. The first president was Talcott H. Camp, who continued in that position until his death, February 8, 1897, and was then succeeded by John C. Knowlton, the present president. The first cashier was O. V. Brainard, succeeded, in 1886, by Myers Thompson, and the latter in 1871 by Smith T. Woolworth. The present officers and directors are as follows : John C. Knowlton, president; G. B. Massey, vice president ; S. T. Woolworth, cashier; G. V. S. Camp, assistant cashier; John C. Sterling, Levi H. Brown, George THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 335 B. Massey, John C. Knowlton, John Lansing, Richard Marcy, E. M. Gates, B. J. Strough, O. E. Hungerford, W. H. Stevens and G. V. S. Camp, directors. In the order of succession the presidents of this institution from the time it was founded in 1816, have been as follows: John Paddock, 1816; Jabez Foster, 1817-19; Ethel Bronson, 1820-25; Jabez Foster, 1825-26; Perley Keyes, 1826-33; Micah Sterling, 1833-34; Orville Hungerford, 1834- 45; Norris M. Woodruff, 1845-54; Robert Lansing, 1855-56; Talcott H. Camp, 1856- 97 (more than forty years) ; John C. Knowlton, 1897. The cashiers have been as follows: James Wood, 1816-20; Orville Hungerford, 1824-33; O. Y Brainard, 1833-66; Myers Thompson, 1866-71; Smith T. Woolworth, 1871-98. In 1832 an effort was made to establish a second bank in the village, and at a public meeting held November 27 resolutions were passed favoring the proposition and resulting in the appointment of a commit tee comprising Jason Fairbanks, Norris M. Woodruff, Loveland Pad- dack, Egbert Ten Eyck, John Fay, L. Bebee, John Sigourney, William Ruger and L. G. Hoyt, who were asked to prepare a petition to the legislature for a charter for an institution to be known as the Water- town bank. The committee acted accordingly and set forth in their memorial the necessities of another banking institution in the county seat, and also the commercial and agricultural advantages of the Black river region. But for some reason now unknown the project was not carried out, and no other bank was started in the village until after the adoption of the act to authorize the "business of banking," April 18, 1838. The Bank of Watertown began business January 26, 1839, with a cap ital of $100,000, although during the year next preceding the prelimi nary steps were taken to bring about the organization. The persons most active in the enterprise were Orville Hungerford, Loveland Pad dock, Norris M. Woodruff, William H. Angel and H. D. Sewall, who comprised tbe committee to prepare articles of association. After the incorporation was effected Loveland Paddock was elected president and W. H. Angel cashier. During the period of its career down to about 1860, when it suspended business, the subsequent presidents were Wil lard Ives, John L. Goldsmith, T. C. Chittenden and William H. Angel. The latter became virtual owner of the bank and was sole manager of its affairs when the business was closed. The National Bank and Loan Company, which stands second in point of seniority of service among the present financial institutions of the 336 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. city, was organized by George C. Sherman as a state bank, January 20, 1839, under the name of Watertown Bank and Loan company. Its original capital was $100,000. In January, 1849, Mr. Sherman also organized the Merchant's Exchange bank, but very soon afterward merged it in the Watertown Bank and Loan company. Throughout the period of its history, and down to the time of his death in April, 1863, Mr. Sherman was the active spirit in the management of the bank, and much of its early and substantial success was due to his energy and capacity. In 1848 he abandoned his law practice and de voted himself entirely to banking. Upon his death the bank virtually descended to his sons, and on the 29th of June, 1865, was reorganized under the national banking laws, as the National Bank and Loan com pany. The new capital was fixed at $75,000, and the stock was entirely owned by members of the Sherman family. The first directors were George H., Charles A., Robert L., Mary A., and Sadie M. Sherman. George H. Sherman was the first president, and Charles A. Sherman the first cashier. Mr. Sherman remained president of the bank until his death, January, 1897, when a reorganization was effected, the Sherman family then disposing to various business men all but $12,500 of their stock. At this, time George C. Sherman, former vice-president was elected president; Henry Purcell was chosen vice-president, and Wm. H. Hathway, cashier. These are the present officers of the bank. The directors are Geo. C. Sherman, Henry Purcell, Watson M. Rogers, John M. Tilden, Carl W. Haas, Chas. N. Sherman, Jno. Q. Adams, Darwin B. Gotham, Frank D. Pierce, Wm. H. Conger, Isaac L. Hunt, Lewis W. Day and Andrew C. Cornwell. The bank has a present sur plus of $15,000 and an undivided profit account of $5,000. The Black River bank, more frequently known as the Paddock bank, began business May 25, 1844, with a capital of $100,000, of which nine- tenths of the stock was owned by Loveland Paddock, the founder, and the balance by Oscar and Edwin L. Paddock. The concern did busi ness on the square, about on the site now of J. S. Baird's jewelry store. It was continued with a fair degree of success until 1863, when the gov ernment levied a tax on the issue of state banks, whereupon the insti tution was resolved (June 8) into a national bank, under the style ofthe First National bank of Watertown. This was the first national bank in the county, and one of the first in the state, being No. 73. Of course the Paddocks were the largest shareholders and controlled the stock. Loveland Paddock was president to the time of his death, and THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 337 was then succeeded by Edwin L. Paddock, former vice-president. Oscar V. Paddock, who had been cashier, was now elected vice-presi dent, and was succeeded in his former position by George L. Woodruff. The bank continued business until about 1880 and then went into vol untary liquidation. The National Union bank, which for a period of many years has been regarded as one of the safe financial institutions of the county, was or ganized originally as the " Union Bank of Watertown," an associated free bank, incorporated June 14, 1852, with a capital of $100,000. The incorporators were Henry Keep, George S. Goodale, A. M. Woodruff, Walter N. Woodruff, Abner Baker, Washington Gennet, Orrin C. Utley, Loveland Paddock, Daniel Lee, J. H. Dutton, E. Q. Sewall, W. K. Hawkes, John White and John C. Sterling. On August 3, 1853, the stockholders elected a board of directors, and the latter at their first meeting chose Henry Keep, president ; W. K. Hawkes, vice-president, and George S. Goodale, cashier. The first directors were Henry Keep, W. K. Hawkes, C. F. Symonds, Abner Baker, Washington Gennet, Merrill Coburn, Luther G. Hoyt, John Bradley, John Sigourney, Alex. Copley, W. H. Moffett, Anson Ranney and W. N. Woodruff. The Union bank did an extensive and successful business throughout the period of its history as a state institution, but on August 8, 1865, it was reorganized under the national banking act, and thenceforth became known as the National Union bank (No. 1507), of Watertown. The officers at that time were Merrill Coburn, president ; Joseph K. Bates, vice-president, and Samuel B. Upham, cashier. The original capital stock of $100,000 was increased (in 1889) to $147,440, and has so con tinued. The subsequent history of the bank is a record of continued and gratifying success. The present surplus and undivided profit ac count is $96,860, which statement is of sufficient evidence of the sta bility of the bank and the capacity of its management. Since the bank was originally established, in 1852, the presidents have been as follows : Henry Keep, 1852-53; W. K. Hawkes, 1853-55; Abner Baker, 1855-58; Merrill Coburn, 1858-69; Alanson Skinner, 1869-77; Gilderoy Lord, 1877-89; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1889-90; Wm. W. Taggart, 1890-, the present president. The cashiers have been George S. Goodale, 1852-56; Samuel B. Upham, 1856-92; Addison L. Upham, 1992-. The present directors are as follows; W. W. Taggart (president), I. P. Powers, J. R. Stebbins, A. H. Sawyer, W. W. Conde, Samuel Felt, Albert Fish, A. D. Remington, W. W. Butterfield, Henry Spicer, A. C. Middleton, R. C. Scott and O. B. Cadwell. The Jefferson County Savings bank is the oldest and most substantial 43 338 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. institution of its kind in the northern part of the state. It was incor porated April 5, 1859, with 22 trustees, as follows; Abner Baker, Ber nard Bagley, Alonzo Maxon, Clark Hewitt, John E. Dodge, B. F. Hotchkin, L. J. Bigelow, Peter Haas, Merritt Andrus, Chas. D. Smith, Fred Emerson, D. C. Tomlinson, John L. Marsh, Jacob Clark, Adriel Ely, James I. Steele, Wm. Estes, Patrick O'Dougherty, Ambrose W. Clark, Orlin Wheelock, Willard Ives and Charles B. Hoard. On the organization of the board, James I. Steele was elected president, Fred Emerson, vice president, and John L. Marsh, secretary and treasurer. A special allusion to the splendid result achieved by this well known institution seems needless, as its history and career are both well under stood in financial circles throughout this part of the state. Sufficient evidence of the bank's popularity is seen in the fact that its depositors number 12,256 persons, while the aggregate deposits amount to more than two and one-half million dollars The market value of the bank's surplus is $287,915. The splendid savings bank building, conceded to be one of the finest business structures in the region, was erected in 1894. During the period of its history the presidents of the bank have been as follows: James I. Steele, 1859-61; Addison M. Farwell, 1861-Jan. 20, 1886; Fred Emerson, 1886-Sept. 16, 1891; George B. Phelps, 1891-died Sept. 1, 1892; Talcott H. Camp, 1892-Feb. 7, 1897; George W. Wiggins, May, 1897-. The treasurers have been John L. Marsh, 1859-60; R. L. Sherman, 1861-72; Chas. N. Ely, 1872-78; George Smith, 1878-96; A. T. E. Lansing, 1896 to the present time, although since 1893 he has practically performed the duties of the position. The present officers are Geo. W. Wiggins, president ; D. W. Baldwin, 1st vice- prest. ; J. A. Lawyer, 2d vice-prest. ; Ross C. Scott, secretary ; A. T. E. Lansing, treasurer ; G. V. S. Camp, Ross C. Scott, N. P. Wardwell, R. H. Huntington, Henry Purcell, Alden F. Barker, Chas. W. Clare, Geo. W. Wiggins, Robert J. Buck, D. W. Baldwin, A. h. Upham, J. R. Miller, J A. Lawyer, Geo. C. Sherman and F. R. Farwell, trustees. The Merchant's Bank of Watertown opened for business in 1870 under the management of Norris Winslow. The bank, however, had its origin in Wooster Sherman's private bank, which was established in December, 1851, and did business on the site now occupied by the Watertown National bank. Sherman sold out to Winslow, and the latter conducted the business until 1870 (April 1st) when the concern organized as a state bank with $150,000 paid up capital. The Mer chant's bank was at that time and for several years afterward a solid financial institution, and numbered among its stockholders and direc- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 339 tors such strong men as Willard Ives, Sylvanus Pool, Henry W. Eddy, Andrew Smith, John Johnson, George B. Phelps, George W. Wiggins, G. W. Candee, Norris Winslow, Judah Lord, Curtis Goulding, Jerome Ives, L. C. Greenleaf, Lotus Ingalls, John F. Moffett, Sidney Cooper and John M. Carpenter. Norris Winslow was president;1 Willard Ives, vice president, and John F. Moffett, cashier, and under this man agement the bank did a successful business (increasing the capital to $300,000, May 20, 1872) until about 1881 when misfortune came and the concern went into the hands of a receiver. Henry Keep's individual batik began business in the village in Sep tember, 1847, and continued until September, 1851, when the name was changed to Merchant's bank. It was then continued several years under the immediate control of Mr. Keep, who was regarded as one of the best financiers of the region. Here he laid the foundation for the large fortune that came to him in later years, and from which the city has long been materially benefited. The nominal capital of the Keep bank was $20,000, but the concern had no deposit account. On Aug ust 1, 1850, Mr. Keep also established the Citizen's bank, but very soon afterward the business was removed to Ogdensburgh. In the same year he also established the Frontier bank, but in 1851 it was removed to Potsdam. George F. Paddock & Co. 's individual bank was another of the old financial institutions which for a time found a place in local business circles. It was established about 1867 by George F. Paddock and Merritt Andrus, and began business where is now Rice's drug store. About 1875 the concern went into the hands of a receiver and paid its creditors about ten cents on the dollar. Charles H. Harger cV Son, bankers, began business at No. 5 Court street, on the Fairbanks' corner, in 1866, and continued about ten years, when the firm suspended and made a compromise with its creditors. The Security bank was established about 1868, and was under the management of R. E. Hungerford. It began business in the building now occupied by the City National bank, but after a few years was transferred to Norris Winslow, who removed the quarters to the Tag gart building and occupied the present drug store. The concern lived less than ten years aud closed out after a compromise with its cred itors. 1 Williard Ives became president in 1874. 340 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Watertown National bank was incorporated and organized in 1882, with $100,000 capital. The first directors were George W. Knowlton (president), Sidney Cooper (vice-president), George B. Phelps, Harrison Fuller, Geo. W. Wiggins, A. D. Remington, B. B. Taggart, C. A. Holden, Geo. E. Tucker, E. D. Babcock and Joseph Mullin. Nathaniel P. Wardwell was the first cashier. As a matter of fact, and of somewhat unusual interest in banking history in the city, it may be mentioned that since this bank was organized in 1882, there has been no change whatever in the managing officers. Indeed, the history of this bank in every essential respect has been a record of con tinued and deserved success. Its present surplus and undivided profit account aggregates $95,000. The directors are Geo. W. Knowlton, S. F. Bagg, B. L. Taylor, E. B. Sterling, Albert Bushnell, James R. Mil ler, Harrison Fuller, H. F. Inglehart, H. A. Brockway, G. W. Wiggins and Sidney Cooper. The City National bank of Watertown was organized March 17, 1890, with a capital of $100,000, and notwithstanding the fact that it is the 5'oungest regular financial institution in the city, it has from the outset enjoyed a steady and healthful growth both in business and general popularity. The first directors were Gilderoy Lord, John E. Kemp, R. E. Hungerford, John Prouty, Robert Lansing, Beman Brockway, R. E. Smiley, P. V. Poor and Samuel W. Reynolds. The first officers were Gilderoy Lord, prest. ; John E. Kemp, vice- prest, and R. H. Huntington, cashier. Mr. Lord died May 2, 1891, and was fol lowed as president by John E. Kemp. He died June 2, 1896, whereupon C. R. Remington was elected his successor. Mr. Huntington was cashier until July 14, 1891, and was then succeeded by J. O. Hathway, the present cashier. The bank has a present surplus of 812,800. The directors and officers are C. R. Remington, prest. ; Fred Waddingham, vice-prest. ; Robert Lansing, Peron V. Poor, F. D. Roth, N. R. Caswell, C. M. Rexford, George H. Walker and P. B. Grant. The Watertown Savings bank was incorporated October 2, 1893. The first trustees were Allen C. Beach, Byron B. Taggart, Levi H. Brown, Henry M. Ball, John C. Streeter, Silas L. George, Isaac P. Powers, Albert Bushnell, Alfred D. Remington, George H. Babcock, John M. Carpenter, Wooster Sherman and Augustus Goodale. The first president was Byron B. Taggart, who served in that capacity until his death, Jan. 20, 1897, when William W. Taggart, the present president, was elected. The first treasurer was Wooster Sherman, the founder in fact of the bank. He continued in that position until February 8, 1896, when the present treasurer, Oscar P. Haddock, was elected by the THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 341 trustees. The bank has about 500 depositors, and about $166,000 on deposit. The Watertown Savings, Loan and Building association was organ ized December 19, 1887, and was incorporated January 7, 1888. The first officers were S. F. Bagg, president; D. C. Middleton, vice-presi dent; George Adams, secretary, and George F. Clark, treasurer. Dur ing the period of its operation this association has achieved almost remarkable results, and is now regarded as one of the necessary and solid institutions of the city. It now has 721 members. The presi dents, in succession, have been S. F. Bagg, D. C. Middleton, James B. Wise, Dr. G. S. Farmer and William H. Moore. The secretaries have been George Adams, W. W Richey, Fred H. Waddingham, J. L. Smith and William J. Shepard. Insurance companies. — The first attempt to establish a fire insurance company in the county was made in 1836 (March 8) when the legislature passed an act incorporating the old Jefferson County Insurance com pany, the organization of which in later years opened the way for similar institutions and thereby brought much prominence to the county seat. The act above mentioned authorized the company to do business for a period of twenty years, but at the end of that time the charter was ex tended, and the company was known in business circles until about 1866. The incorporators of the pioneer company were Alpheus S. Green, Jason Fairbanks, Orville Hungerford, George C. Sherman, Eli Farwell, Norris M. Woodruff, Thomas Loomis, Isaac H. Bronson, John Safford, Edmund Kirby, Wm. Boone, Joel Woodworth and Joseph Sheldon, who, with their associates, were constituted a body corporate and politic for the purposes mentioned in the charter. On March 17, 1836, the directors elected Norris M. Woodruff, president; A. S. Green, vice- president, and Robert Lansing, secretary; and also chose an executive committee comprising directors Woodruff, Green, Fairbanks, Sherman and Farwell. ¦ The company carried on a successful fire insurance busi ness for several years, but was at length compelled to yield to the superior strength and popularity of the Agricultural Insurance company, and about the middle of the sixties tbe old organization, passed out of existence. The Agricultural Insurance company has been the successful rival of all corporations of its class in the county, and from a small and informal beginning in 1853 has gradually developed into one of the largest and 342 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. most successful fire protective institutions in this state outside the great cities. In the month of August, 1851, at a meeting of farmers of Jef ferson and Lewis counties, held at Evans' Mills, a mutual company was formed for the sole purpose of insuring farm property against loss or damage by fire. The corporation then organized was comprised of Alden Adams, Ira A. Smith, Harrison Blodgett, John C. Cooper, Gid eon S. Sacket, Isaac Munson, Evelyn F. Carter, Joseph Fayel, Love land Paddock, Wolcott Steele, William P. Babcock, Ashley Davenport, Ira Beaman, Hiram Dewey and Levi Miller. These comprised the directors of the company, and from the number officers were chosen as follows: Alden Adams, president; Isaac Munson, vice-president; U. A. Wright, secretary; E. B. Fowler, general agent. The early history of the company was more or less attended with obstacles, and only through the persistent efforts of Mr. Fowler and a few fellow-workers was its early organization maintained. In March, 1853, it was chartered as a mutual company, and during the succeeding two years about 1,500 policies were issued. In January, 1855, John C. Cooper succeeded to the presidency, and in the same year the legisla ture authorized a removal of the offices and seat of operations from Evans' Mills to Watertown. In May following, Isaac Munson was elected secretary, and under the new management, in the new location, the business and affairs of the company took an upward turn; and from that time to the present the Agricultural Insurance company has been regarded as one of the most substantial institutions of both village and city. In 1863, however, a radical change in the character of the company organization was made, and from that time dated a new era of pros perity in its history. In November, 1862, the directors, agreeable to the consent of the policy holders, determined to reorganize as an incor porated stock company, which transformation was accomplished in Feb ruary, 1863. The incorporators were John C. Cooper, Hiram Dewey, Isaac Munson, Orrin R. Earl, J. M. Canfield, Ashley Davenport, T. C. Waite, E. F. Carter, H. D. Smith, J. M. Beaman, C. W. Inglehart, Alden Adams and John Winslow. The officers at this time were John C. Cooper, president; Hiram Dewey, vice-president ; and Isaac Munson, secretary. The capital stock was $50,000, but was subsequently increased as fol lows: In 1866 to $100,000; in July, 1872, to $200,000;' in October, 1880, to $300,000; December, 1883, to $500,000, at which sum it has since Sztiefaan TfJrafo-ffr-aviin? Ca THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 343 remained. From that time, as has been intimated, the company has constantly grown to its present vast proportions. For many years policies were only written on farm property and dwelling house risks, but within the last few years the management has enlarged its field of business by writing policies on all insurable property. During the period of its history, down to January 1, 1898, the Agricultural has paid losses aggregating more than $10,500,000. According to the 25th annual statement, its assets are $2,289,971.96; liabilities, $1,354,235.79; surplus to policy holders, $935,736.17; net surplus, $435,736.17. When the offices were removed to Watertown in 1855, the company found quarters in Washington hall, but soon afterward erected a three- story brick building just south of its first location. In 1873 the marble building was erected and occupied, and was later (1892) vacated for the present large and comfortable building further south on Washing ton street. It was formerly the residence of Pearson Mundy, one of Watertown's foremost citizens. During the period of its history, the civil list of the company has been as follows: Presidents— Alden Adams, 1851-55; John C, Cooper, 1855-77; John A. Sherman, 1877-82; Isaac Munson, 1882-86; Jean R. Stebbins, 1886-98. Vice-presidents- Isaac Munson, John Winslow, John A. Sherman, Evelyn F. Carter and Azariah H. Sawyer, the latter elected January 20, 1892. Secretaries — U. A. Wright, Isaac Mun son, Dr. H. M. Stevens (died April 3, 1897), W. H. Stevens, the latter elected April 22, 1897. Treasurers — Loveland Paddock, Isaac Munson, H. M. Stevens, Sidney Cooper and W. H. Stevens, the latter elected January 16, 1898. The present officers and directors are Jean R. Stebbins, president; Azariah H. Sawyer, 1st vice-president; C. Patterson, 2d vice-president; W. H. Stevens, secre tary and treasurer ; J. Q. Adams, assistant secretary ; Hiram Barnum, superintend ent of agencies; L. F. Phillips, cashier; J. Q. Adams, F. H. Munson, A. H. Sawyer, P. C. Williams, H. F. Inglehart, R. S. Whitman, Titus Sheard, Sidney Cooper, A. D. Shaw, W. H. Stevens, H. Barnum, J. R. Stebbins, E. B. Sterling, C. Patterson and D. M. Anderson, directors. The Watertown Fire Insurance company was the direct outgrowth of the Agricultural Insurance Company, and was organized December 7, 1867, in less than two months after the suggestion to form a new com pany for the sole purpose of dwelling house insurance. The first offi cers of the Watertown Fire Insurance Company were Norris Winslow, president; Jesse M. Adams, secretary, and Henry S. Munson, general agent. Mr. Winslow resigned the presidency in 1876, and was suc ceeded by Willard Ives, who remained at the head of the company as long as it continued business. The board of directors were largely from the Agricultural. The company did an extensive and successful 344 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. business for about fifteen years, when, in 1872, the Sun Fire Office of London came to the United States, and desiring business from the outset, bought out the Watertown Fire. The general offices of the Sun Fire were maintained in the city until about 1887, and were then re moved to New York city. The Northern Insurance company was originally incorporated March 23, 1872, under the name of "Black River Insurance Company," with $250,000 capital, and was thereafter known in business circles for a period of just ten years. The Black River company came into exist ence in the year following the disastrous Chicago fire, by which event many substantial companies were wiped out of existence, hence the new local concern opened its career with every prospect of success. Its energetic agents succeeded in getting business from the outset, but in November, 1872, the serious Boston fire cost the company $80,000. The following year also proved disastrous, but the losses were promptly paid, and in the course of two more years the company became estab lished on secure basis. In 1875 the directors changed the name to the Northern Insurance Company of New York, and from that time until it went out of business it was regarded as among the solid institutions of the country. The first president of the Black river company was Loveland Paddock, and the directors and stockholders were chiefly Watertown business men. After Mr. Paddock's death, in the summer of 1872, his son, George F. Paddock, succeeded to the presidency, and was in January, 1875, succeeded by Gilderoy Lord. He, in turn, was followed by George B. Phelps, under whom, in 1882, the company voluntarily went out of business, after having fulfilled all its obliga tions. The Homestead Fire Insurance company was incorporated in 1873, with $200,000 capital, and, according to its declared intentions, did only farm building, city and village dwelling insurance, entirely avoiding special hazards, Allen C. Beach was its president throughout the period of its existence. The company started with encouraging prospects and did a large business for almost four years, when reverses followed, and in 1878 S. T. Woolworth, as receiver, closed up its affairs. All obliga tions were paid in full, but the stockholders realized only fifty-five cents on the dollar for their investment. The Empire State Life Insurance company was incorporated in April, 1869, and began business in June following. Its capital was $100,000. The enterprise was conceived and carried into successful operation al- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 345 most wholly through the energy and business capacity of John Sheldon, the secretary and treasurer during its existence as a local institution. The officers were James A. Bell, president; Loveland Paddock and Ezra B. Cornell, vice presidents, and John Sheldon, secretary and treasurer. The company did a large business, and on July 1, 1872, had 6,000 outstanding policies, and assets amounting to more than $350,000, yet in August of that year the directors resolved to discontinue opera tions and finally reinsured in the Life Association of America, a com pany doing business at St. Louis, Mo. Public Institutions. — In the early history of the village several socie ties were formed for social and literary purposes. The first of these, of which there appears any record, was the Watertown social library, which was organized May 14, 1805, but had only a temporary existence. Its trustees were William Huntington, Corlis Hinds, Hart Massey, Henry Jewett and Daniel Brainard. The next organization of the kind was the old and still remembered Watertown Franklin library, which came into existence February 12, 1829, and continued until 1834, when it was dissolved. Among the persons prominently connected with this enterprise were Charles E. Clark, Ralph Clapp, John Sigourney, Daniel Lee, Isaac H. Bronson, Charles Rice, Otis Colwell, Henry L. Harvey, Baker Massey, Alvin Hunt, Ira Brewster and William Smith, who con stituted the board of trustees. The Young Men's association, which from a literary standpoint was one of the noted institutions of the village for several years, was in formally organized December 3, 1840, and was regularly incorporated April 17, 1841. Tbe incorporators were D. D. Otis, O. V. Brainard, S. S. Cady, Abraham Reamer, J. W. Clark, George R. and Samuel Fairbanks. The first officers were D. D. Otis, president; Orville V. Brainard, vice president; Ithamer B. Crawe, 2d vice president; Jos. Mullin, cor. sec. ; Washington Gennet, treasurer; Geo. W. Hungerford, Samuel Fairbanks, Jas. F. Starbuck, A. M. Corss, R. Barnes, J. H. Dutton, J. C. Partridge, F. W. Hubbard, Kilborn Hannahs, M. Beebee and T. H. Camp, managers. The object of the association was to pro mote mutual improvement among the people of the village, and it was authorized to hold property not exceeding the value of $10,000. The introductory address was delivered (Dec. 17, 1840) by Joseph Mullin, and afterwards weekly lectures and debates were held during the win ter seasons. A library of about 400 volumes was opened in April, 1841, and the number in 1849 had increased to nearly 2,000, when (May 13) 44 346 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. all the property was destroyed by fire, causing the dissolution of the association. The Factory square lyceum was also a notable institution in its day, and was the source of much benefit to the village. Unfortunately, however, all recollections of the institution are indefinite and uncertain. As near as can be recalled it was organized about 1845, and continued in existence about three or four years, holding meetings generally in the building then known as Sewall's hall. Among the persons promi nently connected with the lyceum may be mentioned Jonathan Saw yer, Nathaniel and John Farnham, Louis C. Theirry, Samuel Had dock, A. D. Button, Gilbert Bradford and John M. Sigourney. Among the lecturers before the society were Joseph Mullin, H. D. Sewall, Prof. O. B. Pierce and others of equal note and prominence. The Jefferson County Orphan Asylum. — Almost forty years ago was begun the work which resulted in founding the Jefferson county orphan asylum. The first recorded meeting was held April 28, 1859. The question of opening an orphan's home had long been in the hearts of the philanthropic ladies of Watertown, but no special demand for such an institution had come until an unfortunate accident caused the sud den death of the widow of Patrick O'Donnell, and left her two children (James and Mattie) perfectly helpless orphans. The next day (March 1, 1859) several well known and charitably inclined ladies held an in formal meeting and decided to rent a home for these children, and also such others as might come under their protection. Accordingly, a house on Woodruff street was secured, and Miss Jane Frazier was in stalled as matron. Miss Frazier was of Scotch descent, and had taught for years in a Sunday school in the stone court house, near the present jail. She was familiar with the needs of orphan children, whom she was continually gathering into her school. The second home occupied by the orphans was at the corner of Sterling and Goodale streets, opposite the old Grace church ; the third was near the corner of Franklin street and the square, on the southwest corner of the site of the Taggart block ; the fourth house was on the southwest corner of the spacious grounds of the present orphans' home. The name of the institution in the beginning was the " Watertown Home for Destitute and Friendless Orphans and Children." The trus tees first mentioned in the records were Willard Ives, Isaac H. Fisk, Aaron C. Cady, Chas. B. Hoard, Wm. H. Angel, Frederick W. Hub- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 347 bard, Milton Clark, John A. Haddock and James M. Clark. The first record report of the work of the home was made in October, 1861, showing that 42 children had been cared for during that year. The record also showed that in the spring of 1862 it was decided to make an effort to provide a permanent home, and Rev. Peter Snyder was re quested to solicit subscriptions to that end. Willard Ives was also requested to assist in the work. In 1863 the institution received $5,000 from the state toward the building fund, and thereafter help was an nually given from the same source until 1871, when such appropriations ceased. Since that time the management has depended entirely upon the appropriations made by the supervisors, and also upon the small amounts of money received from parents who could pay something towards the maintenance of their children. In 1864 a large summer festival for the benefit of the home was held in Washington hall, and yielded a net revenue of more than $1,000. The secretaries in charge of this enterprise were Albert D. Shaw and Orison L. Haddock. The present main building was erected and occupied in 1864, and cost, including furniture, about $14,000. In this year also the name of the institution was changed to Jefferson county orphan asylum. Subsequent improvements and additions have been made as occasion has required, but the most noticeable of these was that of the year 1892, when the new wing was built, and other permanent enlargements in the capacity of the house were also made, all at an expense of about $14,000. This enlargement was followed by an increase in number of inmates and in the expense of caring for them, but this was in a meas ure provided for in the generous donation to tbe home on March 31, 1881, by Roswell P. Flower and wife, of the sum of $5,000, the annual interest from which is added to the maintenance fund. This gift was known as the " Henry Keep Flower fund," and was intended as a me morial to the only son of the liberal donors. The business affairs of the asylum are managed almost wholly by a board of directresses. There is also a board of trustees, composed of men, who, however, have little to do with the institution other than to manage its finances. The established rule is to receive children be tween the ages of two and sixteen years, but they are obliged to leave - the asylum before attaining the latter full age. They are placed in homes, but are not beyond the control of the directresses until the ex piration of six months. The first directress of the board was Mrs. Robert Lansing, but on 348 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. her death (Nov. 17, 1885) Miss Florence E. Hungerford was chosen her successor, and has since filled the position to the satisfaction of all friends of the asylum. The late Mrs. Isaac H. Fisk was prominently associated with Mrs. Lansing in founding the home, and was several years secretary and treasurer of the board of directresses. Miss Hun gerford succeeded Mrs. Fisk as secretary and treasurer, and held the office until elected first directress. Mrs. George W. Knowlton was elected to succeed Miss Hungerford as secretary and treasurer, and still holds that position. The present board of directresses comprises Miss Florence E. Hungerford, pres. ; Miss Sophie Bushnell, vice-pres. ; Mrs. Geo. W. Knowlton, treasurer; Mrs. Jno. F. Moffett, secretary ; and members, Mrs. D. C. Griffith, Mrs. A. B. Pease, Mrs. Willard Ives, Mrs. Geo. W. Wiggins, Mrs. Chas. D. Smith, Mrs. Wm. W. Sherman, Mrs. Wm. C. Clarke, Mrs. Ingraham, Mrs. A. D. Shaw, Mrs. Jno. Frost, Mrs. Lotus Ingalls and Mrs. S. T. Woolworth. The assistant directresses are Miss C. M. Lans ing, Miss Mary Powers, Miss E. A. Tolles and Mrs. W. J. Allen. The first president of the board of trustees was Charles B. Hoard, who was suc ceeded by Willard Ives. Upon Mr. Ives' death John Lansing was elected president, and still retains the office. The other officers are George W. Knowlton, secretary and treasurer, and John Lansing, R. P. Flower, P. B. Grant, Chas. W. Sloat, F. A. Fletcher, George W. Knowlton, H. E. Harmon, Col. Albert D. Shaw and Albert Bushnell, trustees. The Young Men's Christian association, of Watertown, which has ever been regarded as one of the progressive and praiseworthy institutions of the city, was organized January 18, 1870, and elected officers as fol lows: C. C. Case, president; F. R. Farwell, vice-president; H. W. Congdon, 2d vice-president ; Orrin C. Frost, secretary, and George L. Davis, treasurer. In January, 1877, the local body became a member of the state association, and in the same year (Feb. 12) was regularly incorporated ' under the laws of the state, with authority to purchase and sell real estate, receive bequests, &c. Soon after the organization was completed the association occupied rented rooms in Washington hall, but under the will of the owner, John Avery Sherman (who died March 25, 1882), this splendid property was devised to the association, subject only to the life annuity of $2,500 to be paid to the widow of the testator. The entire lower floor is rented for business purposes; a portion of the second floor is leased for office occupancy, while ample i The incorporators were John D. Huntington, Clark Wetherby, Foster P. Rhines, William M. Penniman, Thomas C Murray, George B. Massey, Henry S. Munson, H. Dean Waite, Louis Emerich, Edwin Bush, Jesse M. Adams, Phi Norton, John F. Moffett, Edgar Reamer, Charles M. Johnson and John Frost. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 349 space is reserved for the purposes of the association ; and the third floor is arranged for a gymnasium and public entertainments, having a greater seating capacity than any other assembly room in the city. The business affairs of the association have always been prudently managed, and the equipment of its rooms, together with the highly commendable objects of the institution itself, has drawn to it a mem bership of about 400 persons. The presidents, in succession, have been as follows: C. C. Case, 1870; J. F. Moffett, 1871; H. W. Congdon, 1872; C. O. Maltby, 1873; G. B. Massey, 1874; I. L. Hunt, jr., 1875; J. M. Adams, 1875; Dr. C. M. Johnson, 1876; S. D. Huntington, 1S77; Phi Norton, 1878; G. R. Hanford, 1879; I. A. Graves, 1880; W. H. Porter, 1881; E. W. Herrick, 1882; H. J. Brimmer, 1883; S. F. Bagg, 1884; J. M. Adams, 1885; L. C. Greenleaf, 1886-88; W. H. Stevens, 1889-90; Col. A. D. Shaw, 1890-95; George V. S. Camp, 1896; Robert H. Buck, 1897-98. The officers for the current year 1897-98 are as follows: President, Robert H. Buck ; vice-president, H. J. Brimmer; recording secretary, Charles E. Cole; treasurer, George B. Massey ; general secretary, Frank A. Ingraham ; assistant secretarv, Bur ton T. Simpson; directors George B. Massey, Harvey W. Steele, George V. S.Camp, Albert D. Shaw, M. L. Rogers, L. C. Greenleaf, R. C. Augur, Joseph Weckessor, A. L. Rice, A. B. Thompson, W. H. Stevens, C. H. Anthony, H. J. Brimmer, A. R. Wilson, L. F. Phillips, Fred B. Porter, Harvey W. Waite, J. M. Tilden, F. A. Sher man; trustees, George B. Massey, L. C. Greenleaf, Frank A. Fletcher. The Henry Keep Home, for the relief and care of persons, was incor porated March 11, 1879, by act of the legislature, and was founded, erected and endowed by Mrs. Emma Keep-Schley, a native of Water- town, in memory of her husband, Henry Keep, who also was a native of the county, and long a resident of the county seat. The incorporating act constituted Emma A. Schley, Roswell P. Flower, Allen C. Beach, Pearson Mundy, George W. Flower and An son R. Flower and their associates a body corporate by the name of "The Henry Keep Home," for the purposes already mentioned. The building was erected soon after the act was passed, and the home was formally opened for inmates December 31, 1883. The property com prises a thirty-five acre tract of land on Washington street, in the south part of the city. The building is a handsome brick structure, three stories high in front and rear gables. Inside the arrangements for comfort and living are intended to be and are substantially complete. " At ' the death of Henry Keep, his widow, now Mrs. Schley, who had shared his struggles and appreciated his desire to benefit his poor neighbors, made a will in i From Roswell P. Flower's opening address, Dec. 31, 1883. 350 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which she directed that, after her death, a portion of her estate should be set apart as a perpetual fund for the maintenance of worthy and needy old persons, residents of Jefferson county, who were too poor to be comfortable on their own resources. In 1877 it occurred to her that while she was living would be the proper time to start such an institution. She purchased for $100,000 a large and valuable tract in this city (the American arcade and the Paddock buildings), the income, about $8,000, being set aside for the maintenance of the Home. She has expended about 826,000 in addition in erecting and furnishing this commodious and elegant building." " It is many years since Henry Keep, the poorboy whose energy and industry in after life were to be commemorated by such a monument as this, first saw the light in Jefferson county. His birth was humble, and the record of his life, until he reached middle age, was one of constant struggle against the most harsh and grind ing poverty. He saw his father die by inches of » broken spirit. He felt himself an orphan, uncared for and hopeless. He found himself and his sisters bound out in a servitude little better than absolute slavery, deprived of education, ill-fed, ill- housed and exposed half naked to all the inclemencies of our northern weather. The vicissitudes through which he passed in his endeavors to raise himself to a higher level, are almost incredible ; but through them all, with an indomitable determina tion he passed steadily forward. Wherever he was, in whatever position, as a run away apprentice, as a boot-black, as a canal boat driver, as a traveling money broker and as a millionaire, he never faltered. Finally he obtained a position where he could not only bury the misfortunes of his youth in the pleasures of success, but could alleviate the hardships of others whom he saw struggling with the obstacles he had himself confronted. His whole career is a lesson for the rich and an example for the poor." The officers of the institution are as follows : Mrs. Emma Keep-Schley, president ; Allen C. Beach, vice president and treasurer ; Silas L. George, secretary ; Mrs. Emma Keep Schley, Mrs. Emma Keep-Halsey, Roswell P. Flower, Allen C. Beach, Anson R. Flower, Wilbur F. Porter and S. T. Bordwell, trustees. The House of the Good Samaritan, more frequently known as the "City Hospital," on Ten Eyck street, was established in 1881, through the beneficence of the clergy and laity of Trinity and Grace churches. The institution then founded was of course sectarian in character so far as its management was concerned, but in its broad and generous purpose denominational preferences were unknown. The constitution provided that the property and concerns of the house should be man aged by a board of seven trustees, comprising the rector and three lay men of Trinity parish and the rector and two laymen of Grace church parish. The domestic concerns of the institution were vested in a board of managers, comprising one lady from each parish acting with the house mother or matron. The first meeting of the trustees was held June 13, 1881, when officers were elected as follows: Dr. H. M. Stevens, president; H. H. Babcock, vice-president; Rev. R. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 351 A. Olin, treasurer, and Rev. Albert Danker, secretary. The trustees were R. A. Olin, Albert Danker, H. H. Babcock, George A. Bagley, Dr. H. M. Stevens, F. T. Story and G. H. Sherman. The president appointed as lady managers, to act with the house mother, Mrs. H. M. Stevens and Mrs. C. A. Sherman. The trustees leased the Thomas H. Breen property for the purpose of a hospital, but in 1884 acquired title by purchase, the consideration being $3,500. The institution was maintained in its distinctive charac ter until the fall of 1895, when the sectarian element was discontinued, and the hospital became wholly undenominational. In December, 1893, the number of trustees was increased to twelve, and were chosen equally from the parishes until the change was made in the latter part of 1895. On August 28, of that year, James L. Newton was elected president to succeed Dr. Stevens, and has since retained the office. At the same time G. H. Babcock was elected vice-president, and is still in office. The other officers are George P. Clark, treasurer, and Robert J. Buck, secretary. The Watertown city hospital training school for nurses was estab lished in connection with the institution, Oct. 11, 1897. Its officers are S. T. Woolworth, president; G. H. Babcock, vice president; George F. Clark, treasurer; Robert J. Buck, secretary. As is well known the city hospital has ever been maintained by pri vate donations and subscriptions, hence must be regarded as one of the most praiseworthy institutions of the city. The board of supervisors in session in 1897 agreed to pay five dollars per week for each patient kept as a legitimate county charge, and in the same manner the city pays alike sum for each person sent to the hospital by the board of char ities. The plans of the trustees and the management for the year 1898 contemplate the erection of a modern hospital building, for which a fund is now being created. The Sisters' Hospital on Stone street was established in 1896, and originally occupied a dwelling house on Benedict street. Recently, however, the managers secured the former George B. Phelps residence on Stone street, which has since been occupied for hospital purposes. It is under charge of the Sisters of Mercy. St. Patrick's Orphanage was incorporated in December, 1896, under the regulations of the state board of charities, and owes its existence almost wholly to the zeal of Father Tobias Glenn, pastor of St. Pat rick's church. For the purposes of the orphanage the trustees pur chased the Hungerford and Bingham lots, on Court street (at a cost of 352 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. $4,000) on which was erected the large three story and basement brick structure at an additional cost of $12,000. The institution now has 24 inmates. The trustees are Rev. Tobias Glenn, Edward H. Bohl, James Bellew, Rev. Sister Josephine Connelly and Sister Gertrude, the latter having immediate charge of the orphanage. Industrial Watertown. — Just as the mercantile interests of Water- town in its earlier history centered around the public square, so were the manufacturing industries established naturally along Black river. More than a century has now passed since Benjamin Wright examined the superior water power privileges along the river, and the " excellent mill seats " noticed by him have been developed and utilized by later generations far beyond anything which was suggested in the comments of the worthy surveyor. It is not considered necessary to this narra tive to reiterate the statement that Watertown owes its prosperity wholly to tbe power furnished by the never-failing waters of this his toric stream ; the fact is known not only throughout this special region, but also throughout the length and breadth of the state, while from beyond its borders came some of the most enterprising and thrifty de velopers who first diverted the waters for manufacturing purposes, and thus laid the foundation for still further improvement in the same direction, until now from the remotest headwaters of the river in the distant Adirondacks to the bay may be seen an almost continuous line of industrial establishments, furnishing employment to thousands and thousands of mechanics, and also employing millions of dollars in capi tal, and every day bringing comfort to hundreds of thousands of God's creatures. " For several miles above the city the river flows rapidly over a solid bed of limestone, making the water reasonably pure and healthy, and well aerated for supplying the city for domestic purposes; but coming from a granite region, the water is almost as soft as the purest rain water, hence its use in the manufacture of cotton and woolen fabrics, and in making dyes, has proven especially valuable." It was this pecu liar quality which induced the construction and operation of the old cotton and woolen mills along the river in the village, at such an early day that like industries were rarely heard of outside the New England states. In a preceding portion of the chapter reference is made to the organ ization of the manufacturer's aid association in 1875, and to the object thereof in attracting manufactures to the city. In carrying out the THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 353 plan of work of the association, Frank A. Hinds, civil engineer, with the active assistance of Fred W. Eames, made a systematic survey with a view to ascertain as near as possible the exact measure of power de rived from the river in its passage through the city. From Mr. Hinds' report we may quote as follows : " A level was carefully taken of the water from the point where the river enters the city to the point where it leaves it at the westerly boundary, a distance of less than two miles, including in detail all the numerous falls and rapids, both improved and unimproved. The whole amount of fall within the distance I have found to be 111.75 feet. Eighty-three feet of this noticeable fall is included between the upper and lower railroad bridges. There are five distinct falls between the points named. The river was gauged at a point about two miles above the city, where its course is straight and level for a considerable distance, and it was found to deliver 596,728 cubic feet of water per minute. This measurement was taken on the 22d of March, and although the water was very little if any higher than the ordinary winter flow, and the ice still unbroken, a deduction equal to one-third was made, to insure a safe estimate of the fair working average of the year. This allowance gives an average delivery of 397,819 cubic feet per minute. This, multiplied by 62.3 and 111.75, and divided by 33,000, gives 83,928 as the average actual horse power for the whole river in its passage through the city. If a still further allowance is made of two-thirds of this amount for leakage, clearance, friction and unavoidable waste, we still have 27,976 hose power, which may be regarded as effectual and available tb turn machinery.'' As the story is told on preceding pages, Jonathan Cowan in 1802 first diverted the waters of the river for manufacturing purposes, when he built a small dam across the south channel at Beebee's island and erected a grist mill. In 1805 the dam at the lower falls (Coffeen's dam) was built ; in or about 1814, the dam at tbe upper falls (Sewall's island) was constructed, and the large dam at the head of Beebee's island, across the north channel, was first built in 1835. The massive stone dam or bulkhead, across the south channel of Beebee's island was con structed in 1869, and thus turned into the flume below one of the best water powers in the land; and one which, considering the shortness of the flume, may be regarded as the most valuable on the river. As has been stated, Cowan's grist mill was the pioneer industry of Watertown, but soon afterward the Coffeen mills at the south end of the lower dam, and the Bailey & Tuttle mill on the north side (where is now the Tag- garts' paper company's mill), gave the hamlet some importance as a manufacturing settlement. These, however, were only such mills as are usual to all new settlements, and can hardly be regarded as more than primitive elements leading to later industrial greatness. 45 354 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first important manufacturing industry, other than the grist and saw mills, was the paper mill started by Gurdon Caswell in 1808, which has during subsequent years passed through many and wonderful changes in manner of operation, and also led to the establishment of other similar industries, and in more recent years has grown to be per haps the most important branch of manufacture on the river. There fore, in writing of the old Caswell paper mill, it is proper in the same connection to trace the history of the paper making industry in the city, mentioning the mills in the order of their founding. The Paper Industries.' — In 1808 Gurdon Caswell built a small, two- story frame building, 50 x 35 feet in size, which stood about on the east line of Mill street, on a part of the site now owned by the Knowlton Bros, company's large building, but with its western end about in the center of the street. A considerable part of the second story was oc cupied by a wool carding machine. The machinery in the Caswell mill consisted of a small rag machine, or Hollander, carrying about 150 pounds of rags; two or three potash kettles set in a brick arch, for boiling rags and preparing the sizing ; one vat for making the paper, sheet by sheet, and a rude standing press to squeeze the water out of the pack. After pressing the sheets were taken from the pack and hung on poles to dry, and if intended for writing paper, were afterward dipped in sizing and again dried. No steam was used ; no chlorine for bleaching ; no calendering, the substitute for the latter being pressing between boards. Such a mill, costing from $3,000 to $5,000, would turn out about 150 pounds of paper per day. Mr. Caswell called this the "Pioneer mill." It continued to make paper until 1833, when Knowlton & Rice, who had bought the property in 1824, sold the lot and moved the building a few rods further up the stream. In 1819 Caswell built his second mill (now a part of the H. H. Babcock Co's. property) which he soon sold to his brother, Henry Caswell, and his brother-in-law, Erastus Loomis, but which in 1824 was purchased by Knowlton & Rice, who continued to use it until Feb. 7, 1833, when it was burned. In 1823, Caswell, in company with Ralph Clapp and Wm. K. Asherd, built his third mill on Sewall's island (occupying part of the premises now owned by the Bagley & Sewall company) but the building was torn down about 1830. Two years later Mr. Caswell removed to Clayton, and died in 1862. 'Taken from George W. Knowlton's historical sketch of the paper making industry, pub lished in the Paper Trade Journal in October, 1897. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 355 In 1824, George W. Knowlton and Clark Rice bought of Joseph Fes senden the first two mills built by Caswell, for $7,000; and from that time until 1854, Knowlton & Rice, with unimportant exceptions, were the only paper manufacturers in the county. In 1833 they built a new mill on the site of the easterly half of Knowlton Bros. ' present mill, and equipped it with two- rag engines and the first machinery for mak ing a continuous sheet of paper. The mill was operated successfully until 1848, and was burned in the disastrous fire of March 21 of that year. It was at once replaced with a brick mill, and with improved machinery. In 1S69 the building was replaced with another and larger mill, having more modern machines. In 1854 Knowlton & Rice sold the plant to Brown & Chamberlain, though Mr. Rice retained an in terest in the business. In 1861 Mr. Knowlton's sons, John C. and George W. Knowlton, jr., bought the mill and continued the business as partners until March 19, 1892, when Knowlton Bros, company was incorporated by John C, George W., George S. and Gertrude S. Knowlton, and Herbert E. Harmon, with a capital of $100,000. In 1883 the firm of Knowlton Bros, purchased the old Jefferson flour mill, and have since occupied it as a pulp mill. In 1854 I. Remington & Sons leased the old idle Juhelville cotton mill building from P. O' Dougherty, and fitted it up with four rag machines and an 84 inch Fourdrinier machine for paper making. The mill was run entirely on news paper, and had a capacity of three tons per day, which was then considered a large output. The firm com prised Illustrious Remington and his sons Hiram and Alfred D. The latter first removed to Watertown, and to his energy, business ability and mechanical skill is due much of the subsequent development of the paper making industry in this region. In 1863 he became sole propri etor of the mill, and in 1865 organized the Remington paper company. In 1867 the mill was removed to Sewall's island, and in 1869 the first wood-pulp machinery was introduced. From that time there has been an almost constant increase of facilities and capacity, until now the company operates two large paper mills, three wood-pulp mills, and one sulphite fibre mill, the daily output of paper being thirty tons, all made from spruce logs on its own premises, no rags or other fibre being used. The Remington Paper company was incorporated September 7, 1865, and was reincorporated April 29, 1891. The original capital was $30,000, which on reincorporation was increased to $725,000. The in- 356 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. corporators in 1865 were Wooster Sherman, Fred Emerson, A. D. Remington, L. R. Murray and Washington Gennet. About 1874 the company became the owner of the old cotton mill on the north side, and subsequently rebuilt and enlarged the plant until it became an im portant part of the business. Indeed, the extensive works of the com pany are on both the north and south sides of the river, and also on the island. The dam across the south channel at the head of the island was built by A. D. Remington in 1867. The present officers of the company are A. D. Remington, president; George P. Folts, 1st vice- president; C. R. Remington, 2d vice-president; C. H. Remington, sec retary; and Nelson R. Caswell, treasurer. The Watertown Paper company was organized September 20, 1862, with $14,000 capital, by A. D. Remington, C. R. Remington and Wal ter D. Sewall. The mill now owned and for so many years operated by the company, at the head of Sewall's island, was built by A. D. Remington in 1862. Soon after the company was formed the Sewall interest was sold to Edmund Victory. In October, 1868, A. D. Rem ington sold his stock to Hiram and Margaret S. Remington; and on July 5, 1881, C. R. Remington's interest passed to Edward Remington. In 1868 the capital stock was increased to $20,000, and in 1890 to $50,- 000. The product of the mill is news and manilla paper, and amounts to about twenty-five tons per day. The H. Remington & Sons pulp and paper company (incorporated in 1886), of Black river, furnishes pulp for the Watertown Paper company's mill. The present officers are Hiram Remington, president, and Edward W. Remington, secre tary and treasurer. The mill now owned by the Taggart Brothers company, on the lower dam in the city was formerly a distillery and flour mills, built in sections during the years 1843-45 by William H. Angel,1 and is said to have cost about $100,000. Byron B. Taggart and A. H. Hall began the manufacture of paper bags on Beebee's island in 1864, and two years later the firm changed to West, Palmer & Taggarts (Byron B. and William W. Taggart), who then purchased the two lower sections of the Angel property, and put in manilla paper machinery of about a ton and a half daily capacity. In the latter part of 1866 the upper sections of the building were burned, and in the next year the firm (then West & Taggart) bought property and walls, repaired the building and 1 Originally the Bailey & Clark grist mill stood on this site. It was afterward known as the Foster mill, and Angel was a later owner. <$*'-% dL'SaEs jf,-/« 'ST™ 3$ 'r- a> f? THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 357 fitted it with four new rag engines and a Fourdrinier machine, and be gan making print in addition to manilla paper. In 1870 West sold out to O. R. Davis, and about four or five years later Byron B. and William W. Taggert succeeded to the entire ownership, under the style of Taggart Brothers. On November 19, 1886, the Taggart Brothers company was incorporated with $50,000 capital, by Byron B. Taggart, William W. Taggart, G. C. Sherman, Fanny L. Taggart and Alice L. Taggart. B. B. Taggart was president of the company until his death, January 20, 1897, and was succeeded by William W. Taggart, the pres ent president. The other officers are B. B. Taggart, jr., vice-presi dent; H. W. Taggart, secretary and treasurer. The officers above mentioned, with Fanny B. Taggart and Anna M. Taggart comprise the board of directors. Flouring and Grist Mills. — The first manufacturing industry of any kind in the village of Watertown was tbe primitive grist mill built in 1802 by Jonathan Cowan at the foot of what is now Mill street. This was followed by the mills soon afterward erected by Judge Coffeen at the south end of the lower dam, and still later by a like industry at the north end of the same dam (the Bailey & Clark mill, built previous to 1812), yet it was not until 1835 that the manufacture of flour became an established local industry. According to the recollections of John Sheldon, Joseph Henderson became possessed of the original Cowan mill, which stood just back of the present Union mill, and about on the site of the Jefferson mill. In 1827 Henderson sold the mill to Joseph Sheldon, and the latter, in 1835, in company with Philo C. Moulton, built the Union mills, now the oldest surviving industry of its kind in the city. In 1838 it passed into the hands of H. Merrill & Co., (the firm comprising Hiram Merrill, Eli Farwell and J. W. Baker), who, in turn, sold to Eli Farwell & Co. The subsequent owners have been Curtiss & Shead, Shead & Graves (1868), and I. A. Graves & Co., the latter firm succeeding in 1881. In that year the interior of the mill was remodeled and roller machinery replaced the older stone-grinding process. This mill has a capacity of 200 barrels of flour per day. In 1835, about the time Sheldon & Moulton built the mill, that enter prising firm caused to be erected a wooden bridge across both channels of the river at Beebee's island, that the farmers living in Pamelia might be attracted to their mills. The plan was successful for a time, but in 1838 the firm sold out, and the next year Mr. Knowlton built the old and well remembered Cataract mill (now frequently referred to as the 358 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. "Checkered" mill), on the Pamelia side of the river. This industry also passed through many ownerships, and was at length replaced by the electric power house. The Coffeen mill at the lower dam was built in 1806, and in the course of years became known asthe Eagle mill,1 but we have no reliable record by which the succession of ownerships may be traced. The mill was partially carried away by high water in 1869,' but the owners (Converse & Flynn), repaired the buildings, and con tinued to occupy them until 1871, when they were burned, together with the Fuller mill on the site of the subsequent City mills. The Eagle mills water power is now utilized by the Thermometer company, while the Elwood Silk mill uses the old City mill privilege. We have not the date of the erection of the old Fuller mills, but the City mills were built in 1876, by Gustavus Cook. In 1887 the building was re modeled and roller machines replaced the old stones of former years. In April, 1896, a spring flood swept away the foundation and destroyed the property. The Excelsior Flour mills, on River street, were erected by Moulton & Symonds in 1845, and was for many years considered one of the best and safest mills on the river. The property eventually passed into the hands of A. H. Herrick, and in 1883, the firm then being A. H. Her rick & Son, the mill was substantially rebuilt. The A. H. Herrick & Son company was incorporated May 15, 1895, (capital $50,000) by Allen H. and Eli W. Herrick and George G. Lee. The present officers are A. H. Herrick, president; E. W. Herrick, vice-president; and George G. Lee, secretary and treasurer. The mill has a capacity of 100 bbls. of flour and 100 bbls. of buckwheat per day. The V. P. Kimball Pearl Barley mill, near Factory square, was built and began business in 1847, and for many years afterward was one of the established industries of that locality. At length, however, the mill was closed, and in 1897 the propert}' passed into the hands of the Farwell & Rhines company. The Jefferson Flour mills, to which pre vious reference has been made, were erected in 1855 by Moulton & Symonds, and were operated by them until 1862. In 1863 A. C. Han- 1 This site was at one time occupied by the Wooster Sherman Lock works. 2 The great flood of April, 23, 1869, was the most serious event of its kind in local annals. It was occasioned by the breaking of the Forestport dam, from which point to Dexter almost every mill property on the river suffered more or less damage, while many valuable buildings were swept away and destroyed. It so happened at this time that the river was unusually high, and added to its volume was that of the great reservoir back of the dam. More than 300 claims for damages were filed against the state as a result of this disaster ; the amount of damages claimed aggregated nearly $800,000, and the awards of damages amounted to $450,000. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 359 chett became proprietor and continued the business for fifteen or twen ty years with indifferent success. The building was unoccupied for a time, and in 1883 was purchased by Knowlton Brothers and converted into a pulp mill, as has been mentioned. The Crescent Flour mills, which is known as one of tbe largest and best equipped industries of its kind on the river, was built by Fuller, Isdell & Willard in 1870, and succeeded the old Phoenix mill of still earlier years (but just when built is not now known). The old mill was carried away by high water in 1869, and was replaced with the present Crescent mill building. The Phoenix mill had four run of stone and would make about 50 bbls of flour and 80 bushels of coarse feed per day. Among its proprietors were John W. and Thomas Baker, Pease, Dougherty & Fuller, and Isdell & Willard. The firm of Farwell & Rhines began milling in 1878 in the City mills on Newell street, but after about six months rented from H. W. Eddy the Phoenix mill prop erty on Fairbanks street. A little later they bought it at receiver's sale, and have since made radical changes in the interior of the build ing; the four run of stone have been replaced with nineteen stands of rolls, and now the mill has a daily capacity of 200 bbls. of flour. The partnership was continued until November 30, 1895, when the Farwell & Rhines Company was incorporated, with $40,000 capital, by Frederick R. Farwell, Foster P. Rhines and Frederick R. Rhines. The officers are Foster P. Rhines, president, and Frederick R. Farwell, secretary and treasurer. In December, 1897, the company bought the old Kim ball barley mill property. Tbe Electric mill, which was built in the western part of the city, north of the river, in 1895, by Bean & Makepeace, is one of the most complete industries of its kind in northern New York. It is used ex clusively for grinding feed for the firm, who are extensive dealers, and derives electric power for driving machinery from the mills of the Tag gart Bros. ' company. The electric mill is supplied with two grinders, and has a capacity for making 250 bushels per hour. Tannery Industries.- — Of the several tanneries established and oper ated in Watertown in the past not one now remains, and of all the old buildings formerly occupied for the purpose hardly more than a single one is now standing. In the early history ofthe settlement, the village shoemaker was also a journeyman tanner, and it was his custom to tan the leather used by him in his trade; and he would also sell to those of the settlers who had need of his wares. The first regular and complete 360 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tannery in the village, of which we have any record, was that built by Jason Fairbanks, in 1823. As early as 1808, in company with C. Mc Knight this worthy pioneer set up a saddle and harness business in the village, and prepared and tanned his own leather. In 1810 he added shoemaking to his other interests, and at the same time was connected with wagonmaking and merchandising. Mr. Fairbanks was known in business circles in the village forty-four years, and during the time employed more than 500 apprentices. His first tan yard was on the state road, about on the site of the more recently known Pool residence, but about 1823 he built a second tannery at Factory square, where he continued to do an extensive business many years. The tannery was afterward carried on by Sylvanus Pool. The property afterward passed into other hands and the building was burned in 1874. The old water power is now a part of that used by the H. H. Babcock company. Another early tannery was that built on Beebee's island by Holt & Beecher, but at what exact date cannot now be determined. It is be lieved to have been in operation during the early thirties. It was twice destroyed by fire. About the same time Burr & Wilkes had a tannery at Juhelville, standing about on the site of the blacksmith shop, above the paper mill. It was running in 1841, and later on passed in to the hands of Joseph and Nathan Miser. The old building went down with high water in 1856. In 1837 Milton Clark and George Burr started a tannery on the river between the head of Beebee's island and Factory square, and devoted their time chiefly to tanning sheep skins. The property afterwards passed into the hands of Farwell & Hall, who con tinued the business as long as it was kept up for tanning purposes. Another Farwell tannery (more properly called the Farwell & Baker tannery) stood at the south end of Coffeen dam, but just when it was built is now unknown. Previous to Farwell's time it was called the Howk & Lepper tannery, and at one time Fisk & Bates were its pro prietors. The old building is now a part of the plant of the Union Car riage and Gear company. The Hotchkin tannery on Fairbanks street, was started in 1854 by Benjamin J. Hotchkin, and was operated by him and his son for about twenty years. It afterwards passed into the hands of George Parker & Son, who continued it as long as the business was profitable in the lo cality. In 1868 Millington & Burt began tanning hides and skins in a small brick building near the head of Sewall's island. Later proprie tors were Gates & Gillett, who added a woolen carding machine and continued the business several years. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 361 Cotton and Woolen Manufactures. — -In the early history of the village the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods was one of tbe chief indus tries of the locality. Indeed the peculiar qualities of the Black river water rendered it especially valuable in cleaning, dyeing, rinsing and scouring cloth fabrics, which was a factor in inducing their location here so many years ago, while the almost free water power of the river was an important auxiliary in bringing about the establishment of the mills. But among the industries of this class, only the small woolen yarn factory of George A. Lance on Beebee's island remains in opera tion; and that is of comparatively recent origin. About the time of the war of 1812-15, cotton and woolen fabrics brought an extraordinary price in the market. At that time, by reason of its proximity to the scene of war, Watertown was an important business center, and its splendid water power suggested the formation of a company to engage in this special manufacture. Accordingly, the Black River Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing company was incor porated December 28, 1813, with a capital of $100,000. The persons chiefly interested in tbe enterprise were all residents of the village, and comprised Hart Massey, Wm. Smith, Jabez Foster, Marinus W. Gilbert, John Paddock, Egbert Ten Eyck, Amos Benedict, William Tanner, Jason Fairbanks and Perley Keyes. The stone mill was built and equipped in 1814, at a cost of $72,000, and stood on Factory square. Indeed it was the construction and operation of this milling enterprise that led to the building up of a village settlement in the Sewall's island vicinity, and Factory village and Factory square were the result of this undertaking. The mill property extended a considerable distance along the river,1 and many present industries in tbe locality derive their title from the old mother enterprise of more than four- score years ago. The company carried on the mill about three years, but not with profitable results, and after a few years more it was sold for $7,000 and passed into other hands. After various occupancies the buildings were finally destroyed by fire in 1869. In 1827 Levi Beebe, who appears not to have been dismayed by the unfortunate result attending the enterprise last mentioned, came to the village and erected on the' island then recently purchased by him (and which was named for him) a large stone building 65 x 250 feet on the 1 As a matter of fact the company purchased the entire 400-acre farm then owned by Captain Ezekiel Jewett, for which was paid $10,000. The object of this vast purchase was to secure the entire water front on the river, with all its valuable power privileges. 46 362 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ground, and three stories high, to which he gave the name of Jefferson Cotton mills. The plant was equipped with 10,000 spindles, and is said to have cost about $200,000, then being one of the largest cotton mills in the state. On the west side of the island Beebe also built a long row of stone tenements for his employees, and this structure alone remains as a visible evidence of his energy and enterprise. The mill stood at the upper end of the island, on the west channel, and derived its power from a flume blasted through the solid rock from above the falls. The deep cut in the stone is still plainly visible and is all that shows of a once worthy industry. The mill was continued until July 7, 1833, when it was destroyed by fire. The portion of the island whereupon stood the old mill has not since been used for manufactur ing purposes. The Watertown Cotton Mills company was incorporated January 10, 1834, and was in a measure the successor of the Black River company, to which reference has been made. The Watertown company had a capital of $100,000, and its first trustees were Isaac H. Bronson, Jason Fairbanks, Samuel F. Bates, John Sigourney and Joseph Kimball. The company occupied the old cotton mill building on Factory street, and continued operations several years, when it was superseded by the Watertown Cotton company, incorporated January 7, 1846, with $12,000 capital. The trustees of the last enterprise were E. T. Throop Martin, Daniel Lee, S. Newton Dexter, Hiram Holcomb and John Collins. The company was continued several years, ran fifty looms and propor tionate machinery, but after a time the business became unprofitable and was discontinued. The next industry of the same character was established February 10, 1835, in the incorporation of the Hamilton Woolen Mills company, which developed the water power resources at the head of Sewall's island. The incorporators were Henry D. Sewall, George Goulding, John C. Lasher, Simeon Boynton and John Goulding, who began with a capital of $50,000, but soon increased it to $100,000. In 1836 Mr. Sewall built the dam and factory, and the latter was supplied with five sets of cards and other necessary machinery. In 1842 the plant was purchased by the Black River Woolen company, which was incorpo rated November 7, 1836, with a capital of $50,000. The trustees were Isaac H. Bronson, S. Newton Dexter, Orville Hungerford, John Will iams, Hiram Holcomb and Daniel Lee. The company built a new mill and carried on a fairly successful business until 1841, when the THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 363 plant was burned. The building, however, was repaired and was afterward for a time occupied by Loomis & Co., who employed about 70 hands in the manufacture of woolen goods, the material therefor being furnished by the company. The founder in fact of the company was Henry D. Sewall, an early tradesman in Boston, but who, during the war of 1812, happened to be in business in Montreal. At the outbreak of the war he was ordered to leave the province, whereupon he returned to Boston, and came thence to Watertown, where he died June 8, 1846. Among the other woolen manufacturing enterprises were two whose period of operation was exceedingly brief, and neither of which appears to have accomplished more than organization. The first was the Wa tertown Woolen company, incorporated February 4, 1834, and of which the proposed trustees were Isaac H. Bronson, John A. Rogers, John Williams, S. N. Dexter and Hiram Holcomb. The other was the Watertown Woolen Manufacturing company, organized December 24, 1835, with John Williams, I. H. Bronson, Hiram Holcomb, Daniel Lee and Silas Clark, as trustees. The latter company had a capital of §25,000. Then followed the Williams Woolen company, which was organized Nov. 7, 1836, with $10,000 capital, by Messrs. Bronson, Dexter, Williams, Holcomb and Charles Weber, and began the manu facture of coarse goods at Factory village. The concern was operated about ten years, when the plant was put to other uses. Iron Manufactures. — The pioneers of the iron manufacturing indus try in the village are said to have been Nathaniel Wiley, who started a machine shop as early as 1820, and R. Bingham, who began making castings about the same time, but at this time the exact location of their buildings is unknown. In 1824 the machine shop of Goulding & Wiley (George Goulding and Nathaniel Wiley) was one of the impor tant iron working industries of the village. Mr. Goulding began the business in 1823, on Norton's (Sewall's) island, and made mill -gearings, factory machines and an occasional steam engine. This was the be ginning of operations which ultimately led to the founding of the pres ent Bagley & Sewall company, which is among the largest industries of its kind in the northern part of the state. The Bagley & Sewall company of the present day is the outgrowth of the foundry and machine shop started by George Goulding in 1823, and from his little building have grown the vast structures which cover almost two acres of land and furnish almost constant employment to 364 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. more than 125 mechanics. Following Mr. Goulding's proprietorship, came that of the firm of Goulding, Bagley & Sewall, and still later (1862) that of Bagley & Sewall. On July 6, 1882, the Bagley & Sewall company was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000, by George A. Bagley, E. Q. Sewall, L. A. Johnson, W. D. Sewall and A. D. Rem ington. As is well known, the works of the company are on Sewall's island, a locality noted for the number and magnitude of its manufac tures. The present officers of the company are George A. Bagley, president; Charles D. Bingham, treasurer; Steward D. Lansing, secre tary ; and George A. Bagley, Mrs. E. Q. Sewall, Mrs. V. K. Kellogg, William C. Stebbins and Charles D. Bingham, directors. The Watertown Steam Engine company, concededly one of the most important industries of its kind in northern New York, had its origin in a little, crude mechanical contrivance constructed by Gilbert Brad ford in 1848, when he was foreman in George Goulding's machine shop. The steam engine or boiler, or whatever it may have been called at the time, led to the invention and construction of the portable steam en gine, the first one of which ever manufactured and put into successful use, was the product of the old Hoard & Bradford shop, and the result of the mechanical ingenuity of Gilbert Bradford. His first engine had a capacity equal to one-half horse power, and he applied vainly to George Goulding and William Smith for aid in developing a more ex tensive manufacture, for they regarded the thing as "dangerous to life." At last Mr. Bradford found a partner in Charles B. Hoard, and the firm of Hoard & Bradford began business at the corner of Mill and Moulton streets, in 1851. Soon afterward one of these primitive en gines was used to run the press in Major Haddock's printing office, and there in 1850 it attracted the attention of Horace Greeley, on the occa sion of a public address delivered by him in the village. He was so struck with its novelty and utility that he made mention of the engine in the Tribune of July 13, 1850, and also publicly alluded to it in his capacity as commissioner of the United States at the London fair in 1851. The result was a wide advertisement for the firm, and in 1853, and frequently afterward, the plant was greatly enlarged to fill the orders for portable engines. In this year Mr. Bradford sold out and the old firm was succeeded by Hoard & Sons (the sons being Norwood, Pitt and Floyd Hoard) who continued the business with good success through the panic period of about 1857, employing from 100 to 150 men, running nights (and occasionally on Sunday) to fill their orders. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 365 In 1861 the firm secured a contract to manufacture for the govern ment 50,000 Enfield rifles, for which purpose the buildings were remod eled, but in the course of a few more years business reverses overtook the firm, and its creditors (the local banks) made a proposition to D. W. Baldwin, Gilbert Bradford and others to organize a stock company and continue the business of building portable engines. The Portable Steam Engine and Manufacturing company was the result of these negotiations, and was incorporated August 15, 1865, with a capital of $40,000, by Isaac H. Fisk, David W. Baldwin, C. A. Sherman, Gilbert Bradford, William Winch, H. Cooper, T. H. Camp, Lotus Ingalls, S. B. Upham, Norris Winslow and J. G. Harbottle. Under this organization and management tbe business was continued until 1872, when the company was merged in the Watertown Steam Engine company, incorporated January 15, with a capital of $100,000, but subsequently (June 17, 1873) increased to $200,000. The incorpo rators of the new company were Isaac H. Fisk, Gilbert Bradford, Wm. Winch, Chas. A. Sherman, T. H. Camp, D. W. Baldwin and I. P. Powers. This company has since maintained a continued and health ful existence, and is to day one of tbe leading industrial concerns of northern New York. The old works at the corner of Mill and Moulton streets were occupied (and on various occasions enlarged) until 1890, when the company moved to the western part of the city, and resumed business on a twenty-acre tract of land with buildings better suited to its requirements. The works include half a dozen or more buildings, the largest of which is 600 feet long. The manufactures include high speed direct connecting engines, stationary, portable and agricultural engines, and also boilers of all kinds. The works employ about 225 men. The officers of tbe company are John C. Knowlton, president; G. C. Sherman, vice president; Wm. H. Hathway, treasurer; S. F. Bagg, secretary; and John C. Knowlton, G. C. Sherman, I. P. Powers, D. W. Baldwin, Geo. B. Massey, O. E. Hungerford and G. V. S. Camp, directors. In 1825 William Smith had a furnace and machine shop on Beebee's island, on the site now occupied by the foundry and machine shop owned by George A. Lance. This building is better known as the Gilderoy Lord plow works. Lance & Cornwall succeeded Lord, and George A. Lance followed the firm. Smith's second foundry building stood about on the site of the air brake company's foundry. He en gaged entensively in manufacturing castings, mill-gearings, stoves, 366 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. hollow ware and agricultural implements. In 1841 Cooper & Woodruff built on the north side of the river, at the head of the present dam, a machine shop and foundry, and made mill machines and steam engines. About the time the railroad was opened, this shop began to turn out cattle and box cars, which were taken " overland " to Pierrepont Manor and there placed on the track. Later on the shops also turned out car wheels and axles, but in July, 1853, the buildings were burned to the ground; and not so much as a single stick was left standing. After the engine company had abandoned the old works at the corner of Mill and Moulton streets, the buildings were next occupied by the Winslow & Knapp Lumber company, as a planing mill and sash and door factory. In July, 1891, James B. Wise bought the property at re ceiver's sale and moved there with the business he had previously car ried on on Huntington street. The present splendid large factory building owned by Mr. Wise was erected in 1895, and is considered one the best structures of its kind in the city. It is 38 x 210 feet on the ground and three stories high. The extensive business now carried on by Mr. Wise has grown from an exceedingly small beginning, and dates back to 1868, when his father, Joseph Wise, came here from Branford, Conn., and was fore man and superintendent for Palmer & Wasson in their lock works on Newell street. The plant was burned in 1871, and afterward Mr. Wise worked for the sewing machine company, and later began making locks and sewing machine attachments. In March, 1871, the firm of J. Wise & Son was formed and business was carried on in a building now on the site of the lamp company's works, and also for a time occupied a building on Huntington street, opposite the head of Sewall's island. In 1879 the firm began to enlarge its operations, and did a successful business to the time of Joseph Wise's death in 1886, when the son suc ceeded the firm, and has since built up one of the best industries ofthe city. His specialty is the manufacture of sewing machine, piano and organ locks and hinges. Joshua J. Bragger started a brass foundry on Hoard street in 1859, and thus established a business which has continued to this time, and with which his name has ever since been connected. In 1866 Joseph J. Bragger became a partner in the firm, and under him the business is now operated. The New York Air Brake company, which is probably the largest manufacturing industry in the city, dates back in its history to 1861, THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 367 when Lovett Eames came to the village and put in pumping machinery for the water works. In the same year, in company with Moses Eames, he bought Beebee's island and located his shops in the old tenement building of the cotton factory of earlier years. In 1874 Fred W. Eames came to the city with tbe nucleus of his afterward celebrated air-brake appliance. He made several successful experiments, and the value and utility of his invention was so apparent that capital readily invested in it; and accordingly, on Feb. 14, 1876, the Eames Vacuum Air Brake company was incorporated (with a capital of $500,000) Fred W. Eames, F. W. Hubbard, John L. Baker, John F. Moffett, Smith T. Woolworth, George H. Seiple, E. L. Baker, F. W. Spicer, J. W. Moak and G. P. Garnham. The officers of the company were F. W. Eames, president ; F. W. Hubbard, vice-president ; F. W. Spicer, treasurer, and Smith T. Woolworth, secretary. In 1878, the property, franchise, machinery and patents were sold and transferred to a New York company of busi ness men. A long and serious litigation followed, and resulted in a decree in favor of president Eames, the plaintiff in the action, where upon the old company again assumed management and elected Mr. Eames, president; E. D. Eames, vice-president; and H. C. Townley, secretary and treasurer. However, on taking possession of the com pany's works on April 20, 1883, President Eames was fatally shot, and the management thereupon developed on vice president E. D. Eames. In 1884 a controlling interest in the stock was sold to Boston capital ists, who effected a reorganization of the company, and removed its offices to that city. About this time the large factory building on Mill street was erected. Again, on August 1, 1894, the concern, property and business passed into the hands of the New York Air Brake com pany, a corporation organized under the laws of New Jersey, but having its principal offices in New York city. But, notwithstanding these sev eral vicissitudes and incidents in its history, the company has proved a fortunate institution for the city, and has furnished regular work for nearly 500 employees. The present officers are Charles A. Starbuck, president; D. Magone, 1st vice-president ; George B. Massey, 2d vice- president; John C. Thompson, secretary and treasurer; H. W. Boyer, assistant secretary. The company owns or controls all of Beebee's island except the old buildings on the east side of Mill street which were originally Lord's plow works and Hadcock's axe factory. The Harmon Machine company is one of the more recent metal work ing industries of the city, and was incorporated March 23, 1891 (capital 368 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. $30,000), by George S. Knowlton, Herbert E. Harmon, Rollin N. Calkins, Henry Le Febvre and Frank M. Bosworth, for the purpose of manufacturing, repairing and selling machinery, mouldings and cast ings, and carrying on a general iron-working business. The works are on Factory street, east of Mill street, and employ about thirty men. The officers of the company are G. S. Knowlton, president; H. E. Har mon, secretary; Frank M. Bosworth, treasurer; and Albert H. Le Febvre, general manager. The company is the outgrowth of a general machine business previously conducted by Harmon Brothers.1 The Davis Sewing Machine company was one of the substantial in dustries of the city for a period of about seventeen years, but the history of the industry, as a local enterprise, dates back to about 1866, when one Davis came to the city and exhibited a working model of a primi tive sewing machine. He had neither means nor capacity to establish or carry on a factory, but did succeed in interesting John Sheldon, by whom the device was taken to New Haven, Conn., and there submitted to Elias Howe for examination as to its practical utility, and also as to whether its manufacture would infringe on existing patents. The re sult of this visit was satisfactory, and on his return home Mr. Sheldon organized a company for the manufacture and sale of the machine. This was in 1868, and the capital proposed to be invested was $150,000, but later on was increased to $500,000. The company began operations in the old tenement on Beebee's island, but afterward removed to the site now occupied by the Watertown Spring Wagon company, and thence removed (1875) to buildings erected for its use at the upper end of Sewall's island, now occupied by the Excelsior Carriage company. Here the operations of the company were continued for nearly fifteen years, and during that period it was looked upon as one of the most worthy and substantial industries of this part of the state. At length, however, the business began to decline, and in 1889, having received a tempting offer from Dayton, Ohio, the company removed to that city. Carriage Manufacturing. — The H. H. Babcock company, which stands at the head of the carriage building industries of the state, was incorporated Oct. 11, 1882, yet in its history the business dates back to 1845, when its founder, H. H. Babcock, began the manufacture of wooden pumps and water pipes in a small way. He occupied a little 1 This factory was established in 1876 under the ownership of Tyler, Harmon & Co., machine jobbers and plow manufacturers. In 1880 the firm changed to A. L. Harmon & Co., and to Har mon & Lee in 1881. Mr. Lee withdrew in 1886, and the firm of Harmon Bros, was then formed. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 369 building which stood on a small portion of the site now owned by the company plant, and as his business increased he added windmills and machinery for flour mills to the list of manufactures. About 1879 Mr. Babcock began building wagons' and buggies, then taking as partners his sons, H. B: and G. H. Babcock, under the firm name of H. H. Babcock & Sons. The partnership continued to 1882, when the H. H. Babcock Buggy company was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000, the incorporators being H. H., H. B., and F. W. Babcock and Roswell P. Flower. Then the first large factory buildings were erected, but as the business increased the property was extended along the water front until it included the old Gurdon Caswell paper mill privilege (est. 1819); the Nathaniel Wiley machine shop and water privilege (est. 1822); the old village water pumping privilege; the Jason Fairbanks tannery privilege, and the Kimball distillery privilege, all of which were originally included within tbe old cotton mill tract with its extensive water front. On the same tract, too, in early days stood James Smith's and also James Wood's machine shops, neither of which have been previously mentioned in this chapter. Where now stands the office there once stood Baker Massey's tavern The business of the company increased rapidly, necessitating frequent enlargements of the plant until it now includes five large construction or shop buildings, and seven others for storage purposes. When run ning under normal conditions the company employs about 175 hands. The officers are H. H. Babcock, president; R. P. Flower, vice-presi dent; G. H. Babcock, treasurer, and F. W. Babcock, secretary. The directors comprise the officers and Anson R. Flower. The Watertown Spring Wagon company3 was incorporated Dec. 17, 1875, with a capital of $100,000 (afterward increased to $150,000) by Norris Winslow, Lewis E. Tallman, R. C. Morse, Bradley Winslow, Jerome Bushnell, Edward M. Gates, Cyrus A. Clark, John C. Streeter and William G. Williams. The company began business (and still oc cupies as a part of its extensive plant) in the Winslow Industrial build ing on Factory square, which was erected in 1870 by Norris Winslow, 1 Colwell's carriage works, which stood on the site now occupied by the Harmon Machine Co., was an early industry in the village. 2 The company first organized and began business earlier than is indicated in the articles of incorporation. The first articles were filed Nov. 16, 1875, and the capital was therein men tioned as $75,000, but very soon after business was begun an unfortunate fire burned the black smith shop, causing a loss of about $8,000, with no insurance whatever. The main building had cost $40,000, and all the capital being thus invested, a reincorporation was effected, with $100,000 capital. 47 370 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and was for a time occupied by the Davis Sewing Machine company. It was then regarded as one of the largest structures of its kind in this part of the state, and was of brick, four stories high, and 55 x 283 feet on the ground. The company has been in continuous existence and operation to the present time, and is regarded as the pioneer of the carriage and wagon industry in the city. The present company officers are Levi H. Brown, president; Richard Marcy, vice president ; Edward M. Gates, treasurer; William J. Mills, secretary; L. H. Brown, Richard Marcy, Allen C. Beach, Wm. W. Taggart, I. P. Powers, E. N. Smith, Edward M. Gates, Albert Bushnell, A. H. Sawyer, O. W. Wilmot, Chas. M. Otis, E. A. Norton and Geo. C. Sherman, directors. The Union Carriage and Gear company was originally incorporated as the Maud S. Gear company, January 3, 1885, with $10,000 capital, but on February 15, 1888, was reorganized under the name first men tioned, and with a capital of $50,000. The incorporators were Gilderoy Lord, W. O. Ball, H. E. Taylor, W. W. Conde, Chas. A. Fox, Albert Fish, O. E. Hungerford, C. W. Ryder, S. A. Willard, J. B. Wise and Chas. E. Brown. Business was begun in the Farwell tannery building on the north side of Newell street, and in 1889 the large factory and repository building on the south side of the street was erected. From that time the operations of the company have been successful, and the concern is regarded as one of the most substantial local industries The officers are W. W. Conde, prest. ; Albert Fish, vice-prest. ; C. E Brown, secretary and treasurer, and J. C. O'Brien, supt. of works. The Excelsior Carriage company was incorporated November 2, 1889 as the Watertown Carriage company, with $50,000 capital, by A. D Remington, G. A. Bagley, Edmund S. Goodale, George B. Massey Walter H. Camp, Watson M. Rogers and John M. Carpenter. On February 7, 1890, the name was changed to Excelsior Carriage com pany. After the preliminaries were settled the company began busi ness in the works recently vacated by the Davis Sewing Machine Co. located above the bridge on Sewall's island, where it has since continued in successful operation, and is now counted as one of the substantial and growing enterprises of the city. The works employ 100 men. The main building is one of the largest factory structures in Water- town, being 450 x 36 feet on the ground. The present officers of the company are George B. Massey, president; Edmund S. Goodale, vice- president; and John M. Carpenter, secretary and treasurer. General Manufactures. — The Nill & Jess company was incorporated THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 371 May 1, 1897, although the firm which preceded it dates its origin to the year 1863, when John Nill and Henry Jess formed a partnership and established a bakery in the village. From that time the firm has been a prominent figure in the local industrial circles, and has built up one of the most successful wholesale bakery enterprises of its class in this part of the state. The large four-story brick building was erected in 1885, while at No. 35 Fairbanks street the company has an exten sive cigar factory. The company employs a total of about fifty men. The officers are John Nill, president, and Henry Hess, secretary and treasurer. The Hitchcock Lamp company was originally incorporated Oct. 10, 1872- (capital $100,000), for the purpose of manufacturing and selling the patented Hitchcock lamp. The works were built on Factory street, east of Mill street, and have since been continued on the same site. The company was reincorporated January 17, 1895, by Roswell P. and Sarah M. Flower, Emma Keep-Schley, John B. and Emma Flower Taylor. The officers are R. P. Flower, president, and John B. Taylor, secretary and manager. The Watertown Thermometer company was incorporated May 5, 1886, with $30,000 capital, by Julia A. Pool. B. B. Taggart, John Prouty, S. B. Upham, Samuel Felt, jr., W. W. Conde, Gilderoy Lord, I. P. Pow ers, W.W. Taggart, O. W. Wilmot and Hannibal Smith. This industry came to the city from Oswego, and after the company was organized business was begun in a large brick building on Newell street, on the site where originally stood a carding mill, followed by Reuben S. Curtis' woolen mill and still later by the old Eagle flour and grist mill. After a short time the stock of the Thermometer company was sold to Taylor Brothers, who now carry on the business. The Watertown Brass and Manufacturing company was incorpo rated April 11, 1893, with $15,000 capital, by W. W. Conde, James B. Wise, Charles H. Remington, Hiram F. Inglehart, R. H. Huntington, Samuel F. Bagg, George A. Bagley, Burton C. Wilmot, A. L. Upham, C. R. Remington and George S. Hooker, for the manufacture and sale of boat and plumber's hardware, and copper and brass goods. The factory building was erected on Newell street, and for a few years a successful .business was carried on. On January 1, 1898, the concern went into the hands of a receiver. The Watertown Canning company which has become a factor in local industrial circles, was incorporated May 16, 1893, with a capital of 372 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. $15,000. O. W. Wilmot, president, and L. D. Olney, secretary and treasurer, have been the controlling spirits of the concern. The com pany, as is indicated by its name, is engaged in the manufacture and sale of canned goods. The Watertown Manufacturing company was incorporated March 23, 1893, for the manufacture and sale of underwear garments. The capital was $15,000. The factory was on the south side of the river, opposite the head of Sewall's island. The business prospered for a short time, but later on became unprofitable, whereupon the works were closed. The Watertown Brewing company was established in 1893, by W. F. Barney, J. P. Welsh and M. J. Griffin, and in tbe same year was erected the large brewery in the west part of the city, north of the river. In January, 1896, Mr. Griffin retired from the firm. This brief mention of brewery interests suggests the remark that Andrew Newell was the first brewer in Watertown, but at what time he began business is now unknown. He was followed by Peter Hass, who conducted the business for many years. Peter Seibert began brewing in 1867 and continued until about eighteen or twenty years ago. Pearson Mundy's malt house was built in 1875, and is located on Court street, near the bridge. The business was afterward carried on by Waite Bros. Among the manufacturing interests of the past which have not been previously mentioned, may be recalled the old yarn and wicking mill started by Patrick O'Dougherty about 1840 at Juhelville, on the site of the Remington Paper company's building. This industry was some times called the woolen mill. The property passed to the paper com pany in 1874. In the same locality were two old saw mills, one of which was owned by one Cummings, and the other by O'Dougherty. On the southwest corner of Mill and Moulton streets in the early 'fifties Lorenzo Case had a sash, blind and tool making shop. He became involved in litigation with Timothy Smith, and finally the property was sold at forced sale to Fred Emerson. About 1875 the Remington Paper company operated a cotton yarn mill on the south side of the river, opposite the upper dam. It was continued several years. The Sloat and Greenleaf Lumber company was incorporated Jan. 30, 1893, with $30,000 capital, by Chas. W. Sloat, Louis C. Greenleaf, Fred B. Porter, Wilbur F. Woodworth and J. Alonzo Dulmage. The company is extensive manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds and other THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 373 commodities, and operated a large factory north of the river. The business, however, was established in 1872 by the firm of Sloat & Greenleaf, who then did only a local trade. The present officers are Chas. W. Sloat, president, and Fred C. Porter, secretary and treasurer. One of the old sash, door and blind makers of the city was V. R. Harvey, who began business in 1861. In 1868 Lorenzo Case established the business which is now (with its many subsequent changes) carried on Case & Folsom. In 1869 the firm became L. Case & Son. The present Case & Folsom mill on River street was built in 1897. York & Moon, sash, door and blind makers, began business in 1870, but the firm is no longer known in local trade circles. They were followed by York &- Starkweather. The firm of Roblin & Hotchkin was formed in 1891, succeeding the older firm of Roblin, Folsom & Co., the latter tbe successor to the business started in 1845 by Joseph W. Peck. An other and later lumber working firm was Graves & Van Doren. The firms of Charlebois Bros., Wager & Landon, and White & Sullivan are, in addition to those before mentioned, now engaged in active wood working enterprises of the character referred to. The Watertown Match company was formed in 1894 by Samuel Felt, W. H. Conger, F. W. Streeter and A. L. Upham, and built a factory in the western part of the city, on lower Main street. The works were partly burned in 1895, and business was not resumed. In this connection mention may also be made of the old furniture manufacturing firm of Service, George & McGillis (established in 1858), and also of Lewis, Heinrich& Rounds (established in 1871), neither of which is now in business. Zimmerman & Hardiman began business in manufacturing furniture in 1879, and for about eighteen years were active operators in that line. However, since January, 1898, their factory has been practically closed. Foster -& Begg began manufacturing furniture on Mill street in 1897. In 1876 W. Allingham & Co. started a boot and shoe factory, and for several years employed about fifteen men. In 1840 J. M. Ferrin started a marble and monument works in the village, and was one of the pioneers of that industry in this locality. H. F. Ferrin, who is still in the business, was the son of J. M. Ferrin, and is now perhaps the oldest representative of this branch of trade in the county. Foster M. Ferrin, another son, began marble working in 1856, but is now out of business. George Van Vleck began in 1872. The Davidson marble works at the upper falls were started about 1890. George A. Lance's woolen yarn mill on Beebee's island began busi- 374 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness in 1882, in a building standing in the rear of the old Solomon Hadcock axe factory. Originally the Hadcock axe factory was on River street, and was established at least as early as 1840. It was burned out, and afterward business was resumed on the island, where is now the Collins machine shop. Hadcock went out of business about the time of the war of 1861-5, and the old building, after being various ly used, passed into the hands of John E. Collins, its present proprietor. Adjoining this building on the north stands the old Lord plow works, an industry started about 1850 by Judah and Gilderoy Lord, and con tinued until Gilderoy Lord's death a few years ago. Mr. Lance, the present proprietor, continues the manufacture of plows and other agri cultural implements in the same building. Another old plow factory was that of Nelson Long, which stood on the Emerson corner, on the north side of the river. He at one time did business where the Har mon machine company's works now stand. In 1886 the firm of Davis & Cook began the manufacture of spirit levels, and soon succeeded in building up a successful business. The works are on High street, near Factory street. In 1884 W. R. Baker started a hardware specialty manufacturing business, and conducted it until March, 1889, when the the W. R. Baker Manufacturing company was organized, with $15,000 capital. The Watertown Boat and Canoe Co. was formed in 1887, by D. J. Freeman. The Gifford Manufactur ing Co. was incorporated Nov. 20, 1888, with $20,000, and began mak ing churns, shovels and forks. The company comprised John Gifford, H. D. Waite, Henry S. Munson and G. C. Martin. The Ryther Manufacturing Co., whose business of making baling and packing presses and wagon jacks is carried on in the Wise building on Mill street, was incorporated in 1887. The president of the company was Charles P. Ryther (now deceased). James B. Wise is the secre tary and treasurer. The extensive tin ware manufacturing industry carried on by John M. Tilden at the corner of Arsenal and Massey streets, was established somewhere about 1845 or '50 by the old firm of Goodnow, Holden & Co. Mr. Tilden was a peddler in the company's employ from 1857 to about 1870, when he became a partner. Two years later he acquired a half interest (the firm then being Holden & Tilden) and soon after ward became sole proprietor. For four years Mr. Tilden was partner with D. M. Anderson, but since 1888, has managed the business prac tically alone. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 375 The Stiles & Fladd Press company was incorporated November 16, 1895, with $60,000 capital, for the manufacture and sale of presses, dies, drop-hammers and general machinery. The first directors were George S. Bagley, George W. Knowlton, Frederick C. Fladd, E. A. Stiles and Albert Fish. On December 3, 1897, the name was changed to E. S. Stiles Press company. Business was begun January 1, 1896, at the corner of Mill and Moulton streets, but on January 1, 1898, tbe plant was removed to the works of the Watertown Steam Engine com pany. The officers of the company are George W. Knowlton, president ; Albert Fish, vice-president; Robert J. Good, secretary and E. S. Stiles, treasurer and general manager. The Ehvood Silk Manufacturing company, one of the most recent and important industries of the city, was incorporated June 15, 1896, with $40,000 capital, by J. D. Wendell, B. H. Elwood, E. E. Elwood, Will iam Clark and Edwin S. Van Dusen. The company came to Water- town from Fort Plain, and was attracted to the city by the superior water power of the river and the better opportunity to employ labor than was afforded in the former location. The factory building, 165 x 54 feet in size, was erected in 1897, and its machinery is operated with power taken from the old City Mills privilege. The company employs 125 hands. The officers are B. H. Elwood, president and E. E. El wood, secretary and treasurer. Ecclesiastical. — The First Presbyterian church of Watertown, the mother of religious societies in the village settlement, and one of the first in the county, had its inception in the little informal meetings for worship which were held in pioneer Hart Massey's house as early as the year 1801. In 1803 the society began to take form, and in that year an organization was effected at Burrville, of which a number of residents in the village were members. The Congregational form of government was adopted, and regular services were held in convenient places in the town, and occasionally in the log school house south of the square, though no pastor had been engaged. On February 11, 1811, a village society was formed, but a portion of its members came from the outside part of the town. The trustees were Tilly Richardson, John Sykes, Thomas Sawyer and William Fellows, who represented the Burrville neighborhood ; Aaron Brown, the Watertown centre district, and Hart Massey and Amos Benedict the village settlement. It was then voted to erect a meeting house in a central location, but the out break of the war delayed the work several years. On May 25, 1814, 376 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the Watertown Ecclesiastical society was organized, and has ever since maintained its identity. On February 28, 1821, it was received into the St. Lawrence presbytery, and still later was the leading church of the Watertown presbytery. After the organization of other societies from this as the parent body, it became known by the distinguishing name of the First Presbyterian church. The first trustees of the society (chosen May 25, 1814), were Jabez Foster, Orrin Stone and Hart Massey. In 1815 the Burrville society removed to Watertown and united with the Ecclesiastical society, and on July 27 a pastoral call was extended to Rev. Daniel Banks, who accepted and divided his time between this and the Rutland church. A stone edifice was erected on the academy lot during the summer of 1820, and was dedicated June 1, 1821. It was an imposing structure for its time, and was the first house of worship in the village. The old pioneer building was torn down in 1850, and was replaced with the present edifice in that and the following year. It was dedicated April 10, 1851. In 1892 the building was remodeled and redecorated at an expense of $30,000, and is now one of the largest and most attractive church edifices in the city. During the period of its history, four distinct churches have been or ganized from the First Presbyterian society, viz: The Congregational in 1830; the Second Presbyterian in 1831, the Burrville Congregational in 1836 and Hope Presbyterian church in 1889. The membership in the mother church at the present time numbers more than 600 persons. In the order of succession, the pastors have been as follows: Rev. Daniel Banks, 1815-21; Geo. S. Boardman, 1821-37; Isaac Brayton, 1837-64; J. Jermain Porter, D. D., 1864-81; Geo. B. Stevens, 1882-86; Allen Macy Dulles, 1886-98. The Stone Street Presbyterian church was organized July 20, 1831, under the name of the Second Presbyterian church of Watertown, by the withdrawal of thirty one former members of tbe First church and four members of the Congregational church, all of whom presented letters of dismissal from their mother society. This action was ac complished under ministerial direction of Revs. Abel L. Crandall and George S. Boardman. The first ruling elder of the new church was Lewis R. Sandiforth. A site was soon afterward secured at the corner of Factory and Mechanic streets, whereon in 1831 a church edifice was erected,1 the dedicatory service being held on October 10. The building 1 The old building is still standing and is occupied as a tenement house. THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 377 was occupied by the society for a period of thirty-three years, but in 1864 a more desirable site on Stone street was purchased. The new edifice was built in the same year, at a cost of about $20,000, the soci ety receiving substantial assistance from the First church in this under taking. It was dedicated October 26, 1864, by Rev. Dr. Hutton of New York. About this time the name was changed to the Stone Street Presbyterian church. The history of this church shows a record of constant progression, both in numerical strength and good work. The present members number 400, and in the Sunday school are 180 attendants. In succes sion the pastors and stated supplies have been as follows : Jedediah Burchard, October, 1831-March, 1832; James D. Pickard, March-May, 1832; James R. Boyd, May, 1832-October, 1833; L. Hill, October, 1833-May, 1835; Marcus Smith, November, 1835-September, 1843 ; W. E. Knox, January, 1844-Feb- ruary, 1848 ; Peter Snyder, May, 1848-December, 1863 ; George D. Barker, April, 1854-No vember, 1867; Charles C. Wallace, August, 1868-May, 1870; Chas. M. Liv ingston, December, 1870-September, 1876; Samuel A. Hayt, D. D., March, 1877- the present pastor. Hope Presbyterian church, the offshoot chiefly from the First church of tbe city, dates its separate history to an informal Sunday school mission established on the north side on September 9, 1888. The school was assembled in the Bacon block, and in connection with its work in the vicinity a sewing school was also formed. On April 17, 1889, a site on Le Ray street was purchased, and Hope chapel was built in 1890. The building was burned January 19, 1891, but during the next four months a new and larger edifice was erected. An informal organization and mission was maintained until November 18, 1897, when Hope Presbyterian church superseded the former organization. The persons most prominently connected with building up the now progressive society were Rev. Allen M. Dulles and wife, Miss Munson, Mrs. Greenlies, Mary Boon, Emma Lansing, Mrs. H. J. Brown, Mrs. John C. Sterling, S. F. Bagg, Revillo F. Carter, W. A. Winslow, Chas. H. Hyde and others. The financial supporters of the work were John C. Knowlton, T. H. Camp, Wm.W. Taggart, A. M. Farwell and others. The first elders were R. Rich, A. Munk and G. D. Tuckerman ; dea cons, Geo. Hughes, Robert Munk and H. C. Smith. Rev. Geo. B. Van Dyke officiated as pastor from 1892 to 1894, and was then followed by Rev. Geo. H. Feltus, the present pastor. The church has a present membership of 110 persons, and on the roll of Sunday school are 325 names. 48 378 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The Arsenal Street Methodist Episcopal church, as now known, dates its history away back to the early years of the century when the village and its vicinity formed a part of a circuit over which those earnest missionary workers, Barzilla Willey and John Husselkus traveled and preached to the scattered inhabitants. As early as 1804 Griffin Sweet and Asa Cummins preached in Watertown, and following them other zealous missionaries also visited the village, although not until Nov. 21 was the society regularly incorporated and organized under the name of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Watertown. The first trustees were Titus Ives, Jonathan Cowan, Henry H. Coffeen, John Collins and Thomas Potter. In the early history of the church in this section all missionary services were held under the direction of the Philadelphia conference, and this county formed a part of the Black River circuit. The New York conference was organ ized in 1805, and this county was successively a part of the Albany, Cayuga and Oneida districts. Watertown became a special charge in 1818, and a regular station in 1829. Soon after the organization of the society (1821) a stone meeting house was built near the site of the Arsenal street school building. This was occupied by tbe society until 1851, when a new edifice was erected on the site of the present house of worship on Arsenal street. It was burned February 22, 1880, and was at once replaced with the present edifice, the latter being dedicated (free from all debt) June 9, 1881. The society took the name of Arsenal street church about the time the State street church was organized from the mother societv (1848-49), but notwithstanding the considerable withdrawal at that time, the Arsenal street is one of the strongest Methodist bodies in this part of the state. The present membership is 550, while in the Sunday school are 425 pupils. The circuit preachers, supplies and pastors of this church from the time of its earliest history (so far as can be ascertained) have been as follows : Griffin Sweet and Datus Ensign, 1805 ; Matthew Van Duzen, Luther Bishop, 1808 ; William Jewett, Luther Bishop, 1809; Joseph Willis, Chandley Lambert, 1810; Will iam Snow, Truman Gillett, 1811; Joseph Kirkhead, 1812; Isaac Puffer, Goodwin Stoddard, 1813; C. Lambert, 1814; Ira Fairbanks, 1815; James Hazen, 1816; Ira Fairbanks, G. Stoddard, 1817; John Dempster, 1818; Dana Fox, 1819; Israel Cham berlain, 1820; John Dempster, 1811-22; Benjamin G. Braddock, 1823; Hezekiah Field, 1824; James Brown, John Ercanback, Nathaniel Salisbury, 1825; N. Salisbury G. Baker, 1826; G. Baker, L. Edgerton, 1827; W. W. Randall, Azariah Hall, 1828; THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 379 John S. Mitchell, 1829-30; N. Salisbury, 1831-32; V. M. Coryell, 1833; Squire Chase, 1834; Luther Lee, 1835; N. Salisbury, 1836-37; Allen D. Peck, 1838; Squire Chase, 1839^0; William L. Bowdish, 1841 ; Hiram Mattison, 1842-43; William Wyatt, 1844 ; Isaac Stone, 1845-46; James Irwin, 1847-48; George Gray, 1849; A. J. Phelps, 1850- 51; I. S. Bingham, 1852-53; John B. Foote, 1854-55; J. W. Armstrong, 1856; B. I. Devendorf, 1857-58; W. W. Hunt, 1859-60; S. Call, 1861-62; J. W. Armstrong, 1863-64; I. S. Bingham, 1865-67; S. R. Fuller, 1868-69; I. S. Bingham, 1870; F. Widmer, 1871-73; J. C. Stewart, 1874; G. M. Mead, 1875-77; A. Bramley, 1878-80; W. F. Hemingway, 1881-83; W. H. Reese, 1884-86; J. B. Kenyon, 1887-91; A. P. Palmer, 1892-93 ; J. B. Hammond (present pastor) 1894-98. The State Street Methodist Episcopal church was the direct offshoot from the older society above mentioned, and was made necessary by the constant growth of Methodism in the village. In 1848, as a result of a series of revival meetings, more than 300 persons were added to the mother church, and on Jan. 29, 1849, a considerable colony with drew and effected the new organization. The large and comfortable edifice on State street was erected in 1850, and was remodeled in 1383. Its seating capacity is 500. The present members of the church num ber 425 persons, and in the Sunday school are 300 pupils. The pastors have been as follows : E. Arnold, 1849-50; F. H. Stanton, 1851-52; James Erwin (or Irwin) 1853-54; L. D. White, 1855-56; W. S. Titus, 1857-58; B. S. Wright, 1859-60; W. S. Tisdale, 1861; H. F. Spencer, 1862; O. C. Cole, 1863-64; J. D. Adams, 1865; T. Richey, 1866-67; AY. D. Chase, 1868-69; M. D. Kinney, 1870-72; T. Cooper, 1873-74; M. G. Bullock, 1875-76; S. Cole, 1877-78; Charles W. Parsons, 1879-81; Melville R. Web ster, 1882-84; Charles C. Townsend, 1885-87; Charles W. McCormick, 1888-92; William D. Marsh, (the present pastor) 1893-98. Bethany Methodist Episcopal church was organized chiefly from the membership of tbe Arsenal street society, and had its inception in a class formed in the early spring of 1888, through the efforts of Henry Dixon, aided by his pastor, Rev. J. B. Kenyon, of the mother church. A class of forty members was formed, and William Colthart was chosen leader. Meetings were held in residences and afterward in the Striff building until the Arsenal street society purchased for the north side class the property whereon the house of worship was subsequently erected. The Sunday school was organized in May, 1889, and in the same year the church edifice was completed. This church has grown in numbers to a present membership of 334, and its Sunday school has thirty five pupils. Among the ministers who supplied the pulpit were Wm. W. Atwell, S. E. Snowden, E. Wheeler and E. Arnold. In 1894, Rev. R. Flint was appointed pastor, and in the same year Bethany 380 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. church became a district organization. The present pastorate began in April, 1896, when Rev. C. E. Dorr was appointed to the church. Trinity church (Protestant Episcopal) of Watertown dates back in its history to the year 1812, when Rev. Daniel Nash held the first ser vices in the school house on the southeast corner of the public square. Following him other missionary workers (whose names are now un known) also held occasional services previous to 1826, when Bishop Hobart visited the village and laid the foundation for a permanent church organization. In the next year a parish was organized, and in 1830 an ineffectual attempt was made to secure a church edifice. The corporate society was formed on May 31, 1828, under the ministration of Mr. Rogers, and Ira Wright and Wm. D. Ford were chosen wardens. The vestrymen wereWm. Cowan, Samuel McClure, Loveland Paddock, Philo S. Johnson, Henry L. Harvey, Forrester Dexter, Henry Bron son, Wm. McCullock and Walter Woodward. In the latter part of 1831 another and more successful effort was made to provide a church home. A lot on Court street (just below the city hall) was purchased, and here in 1832 and '33 a frame edifice was erected.. For its construction Trinity church, of New York, contributed $1,000; and an additional $600 was raised in that city for the same pur pose by Samuel Brown, of Brownville. The edifice was consecrated Sept. 18, 1833. The structure was burned in the disastrous fire of May 13, 1849, but in the following year the work of rebuilding was begun; and was completed and the edifice consecrated in January, 1851, by Bishop De Lancey. The new building was purely after the gothic style of architecture, and was designed by R. Upjohn, of New York. The old edifice still stands although nearly ten years have passed since it was abandoned for church services. The structure was moved back from the street and a brick building was erected in front. In its rear is the old church-yard burial ground where several conspicuous tomb stones still mark the graves of once well known parishioners. In 1887 Trinity House was built, and was dedicated February 14, 1888, by Bishop Huntington. This splendid parish house was the gift of Roswell P. and Anson R. Flower. Adjoining on the north stands beautiful Trinity church edifice, one of the most elegant structures of its kind in the region. This, too, was the munificent gift of the same liberal donors. Its erection was begun April 1, 1889, and the completed stone edifice was dedicated by Bishop Huntington, Sept. 9, 1890. The total value of Trinity church property is estimated at $155,500. The THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 381 parish is .the largest and one of the most wealthy in northern New York. It comprises nearly 400 families, and the church has about 950 communicants. In the order of succession the rectors of Trinity church have been as follows: J. M. Rogers, 1827-28; Wm. Lynn Keese, 1828-29; Hiram Adams, Jan., 1829-April, 1831; Richard Salmon, Dec, 1831-Sept, 1832; E. G. Gear, Sept., 1832-34; Burton W. Hickox, April, 1835-May, 1837; Chas. Ackley, Sept., 1837-April, 1839; John F. Fish, Sept., 1839-Oct., 1844; Wm. M. Carmichael, D. D., Jan., 1845-July, 1846; Levi W. Norton, Aug., 1846-1853; Geo. M. Hills, July, 1853-May, 1857; Theodore Babcock, D. D., Nov., 1857-May 8, 1872; Leigh R. Brewer (afterward Bishop Brewer) June, 1872-Jan., 1881; Russell A. Olin, Feby.. 1881-died May 27, 1893; J. Saunders Reed (present rector), Oct. , 1894. The assistant ministers of the church have been Revs. J. Winslow, 1883-87; Fred erick P. Winne, since Sept., 1887; Osgood Eaton Herrick, D. D., since May, 1893. St. Paul's church (Protestant Episcopal) of Watertown, was organized June 14, 1867, as Grace church, by the consent of Bishop Coxe and Rev. Theo. Babcock (then rector of Trinity) that Frederick W. Hub bard and other former communicants at the mother church should with draw and form a new Episcopal church in the then village. The first service under the new parish organization was held in the court house, July 21, 1867, Rev. R. E. Van Duzen, of Grace church, Utica, officiat ing. The new society was regularly incorporated as Grace church, August 14, 1867, with F. W. Hubbard and Charles D. Wright, wardens, and Levi H. Brown, James F. Starbuck, George A. Bagley, Luther J. Dorwin, George H. Sherman, W. R. Trowbridge, A. H. Hall and C. H. Van Brackle, vestrymen. Soon after the organization was completed the old school house at the corner of Jay and Sterling streets was secured for the parishioners. The erection of the present church edifice was begun in 1889, and was completed in January, 1891. It cost about $25,000. On November 1, 1897 (All Saints' day) the parishioners voted to change the name to St. Paul's church. Revs. W. H. Milburn and W. A. Ely conducted the services previous to Ju'y, 1868, but after that time the rectors (the period of service of each ir unknown) were as follows: John A. Staun ton, George T. Le Boutillier, Wm. L. Parker, Albert Danker, Ph. D., John F. Nichols, Charles M. Carr.W. H. Brown (April 4, 1893 to May, 1897) and Dr. C. H. Mockridge, the present rector, who came to the church in June, 1897. St. Paul's has 150 families and 225 communi cants. The Church of the Redeemer, formerly known as the North Water- 382 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. town mission of Trinity parish, was established in its original character in 1887 by Mrs. Mary B. Sterling Clark, deaconess, under the super vision of Rev. R. A. Olin, S. T. D., rector of Trinity church. In 1896 Mrs. Frances Lord-Bennett gave the sum of $8,000 for the purpose of building a church edifice in memory of her father, Gilderoy Lord. The work was begun in September, 1896; the corner stone was laid in Oc tober following, and the edifice was completed in April, 1897. It was consecrated October 7, 1897, by Bishop Huntington. Through the generosity of other friends the building was completely furnished. The church has about 50 communicating members. The officiating clergy and rectors have been as follows: Rev. Dr. Olin and F. P. Winne, 1887-92; A. H. Redding, 1892-93; C. E. S. Rasay, 1893- 94; George Maxwell, 1894-95; Horace B. Goodyear, 1895-97; G. E. Prerucker, 1898. The Universalist society of Watertown was organized at the court house, April 23, 1820, by a meeting assembled on the call of twelve citizens. Levi Butterfield, Chauncey Calhoun, Henry Caswell, Simeon Scheeles (Skeels) and Darius Doty were the first trustees. The church organization was perfected June 21, 1823, with fourteen members, and the society was legally incorporated Jan. 3, 1825, with Joseph Sheldon, R. Goodale, J. M. Howell, Jonathan Baker and E. Makepeace as trus tees. In 1825 a stone house of worship was erected at the southeast corner of the square, on the site of the first village schoolhouse, where on stands tbe present edifice of the society. The old building cost about $7,000, and was dedicated Nov. 10, 1824. It was destroyed by fire Sept. 29, 1850, and was replaced in 1851-52 with the present large brick edifice, which cost $10,000. It was dedicated Nov. 4, 1852. The building was materially repaired in 1896. The parsonage, at No. 8 Winthrop street, was built during the early 'eighties, and cost $6,000. The church has a present membership of about 150 persons, and in the Sunday school are about 125 pupils and 15 teachers. The succession of pastors has been as follows: Pitt Morse, 1823-25; Rev. Mr. Bartlett, 1825-26; Pitt Morse, 1827-37; Wm. H. Waggoner, 1838-41 ; H. Boughton, 1842-46; John H. Stewart, 1847-54; A. A. Thayer, 1854-July, 1859; E. W. Reynolds, Oct., 1859-Jan. 1, 1865; I. M. Atwood, 1865; D. C. Tomlinson, 1865-69; Harvey Hersey, April 1, 1870-Oct. 1, 1876; George F. Babbitt, Dec. 10, 1876-Sept. 10, 1878; G. J. Porter, Dec. 1, 1878-April 1, 1884; Richmond Fisk, May 4, 1884-May 4, 1892; D. L. R. Libby, July 1, 1892-Aug. 1, 1897; B. B. Gibbs, Jan. 1, 1898, the present pastor. The Baptist church and society of Watertown dates back in its his- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 383 tory to the year 1823, when on May 29 a convention of delegates rep resenting the Black river Baptist association held a meeting in the school house on Factory street, and perfected the organization with 17 constituent members. In October, 1827, the society was legally incor porated, and Lemuel L. Grady, Caleb S. Henderson and Harvey Far rington were chosen trustees. In 1828 a meeting house was built on Factory street, and was occupied by the society until the congregation became too large for its capacity, whereupon the old building was sold ' to the Catholic society. It was afterward occupied by the Free Metho dist society. In 1837 a new frame edifice was erected at the corner of of State and Mill streets, fronting the square, and was 40x60 feet in size, one story high. It was dedicated Jan. 10, 1838. The structure was burned March 8, 1846, and the same year a new brick (stone base ment) church edifice was erected at a cost of $6,000. The building com mittee comprised Rev. J. A. Nash, John Kemp and D. W. Rickerson. In many respects this was one of the most modern church edifices in the city. Material repairs were made in 1872, and the interior was also refurnished. On the completion of these improvements (Nov. 15), the church celebrated its semi-centennial and reopening. In 1889 the society realized the necessity of a new and larger house of worship, but while the subject was discussed with much zeal at the time no definite result was reached until the early part of 1891, when a contract was made with Patrick Phillips to erect the present beautiful stone edifice at the agreed price of $19,540. On June 26, following, tbe corner stone was laid, and on Sept. 13, 1892, the completed edifice was dedicated with appropriate ceremony. The total cost of the finished and furnished building was $31,000. The church has a pres ent membership of about 400 persons, and in its Sunday school are about 350 pupils. The pastors2 of the church, in succession, have been as follows: Revs. Norman Guiteau, Seth Smalley, Jacob Knapp, John Miller, Charles Clark, L. J. Matterson, John Peddie, L. M. S. Haynes, James W. Putnam, H. C. Townley, L. J. Dean, Charles E. Maxfield (1889-94) E. F. Osborn (1894-Oct. 1896), W. G. Rogers (since Jan. 1897). Saint Patrick's church (Roman Catholic) of Watertown was the out growth of missionary labors in the vicinity which had their beginning about the year 1830. Ten years previous to that time there was only 1 The old structure is still standing, and is occupied as a second-hand clothing store. 2 The church records do not disclose the duration of pastorates. 384 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. one Catholic family in the village. Soon after 1820 a church was founded in Carthage, and priests from that parish extended their visits down the river to this locality, but the first mass here was celebrated in 1830 at the house of Daniel Branagan. In this year the families of this church numbered only six. Father O'Riley said the first mass, and was followed by Bishop John Du Bois, who held services in the old court house in 1832. Then followed other missionary priests, among whom were Fathers Cahill, Balfe, Walters, Bradley and Dona hue, all during the years from 1832 to 1835, who used private dwell ings, and also the old school building on the site of the present Arsenal street school house. Rev. John B. Dailey, a Benedictine friar, said mass each week during the years 1835-37. Fathers McNulty and Gil- bride also officiated occasionally, and sometime during these later ministrations a parish was formed. On September 1, 1838, the society purchased from the Baptist society the meeting house on Factory street, and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary. The price paid was $600, and there was also purchased an ad joining lot (\% acres) for $750. The church increased rapidly and the old edifice soon became too small to accommodate the parishioners, whereupon, in 1855, Father McNulty began the erection of St. Patrick's edifice on Massey street, near Arsenal. It was completed in 1856, and was dedicated to St. Patrick by Bishop McClosky. In 1867 the edifice was repaired at an expense of $12,000. The society was incorporated in 1870. Duiing the pastorate of Father Glenn, which began in 1880, the church debt of $16,000 was paid, and he also established the large parochial school, which now has an attendance of 200 pupils, under charge of four Sisters of Mercy. St. Patrick's parish now contains 300 Catholic families, and about 1,500 communicants. The pastors of the church since 1838 have been as follows: Michael Gil bride, 1838-40; Philip Gillick, 1840-44; John O'Dowd, 1844-46; Francis McFarlane, 1846- 51 (assisted by M. C. Powers); J. Finlay, 1851-55; P. McNulty, 1855-61; James Ho- gan, 1861-78; Father Walsh, 1878 (one year); Florence McCarthy, 1879 (one year); and Father Tobias Glenn, who has filled the pastorate with splendid results since 1880. The Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, of Watertown, was the direct outgrowth of St. Mary's church, founded as the result of early missionary labors in this vicinity. After the division of St. Mary's parish and the organization of St. Patrick's, the French Catholics con tinued to occupy the edifice on Factory street, and on July 5, 1857, re organized their parish and church under the name of " Soci£te Catho- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 385 lique Francaise de Watertown, New York." This society was main tained until about 1877 or '78, when Father J. B. Chappelle was sent by the Bishop of the diocese to found a monastery of his order of tbe Sacred Heart. Accordingly the worthy priest purchased a tract of land on Thompson street, north of the river, whereon was erected in 1878 a monastery building and also a church edifice (1879), the latter being dedicated to "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart." About this time St. Mary's church, or the French Congregation, who worshiped on Fac tory street was merged in the new institution. In 1880 the Sisters' school was added to the property of the institution. During the pas torate of Father Grom, which began in 1880, the college of the Sacred Heart was founded for the education of young men intended for the priesthood. It is under charge of a superior of the order and his assist ants. The property of the institution is valued at $30,000. The priests in charge of St. Mary's, and also of its successor society, from 1857 have been as follows: Father Louis Lepic, 1857-66 ; C. F. Ferguson, 1867-73; Father La Clare, 1873-7-3; P. A. La Rose, 1875-76; J. B. Chappelle, founder of the Sacred Heart church, temporarily; Father Durin, 1877-80; Father Grom, 1880-93; P. L. Esperance (missionary of the Sacred Heart) 1893 to the present time. In this par ish are about 100 families. Father C. A. Mahaney is present superior of the college. The Church of the Holy Family was organized from St. Patrick's parish in June, 1895. Father Michael R. Burns was called to the new pastorate and held services in Washington hall until August, 1896. In October, 1895, the society purchased land on Winthrop street and erected thereon an edifice after the Moorish and Byzantine style, and a reproduction of the famous St. Elmo church at San Antonio, Texas. Father Burns is still priest in charge of the parish, which comprises 300 families. The Free Methodist church of Watertown was organized in 1878, and purchased the old edifice formerly occupied by the French society on Factory street. In 1896 the property was sold, and about the same time a lot on tbe north side was secured, on which a new meeting house was built in 1897. The membership of the church is quite small, and frequently the society is without a pastor. The pulpit is at pres ent supplied from Black River. The A. M. E. Zion church was organized in 1878, and in the same year built a meeting house near the corner of River and Court streets. The society is small and hardly able to support a pastor without assist ance from other churches. The pastors have been H. R. Phenix, 49 386 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. James A. Wright, Solomon Jones, Elias Washington, Z. H. Tyler, J. E. Allen, Geo. C. Smith, Wm. H. Washington, Geo. C. Carter, J. W. Lacey, H. O. Thomas and Mason Jones, the latter being the present pastor. The Watertown Seventh Day Advent society was organized June 1, 1887, by Elder J. E. Brown, with fourteen members. Since that time the society has shown but little growth. Elder J. E. Swift was the first pastor. Emmanuel Congregational church, of Watertown, was organized July 7, 1887, with 39 members, although Congregationalism in the village dates its history to the first religious meetings held in the village as early as 1801. The initial steps toward forming the present society were taken in 1 885, and the following winter was spent in creating a building fund. In the early part of 1886 a lot at the corner of Rutland and proposed Olive streets was purchased, and on May 1 ground was broken for the structure. It was completed and opened for worship Dec. 28, following, Rev. Dr. Geo. F. Pentecost officiating at the dedi cation. The church organization was perfected July 7, 1887, and in the next month an addition to the edifice was built. During the ten years of its history this church has grown to a present membership of 90 per sons, and in its Sunday school is an enrollment of 188 pupils. The pastors in succession have been as follows: Wm. F. Stokes, Oct. 18, 1887-Jan. 30, 1890; Ephraim W. Florence, June 1, 1890-Feb. 21, 1892; Jesse Bailey, June 1, 1892-Oct. 1, 1894; Samuel G. Heckman, Oct. 30, 1895, the present pastor. The Church of Christ (Disciples) of Watertown was organized Sept. 29, 1892, the first trustees being Charles Roberts,- Zelotus Wood and E. A. Olley. Soon afterwards the trustees purchased the old Grace church property, at the corner of Jay and Sterling streets. About this time the members of this denomination at Black River and Felt's Mills were transferred to the Watertown society, and the property at the former village was sold for the benefit of the new church. The first pastor was Rev. Frank Talmage, who came to the city in January, 1893. and dedicated the church Jan. 15, following. He left Oct. 18, 1893. The later pastors have been as follows: T. B. Knowles, Oct. 22, 1893- May 31, 1896, and Rev. E. S. Muckley. the present pastor. Among the other churches and religious societies which for a time had an abiding place in the village, but none of which is now in exist ence, may be mentioned the United Baptist and Presbyterian society THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 387 formed Dec. 1, 1823. Its first trustees were Orni Stowell, Jason Rich ards and Samuel F. Ballard. Just how long the society maintained its organization is not now known. It had no house of worship. The Second Orthodox Congregational society in Watertown was formed by residents of Hounsfield, Adams and Watertown, Jan. 5, 1842. This society had but a temporary existence and no fixed placed of worship. The first Wesleyan Methodist church of Watertown was organized De cember 19, 1848, with Peter Baltuff, Chas. Bostwick, Elim Holcomb, Richard Frayar and Francis J. Blodgett as trustees. For several years the society held services in the old stone building erected by the tr.ustees of Watertown academy, but passed out of existence sometime previous to 1860. Cemeteries. — In October, 1823, the trustees purchased from Hart Massey a tract of land on Arsenal street, in the western part of the village, which was laid out into lots for burial purposes. In 1825 the lots were in part apportioned among the taxable inhabitants, each tak ing one lot, and four others were reserved for the resident clergymen. The moneys received from the sale of other lots was used to build a vault. Adjoining this tract on the west was the first Catholic cemetery, but few burials are now made in either of them. The village cemetery was used until the opening of Brookside, in 1854, and the Catholic cemetery until Calvary cemetery was opened in 1869, although in the meantime (1838) the Pamelia burying-ground had been laid out and partially superseded the village tract. North Watertown Rural cemetery contained about two acres of land when laid out in 1838 by Bernard Bagley, Jacob Cramer and Olney W. Reynolds as trustees. It was then known as Pamelia burying-ground, but when the association was incorporated in 1863 (Dec. 3) nearly ten acres were included in the tract. Jacob Cramer was president, and Wm. Usher secretary and treasurer. From that time (1838) the ceme tery has been one of the regular burial places of the village and city. The present officers of the association are Wm. R. Heslop, president; Normal S. Snell, vice president, and Joseph A. McConnell, secretary and treasurer. The trustees are the officers and John A. Barkley, Geo. R. Carpenter, Edward S. Martell, Augustus J. Phillips, Delevan M. Park and Eugene Clark. Brookside Cemetery, concededly one of the most beautiful burial places in northern New York, was laid out, opened and dedicated in 1854, by the Watertown Cemetery association. The association was 388 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. organized September 1,'1853, and trustees were chosen as follows: Tal cott H. Camp, Hiram Holcomb, F. W. Hubbard, James K. Bates, F. H. Gregory, Willard Ives, Daniel W. Rickerson, Joseph Mullin and Thomas Baker. The first officers were Joseph Mullin, president; Will ard Ives, vice-president; James K. Bates, treasurer; and F. H. Greg ory, secretary. The grounds include about seventy acres, are beauti fully located about two and one half miles from the city; and are divided into four tracts by ravines, whose gently sloping sides add much to the natural beauty of the surroundings. In 1881 the cemetery and its ap proaches were materially improved under tbe direction of John A. Sherman, who with Roswell P. Flower and others, contributed gener ously to defray the expenses thereof. At the same time the tract was somewhat enlarged. The Keep mausoleum, which occupies a conspicuous site in the cemetery, is one of the most elaborate structures of its kind in the country. The Flower Memorial chapel was built by the daughters of Mrs. Cadwell, the grandchildren of Norris M. Woodruff and wife, in memory of Col. George W. Flower, whose wards they were for many years. The officers of the association are H. H. Babcock, president; D. S. Miller, vice-president; A. L. Upham, secretary and treasurer, and H. H. Babcock, G. W. Wiggins, G. R. Hanford, G. A. Bagley, O. E. Hungerford, J. M. Tilden, D. S. Miller, A. R. Flower and N. P. Ward- well, trustees. Calvary Cemetery association was organized Sept. 29, 1859, for the purpose of providing a new and more suitable Catholic burial ground in the city. The first board of trustees comprised Rev. James Hogan, president; Dennis O'Brien, vice-president; J. J. B. Primeau, treasurer; Thomas Keenan, secretary, and Thomas Conroy, James N. Halloran, John Griffin, David McDermott, John Fay and Daniel McCormick, trustees. A beautiful and naturally adorned tract of about 16 acres of land was purchased about two miles east of the center of the city, and there Calvary cemetery was laid out and has since been maintained. The present officers of the association are Rev. P. F. L'Esperance, president; Lawrence Riley, vice-president; W. R. Tassey, secretary; John E. Bergevin, treasurer; and Wm. Haley, John Hardigan, T. A. Collins, E. H. Bohl and J. A. Allard, trustees. St. Patrick's cemetery, which lies adjacent to Brookside, was incor porated in 1878 by the trustees of St. Patrick^ church, who constitute THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 389 its board of managers. This tract of 44 acres was a part of the once known Goodnow farm. Prominent Characters in Watertown History. — Jason Fairbanks was in many respects one of the most notable characters in early Watertown history, and was, withal, one of its most useful citizens. He was the son of Capt. Samuel Fairbanks, and was born Sept. 9, 1785, therefore when he came to the village he was 23 years old. In the east he was apprenticed to James Bragg to learn the trade of harness and saddle making, and 1802, with the Bragg family he came to Herkimer county, N. Y. , where he remained until 1807, when his apprenticeship was ended. He attended Fairfield academy three months, that being about the extent of his school education. He visited Ogdensburgh, where Judge Ford tried to induce him to settle, and thence visited Water- town, but soon went on to Sackets Harbor. Returning, he stopped at Brownville, when Gen. Brown also sought to secure his permanent residence, but soon located at the county seat, where he saw greater opportunities for a young man. For a time he worked with Calvin Mc Knight, but the firm was dissolved and Mr. Fairbanks then formed a partnership with John Smith, and opened a shop on the site of tbe Saf ford block. In 1811 he succeeded to the business, having in the mean time added shoemaking to his tanning and harness making interests. In 1811 he bought the ever-known Fairbanks corner, tbe Flat-iron block. From that time Jason Fairbanks was one of the most active business men of the county seat for a period of more than 60 years; and the mechanics who are said to have learned their trade or were em ployed by him, numbered about 400. During the war of 1812-15 he was specially active in his capacity of U. S. marshal, which office he held about 28 years. In 1821 he was appointed sheriff of the county, and was afterward elected to the same office. It was during this serv ice that Mr. Fairbanks summoned the historic fat grand jury, of 24 members, the average weight of whom was 242^ pounds. None was of less weight than 200, while several exceeded 300 pounds. Mr. Fairbanks was also noted for his connection with the famous " Whittlesey affair," which is told elsewhere, but during his long residence in Watertown almost a thousand and one happy incidents occurred to attest his native wit and fertile brain. From 1828 to 1838 Mr. Fairbanks was county treasurer. In the course of his long business career he accumulated a fortune, and his later years were devoted to the care of his property. He died Jan. 10, 1875, aged almost 90 years. His wife was Mary, the daughter of Hart Massey. They had six children. 390 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Samuel Whittlesey came originally from Tolland, Conn., and- settled in Watertown in 1807. He began the practice of law, and was regarded as one of the most brilliant men at the early bar. On Feb. 12, 1811, he was appointed district attorney, but on Feb. 9, 1813, he was super seded by Amos Benedict, whereupon certain of his friends secured for Whittlesey the office of brigade paymaster, which had been offered to and declined by Jason Fairbanks. The latter, with Perley Keyes, became sureties of Whittlesey's bond, and thus qualified in his office, Whittlesey and his wife went to New York and received in his official capacity $30,000 in bills. On their return journey, at Schenectady, Whittlesey's wife, who was in fact an unscrupulous and dangerous woman, falsely reported that they had been robbed of $8,500 of the money, and on the remainder of the journey home succeeded in per suading her husband to appropriate the whole sum, which he accord ingly connived to accomplish by clumsy attempts at carelessness, such as would naturally suggest the probable theory of robbery as an excuse for the loss of the money. Whittlesey visited Trenton, ostensibly to pay certain bills for the government, when all of a sudden he discov ered he had been robbed. He affected great sorrow, and offered a reward of $2,000 for the apprehension of the thief, and then returned to Watertown apparently stricken with grief at the disaster. Of course Fairbanks and Keyes were liable on their bond for the defaulting pay master's act, but were not fully satisfied that a robbery had been com mitted,- upon which Fairbanks set about making a careful investigation of Whittlesey's portmanteau and other belongings, as well as subjecting both his wife and himself to a searching examination. About this time other events took place which confirmed the opinions of the sureties that no real robbery had been committed, but that the offenders were making preparations to decamp with their booty; whereupon the sureties determined to adopt forcible and radical measures to recover the stolen money, by threats of drowning the real culprit in order to force a confession from him. Accordingly it was arranged that Mr. Fairbanks should call on Whittlesey and by a subterfuge induce the latter to accompany him to the Keyes house; but Mr. Keyes was to be absent repairing a fence on his land, upon which the two were to seek him in the field, and would find him near a spring whose outlet had been dammed for the purpose of forming a pool large enough to carry out the object of the visit. The spot was within the present city limits, on the east side of Sherman street, and about midway between Wood- THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 391 ruff and Pratt streets. At this spot a depressed place in the ground is still noticeable. On July 17, 1815, these determined men thus induced Whittlesey to visit the spot in question, and there three times immersed him in the water before he finally consented to tell all he knew. This being done, and the place where the money was hidden being revealed, Mr. Keyes repaired to Whittlesey's home, and in company with Dr. Paul Hutchinson and John M. Canfield, proceeded to search tbe house and was rewarded with the recovery of nearly all the stolen money. At length Whittlesey was brought back to the house, where a violent scene took place between the husband and wife; and here Whittlesey learned for the first time that the money stolen from him at Schenec tady was taken by his own wife. In the confusion of the moment tfie wretched woman escaped from the house and fled across Trinity churchyard to the river and plunged into the river and drowned. Such is a brief outline of one of the most remarkable events in Watertown history. For a more detailed and perfect account of the affair the reader is referred to Hough's "History of Jefferson County," pages 263-70. Hart Massey was the third son of Deacon Jonathan Massey, and was born in Salem, N. H., Dec. 5, 1771. In 1792 he removed with his parents to Windsor, Vt., where in 1795 he was married with a daughter of Deacon Nathaniel Swain. In 1800 he first came to Watertown and purchased 90 acres of land on Washington street, to which he soon added 100 more acres including the land where now stands the depot. He came to his new home with his family in 1801, and the first religious service in the town was held at his cabin the Sunday after his arrival. On July 13, 1808, Mr. Massey was appointed colonel and inspector, having previously served as quartermaster in Col. Abijah Putnam's regiment, and adjutant to Col. Gershom Tuttle. He was also collector of customs at Sackets Harbor during the war of 1812, but soon after ward retired to private life. On several occasions he was appointed to minor offices, but in 1820 was made common pleas judge. In every capacity he proved himself a competent and trustworthy officer, and won the respect and esteem of the public. He lived to a good old age, and was enabled to contrast the advanced state of the county with its condition in pioneer times. In his family were three children who were born previous to the immigration to the Black river country. They were Mary, Solon and Stillman Massey. Perley Keyes, more frequently known as Judge Keyes, was born in 393 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. : - oz5 5 m o Qa < 'w**; j* **m ^j ;W, THE CITY OF WATERTOWN. 393 New Hampshire, Feb. 24, 1774, and in 1799, with his brother William and Amos Stebbins, came by way of Montreal and Kingston, and set tled in the town of Rutland. Here he was one of the early justices of the peace, and in 1805 he .was appointed one of the judges of the com mon pleas court. In 1808 he was appointed sheriff, and in the next year removed to Watertown, where he became an important factor in the early history of the county seat. He exchanged his farm in Rut land (with Dr. Isaiah Massey) for 55 acres fronting on Washington street, and received $1,000 "to boot." In 1814 Judge Keyes was ap pointed customs officer at Sackets Harbor, and held the office four years. In the same year he was elected to the state senate, and served in that capacity six terms. He became a member of the council of appointment, and for many years exerted a powerful influence in the politics of the state, he being indeed the head and front of his party. In 1831 he was recommended by Martin Van Buren, Silas Wright and others for tbe governorship of Wisconsin territory. Judge Keyes was a man of vigorous and powerful frame, yet plain and unassuming in his personal habits. He died of apoplexy, May 13, 1834. Orville Hungerford was another conspicuous figure in early Water- town history, and was, withal, one of the most prominent men of the county in bis time. He was born in Farmington, in 1790, and made his appearance in the village in 1804, but went to Burrville and was clerk for Judge Foster, and came with the latter to the county seat very soon afterward. In 1815 Mr. Hungerford began business for himself, and was in trade until 1842. In this year he was elected to congress and served four years. In 1847 he was the democratic candidate for the state comptrollership, but was defeated at the polls. He was one of the founders of the Jefferson county bank, and was for years concerned in its management, as cashier and president. He was also engaged in various railroad and other public enterprises, and labored zealously and successfully for the welfare of both Watertown and the county. Mr. Hungerford died April 6, 1851. In this connection mention may also be made of Loveland Paddock, the banker and financier, and brother of John Paddock, the pioneer merchant. Loveland Paddock was formerly a dry goods merchant, but later on became identified with banking interests, and thus built up a splendid fortune for his descendants. He was a generous, public- spirited citizen, and did much to build up the village and subsequent city. The name Paddock has for many years been associated with ore 50 394 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the best old business blocks in the city, which stands as a lasting monument to the memory of its founder. George C. Sherman, who is mentioned at length in the bench and bar chapter, began his career here as clerk and student in David W. Bucklin's law office. In 1823 he was admitted to practice, and thereafter was identified with professional and political life until his death, April 23, 1863. Mr. Sherman was the the organizer in fact of the Watertown Bank and Loan company, and about 1848 left professional work to assume its care and management. He accumulated a handsome fortune. Talcott Hale Camp, who was for so many years connected with mercantile and banking interests in Watertown, was born in Utica in 1817, and began his business career in the village in 1840, when he opened a drug and paint store in the Paddock building on Washington street. Later on he became connected with railway and banking interests, and occupied a high position in local history for many years. He was president of the Jefferson County bank from 1856 to the time of his death, and was also connected with the Jefferson County Savings bank. Addison M. Farwell was a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and came to Watertown in 1859, where, in company with Frederick Baker, he established the old Farwell & Baker tannery. For twenty-five years he was president of the Jefferson County Savings bank, and was also connected with other banking institutions in the city. Mr. Farwell retired from active business in 1888. Lotus Ingalls, the veteran lawyer and editor, who was associated with and helped to make history in Watertown for a period of almost sixty years, was born in Rodman in 1818. He came to this city in 1839, and after a course at the old Black River Institute, read law with Lansing & Sherman. He practiced for several years, but about 1850 became con nected with local journalism, in which capacity his best record was made. His subsequent career in this field is narrated in the history of the county press in another part of this work. Gilderoy Lord, whose name appears frequently in the preceding history of Watertown, was for many years a prominent figure in industrial and financial circles. He was one of the founders of the early plow and agricultural imple ment works on Beebee's island and later on drifted into other channels of business where he attained a high standing and also acquired a sub stantial competency. For several years he was director and president of the City National Bank. Dr. Isaac Munson came to Watertown soon after he was elected county clerk, in the fall of 1849, and in 1855, after having served out THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 395 his term of office, he was made secretary of the Agricultural Insurance company. He was afterward made vice-president, and president, the latter in 1882. He served in that capacity until his death in 1886. Dr. Munson was a native of Herkimer county, born in 1812, and entered the medical profession in 1834. He located for practice at Evans' Mills, arid from that time was identified with the best history of the county. Byron B. Taggart, who is elsewhere frequently mentioned in this chapter, was one of the best known and most successful business men of Watertown. He was a native of Le Ray, born April 28, 1831. He was one of the old firm of Taggart Brothers, and was afterward pres ident of the Taggarts Paper company and the Taggart Brothers corn- pan}-. He was also identified with many other local enterprises of importance, both in industrial and financial circles. Samuel B. Upham was another worthy representative of Watertown's best elementary business men, and was for about thirty-five years con nected with the National Union bank. Mr. Upham was born in Mass achusetts, in 1819, and came to Watertown in 1841. He was partner with O. C. Utley, in mercantile business, and in 1856 became cashier of the old Union bank, with which and its successor bank, he was so long connected in later years. He was also identified with many other local business enterprises. Richard Van Namee was another prominent character worthy of mention in this connection, and was one of the founders of our system of water works. CHAPTER XXI. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. In the month of August, 1796, the proprietors of the eleven towns divided the territory among themselves by ballot ; and in that general division numbers two, seven and eleven (Watertown, Adams and Low ville) with 1,576 acres of what is now Worth, fell to Nicholas Low. During the months of April and May, previous to this division, the proprietors employed Benjamin Wright to survey the entire tract (the eleven towns, or the Black river tract) into townships, and as he pro ceeded with the work the worthy surveyor made notes of the character 396 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the region through which he traveled. Of this town (which he knew only as No. 7, but which Simeon De Witt, in his survey made in 1802, called Aleppo) Mr. Wright remarked: " The town has every good qual ity; millseats, springs of excellent water, fine timber, maple, beech, bass, ash, butternut, birch, iron-wood, pine, oak and some chestnut, limestone, fine soil, black mould and loam in general." Commenting generally the surveyor said " It is a pretty level country, some undula tions, and some excellent swaley land. The principal streams are Stony creek, and the north branch of Big Sandy creek. This branch is a large stream of one chain, eighty links width, in general, and has some very fine intervales, and is nearly all flat rock bottom. There are some appearances of mill seats on this branch, and I suppose probably very good ones, but I have seen nothing of that kind." Benjamin Wright's survey was made more than a century ago, and so far as we have any knowledge he was the first white person to trav erse the region having in mind the ultimate settlement and develop ment of the territory. According to his measurment, the township contained 26,505 acres of land. The present town of Adams contains 27,020 acres, but surveyor Wright reported that local attractions ren dered it very difficult for him to run straight lines, which in a measure accounts for the difference. Mr. Wright also surveyed the town into lots, which varied in size from 240 to 676 acres each, and these were again subdivided according to the requirements and purchasing ability of settlers. It is somewhat strange that Benjamin Wright should so carefully ex amine the territory of the Black river country and yet make no note of existing evidences of the occupation which antedated the. period of his visit. Indeed, even at that time the good surveyor must have met with some straggling remnant of the former Indian people who so numerously inhabited the region, for all along the borders of Sandy creek, and elsewhere, the pioneers discovered traces of the occupancy and also unmistakable evidences of their villages, burial grounds and defensive fortifications. The town abounds in evidences of the aboriginal occupation, and numerous indeed have been the Indian relics found within its limits. One of the, most interesting of all the places inhabited by the Iroquois was in the vicinity of the old Talcott tavern in the extreme northeast corner of the town, where, on a bluff some 40 or 50 feet high, once stood a fortification of considerable size and of great defensive strength THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 397 The property is now owned by the heirs of John Metcalf, deceased. The exact location of the fort was on the commanding bluff just below the old cider mill site, the latter being on the head waters of Stony creek. The place is more conspicuous from a large projecting rock which cannot but attract the attention of travelers. The front of the position is faced with an abrupt ascent, evidently difficult of approach without discovery. The ground in rear is de pressed and swampy, and is drained by a small stream which falls over a cliff near the old cider mill site above mentioned. This stream was formerly obstructed by a beaver dam, which converted the marsh into a pond. The elevation of the work was well fitted for defensive opera tions, possessing the primary requisites of difficulty of approach and a non failing supply of water. The artificial defenses consisted of an embankment of earth with an exterior ditch. The forest growth now covers the greater part of the work, and the lines are thus well pre served. The average height of the embankment was three feet, and ten feet wide at the base. The ditch was of the same width. There were seven gateways, varying in width from 8 to 30 feet. An abrupt bank is on the right of the work, 30 feet high, where the defenses are interrupted. On the northeast slope of the eminence, within the enclosure, in dry sandy soil were formerly seen numbers of small pits or depressions, which were originally from four to six feet deep, but are now filled with leaves and vegetable mould. These were caches' or places for hiding stores. Quantities of parched corn were also found here. Within the walls were found 40 or 50 of these caches, and several more on the crown of the eminence. On removing the leaves in the work the bones of animals and fragments of pottery were found. A small portion of 1 The term cache is of French origin, and means a hiding place, or place of concealment. The practice of caching, or hiding goods or property on outward marches to be used on returning, or by parties following, was general among the Indians. A cache is made by digging a hole in the earth and lining, it with sticks, grass or any other material which will protect the contents from dampness. After the goods or provisions have been deposited they are carefully covered over with earth so as to best prevent penetration by water from above. It is important that the presence of the cache itself be also concealed, lest rival parties of cunning savages make the dis covery and appropriate its contents. To this end the excavated earth is carried to a distance and concealed or thrown into a stream, if one be near. The place selected for a cache is usually some rolling point of land, sufficiently elevated to be secure from inundations. If it be well set with grass a solid piece of the turf, of the size of the proposed excavation is cut out, and is after ward replaced with such care that no evidence of the removal is easily discovered. However, as every locality does not afford a turfy spot the camp-fire is sometimes built upon the cache, or animals are driven over the spot in order to effectually destroy all outward traces of its presence. (Oregg's.Commerce of the Prairies, Vol. 1, page 69). 398 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the work is now under cultivation, and in the vicinity several skeletons have been exhumed by the plow. Some of them were of Indians of large proportions, and were buried in a sitting posture. The accompanying diagram of the fort was made in 1848 and fairly j II-,,.' !.H „,,,-,„, THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 399 represents the work as it now stands, although with passing years por tions have become partially obliterated. As represented on this plan a is the stream ; b is where a large basswood tree stood on the embank ment; c was where the caches were found; d is where the skeletons were upturned by the plow, and e is a small mound in the form of an amphitheatre outside and to the right of the work, rising out of marshy ground which has been supposed by some authorities to be artificial. / ' Afi/Jt/frs ff/-ff//r/,J; ~~r -'n? -'vf-.2*'.'i£-'-?, *' "-.-.- . vr.flvc- Another work of considerable size was found about one-half of a mile north of Adams village, on lands formerly owned by Wells Benton, but now owned by Rev. O. P. Pitcher. Justus Eddy described this work in 1848 as having been semi-circular in form, about 400 feet in diameter, and with the open segment, which was originally palisaded with pick ets, facing a marshy tract of land through which flowed a small stream. There were two or three breaks or passage ways in the embankment. When the country was first settled trees two and three feet in diameter were found growing in the wall and inside the inclosure. The em bankment was then from three to four feet high. Within the work were found quantities of pottery, pipes and beads, covered with orna mental figures. A silver star-shaped ornament bearing the initials "P. H." was also found, which was quite thin, not more than the thickness of a common sixpence piece. The discovery of this ornament unquestionably shows that the work was occupied subsequent to the 400 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. advent of the whites upon the continent, and the existence of the trees within the enclosure do not lead to a different conclusion, as the natural indolent habits of the Indian deterred him from removing forest growths when erecting fortifications in heavily timbered regions. A diagram of this work was prepared and the same is here reproduced. But, notwithstanding all the antiquarian interest associated with these old aboriginal villages and fortifications, they are but lightly esteemed in the minds of our white people. The Indian titles to land in this region were extinguished by the treaty of September, 1788, and three years later the state sold to Alexander Macomb the vast tract which included all that is now this county. Through the several trans fers and conveyances noted at length in another chapter, the territory now comprising Adams passed into the ownership of Nicholas Low, and was through his agents sold to settlers. In the early summer of 1799 a party of explorers from New England made a tour of investiga tion into the Black river country, having in mind the purchase of a considerable tract of land if a suitable location should be found. In this company were Nicholas Salisbury, Robert Fulton, Caleb and Daniel Ellis, Joel Guile, Abram Wilcox, John and Gideon Howard and Elihu Phillips, who came through the town now called Ellisburgh, but then almost uninhabited, into township No. 7, and crossed the latter follow ing the general course of Sandy creek. These adventurous explorers were so well pleased with the situation of this town, and with the evi dent fertility of its soil, that Nicholas Salisbury, who was the leader of the party, went to New York in the fall and made a contract for the purchase of a considerable tract of land about a mile below the village. The land sale books of Nicholas Low show that the first purchase in the town was made by Elisha Phillips in 1798, and that the purchases which resulted from the visit above mentioned begun Oct. 29, 1799, and continued until at least all the available parcels were sold. Hav ing recourse to the record of sales referred to, it may be of interest to reproduce the names of purchasers as there noted, viz. : 1798, Elisha Phillips; 1799, Oct. 29, Stephen Shippey, Enos D'Estaing, Nicholas and Alexander Salisbury, Solomon Smith, Daniel Comstock, David Smith, Abram Ripley, Jonathan Cable; Nov. 6, Eliphalet Edmunds, John W. Smith, Francis Mc- Kee, Robert Myrick; Dec. 1, Squier Reed, Daniel Fox, Zacheus Walworth; 1800, Josiah Godfrey, Jenks Seaman, Simeon Forbes, Ebenezer Lazelle, David and Stephen Grummons, Isaac Baker, Samuel Fox, George Houseman, Peter Doxtater, Paul Stickney, Elias Avery, James McCumber, Russell Smith, Amos Claflin, Ebe nezer Brown (afterward removed to Lorraine), Joshua Comstock, Matthew Wilkie THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 401 and Consider Low; 1801, Abijah Miller, John Freeman, Josiah Godfrey, Daniel Tal cott, Hezekiah Tiffany, Joseph Cook, Phineas Rose, Robert, Solomon and Asher Robbins, Simeon Meacham, Timothy Pond, Barnabas Wellman, William Thomas, Abel Hart, Henry Walradt, Chauncey and Roswell Mills; 1802, Nathan Loveland, Cornelius Hinds, Sylvanus P. Daggart, Abel Loveland, Roswell Taylor, Roswell Coe, John Richards, David Higgins, Aaron Farr, John F. Toll, John C. Scott, James Streeter, John Kidder, Joseph Landon ; 1802, John Jones, Truman and Theodore Bunce, John Wentworth, Sylvanus Barney, James Randolph, D. M. Gaylord. James Henderson, Thomas James, Absalom Price, David Gardner; 1804, Job Taylor, Eliphalet Adams, Abel Myrick, Darius Markham, John C. Dickinson, John Weaver, Aaron Webster. In the above list the reader may discover the name of the pioneer ancestor of his family in the county, although it must be said that many and perhaps the majority of those named never became actual residents iri the town. Some of them were purchasers for speculative purposes alone, while others remained so short a time that their names are hardly to be mentioned either with pioneers or early settlers. It will be seen, however, that the lands were sold with rapidity, and within the very short space of two years from tbe time the first improvement was made the creation of a new town in this part of Oneida county be came necessary. Nearly all writers of Adams history have accorded to Nicholas Salisbury the honor of having made the first settlement and improvement in the town, in April, 1800, yet a more recent and reliable authority inclines to the belief that Samuel Fox was the pioneer in fact, he having in the same year cleared the first acre of land. Wher ever the truth may be, the present writer cannot say, although the weight of opinion favors the Salisbury pioneership.1 Nicholas Salisbury left his former home in Western, N. Y., in the early spring of 1800, and with his family and all his effect-; and prop erty packed on an ox sled, made his way to Lowville and thence to town ship No. 7, arriving on April 16, after a journey of twenty-six days. The family went at once to the Salisbury land below the village and built a log house. Mr. Salisbury was an active and successful settler, and afterward attained a position of prominence in the town. He was the first supervisor, and held that office until 1814. He had a large family, and the surname has ever since been known in the south part of the county. Solomon Smith and his son came with the Salisbury family, in the capacity of hired men, but recollections of these pioneers are indeed meagre. 1 Rev. John Taylor, in his narrative of travels through the Black river country in 1802, says that in the winter previous to his visit (1801-2) there were only three families then in the town. 51 402 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Samuel Fox settled three miles above the village site, and there his clearing was made in 1800. He, too, built a log cabin, and then brought to the place his young wife. They lived on the farm about fifty years, and reared a family of twelve children. Daniel Fox, elder brother to Samuel, also came in 1800 and settled on the opposite side of Sandy creek. He lived on the farm he developed for a period of 73 years, and died in 1873, at the advanced age of 102 years. He had two sons (both of whom he outlived), and four daughters. One of the latter married with John C. Cooper, who was once president of the Agricultural insurance company. Peter Doxtater was a settler in 1800, and came from the Palatinates of the German Flats in the Mohawk val ley. His clearing was about a mile from the village. In his family were George, William and Peter, his sons, and Elizabeth, his only daughter. She married with Elijah Wright, who came fromDeerfield, Mass., in 1804. George Doxtater succeeded to the old home farm, while William became a merchant at Adams, and later on was the first superintendent of the Rome & Watertown railroad. Peter, the young est son, spent his life in Adams. Peter, the pioneer, died in 1842, aged 92 years. One of the most prominent and worthy pioneers in Adams was Eliphalet Edmunds, more frequently known in later years as Judge Edmunds. If Watertown local tradition be true, Eliphalet and Christo pher Edmunds came into this region from Vermont as early as 1798, and voyaged down Black river in a boat. They were hunters and were in search of a profitable hunting ground, but when at the falls of the present city site their frail craft was upset, and guns, ammunition and supplies disappeared beneath the waters. Then the brothers struck out into the Black river country, where they learned that settle ments were beginning, both stopping in Ellisburgh, but very soon afterward Eliphalet came into Adams and was afterward one of the foremost men of the town and county. He was presidential elector in 1816, and was otherwise prominent in early local history until about 1827, when he removed to Monroe county. David Smith was the pioneer on the site of Adams village, to which place he came in 1800, and in that year, or very soon afterward, built both saw and grist mills. From this fact the locality took the name of Smith's Mills, and the proprietor honestly deserved all the honor which came to him, for he was an earnest, industrious settler. He left a large family. Zacheus Walsworth was another pioneer, and is said to have THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 403 been one of the first persons to bring a cooking stove into the town. Among the other settlers of the same period, though the exact year cannot be given (nor the precise place of settlement of all of them), may be recalled the names of John Smith, Francis McKee, Consider Low, Jacob Kellogg, John Cole, George Houseman, Robert Myrick, John Coles, David Hale, William Benton, Francis Baker and others. Settlers Coles, Kellogg, McKee, Hale, Benton and Baker lived on the line of the state road laid out through the town soon after settlement was begun. The Bakers were a numerous family, comprising besides the parents, two sons and nine daughters, all of whom, except two, grew to maturity. One of the daughters married with Elihu Morton, and another with Cyrus Eddy, both of which latter names were well known in Adams history. William Benton was father of Wells Ben ton, who was once sheriff of the county. Elihu Morton was an early settler and was one of the most influential and wealthy men of the town. Originally there were three brothers named Morton who came to Adams from Vermont, and all raised fami lies. The eldest was Abner, who became prominent in political history, but who afterward removed to Michigan. Elihu was next younger than Abner, and the third was Julius, who is remembered as an early mer chant in the town. Major Isaac Baker was an early settler and a suc cessful farmer. His farm lay adjoining that of Samuel Fox, of whom mention has been made. In the same connection may be mentioned Capt. Richard Goodell, who served during the war of 1812, and who also was elected to the assembly several times, and was speaker of the house in 1824. Later on he served in an official capacity at Auburn prison, and died there about 1829. Bradford Lisk came into the town previous to or during the year 1802, and settled on Sandy creek above Smith's Mills. Here he and Francis McKee built a tannery, and the locality soon became known as Lisk Settlement. The bridge in this locality is still called the Lisk bridge. About the same time one Munn came here and opened a public house. Other early comers in the vicinity were Appleton McKee, Priam Thompson, Elijah Fox and Myron Cooper. A few miles below Adams village, on Sandy creek, is a locality known as the Thomas Settlement. It was here the Thomas family settled during the early years of the century, and some authorities assert as early as 1800. In the family were four brothers, William, Benjamin, Ezra and Ira, who came from Windham county, Vermont, and made a 404 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. clearing. In the next year they were followed by their widowed mother and two younger brothers, Elihu and Joel. The Thomas brothers were instrumental in clearing many fine farms in the southwest part of the town, and were, withal, thrifty and industrious settlers; and if all mem ories of the family be true, the brothers were not lacking in patriotism, and served with the militia in the defense of Sackets Harbor. For many years the Thomas drum corps was one of the institutions of Adams. Many descendants of this family are still in the county. At the corners where the Thomas improvement was begun, a Captain Bar ney opened a public house about 1810, and soon afterward opened a stock of goods in connection with his tavern. Later on he removed to Watertown, where he also kept tavern, but was afterward accidentally drowned in Black river. Betwen the settlement and the village one Salisbury opened a public house in 1811, but this was abandoned after the village became the trading point of the region. Edward Barney came to the town about 1801, and is recalled as a sort of physician in the locality, though not regularly educated for that profession. Another prominent family in early Adams history was that of the brothers, Charles, Thomas R. and Joseph L. Greene, who came from Berlin, N. Y., at a very early date and settled near the center of the town. Thomas afterward lived at Adams Centre, where he died in 1874, and Joseph resided in Adams village. He had three sons, George, who died in 1870; David M., who served eight years in the navy, one of the faculty of Troy Polytechnic school, and was afterward deputy state engineer; and Albert S., an engineer in the U. S. navy. The Greene settlement was very near the geographical center of the town. The family came originally from Rhode Island, and settled in Chenango county. Charles Greene acted as land agent for Bostwick, of Lowville, and was instrumental in causing settlement in this region by many of his acquaintances in the east. Paul, D'Estaing, De Forest and O. De Grasse Greene (late county clerk), were grandsons of Charles Greene, the pioneer. A school was opened in the Greene settlement about 1815. Joshua Clark, also an early settler, started a blacksmith shop, and Samuel Marot and Lorenzo Rhodes kept a store. Thus the hamlet was founded, and when in 1835 Charles Greene and Samuel Crosby built a saw mill on the brook, the place was at the height of its importance. However, as years passed these old interests were discontinued, and now the set tlement is nothing more than a cluster of dwellings in an excellent agri cultural region. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 405 North of the Greene settlement Captain Sill and Baxter Adams were early settlers. Sill was a surveyor and a prominent man in the town. The Wright family also founded a settlement in Adams in 1804. The pioneers were Westwood Wright and his brothers, Moses and Carmi, who came from Massachusetts and located north of the village site. This was a numerous colony, as Westwood Wright's family had eight persons; Carmi's twelve, and the others a less number. With them, or about tbe same time, also came John Wright and wife, Eli Wright, Rufus Nims, Lemuel Arms and his sons, Richard, Leman, Hiram and John, and others, in all numbering thirty-eight persons. Cyrus Eddy was also a settler of about the same period, possibly 1803. He located north of the village, and lived there until his death in 1859. One of his sons, Justus Eddy, was for many years a reliable authority on all ques tions relating to early history in Adams. Lemuel Arms, who is mentioned in the preceding paragraph, came from Deerfield, Mass., in 1804, and settled at the Centre. His sons, Leman and Hiram, built the first hotel at that place, and also made wagons and sleighs. Miles Cooper came from Durham, Conn., about 1803, and settled on the Adams village tract, his house standing on the site of S. D. Hungerford's residence of later years. In 1811 Cooper built the first framed house in the village. Titus Bacsett came in 1804, and died in the town in 1867. Heman Colton came in 1806, and worked at clearing land until he saved enough money to make a payment on a 163 acre tract in the north part of tbe town. Herman Keep, with his wife (Dorothy Kent), and their children, Mary, Martha and Henry, came to Adams about 1817, and located near the Centre. Bissell Keep was born after the family settled in tbe town Henry Keep afterward removed to Watertown, and married Emma A., daughter of Norris M. Woodruff. Mr. Keep was a banker at the county seat, and still later removed to New York and finally became president of the New York Central railroad. He also became one of the richest men this county ever sent into the business world. Another early settled locality in the town was that long known as North Adams. The pioneer here was a Vermont Yankee by the name of Roger Read, whose settlement was made in 1806. Among his chil dren were three sons, one of whom, Asahel Read, afterward lived in Watertown. Heman Colton was another early settler in this part of the town, where he opened a large farm. Benjamin Sweet and Albert Rice located farther west, and were also prominent early settlers. 406 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Previous to 1812 one Waddell built a grist mill on Stony creek, and Willett Ranney was its miller for many years. His interest afterward passed to E. & A. Read, who in turn sold to Samuel Cook. He (in 1828) established the North Adams " Pioneer Mills," a name by which the old structure has ever since been known. Henry Moulton was one of the later day proprietors of the mills. Saw mills on the creek were numerous, and among the early proprietors may be recalled the names of Gideon Gifford, Heman Colton, Philo Ellenwood and James Hodge. On the same stream Richard Oatman once had a turning mill and corn grinder. A post-office was established at North Adams about 1845, and Ben jamin Sweet was postmaster. The office was on the stage route from Watertown to Salisbury's Mills. Albert Rice was the second post master, succeeded in 1862 by Wm. Stanley, under whom the office was discontinued, for by this time the locality had lost many of its old time interests and was no longer of much importance in the history of the town. The Second Congregational Society of Adams was organized in this part of the town, at the house of Roger Read, on Nov. 1, 1809, and included in its original membership Timothy Betts and wife, Simeon Read and wife, John Patrick, Elizabeth Miller, Esther Price, John Barnard and wife, Ebenezer Root and wife, Lydia Read and Sally Lyon. The church organization was perfected Dec. 5, 1816, and John Barnard, Asher Robbins and Ruel Pearsons were chosen trustees. In 1818 a frame church edifice, 30 x 40 feet in size, was built on land owned by John Graves, and on Nov. llth Rev. Edward W. Rossiter was installed pastor. The society prospered for a time, but in 1823 the members from the Smithville neighborhood withdrew to organize a new church. In 1839 the meeting house was moved a mile east, and about the same time a new society, called the North Adams Congregational society, was formed with Heman Colton and Elisha and Ephraim Read as trus tees. The society continued until 1856, and was then dissolved. The pastors following Mr. Rossiter were A. L. Crandall, D. Spear, Austin Putnam, P. Cook, Lewis M. Shepland and Henry Budge. In the eastern part of the town, bordering on Rodman, is a locality which has ever been known as East Adams, and otherwise called Honeyville. The same general locality has also been known as State Road. This part of Adams began to settle about 1805, although some of the pioneers found their way here as early as 1801. Among the well THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 407 known names in this section were Heath, Grummon, Loveland, Tru man, Harris, Talcott and Davis, the descendants of many of whom are yet in the town and represent the best element of its citizenship. In later years a family named Davis came into the neighborhood, and Joseph Davis, one of the sons of the settler, built a store at the corners and was in trade for a number of years. He was the father of George L. Davis, of Watertown. Farther north, near the Watertown line, David Talcott built the tavern elsewhere mentioned in this chap ter. In this locality a post office was established about 1827, under the name of Union, but later on was changed to Appling, and so called in allusion to Major Appling, the hero of the battle of Sandy Creek. E. M. Howard was the first postmaster, and was succeeded by D. M. G. Howard. The office was abolished about 1840. Here also was the location of the Adams Baptist church, more fre quently known as the First Adams Baptist society, which was organ ized in September, 1802, at the house of the pioneer David Grummon. Early meetings were held in barns, but in 1824 the church was legally organized and a house of worship erected on the state road, one mile east of the Centre. The second edifice was built in 1838 and still stands. This church has a present memership of 178, with 192 Sun day school attendants. The present pastor is Rev. D. G. Forbes. It will be seen from what has been stated that settlement in Adams began on Sandy creek, and thence extended north toward the center and northern portions of the town. The pioneers found their way into tbe region with only marked trees to guide them, and when streams were reached they were either compelled to ford them or cross on foot- logs felled across the channel. Rude roads were located between the principal settlements in 1801, and the next year a bridge was built across Sandy creek at Smith's Mills. In 1804 tbe state road to Rome, via Redfield, was opened and ten years later the old " Salt Point road " was built from Salina to Adams, at the latter place intersecting the Rome road, which ran through Redfield, Lorraine and Adams to Brownville. When this road was extended to Adams Centre, and thence through the northeast corner of the town of Watertown, a new country was opened for settlement, and within the brief space of ten more years, the old thoroughfare was lined with good log farm houses and taverns, some of the latter, however, being constructed of stone. The old Talcott house1 (now owned by heirs of the Metcalf estate) was ' Daniel Talcott was one of the original settlers of Adams. He came from Hartford, Conn., 408 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a fair and substantial illustration of the typical tavern of the period, and in its gable end was built in the wall the traditional bottle of whis key, indicative of the comfort and good cheer presumed to reign within. Settlement in Adams began in 1800 and continued without interrup tion until all the available lands were occupied and improved; yet it is difficult to state just when early settlement actually ceased, for the records show a gradual increase in population until the year 1860. In- deee in 1807 the inhabitants having requisite property qualifications numbered 163, thus indicating at least 500 population, and it was not surprising, therefore, that the creation of a new town in this part of the county (then Oneida) should be desired. Organization. — The creating act was passed April 1, 1802, and with in the new jurisdiction was included townships 7 and 8 of the Black river tract (Aleppo and Orpheus, as laid down on Simeon De Witt's map), or Adams and Rodman as now known. The latter town was set off from Adams March 24, 1804, under the original name of Harrison, which was soon changed to Rodman. In accordance with the act, the first town meeting was held March 1, 1803, at the house of Eliphalet Edmunds, at which time officers were elected as follows: Nicholas Salisbury, supervisor; Phmeas Keith, town clerk; D'Estaing Salisbury, John W. Smith, David Grummon, Thomas White, assessors; Isaac Baker, collector; Thomas White, David Comstock, overseers of the poor; Paul Stickney, Jacob Kel logg, Simeon Hunt, com. of highways; Isaac Baker, Anson Moody, constables; David Comstock, David Smith, George H. Thomas, George Cooper, fence viewers; Jacob Kellogg, Benj. Thomas, poundkeepers; Abraham Ripley, James Perry, Enan Salisbury, John Cowles, Consider Low, Solomon Robbins, Hezekiah Tiffany, Thomas White, Daniel Mansfield, Asa Davis, Squier Read, Abel Palmer, overseers of high ways ; Simeon Hunt, David Comstock, deer reeves. and was of revolutionary stock. His great-grandfather was Gov. Joseph Talcott of . Connecti cut. Daniel married his cousin, Sally Roberts, daughter of James Roberts (who married Jeru sha Talcott). James Roberts was also a soldier of the revolution, and the records show that he received "honorable mention." Daniel Talcott came to Dry Hill, in Adams, about 1800, built a hotel where Daniel Fuller now lives. He also cleared a large tract of land and owned one of the finest farms in the town. He planted an orchard with seed brought from Connecticut. He was a major in the war of 1812-15, and a prominent citizen in the town. He had three sons and one daughter, the latter of whom married Benjamin F. Hurst. The sons were Nathan, Daniel and Henry Talcott, all of whom were successful farmers. He conducted the above tavern until the present road to Adams Centre was opened, and as this operated to direct travel from the old thoroughfare, he built the larger stone hotel (mentioned above) about 1N24. This was opened and conducted by his son Nathan and was a well patronized resort until the railroads changed the route and means of travel through the town. The old building still stands having event ually passed into the hands of John Metcalf. A few years ago a portion was fitted up as a cheese factory. It is now owned by the Metcalf heirs and is used as a residence. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 409 A number of settlers mentioned in the above list were residents in the Rodman part of the town ; in fact it is probable that township No. 8 had a majority of the officers, as in 1807 it had 236 voters with prop erty qualifications, or 73 more than were in No. 7 (Adams) at the same time. In this year (1803) the town voted to pay $3 bounty for every wolf killed, from which it appears that the settlers were much annoyed by the depredations of wild animals. Indeed, the nuisance seems not to have been abated in later years, for in 1804, and continuing until 1814, the wolf bounty was $10. In 1815 the offer was raised to $15, and at the same time a bounty of $10 was offered for wildcats, and $1 for foxes. The pioneers and early settlers in Adams, if local tradition be relia ble, were a conscientious, law-abiding and sturdy set of men, having due respect and regard for the proprieties of daily life. The records show that in 1804 fines were levied against Thomas, James and John Richards for unlawfully selling liquors, but these good brothers evi dently did not know they were offending against the law, hence the town voted to remit the fines. In 1805 Peter Doxtater killed a deer, whereupon he, too, was subjected to a penalty; but it was likewise re mitted. In 1808 the town voted not to collect the fine imposed upon Benj. Sawyer for unlawful trafficking in liquor; and in the same year it was voted not to collect fines for " profane swearing " from Dr. Eli Eastman and Ephraim Joy. Among the settlers, who were chiefly from New England, were sev eral who had seen service in the revolution. Peter Doxtater was one of these, and was a scout in the American army. He was captured by the Mohawk Indians and was held a prisoner about three years. Among tbe other patriots of that struggle who afterward lived in Adams were Abel Bassett, Daniel Fox, John Merriam and Danforth Doty. Paul Stickney served as a sailor under Paul Jones, and Preserved Red- way is said to have been one of Washington's body guard. Lucy Thompson and Cynthia White were widows of revolutionary soldiers. Few of these names have been previously mentioned in this chapter, for the year of their settlement in the town is unknown. During the war of 1812, the inhabitants were in constant fear of an Indian invasion, and devised various means for the protection and safety of the women and children of the community in case the male portion of the population was called to the frontier. At least twice during the period the militia were called out, and even the "Silver Grays" 53 410 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. marched to Sackets Harbor, but were not called into service. After the return of peace the inhabitants resumed their accustomed occupa tions, and during the next ten years the resources of the town were de veloped almost to their fullest extent ; the forest gave way to fine farms of rare fertility, and saw mills lined the banks of North Sandy and Stony creeks. In the course of time hamlets and villages sprung up in places formerly known only as settlements, and during the early 'fifties one of these had attained sufficient importance and size to assume the corporate character. In 1810, at the first census enumeration after the town was separately set off, the inhabitants numbered 1,376; in 1814, 1,693; 1820, 2,461; 1825, 2,415; 1830, 2,805; 1835,2,970; 1840,2,966; 1845,3,055; 1855,3,105; 1860,3,496; 1865,3,418; 1870,3,348; 1875, 3,321; 1880, 3,302; 1890, 3,181; 1892, 3,191. From this it is seen that the greatest population was attained in 1860 (the number then being 3,496) and that since that time there has been a gradual decrease in inhabitants, due to the same causes which have lessened the population of nearly all interior towns where agriculture and its kindred occupations have been the chief pursuits of the people. Generally speaking, from first to last, Adams has been a purely agri cultural town, and in point of fertility has ranked among the first civil divisions of the county. During the first fifty years of its history, nearly all marketable products were taken from the town over the two great public highways leading to Rome and Syracuse, while little in deed found its way to the county seat. North Sandy and Stony creeks were also to a limited extent public highways for logs and manufactured lumber, and occasionallv during the embargo period a fiat boat laden with potashes found its way to the lake, and thence to market across the border. In 1849 the Adams and Ellisburgh plank road was constructed through the town, and with other similar thoroughfares formed a continuous road to Oswego and Syracuse. As early as 1832 the subject of a railroad from Rome to Watertown was discussed with much interest by the people of Adams, for thereby all interests would be improved and benefited. This great consumma tion was not attained, however, until 1851, when the road was opened, and Adams and Adams Center were made stations. In the meantime the people had become somewhat interested in the proposition to build another railroad, leading from Sackets Harbor to Trenton, by way of Adams or Ellisburgh. This project, too, was long delayed, and when THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 411 finally built the eastern terminus was at Ellisburgh, thus only remotely affecting local interests. Still another railway project designed to benefit this town was the proposed Boston & Henderson Harbor com pany, which was incorporated in April, 1S72. The articles provided for a line of railroad from the harbor through Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida counties, into Herkimer (to Salisbury), and there to intersect with a road to Boston via Hoosac tunnel. The company's capital was $2,000,000, and of the stock some $80,000 was subscribed in this county. The persons in this town most interested in the enterprise were S. D. Hungerford, W. A. Gilbert, G. W. Bond and D. A. Dwight. It was never carried to completion, but the measures taken are only one of many proofs of the public-spiritedness which has ever characterized the people of Adams. About the year 1850 it was discovered that the soil of this town was peculiarly adapted to the growth of peas, beans and other like vegeta bles. Previous to this time cereals, especially barley, were staple pro ducts, but as the wonderful qualities of the west became developed so did the farming regions of the east correspondingly suffer. Therefoie the growth of seed peas and beans as an industry was a welcome boon to the Adams farmers. At least 200 farmers in this town were for years engaged in this special industry, and the extensive seed houses of J. M. Cleveland and T. V. Maxon of Adams village were the result. They prospered for a time, but at length the industry declined and the growth of market seeds is no longer a staple industry with the people. About the same time General Hungerford began breeding and rais ing for market the best strains of thoroughbred and grade Ayrshire cattle, and for the purpose imported from Scotland some of the best stock that money could procure. During the next thirty years the fame of Adams as a stock producing town was spread throughout the land. About 1852, H. C. Averill, of Adams Centre, began breeding a fine grade of horses, and he was followed in the same line by J. A. D. Snell, also of the Centre, and R. P. White, of Adams village. The result of all this enterprise was the formation, in 1856, of the Ellisburgh, Adams and Henderson Agricultural society. For several years the annual ex hibitions were held at Ellisburgh, and afterward at Adams, but finally the society passed out of existence. The Union Agricultural society of Adams, Rodman and Lorraine was of a similar character, and was formed about 1857. Among its chief promoters were Gen. Hunger ford R. P. White, T. V. Maxon, Albert Webb and Hugh Heustis. 412 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. For many years annual exhibitions were held at the "Valley Park farm," and among the notables who delivered public addresses there may be recalled Edward Everett, Elihu Burritt, Horace Greeley, George W. Bungay and others. In the same manner the cheese making industry was built up and established. The Smithville factory was the first in the town, and one of the very first in the county. It was something of an experiment, and for its operation a company was formed, comprising A. D. & O. M. Stanley, D. M. Hall and Charles Mills. Plans were procured at Rome and the factory was built within 1861, with a capacity to use the milk of 700 cows. This was followed by the Adams village factory, which was built in 1864 by Ingraham, Lewis & Huestis. The F. M. & J. B. Muzzy factory, on the west border of the town, south of Smithville, was also built in 1864. The next was the P. S. Maxon factory, west of Adams Centre, and was put in operation in 1867. C. A. Benjamin's factory, north of Smithville, was built in 1866 or '67. The N. Thomas factory in the southwest part of the town was built in 1877, as was also the Lewis creamery in the Greene settlement. Since 1861 this industry has not materially decreased although during the time many new methods of manufacturing have been adopted, old proprietors have given way to new and frequent changes have been made in the location of factories. As now distributed through the town the cheese factories are located and owned as follows: The Smithville factory, owned by C. S. Kink; the North Adams factory, owned by Edward Halloway; the Adams Centre factory, owned by E. S. Maxon; the Adams factory, owned by White & Allen; and the F. M. & J. B. Muzzy factory, south of Smithville. In earlier pages of this chapter allusion has been made to several of the settled localities of the town which attained sufficient importance to be designated by name. The Thomas settlement, Greene's settle ment, North Adams and East Adams were among the places so men tioned, all of which were of some consequence in the early history of the town, but which in subsequent years lost much of their old-time importance, and now exist only in name. Among the more enduring settlements were Smithville, Adams Centre and the village of Adams, each of which may be briefly treated in this connection. Smithville, the smallest perhaps of the villages of the town, is located on both sides of the line dividing Adams and Henderson, the greater portion, however, being in the former. The settlement here was found- THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 413 by and named in allusion to Jesse Smith, who was not the pioneer, but was the purchaser of improvements previously made. The first settle ment on this site was made in 1804 by Daniel Hardy, although in the preceding year Chauncey Mills came from Connecticut and settled a little east of the Hardy location. In 1805 he (Hardy) built on Stony creek the first saw mill in the west part of the town. He lived in the locality until 1821, when he died. Abel Myrick, Henry Knapp, Samuel and Andrew McNitt were also early settlers in this part of Adams. About 1808 or '9 two young men, whose names were Powell and Ken dall, came to the vicinity, built a dam across the creek, and erected a saw mill. In the course of a few years Jesse Smith came and purchased this property and thus founded the village. He was then poor, but possessed energy and strength, and soon had a considerable tract of land cleared and cultivated. He also made potash, and extended his business until it included milling, distilling and general merchandising. Later on be became interested in the lumber trade and lake commerce until his operations extended to every lake and river port of any con sequence. He was one of the most successful business men of the town for many years and deservedly acquired a fortune. About 1825 the cash sales of Jesse Smith's enterprises at Smithville frequently reached $1,200 per day. He built the first large grist mill opposite his saw mill, but this he afterward sold to Carter Bros., and erected the stone mill on the Henderson side of the line. In 1838 Mr. Smith re moved to Newark, Ohio, and other proprietors succeeded to the inter ests at the village. Some of them have been maintained to this time, while others have passed out of existence. The old mill was turned into a wagon shop by Carter Brothers and, with other property, was finally destroyed by fire. A tannery was built by a Mr. Sprague, and was afterward run by O H. Randall and Abram Cramer, previous to its destruction by fire. A carding mill was built about 1830 by Samuel Eaton. D. Hardy and Willard Dodge were later proprietors of the mill before the property was burned. Jesse Smith also started acooper shop, and was followed in the same business by Elisha Peck and Duane Cooley. John Ivory was the first blacksmith, and was followed by his son Jonas, and John Covey, David Hunter and Joel Smith. Daniel Hardy opened a hotel previous to 1810. Brooks Harrington was the second landlord, and in 1828 built the brick hotel on the Hen derson side. Jesse Smith built the large stone store building in 1831. Later store keepers were Robert McGregor, Dudley & Burr, John 414 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Bishop, Bliss & Gibbs, Abram Cramer, George Babbitt, Thomas Angel, H. Knapp, A. Schuyler, A. P. Hall and perhaps others whose names are now forgotten. The post-office was established previous to 1818, Brooks Harrington being the first postmaster. Dr. E. Adams was the first physician, and settled here about 1825. A school house was built in 1823 or 1824 at the joint expense of the district and the religious societies whose members lived in the locality. The building was used both as a school and church until 1845, when the new school house was erected. The Smithville library was another of the once important local insti tutions, and was formed Feb. 16, 1824, with Abel L. Crandall, Henry Keith, Daniel Hall, John M. Bart, C. M. Adams, Roswell Bosworth and Brooks Harrington as trustees. A good collection of books was secured and the library was a useful institution of the village until 1845, when it was dissolved. The Congregational society of Smithville was formed Sept. 16, 1823, by the withdrawal of members from the North Adams church. The new society united with the Baptist members, and with the school dis trict trustees, and erected a combined school aud meeting house as above stated. This church, however, was not of long duration, some of its members afterward uniting with the Presbyterian church of Hen derson, while others united with the Baptist church. The First Baptist church of Smithville was formed Sept. 23, 1823, with Henry Keith, Austin Robbins and Ebenezer Sumner as trustees. In the same year, with the Congregationafists and school district, the society built the stone church edifice at Smithville, at a cost of about $3,000. It stands on the Henderson side of the line.1 This society has survived to the present time and has a present membership of 77 per sons, and a sunday school of 70 pupils. The present pastor is the Rev. J. Foster Wilcox. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Smithville was organized Oct. 31, 1844, with Horace Ivory, John Shanley, John G. Gillett, James Morton and John Bailey as trustees. The society secured the old stone school house and occupied it as a place of meeting. After eight or ten years the organization was dissolved. As now situated Smithville is a pretty village of about 200 inhab itants, located on Stony creek. In the present history of either Adams 1 In 1878 the Baptist society became owners of the house of worship, and in that year made extensive repairs, at a cost of $-2,000. It was then dedicated as a Baptist church. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 415 or Henderson, it occupies a position of no special prominence, yet is a convenient trading center in the heart of a rich agricultural region. It has a good district school, a large church and several mercantile and manufacturing industries, which may be mentioned about as follows : Frank Ives, general store; Leonard Hill, grist mill; W. S. Rice, truss factory; F. K. Hallett, furniture factory; Chas. Benjamin, saw mill; Timothy Roberts, hotel keeper. The local postmaster is D. B. York. Adams Centre. — This pretty little village of between 400 and 500 in habitants is pleasantly located on what is commonly known as the upper lake ridge, which here forms a plain. It is a little east of tbe geograph ical center of the town, in the midst of the most fertile agricultural districts of the county, where all the elements of nature seem to have combined to make easy the life and work of the husbandman. These conditions have been accepted, for all along the north and south thoroughfare of the town, on which the village is chiefly built up, are seen fine and well cultivated farms, and evidences of thrift and plenty prevail on every hand. Notwithstanding all this, settlement in this part of the town was not begun until about 1816. The region was slow in development, and did not really begin to make history until several years after tbe pioneers in other localities had opened their farms. This locality was originally covered with a heavy growth of cedar and hard wood timber, and clearings were made with much difficulty. This condition of things confronted Luman and Hiram Arms when, in 1816, they opened a farm just north of the village site, and also opposed the way of pioneer Priest, who about the same time made a beginning where the village stands ; but Priest soon left the place, having sold his improve ment to Luman Arms, and the latter was in fact the founder of the set tlement. Just south of him one R. Warriner settled and opened a tavern as early 1810. He kept a public house until 1827, when Luman Arms built a large two-story house and opened "Arms' Inn." The old structure was maintained with various changes and became the Talcott house of later years. In laying out roads in the town several thoroughfares centered at this place, from which tbe locality became known as the Five Corners, but soon afterward Adams Centre became the generally accepted name, and was so definitely fixed when the post-office was established here about 1828. In 1822 Hiram Arms built a wagon shop, and he and his brother made wagons here for more than forty years. Julius Palmer and Pliny Wright afterward engaged in the same business, and the 416 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fame of Adams Centre wagons spread all through the Black river country. One Wellman, whose first name is lost, opened a blacksmith shop in 1823. In 1830 Jonathan Davis started a store, and was after ward for many years in trade here. Later merchants were O. R. Davis, W. D. Arms, Calvin Greene, Joseph Dewey, and Joseph Davis. Greene began trading in 1835. The Union block, built of brick, was erected in 1860 by Hull & Whitford, who were also in trade at that time. The upper floor of their building was arranged for public assemblages. The first village physician was Dr. John T. Dickson, who was followed in later years by A. P. Hale (an eclectic), E. R. Maxon (1846), Wm. C. Bailey (1855), E. D. Potter (about the same time), Dr. Wilder and C. F. Wright, all a quarter of a century or more ago. The village did not gain a position of any importance until about 1852, or following the completion of the railroad. The absence of de sirable water power prevented its building up as a manufacturing cen ter, yet in times past several industries have been established, and some still have here a seat of operations. The Adams Centre sash and blind factory was started by O. De Grasse Greene in 1868, and is still the chief industry of the place. The buildings were burned about 1891 or '92, but were at once replaced. The handy package dye factory was started by Dr. Potter in 1874, and at one time did a flourishing busi ness. It is no longer known among local enterprises. The other and present industries are the Ingraham feed mill ; the Edmunds axe helve works; the Parkham steam saw and shingle mill, and the Maxon feed mill. Not all of these are within the village proper but are to be counted among local industries. The village mercantile interests are represented by the general stores of G. B. Grimshaw, A. G. Glass Bunce & Dean, and J. C. Heath's dry goods store; A. L. Wiswell's variety store; Dr. F. C. Bailey's and M. D. Tits worth's drug stores; Prior & Spencer's harness shop ; two blacksmith shops and two hotels (Centre house and Exchange hotel). The Adams Centre Union school, one of the most complete and thorough institutions of its kind in any unincorporated village in the county, was established in its present character in 1876, but was the outgrowth of the little old plank school house which was built at the forks of the road away back in 1823 by Luman and Hiram Arms R. Warriner and Major Earl. In 1829 a stone school building was erected and occupied until 1857, when the large frame school house was built. In 1876 the old district system gave way to the union free school and £'* ? by MJi Tails n_- i» '^n (^pJJ7 (IZ^^^c^Ji THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 417 from that time Adams Centre has maintained tbe best public school in the town. The first board of education comprised C. D. Potter, J. A. D. Snell, J. J. Witter, E. C. Crosby, T. Williams, W. Fuller, A. J. Greene and J. Q. Arms. The present board comprises Rev. J. O. Perkins, prest.; W. P. Greene, treas. ; D. C. Read, secy., and E. C. Maxon, A. G. Glass, W. H. Mclntyre, W. D. Snell, E. M. Hammond and O. D. Greene, jr. Principal, V. C. Warriner. The church and religious history of the village is also interesting. Indeed, the inhabitants of the Centre and its surrounding region have long been known as a decidedly church-going people, and the societies have been noted for their numerical strength. The Seventh- Day Baptist church dates back in its history to 1817, when several families of that faith settled in the vicinity of the Centre, although not until June 9, 1822, was the church organized. The first members were Rev. William, Charles, Joseph, Ethan, Russell, Mercy, Amy, Amanda, Betsey, Cynthia, Clarissa, Martha and Mercy (2d) Greene, Jared Potter, James Main, Elisha Crosby, Selah Burdick, Ros well Saunders, Olive Sweet, Mary Saunders and Sarah Crosby. William Greene was the first pastor, and Jared Potter the first deacon. Regu lar preaching was maintained in the school house at Greene settlement for fifteen years, and until 1837, when the meeting house at the Centre was erected. The structure was raised and enlarged in 1868, and had a seating capacity for 400 persons. The church has ever enjoyed a healthful existence, and at one time numbered 300 members. The present number is somewhat less, yet the congregations are large and all the influences for good are kept alive as in years past. The present pastor of the church is Rev. A. B. Prentice. The Adams Centre Baptist church was organized Dec. 17, 1852, when about 50 members of the mother church at Adams village withdrew to form a new society at the Centre. The deacons were Abram Sheldon, J. W. Horton and L. Allen. The house of worship was completed in 1853, and cost $6,000. It was dedicated January 12, 1854. The edifice was thoroughly repaired in 1877, and is one of the finest church struc tures in the entire town. Its members number about 230 persons, thus being one of the largest churches in Adams. The Sunday school has about 200 pupils. The present pastor, J. O. Perkins, Ph. D., was set tled in 1894. The Seventh-Day Advent society at Adams Centre was formed in 1863, with seventeen constituent members. A small house of worship 53 418 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was soon afterward erected in the south part of the village. The mem bership is small, numbering about 35 persons. The society is without a pastor, Mr. Whitford being the present reader. The Village of Adams. — In 1800 David Smith made the first settle ment and improvement on the site whereon now stands this village. In the same year the worthy pioneer built a saw mill on Sandy creek, and notwithstanding every effort on his part he could not manufacture Inmber as rapidly as the settlers required, hence they were content to use slabs in erecting their first habitations. From this the settlement became known as "Slab City," but when lumber became more plenty the rude cabins disappeared and comfortable frame and plank houses replaced them. Then the place took the more appropriate name of Smith's Mills, and was so called until after the post-office was estab lished. In 1807 the town meeting voted "that cattle shall not run at large within half a mile of Smith's Mills between the 1st day of December and the 15th day of March." This simple resolution of the inhabitants assembled in town meeting was an evidence of the thrift and cleanli ness which have characterized Adams in all subsequent years. In making their beginning the settlers were of necessity compelled to use both logs and slabs in erecting dwellings and other buildings, but just as soon as the mill could supply the lumber, the native love of order on the part of the people asserted itself, and from that day to the pres ent time Adams has been known as the most attractive and desirable residence village in all Jefferson county. In 1802 pioneer Smith erected a small grist mill, and thus furnished another much needed industry to the people, for previous to that time they were obliged to go to the Coffeen mill in Rutland (at Felt's Mills) for their grist. The old mill stood' until 1827, and was then replaced with the "Adams mills," the latter one of the most substantially constructed buildings in the region, and one which has ever stood the wear of time and the elements. It was built by Willard Smith, son of the pioneer. The property has since passed through many ownerships, and is now operated by E. J. Seeber & Co. In 1808 Seth Gaylord came to the settlement, and soon afterward erected a small tannery on the creek. He was followed in the same industry by Wm. Doxtater. The latter was discontinued in 1832, and a shoe store was built on its former site. In 1814 David Wright purchased a mill site about fifty rods above the Smith mills, and there he erected a saw mill and also a carding and THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 419 fulling mill. He carried on business until 1822, when the buildings were swept away by one of the spring floods for which Sandy creek has ever been noted. The mills were afterward rebuilt by William and Herman Grinnell, but still later the carding mill was converted into a woolen cloth factory by Willet R. Willis. The first bridge over the creek at this point was built in 1S48. The once well-known Jefferson tannery was built in 1831 by Wright, Grinnell & Co., on the site where formerly stood an old distillery which was erected and operated by Hale, Hart & Williams; but when the latter was built is not now known. In 1847 J. S. Lewis became proprietor of the tannery and for many years did an extensive business. In 1850 John F. Weaver built a tannery in the lower part of the village, and operated it for a number of years, but all the industries of this class have now passed out of ex istence. Another of the pioneer enterprises of the village was the cabinet and furniture factory established in 1817 by Samuel Bond and Perley D. Stone, by whom the business was carried on forty-four years, when they were succeeded by Overton Brothers. There were also pot and pearl asheries and distilleries among the early interests of the place, with which at one time or another Elihu Morton, and also Hale, Hart & Williams were connected; but just when these lesser interests were begun or when they passed out of existence is now difficult to deter mine. However, all added to the growth and business importance of the village during its early history, and as elements which contributed to later progress and development, are worthy of at least a passing mention in this chapter. The first village merchant was Jesse Hale, who came from Oneida county in 1804 and brought a small stock of goods. For two years he was the only merchant in the place. He died in 1808, and his son Erastus succeeded to the business. Hale & Hart opened a store in 1806 and continued until 1809, when the firm became Hale, Hart & Williams, merchants and distillers. During the war of 1812 this firm furnished large quantities of supplies for the army at Sackets Harbor, and were among the most extensive dealers in the county. The firm was dissolved in 1815, and Mr. Hart moved the stock to a new building on the north side of the creek, the old store having been on the south side. He retired from business in 1811, but in a few years sold out to M. V. V. Rosa. The latter was in trade more than thirty years, and retired from busi ness and removed to Watertown, possessed of a comfortable fortune. John H. Whipple was a merchant from 1820 to 1859, and Frederick 420 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Harter was also in trade from about 1820 to 1840. William Doxtater & Son began about the same time and were known in trade circles until 1848, when they retired. Whipple, Eddy & Johnson began soon after 1840, and S. N. Bond in 1845. Among the other leading old firms who carried on business in the village were Bond & Co., Angel & Chittenden, H. Miller, Stearns & Carter, Salisbury & Bond and Waite & Co. In 1860 A. P. Redway opened a book store, and in 1862 was succeeded by D. A. Dwight. In 1863 the old firm of Dwight & Eddy (Justus Eddy) was formed. Still later village merchants were Arms& Hungerford, D. E. Taylor, Lovelee & Kilby, E. B. Cooper, E. S. Salisbury, Thompson & Little, John Waite & Son, Withington & Kneeland, Fox & Ingraham, Lyman Buckley, J. O. Brown, J. E. Cook, Ripley & Son, Chandler & Lampson, B. F. Thayer and others down to a time well within the memory of young men. Thus it is seen that as years passed and the population increased, so, correspondingly, did enterprising business men establish themselves in trade; but of all who have been mentioned few indeed now remain, and many of the old familiar signs of a quarter of a century and more ago have disappeared, and have been replaced with others representing a new generation of business proprietors. The pioneer landlord was Abel Hart, who about 1803 opened an inn on the site of the afterward known Huson house. Four hotels were built on this site, at the corner of Main and Railroad streets, and during their long years of occupancy probably four times four landlords have greeted the arrival of the wearied traveler. The present building was erected by Mr. Whitney in 1867, and under its present owner (G. L. Gardner) has taken the name Hotel Gardner. The Continental Inn stands on the rear of the site of the Cooper house, which was built in 1867, and was burned Aug. 28, 1884. Among the other local institu tions which had an existence previous to the incorporation of the village, was the institute, the history of which is reserved for a later page, for it survives to the present time. Incorporation. — As early as 1823 an effort was made to secure an act of incorporation for Adams village, but for some reason the attempt was not successful. The petition for the act bore the names of Elihu Morton, David Smith, Benjamin Wright and John Burch. So far as any previous record shows, no further attempt was made in the same direction until November 11, 1851, when the village was incorporated1 1 On Dec. 5, 1884, the village was incorporated under the general act of 1870. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 421 under the provisions of the general statutes relating to municipal cor porations. The original plat contained 812 acres of land, and has not been materially changed. The first regular election of village officers was held in March, 1852, and resulted as follows: Jeremiah Griswold, J. H. Whipple, C. Skinner, C. R. Totman and W. Benton, trustees; Wm. Merriam, Samuel Harmon and Samuel Greene, assessors; Mason Curtis, clerk ; Nelson Greene, collector ; Spencer Woodward, treasurer ; Alonzo Maxon, Seelye Hungerford and Perley D. Stone, fire wardens; Samuel B. Bliss, poundmaster. On Ma)'- 27, 1852, tbe village was divided into five wards, and by laws and regulations were adopted. These laws have been subsequently revised as the growth and interests of the village seemed to demand. The territory was also divided into three fire wards, or districts, and an appropriation of $650 was voted to purchase a fire engine. With this money the trustees purchased a "Button engine," and in 1853 Tempest fire company of 44 men was duly formed. This organization has since been maintained, although few indeed of its old members still survive. The Adams fire department, however, had its origin in a company formed in the village as early as 1836. A subscription fund was raised and a small crank engine was purchased. Previous to this time there had been few serious fires in the village, but in later years, particu larly in 1860 and 1866, several valuable buildings and much property were destroyed. On Dec. 15, 1860, a fire burned Saunders & Holman's machine shop, the Carter and Skinner blocks, Rosa's store and Dox- tater's corner store. The conflagration of April, 1866, destroyed nearly all the business buildings on the east side of Main street, including the Whipple block and the Whitney house. These disasters occasioned great temporary loss, but in the end had a rejuvenating and purifying effect, for fine buildings replaced those of former years, and by the im proved character of its business places Adams soon gained the enviable prominence of being the cleanest and most attractive village in the county. This reputation it has since easily maintained. The Adams Water Works was organized as a stock company in 1885, by the constructing firm of Moffett, Hodgkins & Clark. The works were located on the north side of Spring street, and on the top of Dox tater hill was erected a stand pipe 400 feet high and 15 feet in diameter. Water is taken from springs on the south side of the creek, and is pumped to the tower. It is then distributed throughout the village streets by gravity pressure. In the fall of 1897 the company met with 422 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. financial disaster, the property and franchise were sold under order of the court, and were purchased by F. H. C. Reynolds, of Boston. The local superintendent of the water works is Isaac W. Payne, who has served in that capacity since the system was constructed. The educational system of the village also has an interesting history, and dates back to the year 1802, when the first school was opened at Smith's Mills, as then known. A short time afterward (the exact year being unknown) a frame school house was built, and was occupied sev eral years as a district school, but was finally turned into a furniture fac tory. After the Jefferson county bank was removed to Watertown, the building was occupied as a select school by M. C. Manning, who after ward became a distinguished Baptist clergyman. Later on Jason Marsh taught the school, and here many of the now old business men of the village and town acquired their education. The Adams seminary was also a noted institution, and was established in 1832, chiefly through the efforts of Judge Thomas C. Chittenden. The academy was erected jointly by individual enterprise and the Universalist society, with the understanding that the latter should hold Sunday services in the build ing. It was originally a female school, and was placed in charge of Miss Frances Willard, who came to Adams from Troy for that purpose. She conducted the school successfully for several years, but when the institution was opened to both sexes Ira Mayhew became principal. Still later instructors here were Foster Montgomery, Prof. Stephens and others, but finally the institution declined and eventually resolved into a private school, and was so occupied until about 1848 or '50. In 1876 the public school of the village was erected on a lot east of the institute building, at a cost of $4,000. This is still a district graded school, and has never taken the character of a free or academic school by reason of the presence of the institute. It is nevertheless a good school, and is under charge of Miss Mary Salisbury, with five assistants. The trustees are George W.Williams, William H. Nichelson and W. H. Legg. The Adams Collegiate Institute, as originally and now known, but otherwise as the " Hungerford Collegiate Institute," was incorporated by the regents, April 22, 1855, and was the ultimate success of several endeavors to establish a permanent school for higher education in tbe village. The preliminary organization had been completed, but nothing further was done previous to 1859, when Gen. Solon D. Hungerford placed in the hands of Justus Eddy a proposition whereby he offered to THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 423 deed to a board of trustees the Sidney J. Mendell hotel property,' with the single reservation that in case the trustees should sell the same, the avails should be used to erect another building for an academy within one mile of the Hungerford residence. At a public meeting held Nov. 30, 1863, tbe offer was accepted, and a committee was appointed to raise a fund to equip and open the school. For this purpose the sum of $10,568 was subscribed, and at a public meeting held March 4, 1864, it was resolved to apply to the regents for a charter under the name of Hungerford Collegiate Institute; which, accordingly, was accomplished. The first trustees were Joseph Mullin, E. R. Mason, George Frasier, Asa M.Whit- ford, William M. Johnson, Solon D. Hungerford, B. Randall, W. A. Gilbert, George Cooper, Justus Eddy, George W. Bond, Philander Smith, J. N. Hobart, G.W. Mackie, F. F. Jewell, Rufus P. White, A. J. Brown, T. P. Saunders, H. F. Overton, Samuel Harmon, E. S. Salisbury and A. W. Ingraham. The institute was opened an began its career under the most gratify ing conditions, but on Jan. 19, 1858, the building was burned to the ground. Five days later the trustees met and decided to at once rebuild, but as a change in location was suggested General Hungerford gener ously paid for the proposed new site, whereon the institute now stands. He also gave $7,000 toward the construction of the new build ing, which was duly completed and dedicated Aug. 24, 1870. It then was, and still is, one of the largest and most attractive educational structures in tbe county, being four stories high and 97 x 129 feet on the ground. This building was occupied from 1870 to 1882, when, "having been sold for a debt, and the trustees being unable to agree with the pur chaser for further occupation upon terms deemed just, the school was removed to a block in the business part of the village, where it re mained until burned out in the fire of August 28, 1884. Subsequently the academic building was purchased by D. A. Dwight and wife, and was conveyed by perpetual lease to the trustees, subject to certain con ditions." The liberal and public-spirited citizens of Adams have raised by sub scription for the benefit of this institution during the period of its history, a total of more than $50,000. The name " Adams Collegiate Institute," was restored in a provisional charter granted by the re- ' In 1850 Captain Mendell began the erection of a large three-story hotel building near the railroad track, but financial reverses overtook him before the work was finished. General Hun gerford purchased the property at foreclosure sale. 424 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gents May 29, 1883. On Nov. 16, following, the charter was declared absolute. The principals in succession, have been as follows: Rev. J. Dunbar Houghton, 1866-68; Albert B. Watkins, 1871-82; Orlo B. Rhodes, 1882-94; J. Firman Coar, 1894-95; Salem G. Patterson, 1895-96; H. Erwin Bard, 1896-. The present officers and trustees are D. A. Dwight, president; W. D. Arms, vice- president; W. J. Allen, secretary; T. T. Carter, treasurer; and the officers and John Sinclair, W. H. H. Taylor, L. E. Pruyne, A. J. Lovelee, G. W. Hannahs, R. D. Gardner, A. W. Ingraham, W. A. Waite, A. K. Hale, S. T. Thompson, Orlo B. Rhodes, A. D. Ripley, H. O. Kenyon, J. J. Stilman, J. M. Hungerford, D. E. Tay lor, S. H. Pitcher, W. H. Nichelson, W. H. Wheeler and H. E. Fox, trustees. Another of the early institutions, and one which also antedated the village incorporation, was the old Jefferson county bank, which was originally intended to do business at the county seat, but on account of existing rivalries between Watertown and Brownville was located at Adams. A substantial brick building was erected for its use, and from 1817 to 1824 the bank did business here and then removed to Water- town. The bank building was afterwards converted into a dwelling house. The next attempt to establish a bank in the village was made in 1845, when Solon D. Hungerford opened a banking house under the name of the Hungerford bank. On September 1, 1853, it was organ ized as an association with the same name, and with $125,000 capital. The first directors were Solon D. Hungerford, Jeremiah Griswold. Philander Smith, M. R. Patrick, N. M. Wardwell, George Gates, Almanzo Braddon, Roswell Kinney and Samuel Wardwell. In 1865 the institution was resolved into the Hungerford National bank, with with a capital of $125,000. The bank continued business until 1881, when it went into liquidation. The First National bank of Adams was organized August 27, 1863, with $75,000 capital, and Solon D. Hungerford, president, and R. H. Huntington, cashier. The bank did business in the older Hungerford bank building, and March 17, 1873, was merged into the Deposit Na tional bank of New York. In 1872 the Adams bank began business in the Whitney block, with Gilbert & Babcock as proprietors. This was not a bank of issue, and after a time was sold out to Hungerford & Huntington of the First National bank. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 425 The Adams National bank was organized in 1883, with a capital of $50,000, and with W. A. Waite, president; Harrison Fuller, vice-presi dent, and George W. Hannahs, cashier. It did a successful business until May 29, 1889, when it was reorganized as the Farmers' National bank (No. 4,061) with $65,000 capital, and with Dr. C. D. Potter, pres ident; Isaac P. Wodell, vice-president, and G. W. Hannahs, cashier. From that time the history of the bank has been a record of continued success, and it is regarded as one of the safe financial institutions of the the county. Its present officers are Isaac P. Wodell, president; Harri son Fuller, vice-president; and George W. Hannahs, cashier. Direc tors, I. P. Wodell, Harrison Fuller, J. A. D. Snell, C. W. Gates, C. D. Grimshaw, Erwin Pitkin, Geo. M. Wood, Fred Williams, M. D. Swan and N. D. Yost. The bank's surplus is $7,500 ; and its undivided profit account, $7,500. The Citizens National bank (No. 4,103) of Adams was organized Aug. 7, 1889, with a capital of $50,000. Its first officers were George Mather, president; L. F. Caulkins, vice president, and H. H. Hath way, cashier. This, too, has been an entirely successful institution, and one which has ever enjoyed the confidence of moneyed men throughout the county. It has a present surplus of $10,000, and an undivided profit account of $10,400. Mr. Mather has been the president since the bank was organ ized. A. S. Thompson succeeded Caulkins as vice-president, and in December, 1895, H. H. Waite succeeded Mr. Hathway as cashier. The present directors are George Mather, Wm. Mather, N. M. Ward- well, Lucy J. Bullock, W A. Waite, J. A. Eastman, A. S. Thompson, J. W. Overton, J. J. Mather, F. N. Muzzy, C. H. Bickford, M. M. Filmore and H. H. Waite. After the incorporation of the village, in 1851, and the subsequent organization of its municipal affairs under that action, there appeared to be a general and somewhat rapid local growth in all directions, and during the following ten or more years many of its most prominent in stitutions were established, as preceding pages will show. At the same time there was a corresponding increase in population and business in terests, and as early as 1860 Adams was regarded as one of the most pro gressive outlying villages in the county. It was about this time that John F. Weaver established the tannery business which was so long carried on by his sons. In 1856 a stock company was organized and started a hoe and fork factory. The business afterward passed into the hands of Saunders & Holman, who turned it into a general machine 54 426 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. shop and so continued it until the property was burned. New shops and new industries replaced the old buildings, and Saunders & Wright afterward carried on business. About the same time, probably in 1855, a large brick malt house was built near the depot by Rufus P. White, who in June, 1877, sold out to W. A. Waite. The business has been continued and is one of the largest enterprises of the village. In the same manner, the old flour mill still survives, as is previously men tioned, and is now operated by E. J. Seeber & Co. The Adams ma chine shop and foundry was started about 1863 by Saunders & Holman, and afterward passed through several changes in proprietorship. The property was once burned but was rebuilt. It is now owned by Levi H. Brown (of Watertown) and is operated by T. P. Saunders. The Adams lumber company was established about the same time by Julius Fox, and has also passed through several ownerships, among whom was W. H. Wheeler. The present proprietor is W. L. Pratt. The F. L. Webster canning factory began business in July, 1889. The property is now owned by W. A. Waite & Sons, maltsters. The Kenyon & Thomas company began the manufacture and sale of Hale's household ointment, and household tea, about 1889, and have since built up a business of large proportions. In strictly mercantile interests Adams is well represented, and while the number of merchants appear to be sufficient for all purposes there is little outward evidence of over-competition. The stores as a rule are large and well stocked, and throughout the village is a pleasant indica tion of constant business activity. Indeed, in the history of business life in the county, the claim has been made, with much show of truth, that in this village there has been a less proportion of failures than in the majority of similarly situated places. Whatever of truth may be found in this claim the writer cannot say, yet on every hand in Adams are evidences of thrift, enterprise and prosperity not always noticeable in villages of this class, where agriculture is so wholly the pursuit of the inhabitants of surrounding country. Rising Sun Lodge, No. 124, was organized in 1806, with Robert Merrick, master. Regular meetings were held and a large membership was acquired, when in 1827 the lodge was obliged to suspend on account of the anti-masonic troubles of that period. In March, 1851, the lodge was revived with the same name, but changed in number to 234. The officers and charter members were Benj. Wright, master; J. C. Cooper, S. W. ; J. Griswold, J. W. ; and Dennis Waite and Titus Bassett, mem- THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 427 bers. From that to the present time the lodge has maintained a health ful existence, and is numbered among the strongest and most influen tial masonic organizations of the county. The present membership is 107. Meridian Chapter, No. 86, R. A. M., was chartered in February, 1824, with thirty-one members, and with Joseph Enos, H. P., and E. H. Pond, secretary. But the chapter, like the lodge, was forced to succumb and surrender its charter in 1828. No further attempt at a similar organization was made until Feb. 26, 1867, when Adams chap ter No. 205, was chartered with thirty members. Its first officers were Thos. C. Chittenden, H. P.; C. K. Stone, E. K. ; H. C. Brodie, E. S. The present members number forty-eight, although at one time the number was nearly ninety. Winona Lodge No. 323, I. O. O. F., was chartered Oct. 18, 1847, and was continued about twenty years and then dissolved. Oriental En campment, No. 75, I. O. O. F. , was organized by the withdrawal of several former members of Montezuma Encampment of Watertown. Tbe year of organization is not now known, but the society did not en joy a long existence. The Presbyterian church was organized as the First Congregational church of Adams, in July, 1804, by Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle. The orig inal members were Joshua Beals, Jacob Kellogg, Abraham and Betsey Griswold, David Comstock and Asenath Cooper. The society was governed by the rules of the Congregational church until 1821, when the Presbyterian form was adopted. The subject of a house of worship was discussed as early as 1811, but an edifice was not begun until 1815, and was finished in 1818. In 1828 the structure was sold to the M. E. society, and on its site was erected the large and more attractive edifice which is still in a fair state of preservation. It was substantially re paired in 1881, and after the interior had been refurnished the edifice was rededicated Dec. 1, 1884. The membership in the church is now about 180 persons. The present pastor, Rev. J. Rosser Jones, cam£ to Adams in March, 1896. The Sunday school was established in 1818. The chapel property was purchased in 1850. The present chapel build ing was erected in 1881. The parsonage property was purchased in 1866. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Adams was organized in 1828, after which the society purchased and occupied the old house of worship formerly owned by the Presbyterian society. The building 428 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was removed to a neighboring lot and was occupied until 1852, when it was destroyed by fire. The present church edifice was erected in 1852- 53, and cost $10,000. It was materially repaired in 1875. This church is numerically one of the strongest in the town, the members number ing 286, and 14 probationers. The Sunday school has 228 members. The pastor is Rev. John Richards. The Baptist church at Adams village was organized December 17, 1846, although services of this denomination had been held in the vil lage several years earlier. In 1847 a frame church edifice was erected, at a cost of $3,500. It was dedicated in January, 1848. In 1871 the old building was removed, and in its place the present house of worship was erected, being the only brick church structure in the village. The first regular minister was Rev. Charles Clark. The present member ship is 178, and the total enrollment in the Sunday school is 192. The present pastor is Rev. R. J. Thompson. Emanuel church, Protestant Episcopal, of Adams was legally organ ized February 18, 1849, in pursuance of a public notice read to the mission congregation which had held services in the village for many years previous to the date mentioned. Henry B. Whipple, afterward Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, was lay reader. The erection of a chapel was at once begun, the corner stone being laid Oct. 9, 1849. The edifice was completed June 19, 1850. The first rector was Rev. T, F. Wardwell. The rectory property was purchased in 1875. The present number of communicants is 80. The rector is Rev. English Crooks. During the period of its history, the town of Adams has furnished Jefferson county with some of its best and strongest men, and it is a conceded fact in the political history of the county that this town has been as frequently represented by its people in high office as any of its civil divisions with the exception of the city of Watertown. The first improvements in Adams were made by pioneers of exceptional mental and physical strength, and from that time tbe town has been noted in this respect. David Smith who founded the settlement of Adams was a man of energy and determination, and Jesse Smith, the pioneer of Smithville settlement, was much of the same mould. In later years there were the Bakers, the Doxtaters, the Edmunds, the Greenes, the Arms, the Wrights, the Mortons, the Thomases and a host of others equally worthy of mention. Then there was Judge Benjamin Wright, the old surrogate, whose daughter married John H. Whipple. They were the parents of Henry B. Whipple, hereafter mentioned. THE TOWN OF ADAMS. 429 Among the men of intellectual strength who have attained renown in the field of theology may be mentioned Rt. Rev. Henry B. Whipple, Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, and Rt. Rev. W. X. Ninde, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, both of whom are natives of this town. This town was the former residence and place of conversion of the late Rev. Charles G. Finney, who won renown in the ministerial field and was for many years president of Oberlin college. It was also the home of that famous orator, evangelist and divine, the Rev. Jedediah Burchard, for the last ten or fifteen years of his life. He died in Adams and was interred in Rural cemetery. Many are the anecdotes told and quaint illustrations repeated of this famous though eccentric divine who was one of the most forceful preachers of his day and as such won a national reputation. Other prominent men in Adams history are Samuel N. Bond, Perley D. Stone, Seth Gaylord, Dr. Joshua Beals, Judge Thomas C. Chittenden (elected to congress in 1838 and again in 1840), Daniel Wardwell (elected to congress), Dr. Samuel J. Gaines, Judge Calvin Skinner, Dr. Eli Eastman, Lyman Munson, John C. Cooper, Wm. A. Gilbert, Erastus Hale, C. C. Case, Henry Keep, Capt. Richard Goodell, M. V. V. Rosa, Dr. Walter Webb, John Cowles, Solon D. Hungerford, James M. Cleve land, De Alton Dwight, T. V. Maxon, O. De Grasse Greene, Thomas P. Saunders, J. L. Greene, Henry O. Kenyon, George W. Hannahs, Thos. R. Greene, Justus Eddy, Isaac L. Hunt, N. M. Wardwell, A. E. Cooley, Harrison Fuller, several representa tives of the Waite surname, the Mathers and others, all worthy men who have in some manner been factors for good in the history of the town. Supervisors. — Nicholas Salisbury, 1803-12; Jacob Kellogg, 1813; Nicholas Salis bury, 1814-17; Eliphalet- Edmunds, 1818-20; Wm. Hart, 1821-26; Isaac Baker, 1827- 28; Cyrus Eddy, 1829-30; Chauncey Baker, 1831; Isaac Baker, 1832; Cyrus Eddy, 1833; Wells Benton, 1834; David J. M. Howard, 1835; Isaac Baker, 18S6; Samuel Bond, 1837; D. J. M. Howard, 1838; John H. Whipple, 1839-40; Robert B. Doxtater, 1841; Rufus Herrick, 1842-43; Abram Sheldon, 1844; Joseph L. Greene, 1845-47; Charles Potter, 1848; John C Cooper, 1849-52; Jos L. Greene, 1853; J. C. Cooper, 1854; John H. Whipple, 1855; Justus Eddy, 1856-57; Chas. A. Benjamin, 1858-62; Geo.W. Bond, 1863-64; Chas. A. Benjamin, 1865-67; Royal Fuller, 1868-70; Oscar D. Allen, 1871 ; Royal Fuller, 1872; O. De Grasse Greene, 1873-80; W. D. Arms, 1881-95; P. Stillman Maxon, 1896-99. 430 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XXII. THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. Nearly every town in the county bordering on the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario had at least one important event in connection with the war of 1812-15, and Alexandria was not an exception to this rule. As the story is told in another chapter, on July 14, 1813, a privateering expedition was fitted out at Sackets Harbor for a cruise among the islands with the hope of cutting off and capturing a detachment of bateaux laden with provisions and supplies which was expected up the river bound for Kingston under convoy of the British gunboat Spitfire. This was about the only adventure of its kind on the river or lake dur ing the war, and had the full approval and material aid of the com mandant at the harbor. M. W. Gilbert was the prime spirit of the enterprise, and the results would have been profitable to him and his associates had not the prizes been sunk in the waters of the bay on the return of the privateersmen. In this expedition were engaged the American schooners Neptune and Fox, the former a private boat commanded by Captain Samuel Dixon, armed with one six-pounder, a swivel gun and manned with 24 determined Yankee volunteers. The Fox was commanded by Capt. Dimock, was likewise armed, and manned with 21 men from the 21st infantry under Lieutenants Perry and Burbank. The privateers left the harbor on July 14, made landings at Cape Vincent and French creek (Clayton), at the latter indulging in a brief review and drill, but soon sailed out among the islands and finally put in at the mouth of Cranberry creek, in Goose bay. Here a strong and guarded position was selected and two small boats were sent out to watch for the British. Thus three days passed, when on the morning of the 18th, at daylight, the bateaux was discovered at Simonds landing making ready to beat up the river, under guard of the Spitfire, but before they got under sail, our daring privateersmen made a hasty landing, attacked them without being discovered and captured fifteen bateaux and several gun boats without firing a single shot or losing a man. THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 431 The prizes were taken to Cranberry creek and landed, and at eleven o'clock that morning 69 prisoners were sent off to Sackets Harbor un der a guard of fifteen men. With the Spitfire there fell into the hands of the captors a twelve pound carronade and a large quantity of mili tary stores. With the bateaux were taken 270 barrels of pork and 270 bags of pilot bread. To remove all this booty before it was spoiled the Americans sent a call to the settlers of the region, but the only response was from tbe few militiamen in the vicinity, for the country was almost wholly unsettled at that time. Early on the morning of the 20th a strong British force with four gunboats, several transports and 250 men appeared in the mouth of the creek, determined to recover the prizes recently captured by the Americans ; but this new attacking party was so fiercely opposed by the thirty soldiers who met them at the landing, and twenty others who had taken a strong concealed position, that they were glad to retreat with the loss of two of their boats and several men. At about six o'clock the British sent a flag of truce with a demand of surrender, which was of course refused, and firing was renewed. This, however, was only an expedient of the enemy to gain time to make their retreat and get out of range without more serious loss. After the British had retired, the victorious Americans repaired the damaged boats and made preparations to return to the harbor. In the meantime reinforcements had arrived, and on the 23d the voyage up the river was begun. In passing Tibbet's Point the Earl of Moira gave chase and caused some damage, but did not succeed in recapturing any of the boats or provisions. Thus was fought the first and indeed the only real conflict at arms known to the history of this town (then of course apart of Brownville). In earlier days the proprietary had frequent occasion to use forcible measures to drive off tbe lumber thieves who infested the region ; and still later, during the patriot war, the authorities kept a careful watch over the movements of the hordes of sympathizers who flocked to the border and the islands in the ridiculous attempt to overthrow the British dominion in Canada. James D. Le Ray, who owned the lands in this part of Brownville and Le Ray, was more careful in looking to his own interests than many of the large proprietors, hence the depredations on his lumber tracts were not so extensive as in some other localities. As early as 1804 this worthy developer had caused a survey of the lands to be made, and Cadwallader Child, who did the work, suggested to Le Ray that the 432 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. vicinity of Alexandria Bay was an admirable site for a port and settle ment, consequently a reservation of a mile square of land was made for that purpose, although not until 1818 was it regularly laid out in village lots. The first improvements in the town were made in 1811 by clearing the land and causing grain to be sown for the maintenance of the settlers who might come to the locality. Indeed Mr. Le Ray even sent in settlers to do the work, paid twelve dollars an acre for clearing the land, gave them half the first crop, and also built a log barn for " the job," as it was called. In the same manner he caused a road to be built from the red tavern, in Theresa, as afterward known, to Hammond (at the place first mentioned intersecting another road from Black river to Philadelphia and thence to Theresa). The Ham mond and red tavern road was afterward closed, and was not reopened until the construction of the military road, of which it formed a part. These clearings were made and roads built previous to the war of 1812-15, but that period of three years had the effect to delay actual settlement until peace was restored. In 1816 sales of land were begun, the contracts requiring payments to be completed in seven years, the settlers also to build a log house equal to eighteen feet square in size and to clear one twenty-fifth part of the land contracted within one year. The prevailing price per acre was three dollars. Under tbe conditions thus imposed, settlement in this town was begun in 1816 and increased rapidly during the next ten years; so rapidly, indeed, that in five years it became necessary to divide the mother towns of Brownville and Le Ray, and create three new juris dictions from its northern territory. However, during the period men tioned, there came to the region John Norton, Samuel Young, James Carnagie, William Martin, Moses George, Elijah Root, Leicester Hoadley, Jerry Carrier, John Fuller and perhaps others, all of whom made improvements and are therefore entitled to be mentioned among the pioneers. In connection with the settlement of John Norton was an interesting history. He was a native of England where he studied for the Episcopal ministry. He enlisted in the British army ahd was sent to Canada on duty, from whence he came to the states to purchase supplies. He decided to remain, and settled first in Oppenheim, Montgomery (now Fulton) county, where he lived for a time, and about 1816 came to Brownville, settling about three miles below Red wood. He cleared a farm, the same being now owned by his grand son, John L. Norton. On this farm the pioneer and his wife died, he THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 433 aged 102 and she 104 years. Tbeir oldest son, John, attained the age of 103 years. In 1817 Charles Rundlet came from Vermont and settled in the east ern part of the town, near Clear lake, but later on removed to the vicinity of Plessis, where he died. John Spalsbury, the pioneer head of a prominent family in the town in later years, came from Sandy Creek in 1819. ' Abraham Newman, an old patriot of the revolution, came from Connecticut in 1820, and died in the town in 1841. There were several other survivors of the revolution among the early settlers here, of whom may be recalled the names of Daniel Wherry, William Carter, Peter Lutz, Ephraim Hogert, Mr. Patton and George Rappole, all earnest, industrious developers who were drawn to the new region from the east with the hope that their condition in life might be im proved, and that their children and descendants might also build up comfortable homes for themselves and their families in this northern part of the state. In the same manner also may be recalled the names of Austin Mar tin, George Patterson, Nathaniel Goodell, Martin T. Morseman, Alex ander McAllister, Reuben Hinman, Horatio Hubbard, Charles, John and Jabez Beardsley (or Birdsley), Jabez Peoples, Ephraim Marvel, William Merrill, Samuel and Silas Morse, Thomas Stickney, Joseph Huntington, Clark and David Briggs, Solomon Makepeace, Elder Stowe, John D. Davidson, Jason Clark, Azariah Walton, Jarius Rich (the famous hunter of the region), all about the time or soon after the town was set off. Still later settlers, perhaps not pioneers but never theless identified with the town during the period of its early history, were Andrew Cornwall, Jacob Springer, Abel Bigelow, Joseph Hough ton, Moses C. Jewett, John Rhodes, Erastus Hardy, Allen Cole and Peter Loucks. There were still others added to this coipmunity of settlers in this interesting jurisdiction in later years, many of whom came from the southern towns of the county, some from the east, and others in fair numbers from Canada, for the report had gone abroad that Alexandria contained unoccupied lands desirable in quality for 1 In 1810 James Rich engaged in a fearful encounter with a panther while hunting near Hyde lake, about three miles from Plessis. He was then trapping for wolves but caught one panther in the trap, while another was close by and free. This event nearly cost our pioneer his life, and the scars of the battle he bore to his grave. One day while hunting wolves for the bounty Rich trailed an old female with ten whelps. He killed the mother, but as the young were not sufficiently grown to entitle him to o bounty, it is said the wiley hunter built a pen about their lair and raised them to maturity; or at least to an age sufficient to realize a bounty of $50 on each. 55 434 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. general agricultural pursuits, which were being sold at reasonable prices to thrifty settlers. Many of those who came after 1820 were of foreign birth, as a glance at the census reports of that period will show; but they came to build up homes and if possible establish a comfortable condition for their families in later years. True, the year 1828 was called the " sickly season," but such a visitation was not repeated and there was nothing in the character of the soil or climate to unduly re tard settlement. At that time Mr. Le Ray was engaged in developing lands in this town, in the portion afterward set off to Theresa, which locality had something of an advantage under the personal direction of the proprietor. However, it was not until 1841 that Theresa was cre ated and took from Alexandria nearly 2,000 of its inhabitants, and more than sixty square miles of its territory. Organization. — Alexandria was one of three towns in Jefferson county created April 3, 1821, two of which, Orleans and this town, were in part at least the result of a conflict of sentiment in Brownville growing out of the election of local officers and the place of holding town meet ings in that jurisdiction. The story of this period is told in the history of Brownville, hence need not be repeated here. Whatever may have been the occasion or necessity, two new towns were formed from the territory on the date mentioned, the effective portion of the act relat ing to Alexandria being as follows : "That from and after the passing of this act, all that part of the towns of Brownville and Le Ray lying within the following bounds: Beginning at the north east corner of Penet's square, so-called, and running from thence along the north line thereof west four miles to the east line of lot number six ; thence north to the center of the river St. Lawrence ; thence northeasterly down the center of said river to the county line of St. Lawrence county ; thence southeasterly along the said county line to the northwesterly line of the town of Antwerp ; thence along said line to the most westerly corner thereof ; thence along the southwesterly line of said town to the easterly corner of lot number 164; thence southwesterly to the most southerly corner of lot number 223; thencenorthwesterly to the east line of Penet's square afore said; thence north along said line to the place of beginning, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a separate town by the name of Alexandria ; and that the first town meeting shall be held at the house now occupid by WilliamMerrill." From this description it may be seen that Alexandria was formed chiefly from Le Ray, and by reference to the history of that town it will also be seen that Le Ray, as originally constituted, included all the county north of Black river and east of Penet's square, and the east boundary thereof extended north to the St. Lawrence and south to THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 435 Black river. Therefore, a comparatively small part of the town in fact came directly from Brownville. Within its original territory Alexandria formed one of the most inter esting civil divisions of the county ; perhaps not specially prominent from a historic standpoint, but one which during the last half century has been the temporary abiding place of more men of distinguished prominence and wealth than any town in the county. As the neigh boring town of Clayton enjoys the prominence of being the point of entrance to the Thousand Island region, so Alexandria is the objective point sought by visitors, for within its limits are the chief attractions of this famous locality. But far back of this period of special promi nence, even to the creation of the town, the region was famed for its many attractions. The eastern part of Wells island, together with the numerous small isles in the St. Lawrence, were within the jurisdiction of the town, and in addition to them was the system of lakes on the eastern boundary, nearly all of which were set off to Theresa in 1841. It is undoubtedly true that Alexandria has a greater diversity of na ture's unusual dispensations than any town in all the region, many of which are marvels of beauty and grandeur. Small wonder, therefore, that the wealth and culture of the nation has chosen this the one place above all others as the favorite resort of America, while hundreds of titled foreigners have likewise admired and praised the wondrous beauty of the Thousand islands. Within its present boundaries the town is without remarkable physical features other than its island possessions. The land surface is diversi fied with bill and dale, and is underlaid with gneiss rock and sand stone. The soil in many places is thin, and rocks and stones abound throughout the river region. Back from the St. Lawrence, however, the land becomes level, and the four eastern tiers of lots contain some of the best agricultural lands north of the Black river. Many years ago, in the vicinity of Redwood a vein of lead was found, and was ex amined to a depth of forty feet, but no considerable development of its quality or extent was made. Iron ores were also found to abound in the same locality, the presence of which led to the starting of a consid erable industry at Redwood more than half a century ago. A good quality of glass sand was also discovered, leading to the erection and operation of a large glass factory, one of the best industries in the town, and connected" with which were some of the strongest men of the region ; but with no respectable means of transportation to market at 436 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that time, and the constantly increasing competition of other and more favored localities, these industries could not be permanently successful. However, among the towns of the county Alexandria has always held a prominent position, and during the period of its history has pro duced and developed some of the best men of this part of the state. The chief occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture and kindred pur suits, but the never failing annual summer visitors have made demands for the production of vegetables, poultry, eggs, butter, milk, lambs, and other seasonable staples, thus establishing practically a new in dustry, and one which has brought gratifying results to the farming classes. It is a somewhat surprising fact, yet absolutely true, that during the outing season the population of this town is nearly doubled, and all products of the farm, of whatever kind, find ready market with the temporary residents. When set off in 1821 the town, then of course including Theresa, con tained about 1,400 inhabitants. In 1825 the number had increased to 1,543, but during the next five years there was no increase on account of the unfortunate "sick season" of 1828, which caused many deaths in the region and also greatly retarded settlement for several years. However, in 1835 the population was 2,701, and in 1840 had further in creased to 3,476. In the next year Theresa was set off from this town, since which time there has not been any change in the territory of- the town, and the subsequent census reports fairly indicate its growth and condition. In 1845 the population was 2,711; 1850, 3,162; 1855, 3,353; 1860, 3,808; 1865, 3,614; 1870, 3,087; 1875, 3,472; 1880, 3,135; 1890, 3,601. The greatest population in the history of the town was attained in 1860, the number of inhabitants then being 3,808. The subsequent decrease may be readily accounted for, but in Alexandria it has been so exceedingly small that it appears to be no more than a mere fluc tuation, and without any significance in local history. Indeed, the population here has been remarkably fixed and stable, indicating a healthful condition of affairs both in the villages and country. More over, within the last twenty- five years Wells island has acquired a con siderable number of inhabitants, has developed some superior farming lands, and contains some of the most noted resorts of the region. The same may also be said of the smaller islands, but all have contributed to the prosperous condition of things which now prevails in the town. The progress thus indicated has been gradual and constant from the THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 437 early history of tbe locality. The proprietor, Mr. Le Ray, had in course of development at the same time four or five towns and perhaps twice that number of villages. In this town alone he was developing and building up Theresa, Plessis, Redwood and Alexandria Bay, and in the same manner in other towns. With the exception of Penet's square, he was the virtual owner of the territory north of Black river, and as well a large quantity of land in other localities. Three of these hamlets remained in Alexandria after the division of the town in 1841, and are therefore worthy of special mention in this chapter. Alexandria Bay. — In 1804, Cadwallader Child, as before remarked, while surveying a road from the Friends' settlement to the St. Law rence river, suggested to the proprietor that the site whereon- now stands this village was both desirable and eligible for the purpose of a port, whereupon, at the direction of Mr. Le Ray, a mile square of land was reserved from the salable territory of the town that a village might be established at some future time. No further improvement was made until 1818, when Edmund Tucker regularly laid out a village plat, and at tbe same time tbe proprietor erected a tavern and a store building, both of which he placed in charge of his employees. Even then lum bering was the great business of the locality and the tavern and store drew all the trade of the operators and their employees. All the tim ber and lumber were made into rafts and floated down the river to market, and nearly all the rafts were put together at this point. Thus was the beginning made, and of course the business drew other persons to the village. An occasional sailing vessel stopped at the landing on trips up and down the river, and to facilitate the work of discharging and taking on cargo a small wharf was built, but was succeeded by a large one in 1832, built by John W. Fuller and Azariah Walton, lum bermen and merchants. The upper wharf was built by Walton and Hamblin in 1840. When steamboats began to appear on the river the settlement at the bay was an important landing place, where wood for use on the boats was loaded in large quantities. This business was carried on till the supply was exhausted and coal superseded it as fuel. In the meantime the lands were rapidly cleared, the mainland first and afterward the islands. Among the early residents in the vicinity of the village were Dr. Jere. Carrier, John W. Fuller, David Hunter and Samuel Bingham, all of whom were here previous to 1820, and who were pioneers in their various pursuits in the town. Henry and Chauncey Westcott, Ira 438 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Beckwith and Mr. Tillotson (who does not appear to be definitely re called by present old residents) were here soon afterward and prior to 1825. Azariah Walton, who was one of the most prominent early mer chants and lumbermen of the region, and also the owner of large tracts of land (both mainland and islands), began operations here in 1828. John W. Fuller built the first log house on the village site in 1818, and Dr. Carrier the first frame house two years later. These buildings, with the old Le Ray tavern, were prominent landmarks for many years, to which later generations have pointed with pardonable pride. Mr. Fuller and Dr. Carrier also built a large storehouse, while a school building was added to the institutions of the place as early as 1821. Still, the little bay hamlet did not increase beyond this condition of prosperity for a period of nearly twenty years, and of the various in terests of the place only those owned by Azariah Walton and John W. Fuller survived the changes of intervening years. In 1828 John B. Esselstyn, collector of customs at Cape Vincent, established a branch office at the bay, for even then much merchandise was brought from Canada into the state, and some of it was subject to import duty. From that time a customs office has been maintained at this place. In 1846, when Andrew Cornwall came to the bay, Azariah Walton and his son Lyman A. were doing an extensive business in general trade at the upper wharf, while John W. Fuller kept a large store and stock of goods at the lower wharf. Indeed, these were the only locali ties then known, and an inquiry for anything local was answered with direction to either the upper or lower wharf. In 1846 Mr. Cornwall succeeded the senior Walton in business and became partner with the son, under the firm name of L. A. Walton & Co. Five years later Lyman A. Walton died, and his interest went to John F. Walton, the firm then changing to Cornwall & Walton, and so continued until 1877, when it was dissolved. Mr. Cornwall then took his sons into business and established the firm of Cornwall Brothers, one of the largest and best known houses in northern Jefferson county. Their store is a large stone building standing conspicuously on the upper wharf, and is still the common trading center of the vicinity although during the last quarter of a century mercantile interests have extended back from the river front, while the old part of the settlement is now occupied by the long estab lished Cornwall and Thompson stores, the custom house, and the two magnificent hotels which have brought thousands of summer visitors to Alexandria Bay, and at the same time have been the means of dis- THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 439 tributing goodly sums of money among local institutions which make up this noted village. Alexandria Bay began to attract attention as a resort about 1850, although not until about 1S67 or '68 did the place gain any prominence in that respect. Dr. Hough, in his account published in 1854, says: "This village has within ten years become a fashionable resort for fish ing parties, and the romantic scenery of the islands presents attractions for those who take pleasure in observing the quiet and beautiful in nature, which has scarcely a parallel. Nor is the geology and natural history of this section without its romance, and the observer can scarcely advance a step without having his attention arrested by some interesting feature which affords subject for thought and admiration." Half a century, however, has witnessed many changes in the condition of things about Alexandria Bay and its adjacent islands. Then they were covered with a splendid growth of forest trees, and little had been done to develop the locality other than as nature had ordained. Now the forests have disappeared and every island, great or small, has its beautiful cottage, upon which many thousand dollars have been ex pended in adorning and beautifying, while its wealthy owner annually spends other thousands in occupying his property and entertaining friends. Much of the popularity and fame of Alexandria Bay as a summer resort can be traced to the individual efforts of less than half a dozen men, conspicuous among whom have been the Waltons, John W. Fuller, Andrew Cornwall, Charles Crossmon and Col. O. G. Staples. Mr. Crossmon came to the bay in 1846 and two years later succeeded to the hotel business formerly carried on by his father-in-law, Moses Smith. In tbe course of the next ten years he began holding out in ducements to summer visitors, and even thus early the village had its regular annual summer patrons, who "put up" at his hotel. In this way the fame of the locality was spread throughout the land, but in the meantime Andrew Cornwall and John F. Walton had become own ers of the islands, which were covered with timber. They were soon cleared of their growth, which was converted into lumber and wood, and thus stripped were sold to whoever would purchase for nominal consideration and build and maintain a summer cottage. For example: Hart's island, which sold for $20,000, was deeded to Mr. Hart for $300; Pullman's island was sold to George M. Pullman for $25, but he un doubtedly expended more than $250,000 in building beautiful " Castle 440 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rest," and otherwise adorning the island. These original owners, the Waltons and -Mr. Cornwall, certainly possessed excellent business sagacity when they thus disposed of their island possessions. However this may have been, the results have been apparent, and to-day Alex andria Bay stands at the head of the famous summer resorts of the Thousand islands. The prominence of the region became fully established about 1872, in which year was thrown open to the public the celebrated Crossmon house, the property of Charles Crossmon, and under his immediate management, and within its walls have been entertained many of the most eminent men of the nation, and distinguished foreign visitors in almost equal number. In that year General Grant and family were the guests of Mr. Pullman, the Crossmon at the same time furnishing a banquet for 300 members of the state editorial association. These events alone brought thousands of visitors to the bay, every one of whom afterward proclaimed the beauties of the Thousand islands, and particularly of Alexandria Bay. Thus the region became famous. In 1872-73 the magnificent Thousand Island house was built with a capacity for 300 guests. The Crossmon is one of the largest houses on the river, and is also, perhaps, the most popular. The Thousand Island house has a greater capacity, and occupies a commanding site above the " upper wharf," as known half a century ago. These hotels, with a united capacity for the accommodation of more than 500 guests, have been tbe means of building up the village to its present population and business importance. In 1850 there were 27 dwellings, 30 families and about 165 inhabitants. Twenty-five years later the interests comprised the Crossmon and Thousand Island Houses, three general stores, a saw and plaster mill, several small shops, and about 500 inhabitants. At the present time the fixed resident population is about 1,500, with more than double that number during the summer season. There are seven hotels, viz: The Crossmon, C. W. Crossmon, proprietor; the Thousand Island house, Col. O. G. Staples, proprietor; the Marsden, a good commercial hotel, P. K. Hayes, proprietor; the Jefferson, Z. Bigness, proprietor; the St. James, R. H. Service, pro prietor; the Bay View, Sanford McCue, proprietor, and the Columbia, Weston Fall, proprietor. This peculiar prominence has been the cause of enlarging the busi ness interests of the village in every direction, and now, instead of a small hamlet of 500 inhabitants and a few general stores, there is the THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 441 prosperous and progressive village of three times that number of people, at least twenty good stores of all kinds, a good hall for public enter tainments, a superior school, several well established church societies, and in fact all the adjuncts of any thrifty, enterprising municipality. Briefly, let us recall these various interests. The merchants are Cornwall Bros., general store; Wm. H. Thompson & Son, hard ware; Tilt cc Fall, furniture; Willard Davis, flour and feed; George Manning, liquors ; Isaac Freedman, general store; J. C. Groub & Co., clothing; E. Houghton, grocery; Wm. M. Thomson, dry goods; C. H. Potter, dry goods; W. T. Bascom, drugs; J. D. Everson, grocer; Walter Fox, general store; Geo. Beebe, grocer; S. B. Miller and Byron Pierce, meat markets; Henry Hartman, hardware; John Kepler, bottler. Incorporation. — In 1878 the people determined to incorporate the vil lage, and accordingly Isaac I. Everson took the census and found the proposed district to contain 638 inhabitants. George Rockwell made the necessary surveys, and included within the limits about 930 acres of land, being about 390 acres of mainland, about 50 acres of Pullman's, Welcome, Nobby, Friendly, Rye, Maude, Florence, Hart's, Gussie and Steamboat islands, the Isle Imperial and the Manhattan group, and also about 90 acres "under the water of St. Lawrence river." On October 22, 1878, a special election was held to determine tbe question, and by a vote of 29 for, and one against, the measure was carried. The first officers elected were Charles Walton, president; James Cline, Elisha W. Visger and Wm. H. Thompson, trustees, and Harvey A. Cornwall, clerk. The suc cession of village presidents has been as follows-. Charles Walton, 1878-79; Andrew Cornwall, 1880-83; Ira Bascom, 1884; Frank W. Barker, 1885-86; H. H. George, 1887; Andrew C. Cornwall, 1888-89; William T. Bascom, 1890-91; Samuel B. Miller, 1892-93; Harvey A. Cornwall, 1894; Arthur J. Thompson, 1895; Harvey A. Corn wall, 1896-97. As a matter of historic interest the statement may be made that John I. Everson has been village collector since incorporation, and still holds the office. John Fox was treasurer from 1878 to 1895, and was then succeeded by his brother, Walter Fox, the present incumbent. The first Schoolhouse on the village site was built in 1821, but was soon replaced with a more substantial frame building when the lands in the vicinity had become settled. Previous to 1892 the village school was maintained under the district system of the town, but nevertheless was one of the largest and best institutions of its class in the county. The present large school building was erected in 1884, and was opened the next year. It was the graded school of district No. 5,Tiaving five de- 56 442 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. partments, under the principalship of John O'Leary. On April 4, 1892, the union free school district was established, thus still further elevat ing the standard of the institution. The number of pupils enrolled is 427; principal, Angelo O. Tucker. The present board of education comprises John Kepler, F. W. Barker and Joseph Northrup. Convention hall is one of the important institutions of the village, and was built not only for local occupancy but as well for conventions and public assemblages from other counties. The first public building on the site was the old skating rink, followed by the Alexandria Bay opera house, the latter built by an incorporated company with a capital of $1,300. The officers of the company were Walter Fox, president; John F. Walton, vice-president. H. A. Cornwall, secretary and treas urer, and A. H. Houghton, F. W. Barker and Calvin Wilson, directors. The opera house was burned in January, 1895, and in the same year was replaced with convention hall, built at the expense of the village, at a total cost of $8, 100. The hall is admirably arranged for all public assemblages. Its stage is large ; is furnished with all modern conven iences and fine scenery. The seating capacity of the hall is sufficient for 1,000 persons. Previous to about 1888 the village had no regularly organized fire de partment, but in that year the village hall and fire department building was erected at a ccst of about $1,550, by J. M. Ellis, contractor. The department, which comprises Singer steamer and its company (No. 1), Hume hook and ladder company, and also two efficient hose companies, was incorporated Sept. 8, 1897, under the name of "Fire department of Alexandria Bay, N. Y." . Alexandria lodge No. 297, F. & A. M., was instituted at Plessis in the summer of 1853, having about twenty charter members, and Jason Clark, master; Martin J. Hutchins, S. W. ; and Daniel Roof, J. W. The lodge subsequently removed its seat of operations to Alexandria Bay, and has been for many years one of the substantial institutions of the village and town, drawing its membership from both. It is also one of the strongest lodges in the county outside the county seat, and numbers about 150 members. The past masters have been as follows: Jason Clark, 1853; Daniel Roof, 1854; Martin J. Hutchins, 1855; Daniel Roof, 1856-60; Martin J. Hutchins, 1861-68; Moses C. Jewett, 1869-72; Andrew Cornwall, 1873-74; Moses C. Jewett, 1875; Harrison H. George, 1876-77; Walter Fox, 1878-79; William M. Thompson, 1880-88; Almon H. Houghton, 1889-90; Wm. T. Bascom, 1891-92; Almon H. Houghton, 1893; Wm. T. Bascom, 1894; A. H. Houghton, 1895; George B. Dobbins, 1896-97. THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 443 The Alexandria Bay steamboat company was organized in 1887 and incorporated in 1888: capital, $30,000. The first directors were O. P. Haddock, R. H. Hall, H. F. Inglehart, Geo. L. Doane, E. W. Visger, A. C. Cornwall, J. F. Walton, W.W. Butterfield, Anson Harder, Hiram Copley, C. E. Britton, O. G. Staples and B. B. Taggart. The purpose of tbe company was to build and maintain a line of steamers on the St. Lawrence, operating from Alexandria Bay. Two boats were put on the river and were run with a moderate degree of success for several years, but the company at last concluded to discontinue business, therefore sold their boats and in effect ceased to exist after the spring of 1897. A brief allusion to the ecclesiastical history of the village will be found of interest. As early as 1823 a Congregational society was organized here, with Dr. Jerre Carrier, N. Goodale, A. Goddard, Will iam Merrill and James Carnagie trustees. However, it soon ceased to exist, and not until December 22, 1835, was another formed, when the Methodists of this part of the town organized a society which has been permanent, although accompanied with many vicissitudes. The first chapel was built in 1839 at Alexandria Centre, that region being then quite thickly settled, while about the bay was hardly more than a handful of residents. The church and society at the bay is now the leading religious body of the village, numbering 110 full members and 50 probationers. The church edifice is a substantial structure, esti mated to be worth $3,400, and the parsonage, $2,100. This church is under the pastorate of Rev. F. E. Arthur. The society was incorpo rated July 16, 1878, as "The First Methodist Episcopal society of Alexandria Bay." The first trustees were Friend S. Truman, Daniel Springer, Wm. Norton, John Burdick and Samuel' Miller. The house of worship was built about that time. The Reformed church of 1000 isles, as at present organized, was in corporated February 2, 1881, but in its history the society dates back to the summer of 1846, when Rev. George W. Bethune, a noted divine of Brooklyn, N. Y., visited the bay and found its people without a re ligious body of any kind. Through his efforts and influence the Rev. Jerome A. Davenport came to the locality in the capacity of missionary, and also to assume charge of the Sunday school which had been formed as the result of Dr. Bethune's suggestions. In 1850 the board of mis sions of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church assumed charge over the local mission, and in May of the next year the stone meeting house was opened for ' services, having been built on lands donated by the 444 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 'heirs of the Depau estate. Rev. Anson Dubois then took charge of tbe society as pastor. On August 1, 1851, a church organization was per fected with thirteen constituent members, and at that time the -name ' ' The church of the Thousand islands " was adopted. No further change in the character of the society was made until 1881, but all through the period of its history this has been one of the strongest religious organi zations of the. town, both in members and influence. The present membership is 100; pastor, Rev. Isaac J. Van Hee, successor to Rev. George Z. Collier. The Church of St. Lawrence (Protestant Episcopal) of Alexandria Bay, was established as a mission in 1880, and is still maintained as such, although in the year mentioned a substantial church edifice was built, at a cost of about $10,000. The parish contains 16 resident fami lies, and is now without a rector. W. C. Browning is president of the board of trustees. St. Joseph's church (Roman Catholic) of Alexandria Bay, was or ganized as a mission in February, 1886. The church, known as St. Cyril's, was built in 1892-93, and was dedicated during the year last mentioned. It is still a mission, supplied from Redwood by Rev. Father McDermott. Redwood. — In the eastern part of the town of Alexandria, on the small but never failing stream which connects Edmunds (formerly Mud) lake with Butterfield lake, is the village called Redwood, but which, had the original intention of surveyor Clark been carried out, would have been known as Jamesville. The subject of incorporation has frequently been suggested to the people but that consummation has never been attained, although both population and business interests warrant such action. The village owes its existence, at least so far as founding was concerned, and much of its later prosperity, to the start ing of the somewhat historic glass company. In the spring of 1833 John S. Foster visited this part of the town, where, according to reports previously made to him, there existed an excellent water power, and also a superior quality of sand suitable for the manufacture of glass. The conditions and location were acceptable to Mr. Foster; the stream connecting the lakes offered abundant water power, as was proved by the previous erection and operation of both saw and grist mills by David Smith. Foster purchased from the Depau proprietary a thousand acres of land in this vicinity, and also received from them substantial assistance in his proposed enterprise, thus being THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 445 able to build (in 1833) the glass factory which led to founding the vil lage. Pioneer Foster had come from Redford, Clinton county, in allu sion to which place he named this hamlet Redwood, though the previous intention had been as above stated to name it Jamesville. The first glass was made Sept. 30, 1833, and thereafter an important industry was built up, but on Jan. 2, 1S34, the founder died, after which opera tions ceased for a time, and the property reverted to the Depau propri etary. The business, however, soon revived, and was conducted by Schmauss & Co., Gerlach & Son, Forbes & Co. and H. S. White, all with varying success. The next proprietors were De Zeng & Co., practical glass men from the works at Clyde. N. Y., the individual members of the firm being Lawrence W. De Zeng, Abner Burlingame and Theodore Hinman. Soon afterward Alexander Salisbury succeeded to the Hin- man industry, and the firm thus constituted continued tbe business until July 1, 1S53, when the Redwood glass manufacturing company assumed control. The capital of the company was $16,000, and the trustees were David Slack, Abner Burlingame, Robert N. Hoffman, Lawrence W. De Zeng, Alexander Salisbury, Hiram Gordon and Henry Campbell. In 1S59 W. W. Butterfield (who, by the way, is one of the most enterprising men of the village) became interested in the company and was elected its president. He soon afterward acquired all the stock by purchase, therefore owned the plant, which he operated from 1863 to 1874, when it was leased to a new concern for three years. It was poorly managed, hence unsuccessful, and at the end of the term came back to Mr. Butterfield, and by him was continued until business competition made this factory unprofitable. Thus it was that the starting of the glass factory in 1833 led to the building of this village. In the meantime, however, the plate had grown to a position of some importance, could boast of two or three good stores, two hotels, a grist mill, saw mill, carding machine and cloth factory, and about 350 inhabitants. Even then the question of incorporation was suggested, but not further progressed. The popula tion comprised Germans, Yankees and French, the former leading in point of numbers. The old Redwood iron company, incorporated in 1855, also contributed to local growth, though not an industry directly of the village. The grist mill previously mentioned was built in 1844, by Joseph Butterfield and W. W. White. The wool carding and cloth works were started in 1846. The present proprietor of the grist mill 446 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. is A. A. Holmes, but the cloth and carding mills are now things of the past. Among the more prominent early merchants of the place were W. W. Butterfield, J. Buckbee and Norton & McCollister, the latter firm from 1857 to 1866. Redwood is one of the most pleasantly situated hamlets in the north part of the county, where the inhabitants are thrifty, progressive and forehanded. It is the trading point for all the region, and the estab lished route of travel from the railroad to Alexandria Bay during the winter season. The road was built through the village in 1873, and the whole townspeople owe a debt of gratitude therefor to Mr. Butter field, although the town generously bonded to the extent of $60,000 to secure its construction. Henry S. White was another factor in this enterprise. A union school was established in 1859, and from that time the vil lage has maintained and generously supported one of the best non- academic institutions in this part of the county. The records of the district prior to 1872 were burned in an unfortunate fire, hence the names of the officiary previous to that time cannot be learned. How ever, in September, 1897, the school advanced still another degree by forming Redwood union free (school) district from old town district No. 15 of Alexandria. The board of education comprises Dr. E. E. Eddy, William E. Courtney and Fred Rebscher. The present mercantile and other business interests may be summarized about as follows: Nelson R. Cook, saw mill; A. A. Holmes, grist mill and coal dealer; Cook & Smith, sash, door and blind factory and planing mill; Holmes Bros. (F. T. & W. W. Holmes), general store; Christian Ahles, general store; Geo. Pilger & Son, groceries and boots and shoes ; C. A. Catlin, general store ; Geo. C. Tanner, drugs and groceries; Fred Carman, grocer; Elizabeth Nichols, grocer; Ellis J. White, gen eral hardware ; Peter Bert and Jacob Quencer, undertakers and cabinet makers ; Wm. Courtney, general store; Jere Rexford, jeweler; Geo. Hartman, tailor; Geo. A. Roy, meat market; T. H. Donald, insurance; Geo. Cable, Geo. Hyle, Wm. Kimball and Lewis Bruso, blacksmiths; George Bailey, harness shop; Cosgrove & Rebscher, dealers in all farmers' produce ; Anson Harder and Don A. Watson, attorneys and counsellors at law ; Robert Clink, Martin J. Hutchins, Charles A. Catlin, James E. Ryan and Elmer E. Eddy, physicians and surgeons. The Baptist church of Redwood, originally known as the second Bap tist church of Alexandria, was organized June 7, 1832, and was the second church of that denomination in the town, the first having been formed in the southwest part during the early years (the date being unknown) of the century, but soon dissolved. The constituent mem bers of the Redwood society were Jarius Chaffin, Lind Pierce, Isaac and THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 447 Daniel Leonard, Alvin Maxin, Nancy Cranck, Hannah Spearbeck, Mary Ann Lake, Drusilla Murray, Cynthia Leonard and Anna George. Meetings were held in private dwellings and schools houses until 1856, when a house of worship was built at Redwood village. The first pas tor was Elder C. Havens. The early life of this society was one of vicissitudes and struggles, but in later years it acquired a permanent growth and strength. The present members number about 60, with 100 attendants in the Sunday school. The pastor is Rev. V. G. Shaffer. St. Francis Xavier's church (Roman Catholic), of Redwood, had its origin in the masses said by missionary priests during the early forties, particularly by Father Capp. The parish was soon afterward formed, and included nearly all the Catholic families north of Theresa in the county. In 1848 the church edifice was erected, the material therefor being contributed by the liberal people of the locality. Father Mc Farland first officiated in the new structure. The present priest in charge is Rev. Father McDermott. St. James church, Episcopal, of Redwood, was organized Aug. 12, 1850, and in August of the next year the church edifice was completed and dedicated, Bishop Delancey officiating at that ceremony. The first wardens were Daniel Slack and A. M. Harrison ; vestrymen, Rich ard Gray, Lawrence De Zeng, Charles Clark, James Wright and Josiah Buckbee. The number of present communicants is 43. The rector is Rev. John Smiley. Wardens, W. A. Failing and C. W. Dollinger. The Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's church of Redwood was in formally established in 1850, and was the outgrowth of the missionary services of that faith held in the vicinity many years previously. The church was regularly organized in 1860, and in 1881 a house of worship was built. This society includes in its congregations nearly the entire German element of this part of tbe town, and is therefore strong in its influence and membership, numbering about 200 persons. The pastor, Rev. Francis Rudolph Hoffman, has served in that capacity since 1884. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Redwood was formed July 8, 1889, with ten constituent members, through the efforts of Rev. C. Phelps, and under the same efficient worker a house of worship was built in the two years following. Since that time the society has grown in members and influence though not yet in possession of suf ficient strength to support a separate pastor. The pulpit is supplied from Plessis by Rev. J. W. Higbey. Plessis. — The first improvement at this place was made in 1817 when 448 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Le Ray caused a grist mill to be built on the creek for the accom modation of the scattered settlers of the vicinity. To the creek and the hamlet were given the name of Plessis, in allusion to a place of that name in France; but to the settlers the locality was more commonly known as Flat Rock, from the abundance of surface sandstone found in this part of the town. In 1818 William Merrill came and built a log house, which was afterward used as a tavern. In 1826 landlord Mer rill was killed by John Powell, and upon conviction of the offense Powell was sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment. William Tan ner built the first framed house in the settlement, the same being after ward occupied as a store and dwelling. The first store was opened in 1820 by Lull & Walton; Jason Clark and William Shurtleff became owners of Le Ray grist mill, and rebuilt it in 1830. James Carter started a tannery on the village site in 1821. In the same year a Pres byterian society was organized. In 1826 a school house was built, and in 1833 the first meeting house was erected. Thus was Plessis established, and while almost three quarters of a century have passed since that time there has been but little growth in local interests and the only changes have been those of one genera tion succeeding another. The village is pleasantly situated in the southeastern part of the town, in a good agricultural region. The total population does not exceed 100 inhabitants, and the business interests are those needed to supply local demand. John H. Cline is proprietor of tbe grist and saw mills, both of which were the old so-called Jason Clark mills, of which mention has been made. The merchants are Augsbury & Wilcox, Makepeace & Son, and F. M. Walts, all doing business in a remote country village, but in these stores can be pur chased almost any commodity needed in any family of the town. There are also the customary shops and interests found in all such hamlets. The hotel is called the Central house, and is kept by Patrick Bailey. The village also has a good district school, and two churches. The Presby terian church was one of the pioneer institutions of the town, and was organized August 11, 1821, by Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, the old mission ary worker and pioneer of Champion. The original members were Aaron Goddard, James Carnegie, Lydia and Elizabeth Carnegie, Cynthia Merrill, Polly Young and Sally Hoadley. The first elders were David J. Weeks and Aaron Goddard. The first pastor was Rev. William B. Stowe. The early meetings were held in private dwellings until the union meeting house was completed in 1833, and in the latter THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 449 until 1861, when an attractive church edifice was erected by the society. It was dedicated in 1862, and was regarded as one of the finest country churches in the county. The organization has ever been maintained although the membership in more recent years has so materially de clined that a resident pastor is not regularly supported. The Metho dist Episcopal church at the village is of more recent formation, al though a class has been in existence in this part of the town for at least twenty-five years. From this the society has grown, drawing a part of its membership from tbe other church. Plessis forms a joint charge with Redwood, both churches having 140 full members and 8 proba tioners. The pastor is Rev. J. W. Higbey. Wells' Island is in many respects one of the most interesting districts within the jurisdiction of the town, and around it cluster many historic memories. Although the lands of the island were not patented until 1823 settlement there was begun in 1807 by Claudius Duclon, a French man, and of course a squatter, and about the same time, and thereafter continuing several years the splendid timber tracts suffered from the depredations of the lumber thieves who infested the region. There was some other straggling settlement on the island previous to the issue of the patents but the greatest acquisition in the way of population was between the years 1835 and 1850. The island contains 8,068 acres of land, and as good land for general agricultural purposes as can be found in the county, but nearly two-thirds of the territory is in the adjoining town of Orleans. In 1850 the inhabitants numbered 334, of whom 233 were in Orleans and 101 in this town. This population comprised Ger mans, French and Yankees, all of whom were devoted to the peaceful arts of agriculture until the region became famous as a summer resort, when the special production of sheep, lambs, poultry, eggs, butter, milk and vegetables became a staple industry and a source of profit to all engaged in it. This indeed has been a profitable employment for the farmers on the island, and with the products of their labor more than six hundred summer visitors are fed throughout the season. On the upper extremity of the island is the splendid Thousand Island park and its appurtenances, while at the lower end is Westminster park, less perhaps in extent but nevertheless of great importance during the out ing season. The Westminster Park association of the Thousand islands was in formally organized in 1875, and articles of association filed on January 3, 1876. The incorporators were Andrew Cornwall, Rosell C. Collis, 57 450 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. George Gilbert, John D. Ellis and Norris Winslow. The capital was $50,000, and the purpose of the association was to purchase, lay out, divide and improve lands on Wells' island; to erect buildings thereon and to sell and lease lots. The trustees for the first year were the in corporators above named, and also Seth G. Pope, Wm. H. Kimball, Timothy Hough and Wm. S. Taylor. However, the association soon afterward deemed it prudent to reincorporate, and accordingly on Aug. 29, 1887, filed new articles, showing a capital of $30,000, and Andrew Cornwall, Rosell C. Collis, George Gilbert, John D. Huntington, Solon D. Hungerford and Patrick H. Agan as incorporators. The trustees named in the articles were the incorporators and S. B. Van Duzee, Lewis Lawrence and Philemon H. Fowler. The association then purchased 512 acres of land on the island, in cluding Picnic island adjoining, from Andrew Cornwall, but afterward sold to Cornwall Brothers 300 acres of the tract. Here in 1878 and 1879, the noted Westminister park was laid out and improved in the erection of a large hotel and other necessary buildings. The hotel was leased and the sale of lots was begun. As is well understood, the asso ciation is a Presbyterian organization, and has maintained that charac ter since its formation. In 1888, having a desire to enlarge the corpo rate powers of the association, and to avail themselves of the amended laws then recently passed by the legislature, another reincorporation was decided upon, which was carried into effect January 22d of that year. The first trustees were Andrew Cornwall, Rosell C. Collins, George Gilbert, John D. Huntington, Solon D. Hungerford, S. B. Van Duzee, Patrick H. Agan, Lewis Lawrence and Philemon H. Fow ler. Under this reorganization still greater improvements were made to the park property, and from that time to the present the association has enjoyed a healthful existence. Island Mary, commonly called Picnic Island, is association property and has been laid out in a delight ful park for small parties of pleasure seekers. In 1897 the association sold to the state twelve and one-half acres for the purposes of the re cently authorized international park. H. F. Inglehart & Son have been lessees of the hotel at the park for the last thirteen years. Central Park association was incorporated March 28, 1881, with $25,- 000 capital, by R. H. Hall, Pardon C. Williams, William G. Williams, J. F. Moffett and C. A. Holden. The association purchased from Mr. Grinnell 55 acres of mainland on the shores of the St. Lawrence, in the town of Alexandria. The tract is beautifully situated, and in many THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA. 451 respects resembles an island, being almost surrounded with water. The improvements made by the association were the survey and gen eral laying out of the park tract and the erection of the large hotel — tbe Central Park House. The tract has an abundant supply of good water. About a dozen cottages have been built, all of them handsome buildings. Lots are leased for 99 years. The present officers of the association are Sidney Cooper, president ; O. G. Staples, vice-president ; Joseph Atwell, secretary; Smith T. Woolworth, treasurer. The officers above mentioned, with Richard Marcy and Byron B. Taggart, comprise the board of trustees. Edgewood Park association was incorporated Aug. 27, 1886, for the purpose of erecting and managing a "summer home " at Edgewood Park, in the town of Alexandria. The capital was $50,000, and the incorporaters were J. M. Curtiss, J. S. Hartzell, William M. Thomson, John I. Cornwall and Elisha W. Visger. The life of the association was short ; its affairs were closed, and the property was sold to I. P Lamson of Cleveland, Ohio. The Thousand Island club is the most recent venture in this vast summer pleasure field, and was formed in 1897. A beautiful clubhouse was built on Welcome island, just above Alexandria Bay, and was opened to the public in June of the year mentioned. Supervisors.1— John D. Davidson, 1829-32; Jason Clark, 1833-35; John D. David son, 1836; Jason Clark, 1837; John W. Fuller, 1838; Michael Lewis, 1839-40; Alex. Salisbury, 1841 ; Jason Clark, at a special meeting, May, 1841 ; Jason Clark, 1842; Harvey D. Parker, 1843-49 ; George W. Clark, 1850; Moses C. Jewett, 1851; Harvey D. Parker, 1852; Andrew Cornwall, 1853-54; Jason Clark, 1855-57; W. W. Butterfield, 1858; Jason Clark, 1859; Andrew Cornwall, 1860; W. W. Butter field, 1861; Andrew Cornwall. 1862-65; W.W. Butterfield, 1866; Ebenezer Campbell, 1867; Joseph E. McAllister, 1868 ; Ebenezer Campbell, 1869 ; William M. Thompson, 1870-72; Newton Rand, 1873-74; Alfred A. Holmes, 1875-77; R. Gurnee, 1878-80; A. C. Cornwall, 1881-83 ; T. B. Marshall, 1884 ; A. Bicklehaupt, 1885-87 ; A. C. Corn wall, 1888; Fred. T. Holmes, 1889-93; William H. Thomson, 1894-97; Adam Bick lehaupt, 1898-99. 1 The town records, previous to 1829, are lost. 452 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XXIII. THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. On April 5, 1810, an act of tbe legislature divided the town of Le Ray, and taking therefrom 61,018 acres off the east side, created a new town by the name of Antwerp; so called in allusion to the Antwerp company of capitalists, who at one time owned a greater part of great lot No. 4, of the Macomb purchase. As the story is told in an earlier chapter, Constable, the agent of Macomb, sold in London to Charles Michael De Wolf, of the city of Antwerp, tract No. 4, for 300,000 florins (equal to $125,356). This was done April 12, 1793, and in June following, De Wolf sold the tract to the Antwerp company for 680,000 florins. Governeur Morris was the first agent of the company in Amer ica, and to him in that trust capacity a deed was executed by Constable, on behalf of the company, carrying title to 220, 000 acres of the tract, and including the present town of Antwerp. On Dec. 23, 1804, Morris, the agent, sold to Lewis R. Morris 49,280 acres of land within the bounds of the town, and tbe latter subsequently sold to Silvius Hoard 41 lots in tbe west part, adjoining Theresa. This was afterward known as the Cooper tract, in allusion to the interest acquired therein in 1817 by Abra ham Cooper, of Trenton, N. J. The remaining lands of the town, ex cepting three ranges of lots on the southeast side, were sold in 1808 by Morris to David Parish. This tract contained 29,033 acres and was set tled under agents of the Parish estate. Parish was an influential and wealthy banker of Hamburg, and by various purchases became pos sessed of vast tracts of land in northern New York. His first agent to sell and settle the lands was John Jenison, succeeded by Silvius Hoard,1 and the latter, in 1824, by William McAllaster. The geographical and topographical features of this large and splen did jurisdiction are not remarkable (except, perhaps, in the locality known as pulpit rock), but in geographical formation the town has strong distinguishing characteristics. Antwerp is the extreme eastern town of the county, and is bounded north by St. Lawrence and east by i Silvius Hoard was father of Charles B. Hoard, member of congress, 1856-58. THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 453 Lewis county. In the north and east portions the land surface is broken by low, rocky ridges which are parallel with Indian river. The westerly part is more level. The soil in the valleys is chiefly a clayey loam, and is very fertile, yielding abundantly in all agricultural pro ducts, especially in grass and hay. It is an historical fact that forty and more years ago the town produced more and better butter than any division of the county, and in 1855, with a single exception, had the greatest number of cows of any town in the state. The ridges are com posed of masses of gneiss, a product which was an early source of busi ness and profit to the inhabitants, for between the years 1805 and 1828 about one hundred pairs of millstones were manufactured from that rock in the town. Another geological peculiarity is a local deposit of white crystalline limestone, which was found especially valuable for lime, and also was much used as a "flux" for the iron ores produced in the region. A rich sandstone also prevails in certain localities, fur nishing excellent material for building purposes, and was formerly much used as a lining for the furnaces. However, between the gneiss and sandstone was found several of the richest iron ores in the state, the presence and discovery of which resulted in the most important commercial industry in the history of the town, and one which during the period of its active operation furnished employment to hundreds of men and brought comfort and wealth to many families. Among the iron mines of early days those which appear to possess historic interest were the Sterling mine, about three miles north of Antwerp village ; the Keene mine, on the St. Lawrence county border; the Parish mine, in the same vicinity, and still others of more recent discovery and de velopments, which are further mentioned on later pages of this chapter, but which have been an important element in the progress of the town. Bog ore was found in considerable quantities near Ox Bow, a region which for the richness and abundance of its mineral specimens has sel dom been equalled. One or two sulphur springs were also discovered in the town but were of minor importance in comparison with the other mineral deposits. The principal watercourse of Antwerp is the Indian river, a stream of considerable magnitude, which enters the town from Wilna, on the south border; thence flows an exceedingly devious though generally north course to a point about three miles east of Antwerp village; then turns abruptly to the west and south and courses into Philadelphia. The Oswegatchie river enters the town from St. Lawrence county, and 454 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. flows about three miles in tbe form of a bow (hence the name Ox Bow), then turns north from the town, crossing the boundary less than one and one half miles west from the point of entrance. Vrooman and Sherman lakes are small bodies of water south of Ox Bow, both of which are tributaries of the Oswegatchie, although between them, and into which both discharge, is a creek, the source of which is Moon lake, chiefly in Theresa. Settlement in Antwerp was begun in 1803, while the territory formed a part of Brownville. In that year Captain William Lee and Peter Vrooman came and built log houses on the route of travel between the long falls on Black river (Carthage) and St. Lawrence county. Cap tain Lee located on the line of the state road, on lot No. 657, while Vrooman made his improvement at the Ox Bow, within the limits of the village now so called. Both were squatters, claiming no title, but each opened his house as a tavern to accommodate the settlers journey ing into localities further north. Each of these worthies was quieted in his possession by the agent of the proprietary, for the public houses opened by them were a great convenience. Lee took title to his tract in 1805, but sold out after a few vears, removing further north, and was succeeded as landlord by Mordecai F. Cook. The old Cook tavern on lot 657 became a somewhat famous resort in later years. It was centrally located, therefore early town meetings were frequently held there. Here also were held general trainings in the old militia dscys, when the farmer and the mechanic alike would abandon toil and attend the muster to eat Yankee gingerbread and en joy a day of jollification. During the embargo days, this was a resort for smugglers, for the old Oswegatchie road was a noted thoroughfare for the transportation of goods to tbe river; and it occasionally hap pened that both smugglers and custom officers were at the same time sheltered under landlord Cook's hospitable roof. Peter Vrooman, whose tavern was at the Ox Bow, purchased the land in 1806, and thus was his title confirmed. The Oswegatchie road, on the line of which these pioneers settled, was first opened for travel in 1801, and was built by public subscrip tions from the land proprietors. It was the first traveled road north of Black river, and owed its existence to the efforts of Judge Nathan Ford the pioneer of Ogdensburgh. It extended from the east branch of Oswegatchie river to the Ox Bow, a distance of 26 miles ; thence to Indian river, 13 miles; thence to the long falls of Black river (Car- THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 455 thage), 13 miles; thence to Shaler's (Turin). The road, however, was only cut through and opened by the proprietors, and, if the journal kept by agent James Constable was correct, it was an exceedingly un comfortable thoroughfare of travel. Under the lottery act of April 9, 1804, a sum of money was raised for improving the road from the head of long falls to the mills of Judge Ford, at Oswegatchie. It was to be regularly opened six rods wide, and Judge Ford, J. Turner and Joseph Edsell were commissioners to supervise the work. The improved road was substantially completed in 1805. During the years 1803-06 James Constable made extended tours of observation and exploration in this part of the state, and in the course of his investigations became pretty well acquainted with the Oswe gatchie road and the settlers along its route. He occasionally stopped at both the Lee and Vrooman taverns, and, like the veteran travelers of later years, wrote complainingly of lodgings and fare. However, from his diary of daily experiences it is learned that in 1804 there were not more than three settlers on the lands now forming this town, two of whom were landlords Lee and Vrooman. In 1805 Con stable again journeyed over the road, and on August 16 once more "put up " at Lee's hostlery. At this time there were no more settlers, but he learned that General Lewis R. Morris, who had purchased the lands in 1804, had been over the road to arrange for immediate settle ment, but was then in Vermont. In this year Daniel Sterling made a settlement in the town, a mile north of Indian river, on the farm more recently owned by Bradford Sterling. Samuel G. Sterling, son of the pioneer, was the first white child born within the limits of the town. Daniel was also the father of James Sterling, who was so prominently connected with the iron-producing industry of the town. Indeed, from the time of this settlement some member of the Sterling family has ever since been associated with the history and development of Ant werp. Proprietor Morris was evidently energetic in his efforts to induce set tlement, for in 1806 he brought to the town several pioneer families, among them the Fosters (Edward, Edward, jr., John C, Hopestill), also John Bethel, Peter Raven, and Silas Ward. In the next year came Asa Hunt, Lyman Colburn, William Randall, Henry Adams and Allen Thompson. In 1808 the arrivals included Clark Lewis, Salmon White, Thadeus Park and Amos Kieth. In 1809 Amos and Warren Streeter and Caleb Cheeney came and settled in the locality, near the 456 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. families previously mentioned, all of whom were in that part of the town northeast of where Daniel Sterling made the first improvement. Moses and Reuben Nott, with their widowed mother, came soon after ward. On the road leading to the long falls (Carthage), Samuel Hub bard made the first settlement in 1805, followed soon afterward, and before the town was set off from Le Ray, by Dexter and Sherebiah Gibbs, Henry C. Baldwin, Amasa Sartwell, Almon Beecher and William Fletcher. Among the other early settlers, the first place of residence of whom is uncertain, may be mentioned James Parker, John Jenison, Daniel Heald, John Robinson, Zopher Holden (on Indian river), and Benajah Randall, in 1806; Samuel Griswold, David Coffeen and Zebulon Rockwell, in 1807; David Gill and Alfred Walker, in 1808 ; Richard Mc Allaster, Francis McAllaster, Isaac L. Hitchcock, Jonathan Marble, Jesse Jackson, John Pease, Daniel Heald and Timothy Ruggles, in 1809; Solomon Pepper, Jeduthan Kingsbury and Harrison Moseley, in 1810; Anson Cummings, Levi Wheelock, Benjamin Cook (on lot 690), John White and William McAllaster, in 1811 ; Asher Seymour, Willis Harris, Elkanah Pattndge, Ira Ward, Roswell Wilder, Elliot Lynde, Benj. Goodwin, Silas Brooks, Ezra Church, S. Beckwith and James Briggs, in or about the year 1812. Other settlers of the same period, and all believed to have been in the town previous to the war, were Silvius Hoard, the land agent and proprietor, Matthew Brooks, Samel Hendricks, James Chase, Oliver Stowell and Sylvanus Hall. There were still other early residents who were factors in local his tory more than half a century ago, though not perhaps entitled to be mentioned among the pioneers or early settlers, for when they came the foundation of the town's institutions had been laid, the hardships and privations of pioneer life were passed, and the resources of the lo cality were fairly well developed. In this connection may be recalled the Seaver family; also Oliver Webster and Ira Hinsdale, who were here in 1818; James Whitmore and the Gleason and Gillett families, as early as 1820; the Taylor (at Ox Bow) and Clark families about 1822; the Eggleston's in 1826; the Lamb and Rogers families about 1828, followed soon afterward by Ira Beaman, William Wilson, James Scott and Clark Willard and their families, until settlement was lost in later rapid growth and development. Indeed, from what has been stated, and from the many names of settlers thus recalled, it must be seen that proprietors Morris, Hoard and Parish were active in the disposition of their lands. In the very early years of the century it had been reported that the lands north of Black river were undesirable as a place of abode, but the rapid manner in which farm tracts were taken and occupied by permanent and substan- THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 457 tial setters would seem to indicate that the proprietors had effectually refuted these damaging reports, for in no part of Jefferson county were the lands more quickly taken and worked with better results than in remote Antwerp. It is true that now in the eastern part of the town is a considerable area of undeveloped territory, but notwithstanding that, and all the other disadvantages of locality and adverse reports concerning the character of the land, more than half a century ago Antwerp ranked first among the agricultural towns of the county, and to-day the inhabitants contend that it still maintains that elevated and desirable position. It has been estimated that in 1810 there were 75 settlers in the town, nearly all of whom were heads of families, and at the same time the total number of inhabitants was about 250. This was the result of five years of development, and it was not surprising that a people so active in all personal concerns in life should seek the creation of a separate town in that portion of the large county in which they lived. Organization. — The act of creating the town from Le Ray was passed by the legislature April 5, 1810, and the territory then set off was of the same extent in area as at the present time. In 1813 the boundaries were accurately defined, and will be found in a general chapter of this work. The first town meeting in Antwerp was held at the house of Francis McAllaster (then' occupied by William Fletcher, an inn-keeper) on March 5, 1811, when officers were elected as follows: Daniel Heald, -supervisor ; Samuel Randall, town clerk ; John Jenison, Zopher Holden and Silas Ward, assessors ; Francis McAllaster, Oliver Stowell and Elkanah Pattridge, commissioners of highways; William Fletcher and John C. Foster, over seers of the poor; Daniel Sterling, Jeduthan Kingsbury, Salmon White, Matthew Brooks and Samuel Hendricks, overseers of highways ; Elkanah Pattridge, constable and collector. Thus was the town organization' made complete, and thus was created and began to make separate history one of the most interesting civil divisions of Jefferson county. At that time the entire population was devoted to the peaceful arts of lumbering, potash making and gen eral agriculture, the established pursuits of the whole county, for even the county seat was then a hamlet. But it so happened at the time 1 The following is an extract from the records: " Resolved, that there be five dollars raised for the purpose of destroying the animal ivoolf, by a majority of said meeting, and payed, for each full grown woolf caught and killed in said town the ensuing year" (18'1). In 1816 a bounty of $1 was offered for foxes, and 25 cents for hen hawks. In 1835 a bounty of one shilling was offered for crows. In 1827-8 wolf bounties were $10; in 1839, $12, and in 1841-44, $20. 58 458 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. that our country was on the verge of a second war with Great Britain, and in carrying out the necessary provisions of law by the general gov ernment, it became necessary to enact and put in operation tbe some what injurious restrictions of the embargo laws, which during the period seemed to have a peculiarly distressing effect on the inhabitants of this part of the county. It was not that the smuggling operations were carried on here to a greater extent than elsewhere in the region, but the old Oswegatchie road was about the only recognized thoroughfare of travel and traffic connecting the upper Black river country with the frontier, and being thus remote from the established military centers, it afforded a ready and foi a time safe means of communication with the St. Lawrence and Canada. To stop this traffic the government sent Captain Timothy Tamblin with a company of militia to occupy the town. This was in 1808. The force was stationed at the forks of the two principal roads leading through the north part of the town into St. Lawrence county, their camp being a mile north of Antwerp village. Of course the presence of this armed force was opposed by the inhabit ants, and various minor incidents of the period are preserved showing the feeling and resentment occasioned thereby. War was soon after ward declared, the troops were withdrawn to the border, and the peo ple united in the common defense of their liberties and property. With the beginning of hostilities the Oswegatchie road again drew attention. Ogdensburgh was a poorly defended American post, and an Indian invasion from that quarter was greatly feared. On July 2, 1812, a special town meeting was assembled, and it was resolved to build a fort 20 x 36 feet in size on the ground, the second story being 20 x 40 feet. It was also resolved to build the fort north of the " Indian river 30 rods, in front of Sylvius Hoard's house." John Howe, Silas Ward and Oliver Hoard were appointed a building committee to superintend the construction, and were authorized to allow fifty cents per day for work, "to be paid by tax." On July 17 following, another meeting was called to devise " a proper method for our defense through a trag edy of war which is now beginning action between the United States and Great Britain," but at the meeting nothing was done except to re quire the persons working on the fort at fifty cents per day to ' ' board themselves. " However, the period passed without invasion of the ter ritory, and without more serious results than temporary delay in local growth and the loss of a few of the timid settlers. A majority of the early settlers in Antwerp were Vermonters, sturdy THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 459 and determined Yankees, who were drawn to the region by the repre sentations of General Morris, who came from Springfield, in that state, a locality noted for the grandeur of its hills and mountains. In 1806 he employed Silas Ward to build a saw mill at Antwerp village, then and for many years afterward known as Indian River. General Morris had disposed of his lands to settlers by giving deeds and taking mort gages for the unpaid portions of the purchase price, while David Parish (who had become a proprietor in 1808 by purchasing from Morris nearly 30,000 acres of land in the town) sold to settlers on contracts and gave deeds when payments were completed. This was of course fair enough, but through malice or wantonness some person circulated among the purchasers from Parish a report that they were in the hands of a tyrant, who would exact from them the last penny of his due, without mercy or leniency. This had an embarrassing effect, but the settlers were soon reassured by the personal pledges of Mr. Parish himself. The custom of reserving minerals to the proprietor also operated to retard settle ment in certain localities, though there was no attempt to develop the mining resources of the town until later years. In spite of all tbe embarrassments of early years the lands were set tled rapidly, and in 1814, four years after the town was created, the inhabitants numbered 303 ; and the succeeding five years witnessed a four- fold increase. However, as best indicating the growth in popula tion, reference is had to the census reports, from which it is learned that in 1820 the inhabitants numbered 1,319; 1825, 2,557; 1830, 2,412; 1835, 2,615; 1840, 3,109; 1845, 3,380; 1850, 3,665; 1855, 3,763; 1860, 3,313; 1865, 3,162; 1870, 3,310; 1875, 3,355; 1880, 3,414; 1890, 3,095; 1892, 2,908. From this is seen that the present population of Antwerp is less than at any time since about 1840. It is not within the province of this work to account for this decrease, yet various causes have contributed to that result, chief among which has been the practical abandonment of iron mining as an established industry in the town. The early proprietors were acquainted with the fact that in certain localities of Antwerp there existed valuable mineral deposits, but their full extent was not known until a later generation of enterprising resi dents began to develop this most valuable of 'its resources. David Parish was shrewd enough to see future possibilities in this direction, and therefore inserted a clause in his contracts with settlers reserving all mineral rights on the lands contracted to be sold by him. Yet it is 460 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. not thought this worthy proprietor ever profited by this reservation. So far as now known, the first attempt to develop this special industry was made in 1816, when Mr. Parish caused a forge and furnace to be built on Indian river, about a mile above Antwerp village. It was operated a few years, but with no material profit to its founder. The ores were also used at the furnace and forge at Carthage, but not until 1836 did the business begin in earnest in the town. In that year a su perior quality of red hematite ore was discovered in a swamp on the farm of Hopestill Foster, but the mineral rights here had been reserved to Parish. He attached no importance to the discovery and soon sold his interest in the bed to James Sterling (after whom the mine was named) for the most nominal consideration of $200. In the fall of that year ore from the mine was made into iron at the furnace at Sterling- ville, in Philadelphia. The mine was worked to a considerable depth and produced a superior quality of magnetic ore. After passing through various ownerships the mines became the property of the Jefferson iron company, which was incorporated Feb. 17, 1869 (capital $100,000), by Kellogg H. Loomis, Hiram W. Moore and Edward B. Bulkley. The company was in active existence for a period of about twenty years, and was one of the important institutions of the town. Its controlling spirit was Mr. Bulkley, one of the prominent figures in Antwerp history until a quite recent date. The Sterling mine was on lot No. 689, and next south of it was the White ore bed, on lot No. 688, which was opened in 1848 by Mr. Parish. The ores produced here had not the superior quality of those in the Sterling mine, hence were not as extensively worked. The Ward mine was opened in 1852 on the farm of Nathan W. Ward, and afterward yielded a large quantity of good quality of ore. This bed was on the line between lots Nos. 686 and 687, and like the Sterling and other mines of the town was perhaps most extensively worked by the Jeffer son iron company, although other proprietors had a part in its opera tion. Between the Ward and White mines was the Dickson, which was also opened under lease from Parish, by A. P. Sterling and Edgar Peckham, in 1870. At that time these producers also built a forge on Indian river, above Sterlingburgh. This mineral right with that of the Ward mine, was soon sold to George F. Paddock & Co., of Watertown, and the latter interest was sold at forced sale in 1876 to A. F. Barker. Both mines soon afterward passed into the control of the Jefferson iron company. Under the Paddock & Co., and the Northern New York THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 461 iron mining company operation, a branch railroad was built from Ant werp village to the White and Ward ore beds, a distance of about a mile and one-half, but was afterward extended by the Jefferson iron company to the old Sterling beds. The Colburn mine was opened still later but was not so extensive as the older beds. Soon after 1870 all the unsold reserved mineral rights owned by the Parish estate were sold in bulk to one Ario Pardee, of Hazel ton, Penn., by whom another bed was also opened above the Sterling. The enterprise was not suc cessful, hence was discontinued after a short time. When this general transfer was made, the opinion became current that the Antwerp ore beds were about to be developed to their fullest extent, and that a period of great prosperity was in store for all the people. But disappointment followed, and even then mining in the town had passed its height. Previous to the construction of the rail road (1855) it was no uncommon event to count daily two hundred wagon loaded with ores on the way from the mines to the furnaces at Philadelphia, Carthage, and also at Rossie in St. Lawrence county, and to still other points in Lewis county. Even the north part of the town enjoyed a prominence in ore producing, for the old and noted Keene beds lay only a few rods from the county line. The bed was discovered by Col. Hiram B. Keene while plowing land for winter wheat. His right was sold to Caleb Essington, of Sterlingville, and Mr. Munson, of Utica, and was by them opened in 1838. The Fuller bed was opened soon afterward in the same vicinity. A branch rail road was built from Keene station to the beds, which were most exten sively worked by the Rossie iron mining company, a St. Lawrence county corporation which operated in this county and vicinity. Other mines of less note have also been opened and worked in Antwerp, and other operators and companies have also been in the field during the fifty years of this special industry. The business began in fact in 1836 and ended about 1890. It was at its height between 1845 and 1865, and the subsequent decline was not due to the exhaustion of the ore, but rather to the competition of new and more easily worked fields in other states, and the cheaper rates of transportation granted them, both in the shipment of raw material and its products. Since 1889 and 1890 there has been little attempt at ore producing in this town. At one time stone quarrying was an established industry in Antwerp. The pioneers in this work were David Coffeen and James Parker, who about 1806 opened the Parker ledge on the state road, between Lee's 462 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tavern and Ox Bow. It was from this quarry that a hundred pair of millstones, previously mentioned in this chapter, were manufactured, but in addition the old Church mill at Antwerp village was also built with the product of the Parker ledge. The stone of the town is of the Potsdam sandstone quality, especially valuable for building pur poses. Among the principal quarries of the past (for the industry has not been kept up), were the Parker, the Render Bros., two miles north of the village, and another on the Jasper Robinson farm. Antwerp Village. — On the site where now stands a prosperous village of one thousand inhabitants, General Morris, the proprietor, in 1805 employed Samuel Hubbard to build a dam across Indian river, and in the next year Silas Ward began the erection of a saw mill. Sometime during these early years the settlement took the name of Indian River, and thus was founded a village which has endured to the present time. Ward also built a small frame house on the site of the Proctor house, which Gershom Mattoon opened as a tavern. Later landlords of the old hostelry were Jeduthan Kingsbury, William Fletcher and Francis McAllaster. In 1807 John Jenison became agent for the Morris pro prietary, and was continued in that capacity under David Parish, who purchased from Morris. He established a land office at the settlement, the building being in the south part of the village, nearly opposite the George D. McAllaster residence. Jenison was succeeded by Silvius Hoard, and the latter by William McAllaster, under whom the pro prietary was closed. These agents were of course active in disposing of the lands, but at the same time they gave some attention to building up tbe hamlet. In 1808 Dr. Samuel Randall, the first physician of the town, came and began his career, and in the next year was appointed the first postmaster of the village. The office was kept in his house, about opposite the Congregational church. In 1810 Ezra Church built a grist mill (using grinding stones of the old Parker quarry), for Mr. Parish, and while this old industry was owned by Parish until 1839, it was more commonly known as the Church mill. About 1812 Church also built a carding and cloth mill at the south end of the dam (where the Bethel planing mills afterward stood), and was its proprietor until 1828, when Ezra and Thomar. Wait succeeded him. Afterwards new buildings were erected and the cloth mills were an industry of the vil lage until about the time of the war of 1861-65. The Waits, Milo Shattuck, Reuben Wilmot, Elijah Fulton and the Church brothers were connected with their operation. THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 463 The first tannery was built about 1812, by Isaac L. Hitchcock, but was sold to Luther Conklin in 1815. The building was burned many years ago. Near the tannery stood the distillery built about 1820 by Emmons & Bissell. Both of these industries stood nearly opposite the head of Depot street. The first village merchant was Zebulon H. Cooper, who opened the "yellow store " in 1810. The second store was opened by Dr. Randall, and the third by Orrin Bush, both before 1815. At this time the owners of these interests lived in the village, and they, with the Frenchman, Bordeau (who kept a boarding house) and Major John Howe, together with the employees of the mills, com prised about all there was of the hamlet. The old fort or blockhouse, built in 1812, stood opposite Foster's hotel of later years, but it was never used for defensive purposes, therefore was torn down. Near the hotel site the first school house was built in 1813, on the north side of Main street, but in 1816 a new school building was erected in a more suitable locality on the hill. In 1816-17 proprietor Parish generously built a large brick meeting house for the free occupancy of all denomi nations. It was placed in charge of a committee comprising Major Howe, Silvius Hoard and Dr. Randall. This is said to have been the second church edifice in the county, and was the first brick structure in Antwerp. It is now the Catholic church edifice. Thus were established the infant institutions of the village, upon which later generations have built and enlarged. Of the early struct ures few indeed now remain except the old Catholic and Congregational church edifices, the brick school house and perhaps some of the old dwellings, but of all the old occupants none now survive. It is not assumed that in this brief sketch there has been recalled the names of all the factors, or even all the old time buildings in Antwerp village history, for such a record would be well-nigh impossible at this late day. However, some of the more prominent of the intermediate in terests may be recalled, in order that our narrative may be as complete as possible. During the years 1841-42, Isaiah Bailey built what has long been known as the Augsbury grist mill. It stood on the site of the old Church mill, the property having passed to Bailey from Pratt & Taylor, in 1839. It was burned two years later. Bailey sold about 1850 to Stebbins & Tomlinson, and they to Morgan Augsbury, in 1868. In 1884 it became known as the Antwerp roller flouring mill, when roller process machinery replaced the old stones. This mill is now operated 464 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. by W. S. & Frank A. Augsbury, sons of Morgan, who, with their abun dant power, pump the village supply of water to the stand-pipe, and also operate the machinery which supplies the corporation with electric lights. Edward Metcalf's planing mill was another of the old industries, and stood below the grist mill. It was burned and not rebuilt. The Isaac Westcott & Son cheese box factory stood near the Westcott mill, but that, too, is now gone. There were also the old Monroe saw mills, on the site of the still older Morris mill built in 1806. This power was long used for saw mill purposes and by many proprietors before it was abandoned. Bethel's planing mill and the Hogan foundry were built on the site where Ezra Church started the cloth mill about 1812. Both these industries survive. The foundry was started about 1857 by Joseph Newton, and was sold to D. & W. Hogan in 1873. The Crosby tannery, for many years an important local industry, but which now stands idle, was built by Josiah Drake, and David McAllaster about 1834. Among its many later proprietors were Lewis and James Hamb- lin, Fuller & Martin, James White, Mr. Snell and others previous to the ownership of G. N. Crosby & Co. Under the latter a business failure occurred and operation ceased. One of the early and commendable institutions of the village was the Antwerp Delphic library, established March 13, 1832, through the ef forts of Charles B. Hoard, William McAllaster, R. N. Randall, Samuel Gaines and Levi Miller, who were also its first trustees. The library was the source of much good in the early history of the village, but after the district school libraries were established its usefulness became impaired and the society dissolved. The Bank of- Antwerp has been one of the permanent and successful business enterprises of the village. It was established in 1872, by C. M. Coolidge. John D. Ellis became owner in 1874 and has since man aged its affairs. Throughout the period of its existence Albert Hoyt has filled the position of cashier. Incorporation. — In 1853, when all the resources of the town were being developed and operated to almost their fullest extent, the inhabitants of the village petitioned the court of sessions of the county for an order of incorporation. The special election required to determine the ques tion was held at Stowell & Taylor's hotel on July 30, and the proposi tion was carried by a vote of fifty- three for and three against the meas ure. The first survey included 660 acres of land, but a re-survey made THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 465 by Henry L. Scott in 1875 gave the village an area of 661.15 acres. The first village officers (elected Aug. 27, 1853) were Jonas S. Conkey, Solomon J. Childs and Edward L. Proctor, trustees; Publius D. Foster, village clerk. Mr. Conkey was chosen president of the board. In Oc tober following, William D. Carpenter and George W. Brown were also elected trustees, thus increasing the number to five. In 1871, under the provisions of the general act of 1870, the village was reincorporated, with enlarged municipal powers. As then established, Antwerp was an enterprising and attractive village of about 1,000 inhabitants, having resources as great as those of any similar municipality in the county, and men with means, energy and public spirit to successfully and safely conduct its business and internal affairs. However, twenty-five years have witnessed many changes in local history, and of the old structures and institutions of early days few now remain. At least twice during its history the vil lage has been visited with serious conflagrations, and by other occa sional fires many of the old buildings have been destroyed. Yet, among them all the most destructive fire was that of February 3, 1889, by which many valuable properties were burned, causing a loss of about $50,000. At that time the fire department was a wholly informal or ganization, and the means for extinguishing fires was limited to the hose and pumping system owned by the tannery proprietors. The village fire department was regularly organized in 1895, in pur suance of a resolution passed by the trustees in September of that year. It comprises a hose company and a hook and ladder company, each well equipped with sufficient apparatus. The department was incor porated December 5, 1895. The organization of the fire department was in a measure the outgrowth of the water supply system, established and put in operation in 1894. To accomplish this end the village bonded to the amount of $19,000, while the plant complete cost $20,000. A large stand-pipe was erected in an elevated part of the village, and from it main pipes were laid through the principal streets. Water is taken from Indian river, and pumped from the Augsbury mill to the stand-pipe, and thence dis tributed. The system is controlled by a commission comprising Roy H. Bent (pres.), G. W. Hall (secy.), J. D. Radigan and W. R. Smith. Supt. , James Quackenbush. The Antwerp village hall, a commodious and attractive brick and stone building, was erected at the public expense during the years 1896- 97. It cost $20,000, bonds being issued for $15,000. 59 466 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The soldiers' monument, a beautiful granite structure, was erected in 1893, and attests the public spiritedness and generosity of the people of the village. The Ives Seminary is one of the most notable and praiseworthy insti tutions of the village and town, and one which during the period of its history has been an instrument for good. It had its inception in the Antwerp liberal literary institute created under provisional charter, February 1, 1856. The charter was soon afterward extended to Febru ary 1, 1860, and in that year, the conditions having been fulfilled, was made absolute. The first trustees were John H. Conklin, Jonas S. Conkey, Charles B..Pond, Wm. Gill, Publius D. Foster, Ira Beaman, A. P. Sterling, Luther H. Bailey, Horace W. Seymour, A. H. McAllaster, E. G. Taylor, Almon Buell, Alvin Coolidge, Hiram B. Keene, Thomas Taite, James White, Solomon J. Childs and Chandler D. Waite. The erection of institute buildings in Antwerp village was begun in 1857, but was not completed until 1861, the dedication ceremony taking place May 9. The cost of the entire property (site and build ings) was $13,000, of which $7,000 was raised by general cash subscrip tion, and $3,000 by town bonds, leaving a debt of $3,000, a charge against the institution. This amount the state loaned (and afterward donated) to the trustees. The institution was opened for pupils May 20, 1861, J. M. Manning, principal, and two assistants. During the year, 120 pupils were received. The school was prudently managed, yet for some cause the tuition money failed to pay the expenses. In 1863, the management, being somewhat discouraged, offered the insti- stution to the state for a Normal school, but nothing was done. Again, in 1865, it was proposed to resolve the institute into a graded school, but this was not done. In 1868 the property was offered to the Pro testant Episcopal society, but the conditions of the offer were not accepted. About this time, however, Rev. L. Clark, on behalf of the Black River Methodist Episcopal conference, submitted a proposition to the board of trustees under which the institution should pass into control of that society. At a meeting held July 25, 1868, the trustees accepted the offer, and at the next session of the legislature the Black river conference seminary, with its accompanying management, super seded the old institution. The new officiary at once set about to place the seminary on a secure basis, and to establish a denominational school equal to any of its kind in this part of the state. In 1870-72, at an expense of $16,000 the THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 467 boarding hall was erected, and in 1873 an effort was made to create a fund of $30,000 to pay debts and establish an interest bearing reserve. This attempt was substantially successful, though more than five years passed before the fund was secured. Of the amount Williard Ives, of Watertown, generously contributed $8,000, and in recognition of his unselfish liberality on April 21, 1874, the name of the institution was changed to Ives seminary. In his will, Mr. Ives also made a substan tial bequest to the institution, but the validity of the instrument was questioned, and a contest followed which has not yet been determined. The principals of the seminary with period of service of each, have been as fol lows: J.M. Manning, 1861-66; Rev. J. Winslow, 1866-68; Rev. G. G. Dains. 1868-69; E. C. Bruce, 1869-71; S. M. Coon, 1871-72; J. R. Gordon, 1872-73; G. G. Dains, 1873-75 ; M. A. Veeder, 1S75-78 ; G. G. Dains, 1878-80 ; C. E. Hawkins, 1880-85 ; J. E, Ensign, 1885-86; J. D. Stay, 1886-87; E. M. Wheeler, 1887-91; S. C. Kimm, 1891-93; F. E. Arthur, 1893-97 ; Erwin H. Schuyler, 1897-. The presidents of the board of trustees have been Jonas A. Conkey, 1855-57 ; John P. Ellis, 1857-61; J. H. Conklin, 1861-62; Almon Buell, 1862-67; G. S. Sawens, 1867- 70; Rev. J. S. Dewey, 1870-73; Rev. I. S. Bingham, 1873-74; Willard Ives, 1874-96; Rev. J. B. Hammond, 1896-. The present trustees are J. B. Hammond, president ; L. S. Rogers, vice-president ; G. W. Hall, treasurer; and W. D. Marsh, T. D. Hall, G. H. Wood, C. E. Hawkins, O. J Bishop, S. O. Barnes, C. W. Brooks, C. M. Smith and C. C. Townsend. Sec retary of the board, Rev. W. H. Kanoff. In the history of the village the Ives seminary has been an impor tant factor for more than forty years. Its patronage has been drawn from the northern part of the state and largely from this and surround ing towns. In more recent years the boarding and ladies' hall has been used by the public school officials of the district. Indeed the presence of the seminary and the advantages offered by its course of study has in a measure retarded other educational interests in the vil lage, and this department of municipal life has not kept even step with growth in other directions. There has not been a village school more advanced than the district system, but the welfare of the youth has not been in any sense neglected. The old brick school house on the hill is still in use. In the village schools five competent teachers are annually employed. The present trustees are G. W. Hall, William Carpenter and Mrs. Alexander Copley. In writing of the institutions of Antwerp, a brief reference to the old burial ground is appropriate. The first cemetery plat was the old grounds on the hillside, in the northeast part of the village, but when it was first laid out for burial purposes is not definitely known. The 468 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. land was donated by David Parish. Among the earliest burials here were those of Richard McAllaster and his wife, the latter January >23, and he February 11, 1813. Hillside cemetery, the present " silent city " of the village dead was laid out in 1859, by the Antwerp rural cemetery association (incorporated). Queen of Sheba lodge, F. & A. M., the first fraternal body of the town was instituted at Antwerp soon after 1820, but during the anti- masonic period suspended, and was not revived; nor were its records preserved so far as now known. Antwerp lodge, No. 226, F. & A. M. was instituted in 1847, and has since maintained a healthful existence. The present members number 139 master masons, Fred Dixon Hall, master; J. H. Faichney, secretary. Tuscarora lodge, No. 250, I. O. O. F. , was organized in the village about 1846, but was dissolved in the course of the next twenty years. It was followed by Antwerp lodge, No. 477, a healthful organization having seventy-five members. J. A. Faichney, grand, Fred Hoiller, secretary. Notwithstanding the fact that during the last score of years there have been several business reverses which operated against general in terests of the locality, the village has ever been progressive and enjoyed a steady growth. Serious fires have destroyed much valuable property, yet generally the old structures were replaced with others more sub stantial and modern in appearance. Progress appears to have been the watchword of the people, and its results are seen on almost every hand. All business interests are well represented, and there is little evidence of over competition. The mercantile buildings are large and well stocked, and all the staples and many of the luxuries of domestic life are easily secured. The village stores draw trade from one of the best agricultural regions of the county, and while there may be a notice able lack in number of manufacturing enterprises, those in operation afford employment to the laboring classes. In addition to the interests of the past noted on preceding pages, a mention may here be made of the Antwerp chair company whose large factory building now stands unoccupied. The company was incorporated May 17, 1894, with $20,- 000 capital, and its stock was taken by almost every business man in the locality. Its period of operation was short, and business misfor tunes resulted in a receivership. The F. X. Beaumont cheese factory, one of the largest in the county, -was started in 1889, and receives milk from nearly all the farms within a radius of five miles. Incidental to THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 469 it is the milk sugar factory of Hayne & Whittaker, started in 1891, a novel industry, producing sugar from the whey of the cheese factory. The other manufacturing interests of the village are the Hogan Brothers' foundry, J. G. Bethel's sash, door and blind works, the Augs bury roller flour mill, the electric light plant, the small repair shops and works usual to all villages, while in the near vicinity are the ex tensive Copley mills and the Paddock excelsior factory. The First Congregational church of Antwerp was organized in July, 1819, by Rev. Isaac Clinton, a Presbyterian, then principal of old Low ville academy. It appears that a majority of the inhabitants who con stituted the original society were New England Congregationafists, and preferred to be governed by the rules of the church, but as Mr. Clinton was a strict Presbyterian, the society established was hardly in accord ance with the actual forms of either church. It was agreed that tbe minister employed should be of either faith, as chance suggested. The constituent members were William Randall, Percival Hawley, Edward Foster, Elijah Hoyt, Hosea Hough, Mrs. Hawley, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Eaton and Polly Copeland. However, a Presbyterian form of govern ment was maintained generally until June 3, 1854, when the members voted to adopt Congregational rules, thus terminating a period of strife which at one time threatened disruption to the society. During this time the pulpit was irregularly supplied, and the society was excluded from the meeting house by Mr. Parish on account of dissensions. In 1831 a small frame church edifice was begun by Japhet Chapin, and in 1852 the second edifice, commonly mentioned as the " old Congrega tional church," was erected at a cost of $6,000. The present edifice, the beautiful stone building, was erected in 1876, and cost $20,000. The society celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary December 28, 1894. The First Congregational church, as commonly known, is one of the strongest and most influential religious bodies in northern Jefferson county. Its present membership is 117 persons. Pastor, Rev. Duncan McGregor. The Antwerp village Baptist society was organized in 1824, and in cluded among its members David Coolidge, Jerome Woodbury, Eli Whitford and wife, Walter Colton, Obadiah Chamberlain and Richard Huntley. The early meetings were held in the old school house on the hill, but afterward the society purchased the old "Jubilee" building, erected by Dr. Randall for a dwelling, which they fitted up as a meet ing house. In 1843 a church edifice was erected on the hill, the same 470 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. which was occupied by the Methodist Protestant society. The Baptist society dissolved about 1865. St. Michael's Roman Catholic church at Antwerp was founded in 1849 as a mission, and in that year purchased the old meeting house built in 1816 by David Parish. St. Michael's parish includes all the Catholic families in the central part of the town. The priest in charge is Rev. O. L. Beadle. St. Paul's church (Episcopal) of Antwerp, was established in 1866, although regular services were held in the village for ten or more years previous to that time. The first rector was the Rev. J. Winslow. The church edifice was built in 1871-72, and cost $5,500. St. Paul's has now 56 communicants. The rector is Rev. Joseph H. Brown; wardens, A. L. Hilton and Charles Hocker. The Methodist Episcopal church of Antwerp was organized in July, 1863, with about 20 members, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Darius Simmons. A brick house of worship was completed and dedicated in January, 1872, but was burned January 5, 1877. A second brick edifice was built on the same site, and was dedicated December 4, 1877. This society, numerically, is the strongest in the town, numbering 160 mem bers and 10 probationers. The pastor is W. H. Kanoff. The Antwerp Methodist Protestant society, to which reference has been made, has no present abiding place in the village. However, in 1868 three classes of this denomination were formed in the town, one at Hall's corners, another in the Hoard neighborhood, and the third at Rockwell creek, all being under charge of Rev. T. D. White. In 1876 the Hall and Hoard classes united, and for ten or more years held meetings in the old Baptist meeting house in the village. The remain ing members of this church in the town now hold meetings in the school house at Nauvoo. Ox Bow. — In 1803 Peter Vrooman came from Johnstown and opened a small log tavern in the south part of what is now the village tract, on the line of the old Oswegatchie road. Pioneer Vrooman's selection for a site was fortunate, as the physical features of the surrounding region made this a natural center. Soon after this beginning Gen. Morris made his vast purchase of land from the Antwerp company, and a re port was circulated to the effect that he proposed to erect a dwelling for his own occupancy. This, however, was never done, although the proprietor did build a log house at the place. Soon after this the vil lage site was sold as a part of the 18,000 acre tract purchased by Silvius THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 471 Hoard, and in 1817 it formed a part of the Cooper tract, bought by Abraham Cooper, who was the founder in fact of the settlement. He came here in 1817 and opened the "yellow store " on the main village street, but in the next year built the stone store building which after ward became the Methodist meeting house. In this year Dr. Abner Benton, the first physician, came to the settlement. About 1820 Mr. Cooper also built a combined meeting and school house, which he gave for the public use for ten years, but in 1830 sold it to the Presbyterian society. Mr. Cooper also built a tavern, more pretentious than that kept by pioneer Vrooman, and made Solomon Loomis its landlord. Later proprietors of this famous hostelry were Lucas Gillet, John Pierce, Enos Brainard, Chas. S. Grem, George W. Wheeler, John Dodge and Ransom Howe. .In 1819 Ox Bow was made a post-office, Dr. Benton (postmaster) keeping the office in Cooper's store. It was afterward removed to the King & Gillett store, opened in 1825 by Rufus H. King and John J. Gillett, Cooper's former clerks. The village green or square was do nated to the public by Mr. Cooper. The great drawback, however, to the village location was the lack of sufficient water power for either saw or grist mills, therefore it never attained any special importance among the settled localities of the county. The first saw mill of the vicinity was that built at Vrooman's lake by Roswell Payne in 1850. This has always been regarded as a local industry. The only other im portant industry of the hamlet is the Spraker cheese factory. From the earliest settlement several stores have been maintained at Ox Bow, together with the shops and other adjuncts of rural villages. There has been nothing in the history of the place to attract business other than being a convenient trading center in a productive agricul tural region. The present interests comprise the Payne steam saw mill, the Spraker cheese factory, Clark's and Culbutson's general stores, Wm. Risdell's grocery (he also being postmaster), Cooper's hardware store, Felt's drug store, and Cory's hotel. The public buildings com prise the district school and the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal churches. The old cemetery at Ox Bow was laid out and donated to the public by Mr. Cooper in 1822, in which year his father, John Cooper, was buried there. The new cemetery was laid out in 1874, on lands purchased by Ira Hinsdale. The Ox Bow Presbyterian society of Rossie and Antwerp was formed May 15, 1820, followed soon afterward by the organization of the 472 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. church. Early meetings were held in the building erected by Mr. Cooper. The first pastor was Rev. James Sanford. In May, 1837, the church changed its name to "The Associate Reformed church of Ant werp and Rossie." At about the same time a virtual reorganization was effected, but later on a reunion with the Presbyterian general assembly was accomplished. In 1839 the stone edifice was erected, and was materially enlarged in 1861. This is one of the strong churches of the town, numbering about 120 members. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Mcintosh. The first Methodist Episcopal church of Ox Bow was organized in 1872, with 12 members, but since that time the number has increased to 62, with three probationers. The house of worship was built for other purposes, but in 1873 was remodeled for occupancy by the society. It is a stone building and presents a comfortable appearance. The present pastor is Rev. C. A. Miller. Sterlingburgh. — In the day of its greatest prosperity, the population of this hamlet was not more than an hundred inhabitants, nor was there more than twenty dwellings within its limits, yet it was an important and historic locality in the history of the town. The water power here was much better than that at Antwerp, therefore in 1816 David Parish began the work of constructing a dam and building a forge. The latter was in use about four years, and was abandoned in 1820. In 1824 William McAllaster, agent for Parish, erected the famous distillery from which it is said 15,700 barrels of proof whiskey were manufactured, and more than 1,000 head of cattle were fattened from the refuse of the stills, during the thirteen years of its operation. In 1834 a grist mill was built near the distillery, both taking power from the dam. This industry has ever since been maintained, and with extensive saw mills, is now operated by Alexander Copley. In 1846 the water privilege, mill and distillery buildings were sold to James Sterling, for whom the settlement was named. He built and operated the furnace and found- ery, and it was not until 1858 that this industry was abandoned. Later on the old "still house" was occupied as a cheese factory. In 1859 all this property passed into the ownership of Alexander Copley, sr., who established the permanent and important milling industry afterwards carried on by his sons, Alexander and Eugene Copley. The F. S. Paddock excelsior mill (above the Copley mills) is a more recent enter prise. All these industries are in a measure adjuncts of Antwerp vil lage, although outside the corporation limits. About a mile above THE TOWN OF ANTWERP. 473 Sterlingburgh, on the site of the old Hoard saw mill, A. P. Sterling and Edgar Peckham built a forge and furnace in 1870. The entire plant cost about $20,000, and for several years an extensive business Was carried on, furnishing employment to about one hundred men. However, the enterprise failed and the property passed into the hands of A. & E. Copley, proprietors, of Sterlingburgh. Spragueville, or as formerly known, Sprague's Corners, is a post ham let located chiefly on the St. Lawrence county side, but extending into Antwerp. The place was named from Isaac Sprague, one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity. The first settlers (on the Antwerp side) were Moses and Robert Parkinson and William Vebber, who came from Massachusetts. The hamlet is a convenient trading point for a pro ductive farming region, and in its gradual building up the church edi fices, district school and Carpenter's store were erected. Keene's sta tion, about half a mile west of the settlement, is the nearest railroad point. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Spragueville was formed January 12, 1837, and in that year the society purchased from Moses Burge a building site on the Antwerp side. A meeting house was then built, which was occupied until replaced by a more substantial structure in 1873. The society is small and forms a joint charge with Summerville, under the pastoral care of Rev. T. H. McClenthen. The Free Will Baptist Church of Sprague's Corners was formed about 1870, by a union of members of the Antwerp and Fowler Baptist societies, with members of a former Wesleyan Methodist society of the same locality. The Antwerp and Fowler society dated its organization to tbe year 1838, soon after which time a house of worship was built at Steele's Corners, near the county line. The Wesleyan society was or ganized September 1, 1845, by certain dissenting Methodists of the vicinity. Their meeting house was erected on the Antwerp road on lands donated by Allen Woodward, and was the same afterward occu pied by the united societies. The Free Will Baptist organization has been continuously maintained, though the membership is small, and drawn chiefly from the St. Lawrence county side. At the place called Steele's Corners, mentioned in the preceding paragraph, a hotel was built many years ago, and also a store, the own ers being Ebenezer Gillet and William Skinner. However, all evi dences of the little cross-roads settlement have now disappeared. Its location was about one mile southeast of Spragueville. 60 474 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Nauvoo is a small hamlet of half a dozen dwellings on Indian river, in the southeast part of the town, in the locality where formerly stood a saw and shingle mill. These industries are now gone. The Metho dist Protestants of this part of the town hold their occasional meetings in the Nauvoo district school. Supervisors.— Daniel Heald, 1811-17; Silvius Hoard, 1818-19; John Howe, 1820- 22; Silvius Hoard, 1823-24; John Howe, 1825-26; Joseph H. Bagg, 1827; Ralph Rogers, 1828; Wm. Skinner, 1829; Rufus H. King, 1830-32; David McAllaster, 1833- 34; Rufus H. King, 1835; Edward Fowler, 1836; Tilley R. Pratt, 1837-38; Rufus H. King, 1839 ; Wm. McAllaster, 1840 ; James White, 1841-42 ; Alanson Drake, 1843 ; Alden Adams, 1844-49; Joseph H. White, 1850-51; Josiah S. Conkey, 1852; John H. Conklin, 1853; Robert Ormiston, 1854; John H. Conklin, 1855-64; Levi Miller, 1865- 66; Elijah Fulton, 1867; Levi Miller, 1868; Hiram B. Keene, 1869; John D. Ellis, 1870 ; Hiram B. Keene, 1871-72; Elijah Fulton, 1873-74; Alonzo Chapin, 1875-76; George D. McAllaster, 1877-78 ; H. H. Bent, 1879-83; D. W. Sprague, 1884; Edward B. Bulkley, 1885; Leonard A. Bacon, 1886-89; Dr. Gary H. Wood, 1890-99. CHAPTER XXIV. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE.1 In 1797, when the town of Leyden was created from Steuben, there was not, so far as known now, a single white inhabitant in what afterward became Jefferson county north of Black river ; nor was there a single inhabitant of the same region previous to the settlement made at the mouth of Philomel creek in the year 1799 by Jacob Brown and the companions of his voyage down the river that spring. This worthy pioneer and developer must have been made of the " sterner stuff" of man's composition to attempt settlement' in a country almost unknown 1 Among the objects of antiquarian interest and prehistoric occupancy which have been dis covered in the county, may be mentioned the bone-pits, or deposit of human bones. One of these pits was formed near the village of Brownville, on the bank of Black river, and was 10 or 12 feet square, and about 4 feet deep. In it was found promiscuously heaped together a large number of human skeletons. These accumulations owe their origin to a remarkable custom common to the Indian tribes which occupied this section of the country of holding what was called the " feast of the dead," when the bones of their dead were exhumed and collected to gether, and with weird rites and ceremonies deposited in a common grave. The bonepit re ferred to was on the north bank of Black river, below Brownville, and a little below and on the opposite side of the road from the present village cemetery near where a small ravine crosses the highway. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 475 and unheard of, or to leave the pleasures and opportunities of life in New York city for the dangers and uncertainties to be met on the frontier of civilization. But adversity was always a hard master. Jacob Brown's early life was spent among scenes of wealth and pas times, for his father was a man of position, means and influence, and educated his sons for high places in professional and business life ; but disaster befell him, and Jacob was obliged to leave his studies and seek a means of livelihood. He cast about for a time, went to Ohio while the region was a territory, with a view to settlement, then returned east and began teaching school in New York. Here he met Rodolph Tillier, agent for the Chassanis lands, and was induced by his repre sentations to explore them and make a settlement in the locality that best pleased him. It was this errand that brought Jacob Brown to the high falls in the late winter of 1798-99, from whence in March follow ing he started down the river with several companions and helpers, with supplies and provisions for the journey. At the long falls, where was a little French settlement, the party left the boats and followed the old French road leading to the bend and thence to Clayton. Hav ing traveled a considerable distance along the road, they struck off to ward the river and reached the north bank less than two miles below Brownville, where the sound of a waterfall attracted attention. He followed up the river a short distance to the mouth of a small creek, where the pioneer saw a considerable volume of spring water discharg ing into the river, just below the falls. This place the party believed to be the head of navigation on the river, and the creek promised an abundant water power, therefore they stopped and made a camp. After making a survey of the locality, Mr. Brown decided to make this his future home, and to that end built a log house and cleared a small tract of land, which was planted. Thus was made the pioneer settlement in what afterward became Jefferson county north of Black river. To the stream flowing from the north the pioneer gave the name Philomel creek, from the fact of his hearing a nightingale sing ing among the trees along its banks. (The nightingale was otherwise known as "Philomela.") However, the course of the creek near its mouth was afterward changed by the settlers, who dug for it a channel more direct to the river. Havino- completed the cabin and cleared some land, the pioneer sent to his parents and family in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the news that all was ready for their coming; and on May 27, 1799, they came, by 476 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. way of the Mohawk, Oneida lake and Lake Ontario, all much fatigued by their long and tedious journey by land and water, but rejoiced at last to reach " home," though but few of their former comforts of life surrounded them in this vast, unbroken wilderness. The good old Quaker mother is said not to have smiled until more than six months after her arrival, but she never otherwise showed any feeling of dis couragement, and did not complain regarding the family misfortune. The companions of the pioneer on his first journey to the settlement were two men named Chambers and Ward, and he was also accom panied by several employees as boatmen or guides, who were not re called as settlers. In the Brown family who came in May were Samuel Brown and his wife, parents of the pioneer, also Christopher, John (afterward judge), Joseph, Mary (Mrs. Newland), Benjamin (the pio neer of Le Ray), Samuel (Major Brown), Hannah (Mrs. Skinner), William (who was drowned in Lake Erie during the war of 1812) and Abi (Mrs. Evans). Also one of the party was George Brown, a kins man, and his sons Henry and Thomas Brown. In addition were the boatmen and servants, in all numbering about twenty persons. This settlement was made on the site of the present village of Brownville, on the Chassanis tract, for the sale of lands of which, and as well of the great lot number four of the Macomb purchase, Jacob Brown became the agent, this being a part of his agreement with Till ier. Mr. Le Ray found the pioneer to be an earnest developer and made him his agent to a certain extent. He was also a land surveyor and was frequently employed by the proprietors and settlers in locating lot lines. Jacob Brown was one of the most prominent characters in early Jefferson county history. His efforts in settling the Chassanis and Le Ray lands proved him to be one of the most successful colonizers in northern New York, and his earnest and unselfish share in every im portant measure looking to the ultimate welfare of the county at large showed him to possess public spiritedness equal to if not beyond any of his cotemporaries. He earnestly advocated the claims of Brownville to the county buildings, but failing to secure for the hamlet the coveted designation, he was nevertheless a prominent factor in establishing the new county on a secure and permanent basis. In Brownville he was the controlling spirit of affairs until his death in 1828. During the war of 1812-15 he was the most patriotic and courageous officer in the army in New York, and it was his power and influence which organized and THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 477 held together the militia forces of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, constituting them a formidable body of soldiers and a terror to the British along the Canadian border. His title of "General" was honestly earned during the war, and no act of his ever brought dis credit to him or his descendants. In a brief biography Lossing, the historian, said of him : "Jacob Brown was born in Pennsylvania in May, 1775, of Quaker parentage. He died in the cit)- of Washington, in February, 1828. He was first a school teacher, then a land surveyor, and finally became a lawyer. While General Hamilton was acting chief commander of the army intended to fight the French in 1798, Brown was his secretary. He settled upon lands he had purchased upon the Black river, and was the founder of Brownville. He became a county judge, a militia general, and was placed in command of the northern frontier in 1812. He performed emi nent service during the war and received the thanks of congress and a. gold medal. He was made general-in-chief of the army in 1821. At his death his remains were ¦ buried in the Congressional burying ground." General Brown's wife was Pamelia Williams, daughter of Captain Williams, of Williamstown, and sister to Judge Nathan Williams of Utica. In 1800 General Brown brought his young wife to the settle ment at Brownville. She died April 14, 1878. A log house about twenty feet square served as a home for the Brown family during the first year of their residence in the town, and also served the purpose of a tavern, for the settlers who came into the region in that year were furnished food and shelter within that humble abode. During the year a new and larger log house was begun, but was not finished until 1801. This was a two-story building and was used as a store by the pioneer and his father.1 Richardson Avery, John W. Col lins, Nathan Parish and Horace Mathers also came to the town in 1799 and made settlements. The lands along Perch river were regarded as the most desirable then offered to settlers, all of whom in their " arti cles " of purchase agreed to clear a certain amount of land annually, and also erect a log house. This was not a condition single to the town, but was the custom of the period, especially among settlers who had not sufficient means to pay for their lands at the time of purchase. Although this year witnessed the arrival of many prosperous settlers, the number who remained and purchased lands was quite few, confined i Later on General Brown erected a substantial two-story stone mansion on Main street in the village, where was entertained Presidents Madison and Monroe during their terms of office. The grounds were surrounded with a strong, well built fence, and the posts at the gateway were capped with cannon balls. After General Brown's death the mansion passed into the hands of his son-in-law, Col. Edmund Kirby, and is now owned by Mrs. A. A. Clarke. 478 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to hardly more than half a dozen, so far as exists any present means of determining. In 1800 Jacob Brown held out unusual inducements to settlers by erecting a saw mill at the mouth of Philomel creek, thus furnishing the means of building houses; and in the fall he also built a grist mill on the same stream, that wheat, corn and grain might be resolved into condition for family use without the tedious and uncertain process of grinding or pounding in the traditional hollow stump. General Brown's mill obviated the necessity of this element of pioneership in the town. In this year many settlers came to the locality, and such as did come must have located in the town as now constituted, as it was not until the next year that Benjamin Brown left the family home and made an im provement in what is now Le Ray. The desirable points of settlement appear to have been the valley of Perch river and the point of land be tween Black river bay and Guffen's bay, commonly known as Pillar Point. Perch river valley extended from Perch lake to Black river, a distance of about fifteen miles, while Pillar Point was bounded on three sides by estuaries of the lake. Charles Welch and Otis Britton in 1800 began cutting a road from Brownville to the ferry at Chaumont, but winter compelled them to abandon the work. They also assisted Samuel Britton to build a house on the afterward known Crouch farm. In the fall of 1801 Charles Welch returned to the town with his young bride, and was accompanied by Nathan Welch arid Calvin (afterward general) Britton. Charles made a settlement near where the Parish family lived. His wife was Eunice Cole, and their son, also named Charles, was the first white child born north of Black river. Other settlers of this year were William Dillon, Capt. William Cole, Jonathan Webb and Stephen Gould. However, from records extant and the uncertain memory of man, the greatest difficulty has attended every effort to ascertain the names and date of settlement of the first families in this town. Brownville when created in 1802 was an immense territory, and the town records, so far as they throw any light on the subject, mention names of settlers only as they were connected with town history, and without regard to year or the portion of the jurisdiction in which the settlement was made. The memory of old residents is equally unreliable, and few indeed of the descendants of pioneers now in the town can recall the year of set tlement by their ancestor. Yet, having recourse to various records and papers, we may recall in a general way the names of nearly all who THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 479 were in the town previous to the closing years of the war of 1812-15. Subsequent to that time early settlement was at an end and last in the general development of the region. Deacon Oliver Bartholmew came to the Brown settlement in 1801, and was employed in building the bridge over the river which was com pleted in the next year. But the worthy deacon was a pioneer of Watertown, to which town he came in 1800. In 1802, or about that year, the settlers were Wm. Webb, father of Jonathan, William, Silas and Lewis Webb; also Leonard Wilson, John Cole, John Baxter (who took up 600 acres of land on both sides of Perch river), Isaac and Mel- vin Moffatt, Abner Wilson, Frederick Avery and Stephen Stanley, all in the river valley and near the Brown settlement. In the Pillar Point locality, to which reference has been made, the first settlers were Peter and Solomon Ingalls, Horatio Sprague, Eleazer Ball, Eliphalet Peck, Mr. Sherwin, Isaac Luther, Mr. Burlingame, Daniel Ackerman, Jeremiah Carpenter, Jesse Stone, George Rounds, James Douglass, Samuel Reed, Henry Adams, Luther Reed, Mr. Fol som, Henry Ward, and others whose names are now lost. In 1813 and '14, several years after Le Ray had been set off, the of ficers of the town divided the territory of Brownville into school dis tricts, and in several cases mentioned the families residing in and con stituting the district. By the record thus made we are able to furnish the names of many early settlers which otherwise might be omitted. However, the reader will understand that at that time the town included all now Brownville, and as well Pamelia, on the east, and Lyme, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Orleans and a part of Alexandria, on the west and north. In district No. 4, then created, the settlers were Luther Stevens, Barnabas Eaton, Josiah Bonney, Eber Palmer, Gage Meacham, Caleb J. Bates, John Parish, Samuel Hopper, Elijah Ainsworth, John Gould, David Augsbury, Soloman Makepeace, Eliot Makepeace, Abner Wood, William Moss, David Youngs, Stephen Gould and Joel Meacham. In district No. 12, which lay well to the north, were Levi Wheelock, John Folts, Eliot Alton, David Dillaback, Lewis Gould, Jeremiah Phelps, Joshua, Elisha and John Gustin, Elisha Gustin, jr., Erastus Cornwall, Peter Paddock, Nathaniel Whit ney, W. A. Silsby, Thomas Pudney, Orvin Davis. In district No. 3, in the north east corner of the town, the settlers were Henry Thomas, George and Cornelius Salisbury, Isaac Cornwall, Nathan Cole, John Stewart, John Shellmer, Daniel Corn wall, Curtis Golden, Samuel Ray, Henry Baker, Stephen Farr, Obadiah Rhodes, Benjamin Cole, Daniel Deming, Arnold Miller, Warren Steward, Samuel Cronkhite, William Stewart, Ephraim Strong, Jeremiah Cheeseman, Noah Lyman, Aaron 480 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dresser, John Dighton, Barnabas Dighton and M. L. Booth. In 1814 the families in district No. 2 were those of Anthony Graves, Josiah Dean, Ottis Britton, Moses Cole, Samuel Knapp, Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, jr., Charles Welch, William Cole, George Hoffman, Titus Gould, Ebenezer N. Britton and John Allen. In dis trict No. 5 in 1814 there lived Auhelus Doxey, Abner Brown, John Paddock, B. Dillaback, William Dillen, Edward Hawkins, Henry Brown, Thomas Brown, Henry Hentze, Joseph, Daniel and Isaac Pettit, Mr. Cleveland, William Maffle, Peter Acker, Daniel and Jacob Woodward and James Wright. Other early settlers, but at a date which cannot now be determined, were Captain William Knox, Robert Smith, Eliphalet Peck, Samuel Peck, Nathaniel Peck, Jacob Kilborn, Joseph Rhodes, James Pride, Henry Ward, Alexander Moffatt (who settled on the site of Limerick about 1805, and whose sons were Aquilla, Jonathan, Hosea, Alexander and Hinman), and the Emerson brothers, Jonathan, Elijah and Dustiu, who with their father settled in the town as early as 1805, and possibly in 1804. In the same neighborhood and about the same time settled Samuel Shelly, also Mr. Smith, the father of Hugh, Ely and Elias Smith. Isaac Day also lived here, and one Nelson, who built a mill at Limerick. On th'e site of Dexter, the early settlers were David Lyttle, Jeremiah Phelps and Solon Stone; and after them came Jeremiah Winegar, Kendall Hursley, Joshua Eaton, Jesse Babcock, Sylvanus Pool, John T. Wood, James A. Bell, Solomon Moyer, John P. Shelley and others until all the lands in the vicinity were taken and the hamlet established. From what has been stated in an informal way (for the absence of trustworthy records makes it impossible to assert definitely) it will be seen that the settlement in Brownville was rapid even from the time Jacob Brown and his party came here in the spring of 1799. Indeed, it could not well be otherwise, for the- proprietors extended to the set tlers every accommodation to enable them to make a good beginning, and under the assurances of agent Brown and Mr. Le Ray, to°-ether with the mills and stores started by each of them, it was then plain to be seen that this region was destined to become one of the most desir able parts of the entire northern country. The most fertile lands were naturally settled first, but the pioneers bought according to their means, and developed according to their energy. The valley of Perch river offered the best advantages, so far as the proximity of a water course was concerned, but those who settled on Pillar Point found there the most productive lands both in the early and more recent his tory of the town. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 481 Jacob Brown's party, with those who came later in the same year, gave tbe town a population of about 40 persons in 1799, while the succeed ing three years increased the number to probably 200 inhabitants. Even then the subject of a new county was under discussion in the re gion, and with an eye to the future of his hamlet the pioneer deter mined upon a new town in this part of Oneida county, to place his settlement on an equal footing with the recently created town of Watertown, and the little hamlet five miles up the river, which event ually became the county seat. To accomplish this, the settlers had recourse to the legislature, and on April 1, 1802, an act was passed creating tbe town of Brownville, and including within its boundaries all that part of Leyden which lay north of Black river " from a line run ning from tbe northwest corner of Champion, north 45 degrees east to the southwesterly bounds of St. Lawrence county. " The town thus created included alb that part of the Chassanis tract within this county, except a portion of Wilna, and all of great lot No. 4 in the county ex cept a part of Wilna and Antwerp. Of the two land companies owning the territory of the town, the agents of the Chassanis tract, or lands, made the more generous pro vision for the comfort and convenience of settlers, and proposed among other things to establish two cities, one of which, the "city of Basle," was to be located between Brownville and Dexter, as afterward laid out. Although this plan failed in realization the effect was accom plished, and tbe settlers founded villages to suit their own convenience. The proprietary also made reasonable provision for highways and other wise promptly carried out their promises so far as possible. The result was in the rapid settlement of the land and the consequent development of the resources of the region. Organization. — The creating act provided that the first town meeting be held at the bouse of Samuel and Jacob Brown, which was accordingly assembled but adjourned to the Brownville hotel, March 1, 1803, when these officers were elected : Jacob Brown, supervisor ; Isaac Collins, town clerk ; John W. Collins, Richard Smith and Peter Pratt, assessors ; John W. Collins, Ozias Preston, Samuel Starr, com'rs of highways; Ozias Preston, Richardson Avery, Henry A. Delemater, Samuel Brown, Benj. Brown, Wm. Rogers, Abijah Putnam, fence viewers; Samuel Brown, Samuel Starr, overseers of the poor; Samuel Brown, Sanford Langworthy, Caleb J. Bates, Sylvanus Fish, Henry A. Delemater, Frederick Sprague, George Waffle, Ethni Evans, pathmasters; John W. Collins, Henry A. Delemater, Samuel Brown, poundmasters. • 61 482 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first reduction in the territory of Brownville was made in 1806, when Le Ray was created and took from the mother town all that part thereof which lay east of the east line of Penet's square, the line being extended from St. Lawrence to Black river. March 6, 1818, Lyme was formed and included the town now so called, a part of Clayton and all of Cape Vincent. In 1819 Pamelia was set off, and in 1821 Orleans and Alexandria were erected, the former wholly and the latter in part from this town. Thus Brownville was reduced to its present limits, and contains 34,378 acres of land. In connection with this branch of history were some interesting events.1 It was the custom of the settlers to hold town meetings at Brownville, but occasionally the voters met at other places for the ac commodation of residents in the remote localities. In 1820 the meeting was held at Perch river, and after electing a portion of the officers an adjournment was had to the house of Edward Arnold, on Penet's square, to reassemble the next day. This was done with design to elect a town clerk and some other town officers from that region, but the action was so unusual that at the adjourned meeting the residents of the south part of the town came out in force, reconsidered the vote for clerk, and voted another adjournment to the dwelling of Elias Bennett, at Brownville, and elected the remaining officers from the south part of the town. This action, however, was the occasion of much feeling, and the creation of Orleans in the next year was the re sult. At the same time it was proposed to create three new towns from the territory of Brownville, and to reannex Pamelia, but with the exception of the formation of the towns noted the measure was de feated. As now constituted Brownville is one of the most important divisions of the county, and is also one of the most historic in the region. The foundation of its institutions was firmly laid by the best element of pioneership and from that time it has held a position of commanding influence in the affairs of the county. Within the town are the head waters of the Black river navigation, and while Jacob Brown naturally mistook his hamlet for the highest navigable point on the river his calculations were not far amiss, and the town benefited by his early endeavors to establish river traffic at the village. 'In 1804 the town paid $15 wolf bounty, and continued to pay in subsequent years, in offers varying from $15 to $25. Fox bounties were paid at from 50 cents to $3.50. In 1806 a bounty of $10 was paid for panthers. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 483 The natural physical features of Brownville are not unlike those of other towns in the region, the soil being a sandy and clayey loam. The sulphate of barytes has been found in considerable quantities in the Pil lar Point vicinity, and was formerly worked to some extent for lithic paint. On the west bank of Perch river, a short distance below Lim erick, the settlers found a cave, extending 150 yards into the bank, and several feet below the surface. The falls at Brownville and Dexter furnish a water power unsurpassed for manufacturing purposes, and the auxiliary waters of Perch river have also been important factors in the same direction. The town also has a water front on Black river, Guffin's and Sherwin's bays, all navigable waters, though but little used from a commercial point of view. These, with the natural bridge over Perch river below Limerick, comprise the distinguishing physical characteristics of the town. In the early history of the county the Black river had the same relative importance from a commercial standpoint as now, yet in a dif ferent channel ; then the waters were used for both manufacturing and navigation purposes, but now almost wholly for its power privileges. Previous to the war of 1812-15, the chief export product of the region was potashes, and the river was the principal thoroughfare of travel to market. Nearly the whole local population was engaged in this manu facture, while Brownville was the shipping point for the product. However, during the period of agitation preceding the war, growing out of the attempted enforcement of the embargo laws, the officers of the government were especially vigilant in watching river traffic, hence an "embargo road " was laid out from Brownville to French creek, and from the latter point potashes, whiskey and other marketable products of the region were secretly shipped to Kingston. Gen. Brown, of course, knew of this violation of law, but was too closely in sympathy with the settlers to make an outcry against it. However, river traffic was an important factor in early town life, and as early as 1810 the legislature passed an act to improve navigation at the mouth of the river, and authorized the construction of a system of locks and canals around the rapids and falls, as far as Brownville. On June 5 following the Black river navigation company was organized, including among its stock holders some of the prominent men of the time, viz : Jacob Brown, Samuel Brown, jr., Micah Sterling, John Brown, William M. Lord, Judah Williams, Samuel Starr, Joseph Sterling, Wm. Hunter, Richard M. Esselstyn, James Shields, Gershom Tuttle, Thomas S. Converse and Amasa Trowbridge. The 484 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. commissioners appointed to carry out the objects of the company were Ethel Bron son, John Brown, William M. Lord and Thomas S. Converse. A collector of tolls was authorized by an act passed March 8, 1811, and by it from five to fifty cents toll per ton was collected from masters of vessels passing the locks. The locks were built in 1815, but were large enough only for the passage of Durham boats. In 1817 the com pany advertised that only fifty cents toll would be collected from any boat passing the locks. About 1828 the locks becamed decayed and were replaced with others, built of stone, and larger than the wooden ones. In 1827 the company built the steamer " Brownville," to ply be tween the village and Kingston. Turner & Dodd were interested in the boat, as also were Wm. Lord, Wm. S. Ely, Hoel Lawrence and Edmund Kirby, of Brownville, and still others of Oswego and Ogdens burgh. However, on the first trip to Ogdensburgh the steamer was burned to the water's edge, but Capt. Dodd towed the hull back to Brownville, rebuilt her and changed the name to "Wm. Avery." River navigation as far as Brownville was continued for a time but the difficulties attending it were so great that it was discontinued and Dex ter, formerly called Fish island, became the established head of traffic, and continued as such until the Brownville steamboat company was organized. The Brownville steamboat company was incorporated Aug. 1, 1891, with 5,000 capital for the purpose of conducting and managing a ferry consisting of one or more boats propelled by steam on Black river be tween the village of Brownville and the village of Dexter. The per sons most interested in this commendable enterprise, and who were also directors and incorporators, were Wm. N. Cornell, Chas. E. Out- terson, Marcus J. Wilcox, Chas. O. Haight and John C. Sharlan. The purpose of the company was to build and operate one or more boats on the river between the villages, both for freight and passenger traffic. One boat was put in service, and was run about three years, but with out substantial success from a business point of view, for the people of Dexter did not take kindly to the enterprise. The articles of incorpo ration authorized the company to do business for fifty years, but the concern ceased operations some time during the year 1894. During the period of tbe war of 1812-15 the town and village of Brownville were places of constant military operations. Jacob Brown had previously been commissioned colonel of the 108th regiment of militia, but was now promoted brigadier-general and had command of THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 485 operations on the frontier. With the outbreak of the war the settlers became much alarmed for the safety of their families and property, and in the Perch river valley they built two block houses, one at the village and the other where stands the Baptist church. Neither was used for defensive purposes, but the former was occupied as a storehouse for grain and the other for religious worship. Many events of minor im portance occurred in the town during this period, and occasionally a strong federalist or British sympathizer was made to feel tbe effects of his sentiments, but beyond this there were events of a somewhat ludi crous character. Among others it is related that when the block houses were built, some, ridiculing the idea of danger, humorously proposed to post themselves on the brow of some of the lime stone ledges tow ards Catfish creek in the direction of Canada, which would give them the double advantage of a commanding position and an abundance of material for missiles in case of attack. At the village General Brown's militia were frequently assembled, ready for service, for Sackets Harbor was within two hours' march from the place. However, the period passed without more serious effect than the temporary disturbance of local interests, and with peace restored the settlers returned to their neglected farms and an era of prosperity followed. During the next quarter of a century the development of the town's resources was ac complished, and its population and worth increased rapidly ; in proof of which we may have recourse to tbe census tables and note the growth as there indicated. In 1807, one year after the county was created, the number of taxable voters in Brownville, as then constituted, was 181, indicating a popula tion of about 800. In 1810 the inhabitants numbered 1,661; 1820, 3,990; 1830, 2,938 (the town was then reduced to its present area); 1840, 3,968; 1850, 4,325; 1860, 3,966; 1870, 3,218; 1880, 2,624; 1890, 3,110; and in 1892, according to unofficial count, 3,151. However, the maximum population of the town within its present limits was attained in 1845, the number then being 4,380, and the decrease of later years has been due to the same causes which have reduced the population in nearly all interior towns in the state, where agriculture is the chief pur suit of the people. While Brownville seems to have suffered in this respect, the town has in a great measure been compensated in an in crease of manufacturing industries, in which regard it ranks high in the county. Hay, grain, butter and cheese are the staple products of the farm, while limestone for building and commercial purposes abounds 486 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in certain localities. The town comprises about 350 farms, averaging in size less perhaps than one hundred acres each. In equalized value of real estate, including village and corporation property, it ranks sec ond to Ellisburgh in the county. Among the early internal improvements may be noted the first post route, established April 10, 1810, between Utica and Sackets Harbor, passing through Brownville ; and another during the same year between Harrisburg and Port Putnam (four miles below Cape Vincent), also passing through the town. The post route from Brownville to Cape Vincent was established April 30, 1816, and that from Watertown to Cornelia (now Clayton), near the mouth of French creek, April 15, 1832. The state road from Rome to Brownville, was built under authority of an act of the legislature, passed March 26, 1803. By an act passed April 12, 1816, Mr. Le Ray was authorized to extend the Cape Vincent turnpike to Brownville. A military road was projected in 1817, to con nect Plattsburg and Sackets Harbor, passing through this town, but was only partially completed. The line of the road was from the har bor direct to Brownville village, thence to Pamelia four corners. The government opened the road but it soon afterward passed into the con trol of the towns through which it run and has since been known as the military road. The Dexter, Brownville and Pamelia plank road was authorized in 1849 and was completed in October of the next year. It was afterward abandoned by the company, and was followed by the Brownville and Watertown road (macadamized), which was for many years managed by Alanson Skinner. He died, the lease expired, and the road was given up to the town. The Cape Vincent branch of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburgh railroad was completed in 1852, and passed directly through the villages of Brownville and Limerick ; thus replacing in a great measure the old stage routes of former years, but it is doubtful if this more rapid means of travel and traffic has added to local interests. Then Limerick was a village of much note and two or more hotels did a thriving business in the " good old days long gone by." In 1891 Brownville was connected with the county seat by an electric railroad, affording more convenient means of travel but drawing much trade to Watertown which was formerly retained in the town. During the period of its history there have been built up within the town six villages and hamlets, three of which have become incorporated while others have not passed the hamlet character. Mentioned in the THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 487 order of historic importance they are Brownville, Dexter, Glen Park, Limerick, Perch River and Pillar Point. However, from a business point of view Dexter may be regarded as the rival of Brownville, hav ing greater population and variety of interests. Tlie Village of Brownville. — This village was founded in 1799, when Jacob Brown and his companions came to the mouth of Philomel creek and built a log cabin for the subsequent use of his father and family ; and when in 1800 Noah Durrin and Ebenezer Hills built for the pioneer the saw mill, the settlement became the common rendezvous of the region, and even at that early day had an importance equal to the ham let at Watertown five miles up the river. In 1801 Jacob Brown and his father opened a stock of goods for trade, and also caused a grist mill to be built, one of the first in the region, which was patronized by settlers from all the western part of the county. To accommodate the settlers on the south side Oliver Bartholmew was employed to build a bridge across the river, which was done in 1802. The bridge was car ried away on high water in the spring of 1806 but was replaced the next year. Deacon Bartholmew was a prominent figure in early village life here, although his place of settlement was in the neighboring town of Watertown, where he was a pioneer. In the settlement at Brownville he conducted Sabbath worship previous to tbe formation of any relig ious society. In 1802 the hamlet contained four log and six framed houses, but in 1805 the number of dwellings had increased to twenty-five. In the latter year Jeremiah Phelps built a tavern on the site of the hotel built by Mr. Emerson and Henry Caswell in 1820, the latter still standing, in fairly good repair and is still occupied for hotel purposes. This famous hostelry was for a time under the management of a company compris ing William Lord, Henry Lawrence, William S. Ely, Colonel Edmund Kirby, I. Shields and John E. Brown. In 1804 John Brown, better known as Judge Brown, bought lands on the south side of the river and built mills. The first dam was built in 1806, retaining a consider able volume of water and giving the local industries a power privilege equal to any in the county. On February 10, 1807, the Brownville library was formed, with John Brown, John Baxter, Henry Cowley, Isaac Bearse, John Simonds, Stephen Stanley and Thomas Y. How as incorporators and trustees. The purpose of the association was to pro mote the educational advantages of the community, and while it was the source of much good it was nevertheless of brief duration as a soci- 488 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ety and soon passed out of existence; and the same fate overtook a similar organization afterward founded for the same purpose. Another of the early and useful institutions of the village was the commonly called cotton mill, which had its origin in a company formed February 9, 1814, with a capital of $100,000, and of which the trustees were John Paddock, John Brown, Thomas Loomis, jr., Hoel Lawrence and Thomas J. Whiteside. The factory buildings were erected in the same year, comprising a substantial four-story stone structure, and in 1815 the company began business; but from the outset it proved an un profitable enterprise and was therefore discontinued. In 1826 John A. Cathcart, Elizur Furman and Charles Smith purchased the property, and in 1831 incorporated the Brownville cotton factory, with a capital of $100,000. The business was thereafter conducted with indifferent success until about 1842, when a new firm comprising William H. Averill, Charles Smith and F. W. Andrews took the plant, enlarged its capacity and furnished employment to nearly 100 hands in manufac turing cotton sheeting. In 1856 the property again changed owners, and was afterward operated in succession by Carlton & Andrews, L. S. Pratt & Son, Fitzsimmons & Co. and Mumford & Co., but no substan tial success rewarded the enterprise of any of them. The buildings stood unoccupied for several years, but later on were utilized by the Brownville Box and Paper company. The buildings were thereafter burned, and the B_ox and Paper company rebuilt on the old foundation. The plant afterwards became the property of the Siouski Paper com pany. In September, 1892, C. H. Remington and J. M. Gamble took the property formerly operated by the Globe Paper and Fibre company, also the old tenement buildings on the opposite side of the street, and as well the plant of the Siouski Paper company at the north end of the bridge, and began the manufacture of a general line of fine paper and specialties. This is in brief a history of one of the most notable factory buildings in the village, and one which always attracts the at tention of an observer. Many residents of the village at the present time believe that the row of stone buildings on the street leading to the bridge were erected by the government for barracks, and so used dur ing the war of 1812-15. This of course is a mistaken belief, as the gov ernment had no buildings in the village, but the old hospital, built dur ing the war, stood in the lower part of the village. The row of build ings referred to were tenement houses built by the cotton company about or soon after 1815. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 489 Among the other early industries of the village, all of which were factors in its history, was the foundry and machine shop established by William Lord and Henry Caswell in 1820; the woolen factory built soon afterward by Bradley & Brown, also the machine shop, flax mill, and other buildings which were burned in 1846; the stone furnace building erected by William Lord and Alanson Skinner in 1830, and operated by Lord & Skinner, William Lord & Son (Gilderoy Lord), N. B. Lord & Bros. , until it was finally discontinued. There was also the foundry and machine shop, furnace and stove factory established by Alanson Skinner in 1837, and which was in later years run by A. Skin ner & Son, H. Skinner & Bros., and Skinner & Rice. This building is now in part used by D. B. Gotham, and in part by the Outterson paper company. In the same connection mention may be made of the Brown ville carriage works, established in 1828 by Henry Lord, in the build ing erected for the woolen factory. Then there was the Jefferson lead company, formed June 30, 1838, with Thomas L. Knap, manager, which did business here for several years in the manufacture of lithic paints, but about 1850 it was discontinued. About the same time Thomas L. Knap, who was one of the most enterprising and worthy men of the county for many years, built a large flour mill, also a tan nery, and a linseed oil mill. After Mr. Knap removed to Pittsburgh (where he died from cholera) several of the industries with which he was connected were abandoned, but the old flour mill survived many years, and passed through the hands of Chas. H. Bartlett, Bartlett & Patrick, Bartlett & Smith, P. T. Welch and Chas. C. Steele, but is now the pulp mill of the Outterson paper company. On the south side of the river a grist mill was erected many years ago which was carried on among others by L. M. Warren, Byron Cole, Cole, Peck & Spicer and George Frasier. A little below the grist mill on tbe same side of the river was a carding mill conducted by a Mr. Willis. Both properties were eventually converted into a paper mill and later on became the plant of the Globe Paper and Fiber company. Of the merchants mention may be made of Major Brown, whose brick building stood (and still stands) at tbe corner of Basin and Main streets. Hoel Lawrence occupied it after Major Brown dropped out of business, but in later years it has passed through many changes in ownership. William S. Ely built a stone store and was in trade many years where Frazier & Schemerhorn are now in business. In 1850 A. E. Lord began merchandising, and is still so engaged; and to- 62 490 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. day stands among the oldest merchants of the county. When he opened his stock of goods the local merchants were John A. Cathcart, George P. Bell, Oliver Stevens, Brown & Tillinghast (Tillinghast afterward became superintendent of the N. Y. C. R. R. Co.). Wm. Lord & Son, James I. Hunt. About this time the cotton mills were in operation; Thos. L. Knap had a tannery, white lead works, grist mill, oil mill, and was otherwise interested in village enterprises ; Edwin Munson had a flour and grist mill, and Skinner Bros, and Wm. Lord & Son each had a foundry; but of all these several interests one only survives, and that the store conducted by A. E. Lord. It will be seen from this that Brownville half and three quarters of a cerftury ago was a place of much importance, far more so perhaps than now. It was not surprising, therefore, that the citizens of the village at an early day sought to become incorporated and in a measure set off from the town at large. The corporating act was passed April 5, 1828, and the first village election was held at the houseof Sylvester Reed on the 5th of May following, when these officers were chosen : Thomas Loomis, jr., Hoel Lawrence, George Brown, Peleg Burchard and Tracy S. Knap, trustees; Wm. S. Ely, Asa Whitney and Wm. Lord, assessors; John A. Cathcart, treasurer ; James Shields, collector ; Levi Torry, constable. On the same day the trustees met and elected Thomas Loomis, jr. , president ; Peleg Burchard, secretary (clerk) ; and Ezra B. Dodd, Andrew Strong and Derrick Gibbons, overseers of highways. In this connection may also be noted the succession of village presidents, viz. : Thomas Loomis, jr. , 1828 ; William S. Ely, 1829 ; Derrick Gibbons, 1830 ; Hoel Law rence, 1831; Edmund Kirby, 1832; William Lord, 1833; George Brown, 1834; Arba Strong, 1835; Alanson Skinner, 1836; J. Hemingway, 1837; Joel Blood, 1838; James Shields, 1839 ; Thomas Loomis, 1840 ; William Lord, 1841 ; Charles K. Loomis, 1842 ; no record, 1843 ; John Bradley, 1844 ; Arba Strong, 1845 ; M. C. Loomis, 1846 ; John E. Brown, 1847 ; Edmund Kirby, 1848 ; Thomas L. Knap. 1849 ; C. K. Loomis, 1850 ; J. B. Kirby, 1851; James J. Hunt, 1852; Jesse Ayers, 1853; James Skinner, 1854; N. B. Lord, 1855-56; Jesse Ayers, 1857 ; William H. Brown, 1859-61; Charles C. Steele, 1862; Aaron Brown, 1863; George C. Plumb, 1864-66; Franklin Keenan, 1867; Charles C. Steele, 1868; Alfred Kilborn, 1869; Alvin A. Gibbs, 1870-77; J. W.' Wilder, 1878; E. B. Pratt, 1879-82; Charles E. Codman, 1883-85; R. F.' Gates, 1886-88; A. A. Ostrander, 1889-90; William N. Cornell, 1891; C. E. Outterson', 1892-93; John T. Brennan, 1894; John McCulloch, 1895-97. The inhabitants of the village have ever been mindful of the educa tional welfare of their youth, and from the period of its earliest history have made ample provision for schools. However, the records give no light on this subject previous to 1815, when in pursuance of the laws of 1813 the territory was divided into districts. From that time THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 491 to 1896 a good district school has been maintained in the village, but during the period the public-spirited citizens have established institu tions designed for superior educational advantages, though perhaps literary in character. The old Brownville library was, in a measure, an educational enterprise; was established in 1807, and was a worthy un dertaking for its day. Next in the succession was the Brownville female seminary, estab lished in 1849, and incorporated by the regents January 10, 1850. This was a boarding and day school for young women, and occupied the old residence built in 1816 by Major Brown. The school was placed in charge of Mary F. Bloomfield, who was succeeded by Miss H. M. Fos ter, and the latter, in turn, by Rev. G. B. Eastman. The institution, however, was not a success, hence was closed, and the building passed into the hands of Alfred Kilborn. On August 31, 1860, the Brownville literary and educational associa tion was incorporated by William Lord, Albert S. Carlton, Ira T. Curtis, Alfred Kilborn and Russel Weaver, but it was short lived through some irregularity, and was succeeded by the Brownville literary association, incorporated December 30, 1860, by William Lord, Albert S. Carlton, Alfred Kilborn, Russel Weaver, Charles Allen, Thomas Keenan, A. A. Gibbs and William H. Brown. During the years 1861-62, this associa tion, with the aid of a generous subscription from interested residents of the village, erected the large academy building in which the school was maintained during its existence, and which was afterward sold to the trustees of the district to be occupied for school and public pur poses. This transfer was made in 1875, a few years after the incor porated institution was closed. From that time to 1896 no other than the common district school was maintained in the village, but on Nov. 2 of that year union free school district No. 1 of the town of Brownville was incorporated. The terri tory of this district includes both this village and the adjoining hamlet of Glen Park on the east. Two schools are maintained, one at each place, three teachers being employed at Brownville and one at the Park. The board of education comprises Dr. R. F. Gates, Frank E. Ingalls, S. S. B. Peck, H. G. Steele, A. J. Frazier and A. W. Bailey. Frank E. Ingalls, president, and M. J. Wilcox, clerk. For school maintenance the district raises annually, by tax, about $2,000. Tbe present large and attractive school house was built in 1891. The First Presbyterian church of Brownville was organized March 492 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 18, 1818, with eight constituent members. In 1819 it was admitted to the presbytery, and on Feb. 10, Rev. Noah M. Wells was installed pastor. A union edifice was erected about this time by this society and the Episcopal churchmen of tbe vicinity, but the latter became owners of the building by purchase in 1826, upon which the Presbyterians built for themselves on the site of their present edifice. The structure was burned in 1842, and was replaced in 1844 with a more substantial building. The members number about fifty; pastor, Rev. Ward C. Peabody. St. Paul's church, Protestant Episcopal, was organized Oct. 13, 1826, Thomas Y. How and Thomas Loomis, wardens, and Asa Whitney, Tracey S. Knap, Samuel Brown, Sylvester Reed, Peleg Burchard, Wm. S. Ely, Edmund Kirby and Hoel Lawrence, vestrymen ; rector, Rev. Wm. Lynn Keese. The officiary of the church purchased the interest of the Presbyterians in the stone edifice used in common by both soci eties in former years, and afterward owned and occupied it for their services. The church has maintained a continued existence to the present time, though the membership now is smaller than half a century ago. Forty families comprise the parish, and the communicants num ber 31. The church is under charge of Rev. Horace B. Goodyear, missionary. Wardens, R. S. Bosworth, E. N. Giles. The Methodist Episcopal church of Brownville village was organized August 3, 1829, with 20 members, and Rev. B. Phillips as pastor. The frame church edifice was erected in 1831, and was a substantial structure with capacity to seat 300 persons. The church forms a joint charge with Dexter, under the pastoral care of Rev. F. G. Severance. In both churches the members number 186 persons, with 30 probationers. The first Universalist church at Brownville was organized as a society Dec. 16, 1851. A house of worship was built in 1854, and was dedi cated Jan. 16, 1856, by Rev. Luther Rice. However, the history of the society has not been one of continued success, as much of the time the flock has been without a pastor, hence no regular services have been held. The Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic) church of Brownville is located on the Hounsfield side of the river, but may properly be re garded as a local institution. The parish was organized in 1870, and in the same year the church edifice was built. The present priest in charge is Rev. Father John Corbett. Brownville lodge, No. 378, F. & A M., was installed March 31 1819 THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 493 by acting grand master Isaac Lee. It was one of the pioneer organiza tions of its kind in the region, but in 1827, on account of the strong anti-masonic sentiment which pervaded certain portions of the country, the lodge suspended meetings, and was not revived until 1839, when a virtual reorganization was effected, and No. 53 was given it. During the period of its operations, the masters of the old lodge were Sylvester Reed, Peleg Burchard, Joseph McKenzie, Hoel Lawrence, Warren Skinner and S. Reed. The reorganized lodge was chartered April 2, 1839, with Alanson Skinner, master, and has since been recognized as one ofthe strongest masonic bodies in the county. The present mem bers number 130. The past masters have been Alanson Skinner, 1839; Richard Buckminster, 1840; A. Strong, 1841-42; John N. Cole, 1843; Alanson Skinner, 1844-48; Horace Skinner, 1849-50; C. K. Loomis, 1851; Horace Skinner, 1852; M. C. Loomis, 1853; De Witt C. Priest, 1854; Horace Kimball, 1855; Alanson Skinner, 1856-59; John T. Wood, 1860; Henry S. Barbour, 1861-62; Walter Zimmerman, 1863-65; Wm. T. Skinner, 1866-67; Walter Zimmerman, 1868-69; William T. Skinner, 1870-71; Walter Zimmerman, 1812; Rufus Zimmerman, 1873-74; Henry S. Barbour, 1875; Edison A. Steele, 1876; John B. Atwater, 1877; Rufus Zimmerman, 1878-80; E. H. Carpenter, 1881; Rufus Zimmerman, 1882-85; Milo L. Cleveland, 1886-88; Jared T. Knapp, 1889; George W. Barbour, 1890-95 ; Fred E. Hemings, 1896-97. As at present constituted Brownville village contains about 700 in habitants, and is as well supplied with manufacturing and mercantile in terests as any similarly situated municipality in the county. Indeed, from the earliest period of its history the village has held a prominent position as a manufacturing center, and while the present industries may not have the apparent importance of those of half a century ago, they are none the less substantial and valuable. Noting them briefly, mention may be made of the Brownville iron works, established in 1886 by Gotham & Baker on the site of the old Skinner foundry. D. B. Gotham is now the owner, and gives employment to about 40 men. The Outterson paper company was incorporated in 1889, and operates an extensive paper and pulp mill, occupying in part the old Knap grist mill and the Skinner foundry buildings. The officers are J. T. Outter son, president and treasurer, and C. E. Outterson, secretary. The Brownville paper company was started in September, 1892, by C. H. Remington and J. M. Gamble, as partners, and was incorporated March 6, 1893. The company operates two large mills, one on the north side of the river formerly occupied by the Siouski paper company, and the other on the Hounsfield side, formerly the plant of the Globe paper and 494 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fibre company. Neither of these former industries was specially profitable for its owners, but under the present management is one of the leading manufactures of the Black river valley. The officers are J. Munson Gamble, president; S. A. Upham, treasurer, and C. W. Gamble, secretary. The C. E. Codman hay-press factory and general wood worker was started by Mr. Codman in 1893. The feed mill was added in 1895. The mercantile interests of the village are represented about as fol lows: A. E. Lord (established 1850), dry goods, boots and shoes; Wil cox & Sullivan, general store; H. I. Harris, Frazier & Schemerhorn, Eigabroadt & Jones, grocers; J. P. Knowlton, hardware and stove store; William Hart & Sons, meat market; Alonzo Church, proprietor of Brownville hotel ; Lettie Reeves, postmistress. Dexter. — This interesting and enterprising little village of about 800 inhabitants is located at the head of Black river bay, and also at the head of river navigation. The locality was originally known as Fish island, the island itself being a considerable body of land and a great rendezvous for fishermen and lumbermen in the early history of the town. The name was afterward changed to Dexter, and so called in allusion to S. Newton Dexter, who was at one time largely interested in developing the locality. The first improvements here were begun in 1811 by Jacob and John Brown, who built a dam across the river; but before any further work was accomplished it was carried away by high water. It was soon replaced, and in 1813 a saw mill was put in operation. In 1826 John E. Brown erected a grist mill, and by 1837 the hamlet had grown to contain about a dozen dwellings besides its industries. While the splendid water power of the river at this place offered superior advantages for general manufactures, the chief industry for many years was lumbering; and among the many persons who were engaged in this pursuit mention may be made of James Wood and his sons, Gilman, Charles and Ira. They had come to the town from New Hampshire about 1830, and began the erection of a dam and woolen factory about one and one-half miles above Brownville, on the river, but before their mill was put in operation a disastrous flood carried away the structures, whereupon they removed to Dexter and began lumbering. They also built the large two-story stone dwelling house for many years called " the Jim Wood place," but now occupied as a post-office and dwelling at Glen Park. In the same connection may be THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 495 recalled the names of Keyes & Hungerford, Thurman, Gunn & Co., Kirby & Loomis, John Bradley, Joseph Huntington, and Potter & Hammond, all of whom were engaged in business and were important factors in the early history of the village. During the five years which followed 1836, many enterprises and im provements were set on foot for the welfare of the village. In that year the post-office was established (Joshua Eaton, postmaster) and the government authorized the expenditure of a considerable sum of money for the construction of piers and docks, and otherwise placing the harbor in navigable condition.1 About the same time the old Jef ferson woolen company was formed, with $100,000 capital, for the con struction and operation of an extensive woolen mill and factory. Prominently associated with the enterprise were S. Newton Dexter, John Williams, Edmund Kirby, Rodney Burt, John Bradley and O. V. Brainerd, who built the mills in 1837 and put them in operation, but notwithstanding their business energy and capacity the investment proved a disastrous failure. The property afterward passed into the bands of the Jefferson manufacturing company, and still later was run by the once prominent firms of T. H. Mageee & Co., and F. J. Hall & Co., the later operating it extensively in making blankets during the war of 1861-5, with great profit to the management. The building was of stone, four stories high, and 50 by 170 feet on the ground. In 1836 James A. Bell came to Dexter, and from that time to the end of his career in the village was one of the most prominent and enter prising men of the region, and one who did as much to build up and place the business interests on a secure commercial basis as any man in all its history. In many of his undertakings Mr. Bell was associated with Edmund Kirby, one of which was the construction of the govern ment works at the south of the river, and added to which may be men tioned the lumbering and commercial enterprises in which they were en gaged. They were also general partners in mercantile trade, for Mr. Bell began merchandising in 1836. They dealt largely in produce and had a large storehouse on the dock, where vessels plying on the lake were loaded for transportation to maaket. Other men prominently connected with local business interests were i The piers in Black river bay below Dexter were once an important feature of river im provement. Various appropriations for this work, and also for general harbor improvements, were made by congress as follows: July 4, WW, $5,000; March 3, 1837, $10,000; July 7, 1838, $22,401. Later on and during Mr. Bagley's term in congress, a further considerable appropriation was made for the purpose of dredging the bay and harbor near Dexter. 496 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John T. Wood, Jesse Babcock, Myron H. Peck, Henry Binninger, Edgar Leonard, Edwin S. Clark, Solomon Moyer, John P. Shelley, F. W. Winn and perhaps still others worthy of note but whose names are not now recalled. Indeed, even at an early day enterprising citizens conceived the idea of founding a village, and in 1837 formed a stock company for the purpose of laying out a village tract 249 acres on the south, and 800 acres on the north side of the river. In this measure the leading spirits were S. Newton Dexter, Edmund Kirby, John Brown, John Bradley and John Williams. The company carried out some of its original proposals, but dissolved January 6, 1846. However, it was not until 1855 that the village was in fact incorporated, and not until about a quarter of a century more that the present condition of the vil lage began to assume definite form. The year 1888 substantially marked a new era in local history, for then the old woolen mills were removed and an industry of greater importance took its place; the old dams were rebuilt, and a branch of the railroad between the county seat and Cape Vincent was built into Dexter; and as in former years the con struction of this road had drawn business away from the village, and worked serious disaster to its interests, so the branch extended to the village had the effect to revive and establish those interests on a founda tion firmer than ever before. However, before discussing the more recent interests of the village, let us briefly trace something of its municipal history. On May 8, 1855, Dexter village was incorporated under the laws of the state, but special acts relating to local affairs were passed April 15, 1857, and January 28, 1865. The first trustees were Sylvester Reed, Franklin J. Hall, John T. Wood, William V. Morgan and James A. Bell. Major Reed was chosen the first president of the board. The succession of incumbents of this office has been as follows : Sylvester Reed, 1855; James A. Bell, 1856-57; M. N. Potter, 1858; Francis W. Winn, 1859; Myron H. Peck, 1860; Solomon Moyer, 1861; Edgar Leonard, 1862; George H. Rounds, 1863-64; John T. Wood, 1865-66; Edward Snider, 1867; Henry Binninger, 1868-69; Farlin Ball, 1870; Thomas J Strainge, 1871; Henry Binninger, 1872-73; Myron H. Peck, 1874; Henry Binninger, 1875; Samuel Moyer, 1876-77- Jos. Underwood, 1878; Edgar Leonard, 1879; Thos. J. Strainge, 1880; Geo. W. Wood, 1881; Isaac A. Shaver, 1882-83; Wm. H. Underwood, 1884-87; Fremont W. Spicer, 1888; Nelson Calkins, 1889; Wm. H. Everett, 1890; Nelson Calkins, 1891; Geo. W. Wood, 1892; John H. Stokes, 1893; Willis P. Reed, 1894; James A. Gilmore,' 1895; Charles Foster, 1896; George A. Savage, 1897. Soon after the incorporation was effected a petition was presented to THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 497 the trustees asking for a special election to vote on a proposition to raise $800 for the purchase of a fire engine and the construction of a lockup, or "black hole," as expressed in the records. The measure was defeated, and not until 1887 was the fire department building authorized. The department was incorporated June 13, 1889. In 1890 the corporation voted $1,200 for a steam fire engine, and soon afterward tbe department was organized on its present basis. It is known as one of the most efficient village departments in the county, and comprises Dexter steamer, manned by Protection engine company No. 1 ; Albert hose company No. 2, and Rescue hook and ladder company No. 1 ; Winfield Bayley, chief engineer. A good district school has been maintained in the village since the incorporation, but since the practical reorganization of interests old district No. 7 of Brownville, as previously known, merged in the Dexter union free school, as now known. The local institution draws a con siderable attendance from outside the district, and is one of the best and most liberally supported in this part of the county. The present board of education comprises Wm. Leonard, president, and George A. Savage, D. Wellington Rounds, John Jackson, Lewis F. Lehr, Fred. E. Wood, Charles Foster, Mrs. Lucy Leonard and Miss Laura Snyder; clerk, Wm. H. Winn. The Presbyterian church of Dexter was organized July 2, 1839, by Revs. Marcus Smith, Isaac Brayton and Dexter Clary, with eighteen constituent members. Mr. Clary was the first pastor. For many years this church with that at Brownville village formed a single pastoral charge, but now has sufficient strength to support a separate leader. The society was incorporated in September, 1842, and in the next year a church edifice was begun, and was completed in 1846. The building was substantially repaired in 1893. A parsonage property was pre sented to the society in 1877 by James A. Bell. The members number about ninety persons. The congregations are large, and under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Rulison the society is increasing in strength and good work. All Saints' church, Protestant Episcopal, of Dexter, was organized July 14, 1839, with John Bradley and Gilman Wood, wardens, and Jesse Babcock, Edmund Kirby, Ora Haskell, James A. Bell, Israel J. Griffin, Andrew Wood and Robert Anderson, vestrymen. The church edifice, a frame structure, was built in 1839, at a cost of about $2,000. The congregations of the church have always been large, but the mem- 63 498 OUR COUNTY AND .ITS PEOPLE. bership comparatively small, the communicants now numbering only 18 persons. The church wardens are H. K. Sherer and Clinton Reeves. Rector, Rev. Burr M. Wheeden. The First Universalist church and society of Dexter was organized September 5, 1841, and in the next year a house of worship was built and dedicated. The original membership was 25, the number gradu ally increasing to nearly a hundred, but at length falling off to less than fifty. The society is now without a pastoral head, the pulpit being supplied from Canton. The Methodist Episcopal church of Dexter was formed in 1875, al though a class had been maintained in this part of the town for many years previous to that time. The church edifice was also built in 1875. The congregations attending this service are among the largest in the village. The charge is joint with Brownville, under the pastorate of Rev. F. G. Severance. Dexter is perhaps the most active village in the town, a condition in part due to the fact that it is more remote from the city of Watertown than the adjoining village of Brownville, therefore trade is kept at home to a much greater extent. It is a manufacturing locality of im portance, and also the natural and convenient center of trade for a rich agricultural region. The interests are diversified and not in any di rection is there an appearance of over competition. The Dexter sulphite pulp and paper company operate one of the most extensive manufacturing plants in the region. The company was incorporated Oct. 8, 1887, with $100,000 capital, by Charles E. Camp bell, E. Frederick Bennington and James A. Outterson, for the manu facture of sulphite wood pulp paper. The management purchased the buildings and property formerly occupied by the old woolen company, and which had stood idle since about 1868, and remodeled and added to to them as was required ; and in more recent years as the business of the company was enlarged other buildings have been erected until the plant has become one of the most extensive in this part of the state. The Frontenac paper company was incorporated Sept. 12, 1889, with a capital of $60,000, by Fremont W. Spicer, Charles E. Campbell, Herbert S. Rice and James A. Outterson, forthe manufacture of wood pulp paper. Soon after the company was organized business was begun on Fish island, in Dexter. The company is one of the leading factors in business circles in either the town or county. Richard Marcey is its president. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 499 On the site where the Frontenac company's buildings are now, once stood the old Kirby saw mill, built many years ago. After work in the mill was stopped the building stood idle for about 25 years, during which time the elements substantially destroyed the structure. Finally Fremont W. Spicer bought out the interests of the Kirby heirs, organ ized a stock company and erected the first buildings of the present paper company's plant. The St. Lawrence paper company was incorporated Oct. 9, 1889, with a capital of $50,000, by Henry Binninger, Charles M. Otis, Joseph S. Greene, Charles L. Parmelee and J. Atwell, jr. The object of the company was to manufacture wood pulp and paper, which business was carried on extensively for several years; but disaster followed, the con cern went into the hands of a receiver, and the property was sold to D. B. Gotham. The receiver, however, leased the plant to the Dexter sulphite pulp and paper company, by whom it is now operated. On the site now occupied by the St. Lawrence paper company's building was formerly a grist mill, built many years ago by a stock company. It passed into the hands of L. D. & H. H. Hurd, during whose ownership, and sometime in the 'sixties the buildings were burned. Binninger & Strainge then took the land and built a shingle mill, but later on Mr. Binninger, with several Watertown men, made additions to the buildings and the St. Lawrence paper company was the result. After the old locks around the falls and the dam had been abandoned Jesse Babcock utilized the new power thus available by erecting a plaster mill, near which soon afterward a grist mill was also built. The plaster mill eventually decayed, but the grist mill was continued, and was run by Babcock & Peck. It passed through various hands before being purchased by Osborn & Cook. It is now owned by Mr. Cook. Where now stands the Binninger & Strange sash and blind factory in the village, there formerly stood a shop owned and occupied by Potter & Hammond for the manufacture of hubs, spokes and other wagon ma terial. They did an extensive business, and in its day this was one of the leading industries of the place. The old building still stands, but through subsequent additions has lost all of its former appearance. What is now John Nutting's carding mill was still another older industry of the same kind, which was built about or before 1830 by Solon Stone. This was the first utilized water power of tbe village. Where the Leonard & Gilmore company now do business was the old saw mill of 500 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Kirby & Loomis, one of the original industries of Dexter, and one which was maintained many years. It was followed by Deacon Hunt ington's sash and blind factory on the same site. He also made cheese boxes and did an extensive business. Edgar Leonard bought the prop erty, and later on took as partners his son and son-in law, a partnership which led to the present Leonard & Gilmore company. The company was incorporated May 22, 1895, with $20,000 capital, by Edgar Leon ard, James A. Gilmore, William E. Leonard and Lucy A. Leonard. One of tbe first hotels in Dexter was that kept by Peleg Mattison, standing on the site now occupied by the E. S. Clark store and tbe building recently erected by the Leonard & Gilmore company. In 1856 the famous hostelry was burned to the ground, and in the same fire was also destroyed the factory company's store where Mr. Clark's dwell ing now is. One Delano built a house on the old store wall. Another old hotel stood on the site of William H. Underwood's dwelling. It was managed by several landlords, among whom were J. E. Baker, John P. Shelly, Henry Crawford and A. Vinica. This hotel was also burned many years ago. Still another hotel was that built and run by Dolph Alexander, and also one by Charles B. Bowers, both of which were upon this site, and were successively burned. Mr. Underwood's residence stands about on this site. A part of the old cellar wall is still to be seen. The mercantile and ordinary business houses are O. M. & G. W. Wood, Clark Bros., and Luther Bros., dealers in general merchandise; G. S. Casler & Son, C. A. Bloom, B. A. Randall and L. E. Foster, grocers; W. Trusdale, baker; G. S. Casler and Mr. Lucas, stoves and tin ware ; J. L. Bass, furniture ; Binninger & Strainge (established by Henry Binninger in 1863), sash, doors, blinds and lumber; William Ross, car riage maker; G. W. Hubbs, jeweler and printer; Reed& Foster, masons' supplies and coal; David Baker, meat market; W. H. Winn, photog rapher; W. H. Underwood, proprietor of Underwood house, together with the customary small shops and interests found in a well appointed country village. Dexter lodge, No. 767, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 15, 1896, with 86 members, and is one of the substantial fraternal bodies of the county. The present membership is about 100. On the Hounsfield side of the river, where now stands the Youngs' mill, Patrick & Fields began milling about 1860. After several years the property was sold to Hill H. Wilson, who run an ashery in connec- THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 501 tion with his mill. He sold out and went west. Just above this plant is a pulp mill now owned by Hunter & Jones. It was built by them and run in connection with a saw mill on the same water privilege. In fact a saw mill has stood here for many years. Potter & Hammond at one time operated the mill. Dexter furnished to the embryo army designed and organized for the subjugation of Canada at least six recruits. Among them were Col. John B. Kimball, a shoemaker, and for many years justice of the peace in the town, also David Dafoe and one Gilman. The soldier last mentioned was among the captured patriots of Windmill Point. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to Van Dieman's land. He escaped to Australia, and after wandering about the globe for twenty-six years returned to Dexter in 1862. During his absence he made two fortunes, one of which was lost, but the second was saved ; and when he returned home he was in comfortable circumstances. He was reunited with his family, and soon afterward removed to Henderson, where he bought a farm. Here he lived the remaining years of his life, and died highly respected in the community. Limerick. — Various traditions are extant regarding the naming of this hamlet, one of which was to the effect that it was so called from the abundance of lime rock found in the vicinity, and that the present name of Limerick was an abbreviation of it ; the other, and the most probable story, was that when the settlement was founded the honor of naming it was accorded to the oldest resident, and he being an Irish man from Limerick, Ireland (whose name is recalled as Crawford), called it for his native place. However this may have been we cannot determine at this time, but in the early history of the town this was an important region, especially before the construction of the railroad in 1851-2. The hamlet was built upon the line of the highway leading from Watertown to Chaumont bay and Cape Vincent, from which points great quantities of local products were shipped to market at Kingston. Potash and whiskey were the chief productions, and if local tradition be true the settlers had little respect or fear for the restrictions of the embargo laws. On the turnpike which Mr. Le Ray caused to be built Limerick was the first stopping place after leaving Brownville, and so great was traffic that at least three taverns carried on a successful busi ness for many years, while the principal product of the region (whiskey) made this an exceedingly lively place. For manufacturing purposes a dam was built across Perch river, and a number of mills were in opera- 502 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tion at an early day, but on account of the sluggish current of the stream a considerable area was flooded, causing much sickness in the vicinity. So great indeed was the annoyance occasioned by this con dition that an act of the legislature, passed March 30, 1827, directed John Baxter, Abner Smith and Isaac Moffatt to remove the nuisance; and in March, 1828, the court declared the dam to be a nuisance. Within the last ten years, however, the objectionable character of the river bottom has been removed by the liberal use of blasting powder. The work was begun soon after 1890, and was continued at intervals for about three or four years. The expense, amounting to about $3, 200, was paid by interested property owners along the river whose lands were benefited by the work. One of the first industries was a carding mill, built at a now unknown date. Samuel Shelley settled at this place about 1804 and took up a farm of 160 acres where the store and residence of W. H. Everett now stands. He built a grist mill on the east side of the river where a bridge then stood and about thirty rods below the present bridge. This industry was afterward known as " Gillingham's old mill." However, when the dam was declared a nuisance the mill ceased operation and was afterwards moved across the road and utilized as a barn. Pioneer Shelly was a very worthy man and raised a large family. He is said to have been the first man to carry the news to Kingston that peace had been declared after the war of 1812. He was grandfather of the present county clerk, Frank D. Pierce. About 1836 Jenks and Jonathan Gillingham erected a saw and grist mills below the site of the old carding mill. These mills were after wards carried on by Jonathan Moffatt and Henry C. Dorchester re spectively. They were in operation until 1885, when the power became insufficient, after which the buildings remained until the spring of 1897 when they were torn down. After the railroad was put in operation Limerick began to lose prestige as a business hamlet, and gradually subsided into a convenient trading center for an agricultural region. A store and hotel have ever since been maintained here. Frank D. Pierce, the present county clerk, was for several years a merchant of the village, and was succeeded by W. H. Everett & Son. Earlier mer chants at this place were Levi Smith, Ely Smith, C. P. & N. Gould, S. S. B. Peck, Aaron Hubbell, Reuben and Rufus Day and J. E. Reeves. The hotel is kept by C. O. F. Booth. It was conducted many years by James Smith and was a very popular hostelry in its day. The town clerk's office is also in the village. THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 503 Perch River. — When the settlement in this part of the town was founded the locality was called Moffattville, in allusion to Isaac and Melvin Moffatt. How long the name was maintained is uncertain, but the post-office was designated as Perch River. In a preceding para graph the names of the pioneers of this part of the town are given, but in addition to them may also be recalled : Abner Smith, General Britton, Samuel Starr, Chauncey Starr, Enos Scott, Wm. Knox, John Baxter, Roswell and Levi Baxter, Wm. Vandebogart, Benj. Prior, Major Avery, Charles and Sterling Avery, Daniel and David Phelps, David Crouch, Levi Hale (the cooper), Silas F. Spicer, Nicholas Lawyer, John and Walter Cole, ,Nathaniel Peck, Archibald Sternberg, Seth Calkins, Jonathan Webb, and also Silas, Lewis and William Webb. These may not have been pioneers or even early settlers, but they were prominent factors in the history of the locality more than half a century ago. The desirable lands here attracted settlers and were rap idly taken and improved, hence the settlement of Moffatville was a necessity. It was here also that during the war of 1812-15 the settlers built the fort, the same afterward used as a storehouse for grain, but which was torn down about 1837. Isaac Moffatt opened a tavern, and his son Isaac started a store. Daniel Allen was a later landlord, while Hugh Smith succeeded to the mercantile business. The hotel was burned about 1843, and was not rebuilt, but a store has since been kept open. The later merchants have been Smith & Spicer, Smith & Allen, Smith & Gillett, Michael Quincer, Clark Scott and Lyons Hagan, the latter being now in business, and also the local postmaster. In connec tion with their store Smith & Spicer for many years ran an extensive potashery. They employed in this business several men who traveled about tbe country with teams gathering up ashes for which they traded articles of merchandise. The ashes were converted into potash which was in turn shipped to market and thus produced a nice revenue to the proprietors. In an early day Silas F. Spicer had a tannery and shoe store here. The cheese factory was started by Henry Spicer about 20 years ago, and for the last eighteen years has been operated by George Northrup. The public buildings are the district school and the union church. The Union church at Perch River was built in 1851 by members of the Methodist, Universalist and Lutheran denominations residing in the vicinity and while still owned in common is chiefly used by the Methodists, the other societies being almost extinct. The pulpit is supplied from Depauville. 504 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In the northeast part of the town, about two miles from Perch river, is what is commonly called the Baptist church neighborhood. In this locality the early settlers also built a fort during the war of 1812, fear ing an Indian invasion of the town. After the period had passed the settlers met for religious worship in the old building, and here the first Baptist services were held. Indeed the society antedated the building of the fort by four years, having been formed in 1806 (Sept. 7), and was the first church society of the town. The original members were Richardson Avery, Truman Kilborn, Arad Farr, Oliver Bartholomew, Isaac Cornwell, Persis Towns, Peter Towns, David Little, and Joseph and Rhoda Rhodes. The first pastor was Elder Timothy Pool, suc ceeded in its early history, by Elders Wilkie, Joshua Morgan, Sardis Little and others. The society was incorporated in 1825 and reorgan ized in 1833. The stone edifice was erected in 1827. Meetings are not regularly held, and the society does not report to the association. Pillar Point is a hamlet on the north shore of Black river bay, in the extreme western part of tbe town, and although in a measure isolated from the other settled localities of Brownville, the inhabitants are by no means backward in any element of domestic life, for the lands here are among the best in the county, and rich and productive to a remark able degree. In 1818 the executors of Nicholas Olive conveyed to Bartholmew Hounsfield, Thomas Ludlow Ogden and Samuel F. Hooker the so- called Olive tract, including 4,050 acres of land on Pillar Point, the con sideration paid for which was $9,112.50. In 1823 the land was parti tioned between the owners, Hooker taking 1,459 acres in the eastern portion of the tract, running from Black river bay north to the Chassanis line. The land had a very deep soil and was heavily timbered. Hooker built a saw mill near the mouth of Gill creek, where the shore road leaves the present middle road on Pillar Point. This was the only saw mill, so far as is known, ever on the point. All traces of it have long ago disappeared, but for many years the locality was known as Hooker's saw mill. In fact the Pillar Point neighborhood was settled almost as early as the localities farther east, and by a class of pioneers as thrifty and pro gressive as the county could boast. This, too, is distinctively an agricultural region, although during the early years of the century lumbering, potash making and fishing were staple industries. At one time this locality promised to possess some importance as a boat yard, THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 505 but other points soon drew away the industry. However, in 1836 Asa Wilcox built the Congress (140 tons) on the point. The hamlet settle ment is directly north from Sackets Harbor, and distant therefrom one and one-half miles by boat ride across the bay. The village was es tablished for the convenience of the farmers and fishermen,1 and when it became so established a post-office was located here. A store and a hotel were kept here fifty years ago. For many years a ferry has been in operation between Pillar Point and Sackets Harbor, the ferry man being licensed by the county court. However, as a village of the county Pillar Point is now of little moment, nor do its people aspire to a position of importance in the region. The local institutions comprise the Methodist church, and the district school. A Baptist society was formed Sept. 22, 1838, with about thirty mem bers, but the number increased in later years, and afteward decreased until the society was not self-sustaining. It has now ceased to exist. The M. E. church at Pillar Point has been one of the enduring institu tions of the town. It was organized January 9, 1836, with pioneers John D. Ingerson, Isaac Luther, Lyman Ackerman, Smith Luther and Stephen P. Bracket as the first trustees. A house of worship was built soon afterward, and the society has ever been in active existence though th'e number of members has been fluctuating. The present number is 74, with six probationers. In the Sunday school are 110 pupils. The church is supplied by Rev. J. W. Barrett. Glen Park. — This recently incorporated village is situated in the southeast corner of the town of Brownville, on the north bank of the river, about half way between the county seat and Brownville village. It owes its existence chiefly to the extensive pulp and paper mills owned by the C. R. Remington & Sons company, although the con struction of the electric railroad was an important factor in its devel opment. The special election at which the proposition to incorporate was sub mitted was held at the paper company's office, Dec. 29, 1893, at which time 44 votes were cast for and two against the measure. The survey of the proposed tract was made by Henry E. Baker, and included . 758 of a square mile of land. The C. R. Remington & Sons paper company was incorporated Aug ' Previous to about twenty-five years ago (about 1870) fishing was a staple industry on Pillar Point. The shores were for years lined with fishermen's shanties and packing houses, and many thousands of barrels of fish were taken annually. About the time mentioned the industry be gan to decline and eventually passed out of existence. 64 506 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 15, 1893, with a capital of $225,000, by Charles R. Remington, Charles H. Remington and Helen M. Remington, for the purpose of operating a pulp and paper mill in the town of Brownville. The Ontario paper company, whose large and attractive buildings are situated between Glen Park and Brownville, was incorporated orig inally as the Tilden paper company (July 9, 1887) with a capital stock of $100,000, by J. M. Tilden, D. H. Anderson, Frank A. Hinds, G. W. Knowlton, E. B. Sterling, N. P. Wardwell and S. F. Bagg. In 1888 the company passed into new ownership, and on Oct. 13 of that year, by an order of the Supreme court, the name was changed to the Ontario paper company. The capital stock was also increased to $150,000. These interests, with two small hotel buildings and one store com prise the business part of the hamlet, but in 1896 the territory was included in union free school district No. 1 of Brownville, to which reference is made on a preceding page. The village also has a mission church, established by the brotherhood of St. Andrew, of Trinity parish at Watertown. On the south side of the river the street railroad com pany has laid out and opened an extensive and beautiful park, to which access is had by a substantial bridge across the stream. Slaughter Hill is the name of a locality between Brownville and Perch river villages, but no industry or public building marks the place. The name was derived from a tragedy enacted there on April 16, 1828, when Henry Evans, in resisting the attempt of Joshua Rogers and Henry Diamond to dispossess him from the house he occu pied, seized an axe and mortally wounded both of them, and seriously injured a third man who was with them. Evans was arrested, in dicted and tried for the offense; was found guilty of murder in the first degree, and was sentenced to be hanged on August 22d of that year. The sentence was carried into effect on the gallows erected on the Pamelia side of the river, opposite the court house as then located on Court street. This event was the first of its kind in the county, and the locality in which the tragedy occurred gained and has ever since been called by the name of Slaughter hill. Thus have we endeavored to trace in a general way the leading events of Brownville history from the time when Jacob Brown first came into the region in 1799. Whoever pursues the narrative will dis cover that no attempt has been made to refer at length to the lives and deeds of the pioneers, except as they were associated with the civil his tory of the town. In another department will be found sketches of THE TOWN OF BROWNVILLE. 507 personal and family life in the town, but before closing this chapter it is proper to recall and mention by. name some of the prominent men which the town has produced ; men who have been so identified with local interests as to bring them prominently before the public, and who have in fact been a part of the history of the town and its villages. The foremost man among the pioneers was General Jacob Brown, of whom frequent mention has been made in this chapter. Isaac Luther it^diS HiliHlllilllllSllilliiniiilillHilliJllliiiiiiiiiiJiiliSilii ma Former Residence of Maj.-Gen. Jacob Brown, U.S.A., at Brownville. who was a pioneer on Pillar Point, was the progenitor of a large and thrifty family of descendants, and while in no sense a figure in public affairs, his life and example were worthy of emulation. Some of his descendants have attained to positions of responsibility and trust. Col. Edmund Kirby was an early and prominent resident of Brownville vil lage. His wife was Eliza, daughter of General Brown, and the old mansion in which he lived in the village is still one of the attractive landmarks of the place. This was the old house of General Brown, and was occupied by Colonel Kirby after the first occupant had re moved to Washington. Colonel Kirby early became prominent in the war of 1812, in which he served as an officer, but he afterward gained distinction in military circles in other fields, notably in the Black 508 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hawk, Seminole and Mexican wars. He returned to his home in Brownville in 1848, and in the next year died. George Brown was also a conspicuous figure in early history, he having held the office of justice of the peace for niore than 50 years; was postmaster 28 years, and was in the assembly in 1819. The late Lysander H. Brown, of Watertown, was the nephew of "Squire" Brown. The latter died July 8, 1870. The pioneer of the Emerson family came to the town in 1804, and was always known to the settlers as " Grandfather " Emer son. In his family were three sons, Jonathan, Elijah and Dustin, all of whom raised large families, and whose descendants are still known in the town and county. Col. William Lord came here previous to the war of 1812, from Vermont, and is best remembered as bookkeeper for bis uncle, William M. Lord, who kept the old hotel in the village. He served during the war, but his greatest prominence came from his con nection with the old foundry firm of Lord & Skinner, and later Lord & Sons. Two of his sons, Col. N. B. Lord and N. N. Lord, served with honor in the war of 1861-65. Alanson Skinner came to the village in 1814, returned to his home in New Hampshire, but afterward came again and was identified with local history in many ways ; was one of the firm of Lord & Skinner ; was state senator in 1850-51, and was one of the directors of the Na tional Union bank. He died June 7, 1876. Gen. Thomas Loomis came here from Otsego county, and operated a tannery, a distillery, and also made saleratus for the townsfolk. He died April 24, 1869. Charles K. and M. C. Loomis, both of whom were prominent citizens, were sons of General Loomis. Thomas Y. How was one of the few early settlers who was rich when he came to the town, for he then possessed $10,000 in cash; but he was hardly a prominent citizen other wise than enjoying the respect of the entire community. Thomas S. Knap came in 1829 to take charge of the business of his brother, Tracy S. Knap, who also was closely identified with local history, but who was an invalid. Mr. Knap's connection with Brownville interests has been noted on a preceding page. Thus might the list be continued indefinitely, but space and policy forbid. However, before leaving this retrospective, mention must be made of such names as: Judge John Brown, Maj. Samuel Brown, Wm. S. Ely, Hoel Lawrence, Asa Whit ney, Elizur Fairman, Major Reed, John A. Cathcart, Colonel Bradley, Dr. Bates, Joel Blood, G. Tillinghast and his son James, James Wood, S. Newton Dexter, F. J. THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 509 Hall, James A. Bell, John Baxter, Wm. P. Massey, Frederick Avery, Hazael S. White, Silas, James and Henry Spicer, Alvin A. Gibbs, Arba Strong, Walter Zim merman and a host of others whose names must be passed for the time, but all of whom were in some manner identified with the best interests and history of the town and the county. Supervisors.— Jacob Brown, 1803; John W. Collins, 1804-5; Jacob Brown, 1806-7 J. W. Collins, 1808; John Brown, 1809-10; Josiah Farrar, 1811-12; John Brown, 1813 Joseph Clark, 1814; John Brown, 1815; Walter Cole, 1816-17; Geo. Brown, jr., 1818 Hoel Lawrence, 1819-20; Walter Cole, 1821-28; George Brown, 1829-33; Aaron Shew, 1834-35 ; Walter Cole, 1836-37; Mahlon P. Jackson, 1838; Alanson Skinner, 1839-40; Wm. Lord, 1S41 ; A. Skinner, 1842-43; Chas. B. Avery, 1844-45; A, Skinner, 1846; Chas. B. Avery, 1847; Arba Strong, 1848; Cyrus Allen, 1849; Thos. L. Knap, 1850; Cyrus Allen, 1851; Samuel Middleton, 1852; C. K. Loomis, 1853; Beriah Allen, 1854-55 ; James A. Bell, 1856-57 ; Jesse Ayers, 1858; Henry Spicer, 1859-61; Henry Dorchester, 1862-64; Ezra S. Tallman, 1865-68; Henry Spicer, 1869; Alvin A. Gibbs, 1870; Myron H. Peck, 1871-72; A. A. Gibbs, 1873-74; Walter Zimmerman, 1875; O. M. Wood, 1876-77; Henry Binninger, 1878-80; Walter Zimmerman, 1881; F. D. Pierce, 1882-84; Edward Spicer, 1885-88; Walter Zimmerman, 1889-95; F. W. Spicer, 1896-97; Edward Leonard, 1898-99. CHAPTER XXV. THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. In many respects the history of Cape Vincent is unlike that of any other town of the county, for within its territorial boundaries is one of the most interesting localities from a purely historic point of view to be found in northern New York. Carleton island is the particular lo cality referred to. There exists evidence tending to show that almost three hundred years ago the daring French explorer Champlain, voy aged quite near if indeed he did not touch this island when he crossed over tbe river and invaded the Iroquois country in 1615. In 1684 Marquis de la Barre, governor general of the Canadas, followed nearly the same course when he sailed to the south side of the lake and held a treaty with the Indians at Bay le Famine, in the present town of Ellis burgh. From historical accounts of that period there is reason to be lieve that De la Barre knew of the existence of what we now call Carle ton island, if indeed he did not actually occupy it for temporary purposes. A few years later, in 1696, Count Frontenac in organizing and execut- 510 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing his historic expedition ' against the Iroquois in the province of New York certainly became fully conversant with the famous islands at the foot of the lake, for even then they were regarded as points of impor tance in the warlike events of tbe period. We have no positive proof that Frontenac occupied Carleton or any other island within the juris diction of this town, yet there is evidence tending to that conclusion. The island is first definitely mentioned in the Charlevoix letter of 1721 (see an earlier chapter), when that noted Jesuit missionary priest was at Bay le Famine and there wrote a letter to the Duchess de Lesdiguires. He mentioned Carleton island as ''Isle aux Chevreuils,'"' which has been translated as "Isle of Roe Bucks." Father Charlevoix visited the island first in 1720, and described it as "a pretty port that can receive large barques." Among the early French explorers it was a favorite stopping place and camping ground, and the practice of utilizing it for this purpose was prolonged through out the colonial period. In alluding to it a contemporary writer says : But what renders this island of more historical interest than the many other islands of the group are the remains of a strong military work, which was built upon it during the latter part of the last century, crowning the brink of the bluff at the head of the island, overlooking the " pretty port " and commanding the American channel of the great river. This fortification has generally been known as Fort Carleton, but in regard to its origin and date of construction there was much conjecture, and not a little controversy among students of history until the doubt was removed by Major Durham's researches. (See note.) Until within the last score of years it was supposed that the fort was built by the French between 1758 and 1760, or during the last French and English struggle for supremacy on this side of the 1 It is believed that the name Iste aux Chevreuils was applied to this island on the occasion when Frontenac encamped there. Another French or Indian name for the island, according to a map in Yale college was Cahihouonage, but its meaning is not clearly understood, 2 Major James H. Durham, an acknowledged authority on Cape Vincent history, gives the correct name of the island as "Isle aux Chez>ereau.x," or Goat island, but which was by the Eng lish mistaken for "Isle aux Clievreuils," (Roebuck, or Grenadier island). Carleton island was also known as Deer island. From the same authority (Maj. Durham) we also learn that as early as 1775 the British established a supply depot on Carleton island, and in 1770, upon the outbreak of the war, the place became a rendezvous for tories and Mohawk Indians m planning their depredations against American outposts. A little later Sir Guy Carleton was succeeded in the governor-generalship of the Canadas by Sir Frederick Haldimand, and the latter in 1777 caused the fort to be erected on the island, believing the locality offered the greatest advantages for offensive and defensive operations. At that time the name of Carleton island was formally ap plied, in honor of Sir Guy Carleton, and the fort was named Fort Haldimand in allusion to Sir Frederick, the new governor-general. THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 511 Atlantic, while some writers have ascribed it to a still more ancient origin, dating back in some cases almost to Champlain's time. As a matter of fact the fort on Carleton island was built by the English during the years 1778-79, and was heavily equipped with cannon and other necessary munitions of war. MT CAR WON RAWN ON THE GROUND .. . SWD.DEL. If SOUTH I, j-! ARBOR However, the advocates of the earlier date of construction were not wholly without foundation for their claims, for as early as 1758 the plans of French defenses along the Canadian border contemplated the costruction of a fort on Isle aux Chevereaux, but the work was not done under the French governor- general, nor until after the over throw of that power in America. The accompanying diagram gives an idea of the outlines of this historic fortification although the elements and the ever destroying hand of man have reduced the work almost to a pile of debris. Fort Carleton stands immediately on the brow of a high bluff over looking the little peninsula and two harbors below, and commands both channels of the river lying south of Wolf island. The gorge, or rear wall, was chiefly formed by the high cliffs at its base, forming a natural defense, and in addition is an artificial wall of stone, although now a pile of ruins, while its accompanying stockade has entirely disappeared. The length of the gorge wall line is about 800 feet, and about in its 512 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. middle is a gateway leading out to what was evidently the magazine. The fort, looking toward the mainland of the island, was defended by an irregular line of works, with a solid parapet having three faces, and each strengthened by a bastion. Outside of the parapet was a ditch excavated in the rock to a depth of six feet, and having a width of about 22 feet. The stone from the ditch was used in constructing the irregu lar wall which run along the entire front and about 30 feet distant therefrom. There were two main sally-ports, one at the north and the other at the south extremity of the fort, and each connected with a road leading to a landing. The fort, including the ditch, covered an area of about eight or ten acres, and could accommodate a garrison of about 500 men. It was one of the most substantial fortifications on the frontier, and must have cost an immense sum of money. The relics found in and around the fort consist of coins, buttons, tomahawks, flints, &c. , and indicate French, English and Indian occupancy of the region. Nearby and on the plain east of the works, was a burial ground, but little if any of this spot is now visible. Such, in brief, is a description of one of the most noted localities in Jefferson county, yet during the period of its history we have no account of an important conflict at arms on the island. This indeed was the key to the outlet of the take and the value of Carleton island as a strat egic point was undoubted, yet the circumstances of war decreed that it should not be the scene of any sanguinary engagement. The island and the fort were held as a British port until 1812, when Abner Hub bard and a few companions took it upon themselves to capture it in the cause of the Americans. Three invalid men and two women were the fruits of this conquest. The movable contents of the fort were soon afterward transferred to the mainland and the buildings were burned and destroyed. Carleton island also had an interesting civil history, and was, so far as we have any definite knowledge, the first occupied portion of the territory now constituting this county. After the close of the revolu tion William Richardson was granted a bounty or land warrant in com pensation for services in the army. This he sold to Matthew Watson and William Guilland, who, on Oct. 2, 1786, located the same on Carle ton island generally. This action was approved by the land commis sioner, but the transaction was to be void if the island proved to be within Canadian territory. Guilland sold his interest in the warrant to Watson, and the latter died, leaving three children, John, Margaret THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 513 and Jane, two of whom (John and Jane) subsequently died without issue. Margaret married with Jacob Ten Broeck, and they sold the right to Charles Smyth. In the meantime the island was in possession of the British, and Smyth was thus unable to locate his claim or occupy any portion of the land, hence had recourse to the legislature in 1821, which resulted in an act to the effect that the title should not be preju diced by the lapse of time between the location of the claim and the application for patent. At the same time Smyth also applied for a patent for the remaining lands of the island (its area is about 1,300 acres), and the legislative committee, to whom the applications were re ferred, learning that the lands were then occupied by about a dozen squatters who were making serious inroads on the timber lands, advised a compliance with the petition. An act was therefore passed (March 2, 1821) directing the issue of a patent for 500 acres on the west end of the island, but subsequently Smyth became possessed of the whole tract. ' In 1823 F. R. Hasler, a mathematician of note, and who for many years had charge of coast survey work, was employed to survey Carle ton island, and reported it to contain 1,279 acres. He found about 30 acres of land near the south shore which had previously been improved, and which was known as the " king's garden. " At that time the island also contained 8 log houses and 2 cabins, and about 197 acres of land under cultivation. This, of course, was the work of squatters. These improvements are said to have begun in 1822, when Avery Smith and Abijah Lewis began lumbering operations, and in the course of a few years the island possessed a post-office and a school ; James Estes had a tavern, and four dwellings were built in the vicinity of the old chim neys on the site of Fort Carleton. A Mr. Shumway taught the school, and also served as justice of the peace to settle any differences which might arise among the settlers; and if local tradition be true, the worthy pedagogue dispensed justice with the same firmness with which he wielded the rod in tbe school room. Among the other denizens of the locality were David Briggs, who made shoes, and also James Wood and a Mr. Shaw, who kept stores. Abijah Lewis also kept store, and after he and Smith dissolved partnership, each carried on the lumber business alone until the island was practically stripped of its primitive forest growth. This having in due time been accomplished, the busi- ' A small tract of land at the northwestern extremity of the island was ceded to the United States, June 31, 1853, for the purpose of a lighthouse. 65 514 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ness importance of tbe island passed away, and where once was the semblance of a hamlet only the old smoke colored chimneys survived to mark the historic spot. Subsequently the island was divided into farm tracts, and has since been devoted chiefly to agricultural pursuits, except as non-resident persons have secured small parcels in the most attractive localities and turned them into summer resorts.1 The perma nent occupants of the island do not number more than half a dozen families. Another historical locality within the jurisdiction of the town is that known as Grenadier island,2 which lies southwest of the mainland of Cape Vincent. It contains 1,290 acres of excellent lands, but from a purely historic point of view does not possess the interest which ever seems to be associated with Carleton island and its old ruins. Grena dier island was patented to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, Joshua Wadding ton and Thomas L. Ogden, Oct. 1, 1824, and on the 10th of November following the title became vested in Pierrepont. He sold the island (and also Cherry island, of which he became possessed at the same time) to William and Gerardus Post, of New York, Feb. 19, 1825, for $7,000, and by them it was sold to settlers, although in the meantime it had become populated with squatters, who were very reluctant to to yield up their improvements. Previous to this time, however, and as early as 1803 Samuel English and Hezekiah Barrett had petitioned the legislature for a patent for Grenadier island, but it was then uncer tain whether it was within the jurisdiction of this state, hence the re quest could not be granted. The line dividing the province and New York was established in 1819, and in 1824 the patent to Pierrepont and others was issued as above stated. By reference to the early chapters of this work it will be seen that Grenadier island was known to the early French explorers who voy aged up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario. Champlain, La Salle and Frontenac undoubtedly made this a temporary stopping place, as did other navigators and explorers who followed after them, yet the island itself did not become in any way noted previous to the war of 1812- 15. In the year first mentioned the family of Richard M. Esselstyn 1 In Dec, 1875, the Carleton Island club, of Utica, purchased a portion of the peninsula at the head of the island; and on July 11, 1881, the Navasink club, of Ithaca, in the same manner acquired title to another part of the island. 2 According to Major Durham, this was the " Isle aux Chevreuils," or Roebuck island, but the name through some mistake on the part of the English was applied to Carleton island. Roe buck island is also called Deer island, although for many years Carleton island was so desig- THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 515 was sent by lake to Sackets Harbor, and stopped over night on the island. In those days, when settlers were pouring rapidly into the region, and when still others were leaving the vicinity on account of the uncertainties of the war then impending, this water route was a common thoroughfare between Cape Vincent and the lower St. Law rence country, and also between Cape Vincent, Sackets Harbor and Oswego. During the embargo period Grenadier island was the fre quent resort of smugglers, but gained its greatest prominence in the fall of 1813, when it was made the rendezvous for Wilkinson's ajmy preliminary to his disastrous expedition down the St. Lawrence in the vain hope of capturing Montreal. At the time the October weather proved true to itself, and as a result of the ill-timed expedition, Wil kinson's whole fleet of boats was at the mercy of wind and waves. It was four days before the army reached Basin harbor, a safe refuge from the elements at the east end of the island where the lake cur rents threw up beaches in such manner as to form ample bays. The pioneer of Grenadier island is supposed to have been John Mitch ell, a squatter, who built a cabin and made an improvement soon after the war. He was followed by others, and before the proprietor came to assert his title and ownership, at least fourteen families were living here, engaged in lumbering, farming in a small way, and in fishing. For many years fishing was an established industry in this part of the lake, and many thousands of barrels of fish were annually taken with seines and nets off the shore of Grenadier island. This prom inence the island has ever since enjoyed, although the extensive fish eries are now a thing of the past. It is a frequented spot for pleasure fishermen, and also enjoys considerable prominence as a summer resort. Fox island is also within the jurisdiction of the town, and is a small body of 257.5 acres of land situate between Grenadier island and the isthmus connecting Point Peninsula with the mainland of the town of Lyme. It is a pleasantly located tract, a frequent resort for pleasure and fishing parties during the warm months, yet in the history of the town at large is of comparatively little importance. Having thus referred at some length to the islands which form an important part of this town, at least one of which began to make history before the mainland itself, let us now turn our attention to the history of the town at large. Among the civil divisions of the county Cape Vincent is the youngest town, having been created from Lyme, April 10, 1849, yet as is told on preceding pages, within its present boundaries 516 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was made the first white settlement both in the county and in northern New York. Lyme, the mother town, was formed from Brownville in 1818, and the latter was created from Leyden (Oneida county) in 1802, and included all this county north of Black river. The territory of Cape Vincent, except its islands, lay wholly within great lot number four of the Macomb purchase, the history of which will be found in an earlier chapter of this work. When erected from Lyme, this town em braced all the territory of the county "west of a line running from the mouth of Little Fox creek, on Lake Ontario, N. 48.75 degrees E., 646 chains; thence N. 57 degrees E., 235.56 chains, to the line of the town of Clayton." The town was named in honor of Vincent Le Ray, son of James D. Le Ray, the land proprietor. The town contains 34,022 acres of land, of as good quality as is found along the lake and river border of the county. The surface is generally level, or slightly undulating, and the soil is a clayey loam, heavy and fertile, and produces abundantly under proper care and cultivation. It is devoted chiefly to general agricultural pursuits, yet yields most profitably in hay and market garden seeds. The pioneer of the town was Captain Abijah Putnam, who came from Rome in 1801, and settled four miles below Cape Vincent village, at a point named for him Port Putnam, but which in later years became known as Millen's bay. The pioneer established a ferry between the port and Wolf island, on the Canadian side, and also projected a village site, making surveys and plans to that end, but in 1804, before any considerable settlement had been made, he sold his interest to John Macomb and Peter Sternberg, and then left the locality. The new proprietors prosecuted the village scheme on a plan still more elaborate than that of the founder, and laid out the t act in the form of a paral lelogram, with a central public square of some five or six acres, and also a reserved space for public buildings on the upper side of the tract, facing the river. The streets running parallel with the river were named from First to Seventh, in regular order, and intersecting them at right angles where Green, Montgomery, Herkimer, Washington, Jefferson, Clinton and Hancock streets. From this it is seen that the worthy proprietors were thoroughly patriotic and must have descended from revolutionary stock. Pleasant street was laid out on two sides of the square, but notwithstanding all the laudable endeavors of the owners, the village never attracted more than a dozen or fifteen families, and about 1811 it was abandoned in favor of the new settlement two miles THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 517 up the river, where James Le Ray founded a settlement at " Gravelly Point," which he named Cape Vincent in honor of his son. However, during tbe period of its history, Port Putnam attracted a number of worthy families to its vicinity, and the construction of the state road (in 1803-4) to this point from Brownville was an important factor in drawing settlers to this part of the town. Among those who came (the same 3Tears in which the road was built) were Jonathan Cum mings, Daniel Spinning, Elnathan Judd, Norman Wadsworth and John B. Esselstyn. Mr. Esselstyn came in 1803, and was the head of a family which has ever since been prominently associated with Jefferson county history. Richard M. Esselstyn, one of the best early represent atives of the same surname, came to Chaumont in 1801 as a surveyor, and in 1806 removed to a point near his brother (John B. ) a short dis tance below Port Putnam. Other early settlers along the river, nearly all of whom came by the state road route, were Eddy Cole, Caleb Lob- dell, Avery Smith, Wm. Hollenbeck, Charles Gillette, Orison and Zimri Butterfield, Daniel Nichol, Abner and Barrett Hubbard, Samuel Britton and others named Soper, Smith and Phelps, but to reliably locate all of them on their original farms in the town is now impossible. Mr. Soper lived on the line of the state road and kept house for the entertainment of travelers. The old thoroughfare was often well-nigh impassable, and as many as ten or more hours were at times required to make the journey from Chaumont to Port Putnam. In addition to the names of pioneers and early settlers already men tioned, still others may be recalled, though the absence of reliable record makes it impossible to give the year of their arrival or the exact place of settlement. In this connection mention may be made of Michael Van Schaick, Willard Ainsworth, John Vincent, Joseph Cross, Dr. Sackett, Dr. Brewster, Captain Caton, Benjamin Estes, Captain Merritt (who sailed from Port Putnam on the " Appollonia," and when off the coast of Mexico bay the ship was suddenly struck and wrecked by lightning, and her crew barely escaped to shore with their lives), Ira Hadley, James Borland, James Buckley, Abner Rogers, Oliver Pool, Jacob Bedford, Abner and Philip Gaige, and also other heads of fami lies whose surnames are remembered as Fuller, Green, Hasler, Con verse, Holmes, Pigsley, Marshall, Van Husen, Hoff, Lee and others. All were good and worthy settlers, and had a share in developing the resources of the town in its early history, while its territory formed a part of the ancestor town of Brownville. It is undoubtedly true that when 518 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lyme was created a majority of inhabitants in the proposed new juris diction lived in the part afterward set off to Cape Vincent; and when in 1849 this town was formed from Lyme, the latter surrendered more than half her population and area. Continuing the roll of settlers and developers still further, there may also be re called the names of Highland Millen, for whom Millen's bay received its name. He married the daughter of Abner Hubbard, and their children were Abner, John and Jane. By a second marriage Millen had ten more children. There were also Thomas Dodge, Elisha P. Dodge, Henry Ainsworth (an old revolutionary patriot), Joseph Peo, James Robbins, John Laniger, Jeremiah Carrier (a prominent figure in county history), Terrence Connell, Joseph Mays, James C. Irvine, Alex. Armstrong, Alfred Vautrin, John Laird, Simon Cornaire, Euger Aubertine, Jerome Aubertine, John F. Bourcey, John Branch, John Cornaire, Joseph Willey, James Burnett, Fran cis Merchant, John Stewart (who served in the war of 1812), Elias F. Powell, John Stumpf, Raney P. Dezengremel, Eli L. Dunning (war of 1812 survivor), John B. Rosseau, Jacob Fraley, David C. Schuler, Adam A. Gray, Peter Reff, John Nilles, Samuel Gardner, Luther Stedman, Leander Rice, Lawrence Constance, John Hum phrey, Herman Shaffer, Fidelis Berringer, Andrew Radley and perhaps others equally worthy of mention, all of whom are believed to have been in the town pre vious to its creation from Lyme. Glancing over preceding papers, the reader must notice the frequency of foreign names — at least many not of English origin and pronuncia tion. This fact naturally leads to the conclusion that the continent in Europe furnished many settlers to this part of the Macomb purchase. Such indeed was the case, and the famous French settlement, which has for many years been an important element of Cape Vincent history, is worthy of special mention in this chapter. The central portion of the town of Cape Vincent, which for many years has been the abiding place of a number of thrifty French and German families, was originally settled by the same class of American pioneers who occupied the region contiguous to the river. Among the earliest settlers there may be recalled the names and families of Jacob Van Nostrand, Samuel F. Mills, Aaron Whitcomb, Asahel and Phineas Powers, Thomas Shaw and a few others, who opened farms and pre pared the way for later comers. About 1815 and '16, through the in fluence and patronage of Mr. Le Ray, the French and German immi grants began to arrive and continued coming at irregular intervals un til a considerable settlement was made in the central region of the town as now constituted. Nearly all of these foreigners were poor in purse, but rich in health and possessed a commendable determination to built up and establish for their families a comfortable condition of THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. , 519 life. Many of them received substantial aid from Le Ray, who seemed to take more than ordinary interest in their welfare. In the course of time, as the colony increased, the American settlers sold their improve ments to the new element of population, and previous to 1840 the entire eastern region of the town, almost from its north to its south boundary, became thickly peopled with the French and German settlers. The hamlet localities known as Rosiere and French settlement were the re sult of this unusual tide of immigration, and both have endured to the present time, although the descendants of the settlers who established them have now scattered throughout the town. These settlers were Catholics and established churches in which the services were con ducted both in French and German, according to the nationality of the congregation. Mr. Le Ray was also instrumental in bringing a considerable con tingent of French nobility, who had become involved in political in trigues on account of their fealty to Napoleon the First, and as a con sequence were compelled to flee from their country and find refuge in America. Le Ray happened to be in full sympathy with their cause and readily induced them to take up homes on his vast domain in north ern New York. Their first arrival began in 1811, and among their leaders was Count Francis Peter Real, who enjoyed the celebrity of having been chief of police under Napoleon. In this colony were also the son-in-law of the count, General Rolland, Camille Arrand, Jermaux and Pigeon, the latter being secretary to Real, and an astronomer of more than passing note. For about two years the count occupied a rented house, and then built a residence of peculiar architecture at the head of Gouvello street. To this domicile was given the name of " cup and saucer," from its resemblance to those articles of table ware. The " cup and saucer " residence had no remarkable historic associations, yet had the designs of the owner been fully carried out it would have been one of the famous houses of America, for the count and his asso ciates were fully determined to rescue Napoleon from the island of St. Helena, bear him away to this country and find for him a safe refuge within this house. The attempt, however, was not made, as Napoleon died in 1821, after which amnesty was granted the political exiles, and a number of them returned to France. Others remained and became lifelong residents of the town, furnishing a desirable element of its population and adding much to its worth and history in tbe county. Among the prominent characters in this distinguished colony was 520 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Louis Peugnet, a former officer in the Napoleonic army and a person of excellent abilities both as a soldier and citizen. His surname was preserved in the town many years, and its representatives were among the enterprising families of the village. Peugnet was the friend and adviser of the great Napoleon and his descendants still retain several choice mementoes which were presented to their ancestor by the famous warrior. Pigeon, the secretary, was also a notable personage, and drew much attention from the fact that during Napoleon's imprison ment at St. Helena he (Pigeon), in accordance with a vow to that effect, was not known to wear a hat or other covering for his head. Never theless the secretary was a strong character in Cape Vincent history for several years, and was esteemed for his scholarly attainments. Another interesting though not specially historic locality is that com monly known as Jibbett's Point, in the extreme western part of the town, at the head of the St. Lawrence. It was called after Capt. John Jibbett, of Troy, who in 1799 became the owner of 600 acres of land in the vicinity, but who is not mentioned among the settlers in the town. On January 25, 1827, the United States acquired title to about three acres of land on Jibbett's Point, and in that year built the light house. The second was built in 1854, and. was substantially repaired in 1870. This is a purely agricultural region and contains many excellent farms. It is at the extreme foot of the lake and affords many interesting views both on land and water. On the old state road leading from Point Putnam to Chaumont, about three miles southeast from the former place, is a farming locality which for many years has been known as the Warren settlement. The first improvement here were begun in 1825, when three brothers, Shepard, James and Asa Warren made a clearing and opened a farm. Soon afterward Edwin Tuttle, Joel Torry and John Howard setttled in the vicinity, and with those who preceded them developed this part of the town and opened it for still further improvements by later comers. Still further east, and three miles distant from tbe river, is a locality now known as St. Lawrence, but which was originally called St. Oars' Corners, and later Lawrenceville. Among the settlers here (and in this part of the town) were Jacob St. Oars, Silas Mosier, Eli Wethey, Horatio Humphrey, Hamilton Wallace, Samuel Dillon, Jerome Wetbey, Daniel Corse, Charles Cummings, Dyer Pierce and other families whose surnames were Curtis, Wheeler, Campbell and Carpenter. In the course of years a settlement sprung up and was named as has been THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 521 stated, but when James Rogers came and opened a tavern the event was of such importance that the cross roads was named Rogers' Corn ers. Still later names were Gotham's Corners and Crane's Corners, but in 1848 a post station was established here under the name of Law renceville, in allusion to a Miss Lawrence, of New York, a large land owner in the locality. In Cape Vincent, unlike nearly all other towns of the county, early settlement was accomplished and all the institutions and interests were established previous to the time of organization. Indeed, in this town the most interesting events of early history took place while the terri tory formed a part of Brownville, and the greatest strides in settlement and development were made while the town was a part of Lyme. One of the most exciting periods of history in the town was that of the war of 1812-15, which came upon the scattered inhabitants almost suddenly, causing many of them to temporarily abandon their possessions and seek safety in a more protected locality.' In June, 1812, on the recom mendation of Gen. Brown, Col. Bellinger and a detachment of troops were sent to defend the St. Lawrence border in the vicinity of Port Putnam. John B. Esselstyn (afterwards Col. Esselstyn) was placed in command of the militia at a later period, and during the war the frontier in this town was defended by a troop of Mohawk county militia, a de tachment of light artillery and dragoons, and also a body of riflemen, the latter under the command of Capt. Benj. Forsyth. At the time this was considered an important locality, and nearer, perhaps, to Kingston than any other American port. In the absence of the troops a line of sentinels was always maintained, and all precautions were taken to guard against surprise from this quarter. Any allusion to the line of sentries always recalls one of the humor ous incidents of the period. As the story goes, a soldier of our army while off duty went over to Wolf island, where he fell in with a young lady named Button. They were married, and in due season returned to this side. The news spread among the troops, and that night a soldier in the line of sentinels broke the stillness of solitude by crying out, " Button, button, who has got the button?" His comrade next in line answered loudly : "Corporal Dean," whereupon the cry was at 1 Just before war was declared the schooners Niagara and Ontario, well laden with flour and potash, were seized by deputy collector Elijah Fields, who was stationed at Cape Vincent. The captured vessels were taken to Sackets Harbor, where the Niagara was condemned and sold, but the Ontario was released. 522 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. once taken up and carried along the entire line, fourteen miles in length. For the maintenance of the troops stationed in the town at various times a barracks was built, which stood at the corner of Broadway and James streets in Cape Vincent village, while on the site of the school house on Murray street was the hospital. Occasionally the village and vicinity were visited by the British,1 and as a result of their incursions the barracks, Henry Ainsworth's store, J. B. & R. M. Esselstyn's store, Major Esselstyn's house (below Port Putnam), several barns, a quan tity of lumber and two or three small schooners were burned. The Indians also made depredatory incursions, and on one occasion set fire to Dr. Avery Ainsworth's house and barn in the Pleasant valley neigh borhood. Wilkinson's troops were here for a time, and in cooking messes and providing warmth for their quarters burned a large quan tity of staves belonging to the Esselstyns. This was a wanton de struction of property, and was only partially compensated by congress in later years. During the later months of the war, in the summer of 1813, a man named Draper, who served as " express " between this point and Sack ets Harbor, learned that a party of Indians were lurking about Wolf island, whereupon he obtained permission to organize a force of volun teers to dislodge them. This was quickly accomplished, a gunboat under Captain Hawkins taking the troops over to the island. The ex pedition, however, cost Draper his life, as he carelessly exposed himself within range .of the Indians' muskets, and was killed. Previous to the war lumbering was the chief business of the river border, while the Esselstyns, who have been mentioned, were extensive manufacturers of staves, and perhaps the largest operators in this part of the county. The war temporarily stopped all industries, but when peace was restored business was resumed, and the country back from the river was rapidly taken up and developed. New roads were opened, and the quality and cheapness of the land was such as to draw settlers to the locality. It was about this time that Le Ray induced settle ments by the French and German elements of population, and nearly 1 On one of these visits, just before the attack on Sackets Harbor, a British gunboat touched at the cape in the night, and a part of the crew, having heard of the presence in the village of three American dragoons, who were stopping here over night, determined to take them. One of the men, named Moore, was an accomplished fencer, and retreating to the corner of the room, he so effectually defended himself against the British attack that he was shot. His com rades escaped. THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 523 all of those who came and purchased land brought large families to the town. During the fifteen years next following 1820, the population of Lyme increased from 1,724 to 3,816, and by far the greater portion of this growth was in that part of the town afterward set off to Cape Vin cent. The war of 1837-40, otherwise known as the Patriot war, was another brief period of interest to the inhabitants of the town, and in the early part of 1838 two companies of militia were called out and stationed at Cape Vincent to prevent the lawless acts which the patriots were charged with committing, and particularly to prevent any force of patriots from invading Canada. In November following the army of patriots designed for the subjugation of Canada was augmented by ten or a dozen recruits from Cape Vincent, who took passage on the steamer United States, or her convoys, and had a part in the affair at Windmill Point. The cause had many sympathizers in this part of the county, and while in this town there was no special interest or demonstration, the mass meeting held in the village December 18, 1838, showed the sentiment of the townsfolk to be largely with the patriots. However, the period passed without injury to local interests, and events soon re sumed their natural channels. In succeeding years the growth of the town in every direction was almost remarkable. In 1845 it had a population of more than 6,000, and then being the most populous town in the county, the subject of a division of the territory began to be dis cussed, although four more years passed before the erecting act was passed. Organization. — As is stated on another page, Cape Vincent was formed from Lyme, the act being passed by the legislature April 10, 1849. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the home of Jacob Berringer, tavern keeper, on May 15, at which time the following officers were elected : Supervisor, Frederick A. Folger ; town clerk, John W. Little ; superintendent of schools, W. H. Webb; justices of the peace, Jacob Barringer, Augustus Aubertine, Barney W. Payne ; assessors, John Lawton, Adam Gray ; commissioner of highways, Buell Fuller ; overseer of the poor, Francis A. Cross. From that time to the present, history of Cape Vincent has been a record of growth and progress, and few indeed have been the events which have disturbed the peace and harmony of the inhabitants. In a greater degree perhaps than is found in any other town in the county. Cape Vincent has a mixed population, the descendants of the Ameri- 524 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cans, the Germans, the French, and lastly of the Irish settlers who made homes in this locality during the early years of the century. But notwithstanding the variety of nationalities so strongly represented, the town has ever been prosperous, the people thrifty, and evidence of comfort prevail in every quarter of the town. In 1850, one year after the town was set off and organized, the in habitants numbered 3,044, as shown by the census reports. The subse quent fluctuations in population are best learned from the same source, as follows: 1855, 3,375; 1860, 3,585; 1865, 3,479; 1870, 3,342; 1875, 3,180; 1880, 3,143; 1890, 3,014; 1892, 2,966. According to the above statement, the greatest population in the town's history was attained in 1860, when the inhabitants numbered 3,585, and when, perhaps, the resources of the region were at the height of their development. The subsequent decrease has been due to the causes which have in like manner reduced the population of towns similarly situated, and not to lack of enterprise and public spirit on the part of the people. ; During the period of its history, there have been built up within the limits of the town one incorporated village and three hamlets or trad ing centers, known respectively as Cape Vincent, Rosiere, St. Law rence and Millen's Bay (River View post office), the latter the first es tablished settlement in the town and one of the first in the St. Law rence river region. The original name of this hamlet was Port Put nam, and Abijah Putnam was its pioneer and founder, as has been suffi • ciently stated on preceding pages. The locality prospered for a few years, but when Mr. Le Ray determined to establish a village settle ment at Gravelly Point, his influence prevailed with the people and the site was abandoned about 1811. At various times in the later years a small store has been maintained here, but aside from its early historic associations, its once important lumbering interests, and the several at tempts to profitably maintain a summer hotel, the hamlet is of little consequences in local annals. The present merchant and postmaster is George White. A union meeting house was built here in 1869-71, at the joint expense of the Protestant and Methodist Episcopalians, and is occupied by them on alternate Sundays. The Methodist services are supplied from St. Lawrence, and the Protestant Episcopal from Cape Vincent. St. Lawrence is a small hamlet in the extreme eastern portion of the town, in a fertile agricultural region. In this locality Stephen Johnson opened a store about 1825 or '30, but as late as 1835 the settlement had THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 525 not to exceed a half dozen dwellings. As we have stated, the first name of the locality was St. Oars' Corners, but in recognition of the importance of James Rogers' tavern, which was built sometime after 1830, the name was changed to Rogers' Corners. Still later it became Gotham Corners, then Crane's Corners, and Lawrenceville, and when the post-office was established the permanent and appropriate name of St. Lawrence was adopted. From that time this has been an established trading center, though its business interests have been confined to one or two stores, a hotel, a cheese factory and one or two small shops. The present merchants are George Donaldson and Theodore Miller. The hotel is kept by M. C. Rogers. The only public buildings are the district school and the M. E. church. The first Methodist class in this part of the town was formed soon after 1S40 through the good works of Morris Cornwell and wife, Chris topher Treadwell and wife and Mrs. Jeremiah Newville. Preaching services were maintained until Aug. 17, 1868, when the Second M. E. church of Cape Vincent was organized at St. Lawrence, and in the next 3Tear the meeting house was built. From that time the society has enjoyed a healthful existence, the members numbering about one hundred, including the Methodist worshippers at Miller's Bay and elsewhere in this part of the township. The present pastor is Rev. H. L. Hastings. Rosiere is a hamlet of about 100 inhabitants in the central part of the town, on the line of the Cape Vincent branch of the R. W. & O. railroad. The road was built and completed in the early part of 1852, and a sta tion was afterward established to accommodate the inhabitants of the St. Lawrence vicinity as well as those in the central part of the town. The hamlet was then built up in the center of the French and German population to whom previous reference has been made. _ Their farms originally averaged about 25 acres each, and were in part devoted to market gardening, and when Patrick S. Stewart (agent for the Le Ray estate) made his annual visit to Cape Vincent to collect interest, the Frenchman would walk the entire distance to the old Fuller hotel in the village and make their payments. The wives of these sturdy plod ders also accompanied their husbands on their journeys, and carried along a tub full of vegetables, which were sold or traded for goods. In this way, by persistent effort, many of these settlers became well- to-do and secured fine large farms. Their descendants, the present occupants of the old farms, are likewise thrifty and energetic, and 526 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. have made profitable use of the lands left them by their ancestors. However, the little village built up for the benefit of this part of the town has not progressed much beyond the condition attained during the first ten years of its history. A saw and grist mill, a hotel and one or two stores have been maintained here nearly all the time ; and in addition to them are the district school and Roman Catholic church. The local merchants are Lewis S. Dunlay and Charles Armstrong. The mills are owned by Peter Fraley. St. Vincent de Paul's church at Rosiere, was founded in 1830 at the French settlement by Mr. Le Ray, who built the large stone edifice at that point and also donated 100 acres of land. The parish was organ ized at the same time, and then included twenty familier. In the course of time the edifice became unfit for further occupancy, and as the center of population of the parish had changed, in 1879 the present church at Rosiere was erected. It is now under charge of Father Will iam S. Kelley, of Cape Vincent. Cape Vincent Village. — Previous to the completion of the railroad from Watertown to Cape Vincent, there had been but little attempt to build up a commercial village with extensive mercantile and manu facturing interests. When, about 1870-73, the St. Lawrence river and Thousand islands region became famous as a summer resort an effort was made to attract annual visitors to this village, but with little more than indifferent results. The village is pleasantly situated and possesses greater natural beauties than many localities farther down the river, yet Cape Vincent happens to be above the Thousand islands proper and just too near the outlet of the lake to reap the annual harvest from tourists and visitors. If old records and local traditions be correct, in 1815 there were but seven dwelling houses on the village site, although Mr. Le Ray had begun to build up the settlement in 1811, and for that purpose had per suaded the denizens of Port Putnam to abandon their improvements in favor of his more desirable location at Gravelly Point. However, the war had intervened, and what the enemy did not burn, the half-cared for forces of General Wilkinson practically destroyed and wasted. At that time occupancy of the settlement was attended with considerable danger, and a number of the first settlers found safety for their fam ilies in other localities. So far as we have definite knowledge, among the earliest settlers in this part of Brownville were Holieb Phelps, Richard M. Esselstyn, John Matthews, " Uncle " Nash, Eber Kelsey, THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 527 Dr. Avery Ainsworth, Nathan Lake, and perhaps two or three others, all of whom were here before the outbreak of the war. The first attempt to improve the village tract was made in 1809 by Eber Kelsey, who came from Turin and cleared a 50 acre tract of land for Mr. Le Ray. He also erected a wharf, a block, a dwelling house and tavern and a large frame barn. In the same year Richard M. Esselstyn built a house and opened a stock of goods for trade, the own ers being J. B. & R. M. Esselstyn. Dr. Avery Ainsworth came here from Vermont, and began practicing medicine along the river. Eber Kelsey established a ferry to the Canada side, and at that time in the history of the settlement did an extensive business in carrying smug glers and goods across the border. Previous to this and as early as 1807 Peter Sternberg had secured an exclusive right to maintain a ferry be tween Carleton island and Long island for ten years, and this, with the Kelsey ferry, was a popular and well patronized avenue of travel pre vious to the appointment of a customs officer and sending a detachment of troops here to enforce the embargo laws. In 1809 the firm of Es selstyn & Murray began manufacturing staves from timber bought of Le Ray, and shipped their product to market down the river. They gave employment to many men, and were the means of bringing several fami lies to the village. In 1810 local interests were increased by the importa tion of large quantities of staves from the western part of the state, and it is estimated that 200, 000 were brought here in this single year. This led to a new industry, that of building arks for transporting staves and other wares to Montreal. The Esselstyns were engaged in this business in 1811, but in 1812 the embargo act again went into operation and put an end to the traffic. The war soon followed, and the lumber left on hand was mostly burned by Wilkinson's army. At this time, as we have stated, the. village contained hardly more than half a dozen families, and the news of war spread terror through out the scattered settlements of the town. This point, being nearest Kingston, was deemed of much importance, and Captain Farrar was stationed here with a company of militia to guard the frontier against the enemy and violations of the embargo laws. Later on John B. Es selstyn, who had been commissioned major, assembled a body of militia and defended the frontier until the arrival of Major Allen's forces. Still later Captain Getman and a company of Mohawk militia were stationed at the village. A few days after war was declared the schoon ers Niagara and Ontario came from the lake with cargoes of flour and 528 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. potash for Brockville. They were at once seized by deputy collector Elijah Fields, and were taken to Sackets Harbor, as has been mentioned on an earlier page. Indeed, all through the period of the war this was an important point and many interesting incidents occurred in the vicinity, but after the return of peace events resumed their natural channels and Cape Vincent became a civil rather than a military settle ment. The Customs District.— On April 18, 1818, a custom house was estab lished here and a district was organized with this as its seat of business. Previous to this time Cape Vincent was only a port of entry, subordi nate Sackets Harbor. It is now the chief office of the district, Sackets Harbor having been consolidated with it March 3, 1863. John B. Es selstyn, the port collector, served in that capacity more than four years before a salary was attached to the office. The business of the station was comparatively small prior to the construction of the railroad, but almost at once afterward it increased to large proportions. In the early seventies the business of the office was at its height (collections fre quently reached f 100, 000 per year), but during the last twenty years there has been a gradual falling off in receipts. In 1886 (year ending June 30) tbe collections amounted to about $50,000. The value of ex ports for that year was $90,772, and of imports $219,816.36. For the current year ending June 30, 1897, the value of exports was $126,133, and of imports $266,149. The total number of vessels entered and cleared for foreign ports in 1897 (fiscal year ending June 30) was 2,087; coastwise vessels entered and cleared, 1,173. The collectors of the districts have been as follows: John B. Esselstyn, 1818-29; Jerre Carrier, 1829-41 ; Judah T. Ainsworth, 1841-43 ; Peleg Burchard, 1843^9 ; G. S. Sacket, 1849-53 ; Alfred Fox, 1853-57 ; Theophilus Peugnet, 1857-61 ; John W. Ingalls, 1861-65; Wm. Huntington, acting collector a few months; John B. Carpen ter, 1866-67; David Owen, 1867-71; Sidney Cooper, 1871-79; George W. Warren, 1879-87; Horace E. Morse, 1887-91; G. Harrison Smith, 1891-94; Frank N. Potter, Sept. 6, 1894 (the present collector). Charles I. Gardner, upon whom devolves the onerous duties of the office, has been deputy collector at Cape Vincent since June 1, 1867. The year 1818 was an eventful one in Cape Vincent history, for in addition to the establishment of the customs district, it witnessed the arrival of the colony of French refugees, who formed a small though distinguished element of local population for several years, and whose presence added greatly to the social importance of the place. During their stay Mr. Le Ray was a more frequent visitor than in former years, THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 529 and on each of these occasions joy and hospitality reigned supreme in the almost historic "cup and saucer" residence, and also in the house hold of every member of the colony. After a few years nearly all re turned to France, yet a few remained in the town and formed a worthy and progressive element of population. The early history of the village was largely of a commercial charac ter, lumbering, stave making and ark building being the chief indus tries until practically stopped by tbe war of 1812. In 1820 it was re vived at Carleton island and again gained something of a foothold on the mainland. But in the meantime a new and still more important industry had been established; that of boat building, which began in 1819 and continued with more or less activity for a period of almost sixty years. However, since 1877 but few vessels other than a tug or an occasional scow has been built in the village or its near vicinity. From an old record we are able to furnish a reasonably complete list of vessels built in the town, but the year of construction cannot be given with any accuracy. The vessels were the schooners Henry V Le Ray, La Fayette, Ainsworth, Han nah. O. P. Starkey, L. Goler, Victor, Free Trader, Chief Justice Marshall, Crevolin, John E. Hunt, Napoleon, Merchant, Amelia, Roscoe, Potomac, Montgomery, Troy, AUanwick, Globe, Charles Smith, Algomah, Silas Wright, Port Henry and T. H. Camp; brigs, Merchant, Iowa, Patrick Henry; sloops, Elizabeth Goler; propeller, St. Nicholas, and rhe steamer Walter Horton. Several builders and firms were engaged in the construction of these vessels at Cape Vincent, but by whom each of these named was built would be difficult to accurately determine at this time. The largest shipyard was near the site of the present Burnham elevator, where the water was sufficiently deep to float the vessels without fear of ground ing. Half a century or more ago the main business part of the village was near where is now the Davis coal office, but at that time had begun to work toward the main street. In a preceding paragraph mention has been made of the earliest merchants, hence their names need no repe tition here. Among the old firms doing business was Esselstyn & Ainsworth, who were succeeded by Ainsworth & Lee (Roswell T. Lee, father to Morris E. Lee). After Mr. Ainsworth's death John B. Essel styn became a partner with Mr. Lee in an extensive business in lum ber, staves, potash, and also as general merchants. O. P. Starkey was a prominent early business man, and was village postmaster. His 67 530 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. store was about where the bank and Grappotte store now stand. His son-in-law, L. S. Hammond, was Starkey's clerk and afterward partner, but eventually started a bank. The first and principal village hotel was also down near the coal office location, and was kept by Mr. Cross, father to ex sheriff Francis A. Cross. Mr. Tabor was another early hotel keeper. Above Starkey's store was a hat factory of Othniel Edwards, and near the factory there flowed down from the hill a con siderable stream. On Main street it was crossed by a small bridge, but lower down and across Morris E. Lee's and the old Rathbun hotel lots the creek formed a pond several acres in extent. This was a favorite skating ground in winter, but the low lands are now filled in and on the site are several comfortable residences. Such was the situation and those whose names have been recalled were the business men of Cape Vincent more than half a century ago. It cannot be claimed that the list is complete for at this late day that would be quite impossible. Among the later factors in business life here were John Dwillard, of the firm of Dwillard& Bartlett, also Henry Crevolin, Francis A. Cross, Theophilus Peugnet, Coleman Hinckley, Michael Meyers, Cross Hinckley and others. The old grist mill stood on the site of Sacket's boat house, on a piece of land deeded by Le Ray to Charles Wilson, who erected the mill. The property passed through several ownerships and finally the building was burned. Where now stands the United States fish hatchery, Antoine Dwillard built a four-story stone grist mill, one of the most complete structures of its kind in the county. It proved too expensive to be profitable, hence was sold to Bartlett & Dwillard, and was converted into a shingle and planing mill. It at last came into possession of George Grant who, in 1895, sold the property to the government for a fish hatchery. Soon after the railroad was completed a grain elevator was built. E. K. Burnham was employed in the building as clerk, and in 1864, after the building was burned, he erected the large elevator building which still stands. Mr. Burnham is still proprietor of the business, and is also the owner of a grist mill. Much of the grain used in the large flouring mills at Watertown passes through the Burnham elevator at Cape Vincent. The oldest present business men of the village are G. W. Warren and Lloyd O. Woodruff, both of whom have seen all of two-score mercantile proprietors come and depart with the natural course of events during the long period of their operations here. They have also seen Cape THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 531 Vincent when its importance as a place of business was far greater than at the present time, yet it is doubtful if at any time there were more representatives of separate interests than now. Recalling briefly the business houses as they now exist mention may be made of the general stores of G. W. Warren, L. O. Woodruff, C. W. H orton, Parker Bros., Burdick & Armstrong and Wm. Anthony; the grocery stores of Jos. C. Gregor, H. S. Spafford, J. H. Grappotte, D. L. Fitzgerald and R. J. J. Newman; the clothing store of J. F. Constance; J. B. Roseboom's and D. J. McDermott's hardware stores, together with the usual number of other interests, all of which combine to make this a thriving and pros perous municipality. The village is supplied with three hotels, known as the New St. Lawrence, the Union house, and one other in course of erection and not named. The mention of hotel interests in Cape Vincent suggests the former St. Lawrence hotel, which was built in 1884 at a cost of about $60,000 and was one of the large hostelries of the river region. The hotel stood at the corner of Broadway and Market streets. It was built by H. J. Crevolin, and was run by him a few years after which it went into the hands of an incorporated company. The property was burned a few years ago, but before its destruction the name of the hotel was changed from St. Lawrence to Algonquin. The Cape Vincent and St. Lawrence hotel company, which for a time owned the hotel, was incorporated Jan. 26, 1886. Another interest of considerable importance in local circles is the growth of market garden seeds. For many years it had been known that this section of the county was especially adapted to the growth of seeds of various kinds, but not until within the last fifteen years has this been made a distinct industry of the locality. The A. B. Cleve land Seed company, which was established originally by Artie B. Cleve land, was incorporated January 29, 1885, and secured for a house the Cross & Hinckley warehouse on the dock. The incorporators were Artie B. Cleveland, Henry T. Hopkins, James M. Cleveland, Richard H. Huntington and Joseph Mullin. The present manager of the com pany is Seth M. Pease. The Cape Vincent Seed company, whose large warehouse stands in a conspicuous location opposite the railroad station, was incorporated July 16, 1890, with $20,000 capital. The incorporat ors were C. V. Sidell, J. C. Sidell, J. F. Shelly, Chas. D. IngersoU, James H. Howard and E. N. Jackson. The object of the company was tbe "growth and marketing of peas, beans and seeds for the seed 532 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. trade." Mann & Co. are also producers of fancy flower seeds, and have succeeded in building up a considerable business. The Bank of Cape Vincent was incorporated July 6, 1885, with $25,000 capital, and with Erastus K. Burnham, president, and Francis A. Cross, cashier. From that time the bank has enjoyed a healthful existence, and has a present surplus of $12,000. The present officers are E. K. Burnham, president, and S. S. Block, cashier. The directors comprise the officers mentioned and George V. S. Camp. As has been incident ally noted on an earlier page the first banker was Otis P. Starkey, who was succeeded by Lazarus S. Hammond, and was conducted by him as L. S. Hammond's bank. The latter was forced to suspend during the panic of 1873, from which time until the Bank of Cape Vincent was organized the village was without a financial institution of that char acter. Cape Vincent lodge, No. 344, F. & A. M., was instituted July 10, 1822, by Isaac Lee. The charter was granted upon the petition of John B. and Richard M. Esselstyn, Elnathan Judd, Zebulon Converse, Elisha Johnson, Henry Ainsworth, James Buck ley, Andrew Estes, Wm. Palmer, John Nash, Count Real, Joseph Cross, S. P. Shel don, Samuel Doxsee, Willis Merritt and D. W. Slocum. In 1836, during the anti-masonic period, the lodge was compelled to suspend, and when revived in 1853 many of the jewels and properties of the old organization were found to have been preserved. The mas ters of the old lodge were as follows: J. B. Esselstyn, 1822; Zebulon Converse, 1823-24; Philip P. Gaige, 1825; D. W. Slocum, 1826; G. S. Sackett, 1827; L. Converse, 1828-29; C. Wright, 1830-31. The lodge was revived July 28, 1853, under the old name, but with the number changed to 293. From that time its history has been con tinuous and prosperous. Its present membership is sixty-eight. The past masters since 1853 have been as follows: Zebulon Converse, 1853-58; A. J. Smith, 1859-61; Zebulon Converse, 1862-63 David B. Owens, 1864-65; Sidney Bickford, 1886-67; Henry A. House, 1868-72 Geo. R. Starkey, 1873-74; Lloyd O. Woodruff, 1875-76; Geo. R. Starkey, 1877 J. Albert Scobell, 1878; L. G. Kelsey, 1879; L R. Dezengremel, 1880; Thomas Masson 1881; L. C. Marks, 1882-83; Lloyd O. Woodruff, 1884-86; Thomas Masson, 1887 L. C. Marks, 1888-90; L. O. Woodruff, 1891-96; Charles B. Wood, 1897-98. Rising Virtue chapter, No. 96, R. A. M., was chartered February 3, 1825, and the officers were installed by M. E. H. P. Isaac Lee. The chapter continued work until 1830 and then suspended until July 3, THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 533 1851, when the charter was restored. It has since maintained a health ful existence, and at this time numbers about forty active members. Village Incorporation. — In the spring of 1853 the first steps were taken toward securing the incorporation of the village. A preliminary survey of the proposed boundaries was made, and within them was found a population of 1,218 persons. On June 14 an application was made to the court of sessions upon tbe petition of Jerre Carrier, Samuel Forsyth and Laban H. Ainsworth, and in due time the order was granted b}T Judge Wm. C. Thompson. On July 8 a special election was held and the proposition to incorporate was carried by a vote of 80 for and 2 against. The first village officers were Jere Carrier, Theophilus Peugnet, Judah T. Ains worth, James L. Folger and Laban H. Ainsworth, trustees; Wm. R. Saunders, clerk; Ward E. Ingall, Calvin Wright and Chas. Smith, assessors; Russell Frary, treasurer, and John L. Gardner, collector. On February 28, 1871, at a special elec tion the electors voted to reincorporate under the provisions of the laws of 1870, and on the 23d of March (1871) regular by-laws and ordinances for the village govern ment were adopted. Since that time three trustees have been elected. The village presidents have been as follows: ] Judah T. Ainsworth, 1853; Jerre Carrier, 1854; John H. Roseboom, 1855; Otis P. Starkey, 1856; Zebulon Converse, 1861-64; A. F. Smith, 1865; J. H. Roseboom, 1866; Sidney W. Ainsworth, 1867; John B. Grappotte, 1868; Chas. Smith, 1869; Levi Anthony, 1870; G. W. Warren, 1871-72; J. H. Roseboom, 1873; W. N. Johnson, 18 74; J. B. Grappotte, 1875; no record, 187G-7S; Philip Marks, 1879; J. A. Scobell, 1880; Frank Dezengremel, 1881; A. B. Clevelaed, 1882; L. T. Kelsey, 1883-87; S. B. Hance, 1888-89; Warren Casler, 1890; Henry Peo, 1891; D. L. Fitzgerald, 1892-93; Henry Peo, 1894; Willard Ains worth, 1895; Henry Peo, 1896; E. K. Burnham, 1897. In 1860 Morris E. Lee was appointed village clerk, and served in that capacity (except for one or two years) un til 1894. The fire department is one of the interesting branches of local gov ernment, and while it was not formally organized prior to 1884, it has been in existence nearly forty years, and in many respects is one of the most efficient fire-fighting bodies in the county. Early in 1859 the sub ject of providing apparatus to extinguish fires was discussed, and it was then voted to purchase buckets. Soon afterward the old chemical en gine was purchased. It is still in use by the village, and is perhaps the most effective piece of apparatus owned by the village, yet wholly crude both in design and construction. The department comprises Hose companies Nos. 1 and 2, Engine companies 1 and 2, and Rescue hook and ladder company. In 1884 Cape Vincent was visited with a most 1 Owing to incomplete records the full succession of presidents cannot be secured. 531 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. serious and sweeping fire, and immediately thereafter the department was placed on its present basis. The headquarters was built in 1866, at a cost of $4,500, and underneath the structure is a water storage tank with a capacity of 2,200 barrels. The fire apparatus is kept on the ground floor, and above is a good entertainment hall and village lockup. The educational history of tbe village is also interesting and may be briefly stated. As early as August 14, 1824, a union library was formed, the purpose of which was to place before the inhabitants educational literary matter not accessible to the people at large. The leading spirits of the society were Gideon S. Sackett, John B. Esselstyn, Daniel Smith, Stockwell Osgood, Philip P. Gaige, Zebulon Converse and Ros well T. Lee. The library was maintained several years and was then abandoned, but the beneficial effect was permanent. A good school has ever since been supported in the village, and was a part of the sys tem of the town at large until about 1870, when it was made a three department graded school. The building was erected about 1879. In October, 1895, a union free school district was established, thus ele vating the local school to a standing equal to that of any village in the county. The first board of education comprised W. A. Casler, J. R. Kilbourn and W. J. Grant. The members of the present board are W. J. Grant, president; William A. Casler and Dr. E. M. Crabb. The en rollment of the district is 289 pupils, for whose instruction a principal and six assistant teachers are employed. The maintenance expense is about $4,000 annually. The village also has an interesting ecclesiastical history, dating back to the early years of the country when religious services were held at Richard M. Esselstyn's house. He read the Episcopal service, while Deacon Kindall, a devout Baptist, followed and assisted with an ex tempore prayer. A Sunday school was established in July, 1820, under the direction of J. B. Esselstyn, Buel Fuller, R. M. Esselstyn and Mr. Ellis. For the proper religious training of the people there was also organized, previous to any church society, an " Auxiliary Female Mis sionary Society," whose membership included the wives of nearly all the leading men of the vicinity. The First Presbyterian Society of Cape Vincent was formally organ ized under that name, February 13, 1832, although the informal society dates back to March 2, 1823, when Oliver and Matilda Lynch, Abraham Morrow, Jane and Mary Forsyth, Cynthia Rogers, Hezekiah H. Smith, THE TOWN OF CAPE VINCENT. 535 Jedediah and Amarillis Mills constituted the original membership from which the church developed. Rev. Jedediah Burchard was the first minister, and began his labors in 1824, in a wheelwright shop, there be ing no house of worship. The meeting house was begun in 1832, on a lot given the society by Mr. Le Ray, and was finally completed in 1840. It is a large and comfortable building, and is kept in good repair. The church membership numbers about 75 persons. The present pastor, Rev. George H. Marsh, came to the church in July, 1877, succeeding Rev. Alfred Fitzpatrick. St. John's church (Episcopal) was organized January 25, 1841, al though services of the church were held in the village at a much earlier date. A. lot was donated by Otis P. Starkey, and in the same year (1841) the church edifice was erected. It was consecrated in June, 1842. The neat parsonage was built soon afterward. The first rector was Rev. N. Watkins. St. John's now has 31 communicants, and a Sunday school of 22 pupils. The present rector is Rev. Samuel W. Strowger. The wardens are Erastus K. Burnham and J. Albert Scobell. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized at Cape Vincent vil lage October 14, 1851, yet Methodism in the locality dates back to about 1820 or '21, when a class was formed. Preaching was afterward regu larly held by the various " circuit riders " until the organization was perfected as above mentioned. There were 55 constituent members, and in subsequent years the number has increased to about 100. The bouse of worship was built in 1853, and cost $2,000. The structure has been frequently repaired and yet presents a comfortable appearance. The present pastor is Rev. E. S. Cheeseman. St. Vincent de Paul's church (Catholic) of Cape Vincent village was organized as a parish in 1850, by the priest in charge of the older church in the central part of the town, and was in a manner the off shoot from that as the mother society. The church edifice, a substan tial stone structure, was built in 1850. The present priest in charge is Rev. William S. Kelley, who also officiates at Rosiere. A society of the Disciples of Christ formerly had an abiding place in the village, and was organized in the fall of 1833 by Elder Jason McKee. In the membership was included several of the substantial families of the vicinity, among whom may be recalled Shepard Warren, Edwin Tuttle, Joel Torrey, Simeon Adams (and their wives), William and F. O. Torrey and Addison Howard. The society never had a meeting house, and after an existence of about twenty-five years was dissolved between 1856 and 1860. 536 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Supervisors.— Frederick A. Folger, 1849; Robert C. Bartlett, 1850-51; Charles Smith, 1852; Otis P. Starkey, 1853-54; Calvin Fletcher, 1855-56; William Estes, 1857; Charles Smith, 1858-61; William D. Fuller, 1862-63; William Van Nostrand, 1864; George F. Bartlett, 1865; John H. Roseboom, 1866; George F. Bartlett, 1867- 68; Henry A. House, 1869; Hugh McCandie, 1870-71; Henry A. House, 1872; Lloyd O.' Woodruff, 1873-81; J. A. Scobell, 1882-88; D. L. Fitzgerald, 1889-91; L. Gideon Kelsey, 1892-95; Lloyd O. Woodruff, 1896-97; Fred Stowell, 1898-99. CHAPTER XXVI. THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. In the spring of 1796 Benjamin Wright made a general topographical and outline survey of the vast tract of land commonly mentioned in the early history of northern New York as the "Eleven Towns;" and in his field book description of town No. 4, now called Champion, orig inally Howard, the worthy explorer said the region had "no steep ascents or descents of consequence;" that it had several good streams and excellent mill seats, and that the country was timbered with maple, beech, bass, ash, elm, butternut, and some pine and hemlock; that the township had exceedingly good soil, and while he had not " traversed the interior part " all appearances indicated a region of rare fertility. Subsequent events proved the accuracy of Mr. Wright's description, and a century of development has placed Champion among the best agricultural towns of the county ; a standing early gained and faithfully maintained. Township No. 4 of the Black river tract, as otherwise called, was sold by the proprietary to Gen. Henry Champion, of Colchester, and Col. Lemuel Storrs, of Middletown, Conn., and under their ownership settlement was begun in 1798, although during the preceding year Noadiah Hubbard, the pioneer, visited the region in company with Col. Storrs and Silas Stow (afterward Judge Stow), and made an examina tion of the land for the purpose of future settlement. Between them an agreement was made by which Judge Hubbard became the owner of a considerable tract of land in the town, and also became the agent for tbe sale of other tracts, but Colonel Storrs failed to keep faith with his promises, and as the result the pioneer was for a time holding under THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 537 uncertain title, and was only quieted and confirmed in his possessions after much anxiety and expense. The story of Judge Hubbard's trials, hardships and ultimate success in making a permanent home in this then vast uninhabited region was originally written by tbe pioneer himself, and first made public in Dr. Hough's valuable historical record, and all later chroniclers of county history have copied more or less from that work until the narrative, however interesting, is now a well worn tale; hence in the present volume the writer is content with the brief statement that on July 1, 1798, pioneer Hubbard, Salmon Ward and David Starr, with fifteen head of cattle, left Steuben and started up the French road toward High Falls on their journey to this town. After several days of hard ships and sufferings, traveling both by land and water, driving the cat tle before them, the party at last arrived at Long Falls, or what is now West Carthage, where they met surveyor Wright and his men. They then cast about for a desirable location, and soon Mr. Hubbard selected the land near the center of the town, where he afterward lived many years, one of the foremost men of the county in his time, highly re spected by the people, honored with some of the best offices in their gift, and in all respects worthy indeed to be called, as he in fact was, one of the first permanent settlers in Jefferson county, and one whose residence therein antedated the creation of the county by almost seven years. After spending the summer in constructing buildings, clearing land and planting crops, the party returned home in the fall by way of Long Falls, thence to Lowville and on up the river to Steuben, driving back the cattle with them. In the following spring, 1799, the pioneer sent two men to the town to make maple sugar and prepare for his arrival, but during the process of sap boiling, while the men were absent, the cabin took fire and was burned. They also found that during the win ter the Indians had stolen all the utensils from the cabin and the pota toes which were buried in the earth for the season's planting and use. However, Mr. Hubbard soon arrived at the settlement, and in the same spring also came Joel Mix and family, John and Thomas Ward, Ephraim Chamberlain, Samuel and David Starr, Salmon Ward, Jotham Mitchell, David Miller and Bela Hubbard. In the same year Henry Boutin made a settlement on the site of Carthage village. It was during this summer that Col. Storrs met with business reverses, which event nearly cost Mr. Hubbard and some other of the settlers their improvements 68 538 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and property, and also delayed further settlement during that season. However, a compromise was effected and in the fall of 1799 Mr. Hub bard's family came to the town. During the next feW years settlement increased rapidly, among the arrivals of the period being that of Eg bert Ten Eyck (afterward Judge Ten Eyck), Olney Pearce and wife, Wolcott Hubbell and wife, Moss Kent (afterward judge of the common pleas), Henry R. Storrs (afterward a lawyer of much prominence), Doctors Baudry, Durkee and Farley, and others whose names have been lost with passing years, and were not recalled by the pioneer in his reminiscences. Indeed, it is a fact of history that about the beginning of the present century a new county organization was suggested for this part of the state, and the opinion became current, and based on good foundation, that Champion was to be designated the shire town, hence the some what unusual influx of lawyers and physicians, as well as settlers in other avocations in life, all imbued with a common spirit of enterprise and a desire to be first in a new field. However, the new county scheme was delayed several years, and when finally consummated the seat of justice was designated elsewhere than in Champion, hence the removal of several prominent personages from the town about that time. But notwithstanding that, the population of Champion continued to increase, the lands were rapidly cleared, the little hamlet in the center of the town was permanently established, a school was opened, and religious services were regularly held after about 1804, and espe cially after Deacon Jonathan Carter and Rev. Nathaniel Dutton came into the settlement. The latter was a missionary worker from the east and lived in Champion until his death in September, 1852. He founded and was for many years pastor of the Congregational church at the village of Champion. In his reminiscences of early life in Champion Judge Hubbard gave to later generations a valuable record of events, and by it we learn that among the pioneers of that old town were men of unusual strength of body, mind and character; men who were an honor to any jurisdic tion and whose descendants have ever been proud to honor and pre serve their memory. That they should found a town and village and establish a church within the brief space of six years from the time settlement began is a thing not common to the history of the region, hence these were events of importance in the annals of Champion. As early as 1800 the inhabitants met and resolved to build a school house THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 589 16 x 20 feet in size, to be erected on the hill near the settlement and on the road between Noadiah Hubbard's and Daniel Coffeen's dwell ings. On the " square " the school house was built in 1806, and in the mean time, under the influence of Nathaniel Dutton and Jonathan Car ter, a Congregational society was formed in 1805. However, the settlers who have been mentioned in preceding para graphs were not alone the pioneers of the town, although they were the only persons mentioned in Judge Hubbard's narrative. Having fortunate access to an old and time worn record, the present writer is able to furnish a resonably accurate list of the more prominent heads of families in the town previous to the war of 1812-15; but in explana tion it may be said that some of the names noted therein were sons of pioneer parents, and came into prominence on attaining their majority. Therefore, in addition to the names already mentioned, we may recall these other early settlers: Eli Church (appointed justice in 1804), Timothy Pool, Daniel Coffeen, William Hadsall, Timothy Townsend, Ephraim Chamberlain, Benjamin Pike, Heuber Rock- wood, Amaziah Parker, Elihu Jones William Crowell, Moses Goodrich, Levi Barnes, Matthew Kemp, Peter Woerner, Joseph Crary, John A. Eggleston, Zebulon Rock well, Abner White, Michael Fisher, Comfort Ward, Isaac Collins, Asa Harris , Cal vin Collins, Thomas Brooks, Amos Colburn, Joshua Stearns, Darius North, Harrison Moseley, Constant Miller, Levi Barnes, Abner Hubbard, Fairchild Hubbard, John Durkee, Jonathan Miller, Ozias Holcomb, Steven Johnson, William Davis, Jacob Simmons, Allen Kilburn, Enos Rice, John Canfield, Benjamin Saunders, Arnold Lewis, Laomi Holcomb, Solomon Perkins, jr., David Starr, Joseph Martin, Daniel Barber, David Stone, Joseph Tifft, Joseph Hopkins, Asa Carter, Jonathan Loomis, George Thomas, Freedom Wright (innkeeper), Asher Williams (appointed justice in 1804), Stoel Warner, Joseph Paddock, James Brown, James McNett, Reuben Whit ney, Jacob Crook, Nathan Brundage, Isaac Brizzil, Asher Wilmot, Daniel Jackson, Gardner Chapin, Rowland HaU, Daniel Rood, Roger Phelps, Sprague Perkins, Da vid Coffeen, James Thompson, Miner Merrill, James F. Chamberlin, Daniel Buell, Lewis and Cornelius Wheeler, Samuel Loomis, William Rockwood, Thomas Francis, Joshua Martin, John Parks, Dorastus Wait, John Hastings, Nathan Rudd, Simeon Butler, Joseph Townsend, John Pardee, Andrew Warner, Wilkes Richardson, Har vey Mustin, Roswell Hayes, Otis Earl, Joseph Goodwin, Andrew Dorain, Constant Crandall, Jared Miller, Thomas Hopkins, Henry Gardner, Elijah Fulton, John Pren tice, Amos Graves, Moses C. Merrill, David Young, Jabez Reed, Simeon Stewart, Armissa Barber, George L. Coughlin, John Hadsall, William Derbyshire, Elam Brown, Thomas Studley, Ethan Newton, John Wood, Nicholas Lewis, Eliphalet Smith, Jeptha Wilcox, John Henderson, Eliphalet Alby, Eseck Lewis, Samuel Max- ham, Adam Boshall, Philip Crowner, Amos Dorwin. These settlers were all located in the town previous to the outbreak of the second war with Great Britain, and it is believed that few indeed 540 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. who were then here are omitted from the list, or from a previous men tion in this chapter. They were chiefly Yankees, showing that the proprietors were energetic in disposing of their lands and inducing set tlement. Indeed, in the very early years of the town's history Noadiah Hubbard's log house was turned into a tavern to accommodate the con stant stream of settlers and prospectors from New England who came to find a place of location in the new region ; and during the first ten years of history in Champion no less than four of the settlers had turned their dwellings into taverns, and the town granted them license to dispense liquors as well other comforts to the weary stranger. In 1800 there were about twenty heads of families in the township, or about 75 actual inhabitants exclusive of the few Indians who still re mained in the vicinity, hence it was not surprising that in view of the fact that a county seat was contemplated by the settlers that a new town organization was sought to be effected. Organization. — -On March 14, 1800, the legislature passed an act creating the town of Champion from the older town of Mexico, and in cluding within its boundaries all that part of Denmark lying north of Deer river. A part was set off to Harrisburgh in 1803. In accord ance with the creating act the first town meeting was held at the house of Joel Mix, on April 1, 1800, at which time officers were elected as follows : Supervisor, Noadiah Hubbard ; town clerk, Eli Church ; assessors, Timothy Pool, Daniel Coffeen, William Hadsall; constable and collector, Ephraim Chamberlain; overseers of the poor, John Ward, Heuber Rockwood ; commissioners of highways, Salmon Ward, Amaziah Parker, Elihu Jones; overseers of highways, William Crowell, Daniel Coffeen, Timothy Pool, Moses Goodrich; fence viewer, Levi Barnes; poundkeeper, Bela Hubbard. The officers' charged with the duty of laying out highways found the work which fell to their lot to be indeed burdensome and much time was required to be spent by them in constructing roads leading from the center to the remote localities of the town, yet within two or three years suitable highways were provided for the settlers. It was found, however, that persons coming to the town were more inconvenienced by lack of roads outside the town, and particularly by the fact that all were compelled to travel from the east through the Mohawk valley thence up Black river to Long Falls, whereas by a road built from the i In this town wolf bounties of $5 were paid in 1807-13. In 1812 a panther bounty of $5, and a fox bounty of 50 cents was offered. In 1815 the panther bounty was $10, and the fox bounty $1. THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 541 Long Falls direct to Albany, and parallel with the Mohawk route, set tlers from all New England would be greatly convenienced; therefore a petition was presented to the legislature, dated July 3, 1801, praying for the construction of a state road from the High Falls to Johnstown, thence directly to Albany, lessening the old route by about 40 miles. The settlers in Champion who signed this " memorial " were Noadiah Hubbard, Benjamin Pike, jr., Eli Church, Harrison Moseley, Timothy Townsend, Joel Mix, Samuel Foster, Abner White, Matthew Kemp, Bela Hubbard, jr., Elisha Jones, William Davis and William Crowell. Notwithstanding this earnest appeal by the inhabitants of Champion in the interest of a new state road, the desired end was not attained until several years afterward, but in the meantime settlement in the towns east of Champion had increased rapidly and through the com bined efforts of all settlers good roads were built all through the Cas torland region and to the country further south. The special interest in the shorter line of travel so zealously advo cated in this town was in a great degree occasioned by the fact that the people here hoped that Champion was to be the county seat, and the in terests of all land owners naturally prompted. the petition. The lottery act of 1803 provided for a highway through the town, but as the avails of the scheme were only $10,000, where $41,500 had been expected, Champion was not directly benefited by the measure. However, in 1798, Jean Baptiste Bossuot established a ferry and tavern at the Long Falls and thus afforded ready access to this town from the east side of the river. From all that is stated on preceding pages, the reader will discover that the early settlers of Champion were men of determination and energy and in fact possessed all the native traits of the typical New England Yankee. They were earnest and rapid colonizers and in all their acts were required to "build from the stump," but they also built firmly and permanently, and the institutions founded by them during the earliest history of the town have endured to the present day. True, during the last score and more of years all interests in towns like this have suffered from general depression and the other disturbing causes prevailing in purely agricultural districts in the east, yet statis tics confirm the statement that in this town, whatever depreciation in values may have been experienced by property owners, there has not been the noticeable reduction in population suffered in other localities where conditions and surroundings are similar to those in Champion. 542 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In witness of this we may have recourse to the federal and state census reports and note the growth in population in the early history of the town, and then the stability of population and institutions when both were fully established. In 1801 there were 76 legal voters, with property qualifications, in Champion, and in 1807 the number had increased to 182. From that to the present time the changes in number of inhabitants as shown by the census reports have been as follows: In 1810 the number was 1,481; 1814, 1,691; 1820, 2,080; 1825, 2,028; 1830, 2,342; 1835, 2,490; 1840, 2,206; 1845, 2,146; 1850,2,085; 1855, 1.946; 1860,2,132; 1865,2,062; 1870, 2,156; 1875, 2.237; 1880, 2,259; 1885, no count; 1890, 2,191, and according to the unofficial enumeration of 1892, the town's population was 2,199. After the settlers in Champion had become reconciled to the fact that the town would not be the seat of justice of a new county, they turned themselves quietly to the work of clearing the land for agricultural purposes and developing its natural resources, and the disappointments of the period passed away with no more serious loss than a number of inhabitants who preferred to live in the shire town. But hardly had the events been forgotten than the people were agitated by rumors of a second war with Great Britain, and when Gov. Tompkins notified Noadiah Hubbard that the legislature had designated Champion as a depository for arms and ammunitions of war, public excitement was again aroused and Champion village promised to become a central point of military operations. This was in 1808-9, but before the sup plies were brought an order changed their destination and they were delivered at Watertown. However, the war period furnished much interest for Champion, and while no hostile foot was set on its soil, many of the enrolled militia were armed and sent to the front, and all the other able-bodied men of the town were prepared for immediate service. The period passed with little loss or injury to its interests, and with peace restored there followed a long and uninterrupted era of progress, during which the town took equal rank with the foremost of the county's divisions; and when in 1837 the Patriot war with all its amusing in cidents was begun along the Canadian frontier, the event only furnished a subject for discussion at the accustomed resorts. However, in 1861 the loyalty and patriotism of the town were tried, and were found true. The old martial spirit of the revolution which so strongly dominated the New England settlers was revived in the great struggle and was transmitted from the pioneer sire to the son and grandson, in the war THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 543 of the rebellion. The record of the town's soldiery need not be re peated in this place, as the story is told at length in another chapter, where regiments and companies and their services are treated as an entire body. From the close of the war to the present time no unusual event has disturbed the progress of the town. Indeed, during this time little change has been noticeable other than the gradual passing of the old generation and the succession of the new. Energy and thrift have made Champion a leading agricultural town in the county. Long before the war it was noted for the quality of domestic cheese made to a limited extent only, but with an increasing demand several factories were built, and cheese making soon became and has since continued a fixed industry and a source of profit to the farmer and the manufacturer. In 1862 the Babcock cheese factory, one of the first in the county, was built about two miles north of Cham pion village. Two years later George C. Freeman built a similar fac tory at the village, and in the same year (1864) Nathaniel Whitney started a similar industry at South Champion. In 1870 the McNitt brothers built a good factory in the south part of the town, and in 1871 the famous Hadsall & Moore factory was started three miles west of the centre. The " O. K." cheese factory was erected in 1889 by E. H. Olmstead and F. A. Knapp. In the department of this work devoted to personal chronology will be found a record of the old and many of the more recent families of the town, wherefore this branch of the present chapter may appro priately be closed with a list of town officers for the year 1897, followed by the succession of supervisors from the year of organization. Officers, 1897. — Supervisor, Edward H. Olmstead; town clerk, Leander E. Bos suot; justices of the peace, Edward Payne, Obed W. Pearce, Oliver Dodge, George W. Wood ; assessors, Wesley Briggs, Emerson Peck, Fred H. McNitt ; commission ers of highways, Chauncey A. Loomis, Herbert H. Arthur, William Pennock ; over seer of the poor, Orville L. Cutler. Supervisors.— Noadiah Hubbard. 1800-14; Wilkes Richardson, 1815; Stoel War ner, 1816-17; Noadiah Hubbard, 1818-20; Eseck Lewis, 1821; Noadiah Hubbard, 1822-26; Samuel Dean. 1827; Eseck Lewis, 1827; Henry D. Cadwell, 1828-29; Otis Loomis,' 1830-33; Richard Hulburt, 1834-38; David Smith, 1839-40; John Pool, jr., 1841-43; Eseck Lewis, 1844; James C. Lynde, 1845; David Smith, 1846; John Pool, jr., 1847; William Van Hoesen, 1848; David Smith, 1849; William Van Hoesen, 1850; Benajah A. Lewis, 1851-53; A. S. Babcock, 1854-55; Nelson Rulison, 1856-58; Joel A. Hubbard. 1859; William J. Bentley, 1860; Daniel Potter, 1861-63; Wesley Barr, 1864-67 ; John F. Peck, 1868; Fred H. McNitt, 1869-70; Albert W. Hadsall, 1871; Miner C. Merrill, 1872-74 ; James Sterling, 1874 (vacancy) ; James Sterling, 1875-79 ; 544 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Marcus P. Mason, 1880; George D. Hewitt, 1881-82; D. A. Goodrich, 1883; George D. Hewitt, 1884-87; Wesley Briggs, 1888-90; George D. Hewitt, 1891 ; Charles A. Beyer, 1892-95 ; Edward H. Olmstead, 1896-99. Champion Village. — Just one hundred years ago Noadiah Hubbard first came to Champion and made an improvement near the center of the town, and the next year (1798), he laid the foundation for a perma nent village settlement. For almost half a century following the worthy pioneer was closely identified with the growth and development of both town and village, holding many offices of trust and responsibility. He was both merchant and innkeeper. There were others, too, whose names are mentioned on preceding pages who also contributed to the village settlement, and by their united efforts Champion early became a conspicuous point in county history. Salmon Ward, David Starr, Wolcott Hubbell, Moss Kent, Drs. Baudry, Durkee and Farley and several other prominent persons were well established here about 1800, when it was confidently hoped to make the little hamlet the seat of jus tice of a new county. In that year preparations were made for erect ing a school house, and the building was in fact completed as early as 1806. In 1805 a Congregational society was formed, and about the same time pioneer Hubbard opened his dwelling for the accommoda tion of travelers. On March 26, 1807, Champion lodge, No. 146, F. & A. M., was organized at the house of Zelotus Harvey. The first offi cers were Mr. Harvey, master; John Pardee, S. W. ; Reuben Tread- way, J. W. ; Noadiah Hubbard, T. ; Jinson Clark, S. ; William Coffeen, S. D. ; Timothy Jackson. J. D. ; Asa Harris and Aaron Palmer, stew ards; Daniel Coffeen, tyler. The organization of this lodge had an im portant relation to the early history of the village, and was one of its substantial institutions for many years; and through the influence of the leading members, and with lodge funds, an academy was built in 1834, under the supervision of brothers Noadiah Hubbard, John P. Johnson, Levi Ellis, Solomon Hopkins and Hubby Dorwin. The lodge was rechartered in 1836, and numbered 29, showing it to be one of the oldest masonic bodies in the state. The meetings were held in the second story of the academy building. However, tbe old academy as an institution of learning has passed away, and the lodge, too, as a local organization is numbered among the things of the years lono- gone. The business interests of fifty and more years ago are also gone, and now the village lives almost wholly in history. True, three church societies have places of worship here, but the members are few and THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 545 with difficulty keep up their organization and support a pastor. A small store is kept here, a temperance hotel offers shelter to the occa sional traveler, and a district school stands in the neighborhood. The Congregational church of Champion was organized May 7, 1805, and included nearly all the families then living in the vicinity. The first trustees were Jonathan Carter, Abel Crandall, Joel Mix, Joseph Paddock, Noadiah Hubbard and John Canfield. In 1807 Gen. Cham pion and Col. Storrs gave to the trustees two acres of land for a meet ing house, on which, in 1816, Mr. Hubbard erected an edifice. Gen. Champion donated a bell to the society as a token of respect shown him in naming the town. The old house of worship stood many years on the hill, a bleak, dreary location in winter, hence the society removed the building to the village proper in the summer of 1841. This was the mother of churches in this part of the county, and the societies formed from it so sapped its strength that the few who remain can ill afford to pay a resident pastor. Rev. Nathaniel Dutton founded the church and was its pastor until his death, in 1852. The Methodist Episcopal church of Champion was organized as a class and society, December 30, 1825, and then included nearly all the families of that faith in the central part of the town. The meeting house in the village was built in 1853, and a separate society for its occupancy was formed a short time previously. In 1893 the edifice was materially repaired. This is now a large and strong church in the Adams district, numbering 185 full members and 30 probationers. The pastor is Rev. S. G. Carley. St. John's church (Episcopal) of Champion was organized in 1868 and occupied for several years the old academy building. The present chapel was erected in 1888. The first rector was Rev. Jedediah Wins low. The parish is small, the number of communicants few, and ser vices are held irregularly. The parish is now supplied from Copen hagen. Great Bend is a pretty little hamlet in the extreme northern part of the town, on Black river, and was so named in allusion to the some what unnatural course of the stream at that particular point. In this locality Egbert Ten Eyck and Olney Pearce were among the earliest settlers, and to them is also given the credit of having made the first improvements here, laying the foundation for the hamlet by construct ing a dam across the river, the work being done in 1806 by Mr. Tubbs, also an early resident. A saw mill was built the same year which was 69 546 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. carried away by high water, but was at once replaced. Henry G. Gard ner built the second mill. A distillery was erected in 1809, and by still other improvements and milling enterprises built between 1815 and 1824 by Watson & Gates and Charles E. Clark, Great Bend became a place of considerable importance even in the early history of the town. However, the village suffered seriously by a destructive fire March 5, 1840, but the industries then burned were soon replaced with others more substantial and modern. Among the other early prominent residents in this part of Champion were several members of the Martin family, who were associated in various ways with its best history. There were also James Colwell and Samuel Fulton, likewise early settlers. The first bridge across the river was built in 1804, carried away in 1807, and replaced with the old covered bridge which was burned in 1840. Among the several past and present industries of this hamlet perhaps the most important was the pulp and paper mill, now owned by Watertown capital but never theless an important factor in local prosperity. The merchants are Chauncey Clark, feed store; H. H. Clark, general store, and Bignall & Reynolds, also general dealers. The Baptist Ecclesiastical church at Great Bend was organized in 1842, in which year a church was erected, but a society of this denom ination was in existence in the town as early as 1818; and the Ecclesi astical society itself was formed in October, 1826. The meeting house was erected in 1842 by members in both this town and northern Rut land. The church has no regular pastor at this time. Trinity chapel, Episcopal, at Great Bend was built in 1875 chiefly through the liberality of Mrs. M. B. S. Clark, and is virtually an out mission from Watertown, having no resident rector. West Carthage Village.— In 1798 Jean Baptiste Bossuot came to the Long Falls and very soon aferward built a ferry and maintained himself by carrying passengers across the river and keeping a tavern. Six years later, David Coffeen came to the place and built a mill on the west bank of the river, and for the purpose of best utilizing the water power he constructed a dam from his mill diagonally up and out into the stream. This was the beginning which led to founding a settle ment on the west side of the river, but the splendid water power here was not fully developed until 1834, when Joseph C. Budd, William Bones and Benjamin Bentley erected a blast furnace and began the manufacture of iron and a few small implements from iron. The en- THE TOWN OF CHAMPION. 547 terprise proved unsuccessful and in 1836 the plant was abandoned. In the meantime the proprietary sold to New York capitalists a 320-acre tract of land along the river, including all that is now West Carthage, and caused it to be laid out into lots for village purposes, for by this time Carthage, east of the river, had become a hamlet of some note and many business men there preferred to live on the high lands on the west side, while at the same time the water power here was equally valuable though perhaps not as extensive in its possibilities of develop ment as on the east side. The land speculators, however, failed in their scheme. The property reverted to General Champion and by him was sold to Vincent Le Ray de Chaumont. About this time Henry D. Cadwell opened a general store on the west side and later comers in creasing the population and business interests of the hamlet the name of West Carthage was adopted. In 1857 the district trustees secured a lot and built a schoolhouse. Twelve years later the building was en larged and remodeled. While fully warranted in such action the trus tees have never sought the supervision of the state regents, yet the local school has ever been generously supported by district tax. The present trustees are Wilbur A. Porter, Wesley Briggs and James H. Burhans, to whom much credit is due for the present high standing of the West Carthage school. The village has no separate post-office, as a majority of the business men are daily engaged in Carthage, hence prefer to receive mail at that place. The Park house, built in 1859 by Guy C. Early, with several other buildings, was burned November 15, 1895, since which time no hotel has been kept in the village. Incorporation. — In April, 1889, a majority of the electors of the second election district of Champion voted in favor of a proposition to incorporate the village, and after all preliminaries had been settled, officers were elected as follows : President, Marcus P. Mason ; trustees, L. W. Babcock, Philip Hull and S. G. Van Pelt. The other officers were W. B. Van Allen, clerk ; Philip Hull, assessor; Charles Jones, collector ; Charles A. Beyer, treasurer ; Harry Depuyster, street commissioner ; E. T. Austin, police constable. The village presidents, in succession, have been as follows: Marcus P. Mason, 1889; George D. Hewitt, 1890; Samuel E. Rice, 1891; Lysander W. Babcock, 1892; George D. Hewitt, 1893-94; Scott M. Gibbs, 1895; W. B. Van Allen, 1896; R. S. Hillman, 1897. The municipal history of West Carthage village from the time of in corporation has been substantially as follows: June 21, 1889, and again March 15, 1892, the electors rejected a proposition to light the 548 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. streets with electricity. On the first Tuesday in August, 1891, at a special election the voters refused to dissolve the corporation. At the annual village election March 15, 1892, a resolution asking that $1,500 be raised for a village hall was voted down, and at a similar meeting held in March, 1896, a proposition to purchase the Philip Hull lot for village purposes was likewise rejected. At the same meeting the sum of $2,700 was asked for a village and fire department building, which was also refused by the voters. At a special election held July 2, 1892, to vote on a proposition to raise $17,546 for a water supply system, the electors voted 49 for and 82 against the measure, but at a meeting of the trustees held August 14, 1895, the proposition was so modified as to read $14,700 for water works, $300 for a lot, $2,700 for a fire depart ment building, and $1,000 for hose carts and apparatus ; and at a special election held August 29 the measure was adopted. Later on it was discovered that an error had been made in giving notice of the election, therefore another election was necessary. It was held November 7, 1895, and again the proposition prevailed. In the meantime a contract for constructing the water works had been made, and in January, 1896, the system was completed and accepted by the board of commissioners. The water supply is obtained from Carthage, the main pipe being ex tended across the river and through the village streets. For the water the local board pays the Carthage commissioners $500 annually. The West Carthage fire department comprises two companies, known, respectively, as the M. P. Mason and W. B. Van Allen hose company. Each has a good hose cart and sufficient supply of serviceable hose on its reel. Notwithstanding the difficulties required to be overcome to attain the complete municipal character, and regardless of the fact that the village has been slow in progressing to its present condition, the people here have ever been regarded as thrifty and generous. Serious fires have destroyed many attractive buildings, and in the manufacturino- district, along the river front, several large factories have been lost through like disaster. But in this locality the old burned buildings have been replaced with new, and today West Carthage is a place of much importance in commercial industry. Briefly noting them, men tion may first be made of the Carthage lumber company whose large mill and property stands above the railroad bridge and generally gives employment to several men. First down the river, below the drive bridge, is the pulp mill owned by Augustus Maxwell, and then in the THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 549 order mentioned, Kelsey Coffeen's tub factory, Edward Brace's fur niture factory, Hutchinson <.v Clark's large flouring and feed mill (es tablished 1872), William Farrar's saw mill, Farrar & Myers' sash, door and blind factory and planing mill (old and new buildings), Harvey Far rar's tub factory (established 1856), Howard & Buck's hosiery knitting mill, and M. P. Mason's extensive handle factory and planing mills. Up the hill, in the mercantile and residence locality, the business in terests comprise Charles A. Beyer's grocery and drug store, R. S. Hill- man's general store, and A. M. Hawkins' bakery. This apparent lack of mercantile interests is caused by the proximity of the village to Carthage, where purchasers may choose from the larger stocks kept by business men of that enterprising municipality. The first Congregational church of West Carthage was organized* by Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, March 31, 1835, and was the direct offshoot from the mother society at Champion. There were twelve constituent members, and the early meetings were held in the old school building. The church edifice was built in 1852, and was enlarged in 1893. The present pastor, Rev. Jesse B. Felt, came to the church June 11, 1893. Under his pastorate the members number 162, with 120 children in the Sunday school. The Free Methodist church at West Carthage was organized June 6, 1894, with 16 members, under the charge of Rev. E. N. Jinks, pastor. The society is small and only occasional services are held. CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. At some unknown period during the Indian occupation of the St. Lawrence region, a fort was built at the mouth of French creek, with in the limits of this town, but by whom neither record nor tradition gives us any reliable information. The Oneidas claimed the territory, but it is probable they were induced to enlarge the extent of their alleged domain at the suggestion of John Duncan, a resident of Sche nectady and the agent of Penet in locatingthe hundred square miles of land o-ranted tbe latter as "a benevolence'' from the Indians. In 550 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Arent Marselis's survey the map made at the direction of the attorney- general, and supervised to a certain extent by Duncan, the Oneida possessions were in part bounded by a line which run " westerly to an old fort which stood on the creek called Weteringhra, and which empties into the St. Lawrence river about twelve miles below Carlton or Buck's island, and which fort the Oneidas took from their enemies a long time ago. " Another writer treating of the Indian occupation, re fers to this ancient structure of Wet-er-ingh-ra gu-en-te-re, which being interpreted means " fallen fort. " Oneida tradition says the fort was taken by that people from their old Canadian enemies, but at what time is not known to any reliable authority. All traces of the fortifica tion were gone when the pioneers first came to open the country to ad vancing civilization during the early years of tbe century. At a later period, during the last French and English wars, this par ticular part of the St. Lawrence valley was a much frequented thorough fare of travel for Indians and troops, but history gives us no record of any conflict waged within the bounds of this town. During the revo lution, too, this vicinity was, as it ever since has been, the great gate way to the entire Thousand Island region. The town of Clayton includes portions of three separately patented tracts of land. The first of these was Penet's square, a somewhat historic district, comprising 64,000 acres of land (two-fifths of which are within the bounds of this town), which was granted to John Dun can in behalf of Peter Penet, as a gratuity to him from the Oneida In dians. The second tract includes a small fraction of great lot No. 4 of the famous Macomb purchase, while the third tract comprises the islands in the St. Lawrence which were originally intended to be a part of the Macomb tract, but on account of the uncertainty of the bound ary line between the United States and Canada, they were not patented until 1823, when they became the property of Elisha Camp. From these proprietaries the land titles in the town have descended, but it is not deemed necessary to further pursue the subject in this chapter. So far as we have present knowledge the first white occupants of this part of the county were lumber thieves, who came unannounced and unauthorized and cut from the land much of its choicest timber. Some of these bold operators carried on their work in this town, and in 1799 a surveying party found a small log hut on the site of Clayton village which had undoubtedly been one of their habitations. So great indeed did these depredations become that Nathan Ford, the pioneer of Og- THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 551 densburgh, addressed a letter to Governeur Morris, agent for the pro prietary, informing him of the fact, and suggesting that some means be adopted to bring the offenders to justice. Pioneer Ford had him self suffered from these trespassers, but did not await the law's slow operation as he administered punishment according to his own ideas, and with such effect that the work was partially stopped. The first settlement in the vicinity of Clayton was made in 1801 or 1802 by one Captain Bartlett, who was sent to a point on the river about a mile above Clayton village to establish and maintain a ferry between what then became known as Bartlett's point and Gananocque; and while the real purpose of this was to keep open traffic with the Canadian side, the captain was also instructed to keep an eye on the operations of the lumber thieves. But this evidently proved a monot onous life for the worthy captain, as after a year or two he is said to have set fire to his cabin and departed for more congenial quarters. Soon after this, during the winter of 1803-4, Smith & Delamater, agents for the proprietor, began the erection of a saw mill near the mouth of Wheeler creek (probably Carpenter creek as now known), but the ven ture proved unsuccessful and was discontinued after a short time. Following this there was little real attempt at development until just before the outbreak ofthe war of 1812-15. In the meantime, however, settlement on Penet's square was well advanced. The squatters began to come about 1806, and as the lands were without a resident agent they were supposed to be free, therefore were quickly occupied, and improved to the extent of being stripped of their forest growth and opened as farms for visible profits. None of these occupants held under any title, nor had many of them more than a temporary interest in the lands. Some, however, afterward remained and paid for their farms, while others left when confronted with the demands of the proprietary. Although actual and permanent settlement was not begun until after the close of the war, the town was the scene of several events of his toric importance before ahd during that time. During the embargo and non-intercourse period, the mouth of French creek was a noted rendezvous for smugglers, whose operations were carried on quite sys tematically and with a good degree of success In 1808 the famous embargo road was opened from the Black river, near Brownville, to the mouth of French creek (now Clayton village), and for that year was a great thoroughfare for smugglers whose operations on Black river bay were too closely watched by the authorities; but even this com- 552 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. paratively unknown route was soon closed through the vigilance of the officers, so far as open violation was concerned, although it was secretly used throughout the smuggling period. There being no special occupancy of the region, other than the opera tions of lumbering concerns, during the war, the locality made no his tory worthy of mention, except the single important event which took place on Nov. 1 and 2, 1813. Late in the fall of that year the general in command at Sackets Harbor determined upon an invasion of Canada, Montreal being the proposed point of attack. General Jacob Brown was ordered to command the advance with his troops of militia, and to take a position at French creek, where the detachments were ordered to rendezvous preparatory to the general movement down the river. On the evening of the 1st of November, the British observed the con centration of American forces at the creek, and about sunset on that day made an attack with two brigs, two schooners and several boats loaded with infantry. Gen. Brown's encampment was a short distance up the creek from its mouth, but he had wisely caused a battery of three 18-pounders to be planted on Bartlett's point, which from its ele vated position gave it practical command over the approach of the enemy. Capt. McPherson was in command of the battery, and so vigorously did he send shot among the enemy's boats that they soon dropped down the river out of range. The next morning the attack was renewed, but without success, and one of tbe British brigs was with difficulty towed off to the squadron. The American loss was two men killed and four wounded; the British loss was much more. On the morning of the 5th the expedition started down the St. Lawrence, and on the llth occurred the disastrous battle at Chrysler's Field; an affair which brought Gens. Hampton and Wilkinson into disgrace, and resulted in the suspension of the latter from his command. Throughout the period of the war this region was in a wholly un settled condition, and in view of the uncertainties of the contest, there was made but little attempt at settlement in what is now Clayton. After the return of peace development was begun in earnest, and during the next half score of years two new towns were created in this part of Brownville: and in less than another ten years still another town was erected, and was called Clayton. Lumbering began on Penet's square in 1809 in much tbe same manner as along the river ten years before, , and it was not effectually stopped until the proprietors sent agents to live on the tract and compel recognition of their ownership. On that THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 553 part of the square now a part of Clayton, Simon and Jared White were among the first lumbermen squatters, but being "warned off" by the agent, abandoned the locality and lived for a time at Three Mile Point, in Lyme. In 1817 they gathered together their property and families and started in an open boat for the west. In the party were eleven persons, all of whom safely arrived at Hounsfield, above the harbor, where they camped for the night on the shore. None of them were ever afterward seen alive. Among the purchasers of large areas of the Penet lands were the Wilkes, of whom there were several. C. H. and E. Wilkes became possessed of 12,000 acres adjoining the Depau tract, and in 1816 sent Nathaniel Norton, jr. (who, by the way, was one of the prominent characters of the town in later years), to represent them in the sale of the land in farm parcels. He was one of tbe first permanent settlers in the vicinity and withal a worthy and respected citizen. About the same time David and Nathaniel Holbrook, brothers, with their father, came to Catfish Falls, as Depauville was then known, under a contract with Alexander Le Ray, the latter the agent of Depau, and began the erection of a primitive saw and grist mill on Chaumont river, but through some failure regarding payments, the property was sold in 1824 to Stephen Johnson and Peter Martin, lumbermen and merchants, and among the most extensive operators in tbe region at that time. Phineas Osborn was one of the early settlers in the town. He came from Herkimer county in 1817 and located about three miles northwest of the falls. His descendants are still living in Clayton. In 1818 Jerry Carter settled near Clayton Centre. His father, who came at the same time, was the " mighty hunter" of the region, and it is said his stories never grew less from frequent repetition. Amos and James D. Gloyd, Vermont Yankees, came in 1819 and settled on lot 39, where the family afterward lived so many years. In 1820 Adam Fry came from Lewis county, and was afterward a respected resident of this town. Gaylord Enos came in 1824, and purchased fifty acres of the Depau lands, but gradually increased his possessions until he became one of the most forehanded men of the vicinity, and built and occupied a splendid resi dence. But there were other early settlers in Clayton equally worthy of mention with those whose names have been recalled, and among whom were several who saw service in the army during the revolution. They were Hosea Randolph, Solomon Ingalls, Amos Richards, James Bothel, 70 554 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Major Abiatha Joy, Thomas Fetterly and James Rankin, and also two others named Dixon and Davis, but whose christian names are now lost. There were also among the settlers many who had served during the second war with Great Britain, but it was then expected that every able-bodied and loyal American would see more or less service during that period, or at least was among the enrolled militia and at all times ready for active duty. Indeed it would seem that after the close of the war the tide of set tlement set strongly in the direction of the St. Lawrence valley and its adjacent territory, for during the next ten or fifteen years the number of inhabitants in what is now Clayton increased from less than twenty to more than one thousand in 1820, and almost double that number in the next ten years. However, let us recall some of these settlers by name that at least some brief memory of them may be preserved in these pages, while in another department of the work will be found more extended mention of them, their families and their lives. Glean ing information from all sources the following persons were found among the more prominent early families of Clayton (the year after the name indicates the date of settlement) : John Norton (1816), Anthony Atwood (1817), Daniel Abby, William Thompson, J. Wilson Wright, E. M. Winslow, Alfred Fox, Luther Brown, A. Buskirk, Warren Hall, Aaron Kittle (a Pennsylvanian), Joseph Adams, Elkanah Corbin (1818), John Putnam, John Ackert (1819), John Spencer (1819), Archibald Marshall and Zebulon Bass (both in 1820, and the latter on Grindstone island) John Marshall, Jacob Seeber (1821), Daniel Hill (1822), John Vandewalker (1823), Oren W. Smith (1828), Daniel Porter (1829), John Johnston (1830), Gideon Lowe (1831), Dr. Wm. Frame, Lynn Barney, Henry Walt, James Plumb, William Murdock, Lewis Consaul, George Steele (1831), Francis Barrett, Elijah Fox, Eben Rees and Ira A. Sylvester (all in 1832), Thomas Faire and Erastus Wright (both in 1834), Stephen Hale (1835), Moses C. and Hubbard Garnsey, Henry and Thomas Elliot (1836), John Lingenfelter, Charles A. Commins, Peter Fetterley, Alexander Robinson and Rufus Parish (all in 1838), Joseph Petlow (1839), Joseph Thibault and Jacob Seeber (1840), Sylvester H. Slate (1840), Elijah McCarn (1842). At a little later period there came other families, among whom may be mentioned such familiar names as Spencer, Wright, Manson, Gar- lock, Heyl, Walrath, Swart, Shire, Allen and Hollenbeck, all good and true men and settlers, and each of whom was in some manner identified with the town in its early history. Indeed, this list might be con tinued to an indefinite length, for in Clayton it was difficult to deter mine just when early settlement was lost in the general growth of the town. THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 555 Thus have we recalled the names of many of the early settlers in one of the most interesting civil divisions of the county; a town possessing as many natural resources as any in the region ; favored by nature with a soil which for general productiveness is not surpassed in the county, and scenery equal to any in all the Thousand Island locality. Of course man's art and energy have done much to establish this fortunate condi tion, but in this particular portion of the St. Lawrence valley nature dealt bountifully with all who were destined to make it their place of abode. However, in the early history of the county that portion of the town now known as Grindstone Island was subject to the same lumber thiev ing operations as elsewhere, and so bold were the acts of the operators that the service of legal papers was accomplished only with the aid of military force, for the civil authorities were opposed by desperate resist ance. Many of the so-called thieves came from across the border, and when rafts were constructed they were frequently floated into British waters, from all of which the inference was drawn that these operations received at least partial sanction from that side. Organization. — On April 3, 1821, the legislature passed an act en titled "An act to divide the towns of Brownville and Le Ray, in the county of Jefferson," by which the towns of Alexandria, Philadelphia and Orleans were created. Previous to this, in 1 818, the legislature had erected the town of Lyme from Brownville. By an act passed April 27, 1833, Clayton was created, the effective portion being as fol lows: Be it enacted, &c, that all that part of the town of Lyme lying easterly of a line beginning at the southwest corner of Penet's square and running north 31 degrees west to the north bounds of the county in the river St. Lawrence ; and all that part of the town of Orleans, in said county, lying northerly of Penet's square and west of a line begin ning at the northeast corner of lot No. 40 of Penet's square, running south to the southeast corner of lot No. 97 of said Penet's square, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a new town of the name of Clayton ; and the first town meeting shall be held at the house of Isaac L. Carter on the first Tuesday of May next. The town was named Clayton in honor of John M. Clayton, then in the senate from the state of Delaware. Within the limits of the town as now constituted are 47,497 acres of land, but this also includes the area of the several islands in the river which form a part of the juris diction. Since the town was created changes have been made in the boundary lines, but none of them were material modifications of the 556 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. original. The largest and by far the most important of the islands is that called Grindstone, which has an area of 5,291 acres, or about one- ninth of the entire town. It is well populated, has about 100 voters, contains some of the best farming and grazing lands in the county, and possesses one of the richest stone quarries in this part of the state. Round, Hemlock (Murray), Robbins (Picton), Grinnell (Stuart), Craw ford (Bluff) and Packingham are among the smaller islands, but are not of special importance from a historic point of view. Each has its summer hotels and cottages, whose occupants during the pleasure sea son purchase large quantities of produce from the farmers, and thus are desirable temporary residents of the town. As provided in the act erecting the town, the first town meeting was held at the house of Isaac L. Carter on the first Tuesday in May, 1833, when these officers were elected : Supervisor, Hubbell Fox; town clerk, B. F. Faxton; justices of the peace, Gurdon Caswell ; Stephen Martin ; assessors, Jesse Noyes, Abram Burdick, Beriah Carpenter, jr. ; overseers of the poor, Caleb Closson, James Barney ; commissioners of highways, Samuel P. Payne, Lloyd B. Farrar, Elkanah Corbin; com'rs of common schools, Al fred Fox, John Consaul, Joseph Mason; inspectors of schools, Josiah Farrar, David Baker, B. F. Faxton ; collector, Erastus Warner. From first to last the history of Clayton forms an interesting chapter in the annals of the county. Settlement in fact was begun about 1816 and increased so rapidly that in 1833 the erection of a new jurisdiction in this part of the county became necessary. The lands of the gore (the portion taken from Lyme) were equally fertile and productive with the rich areas of Penet's square, and after the forests were cleared away fine farms were opened and Clayton began to assume a position of importance among the towns of the county. As an agricultural re gion the town has always stood high in the county, but during the last quarter of a century farming pursuits have undergone a material change. It was not until 1873 that the town was given tbe benefits of a railroad, and all previous communication with the county seat was by wagon travel. True, the St. Lawrence offered a natural highway to market in that direction, yet the people needed ready access to points south and east. The energetic inhabitants of the south part of the town in a measure overcame these embarrassments by the incorpora tion and operation of the Depauville steamboat company in 1S67, which company was authorized to carry freight and passengers between De pauville and Chaumont and other points on Lake Ontario and the river THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 557 for a period of thirty years from the time of incorporation ; but, how ever commendable this enterprise may have been, it failed of success as a financial investment on the part of its originators, and was soon abandoned. During the last twenty-five years the St. Lawrence water front to gether with the numerous islands in the channel of the river, have brought a prosperous condition of things to the people of the town, both on the islands and mainland. Previous to that time general agri culture was the chief pursuit of the inhabitants; and so it is to this day, yet the character of the product has materially changed. In the sum mer season the town's population along the river front and on the islands is almost doubled. Every island of inhabitable extent has its cottage and generally a wealthy owner and temporary occupant. At least 2,000 people are thus added to the town for three or four months each year, all of whom must be fed and provided with tbe best produc tions of the region. During the season vegetables, poultry, lambs, eggs, milk, butter and like produce of the farm command excellent prices and ready sale among these cottagers, all to the profit and advantage of the farmer of the vicinity. The other staples are hay and cheese, particularly the latter, which has brought to the town an enviable fame; and the St. Lawrence river cheese to a considerable extent es tablishes and controls tbe price of that commodity in the markets. In this manufacture are several factories, known and located as follows: The Empire State factory, about two miles south of Clayton village (which has been in operation about twenty years), owned by Robert P. Grant and several farmers ; the Lyme road factory, about ten years old, located between Clayton and Depauville, owned by Mr. Grant and others; the Depauville factory (farmers), an old industry, owned by F. B. Haas, John Dorr, jr., and R. P. Grant; the Depauville valley fac tory, owned by Grant, Haas and Mrs. Sarah J. Norton; the Thousand Island factory, established about twenty years ago at St. Lawrence, now owned by Mr. Grant and several farmers; and the Grindstone Island factory, located on the island, owned by Mr. Grant and others. The greatest population in the town was attained in 1860, the census then showing 4,696 inhabitants. Indeed, when created in 1833 the population was more than 3,000, showing that this part of the county was rapidly developed when settlement was once fairly begun, and when the question of titles was settled beyond dispute. How ever, as tending to show the growth of the town, recourse is had to the census tables, according to which the number of inhabitants at the beginning of each half decade has been as follows; 1835, 3,814; 1840, 3,990; 1845, 4,682; 1850, 4,191; 1855, 4,232; 1860,4,696; 1865,4,446; 1870,4,082; 1875,4,207; 1880,4,214; 1890,4,411; 1892,4,250. 558 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. From this it is seen that there has been little change in the population of the town during the last twenty-five years, indicating that all inter ests during this time have been substantial and permanent. Indeed, except in the changes in character of occupancy on the islands, and in some of the business interests in the principal village of the town, Clayton is to-day much as it was a quarter of a century ago ; and while the population is perhaps four hundred less than the maximum, the decrease has been due to the natural causes of periodical depressions, and has been less in proportion than in many other towns of the county The lands now produce as abundantly as ever, if properly cared for, and the mixed character of productions makes agricultural pursuits both agreeable and profitable. The many fine farm buildings and proper ties attest this fact, and also show that Clayton has been and still is a progressive town. Having thus treated of the town at large it is proper that some brief special mention be made of the villages and hamlets of the jurisdiction, as they, too, have been factors in local prosperity and growth. Clayton Village. — When in October, 1813, General Brown's militia forces were rendezvoused near the mouth of French creek, and were there attacked by the British, there were no evidences of a village other than the abandoned buildings occupied the year previous by Noadiah Hubbard and Richard Cummings in carrying on their lumber opera tions under their contract with James Le Ray. The proprietor had given these pioneers permission to cut lumber from the lands in this vicinity on payment to him of $35 per thousand feet for squared yellow pine ; $50 for white oak, and $8 per thousand for white and yellow spar timber. Under the agreement a vast business was done here during the year 1812, and this was then the most busy place on the river. How ever, in this year the war began, and Captain Hubbard was called back to Champion to take command of his company of militia. The lumber was made into a raft and floated down as far as Louisville, where it was seized and detained, and the investment to the contractors resulted in a loss. Soon after the war had closed, Mr. Le Ray with his accustomed energy caused a portion of the land in this vicinity to be laid out in a village plat, and from the fact that he was so much engaged with like enterprises in more fully settled localities, this worthy developer did not offer the lots for sale until after 1822. Therefore when William H. Angel came to the place in 1819 and opened a store and also began lumbering on an extensive scale, he was compelled to locate a short THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 559 distance above the village site as afterward established. In the mean time Colonel Camp conceived the idea of laying out a village plat on Washington island, as then called, and in 1824 began the construction of a bridge from the mainland. This new plan would have been detri mental to the Le Ray interests so that proprietor at once put his vil lage site on the market and named it Cornelia. It soon had three stores, a tavern, post-office and several other buildings for dwelling purposes. The lands were first offered for sale in 1822, and tbe post- office was established in 1823. The name Cornelia was maintained until 1831 and then changed to Clayton ; so called in honor of John M. Clayton, U. S. senator from Delaware. Two years afterward the town was set off and took the name given the village. In 1S20 Martin Herrick and Stephen Wetherbee came to the settle ment, where Mr. Herrick built the first log house in 1821. The first framed house was built in 1824 by Col. James Smith, a customs officer. Hiram Davis kept the first tavern, and in 1825 the place had sufficient population to warrant the erection of a small stone school house. Among the other factors in early life in the settlement were James F. and R. G. Angel, John Rector, Chauncey Pierce, Aaron and Luther Eddy, Dr. Amos Ellis, Henry Elliott, Daniel Porter, William Stephen, John Johnston and Perry Caswell, many of whom and whose works in the early history of the village will be remembered by the older resi dents of the present time. The first regular village survey was made in 1824, and the second in 1833. Among the early lumbermen of the vicinity, several of whom made this place the center of operations, were Smith & Angel, Martin Herrick, Smith & Herrick and E. G. Merrick & Co., while still later operators were Fowler & Esselstyn and Thomas Rees, thus bringing the succession to a comparatively recent date. These were of course important industries for their time, yet the village did not gain special prominence previous to about 1832, when ship building began to attract attention on this part of the river. However, between the years 1830 and 1835 the growth in all directions was rapid, healthful and permanent. The residents saw this, felt a just pride in the progress of the period, and in the spring of 1835 ap pointed a committee comprising E. C. Bancroft, A. O. Blair, E. G. Merrick, J. A. Brewster and T. M. Meade to prepare a census of the village and its industries, and also to publish a historical sketch of the locality for the benefit of all interests. According to the report prepared and made public by this commit- 560 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tee, the village in 1829 contained but nine buildings of all kinds, but in 1835, says the account: "We now number 43 dwelling houses, 6 stores, 3 groceries, 3 taverns, 1 steam furnace, capable Of melting four tons of iron per day, 1 machine shop, 1 ship smith's shop, 1 blacksmith's shop, 3 shoe shops, 2 tailor shops, 1 chair shop, 2 cabinet shops, 1 butcher shop, 1 bakery, a school house, and within one mile of the village, 3 saw mills. . . Every branch of business as well as mechanical pursuits which we have enumerated, appears to be in successful operation, rendering to the operatives a liberal remuneration for their instruments and labor. We next come to the business transactions of the place, which are by no means inconsiderable. During the last year the actual amount of capital invested in this business, at a low estimate, is found to be $475,000. The exports to foreign markets from this port amount the last year to $275,000. The aggregate amount of merchandise and other commodities sold at this place the past year, amounts to $100,000. The tonnage of vessels (inde pendent of the different steamboats which have entered and discharged their cargoes at this port during the year) amounts to 60,000 tons. In 1834 there were owned in this port seven schooners, one brig and one steamboat, making an aggregate of 1,000 tons. Within four years there has been built at the ship yard in this place, up to the present year, 6 schooners of about 100 tons each, 1 canal boat and 1 steamboat, and there are now being built five schooners, at an average cost of $4,300 each, making an expenditure of about $70,000 for ship building alone." From the beginnings indicated in the report, Clayton village has grown to its present condition and size, although during the past ten years the last remaining industry of early days has disappeared, and where once were busy hundreds of mechanics engaged in ship carpen try and construction, not one is so employed. Only an occasional St. Lawrence boat is placed in the water as the result of local handicraft, and that by some industrious riverman whose summer season is a har vest and whose winters are devoted to skiff building in a small way. The great industry of ship building in Clayton began in 1830 and continued for half a century the chief business of the village. The firm of Smith & Merrick founded the industry, and at times gave em ployment to more than an hundred men, building from three to five or six vessels each year, and about an hundred during tbe course of their business career. The first boats were the Jesse Smith and Horatio Gates, both built in 1830, the work being begun by Captain Pickering and completed by George S. Weeks. The latter also built for the firm the steamer Black Hawk and the schooners Franklin, Jefferson, Mor- giana, Willetts, Monroe, Gazelle, Madison, Lucinda, Cleopatra, West ern, Chesapeake, Robert Wood, E. G. Merrick, Sylph and several others, besides the early steamer Swan. THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 561 Another early and prominent builder was John Oades, who began operations here in 1841, under contracts with the old firms of E. G. Merrick & Co. and Fowler & Essylstyn, for whom, and under other contracts, he built in the neighborhood of an hundred boats, both sail ing vessels and steamers. His boats were among tbe best and largest on the river, the last of which, the well-known St. Lawrence, is fre quently referred to as "the palace steamer." In the same connection may be mentioned Thomas Rees, Harrison Parsons, John Cantwell, Simon G. Johnston and A. Bain and Co., all of whom were later and noted boat builders operating at Clayton, and whose industries brought population to the village and a fair measure of success to all other inter ests. After the removal of Fowler & Esselstyn and John Oades to De troit as a more extensive field of operation, Simon G. Johnston suc ceeded to the industry at Clayton, and from that time on has been the acknowledged authority on all subjects pertaining to the river and its navigation. Johnson's last boat was the Nightingale, built in 1894. He was by far the best known of the later boat builders, and put on the river some of the staunchest smaller boats navigating its waters. How ever, soon after 1870 the ship building industry at Clayton began to de cline, although not until within the last five years have such operations entirely ceased. In 1887 the firm of A. Bain & Co. was formed and carried on business a few years, building during that time the pretty Jessie Bain and other small craft, chiefly skiffs and canoes. This firm was followed by the St. Lawrence river skiff, canoe and steam launch company. This industry was continued until about 1895 and then re moved to Ogdensburgh. From this narrative it is seen that ship building was tbe chief indus try of the village for many years. Such, indeed, was the case, and all other interests were of minor importance, yet enough was done in all directions to build up an enterprising village of about 800 inhab itants in 1850 The people were not entirely engaged in this industry, and lumbering was then carried on to a large extent, and other busi ness and mercantile interests were well represented. About this time Clayton had become an important and established trading center, draw ing patronage from all the surrounding agricultural region, as well as from the people engaged in local enterprises. However, on June 6, 1856, in the midst of this period of prosperity, the village was visited with a serious fire, which swept away almost the entire mercantile por tion. This disaster cost thousands of dollars in actual and unprotected 71 562 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. losses, but with commendable zeal the burned structures were replaced with others more attractive and substantial, and a new Clayton was built up on the site of the old ; new interests succeeded those of former years, and once re-established, success followed every earnest endeavor in business life. During the years which had passed, lumbering enterprises had strip ped mainland and island alike of their forest growths, thus opening farms of fertility, but in the meantime the natural beauties of the Thousand islands began to attract attention from the outside world, and Clayton, from its favorable location at the head of the Thousand island system, sprang into prominence as the entrepot of the region. The owners of the islands, hoping to encourage the resorting movement, sold some of them for mere nominal consideration, but on condition that a summer cottage be built for occupancy during the pleasure sea son. In this way the attractions of the region soon spread throughout the land, with final result in a residence, generally large and expen sive, on almost every habitable island, with Clayton the chief point of entrance. Among the islands within the town which have been specially im proved and adorned (in several instances with almost palatial mansions), may be mentioned Calumet and Governor's islands, the property of Charles G. Emery, of New York, on which approximately $200,000 have been expended ; also Boscobel, owned by Gardner L. Hopkins, of Kansas; Basswood, owned by Thomas A. Gillespie, of Pittsburg, Pa., whose yacht alone cost more than $35,000; Club island, owned by a celebrated actress; Morgan's and Leavitt's mansions on Grindstone island, while also within the limits of the town are Whiskey and Terry's island, both beautifully improved with buildings and land decorations. These costly houses and attractions have of course brought many visitors to the village, and the Walton and Hubbard houses were rebuilt and enlarged for the accommodation of such guests. Stephen D. Johnston began hotel keeping here in 1849, and in later years was one of the first landlords to make a special feature of the entertainment of summer visitors, in this respect being the cotemporary of Mr. Cross mon, at Alexandria Bay, who opened his famous resort in its present porportions in 1872. This pleasing condition of village life naturally suggested to the inhabitants the propriety of incorporation. At a special election held at Johnston's hotel in Clayton on April 17, 1872, the question of incorporation was submitted to the inhabitants of THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 563 the territory proposed to be included within the village limits. On that occasion the proceedings were conducted under the supervision of Richard M. Esselstyn, supervisor, and W. F. Johnson, town clerk. That the electors were in favor of the proposition was evidenced in the fact that of tbe 192 votes cast 140 were for the measure, and only 51 against. As surveyed at the time the village contained 2.083 square miles of land, including ten acres of Washington island. The first election of village officers was held May 3, 1871, at the Walton house, and resulted as follows: Elijah McCarn, president; William Hawes, S. G. Johnston and S. D. Johnston, trustees ; Stephen Hale, treasurer ; C. H. Ross, clerk ; Charles Marshall, collector ; Robert G.. Angel, street commissioner. The succession of village presidents has been as follows: Elijah McCarn, 1872; Horace E. Morse, 1873; James Johnson, 1874; Richard M. Esselstyn, 1875-76; James Hayes, 1877; William Rees, 1878; Thomas Rees, 1879-80; Albert Brooker, 1881-83; John H. Graves, 1884; William H. Rees, 1885-86; George H. Strough, 1887; William H. Rees, 1888-89; A. E. Wood, 1890-92; George H. McKinley, 1893; Joseph H. Bra bant, 1894; Charles E. Rees, 1895; John E. Liddy, 1896-97. The educational system of the village antedates incorporation by almost twenty years, although it was not perfected in its present form until 1888. The first step in the direction of a better school than the then existing system offered was taken in 1855, when it was proposed to consolidate the two town districts which the village in part included, but the measure was defeated by a narrow majority. In the next year (April 29), the supervisor, Luke E. Frame, the town clerk, James John son, and the town superintendent, H. E. Morse, effected the consolida tion, and school district No. 8 was created. The first trustees were Alden F. Barker, Robert G. Angel and George C. Dean. It was then proposed to raise $3,000 by tax for the erection of a suitable school building, but the disastrous fire of that year was so injurious to all interests that the matter was delayed for nearly ten years, and not until 1865 was the sum voted. The trustees deemed this an insufficient amount, and in 1866 it was increased to $5,000. Complications followed this action with appeals to the state department of public instruction, while considerable feeling was engendered in the district. The matter was finally settled, the former action was rescinded, and on March 7, 1867, the sum of $5,000 was unanimously voted for anew building. In that year the structure was built on the public square under the super vision of a special committee comprising Thomas Rees, Joseph Thi- bault and Asa E. Porter, and cost $5,782.58. 564 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. From that time Clayton has maintained one of the best public schools in any outlying town in Jefferson county, and one which reflects credit both on its founders and its management. In 1888 the people of the district again sought to still further increase the efficiency of the insti tution, and therefore incorporated a union free school district and aca demic school. The first board of education comprised James Johnson (president), F. L. Hall, W. D. Clark, George H. McKinley, George E. Thibault, John E. Williams, John W. Williams, M. W. Atwood and Joseph F. Graves, the personnel of which has ever since remained the same, except that Mr. Graves was succeeded by Charles E. Rees. From this it will be seen that the management of the school has always received the indorsement of the taxpayers, and there has been no desire to supersede any member of the board. As years have passed repairs and additions have been made to the buildings, and the stand ing of the institution has ever been maintained and advanced in accord ance with improved methods of instruction, and as its result to day Clayton possesses one of the best academic schools in Jefferson county. Twelve teachers are employed, and about 550 pupils are in attendance. The annual expense of the school averages about $4,600. The present officers of the board are James Johnson, president; S. H. Johnson, clerk, and H. W. Morse, treasurer; principal of the school, H. D. Hall. Previous to about 1890 the village fire department was an entirely informal affair, and that notwithstanding the serious results of the conflagration of 1856. In the year first mentioned the village built the fire engine house and hall. The fire department apparatus consists of two good steamers (one a Silsby and the other a La France engine), a hook and ladder and a hose company. St. Lawrence hose company No. 1 was organized June 23, 1890. Rescue book and ladder company was incorporated May 4, 1886. Exempt fire protection company, No. 1, of Clayton, was incorporporated April 28, 1897. The depart ment is well officered and managed, and is in excellent condition to battle against any fire to which the village may be subject. These comprise the public properties of the village, but in addition are the churches, societies and business and mercantile interests which contribute to this interesting municipality. The village now contains about 2,000 inhabitants. The certain prominence which Clayton has gained as a summer resort has made necessary the erection of several large and well equipped hotels for the accommodation of guests and tourists who prefer the mainland to the islands as a place of temporary ^isfcrn J&&r7r-&r**arlr , THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 565 abode. These public houses which are of considerable importance are the Isaac Walton (commonly called the Walton), the Hubbard, the New Windsor, the Pastime and the Dewey. The claim is made, how ever, that the success which is merited in the village in this direction can only be attained in the erection of an exceedingly large hotel, one which fairly rivals those at Alexandria Bay and the other famous re sorts. All mercatile business interests in the village are well represented yet there is no appearance of over-competition. After the removal of the ship building interests there has been nothing in the way of manu factures except the planing mills of Strough & Brooks and W. A. Webster. A few persons are employed during the winter in the con struction of skiffs. The Exchange bank of Clayton was organized and began business Oct. 1, 1876, as a private financial enterprise of Robert P. Grant and A. F Barker. The original capital employed was about $8,000, and the business was something of an experiment. Mr. Grant was the active man of the firm, through whose management from the outset the venture proved successful. In 1884 the bank was organized under the state laws, with $40,000 capital. The first president was John Johnson, succeeded in December, 1896 by Jacob Putnam, the former vice-president. L. S. Strough was then elected vice-president. The first and present cashier is Robert P. Grant, who, throughout the period of the bank's history has been its managing officer; and the gratifying success which marked the career of the institution is in a great measure due to his business sagacity and capacity. The bank in December, 1897, had a surplus and undivided profit account of more than $23,000. The deposit account approximated $150,000. During the latter part of that year the bank went into voluntary liquidation and resolved into a banking enterprise of a somewhat different char acter. The National Exchange bank of Clayton was organized and began business January 1, 1898, succeeding the Exchange bank. Its capital stock is $50,000, and its shareholders number 112 persons, residents of Clayton and its immediate vicinity. The officers are Jacob Putnam, president; Lucien B. Strough, vice-president; Robert P. Grant, cashier. The directors are the officers above mentioned and W. D. Clark, G. H. McKinley, W. H. Lingenfelter, John Foley, Robert D. Grant and A. L. Williams. 566 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The First National bank of Clayton was the outgrowth of the Citizen bank, which was organized in December, 1884, as a private concern, and with William Rees, president, and A. F. Barker, cashier. On Oc tober 4, 1887, a reorganization was effected under the national banking act, resulting in a new bank with a capital of $50,000. The first direct ors were Alden F. Barker, Wm. Rees, Chas. A. Ellis, George H. Strough, James J. Belden, Chas. G. Emery, W. F. Ford and Russell B. Biddlecomb. The officers were A. F. Barker, president; Wm. Rees, vice-president, and H. W. Morse, cashier. Throughout the period of its history the First National bank has been a successful institution, and one which holds the confidence of business men in the state. The present surplus is $16,000, and the undivided profit account $6,375. The present directors are A. F. Barker, Wm. Rees, C. A. Ellis, F. L. Hall, G. H. Marshall, Jerome Snell, H. E. Morse, George V. S. Camp and H. S. Barker. The Methodist Episcopal church of Clayton dates back in its history to the year 1834, when a class was formed with Pliny Caswell as leader. After that frequent meetings were held in convenient places, but not until 1840 was the society regularly organized, the members then not exceeding twenty- five persons. In the same year a house of worship was erected, the same now occupied by the society, though in 1881, and again in 1888, the edifice was materially rebuilt and enlarged. The society has been a progressive body since its organization, and numbers many of the leading families of the village and vicinity. The present members number 138, with 108 pupils in the Sunday school. The church property is valued at $9,000. The pastor is Rev. A. C. Dan forth. The First Baptist church of Clayton was organized in 1843, although during the previous two years meetings of this denomination were held in the village as a branch of the mother church at La Fargeville. There were seventeen original members. Early meetings were held in the stone school house and other convenient places until, in connec tion with the Methodists, a meeting house was erected. In 1847 the society sold its interest in the joint building and erected a new edifice on the site of the present church. It was dedicated September 15, 1847. In 1881 the building was substantially repaired, but in this work nearly the entire old structure was preserved. The church property is valued at $5,500. This, too, is one of the strong religious societies of the village, the present members numbering 125, with large congregations THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 567 attending services. In the Sunday school are 97 enrolled members. The pastor of the church is Rev. H. J. Baldwin. St. Mary's church (Roman Catholic) of Clayton was organized as a parish in 1842 under the pastoral care of Rev. Francis Guth, but several years previous to that time masses had been said in the village by mis sionary priests sent into this vicinity. The first edifice was a plain frame building, erected in 1842, and was replaced with the present church in 1885, the latter one of the largest and most attractive struct ures of its kind in the northern part of the county. It was completed and dedicated in 1889. Its cost was $25,000. The parish includes 255 Catholic families, or about 1,100 persons. The present priest is Rev. Father P. S. Garand, who came to Clayton in 1895. Christ church (Protestant Episcopal) of Clayton was organized in 1868, under the missionary labors of the Rev. H. R. Lockwood, who became the first rector, and afterward a distinguished divine in other fields. In 1869 the pretty little stone church edifice was built in the village, and cost $10,000. There were ten original communicants; the present number is sixty-two. The rector is the Rev. Earl Henry Kenyon. The First Congregational church of Clayton was organized March 17, 1890, and was incorporated Sept. 2, following. The original member ship was thirty-six; the present number is 122. The church edifice was built in 1891, and cost $10,000. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Hall. The present pastor, Rev. Wm. Excell, was called in 1896. Clayton lodge, No. 296, F. & A. M., was organized under a charter dated June 11, 1853. The first officers were James Green, W. M. ; John D. Augsbury, S. W. ; O. W. Cushman, J. W. ; T. M. Reade, treasurer, and L. J. Rice, secretary. From that until the present time the lodge has maintained a healthful existence. The lodge records prior to 1869 are not to be found, but since that time the masters have been as follows: A. Brooker, 1869-72; H. E. Morse, 1873; James Thompson, 1874; H. Doney, 1875-76; H. E. Morse, 1877; A. Brooker, 1878-80; James Johnson, 1881; H. Doney, 1882; G. M. McCombs, 1883; H. E. Morse, 1884-85; H. N. Estes, 1886; William H. Rees, 1887-94; H. Doney, 1895; Wm. H. Rees, 1896; Chas. E. Wells, 1897. Montcalm lodge No. 69, I. O. O. F., of Clayton, was one of the old est and strongest bodies of its kind in the county. The lodge was or ganized Feb. 18, 1848, and among its first members were John Masson (the. first grand), John Johnston, Wm. H. Angel, George Brush, Arch ibald Marshall, Leander Holt, Chauncey Pierce, S. D. Johnston, John 568 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Carey and George Smith. The lodge records were lost in a fire in 1853, but among the early members were many river sailors and boatmen, whose ultimate removal from the town reduced the active membership to a few persons, whereupon the charter was surrendered in 1856. Clayton lodge No. 539, I. O. O. F., was organized under a charter dated August 18, 1886, from which time it grew in members and strength for several years. The present members number eighty- one persons. Depauville. — This interesting little village of about 300 inhabitants is situated in the southern central portion of the town, at the head of nav igation on Chaumont river, and received its name from Francis Depau, a merchant and capitalist of New York city who invested quite largely in lands on Penet's square and the Macomb tract. He was the owner of fifteen lots on the square, being numbers 21 to 25; 41 to 45 and 55 to 60, for which he had paid $12,000; but from his purchase was ex cepted certain parcels previously sold to Samuel Ruggles. In the locality in which the hamlet was built up there was a considerable fall in the river, from which the place took the name of Catfish Falls, and was so called for many years; and after the village was regularly called Depauville the name of Catfish creek was still applied to the river above the settlement. It was near this place that Simon and Jared White made the first improvement by clearing the land and making lumber in a small way about the year 1809; but they were squatters, having neither title nor authority to protect their acts, hence were dispossessed, as has been mentioned on a previous page. They were among the first operators, but not the only unauthorized lumbermen in this vicinity. Nathaniel Norton, who had previously been in mercantile business at Russia, N. Y., came with his father, John Norton, to this locality in 1816, as agent for the sale and settlement of a 12,000 acre tract of land adjoining the Depau lands, and then owned by C. H. & E. Wilkes. He made a per manent beginning, and was soon followed by David and Nathaniel Hol- brook, who with their father, came to the place and built a rude saw and grist mill ; but being unable to make the required payments, their purchase was sold to Stephen Johnson and Peter Martin, merchants and lumbermen, and founders in fact of the settlement, at least so far as its early history and prosperity were concerned. Other factors in the same direction were John Smith, who built the first dwelling house better than a log cabin and Peter B. Beadle, who conducted the store as clerk for Mr. Johnson. Mr. Winthrop opened a public house in 1820, THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 569 and in the same year a school is said to have been started here. Peter Martin also had a store, and in 1824 Mr. Johnson built the stone mills, the same which were burned in 1851. They were replaced the next year by Wm. Huntington and John W. Ingalls, sons-in law to Johnson. Schuyler Osborn, Erastus Wright, Drs. William and Luke E. Frame, John W. Mount, Gaylord Enos, John Norton, Amos Otis, Deacon Linnell, Leonard Vincent, Jonathan Hall, L. K. and Hezekiah Patchen, John O. and " Squire " Spencer were also prominent characters in early life in the village and its vicinity, and through their united and indi vidual action Depauville became a place of some note in this part of the county. But notwithstanding the fact that settlement here was founded as early as other similar hamlets, this locality seemed not to possess the natural advantages calculated to draw permanent and continued growth beyond the possession of a few stores, mills, shops and the other usual adjuncts of rural villages. Still, Depauville is a pleasant, comfortable and healthful village, in which all influences are for good. The stores, and there have always been two or more of them, are well stocked and managed and are liberally patronized by the thrifty farmers of the lo cality. The village also has an excellent school and two church societies. As a manufacturing center Depauville has not gained any special prominence. The early and more recent mills were built to supply flour and feed for home consumption, and but little of tbe product found its way to market on account of the limited means of transporta tion offered by the established thoroughfares of travel. In this locality has always been found an abundance of good quality of lime rock, and in 1835 the manufacture of water lime was begun by Stephen Johnson, Joel Murray, Jared House and Mr. King as partners, the three last mentioned being non-residents. This business was carried on for a few years and then gradually declined through lack of shipping facilities and proper markets. However, it was the first industry of the kind in the country. The Depauville steamboat company, to which reference has been made, was organized and incorporated Dec. 11, 1867, with $3,000 cap ital, for the purpose of operating a line of boats and carrying freight and passengers between this village and Chaumont and other points on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence river. The founders of the enter prise were E. M. Winslow, O. F. Osborn and Duane Ormsby. The company did some business for a time, but the investment was not 72 570 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. specially profitable and was soon discontinued. The business interests of the village in other channels have always been sufficient for the re quirements of the inhabitants. The people are almost wholly agricul turalists, devoted to the farm, thrifty and industrious, provident and saving. The village is their natural and convenient trading center, and for their accommodation several business places are constantly main tained. Here, too, is the Depauvilie cheese factory, the leading in dustry of the locality, and now owned by Sternberg Brothers. There are also two hotels, known as the Riverside and the Central houses. The merchants are A. D. Howe, Richard Terry and C. A. Fox. The Free Will Baptist church at Depauville is one of the oldest re ligious bodies in the town, and dates back in its history to March 20, 1820, when Elder Amasa Dodge effected a primitive organization with fifteen settlers of the vicinity as constituent members. In that year a little log meeting house was built by the settlers, in which they wor shiped until 1834, when the stone church edifice was erected through the united efforts of the Free Will Baptist, Universalist, Congregational and regular Baptist brethren of this part of the town. Mr. Depau generously contributed $500 to the building fund. On August 20, 1841, the society organization was perfected, and Nahum D. Williams, Phineas A. Osborn and Helon Norton were chosen trustees. From that time the society has enjoyed a continued existence, and has been regarded as one of the strong churches of the town, and the only one of its denomination. The present members number about sixty per sons, although the congregations indicate a larger number. The pas tor is Rev. E. E. Phillips. The Methodist Episcopal church of Depauville was organized as a society Nov. 25, 1834, although as early as 1821 a class had been formed in this part of the town in connection with the Black river district of the Genesee conference. In 1823 a small meeting house was built, and stood in the rear of the stone school house site. The new church edi fice was built in 1851-52. This is one of the largest churches of the town, and numbers 114 full and 83 probationary members. The church property is valued at $8,000, and the parsonage at $800. The pastor is Rev. U. E. Brown. Depauville lodge, No. 688, F. & A. M., was organized in March, 1868, with Archibald Sternberg, master; J. A. Diefendorf, S. W. ; William Baxter, J. W. ; John Howell, secretary; and William J. Lowe, THE TOWN OF CLAYTON. 571 treasurer. The present number of members is 70. George Miller, master, and W. A. Fox, secretary. Grindstone Island in the history of the town occupies substantially the position of an independent jurisdiction, although it has no such character separate from the town at large. In area it contains 5,530 acres of land, and a population of about 350. In another part of this chapter is noted the names of several settlers and prominent residents on the island, and also something of the history of this locality, but in the present connection it may be said that Amariah Howe was the pi neer, he having made a squatter settlement as early as 1802. He was afterward followed by Daniel Cross, Lewis Jones, Anthony Lince, Samuel Johnson, William Wells and others, each of whom had some part in the early history of the locality. The island contains much excellent farming and grazing land, and since the Thousand island region has gained such wide fame as a sum mer resort, many of the inhabitants give special attention to the growth of such products as are most needed by the temporary occupants, and for which is paid the best prices. However, the island has long been noted for its quarries, from which have been taken a vast quantity of superior quality of granite, the product being second only to the im ported Scotch granite. These quarries have been worked to a consid erable extent by both local and foreign operators. The Syracuse gran ite company was incorporated Oct. 12, 1889 (capital, $50,000), for the purpose of mining, manufacturing and selling granite from the island; and under its operation vast quantities of the product have been shipped from the locality. The little hamlet called Thurso, in the northern portion of the island, was the result of this industry. It contains a store, hotel, school, and an M. E. church, the latter, however, not now reporting to the conference. The Grindstone island cheese factory, previously mentioned, is also a local industry, although the farmers find far better profit in selling milk to the summer residents at five cents per quart than in taking it to the factory at eighty cents per hun dred pounds. Round Island, which is within the jurisdiction of this town, has made its most interesting history within the last quarter of a century. Round island park was tbe name of an association incorporated August 30, 1879, by John G. Harbottle, John F. Moffett, Ambrose E. Sawyer, Geo.L. Davis and Charles A. Waterman forthe purpose of " purchasing, laying out, dividing and improving Round island, and erecting thereon build- 572 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ings and leasing and selling the same." The capital stock was $50,000, and the company was authorized to continue business fifty years. The island was purchased and thus improved for the purpose of establishing a camp ground for members of Baptist churches, and while this inten tion was carried out in fact, after a period of about ten years the prop erty passed into the hands of a syndicate organized under the name of Round island park association, a non-sectarian body, whose purpose was to establish a summer hotel and resort on this beautiful tract. This was done, but in the performance of the work it became necessary to mortgage the island and its improvements. The hotel building was materially enlarged in 1889, and about the same time many other ex pensive improvements were made. The final result was the splendid Frontenac house, one of the most attractive on the river, and about 75 cottages held by various persons under 99-year leases. But, notwith standing the liberal patronage by the summer visitors, the association at last became seriously involved, a receiver was appointed, and fore closure proceedings were begun to enforce payment of an outstanding mortgage. On August 21, 1897, the island and its belongings were sold, but this process in law was in a measure resorted to in order to make a perfect title in certain interested persons rather than from any lack of means to carry on the business. The property was "struck off" to Jacob Hayes, of New York. Among the other localities within the jurisdiction of the town which have been laid out and improved in much the same manner as Round island, but which are less in extent and importance, are Murray Hill park, a noted resort with the large Murray Hill hotel, on Hemlock or Murray island ; Grinnell park, equally attractive and famous, on Grin nell or Stuart island ; the Pullman house (the site of the one so long kept by Samuel B. Grinnell) also on Grinnell island; and Prospect park with its multitude of improvements on historic Bartlett's point on the mainland. Indeed, there is hardly an island of any size in the entire region which is not in some manner under control of an association, but to follow and note all of them would be difficult and of no material consequence to our narrative. Supervisors.— Hubbard Fox, 1833-34; Edward C. Bancroft, 1835; Eldridge G. Merrick, 1836-38; Henry D. Van Camp, 1839; E. G. Merrick, 1840-41; Woodbridge C. George, 1842; Alfred Fox, 1843-44; E. G. Merrick, 1845; Alfred Fox, 1846; Eras tus Warner, 1847; James Plumb, 1848; Alfred Fox, 1849-53; Luke E. Frame, 1854- 58; John W. Ingalls, 1859-61; Elijah McCarn, 1862-64; James Johnson, 1865-66; THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 573 John Johnston, 1867-71; Richard M. Esselstyn, 1872; John Johnston, 1873-76; Rich ard M. Esselstyn, 1877; E. J. Seeber, 1878; W. H. Lingenfelter, 1879-80: E. J. See ber, 1881-83; H. E. Morse, 1884-85; G. H. Strough, 1886; Fred. Haas, 1887-88; W. H. Rees, 1889; Wm. H. Consaul, 1890-94; Frank D. Lowe, 1895; Wm. H. Consaul, 1896-99. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. In many respects the history of this town is unlike that of any other civil division of Jefferson county. From its very earliest settlement, more than an hundred years ago, Ellisburgh has been, in a measure, and independent town, and has made history different from surround ing towns. True, it was a part of the Macomb purchase, and on April 11, 1796, agent Constable contracted to sell to Marvel Ellis, of Troy, all the lands, except a certain marshy tract along Sandy creek, and a three thousand acre tract in the southwest corner which was reserved for Brown and Eddy. The Ellis purchase, according to Medad Mitchell's survey made in August, 1795, was 51,840 acres, but on re- survey by Benjamin Wright it was found to contain 52,834 acres. Con stable deeded the land to Ellison March 22, 1797, the sum of $22,111.50 having been paid down and a mortgage of $98,943.45 being given for the balance. In later years this mortgage became a serious cloud on the title, and by reason of Ellis' subsequent insolvency was the cause of delaying settlement. However, in 1802 Constable foreclosed the mortgage, but died before the proceedings were terminated. There upon his executors, James Constable, John McVickar and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, prosecuted the action to final judgment, and the Ellis pur chase was sold at the Tontine Coffee house in New York, on March 1, 1804, to one McCormick, who the next day conveyed the tract to the executors. By subsequent conveyances, and by final release (April 26, 1819) on the part of Wm. Constable's heirs, Pierrepont became pos sessed of much of the land, and from him the unsold portions passed to his son, Wm. C. Pierrepont. In the same manner on March 17, 1797, Constable conveyed to Robert Brown and Thomas Eddy the 3,000 acre tract in the southwest corner, 574 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and in June, 1804, the proprietors sold half the land to George Scriba (owner of a vast tract of land in Oswego county), and about the same time exchanged the remainder with Lord Bollingbroke for a farm in New Jersey. Scriba afterward sold to Wm. Bell, by whom the lands were sold in parcels to settlers, as were also the Bollingbroke and and Pierrepont lands. However, for several years the Brown and Eddy tract was without a resident agent, hence the lands shared the fate of others in this part of the state in being occupied by squatters who were with difficulty dispossessed. In this town the squatter locality acquired the som what irreverent name of "No God," indicating an apparently lawless community. Some of these claimants were driven off while others made purchases and became desirable and progressive citizens. According to acknowledged authorities, the territory comprising Ellisburgh was surveyed several times; first by Medad Mitchell in 1795; then by Benjamin Wright and Calvin Guiteau in 1796, and again under the direction of Surveyor- General De Witt in 1802. From the fact that Ellis was the first individual purchaser, the town was given the name of " Ellisburgh tract," but De Witt's map and survey gave it the name of Minos. The town was a part of Mexico until created a separate jurisdiction of Oneida county in 1803, and included within its original boundaries the present town of Henderson, then known as No. 6 of tbe eleven towns. That part was separately set off February 17, 1806, leaving Ellisburgh 43,311 acres to comprise its territory (67. 677 square miles). It is a somewhat remarkable fact that, in the early history of this part of the state, the first land surveyors or explorers should have prosecuted their investigations with the care and caution which later events clearly proved, and yet should have made no mention whatever of the evidences of previous and aboriginal habitation. In all the Black river country no town possesses ancient history equal to Ellis burgh, but it remained for later investigators to preserve for us the traces of Indian occupancy, while none of the early chroniclers appear to have discovered the fact that within the town were enacted events which far antedated the construction of the line of fortifications along the Sandy creeks. As early as the year 1615 Samuel de Champlain with a party of French and Indians crossed the western border of the town on an expedition into the Iroquois country; and on his return the intrepid Frenchman followed nearly the same course, though now he was wounded and was carried by his associates and Indian allies. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 575 Again, in 1684, De la Barre held a treaty with the Onondagas on the lake shore at the mouth of Sandy creek, where many of his men fell sick and suffered so seriously from the want of provisions and a malig nant climatic fever that the name Bay le Famine was given to the lo cality, and has ever since been preserved, although erroneously applied to the mouth of Salmon river and also to points further down the lake. In one of the earlier chapters this subject is discussed at length, where fore in this place it is not necessary to repeat the narrative. The next notable visitor to the place, of whom we have any present record, was Father Charlevoix, the French missionary, who in May, 1721, spent sufficient time at Bay le Famine to carefully note all the surroundings, and also to write a letter to the Duchess de Lesdiguires, the missive bearing date May 16. Neither of these noteworthy visitors and explorers referred in any manner to the Indian fortifications for which tbe Sandy creek region became famous, from which it is inferred (or at least it appears reasonable to suppose) that none of the several defenses built along the stream were constructed prior to the visit of Charlevoix. The fort at Niagara was built in 1719, and was followed by that at Oswego, while the minor line of Iroquois defenses against the French and Canadian Indians were undoubtedly erected sometime between 1720 and 1735. Ellisburgh abounds in evidences of the Indian occupation, and from the mouth of Sandy creek to the eastern boundary of the town there is hardly a farm or locality which has not disclosed some trace of the aboriginal period. The town is crossed by the two branches of Sandy creek into which flow innumerable smaller streams or creeks. All these were abundantly stocked with fish, particularly salmon, which in early days were known to have been plentiful in both branches of Sandy creek nearly to their source. This, together with the heavily timbered woods abounding with game, tended to make the town of Ellisburgh an ideal Indian hunting ground. The surface of the land here subsides from the Rutland and Dry Hill ranges to a gentler level toward the lake, and in the continuance of the Iroquois system of defensive works which studded those hills nearly every commanding spot in the town was devoted to fortifications and defenses. The first white visitor to describe these evidences of aboriginal occu pation was the Rev. John Taylor, who in 1802 made a missionary 576 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. journey through the Mohawk and Black river country. This worthy divine started from Redfield on September 1, and after traveling about twenty- four miles reached the south branch of Sandy creek, about three miles from the lake. He then journeyed up the branch to the present site of the village of Ellisburgh, and from thence proceeded northerly to the vicinity of Rural Hill, and easterly through the region of Belle ville to Adams. He describes the town as being heavily timbered, and the land "as rich as land can be, " and says that it is as fine a country as he ever saw. He also records unmistakable evidence that at some remote period tbe land was thickly inhabited, among other things found being stone fire places, and wells dry and stoned to a considerable depth. These fire places were about two rods apart, indicating adjoining habitations, and thus furnishing reliable evidence that they were the work of Iroquois Indians, whose habit it was to build long dwellings for the occupancy of several families, supplied with a row of fire places in the center, the smoke from which escaped from the roof of the structure. The missionary found the remains of an old fort on the present site of the village of Ellisburgh, on the north side of Sandy creek where the cemetery now stands. It was about twenty rods from the creek, and is described as having five sides and five gateways. The ground was scattered with fragments of earthen ware of peculiar construction, and in the spring of 1802 the point of a two edged steel sword 1^ feet long was plowed up inside of the enclosure. This sword was of undoubted European manufacture, and its discov ery gives rise to the belief that this must have been the fort which was fitted up by the French at Le Famine, and was spoken of by Marquis de Beauharnois in his letter to Gov. Burnet, July 20, 1727.' Neither Champlain, De la Barre nor Father Charlevoix record the existence of this work. It must, therefore, have been constructed early in the eighteenth century, and as the land around the lake was low and marshy, it is not strange that passing up South Sandy creek to higher land the wily Frenchman should have selected this spot for a defensive structure. This visitor made a plan of the work which is here pro duced. The reverend gentleman also visited a fort about midway between 1 Early settlers are said to have found in this vicinity the fragment of a sword blade around which the wood of a tree had grown, undoubtedly a relic of the same period. Musket balls hatchets, knives and other implements of metal have also at various times been turned up by th e plow. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 577 the north and south branches of Sandy creek, of which he made a drawing and described in detail. It lay on both sides of a small creek, just above the confluence with a smaller brook, and was of irregular shape, but built with a good deal of art. The ditch in many places was four feet deep. Standing in the ditch, a man could just over see the land in the fort. The work was, on an average, one hundred by fifty rods in size, and had a number of gateways. The walls were peculiar on both sides of the creek. Some parts of the walls were double, or rather there was an outer and inner wall. On the east side was a re doubt, about eight rods from one of the gateways. The ground appeared to be very much broken on the northeast corner and looked as if there had been works within works. Within the walls on each side of the creek were wells, or peculiar springs which answered for wells, but may not have been the result of art. On the west side of the creek was a well at the corner of tbe fort (about nine rods in cir cumference) which descended to a point in the bottom, having in the corner of the basin a living spring out of which the water rises and passes again into the ground. The land in this spring hole was so soft that a pole could be run down about fifteen feet. 73 578 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. This fort was situated on Taylor Brook and was on the old Silas Emerson farm now owned by Austin Dickinson. It was advantage ously located on a commanding bluff, and in the immediate vicinity of the famous cold spring. To the settlers (both D. E. Taylor and Ed ward Dickinson well remember the site) the adjoining land was known as the "old fort lot." Some distance north of the fort was found a burial ground, where numerous skeletons were found, and near the place was another spring, of less volume than cold spring, but associ ated with which was a tradition among the children of the early settlers that "if you once got in the spring, you could never get out," doubtless arising from a knowledge of the quicksand in the bottom, as described by the missionary in 1802. The burying ground is thought to have extended over on the Durfee or Eastman place, hence the impression that this locality had its distinct Indian history. Accompanying is the diagram of the work made at the time of Mr. Taylor's visit. While the plan presented is undoubtedly a correct representation of the work as it then appeared, the points of the THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 579 compass are not accurately stated, as the point indicated as north is more nearly in the east. This discrepancy, however, is not surprising when we consider the difficulties which must have attended the produc tion of a drawing of the work by a stranger at that early day. Other forts were visited, plotted and described by the traveler. He does not definitely state their location, and as all traces of some of them long ago disappeared the exact locality of these works cannot be given. Suffice it say that they were in the northeasterly part of the town and about four or five miles from the work described as located in the vil lage of Ellisburgh. These forts were about one hundred and fifty yards apart, and one of them consisted of a breast-work and intrenchment about half a mile in length. Drawings of them were made by the reverend traveler which are here reproduced. He also visited and described another fort about 2J^ miles northwest erly of those last mentioned. This work is about \y2 miles out of Belleville on the farms of James E. Green 2d and Calvin Littlefield. It was regularly built and enclosed about ten acres of ground. An excellent spring of water is found in close proximity, showing that the natives in selecting this site were not unmindful of the importance of an ample and convenient supply of water. No diagram of this work was however made. Upon and within all of the works above described stood trees of an equal size with those surrounding, indicating not so much the age of the fortifications as that they were entrenched encampments built in the woods without cutting the trees away. Fragments of pottery, broken brick pipes and all other phenomena of Indian habitations were found scattered about all of these works. The art of glazing was un known to these primitive potters and the earthen ware found was of the rudest kind, externally smooth except where marked by lines and dots in ever varying combinations of figures, and internally rough from the admixture of coarse sand and gravel. They however possessed a cer tain degree of taste and skill, and frequently attempted on their pipes and jars imitations of the human face and fantastic images of serpents and wild animals. Father Taylor also records the finding of hewed and square timbers, and a bateau (about one-half mile from the lake), in the marsh. It was covered to some depth with drifted earth, and was doubtless some relic of De la Barre's ill starred expedition to Le Famine, in 1684. This territory was again visited in 1849 by Mr. E. G. Squier, in the 580 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. nterest of the Smithsonian institute. He found near the village of Pierrepont Manor the site of an ancient town indistinguishable from a fortified village, except by absence of an embankment and trench. Large quantities of relics have been found at this place. This visitor examined and plotted several works in the town which he describes in the following narrative: " There is a work in this town three miles northwest of Pierrepont Manor, it is protected in the usual manner and has the usual relics and traces of occupancy within its walls." This work is believed to have been on the Eastman and Hungerford farms, as now known. A diagram of it was made at the time, which is here reproduced : '¦¦ """'-¦ -' *i J ° ¦" r' ' v Acr^?-' '^'¦\"','i.- "-',. mF o "J i ' Continuing his narrative Mr. Squier says: " There is another work in this town three-fourths of a mile eastward from that given above and about two and one-half miles northwest of Pierrepont Manor. This is a larger work but has been very nearly obliterated by the plow. The sec tions indicated in the engraving are yet very distinct, nor can the parts supplied differ materially from the original lines. Perhaps no work in the state has more dis tinct evidence of aboriginal occupancy. The entire area is covered with traces of ancient habitations and with relics of art pottery ornaments and implements. Ex terior to the walls in all directions, but particularly on the level ground between the two works the same indications are abundant. " Indeed the artificial accumulatons are so great as to materially augment the fer tility of the soil. Caches1 have been observed here, in some of which a number of bushels of parched corn was found carbonized by long exposure. It was scattered over the surface, and after rains could be collected in considerable quantities. Here, 1 For full description of a cache see note to history town of Adams. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 581 too, have been found skeletons buried according to the usual custom. The aboriginal population must have been very large at this spot, which both in aspect of soil and close proximity of springs and pure streams affords a most beautiful site for an Indian village." This work is also believed to have been on the Eastman farm, form erly owned by Peter Durfee. The accompanying diagram was made by Mr. Squier at the time. ...^¦""•ISS^ 'All'.' l'--^- Area about 8 Acres About a mile south of this last group, upon the land of Mr. Mendall (now owned by L. B. Martin) was another work upon which the old Mendell house and garden were located. The outlines of this work were descernible for many years, and the usual relics of Indian occu pancy were exhumed by the plow. No plan of it has been preserved, and all traces have long since disappeared. There were, according to early authorities, many other fortified places and remains of encampments in this town, but unfortunately no record 582 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of their location has been preserved, and it is now impossible to furnish detailed descriptions of the same. Notwithstanding the many difficul ties attending an attempt to locate and describe all these various works at the present time, recent investigators have succeeded in discovering remains of fortifications or villages which were unknown to the earliest settlers. Louis F. Hudson, within a very recent time, has discovered one of these on the south bank of Sandy creek, but has not made a sufficient examination to determine its true character. Dr. Chapman, another interested student of the aboriginal occupation, mentions an Indian village south of the Lake View house, on Wood's Point; another between Rural Hill and Belleville, on Col. Littlefield's farm; another northeast of that last mentioned, on the J. E. Green place; another between Belleville and Taylor settlement, in a tract of woodland on the Hungerford farm, the outline being still discernible ; another (a fort) between that last mentioned and the Taylor settlement, which was un doubtedly a large structure. In the early days of the town there was a tradition that Capt. Kidd's treasures were buried in these aboriginal mounds along the north branch of Sandy creek, resulting in much digging by weak-minded people for their recovery. The proprietors of these speculations with divining rod in hand would pretend to locate the treasures, and then silly dupes would dig for them, and just as the coveted prize was almost within their grasp would be frightened away by ghosts and demons, leaving their tools behind. The digging was always done at night and not a word was to be spoken, as the slightest cough was suppposed to bring on demons and goblins and to be fatal to success. Among the other evidences of aboriginal occupation which are found in this town is a bonepit, which stood on the bank of South Sandy creek near a house formerly occupied by J. W. Ellis. Here, in excavating for a cellar in 1818, a large number of human bones were discovered buried in a common grave, after the fashion prevalent among the In dians. A full description of the origin of these accumulations of bones has already been given in a note to the history of the town of Brown ville, hence need not be repeated here. Having thus traced the evidence which is furnished of previous ab original occupation, let us now turn to the period of settlement and development of this town by the indomitable whites. The history of pioneership and early life in Ellisburgh is not unlike THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 583 that of other towns in the Black river country. As the story is told on a preceding page, Lyman Ellis purchased much of the land comprising the town, and in the spring of 1797 he, with his brother, Marvel Ellis, came and made an improvement with a view to permanent settlement on the site near where now stands the pleasant little village of Ellis burgh. ' If local tradition be true pioneer Ellis was an enterprising and worthy proprietor, and before the close of the first season had built a dam and saw mill about three-quarters of a mile below the village site. The brothers also prepared land for cultivation and sowed it with wheat, this being claimed to be the first event of the kind in the county. In deed, it has been asserted that (with the possible exception of the Brit ish settlement on Carlton Island) the brothers Ellis were the first per manent settlers within the limits of the county, although Noadiah Hub bard made an improvement in Champion during the same year. Caleb Ellis, who became acquainted with Lyman Ellis while the latter was passing through Rome, also came to the town in the latter part of 1797 and made a purchase of land on the south branch of Sandy creek, select ing for his abode the site whereon stood the log cabin or hut of one Waldo, who was a hunter and squatter in the region. Thus tbe settlement in the town was founded. In building the dam and mill Lyman Ellis employed a number of workmen, for he was a man possessed of some means and brought mechanics to perform neces sary work ; but unfortunately the names of the employees have not been preserved, and few of them became permanent residents of the town. However, after the beginning was fairly made, other settlers were induced to come to the locality, and in the winter of 1797-98 William Hicks, B. Pierce, Isaac Wodell" and a Mr. Butler were added to tbe little community on Sandy creek. Early in tbe following spring there came the first disaster in the partial destruction of the dam and saw mill by high water, but the damaged structures were at once repaired. The next settlers, all of whom located on the Ellis purchase during the spring of 1798, were the family of Caleb Ellis, Robert Fulton, Elijah Richardson, William Root, Hezekiah Pierce, Chauncey Smith, Vial Salisbury, Isaac Wodell, Abraham Wilcox, and two others named Thornton, the latter being brought to the town to repair the injured 1 The Ellis cabin was built on the Marshall J. Bemis place, just below the village. 2 Well informed members of the Wodell family now living say their ancestor, Isaac Wodell, settled in this town in 1797. 584 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. dam and saw mill and also to build a grist mill. The settlement was now considerably increased, but during the year much sickness pre vailed among the pioneers, hence but little work was accomplished. A beginning was made on the grist mill, but until it was completed the settlers had recourse to the primitive method of grinding grain in the hollow stump, using a pestle and spring-pole attachment, after the fashion of the device used for the same purpose in Watertown in later years, the "contrivance" standing at the west end of the public square. However, the year 1798 was not without its good results, and in Sep tember proprietor Ellis wrote again to Constable that "we have a good dam across the creek, which has been expensive ; a good saw mill well finished and running, and have done considerable towards a grist mill. We have on the same lot (76), a large and handsome improvement; have had a fine crop of wheat, and have very fine corn," etc. The worthy proprietor further reported to Constable that the. inhab itants then in the town had good improvements and were an industrious people. He also rendered an account of lands sold, the price paid and amount of cash payment. At the same time Ellis asked the indulgence of his mortgage creditor, not being able to make the payment due, and also asked that the mortgagee give some assurance that he would re lease the lands from the lien of the mortgage on receiving payment, for it was now discovered that the large incumberance caused some anxiety among the settlers and was keeping still others from coming to the town. This was the weight which eventually worked the downfall of Lyman Ellis. The mortgage was so large that prospective purchasers were distrustful, and while they were willing to make contracts with Ellis they did not feel safe in making large payments without some assurance of a release from the mortgage. The result was the subse quent insolvency of Ellis, the foreclosure of the mortgage, and the vesting of title in other owners, as has been mentioned. Nevertheless, pioneer Ellis made some good sales, and in the report above referred to he inclosed an account of lands sold by him, from which We learn that the owners in the town in the fall of 1798 were as follows : Joseph Caldwell (60), Elijah Pettibone (100), John Paddock (50), Isaac South- erland (130), Asahel Humphrey (419), Elisha Phillips (100), Levi Root (140), Hezekiah Pierce (149). Notwithstanding the objections against which the settlers in the town were compelled to contend, its early development appears to have begun almost as favorably as elsewhere, for the lands were far more THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 585 fertile and productive than the average in the county south of Black river. The winter of 1798-99 was remarkably severe. Snow fell Oct. 29, 1798, and lasted until April of the next year, and the spring flood again swept away the dam and injured the mills. Ellis thereupon built a new dam at the village site and soon afterward removed both mills to the place, the grist mill in 1803. During the years 1803-6, James Constable, agent for the proprietary, made an extended tour through the northern counties of the state, in which his brother William (then deceased) had an interest, for the pur pose of determining the character and progress of settlement. He kept a journal of his travels and noted in detail the work accomplished by settlers. On September 6, 1803, Constable reached Ellisburgh and the mills built by Lyman Ellis, which were unfinished though substantial buildings. He found the settlers well pleased at his arrival, for he could give them some assurances regarding the titles, but what greatly moved the traveler was the sickness which prevailed in the community, and no doctor within twenty miles. He at once proposed to induce one to settle here by donating to him a 50 acre tract of land, and also sug gested the desirability of a " parson " in the settlement. Constable found about 40 families then in the town, most of whom were poor, "but of that description of people fit to settle a new country; few com forts about them, and they seem to have few wants; no liquor is to be had, and they have not begun to distill, nor are there any apples to make cider, so that their only drink is water, with which they seem content." After casting about the settled portions of the town for a few days, and visiting the lake shore, Constable left the settlement and proceeded up the creek five miles to Capt. Boomer's log house and im provement, but which has recently been sold for $900. This was on September 8, and on the next day the agent went into Adams. In August, 1804, Constable again visited the tov n, coming from the south, but found the road so bad that he at once determined to build a new one from Rome to Ellisburgh, a distance of 43 miles. After a couple of days he went down the creek to the lake, and found the marsh lands in the vicinity of "Le Famine" covered with hay stacks, "the contents of which had grown spontaneously, and many houses, and cattle at pasture, which proves that this place is of consequence." (Nearly a century of development and constant tillage have proved the accuracy of James Constable's observations, as Ellisburgh has ever enjoyed the enviable, prominence of being the richest and most productive town in 74 586 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. all the Black river country. ) When in this locality, Constable visited the house of Christopher Edmunds, on the north side of the creek, where he found a fine farm and the best corn produced in the town. Edmunds came into the region in 1798, with his brother Eliphalet, the latter settling in Adams. Both were Vermont Yankees, and were among the foremost men in the county in its early history. As a sum mary of the result of his observations, Constable reported 60 families in the town in 1804, about twenty having come since his last visit. In the early part of August of the next year the agent came again and on the way to Ellis village found many new settlers making improvements, but also found that the last spring freshet had done considerable damage to property on Salmon river and Sandy creek. He at length arrived at Ellis' and found the mills in "tolerably" good order, but the water in the creek exceedingly low. The mill was doing a large business, "grists" being brought in boats from Oswego and places still more dis tant. (At that time Sandy creek was navigable for flat -bottomed boats as far up as the Ellis dam). A school house was also in course of erection, and the town had " subscribed " toward a fund with which to build a bridge across the creek. (The agent contributed $20 for this purpose). Dr. Dresser, who had been induced to locate here, now had two patients, and there appeared to be less sickness now (1805) in the town than in any previons year. In August, 1806, Constable again visited the region and found the roads in very good condition ; also in the Andrews (Andrus) settlement a considerable improvement, and that the erection of a saw mill there had enabled the inhabitants of the southeast part of the town (the Mannsville neighborhood) to build frame dwellings and barns. Ar rived at Ellisburgh settlement, the agent found the mills had been rent ed ; that the doctor was still in the town and would soon require a deed for the 50 acres of land promised him. But what most surprised the agent was the sight of 150 militiamen in line on the day of general training (Sept. 2, 1806). He was told that not more than one-third of the entire force was present, from which Constable concluded that the country was settling very rapidly, and that the population had greatly increased since his last visit. Such indeed was the case, as after the lands were released from the lien of the Ellis mortgage, George Tib- bits and James Dole were appointed agents for the town. At the same time Benjamin Wright became general agent for the Wm. Constable estate, and from his home in Pulaski was instrumental in sending many THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 587 worthy settlers to this region. He also introduced in the town (as he did elsewhere) the practice of granting certificates of purchase, by which permission was given to examine the land before concluding the bargain. This custom, however, led to abuses in the way of specula tions by persons who selected only the very best lands with no inten tion to settle on them. After a short time this system was abolished. In some respects tbe early settlement of Ellisburgh was peculiar and seemed to begin at the established centers, of which the town has sev eral, and then work out into the surrounding and more remote terri tory toward the boundaries. Of the centers of settlement and milling operations, Ellisburgh was of course the oldest in the town, and owed its existence to the beginnings made in 1797-8. The earliest settlers in each of these localities will be recalled in our allusion to the villages themselves, but of those who came and shared the privations and hard ships of pioneer life in the town at large a brief mention is appropriate. Isaac Wodell, whose surname has ever since been preserved in the town by representative citizens, worked for a time for Lyman Ellis and then removed to a farm tract of 340 acres a short distance west of Ellisburgh village. He was a worthy developer, building up a fine farm and prop erty for his thrifty descendants. In his family were five sons and four daughters. Gideon Howard located about half a mile south of the vil lage and was one of the first settlers in the town (1797 or '98). Paul Dickinson settled in the town about 1800. Among the other pioneers and settlers not before mentioned, may be named Ebenezer Wood (from whom Woodville was named), Mosley Wood, Edward Boomer (the first town supervisor), Elder Joshua Freeman (1801), Jonathan Dealing (in the northeast part of the town), John Miner (near Ellis village), Philip Martin, Benj. Martin, Daniel Rounds, Matthew Boomer, Edward Barney (an old revolutionary patriot), Joseph McKee (for whom McKee's landing was so called), Guy Harris, Will iam Williams (grandfather of Judge Pardon C. Williams, and who settled between Mannsville and Ellisburgh previous to 1812), Pardon T. Whipple (a Rhode Islander, who settled near the landing on Sandy creek in 1803), Samuel Bemis (one of the pioneers of Wardwell settlement), Benjamin Bemis (a prominent man in the town for many years), Simeon Daggett, Stephen Lindsay, Jonathan Matteson (an old revolu tionary soldier), Chester McLean, David Holley, Samuel Dean, John Kibling, Avery Downer, Truman Steele, Clement Tubbs, Henry Green, Paul Dickerson (a cooper), Wm. Ellsworth, Theron Holley, Thomas W. Kennedy, Enos Eastman, John Otis, John Tifft (an old hotel keeper), Ephraim Wood, Ozias Lee, Capt. Fairchild, Ben jamin Grenell, Amaziah Fillmore and perhaps others, all of whom are believed to have settled in the town previous to the war of 1812-15, and nearly all of whom took part in that eventful struggle at Sandy creek, which was fought within the limits of this town. 588 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Among others and perhaps later settlers, whose names may not be mentioned in the village history, yet are worthy of preservation in these annals, were John Wilds, Amos Hudson, Willard Alverson, Benjamin Waterman, Ethni Fillmore, Ira Good- enough, Henry Washburn, James Converse (about 1818), Benjamin Jackman, Joseph Haskins, Salmon, John and Aaron Blanchard, Rufus Richardson (who was said to have been one of Washington's "life guards" during the revolution), William W. Walker, Zephaniah Penny, George Reed, William Rury, Daniel and Samuel Ward- well, David Smith, Charles Hollister, Benjamin Durfee, Calvin Harrington, Deme- trus Davis, Aaron Eastman, Ira Caster, John Decker, Dr. Roswell Kinney, and also the Masons, Hosingtons, Nobles and Scofields, all of whom were in some manner identified with the town in its early history and development, but not one of whom now lives to tell again the story of early hardships and successes in the new and then somewhat unhealthy region bordering on the Sandy creeks. Thus have we brought to the notice of the reader the names of the pioneers and many of the earlier settlers in what has ever been re garded one of the most historic, interesting and important civil divis ions of Jefferson county. As early as 1803 there were at least thirty or forty families in the town, while in the adjoining town of Henderson was about the same number. In that part of Ellisburgh known as the Brown and Eddy district, where squatters were numerous, and where there was a certain disregard of good order and the rights of persons, it became necessary that some sort of an authority be exercised, where fore the inhabitants of the town at large petitioned the legislature for an act creating a new civil division in Oneida county, to comprise the territory of the present town of Ellisburgh and Henderson. Organization. — The creating act was passed by the legislature Feb ruary 22, 1803, and the first town meeting was therein directed to be held at the house of pioneer Lyman Ellis. The first officers elected were as follows: Edward Boomer, supervisor; Lyman Ellis, town clerk; Caleb Ellis and Amps B. Noyes, overseers of the the poor; Jeremiah Mason, Samuel Rhodes and Benjamin Boomer, commissioners of highways; Matthew Boomer, collector; Abiah Jenkins, constable; John Thomas, Christopher Edmunds and Dyer McCumber, fence viewers ; Caleb Ellis, Jeremiah Mason, Timothy Harris, Benjamin Boomer, Dyer McCumber and Joseph Holley, overseers of highways. At this meeting, and in the year immediately following 1803, the town affairs which appear to have required the attention of the author ities were the necessity of good roads and the destruction of wild ani mals, the latter having proved a serious nuisance to the inhabitants. Wolf bounties were offered and paid as follows: $2.50 in 1803; $15 in 1807 and '8, and $10 in 1811 and '12. The first road laid out in the THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 589 town, as shown by the records, was recorded Oct. 7, 1803, and extended from Six Town Point across Ellisburgh to Adams. In December fol lowing a road was laid out from a point near the house of Lyman Ellis, on the north line of lot No. 76, thence north 81 degrees west, 164 chains, 66 links, until it intersected the road laid out from Christopher Edmunds' house to the Adams line. In May, 1804, Lyman Ellis laid out a highway from the east line of lot No. 25 to intersect the road leading from Ashel Harrington's to the south side of North Sandy creek. During the same year pioneer Ellis laid out three other important roads; one from the south line of Adams to connect with the road first above described, another from the north of Bear creek to the west line of township No. 1 (now Hounsfield), and still another which began on the ridge, where the road last mentioned crossed it, thence to the south branch of Sandy creek to a point near Isaac Burr's house. Thus did Lyman Ellis (who combined the art of surveying with his other useful qualities), strive to make a success of his scheme to pur chase and colonize a township of land, but notwithstanding his most strenuous efforts misfortune overtook him and compelled him to sacri fice much of his property. But the Constable agency proved not un grateful, and paid the proprietor for the improvements he had made, and also released to him certain tracts of land with their buildings. Ellis was a substantial developer, and whatever he did was well done. He brought to the town a worthy and energetic class of settlers, and as a result of their efforts the waste lands were improved and made use ful for cultivation, and even before the outbreak of the war of 1812-15, Ellisburgh had become known as one of the best agricultural towns in the county. Indeed, in all subsequent years it has lost none of this old-time prominence, and to-day the town stands foremost in the shire. The old companion town of Henderson was set off in 1806, since which time there has been no change in the boundaries of Ellisburgh. In 1807 the town contained 96 voters, who possessed the requisite property qualifications, a less number than any organized town then in the county. From this we may infer that the squatter contingent was still numerous, as in 1810 tbe town contained 1,725 inhabitants, being then third in point of population in the county. Watertown and Rutland alone exceeded Ellisburgh at that time. Between 1810 and 1814 the number of inhabitants increased from 1,725 to 2,325, and that notwith standing the period was perhaps the most trying, burdensome and em barrassing of any in its history. 590 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Outside of the incidents usual to pioneer life in a new region nothing occurred to disturb the progress and harmony of growth and develop ment until the so-called embargo act went into effect, when, in Sep tember, 1808, there was an outbreak of litigation which for a time threatened open rupture between the federal authorities and the set tlers. According to published accounts, it appears that on the occa sion mentioned a party of officers from Oswego, under Lieut. Asa Wells, entered Sandy creek, and after seizing a quantity of potash pro ceeded to Captain Fairfield's house and there forcibly took and carried away a swivel (gun), the property of the doughty captain. A com plaint was at once made to a justice by Mrs. Fairfield (the captain being away at the time), whereupon a warrant was issued to a constable to arrest the invading officers ; but the latter would not yield and threat ened the constable, upon which he called for help and rallied about 30 armed men, who went with him to capture Lieut. Wells and his party. But the revenue officers promptly presented bayonets, causing some thing of a stampede among the constable's forces, and those who did not retreat were taken and bound, and borne away as captives to Os wego. On Sept. 25 the Wells party returned to the town to take into custody the magistrate who issued the warrant, and also the constable, upon which a warrant against Wells, charging him and others with felony in breaking into a house, was issued at Sackets Harbor, and given to constable Ambrose Pease to serve. This cautious officer scented difficulty in serving the process, and at once raised " a hue and cry. " In this way he assembled about 200 persons in Ellisburgh, where a consultation of several magistrates was held, and the next day at sunrise about 70 or 80 men, armed and equipped, volunteered to aid in the arrest. But the magistrates dared not issue tbe order for their march, being apprehensive that some excess or injury might be done ; and the question having been raised whether a constable had the right to demand aid before he had been resisted, the armed men were advised to disperse, which was accordingly done. Eventually the feeling subsided and the event passed into history as a purely polit ical attempt by certain persons to resist the federal authority. The affair found its way into the press and naturally drew much attention in this direction, whereupon those who had been chiefly active in at tempting to incite the citizens against the federal officers issued a man ifesto justifying their position. A large public meeting was held in Ellisburgh and the speakers gave vent to their feelings in relation to THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 591 the alleged outrage. A committee was appointed to prepare a declara tion setting forth the facts, and also a series of resolutions suitable to the occasion, all of which were made public through the press at Utica, Albany and elsewhere, The embargo laws and their enforcement had a serious effect on the struggling inhabitants of Ellisburgh, as almost the means of livelihood were thereby taken from many families. The Sandy creeks were large and much used thoroughfares in those days, and hundreds of boat loads of prohibited merchandise were shipped down the streams to the lake and thence down the St. Lawrence river to market. Yet, while there were no more violations of law in this town than elsewhere in the re gion, it so happened that nearly all the products of Adams, Rodman and Lorraine found their way to the lake through Ellisburgh. But not withstanding the people were at much loss through the enforcement of the rigid laws of the period, they were none the less loyal and patri otic during the war of 1812. At the outbreak of hostilities the popula tion of tbe town was about 2,000 and all the able bodied men were among the enrolled militia, while the old men organized a company of ' ' Silver Greys " and performed guard duty at the mouth of Sandy creek. The boys of the town, too, had their military company and were in service with the old men at the mouth of the creek. However, there appears to have been no invasion of the territory of the town previous to the spring of 1814, when Sandy creek became the scene of one of the most spirited battles fought on the frontier, and one which has ever been a noted event in local annals, although some writers of the period have given little importance to it. In a preceding chapter of this work may be found a general account of the battle of Sandy creek as one of the events of the war; but in local annals the engagement was of such importance that still further allusion is pardonable. In the early spring of 1814 the war frigate Superior was built at Sack ets Harbor, and was to be armed with 66 guns. Its completion would have given the Americans a supremacy on the lake, and the British were using every effort to delay and if possible defeat the work of put ting the ship on the lake. The principal work of construction was fin ished during the latter part of May, and the vessel was ready for her armament which was being transported to the harbor by way of Wood creek, the Oswego river and the lake. This the enemy knew, and at once laid plans to capture the armament and thus cripple our squadron, for the transporting party also carried the rigging and armament for the 592 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mohawk and the Jones, which were still on the stocks at the harbor. To accomplish their purpose the British made a descent upon Oswego and drove the defending force under Col. Mitchell up the river (from which direction the supplies were coming) and then returned to their former station at the Galloup islands to blockade the channel and make a sure capture of the supplies when they were on the lake. In due season the party reached Oswego, under charge of Lieut. Woolsey, and escorted by Maj. Daniel Appling with a company of 150 riflemen and Oneida Indians. The party left Oswego on the evening of May 28 in nineteen boats, hoping to reach Stony creek before daylight and without interruption, but Woolsey took the precaution to send out a scout boat in charge of Lieut. Pierce, that he might have warning ofthe approach of the British. Be fore daybreak the next morning (29th) Pierce sighted the enemy and at once returned to Woolsey with the news, whereupon the latter quickly put in to the mouth of Sandy creek and run about two miles up the stream. Messengers were at once sent to Ellis village, Sackets Harbor, Adams and elsewhere, whence help might be expected. At nine o'clock Capt. Harris with a squadron of dragoons, and Capt. Mel- vin with a company of light artillery and two six pounders, arrived at the creek unknown to the British, and were so arranged and disposed as to completely surprise an attacking party. About the same time the Adams and Ellisburgh companies arrived, and made a formidable defensive force. In the meantime the enemy with three gunboats, three cutters and one gig entered the creek and at once began a cannonade in the direc tion of Woolsey's boats, with the evident intention to frighten away the Indian allies of his force. Captain Popham, the British commander, made a landing and attempted to work his men up the creek by land, but failing made a prisoner of one of Christopher Edmunds' family and compelled him to pilot the boats up the stream. At nine o'clock Pop ham landed his men on the south shore of the branch, but running afoul of the marshes there, soon crossed to the north side and formed a line of battle under Midshipman Hoare. The men then advanced into Appling's ambush, and at the word fire 19 sturdy Britons fell dead,1 and 50 others were wounded. Then followed the charge upon 1 This engagement took place on the north bank of the south branch about 50 rods below the present bridge. A large grave was dug on a small knoll about 85 rods back from the creek at this point in which the dead British soldiers were all buried. During the cannonading a bai THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 593 the disheartened enemy with such vigor that no resistance was offered and of all the attacking party not one escaped to tell of the defeat to the British commander at Kingston. Among the prisoners were 27 marines, 106 sailors and 11 officers. The wounded were taken to the neighboring houses and cared for as well as possible, and the McKee family gave up their dwelling for hospital purposes, and moved to the " Fuller place." According to the recollection of Harriet McKee Ward, the British prisoners were quartered at her father's house several weeks, during which time she, then a child, learned many incidents of the battle which in later years furnished a desirable addition to the published ac counts of the period. N. W. Hubbard's recollections of the occasion are also interesting. After the battle he helped lay thirteen dead Britons on the grass, side by side, also helped to care for sixty-four wounded and guard 234 prisoners taken. He, with others then in serv ice, marched back to the harbor after the battle, laid on their arms that night, and returned to Sandy creek the next day. Col. Clark Allen's men guarded the supply of stores, and at least two weeks passed before the last load was removed overland to the harbor. Teams and wagons were hired for this work, and all bat the famous cable, weighing about five tons, was thus removed. The men were clamorous for their dis charge, as the spring work at home needed attention, but the cable must be guarded until safely delivered at the harbor. The officers of Colonel Allen's command held a meeting and proposed carrying the great cable overland by hand, and that none should be exempt from the work save Colonel Allen himself. The men agreed, and took up the cable about noon, and at night reached Roberts corners. During the night about one-third of the men deserted, but the remainder stuck loyally to the task, and on the next day reached the harbor with their burden uninjured, but themselves seriously bruised and battered from the long march. In many cases at least a week passed before the men could use their arms. When they arrived at the harbor they numbered just 100, and each man received $2 from Com. Chauncey. Among the officers who assisted in carrying the cable Mr. Hubbard remembers Maj. Arnold Earl, Captains Gad Ackley, Brooks Harrington, Daniel from one of the British boats struck a rock in the creek about half a mile up, breaking a piece out of the stone and fell back in the creek were it was afterward picked up. This rock was about ten feet high and still stands in the bed of the stream exhibiting the^mark of this historic conflict. 75 594 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Ellis, Oliver Scott, Lieuts. Charles Hollister and Grout Hosington, and also Capt. Jacob Wood, an old revolutionary patriot. M. W. Gilbert, of this town at the time, superintended the removal of the supplies from the battlefield to the harbor. The collection of reminiscences of Sandy creek made by Nat Frame also affords interesting reading matter, but does not add materially to what has already been stated, except that Capt. Gad Ackley was in command of the Ellisburgh company of militia both in the battle and in afterward guarding and removing the property. According to the recollections of Harley G. Otis, his father, John Otis, helped carry the "hawser of the big ship" to the harbor, and was also directed to take nine men in a boat and row out into the lake to watch the movements of the British gunboats. They fired on bis boat upon which he returned to the creek. He also remembers the arrival of a company of riflemen from Adams, who were placed in the ambush and ordered to remain quiet until the signal to fire, which was given by Major Appling firing his own pistol. John Otis and Major Appling stood behind a large elm tree. Harley Otis is also authority for the statement that the British threw overboard from one of their boats a brass cannon, which he says is still in the creek. Many of the dead and wounded were taken to John Otis' house, and fifteen of the dead British were buried in one grave not far from the dwelling. In this vicinity many of the tree-tops were shot away by the balls and cannister from the cannon. Among the incidents of the occasion, Mr. Otis remembers that Charles Hollister ran his horse to Adams to call out the militia; also that Gad Ackley, Loomis Adams, Samuel Mc Nitt, Robert Ellis, Chester McBain and others were conspicuous figures at the battle. With the close of the war and its stirring events, both general and local, the period passed into history, and the farmer returned to his plow, the mechanic to his workshop and the tradesman to his store. From this time on the history of Ellisburgh has been uneventful and nothing has occurred to mar the current of its progress and develop ment. The town has been almost without serious accident except those which occurred on the lake off Sandy creek, where has been the scene of many wrecks. This has always been regarded as a dangerous locality, and several years previous to 1814 there was built just south of the mouth of the creek a structure which served as a lighthouse and as a place of refuge for shipwrecked sailors. The tender of the house THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 595 kept a sort of hotel for fishing parties. At the time of the battle of Sandy creek the house is said to have been occupied by John Tull and wife, the former of whom went up the creek with the Americans, but the good wife remained, and when the British came and ordered her to cook some chickens and have them ready on their return, she retorted that they "might get all they wanted of something else than chickens up the creek." ' The life saving station at the mouth of Sandy creek was established in 1876, and is now under charge of Capt. Wm. Fish and a complete crew of men. According to Capt. Wm. Jenkins, previous to the estab lishment of the regular station 80 boats and vessels were driven into the Mexico bay region, and of this number one-half were total wrecks, while the fatalities aggregated 80 lives lost. Since the station was es tablished the only three total wrecks have been that of the Cortez, the Ariadne and the Hartford, with a total of seven lives lost. Returning from this brief digression, let us note 'the growth of the town as indi cated by census statistics. As has been stated, in 1807 the qualified voters numbered 96 persons, and at the first census enumeration in 1810 the inhabitants numbered 1,725. Since that time the changes have been as follows ; In 1814, 2,325 ; 1820, 3,531 ; 1825,4,733; 1830,5,292; 1835,5,029; 1840,5,349; 1845.5,531; 1850,5,522; 1855,5,339; 1860, 5,614; 1865, 5,286; 1870, 4,822; 1875, 4,819; 1880, 4,810; 1890,4,145; 1892,4,223. From this it may seem that Ellisburgh is one of the largest towns in the county. The statement may also be made, without danger of seri ous criticism, that it is one of the best, most productive and richest regions in all the Black river country. For more than three-quarters of a century the town has been noted for its agricultural productions, and in the same time its people have become noted for thrift, enterprise and public-spiritedness. Were the contrary true the town never could have attained the position of prominence it has so long enjoyed and so easily maintained. Nature has been a factor in reaching this condition as the lands in general are fertile and easily cultivated.2 In localities the surface is quite uneven, yet this makes these areas susceptible of early spring cultivation. As is seen in the preceding paragraph, the greatest population was attained in 1860, the number then being 5, 614, while subsequent years have witnessed a decrease of about 400 inhab itants. 1 Mrs. Tull survived her husband and died on Pillar Point about 1858. She was buried in the Luther Hill cemetery. Several now middle-aged persons remember her residence on the point, and the interesting tale of the battle often told by her. 2 In the vicinity of Rural Hill are some of the most fertile lands in the state. Indeed, it is doubtful if richer areas can be found in the entire country. 596 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Outside of the villages, one of which has gained some prominence as a manufacturing center, the chief pursuit is farming, although breeding fine cattle, sheep and swine for the market, and also for domestic use, has been carried on to a considerable extent. The persons most ac tively engaged in this direction were James and Hugh Brodie, the founders of the industry, and also Messrs. Hungerford, James F. Con verse, Samuel Campbell, Wm. H. Ellsworth, Marlin Wood and per haps a few others of less note. Dairying has been an established pursuit dating from the earliest settlement, but only within the last forty years has the industry been carried on to any considerable extent. The Mannsville cheese factory was one of the first in the town, and was started in 1863 by Shepard & Grenell. It soon afterward passed into the hands of E. L. Stone, and is still owned by him. The Ellis village factory was built in 1869 by James Rogers, and has since been in successful operation, being one of the large factories of the county. The present owners are Salisbury & Peach. The Overton factory, at Belleville, was started more than twenty years ago, and for the last ten years at least has been regarded as one of the very best in the region. Among the other cheese making industries of the town may be mentioned the Graves factory, at Ward- well Settlement; the Silver Spring factory, owned by C. J. Curtis; the A. J. Smith factory, in the Goodenough neighborhood, and perhaps others of less prominence in remote parts of the town, but all of which have contributed to building up a substantial condition of prosperity among the farming classes. Villages and Hamlets. — Unlike the majority of large towns in this county Ellisburgh has no single established trading center. In the early history of the town there were selected several convenient and pleasantly situated localities and in each of them a store was opened and generally saw and grist mills to supply the wants of the people of the vicinity. As years passed these centers grew in size and impor tance, a number of industries and institutions were established and eventually three of them attained the dignity of the corporate character. Mentioned in the order of importance these villages are Ellisburgh, Belleville and Mannsville, each of which is incorporated, and Pierrepont Manor, Woodville, Wardwell Settlement and Rural Hill. Of each of these a brief special mention is appropriate. Ellisburgh. — Among the inhabitants of the town this place has always been known as Ellis village, and since the incorporation was effected THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 597 the townsfolk always refer to it as "the village." The pioneer and founder of a settlement at this place was Lyman Ellis, in whose honor both town and village were named. The first mills built by the pio neer were below the village site, but after the second destruction of the buildings, in 1799, Mr. Ellis rebuilt on the present site of the village, where in the course of a few years a considerable settlement was built up. The new mills, however, were burned in 1813, and being unin sured the loss seriously crippled their owner. Notwithstanding his early business misfortunes Lyman Ellis is remembered as a generous and enterprising developer. He was chosen one of the assistant judges of the county, hence was commonly called "Judge" Ellis. He gave an acre of land for cemetery purposes, and also the site whereon the first school house was built in 1805. A post office was established here about the same time and he was the postmaster. This worthy pioneer and founder lived in tbe village until his death, March 13, 1847. An other of his enterprises was the oil mill, in which Wm. McCune and Joseph Bullock were also interested. This mill was built about 1818. In 1810 the village contained a saw and grist mill, a fulling mill, distillery, a school house and about fifteen dwellings. The erection of the stone grist mill was begun by Peter Robinson about 1826, but the property soon passed into the hands of Samuel Cook. The stone for the mill were quarried by Benjamin F. Wilds, who also built the stone dam across the creek. The present dam was built about 1854 by George and Henry Millard. Among the later owners of the mill and water privilege have been Henry Millard, Martin & Hyde, L. P. Gillette, Hopkinson & Dennison and A. P. Dennison. One of the earliest mer chants was Noah M. Green, who was in trade previous to 1820. Later storekeepers were John Shaw, Peter Robinson, Theodore Dickinson, Newton Mann, Daniel H. Fiske, E. D. Sherwood, James and William T. Searles, George M. Hopkinson, Franklin Waite, Theron Holley, jr., Edward Dennison, H. M. Wilds, and perhaps others whose names are forgotten. A hotel (the Central house, as afterward known), was opened as early as 1812, and among its early landlords were Ezra Stearns, Joseph Bul lock, W. T. Fiske, Franklin Waite, Thomas Davis, Mr. Pattridge and others. The Cottage hotel was of later erection, and subsequently be came known as the Empire hotel. This and the Town Hall house comprise the present hotels of the village. About 1819 a distillery was built by Andrew Scott and Seneca R. Soles. Liberty Bates and Isaac 598 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Burr built another in 1824. Samuel Cook followed with still another in later years, the building being afterward turned into a malt house by Michael Tining. Gad Ackley was an early proprietor of a potash works. Thomas Crandall started a tannery about 1825, and was fol lowed by Hiram Morley. A furnace was built by John Hildreth about 1830. Later owners were Simeon B. Griffin, N. Palmer, William E. Whitney and Loren B. Palmer. The business was discontinued about 1870. Benjamin Bemis started a carding machine soon after 1825, but his building was afterward changed into a chair factory and was for a time run by Samuel and C. C. Comee. One of the most permanent industries of the village, and that which has resulted in greater benefit to the people than perhaps any other, was the edged tool shop started by Amos Hudson in or soon after 1820, on the site of the old Ellis oil mill on Bear creek, on the upper part of the village site. Amos Hudson died in 1830, and in 1833 his son, Lucien F. Hudson, took the old shop and began the manufacture of agricultural implements. Mr. Hudson is still an active man, and, al though now retired from business, he goes to the works almost every day to observe the operations of his sons. The Bear creek property is still in the family, and is run for the manufacture of agricultural implements. The proprietors are Hudson Bros. & Co. Soon after 1825 Andrew Scott and Thomas Davis built a grist mill just above the village, on what is now called the upper dam on Sandy creek. _ Later on Turner & Maltby changed the plant into a plaster mill, and were succeeded by Franklin Waite. B. F. Wilds afterward bought the property, but in 1870 sold to George S. Hudson, who estab lished the furniture manufacturing business now carried on by the firm of George S. Hudson & Son. The present mercantile interests comprise the extensive seed house of W. A. Dennison (established several years ago by a Mr. Brown) ; the Monitor grist mill, also cider mill, of Arthur Lee; the general stores of Adele Albro, H. M. Wilds, Bushnell & Spink and A. O. Davis; the Salisbury & Peach cheese factory ; F. E. Bonner's drug store ; Geo. H. Bettinger's meat market; C. E. Brooks' grocery store; L. B. Cham berlain's hardware store; A. P. Dennison's feed mill, and the small shops incident to all rural villages. This is substantially and briefly the business history of the village, and while in many places similarly situated recent years have witnessed a marked decline in mercantile and manufacturing interests, it is THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 599 doubtful if Ellisburgh has suffered seriously in this respect, and it is also doubtful if business interests in general in the village have been greater or more prosperous than at the present time. At all events in 1895 the people realized that comfort, convenience and the public wel fare required incorporation, hence the necessary steps to that end were taken. The papers were recorded and the incorporation became a fact October 23, 1895. The area of the village tract is 640 acres; its population is 351 inhabitants. The institutions comprise the district school and the Methodist Epis copal, Protestant Episcopal and Universalist churches. As is elsewhere stated, the first school house in the settlement was built in 1805. Since that time a good school has always been maintained here. It is now a two-room school, employing two teachers. The building was erected in 1876 or 1877. The first church in the settlement was Congregational, and was or ganized by Daniel M. Dixon and Oliver Leavitt, January 1, 1817, with six members. The first pastor, Rev. Joshua A. Clayton, was installed November 9, 1826. The first trustees of the legally formed society (Nov. 11, 1823), were Amos Hudson, Hiram Taylor, Daniel Wardwell, John Otis, William T. Fiske and William Cole. A house of worship was erected in 1824, but was torn down in 1843. The next year the society was dissolved. The Universalist church was organized August 26, 1821, with nine teen members, among whom Isaac Mendell, Silas Emerson, John Clark and Rev. Cornelius Parsons were the leading spirits. The meeting house of the society was built in 1843, and cost $1,500. The church has ever since maintained its organization, although the membership is small and the society frequently without a pastor. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized March 5, 1832, and has ever since maintained a prosperous existence. The meeting house was built in 1833, on the site of John Rury's former residence. A sec ond and larger edifice was erected in 1849. The first parsonage was built in 1836, and the second in 1877. The present membership is 44, with 11 probationers. Pastor, Rev. C. J. Middleton. Christ church, Protestant Episcopal, of Ellisburgh, was organized Sept. 3, 1879, with ten communicants. The church edifice was erected the same year, and cost about $2,500. The church now has twelve communicants, and is under the rectorship of Rev. A. J. Brockway. Belleville. — This pretty little village of not quite 400 inhabitants is 600 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. situated in the northern part of the town, on the north branch of Sandy creek, in what is perhaps one of the most productive agricultural dis tricts of the county. From the very earliest history of the town this has been known as a desirable region for farming pursuits, and a quiet and pleasant place of residence. The inhabitants have ever been noted for thrift, and peace and good order have prevailed throughout the community. Here, too, settled some of the most substantial pio neers of the town, among whom may be recalled the names of Brad ley and Joshua Freeman, Giles Hall, Metcalf Lee, Martin Barney. James Benjamin, Jedediah McCumber, Elder Edmund Littlefield and others. The settlement ripened into a hamlet, and soon after the war of 1812 a public meeting was assembled to decide upon a name for the place which should be more appropriate and possess a little more dignity than Hall's Mills, by which it had previously been known. Giles Hall had come here in 1806 and purchased from Jedediah McCumber a mill privilege on the creek. He built a saw and grist mill, a blacksmith and wagon shop and a trip hammer, and was one of the prominent men of his time. But the people, headed by merchant Calvin Clark, sought another name, and the committee chosen at the meeting referred to selected " Belleville," after a place of the same name in Canada. Among the other early interests of the village were Samuel Boyden's tannery, John Harris' store and hotel, Calvin Clark's and Laban Brown's stores, and Norman Barney's cabinet shop, although there appears no present means to determine the beginning or ending of any of them. Sometime previous to 1820 Abraham Miller and Rufus Mather built a chair factory near the mill. Cotton Kimball succeeded to the grist mill, followed by Dr. Elton Hanchett, but the name of Mather's mill was always retained. Other older interests of the same locality were Harvey Dwight's cloth-dressing mill, Luther Mather's carding machine, and still later Samuel Northup's carding and cloth- dressing works, the latter afterward passing into the hands of H. H. Harris (about its last proprietor). Still other local interests which settlers recall were the Central house, built by Matterson Freeman, the building afterward being burned. I. L. Dillon built the hotel named for him in 1873, on the site of the old house. From these primitive beginnings the settlement grew into a hamlet and the latter at length developed into a corporate village. It also enjoys the pleasant distinction of being one of the most aristocratic cultured and wealthy inland villages in northern New York. In the THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 601 years during which this growth was taking place there were many mer cantile interests, but none of the sons of pioneers can accurately recall the names of all the proprietors. However, among the factors in ham let history, in addition to those already mentioned, may be recalled the names of Philemon and John Stacey (both prominent builders), Lebbeus Harris, John and Demas Thomas, Samuel Brown and a host of others, all of whom are now dead while the sons and daughters of many of them have removed to other localities. The present merchants of the village are Keyes & Dubois, Kelsey Bros., Chapman & Doane, general stores; Bradley Barney, notions and jewelry; F. E. Wright, harnesses; W. B.Wright, notions and groceries; S. Church, groceries and drugs; L. J. Wait, hardware; Williams & Hart, grocers and bakers; J. W. Overton & Sons, flour and feed; Scott & Weldon, groceries and meats; Charles Dunham, meats; V. R. Blanden, dentist; Mrs. H. G. Walrath and Mrs. B. Dickinson, milli ners; M. L. Foreman, proprietor Belleville hotel. The physicians are Dr. E. A. Chapman and Dr. S. W. Frame. The legal profession in the village and town has been well and honorably represented by Mills A. Hackley and E. B. Hawes & Son. Incorporation. — Notwithstanding the many changes of swiftly passing years, the little village continued to grow, and at length the people felt the need of an order of incorporation that certain local interests might have necessary protection without taxing the town therefor. The Sackets Harbor and Ellisburgh Railroad was opened to traffic in 1853, its line passing through the village. In the meantime the acad emy had become an institution of great importance in the county and many improvements not otherwise obtainable could be secured through incorporation. The order was granted in the early part of May, 1860, and on the 29th the first village officers were elected as follows: D' Al ton Dwight, Alexander Dickinson, Daniel Hall, Abner M. Durfee and Calvin Littlefield, trustees; Arthur J. Brown, clerk; Wm. R. Pen- nell, Collins F. Armsbury and Henry F. Overton, assessors ; James E. Green, treasurer; Cyrus N. Rowe, collector; F. W. Stevens, pound- master. During the nearly forty years of corporate existence it is doubtful if there has been any substantial growth in population and commercial importance in Belleville, for during this period nearly all the old manu facturing interests have passed away,1 and a refined, pleasant, health - 1 In 1896 a portion of the corporation was released to the town, thus taking away considerable 76 602 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ful municipality takes the place of the former village. Indeed, the change is not undesirable, for, with surrounding influences and with its established institutions, Belleville is one of the most desirable resi dence villages in Jefferson county. It is five miles distant from the railroad station (Adams or Pierrepont Manor, the Sacketts Harbor and Ellisburgh Railroad having been abandoned in 1862). The present manufactures comprise the Walch grist mill, the Jason Ray & Son saw mill, Carpenter's furniture shop and the Overton butter and cheese factory. The woolen mills, to which reference has been made, have been in existence nearly sixty years and are regarded as a village in dustry, although at the present time they are not in operation. The Union academy at Belleville is one of the institutions in which the people of the village and the town feel the greatest pride. Indeed, among the one hundred and twenty-eight academic institutions in the state, Union academy ranks eighth in standing and efficiency. The institution had its inception in the work begun in 1824, when Rev. Joshua Bradley, a Baptist clergyman, organized the Union literary so ciety at Belleville, and also opened an advanced school in the upper part of John R. Hayes' dwelling near the Mather mill. Elder Bradley soon afterward advanced the manual labor plan of school maintenance, and his theories and arguments carried such weight, that the people be came deeply interested in the subject, and subscribed to stock in a proposed corporation to secure the erection of a building on a six acre lot generously given for the purpose by Giles Hall. On April 13, 1826, the "Union Literary Society " was incorporated by Jotham Bige low, Orin Howard, James W. Kennedy, John Hagadorn, Amos Heald, Peter N. Cushman, Wesson Thomas, Pardon Earl, Samuel S. Hawes, Edward Boomer, Sidney Houghton, Benjamin Barney, Samuel Boy- den, Ebenezer Webster, Israel Kelley, jr., Jesse Hubbard, Hiram Tay lor, Henry Green, Rufus Hatch, Charles B. Pond, Calvin Clark, John Barney, 1st, Samuel Pierce and Godfrey Barney, who were authorized to erect buildings and maintain a higher academic school, but that the annual income from their investments should not exceed $5,000. The school was at once established agreeable to the spirit of the act, and occupied rooms in the stone church in the village until the completion of the stone school house, which was erected in 1828 and formally dedi cated January 1, 1829. population, the Phillips grist mill and the woolen mills, which were previously substantial local industries. In 1877 a serious Are destroyed a large portion of the business section but the burned buildings were replaced with others more substantial in construction. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 603 On January 5, 1830, the institution was incorporated by the state re gents and received under their visitation and regulations. The first principal was Charles Avery, whose service began in 1829 From that to the present time Union academy (the name was changed in 1861) has been one of the noted educational institutions of the county and state, although twice during its history the corporation was on the point of dissolution. The manual labor plan did not work to the en tire satisfaction of the trustees, but did not in any manner militate against the standing of the school. It was abandoned after about two years of operation. In the fall of 1837 the school was closed through the prosecution of an action to foreclose mortgage against the prop erty, but the trustees, with the assistance of Rev. Jedediah Burchard, raised a sum of money sufficient to pay the indebtedness. In 1840 the school was reopened with a generous attendance, the number of pupils being greatly increased in 1841 by receiving those of Rev. J. G. King's " Belleville Methodist and Classical school" which had been opened when the academy closed. The second occasion of threatened dissolu tion came with the outbreak of the war of 1861-65, when several of the teachers and a large number of pupils enlisted and entered the service, but through perseverance and energy the classes were maintained throughout the period. Soon after the return of peace tbe subject of endowment was suggested, with final result in an invested fund of $35,000. There are four endowed scholarships; the Frederick Will iams, $3,000; the Shepardson, $2,000; the Gaylord memorial fund, which was started in 1893; and thej. J. Mather scholarship of $500, established in 1894. The academy has a present attendance of about 100 pupils, and is in all respects in a healthful condition. During the period of its history, the principals, in succession, have been as follows : Charles Avery (1829-31), George W. Eaton, La Rue Perine Thompson, Joseph Mullin (afterward Judge Mullin), Hiram H. Barney, Lyman Boomer (1836), Truman C. Hill (1837), Rev. Geo. I. King (1840-43), Richard Ellis, Orasmus Cole, Calvin Lit tlefield (1845-47), G. S. Ramsey (1847), Richard Ellis (1848), John P. Houghton (1850), J. Dunbar Houghton (1857-64), ' Rev. Benjamen D. Gifford (1864), Rev. Buel A. Smith (1865), E. H. Hillier, R. L. Thatcher (1868), W. W. Grant (1869-73), Henry Carver (1874), George F. Sawyer (1875-78), Uri C. Joslin (1881-84), Henry A. Gaylord (1884-92), Charles J. Galpin (1892-98). The present board of trustees comprises Dr. E. A. Chapman, president; N. C. 1 The present academy building was erected and completed in 1856, during the principalship of Prof. Houghton. 604 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Houghton, treasurer; V. R. Blanden, secretary; and George Bigelow, George E. Bull, J. H. Carpenter, W. B. Doane, F. C. Overton, J. H. Eastman, M. M. Fillmore, S. W. Frame, J. E. Green, W. H. Greene, R. B. Heald, D. M. Kelsey, A. S. Thomp son, C. L. Lee, C. B. Kennedy, C. Littlefield, J. J. Mather, William Mather, Duane Ormsby, C. M. Overton, J. W. Overton, Henry Powell, A. A. Scott, H. P. Stacey, M. D. Swan, Frederick Williams and George M. Wood. The trustees of the endow ment fund are Frederick Williams, N. C. Houghton and William Mather. Rising Light lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., was instituted February 20, 1867, and has since been one of the permanent and useful institutions of the village. The present members number about 100. The past masters have been Wm. Jenkins, Luke Fulton, D. C. Hubbard, H. H. Williams, Lester Muzzy, S. W. Frame, E. A. Chapman, A. E. Wood, James F. Leonard, A. A. Scott, E. A. Chapman. Collins lodge No. 168, I. O. O. F., was instituted February 4, 1852, and for a period of more than forty years enjoyed a healthful exist ence, but during recent years interest appears to have abated and meetings are infrequently held. The Baptist church and society of Belleville was the pioneer religious organization of the town and dates back to the early years of the cen tury, when Elders Colwell and Littlefield assembled the settlers for divine worship and organized an informal society. Their plan, how ever, was unsatisfactory to many of the worshipers. After Elder Lit- tlefield's death Joshua Freeman and Amos Noyes, with the aid of Deacon Barney and others, presented a new plan of action, and on August 22, 1807, perfected a society organization with eleven members. This society has been in existence to the present time, hence is one of the oldest religious bodies in the county. Occasional preaching was held until 1810, when licenciate Martin E. Cook was called to the pul pit; was subsequently ordained in the ministry; was chosen as pastor and continued with the church 24 years. The church organization was perfected Dec. 4, 1821, with Matthew Green, Benjamin and John Bar ney (2d) as trustees. A union meeting house was built in 1819, but through some imperfect understanding litigation soon followed and created a disturbed feeling in the locality. The building was burned in March, 1829. Two years later the present church edifice was erected. It is a comfortable structure and will seat about 400 persons. The present membership is 168. The pastor is Rev. W. H. Brooks. The Sunday school has 108 members. The First Presbyterian society of Ellisburgh was formed August 28, 1820, and Nathan Burden, Isaac Burr, Wm. T. Fiske, Amos Hudson, THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 605 Liberty Bates and Royal March were the first trustees. In 1830 a re organization was effected and a house of worship was built at Belleville. On Feb. 11, of this year, the church united with the Watertown pres bytery. A new edifice was erected in 1853, but soon afterward the society was dissolved and the building was sold to the Methodist trus tees. The First Methodist Episcopal church and society of Belleville was organized May 5, 1841, and soon afterward erected a meeting house in the Wardwell settlement. The building was subsequently removed to tbe village and was finally sold to the Catholic trustees. The Meth odist members in this church now number 130 persons, with 125 pupils in the Sunday school. The present pastor is Rev. W. M. Holbrook. St. John's church (Roman Catholic) at Belleville, was organized as a parish in 1875. The church edifice was built during the same year. Services are supplied from Watertown. The parish has about twenty families. Mannsville. — In the southeastern part of the town, on the upper waters of Skinner creek, is the pleasant little village of Mannsville. Among the incorporated villages of the town it has less population than the others, yet from a business point of view it is the most important center, for, being on the line of the railroad, it is the natural and usual starting point in visiting the country adjoining. Col. Samuel Ward- well was an extensive land owner in this part of the town, and through his influence David I. Andrews was induced to come to the Wardwell settlement about 1800 and act as land agent. Soon after his arrival he built a saw mill on Skinner creek on the site of Mannsville, and later on erected one or two dwelling houses. George Andrews afterward had charge of the mill property, but the first dwelling was converted into a tavern and was kept by Joseph Wood. In 1822 Daniel Wardwell came and took charge of the improvements already begun. In 1823 he began the erection of a cotton factory a little below the village site, and in a few months Major H. Barzilian Mann acquired a half interest in the enterprise. The old factory did a successful business for a few years, but the entire property was destroyed by a fire February 16, 1827, and was never rebuilt.1 In the meantime, the little hamlet had ' John Woodard was one of the early landowners in this vicinity, and was also one of the pioneers of the town. He came with his father, Captain Woodard, and six brothers early in the century and settled in the south part of Ellisburgh. Asa Brown, who is said to have been the strongest man in this part of the country, was another pioneer in this locality. 606 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. grown to be of considerable importance, and in 1825 1 was formally named Mannsville in honor of Major Mann and Newton Mann, both of whom were leading factors in its building up. Major Mann died in Whitesboro in 1830. Dr. J. Preston Mann, at one time a physician of the village, and J. Maxey Mann, (a former merchant here) were sons of Major Mann. Among prominent figures in early village life were David I. Andrews, Joseph Wood, Daniel Wardwell and Major Mann, all of whom have been mentioned. Wm. Earl, who succeeded to the old hotel, was the son of James Earl, the latter a settler in the town in 1811. Later pro prietors of the hotel were David Stearns, Gardner Millard, Joy brothers, Don C. Bishop, Eli James and Charles Gibeau. About 1826 David Goddard started a small tannery in the village, and thus laid the found ation for an industry which survived until a few years ago. The old building was originally a distillery, but Mr. Goddard used it as a tan nery until 1847. The next proprietor was Wm. Baldwin, under whom the buildings were burned and then rebuilt. A fire in 1870 destroyed the second building, but they were again replaced and occupied until quite recently. Baldwin & Douglass, J. H. & H. E. Root and Mr. Kellar were among the later proprietors. Joel Brown and James I. Steele were among the earlier merchants, but just when they began operations here is uncertain. Later business men were Dexter Wilder, Melvin J. Ea 1, Wm. West, John Hughes and others. In 1825, when the post-office was established, Mannsville contained a saw mill, a hotel, a plank school house and three dwellings, but in 1851, when the rail road was completed and opened, the business interests increased rapidly and the hamlet at once gained a position of prominence in this part of the county. Its population was about 300 in 1855, and the number in creased about 100 during the next twenty years. In 1863 or '64 J. D. Finster built a grist mill, the same now being owned by Fred Kellar. Finster & Woodward built a planing and saw mill in 1870. It is now owned by Orasmus Woodward. With these interests and those which had survived from still earlier years, it became necessary that the vil lage be provided with some means of government and protection better than that furnished by the town at large. On May 16, 1879, the question of incorporation was submitted to the inhabitants of the proposed district, and was carried by a vote of 72 for and 37 against the proposition. The proceedings were held under the 1 The post-office was established at this time. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 607 direction of supervisor I. P. Wodell and town clerk O. Williams. The area of the village was 604.34 acres. The final incorporation papers were in the county clerk's office May 22, 1879, and thereupon Manns ville became a regularly incorporated village. ' At that time the local population was a little more than 400, but during the last 20 years tbe number has decreased to 365. The public properties consist of the dis trict school, the primitive fire department (a generous supply of buckets, hooks and ladders; Dr. Potter, chief engineer), and four churches. On July 29, 1885, much of the business portion of the village was destroyed by a disastrous fire. Among the buildings burned were the large three-story brick hotel, the Disciples church and three dwellings. With commendable promptness, many of the burned structures were at once replaced with others equally substantial, and a new Mannsville succeeded the older village. Although the village has not attracted any special attention as a manufacturing center, it is nevertheless a flourishing little municipality in one of the richest agricultural districts of the county, and has mercantile houses and interests equal to many villages of double its population. Among the present interests may be mentioned the saw mills owned by Fred Kellar and Fred Williams, the Woodward planing mill, the Woodward grist and feed mill, the E. L. Stone cheese factory, and merchants, Sanders & Lewis (gen. store), Bettinger & Parker (groc. and prov.), Duane E. Hurd and W. H. Fox & Son (drugs), Huggins & Beebe and John Hughes (hardware), Albert Jackson (groc. and bakery), W. H. Osborn (furniture and undertaking), Hughes Bros, (meats), H. S. Clark (flour and feed), Eugene Wheeler (gen. store), and still others of less note. The public houses are Hotel Gibeau (C. S. Gibeau, prop.), and the Mannsville house (Ed Matthew- son and Bert Macumber, props.). The Mannsville Press, a weekly newspaper, was established in 1894 by C. J. Barless, and was continued a little less than one year. Mannsville Lodge, No. 175, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1853, and is therefore among the old Odd Fellow bodies of the county. It has always maintained a healthful existence and now numbers sixty-five members. A good district school has been maintained in the village almost from the time the first settlement was begun. The present school 1 The first village officers were Allen M. Wardwell, president; Leonard A. Martin, Orrin H. Balch and Everett Stone, trustees; B. N. Bailey, clerk. 608 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. contains three departments, primary, intermediate and grammar, and is a successful and well attended institution. The Baptist church of Mannsville was organized in 1831 by a union of former members of the Lorraine society with those of the Second Baptist church of Ellisburgh, the latter having been formed in the western part of the town as early as 1817. In 1833 the new society joined with the Congregationafists and erected a meeting house at Mannsville village, but in 1854 the Baptists became sole owners of the structure. This church has always maintained a healthful and grow ing existence and is now one of the strongest religious bodies in the town. The present membership numbers 168 persons. The society is temporarily without a pastor. The Second Congregational church and society of Ellisburgh was organized Aug. 18, 1833, with Roswell Keeney, Benj. P. Grennell and David Wardwell, trustees, and at once joined with the Baptist society in building a house of worship, as has been stated. Their interest in the building was afterward sold, and in 1856 the society erected a frame edifice at a cost ef $3,000. This church has more than 300 mem bers, and is present under the pastorate of Rev. John Sharo. The Methodist Episcopal church at Mannsville was organized be tween the years 1846 and 1850, but the absence of reliable data renders the exact date uncertain. However, Methodist preaching was held in this part of the town as early as 1830, and for many years prior to the organization Mannsville was part of a circuit for Methodist missionary visitation. The large edifice was built in 1859, and from their earliest history the church and society have grown in strength and influence. The present members number 136 persons. The pastor is Rev. W. J. Hancock. The Seventh Day Advent church at Mannsville was organized in 1851, about the time the first societies 'of the denomination were formed. The ministers of the church are evangelists, who visit the society from time to time. The Church of Christ (Disciples) at Mannsville was organized in 1871, but the history of the denomination in the town far antedates that time. The local society at the above time had about 75 members who, in 1872, built a neat meeting house. The building was burned in 1885, and soon afterward the society discontinued its meetings. Pierrepont Manor is a pretty little hamlet on the line of the railroad from Syracuse to Watertown (R. W. & O.), and is perhaps the largest THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 609 unincorporated village in the town. Among the first settlers in this locality were Joseph Allen and Pardon and Arnold Earl, who in March, 1805, came from Galway, Saratoga county, and made animprovement on the present village site. They were followed by William Case, William Taber, William Lewis and two or three families surnamed Simmons. Joseph Allen was regarded as the pioneer of the locality, and was, perhaps, its leading man. His first house was of logs, but in the course of a few years he built a frame addition to it and opened a public house in connection with his regular employment as black smith. About 1818 Mr. Allen built a hotel, which is still standing. He kept it until 1823 and was succeeded by Joel Brown. Mr. Allen died Sept. 13, 1838. The present proprietor is Samuel Anderson. About 1807 Pardon Earl became agent forthe sale of land in this local ity, and war a man of extensive business operations. He died in 1844. In 1822 the direction and management of the Pierrepont lands were assumed by William C. Pierrepont, who then opened a land office. About 1826 he built the spacious mansion which has ever been known as the " Manor house." From that time to the end of his life (Dec. 20, 1885) Mr. Pierrepont was a resident of the village. It was his pres ence, his work and his influence that built up the little village about which has ever been an air of comfort and quiet dignity that places it in contrast with the other hamlets of the county. The post-office under the name of Pierrepont Manor was established about 1840. Among the early factories of the place were Joel Brown's potashery and Thomas Loomis' tannery, the latter of which was started about 1835. However, Pierrepont Manor has never attracted any considera ble attention as a business or manufacturing center, nor did its proprie tor make any effort whatever in that direction. Still, as the lands were sold and inhabitants became more numerous, stores and hotels were opened for their accommodation. Mr. Pierrepont built the "corner store " soon after coming to the place, and about 1848 erected the saw and grist mills, these soon becoming the leading industries. The grist mill was subsequently converted into a store building. The more re cent McConnell saw mill is not now in operation. Two stores and sev eral other buildings were burned June 16, 1887. The only present in dustries, except two or three stores, are the Caulkins cheese factory, and the large seed house owned by William H. Grenell. The Exchange hotel is under the proprietorship of M. C. Finney. Zion church (Protestant Episcopal) of Pierrepont Manor, was founded, 77 610 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. established and organized chiefly through the liberality of William C. Pierrepont, who in 1835 caused a church edifice to be erected. On January 4, 1836, an organization was perfected. William C. Pierre pont and Thomas Marsh being chosen wardens, and Harvey Allen,. Pardon Earl, Thomas E. Williams, Robert Myrick and John Allen vestrymen The church and its parish have ever since been liberally sustained through the munificence of Mr. Pierrepont. The present communicants number fifty-six persons. The rector is the Rev. Anson J. Brockway; wardens, Joseph A. Bemis and W. Pierrepont White. The parish n"ouse was built during the summer of 1856. The Free church and society of Pierrepont Manor effected its organ ization February 26, 1855, under the leadership of Rev. Stephen H. Taft, of Christian Union fellowship. The first trustees were Loren Bushnell, Albert G. Earl, Hiram Allen, Benjamin Randall, Samuel Bemis, Franklin Waite and William Williams. The house of worship was erected in 1855 and has remained standing to the present time, although the society is now extinct. The services now held in the building are under Baptist or Methodist direction, many members of those societies living in the vicinity. Woodville is a small village on the north branch of Sandy Creek, about three miles from its mouth, and about two and one-half miles from Ellisburgh village. The locality was originally called Wood's set tlement, from the fact that Ebenezer, Ephraim and Jacob Wood, sons of Nathaniel Wood, a Vermonter, made an improvement in this part of the town in the spring of 1804. Nathaniel Wood, in company with Oramel Brewster, Simeon Titus, Ephraim Wood, jr., and Hezekiah Leffingwell, came to explore the region in 1803, and were so well pleased with the land that in May, 1804, the Woods purchased a 754 acre tract, paying therefor $2,294.80. In the same spring the settle ment was made, Ephraim Wood leading the way with his daughter and three sons. The father, who was Rev. Nathaniel Wood, and one of the most earnest and devout men among the pioneers of the town, came in June, 1804, and was soon after followed by Obadiah Kings bury, Oliver Scott and others. In the next year three other members of the Wood family (Nathaniel, jr., Ebenezer and Mosely) and Samuel Truesdale, and the families of each, were added to the little community. In this year these industrious settlers built a small saw mill on the creek, and planted a field of corn on the marsh, which is said to have produced one of the most abundant crops ever grown in the town. THE TOWN OF ELLISBURGH. 611 Ebenezer Wood laid the foundation for the village by opening his house as a tavern, and also in starting a store in 1809. Oliver Batchellor came during the previous winter and built a blacksmith shop, and still later put a trip-hammer in operation. He was one of the conspicuous figures of the settlement for many years, and was, withal, a very worthy man. The first regular store (Ebenezer Wood's having been only a small stock of goods) was opened soon after 1812 by Nathan Burnham, and while the hamlet subsequently enjoyed but little material growth, the public convenience demanded the establishment of a post-office. This was done about 1824 or '5, and Asa Averill was tbe first postmaster. In 1825 a Baptist society was organized (now extinct), followed in 1836 by a Congregational society, which with the school house now comprise the public buildings of the village.1 During its history, the local popu lation has never exceeded 200, and such interests as have been main tained are for the convenience of inhabitants of the surrounding agri cultural districts. The present storekeepers are N. Wood & Son (successors to Wood Brcs. ), and Hollis & Hubbard. The Baptist society of Woodville was formed, as above stated, Janu ary 27, 1825, with Ebenezer Wood, Oliver Scott, Amaziah Fillmore, Pedro Scott, William Ellsworth and Abijah Jenkins as trustees. A small meeting house was erected soon afterward, and regular services were held for many years, but at length a decline followed, causing the virtual dissolution of the society. The Congregational church and society of Woodville was formed in November and December, 1836, and in 1837 a small brick edifice was built to replace the union meeting house which had been erected a few years before. The first pastor, Rev. Chas. B. Pond, was installed Jan. 28, 1840. The present brick edifice was erected in 1868, and dedicated in August, 1869. The society has maintained a permanent existence ahd is now in a good condition. The members number 89 persons, while the Sunday school has a total enrollment of 195 pupils. The present minister of the church is Rev. I T. Hart. Rural Hill is the name of a locality in the northwest part of the town, where Jedediah Hill settled in 1815. The old farm passed to his son Eben, thence to John Hill (brother of Eben) and finally to Amasa Hun gerford. He sold to Philip Hungerford and the latter established what ever there was of the early hamlet. He was appointed postmaster in 1 Orion lodge, No. 286, F. and A. M., was organized at Woodville, Oct. 27, 1817, but was soon after removed to Ellisburgh village, and was dissolved in 1827. J 612 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1849, when the office was established, but previous to that year Edwin Burnham had opened a store. To change the name of the locality Burnham called his establishment "Rural Hill store," and from this the post-office name was taken. In the early history of the town the locality was known as " Buck hill." Wardwell Settlement is the name of the vicinity where David I. Andrews located when in 1800 he and David Fox first came to the town to develop the lands of Col. Wardwell. In later years a saw mill was built on the creek, and when the school districts of the town were estab lished, a school was built at the four corners. About 1870 a cheese factory was built on the creek and has ever since been in operation. This with the cheese box factory comprise the industries of the settle ment. Supervisors. — Edward Boomer, 1803; Lyman Ellis, 1804-5; Nathaniel Wood, 1806; Lyman Ellis, 1807; Joseph Allen, 1808-9; Oramel Brewster, 1810; Lyman Ellis, 1811-14; Ebenezer Wood, 1815-16; Lyman Ellis, 1817; Pardon Earl, 1818-20; Ebenezer Wood, 1821; Pardon Earl, 1822-23 ; Wadsworth Mayhew, 1824-29; Daniel Wardwell, 1830; Jotham Bigelow, 1831-36; Ezra Stearns, 1837; Wm. C. Pierrepont, 1838-1840; Ezra Stearns, 1841-42; Wm. C. Pierrepont, 1843; John Littlefield, 1844; James Jones, 1845 ; Wm. C. Pierrepont, 1846-47 ; John Clark, 1848-49 ; Alvah Bull, 1850 ; James I. Steele, 1851-52; Alcander Dickinson, 1853-54; Dexter Wilder, 1855; E. B. Hawes, 1856; Andrew J. Barney, 1857; Alcander Dickinson, 1858-59; George M. Hopkinson, 1860-61; Albert G. Earl, 1862; G. M. Hopkinson, 1863; Jno. B. Clark, 1864-66; Albert G. Earl, 1867; Jno. B. Clark, 1868-69; Wm. Baldwin, 1870-73; Jas. E. Green, 1874-75; Isaac P. Wodell, 1876-81; A. S. Thompson, 1882-85; Isaac P. Wodell, 1886-88: James M. Thompson, 1889-90; R. H. Brown, 1891; I. P. Wodell, 1892-93; E. A. Chapman, 1894-99. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 613 CHAPTER XXIX. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. During the spring and early summer of 1796, Beniamin Wright and his assistants made a survey and division into townships of all the Black river tract, or eleven towns, as otherwise called. The town now known as Henderson surveyor Wright called No. 6, and pronounced it a " pretty good town," with a good harbor, plenty of desirable timber in the in terior and fine mill seats below the pond, but none above. He also referred to Stony creek as the largest stream of the township, and men tioned particularly the pond and the cranberry marsh about it, describ ing the latter as comprising some 400 acres. But, somewhat strangely, the veteran surveyor in his journals, or in his other reports on the township, made not the slightest allusion to the old fortification on Six Town Point,1 nor to the ancient portage from the head of Henderson bay to Stony creek, with its curved enbankment, or wharf, of stone, leading out into the waters of the bay at least 100 rods, and so firmly constructed that it has withstood the wear of time and the waves even to the present day. The old fortification on the point was unquestionably of French construction, but when or by whom built we have not the means to determine. So far as past writers have discussed the subject it is believed that the stone wharf or embankment above mentioned was of Indian origin, and was built to make the port age, or carrying place, more easily accessible. From time immemo rial the lake off Stony Point has been exceedingly rough for the pass age of small boats, and the Indian canoe must have been at the same peril as the flat-bottomed craft of the white pioneer of later years. The 1 Six Town Point was so named in allusion to the town itself, while the territory was a part of township No. 6, ofthe eleven towns, and previous to the civil organization of the jurisdiction, As now constituted the point comprises a succession of small islands, but originally was an un broken stretch of land extending to the utmost extremity of the farthest island. The island for mations were created by the action of the water currents. Along the lake shore between Six Town Point and Stony Point the government several years ago acquired title to a strip of land for the purposes of a rifle range. It is intended for the use of a garrison at Madison barracks, the troops regularly visiting the place for rifle practice. The lighthouse on Stony Point was es tablished many years ago. 614 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. first European to traverse the region was probably Champlain, who in 1615, with a war party of French and Indians, is believed to have crossed over from Canada and entered the mouth of Stony creek. Here the boats were concealed, and the invaders proceeded thence by land into the heart of the Iroquois country, where a battle was fought and the allied French and Indian forces were defeated. On the retreat the former route of travel was pursued (reversed), Champlain being wounded and carried by his companions. It is fair to assume, how ever, that the so-called Indian wharf was not built until a more recent period than the time of the Champlain invasion, and not until about or after De la Barre's time and visit to the soil of our county. This was in 1684, but the present writer has no theory regarding the erection of this peculiar structure. The date of the construction of the old fort on Six Town Point is also uncertain, but it was so manifestly of French origin that its erec tion must be traced to some period of the prolonged French and Eng lish wars, and probably between De la Barre's time and the year 1760. De la Barre re-established the port at Kingston in 1684, and imme diately afterward the French waged aggressive warfare against the English and Iroquois. However, the weight of opinion inclines to establish the fact that the fort in question was built by De Villiers (by order of Montcalm) in 1756, when the daring Frenchman was preparing to attack Oswego. The officer mentioned made his rendezvous at what is now called Henderson Bay, but which was known to the French as tbe " Bay of Niaoure. " This point was for some time an established headquarters for military operations. This bay is mentioned by French historians as the place where Mont calm camped, although other writers have located tbe camp elsewhere. The Pouchot map, and also the Guy Johnson map (1771), describes what we now know as Henderson bay as Niaoure bay. However, the subject is not of vital importance, but only shows something of the interest ing early history of the town previous to the advent of the American pioneer. The accompanying diagram furnishes a fair outline of the old fortification as it stood an hundred years ago, but of which all traces long ago disappeared. During the pioneer period, many traces and relics of the Indian and French occu pancy were also discovered. Near an ancient trench enclosure there is said to have been found a golden cross, about two inches long, which probably was once the property of a Jesuit priest. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 615 However, passing over this period of temporary occupancy, let us refer briefly to the early history of the town under peaceful and civilized white dominion, and then trace something of its subsequent development and growth. After Benjamin Wright had finished the survey of the Black River tract the territory was divided among its owners (Nicholas Low, William Henderson, Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoffman) by ballot; and in that division (August 5, 1796), Nos. 3, 6 and 9 (or Rutland, Henderson and Pinckney), with 649 acres of what is now Worth, fell to William Henderson. As is elsewhere stated at length, those proprietors had purchased the tract from Constable, the title of the latter having come from Alexander Macomb, the patentee of the state of the largest grant of land ever made to an individual. In 1801 this township was surveyed and subdivided into lots, and about the same time Asher Miller, of Rutland, was appointed Hender son's agent to effect their sale and settlement. The land office books show that sales began in the fall of 1801, but no permanent settlement was made until the next year. From all indications the lands along the lake shore appear to have attracted the attention of colonists from New England, for between the years 1801 and 1804 all of a score of sturdy Yankees had made purchases and many of them had considera ble improvements. Among the purchasers and settlers may be recalled the names of Samuel Stewart, Thomas Clark, Philip Crumett, John Stafford, Peter Cramer, Moses Barrett, Daniel Spencer, William Petty, Capt. John Bishop and his sons Calvin, Asa, Luther and Sylvester, Jedediah and James McCumber, Samuel Hubbard, Elijah Williams, Levi Scofield, William Johnson, David Bronson, John and Marvel Danley, Luman Peck, Robert Alexander, Andrew Dalrymple, George W. Clark, Jonathan Crapo, Anthony Sprague, Thomas Drury, Daniel Forbes and Emory Osgood, who with others whose names have not been preserved, were the pioneers of Henderson and are entitled to be mentioned as such on the pages of local history. The pioneer of the town, according to undoubted authority, was Da vid Bronson, a trapper, and one of the New England colonists, who came in advance of his companions and built a log cabin near the cen ter of the town. Bronson cleared about an acre of land, sowed it with turnip seed and also seeded it with "herdgrass," but high water flooded his improvement and cabin, whereupon he removed further east in the town and located on what is now known as Bishop street. In this loca tion pioneer Bronson planted the first orchard in the entire region. No sooner had these Yankees made a favorable beginning than there 616 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. came to the town a colony of Scotchmen, who made a settlement on the bay about three miles northeast of Henderson Harbor village. They came between the years 1803 and '7, and were nearly all from Perthshire, Scotland. The colony comprised John and Duncan Drum mond, Charles and Peter Barrie, Thomas Bell, Duncan Campbell, James Crawe, Daniel Scott and John McCraull, and their families. They were poor in purse but rich in physical strength, and were well calcu lated by nature to withstand all the hardships and privations of pioneer life in an undeveloped country. As a result of their persevering efforts the lands were cleared and well cultivated farms appeared all along the bay shore in the northern part of the town. No less industrious and no less successful were the Yankees in the other parts, and the result of their united efforts was to establish this as one of the richest and best civil divisions of Jefferson county, even as early as 1810; and while the region was seriously exposed to hostile depredations during the war which followed, it is nevertheless the fact that in Henderson there was less actual suffering than in many of the interior towns of the county. In 1806 Abel Shepard was added to the settlers in the Scotch locality and was a worthy developer. About the same time Dr. Elias Skinner came and began to practice medicine, and was followed in 1807 by Dr. David Barney (died May 19, 1828). As evidence of early rapid growth it may be stated that during the winter of 1803-4, only ten remained in the town, but in 1806 the population included seventy families, nearly all of whom were young and middle-aged persons, strong and vigorous and determined to build up for their own and their children's comfort in later years. The names of all or even a majority of them cannot be recalled at this time, but in 1809, in addition to those already men tioned, there were living within the limits of the town these settlers: Alfred Forbes (who is said to have taught the first winter school), A. Jones, R. Favel, Jeremiah Harris, Horace Heath, Samuel McNitt, Amos Hart, Daniel Hardy, Benjamin Hammond, Samuel Jones, Daniel McNiel, Martin T. Morseman, Appleton Skinner, Asa and Ira Smith, Samuel Foster, William Waring, William White, Dan iel Pierce, John B. Carpenter, Luther S. Kullinger, Lodowick Salisbury, T. Huns- den, White and Thomas Bull. Of all these settlers not one now lives to tell the story of early life but the sons of many of them, and the grandchildren of still more, are still in the region and among them may be found some of the most suc cessful and enterprising men of the present time. Indeed, it seems that Henderson was a most fortunate place for settlement in the early THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 617 history of the county, and that the quality and character of its land be came known all through the region, as the year 1807 found the town to contain 128 legal voters possessing requisite property qualifications. This condition proves that Asher Miller was an energetic salesman and land developer, but in this work Jesse Hopkins is entitled to a full share of credit, he having succeeded to the agency April 8, 1805, con tinuing in that capacity many years. In 1807 Dr. Isaac Bronson be came owner of a considerable tract of land in the town, which was sold and settled under a separate agency. Soon after Hopkins came into the agency he, with the approval of Wm. Henderson, his principal, caused a twenty-five acre tract to be cleared at the harbor, where it was proposed to establish a village. The locality possessed one of the prettiest, safest and most easily improved harbor sites on the lake or river, and while Mr. Henderson hoped to establish its importance from a commercial point of view, he earnestly opposed any warlike operations, hence Sackets Harbor was made the principal scene of events during the war of 1812-15, while in later years Henderson Harbor was a lake port of only minor importance. To this place Mr. Henderson gave the name Naples, and caused a com plete village plot to be surveyed and in part laid out. In the near vicinity agent Hopkins built a house, established a land office, opened a store (in 1807) and otherwise endeavored to build up the settlement, but in vain. Through his influence Henderson procured an act au thorizing the construction of a state road from Lowville to Henderson Harbor, but the work was never fully completed. In 1809 he caused a dam and saw mill to be built on Stony creek, near the head of naviga tion, but the breaking of the dam swept both of them away. Both were rebuilt the next year, but at very heavy expense. Then he endeavored to sell his remaining interest in the town to General Matoon, but the doubtful termination of the then threatened war defeated the project. This was in 1811, and after the negotiations for the sale had ceased Mr. Hopkins built a large school house at the harbor, which also served as a place of religious worship. He established a ship yard, and be tween the years 1812 and 1814 built several schooners, all in the earnest effort to make Naples a seat of business operations ; but the attempt was in vain, and although Mr. Hopkins tried various other schemes to build up the village during the succeeding ten or twelve years, his en deavors were not rewarded with the success they deserved. While all these enterprises were a burden of expense to the propri- 618 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. etor, the people were greatly benefited by them, and through the liberality of both proprietor and agent the people prospered and were afforded all the conveniences and many of the comforts of life not en joyed in other towns. One of Henderson's proposed enterprises was a woolen manufacturing company, for which in 1814 (May 25), a com pany was organized, comprising (as its first trustees) Allen Kirby, Hezekiah Doolittle, Joseph Dickey, Tilley F. Smead and Chester Norton, all of whom were persons prominently known in early county history. The company, however, never went into full operation with its milling enterprise although a considerable sum of money was ex pended in preliminary work and improvements. In the meantime, while Henderson and Hopkins were striving to found a village and establish a prosperous condition of things, tbe lands of the town were being sold and other settlers were rapidly adding to the local population. Among those who came during this period were several men and families who afterward became prominent figures in local history, hence we may with propriety recall the names of some of them: Roswell Davis1 came soon after 1804, and was the first tavern keeper in the town. He served during the war, and helped carry the "cable" from Sandy creek to Sackets Harbor. Luman Peck was a settler in 1805, as also was Asa Smith and his family. Anthony Sprague, Stephen Whitney and George Penney, whose surnames in the town have survived, came in 1806. Amos Lawrence and Dr. Daniel Barney came in 1807. (Dr. Lowrey Barney of later years, was the son of Daniel Barney, and was one of the noted physicians of the county in his time. It was through him that Gen. Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) was persuaded to come to Henderson for medical treatment several years before the outbreak of the war of 1861-65. ) Jason Crittenton was a settler here in 1808, and is recalled as a patriot of the revolution. His family name has ever been prominent in local history. Among the early families to be mentioned in the same connection were those of Elisha Brown, Adonijah Montague (a revolutionary sol dier), James S. White (a noted lake sailor and at one time employed in agent Hopkins' store), Samuel, Simeon, Luther, Ezra, Leonard and John Nutting (the progenitors of numerous and highly respected fam ilies in later county history), Charles Carter, Stephen Reed, Joseph Hawkins (who settled in Henderson about 1810, and was one of the county's distinguished men. In 1828 he was elected to congress, de- 1 United States Senator Cushman K. Davis of Minnesota was a native of this town THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 619 feating Perley Keyes. Through his efforts, March 2, 1831, congress passed an act abolishing custom house fees, and establishing a salaried office for the collector. For many years Mr. Hawkins was one of the judges of the old Common Pleas court. He died in Henderson, April 20, 1832), Amasa Hungerford (who settled southeast of Henderson bay about 1810, on tbe site of an original settlement made by one Hart, who built a log cabin. The Hungerford farm furnished the early county fairs some of their best exhibits), Orrin and Uriah Hungerford (who settled near Hungerford's corners in 1816), and Sylvester Finney (who settled on the lake shore, south of Sackets Harbor previous to the war of 1812. He was the father of Rev. Chas. G. Finney, the after ward noted Congregational evangelist, and of George W. Finney, the famous temperance advocate). Continuing the list still further, we may in the same manner recall the names of John Ivory, Ebenezer Sawyer, Abraham Wilkinson, Thomas Dobson, David Fales, Samuel Griggs (frequently called "Uncle Sam"), John H. Farman, Joel Overton, Salmon Aspinwall, George Moody, Russell M. Jones, Capt. Henry R. Warner, Frisby Abbott, Asa Seaton, Truman Rich, James Dodge and others whose names are now lost, but all of whom were in some manner identified with the best history of this interesting jurisdiction. Abraham Wilkinson, above mentioned, settled on Stony Island in 1806, and was undoubtedly its pioneer. He was accompanied by his wife and six children. After three years he removed to Galloup Island, and thence, in 1812, to Henderson. Jesse Hopkins, the land agent of Henderson, was one of the most prominent characters of the town during its earlier history, and .was, withal, one of the best developers and colonizers in the Black river country, although in his work in this town Mr. Hopkins was fre quently embarrassed by the somewhat arbitrary directions of his prin cipal. He was born in Waterbury, Conn., and was the fourth son of Joseph Hopkins, the latter the friend and companion of Washington and La Fayette. During one of the visits of these distinguished gen erals to the Hopkins residence, La Fayette was so well pleased with the appearance of Jesse that he made him one of his aids during certain military movements in that region. In later years young Hopkins developed into a man of education and integrity. He was also an author of considerable note, and a poet of rare ability had he applied himself to that work. He engaged in manufacturing pursuits, but after tbe death of his wife he traveled somewhat extensively, but in 620 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1805 became agent for the Henderson lands, as we have stated. A repetition of his acts in developing this town is needless, but the gravest error committed by him was his unswerving fealty to the fed eralist party preceding and during the war of 1812-15. He would not permit any military or naval operations at Naples (Henderson Harbor), hence deprived that locality of the offered opportunity to enjoy a prominence equal to Sackets Harbor. In later years Mr. Hopkins did much for the welfare of the town, but he became involved in a dispute with Henderson and was dismissed from the agency in 1822. He died in Henderson in 1836. Organization.— It is a well known historical fact that the region now comprising this town was, previous to the creation of Jefferson county, a part of Mexico, Oneida county. After the lands along the lake had been opened for settlement so rapid was the influx of pioneers and oper ators that the proper exercise of gevernmental authority demanded fre quent divisions of the territory into town organizations. On February 22, 1803, an act of the legislature erected a new town from Mexico and gave it the name of Ellisburgh. Then settlement increased still more rapidly, and in three short years it became necessary to subdivide this jurisdiction, the legislature taking therefrom old No. 6 and erecting it into a separate town by the name of Henderson. The creating act was passed February 17, 1806, from which time Henderson has been regarded as one of the important towns of Jefferson county. It con tains 25,091 acres of land, as good for general agricultural purposes as the county can boast, while along the bay front the soil is espe cially adapted to the growth of melons, berries, etc. The land sur face is rolling, and the shore along the lake is deeply indented with Henderson bay, formed by the long rocky projection known as Six Town Point, to which reference has been made. In the town are two small lakes (or large ponds, neither of which are important fac tors in its commercial history) and several marshes. The principal streams are Stony and Little Stony creeks. Extending around the northern central part of the town, is an extensive sand ridge, which, with the marshes, comprise the waste lands. These, however, are not vast areas, and are occasionally utilized to some good purpose. As was provided in the creating act the first town meeting was held at the house of Reuben Putnam, March 11, 1806, at which time officers were elected as follows: Jesse Hopkins, supervisor ; Mark Hopkins, town clerk ; Lodowick Salisbury, Daniel Skinner and Emory Osgood, assessors; Elijah Williams, collector and constable; THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 621 John B. Carpenter and Samuel Hubbard, overseers of the poor; Marvel Danley, Asa Smith and Anthony Sprague, highway commissioners; George W. Clark, Willis Fel lows and Jedediah McCumber, fence viewers; Reuben Putnam, poundmaster; Israel Thomas, James Barney, Levi Scofield, Thomas Drury, Calvin Bishop, Robert Far- rell, Benjamin Barney, John B. Carpenter, William White and Simeon Porter, path- masters. The preceding paragraph brings to mind the names of early settlers in the town who are not previously mentioned, and indeed as our nar rative progresses the names of still others will be brought forward un til, it is hoped, all who were in any manner identified with the town in its early history will in some manner be recalled, and their names pre served for future use and reference. Notwithstanding the fact that in 1807 the town contained 128 quali fied voters, and at least 1,000 inhabitants, it appears that the people were greatly annoyed by the depredations of wolves and panthers. To end the nuisance, if possible, the town in that year voted a bounty of $10 for each wolf killed, and continued the payment until 1809, when the bounty was reduced to $5 for each wolf, wildcat or panther killed. In 1810 the bounty was raised to $10 and was continued until 1815. It seems, too, that the settlers were much annoyed with the increasing growth of Canada thistles, whereupon in 1811-12 the inhabitants voted that this noxious weed "be mowed in the old of the moon in June, July and August," and if not so mowed the owner of land on which thistles were found growing was subject to a fine of $5. The early town records abound in interesting and occasionally amus ing reminiscences of the pioneer period, all of which tend to show the customs of the period and the zealous care with which the settlers looked to their interests. In Henderson, unlike many other towns in the county, the early settlement period was fraught with danger as well as the ordinary vicissitudes of pioneer life. It so happened that the little settlement on the bay was hardly more than an hour's journey by land or water from the chief seat of military or naval operations during both embargo period and the serious war which followed. The strictures of the embargo laws of course worked adversely to all interests in the town, and so embarrassed the land agency that Jesse Hopkins was in a measure pardonable in his strong federalistic tendencies, though his ex treme views regarding the war measures (in which he was seconded by his principal) probably cost him the value of Naples, or Henderson Harbor, as a strategic military and naval station. They resolutely re- 622 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fused to allow warlike operations to be conducted from this point, hence lost an opportunity to obtain large prices for the land. Sackets Harbor was the chosen central point and the proximity of this town caused a constant feeling of unrest throughout the war period. But whatever may have been the views of the proprietary regarding the war, they evidently were not shared to any considerable extent by tbe settlers in general, and if it was possible to here reproduce the names of Henderson men who fought with the Americans at Sackets Harbor, Sandy creek or elsewhere along the frontier, the list would contain the names of almost every able-bodied man within tbe juris diction. The town had its company of " Silver Grays," comprising old and exempt men, but they were none the less willing to go forth to battle in defense of home and family; and they went at times when their presence was needed in the town to defend their wives, children and property against threatened Indian depredations. On one occa sion during the war, when the men were nearly all away, the women, who had taken a position on the brow of a hill below Henderson Har bor near where the Warner house now stands, saw several Englishmen and skulking Indians on the shore preparing for a raid. These faith ful and brave women were armed with guns, and hiding their children among the leaves and bushes fearlessly went down through the woods and opened fire so vigorously that the invaders hastily took to their boats and left the vicinity. Henderson, from its exposed position on the frontier was constantly liable to hostile invasions during the war, but its proximity to the chief seat of operations in a measure protected the territory from actual in vasion. The period had its incidents and occasional misfortunes to affect local interests, yet after it passed the men returned from the army and resumed their accustomed pursuits on the farm. During the next score or so of years nearly all the available lands were taken and improved, and as rapidly as the commissioners of highways laid out new roads, just so rapidly did new buildings and farms appear. Peace and plenty seemed to prevail on every hand, and the year 1840 wit nessed the greatest population in the town in all its history. However, as an index of growth, let us have recourse to the census reports and note the fluctuations in population from 1810 to the last enumeration, in 1892. The records show that in 1810 the number of inhabitants was 1,338; 1814, 1,402; 1820, 1,919; 1825, 2,074; 1830, 2,428; 1835, 2,270; 1840, 2 480; 1845, 2,345; 1850, 2,239; 1855^ 2,139; 1860, 2,419; 1865, 1,962; 1870, 1,926; 1875, 1,815; 1880, 1,842; 1890, 1,688; 189a', 1,665. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 623 From this it is seen that the present population of Henderson is nearly 1,000 less than half a century ago, while the area of the town is unchanged. This decrease, however marked, is not peculiar to Hen derson alone, yet is perhaps greater here than in many other divisions of the county. Henderson is one of the practically remote towns of the county, having neither railroad nor manufactures, and is devoted solely to agricultural and kindred pursuits. The principal villages are Henderson and Smithville (a greater portion of the latter being in Adams) while whatever importance Henderson Harbor enjoyed as a lake port was seriously lessened by fire in the spring of 1898. Having no business center of importance, and nothing in the way of entertain ment, together with widespread claim that farming is impossible, the later generations of men and women have in many cases left the farms for the easier means of livelihood and the attractions and pleasures of life in larger villages and cities. But, regardless of this condition of things, Henderson is among the substantial towns of the county, and to-day is as prosperous as its neighboring towns. It has some of the best and most fertile lands on the lake, while the gradually increasing number of summer visitors require much of the best farm productions for their temporary enjoyment and support. Henderson Harbor, to which frequent reference has been made in this chapter, is one of the most beautifully situated hamlets on the lake and river border of the county. It was here that proprietor Henderson and agent Hopkins attempted to build up a village previous to the war of 1812. As has been stated, Naples was the name of the proposed village, and was so called in allusion to the charming city of Naples, in Italy. When the village tract was laid out a four-acre lot in the cen ter was donated for a public square, and on this lot Jesse Hopkins built a large frame school and meeting house in 1812. (Previous to this time Dr. Elias Skinner opened a little school in one end of his house). In 1812 Samuel Cole started a tannery (also did shoemaking), and later on associated in business with one Dye, the latter being eventually suc ceeded by Benjamin Andrus. In 1817 Cole removed to the Drury farm and thence emigrated to Wisconsin. In March, 1813, William Warner, who had located on Galloup island in 1811, removed to the harbor, and in company with Jesse Hopkins built the 40 ton schooner Henderson, which was immediately impressed into the American service, and was sailed by Mr. Warner. The vessel went down the river with the un fortunate Wilkinson expedition, and was burned near Ogdensburgh to 624 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. prevent her capture by the British. Captain Warner built the Lily in 1814 and sailed her for a. few months. He (Warner) was one of the prominent figures in early village life, and was a highly respected cit izen. He died in 1817, and in the same year his son, Capt. John S. Warner, began sailing and followed the lake and river for forty- four years; but in the meantime (1850) he purchased a dwelling and re modeled it into the famous Frontier house, one of the best hostelries of the town. In 1816 the house was leased to Capt. Edward White. Previous to about 1870 Henderson Harbor (the name Naples having been dropped soon after 1820) was a lake port of considerable impor tance and a vast amount of business was done here in buying and ship ping stock and grain, nearly all of which went to Kingston. The first wheat shipped from the port was taken out by Capt. John S. Warner, on tbe schooner Richard M., and taken to Rochester. In 1842 Capt. Warner commanded the small steamer John Marshall, plying between this port and Kingston. The steamer J. F. Dayan, Capt. Reuben Warner, run between Henderson and Sackets Harbor in 1876 and '77. Of the many vessels sailing from the harbor in years passed several were built here, but their names cannot now be recalled with accuracy. About the last boat of any consequence to be built here was the Jennie White, 350 tons. After the prosperous period of navigation had passed, all local inter ests naturally suffered from the loss of accustomed business. To a greater or less extent fishing was an established industry, but even that is of little importance as a business feature of the place. The old docks and landings were kept up for the accommodation of such trade as came to the harbor, and a few stores have been maintained. In the spring of 1898 a fire swept away several of the remaining interests, and now the once busy village is of little consequence in local annals. However, during the last ten or twelve years the harbor has become a summer resort of considerable prominence. During this time the Gill, Warner and Tyler houses have been fitted up and are regularly opened for summer visitors. The Frontier house is a regular commercial hotel. The region abounds in excellent fishing grounds, and its fame attracts many sportsmen and notables. John W. Foster, secretary of state under President Harrison, has a summer cottage near the village. The Highland and Paradise parks, with their accompanying commodious hotels, were important adjuncts of the village although on the west side of the harbor from the village. The Van Dyne house was situated THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 625 about a mile westerly from Henderson Harbor at the head of a small bay. It was burned several years ago, but tbe fame of the locality has ever survived. Indeed, Henderson bay, of which Henderson harbor is the head, is one of the safest and largest bodies of water on the county's western border, but, as we have mentioned, circumstances operated against its early prominence as a lake port. It has a deep mud bottom, almost entirely free from dangerous obstructions, and requires no dredging to keep its channel open for navigation. St. Michael's church (Roman Catholic) was built in 1889, and is sup plied by priests from Watertown. Smithville is a busy little village within the limits of the town, but several of its interests and a large proportion of its population are on tbe Adams side of the line. The history of the village is fully written in the chapter relating to the town of Adams, hence needs no repetition here. Henderson Village is the only corporate municipality in tbe town, and dates back in its history to about 1807, when Deacon Fellows built a saw and grist mill on Stony creek, and thus prepared the way for future growth. The mills soon passed into the hands of John Putnam and were sold by him to Lodowick Salisbury. He, in 1812, made extensive repairs to the property, and about the same time (possibly in 1811) opened a store near the mills. Then the locality took the name of Salisbury's Mills, and was so known for many years. Lowery Barney, afterward the well known Dr. Barney, was clerk in the Salis bury store, and when, about a year or two later, Williams & McCumber opened a store about three miles southeast of the village, his services were transferred to the new firm. The latter were extensive lumber men, but suffered reverses through bad management and insolvent debtors. In 1812 the village interests were greatly advanced by the erec tion and operation of tbe carding and fulling mill started by Amos White and John Nash. They were succeeded by the "Henderson Woolen Manufacturing Company," to which reference is made on an earlier page, and which was formed May 25, 1814. After the expend iture of considerable money, for which the owners received very little in return, the mill reverted to White & Nash, and was by them sold to Valentine Parker, who removed the machinery and replaced it with a grist mill equipment. It was thereafter run as a grist mill. Still another grist mill was that built by George Finney, who took as part- 79 626 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ner Alonzo Leffingwell, the firm thereafter operating one of the best country mills in the county. Another early structure was Deacon Fellows' plank house, which he built about 1808 or '9, but soon afterward turned it into a tavern. This property was sold to Putnam, and by him to Salisbury with the mills. Martin T. Morseman became interested with Salisbury, but all their in terests subsequently passed into other hands. The first distillery in the village was built about 1810 or '11 by one Calkins, and was followed by the Henderson distillery, the latter being managed by Nathan Good - ell, who took corn and grain as cash payments for land, and thus car ried on an extensive whiskey making business. A post-office was established at Henderson Harbor just before the war of 1812, and Mark Hopkins was the postmaster. In the course of a very few years the office was removed to Henderson village, and Rev. Holland Weeks, a Swedenborgian preacher, was appointed postmaster. Thus the village was founded and has since been maintained, with nearly all its institutions, to the present time. At least three genera tions of factors and occupants have run their course during the inter vening years, but other than as one has followed another in the evolu tion of time and events, there has been little change in the condition of things in the village life. The inhabitants now number 400, but during the last quarter of a century there has been little material growth in any direction. The present business interests comprise the Overton & Forward cheese factory, the Henderson grist mill, from six to eight stores and two hotels. The public buildings are the district school (No. 8, Albert Hungerford and George R. Collins, trustees), and the Universalist, Baptist and Methodist churches. For years Henderson village has been the winter home of many lake sailors, a number of whom are officers on the boats on which they sail. During the winter they enjoy the quiet pastimes of the village, but with the opening of navigation they depart, many of them to the western extremity of our great inland lake system. In the winter of 1885-6 public interest in the village demanded a partial separation from the town, upon which the necessary action was taken, and on April 16, 1886, Henderson became an incorporated vil lage. The first election was held May 14, and resulted as follows: L. B. Simmons, president; C. H. Sprague, Burton Penny and Frank Had cock, trustees; O. F. Buel, clerk. The fire department apparatus com prises " Henderson Hook and Ladder Truck," No. 1, which is manned by a company formed in the village. THE TOWN OF HENDERSON. 627 The Henderson Social library was one of the early village institu tions, and was formed Feb. 19, 1819, with Percival Bullard, Peter N. Cushman, Chester Norton, Rufus Hatch, Thomas Forbes, Allen Kilby and Elijah Williams as trustees. The organization was maintained until about 1830, when it dissolved. Washington lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., was organized at Henderson March 10, 1816, with Emory Osgood, master; Noah Tubbs, S.W. ; and Daniel Loring, J. W. In 1824 the lodge contributed half the fund with which the Baptist meeting house was built, and occupied the second story as a place of meeting. About 1832 the masonic interest was sold to the church society and soon afterward the lodge was discontinued. The Second Baptist church of Henderson, at the village, was organ ized January 1, 1820, and was the outgrowth of a society formed in the town in 1806, but the members of which were so scattered as to neces sitate two churches, one at Smithville and the other at Henderson. Rev. Emory Osgood was the first pastor, his services beginning with the parent society in 1806 and continuing until 1823. In 1824 the first meeting house and masonic lodge room were built, and stood a little south of the village tract. The second house of worship was built in 1853. Tbe church has always enjoyed a reasonably healthful existence and now numbers 45 members, under tbe pastoral care of Rev. J. Fos ter Wilcox. The Henderson Universalist society was organized January 13, 1823, and was the outgrowth of the Universalist Charitable society, which was formed February 5, 1819, with 13 members. The church organ ization began to take definite form in 1822, under the direction of Rev. Pitt Morse. The edifice in the village was built in 1839, at a cost of $3,000. The society numbers about 40 members, but has no present pastor. The Methodist Episcopal church of Henderson village was organized April 9, 1844, with Harvey Crittenton, Amos White and Sylvanus Ward as trustees. The meeting house was built during the next five years. This has grown to be one of the strongest religious societies in the town, and numbers 106 members and 20 probationers. The pastor is Rev. George Merritt. The parent Methodist society in the town was formed July 28, 1830. in the Bishop neighborhood, Beebe Smith, Cyrus Hall, Amos White, Joseph J. Hatch and Calvin Bishop being the trus tees. A house of worship was soon afterward provided and regular services have always been held. The church is a joint charge with that at the village, under the same pastorate. 628 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A Swedenborgian society was formerly one of the religious institu tions of the town, having been formed in Ellisburgh, Dec. 25, 1825, by Rev. Holland Weeks, but drawing most of its members from Hender son. Mr. Weeks was tbe founder of the society and as its minister held regular services in the school house in the village until a short time before his death, July 24, 1843. Among the leading members .of the flock were Mr. Weeks, Joseph Dickey, M. J. Morseman, Edmund Leslie, Jeremiah Sias, Charles Stearns, John B. Blanchard and wife, Alvin and Lydia Wood, Ann H. Adams, Hannah Goodale and Harriet A. Weeks. The First Congregational church of Henderson was another early in stitution. It was organized July 17, 1810, and included as members Willes and Sarah Fellows, Jonathan and Bartheba Alexander, Olivia and Rebecca Bates, Samuel Parker, Thomas and Rebecca Drury, Zo- riah Hawkins, Sarah Fletcher, Thankful Allen and Rachel Skinner. No records of the church are known to be in existence, but it is be lieved the old meeting house was built sometime previous to 1819. It was occupied by the society until about 1835, and was then sold, after which meetings were held in the Whitney school house until about 1836, when the society was dissolved and its few members united with the church at Smithville. Supervisors. — Jesse Hopkins, 1806-10; James Henderson, 1811; Asa Smith, 1812; Mark Hopkins, 1813; Asa Smith, 1814-15; Mark Hopkins, 1816; John S. Porter, 1817; Noah Tubbs, 1818; Asa Smith, 1819; Noah Tubbs, 1820-24; Caleb Harris, 1825-26; Jonathan Bullard, 1827; Caleb Harris, 1828-31; Peter N. Cushman, 1832; Caleb Harris, 1833-34; Peter N. Cushman, 1835-37; David Montague, 1838^0; George Jeffers, 1841; John Carpenter, 1842-43; Joseph A. Montague, 1844; William McNiel, 1845; Henry Green, jr., 1846-51; Washington Bullard, 1852; Henry Green, jr., 1853- 55; William P. Davis, 1856; Clark Auchard, 1857-58; William Dobson, 1859-62; T.O. Whitney, 1863; George G. Whitney, 1864-65; William Dobson, 1866; Adelbert A. Davis, 1867-68 ; L. B. Simmons, 1869 ; A. A. Davis, 1870 ; William Dobson, 1871 ; Leonard Seaton, 1872-75; John Chapman, 1876-78; Luther Reed, 1879-82; H. E. Carpenter, 1883-84; J. W. Overton, 1885; H. E. Carpenter, 1886-89; Adelbert A. Scott, 1890-99. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 629 CHAPTER XXX. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. When on August 5, 1796, the proprietors of the eleven towns, other wise known as the Black river tract, divided the lands among them selves, numbers 1, 4, 5, 8 and- 10 (Hounsfield, Champion, Denmark, Rodman and Harrisburgh), with 1,283 acres of what is now Worth, fell to Richard Harrison and Joseph Ogden Hoffman. On June 30, 1797, Harrison and Hoffman sold tbe north part of Hounsfield (11,134.5 acres) to Henry Champion and Lemuel Storrs, and on March 10, 1801, dis posed of the south part (15,913 acres) to Peter Kemble and Ezra Hounsfield (consideration of $4,000) who sold to settlers and smaller proprietors through the agency of Silas Stow and Elisha Camp. As is well known in Jefferson county history, the title to all lands in the region passed from Macomb to Constable, and from the latter to the lesser proprietors. This town passed through the same channel and its title became vested in Harrison, Hoffman, Low and Henderson as owners of the eleven towns, or the Black river tract, as above stated, and as more fully detailed in an earlier chapter of this work. Cham pion and Storrs, who paid for the north part of the town (with the town of Champion) $58,383.33, sold a portion of their tract (Nov. 14, 1798) to Loomis and Tillinghast, receiving therefor two promissory notes of $6,000 each, the payment of which was secured by mortgage on the lands. The notes were not paid when due, hence the mortgage was foreclosed, and on June 20, 1801, at the Tontine Coffee House in New York, under a decree of chancery the Loomis and Tillinghast lands were sold to Augustus Sacket, also of New York, who had heard of the desirable location and who, previous to the sale, had visited the region, having in mind at that time the subject of purchase and the subsequent improvement and settlement of the territory, although at that time he had no idea that his tract was to become one of the most historical localities in the whole country, and even afterward a military and naval station of much importance. After the title had become perfected in Augustus Sacket he at once 630 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. came to the lands with a small company of employees and began making improvements, so that within three years he had established quite a colony of mechanics and others, and was himself the possessor of one of the most pretentious residences in the region. In the meantime settlement had begun elsewhere in the town, and the honor of being the pioneer seems to have fallen to Amasa Fox, who in 1800 settled in the north part of the town in the vicinity of the afterward known " Muskalonge burying ground."1 If local tradition and scattered records are reliable, Fox was a worthy pioneer, an earnest developer, and one whose name should be preserved, although none of his imme diate descendants are now known to be in the locality. Following closely after Fox, other scattered settlements were made along the south bank of Black river, a number of which were of a temporary character and associated with the flourishing settlement built up by Jacob Brown, at Brownville. The real pioneer of Hounsfield was Augustus Sacket, who began his extensive work during the summer and fall of 1801. At the same time the proprietors of the south part of the town were hardly less active, and under the agency of Silas Stow a number of sales and improvements had been made. In 1802 an observing traveler passed through the town, noting the condition of development, and reported about 30 families then settled in the territory, but did not (neither does any extant record) preserve their names. Mr. Sachet's colony probably included the majority of these settlers, while those scattered along the river with a few in the south part of the town comprised the others. On his arrival at the place in 1801, Mr. Sacket first built a saw mill that later comers might be furnished lumber for their buildings, but no sooner was he comfortably established in his new residence than there was added to the settlement a number of English families, whose tem porary wants required attention, but nearly every one of whom in later years became successful and comfortable in life, and furnished to the county some of its staunchest business men. This colony came in 1805, and included Samuel Luff and his sons, Edmund, Samuel, jr., Joseph and Jesse (from whom sprung a thrifty and prosperous line of de scendants), David Merritt, William Ashby, John Root, Henry Metcalf and George Sloman, nearly all of whom were afterward in some man ner identified with the best history of the town and its interesting 1 The pioneers of this section of the town found the remains of an ancient Indian fortification on the shore of Black River Bay a short distance southwesterly of Muscalonge creek. It was a brick enclosure of the ordinary form, but unfortunately no diagram was made and no description has been preserved. All traces of the work have long since disappeared. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 631 events. In the same vicinity, and following closely after the settlement by the English colony, there came John and William Evans, Daniel Reed, Amasa Hulbert (then called Hollibut), Charles Berry (called Barrie), Uriah Rowlson (Roulison), Azariah P. Sherwin and others whose names are lost with the passing years and whose descendants long ago left the country. In addition to those already named there came and settled in Hounsfield during the first few years of its history, Ambrose Pease, Theron Hinman, Stephen Sim mons, Loren Buss, Joseph Landon (at whose house the first town meeting was held), Jotham Wilder, John Patrick, Hezekiah Doolittle, Josiah McWayne (who is said to have come soon after 1800), Jeremiah Goodrich, Samuel Bates (the pioneer head of the numerous and prominent Bates family of later years), John W. Phelps, William Waring (the first town clerk), Solomon, Robert, Asher, Austin and Joshua Robbins (five brothers who came from Berkshire, Mass., about 1806 or '7 and founded the Robbins settlement in the southwest part of the town, and from whom sprung a numerous and highly respected family), Elijah Field (founder of Field's settlement, south of East Hounsfield, and father of Rev. Lebbeus Field), Palmer Westcott (who came about 1807, and carried on an extensive potash works. He was the head of an afterward numerous family in the town and county), Asahel Joiner (who lived to be more than 100 years old), Dr. Titus Ives, and also Jonathan and Erastus Ives (who were owners of large tracts of land in Hounsfield and Watertown. Dr. Titus was the father of the late Willard Ives, of Watertown.) Among the other early prominent settlers were Ebenezer Allen (located on lot 38 about 1808, and among the settlers was known as Major Allen, by reason of his long and honorable revolutionary record. He was grandfather of Lebbeus F. Allen who still lives on the old homestead), Nathan Baker (settled on the south line about 1808), Timothy Holden (1810), David Spicer, Elisha Ladd, Joseph Knowlton, William C. Pease, Thomas Wright, Daniel Holloway (who carried on a cloth mill near Stowell's corners), Ezra Tyler (a revolutionary patriot), and Ira Inglehart (whose family be came prominent in the later history of the county). All these, and perhaps many others whose names cannot now be re called are believed to have been in the town previous to the war of 1812, and nearly every one of them was an active participant in that great struggle. These were the pioneers who accomplished the work of set tling the town and preparing the way for later generations of occu pants. The task was neither hazardous nor especially eventful, but before it was fully done a war with Great Britain took place, and for nearly three years this town was the constant theatre of important mil itary and naval events, and some of the most stirring incidental events of the period. However, pioneer life was not without its incidents to prove the friendship existing among the settlers although few of them were ac- 632 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. quainted with one another at that time. In 1805, according to the person al reminiscences of David Merritt, on Sunday evening, a settler who lived half a mile from any other habitation, had occasion to visit his nearest neighbor. Unknown to him, his four year old child followed at a dis ¦ tance, and not overtaking his parent, became lost in the woods. After a time the settler returned and was at once questioned by his wife as to the whereabouts of the child, whom she supposed had accompanied him. Losing no time the nearest neighbors were summoned and all the night was spent in a vain search for the lost one. All the next day (Monday) the search was continued, other settlers aiding, but still no trace of the lost was found. Still another night passed but without recovery, and the intensity of the suspense was heightened by a rumor that a panther had been seen prowling about the woods. At last it was determined to make still another effort to find the child, and a messen ger was sent to Sackets Harbor with tbe news and a request for aid. No man hesitated, and to the number of about 500 they were gathered from all quarters of the town ; and headed by Samuel Luff, William Ashby and David Merritt, they repaired to the home of the distressed settler. About 11 o'clock Tuesday morning a line was formed extend ing a mile to the right and left of the house, so that every foot of ground might be examined, and then the forward march began. In this way the men proceeded about two miles, when the report of a gun shot was beard. The signal was understood and all hastened to the spot, where the little fellow was found alive and unharmed, although much ex hausted. During the period of its early history the town, which then formed a part of Watertown, was almost entirely without public improvements, and the conveniences for travel were indeed limited, as the authorities of the mother town were little interested in the development of the region but were wholly occupied with improving the thoroughfares from the east into their immediate territory which had recently been designated the seat of justice of a new county. This is one of the reasons which made necessary the creation of a new town but in ad dition thereto was the equally important fact that the proposed new jurisdiction at that time contained more than 200 qualified voters, in which respect it was exceeded only by the towns of Rodman and Rut land. Indeed, in 1807 Hounsfield contained 226 voters with requisite property qualifications, while Rodman and Rutland each contained 236. But whatever the cause the creation of the town was accomplished in 1806. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 633 Organization. — According to unquestioned authority a proposition was then under advisement to create a new town from Watertown and Adams, taking therefor three tiers, or ranges, of lots from the north side of No. 7 (Adams) and annex them to No 1, and thus form a town by the name of Newport. This matter was discussed at a special town meeting held in Adams Nov. 10, 1803, when a vote was taken and the proposition was rejected. Almost three years passed before any fur ther action was taken relating to township No. 1, but on February 17, 1806, an act was passed creating a town by the name of Hounsfield, embracing the territory of No. 1, and containing, according to Benja min Wright's survey, 26,048 acres, but now, with its inland territory, 28,703 acres of land. The town was named Hounsfield at the suggestion of Augustus Sacket, and was so called in honor of Ezra Hounsfield, an Englishman, who about 1800 came to New York as agent for his brothers, John and Bar tholomew Hounsfield, manufacturers and merchants of Sheffield. Ezra Hounsfield was partner in business with Peter Kimball, and the firm became owners by purchase of the south half of township No. 1, as is previously stated. Mr. Hounsfield was a bachelor and generally passed the summer months in the town, in which he took a deep interest. He died in New York about 1817, and by his will David A. Ogden, Edward Lynde, John Day and Thomas L. Ogden were appointed executors of his estate. On August 1, 1817, the remaining Hounsfield lands were sold at Sackets Harbor, at public auction, and were purchased by the executors for Bartholomew Hounsfield, in whom the title thereupon vested. Within the jurisdiction of the town are the Galloup islands (2,216.2 and 48.8 acres in area respectively), Stony island (1,536 acres) and Calf island (34.8 acres). These islands were patented by the state to Elisha Camp, February 15, 1823, and were thereupon annexed for jurisdictional purposes to Hounsfield. However, by an act of the legislature, passed April 21, 1818, the jurisdiction of a part of the larger Galloup island was ceded to the United States for the purpose of a lighthouse. In the history of the town these islands have been of little consequence. They are occupied almost exclusively for agricultural purposes and contain excellent farming lands. ' 1 The Gill family were among the early settlers on the greater Galloup island, and lived there many years before removing to the mainland in Henderson. The Gills set out and cultivated extensive orchards on the island. Hugh H. Gill is a descendant of this pioneer family. During 80 634 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first town meeting in Hounsfieid was appointed to be held at the house of Ambrose Pease, upon the notification of pioneer Amasa Fox, but was adjourned to meet (March 4, 1806) at the house of Joseph Landon. Officers were elected as fol lows: Augustus Sacket, supervisor; William Waring, town clerk; Amasa Fox, William Baker, Samuel Bates, jr., and Theron Hinman, assessors; Ambrose Pease and Robert Robbins, highway commissioners; Jotham Wilder and John Patrick, overseers of the poor; Jeremiah Goodrich, collector; Jeremiah Goodrich, William Galloway and John Root, constables. After the election of necessary officers the assembled voters gave their attention to the matter of highways,1 and also to the equally im portant duty of providing for the annihilation of wild animals, such as wolves, panthers and foxes. In 1806 it was resolved " that the inhabi tants of this town, who shall hunt any wolf or panther in this town (though he should kill such wolf or panther in any other town) shall be entitled to $10 bounty." The wolf and panther bounties were con tinued until 1816, and the fox bounty for several years afterward. In 1812 it was voted to fine ($1.00) every owner of land who failed to cut the Canada thistles growing thereon ; the fines to be paid as a reward to whoever should discover some means to effectually destroy the nuisance. Thus was brought into existence, and thus was established the insti tutions of government in what afterward became one of the most his torical localities in New York state. Among the towns of Jefferson county previous to about 1810, Hounsfield did not occupy a position of special importance, although its lands were as fertile and productive as any along the water front; but beginning about 1809 or '10, and from that until the present time Hounsfield has held a position of command ing prominence in this party of the country. True, in the earliest his tory of the town there were such earnest, active developers as Augustus Sacket, Elisha Camp and other determined men, whose work was an more recent years, Galloup and Stony islands have acquired much prominence on account of the excellent bass fishing grounds of their vicinity, and it is doubtful if a better field for this rare pleasure can be found in the whole country, not even accepting the famous Great Back Bay in Lake Champlain. For the purpose of providing for the requirements of the many fishermen who annually visit these grounds W. G. Northam, of Watertown, built and equipped the noted Stony Island Inn. It is a well appointed hostelry, capable of accommodating 100 guests. 1 Among the other important roadways which were laid out in the early days of the town was what is known as the "Salt Point" road. This highway was a continuation of the road which was built soon after 1814 from Salina (now Syracuse) to Smith's Mill (now Adams) and ran by way of Adams Centre, the General Rice place and Camp's Mill, northerly through the town. This was a part of a system of roads which it was designed to construct extending from Syracuse to Ogdensburg. The Salt Point road was an important factor in the early history of the town. Old residents relate trips made to Syracuse over this road for salt upwards of 70 years ago and at a time when the salt was boiled in kettles. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 635 important element in later growth and development, but the fortunate geographical location of the town, and especially of Judge Sacket's little village, was the controlling factor in making the subsequent history which has always reflected great honor on the county and its people. Hounsfield occupies a central position on the western boundary of the county, and is bounded north and west by the Black river and the waters of Black river and Henderson bays. The river itself has always been navigable as far as Dexter, while the bay proper has for almost a century been famed as forming one of the most safe, convenient, acces sible and commodious harbors in all the great interior lake region. Its extent is ample, the distance between Six Town Point and Point Penin sula being something like five or six miles. The islands (Stony, Calf, Little Galloup and Galloup) are in tbe lake just outside the bay and form natural and permanent breakwaters to more securely protect the harbor. In the county, and in fact in the whole northern region of the state, Sackets Harbor was the central point of operations during the embargo period and throughout the second war with Great Britain ; and what ever honor was gained by the village in the past belongs to the town at large, for every man in the entire jurisdiction capable of bearing arms was almost daily at the harbor or within easy call of the place ; and never in the history of the town was the old warning signal gun fired without a prompt response from the loyal men of Hounsfield. How ever, in this work the analysis and division of the subject of the coun ty's history has been such that the town and village are deprived of much of their interesting history. The war of 1812-15 is made the subject of an extended general chapter, while Sackets Harbor as a mil itary and naval station forms another of equal length and importance in this volume, hence it cannot be considered within the scope of the present chapter to reproduce the narrative, however interesting it may be. After the close of the war and the return of permanent peace the farmer returned to his long neglected lands and devoted his efforts to re-establishing a comfortable condition for his family and children. It has been estimated that of the 1,200 or more inhabitants of the town during the war period, nearly four-fifths of them suffered actual loss as a result of the struggle, but the sacrifice was made freely and with few regrets. However, the determined settlers soon recovered the lost 636 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ground and for many years after the war peace and plenty prevailed on every hand; and between 1814 and 1820 the population increased from 1,386 to 3,429, a growth hardly equaled in any other town in the county. As an evidence of growth and prosperity in Hounsfield reference may be had to the census reports, from which is taken the following statements showing the popu lation of the town at the beginning of each half decade, viz. . In 1810 the inhabitants numbered 943; 1814, 1,386; 1820, 3,429; 1825, 2,769; 1830, 3,415; 1835,3,558; 1840, 4,146; 1845,3,917; 1850,4,136; 1855,3,221; 1860, 3,339; 1865, 2,754; 1870, 2,636; 1875, 2,552; 1880, 2,770; 1890, 2,651; 1892, 2,279. Thus it appears that in Hounsfield the inhabitants at the present time are only equal in number to those of 1825 and also that the maxi mum population was attained in 1840, the number then being 4,146. The next three years showed a decrease of only ten, while since 1850 the lose has been gradual and constant. This, however, does not indi cate an unfortunate condition of affairs, for at one time in its history the town's population was out of proportion with its area, considering the fact that not at any time has it been a manufacturing or important commercial village. Many of the small farmers have left the town and their lands have been annexed to those adjoining with the ulti mate results of some of the largest and best farms in the county. Pre vious to about ten years ago hops were an abundant and profitable crop, and were grown in large quantities between the harbor and the county seat. In more recent years dairying and market gardening have succeeded as special industries, while the town at large has lost none of its old-time prominence as a general agricultural district. ' Notwithstanding the historic interest which has ever been associated with the town, and despite the fact that it has always b,een regarded as one of the most productive regions of the county, it was not until 1875 that it was given the benefits of a permanent railroad. The subject, however, was discussed as early as 1837 (May 15), when the old Tren ton and Sackets Harbor railroad company was formed, and organized to the extent of appointing commissioners to receive stock subscrip tions; but in the way of railroad construction nothing was done. The next venture in the same direction was that of 1850, when on May 23, 1 The southwest part of the town has extensive sandy ridges, which in former years were supposed to possess no real value, except the luxuriant growth of chestnut trees which grew on the land. Prom this fact the strip took the name of Chestnut ridge. During more recent yeas, however, this sand plain has been devoted to the growth of melons and berries, and some small fruits, and yields abundantly and profitably. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 637 the Sackets Harbor and Ellisburgh railroad company was organized, as a part of a system proposed to extend to Albany and Boston. After much delay the road was completed from the harbor to Pierrepont Manor, and was opened June 1, 1853. It was operated in connection with the R. , W. & O. road, and also with the lake and river steamers at the harbor, but for some reason the investment proved unprofitable for the stockholders, and the road was finally abandoned in 1862. The town was then without railroad accommodations of any kind until the completion (in the late winter of 1874) of the Sackets Harbor division of the Carthage, Watertown & Sackets Harbor railroad. Along the line of the road in the town are three small stations known respec tively as Warren's, in East Hounsfield; Alverson's, on lot No. 40, and Camp's Mills,1 in the western central part, where once stood a busy little hamlet, but which now exists chiefly in history. East Hounsfield is a hamlet in the northeast part of the town, on the line of the old Watertown & Sackets Harbor plank road, the latter hav ing been built and opened in 1847-8. The settlement, however, is best known as "the Half- Way House," in allusion to the tavern which has been maintained here since the road was built, and which has been a convenient stopping place about half way between the county seat and the harbor. One of the first settlers in this locality was Stephen Blanchard, a Vermont Yankee, who came in 1820 and built a tavern, founding what was long known as the old Blanchard stand, Blanchard's Corners, and the Half-way House. "Steve" Blanchard was a famous country landlord, and the old house (a part of which stands) has been the scene of many joyful occasions. The settlement, under the name of East Hounsfield, became a post station in 1850, Nelson Jones being the postmaster. In the locality a cheese factory was built in 1870, and an industry of that character has since been maintained here. The only other vicinity interests of consequence are the district school, the Christian church and the splendid large farm of Anson R. Flower, the 'The name Camp's Mills is still preserved as a station on the line of railroad between Watertown and Sackets Harbor, although the once busy little hamlet of the same name was located about half a mile south of the railroad. In this vicinity Mill creek formed quite a large pond, and about 1820, under the direction and partial support of Colonel Camp, the water was diverted for manufacturing purposes. A large stone grist mill was erected by Colonel Camp and also two saw mills. One of the industries was a fulling mill, operated by a Mr. Finney, while Colonel Camp and one Lawton were interested in other enterprises. A store was also kept here for a time, but during the last quarter of a century or more, a cheese factory has been about the only industry of the place. The name Camp's Mills was applied in compliment to Col. Elisha Camp. 638 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. latter being so admirably managed and cared for as to entitle it to at least passing mention. The Christian church of Hounsfield was organized in 1820 by Rev. Lebbeus Field, with an original membership of about 40 persons, but soon afterward a division in the society took place, whereupon a reor ganization was effected. The little meeting house at Blanchard's cor ners was built in 1843, and cost $1,100. Elder Field was connected with the church for many years and was its mainstay and support. After his death the church was for a time prosperous but ultimately the congregation decreased in number, and at length the society could no longer support a pastor. Meetings were held irregularly but the church organization is still maintained and occasional services are held. In the locality which was made famous by the residence, discoveries and manufactures of Dr. Samuel Guthrie (and where his old dwelling house still stands) was once a busy little hamlet called Jewettsville, and so named after Abram Jewett, who settled in Watertown in 1800 and removed thence to the Mill creek region in Hounsfield in 1818. One of the first settlers in this locality was Silas Godfrey, who came in 1802. Benjamin Barnes came about the same time and built a framed house which he soon turned into a tavern. He also opened a brickyard and carried on a bakery for the benefit of the neighboring inhabitants. John McDole, who kept a tavern, and Nathan Jewett, brother of Abram, were other early residents here. Heman Pettit came about 1804 and settled on the west side of Mill creek. He was a millwright and built the wharves at Sackets Harbor. He also built a saw mill for Augustus Sacket, and a grist mill and saw mill near the mouth of the creek for Samuel Luff. At one time during its history Jewettsville contained three brickyards and a lime kiln, which were carried on by Abram Jewett, after he had purchased Benj. Barnes' improvement; a woolen mill, owned by Jesse Stone; Samuel Ward's bakery; Joseph Kimball's and Leonard Denni- son's large brewery; several asheries; four or five distilleries; Dr. Guthrie's powder mill and laboratory; Nathaniel Nobles' malt house; Leonard Dennison's tannery; and also a gunsmith shop, glove factory, two cooper shops, a wheelwright shop, a rope factory, three vinegar factories, and several other industries of less note. But with passing years, when interests began to center in more populous and favored localities, nearly all of these were removed and abandoned, and to day the once flourishing Jewettsville is a "deserted village," without one industry to mark its former site. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 639 The only other settled localities in the town are the portions of Brownville and Dexter villages, lying south of the river (each of which is treated at some length in the history of the town of Brownville), and Field's Settlement and Stowell's Corners, which are mere cross roads hamlets, named in allusion to prominent families, but otherwise are of little consequence in the history of the town. Another locality is known as Sulphur Springs, and is situated south of Alverton's station and west of Stowell's Corners, in the vicinity where once much fame was hoped for on account of the valuable properties of a certain sulphur spring. Here is an excellent farming region, and the thrifty inhabitants for their own convenience in December, 1847, organized a Seventh-Day Baptist society, Benj. Maxson, Elias Frink, John Utter, Nathan Tru man and John Witter being the leading members and trustees. The meeting house, which still stands, was soon built and the society was reasonably prosperous until about 1870, when it began to decline, and at length gave way to the Methodists, the latter having been organized as a society in 1877, although preceded by a class. The old house of worship soon passed into the hands of the new society, whose members hold regular meetings in the building. The church now forms part of a joint charge. Sackets Harbor. — Augustus Sacket was the founder of the village set tlement on Black river bay, and in allusion to him the name Sackets Harbor has ever been applied to the place. A doubt has always ex isted as to the grammatical accuracy of the name, which undoubtedly should be rendered " Sacket's Harbor." On various occasions modifi cation of the name has been under consideration by the department in Washington, and some suggestions have been made.. In 1886 the postal authorities ordered the name changed to, or at least spelled as, "Sacket Harbor, " but throughout this work (and the writer proposes to so con tinue) the old historic and truly honorable nane of Sackets Harbor is adhered to. As has been mentioned on a preceding page, in 1801 Augustus Sacket purchased at public sale a considerable portion of the town of Houns field, including all that now comprises the village tract. Mr. Sacket at once came to the lands with a sufficient corps of employees and began the erection of a saw mill and other necessary improvements to attract settlers to the locality. The mill stood near the mouth of the stream known as Mill creek, on which pioneer Samuel Luff (one of the worth iest of the English colony which came 1805), also built the first grist 640 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mill, and Solon Stone, another early settler, erected a small cotton factory. About this same time, or in 1804, Elisha Camp, who was brother-in-law to Judge Sacket, came to the settlement and was ap pointed resident land agent, under whose direction the last of the proprietary lands were sold just previous to 1850. Some of these men were such worthy factors in the early history of the village and its vicinity that a brief mention of their work is appro priate. Augustus Sacket was born in New York city, Nov. 10, 1769, and was educated for the legal profession. In 1810 he came to Houns field to develop and dispose of his vast tract of land, and thereafter lived in the village until 1809, when his interests were sold, and he re turned to the east and took up his residence at Jamaica, Long Island. In 1812 he became largely interested in Pennsylvania lands, and in 1820 bought a vast tract in South Carolina. Later on he became interested in certain of the St. Lawrence river islands, whereupon he returned to the harbor, remaining until 1827, when he removed to Newburgh. In that year, on April 29, at Albany, Judge Sacket died. Notwithstanding the magnitude of his business operations, Mr. Sacket was ultimately unfortunate, but throughout his career he commanded respect for honor, integrity and worth. On the organization of the common pleas court in Jefferson county, he was the first judge, appointed February 26, 1807, and served until 1810, when he was succeeded by Moss Kent. From this service Mr. Sacket was always afterward addressed and re ferred to as " Judge Sacket. " On the formation of the customs districts (under the act of March 3, 1803) he was appointed collector of the port at this place. Elisha Camp, who was frequently known in later years as Col. Camp, came to the harbor in 1804, equipped for the practice of law, and in connection therewith acted as agent for the Kimball & Hounsfield lands ; also assisted Mr. Sacket in developing his lands and the company of purchasers who succeeded to the Sacket interests. In 1807 Mr. Camp was appointed town surveyor, an office rarely named or filled at that time. He was thenceforth one of the leading men of the county, and was interested in many public and private enterprises. In 1811 he or ganized an artillery company, and was an important factor in the suc cess of the American arms in the war which followed. Later on in es tablishing schools, academies and churches his generosity was appre ciated all through the county. In 1816 he was one of the company which built the Ontario, the first steamer on the lake, and the success THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 641 of the enterprise stimulated other efforts in the same direction until the harbor as a ship building and general navigation point rivaled any on the river. When the canal (which for many years was known as " Camp's ditch,") was completed in 1832, a grist mill, two saw mills, a plaster mill, a paper mill and a furnace were built along its borders in the village, and were, with the canal itself, chiefly the results of the enter prise of Col. Camp. This worthy developer and upright citizen did much for Sackets Harbor during its early history and was one of its foremost men. He died January 25, 1866. In 1805 the little settlement founded by Judge Sacket was increased by the arrival of several Englishmen, a number of whom brought fam ilies, and all of whom were more or less prominently identified with the early history of the village. Their names are mentioned on a pre ceding page, hence need no repetition here. Just previous to the ar rival of the colony Dr. William Baker had come and began practice, Ambrose Pease and Stephen Simmons had opened inns, and Loren Buss and Hezekiah Doolittle were doing business as tradesmen. Judge Sacket had become customs officer, and the harbor was perhaps one of the most important places in the county, having about 20 families and 100 inhabitants. The growth during the next four or five years was rapid, and tbe healthfulness of the locality made it noteworthy even at that early day. Between February, 1805, and January, 1809, but one death (except of infants) occurred, and that was the result of an acci dent. About this time the Black river country was leported as very unhealthy and the reverse condition existing about the harbor drew to it many residents. On March 5, 1809, Judge Sacket sold the village tract, including about 1,700 acres, to Cornelius Ray, Wm. Bayard and Michael Hogan, in trust for themselves and Herman Le Roy, James McEvers, Joshua Waddington, James Lenox, Wm. Maitland, Wm. Ogden, McLeod, Benj. W. Rogers, Duncan P. Campbell, Samuel Boyd, Abraham Ogden, David A. Ogden and Thomas L. Ogden, each owning a fifteenth part, except the two last named, who together owned one such part. Ray, Bayard and Hogan were the trustees, and soon after their purchase was completed Colon'el Camp was appointed local agent to sell, settle and develop the tract. He engaged actively in this work and succeeded in attacting to the village many men and enterprises of value, but in the meantime other events of a political and military character were taking place, and soon all growth and increase of interests was destined to be 81 642 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. dwarfed in importance by the struggle and confusion of another war with Great Britain. However, among the interests then existing, in addition to those noted (owing to the disturbed condition of affairs at that time exact dates have not been preserved) was the little store owned by Charles Berry (sometimes called Barrie) which stood adjoin ing the site of the Eveleigh house. Berry at length sold to Loren Buss, whom we have recalled. Hezekiah Doolittle, a later prominent char acter in village life, had charge of the store. The interests thus described were small, comparatively, but were sufficient for the time and its requirements. The first large mercantile enterprise of the village (which, indeed, was one of the most extensive in the county), was that started by Samuel F. Hooker, who began busi ness here in 1808, and who in after years was one of the largest lumber men and operators in that part of the county, his interests extending into other towns besides Hounsfield. In his mercantile business at the harbor Mr. Hooker began with about $20,000 invested in stock, but so great were his dealings that within two months his sales amounted to $17,500. Just previous to the enforcement of the embargo laws, pearl and pot ash were staples in trade handled by all dealers, and large quantities of this commodity were shipped from the harbor. Even after the law was passed the traffic continued, though every trick was resorted to to evade the vigilance of the officials.1 To check these unlawful operations Capt. William P. Bennett with a detachment of artillery, and Lieut. Cross with a company of infantry were stationed at the harbor in 1808 and part of 1809. At that time Sackets Harbor was the seat ofthe customs district, and all captured boats and contraband wares were brought here for appraise ment and sale. As is stated, the customs district was established in pursuance of the act of March, 1803, and soon after the law went into effect. The office during the embargo and war periods was of great importance, but in later years, as lake and river commerce became di vided and lessened, the local station lost nearly all its old-time prom inence, and on March 3, 1863, it was consolidated with and made sub ordinate to the Cape Vincent district, the latter having been organized 1 Whisky was also a staple article of trade. Just north of where the old stone distillery building now stands Gen. Leavenworth built a large dwelling on the dock, close to the water's edge. The house was so constructed that by opening doors on the bay side a boat could be sailed in or out. The building was used during the embargo period and was the seat of many smuggling operations. THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 643 from the former April 18, 1818. Subsequent to 1863 the local customs office has been in charge of a deputy collector. During the period in which the principal office was maintained at the harbor, the collectors were: Augustus Sacket, Hart Massey, Perley Keyes, John M. Canfield, Thomas Loomis, Danforth N. Barney, Leonard Dennison, John O. Dickey, Otis M. Cole, Daniel Mc- Cullock, Abram Kromer, Thomas M. Hall, William Howland and Cornelius W. Inglehirt. Perhaps the most eventful period in the history of Sackets Harbor was that of the war of 1812-15. At the outbreak of hostilities the village had no defenses whatever, and only the old brig Oneida (with an armament of sixteen guns), was available for harbor defenses. On the other hand, the British were well prepared for the contest, and early threat ened tbe harbor with destruction by an overpowering fleet. Col. Camp soon organized an artillery company, and Col. Bellinger was sent to assist in defending the place. Ordnances and military stores were greatly needed, whereupon a letter asking for these supplies was sent to the governor. In the meantime, while awaiting their arrival, Fort Tompkins was built, and afterward became one of the most noteworthy and historic fortifications on the frontier. More than three-quarters of a century have passed since the fort was constructed, and while not a single vestige of it is now visible, its earthworks outline is yet plainly to be traced on a rising mound of earth. Considerate persons have faithfully preserved this old relic of the war period, and quite recently the generous owner (Col. Walter B. Camp, executor,) of the suround- ing lands has publicly given the old battle-ground to the village and county historical society. During the period of the war, several other forts were constructed in this immediate vicinity, and the village was the central point for both military and naval operations, with hundreds and sometimes thousands of troops and marines quartered and rendezvoused here. No less than three times the village' was threatened with British invasion, and on one occasion (May 29, 1813) the historic battle of Sackets Harbor was fought with disastrous results to the enemy.1 However, the story of 1 " Soon after the battle of May 29, 1813, a breastwork of logs and earth was built around the village, one end touching the bay, about half-way between the harbor and Horse island, and the other at the site of Madison barracks. No opportunity was afforded subsequently for the use of these defenses. The village contained at the close of the war several block houses and cantonments a considerable quantity of military stores, and a large fleet of vessels which weie laid up at the place." (Hough.) 644 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. < X < w > HOlO30f:, ->- M«5U(f£MfWT 3200TOHS, 120 G-U NS . ¦•* THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 647 built here. Among them was the Ontario, the first steamer, which was begun by a stock company in 1816, and was launched in 1817. She run until 1832, when she was broke up at Oswego. About the same time the Woolsey, Rambler, Farmer's Daughter, Triumph, Commodore Perry, Dolphin, and others were run on regular packet lines to this port. It is said, too, that the first trading vessel to enter the river at Chicago — the Ariadene — sailed from Sackets Harbor under Capt. Pickering, and carried a cargo of pork and flour. A regular line of steamers — the Bay State, Cataract and Ontario — run between St. Law rence river ports and Chicago for many years, and made regular stops at Sackets Harbor. During the 'forties and 'fifties, these boats afforded the only ready means of travel for persons going west from this region. During the latter part of the 'fifties the regular operation of the line was discontinued. But as a lake port the harbor in later years has lost much of its prestige through the decline of lake and river navigation and the corresponding increase in shipping facilities by railroad. Incorporation. — Sackets Harbor is the oldest incorporated village in the count}'. The creating act by which it was brought into municipal existence was passed April 15, 1814. Its territory comprised great lot No. 22 and the west half of No. 54; subdivision lots Nos. 1 and 2 in great lot No. 52 and a narrow strip off the north side of No. 23, of Hounsfield. By an act passed April 18, 1831, all that part of the village north and east of Mill creek was restored to the town. Unfortunately, in Sackets Harbor the village records have been imperfectly kept and not carefully preserved, hence much which might be of historic interest has thus been lost. The fire department, which has been one of the enduring institutions of the village, bad its inception in the primitive bucket brigade which was formed soon after the war of 1812. The village trustees subse quently resumed authority over the company, and in Nov., 1817, or dered all persons who had not furnished themselves with stout leathern fire buckets to provide the same immediately. The old apparatus served the requirements of the time, and at length gave way to more modern equipment. In 1843 a disastrous fire occurred, after which a hand engine was secured. From these beginnings the present depart ment has grown, but the absence of reliable record prevents better de tail to our statements. In 1889 the trustees purchased a good Clapp & Jones steamer, which, with the hose cart and the old brake engine, comprise the present department apparatus. 648 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A mention of the fire department naturally suggests an allusion to some of the more disastrous fires which have visited the village in the past. The first fire of serious consequence was that which accompan ied the battle of May 29, 1813, in the burning of the military store house with the captures of York. This, however, was not an accidental nor incendiary fire, but was started to prevent recapture of the stores by the British. May 23, 1838, Colonel Camp's paper mill was burned; loss from $7,000 to $10,000. August 21, 1843, a fire originated in a storehouse on the wharf and caused the destruction of nine buildings on the north, and eight on the south side of Main street, besides many other structures to the total number of about forty. In the fall of 1851 the Ontario house, barns and several stores on Main street were burned. Six weeks later Buck & Bert's large general store was burned, together with nearly half the square on which it was located. During the next thirty years the village was occasionally visited with a fire of minor importance, but no serious conflagration occurred until June 11, 1883, when the large Clark & Robbins storehouse, well filled with grain, was destroyed. January 3, 1886, a fire started in an unoccupied building on Main street, and burned Stokes' hardware store, the Rob bins block (Lane's dry goods store, Ontario hall, etc.), Dennison's malt house, McEvoy's grocery and much other property. May 29, 1886, a fire destroyed the historic old warehouse built by the government during the war of 1812-15. The old building had been variously occupied throughout its existence; by the navy; a bethel house for sea men, 1828; Knickerbocker bowling alley and sail loft; Hooker & Hop kins, merchants; steam flouring mill; warehouse and sail loft, and finally as a skating rink and band practice room. August 11, 1889, a fire started in the Boulton store, adjoining the malthouse walls, and burned McEvoy's store, Conlin's store, Hastings' saloon, Clark & Bowe's fish house, railroad passenger and ticket office, telegraph and telephone offices on Main street, Rowlson's store and dwelling, Jef frey's store, a dwelling and boat house, Drake's store and dwelling, Madigan's saloon, the McGuire block, Eveleigh's stone stores (hard ware and meat market), warehouse containing grain and other prop erty; Hooker & Crane's warehouse, the custom house, market house and town hall. This disaster led to measures to increase the efficiency of the fire department, and resulted in the purchase of the steamer. Another of the important local institutions, and one which antedated the village incorporation, was the public school. The first school here THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 649 is said to have been taught by one Mitchell in his dwelling house about 1807 or '8. No school house was built in the village until after the close of the war, when a one story building was erected on the present acad emy site, and was used as school, church, lecture room and for public gatherings. The old structure stood the wear of years, but about 1840 was replaced with the large, comfortable brick building which, with subsequent modifications and repairs, is still in use. For many years the village has maintained an excellent union free school (District No. 1 of Hounsfield), and in 1896 was taken under the supervision of the state regents. About 200 pupils are now enrolled, and five teachers are employed. The present board of education comprises L. W. Day, James A. Wilson and H. J. Lane. The hotel interests of the village are also worthy of mention. They have been few in number, but of much importance. As we have stated, the first village hotel stood on Main street, and was built and opened previous to 1805 by pioneer Ambrose Pease. About the beginning of the war one Kelsey bought the property and run it as Kelsey's hotel. The old building was finally burned, and after about twenty- five years the sons of Capt. Daniel Reed purchased the site and erected store buildings. About 1806 one Lanning, whose first name is not recalled, came to the village and began the erection of a hotel on the present Eveleigh house site, but before it was completed Stephen Simmons bought the property, finished the work, and kept the house several years. The Eveleigh house was built by Ambrose H. Dodge in 1843, and was opened the next year. The Earl house was built in 1817 by Elijah Field (one of the prominent characters of the village), and was opened in December of that year, with considerable formality. The occasion was a memorable one, and Capt. Reed, who then run the packet boat between the harbor and Kingston, was charged with the important duty of bringing the whisky from Canada to the village in time for the celebration. The Eveleigh house and the Earl house are yet in existence and are 'excellent public houses, although during their time many repairs and alterations have been made, and the manage ment has frequently changed. Another old and prominent hotel was that built in 1817 by Frederick White. It was of stone, a large sub stantial building, and within its walls President Monroe was hospitably entertained in August of that year, on the occasion of his visit to the northern frontier. The house was originally called Union hotel, and afterward Mansion house, but in later years the name was frequently 82 650 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. changed. It was finally discontinued as a hotel and passed into the ownership of the local masonic societies, by whom it is now occupied. In this connection it may be stated that Frederick White, who built the hotel, was at the time reputed to be one of the wealthiest men in the county, but subsequent excesses led to his downfall. At one time he was president of the Jefferson county bank. One of the early institutions of the village, and one which was pro ductive of much good in its time, was the Union library, which was organized September 13, 1815, and included in its managing board Justin Butterfield, Elisha Camp, Amos Holton, Daniel McGiven, James Goodhue, Andrew B. Cook and Samuel Bosworth. Notwithstanding the laudable objects of the society, it survived only a few years and was then (April 10, 1827) succeeded by the Hounsfield library, in which Alexander W. Stowe, John McMillan, Nathan Bridge, T. S. Hall and Dr. Samuel Guthrie were the leading spirits and trustees. This soci ety accumulated a library of about 500 volumes, but after running a course of several years it was dissolved. Then followed the old and still remembered Watertown and Hounsfield library, which was organ ized Jan. 11, 1831, with Eliphalet M. Howard, John C. Herrick, Chauncey D. Morgan, Obediah Brainard and Oliver Grow as trustees. This was a partially village institution and continued in existence less than fifteen years. The Young Men's Association for Mutual Improve ment was a social and benevolent rather than literary institution, and was incorporated March 2, 1843, by Augustus Ford, M. K. Stow, Walter Kimball, Edward M. Luff, Jonathan W. Tuttle, John O. Dickey, Ed ward S. Robbins, Roswell C. Bosworth and Wm. H. H. Davis. The association continued only a few months. In writing of the early institutions of the village mention must be made of some of the more important fraternal bodies which have had an existence here. Indeed, Sackets Harbor was the pioneer home of free masonry in the county, old Ontario lodge having held its first meet ing in the village April 4, 1805, although we have no data by which the date of organization can be fixed. At the time mentioned, the officers were Augustus Sacket, master; J. Seaman, S. W. ; "Brother" Pike, J. W. ; B. Allen, treasurer; Isaiah Massey, secretary; Hart Massey, J. D., and A. Bassinger, tiler. According to imperfect data obtainable, the lodge was a strong organization, and included in its membership many of the leading men of the county at that time. Among them was General Jacob Brown, also B. De Witt, Wm. Waring, Col. Gershom THE TOWN OF HOUNSFIELD. 651 Tuttle, Giles Hamlin, Abram Lippett, Squire Read, J. Simmons, C. Mills, Joseph Perry, Daniel Potter and others, many of whom were men of influence in the early years of the county's history. In 1805 (Dec. 27) the lodge resolved to place the first unappropriated $100 of its moneys toward the erection of an academy at Sackets Harbor, and designated Brothers Merrick and Waring to see that the fund be duly appropriated. However, this useful old pioneer organization suspended operations during the excitement of the war of 1812-15. Athol lodge, No. 308, F. & A. M., was instituted at the harbor in 1818, and was a virtual revival of the old lodge. Hiram Steele was the first master, but all other knowledge of the lodge history is clouded in obscurity, the records having been lost or destroyed. The organiza tion was maintained and meetings were held until 1827, when, on ac count of the anti-masonic feeling, the lodge was forced to suspend. Among the members may be recalled the name of David Millington, a once well known personage at the harbor, he having settled here in 1814; Leonard Dennison, who came here in 1812; John Walling, who came in 1819, while a later prominent member was Capt. Daniel Read, who lived many years in this vicinity. Sackets Harbor lodge, No. 135, F. & A. M., followed Athol lodge and was organized May 12, 1848, when these officers were elected: Samuel Lyons, W. M. ; John S. Hall, S. W. ; Chester C. Simonds, J. W. ; Elijah Field, treas. ; and Isaac Van Vleck, secretary. From that time the lodge has been in continuous existence, although in 1858 a difficulty arose which was not finally settled until 1861. During a por tion of this time work was done under the temporary charter of Houns field lodge, No. 495, and was continued until June, 1861, when the charter of the old lodge was restored. The lodge occupies rooms in the old hotel building mentioned on a preceding page. This property was purchased by the masonic bodies of the village during the winter of 1864-65. ' The present lodge membership is 146. Since 1848 the masters of Sackets Harbor lodge have been Samuel Lyons, Jason Phelps, Isaac Van Vleck, Thos. T. Gurney, Wm. Puffer, Richard Hooper, Stephen W. Flower, Norman Gurney, Geo. E. Butterfield, Stephen Washburn, Elisha C. Soule, Edwin C. Knowlton, Warren Walsworth, John T. Hooper, James Boyd, Henry J. Lane, James A. Wilson, Richard Washburn, John G. Eveleigh, E. H. Chamber lain, B. C. Scroxton. 1 In 1897 the lodge rooms were refitted at a considerable expense, and are now as large and well adapted to their intended use as any in this part of the state. 652 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Sackets Harbor chapter, No. 68, R. A. M., was organized February 8, 1820, on the application of a number of the leading masons of the village, among whom were Commodore Melancthon T. Woolsey and Captain John Clitz, of the U. S. navy, and also William King, a civilian of prominence. Com. Woolsey was the first high priest; Wm. King, king; John Clitz, scribe; Leonard Denison, treasurer; Henry Smith, secretary; Asahel Smith, C. of H.; George W. Jenks, P. S. ; Alvah Kinney, R. A. C. ; Capt. Wm. Vaughn, M. 3d V. ; Zeno Allen, M. 2d V. ; Hunter Crane, M. 1st V. The chapter maintained a flourishing existence for several years, but at length, through some lack of interest, its affairs were neglected and the organization was virtually dissolved, but never wholly lost its identity. In 1849 it was revived and a new and permanent interest was awakened among its members. From that time the chapter has been one of the strong masonic bodies of the county, and in its membership has been found some of the foremost men of the region. The present number of members is 96. In succession the high priests have been Malancthon T. Woolsey, William King, John Clitz, Asahel Smith, Alon Kinney, Hiram Steele, William Tyron, Thomas S. Hall, Samuel Lyons, Jason Phelps, Isaac Van Vleck, Theodore Gurney, Norman Gurney, L. H. Humphrey, George E. Butterfield, James Boyd, Edwin C. Knowlton, James A. Wilson, John A. Baldwin. As residents in one of the growing and progressive villages of north ern New York, the people of Sackets Harbor early realized the impor tance of establishing manufacturing industries within the corporation ; but unlike the majority of villages, this possessed no rivers or creeks, the waters of which were sufficiently strong to furnish motive power. This was the one serious obstacle which worked against Sackets Har bor during the period of its early history, and the best means to supply this much needed auxiliary was long a subject of earnest discussion among the leading business men and capitalists. The harbor was one of the safest and largest on the lake front, and it was believed that an abundant water power for manufacturing purposes would result in the rapid growth and increased commercial importance of the place. As early as 1823 it was suggested that the waters of Black river be diverted from the lower pond (or level) in Watertown, and conveyed by a race way to the harbor and there discharged into Pleasant or Mill creek. The matter was presented to the attorney-general for an opinion as to the legality of such a proceeding, and while that officer decided that private lands could be taken for purposes such as this, a further a¦ -?J18BaLdB ,4sgfej «-'^ « m m ¦ I s : ^S6b>^j^. - ' '3 h< V- *f V "UfSm^M BBB5J H Spl lip^ly ^•w ilfilS ,V::J -¦V;; y- . - - \ m m0& "'*""* ! ""¦¦'-" •" ' • ~ . , The La Farge Mansion. his authority. Mr. La Farge caused a land office to be erected soon after his arrival, and a substantial grist mill in 1825 ; the latter proving one of the most enduring landmarks of the village, while the old land office became the Orleans house of more recent years. The proprietor built the ever-known La Farge mansion, also a large stone house on the opposite side of the highway, and as well other buildings which were conspicuous structures in the early history of the town. The first church edifice was built in 1837. From this time the growth of the village was constant but not rapid. 732 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In 1850 it contained about 50 dwellings, 61 families and a little more than 300 inhabitants ; also two mills, alike number of stores, and the cus tomary shops found in all country villages. At this time the people of the vicinity, following an almost established custom of the period, be gan discussing the advisability of an academic school for a more ad vanced education than was offered under the district system. Public meetings were held and an informal academy was opened and taught by Burton M. Townsend with such gratifying results that during the summer of 1851 a two-story frame building, 50x70 feet in size, was be gun and partially completed, when the structure was blown to the ground by a fieice gale on July 15. It was rebuilt, however, during the year and after serving its period of usefulness as an academy was occupied by the Methodist society for religious worship. On February 3, 1851, the Orleans Academy, as the institution was known, was char tered, and it could have been entitled to share in the public literature fund had the incorporators freed the school from its indebtedness ; but as the trustees were unable to raise the necessary amount, they never reported, and did not so share. The academy was maintained with vary ing success for a few years, but with no profit whatever to its founders, and the property was sold on execution. The M. E. society subse quently purchased the property, overhauled and repaired it, and con verted it into a church and parsonage, and it is now used and occupied by them. The persons most prominently interested in this laudable, though unprofitable enterprise, were Rev. Lewis T. Ford, Loren Bush nell, John N. Rollins, Rev. Elisha Sawyer, John Tallman, Hiram Dewey, Brainard Everett, John Foot, Hiram Mitchell, Eldridge G. Merrick, Luther Lamson, Edgar W. Bedell, Daniel Richardson, David J. Dewey, Hiram P. Dillenback, John Hill, Henry Irvin, Russell B. Biddlecom, Nathan Elmer, Ashley Tanner, James Green, Rufus Smith, Rev. P. Brown and David Joy. The school was discontinued in 1853. In 1838 the La Farge mansion and farm was purchased by Bishop Dubois, for a Roman Catholic Seminary, and a school opened under the name of St. Vincent de Paul. It was opened under the care of Rev. Francis Gooth, and was devoted mainly to instructing candidates for the priethood. The institution was too remote from the commer cial centers for the best result, and after running about two and a half years it was removed to Fordham, near New York, and afterwards be came the noted St. John's College. The mansion and farm subse- THE TOWN OF ORLEANS. 733 quently became the property of Archbishop Hughes, whose brother conducted it solely as a farm. Among the old substantial merchants of the village may be recalled tbenamesof Horace Biddlecom, Luther Lamson, Edgar W. Bedell, Loren Bushnell and D. J. Dewey. Russell B. Biddlecom, Samuel W. Strough and Horace Dewey were also prominently connected with local vil lage enterprises, and were among the foremost business men of the town. Any history of La Fargeville without at least a passing men tion of their names would indeed be imperfect. Beyond the condition indicated in preceding paragraphs, La Farge ville progressed but little during the quarter of a century following 1850, except as one business interest succeeded another. However, in 1873 the Clayton and Theresa railroad was constructed through the village, and across the north part of the town, and almost at once the whole region was benefited by increasing interests. The village stands in a favorable position in the center of one of the most fertile agricul tural districts of the county, and is one of the best and largest shipping points in all northern New York. The firm of Strough Bros. (B. J. & L. S. Strough), are perhaps the most extensive dealers and shippers in the whole region, purchasing for cash everything the farmers can pro duce, thus guaranteeing a safe and ready market at home without the uncertainities of business associations with unknown commission mer chants. E. J. Tallman is also an extensive dealer in agricultural prod uce. The other principal business interests of the village are the stores of A. B. Beardsley, who has been a general merchant here for more than thirty years; Dan Delaney, about twenty years, and also the firms of Wright & Snell and W. J. Heyl & Co., all proprietors of well stocked general stores. W. H. Walrath has a good grocery and hard ware stock; B. W. Dickinson, groceries; Charles B. Hill, groceries and meats; H. W. Gabler, boots and shoes and jewelry; Gillett & Miller, grocers; F. N. Hoyt, furniture and undertaking; J. Lebovsky, cloth ing; Walter Loucks, coal and lumber; A. M. Putnam, coal dealer, to gether with the other shops and adjuncts of country village life. The village also has two good hotels, the Orleans house, the building orig inally erected by John La Farge, and now under landlord R. W. Gates; and tbe Victhor, a more recent enterprise by Hans Waldemar Hanson, and managed by George Hubbard & Son, proprietors. Stone Mills lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M., was organized under a dis pensation from the grand master, dated January 23, 1850, and with J. 734 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. C. Young, master. The lodge was granted a charter June 21, 1850, and Mr. Young as master, James Green, senior warden, and Allen Dean, junior warden, The lodge was an institution of and met regu larly at Stone Mills until 1867, when on March 18th it was removed to La Fargeville. On May 27 of that year the name was changed to La Fargeville lodge, the old number being retained. The present mem bership is 75. The succession of masters has been as follows: J. C.Young, 1850-51; Thomas Lee, 1852-53; Daniel Smith, 1854; David Van Camp, 1855; Daniel Smith, 1856-57; Frederick Lawyer, 1858; Archibald Sternberg, 1859; Daniel Smith, 1860; Fred'k Lawyer, 1861; J. Johnston, 1862; A. Sternberg, 1863-65; Wm. Rogers, 1866; Nelson Goodrich, 1867; Byron J. Strough, 1868-74; Timothy D. Flansburgh, 1875; Byron J. Strough, 1876-89; Walter Loucks, 1890-92; Charles H. Ford, 1893-97. The First Baptist church of La Fargeville (the present organization) is the outgrowth of the society formed Sept. 9, 1821, by Elders Sardis, Brewster and Osgood. The original members were 18, of whom the male portion were Thos. Evans, Warren Wilson, Benj. Ward, Thos. Barrett, Reuben Hungerford, Benj. Farmer, Phineas Osborn, Nathan Elmer and Daniel C. Hawley. On June 11, 1836, the church body was organized, and in 1840 a house of worship was built. It still stands, though frequently repaired during its existence. The society has ex perienced many vicissitudes, at times being without a pastor. The pulpit is now supplied from Clayton by Rev. H. J. Baldwin. A Presbyterian society was formed in Feb., 1823, by Rev. Wm. Bliss, and on April 29, 1839, the organization was made complete. A church edifice was erected in 1840, but the next ten years witnessed many changes in the history of the society. In 1854 a Union society super seded the Presbyterian and took from it many of its members. The Union society also ceased to exist about 1861. Methodism in Orleans dates back in its history to about the time the town was formed, when a class was organized and informal services were held in private dwellings. About ten years later a society organi zation was effected but no regular place of worship was provided until about 1855, when the academy building was leased (subsequently pur chased) and was thereafter occupied as a house of worship. The build ing was substantially remodeled in 1873. The church has ever been progressive, and now numbers 78 members, and 31 probationers. The pastor is Rev. J. P. Dunham. St. Paul's church, Protestant Episcopal, of La Fargeville, was organ- THE TOWN OF ORLEANS. 735 ized in January, 1868, by the Rev. H. R. Lockwood, then having ten communicants. The early services were held, previous to the erection of the church edifice, in the Methodist Protestant meeting house. The church now has 53 communicating members, and is under the rector ship of Rev. Earl H. Kenyon, of Clayton. The wardens are W. F. Ford and E. C. Cummins. The First Methodist Protestant church of La Fargeville was organ ized in May, 1869, with 22 members, chiefly from the M. E. society, but who believed in church government independent of the bishop's control. The society occupied the old Presbyterian church edifice un der the pastoral care of Rev. Philip Swift, and acquired title to the property by purchase in 1872. The parsonage was erected in 1875. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Becker. St. John's church, Roman Catholic, at La Fargeville, was founded in 1846, soon after tbe Catholic school at that place was opened. The edifice is a neat frame structure in the south part of the village. The parish is an out-mission from Evans' Mills. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church, which stands about one and one half miles west of Rixford's corners, on lot number 45, was organ ized by Henry Haas, V. Baltuff and N. Lehr, in 1841. The house of worship was built tbe same year, and cost $1,500. The present mem bers number about fifty persons. Until within five years this society has supported a resident pastor. It is now supplied from Redwood. Stone Mills is a small hamlet in the southern central part of Penet's square, and in the locality where the first squatters settled, beginning in 1806 and continuing until the lands were fairly well occupied. Roderick Frasier appears to have been the pioneer in this direction, followed soon afterward by Peter Pratt, and still later by Merchant and Benajah Carter, Robert Bruner, Samuel and David Ellis and others of still later date. This was about the only locality on the square in which the settlers felt the effects of the war of 1812; and here it was in 1813 that a young deserter from the army at Sackets Harbor was mor tally shot, though at the time he was under suspicion as a British spy from Canada. The original name of the settlement was Collins' Mills, from the fact that J. B. Collins was one of the builders (Peter Pratt being the other) of a grist mill in_1820. The building was of stone, and the name Stone Mills was soon afterward applied and continued. At a little later 736 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. period one De Rham, a settler, laid out an acre tract of land on which in 1837 a commodious meeting house was erected, followed in 1838 by a stone school house. Therefore the name Stone Mills was appropri ately given. However, beyond the condition of hamlet life thus early established there has been little growth, except as one generation has succeeded another, The place is conveniently located about three miles west of Perch lake, and is surrounded by an excellent agricultural region. One or two stores have been in continuous operation, which, with a good patrons' cheese factory, a few small shops, a post-office, district school, two churches and about 50 inhabitants, comprise the village at the present time. The merchants now in business here are W. B. Erwin & Son and Willard F. Baxter. The Evangelical Lutheran church at Stone Mills is a part of the church system of that denomination which has had an existence in this part of the county for more than half a century. In 1838 the synod of the church sent a missionary worker, Henry L. Dox, into this locality, he selecting Perch River as a point of operation. He was an earnest, ardent worker and organizer, and within four years had formed churches at Perch River, Stone Mills and Orleans Four Corners. In 1840 .the societies first mentioned were united and constituted one church at Stone Mills. The house of worship was built in 1841. In 1852 the Perch River members withdrew and separately organized, leaving the local society only 66 members, from which number there has been little material change during later years, but in usefulness and good work the society has ever grown. The Methodist Protestant church at Stone Mills, which usually forms a joint charge with La Fargeville, the latter being in fact an off-shoot from the former, was organized on Christmas day, 1866, by Rev. Philip Swift. The house of worship was built in 1870. Each society main tains a large and successful Sunday school. Omar was originally known as Mudge's Mills, and so called from the saw and grist mills which Wm. and Treat Mudge built on Mullet creek in 1821 However, the place attracted no attention, other than from the convenience of the mills to the settlers, until about 1840, when a post-office was established here under the name of Omar. The first postmaster was Timothy R. Stackhouse. In 1841 Truesdell & Stack- house opened a store, and also had an ashery in operation, and about this time Samuel N. Stackhouse and Samuel P. Newton replaced the old Mudge saw mill with one more substantial. Indeed, saw mills THE TOWN OF ORLEANS. 737 were plenty in the locality about this time, but lost much of their use fulness with the disappearance of the forests ; yet there is still some good standing timber in this part of the town. From the time indicated, Omar has been a hamlet of some note in Orleans, and a store, post-office and good school have been the interests of that place. The M. E. church was also built in 1841, by Truesdell & Stackhouse, the mer chants, and Samuel Newton and Samuel N. Stackhouse. Indeed the names of William Tanner, an early settler, William and Treat Mudge, Ralph Gurnee, Timothy R. and Samuel N. Stackhouse, Otis N. Brit ton, John W. Collins and Samuel P. Newton have been closely asso ciated with the history of the origin, growth and development of this hamlet and its vicinity. The present merchants are W. N. Gould and E. J. Gardner & Co. The Methodist church referred to was built in 1841, and has since been one of the institutions of the locality. It does not support a resident pastor but is supplied from La Fargeville. Orleans Four Corners, formerly called Shanty ville, is a post-office and station in the east part of the town, on the line of the Clayton and Theresa railroad. The hamlet contains about fifty inhabitants, an Evangelical Lutheran church (built in 1852, of which mention has been made), a district school, cheese factory, and a store, the latter now kept by E. T. Sargent. In the history of the town the place is of small im portance, yet is a convenient trading center and shipping point for a prosperous agricultural region. Fisher's Landing, De La Farge's Corners, Port Orleans and Collins' Landing are the names of places in the north part of Orleans, one of which (Fisher's Landing) has a post-office. All except De La Farge Corners derive whatever importance they possess from their proximity to the St. Lawrence river. Supervisors.— Amos Reed, 1822-23; William H. Angel, 1824-26; Woodbridge C. George, 1827 ; Jesse S. Woodward, 1828 ; records lost, 1829-32 ; Chesterfield Persons, 1833; William Martin, 1834; Peter Dillenback, 1835; Chesterfield Persons, 1836; Daniel C. Rouse, 1837; John B. Collins, 1838-39; C. Parsons, 1840; Peter P. Folts, 1841; James Green, 1842; Edmund W. Eldridge, 1843; Abram J. Smith, 1844; Loren Bushnell, 1845; A. J. Smith, 1846; D. C. Rouse, 1847; John N. Rottiers, 1848^9; Hiram Dewey, 1850-55 ; Luther Lamson, 1856-58 ; John Tallman, 1859-60 ; Hiram Dewey. 1861; Jerome Bushnell, 1862-63; Pliny Newton, 1864; Russell B. Biddlecom, 1865 ; Jerome Bushnell, 1866, and R. P. Biddlecom after Sept. 24, by appointment ; R. P. Biddlecom, 1867-69; Pliny Newton, 1870; Wayland F. Ford, 1871; Pliny New ton, 1872; Timothy D. Flansburgh, 1873; Pliny Newton, 187 1-76; Brainerd Everett, 1877-78; Isaac Mitchell, 1879-84; Pliny Newton, 1885; Byron J. Strough, 1886-99. 93 738 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XXXV. THE TOWN OF PAMELIA. By an act of the legislature passed April 12, 1819, a new town was created in Jefferson county, and was named Pamelia, in allusion to the wife of Jacob Brown, her maiden name having been Pamelia Williams. However, in 1824 the name was changed to Leander, but the action by which the change was made was soon rescinded (April 9, 1825), and the original name restored. When the new town was created Brownville surrendered more than 20,000 acres of its territory, and to the new form ation was subsequently added an irregular tract of land taken from Orleans, a portion of the hundred square miles of land granted by the state to Peter Penet at the request of the Oneida Indians. Therefore, within the town, as then and now constituted, are portions of three separately patented tracts; the southern portion being on the Chassanis tract ; the northern locality a small part of great lot number 4 of the Macomb purchase, and the part acquired from Penet's square by the act of April 1, 1829. In turn, Pamelia has been called upon to sur render a part of its territory to the city of Watertown, taking a small portion, but one of great value on account of its water power and priv ileges, arid as well several manufacturing industries of importance. Whether Pamelia was benefited by this surrender is questionable, yet the constantly increasing population and commercial importance of the city rnade the enlargement of its corporate boundaries a necessity. As now constituted the town contains 20,383 acres of land, and as good land for all general agricultural purposes as is found in the region. The surface is comparatively level and gently undulating in certain localities, while the soil is clay and sand. In the north part is the body of water commonly called Perch lake, in the vicinity of which was dis covered several "barrows," or sepulchral mounds, which were factors in the old-time belief in pre-historic occupation.1 The town is without 1 There are eight or ten of these earthen mounds or lands now owned by the George H. Sherman estate and Alonzo Van Dewalker. They are located about ten or fifteen rods back from the shore, and are circular in form, from two to three feet in height, and from two to four THE TOWN OF PAMELIA. 739 other distinguishing features, unless we casually mention in this place the prominence it enjoys in the manufacture and output of Limburger and English cheese, in which respect it stands among the first in the county. The history of early settlement and the hardships of pioneer life in Pamelia is not unlike that of other towns similarly situated, but the absence of reliable record makes it very difficult, if not quite impossi ble, to determine who were the first comers. At that time the town was a part of Brownville, or of the still older town of Leyden, and whatever attempts at settlement were made were accomplished under the proprietary agencies, or under the subsequent personal ownership of James Le Ray. All past chroniclers of Pamelia history accord to pioneers Boshart and Kitts, whose christian names are unknown, the honor of being first in the region, but their stay was short. The severi ties of climate with the hardships of pioneer life so discouraged them that they left for more desirable localities. Their improvements were made about 1799, but after their departure no further record of settle ment appears until about. 1804, although in the meantime in adjoining towns settlers were constantly making clearings. On the river were several families but their names are not recalled, while in the north part of the town pioneer Makepeace (probably Thomas) had made a permanent home in 1804. In the next year came Mr. Haven, whose christian name is not mentioned, and settled back from the river, within the present city limits. Others soon followed, among whom were the Parish and Gould families in the northwest part of the town. Indeed, this locality seems to have been first taken up, as Philip and Elijah Ainsworth, Isaac and Jacob Meacham, Caleb Bates, William Morse and Jacob Lowell were there previous to the war of 1812-15. In the north east part, near the four corners, were Curtis Goulding, Henry Becker, Aaron Dresser and Alvin Twing, founders of the settlement, while in rods in diameter, with holes in the center about two feet deep, as if a vault had formerly existed there which had fallen in. The largest of the mounds stands on the Sherman farm, near the ruins of the old La Farge mansion. A hemlock tree about eighteen inches in diameter stands in one circle. Excavations disclose unglazed pottery of Indian make, charcoal, burned corn and other evidences of the Indian period of occupancy, and the relics found in adjacent fields indi cate that it was anciently a favorite hamlet of the aborigines. The exact number originally of these mounds or tumuli can not now be definitely determined, many of them having been leveled by cultivation. Some have placed the number as high as two hundred at the time the county was first explored. They are supposed to be burial places for the dead, although some writers maintain that they are the remains of ancient Indian dwellings, antedating in period of con struction the long house system of the Iroquois. However, the size of these mounds and the findings made on excavations as above stated, would seem to favor the theory that they are places of sepulture, as there is presented the usual indicia of Indian burial places 740 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the same locality were Stephen Farr, Obadiah Rhodes and Benjamin Cole, all, it is believed before the war. Smith Scoville was in the town before 1811, and opened a public house. The next year John Brown moved in from Brownville and built a framed house. David Augsbury also came in 1811, and was followed a year later by his father, John Augsbury, and other members of the family. The senior Augsbury bought the Makepeace improvement, and was one of numerous and prominent families in the early history of the town. Naturally, lands along the river brought better prices than those farther back, and as nearly all the first settlers were men of limited means they took the lands which they felt most able to pay for. In the southwest section John Folts settled in 1812, one of the very first in that locality, but he was soon followed by others, among them Peter Acker, David and Belshazzar Tillapaugh, Simeon Woodruff, the Bakers and Coopers, and possibly others whose names have been lost with passing years. All added to the settlement in the vicinity where Smith Scovill lived and kept tavern. However, without attempting the un satisfactory task of naming and locating all the early families, for the same cannot be done with any reasonable accuracy, we must content ourselves with mere mention of the names of other settlers. Previous to the separate organization ofthe town, settlements had been made by Theron Converse (near the river and opposite the village), William McGinnis, in the southwest part; and also in other localities, as their names are disclosed by records still in existence, William and John Waful, heads of a family afterward prominent in town affairs ; Elijah Wright, Russell Weaver, Benjamin Still, Joseph Mayo, Joel Nims, John Stewart, James Wright, Daniel and Isaac Pettit, Nehemiah Van Nest, Osman Bannister, John N. Gunn, Conrad Waful, Benjamin Pease, John and William Six bury, Elias Wager, Thomas Goodrich, Charles Brown, Abram Spalsbury, and at least three other heads of families named Nichols, Gardner and Combs, whose christian names are not recalled. Several of these settlers were in the town before the war of 1812, but the uncertain memory of man does not recall them by name, nor the place of their residence. Indeed, settlement previous to the war was of an uncertain character, and some of the settlers left through the fear that their improvements might be laid waste by the Canadian Indians, and their families subjected to the tomahawk and knife. At that time, too, but little had been done in the way of building roads, the agents of the proprietary being engaged in developing more desir able localities or waiting action by the state, hoping thus to relieve themselves of this expense. The highway leading northeast from THE TOWN OF PAMELIA. 741 Brownville to the east side of Perch lake had been opened but not com pleted, while another from the same place running in the same direc tion, though farther east, was also laid out but little settlement along it had been made. This was substantially on the line of the military road, as afterward known. For several years previous to the war things in this region were in an uncertain condition. The lands were heavily timbered, and the only reliable source of revenue for the settlers was the sale of pot ashes, but the stringency of the embargo and non-intercourse laws de prived them almost of the means of livelihood. There was little in the condition of things to tempt settlement and much to retard it. When the war did come the inhabitants were ill prepared for it, and while the able-bodied men freely enrolled themselves in General Brown's militia and went to the frontier, many of them left their families in want. But on these scenes we cannot dwell; the records are silent and give no in formation whatever as to who were the soldiers of Pamelia in that struggle. However, after peace was declared and the political affairs of tbe state were settled, improvements were resumed and new families came to make homes in the town. It was during these years that the population increased most rapidly and the necessity of a new town be gan to be felt. About 1815 Aaron Dresser opened a public house in the northeast part of the town, where the roads crossed, and in the next year John Gunn opened a stock of goods and began trade, he being the pioneer in this direction, though he was in business only a few years. Dresser's tavern was the first step toward a hamlet settlement, and Pamelia Four Corners was the result ; a hamlet which has been in existence to the present day. In the south part of the town settlement also increased, and in the locality opposite Watertown the lands were soon cleared, and a few small industries were built along the river. Still later in its history these little settlements became known as Williamstown (North Watertown) and Juhelville, places of considerable note for many years, but both were absorbed by an extension of the city limits, and their history became a part of that of the county seat. In treating of the early settlement and history of Pamelia the writer is embarrassed by the absence of records, a condition chiefly due to the fact that previous to 1819 the town formed a partof the still older town of Brownville. Town records are always a fruitful source of informa tion and from them may be gleaned many incidents of history not else- 742 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. where obtained. However, it is said that soon after the close of the war of 1812-15 there were at least fifty families settled in Pamelia, of whom more than half have been recalled by name; and in another de partment of this work will be found a more extended reference to them, and also to others of the same and a later period. Whatever the truth may have been it is nevertheless a fact that settlement once begun in creased rapidly, and the )7ear 1820 found the town containing more than 1,300 inhabitants. Therefore it is small wonder that the people sought to be set off from the mother town and erected into a separate jurisdiction of the county. The chief factors in bringing about this end are unknown, but we may fairly assume that those who were chosen as the first officers of the town were instrumental in accomplishing the work. Organization. — The town was created April 12, 1819, the act direct ing the first town meeting to be held March 7, 1820, at the school house near the dwelling of Elias Wager. The officers chosen were as follows : John Stewart, supervisor; Henry Gotham, town clerk; Russell Weaver, Benjamin Still and Simeon Woodruff, assessors; Simeon Woodruff and Benjamin Still, over seers of the poor; Alfred Commins, Simeon Woodruff and Benjamin Still, commis sioners of highways ; Horace Mather, collector ; Osman Bannister, Nehemiah Van Vest and Joseph Mayo, commissioners of common schools ; Amos Eames, William Usher, Russel Weaver, John N. Gunn, Baker Massey and Charles Brown, inspectors of schools; Jacob J. Green, Benjamin Pease and Horace Mather, constables. From this time history of the town has been a record of success, growth and development. The first settlers were chiefly farmers and lumbermen, the latter being in a measure the enforced occupation of nearly all the male population until the lands were cleared for agricul tural purposes; but incidental to this was the work of the. faithful housewife at the spinning wheel, for statistics show that in 1820 there were made in families 8,206 yards of cloth. At that time there was also in operation five grist mills, one saw mill, one fulling mill, one carding machine and two pot asheries. A total of 6,323 acres of land were cleared and under cultivation, while the husbandmen of the town owned for domestic purposes 318 horses, 1,339 cattle and 2,644 sheep. As evidence of subsequent industry on the part of the inhabitants, the statement may be made that in 1855 the acres of improved land numbered 19,810, and unim proved, 3,836; number of dwellings, 420; number of families, 442; freeholders, 223; school districts, 12; children taught, 884; number of horses, 585; working cattle and increase, 1,006; cows, 1,990; sheep, 1,687; swine, 891; bushels of winter wheat grown, 8,885; spring wheat, 16,079; tons of hay, 4,729; bushels of potatoes, 7,780; THE TOWN OF PAMELIA. 743 apples, 1,529; pounds of butter made, 151,117; of cheese, 192,427; domestic cloths, 1,626 yards. However, tbe succeeding quarter of a century witnessed many more and remarkable changes. The pioneers were nearly all gone, but their sons and daughters remained, and tbe agricultural resources of the town were developed almost to their fullest extent. A civil war also inter vened and took from the town some of its bravest and hardiest young men, the story of whose services is told in another chapter, but the most noticeable change was in the character of products and industries. The forest lands were substantially cleared, but wheat and cattle raising for market purposes was made unprofitable by reason of western competi tion, therefore the provident farmer turned to dairying and cheese mak ing in connection with general agricultural pursuits, and established for the town a reputation second to none in this part of the state. The character of the soil was peculiarly adapted to grazing. Hay, corn, oats and potatoes yielded abundantly in answer to proper tillage ; cattle thrived under proper care, and butter and cheese making became an established and profitable industry. Indeed, at one time, it is said, there were no less than twelve cheese factories in operation, the product of which brought to the town many thousand dollars each year. This is of course tbe staple product of the town, but in other respects Pamelia ranks well among the civil divisions of the county. As another indication of growth and development recourse may be had to the cen sus tables, from which it is learned that in 1820 the inhabitants numbered 1,342; in 1830, 2,263; in 1840, 2,104; in 1850, 2,528; in 1860, 2,789; in 1879, 1,292; in 1880, 1,143; in 1890, 1,104, and in 1892, 925. From this it is seen that from 1820 to 1860 there was a constant in crease in population, while subsequent years have shown a correspond ing decrease, the latter due to the same causes which have reduced the number of inhabitants in nearly all the interior towns of the state. In 1860 the maximum population of 2,789 was reached, but in 1869 a con siderable portion of Pamelia was absorbed by the city, the part in which the population was most dense and industries most numerous. This alone took from the town half its inhabitants and also much valuable taxable property. With this acquisition to the city was the village formerly called North Watertown but originally Williamstown and afterward Pamelia village; and also the neighboring hamlet of Juhel ville, so named by James Le Ray in honor of his wife, who was the daughter of John Juhel, a prominent and wealthy merchant of New 744 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. York city a century ago. Among the business interests thus trans ferred from the town to the city may be mentioned the Watertown steam engine company, now occupied by James B. Wise ; Lasher's flour mill; the "checkered" flour mill, now the electric light works, and the Farmers' mill, the latter owned by Wm. H. Angel, and also the adjoining distillery, both on the site of the Taggart paper company's buildings. There were also the cloth and fulling mill of which Ezra Wait was owner, the old Jacob Cramer saw mill, then out of use, and some shops on the corner opposite the checkered flour mill, at the end of the bridge. In the neighboring hamlet of Juhelville the city acquired the Wilson & Stewart carriage works; the O'Dougherty mills (now belonging to Remington Paper company) and the hosiery factory, together with other interests of perhaps less note. However, Pamelia is not without manufacturing industries of im portance. Nearly half a century ago two Germans named Butler and Yager came to the town and began making limburger cheese, in a small way at first but gradually enlarging their product as the demand required, for the commodity was found good and sold readily. Their success induced others to engage in the business, and in the course of twenty years this special manufacture became a staple industry, and resulted in at least a dozen factories scattered through the town; but as years passed trade fell off, hence several of the works were closed. The buildings remain and may be designated as follows: The Walters factory, located in the north part of the town, now owned by a stock company; Scovill's, near Military corners; Parish's, in the north part, but now closed; Ganter's, in the north part, closed; G. G.Waggoner's, now in opeiation in the north part; the Mills factory, owned by a com pany, but now closed; Oscar Hinds' factory, closed; Charles Fox's factory, closed, and Peter Rebscher's factory, also closed. In addition there are the -English or "Yankee" cheese factories, known, respect ively, as the Fairview, operated by a stock company, located centrally in the town ; the Cloverdale, at the corners, owned by A. E. Gove and the Pamelia creek factory, owned by a stock company. Each of these is in operation and doing a successful business. The other manufacturing interests of Pamelia comprise the carriage works of D. F. Moyer, at Knowlesville, and the similar works of William Ashton, at Pamelia Four Corners; the Remington paper and pulp com pany's extensive works on Black river in the southwest part of the town, and the lands and works of the Watertown pressed brick company THE TOWN OF PAMELIA. 745 in the same locality, and about three-quarters of a mile back from the river. Pamelia Four Corners is the only hamlet and post station in the town. Aaron Dresser seems to have been the active factor in founding the settlement, although Henry Becker, Curtis Goulding and Alvin Twing were improving lands in the vicinity about the same time. Dresser opened public house about the time of the war of 1812, and thenceforth this was a center of trade. A store was also opened, one or two shops were built, and about 1830 a post-office was established. Since then a store has been kept here, but the tavern became unprofitable and was closed. The present business interests comprise the general stores of Gove & Timmerman and A. F. Shaftner, the latter being sometimes called the grange store. There are also the Cloverdale cheese factory, two or three small shops, the district school and two nearby churches. The local postmaster is Alanson E. Gove. The First Methodist Episcopal church of Pamelia was organized as a class in 1847, and developed into a church body in February, 1848, in which year the edifice at the corners was built. The first trustees were Charles G. Harger, James Jones, Orvis Goulding, Asa Barnes, Curtis Goulding, Joseph Countryman, Daniel Gould, Jacob Harwick and Abram Augsbury. From that time the society has maintained a con tinuous existence, formerly with a large membership, but in more re cent years somewhat reduced, and now is a station supplied from Le Ray. The present pastor is Rev. John Wagoner. The conference minutes makes no separate report of this society. A union meetinghouse society in Pamelia was formed Nov. 16, 1847, the trustees of which were Jacob H. Zoller, Reuben Lock and Peter M. Salisbury, representing the Protestant Methodist, Universalists and Christians of the town, neither of which was strong enough to maintain a separate church. In 1848 the meeting house was built on the mili tary road, about half way between the four corners and the military corners. The edifice was used in common by these denominations several years, but when the Methodist Protestants withdrew and built an edifice north of the corners the strength of the local organization was weakened, and finally all meetings were discontinued. In 1874 the Christians attempted to revive an interest, but with only partail success, and now the house is closed. The society of the Methodist Protestant church of Pamelia was formed about 1845, but regular services were not held until the completion of 94 746 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the union house of worship. About 1866 the society withdrew from the union plan, and in 1867 erected a meeting house two miles north of Pamelia Four Corners, where the organization has ever since been maintained with a fair measure of success. The active membership is not strong, although services are well attended. The society has no resident pastor, and the pulpit is supplied from Evans' Mills by Rev. Byron G. Sanford. In the southwest part of the town, where the old military road inter sects the highway leading from the county seat to Depauville, is a lo cality known for more than three-quarters of a century as "Military corners,1' and so called from the fact that during the war of 1812-15 small bodies of soldiers were occasionally stationed there, and were wont to meet whenever their services might be required on the frontier. Thus made a central point for military gatherings, Smith Scovill, who came to the town about 1810 or '11, built a tavern, and from that time a public house has been maintained at the corners. The hostelry was kept in the Scovill family until less than ten years ago, and has since been managed by other landlords. The corners has no other hamlet features except the cheese factory before mentioned. Supervisors of Pamelia. — John Stewart, 1820-26; Russel Weaver, 1827-28; Gus tavus A. Foster, 1829-30 ; Bernard Bagley, 1831-35 ; Chillingsworth Colwell, 1836 ; Bernard Bagley, 1837-41; William Wilson, 1842; Henderson Hawk, 1843^5; Josiah Bonney, 1846-47 ; Bernard Bagley, 1848-49 ; Abram M. Harger, 1850 ; Charles D. Wright, 1851-52 ; Josiah Bonney, 1853 ; Isaac McGinness, 1854-57 ; Charles W. Bur dick, 1858-59 ; James Jones, 1860 ; Charles W. Burdick, 1861-63 ; Elliott Makepeace, 1864; Charles W. Burdick, 1865-67; Dexter W. Haven, 1868-72; Justus B. Leavitt] 1874-76 ; George H. Countryman, 1877-78 ; Dexter H. Haven, 1879-80 ; George A.' Fenner, 1881-85 ; Emery E. Ward, 1886 ; Charles E. Makepeace, 1887-88 ; Edward B. Nichols, 1889-92; Silas D. Ball, 1893-97; F. W. Mayhew, 1898-99. THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 747 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. The lands comprising the present town of Philadelphia were a part of the 220,000 acre tract conveyed January 3, 1800, by William Consta ble, on behalf of the Antwerp company, to James D. Le Ray, the con sideration paid for which was $46,315.12. Of that tract this town in cludes 21,800 acres, and is the smallest of the county's civil divisions, except Pamelia. Jacob Brown, the pioneer of Brownville and the entire region north of tbe Black river, was the direct cause of the settlement of Philadel phia. He knew the character and quality of the lands and their natural advantages for agricultural purposes, and this knowledge he caused to be circulated among his friends and acquaintances in Bucks county and the eastern part of Pennsylvania, where he had lived previous to coming to the Black river country. The result of his endeavors in this direc tion was a visit to the region in 1803 by Joseph Child, sen., Moses Moon, and his son, James Moon, who made an exploration of the lands of that part of Brownville which was afterward set off to Le Ray. They examined particularly in the locality between the Chassanis line directly north of Black river village, and thence extending northeast in the direction of Le Raysville, or lots 629-32, which Joseph Child and Moses Comfort at that time purchased. These were afterward used as sample lots in the negotiations for the company's purchase. After having satisfied themselves as to the quality of the lands the explorers returned to Pennsylvania and reported the results of their in vestigations to their friends, whereupon a company was formed to make an extensive purchase of lots in this region. On February 16, 1804, Mr. Le Ray, who then lived at Burlington, N. J., made an agreement to sell to the company, or its representatives, sixteen lots (7,040 acres), of land in Brownville, on great lot No. 4 of the Macomb purchase, at the agreed price of $3 per acre, payable in five annual installments, with six per cent, interest, with a ten per cent, discount for cash pay- 748 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ment. It was also agreed and provided that the lands should be of as good quality as lots 629-32 above mentioned. For the purpose of this transaction, which at that time was one of considerable importance to the proprietor, for these proposed Quaker purchasers were both a sturdy and substantial set of men, Mr. Le Ray caused to be laid out a tract aggregating twenty-five lots of land, in the form of a rectangle, five lots deep and five wide, each presumably con taining 440 acres. The center lot was No. 611, whereon stands the vil lage of Philadelphia, and which the proprietor agreed to donate to the company for the " support of a meeting house and school lot." Mr. Le Ray, with his customary business tact, then reserved two lots im mediately north, south, east and west of the center lot, thus selling to the company a block of four lots on each corner of the tract, or sixteen in all. The purchasers comprising the company were Abram Stockton and Charles Ellis, of Burlington, N. J., and Mordecai Taylor, Robert Comfort, Thomas and John Townsend, Israel Knight, Benjamin Rowland, Cadwallader Child, Moses Comfort, John Jones, David Evans and Jason Merrick, all of Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks counties, Penn., and all of whom, save Jason Merrick, were Quakers. In May, 1804, after all the preliminaries of the purchase had been settled, Cadwallader Child, Mordecai Taylor and Samuel Evans came to the locality by way of Albany, the Mohawk valley and the French road to Felt's mills, where they crossed the river into Le Ray, then however, a part of Brownville. Then in pursuance of an agreement with Le Ray, Mr. Child visited Jacob Brown at his home in Brownville and con sulted with him in relation to the survey of certain necessary roads from settled points to the purchase and proposed new settlement. With a party to assist in this work, our pioneer set out for Le Raysville, and from a point near the old "Methodist meeting house" he followed a line of lots "of Broadhead's survey to the south corner of the center lot, and down Black creek to its junction with Indian river, then called the west branch of the Oswegatchie." It was in the performance of this work that Cadwallader Child first surveyed the road from Le Raysville to Philadelphia in 1804, and the same business called him down to Alexandria Bay that year, when he discovered and reported to the proprietor that the bay had all the requi sites for a port, upon which a large tract was reserved by Le Ray for a village site. The proprietor had agreed to have a wagon road opened from the St. Lawrence river through the tract just sold, and thence THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 749 continued to the old post road in Champion, and to have the work fin ished before the first of December of that year. In this the proprietor had employed Mr. Child, and a more faithful employee was never in his service. In the party besides Mr. Child were Mordecai Taylor and Samuel Evans, his companions from Pennsylvania, also Michael Coffeen, Solomon Parker, Robert Sixbury and one other in the capacity of assist ant. Sixbury was the hunter of the party, whose chief duty was to supply the surveyors with meat for their sustenance. This he did, but his skill with the gun did not avail ; when at Alexandria Bay the party found themselves entirely out of all provisions but game. They were on the point of returning when a schooner happened to come down the river, and being well supplied with "mess," kindly furnished enough to carry the surveyors to the end of their route. Cadwallader Child was the leading spirit of this whole enterprise, and for many years afterward was a conspicuous figure in town history, both in Philadelphia and elsewhere in the region, as a perusal of the town chapters will show. But Mr. Child never sought to draw attention to himself, being a consistent Quaker, therefore free from all ostentation or desire for prominence, and whatever he did, and whatever promi nence he gained, was wholly in the line of his business as surveyor, at which he was employed much of the time by Le Ray and also by the settlers in this part of the county. It is in this connection that his name appears so frequently in the records. According to the terms of tbe purchase, it was agreed that in case the lands should not be as good as those of lots 629-32, of which ques tion Richard Coxe, Jacob Brown and Jonas Smith were sole judges, the proprietor was to make good the deficiency by an additional amount of land, but it does not appear that the arbiters were ever called upon to pass on the matter, on the contrary it appears that the purchasers were well suited with their possessions. It was also provided that the company should agree upon a division of the lots among themselves be fore tbe 25th of April after the purchase, which being done, Mr. Le- Ray executed deeds to each of the owners in May, 1804. The lots sold were numbers 539, 540, 542, 543, 575, 576, 578, 579, 643, 644, 646, 647, 674, 675, 677 and 678. The lots reserved by Le Ray were 541, 577, 609, 610/612, 613, 645 and 646. Lot No. 611, to* which reference has been made, was given to the company for the support of a meeting house and school. In all the surveys made by Child this lot was used as the central or starting point. 750 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The surveying party in following the Broadhead line struck the lot at its southeast corner, thence followed down Black creek to the place of discharge into the Indian river as above stated. Here a cabin was built about on the site of the Philadelphia grist mill of later years, now the Wilson mill. From this point the road was surveyed to the St. Law rence, just above Alexandria Bay, followed by another from the same starting point to the Black river at Great Bend. Thus the road was surveyed. These things being done, Mr. Child, his nephew Samuel, and Thomas Ward, went upon lot 644, which the surveyor had drawn in the company's division, made a small clearing of about two acres and built a rude log cabin, but did not remain on the lot during the winter. This clearing was about one and a half miles south of the village site, on the bank of a small creek, and on the farm where Oliver Child, son of the pioneer, afterward lived so long. This was the first improvement in the town of Philadelphia, but the honor of being the first permanent settler and pioneer in fact must be given to John Petty, who came to Le Ray in 1802 or '3, and in the fall of the next year lo cated on lot 672, building a cabin and remaining throughout the winter of 1804-5. His lands were embraced in the farm afterward owned by John T. Strickland, at Strickland's corners, near Sterlingville. Daniel Coffeen followed in the same fall, and made an improvement but did not settle until the next spring. Returning briefly to the subject of lot 611, it may be said that while this donation on the part of the proprietor was in itself a generous action, it was nevertheless the ultimate cause of much dissension and nearly resulted in a disruption of the Quaker element of population. The lot had been placed in the hands of trustees of the company to manage for the public welfare, and on February 1, 1805, these trustees held a meeting and determined to lay out the tract in lots of ten acres each, which should be rented to any person or persons who would clear the same and build a log or frame house 18 feet square within four years. In compensation for this work the tenant should be entitled to the use of the lot rent free for a term of ten years. It was also deter mined at the meeting that the division and disposition should be made under the direction of Robert Comfort, Cadwallader Child, Thomas and John Townsend and Jason Merrick. However, settlement on the lot under direction of the committee was not rapid, nor was it satisfactory to the company. During the first ten years less than one settlement per annum was made, therefore the trus- THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 751 tees became dissatisfied with their lack of success in attempting the disposition of the lots, and in 1815 applied to the Le Ray monthly meeting of Friends to relieve them. This could not be accomplished without an act of the legislature, and as an application of such charac ter was inconsistent with the religious teachings of the Quakers, it was not made. In April, 1816, the Le Ray meeting appointed a commit tee comprising Richard Hallock, Daniel Child, Joseph Child, jr., Will iam Barber, John Strickland, jr., and Joel Haworth to confer and act with the trustees in the mangement of the lot, said trustees having been reappointed, except Merrick, who continued to act with them. On June 9, 1823, trustees Robert Comfort and Thomas Townsend quit claimed their interests in the lot to Cadwallader Child and John Town- send, and thereafter, between October, 1823, and 1838 " the whole 440 acres was leased out in about 40 lots, or parcels, at annual rents aver aging less than one dollar per acre, forever." On July 7, 1825, the so ciety appointed Edmund Tucker, Daniel Child and John Strickland, jr., to procure quit-claim deeds from the persons mentioned in the con veyances from Le Ray, but this could not be done on account of the refusal of some and the death of other grantees, whose property was in estates. In the meantime another element of discord had arisen, for in 1828 the Quakers here had become divided by the teachings of Elias Hicks. Edmund Tucker and John Strickland, jr., were leaders of the dissentients, the Hicksites, while Daniel Child, Cadwallader Child and John Townsend remained with the orthodox members. The latter ele ment, however, continued in control of the lot and the meeting house, which had been built in 1810. On March 9, 1843, Samuel G. Slocum, Robert Townsend and Nay lor Child were appointed trustees in place of Cadwallader Child, John Townsend and Jason Merrick, and on January 9, 1845, the monthly meeting directed the trustees to quit-claim to most of the tenants and occupants on the lots tbe parcels which they respectively held, in con sideration ofthe gross sum of $1,250, which was done, though without the consent of Naylor Child. This was the result of the so-called anti- rent troubles, which began as early as 1835, and while following closely after the more serious similar disturbance in Steuben county, was in no manner related to that event. The local anti-rent conflict had its origin in the fact that the original leases had been subdivided, sub leased and otherwise repeatedly conveyed by lessees without the knowledge of the trustees, who were compelled frequently to distrain 752 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. for rent against tenants whose leasehold interest had been transferred to a subsequent occupant. This was a condition of frequent occurrence and led to much feeling on the part of certain tenants in possession at the time, nearly all of whom organized together to resist the claims attempted to be enforced against them to secure pay for the debts of their predecessors. Jesse Smith, John F. Latimer and Samuel Rogers represented the tenancy in this matter, but legal and not forcible resist ance was determined upon. In March, 1844, a petition was sent to the legislature for an act authorizing the trustees to sell the center lot, but the attorney-general, to whom the application was referred, reported that it was "not compe tent for any court, or even the legislature itself, to add to or diminish from the estate thereby created, or to change the nature of the trust, or to confer upon the trustees to convey the legal estate discharged of this trust, thus annexed to it." However, the difficulty was finally settled by the execution of quit- claim deeds, and all arrearages of rent were paid to April 1, 1844. Since that time the titles to lands on the lot have practically settled themselves, although formerly regarded as resting on rather insecure foundations. On this score, however, there is now no doubt for where half a century or more ago was the scene of almost constant disquiet and uncertainty regarding titles is now one of the most progressive interior villages in Jefferson county. Notwith standing all the difficulties of the period, the original purpose of the donation of lot 611 was in a measure carried out. The meeting house was built in 1810, and was afterward maintained with but little expense. Robert Comfort was preacher of the meetings. A school was kept in the meeting house, although the first school in the settlement was opened in the dwelling of John Strickland, sen., and was taught by Anna Comstock. In 1835 a difference arose between the Quakers and the trustees of the district regarding the employment of teachers, and resulted in the erection of a school house by the district, and a school supported at the public expense. In the early history of the lot and its settlement, the improvements most needed by the settlers were grist and saw mills, and as an induce ment to their erection Thomas and John Townsend were given the free use for 20 years of a fifteen or twenty acre tract of land, to include the falls on Indian river, for the purpose mentioned. The work of build ing was begun in the spring of 1805, the Townsends coming to the town in that year, as also did Robert Comfort, Josiah Walton, Thomas Coxe THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 753 Benjamin and Thomas Gilbert and Daniel Roberts. Warren and An drew Foster arrived soon afterward, and with the Gilberts and Walton were employed in working on the mills. The latter were built quickly, yet well, and were sufficient for the time and the needs of the settlers. During the same season, a log house was built for John Townsend, and stood about on the site of the present Eagle hotel. A dwelling was also built for Robert Comfort, standing near the east end of the bridge, and was soon afterward opened for the accommodation of travelers. It was the first public bouse in the town. In the fall of 1807 Joseph Bolton came and took possession of the tavern and continued it as a house of "public entertainment," as called among the Quakers. In 1809, John Strickland, sen., purchased the Townsend mill property, and about the same time took up his residence in the blockhouse which Thomas Townsend had built, but which he soon enlarged to double its original size. This was the first framed dwelling house in either the settlement or town. Having thus traced the early history of lot 611 and the territory in its immediate vicinity which was settled by these industrious, perse vering Quakers, a brief allusion may be made to the arrival of some of the more prominent characters that made up this somewhat unique settlement, and also some of the pioneers and early settlers in other parts of the town than the lots purchased by the company. As has been stated, the pioneers of the town was John Petty, who purchased and settled on lands on lot 672, in the fall of 1804, and was thereafter a permanent resident. Daniel Coffeen came during the same fall, but did not move there until the next year. Thomas and John Townsend came in 1805 to build their mills, and brought with them the settlers mentioned in a preceding paragraph, all of whom were in some manner afterward identified with the town in its early history. Josiah Walton settled on reserved lot 645, where he employed men to make a clearing, and on which Cadwallader Child sewed the first crop of wheat. John Townsend also sewed wheat the same fall, these being the first events of their kind in the town. Mr. Child also built a log house on lot 611, in which he intended to live, but soon sold the improvement to Silas Walton, another early comer. Jason Merrick, the only member of the company not a Quaker, was a native of Holland, and came to the settlement in 1805, making an improvement on lot 675, clearing the land and building a log house. In his family were six children. John Strickland, of whom mention 95 754 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. has been made, was one of the most wealthy and influential men of the town in his time. He was a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, born in 1757, and came to this town in 1806, bringing here, it is said, the sum of about $25,000 in cash. He bought the saw and grist mills built by the Townsends, and was otherwise extensively interested in property in the town. His possessions at one time amounted to 5,000 acres of land. During the war of 1812-15, he furnished supplies to the American army, but the somewhat unexpected return of peace found him with a large quantity of provisions on hand, all of which he was compelled to sell at less than half its original cost, thus seriously impairing his fortune. In his family were eleven children, and among his descendants have been some of the best business men of the county. This worthy pioneer died Sept. 15, 1849. The locality so long known as Strickland's Corners was named in allusion to the family. Stephen Roberts was another settler in 1806, and also a former resi dent of Bucks county, Penna. He took up 440 acres just south of the village site. His children were Daniel, Elias, Hugh, Grace and Eliza beth Roberts. This family name has also been well preserved in the town and county and includes men of capacity and worth. Benjamin Gilbert also came in 1806, and John Strickland, jr., in 1807. In the latter year Joseph Bolton came and moved into the tavern built by Robert Comfort as above stated. Thus was accomplished the pioneer settlement, and thus was founded its earliest institutions. In this direction, however, progress was slow previous to 1818, for the most desirable lands of the town were sup posed to have been taken by the Quakers and their friends, whose names we have attempted to recall. From this fact settlement on the reserved lots, and as well in the remote parts of the town was delayed until later years. At that time Mr. Le Ray was much engaged with his other enterprises, and after the Quaker settlement was founded he gave little attention to its affairs. In 1807 the settlement suffered se riously from an epidemic of fever, from which Robert Comfort lost two daughters and Jason Merrick a son, all of whom were buried in the settlement graveyard. The causes which retarded settlement on the center lot and the Quaker lands generally, also delayed development in other localities, but among the heads of families who came about or soon after the time of separate town organization were : Harvey Hamblin, the second supervisor of the town, and the Ingleharts, who THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 755 settled about two miles from the Quaker settlement in 1810. In the same manner may be recalled and mentioned Alden Bucklin, Thomas, James and William Bones, David Mosher, John R. Taylor, Benjamin Jackman, Hiram Hinman, Piatt Hoffman, Samuel C. Frey, Cyrus Dodge, Andrew Warren, Benj. Gilbert, Benj. Foster, Samuel and Harvey Copley, Thomas and Duty Mosher, Alfred Coolidge, Gardner Clark, and others now forgotten. However, for the purpose of preserving the names of as many as possible of the older settlers in the town recourse is had to the assess ment rolls, which, fortunately are found in fair state of preservation, the oldest of which is of the year 1827. At that time the resident taxable inhabitants were William Allen, Stephen Baker, Alfred Coolidge, James and Allen Cooper, Cadwallader and Aaron Child, Gardner Clark, John Edwards, Harvey Hamblin, Nehemiah Howland, David Holden, Jona than Mosher, Samuel Rogers, Stephen Roberts, Mahlon Strickland, John Strickland, John Strickland, jr., Abiel Shurtleff, Ai Shattuck, John Townsend, Edmund Tucker, John Whiting, Erastus Whitney, William York. Organization. — Notwithstanding the conditions which surrounded early life and settlement in this town, it was deemed advisable to make a division of the territory of Le Ray within about ten years after set tlement on lot 611 was begun, although not until 1821 was the creating act passed by the legislature. At that time three new towns were erected in the northern part of the county, viz. : Alexandria, Orleans and Philadelphia, all by the same act. That portion of the act which related particularly to this town was as follows : That all that part of the town of Le Ray, &c, ' ' Beginning at the easterly corner of lot 164, on the southwesterly line of the town of Antwerp, and running thence along the southeasterly line of the above new town of Alexandria (referring to a pre ceding section) to the south corner of lot 223 ; thence southeasterly and parallel with the southwest line of the town of Antwerp, to the northwest line of the town of Wilna; thence northeasterly along the said line of Wilna to the town of Antwerp aforesaid ; thence northwesterly along the said town line of Antwerp to the place of beginning, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a separate town by the name of Philadelphia; and that the first town meeting shall be held at John Strickland's tavern house in the said town." The first town meeting was held March 5, 1822, when these officers were elected : Supervisor, Alden Bucklin ; town clerk, John Strickland, jr. ; assessors, Thomas Bones, Alden Bucklin, Abiel Shurtleff; collector, William Bones; commissioners of highways, Cadwallader Child, John Townsend, Abiel Shurtleff; commissioners of common schools, John Strickland, jr., David Mosher, James Bones; inspectors of schools, James Bones, Cadwallader Child, J. R. Taylor; constable, William Bones. In Philadelphia the geographical and topographical conditions are not unlike those of other towns in this part of the county. The town, 756 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. however, has two splendid watercourses, the Indian river and Black creek, which drain the lands thoroughly, and also afford abundant water power for such milling enterprises as have from time to time been established. The soil generally in the town is a clayey loam, comparatively fertile under proper cultivation, yet affording excellent grazing and pasture lands. Iron ore has been found in considerable quantities, thus leading to some important early industries. From the time of its earliest settlement until its lands and resources were fully developed, the growth of the town was slow and conserva tive. Indeed, nearly the whole population during the first twenty years of its history were a conservative class of men and women, Quakers and Friends, steady, earnest plodders, caring little for other than the plainest comforts and conveniences of life, and scorning all that savored of personal ambition and progression as viewed at the present time. Yet in all this vast county there were no more indus trious, intelligent and trustworthy people than the early settlers on the company's lands in what is now Philadelphia. All their customs and manners in life were peculiar, especially in their religious walk and ob servance, which were elements not calculated to attract to the town other settlers than those who shared the same views ; and it was not until dissensions began to creep among them, growing out of the preach ing of Elias Hicks, that many families of other sects came to town to live. In 1820 the territory comprising the town contained 826 inhabitants, and in 1825 the number had not increased. The subsequent growth is fairly shown by extracting from the census table as follows : In 1830 the inhabitants numbered 1,167; 1835, 1,616; 1840, 1,888; 1845, 1,942- 1850 1,915; 1855, 1,743; 1860, 1,790; 1865, 1,715; 1870, 1,679; 1875, 1,751 '¦ 1880 1 750 ¦' 189o' 1,662; 1892, 1,648. From this it may be seen that the growth of the town in all branches of its history and interests has been steady, healthful and per manent, and that the maximum was reached in 1860. This gradual growth was in a measure due to the development of a certain special industry, and one which for a time brought a full measure of prosperity to all interests. As an iron producing town Philadelphia began to at tract attention about 1836, but tbe presence of iron ores was known long before that time. As early as 1816 the Parish forge was started at Sterlingburgh, and the industries which followed led to the opera tion of the mines of the town. In the extreme northern portion on lots numbers 543 and 544, iron ores were found in abundance, and on THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 757 the farms of Almon Fuller and Abiel Shurtleff operations began. The ore was taken to Sterlingville and there made into iron and its products, and was also taken to Antwerp, Redwood and Carthage, where furnaces and forges were in operation. However, from this discovery and pro duction no immediate benefit accrued to the town except the royalty of fifty cents per ton which producers paid to farmers owning the ore producing lands, until the erection of the iron works at Sterlingville. The ores were not rich in quality and were used chiefly in combination with others. The beds were worked with greater or less perseverance by various proprietors until about 1880 when they were closed. In 1867 the mines were sold to the Sterlingville iron company, of Syracuse, to which place the ores were chiefly shipped as long as the business was continued. In 1836 a furnace was built on Black creek, in the south part of the town, for the purpose of working ores produced in Antwerp. James Sterling was the founder of the enterprise and put his works in opera tion in June, 1837 ; and from that time until his death he was in some manner connected with the industry in the town. He died in 1863. He was the direct cause and means of building up the little hamlet called for him Sterlingville, and was withal, one of the foremost men of the town in his time. While ores from Antwerp were used almost wholly for a time, the Sterling furnace soon began taking ore from lots 543 and 544. The business started well, and on August 31, 1837, the Sterling iron com pany was incorporated, having a capital of $20,000. The incorporators were James Sterling, Orville Hungerford, George Walton, Caleb Essing- ton and George C. Sherman. This company did an extensive and prof itable business for about three years, and at the end of the first year gave a complimentary dinner to its employees and others connected with the industry. However, in 1840 the company ceased operations and dissolved, and was succeeded in the same year (on May 19) by the Philadelphia iron company, also incorporated, comprising Ephraim Taylor, Frederick Van Ostrand, George Dickerson, William Skinner and John Gates. Under this management the furnace was rebuilt, but subsequent operations were not specially profitable to the company, which soon afterward passed out of existence. The next proprietor was Samuel G. Sterling, brother to the founder, the latter also having an active interest in the business. They con tinued the furnace for several years, but with indifferent success. The 758 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. buildings were burned in 1849, but were rebuilt in 1851. A. P. Sterling, formerly of Antwerp, next succeeded, and conducted the business from 1859 to 1869 and then sold to the Jefferson iron company, an Antwerp concern and owners of furnaces in other localities. The enterprise at Sterlingville was abandoned about 1880, and now exists only in history and ruins. In 1839, just before the Philadelphia iron company was formed, Caleb Essington, formerly of the Sterlingville iron company, built a forge at this hamlet and conducted it for several years in the manufacture of refined iron. This business was continued about twenty years. The history of these industries is substantially the history of Sterling ville during the period of their operation, for the hamlet was founded with them and suffered seriously when they ceased operations. A saw mill was built on the village site as early as 1824 by Hamblin & Cro- foot for Edmund Tucker, but was probably owned by Joseph Bonaparte, who lived in Wilna, near Natural Bridge, and was something of a character in the early history of that region. James Sterling also built a saw mill at the village in 1836. The grist mill was started several years later, but now all these old industries are gone and only an idle saw mill serves to remind us of a once busy community and of pros perous times now passed. Sterlingville was made a post-office in 1839, with George Walton as postmaster. In 1840 Rufus Hatch opened a public house, but in the next year the long known Sterlingville house was opened by Frederick Van Ostrand, one of the furnace company. Indeed, almost the entire business of the hamlet was controlled by the company operating the furnace and forge. In 1850 the interests comprised the furnace and forge, two taverns, two stores, two saw mills, several small shops, a district school, Catholic church, and about 300 inhabitants. The Union meeting house was built in 1856. Beyond this condition the village has not materially progressed. During the period of operation of the fur nace and forge, and other industries, it was a place of busy activity, and all its institutions and interests appeared to be well and permanently established, but when operations ceased the laboring element was com pelled to seek other places of employment and business was confined to the patronage drawn from the surrounding agricultural region. This has been the condition of things for more than twenty-five years, yet Sterlingville is a pleasant little hamlet, and is peopled with an indus trious and thrifty class of residents. At this time the business interests THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 759 comprise the general stores owned by C. B. Corbin & Co. and Bigarel & Malone, and the unused saw mill. The public buildings are the dis trict school, the union meeting house and the Catholic church. Sterlingville became a Catholic mission in 1837, and in 1839 a house of worship was built just outside the hamlet proper, on a lot donated by John La Farge. At that time Rev. Michael Gilbride was priest in charge. In 1849 the edifice was burned, but was replaced in 1854 with a larger structure. In 1885 the building was removed to the village. It is still an out mission from Evans' Mills, under the care of Rev. A. L. Dufrasne. The union meeting house was erected in 1856 by contributions from the generously disposed people of the locality, and at a cost of about $1,800. During its history the building has been occupied by worship ers of the Methodist Episcopal, Protestant Episcopal, Universalist, Baptist and Disciple denomination, none of which was sufficiently strong to maintain a church or support a separate pastor. The Metho dists are the strongest denomination in this part of the town, gradually and constantly growing in numbers and influence. The believers in the Disciple christian teachings began holding meetings soon after 1845 and about five years later had effected an informal organization. The society was formed in 1864, the original members numbering 22 per sons, but did not progress much beyond this condition in later years. Meetings were held in the union building at Sterlingville as long as the organization was maintained. No regular services of this denomina tion have been held for more than fifteen years. Among the old localities not now known to the town, except in local annals, is that once called Whitney's corners, so named for one of the prominent families living on the old plank road between Evans' Mills and Ox Bow. A post-office was established here in 1850, Cary Z. Eddy being postmaster. After one year he was succeeded by William M. Whitney, who held the office until it was discontinued in 1856 Dur ing the stage days this locality enjoyed some prominence, but when the railroad became the established means of travel it seemed to lose all its former importance. The same may also be said of the locality known as Pogeland, in the east part of the town, on the old plank road leading from Sterlingville to Antwerp. A post-office was estab lished here in 1852, with Daniel Smith as postmaster. The office was soon abolished, then restored, but permanently discontinued in 1855. The last postmaster was Theodore Cross. 760 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. These post hamlets had no special importance in the history of the town, and were only the natural results of laying out the turnpikes along which they were established. After the construction of the first railroad through the town their necessity was gone and they were discontinued. The first railroad constructed into the town was the old Potsdam & Watertown, which was opened for traffic June 2, 1855. This road gave the village of Philadelphia a special prominence in this part of the county, and also had a beneficial effect upon all other inter ests in the town at large. This was followed by the Utica & Black river railroad, which was completed to Philadelphia village February 2, 1872. The Black river and Morristown railroad, an extension of the last mentioned road, though built by another company, was opened in the fall of 1873, as also was the Clayton and Theresa road, thus, with the united lines, giving the town a special prominence and peculiar im portance in the north part of the county. The benefits of these several roads have been apparent, and while they have not made it a manufac turing town, all agricultural interests have been benefited in the ready means of shipment of products to market. Outside of the principal village of Philadelphia the town has been almost purely an agricultural region since the iron works were discontinued. The soil produces well in all staples, while cattle and stock raising and dairying are leading pursuits. Butter and cheese have been produced with profitable results for many years. In connection with the latter several factories have been maintained in the town for many years. They are located to ac commodate the milk producers of their region. The factories now in operation are known as the Spring factory, owned by George A. Fuller and located in the northwest part of the town, below the old Shurtleff ore beds; the Wilson factory (E. Wilson, owner), located at Whitney's Corners; the Philadelphia village factory, William Flat, proprietor; the Jersey factory, owned by Bradley Sterling, situated two miles east of the village. The town also has two good limburger cheese facto ries, one of which is owned by George Gebler, on the Galloway road, and the other by John E. Strickland, and located at Strickland's Cor ners. Philadelphia Village. — The village of Philadelphia, originally known as Quaker Settlement, dates its history from the time when Cadwallader Child and his party of surveyors built a log cabin about on the site of the present Philadelphia grist mill. Of course it was a part of the plan of the Quaker community to found a settlement, and James Le Ray THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 761 also had that end in view when he made tbe donation of the lot to the company. In 1805 Thomas and John Townsend built the dam and the mills, and in the same year Robert Comfort opened his dwelling as a house of public entertainment, being succeeded by Joseph Bolton. In 1809 John Strickland purchased and continued the mills and was other wise a prominent factor in the early history of tbe settlement. In 1810 the first meeting house was erected, and in the building a school was kept for seventeen years. In 1812 the interests of the settlement comprised only the mills and the meeting house, but about this time Samuel Case opened a stock of goods and began trading. Beyond this condition of growth and pros perity there was no material advancement for many years. In 1824 the mills and store were still in operation, the meeting house still stood and served for worship and school. Then there were about fifty-five families on the center lot, which comprised the settlement. In 1828 the persons living here and engaged in business were Edmund Tucker and Mr. Strickland, owners of the grist mill; Piatt Homan, miller; Samuel C. Frey and Cyrus Dodge, innkeepers; Harvey Hamblin, W. Mosher and John Cross, shoe makers; James Cromwell, cabinetmaker; Robert Gray, son-in-law to Mr. Strickland, storekeeper on the corner now of Antwerp and Main streets (successor to Samuel Case) ; Seth Otis, storekeeper ; Dr. Almon Pitcher, physician ; Horace Ball, carding, fulling and cloth mill; and also Stephen Roberts, Orrin Cloyse, John Root, Elijah Comstock, Edmund Hall and Justin Gibbs, each of whom was engaged in some honest calling, for this settlement of staid and sturdy Quakers was no place for idlers. At a little later period William Comstock took the cloth mill, and was in turn suc ceeded by Milo Shattuck and one Houghton. Robert Gray also had a distillery, the only industry of its kind ever in the town, but the period of its operation was not long. About this time the Quakers who constituted the principal element of population at the settlement, became much disturbed on account of the teachings of Elias Hicks, and the agitation of the period finally terminated in the division of their community, with some feeling on both sides. Of course during the time there could not be any health ful growth or advancement in any direction. Indeed, a contrary con dition prevailed, and the settlement lost some of its former inhabitants. Soon afterward followed the anti-rent disturbances, which continued with considerable bitterness from 1835 to 1844, and in a measure in volved the whole town, even to some of the Quakers. Samuel Rogers, who with John F. Latimer and Jesse Smith, were the committee to represent the anti-renters in resisting payments, was himself a Quaker, and still others took part in the events of the time. However, as is 762 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mentioned in preceding pages, the period passed without more serious results than warm discussions and little open resistance to rent collec tors, after which events resumed their natural channels. In the mean time the settlement enjoyed no substantial growth or prosperity, and it was not until after the construction of the first railroad in 1855 that the hamlet took the semblance of a village. In 1856, when Daniel H. Scofield came to Philadelphia, there was but one mercantile store in the place. W. W. Merrick & Co. (Mr. Sisson being the partner) were in trade where Gardner's store now stands. The building was afterward burned. Holmes & Scofield began business in that year in a building on the present bakery site. They were the leading and in fact about the only merchants of prom inence for many years, and while the railroad was in many ways of benefit to local interests, the importance of Philadelphia on the old stage route was lost. For nearly thirty years after this, although dur ing the time various interests were established and passed through the usual changes in business life, there was no remarkable increase in any direction, and not until about 1866 did prosperity in fact come, although in the mean time village incorporation was effected. On January 16, 1872, a special election of the inhabitants was held for the purpose of determining the question of incorporation. The pro ceeding was conducted by Loren Fuller, supervisor, and C. E. Gould, town clerk. The whole number of votes cast was 96, of which 73 were for and 23 against the proposition. The survey of the proposed tract was made Dec. 4, 1871, and included 640 acres of land. The first elec tion of village officers was held March 4, 1872, and resulted as follows: President, Daniel H. Scofield; trustees, Seth Strickland, Orrin A. Cross and George A. Tucker; clerk, Asa E. Macomber; street commissioner, James Barr. At that time the village contained 625 inhabitants. The present number, according to careful estimate, is 1,200. It will be seen from this that the population during the twenty-five years of its municipal history has nearly doubled, due in a great measure to the prominence the village has gained as a railroad center, and also to the starting of several important manufacturing enterprises. In 1886 Daniel H. Sco field built the large brick building at the corner of Main and Antwerp streets, and in the same year on the opposite corner C. W. Hall built the Eagle hotel, on the site where a public house has been maintained from the earliest settlement, and where not less than twenty-five land- Gillie/ man TfTOrn-Grtz.yu.r'p Co. /f/>^^^^^ (ytsfr^r—) /^5~ THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 763 lords have provided comfort to the traveling public. The present Eagle hotel is known as one of the largest country houses in the north part of the county. In the same year (1886) about 25 new dwellings were built in the village. The William Roberts lumber mills had been built in 1882, and em ployed about 70 men. The old flour mills had been in operation since 1805, employing several men. Other industries which contributed to this fortunate condition, though some of them in 1886 were not in act ive operation, were the Aldrich saw mill, which Hamblen & Crofoot built originally in 1826; Farnham's tannery, built in 1842 by James Short; Potter's cabinet works, which succeeded Milo Shattuck's cloth mill, and several other interests of perhaps less note. The Bank of Philadelphia filed articles of association and incorpora tion February 7, 1888, and commenced business March 1st thereafter. The capital was $25,000, and nearly every business man in the town subscribed to the stock. The first officers were Daniel H. Scofield, president; Williarn Roberts, vice president, and H. O. Gardner, cashier. On March 3, 1893, Andrew C. Comstock succeeded Mr. Scofield as president ; and on August 2, 1897, William A, Markwick became cashier in place of Mr. Gardner. The bank was something of an experiment in the village but was deemed necessary to local interests. It has done a safe, conservative business, and is regarded as one of the sound financial institutions of the county. The deposits average about $50,000, and tbe surplus and undivided profit account is more than $5,000. The Indian river chair company (limited) was incorporated in 1890, by Wm. Roberts, D. H. Scofield, A. C. Comstock, M. E. Aldrich and I. C. Mosher, and with a capital of $15,000 (subsequently increased to $30,000). The first officers were Wm. Roberts, prest. ; D. H. Scofield, vice-prest. ; I. C. Mosher, treas., and H. O. Gardner, sec'y. The com pany took the old saw mill property and remodeled it into a large factory building and began the manufacture of reed chairs, furniture, fancy rockers, and cobbler's, saddle seat and upholstered chairs, employ ing 75 men. In January, 1894, Wm. Roberts became president, G. W. Roberts, vice president and treasurer, and C. O. Roberts, secretary and general manager. An extensive business was done by the company, and when the outlook was most promising, on September 30, 1897, the works were entirely destroyed by fire. Thus the village lost one of its best and largest industries. The present mercantile and manufacturing interests of the village 764 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. are almost equal in number and importance to those of any previous period of its history, and far greater than when the incorporation was effected. The saw and planing mills owned by William Roberts are among the best surviving industries, which, with his grist mill make the proprietor one of the largest employers of labor in the village. The other interests are about as follows: Seeber & Groat, sash, door and blind factory; Wilson Bros., proprietors of the Philadelphia flour mills; Wm. Flath, cheese factory; D. H. Scofield & Son, general store; A. C. Comstock, hardware; C. C. Neville, grocer; W. J. Guthrie, meat market; M. E. Aldrich. drugs; Webb Gardner, clothing; James Neville, livery; H. P. McNiel, hardware; G. W. Fuller, harness shop; John Payne, grocer; B. F. Kent, boots and shoes and jewelry; O. F. Grap potte, groceries; W. J. Linstrath, furniture; C. W. Griffin, general store; R. Adrian, shoe shop ; W. J. Wait, drugs and groceries ; E. Cooper, meat market ; W. K. Peck, blacksmith; Francis Wilson, proprietor Eagle hotel; Geo. Fisher, proprietor Fisher's hotel. The educational history of the village may also be briefly recalled. In 1810 Anna Comstock kept a little school in a part of the dwelling owned by John Strickland, the property purchased by him from Thomas Townsend. This was the first school in the town. Miss Comstock afterward taught school in the old Quaker meeting house built in 1810, which was continued until 1827. In 1822, the year after the town was created, commissioners John Strickland, jr., David Mosher and James Bones divided the territory into four districts and made provision for a school in each. The center lot was included in district number three. In 1825 a serious discussion arose among the factions regarding the school on this lot, the chief parties to the controversy being the Hick- sites and orthodox Quakers, the latter siding with the settlers on the lot who were not Quakers. Charges of unfairness and misappropria tion of funds were made, and also the claim that the Hicksites refused attendance to children not of their creed. A warm discussion followed, but in 1837 another school house was built, and stood on a lot donated by John F. Latimer. This school was supported at the public expense. In 1851 the Quakers built a school house just south of the R. W. & O. track (as afterward built), where school was taught several years. In 1869 the district purchased the old meeting house lot, sold three acres and retained two acres for school purposes. The meeting house was occupied for a time, but as the school population increased a large build ing was erected, and is still in use although it has been occasionally re paired and remodeled. In 1893 the Philadelphia union free school district was organized, THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 765 and in 1894 the school came under the supervision of the state regents. when the greatest improvements to the system were made. The school is now maintained at an annual expense of about $2,400. The attend ance averages from 175 to 200 pupils. Since the fall of 1894 the school has been in charge of J. G. Peck. The board of education comprises W. A. Markwick (pres.), Robert Adrian, W. C. Holmes (sec.) and Wm. Guthrie. In the same connection it is also proper to mention the old Philadel phia library, formed Sept. 13, 1831, and indirectly associated with the educational institutions of the village. The trustees and active promo ters of this commendable enterprise were Edmund Tucker, Alvah Mur dock, Henry W. Marshall, Joel Haworth, John E. Latimer, Samuel Rogers, Azel Danforth, Weeden Mosher, and John R. Taylor. For some cause the enterprise was not specially successful, and was soon dissolved, the library passing into the hands of Mr. Latimer. The Philadelphia water works system was established in 1896. For all previous time in the history of both settlement and village the in habitants were obliged to depend on the sometimes impure waters of Indian river or Black creek, or tbe shallow wells in the locality. A complete and reliable water supply at last became a necessity, there fore in the year mentioned the village electors voted to bond to the ex tent of $30,000 for construction purposes. A reservoir was built on the plains, four miles from the village, and main pipes were extended thence to the village and throughout its principal streets. There are now about seven or eight miles of main pipe, from four to eight inches in diameter, thirty-two fire hydrants, and about 150 taps. The system is in charge of a commission comprisiug William Roberts, president ; Isaac C. Mosher, secretary, superintendent and manager, and A. C. Comstock. Philadelphia lodge No. 690, I. O. O. F., was instituted Feb. 14, 1894, with 26 charter members, and from that time has grown to a present membership of 75. The past grands have been as follows: D. C. Rodenhurst, L. M. Aldrich, W. A. Markwick, George A. Fuller (two terms), G. F. Olds and A. W. Danforth. The religious history of the village is also interesting, yet of the several denominations which have in the past had an organization and place of worship but three remain at this time. The Quakers were a peculiar people and worshiped according to the primitive and strict ideas which have always marked their sect. They were earnest, sin- 766 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cere and devoted followers of Christianity as understood by them, and their lives and example had an influence for good throughout the town until they became divided on doctrinal questions. Their meeting house on the center lot was built in 1810 (one authority says 1809) and was used both for meetings and for school purposes until 1827, and after ward for school alone. In this year a second meeting house was built under the direction of John Strickland, jr., Edmund Tucker, John Townsend and Cadwallader Child, and cost $800. In the next year the division in the society took place, and while both factions assembled in the same house for worship, the meetings were held separately. From this time the influence and strength of the Quakers began to de cline, and as a religious society they passed out of existence between the years 1850 and 1860. In 1869 the meeting house was sold to the school district. The Methodists were second in the field, on center lot 611, and began their missionary labors soon after the Quakers became divided, although it cannot be said that Methodism in tbe village was in any sense the outgrowth of that controversy. The first society of the denomination was formed March 9, 1838, the trustees being Wm. Powell, George Sim, Theodore Cross, Stephen Post and Charles R. Smith. In this year a house of worship was built on land of Wm. Powell at Pogeland. The society maintained an organization until 1867, and then merged in the society at Philadelphia village, the latter having been formed in 1843, and drawing largely from the membership of the older organiza tion. The first trustees of the village society were Sterling Graves, Richard Crabb, Nelson Chad wick and Benjamin Allen. The church edifice was also built in 1843, but in 1858 was removed to the lot at the corner of Main and Church streets. The parsonage was erected in 1858. This is undoubtedly the strongest church organization in the town, numbering 210 full members and 34 probationers, with a Sunday school attendance of 270 pupils. The present pastor is Rev. R. Flint. The Baptist church of Philadelphia was organized Nov. 5, 1840, with 10 constituent members, viz. : Wm. and Henry York, Nathan Frink, Walter and Henry Colton, E. D. Woodward, Diana Baker, Laura Tay lor and sisters Cloyse and Colton. The society was incorporated Dec. 14, 1840, Elias Roberts, E. D. Woodward, Walter Colton, Jesse Smith and Henry York being the first trustees. In 1841, in union with the Congregational members of the village, a house of worship was built on Main street. The building became the sole property of the Baptist THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA. 767 society in 1868. The first pastor was Rev. Ashbel Stevens. The present pastor is Rev. G. C. Jeffers, settled in 1895. The church members number 74. The property is valued at $4,500. The Congregational church of Philadelphia, as now existing, was in a measure the outgrowth of the dissensions among the Quaker element of the population. On January 28, 1859, they, with certain former Presbyterians, formed a new society called "the friends of Christian union in Philadelphia." The trustees were John Wait (at whose house the organization was effected), Andrew Miller, Lucius Smith, Francis D. York, Brackett Ackerman, Nathan R. Whitney and William S. Nichols. Steps were at once taken to create a building fund, which being done, a church edifice was erected the next year. Rev. James Gregg was the first pastor. However, in 1841 Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, that pioneer missionary worker of Champion, organized a Congrega tional society in this town, and preached for them several years. On February 8, 1841, this society was incorporated, with Milo Shattuck, Nelson Ackert, Abijah Ford, Peter Bethel and Alvah Murdock as trus tees. Sometime previous to 1860 this church became Presbyterian, and so continued until 1868 (Jan. 29) when it again adopted the Con gregational form of government, aud merged in the church first men tioned. In 1889 the edifice was materially repaired at a cost of about $2,000. The church has a total membership of 65 persons, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. A. W. Danforth, who was called to Philadel phia in 1892. In 1888 the Episcopal mission of St. Luke's was established and for a time services were held in the village. The number of communicants did not exceed twelve. For many/ years the village has also been a missionary Catholic station and includes all the Catholic families of the northern part of the town. The town of Philadelphia during the seventy- five years of its history has furnished to Jefferson county many prominent and influential men. The earliest settlers were Quakers, nearly all of whom came to this region with little means, and who were not what are generally called ambitious men, but came that they might be surrounded with the common comforts of life and rear their children to useful pursuits under the religious teachings which was part of their existence. Among them Cadwallader Child was perhaps the most conspicuous personage, but even he was devoid of all that savored of personal ambition. He held some minor offices, but was chiefly conspicuous in connection with land 768 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. surveys in the north part of the county. In his family were five chil dren, of whom Oliver Child was perhaps the most prominent. How ever, the surname Child has not many representatives now in this part of the county. Among the other prominent and well known characters in connection with the history of the town half a century ago may be recalled the names of Strickland, among whom were many conspicuous representa tives; also the names of Alden Bucklin, Harvey Hamblin, John R. Taylor, Benjamin Jackman, Henry W. Marshall, Azel W. Danforth, Hiram Hinman, Jesse Smith, Miles Strickland, William Mosher and others equally worthy, all of whom were factors in local history previous to 1840. At a later period were Alden Adams, Lansing Becker, Seth Strickland, Loren Fuller, John Allis, Daniel H. Scofield, A. C. Com stock, George E. Tucker, A. W. Oatman, William Roberts and Otis Brooks, all persevering, industrious, thrifty, public spirited and there fore successful men, who by their works have built up and maintained this among the progressive towns of the county. Supervisors. Alden Bucklin, 1822; Harvey Hamblin, 1823-26; John R. Taylor, 1827-28; Benjamin Jackman, 1829-31; Hiram Hinman, 1832; Henry W. Marshall, 1833; Jesse Smith, 1834-36; Miles Strickland, 1837; William Skinner, 1838; Miles Strickland, 1839; George Walton, 1840; Jesse Smith, 1841; Miles Strickland, 1842; John F. Latimer, 1843; Azel W. Danforth, 1844-46; Lyman Wilson, 1847; Smith Backus, 1848-49; George Frazier, 1850; William Skinner, 1850-51; Alden Adams, 1852-53 ; Seth Strickland, 1854-58 ; John Allis, 1859-61 ; Lansing Becker, 1862-63 ; John S. Peck, 1864-65; Seth Strickland, 1866; Loren Fuller, 1867-72; George E.' Tucker, 1873-79; Andrew C. Comstock, 1880; S. Monroe, 1881; George E. Tucker, 1882-83; Andrew C. Comstock, 1884-88; Charles O. Roberts, 1889; Albert Oatman, 1890; Charles O. Roberts, 1891-99. THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 769 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE TOWN OF RODMAN. Aboriginal Traces.— In Rodman are still discernible traces of the In dian occupation. Near the residence of Edward Dillon (formerly Jared I *t, *¦**¦ % 1 % AS ¦!. To Wattrtowrv 6 nvvZes Freeman, and so marked on the accompanying diagram) is an interest ing aboriginal work. It is located on lot No. 1, on the farm of the late 97 770 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Royal Fuller, in a gently sloping field near a small tributary of Stony creek. A plan of this work was made in 1850 under the direction of Mr. Freeman, who was familiar with it when every part was distinctly visible, and the following description was then made : It consists of a double bank, with an intervening crescent-shaped space, and a short bank running down to the stream. The latter may have been the re mains of a beaver dam, or a covered way to the water. Beaver dams were common on the stream, but this had not their general appearance. Within the enclosure there was plowed up a large quantity of corn, which was found scattered over an area of about one rod by eight rods. It appeared as if charred by fire or exposure to the elements. This spot must have been an immense cache,1 or place for concealing corn. In all several hundred bushels were revealed by the plow. Charred corn was not found elsewhere, though adjoining fields furnished large quantities of stoneware and earthenware fragments. Just inside the enclosure is a large bowlder of gneiss rock, in which may be seen two or three broad yet shallow depressions, doubtless worn by grinding stone implements. These smooth depressions were twelve inches across, and from one to two inches deep. No other part of the mass presented a like smooth surface. Directly upon the mound stood a pine stump three feet in diameter. Another description of the same work made about the same time is as follows: The work occupied a high oval-shaped hill, one side of which was very steep, while the other descended gently to the level ground. An embankment extended in a semi-circular form around that part ofthe hill which was not naturally protected. Originally the embankment was more than six feet high from the bottom of the trench, but now a slight depression alone remains. Formerly there was an avenue leading to the westward, but this is no longer traceable. A huge bowlder is at the base of the hill, and in it are several depressions, with several grooves, indicating] use for sharpening tools by rubbing them to the required edge or form. (" Aboriginal Monuments of New York, by E. G. Squier, published in 1849 in Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.) Traces of this work are yet visible by darker colored streaks of earth, and a richer hue to vegetation, and the locality is known as "fort hill." The stone bowlder, with its depressions, still remains as a monument to the aboriginal occupation. 1 For full description of a caclie see note to history of town of Adams. THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 771 There are the remains of another ancient fortification on the farm of Albert Heath, on lot No. 25 in Rodman. This work is situated on the north bank of the north branch, about half a mile above the confluence of that stream with Sandy creek. The position seems to have been selected with much care, and was well adapted for defensive operations. It lies upon a point of land elevated about twenty feet above Sandy creek, with a marsh in the rear, out of which flows a small stream of water. This stream works its way through a ravine, about ten feet deep, into the north branch. The work itself was about 90 rods in cir cumference, and enclosed about three acres of land. The soil has been under cultivation about seventy-five years, and but few traces of the works now remain, though its general course may be determined by a richer and more luxurient shade to the vegetation. The usual Indian relics have been found strewn over the ground (which were exhumed by the plow), such as skinning knives, broken pottery, pipe bowls and stails and the other et cetera of such encampments. Some of the pipe bowls found were quite finely carved with images of animals, birds and fish. Human bones have also been exhumed from this place. A de posit of white sand and clay is found in the marsh which is thought to 772 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. have been used in the manufacture of pottery. It is said that under the roots of a large maple in this enclosure was dug up the bones of a man of great stature and furnished with entire rows of double teeth. There was a tradition many years ago of money having been buried in this fort, resulting in considerable digging for its discovery, some persons coming from a distance for that purpose. Aside from its defensive position, this place was well calculated for an Indian encampment, as Sandy creek at this point was in early times plentifully stocked with salmon, it not being an infrequent occurrence to take a barrel of this fish from one hole. i «.<; i>- -v h" ) The accompanying diagram is a fair representation of this work, and was made in 1802 by Rev. John Taylor while on a missionary tour through the Black river country. Civil History. — During the months of April and May, 1796, Benja min Wright surveyed the boundaries of the eleven towns, and at the same time briefly noted the natural physical features of each. As is well known, the present town of Rodman was then distinguished as township No. 8 of the Black river tract, concerning which Mr. Wright wrote as follows: " The north line of this town is very fine soil, and in general pretty level ; some hills and some gentle ascents, all of which are very fine. It is well timbered with maple, bass, ash, elm, beech, THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 773 birch, butternut, and some few hemlock, which are near the banks of the streams. There is some pine on this line, but not plenty. On the east there is a pretty good country, excepting it is cut in pieces much with the streams, all of which make large gulfs, which are from 40 to 150 feet deep. On the south line is a pretty good country, very finely watered with streams. The timber in general is maple, beech, bass, elm, hemlock, spruce, ash, birch, soft maple and some iron wood. On the west line there is very fine land, which is timbered as the east. The north branch of Big Sandy creek passes through this town, near the N. W. part, and makes very fine intervales along its course. This is a fine mill stream, and has a sufficient quantity of water for all sea sons. There are also some other streams, which run through this town, on which are fine mill seats. Some pine timber on this town, but not in abundance." More than a hundred years have passed since Benjamin Wright and his assistants made this survey and description of old township No. 8, and while the configuration of the land surface has not since materially changed, Rodman of to day presents few indeed of its old time natural features. The ever active hand of man has wrought many changes during this century of history, and has developed the resources of the town to almost their fullest extent, but all subsequent examinations have shown that the conclusions of surveyor Wright were reliably cor rect. The northern portions of the town have proven to be excellent lands for all general agricultural pursuits, while the southern localities are less productive and not as easity cultivated. The valuable, forest growths have substantially disappeared, yet the town still contains fair timber tracts. As is fully narrated in another chapter, the town now called Rodman was originally a part of the historic Macomb purchase, and of that por tion thereof afterward known as the Black river tract, the proprietors of which caused the survey and description to be made for the purposes of facilitating settlement. In the general division of the towns among the owners (August 5, 1796), No. 8, with 1, 4, 5 and 10 (or Rodman, Hounsfield, Champion, Denmark and Harrisburgh), were apportioned to Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, commonly mentioned in history as Harrison & Hoffman, under whom this town was settled through the agency of Silas Stowe, of Lowville. These proprietors were tenants in common until May 1, 1805, but later on an instrument was executed, " securing certain interests of Hoffman to Thomas L. Ogden 774 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Abijah Hammond, and on January 5, 1810, Hoffman conveyed to Harrison his interest in the towns " (Nos. 5, 8 and 10). In 1802 Simeon De Witt published a survey and map of New York state, east of the pre-emption line, in which he designated this town as Orpheus. In 1801 the proprietors caused the town to be resurveyed and divided into fifty-six lots, which, in turn, were subdivided into quarters and offered for sale to settlers at an average of $3 per acre. In tbe spring and summer of 1801 agent Stowe induced settlement in the town by Anson and Ebenezer Moody, Jonathan, Noah, Asa and Aaron Davis, Simeon Hunt, Benjamin Thomas and William Rice, all of whom built log dwellings, cleared small parcels of land for crops and thus prepared the way for the arrival of their families. The wife of Ebenezer Moody came in September of this year, and was the first white woman in the town. Her son, Walter Harrison Moody, born a few months later, was the first white child born in the town; and the death of that son, three years afterward, was also the first event of its kind in Rodman. Proprietor Harrison had previously promised a gift of a hundred acres to the first child born in the town, and afterward conveyed fifty acres to Ebenezer Moody, though not till after the child's death. The Moody family were for years prominently connected with local history, but the name now has few representatives in the locality. William Rice, one of the pioneers mentioned, built the first saw mill in the town, in 1804, and the first grist mill in 1806. Both were on Sandy creek, but at just what point is not now accurately known. Mr. Rice was otherwise associated with the pioneer history of Rodman for about fifteen years, when he removed from the town. Simeon Hunt passed his days here, and died about 1830. He kept a public house and is remembered as a very pious man and worthy citizen. He was a member of the first religious society formed in the town. Of the brothers Davis, of which there were four, recollections are meagre, yet as pioneers they are deserving of at least a passing mention in these annals. They came from Salem, Mass. Noah, Asa and Aaron after ward removed to the western part of the state, but Jonathan spent his life in Rodman. George L. Davis, of Watertown, is the grandson of Jonathan Davis. After this primitive beginning tbe way for more rapid settlement was prepared. In 1801 passable roads were built along both sides of Sandy creek, one of them extending north to Burrville (Burr's Mills), thus affording easy communication with the settlement at Watertown. About THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 775 the same time a road was opened to Adams, from which direction came a majority of the settlers. Among the arrivals in 1802 were Timothy Greenly, Reuben Smith, Daniel Todd, Thomas White and Ariel Ed wards, all prominent persons in early Rodman history. Greenly came from Litchfield, N. Y., and paid eighteen shillings per acre for 2,669 acres of land in the southeast part of the town. These lands were not considered as good as those further north, but pioneer Greenly made a substantial improvement, and was a prominent man in Rodman until his death, February 19, 1852. Todd and White were neighbors, living on Sandy creek. David, Daniel and Enoch L. Todd were sons of pioneer Daniel Todd. The latter built a tannery on the creek in 1806, and was both tanner and shoemaker. White was founder of the little hamlet on Sandy creek, in the northeast part of the town called Whites- ville, and for several years acted as sub-agent for Mr. Stowe. He re moved from Rodman in 1810. Edwards came from Haddam, in Con necticut, and settled on lot No. 14. He died in 1853. He was twice married and raised a large family of children, several of whom became prominent in the southern part of the county. Reuben Smith was a New Hampshire Yankee, and an enterprising, go ahead settler. He settled on the south side of the creek, just below the Fassett bridge, where he built a dam, saw mill and other buildings. He was grand father to R. Z. Smith, present supervisor of the town. In his family were ten sons and daughters. One of the prominent settlers in 1803 was William Dodge, an old. revolutionary patriot, and one of the founders of the Congregational church in Rodman. In his family were eight children. John Peck came from New Hampshire the same year and settled on lot No. 15. John Fassett and Caleb Woodward also came in 1803, the former from New Hampshire, and tbe latter, a Scotchman, from Herkimer county, though an earlier resident of Dutchess county. Jonathan Wyman, Ziba Buell and Jesse Wright made settlements in Rodman about 1805, and possibly some of them as early as 1804. This year also undoubtedly witnessed the arrival of still other settlers, though no present record informs us just when the purchasers of land in that year actually came here. The land agency books show that in 1804 contracts for land were made by about fifteen prospective settlers, and among them were a number of names well known in Rodman in later years. They were Aaron Moody, Jesse Smith, Horace Townsend, Joseph Nichols, Nathan Whitman, Arnold Stone, Titus King, Joseph Dana, Avery Woolworth, Thaddeus 776 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Case, Leonard Farwell, John Vaughn, Joshua Tinney and Leonard Barker. Among the purchasers in 1805, whose names appear on the record, were the surnames Mead, Wright, Lamson, Hawks, Pierce, French, Buell, Freeman and Westcott, several of whom are still recalled by the descendants of pioneers, but all of whom cannot now be accurately located in the town. Through the same means, and having access to important papers and records, the names of still other settlers may be recalled, though not perhaps among the pioneers. However, all are believed to have been in Rodman previous to the closing years of the war of 1812-15. In this connection may be mentioned Asa Cooley, a prominent figure in early town history ; the Gates family in the west part of the town ; also Stephen Cook, John Burton, John Butterfield, Nathaniel Harrington, Jacob Heath, the Priest family (Jo seph, Job and Solomon), Willard M. Winslow, Alpheus Nichols, Judge Abel Cole (in the assembly in 1818), Nathan Strong (in the assembly in 1832), William Sill, James Loomis, Roswell Blanchard, Bazabel Gleason, Cyrus H. Stone, Luther Eastman, Beloved Rhodes, Nathaniel Crook, Peter Yandes, Isaiah Post, Richard Dye, George Thomas, Calvin Clifford, Enoch Murray, Eliah Russell, Caleb Woodward, Zach ariah Walsworth, Abel Loveland, Timothy Underwood, D. Eastman, Abijah Kel logg, Stoddard Eastman, Nathaniel Tremain, Amariah Babbitt and Gren Kellogg, In the same manner may be recalled and mentioned Nathaniel Nichols, Nathan Whitman, Lyman Lawrence, Thomas Harrington, James Wright, David Corey, John Hackett, Reuben Tremain, Ebenezer Blackstone, Aaron Loomis, Bernard Warren, Titus King, Luther Woodworth and Heman Swift, all of whom were set tlers of the period and identified in some way with the early history of the town. Among their cotemporaries, and just as earnest and devoted in the work of settle ment and development, were Winslow G. Tracy, Daniel Field, William A. Flint, John Burr, Harry Wagoner, Joseph Pratt, James Ralph, Alanson Cummings, Charles Palmeter (or Parmeter), Alvin Buck, Ansel Brainerd, Samuel Kelsey, Benoni Ed wards, Return Russell, Philo Booth, Asa Hill, John Glass, and still others whose names are worthy of mention but have been lost with long passed years, the period of which we write being all of four score years ago. Among the prominent early families was that of which Moses Wash burn was the head. He came from Stafford, Conn., and settled on the farm afterward occupied by Squire Strickland, in the southwest part of the town. His sons were Jacob, Moses and Roger, and his daughters Phebe, Eunice, Triphena and Betsey. John R. Washburn, county superintendent of the poor, is the grandson of Moses Washburn, the pioneer. Not one of the pioneers remain to tell the story of early life and his tory with its vicissitudes and hardships, its pleasures and comforts for with these early developers of the region all was not privation and strug gle for existence. In their primitive and frugal way the pioneer fam ilies enjoyed the good things of life, but their greatest pleasure was in THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 777 laying a firm and lasting foundation for the benefit of their children and descendants. The names of many of those mentioned indicate New England birth and parentage, and some of them to be of Puritan de scent. Such was the case. The land agents drew largely upon New England's population in settling the Black river townships, and Rodman was not an exception to the rule. Between the years 1803 and 1806 the lands of township No. 8 were settled rapidly, and in the next year Rodman contained 236 legal voters, having requisite property qualifications. In the same year the neigh - boring town of Rutland also had 236 qualified voters, these towns thus standing in the lead in this respect in the county. At that time Water- town had only 231, and Hounsfield 226, legal voters. In view of the large number of inhabitants thus indicated, it was not surprising that a new town should be created from the mother territory of Adams. Organization. — The creating act was passed by the legislature March 24, 1804, at which time the number of inhabitants was estimated at 350. The territory of the town included township No. 8 and a part of No. 9, of the Black river tract, then otherwise known as Orpheus and Handel, as designated by Simeon De Witt's map, but they were, in fact, a part of Adams, the latter having been created from Mexico, April 1, 1802. In 1808 township No. 9 was annexed to Lewis county and was erected into a separate town by the name of Pinckney. The original name of this town (Rodman) was Harrison, so called in honor of its proprietor, Richard Harrison, a lawyer of eminence in New York city and the owner of several vast land purchases in the northern part of the state. However, from the similarity of the names Harrison and Harrisburgh, both Black river towns, on April 6, 1808, the name ofthe new creation was changed to Rodman, and so called in allusion to Daniel Rodman, of Hudson, N. Y. , who was clerk of the Assembly in 1808-9, when the change was made. Within its present limits Rodman c ntains 25,208 acres of land; and as good land for general agricultural purposes as can be found in the Black river tract, except, possibly, certain small stony areas in the southern portion. Butter and cheese have for many years been the chief staple products, indicating this to be an excellent hay and grass region (in which respect it is doubtful if the county has a better town), but at the same time in the thoroughly cultivated localities potatoes, corn, oats and other cereals yield abundantly and profitably. The lands bordering on Sandy creek are especially fertile, some of the farms rank- 778 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing among the best south of Black river. The land surface is quite hilly, and is considerably broken by the deep ravines of Sandy creek and its branches, Fish and Gulf creeks. The soil generally is a stony, gravelly loam, a character in a measure indicated by the presence of at least three sulphur springs, but the latter are of no special importance among the natural features of the town. The first town meeting was held March 5, 1805, at the house of Simeon Hunt. The officers then elected were as follows: Thomas White, supervisor; George H. Thomas, town clerk; Osias H. Rawson, Cyrus Stone and William Rice, assessors; David Nichols, Simeon Hunt and Calvin Clifford, commissioners of highways ; Pe ter Yandes, collector and constable ; Jonathan Davis and Robert Stewart, poormas- ters; George H. Thomas and John Fassett, fence viewers; Simeon Hunt, pound- master. Previous to the meeting for the election of officers, and on November 4, 1804, the inhabitants assembled in a special meeting to elect three persons to represent the town at a conference held at Denmark to dis cuss the new county project. The committee appointed comprised William Rice, Cyrus Stone and Simeon Hunt. The record contains- the proceedings of a meeting specially called for February 8, 1806, to elect three justices of the peace, and Titus B. Willard, Titus King and Jonathan Davis were chosen. This may have been the way in which the inhabitants expressed their preference as to the persons whom they would have serve in the office, but at that time justices were appointed by commission from the governor. The records also indicate a disturbed feeling in the town during the years preceding the war of 1812, when the embargo laws went into effect. Of course the inhabitants were seriously affected by the re strictive provisions of the law, for pot and pearl ashes were then among the chief productions of the locality. On January 12, 1807, a meeting was held and William Rice, Cyrus Stone and Ebenezer Moody were appointed a committee to represent the town at a convention held in Watertown, at the house of Joseph Clark, "on the 13th inst., to take into consideration the military situation of the county. " The records further disclose incidental action by the town during the period of the war, and while this territory was not threatened with British invasion the same patriotic feeling existed here as elsewhere. All able bodied men were among the enrolled militia, and some of them saw service at Sackets Harbor and elsewhere on the frontier. Notwithstanding the depression of the period, Rodman continued to THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 779 grow in number of inhabitants and industries. As early as 1810, there were 214 families in the town (Township No. 9 had previously been set off) and the inhabitants numbered 1,277. At that time there were four grist and six saw mills, a fulling mill, a carding mill, and three dis tilleries. There was no regular meeting house, yet a Congregational society was in existence and held services in the school house. Ten years later the inhabitants numbered 1,735, and 7,890 acres of land were cleared and under cultivation. The industries then included seven grist and eight saw mills, three fulling mills, two carding machines, six asheries, and five distilleries. The farmers of that period raised large quantities of wheat and corn and considerable rye. They had no market for their surplus product, and the erection of several distilleries along Sandy creek offered the means of converting the surplus into whiskey, a readily salable com modity, and then an article of diet and refreshment on nearly every family table. Among the early owners of distilleries on the creek were Hiram Slocum, Asa Davis, W. J. Nichols and C. W. McKinstry. At the present time the town has not one distillery, while the saw and grist mills number not more than four or five. In 1820 nearly 18,000 yards of domestic cloth was made in families in the town, but it is doubtful if in the past year so much as a single yard was manufactured. However, as otherwise indicating the growrh and changes in the population in Rodman, recourse may be had to the census report, from which is taken the following facts : In 1810 the population was 1,277; 1814, 1,484; 1820. 1,755; 1825, 1,719; 1830, 1,901; 1835, 1,798; 1840, 1,702; 1845, 1,694; 1850, 1,784; 1855, 1,752; 1860, 1,808; 1865, 1,654; 1870, 1,604; 1875, 1,466; 1880, 1,517; 1890, 1,287; 1892, 1,220. The greatest population was attained in 1830, after which for a period of about thirty years there was a gradual though not material decrease in number of inhabitants. Beginning about 1865 there was a marked decline which has been continuous to the present time; and it is a fact, if the censns reports are reliable authority, that the number of inhabi tants now in the town is less than in 1810. This condition is in a meas ure accounted for in the fact that during the period of early history there were numerous small farms in the town, which in later years were joined with other parcels and owned by husbandmen who worked on a larger scale, and in fact were compelled to do so to secure the best results. There are in Rodman at this time about sixty farmers owning and working tracts of more than 130 acres, and some of them between 780 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 200 and 300 acres in extent. Therefore the greatest material loss to the town has been in number of inhabitants rather than in established agri cultural pursuits. In this respect Rodman has not suffered more seri ously than other towns similarly situated. During the period of its history, there have been established within the limits of the town several hamlets or trading centers, principal among them being Rodman, Unionville and Whitesville, located from west to east along Sandy creek. The other settlements are Whitford's Corners (West Rodman, sometimes called Toad Hollow), in the west part, near the Adams line, and Tremaine's Corners, in the southeast part of the town. Rodman village is located on Sandy creek just below the mouth of the Gulf stream, as commonly known, and is the most important of tbe settled localities of the town. About 1803 Simeon Hunt built a log house at the point where these streams unite, and opened it as a tavern, thus establishing the trading point. The settlers, however, in making improvements were not at all influenced by the action of others who preceded them and built wherever the best opportunity offered. Thus the store which Michael Henster and Joshua Priest opened (about 1809) was located on Dry Hill, near what is now called Dillon's Corners. It was at this place that Nathaniel Harrington laid a wager to lift a hogs head of whiskey with two men seated upon it, and readily accomplished the feat. About 1810 Nathan Strong built a grist mill at Rodman, near where the present mill stands. He operated it for many years and then sold to Moses Slaughter. The next owner was O. M. Cooley, who bought the property in 1861, and in 1879 sold a half interest to Egbert Cooley. In 1881 the mill was burned. Then the Rodman milling company was organized, rebuilt tbe mill and have ever since operated it with a fair degree of success. The officers are O. M. Woodward, president; O. R. Porter, secretary and treasurer. In 1840 Joseph Brown built the Rod man tannery, which was soon afterward bought by Hiram Herring and by him operated until his death, in 1881. The Hiram Herring tanning company succeeded, but two years afterward sold to Levi Washburn. The buildings were burned about 1888. These industries, and others up and down the creek, had the effect to draw considerable trade to the village, and thus established a busi ness center of some prominence in early years. Now, the grist mill, the cheese factory and one or two small industries comprise the manu- THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 781 facturing interests, while the surrounding farming country contributes to maintain the village stores. The merchants are Paul Bauhl, E. M. Bullock and W. J. Wyman, general stores;, E. A. Cooley, grocer and jeweler, and A. C. Hughs, hardware. The hotel, the Washburn house, is kept by M. G. Wilson. The public buildings comprise the Congrega tional and Methodist Episcopal churches and the district school. The Rodman union seminary was one of the old and well known in stitutions of the village and town, and one which, in its way, was the source of much good to the people. The frame building, two stories high, was erected in 1840, and stood on land which was conveyed in trust to the trustees of the Harrison society, for the purpose of a school by the heirs of Nathan Strong. The structure was built by vol untary subscription, and cost about $1,200. On December 8, 1840, the name Rodman union seminary was adopted, and thirteen trustees were appointed to control its affairs. For several years the institution was maintained as a select school, but later on the increasing advantages of tbe common school system had the effect to diminish the attendance at the seminary and cause its ultimate downfall. Union lodge, No. 397, F. & A. M., of Rodman, was organized March 24, 1824, with forty-three members, and Levi Heath, master; William P. McKinstry, senior warden; Philo Parker, junior warden. Mr. Mc Kinstry was the second master, but in 1827 the lodge was dissolved on account of the masonic troubles of that period. The jewels and other lodge property were distributed among the members. After the period had passed the lodge was revived and resumed work under the old name and number, but the records covering this time (previous to 1860), are not to be found. In August, 1860, a reorganization was effected under the designation of Rodman lodge, No. 506, F. & A. M., which from that time has been one of the most worthy institutions of the town. The members now number 104 persons. Since 1860 the masters have been Hermon Strong, Orson M. Cooley, Arnold C. Hughs, George C. Parker, John R. Washburn, John N. Parker, Richard M. Maloney, Julius B. Lyon, S. S. S. Spink, Chester W. Snow, Oliver R. Porter, Delbert J. Washburn, Lewis F. Richmond and P. W. Simmons. The Congregational church and society of Rodman is one of the old est religious organizations in the county, dating its history to the prim itive meetings for worship held as early as 1802, when Rev. Mr. Wood ward, a missionary worker from the east, was in the field. On Septem ber 22, 1805, the society was formed by Rev. Ebenezer Laselle, of 782 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Watertown. The original members were Reuben and Laura Tremaine, Aaron and Sally Loomis, William and Lydia Dodge, Nathaniel Nichols, David Cory and Nathaniel Crook. No regular services were held until 1808, when the Rev. David Spear was employed to preach for the so ciety. He was installed as pastor in September, 1809, and served in that capacity until the fall of 1865, a period of fifty-seven years. The Harrison society was organized in connection with this church July 17, 1809, Reuben Tremaine, James Loomis, Asa Davis, Simeon Hunt, Jonathan Wyman and D. Eastman being the first trustees. In 1815 the society caused a neat frame meeting house to be built in the vil lage. On April 24, 1834, the Harrison society changed its name to the Congregational society of Rodman. A new church edifice was built in 1850, and was dedicated in March, 1851. The building was substan tially remodeled in 1877. The present number of members is eighty- nine. The pastor is Rev. John Kincaid. The Sunday school was or ganized in 1820. Its membership now is 152; E. J. Rider, superin tendent. The Methodist Episcopal church of Rodman dates its history to the year 1804, when a class was formed, including in its membership Ebe nezer and Anson Moody, Richard Dye, John Fassett, Thomas White, Alpheus Nichols, Ebenezer Blackstone and Peter Yandes. Early meet ings were held in log school houses, and also in John Fassett's dwelling. Among the earliest Methodist preachers to visit the town were Isaac Puffer, George Gary, Elisha Wheeler, Lewis Whitcomb and John Demp ster. In 1829 several classes were formed and a circuit was organized in the town. In 1847 the first meeting was held in Rodman village, in the old red school house which stood on the site of the present school building. In that year a meeting house was begun, and was finished in 1849. In March, 1848, the first Methodist Episcopal society of Rod man village was regularly organized with Elam Cooley, Hiram Buell, Winson D. Allport, James W. Brown, Alanson Kinney, Isaac Jenks, Almanson Tibbitts and Truman Tuttle, trustees. In 1876 the church edifice was enlarged and repaired. The village church forms a part of a circuit of M. E. societies, and is perhaps the strongest of the three. The total membership is 160, with three probationers. The pastor is Rev. Henry Ernest. Unionville, or Zoar, is a small hamlet on Sandy creek, about a mile above Rodman. In the present history of the town it is of little note,- but three-quarters of a century ago was a place of some consequence. THE TOWN OF RODMAN. 783 In this vicinity Howe Nichols built a grist mill as early as 1809. In the same locality, also, and about a mile above the settlement, was the old Reuben Smith saw mill and potashery. In early days this hamlet could also boast of a hotel, a small cabinet shop and two stores, but for the last twenty- five years the place has been without either of these interests. The last merchant was Isaac Sheuillier. Whitesville (East Rodman post-office), is the name of a hamlet in the the extreme northeast corner of the town, and was named in allusion to Thomas White who settled here in 1802, and in the next year built the first grist mill in Rodman. White was sub-agent for the sale of lands in this locality, and the prominence he thus gained, together with the convenience of his grist mill, led to the settlement. The old Benja min Stillman tavern was built on the creek road below this place, near where Wm. Dodge now lives, probably as early as 1812, and was a famous resort in its day. The early town meetings were held there. At what time or by whom a store was opened is not known, but one has been kept in the vicinity many years. The present merchant and post master is S. R. Moore. The saw mill and hotel here were owned by W. D. Waite, who was accidentally killed in the mill in the spring of 1897. In this part of the town a Methodist society was organized, and at Boynton's corners, below the settlement, the old meeting house was built about 1829. About twenty years later the Rodman village society withdrew and built a house of worship at their village, whereupon the class in the Whitesville locality also took steps to build for themselves. The old edifice was out of repair, and in 1858 a new structure was erected at this village. This church is a part of the Rodman circuit. Tremaine 's Corners is a post hamlet in school district No. 10, where a cheese factory has been operated several years. The place is without other industries or business interests. A Methodist class has been in existence here for some time and forms a part of the Rodman circuit. Meetings are held in the school house. In the western part of the town, on the creek south of the locality known as Whitford's corners, also as West Rodman and Toad Hollow, is the Moses Slaughter grist mill. It was here that the so called Union company began making and distilling whiskey about 1828. A set of stones were placed in the building and grinding was done. Later on the distillery part was changed into a tannery by Joseph Davis, and both were run by him about ten or twelve years. In 1865 another " run of 784 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. stone " was added. Mr. Slaughter was the next owner. The mill is not run continuously. Among the other early industries were Heath's saw mill, and Abram Burr's cloth mill which was carried away by high water. The West Rodman cheese factory was started in 1870 by A. H. Heath. The only factory now in this part of the town is the North Rodman, of which Fuller, Dillon & Sill are proprietors. Among the proprietors of cheese factories twenty and more years ago were A. H. Heath, Anson Miller O. G. Heaton (1864). The old butter makers on a large scale were C. C. Vrooman, Milan A. Fassett, E. L. Simmons and H. C. Spencer. Supervisors. — Thomas White, 1805; Jonathan Davis, 1806-9; Enoch Murray, 1810- 11; Samuel C. Kanady, 1812-13; Abel Cole, 1814; Nathan Strong, 1815-30; William M. Winslow, 1831-32; Ora Cooley, 1833-36; George Gates, 1837; Nathan Strong, 1838; Thomas Waite, 1839-40; Ora Cooley, 1841; Henry C. Strong, 1842; Herman Strong, 1843; Henry C. Strong, 1844^5; William Sill, 1846; Dennis M. Waite, 1847; Benjamin F. Hunt, 1848-49; Alanson Tibbitts, 1850; George Gates, 1851-52; Ora Cooley, 1853; John Pauling, 1854; Gaines Tremaine, 1855; William Gilbert, 1856; Ora Cooley, 1857; Oliver C. Wyman, 1858-59; Nathan Strong, 1860-63; Hiram H. Taylor, 1864-65; Oliver C. Wyman, 1866-67; William Christie, 1868-72; Orin D. Hill, 1873-74; George A. Gates, 1875-78; J. R. Washburn, 1879-82; Simeon H. Gates, 1883-84; William J. Wyman, 1885-90; Harrison S. Dean, 1891-95; Reuben Z. Smith, 1896-99. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. In 1796 the proprietors of the eleven towns constituting the Black river tract divided the lands among themselves. In that apportionment William Henderson received townships Nos. 3, 6 and 9, or, as now known, Rutland, Henderson and Pinckney. Previous to the division, and in the same year, Benjamin Wright had surveyed and designated each of these towns by number. After having become possessed of his share, Henderson conveyed a portion of the lands of No. 3 to actual settlers through the agency of Asher Miller and Abel French, and the remainder was sold and conveyed to Dr. Isaac Bronson, of Greenfield, Conn., who appointed as agent his brother, Ethel Bronson. The latter THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 785 served in that capacity until his death, and was then succeeded by George White, who completed the sale to settlers. This, in brief, is a history of the land titles in Rutland after the Black river tract was surveyed and laid out. Its previous history is detailed in one of the general chapters of this work, hence need not be repeated here. When Mr. Wright made his survey and division into townships he traversed the region and carefully noted the natural features of each town, that the proprietors and subsequent purchasers might have a thorough understanding of the character of the region intended for settlement. In relation to this town the worthy surveyor reported as follows: ' ' Along the river very rocky, and some very good land ; very few streams empty ing into the river. There is a very fine mill stream and various mill seats near the Black river, where it falls into the river ; a fall of sixty feet, very curious indeed for mills. Along the river there are two falls of fourteen and six feet, which together with the rapids, that extend for a number of miles, make up a great fall in the river. The east line is very fine country and handsomely timbered with maple, beech, bass, ash, butternut, elm and some pine and hemlock ; on the south line there is a pretty good country, and timbered with maple, beech, bass, ash, elm, birch and hemlock. Along the line on the west side, it is a very good tract of land, and well timbered. This town appears to be exceedingly good ; all the waters are clear and good, and are formed altogether from springs which arise on the land. The town in general is most excellent soil, and very well watered, with large and small streams, and I think would answer any person's expectation for settling. Contains 27,604 acres." It sometimes seems remarkable that Benjamin Wright in traversing the Black river region and carefully noting its natural physical features, should have utterly failed to record some fact relating to its previous occupancy by the Indians, for traces of that period must have been clearly noticeable one hundred years ago. Indeed, in all this vast region no special locality showed more plainly the former presence of the red man than in Rutland, and the pioneers who came here in the early years of the century not only found the ruins of Indian villages and fortifications, but frequently found the natives themselves, who appeared reluctant to leave their old favorite resorts. One of the largest and rudest Indian structures ' discovered in Jefferson county was found in Rutland, four and one half miles east of Water- town, on the farm formerly owned by Abner Tamblin but now by Herman L. Allen, traces of which still remain. It is situated about a 1 From Aboriginal Monuments of New York, by E. J. Squier; published in " Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge," in 1849. 99 786 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. quarter of a mile back from the brow of Rutland Hill, which presents a bold and in some places a precipitous bank, but notwithstanding its elevation, the surface has numerous depressions or basins which are wet and marshy. Upon a slight elevation in the midst of one of these surfaces, and still covered (1849) with the primitive forest is found the Indian work represented in the accompanying cut. ^> •• It will be seen that the work of fortification is exceedingly irregular; that the lines are interrupted by several wide openings, which are quite too broad to be regarded as gateways. The embankment is not of uni form dimensions, and in some places it is elevated not more than a foot or eighteen inches by four or five feet base, while at others it is three feet high. The ditch is also irregular in section, scarcely exceeding a large plow-furrow in depth and width. In fact the work seems imper fect and to have been constructed in haste for temporary purposes. Within the area, which is quite uneven, are several small accumulations of stones which bear marks of fire. Upon removing them there was found ashes and other burned matter, among which was a carbonized ear of corn. A small but entire vessel of pottery of considerable sym- metery of shape was also found here some years ago. Human bones THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 787 have been discovered beneath the leaves, and in nearly every part of the trench skeletons of adults of both sexes, and also of infants, have been found covered only by vegetable accumulations. They seem to have been thrown together promiscuously. They have also been found in a narrow depression, resembling an artificial trench (indicated by a dotted line in the plan), and caused by the subsidence of the earth in a cleft of the limestone substratum. These skeletons, from all accounts, do not seem to have been much decayed, and no difficulty was experi enced in recovering them entire. The skulls were in some cases frac tured, as if by a blow from a hatchet or club. These circumstances would seem to imply, not only that the work was occupied at a com paratively late period but also that this was the scene of one of those indiscriminate massacres so common in the history of savage warfare. It is said that many of the skeletons exhumed from this place had broad, flat jaws, with rows of double teeth in each, and that their skulls showed retreating foreheads and great prominence of occiput. One of these skeletons was of a man of colossal size. Excavations are also said to show hearths, fire places, broken pottery, etc., on two different levels separated by accumulations of earth and vegetable mould from one to two feet thick, as if the place had been twice occupied. These discoveries tend to show that this is doubtless the oldest work of ab original construction thus far found in the county, and that while it was at one time the abiding place of the Iroquois, as many of the articles found are of their handiwork, yet it was originally constructed and oc cupied by another tribe or race many years before the formation of the Iroquois league in the middle of the sixteenth century. From the bank of the terrace near this work a very extensive and beautiful prospect is commanded. The woods are now all cleared away and the land where once the fortifications stood has been under cultivation about ten years; and while the banks have been partially obliterated by the plow, indistinct traces of the work yet remain. The diagram here presented was made in 1849 and fairly represents the work as it then appeared. There are several other localities in the town which, while not dis closing distinct traces of fortifications, present unmistakable evidence of aboriginal occupancy for dwelling purposes. These places may be noted about as follows : On the Michael Colligan farm, in a pine grove at the top of the hill, and on tbe southeast side of the road leading to Felt's Mills, are traces of an ancient Indian village; on the George 788 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hadcock place in Rutland Hollow, on the hillside back and just west of the house; on the Howland place, a little further west, on the same hill; on Rutland Hill, on the Normander and Durham farms; west of the old fort on the Allen place, and on the south side of the state road ; on the Treadway farm have also been found like traces of Indian vil lages, some of which indicated quite extensive habitations. A large number of fire-places have been discovered at these points, and quanti ties of flint spear-heads and arrow-points, broken pottery, carved pipes, sharp pointed bones, chisels, burned corn, jaws and teeth of animals, beads, mortars for grinding corn, human skeletons, some very short in stature, and various other evidences of Indians occupation. A century of constant development and occupancy by New England ers and their descendants has proven tbe accuracy of Benjamin Wright's field notes made in 1796. Rutland is and during this long period has been regarded as one of the best towns for general agricultural pursuits in all the Black river country, while almost every opportunity for profit ing by its abundant water power has been accepted and improved. Taken altogether the town ranks among the foremost in Jefferson county, and in addition to its natural resources has produced some of the strongest men of the entire region. The town of Rutland was created April 1, 1802, since which time its boundary lines have not been materially changed, except by the acquisition of the island at Felts' Mills, which was annexed from Le Ray by an act of the Legislature, passed April 1, 1844. As now con stituted the town contains 26,716 acres of land, or nearly 1,000 acres less than shown by the Wright survey. He also surveyed the town into 57 lots, of about 500 acres each, and these, in 1799, he divided into quarters. As has been stated, the settlement of the town was begun under the agency of Asher Miller, of Middletown, Conn. , whose employment in that capacity dated from June 6, 1799, and in July following, this energetic developer constructed a road from the site of the present vil lage of Black River to the center of the town. Near the southern terminus of this road, and on the shore of the little body of water called Rutland lake, agent Miller made the first improvement and established his home on lands purchased from the proprietor at a reduced rate in consideration of his agency relation. He lived in the town a little more than four years, and during that time succeeded in disposing of 17,- 540.03 acres of its land, for which was realized $50,738.14. The lots THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 789 were sold on contract without interest until after one year had expired. In June, 1803, Mr. Miller was succeeded as agent by Abel French, and soon afterward returned to Middletown, wherein after years he became mayor of tbe city. He died there in 1821. Notwithstanding the short duration of his office, Asher Miller proved an active and enterprising agent for the proprietor, and disposed of about two-thirds of the town lands. Moreover, he was chiefly in strumental in inducing settlement by a class of sturdy New England Yankees, who were equal in intelligence, capacity and worth to those of any town in the county ; and it is an historical fact that during the period of early life in the county, in almost every measure proposed for the establishment and future of its institutions some prominent resident of Rutland was appointed to a place on a designated committee. How ever, let us recall these pioneers by name. Agent Miller kept a record of sales and through it there has been preserved for later generations the names of purchasers (nearly every one of whom became a resident) with tbe number of acres of land taken by each. In 1790 the purchasers were Levi Butterfield, 172 ; Amos Stebbins, Perley Keyes and William Keyes, 343; David Coffeen, 391; Goldsmith Coffeen, 312; Raphael Por ter, 213; Israel Wright, 98; Jonathan and Clark Boss, 161; James Killiam, 141; Charles Kelsey, 116; Jeptha King, 137; John Dole, 154; Gardner Cleveland, 242; Warren Foster, 142; John Cotes, 134. In 1800 the purchasers were John Earl, jr., 120; Nathan Green, 128; Robert Jerome, 145; Isaac and Caleb Corp, 196; Henry Houck, 130; John Earl, 134; Danforth Earl, 113; Simeon Munson, 89; Mathias Houck, 135; Alfred Cummins, 94; Charles Cummins, 128; Solomon Tuttle, 233; Chauncey Rawson, 122; Gershom Tuttle, 276; Abel Sherman, 229; Kenyon Larkin, 352; Peter Cook, 92; Ezekiel Andrews, 114; Lott McClure, 72; Isaiah Bailey, 50; Lu ther Foot, 137; Enos Sanford, 141; Jacob A. Williams, 108; Amos Barnes, 2d, 97; Stephen Kimball, 97; Vernon Huston, 193; Elijah Beech, 80; Thomas Lee, 61; Dan iel Russell, 75; Turner Ellis, 160; Joseph Patterson, 122; Silas Pierce, 100; Benjamin White, 53; James Murray, 125; Abner White, 51; Thomas M. Converse, 78; Jonathan Hill, Frederick Tyler, 146; John Stanley, 136; Stephen Cummings, 146; Andrew Stafford, 116; James Stafford, 106; William H. Stevens, 81; Dr. Phillips, 197; Henry Allen, 106; Elisha Ludden, 261; Philip H. Herman, 269; Thomas Hosmer, 225; Peter Wright, 118; Erastus Maltby, 158; Chandler Maltby, 151; Roger Williams, 291; George White, 266; Benjamin Pike, 170; Clift French, 105. Other purchasers during the same year were Messrs. Rose, Welch, Brayton and Swan, whose christian names were not ascertained by Dr. Hough, from whose valuable records these names are taken. In 1801 the purchasers were William Coffeen, 257; Thomas Denton, 328; John Patterson, 130; Alexander Warner, 74; Joseph Wakefield, 98; Jesse Hale, Asa and Luther Brown, 100; Josiah Asmer, Luther W. Dexter, 120; Samuel Tread way, 178; Orange Eno, 68; James Morse, 68; Levi Hare, 155; Joseph Underwood, 133; John 790 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Smith, 121; David Stafford, 118; Thomas Starkweather, 103; Joseph Ludden, 124; Thomas Hill, 112; Caleb Harris. 114; Asher Bull, 247; Ethen Newton, 130; Stuckley Wicks, 114; Jonathan Covey, 126; Job Olmsted, 145, and also others whose surnames were Scott, Wessell, Johnson, Britton and Foster. Still other purchasers during the same period, but at unknown dates, were Jonathan Davis, 93; Thinyon Green, 110; Charles Hill, 120; Jacob Shook, 70; Ethen Post, 148; Artemas Pike, 135; Samuel Parker, 120. From this record it may be seen that Asher Miller, during the three years of his agency, disposed of land in that town to one hundred and fifteen purchasers, nearly all of whom became actual settlers, and had a share in the development of the region. As has been stated, Abel French succeeded to the agency in 1803, but in the early part of the next year William Henderson, the proprietor, sold his remaining inter ests in No. 3 to Dr. Isaac Bronson, of Greenfield, Conn. During his incumbency of the office Mr. French sold to various purchasers 2,313 acres of land, realizing therefor $7,112.60. Dr. Bronson, the new pro prietor, was by profession a physician, a portion of whose life was passed on board a merchant vessel, in the capacity of surgeon. He also engaged extensively in the East India trade and accumulated a fortune. On returning to America he speculated in new lands, and also bought soldiers' land warrants. After the purchase ofthe Henderson interests in township No. 3, Dr. Bronson appointed his brother, Ethel Bronson, as agent to complete the settlement and sale of the lands. In May, 1804, the new agent came to the town, and with his arrival Rutland gained one of the most worthy and prominent men in its early history; a man who afterward became well acquainted throughout the county, and also, as the chapters relating to county organization will show, had an important share in the events of that period. Aside from his prom inence in local affairs, Mr. Bronson ' was in the assembly in 1810, 1814 and 1815. On his journey from Middletown, Conn., to this town Mr. Bronson was accompanied by David and Josiah Tyler and their fam ilies. He took up his residence on the middle road, near the center of the town, while the Tylers located in the southern part, in the locality called Tylerville, in allusion to their family. While the persons whose names have been mentioned in the preced- 1 About 1804 Mr. Bronson donated to the public a tract of land for burial purposes, being the first cemetery in the town. It was located on the middle road, opposite the Hopkins place. There was no regular organization previous to 1890, when the Rutland Maple Hill cemetery asso ciation was duly incorporated, followed by deed to it by the supervisor acting under the author ity of the town meeting of June, 1892. About this time the cemetery tract was enlarged by the addition of two acres. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 791 ing paragraphs were the first purchasers of land in the town, they were not, however, the first settlers. Asher Miller was unquestionably the pioneer, and was followed in 1800 by Ezekiel Andrews, who came from Utica with a family of nine children, and made an improvement. One of his daughters afterward married with Danforth Earl, and another became the wife of Warren Spaulding. Joseph Russell also came in 1800 and looked over the town with a view to settlement, but did not locate here until 1802. The same year (1800), David Coffeen built the first grist mill in the town. It stood at the mouth of Mill creek, on the site of the village of Felt's Mills. Samuel Parker did the work and finished his "job " in 1801. This was one of the first mills in the Black river region, and drew patronage from great distances. A saw mill was here the next year. Coffeen sold his mills to Wolcott Hubbell, and he to Barnabus Eldridge. John Felt, founder of the hamlet, began his improvements in 1813. Samuel Porter and Dr. Abel Sherman were also early settlers, and came to the town in 1802. Abel Sherman was the first sheriff of Jeffer son county and one of its prominent men. He was grandfather of the late John Avery Sherman, of Watertown. He was born in Brim field, Mass., and came thence to Oneida county. From tbe latter place he removed to this town and settled on the south road, on the farm now owned by O. P. Hadcock, where he afterward lived and died. After this year the settlers began coming more rapidly, and in 1803 nine farms on the "hollow road" were occupied.1 The settlers here were John Eddy, John Cotes, William Newton, Morgan Stark, Stanley Weeks, Roberts Adams, and three brothers named Maltby. At that time in the locality between the Center and Felt's Mills, Jacob Fuller and Elisha Vebber 1 Rutland has a somewhat interesting history relating to roads, in which connection the recollections of Washington Tucker are appropriate. He says the state road as laid out run through Rutland Center up to "Harpers Ferry," to Champion village, and thence through Den mark to Lowville and Utica. The middle road run to Copenhagen, striking the present road from Watertown to Copenhagen, near where the Col. Elias Sage residence now stands. The south road run through Burrville to South Champion and thence to Copenhagen, from which the route lay through Martinsburg to Utica. The state road did not originally run to Copenhagen, but soon after it was laid out the turnpike road was projected. There was a great strife between the three roads to secure the location. Through the influence of Judge Bronson, Col. Tucker and others the middle route was selected as the road, and an act of the legislature was passed authorizing its construction. It was delayed by the war of 1812 coming on and was never com pleted. About 1810 a road was cut through and opened from the Harpers Ferry state road, striking the middle road near the present Col. Sage place, which is now the direct road from Watertown to Copenhagen. This road was completed by the residents of the state road region for the pur pose of avoiding the toll gates which were projected on the turnpike road, and hence took the name of " shun pike," by which it was known for many years. 792 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. were the only residents, while elsewhere in the north part of the town improvements were begun by Zelotus Harvey, Jonathan Graves, Richmond, Rufus and David Howland, Asa, Elisha, Elias and Archibald Clark, Asaph Chase, Reuben Scott, Enoch Eddy and family, David Wilcox and David Vebber. Other settlers of about the same time, though possibly a little later, were An<3rew Middleton and his sons, Robert, John, Andrew and Samuel, (from whom have descended several prominent persons in Rutland history), Renal Randall, James, Samuel and John Wilcox, L. D. Olney, Joseph Hopkins, Col. Amariah Tucker,1 David Eames, Dr. C. P. Kimball, Alex. Warren, Robert Hardy, William and David Howland, Andrew Dunlap, John Stebbins, Asa Parkinson, Joel Webb, and still others whose names have now been lost. These hardy Yankee pioneers laid the foundation for the subsequent prosperity of their town, and their names and works must be prominently mentioned in Rutland annals. Not one of them now lives to tell the story of hardships and privations, and the ultimate successes of early life in the town, but later generations have received the benefit of then- efforts. During the years previous to the war of 1812-15, Indians were frequently seen in the locality. They attempted no personal violence but were a nuisance to the settlers, begging from cabin to cabin, and stealing wherever and whatever opportunit3r offered. The first serious injury to the settlers in the town was in the contract made by many of them with John Harris, by which they agreed to deliver spars on the banks of Black river at five dollars each. It was soon discovered that this could not be done profitably at the agreed price, upon which all the settlers, except Asa Ness and Enoch Eddy failed to fulfill their contracts. Harris afterward brought suits and recovered damages, in the payment of which many of the settlers were impoverished. In the present connection, while treating of the early times and scenes in this interesting jurisdiction, it is appropriate to also note some of the " first events. " As has been mentioned Asher Miller was the first set tler in 1799. David Coffeen built the first grist mill,2 in 1800. The first saw mill was built in 1801, and about the same time the first frame 1 Col. Tucker, according to the reminiscences of his son, Washington Tucker, came to Rut land from Oneida county in the spring of 1800, and brought his family to the town in October following, locating on the middle road, on the David Hamlin farm. In 1803 he sold his improve ments to Ethel Bronson, and then bought and settled on land (now owned by Mrs. Talcott Mer win) just east of the Hopkins place. Col. Tucker was born in Massachusetts, and lived for a time in Russia, Herkimer county, before coming to Rutland. He died in 1843. Washington Tucker is now the oldest living native in Rutland, having passed his ninetieth year. 2 The mention of this old industry recalls the tannery which Anson Smith built about 1805 on the state road, and also the brick house (erected by the same worthy pioneer) where Charles Fergus >n now lives. The tannery was sold to Mr. Pool and was operated until about 1855, when it was discontinued. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 793 house was erected, the latter by Wolcott Hubbell, on the Jacob Tooker lot at Felt's Mills, as afterward known. The first birth was that of Harriet, daughter of Charles and Lois Kelsey, the date being now un known. She afterward became the wife of Alfred Pardee, and lived in Champion, where she was drowned in Black river in 1863. The birth of Robert and William Middleton, twin sons of pioneer John Middle- ton, was the first event of its kind in the town. The first death was that of Relief, wife of Francis Torme, who was killed by lightning August 16, 1804. Dr. Hugh Henderson was the first physician and settled in the town in 1802. Dr. Henderson and Levi Butterfield opened and kept taverns, both as early as 1803, but as to which was first is uncertain. Butter- field's tavern was at the "Centre, and here the first town meetings were held. Dr. Hough accords to pioneer Butterfield the honor of having opened tbe first public house.1 The first school was opened and taught by Miss Porter in 1802, 2 but in what exact locality is not now known. The first literary institution was the "Rutland Farmers' library," in corporated November 11, 1806. The trustees were Ethel Bronson, Hugh Henderson, Abel Sherman, Daniel Eames and Curtis Mallory. The first religious society was formed February 8, 1808, and was known as the "First Religious Society of Rutland." Its trustees were Ethel Bronson, Timothy Tamblin, John Read, Thomas Converse and Ebe nezer Haywood. Organization. — Previous to 1799 there was no white occupancy of the region comprising this town, hence the exercise of civil jurisdiction 1 In relation to the early hotels of Rutland, Washington Tucker, who still lives in the town and possesses an excellent memory of early events therein, says, that Gershom Tuttle opened a tavern on the south road about 180.', and that the bnilding stood a short distance east of the Kimball place on the south side of road and opposite where the highway to Watertowa branches off to the north. Tuttle kept this house until the war of 1812, when he sold out. It was after ward kept by Zebedee Larned. Jonathan Porter kept a hotel about 1812, a little further east than the Tuttle house, and on the opposite side ofv the road where Charles Sherman now lives. Further up the south road David Conklin kept a hotel on the hill in the bend of the road a little southeast of the Alfred Isham place and James Brown kept a hotel near Champion peak. The south road was much traveled during the war of 1812, as it led from Watertown through Burr ville to Copenhagen and Utica. From the same authority we also learn that the first hotel at Rutland Centre was kept by Butterfield, and later by Penniman and Dr. Samuel Tucker. Richard Hurlburt built a hotel further up the state road at Harpers Ferry soon after the war of 1812. This house was kept later by Elisha Andrus, John HiU and Col. Carter (Harpers Ferry is the name given to the corners where the state road branches off to Champion from the road leading to Copenhagen). 2 The first school house in the town was built in 1803 on the farm of Col. Tucker, on the north side of the middle road, a little east of the cemetery and about opposite where the Tylerville road branches off from the middle road. This school was built of logs, and was also used for relig ious services. (Reminiscences of Washington Tucker, prepared solely for this work). 100 794 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. over the territory was unnecessary. In 1800 townships Nos. 1, 2 and 3 (Hounsfield, Watertown and Rutland) of the Black river tract, then forming a part of the old town of Mexico, Oneida county, were erected into a separate town by the name of Watertown. On April 1, 1802, Watertown was divided, and township No. 3 was set off and created a separate town under the name of Rutland, so called in allusion to Rut land, in Vermont, from whence came several of the prominent early settlers. In this year Simeon De Witt made a general survey of the state, and in designating the several townships traversed by him and his assistants gave to No. 3 the name of Milan. In the civil history of Rutland, however, the name Milan was not recognized. The first town meeting was assembled at the house of David Coffeen, at the place afterward called Felt's Mills, when officers were chosen as follows: David Coffeen, supervisor; Jacob A. Williams, town clerk; Abel Sherman, Zelotus Harvey and William Coffeen, assessors; Levi Heath, Solomon Thompson and Gershom Tuttle, commissioners of highways; Benjamin Eddy, constable and collector. At the same time were also chosen two poundmasters, three fence viewers, twelve pathmasters, three deer-reeves, and a committee of three to settle accounts with town of Water- town.1 Thus was created and brought into active existence one of the most important interior towns of Jefferson county, and one which from that time has held a position of importance and influence in the history of the shire. It so happened that among the pioneers of Rutland were found men of special strength and determination of character, of men tal and moral worth that gave them a prominence in the region, and naturally resulted in their selection for positions of trust and responsi bility. They builded and developed well for themselves, therefore were called upon to assist in establishing the institutions of the county itself. David Coffeen, Dr. Abel Sherman, Judge Ethel Bronson, Perley Keyes (afterward of Watertown), Col. Gershom Tuttle, Solomon Tuttle, Zelotus Harvey, Daniel Eames, Joseph Graves, John Felt, Amos Steb bins, Martin L. Graves, and still others of later years were chief factors both in town and county history, whose works were always for good, and seemed to have a controlling influence over the lives and character of generations which followed in their footsteps and lived after their early example. 1 The inhabitants voted a bounty of $10 on wolves in 1803, '7, '8 and '14, and of $15 in 1805 and 1806. Fox bounties of 50 cents were offered in 1816, and of $1 in 1818. In 1811-12 the meeting passed a resolution requiring Canada thistles to be cut "at the full moon in June, July and August," under a penalty of $1, to be paid by the person owning lands having this noxious weed growing thereon. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 795 From statements previously made it must be seen that the lands of township No. 3 were rapidly sold and occupied. Indeed, the year 1807 found the town to contain 236 voters who possessed the requisite prop erty qualifications, a number then equaled by but one other town. In 1810 the inhabitants numbered 1,738, ranking second only to Water- town. These things being so, the town naturally had just claims to the prominence it then enjoyed among the civil divisions of the county. However, as in a measure tending to show subsequent development, recourse may be had to the census reports, from which is taken the number of inhabitants at in tervals of five years, viz. . 1810,1,738; 1814, 1,694; 1820, 1,946; 1825, 2,102; 1830, 2.339; 1835,2,111; 1840, 2,090; 1845, 2,148; 1850, 2,265; 1855, 1,977; 1860, 2,097; 1865, 1,964; 1S70, 1,903; 1875, 1,841; 1880, 1,796; 1890, 1,798; 1892, 1,924. The maximum population, as may be seen from the above statement, was attained in 1830, at which time the natural agricultural resources of the town were developed to their full extent. The subsequent de crease has not been marked, when Rutland is placed in comparison with other towns, and is the result of natural causes rather than a ten dency to abandon any of its territory. The growth and development of manufacturing industries along Black river have maintained a rea sonably stable population in the town. The unfortunate condition in which many ofthe settlers found them selves on account of the difficulties regarding the spar timber, was in a measure made more serious by the provisions of the embargo laws which followed soon afterward. The Black river was a noted highway to the lake, over which route vast quantities of potashes and other products of the region were shipped to Canada. The use of the river for the purpose below Brownville was effectually stopped through the vigilance of the militia, but much of tbe local production found its way across the border by means of the old road between Brownville and Port Putnam (now Millen's Bay). However, the period passed without more serious result than temporary loss, and when war was declared the militia of the town were earnest participants in events of the fron tier. Col. Gershom Tuttle commanded a detachment of Gen. Brown's militia in the famous battle at Sackets Harbor, and among the troops were many men from this town.1 Being heavily pressed by the British 1 Washington Tucker, in his reminiscences of early history of Rutland, relates that the 76th regiment of militia was mainly officered in this town, Gershom Tuttle being colonel; Amariah Tucker, lieutenant-colonel; George White, major; William Coffeen, adjutant; and Dr. Crafts P. Kimball, surgeon. All were residents of Rutland. Mr. Tucker further says that previous to the descent of the British on Sackets Harbor in 1812, the militia had been ordered to hold them- 796 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. attack, Col. Tuttle's men were temporarily routed, but rallied again and so savagely assailed the enemy that the tide of battle turned in favor of the American arms where defeat had seemed almost certain. Unfortunately, no record of the names of all this patriot band has been preserved. Another military organization of the period was the Rut land silver grays, about forty men all told, nearly all of whom had served with the American army during the revolution, and who were pioneers in this town. Their mature years exempted them from mili tary service, but they organized for duty and spent several weeks at Sackets Harbor. This troop built Fort Tompkins. Their captain was Timothy Tamblin, while Levi Butterfield served as lieutenant. An incident of the period which is worthy of preservation is told by one of the oldest remaining families of Felt's Mills. About the time war was declared the patriotic men of the town erected at the settle ment a tall liberty pole, and thus established a rallying place. When Sackets Harbor was threatened all the able bodied men, young and old, were on the frontier, excepting a single person of known tory proclivi ties. He caused a rumor to be circulated among the women and children to the effect that the Indians were about to raid the settlement, and if they discovered the liberty pole every soul of them would be massacred. This was too much for the feelings of the defenseless women, whereupon young Orrin Goldthrite and Sally Story took an axe and cut down the pole. From this time on the history of 'the town was uneventful, except as one generation followed another in the natural course of events. Ag riculture and kindred pursuits were the chief avocation of the people at large, but along the river, and particularly in the localities specially mentioned by surveyor Wright, primitive mills and other industries were started to supply the domestic wants of the inhabitants. At a later period, when the splendid water-power of Black river began to selves in readiness to repair to the harbor at a moment's warning, the signal of alarm being two guns. About daylight on Sunday morning the report of two guns was heard, followed soon afterward by two others. Col. Tucker, Judge Bronson and others conferred on the subject and concluded that as there were four instead of two that it was not an alarm. It afterwards devel- open that the first two guns were fired as a signal from a small cutter, used as a lookout and commanded by Capt. Vaughn, and the two answering shots were fired by the British. Later in the forenoon, and about eleven o'clock, while the people were gathered in the school house for worship, an aid from Gen. Brown arrived with orders for the regiment to repair at once to Sack ets Harbor. The meeting was broken up and the congregation all repaired to Col. Tucker's residence, which was the rendezvous of the troops. Mr. Tucker was an eye witness of the oc currence and described how the women cried on the departure of the men for the harbor. He also has a very vivid recollection of the cannonading and musketry at the harbor, which could be plainly heard were he resided in the town of Rutland. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 797 attract attention from the outside world, the favored localities in Rut land became the sites of enterprising villages, and all the town was benefited in the rapid development of its resources. This mention, however, suggests some reference to these localities. During the period of its history there have been established within the town four trading and business centers, known, respectively, as Rutland Centre, Tylerville (or South Rutland), Felt's Mills and Black River, the latter now a portion of an incorporated village, and the most important com mercial center of the town. Rutland Centre, the post office name of which is Rutland, is a com fortable little hamlet of hardly more than a dozen houses, but with no business interests or public buildings other than the district school. The settlement is located about at the southern terminus of the old road opened by Asher Miller in 1799, leading from the river to a point near Rutland lake, where he settled in that year. Following the pio neer other families came and began improvements, but it was not until 1803, when Levi Butterfield built the first tavern, that the place became an established center. The town meetings were held here for many years, and down to about 1830 the Centre was a hamlet of considerable importance. A store was opened about 1813, 1 and was maintained for a number of years. The first merchants are not recalled, but probably the most prominent tradesman at any time was Joseph Graves, who located here about tbe time of the war of 1812 (see note) and was closely identified with town and county history until his death in 1875. He was supervisor about ten years; was elected to the assembly in 1842, and was a Cass elector in 1848. This part of the town has ever been noted for the substantial character of its citizens and has given to the county some of its best public servants. Its business interests are all gone, yet the old buildings are still standing as monuments to early memories. 1 The Tucker narrative informs us that the first store opened in the town was on the David Hamlin farm on the middle road. It was opened about 1806 by Erastus Bronson, a son of Judge Ethel Bronson, in the wing of his father's house and was run a few years and then discontinued. Daniel C Sherman kept store across from the Tuttle tavern during the war of 1812. A store was kept at Rutland Centre by Joseph Graves previous to or about the time ofthe war. It was kept later by a Mr. Johnson and closed up about 1830. It was a full line country store. No store has been kept there since except the shoe shop of Mr. Scott, from about 1847 to 1850. Dr. Samuel Tucker kept an apothecary shop at Rutland Centre from about 1820 to 1825. A union store was opened on the middle road, a little east of the church, about 1853. Stockholders put in $55 each and a great many residents of the town took stock in the enterprise. The name was " division 420, New England Protective Union." J. Bennett Tyler was treasurer, and the business was managed by a board of directors. The agents in charge ofthe store came in the following order. S. F. Pierce, H. N. Kimball, Hurbert C Kimball, Henry Orvis and O. P. Hadcock. The store was closed under the agency of Oscar P. Hadcock about 1858 or '59. 798 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. One of the most notable institutions of the locality, though not dis tinctively of the hamlet, is the old Congregational society and church, the house of worship which stands on the middle road about one mile south of the Center. The society dates its history from January 12, 1808, when David Tyler, Amos Mallory, Thomas Converse and wife, Samuel Porter and wife and William Parkinson and wife constituted the original membership. On February 8 of the same year, the "First Religious Society of Rutland " was organized, the trustees being Ethel Bronson, Timothy Tamblin, John Read, Thomas Converse and Ebenezer Haywood. A prudential committee of the church was appointed Octo ber 26, 1815, and comprised David Tyler, Amos Mallory, Ethel and Jonas Bronson, Levi Hall and Rev. Daniel Banks, the latter the first pastor of the church, and who also was pastor of the church at Watertown. From that time the society has maintained a continued though not always vigorous existence. The first edifice was built in 1816, on tbe "middle road," a short distance east of Maple Hill ceme tery. In 1841 the building was torn down and the present house of worship was erected. The present members number forty-four per sons, hardly more than half the strength of the church thirty years ago. The present pastor is Rev. J. Frank Forsythe. Tylerville.— -In the early history of the town this was one of the most important trading and business centers, and was named for Josiah Tyler, who opened a store in 1810. Sandy creek, in this part of the town, was a considerable stream, and afforded excellent water privileges. In 1805 Erastus Lathrop built a grist mill, and about the same time Nathaniel Frink erected a saw mill on the creek, and thus established the settlement. The grist mill was on the south bank of the creek, and was operated by Mr. Lathrop until about 1815, when Joel Webb and Jonathan Smiley succeeded and run it until 1821. It then passed to Frederick Tyler, who removed the building and erected another on the north bank. Among the subsequent owners of the new mill were Elijah Holmes (1830), Nathaniel Wadsworth (about 1840), Henry An drews (about 1855). The present owner is James Van O'Linda. In the same manner the saw mill passed through many changes and own erships during its existence. Among its proprietors have been Mr. Frink, Giles and Harvey Doud, Henry Andrews, Homer Hecox, John Babcock, Evan Evans, Hiram Hadcock and perhaps others. The present mill is owned by Jay W. Waldo. The great enterprise, however, which contributed more than all THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 799 others to early prosperity in Tylerville was the Rutland Woolen Manu facturing company, organized Sept. 25, 1811, with $25,000 capital, by Ethel Bronson, David Eames, Josiah Tyler, Thomas Hill, Abel Doo little, Eben Inglesbee and John Oaks. The industry was the first of its kind in the county, and is said to have been the first in northern New .York. A reasonably successful business was conducted for sev eral years, but after the close of the war of 1812-15 the importation of British goods worked seriously against it. In September, 1817, the plant was sold to David Eames, and by him the property was subse quently deeded to Albert Boynton, who, in turn, sold to Kellogg Broth ers, by whom it was converted into a creamery in 1875. Another early industry of the village, also founded by the above com pany, was the carding and spinning mills, which were built in 1812, a fairly successful concern for a time but embarrassments followed after about two years. In 1814, the state authorized a relief loan to Ethel Bronson, on behalf of the company, after which the business was con tinued with indifferent success for several more years. This industry was maintained until about 1850, when the building was torn down. As has been stated, Josiah Tyler opened the first store in 1810. He was followed by Frederick Tyler, who took his son Frederick Tyler, jr., and his son-in-law, Daniel Budlong, as partners. Later merchants were Henry Warren, Warren & Winslow, John McCue (or McQue), Grennell & Lacey, Apollos Stephens, Zenas Shaw, Shaw & Co (Simeon Oakes being partner), S. Oakes & Son, O. S. Oakes, Cobleigh & Lawton, J. M. & J. Cobleigh, Herrick & Wheelock, J. W. Beecher and J. B. Viss- cher. W. Van O'Linda was the first occupant of the grange store building (built by Dr. Stevens in 1847), followed by Van O'Linda & Morrow. The old firm of Warren & Winslow operated an ashery, a staple manufacture in early days in this part of the town. Frederick Tyler and Simeon Oakes also had asheries. A large distillery was built on the creek above the village at an early day, producing large quanti ties of whiskey, and upon the refuse grain as many as 60 hogs are said to have been fattened in a single season. Tylerville, under the name of South Rutland, was made a post-office in 1820, the first postmaster being Calvin Chipman. The local popu lation is about 80. The public institutions are the district school, the grange hall and the Union and Baptist churches. The hotel at Tyler ville now conducted by R. B. Scott was for many years kept by Syl vester Kellogg, father of District Attorney Kellogg. 800 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The informal organization of the Baptist society was effected as early as 1806, when meetings were held both in the north and south portions of the town, in barns and dwellings, as suited the convenience of the worshipers. In 1833 (Nov. 11) the Baptist society of South Rut land was formally organized, with James Brown, Stephen Brainard and Milo Maltby as trustees. In 1843 the society joined with the Universal- ists and Methodists and erected a union meeting house. Later on the Baptist interest in the building was sold to the other societies, and in 1869 the new edifice was erected on a lot donated by Arnold Webb. From that time the society has maintained an existence, though ac companied with many vicissitudes. At times the church has been without a pastor. In 1897 it did not report to the association. The members number about 45 persons. The Universalist society in this part of the town is believed to have been formed some time about 1820, but from the absence of records the time cannot be definitely fixed. The society no longer meets in the union edifice, in which it acquired an interest in 1843. In the early history of the town Universalism was strong and three societies had at least a partial existence. They were located at Tylerville, Felt's Mills and Black River, but neither of them now has an active existence. Methodist Episcopal services were held in this part of the town as early as 1820, about which time the South Rutland class was formed. The records, however, are not clear as to the organization of the church society, but it was probably about 1833, when regular preaching was established at Lockport (Black River). In 1843 the South Rutland so ciety united with the others previously mentioned in erecting a union meeting house at Tylerville, but has survived its old companions and been a permanent institution of the viilage, although itself a joint charge with another station. Felt's Mills. — In 1800 pioneer David Coffeen made the first improve ment at the hamlet in building a primitive grist mill on the stream called Mill creek, the first industry of its kind in the county. For his service in building the mill Coffeen was given ten acres of land. In 1804 another grist mill was built, and stood on the creek below the first mill. It was built by Wolcott Hubbell, and had " two run of stone." Later on the property and lands in this vicinity passed into the hands of proprietors Eldridge and La Grange, and by them was sold in 1813 to John Felt, the founder in fact of the settlement. John Felt came from Madison county to Leyden, and thence to Great THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 801 Bend, where he carried on a mill. In 1813 be came to the place where David Coffeen had built the first grist mill, and there purchased a tract of about 300 acres of land. The island in the river was bought from James Le Ray. It was a part of Le Ray down to 1844, and was then set off to Rutland. In 1808 a bridge was built to the island from the south bank, and about a year later the north channel of the river was spanned by a bridge. It was carried away by high water in 1811. In 1S21 a dam was constructed across the river, and in 1822 the stone grist mill, an historic structure, was erected. Then the old mills on the creek were abandoned and went to decay. The old stone mill still stands, a lasting monument to its own usefulness. It has not been operated for about ten years. Mr. Felt owned the mill until 1858, and sold to Charles H. Bartlett. Later proprietors were William Griswold & Son, Hiram Pennock, Potter Finney, Samuel Manser, Samuel Cross, and finally, at forced sale, passed into the hands of the paper mill pro prietors in 1887. A sawmill was built here in 1801, and in 1813 passed into the hands of John Felt, who rebuilt it in 1818-19. It was owned by Jason Fran cis in 1828, but many years ago all traces of the old building disap peared. About 1824 Mr. Felt built two large saw mills on the island. Since that time two or three other saw mills have been erected there, as was also a large shingle mill. At one time Mr. Felt, with Yankee ingenuity, constructed an attachment and threshed his grain at one of these mills. His lumbering enterprises were large, and from two mills, which had gang saws, he produced 2,000,000 feet of lumber annually. It was shipped to Troy, Albany and New York. Mr. Felt also had a planing mill on the island, and at one time was charged with infringing on patented rights of one Gibson. The matter looked serious at that time, and the aggrieved party sent William H. Seward to the little hamlet to investigate the alleged infringement. This was about 1848. In 1851 John Felt sold the island to Merrill Coburn, who continued the saw mills, and also the carding mill. In 1858 the tannery was built by what was known as the tannery company. The active spirits of this enterprise were Merrill Coburn, Martin L. Graves, Russell Wilmot, Le Roy Wood, Benjamin Crossett and Orlin Wheelock. Mr. Coburn soon became sole owner, and in 1866 formed a partnership with C. C. Vebber, the latter succeeding to the business in 1868. From this industry the name tannery island was derived. The buildings were burned in 1882. In 1887 the island was 101 802 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. purchased by the Taggart brothers, and in 1889 the building now oc cupied by the Taggarts Paper company were erected. This is one of the best industries in tbe town and employs about 75 or 80 men. Among the other industries built on the island was a cheese-box factory, which, with the saw mill, became a part of the paper company's enter prise. The Taggarts paper company, at Felt's Mills, was organized origi nally by Byron B. and William W. Taggart. The company was in corporated June 3, 1889, as the "Felt's Mills paper company," with $100,000 capital, the incorporators being Byron B. Taggart, George C. Sherman, Fanny L. Taggart, Alice T. Sherman and David M. Ander son. On April 14, 1890, the name was changed to Taggarts paper company. Byron B. Taggart was president to the time of his death, and was then succeeded by Wm. W. Taggart. Henry W. Taggart is the secretary, treasurer and general manager. In the meantime the village on the mainland was enjoying a vigorous growth. On the site, when John Felt came, there lived Squire Miller, whose decisions in justice court were not to be questioned. Mr. Brown, who had turned his house into a tavern. George Choate, who kept a carding machine and cloth mill on Mill creek, and in which in later years George Oakes, Merrill Coburn and William Usher were interested. One Morris was a shoemaker, while a prominent resident was Mr. Gates, now remembered as having been the uncle of George A. Bagley and Charles D. Wright. John Felt first began by clearing the land and operating his mills. He also built a distillery. Other distillers of the vicinity at that time, or soon afterward, were Ashbel Symonds, Jacob Fuller and Elisha Youmans, Jr. The first store, according to John Felt, jr. , son of the founder, was kept by Bosworth & Hopkins, followed about in the order named, by Jason Francis, Merrill Coburn, Alexander Copley, Wm. K. Butter field, Orlin Wheelock, J. R. Howard, John Felt, O. A. & S. Felt, Jenison Cross & Son, and M. M. Parker, the latter being in trade at this time. The other present merchants are W. S. Cooper & Son, A. Z. Drake & Son, and Sanford Foster. The first hotel after the Brown tavern, was opened by Wm. K. But terfield near the site of the Central house. It was built in 1825, but its frame work was blown down soon after its erection. Mr. Butterfield also built the present hotel known as McAndrews' Central house, and for a time was its landlord. Remsen R. Brown afterward kept it. It is now owned by Michael McAndrews. The Maple View house was originally Merrill Coburn's residence, and was changed into a hotel only a few years ago. THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 803 Another of the old industries of the village was Jason Francis' " trip hammer," built probably about 1840. He also built and operated a cotton mill, a notable industry in its day, and one in which several resi dents of the locality had an interest. The chief product was twine and cotton-batting. The business was at one time carried on by the Pad docks. The building was afterward converted into a pump and axe- helve factory, and for a time was carried on by Charles Roberts, but was finally burned October 24, 1889. Still another old shop was that occupied by Andrew Savage, in which were made the first pumps in the county. The business was begun about 1840, and the old building was burned in the great fire of 1889. There was also a carpet factory carried on by Richard B. & Charles Witt. This-firm did an extensive business for a time, made good three-ply carpets, and had all the trade of the region. The business was begun in 1844 and continued about twelve years. Felt's Mills was made a post-office in 1824. William Brown was the first appointed postmaster, but failed to qualify, whereupon Merrill Coburn was chosen. The story goes that previous to this appointment the hamlet was called Truckville, in allusion to an organization of local spirits who proposed to "truck off" some of the unworthy characters of the settlement. The name, however, if applied at all, was only in jest, for tbe name of Felt's Mills has stood since the founder began his improvements in 1813. As now constituted the local population is about 300 inhabitants, the laboring element of whom are employed in the mills of the paper com pany or in agricultural pursuits. The village school was opened about 1820. The stone octagonal -shaped school house was built in 1832, but was torn down in 1852, and succeeded by the present building. The Felt's Mills burying association was incorporated March 29, 1852. The association is not now in existence. The present business interests have been recalled on a preceding page. In addition to the school house, the only public building is the union meeting house, which was erected by subscription in 1844, to be occupied by Methodist Episcopal, Uni versalist and Baptist societies, preference in the use of the building being given in the order mentioned. Baptist meetings in this part of the town were begun soon after 1806, but the old meeting house on David Vebber's land was not built until 1821. The early society organization appears to have been informal, and was dissolved in 1837. In the same year a reorganization was 804 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. effected, but after about ten years the seat of the society was removed to Great Bend. Only occasional meetings of this denomination were held in the union building. The Methodists have been more permanent both in their society or ganization and meetings. The class was formed about 1835, and the first preaching service at the Mills was held in 1842, since which time the society has maintained an active existence. In 1871 the union meeting house was deeded to the trustees of the society. The present membership is seventy-four, with twenty-eight probationers. The pastor is Rev. L. D. Green. Black River Village. — In 1891 that portion of the present village of Black River which is within the town limits of Rutland was separately incorporated, but through an irregularity the proceeding was nullified. Immediately afterward and during the same year, the entire village proper, on both sides of the river, was incorporated under the name of the Village of Black River, taking therefor from Rutland 625^ acres of land. The territory, however, was not lost to the town, and was sep arated therefrom only for municipal purposes. It is one of the most enterprising and thrifty villages on Black river, and is especially noted for the number and magnitude of its manufacturing industries. The post-office is kept on the Le Ray side, but at the present time Rutland furnishes the postmaster. The first post-office on the south side was established in 1832, previous to which the hamlet was called Lockport. The first postmaster was Dr. Albert Parsons. The early and present history of the village is fully treated in tbe chapter relating to the town of Le Ray, wherefore in this connection not more than a passing allusion is necessary. The first improvement here was made in 1806, when Isaac and Har vey Cleveland built the saw mill which high water carried away the next year. The mill was replaced the same year. A grist mill was erected in 1810. In 1815 Christopher Poor and Andrew Middleton built a saw mill just below the village site, where a subterranean passage of water offered and excellent natural power. In 1826 Francis Butterfield came here from Antwerp, at which time only four families lived in the settlement south of the river. They were Beriah and Eli Penniman, Thomas Scott and one other whose name is not recalled. Mr. Butter field built a small frame house in 1826, and about five years later erected a hotel. A bridge across the river was built in 1832. The first store was opened by Francis, Levi, William K. and Philander Butterfield, THE TOWN OF RUTLAND. 805 who, with Christopher Poor, Andrew Middleton, David Dexter and a few other enterprising men established the hamlet which became so prosperous in later years. In 1839 Mr. Dexter founded the chair in dustry which has been one of the most important interests of the village in all subsequent years. Among the other early industries may be mentioned the bent chair stock factory, begun by Christopher Poor and afterward continued by Poor & Dexter, and also the coffin and casket works started in 1849 by W. S. Wilcox, both of which have given way to other and more recent enterprises. One of the first religious societies in this part of tbe town was the Black River (Lockport) Baptist church, which was organized in 1837, and in the next year joined the Baptist association. No house of wor ship was built and in the course of fifteen years the society ceased to exist. A Methodist class was formed in this part of Rutland1 soon after 1833, about which time regular services were held at Lockport. In 1837 a committe comprising Francis Porter, Samuel Middleton and Bildad Woodward was selected to prepare plans for a house of worship, but nothing further was accomplished until 1844, when a fund was raised sufficient to build and enclose a meeting house. The work was done and the edifice was dedicated in 1848. The building was remodeled and rededicated in 1876. The first trustees of the society were Bildad Woodward, Thomas H. and Henry Scott, David Dexter and William P. Tredway. This is by far the largest church society in the town, and has ever maintained a healthful existence. The members number 168 persons and 10 probationers. The present pastor is Rev. C. M. Smith. A society of the Disciples of Christ was formed in the town in 1871, composed of auxiliary societies of Black River and Felt's Mills. The society now has no active existence in the village. The same may also be said of the Universalist society, which is referred to in the history of Felt's Mills. The circuit at one time comprised Black River, Felt's Mills and Tylerville, but has no present organization. On lot No. 29, in the eastern part of the town, is the mission of St. 1 The M. E. church in Rutland dates back in its history to about 1806, when a meeting house (said to have been the second in the county) was built in Rutland Hollow, a short distance north of the point where the Black River road leaves the Rutland Hollow road. The building was burned, but was replaced in 1821, and was used as a house of worship many years. It became dilapidated, services were discontinued, and about 1HH4 the structure was torn down. The Hol low was for many years a part of a circuit with Black River, Felt's Mills and Sanford's Corners. The pastor generally lived in Black River village, although Rev. Mr. Salisbury, who was once on the circuit, lived in the Hollow. 806 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Joseph's church, established about fifteen years ago for the convenience of the Catholic families of Rutland and Champion. It does not support a resident priest, and services, when held, are conducted by Catholic clergymen from Watertown. It was formerly supplied from Copen hagen. Supervisors.— David Coffeen, 1803; Clift French, 1804-5; Ethel Bronson, 1806, failed to qualify and Perley Keyes appointed; Lelotus Harvey, 1807; Hugh Hender son, 1808, succeeded in April by Ethel Bronson; Judah Williams, 1809-13, succeeded in July of the last year by Jonathan Smiley; Jonathan Smiley, 1814-20; Ethel Bron son, 1821-23; Amos Stebbins, 1824-26; Joseph Graves, 1827-35; John Felt, 1836; George White, 1837-40; Aaron W. Potter, 1841-42; Joseph Graves, 1843; David Howland, 1844; Gardner Towne, 1845; Merrill Coburn, 1846-47; Asa Clark, jr., 1848^9; Martin L. Graves, 1850-52; John A. Sherman, 1853; Orlin Wheelock, 1854- 55; George W. Hazleton, 1856-57; Andrew C. Middleton, 1858-60; George Towne, 1861-62; Asa Clark, 1863; George W. Hazleton, 1864-66; A. W. Hardy, 1867; An drew C. Middleton, 1868; Samuel Frink, 1869-70; William Southwick, 1871-72; Harlan P. Dunlap, 1873-74; William South worth, 1875; George W. Smith, 1876-79; Charles Roberts, 1880-82; B. J. Smith, 1883; Jay W. Waldo, 1884-86; L. D. Olney, 1887; Jay W. Waldo, 1888; Charles Roberts, 1889; Carl H. Frink, 1890-91; Her man L. Allen, 1891-99. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TOWN OF THERESA. Away back in the early years of the century Benjamin Wright, the pioneer surveyor and explorer, informed James Le Ray that the high falls on Indian river offered abundant and never failing water power for any mills which the proprietor might feel disposed to build at that point. This information determined Le Ray to make a clearing and found a settlement, to accomplish which he caused a road to be opened from Evans' Mills to the falls during the year 1812. He also caused 40 acres of land to be cleared on the present J. P. Douglas place, and another tract of 100 acres in the next year, which James Shurtliff pur chased and settled upon in 1815. A few years later the proprietor en gaged Musgrove Evans to survey a thousand acre tract for a village site, although many years passed before the hamlet was in fact established. A mill, however, was built, but before its completion Anson Cheeseman THE TOWN OF THERESA. 807 moved into the building and occupied it as a home. The lumber cut from the land was made into rafts and floated down the river to market at Rossie and Ogdensburgh. The cleared tracts were then sown with grass seed and made excellent pasture for Mr. Le Ray's live stock; and if local accounts be true, in 1813 the proprietor kept on these lands about 500 sheep, 60 head of cattle, and 20 horses. However, the war was then in progress, and the herdsmen in charge of the stock lived in constant fear of a sudden invasion of the region by the British. The tract, too, was surrounded with an almost boundless extent of heavily timbered wild lands, and ravenous animals were frequently seen in the region. This was about the only occupancy of this part of the county previous to 1817, when Mr. Le Ray began the sale of land to settlers. Such, in brief, was the early history of the town now called Theresa, but the pioneers found evidences of a still earlier occupancy, for all along the banks of Indian river, and all around the shores of the mul titude of small lakes in the north part of the town, the whites discovered traces of tbe Indian occupation. Indeed, this group of lakes was one of the most favored Indian hunting and fishing grounds in the entire northern country, just as in more recent years the region has been re garded and called the sportsman's paradise, and even to the present day is a much frequented resort for hunters and fishers. This miniature lake system comprises no less than a dozen bodies of water, ranging from half a mile to several miles in length, and all tributaries of Indian river. They are known as Butterfield, Grass, Moon, Hyde, Crystal, Sixberry, Mill-site, Red and Muskalonge lakes and Lake of the Woods, but not all of them are wholly within the bounds of the town. A small part of Edmund and Clear lakes extends from Alexandria across the Theresa line. The principal water course is the Indian river, a stream of considerable size, which enters the southeast corner of the town from Le Ray and thence flows north and northeast into St. Lawrence county. These several lakes suggest the peculiar physical features of the town, and also something of its geological formation. The land surface along the river is much broken, and is traversed by ridges of gneiss rock, with very fertile intervales. A portion of the town is underlai d with sandstone, and here the surface is level or gently undulating. The northern portion is almost perfectly level, in certain localities un desirably so, yet rich, fertile and productive to a remarkable degree. In the vicinity of several of these lakes various mineral deposits have been found, a fair portion of which was iron ore. It was developed to 808 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. some extent in 1847 and following years, for which purpose a furnace was built near Mill-site lake, but long ago passed out of existence. As has been stated, the pioneers of this region found scattered evi dences of the former Indian occupation, but they also found unmistak able traces of a white occupancy of more recent date than the aboriginal period. It is a known historical fact that Indian river was a thorough fare for trade and traffic for the smugglers of the embargo period of county annals, but the high falls made necessary a carrying place, for no river craft could pass them. It was therefore the custom to carry goods from the upper to the lower level, requiring the use of two flat bottomed boats. These remained after the period had passed and were found and used by the pioneers in their early settlement of the town. The territory comprising Theresa was originally a part of great lot number four of the Macomb purchase, and passed as a part of the vast tract to the Antwerp company, thence to James de Le Ray, by whom it was again surveyed and subdivided for purposes of settlement and development. It was this worthy proprietor who caused the "jobs" to be cleared ; it was he who caused the primitive mills to be erected at the falls during the years 1810-11, and he, also, who sent the live stock to be fattened in the splendid pasture lands that followed the clearings. The outbreak of the war had the effect to retard development, but as soon as that period had passed the worthy proprietor again turned his attention in this direction and the settlement was founded. Captain John Hoover and John A. Evans were probably the first whites to live within the limits of the town, but theirs was only a tem porary occupancy, for they were sent here to watch the stock grazing on the clearings. They were here in this work in the early sprin°- of 1813, but when his services were needed on the frontier later on in that year, the doughty captain returned to Le Ray, assembled his com pany and went at once to the harbor. In July his company took part in the affair at Goose creek, and after it was over the men returned to Sackets Harbor by the way of Indian river, passing the cabin the herdsmen had occupied at the high falls, where the captain left his men and resumed charge over the stock, with no other company than his wife and a single hired man. On one occasion, soon after the captain's return from the frontier, he discovered five British soldiers spying about the premises. They soon entered the barn and remained during the night. The captain then returned to his cabin, which he securely THE TOWN OF THERESA. 809 barricaded for the night, but at early dawn went out and took a posi tion where he could see and not be observed; and when the soldiers came out of the barn he challenged them " after the maner of a sen tinel, demanding who they were, to which they replied, 'friends.'" He then ordered them to come forward and lay down their arms, upon which two of them approached him while the others turned and fled. He assured the two that they should not be harmed by "his regiment, " if they were orderly, and disarming them, ordered them to mount their horses and conducted them without further trouble to Sackets Harbor. While there was no permanent settlement in tbe town previous to about 1817, Mr. Le Ray continued his improvements, and in 1814 caused a bridge to be built across the river at the falls, and about 1818 he had Mr. Evans survey and lay out the village tract of 1,000 acres. In the next year he built a grist mill and a tavern, the latter being burned in 1820. In the meantime settlement was begun and the town began making permanent history. The pioneers were James Shurtliff, Anson Cheeseman and Col. Sinesa (or Sinecy) Ball, all of whom came in 1817. Mr. Shurtliff located on the clearing, and soon afterward opened his house as an inn for the accommodation of new arrivals and travelers through the region. He was one of the early justices of the peace, an earnest Presbyterian, and a man much respected in the com munity. He died in Plessis August 1, 1846. Colonel Ball settled on the old military road, two miles west of the falls. He had a large fam ily of children, and several of his descendants became persons of note in the county. Anson Cheeseman came into the town in tbe fall ofthe year, and was connected with the saw mill, for which he furnished the supply of logs. He also assisted in the construction of the grist mill in the next year. His surname is still well known in the town. The settlers who came in 1818, so near as can be determined, were Benjamin Barnes, Jesse Doolittle, Curley Smith and Zalmon Pool. Barnes settled east of the river, above the upper falls, and is remembered as a local M. E. preacher, also as brickmaker and mason, and withal a valuable asquisition to the settlement. Jesse Doolittle came from Watertown and located about a mile from the upper falls. Cur ley Smith located at the lower falls, and started a blacksmith shop, setting up his establishment in the open air. Sylvester Bodman and Dudley Chapman came in 1820, and while the same year may have witnessed still other arrivals the names can not now be determined. Abraham Morrow was one of the most prominent settlers in 1821. Among the other settlers in the town about or soon after this time may be recalled the names of Jeremiah Cheeseman, Joseph Miller, Mr. Moyer, who settled near the Shurtliff improvement ; James Lake, near the body of water once called Hide lake; Eliphalet Emery, also in the same vicinity. There were also Ebenezer 102 810 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lull, the first storekeeper; Mrs. Keeler, the widowed sister of Anson Cheeseman, and who brought to the settlement two sons and a daughter ; Allen Cole, who located near the Orleans line ; Henry Morey the first carpenter ; Augustus Soper, on the west Theresa road, and also Nathaniel Parker, Austin Bates, Samuel Hall, Michael Cook, Benjamin Allen, David Morgan, Job Whitney, Mr. Castleman (the squatter on Le Ray's land), Col. Artemas Baker (the second blacksmith), Nathan Starks (another early blacksmith), Seymour Murray (the first shoemaker), and perhaps others equally worthy of mention, but whose names cannot be recalled. Gen. Archibald Fisher, a man of especial prominence among the early settlers, came from New Hampshire about 1820 and located for a time near the Orleans line, but later on removed to the village site. He became general of militia and was otherwise conspicuous in public affairs in the vicinity. Lodowick Salisbury came about the same time and settled on the military road. His son, Alexander Salisbury, was the first supervisor of the town, and was president of the Redwood glass company. Azariah Walton came about 1822, but removed to Alexan dria Bay, and was for nearly twenty years connected with the customs office. Daniel Strough also came about 1820, setting on the military road. He was a shoemaker by trade, but a farmer by occupation in this town. In his family were ten children, and among them Samuel W. became perhaps the most prominent. His life, except about three years spent in New York, was passed in Theresa. He was a farmer, but also dealt in other productions. He was in all respects a self-made and self-re specting man ; was well educated, and a noted school teacher for many years. He was not an attorney, but as a man of understanding was the general and safe adviser for the whole townsfolk. His wife was Emeline Tallman, who bore him four children, viz. : Byron J. , Elnora (Mrs. William A. Snyder), Lucien S. and Perrin A. Strough. The military road, to which frequent reference has been made, was lain out and partly built during the years 1818 and '19. It was the re sult of a tour of this part of the state by President Monroe in 1817, and was designed to connect Plattsburg and Sackets Harbor. It extended from the harbor to Brownville; thence to Pamelia Four Corners, Red wood and Hammond, passing through what afterward became this town. For many years it was an important north and south thoroughfare through the town and increased settlement along its route. However let us turn briefly to some of the early events of town history, and to the persons connected with them. The first birth was that of Ursula Cole, May 26, 1819, the daughter THE TOWN OF THERESA. 811 of Jacob Cole. She afterward became the wife of Jacob Ostrander. The first marriage was that of Erastus Clark and Kate Underwood, in 1820. The second event of the kind was the marriage of Andrew Stone with Hannah, daughter of James Shurtliff. The first death was that of Thompson Doolittle, son of Jesse Doolittle, and the date, Nov. 18, 1820. Dr. James Brooks was the first physician, who came in 1822, and died in 1823. Dr. Samuel J. Gaines was the second physician, and was soon succeeded by Dr. John D. Davison, who came from Pamelia in 1824. Dr. Gaines died Sept. 22, 1865. His sons James and Nathan Gaines were later physicians in the town. The first grist mill was be gun in 1820, and was built by Samuel Case for Mr. Le Ray. It stood on the site where a similar structure has since been maintained. Noah Ashley was the first miller. In 1823 the property was sold to Percival Bullard, and by him to Marcius and Stephen Ashley about 1830. Later owners were Salisbury, Kelsey & Co., and Stokes and George Wilson. The building was burned in 1852, but was rebuilt by Mr. Wilson, and was afterward operated by Wilson & Humphrey, David Burr and Charles Pool until it was again destroyed by fire in 1859. In 1819 Mr. Le Ray caused a tavern to be built in the village settle ment on the site of the present Getman house. Mr. Stephenson was first landlord, but in the fall of 1821 the building was burned. A sec ond hotel was built on the same site in 1824. It was of brick, and for many years was known as the "Brick tavern." Gen. Fisher was its owner and landlord, and under his proprietorship was a famous hos telry. This was the first brick building erected in the town or village, the bricks for which were made by Benjamin Barnes, who came to the town in that year. The second brick building was the dwelling house of Nathaniel W. Lull, standing on Main street. The brick used for this house were also the handiwork of Mr. Barnes. As has already been said, Benjamin Barnes enjoyed a certain prominence in the local ity as a local Methodist preacher, and an earnest, faithful worker in all which pertained to the spiritual as well as the temporal welfare of the villagers He died in the town March 21, 1864. Jonathan Thompson, who has previously been mentioned, started a tannery on what was known as Barnes' creek, in 1822. In that year a second like industry was established by Nathaniel Lull on the ground where now stands the railroad station. It was abandoned, however, after about ten years, and long before the railroad was built through the village. Thompson soon removed his tannery to the site of the 812 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. foundry of more recent years, near the south end of the lower bridge. Here he also built a currier shop, but later on sold his property to John S. Casler. In still later years Almond Thwing built a tannery in rear of where the American hotel now stands. Charles Thwing afterward owned the business, and he and Mr. Eddy built still another tannery (about 1860) on the river, above the falls. This became the more re cently known Cooper tannery, but after it had been sold Cooper built another which was discontinued after a few years' operation. In 1822 Nathan M. Flower came from Cherry Valley to the falls on Indian river, as the village settlement was then known, and started a full ing and cloth- dressing mill on the site of the Collis woolen factory of later years. He was well skilled in his trade but his works were subsequently destroyed by fire. Mr. Flower was a prominent personage in the new community and held several important town offices, notably that of justice of the peace. He died in the village April 4, 1843. Ex-Gov. Roswell P. Flower and Anson R. Flower, of Watertown, were sons of Nathan M. Flower. Nicholas D. Yost came to Theresa from Johnstown in 1837 and pur chased a considerable tract of land. He then possessed moderate means, but by a life of prudent economy and excellent business judg ment he amassed a competency. During his active life Mr. Yost was unquestionably one of the best business men in Theresa. He was liberal, generous and honest, and respected all through the north part of the county. Mr. Yost died Sept. 5, 1870, but the surname is still in the town and represented in the best interests of tbe region. George E. Yost, banker, of Theresa, was one of the children of Nicholas D. Yost. Outside of the Indian river valley there was little attempt at devel opment, other than in regular agricultural pursuits. Our narrative has necessarily been confined chiefly to the improvements made in and about the village settlement, for few indeed were the enterprises founded in other localities, unless we except the several hotels which once had a part in the early history of the old military road. One of the first attempts in this direction was made by Benjamin Pease about 1825, when he built a log tavern on the road near the Le Ray line; but his was an unpretentious structure, drew but little trade, hence was soon closed. Soon after this the military road became as noted for its many public houses as the little village at the falls was noted for its variety of industries. Among the first to open an inn was Lodowick THE TOWN OF THERESA. 813 Salisbury, of whom previous mention has been made, who began busi ness soon after 1825. In 1827 Elias Holbrook came down from Le Ray and opened the second hotel on the road, the same afterward kept by Austin Bates, and still later by landlord Hodges, by whom it was named "Hodges' tavern." About 1828 John L Farrar built a public house near the Le Ray line. Landlord Farrar also made and sold pumps, and his hotel was afterward run by Austin Bates, Marcius B. Ashley and Mr. Shufta. It was afterward called the " Shufta tavern," in allusion to P. Shufta, one of its latest landlords. From the same person was derived the name Shufta's corners, which has endured to the present time while the old tavern was long ago numbered among the things of the past. About 1828 Henry R. Morey came from the village and built the famous " Red tavern " at the cross roads north of Colonel Bull's place. This was a noted stopping place in early times, and was famous for the "good 'cheer" dispensed to the weary traveler along the military road. The later proprietors were Hiram Becker, Elias Glass, Austin Bates and perhaps others before the house was closed. About 1828 Daniel Strough kept a hotel on the highway leading to La Fargeville, but the building was soon afterward put to other uses. Warren Parish was probably the first hotel keeper at West Theresa. In the north part of the town, on the north side of Red 'lake, John Graves tried the ex periment of opening a hotel to be patronized chiefly by fishermen and. hunters in that region; but the enterprise proved unsuccessful from a business point of view. From what has been stated it must be seen that the settlement of this part of Theresa (then Alexandria) was accomplished quite rapidly after Mr. Le Ray first opened the way in 1817, and while there is no present means of determining accurately, it is believed the number of in habitants in what is now Theresa in 1840 was about 2,000. The sub ject of a new town had been discussed at the annual meetings for sev eral years, but no definite action was taken previous to 1841, when a division of the territory was agreed upon. Organization. — The creating act passed the legislature April 15, 1841, and by it Theresa was brought into existence ; and was so named in allusion to Mile. Theresa, the daughter of James D. Le Ray, and the wife of the Marquis de Gouvello, of France. In accordance with the provisions of the act, the first town meeting was held at the public house kept by Marcius B. Ashley in Theresa village, April 11, 1841, when 814 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. officers were elected as follows: Percival D. Bullard, town clerk; Abraham Morrow, Michael Servis, Osman Caswell, justices of the peace; Richard Hoover, assessor; Barney N. Hansen, Jonathan Hakes, commissioners of highways; Stephen Scott, commissioner of common schools; Samuel W. Strough, Ichabod Cronkite, inspec tors of common schools; Samuel T. Brooks, overseer of the poor; Isaac L. Hunting ton, Jeremiah R. Hungerford, Albert W. Covenhoven, constables. Previous to the law creating the town of Alexandria Salisbury had been elected supervisor of Alexandria, and under the act as a resident of the newly erected town he was continued in office for the year. Throughout the period of its history, Theresa has been known as one of the best agricultural towns of Jefferson county. The pioneers and early settlers here were a determined, strong and intelligent set of men, many of whom came to the region with but little means, but through the inspiring influence of Le Ray they went earnestly at work, and in the course of a few years established for their locality a stand ing and reputation equal to that of any civil division of the county, when natural advantages are considered. True, the Indian river afforded water power as good as the Black river, and while the lakes were in no wise a hindrance to local progress they were never consid ered important factors in the town's advancement and prosperity. The above results, however, came from the energetic action of the first set tlers and their descendants. The north part has never been thickly populated, the exceedingly level character of the land surface prevent ing its fullest development, yet in this region are some of the best grazing lands of which the county can boast. The lake region has its attractions and advantages, offering a multitude of sporting resorts, and withal a beautiful display of nature's marvels, but hardly a factor in promoting the welfare of the people in the accustomed pursuits of business life. The institutions were firmly established long before the subject of town division was suggested, and that end was sought for the convenience of the inhabitants living remote from the central por tion of the town. The high falls, as Theresa village was formerly called, has ever been a more important trading center than Alexandria Bay, while the splendid water power furnished by the river has given the village a prominent place among the manufacturing centers of the region; yet it is doubtful if at any time this water power has been less utilized than the present. This is due to existing conditions rather than lack of public spirit on the part of the people. In 1845, four years after the town was created, the number of in habitants within its boundaries was 2,109, showing it to have been, THE TOWN OF THERESA. 815 with two exceptions, the largest town in the county at the time of erec tion. In 1850 the number had increased to 2,310. The subsequent changes in population are best shown by the census tables, viz. . 1855, 2,278; 1860, 2,628; 1865, 2,515; 1870, 2,364; 1875, 2,360; 1880, 2,389; 1890, 2,391; 1892, 2,342. The bounds of Theresa have not been changed since the town was created, therefore these figures may be regarded as a fair index of growth and development. It is seen that the greatest population was attained in 1860, and that the subsequent decrease is inconsiderable when compared with the majority of towns similarly situated. Indeed, Theresa has always been regarded as one of the substantial towns, rich in agricultural productions, stable in all its interests and institutions, and peopled with as progressive and liberal a class of inhabitants as the county can show. Situated somewhat remote from the shire town, the people have learned to depend on their own efforts and home industries for support, and therefore have been thoroughly democratic in domes tic life and economy. The same patriotic spirit impelled the business men of Theresa village and vicinity to build the little steamboat " In dian Chief " and launch it on the river below the falls, in April, 1858. At that time no railroad was in operation through the town, and this undertaking furnished a partial means of transportation to the St. Law rence and of better market for the productions of the region. The boat run on the river about five years, and was then sold. The second boat was purchased about 1860, by Wm. D. Chapman, and after run ning a few years as an excursion boat was sold and taken to Alexandria Bay. The third steamer was the little "Lady of the Lake," built at Theresa by Mr. Chapman and run on the river until sold to St. Law rence river navigators. Then followed the "Sir John Keach," also built by Mr. Chapman, and still later the " Eldorado," built at the ex pense of counsellor David Bearup, of Theresa. She was the largest of the five boats run on the Indian river by local owners. In 1876 this boat was sold to James McAllister. None of these investments were profitable to the owner, but their operation attests the public spirited ness of Theresa's people. Dr. James Kelsey's pleasure yacht was the most recent boating enterprise on the river at this point. Previous to 1872 Theresa had no railroad communication with tbe ontside world nearer than Philadelphia, about eight miles distant. The need of such a means of traffic had long been felt, but the conditions for the consummation were not developed until 1870, when the Black 816 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. river and Morristown railway company was organized, the articles of incorporation being filed with the secretary of state March 22, 1870. In this enterprise all Theresa was interested, particularly the residents and business men of the village, among whom may be mentioned the names of David Bearup, Franklin Barker, George E. Yost, Dr. Lucius Hannahs, Ambrose Walradt, John F. Lambie, Percival D. Bullard, B. Palmer Cheeseman, and others. Mr. Bearup was elected president of the company and has served in that capacity to the present time. The road was completed to Theresa village in December, 1872, and in the course of the next two years was substantially completed. In 1873 the Clayton and Theresa railroad was built, and in this enterprise the busi ness men of the town were also active participants. Both companies, while maintaining separate organizations, were merged in the R. W. & O. system, and in 1891 were leased to the management of the Central- Hudson system. In the history of the town there has been but little attempt at manu facture, except as has been noted in preceding paragraphs. The town is almost wholly an agricultural region, and butter and cheese have been the staples not directly the product of the soil. Cheese making has been for many years an established industry and the source of much revenue to those engaged in it. At the present time there are at least half a dozen limburger factories in operation, yet this commodity is made in such manner that it attracts no attention, requires little cap ital, and no special building for its production. The manufacture of English or Yankee cheese has been carried on in the town for more than twenty years, and there are now in operation four good factories known and distinguished as follows: The Brooklyn factory, located in Theresa village, owned by I. C. Cooper; the Cooper home factory, and the Still's corners factory, both managed by Mr. Cooper ; also one on the J. P. Douglass farm, known as Patron's factory. One of the early and for a time substantial industries of the town was the old Redwood iron company and works, located on the west side of Mill-site lake. It was started in 1847 by William Bones, Joseph C. Budd and Samuel T. Hooker, who built a smelting furnace and pro duced pig iron from ores mined in the vicinity. The business was con tinued for several years with varying success, but was stopped chiefly for want of profit. On July 16, 1855, the Redwood iron company was incorporated, with a capital of $10,000, for the purpose of "opening mines, raising iron ore, manufacturing pig iron and castings of all de- THE TOWN OF THERESA. 817 scriptions, also bar and hoop iron and nails," as set forth in the articles of association. The incorporators were Gustavus M. Spencer, Albert G. White, Robert Bostwick, Horan Langdon, Isaac N. Conklin and Nathan W Merwin. This company was composed chiefly of foreign capitalists, and its business after a time shared the fate of its predecessor. Theresa Village. — In 1818, when Musgrove Evans surveyed and laid out for the proprietor a thousand-acre tract of land around the high falls on Indian river, it was the intention of Mr. Le Ray to found a village, although more than half a century passed before it was sep arated from the town for municipal purposes. In a preceding para graph is noted the early industries which were started from time to time on the village site, but manufactures spring up in all localities where water power is found and without special reference to locality. At least such was the case in the early history of Theresa and other towns in the county. The surest index of hamlet and village character was the tavern and country store at the established crossroads. Ebenezer Lull was the pioneer merchant of the settlement, and be gan business at the clearing in 1820. Alexander Salisbury, afterward prominent in local affairs, was his clerk. Lull was also partner with Azariah Walton in the lumber business, and carried on an extensive trade on the river. In 1825 Olney Pierce, acting for Anson Ranney, bought Lull's store and succeeded him in mercantile business. In 1832 Ranney built the stone building at the corner of Commercial and Main streets, where he was in business many years, having as partners Per cival D. Bullard and later Silas L. George. About 1830 John J. Gil bert began trading in a brick building at the south end of the lower bridge. Later occupants of the store were De Grasse Salisbury, Benj. L. Smith, A. Salisbury, Mr. Morseman and John S. Casler, the latter changing the building to a dwelling and currier shop. Another mer chant of about the same period was John Gibbs. Salisbury & Thomp son began business about 1837, and were followed by Salisbury, Thomp son, Ashley & Davison, one of the strongest of the early firms of the village. The Exchange block was built in 1845, comprising four brick stores, and was one of the most pretentious structures of the village. Among its first occupants were P. D. Bullard, William D. Chapman, Franklin Parker (with a stock of " East and West India " goods), and Baker & Salisbury. A brick block was built on the west side of Com mercial street in 1847, also including four stores, and was owned by William Townsend, Thomas Gale, Miles Myers and A. N. Brittan. 103 818 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The first hotel in -the village was that built on tbe site of tbe Getman house in 1819, owned by Mr. Le Ray, but which was burned in 1820. A colored servant was burned to death in the building. In 1824 Gen. Fisher erected a new hotel on the site, the famous " Brick tavern," which he kept for many years. Later landlords were Marcius B.. Ash ley, S. Wilson, J. Davis, J. F. Smith, W. E. Bennett, C. C. Chadwick, B. N. Hanson, Noah Perkins, Niles Terrill, Elias Getman, and after ward Getman Bros., the present proprietors. In 1890 the old house was destroyed by fire, and was at once replaced with the present hotel, one of the best appointed and managed country hotels in northern New York. The erection of the American house was begun in 1822, soon after the Le Ray tavern was burned, but was not fully completed until several years afterward. It was used for various purposes until 1842, then remodeled and opened to the public, and has since been occupied and managed by many landlords. The first post-office in the town was established at Theresa village in 1822; Ebenezer Lull, postmaster. The village was then a station on the post and stage route leading from Champion to Alexandria Bay, by the way of Evans' Mills. -In the southwest part of the town a post sta tion called Military Road was established previous to 1840; but the office was long ago discontinued. The office at West Theresa was es tablished in 1848, but that, too, has been out of existence for many years. In this connection it is also proper to briefly mention some of the more prominent industries of the village in later days. In 1821 the business interests included a grist mill, a saw mill, an ashery, a store and a tavern. Just thirty years later there were two grist mills, three saw mills, two foundries, a machine shop, plaster mill, wagon shop, clothing and fulling mill, eight stores, two hotels, several small shops, and about 600 hundred inhabitats. The next quarter of a century wit nessed many changes and improvements in the village. At that time (1875), Webster's planing mill stood on the site of the old Le Ray saw mill of 1811. The large Empire grist mill occupied the ground on which once stood the Le Ray grist mill. Pool's saw mill was on the south side of the river, in a locality noted for its variety of early indus tries. A. N. Brittan's chair factory stood near the lower dam, on the left bank of the river. This vicinity, also, was noted for its many factories. There were also Wakefield's foundry, Collis' cloth works, Stockwell's tub factory, Gregory's foundry, Snell & Makepeace's grist THE TOWN OF THERESA. 819 mills, Sheley's sash, door and blind factory and planing mill, and per haps still others worthy of notice, but now forgotten. Between 1860 and 1870 the business of the village was at its best, and Theresa, then unincorporated, was one of the most popular manufacturing and trad ing centers of the county ; and that notwithstanding the fact that no railroad had connected the place with the markets of the state. The magnitude and number of business interests made necessary at last a partial separation of the village from the town, and steps were taken to secure that result. George Rockwell made a survey of the re gion, and included within the limits of the proposed corporation a body of land about one mile wide and three miles long. The river divided the district in nearly two equal parts. An enumeration of the inhab itants was made, the necessary notice was given by the town board, a special election was held, and by a good majority the residents in the districts voted to incorporate. All preliminaries being thus settled, the necessary papers were filed with the county clerk, and on the 29th of June, 1871, Theresa became an incorporated village. The first election of officers was held July 29, and resulted as follows : . President, George E. Yost; trustees, John Parker, Ambrose Walradt, Gideon Snell, sen. ; treasurer, Hiram Salisbury; collector, Charles Fairbanks. The trus tees chose Melvin E. Cornwall as town clerk, and Lucius Hannahs, health officer. The succession of village presidents has been as follows: George E. Yost, 1871; Norval E. Douglas, 1872; John Parker, 1873; George Kelsey, 1874; P. B. Salisbury, 1875; Elias Getman, 1876; Jerome Cooper, 1877; Jason C. Morrow, 1878; William Dresser, 1879; Dorman Walradt, 1880-81; John F. Lambie, 1882; Richard Roden hurst, 1883; Emmons R. Stockwell, 1884; William Walradt, 1885; William M. Lambie, 1886; Ceylon Wakefield, 1887; Loren F. Shurtliff, 1888; Ager J. Jarvis, 1889; William M. Lambie, 1890; G. G. Perrine, 1891; Leman W. Tyler, 1892; Rich ard Rodenhurst, 1893-94 ; Leman W. Tyler, 1895 ; Ager J. Jarvis, 1896 ; Almanson T. Smith. 1897. The first twenty years of municipal history in Theresa was a period of continued prosperity, varied only by the ever changing events of time. The period was one of growth and development, and during the ten years next following 1880 the population increased to about twelve hundred, and all other interests in like proportion. The ordinary pre cautions were taken to prevent serious disaster, yet no definite action was had to properly guard against loss by fire. This neglect, if such it may be called, resulted disastrously to all interests, for on April 5, 1890 a conflagration swept away almost the entire business part of the 820 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. village, causing a total loss in property of about $150,000, with only about $100,000 of insurance to protect the owners. In all about forty buildings were destroyed. In one respect, however, this disaster had a purifying effect. Many of the burned buildings were of frame, some of them old and presenting an unattractive appearance, but after the debris had been removed the enterprising men of the village set them selves to work, and within the next year and one-half a new Theresa stood on the old site, having little resemblance to the former village, but presenting a class of buildings which rival any in the county in a municipality of twice the size of this. Indeed, Theresa is now looked upon as the most attractive village in this part of the state. The new structures are almost wholly of brick, three stories high, substantially built, and an ornament to any place. The people of the town also exhibited a spirit of liberality, and caused to be built an attractive town hall. The lower floors are rented for business purposes, and the upper floor is arranged for public meetings and entertainments. The revenue derived from rents more than pays the interest on the. in vestment. Another good result from the fire was the organization and equipment of a fire department, and also the erection of a village hall, and fire department building. This, how ever, was not fully accomplished until 1894, in which year the building was erected. The department comprises a good chemical engine, a hook and ladder truck and two service hose carts, each supplied with a reel of good quality of hose, and manned by a company of the most active young men of the village. The department was regularly in corporated September 12, 1892. Union free school district No. 1, of the town of Theresa, was organ ized in 1866, but was not incorporated under the state regents until 1893. The institution then became known as " Theresa union school." The present large stone school building was erected in 1870, and was enlarged by a material addition built in 1897, at a cost of about $3,000. The school has always been generously supported by the residents of the district. The present principal is Prof. J. S. Fox, successor to Prof. Marshall. The board of education comprises Henry Cheeseman, pres. ; Dr. J. R. Sturtevant, sec'y, and A. T. Smith, L. W. Tyler and John Bogart. In 1806 the village bonded to the extent of $18,000 to secure a suf ficient supply of pure and wholesome water for domestic purposes. In the same year the works were constructed, main pipes were laid through- THE TOWN OF THERESA. 821 out the principal streets, fire hydrants were located at convenient points, and a stand-pipe was erected on a commanding elevation on the outskirts of the village. A contract was made with Snell & Makepeace to pump the supply of water from Indian river to the stand-pipe. All these things were accomplished speedily and well, during 1896, and tbe result is a system of water works not surpassed in any municipality in the county. Theresa lodge No. 174, F. and A. M., was organized Nov. 28, 1849, with John D. Davison, master; John Moak, S. W. ; John Dillenbeck, J. W. ; Alanson Doolittle, treas. ; J. B. Davison, sec'y; A. Baker, S. D. ; A. Morrow, J. D., and George W. Cornwell, tyler. These officers were the charter members. The members now number 80 persons. The past masters have been as follows: John D. Davison, 1849-51; John Moak, 1852-54; Archibald Fisher, 1855; Davis Ballard, 1856-57; John Moak, 1858; James B. Carpenter, 1859; Jesse D. Moak, 1860-69; Percival B. Salisbury, 1870-76; Jesse D. Moak, 1877 ; John F. Lambie, 1878-79 ; Percival B. Salisbury, 1880-83 ; Jeremiah B. Sturtevant, 1884-85; Charles W. Thompson, 1886; Lester H. Pool, 1887-89; Per cival B. Salisbury. 1890-92; Clayton Wakefield, 1893; W. A. Fisher, 1894-95; A. T. Smith, 1896. Theresa chapter, No. 149, R. A. M., was organized in January, 1854, with John D. Davison, H. P. ; John Moak, K. ; and John C. Young, S. The original membership was small, but has increased to about 70 at the present time. The succession of high priests has been as follows: John D. Davison, 185*1-55; John Moak, 1856-65; Davis Ballard, 1866; John Moak, 1867; John B. Linn, 1868; Jesse D. Moak, 1869-86; Jeremiah R. Sturtevant, 1887-90; Wm. M. Lambie, 1891 ; J. R. Sturtevant, 1892-97. Cassiopia lodge No. 291, I. O. O. F., was formed at Plessis, April 13, 1847, and in December following removed to Theresa village. The lodge remained in active operation only a few years. No similar organ ization was maintained until 1896, when Theresa lodge No. 755, was instituted, witb 27 charter members. The present number is 45. The officers are George Walradt, N. G. ; Scott Sargeant, V. G. ; Jas. Vock, fin. sec. ; Chas. Walters, rec. sec. ; Edward Graham, treasurer. George E. Yost, banker, began business at Theresa, January 1, 1872, although for several years prior to that time he had done an informal banking business in connection with his other interests in the vicinity. The bank is entirely a private enterprise, yet does not lack any of the essential elements of state or national banks, except the necessary formalities. The fact that Mr. Yost has continued the business for 822 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. more than twenty-five years is evidence of the success of the bank ; and the fact that the bank has the entire business of the village and vicinity is also evidence that the people are satisfied with its management. In deed, there has been no public enterprise of consequence to the people of Theresa during the last thirty years with which George E. Yost has not been in some manner prominently connected. In the same manner may be mentioned the manufacturing and mercantile interests of the village as represented at this time. The manufacturers are C. Wakefield & Son, iron founders, machine shop; Stockwell & Parker, box factory; Snell & Make peace, roller flour mill, with a capacity of 125 bbls. per day ; Pool & Cheeseman, flour, feed and saw mill; George Heller & Co., sash, doors and blinds; A. N. Brittan & Son manufacturing company (limited) established in 1843, but burned in 1889, and not rebuilt ; Brooklyn cheese factory, I. C. Cooper, prop'r. The principal mercantile interests are George Kelsey, Cheeseman & Avery, Lambie & Co., and Walradt & Sons, dry goods and general stock; J. H. Drummond, drugs and groceries ; Roden hurst & Son, hardware and plumbing; Stratton & Cheeney, crockery and groceries; Wm. Root, general store ; Wm. Loucks, boots and shoes and groceries ; Chas. Lehr, boots and shoes; Chas. Young, grocer; A. T. Smith, drugs; Fisher & Middleton, furniture and undertaking ; Hoover & Westcott, hardware and plumbing ; J. Casey & Sons, dry goods and groceries ; G. W. Henry, hardware and groceries; J. D. Nellis and Gilson Cook, meat market; W. D. Chapman, jeweler; Getman Bros, and G. W. Bretch, landlords; David Bearup, C. A. Kelsey and C. A. Van Allen, lawyers; J. R. Sturtevant, F. L. Santway, Jas. Kelsey and Miss Dell Dresser, physicians. The First Presbyterian church of Theresa, now more commonly known as the Flower memorial church, was organized May 8, 1825, at the dwelling of pioneer Abraham Morrow. There were nine constituent members, five males and four females. Mr. Morrow and Sylvester Bodman were the first elders. On Dec. 22, 1835, the society was regu larly incorporated, Anson Ranney, James Shurtliff and Nathan M. Flower being the trustees. These officers, with a like committee from the Methodist society, caused to be built in 1837 and '38 a meeting house for the joint use of the societies. The edifice was dedicated in September, 1838. In 1849 the Presbyterians purchased and afterward occupied it until the building was replaced with the beautiful edifice erected in 1879, by tbe children of Nathan and Mary Ann Flower as a tribute of love to their parents. The generous donors caused to be erected within the church two tablets, on one of which was inscribed the names of the original members, viz. : Abraham Morrow, Lucinda Morrow, Sylvester Bodman, Relief Bodman, Nathan M. Flower, Mary Ann Flower, Abner Cheeseman, James Shurtliff, Leona Shurtliff. On the other tablet are inscribed these words: "Erected to God in memory THE TOWN OF THERESA. 823 of Nathan and Mary Ann Flower, by their children, 1879." This is the largest and strongest church society in the village, and numbers 140 members. The present pastor, Rev. Charles G. Cady, was installed June 1, 1892, succeeding Rev. Geo. S. W. Renwick. Tbe Methodist Episcopal church of Theresa was organized March 5, 1836, although a class was formed in the town as early as 1827, and Theresa was made a charge in 1831. In 1837 a church edifice was built, as above stated, in connection with the Presbyterian society, but in 1849 the Methodist interest was sold, the society then beginning the erection of a new church home. This structure was burned in 1860, and was replaced in 1862 with the edifice now occupied by the society. This church has 184 full members, and 41 probationers. Pastor, Rev. W. H. Bury. St. James church (Episcopal) of Theresa, was organized July 16,. 1848, although previous to that time services had been held in the vil lage. The first communicants were Daniel, Horace and Franklin Parker, E. W. Lewis, Dr. Lucius Hannahs and wife, and Percy Jarvis. In tbe spring of 1850 a church edifice was begun. The corner stone laid July 19, and the church formally dedicated by Bishop De Lancey, Aug. 7, 1861. Horace and Daniel Parker were the first wardens. The present number of communicating members is 56 ; wardens, Franklin Parker and Peter Schwarz; rector, Rev. John Smiley. A Roman Catholic mission has also been established in the village. and while services are held the parish has not been organized. It is an out-station of Evans' Mills. When James Le Ray laid out the village tract in 1818, he reserved and donated a parcel supposed to contain about an acre of land for the purpose of a burying ground. On measurement, however, the parcel in fact contained 1.40 acres. No authority appears to have been exercised over this lot prior to the creation of the town in 1841, when a sum of money was voted for improving the ground, and three trustees were appointed to have charge of the plat, to lay out lots, and otherwise have authority over them. The trustees were Jesse S. Doolittle, Na than M. Flower and Alexander Salisbury. From that time the vil lage cemetery was cared for at the public expense. The Oakland cemetery association was organized in October, 1884, for the purchase and maintenance of a cemetery tract of land. About eighteen acres comprised the grounds, on which was erected a substantial vault. Lots were laid out, the surroundings made attractive, and Oakland became the established cemetery of the village, 824 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The inhabitants of Theresa, town and village, have ever been gen erous in providing for the educational welfare of their youth. The first school in the town was opened while the territory formed a part of Le Ray, and was started by a Mrs. Castleman in a house standing on the tract cleared for Le Ray and put to use as a pasture. This was in 1820. Soon afterward Almira Barnes opened a school in the widow Keeler's house, while the third was taught about the same time by Abigail Salisbury, at the dwelling of Carley Smith. A school house was built in the settlement about 1821, and a Mr. Welch is said to have been the first teacher. From 1821 to 1841 the school system in force in the town was that of the mother town Alexandria, and not until the year mentioned was a separate system established for Theresa. In 1842 the commissioners of common schools divided the territory into seven districts, and made provision for a school in each. In later years as the population in creased and as the convenience of the inhabitants demanded these dis tricts have been changed, both in number and boundaries. In 1855 there were 17 districts, and 1,053 children attended school. Twenty years later there were 15 districts, and 815 children attended school. As now arranged the town comprises 15 districts, and all school prop erty, buildings and sites, are valued at $11,810. Twenty teachers are annually employed. In the last current year the town received public moneys to the amount of $2,373.67, and raised by tax for the support of schools the additional sum of $3,947.22. Supervisors. — Alexander Salisbury, 1841; John D. Davison, 1842^43; Archibald Fisher, 1844-45; Jesse Kelsey, 1846; Zalmon Pool, jr., 1847-48; Anson Ranney, 1849- 50; Percival D. Bullard, 1851; Anson Ranney, 1852-54; Franklin Parker, 1855; Jo seph Fayel, 1856; Percival D. Bullard, 1857; Nicholas D. Yost, 1858-59; Joseph At well, 1860; Benjamin P. Cheeseman, 1861-62; P. D. Bullard, 1863; David Bearup, 1864-70; Jason C. Morrow, 1871-72; George E. Yost, 1873-74; John Parker, 1875-77; George Kelsey, 1878-84; B. W. Chapman, 1885-87; George Kelsey, 1888-89; George E. Yost, 1890-99. THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 825 CHAPTER XL. THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. In 1796 the veteran land surveyor, Benjamin Wright, laid out into townships and lots the entire Black river tract, or the eleven towns, comprising substantially all of great lots numbers five and six of the original Macomb purchase. Through various sales and transfers the title to the vast tract became vested (July 15, 1795) in Nicholas Low, William Henderson, Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, who paid for the same one dollar per acre. After having thus acquired title the proprietors employed Benjamin Wright to make the survey and subdivision mentioned, and then (August 5, 1796) divided the town ships among themselves by ballot, using the lands of Worth as "boot money" equivalent. On this division townships Nos. 2, 7 and 11, or the subsequently created towns of Watertown, Adams and Lowville, fell to Nicholas Low, under whom, through the agency of Silas Stow, M. S. Miller and I. W. Bostwick, acting in succession, the lands were disposed of to settlers. Wright's survey showed an aggregate of 26,485 acres of land in No. 2, which he divided into 52 lots, ranging from 450 to 625 acres each. A subsequent survey by Robert McDowell found the town to contain 26,667 acres. The lots were subdivided in 1801 by Joseph Crary, under the direction of agent Stow, who accomplished the work of settling the lands witb the best pioneer element in the whole Black river country. However, before entering upon a detail of the events of this period of our history, let us briefly turn back and learn something of the previous occupants of the region and preserve for future generations the knowledge of their places of abode and also of their offensive and defensive fortifications. Watertown presents many evidences of the aboriginal occupation, and it may truthfully be said that no other town in the state furnishes more decided proofs of the Indian occupancy and warfare. In the eastern part of the town the range of Rutland hills breaks away from the line of Black river and takes a southwesterly course toward the lake. Here, too, are the headwaters of North Sandy creek, which one 104 826 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. or two centuries ago was plentifully supplied with fish, while the sur rounding forests furnished abundant game for the chase. Hunting and fishing was the chief occupation of the Indians, and it is not surprising that this locality should have been one of their favorite haunts. It was here that they erected some of their strongest defensive works, and also established their most populous temporary villages, lines of which fol low the Rutland and Dry Hill ranges from the northeast to the south west part of the town, and which, with like works in Rutland, on the east, and Rodman, Adams and Ellisburgh on the west, forms a contin-~ uous chain of defenses from the Black river to Lake Ontario. In this town four distinct fortifications were found, plans of which are reproduced in this chapter (plates made in 1849 from actual sur- THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 827 veys, and from information received from pioneers and early settlers). Perhaps the strongest and most modern of all these works was that found on the farm of the late Amby H. Gragg, about half a mile north east of Burrville. In 1802 Rev. John Taylor made a missionary tour through this part of the state, and in visiting this fort made a plan of it, which is almost identical with that produced in this chapter. The description of this work was prepared in 1849, and is fairly descriptive of present surroundings. It is as follows : " There is a work on lands formerly owned by William Lampson, near the residence of Joseph Gibbs (now Mrs. A. H. Gragg) one half mile east of Burrville, and about one-fourth of a mile from the Rutland town line, on lot No. 24. It is a crescent running across an elevated ridge, the steep bank of which completed the enclosure, and would have rendered it a very suitable position for defense. No graves were found and there is reason to believe it was a military work, belonging to a period long subsequent to that of many others in this section of the state. On the hillside is a spring of water, and within the enclos ure a large boulder of gneiss which has been worn smooth and concave in places by the rubbing of stone implements. On a point of land across the deep valley was picked up a cast iron ball weighing eight ounces. Several of those have at various times been found by inhab itants, and this leads to the conjecture that they may have a connection with the history of tbe work. Fragments and implements of aboriginal workmanship have been abundant. This site being on the line between Montreal and Onondaga, may we not reasonably conclude that it may have been a camp or station of the French, at the period when they occupied trading and missionary posts among the Iroquois two centuries ago? No trace of the original mound is now left. The sketch was drawn under direction of one of the early settlers, who was familiar with it when tbe country was first cleared." The hillside spring was dried up with the settlement of the country, and the boulder was long ago removed as an obstruction to cultivation of the soil. The point of land occupied by this fortification was also the site of an ancient village, relics of which are yet found in considerable quantities. It was thus occupied as an Indian encampment when the pioneers came into the county. About two miles west of Burrville, and two and one- half miles south east of Watertown (on the farm now owned by Mrs. Truman Hunger ford) was formerly the remains of an Indian earthwork, of which the 828 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. following plan and description were made in 1849: "On lot No. 29, on the farm of the late Anson Hungerford, there was formerly a trench enclosure which is now obliterated by many years' cultivation. Its place and relative position appears in the outline and sketch. It is said to have resembled the work near it. It had gateways, or intervals, at irregular distances, and was surrounded by a ditch so deep that a team could not drive across it without great difficulty." ,'. 'i, ¦<¦¦?.• ;•. ,";.- ¦£•* "V i/.C-tC. re,,; A short distance from the above work and on the same range and lot, on lands of the late Asa Goodenough (now owned by Mrs. Marvel Bai ley) is another trench evidently intended as a defensive work, still in perfect preservation, and the most distinct of any similar structure in northern New York. This locality is two and one-half miles southeast of Watertown, on the summit of a gradually sloping natural terrace of Trenton limestone, in the edge of an open wood, and commands an extensive and pleasant view. In 1849 elm trees three feet in diameter were found growing on the banks, while within the enclosure were found decayed remains of oak and other large trees, indicating not so much the age of the work as that the entrenchment was thrown up in the woods without removing the trees. In one place on the southwest side the bank was about six feet above the bottom of the ditch. The THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 829 accompanying diagram made at that time fairly represents this fortifi cation as it then appeared. y^s-- m '. ¦/ jr-.tft "^;-OrcJi Ard ,# Gn$iial descent' UjiuMUroad W rods »>- # <" The trees on the work above described were cut at least thirty years ago, but the embankment can still be traced without difficulty. An other description of the work on the Goodenough place, written about the same time (1849), is as follows: About two and one-half miles southeast of Watertown is a work along the the brow of the terrace facing northward, the greater part of which is covered with forest and is consequently well preserved. It is much smaller than the others, and is bounded by a series of right lines slightly rounded at the angles, which gives it something the apperance of a modern field work. The slope of terrace bank is here comparatively gentle, and there is a step or table about midway from brow to base. Here a num ber of springs start out below the rock. Formerly the walls of the work were con tinued down the slope toward the springs as indicated by dotted lines on the plan. They cannot be traced further than the edge of the terrace. The position of this work is remarkably fine, and was selected with taste and skill. The table land im- 830 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. mediately around it is hard, and the soil gravelly and dry. There seems to have been a burial place in this vicinity, and pipes and fragments of pottery are of com mon occurrence. Perhaps the largest fortification of the kind in northern New York (covering an area of eight acres), is that found on the farm of C. D. Morse, on Dry hill, in this town, and about five miles from the city. This work was carefully examined in 1849, when the following plan and description was prepared : " On the brow of a terrace about two miles northeasterly from the fort on the Tal cott farm is another work of somewhat regular figure and of larger dimensions. Most of it is now under cultivation, and the outlines are much defaced. The embankment I + ' ¦V-JJ.-, %:¦ j' on one side runs into forest land, where it is well preserved, measuring about three feet in height. The darker lines of engraving show what parts are distinctly marked. The dotted lines show what have been plowed down and which are no longer dis tinguishable from the general level, except by a deeper green and more luxuriant growth of grass on the line of the ancient trench. The position of this work cor responds very nearly with that upon the Talcott place. There is, however, no water near except a limited supply from a small spring. Nevertheless, this seems to have been the site of a very populous aboriginal town. The entire area of the work is THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 831 covered with carbonaceous matter, burnt stone, fragments of pottery, etc. Indeed, these indications are visible for some distance exterior to the walls upon the adjacent level. These artificial accumulations have rendered the soil within the enclosure ex tremely fertile, and it sustains most luxuriant crops. Many fragments of human bones, some of them burned, have been observed by cultivation ; suggesting the pos sibility that the ancient village may have been destroyed by enemies, and that these are the bones of its occupants who fell in defense of their kindred, and were burned in the fires that consumed their lodges. A little to the northward of the work there seems to have been an aboriginal cemetery. Here the plow frequently exposes skeletons buried according to the Indian mode, and accompanied by various rude relics of stone and bone. Within and around the work are also found stone axes, flint arrows heads and other remains of savage art. Fragments of pottery and broken pipes of clay are, however, very abundant, of these bushels might be collected with out much difficulty. It is doubtful if this work was intended as a temporary place of resort, but must have been occupied by a considerable population for a long time, and was undoubtedly a fortified town. There were also a number of pits, or caches,1 of the Indian occupants, of considerable size, but now mostly filled up." Numerous evidences of former Indian villages are also found in the town, one of which, of vast extent, was on the farm of A. P. Sigourney, on lot No. 24, opposite the residence of Clark Woodruff. The village covered about four acres of land, and is described by Squier as contain ing rude fire-places, constructed of rough stone held together, and sur rounded with carbonaceous accumulations sometimes two feet in depth on tbe site of the ancient habitations. Here, too, were found relics which resembled those discovered within and around all ancient en closures. Traces of similar villages were found on lot No. 10, on the Butter field farm (now owned by Valda Thomas) ; on a gravelly knoll on tbe farm of Delos Hadcock, on lot No. 17, at East Watertown ; on the Dr. Gifford farm near Cold creek; on the C. G. Rexford farm on lot No. 30; on tbe Elmer Everett farm on lot No. 4, and on the John J. Goode- nough farm (now owned by Patrick Donahue) on lot No. 29. Excavations made on these aboriginal sites present the same relics as were found in Rutland ; broken pottery, carved pipes, bodkins, sharp- pointed bones, beads, teeth, bones of wild animals, burned and charred corn, mortars for grinding, bone needles and awls, flint arrow- heads, spear-points, chisels, combs, accumulations of ashes, and numerous other evidences of the Indian occupation, and also the handicraft of the period. Skeletons were also found in some places. Henry Woodworth, of East Watertown, has a collection comprising 1 For full description of a cache see note to history of town of Adams. 832 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. several thousand of these implements from ancient works and villages in this town and also from Rutland. This is unquestionably one of the rarest private collections of relics to be found in this part of the state. Among the curios of his cabinet, Mr. Woodworth has several stones about the consistence of chalk, which on rubbing impart colors of various shades. These were doubtless used by the savages in pre paring their faces for the war-path or the important discussions of the council. A bone pit,1 quite unlike the others of this region, was discovered about three miles east of Watertown. It was on the farm of T. E. Beecher, in the town of Watertown, on left side of the road leading north from his house, and just above the turn (about fifteen rods from the road) on a gradually sloping hillside. It was originally marked by a number of large stones placed over it. Upon removing the stones and excavating beneath them a pit was found about six feet square and and four feet deep, full of human bones well preserved, but in frag ments. More than forty pairs of patellas were counted, showing that at least that number of skeletons had been deposited in the pit. It is said that when the bones were first exhumed, they exhibited marks, such as would result from the gnawing of wild animals, and from that circumstance and the fact that they were so much broken up it has been very plausibly supposed that these are the bones of some party which had been cut off by enemies, and whose remains were subse quently collected and buried by their friends. All the bones are those of adults. Many of the fragments have been removed and scattered, but several bushels yet remain. No relics of any kind were found with them. Passing over this period of local history, let us turn to the equally interesting subject of settlement and development by the white-faced pioneer. So far as we have any knowledge, Benjamin Wright and his party of surveyors were among the first white men to traverse and ex plore this region. Their visit was made in 1796, and two years later Eliphalet and Christopher Edmunds came down Black river, in a boat on a hunting expedition, but at the falls, within the present city limits, they unfortunately overturned their light craft and lost their guns and supplies in the water. They then left the river and went to live in the south part of the eleven towns region, where they were pioneers, and where in later years both became men of influence and prominence. 1 For full description of the origin of bone pits see note to history of town of Brownville. THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 838 In 1800 settlement was made both within what is now the city and in the town outside. In tbe city chapter the names of all the pioneers and early settlers will be found, together with all obtainable incidents of pioneer life, wherefore in the present connection it is not considered necessary to repeat what has previously been stated, but rather to con fine our narrative, except occasionally, to the settlement, growth and development of the town. In the year last mentioned Seyrel Harring ton and Joshua Priest, who were former acquaintances of the Edmunds brothers, followed the latter into the region and made a settlement on Dry hill, in the south part of the town. In March of the same year Deacon Oliver Bartholmew, an old Connecticut patriot of the Revolu tion, made his way through the forests and settled on land in the north east corner of the town, in which locality he was the pioneer, as also in later years, both in Brownville and Watertown, he was one of the most industrious and exemplary men among the settlers. He died in Water- town in June, 1850, aged 92 years. Deacon Bartholmew had bought his lands in 1799, during which years purchases were also made by Simeon and Benjamin Woodruff, E. Allen, Silas Alden, James Rogers, Elisha Gustin and Thomas Delano, but the exact location of their lands is not known. Indeed, not all of those who are mentioned in the land books became actual settlers. From the same source it is also learned that in 1800 agent Stow sold lands to He- man Pettit, Thomas and John Sawyer, John Bliven, Abram Fisk, Joseph Tuttle, N. Jewett, Joseph Wadley, Jonathan Bentley, Friend Dayton, J. Sikes, S. Norris, Charles Galloway, Jonathan Talcott, Josiah Bentley, John Patrick, David Bent Luther Deming, Ephraim Edwards, Tilson Barrows, Thomas Butterfield, J. and L. Stebbins, Asaph Mather, Benj. Allen, Ebenezer Lazelle, Henry Jewett, Lewis Drury, S Fay, Stanley, James Glass, Ira Brown, W. P. and N. Crandall, Calvin Brown, Aaron Bacon, Bennett Rice and Thomas H. Biddlecom. Nearly all of these purchasers were born in New England, but after the close of the revolution had come to the unsettled regions of New York, taking up their abode for a time in the Mohawk Valley and the country westward ; and when the fertility of the lands in this locality became known to them they were attracted thither. Many who are mentioned came in 1801 and '2, and to them numerous present resi dents in the town can trace their ancestry. But these were not all, and while settlement on the village tract was progressing rapidly, there appears to have been a corresponding growth in the outlying regions. The two Woodruffs (Simeon and Benjamin) came and made a begin ning during 1800, settling just northeast of Burrville. In the Wood- 105 834 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ruff family were the brothers mentioned, and also their father, Jonah, and a younger brother, Frederick. They founded the Woodruff settle ment, and were the progenitors of one of the most substantial fami lies in the county in later years. Jotham Ives, who came in 1800, and was followed by his brothers, Joel and Dr. Titus Ives, located in the extreme west part of the town, in what afterward became known as the Field settlement." Jotham Ives is said to have raised the first crop of wheat in the town. The surname has ever been preserved in local annals, and has been a synonym for integrity, capacity and moral worth. Among other early settlers in that locality were Adam Blod gett, Samuel Bates, Mr. Spencer and Asaph Butterfield. Between 1800 and 1804 settlement increased rapidly, and during the short period two thriving hamlets were built up within the limits of the town. Each settlement was struggling for supremacy from a busi ness point of view, and each sought to obtain the coveted designation of county seat for the then proposed new county, although one of these places (Burrville) made no special strife in that direction. Among the many who made settlements during the period referred to there may be recalled the names of William Sampson, Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle (founder of the Congregational church at Burrville, and for a time the owner of a distillery at the same place), Jonathan Miles, Jacob Stears, Seth Peck, Henderson and Silas Howk, Job Whitney, Caleb and Na thaniel Burnham, all of whom, with others previously mentioned (the Sawyers, Fisk, Drury, Fay and Bacon) settled in the east part of the town. Wilson hill, south of Burrville, was settled in 1802 by James Wilson, who cut his own road from Adams. His son, John Wilson, lived to be one of the oldest men in the town. In the same general locality other early settlers were Jonathan Baker, William Huntington, John Gotham, Seth Bailey, Doris Doty, Cyrus Butterfield, Cyrenus Woodworth, Levi Cole, Samuel Thurston, Capt. Job Whitney, Anthony and Andrew Sigourney, William Fellows and possibly others. In the central portion of the town the earliest settlers (some of whom may have been mentioned) were Eli Rogers, James Rogers, Stephen Gifford, Aaron Brown, Elijah Allen, Corlis Hinds, Reuben Scott, Ben jamin Green and possibly others whose names are now forgotten. In the western part the settlers were Bennet Rice, Joseph Wadley, 1 Elijah Field was a prominent settler. In 1805 he came from Woodstock, Vt., and purchased the Buell farm near the western town line. In his family were nine sons and three daughters, nearly all of whom settled in the vicinity, hence the name Field's settlement, which extended into Hounsfield. THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 835 Thomas H. Biddlecom, John and Zebediah Buell, Friend Dayton and others previously mentioned. In the south part of the town the first settlers were Harrington and Priest, who have been mentioned, but in the course of the next few years there came to the locality several men and families who were prominent factors in local history. Among these were John Babcock, John Purcell, Septimus G. Adams, Joseph Sheldon, Francis Lemmon, Jonathan E. Miles, Tilley Richardson, John Bliven, Patrick Agan and Mr. Hungerford, the father of Orville Hungerford, and others whose names are now forgotten, but who were unquestionably worthy settlers but were less prominent in town affairs and may not have remained permanently in the locality. The first deeds to land were taken in 1802 by Jotham Ives, Elijah Allen, David Bent, Ezra and William Parker, Joseph Tuttle and Jo seph Moore. All settlers on the land previous to that time held by contract and paid but little spot cash to the agent, for the proprietors had given a " purchase money" mortgage on all the lands of the town, and it was not until March 18, 1802, that the lien was satisfied and dis charged of record. Joseph Sheldon, who came to the county in 1802 with Septimus G. Adams, was one of the prominent characters in the early history of the county. He and Adams went first to examine lands in Rodman, for the sale of which Timothy Greenly was the agent, but not making a pur chase, they came back as far as the "Gulf stream," where they made a clearing. In 1805 they sold their improvement and bought the Bab cock and Purcell lands on Dry hill. Adams raised a family of ten or twelve children, and after a busy life as a farmer died near Burrville. Joseph Sheldon was probably the pioneer dairyman of the county, having 40 cows as early as 1834. His lands were extensive, and at one time he kept 1,000 sheep. He had the first horse rake in the vicinity, but perhaps the most famous of his properties was tbe distillery on Dry hill, on account of which that place was a much frequented resort in early times. Tradition has it that at one time there was an almost con tinuous stream of thirsty patrons traveling up the hill to Sheldon's still, and from this fact the name of " Dry hill" was derived. Mr. Sheldon married with Hepziba Richardson, the daughter of Capt. Tilley Rich ardson, and to them were born these children: Tilley R., Susan (Mrs. Jenks P. Thompson), Mary (Mrs. Willard L. Eddy), Harriet (Mrs. Jeremiah Beckwith), Bishop, John, Joseph and Mark Sheldon. In the 836 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. later history of the county some of these sons were important factors, while others of them gained prominence in other fields. Joseph Sheldon afterward became interested in village property in Watertown, where he was a leading citizen for several years. He died in 1857. The old Sheldon homestead, which was built about 1809, is still standing. Capt. Tilley Richardson, an old revolutionary soldier, removed origi nally from Worcester county to Litchfield, Mass., about 1790, and from the latter place to Watertown in 1802. He settled on the now known Jacob Stears farm, on the road leading to Rodman. His family fol lowed the next year, and all his later life was spent on the same farm. He died in 1852. He raised to maturity a large family of children, nearly all of whom removed to Illinois. Jonathan E. Miles brought a peck of apple seeds, and is credited with having grown from them the first orchard in the town. They were planted on the farm whereon John Bliven settled, and on which Solon B, Tolman now lives. Pioneer Miles built a house on the side of the hill on the east side of Sandy creek, on the road running to Rodman. From that time the locality was known as Miles' Hill. The old house still stands, and is owned by Albert J. Lawton. He was also something of an astronomer and could readily compute the time and duration of eclipses. Miles' son, Josiah, was a school teacher, and the author of Miles' spelling book. Another son, Fabius, was a more noted teacher, and was instrumental in assembling all the teachers of the region in a formal meeting, some thing after the manner of teachers' institutes of later years. This is said to have been the first meeting of the kind ever held. Patrick Agan was an Irishman and a hardworking, industrious and successful settler. Patrick H. Agan, of Syracuse, so prominently known in legal and po litical circles, was a son of this worthy pioneer. In addition to those whose names have thus been recalled, the south part of the town contained (using John Sheldon's own -words) an un profitable lot of Mohawk Dutch, nearly all of whom subsequently re moved to Ohio. Another prominent settler, though not perhaps a pioneer, was Ebenezer Tolman, who came from New Hampshire about 1810, having traded his mills in the east for a farm in this town. His wife was Hopeful Randolph, by whom he had ten children. Mr. Tol man was aged 90 years at the time of his death. In another department of this work further allusion is made to this family, and also to the other older families of the town and the county. For the purpose, however, of preserving the names of as many as pos- THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 837 sible of the early settlers of Watertown, the appended list is herewith furnished. By a fortunate coincidence the writer found in the posses sion of Charles Richardson (son of Capt. Tilley Richardson) the assess ment roll of the town for the year 1809, the second discovery of the kind in the county. The roll of course shows the name of each resident tax payer, with the valuation of real and personal property. From this roll the following names are taken, viz: "Assessment roll of the real and personal estate in the town of Watertown in the county of Jefferson, made the 7th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1809, by Powell Hall, Seth Otis, John Adams, assessors forthe said town" (the figures follow ing each name indicates valuation of real property). Benj. Allen, 532; Ambrose Adams, 110-; John Adams, 430; Septimus G. Adams, 276; Robert Adams, 116; John Ayers, 40; Andrew Basinger, 274; Israel Ballard, jr., 388; Tillson Barrows, jr., 776; Zachariah Butterfield, 450; Cyrus Butterfield, 98; James Bard, 230; John Blevin, 392; Horatio Burr, 784; John Bruce, 80; Calvin Brown, 316; Oliver Bartholmew, 390; Thomas Butterfield, 323; Aaron Brown, 694; James Brown, 140; Moses Brown, 208 ; Jonathan Baker, 445 ; Daniel Brainerd, 176 ; Caleb Burnham, 496 ; John Bab cock. 131; Nathaniel Burnham, 426; Alfred Burrows, 50; Josiah Bloss, 190; John Bryant, 20; Amos Benedict, 315; Christopher Biddlecom, 236; Joseph S. Bloss, 100; Joseph Bixby, 50; Benj. Bull, 192; Samuel Bosworth, 160; Daniel Bates, 40; Will iam Barrett, 116; Almon Bannister, 60; Henry Coffeen, 1543; Nathan Coffeen, 482; Henry H. Coffeen, 248; Wm. P. Crandall, 610; Alfred Cummings, 116; Isaac Churchill, 112; Asahel Churchill, 112; Asahel Churchill, jr., 114; Salmon Churchill, 103; Joseph Clark, 600; Clark & Bailey (mill) 320 ; Chauncey Calhoon, 329; Jonathan Cowan, 1123; Isaac Crawford, 198; Edmund Chase, 86; Thomas M. Converse, 610; Ezra Cooper, 216; Medad Canfield, 70 ; John Collins, 265 ; Peter Cameron, 311; Wm. Coffeen, 20; Mrs. Dresser, 178; Jesse Doolittle, 230; Ebenezer Dayton, 72; Thomas Dayton, 106; Jesse Dodge, 210; Thomas Delano, 650; Henry Delano, 206; Luther Deming, 318; Doris Doty, 280; Duffy & McCunnifee, 100; Eli Day, 376; Jonas Everett, 300; John Edmonston, 225; Elias Everett, 300; M. Folts, 242; Ebenezer Fish, 56; Abraham Fisk, 520; Jabez Foster, 737; Elijah Field, 376; Jonathan Fisk, 66 ; Samuel Fellows, 421 ;Wm. Fellows, 400 ; Thaddeus^ Field, 80 ; Arunah Fulling- ton, 96; Philip Field, 42; Jason Fairbanks, 10; Hiram Fellows, 146; Joel Goodell, 328; Benj. Green, 183; Charles Galloway, 176; James Glass, 254; Henry Gotham, 206; Amos Gill, jr., personal, 40; Wm. Gillespie, 50; John Gotham, 96; Stephen Gifford, 122; Corlis Hinds, 290; Powell HaU, 650; Amasa Herrick, 382; Oliver Harpur, 300; Timothy Hungerford, 1176; Anson Hungerford, 440; Erastus Haskin, 108 ; James Hoar, 162 ; Nathaniel Havens, 195 ; Wm. Hancock, 220 ; John Harper, 214- William Huntington (founder and pioneer of the locality known as Huntington ville) 673; Wm. Huntington, jr., 274; Silas Holt, 225; Dyer Huntington (son of Will iam and father of Richard H.)94; James Hanna, 142; Wm. Hooper, 94; Richard Hooper, 80; Charles Harvey, 116; John Hathaway, 25; Johnson Howk, 40; Henry Hopkins, 200; James Ingalls, 184; Jonathan Ingalls, 426; Erastus Ives, 306; Titus Ives, 380 ; Jotham Ives, 475 ; Henry Jewett, 390 ; Ezekiel Jewett, 315 ; Nathan Jewett, 330- Abraham Jewett, 600; (the Jewetts lived on Sandy Creek); Nathan Jones, 10; 838 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Samuel C. Kanady, 260; Aaron Keyes, 100; Samuel Knapp, 380 ; Samuel Knapp, jr., 126; George Kingsbury, 120; William Lampson, 356; John Losee, 188; John Losee, jr., 318; Francis Lammon, 520; Peter Lawrence, 200; Samuel Lamb, 468; David Mills, 154; Sylvester Morris, 150; Jonathan E. Miles, 180; James Mann, 200; Elna- than Mattison, 378; Asaph Mather, 178; Hart Massey, 901; Isaiah Massey, 490; James Mayo, 100; Varannus Moore, 472; John Morey, 10; Wm. Nichols, 260; Hosea Norton, 42; Timothy Nash, 56; Seth Otis, 285 ; Thomas Potter, 212; Seth Peck, 330; John Pattison, 145; Sarah Perry, 144; Jonathan Potter, 120; Benj. Pool, 196; Sam uel P. Parker, 234; John Parcels, 173; Solomon Palmer, 294; James Parker, 816; John Prentiss, 114; Richard Potter, 350; John Paddock, 1230; Paddock & Smith, 150; Samuel Phippen, 312; Richard Phillips (personal) 50; Lebbeus Payne, 45; Tilley Richardson, 620; Josiah Richardson, 180; Russell Richardson, 340; Bennett Rice, 430; Jason Rice, 120; James Rogers, 300; Eli Rogers, 216; Aaron Rhodes, 226; Oliver Rowe, 154; Beloved Rhodes, 186; Thomas Randall, 66; James B. Robbins, 10; John Runyan, 108; Joseph Sodey, 112; John Sykes, 278; Rufus Spencer, 454; William Sheldon, 370; Joseph Savage, 238; Joseph Sheldon, 359; Daniel Stanley, 288; Elias Sawyer, 128; Thomas Sawyer, 292; Ozni Stowell, 178; Job Sawyer, 196; Abel S. Scott, 110; Abel Scott, 222 ; Simeon Skeeles, 56; Daniel Staplin, 270; Friend Street, 102; John Simmons, 68; Moses Smedley, 100; Anthony Sigourney, 596; Jonas Smith, 290; Frederick and Phineas Smith, 75; Caleb Smith, 30; Frances Smiler, 226; Nehemiah Thornton, 88 ; Jethro Taylor, 90 ; Egbert Ten Eyck, 280 ; Oliver Taylor, 95; Ezekiel Thrall, 100; David Talcott, 116; John Thompson, 118; Amasa Trow bridge, 90 ; Joshua Town, 90 ; Wm. Tryon, 100 ; Joseph Wadleigh ( Wadley), 816 ; Thomas Wadley, 140; John Wadley, 140; (the Wadleys lived near Rice's Corners); Josiah Wright, 130; John Wait, 202; Thomas Wilson, 262; Palmer Westcott, 275; James Wilson, 338; Isaac Wilson, 508 ; David Wiswell, 220 ; Samuel Whittlesey, 350; Oliver White, 98; Job Whitney, 230; Smith Waters, 290; Woodruff, 20; Sam uel Waters, 330; Thomas Watt, 40; Cornelius Waters, 108; Cyrenus Woodworth, 586; Samuel Winslow, 292; Jacob Wheeler, 202; Benj. Woodruff, 346; Jonah Wood ruff, 405; Hazen Webster, 70; Luke Wood, 372; Philip Wilson, 160; Paoli Wells, 70; Gardner White, 150; William Wood, 150; Lyman Wilson, 80. Thus is brought to notice the name of every resident taxable inhab itant in Watertown in 1809, when the assessment roll was made. At that time the village had not been separated from the town, even for purposes of local government, nor was such action accomplished until several years afterward. From what has been stated it must be seen that the agents were very active in the sale of low lands after the mort gage on the town had been paid. Such, indeed, was the case, and no town in the region showed a more rapid and healthful growth than this. True, in 1805 the county was created, and the flourishing little village on Black river was designated as its seat of justice. This was the great est stimulus to later growth and prosperity in the- whole town, for all the country has ever been benefited by the village and city and their constantly increasing commercial interests. There was no complete THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 839 separation of the town and village until the latter was incorporated as as a city under the laws of 1869, and thereby more than 9,000 of the town's population was surrendered to the new creation. In 1807 the town contained 231 inhabitants having the requisite property qualifica tions, in which respect it ranked third in the county. In 1810, at the first census enumeration after the county was created, the number of inhabitants in Watertown was 1,841, from which time the subsequent changes are best shown by extracts from the census reports, as fojlows: 1814, 2,458; 1820, 2,876; 1825, 3,416; 1830. 4,768; 1835, 4,279; 1840, 5,027; 1845, 5,432; 1850, 7,201; 1855, 7,557; 1860, 7,567; 1865, 8,194; 1870, 1,373; 1875, 1,279; 1880, 1,264, 1890, 1,215; 1892, 1,083. Thus it is seen that with the single exception of Pamelia, Watertown has less population than any town in the county, and also that during the last twenty-five years the number of inhabitants has been gradually decreasing, while in the city there has been more than corresponding increase. During this period there has been shown a strong tendency on the part of farmers in the town to remove to the city, for the double purpose of affording their children the advantages of a good education and the hope of more profitable employment for the farmer himself. The result has been that in many cases the old home farm is occupied by a tenant, or the buildings stand unoccupied. In either case the re sult is disastrous, and the old homestead on which the pioneer of the family labored and struggled for the welfare of his children in later years is ofttimes found in a dilapidated condition. Fortunately, how ever, this is the exception rather than the rule, and Watertown to-day can show some of the largest and best farms in the county. From first to last the history of the town at large has been unevent ful, and neither record nor tradition furnishes us with many noteworthy incidents of pioneer life in the region. Through Solon Massey's rem iniscences, "A Link in the Chain," we have an account of the loss of young James Parker, a son of Captain Parker, the lad having been sent out on an errand to procure a quantity of hemlock gum from the woods and also a supply of provision from the store in the village. The boy was given a silver dollar with which to make the purchase, and an axe to secure the gum. After dinner the youth went toward the village as far as the big woods at the foot of Folt's hill (now called Ives' or Coffeen hill), where he struck the axe in a tree, loosening a chip, be ¦ hind which he placed the dollar for safe keeping. He then wandered around in search of gum, giving no heed to his whereabouts, and the result was he became lost to all surroundings; and the greater his 840 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. efforts to find th'e axe and money the more he became confused. Night came on, and the boy not having returned home, his parents were much alarmed for his safety. The village was visited and disclosed the fact that the boy had not been there nor had the purchase been made. The neighborhood was at once aroused, and with the earnestness which always characterized such occasions in pioneer days, a large company of men set out in search of the lost youth; and they did not turn back or delay until the lost was found and returned to his home. Folt's hill was something of a historic locality and the scene of sev eral incidents during early times. In this locality in the fall of 1801 a settler named Dayton accidentally shot his brother while cleaning his gun preparatory to a general squirrel hunt in which all the settlers were to join. As soon as the accident occurred Dayton set off at the top of his speed to the village, where he secured the services of Dr. Isaiah Massey; and the latter, acting quickly, reached the cabin in time to dress the wound and save the life of the injured man. Through the same reliable source of information we also have the wolf story of pioneer times, in which one Knowlton was the hero. He had been assisting Jotham Ives, who resided near Folts' settlement, in the customary fall employment of killing hogs, and having finished his day's work was given two hog " plucks " (heart and liver) in addition to his pay. Knowlton lived near the present residence of Titus J. Brintnall. Darkness had come on and he was nearly a mile from home, with no road and only a line of marked trees. Rather than hazard an attack by wolves, which were known to be frequently about at night, Mr. Ives offered him a lodging in his own house, but the settler had no fear and set out upon his journey. His clothing was somewhat spotted with blood, and this the wolves scented before he had made half the distance through the woods. Then began a race for life, in which Knowlton was almost home before the hungry animals overtook him, and he only saved himself by throwing them one of his plucks, which they stopped to devour while he made good his escape into the house. Organization. — This town was created in anticipation of future settle ment rather than forthe accommodation of settlers then within its bor ders. Through the influence of Nicholas Low, Henry Champion and others, on March, 18, 1800, the legislature passed an act erecting two new towns in this part of Oneida county. These were Champion and Watertown, the aggregate population of which at that time was proba bly less than 200 inhabitants. The effective portion of the act relating to this town was as follows: THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 841 " And all that part of the said county of Oneida known and distinguished by (as) townships Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in a tract of land belonging to Henry Champion and others, which said townships are bounded northerly by the Black river, westerly by Hungry Bay (Black river bay), and southerly by townships Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9. and easterly by township No. 4, all in the same tract, shall be and continue a town by the name of Watertown." As then constituted the new town comprised all that is now Rutland and Hounsfield in addition to its present territory, and as well that of the city. Rutland was taken off April 1, 1802, and Hounsfield, Febru ary 17, 1806. The interesting events of town organization, such as first officers elected and the proceedings relating to local government, cannot be given in this connection on account of the destruction of the records by fire many years ago. Indeed, the supervisors previous to 1805 are now unknown. From all indications, however, the early civil history of Watertown was not unlike that of other towns in this region, except that here was an additional interest which centered around the county seat, and also the spirited rivalry between that settlement and the flourishing hamlet of Burrville, on the upper waters of Sandy creek. For a time it seemed as if Burrville possessed the greater im portance, but when Watertown became a county seat it soon out stripped its rival, and eventually became the most important industrial city in northern New York. Its history is made the subject of a special chapter in this work, to which the attention of the reader is di rected. Burrville. — It is quite evident that proprietor Low and agent Stow had it in their mind to establish the principal village in the eastern part of township No. 2, where was found an available water power on Sandy creek which was equal for all practical purposes to the greater power on the river, and which could be diverted for manufacturing purposes at far less expense. Moreover, saw and grist mills at this place, with a tavern and store, would draw greater patronage than the river region. Therefore, in June, 1801, Stow made a contract with Hart Massey, by which the latter agreed to build, during that season, a saw and corn (grist) mill on his own land, the agent on his part agreeing to furnish all necessary machinery and stock the mills for operation. The work was done as agreed, but in 1802 the property was sold to Capt. John Burr, who with several sons located at the place, and through their united efforts made it the most important trading and milling point in the region. Soon afterward Jabez Foster opened a large store, and em ployed Orville Hungerford in the capacity of clerk, but when Water- 106 842 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. town became the county seat the stock of goods, proprietor and clerk all removed to that place. In the meantime other industries had sprung up at Burr's Mills, as the place was then known. William Lampson opened a blacksmith shop, and soon afterward added an axe factory and trip-hammer, carrying on a large business in making edged tools. In some manner, and under several ownerships, this industry was maintained here until about the time of the war of 1861-65. About 1806 James Mann built a tannery, but later on sold out to Deacon Theophilus Redfield (one of the substantial old settlers), who employed six or eight men in the tan-house and about as many more in shoemak- ing. Among the old early interests were a carding machine and cloth- dressing works, but the names of their founders are now unknown. A hotel was also opened, and about its first landlord, if not in fact its founder, was Septimus G. Adams. Other important interests of the time were Converse's ashery and Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle's distillery. Dr. Crafts P. Kimball was the first physician, locating at the Mills pre vious to the war of 1812, and was a prominent figure in the locality un til his death in 1873. In the course of time of all these old industries which once made Burrville a busy trading center not one survives, and only the beautiful cascade from which power was taken, the old and frequently repaired tavern and the Congregational church give present indication of a once important industrial village. With the growth and constantly increas ing importance of Watertown there was a corresponding loss in Burr ville, until at last it became hardly more than a convenient trading point in a purely farming region. About 1825 Capt. Sampson built a blast furnace at the top of the falls, but after a few years its operation ceased. Deacon Redfield removed his tannery to Watertown, and other local industries were abandoned. In its present condition Burr ville is a quiet little hamlet of perhaps a dozen houses, a district school and Congregational church. On June 8, 1803, Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle organized a Congregational society at a meeting held in Caleb Burnham's barn, at Burrville. There were fifteen constituent members, and Gershom Tuttle and William Fellows were the first deacons. Meetings were held in convenient places, and preaching services were frequently conducted by mission aries from New England, and also by Revs. Nathaniel Dutton (Cham pion) and B. Tyler. In 1811 the Watertown society was formed, and took several members from the Burrville church. On Oct. 25 1815 THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN. 843 Rev. Daniel Banks was installed pastor of the church, and the organ ization was preserved until January, 1821, when a Presbyterian form of government was adopted. At that time tbe elders were Wm. Brown, James Stone, Theophilus Redfield, J. Van "Nest, John Sawyer, Hart Massey, William Huntington, Asa Norton and Amasa Herrick. The deacons were Hart Massey and Theophilus Redfield. In later years the church prospered for a time and then gradually lost its strength and influence until it was finally dissolved. It was a mother of churches, however, and from it sprung a Congregational church in 1830 (which is now extinct) a part of the second Presbyterian church of Watertown (in 1S31) and the present Congregotional church of Burrville, in 1834. On October 14, 1833, the Burrville society was formed by Congrega tional, Universalist and Methodist members who lived in the east part of the town, and for the express purpose of building a meeting house. Dr. Kimball, George M. Jenks and Elnathan Lucas were the trustees, under whose direction a house of worship was erected during the fol lowing year. The building was afterward occupied by each denomina tion, in alternation, but finally it passed into the hands of the Congre- gationalists, the other societies having ceased to exist in the vicinity. The Burrville Congregational church, as now existing,, was organized Feb. 14, 1834, by Rev. David Spear, who was its first pastor, and then comprised 13 members from the former Presbyterian church, 3 from the Congregational church in Rutland, and one from the Congregational church at Smithville. This society has survived all the changes and vicissitudes of intervening years, although its members are now few and the society not self-sustaining. The present pastor is Rev. John Kincaid. The other hamlet localities of the town are quite small and of little consequence in local history. Field's settlement adjoins Hounsfield, and was named after pioneer Elijah Field, of whom previous men tion is made. Watertown Centre is a name frequently applied to a little settlement near the geographical center of the town, the chief in stitutions of which at the present time are the beautiful Brookside and St. Patrick's cemeteries. Rice's is a station and post-office on the line of the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg railroad, in the southwest part of the town, and was so called in allusion to one of the prominent fami lies of that locality. Previous to the construction of the railroad the place was commonly known as Rice's Corners. Huntingtonville is a hamlet about half a mile west of the city limits, and is pleasantly situ- 844 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ated on the river, opposite two islands. At one time this locality promised to become an important manufacturing center, but circum stances drew the industries further down the river. East Watertown is a hamlet about a mile' east of the city, but other than its cheese factory interest it has no special prominence in town history. The old Grove hotel was once a popular hostelry in this part of the town. Supervisors. — (The town records previous to 1805 are destroyed). Corlis Hinds, 1805-08; Tilley Richardson, 1809-10; Wm. Smith, 1811; Egbert Ten Eyck, 1812-19; Titus Ives, 1820-26; Jabez Foster, 1827; Titus Ives, 1828; Daniel Lee, 1829; Henry H. Coffeen, 1830-34; Orville Hungerford, 1835-37 ; Joel Woodworth, 1838-40; Orville Hungerford, 1841-42; John Winslow, 1843-45; Orville V. Brainard, 1846^7; George C. Sherman, 1848; Adriel Ely, 1849; Kilborn Hannahs, 1850; Orville Hungerford, 1851; Robert Lansing, 1852; David D. Otis, 1853-54; Adriel Ely, 1855; Willard Ives, 1856; Levi H. Brown, 1857; Henry H. Babcock, 1858; Ambrose W. Clark, 1859-60; David W. Baldwin, 1861; H. H. Babcock, 1862; Edward S. Lansing, 1863-64; George A. Bagley, 1865-68 ; Wilbur F. Porter, 1869 ; John Winslow, elected at special town meeting, 1869; Charles Richardson, 1870-75; Henry S. Barbour, 1876-77; John M. Felt, 1878-80; L. T. Sawyer, 1881-84; J. Stears, jr., 1885-86; B. W. Gifford, 1887- 90; Frank M. Parker, 1891-95; Milo L. Cleveland, 1896-97; Dwight L. Bailey, 1898- 99. CHAPTER XLI. THE TOWN OF WILNA. Previous to 1813 the territory now comprising Wilna formed a part of the older towns of Le Ray and Leyden, and it also formed a part of the vast tracts, amounting almost to principalities, known, respectively, as great lot No. 4 of the Macomb purchase and the Chassanis tract. The line separating these tracts crosses the town east and west, south of the central portion. In the year mentioned, on April 2, tbe legis lature passed an act defining with accuracy the boundary lines between counties in the state, and by this act Jefferson county acquired a con siderable body of land formerly a part of Lewis county, which was created a separate civil division of the former and named Wilna, but why so named neither record or tradition furnishes any reliable infor mation. However, it has been said that the name was derived from and applied in allusion to Wilna, in Russia. THE TOWN OF WILNA. 845 In area Wilna includes 47,483 acres of land, well adapted to general agricultural pursuits. The surface is gently undulating and slopes generally toward the valley of Black river, its southwestern bound ary. The other principal water courses are Black creek, which drains the central and northwest portions, and Indian river, the latter crossing the northern part and flowing thence into Antwerp. The town has few remarkable physical features to place it in strong contrast with other of the county's subdivisions, yet in area it ranks third, and second in population. The story of pioneer and early settlement in the town has never been a subject of dispute among chroniclers of local history, all accounts ac cording to Henry Boutin the honor of having made the first improve ments. He purchased 1,000 acres of land from the agent of the French company, and in or about 1798 made a clearing on the site of Carthage village, the immediate locality then and for several years afteward being known asthe " Long Falls," in allusion to the succession of rapids or falls in the river. The natural water power thus offered attracted Boutin to the place, and in the waters of the river he is said to have met an accidental death a few years afterward. On July 17, 1815, James Le Ray was appointed administrator of the Boutin estate, and in that capacity sold the property at auction to Vincent Le Ray, his son, from whom all land titles in the village have descended. He, too, was a prominent factor in early history in tbe town, and contributed largely to its development and settlement. He caused the village to be sur veyed and laid out, opened a land office, and was otherwise a conspicu ous figure in local" affairs. Jean Baptist Bossuot, sometimes called Baptise, came to the locality about 1799, and after Boutin's death and the other settlers had de parted, he alone remained at the Long Falls. He built a ferry across the river and also kept an inn for the accommodation of travelers; and it is said that he never denied shelter or food to the moneyless way farer, or refused to carry him over the river because he could not pay. The ferry was maintained until the construction of the bridge, 1812-13, but Mr. Bossuot lived in the vicinity until his death in Champion, July 26, 1847. He was born in Troyes, France, and came to this country in company witb Baron Steuben. In his family were six children, one of whom, George Bossuot, was the first white child born in the town. Among the other factors in early history in Wilna, a more detailed 846 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. narrative of which properly belongs to village annals, may be recalled the name of David Coffeen (died in Carthage, Jan. 30, 1828), James Barney, Francis Lloyd, Nathan Brown, Claudius S. Quilliard, and pos sibly others whose names and deeds have been lost with years long passed. However, in the meantime settlement had extended down the river valley and well back on the uplands of the town, on both sides of the line separating great lot No. 4 from the Chassanis tract. Indeed the proprietary were by no means idle and the year 1814 showed the new town of Wilna to contain 261 inhabitants. The second war with Great Britain was practically ended, and with peace assured the sol diery and militia returned from the frontier and devoted themselves to the peaceful arts of agriculture and kindred pursuits. Within the next few years where once stood vast primal forests fine farms appeared, roads were opened, schools and churches were established, and general prosperity prevailed on every hand. The institutions of the town were in fact founded before the separate organization of Wilna was accom plished, and the population of 1814, indicated the presence of between fifty and sixty families in the new jurisdiction. The readjustment of county lines necessitated the erection of another town in Jefferson county, and Wilna was the result. The creating act directed that the first town meeting be held at the house of Thomas Brayton, then occupied by Elihu Stewart, on March 1, 1814. On that occasion pio neer Henry Lewis was chosen moderator, and officers were duly elected as follows : Supervisor, Thomas Brayton; town clerk, Elihu Stewart; assessors, John B. Bos suot, Caleb Fulton, Enoch Griffin; collector, Robert C. Hastings; overseers of the poor, Henry Lewis, Alfred Freeman; commissioners of highways, Henry Lewis, Freedom Gates, Thomas Brayton; constable, Robert C. Hastings; fence viewers, John D. Balmat, James Hamblin, Isaac Blanchard, Caleb Johnson, Moses Cleveland; poundmaster, Alfred Freeman, with direction to construct the pound at the "crutch" of road, near his dwelling house: overseers of highways, Caleb Fulton, Enoch Grif fin, Lewis De Villiers, Moses Pearson. At this meeting the electors made all necessary provision for the government of the town and the conduct of its affairs.1 The list of officers just noted suggests to the reader the names of many of the first settlers, and it may be assumed that a majority of the' taxable inhabit ants were then present as the occasion had for them a direct interest. Their names are produced here in part for the purposes of complete 1 Beginning in 1815, and continuing to 1S23, the town voted a bounty of $5 for each wolf killed. In 1827-8 the bounty was increased to $10, with $5 for wolf whelps. THE TOWN OF WILNA. 847 record and as well to show who were the settlers in Wilna during the period of its early history. However, it is difficult to determine just when pioneership was lost in the general growth and development of the region, or who are entitled to be mentioned among its early set tlers. In 1825 the inhabitants numbered 1,126, about four times more than in 1814, showing that settlement in the then comparatively remote locality was rapidly accomplished. In the town clerk's office in Wilna is found an assessment roll for the year 1825, from which has been taken a list of the taxable inhabitants, that there may be preserved in this volume the names of as many as possible of the first settlers. In another department will be found not only the names of settlers but also sketches of personal and family life of the pioneers and their descendants in the several towns, wherefore in the present connection it is sufficient to simply furnish the list of taxables, with the number of acres owned by each set opposite their respective names. Assessment roll for 1825 made by assessors Caleb Fulton, Stephen Lewis and Hezekiah Morris: Benedict Adams, 45; Robert Anderson, 30; Josiah Allen, 50; Lewis Allen, 50; Henry Allen, 25; William Anderson, 34; Nathan Brown, J^ ; Thomas Brayton, jr., 77; Abel Brinham, Jj£ ; Isaac Blanchard, 50; Caleb Blanchard, 25 ; Robert Blanchard, 25 ; Howland Blanchard, 25 ; Coon wood C. Becker, 46 ; Ste phen Barnes, 100; Marmaduke Banton, 100; Asa Barnes, 50; Nicholas Benn, 3^; William Brayton, 12; Jeremiah Brayton, 50; Thomas Brayton, 265; Joseph Brosvn, 125; Virgil Brooks, 51; Bania Beddle, 50; Joseph C. Budd, >/£; John D. Bossuot, 85; Samuel Barnes, 70 ; George Bunt, 100 ; Thomas Baker, % ; William Bevitt, 40 ; Lewis Becker, 63; Coonwood J. Becker, 27; Brayton, Lanphear, Nye & Co., 2; William Bevitt, jr., 40; James Convery, 40; John Chase, J4; Peter Castle, 50; John F. Cols ton, %; Michael Cunningham, 25; Seth L. Cutler, %; Calvin Chapin, 40; Jacob Coss, 75 ; James Carret, 140 ; Francis Carret, 420 ; Stephen Cottwell, 50 ; Alford Crowner, 108 ; Austin Cadwell, 100 ; Chauncey Dodge, J^ ; Lewis De Villairs, 150 ; William Dawley, 50; Francis Devois, 100; Jennis DeFerrit, 451; Amos Darwin, 100; Amos Draper, 58 ; Charles Dayan, X ; James Edgar. 75 ; John Fanning, 28 ; Daniel Fitzpatrick, 50; John Fitzpatrick, 50; Edward Fitzpatrick, 50; Stephen Fletcher, 50; Alford Freeman, 336 ; Elijah Ferrington, 50 ; Thomas Ferris, 98 ; Caleb Fulton, 50 ; Edward Galvin, 321; Elijah Grout, 50; Edward Gates, 30; Leonard Gates, J^; Bar- zilla Guyot, 71; Joseph Graham, 68; Adam Grove, 40; Hubbard Goodrich, 25; Curtis Hustins, 40 ; Thomas Hastings, 57 ; Otis Hastings, 50 ; Robert C. Hastings, 39 ; Benjamin G..Hall, 50; James Hamblin, 117; Harlow Hawley, 41; Barney Hughes, 26; Stanton Hopkins, 25; Peggy Hodgkins, 200; James P. Hodgkins, 20; Eben Hodgkins, 57 ; Seth Hooker (toll bridge), % ; Samuel C. Hoyle, M I Timothy Hos ford, 50; Samuel Ingalls, 50; Jonah Johnson, 50; Milicent Johnson, J4; Joshua John son, 85; Elihu Jones, %; Pane Keyes, 38; Charles R. Knight, 11; Stephen Leaker, i^; Chaumont Vincent de Le Ray, property at Carthage; Stephen Lewis, 165; Hen ry Lewis, 125; Henry Lewis, jr., 104; Ephraim Lewis, 50; Francis Le Roy, %; 848 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lewis Lanphear, jr., 120; Austin Lanphear, 20; Hiram Lanphear, 150; Luther P. Matthews, 60; Francis Moon, 120; Hezekiah Morris, %; Samuel Marshall, 50; Augus tus Moon, 20; Michael Mick, 125; John Murray, 30; Patrick Murray, 50; Michael Murray, 50 ; James Murray, 50 ; James Morris, % ; John Martin, 50 ; Edward Mc- Connor, 25; Joel Mix, 50; John Main, 138; Andrew A. Matthews, 20; Anderson Minor, 50; Henry Noble, 50; Stephen Nutting, 85; Chauncey Nutting, 28; Nutting & Pierce, ^ ; Horatio Newell, 25; Walter Nimocks, 2-3; Warren Nye, 100; Farrell Nearey, 25; Avery Olds, 100; Jonathan Owens, jr., 71; Charles Osborn, 150; Abram Ostrander, 61; Peter Odell, % ', D. C. Pellet, 20; Hiram Petty, 25; John Petty, 136; Joseph S. Pierce, %; John Pool, 100, Ichabod Palmer, 43; George Parish 592; John Pearson, 135; Moses Pearson, 160; Lyman Palmerston. 100; Allen Peck, %; Ed mund Piggott, 30 ; C. S. Quilliard, 200 ; William Reader, J£ ; Patrick Riley, 120 ; Na thaniel Rice, y2; Nathan Starks, 1; Charles Strong, — ; Patrick Sharon, 25; John Smith, 250; Orlo Stannard, 82; Elijah Scott, 5; William Sarvey. 37; Ephraim H. Smith, 50; Aaron Slater, 50; Abel Shattuck, 100; P. S. Stewart, 18; Joseph Saun ders, 77; Francis Shindler, 50; Tiba Tucker, % ; Lawrence Thorp, 50; Benajah Tubbs, 104; Lewis Thomas, 54; Johnson Tifft, 65; Reuben Tifft, 25; Benjamin Thau, 11 ; John Van Antwerp, % ; Justus Woolcott, 25 ; John Weaver, 25 ; Taber Weaver, 25; Nathan Wilson, 30; Amos Wormwood, 42; Eli West, 3; John Welch, 70; James Welch, 70. The foregoing list is taken from the assessment roll almost literally, and corrections are made only in cases where an error is known to exist. The reader will of course understand that the early town officers were not educated men, and their knowledge of grammar was generally crude, hence they spelled names much as they were commonly pro nounced rather than according to strict rules of orthography. How ever, the list may be regarded as reasonably accurate, and suggests the names of pioneers in Wilna many of whose descendants are still in the county, while others are not now known in the vicinity. All were at that time earnestly engaged in the work of improvement and building up, and the results of their labors have been enjoyed by later gener ations of inhabitants. Not one of the settlers there mentioned is still alive, and all honor is due to their memory and to their early efforts. The assessment rolls of later years show constant increase both in number of inhabitants and local advancement, and each succeeding year witnesses the passing of the sire and the succession of the son, until the old names are now found only in the old records and on the gravestones of the cemetery. On the site where pioneer Boutin made the first improvement in 1798 is now a large and growing village, sec ond in point of population and commercial importance among the municipalities of the county. During the period of its history, there have been built up within the town several other trading and business THE TOWN OF WILNA. 849 centers, each established for the convenience of the people living in lo calities remote from the principal village of Carthage. Natural Bridge and Woods Settlement are of some importance in business life, the former leading, while Wilna and North Wilna are small post hamlets in the central and northern part of the town, respectively. A few miles southwest from Wilna, and four miles from Carthage, is a locality known as the "Checkered House," at one time called "Fargo's Hall," and here both town and other public gatherings were held. Here, too, were held several patriotic meetings during the war of 1861-65, and here, on August 18, 1862, the taxpayers unanimously resolved to pay a bounty of $50 for each volunteer who should enlist from the town for service at the front; and here, also, in regularly assembled town meet ing held February 17, 1863, the inhabitants ratified the previous action and otherwise demonstrated the town's loyalty during that period of fearful strife. To the southeast of Checkered house, and chiefly within the town of Croghan, is an extensive locality known as the Irish settlement, the pioneers of which region made the first improvement about 1820. As their numbers increased many families drifted over into Wilna. The early settlers here are nearly all gone but their descendants survive and are numbered among the thrifty farmers of the town. By reference to the preceding narrative, and particularly to the old tax roll, it will be seen that the growth of Wilna and the development of its resources has indeed been rapid, and especially so during the first half century of its history. However, to better illustrate its growth, reference is had to the federal and state census reports, from which the number of inhabitants at the beginning of each half decade is found to have been as follows : In 1814, the year in which the town was organized, 261 inhabitants; 1820, 648; 1825, 1,126; 1830, 1,602; 1835,2,053: 1840, 2,591 ; 1845, 2,714; 1850,2,993; 1855,3,024; 1860, 3,662; 1865, 3,921; 1870, 4,060; 1875, 4,253; 1880 4,393; 1885, no enumeration; 1890, 4,552. From this it is seen that the growth of the town at large has been constant, and during the early period of its history quite rapid ; and while recent years have witnessed a radical decline both in population and agricultural interests in many interior towns of the state, the in habitants in Wilna appear to have suffered comparatively little in this respect. True, husbandmen have been compelled to change the char acter of their farm productions, for now the farmers of the east are 107 850 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. brought into direct competition with those of the great west, to the dis advantage of the former; and it is no longer expected that our over worked and long occupied agricultural lands will produce equally with the new and rich areas of the west, valued at from one to five dollars an acre. In 1825 the assessors appraised farm lands in Wilna at about $1.50 per acre, and made oath that the assessment represented fair value, while now the same lands are worth $20 to $100 an acre, yet produce no more than half what they did three quarters of a century ago From first to last the inhabitants have been mindful both of the edu cational and spiritual welfare of the youth, and at a special town meet ing held April 16, 1814, it was voted to raise a sum of money equal to the amount allowed the town by the state for the support of schools. At that time pioneers Henry Lewis, Daniel W. Hall and Elihu Stew art wers elected commissioners of common schools, and Thoma^ Bray ton, Benjamin G. Hall and Luther P. Mather were likewise chosen inspectors of town schools. Unfortunately, however, the records give no information as to the number and location of schools, or by whom they were taught. Previous to the creation of Wilna the school sys tem in operation was a part of the older jurisdiction, and the history of education in this town necessarily dates from its separate formation. By a report filed May 26, 1814, the local commissioners divided Wilna into three school districts and provision was made for a school in each. In 1821 commissioners John Smith, Stephen Lewis and Eli West made a new division and formed seven districts; and in 1825 an eighth district was added to the number. From this beginning the school system of the town has grown, increasing and enlarging as years passed and the welfare of the youth has demanded, and all in accordance with the improved methods from time to time adopted. As now constituted Wilna has eighteen school districts and in each, whether wholly in the town or joint with another town, a good school is maintained and kept under the constant supervision of the district commissioner as the law provides. Natural Bridge is of the most importance among the hamlets of Wilna, and was named in allusion to a peculiar dispensation of nature, a bridge of rocks having been formed over the Indian river by the action of the water. The village is distant ten miles from Carthage, almost due east, and has a population of about 600 inhabitants within the radius of a mile. Settlement was begun in this part of the town soon after 1815, and Lewis Allen, Stephen Nutting, Charles Knight, THE TOWN OF WILNA. 851 Zebina Chaffee, Arnold Burr and Abel Bingham were prominent heads of families three-quarters of a century ago. The names of all of them do not appear in the roll of 1825. However, one of the most conspicu ous residents of the place in its early history was Joseph Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, and who, in fact was, as has been mentioned by cotemporary writers, "ex-king of Spain." In 1828 this royal per sonage built a pretentious mansion at the settlement, lived there sev eral years, and then took up his abode at Borden town, N. J. Various traditions are extant in explanation of his coming and departure, but that he was greatly respected among the pioneers is unquestioned, and all memories of him are of pleasing import. Lake Bonaparte, in Lewis county, was so called in honor of this distinguished settler. For about three-quarters of a century Natural Bridge has been a flourishing hamlet, and the trading center for the inhabitants of a rich agricultural region in Jefferson and Lewis counties. Abel Bignham opened a store here in 1820, and in the next year Mr. Knight built a tavern. In later years saw mills and a large tannery were put in opera tion in the village and locality, but now all save a few have been dis continued. The mercantile interests at the present time are the general stores conducted by John Burns and John W. Lynde; the groceries owned by Edgar Cowen, De Witt Dawley and John Shoemaker; Dr. J. H. Copp's drug store, and Montondo Bros, hardware store; Yousev Bros, have a good saw mill, and George Wilson a similar industry of less capacity. * Robert Shields is proprietor of a water power and Will iam Priest of a steam power grist mill. John Farrer has a cheese box factory. The tannery which for more than thirty years was one of the staple industries of the hamlet has been closed within the past year In 1847 a Boston company of capitalists began extensive operatidns for copper mining near the village, but after a commendable display of ex perimental energy the enterprise was abandoned. In addition to its mercantile and manufacturing interests, Natural Bridge has good hotels, a place for public entertainments, an excellent three-room district school (district No. 8), two regularly organized church societies (Methodist Episcopal and Universalist), and the small shops which are necessary adjuncts of village life. The Methodist Episcopal church at Natural Bridge dates back in its history to about 1825, when a class was formed and occasional services were held by itinerant preachers, though not until 1830 was a church home provided. From that to the present time the society has con- 852 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tinued in existence, drawing attendance from both Wilna and Diana. It is now a joint charge with Harrisville, under the pastoral care of Rev. D. W. Aylesworth, the two churches having a total membership of 198, and 167 probationers. The Universalist church at Natural Bridge was organized and a bouse of worship erected in 1872; first pastor, Rev. J. H. Stewart. The his tory of the society has been continuous to the present time, the attend ance averaging about 150 persons. The church is now without a pastor. Wood's Settlement, or as better known in recent years, Wood's Mills, is a small hamlet in the extreme eastern part of Wilna, near the Ant werp line, and derived its name from the settlement and improvement begun by Jonathan Wood in 1833. Here he built a grist and saw mill on Indian river, a great convenience to the inhabitants of the region. Pioneer Wood was otherwise prominently connected with the town's history, and held the offices of supervisor, assessor, and justice of the peace. He died in 1879, but his descendants still live in the vicinity. For many years a store has been kept at the Mills, the present owner being Jason E. Merrick, who also is local postmaster. The grist mill is now operated by Harlan Wood. In the same vicinity is the Lewis- burg cheese factory, owned by Mr. Washburn, while between North Wilna and the Mills settlement is another similar industry conducted by Luther Gibbs. The near-by district school and the Methodist Epis copal church are the only public buildings of the locality. Methodism in this part of Wilna, and in southern Antwerp dates back to about 1835, when the society was formed. A union meeting house was erected in 1849, and while other denominational services were occasionally held, the Methodists eventually succeeded in estab lishing an enduring society. The pulpit is supplied from Antwerp. This church now makes no separate report to the conference. The supervisors of Wilna from the organization of the town have been as follows : 1814-15, Thomas Brayton; 1816, Alfred Freeman; 1817, Francis Lloyd; 1818-19, Nathan Brown; 1820-22, Thomas Brayton; 1823-27, Eli West; 1828-29, Thomas Baker; 1830-32, Eli West; 1833, Walter Nimocks; 1834, Wm. Bones; 1835-36, Walter Nimocks; 1837, Wm. Bones; 1838, Oliver Child; 1839, Walter Nimocks; 1840-41, Eli West; 1842, Jonathan Wood; 1843, Walter Nimocks; 1844, Milton H. Carter; 1845, Charles Strong; 1846, Hiram McCollom; 1847-49, Simeon Fulton; 1850-51, Wm. Christian; 1852-53, Horace Hooker; 1854, Samuel Keyes; 1855-56, Nelson D. Fergu son; 1857, Wm. Christian; 1858, Patrick S. Stewart; 1859, Samuel Keyes; 1860-63, Charles W. Smith ; 1864-66, Wm. Christian ; 1867, James H. Morrow ; 1868, Law- THE TOWN OF WILNA. 853 rence J. Goodale; 1869, James H. Morrow; 1870, Wm. Christian; 1871-72, Henry M. Hammond; 1873-74, Foster Penniman; 1875-80, James Galvin; 1881-82, Orrin S. Lewis; 18S3-84, Wm. C. Becker; 1885-86, James C. Graham; 1887-90, Wm. II. Del- more; 1891-93, John Whaling; 1894-97, Cornelius Clark; lN'J8-99, P. J. Corcoran. Carthage. — The Long Falls in the channel of Black river was the direct cause of tbe subsequent building up of two enterprising villages, one in the old historic town of Champion and known as West Carthage, and the other on the east side of the river, for more than sixty years called Carthage, but originally known as Long Falls in allusion to the splendid water course which separates these municipalities. Between these sister villages are many things in common, and the interests of one are beneficial to and enjoyed by the residents of the other. In many respects their history is identical and might appropriately be treated in a single chapter, yet they are distinct corporations and ac cording to the proper division of subjects in this work, their growth and development must be separately traced. As has been mentioned in the history of tbe town of Wilna, Henry Boutin was the pioneer in this part of the vast Castorland tract, having purchased from the agent of the French company of proprietors 1,000 acres of land including all that is now the village and extending some what beyond its present limits. In 1798, so near as the year can be determined, Boutin, with a company of men, made an extensive clear ing, erected a few rude buildings for dwelling purposes, and soon there after set out to return to France that he might settle, his business affairs, having determined to make Long Falls his permanent place of abode; but by an accident the worthy pioneer was drowned (probably in Black river), his company of workmen soon abandoned the improvement and the lands passed to Vincent Le Ray, by purchase from James Le Ray as administrator of the Boutin estate. In the meantime, soon after the advent of Boutin, Jean Baptiste Bos suot came to the place and after the improvement had been abandoned by the employees of the former, he alone remained. He was a native of France, and like his predecessor pioneer was induced to come to Castorland through the agency of the French company. All recollec tions of Jean B. Bossuot denote that he was a worthy resident and en terprising pioneer. The occasional travelers through this region sought to cross Black river, hence our pioneer constructed a rude yet sufficient ferry, charging for its use a moderate toll, and also built on the east bank of the river a small public house. It has been said that he opened the first store on the village site, but this assertion is not verified. 854 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. David Coffeen came to the Falls in 1806 and began the erection of a grist mill on the west bank of the river. He also constructed a dam, extending diagonally up the stream from his mill, but not across the channel. The structure was subsequently completed by the owners of the forge on the east side. The forge was built in 1816 by Mr. Le Ray, and he also about the same time was chiefly instrumental in causing to be built a highway leading from the Falls to the St. Lawrence, known as the Alexandria road. Also under the same direction Claudius S. Quilliard built a blast furnace in 1819. The old forge burned soon after it was built, but in the course of a few years another, having greater capacity, was erected by a company from Fort Ann, comprising Nathan Brown, Francis Lloyd and James Barney, who manufactured mill irons, anchors and other commodities. The company also opened a store, back of the present R., W. & O. station, and by their enter prise laid the foundation for an enterprising village previous to 1825; but Mr. Barney's death so unsettled the business then carried on that it was soon discontinued, and the property reverted to Mr. Le Ray. The industry was soon revived, and during the long period of its oper ation was managed by various proprietors, the names or succession of whom cannot now be ascertained. Ores were obtained from the county and region, and the old furnace and forge were almost directly the cause of the village settlement, and its chief industry for many years. In the meantime, through the constant arrival of other settlers, the hamlet had assumed fair proportions. In 1812 the legislature author ized the construction of a toll bridge across tbe river, " where the state road leading to Oswegatchie crosses," and in pursuance of the act, in 1812-13, the structure was built, under the direction of Ezra Church. In 1829, the old bridge being decayed, the subject of a new free bridge was much discussed, and through the enterprise of Mr. Le Ray, Joseph C. Budd and others, a free bridge was built, from island to island, across the river. This series of bridges lasted less than two years. The upper bridge had been repaired and made free (1829), and toll gate keeper Seth Hooker no longer collected fares at the east approach. In 1840 a new covered bridge was built on the site, and by an act passed April 11, 1853, the state assumed charge of the structure, rebuilt and has ever since maintained it. The work was completed in 1854, and in tbe next year the state also built the substantial dam below the bridge, at the head of the falls. The present bridge was built in 1896. Between the years 1825 and 1830 the residents at Carthage became THE TOWN OF WILNA. 855 deeply interested in a proposition to construct a canal connecting with the Erie canal at Rome and thence running northward to the Black river, below High (now Lyons) Falls. In this project Vincent Le Ray, Dr. Eli West and many other business men were active factors, and filled with confidence as to the ultimate result, they with others, formed a company and in 1832 built the steam boat Cornelia, to ply between the village and High Falls. The canal, however, was not fully completed until more than twenty years later, and in the mean time the Cornelia, though a staunch boat, proved unsatisfactory for her proposed work, and in the summer of 1853 the Enterprise in a measure replaced tbe former boat. During this period of expectancy, rumors and projects for other canals also occupied public attention in our vil lage, and while the hoped for results were not fully realized, Carthage became a central point of interest and much good was derived there from. Still later, in 1872, the Utica and Black river railroad was com pleted to Carthage, and in the same year another railroad was built between this village and the county seat. The now Carthage and Adi rondack railroad was projected as early as 1865, but not until 1889 was it fully completed. However, the subject of railroads is treated at greater length in another chapter, and the brief allusion here made is only as an element of local history. The erection of the furnace and forge and the construction of the toll bridge had the effect to stimulate the business interests and resulted in rapid growth along the river bank. In fact for many years nearly all business was transacted at the points mentioned and when in 1866 George and John L. Norton opened a store, on the site where the lat ter is still in business, they were referred to as " up in Wilna." Hi ram McCollom was one of the early merchants, and first opened a store soon after 1820 in a frame building opposite the toll gate. He was in trade for many years, and built the long brick and stone structure still standing between Water and Canal streets. Indeed, he was the leading merchant of the village until about 1850. Between the years 1830 and 1855 the greatest growth was accom plished, and some of the prominent business interests of the period may be recalled about as follows: Charles Strong kept a tavern; Dr. Eli West was local physician and also justice of the peace; Budd & Bones operated the furnace; Dr. Budd was a physician; Nathan Starks bought the Levis house site in 1 828 and erected a one and one-half story house which Horace Henry remodeled for hotel purposes. Remsen R. 856 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brown bought it in 1854 and rebuilt with brick. Seth Hooker was the first postmaster, understood to have been appointed when the hamlet was known as Long Falls. According to Mr. Brown's recollection, the name was changed to Carthage about 1828. Later postmasters were William Blodgett, Elijah Farrington and Eugene West. Among the other early business men were Nathan Brown, hotel keeper; Thomas Baker, in the furnace enterprise; John F. Colston, printer: Chauncey Dodge, wagon maker; Charles Dayan, in Squire Lathrop's flax mill; Leonard C. Gates, saw mill; Elihu Jones, printer; Nutting & Pierce, shoemakers; Walter Nimocks, owner of sev eral lots on State street; Peter Odell, blacksmith; Nathaniel Rice, liquor dealer; Charles Strong, hotel ; Samuel J. Davis, saw mill. There were also Samuel Gilbert, Morrow & Stewart, Clark Dodge, Pitt Matthews, West & Peck, Frank G. Connell, and others whose names are now lost. Between 1820 and 1850 the purchasers of lots on the north side of State street, between Church street and the river, were (begin ning at the river) Seth Hooker, Hezekiah Morris, Charles Strong, Nathan Brown, Nathan Starks, Walter Nimocks, Samuel Gilbert, Clark Dodge, Elijah and Walter Horr, Eben Hodgkins, Samuel C. Hoyle (site of the First Nationai bank), Ste phen Lake, J. C. Kellogg. Andrew Doig. On the south side, in like order, the owners were Hiram McCollom, Paul Boynton, Eli West, Alford Lathrop, Walter Nimocks, Calvin Auburn, John Chase, Eben Hodgkins, Allen Peck (Strickland block site), Samuel C. Hoyle (site of hotel Elmhirst), Thomas B. Lake, Linus R. Cady, James P. Hodgkins, and the Catholic church property which latter was deeded in 1821. All these owners purchased directly from Mr. Le Ray, through his attorneys, Isaac H. Bronson, and Micah Sterling, or, after 1835, from Patrick S. Stewart. In 1835 the land sales in Carthage were so fre quent that Mr. Stewart became resident agent for the proprietary, and an office was built on West street, next east of the priest's resi dence. It was maintained until the last lands of Mr. Le Ray in this immediate locality were sold by Mr. Goodale. While the mercantile interests of our enterprising village were thus enlarging, so was there a corresponding growth in other directions, es pecially in manufactures of various kinds. Indeed, it was this element of development which contributed more to local advancement than to the strictly mercantile branch, for the latter was chiefly dependent on the former for support. The truth of this statement is evidenced in the history of Carthage during the last ten years, when all branches of manufacture have been much depressed and as to its result the mer chants of the village have suffered serious embarrassments. However it is not the purpose of this work to enquire into conditions of trade or causes of depression in business. THE TOWN OF WILNA. 857 For a period of more than fifty years Carthage has been known as a manufacturing center of much importance, and in the prominence thus gained, tbe Long Falls and the numerous islands in the river, all con tributing to tbe splendid natural waterpower afforded, have been active factors; and the suggestion of one naturally calls for mention of the other. From first to last Tannery island has been a scene of busy ac tivity, beginning with the construction of a tannery in 1830 by Walter Nimocks and Allen Peck. The building subsequently passed through various ownerships and was finally burned in the fall of 1895. In the mean time a pulp mill was erected on the lower end of the islnnd, and now, combined with an extensive paper mill, is its only industry. Bazille Guyot came to Long Falls in 1816, and with Louis Bryant built the machinery for the forge erected in that year. Mr. Guyot also built for Mr. Le Ray a grist mill on the island named for him, Guyot's island. Later on he bought the site, and in 1833 erected what has ever since been known as Guyot's mill. A chair factory and the electric lighting power house are now on the island with the mill. An old nail factory, built in 1828, was also a former industry of this historic spot, and in the course cf its long occupation for manufacturing purposes there have been in operation on the island a forge, rolling mill, grist mill, nail works, axe factory, broom handle works, furniture factory, carding mill and general repair shops. In the same vicinity, though just off the island, stood the old furnace, the pioneer industry of the village, of which mention has been made, and of which Budd & Bones were perhaps the most prominent proprietors. About 1846 the works were closed and not revived until 1866, when the Carthage Iron com pany resumed operations there and continued business several years. In 1884, then unoccupied, the building was burned. In 1845 Hiram McCollom began the erection of a nail factory and rolling mill in this part of the village, and in the same year, in company with James P. Hodgkins, built a large casting foundry on what then became known as Furnace island. Among the many persons and firms connected with this industry were Seth R. King, Ezra Hodgkins, Hodgkins & Fuller, Hodgkins & Wood, George M. and Alexander Brown, Brown, Winch and Bliss, all previous to 1868. In this year C. P. Ryther acquired a half interest and the business was conducted by Brown & Ryther until 1871, when the partnership of Ryther & Pringle was formed. The firm continued until the death of Mr. Ryther, Nov. 22, 1897. These works were burned in 1884, but were at once replaced witb more suitable buildings and equipments. 108 858 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Referring briefly to other old and present industries of the village, but not attempting to follow all of them through changes of ownership, mention may be made of the Carthage company, manufacturers of wood pulp, 1883 ; Spicer and Sons' pulp mill, 1889, more recently known as the Union pulp mill, George E. Spicer, proprietor; the Empire steam pump company, established by E. G. Shortt, now the Adirondack machine company; Balcom & Spicer's veneering mill; M. J. Garvin's (now Matthews') custom feed mill ; L. H. Mills' saw mill on Guyot's island, now replaced with Outterson & Ball's paper mill; Guyot's grist mill, on the old mill site on the island; Hammond & Waters' wood working shops; Wing & Sons' machine shops; Alsesser's chair factory; Carthage lumber and wooden ware company, closed, established 1889; Dodge's glove and mitten factory, 1889 ; Peck & Wrape's pressed brick works; Dr. Robinson's and W. P. Herring'spulp mills; Fred Guyot'splan- ing mill; Duffy & Connelley's chair works, formerly on Tannery island but now burned; Austin's chair factory; Maxwell, Yousey& Co. 's pulp and paper mill, new'; Houghton Bros., brick manufacturers; Shortt & Emery's air brake works, with others of perhaps less note, but all of which have combined to make Carthage a flourishing manufacturing village. True, several of these industries, under the general depression of the period, are not in full operation, but each has been an important element of progress in local annals. During the period of its history Carthage has suffered from the rav ages of several serious fires, the first of which of note occurred July 15, 1861, resulting in the destruction of twenty buildings in the mercantile portion of the village, including the Baptist church and four dwellings; loss $60,000. On December 22 of the same year a fire destroyed sev eral buildings and other property situated near the eastern end of the river bridge. A disastrous fire also occurrrd in May, 1872, resulting in the loss of several business buildings between the Lewis house and Water street. On the night of Dec. 12, 1874, Volney Warren's livery barn was burned, but the most serious accident of tbe fire was the burning to death of Levi Warren. However, the most extensive con flagration in the history of the village was the great fire of Oct. 20, 1884, originating in West Carthage and by burning embers blown across the river communicating with buildings in this village, in the factory dis trict, and thence spreading and burning with resistless force until an area of seventy acres lay in ruins. All asked for help from surround ing villages quickly came, but no human power could stay the fury of THE TOWN OF WILNA. 859 the flames until one hundred and fifty-seven buildings of all descrip tions had been destroyed, among them the school, the Episcopal, Pres byterian, Baptist and Disciples church edifices. The total losses were variously estimated at from $500,000 to $750,000. On July 24, 1892, several. manufacturing buildings were burned, at a loss of more than $50,000, and on December 16, following, another serious fire destroyed six stores between Mechanic street and the Bones building. While each of these losses was indeed serious they nevertheless were an ultimate benefit, for on the sites of the generally primitive structures were erected substantial brick buildings, especially in the business dis tricts, many of which stand as ornaments to the village and evidence of thrift and enterprise on the part of their owners. Again, on State street, on sites where old frame structures formerly stood the same spirit of enterprise has impelled owners to erect attractive buildings, and now it is doubtful if any village in the county can show a better array of business houses than those at the intersection of State and Mechanic streets in Carthage, while between Church street on the east, and Water street on the west, is as fine a row of mercantile buildings as can be found in this section of the state; and within the stores can be found a large and well selected stock of goods and wares, all evidence of thrift and prosperity. Incorporation . — As must be seen from what has been stated on pre ceding pages, the growth in all branches of village life in Carthage was both rapid and substantial, and the natural result was a desire for at least a limited separation from the surrounding town that necessary public improvements might be made to insure comfort, convenience and safety to the inhabitants; improvements of a character that called for an ex penditure of money, and in which the town at large could not be asked to bear a share. Therefore the legislature, on May 26, 1841, passed an act to incorporate the village of Carthage, defining its boundaries and making provision for its government by a board of five trustees. The first trustees elected under the act were Virgil Brooks, Suel Gilbert, Ebenezer Hodgkins, Amos Choate and Walter Nimocks. The first president of the board (appointed from the trustees) was Virgil Brooks. The original act was subsequently amended, but the first radical change was made May 11, 1869, when the legislature passed an act amending the village charter in several important particulars, from which time the office of president became elective by the people. The number of trustees was reduced to four and their term of office was 860 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. also changed. In fact, the corporate powers of the village were mate rially enlarged, a detail of which is not necessary to this chapter. An amendment to the charter, passed April 15, 1896, provided for the elec tion of president, trurtees, treasurer, collector and assessors. The other officers were made appointive by the trustees. The succession of village presidents has been as follows: Virgil Brooks, 1842; Hi ram McCollom, 1843-44; Eli West, 1845-46; Hiram McCollom, 1847-49; Patrick S. Stewart, 1850; Johr B. Johnson, 1851; Eli West, 1852-53; Orlin Holcomb, 1854; William D. Davis, 1855; Eli West, 1856; Samuel J. Davis, 1857; Joseph Crowner, 1858; Eli West, 1859; Richard Gallagher, 1860; S. S. Hoyt, 1861; Richard Gallagher, 1862; Charles T. Hammond, 1863; Horace Hooker, 1864; George Gilbert, 1865; Lawrence J. Goodale, 1866; Augustus Babcock, 1867; Rollin Dickerman, 1868; T. J. Morgan, 1869; S. S. Hoyt, 1870-71; Samuel Branaugh, 1872; Nicholas Wagoner, 1873; A. W. Sylvester, 1874; Charles P. Ryther, 1875-76;' Charles Rugg, 1877; Charles P. Ryther, 1878; Orin S. Lewis, 1879; Henry J. Kellogg, 1880; OrinS. Lewis, 1881; Henry J. Welch, 1882; Orin S. Lewis, 1883; Henry J. Welch, 1884; John C. Reed, 1885; Charles P. Ryther, 1886; Henry J. Welch, 1887-88; William H. Del- more, 1889-90; Ephraim H. Myers, 1891-93; George E. Spicer, 1894-95; John L. Norton, 1896; Henry J. Welch, 1897. Educational. — In the early history of the town the commissioner of common schools divided the entire territory into three districts and made some informal provision for the maintenance of a school in each. In 1828 the same territory was redistricted, and the hamlet called Long Falls, now Carthage, was in district No. 3. About that time a school- house was built on School street, near State, and was in all respects a novel building, perhaps modelled on plans suggested by Mr. Le Ray after the French style, being amphitheatrical in interior arrangement. It was a substantial structure, nevertheless, and served a good purpose for several years. Another old school of the hamlet was that opened about 1830 by Arby Leonard in a building just above the present hotel Elmhirst, and where many of the most prominent men of the village in later years acquired an elementary education. This, however, was a private or select school. Harrison Wilbur succeeded Mr. Leonard and in 1842 built an academy on the present High school site, to which he gave the name, " Carthage Academy." In 1843 Rev. Orin Wilbur came from Lowville and conducted the school about two years, and was in turn succeeded by the Misses Hooker. Still later principals were Rev. Jacob A. Wood and B. T. Bush and wife. During its his tory the old building was twice removed, and in 1852 was replaced with a more substantial structure. On July 30, 1866, at a village meeting it was resolved to organize a union free school district, and in August THE TOWN OF WILNA. 861 following the new board of education was authorized to purchase the Bush property, comprising one and one-half acres of land and its build ings. The schoolhouse was burned in the disastrous fire of October 20, 1884, but in the next year was replaced with the present high school building, one of the most complete and substantial structures of its kind in this part of the state; and in its management and results no educa tional institution in this county has gained a better standing. The first board of education comprised Lawrence J. Goodale, Rich ard Gallagher, John B. Emmes, Horace Hooker and Lysle Bones. Within a few years afterward Leonard G. Peck and John L. Norton were elected members of tbe board and have continued in office to this time. Mr. Norton has been president since 1884, and Mr. Peck secre tary also for many years; and in a great measure the success and standing of the school has been due to their unselfish efforts. The present board comprises John L. Norton, president, Leonard G. Peck, secretary, and John S. Edwards, L. D. Thompson and Edward Villars. Fire Department. — Previous to the incorporation of the village the apparatus for extinguishing fires was indeed primitive, and the depart ment comprised the village population, without regular order or recog nized head. However, after the corporation act was passed the trus tees set about organizing a fire department, and on July 24 formed a company, Carthage No. 1, with Samuel A. Budd as captain. On Au gust 12, 1842, a hand engine was purchased, and on June 9, 1843, Washington fire company was formed. The large cistern at the cor ner of State and School streets was built in 1849. A hook and ladder company was organized May 24, 1851, Levi Wood, captain, and on April 9, 1852, and again Dec. 20, 1870, similar companies were organ ized, one succeeding the other. Still another of the same character was formed in May, 1870. Carthage hook and ladder company, a per manent organization, was formed June 12, 1874. Hose companies were soon afterward organized, Nos. 1 and 2, of which Tiger and Rescue Hose companies are the outgrowth. The steam engine, a sec ond class or No. 2 Silsbee, was purchased in pursuance of a resolu tion of the trustees passed in February, 1875. Reservoirs were con structed at convenient points in the village, and were used until the completion of the waterworks in 1893. The present chief engineer of the department is Cassius M. C. Weichard. The department is com fortably quartered on Mechanic street, in the village ball, built in 1891, at a cost of $6,000. 862 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Water Works.— On June 7, 1892, the qualified electors of the village voted affirmatively on a proposition to issue bonds to the amount of $50,000, the avails of which were to be used in constructing a water supply system. The work was begun by contractors Moffett, Hodgkins & Clark, of New York city, in the fall of 1892, and was completed and accepted June 1, 1893. The system as established consists of a pumping station on Guyot's island, from which point water is taken from the river and thence forced to a stand pipe (75 feet high and 20 feet in di ameter) erected on an elevation in the eastern part of the village. By this system Carthage is supplied with an abundance of good water for all domestic purposes, and an additional means of extinguishing fires is provided. Banks and Bankers. — Hiram McCollom was the pioneer in the history of banking in Carthage, beginning in that direction about 1845 or '50, in connection with his varied mercantile and manufacturing enterprises. On July 17, 1852, he opened the bank of Carthage with a nominal capital of $18,000, but after two years the concern suspended business. The next banker was Myron Raplee, formerly of Penn Yan, N. Y., who did business on State street, near the "angle" on the north side. After a time Raplee sold out to Nathan Whiting and Miner Guyot, who continued as a firm until Whiting succeeded by purchase and eventu ally failed. Then followed in the same line of business the firm of Holcomb & Horr, comprising Orlin Holcomb and Elijah Horr, who carried on a successful banking, for both were men of means and influence. E. H. Myers associated with them in 1871, and was one of the firm until 1874, when he withdrew and with De Witt Rogers organized the firm of Myers & Rogers, general bankers. In 1875 Holcomb & Horr retired from business, but Myers & Rogers continued until 1880 when the firm merged in the First National Bank of Carthage. The First National bank of Carthage was organized January 1, 1880, with $50,000 capital, Gilbert B Johnson, president, and Ephraim H. Myers, cashier. On January 1, 1887, Mr. Myers was elected president and Allen G. Peck, cashier. This bank has been regarded one of the safe financial institutions of the county, and in January, 1894, increased its capital to $100,000. The present officers are E. H. Myers, president; A. E. Kilby, vice-president ; Allen G. Peck, cashier; and Martin Rugg, Foster Penniman, Marcus P. Mason, A. E. Kilby, A. Potter, C. M. Rohr, A. L. Clark, E. A. Spencer, E. H. Myers and Allen G. THE TOWN OF WILNA. 863 Peck, directors. The bank building was erected in 1887 and is one of the most at tractive structures in the village. The Carthage savings bank was organized and began business Octo ber 1, 1887, occupying rooms witb the First national bank. The first officers were Lawrence J. Goodale, president; John L. Norton, vice-pres ident; A. G. Peck, treasurer; and Ambrose Collins, secretary. On January 1, 1895, Mr. Norton was elected president, vice L. J. Goodale, removed to Watertown. The present officers are John L. Norton, president; Marcus P. Mason and C. L. Fred erick, vice-presidents; Allen G. Peck, treasurer; and Ephraim H. Myers, secretary. The Carthage national bank was organized March 20, 1887, and began business May 1 following with $50, 000 capital, and with Gilbert B. John son, president; Orlin Holcomb, vice-president; and Mark S. Wilder, cashier. James Pringle succeeded Mr. Holcomb as vice-president, other than which no change has been made in the officiary. The bank has a surplus and undivided profit account of $40,000, and is in all re spects a successful and solid institution. The directors are Gilbert B. Johnson, James Pringle, Chester E. Francis, Henry P. Flynn, Walter S Hartwell, Fred W. Colburn, John W. Clark, Charles P. Ryther, William Boshart, John L. Coburn, Richard C. Otis, Lloyd G. Chase, Mark S. Wilder. Masonic. — Carthage lodge, No. 158, F. & A. M., was the outgrowth of a lodge organized in the village July 11, 1826, of which Dr. Eli West was master, Thomas Brayton, senior, and Nathan Starks, junior war den. However, during the so-called anti-masonic period the old lodge, like many others of its kind in the state, suspended, and was not re vived until June, 1849, when lodge No. 158 was brought into existence. Dr. West was again the first master, and Joseph Crowner, senior war den, and K. E. Parker, junior warden. From that time the history of tbe lodge has been a record of constant growth, both in membership and work. The present members number 140. The past masters have been : Leonard G. Peck, James Pringle, John L. Norton, L. G. Chase. H. Houghton, W. C. Sherwood, H. J. Radin, L. D. Thompson, L. E. Bossuot, F. A. Dexter. Carthage Chapter, No. 259, R. A. M., was organized February 7, 1872, with John L. Norton, high priest. The present members num ber 75. The succession of high priests has been as follows: John L. Norton, 1872-81, '87, '94; James Pringle, 1882-83; L. G. Chase, 1884, 1888- 90; S. D.Hunt, 1885-86; C. H. Wing, 1891; L. E. Bossuot, 1892-93; H. J. Radin, 1895 ;F. M. Wing, 1896; Hiram Houghton. 1897. Odd Fellows. — Carthage lodge, No 365, I. O. O. F., was instituted 864 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. May 28, 1888, and from that time has continued to grow until it is rec ognized as one of the strongest Odd Fellow bodies in the county. Its membership is now 130. The succession of past grands has been as follows: E. R. V. Plant, May to Dec, 1888; George Reynolds, Jan. -June, 1889; George Vinner, July-Dec, 1889; C. W. Bullard, Jan.-June, 1890; J. I. Locklin, July-Dec, 1890; F. A. Dexter, Jan.-June, 1891; S. C. Rice, July-Dec, 1891 ; F. L. Hall, Jan.-June, 1892; E. D. Rice, July-Dec, 1892; W. S. Corlis, Jan.-June, 1893; George E. Spicer, July-Dec, 1893; John R. Coburn, Jan.-June, 1894; Melvin Pierce, July-Dec, 1894; W. N. Wrape. Jan.-June, 1895; George Pitlock, July-Dec, 1895; W. C. Root, Jan.-June. 1896; Fred J. Kel logg, July-Dec, 1896; J. H. B. Reed, Jan.-June, 1897; A. F. Balcom. July-Dec, 1897. Oriental encampment, No. 135, I. O. O. F., was organized at Sandy creek January 31, 1893, but in pursuance of permission granted by the grand patriarch of New York, the lodge was removed to Carthage June 6, 1895. The present members number fifty. The succession of chief patriarchs has been as follows: F. H. Elmer, Jan.-June, 1883, and July-Dec, 1893; C. J. Robinson, Jan.-June. 1894; B. N. Bailey. July, 1894-June, 1895; George Vinier, June-Dec, 1895; W. C. Root, Jan.-June, 1896; A. F. Balcom, July-Dec, 1896; C. J Thompson, Jan.-June, 189/; Henry Noblet, July-Dec, 1897. Churches. — St. James church, Roman Catholic, was founded in Car thage in 1819, and on July 20, 1821, the society organization was per fected. The spacious grounds on which the edifice was built in 1821-22 were donated by Vincent Le Ray, who was also a generous contributor to the building fund. The first trustees were Claudius S. Quilliard, Edward Galvin, John Finley, James and Vincent Le Ray, John Daley and James Walsh. The edifice was constructed from trees growing on and near the church property, and was the first Catholic church in this part of the state. The erection of the present edifice was begun in 1864. Connected with the parish is St. James parochial school, built in 1885, and is under the direction of sisters of St. Joseph. The school is large, well attended and liberally supported. In the parish are about 200 Catholic families. The church is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Father F. J. McShane, assisted by Rev. Father Ryan. The Methodist Episcopal church of Carthage dates back in its history to about the year 1S20 when, and for a score of years following, occa sional services were held in the village by the circuit itinerary who traversed the region both on foot and on horseback. Classes were formed in various localities but the local society organization was not perfected until 1840, when a church home was erected. A second edi- THE TOWN OF WILNA. 865 fice was built in 1873, and the present structure in 1893-94. The mem bers now number 286 ; probationers, 105. Pastor, Rev. S. W. Brown. Value of property, $21,000. The Baptist church of Carthage was formed as a separate organiza tion at a meeting held January 29, 1833. The house of worship was completed and dedicated in April, 1840, services previous to that time having been held in the schoolhouse and private buildings in the vil lage. The society has grown constantly to the present membership of about 280, and that notwithstanding the fact that twice during the period of its history — July 15, 1861, and October 20, 1884— the edifice was destroyed by fire. The present house of worship was erected in 1885. The pastor is Rev. Edwin F. Hard, who came to Carthage, No vember 1, 1893. The First Presbyterian church of Carthage was organized November 11, 1861, yet as early as 1835 an informal Congregational society with twelve members had been formed, including residents of both Champion and Wilna. The early ministers were Revs. Nathaniel Dutton and James H. Monroe. Indeed, in 1807 Mr. Dutton had an organized Con gregational society in Champion. The local society soon adopted tbe name of "The First Congregational church of Carthage," which in November, 1851, adopted Presbyterian form of government. In 1852 the village society separated from that previously existing in West Carthage. The first church edifice was erected in 1851, and the second (both frame structures) in 1864. The latter was burned in October, 1884, and in 1886 was replaced with the present substantial brick edi fice, at a cost of $10,000. Rev. Jacob V. Shurts has been pastor of the church since May 17, 1884. The members number about 200 persons. Grace church, Episcopal, with its parish, was organized in the fall of 1860, although occasional services were held in the village for several preceding years, by clergymen from Watertown, beginning with Rev. J. Winslow in 1857. In 1867 the church edifice was completed, and was consecrated on Sept. 14; rector, Rev. L. R. Brewer, now Episco pal bishop of Montana. The building was destroyed by fire, October 20, 1884, and in the next year was replaced with a more modern and substantial brick edifice, having a seating capacity of 550. Present number of communicants, 110; rector, Rev. George D. Ashley, whose connection with this church began April 18, 1897, succeeding Rev. Charles E. S. Rasey. The wardens of Grace church are Henry W. Hammond and James Pringle; vestrymen, John L. Norton, E. H. Myers, Fred W. Coburn, Alonzo Kring, Arthur C. Root, A. F. Mills, Everett E. Wagoner, Wilbur A. Porter. 109 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. CHAPTER XLII. THE TOWN OF WORTH. In many respects worth is one of the peculiar towns of the county, and in connection with its early settlement and civil history were events not common to the region. The town lies on the high, slaty and shaly ridges in the extreme southeast part of the county; the sur face averages from twelve hundred to sixteen hundred feet above tide water, and is the most elevated land in the county, hence subject to early frosts and deep snows. Where the surface is exposed to the action of running water, deep gulfs have been worn in the soft, yield ing rock. Several sulphur springs have been found, but their waters have never been utilized to any great extent. The soil is chiefly de rived from the disintegration of underlying rock, and is well adapted to grazing, while oats and potatoes yield abundantly throughout the town. The principal water course is the south branch of Sandy creek, which has numerous tributaries, the larger being Abijah and Chloe creeks. The north branch of Salmon river crosses the southeast corner of the town. In the early history of the Boylston and Black river tracts, the terri tory of what is now Worth was used as compensation lands to make up the difference in area and value of other towns and tracts. In 1795, William Constable, agent for John Johnson Phyn, sold to Nicholas Low, William Henderson, Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoff man the Black river tract, then supposed to contain 300,000 acres, but on measurement was found much less in area, whereupon Constable, to make good the difference, conveyed township No. 2 (now substan tially Worth) to these proprietors, except 948 acres in the southwest corner, which he reserved to himself. The owners of the eleven towns divided the land among themselves, by ballot, and to make equal any apparent differences in value, Worth was again utilized as "boot money." By this proceeding Harrison & Hoffman acquired 1,283 acres of land in Worth; Nicholas Low, 1,576 acres, and William Hen derson, 649 acres. The remainder of the township (22,004 acres, as THE TOWN OF WORTH. 867 then bounded) also fell to Harrison & Hoffman, who caused it to be surveyed and laid out by Medad Mitchell in 1795. In December, 1797, these proprietors made a partition of their lands in the town, Hoffman taking the north half. He then conveyed to Daniel McCormick in trust to sell the land and hold the proceeds until certain debts were paid. The township was again in part surveyed in 1801-2 by Joseph Crary, under the direction of Abel French, one of the early and energetic land agents of the region, and under whose management the first settle ment in the town was in fact begun. In the course of his travels through the state French chanced to visit Litchfield, Herkimer county, where be offered his lands for sale. His representations attracted at tention and resulted, in the organization of a company of prospective purchasers, and Timothy Greenly, Joseph Wilcox and Elihu Gillet were appointed a committee to visit and explore the tract with a view to purchase. The report was favorable, and on their recommendation, on July 22, 1802, the company made a contract of purchase with French for the northwest quarter of township No. 2, then called Fenelon, later forming a part of Malta or Lorraine, but now Worth. The agreed price was $7,662. Later on a deed was given the purchasers, in trust for themselves and their associates, and a purchase money mortgage was given in return to the grantors. The land was divided into lots, and was drawn by ballot by the members of the company, each of whom paid on his parcel according to his means, the committee hold ing the money until all was paid and a good title secured to each pur chaser. The members of this somewhat historic company of purchasers and organizers were Greenly, Wilcox and Gillet, the committee, and also Asaph Case, Leonard Bullock, W. Flower, Eli Gillet, Lodwick Edwards, John Griswold, Ezekiel Chever, Phineas Case, Joel Caulkins, Abram Ford, Nathan Mattoon, Asa Sweet, John Pinear, Phineas Stevens, Elijah and David Richmond, John and William Sagas and John Hough- tailing. All, however, did not become residents of the town, nor did all of them complete the payments for the land, but suffered much of it to be sold for taxes and thus passed into other hands. This unfortunate condition of affairs in the town's history was not so much the fault of the settlers as the unnatural obstacles against which they were obliged to contend. The company having bought their lands in the northwest part of the town, it was there of course the settlement was begun. 868 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. The lands were partial^ but not fully surveyed, and when that work was completed many lot numbers were duplicated, resulting in a con fusion of locations and consequent trouble among settlers. At that time the whole region was covered with a dense growth of forest trees, and the lands must be cleared before agriculture could become the occu pation of tbe settlers. They made potashes and carried them to Can ada for sale, but tbe embargo laws deprived them almost of tbe means of livelihood, and much suffering was the result. Then followed the war, which had the effect to frighten many families from the town, and as by the peculiar terms of the agreement of purchase the members of the company were severally bound, as well as individually, the burden of debt fell upon those who were disposed to remain and face the other dangers of the period. This led still others to abandon their improve ments and return to their former homes or seek for more favorable localities. Then, too, the cold season of 1816 had a serious effect on all interests in this part of the county, causing further discouragements and desertions from the little colony ; and the final result was that of the dozen or so families who had made settlements in Worth under the company's purchase in 1802, not more than half remained permanent residents. These misfortunes told seriously against the locality and delayed its subsequent settlement for several years, for the belief had got abroad that this was an undesirable place of abode, whereas in fact the lands after being cleared and developed were among the best in the county for general agricultural pursuits. Indeed, after a proper system of surveys had been established and town and lot lines were perma nently fixed, many families came into the town from Ellisburgh, and other low, marshy localities, preferring the high and dry lands of Worth to the then more unhealthful regions referred to. However, before proceeding further with this branch of the town's history, let us return to the pioneers of the northwest " quarter " and recall something of the lives of those who braved and overcame the difficulties of frontier life. Abel French not only sold the lands to the pioneers, but was also in strumental in effecting their settlement. Through his efforts in the fall of 1802 Leonard Bullock and Asaph Case came to the town and lo cated on lots 7 and 8, and made the first improvement. In pioneer Bullock's family were twelve children, eleven of whom grew to matur ity. Ten of these children were born in Worth. This pioneer began the erection of a grist mill on Sandy Creek, in 1808, but did not com plete his work. He was accidentally killed by falling from a scaffold THE TOWN OF WORTH. 869 in his barn, in 1828. His descendants still live in the town. Asaph Case, the companion of Bullock in making the settlement in 1802, was also a worthy pioneer, and during his residence here devoted himself to clearing and improving the land. In his barn in 1807 the widow Nobles opened the first school taught in the town. Later members of the Case family have been prominent in local history and identified with tbe best interests of this part of the county. Elihu Gillet and John Houghtailing also came in 1802 and settled on the company lands. In the Gillet family were four sons and one daughter, who, with their descendants, were important factors in the later history of the town. The sons were George, David, Alanson and Elihu. John Houghtailing located on the farm so many years after ward in the possession of his descendants. He had several children, the surname being still well preserved in the town, and stands for in tegrity and worth. Joseph Wilcox came in 1803 and settled on the lot he had drawn in the northwest part of the town, where the pioneer died in 1839. His sons were Samuel, Luman, Sterling and Daniel, and his daughters Chloe, Lucy and Clarissa. Chloe creek was named for the daughter first mentioned. Joseph Wilcox, and his sons Daniel and Sterling, were in service during the war of 1812-15, tbe father as captain of a company, while Sterling afterward gained the title of colonel by reason of his military services. He died in the town in 1885. Timothy Greenly, who was an Englishman by birth, also came during the year 1803, and afterward became the owner of a large tract of land in the town. He was highly respected in this part of the county and bis descendants were active factors in the subsequent history of Worth. Nathan Mattoon came about tbe same time probably in the same year, and settled in the west part of the town. He, too, was a worthy citizen and an earnest plodder along life's path to the time of his death, in 1883. The pioneers who have mentioned in preceding paragraphs laid the foundation for the subsequent history of the town. They had to con tend against many hardships and privations, but they were men of firm determination and great physical and moral courage, else in the face of all their trials they could not have accomplished what was done. Dur ing the succeeding five or ten years a few more of the original pur chasers also came to the region, and still others who were drawn here by the ties of kinship with their predecessors, or in hope that their 870 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. condition in life might be bettered by settlement in a new country. In many cases this hope was realized, but others were discouraged by the hardships daily confronting them, and when the foreclosures came upon the owners of lands purchased through the company they left the town for other places. These things, with the dangers growing out of the war had a disheartening effect on nearly the entire settlement, and for a period of about fifteen years Worth was partially an abandoned town. However, we may briefly note some of the improvements ac complished by the early settlers in the northwest quarter previous to the " abandoned period,'' as it has been called. About 1808, as has been mentioned, Leonard Bullock began the erection of a saw mill, but a foreclosure proceeding compelled him to abandon the enterprise before it was finished. In 1810 Joshua Miles built a combined saw and grist mill on Sandy creek, east of the corners, as the locality of Worthville was then known. Miles was something of a genius and fashioned his millstones from stones found in the town, and so constructed them as to serve the purpose very well. After five or six years he sold the mills to Timothy Greenly, and the latter to Abner Rising. This was. the only grist mill in the town for many years, and a great convenience to the settlers, who had before been obliged to go to Adams or Whitesville with their "grist," taking two days for the journey and work. About 1816 Joseph Wilcox and Green Kellogg built a saw mill near the corners, on the site of the present grist mill. The reader will understand that these settlements and improvements were made in the northwest part of the town, on the tract purchased by the company in 1802, and no record gives us any reliable informa tion as to when or under what direction the other parts of the region were settled or developed. Indeed, from the variety of ownerships in other localities, and the stony character of the lands, there seems not to have been any special effort in this direction for several years. The whole town was divided into four surveyed tracts, the first of which was the northwest quarter, comprising nine great lots of one square mile each, which was, of course, the company's lands, and was subdi vided among tbe owners according to their interests. East of this was the northeast quarter, of like extent, and surveyed into 24 lots and so sold to purchasers in later years, but not yet fully developed. The third tract comprised the south, half of the town, which was surveyed and divided into eighteen lots of one square mile each. Added to this THE TOWN OF WORTH. 871 was the "mile strip," which was set off to the town (then Lorraine) in 1813, having formerly been a part of Lewis county. This, together with the south half, is yet in great part timber lands. From about 1818 to 1830 this part of Lorraine, as then organized, made but little history and progress. True, several of tbe settlers on the company lands remained and established themselves firmly in their possessions, and bunt up excellent farms, but outside of the northwest quarter there was no attempt at settlement. The purchasing commit tee chose wisely when they explored the region at the suggestion of Abel French, for the south and southeast portions were then wholly undesirable for places of abode, being low and wet in some places and stony in others, though heavily timbered. Indeed, the southeast quarter has not yet been cleared to any considerable extent, but where the forests have been cut away some excellent grazing lands, and tracts desirable for general agricultural pursuits, await the hand of the pioneer. Notwithstanding the period of adversity which followed the war of 1812—15, and the subsequent unfortunate seasons in the town's history, an occasional settler found his way into the region. The year 1830 showed the male residents, freeholders and householders, to be less than forty in number, who may be recalled by name substantially as follows : Joseph Sterling and Daniel Wilcox, Asaph, Abel and John Case, John Russell, E. West, Chester Bushnell, John Wilson, Andrew Craig, Paul Prior, Peter Wakefield, Joseph H. and Venus C. Rising, James Potter, Joseph Totten, Zadoc Hale, Henry, Erastus and Richard Lyon, Leonard and Alanson Bullock, Joel Overton, Boomer K., Charles and Lyman Jenks, William, Simeon and James Houghtailing, Eli, Elihu, David and George Gillet, Daniel and Joseph Caulkins, Leonard Parker, Nathan Mat- toon, and also Albert S. and Lorenzo P. Gillet, both of whom came to the town in the year mentioned. Then began a new era in the history of the town, these later comers building up the foundation established by their predecessors, the the pioneers of 1802 and 1803. Gradually settlements were advanced into the northeast and southwest sections of the town, and as soon as necessary trading hamlets were established at Worth Center and Dia mond, the latter, however, quite recently. The southeastern portion is comparatively undeveloped, but lumbering is extensively carried on at this time. The Snell lands include more than 3,000 acres; the Littlejohn tract is large and is being cleared of its timber; the Denning tract of 1,500 acres is fast being stripped of its forest growth, while sheriff 872 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Samuel P. Kellogg's three hundred and more acres also has a steam saw mill in constant operation on the tract, with a water-power mill at Worthville. Organization. — On February 6, 1810, a special town meeting was held at the house of Benjamin Gates, in Lorraine, at which time the assembled electors unanimously determined upon a division of the ter ritory, and the creation of a new jurisdiction from the. western half of Lorraine. However, before any further action was had the war of 1812, with the other troubles of the period, had such a disturbing effect on all local interests that the subject was dropped; and not until about 1847 was the matter again seriously 'discussed. On April 12, 1848, the legislature passed an act dividing Lorraine, and creating a • new town from its portion, called Worth; so named in honor of General William J. Worth, an officer of the U. S. army, who was in command of the troops sent to the frontier during the period of the patriot war. He was stationed at Sackets Harbor, and was active in quelling the disturbances of the period, holding at the time a colonel's commission. The first town meeting was held at the school house at Wilcox's Corners, May 2, 1848, at which time officers were elected as follows: A. S. Gillet, supervisor; Daniel Wilcox, town clerk; A. S. Gillet, Riley W. Green and Jonathan M. Ackley, justices of the peace; George W. Gillet and Albert Nichols, assessors; Leonard Bullock, Levi Smith and William Bell, commissioners of highways; Boomer K. Jenks and Sterling Wilcox, overseers of the poor ; Matthew Fox, collector ; Robert R. Bell, superintend ent of common schools. At the first town meeting 43 voters were present, and as the occasion was one of importance it may be assumed that nearly all the voting population was in attendance. In 1850 the number of inhabitants in the town was 320, and during the next ten years increased to 634. In 1870 it had still further increased to 727, and in 1880 to 951, that being the greatest number in the town's history. In 1890 the population had decreased to 905, while the enumeration of 1892 showed the number to be 933. It may be seen from this that Worth has been a progressive town, and has been less affected by the causes which have worked against many of the interior towns of the county and state. The re sources are and ever have been general agricultural products and lum bering, the latter gradually increasing, while as rapidly as the lands are cleared good farms are developed and placed under cultivation. The town abounds in excellent grazing lands, and in all products of the soil it yields abundantly in response to proper effort, oats and potatoes THE TOWN OF WORTH. 873 leading, and cheese and butter almost in like proportion. The town, however, has but one cheese factory, the majority of farmers taking their milk to factories in the adjoining towns of Rodman and Lor raine. Worth has an interesting political history, worthy perhaps of a pass ing notice. Previous to 1869 the town was strongly democratic, and the election of a single republican nominee was a thing almost unknown in local annals; but a change was brought about, due in part to extreme party methods, aided by the efforts of several prominent republicans. In the year mentioned Jabez West attempted to vote, and was refused that privilege by the officers in charge at the polls, all of whom were uncompromising democrats. West brought suit against them, but finally the matter was settled, the town board agreeing to pay all costs, amounting to about $80. The board, however, did not pay the amount from their individual pockets, but each of the four added $10 to his account against the town, and in the same manner charged the balance as a gross sum, thus having the entire cost paid out of town moneys. About the same time there arose the well remembered Stowell case, in which the board again exercised an arbitrary and ex traordinary power. These things, with the acquisition of several strong republicans to the voting population, in a measure changed the political complexion of the town, and in 1870 Solomon Kellogg was elected supervisor, almost the first event of its kind in Worth. Previous to this, and in 1869, Samuel B. Kellogg had been elected town clerk, which was the entering wedge of republicanism in the town; and he was thereafter continuously elected for eight or nine years. In 1896 the same officer was nominated for the county office of sheriff, and one of his chief arguments in the convention was that the town had never been properly recognized in the distribution of public offices. Worthville, to which frequent reference has been made in this chap ter, is a small village in the northern part of the town, containing about 100 inhabitants, and dates back in its history to almost the first settle ment in the town, when it was known as Wilcox's Corners. It was at this point on south Sandy creek that Joseph Wilcox made his improve ment, hence the place took his name. However, nearly half a century passed before the corners became a trading center, for not until 1819 did Lorenzo Gillet open his store and tavern, both under one roof. In 1858 A. S. Gillet succeeded to the business, and continued it to 1866, when tbe store was closed. The tavern was afterward kept by Horace no 874 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Streeter, Ormsby D. Moore, Alanson Pettengill and Levi Colvin, in succession. In 1858 another public house was started by Orlin A. Chase, who was followed as landlord by Duane Earl and Leonard Parker. Another store was opened about 1865 by Henry L. Potter, who was in business until 1871, when George D. Macomber succeeded. About fifteen years later Flaherty & Grimshaw followed Potter, and the firm was succeeded by the present owner, C. B. Grimshaw. A post-office was established at Worthville in 1848, but in September, 1897, the name was changed to Klondike. In 1856 several prominent men of the town interested themselves in the erection of a suitable grist mill in the village. Among those fore most in the enterprise were A. S. and L. P. Gillet, Abel Case, Sterling Wilcox, Leonard Parker, Horace Chapin and Boomer K. Jenks, who bought a site of John Henderson, and offered it, with a generous cash bonus, to Pealer & Fox, by whom the mill was built in 1861. It afterward passed into the hands of Solomon Kellogg, who also kept a stock of merchandise in the building. He was succeeded by his son, Samuel Kellogg, who soon dropped the store attachment but has since owned the grist mill. He also owns a water power saw mill in the village, and a steam saw mill on the " mile strip." Numerous saw mills, and one or two other wood-working establishments, have in the past been operated in the village or its near vicinity, but as the lands of the town are not yet fully cleared, and these structures come and go as occasion demands it is not necessary to recall them all. The present business interests of the village comprise the general stores of C. B. Grimshaw, C. G. Van Brocklin (who is also postmaster) and E. C. Horth ; the Worth ville hotel, kept by C. P. Ramsey; S. B. Kellogg's saw and grist mills; A. B. Gillet's saw mill; Monroe Bullock's cheese factory (managed by William Denny), and N. H. Hyde's blacksmith shop. The public buildings are the district school and the union church. The Worthville union church was built in 1875, by a committee comprising Leonard Bullock, Levi Wilcox and L. D. Monroe. It was intended for occupancy by whatever denomination sought its use, and while other societies have availed themselves of the generosity of the builders, the Methodists are the only denomination having a regularly organized body in the vicinity which holds regular meetings. The pulpit is supplied from Lorraine. Worth Center is a small hamlet of about fifty inhabitants, situated near the center of the town, where Edward Cornell settled about 1850. THE TOWN OF WORTH. 875 A saw mill built soon afterward, led to the hamlet, although not until 1874 did Mr. Cornell open a store for the accommodation of residents of the locality. The store was afterward closed, and now the interests of the place comprise three saw mills, owned, respectively by L. L. Cornell, Jasper Larrabee and William D. Snell. The local postmis tress is Mrs. Sidney Cornell. The Methodist Protestants are strong in this vicinity and hold meetings in the school house. The society is now erecting a house of worship. Diamond is a post office station in the southeast part of the town, in a locality where until quite recently several saw mills were in oper ation. In 1892 the Methodist Protestants of this part of the town built a house of worship, and have since held regular services. Their pres ent pastor is Rev. Mr. Clark. Frederick's Corners is a name given to a locality in the west part of the town. Here is located St. Paul's Episcopal mission church, built in 1888. The communicants number 16, and are under charge of Rev. Anson J. Brockway, missionary. Supervisors of Worth.— A. S. Gillet, 1849; Riley W. Green, 1850; Jonathan M. Ackley, 1851; Riley W. Green, 1852; Jonathan M. Ackley, 1853-54; David Gillet, 1855; Lorenzo P. Gillet, 1856-57; Carlton C. Moore, 1858-62; Solomon B. Stears, 1863; C. C. Moore, 1864-69; Solomon W. Kellogg, 1870; Henry V. Jenks, 1871-72; J. M. Ackley, 1873-74; H. V. Jenks, 1875-76; Samuel B. Kellogg, 1877-78; O. D. Moore, 1879-82; Oren Greenly, 1883-86; S. B. Kellogg, 1887-89; Philip H. Brenan, 1890; L. L. Cornell, 1891-92; A. D. Boyd, 1893-95; Charles W. Van Brocklin, 1896-99. PART 11. BIOGRAPHICAL. BIOGRAPHICAL, LEVI H. BROWN. Levi H. Brown, senior active member of the Jefferson county bar, and unquestionably one of the most widely acquainted lawyers in north - em New York, was born in Lorraine, March 27, 1818, and was the third of the children of Aaron and Betsey (Burpee) Brown who grew to maturity. Aaron Brown was the son of Ebenezer Brown, who came from Killingsly, Conn., during the early years of the century and settled in Adams. From that town the family drifted with the tide of emigra tion to Lorraine, where Aaron was a pioneer and also one of the fore most men of the region, as may be seen by reference to the history of that town. The young life of Levi H. Brown was spent on his father's farm or in his mills when not attending the district school. When he had at tained his eighteenth year, Levi was sent to the Florence (Oneida county) Academy, where he remained about three months, and then attended one or two terms at the Union Academy at Belleville. Later on he attended the Hamilton (Madison county) Academy, followed by something like a year's course at the old Oxford (Chenango county) Academy. In 1841 he entered the junior class at Union College, and was graduated in 1843. In October of the same year he began reading law in the office of Calvin Skinner, at Adams, but previous to that time, and while in college, our young student had devoted his leisure to reading law under the direction of Counselor Jones, a prominent lawyer of Schenectady. In 1845, at Watertown, Mr. Brown was ad mitted to practice in the Common Pleas Court, the examining committee of the occasion comprising Lawrence J. Goodale, Charles D. Wright and John H. Dutton, all of whom were prominent members of the Jefferson county- bar. In July, 1846, Mr. Brown was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court, and during the same month was also 880 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. admitted by the old and honored Chancellor Walworth to practice in the Court of Chancery. Incidentally, in this connection it may be mentioned that in June, 1855, Mr. Brown was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court; in May, 1865, was admitted to practice in the United States District Court, and in March, 1879, became a practitioner in the United States Supreme Court. In 1846 Mr. Brown began law practice in Adams and was a resident in that thrifty village until 1852, when he removed to Watertown and formed a law partnership with Joshua Moore, jr., under the style of Moore & Brown, a relation which was maintained to the time of Mr. Moore's death in April, 1854. In May following the old and well known firm of Brown & Beach (Allen C. Beach) was formed, and was thereafter known in legal circles in northern New York for many years; and if all current report be true, the members comprising this firm were not wholly unknown in political circles in this part of the State, for in the councils of the Democratic party each of them was widely and favorably known. Mr. Beach in fact retired from the firm in Janu ary, 1869, although a formal dissolution of the partnership was not made until 1871. Mr. Brown's next partner was Henry Gypson (a former student in the office) the firm being Brown & Gypson. This partnership was continued until about 1878. Since the firm of Brown & Gypson was dissolved Mr. Brown has practiced without a partner, and despite his more than half a century of hard, active work in the profession, he apparently still retains all the mental and physical vigor of earlier years, when Moore & Brown and Brown & Beach were acknowledged to be among the strongest law firms in this part of the State. Indeed, Levi H. Brown has lived to see nearly all the members of the old bar one after another drop out of the . professional ranks, while he, almost alone, has practiced under three State constitutions. This practice, too, has been general to tbe profes sion, no special class of cases having the preference, yet the study and interpretation of the law and the preparation of causes and their trial appears to be his strongest forte. He is also a shrewd cross- examiner and often displays remarkable genius in exposing tbe rascality of dis honest witnesses. He always had an especial contempt for knavery and sham, and utterly despises all that is mean and narrow and low. In the course of his practice Mr. Brown has been associated with many of the most important cases brought to trial before the courts of Jeffer son and adjacent counties, and has in the same manner been retained BIOGRAPHICAL. 881 as attorney of record or as counsel, in several litigations of statewide interest and importance. We refer only to one class of cases. Under Chapter 598 of Laws of 1869 authorizing "the Canal appraiser to hear claims of owners of property on the Black River for damages caused by the escape of the waters of North Lake Reservoir in April, eighteen hundred and sixty-nine," two hundred and sixty odd claimants filed claims for dam ages amounting in aggregate to more than $639,000. The claimants were represented by more than thirty different attorneys and counsel, including Francis Kernan, Charles H. Doolittle, Waterman & Hunt, James F. Starbuck, Lansing & Sherman, Charles D. Adams and Nelson J. Brach. Mr. Brown, Charles Rhodes, of Oswego, and Samuel Earl, of Herkimer, defended the State against said claims, the former having main charge of preparing and conducting the defense. Taking of evidence commenced August 27, 1869, and continued at Utica, Lowville and Albany, on numerous days each month to Decem ber 30, 1869, being taken and written out by a stenographer. Prior to December 21 about 1,200 pages thereof had been printed, and on De cember 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30 evidence making near 400 printed pages was taken and had not been printed at close of the evi dence on the 30th, en which day over forty public documents were put in evidence. Appraiser Watson was not present that day and most of the 29th at the giving of the evidence, and had not been present at some of the previous hearings. At close of the evidence on December 30 Appraisers Brockway and Brooks were present and an application of counsel for the State for time to January 10, 1870, to submit brief, on one class of the the claims and to January 20 on the other class, was announced by Appraiser Brooks, who had acted as president of the Board of Appraisers, as granted, Appraiser Brockway suggesting no objection thereto and said Brooks left Albany for his home in Elmira that day. At close of the evidence it was ordered that all the evidence on each claim should, so far as applicable, be applied in every other claim. On January 10, 1870, the counsel for the State appeared before the appraisers and furnished them with their brief in the one class of the claims. Before January 20th it was ascertained that prior to January 1 pretended awards upon about two-thirds of the claims filed had been made and signed by Appraisers Watson and Brockway without consul tation with or the knowledge or approval of Appraiser Brooks, which 882 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. awards aggregated the amount of $461,957.62. At meeting of counsel for the State and some of those for claimants, including Mr. Kernan, who had not been present at most of the hearings, it was agreed that said awards were illegal and void, and that the claimants should sever ally enter into a written stipulation consenting to an appeal therefrom and a reversal thereof, and such stipulations having been executed by the claimants and filed, a return was made by the canal appraisers to the Canal Board, which at its meeting, held June 30, 1870, as appears at page 182 of the record of its proceedings in that year, ordered reversal of said awards and a rehearing of the cases, on the ground that it ap peared from said return "That no legal awards had been made on either of said cases or in respect to any or either of said claims ; that the canal appraisers never met and deliberated upon the same, but that the acts and papers purporting to be awards were the acts of two of the appraisers, made and done when the appraisers were not in session, and had not been notified to meet as a board, and when all were not present. This board does, therefore, adjudicate and decide that said cases have not been legally decided, or the claims passed upon by the said appraisers." The cases were reheard before new canal appraisers upon the same and new evidence, and awards made on all the claims were for $327,536.60 only, including interest on those allowed, showing the State relieved from payment of nearly $400,000 of the amount claimed. Mr. Brown devoted a large part of two and a half years' time to those cases and received less pay therefor than, within the last few years, has been given to lawyers employed by State and Legislature for one- eighth as much and as valuable services. Throughout the long period of his career Mr. Brown has always ap plied himself diligently to the labors of the profession, and many years ago he gained, and to the present time has maintained, an enviable position among its ablest members. In the conduct of his legal busi ness he is cautious and methodical, but never laborious. He will dis courage rather than promote litigation, and in his intercourse with clients mature deliberation always precedes counsel. He rarely in dulges in rhetoric and never in ostentatious display, but addresses him self to the understanding of his hearers and approaches the subject in hand with dignity, self possession, and in the light of principle and common sense. In character Mr. Brown is a man without reproach, and neither in BIOGRAPHICAL. 883 professional nor private life has there been any imputation of wrong to mar his fair name ; a good classical scholar, a profound lawyer, a blame less citizen, an upright public servant, a faithful friend, and a trusted counselor; these attributes are his by the frank expression of his fellow men and associates at the bar. In politics he has always been a firm and unyielding Democrat, standing high in the councils of the party in the county and State. During the greater part of his life, the princi ples he has advocated have not been in accordance with the majority party in the county, yet he has occasionally been pressed into political contests where it was hoped professional and personal influence might turn the scale of doubtful contest. In 1844 he attended the Democratic State Convention that nominated Silas Wright for the governorship, and from that time he has been an active figure in State politics. He was the candidate of his party for the district attorneyship in 1853; for State senator about 1868, and later on for Congress in a district which was strongly and hopelessly Republican. He was elected mayor of Watertown in 1876, and otherwise has taken an earnest interest in the welfare of the city. In addition to his legal business, which has always been large, Mr. Brown has been interested in several manufacturing and industrial en terprises in the city and elsewhere. He has been a director of tbe Jefferson County Bank more than thirty years, and president of the Watertown Spring Wagon Company since 1876. He has equally ex tensive interests in other localities, and his investments as a whole have been profitable and brought to him a fair share of this world's goods. His social and domestic life have also been pleasant, and nothing is more agreeable after the day's work is finished, than the companionship of friends at home or the exchange of pleasantries at the club. Mr. Brown was a bachelor until somewhat late in life. His wife, with whom he married November 27, 1861, was Delia M. Cole, of Palmyra, Wayne county. Mr. Brown was reared under Baptist influences, but since it was founded in the city, he has been one of the vestrymen of St. Paul's (formerly Grace) Episcopal church. JAMES M. CLEVELAND. James Monroe Cleveland, the greater portion of whose long and active business life has been spent in the thrifty town of Adams, and 884 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. who during that period through his enterprise and capacity furnished to the farmers of that locality an additional and profitable means of livelihood, was a native of Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y. , and was born June 5, 1820. His parents were Elihu and Lucretia Cleveland, direct descendants of sturdy New England stock, and both of whom lived to be octogenarians. Indeed, several of Mr. Cleveland's ancestors lived beyond their eightieth year, thus indicating both temperate lives and hardy ancestry. The pioneer of the family in America was Moses Cleveland, who emigrated from Suffolk county, Eng., in 1635 and set tled in Woburn, Mass., and from whom have descended all persons in the Northern States bearing the surname Cleveland. The pioneer of the family in Jefferson county was Elihu Cleveland, who settled in Adams in 1834. The young life of Mr. Cleveland was spent on a farm, and when he started out upon his own career farming was his chosen pursuit. He was an earnest, industrious toiler, year by year adding to his accumu lations, yet the period was uneventful until about 1851, when be con ceived the idea, and at once put it into practical operation, of growing peas, beans and other seeds for the market. His personal experiments in this production began in a small way, and as his seeds were of supe rior quality and found a ready sale, the business gradually increased to large proportions. At length he began furnishing seed to other farmers in the locality, agreeing to take their products at a stipulated price, on condition that the same be of standard quality. At one time, when the industry was at its height, Mr. Cleveland had contracts with two hundred farmers, and his annual sales not infrequently exceeded $40,- 000. As many as thirty varieties of peas and eighteen of beans were grown, and were sold to dealers throughout the country. To meet the requirements of his business, Mr. Cleveland established (about 1868) a large seed house in Adams, and thus was the founder and successful owner of one of the most profitable industries for the farmers of bis locality, while he, too, deservedly acquired a comfortable fortune. But throughout his long business career Mr. Cleveland's operations were always characterized by honesty and straightforward dealing. In 1877 the business was removed from Adams to Cape Vincent, af ter which its founder practically retired from active work, still retain ing, however, a part of his land interests and devoting his attention to their care and management. He erected and occupied one of the most substantial dwellings in Adams village, and so beautifully adorned its -y^'utf^jigGiisZjus.JTMJ.ifc C ±d4> c~ri^c^-c^^yJ BIOGRAPHICAL. 885 surrounding grounds as to attract attention from all over the region. But Mr. Cleveland has not confined his energies entirely to personal concerns, for in many ways, especially in agricultural circles he is known throughout tbe county. He has long been an active member of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and his suggestions for the gen eral welfare of farming interests have been accepted and followed. In politics he has ever been a consistent and conservative Democrat, and once yielded to the persuasions of his party convention in a candidacy for tbe Legislature in a district overwhelmingly Republican. Eight times he was elected president of Adams village, and has always taken an active interest in all that pertains to its welfare. Mr. Cleveland has also been an extensive traveler, having visited at one time or another nearly all the principal cities of the Union, and extending his journeys to the extreme south and the Pacific slope ; but now, full of years, and in the enjoyment of a full measure of health and the reward of a life of industry, he is content to live in comfortable re tirement surrounded with friends who respect him for his acknowledged integrit)' and worth. In 1841 Mr. Cleveland was married with Levina, the daughter of Artemas Bates, one of the substantial men of Adams. Of this marriage four children were born, only one of whom, Artie Bates Cleveland, is now living. ANDREW CORNWALL. Andrew Cornwall, associated with his partner, John F. Walton, was the practical founder of the now world-famous Thousand Islands as a watering place. He was born in Pultneyville, Wayne county, N. Y., March 25, 1814. His father, with two brothers, Ancil and William, had left Connecticut about 1800 and removed to what was then looked upon as the "far west," or Genesee county. They first located near the present site of the city of Rochester, but think ing it was not a good place to settle, went to what is now Pultney ville, where there was a small settlement with a saw and grist mill. The advent of the family to this country was in 1710 and three gener ations lived and died in old Chatham, Conn, (now Portland). The third of the line was the grandfather of the subject of this notice. He was a soldier of the Continental army and died from the effect of a wound received at Bennington. Andrew Cornwall attended the district schools 112 886 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and worked on the farm until he was thirteen years old. At this time he entered the country store of John Reynolds, with whom he remained for thirteen years as clerk and bookkeeper. At the end of this period, his health having failed from too close application to business, he pur chased a small sailing vessel and went on the lakes as a sailor. He was engaged in this business for three years, and then, his health fully restored, sold his vessel and left the water. In July, 1844, he removed to Redwood, N. Y., and entered the employ of De Zing & Burlingame, manufacturers of cut glass. He was given the management of their store and remained in this capacity until November, 1846, when at the solicitation of Azariah Walton he removed to Alexandria Bay and took an interest in the firm of L. A. Walton & Company. This firm continued for seven years or until the death of Mr. Walton (1853). At this time a new firm was organized under the firm name of Cornwall & Walton, John P. Walton being the junior partner. Cornwall & Walton were undoubtedly the largest business men in this section for several years. They both retired April 1, 1877, and a new firm, Cornwall Bros., was formed, consisting of the four sons of Andrew Cornwall: Andrew C, Charles W., John I. and Harvey A. This firm is still in business and very popular, dealing in everything required in a country store. In 1845 Azariah Walton bought of Henry Yates of the firm of Yates & Mclntyre of New York city, the north half of Wells Island and all the small islands in the river St. Lawrence in American wa ters, from Round Island in Clayton to the village of Morristown in St. Lawrence county. After his death tbe new firm of Cornwall & Walton bought them from his estate and for many years cut steamboat wood from them, often getting as high as 16,000 cords in a year. After the wood was mostly cut off the larger islands were sold for farms, and when wood began to give way to coal they determined to sell all these lands at a nominal price to induce people to build summer homes and thus make the St. Lawrence River a famous watering place. They gave the site for the Thousand Island House, negotiated the purchase of other hotel and park property, and can be truly said to have made the Thousand Islands what they are. Mr. Cornwall has always been a prominent figure in the politics of this section. He was supervisor from 1852 to 1856 and again from 1861 to 1865. A War Democrat, he was made a member of the Jeffer son County War Committee, although it was largely Republican. He BIOGRAPHICAL. 887 served the committee faithfully in recruiting and filling the quotas of his own town and the county. In 1867 he received the nomination for member of assembly and although the Republican candidate of the year previous had been elected by a large majority, Mr Cornwall was successful. In the Legislature of 1868 he was a member of the sub- Committee of the Whole, the Committee on the Manufacture of Salt and the Committee on Ways and Means. In 1868 he was a candidate for Congress against Hon. A. H, Laflin; his party was largely in the minority but Mr. Laflin's majority was comparatively small, and it has often been said that had Mr. Cornwall's friends been given ten days more he would have been elected. Mr. Corwall commenced his busi ness career with very limited means but with a determination to suc ceed. By close application, thrift and great energy, he has succeeded in his desire to attain a reasonable competency. Many who know him speak of his peculiar business qualifications and ability to handle men. He has never been an ostentatious man, and when he came before the people for political preferment, it was generally recognized that merit, not money, had placed him in a candidate's position. The example of such a life is a benefit to any community. Mr. Cornwall is one of the three surviving charter members of Alexandria Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M. He is also a member of Theresa Chapter and Watertown Com mandery. It is somewhat remarkable that all of his sons hold mem bership with him in all these bodies, and in addition two are Shriners. Mr. Cornwall married, in Jaunuary, 1843, Mary C. Calhoon, a daugh ter of Captain Calhoon of Williamson, Wayne county, N. Y. , who was a pensioner of the war of the Revolution and a captain of volunteers in the war of 1812. Four sons were born of their union: Andrew C, Charles W., John I. and Harvey A. Mrs. Cornwall died August 13, 1890, after a life of faithful devotion to her family. J. MORTIMER CRAWE, M. D. Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe, who has been so prominently known in professional and social life in the county for a period of nearly forty years, is a native of Watertown, born May 23, 1831, and is the son of Dr. Ithemer B. Crawe, the latter an early physician of the county and one of the most noted botanists of his time. As is mentioned at length in the medical chapter of this work, Ithemer B. Crawe was born 888 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. in Enfield, Hartford county, Conn., June 11, 1792, and after suffering from injuries resulting from overwork on a farm, turned his attention to botanical studies, for which he had a special taste and was peculiarly adapted by nature. Indeed, throughout the long period of his active professional life Dr. Crawe employed every favorable opportunity to pursue his botanical researches in new and unexplored fields, and im portant discoveries rewarded his zeal and perseverance. In his younger life this earnest student had many obstacles to contend with, the most serious of which was impaired health, but by careful habits and self- treatment he at length became physically strong, and in 1822 finished his medical studies at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York, and in the same year began professional life at Clinton, Madison county. Six months later he came to Watertown and after several years removed to Ogdensburgh. After about three years there Dr. Crawe took charge of a lead mining enterprise in Maine, which gave promise of success, but resulted in dis aster, upon which he located at Pontiac, Mich. , where he lived about three years. Then he returned to Watertown, and was prominently connected with the medical profession throughout the remainder of his life. He was an excellent physician, a pathologist and physiologist of ability, therefore eminently successful in his practice. But it was as student of botany and mineralogy that Dr. Crawe acquired his highest standing among scientists, and in this field he attained distinguished prominence and was brought into acquaintance and association with many of the most learned men and scholars of the time. He discov ered and described several new plants, one of which was named for him " Carex Crawei," or " Crawe's Sedge." In 1847 he was asked by the noted Professor Gray, of Cambridge, Mass., to procure for him some rare plants which grew in the vicinity of Perch lake, and which were in perfect development about the first of June. Employing this opportunity on the third day of that month, Dr. Crawe visited his patients, and then set out upon his favorite quest with two companions. The lake was crossed in safety, though the boat was old and leaky. A large collection of plants was secured, the return trip was begun, but when about twenty rods from the shore the doctor saw that the boat must sink. He told Enoch Eddy, who could not swim, to stick to the boat, then he with William C. Gould, sprang into the water, assisted Eddy in gaining a good hold on the frail craft, and struck out for shore. Dr. Crawe was a strong, powerful swimmer, yet BIOGRAPHICAL. 889 young Gould reached the land first ; and turning, saw the doctor's feet above water, from which it is thought he must have been seized with cramps. The body soon disappeared and was recovered the next day by Masonic friends who had hastened to the scene as soon as the unfor tunate news was learned. Thus was cut off one of the most useful lives in the medical profession in northern New York, and thus was re moved an enthusiastic toiler in bontanical and mineralogical pursuits. A life almost had been devoted to those loved pursuits and was lost at its very height. Dr. Crawe, during his many years of botanical and mineralogical re search, accumulated a rare collection of specimens of great value. The weight of his cabinet of minerals was eight tons. He became a mem ber of the County Medical Society in 1822; was its secretary in 1825; censor in 1826, '28-30, '34 and '41; president in 1827 and again in 1842, and delegate to the State Society in 1834 and 1844. In 1846, on the recommendation of the State Society, the Regents of the University conferred on Dr. Crawe the honorary degree of " Doctor of Medicine," thus in a measure recognizing his worth to the profession at large. Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe, of Watertown, who, by reason of his untiring and unselfish devotion to his profession and its societies, is looked upon by his associates as one of the senior members of that profession in the county, was the son of Ithemer B. Crawe by his marriage with Char lotte F. Mortimer. His early elementary education was acquired in the public and select schools, and he also attended the then famous Jefferson County Institute. He then read medicine under the instruc tion of Dr. H. G. P. Spencer, and later finished his medical course at Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was grad uated in 1859. His practice began at Hamilton, Madison county, but failing health suggested a change in location, whereupon he re moved to Champion. Here his stay was short, for in July, 1861, he chanced to visit Madison county where he found an unusual number of diphtheria cases among his old acquaintances ; he yielded to their per suasions and returned again to live in that vicinity. During the summer and early fall of 1862 the 157th N. Y. Vol. Inf. was recruited in Madison and Cortland counties, and Dr. Crawe was commissioned assistant regimental surgeon. He served in the reserve hospital at Fairfax Court-house until March, 1863, when, on account of ill health, he was ordered to Washington, and then sent home on sick leave. Two months later he rejoined the regiment at Acquia Creek, 890 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. just previous to the Chancellorsville battle. In that fearful engage ment he was taken prisoner while acting as surgeon of the 182d Illinois, and remained three weeks in the enemy's hands before an exchange was made. He returned to his command much broken in health, hence was ordered home on another leave of absence, but soon learning that the troops were about to move, went back to the regiment and acted as operating surgeon during the battle of Gettysburg, thereafter remain ing in the Eleventh Corps hospital about one month, caring for the sick and wounded and also acting as hospital recording officer. He then reported to General Hallock at Washington, but in the mean time the 157th had moved to Morris Island, opposite Charleston, S. C, which city they were besieging, and our determined young surgeon at once reported for active duty notwithstanding his own physical condition. He served in this department until February, 1864, when he was pro moted to the rank of surgeon, and assigned to the 128th N. Y. Reg iment in Sherman's army at Savannah. From this time Dr. Crawe served as medical inspector and brigade surgeon until August, 1865, when he returned to Albany and was mustered out of service. After his return from the service Dr. Crawe took up his residence at Watertown and began practice, not in a new field but in his native vil lage. During all the years of his absence he was not forgotten by the friends of his youth, nor had the medical profession or the people at large lost all memory of the son of Ithemer B. Crawe, the botanist, scientist and physician; and on returning to bis native town Dr. Crawe was at once among friends and quickly established a successful and lucrative practice. He took an active interest in the affairs and well being of the County Medical Society; was one of its reorganizers in 1868, and from that time to the present has been one of its most influ ential members and sustainers. It is doubtful if the society has an office he has not held several times, but in all his zeal and interest in its affairs he has never accepted any promotion or high position other than for the good of the organization and the advancement of the pro fession in the county and at large. Indeed, Jefferson county never had a practitioner who had greater regard for legitimate methods than Dr. Crawe, nor has there been one who more earnestly sought to weed out from the ranks of the profession all charlatans and quacks. It is only by the endeavors of such men that any profession or calling can be kept pure and clean. In 1884 he, with others, became disgusted with the methods and BIOGRAPHICAL. 891 action of the State Medical Society in relation to the code of ethics, whereupon they withdrew their membership in the old organization. In the same year the New York State Medical Association was formed, Dr. Crawe being one of the chief factors in the organization and its first vice president. The offices he has filled in the several medical bodies of which he has been a member need no mention in this place, and it is sufficient to say that in each position he has been found faith ful, as he has to every charge in professional, political and social life. He was appointed pension examiner in 1869, held the office four years, and then resigned. In 1881 he was asked to and did accept a place on the Jefferson County Board of Pension Examiners, and was its president four years. This is the extent of his political holdings, though in that boundless and sometimes uncertain field Dr. Crawe takes the same commendable interest as in professional and fraternal circles. He is a firm Republican, but has never sought political preferment. On October 3, 1860, J. Mortimer Crawe was married to Mary E., daughter of Jacob Hecox, of Earlville, N. Y. Of this marriage four children were born: J. Mortimer Crawe, jr. , a practicing physician of Watertown; Harriet S. C, wife of Fred H. Moore of Syracuse; Frank Frederick, who died in infancy; and Edwin Paddock Crawe, now living in Syracuse. CHARLES CROSSMON. Charles Crossmon, who for a period of almost forty-five years was proprietor of the famous Crossmon House at Alexandria Bay, and who by his enterprise and business sagacity was one of the chief factors in opening the beautiful Thousand Island region to the pleasure-seeking world, was a native of this county, born in Watertown, October 2, 1818, and was descended from one of the old families of the Black River country. Charles Crossmon had not the advantages of a liberal early education, but he learned from observation and contact with his fellow men, and after he had established the Crossmon as the most popular house on the St. Lawrence, he gave more of his time to the personal entertainment of guests and was known as a genial host and an inter esting companion. When a youth Mr. Crossmon learned the trade of stair building and was a skilled workman in that line. Soon after 1840 he was employed 892 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. at work in Kingston on the steamer British Queen. While there he became acquainted with Esther A. Smith, whom he afterward married, and thus it was he came to Alexandria Bay, where Moses Smith then lived. Mr. Smith was one of the prominent characters then living at the Bay, and was owner of a small tavern standing on the site of the present Crossmon House. He was also engaged in other business enterprises, and being in need of help asked Charles Crossmon to come to the village and take charge of the hotel. This was in 1848, during which year the Crossmon House under that name was opened to the public. The new proprietor and his wife did all the work about the hotel and soon at tracted summer visitors to the place. Even then the St. Lawrence River in this locality was a noted fishing ground, and many persons of means and prominence found pleasant recreation and comfortable en tertainment at the hotel. Through this means the fame of the region spread throughout the country, and to accommodate the constantly in creasing number of visitors Mr. Crossmon was compelled to enlarge the capacity of his house. The material additions were made in 1863, 1872 and again in 1880, the latter resulting in the Crossmon House of the present day, concededly the most popular and exclusive summer resort in all the vast Thousand Island region. During the later years of Mr. Crossmon's life the house was managed by the founder himself, associated with his son, Charles W. Crossmon, the latter its present proprietor, under whom its standing has ever been maintained, while its entertaining capacity is almost annually over taxed. Other houses on the river may be larger than The Crossmon, but none is more complete in all its appointments nor has its name and fame a rival in this celebrated region. This gratifying success and popularity was the result of personal enterprise and good judgment on the part of Charles Crossmon, and all interests in Alexandria Bay were in the same manner benefited by his endeavors. Another might have done as much and as well, but the work was his and to him in all justice must the credit be given. The details of this busy life need no recital here. It began in 1848 and closed with the death of Mr. Crossmon February, 6, 1892. He did not assume to occupy a conspicuous posi tion in the public or political affairs of the town, yet every worthy en terprise found in him a generous supporter. In his death the village met a serious loss, but the place thus left vacant was taken by his son and the same satisfactory results are annually realized. The marriage of Charles Crossmon with Esther A. Smith took place GuJief-'naji T'shnrn-Grairure Co. BIOGRAPHICAL. 893 August 15, 1845. Three children were born to them: William, born August 15, 1846, died September 22, 1846; Charles W., born March 22, 1849, and William, born September 22, 1856, died March 26, 1857. EDGAR C. EMERSON.1 Edgar C. Emerson was born in Brownville, January 27, 1850, a son of Alfred and Marjory (Luther) Emerson. His father was a substan tial farmer and Judge Emerson's earlier years were spent on the Brown ville farm. He acquired a good common school and academic education and at the age of seventeen sought and obtained a position as teacher in one of the common schools of the neighborhood. He early evinced a decided fondness for legal study and when nineteen began to earnestly prepare himself for the law. He was in the habit of borrowing books in Watertown and carrying them home to read, and being a close student and possessed of a good measure of natural ability, he was enabled to make good headway, although lacking in the advantages of advice and in struction. In 1870 he entered the Albany Law School, and by reason of his previous work, completed the prescribed course and took the LL.B. degree in 1871, being admitted in the same year to the Jefferson county bar. He did not at once take up active practice , but entered the office of Judge Dennis O'Brien, with whom he remained as clerk for a period of three years, and was then admitted to partnership, the firm name being O'Brien & Emerson, and so remaining until 1883, when by the admis sion of James A. Ward it became O'Brien, Emerson & Ward ; this latter association continued until 1886, since which time Judge Emerson has practiced alone. His politics are Republican and he has been active in party work, serving as chairman of the County Committee two years. In 1878 he was city attorney of the city of Watertown, and from 1880 to 1887 dis trict attorney, filling both offices with fidelity and ability. His work as district attorney, especially in the prosecution of criminal cases, has been favorably commented upon more than once and needs no reference here. In 1892 Judge Emerson was elected county judge of Jefferson county, succeeding the late Judge J. C. McCartin ; and now (1898) holds the nomination for re-election. 1 Contributed. 113 894 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He has long been a prominent Mason; is past master of Watertown Lodge No. 49 ; past high priest of Watertown Chapter No. 59 ; past commander of Watertown Commandery ; and has served as high priest and prophet of Armedia Temple from the charter date. Judge Emerson is, on the paternal side, a descendant of an old Puri tan family. His great-grandfather, on the maternal side, was a soldier of the Revolution, a "Green Mountain boy;" and had a son (E. C. Emerson's grandfather), who fought in the war of 1812. His maternal grandmother came of the old " Mohawk Dutch " stock. Judge Emer son married, in 1878, Miss Louise M. Wood, a daughter of John J. Wood, formerly of Rutland. ROSWELL P. FLOWER. Roswell Pettibone Flower was born August 7, 1835, at Theresa, Jefferson county, N. Y. , the fourth son and sixth child of Nathan Monroe and Mary Ann (Boyle) Flower. The father, who died when Roswell was in his eighth year, was born at Oak Hill, Greene county, N. Y. , and learned the cloth dressing and wool carding trade in his father's mill. Upon reaching his majority he established himself in business at Cooperstown, Otsego county, N. Y. Here he remained for some time, and married in the neighboring village of Cherry Valley. Soon after he removed to Theresa, then in the midst of the " northern wilderness," and established a woolen mill, but died in 1843, leaving the faithful, industrious mother to care for their nine children, and to manage the business. The family owned a farm of about thirty acres near the village and another of some two hundred acres eight miles out, and each child worked on these farms, raising general crops and cutting wood. Young Roswell picked wool in the woolen mill and worked industriously on these farms; but his mother was not a woman to neglect the mental training of her children, and he was sent to school with regularity. He had three elder brothers and it was therefore not his good fortune to have a new suit of clothes until he was able to earn them himself. Cut-down clothes were invariably his portion and stories are still told of the depression and mental anguish which this caused him. One of his elder sisters had married a merchant of Theresa (Silas L. George), and he was given employment as a chore boy in the store BIOGRAPHICAL. 895 at a salary of five dollars per month and board. During the sessions of the Theresa High School he found time to attend and was graduated at the early age of sixteen. Many anecdotes have been related of how young Flower earned extra spending money. He cut wood for the professional men of the little village, worked on the farms in haying time, and in a brick yard, receiving $1.50 a week for driving a yoke of stags around a clay vat (treading). There is no employment so well calculated to develop earnest char acter and self-reliance as school teaching, and many a successful man has gained a valuable experience as a country teacher. Roswell P. Flower is one of these ; he made a good school teacher and therefore a successful man. Perhaps the following anecdote, which has frequently been published, will give a better idea than other description of the qualities which secured his success in this field, harder then than now, for the master often had to be the physical as well as mental superior ofthe whole school: "At the noon intermission of his first day in school, the biggest boy came to him for a ' square-hold wrestle. ' Mr. Flower accepted the challenge and easily threw the lad. After he had thrown all the larger boys, he found them all, with one exception, ready to recognize his authority. One day in the spelling class this boy refused to pronounce his syllables and only did so after a tussle. Mr. Flower then gave notice that a spelling school would be held that evening and stated that he desired only those of the scholars to come who would be willing to do their best, and during the intermission the young man in question was heard to remark that he would attend the school but would not spell. Roswell was boarding at this time with the family of Edward Cooper, with whom lived a young man of twenty-two named James Casey. The young teacher talked over the expected trouble and arranged that Casey should choose one side of the school and if the obstreperous young fellow should make his appearance, Casey should elect him to his side, and if he made any fuss in spelling, the two should join forces and put him out. The evening school had not been opened more than ten minutes before the young man came in and sat down behind one of the old fashioned desks. He was immediately chosen but said he would not spell, and at this young Flower told him he must either spell or leave the school. He replied that be would be if he would spell and that he would be if he would leave the school. Mr. Flower insisted, which only called forth a repetition of the offensive remarks. The schoolmaster then called upon anybody pres- 896 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ent who desired to resent the insult to the school and the teacher to assist him in putting the offender out of doors; whereupon young Casey rose up and the young man was speedily ejected. But he was not con quered. He went over to the hotel a few rods distant and persuaded one of the trustees and a big chap by the name of William Waufell to come over and whip the teacher. Nothing daunted Roswell stated the case to his belligerant visitors and then said to the young man, 'Now, sir, you must either spell or leave this school again.' This conquered the youthful Sampson and he spelled without further trouble. After school was out the colossal Mr. Waufell remarked that if the young fellow had not spelled he would have whipped him himself." In 1853 young Flower was offered a position in a general store at Philadelphia (N. Y. ). The proprietor, a Mr. Woodford, failed shortly after, and being thrown out of employment he returned to his native village and finding no better employment, worked in the hay field, "keeping up his end in the mowing with eleven men." In August of the same year he was offered a position in the hardware store of Howell, Cooper & Company of Watertown, but after a few months in this position bettered his condition by accepting a position as deputy postmaster at a salary of $50 a month and board. This position he held for five years under postmaster W. H. Sigourney. In the last year of his employment in the post-office he married Sarah M. Wood ruff, a daughter of Norris M. Woodruff of Watertown, and of this union three children were born, only one of whom now survives, Emma Ger trude, wife of John B. Taylor of Watertown. Up to this time he had managed to save $1,000 and with this purchased an interest in a jewelry business at 1 Court street in Watertown, the firm name being Hitchcock & Flower. This store now stands and is still used to accom modate a jewelry business. Watertown people point it out to visitors with the remark "There Roswell P. Flower laid the foundation of his fortune." Mr. Flower's ability seems to have been purely mercantile, although he once absorbed a considerable knowledge of Blackstone and Kent with a view of entering the legal profession, and many believe that he would have gained a brilliant reputation as a business lawyer. He obtained his first knowledge of large business affairs under the direction of Henry Keep, the well known capitalist, who had married Miss Anna Woodruff, a sister of Mrs. Flower. After Mr. Keep's death he removed to New York city and took charge of the Henry Keep estate, then worth in the neighborhod of $1,000,000. This has increased BIOGRAPHICAL. 897 under his careful and able management until it is now worth over $4,000,000. Much of the estate was in the West where Mr. Flower was a frequent visitor, gaining a personal knowledge of the vast resources of almost every section of the western country. It would be well per haps to state here that Mr. Flower's private fortune, which is estimated in the millions, was not made by speculation in Wall street, but by tbe shrewd purchasing of properties, which, by careful and prudent man agement, have developed and proved valuable investments. In 1872, after Mr. Flower's serious illness, the firm of Benedict, Flower & Co. was dissolved and Mr. Flower confined his attention to the conduct of the large estates which had been placed in his care. In connection with this work he soon found it necessary to establish a New York office at 84 Broadway, and at this time Anson R. Flower, a younger brother, was brought from Watertown in order to become acquainted with the business that he might take charge of it in Mr. Flower's absence. However, it was difficult for a man of his great in sight into the larger business enterprises of the day to readily withdraw, and without any attempt being made in this direction the firm soon found itself doing a large commission trade, and to further provide for these increased cares another brother was admitted (John D. Flower), together with a nephew (Frederick S. Flower). Mr. Flower did not, however, retire from active participation in the management until 1890, when he became a special partner. The sterling Democracy of Roswell P. Flower is too well known to need comment here. Some one paid him a just compliment in saying that " His Democracy is ingrained not grafted." He cast his first vote for Buchanan and from then on was a worker in the Democratic party. Even as a young man he showed himself to be possessed of the great gifts in organizing and handling men. He was chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee for several years and helped to start the organization which became known throughout the State as one of the best equipped political organizations within its borders. In 1877 he was chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee when the party won the campaign notwithstanding the bolt against the ticket. It will be remembered that Levi P. Morton was elected to Congress from the Eleventh District by 4,000 majority, and held the seat until appointed minister to France. To fill the vacancy, William Waldorf Astor was nominated by the Republicans, while Mr. Flower was in duced by his friends to accept the Democratic nomination after Orlando 898 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. B. Potter had declined. He accepted it on the platform that he would not purchase a vote to secure his election, and took the seat with the surprising majority of 3,100. In the Forty- seventh Congress he was a member of the Committee on Banking, and leaped at once into prominence as a financial legislator. He also during his first term made notable speeches on the reduction of taxes, the Chinese question and the River and Harbor bill. At the Democratic State Convention in 1882 General Slocum and Roswell P. Flower each received 134 votes for the gubernatorial nomination, and Grover Cleveland 61. But at this time it was thought better to nom inate a man outside of New York city, and he withdrew in favor of Cleveland. In the same year he refused a renomination for Congress, although offered the unanimous support of both factions of the party, and in addition being assured that should he consent to run the Repub licans would make no nomination. Orlando P. Potter, who was nom inated and elected in his place, received Mr. Flower's hearty support. In 1885 he declined the nomination for the lieutenant-governorship, and the honor fell to "Jones of Binghamton." In 1882 he was made chairman of the Democratic Congressional Committee, and his man agement resulted in a majority of fifty in the House. In the presi dential campaign of 1888 he was one of the four delegates at large, and in this same year, for purely unselfish and almost self-sacrificing mo tives, accepted the nomination for Congress from the Twelfth district. In the Fifty first Congress he was a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and also a member of the committee on the World's Fair. Mr. Flower's efforts to keep the fair in New York State will not be readily forgotten. As a legislator he was a success, pri marily because he made it his business to master the details of the sub ject in hand. He often created surprise in the committee rooms through tbe remarkable knowledge which he possessed of the different?- sections of the country. His speech on the irrigation question attracted wide attention, as did the original and thoughtful position which he took on many of the important legislative problems of the times. In 1890 he was chosen to act as chairman of the Congressional Campaign Commit tee, and no student of politics who recollects the outcome of this cam paign and the lines on which it was conducted, fails to give credit for this triumph, largely attained by his shrewd and capable management. In 1891 the party which he had so faithfully served from early man hood honored him with the gubernatorial nomination, and he was BIOGRAPHICAL. 899 elected to the highest office within the gift of the people of the Empire State, obtaining a plurality over J. Sloat Fassett of 47,937 votes. In the memorable campaign of 1896 he followed his convictions by taking a firm stand with the Gold Democrats. In this brief synopsis of the life of Mr. Flower we can not presume to adequately write of his well known philanthropy. A gift which must appeal strongly to all was the St. Thomas House in New York city, for which he donated $50,000. The building contains rooms occupied by American, German and Chinese Sunday Schools, a diet kitchen, institution for the instruction of young girls in sewing and mending, a library and a boys' club room. A slab of marble reads : " Erected to God by Roswell P. Flower and Sarah M. Flower, in memory of their son, Henry Keep Flower. " Other notable gifts are the Memorial Presbyterian Church at his boyhood home, the Flower Hospital in New York city, and the Trinity Church in Watertown (associated with his brother, Anson R. Flower). Mr. Flower has made his life a blessing to many, for he is a man of the noblest emotions. No one will ever be able to enumerate his private charities, and although he has always been an exacting busi ness man and a strong partisan, his personal popularity is great. Even in his youth his character was strongly developed, and those who knew him then call to mind many instances which prove that he must have been a manly boy. He came of good Puritan stock, the family having settled near Hartford, Conn., in 1696. ROBERT P. GRANT. Robert P. Grant, who for more than twenty years has been closely and actively identified with banking and other business enterprises in northern Jefferson county, was a native of Sullivan county, N. Y., born in Neversink, May 6, 1844, and was the eldest of eight children in the family of Isaac and Hannah (Le Roy) Grant. His father was a me chanic, and as the oldest child in the family upon Robert fell nearly all the boy's work to be done about tbe house, but he also attended district school and succeeded in getting two terms' attendance at the High School. He then learned the tanner's trade, at which he was employed when, in 1863, he recruited Company C of the 92d Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., and was elected its captain. Indeed, Captain Grant had previ ously taken much interest in military affairs and was well versed in 900 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. " Hardie's tactics." This gave him an excellent standing with the commissioned officers of the regiment, who depended on him to drill the troops, and ultimately led to his promotion to the rank of colonel, in 1865, he then being the youngest officer in the command. In 1863 the 92d was ordered to the State line when the Confederate army invaded Pennsylvania and threatened the country farther north. In the mean time Mr. Grant had acquired a third interest in a tannery, and after returning from military service devoted himself wholly to business. From that time to the present he has been constantly occu pied in various pursuits, in a career so interesting as to be worthy of more than passing mention. In 1866 he sold out the tannery interest and engaged in farming and managing a store at Neversink, N. Y., at which he was occupied about a year. In 1869 he went to Hawkins- ville, N. Y., and operated a tannery store for another year, and in 1870, at the request of Thomas E. Proctor, hide and leather dealer, of Bos ton, he removed to Lycoming county, Pa., and carried on a general store in the heart of the lumber and tannery regions for which that State was then noted. At the end of another year Mr. Grant went to Cameron county, Penn., and bought the bark on a 10,000 acre tract of land, and also built a tannery at Sterling Run, on the tract, he then acting as the managing partner in the firm of Grant, Clark & Co., and having then saved as the result of his previous labors some six or seven thousand dollars. Mr. Grant continued in business at the place last mentioned until five days previous to the panic of 1874, when he sold out and removed to Fort Madison, Iowa, where, in partnership with Senator W. G. Kent, he started the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank. In the course of the next six or seven months other similar enterprises were either started or projected, which threatened injury through over-competition, whereupon Mr. Grant sold his banking interests and in 1876 returned east and went to Boonville, Oneida county. Here he arranged to take the cashiership of a bank at Lincoln, Neb., but was dissuaded from this purpose through the arguments of friends. Then, at the suggestion of President Dodge of the First National Bank of Boonville, N. Y., Mr. Grant came to Clayton and established the Bank of Clayton, in partnership with A. F. Barker. This was a fortunate enterprise both for the founders and for the town. In 1880, as is stated in the history of the village, the insti tution was changed into a State bank, called the Bank of Clayton, but four years later Mr. Grant (who had been cashier and manager), and BIOGRAPHICAL. 901 fifty others bought out the Barker interest and organized the Exchange Bank. The history of this successful enterprise is elsewhere written at length, hence needs no repetition here. It did business until January 1, 1898, and then became the National Exchange Bank, with more than one hundred share holders, and with Mr. Grant as cashier, which posi tion, as well as that of manager in fact, he held in connection with its predecessor banks. Thus in brief is narrated the leading events of a busy life; one which had its beginning in a small way and with very little original capital other than good capacity and judgment and a determination to succeed, but one which from the beginning has grown and enlarged until its principal factor and founder has acquired a position of prominence in business and financial circles. About 1880 Mr. Grant became interested in the manufacture and sale of cheese, adding one factory after another as years passed, until he is now the managing owner of seven such en terprises. Since ' May, 1897, he has been president of the Board of Cheese Trade, an organization of about one hundred members. In ad dition he is the owner of a large fire insurance agency business, and is otherwise interested in local enterprises. He is one of the trustees of the Thousand Island Park Association ; treasurer of the Anglers' Asso ciation of the St. Lawrence River (an association of more than three hundred members and the strongest body of its kind in the United States) ; and was also one of the incorporators (and now vice-president) of the Fish, Game and Forest League, which was organized during the winter of 1897-8. In politics Mr. Grant was originally a Democrat, and in Pennsylvania was offered and declined a nomination (which was equivalent to an election) for the Legislature. Since returning to this State he has not taken an active part in political affairs and acted independent of party dictations until the presidential campaign of 1892, since which time he has been identified with the Republican party. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a liberal con tributor to its support, and as well to other worthy enterprises. In his business life Mr. Grant has been abundantly successful, the reward of industry, perseverance and straightforward honesty. When only twelve years old he had saved about $20, which he invested in sheep and in the course of five years produced a good flock, accumulating thereby the sum of $500. This was his real starting capital in actual business life. 114 902 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. On September 14, 1870, Robert P. Grant was married with LetticC, the daughter of Daniel Hayes, of Boonville. Of this marriage one son was born, Robert D. Grant, assistant cashier of the National Exchange Bank of Clayton. HIRAM HERRING. Hiram Herring was born in Denmark, Lewis county, N. Y , Jan uary 18, 1817, and was the eldest of seventeen children, thirteen of whom lived to grow up. The writer of this sketch knew seven of the brothers and sisters. They had all taught school when young, and always took the greatest interest in educational, scientific and social subjects. They were great readers, and their retentive memories made their own their favorite books. The works of Emerson, Carlyle and Herbert Spencer were at their tongues' end. They felt with these writers the same hatred for falseness and shams, and strove with them to get at the very bottom of all facts and fancies. Vigorous, earnest, outspoken, honest, independent — they left their mark upon the com munities in which they lived. The father of this interesting family, William Herring, was a native of Wiltshire, England ; the mother Cynthia Buck, of Argyle, Wash ington county, N. Y. After a four years' residence in Denmark, N.Y., William Herring went to Champion, where he engaged in the brewing business with Lyman, father bf Orlin Holcomb. Closing out his busi ness in 1826 he went to Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county. Here he bought a tract of land and was a farmer until his death. The inci dents of the removal made an indelible impression upon the mind of Hiram Herring, and he was fond of relating that at nine years of age he drove a team of oxen through the wilderness from Champion to Gouverneur. He attended the village school until seventeen, when he left home to work in a neighboring village, Oxbow. From there he went to Watertown, where he arrived with the traditional ten cents in his pocket to seek his fortune. After four years' apprenticeship with Jason Fairbanks was completed he went to Rochester, well instructed in the manufacture of leather. For two years he worked at his trade in summer and taught in a school in winter. While in Rochester he made the acquaintance of Paulina Prosser of Clarkson, Monroe county, and they were married October Gi/2telT77£z/7 7?/r#fr urai/ur^ Ch. i^^^^T. BIOGRAPHICAL. 903 23, 1843. Two years previous to his marriage he purchased a tannery of Joseph Brown in Rodman, where he resided until his death, forty years later. During those forty years he was respected by his business associates for energy, ability and uprightness of character. As to those whom he employed — it is interesting in these days of labor troubles to note that one of his workmen, Elijah Wolcott, served him for forty years. Hiram Herring was built on a broad plan — a patriarchal type that the conditions of another day made possible. He possessed to an extreme degree the positive qualities attributed to his brothers and sisters; was of fine physique, sunny nature and quick temper. An indefatigable reader and brilliant conversationalist, it was his special pleasure to ex pound the principles of the old Jeffersonian Democracy, in which he was a lifelong believer. He died on July 26, 1881, at the age of 64 years. His wife, Paulina, survived him three years, and died on Au gust 9, 1884. Much might be written of her many excellent qualities. Without appearing in the least to rule, she was yet the guiding influ ence in the lives of her husband and children. One son and three daughters survived the parents : Ella, wife of Levi Washburn, of Rod man, N. Y., Mary E., wife of B. L. Barney, of Hanford, Cal., Jennie P., wife of Dr. Charles Douglass, and William P. Herring, of Water- town, N. Y. FRANK A. HINDS. Frank A. Hinds, civil engineer, is a native of Watertown, and a son of Earl B. and Almira (Allen) Hinds, both born in northern New York. His father was a farmer of Pamelia, moving into that town from the town of Watertown in 1845, and was a resident of Jefferson county from his youth. Earl B. was a nephew of Corlis Hinds, the first supervisor of the town of Watertown from 1805 to 1808. Frank A. is the older of two sons, and his brother, Oscar E. , lives in Pamelia, on one of the farms which his father owned. Frank A. began the study of engineering in Jefferson county, and at the age of twenty-one went to Portland, Oregon, where he continued his studies under the county and city surveyor of that place for two years ; the next year he passed in the engineering department of Yale College, then a year with an engineer in New York city, whose specialty 904 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was landscape work and drainage, and returned to Jefferson county where he was married on Christmas Day, 1867, to Mary R. Thomson of Watertown, who, with her parents moved to Watertown from House- ville, Lewis county, about ten years before. Her parents were William and Mary (Peabody) Thomson, the mother descending in a parallel line with the philanthropist George Peabody, from a common ancestor. She being of the sixth generation, descended from William Peabody, of Plymouth, Mass., and his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of the Mayflower, whose story Longfellow has told in poetry. Longfellow's mother was a descendant of Priscilla, whom he quotes assaying, "Why don't you speak for yourself, John," when John Alden was sent to ask her hand for his Captain, Miles Standish. She declined the Captain's offer, and John and Priscilla were married afterward. During the year 1868 Mr. Hinds was engaged in. the early surveys of the Black River and St. Lawrence Railroad (now the Carthage and Adirondack) under Mr. Octave Blanc as chief engineer. After com pleting the preliminary surveys of this road Mr. Hinds was made chief engineer of the Carthage, Watertown and Sackets Harbor Railroad, which position he held to the completion of the road. Later he laid out and mapped the Thousand Island Park, Westminster Park, Round Island, Central Park and numerous others of the great summer resorts of the St. Lawrence River. He had charge as engineer of the con struction of the Kingston and Pembroke Railway in Canada, and after that was placed in charge of the surveys of the New York and Boston Inland Railway, serving this latter corporation for two years. He was city engineer of Watertown for a number of terms, and made the sur vey for the city boundary when it was first incorporated. His next operations were building and operating water works for supplying cities and towns. He formed an association with J. F. Moffett and later took H. C. Hodgkins and J. V. Clarke, under the firm name of Hinds, Moffett & Co., and established water works in a number of cities and villages in the United States. In 1888 Mr. Hinds sold his entire interest in the business to his partners and his connection with the firm then ceased and the firm became Moffett, Hodgkins & Clarke. In 1887 and 1888 the organization and construction of the Ontario Paper Mills near Brownville occupied his attention, and he is at present a director in that company ; he is also vice-president of the Board of Water Commissioners of the city of Watertown, which position he has ix/^o BIOGRAPHICAL. 905 held for the past ten years, having served on the Board of Water Com missioners since 1880; he has also been one of the vestrymen of Trinity church, Watertown, N. Y., since 1887. In 1889 he formed a copartnership with Mr. E. A. Bond for the con struction of water works and general engineering, and under their direction as engineers, water works were built in the villages of Ant werp, Theresa, Philadelphia, West Carthage and Cape Vincent, in this county, and also several water works were built under franchise in Canada. This copartnership was dissolved in 1896 and Mr. Hinds has since been engaged in general hydraulic and mechanical engineering, principally among the various mills and water powers of the Black River valley. The family are of New England stock. John Hinds, the son of James, born in 1659, married Mary Butler in 1681 and lived in Lancas ter, Mass., where their son, John, was born in 1683. He married Han nah (Whitaker) Corlis, of Haverhill, Mass., and they had thirteen chil dren, of which one was Corlis; he married Janet McMaster on the 6th of September, 1742, and lived in Barre, Mass., where he owned and operated a saw mill and grist mill on the Ware River. He is reputed to have lived to the age of 105 years, and died in Barre in 1821 ; they had nine children, one of whom, Corlis, jr., was born in Barre in 1748. He married Susannah Henry. Her father was an Englishman and was taken prisoner at Oswego, N. Y., during the French war and sent to France, where he died on a prison ship. Corlis served in the American army in the Revolutionary war. He and Susannah had eight chil dren, of whom one was Corlis, who went from Barre to Mt. Holly, Vt., where he married Polly Bent, daughter of David Bent of that place, and then came to the Black River country, now Jefferson county, and as stated at the beginning of this article, was the first supervisor of the new town of Watertown, after the organization of Jefferson county. He settled on a farm just south of Watertown Center, on the road lead ing to Rices. Thomas Hinds, a brother of the last mentioned Corlis, was born in Barre in 1780, and also journeyed to Vermont, and there married Phoebe, another daughter of David Bent in the year 1800, and estab lished a mercantile business in the town of Mt. Holly. In 1809, late in the autumn, he also came to New York State. The route then was by way of the Mohawk and Black River valleys, and the way was often beset by dangers, of stream and forest ; the little party had a narrow 906 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. escape from drowning in crossing the West Canada Creek near Tren ton, Oneida county; the teamster missing the fording place, the wagon was swept down the stream, then swollen by the late November storms, and was barely rescued with its load of household goods, wife and children ; the youngest (Carlos), now an aged resident of Adams Center, was then only about six weeks old. They stopped in Denmark, Lewis county, where they resided for two or three years, near the home of Peter Bent, sr., who was a brother of Phoebe, and who had previously emigrated from Mt. Holly. Later on Thomas moved into the town of Champion, Jefferson county, where he settled on a farm between Tyler ville and Copenhagen; he served in the war of 1812 and was at the battle of Sackets Harbor. They had twelve children, one of whom was Earl Bent, born in Denmark, N. Y., October 25, 1811; he married Almira M. Allen, of Hammond, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and lived in the town of Watertown on what is known as Dry Hill, where Frank lin Allen, the subject of this sketch, was born November 17, 1843. The family moved to Pamelia in 1845, where on August 18, 1849, Oscar E. was born. Almira was a daughter of Reuben Allen, who was a son of Major Benjamin Allen, of Cheshire, Mass., a Revolutionary soldier, and a son of Barnabas, who was born in Seekonk, R. I., about 1840 — he being a son of Barnabas, who came from Scotland to Gloucester, Mass., in the early part of the eighteeth century. Frank A. married Mary R. Thomson, December 25, 1887; they had one son, Earl William, born October 22, 1870, and died June 3, 1872. In business Frank A. has always taken a deep interest in the young men of his employment, and has been generally successful in encourag ing habits of usefulness in their profession, himself furnishing an example of temperate personal habits. There are a number of success ful business men, engineers, contractors, &c, now about the countrv, who commenced their career in his office, and who look back with pleasure to their early experience. He has resided for more than twenty-five years on a suburban farm located at No. 161 State street in the city of Watertown, about one and a half miles from the public square, where, with a competent man to attend to the work, he enjoys the quiet of country life and the oppor tunities for study and investigation thereby afforded. BENJAMIN F. HUNT. BIOGRAPHICAL. 907 BENJAMIN F. HUNT. Benjamin F. Hunt, the greater portion of whose active business life was spent in other counties than Jefferson, was a native of Rodman, born in 1810, and was the son of Simeon Hunt, the latter being one of the pioneers of that town and also of the Black River country. Simeon Hunt was born in Coventry, Conn., in 1773, and in 1798 was married with Roxalina Moody. In 1803 the. young couple came to Rodman, traveling with an ox team and with all their worldly goods packed on the wagon. Arrived in Rodman, Pioneer Hunt built a log cabin, and as travel through the town was then constantly increasing, his house was soon turned into a tavern, and was so conducted by him for many years, although the old log building was soon replaced with a more sub stantial structure of frame. When the town of Adams (which originally included Rodman) was organized Simeon Hunt was one of its first town officers, and in later years, after Rodman had been set off from Adams, he was frequently elected to important positions, while the town meet ings were generally held at his tavern. In 1805, when the Congrega tional society in the town was, formed, Mr. Hunt was one of its found ers, and also one of its first trustees and chief supporters. The few remaining" sons of old settlers remember Simeon Hunt as an ardent lover of music, whose fame as a violin player was known throughout the region. However, an accident happened him while felling a tree in the woods, after which he was deprived of the free use of his. bow arm. With his own hands Simeon Hunt cleared a hundred acre tract of heavily timbered land in Rodman, and developed an excellent farm in this once wild region. Indeed, during the first year of their family/life in the town, wolves and other wild animals were almost nightly visitors about the cabin, and for more than six months after her arrival Mrs. Hunt did not so much as see another white woman. Thus it is seen that the lives and energies of this young couple were wholly devoted to building up a comfortable home in the new region, and later years their toil was rewarded. Mr. Hunt was an enterprising man and in addition to his farm and hotel he owned a good grist mill and a saw mill. But neither he nor his wife attained advanced years. Mrs. Hunt died in May, 1831, from injuries received in a runaway accident, and in the fall of the same year her husband followed her to the grave. Benjamin F. Hunt, son of this worthy pioneer couple, spent his young 908 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. life on the old home farm, working during the summer season and at tending district school in the winter. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching winter school, still doing farm work in the summer, and so continued until he was of age, when the death of his parents threw upon him the responsibility of maintaining the farm and other property. At the age of twenty -five years he married with Sarah R., the daughter of Daniel Talcott, one of the pioneers of Adams. Of this marriage four children were born, of whom two are now living: Daniel Talcott Hunt, of Chicago, and Benjamin F. Hunt, jr., of Boston. In 1832 Mr. Hunt embarked in mercantile business in Kingston, Canada, but on account of the cholera epidemic of 1832 and '34 he was obliged to leave that locality, hence returned to this county and pur chased a large farm in Rutland. It was one of the best farms in the town, having excellent buildings. Mr. Hunt proved a successful farmer, but soon after the death of his wife (in 1844) he sold out and removed to Rodman, where he went into mercantile business with Robert S. West. Here he lived about thirteen years, when, in 1857 he removed to Monroe county, and for many years afterward was the Canadian agent for the famous seedmen, Briggs Brothers, of Rochester. However, in 1873 Mr. Hunt went to Bridgeport, Conn., and entered into a mercan tile partnership with his son, F. S. Hunt, and successfully carried on business until the fall of 1894, when he retired from active life to enjoy the fruits of his well spent years. The second wife of Mr Hunt was Louisa L. Greenleaf, of Watertown, who died in Bridge port in 1893. In October, 1897, Mr. Hunt married with Mrs. Julia A. Sherman, widow of the late John Avery Sherman, one of Wa- tertown's most influential and honored men for many years. This marriage was one of the most notable events in social life in Watertown and one which drew attendance and congratulations from all over the land. However, the period of pleasant married life of this aged couple was brief, Mr. Hunt, notwithstanding his advanced age, apparently enjoyed excellent health, yet on April 7, 1898, the destroyer invaded the household and bore him away to eternal rest. GEORGE H. McKINLEY. Comparatively few really successful men attain success in the com munity of their birth and it is a patent fact that a man who starting in GEORGE H. MCKINLEY. BIOGRAPHICAL. 909 life, the son of parents who barely wrested a living from a small farm, and yet reached the goal without leaving his native village, must have strong qualifications, and particularly so in the gaining and retaining of friends. This latter attribute has been one of the causes to which George H. McKinley's successful business career in Clayton is directly traceable — his pleasing personality and readiness to help others. Mr. McKinley was a son of one of the pioneers of this section, a na tive of Ireland who had emigrated to this countr)' in early life. John McKinley was industrious and frugal, and soon gained the entire re spect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. Of his union with Eleanor Murphy, seven sons and one daughter were born, the subject of this notice being the fifth child, born January 26, 1852. With the other members of the family he assisted in the farm work, as soon as he was old enough, and thereby early learned that " Man's best friends are his fingers." Whenever possible he was sent to the district schools of the neighborhood and so acquired a rudimentary education. At the age of seventeen he began his business life in Clayton village as a chore boy in the employ of Dr. Amos Ellis, who at that time conducted the principal drug and grocery business of the village. He remained with Dr. Ellis two years, during which time he attended the village school in addition to performing his routine duties, which were by no means light. At the expiration of his two years' service in this po sition, A. F. Barker, a leading dealer in general merchandise, offered him a clerkship, which he accepted, and when a year later the business was purchased by H. S. and S. B. Barker he was still retained, remain ing in the employ of the latter firm five years. To a man of his healthy ambition and intense desire to better his condition it was comparatively easy to save money, and in April, 1877, he was able to go into business with Capt. M. Halpin, with whom he was associated under the firm name of G. H. McKinley & Co. until Captain Halpin's death, which occurred in 1882. At this time he pur chased the remaining share of the business and has since devoted his entire energy to its upbuilding, and with remarkable success. Mr. McKinley can be justly said to be one of the foremost merchants of Northern New York. The block of stores and offices which is his present business home was erected by him in 1889. It is a three- storied building, eighty feet square, and fronts on James street, directly opposite the Hubbard House. In politics Mr. McKinley is an ardent Democrat and is known as 115 910 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. such througout this section. He has been a rigid partisan, always sup ports unreservedly the party platforms, and is recognized by Jefferson County Democrats as one of their leading spirits. Mr. McKinley does not, however, engage in politics for purely personal reasons. He has long held to the belief that every good citizen should take an interest in political work. He has served on the Democratic County Commit tee for twelve years, and had charge of the Roswell P. Flower guber natorial campaign in District No. 3 of Clayton, which gave Mr. Flower the largest percentage of votes cast of any district outside of the metropolis. He has served as village trustee and in 1893 was the unanimous choice of the people for the office of village president, serving the term with credit to himself and to the village. Mr. Mc- Kinley's devotion to the cause of education is well known and he has faithfully and intelligently served on the village board of education for eighteen years, being now the president of the body. In 1894 Mr. McKinley was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster at Ckay- ton village and has given a creditable and popular administration. He is a member of a number of fraternal organizations and was a charter member of the National Exchange Bank of Clayton, still serving on the board of directors. Mr. McKinley married, in 1876, Margaret E. Halpin of Clayton. Seven children have been born to them: Francis M., student at Cor nell (Ithaca) Law School; John Henry, Lena Eleanor, Edward Emanuel, George Victor, Hilliard Arthur and Florence Marie. HORACE E. MORSE. Horace Eli Morse, who for more than forty years has been a suc cessful practicing lawyer at Clayton, was born in that part of the town of Watertown commonly known as Dry Hill, on August 24, 1831. He was the son of Hiram and Adeline (Rogers) Morse and the eldest of their five children. His young life was spent on the farm, at work and attending district school until about fifteen years old, when he was given two terms in a select school and also several terms in the old Jefferson County Institute. In the mean time, and during the succeed ing three years, Mr. Morse when not attending the institute, taught district school, and is remembered as a very successful teacher. When nineteen years old he began reading law under the direction of Clark C7:.-,' '-l—'.-r- >-'-: &.','- js-tsi-ii'i- . .:-. BIOGRAPHICAL. 911 & Calvin, of Watertown, spending only a few months in the office each year, and otherwise devoting himself to school teaching for a mainte nance, for the aspiring young student was determined both to educate and support himself. In this laudable zeal his efforts were rewarded, and at the Oswego General Term of the Supreme Court in April, 1854, he was admitted to practice. He remained about six months in Clark & Calvin's office, performing several important duties, and in Novem ber following, -at the suggestion of Mr. Calvin, he went to Clayton to begin active practice. When Mr. Morse arrived at the hotel in Clayton one of the justices of the peace of the town was holding an examination of a prisoner charged with arson, and he was immediately employed by the com plainant to assist in conducting the prosecution. The prisoner was dis charged for lack of evidence, but tbe occasion was fortunate for the young lawyer, and the friendly relation then established more than forty years ago has never been severed. Mr. Morse has been an ardent advocate of reforms and progressive measures that called for considerable expenditures of money, but which ultimately resulted in great and lasting benefit to the town and village. The greatest oppo sition to these measures was on account of their expense, but the old love of a liberal education for the youth impelled Horace E. Morse to persist in his undertaking until the end sought by him and his associ ates was finally accomplished; and the superiority of the Clayton Aca demic School among the educational institutions of the county has been his and their reward. In addition to his .interest in matters pertaining to the schools, Mr. Morse has been an active factor in almost every enterprise having for its end the welfare of the town, both industrial and political. In 1855 he was elected town superintendent of schools and held the office until it was abolished by law. In the fall of 1869 he was elected school com missioner for the Third district of the county, and served three years. In 1884 and '85 he was supervisor of the town, and in February, 1887, he was appointed by President Cleveland to the office of collector of customs at the port of Cape Vincent. In this position he served four years, living for the time at the Cape, leaving his law matters in charge of his son, George E. Morse, also an attorney at Clayton. In 1891 Mr. Morse returned to Clayton and resumed practice. He has always been a firm and consistent Democrat, and has taken an active interest in politics since the time he attained his majority. As 912 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. an earnest party adherent, he has occasionally been drawn into candi dacy for county offices where it was hoped personal and professional popularity might turn the scale of doubtful contest, for the principles he has advocated and upheld have always been those of the minority party in the county. On April 8, 1858, Horace E. Morse married with Helen Eddy Estes, daughter of Aaron Eddy, of Clayton. Of this marriage seven children were born, but the destroyer has invaded the household and taken four of them away. The children now living are George E. Morse, a prac ticing lawyer at Clayton and deputy customs collector at that port; Horace W. Morse, cashier of the First National Bank of Clayton, and Florence Alice Morse, also of Clayton. DENNIS O'BRIEN. Hon. Dennis O'Brien was born in Ogdensburg, March 13, 1837, and the events of his life have become a subject of public history. Though the positions he has held, and now holds, entitle him to a prominent place in the records of the State, yet in the history of his adopted county, where the germ of his future success was developed, it is proper that a brief sketch of his life, character and ability should be recorded. He was favored by nature with a strong physical constitution and equa ble temperament, which properly directed imparted great intellectual strength. Thus endowed he early entered upon the realities of life with a determination to succeed. He studied law at Ogdensburg, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1861; in November of that year he moved to Watertown, where he has since resided. From that time his business and reputation in his pro fession gradually increased; from 1869 he was an alderman in the city for some four years and afterwards was elected mayor. His judicious management of these offices won the respect and confidence of the sub stantial portion of the city's population, and his success in his profes sion gave him a high local reputation throughout the county. In 1880 he succeeded the late James F. Starbuck, as a member of the State Democratic committee. This gave him an opportunity of extending his reputation for ability and fidelity beyond the bounds of his county and generally over the State, and he improved it. For four years he held this position, and in November, 1883, was elected attorney-general ALFRED D. REMINGTON. BIOGRAPHICAL. 913 and re-elected in November, 1885, his term of office terminating Jan uary 1, 1888. His administration as the State's attorney for this great common wealth established the fullest confidence in his thorough capability and integrity with all parties throughout the State. In 1889 he remained at home during which time it became evident that public opinion was tending towards his nomination by the Democratic party for judge of the Court of Appeals. This seems to have been conceded on account of his exalted, though comparatively brief public service. When the State convention met he was nominated with remarkable unanimity ; the nomination was ratified by the people at the election by a large majority. On January 1, 1890, he took his seat in that court for the constitutional term of fourteen years and by reason of the many changes that have recently taken place in the membership of the court he is now next to the senior member in years of service. Of his influence in the court and the manner in which he has discharged the duties of his high office we need not speak. His success as a judge is so well known to the people and bar of the State, that it requires no words of commendation. ALFRED D. REMINGTON. It is not surprising that readers of biography grow suspicious of what appears to be unstinted praise, remembering that there is a dis position on the part of many writers to indulge in idle compliment of men who have attained success either in the mercantile or professional walks of life. There are some men, however, too well respected in the community which knows them as they are to call forth suspicion as to tbe motive of the compiler, and one of these is Alfred D. Remington. Mr. Remington was born at Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., April 13, 1827, a son of Illustrious and Annice (Dennison) Remington. His father, a man of exceptional ability and business acumen conducted a cotton mill in Manlius at this time, and he was reared in that village, receiving the excellent advantages offered by the Manlius Academy. At an early age he engaged in the hat manufacturing business in Auburn and later in Watertown. This business was entirely unsuited to his natural capacity and he soon left it to engage in a paper manufacturing enterprise at Fayetteville, near Syracuse, being associated with his 914 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. father under the name of Remington & Son. He came to Watertown in 1856 and with his associates established the business which has grown to be the largest enterprise in Jefferson county. Considering the length of time they have been in business and the extent of their operations Mr. Remington and his associates have prob ably paid out more money for labor than any other firm within the bounds of the county. Mr. Remington is still a comparatively young man with many years of work and capacity before him. The value of the Remington enterprise to this community has been great but their influence also extends beyond the limits of the State and even of the country. The subject of this notice is regarded, and justly so, as one of the leading spirits among paper manufacturers, for he has repeatedly proven himself a man of many resources, fearlessly grappling with problems that might have intimidated less courageous men. The business has grown from a small beginning to large proportions, but as it broadened out Mr. Remington was ever found " measuring up to the line." The mills which represent his life work are noticed more in detail in the industrial chapter. Mr. Remington was one of the pioneer manufacturers of wood pulp in this country, and the first to make it in Jefferson county. Later when the " Sulphite " process was first talked of he became so impressed with the value of it that he made a journey to Sweden to get at the " root of the matter." This was characteristic of him; he invariably grasps all the details and gets at the bottom of whatever he undertakes, be the matter small or great. But, unlike many men possessed of this attribute, he is always ready to accept the suggestions of others. In Sweden he carefully looked into the " sulphite " process and found that it could be used here to advantage. For experimantal purposes he pur chased quite a quantity and brought it to Watertown with the result that the first paper made successfully in the United States of ground wood and sulphite was manufactured in the Remington Mill " B. " This is a historical fact which a hundred years hence will be valuable, giv ing to Mr. Remington a foremost place among American paper man ufacturers of the nineteenth century. During the period covering Mr. Remington's experimental work in the process, mills all over the coun try were condemning it. His politics are Republican and before the formation of the Repub lican party he was a Whig. He is a staunch partisan and might more BIOGRAPHICAL. 915 than once have obtained political preferment, but the cares of a grow ing business, as well as his own disinclination to bring his name into prominence have left him with but one record of public service; that of fifteen years of faithful attention as a member of the water board. Mr. Remington was married in 1849 to Miss Helen M. Houghton, a daughter of Dr. Sidney Houghton of Belleville. WILLIAM ROBERTS. William Roberts, who for a period of twenty years has been identi fied with manufacturing and other business interests in Philadelphia, and who by his enterprise and public spiritedness during that time has contributed largely to the prosperity enjoyed by the village and its peo ple, was not a native of this county, although the surname has from the earliest settlement of the town been a synonym for integrity, probity and worth. Mr. Roberts was born in Remsen, Oneida county, Decem ber 29, 1834, and spent the early portion of his life on a farm. Later on he located at Martinsburg, where he was a farmer, and also fur nished supplies for the construction of the Black River Railroad. In 1877 he removed to Lowville and engaged in lumbering and kindred pursuits for several years, but in 1882 he came to Philadelphia and built the large lumber mills, which are still the leading industry of the village. He was one of the founders and the first vice-president of the Bank of Philadelphia, which was organized in 1888; was one of the incorporators, principal stockholders and president of the Indian River Chair Company, which was organized in 1890. In 1894 he purchased the interests of the several stockholders outside his own family. The factory buildings, with machinery and stock, were completely destroyed by fire on September 30, 1897. The work of rebuilding was begun about ten days later, and was carried forward with such vigor that chairs were again being made on February 1, 1898. The new factory is much larger and better arranged than the old, and is in all respects a modern and admirable plant. Charles O. Roberts is general manager of the company. When, in 1896, the water system of the village was constructed, Mr. Roberts was one of its most interested advocates, and was president of the first Board of Water Commissioners, still holding the position. In deed, it has been said by residents of the town that no worthy public 916 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. enterprise having for its end the welfare of the village, has been sug gested or carried into effect without the name of William Roberts having in some prominent way been associated with it. His present business interests comprise chiefly the saw, planing and grist mills in Philadelphia village. In these and other enterprises he is materially assisted by his sons, who are mentioned in this paragraph. On September 22, 1856, William Roberts was married with Sarepta, daughter of Leonard S. and Sophia (Smith) Wilder. George W. and Charles O. Roberts are the children of this marriage. Both are active business men of the village, and the latter has been supervisor of the town, except one year, since 1889. AZARIAH H. SAWYER. Azariah H. Sawyer, more frequently known in professional and so cial circles as Judge Sawyer, was a native of Potsdam, born June 19, 1834, and was the son of Rev. George and Mary Ann (Richardson) Saw yer. George Sawyer was also a native of Potsdam, and was the grand son of Capt. Manasseh Sawyer, a patriot of the Revolution, who en tered the service at the age of seventeen years, and was promoted sev eral times until he was commissioned captain. After the close of the war Captain Sawyer emigrated to St. Lawrence county, where he was a pioneer. The wife of Rev. George Sawyer was the daughter of Major Richardson, an officer of the United States army, who served with distinction during the second war with Great Britain. Thus it appears that Judge Sawyer is descended from thoroughly patriotic American stock. The ancestor of the family in America was Thomas Sawyer, a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was one of three brothers (William, Edward and Thomas), who crossed the At lantic in 1636, and settled in Rowley, Mass. In 1646 Thomas left Rowley and was one of the five successful settlers of Lancaster, Mass. , and one of its first " Prudential" men. After the town was burned by the Indians, in 1676, it was rebuilt by the Prescotts, the Sawyers, the Wilders and the Houghtons. Thomas married (1648) with Marie, the daughter of John and Mary Prescott, and from them descended a large and distinguished family. John Prescott was the ancestor of Col. William Prescott, the hero of Bunker Hill, and also of William H. Prescott, the historian. As a matter of historic family interest it may BIOGRAPHICAL. 917 be further stated that from Lancaster there were eighteen members of the Sawyer family in the Revolutionary service at one and the same time; and one company raised in Lancaster was officered wholly with representatives of this patriotic family, but not one person bearing the surname was found among the loyalists of that town. Captain Manasseh Sawyer, the pioneer of St. Lawrence county, was the great-great-grandson of Thomas Sawyer, the settler in Lancaster; and in the same manner, Captain Sawyer, the pioneer, was great-grand father of Judge Sawyer, of Watertown. In Rev. George Sawyer's family were two children, Azariah H. and George C. Sawyer, the latter a lawyer and business man of Syracuse. The young life of Azariah and his brother was spent with their parents in the northern counties of this State, the father being a clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal church, following the customary itinerary of his various pastorates. Azariah was educated at Lowville Academy and also under private tutors, intending to enter college, but failing health compelled him to change his course. In 1854 he began reading law in the office of Amos G. Hull, of Fulton, and at the general term of the Supreme Court held at Watertown in April, 1857, he was admitted to the bar. The late James F. Starbuck was chairman of the examining committee, and on Mr. Sawyer's return home he received a letter from that distinguished lawyer asking him to locate in Watertown and become his partner in the general practice of the law. Three months later (July 1, 1857), the firm of Starbuck & Sawyer was formed, and was continued with gratifying success to both partners until Mr. Starbuck's death, Decem ber 11, 1880. Since the death of his partner Judge Sawyer has practiced alone. He loves the practice of the law, not because he loves litigation itself, but because it is a profession in which men of standing and capacity find full scope for all their powers, and yet can aid in the able and honest administration of justice. His clients, and those of the firm that pre ceded, know he will not betray their confidence, his professional asso ciates know him to be incapable of trick, the bench knows that candor and fairness are his characteristics. Upon all the political issues of the day he entertains clear and well settled convictions, and is perfectly frank in his expression of them. His sentiments are emphatically con servative — -naturally inclined to adhere to the established order of things, and not easily drawn into the advocacy of any ofthe " isms " of the day. The principles he has maintained have been in accord with 116 918 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. those of the majority party in the county, and naturally he could not well avoid being drawn somewhat into the arena of politics. In 1861 he was chairman of the Union Republican County Committee, and con tinued practically in that capacity until elected county judge in 1867. His nomination for that office was by acclamation, and throughout the entire ten years of his service on the bench Judge Sawyer was esteemed for his urbanity and fairness, whether in the civil or criminal branches of the court. In 1878, soon after leaving the bench, Judge Sawyer was elected general counsel for the Agricultural Insurance Company, which position he still retains. On May 28, 1898, Judge Sawyer was elected president of the Agricultural Insurance Company, in place of J. R. Stebbins, deceased, having previously for several years held the office of vice-president of the company. During this time, and particularly since the death of Mr. Starbuck, Judge Sawyer's law practice has been largely devoted to matters relating to corporations, but notwithstand ing the constant pressure of professional duties he has taken an earnest interest in many local affairs and enterprises. He has been one of the directors of the National Union Bank since 1880, and has been both vice president and president of the bank In various manufacturing and railroad enterprises he has for the last twenty years been an active factor in their direction and management. During the war of 1861-65, he was president of the Union League of Watertown; for nine years he was a member of the Board of Educa tion, and for two years its president. He became a communicant in Trinity church soon after coming to the city, and has been senior war den for more than twenty-five years. He was vestryman previous to that time. For more than fifteen years he has been a member of the standing committee of the Diocese of Central New York, and is now chancellor of the diocese. In June, 1896, the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon Judge Sawyer by the faculty of Hobart College. On November 3, 1859, Azariah H. Sawyer was married with Caroline M the daughter of William Buckley. One child was born of this mar riage, Jenny Starbuck Sawyer, now the wife of Sylvester H. Taylor, of New York city. Judge Sawyer's wife died April 16, 1867, and on December 15, 1869, he was married with Frances C. Fox. Josephine C. Sawyer is the daughter of this marriage. Z^Z^2- BIOGRAPHICAL. 919 JOHN AVERY SHERMAN. John Avery Sherman was born in the town of Rutland, June 13, 1809, and was the oldest son of Alfred Sherman. He was also the grand son of Dr. Abel Sherman, one of the pioneers of Rutland and the first sheriff of Jefferson count}'. Dr. Sherman came originally from Massa chusetts to Oneida county, and thence removed to Rutland in 1803, where he and various of his descendants were prominently identified with the early history of the region. Alfred Sherman succeeded his father on the old home farm, where he was a successful farmer for sev eral years, but later on business misfortunes swept away much of his fortune. He died in 1827, leaving to his son, John Avery Sherman, the care and maintenance of the family. The young man gave his at tention willingly to this service and provided a comfortable support for his mother and younger brothers and sisters until they were able to work for themselves. On November 17, 1832, he married with Julia Ann Larned, a native of Utica, who was then living with her uncle, an early settler in the Black River region. Of this marriage one child was born : Caroline Amelia Sherman, who married with Daniel S. Mar vin, and who died October 24, 1896. She was an artist of unusual merit, and from earliest childhood seemed to draw inspiration from everything that was beautiful in nature; and she also possessed the fortunate faculty of faithfully reproducing on canvas the most charm ing landscape effects. She was equally proficient in portrait work, yet her tastes inclined to landscape painting. Moreover, Mrs. Marvin was a woman of rare social and mental qualities, a close student, a thought ful reader and cultured conversationalist and entertainer. She was also an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She had a wide circle of acquaintances, and all who knew her loved her as a sister. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Sherman purchased a dairy of twenty good cows, and in that year, with the assistance of his wife, made the first market cheese manufactured in this county. The product was shipped to New York and sold for six cents per pound. In this work Mr. Sher man was very materially assisted by his wife. Indeed, she learned the art of cheese-making from a neighbor who had recently come into the town, and then suggested to her husband that he purchase a dairy of cows. This was done, and the cows were mortgaged for the purchase price but before the end of the season the whole debt was removed. In later years Mr. Sherman increased his number of milk cows to sixty, 920 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and also purchased much additional land for his growing business opera tions. This was the beginning of an industry which in later years grew to vast proportions and was the source of much profit to farming inter ests in a region which is now noted for its cheese product. However, the building up of this industry by Mr. Sherman was not accomplished without some embarrassments and reverses, and on one occasion he was weather-bound on Carleton island, while attempting to cross into Can ada with a wagon load of cheese. He remained on the island three weeks, and when he finally arrived on the other side the market was seriously depressed. He at length sold out the cheese, with his horses and wagon, taking notes which were never paid. Again, in 1839, in partnership with Henry Hopkins, of Rutland, and two others, Mr. Sherman made extensive investments in cheese, which he proposed to hold for the fall market ; but when the time arrived the com modity was not in demand, except at greatly reduced prices, and a sale then meant serious financial loss. In this extremity Mr. Sherman was forced to ask his creditors for an extension of time, which, being readily granted, he at once shipped his cheese to New Orleans, he himself taking passage on the same vessel. Here he arrived in due time and found a ready sale in a good market. The money for his cheese was paid wholly in silver, and this he packed in kegs and brought back to New York, where, fortunately, coin was at a premium. His partners demanded their share of the money, which he refused to give up, saying that the Jefferson county farmers must first be paid ; he was threatened with imprisonment, but sternly adhered to his determination to first pay those from whom the cheese was purchased. He at once turned his specie into paper at a good advance, then returned to Watertown and satisfied his creditors in full, and realized for his partners and him self a considerable profit on the original investment, where many other dealers of the same period, but less fruitful of resources, suffered great financial loss. On the whole Mr. Sherman's life on the farm was reasonably success ful, but after about twenty-five years he removed to Watertown. In 1859 he came to the village and purchased the Washington Hall block, then one of the most pretentious buildings of the county seat. He made extensive repairs, secured desirable tenants for all the stores and offices and opened the spacious hall for public entertainments and as semblages. This building Mr. Sherman retained throughout the period of his life, and at his death generously devised the property to the BIOGRAPHICAL. 921 Young Men's Christian Association of the city, subject only to a modest annuity for the benefit of his wife. This liberal gift only revealed Mr. Sherman's heart, for both on the farm and in the city he was ever noted for kindness, philanthropy and public-spiritedness. Yet many of his best acts of generosity were done in a manner not calculated to draw attention to himself, for his whole life and nature were entirely devoid of ostentation or personal ambition. High places in political life might have been his had he been willing to enter that field, but all suggestions to that end he firmly declined. Previous to the war of 1861-5 he was a Democrat, but afterward a Republican. He was brought up and baptized in the Congregational church of Rutland, but was not a mem ber of any religious society. Soon after coming to Watertown Mr. Sherman became a stockholder and director in the Agricultural Insurance Company, and was active in advancing its usefulness and field of operations. During the last five years of his life he was president of the company, and much of its suc cess was due to his efforts. He was likewise prominently connected with the Watertown Fire Insurance Company, and also with numerous other industrial and financial undertakings of the city. Indeed, in some of these manufacturing enterprises Mr. Sherman was occasionally led into investments at his personal cost, and thereby a portion of his well earned competency was swept away. His old farm property in Rut land was sold to compensate this loss, but his widow still retains a two and one-half acre tract in the town, with its comfortable cottage, in memory of pleasant days of long ago ; and this property she has con veyed, subject to her life interest, as a parsonage for the Congrega tional society. In banking and financial circles Mr. Sherman was for many years a prominent figure, but a detail of his connection therein is found in the history of the city, hence needs no repetition here. Indeed, in almost every worthy enterprise he was in some way a factor, and was ever re garded as one of the most substantial and honorable men of the county. His interest in the Cemetery Association was commendable, and through his personal endeavors that "silent city" was beautifully adorned. Here he found a final resting place in the early spring of 1882, his death having occurred on March 25, of that year. When he passed away all Jefferson county mourned the loss of a benefactor and friend. His widow still survives, and is honored and loved throughout a wide circle of acquaintances, for she was his faithful and devoted helpmeet 922 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. through almost half a century of married life. On October 20, 1897, Julia Ann (Larned) Sherman was married with Benjamin F. Hunt, the son of Simeon Hunt, a pioneer of Rodman. The Hunt family in Rod man, and indeed in all later generations of descendants wherever resi dent, has been noted for probity and worth, high-standing and charac ter, both in business and social life. JEAN R. STEBBINS. Jean R. Stebbins was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, on the 24th day of August, 1836. His father was Dr. William Burrell Stebbins, a graduate of Fairfield Medical College. His mother was Elvira S. Griswold, daughter of Col. Amos Griswold, of Salisbury, Herkimer county. In 1839 the family removed to Herkimer county and resided at Brocketts Bridge (now Dolgeville) until the subject of this sketch was about nine years old. They then went to Salisbury, where Jean spent his youth, and where his character was largely formed. His father, when a young man, had lost a leg from a disease of the knee, the original cause of which was a fall from a load of logs; therefore, his son, at a very early age, was called upon to do work which most boys, even in that day, were not expected to perform. At the age of fourteen he began an academic course at Fairfield Seminary where he remained for parts of five years, preparing for college, " boarding himself" with the aid of a small cook-stove in his single room, studying earnestly and successfully, and graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1855. His school life was varied by teach ing in rural districts during the winter months from the time he was sixteen years old, and also by other work, peddling maps and canvass ing for local newspapers during summer vacations. At this point his health failed and he was forbidden to take a college course, althouo-h prepared for the junior class. In the autumn of 1855, he " went west." He crossed the State of Iowa, then a vast prairie, and spent the winter in a log house near the present site of Fort Dodge. The following year he returned to Herkimer county, his father's family having mean time removed to Little Falls. In the fall he entered upon a course of law study with Arphaxed Loomis, and subsequently changed to the office of George A. Hardin, studying summers and teaching school BIOGRAPHICAL. 923 during the winter until on April 5, 1860, when he was admitted to practice law at a term of the Supreme Court held in Oswego. In January, 1861, Mr. Stebbins bought the Herkimer County Jour nal, published in Little Falls, giving notes for the entire purchase price. Three years later he purchased the Mohawk Courier, the other Little Falls weekly, consolidating the two papers under the name of Journal and Courier. This paper is still published by Mr. Stebbins's brother, George G. Stebbins, and I. T. Btlrney. Under J. R. Stebbins the Journal and Courier became the leading Republican paper of Herkimer county, in regard to the conduct of which the editor of the history of Herkimer county says: "Mr. Stebbins was a forcible and vigorous writer, especially on political subjects, and in the broad field of Republican politics his journal exerted a wide and powerful influ ence. Its circulation was extended and its character and prosperity were built up under his able administration." Mr. Stebbins remained in the management of the paper until October 1, 1888, when, after a newspaper experience of nearly twenty-eight years, he sold his interest to the present owners and removed to Watertown, in the spring of 1889, to assume the active duties of president of the Agricultural Insurance Company, to which position he had been elected in May, 1886. He had been a director of the company since January 17, 1877. He was married July 13, 1864, to Miss Adelaide C. Cooper, daughter of the late John C. Cooper, of Adams, N. Y., who was president of the Agricultural Insurance Company from January, 1855, to the time of his death in January, 1877. During his residence in Little Falls Mr. Stebbins filled several prominent positions. For several years he was chairman of the Re publican County Committee ; director of the Herkimer County National Bank; of the Little Falls Gas Company; of the Warrior Mower Com pany, and was also prominently connected with other local business enterprises. In April, 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Mr. Stebbins collector of internal revenue for the Twentieth district of New York, then comprising the counties of Jefferson, Lewis and Herkimer. This was at the time an office of great importance and much responsibility. On January 1, 1876, the counties of St. Lawrence and Franklin were added to the district. On the 30th of September, 1876, his account with the government was audited and balanced and he was retired by reason of the abolition of most of the internal revenue taxes, and by 924 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the consequent consolidation of districts. His deputy collectors for Jefferson county were George A. Bagley, from 1869 to 1870; Watson M. Rogers, from 1870 to 1874, and Edwin M. Gates, from 1874 to 1877. The total amount collected by Mr. Stebbins was more than $1,250,000, all of which was faithfully paid over to the government without the discrepancy of a single cent in the final settlement. It is believed that the county does not contain a record of the taxes imposed and collected to meet the debt incurred for the preservation of the nation, in view of which Mr. Stebbins has furnished a substantially complete list of these taxes as follows: Statement of Revenue Account for period from May 1, 1869, to December 31, 1875, J. R. Stebbins, Collector Twentieth district of New York: (First term). Dr. To Amount collected on lists of Merry (predecessor)..! 7,676,80 To Taxes receipted for on Form 23}£ 436,059.33 " To Excess in accounting for assessments 26.02 " To Tobacco Stamps from L. L. Merry (predecessor).. 2,887.58 To Tobacco Stamps from Commissioner 56,371.04 To Spirit Stamps from L. L. Merry _ 36,071.25 To Spirit Stamps from Commissioner _ 900.00 To Beer Stamps from L. L. Merry 1,727.29 " To Beer Stamps from Commissioner __ 84,250.00 To Special Tax Stamps from Commissoner 78,800.00 " To Excess in accounting for Special Tax Stamps 1.78 " To Excess in accounting for Beer Stamps 1.39 " To Excess in accounting for Tobacco Stamps 1.20 Cr. By By ByByBy ByByByByByByByBy Total.. __ $704,773.68 Cash deposited. .^610,922.47 Collections by L. L. Merry 937.20 Taxes abated by Commissioner 7,541,66 Taxes released by Auditor 914.59 Tobacco Stamps returned 905. 90 Tobacco Stamps transferred to successor 2,268.36 Spirit Stamps transferred to successor. 341.70 Spirit Stamps returned 36,159.25 Beer Stamps transferred to successor _ 2,838.00 Discount on Beer Stamps sold 6,235.45 Special Tax Stamps transferred to successor. 100.00 Special Tax Stamps returned ___ 31,911,25 Taxes transferred to successor 3,697.85 Total _ $704,673j Statement of Revenue Account for period from January 1, 1876, to September 30, 1876, J. R. Stebbins, Collector Twentieth District of New York, (second term). BIOGRAPHICAL. 925 Dr. To Taxes received from E. D. Brooks 17, N. Y $ 283.33 To Taxes from J R. Stebbins 20th District _ 3,697.85 To Taxes receipted for on Form 23J^ 8,681.91 To Taxes collected on list of J P. C. Kinkaid 14.58 To Taxes abated in excess __ 10.01 To Spirit Stamps from E. D. Brooks 17th District 7.70 To Spirit Stamps from J. R. Stebbins _ 341.70 " To Spirit Stamps from Commissioner 580.00 To Tobacco Stamps from E. D. Brooks 1,105.16 To Tobacco Stamps from J. R. Stebbins 2, 268. 36 " To Tobacco Stamps from Commissioner 6,865.80 To Beer Stamps from E. D. Brooks, 17th N. Y. Dis't.. 885.00 To Beer Stamps from J. R. Stebbins _ 2,838.00 To Beer Stamps from Commissioner 8,350.00 To Special Tax Stamps from E. D. Brooks 400. 00 To Special Tax Stamps from J. R. Stebbins 100. 00 ' ' To Special Tax Stamps from Commissioner 43, 150. 00 " To Excess in accounting for Special Tax Stamps. .06 " To Excess in accounting for Beer Stamps .25 Total.. $79,579.71 Cr. By Cash deposited $55,019.38 By Taxes abated by Commissioner 375.39 By Taxes released by Auditor _ 438.33 By Spirit Stamps returned __ 62.90 " By Tobacco Stamps returned ._ 298.04 By Beer Stamps returned _ 299.00 By Special Tax Stamps returned 15,435.00 By Special Tax Stamps transferred to 21st N.Y. District 3,300.00 By Beer Stamps transferred to 21st N. Y. District 1,835.25 By Tobacco Stamps transferred to 21st N. Y. District.. 579.12 " By Spirit Stamps transferred to 21st N. Y. District 795.70 By Taxes transferred to 21st N. Y. District 379.19 By Taxes collected by E. D. Brooks 17th District 17.00 " By Discount on Beer Stamps sold _ 745.41 Total $79,579.71 As has been mentioned, Mr. Stebbins came to live in Watertown in the early part of 1889, from which time he had been a permanent resi dent of the city and had also been identified with many of its best interests. As president of the Agricultural Insurance Company his time was largely devoted to the duties of his position, and in connection therewith he was instrumental in adopting the policy of loaning the company's money at reasonable rates of interest on local real estate, and thereby helped workmen of limited means to secure comfortable 117 926 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. homes. He was one of three organizers and owners of the Watertown Land Company, whose efforts contributed largely to the development of the park tract in the south part of the city. For several years pre vious to his death he was one of the trustees of Jefferson County Insti tute, and a portion of the time was president of the board. He was for several years a director of the National Union Bank, one of the safest financial institutions of northern New York. He was also prominently connected with the First Presbyterian church, and one of its elders. Indeed, in all respects Mr. Stebbins was looked upon as one of the public spirited men of the community, of his means con tributing generously to every worthy enterprise, and having at heart the best interests and welfare of the city. In the latter part of March, .1898, Mr. Stebbins visited New York on the occasion of Judge Sawyer's departure for Europe, and on the return journey he stopped at his old home at Little Falls, intending to visit a day or two, as was his custom, with relatives and friends. Here, at the house of his sisters, he was stricken ill, and in spite of every attention and effort he gradually failed until April 25, when he died. As the result of constant attention to business and prudent manage ment, Mr. Stebbins accumulated for his family a comfortable fortune. He had several children, of whom three grew to maturity. They are William C. , of the firm of Sherman & Stebbins, of Watertown ; Grace, who became the wife of Charles N. Sherman ; and John Cooper Steb bins, a clerk in the National Union Bank. BYRON B. TAGGART. Byron Benjamin Taggart was for more than thirty years one ofthe most enterprising and successful business men of Watertown and its vicinity, and his sudden and untimely death was regarded as a serious loss to the entire county. He was a native of Le Ray, born April 28, 1831, and was the son of Henry Taggart, a prominent farmer of that town, and the grandson of Joseph Taggart, who came to the Black River country from Rhode Island, about the beginning of the nineteenth century. The ancestor of the family in this country was Henry Tag gart, a Scotchman, who emigrated from the Isle of Man more than a century and a half ago. The wife of Henry Taggart was Julina Dighton, daughter of John Dighton, the latter an early jsettler in Pa- BIOGRAPHICAL. 927 melia, and of English descent, his father having first visited America during the Revolution as a soldier in Burgoyne's army ; but after the surrender at Saratoga (Stillwater) he became a citizen of the United States and served in the American army. Byron B. Taggart was one of eight children in his father's family, and his young life, until about his eighteenth year, was spent on the old farm in Le Ray. He attended district school, and when old enough began teaching winter terms ; but appreciating the necessity of a more thorough education, he became a student in the State Normal School at Albany, remaining a year, after which he spent three years in the West. In the spring of 1856 he returned east, and in May following was married with Francis L. Brown, daughter of Jabez and Lef a Brown, of Watertown. After his marriage Mr. Taggart remained in the county until the second year of the war of 1861-5, when he recruited and or ganized Company K of the 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, he, by virtue of his services in enlisting the men, being commissioned captain. The company served for a time in New York harbor, but soon went to the defenses of Washington, serving at Fort Ricketts and its vicinity. Camp and army life, however, worked injuriously upon Capt. Taggart's health, and on November 23, 1863, chiefly on account of physical dis abilities, and in part through the need of his presence at home, he re signed and returned to Watertown. In 1865 Mr. Taggart purchased a small stock of manila flour sacks, also a hand printing-press, and established a business on Beebee's island. Here he remained about a year, realizing a fair profit, but as he could not procure a sufficient supply of manufactured sacks to meet the de mands of his trade, he conceived the idea of making them himself, and thus realize a profit on the entire business. To do this satisfactorily required more capital than he then possessed, therefore, in 1866 a com pany was organized (comprising George West, Lewis Palmer, William W. and Byron B. Taggart) for the manufacture of manila paper, in which Mr. Taggart was a leading factor. It was the first industry of its kind on the river, and was operated successfully a little more than five years, when William W. and Byron B. Taggart succeeded the former partnership, and originated the firm of Taggart Brothers, which has ever since been known in connection with several of the most extensive and successful manufacturing enterprises of northern New York. In all their various undertakings the brothers comprising the firm worked in perfect harmony, and the statement may be made, with a full meas- 928 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ure of truth, that until his death in 1897 Byron B. Taggart was the active man of the concern, and devoted himself wholly to business affairs. In 1886, for business convenience, the firm of Taggart Bros, was in corporated under the name of Taggart Brothers Company, which has been preserved to the present time. Byron B. Taggart was president of the company to the time of his death, and was also one of the founders and president of the Taggarts Paper Company, doing business at Felt's Mills. But notwithstanding the number and magnitude of his business operations, Mr. Taggart always found time to successfully direct their management, and also to take an active part in various other enter prises. Briefly we may note some of them : He was one of the founders and for a time vice-president ofthe Watertown Thermometer Company; was one of the organizers and a director of the Watertown National Bank ; was a stockholder and director in the Watertown Spring Wagon Company ; was founder in fact and president of the Watertown Savings Bank ; was president of the Alexandria Bay Steamboat Company, and of the Central Park Association of the Thousand Islands ; was one of the originators and at one time president of the Watertown Electric Street Railroad Company, and was largely interested in the Hotel Eastman, at Hot Springs, Ark. Mr. Taggart was also the president of and a large stock stockholder in the Taggart -Moffett Land Company, operating in Buffalo, besides which he owned extensive land interests in Watertown and its vicinity. In all these business operations Mr. Taggart found time to give suf ficient attention to each of them, and in all their details, the care of which would distract the powers of men less favorably consti tuted. He was apparently seldom worried and never complained; his time always seemed ample for every requirement and his capacity equal to every emergency. He found time, too, to take an active in terest in almost every measure which had for its end the welfare of Watertown, and was always regarded as a liberal, public spirited citizen, a generous contributor to all worthy enterprises, and held an open purse for every deserving charity. He was an earnest, outspoken Republican, and stood high in the councils of the party in the county. Yet he was not a seeker after office and often refused it. On May 14, 1878, he was appointed by Governor Robinson one of the trustees of the Soldiers' Home at Bath, and was reappointed by Governor Cornell / / //? v/ tx^—y & a^i^s BIOGRAPHICAL. 929 May 4, 1881. He was elected mayor of Watertown in 1879, and was re-elected in 1880. He was also deeply interested in the city schools and an earnest advocate of every measure proposed to advance their efficacy. He was brought up under Methodist influences, and though not a member of any church, an application for aid therefrom was never refused by him. Indeed, Mr. Taggart was looked upon as a model citizen and a business man of undoubted capacity, probity and worth. He was successful in business life, and honestly earned and deserved all the success he achieved. His domestic and social life was always pleasant, and the companionship of family and friends within the sacred precincts of home after the day's work ended, was his source of great est comfort and enjoyment. As we have stated, on May 28, 1856, Mr. Taggart was married with Frances L. Brown. Their children were Grace, who married with P. R. Dillon, and now lives in Cleveland, Ohio; Mary L., who married with Morris F. Tanner, of Buffalo, and Byron Taggart, who, with his cousin, manages the extensive mills of the Taggart Bros. Company at Watertown, and also upon whom has devolved the care of his father's other interests. Several weeks previous to his death, Mr. Taggart started on atrip through the South and West. While traveling from Louisville, Ky., to Cincinnati, Ohio, he was stricken with apoplexy. His physician and son at once went to his assistance, and brought him home, but despite every attention which love and wealth could furnish he gradually failed until January 20, 1897, when he died. WILLIAM W. TAGGART. Willam W. Taggart, who for a period of forty years has been closely associated with many of the best industrial enterprises of Jef ferson county, and the founder of several of them, was born in Le Ray, December 28, 1825. His1 grandfather was Joseph Taggart, a pioneer in the Black River country, who came to the region with his 1 By descent on his father's side William W. Taggart is Scotch. His great-grandfather, Henry Taggart, immigrated to this county from the Isle of Man and settled in Newport, Rhode Island, more than 150 years ago. He is English on his mother's side, his maternal grandfather, John Dighton, of Oxford, England, having come to this country as a soldier in Burgoyne's army. After the surrender Mr. Dighton became a citizen of this State, and served for some time in the American army during later years of the Revolution. 930 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. family during the early years of the century. Henry Taggart, son of the pioneer, married with Julina Dighton, daughter of John Dighton, an early settler in Pamelia. In Henry Taggart's family were eight children, among whom William was the fourth. His father died when William was about twelve years old, and the latter, after attaining his fifteenth year, practically made his own way in life. His early edu cation was acquired in the common schools and the academies at Evans' Mills, Gouverneur and Watertown. In 1846 he entered Wesleyan Uni versity, at Middletown, Conn., and was graduated in 1849. He then went west and remained a few years, but determining to enter profes sional life, he returned home and studied law in the office of Mullin & Merwin. He was admitted to practice in 1856, and soon afterward be gan professional work at Terre Haute, Ind. , where he lived, except for a short time spent in Watertown, a little less than two years. About this time circumstances at home required his return to the East, and he again took up his abode on the old farm in Le Ray, from which town in 1859 he was elected to the Assembly, serving during the legislative session of 1860. In the following year, on December 19, Mr. Taggart was married with Susan S. Lee, daughter of Daniel Lee, who was a prominent man and public official of the county seat. After marriage Mr. Taggart began law practice in Watertown in the office of David M. Bennett, but in 1863 the latter was elected surrogate, and two years later Mr. Taggart became special surrogate, succeeding Judge Sawyer, resigned. In the fall of 1867 he was elected surrogate of the county, and served in that capacity two terms, one of four and one of six years. During this period of professional work, both in .the office and on the bench of the Surrogate's Court, Mr. Taggart became eligible to still higher positions of trust in political affairs, but circumstances, aided perhaps by personal inclination, drew him away from the office and turned his energies in another direction. In 1866 a company was or ganized for the manufacture of manila paper, the first enterprise of its kind on the river. The leading spirits of the undertaking were George West, Lewis Palmer, Byron B. and William W. Taggart. The indus try was established and put into successful operation, but after a short time Mr. West sold out to his associates and a Mr. Davis, by whom the business was continued about five years, when Byron B. and William W. Taggart became sole proprietors, thus originating the firm of Tag gart Brothers, which was afterward so conspicuously and prominently BIOGRAPHICAL. 931 identified with many of the most extensive and successful manufactur ing enterprises in the Black River region until the death of Byron B. Taggart, January 20, 1897. In all their various enterprises, under whatever name or form of or ganization, these brothers worked in perfect harmony in a common in terest, Byron (to use his brother's own language) taking a leading and conspicuous part. In 1886, for business convenience, the old firm of Taggart Brothers was converted into a stock company, under the style of Taggart Brothers Company, and at the same time Henry W. Taggart and George C. Sherman (son and son-in-law of W. W. Taggart) were taken into the concern. This arrangement of the business enabled William W. Taggart to indulge himself in the pleasures and benefits of travel, both at home and abroad. Indeed, since 1878 Mr. Taggart has been an extensive traveler, visiting at different times all the countries of Europe, including a journey to the North Cape. He has traveled all northern Africa from Morocco to Egypt, including a trip up the Nile to the first cataract. His travels in his own country have em braced all the States and principal cities of the Union, and the Province of Canada, including also a trip to Alaska, to Mexico and to Cuba. He enjoys the pleasant distinction of having encircled the globe, the jour ney having been leisurely made, occupying nearly a year, and including visits to all the oriental countries along the route of travel — Japan, China, the English Straits settlement, Ceylon and India; and on his return visiting Constantinople, Greece and Sicily. In addition to the partnership enterprises previously mentioned Mr. Taggart has been connected with other business undertakings, which have contributed in a good degree to the distinction Watertown enjoys in being the most important industrial city in northern New York. In organizing the Taggart Paper Company, a successful enterprise at Felt's Mills, he took a leading part. Indeed, no worthy enterprise has been suggested to promote the welfare of the city and county in which he has not been in some manner interested, and in all his professional and business career no public or private charity ever appealed to him in vain. For many years he was a director of the National Union Bank, and is now its president. He is also president of the Water- town Savings Bank, the Taggart Paper Company and the Taggart Brothers Company, succeeding to these positions on the death of his brother, B. B. Taggart. Mr. Taggart began business life with small means, and his enterprise 932 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and sagacity have been rewarded with a financial fabric of large pro portions. In politics he was originally a Whig, but later an earnest Republican. Mr. Taggart's domestic life, with the exception of the loss of his wife, who died August 20, 1866, has been entirely pleasant. His chil dren, with whom he divides his time at home, are Alice L., wife of George C. Sherman, and Henry W. Taggart, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Taggart Brothers Company. For thirty years Mr. Taggart has been a member of the Presbyterian church. PARDON C. WILLIAMS. Pardon C. Williams, present justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, was a native of Ellisburgh, N. Y., born July 12, 1842, and was the fifth child born to William and Jerusha (Plummer) Williams, of that town. His grandfather, William Williams, came from Wind ham county, Vermont, and was one of the pioneers of Ellisburgh. He settled on a tract of land between Ellisburgh and Mannsville and cleared and developed a good farm. Of his children the daughters married and settled in that vicinity, but his sons, except William, removed to Ohio. William, jr., son of the pioneer, was a substantial farmer and acquired a competency. About 1847 or 1848 he removed to Pierrepont Manor, and afterward lived in that locality many years, owning and occupying several farms. He was a man highly respected in the southern part of the county, and indeed wherever known, yet he did not engage actively in public affairs nor did he seek to gain any polit ical prominence. He died aged eighty-two years, and within a year afterward his widow also died, at the age of seventy-two years. The early life of Pardon C. Williams was spent on his father's farm, and after his fourteenth year his time was divided between farm work, and attending and teaching school. Later on he attended Union Academy at Belleville, Jefferson county, the Clinton Liberal Institute at Clinton, Oneida county, and St. Lawrence University, at Canton, remain ing at the latter institution about two years. In the spring of 1862 he came to Watertown and began a course of law study in the office of Ham mond & Bigelow, then a well known law firm of the county seat, and at the general term of the Supreme Court held in October, 1863, he was admitted to practice. Soon afterward the law partnership of Hammond BIOGRAPHICAL. 933 & Williams was formed, Mr. Bigelow having dropped professional work to take editorial supervision of the Watertown Times. A little later Gen. Bradley Winslow came into the firm, the style of which then became Hammond, Winslow & Williams, and was so continued until 1867, when Mr. Williams retired and began practice alone. In the fall of 1868 he became a candidate for the district attorney ship of the county, was nominated by the convention in September, and elected at the polls in November following. At the expiration of his first term Mr. Williams was re elected, serving in that office six years, and during the time established a reputation as a successful prosecuting criminal lawyer, although in taste and inclination he much preferred the general practice in the civil courts. In his conduct of the office Mr. Williams tried his cases unassisted, which was something of an innovation at that time, but it gave him confidence in himself, and an excellent standing in the profession and with the people. In March, 1874, he formed a partnership with John C. McCartin, at whose request he did not again seek a nomination but left the office to engage in general practice. The firm of McCartin & Williams was thereafter known in legal circles in northern New York for a period of ten years; and it is no idle compliment to say that it was regarded among the strongest in the region. However, in March, 1884, the firm was dissolved, Mr. Williams having, in the fall of 1883, been nominated and elected justice of the Supreme Court for the Fifth Ju dicial district of the State. In this office Judge Williams served a full term of fourteen years, and was then nominated both by the Republi can and Democratic Judicial Conventions, and re elected without oppo sition. In the fall of 1895 he was designated by Governor Morton as one of the associate justices of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the First Judicial Department of the State, and served in that capacity until January 1, 1898. Judge Williams is just beginning his second term on the bench of the Supreme Court. He is yet, comparatively, a young man, and we cannot write of him as of a member of the old bar of the county ; yet in the thousand and one details which make up the character of a success ful lawyer and judge he fortunately possesses those most essential to popularity and high standing. As a lawyer he displayed remarkable industry in collecting details and facts, and equal sagacity in properly presenting them to the jury. As a magistrate upon the bench he has been known for rapidity in the disposition of trial cases, yet perfectly 118 934 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fair to both sides. He understands the law and delights in imparting knowledge to the younger members of the profession, with whom he is especially forbearing and considerate. In politics Judge Williams has ever been a firm and unyielding Republican, yet not aggressive or abusive in expressing his views to members of the opposite party. His domestic and social life have been equally pleasant. His wife was Sarah E. Hewitt, adopted daughter of Clark Hewitt, of Watertown, with whom he was married September 9, 1868. Six chil dren were born of this marriage, of whom three are living. They are Edith, a graduate of Vassar; Robert Plummer, clerk for his father, and Marguerite Williams. Judge Williams's family are communicants in Trinity church. He was brought up under Universalist influences but is not a church member. WILLIAM G. WILLIAMS. William G. Williams, who, by reason of his long connection with educational interests in this county and elsewhere, is one of the most widely acquainted school officials in the State, was a native of Columbia county, born in the city of Hudson, September 17, 1829. He was the son and one of six children of Nathan Williams, an earnest, honest and hard-working man, who possessed little means, and who died when William was an infant. After this misfortune the older children of the family were placed out in various homes, where they would be brought up under right influences, after which the widowed mother and Will iam went to Norwich to live in the family of her uncle, James Birdsall, a banker. In a few years Mr. Birdsall removed to Addison, Steuben county, where he had a store and mills, and here William G. Williams acquired his elementary education in the district schools; but soon afterward (1840), his mother took him to Homer, where she lived for a few months and thence removed to Preble. Here the youth was placed in the home of a Methodist clergyman, where he had access to a good library and, still better, was given the benefit of an excellent village school. At the age of sixteen years he received his first teachers' cer tificate, and at once entered upon a career which he has since faithfully and studiously followed, keeping pace with the ever changing and pro gressive methods that have carried him through almost half a century of years, and have given him a rich and varied experience such as has BIOGRAPHICAL. 935 been the good fortune of but few public educators and superintendents. In another department of this work will be found a more detailed sketch of the early life, struggles and ultimate success of Prof. Will iams, wherefore in the present connection it is not deemed advisable to repeat the minutia of those events. As has been stated, Prof. Williams began life as a school teacher in Cortland county in 1845. Two years latter he taught a short term at Brunswick, Rensselaer county, and in the spring of 1848 came to Jeffer son county and began teaching in old district No. 9, town of Water- town. He was thus employed several years, but in the mean time, when his own school was closed, he took a course of study at the Jeffer son County Institute, and was graduated in 1851. For the next five years he taught the Brownville school, and during the time served two terms as town superintendent of common schools. In 1855, under the law creating the office of county school commissioner, he was appointed to that position for the Third district of this county, but before his term had fully expired he was prevailed upon by the late Lotus Ingalls, dis trict trustee, to take charge of the Lamon Street school in the then village of Watertown. From that time Prof. Williams has been a part of the educational sys tem both of the village and subsequent city, as teacher at the desk in the schoolroom and as superintendent in charge of all the schools of the city, and also the chief adviser of the Board of Education. Here his rich and varied experience have been important factors in establishing and maintaining the standard of efficiency for which the Watertown public schools are noted throughout the State. Prof. Williams taught in the village schools until they were resolved into the Union Free system, and then continued under the advanced method until 1869, when he was elected superintendent of city schools. However, in 1870 he was appointed postmaster, therefore temporarily discontinued his actual connection with, but never his interest in, the public schools. During the twelve years of his incumbency of the postmastership, he was much of the time a member of the Board of Education, and also during the same period he became interested in several manufacturing enterprises in the city, but having no time to personally look to these interests, certain of them subsequently proved unfortunate from a busi ness point of view. In March, 1883, on the resignation of Fred Sey mour, Prof. Williams was elected his successor as superintendent of schools, which position he still holds ; and in all the changes of later 936 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. years (particularly in introducing the desirable Quincy system), he has earnestly advocated advanced methods, and at the same time has been mindful of the financial interests of the city and taxpayers. William G. Williams has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married November 18, 1854, was Mary C. Gard, of Brownville. She died February 2, 1885, leaving one daughter, Florence E. Williams, now a teacher in the city schools. On April 5, 1888, Prof. Williams married Mrs. Mary E. Barrows, who for many years has been con nected with the public schools of the city. PART HI. PERSONAL REFERENCES. PERSONAL REFERENCES. Fitch, Francis N., was born in Fulton county, in 1839. He com menced the study of law in Johnstown, N. Y., and was admitted to practice in 1863, locating in Cape Vincent, where he remained nearly ten years. He has since resided in Watertown, and for a number of years was managing clerk for Hon. F. W. Hubbard. He has devoted considerable attention to the specialty of government claims, and has secured a large clientage. Gates, Edward M. — Among the citizens of Watertown who are dis tinguished for their public spirit, one of the most conspicuous is Mr. Edward M. Gates. A master of diplomacy, a princely entertainer and the possessor of an ample fortune, he stands forth clearly as a type of those self-made men who have made their way from obscurity to dis tinction by their own efforts. Mr. Gates was born in Lewis county, N. Y. , February, 1843. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Watertown, where he attended the public schools and at an early age a position was offered him and accepted in the employ of Mr. A. M. Utley, where he remained for ten years in a clerical capacity. In the mean time, he had saved up a large portion of his earnings and in 1861 he removed to San Francisco, Cal., and engaged in the clothing business on his own account. This business was continued until 1864, when Mr. Gates sold out and returned to Watertown where he engaged in the grocery business on Court street for a period of four years. In 1873 the hardware firm of Gates & Spratt was formed and was success fully carried on for seventeen years. Mr. Gates has always taken an active part in politics; the first political office held was in 1869, when he was elected city clerk. Three years later he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue; in 1882 was appointed postmaster by President Arthur and re-appointed by President Harrison in 1890. During his second term as postmaster he secured an appropriation of 175,000 to erect a post-office building, which was completed in 1893 and 4 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. is one of the handsomest government buildings in Northern New York. Mr. Gates is a director in the Jefferson County Bank, a stockholder and director of the Watertown Spring Wagon Co. and one of the instigators of the Watertown Street Railroad. He has been honored times with out number with positions -of trust and responsibility and in all his relations with the public has been a source of benefit to the city. Reeves, George W., was born at Pillar Point, February 13, 1866. His early life was spent upon the farm, with the exception of two or three years spent in learning the carpenter's trade. Meanwhile, during the winter months, he attended the district schools at Pillar Point; also the Dexter school, then under charge of the veteran schoolmaster, A. D. Van Allen. Mr. Reeves began teaching as a country district school master and continued teaching for several years, the last as principal of the Union Free School at Rodman, N. Y. At the age of twenty- seven he began the study of law in the office of Rogers & Atwell at Watertown, and continued with that firm until admitted to the bar in July, 1896. He then commenced the practice of his profession at No. 43 Savings Bank Building, Watertown, N. Y., where he is now located. Rogers, Watson M., was born in Cape Vincent, December 3, 1846, and is a son of Fordyce M. and Eleanor (Van Nostrand) Rogers, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Jefferson county, Watson M. was a student in the Watertown High School, and also attended the Jefferson County Institute. He commenced the study of law in 1867, and the same year entered the Albany Law School, grad uating from that institution in 1868. He subsequently studied in the office of Hammond & Winslow of Watertown, and in 1873 became associated with Frederick Lansing, which partnership was dissolved upon Mr. Lansing's election to Congress in 1888. He served as dis trict attorney for two terms, from 1874 to 1880. In January, 1892, he took Joseph Atwell as copartner. They are still in practice together. Hanchette, William D., is a native of Watertown, N. Y., born Feb ruary 6, 1851, and educated in the public schools of his native city. His first employment was as a messenger boy with the Montreal Tele graph Company (which was afterward merged into the Western Union) and Great Northwestern Telegraph Company ; he was advanced from time to time until he became manager of the Watertown office. In 1883 he was elected city chamberlain, serving in that capacity for five PERSONAL REFERENCES. years, at the end of which time he became superintendent of the Cen tral New York Telephone and Telegraph Company and has since acted in that capacity. He is a prominent citizen and esteemed by all with whom he has any dealings. Walts, Charles H., was born in the town of Pamelia in 1839, a son of William and Louisa (Allen) Walts, who came from Otsego county at an early day to Jefferson county, where they still reside. Charles H. was educated in the schools of the county, having the advantage of attending the Jefferson County Institute. He commenced the study of law in the office of Clark & Calvin, and subsequently entered the Al bany Law School, receiving his diploma in 1861, with the degree of B. L. He commenced the practice of his profession in Theresa, but soon removed to Watertown, where he has since resided He formed a partnership with Judge W. F. Hubbard, with whom he was asso ciated until February, 1877, when he joined with William F. Porter, forming the firm of Porter & Walts, which continued until January 1, 1897. In February, 1897, he formed a partnership with Fred B. Pitcher. He was elected to the bench in 1877 and re-elected in 1883. Judge Walts served three years as city attorney and is prominent in political circles. Bean, George R., might be termed a native of Watertown, having removed with his parents from Otsego county when he was but two years of age. He was educated in the public schools and at an early age entered the service of Dexter & Herrick, who were engaged in the flour and feed business, in whose employ he remained for seventeen years. In 1885 he embarked in business on his own account, forming the firm of George R. Bean & Co., which continued for nine years, when it was succeeded by Messrs. Robins, Bean & Makepeace, and after one year that firm was succeeded by the present firm, that of Bean & Makepeace. This firm now owns and operates the only electric mill in the county, grinding all kinds of grain with the exception of wheat. It requires a force of from five to ten workmen to operate the mill. Mr. Bean was married in July, 1877, to Myra Nelson of Pulaski, N. Y. He is an active member of Corona Lodge. I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and the K. S. F. I. Ball, Henry M., one of Watertown's most respected and honored citizens, was born in the town of Rutland in June, 1820. He removed 6 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE, to Watertown when a boy and was .educated in the public schools and attended one term at the old Watertown Academy. In 1839 he was offered a position in the store of Stephen Johnson at Depauville, which he accepted and continued there for two years. This was his first busi ness experience, and in 1841 he returned to Watertown and associated with Walter N. Woodruff in the grocery business. After two years of mercantile life in this line the firm was dissolved and he returned to the farm, where he remained for several years. Mr. Ball has been twice married, first, to Mehetable Burnham in March, 1843 ; she died died in April, 1871, and in 1873 he married Eunice D. Drullard, of Buffalo, N. Y. Zimmer, John Otto. — Among the leading exponents of the tailor ing art of Watertown is John O. Zimmer, born in the town of Alex andria, N. Y., July 10, 1868. His first business experience after leaving school was as a salesman for A. Bushnell & Co., where he re mained for five years. After leaving A. Bushnell & Co. he served an apprenticeship with A. Montgomery of Watertown, then held a position as custom cutter in the tailoring establishment of Cornwall Bros, of Alexandria Bay, N. Y. After leaving Cornwall Bros, he entered busi ness on his own account in 1884 and from the beginning has been a decided success. He turns out a very superior class of work and han dles only the highest grades of fabrics and a competent force of ten to fifteen skilled workmen are employed. Mr. Zimmer is highly regarded by the community for his ability and gives his personal attention to every garment made in the house. September 23, 1891, he married Bertha E. Countryman of Watertown. Mr. Zimmer is a son of George (born in Germany) and Anna (born in Watertown) (Zimmer) Zimmer; his father came to this country in 1866. Bergevin, Peter, a native of Canada, was born December 9, 1842. His parents removed to Watertown in 1850, where the family remained about a month. Mr. Bergevin then removed to the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, where he was engaged in farming until 1871, when he returned to Watertown and established himself in the livery busi ness in which he has since been engaged. In November, 1871, he married Josephine Becker of Natural Bridge, N. Y. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the G. A. R., having served in Co. A, 10th Regiment N. Y. Vols., during the war of the Rebellion. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 7 Fuller, George F. , a native of the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. , was born in October, 1865. After attending the district schools he learned the grocery and meat business as an employee of George McComber, with whom he was associated for seven years and later in the employ of Fred Fuess, with whom he continued for ten years. He at this date embarked in business on his own account in company with Mr. Dryden, under the firm name of Fuller & Dryden, which copart nership still continues. Mr. Fuller is known as a sound and reliable business man and is fully alive to the requirements of the time. Rhodes, Orlo B., editor of the Watertown Daily Standard, was born in the town of Scriba, Oswego county, N. Y., January 14, 1849, the only child of Schuyler and Amanda M. (Sherman) Rhodes. He was brought up on a farm and attended the district school until he was thirteen years old, when he entered one of the ward schools of Oswego. At the close of the school year he entered the Oswego High School and was prepared for college. He entered Brown University at the age of seventeen from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. He was elected vice-principal of Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N.Y., which opened in September of that year with Albert B. Watkins, Ph. D. principal. He served in that capacity until 1876, when he became joint principal with Dr. Watkins and held that position until 1878 and then accepted a call to the Morgan Park Military Academy at Morgan Park, 111., where he remained one year. In 1882 Mr. Rhodes returned to Adams and was connected with the Hungerford Collegiate Institute one year, then became principal of that institution as the successor of Dr. Watkins. Under his principalship the debt of the institute was paid off, a small endowment was established and the name was changed by the Board of Regents of the State to Adams Collegiate Institute. Mr. Rhodes remained principal until July 16, 1894, when he became editor of the Watertown Daily Standard. During his service as a teacher Mr. Rhodes taught chiefly Greek and Latin and prepared a good ¦ many boys for college, acquiring a marked reputation in this work. He also gave much attention to English literature and as an educator was highly regarded in the State. He is a man of decided intellectual tastes, which have showed themselves in his teaching and in his editorial work. He has written a good many educational papers, lectures and book reviews, some of which have been recognized as of exceptional force and ability. Mr. Rhodes still resides at Adams, going back and forth to his editorial duties each day. 8 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Adams, Charles L., was born in Wisconsin in 1852. He is a graduate from Hamilton College and was a teacher for several years. He came to Watertown in 1878, and entered the office of John Lansing, under whose tutelage he remained until he was admitted to the bar in 1882, and has since been in active practice. Mr. Adams was appointed city attorney in 1884 and again in 1889, and was elected surrogate in No vember, 1895. Seaver, Alanson D., son of William and Eliza (French) Seaver, was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1845. His parents were natives of Ver mont and among the early settlers of Watertown. Alanson D. was early apprenticed at the machinist's trade and was employed for many years by the Davis Sewing Machine Company as a tool maker. He was elected county treasurer in 1884 and re-elected in 1887; he was also city clerk for one year. He is now associated with Mr. Frank H. Munson, under the firm name of Munson & Seaver, who are city agents for the Agricultural Insurance Company. Smith, Hannibal, a leading lawyer and educator, was born in Oswego county, November 29, 1839. He prepared for college in West Win field and Cazenovia Seminaries and in 1860 he entered Hamilton Col lege, freshman class, remaining one year. The two years following he was incapacitated for study on account of ill health. He, in the fall of 1893, re-entered Hamilton College and was graduated third in grade for scholarship in his class in 1866. He was awarded the Head Prize Oration, the subject being "Alexander Hamilton as an Interpreter of the Constitution." In the fall of 1866 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where he continued his studies one year. He was elected principal of the Little Falls Academy in 1867 which position he held for two years, resigning at the end of the school year in 1869, when he entered the law department of Hamilton Col lege, and in 1870 was graduated and admitted to practice in the Su preme Court of this State. In February, 1870, he was elected principal of the High School of Watertown and superintendent of the public schools. He continued as principal of the High School until July 1, 1874, when he resigned and formed a partnership for the practice of law with Gen. Bradley Winslow, which continued until 1877. From 1877 until 1892 he practiced law alone. In July, 1892, he formed a copartnership with his son, Edward N. Smith, and has since practiced PERSONAL REFERENCES. 9 law with his^son under the firm name of Smith & Smith. Mr. Smith has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs and was a mem ber of the Board of Education of the city of Watertown from 1874 to 1889; for two years he served as president of the board. He is a director and the treasurer of the Taggart & Moffett Land Improvement Company, also a director and treasurer of the Siouski Paper Company, and also a director and treasurer of the Stand Publishing Company, and a member of the firm of M. Harbottle & Co., in the hardware business in the city of Watertown. Cheesman, Byron C, M. D., one of the most genial, popular and well known gentlemen of the city of Watertown, was born in Jeffer son county, N. Y. , in 1856, and has spent nearly his entire life in that county. His education was obtained at Adams at the Hungerford Collegiate Institute. In 1876 he entered the office of Dr. J. R. Sturte vant as a student, after which he took a course at the University of Vermont at Burlington, then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md. , from which he received the degree of M. D. in the class of 1880. He immediately began the practice of his profession at De Pauville, Jefferson county, N. Y., where he continued for ten years and in 1894 removed to Watertown, where he has since been successfully engaged. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. F., the I. O. R. M. and the Jefferson County Medical Society. In every walk of life Dr. Cheesman is honored with the high regard of his friends and townsmen. Coughlin, Jere., editor and proprietor of the Watertown Herald, was born at Farmersville, Ont., in 1854. His boyhood was spent in work ing, teaching school and attending school. In 1874 he was an appren tice in the Carthage Republican; two years later local editor, then associate editor. He became political editor of the Watertown Daily Times. Seeing the necessity of a strong weekly paper and desiring a large circulation to start with, he purchased the Carthage Leader, Co penhagen News, Clayton Free Press, and the Jefferson County (Theresa) Herald, which were merged into the Watertown Herald and which has been a financial success since its inception in 1886. Mr. Coughlin was married to Marian Montgomery, July 18, 1878. One of the many new features introduced into local journalism, is a photo-engraving plant of his in the hands of his brother who is an artist of considerable ability. 10 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lance, George A. , a leading manufacturer of Watertown, was born at Little Falls, N. Y., January 4, 1850. His education from schools was meager and limited to the elementary grades. He was early appren ticed to the printer's trade and after that to telegraphy, and was em ployed by the N. Y. C. Railroad for several years. In 1866 he was in charge of the business of the American Telegraph Company at Troy, N. Y., until its consolidation with the Western Union Telegraph Com pany, at which time he went into the employ of the latter company, remaining for some years. He came to Watertown in 1871 and in 1873 was employed by the late Gilderoy Lord to take charge of his foundry and machine shop, remaining in that position until 1882 when he pur chased the Watertown Woolen Mill and engaged in the manufacture of yarn, and in 1894 bought his present site which he now operates in connection with the woolen mill, manufacturing agricultural imple ments, a specialty being the manufacture of the celebrated " Lord Plow. " Mr. Lance was married to Florence, daughter of the Hon. A. W. Peck of Watertown, and an ex-member of the Assembly and ex- sheriff of Jefferson county. Mr. Lance is a prominent member of Corona Lodge I. O. O. F. and of the Board of Education. Conde, W. W., commenced the hardware business in Watertown in 1878, and for five and a half years was located at No. 10 Washington street. In 1883 he bought the Belknap & Lewis stock, located at No. 3 Public Square, where he has since been located. He employs six teen men and occupies the entire building, five floors, also a large brick warehouse in the rear, containg five floors. Walker, George H., son of Joseph T. and Dorcas (Bailey) Walker, was born in Brownville in 1859. His parents who were natives of Eng land, first located in Massachusetts and subsequently in Jefferson countv. George H. was educated in Watertown High School and Wesleyan University of Middletown, Conn., where he graduated in 1881. He studied law with Mullin & Griffin, and was admitted to the bar in 1884; he was appointed deputy county clerk in 1887. He was a member of the firm of Mullin, Griffin & Walker from 1892 until the firm dissolved by death of the senior member in 1897; has been United States Circuit Court commissioner since 1892, and director in the City National Bank since 1892, and is now a member of the firm of Purcell, Walker & Burns. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 11 Burns, Thomas, was born in Watertown, N. Y., November 16, 1870, and has always resided there. He is a son of John Burns, a mason and builder of this city and president of the Trades Assembly. Thomas was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Watertown High School in 1888. Soon afterward he entered the office of Judge O'Brien and James A. Ward, where he remained until January, 1889, when Judge O'Brien took his seat on the Court of Appeals bench, and he entered the office of Mullin & Griffin, where he remained until 1891, when he entered Cornell University, remaining there two years, com pleting a full course in the law school, together with a course in rhet oric, history and economics. While attending Cornell, and in the fall of 1892, he was admitted to the bar. He Spent his vacations in the office of Mullin & Griffin and upon completing his studies at Cornell returned to Mullin & Griffin as their managing clerk. In the mean time George H. Walker, deputy county clerk, a former student in the office of Mullin & Griffin, entered into partnership with them. Mr. Burns continued in the employ of Mullin, Griffin & Walker until its dissolution by the death of Mr. Griffin in April, 1897, whose assistant he had been for several years in the preparation of trial and appeal of cases. After the death of the late Senator Joseph Mullin, of the law firm of Mullin, Purcell & Walker, Mr. Burns was admitted to the firm of Purcell, Walker & Burns. This firm represents many large corpo rate interests, being attorneys for the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. Co., and for the receivers of the Murray Hill Bank of New York city. They also are the attorneys for the State in the actions brought to recover over a million dollars in penalties from Armour & Co., for violations of the oleomargarine laws of the State. Sabin, George G. , M. D, — This eminently successful physician and surgeon was born in Ontario, Wayne county, N. Y., November 28, 1838. His education was obtained at the Palmyra Union School and the Macedon Academy. In 1861 when the call to arms was heard he was among the first to answer the summons and enlisted in Co. D, 6th Ohio Vols., and served for three years and after two months at home he re-enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, serving with that reo-iment for one year. He returned to Wayne county and entered the office of his uncle, Dr. Samuel A. Sabin, as a student, where he re mained for one year, when he entered the University of Michigan (medical department) and received the degree of M. D. in 1868. He 12 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. immediately began the practice of his profession at Denmark, Lewis county, N. Y., and in 1894 removed to Watertown, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Sabin served eight years as health officer of the town of Rutland and was the president of the Jefferson County Medical Society in 1885 and has been its censor since 1870, with the exception of 1884 and 1885, when he was vice- president and president. In 1897 he was elected county physician and commenced his duties January 1, 1898. Ogsbury, Wilson D. — Among the many real estate dealers of Water- town there is none who stands higher in the esteem of the people than W. D. Ogsbury. He is a native of the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., born February 11, 1869. He spent his boyhood upon the farm and in 1891 removed to Watertown and engaged in his pres ent business. Mr. Ogsbury is a son of Edmund K. and Majina (Gove) Ogsbury. November 28, 1894, he married Harriet B. Robinson. Thompson, Edward H., has for many years been one of Watertown's leading citizens and merchants. He was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, N. Y., in September, 1835. After completing his schooling he went to New Haven, Conn., to take up the study of portrait paint ing with Wales Hotchkiss, where he remained for three years, but was forced to give up his chosen profession on account of defective eye sight. In 18'59 he removed to Watertown and engaged in the retail grocery business in company with Mr. Tyler, under the style of E. H. Thompson & Co. This copartnership continued until 1866, when Mr. Thompson purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business alone until 1892, when he admitted J. W. Van Camp and L. J. Mc Donald, under the firm name of E. H. Thompson & Co., which firm is now one of the largest in Northern New York. Mr. Thompson was married in November, 1860, to Mary E. Isham, who died in 1863, and he was again married in May, 1866, to Mary A. Hopkins. Herrick, Rev. Osgood Eaton, M. A., D. D., now retired post chap lain U. S. army, was born in Windsor, Vt, April 25, 1826. He re moved to Jefferson county with his father in 1839, and in 1846 to Watertown. He was ordained to the ministry of the Protestant Epis copal church by the late Bishop De Lancey, June 15, 1851. The same year he became rector of Emmanuel church, Adams, N. Y. In 1853 he became rector of Christ church, Manlius, N. Y., and in 1856 he be- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 13 came rector of St. Paul's church, Key West, Fla. , which office he held thirteen years. In 1864 President Lincoln had him appointed post chaplain in the U. S. army. In 1870 he was ordered to Fort Warren, Boston,- Mass., and in 1875 to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, where he re mained fifteen years, or until he was retired, April 25, 1890. The de grees of M. A. and D. D. were conferred upon him by Hobart Col lege, Geneva, N. Y. May 16, 1853, he married Charlotte Willard Smith. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, of the Commandery of the District of Columbia. Shepard, William J. — One of the notable contributions of New Eng land to the population and prosperity of Watertown is William J. Shepard, junior member of the well known insurance firm of Beebee & Shepard. He was born in Boston, Mass., August 23, 1854, a son of James and Sophia (Gassner) Shepard. When he was ten years of age his parents took up their residence in Watertown, where he has since resided. Mr. Shepard has taken an active interest in public af fairs and in 1878 was elected city chamberlain. He was a member of the first Police Commission of Watertown, was chairman of the com mittee that prepared the rules and remained a member of the commis sion for five years. In 1888 he was appointed manager of the Water- town Thermometer Works, where he remained for four years and then resigned to accept the secretaryship of the Watertown Savings Loan and Building Association. At the end of this time he purchased the insurance business of Joseph Atwell, which he conducted until March, 1893, when he with Myron Beebee, under the firm name of Beebee & Shepard, formed a copartnership which still continues. Mr. Shepard was a charter member of the Lincoln League of which he was presi dent two years. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., being a past grand and was a charter member of Court Stella, I. O. F., of which he is now its chief ranger. He was for many years a member of the 39th Separate Co., N. G. N. Y. , and a member of its rifle team for four years. He is also the vice-president of Trinity Workingmen's Social and Beneficial Club and was one of the charter members. Mr. Shep ard has also taken an active interest in politics and is now the secretary of the Republican County Committee. In February, 1884, he married Margaret, daughter of Azariah and Margaret Nellis of Newark, N.Y., and they have three daughters: Helen, Pauline and Josephine. In every walk of life Mr. Shepard is honored with the high regard of his friends and townsmen. 14 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lansing, Robert. — The hackneyed phrase, "a leading citizen," may with perfect propriety be applied to Robert Lansing, for he is an acknowledged leader of the bar, a safe adviser not only in legal and business questions, but in matters of public spirit and the general weal and political policy of public affairs generally. He was born in Water- town, in October, 1864. After attending the public schools of the city he entered Amherst College in 1883, from which venerable seat of learning he was graduated with honors in 1886, receiving the degree of A. B. He then began the study of law in the office of his father and was admitted to the bar at Utica in 1889. He at this time formed a copartnership with his father, the firm name being Lansing & Lansing. Mr. Lansing has always taken and active part in politics, although he has never been willing to accept office. He has always been an earn est Democrat and has faithfully followed out the traditions of his party. He has long been a valued counselor in party affairs. He was one of the associate counsel for the United States before the Bering Sea arbitration at Paris in 1892, and one of the government counsel before the Bering Sea Claim Commission at Victoria, B. C. , in 1896, and at Halifax in 1897. He has been counsel for the Mexican legation in Washington and also the Chinese legation. He was married in Janu ary, 1890, to Eleanor, daughter of ex-Secretary of State John W. Fos ter, of Washington, D. C. Wise in counsel, decisive in action and generous in judgment, Mr. Lansing is a citizen whose public spirit, attainments and life, reflect honor upon the community of which he is a member. Field, B. A., son of Safford E. and Phoebe (Allen) Field, was born in Houndsfield in 1853, which place was his parents' native town. His grandparents were natives of Vermont, and his father's father located at Field's Settlement in 1806. On his mother's side his ancestors were descendants from the old Ethan Allen stock ; on his father's, they were a branch of that family of which David Dudley and Stephen Field are members. Brayton A. was graduated from the Watertown High School in 1873, and from Dartmouth College in 1878. He then became principal of Proctor Academy, Andover, N. H., and in 1883 began the study of law with O'Brien & Emerson. He was admitted to the bar April 20, 1886, and has since been in practice in Watertown. Harrington, Ernest E., is a native of Jefferson county and a son of H. H. and Mary (Cooper) Harrington, also natives of the county PERSONAL REFERENCES. 15 and representatives of old families. Ernest E. was graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery of Philadelphia in 1881, and after two years' practice in the Quaker City, came to Watertown, where he is recognized as an expert and reliable operator. His brother, Miles C, was graduated from the same college in 1888, and is now , associated with him. Dr. Harrington was elected a member of the Board of Education in Watertown in 1894 and re elected in 1897 for another term of three years. Kellow, W. J., M. D., was born in the county of Bruce, Ontario, Canada, September 15, 1859. He was educated at St. Catherine's Col legiate Institute and the Toronto Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882, subsequently doing hospital work in the Toronto General Hospital for six months. He then came to the United States and practiced for one and a half years in Edwards, and from 1883 to 1890 in Harrisville. He then went to New York for six months, spend ing the time in the various hospitals and the Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital, and then came to Watertown. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical . Society and of the City Medical So ciety ; also of the I. O. O. F. Dr. Kellow is of English descent. Bush, Frank H., one of the most genial, popular and well known gentlemen of Watertown, was born at Philadelphia, N. Y., September 27, 1859. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade, and was engaged at this for a period of thirteen years. In 1895 he bought an interest in his brother's grocery establishment under the firm name of F. V. Bush & Co., where he has since been en gaged. Mr. Bush was married January 10, 1882, to RosaB. Giegerich of Watertown, and an only daughter, Mildred, has been born to them. Mr. Bush has always been public spirited and ready to identify himself with measures which seemed to him to be for the city's good. Eckhoff, John N., a native of Germany, was born May 31, 1857. His education was obtained in his native country after which he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade at which he was engaged until 1879, when he emigrated to this country and settled in New York, where he remained until 1885, when he removed to Watertown and soon found employment at his trade. Mr. Eckhoff now occupies a part of the brick factory of the Harmon Machine Co., where he does all kinds of heavy blacksmithing and regularly employs from three to five workmen. 16 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. In December, 1881, he married Mary Wallace, a native of Belfast, Ireland. Mr. Eckhoff is a prominent member of the Royal Arcanum and I. O. O. F. Tucker, Ora W., is a native of Jefferson county, N. Y., and was born in 1862. He acquired a liberal education from the public schools, after which he engaged in the meat business at Adams, N. Y. In 1892 he removed to Watertown and formed a copartnership with Mr. Levi Washburn under the style of Tucker & Washburn ; in 1897 Mr. Tucker sold his interest and the firm is now Tucker & Jennings, one of the leading meat dealers in the city. Mr. Tucker is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and is one of Watertown's energetic and popular citizens. Wise, James B., was born in Bradford, Conn., December 27, 1858, and came to Watertown with his parents in 1869. As a boy he was very active in whatever he undertook ; he was part of the time news paper carrier, but never neglected his school, either for play or busi ness. He proceeded in his studies until he gained admittance to the Watertown High School, but his desire to enter upon a business career led him to believe he had acquired sufficient education to battle with the world. After attending a commercial college, he severed his con nection with the schools and entered into actual business life. He was the owner and manager of the newspaper and fruit sales upon the trains running out of Watertown, and later of that business upon the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg trains running out of Oswego west ward. This he continued until 1877, when he returned to Watertown and identified himself with the business conducted by his father, be coming an equal partner, and upon his father's death, purchased the other half from the heirs and continued the same in his own name. He has been unusually successful and- is a much respected citizen, fully recognized as such by the people of Watertown. In 1888 he was elected alderman for the Second ward of Watertown; ran for mayor in 1890, but was defeated by Hon. Wilbur F. Porter; and ran again in 1891, but was defeated by only fifty- two votes. In 1892 he was again nominated but declined with thanks. He is fully identified with all the important business interests of Watertown and is a fearless inde pendent man. He is president of the Singer Fire Alarm Company; president of the Watertown Brass and Manufacturing Company and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 17 secretary and treasurer of the Ryther Manufacturing Company, and a director in the Union Carriage and Gear Company. In 1891 he pur chased the factory building he now occupies on Mill street; his princi pal manufactures are light hardwares and specialties of that description. His goods are in demand all over the country. Mr. Wise was the Republican nominee for mayor in 1894, was elected, and is now serving his fourth term, commencing January 1, 1898, for two years. In 1881 Mr. Wise married Hattie C. , daughter of George Willard of Watertown, and they have two sons, Charles Ralph and Earl W. Mullin, Joseph, was born in Watertown in 1848, and is a son of Judge Joseph Mullin. He was educated in the schools of Watertown, and in the Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N. Y. His preliminary studies of the law commenced in the office of his father, and were con tinued in Judge M. H. Merwin's office. He was admitted to the bar in 1871, and for a time was associated in practice with Judge Merwin. In 1876 he formed a partnership with Daniel G. Griffin, under the firm name of Mullin & Griffin. Ramsay, Horatio A., was born in the town of Morristown, St. Law rence county, N. Y., January 26, 1861. He was educated in the public schools and at the age of twenty-one began the study of architecture in the office of George E. Wilson in Ogdensburg, where he remained two years and was then in the office of James H. Moore and A. L. Schellenger in Chicago, 111. , and was associated with Edgerton S. Rogers, son of the celebrated sculptor, Randolph Rogers. In 1895 he came to Watertown and his first design in that city was the city hall. In 1896 he formed a copartnership with Addison F. Lansing and the firm of Lansing & Ramsay has been the designer of the Church of the Re deemer and many of the beautiful residences of the city. The Wood ruff House was remodeled from their plans; Bagley & Sewell's office; Stewart Lansing and Rev. A. M. Dulles residences. Mr. Ramsay has always been a Republican, but never aspired to political office. He is a member of Acacia Lodge No. 705, Ogdensburg, F. & A. M. Tuller, Edward R. , manager of the Watertown branch of the Stand ard Oil Company, was born at Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y., March 28, 1853. His education was obtained from the public schools and the Oswego Academy. After completing his schooling he removed to Chicago, where he remained for about two years when he returned and 18 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. entered his father's office who was engaged in the hardware business, remaining in his employ for five years, when they removed to Syracuse to engage in the oil business. In 1888 a position was offered him and accepted as 'manager of the Watertown branch of the Standard Oil Company, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Tuller is an act ive member of the Masonic fraternity, a member of the Citizens Club and has just been nominated for alderman of the Fourth ward. Champlin, Charles G. — The city of Watertown is justly proud of its efficient police department of which Mr. Champlin has been for many years its chief. He was born in Brownville, Jefferson county, May 2, 1843, and educated in the local schools. In 1862, when but nineteen years of age, he enlisted in the 10th N. Y. Artillery, and served in the defense of Washington until the battle of Cold Harbor, in which he took part under the command of Col. Piper; he was also in the battle of Petersburg and assisted in the capture of that Confederate stronghold. He accompanied Sheridan through the Shenandoah Valley and was honorably discharged in August, 1865, having been promoted to duty sergeant of the company. At the close of the war he returned to Watertown and found himself like other young men who had spent the best years of their life in defense of their country, without an educa tion, a trade, or means with which to embark in a commercial enter prise. He gladly accepted a position in the manufacturing concern of O. G. Staples, and afterwards worked for two years in the factory of Gilderoy Lord, at the end of which time Mr. Lord was elected mayor and immediately appointed Mr. Champlin sub-policeman. So satisfac tory were his services, that in 1883 he was promoted to chief of police, which position he has held uninterruptedly ever since. He is a Dem ocrat in politics, a member of the G. A. R. and Odd Fellows. He married Nancy Merrill, and they have one child, Eva, who is still at home and obtaining an education in the city schools. Bolton, Stephen C, son of Stephen H. and Sarah Ann (Cramer) Bolton, was born at Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , Decem ber 2, 1860. He removed to Watertown with his parents when a child, where he attended the public and high schools, taking a special course in Latin from the latter. In the fall of 1882 he entered the Phila delphia College of Pharmacy and was graduated in 1883. In the fall of that year he removed to Brooklyn, N.Y., and embarked in the drug business on his own account. In 1893 he removed to Watertown and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 19 formed a copartnership with J. C. Bogart in the drug business, which partnership continued until he opened his present place on the north side. Mr. Bolton was married November 20, 1884, to Lucy M. Moore of Watertown, and they have four children. He is a member of Corona Lodge No. 705, I. O. O. F. ; Court Garland City No. 809, I. O. F. ; Watertown Tent No. 418, K. O. T. M. ; Angpatonga Tribe No. 340 1. O. R. M.; Watertown Council No. 157, Royal Arcanum; Alumni Association Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; Kings County Pharmaceutical Association; and Kinahgo- Pontiac Haymakers' Asso ciation of Watertown. Hine, Omar A. — Reliable insurance companies are always found to be represented by reliable men and reliable insurance agents will not represent other than first-class companies. Such is the case with O. A. Hine, who has been actively engaged in this line of business in Watertown since 1884. Prior to his removal to this city he was en gaged in railroading, acting in the capacity of agent, operator and conductor for the R., W. & O. and the Detroit and Milwaukee Rail roads. Mr. Hine is one of the two thirty-third degree Masons north of the New York Central Railroad in the State, and is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He is a thorough business man and highly deserving of the success he has achieved. York, Anson E., established himself in business in 1860, removing from Boston, Mass., to accept a position as bookkeeper for the firm of Eli Farwell & Co., where he remained until 1866. In 1869 he formed a copartnership with Mr. E. D. Moore under the firm name of York & Moore, this firm being succeeded by that of York & Starkweather and continuing until January 1, 1892, when it was succeeded by York & Son, the present style. This firm is one of the largest in the city deal ing in glass and glaziers' supplies. Mr. York is a very social gentle man and has a host of friends. Cochrane, George H., proprietor of the Syracuse Bakery, was born at Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada, November 12, 1868. His education was obtained in the public schools and business college. In 1886 he removed to Syracuse and there learned the bakery and confectionery trade; in 1892 he removed to Watertown where he has since resided; in the same year he established himself in his present business, which is without exception the leading establishment of the kind in the city. 20 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He caters to the best trade in the city, producing nothing but the best ; his fine cakes, bread and rolls cannot be excelled for their purity; he also carries a fine line of confectionery. He has built up a large and lucrative business. Mr. Cochrane is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and the Red Men. He was married in July, 1894, to Bertha Vedder of Syracuse. Herrick, John F. , was born on a farm in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , July 4, 1851, where he resided with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, when he attended the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary. In 1872 he served as assistant postmaster in the Gouverneur post-office, under Capt. George B. Winslow. From 1873 to 1875 his time was employed in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , and in teaching district schools. In 1895 he was appointed as census enumerator of the town of Fowler. In the spring of 1878 he opened a general store at Little York (Fowler post-office) where he continued in business fifteen years. During this time he was appointed postmaster of Fowler and served four years from 1884 to 1888. In June, 1893, he closed out his business at Fowler and moved to Water- town where he built a block and opened a store at 174 Main street, where he now resides and conducts a general store. Fie was married to Miss Viola A. Davis of Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in March, 1874, and an only daughter has been born to them, Gracie M., aged eighteen. Zuller, Henry J., was born in the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., April 26, 1846. His early life was spent on a farm and in 1870 he removed to Watertown and entered the grocery business with Coply Knott, in whose employ he remained for four years, and with M. An drus four years, when he accepted a position with Carpenter & Ber- given, remaining with this firm eleven years. He at this time embarked in business on his own account in company with Charles Brown under the firm name of Brown, Zuller & Co., which is now one of the leading groceries in Watertown. Mr. Zuller was married March 1, 1870, to Emma Graves of Watertown. He enlisted in Co. I, 186th N. Y. Vols., and served to the close of the war. In 1877 he became a member of Watertown City Lodge No. 291, I. O. O. F. ; he is also a member of Montezuma Encampment No. 27, Canton Rigley No. 14, Garland Reben Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; the G. A. R., Royal Arcanum, and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 21 of Court Garland City No. 809, I. O. F., of which he has been treas urer five years, the Exempt Firemen, and other organizations. Meader, Isabel M., M. D., was born in Watertown, N. Y., a daugh ter of Daniel Meader, a former manufacturer of that city. Dr. Meader was a graduate of Watertown High School in 1874, and was for eight years a teacher in the public schools. In 1884 she entered the Woman's Hospital Medical College at Chicago, and was graduated from there April 5, 1887, with the degree of M. D. Since graduating she has spent two years in Arizona, five years in California and one year as assistant to a physican near Chicago. She gives her whole attention to general practice, and is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society; the Watertown City Medical Society, and an honor ary member of the Los Angeles County Medical Society of California. Calkins, Frederic R.,- M. D., was born in the town of Rodman, Jef ferson county, N. Y., April 16, 1871, a son of Edmund B. Calkins, an undertaker of Watertown. Dr. Calkins was reared in his native town and educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary at Antwerp. He was engaged with Moffett, Hodgkins & Clarke of New York for three years and at twenty one years of age began the study of medi cine with Dr. A. B. Stevens. He entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College and was graduated from there March 26, 1894. He began the practice of his profession in Watertown the same year, and has since been thus engaged. He is now serving his third year as county phy sician, and is secretary of the Jefferson County Medical Society. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; I. O. R. M. ; I. O. F. ; S. F. I. ; and Royal Arcanum, and is also a member of State Street Methodist Epis copal church. In 1896 he married Evangeline P. Cadwell, daughter of H. V. Cadwell, and they have one son, Frederic R., jr. Reese, Martin H., was born in the town of Leray, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 22, 1852. His father died when he was seven years old, from which time he worked out summers and did chores winters for his board, going to school until he was sixteen. He then conduct ed a farm of fifty acres for his mother in the town of Clayton for four years. December 22, 1872, when he became twenty years of age, he began work on a farm by the month, which he followed until Septem ber 14, 1873, when he married Martha J. Lingenfelter of Clayton, and on March 1, 1874, went to housekeeping near Evans Mills, town of 22 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Leray, and worked out by the month until November 25, 1874, when by accident he received an injury to his right elbow, resulting in the loss of the ulna bone which was taken out by Dr. Grafton, laying him up for nine months. After recovery he worked about for two years, when he learned the cheesemaking business, which he followed for six years, successfully managing factories. October 23, 1883, he removed to Watertown and embarked in the retail meat business at No. 82 Factory Square, where he has since conducted a large and growing business. Hooker, Harold Louis, was born in the town of Brownville, Jeffer son county, N. Y., March 9, 1869. His education was obtained from the public and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1886, and immediately began the study of law in the office of his brother, G. S. Hooker, where he remained until 1889, when he entered the Albany Law School and was graduated with highest honors in the class of 1890, receiving the degree of LL.B. In May, 1890, he was admitted to the bar at Syracuse. After graduation from the law school he be came instructor at that institution, where he remained for two years, when he removed to Watertown and began the practice of his profes sion. In September, 1892, he formed a copartnership with his brother under the firm name of G. S. & H. L. Hooker, which partnership still continues. Mr. Hooker was married September 16, 1897, to Fanny E. G., daughter of the late Rev. Dr. R. A. Olin. O'Brien, Thomas, son of William and Ellen (Daulton) O'Brien, was born at Canton, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., February 22, 1863. His parents removed to Watertown when he was quite young. After finishing his education he engaged with his father in the gardening business and after a short time served an apprenticeship at the carpen ter's trade, in which he was engaged until 1896. In that year in com pany with Messrs. Brennen and Hodge, he embarked in the contracting business, the firm of Brennen, Hodge & O'Brien being now one of the largest contracting and building firms in the city. Mr. O'Brien was married November 18, 1885, to Delia Hennuria, and they have an only son, George, who is now eight years of age. Porter, Hon. Wilber F.— The history of the State and of the bar of Jefferson county, could not be truthfully written without giving Mr. Porter a prominent place in its pages. Born of humble parents, in PERSONAL REFERENCES. 23 Herkimer county, N. Y., June 22, 1832, at the age of six years moved with his parents to Jefferson county, where he attended the common schools, finishing his education in the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary and the Fulton Academy. After having taught school in his county two winters, he began the study of law. Mr. Porter's ambition had been from boyhood to obtain a classical education, but was unable to secure the means necessary to attend college, a fact which he has always regretted. It might be mentioned that it was the desire of his parents' hearts that he should equip himself for the ministry, but his aspirations were of a legal character, so while still teaching he began reading law with Laban H. Ainsworth of Cape Vincent. Shortly after he came to Watertown and continued his studies in the office of Bagley & Wright ; in 1857 he was admitted to the bar and at once opened an office in Cape Vincent, where he successfully practiced until the spring of 1860, when he returned to Watertown, entering the office of Bagley & Wright, where he remained ten years. He then opened an office alone, but in 1870 formed a copartnership with Edmund B. Wynn which continued to 1877; he then formed a new copartnership with ex-Judge Walts, which existed until 1883, when Mr. Porter's son, Charles G., entered the firm under the name of Porter, Walts & Porter; in January, 1897, Judge Walts withdrew, and the style of the firm became Porter & Porter. The strict integrity, the legal acumen, and the domestic purity of Mr. Porter's life have been duly recognized by his fellow citizens, and many honors, both political and social, have been conferred upon him. His first political office was that of trustee of the Second ward of the then village of Watertown. While Mr. Porter has been a consistent lifelong Democrat, this ward had a natural Republican majority of about seventy-five, which Mr. Porter's popularity overcame. He was afterwards five times elected mayor of the city of Watertown and so popular had his administration become that he was on one occasion nominated by both political parties and elected without an opponent. In 1896 he was nominated by the Democratic party for governor ofthe State and while he was defeated, his personal popularity was shown by the strong vote he polled in many Republican strongholds. Mr. Porter was appointed a member of the Court of Claims by Governor Flower, which position he has held for the past six years. Mrs. Porter died August 6, 1892, leaving one son, Charles G., born September 10, 1861. Mr. Porter is a prominent Mason. 24 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Trowbridge, Stanton S., son of the late Dr. W. R. Trowbridge, was born in Watertown, December 10, 1854. In 1874 he entered the law office of Hon. Levi H. Brown as a student, and was admitted to the bar in 1877, remaining with Dr. Brown for twelve years. During the past twenty years he has been an active political worker and has represented his ward on the Board of Supervisors for two terms; in 1883 he was the first to defeat C. A. Holden, who had held the office several years; he served faithfully, irrespective of party and was re-elected in 1884. Mr. Trowbridge was a member of the Democratic committee for sev eral years, was its secretary in 1883 and its chairman in 1884; in 1891 he was appointed a member of the Board of Excise by Mayor Porter and held that office three years. He has been an active member of the Order of Odd Fellows and has represented that order at its Grand Lodge; he was a charter member of the first lodge of Foresters in Watertown, and was the first high counselor of the State in that order; he became a member of the order of Red Men and also served four years in Company C, and 39th Separate Company, from which he re ceived an honorable discharge. He has assisted in organizing and con ducting several charitable and religious orders in Watertown and has served as a trustee in the Trinity Workingmen's Club and the Free Church of the Redeemer, since their organization. In 1877 Mr. Trow bridge married Helen G. Utley, daughter of A. M. Utley of Watertown, and granddaughter of Peter Van Buren of Gouverneur. They have one daughter, Ethel Brown Trowbridge, born July 21, 1878. Farmer, G. S., A. M., M. D., was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , in 1850, a son of Francis and Louisa (Homer) Farmer, who were of English and German descent. Dr. Farmer is a graduate of the St. Lawrence University in the class of 1871. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. M. M. Gardner of Utica, and subse quently entered the New York Homoeopathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1874. He commenced the practice of his profession in Gouverneur, where he continued six years and then re moved to Watertown. Dr. Farmer is president of the Farrington Medi cal Club, and a member of the County Homoeopathic Society. Spencer, Gordon P., M. D., grandson of Dr. Gordon P. and son of Dr. H. G. P. and Antoinette (Decker) Spencer, was born in the village of Watertown, N. Y. (now city), February 19, 1860. He was edu cated in the public schools and Trenton Military Institute, graduating PERSONAL REFERENCES. 25 therefrom in 1S82. That same year he began the study of medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city and received his degree in 1887. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Watertown and has since been successfully engaged. He is a mem ber of the F. & A. M. ; I. O. O. F. ; K. of P. ; and the Jefferson County Medical Society. He was at one time appointed by Governor Morton to fill the unexpired term of Dr. L. G. Gifford as coroner of the county. Pitcher, Fred B , traces his ancestors through a long line to England. His father, Seymour H. Pitcher, was born in Lewis county, N. Y. , and is still living. Fred B. was born in Adams, N. Y. , April 29, 1867; he was educated in the common schools of his native village and after graduating from the Adams Collegiate Institute, pursued a complete course of studies in the Cornell University, from which he was gradu - ated in the class of 1888, receiving the degree of B. S. Having deter mined to locate in the city of Watertown, he entered the office of ex- Judge J. C. McCartin and was admitted to the bar in 1890; he continued in the office of Judge McCartin for the following two years, and at the death of the judge assumed his business which he conducted until the spring of 1897, when he formed a copartnership with Charles H. Walts, ex-county judge of Jefferson county, which partnership still continues. Mr. Pitcher is not only a prominent member of the bar, but is also an active politician, being an enthusiastic Republican. He is also promi nent in fraternal societies, being a member and officer in the various local Masonic bodies. He was for five years a member of the 39th Sep arate Company, N. G. N. Y., and is chairman ofthe Republican county committee and corporation counsel of the city of Watertown. Gilman, William H., was born in the town of Lorraine, December 19, 1856, a son of Julius Gilman, a farmer, and was the 3'oungest of four children. He was educated in the Hungerford Collegiate Insti tute of Adams and Rochester Collegiate Institute; he began the study of law in 1877. He was appointed postmaster under President Arthur in 1884 and filled that position for three years, when he resigned. In 1891 he came to Watertown and was with E. B. Wynn for two years and in February, 1894, opened an office for general practice. June 11, 1894, he married Mary Collins Stone of Adams, daughter of Cyrus K. Stone. Carlisle, John N., was born August 24, 1866, and is a son of Will- 26 ' OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. iam S. Carlisle. He was educated in the Watertown High School and began the study of law in the office of Hon. Henry Purcell, Septem ber 1, 1885, where he was a student until admitted to the bar February 15, 1889. He was city attorney in 1891 and 1892, and is a member of the Democratic State Committee and has been chairman of the Demo cratic County Committee seven years. He is a member of the Union Club and Jeffersonian Club, and was married in January, 1894, to Carrie C. Brown, daughter of Edmund Brown of Pulaski, and they have one daughter, Catherine C. Carlisle. He is now a member of the law firm of Brown, Carlisle & Hugo, the senior member of which, Hon. Elon R. Brown, is now State senator for his district. Steele, Harvey W., is a native of Jefferson county and a son of La fayette and Lois (Nash) Steele. He was educated in the district school and Hungerford Collegiate Institute, where he was a teacher for five years. In the spring of 1883 he entered the law office of Judge A. H. Sawyer, and was admitted to practice in 1886. In 1886 he was the Democratic candidate for district attorney, and in the fall of 1892 was elected alderman of the Third ward of the city of Watertown, N. Y. , and served one term. He was elected supervisor of the Third ward in 1895, and was re elected to that office in 1897. Mr. Steele was for many years secretary of the Democratic County Committee, has been president of the Jeffersonian Club, and is a director of the Y. M. C. A. He is now practicing his profession at Watertown. Goodale, Addison Wight, was born in the town of Fowler, St. Law rence county, August 17, 1831, and was educated in the district schools and Gouverneur Seminary (now Ives Seminary). In 1855 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Ira H. Abel of Antwerp, and attended lectures at the Albany Medical College from 1855 to 1858, from which institution he was graduated June 8, 1858. He began the practice of his profession in South Rutland, in August of the same year, where he remained until April 1, 1863, when he enlisted in the 10th N. Y. H. A., and was mustered in as assistant surgeon April 13, 1863. He re mained with this regiment until the close of, service June 23, 1865, when he was mustered out. He returned to South Rutland, where he was engaged in practice until March, 1867, when he returned to Water- town and spent one year in this city, then entered the employ of the Phoenix Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn., as adjuster and superintendent of physicians. He was located in Canandaigua, Syra- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 27 cuse and Hartford until 1884, when he removed to New York city occupying the same position until 1888, when he returned to Water- town where he has since been a resident. The doctor has been a trustee of the Thousand Island Park Association since 1883, and treas urer a number of years, and is now secretary of the association; he is also a director of the Alexandria Steamboat Company, and has been health officer for ten years at Thousand Island Park. August 12, 1858, he married Helen J. Fowler of Antwerp, and they have two daughters: Mrs. A. B. Abernethy of Brooklyn, and Florence L. , who resides at home. Dr. Goodale is a member of the G. A. R. and joined the Masonic fraternity in 1863; he isa member of the Jefferson County Medical So ciety and also of the Union Club. He is a member of the First Pres byterian church, and is president of the Farmers' & Traders' Bank of Kimball, S. Dak. Paris, Charles M., a native of Lewis county, N. Y., was born in 1838. His early life was spent on a farm and as a tanner. In 1874 he re moved to Jefferson county and engaged in farming in Rutland, where he remained until 1875, when he removed to the city of Watertown and engaged in the grocery business and after a time embarked again in the tannery business, operating the Hall and Farwell tanneries of that city. In 1882 he was appointed justice of the peace, to fill an un expired term, and he so ably conducted the affairs of the office that he was favored with two more terms and afterward refused the third. Mr. Paris is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum. Tolman, Solon B. , son of William and Mary (Bancroft) Tolman, was born in the town of Watertown, Jefferson county, N.Y. , July 27, 1828. His father was born in 1795 in New Hampshire, and removed to Jef ferson county in 1817 and after a few years returned to New Hamp shire, and was married, then again located in Jefferson county, where he resided until his death in 1892. The ^first representatives of the family came from England to this country in 1634. His grandfather, Ebenezer Tolman, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was en gaged in the battle of Bunker Hill. His father first took up land in the town of Alexandria in 1822, when there were but nine families in the town, but afterward removed to the town of Watertown, where Solon B. was born. Mr. Tolman received his education in the district schools and the Watertown High School and attended two terms at the 28 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Rodman Seminary. At the age of twenty-one he was offered a posi tion at the Grove Hotel, where he remained for a short cime and then returned to the farm and in 1860 bought the farm of 180 acres where he now resides. March 16, 1854, he married Lodusta Archer, daughter of Abraham Archer of Rutland, N. Y., and she died in 1866. Mr. Tolman is one of those hard-working, energetic and pushing farmers and his friends are legion. McKinstry, Willard D., editor of the Watertown Daily Times, was born at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, N. Y., October 1, 1850. His education was obtained in the public schools, the Fredonia Academy and the State Normal. He learned the printing business in the office of the Fredonia Censor, of which newspaper his father was publisher. In 1872 he purchased the Dunkirk Journal, remaining there until 1884, and removed to Watertown in 1886. He was at first employed as news editor on the Times, then assistant editor and at the death of Mr. Brockway became its editor, and has filled that position until this time. He was appointed as the Republican member of the State Civil Ser vice Commission by Governor Flower and served one year under Gov ernor Morton's administration. O'Brien, Hon. Dennis, was born in Ogdensburg, March 13, 1837, and the events of his life have become a subject of public history. Though the positions he has held and now holds, entitle him to a prom inent place in the records of the State, yet in the history of his adopted county, where the germ of his future success was developed, it is proper that a brief sketch of his life, character and ability should be recorded. He was favored by nature with a strong physical constitution and equa ble temperament, which properly directed imparted great intellectual strength. Thus endowed he early entered upon the realities of life with a determination to succeed. He studied law at Ogdensburg, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1861 ; in November of that year he moved to Watertown, where he has since resided. From that time his business and reputation in his profession gradually increased ; from 1869 he was an alderman in the city for some four years and afterwards was elected mayor. His judicious management of these offices won the respect and confidence of the substantial portion of the city's population, and his success in his profession gave him a high local reputation throughout the county. In 1880 he succeeded the late James F. Star- buck, as a member of the State Democratic committee. This gave him PERSONAL REFERENCES. 29 an opportunity of extending his reputation for ability and fidelity be yond the bounds of his county and generally over the State, and he im proved it. For four years he held this position, and in November, 1883, was elected attorney-general and re-elected in November, 1885, his term of office terminating January 1, 1888. His administration as the State's attorney for this great commonwealth established confidence in his thorough capability and integrity with all parties throughout the State. In 1889 he remained at home during which time it became evident that public opinion was tending towards his nomination by the Democratic party for judge of the Court of Appeals. This seems to have been conceded on account of his exalted, though comparatively brief public service. When the State convention met he was nominated with re markable unanimity; the nomination was ratified by the people at the election by a large majority. On January 1, 1890, he took his seat in that court for the constitutional term of fourteen years and by reason of the many changes that have recently taken place in the membership of the court he is now next to the senior member in years of service. Of his influence in the court and the manner in which he has discharged the duties of his high office we need not speak. His success as a judge is so well known to the people and bar of the State, that it requires no words of commendation. Brown, L. Leslie, a member of the well known firm of Brown, Zuller & Co., one of Watertown's solid and substantial houses, was born in the town of Russell, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , a son of Charles H. and Harriett E. (Pulnan) Brown, natives of Oneida county. There were three sons and two daughters of the family, Leslie the younger of the three sons. His father died when he was fifteen years of age, and his mother four years later. Leslie then became engaged with the Canton Lumber Co. of Canton, N. Y., witb which company he was employed for about two years. On the 28th of November, 1890, he left Canton to go to Phillipsburg, Mont., taking four days and five nights for the trip, where he was employed by a ranchman (a former New York man) by whom he was employed one year. He then be came engaged in the grocery business in the city of Phillipsburg and sold out to a Mr. Sorrenson in November, 1892. During the winter following he was ill with mountain fever and he returned east to re gain his health. Bergevin, John E., was born in St. Martin, Quebec, September 9, 30 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1844. His parents removed to the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1850, where he received his education from the district schools. His first business experience was as a clerk in Watertown, and in 1862 he accepted a position with John M. Carpenter where he remained until 1867 and then became a member of the firm of Carpenter & Ber gevin; in 1893 the firm was succeeded by the present firm of Bergevin, Carpenter & Co. , dealers in general merchandise. Mr. Bergevin was married to Elise M., daughter of Philippe Barron, a native of Switzer land. Mr. Bergevin has served on the Board of Aldermen, and as chief of the fire department two years and on the Board of Supervisors; he is now on the Board of Health. Hickox, William D. — Among the younger members of the farming community of tbe town of Watertown, none stands higher in the esteem of the community than W. D. Hickox. He is a son of George F. and Antoinette (Ball) Hickox, and was born April 7, 1859, in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town and the schools of the city of Water- town. After acquiring a liberal education he began life as a farmer and has since been successfully engaged in farming. December 9, 1885, he married Rose E., daughter of L. F. and Adelia (Smith) Spink, of the town of Rodman, and they have an only son, Laban G., who is two years of age. Mr. Hickox attributes his success to his own patient, methodical habits, punctuality, thrift and unceasing attention to busi ness at all times. He is an estimable citizen and a model of homely virtues. Hunting, Stanley E., is one of the active, enterprising young busi ness men of Watertown. He is a native of this city and has resided here all his life. Mr. Hunting was born July 26, 1865, and received his education from the public schools and the C. T. Goves Business College. His first business experience after leaving school was in the milk business with his father, where he remained until the death of his father in 1883, and from that date until 1891 he conducted the business alone. He at this date formed a copartnership with F. B. Devendorf in the plumbing business, which was carried on under the style of Devendorf & Hunting for two years, when the firm was succeeded by Hunting & Weeks and after two years that firm was succeeded by the now well known firm of Hunting, Weeks & Cochran, the present style. Mr. Hunting is a prominent member of the Lincoln League. Febru- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 31 ary 28, 1893, he married Grace L. , daughter of F. B. Devendorf of Watertown, N. Y. Mr. Hunting is one of the hard working, pushing young men who have preferred a business to a professional life. Brennan, Philip, was born at Rochester, N. Y., February 4, 1853, a son of Edward and Ann (McDermit) Brennan, who were natives of Ireland and came to this country at a very early date and settled in Quebec, Canada, and later removed to Rochester, N.Y. When Philip was quite young his parents removed to the town of Pinckney, Lewis county, where he attended the district schools, and also the High School at Lowville. His first business experience was as manager for Hon. D. C. Littlejohn of Redfield, Oswego county, in whose employ he remained for eleven years. At this date he removed to Jefferson county and began business on his own account. During his residence in the town of Worth he was elected supervisor for one year. He then built a hotel at New Boston, which he conducted for a short time and sold out and removed to Watertown. He worked at the carpen ter's trade there until 1896, when the contracting and building firm of Brennan, Hodge & O'Brien was organized and since then he has given his entire time and attention to the company's extensive affairs. Mr. Brennan is a practical mechanic and it is through his efforts that the firm has grown to be the leading builders of the city. November 1, 1881, Mr. Brennan married Rosa A., daughter of Garrett and Mary (Smith) Doyle of Lewis county, and they have four children: William F. , twelve years of age; Henry I., ten; Mary, three, and George W., one. Ward, James A., was born in Watertown in 1854. He commenced the study of law in 1876 in the office of Hon. Dennis O'Brien, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. Since then he has been in practice in his profession and for a time was a member of the firm of O'Brien, Emer son & Ward. Bell, John A., V. S. — This eminently successful veterinary surgeon is a native of Ontario, Can., born August 24, 1856. After attending the public schools he attended the Ontario Veterinary College and re ceived the degree of V. S. in the class of 1880. He then located in Napanee, Ont., where he remained for a year and then removed to Watertown, where he proceeded to erect a commodious veterinary hos pital. Every known appliance is at hand for the successful treatment 32 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and care of horses and cattle. Dr. Bell's success has been remarkable and he has a reputation for many miles around as a successful and ac complished veterinary surgeon. He has always taken an active inter est in politics and has been government inspector since 1892. Through his advice one of the best milk and dairy regulations in the State was adopted by the City Board of Health and he made its inspector. He also is inspector for the State Board of Health. All cattle going into neighboring States from this section have to be examined by him. He is a great lover of all domestic animals and is first vice-president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was one of the charter members of the New York State Veterinarian Society and is now clerk of the Board of Censors. Dr. Bell is a representative citizen and esteemed by all with whom he has dealings. Van Vleck, George, was born in the town of Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 26, 1835. He was engaged in farming until he was nineteen years of age, when he learned the marble trade in the establishment of Mr. E. S. Stockwell of Theresa. After an apprentice ship of four years he removed to Watertown and entered the .services of Foster M. Ferrin, where he remained for fourteen years. In 1872 he embarked in business on his own account in which he has since been successfully engaged. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 35th N. Y. Vols., and served his country faithfully for two years. He is a mem ber of the G. A. R. and one of Watertown's leading citizens. Stowell, Olmsby O., M. D., was born in Athens, Canada, November 4, 1845, a son of Rev. Oliver O. Stowell, a Methodist clergyman. Dr. Stowell was educated in the common schools and at nineteen years of age was a student of art in the Queen's University of Art at Kingston; in 1865 he entered McGill University as a student of medicine, and after two years at McGill entered Queen's University, Kingston, and after two years there, graduated with the degree of M. D., C. M., in 1869. He began the practice of his profession in Copenhagen in 1870, where he was located for twenty-two years, removing to Watertown in 1892, where he has since resided. Dr. Stowell has always taken a deep in terest in school work, but little in, politics, giving most of his attention to general practice. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , Royal Arcanum and the Grange ; he is also a member of Lewis County Medical Society, Jefferson County Medical Society and Watertown Society of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1872 he married Josephine E. Bishop of Copenhagen PERSONAL REFERENCES. 33 and they have two sons: Dr. Harold B. Stowell, age twenty-five years, and Royal O. Stowell, in his fourteenth year. Marrian, Charles A., was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y., January 16, 1850. He was educated in the common schools of his native city after which he embarked in the retail cigar and tobacco business in a small way, catered to the wants of his patrons, enlarged bis stock from time to time, and by economy, hard work and strict in tegrity has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business. He is a son of Charles and Emma (Moren) Marrian, who were natives of Montreal, Can. Mr. Marrian was married in May, 1884, to Tinnie Richardson of Watertown, and they have one son. Breen, Isaac R., son of Nathaniel and Eleanor (Smith) Breen, was born October 2, 1865. .His father was born in the north of Ireland in the year 1816, and his mother, who was of English ancestry, was born at Smith's Falls, Ontario, in 1823. They were among the early settlers of the town of Montague, Lewis county, N. Y., and later removed to Jefferson county, where they resided until their death. Six sons and three daughters survived them, Isaac R. being the youngest son. He removed with his parents to Jefferson county and received his education from the public and high schools of Watertown, after which he took up the study of law and was subsequently admitted to the bar at Syra cuse, in 1888. In 1894 in company with his brother, Nathaniel F., he formed the now well known law firm of Breen & Breen, which is one of the most prominent at the Jefferson county bar. During his legal career he has been engaged in numerous litigations involving important interests and the disposal of large sums of money. As a lawyer he is ever watchful of his client's interest and is considered a safe and pru dent practitioner. Breen, Nathaniel F. , of the law firm of Breen & Breen, stands in the very front rank of the bar of Jefferson county and is regarded as one of the most trustworthy attorneys of Watertown. He was born in the town of Montague, Lewis county, N. Y. , July 21, 1861, a son of Na thaniel and Eleanor (Smith) Breen, who settled in Jefferson county in he year 1872, just one mile north of the city of Watertown, and were the parents of nine children — six boys and three girls ; of the boys five were lawyers and one a preacher. The father was of Irish nativity, and the mother of English descent. His education was obtained from 34 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the common schools and the Watertown High School, after which he entered upon the study of law and was admitted to practice in 1884. In 1894 he formed a law partnership with his brother, Isaac R. Breen, under the firm name of Breen & Breen, which continues as it was then organized. 'Mr. Breen is a close student of men and affairs and enjoys the confidence, respect and esteem of all his associates. In all his professional relations there has been revealed a versatility of talent, a fertility of resource, a knowledge of law and a power of lucid presenta tion of complex and involved legal situations which have stamped him as an attorney of high rank. Bush, Fred V., senior member of the well known grocery firm of F. V. Bush & Co., is a native of Watertown, born in October, 1856. Mr. Bush is a son of Simon H. and Zeruah E. (Waterman) Bush, who came from Vermont to Watertown in 1820. Up to the age of twenty- three years Mr. Bush lived upon the farm, at which time he removed to Chicago where he was engaged for a time as street car conductor, where he remained until 1880, when he returned to Watertown and en tered the employ of Messrs. Fuess & Baker in a clerical capacity for two years, then on the dissolution of the firm, two years with W. O. Baker, after which he returned to the old store and remained with Fred Fuess four years. He then resigned his clerkship and entered the real estate business until, in 1892, in company with William M. Weston, he engaged in the grocery business on Public Square. After two years he sold his interest to his partner and in company with Hon. John P. Douglas, Hannibal Smith, A. W. Munk and others organized the Standard Publishing Company for the purpose of publishing a daily and semi weekly paper in Watertown. In August, 1894, owing to financial difficulty in which his former partner, Mr. Weston, found himself, he purchased the stock, and resigning his position as director in the Standard Company, he again embarked in the grocery business ; and several months later his brother, Frank H., became associated with him. On April 5, 1880, Mr. Bush was united in matrimony with Miss Kittie A. Gieger'ich of Alexandria. Two daughters, Jessie E. and Ruth G., have blessed their union. Bond, Edward A., one of Watertown's most prominent and thorough going business men, was born in Dexter, Mich., April 22, 1839. His first employment after completing his schooling was in the engineers corps on the construction of the U., S. & S. V. R. R. (now theD., L. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 35 & W. ), where he remained until 1869, when he was appointed assistant engineer on the Chicago, Pekin and Southwestern Railroad, remaining in their employ until the following spring and then returned to the D., L. & W He remained with the road until it was extended to Bing hamton, when he resigned to accept an offer made by the Utica and Black River Railroad as resident engineer, which position he held until the resignation of the chief engineer, when he was made chief en gineer of that road. In 1886 he became engineer and general superin tendent of the Carthage and Adirondack Railroad, where he remained until 1889, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Hinds under the firm name of Hinds & Bond and engaged in the securing of franchises and the construction of water works. They continued together until 1896, when the firm dissolved and Mr. Bond has since then conducted the business alone, retaining all the interests of the firm of Hinds & Bond in the several water works in which the firm was interested. He is now president of the Barrie and Napanee water works of Ontario, Canada. November 11, 1873, he married Gertrude, daughter of Abra ham and Aurelia Hollenback of Clayton, N. Y. Hunter, Charles B., merchant tailor, was born in Watertown, N. Y., January 4, 1873. After attending the public schools for a number of years he entered the post-office in the capacity of assistant mailing clerk, where he remained for four years, when he resigned his position to accept an offer made him by the proprietors of the Great Wardrobe in their cutting department, and after a service of three years he em barked in business on his own account. Mr. Hunting is now one of the leading merchant tailors of the city and has already built up a very large and growing business. He is a son of Henry R. and Jennie (Smith) Hunter. Mr. Hunter is a prominent member of the Citizens Club and I. O. R. M. Hodge, Clinton D., son of Henry and Lorinda (Stoddard) Hodge, was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. , February 29, 1868. After completing his schooling he served an apprenticeship at the mason's trade, after which he was engaged for a period of thirteen years in that work. Mr. Hodge was not content to work all his life under others and in 1896 he formed a copartnership with P. H. Bren nan and Thomas O'Brien, under the firm name of Brennan, Hodge & O'Brien, which is now one of the largest employers of labor in the city and the uniform excellence of their work is due to the fact that no 36 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. matter how great the number of contracts on hand, every structure receives their personal supervision, Mr. Hodge looking after the mason work of the firm. November 7, 1888, he married Mary P., daughter of Parley G. and Eliza A. (Otis) Woffle of Brownville, and two children have been born to them: Bessie, aged eight, and Gordon, aged six. Mr. Hodge is widely known as a practical builder. His education has been obtained in the school of experience and there is no branch of the industry with which he is not familiar. Todd, Edward M., son of David M. and Phebee (Babbit) Todd, was born in the town of Rodman, Jefferson county, N. Y. , October 11, 1852. His early days were spent on his father's farm and in 1887 he purchased the mill he now operates at Burr's Mills, where he has since resided. In October, 1882, he married Fanny Shannon, who died April 30, 1891, leaving three children : Marvin, Mary and Rena. Mr. Todd was again maried to Emma Archer of Burr's Mills. Mr. Todd is one of the hard working, pushing young men who have preferred a business to a professional life. He has always enjoyed the esteem and friendship of a large circle of business men and social acquaintances and has a wide reputation as a business man of prudence, forethought and in tegrity. Baker, George C, a native of the city of Watertown, was born Janu ary 21, 1865. After completing his schooling he entered the Water- town post-office and was advanced from time to time until he became superintendent of carriers. In 1892 he embarked in the grocery busi ness in company with J. H. Fraser, under the firm name of Baker & Fraser, which firm now continues as it was then organized. Mr. Baker was married October 24, 1890, to Grace E., daughter of Alphonso Salisbury who is superintendent of the Watertown Water Works. He is a charter member of the Lincoln League. Willard, Edward S., M. D., was born at Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., September 3, 1853, and was educated at Fairfield Academy and Dansville Seminary. He began the study of medicine in 1876 with his brother, Dr. Isaac N. Willard, and was in attendance on lectures at Al bany Medical College during 1878, 1879 and 1880, graduating from there March 3, 1880. He practiced for two years and three months in Adams, six years and a half at Fairfield, and for the past eight years has been located in Watertown, N. Y. Previous to, and during lectures, he was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 37 engaged in teaching school. Dr. Willard held the office of coroner three years in Herkimer county, and served as health officer while in Adams and Fairfield.1 Dr. Willard comes from a family of physicians, having three uncles, two cousins and a brother who have been or are engaged in the practice of medicine. He is the youngest son of Charles W. Willard, late of Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., and grandson of Col. Charles Willard who was doing service at Sacket Harbor when peace was declared in the war of 1812. The family are of colonial stock, tracing their descent from Major Simon Willard who came to this country from England in 1634, and was one of the founders of Con cord, N. H., and for thirt5r-five years a member of the General Assem bly of the colony. Kellogg, Samuel B., was born in the town of Rodman, April 7, 1847, and was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native town. In the summer of 1864 he enlisted in Co. C, 186th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war. Returning to Rodman he purchased the grist and saw mill at Worthville in 1866 of his father and engaged in milling and lumbering. In 1866 he married Nancy C. , daughter of Charles G. and Betsey (Fox) Wilcox, and they have one daughter, Helen Louisa, born in September, 1869, and educated at Union Academy and Hungerford Collegiate Institute. Mr. Kellogg has been town clerk, justice of the peace and supervisor five years, and is at present sheriff of Jefferson county. Flummerfelt, John A. — This popular and efficient superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Company is a native of Lambertville, Hunter don county, N. J. After completing his schooling he accepted a po sition in the drug store of Dr. A. H. Lee, Phillipsburg, N. J., where he studied pharmacy for three years and then entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, at the same time filling a clerkship for the firm of French, Richards & Co. of Philadelphia. He accepted a position in the laboratory of the Potter Drug & Chemical Corporation of Boston, Mass., in 1882. In 1886 he was employed with the drug firm of Mc Kesson & Robbins in New York. In 1887, noticing that life insurance was so highly regarded and that it was steadily growing higher in pub- 1 He is now health officer of the city of Watertown, which position he has held since 1894, and also member of the Watertown Board of Pension Examiners and Surgeons. He is a member of the Herkimer County Medical Society, the Jefferson County Medical Society, the Watertown City Medical Society and the New York State Medical Society. 38 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. lie esteem, he decided to enter into that business, and accepted an agency at Easton, Pa., with the Prudential Insurance Company of America; starting in the ranks, he has steadily advanced with the com pany, and by conscientious work has won his present position, that of superintendent of the Watertown District, of which he assumed charge in February, 1896. Mr. Flummerfelt was elected to the Common Council at Easton, Pa., which office he was compelled to resign on ac count of his removal to Watertown ; he is an ardent Republican, a pro gressive and enterprising citizen and is highly respected. He is a mem ber of Watertown Lodge No. 49, F. & A. M., and Watertown Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M., Lehicton Lodge No. 244, I. O. O. F., Easton, Pa., and has been a member of the Prudential Old Guard since 1892. Teepell, EtsonW.,M. D. — -Among the promising young physicians of Jefferson county, none stands more prominently than the subject of this sketch. He was born of English ancestors at Kingston, Canada, province of Ontario, April 21, 1874. He took a thorough course in the schools of Kingston, after the completion of which he entered Queen's Medical College, an institute that is regarded as being the peer of any medical college in existence. In 1896 Dr. Teepell was graduated with distinction, receiving the degree of M. D. and C. M. ; he then removed to Watertown and began the practice of his profession. At once be coming an American citizen, he attached himself to the Republican party in which he is an active worker. He is a member of the English church in good standing. Dr. Teepell's grandfather was a soldier in the American army in the Revolutionary war. Pollard, William H., was born at Utica, N. Y., August 6, 1848. At an early age he was apprenticed to the machinist trade with the Utica Steam Engine Works, with whom he remained for six years. He then removed to Whitestown to accept a position with B. T. Babbit, for whom he worked eight years. In 1878 he removed to Watertown and entered the employ of the Eames Vacuum Brake Company as a machinist (which afterward merged into the New York Air Brake Company). Through his faithful attention to business he was appointed general foreman, then assistant superintendent, and in 1894 became the super intendent, in which capacity he is now acting. Mr. Pollard is one of Watertown's most respected and honored citizens and is a prominent member of the Lincoln League. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 39 Skeels, Wines R., son of Wines H. and Lydia T. (Richardson) Skeels, is a native of Watertown, N. Y., born June 12, 1843. Mr. Skeels took an active part in the organization of the Watertown Dairy men's Board of Trade in 1874 and was for the first five years its secre tary. He has also been secretary of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, a position he now (1898) holds, for several years and was with his wife charter members of the Watertown Grange. His first business experience after leaving the farm was in Homer, Mich., where he re moved in 18S3 and- engaged as a florist, remaining there until 1889, when he returned to Watertown to accept a position with the R. , W. & O. Railroad. In 1893 he built the green house he now occupies at No. 214- Washington street. In April, 1872, he married Delia A. Chapin of Watertown, and they have two children : Lumira P. and W Harris. Personally Mr. Skeels is a very social gentlemen and is es teemed by all who know him. Brintnall, Titus I., has been engaged in the live stock business since he was seventeen years of age. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Her rick) Brintnall and was born on the old homestead about four miles southwest of the city of Watertown, where he now resides, December 10, 1851. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town and in Herkimer county. April 21, 1871, he married Mattie, daughter of John and Fanny (Jones) Hose. Mr. Brintnall's parents were both born on the farm where he now resides and his grandparents were natives of New England and came to this country in 1800. Mr. Brintnall is one of the thoroughgoing farmers of Jeffer son county and his friends are legion. Adams, Dr. Murray M., was graduated from the New York Home opathic Medical College, April 16, 1885. He commenced practice in the dispensary of that institution, where he remained nearly a year, then located in St. Albans, Vt. , and seven months later removed to Watertown, his native city, where he is now in successful practice. In 1892 he was appointed by Mayor Roth on the city Board of Health and served three years. In 1893 he was appointed state commissioner of health by Governor Flower, in which capacity he also served three years, and through his influence a bill was passed giving the city of Watertown absolute control of its water supply, in regard to its san itary condition. He is by appointment of the trustees one of the at- 40 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tending physician at the Henry Keep Home, and is also serving on the medical board of the City Hospital. Fuess, Frederick, a native of Germany, was born May 23, 1841. In 1864 he emigrated to this country and settled in New York city, where he remained for three years and in 1867 removed to Watertown and entered the employ of Nill & Jess as a clerk and remained in that capacity for three years. In 1873 he formed a copartnership with W. O. Baker under the firm name of Fuess & Baker; Mr. Fuess succeed ed the firm in 1884 and has since conducted business alone. Mr. Fuess carries a full line of groceries and provisions and is considered one of Watertown's leading merchants. He was elected alderman in 1897. O'Brien, Patrick, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, April 2, 1851. In May, 1867, he sailed for America and came direct to Jeffer- .son county, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1878 and then purchased some property in the city of Watertown and after some eleven years' residence in that city exchanged his city property for the farm he now resides on, known as the Valley farm. Mr. O'Brien was married on June 19, 1878, to Mary A. Donahue of Watertown, and they have four children: John D., aged nineteen; Edward J., aged fifteen; Catherine A., aged twelve, and Mary H., aged eight. Mr. O'Brien is a member of the Exempt Firemen of Watertown, No. 32, Co. D, and the Knights of St. Patrick. He also takes some part in politics and is now sole trustee of his district. Mr. O'Brien has always enjoyed the esteem and friendship of a large circle of friends. Buck, Robert Jones, has been a resident of the city of Watertown since 1880, having removed from St. Albans, Vt., to accept a position with the Davis Sewing Machine Company, in whose employ he re mained for three years. At the end of this service he was offered a position as bookkeeper with the firm of Farwell & Rhines, which he accepted and held for eight years, and then resigned to become a member of the coal firm of Marcy, Buck & Riley, wholesale dealers in coal, in which business he is now engaged. He was married in Au gust, 1887, to Mary, daughter of Richard Marcy of Watertown. Mr. Buck is a trustee of the Jefferson County Savings Bank, also of the City Hospital. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Corona Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was the first president of the Lincoln League. Olmsted, William P., the eldest son of Jabez and Orpha (Knight) PERSONAL REFERENCES. 41 Olmsted, was born in the town of Houndsfield, Jefferson county, N.Y. , February 27, 1836. He removed with his parents to the town of Watertown when he was an infant and where he was educated and has since resided. After obtaining a liberal education from the public schools he was employed by his father on the farm and at the age of twenty- one began business on his own account. He now makes a specialty of raising sheep and calves, in which he has been very suc cessful. Mr. Olmsted has never been married, preferring a quiet, sin gle life. He has the happy faculty of making friends and is highly esteemed by all who know him. Roth, Florentine D. , son of John W. and Elizabeth (Daniels) Roth, was born at Nazareth, Pa., July 17, 1855. His ancestors were of Ger man and English descent and were among the early settlers of this country. Mr. Roth began his business career in a village store as a clerk and before he attained his majority had charge of a large general store at his native home, where he remained for twelve years. At this date his services were secured by the firm of Bush & Bull at Easton, Pa., where they had a branch store, and after a year he was sent to Watertown by this firm and after another year was admitted to mem bership in the dry goods firm of Bush, Bull, Roth & Co. This was in 1882, and August 2, 1897, he in company with Mr. Santee succeeded that firm under the firm name of Roth & Santee. Mr. Roth has al ways taken an active interest in politics, has been an ardent Democrat, was elected alderman from the Third ward, was mayor of the city and the Democratic nominee for member of assembly in the First District. In 1880 he married Emily V., daughter of Palmer and Mary E. (Lerch) Santee. Dennison, Albert S., was born in Whitestown, Oneida county, N.Y. , March 12, 1845. His education was obtained in the public schools and the Rome (N. Y.) Academy, from which he was graduated in 1862. The following year he enlisted in the 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, Bat tery I, serving his country faithfully in that company until the close of the war. After the war was over he entered the office of Dr. S. F. Tremain as a dental student and after three years' hard study opened an office on his own account and was engaged in practice for a period of twelve years. In 1872 he removed to Watertown and~ engaged in the manufacture of waterproof paper bags (an invention of his own), which was the first successful attempt to use paper for carrying wet 42 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. goods, such as oysters, molasses, pickles, etc., and was the germ of the present paper box that is used for the same purpose; after three years in that business he entered the service of Mr. Herrick in the flour and feed business, where he remained until 1885, and then embarked in his present business, that of manufacturing rubber stamps, stencils, etc. In 1869 he married Mary C. Gridley of Kenosha, Wis. Mr. Dennison is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R. Williams, William G. , is a native of Columbia county, having been born in the city of Hudson, N. Y., in 1829. His father, Nathan Will iams, died when he was a babe, leaving his mother with six children, three sons and three daughters, with little means for support. The brothers and sisters (now all dead except one sister in Brooklyn over eighty years old) were placed in various homes and he and his mother removed to Norwich, Chenango county, where for several years they made their home with an uncle, James Birdsall, a banker in that vil lage. After a few years Mr. Birdsall and family removed to Addison, Steuben county, where he had a store and mills. Mr. Williams here received his early education in the public schools, which was at that time but a small country village. In 1840 he with his mother moved to Homer, Cortland county, to live with a sister, and the next year to Preble, an adjoining town, where for several years he had a home in the family of a Methodist clergyman by the name of North. His new home was a pleasant one; he had all the advantages of school that the village afforded and at the age of sixteen received his first certificate to teach school. This certificate was given by Henry S. Randall, at that time county superintendent of Cortland county, and afterwards as State superintendent of public instruction granted him a State certificate. He taught his first school in an adjoining district; many of his pupils were much older than himself and being rather frail physically, his happy faculty of making friends of his pupils made his discipline as a teacher a success from the start. In 1847 he made a visit to a friend near Troy and was persuaded to take a school which this friend had taught the winter previous, in the town of Brunswick, for the winter. In the spring of 1848 he came to Jefferson county by the persuasion of this same friend and by his assistance engaged to teach his first school in that county, in what was then known as district No. 9 in the town of Watertown. He taught the two following winters in the old stone school house at Watertown Center; during these years he attended the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 43 old Jefferson County Institute, summers, and was graduated in 1851. He then engaged to teach the Brownville public school which he man aged successfully for the next five years, during which time he was twice elected to the office of town superintendent of the schools of that town. In 1855 the assembly district school commissioners (under the new law establishing such an office) were appointed by the Board of Supervisors and Mr. Williams received the appointment for the Third Assembly district of Jefferson county. Before his term expired he was persuaded by the late Lotus Ingals, who at that time was one of the trustees of the Lamon street school of the then village of Watertown, to take charge of it. He taught this school for eight years, and when in 1865 the present graded school system was established he was placed in the Arsenal street school and taught it for four years. He was then elected by the school board to the office of superintendent in 1869, holding that position not quite a year when he received the appointment of postmaster of Watertown, and for over twelve years he conducted the affairs of the office faithfully and to the satisfaction of the public. During this time and afterwards he was a member of the school board most of the time. He has always taken a lively interest in the various enterprises for the industrial success of the" city of Watertown, and had much to do with the organization and success of the Watertown Spring Wagon Co and was for many years one of its directors and chairman of its executive committee. In March, 1843, on the resignation of Superin tendent Seymour, he was again elected to the office of city superinten dent of schools, which position he now holds and it is evident that the changes in the public schools which he has inaugurated are working to the satisfaction of those interested in the cause of education and good citizenship. In 1855 Mr. Williams married Mary E. Guard of Brown ville, who died in 1886, leaving a daughter, Florence E., who is now a teacher in the Watertown High School. In 1888 Mr. Williams married Mary E. Barrows who has long been connected with the Watertown schools. Sloat, Charles W., was born in the village of Great Bend, Jefferson county, N. Y., October 10, 1840. He acquired a liberal education from the public schools of the towns of Pamelia and Watertown, and when the call for volunteers was issued he was among the first to answer and enlisted in Co. H, 94th N. Y. Vols., and served his country faithfully for three years, being discharged in 1864 as first lieutenant. After 44 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the war he returned to Watertown and purchased a planing mill, and after two years formed a copartnership with L. C. Greenleaf under the firm name of Sloat & Greenleaf, and has since been engaged in the lumber and milling business. Mr. Sloat has served on the Boards of Aldermen and Education of the city and as one of the supervisors from the city on the county board. He is a member of Watertown Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the G. A. R. , of which latter organization he is past commander. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ada L. Budlong of Clin ton, N. Y. Miller, Col. James R. , a native of Scotland, came to this country in 1866 and has been a resident of Watertown since 1868. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1869, having been honored by them with the position of worshipful master of Watertown Lodge No. 49, and eminent commander of Watertown Commandery No. 11. He was captain commanding Co. C on its organization as a part of the 35th Battalion, N. G. S. N. Y., afterward commissioned lieutenant- colonel ofthe battalion and acted as captain of the Battalion Rifle Team. In 1885 he returned to the service as captain of the 39th Separate Co., retiring finally in 1888. His success as a clothing merchant has been continuous and he now operates one of the finest retail stores in Northern New York. He is a member of the Merchants' Protecting Association and has served on the executive committee at different times. At present he is a trustee of the Jefferson County Savings Bank and a director of the Watertown National Bank, and has just been elected first president of the Watertown Athletic Association. An energetic and thorough going business man, Colonel Miller has been unusually successful in whatever he has undertaken. McConnell, Joseph A., son of James A. and Jane (Thompson) Mc Connell, was born in Watertown January 14, 1856. He was educated in the Watertown High School and in Hamilton College, graduating from the later in the class of 1878. He commenced the study of law with Charles A. Sherman, continued with Sherman & Purcell, and was admitted to practice in 1881. He soon after commenced practice in his native city, and from 1887 till November, 1889, was associated with F. H. Peck in the practice of law. In 1885 Mr. McConnell was elected recorder for a term of four years and was re-elected to that office in 1889. In 1892 he refused a renomination for the office. In 1867 the charter of the city was changed. The office of recorder and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 45 the offices of the justices of the peace were abolished, and a City Court, having civil and criminal jurisdiction, was established. Mr. McConnell accepted unanimous nomination of the Democratic party, of which he has always been a member, for the office of city judge and was elected by a large majority. Gardner, Giles L. , one of Watertown's progressing and enterprising farmers, is a son of Isaac and Susannah (Grey) Gardner, natives of New England, who settled in Jefferson county at a very early date. Mr. Gardner was born June 5, 1865, in the town of Watertown on the farm adjoining the one he now owns. He obtained a liberal education from the public schools, after which he was employed on the farm. In June, 1887, he married Annetta, daughter of Alfred and Betsey (Spencer) Joy, natives of Canada, and they have three children: Fred I., aged eight years; Mae C, aged five, and Ethel B., aged three years. Smith, Edward W., was born in Little Falls, Herkimer county, N.Y., November 30, 1868. He was educated in the schools of Watertown and was graduated from the High School in 1886; he then entered Hamilton College in the fall of 1886, graduating in 1890, and com menced the study of law in his father's office, where he remained one year and then entered the Buffalo Law School, from which institution he was graduated May 30, 1892, being admitted to the bar at Buffalo in June, 1893. He returned to Watertown and formed a copartnership with his father under the firm name of Smith & Smith. Mr. Smith was city attorney of Watertown in 1895 and 1896, secretary of the Republican County Committee of Jefferson county for the years 1893 and 1894, and chairman of that committee for the years 1895 and 1896, and is a member of Corona Lodge No. 705, I. O. O. F. and of the Lincoln League. January 2, 1894, he married Alice L. Powers, daugh ter of Isaac P. Powers, and they have one son, C. Powers Smith. Tilden, John M., was born in Randolph, Vt., August 8, 1837. In 1857 he came to Watertown, where he was employed by Goodnow, Holden & Co. in peddling tinware on the meager salary of $14 per month and furnished his own horse. He continued in this capacity twelve and a half years and increased his salary during the time to $ 100 per month and was furnished with the entire outfit, consisting of as good a span of horses, weighing 2,800 pounds, as could be found, and 46 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. as good a peddling wagon as could be built; at the end of which time, in recognition of his faithful service and business ability, he was ad mitted as a partner. After the death of Mr. Goodnow, which occurred April 1, 1872, Mr. Tilden purchased a half interest in the business and the firm was then known as Holden & Tilden until the withdrawal of Mr. Holden in 1882, when Mr. Tilden became sole proprietor. In 1894 Mr. Tilden formed a partnership with David M. Anderson, which continued until July 1, 1888, when he again became sole owner of the business. Mr. Tilden's eminent success is due to exemplary habits and strictly business principles which are worthy of emulation. He married Harriet A. Kelsey of the town of Antwerp, in 1861, and they have three daughters: Mrs. H. N. Denny of Watertown, Mrs. John Parker Martin of New York city, and Mrs. W. N. Smith of Schenec tady, N. Y. Huntington, Frederick R. , son of Richard H. Huntington, was born at Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., on the 21st day of February, 1865. He was educated in private schools until his eyes failed him and for two years was unable to study. Later was tutored by Dr. Albert D. Watkins, late regent of the State of New York. He then entered Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams, N. Y., from which institu tion he graduated in 1883. In January, the following year, he accepted a position as helper in Watertown National Bank and was rapidly ad vanced to the position of head bookkeeper, which he held for a period of seven years when he resigned and removed to New York, entering the brokerage office of his uncle as his confidential clerk, remaining in that capacity till 1892. He returned to Watertown, where he has since resided, and for four years held the position as secretary and treasurer of the Watertown Brass Manufacturing Company. Mr. Huntington is a young man, in politics a Republican, a prominent member of the Union Club and is esteemed by all with whom he has business. Massey, George B. — Prominent among Watertown's leading business men is George B. Massey. He was born in that city in January, 1836. His education was obtained from the public schools and Homer Acad emy. At the age of fourteen he entered the employ of T. H. Camp & Co. In 1858 he became the junior member. Soon after the firm name was changed to Camp & Massey. In 1889 Mr. Massey became sole owner and he has since conducted the business under the old firm name. This is one of the oldest established drug houses in Watertown PERSONAL REFERENCES. 47 and Mr. Massey is one of the leading druggists in the city. After the death of T. H. Camp in 1897, who was president of the Jefferson County National Bank for some thirty years, Mr. Massey was elected vice-president of said bank where he had been director for nearly a quarter of a century. Mr. Massey is the local director and second vice- president of the New York Air Brake Company, the largest manufac turing concern in Watertown. Devendorf, Frederick B , was born at Cedarville, Herkimer county, N. Y., February 14, 1846. He was educated in the public schools and the Mexico Academy in Oswego county, graduating from that institu tion in 1S66. He then engaged in teaching for a number of years and in 1875 accepted a position with H. H. Babcock & Co. as a traveling salesman, in whose employ he remained for eight years. In 1885 be established himself in the hardware and plumbing business in which he has since been actively engaged. Mr. Devendorf takes an active in terest in all public affairs and is always ready to assist in any good move for the betterment of the community in which he lives. October 24, 1871, he married Miss Anna C. Bassett of Watertown, Conn., and they have three children: Grace, wife of Stanley E. Hunting; William F., now in the senior year of Cornell University, and Christian A., a student in the Watertown High School. Pierce, Frank D., is the son of De Forest and Mariette Pierce, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. His father's people were from Vermont, and this genealogy shows that some of them were with Stark and the Green Mountain Boys in the war of the Revolution. His grandfather (on his mother's side), Samuel Shelley, took part in the battle of Sacket Harbor. Mr. Pierce's boyhood days were spent in Dexter, N.Y. , and there in early life he was taught the lessons of frugality and perseverance that have been a help to him through life. His age pre vented him enlisting in the army during the Rebellion, but he was full of patriotism and it was with a great many regrets that he was turned away from the recruiting station as too young. In politics Mr. Pierce has always been a Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Grant on his second term. Mr. Pierce was elected several times town clerk of the town of Brownville, and in the years 1882-83 and 1884 was elected supervisor of the town, being the youngest man ever elected from that town for that responsible position, as well as the j^oungest man on the board His family consists of a wife, two sons and three 48 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. daughters. In October, 1893, he was elected president of the Lincoln League, a Republican organization made up largely of the young men of the county. As an indication of Mr. Pierce's popularity, it may be remarked that when he received the nomination for county clerk, it was without a dissenting voice, and he was elected by a majority of about 2,000. He has filled this position with much honor to himself and with universal satisfaction to his constituents. He is a gentleman of even temperament and possesses a genial disposition and a kind ness of heart which have made him one of the most popular and best known residents of Jefferson county. Pratt, W. L., was born in Lowell, Mass., April 6, 1868, only son of Matthew C. and Hannah C. Pratt. In 1885 he graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, and moved, to Ogdensburg, N. Y. , entering the employ of the Shillings, Whitney & Barnes Lumber Co. He returned to Lowell in 1887, remaining till 1889, when he came to Adams and engaged in the lumber business. In 1889 he married Nancy G., daugh ter of Hon. William L. Proctor, of Ogdensburg, and they have three children: Pauline Howard, Proctor and Grace Lowell. Mr. Pratt is one of the conservative business men of his town, taking an intelligent in terest in school and church matters, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Bagg, Samuel F., secretary of the Watertown Steam Engine Works, was born at Utica, N. Y. He graduated in 1869 from Hamilton Col lege, receiving the degree of A. M. He also attended the Hamilton Law School and received the degree of LL. B. and later was admitted to the bar in Oneida county. He engaged in teaching for a few years, after which he bought and edited a newspaper for some time. He then obtained a clerkship in the Oneida County National Bank at Utica, where he remained for about a year and then became secretary of the Utica Steam Engine Company. In 1876 he removed to Watertown to become secretary of the Watertown Steam Engine Works, in which capacity he has since acted. Mr. Bagg has served on the Board of Education and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; and, locally, a director in the Watertown National Bank, the Ontario Paper Company and the Northern New York Marble Com pany. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 49 Purcell, Henry, son of Michael and Susan (Keon) Purcell, was born in Wilna in 1848. He was reared and educated in the county, having the advantages of the Antwerp Academy and the Watertown High School, from the latter of which he graduated in 1871. While attend ing school he taught winters to earn money to defray his educational expenses. He commenced the study of law with John C. McCartin in the spring of 1872, and the following fall was elected school commis sioner of the Second District of the county and served in that capacity three years, continuing his law studies in the mean time. He was ad mitted to the bar in January, 1876, and the following three years was with the law firm of McCartin & Williams as assistant. He then became the law partner of the late Charles A. Sherman, which association continued until the death of Mr. Sherman. In the fall of 1881 he was elected city recorder and served the four succeeding years. He was city at torney during the years 1887 and 1888. He was appointed county judge by Governor Flower in January, 1892, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge John C. McCartin. He was a member of the Board of Education from 1885 to 1897. He is now vice-president of the National Bank and Loan Company of Watertown and a trustee of the Jefferson County Savings Bank. In 1894 he formed a law partner ship with John N. Carlisle, which continued until the 1st of May, 1897, when he associated himself with the late Senator Mullin and George H. Walker, the surviving members of the firm of Mullin, Griffin & Walker, who were the attorneys for the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad Company. This firm continued until the death of Senator Mullin, Sep tember 1, 1897, and a short time afterward the present firm of Purcell, Walker & Burns was formed, which still has charge of the business of the Central Railroad in Jefferson, Oswego and Lewis counties, in ad dition to a large general law practice. Farwell, Frederick R., son of Eli and Margaret A. (Brayton) Farwell, was born in the house where he now resides at No. 3 Clinton street, Watertown, N. Y., August 30, 1834. He was educated in the public schools and Jefferson County Institute. After completing his school ing he entered his father's mill, became a member of the firm of Eli Farwell & Co., proprietors of the "Union Mills" and September 15, 1863, that firm was succeeded by Messrs. Farwell & Son. Upon the death of his father in 1866, Frederick R. succeeded to the business and conducted the same for a short time alone, when he sold out and en- 50 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gaged in contracting, building, etc. (principally public work), for a period of about eleven years. In 1878 he embarked again in the mill ing business in company with Mr. F. P. Rhines, under the style of Farwell & Rhines, and in 1895 the company was incorporated under the same name. Their chief specialties are "Gluten Flour," "Special Diabetic Food" and "Barley Crystals." They have all the latest im proved machinery, nineteen pairs of rolls, the capacity of which are about 200 barrels per day. Mr. Farwell has had many years' experience in milling and gives his personal attention to the affairs of the company. He is a trustee of the Jefferson County Savings Bank, and was for five years a member of the Board of Education. Eastman, Orlando C, was born in Rodman, January 10, 1854. He was educated in the schools of his native county and had the advantages of the Watertown High School and Adams Collegiate Institute. He engaged in teaching and in 1884 entered the office of Dr. J. R. Stur tevant of Theresa. One year later he came to Watertown and studied with Dr. C. N. Johnson, with whom he continued until Dr. Johnson's removal to California, when he continued his studies under Dr. A. B. Stevens, who succeeded Dr. Johnson. Dr. Eastman was graduated from the University Medical College of New York city in March, 1888. and commenced practice in Watertown in the same year, and where be is now located. He joined the County Medical Society July 10, 1888, and acted as county physician for the years 1889-90-91-92. He was elected vice-president of the Jefferson County Medical Society for the year 1896, and was elected and served as its president for the year 1897. Dr. Eastman was married August 13, 1879, to Mary E. Taylor of Brown ville, N. Y., and his family consists of his wife and two daughters : Mollie E., born July 15, 1882, and Amitta P., born January 13, 1891. Brown, George N. — One of the foremost and best known insurance men of Watertown is Mr. George N. Brown. He was born in that city May 2, 1862, and after finishing his college education in Chicago he accepted a position in that city with the Chicago Wire and Iron Works, holding same for one year; he then returned to Watertown and has since made that his home. He has held the position as bookkeeper for some of the largest manufacturing concerns in Watertown ; among them are the Remington Paper Co., the Watertown Spring Wagon and the New York Air Brake Co. In 1896 he embarked in business for him self, representing some of the strongest insurance and loan associations PERSONAL REFERENCES. 51 in the country ; the Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York, the Roch ester Saving and Loan Association, and the U. S. Casualty Co. Mr. Brown was married May 23, 18S8, to Sadie J. Phillips, daughter of Augustus J. Phillips of Watertown, N. Y. Mr. Brown is a prominent member of most all the lodges and social clubs in his city, and is a pub lic spirited citizen, full of devotion to the interests of the city in which he is so well known and which esteems him so highly. Mr. Brown is emphatically "a man to swear by." Muldoon, James E., son of James and Mary (Grear) Muldoon, who came to Watertown, N. Y., from Ireland in 1848, was born in that city February 16, 1870, and is a graduate of Watertown High School, class of 1S87. His first employment after school was with James R. Smith, who was engaged in the upholstering business, and after two years he entered the service of Messrs. Ernes & Nearoth, in whose employ he remained for five years. At this date he began business on his own account in company with his brother John C. and George Burdick, under the style of the Spring Bed and Mattress Company, which con tinued for a short time when it was succeeded by the present firm of Muldoon Bros. They do a wholesale business only, and give employ ment to from five to eight workmen. Mr. Muldoon is a practical work man and is an honored and respected citizen. Isham, Franklin R., is a farmer in Jefferson county. He was born in the town of Watertown, N. Y., August 14, 1846, and was educated in the common schools and the Watertown Academy and Institute. After finishing his schooling he worked on his father's farm until November 29, 1867, when he was married to Emma D., daughter of George and Elzina (Pierce) Thayer, and then removed to Lewis county, N. Y., where he engaged in farming. In 1888 he removed to his present farm, which is about three miles south of the city of Watertown. He is a son of Heniy and Louisa B. (Burt) Isham. His father was born in Massachusetts in 1802 and settled in Jefferson county in 1835. Dick, Andrew James, M. D., was born in the town of Lyme, Jeffer son county, N.Y., March 25, 1864. His father, of Scotch descent and birth, is a retired blacksmith and now a resident of Canada; his mother, Johanna McCarthy, died in June, 1889. Dr. Dick was reared in the town of Lyme, educated at Three-mile Bay graded school, passing the State Regents' examination. He as a boy aspired to become a physi- 52 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. cian, and by diligence at the forge and persistent study he fitted him self to enter the College of Physicians and Surgeons (Baltimore, Md.) in 1891 and was graduated therefrom April 19, 1893. He then spent two years with the Drs. Spencer and in the fall of 1894 went as house surgeon in the Fitch Hospital, Buffalo, graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1895. He returned to Watertown in June, where he re sumed his practice. In the fall of 1895, he was elected coroner of, Jefferson county on the Republican ticket. In the fall of 1897 he was re-elected coroner for a full term of three years. He has also served as town clerk of the town of Lyme. Dr. Dick is a member of Chau mont Lodge No. 172, F. & A. M., of the I. O. R. M., a Forester and K. O. T. M. In 1886 he married Jessie M. Hayes of Lyme, and they have three children: Bertha, Leon and Harold. Dr. Dick was made a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society in the spring of 1897. Stiles, Edmund S., treasurer and general manager of the Stiles & Fladd Press Company, of Watertown, a firm that was established and incorporated in November, 1895, and is one of the largest of the kind in Northern New York devoted exclusively to the manufacture of presses, dies, drop hammers and special machinery. Mr. Stiles was born in Meriden, Conn.,- March 12, 1867, and educated in private schools, the Middleton High School and preparatory college at Wilbra- ham, Mass. His first business experience was with his father, who was engaged in the manufacturing business at Middletown, Conn., he be coming secretary and superintendent of the works in 1885. In 1891 he removed to Brooklyn to accept a position with the E. W. Bliss Com pany, where he remained until 1895, and then came to Watertown to to take charge of the affairs of the Stiles & Fladd Press Company, which was organized at that time and where he has since resided. November 23, 1893, he married Monterey W. Randall of Eastern Shore, Md., and they have two children, Norman C, three years of age, and Sarah M., one year old. Socially Mr. Stiles enjoys the good will of a large circle and the warmest friendship of those who know him intimately and are familiar with those high qualities of mind and heart which are so seldom called into exercise in the ordinary transactions of business life. Hooker, George S., a native of Jefferson county, was born in 1848 at Sacket Harbor, his ancestors on both sides being among the first settlers of that village. He commenced the study of law with Starbuck & PERSONAL REFERENCES. 53 Sawyer and was admitted to practice in 1877, which he still continues in and has served as city attorney for three years. He has also served three terms as member of the Board of Education and is now president of the board. Gotham, John H., was born in Watertown, August 3, 1840. He spent his boyhood in the public schools and on his father's farm. He is a son of Jennery and Carolina (Hutchinson) Gotham, who were natives of this State. His ancestors were of English descent and set tled in this country in the early part of the nineteenth century. Feb ruary 2, 1869, Mr. Gotham married Syntha Kelsey and they had two children. Mrs. Gotham died September 7, 1887, and March 19, 1889, he married Mary, daughter of James and Isabella (Byers) Henderson. Mr Gotham is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encamp ment, of which he has been treasurer for the last seventeen years. He attributes his success to his own patient, methodical habits, punctu ality, thrift and unceasing attention to business at all times. Kenyon, Walter B., was born in the town of Ira, Cayuga county, June 17, 1852. His father, James Henry Kenyon, was a native of Jefferson county, where his parents moved in the early days. James Henry married Mary, daughter of Hodge Wendell, and through life was identified as a farmer; he died in 1863 from the effects of being bitten by a mad dog. Walter B. Kenyon was educated in the common schools, and in 1874 married Caroline, daughter of Daniel Fawdry, and they have one son and one daughter: David D. and Grace. Mr. Ken yon is one of the self-made men of Jefferson county, a practical and successful farmer, taking an active interest in school and church mat ters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Ives, Frank, was born in Colburn, Ontario, September 26, 1861. His parents, Henry and Mary (Shultz) Ives, came to the United States in 1863, settling in the town of Henderson. He was a jeweler by trade, and died in 1866. Frank Ives received a common school education. At the age of thirteen he started in life's battle as a farm hand and two years later he entered the general store of C. H. Sprague, in Hender son village, as clerk, and held this position for ten years, when he re signed to accept a position in a large establishment in Chicago. After a year's service here, he returned to Henderson and entered into the mercantile business with his former employer, under the firm name of 54 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. C. H. Sprague & Co. In June, 1890, Mr. Ives removed to Smithville, where he opened a general store, and has enjoyed a prosperous and steadily increasing business. October 10, 1886, he married Ella L., daughter of Lorenzo and Amy Potter, and unto them has been born one child, Edna M. Mr. Ives has served six years as justice of the peace, is public spirited, being interested in all matters which deserve the consideration of a cultured man. From childhood's early days up to the present time, Mr. Ives has fought his own battles, and owes his present prosperity and standing to honesty, fidelity and hard work. Fuller, Hon. Harrison, was born on the homestead in 1845, where his father, William Fuller, and his grandfather settled in 1830. Will iam Fuller married a sister of Henry Keep and through life was iden tified as one of the practical and successful farmers of Jefferson county; conservative and of untiring industry, he accumulated a competency and was recognized as a man of sterling integrity, receiving and merit ing- the respect of all who knew him. Hon. Harrison Fuller was ed ucated in the public schools and at the Union Academy of Belleville. In 1865 he married Ella Snell, and they have one daughter, Nannie. Mr. Fuller is one of the largest of the farmers and land owners in Jef ferson county, cultivating at the present time 1,650 acres of land. He takes an active interest in the progress and development of his town, is vice-president of the Farmers' National Bank of Adams and director of the Watertown National Bank ; he was elected to the Assembly in 1892, 1893 and 1894, his re-election then being his fourth term in the Assembly, and in which he served as chairman of the committee on banks and member of the committee of ways and means and on trade and manufactures, and it can well be said that he gave his best efforts to benefit his fellowmen. Gardner, George W., was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, May 31, 1831. His father, George Gardner, married Almira Hunt, daughter of William Hunt, and through life was a carpenter and joiner. G. W. Gardner was educated in the common schools and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1851 he came to the town of Adams, and in 1856 married Delia, daughter of Charles Potter, and they have one daugh ter, Mrs. Eliza Kenyon, now of Westerly, R. I. Mr. Gardner is one of the conservative men of his town, a practical and successful farmer, serving as deacon of the Seventh Day Baptist church for twenty-five years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 55 Maxon, Thomas V., was born in Petersburg, Rensselaer county, March 16, 1823. His father, Joseph S. Maxon, was also a native of Rensselaer county, where his father, Asa Maxon, was among the pio neer settlers. He was born in 1750 in Rhode Island and wounded in the battle of Bennington in the Revolutionary war, and came to the town of Adams in 1835. Joseph S. Maxon married Elizabeth, daugh ter of Thomas Vars, and through life followed farming; he died in 1836. Thomas V. Maxon was educated in the common schools and followed farming; he formed a partnership with J. M. Cleveland and the}- bought a few bushels of seed peas and beans and started an in dustry that reached into the thousands of dollars. In 1849 he married Alma A., daughter of Benjamin A. Hull; she died in 1869, leaving two daughters, Maria E. and Helen H., and Mr. Maxon afterwards married Carrie, daughter of Jonathan Benham, and she died in 1894. Air. Maxon was one of the progressive farmers of his town, making a specialty of small fruits and breeding Jersey cattle and horses. He was conservative in character, of sterling integrity and ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. He died October 31 1887. The first Maxon of which we have record was a land owner in Portsmouth, R. I., in 1634. T. V. Maxon was the eighth generation from him. Elizabeth (Vars) Maxon was the sixth generation from John De Vars, who came to Rhode Island from France in 1650. John De Vars's ancestors were of the French nobility and can be traced back for seven hundred years in France. Taylor, William H. H., was born in Ellisburg, March 22, 1840, a son of Grove G. Taylor, who came from Ellisburg in 1820 from Con necticut and took up a section of land (of the Pierrepont purchase) and cleared himself a farm. Grove G. married Almira A., daughter of Jeremiah Risley. He was a farmer and a strong energetic man whose life has left its mark on his county, one of the pioneers who with only axes and their hands achieved success and independence. He died in 1847. William H. H. was educated at Belleville Union Academy and taught school for twenty years, teaching five years at Adams Collegiate Institute and two years at Hamilton Female Seminary, and various other schools, studying law at the same time, and was admitted to the bar in 1876, and is practicing in Adams at the present time. In 1868 he married Sarah M., daughter of Edward Remington, and they have one daughter, Musette R. Taylor. Mr. Taylor is one of the self-made 56 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. men of his county, serving as assessor and justice of the peace and was elected police justice in 1897. He has ever advanced the best in terests of his town and its people, taking an active interest in the Adams Collegiate Institute, of which he has served as trustee for twenty years. Maxon, Edgar C, was born in the town of Adams, July 26, 1857, a son of P. S. Maxon, also a native of Adams, born April 3, 1831, and his parents, Jesse and Betsey (Brown) Maxon, came to Jefferson county in 1829 and bought a farm near Adams Center, Jesse Maxon being one of the founders of the Seventh Day Baptist church. P. S. Maxon was a carpenter and farmer and manufacturer of cheese. He married Amy L. Gould, and served his town as assessor for eighteen years, and supervisor in 1896 and 1897. Edgar C. Maxon was educat ed in the common schools and in 1876 came to Adams Center and en gaged in mercantile pursuits; in 1891 he engaged in the milling busi ness, flour, feed and coal. In 1878 he married Vinalla White, and they have two sons, Harry P. and Frank S. Mr. Maxon is one of the con servative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, who has received and merited the respect of his associates. Osburn, W. H., was born in Cape Vincent, August 16, 1864, a son of Orlando F. Osburn (born in the town of Clayton), who was a farmer. Orlando F. married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Fair, who was a manufacturer of potash. W. H. Osburn was educated in the common schools and then learned the miller's trade. In 1891 he bought the Evans Mills, selling out his interest in 1895, when he came to Adams and purchased the Adams Mills ; in 1896 he purchased the Woodville Mills and makes a specialty of custom trade, feed and handling of grain. In 1888 he married Mary C, daughter of M. E. Casler. Mrs. Osburn died October 31, 1895, leaving three sons, Leon C, Gaylord F. and Kent M; the latter died November 13, 1897, aged two years and one month. Mr. Osburn has served as trustee of the town and takes an active interest in educational and religious enterprises, having ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Hungerford, James M., was born in the town of Henderson, Decem ber 19, 1834. His father, Philo Hungerford, came to Jefferson county with his parents, Amasa and Lucy (Morgan) Hungerford, in 1810, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 57 settling near Henderson, at what is known as Hungerford's Corners. Philo Hungerford married Caroline, daughter of Roswell Davis; he was a farmer and served as justice of the peace and postmaster at Rural Hill. He died in 1881 in his seventy-eighth year. James M. was educated in Belleville, and for three years was engaged in mercan tile business in Henderson ; he served ten years as purser for the Union Steamboat Company, and in 1875 came to Adams and engaged in the dry goods business, the firm being Arms & Hungerford, which con tinued up to 1893, when Mr. Hungerford retired from active business. In 1872 he married Mary, daughter of John Ranney. Mr. Hungerford is one of the conservative men of his town, taking a very active interest in educational matters and a liberal supporter of the Adams Collegiate Institute, of which he has served as trustee for twelve years or more, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Wright, Orlando, was born in Adams, July 1, 1835. His father, Ly man Wright, was also born in the town of Adams, and his parents, Elijah and Betsey Wright, came to Jefferson county in 1805, with three brothers, David, Stephen and Elijah. Lyman Wright married Olive, daughter of Olive Emmons, and was the first manufacturer of fanning mills in Jefferson county. He was prominent in political events, school and church interests and a great advocate of temperance principles; he died in 1880. Orlando Wright was educated in Adams and in 1863 enlisted in Co. F, 1st N. Y. Veteran Cavalry, taking part in Sheridan's ride to Winchester, battles of Piedmont and Cedar Creek ; he served until the close of the war and then retired and located in Mannsville. In 1871 he married Ella, daughter of D. B, Lockwood, and in 1867 came to Adams where he now resides. Mr. Wright is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as collector of the town and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose life has proven his word as good as his bond. Nickelson, W. Herbert, was born in Lowville, May 18, 1858. His father, Charles Nickelson, was also a native of the same town, where his parents were among the pioneer settlers. Charles Nickelson mar ried Martha, daughter of Samuel Smith, of Gouverneur, N. Y., and through life has been identified in agricultural and insurance business. William Herbert was educated in Canton Union School and was gradu- 58 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ated from the St. Lawrence University in 1879, with the degree of A. B. ; and was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chi cago in 1881 with the degree of M. D., and afterwards received an honorary degree of M. A. from the St. Lawrence University, begin ning his practice in Adams. In 1884 he married Lizzie B. , daughter of Cyrus K. and Susan (Phillips) Stone, and they have one daughter, Mary E. Dr. Nickelson is a trustee of the First Presbyterian church of Adams, of the Union School and Adams Collegiate Institute, a mem ber of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, the New York State Medical Society, Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society and president of the Medical Chirurgical Society of Central New York, and a visiting physician in the Homoeopathic Hospital of Syracuse, N. Y. He is also a Mason, being a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M., and a member of Adams Chapter No. 205. Manville, Dr. George P., was born in Smithville, December 3, 1863, a son of M. D. Manville (born July 4, 1833). Dr. M. D. Manville was educated in the common schools and engaged in the study of dentistry. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. I, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, serving until 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. In 1867 he settled in Adams and has followed his profession of dentistry up to the present time. In 1852 he married Elizabeth, daughter of J. L. Hall; she died in 1864, leaving one son, George P. ; Dr. Manville after her death mar ried Sarah M., daughter of Russell M. Jones. Dr. Manville has served as trust.ee of the village eight years and was elected president in 1897. Dr. George P. Manville was educated in Adams select schools and at Adams Collegiate Institute, and graduated from the New York College of Dentistry in 1886, beginning practice in Camden. In 1889 he came to Adams and is now associated with his father. In 1886 he married Ella M., daughter of James H. Huffstater, and they have two children Harry H. and Marion E. Dr. George P. Manville is one ofthe con servative men of the town, was elected trustee in 1896, and takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions. Collins, Charles D., was born in Watertown, March 27, 1851. His father, Wesley Collins, was born in Jefferson county, his father being among the pioneer settlers of Watertown, afterwards moving to the western frontier and was supposed to have been killed there by the In- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 59 dians. Wesley Collins married Charlotte, daughter of Elisha and Ruth Crandall Fuller, and through life was identified as a farmer in the town of Henderson; he died in 1881. Charles D. Collins was educated in the common schools and in 1881 married Adelaide, daughter of William T. and Esther Gardner Walker, and they have two daughters, Florence and Glorian. Mr. Collins is one of the practical and successful farmers of his town, making a specialty of breeding cattle and hogs. He takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Coolej', Hon. A. E. , was born in the town of Ellisburg, September 23, 1837. He is a descendant of one of a colony of Huguenots who fled from France and settled at Landstone in the south of England early in the seventeenth century, where many of the family still live. They seem anciently to have been rather a "bad lot," but cut no great figure in any way, though it appears that one Hugh Cooley (Colet) was rather a conspicuous rascal and was in a fair way to become notorious, if not noted, when his career as well as his head with that of his son John was cut off at the same time; and soon after several members of the family were invited by the authorities to emigrate, which they will ingly did, and some of them came to the colony of Massachusetts, and settled with the immortal twenty nine "crested " Mayflowers. The coat of arms of these Cooleys has not yet been discovered, but was probably " Vert ground, 2 Plow bandies Rampant, Hoe couchant D'argent, Spelling Book Dormant erased." Later many of the family removed to the foot of Lake Champlain and near Windham, Vermont. They appear to have been fighters, for at least five of them, four pa triots and one tory, were killed in the Revolutionary war. In 1804 eight brothers and two sisters came into Jefferson county from Wind ham, and some of them, including John, the grandfather of A. E., who had married one Clare Taintor, settled in Rodman and were the ancestors of the Cooley family now there. John Cooley, jr., married Fanny, an adopted daughter of the late Eben Brown of Lorraine; she was a descendant of one Pierre St. Clair, who came to Massachusetts with the Cooleys and had a hard time of it, being a Papist. John, jr., followed various pursuits, chiefly mechanical, and was noted for his consistent failure in every business undertaking. A. E. Cooley went through the common academic and a partial collegiate course of education, studied 60 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. law with the late Judge Conklin and Austin Abbott, took his degree at the National Law School, standing second in his class of nearly one hundred, and was admitted to the bar at Poughkeepsie in 1861. He enlisted in the same year in Co. K, 94th N. Y. Vols., and remained in service until the consolidation of his regiment, when he was mustered out with the supernumerary officers with the rank of captain. Since then he has been engaged in the practice of law, and in addition he was for many years extensively engaged in lumbering and shipping at the west, in which he made by good luck quite a fortune, which he speedily lost in speculation. He is at present also largely interested in farming. He served six years as school commissioner and twelve years as special county judge. In 1873 he married Frances M., daughter of the late Dr. James Whitley. 'They have three children living: Fanny, May and Martha. In politics he has always been actively Republican, and though a lawyer has never been plaintiff or defendant in an action on his own account. Webster, F. L., was born in Northfield, February 10, 1856, a son of Lyman Webster, one of the pioneer families of Vermont. F. L. Web ster was educated at Barre, Vt. , and in 1878 established the mince meat trade of which he was the pioneer; he also introduced the canning of dandelions and spinach, adopted by the United States government. In 1881 he came to Adams and established a canning factory, making a specialty of dandelions, spinach and cabbage, having a yearly output of 100,000 cans. In 1878 he married Harriet Townsend, who died in 1881, and he married Fannie C. Hopkins. Mr. Webster is one of the conservative men of Jefferson county, energetic and enterprising, is trustee of the village, supports both educational and religious institu tions and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Greene, A. J., was born in the town of Adams, December 15, 1832. His father, Joseph Greene, was a native of Berlin, Rensselaer county, and went from there to Brookfield, where he married Clarissa, daugh ter of Oliver White. In 1817 they moved to Jefferson county and settled at Greene's Settlement, where he was identified as a farmer He was one of the founders of the Seventh Day Baptist church and died in 1864. A. J. Greene was educated at Adams Seminary, and carried PERSONAL REFERENCES. 61 on farming until 1861, when he engaged in the hotel business and in 1866 engaged in the mercantile business, continuing up to 1891, then gave his attention to farming and dealing in horses and stock. In 1855 he married Mary L., daughter of Joseph Hull; she died in 1889, and he then married Terressa V. Greene, and they have two children, Benjamin M. and Janie B. Mr. Greene traces his descent from John Greene, who landed on the Rhode Island coast about 1639. Joseph Greene and Oliver White, grandfathers of Mr. Greene, both served in the Revolutionary war, and his father served in the war of 1812 at Sacket Harbor. Green, O. De Grasse, was born in the town of Adams, June 19, 1831. His father, Thomas H. Green, was also born in the town of Adams, where his parents, Charles and Amy (Sheldon) Green, settled in 1805, and were prominently identified in the early history of the town. Charles Green was a man of sterling integrity and of him it can well be said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." He was one of the organizers and founders of the Seventh Day Baptist church of Adams Center, and died in 1878. Thomas H. Green married Ann M., daughter of John Sweet, and early in life was a builder, afterwards studying law and practiced in New York and Illinois; he died in 1876. O. De Grasse Green was educated in the select schools and Rodman Seminary; having a decided talent for mathematics he learned to be a surveyor, and in 1868 established his factory of sash, doors and blinds, with his son, and they are well known builders and contractors. In 1855 he married Melissa, daughter of Paul Green, and they have three children, O. De Grasse, jr., Anna and Hannah. Mr. Green served as highway commissioner and was elected supervisor for eight terms, elected county clerk in 1885 and re-elected in 1888. Grimshaw, George B., was born in the town of Lorraine, December 17, 1868. His father, Henry M. Grimshaw, was a native of Steuben county, and came to Jefferson county with his parents, Joseph and Mary Grimshaw, in an early day. Henry L. married Mary L., daugh ter of Leonard Bullock, and through life was identified as a farmer. George B. was educated in Belleville and Adams and engaged in the mercantile business in 1892, being a member of the firm of Grimshaw & Moore at East Rodman. March 26, 1895, he came to Adams Cen- 62 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ter and at the present time is carrying the leading stock of that town, dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, paints, oils, hats and caps and notions. Mr. Grimshaw is one of the conservative men of the town, a self-made man of sterling integrity, has ever advanced and support ed any enterprise intended to benefit his town and its people. On July 21, 1897, he married Fannie E. Lord, the only daughter of Alfred and Emma (White) Lord of Adams Center; she was born in Water- town, October 25, 1873. Dixon, William, was born in Lincolnshire, England, October 31, 1823, and came in 1832, with his parents, Edward and Sarah Dixon, to America, settling in Ellisburgh, and in 1847 came to Adams, where Ed ward was identified as a farmer and died in 1851. William Dixon was educated in the common schools and carried on farming until 1843, when he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. In 1860 he began the manufacture of shot guns and rifles, and in 1893, established his machine shop. Mr. Dixon is a self-made man, of conservative char acter and of sterling integrity, whose life has proved his word as good as his bond. Walrath, Walter H., the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Orleans, June 9, 1845, a son of Alonzo Walrath and Kate M. (Wal ter) Walrath. His grandfather, Martin Walter, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was at the battle of Sacket Harbor, having marched from the Mohawk and saw the British retreat at that battle. His grandmother, Polly Walter, survived to the good old age of ninety-six years. His father, Alonzo Walrath, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, a member of Co. E, 186th Regt., and was honorably dis charged at the close of the war. Mr. Walrath at the age of sixteen years began teaching and followed that occupation till his twenty- third year. In 1868 he married Marion E. Henry of Depauville, N. Y. Two children were born to them: Ethel B., wife of C. A. Snell, and Charlie A., who died in 1888. Mr. Walrath followed farming in the towns of Lyme and Clayton, being a noted breeder of Jersey cattle, till 1888, when he went into the mercantile business at Lafargeville, N. Y., which he has successfully conducted to the present time. Mrs. Wal rath, in connection with her husband's business, has a millinery de partment which attracts an extensive trade in Lafargeville and vicinity. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 63 At the first organization of the Grange in Jefferson county, Mr. Wal rath identified himself with the order and was master of Three Mile Bay and also of St. Lawrence Grange for several years. He was also director of the Jefferson County P. F. R. Insurance Company for six teen years and helped to place that institution on a firm basis. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for twenty-two years and has been a member of the official board of the church nearly all of the time. Politically Mr. Walrath was a Republican prior to Grant's second term, since which time he has worked with the Democrats and the Prohi bitionists. For several years he has been the efficient secretary of La fargeville Lodge No. 171, F. & A. M., and is a consistent believer in the principles of the order. He is an esteemed citizen and enjoys a large circle of acquaintances in the county and State. Eddy, Widmer E., son of Jason and Maggie (Snyder) Eddy, was born at Lafargeville in 1871, educated in the public schools and took up the study of telegraphy. His first appointment was with the R., W. & O. R. R. ,at Redwood, in 1892, where he remained nine months as operator under Station Agent G. Allen MacDonald. He was trans ferred to Philadelphia, where he served as night operator and clerk and finally was appointed ticket agent. After serving the company in these various capacities Mr. Eddy was transferred to his present posi tion, which he has held for four years. He is known as one of the affable, courteous station masters connected with this important sys tem of the great New York Central's network of railroads throughout the country. He is one of the youngest agents and has won advance ment by strict attention to business and constant and indefatigable efforts to please the people along his line. Mr. Eddy has always affiliated with the Republican party and is at the present time member of the Town Committee; is vice-chief ranger of Court Penet No. 1,182, I. O. O. Foresters. Dewey, Edgar A., was born on a farm in the town of Orleans, in 1843, a son of Hiram and Sylvia (Marble) Dewey. He was educated in the public schools and remained on the farm. In 1865 he married Martha Angsburg of Clayton, and they had three children: Winnie, wife ofsE. S. Turner, Raymond A., aged twenty, in business in Water- town, and Harry E., at home. Mr. Dewey remained on the farm 64 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. twenty years after his marriage, when he engaged in the hay, grain and produce business at Lafargeville for four years, the balance of the time has been actively engaged in the fire insurance business, repre senting the Agricultural of Watertown and the Hartford of Hartford, Conn. He is a member of Lafargeville Lodge No. 171. F. & A. M. Mr. Dewey's family genealogy goes back further without doubt than any other in the county, reaching to Thomas Dewey, who came from Sand wich, Kent county, England, and settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1630, and in 1633 removed to Windsor, Conn., where he married Frances Clark in 1638. Our space forbids the full publication of this most interesting family history which can be seen in its entirety at Mr. Dewey's resi dence in Lafargeville. Mr. Dewey has spent years of time in this interesting work. Comstock, William M., was born in Evans Mills, in 1840, a son of Dr. William G. and Jane (Munson) Comstock, both deceased. Dr. Comstock is remembered by those still living, , as both physician and merchant, he carrying on for a number of years a general merchandise and drug and grocery business with Dr. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Comstock. which continued until about 1845, Dr. Com stock continuing the business until his death in 1851. In 1853 John M., a brother of William, succeeded to the business and William M. became associated with him in the latter part of 1856 and continued uninterruptedly till August, 1862. In that year he married Maria L. Eddy, daughter of Horatio N. Eddy, of Evans Mills, and in the same year enlisted in Co. C, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, as a private, was commissioned lieutenant six weeks later and accompanied the regi ment to the seat of war. In the early winter of 1863 he was prostrated with typhoid fever and after a long illness in the hospital was dis charged for disability and returned home and resumed business rela tions with his brother, John M., till 1866, when they discontinued the Evans Mills store and opened a general merchandise establishment on Court street in Watertown, which they conducted with success, relin quishing in 1872 owing to the fact of his brother having been appointed to a lucrative position in the pension department at Washington, D. C, where he was chief of the western division at the time of his death in 1884. Mr. Comstock's business ventures did not end with the closing out of the Watertown enterprise. He immediately formed a copart- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 65 nersbip with Caleb Slocum in the general merchandise business and the manufacture of woolens at Slocumville and continued for two years, then sold out and again returned to Evans Mills, engaging in the hard ware business for a number of years, until his store was destroyed by fire and he decided to retire from active business. His only sister, Mrs. Emma Simons, widow of Frank Simons, late of the treasury de partment, resides in Washington, D. C. Mr. Comstock has two brothers living in Watertown, N. Y. : Clarence E., manager of the Great Northwestern Telegraph office, and Charles G. , employed by Camp & Massey, druggists. In 1889 Mr. Comstock met a great be reavement in the death of his amiable wife, since which time he has led a retired life, dividing his time about equally between his home in Evans Mills and his cottage at the Islands, the latter place being his preference when in season. Hoyt, Frank Norton, was born at Plessis, January 10, 1867, a son of Horace P. and Mary A. Hoyt. He was educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary at Antwerp. He worked with his father until twenty-one years old and spent one year at Anita, la., in his brother's store (furniture). For two years he was in Seattle, Wash., mostly engaged in business prospecting. He returned to Plessis in 1892 and married Carrie Bauter, October, 1892, and they have two children, Ralph and Fern. Mr. Hoyt established his present business in Lafargeville March 1, 1893. Sayles, Josiah, was born in the town of Theresa in 1845, a son of Ezra and Eva (Putnam) Sayles. After leaving school Mr. Sayles fol lowed farming, and when twenty-four years old married Sophia, daughter of Elexius Teed of St. Lawrence county, and they had ten children: Eliza A., Cbauncy E., Effie A. (deceased), Clarissa E., Ho bart J., Louella M., George E. (deceased), Simon L., Wealthy E. and Jennie B. In connection with his farming Mr. Sayles conducts one of the largest dairies in Orleans, his herd numbering upwards of sixty cows. Politically Mr. Sayles has always been a Republican and has served his party in the office of commissioner of highways. Owing to the limited means of his parents, Mr. Sayles received but little school ing, but by hard work, temperate habits, and earnest perseverance, he has accumulated a good property, having a farm of about 350 acres and a considerable amount of personal property. 66 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mitchell, Isaac, son of Hiram and Anna (Wood) Mitchell, was born June 5, 1835, and died at his home between Stone Mills and Lafarge ville, February 2, 1893. He was educated in the common schools and Lafargeville Academy ; he taught school several winters and attended to his farm summers. In 1863 Mr. Mitchell married Kate L. Bort daughter of Cornelius Bort of Orleans township, and they had four children: Sadie L., wife of Dr. Elmer E. Eddy, Lottie (deceased wife of Frank H. Peck), and Fred B., who married Pauline M. Freer, and Lucien C. Mr. Mitchell was not only a farmer on an extensive scale, but at one time became noted as a cattle breeder. In politics he was a Republican and was elected by his party to the position of town assessor from 1876 to 1878; supervisor six years, two of which he was chairman of the board; he served his district in the Assembly in 1890 and 1891; he also served his party on several occasions as dele gate to various State conventions. He was supervisor of the town of Orleans during the great bonding fight and mainly through his efforts the struggle was brought to a close and something like $50,000 saved to the people of the town of Orleans. Mr. Mitchell was a member of Lafargeville Lodge No 171, F. & A. M. Of sterling characteristics and devoted to his family, he died universally lamented. He was a director of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society several years and at the time of his death he was serving the society as president. Tallman, Edwin J., was born in 1860 on a farm near Orleans Four Corners, a son of Jermain and Mary Tallman; he remained on the farm until he was twenty years old, and was educated in the public schools of Clayton and Watertown. He taught school four years, then engaged in the purchase of hay and grain. In 1891 he married Jennie Adams; they have one son, Leland. In politics he is a Republican and has represented his party as a delegate to county, senatorial, congressional and State conventions, and was the alternate delegate from Jefferson county to the last Republican National Convention held in St. Louis in June, 1896. Delaney, Daniel, was born at Lafargeville in 1856, a son of John De laney. He was educated in the public schools and worked on a farm for four years. He clerked in Beddlecome's store four years, starting in for himself in 1880, and has continued with marked success up to the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 67 present time. In 1883 he married Mary B. Lawlor of Clayton, and they have two children: Evered D. and Pauline. In politics Mr. Delaney has always been a Democrat, was elected town clerk in 1884 and served four years; having been each year re-elected. Mr. Delaney is an es teemed citizen, doing a large business and at the present time is forty- one years old. Leonard, Edgar, was born in the town of Lyme, August 15, 1832, his father being Charles Leonard and his mother Rosina Estes. He was educated in the common schools at Three Mile Bay. He worked at wool carding and cloth dressing with his father until 1850, when he went with him to Dexter and continued in the same business. He mar ried Mary A. Huntington, daughter of Joseph Huntington, of Dexter, in 1853, and they had three children: George E., Addie E. and William E. He continued in the wool carding business with his father until 1860, when he went into the lumber business with his father-in-law. He was clerk of the town of Brownville in 1862 and 1863, and was dep uty marshal of the town in 1863 under Provost Marshal Fred Emerson, and assisted in making the drafts. In the fall of 1863 he was appoint ed by James K. Bates (state prison inspector) as keeper in the Auburn prison. He was promoted to the commissary department in the prison the same year, and was in the prison service altogether seven years. He returned to Dexter with his family in 1870, and engaged again in the lumber, sash, door and blind business with Mr. Huntington. He purchased his interest in 1874, and was burned out the same year. He built at once and continued in the business alone till 1882, when his son-in-law, James A. Gilmore, and his two sons came into the business with him, establishing the firm of Leonard, Gilmore & Co. In 1886 they purchased the old Dexter woolen mill property. They sold the plant to Charles Campbell of New York city, who built the present large sulphite pulp and paper plant. Leonard, Gilmore & Co. com menced building on their lots, which was the first commencement of Dexter's boom. They continued as the Leonard & Gilmore Co. up to the spring of 1895, when his son George died and the firm became in corporated with Edgar Leonard president; Lucy A. Leonard (widow of George Leonard), vice-president; James A. Gilmore treasurer, and William E. Leonard secretary, under the corporate name of the Leon ard & Gilmore Co., which is the name of the corporation at this time. 68 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Leonard was appointed once and elected twice to the office of jus tice of the peace. He cast his first presidential vote in 1856 for John C. Fremont. Mr. Leonard came to Dexter a poor boy and is to-day one of the largest owners of real estate. The firm carries on the busi ness of contracting and building, carries a large stock of hardware, manufactures sash, blinds and doors, deals in lumber and is a large manufacturer of wood pulp. Mr. Leonard and family are members of the First Presbyterian church of Dexter, and he is now supervisor of the town. Ford, Wayland F., was born in Lafargeville, Tune 26, 1831, educated at Orleans Academy and Madison University and began the study of law in 1859 in the office of E. R. Keene of Watertown. He was ad mitted to the bar in 1861 and immediately began practice in his native village in April of that 3'ear. In October following he abandoned his chosen profession for the war, enlisting in Co. B, 94th Infantry. Sep tember 16, 1862, he was promoted to second lieutenant for meritorious services and was discharged from the service in March, 1863, by reason of the consolidation of the 94th with the 105th Infantry. May 1, 1863, he re-enlisted in the 20th N. Y. Cavalry and was promoted to first lieu tenant September 4 following and to captain of Co. D one month later. He continued with his company and regiment and was mustered out July 31, 1865, having served three years and nine months in defense of the Union. After the close of the war he again resumed the practice of his profession at Lafargeville and in 1866 married Maria Cline, and they have three children: Edith C, Lewis H. and W. Frederick. Mr. Ford has built up an extensive practice and possesses one of the best selected, as well as extensive libraries in the county. His daughter, Edith C, is a noted elocutionist, being a graduate of the Nobel School of Oratory, Detroit, Mich. , and at present is a teacher of elocution and physical culture in St. Mary's School, Faribault, Minnesota. Witt, Ervin W., M. D., son of Levi L. and Fannie E. Witt, was born in Clayton township on his father's farm, January 1, 1865. There were two sons, Byron J. Witt, the well known contractor and builder of Brownville and Dr. Ervin W. Dr. Witt received his early education in the common schools of the neighborhood and for ten years was en gaged as teacher in various schools of the county. He studied medi- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 69 cine with Dr. H. G. P. Spencer of Watertown and graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1897, coming to Brownville after graduating, where in the short time in which he has been practicing has succeeded in building up a fine practice, indicative of that success which will be his after a few years of hard and consci entious work in his profession. In 1892 Dr. Witt married Jennette E. Grant, daughter of Capt. Philander B. Grant of Watertown. Hansen, Hans Christian Victhor Valdemar. — Among the prominent residents of Lafargeville, may be mentioned Hans Christian Victhor Valdermar Hansen, born in Denmark and came to America in 1884, coming to Lafargeville in that year. In 1890 he married Salome E. Budlong, daughter of Gideon Budlong, one of Lafargeville's most sub stantial and respected citizens. Mrs. Hansen's grandfather, Captain Peter P. Folts, was among the earliest settlers and was a soldier in the American army during 1812, and participated in the defense of the State of New York against the invasion of the British forces at Sacket Harbor sent to devastate this part of the country. Mrs. Hansen is re lated to many of the most prominent and wealthy families in Jefferson county. Mr. Hansen, besides the fine residence he occupies as a home, is also the owner of the Victhor House in Lafargeville, which he erected in 1894. The Victhor House has become known far and wide among commercial men as one of the best hotels in the State. Mr. Hansen is a pleasant gentleman to meet, courteous and obliging and withal one of the substantial citizens of Lafargeville. Potter, Hanly, M. D. — In his book containing a history of the Potter family, Charles Edward Potter goes back in his research to the time of William the Conqueror. We venture the assertion there are few, if any, similar works presenting such an array of names prominent in every department of life from the earliest down to the present time. In our day, and within the memory of most of us, there may be men tioned the Rev. Dr. Henry C. Potter, D.D., LL.D., Protestant Episco pal bishop of New York, and his brother, Rev. Dr. Potter, late presi dent of Hobart (now Union) College of Schenectady. Within the domain of medicine and surgery may be mentioned the late Dr. Haz- zard Potter of Geneva, who became famous in both this and European countries for his matchless skill in surgery. Among the representa- 70 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. fives of this family now living in Jefferson county is Dr. Hanly Potter of Lafargeville, one of the oldest practitioners in Orleans township. Dr. Potter, who was born in Gananoque, Canada, in 1839, comes from good old medical stock. His father was a physician and surgeon of note in Canada and New York, while his brother William was no less distinguished in the profession. Dr. Potter, after finishing the study of medicine, began practice at Lamott, Iowa, and continued at that place until 1869, when he removed to Clayton. In 1870 he removed to Lafargeville, where he enjoys an extensive practice. In 1861 he mar ried Sarah Miller of Consecon, Canada, and four children have been born to them: Gussie, Dr. George A. of Cape Vincent, N.Y. , Will and Ethel. When not attending to bis professional duties Dr. Potter can always be found at his pretty home on Main street, a place where he enjoys the pleasures of the domestic side. of life when freed from that of the professional. Dr. Potter is a Mason and member of Lafarge ville Lodge No. 171. Snell, Clinton A., son of Amos and Mary (Turner) Snell, was born November 16, 1869, in the village of Lafargeville, in the house where he now resides. He was educated in the village school, and in 1890 married Ethel B. Walrath, daughter of W. H. Walrath, a prominent merchant of Lafargeville. Mr. Snell's family history shows that his great-grandfather, Adolphus Pickard, was an American soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was shot by an Indian near Springfield, Her kimer county ; a friend of the wounded soldier, whose name has not been handed down, avenged his injury by promptly shooting the red skin. Mr. Snell's grandfather, George Snell, was the first person to obtain a deed from the Frenchman, La Farge, who owned all the land in this vicinity at that time. Besides his extensive farming and dairy interests Mr. Snell 'is a breeder of fine Jersey cattle, and among his herd may be found some of the best bred Jerseys in the State. He is an active and efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the official members. Politically Mr. Snell is a staunch Pro hibitionist, and floated one of the first Prohibition flags in the town. He has a large circle of friends and is known as an honest citizen, and respected by all. Jerome, Fred J., son of Melvin J. and Lorette Jerome, was born in PERSONAL REFERENCES. 71 Lafargeville in 1873, educated in the public schools and Adams Col legiate Institute. After leaving school Mr. Jerome settled on a farm of his own on the main road four miles south of Lafargeville, where he has since resided. He is a thorough practical man, and excellent farm er. His father holds at the present time the position of collector of the port of the Thousand Islands, while his brother, Manford J. Jerome, is a druggist in Lafargeville. In politics Mr. Jerome is a Democrat. He is highly respected, successful and a useful citizen. Strough, Byron J., son of Samuel W. and Emeline (Tallman) Strough, was born on his father's farm in the town of Theresa, February 6, 1844. His early education was received in the schools of the neighborhood and at Theresa Academy, and he obtained a State certificate in 1866. After graduating he taught school until the commencement of his busi ness career with his brother Lucien S., in 1872, at which time a co partnership was formed and the brothers bought the drug and grocery business then carried on by Clark B. Bushnell in the Bushnell Block. Here they continued in trade with gratifying success until the inaug uration of their present business, buying and shipping hay and grain, and doing the largest amount of business in that line of any firm in Jefferson county. On June 12, 1867, Mr. Strough married L. Marie Ford, daughter of Rev. Lewis T. Ford, a clergyman of the Baptist faith and prominent as a preacher thirty-five years ago. Mrs. Strough is a sister of W. F., William G. and Charles H. Ford, the former a prominent attorney of Lafargeville and the latter an enterprising farmer and dairyman. Although the town of Orleans is naturally Republican by what is considered a safe majority (about 100), Mr. Strough has been repeatedly relumed at each election since 1885 to the office of super visor of the town of Orleans, proving conclusively that his popularity runs in a deeper groove than that merely political. It has been length ened and broadened year by year as his intercourse with the farming community has increased, until the man, not his politics, becomes the central object. Mr. Strough is a thirty-second degree Mason, was W. M. of Lafargeville Lodge No. 171, F. & A. M.^for twenty-one years; district deputy grand master of the 16th Masonic district for six years, and is at present vice-president of the board of trustees . of the Hall and Asylum Fund. 72 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brabant, Joseph H., was born in Clayton N. Y. , January 27, 1856, and started in life as a clerk in bis native village. He was in partner ship with Mr. Hall from 1887 to 1896, when he bought out Mr. Hall and now conducts the business alone. Mr. Brabant is a member of the Foresters, Maccabees and C. B. L., and has been trustee and treasurer of the Catholic church for the past three years. He. was town clerk three years, treasurer of the village four years and president one term. He married Josephine Charron, and they have seven children: Amos, John, George, Helen, Eva, Gertrude and Florence. Mr. Brabant con ducts the leading drug and grocery business in Clayton. Hart, Volney W., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y. , April 20, 1833, a son of Augustus W. and Johana (Horr) Hart. His ancestors were of German descent and came to this country at an early date. Mr. Hart's education was obtained in the public schools of his native town, after which he spent two years in the West, being variously em ployed. In March, 1856, he married Isabelle, daughter of Michael and Jane (Brown) Richardson, who removed from Canada to New York State in 1852, and they had two children: Eddie E. and Willard B. Mr. Hart has always taken an active interest in public affairs and has held the office of commissioner of highways and is now a member of the Prohibition County Committee. He and his family are members of the M. E. church. Edward B. Richardson was born in Pittsburg, Ontario, March 4, 1842 and came to Watertown in August, 1852. He enlisted in the 94th N. Y. Vols. , in 1861. This regiment was quartered at Sacket Harbor during the winter, and early in the spring of 1862 marched to Watertown and was hustled on the cars for the field. Ed ward endured all the hardships of war, was wounded and taken prison er at the second battle of Run, exchanged, came home on furlough, re-enlisted in the Black Horse Cavalry, had his horse shot under him and at the same time received a sabre cut on his head laying open his scalp, and without having his wound dressed marched five days on small rations, and shut up in a rebel prison and nearly starved to death ; he was again exchanged, rejoined his regiment, and was later captured by Mosby's guerrillas and stripped to be butchei ed, but broke away and ran barefoot over the turnpike road into Harper's Ferry. He remained in the army until the close of the war, came home and remained for a time and then moved to Michigan and from there to Texas, where he PERSONAL REFERENCES. 73 died November 10, 1881. His father, Michael P. Richardson, was one of the recruits who joined the 94th Regiment in 1862, and was with his son Edward in the battle at Bull Run, and died soon afterward. Ed ward's brother George enlisted in the 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery in 1862, remained in that regiment until the war was over, passing through many hardships and receiving one wound. He is now a farmer in Midland, Mich. Graves, Joseph F., was born in Clayton, July 29, 1859. He was reared on the farm, which he left at sixteen years of age and began clerking for his father. His father died in 1885 and he succeeded to the business. Mr. Graves is a member of the Odd Fellows and has held all the chairs in the subordinate lodge. He has been assessor for the town two years and has served on the County Republican Commit tee. In 1881 he married Mary Marshall, who died in 1882, leaving no children. In 1892 he married Margaret E. Baird, and they have two children, Margaret R. and J. Lloyd. Mr. Graves's mother died in 1893. Dewey, H. B., was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, March 4, 1859, a son of B. W. and Ellen (Hallett) Dewey, natives of New York State. After receiving a liberal education Mr. Dewey taught school for ten winters and then went into the excursion busi ness on tbe St. Lawrence; subsequently he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business and is the leader in Clayton because of his enterprise and progressive methods. Mr. Dewey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Odd Fellows and Foresters. In 1890 he married Mamie L. Swart of Clayton, and they have one daughter, Lois Gertrude. Mr. Dewey is a self-made man and his enterprises have always proved successful. Hawes, W. P., is a native of Jefferson county, and was for some years engaged in the coal, wood and lime business. In 1888 he became proprietor of the Windsor Hotel and has made it one of the most pop ular houses on the St. Lawrence. He gives his personal attention to the management of the hotel, which has a capacity of 150 guests and is strictly first-class in every department. Mr. Hawes is a member of the Odd Fellows, both subordinate lodge and encampment and also of the 74 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Foresters. He is a genial and popular gentleman and his house is a great favorite with the public. Wilbur, S. H., was born in Clayton in 1833. At the age of eight years he left the farm and subsequently learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he pursued until two years ago, and has built a great many houses in the village of Clayton, where he still has considerable property interests. Mr. Wilbur is a member of the Maspnic fraternity. He has been eight years trustee of the village, which is an evidence of. his public popularity. He married Rebecca Colbeck, who died leaving three children: Maggie, Charles and James; for his second wife he married Mary Ormsby, and they have three children : George, Daniel and Lottie. Mr. Wilbur's parents were Freeman and Catherine Wilbur. Frame, S. V., M. D., was born in Depauville, N. Y., January 22, 1841, and was educated at the University of Buffalo, graduating in medicine in 1862. September 3, 1863, he enlisted in the 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served with that regiment until honorably dis charged at Fort Richmond, in February, 1865. He was then appoint ed assistant surgeon in the 16th N.Y. Heavy Artillery and served until the close of the war. Dr. Frame participated in the battles of Dutch Gap, Chapin's Farm, Laurel Hill, the operations about Petersburg, Fort Fisher, Wilmington, N. C, North Branch Cape and Fear River, N. C. He is a prominent G. A. R. man and was the first commander of his post. He came to Clayton in 1868, where he has since followed the practice of his profession. He married Avis D. Johnson, and they have three children : Merton E., Herbert J. and Vivian B. Dr. Her bert J. Frame is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in the class of 1896, and is now associated with his father. Dr. Frame's father was a physician in the town of Clayton, at Depauville, and his grandfather was also a physician at Russia, Her kimer county, and came to Depauville in 1822. Sternberg Bros., Depauville, N.Y.— This firm consists of E. G. and W. F. Sternberg, and they are one of the most prominent manufactur ing concerns in the town of Clayton. They manufacture annually from 20,000 to 22,000 Yankee cheese boxes, about 5,000 limburger cheese PERSONAL REFERENCES. 75 box shooks, 200,000 shingles, and do a large custom trade in sawing lumber, planing, splitting, etc. Their plant covers two acres of ground. They supply cheese boxes for thirty cheese factories and their trade in every department is steadily increasing owing to their excellent work and honorable business methods. G. E. Sternberg was born April 20, 1871. W. F. Sternberg is one year younger than his brother, and both obtained a practical training in their business with their father, who purchased the plant with the saw mill about fifteen years ago, es tablishing the cheese box factory in 1892. The present firm was formed March 1, 1894, when the present partners purchased the business from their father, E. G. Sternberg. Brown, G. W., was born in Ontario, Canada, but came to the United States when thirteen years of age. In 1892 he started his boat manu facturing and boat livery business; he builds all his own boats and has the leading boat livery in Clayton. He keeps for hire yachts, cat boats, skiffs and canoes, keeping in all fifty to sixty boats. His boat liver3r is opposite the Windsor Hotel in Clayton, and is the popular headquarters for anglers and all lovers of boating. Mr. Brown is a practical boat builder and learned his trade with the St. Lawrence Skiff Company. He is a member of the Foresters and Odd Fellows. Mr. Brown married Minnie D. Porter, daughter of Pitt C. Porter, and they have one son, Millard F. Summer tourists will find Mr. Brown's the proper place to go for the best boat livery service on the river and will always receive the best attention and most liberal treatment. Grant, Col. R. P., was born in Neversink, Sullivan county, N. Y., May 6, 1844, and at ten years of age was a clerk in a country store, going to school winters until sixteen. He then became manager and financial clerk in his father's store and after his father's death he pur chased the business, which he conducted alone for a year. He then learned the tanning business and at the age of eighteen was a partner in a tannery. At nineteen years of age he enlisted in the 92d N. Y State Militia, in June, 1863, and his regiment was ordered out when Lee came up the Shenandoah valley in 1864. He was captain of his company at this time and two years later became colonel of the regi ment and was so mustered out in 1866 and returned to the tanning business. He soon after began dealing in live stock and in 1868 went 76 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. to Hawkinsville, Oneida county, N. Y., with George B. Anderson, in the tanning business. In 1869 he went to Proctor, Pa., in the employ of Thomas E. Proctor of Boston, a large tanner. Subsequently he dealt largely in tan bark on the Susquehanna River and with Samuel Robertson built a large plant at Sterling Run, Cameron county, Pa., capable of turning out a ton of sole leather every pay. He disposed of this business five days before Black Friday on Wall street, New York, and got his money. The next year he opened a bank in Fort Madison, Iowa, with Senator W. G. Kent, and sold out the following year, coming direct to Clayton and started a private bank called the Bank of Clayton, with A. F. Barker, October 1, 1876. In 1884 he bought out Mr. Barker and with fifty-five others started the Exchange Bank with a capital of $40,000 and has been cashier of the bank ever since. Colonel Grant married Lettie C. Hayes of Boonville, N. Y., in 1870, and they have one son, Robert D., who is now assistant cashier of the new National Exchange Bank. Colonel Grant is a strong factor in the cheese business of Jefferson county and has been for fifteen years. He is the managing owner of eight factories in the towns of Clayton, Orleans and Pamelia, and carried off the medal for the best combination of cheese factories at the World's Fair exhibition in 1893, scoring the highest of all combinations of factories exhibiting. He has been and is now the president of the Jefferson County Cheese Board of Trade and takes a lively interest in the business of the county. Colonel Grant started life as a poor boy and by his own abilities has become one of the ablest financiers in the State and owns half of the stock of the Exchange Bank, besides being a stockholder in other sound concerns. He has long been treasurer of the Anglers' Associa tion and is a member of its executive committee ; this committee se cured from the State an appropriation of $30,000, wherewith to pur chase islands and points of land at the Thousand Islands to make a State reservation. He is also vice-president of the New York State Fish, Game and Forest League. In 1897 he was made a director of the old Exchange Bank to close up its affairs, preparatory to organiz ing the new National Exchange Bank, which was established with 100 stockholders, $50,000 capital and a paid up surplus of $10,000, and opened for business January 1, 1898. Grow, William R., was born in the town of Watertown, September 23, 1852, a son of Oliver W. and Luthera (Rodgers) Grow. Oliver PERSONAL REFERENCES. 77 W. was born in Houndsfield, April 16, 1818, a son of Oliver Grow, born in Vermont, and was among the first settlers at Hounds- field, where he died in 1859. Oliver W. was married December 31, 1839. He spent forty-six years on the old homestead and then moved to Oswego county and at East Boylston was in the mercan tile business. In 1866 he moved to the village of Lorraine and there lived until his death, which occurred on September 0, 1886. In politics he was a Republican and was postmaster for several years. Mrs. Grow died July 12, 1895. The maternal grandfather was killed by lightning about 1832. To Oliver W. Grow and wife were born four sons: Alonzo W., of Iowa; E. J. D., a hardware merchant of Lorraine; William R. and George F. William R. Grow was educated in the common schools and at the age of twenty engaged in pickling eggs at Lorraine in partnership with L. F. Caulkins and carried on a very suc cessful business for about twenty-one years, having done the largest business in the State. In 1892 Mr. Grow bought out Mr. Caulkins and has since continued the business alone. This is one of the oldest and most successful firms in the State. Mr. Grow has a farm of fifty acres and also has a fine residence and a store building occupied by a brother for a hardware store, and in 1880 built in partnership with Mr. Caujkins an egg building 26 by 104, afterward arranged for the store now occu pied by C. L. Tucker & Co., and owns an interest in the Lorraine Vil lage Cheese Factory. Mr. Grow was first married in 1875 to Polly Grimshaw, adopted daughter of Joseph Grimshaw; she died in Febru ary, 1884, and in November, 1886, he married Anna Hitchcock, widow of Adelbert Hitchcock. Mr. Grow is a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican and was town clerk several years and supervisor four years. They attend and sup port the M. E. church, of which Mrs. Grow is a member. Mr. Grow and Mr. Caulkins were for some years with F. D. Pierce in the egg business at Limerick, where they did an extensive business, and at present Mr. Grow is engaged with D. C. Dodge of Pulaski, in the same business and has been for about fifteen years, Grimshaw, Charles D., was born in Lorraine, Jefferson county, N. Y., April 8, 1850, and is the youngest of a family of eight sons. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Adsit) Grimshaw. Joseph Grimshaw was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., July 4, 1810, and removed to Trenton 78 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. when he was ten years of age, where he worked in a cotton mill for fifteen years. He was married in Steuben, Oneida county, N. Y. , in 1832. He moved to Lorraine in 1835 and engaged in farming. He used to draw farm produce to Rome and merchandise back. He was one of the leading farmers of the town and one of her most honored citizens. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat and held the office of assessor for many years. He was one of the founders of the M. E. church and as long as he lived he was one of its main pillars. He died March 22, 1880, and his wife died February 17, 1891. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a native of England and came to Trenton in 1820 and there erected the first cotton factory in that part of the State. He was killed on the canal. Mr. Grimshaw's maternal grandfather, Stephen Adsit, was born in 1776. He located in Oneida county on the farm now occupied by Leonard E. Adsit, which farm has been in the family ninety-two years. C. D. Grimshaw was reared on the farm and educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams and Cazenovia Seminary located at Cazenovia, N. Y. He began his business life as a clerk in the general merchandise store of Carlton C. Moore of Lorraine in 1871, and in 1872 became a partner with Mr. Moore and continued in business until 1875, when the firm dissolved. Mr. Grimshaw taught the Lorraine village school in the winter of 1876 and 1877, and in the spring of 1877 engaged in the mercantile business and has since been very successful. He now owns and occupies a two story building 24 by 60 feet, built in 1892. The public telephone office is in his store and has been there since the line was established in 1884. He married Fannie K. Oatman of Adams, November 24, 1872, and they have two children < Hattie M., born October 19, 1877, a graduate of the Adams Collegiate Institute in 1896; and Allen C, born June 18, 1884. In politics Mr. Grimshaw is a Democrat, and was postmaster during Cleveland's first administration. He was first elected super visor in 1889 and has held the office ever since. He has been a direc tor of the Farmers' National Bank of Adams, N. Y., since the organi zation of that bank in 1889. In 1895 he was the Democratic candidate for member of assembly in the First Assembly district of Jefferson county, but suffered defeat as the district is largely Republican. Clark, Charles W., was born in Lorraine, October 12, 1857, a son of John P. and Nancy Ann (Claflin) Clark. Nancy Ann Claflin was PERSONAL REFERENCES. 79 born in Lorraine, a daughter of Winslow P. Claflin, one of the early settlers of the town. John Clark was born in Connecticut, a son of John Clark, who came to Ellisburg early and died in Wisconsin in 1894, aged one hundred years. John, jr., was a farmer by occupation; in politics a Democrat and a member of the M. E. church. He died Sep tember 21, 1895, and his wife October 4, 1883. Charles W. was reared on a farm and educated at Sandy Creek. He is a farmer and has 1 53 acres of land and a dairy of eighteen cows. January 27, 1883, he mar ried Hattie E. Woodruff, born at Sandy Creek, September 4, 1861, and daughter of Cyrus and Lodisca (Fillmore) Woodruff. Mr. Woodruff was a boy six years old when his father, William Woodruff, settled at Sandy Creek. He owned 500 acres of land and erected the first saw mill at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had one son, Robert K., born August 26, 1885. Mr. Clark is a Republican in politics and he and wife are members of the Baptist church of Adams, he being one of the deacons. Caulkins, La Fayette, was born in Worth, N. Y., March 12, 1832, a son of Daniel and Luna (Bumpus) Caulkins. Daniel Caulkins was born in Connecticut and in 1805 came to the town of Worth with his parents, where they spent their last days. He and his father served in the war of 1812 and he (Daniel) assisted in carrying the cable from the landing to Sacket Harbor. Daniel was one of the prominent farmers of the town and was one of the founders of the M. E. church and very active during life. He died aged ninety-five years. La Fayettte was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has always fol lowed farming and owns in Lorraine and Worth about 800 acres of land. He has also been in partnership with William Grow in the egg business for about twenty-one years, who handle the most eggs of any firm in the State. Mr. Caulkins has made his own property and is one of the wealthiest men of the town. He' was one of the organizers and directors of the Adams Bank, and also one of the originators of the Citizens' Bank and has been vice-president since it was organized. March 12, 1856, he married Julia M. Wilkinson, and they had three children: Everett N., a farmer, married Martha Moore, and has two children, Ross and Ethel ; Hattie, wife of Frank G. Moore of Adams, have one child, Laura; and Francis, died in infancy. Mr. Caulkins was first a Whig and has been a Republican since the party was organ ized. Since seventeen years of age he has been identified with the M. 80 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. E. church and assisted in building it and has been one of its principal supporters for many years, having held various offices in the church and was class leader for about twenty-five years. Fox, M. H., was born in Lorraine, N. Y. , July 9, 1852, a son of George A. and Amelia Webb Fox, natives of Lorraine. George A. was born in 1814, a son of Elijah Fox,, one of the first settlers of the town, a native of Vermont and grandson of Elijah Fox, one of the first settlers of Adams in 1801, and who came to Lorraine, where he spent his last days; he was in the war of 1812. George A. was educated in the common schools; he is a farmer and owns 250 acres of land, with a dairy of thirty cows. He was married in 1838 to Amelia Webb, and they had seven children, two now living and four grew to manhood and womanhood: Celestine, Nancy, Sophia and M. H. George A. is a Republican and has been highway commissioner and assessor for a number of terms; he is a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, Adams Chapter, and Watertown Commandery. M. H. Fox was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Watertown Busi ness College. He is a farmer and cheese maker, owns sixty acres of land and a half interest in the Lorraine Village Cheese Factory and house and lot in the village where he resides. In 1890 he married Allie Ball and they have three children : George B. , Karleen and Millie. Mr. Fox is a Republican in politics and was supervisor of Lorraine in 1886. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M., and was charter member of Lorraine Grange. He and wife attend and support the M. E. church. Mr. Fox's mother died October 20, 1889. She was a daughter of Alford and Nancy Webb, one of the first settlers in the town. Hunt, L. F., was born in Lewis county, N.Y., August 12, 1839, a son of Thomas, and grandson of James Hunt, a native of Stillwater, Sara toga county, who came to Lewis county in 1806 and there spent most of his life, but died in Watertown in 1870; he was in the war of 1812. Thomas Hunt was born in Lewis county and came to Watertown about 1852 and died April 12, 1893, aged eighty-six years. His wife was Ruth Woolworth, a native of Lewis county, and died in Watertown in 1863. L. F. Hunt was educated in the common schools and is a farmer. He came to Lorraine in 1875 and bought the farm he owns PERSONAL REFERENCES. 81 of 110 acres and keeps sixteen cows. In politics he is a Republican. In 1872 he married Mary C. Dack, and they have two children, Charles W. and Abbie R. Mrs. Hunt died December 15, 1893. Grimshaw, Stephen A., was born in Lorraine, June 16, 1838, a son of Joseph Grimshaw. He was reared on a farm and educated in the com mon schools and Adams Seminary. He began life as a farmer and owns a farm of 172 acres and has a dairy of twenty-seven cows. De cember 27, 1860, he married S. R. Borden, and they had two children: C. B., educated at Adams and Ives Seminary; has been in the egg business two years and mercantile business for about nine years; is now town clerk of his town, and his wife was Emma Flaharty, and they had one son, Hollis; and Armittie I., educated at Adams Col legiate Institute and is now a student at Potsdam. Mr. Grimshaw is a Democrat in politics, has been highway commissioner in Lorraine two terms and assessor, was collector four years and also inspector. He is a member of the Grange and has been director ten years and now holds that position. Fawdrey, William C, M. D., was born in Albany, N. Y. , December 23, 1860, a son of Henry and Sarah (Cady) Fawdrey; Henry was a son of Daniel Fawdrey, a native of England ; he and his wife, a Miss Fox, came to the United States and located at Sacket Harbor about 1834, and there lived and died. Henry Fawdrey was born at Sacket Harbor, and educated at Union Academy of Belleville and Union College. He engaged in teaching for a time and was then in the commission busi ness at Albany for about thirty years, and in 1894 came to Sacket Har bor and located on the old homestead, where he lives retired. He was a very prominent Mason in the city of Albany, also a member of K. of P. Dr. Fawdrey was reared in Albany and educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Albany High School in the class of 1881. He studied medicine with Dr. T. K. Perry of Albany, and graduated from the Albany Medical College March 4, 1885. He be gan his practice that same year at Barnes Corners, Lewis county, N.Y., and after three years came to Lorraine, where he has since had a very successful practice. Dr. Fawdrey is a Republican in politics, a mem ber of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M., and of Jefferson County Medical Society. 82 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Pitkin, L. S., was born on the farm he now owns, March 11, 1849, a son of Erwin and Marcia (White) Pitkin. Erwin Pitkin was born in Lorraine, December 25, 1814, a son of Allen Pitkin, a native of Con necticut, who came to Lorraine about 1802 and settled on the farm now owned by M. H. Fox, where he lived and died. He was in the war of 1812. Erwin was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was justice of the peace twenty-eight years and supervisor two terms. He has been a farmer and cheese manufacturer, his factory being one of the oldest in the county, and is now retired. L. S. Pitkin was reared on a farm and educated in Hungerford Collegiate Institute. He followed teaching for nine years and is now engaged in farming and cheese manufacture, making about 100,000 pounds of cheese an nually. Mr. Pitkin has 300 acres of land and a dairy of thirty-four cows. In 1870 he married Isabell Steele of Carthage, N. Y., and they have had three children: Frank R., Edgar S., and Edna N. (deceased). Both sons are at the present time in college. In politics Mr. Pitkin is a Republican and has been a member of the county committee for a number of years, and was secretary in 1892. He has been commis sioner of highways for several years, and always alive in politics, has been a delegate to State conventions several times. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234 at Adams, N. Y. He and wife are mem bers of the M. E. church of Lorraine. Mr. Pitkin's father has been a director in the Farmers' Bank of Adams since its organization. Wood, J. A., M. D., was born in Carthage, January 22, 1848. His father, Rev. Jacob A. Wood, was a native of Orange and for a number of years was connected with the educational institutions of New Jersey, being principal of Plainfield school. In 1847 he came to Carthage and acted as principal of Carthage Academy. He married Eliza, daughter of Stephen Bonnell. Dr. Wood was educated in- Gouverneur and in 1871 entered the Albany Medical College from which he was graduated in 1874, in which year he began his active practice and continues at the present time. In 1879 he married Florence E., daughter of John H. Cline, and they have one son, Glen A. Dr. Wood is one of the pro gressive men of his profession; is a member of Jefferson County Med ical Society and takes an intelligent and active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever merited and received the respect of his associates. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 83 Makepeace, Solomon, was born in the town of Alexandria, May 17, 1837. His father, Solomon Makepeace, was a native of Massachusetts and came to Jefferson county in 1802, settling at Perch Lake with his parents, Elliot and wife. They manufactured potash and cleared up the land. Solomon Makepeace married Jane Cronkheit and through life was identified as a farmer. He died in 1869 in his eighty-ninth year. Solomon Makepeace, jr., was educated in the common schools and followed the lakes for four years. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F. 10th New York Heavy Artillery, and received an honorable discharge in 1864, with rank of corporal. He returned to Plessis and engaged in mercantile business, in which he still continues. In 1858 he married Lucinda, daughter of Francis Forbes, and they have five children : Elbert E., Frank S., Claude J., Mrs. Fannie Adell and Lydia J. Mr. Makepeace is one of the representative men of Jefferson county, has served as postmaster four years and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. Cornwall, J. Harrison, was born at Pamelia Four Corners, Febru ary 7, 1822. His father, Isaac Cornwall, jr., came to Jefferson county with his parents, Isaac and wife, in 1795. Isaac Cornwall, jr., married Anna, daughter of Benjamin Cole, and through life was identified as a farmer. J. Harrison Cornwall was educated in the common schools. He followed farming until 1847 and then moved to Alexandria Bay, where he learned the carpenter's trade and erected many of the finest cottages on the river. In 1872 he engaged in the undertaking business in which he still continues. He joined Alexandria Lodge F. & A. M., No. 297, in 1885 and has ever been a prominent member, always taking an active interest in the workings of the lodge. He has taken the leading weekly paper of Jefferson county, the Watertown Reunion, for fifty-three years. In 1844 he married Jane J., daughter of Isaac Ever son, and they have two sons: Silas W. and Charles H. Mr. Cornwall is one of the representative men of Alexandria Bay, taking an active interest in school and church matters and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word is as good as his bond. Kline, John H., was born in the town of Lyme, Jefferson county, January 11, 1829. His father, E. Kline, was a native of Herkimer county, born in 1795, and came to Jefferson county in 1820, where he 84 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. was engaged in farming and dealing in and shipping farm products in the town of Lyme. He married Betsey Estes, and died in 1887. John H. Kline was educated in the common schools and was a farmer for some years. In 1861 he engaged in the milling business and in 1876 bought Plessis flour mill, which he still owns. In 1854 he married Mary E. Barney, daughter of Capt. Seymour Barney, and they have two chil dren: Byron E. and Mrs. Florence E. Wood. Mr. Kline is one of the representative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and church work and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word as proven by his life is as good as his bond. Ryan, J. E., M. D., was born in Redwood, June 24, 1861. His father, Michael Ryan, was a native of Canada, and came to the United States in 1840, settling in the town of Alexandria. He married Mary, daughter of James Cosgrove. J. E. Ryan was educated at Redwood and taught school for ten years. In 1882 he began the study of medi cine with Dr. L. C. Watson of Alexandria Bay, and in 1884 entered the Chicago Homoeopathic Medical College from which he was graduated, and began his practice at Redwood. Dr. Ryan is one of the progres sive men of his profession, serving as president of Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society, and takes an intelligent interest in school and church matters, and has ever received and merited the re spect of his associates. Fox, Walter, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., June 12, 1838. His father, Benjamin Fox, was also a native of that county and through life was identified as a farmer. He married Margaret A., daughter of Neal McNeal of Herkimer county and was one of the prac tical and successful farmers of his town. Walter Fox was educated in the common and select schools and at the age of twenty, in 1859, came to Alexandria Bay and entered the employ of H. Sisson in the mer cantile business. In 1863 he formed a partnership with Mr. Sisson and purchased his interest in 1884, having remained in the same store for thirty-eight years. In 1865 he married Maria A. Hastings, and they have one daughter, Mrs. James Munroe Smith, now a resident of Watertown, N. Y. Mr. Fox is one of the conservative men of his town, always taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its PERSONAL REFERENCES. 85 people, always taking an active interest in public and private improve ments in his village and town. Eddy, E. E., M. D., was born at Lafargeville, Jefferson county, N.Y., March 27, 1862. His father, Daniel Eddy, purchased a farm of John Lafarge about 1840. He married Mary, daughter of John Fran cisco, and through life was identified as a farmer. He served as jus tice of the peace for twenty four years and justice of sessions one term, and was one of the founders of the Methodist Protestant church at La fargeville. He died March 14, 1888. E. E. Eddy was educated at Lafargeville, Antwerp, medical department of the University of Michi gan and was graduated from the medical department, University of Buffalo, in 1890, coming to Redwood in the same year. In 1892 he married Sadie, daughter of Hon. Isaac Mitchell. Dr. Eddy is one of the progressive men of his town, serving as coroner two terms and taking an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions, being president of the Board of Education, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Cook, Nelson R , was born in the town of Alexandria, July 29, 1821. His father, Michael Cook, came to Jefferson county in 1819, and was a miller and farmer. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Avery. Nelson E. Cook was educated in the common schools and fol lowed farming until 1865, moving to Redwood in 1866, where he en gaged in lumbering and milling. In 1853 he married Lydia A., daugh ter of Romeo W. Marshall, and they had six children: John M., Ben ton D., Clarence N., Helen A., Addie L. and Hattie V. Mr. Cook is one of the representative men of his town, taking an intelligent inter est in educational and religious institutions and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose life has proven his word as good as his bond. Bickelhaupt, Adam, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 10, 1848. His father, Hieronemus Bickelhaupt, came to the United States in 1853, settling in the town of Alexandria, where he was one of the practical and successful farmers of his town. He died in 1875 in his seventieth year. Adam Bickelhaupt was educated in the com mon schools, remaining on the farm until eighteen, and then entered 86 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the employ of A. A. Holmes & Co. In 1872 he engaged in the mer cantile business in which he has continued for twenty-five years, and also manufactures cheese, shipping about 600,000 pounds of cheese per year, which is made under his supervision. In 1874 he married Mina L., daughter of Seth Olny, and they have three children: Miles H., Carl O. and Calla A. Mr. Bickelhaupt is one of the representative business men of Jefferson county, one of the largest manufacturers of cheese in the State, and has served as supervisor for three years. Thomson, William M., was born in the township of Mallorytown, Canada, July 24, 1834, a son of Francis Thomson, born in Canada. His grandparents emigrated from Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1800. Francis Thomson was a merchant tailor and moved to Alexandria Bay in 1838, where for forty years he was chief clerk of his school district, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions. He mar ried Christie Lang and died in March, 1883, in his eighty-second year. William M. Thomson was educated in the common schools, and en gaged in the mercantile business at the age of fifteen, in which he has continued for fifty years. In 1861 he married Catherine Fuller, daugh ter of John W. Fuller, and they have two sons: John F. and Frederick W, Mr. Thomson is one of the conservative men of his town, serving as town clerk two terms, justice of the peace twelve years, supervisor seven years, elected to the Assembly in- 1878 and re-elected in 1882. , He was master of Alexandria Lodge No. 397, F. & A. M., ten years and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Groub, John C. , was born in Rhinish Bavaria, Germany, September 29, 1826, and came to the United States in 1848, and to Alexandria Bay in 1855, where he engaged in the merchant tailoring business with Cornwall & Walton, remaining in their employ thirty-two years. In March, 1887, he established his present business of clothing, gents' furnishing goods and custom tailoring. In 1853 he married Katrina Lotze, and they had three children : Jefferson, George and Mrs. Mary McDonell. Mr. Groub is one of the self-made men of Jefferson county, conservative and of sterling integrity and has proven by his life that his word is as good as his bond. Thompson, W. H., was born in Plessis, December 21, 1831. His PERSONAL REFERENCES. 87 father, Jonathan B. Thompson, was a native of Herkimer county, where the family was among the pioneers. J. B. Thompson settled between Redwood and Theresa in 1828, afterwards moving to Plessis, where he engaged in cooperage and wagon making and organized the Farmers' Co-Operative Mercantile store. He married Sally, daughter of Elisha Brown, and lived to be eighty-three years of age, a man who through life ever aided the cause of education, religion and any enter prise for the benefit of his town and its people. W. H. Thompson was educated in the common schools and at the Lafargeville Academy. In 1868 he moved to Alexandria Bay and established his present business of hardware, plumbing and gas fitting and steamboat repairing, of which his house is the recognized leader. In 1842 he married Sarah, daughter of Rev. James Carter, and they have three children : George D., Arthur J. and Mrs. Rosalie L. Thomson. Mr. Thompson is one of the conservative business men of his town, serving as deputy col lector fourteen years, taking an active interest in educational and re ligious institutions and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates and fellow townsmen. Holmes, A. A., was born in Schenectady county, N.Y., May 9, 1834. His father, Thomas Holmes, was a native of Staffordshire, England, and came to the United States in 1831, with his wife and eight chil dren, settling first in Albany county and then moved to Schenectady, where he was identified as a farmer and stock dealer. He died in his seventieth year. A. A. Holmes was educated in the common schools and worked on a farm for some years. In 1856 he came to Phila delphia, Jefferson county, and became a member of the firm of Holmes & Schofield. In 1862 he moved to Theresa and in 1864 to Redwood, engaging in the mercantile business and was succeeded by his sons, still giving his attention to farming and milling. In 1866 he married Sarah, daughter of Thomas Waite, and they have five children: Fred T., Wallace W., Gilbert M., Addie W. and Sarah A. Mr. Holmes is one of the self-made men of Jefferson county, serving as highway commissioner one year and supervisor three years. He takes an in telligent interest in school and church matters and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Holmes, Fred T., was born at Philadelphia, Jefferson county, N. Y., 88 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. October 31, 1859, and was educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute in bookkeeping and banking. In 1883 he engaged in partnership with his father, who afterwards retired, being succeeded by Wallace W. in 1891, and the firm of Holmes Bros, was formed, which at the present time are the leading merchants in Redwood. In 1887 Mr. Holmes married Mary C, daughter of C. Ahles, and they have two children, Alfred Raymond and De Etta. Mr. Holmes is one of the representa tive business men of Jefferson county, serving as town clerk and notary public and supervisor for five terms. He is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever aided and advanced the best inter ests of his town and its people. Bickelhaupt, Peter, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, No vember 23, 1832, and came to the United States in 1853, settling in Alexandria. In 1858 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Holler, and they had five sons and two daughters: George, John, William Fred, Bert, Emma and Ida. Mr. Bickelhaupt was a self-made man and it is owing to his efforts that Jefferson county stands where it is to-day. He served as highway commissioner and took an active in terest in school and church matters, and was recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word was as good as his bond. Mr. Bickkel- haupt died November 22, 1897. Houghton, Almon H., the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Alexandria, June 10, 1849, on the farm that he now owns. In 1872 he married Candace, daughter of Abram and Matilda Raught; they had three children: Norris A., Lillian J. and Linnie M. His father, Joseph Houghton, was born January 24, 1820, and came to this county from Vermont with his parents, Roswell and Percy Parker Houghton, in 1832. Joseph Houghton married Jane Clark, who also came from Vermont with her parents about the same time. Joseph Houghton took up a section of land in said town consisting of about 450 acres. He is still living on a part of said land. Almon H. Hough ton owns 200 acres of said land, on which he lived until 1886, when he moved to Alexandria Bay and engaged in the mercantile business. He joined Alexandria Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M., when he was twenty-two years of age, of which he has always been a zealous worker, being master for five years ; he is also a member of Theresa PERSONAL REFERENCES. 89 Chapter, Watertown Commandery, and Media Temple. He served as justice of the peace for eleven years and resigned the office; he has always been interested in church and educational matters, and' has ever aided in any enterprise benefiting the town or its people. O'Leary, John, was born at Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., December 17, 1860. His father, James O'Leary, was a native of county West- ford Ireland, and came to the United States in 1847, settling in Wad dington, where he was identified as a laborer and farmer. He died January 8, 1890, in his sixty-fourth year. John O'Leary was educated at Waddington and graduated from the Union School in 1884 and from the St. Lawrence University in 1888. In that year he engaged as a teacher in the Alexandria Bay Graded School, as principal of the school, and taught for five years and then accepted the position of deputy collector of customs. In 1888 he married Mary, daughter of John Hallen, and they have three children: Margaret J,, Mary E. and James H. Mr. O'Leary is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise for the benefit of his town and its people. He was the first president of the present Jefferson County Teachers' Association, which was organized in 1891. Cole, J. D., M. D., was born in Theresa, March 28, 1857. His father, Adanson Cole, was also born in the same town, where his parents, Allen Cole and wife, settled in 1812 and was one of the large land owners, buying 1,300 acres and built the first saw mill on Crooked Creek. Adanson Cole married Lucy, daughter of Solomon Makepeace and through life was identified as a farmer. He was one of the progressive men of his town, aiding both educational and religious institutions. Dr. Cole was educated at Theresa Academy and Hahnemann Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882. After graduating he settled in Clayton, where he practiced for two years, and in 1884 came to Alexandria Bay, where he remains in active practice. In 1885 he married Adda E., daughter of William Garrison, and they have one daughter, Lottie Grace. Dr. Cole is one of the progressive men of his profession and has served as depuly collector three years. He is a member of the Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society and one of the charter members of the Independent Order of Foresters and 90 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. examining physician. He takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its people. At the last election he was elected coroner of Jefferson county for three years. Cornwall, Andrew C, was born in Pultney ville, Wayne county, N. Y., January 2, 1844, and is the tenth generation of Cornwalls to bear the name of Andrew. He came to Alexandria Bay with his parents in 1846 and at the present timeis senior member of the firm of Cornwall Bros., composed of the four sons of Andrew Cornwall, which he estab lished in 1846, the sons succeeding their father in 1877. Andrew C. was married in 1869 to Julia, daughter of John W. Fuller, and they have two sons: Fuller F. and Andrew R., and three daughters, Mrs. Bertha Countryman, Bessie C. and Mary C, Mr. Cornwall is one of the leading men of his town, serving as president of his village and supervisor of his town four terms and member of the Board of Educa tion for ten years, and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise in tended to benefit his town and its people. Cornwall, Hon. Andrew, was born at Pultneyville, Wayne county, N. Y. , March 14, 1814. His father, Andrew Cornwall, was a direct descendant from Andrew Cornwall who came from England and set tled at Portland, Conn., where three generations are buried. Andrew Cornwall, the fourth, moved from Connecticut to Rochester when it was a small village and from there to Wayne county, where he carried on cabinet making and afterwards farming. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Martin, and they had six children, three of whom sur vive ; Andrew, Ansel and Charles. Andrew Cornwall was educated in the common schools and at the age thirteen entered the employ of John Reynolds and remained with him thirteen years. For three years he followed the lakes and in 1844 came to Redwood and entered the em ploy of the Glass Company as manager of the store. In 1846 he came to Alexandria Bay and formed the copartnership with Lyman Walton and engaged in supplying fuel to the river traffic, buying 5,000 acres on Wells Island, the smaller islands being added to the sale as of no value, and it can be said that the islands now occupied by George Pullman, Hart Islands, were in turn given away to those who would build on them, including the site of the Thousand Island Hotel. In PERSONAL REFERENCES. 91 1843 he married Mary, daughter of Colonel Calhoun. Mrs. Cornwall died in 1890, leaving four sons: Andrew C, Charles W., John I. and Harvey A., who now constitute the firm of Cornwall Bros. , general merchants and agents for all railroad and steamboat lines centering at Alexandria Bay. Mr. Cornwall is one of the conservative, upright men of Northern New York and through his foresight and liberality, the Thousand Islands of to day became possible. In 1867 he served a term in the Legislature, and supporting educational and religious in stitutions, has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Kepler, John, was born in the town of Alexandria, December 15, 1856. His father, Amiel Kepler, was a native of the town of Le ray, where his parents were among the pioneer settlers. Amiel mar ried Rogenia Palmer and through life was identified as a farmer. He died in 1866 in his forty-seventh year. John Kepler was educated in the common schools and for eleven years was a steamboat captain. In 1888 he established the Thousand Island Steam Bottling Works, of which he is the present proprietor. In 1878 he married Charlotte, daughter of Charles Ball, and they have three children : Henry Clay, Leta Belle and Helen Norine. Mr. Kepler is one of the progressive men of his town, serving as town clerk, trustee of the village, trustee and president of the Board of Education, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town. Bachman, Albert F., was born in Prussia, Germany, September 18, 1836, and came to the United States in 1852 with his parents, J. Fred erick and Wilhelmina Bachman, settling in Lewis county. Mr. Bach man remained in Lewis county until 1860. In 1863 he learned the carpenter's trade and for a time worked in Carthage and Watertown. The first material shipped over the Utica and Black River Railroad to the St. Lawrence River was for a cottage of which he was the builder. In 1879 he had charge of building the hotel at Round Island, now called the Frontenac. The same year he removed to Alexandria Bay and has since been contracting and building, and has built many of the finest cottages on the river as well as the Episcopal and Catholic churches at Alexandria Bay. In 1862 he married Sarah Shults. They have two children: Dr. George A., a physician located in Rochester, 92 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. N. Y., and one daughter, Pamelia H. Mr. Bachman is one of the men to which the Thousand Islands are indebted for their present exist ence, taking an active interest in town and church affairs, being one of the trustees of the Episcopal church. Catlin, Charles A., M. D., was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y. , February 29, 1836. His father, Chester Catlin, was a native of the same town, where his father, Stephen Catlin, settled about 1810. Chester Catlin married Elvira M. Rising and in 1841 moved to Ham mond, St. Lawrence county, and through life was identified as a farmer. Charles A. Catlin was educated at Gouverneur, and was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1861. He then began his practice at Redwood, and in 1864 was appointed assistant surgeon in the cavalry and served until the close of the war, when he returned to Redwood and resumed the practice of medicine and also established his drug store. In 1868 he married Martha J., daughter of Calvin C. Wick, and they have three children: Earl C, Lena M. and Edna. Mr. Catlin served as postmaster in his town twenty years, examining surgeon for pensions for four years and has ever aided and advanced any enter prise for the benefit of his town and its people. Rebscher, Frederick, was born in the town of Orleans, February 13, 1853. His father, George Rebscher, was a native of Darmstadt, Ger many, and came with his wife to tbe United States in 1852, settling in the town of Orleans, where he was identified as a farmer. He died in 1871. Frederick Rebscher was educated in the common schools, fol lowing farming up to twenty-five years old. In 1877 he came to Red wood and is one of the largest shippers of hay and cattle in Jeffer son county. In 1876 he married Fannie, daughter of George A. Hartman, and they have two sons, Ferdinand F. and Howard E. Mr. Rebscher is one of the representative business men of Jefferson county, a self-made man and of conservative character and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise intended to benefit his town and its people. Harder, Anson, was born in Newville, Herkimer county, August 5, 1834. His father, Jacob Harder, was a native of the same town, where his father, John Harder, settled about 1800, coming from Columbia PERSONAL REFERENCES. 93 county. Jacob Harder married Emily, daughter of Dr. Ichabod Thompson, and through life was identified as a farmer. Anson Har der was educated at Clinton, Fairfield and Fort Plain. In 1855 he graduated from the Poughkeepsie Law School, and taught school for some years. In 1S58 he went to Leonardsville, Madison county, and in 1861 came to Redwood, where he has been in practice ever since. In 1861 he married Mary E., daughter of R. E. Crumb, by whom' he had two children: Mrs. Lizzie A. Townsend and Mary E. His wife died in 1S71. In 1874 Mr. Harder married Jennie H., daughter of Benjamin Hutchins, by whom he has one child living, Clarence V. Mr. Harder is a member of the Jefferson county bar; be has always been an active Republican. He was once nominated for State senator, but was defeated by Col. James F. Starbuck in an off year for his party. He has never held any office. Avery, Alfred A., was born in the town of Leray, Jefferson county, November 30, 1824. When a young boy he came to Alexandria with his parents, Anson and Sally Avery. In 1849 he married Rhoda, daughter of Azariah Crandall, who died in 1863. In 1865 he married Lydia, daughter of Solomon Makepeace, and through life he was iden tified as a practical farmer, and an earnest worker in the M. E. church, of which he was class leader over twenty years. He died at his home in Alexandria in 1888, where he had lived fifty years, leaving four sons, Charles S., Frank A., Anson A- and William W. The latter resides on the old homestead, where he was born October 15, 1863. In 1888 he married Ida, daughter of John Overacker. He was educated in common schools and is one of the practical farmers of his town, serv ing as highway commissioner, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever received and merited the respect of his asso ciates. Putnam, Squire U., was born in the town of Theresa, March 22, 1849. His father, John A. Putnam, was a native of Oneida county and came to Jefferson county about 1839. He married Maretta, daughter of George Keech. Squire U. Putnam was educated in the common schools and engaged in farming on the old homestead, which has been in the family nearly fifty years. In 1870 he married Nancy, daughter of George Townsend, and they have three children : Charles 94 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Frank and Lulu. Mr. Putnam is one of the practical and successful farmers of the town, serving as assessor fifteen years, and highway commissioner. Ellis, James M., was born in Lafargeville, August 5, 1844. His father, Halsey Ellis, was also a native of that town, where his parents, Samuel J. and Mary Ellis, settled in 1815. Halsey Ellis married Syl via, daughter of David Graves, and through life was a contractor and builder. He died in 1897 in his eightieth year. James M. Ellis was educated in the common schools and in 1862 enlisted in Co. G, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and took part in the campaigns of Generals Smith, Burnside, Grant and Sheridan, serving until the close of the war, with rank of sergeant. He then returned to Lafargeville and in 1882 came to Alexandria Bay and purchased an interest in the Proctor Mills, which he now owns and in connection deals in lumber and build ing material. In 1875 he married Mary, daughter of Sanford Calham, and they have one son and one daughter, Claude and Beatrice. Mr. Ellis is one of the representative men of his town, taking an active in terest in school and church work and has ever advanced the best inter ests of his town and its people. Haas, Charles N., was born in the town of Clayton, January 13, 1865. His father, George Haas 2d, was also born in the town of Clayton, where his parents, Lutwig and Catherine Haas, settled about 1837. George Haas 2d married Salome G, daughter of William Patch. He moved to the town of Alexandria in 1866 and died in 1896 in his fifty- eighth year. Charles N. Haas was educated in the common schools. He engaged in the mercantile business for seven years at Alexandria Bay and in 1892 gave his attention to farming. In 1890 he married Elvia Candace, daughter of Joseph Houghton, and they have one daughter, Lillian Jessamine. Mr. Haas is one of the practical and suc cessful farmers of his town, having 215 acres. Staples, Col. Owen G.,was born in Watertown, N.Y., October 14, 1838, educated in the common schools and at the age of seventeen began his active business life, selling patent medicines. He disposed of this business and became interested in dealing in real estate in Watertown, building a large number of the finest private residences in that city. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 95 In 1872 his attention was drawn to increasing travel to the St. Law rence River and after carefully looking the ground over matured his plans for the erection of the Thousand Island House at Alexandria Bay, which in July, 1873, was ready for the reception of its 700 guests, having been built in little more than six months. In 1883, having acquired a taste for hotel management, he disposed of this mag nificent property and purchased "Willard's," the well known hotel of Washington, D. C, to which in 1891 he added "The Riggs," another of Washington's famous hotels. In 1897 he purchased the "Thousand Island House," which he has redecorated and furnished; he has large interests in real estate in Jefferson county, and in the city of Washing ton. He now conducts "Willard's," the "Riggs," the "National" in Washington, and the "Thousand Island House." He is treasurer of the Board of Trade of Washington; the largest stockholder in the Columbian National Bank, and it can readily be determined that the character of Owen G. Staples combines force, individuality and un tiring energy, starting in life with mere nothing but his brave hands. His success perhaps is largely owing to his strict integrity and fidelity to his friends, his unostentatious manner and last but not least his quiet support to many charities and religious institutions. Tassey, Louis, was born in Redwood, July 16, 1848. His father, Peter Tassey, was a native of Three Rivers, Canada, and came to the United States in 1818. He was one of the pioneers of Jefferson county, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Lucy Sharron and through life was identified with the growth of Redwood. Louis Tassey was educated in Redwood and learned the blacksmith trade of his father. In 1872 he came to Alexandria Bay and added the business of machin ist to that of blacksmithing, making a specialty of yacht fitting and steam fitting. He was the first to establish a machine shop at Al exandria Bay. In 1869 he married Frances, daughter of William Sen- ecal, and they have three daughters ; Mrs. Mary L. Collins, Adelaide and Evelina. Mr. Tassey is one of the progressive business men of Alexandria Bay, erecting his business block in 1885 and takes an active interest in school and church matters. Cornwall, Harvey A., was born at Alexandria Bay, July 1, 1855, and was educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N. Y., and 96 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Williams Commercial College of Rochester, N. Y. In 1876 he went to Fenton, Mich., returning in 1877 and with his brothers organized and founded the firm of Cornwall Bros., succeeding their father. In 1879 he married Georgie D., daughter of John T. Davenport and they have two sons: Harold D. and Leon H. Mr. Cornwall is one of the progressive men of his town, president of his village four years and member of the Jeffersonian Club of Watertown, Blue Lodge No. 297, Theresa Chapter No. 149, and Watertown Commandery No. 11. He takes an intelligent interest in church and school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people. Davis, Deloss, was born in the town of Theresa July 23, 1832. His father, Jesse Davis, was a native of Otsego county, but came into this county with his parents when a boy. He married Hannah Marsh of the town of Alexandria in 1827, and died December 6, 1884, aged eighty years. Deloss, the youngest son, was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer by occupation. In 1857 he married Susan M., daughter of Peter Dillenback of Alexandria Bay. They have one son and one daughter: Hiram P. and Flora D. Mr. Davis is one of the self-made men of his town, conservative and upright, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions. He has served as assessor and one of the trustees of the village school during the erection of the present commodious building; held the office of elder of the Re formed church for many years, and has ever advanced the best inter ests of his town and its people. , Van Wagner, George, son of Alvin and Mary Ann Van Wagner, was born on his father's farm, December 28, 1823. He passed his boy hood days working on the farm summers and attending the district schools in winter. His father died in 1892 and his mother still survives and resides in the town of Wilna. In Mr. Van Wagner's father's family there were nine children: George, John, Charles, Everet, residents of Black River, William (deceased), Emma, wife of Ernest Fikes, Cor delia, Nellie and Merilla, all three deceased. January 4, 1887, Mr. Van Wagner married Rosella Driscoll, and they have one daughter, Alice M. In politics Mr. Van Wagner is a Republican. He holds the responsible position of superintendent of the Black River Pulp Com pany's mill at Black River, and is a painstaking and reliable citizen. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 97 Sylvester, George Elwin, M. D., was born in the town of Clayton, N, Y., September 5, 1864. His early education was obtained in the common schools of Clayton and the Adams Collegiate Institute of Adams, N. Y. He studied medicine in the office of Drs. H. G. P. & J. D. Spencer, of Watertown, N. Y., and completed his medical edu cation in the University of Michigan and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated March 11, 1889. He was for a time assistant physician in the Outdoor Poor Department of Bellevue Hospital, but gave it up for his present location in private practice. He is a member of Bethany Lodge, F. and A. M., of Black River, N. Y. , serving in the capacity of treasurer; also member of Watertown Chapter No. 59, R. A. M. ; member of Jefferson County Medical So ciety, member of the Board of Education of Black River Union Free School. On September 4, 1889, he married Minnie E. Vincent, daugh ter of Marcellus Vincent of Clayton. He has three children: Bula A., Nettie G. and W. Boyd Sylvester. He has an extensive practice over several townships, and enjoys the confidence of the community and of his patients. Dr. Sylvester's ancestors came to this country in 1630 from England, landing in Massachusetts. Pohl, Frederick William, is a native of Germany and was born in Erzhausen, Hesse-Darmstadt, in 1838. His educational advantages were limited, according to the laws and customs of the country at that time, to from his sixth to his fourteenth year, when children are sup posed to begin the work of earning a livelihood and are apprenticed to a trade or assist on the farm at home. As Mr. Pohl's father was a landowner, the boy remained at home and even after becoming his own master remained with his parents until he had reached his thirtieth year. The desire to seek his fortune in America overcame him and he accordingly bade good-bye to home and parents and in early Febru ary, 1868, landed in the United States, and on the 17th of the same month he reached Depauville, where his brother Peter, who had pre ceded him to this country in January, 1855, resided. Mr. Pohl readily obtained employment among the farmers of the neighborhood, where he worked for two seasons; for his brother Peter in 1868; George Wag ner in 1869, until the fall, when he worked until the close of the year 1870 for George Bolts. From 1870 to 1871 he worked the farm of Henry Van Camp in the, town of Orleans and from 1872 to 1873 was 98 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. on the Peter Nellis place in the town of Pamelia; in 1874 conducted the Wayne Stewart farm for seven years. In 1880 he purchased of Mr. Stewart this farm, which he still owns, and worked until 1895, when he purchased the handsome Davenport residence on Leray street in Evans Mills, where he now resides. Mr. Pohl is a Republi can in politics, and a member of Pamelia Grange No. 68. In 1870 he married Katherine, daughter of Lucas and Catharine Ganter, who came to this country from Germany in 1867, settling near Lafarge ville, where Mr. Pohl met and married her. Mrs. Pohl's parents are dead; she has one sister and two brothers living in this country: Mrs. Miller, resides at Pamelia, Constandt and Anthony. March 6, 1892, Mr. and Mrs. Pohl were called to face their greatest sorrow in the loss of their only child, Mary, who died at the family home at the age of twenty-one years. Stewart, Wayne, son of John and Sophia A. (Potter) Stewart, was born on his father's farm in the town of Leray in 1847. His grand father, John Stewart, sr., was the first supervisor in the town of Pa melia in those early days when the unbroken wilderness everywhere confronted the early settler and pioneer of Jefferson county. Both of Mr. Stewart's parents were natives of Pamelia township, his father dying in 1863, and his mother in 1875. Wayne Stewart's early life did not vary much from the ordinary of the sturdy country youth. His summers were spent on the farm, while the winter months were passed in the district schools, mastering the studies they afforded as a prepara tion to the higher education which he received later at the academies of Antwerp and Gouverneur, where he completed his studies previous to the decease of his mother, and in order to remain with her he set tled down to the life of a farmer. He continued as such until her death in 1875, when he removed to Evans Mills. Mr. Stewart has been twice married, first in 1872 to Wealthy M., daughter of Randall Barnes, who died in 1879, leaving one child, Ada W. (deceased). In 1884 he married Zerviah L. Davenport, and they have one daughter, Mayme. Mr. Stewart lives the life of a retired farmer and gentleman at Evans Mills; his residence is one of the finest in that pretty village, while his farms which receive his attention contain upwards of 500 acres and are among the finest in Jefferson county, one of which is the historic Dela- folia farm in the bend of the Indian River. Independent in politics, Mr. Stewart acts and votes for the greatest good possible to the great- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 99 est number in the community, acting on the principle that a good party does not always govern a bad politician and that only good men are desirable in public office. A word concerning Mr. Stewart's an cestry on his mother's side may be of interest in a sketch of this kind Her genealogy, although fragmentary, if the term is permissible, owing to no special effort having been put forth to complete it accu rately, is of a most interesting historical nature. Through the lineage of the Potter family she can trace back to the beginning of the seven teenth century in English history, while through the Steele and Wol- cott families there is an unbroken descent from Roger Wolcott, first colonial governor of Rhode Island. Mr. Stewart is a genial, pleasant gentleman and highly respected by all. Lawton, Frank W., was born in the village of Evans Mills, Novem ber 15, 1859, a son of Henry W. and Electa M. (Davis) Lawton. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and after mas tering the studies which these schools afforded, was offered and accept ed a clerkship in the store of Wesley Rulison, where he continued for upwards of three years, when he concluded to relinquish clerking and accordingly took charge of his mother's farm, which he worked until her death in 1891. He then acquired possession of the place by in heritance and still continues the ownership. In 1894, in company with F. E. Croissant, the present coal and lumber business was established on Leray street and continued until 1897, when Mr. Croissant retired, since which time Mr. Lawton has conducted it alone, gradually en larging the output until the trade extends throughout Leray and ad joining townships. In 1892 Mr. Lawton married Celia, daughter of Rezot Tozer of Evans Mills, and they have one son, John Stewart. Mr. Lawton is a Republican and was town clerk of Leray for one year from 1881 to 1882. Combining farming with the coal and lumber busi ness does not deprive Mr. Lawton of that social divertisement and good fellowship usually found in the lodge room and in fraternal gath erings. He is a member of Pisgah Lodge No. 720, F. & A. M., of Evans Mills, and has passed through various chairs until he reached that of master of his lodge ; he is also a member of Theresa Chapter, R. A. M. Steinhilber, J. Philip, son of Bernhardt and Mary Steinhilber, was 100 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. born in the town of Leray, in April, 1845. His father originally came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and settled near Evans Mills, where he met and married Mary Heyl, a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United States at about the same time as her husband. They had five children, of which three are now living: J. Philip (as above), Peter and Margaret, wife of A. B. Fitch, a prominent business man of Boston, Mass. Mr. Steinhilber's youth was not unlike that of many others of his times; plenty of hard work on the farm during the summer months and the district school in winter constituted the aver age yearly routine. After leaving the schools of the neighborhood, he took a thorough course in business training at the Poughkeepsie Com mercial College and in 1865 accepted a position in the store of Herrick, Sisson & Ayers of Watertown, where he remained until he thoroughly mastered the details of the business and returned home to await a chance to engage in a business of his own. He spent some time at home on his father's' farm, when the looked for opportunity offered itself and early in 1871 he purchased the interest of Samuel Potter, then associated with Wesley Rulison in the grocery and drug store now owned by A. E. Helmer. He succeeded to Mr. Rulison's interest in 1874 and continued the business until 1885, when he purchased the W. S. Cooper dry goods store and continued until December 2, 1892, when fire destroyed the store and contents. Twenty days later found Mr. Steinhilber located and in possession of a fully stocked place of business at his present location. He carries a heavy stock of general merchan dise and commands a fine trade throughout his own and adjoining townships. Besides his large and increasing business, Mr. Steinhilber owns and conducts a fine farm of 165 acres. In politics he is a Repub lican, and while maintaining a position always as one of the strong and quiet workers, he developed the surprising strength sufficient to down the Democratic war horse, Fred Croissant, and last year beat Mr. Croissant for supervisor, after that gentleman had been elected re peatedly for terms aggregating nineteen years. A quiet unassuming- gentleman, Mr. Steinhilber enjoys the benefits of a large and prosper ous business built up entirely by his own skill and indefatigable efforts, as well as the esteem and confidence of the community. Jones, John E., M. D., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of John W. and Alice A. (Robinson) Jones. He removed from Cleveland to PERSONAL REFERENCES. 101 Watertown with his parents when only five years old. Dr. Jones was educated in the city schools of Watertown and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1891. After his graduation he entered the office of Dr. O. C. Eastman of Watertown, where he remained two years, when the family removed to Buffalo and he completed his medi cal studies in the University of Buffalo. He was for some time a physician in the medical and surgical departments of the General Hos pital at Buffalo, after which he removed to Evans Mills and began practice, succeeding the late Dr. L. E. Jones, whose office and resi dence he purchased in 1896. Dr. Jones enjoys a practice extending throughout Leray and adjoining townships. In 1893 he married Lottie, a daughter of Mrs. Erretta Moore of Lorraine. His father, John W. Jones, will be remembered in Watertown as a former respected resi dent and well known contractor and builder, a business he is still en gaged in in the city of Buffalo. Dr. Jones can point with pride to patriotic elements in the family, six of his relatives serving the cause of the Union during the late Civil war, two having fallen at Gettysburg, one, Lieut. Melvin Bovee, was killed while bravely defending a position of importance, July 3, 1863. Dr. Jones is a member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552, I. O. Foresters, and is at present court physician; also is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society. Gardener, Levi E., M. D.. was born in Leray, January 17, 1858, a son of Ira and Jane (Hicks) Gardener. He was brought up on his father's s farm pretty much the same way as has been the custom with the hardy country youths, with plenty of hard work in summers and the district school in winter. After acquiring a preparation in these schools he entered Oakwood Seminary at Union Springs, N. Y., where he finished his education and began a course of study at the Long Isl and College Hospital in Brooklyn, from which he was graduated in 1892, coming direct to Black River to begin his practice. In January, 1893, Dr. Gardener was married to Carrie A., daughter of Charles H. and Lydia Christy of Dexter, N. Y. Dr. Gardener enjoys an extensive practice, his calls taking him in the various districts of Leray, Rutland and Champion. Countryman, Gershom J., third son of Alexander and Catharine E. (Smith) Countryman (both deceased), was born at Pamelia Four Cor- 102 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ners, in 1862. Nearly all of Mr. Countryman's life has been spent under the old family roof, where from early childhood his school days all centered about his father's homestead. The steady routine of ex istence was passed by working on the farm in summer and attending the public schools during the winter. After reaching his majority Mr. Countryman remained at home and worked his father's farm, which became his upon the death of his father in 1894. In 1883 Mr. Country man married Cora A. Wood, adopted daughter of Alonzo Wood of Three Mile Bay, and they have four children: Norma V., Elsie V., Jay A., and Verna A. Mr. Countryman carries on a general farming and dairying business, owning two fine farms, one of 130 acres at Pamelia Corners, where he resides, and another at Pamelia Center of 175 acres, where he has a fine herd of cattle and runs a large dairy. He is, and alwayshas been a Republican, taking a lively interest in whatever tends to benefit the farmer and is an active member of Pamelia Grange No. 168. Franklin, Walter J., the energetic and popular station agent at Evans Mills, was born in May, 1870, at Boonville, N. Y., a son of Levi and Elizabeth Franklin of that place. Walter J. passed his boyhood days at home and in the village school, through which he fitted himself for a course in academic studies. He taught school at Camden for three terms and then began a course of study in telegraphy with W. H. Kendall, an experienced teacher and operator at West Camden. After completing his course in telegraphy Mr. Franklin received the appoint ment of station agent at Sanford's Corners, where he remained two years, or until his appointment as station agent at Evans Mills, in July, 1895. He is a brother of Harry R. Franklin, station agent at Red Creek, N. Y. In October, 1895, Mr. Franklin married Clara L. Mc- Clusky, the daughter of a well known contractor and builder of Boon ville, N. Y. They have one daughter, Marjorie. Mr. Franklin is de servedly popular among the patrons of the road for his urbanity and business methods in the discharge of his duties. He is a member of Camden Council No. 65, O. U. A. M. Helmer, Albert E., was born on his father's farm in Leray township two miles north of Evans Mills, December 18, 1860. When eleven years old his parents moved to the village, where he attended school PERSONAL REFERENCES. 103 until he entered the employ of J. Philip Steinhilber in the drug and grocery business, where he remained four years, succeeding Mr. Stein hilber February 21, 1885, and has continued the business ever since. Mr. Helmer is also extensively engaged in farming, dairying and cheese-making; in the latter business he is associated with his cousin, Leonard Helmer, the two operating a factory near Evans Mills, the output of which is enormous, while the quality, owing to the care used in production, is of the finest and commands an extensive as well as ready sale. In politics Mr. Helmer has always been a Democrat and is one of the leading men of that party in his section, and only for the great political odds numerically against his party, would have enjoyed its honors to a very high degree. He was town clerk for ten years, from 1882 to 1892, was delegate to the State Convention in 1888, a candidate for member of assembly in 1892, and served as postmaster of Evans Mills from 1892 to 1897. He is a member of the Jeffersonian Club of Watertown and was for several years its vice president. Mr. Helmer's maternal grandfather, Peter Hoover, served his country against the British during the war of 1812 and fought at the battle of Sacket Harbor. September 30, 1890, Mr. Helmer married Frances A., daughter of Leonard Peck of Evans Mills, and they had three chil dren: Albert (died in infancy), Gertrude M. and Alice Irene. The oft quoted saying, "A prophet is not without honor save in his own coun try " does not apply to Mr. Helmer's case. It is at home, in the com munity where he was born and reared, that he is held in the highest esteem as a politician, business man and honored citizen. Steinhilber, George W., son of Ezekiel and Catharine (Hyle) Steinhil ber, was born on the farm he now owns and occupies in 1842. His parents came to this country from Germany upwards of sixty years ago and settled east of Leray ville. His father just previous to his marriage purchased the farm where Mr. Steinhilber resides. George Steinhil ber, like the average country youth, worked on his father's farm in the summer and attended the schools of the neighborhood in the winter. February 23, 1871, he married Laura Dillenbeck, daughter of John S. Dillenbeck of Leray township. His family consists of Willie, born in 1872; Curtis, born in 1879 (died in 1881), and Nina, born in 1888. In politics Mr. Steinhilber has always been a Republican. He is a farmer and dairyman, having a fine farm of 180 acres, finely located and of the 104 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. best in the land. Mr. Steinhilber is interested in whatever promotes the interest of the farming community and is a member of Pamelia Grange No. 68. When the war broke out he went to the front, enlist ing in the 10th New York Heavy Artillery, and was assigned to Co. C. Mr. Steinhilber saw plenty of hard service, and was through the Peters burg and Shenandoah Valley campaigns, and served under General Sheridan while that great leader operated as commander of the middle military division in the celebrated valley of Virginia. After their services in the valley of Virginia were no longer needed the 10th Heavy Artillery was detached and sent to Bermuda Hundreds, where it remained until the close of the war, Mr. Steinhilber being honorably discharged from the service after serving two years and eleven months. He is a member of Chauncey Wilkie Post, G. A. R., No. 334, Evans Mills. Paul, William E., son of Edwin L., and Caroline (Hudson) Paul, was born in Leray township in 1861. His father at present is a resi dent of Watertown and his mother is deceased. Mr. Paul has four brothers: George B., of Hutchinson, Minn., Charles E., Albert J. and Albin J., residents of Leray. Mr. Paul remained at home until he reached his majority, working on the farm in summers and attending the schools of the neighborhood winters. Soon after reaching his twenty-first birthday he purchased the farm where he now resides, con sisting of 195 acres of valuable land and started out for himself. That he has prospered is evident from the appearance of both farm and herd. Mr. Paul is a member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552 of I. O. F. In politics he is a Republican, as was his father before him. In Septem ber, 1888, he married Matilda J. Getman, and they had four children: Laura May, Emmery E., Wilfred S. and Bertha. Mr. Paul is one of the thorough farmers of the neighborhood. Tozer & Davenport, millers and proprietors of the American Mills Evans Mills, N. Y., was formed in 1895 and is composed of William F. Tozer and Arthur P. Davenport. The business consists of general grinding of wheat, corn, buckwheat and all kinds of mill feed. They are large dealers in flour, handling the Grand Republic flour of West Superior, Wis., and Rhodie & Bills's best patent of Ogdensburg. Their business is extensive, reaching out beyond what is usually termed PERSONAL REFERENCES. 105 local trade limits. The mill is of historical interest, having been erected in 1820 by Ethan Evans, the founder of the village. The individual copartners are energetic, pushing business men. Mr. Tozer was born in the town of Alexandria at Alexandria Bay, in 1861, a son of Regot and Mary (Potter) Tozer, respected citizens of Evans Mills. Mr. Tozer received his education in the schools of the neighborhood and was graduated from St. John's High School at Ogdensburg. For two years he was employed in the government survey from Little Rock, Ark., to Vermilion county, Dak. Returning to Evans Mills he engaged in his present business with W. H. Osborne which continued for three years and in 1895 he formed the present copartnership. Mr. Tozer is a mem ber of Pisgah Lodge No. 720, F. & A. M. He has been through all the chairs and was for two years master of the lodge. Mr. Tozer and Mr. Davenport's grandfather, Elisha Potter, was a soldier in the war of 1S12 and fought at Sacket Harbor. Mr. Tozer and Mr. Davenport's families run back through two important channels, one on the Potter side reaching to Robert Potter of Warwick, Eng., who came to Rhode Island in 1600, and through their great- grandmother, Polly Wolcott, and their grandmother, Polly Steele, who descended from the Wol- cott's of Rhode Island, of which Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declar ation of Independence and governor of the State, and Roger Wolcott, also governor of Rhode Island, are representatives. Mr. Davenport was born in the village of Evans Mills twenty- five years ago, a son of Piatt W. and Amelia M. (Potter) Davenport. His early life was passed in his native village, receiving his education in the public schools of the neighborhood and at the academy at Holland Patent. After completing his education he went to Nebraska, and was con nected with the Omaha Street Railroad for three years, when he re turned to Evans Mills, and entered upon the present business, where he has remained ever since. Politically Mr. Davenport is a Democrat. His father died in 1895 and his mother still survives and resides with her son. Messrs. Tozer & Davenport are cousins. Helmer, Leonard A., is the third son of Peter Helmer, who came originally from Herkimer county fifty years ago and settled on a farm two miles west of Evans Mills; he married shortly after his arrival there Catharine Shimmell, who bore him four children, two of whom are now living: Leonard A. and Mrs. Charles Petrie of Evans Mills. 106 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mr. Helmer, sr., died in 1887 and Mrs. Helmer still survives and re sides with her son. Leonard A. Helmer spent his boyhood days on the farm, working in summer and attending schools of the neighborhood during the winter months. He still continued at home working the farm after he reached his majority and upon the death of his father in April, 1887, succeeded to his present splendid homestead, which has been in possession of the family since its removal from the original location west of the village of Evans Mills. General farming and dairying is the principal business, and with nearly 200 acres of first class soil, rich and productive, Mr. Helmer maintains one of the best farms in his section ; his dairy contains some of the finest Holstein cat tle in the vicinity. He has also bred some of the finest Berkshire, Chester White and Red Jersey swine, which have commanded a large sale in the vicinity. Mr. Helmer is also extensively engaged with his cousin, Albert E. Helmer, a merchant at Evans Mills, in the manufac ture of cheese, the two conducting a factory the annual output reaching upwards of 80,000 pounds, and which commands a ready sale in the foreign and local markets. Mr. Helmer is a granger and an active member of Pamelia Grange No. 68, also a charter member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552 I. O. Foresters and has been financial secretary of the lodge. In politics he has always been a Democrat and has been honored by his party as delegate to the various county conventions. In 1876 Mr. Helmer married Susan Summers of Brockville, Ont. and they have had two children, one now living, Grace E., aged eleven years. White, George G., a resident of Philadelphia, Jefferson county, was born in the town of Watertown, August 13, 1823, a son of Gardner and Deborah (Adams) White. Gardner was a grandson of one James White, who came from Portugal about 1716, settled in Connecticut and raised a numerous family ; he died in 1786 aged eighty-eight years. Adonijah, third son of James (Gardner's father), a captain in the Revolutionary war, was born in Connecticut in 1752, married Hannah Kingsbury May 1, 1777, and raised a family of nine — four girls and five boys: Lydia, born February 4, 1778; Nancy, born January 19, 1780; Sally, No vember 13, 1781; Gardner, February 11, 1784; Lemuel, June 19,'l786; Dr. George White, August 10, 1788; Sybil, February 9, 1792; Dr.' Adonijah White, April 3, 1794; Augustus Kingsbury White, January 22, 1796, who wrote a history of New York State. Gardner White PERSONAL REFERENCES. 107 moved from the town of Watertown May 4, 1835, and located upon the farm now owned by George G. White, and died September 6, 1862. George G. was reared upon the farm and educated in the common school. October 22, 1857, he married Georgianna, daughter of Henry Danforth, brother of A. W. . Danforth, member of assembly. They had four daughters: Carrie C. (deceased), M. Virginia, Susie F., and Hettie Georgia. George G. in politics is a Republican having served his town as inspector of election, town auditor, highway commissioner and at the present time as assessor. Danforth, James H., was born in Philadelphia, September 26, 1840, a son of Azel W. and Eliza Ann (Phillips) Danforth. Azel W. came to Philadelphia about 1833 and settled on the farm James H. now owns, and there lived until his death in 1864. Mr. Danforth was a Democrat until the organization of the Republican party and a prominent politi cian. He held several town offices and served as member of assembly. James H. was reared on the old homestead and educated in the com mon schools. He is a farmer and owns 145 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican; a member of the Grange and was once a Good Templar. In 1865 he married Julia E. , daughter of Jotham Marshall, an early settler of Jefferson county, N. Y. , and they have one son, A. Warren, educated in the common schools and Syracuse. He is now bookkeeper for the Indian River chair factory. He married Ada A. King and they have two children, Lawrence A. and Grace M. Comstock, George, was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, N. Y., March 24, 1839, a son of Arnon and Clarissa (Barber) Comstock. Arnon was born in Oneida county, a son of Arnon Comstock, who lived and died in that county. Clarissa Barber Comstock was born in Connecticut, a daughter of Aaron Barber, who came to Jeffer son county, settling in Philadelphia, where he lived and died. Arnon Comstock, father of George, was a farmer and came to Leray in 1842, in 1860 to Philadelphia, and here died January 23, 1895. George Com stock was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Carthage select schools. He is a farmer and has 345 acres of land and a dairy of thirty-three cows. He is a member of the Grange, being one of the charter members of Philadelphia Grange No. 114. He is a Republican and has been assessor twelve years. June 13, 1867, he 108 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. married Abi Kirkbride, born in Philadelphia, and daughter of Robert and Julia A. Powell Kirkbride, and they have three sons: Chester E., born in Philadelphia, March 7, 1869, a farmer; Edward C, born September 22, 1872, and Robert E., born March 12, 1880, at home. Chester mar ried Josephine Carter; Edward married Emma Anable of Philadelphia, and has one child, Mildred, born December 21, 1895. Robert Kirk bride was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Oneida county. He came to Leray when eight years old with his parents, Benjamin and Hannah Kirkbride, who were members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Comstock has been active in politics and the family attend the Congre gational church. Shurtleff, Elisha M., was born in Philadelphia, N. Y., May 28, 1845, a son of Milo Shurtleff. Milo was born in Leray, N. Y., and came to Philadelphia with his parents when he was eleven years of age. He was a farmer and owned about 400 acres of land. In politics he was a Democrat and served as assessor and justice of the peace. He married Louisa M. Bentley of Antwerp, and they had ten children. He died March 1, 1882. Elisha M. Shurtleff was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and for eleven years has dealt extensively in hay, having a farm of 337 acres. He is a Democrat; a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., Philadelphia Lodge No. 690, I. O. O. F., Court Philadelphia No. 502, I. O. F., and of the Philadelphia Grange. February 15, 1876, he married Emily J. Baker, daughter of Perry Baker, an early settler of Philadelphia, and they have three sons: Francis, Lloyd P., and Earl M. Gardner, W. H., was born in Richville, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., May 17, 1870, a son of Daniel and Lucy (Doane) Gardner, natives of St. Lawrence county, where he died June 30, 1879, and his widow lives in Richville. W. H. Gardner was educated in Richville Union School and began his business life as a clerk in a grocery store at Richville at the age of fifteen, and after two years clerked in Gouverneur in a clothing store for one year. He then engaged with Barnes, Hengerer & Co. of Buffalo, in a dry goods store, and after two years returned to Gouverneur, where he learned custom tailoring and then went to the cutting school of the John J. Mitchell Company, New York city, to complete his trade. After spending one year in Machias, Me., as a PERSONAL REFERENCES. 109 cutter, he came to Philadelphia and engaged in tbe merchant tailoring business and also carries a stock of gents' furnishing" goods and ready- made clothing. Mr. Gardner is a Republican in politics; a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 226, F. & A. M. ; member of Lodge of Perfection at Watertown and also a member of Ben Hur Lodge No. 77, K. of P., Machias, Me. March 4, 1890, he married Violet Southwell of Wilson, Niagara count)', N. Y. Guthrie, William J., was born in Watertown, June 29, 1852, a son of William and Nancy (Neville) Guthrie, natives of Canada, and came to Watertown about 1850, and he died in Canada and his widow in Antwerp. They had a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. William J. Guthrie was educated in Antwerp and in 1869 came to Philadelphia and engaged in farming. In 1882 he bought a liverv business and was in that some years, when he engaged in the meat business, which is his present occupation. January 1, 1877, he married Julia A. Carpenter of Antwerp, and they have one son, Henry P. Mr. Guthrie is a Republican in politics and has been constable and deputy sheriff for nine years. In 1897 he was appointed post master at Philadelphia He is a member of Court Philadelphia No. 502, I. O. F. He and wife attend the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member. Mr. Guthrie is at present a member of the Board of Education and has been trustee of the village. Scofield, Daniel H., was born in Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y., February 17, 1834, a son of Thaddeus Scofield, born September 26, 1795, died November 3, 1860, and Mary (Wood) Scofield, born April 27, 1799, and died June 22, 1868, both born in Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y. Thaddeus was a son of Henry Scofield, who was a sol dier in the Revolutionary war, and an early settler of Saratoga county, where he lived and died. Thaddeus came to Philadelphia, Jefferson county, in March, 1841, and engaged in farming and there died in No vember, 1860. He and wife were Baptists and were charter members of the church. Daniel H. Scofield was educated in the common schools and began his business life as a clerk in Philadelphia at the age of six teen, and at the age of twenty-two engaged in mercantile business with W. G. & A. A. Holmes, under the firm name of Holmes & Scofield; this firm continued until 1865, when Mr. Scofield sold out, and the same 110 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. year he and W. G. Holmes formed a new partnership, A. A. Holmes taking the store at Redwood, which the first firm also owned. He and W. G. Holmes continued for seven years in business, when Mr. Holmes sold to his son and the firm became D. H. Scofield & Co., this firm continuing to 1879, when Mr. Scofield sold to his partner. Mr. Sco field was out of business for a short time when he bought out the firm of Friend & Kirkbride and in 1883 the firm became D. H. Scofield & Son and continues as such at this date. January 4, 1858, Mr. Scofield married Eliza A. York, daughter of William and Prudence (Danforth) York, early settlers of the town. Eliza was born March 21, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Scofield have three children: Mary E., born March 11, 1860, wife of Frank Brooks of Philadelphia; William T., born April 18, 1862, who has married twice, first to Grace Brooks of Philadelphia, and his second wife was E. Celia Coon of Medina, Orleans county, and they have one child, Grace. William iT. is in partnership with his father ; Mattie A., born August 22, 1865, wife of H. U. McAfee, and they have three children: Florence, Grace and Carlton. Mary has six children: Edith, William, Daniel, Bessie, Otis aud Marjorie. Mr. Scofield has always been a Republican and his first presidential vote was for John C. Fremont and he has never missed an election. Mr. Scofield was the first president of the village when it was incorporated, and was also the first president of the Bank of Philadelphia, and is now one of its directors. Rodenhurst, D. C, M. D., was born in the village of Lowell, town of Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., January 26, 1855. He lived in Lowell until eleven years old, when he came to Clayton, N. Y., and lived there two years, then to Theresa, N. Y. , where he resided until 1878. He then went to Oxbow, N. Y., where he practiced medicine for three years and in 1882 came to Philadelphia, N. Y., where he has had a very successful practice. He was educated at Theresa, Potsdam Normal School and Watertown Seminary. He studied medicine with Dr. Sturdevant of Theresa, and was graduated from Long Island Col lege Hospital in 1879 and has practiced as above stated. Dr. Roden hurst has always been a Republican in politics and is at present justice of the peace and has been coroner eight years and trustee of the vil lage four years. He was health officer and organized the Board of Health at Philadelphia. He is a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., and Theresa Chapter No. 149, R. A. M., Watertown Com- PERSONAL REFERENCES. Ill mandery No. 11, and Media Temple of Watertown. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society and ex-president, also member of the New York State Medical Society. January 10, 1884, he married Mattie H. Pool of Theresa, daughter of Zalmon Pool. Dr. Roden- hurst's father was Richard Rodenhurst, born January 9, 1829, a son of Richard Rodenhurst, who in 1834 came from White Church, Shrop shire, Eng., to Utica, N. Y., and afterwards settled in Westmoreland, Oneida county. His wife was Mary Ashton, by whom were born seven children. Richard Rodenhurst, jr., finished his education at Delaney Institute, Oneida county, N. Y. He was a cabinetmaker, which he worked at for three years and was for many years on the canal. In 1868 he came to Theresa and engaged in the hardware business, where he has since 'been very successful. In politics he is an ardent Demo crat and was U. S. loan commissioner for ten years. He has been twice married, first to Sarah Anna Knickerbocker of Madison county, N. Y., and the}- had two sons, De Witt C, the subject, and Fred S. Mrs. Rodenhurst died in 1867, and he married for his second wife Emma Fisk, and they have one daughter, Belle Ivers. Mr. Roden hurst is a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., and Theresa Chapter No. 146, R. A. M. Fuller, George A., was born in Philadelphia, July 23, 1867, a son of Loren and Betsey (Clark) Fuller. Loren Fuller, father of George A., was born in Saratoga county September 20, 1818, and came to Leray in 1830, remaining there only a few months, after which he removed to Philadelphia with his father, Almon Fuller^ and settled on 150 acres which is now part of the home farm owned by George A. Almon Ful ler and Lois Thatcher, his wife, were born in the town of Galway, Saratoga county, and died in Philadelphia. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters, only two of whom are now living. Al mon Fuller lived on the homestead all his life and died September 3, 1867. Loren Fuller spent all his life on the home farm and was a suc cessful farmer, having added to the original farm from time to time until at the time of his death it contained 315 acres. He also owned another farm near Philadelphia of 120 acres. In politics Loren Fuller was a Democrat and held many offices in the town, among which was supervisor and school commissioner. He represented the town on the Board of Supervisors from 1866 to 1873. Betsey Fuller, wife of Loren Fuller, now lives in Philadelphia. Two children were born to Loren 112 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and Betsey Fuller: Bessie M., who lives with her mother in Phila delphia, and George A., who lives on the homestead. George A. was educated in the common schools and at Ives Seminary and Potsdam Normal School. After leaving school he followed teaching for some time until the death of his father in 1888, when he assumed the man agement of the farm and has followed that occupation ever since. On this farm a dairy of forty cows is kept and this is the principal -part of the farm work, although some hay and grain is raised for sale. In 1888 he married Hattie M., daughter of John D. Randall of Black River, N. Y., and they have one son, Glenn Loren, born December 2, 1891. Mr. Fuller is a member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 690, I. O. O. F., and Philadelphia Grange. In politics he is a Democrat and was a can didate for member of assembly in 1897, but was defeated, his party being largely in the minority. He has been noble grand in the I. O. O. F. , and is now master of Philadelphia Grange. Bennett, Dexter, was born in Lewis county, N Y., October 12, 1839, a son of William and Sophia (Allis) Bennett, natives of Lowville, N.Y., and in 1841 came to Philadelphia, where they settled on a farm and he died in 1885; his wife in 1887. The maternal grandfather was William Allis, who came to Philadelphia about 1837 and there lived and died; his wife was Betsey Barber. Dexter was reared on a farm and edu cated in the common schools and Lowville Academy. He is a farmer and stock dealer, having a farm of 330 acres. Mr. Bennett is a Re publican in politics, but not an aspirant to office. September 25, 1861, he married Eunice, daughter of William York, and they had four chil dren: Clarence D., a farmer; Helen G. , who died April 1, 1893; Eliza A., died March 13, 1887, and William B., at home. Clarence D. mar ried Mattie Ford of Philadelphia, and they have two children: William D. and Grace E. Isdell, John R., was born in Leray, January 31, 1835, a son of Will iam and Emaline (Olmstead) Isdell. William Isdell was born in North- ville, Fulton county, N. Y., May 7, 1809, and his wife was born in the same place in 1807. John R. Isdell was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was a carpenter by trade, also a farmer, owning 100 acres in Philadelphia, where he died April 21, 1895. March 29, 1860, he married Mary L. Clark, daughter of Nelson, and grand- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 113 daughter of Benson Clark, born at Danby, Vt., February 25, 1780, and died in Leray, October 3, 1828, where he settled in early life. His wife was Phoebe Ingerson, born in Westchester county, November 20, 1783, died in Leray, March 28, 1862. Nelson Clark was born in Green field in 1806; he was a farmer and owned a farm in Leray and died July 11, 1863. His wife was Lydia Pike, born in Massachusetts, April 10, 1805. Mr. and Mrs. Isdell have two daughters: Emma L., wife of Adolphus Cook of Evans Mills, and Annie M., at home. Mr. Isdell was a Republican; a member of Evans Mills Lodge F. & A. M., was also a Royal Arch Mason. Mrs. Isdell and daughter reside in Phila delphia village. Stone, George, was born in Antwerp, April 10, 1828. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He began business life as a clerk at sixteen years of age and followed it until he was twenty-four, when he engaged in mercantile business in partnership with Jesse Kelsie and a brother, James Stone. Jesse bought Mr. Kel- sie's interest and after four years George sold to his brother and moved to Wilna, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. After three years Mr. Stone came to Theresa and was married to Mar garet J. Rhodenhurst. He then moved on to the farm he now owns and where he has since lived. In politics Mr. Stone is a Democrat. His parents were Andrew and Hannah (Shurtleff) Stone. He was born in New Hampshire and she in Leray, N. Y. Her father was James Shurtleff. Andrew Stone was a son of John Stone, born in New Hampshire, and traces the ancestry of the family to seven brothers coming from England. Andrew was born in Dublin, N. H., October 11, 1796, and came to Leray in 1818 and bought 100 acres of land in Antwerp, where he lived until his death in 1833. His wife died Au gust 6, 1884, at Plessis. They had three sons and four daughters, two daughters and three sons now living. Kelsey, Charles A., was born in Antwerp, May 3, 1833, a son of Abel and Wealthy (Wicks) Kelsey. Abel Kelsey was born in Massachusetts and came to Leray with his parents. He was a farmer and in politics a Whig then a Democrat, and was elected justice of the peace in Ant werp and served four years. His wife, Wealthy Wicks, was a daugh ter of Benjamin Wicks, who came to Antwerp at an early day, taking 114 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. up 500 acres of land and here lived and died. Charles A Kelsey was educated in the common schools and at Theresa High School and Wes leyan Seminary, where he prepared for college. He taught school at Antwerp, Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Three Mile Bay, Chaumont, select school at Lafargeville and Theresa. He entered the study of law with David Bearup of Theresa and afterwards entered the office of Levi H. Brown and Allen C. Beach, at that time the leading law firm of Water- town, N. Y., from which office he was admitted to the bar April 5, 1866; and on January 20, 1875, was admitted to practice in the United States District and Circuit Courts for Northern New York. Soon after being admited to the bar he was elected school commissioner of the Third Commissioner District of Jefferson county and served three years. He began his law practice at Three Mile Bay and soon went to Water- town, where he continued the practice for about seven years and then moved to Theresa, where he also has had a successful practice. Mr. Kelsey has one of the best farms in Theresa of 140 acres, and also a house and three acres of land in the village. He has always taken an active interest in geology, mineralogy and paleontology and has a very choice selection of specimens. In 1858 he married Harriet Calhoun, and they had one son, Charles H., born in 1869, educated in Theresa and Ives Seminary. Mr Kelsey while in Watertown was a member of the fire department for five years and one of the directors for two years. He is a member of Theresa Grange P. of H. No. 660, also of Pomona Grange and was master of Theresa Grange one term. Mr. Kelsey's wife was a teacher at Three Mile Bay several years and one of her pupils went to Minneapolis, Minn., and afterwards named two small lakes and a street in honor of his former teacher, calling one Lake Harriet and the other Lake Calhoun and the street Calhoun street. Loucks, W. M., was born in Orleans, N. Y., March 2, 1858, a son of Andrew M. and Hannah (Wagner) Loucks, natives of Herkimer county. His grandfather, George G. Loucks, was a native of Herkimer county also and came to Orleans in a very early day and there lived and died. His wife was Mary Gray, born in Herkimer county and died in Or leans. George G. was in the war of 1812 and was quatermaster. His maternal grandfather was a native of Herkimer county and was one of the early settlers of Orleans. Andrew M. Loucks was educated in Or leans and was a farmer. He and wife had two children : W. M. (the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 115 subject) and George B., who resides in Theresa. Andrew and his wife came to Theresa village in 1885 and here they lived a retired life. W. M. Loucks was educated in the common schools and followed farming some years and then came to Theresa and engaged as a clerk for E. J. Stratton. In 1894 he engaged in business with C. G. Lehr and after one and a half years bought out Mr. Lehr's interest and has since con ducted the business alone. December 19, 1888, he married Abbie Thomas of Theresa, and they have one daughter, Blanche, born April 20, 1894. Mr. Loucks is a Democrat, a member of the I. O. F. and of the fire department. Miller, C. Henry, was born in Antwerp, N. Y., July 22, 1836, a son of Jacob and Mary M. (Markham) Miller, born in Canada, August 31, 1803, and she in Massachusetts, in 1807. Jacob was a son of Joseph Miller, born July 24, 1773, and came to Theresa in a very early day, where he died June 27, 1831. His wife was Mary Lott, born February 18, 1774, and died May 29, 1844. Jacob Miller spent most of his days in Theresa and Antwerp. He was educated in the common schools and was a teacher for many years, also a farmer, and settled the farm of 250 acres of land now owned by the subject, and here died April 19, 1860, and his wife died April 15, 1875. They had one son, C. Henry. Jacob was a Whig and Republican and was once nominated for school commissioner by the Whig party. C. Henry Miller was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Theresa select schools. He has always been a farmer and besides the old homestead of 250 acres, has another farm on Indian River of 125 acres. In 1888 he erected a fine residence in Theresa and since 1895 has resided in the village, his house being occupied by some one of the family since it was built. December 2, 1858, he married Mary Tyler, born in Herki mer county, N. Y., March 27, 1836, a daughter of Benjamin and Charity (Emhoff) Tyler, both born in Herkimer county and about 1840 came to Pamelia, then to Theresa, where both died, he in 1871 and his wife in 1886. Mr. Tyler was a clothier in early life and later followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had four children : Sarah (deceased) ; Edwin J., born August 26, 1864, educated at Theresa and Ives Semin ary; Leona, wife of Arthur Greenacre, and they have one daughter, Marion M. ; and Henrietta, wife of Fred S. Rhodenhurst of Theresa, and they have one son, Seymour K. Mr. Miller is a Republican in poli- 116 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tics and attends and supports the M. E. church. He is also a member of the P. of H. Santway, F. L., M. D., was born in Canton, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., December 2, 1856, a son of John and Marion (La Fave) Sant way. John was born near Montreal and his wife at the same place. In 1835 they came to Canton, and in 1857 to Russell, where he died December 29, 1887, aged eighty years; his wife in May, 1888, aged seventy -four years. They raised a family of ten children, of whom Dr. Santway was the youngest. Dr. Santway was educated in the common schools of Russell and attended the academy at Canton and the St. Lawrence University. He followed teaching in winter and at tended school fall and spring. In 1876 he began the study of medi cine with Dr. Sanford Hoag of Canton, and attended lectures in the New York Homoeopathic Medical College, and at Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, graduating from Hahnemann Medical College in 1879. He immediately located in Theresa for practice, where he has ever since been and has met with remarkable success. He is a member of Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society and New York State Homoeopathic Medical Society. February 16, 1881, he married Mary A. Bearup of Theresa, N. Y. Dr. Santway is interested in real estate, owning 300 acres in Oswego, 250 in Jefferson and 200 in St. Lawrence counties, all under cultivation; has a $10,000 interest in Mandan City property, $5,000 in Syracuse, N. Y. , also property in Pueblo, Col., and in Philadelphia, N. Y. He owns a portion of Com mercial Block and a fine residence built in 1890, also several residences and vacant lots in the village. He is a charter member of Theresa Tent No. 493, K. O. T. M., and of the Patrons of Husbandry No. 660. He attends and supports the M. E. church, of which he is a member. Dr. Santway has had thirteen students in his office, ten of whom have graduated and are now practicing physicians. Dr. Santway was the only homoeopathic physician on the Utica and Black River Railroad line between Watertown and Ogdensburg for several years. He is a Republican but not an aspirant to office. He is to day one of the wealthiest men of Theresa. Henry, G. W., was born in Clayton, N.Y., September 6, 1847, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Consaul) Henry, natives of Herkimer county, who both came to Clayton, being among the first settlers of the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 117 town. He was a Democrat and farmer. The family is of Holland descent, the great-grandfather coming from Holland. G. W. Henry was reared on a farm and educated in Belleville Union Academy. He followed teaching for four years, when he engaged with Holden & Til den of Watertown as traveling salesman and continued with that firm for ten years, when he came to Theresa and engaged in the hardware business. He continued in that business until 1890, when he was burned out and erected his present block, known as the Henry block, and has added groceries and gents' furnishing goods. July 5, 1879, he married Alice S. Merrill of Alexandria, and they have one son, Charles Goodrich, born August 14, 1880. In 1892 Mr. Henry built a store at Point Vivian and in 1894 erected a hotel at the same place. He keeps a temperance house and also carries on general mercantile business. Mr. Henry began life for himself at the age of nineteen and has been very successful. He is a Democrat in politics, but not an aspirant to office. He is a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., and was made a Mason at Copenhagen, N. Y. He and his wife attend and support the Presbyterian church. Eddy, Charles C, was born in Rutland, N. Y., July 9, 1835, a son of Horatio N. and Anna P. (Granger) Eddy. Horatio N. Eddy was born in Rutland, N. Y. , a son of Enoch Eddy, a native of Vermont, who came to Rutland about 1800 and moved to Pamelia, where he died. Horatio moved to Leray, where he died September 21, 1891. He was one of the leading farmers of the place and he and his wife had five children. His wife died April 21, 1884. Charles C. Eddy was educated in the common schools and Evans Mills High School. In 1868 he came to Theresa and bought the farm he owns of 144 acres and carries on general farming. In politics he is a Republican, and a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M. October 20, 1869, he married Sarah E. Evans, daughter of Gilman and Mary A. (Kelsey) Evans, and they had three children: George C, born December 21, 1871, educated at Theresa High School and is a farmer ; Ida J., born July 13, 1874, educated at Theresa High School, at home; and Charles A., born in November, 1880, died April 4, 1883. In December, 1863, Mr. Eddy enlisted and was mustered in as second lieutenant in Co. M, 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, serving in the following battles: Wilder ness, Spotsylvania Court House, Tolopotomoy Creek, Bethesda Chnrch, 118 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Blick Station, Poplar Grove Church, Pegram Farm, Hawks House, Hatcher's Run, Fort Haskel, and capture of Petersburg. He was promoted to first lieuten ant and was wounded at Pegram Farm. He is a member of George W. Flowers Post No. 306, G. A. R., Department of New York. Soper, Norris W., was born in Theresa, July 15, 1847, and educated in his native town. He has always been a very successful farmer and now owns 215 acres of land, a part of the old homestead. He follows general farming, also keeps a dairy of twenty-five cows. In politics he is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He is a member of the P. of H. In 1867 he married Josephine Tucker, born in Jefferson county, N. Y., and they have five children : Alberta, Lillie, Albert, Mary Ette, and Harry. Alberta married Jasper Cool of Leray, and have one daughter, Myrtle. Lillie married Fred Timmerman of Leray. Mr. Soper's father, Schuyler Soper, was a son of Augustus Soper, born in Vermont and came to Oneida county, then to Jefferson county, where he was one of the first settlers of Adams. He afterwards came to Alexandria, and there spent his last days. Schuyler was a farmer and spent his days on a farm in Theresa, where Norris now lives. He married Mary Ette Woodward, and they had five sons and onedaugter. Cole, Alanson, was born in Theresa, May 1, 1822, a son of Allen and Hopy (Soule) Cole. Allen Cole was born in Massachusetts and mar ried in Herkimer county and came to Brownville about 1810, trading his land with Leray for land in Theresa, where he owned 600 acres of land, which was sold in 1836 to George Snell. Mr. Cole purchased 812 acres of land in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties and engaged in the manufacture of lumber and clearing land. He and wife had eight sons and four daughters. Mr. Cole was a Democrat and justice for eleven years in succession. He died April 11, 1855, and his wife in December, 1849. Alanson Cole was educated in the common schools. He owned 220 acres of land which he sold to Lafave in 1888 and for ten years has lived retired in the village of Theresa. In October, 1844, he married Lucy Makepeace, and they had eleven children, of whom six are living: Martin V. died in 1893, leaving wife and three children ; Jane Wheeler of Redwood; John, died in infancy; Fannie Lafave now lives on the homestead; Lydia Snell resides on the farm where her PERSONAL REFERENCES. 119 father was born; Julia, deceased, leaving four children and husband; John D. Cole, M. D., of Alexandria Bay; Leslie D. at home; Jasper, deceased; Eunice M., deceased; and Ida M. Jones of Syracuse, N„ Y. Mr. Cole was a Whig and has been Republican since organization of the party; has been assessor and commissioner of highways, also trus tee of the village. He and wife attend and support the Presbyterian church. In 1887 Mr. Cole built a fine residence in the village where he has since resided. Bullard, P. D., was born in Henderson, N. Y. , July 6, 1819, a son of Percival and Dorcas (Phillips) Bullard. Percival Bullard was born on the Green Mountains, in Vermont, August 17, 1789, and came to Massena with his parents previous to the war of 1812, where his father bought a farm, a part of which is now occupied by Massena village. He ran a hotel at Ogdensburg during the war, when the British came over and burned the place together with the hotel; he then went to Henderson and from there went West to locate land, and died in St. Louis. Percival Bullard was a merchant in Sacket Harbor during the war of 1812, after which he went to Henderson, where he engaged with his brother Jonathan in the dry goods business, and remained there until 1824, when he came to Theresa and bought a grist mill and saw mill of Leray and ran them until 1830, when he died. Percival D. Bullard was five years old when he came to Theresa with bis father; he is now the oldest continuous resident of the village. When he was thirteen years of age he entered Lowville Academy, where he remained two and a half years, and then began his business life as a clerk in the store of Rulison & Thomas at Evans Mills, where he remained one year as clerk ; he then went to Belleville and engaged in the store of O. S. Salisbury as clerk, where he remained one year until the spring of 1837, when he came to Theresa and clerked for Anson Ranney in his store three years, at the end of which time he entered into partner ship with Mr. Ranney before he was twenty-one years of age ; they re mained together in business four years until the spring of 1844, when he, Dr. J. D. Davison, Franklin Parker and Artemas Baker built a business block which stood until the great fire in April, 1890. In the spring of 1845 he filled his corner store in said block with goods, where he remained selling goods on his own account until the spring of 1848, when his brother-in-law, Ambrose Walradt, became his partner; they continued in business until 1861, when they dissolved partnership, Mr. 120 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Walradt and J. B. Davison as partner continuing the business until the close of the war in 1865. At this time Mr. Bullard, J. D. Flower (brother of Governor Flower) and Mr. Walradt formed a business con nection for the sale of general merchandise; they remained together in business until January, 1870, when Mr. Flower retired from the firm and removed to Utica. From this time until the spring of 1873 the business was continued under the firm of Bullard & Walradt. Mr. Bullard then sold his interest in the firm to George Kelsey, and since that time has lived retired. He owns a farm of 164 acres, and twenty- two acres of land in the village ; also a good residence in the village. He has been one of the railroad commissioners of the town since the commencement of the Black River and Morristown Railroad in 1870. In 1840 he married Catharine Walradt, a niece of Dr. John D. Davison; they had eight children: Percival A., Abigail C. , Amelia A., Clarence D., Florence A., Ida May, George W., and one that died in infancy, Mrs. Bullard died in 1870, and for his second wife he married Maria Walradt in the fall of 1871 ; she died November 4, 1896. Mr. Bullard is a Democrat and held the office of supervisor for his town in 1851, 1857 and 1863. Snell & Makepeace. — This firm is composed of Gideon Snell, jr., J. H. Snell and J. J. Makepeace. Gideon Snell, jr., was born in Herki mer county, N. Y., in 1840, a son of Gideon Snell, born in the same county in 1807, and came to Orleans about 1835, returning to Herki mer county after eight years and in 1847 came to Theresa. He fol lowed farming in Orleans and afterwards was foreman of the tannery at Dodgeville, N. Y. He has lived a retired life in Theresa for about thirty five years. His wife was Catherine Schultz, born in Herkimer county in 1809, and died in 1895. The father of Gideon was Jacob P. Snell one of seven brothers, and was killed at the battle of Oriskany. Gideon Snell, jr., was educated at Theresa at Goodenough's select school. After two years of farming Mr. Snell engaged in the milling business in Theresa in 1866, buying one-half interest in the mill of A. D. Gardner, and about 1867 Mr. Snell and his brother, Jacob H., bought a two -thirds interest and E. T. Makepeace, the father of the present J. J. Makepeace, the remainder, and the firm has since been known as Snell & Makepeace. They have a general flouring business, turning out 150 barrels daily. Mr. Snell was married in December' 1863, to Malona M. Martin of Theresa, and they have two children': PERSONAL REFERENCES. 121 William M. and Jennie A., wife of W. W. Holmes of Redwood, N. Y. William M. was educated at Theresa and was graduated from the State Normal of Potsdam and at present is a student in the New York State Homoeopathic College of New York city. J. H. Snell was born The resa, in May, 1861, a son of Jacob H., brother of Gideon Snell, jr. Jacob H., sr. , was born at Snells Bush, Herkimer county, January 3, 1831, and came to Orleans at sixteen years of age and to Theresa at twenty years. In 1870 he bought an interest in the grist mill at The resa and continued in business until his son took his place. J. H. Snell, jr., was educated at Theresa and was ten years old when he came off the farm and succeeded his father in the firm of Snell & Make peace. In 1885 he married Florence E. Hildreth and they have one son, Karl H., born December 27, 1889. In politics Mr. Snell is a Re publican and has been trustee of the village and trustee of school dis trict No. 7. J. J. Makepeace was born in Alexandria, March 5, 1857, a son of E. J. and Marie (Tahash) Makepeace. J. J. Makepeace was reared in Alexandria and at the age of ten came to Theresa, and was educated there and at Adams Hungerford Collegiate Institute. He clerked in a drug store for A. C. Eddie three years and then worked in a grist mill, and at his father's death took his interest and has since been a member of the firm. November 10, 1892, he married Florence A. Chadwick of Theresa and they have two daughters: Ruth C, born January 11, 1894, and Dorothy M., born May 4, 1896. Mr. Makepeace is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant to office. He built a fine residence on Brooklyn street, village of Theresa, in 1897. Elliot J. Makepeace, son of Solomon, was born in Pamelia, Jefferson county, April 26, 1829. February 21, 1854, he married B. Marie Tahash, and began his business life in a saw mill and then went into a grist mill for Jason Clark at Plessis, N. Y. They had one son, John J., born March 5, 1857, and one daughter, Elsie J., born April 6, 1864. In 1867 he came to Theresa and became a member of the firm of Snell & Makepeace, and continued in that relation until his death, August 13, 1888. He died in the mill while attending to his duties, and his re mains are buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Theresa. Elsie J. Make peace was married to George S. Blackman, September 24, 1889. Kelsey, James E., M. D., was born in Theresa, June 14, 1850, a son of Jesse Kelsey. Dr. Kelsey was educated in the common and high schools of Theresa, and began the study of medicine in Theresa with p 122 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dr. Davison. He attended the Geneva Medical College and was grad uated from the Syracuse Medical College February 13, 1873, being the second graduate of that college. He began his practice in his native town and has since had a very successful business. He has been health officer for many years and holds the office at present. He was chief sanitarium inspector of First Division of State Board of Health, having under his charge twelve counties. He is a member of Jefferson County Medical Society. He is extensively interested in agricultural matters and has made a specialty of breeding trotting horses, and is a breeder of Southdown and Shropshiredown sheep. He is at present breeding Ayrshire cattle. Dr. Kelsey has a farm near and in the village of Theresa of 200 acres, also about 400 acres in the towns of Theresa and Antwerp ; he is also interested in real estate in Chicago and the village of Antwerp. The doctor was in debt about $1,000 after leaving col lege and has made his own property and is one of the wealthiest men of Theresa. He built one of the finest residences in Theresa, where he now resides. In 1878 he married Olive A. Willard of Antwerp. Dr. Kelsey is a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M. ; Water- town Lodge of Perfection; Ogdensburg Council P. of J., and Chapter of Rose Croix; Central City Consistory S. P. R. S., thirty-second de gree, Syracuse, N. Y. ; and Media Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. of Watertown, N. Y. ; he is also a member of I. O. F. of Theresa, N. Y. He is at present examiner for about twelve leading insurance companies. In politics he is a Democrat, though not an aspirant to office. Wheeler, Milton E., was born in Watertown, July 29, 1826, a son of Amos and Relief (Herrick) Wheeler. Amos Wheeler was born in Parkersfield, N. H., in 1789, a son of Jacob Wheeler, born in New Hampshire, March 19, 1750, and died in 1841 ; his wife was born in 1751 and died in 1808, and they had fourteen children. The brothers of Amos Wheeler, Nehemiah and Jacob, came to Jefferson county before the war of 1812. Nehemiah went west and Jacob returned to New Hampshire. Amos Wheeler came to Jefferson county about 1812 and was at Sacket Harbor at the time of the battle. He settled in Water- town and afterwards went to Brownville, then to Worth and after seven years came to Theresa, in 1836, and there died in 1869. He was a member of the M. E. church and very active. He was married twice and had eight children by his first wife and three by his second. Milton PERSONAL REFERENCES. 123 E. Wheeler was educated in the common schools. He is by trade a carpenter, but carries on general farming, having a farm of 180 acres and is one of the foremost farmers of his town. In politics he is a Re publican and has served as highway commissioner. He is a member of Theresa Grange. March 9, 1853, he married Mariett Evans, and they had nine children: Ella, George, Ida (deceased), Gilbert, Charles (deceased), Charlie (deceased), Nina (deceased), Carrie and Edward M. Holley, C. I., was born on the farm he owns, November 13, 1842, a son of Sanford B. Holley, born in Ellisburgh, November 14, 1810. Sanford B. was a tanner by trade, working at his trade for several years ; he was also a farmer for several years. He was a strong anti- slavery man and assisted many slaves in obtaining their freedom. He died April 14, 1870. He and wife had nine children: Leonora E., Phoebe A., William H., La Morte Sanford, Charles I. (as above),- Eliza, Elihu B., and two that died in infancy. C. I. Holley was edu cated in the common schools and has always been a farmer and stock dealer. He is one of the prominent farmers of his town, owning where he resides 178 acres and in the same town a farm of 155 acres; he keeps a dairy of seventy-five cows. Mr. Holley was married in March, 1865, to Melvina Wilds, and they had one son, William H., born December 19, 1865, a dry goods merchant in Watertown. Mrs. Holley died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Holley married Antoinette C. Martin, and they had three children : Ardelia V. , born April 18, 1869, wife of O. D. Greene, jr., of Adams; Phoebe A., born April 18, 1873, died in 1875; and Floyd M., born March 7, 1884. Mr. Holley is a Re publican, but not an aspirant to office; he is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637 and of the Belleville Grange. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 94th N.Y. Infantry, and served until February 1, 1865. He served in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chan cellorsville, Gettysburg, Petersburg, Wilderness and many skirmishes. Fillmore, Millard M., was born in Ellisburgh, on the farm he owns, October 18, 1848, a son of Lavias and Mariette (Thayer) Fillmore. Lavias Fillmore was born in Vermont, and came to Ellisburgh in 1816, with his parents, Ethnia and Eunice (Coolegrove) Fillmore. Ethnia was in the war of 1812, and the family are related to the late President Fillmore. He was a member of the State militia, was a farmer, and a Democrat in politics. Lavias died August 5, 1885, and his wife died 124 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. March 27, 1878. Millard M. Fillmore was educated in the Union Academy, and is a farmer, owning 250 acres of land and keeps a dairy of thirty-five cows. Mr. Fillmore is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., and also of the Eastern Star and Union Grange No. 5 of Belleville, N. Y. April 17, 1872, he married Jennie Cham berlain of Ellisburgh, and they have one son, Arthur M., born August 30, 1S76, and educated in the Union Academy and Northern Business College of Watertown, N. Y. The family are members of the Congre gational church of Woodville, N. Y. Wheeler, Andrew A., born in Mannsville, N. Y., July 18, 1836, is a son of Philip and RoxanaM. (Shepard; Wheeler. Philip Wheeler was born in Brunswick, Rens selaer county, N. Y. , June 30, 1800, a son of John Wheeler. John Wheeler traced his ancestry to Worcestershire, England, the family crest being the motto " Facie- tenus." The father of John commenced his settlement in Rensselaer county by the purchase of a farm from the Van Rensselaer patroon, which John Wheeler, by ad ditional purchases, increased to a tract of 1,200 acres, and where he was known as a New York slaveholder, and where he spent his life. Upon his death and the settle ment and division of the estate the slaves were set apart to Philip Wheeler as a por tion of his share of the estate of his father, and he manumitted them before he was obliged to by law. After inheriting his portion of his father's estate Philip Wheeler engaged in clerking for Philip Dater (a relative by marriage, and at one time a di, rector of the R. W. & O. Railroad), and was afterward engaged in trade on River street in Troy, and in transporting lumber from Troy to New York city. In 1823 Philip Wheeler was married in Troy to Roxana M. Shepard. In 1825 he moved to Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, N. Y., with his father-in-law, Thomas Shepard, where he purchased of David I. Andrus, agent of Col. Samuel Wardwell, a tract of 1,000 or more acres of land adjoining the now corporate limits of the village of Mannsville, which was divided between them, cleared, and in 1839 Mr. Wheeler sold his part of the purchase, and moving into the village, purchased of Hon. Daniel Wardwell about 200 acres of land, on which the greater part of the village now stands. He soon en tered into mercantile pursuits in opposition to Newton Mann and his grandson Maxey Mann, in connection with farming, and afterward bought out the Manns and carried on a large and successful business, accumulating an ample property for those days. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and was tendered the nomination for supervisor and also member of assembly, which he declined, preferring his business to public office ; he was the leading business man of the section for a quarter of a century. After retiring from merchandising he was actively interested in directing his farm work, clearing his land of about 3,000 pine stumps. He finally sold 100 acres of his land, which was cut up into village lots, retaining the 125 acres now owned by the subject of this sketch. He died in 1872 from a paralytic shock, super induced by his anxiety over the election of General Grant. He watched the polls from the hour of opening until they closed without intermission. He went home, ate a hearty lunch, read returns until after midnight when he retired. He was found PERSONAL REFERENCES. 125 the next morning by his bedside, speechless and semi-unconscious, and after three days passed away. Roxana M. Shepard, his wife, was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1802, a daughter of Thomas Shepard (see biography of Henry Wardwell Shepard). She died id 1867. They had six children: Sallie A., who was scalded at the age of four teen months; Philip, deceased; Thomas Brown, who was educated at the Union Academy of Belleville, at Cazenovia Seminary and the Norwich University of Ver mont; he began the study of medicine with the celebrated surgeon, Dr. Amasa Trowbridge of Watertown, N. Y., continued at Pittsfield, Mass., Woodstock, Vt., and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia Uni versity, New York; he served as resident surgeon at Bellevue Hospital and prac ticed for a few years in Mannsville ; he removed to Montreal, where he is now prac ticing as a specialist in chronic cases ; he developed a celebrated medicine, known as Dr. Wheeler's Compound Elixir of Phosphate and Calisaya Bark, which is sold, not as a patent medicine, but to physicians for the treatment of chronic cases; he mar ried Annie Shaw, daughter of Andrew Shaw, a merchant in Montreal and the owner of a line of vessels plying between that city and European ports; he has had six children of whom two daughters and one son survive, the latter being Dr. Claude L. Wheeler, a graduate of Laval University, Quebec, in the course in arts and from Magill University of Montreal in medicine, and is now a practicing physician in New York city. John, who was drowned July 4, 1853, off the Bay of Quinte, Sackets Harbor; William L., deceased; he was educated at Cazenovia Seminary and McGill University, Montreal, and read medicine with his brother at that place, and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, taking the high est honors at the Ophthalmic School of New York ; he was appointed assistant surgeon in the U. S. navy, and served through the late war, being stationed on various ves sels, the last of which was the iron clad Patapsco, one of the fleet at Charleston harbor. As a volunteer he was with the commander in the night attack by thirty boats on Fort Sumter, where a shell burst above the heads of the commander and himself, from which he received a scalp wound. " Sit still, doctor," the commander said to him, "you will make a damn good breastwork." He was mistakenly re ported as captured. He resigned from the navy to marry, but at the request of Cap tain (now Admiral) Ammen, he took a trip around the world, having first passed an examination for acting past assistant surgeon. Upon his return he began the prac tice of his profession at Ithaca, N. Y., where he met with success. While at Ithaca he completed his matrimonial arrangements and was married to Esther Gracie, eldest daughter of William Beach Lawrence of Ochre Point, Newport, R. I., and re moved to Newport, where he practiced medicine until his death. After his death his widow came to Mannsville and caused to be erected the Wheeler Memorial Chapel at an expense of 820,000, in which is a memorial window by the celebrated artist, Mary Tillinghast of New York, which is one of the finest examples of Christ healing the blind in existence. She placed a trust fund of $10,000 in the care of the parochial fund of the diocese, the income of which is to be forever devoted to maintaining the chapel and grounds. Mrs. Wheeler was killed by a runaway horse in Boston, and her remains were placed by the side of those of her husband in the chapel, where services are held twelve times a year. A. A. Wheeler, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools of his native village, Jefferson County Institute (now known as the Watertown High School) and by private tutors, and was gradu- 126 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ated from Union College in 1858, and from the Albany Law School in 1859. He completed his law studies in the offices of Harris, Peckham & Tremain in Albany; the celebrated criminal lawyer, William Hadley; and Starr, Buck & Sawyer of Watertown, as preparatory for the practice of law in New York city. His brother William (who had been selected by his father to continue his pursuits of merchant and farming) leaving, changed his plans by the advice of his brother Thomas, he in stead was persuaded by his parents to remain with them. He opened an office in Mannsville in 1861. August 6, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. A, 4th New York Light Artillery, and was made first lieutenant. He was stationed at Fort Wads worth, New York harbor, Sandy Hook and Fort Mahan, defences of Washington. His battalion was later consolidated with the 10th New York Heavy Artillery, in which Lieutenant Wheeler's company became Co. E. He remained with this reg iment a little over one year, when he returned home to take command as captain of a company in the 20th N. Y. Cavalry, his father having made partial arrangements which he supposed were about completed, with a captain who had recruited a com pany and was afterwards promoted to major of the regiment, whereby Mr. Wheeler would succeed him ; but through complications brought about by other officers, he was unable to transfer the company to Mr. Wheeler, and he therefore remained at Mannsville, and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he has been success ful. In politics Mr. Wheeler is an ardent Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, having begun his political career by distributing Free State doc uments and speaking for the Republican party in school districts and the village during the Fremont and Dayton campaign. Since then he has spoken in nearly every gubernatorial and presidential campaign under direction of the Jefferson Count}' Committee and State Committee, his last campaign service being that of Harrison's second administration in 1892, when he had the counties of Albany, Schenectady, a part of Ontario, all of Otsego and a part of Oswego and Jefferson. He was on the State Committee's list in the last campaign, but made only a few speeches, the active campaign being transferred West. He has been the president of the village of Mannsville four years and inaugurated the reform in sidewalks, which has resulted in the village having the best walks in the State. His name has been before the caucuses and conventions for member of assembly and one year 300 electors signed a petition requesting him to serve as a candidate. He invariably refused to canvass for the office. He has represented his party at two State con ventions and taken part in the debates therein, following George William Curtis and Editor James of Ogdensburg, in the attempt to break what was known as the Conk ling unit rule, which was afterwards broken at Utica. He ranks among the best political speakers and writers in the State. In 1895 he was appointed judge advo cate on General Atkinson's staff, N. Y. Department G. A. R., and was active in service under special laws providing for the preference being given to veterans in civil service appointments in cities, towns and villages, having many important man damus proceedings and making and reporting decisions under those laws. He is a member of Delta Phi, Union Chapter, is » member of Zion Protestant Episcopal church of Pierrepont Manor, is now vestryman and has been delegate several times to conventions representing that church. Thompson, Hon. Anson S., M.D., was born in Harrisburg, Lewis county, N. Y., PERSONAL REFERENCES. 127 March 21, 1828, a son of William and Synthia (Stoddard) Thompson. William Thomp son was born at Johnstown, N. Y. , and at the age of seventeen came to Lewis county and died in Carthage in 1871. Anson S. Thompson was reared in Lewis county until twelve years of age, when his parents moved to Denmark, where he was educated in the common schools and Denmark Academy ; he taught school for ten terms and in 1849 moved to Wisconsin, where he also taught. In 1852 he re turned to Denmark and began the study of medicine with Drs. Stanton and Allen, and was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College May 18, 1856. He immedi ately commenced practice in Ellisburgh, where he has since had a very successful practice. He is a stockholder and director of the Citizens' National Bank of Adams and has been a lifelong Republican ; he was supervisor from 1882 to 1886, deputy collector of customs, 1861-65, and member of assembly, 1887-88, county coroner for three years and has on several occasions been a representative to State con ventions. He is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., of Belle ville. Dr. Thompson married Emily S. Kibling, November 10, 1858 ; Mrs. Thompson was a daughter of Stilmon Kibling, who came with his parents from Vermont when a boy and was one of the wealthiest families of the town. Dr. Thompson has one adopted daughter, Maude Thompson, who was adopted at the age of four years. She is a student at Union Academy. Dr. Thompson is one of the managers of the Craig colony for epileptics, appointed by the governor of the State. The wife of Hugh Thompson, grandfather of Dr. Thompson, was Elizabeth Van Slyke. Grenell, W. H. , was born in Pierrepont Manor, January 26, 1846, a son of Ezra O. and Abby M. (Wardwell) Grenell. Ezra O. was born in Ellisburgh in 1815, a son of Benjamin Grenell, who came from Montgomery county in 1812, and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, He was an Abolitionist and served in the war of 1812. Ezra was a farmer and is now living ; his wife died in February, 1896. She was a daughter of Samuel Wardwell, son of Colonel Wardwell, of Rhode Island, a large ship owner of Bristol, and the village of Wardwell was named in his honor. W. H. Grenell was reared on a farm and educated at Union Acad emy, Belleville, N. Y. He was engaged in farming until 1874, when he engaged in seed growing and located at Pierrepont Manor, where he has been very successful ; he also has a branch at Saginaw, Mich. He was married in 1867 to Adalaide Allen, and they have one daughter, Anna, wife of Mathew J. Higgins. Mr. Grenell is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M., and Adams Chapter, R.A.M. Martin, Eugene L., was born in Mannsville, July 15, 1846, a son of Philip P. and Chloe (Lum) Martin. Philip P. was born in Massachusetts and came to Mannsville, N. Y., when a young man, following teaching for a number of years and then en gaged in a general store and carried on a successful business for thirty-seven years, and afterwards his sons, Leonard A. and Eugene L., continued the business under the firm name (as always known) of P. P. Martin & Co. for eleven years, when they sold out to C. S. Gibeau in 1893. Philip P. Martin was a Republican in politics and justice several years ; he was an active member of the Baptist church for a number of years. Leonard A. was educated in the common schools; he was a first-class business man and spent his life in Mannsville, N. Y. He was an active Republican 128 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and was president of the village several years and postmaster for six years under Lincoln; he died May 10, 1897. Eugene L. was reared in Mannsville and educated in the common schools and Weslyan Seminary. He was in the mercantile business with his brother until the firm sold out. October 15, 1884, he married Lizzie E. Roach, daughter of James and Mary Roach of Pierrepont Manor, N. Y. Mrs. Mar tin died October 14, 1892. Mr. Martin is the only one of his family left and is now a retired merchant. Smith, Alva J. (deceased), was born in the town of Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, N. Y. , a son of Solomon Smith, who was a farmer of Ellisburgh. Alva J. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was a carpenter by trade and afterwards engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds in the village of Ellis burgh. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He married Leonora E., daughter of Sanford B. Holley. Mr. Smith was a member of the I. O. O. F. of Belleville, and also of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., of Belleville. He took a great interest in the building of the Episcopal church in Ellis burgh, and attended and supported the same. He died January 7, 1887, and his widow and her sister, Mrs. Metcalf, now reside in the village of Ellisburgh. Mrs. Smith is a lady well educated and well informed in all literary subjects in which she takes a great interest. She is a member of the Episcopal church of Ellisburgh, to which she contributes liberally. Wodell, Isaac P., was born in Ellisburgh, on the farm he now owns, October 31, 1837, a son of William Wodell. William Wodell was born in Hoosick, N. Y., in 1803 and died in 1884 at Ellisburgh, coming to Ellisburgh about 1815 and was one of the leading farmers of the town, owning about 300 acres of land. Isaac P. Wodell was educated at the Union Academy of Belleville and Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N. Y. He left school and in October, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 94th N. Y. Infantry, serving as second and first lieutenant, and first lieutenant of Co. A, 12th Vet. Reserve Corps, until January, 1867, two years after the war. He was at the battles of Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was wounded and discharged on account of disability. He returned to Water- town and then went to Michigan, where he remained one year, returning to Ellis burgh and in 1870 went to Mississippi, where he was engaged in the drug business for a time and again returned to Ellisburgh, settling on a farm of 151 acres of land, where he keeps a dairy of twenty-five cows. In 1862 Mr. Wodell married Helen Hotchkin ; Mrs. Wodell died in 1867, and he married Mary Brown who died in 1870 and in 1872 he married Mrs. Sarah Mixer, by whom he had one son, William H.[ born in 18i7. and is engaged in farming with his father. In politics Mr. Wodell is a Republican and has been supervisor eleven years. He is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 367, F. & A. M., of Belleville, of the G. A R., and was a charter member of Calvin Burch Post No. 345, G. A. R. He is president of the Farmers' National Bank of Adams. Kennedy, Edwin T., was born in the town of Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1839, a son of Leonard L. Leonard L. was born in 1809, a son of Thomas W.' and Catharine (Lewis) Kennedy, who in 1811 came to Ellisburgh and located on the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 129 farm now owned by the subject, and there lived and died. Leonard L. married Caroline P. , daughter of Edwin and Nancy (Earl) Potter, and they had two sons and two daughters: Edwin T., Charles E, of Ellisburgh, Louisa E., who died in 1879, and Hattie, wife of J. P. Cooper. Mr. Kennedy died in 1897. Edwin T. Kennedy was educated in his native town, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company E, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, participating in the battles of Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Ce dar Creek and others ; he served until the close of the war. In 1873 he married Betsey, a daughter of Daniel L. and Nancy (Martin) Cook, and they have one son, Irving E., who was reared and educated in Ellisburgh, and on December 29, 1896, married Helen, daughter of Henry Williams. Irving C. is a farmer and lives on the homestead. Charles B. , brother of Edwin T. , was born in 1852 and married Genevieve, daughter of Miles and Sarah W. (Stacy) Hackley. Edwin T. is one of the leading farmers of Ellisburgh, owning 190 acres and at present resides in Manns ville. In politics he is a Republican. Hinman, John Jay, was born in Mannsville, N. Y., September 12, 1843, a son of Joel Hinman (born in 1808). Joel Hinman, a. tanner by trade, was in business at Mannsville until his death, October 1, 1849. His wife was Eunice Wheeler, born in Ellisburgh; they had five children, three of whom are now living. John Jay was educated in Mannsville and engaged as a clerk when a boy, afterward engaging as traveling salesman for the Iron Clad Manufacturing Company of New York city, and after ten years became business manager, which position he held until his death September 9, 1886. January 17, 1864, he married Mary Brown Chase ; they had two sons: Bertrand C. born October 22, 1868, educated in Polytechnic Institute, and graduated in 1890 from Columbia College, also taking a post-graduate course at Columbia College. He is the inventor of a chemical process for extracting gold from refractory ores, known as the Bromine Recovery Process. John Jay, jr., born November 11, 1873, educated at Brooklyn in private schools, is a photographer by trade. Houghton, N. C, was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., January 8, 1826, a son of Nahum and Marie (Brown) Houghton. He was educated in the common schools and Union Academy of Belleville, and followed farming until about twenty-six years old. He taught music eight years, was a clerk for several years and was engaged in the mer cantile business in Belleville for about twenty years ; he was postmaster, beginning in May, 1861, and continued thirteen years ; he was elected justice in 1876 and served eight years. He has been trustee and treasurer of Union Academy since 1875 and one of the three trustees of the Endowment Fund of said academy since it started in 1878. He is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. and A. M., being a charter member. October 27, 1858, he married Marietta Warriner, a daughter of Walter and Eliza (Green) Warriner ; Mrs. Warriner was a daughter of Col. Henry Green, men tioned in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton attend and support the Methodist Episcopal church; he was leader of the choir in different churches of Belleville for some years. A brother of Mr. Houghton, Rev. James Dunbar Houghton, was born July 5, 1820, and educated at Union Academy and graduated from Union College. He taught languages at West Point for some years and came to Belleville as princi pal of Union Academy in 1851, serving thirteen years. His wife was Ellen A. i 130 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Brown and they had five children, three of whom are living. He was an ordained minister, but did not follow that profession ; he was also principal at Carthage, Hungerford Collegiate Institute of Adams and Oneida Academy. He died in Carth age, October 21, 1874, and his wife in 1896. Hopkinson, Hon. George M., was born in Meredith Bridge (now Laconia) N. H., October 3, 1819, a son of George and Isabel (Tilton) Hopkinson. George and Isabel Hopkinson came to Ellisburgh in 1839, and settled on a farm where they lived for some years and moved to Rural Hill, then to Henderson and finally back to Ellis burgh, where he died April 9, 1855, and his widow October 17, 1867. George M. came to Johnstown with his parents when a young man eighteen years old, and to Ellisburgh at age of twenty. He was educated at Gilford Academy (N. H.) and Belleville Union Academy; he commenced business life as a clerk in a store at Hen derson. In 1847 he came to Ellisburgh and in company with Franklin Waite, en gaged in mercantile business, which partnership was dissolved after twelve years' existence, and since then Mr. Hopkinson has carried on the coal business. January 4, 1865, he married Hannah A. Denison, and they had one daughter, Isabel A., wife of John W. Hughes of Ellisburgh, now deputy sheriff of Jefferson county. Mrs. Hopkinson died in July, 1891. Mr. Hopkinson was a charter member of Winona Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also of Collins Lodge at Belleville, I. O. O. F. In politics Mr. Hopkinson is a Republican and very active; he was town clerk, justice and supervisor for a number of years, and member of assembly from 1864 to 1865. Mr. Hopkinson had one brother, Daniel T., born September 16, 1825, and died in Wis consin in 1889; he also had two sisters, Augusta A., born August 16, 1829, and died December 18, 1874; and Isabel E., born November 13, 1837, and died January 13, 1858. Walch, W. R., was born in Oswego county, N. Y., February 2, 1851, a son of Myron and Eliza (Mace) Walch. His grandfather, Gideon Walch, was one of the early settlers of Sandy Creek, coming from the Mohawk valley. His father was born in Oswego county and was a carpenter by trade; he lived and died in Sandy Creek in 1889, and his wife in 1852. W. R. Walch was educated in the common schools and learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for twenty-five years. In 1895 he bought the Woodville mills which he soon sold and in November, 1896, bought the Belleville mills, where he carries on a successful business, the mills hav ing a capacity of 500 bushels per day. Mr. Walch was married in 1876 to Eva C. Bassinger of Ellisburgh, and they have one daughter, A. Pearl, a student in the Cortland Normal School. In politics Mr. Walch is a Republican and a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A.M., and is now junior warden. He attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church, and is one of the trustees of the vil lage of Belleville. Mr. Walch does an extensive business outside of custom work, handling from two to five car loads of feed per week. Eastman, John H., was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., March 5, 1838, a son of Austin (born October 11, 1809) and Sallie (Williams) (born October 26, 1812) Eastman, daughter of William Williams, one of the early settlers of the town of Ellisburgh. Mr. East man's grandfather, Enos Eastman, came from Rupert, Vt, to Ellisburgh in an early PERSONAL REFERENCES. 131 day, where he lived and died. Austin Eastman was a farmer and owned 140 acres of land; he and his wife had two sons, Charles A., born October 27, 1836, died June 11, 1895, and John H. (the subject). Charles A. and John H. were educated in the Belleville Academy and Bassett's Business College of Syracuse, graduating from the latter institution about 1859. They both engaged in farming and at one time owned 1,800 acres of land which they had made for themselves. John H. is one of the largest, if not the largest, taxpayer in the town of Ellisburgh and has been one of the most successful men financially of the town. He has given to his relatives at least $20,000 during the last few years. Besides his farming interests he is one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank of Adams, N. Y. Doane, William B. , of the firm of Chapman & Doane, who have the largest gen eral store in Belleville, occupying a two story building 20 by 60 feet, was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y. , March 26, 1853, a sou of Ira and Mary (Hunt) Doane. Ira Doane was born in Lorraine in 1808, a son of Elnathan Doane who came to Lorraine in an early day and there lived and died. Ira Doane was a carriage maker by trade, but later in life a farmer; he spent his last days in Belle ville and died in 1888. William B. Doane was educated in the common schools and Union Academy at Belleville. He began his business life as a clerk for D. H. Chap man in 1870, and in 1877 was taken in as a partner with Mr. Chapman, which firm continued until 1895, the business still being carried on under the name of Chapman & Doane. Mr. Doane is a Republican and is now justice of the peace ; he is a trus tee of the academy, and he and wife are members of -the Baptist church, he being treasurer of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He married Car rie D., daughter of D. H. Chapman, in June, 1876, and they have two children, Nellie M. and Daniel W. Mr. Chapman is one of the oldest business men of the place, coming from St. Lawrence county to Henderson, thence to Belleville, where he has been engaged in business over forty years. He married Marion R. Covey and they had two children, Carrie D. (wife of William B. Doane) and Henry H., who is in the store with him. Henry H. married Nellie H. Sprague and they have one child, Niles H. Chapman, Eugene A. , M. D. , was born in Belleville, Jefferson county, N. Y. , in 1839, a son of John and Miranda N. (Congdon) Chapman. John Chapman was born in 1814 and came to St. Lawrence county with parents in 1817. His father was Levi Chap man, born at Lyme, N. H. John learned the blacksmith trade and located at Roberts Corners, town of Henderson, in 1835. He and his wife had five children: Julian B. , Eugene A., Engelia A., Florence I. and Washington I. Dr. Chapman was educated at the Union Academy, the medical department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1862. He began his practice in Clayton, and in June, 1862, enlisted in Co. G, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery ; he was one year adjutant, and in June, 1863, was promoted to captain. In November, 1864, he became assistant surgeon U. S. A. and was assigned to Point of Rocks (Va.) Hospital, where he remained during the winter of 1864 and 1865. During the summer of 1865 he was quarantine officer and post surgeon at Brazos Santiago, Texas, and in November of that year his term of office expired. Returning to Henderson he practiced medicine until 1873, when his health failed and 132 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he accepted a position in the railroad office at Salamanca, N. Y., where he remained one year and located in Belleville in 1875. In 1865 he married Philinda M., daugh ter of Philo and Caroline (Davis) Hungerford, and they have three children: Clara M., a graduate of Cook Academy, class of 1885; Florence L., a graduate of Union Academy, class of 1887, and Walter E. , a student in the Union Academy. Mrs. Chapman died in 1874, and in 1877 Dr. Chapman married Agnes G. McClure, by whom he had five children: Ross McC. , born in 1881; John H., born in 1884; Margery C, born in 1888; Sanford T., born in 1893, and Donald C, born in 1895. Dr. Chapman was postmaster at Henderson in 1872-73, was elected coroner in 1870 and again in 1886, and is president of the board of trustees of Union Academy at Belleville, where he now resides and practices his profession. In politics he isa Re publican, and is now supervisor of the town of Ellisburgh. Fillmore, A. A., was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., November 30, 1842, a son of Orson B. and Susan A. (Lyons) Fillmore. Orson Fillmore was a native of Ellisburgh, and a son of Amaziah Fillmore. He was a carpenter by trade, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Baptist church. He died in 1862 and his wife in 1853. A A. Fillmore was educated in the Union Academy, and is a carpenter by trade. He owns 106 acres of land, which is carried on by his only son, Orson D., who keeps a dairy of twelve cows. Orson D. married Myra Taylor, and they have one son, Garry A. A. A. Fillmore was married in 1865 to Maryette Worthington, of Rens selaer county, N. Y. He enlisted August 27, 1862, in Co. L, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served until June 21, 1865. In politics Mr. Fillmore is a Democrat, and holds the office of postmaster at Rural Hill. He is a member of Union Grange No. 5, of Belleville. Coburn, Charles, was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., January 18, 1844, a son of Otis, son of Samuel Coburn, who came from Oxford, Mass., in 1820, to Ellisburgh, and here lived and died. Otis Coburn was born in Massachusetts in 1806, and came to Ellisburgh at the age of fourteen, where he lived as » farmer until his death on April 5, 1897. His wife was a daughter of Jesse Martin, an early settler of Ellis burgh, who settled where John Sax resided for some years. Charles Coburn was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer. He owns seventy acres of land. He was married in January, 1868, to Mary J., daughter of Benjamin Martin, and they have one adopted daughter, Blanche. Mr. Coburn is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant to office. He is a member of the Buckley Post, G. A. R., and of Union Grange No. 5, of Belleville. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. E,' 10th Heavy Artillery, and served three years. He and wife are members of the Baptist church of Belleville, N. Y. Benjamin Martin, jr., was born in Providence, R. I., and came to Ellisburgh with his parents when a babe. He was father of six chil dren, four of whom are living. He was one of the prominent farmers of the town, and died January 20, 1887, aged eighty-three years. Fawdrey, John, was born in the town of Hounsfield, September 22, 1836; was educated in the district schools and is one of the town's best farmers. June 21, 1861 he married Caroline Harris of Wolf's Island, Canada, and they had four children- Alice G., George (died at age of twelve), Walter and May. Mr. Fawdrey's father PERSONAL REFERENCES. 133 Daniel Fawdrey, was born in Oxfordshire, England, December 10, 1810; he was educated there and is a farmer by occupation. In 1833 he married Sussana Faulks of his native place, and came to the United States and located in this town ; they had seven children: Henry, John, David (who is a noted physician in'Watertown), Eliza beth, James, Mary Ann and Caroline. Daniel Fawdrey died January 5, 1880, and his widow December 1, 1880. Mrs. Caroline Fawdrey's father, John Harris, was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1810; was educated there and was a millwright by occupation. In 1833 he married Ann Faulks of his native place and came to the United States in 1834, locating in the town of Houndsfield. They had six children: Caroline, John J., Luther, Christopher, Maria and William. Mr. Harrisdied in 1882 and his widow in 1888. Potter, Peter C, was born in Sauquoit, Oneida county, N. Y., January 28, 1824. He was educated in the district schools, at the age of twenty-one attended the acad emy, and came to this county in 1847. He has always followed farming, with the exception of five years that he was engaged in the lumber trade. He has married three times, first in 1848 to Hannah F. Spicer of Hounsfield, and they had one son, Herbert M. Mrs. Potter died in 1852, and in 1855 Mr. Potter married Lucretia A. Potter; they had three sons: Jason G., Henry L. and Dewitt C. Mrs. Potter died in 1863, and for his third wife, in 1864, he married Luthera N. Gould of the town of Watertown, they have two children, Harrison C. and Celia F. Herbert M. married Martha Van Alstyne, and they have six living children -. Etta F. , Charles, Edward C. , Mabel, Florence and Delilah. Dewitt C. married Ida M. Wadleigh; they have one daughter, Mary J. Henry L. married Eva O. Harris, they have two children : Anna L. and Worden J. Harrison C. is a physician, married Rhoda F. Lane of Hounsfield, and he has a fine practice in Mannsville. Celia F. married Francis W. Dixon of the town of Brownville, and they have one son, Corbet F. Mr. Potter's father was Levi L. Potter, who died when Peter C. was two years old ; his mother was Rosina Rising, who died when Peter C. was eleven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are members of the M. E. church, in which he has held many of the offices. In his political choice he is a thorough Prohibitionist. The ancestry of the family is English on both sides, of New England origin. Malley, James E., was born in Ireland, July 5, 1845, came to the United States when he was a boy, and was a baker by occupation. October 10, 1863, he enlisted in Co. K, 47th Infantry N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged September 11, 1865, at Hart's Island, New York harbor. January 11, 1866, he re-enlisted in the 12th U. S. Infantry for three years, was honorably discharged January 9. 1869, at Fort Sanders, Wy. ; March 29, 1875, he re enlisted at Newport, Ky., and was honor ably discharged March 28, 1880, at Fort Snelling, Minn., and re-enlisted in same company and regiment on March 29, 1880, was honorably discharged March 28, 1890, at Fort Logan. Col. ; April 8, 1890, he re enlisted in Philadelphia, Pa., in Co. F, 9th U. S. Regular Infantry, was honorably discharged April 7, 1895, and re-enlisted in same company and regiment April 8, 1895, and holds the position of post baker. He is a member of Joseph K. Barnes Post No. 360, of Sackets Harbor, G. A. R., Department of N. Y. Read, G. Daniel, was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., December 30, 1820. He was 134 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. educated in the public schools, and upon the death of his father, at the age of sixteen, he took charge of the general merchandise business which his late father had carried on, assisted by his sister Susan, until the death of his mother in 1893, when the busi ness was discontinued and he was made executor of her will and the estate was set tled up satisfactorily to all parties interested. In 1894 he erected his store and is conducting a fine grocery business. He is also doing a large fire insurance business for the best companies in the State and in Hartford, Conn. March 10, 1894, he married Grace S., daughter of John and Fanny Tyler, of Sackets Harbor, and they have one son, Harold E., born August 29, 1896. Mr. Read has held the office of town clerk now in his fifth year, is treasurer of the village and has been one of the trustees. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. The ancestry of his family is Eng lish and Scotch. Mr. Read's father, Robert C, was born in Sackets Harbor, N. Y., February 8, 1832 ; he received his education in the common schools, was a sailor and afterward a general merchant by occupation. He married Sarah A. Trumble of Sackets Harbor, N. Y., and they had seven children: Herbert C, Susan S., Sarah J., G. Daniel (as above), Lucien S., Harold C. and Emily S. Susan S. married Henry H. Hall of Hillsboro, North Dakota, March 1, 1892. Robert C. Read died February 1, 1888, and Sarah A. Read, his wife, September 18, 1893. Carpenter, William Lewis, was born in Dunkirk, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Jan uary 13, 1844. He was educated in the public schools ; was a member of the 68th Regiment N. Y. State militia in 1860, afterward in the United States navy, and in 1864 enlisted in the 2d Regular Artillery, U. S. A., as private; was promoted to sec ond lieutenant in 9th Regular Infantry, U. S. A., in December, 1873, was promoted to first lieutenant and to captain in 1887, which position he has held since ; the ser vice performed was in the far West among the Indians, until they arrived here. In 1878 he married Curtis A., daughter of Edgar Zell Steever of Washington, D. C, and they have one son, Marsh, born December 16, 1882. Capt. Carpenter's father, William Lewis Carpenter, was born at Batavia, Genesee county, N. Y. , July 17, 1813. He was well educated in the schools of that day, and was editor and proprietor of the Dunkirk Journal for many years. He married Frances Bristol of Fredonia, and they had three children: Mary E., Frances B. and William Lewis (as above). Both father and mother are now dead. The first known of the Carpenter family in the United States was one William, and his wife Abigail, who sailed on the ship Bevis, landing at Plymouth, Mass., in the year 1638. Captain Carpenter is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, also member of the Loyal Legion, and belongs to the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His ancestors were in the Colonial and Revolutionary wars, the war of 1812-15, and in the war of the Great Rebellion of 1861. He is a member of Dunkirk, N. Y., Lodge No. 767, A. & A. M. Van Alstyne, Miles, was born in Canada, August 25, 1858. He was educated at Newburg Academy, Canada, and came to the United States in 1868 and learned the blacksmith's trade at Adams Center. In June, 1884, he moved to Sackets Harbor, where he is doing a first-class general blacksmithing trade in all its branches, horse shoeing, carriage ironing, wood work and repairing. He also owns a bicycle livery and -repair shop, with his son, Everett H., as manager of repairs. September 14, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 135 1877, he married Ella D. Ivory of Adams Center, and they have four children : Ev erett H., Arthur G., Myrtle, Jennette. Mr. Van Alstyne is a member of Sackets Har bor Lodge No. 368, K. of P., the Red Men No. 286, and of Jefferson Union Lodge No. 124, LO. O.F. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In his political choice he is a staunch Democrat. The Van Alstynes were prominent in the Revolutionary war in the Mohawk valley. Ancestry of family is Dutch, Scotch and English. Mr. Van Alstyne's father, Bernard, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1807, and removed to Canada with his parents when a child. He married Esther Allen of this State, and they had ten children: Sarah J., Secord, Charles, Alexander, Amanda, Wallace, Rhoda, Martha, Miles (as above), and one died in in fancy. Mr. Van Alstyne died in 1894, and his wife in 1865. Day, Lewis W. , was born in Sackets Harbor, N. Y. , December 25, 1849. He finished his education at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N. Y. , and was in the drug business in Sackets Harbor twenty years, until 1893, and now lives a retired life. In 1879 he married Anna McGuin Walling, and they have one son, Edward L., born September 12, 1884. Mr. Day has been supervisor of his town two terms, which is a compliment to him personally as a Democrat, for the town has a large Republican majority; he has been president of the village one term and trustee several terms. He is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, F. and A. M., and Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M.. of Watertown Lodge of Perfection, of Watertown Commandery No. 11, K. T., and Media Temple A. A. N. M. S. ; was one of the delegates of Media Temple to the Imperial Council at Detroit, Mich., in 1897. He is one of the directors of the National Bank and Loan Company of Water- town, N. Y. Mr. Day's father, Lewis W. Day, was born in New Jersey, October 12, 1801, was educated in the schools of that early day and came to this State and county in the year 1840, where he was a successful merchant. October 23, 1818, he married Sarah J. Gray of the town of Rodman, and they had one son, Lewis W. He died in June, 1855, and his widow May 10, 1885. Tyler, William W., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y.', Sept. 28, 1838. He was educated in the public schools and was an accountant by occupation. October 14, 1861, he enlisted and took an active part in recruiting and organizing a company for the war of the Rebellion. That company was assigned to the 94th Infantry, N. Y. Vols., as Co. E. He was promoted first lieutenant Co. B, May 20, 1862, promoted captain Co. I, March 2, 1863. He participated with his regiment, in the Army of the Potomac, in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Manassas, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and others of lesser note, and was honorably discharged on account of disability resulting from wounds received in the battle of Fredericks burg, Va., March 17, 1863. He again entered the service as first lieutenant Invalid Corps, U. S. Vols. , June 6, 1863, was promoted captain, 19th Regt. , Veteran Reserve Corps, U. S. Vols. , December 10, 1863, and served to September 30, 1867. He was appointed a second lieutenant 9th Cavalry, U. S. Army, August 13, 1867, promoted first lieutenant December 9, 1871, was transferred to the 13th Regt. U. S. Infantry August 1, 1881, promoted captain February 24, 1891. His service in the U. S. A. was on the Texas and New Mexico frontier and was active and arduous, wholly in the then Indian country. He was retired on account of disability incurred in the 136 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. line of duty in 1891, and returned to his native town. September 11, 1866, he married Mary A. Gratz, of Harrisburg, Pa., and they had five children, two of whom are now living, Sarah Wyeth and Elizabeth Gratz. Ella Louise, their eldest child, married Captain William D. Dietz, Medical Department, U. S. Army, 1887, and they had one son, Wallace Druvo Dietz, born November 1, 1888, now residing in Sackets Harbor, N. Y. Captain Dietz and his wife both died at Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Har bor, January 29, 1891. Captain Tyler's father, Dr. William E. Tyler, was born in town of Hounsfield September 16, 1811. He was a graduate of Geneva Medical College in 1843, and was a beloved physician at Sackets Harbor for nearly fifty years. He married Pheobe C. Hunter of his native town in 1837, who died in 1874. Dr. Tyler married afterwards Mrs. Mary D. Metcalf; he died August 24, 1890. His widow survives at this date. Hunter, Mary S. — Archibald Hunter was born in Saratoga county, N Y. , in the year 1796. He was educated there and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Sarah Halstead of his native county, and they had eight children: Phebe, Mary S. (as above), Seth, John, Thomas, George, James and Elizabeth. They came to this county in 1855, and he carried on the business of blacksmithing until his death. Mr. Hunter was a soldier of the war of 1812 at Sackets Harbor, N. Y. The ancestry of the family is English and Scotch. Orchard, Mrs. Armenia. — The late Benjamin Orchard was born in Dorsetshire, England, March 19, 1804. He came to the United States in 1832, locating in the town of Hounsfield, where he bought a farm, and in process of time erected a fine residence thereon. June 7, 1838, he married Armenia, daughter of Rev. Enock Barnes, and they had twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity: MaryM., Sarah S., Elsie J., Julia A., Martha A., Effie E., Ada R. and Ida M. Mary M. mar ried D. Esting Moore; Sarah S. married John B. McMullen, and they have four chil dren: George, Charles, Ettie and Sadie; Elsie J. married Marcellus Read, and they have one daughter, May; Julia A. married Myron Holden, and they have three chil dren : Flora, Orilla and Benjamin O. ; Martha A. married Jefferson Brockway ; Effie E. married Dyer Harris, and they have two daughters: Pearl and Ethel; Ada R. married Emmet Holden, and they have three children: Cloid, Avis and Floyd; Ida M. married J. D. Phillips, and they have two children: De Wayne and Ella. Mrs. Phillips died February 19, 1891. Benjamin Orchard died September 11, 1890, in his eighty-seventh year. Mrs. Orchard's father, Enock Barnes, was born in Little Falls, in 1791 ; he was educated in their schools and was a Methodist Episcopal misister; he married Anna Hazen and came to this county when his daughter Armenia was less than two years old. They had four children that grew to maturity : Luke H. , William H. T., Armenia and Julia. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 at Sackets Harbor, and died in 1877, his widow in 1881. Lamar, Charles, was born in the city of New York, June 28, 1845. His boyhood days were passed in the wilds of Wisconsin, where he received a very limited educa tion in the public schools. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he entered the vol unteers under the name of Charles Lemke, as bugler in the 2d Wisconsin Light Bat tery, and shared in the life of the camp, the march and the battlefield in which the battery participated, till August 10, 1864, when he was promoted to second lieuten- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 137 ant Co. K, 43d Wisconsin Infantry, and served as such officer to the close of the war. He entered the regular army in 1873, as bandmaster in the 14th U. S. Infantry. Joined the 6th Cavalry in 1882, the 21st Infantry in 1886, and the 9th Infantry at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, N. Y., June 26, 1896. On the 20th day of Feb ruary, 1882, he married Alice Buchanan, of California, a relative of the late Presi dent Buchanan, and John H. Reagan, ex-confederate postmaster-general. Lieuten ant Lamar is a member of Rawlins Post No. 23, Department of California, G. A. R. In his political choice he is a Republican. Youngs, William H., was born in the town of Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., May 29, 1836. He was educated in the public schools and learned the miller's trade with his father, andhas conducted mills in many places in the State. In 1858 he married Helen M. Ailes of Sodus, Wayne county, N. Y. , and they have two children: Charles H. and Emma B. Charles H. married Addie Allen of Dexter, N. Y. , and they have two children, Kenneth A. and Pauline. Emma B. married Arthur J. Weed of Manns ville, Jefferson county, N. Y. , and they have one son, Harold. Mr. Youngs came to Dexter in 1884, and is conducting a custom mill business. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. Mr. Youngs's father, Warren, was born in Columbia county, N. Y. He had eight sons : Charles H. , William H. (as above), George E. , Frank, Edwin, John, Warren and Albert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Youngs are dead. McKee, A. G. C. — Wilbur Lawrence McKee was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., July 7, 1846. He was educated in the public schools and by occupation is a machin ist. David McKee, his father, in 1840 established a foundry business, he erected a a new building in 1843, and formed a copartnership under the firm name of McKee & Hammond, which was continued until 1859. They manufactured the first mowing machines in northern New York. Wilbur was taken in as a copartner in 1870, un der the firm name of David McKee & Son, which has continued until this date, 1897. December 16, 1874. he married Arabella G. Coventry, formerly of Utica, N. Y. , and they have one living daughter, Julia Graham McKee. David McKee was born in Whitestown, N. Y., September 22, 1813; he was educated in Utica, and came to Sackets Harbor in 1831. He learned several trades, but his final choice was machin ist. September 1, 1845, he married Mary Ann Lawrence of Clinton county, N. Y. and they had three children: Wilbur Lawrence (as above), Mary H. and Frank E. Mrs. McKee died in May, 1876. David in his political choice is a thorough Repub lican. Mrs. Wilbur L. McKee's father, George Coventry, was born near Geneva, N. Y., in 1792. He was well educated and married Julia Graham of Deerfield, N. Y., and four of their children grew to maturity: Elizabeth, Sarah M., George and Ara bella G. Mrs. McKee's grandfather, Dr. Coventry, was a distinguished physician in Utica. McWayne, Jay D., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., June 21, 1834, and was ed ucated in the common schools. He is a farmer and horse breeder ; in the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Co. K, 35th Infantry, N. Y. S. Vols., was promoted sergeant, second and first lieutenant of his company, which he commanded from the 13th of September, 1862, until discharged June 5, 1863. He was also captain of Co. B, 186th Infantry, N. Y, S. Vols., and was honorably discharged at the close of tbe war. 138 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Before he entered upon his duties as captain he had recruited many men for different commands ; he was always ready for duty, a. devoted and truly loyal citizen soldier, ready for duty under all emergencies. October 23, 1867, he married Sarah E. Wals worth, and they had three children : Eva, who died at the age of ten years ; Arthur died at the age of four; and Ella who resides at home. Capt. McWayne' s father, Kimball De Forest Wayne, was born in the town of Houndsfield about the year 1810 ; was educated in the schools of that day, and was a farmer by occupation. He mar ried Betsey E. Wallace, and they had five children: Jay D. (as above), Phoebe, Charlotte, Justus and Elizabeth. He died in 1844; his widow survives at this date, 1897. Captain McWayne's grandfather, Josiah McWayne, was born in 1780; he married Phoebe Abbott, and they had seven children. His grandfather, John Wal lace, was born in 1777 ; he married Anna Pecock and was in the war of 1812. Capt. Jay D. McWayne is a member of Julias Broadbent Post of Dexter, N. Y. , G. A. k. , Department of New York; also Sackets Harbor lodge, No. 135, and Royal Arch Chapter, No. 68. He has held the office of deputy collector of Dexter Port (of entry) two years, and highway commissioner two years. Camp, Walter Bicker — George Camp, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the historic town of Glastonbury, Conn., August 8, 1790, and came to Sackets Harbor in the winter of 1816-17, where he established the first printing press and issued the first newspaper, "The Sackett's Harbor Gazette." In 1814 he married Elizabeth Hitchcock, formerly of Connecticut, then of Utica, N. Y. Walter B. Camp was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., October 1, 1822; he received an academic educa tion in his own county and has always resided in Sackets Harbor, through its various changes until this date, 1897, being interested and identified with its progress and prosperity and always ready to help those who are worthy of such assistance. Mr. Camp has always been loyal to his native place and it has been his ruling passion that it may advance into importance, such as its natural surroundings seem to justify. The commercial and military spirit in this locality was so happily combined and each of foremost importance that Mr. Camp imbibed its influence with the younger genera tion that stamped the earlier civil and military history of the village, and he has not ceased in his endeavors to save as far as possible the prestige of this historic locality. To that end all the enterprises that were calculated for its elevation obtained a large share of his time and means. The construction of the first railway, which extended from Sackets Harbor to Pierrepont Manor, enlisted his earnest endeavors, hoping for the completion and successful accomplishment of an enterprise that would retain the commercial importance hitherto enjoyed at the port of Sackets Harbor. About the sum of 8400,000 was spent in its construction by the enterprising citizens of this town, Henderson and Ellisburg, to which Mr. Camp was no small contributor and acted in the capacity of custodian and local director for two years before it became extinct, affected largely by unfriendly influences of the officials of the railway with which it made connections. That portion of his means realized from the sale of the above railway was donated by Col. Camp to the Presbyterian church society, as a perpetual fund for the purchase of books for the Sunday school library and for repairs of the church edifice. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, Col. Camp was chosen by Gov. Morgan to manage the direction of the military depot to be opened at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, N. Y., and appointed him to that command PERSONAL REFERENCES. 139 with the rank of colonel, October 17, 1861. Col. Camp considered the apgointment not only complimentary, but almost obligatory because unsolicited. He entered at once upon his duties and in twenty-four hours one company had been enrolled into the service and in eighteen days the 94th Infantry, N.Y. Vols., had perfected its organization and moved from camp March 14, 1863, reaching Albany the following day. Col. Camp went with them to the capital ; Gov. Morgan called upon the colo nel the same day and complimented him, saying ' ' he was proud of the 94th Regi ment, that it had given him little or no trouble during its organization, was com posed of splendid material, was in magnificent form and discipline, had been re cruited and maintained at 120,000 less expense than any like regiment in the State, and instead of losing nearly thirty men, had a gain of two upon leaving camp." This depot now being established, it became the active center for enlistments and organization of volunteer regiments during the war. The 10th H. A. , N. Y. Vols. , was at once organized and Col. Camp was appointed the town of Hounsfield war committee, and with Senator Bell of Brownville, took the quotas of that town and Hounsfield and formed the company commanded by Capt. H. O. Gilmore. After the war Gen. Sherman was disposed to abolish the post here, there being no railway for the effective transportation of troops. To meet this objection measures were taken at once to extend the Utica and Black River Railway to Sackets Harbor. Col. Camp was untiring in his efforts to preventthe removal of this military station, and to secure the completion of the road, meetings were held in the towns on the con templated route, and with the hearty co-operation of the enterprising citizens secured the completion of the road in 1873. During the occupancy of the barracks by Gen. Ayers, the north half of the officers' quarters was burned ; Gen. Sherman was opposed to any outlay, but with the valuable influeuce of Congressman Bagley, Col. Camp succeeded in securing an appropriation of $25,000 to rebuild the quarters. Unfavor able influences continued to operate for years, until Gen. Grant was seen by Col. Camp, with whom for a long time he had retained an intimate acquaintance ; with his proffered and valuable services in presenting to Gen. Sherman the desirability of re taining the military station here, there came a marked change and from that time Madi son Barracks has received the attention from the government that its important posi tion demands. Upon the arrival here of Gen. Sherman with the 12th U. S. Infantry, under the command of Gen. Wilcox, he expressed himself captivated with the loca tion. Since then Madison Barracks have been progressing, first under Gen. Wilcox, and other commanders, and now in 1897 is one of the most complete in reservations in the service. In this matter Col. Camp has been a thorough friend of the institu tion, and considers himself fortunate in having the acquaintance in the army and navy of many of its illustrious characters that have figured in the former and more recent history of our wars, being related to Admiral Foote and Commodore Hitch cock on his mother's side, and upon his father's side looks back to that most conspic uous member, Jonathan Hale, who sacrificed his life upon the altar of his country at Jamaica Plains, Boston, 1776. The descendants of the Hale family have left the footprints in the path of honor in deeds of patriotism and valor, at which he himself has contributed an honorable share, at which he has reason to look upon with a de gree of satisfaction upon his own part in the role of honor ; of services honestly and conscientiously rendered to the nation, to the State and his native town and village. In May, 1885, he was unanimously elected with the title and associate member of the 140 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. military service institution of Governor's Island, of which the late Gen. Hancock was president. Col. Camp continued the business his father had established after he dis posed of the newspaper business in 1821, from 1850 until 1884. In the meantime Col. Camp traveled extensively upon the continent of Europe and far and wide over his native country bounded by the different oceans. In 1844 the family came into posses sion of the mansion and grounds formerly owned and occupied by Commodore Melancton T. Woolsey, aud although never married the colonel has entertained for many years with a refined and generous hospitality. In 1879 he completed the erec tion of a chapel which was presented as a Christmas gift to the Presbyterian society, with which he has been identified from infancy and for which he has retained an affectionate attachment. In this connection we cheerfully give space to his liberality in money, time, and supervision of construction of the tower of the Presbyterian church for the reception of a chime of nine bells given by Mrs. Marietta Pickering Hay of Tarrytown, to this historic village, as a living memorial of her father, Captain Augustus Pickering, who commanded the first vessel that ever entered the port of Chicago. He also was deeply interested in the Jefferson County Historical Society, of which he was the first vice-president. In 1885 he succeeded in securing as execu tor of the estate of the late Elisha Camp from the heirs, as a gift to the Jefferson County Historical Society and the village of Sackets Harbor, the old battle ground of several acres fronting on Black River Bay, where the first battle was fought between the Americans and British in the war of 1812-15 (earth works can be seen even to this day), which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies under the auspices of the 12th Infantry, U. S. A., G. A. R. organization, village authorities and representa tives of Jefferson county and Oneida county, historical societies and gentlemen of this and neighboring counties of the State and Canada. He was elected president of the society in January, 1893. Colonel Camp has given much time to the study of aboriginal history of the county of Jefferson, upon which subject he has written some valuable papers and has secured a choice selection of relics that characterize the race that occupied this locality and were extinct at the time of the advent of the white race to their shores, and which too has brought him in friendly relationship with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C. , and other historical societies, which brought him in contact with many distinguished men of like tastes. Colonel Camp has an inherent talent for music; in visiting his delightful home we find it supplied with the accessories to give it expression. With one favorite instrument, however, he is better known in refined circles where he finds enjoyment in the concord of sweet sounds. A motto in the family is the following: "Whatever we possess is doubly valuable when we are so happy to share it with others." It is pleasant to contemplate generous deeds so that when the donors pass away coming generations will arise and call them blessed. Baker, Orville W., was born at Stowell's Corners, March 27, 1827. He was edu cated in the public schools and was graduated from the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., in April, 1849. He taught several terms in winter, also taught select schools and is now an independent farmer. March 2, 1852, he married Olive Read of Sackets Harbor. Mr. Baker in his political choice is a thorough Republican. He was a justice of the peace in his native town sixteen years, and was also secretary of the "Patrons Fire Relief Association" of Jefferson and Lewis counties over twelve PERSONAL REFERENCES. 141 years, having been annually elected. His father, John Baker, was born in this lo cality in 1803; he was educated in the schools of his day and was a farmer by occu pation. He married Roccena Weld of the town of Sodus, Wayne county, N. Y. , and they had seven children: Orville W., Edwin R., Chloe A., Zilpha A., Sarah D., Lucy D. and Maria A. Mr. Baker died in November, 1880, and his widow in 1891. Mrs. Orville W. Baker's father, Garrett Read, was born in the town of Hounsfield, June 29, 1798. He was educated in the schools of that day and was a farmer by oc cupation. He married Huldah Westcott of his native town and they had ten children: Willard, Susan, William, Stephen, Olive, Marcellus, Eunice, Sarah, Whitley and George. Mr. Read died May 13, 1867, and his widow December 9, 1867. Holden, Walter B. , was born on the Holden homestead near Campbell's Point, March 9, 1859. He was educated in the district school and is by occupation a thorough market gardner. November 29, 1888, he married Eunice A. DeWitt, of the town of Henderson. N. Y. , and they have three children: Clifford C, Genevieve and Karl W. Mr. Holden in his political choice is a thorough Republican. His father, Aaron Holden, was born in Hadley, N. Y., in the year 1813 and was educated there ; he married Orrilla, daughter of Israel and Lydia (Conroe) Root, of Mechanics- ville, Saratoga county, and they had ten children: Clay, Frelinghuysen, Winfield, Theodore, Seward, Myron, Emmett, Walter B., Talcot and Jessie. Mr. Holden died September 15, 1870, and his widow March 11, 1892. Mrs. Holden's father, William De Witt, was born in Canada, February 9, 1843, and her mother was born in Canada March 4, 1841, and both were educated there; he came to the United States in 1865; he married Eliza Hicks, daughter of James and Nancy (Boyce) Hicks of Canada, and they had six children: Charles E., Eunice A., Elva R. , Seymour, Rosella and Clay E. Mr. and Mrs. De Witt are both living at this date, 1897. The Holdens are of New England origin and the De Witts of Scotch Canadian. Thompson, Samuel E., was born in the town of Hounsfield, Jefferson county, N. Y., son of Samuel E. and Elvira (Salisbury) Thompson. His grandfather, Piam Thompson, was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was his father, who was accepted as a substitute when but fourteen years old. Samuel E., the father, was born in Con necticut, January 23, 1799, and came to this State with his parents when a child, locating in the town of Rodman. He was educated in the schools of his day and was always a farmer. He married twice, first to Fanny Foster, by whom he had one daughter, Alvira. He married for his second wife Mrs. Elvira Salisbury, and they had two children, Fanny and Samuel E. As before stated, Samuel E., sr., served in the war of 1812, for which he received a land warrant ; he died February 28, 1S61, and his widow survives, residing on the farm occupied by her husband while living with his first wife, and is a pensioner of the war of 1812. Samuel E. Thompson, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and Adams Academy, and is a traveling salesman for the Cleveland Baking Powder Co. Octo ber 19, 1871, he married Miss Celia Parrott, of Sackets Harbor, and they have two living children, Charles A. and V. Adah, both students at this date, 1897. Mr. Thompson joined Sackets Harbor Lodge F. and A. M. and was in good standing until 1896, when he joined Dalhouse Lodge F. and A. M., of Newtonville, Mass. He is also a member of Newton Chapter, R. A. M., of Newtonville, Mass.; Holyoke 142 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Council, R. and S. M., Mass.; Gethsemane Commandery, K. T., Newtonville; the Consistory of Boston, Mass. , and the Shrine of Bridgeport, Conn. Lamon, Lester, was born in the town of Hounsfield, September 27, 1824, edu cated in the district schools and by occupation is a. farmer. He has married twice, first in 1849 to Lucy A. Blood, who died August 5, 1890, and on December 16, 1891, Mr. Lamon married Mary C. Campbell. Mr. Lamon is a Democrat, and the ancestry of his family is Scotch and Irish of New England origin. Mr. Lamon's father, James Lamon, was born in Salem, Mass., in 1774, and came with his parents to this State soon after the Revolutionary war. He married Mrs. Polly Burdell of Houns field, and they had five children: Esther, Alice, Mary A., Lester and Elizabeth. Mr. Lamon died in 1852, and his wife in 1845. Mrs. Lamon's father, William Campbell, was born in Canada in 1792. He married Mary Duffield, who was born in England in 1798, and they had ten children: John A., Mary C, Priscilla, Ira, Ed win, William R. , James A., Florence T. , Harriet and Louise. Mr. Lamon's mother's son by her first husband, Dr. Harvey Burdell, was murdered in New York city. Mr. Campbell died in 1879 and his wife in 1872. Ives, Mrs. Adelia. — The late Francis Ives was born in the town of Watertown, December 15, 1830. He obtained his education in the public schools and always followed the honorable occupation of farming. April 7, 1859, he married Adelia, second daughter of Jerome and Chloe Ives of the town of Watertown, and they had four children: Brayton L., Helen L., George H. and Willard J. Brayton L. mar ried Mary Dillenbeck of the town of Alexandria and they have three children : Gor don G., Clarence N. and Karl. Helen L. is an invalid at home; George H. is a celebrated physician in Watertown ; he married Bessie M. McDonald. Willard J. died March 24, 1877. Mr. Ives died January 7, 1897. Mrs. Ives's father. Jerome Ives, was born in the town of Watertown, April 7, 1810, was educated in the public schools and was a farmer by occupation ; he married Chloe Holloway, and they had four children : Lucy, Adelia, Franklin (died at the age of three years) and Franklin 2d. Jerome Ives died November 5, 1877, and his widow April 18, 1886. Mrs. Adelia Ives survives at this date, 1897. The ancestry of family is English, Welch, German and Scotch. Sargent, Washington, was born in the town of Hounsfield, January 24, 1841. He was educated in the public schools and has always followed the honorable occupation of farming. January 7, 1862, he married Mary J. Harrington of the town of Brown ville, and they have five living children : Almon J., Minnie A., C. Jay, Elva M. and Elsie M. C. Jay married May McWayne of Dexter, N. Y., and they have one son, Harold E. Mr. Sargent and family are members of the Presbyterian church of Dexter, and he is one of the elders. In his political choice he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Sargent's father, John Sargent, was born in Hastings, England, in 1782. He was a carpenter and contractor by occupation ; he married Susanna Luff and they had five children: John, George, Salina, Henry and Walter. They came to the United States in 1820 and soon afterward located on the homestead. His wife died and he married Mr. Sarah Whiley, and they had six children: Lois, Laura, Lydia, Luthera, Sarah and Washington. Mr. Sargent died February 1, 1863, and his PERSONAL REFERENCES. 143 widow January 7, 1884. Mrs. Sargent's father, Almon Harrington, was born in the town of Rodman, July 5, 1811. He was well educated and married Polly Palmer and they had two children, Mary J. and David, who died in his seventh year, Mr. Harrington died December 9, 1895, and his wife March 29, 1875. Mrs. Sargent's grandfather, Cyrel Harrington, was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was also her grandfather, Zebulon Palmer. Dawson, Henry G., M. D., was born on Wolf's Island, Canada, in 1863, and is a son of John and Maria Dawson, both residents of Wolf's Island. He received his earlier education at the Collegiate Institute of Kingston and the University of Kings ton. In 1880 he commenced the study of medicine at the Royal College of Physi cians and Surgeons of Kingston, from which he was graduated in 1885, after which he came to Cape Vincent where he has since practiced. He is a member of Cape Vincent Lodge No. 480, Independent Order of Foresters. In 1888 he married Jennie A. Buckley of Cape Vincent, a daughter of John Buckley, and they have two daugh ters, Frances C. , born October 24, 1891, and Maria G. , born February 13, 1895. Dr. Dawson is enjoying a lucrative practice and is a very successful practitioner. He is medical examiner of the following insurance companies: New York Life, Equitable, Mutual Life of New York, Etna, Travelers, Pennsylvania Mutual, Washington Life, and Commercial Travelers' Accident Company. Wilcox, Levi, was born in Worth, on the farm he owns, November 26, 1825, a son of Sterling and Sallie (Smith) Wilcox. Sterling Wilcox was born in Herkimer coun ty, N. Y. , son of Joseph, who came from Herkimer county to Worth in 1805, and bought 150 acres of land, where Gilbert H. Wilcox, a great-grandson now lives. He died aged eighty-eight ; his wife was Hannah Banning, who died at the age of sev enty-six. Sterling died in 1885, aged ninety-four years, and his wife died March 22, 1867, aged sixty-seven years. They married in 1818 and had six children, of whom four are now living. Levi Wilcox was educated in the common schools; he is a farmer and owns 300 acres of land and has a dairy of thirty-five cows. In 1847 he married Mary Fox, and they had two children: Emma G. (deceased) and Gilbert H., born in 1853, and married Eva M. Brown; they have three children: Emma G., Ora S. and Gertrude. Five generations have now lived on the same farm. Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat and was assessor for eleven years in succession and has been town clerk, supervisor and postmaster of Worth. He is a member of Rodman Lodge No. 506, F. & A. M. The family attend and support the M. E. church. Bert, George, jr., was born in Germany, in August, 1852, a son of George and Elizabeth (Rhodenhise) Bert, natives of Germany. He came to America with his parents in 1853, settling in New York city, and after one year moved to the town of Alexandria, Jefferson county, where they remained for five years, at which time they came to Worth and purchased about 200 acres of land. Mr. Bert, sr., has made his own property and is one of the leading farmers of his town. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. I, 186th N. Y. Vols., serving one year, and was wounded at Petersburg. In politics Mr. Bert is a Democrat. Hie wife died August 17, 1883. George Bert, jr., was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has always fol lowed farming as an occupation and at present has a farm of 230 acres and a dairy 144 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of thirty cows. February 14, 1876, he married Kate Hartman of Alexandria, and they have one son, born May 23, 1879, educated in Adams Collegiate Institute and is now engaged in teaching. Mr. Bert is a Democrat and is now one of the assessors of the town and at present is postmaster at Worthville. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans and of the Grange. Enos, William W. , son of Gaylord and Minerva Enos, was born in Depauville in 1835, his parents being among the early settlers of that place ; his father died there in 1873 and his mother in 1886. Mr. Enos had two brothers and two sisters; his brother George served in the late war in the 10th Heavy Artillery and was killed in front of Petersburg. Of his sisters, Mrs. William Baxter is deceased, while his other one, Mrs. Hiram Copley, resides in Chaumont. His early education was obtained at the academies in Depauville and at Lafargeville. His whole life has been devoted to commercial pursuits. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. A, 35th N. Y. Vols., and served two years and then re-enlisted in the 18th Cavalry as lieutenant and came out as captain, serving to the close of the war. In 1872 he married Emma Dayan of Water- town, and their children are George W. , a graduate of Cornell and a civil engineer; Copley, a cadet at West Point ; and two daughters, Clara M. and Julia D. , who re side at home. Mr. Enos is vice-president of the Adams Duford- Stone Co. of Chau mont. In politics he is a Republican and has shared the honors within the gift of his party. He has been delegate to county and State conventions, was in the As sembly in 1872, supervisor of Lyme two terms, justice of the peace and postmaster in 1868 and 1876. Rogers, Austin L. , proprietor of the extensive seed house of Rogers Brothers of Chaumont, is a son of Charles A. and Harriet (Wilson) Rogers, and was born in the town of Cape Vincent in 1855. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native town, at Watertown High School and Eastman Business College of Pough keepsie. His father dying when he was two years old, his mother removed to the village of Cape Vincent. Her death occurred at Chaumont in 1893 after a residence there of ten years. Mr. Rogers's first business enterprise was started at the home stead farm, town of Cape Vincent, in connection with his brother, Everett E. , the two starting a green house and engaging in market gardening and seed growing, which they successfully carried on for five years. Afterward for one year they were associated with R. B. Hungerford at Adams as seed growers, when they came to Chaumont in 1882 and erected the substantial three-story building which serves as a seed warehouse. Disposing of the Cape Vincent farm in 1887, they purchased a fine tract of land of 360 acres, known as the Backus-Comins farm, being situated on the north side of Chaumont river and bounded on the west by the R. , W. & O. Railroad and village limits, which they named " Elm View," using it as a seed farm in con nection with their extensive wholesale seed business, of fancy peas, beans and sweet peas, as many as forty acres of this popular flower in different varieties having been planted in a single season, and from this fact is commonly known as the sweet pea farm, and is much admired during the summer season. It was in 1890 that the large business career of the brothers w_as interrupted by the death by accident of Everett E. Rogers, who received injuries which caused his death while crossing in his car riage the tracks of the R., W. & O. Railroad. Since his brother's unfortunate death PERSONAL REFERENCES. 145 Mr. Rogers has conducted the business on his own account, but in the original firm name. In 1882 Mr. Rogers married Delia M. Guile, daughter of George H. Guile of Lyme, and they have two children, Mabel and Inez. Mr. Rogers is an exponent of that class of men who have won success because they deserved it. His business, which is one of the largest in Chaumont and has few superiors of its kind in the county, is the result of the pluck of two country boys who began and continued from small beginnings until a business has accumulated to such extensive proportions that it is only bounded by the confines of the United States and Canada. To the cour tesy of Mr. George R. Warren, formerly of Cape Vincent, son of G. W.Warren, who has been with the firm for sixteen years, the patrons and visitors feel deeply indebt ed for the interest taken in each caller. Mr. Warren holds a close place in the con fidence of his employer and has proven himself all efficient where efficiency is most needed. Getman, Adelbert A., M. D., is a native of Chaumont, and was born December 11, 1851. His father was Christopher Getman and his mother was Mercy A. Berdgett. The early youth of Dr. Getman was passed in his native village, where he attended the public schools, passing through them successively towards the attainment of a higher education, which he received at Carthage and Watertown. After completing his studies he taught school for a short time and took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. H. W. Jewett, of Chaumont, afterward graduating from the Albany Medical College, when he took up the practice of his profession at home, where he remained until 1874, and then took a special course in the University of New York. In 1879 he married Emma Ryder, daughter of Ellis Ryder, of Chaumont, and they have one daughter, Minnie, who resides at home. In politics Dr. Getman affiliates with the Democratic party, and has been the recipient of political honors at his party's disposal. He was supervisor of the town of Lyme in 1877 and 1878. He is a Mason and holds membership in Chaumont Lodge No. 172. Dr. Getman is a gen tleman, possessing an uncommonly fine personal figure and commanding appearance, is a fine conversationalist and possesses those qualifications happily combined which go to make up the successful physician. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice throughout the county. Bingle, Henry Daniel, who for eleven years has filled the position of health officer of the town of Wilna, and also for three years the same office in Carthage, was born in Germany, near Hesse Castle, May 23, 1856, and came to the United States with his father and sister in 1864, locating in Lewis county. He was educated in the common schools and Lowville Academy, after which he taught school four winter terms. During his teaching young Bingle read medicine under the direction of Dr. Ferguson, of Carthage, and afterward completed his medical education at Long Island College Hospital, University of Baltimore, Md., University of Vermont at Burlington, and at Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated in 1882. In 1883 Dr. Bingle began practice at Denmark, remaining there one year, and then re moved to Deer River, where he practiced three years. In December, 1886, he lo cated at Carthage, where he has since resided and where he has established an ex cellent professional standing, and is regarded as one of the leading physicians of the 146 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. vicinity. In April, 1889, Dr. Bingle married Minnie C, daughter of W. R. Thomp son, of Carthage, and she died in the fall of 1896. Merriman, Edgar H., son of William A. and Elizabeth (Loomis) Merriman, was born in Gouverneur, March 30, 1873. His parents are both dead, and he has one brother, F. G. Merriman, of Antwerp. He was educated at Spragueville High School, learned telegraphy of J. G. Clark, of Keene, N. Y., and was first appointed assistant agent at Chaumont, November 1, 1893, agent at Sanford Corners in 1894 and transferred to Chaumont as station agent in 1897. He is a member of Bethany Lodge No. 821 of Black River. Mr. Merriman is also the agent of the American Express Co., andhas charge of the freight business of the R. , W. & O. Railroad. He is a young man of fine business capabilities and has before him a bright future in the railroad business. Van Allen, Willard B. , was born in Wilna, June 27, 1862, the eldest of ten children born to Warren and Lucia Van Allen. His young life was spent on his father's farm and his elementary education was acquired in the common schools and at Ives Seminary. He read law in the office of A. E. Kilby of Carthage, and attended the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated and admitted to practice in May, 1887. He began his professional life in Lewis county, but in 1888 removed to Carth age where he now lives and where he is in active and successful practice. He is a firm Republican and has been elected village president and also a member of the Board of Education. June 27, 1887, he married Mary E., daughter of William and Mary Burnside. Bossuot, Leander E. , is a son of George Bossuot, who was the first white child born in what is now known as the village of Carthage. Mr. Bossuot's grandfather, Jean Bossuot, was a native of Troyes, France, and one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Carthage, where he found only a single Indian hut. He died in Champion in 1847, at the advanced age of ninety-three. His children were George, father of Leander E., Louis, Augustus, John Bonaparte, Peter and Julia, who died when quite young. All of this numerous family resided near Carthage and died here except Augustus, who died in Minnesota. Leander E. Bossuot is one of the enterprising citizens of West Carthage, and until recently was actively engaged in the grocery business. For some years he has been clerk of the town of Champion; is superintendent of the water works at West Carthage and is a man in whose presence one does not have to be a great while to easily distinguish him a hustler. Early in 1863 Mr. Bossuot enlisted in the 20th N. Y. Cavalry and shared its cam paigns and participated in its battles until the close of the war. When the Confeder ate capital fell and Richmond was evacuated by the Confederates, the first regiment to enter the city was the 20th N. Y. Cavalry, whose colonel hoisted the stars and stripes over Richmond for the first time since it became the capital of the Confeder acy. Mr. Bossuot is a Knight Templar and has been master of Carthage Lodge No. 158; also a member of Carthage Chapter No. 259 and was high priest in 1892- 93; member of the Watertown Commandery No. 11; Utica Council; the Mystic Shrine and the Odd Fellows. Cook, Henry C. , who for the past twenty-four years has been a practicing attorney PERSONAL REFERENCES. 147 at Carthage, was born at Palatine Bridge, Montgomery county, N. V., June 12, 1830, and was the seventh of eight children in the family of Casper I. and Clarissa A. Cook. Henry lived at home on the farm until he was eighteen years old, intend ing to become a farmer, but an accident compelled him to change his chosen pursuit and turn to professional life. His early education was acquired in the common schools and limited at that, but he began a course of law study with those dis tinguished lawyers, Thomas and Henry Smith, then at Cobleskill, Schoharie county, and still later with the noted firm of Hill, Porter & Cagger, at Albany, and at a general term held in that city in 1853 he was admitted to practice, being then, how ever, a little less than twenty- one years old, but in his case a nuuc pro tunc order was made. He began practice at Worcester, Otsego county, and thence removed to Cobleskill. In June, 1861, Mr. Cook enlisted in the 25th Regiment of State Militia and served until discharged in July following. Returning home he helped raise the 134th Regiment, enlisting as a private, but was elected captain of Co. G, and with this command served until February 18, 1865, then being mustered out with the rank of major. After a year Mr. Cook again took up professional life at Richmondville, Schoharie county, remaining there seven years, of which time he was for six years district attorney of the county. November 9, 1873, he came to Carthage and has since been in active practice in that village. Counselor Cook is a firm Democrat, living in a strong Republican county, but he takes no active part in politics other than as an interested citizen and holding the record of being an old campaigner. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow Lodges; also of the G. A. R. In 1852 Mr. Cook married Margaret E. Sternberg, and they had six children, four of whom are still living. Harding, John R. , M. D., was born in Palermo, Oswego county, N. Y. , Septem ber 16, 1868, a son of Thomas and Ann Harding, who came to this country from Bristol, England, in 1867. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood until his fifteenth year, when he entered the academy at Mexico, finishing his educa tion in 1888. He taught school for two years and in 1890 entered the medical de partment of the Syracuse University and was graduated therefrom in 1893. He stood first in competitive examination at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, where he held the position of house physician from July, 1893, to July, 1894. August 30, 1894, Dr. Harding married Gertrude, daughter of W. T. Hawkins of Syracuse, and they have one daughter, Unni. He commenced his practice in Syracuse, where he remained two years before coming to Carthage in 1896. Dr. Harding is a member of the Syracuse Academy of Medicine and of the Onondaga Medical Society. He is an untiring practitioner, devoting all his time to the care of his large practice which he has built up in the short time since locating in Carthage, and is already one of the first physicians in the county. Simons, Edwin A., M. D., one of the best representatives of homoeopathy in Jef ferson county, was born in Theresa, January 11, 1860, and on both his father's and mother's side was descended from pioneer stock in the county. His grandfather, Rodney Simons, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Dr. Simons was the eldest of four children born to John H. and Lorinda (Cheesman) Simons. He was brought up on a farm, educated in the common schools and at the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary. 148 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He then began teaching school and while so engaged also read medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, and in 1882 entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1884. In that year he began practice at Carthage, is the only homoeopathic physician in the village and enjoys a large clientage. On April 19, 1884, Dr. Simons married Clara Hughes of Crawfordsville, Ind., who is also a graduate from a Homoeopathic Medical College. They have two children. Murtha, Patrick, born in 1837, died in 1893, in memoriam. — The late Patrick Mur- tha whose death occurred in Croghan township in 1893, will always be held in pleas ant memory as a tvpe of man, parent and citizen, who by example and precept wielded a most beneficial influence for good upon the community. Their example being always depended upon for good, their example always so, though frequently, perhaps more often than not, they are less conspicuous in their careers than many men far more deserving of honors from their fellow men. Citizens of the class of Mr. Murtha seek no notoriety; more often they shun it. They do their whole duty, shirk none of life's responsibilities. Men of this character are usually forced into positions of trust. This was true of Mr. Murtha, a. good and devout man in the best sense of the term. To him God, religion and his church were largely questions of duty and right living. A good man is always a benefit to a community although he may not be blessed with the gifts of great leadership among men, yet, as in the case of Mr. Murtha he was a leader in the sphere in which his lot was cast and thus his death is more to be regretted. He was born in Whitesboro and was a son of Peter and Julia (Finley) Murtha. His parents removerd to the town of Croghan during his infancy. His boyhood days, and in fact those of his mature manhood, were spent on his father's farm. His schooling came from that class of educational insti tutions known as the district school, whose advantages he early mastered. Both his parents died in 1881, his father in February, and his mother in July following. In 1882 he married Lucy, daughter of Patrick G. Byrnes of Croghan, and they had four children: Charles Frances, Lillian, Minnie and Patrick, jr. Mr. Murtha was a de vout member of St. James church, Carthage, from which he was buried, the vast edifice being filled to its utmost with sympathizing friends of the deceased. He held for many years the position of justice in Croghan and was also a trustee in St. James church. By honesty he amassed more than a. competency ; by an upright life he won the esteem of his fellow men. A devoted husband and loving father, he has gone to his reward. Kelsey, George, was born in Theresa, N. Y., October 5, 1843, a son of fesse Kelsey and grandson of fames Kelsey. fames Kelsey was born in Otsego county (August 4, 1776); and, on July 9, 1795, married Lydia Nichols (born April 29, 1780). They had twelve children— one of them Jesse (born February 14, 1807 died October 6, 1865). fesse Kelsey came (1820) with his parents to Theresa where he spent the remainder of his life. On February 10, 1835, he married Susan A. Shurtleff (born in Leray on April 7, 1814) a daughter of James Shurtleff, one of the early settlers of Theresa. (For his biography see History ofthe Town). Mr. Shurtleff with his first wife Polly Atwood (born March 27, 1776), emigrated to this county from near Plymouth, Mass., in 1796, and of their ten children only two, Marietta (Mrs. John Tubbs of Alexandria PERSONAL REFERENCES. 149 Bay) and Susan Ann (Mrs. Jesse Kelsey of Theresa) stiU survive. To Jesse Kelsey and his wife were born nine children: Jane, Justin, Eleanor, Jerome, Electa, George, Atwood, James E. , Charles, of whom only George, James E., and Charles are living. Jesse Kelsey was one of the most prominent men of Theresa. For a number of years he was engaged in a large business as speculator and stock dealer; but his later life was spent on a farm not far from the village. He was an ardent Democrat and supervisor of his town one term. He attended the Presbyterian church of which his wife is a member. George Kelsey was educated in the Theresa public schools, in Goodenough's academy and at the Belleville Union school. He began life as a clerk in Walradt and Davison's store and in 1864 enlisted in the navy serving on the ship " Kansas" until the close of the war. In 1870 he succeeded Mr. C. B. Austin in the dry goods business which he still carries on. On January 25, 1870, Mr. Kelsey married Annie L. Hamlin (born in Hermon, St. Lawrence county, August 18, 1842, died September 17, 1885). They had but one child, Helen Marian (born April 17, 1872) who was graduated from Wellesley College in 1895, took a post-graduate course in Radcliffe College in the year '95-96, and has since taught English and mathematics in Welles ley. Mr. Kelsey has held many public offices. He has been treasurer and president of the village, and during the years '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '87, '88, '89 was supervisor of the town. In 1886, Mr. Kelsey was nominated by his party for member of assembly, and although he is a Democrat in a strongly Republican district was defeated by only twenty-one votes. Rappole, John G., was born in Oneida county, N. Y. , in November, 1825, a son of Daniel and Mary (Billington) Rappole. Daniel Rappole was a native of Montgom ery county, and came to Pamelia, Jefferson county, in 1827, and to Alexandria in 1858, where he died. His wife died in Pamelia and he married again, Emily Cole, who died in Alexandria, in March, 1895. John G. was reared by an uncle, John Rappole, who lived in New York and owned considerable property in Jefferson county. In 1834 he came to Watertown and engaged in mercantile business, which he carried on for four years and then came to West Theresa and carried on a store there for some years. He owned the farm John G. now owns, and also another small farm on the corners, known as Rappole Corners. His wife was born in Ire land and came to America with her parents at the time Protestants were persecuted in Ireland. She died in Theresa. John G. Rappole was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer, owning 120 acres of land where he has lived since a boy of thirteen years. In 1847 he married Huldah Carpenter, born in Vermont, and came to Le Ray with her parents when young. Mr. and Mrs. Rappole had eight children : William, Amelia, George, Charles, Sarah, Mary, Carson and Ellsworth. In politics Mr. Rappole is a Republican and a member of Theresa Grange. His son Carson, who now occupies the premises owned by his father, is a graduate of Fulton Semi nary, and was in the profession of teaching for about ten years. He was the organ izer of Theresa Grange in 1888, and has always been one of its most active members. He was married to Miss Jessie M. Porter- in 1887. Bogart, J. H., was born in Alexandria, May 23, 1856, a son of Henry and Jennett (Carnegie) Bogart. Henry Bogart was a native of Canada, a son of David, who was 150 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. a native of Montgomery county and died in Alexandria in 1874. Henry was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics and was assessor at his death in 1877, being elected when the town was about 140 majority Democratic. He was one of the wealthiest farmers of the town and built the cheese factory at Brown's Corners in 1870, and carried on an extensive business for some years. He and wife had four sons and one daughter, and attended the M. E. church. He died in 1877 and his widow in 1895. J. H. Bogart was educated in the common schools and at Redwood. He followed farming until 1886, when he engaged in shipping hay and has carried on an extensive business; he ships from Alexandria and Theresa. January 11, 1893, he came to Theresa, where he has since resided; he is also in partnership with W. S. Sargent in buying and shipping stock. Mr. Bogart owns in Alexandria 314 acres of land, keeping about thirty cows and raises considerable hay. December 30, 1880, he married Rosella Timmerman. and they had two daughters: Bertha, born Febru ary 6, 1882, and Mabel, born February 22, 1888. Mr. Bogart is a member of the I. O. F., and attends and supports the M. E. church. Shurtleff, L. F., was born in Philadelphia, N. Y., September 18, 1848, a son of Almeron. Almeron Shurtleff was born in Le Ray, N. Y., and in -May, 1870, came to Theresa, where he spent his last days and died July 23, 1883. He married Ann M. Fuller, born in Saratoga county, daughter of Almon Fuller, one of the early set tlers of Philadelphia. L. F. Shurtleff was educated in the common schools and Theresa and Gouverneur Academies. He taught school for one year and has been a clerk in Theresa for about eight years, but is principally engaged in farming, own ing in Theresa and Philadelphia 200 acres of land and manages about 900 acres for other people. In 1871 he married Helen M. Walradt. Mr. Shurtleff is a Democrat in politics and has been assessor for twelve years in succession and holds that office at present. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also P. of H., and attends and sup ports the Presbyterian church. Cook, Munson, was born in Oswego county, N. Y., in 1823, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Pratt) Cook, natives of Connecticut, who came to Oswego county, where Mrs. Cook died, and about 1838 he came to Antwerp, where he died. Munson Cook came to Theresa when fifteen years of age, and lived with his uncle, Joseph Chase, who was one of the wealthy men of Antwerp. Mr. Cook was a very successful farmer, and owned at the time of his death 627 acres of land, and his wife and daugh ter have the land, also 600 acres besides, now being in possession of 1,200 acres. In 1844 Mr. Cook married Mary O. Chase, and they had one adopted daughter. He died October 9, 1891, and his widow and daughter reside on the farm in Theresa, Schell, Nelson, was born in Le Ray, March 27, 1860, a son of Jeremiah and Mar garet (Ritter) Schell. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1885 he came to Theresa, on the farm of 191 acres that he had bought in 1884; he has a dairy of twenty cows and carries on general farming. In politics Mr. Schell is a Democrat. He is a member of Theresa Grange, and is now treasurer. In 1882 he married Lucy A. Wheeler, born in Theresa, and daughter of Philander W. Wheeler and Sylvia S. Evans, his wife. Philander E. Wheeler was a son of Amos Wheeler and Relief Herrick, and was a prominent farmer of Theresa, in which town PERSONAL REFERENCES. ' 151 he spent his days, dying April 2, 1894 ; his widow lives with her son-in-law, Nelson Schell. Sylvia S. Evans was born in Theresa, November 14, 1837, daughter of Oliver G. Evans and Lurinda Lathrop. Jeremiah Schell was born in Lewis county, N. Y. , May 23, 1824, a son of Jacob Schell, and grandson of Marks Schell, one of the early settlers of Herkimer county. Jacob came to Le Ray in 1832, and here died in 1868. His wife was Catherine Walradt, born in Herkimer county and died in Le Ray in 1873. Jeremiah Schell was educated in the common schools, and has always fol lowed farming. He came to Le Ray in 1832 with his parents, and with the excep tion of ten years spent in Alexandria Bay has spent the rest of his time here. He came to Theresa village in 1897, and here lives a retired life. His wife was Margaret Ritter, born in Le Ray, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Rickford) Ritter, and they had six sons and one daughter. Mr. Schell is a Democrat in politics, a member of Pamelia Grange, and he and wife attend the M. E. church. Thomas, E. F. , son of John D. and Susan Thomas, was born at Salladasburg, Pa., in 1866. He was educated in the common schools and remained at home until eighteen years of age. Immediately after completing his education he engaged in the paper business in a large mill at Conowingo, Md., controlled by the Conowingo Paper Co. After three years at this place he accepted a position at Yorkhaven, Pa., in the same line of business and remained there two years. Five years ago he came to Felt's Mills and entered the employ of the Taggart Paper Co , where he holds the responsible position of the entire charge of the machinery department. In 1889 Mr. Thomas married Kittie B., daughter of Michael Strebler, of Rochester, N. Y., and they have four children : Ruth, Olive, Churchill and Vivian. Mr. Thomas is an en thusiastic lodge man, holding a membership in Bethany Lodge, F. & A. M., of Black River; Genesee Lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F., of Rochester, and Court Jefferson, No. 1,430, I. O. F., of Felt's Mills, being vice-chief ranger of Court Jefferson. On De cember 26, 1894, Mr. Thomas had the misfortune to lose his right arm below the elbow through an accident which befel him while adjusting some machinery in con nection with the wire friction. He is a young man of good repute, fine business ca pabilities and a thoroughly reliable citizen. Bellinger, Isiah, was born in Pamelia, N. Y. , November 15, 1842, a son of George F. and Nancy (Weaver) Bellinger, natives of Montgomery county. George F. came to Worth in 1854 and died there in 1888. Isiah Bellinger was reared on a farm and educated in Pamelia and came to Worth when a boy and with the exception of three years spent in the west, has resided on the farm he owns of 108 acres. In politics he is a Democrat and has been assessor three terms. In 1870 he married Mary A. La Flam, and they had three children : George F., born April 13, 1871, married Jennie Weston, and a farmer by occupatinn; Frederick, born July 8, 1875, and Flora A., born November 30, 1881. George F. Bellinger (Isiah Bellinger's father) was a tanner and currier and shoemaker by trade, and followed that profession while living in Pamelia and for some time when living in the town of Worth. George F. Bellinger (Isiah's son) was inspector in the town of Worth two years. Lyon, Abel G., was born in Worth, N. Y., in September, 1834, a son of Dorastus Lyon, son of Henry Lyon, a Methodist preacher who lived and died in Worth. 152 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Dorastus Lyon was a farmer ; he died April 4, 1844, and his wife, who was a daughter of Asa Case, died January 1, 1861. Abel G. Lyon was reared on a farm and was edu cated in the common schools, and is a farmer. He enlisted in Co. C, 94th N. Y. Vols., for three years, and was discharged at the end of a year for disability con tracted in the service. He is a charter member of E. S. Gillett Post No. 556, G. A. R., Dept. N. Y., in which he is an earnest worker and has been senior vice-com mander for the past four years. He also holds from Col. A. D. Shaw, department commander, G. A. R,, a commission as aide-de-camp, which he prizes very highly. December 24, 1868, Mr. Lyon married Sarah Bice; they have one son, Henry. Mrs. Lyon was born in Clayton, N. Y., in 1842, a daughter of John and Eliza Bice. John was born in Canada of Holland descent, and his wife, Eliza Rowen, was born in Ireland ; they came to Clayton from St. Lawrence county about 1840, and finally to Worth in 1854, where he died March 5 and his wife November 2, 1897. McCullough, John W., was born at Clarksville, Albany county, N. Y., in 1858, a son of Peter and Polly (Van Wie) McCullough. He was educated at the academy in Mechanicsville, Saratoga county, where his father had removed some years previous. After completing his education he entered the employ of Howland & Sons, paper manufacturers of Mechanicsville, where he thoroughly mastered every detail of the business during the five years he remained with them. About this time a better position was offered him as superintendent of the machinery department of D. A. Bullard & Sons' paper mills at Schuylerville, where he remained until a better posi tion was offered him with the Ontario Paper Co. of Brownville. He was for a year and half connected with the Ontario Paper Co. of Brownville and the St. Lawrence Paper Co. of Dexter. In 1893 Mr. McCullough received the appointment of general superintendent of the extensive plant of the Brownville Paper Co., where he has since remained. In politics Mr. McCullough is a Democrat and has held the position of president of the village since 1894. He has been twice married ; his first wife was Nettie Ford of Stillwater, and his present wife is Sadie M. , daughter of John Johnson of Brownville, and they have one daughter, Margaret, aged six years. Mr. McCul lough is a member of Brownville Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M. Norton, John L., who for a period of more than than thirty years has been closely identified with the history of Carthage, was born on his father's old home farm about three miles south of Redwood, in October, 1836, and lived on the farm until about the age of fourteen years, when he began to work for himself. He was clerk in a store and at the same time acquired an academic education. After working as a clerk for about six years the young man in September, 1857, began business at Red wood as one of the firm of Norton & McCollister, and so continued until 1866, when he sold out to his partner and came to Carthage. In that year the firm of Norton Brothers began business on the site where now stands Mr. Norton's store, a location in the village then mentioned as "up in Wilna." However, from the first the firm did a successful business and soon became known as one of the best mercantile houses in the town, and after George Norton retired from the business in 1885, John L. continued the business with equal success and is to-day regarded as one of the substantial merchants of both the village and the county. His time is not wholly devoted to affairs of personal concern, as he takes an interest in all that pertains to PERSONAL REFERENCES. 153 the welfare of the village and has been for nearly thirty years a member of the school board and since 1884 has been its president. He was village president in 1896 and still further back was also associated with local history in many other directions. He was for two years a member of the Republican State Committee, four years president of the Carthage Agricultural Society, is now president of Car thage Savings Bank and of the Carthage Board of Railroad Commissioners. He is a member of Carthage Lodge and Chapter, F. & A. M., and for about twenty-five years one of the vestry of Grace church. December 22, 1858, Mr. Norton married Helen A., daughter of Lawrence De Zeng, and they have two children: Addie Belle, wife of Rev. Charles Lee Slate, an Episcopal clergyman, and Lawrence De Zeng Norton of Carthage. John Norton, the grandfather of John L., of Carthage, was a native of England, where he studied for the Episcopal ministry, but having enlisted in the army was sent to Canada on duty. From there he came to the States at a very early day and settled at Oppenheim, Montgomery (now Fulton) county, though he first came to the States to buy army supplies, his position being that of commis sary. After a time this old settler removed from Montgomery county and lived for a time in St. Lawrence county, but soon took up his residence three miles south of Redwood, where his son had cleared up the farm where the pioneers ever afterward lived and where he died. The farm is now owned by his grandson, John L. Nor ton of Carthage. The children of John Norton, the elder, were John, who spent his life on the old farm ; Polly, who married Jeremiah Austin and settled in Mont gomery county ; Rebecca, who married Mr. Austin and lived in Montgomery county ; Jeremiah, who spent his life in St. Lawrence county; and Nancy, who died unmar ried. John Norton, the pioneer, died on the old home farm at the age of 102 years, while his wife died at the still more advanced age of 104 years. John Norton, son of the pioneer, also died on the old farm aged 103 years. He was a farmer, a re spected man in the town and in all respects a useful citizen. He came there in ad vance of his father and was his mainstay during the latter's farming life. He prac tically cleared and paid for the land. His wife was Pamelia Gardner and to them seven children were born: George L., now a merchant in Fair Haven, Mo. ; John L,, of Carthage; Silas W., formerly a successful business man at Schell City, Mo., now dead; Minerva J., wife of Homer Redington; Marie Antoinette, wife of Edward S. Slack of Ithaca, N. Y. ; Oscar M., of Watertown, N. Y., and Alice A., wife of Rudolf Barner, now living in Wisconsin. Inglehart, Hiram F. , was born in Hounsfield, March 28, 1846, a son of Cornelius W. and Emmeline (Foote) Inglehart. Mr. Inglehart has been a merchant of Water- town for several years and was one of the original stockholders in the Westminster Park, and has been proprietor of the hotel there since 1884. In 1888 he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward. He married Nettie Blodgett, and they have eight children. He is proprietor of the Columbian Hotel at Thousand Island Park and formerly proprietor of the Thousand Island House at Alexandria Bay. He was mayor of the city of Watertown in 1893 and 1894. He is vice-president of the Water- town Street Railroad Co. , a director in three banks of the city and of the Agricultural Insurance Company, and is on the finance committee in these institutions Mr. In glehart is man of remarkable executive ability, whose opinion and advice is sought upon important financial matters. He has been for many years an active member t 154 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. of the Odd Fellows and is a past grand in that organization, besides being promi nent in other societies. Bailey, William C. , was born at Brookfield, N. Y. , January 3, 1826, and is a son of Eli S. Bailey, one of the pioneers of his county. The family trace their descent from English and Irish ancestors, who landed on the Rhode Island coast about 1750. Eli S. Bailey married Marcy, daughter of Silas Clark; he died in 1864. William C. Bailey was educated at De Ruyter Institute. In 1844 he read medicine with his brother, Silas Bailey, and took a course at the Medical University of New York, then went to Geneva and attended the medical department of Hobart College and was graduated from Berkshire Medical College in 1848. He began his practice in Genesee, and in 1855 came to Adams Center, where he has practiced for forty-two years. In 1849 he married Orissa J., daughter of- Truman Cole. Mrs. Bailey died in 1876 and in 1878 Mr. Bailey married Mrs. Emmeline McKee, and they have one son, F. C. Bailey, M. D. Dr. Bailey is one of the conservative men of Jefferson county. In 1864 he enlisted in 179th regiment as assistant surgeon, and in October, 1864, was premoted to position of surgeon in the 186th Regiment and served until the close of the war. In 1889 he was appointed examining surgeon of pensions, re signing in 1893. De Wolf, Mrs. Louisa — The late David De Wolf was born in Madison county, N. Y. , in February, 1817, and came to this county when a boy. He was educated in the schools of his day and was a blacksmith by trade ; he was also custom house offi cer here for many years. He enlisted in the 94th Infantry, N. Y. Vols., and held the office of quartermaster, being afterwards quartermaster in Kentucky, and was hon orably discharged January 15, 1865. He married Louise Wright of the town of Adams, and they had five children : Edward S. , Henry D. , Mary L. , Frederick D. and lone H. Edward S. married Rhoda Dye of Utah, and they had one son, Cleve land ; Henry D. married Lizzie Henry of Wyoming, and they have five children : Jennie D., lone H., Henry D. , jr., Minnie and Hobart H. ; Mary L. married Dr. Edward H. Taft of Sackets Harbor ; Frederick D. married Anna McGlauchlin, and they have one daughter, Mary L. ; lone H. married Joshua Wentworth of the State of Maine, and they have two daughters, Helen W. and Dorris F. David De Wolf died in 1884, mourned by a bereaved wife and family. Mrs. De Wolf's father, Stephen B. Wright, was born in the town of Deerfield, Mass. , and came to the town of Adams when a young man, living and dying on the farm he cleared from the wilderness. He married Hannah Kellogg, formerly of Connecticut, and they had five children: Deborah K., Charles B., Harriet A., Louise (as above) and Edwin S. Mr. Wright died in 1875 and his wife in 1873. Mr. De Wolf held the office of super visor of the town and village trustee. Weston, John, was born in Antwerp, on the old homestead, February 9, 1866, a son of Clark and Abigail (Houghton) Weston, he a native of Antwerp, and a son of Lawrence Weston, born in New Hampshire, and very early came to Felt's Mills, where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. About 1820 he came to Antwerp and bought a farm, where he lived and died. He was assessor for a good many years; his wife was Jane Humphrey, who came from Herkimer county to Ant- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 155 werp. They had six sons and one daughter, and their daughter is the only one liv ing. Clark Weston was a farmer and owned the homestead of 171 acres. In politics he was a Democrat and was assessor for about sixteen years. He was a member of the Masonic order at Theresa and also of Theresa Chapter ; and a charter member of Antwerp Grange. He and wife had four children: Lawrence E. , Harriet J., both deceased, John and Georgia. Mr. Weston died October 16, 1893, and his wife Octo ber 14, 1892. John Weston was educated in the common schools and follows farm ing. He owns the homestead of 171 acres and keeps a dairy of twenty cows and also deals in hay. In 1890 he married Fannie Fletcher, born in St. Lawrence county, and a daughter of Edward and Isabel (Mcllvain) Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was killed by lightning in 1893 and his widow lives in Rossie. Mr. and Mrs. Weston had two children; Pearl, died in infancy, and Geneva, born May 9, 1896. Cornwell, John F., was born in Theresa, February 22, 1836; he is a son of George W. and Mary (Shurtliff) Cornwell. George W. was the son of Isaac Cornwell, one of the early settlers of Alexandria, and was born in Brownville, reared in Alexan dria, and came to Theresa in an early day. He was a cooper by trade, and conducted an extensive business in Theresa, and was also a farmer. In politics he was a Dem ocrat, and served as justice for twelve years, and was also justice of sessions. He had five sons and five daughters. One son died in the late war. He died August 24, 1885, and his widow in June, 1890. John F. Cornwell was reared in Theresa and educated in the common schools. He has been an extensive breeder of driving horses and also an extensive dealer in horses. He has been president of the Ant werp Union Agricultural Society for a nu mber of years ; also starting j udge at variou s fairs for about thirty years. He is a farmer of 185 acres, and has a dairy of twenty- five cows. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1863 he married L. Amelia Willard, only daughter of Clark and Mary (Ellis) Willard; she was born August 9, 1839. Clark Willard came to Antwerp in 1839 and bought the farm where John F. Cornwell and family now reside, and also bought the farms where his sons, E. C. and Henry Will ard now reside. He died December 12, 1884, and his widow is now living. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have one daughter, Mary Evelyn, born October 21, 1864, and edu cated in Theresa Hight School, and is a music teacher. She married Frank Eddy, of Theresa, and they have two children: Marion Ellis, born March 8, 1885, and Will ard Cornwell, born December 18, 1890. Smith, F. R., D. D. S. — In the year 1830 William Smith, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to America from Glasgow, Scotland, bringing his family with him. One of his sons was John, whose son Robert was the father of Dr. Smith. In 1853 Robert Smith married Jeanette Riddell, who was of Scotch and English descent, and came to America with her parents in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Rob ert Smith settled in Hammond, St. Lawrence county, immediately after they were married. Dr. Smith, their son, is one of a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. He was born March 26. 1871, and was educated in the common schools and Potsdam Normal School. In the fall of 1893 he commenced the study of dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, changing to the Philadelphia Dental College the following year, and graduating from that college in the spring of 1896. During the following winter he located in Clayton, N. Y., where he has an office in the new Johnston block. Dr. Smith is a member of the Jefferson County Dental Society. 156 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hayes, Albert, is a member of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer fam ilies in Jefferson county. He is a son of Jonathan R. and Welthy (Farwell) Hayes, who were of Irish and English descent, and were born in Rhode Island and Ver mont respectively. They removed to the town of Rodman, Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1819, where the resided until their death. In 1857 Albert bought and removed to his present farm, where he has spent the last forty years of his life. He was born in Rutland county, Vt., August 10, 1814, and has resided in Jefferson county for seventy-eight years. February 11, 1840, he married Calista Priest, who was also a native of Vermont, and to them has been born an only daughter, Mrs. George Canouts. of Watertown. A just and devoted father and husband, a true friend and active in all the years of a pure and useful life in whatever would insure to the bene fit of humanity, no man better represents the character of a good citizen. Mayhew, Fred W. , a son of E. Bruce and Lodema (Penny) Mayhew (well known as a successful farmer and milk dealer), was born in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y. , December 9, 1859. His common school education was supplemented by a course at the Adams Collegiate Institute, and several years as a teacher in the schools of the town. In 1882 the ambitious young man went West and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a leading boot and shoe house of Rockford, 111., in whose employ he remained for three years. Upon his return to Jefferson county he became identified with the milk business, as an employee of his uncle. It was not long until he embarked in business on his own account, and is now one of the largest milk dealers in Jefferson county. Mr. Mayhew is president of the Watertown Milk Asso ciation, a member of the Watertown Grange No. 7, and a prominent member of the K. of P., being a member of the Mounted Division, U. R. K. of P. In 1897 Mr. Mayhew was elected supervisor of Pamelia. In November, 1877, he married Ella M. , daughter of Jacob and Annette (Estes) Enders, who died April 24, 1862, leaving three children : Valerie, aged thirteen years ; Jennie, aged nine years; and Edwin, aged six years. Potter, George A., D.D.S., was born in Consecon, Ont., November 26, 1865. His paternal grandparents were citizens of the United States, removing to Canada some sixty years ago, where Dr. Potter's father, Dr. Hanley B. Potter" of Lafargeville, N. Y. , was born also ; therefore, Dr. Potter is to all intents and purposes an American, born in a foreign country, his father removing to the States when our subject was only two years of age. Dr. Potter's early education was received at Ives Seminary, Antwerp, and Cazenovia Seminary, Cazenovia. In 1890 he was graduated from the College of Dentistry, Baltimore, Md., and his first practice was on circuit work in Jefferson county, where he remained until 1892, when he removed to Cape Vincent. In this year he married Emma L. , daughter of Dudley Mount, of Three Mile Bay. Dr. Potter is descended from some remarkable old English stock, tracing its geneal ogy back to the time of William the Conqueror. Among the strong men in medicine, law, and the church, we find such men as the late D. Hazzard Potter, an eminent surgeon of Geneva, N. Y., the Hon. Clarkson N. Potter, an able lawyer and states man, and Bishop H. C. Potter of New York, and his brother, Rev. Dr. Potter, pres ident of Union College, Schenectady. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 157 Babcock, Arthur E., is among the representative farmers and dairymen of Jeffer son county. He is a son of Lamont M. and Amelia G. (Harrington) Babcock, and was born in the town of Adams, Jeffersou county, N. Y. , June 11, 1867. His educa tion was obtained in the Collegiate Institute of Adams, Adams Center, the Water- town High School, and the Northern Business College. In 1884 he began farming in the town of Pamelia, and he has since been successfully engaged. Mr. Babcock is a prominent retired milk dealer of Watertown, of the firm of L. M. Babcock & Son ; is a member of the Watertown Milk Association, of which he is secretary, a member of the order of Foresters, Court Watertown, the Baptist church, and is an honored and respected citizen. February 28, 1894, he married Fanny P., daughter of the Rev. George K. and Harriett (Golding) Townsend, and to them have been born two children, a son and daughter, the son having died at the age of six months. Ewers, Lieut. Col. Ezra P., was born in Wayneport, Wayne county, N. Y. He was educated in the public schools and was a practical machinist by trade. January 18, 1862, he enlisted in the 19th Infantry, U. S. A., and was promoted first sergeant March 7, 1863. After the battle of Chickamauga, for bravery and meritorious con duct he was promoted to the position of second lieutenant, October 31st, 1863 ; first lieutenant March 16, 1864; transferred to the 37th Infantry, U. S. A., September 21, 1866; to captain September 12, 1867; transferred to 5th Infantry, U. S. A., May 19, 1869; major 9th Infantry, U. S. A., March 7, 1893, and lieutenant colonel of the 9th Infantry, U. S A., April 30, 1897. He married Sylvia, daughter of Rev. William Vaux, chaplain U. S. A., and they have one living son, William Vaux, who is a noted practicing physician in Rochester, N. Y. Col. Ewers is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, F. and A. M., also of Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 60 R. A. M. Hardy, Phineas, jr., son of Phineas and Sarah (Howland) Hardy, was born Febru ary 21, 1838, and died July 24. 1895. Mr. Hardy was a kind, indulgent and setf -re liant man, one who was appreciated in no place more than among his neighbors and home people. He was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood and was prepared for the Fairfield and Gouverneur Seminaries. He was for upwards of two years, after graduating, employed in the chair factory of David Dexter & Son of Black River, when he returned to the old homestead at Sanford's Corners (known as the county house farm), which he carried on for five years. February 27, 1866, he purchased the Ezra Wiley farm at Sanford's Corners, and April 5, 1866, married Eunetia N. Earl, daughter of George R. and Mary Ann Earl, who was born August 27, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy had two children: George L. Hardy, born June 25, 1869, married Etta M. Ball, January 21, 1891; and Mary G. Hardy, born August 19, 1871, married to Will B. Ball, November 25, 1891. George L. finished his education in the Potsdam Normal school, where he attended for two years. Since coming home he has filled the position of bookkeeper at different times with H. Dexter & Co. of Black River, Sewing Machine Co., and is at present employed by Hunting, Weeks & Corcoran, wholesale hardware men in Watertown, N. Y. Mary G., after receiving her home school education, was sent to the Watertown high school, where she remained for three years, at which time she graduated, receiving the honors of valedictorian. The class consisted of twenty-four members and the exercises were held in the Opera House on the evening of June 20, 1889. After leaving school she 158 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. taught two seasons, but came to the conclusion that she had too many scholars, and on November 25, 1891, accepted a new position, and now has a small pupil to instruct, that answers to the name of Charlotte M. Ball, born September 16, 1897, all residents of the town of Watertown. The farm is still owned by the estate. In politics Mr. Hardy was a Republican and was honored by being the delegate of his district to the various countv conventions. He was always keenly alive to whatever helped the farmer and was an active Granger, holding membership in a Grange at Water- town. Mr. Hardy's ancestors were of that solid sort which had its origin in New England; his grandfather, Thomas Hardy, and his grandmother, Lucy Colburn, were both natives of New Hampshire; the former was born in the town of Hollis, June, 1756. Thomas Hardy was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served three years as a non-commissioned officer under General Stark, and participated in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington and Trenton. He survived the war and lived to rear a family of nine children. Phineas Hardy, sr.'s, life was full of adventure. At the age of nineteen, unaided and alone, tramping in the unbroken wilderness, he came to Jefferson county and settled in Watertown, where he labored at farm work for four years ; with the earnings of his toil and in company with his brother Robert, he purchased a farm of 112 acres in the town of Rutland, which was cleared and im proved. After a time Phineas dissolved partnership with his brother and on the 24th of March, 1822, organized a new company by marrying Sarah Howland, daughter of Richmond Howland of Rutland. Miss Howland was born in Saratoga county, N. Y. , April, 1797. The result of this union was five children, viz.: David, Elias, Mariah, Phineas and Lucy, all of whom are deceased but Elias and Mariah. Phineas, jr., the subject of this sketch was a kind husband and father, one whose example is worthy of imitation. Washburn, Silas R. , was born in the town of Hounsfield, May 21, 1838, was edu cated in the district schools and follows the honorable occupation of farming. April 24, 1863, he married Esther Stoodley, and they have two sons: William W. and Homer T., both farmers at home with their parents. Mr. Washburn's father, Rob ert Washburn, was born in Greenbush, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1804, and came to this county when fourteen years old. He married Emeline Manley of Houns field, and they had eight children: Hiram, Stephen, Silas R., Newton M., George L., Theodore, Wallace and Lydia. Mr. Washburn died in the fall of 1876 and his widow in 1888. Mrs. Washburn's father, William Stoodley, was born in Devon shire, England, in 1803; was educated there, and married Elizabeth Lane of his native place and came to the United States, locating in Jefferson county. They had these children: Sarah, Jane, Esther, Fannie, Amos, Minerva and Charles. Mr. Stoodley died in 1883 and his widow in 1885. Metcalf, Francis, was born in the town of Hounsfield, April 24, 1812. He was educated in the common schools of his day and is a farmer by occupation. October 14, 1834, he married Sarah Marie Case of this town. They had seven children : The oldest dying in infancy, Walter A. (Company I, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery), de ceased, Lucy A., Edwin F., Sarah J., deceased, Ella M. and Elva M. Mrs. Metcalf died August 10, 1855. Mr. Metcalf is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, F. & A.M. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. The present occupant of the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 159 old homestead, Oliver W. Burnham, was born in the town of Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, N. Y., January 18, 1835. His education was obtained in the common schools. He is a farmer by occupation. August 26, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, was mustered out of service June 24, 1865, at Petersburg, Vir ginia, and honorably discharged July 7, 1865, at Sackets Harbor, N. Y. Mr. Burn ham is a member of Piper Post No. 273, Dept. of N. Y., G.A.R., Henderson, N. Y February 18, 1871, he married Lucy A., daughter of Francis Metcalf. They had three children : S. Marie, Frankie, deceased, and Lena M. Mr. Burnham's father, William Burnham, was born in New Hampshire in 1809, and came to this State when a young man. He married Abigail Whittier of Henderson, N. Y. They had five children: two sons, Emory and Oliver W. , and three daughters, all deceased, Samaria, Charlotte and Harriet L. William Burnham died in 1882 and his widow in 1884. Mather, George, was born on the homestead farm in the town of Adams, October 4, 1824. His father, William Mather, came to Jefferson county in 1813 from the town of Marlboro, Vermont, and in 1820 took up a tract of land from the Bostwick Land Company. He married Polly, daughter of Josiah Dudley; he died in 1859 in his seventieth year. George Mather was educated at Union Academy, Belleville, N. Y., and in 1867 married Jane Murray. They have one daughter, Jennie. Mr. Mather is one of the practical and successful farmers of his town. In 1882 he helped to organize the Adams National Bank. Withdrawing from this bank in 1889, he assisted in organizing the Citizen's National Bank of Adams, of which he has been president since it was founded. He is a man of sterling integrity, whose judgment has ever been sought and respected by all who know him. Ingraham, A. W. , was born in Ellisburg, May 21, 1822, a son of Daniel Ingraham, a native of Rhode Island, and came to Ellisburg in 1816, where through life he was identified as a farmer. A. W. Ingraham was educated in Belleville and taught for several years. In 1844 he engaged in business for himself in Belleville, and in 1849 gave his attention to farming. In 1870 he moved into Adams, where he has been engaged in the produce business for twenty-five years, making a specialty of dairy products, being one of the largest shippers of cheese in Jefferson county. In 1842 he married Jane Jones, and she died in 1879, and they had one son, Bertram. He married for his second wife Mrs. Almira Edgerton Davis. Mr. Ingraham is one of the leading business men of his town, serving as president, trustee and assessor of Adams, and taking an active interest in school and church matters. Cleveland, Mrs. Mercy. — The late Philander B. Cleveland was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. , August 29, 1823. He obtained his education in the common schools and came to the homestead in the town of Hounsfield in 1833 and was one of the town's best farmers. October 2, 1848, he married Mercy Richardson and they had six children: Merritt A., Milo L., Stephen R., Artencia, Vaker D. (died in his second year) and Flora. Merritt A. married Ellen E. Smith of Sodus, Wayne county, N. Y., and they have four children: Milo, Helen, Harold and Florence M. Milo L. married Lucy Warren of Hounsfield and they have one daughter, Carrie. Stephen R. married Emma Baker of Watertown, and they have two children : Kor- 160 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. leen and Louis B. Artencia married Prescott B. Potter of the town of Adams; Mrs. Potter died September 29, 1887, in Leola, South Dakota. Flora resides at home with her mother. Mr. Cleveland died February 24, 1895, mourned by a bereaved wife and family. Mrs. Cleveland's father, Stephen Richardson, was born in New Hamp shire, April 15, 1795, and came to this State when nineteen years old, where he always followed the honorable occupation of farming. He married Lydia Benjamin, and they had seven children ; Edmund, Jonas, Nancy, Dorothy, Lucy, Mercy and Alvira. Mrs. Cleveland's grandfather, Jonas Benjamin, was a soldier in the Rev olutionary war and her father in the war of 1812. Mr. Cleveland's father, Harvey Cleveland, was in the war of 1812, and his grandfather, Isaac Cleveland, was in the Revolutionary war and was among the first settlers in Jefferson county. Sullivan, William A., is the second son of John C. and Agnes (McConnell) Sullivan, who emigrated from Ireland in 1852 and settled in Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y. , where William A. was born March 21, 1868. Mr. Sullivan has been engaged in his present business since 1885, his first experience being with the firm of White & Anthony, which was succeeded by the present firm of White & Sullivan November 1, 1895. Mr. Sullivan gives his entire time and attention to the company's extensive affairs and is one of Watertown's most respected citizens. McCreary, Elgin Roscoe, M. D., was born April 29, 1867, and is the only son of Warren McCreary, who was also a student of medicine, now engaged in the oil busi ness at Butler, Pa. Elgin R. was educated at the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Millersville, and at Allegheny College at Mead ville, Pa. At the age of twenty he began the study of medicine at Olean and the following year entered the University of Buffalo, from which he was graduated March 24, 1891. He was assistant surgeon of Fitch Accident Hospital in Buffalo while a student, and began the practice of his profession May 8, 1891, with Dr. A. B. Stevens of Watertown. From January 1, 1892, to August 1, 1894, he practiced alone, and on that date formed a partnership with Dr. Stevens which still exists. He was two years city physician and is a mem ber of the Royal Arcanum, of the Jefferson Medical Society and City Medical Society of Watertown. June 22, 1892, he married Bertha Strong of Olean, and they have one daughter, Helen Howard McCreary. Sherman, Charles N. , secretary and treasurer of the Brownville Iron Works, is one of Watertown's youngest and most successful business men. He was born in Water- town, June 18, 1871, and was educated in the public and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1888. He then spent six years in the employ of the Taggart Paper Co., two years of this time as their traveling representative. In November, 1894, he embarked in business on his own account, handling paper and pulp mill'supplies, which business has been a success since its inception. Upon the incorporation of the Brownville Iron Works in 1897, he was elected secretary and treasurer, in which capacity he is now acting. Their specialty is manufacturing the famous" Gotham Screen." Mr. Sherman was married in June, 1891, to Grace A., daughter of Jean R. Stebbins, president of the Agricultural Insurance Company of Watertown. Hinsdale, Ira C., was born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 26 PERSONAL REFERENCES. 161 1844, son of George and Harriet A. (Hamlin) Hinsdale, natives of Antwerp, N. Y., he a son of Ira Hinsdale, a native of Pompey, Onondaga county, N. Y., who came to Antwerp at an early day. The father of the subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and afterwards went to Rensselaer Falls St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where he was engaged in the hotel business for five years, when he was injured by the falling of a tree, and died in 1859. His wife died in Oxbow, August 11, 1897. They had three children, all of whom are living. He was a Democrat in politics. The family is of English descent, and date their ancestry to colonial times, about 1600. Harriet A. Hamlin was a daughter of Horace Hamlin, who was born in Connecticut and came to Antwerp in an early day. He was in the war of 1812, and died in Antwerp. Ira C. Hinsdale was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He enlisted in Company G, 142d N. Y. Vols., September 4, 1862, and served about three years, being in many engagements, among which were Fort Wagner, Petersburg Mine and Fort Fisher. He returned to Rensselaer Falls, N. Y. , and remained on the farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He then spent one and a half years in Louisiana, on Red River, raising cotton, when he returned home and engaged as clerk for N. J. Cooper in Oxbow, N. Y. In 1876 he engaged in business for himself, and after nine years he came to Antwerp and engaged in the mercantile business, and has since been a leading mer chant. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. In 1870 he married Marrion Seymour, daughter of Isaac Seymour, a retired farmer of Antwerp, N. Y., by whom he has one son, Roy S., who was born February 26, 1872, was educated in Ives Seminary, grad uated from Amherst in 1894, and is now in his last year at the Columbia Medical College. Middleton, John Scott, of the firm of W. A. Fisher & Co., was born in Antwerp. January 31, 1852. His ancestors emigrated to the United States from Ireland about 1790, settling in New Jersey, afterward removing to Schoharie county, N. Y., and in 1807 to Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. Mr. Middleton is a son of Andrew and Hannah M. Middleton, and grandson of John and Susannah Middleton. The father of John Middleton was Andrew Middleton, who was born in 1749, and in 1807, with his wife and six children, settled in Rutland, one daughter settling in Otsego county, N. Y. Andrew Middleton died in 1834, aged eighty-four years. In 1802 John Mid dleton married Susannah Parkinson, by whom he had these children: Andrew, William and Robert, first pair of twins born in Rutland, N. Y. ; Betsey and Christo pher. John Middleton died in 1813, aged thirty years. His widow married Reuben Scott, of Rutland. Andrew Middleton, eldest son of John and Susannah Middleton and father of the subject, was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y. , July 19, 1805. He became a sash and door manufacturer and spent the greater part of his life in Black River. Six years previous to his death he removed his business to Carthage. He was married three times. His first wife was Mehitable Ware, who died soon after marriage. December 22, 1833, he married Arminda Glass; she died February 3, 1842 ; the issue of this marriage was one daughter, Celestia, born March 20, 1836. Celestia married Gilbert Francis, of Felt's Mills, where they now reside. September 18, 1850, he was united in marriage with Hannah M. Hinman, who survives him and lives in the town of Theresa. The fruits of this marriage were two sons, John Scott, the subject of this sketch, and Alvah Hinman, born Jan- 162 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. uary 27, 1855; died April 27, 1873, aged eighteen years. Andrew Middleton died in Carthage June 15, 1879, aged seventy-three years. J. S. Middleton was educated at Black River, and learned his trade of his father, with whom he was afterwards in partnership in Carthage. About three years after his father's death he sold out and came to Theresa, and from 1885 to 1893 worked for E. D. Sheeley, when he bought L. D. Tyler's interest in the firm of W. A. Fisher & Co., dealers in furniture and un dertaking. September 11, 1883, Mr. Middleton married Rhoda A. Sylver, daughter of Stephen B. and Elizabeth A. Sylver, of Denmark, Lewis county, N. Y. , by whom he has two children: Frederick D., born June 26, 1887; and Clarice May, born No vember 21, 1889. Mrs. Middleton was born September 4, 1860. Mr. Middleton is a Republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F. of Theresa, and he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church. Stoodley, Amos, was born in the town of Hounsfield, April 13, 1845. His father, William Stoodley, was a native of Devonshire, England, and came to the United States in 1832, settling at Sackets Harbor with his wife Elizabeth Lane Stoodley; they afterwards moved to Hounsfield, where he was identified as a farmer, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions ; he died in 1883. Amos Stoodley in 1868 married Frances M. , daughter of Welcome Clarke, and they have one son, Clarke A. Stoodley. Mr. Stoodley is one of the practical and successful farmers of Jefferson county, taking an active interest in both school and church matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and town's people. McNeil, Alvah W., is a son of Daniel McNeil of Great Bend, N. Y., who for many years was one of the best known business men in Northern New York and whose death occurred November 17, 1891. Mr. McNeil was born at Great Bend, April 4, 1867. His first business experience was in the employ of the U. & B. Railroad and R. , W. & O. Railroad as telegraph operator and agent, in whose employ he remained ten years, leaving to accept a position as agent of the Equitable Life Assurance So ciety. In 1891 he was appointed general agent for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. for Northern New York, with office at Watertown, and at this date occupies such position. He was married in November, 1891, to Miss Fannie A. Shepard, daughter of George M. Shepard, of Waco, Texas, and resides at 66 State street. Dickson, Alexander L., was born in Rossie, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., October 19, 1840, a son of James Dickson. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary. He has always been engaged in farming and has added to his portion of the old homestead until he owns 800 acres of land and keeps a dairy of 150 cows. In politics he is a Republican. February 29, 1864, he married Frances H. Kinnie, born in Rossie, N. Y., January 10, 1843, daughter of Andrew Kinnie, and they had four children: James A., born December 8, 1865, at Rossie and educated in Ives Seminary ; he is a farmer and owns 225 acres of land and keeps a dairy of thirty cows; is a member of the Grange, and on February 5, 1890, married Hattie M. Eggleston of Antwerp, a graduate of Ives Seminary, class of 1885; she died September 11, 1897, leaving one child, James W., born August 17, 1897. William A., born October 17, 1867, educated in Ives Seminary; he is a farmer PERSONAL REFERENCES. 163 and owns thirty-three acres of land; February 6, 1889 he married Nettie Eggleston, and they have two children, Albert A., born in 1890, and William Leon, born May 16, 1896; Albert A. died in 1891; William A. is a Republican in politics and a mem ber of Antwerp Lodge l.O.O.F, Charles A., born May 24, 1872, at Rossie, educated in Ives Seminary and is a farmer with 194 acres and a dairy of twenty-eight cows; September 1, 1891, he married Carrie Briggs, and they had two children, Alexander L, born February 7, 1893, died November 3, 1897, and Roy, born November 20, 1894. Albert J., born April 16, 1874, and died February 6, 1875. Mrs. Dickson's father, Andrew Kinnie, was born December 25, 1804, a son of Amos and Hannah (Rolin) Kinnie, who came to Great Bend in 1809. Andrew Kinnie was a hotel keeper and a farmer, making his own property and owned 300 acres of land. February 21, 1829, he married Mary W., daughter of Daniel and Fannie (Perkins) Giles, and they had nine children. Mr. Kinnie died November 21, 1893, and his wife October 4, 1874. Johnson, Wallace W. , was born in Antwerp, on the farm he owns, January 30. 1864, a son of William T. , born in Scotland in 1829, and in 1834 came to Antwerp with his parents. He married, in 1858, Susannah Robinson, and they had two chil dren- Annie, born January 29, 1859, educated in the common schools, married Will iam Tully, and died in 1885; and Wallace W. , who was educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 242 acres and keeps a dairy of thirty-eight cows. In politics he is a Republican, and a member of Court Antwerp, No. 573, I. O. F. March 2, 1884, he married Luretta Hall, born in Antwerp, May 26, 1863, and they had three children: Maud, born in 1884 (deceased), Carrie M., born in 1885, and Charlie H., born in 1889. Mr. Johnson was a daughter of William A. Hall, born in Jefferson county, a son of Havens Hall, born in Rhode Island, July 26, 1785, and died in Antwerp, April 1, 1859, where he came with his wife, Amy G. (Gardner) Hall, and children about 1820. He owned 500 acres of land, and their children were Gardner, Hiram, William, John and David. Kreissig, George J., was born in Saxony, Germany, May 11, 1846, and was edu cated in their schools and the Polytechnic Institute. April 24, 1866, he came to the United States and located in Hoboken, N. J. January 28, 1867, he enlisted in Co. I, 36th Infantry, U. S. A., serving in that company until it was consolidated with the 7th Infanty, U. S. A., in 1869. He was honorably discharged in 1870 at Fort Stede, Wyoming. He then visited his old home in Germany and returned in June, 1870; re-enlisting in June, 1870, in Co. C, 9th Infantry, U. S. A., and was promoted ser geant in October, 1878; he served the full time of thirty years and retired August 6, 1897, with a very honorable record. May 7, 1883, he married Kate McCarthy at Fort Bridge, Wyoming. Mr. Kreissig in his religious belief is a Lutheran and his wife a Catholic. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican ; he resides in Sackets Harbor. Stanley, De Forest, was born in the town of Adams, on the homestead, June 29, 1847. His father, Alexander D. Stanley, came to Adams with his parents, Daniel and Esther Stanley, from Connecticut. Alexander D. married Mary, daughter of Jonas and Amy Benjamin ; he learned the harness making trade and was also one of the leading farmers of his town. De F. Stanley married Florence A., daughter of 164 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Percival and Catherine Bullard, and they have two daughters: Lillian F. and Mamie C. , burying their only son, Frank B. , in 1892, in his seventeenth year, just as he was stepping into manhood. Mr. Stanley is one of the leading farmers of Jefferson county, having a dairy of forty cows, serving as collector of his town, and taking an active interest in church and school matters. Clark, William Hatfield, was born in New York city, July 22, 1826, was educated in the public schools and Irving Institute at Tarrytown, and in his early days was a real estate operator, afterward in railway construction in Venezuela, South America. July 16, 1861, he enlisted in the 5th N. J. Vols., which was consolidated with the 7th N. J. Vols. He held the office of first lieutenant in Co. F, commanding the com pany, and was honorably discharged at Trenton, N. J., August 1, 1865. He has mar ried twice, first in 1849 to Elizabeth H. Munn, of Newark, N. J They had two sons, William Brewster, who is a practicing physician and surgeon in New York city, and Robert Bruce, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Goshen, N. Y. Mrs. Clark died in June, 1865, and on April 14, 1869, Mr. Clark married Fannie M. Betts, formerly of Rhode Island. Her father came to this county from Bristol, R. I. , at the age of nineteen. He served in the war of 1812-15. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had two children, Sarah Freeman, who died November 14, 1886, in her sixteenth year, and Edgar Lake Miller, born in November, 1871, who is in the drafting department of the Owego Bridge Company, at Owego, N. Y. Mr. Clark is a charter member of Joseph K. Barnes Post of Sackets Harbor, N. Y., No. 360, G. A. R., department of New York, and is now commander, having served in that capacity seven terms; he was justice of the peace for several years, and has also served as clerk of the exam ining board of pensioners. His father, Israel Clark, son of William and Sarah H. Clark (his father having served in the war of the Revolution), was born in Westfield. N. J., in 1793, was educated in the schools of that day, and was a contractor and builder. He married Sarah Freeman Evens of Woodbridge, N. J., granddaughter of Captain Asbur Fitz Randolph of the Continental army, and they had six children ; three died in infancy and the others were as follows: Lewis Evens (died in 1894), Frances Henrietta Fitz Randolph (died in 1895), and William Hatfield (as above).' Mr. Clark's father died in November, 1834, and his widow in December, 1872. Stokes, John L. , was born in Devonshire, England, August 12, 1851, and came to the United States when four years old with his parents, locating in Hounsfield. He was educated in the district schools, is a self-made man and follows the honorable occupation of a farmer. December 1, 1875, he married Lydia Kennedy of the town of Hender son, and they have four children: Ada May, Reta Bell, Edward and John. Mr. Stokes in his political choice is a thorough Democrat ; the ancestry of his family is English and Scotch. Mrs. Stokes's father, John Kennedy, was born in the north of Scotland in the year 1829, and came to Canada with his uncle when he was a boy and to the United States about 1861, locating in the town of Henderson. He mar ried Caroline Chadwick of Canada, and they had five children: Emily, Lydia Linna, Allen and May E. Mr. Kennedy died in 1885, his widow survives now in 1897. Rice, William S., was born in the town of Henderson, July 4, 1865. His fathe PERSONAL REFERENCES. 165 William H. Rice, was born in the town of Henderson, and his father. Henry Rice came from Guilford, Vt., when a young man with his parents, Seth and wife, who settled in Ellisburg about 1S10. W. H. Rice married Mila E., daughter of Reuben Leffingwell and was identified as a farmer and merchant at Smithville, serving as justice of the peace thirty-five years; he died January 1, 1894. William S. Rice was educated at Smithville, and at the age of fifteen entered the employ of Capt. W. A. Collings, manufacturer of trusses. In 1887 he established his present business, man ufacturing elastic trusses, abdominal supporters and medical specialties, whose merit has received the approbation and support of the medical profession. In 1892 he married Gertrude, daughter of James A. Crittenton, and they have one son, Charles K. Mr. Rice is one of the self-made business men of Jefferson county, taking an in telligent interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and town's people. Wright, W. E., was born at Roberts Corners, April 29, 1860. His father, Charles W. Wright, was a native of Adams, where his parents, Isaac and Betsey Wright set tled in an early day, having to go to Lowville to make payments on their land. Charles W. married Betsey, daughter of Elisha Overton. W, E. Wright was edu cated at Adams Center and Adams, and for two years gave his attention to farming. In 1881 he moved to Watertown and in 1882 was one of the original employees of the Babcock Buggy Company, remaining there until 1889, when he returned to Adams and established his present business, associated with W. A. Babcock, purchasing his interest in 1892, and at the present time is carrying one of the largest lines of imported and domestic groceries and crockery in Adams. In 1878 he married Minnie E., daughter of Henry Gordinier, and they have two sons, Harold E. and Percy L. Mr. Wright is one of the progressive business men of his town, taking an intelligent in terest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best inter est of his town and town's people. Winslow, General Bradley. — No name in Northern New York is better known in legal, social, political or military circles than that of General Bradley Winslow, who is descended from the good New England stock which was prominently identified and largely instrumental in the settlement of New York State. General Winslow is a direct descendant in the seventh generation of Kenelm Winslow, who was a brother of Edward of the Mayflower fame. He was born August 1, 1834, on his father's farm two and a half miles from Watertown, N. Y. After the usual course in the common schools of his district, at the age of sixteen, he entered the Cazenovia Sem inary, where made excellent progress in all his studies and where the ability that has since distinguished him in the many walks of his active life was first recognized. In 1850 and 1851 he attended Falley Seminary of Fulton, N. Y., and later entered Kingston (Pa.) Seminary, which course completed his literary studies. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law in the office of the Hon. James F. Starbuck of Watertown ; in 1854 he entered the Poughkeepsie Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1855, remaining with Mr. Starbuck until the following year, when he opened an office in Watertown, associating with himself J. L. Bigelow. Having early evinced a taste for politics, he was nominated in 1859 for district attorney and after a heated campaign was triumphantly elected. When treason first reared its 166 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. head upon Columbia's soil, Mr. Winslow was one of the first to respond to the call to arms; the Black River Corps, of which Mr. Winslow was first lieutenant, was one of the first local military organizations to tender their services to the governor of the State. This company proceeded at once to Elmira under the command of Captain Potter; when the regimental organization was perfected W. C. Brown was made colonel, Captain Potter, lieutenant-colonel, Lieutenant Winslow being promoted to captain. In July the regiment was sent to the defenses of Washington, passing through Baltimore but a few days after the attack made in that city upon the troops of Massachusetts. In August, 1861, Captain Winslow was promoted to be lieutenant- colonel of his regiment and it took a prominent part in the battle of Cedar Mountain ; Colonel Winslow's health having failed him, he was forced to resign, and, receiving an honorable discharge, left the army deeply regretted by all who knew him. Hav ing regained his health he was unable to resist the feelings of patriotism that had first prompted him to take up arms in defense of his country, and he proceeded to raise the 168th Vol. Infantry, of which he was promptly commissioned colonel; the regiment immediately joined General Meade's command and was assigned to the Second Division, Ninth Corps, and was at once stationed in front of Petersburg. This regiment also took an active part in the battle of Weldon Railroad, fought Oc tober 31, 1864. On the 2d of April, 1865, Colonel Winslow's regiment led an attack and captured Fort Malone in front of Petersburg; in an attempt to capture another fortification Colonel Winslow fell shot through the body, a minne ball having en tered his left side between the lower ribs, passing entirely through his body and came out on the right side near the spinal column. For his gallant conduct and the able management of his regiment Colonel Winslow received from Gen. S. G. Griffin one of the most eulogistic letters ever penned by a commander to a subordinate offi cer. He was afterward, without any solicitation upon his part, appointed by the president colonel of the 22dU. S. Infantry, which command he respectfully declined. In 1868 Governor Fenton appointed him brigadier-general of the New York National Guard and placed him in command of the 16th Brigade, in which capacity he served three years with distinguished ability. General Winslow is a stalwart Republican and in 1875 was elected mayor of Watertown, which office he filled so satisfactorily that he was elected State Senator from his district in 1879, serving two years, having the respect of his colleagues and unbounded confidence of his constituents. In the first organization of the G. A. R. he was junior vice-commander of the State of New York. November 15, 1855, he married Geraldine M. Cooper, whose family were pioneer settlers in Jefferson county. As the result of this union three children were born: J. C, born in 1856, was graduated from Dartmouth College and studied and practiced law with his father until he received an appointment in the office of the attorney-general of the State, and in 1890 died of consumption in California; Char lotte, born m 1859, has recently married William G. Johnston, and lives in Water- town ; and Florence, born in 1856, married Mr. Upham, a prominent manufacturer in the city of Watertown. Mrs. Winslow died August 24, 1896. Lee, John T., Sackets Harbor, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., August 13, 1822. His parents removed to this county when he was a boy, and he was educated in the common schools. He has had a variety of occupations, has been a speculator and a traveling salesman. February 1, 1819, he married Emily B. Burlingame of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 167 Pillar Point, and they had three children: William H. (died in infancy), Charles A. (was drowned in the bay in 1871, at the age of thirteen), and Ida E., who married William S. Lowe of Brownville, and they have two children : Blanche M. and Charles A. Mr. Lee's father, Samuel W., was born in Frankfort, Herkimer county, N. Y. , about 1794; he married Lucretia Spencer of Utica, N. Y., and they had ten children who grew to maturity: Cordelia, John T. (as above), Levi S., George H., Andrew J., Samuel, Albert E., Margaret, James A. and Celestia. Samuel Lee died about the year 1871, and his widow in 1873. The ancestors on the Burlingame side were represented in the early wars; Mr. Lee had two brothers in the late war. The family are of New England stock. Whitaker, Cornelia S. — The late chief engineer, Ezra J. Whitaker, son of Ezra D.. of North Adams, was born at North Adams, Mass. , April 12, 1839 ; he studied at Drury Academy and finished his schooling at Williston Seminary, Easthampton. He was a mechanical engineer in the United States navy, was appointed third assist ant engineer February 19, 1861, was' assigned to duty on the Frigate Minnesota, and participated in several engagements beginning with the splendid victory of the Monitor over the Merrimac. December 17, 1862, he was promoted second assistant engineer and served all through the war with great credit, taking part in the naval engagements at Mobile and Fort Fisher, and was promoted first assistant engineer on December 1, 1864. After the close of the war he did duty in many different sta tions, in China, Japan, and made one voyage around the world ; he also did special .duty in various navy yards and was recognized as one of the most valuable officers in the service, and was promoted chief engineer in 1873. He was a Mason of high degree, also a member of the Loyal Legion, and several technical societies. He was a man of high character and the strictest integrity and was held in the highest esteem by his associates in the navy and the above societies. He had a long and honorable career of thirty-five years in the service of our country, which by his re tirement and death, sustained the loss of a skillful, faithful, competent and trusted officer. August 15, 1865, he married Cornelia S. , daughter of W. Morris Clark of the town of Hounsfield, and they had one son, Morris Mortimer, who was born in Boston, February 24, 1873, and is being fitted for a naval architect. Mr. Whitaker died at Sackets Harbor, August 20, 1895. Mrs. Whitaker's father, W. Morris Clark, was born at Edmeston, Otsego county, N. Y., in October, 1812; he married Lodemia Clark of Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., and they had one daughter, Cornelia S. (as above). He died December 7, 1853, and his widow January 23, 1890. Robinson, Henry, was born in Antwerp, N. Y., February 3, 1834, a son of John and Ann (Mason) Robinson, both born in East Riding, Yorkshire county, Eng., thirty miles from the city of York, and came to the United States May 24, 1819. They landed at Quebec, and at once came to St. Lawrence county, and after about one week came to Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y. , and located on the farm now owned by his son. He was one of the successful farmers of the town, having about six hundred acres of land. He was a Whig and Republican in politics after the organization of that party. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood, except one who died in infancy. Mr. Robinson died in 1866, and his wife died December 1, 1876. The grandparents of the subject were 168 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John and Mary Robinson, who died in England. The maternal grandparents were James and Ann (Sayers) Mason, who also died in England. Henry Robinson was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and has about six hundred acres of land, keeping a dairy of sixty-eight cows. His farm is the highest elevation in Jefferson county, N. Y. He is a Republican in politics. He and his wife attend the Congregational church. March 24, 1869, Mr. Robinson married Lovisa A. Allen, who was born in Antwerp, N. Y. , November 17, 1843, daughter of Lorenzo and Mary (Cummings) Allen, he born in Russia, Herkimer county, N. Y. , and she born in Queensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born three children: Mary A., born July 12, 1872, educated at Ives Seminary, and graduated from Syracuse University in 1895, and is now a teacher in Gouverneur High School; Henry E., born January 7, 1874, graduated from Ives Seminary, and is now a farmer, married Janette Turnbull, and they have one son, Henry E. ; Clare E. , born May 21, 1877, graduated from Ives Seminary in 1896, and is now a student at the University of Buffalo. Palmer, George, was born in Wisconsin, October 6, 1851. He was educated in the public schools and the State University at Madison, Wis. In 1872 he was appointed a cadet at West Point, and graduated with honor in 1876. He was then assigned to Co. K, 9th Infantry, U. S. Regular Army, with the rank of second lieutenant, serv ing in that company seven years, until 1883, when he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in Co. E, and was in command of the company three years, and was appointed regimental quartermaster, which position he filled with ability the allotted time, four years. He was then assigned to Co. C of the same regiment until the present time 1897; until he arrived here the above service was rendered in Wyoming, California and Arizona. He was promoted captain of Co. D, January 16, 1898. In the year 1887 he married Bertha E. Wardrobe of his native place, and they have two children, Frederick Rodman and Alice Webber. Lieutenant Palmer's father, Rod man Palmer, was born in Catskill, Greene county, N. Y. , September 27, 1820; he married Harriet C. Calkins of Hudson, N. Y., and they had three children: 'George (as above), Mary and Harriet; in process of time the family moved to Wisconsin. Mr. Palmer died in October, 1873, and his widow in April, 1896. Captain Palmer is a member of Waukesha Lodge No. 37, of the State of Wisconsin, F. & A. M., of Waukesha Chapter No. 37, R. A. M., of Waukesha Commandery No. 23, K. T. and of the Media Temple A. A. N. M. S. of Watertown, N. Y. The ancestry of the fam ily is Dutch and English. Mills. J. M., M. D., was born in Pennsylvania, July 16, 1857, a son of J. M. and Marania (Haynes) Mills. Dr. Mills studied medicine at the University of Buffalo. from which he was graduated in 1882. He began his practice at Antrim, Pa., and remained there thirteen years, being resident physician for the Fall Brook Coal Co, He then took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic and settled in Clay ton in October, 1896. In 1883 Dr. Mills married Elizabeth Beverson of York, Pa. , and they have two children, Burton B. and Florence E. Bailey, Alfred William, Glen Park, was born in Shanklin, Isle of Wight, England, and came to America in 1890, settling in Philadelphia, where he secured 'a position PERSONAL REFERENCES. 169 with William Roberts, a lumber dealer of that city. He remained until the early part of 1891, when he secured a position with the R , W. & O. in Watertown, and this position he resigned to accept that of stenographer in the office of the C. R. Remington & Son Co., and continued to serve his employers so satisfactorily that he was advanced to the position of bookkeeper, a post of responsibility which he now holds. Mr. Bailey is one of the popular young men of his vicinity, and was village clerk of the village of Glen Park for two years; in 1886 he was appointed postmaster by the Cleveland administration, a position he still retains. In 1893 Mr. Bailey mar ried Mary Hewitt, daughter of William Hewitt, of Antwerp, and they have two chil dren. Mr. Bailey is a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 477, I. O. O. F. and Court Glen Park No. 3,245 I. O. Foresters. Porter, Wilbur A., practicing lawyer at Carthage, was born in Jefferson county, July 28, 1855, and was the youngest but one of the children of Andrew F. and Al- media (Hough) Porter. His early life was spent on a farm and he was educated at Watertown and also at Hungerford Institute at Adams. When eighteen years old he began reading law with Wynn & Porter and afterward with his uncle, Judge Porter, and in April, 1877, at Rochester, he was admitted to practice law in the State courts. He soon formed a law partnership with Mr. Nims, which continued until 1880, when Mr. Porter removed to Chamberlain, S. Dak., where he lived about twelve years. During that period he was three times elected district attorney of the county, then resigned and returned east. In 1893 he opened an office in Carthage and is looked upon as one of the strongest Democratic lawyers outside the county seat. Naturallv Mr. Porter prefers civil practice, but is a good lawyer in any branch of the profession. As is intimated he is a strong Democrat and as such stands high in the councils of his party in the county. September 18, 1877, Mr. Porter married Minnie S. Lewis, and they have four children. Lee, Ellen. — The late L. George Lee was born in the town of Hounsfield, Decem ber 29, 1822. He was educated in the common schools and was by occupation a farmer. He married twice, first to Jane Sterling, and they had three children : Anna, George S., and Washington H. Mrs. Lee died about the year 1860, and on May 9, 1869, he married Ellen Carter; they had five children: James, Jessie M., Maud (all deceased) and two survive, William F., and James A., who are farmers at home. Mr. Lee died in 1888. Mrs. Lee's father, James Carter, was born in Ireland in 1805, and came to the United States in 1826, locating in this town. He married Ellen Vance, and they had six children: William, Margaret J., Ellen, James, Eliza A., and Francis A. Mr. Carter died in 1846 and his widow in 1882. Mrs. Lee is a member of the Episcopal church. The sons' political choice is Republican ; the ancestry of the family is of New England origin. Sheley, E. D., was born in Orleans, N. Y., September 25, 1834, a son of James and Olive (Davies) Sheley. James was born in Herkimer county and came to the town of Orleans in 1832, and to Theresa in 1844. He was a carpenter by trade and ;died in 1860. Mr. Sheley's grandfather, Martin Sheley, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. E. D. Sheley was ten years old when he came to Theresa, where he was ed ucated. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father and began contracting and 170 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. bnilding in 1856, in which he has continued up to the present time. In connection with his building he is in partnership with George Heller in the hardware business, the firm being known as Heller & Co. Mr. Sheley with his son W. D. Sheley, under the firm name of E. D. Sheley & Son, established in 1894 a lumber yard and also manufacture building material and plumbers' cabinet ware at Lowville, N. Y. , where they carry on an extensive business and employ upwards of forty men ; this branch was moved from Theresa. October 26, 1856, he married Roxie Smith of Philadel phia, and they have one son, Will D., born September 23, 1857, educated at Theresa and Adams Collegiate Institute. He is now in partnership with his father. He married Carrie Lawton and they have four children : Bessie M., Frank D., Katherine E. and James Fredrick. Mr. Sheley is a Republican, but not an aspirant to office. He is a member of I. O. F. and attends the M. E. church. Smith, George W. B. , M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in the town of Massena, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., August 30, 1857. He was educated in Ives Seminary, and in 1879 was graduated from Antwerp Seminary. He then spent one year in the literary department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, after which he began the study of medicine, and in 1882 was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, receiving the degree of M. D. He then removed to Nor wood and opened an office for the practice of his profession, and in March, 1890, re moved to Watertown, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Smith is a member of the Jefferson County Homeopathic Med ical Society, and the Farrington Medical Club of the city. Hardiman, John. — One of the leading contractors and builders of Watertown is Mr. John Hardiman. He has been engaged in his present vocation for many years, having built the county clerk's office, which is an imposing two-story building of stone and brick, the school houses on Cooper and Academy streets, the plant of the Watertown Engine Company, and many more of prominence, such as business blocks, residences, etc. Mr. Hardiman is a native of Ireland, born in 1843, and has been a resident of the city of Watertown since 1866. He is a prosperous and suc cessful business man, a leading citizen, and a man of many friends. Miller, Marshall M , was born in Evans' Mills, near where he now resides, in 1826, a son of Pardon and Eliza (Beebe) Miller. His grandfather, Jonathan Miller, came from Worcester, Mass., in 1805, and settled in Le Ray, where he was the first justice of the peace. Marshall M. received his education in the public schools, and, as his father died when he was six years of age, he went to live with Mr. Davis, with whom he remained until he was sixteen years of age. He then went on the Hudson River as a sailor, where he remained for thirteen years, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six years at Evans' Mills. He was next engaged as a cabinet maker in the same place until 1862, when he enlisted, and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was discharged in August, 1865, and returned to Evans' Mills and es tablished himself as a carriage maker, which business he carried on until sixteen years ago. In 1882 he was appointed by Sheriff Smith a deputy sheriff, which position he still holds. July 31, 1862, he married Calista Lawton, daughter of Josiah Lawton, of Evans' Mills, by whom he had these children: James Henry, station agent near PERSONAL REFERENCES. 171 Montreal, Can.; Charles Ernest, of Watertown; and Mary Eliza, a teacher in the public schools of the county. Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and was United States census enumerator in 1880 and 1890. Whitaker, Lewis C, was born in Chemung county, N. Y., September 20, 1862, son of Peter W. , born in 1832, and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Whitaker, born in 1834, of Orange county, N. Y. Peter W. Whitaker moved to Chemung county when a young man, where he was engaged as a merchant at Horseheads for about thirty years, re tiring from business in 1886. His wife died April 9, 1879. The grandfather of our subject, Lewis Whitaker, was born in Orange county, and moved to Sussex county, N. J., when a young man, where he was a prominent farmer. His wife was Anna Wintermute. Lewis C. was reared and educated at Horseheads, and in 1889 went to Unionville, Orange county, N. Y. , where, in company with his brother-in-law, he established a factory to manufacture sugar of milk. In 1892 they extended the busi ness to Antwerp, under the firm name of Hayne & Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker is a Republican in politics, and in 1897 was elected president of the village. In 1895 he married Ida A., daughter of Elijah Fulton one of the early settlers of the place, and they have two children, Helen and Lewis F. Soults, Albert, is the son of John M. and Rosa (Kepler) Soults, who came to the United States from Germany in the year 1848, and settled at Antwerp, N. Y. , where the subject of our sketch was born in 1866. Mr. Soults received his education in the schools of Antwerp, and after finishing his education he came to Great Bend, where his parents had removed, and where he followed farming until he was twenty-four years of age, when he entered the mill of the Great Bend Paper Company as back tender, and continued to advance until his present position of machine tender was reached. Of John M. Soults's children, including the subject of this sketch, there was seven: Frank, in the employ of the Great Bend Paper Company; J., a farmer in Champion, N. Y. ; Helen, wife of O. G. Dodge of Great Bend; Josephine, wife of George Card of Watertown ; Anna, who resides at home ; Louise, who resides at home; and George J., a prosperous farmer of Great Bend. Thompson, Sherman T., was born in Chester, Vt. , October 13, 1845. His father, Timothy Thompson, was a native of the same State. The family were among the early settlers. Timothy married Rhoda, daughter of Isaiah and Amy Edson. He was a farmer and died in his forty-eighth year, leaving his wife and four children, of which the subject of this sketch was the main stay in the struggle for existence. Sherman T. Thompson was educated in the district schools and at Chester Academy, and followed the occupation of a farmer until 1865, when he removed to Boston and was engaged in the clothing business. In 1863 he came to Belleville, Jefferson coun ty, where he was engaged in farming for three years, and in 1871 entered the em ploy of N. C. Houghton, who was then postmaster and proprietor of a general store in that place. In 1872 he came to Adams and formed the partnership of Randall & Thompson, which continued until the fall of 1876, when Mr. Randall retired and the firm of Thompson & Little was formed, continuing until 1885, when Mr. Thompson purchased the interest of Mr. Little and has since carried on the business alone, en joying a large trade in hardware, agricultural implements, etc. In 1881 he married Mary D., youngest daughter of Alexander and Rhoda Williams of Belleville. 172 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Babcock, Frederick W. , comes from Puritan stock, his ancestors coming to this country in 1620, and settling in Connecticut. He is a son of Henry H. and Eliza (Wheeler) Babcock, and was born in Watertown, N. Y., where he was educated and where he has always resided. Mr. Babcock has been associated with his father in the carriage business since 1881, and is secretary of the company that bears his father's name. Mr. Babcock is one of Watertown's most honored and successful business men. Hathway, William H., cashier of the National Bank and Loan Company of Water- town, was born at Cape Vincent, N. Y., in 1850, a son of William and Elizabeth Hathway, and grandson of John Hathway, who settled in Watertown in 1804. He was educated in the public schools of Watertown. His first business experience was as a clerk in the employ of Messrs. Murry & Weaver, with whom he remained until 1867, when he entered the Merchants' Bank as clerk and remained there two years. He then entered the Jefferson County National Bank, where he remained for a period of ten years. At this date he removed to Frankfort, S. D., and in company with Mr. John R. Palmer, opened the James River Bank, where they conducted a general banking business for four years. Mr. Hathway then returned to the East and as sisted in the organization of the Citizens' National Bank of Adams, where he was cashier for six years and then removed to Watertown and became treasurer of the Watertown Steam Engine Works, which position he now holds. Upon the death of George H. Sherman, president of the National Bank and Loan Co., Mr. Hathway was elected its cashier and managing officer. Mr. Hathway is a prominent member of the Union Club and one of Watertown's most successful and prosperous citizens. Bellinger, Smith L., was born in Evans Mills, N. Y., in 1823, a son of Peter and Eve Bellinger, who lived and died in Jefferson county. Smith L. is a farmer by oc cupation, and has spent his days in Jefferson county. In politics he is a Republican. January 1, 1858, he married Caroline C. Wait, who was born in Antwerp, N. Y., in 1835, was educated in the common schools, daughter of James D., son of Joseph and Martha Wait, who came from Waitsfield (named after him), Vermont, to Antwerp about 1820, and settled on a farm which they cleared, which is now owned by Mrs. Bellinger, and where they died. James D. Wait was one of the leading farmers of Antwerp, and owned about six hundred acres of land. His wife was Maryette Lan- ton. In politics he was a Republican, and he died in 1883 and his wife in 1843. To S. L. Bellinger and wife were born three children : Cora E. , wife of Pitt McAllister, of Antwerp; they have two sons, Elial G. and Glenn. James D., who married Sophronia Youngs for his first wife, by whom he had three children, Carl, Lula M., and Pearl, and who died April 3, 1895; he married, second, on November 7, 1896, Catherine Beefield of Ox Bow, N. Y. ; he has charge of one farm of about three hun dred acres and keeps twenty-five cows. Wait S., who married E. Finley, and they have two children, May I. and Grace C. Mr. and Mrs. Bellinger had one adopted daughter, Carrie O., wife of Charles Dickson. Wait S. Bellinger and his mother live on the old homestead, and Mr. Bellinger has charge of a farm of three hundred acres of land, and keeps a dairy of fourty-four cows. Sterling, Howard, was born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., November 8, PERSONAL REFERENCES. 173 1828, son of John R., son of Daniel Sterling and Mary Bradford, who came to Ant werp about 1804 and settled on a farm, where they died. The wife of John R. was Roxanna Church, daughter of Ezra Church, one of the first settlers of Antwerp, where he lived and died. He was in the war of 1812. The father of Howard Sterling was a farmer, who owned about four hundred acres of land, being one of the lead ing farmers of Antwerp. He was a Democrat in politics, and held the office of high way commissioner. He died in 1867, and his wife in 1890. They had four daugh ters and three sons, of whom five are living. Our subject was educated in Antwerp, also attended school at Ogdensburgh. He followed farming until he was twenty- two years of age, when he engaged in the iron business in Lewis county, N. Y., for about twelve years, when he again engaged in farming, and now owns about five hundred acres of land in Lewis county. Mr. Sterling came on the farm of two hun dred and eighty acres he now owns in March, 1876, and also has forty acres from his father's farm. He is a Republican in politics, and was highway commissioner eight years, and was also supervisor in the town of Diana, Lewis county, N. Y., two terms. He married Elizabeth P. Bigelow, of St. Lawrence county, N. Y. , and they have six children, of whom four are living, two daughters and two sons. Hardy, Clarence G., was born June 6, 1866, a son of David and Anna Hardy, both deceased. Mr. Hardy's ancestors were of that good old historic stock of New Eng land extraction which formed the nucleus of that patriotism which brought on the Revolution. His great-grandfather, Thomas Hardy, was a native of New Hamp shire, born in the town of Hollis, in June, 1756 ; his great-grandmother, Lucy Col burn, was also born in New Hampshire. Thomas Hardy served his country in the Revolutionary war three years, as a non-commissioned officer under General Stark, and was engaged in the memorable battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington and Trenton. He married Lucy Colburn and they reared nine children, of whom Phineas Hardy was the grandfather of Clarence G. Phineas was thrown upon his own resources and started out for himself, making his way to the wilds of Jefferson county, N. Y., which in those early days (1814) was considered as the far west. He came to Water- town and was for some time employed as a farm laborer. From his earnings, in company with his brother, he purchased 112 acres of land in Rutland township, now owned by his nephew, Charles C. Hardy. He sold his interest in this farm to his brother, and on March 24, 1822, married Sarah Howland, daughter of Richard How land, of Rutland township, and they had five children: David, Elias, Maria, wife of Simeon Dexter of Black River, Lucy and Phineas (both deceased). He was engaged in the milling business in Black River, and at one time owned a farm in the town of Rutland, where he remained nine years and then went to Lorraine, where he pur chased 200 acres, finally settling in Le Ray on what is known as the County House farm of 175 acres. It was upon this farm that Clarence G. Hardy was born and has always resided, and where his parents died. Mr. Hardy's farm consists of 232 acres of choice land, finely situated; the house is of the square style of architecture, and is one of the finest in the township. His barns and outbuildings are many and in keeping with the beautiful residence. His dairy consists of thirty-five cows of the best Ayrshires, the milk of which is converted into cheese at the neighboring factory. Mr. Hardy is a member of Pamelia Grange No. 68, an Odd Fellow and member of River Side Side Lodge No. 34 of Black River. December 15, 1897, Mr. Hardy was married to Miss Jennie C, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Page of Watertown, N. Y. 174 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Zapf, Francis X., is a son of Casper and Agnes (Waible) Zapf, natives of Bavaria, Germany, who came to this country in 1858 and settled in Sanford's Corners, where Mr. Zapf obtained employment at his trade, that of cheese maker, in the employ of Francis X. Baumert. It was here our subject was born November 14, 1858. Of Casper Zapf's family there were these children: Louis, a farmer of Diana, Lewis county ; Barbara, wife of E. L. McNiel, of Watertown ; and the subject of this sketch, who was educated at the Pierce Union Business College, of Philadelphia, Pa., and after completing his education he returned to his home in the town of Le Ray and took up the trade of his father, that of cheese maker, in various factories in the county, for his father and later secured a position as foreman of the F. X. Baumert establishment in 1883, and remained until 1886, when he removed to Great Bend, and after making cheese during the summer season he entered the employ of the Great Bend Paper Company, and became assistant superintendent, and the year following a stockholder, and was elected secretary of the company in 1888, which position he acceptably filled until May 3, 1896, when the control of the concern passed into the hands of the Taggart Paper Company, of Watertown, since which time he has held the position of assistant to the general manager. May 5, 1880, Mr. Zapf married Julia M., daughter of Joseph and Maria Dodge, of Great Bend, by whom he had five children, four of whom are -living: F. Casper, a student at Carthage; Bertha J., Ethel N. and Walter J., who reside at home. In politics Mr. Zapf has until recently been a Democrat, but is now classed among the large army of Independents. He was appointed postmaster at Great Bend and served through President Cleveland's first administration. He is a Master Mason and charter member of Bethany Lodge No. 821, F. and A. M., of Black River. Casper Zapf died May 22, 1878, in Le Ray, aged 54 years. His widow still survives him at the age of seventy years and is a resident of Great Bend. Dickson, John, was born in Rossie, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., son of James Dickson. He was was educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary, and is now engaged in farming, owning a farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres where he lives; also a farm of one hundred and forty -three acres in Antwerp. He makes a specialty of dairying and keeps about forty-two cows. He is a Democrat in poli tics, and is a member of the Grange. March 4, 1879, he married Lucy A. Ormiston, born in Rossie, St. Lawrence county, in 1850, educated in the common schools and , Gouverneur Academy, daughter of George and Helen (Hill) Ormiston ; he was born in Rossie, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., May 11, 1821, died September 6, 1876, son of James Ormiston, a native of Scotland, who came to the United States in 1819, and died in St. Lawrence county. Mrs. Ormiston was born in Hammond, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1824, daughter of James Hill who was born December 22, 1793, and in 1819 came to Ogdensburg, N. Y., and died in Gouverneur, N. Y., in 1871. To Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston were born twelve children, of whom three are living. To subject and sketch have been born two children: John Chester, born August 29, 1881; Helen E., born October 4, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are members of the Presbyterian church. Townsend, Rev. Geo. K., one of the most respected and widely known citizens of the town of Pamelia, and Jefferson county, is a son of Truman B. and Sarah (Allen) PERSONAL REFERENCES. 175 Townsend, and was born in the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., November 28, 1832. After completing his education in the district schools of his native town, and the schools of the city of Watertown, he entered the office of O. L. Wheelock, an architect of Watertown, where he remained for a short time when he returned to the farm, and since 1860 he has resided on his present farm about two miles east of the city of Watertown. May 26, 1859, he married Harriet, daughter of George and Mary (Willard) Golding, and their happy home has been blessed by the birth of five chil dren to comfort them in their old age: Truman G. , George F., Jessie L., Mrs. Arthur E. Babcock and William E. Mr. Townsend's grandfather settled in Jefferson county in 1817, his father being a son of one of three brothers who came to this country from England in the seventeenth century. Mr. Townsend has always been prominently identified with the Prohibition party, and was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for a number of years. He is a member of the Free Methodist church, and holds a minister's license. Mr. Townsend is a man of sterling integrity, indomitable will, and has always been held in the highest esteem by all who know him. Burnham, Avery, magnetic healer, is a native of Dunville, Ont., born March 2, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and it was not until 1886 that his wonderful magnetic powers were manifest. He has been called to numerous bedsides where the best physicians have given up all hope of recovery, and in a great many cases has rendered a permanent cure. In September, 1883, Mr. Bnrnham married Cathrine McGowan of Kingston, Ontario. He is a member of the Progressive Spiritualist Society, of which he is vice-president, also one of the trustees. Young, C. A., was born in Theresa, N. Y., November 16, 1868, a son of Abram and Ordell (Miller) Young, natives of Theresa. Abram Young was a son of Nicholas Young, who was a native of Germany and came to Theresa at a very early day, and there lived and died ; he was a farmer and dealer in limburger cheese. Abram was educated in Theresa and is a farmer and hay dealer; he also owns 364 acres of land. He is a Republican and a member of the I.O.O.F. also charter member of the Grange. He and wife had two children, C. A. (the subject), and Alice, at home. C. A. Young was reared on the farm and educated in Theresa, N. Y. In 1891 he en gaged in mercantile business and has been very successful. In 1891 he married Elsie M. Hubbard, and they have one son, Earl C, born January 9, 1892. Mr. Young is a Republican and a charter member of the I.O.O.F., also of Grange and I.O.F. and a member of the fire department. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Young was educated at Theresa and Alexandria Bay and followed teaching for several years. Brown, W. R., was born in the town of Henderson, August 29, 1854, a son of James S. Brown. James S. was born on the homestead in Henderson which his parents, Amasa and Sally (Hopkins) Brown, had settled in 1805. He married Cor nelia N. Raudell, and through life was interested in agriculture, but personally gave his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1864 he moved to Adams, where he died in 1895. W. R. Brown was educated at Adams and Rochester, and in 1875 went to 176 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Big Rapids, Mich., and engaged in the hardware business; he returned to Adams in 1878 and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business with his father, buying his father's interest in 1888. He traveled for some years and in 1891 established his present business of boots and shoes. In 1877 he married Ella A. Coughlan of Ad ams, and they have three children: Austin J., Cornelia H. and Lillian C. Mr. Brown has always taken an active interest in school and church work, serving as trusteee of the Baptist church for several years. Gove, Alanson E. , son of Elijah and Minerva (Miller) Gove, was born in Wisconsin in 1857, and came to the State of New York when two years old with his parents. His mother died at that time and from then throughout his childhood days he lived with his aunt, Mrs. Asenath Hoover. In his younger days he worked in the store of O. H. Zoller of Pamelia and attended the district school. At the age of sixteen he went to Falley Seminary, Fulton, N. Y., and after spending two years there en gaged in teaching and has taught forty terms in Jefferson county and at the present time holds a first grade license to teach in the State of New York. During summers he has made cheese for the last twenty years and at the present time owns and operates the Clover Dale cheese factory of Pamelia, N. Y. In 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, William Timerman, and engaged in the mercan tile business under the firm name of Gove & Timerman, dealers in general merchan dise. June 6, 1893, he was appointed postmaster under Cleveland's administration. January 12, 1886, he married Sadie Patterson, and they have two children, Arthur E., born December 1, 1886, and Wilson T, born April 18, 1893. Mr. Gove has one brother, Clarence T. Gove of Pennsylvania, and two sisters, Arbella, who married Wilson Timerman of Pamelia, N. Y., and Majina, who married Charles Doxtater of Herkimer, N. Y. Heller, George, was born in Philadelphia, N. Y., September 20, 1860, a son of Christian and Mary (Knell) Heller, natives of Germany. Christian Heller came to New York city when a young man and later to Watertown and Philadelphia, where he spent a short time and married, then came to Theresa, where he engaged in the manufacture of limburger cheese and continued in that business until his death in 1866. His widow married Adam Hild, and they had six children and by her first husband she had three: George, Henry, of Arizona and Willie C. (deceased). George Heller was educated in Theresa and learned the carpenter's trade and with the ex ception of one year traveling has been with E. D. Sheeley, builder and contractor. In February, 1896, he formed a partnership with E. D. Sheeley and the firm is now known at Theresa as George Heller & Co., sash, blinds and doors, contractors and builders. In 1882 Mr. Heller married Eva E. Seeber, born in Theresa and daughter of John D. and Mary J. Seeber, and they had one son, Harry S., born March 8, 1883. Mr. Heller is a Republican in politics; he is a member of the I. O. F. of Theresa. He and wife attend the Episcopal and other churches. re- Gray, R. L, M. D., was born in the town of Clayton, January 31, 1870. He n ceived a literary education at the Clayton Union School and Adams Collegiate Insti tute. He studied medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College and was graduated in the spring of 1897. He then commenced his practice in Clayton and has elegantly PERSONAL REFERENCES. 177 appointed offices in the new Johnson block. Dr. Gray's parents were John and Nancy (Dillin) Gray. On his mother's side the family have been American for gen erations; his grandparents on his father's side came from Scotland. Taylor, Capt. J. A. , was born in Gananaqua, Ontario, Canada, October 3, 1824, a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Rosbeck) Taylor. Captain Taylor came to the United States when twelve years old and followed sailing until 1847. In that year he built a steam saw mill which he conducted until 1861, when he enlisted in the N. Y. Heavy Artillery, with the rank of first lieutenant. He resigned in 1863 and in the fall of 1864 enlisted in the 186th Regiment, serving until the close of the war and was pres ent at the surrender at Appomattox. He held the commission of second lieutenant during this service. After the war he conducted a saw mill at Alexandria Bay until 1872. In 1871 he purchased a pleasure yacht and ran it on the river for fifteen years. Captain Taylor's greatest project has been the development of Murray Hill Park; he purchased what was formerly known as Hemlock Island, formed a stock company, surveyed the island into lots, arranged for the building of the great Murray Hill Hotel, and in short made Murray Hill what it is to day ; he is vice-president of the company. Captain Taylor married Julia A. Conwell of Oswego, and they had two children: Mrs. C. C. Pierce of Fine View Hotel, and Ada J., wife of Dr. Maxson of Bay City. Mich., who died leaving one daughter, Minnie A. Captain Taylor is largely interested in real estate throughout the county and owns a steam yacht on the river. Fox, Byron, was born October 10, 1840, and followed the occupation of farming until thirty-three years of age, when he went into the mercantile business with R. Terry and so continued for five years. He was then in business for himself for one year, when he returned to farming and in 1896 traded his farm for a grist mill in Depauville. Mr. Fox is a Democrat in politics and is justice of the peace, which position he has held for eight years. He married Sarah Gloyd and they have four children: Mrs. Charles Durfee, Mrs. Dr. Dale, Wilbur A. and Byron Harris. Mr. Fox has been delegate to many conventions and was nominated for member of as sembly by the Democratic party in 1889. He has been trustee for over thirty years and treasurer for a great many years. Mr. Fox's father came to Clayton in 1832 from Cortland county, and was a prominent man of his day. He was elected to the Legislature in 1850 and from 1853 to 1857 was customs officer at Cape Vincent, after which he returned to the farm where he resided until his death in 1880. His wife was Lucy Harris. Babcock, Henry H., president of the H. H. Babcock Co., was born in Madison county, N. Y., in March, 1821. When he was yet an infant his parents removed to Jefferson county, and in 1843 he removed to the village of Watertown (now city), where he has since resided. His first business experience on his own account was the lumber trade at Felt's Mills, where he remained until he settled in Watertown in 1843. He then engaged in manufacturing pumps. In 1880 his present business was organized, and in 1882 was incorporated, Mr. Babcock being elected president, in which capacity he has since served. In 1841 Mr. Babcock married Eliza, daugh ter of Joel and Betsey Wheeler, of Leroy, N. Y., and to them have been born four 178 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. sons and four daughters, three of the sons being connected with their father in business. Dickson, James C, was born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., July 28, 1852, son of James Dickson. James C. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and Ives Seminary, and is now engaged in farming, owning a farm of five hundred acres of land, two hundred and ninety in Antwerp and two hundred and ten in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., with a dairy of forty cows on the home farm and thirty on the St. Lawrence farm. Mr. Dickson is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Grange. In 1888 he married Ellen I., daughter of David Eggleston, of Antwerp, N. Y., and they had one child, Hazel E., born April 25, 1889. Mrs. Dickson died May 8, 1889, and in 1893 Mr. Dickson married Grace Brown, of Rossie, N. Y., and they have one daughter, Helena J., born December 2, 1894. Hanlon, Patrick, was born in Waterford, Ireland, December 19, 1826. His parents belonged' to the prosperous class of farmers, and the family was noted throughout the region for the patriotic impulses of its members. Mr. Hanlon emigrated to Que- beck, Can., in 1855, where he was employed on the docks for a short time, when he removed to Antwerp, N. Y. He was variously employed until 1862, when he re moved to the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., and in 1872 bought his pres ent farm consisting of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming. In November, 1857, he married Helen Hanabra, who was also a native of Ireland, by whom he had three children: John, Mary and Philip. Mrs. Hanlon died June 19, 1890. Dodge, Oliver F. , son of Joseph and Ann M. (Browneli) Dodge, was born in the town of Wilna, November 9, 1857. His summer months were passed in laboring on the farm, while in the winter his youthful mind was turned in the direction of ac quiring those advantages of education which the public schools of the neighborhood afforded. His father removed to Great Bend in 1866, and he remained at home for some years. In 1881 he married Helen Soults, of Redfield, Oswego county, by whom he had four children: George C, Ralph O., Harold A., and Ruth H. Of his father's family both parents are deceased. Of his two brothers, Walter R. is a resident of Carthage, and Clinton B., of Great Bend. His sisters are Julia M., wife of F. X. Zapf, of Great Bend, and Nellie L. , wife of John McCombs, of Ogdensburgh, N. Y. In 1870 Mr. Dodge began the paper making business in Great Bend, at thirty cents per day as a boy apprentice, and has continued to rise steadily until he now fills the position of superintendent of the Taggart Paper Company. In politics he is a Re publican, has been a delegate to district and county conventions, and at the present time holds the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Dodge holds membership in the fol lowing orders: Bethany Lodge, No. 821, F. & A. M., Riverside Lodge, No. 334, I. O. O. F., of Black River, and Court De Ferret, No. 3,361, of Great Bend, I. O. For esters. Bingham, Charles D., son of Rev. Isaac S. and Jane (Mills) Bingham, was born in Carthage, Jefferson county, N. Y., April 5, 1846. His education was begun in the public schools and completed at Falley Seminary and Rome Academy. After com- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 179 pleting his schooling he entered the office of the Northern Christian Advocate, of which his father was editor, at Auburn, N. Y. The war of the Rebellion was now at fever heat, and at the age of eighteen years he enlisted in the 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, serving his country faithfully until the close of the war. At the end of this service he accepted a position in a wholesale hardware store at Rome as book keeper, which position he held for three years, when he accepted a like position with a wholesale grocery house. In 1870 he removed to Watertown to accept a position with the firm of Ten Eyck, Utley & Co., in whose employ he remained three years. He at this date engaged in business on his own account, in company with E. B. Sterling, under the firm name of Sterling & Bingham, which copartnership contin ued for three years. In 1877 he became secretary and treasurer of the Eames Vacuum Brake Co., which position he held until 1883. We next find Mr. Bingham with the Sun Insurance Co., in whose employ he remained until August, 1887, when he be came conneoted with the Bagley & Sewall Co., first in the capacity of bookkeeper, and in 1889 was elected secretary, and in 1897 treasurer, which responsible position he now fills. Mr. Bingham has always taken an active part in Masonic circles, hav ing been elected grand warden of the Grand Commandery of New York, and received the 33d and final degree in Masonry at Pittsburg in September, 1896. In May, 1868, he married Sophie, daughter of Nathan and Eliza (Tibbitts) Button, of Rome, N. Y. , and to them have been born six daughters, three now living: Grace, Anne, and Josephine. Mr. Bingham is one of Watertown's thoroughgoing and progressive business men, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. Eggleston, Richmond H., was born in Antwerp, N. Y. , October 27, 1852, son of John M., son of Asa Eggleston. John M. was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1806, and in 1825 came to Antwerp, where he engaged in farming, and where he died. In 1828 he married Anne Keene, sister of Hiram Keene, by whom he had seven children, of whom six are living. His second wife was Luana Clark, daugh ter of Watson Seaver, the first settler of Antwerp, by whom he had one son, the sub ject of this sketch. Mr. Eggleston died August 20, 1881. Richmond H. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary, after which he engaged in farming, now owning a farm of two hundred and ten acres, keeping a dairy of thirty cows. He is a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 447, and also of the Rebeccas. He is a member of Court Elm Park No. 1,492, I. O. F. February 22, 1887, he married Mary Fitzgerald, who was born in Toledo, Can., daughter of Thomas and Mary Fitzgerald. To Mr. Eggleston and wife have been born eight children: John W. (deceased), Richmond G. (deceased), May and Maud, twins, Mabel (deceased), T. Harold, S. Earl, and William H. Wait, A. G., of tbe firm of Wait & Moore, prominent hardware merchants of the village of Antwerp, was born August 15, 1833, a son of Joseph L., and grandson of Gilbert Wait, born in Vermont, and one of Antwerp's first settlers, where he spent his last days. Joseph L. Wait was a farmer and a Whig. His wife was Lucretia McAllister, daughter of Francis McAllister, an early settler of Antwerp. A. G. Wait was educated in the common schools and Antwerp village. He carried on the cabinet business and undertaking in Antwerp for twelve years and was one year in a tannery for J. P. Ellis : he then farmed it for four years and for two years was in 180 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the employ of J. P. Ellis in the dry goods trade. In 1875 he engaged in the hard ware business with a brother, W. R. Wait, and the brother sold out in 1876 to H. W. Moore and since then the firm has been known as Wait & Moore. January 19, 1858, Mr. Wait married Maria E., sister of John D. Ellis, a prominent banker of Antwerp, and they had five children: Arthur J., Emma L, wife of Dr. F. A. Sweet of Waddington, John W., E. G., representative of the Standard Oil Company, and Ellen M. Mr. Wait is a Democrat, and has been a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 226, F. and A. M., for forty three years. Beaman, E. Solon, was born in Antwerp on the farm he now owns, February 23, 1845, a son of Ira and Keziah (Colburn) Beaman, he a native of Westminster, Mass., born June 27, 1800, and she born in Hollis, N. H., September 28, 1810. Ira Beaman came to Antwerp in 1830 and bought a farm of 112 acres and added to that until he was the owner of 462 acres. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Repub lican ; he served as assessor for some years, and died in 1858. E. Solon Beaman was educated in the common schools and Antwerp Liberal Literary Institute, of which his father was active in organizing; he also graduated from Eastman's Business College. He follows farming and owns 156 acres where he lives and twenty-two of woodland in Wilna. He has a dairy of twenty-two cows and considerable young stock ; also an interest in 176 acres near his land with his sister. In 1867 he married Margaret Farley of Wilna, who died in 1874 and in 1885 he married Mrs. Elizabeth A. Mack. Mr. Beaman is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant to office. He and his wife are both members of Indian River Grange and he has been master three years and master of the County Grange one year. Mr. Beaman is a member of the Con gregational church and his wife of the M. E. church. Mr. Beaman was one of the organizers and first directors of Starr Cheese Factory and has been the secretary and treasurer for seven vears. McAllaster, Hon, G. D., was born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, N Y. , October 3, 1831, son of William and Nancy (Stowell) McAllaster. William was born in Antrim, N. H., March 6, 1792, son of Richard and Susan McAllaster. Richard was of Irish and she of Scotch descent; they came to the town of Antwerp about 1811, and died in 1813 ; he erected one of the first houses of the town. William McAllaster, father of the subject, came to Antwerp when eighteen years of age, returned to Antrim, N. H. , and afterwards came back to Antwerp with his parents, one brother, and five sisters. His brother was a hotel keeper in Antwerp, where he died, leaving a large family. William started poor, but afterwards became agent for George Parish and for many years represented his business. He bought five hundred acres of land of Mr. Parish, which is now owned by George D. In politics he was a Whig and Re publican, and in 1840 was a member of assembly, was also supervisor of his town. He and his wife had four children: William P., deceased; George D., the subject; Oliver R., who was in the late war for two years, and died in Elmira, N. Y., at the close of his service; and Major, deceased. William McAllaster died in May, 1870, but his widow is still living, aged ninety-three years. George D. was reared and educated in Antwerp, N. Y., and at seventeen years of age went to Parishville, N. Y., as clerk in Mr. Parish's land office, and after three years went to Boston, where he was engaged for three years as bookkeeper in a commission house. He then PERSONAL REFERENCES. 181 went West for one season, when he returned to Boston a short time, and then went to Wisconsin, and was, with others, interested in founding Kilbourn city, built by the Wisconsin River Hydraulic Company, stock $500,000, but owing to the panic of 1857 the enterprise was abandoned. He was secretary and treasurer of the company. He returned to his native town and took charge of his father's business, and has since resided in the village of Antwerp. In 1873 he built a fine residence. In No vember, 1870, he married Matilda Bent Cross, of Antwerp, by whom he had one son, George E. , who was educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary, and is now in the law office of Wm. H. Gilman. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and was once clerk of the village, also president and supervisor two terms, from 1877 to 1878, and was a member of assembly from 1878 to 1879. Phippen, Chauncey W. , was born on the old homestead in the town of Watertown where he now resides, November 19, 1849. He was educated in the district schools of his native town, after which he followed farming for a few years, when he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, in which he was engaged for a period of over twenty years, and since that time has been engaged in market gardening. He was married, October 1, 1874, to Alzada A. Cleveland and they have two children: Walter M., aged twenty-one years, and Emma A., aged eighteen years. Mr. Phip pen is a son of Horatio and Alvira Phippen. His father was born in Westminster, Vermont, and came to Jefferson county in 1808. His mother was born in Jefferson county, where she lived and died. Markwick, William A., was born in Rossie. St. Lawrence county, N. Y., October 18, 1866, a son of Robert and Agnes (Dickson) Markwick, natives of St. Lawrence county. Robert Markwick was a son of William Markwick, who came from England when a young man and settled in St. Lawrence county, town of Rossie, about 1820, and here lived and died. Robert after receiving an education at Gouverneur Wes leyan Seminary purchased the Markwick homestead which he occupied until 1885, when he went to Gouverneur and engaged in the furniture and undertaking busi ness. In politics he is a Republican and was assessor in the town of Rcssie for several years. William Markwick was also educated in Gouverneur Wesleyan Sem inary, from which he was graduated in 1887; he was also graduated from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1888, and after spending a few months with his father in Gouverneur came to Philadelphia in July, 1888, and entered the Bank of Philadelphia as bookkeeper, and at present holds the position of cashier. In 1897 he succeeded H. O. Gardner in the undertaking business which he continues to carry on ; he is also engaged in the fire and life insurance business. In 1892 Mr. Markwick married Clara M. Wood, daughter of John W. Wood of Marcy, Oneida county, and they have two sons: Robert W. and John N. Mr. Markwick is a Repub lican in politics; is a charter member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 690, I.O.O.F. ; also of Court Philadelphia No. 502, I.O.F. He and family attend and support the Con gregational church. He is at present treasurer of the village, having held the office for five years. He has been noble grand in the I.O.O.F. and has been financial secretary of the I.O.F. for some years. Mr. Markwick is president of the Board of Education, Philadelphia Union School. 182 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Allen, William J., is a grandson of Hon. Joseph Graves, who was born in East Haddam, Conn., October 3, 1787. He removed to Westmoreland, Oneida county, in 1804. where he remained until the war of 1812, when he went to Sackets Harbor. In 1815 he was married and settled in Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y.. and filled the office of supervisor of that town from 1827 to 1835. In 1842 he was elected to the Assembly and in 1848 was selected presidential elector on the Gen. Lewis Cass ticket. He died December 26, 1875, at the age of eighty nine years. Mr. Allen, who is a son of the late E. D. Allen, was born at Black River, Jefferson county, N. Y., September 16, 1855. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at an early age entered the shoe store of John Prouty as a clerk and remained in that capacity for nine years, when he accepted a position with a wholesale boot and shoe house in Springfield, Mass., as traveling salesman, in whose employ he re mained for fourteen years. He at this time embarked in business in company with James E. Reeves, under the style of Allen & Reeve*-, which firm is now one of the leading shoe dealers in Watertown. Mr. Allen was married June 23, 1882, to Carrie A. Moffett of Watertown, and they have two children. Rhines, Foster P., was born at Lafargeville, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 12, 1842. In 1856 he began the milling business at Lafargeville and in 1861 removed to Watertown, where he entered the service of Eli Farwell & Co., in whose employ he remained until 1878, when he, in company with F. R. Farwell, succeeded the firm of Eli Farwell & Co. , and has since been engaged in that business. This mill is now known as the Crescent Hungarian Flouring Mills, with a capacity of 200 barrels per day. Mr. Rhines is president of the present corporation and gives his personal su pervision to the details of the business and is highly esteemed by all with whom he has dealings. Barton, Harvey C, was born in the town of Lorraine, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 27, 1825. He was educated in the district schools and has always followed the honorable occupation of farming and remained at his home until he attained his majority. January 26, 1853, he married Oramel E. Frink of the town of Scott, Cort land county, N. Y. , and they have one daughter, Mida, who married Charles H. Ste vens of Homer, N. Y. ; they have one son, Edmund Harvey. Mr. Barton's father, Ozias Barton, was born in 1785. He was educated in the schools of his day and was a farmer. He located on the homestead in Lorraine in 1807, and married Sarah Lamson of that town, and they had nine children: Jonathan and Lucinda, both died young; Sidney, Betsey (who died at age seventeen), Achsah, George (died at age seventeen), Ann, Harvey C. and Hubert. Mr. Barton died in 1852 and his widow in 1855. Mrs. H. C. Barton's father, Elias Frink, was born in the town of Scott, Cort land county, September 10, 1804; he was educated in the schools of his day and fol. lowed farming. He married Almira Maxson of his native place, and they had four children: Perrin H., Fanny A., Oramel E. and George E. Perrin H. died May 21, 1857. Elias Frink died February 28, 1865, and his widow May 25, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Barton are members of the Seventh Day Baptist church, and Mr. Barton in his political choice is a thorough Democrat. The ancestry of family is Scotch, Danish and German. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 183 Gilbert, John J., was born in the city of Watertown, N. Y., January 15, 1858. His parents moved to the town of Adams when he was five years old, where he was edu cated in the public schools. He has had a variety of occupations, has had the care of the officers' horses at the garrison nearly five years, and is now conducting a boarding house. March 14, 1880, he married Rosannah Christopher of Cape Vin cent, formerly of Canada, and they had four children: William R., who died in his sixth year, Lena May, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Gilbert's father, Moses, was born in France, in 1804, and came to the United States in an early day, where he carried on farming. He married Sarah Perry, formerly of Canada, and they had twelve children: Julia, Frank, Moses, Moses, Emma, Mary, Matilda, Joseph, George, John J., William R. and Eveline M., four of whom are living. Mr. Gilbert died in 1889 and his wife in 1864. John J. Gilbert's brother, Moses, was a soldier in the 94th In fantry, N. Y. Vols., and died as a result of his health being undermined in the ser vice. Mr. Gilbert is a member of Brownville Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M., of Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M., and has held the offices of second and third veil and of R. A. C. ; he is also a member of Court Brownville, I. O. F., No. 561 of Brown ville. The ancestry of his family is French and Dutch. Wood, G. H., M. D. , was born in Ohio, Herkimer county, N. Y. , December 10, 1854, son of Rev. Benj. F. Wood, a Methodist minister of Martinsburg. His wife was Asenath Barnes, who died in 1865. They had four children. The grandfather of our subject, Wheelock Wood, was born in Massachusetts, and went to Ohio, Herkimer county, N. Y. , where the father of our subject was born. Benjamin F. Wood, father of the subject, was educated at Fairfield Seminary. He has been pre siding elder of Watertown and Adams district for ten years. Dr. Wood was edu cated at Fairfield Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1874, when he followed teaching for some years. He studied medicine at Sauquoit, Oneida county, and was graduated from Long Island Medical College in 1877, and has since practiced his profession in Antwerp, where he has been very successful. He is a member of Jefferson County Medical Society, and was its president in 1896, and is also delegate to the State Medical Society at the present time. He is a Republican in politics, and has been supervisor of his town for eight years, was also coroner of the county at one time. In 1876 he married Mary F. Tamblin, of Black River, N. Y. , daughter of Jackson Tamblin, a prominent man of the town of Rutland, N. Y. , who was justice of the peace for many years and justice of sessions. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born three daughters: Ethel May, deceased; Lillian A., and Isabel T. Mr. Wood is a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 226, F. & A. M., Theresa Chapter No. 149, and Watertown Commandery and Media Temple, and was master of the lodge at Antwerp for five years. Dr. Wood has been trustee of Ives Seminary for a number of years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, as is also the oldest daughter. Fish, Daniel, was born at Cape Vincent, November 17, 1843. His father, Hon. Furman Fish, was a native of Trenton, N. Y., was of English descent and came to Jefferson county with his parents, settling near Tylersville. Hon. Furman Fish married Caroline, daughter of Roger Rose, and was prominent in both educational and religious institutions. He was elected to the Legislature in 1859 and has ever 184 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. aided and advanced any enterprise intended to benefit his town or town's people; he died in 1890, at the age of eighty-nine years. Daniel Fish was educated in the com mon schools and P. Brown's Commercial Business College. He followed commercial life for several years and in 1868 was appointed agent of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad at Chaumont; in 1879 was sent to Richland and in 1884 sent to Adams, where he has remained in their employ over twenty- three years. In 1891 he established his present business of druggist, with a line of wall paper. In 1866 he married Louisa, daughter of Jacob Beringer; Mrs. Fish died in 1875 and he afterwards married Lydia F., daughter of Oliver C. Taft. Mr. Fish has served as justice of the peace, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. Reed & Foster, masons, contractors and builders, masons' supplies and all kinds of coal. The firm of Reed & Foster is well known, haviag been engaged in their present line of trade too long to need an introduction to the majority of the readers of this work. Their success in business and the wide range of their operations is an evidence of the sterling worth, honesty, good workmanship and fair dealings which has from the first characterized all their operations. The industrial members of this firm are both skilled mechanics and it can be truthfully said of them that (their coal business excepted) neither has ever been engaged in any other pursuit since his boy hood days. The present copartnership was entered into in 1880 ; the business though worthy of a local nature reaches at times over a large extent of territory and com mands the services of many skilled workmen. Of the copartners, Willis P. Reed was born in 1849 and his early years were spent on a farm in the town of Hounsfield. His mother dying while he was very young, he was brought up by Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Baker of Stowell's Corners. He learned the trade of a mason while a young man, and removed to Dexter in 1878, where he has since resided. He has served several terms as trustee of the village and one year as village president. He is a member of the village fire department and served six years as chief engineer. The formation of the Jefferson County Volunteer Firemen's Association greatly interested him and he was made its first vice-president and is now its president. When Court Dexter, I. O. F., was instituted he was a charter member and is now filling the chair of chief ranger for the second term. Upon the institution of Konoskioni Tribe, 296, I. O. R. M., he was made the first prophet of the tribe; in less than a year after be coming a Red Man he was honored with the appointment of district deputy great sachem and has served two years in this position. He is one of the charter members of the recently instituted Dexter Lodge, 767, I. O. O. F. In 1870 Mr. Reed married Emogene Jeffers, of Copenhagen, Lewis county, and they have three children: Harry, Orville and Edith, all residing at home. Mr. Foster is also a native of Jeff erson county, born in the town of Brownville in 1843, and is his partner's senior by some six years. His early education was evolved from the public schools of the neighborhood until he reached his eighteenth year, when the first shot at Fort Moul trie aroused his youthful patriotism, and in 1861 he enlisted in Co. K, 35th N. Y. Vols., and served in McDowell's corps in the early operations of the Army of the Potomac, and was wounded at second Bull Run and discharged by reason of his term of service expiring, in June, 1863. He immediately re-enlisted in troop M, 18th N. Y. Cavalry, served in the department of Louisiana until June, 1865, was in the Red River expedition and finally brought up in Texas with headquarters at San Antonio. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 185 Here the regiment remained until May, 1866, when it was mustered out. Upon re ceiving his final discharge Mr. Foster's actual time in the service was five and one- half years. He participated in many of the prominent battles of the war, and has an army record of which he may well feel proud. In 1871 he married Josephine Moffatt of Dexter, and they have one son who resides at home. Mr. Foster is held in high esteem at his home in Dexter. He has served the village as president, being elected in 1896, and has served three terms on the Board of Trustees. He is a mem ber of Dexter Lodge No. 8S8, I. O. G. T. ; of Court Dexter, 490, I. O. Foresters and has been for five terms chief ranger of the lodge. He is also a Mason and holds membership in Brownville Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M. Mr. Foster was among the earliest to help institute the G. A. R. in 1867. He is a member of Broadbent Post No. 188 of Dexter and has occupied the chair of commander four terms and holds the position of county inspector on the staff of department commander A. D. Shaw. Frink, Daniel, is one of the earlier settlers of the city of Watertown and his busi ness career has been closely identified with the development of the city. He has watched the expansion of the city with the keen interest of one who desires to con tribute to the welfare of the community where he has spent a successful life. He was born in the town of Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y., January 1, 1820. His education from schools was limited and confined to the elementary grades. His early days were spent on a farm and his first business experience was in the lime and coal business, in which he was successfully engaged until 1881, when he em barked in the undertaking business, which business he has since conducted. Mr. Frink was united in marriage, June 2, 1847, to Susan D. Burdick, having celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary June 2, 1897. He has been prominent in a num ber of business enterprises which have materially accelerated the growth of the city, and he bears the reputation of being one of the most public-spirited of the citizens of Watertown. Mansfield, Lois F., M. D., was born in Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., October 5, 1830. She began the study of medicine with Dr. Sprague while teaching the dis trict school in Manlius Center in 1847. Again, while teaching school in Burr's Mills, Jefferson county, in 1853, she read medicine under the direction of Dr. C. D. Potter. She was graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Chicago, 111., in 1876, and joined the Jefferson County Medical Society October 3, 1876. She is in active prac tice in Watertown at the present time, 1897. Noble, F. M., was born in Burlington, Vt., November 28, 1822, a son of Henry and Clarissa (Higbee) Noble, both natives of Vermont, first coming to Franklin county, N. Y. , and in 1844 came to Ellisburg, where they lived and died. He was a Repub lican, and they had a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. F. M. Noble was educated in the common schools; he has been a great student and is a well informed man. He owns a farm of fifty-three acres, where he resides, and the island lot of ninety-six acres. In 1849 he married Sophronia L. Hazelton, and they had three children: Herbert J., a farmer, a Republican, a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., and of the I. O. F. ; Fayette E. is employed in the life saving station, a Republican and member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. &A. M., 186 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. and of the I. O. O. F. ; and Florence F. (deceased) ; she was the wife of Loriston Matthews, and they had three children: Frank, Bessie and Gracie. Mr. Noble is an ardent Republican and was deputy collector of customs for a number of years. Mrs. Noble died in 1896. Fillmore, D. L. , was born on the farm he owns, June 7, 1827, a son of Amaziah and Sallie (Richardson) Fillmore. Amaziah Fillmore was born in Middletown, Vt. , and came to the town of Ellisburgh about 1812, settling on the farm D. L. now owns, and here lived and died. He was a Democrat and was highway commissioner. The family are related to President Fillmore. His wife was born in Massachusetts, and died in 1864. D. L. Fillmore was educated in the common schools, and is engaged in farming, having 195 acres of land and a dairy of twenty-five cows. His father had about 600 acres of land, being one of the leading farmers of the town. Mr. Fill more was married September 9, 1847, to Mary G. Worthington, and they had one daughter, Fannie S., wife of F. H. Millard of Ellisburgh, and one son, DyerF. Mrs. Fillmore died October 3, 1875, Mr. Fillmore married, October al, 1876, Sophia L. Wood. She died May 3, 1890, and he married August 3, 1893, Emily A. Thayer. Mr. Fillmore is a Democrat in politics and a member of Union Grange No. 5 of Belleville. Foreman, William E., was born in the town of Lorraine, Jefferson county, N. Y., October 4, 1852. At the age of seventeen years he removed to Pierrepont Manor in the adjoining town and still occupies the old residence. August 31, 1880, he was married to Miss Estella M. Goodenough of Pierrepont Manor, two children being born to them : Harrison William and Charlotta Estella, now being educated. Mr. Foreman has varied business interests, principally agriculture and real estate. Like his family before him, he has been a lifelong and active member of the English church, a Mason, and in politics a Democrat. Carpenter, John H., was born in Madison county, N. Y., December 13, 1834, a son of Ezekiel W. and Maria (Davis) Carpenter. Ezekiel Carpenter was a native of Woodstock and was a contractor and builder ; he was first a Whig and then a Re publican and held minor town offices; he died in 1888. John H. was reared in Wood stock and educated in the district schools; he started when fourteen years of age to work in a sash and blind factory in Syracuse; in 1860 was working with Phelps & Chase in their organ factory. In 1861 he engaged in the manufacture of chairs at Belleville, and had a store at No. 69 South Salina street, Syracuse, N. Y. He kept store for two years and in 1863 moved to Belleville, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of furniture and is very successful ; he has also been engaged in the undertaking business and owns ten houses and lots. Mr. Carpenter is one of the well-to-do men of his village andhas made his own propety. He married Marcia S. daughter of Zina Chapman, builder and contractor of Syracuse, and they had four children: Jennie, Adelbert (died in 1873), William and Zina. Jennie married Henry D. Ellis of Ellisburgh, and lives in Grand Rapids; William married Carrie Streeter, and he works with his father ; and Zina married Chloe Wager, and he also is work ing with his father. Mrs. Carpenter died August 5. 1894. Mr. Carpenter is a Repub lican and has held all the offices in the village and for twenty years has been one of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 187 the trustees of the academy. He is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, and for twenty-four years has been secretary of the lodge. Matthews, John L., was born iu Ellisburgh in 1852, son of Dexter, son of Michael, son of Thomas, one of the first settlers of the town of Ellisburgh. The grandfather and great-grandfather both died in Ellisburgh. The wife of Michael was Sarah Boomer, daughter of Matthew Boomer. Dexter Matthews was born in Ellisburgh in 1824, and educated there; he was one of the wealthy farmers of the town and owns at present 154 acres of land, keeping a dairy of twenty cows. His wife is Polly Her- riman, born in 1832 in the town of Sandy Creek, who bore him seven children, of whom four are now living: John L., the subject; Edward D., born December 12, 1857, married Lena Scott, and has two children, Maud L. and Clarence S ; Sibyl, born in 1861, wife of Fred Ellis; Emory, born in 1868, resides with his father. Dex ter Matthews and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Belleville. John L. Matthews was educated in his native town and is a farmer, also an extensive stock dealer. He owns 161 acres of land and keeps a dairy of twenty-five cows. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of Mannsville Grange. September 12, 1877, he mar ried Eva Chrisman (born in 1857), and they have one son, Alvah. They attend the Methodist Goodenough church, and help to support it. Mrs. Matthews's parents were John M. (born in 1831), and Catharine (born in 1834), (Ellis) Chrisman, both de ceased; they had three children, of whom two are now living: Myron, born in 1856, married Nellie Chrisman, and has two children, Floyd and Allen ; and Mary, born in 1861. Her grandfather, Nicholas Chrisman, was one ofthe early settlers; her great grandfather, Caleb Ellis, was one of the first settlers of the town, and it. is said that he built the first grist mill in the town ; he was an extensive land owner and one of the leading men of his time. Clark, Herman Sylvester, dealer in flour, feed, seeds, salt, lime, brick, coal and wood, was born in Ellisburgh, May 28, 1860, a son of Florello R. and Mary A. (East man) Clark. He was educated in the common schools and Hungerford Collegiate In stitute of Adams, and Chaffee's Business College of Oswego. He is a farmer and owns about 100 acres of land in Ellisburgh and two lots in Mannsville, where he came in 1896 and erected a store in which he conducts his business Mr. Clark still retains his interest in agriculture, being a member of Mannsville, Jefferson county, Pomona, and New York State Granges. He is a Republican, and takes an active part in ad vancing the interests of that party. He was appointed postmaster at Mannsville, September 22, 1897. December 16, 1887, he married Viola Kelsey, of Sandy Creek, and they have one daughter, Helen I. , born October 30, 1894. Green, James E., was born in Ellisburgh, April 3, 1830, a son of Col. Henry and Hannah (Packer) Green. Henry Green was born in Connecticut, and in 1807 came to Ellisburgh ; he married his wife in Vermont and came again to Ellisburgh in 1809, settling on 153 acres of land, where he lived and died. He was a farmer, a Demo crat in politics, and held minor offices. He and his wife had six children, two of whom are now living, James E., and Mary, wife of Simeon Matthews of Henderson. James E. was educated in the common schools and Belleville Academy, which his father was very active in building, being president of the board at one time and 188 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. trustee many years. At fifteen years of age James E. began his business career as a clerk in Henderson, and at the age of twenty-two engaged in mercantile business in Henderson, and after a few years came to Belleville, where for thirty years he car ried on the same business very successfully. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. L, 10th N. Y. Artillery and was mustered in as captain, serving one year. In 1887 Mr. Green sold out his business and has since been a bu}'er of general produce. In politics Mr. Green was independent during the war, but has been a Democrat since ; he was twice elected supervisor, the town being about 400 Republican majority, and has been a candidate for Assembly, also sheriff of the county. Mr. Green is a charter member of Rising Light Lodge No. 627, F. & A. M., and was a member of the G. A. R. post in Belleville. He has married three times, first, to Eliza Mathers, who died in 1853, and he then married Flora Cole, by whom he had two children, Floyd and Ella. Mrs. Green died in 1863, and in 1865 he married Flora Smith, and they had three chil dren, Henry S., Fred O., and Flora. Martin, Elisha B.. was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., July 3, 1817, a son of Benjamin and Rachael (Hicks) Martin. Benjamin Martin came from Rhode Island about 1804 and lived and died in Ellisburgh in the house where Elisha B. now lives. Elisha B. was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer, being the owner of 110 acres of land. September 9, 1841, Mr. Martin married Philena Lammon, who died in 1850, and in 1853 he married Julia Beeman, who has borne him three chil dren : Mary A. , born in 1855 ; Herbert E. , born in 1859 and died October 3, 1863 ; and Walter S., born June 25, 1861. Walter S. was educated at Belleville Academy and married Nellie E. McLean, and they have had two children, Carl E. (deceased), and Lulu J. Out of nine children in Mr. Martin's father's family, only two are now liv ing, himself and Sylvester G., who was born June 29, 1821. He was educated in the common schools and followed teaching in early life and farming. March 17, 1843, he removed to Rhode Island, and began as a clerk for some years, then engaged in the mercantile business at Providence, and has with the exception of one year been engaged in business there. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and a temperance man always. He married twice; his first wife was Leifa P. Cornell, and his second wife Susan B. Padeford, a niece of Governor Padeford. He has a son who is one of the first architects in Providence, being of the firm of Martin & Hall. Sylvester Martin has been and is at present a director of two banks, a savings bank and national bank, with a capital of $300,000. Lee, Frank L., was born in Ellisburgh, February 26, 1858, a son of Alonzo Lee (see sketch of Daniel Lee). Frank L. was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools and Union Academy of Belleville. He followed teaching sev eral terms and has since been engaged in farming, owning fifty acres of land. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Banner cheese factory of Ellisburgh. In poli tics he is a Republican ; and is a member of Union Grange No. 5, of Belleville N Y February 22, 1883, he married Alta J., daughter of Martin E. and Amelia A. (Hall) Wood, natives of Ellisburgh. Martin Wood was a son of Franklin and Rachael (Martin) Wood, early settlers of the town ; he was a farmer, and Republican in poli tics. He and his wife had two children, Mrs. Charles E. Spicer of Adams and Mrs Frank L. Lee. Mr. Wood died June 12, 1872, and Mrs. Wood married Simon Wood PERSONAL REFERENCES. 189 of Woodville for her second husband, and they had one child, Orson S. Simon Wood died May 29, 1885, and his wife June 1, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have three children: Ralph M., born January 15, 1885; Morris E., born Jaunary 23, 1891; and Frank L., jr., born October 5, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are members of the Baptist shurch of Belleville. Sanford, Ambrose J., was born in Jefferson county, town of Lyme, January 4, 1826, a son of Amos and Lovice (Foreman) Sanford. Amos was born in Vermont in 1796, and came to Lyme. Jefferson county, when a young man with his parents, Thomas and Lucy Sanford, who lived aud died in this county. Amos was a day laborer and a Whig; he died November 7, 1867. Mrs. Sanford was born in West moreland in 1807, and died in 1890. Ambrose J. was educated in the common schools, and in 1840 moved on the farm he now owns of 125 acres, and keeps about twenty cows. April 25, 1850, he married Frances A. Phelps, born at Bedford Creek, Jefferson county, N. Y. , February 12, 1832, and daughter of John W. and Hannah (Jones) Phelps. Mr. Phelps was a native of Vermont and his wife of Massachusetts, and they were early settlers in Jefferson county. They had thirteen children ; he died in 1861 and his wife in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford had two children: Emma, wife of Joseph Cronk, and they had four sons, Edgar W., Henry S., Alton J. and Jesse E. ; and Erwin M., a farmer who owns seventy-eight acres of land, keeps ten cows, and also works his father's farm. His wife was Phena Gilbert, and they have two sons, William A. and Milton B. Mr. Sanford is a Republican and a member of the Grange; his wife died May 28, 1894. Lee, Daniel W., was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., October 3, 1845. He was educated in the common schools and by occupation is a farmer, owning 125 acres of land, and a dairy of twenty cows, making a specialty of breeding short-horn dairy cattle. January 14, 1868, he married Mary M. Stilwell (born in Ellisburgh), daughter of William and Hannah (Kibling) Stilwell, and they have one adopted son, Eugene S., who married Sarah C. Richardson. In politics Mr. Lee is a Prohibitionist, and he and wife are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Lee is a member of the Grange, and Eugene S. and wife are members of the Good Templars Lodge at Woodville. Mr. Lee's father was Alonzo Lee, a son of Ozias Lee, who was born in Connecticut, July 6, 1777, and about the year 1810 came with an ox team to Ellisburgh and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by George W. Bigelow. He died August 14, 1833, on the farm now owned and occupied by Chester L. Lee. Alonzo Lee was a member of the State militia for several years, receiving the commissions of lieutenant and captain in the mean time; and in the spring of 1838 the regiment to which he belonged served several days guarding French Creek (Clayton) during the Patriot war • he with others receiving each a land warrant as a bounty for their services. He was one of the leading farmers of his town, owning at the time of his death 225 acres of land. In politics he was a Republican and always upheld the fundamental principles of his party. He died July 19, 1877, aged sixty-three years. His wife was Sarah S. Hildreth, born in Ellisburgh, and daughter of John and Sallie (Cook) Hildreth, who were am.ong the early settlers of the town. Mrs. Lee died January 2, 1892 aged seventy-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee were born eleven children ; three died in infancy; the others are as follows: Julia A., died July 5, 1889. Minnie 190 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. A., died October 12, 1889. Daniel W. (the subject of this sketch). John Q., born in Ellisburgh, July 7, 1847, married Mary E. Downer and has had four children, Arthur E., Ama M. (died April 20, 1888), Alonzo J. and Manford C. Alden S., born in Ellisburgh, July 20, 1849, married Frances J. Shelden and has had three children, Floyd M., Nina J. and Anson S. Chester L., born in Ellisburgh, August 6, 1855, married Adaline E. Johnston, of Onslow, Iowa, and has five children, Milton R. , Edna G., Florence M., Ross C. and Ruth A. Frank L., born February 26, 1858, married Alta J. Wood, and has three sons, Ralph M., Morris E. and Frank L. , jr. A. Eugene, born May 22, 1860, married Etta L. Ryther and has three daughters, Wilda S., Elva M. and Jennie I. Bigelow, George, W. , was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y. , February 27,. 1837, a son of Horatio N. and Ann (Arnold) Bigelow. Horatio N. was born in Massachusetts, and moved to Ellisburgh on to the fam where J K. Bigelow now lives. Mr. Bigelow's grandfather, Jonathan Bigelow, lived and died in Massachusetts. He was a Re publican in politics and he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. George W. Bigelow was educated in the common school and follows farming, own ing 126 acres of land, which is worked by his son. Mr. Bigelow has been twice married, the first time in 1859, to Frank E. Northrop, who died in 1862, and in 1864 he married Julia W. Terry, by whom he has three children: Frank W. , George, jr., and H. N. Frank is employed as bookeeper by the Western Electric Company in Chicago. Mr. Bigelow is a Republican in politics, a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., and of Union Grange No. 5 of Belleville. He is a member of the Baptist church and his wife of the Methodist. He has been for about ten years one of the trustees of Union Academy. Mr. Bigelow's father, Horatio N. Bigelow, married Waitie A. Arnold, October 13, 1831. He was born November 7, 1805, and died in 1885. His wife was born November 19, 1813, and died in November, 1871. Their children were: Emily F., born April 10, 1833; George W., born February 27, 1837; Almena E., born April 17, 1840; James K. P., born February 10, 1846, and Fannie A., born April 15, 1855. He married, second, Mrs. Cecelia Tilton in 1876; she is still living. Converse, Frank A., was born in Woodville, May 12, 1862, a son of James F. and Marietta (Bull) Converse. He was educated at the public school in his own village, is a graduate of Union Academy of Belleville, N, Y., and later took the four years' course in agriculture at Cornell University. In 1889 he purchased the farm upon which he now lives, just adjacent to the village of Woodville. He is largely in terested in berry culture, also a breeder of Ayrshire cattle and Shetland ponies. Since the completion of his university course he has been connected with the State De partment of Agriculture as lecturer upon dairy and fruit topics at farmers' institutes. He has contributed to the agricultural press for some years, and both as a writer and speaker has gained a State reputation. In politics he is a Republican ; he is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M. For many years he has been identified with grange work in the State, having a membership in Union Grange No. 5, at Belleville, N. Y. Mr. Converse was married to Frances E. Gates of New York city in February, 1889. Three sons bless this union: Gates, Terry and Howard. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 191 Sias, W. H. H., M. D., born September 11, 1840, in Henderson, N. Y., son of Jeremiah Sias, a native of Vermont. Jeremiah Sias, born in 1796, in company with Jeremiah Parker, emigrated from Vermont to Henderson, N. Y. , on foot, crossing Lake Champlain on the ice in 1813, being then but seventeen years of age. Jeremiah Sias spent most of his life in Henderson and Ellisburgh. He was a carpenter by trade, a Swedenborgian in faith and wrote extensively for the Swedenborgian papers. He also delivered many lectures on the Swedenborg theology. In politics he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party. He was among the first to join the ranks of that party for freedom. He died in the fall of 1878, aged eighty-two years. Dr. Sias received his preliminary education in the country school in Henderson, and took a four years' course at Belleville Union Academy. He taught several terms in some of the best schools of the county, and served three years (1876-78) as school commissioner of Jefferson county. He studied medicine three years with Dr. E. R. Maxson, one of the best physicians of Northern N. Y., and took a two years' course in Syracuse Medical University and one year in the University Medical College of New York city, where he graduated in the class of '82. He was married August 28, 1866, to Melissa R. Tifft of Mannsville, N. Y., and unto them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows: Henry H. Sias, born July 11, 1867, in Henderson, N. Y. ; married to Mary Hudson of Ellisburgh 1890; taught school several terms ; for several years past he has been with J. H. Gilbert of Adams in the clothing business. Florence R. Sias, born in Henderson, February 11, 1870, died December 28, 1881 ; she was buried at Woodside Cemetery, Ellisburgh, N. Y. Rev. Hattie May Sias was born in Henderson, N. Y. , May 22, 1873; attended school at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, taught school several years, took a three years' course at St. Lawrence University, Theological department, graduated and was or dained as a Universalist minister in June, 1897; she was married to Dr. Stanly R. Hutchings, October 28, 1897, of Springfield, Ohio, where they now reside. Rev. George W. Sias was born January 15, 1875, in Henderson, N. Y. . taught school several terms, took a three years' course at St. Lawrence University, graduated and, was ordained as a Universalist minister in June, 1896 ; located as pastor of the First Universalist church in Springfield Ohio, in July of the same year; he was married August 19, 1897, to Christiana S. Brown of Watertown, N. Y. Walter E. Sias, born December 23, 1882, in Ellisburgh, N. Y., where he is attending the village school; he is a brillant scholar and will no doubt take a front seat among his fellow men. Me lissa R., wife of Dr. Sias, was born May 10, 1841, in Ellisburgh, N. Y. ; she is a daughter of Thomas W. and Luzina H. Tifft. Her mother was one of the real daughters of the Revolution ; her father was a soldier in the war of 1812 at Sackets Harbor and ranked as captain. Melissa is therefore a daughter of the war of 1812, and a granddaughter of the Revolution. Smith, D'Estaing A., was born on the old homestead in the town of Hounsfield, December 1, 1859. His education was obtained in the public and select schools and he is one of the town's best farmers. February 23, 1886, he married Nellie E. Reed, of Adams, and they have four children : Willett C. , Roy R. , George W. and Mildred J. Mr. Smith's father, Willett E., was born in Hounsfield, October 28, 1834. He was educated in the schools of his day and was also a farmer. He married Zelpha A. Baker of his native town, and they had four children : D'Estaing (as above), Fred M., 192 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. John B. and Viola (who died at the age of four years). Mr. Smith died August 11, 1887, and his wife September 6, 1881. Mrs. Nellie E. Smith's father, Chauncey Reed, was born in the town of Watertown, in 1831. He was educated in the district schools and followed farming through life. He married Emeline Bates of Hounsfield, and they had eight children ; two died in infancy, the others are Merrick, Ida, George, Nellie E,, Burt and Emma. Mr. Reed died in 1885; his widow survives at this date, 1897. Mr. Smith in his political choice is a thorough Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of Star Grange No. 9, P. of I. The ancestry of the family on both sides is of New England origin. Phelps, Riley H., was born in the town of Hounsfield, March 17, 1849. He was educated in the public schools and Adams Collegiate Institute. Nineteen years of his life were spent in mercantile business and he is now one of the town's thorough farmers. August 7, 1877, he married R. Dell Brown of Great Bend, and they have ten children: R. Monroe, Howard B., Grace D., Lulu S. , I.Amelia, Melinda S. , Ethel H., George C. , Victor J. and Lottie L. Mr. Phelps in his political choice is a thorough Republican and a good worker in the cause. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge at Adams, No. 234, F. and A. M., and of Painsville (Ohio) Chapter, R. A. M. His father, Riley Phelps, was born in Herkimer county, January 5, 1807, and came to this county when a boy. He was bound out and became a very successful farmer. He married Sabra Hunt of the town of Adams, and they had four children : Lucy A. , Amelia A., George R. and Riley H. Lucy A. and George died young. Mr. Phelps died August 14, 1876, and his widow April 15, 1882. Mrs. Riley H. Phelps's father, Joseph Brown, was born in England in 1823, and came to the United States at the age of twelve years. He was a blacksmith by trade; he married Harriet Borden, and they had six children: Mary, Emma, R. Dell, Hattie, William and J. Fred. Mr. Brown died in October, 1889, and Mrs. Brown in 1873. Hoover, George, was born in the town of Hounsfield, N. Y., April 26, 1841. His education was obtained in the public schools, and he was engaged in the lumber trade until he retired in 1888. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. His father, Eli Hoover, was born at Evans' Mills in 1812. He was educated in the schools of his day, and in 1830 married Catherine Walradt of his native place, and they had ten children: John, Alexander, Enos, Josiah, Nelson, Hiram, George (as above), Dinah, Maryette and Catherine. Mr. Hoover died in August, 1888, and his wife in July, 1888. Mr. Hoover's grandfather, Peter Hoover, was born in the Mo hawk valley, whence the family came to this county. Ancestry of the family is of good old Dutch stock on both sides. Hunt, Edward, was born on the old homestead in Hounsfield, November 6, 1850. He was educated in the district schools and is one of the town's good farmers. De cember 31, 1874, he married Ida A. Pike, formerly of Lewis county, and they have one son, Charles E., born July 13, 1876, and is a farmer at home with his parents. Mr. Hunt in his political choice is a thorough Democrat ; the family are of New England origin. Mr. Hunt's father, John Hunt, was born in Lancaster, Mass., January 29, 1802; he was educated in the schools of that day and was a farmer. He came to this State when a boy with his parents. He married twice, first to Hannah Warren PERSONAL REFERENCES. 193 and they had two children: John T. and Lovinia. Mrs. Hunt died in 1842, and for his second wife he married Laura Joiner, and they had four children: Emma, Asel, Hannarette and Edward. Mr. Hunt died in 1865 and his widow in 1892. Mrs. Ida A. Hunt's father, Royal Pike, was born in Bennington, Vt. , in 1830. He was edu cated in the district schools, and was by occupation a farmer. He married Celestia Pease, and they had ten children : Ida A. , Julianna, William O. , Andrew J. and Albert L. (twins), Emmarary, Lucy A., Dora, Maria and Elmer. Mrs. Pike died in 1882. Field, James T., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., December 9, 1832. He was educated in the public schools and follows the honorable occupation of farming. Mr. Field's father, Joseph Field, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, August 10, 1800; he married Sarah Wright of his native county and came to the United States in the year 1829, locating at Sackets Harbor, N. Y. They had eight children, five of whom still survive: John W. , James T., (as above), Jane E., Jennette G., Joseph W. , Mar tha A., Lucinda S. and Maggie E. Mr. Field died October 9, 1878, and his widow February 9, 1883. John W. married Amelia Simons of Hounsfield, and they have four children: Carrie, George, Harry and Jessie M. Joseph W. was a soldier in Co. B, 186th N. Y. Vols., and was killed in the battle of Five Forks in April, 1865. Jane E. married twice, first to Alfred Stevenson, and had ten children; after Mr. Steven son's death she married William Thrall, now of Niagara county. Jennette G. mar ried O. L. Wilton of Niagara county, and they have one daughter, Sarah M. , now Mrs. Weaver. Martha A. married William E. Pettit of the town of Hounsfield, and they have three children, Albert A., Minnie S. and William F. Lucinda S. married John T. Hooper of Hounsfield, now of Chicago, 111., and they have two children, Edith S. and Wallace T. Maggie E is now keeping house for her brother, James T. Joseph Field was care taker and guard of the old ship Orleans for ten years. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and they came to reside on the Field homestead in 1845 and have owned it for sixty-seven years. Indians were located on it when they first purchased it. Washburn, Briggs, was born in the town of Rodman, Jefferson county, N. Y., October 25, 1819, and educated in the district schools. He is a farmer in town, but in early life was a stone mason. He has married twice, first to Julia A. Washburn and they had one son, Walter, who died in his seventeenth year. Mrs Washburn died in 1845 and in 1857 Mr. Washburn married Mrs. Frances Burlingame and they had three children: Collins, Julia A. and William D. Collins died at the age of twenty seven years. William D. married Addie Belcher and they have a daughter, Lottie A. ; William D. and family reside at home with his parents. Mr. Washburn's father, Jacob Washburn, was born in Connecticut in 1768. He married Polly Thompson of his native place and three of their children are living: Hiram, Collins and Briggs. The family came here before the war of 1812. Jacob Washburn was a soldier in that war ; he died in 1866 and his widow in the same year. Marsh, A. Membery, was born in Whitesboro, Oneida county, N. Y., February 19, 1836, and came to the town of Hounsfield with his parents in 1844. He was educated in the public schools of Sackets Harbor, and taught school six winters and farmed summers until he retired in 1894. September 25, 1861, he married Mary E. Eve- y 194 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. leigh of Sackets Harbor. Mr. Marsh's father, Amos Marsh, was born in Dorsetshire, England, November 10, 1810; he was educated in the schools of that time and came to the United States in the spring of 1832, locating in Whitesboro, N. Y. , where he carried on a blacksmith business. He married Elizabeth Membery, and they had three children: A.. Membery (as above), Giles L. and Ira P. Ira P. died in his tenth year. Amos Marsh died January 1, 1892, his widow survives at this date, 1897. Mrs. Marsh's father, Bernard Eveleigh, was born in the year 1813 and came to Sack ets Harbor about the year 1834, where he was a hotel keeper ; he married twice, first to Lydia Champlin, and they had one daughter, Mary E. Mrs. Eveleigh died April 1, 1880, and for his second wife Mr. Eveleigh married Mrs. Margaret Membery. Mr. Eveleigh died January 19, 1894, and his widow survives at this date, 1897. Cobb, Mrs. Elijah. — Elijah Cobb was born in the town of Alexandria, Jefferson county, N. Y., July 22, 1833, and came to Hounsfield when ten years of age. He was educated in the district schools and is a farmer. November 13, 1858, he married Mrs. Emily Frink of Hounsfield, and they had four sons: Herbert C, George H., Eugene F. , and Edward E. Mrs. Cobb had one son by her first husband, Franklin P. Frink, who married Minnie E. Waterbury of Hounsfield, and they had two chil dren: Perrin H. and Clara Emily. Herbert C. married Olia Putnam of the town of Adams and they have one son, Ray Putnam. Mr. Cobb is a resident of South Da kota and has held several town offices. George H. married Louisa Wenzel of Water- town; he holds the office of city recorder at this time. Eugene F. married Sadie Wadsworth of Adams Center, they have one daughter, Florence E. Elijah Cobb in 1864 enlisted in Co. B, 186th N. Y. Vols., and was wounded April 2, 1865, in front of Petersburg, Va., and was honorably discharged June 2, 1865. He is a member of Joseph K. Barnes Post of Sackets Harbor, No. 360, G. A. R. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. The ancestry of the family is Scotch, Dutch and English. Mr. Cobb's father, Joseph Cobb, was born in Onondaga county, June 8, 1800. He was educated in the schools of that day, and June 5, 1821, married Mar garet Soules ; they had ten children that grew to maturity : Mary, Eli, Perry, John, Elijah, Philena, Carsendana, Julia, Elsie and Orlando (who was drowned at the age of eight years). Mr. Cobb died December 25, 1887, and his widow January 17, 1897. Mrs. Cobb's father, William C. Crandall, was born in the town of Brookfield, Mad ison county, N. Y., July 13, 1803; he married Maria Moore of his native place, and they had three children : William D., Henry C, and Emily M. Mr. Crandall died August 13, 1856, and his widow in 1876. Slater, Mrs. Sarah.— The late Joseph Slater was born in Vermont in 1798, and came with his father to Lewis county when a boy, settling at Copenhagen, where he was educated in the district school, and by occupation was a farmer. He married twice, first to Zilpha Morgan, and they had seven children: Vincent, Candace, Hiram, Stephen, Angeline, Allen and Lyman. Mrs. Slater died in 1858, and in 1859 Mr. Slater married Sarah Smith, and they had one daughter, Harriet, who mar ried Albert Skinner, and they have four sons: Hurlbert, Edmund, James and Charles, all operators in the paper mills at Brownville. Mr. Slater died in 1869. The family are members of the Christian church. The family are of English and New England stock. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 195 Horton, A. Judson, was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., March 13, 1850, and came with his parents to the town of Lyme when a child. He was educated in the district schools, and has followed the honorable occupation of farming. He has mar ried twice, first in 1872 to Ellen L. Maxson, youngest daughter of Hon. Benjamin Maxson, of Hounsfield; she died in September, 1874, and in 1882 Mr. Horton married Mary Ladd, of Rutland, N. Y., and they have three children: Hannah E., Gilbert V. R. and Kenneth F. Mr. and Mrs. Horton are members of the Seventh Day Baptist church of Adams Center. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican ; the ancestry of the family is English and Dutch. The first known of the Horton fam ily in the United States was one Barnabas Horton, who came from England two hundred years ago and settled on Long Island. Mr. Horton's father, Cornelius V. R. Horton, was born in the town of Lyme, January 28, 1812, was educated in the schools of his day and was a merchant many years and afterward a farmer. He was a very intimate friend of Dr. Hough, the historian. He married Emeline Dickerson, daughter of Dr. David Dickerson, one of the best known physicians of his day, of Redfield, Oswego county, N. Y., and they had seven children: Emma A., Georgiana, Anna P., A. Judson, Willet S., Amelia E. and Theodore. Mr. Horton died Septem ber 3, 1862, and his widow March 11, 1879. Mr. Horton's grandfather Horton was born in Stephentown, N. Y., June 23, 1773; he was a soldier in the war of 1812. Maxon, Rufus L., was born in Brookfield, Madison county, N. Y. , March 24, 1828, and came to this town with his parents when a child. He was educated in the dis trict schools and finished his education in the Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y. He is a surveyor and farmer by occupation. He has married twice, first in 1858, to Helen A. Warren, and they had four children ; one died in infancy, and the others are: Frank E. , Minnie L. and Benjamin M. Mrs. Maxon died in 1870, and in 1872 Mr. Maxon married Sarah D. Hall, and they have three children : Willet R. , Faith R. and Leonard R. Frank E. married Anna Graham, and they have one son, John R. ; Frank died in 1880. Minnie is a professional nurse. Benjamin M. married Jessie Hayes, and they have a daughter, Mary L. Willet R. married Bessie Brown, of Mich igan, and they have a daughter not named. Faith R. married George Gillmore, and Leonard R. is in school at Binghamton. Mr. Maxon's father, Benjamin Maxon, was born at the old home in Madison county, N. Y. , in 1800. He married twice, first to Lucy Ives, and they had two children : Sophia F. and Rufus L. (asabove). Mrs. Maxon died in 1845, and for his second wife he married Hannah Gilbert, and they had two children : Ellen L. and Gilbert. Mr. Maxon was a member of the State Legislature and died in 1874, his widow in 1891. Rufus L. Maxon is a thorough Republican and has been assessor several years. The ancestors of the family are of Connecticut and Rhode Island origin. Green, Francis D., was born in the town of Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., No vember 29, 1840. He was educated in the public and select schools of Dexter. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Co. C, 186th Infantry, N. Y. S. Vols., and was hon orably discharged at the close of the war. March 17, 1868, he married Emma Hunt of Hounsfield and they have one son, Charles F. , who is the farmer at home. Mr. Green in his political choice is a thorough Republican. The family are descendants of the old General Green of Revolutionary fame and of New England origin. Mr. 196 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Green's father, Charles E., was born in the town of Verona, Oneida county, N. Y., March 25, 1810; he was well educated and was a farmer. He married Hannah Cleveland, and they had five children: Edwin M., Francis D., Isadore L., Oscar M. and Courtland D. Isadore is a noted physician in Harvey Medical College at Chi cago, 111., and is now a member of the faculty. Mr. Green died September 9, 1886, and his widow in 1888. Mr. Green's grandfather, Caleb Green, was born in the town of Berlin, September 13, 1783. He married Susannah Williams in 1801, and he died in the town of Adams in 1872. Baldwin, John A., born in Fairfield, Iowa, in the year 1851. He was educated at Irving Institute, Tarrytown, N. Y., and at the College of the City of New York. In 1872 he was appointed second lieutenant of the 9th Regiment Infantry, U. S. Army. He was promoted first lieutenant in 1881, and captain in the same regiment in 1890. He has served in Wyoming, Montana, Dakota, Utah, Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, Arizona, Illinois, and New York. He has served against the Sioux In dians on Yellowstone Expedition in 1873, and Black Hills Expedition, 1874, and at Spotted Tail Indian Agency and Red Cloud Indian Agency ; and against Cheyenne Indians on General Crook's winter campaign of 1876-7, and against Cheyenne In dians in 1878, and in 1885, and against Apache Indians on Geronimo campaign in Arizona in 1888, and the pursuit of the Renegade Indian " Kid" in 1887. He has served on labor riot duty in Chicago, 111., in 1877; in Omaha in 1882, and again in Chicago in 1894. He was selected to command a guard of ten picked men, as escort to President Harrison on his tour through Arizona. In 1891 he married Mrs. Lucy Hamilton of San Francisco, Cal., and they have two sons: Geoffrey Prescott and John Braithwaite, both of whom were born at Madison Barracks, Jefferson county, N. Y. Captain Baldwin's father, Thomas Baldwin, was born in England in 1816. His grandfather Baldwin was the English consul-general to the United States at New York, and Thomas Baldwin came to New York with his father when about four years old. He returned to England and was educated at Oxford, but finally settled in the United States. He died in 1870, and his wife in 1879. They had five children. Captain Baldwin is a member of Cheyenne Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. ; also of Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M., of which he is high priest. He is a member of Watertown Commandery No. 11, K. T. , and also of Media Memple A. A. O. N. M. S. of Watertown. Captain Baldwin is now serving as U. S. Army officer on the staff of the governor of Arizona. The ancestry of Captain Baldwin's family is English, and on his wife's side of New England origin, dating back to the Pres- cotts of the Mayflower stock of 1620. Morton, Alfred, was born in Winthrop, Maine, January 16, 1834, and received a classical education in Augusta, Me. August 29, 1861, he entered service as sergeant of Co. F, 2d California Cavalry; was regimental commissary sergeant from Decem ber 6, until January 6, 1862; appointed first lieutenant, 2d California Infantry, Jan uary 6. 1862; promoted captain February 14, 1863; promoted major of 7th California Infantry, November 25, 1864 ; provost marshal of San Francisco and Department of California in 1865. Was honorably discharged from the volunteer service March 17, 1866. Appointed second lieutenant of 9th Infantry, U. S. A., March 3, 1866; first lieutenant July 28, 1866, and captain March 20, 1879. Served as regimental quarter- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 197 master from June 1. 1866, until March 20, 1879. In 1866 he married Ida Wetzlar of San Francisco, and they have two sons: Edward Campbell, who married Mary Hammond of Chicago, where he is a practicing physician and surgeon; and Alfred Wetzlar, who is a business man in that city. Major Morton is a member of the mili tary order of the Loyal Legion, also of the Society of California Volunteers, of which he was one of the founders. The ancestry of his family is English, Scotch and Ger man. The founder of this family in the United States was George Morton, who arrived in the ship Ann at Plymouth, Mass., in the year 1623. Gannett, Emmet B. , was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1834. He was ed ucated in tlie public schools and by occupation is a farmer, He married Margaret Brooks of his native county and they have seven children: Warren E., Jennie P., Clara E., Oscar J., Ida M., Arthur C. and Avery A. Mr. and Mrs. Gannett have retired and are now residing in Smithville. Warren E. married Lois Eastman of the town of Ellisburgh. Jennie P. married Frank H. Gill of the town of Henderson ; they have one son, Arthur W. ; Mrs. Gill died March 15, 1887, . Ida M. died August 17, 1890. Oscar J. died March 30, 1893, while attending Syracuse University. Clara E. married William J. Baker of the town of Hounsfield; they have three children, Margaret I., Jennie I. and Howard G. Arthur C. married Grace Smith of Geneva; he is preparing for the ministry. Avery A. is a student in Syracuse University The family are members of the M. E. church. McWayne, Josiah A., was born in the town of Hounsfield, April 22, 1833. He was educated in the district schools and was accountant and bookkeeper for the Ontario Milling Co. of Dexter nine years, a general merchant many years, and is now a pros perous farmer. He has married twice, first, February 4, 1854, to Eveline Smith of Dexter, and they had five children: F. Addie, Albert D., Eda M., Frank E. and Jessie E. Mrs. McWayne died November 2, 1867, and on March 15, 1871, Mr. McWavne married Delilah Washburn of Hounsfield, and they have four children: Geraldine, Harry W., Mark W. and Kent W. F. Addie married J. Bowles Smith of New York city, and they have two children: Lucius W. and Junius A. ; Edna M. married Dewitt S Peck of this county, and they have four children, Wayne C. , Ray, Bertha and Bessie; Frank E. married Kittie Mullen of the State of Wisconsin, where they now reside; Jessie E. married Frank Whitaker of Hounsfield. Mr. Mc- Wayne's father, Delos A. McWayne, was born in Wayne county, N. Y., August 12, 1808, and came to this county when a boy about the year 1820. He married Ange- line Johnson in 1831, and they had four children: Josiah A., Johnson P., Delos A. and Edwin E. Edwin E. was a soldier in the late war in the 10th H. A., N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Delos A. McWayne died May 4, 1882, and his widow January 21, 1883. Mr. McWayne's grandfather, Josiah, was born in Massachusetts in 1780, and his great-grandfather, Samuel, was born in Scotland in 1751. J. A. McWayne is at the present time supervisor of his town, was elected in 1889 and has served his town continuously up to the present time. Foster, Albert, was born in the town of Brownville, March 17, 1842. He obtained his education in the common schools and was employed by the Ontario Woolen Company before and after the war, and has been engaged in farming since 1869. 198 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. He first enlisted in Co. K, 35th N. Y. Vols., May 9, 1861, was wounded in the second battle of Bull Run, August 30, 1862, and was honorably discharged June 5, 1863. December 5, 1863, he re-enlisted in Co. G, 16th Artillery, N. Y. Vols., as first ser geant; August 11, 1864, was promoted to second lieutenant; November 1, 1864, was detached from the regiment as A. A.D.C. on the staff of Brig.-Gen. J. R. Hawley, where he remained until the close of the war ; June 23, 1865, was promoted to first lieutenant, was again wounded in the assault on Fort Fisher, in January, 1865, and was honorably discharged August 5, 1865, as first lieutenant and R.Q.M., 16th N. Y. H. A. November 21, 1866, he married Emily F. Broadbent, formerly of Massachu setts, but came to this State at the age of three years. They had six children : A. Thomas, Julius Broadbent, Albert Edson, J. Hawley, Alice Marrian and Hattie Carroll. He is a member of Julius Broadbent Post, No. 188, of Dexter, G.A.R., Department of New York, and has held the office of commander several terms; and has held the office of justice of the peace two years. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. Mr. Foster's father, Gilbert C. Foster, was born in Connecti cut in 1813, and came to this State with his people when a boy. He married Sarah J. Worden of Brownville, and they had six children. He died in 1891 and his wife in 1851. Mrs. Foster's father, Thomas Broadbent, was born in Saddleworth, York shire, England, October 10, 1810, and came to the United States at the age of seven years, locating first in Massachusetts, where he was an operative in the woolen mills and later a farmer. He came to Dexter in 1839, remaining there three years and then returned to Massachusetts, and in 1847 became a permanent resident here. October 7, 1832, he married Esther P. Carroll of Walpole, Mass., and they had five children: Julius (died in infancy), Sanford, John C, Julius 2d and Emily F. Julius 2d was a brave soldier of Co. K, 35th Infantry, N. Y. Vols., and was killed in the battle of Antietam. Capt. Jay D. McWayne did a brave act in recovering his body while under fire. Sanford was a soldier in the 34th Mass. Vols. , was wounded in the retreat from the battle of New Market, and was a prisoner in Andersonville Prison. Mrs. Broadbent died August 9, 1884, and Mr. Broadbent is a retired gentleman, residing with his daughter, Mrs. Foster. Kitts, Merton W., was born in Antwerp, September 20, 1865, a son of B. Frank and Lucinda (Van Hoosen) Kitts. B. Frank was born in Lowville, and came to Ant werp when six years old with his parents. He was four years in California, going there in 1851. He has made his own property and has 300 acres of land in Antwerp and a dairy of thirty-five cows. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Grange He and his wife have had four children: Eugene, Hattie, Merton W., and Earl. Merton W. was reared and educated in Spragueville, and Gouverneur Acad emy. He is a carpenter by trade and in 1892 bought the farm he owns of 179 acres and keeps about thirty cows. He is a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 226, F. & A. M., and of the Odd Fellows and of the Grange. He spent two years in Park City, Utah, as contractor and builder. In 1892 he married Frankie Bacon, daughter of L. A. Bacon of Antwerp, and they have one son, Earl B., born April 15, 1895. Whitney, Harry C— Among the younger men of the city of Watertown is Harry C. Whitney, president of the Watertown Gas Light Company. He was born in Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y., in 1863. In 1886 he became associated with the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 199 Watertown Gas Light Company, and on the death of Mr. Story in 1896, he became president. This company was established in 1853 by Frederick T. Story and is one of the oldest gas light companies in the State. Boon, Maitland. — The bare facts of Mr. Boon's life tell a tale eloquent of good work when read by the light of experience. Born sixty -four years ago, in the village of Watertown, N. Y. , he entered the service of the Union Bank when it commenced business, and in whose employ he served until 1856, serving in the capacity of book keeper, teller and cashier. At the end of his service he removed to Quincy, 111., where he with others started the Bank of Quincy; he was elected cashier, and dur ing the financial troubles of 1857-8 piloted it through safely, kept it open every busi ness day, and paid all demands at sight ; this bank voluntarily closed business in 1860. Mr. Boon was elected mayor of Quincy, 111., in 1867, and was honored by re election in 1869. From 1861 to 1865 he was engaged, in company with his father in law, Robert Tillson, in manufacturing horse equipments and infantry accoutrements for the U. S. government, furnishing the equipments for over 130,000 soldiers dur ing the late war, under the firm name of Robert Tillson & Co. February 24, 1859, Mr. Boon married Emily L., daughter of Robert and Charlotte (Field) Tillson, who were of English-Scotch descent, the first representatives of the family having come to this country in the Mayflower in 1620. In politics Mr. Boon is a Democrat. As a man of affairs it is but just to say that Mr. Boon has ever combined caution, sagacity and enterprise with an integrity of purpose which no circumstances could alter or permit of a sacrifice of principle. Augsbury, David Duane, was born in the town of Theresa, Jefferson county, N.Y. , December 22, 1846, and is a son of David, jr. , and Elizabeth Augsbury. David Augs bury, the grandfather, was born February 9, 1788, and in 1807 married Hannah Young and nine children were born to them. In 1811 Mr. and Mrs. Augsbury, with two children, came from Minden, Montgomery county, to Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., settling on a farm of 120 acres. Mr. Augsbury served in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle fought at Sackets Harbor, May 29, 1813. He was assessor of the town of Pamelia several years and died May 20, 1852. David Augsbury, jr., father of David D. , was born in Minden, Montgomery county, November 10, 1810, married October 3, 1830, Elizabeth, daughter of George and Roeena Countryman. Elizabeth was born in Duane, Herkimer county, N. Y., October 10, 1811, and was mother of eight children, of which two are now living, George D., born January 23, 1837, and David D. David and Elizabeth Augsbury lived with his father the first six years of their wedded life. In 1836 they came from Pamelia to Theresa, cleared a farm of 180 acres and in 1866 removed to the homestead in Pamelia, where, October 27, 1874, Mrs. Augsbury died and Mr. Augsbury died November 2, 1885. David D. Augsbury was educated in the common schools, going two miles to school, and commenced laboring on the farm at an early age. When but twelve years old he took the posi tion of a man in many works on the farm, at fourteen he invented and made a horse fork to unload hay and grain with a team, which was the first fork for this purpose known to him, and the following year other forks of the kind were introduced. At fifteen he accieentally fell thirty feet, breaking his skull, also one leg and dislocated one shoulder ; when found a few minutes later he was taken up as dead, but soon 200 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. gave signs of life and lay unconscious three days, but having a strong constitution he recovered very rapidly. In August, 1864, Mr. Augsbury enlisted in Co. K, 91st N. Y. Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He took part in three engage ments, at Gravelly Run, March 31, 1865, Five Forks, April 1, following a few days later in the capture of one of R. E. Lee's wagon trains. He was present at the sur render of R. E. Lee and his command to the Union forces and was mustered out of the U. S. service June 10, 1865. After the close of the war Mr. Augsbury returned to Theresa and engaged in farming until 1879, when he took up the carpenter's trade and since 1881 has been engaged in selling and erecting wind mills and pumps and is very successful. It has always been his custom in whatever he did to do it well. I a politics he is a Republican; is a member of St. James Episcopal church and of St. James Chapter No. 1,127, St. Andrew's Brotherhood, also of G. W. Flower Post No. 306, G. A. R., department of New York. February 20, 1867, he married Sarah Jeanettie Delancey of Sterlingville, N. Y., a daughter of Thomas and Phoebe De- lancey. Thomas Delancey was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., August 18, 1802, was a cousin to Bishop Delancey, and died August 2, 1879. His widow now resides at Black River, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Augsbury was born one son, Bert Delancey Augsbury, born January 5, 1874 educated in Theresa, and is in business with his father. Bert is a member of St. James Episcopal church, Theresa Grange No. 660, St. James Lodge, I. O. G. T., No. 10, and of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Bowles, John, was born in Oxfordshire, England, Jannary 22, 1849, and came to the United States with his parents, who located in Jefferson county, N. Y. , in the year 1851. He was educated in the district schools and Watertown High school and is a thorough farmer. Mr. Bowles is a member of Brownville Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M., and the family is of English origin on both sides. His father, William Bowles, was born at the old home in England, August 3, 1816; he was a ship carpenter and the last years of his life were spent as a farmer. He married Mary Fawdrey of his native place and they had five children: Anna M., Eliza, John, Levi, and Mary E. Anna M. married Marcus Taylor; Eliza married William N. Reeves and Levi mar ried Mary J. Harris. All of the daughters have been very successful teachers for many years. Mary resides with her brother John. William Bowles died October 8, 1887, and his widow January 20, 1896. Wilder, Mrs. Ellen M.— The late Philo D. Wilder was born in Henderson, in 1839, and came to Dexter with his parents when a child. He was educated in the public schools and by occupation was a captain on the lakes. August 22, 1864, he enlisted as sergeant in Co. B, 186th Infantry N. Y. Vols., was honorably discharged June 5, 1865, and returned to his old home at Dexter. In May, 1868, he married Ellen m'. Vance. He was a member of the G. A. R., also a member of Brownville Masonic Lodge, F. & A. M. , and of Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M. He died De cember 4, 1878. Mrs. Wilder's father, William Vance, was born in County Down Ireland, in 1804, and came to the United States in 1826, locating in Hounsfield ¦ he returned to Ireland in about two years and married Ellen Quael, returning to the United States with his wife. He was captain on the lakes and afterwards a farmer They had four children: Mary A., Sarah J., William S. and Ellen M. (twins); Mary A. and William S. are dead. William S. was an honorably discharged soldier of the PERSONAL REFERENCES. 201 late war. Mrs. Wilder is now president of the Woman's Relief Corps of Sackets Harbor. Holloway, Horace G., was born in the town of Hounsfield, December 25, 1835. He obtained his education in the common schools, and early in life was a farmer. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 10th Heavy Artillery, N. Y. Vols , was wounded in the right hand in front of Petersburg, April 2, 1865, and was honorably discharged May 28, 1865, holding the office of first duty sergeant. October 4, 1854, he married Victoria E. Utter of his native town, and they had three children: Ed win D., Ella M. and lone G. Edwin D. married Helen Washburn of the town of Adams, and they have two sons, Artie and C. Harold; Ella M. married George S. Waterbury of this town, and they have a baby girl not named; lone G. married George H. Ward, also of this town, and they have two sons, Edwin G., born De cember 13, 1895, and Oswald H., born January 2, 1898. Mr. Holloway is a member of Joseph K. Barnes Post, Sackets Harbor, No. 360, G.A.R., Department of New York. Mr. Holloway was appointed lighthouse keeper under President Arthur and has held the position ever since. His grandfather, Daniel Holloway, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his father, Charles, was also a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Holloway's father, John Utter, was born in Rhode Island, September 20, 1806, and came to this locality when young. He married Ann C. Bloodgood of this town, and they have five children: Elizabeth A., Victoria E. (as above), Ann O., James De Esting and Mary E. Mr. Utter died May 3, 1872, and his widow survives at this date (1897). Laidlow, Alexander, was born in Rossie, N. Y. , December 4, 1845, a son of Alex ander, and grandson of Alexander Laidlow, born in Scotland, where he married Euphany Mitchell, who died there, and he with his family of nine children came to Rossie about 1831, where he died in 1865. Mr. Laidlow' s father was born in Scot land, March 11, 1824. March 11, 1844, he married Ann Johnson, and they had nine children, of whom six are now living. Mr. Laidlow died April 3, 1878, and his widow is now living in Antwerp. Alexander Laidlow, the subject, was educated in the common schools and is a farmer, has 344 acres of land and a dairy of thirty cows. In 1870 he married Nettie B. Johnson, who died March 14, 1872, and in 1890 Mr. Laidlow married Florence McAllaster, daughter of James McAllaster of Denver, Col., and they have had one son, Zana, born June 22, 1891. Mason, C. C. , was born in Antwerp, N. Y., June 29, 1848, a son of Asa Mason. His father was born in Massachusetts and came to Le Ray with his parents when a mere child. He was educated in the common schools and came to Antwerp when a young man and here spent his days. He was a well-to-do farmer and made his own property and at time of his death owned 330 acres of land. He married Lucena Ingalls, daughter of Jonathan Ingalls, a graduate of Dartmouth College. He was born in 1787 in New Hampshire. In 1811 Jonathan Ingalls came to Watertown ; he married Delecty Jewett and they had seven daughters and two sons. His wife died in 1864 and he died in 1878, aged ninety-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Asa Mason had five children: Wright W., Cyrus C, Emma A., Luther R. and Libbie J. Mr. Mason died July 23, 1880, and his widow is now living in Antwerp. Cyrus C. Mason was educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary, Antwerp, and is a farmer, He 202 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. owns the homestead of 140 acres and seventy-five acres adjoining the homestead where he lives; he has a dairy of thirty-five cows. In politics he is a Republican, and a member of Court Philadelphia, No. 502, I. O. F., also a member of Antwerp Grange. February 18, 1874, he married Martha Ford, who died April 3, 1888, and on February 5, 1890, he married Laura M. Lewis of Watertown, N. Y., daughter of John S. and Martha Lewis. John S. Lewis was a son of Abel P., son of Nicholas, son of Dr. Arnold Lewis, one of the first settlers of Champion, taking up 400 acres of land; he was a surgeon in the French and Indian war and also in the Revolu tionary war. John S. Lewis was born November 15, 1823, and has spent about eighteen years in Watertown. He and his wife now live with their daughter, Mrs. Mason. His wife was Martha Ford, and they had two sons and one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Mason have one daughter, Martha L., born February 28, 1892. C. C. Mason was one of the jurors in the noted case of George Allen alias Edward G. Haines, for the murder of Mary Daily and Mary Crouch of Sackets Harbor, com mitted April 15, 1897, commencing September 6, 1897, and lasting fifty-four days, terminating in a verdict of murder in the second degree. Eggleston, Ambrose D., was born in Antwerp, N. Y., November 17, 1855, a son of David, son of Asa and Content (Hadsall) Eggleston, natives of England, who came to Antwerp in 1820, where they cleared a farm on which Ambrose D. now lives. The Egglestons are of English descent. David lived and died on the home stead and at his death owned 164 acres of land. His wife was Elizabeth Rugg, who was born in Lowville, a daughter of Elijah and Lovina Rugg, who died in Lewis county. Elijah Rugg died in Michigan. To David Eggleston and wife were born seven children: Ambrose D., Ellen I. (deceased), Jane S. , George V., Lovina E., Hattie M. (deceased), and Nettie L. The first wife of David Eggleston was Mary A. Hart, by whom he had one son, William A., of Minnesota. Mr. Eggleston died August 4, 1890, and his wife April 23, 1896. Ambrose D. was reared and educated in Antwerp. He is a farmer and owns a farm of 164 acres, keeping a dairy of twenty- two cows. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of Antwerp Grange. September 6, 1897, he married Mary A. Harris of Theresa, N. Y., daughter of Moses and Bridget Harris. The grandparents of Mr. Eggleston had a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Grandfather of Ambrose Eggleston was Asa Eggleston, born in Rhode Island. His father came from Wales to Rhode Island, and there spent his last days. Wife of Asa was Content Hadsall, a daughter of Joseph Hadsall, who came from Wales to Rhode Island and then re turned to Wales, where he died, leaving one son and one daughter in this country. Asa Eggleston came to Champion, N. Y., in 1820 and in 1821 to Antwerp, where he died about 1838 and wife died about 1844. They had five sons and five daughters. Johnson, Edward, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, February 9, 1827, a son of John Johnson, born January 1, 1800, and came to the town of Antwerp in 1834. He and his wife had four children: Ann, Edward, William T. and John. John and Mrs. Johnson died in Scotland and Mr. Johnson came to America with his three children. Mr. Johnson married second, Jennette Tair and they had one daughter, Mary E. Mr. Johnson died September 6, 1884. Edward Johnson was reared on the. farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 400 acres of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 203 land and has a dairy of forty-five cows. March 13, 1851, he married Betsey Johnson, born in Scotland, November 15, 1830, and came to Antwerp when a babe with her parents, James and Jennette (Tair) Johnson, who lived and died in Antwerp. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born these children: Nettie B. , Joanna L., Nellie, John John, and Edward B. (all deceased), James W., Julia A., Charles C, and Clark E. Payne, Rosseel, was born in Rossie, St. Lawrence county, January 26, 1817, son of Benjamin and Patty (Dickerson) Payne. Benjamin Payne was born in Scranton, R. I., in 1791, and in 1816came to Rossie where he died February 12, 1878. His wife was born in Fairfield, N. Y., April 12, 1797, and died April 12, 1838. Rosseel Payne was educated in the common schools and at the age of seven began caring for his father's family (his father having been made a cripple) of father, mother and three children. When he was nineteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade and then assisted in paying for the homestead of forty acres. He worked at his trade for seventeen years and then engaged in the lumber business, his first mill burning in 1S52 and he rebuilt and now owns the mill on Payne's Lake. He bought the Abram Cooper place in 1867, where he has since lived. December 28, 1843, he mar ried Cynthia E. Gillett, born in Antwerp in 1824, a daughter of Lucas Gillett, who was born in Hatfield, Mass., July 5, 1786, and came to Antwerp in 1819, where he died in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Payne had three sons, Charles E., at home; Byron (deceased) and Addison L. Charles E. married Montelia Hunt, and had four chil dren- John, Cynthia, Abi and Rosselle. Byron married Carrie McAllister. Addi son L. married Alice Henderson and had three children: Ella M., Edgar E. and Willis E. Mr. Payne owns 1,750 acres of lumber land in Jefferson county. He has always been a hard working man and made his own property. He is a strong tem perance man and never uses tobacco. Turnbull, Andrew F., was born on the old homestead in Antwerp, February 16, 1848, a son of Michael and Margaret B. (Laidlaw) Turnbull. Margaret B. was born in Homan Kirk Sharplaw, Scotland, January 7, 1811, married, December 18, 1835, and died March 27, 1884. Michael Turnbull was born in Scotland, in September, 1810, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Wood) Turnbull. Thomas died in Scotland and his widow with a family of nine children came to Rossie, N. Y, , in 1820 and she and the children bought a farm of George Parrish and she died in the same town. Michael Turnbull was educated in the town of Rossie and in April, 1842, came to Antwerp, and bought the farm Andrew F. now owns, and spent his last days in Ox bow, moving there in 1872 and died March 26, 1880. He was a Republican in poli tics and was highway commissioner. He and his wife had eight sons: Thomas L., born November 12 1836, died December 25. 1863; Alexander Z., born December 28, 1838, is a wholesale boot and shoe dealer in Elmira, N. Y. ; William P., born May 4, 1842, is an insurance agent of Utica; Adam W., born March 19, 1844, of Rochester; John M., born February 15, 1846, of Utica; Andrew F., the subject; and Michael A., born September 11, 1856, and died August 31, 1887. Andrew F. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary. In politics he is a Republican and is now assessor, holding the office twelve years in succession, and was renominated for the fifth term. He is a member of Antwerp 204 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Lodge No. 226, F. & A. M., and of the Grange. April 21, 1870 he married Margaret C, daughter of John and Janette (Jardine) Rutherford, natives of Scotland, who came to Gouverneur in 1847, when Mrs. Turnbull was a mere child. He was a farmer and spent his last days in Oxbow a retired farmer. He died July 24, 1880, aged eighty-six, and his widow is now living at the age of eighty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull have four children: Candace Janette, born March 29, 1872; Michael Leslie born August 27, 1876; Margaret Eleanor, born September 9, 1885; and Harry Fletcher, born July 4, 1889. Robinson, Frank, was born in Antwerp, November 5, 1841, a son of John Robin son. He was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer, owning 130 acres where he lives and seventy in the town of Theresa. Where they reside the farm is known as the Thompson farm. He is a member of Oxbow Grange, and in politics is a Republican. In 1881 he married Ellen Higgins, born in Wisconsin, November 24, 1848, and daughter of Rawson and granddaughter of Ruel Higgins, one of the early settlers of Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson had one son, Rawson H., born Decem ber 16, 1881. Render, J. & J. — This firm is composed of James and Jonathan Render, sons of William Render. James was born in Yorkshire, England, March 27, 1833, educated in the common schools, Gouverneur Academy and Theresa High School. He has always been a farmer and he and his brother Jonathan own 563 acres of land and a dairy of eighty cows. James owns eighty-three acres of land and the firm of J. & J. Render have one-third interest in a farm of 300 acres of land in Antwerp. Both brothers are Democrats in politics and are members of Antwerp Grange. James is not married and Jonathan married, January 1, 1879, Catherine McKenzie, born in Canada, and they have five children: Lillian P., James D., Alice E., Almedia J. and William W. Lillian P. is now a student at Philadelphia, N. Y., and Alice E. at Antwerp, N. Y. Dickson, Robert, was born in Antwerp, N. Y., March 28, 1846, a son of James, and grandson of John Dickson, a native of Scotland, and spent his last days in Ant werp. His wife was Jenette Smith, a native of Scotland and died in Antwerp; they had a family of six children. James Dickson was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, August 23, 1809. In 1831 he located in Brockville, Canada, and in 1836 came to St! Lawrence county, N. Y., and that same year married Betsey A. Laidlaw, Rossie, born in Scotland, December 15, 1815, and they had seven children: Euphemia M., John 2d, Alexander L. , Robert, James C. , Jennie S. and Betsey H. Mr. Dickson was a joiner by trade and commenced business life with but little capital and at the time of his death, September 8, 1868, was one of the largest land owners in the town of Antwerp and one of its most prominent men. In politics he was a Republican, and was active in the Presbyterian church. His wife died September 9, 1888. Robert Dickson was educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary. He began life as a farmer, which he still follows. He is one of the representative farmers of his town, owning 400 acres of land and has a dairy of seventy cows. In politics he is a Democrat; he is a member of Antwerp Lodge No. 226, F. & A.M. ; of Gouverneur Chapter No. 283, R.A.M. and of the Indian River Grange. November 6, 1867, he married Adelia E. Lynde, born in Rossie, N. Y., in 1849, a daughter of James C. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 205 and Roana (Crowner) Lynde, he born in Antwerp, May 15. 1815, and she born in Champion, August 17, 1810. James C. Lynde was a son of Elliott Lynde, one of the first settlers of Antwerp and justice for many years. James C. had six children: James H., Sarah A , Emogene, Charles H., Adelia E. and Ella A. James C. died January 22. 1879, aud his wife March 14, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dickson had three children: James Robert, born July 23, 1868; Annie E., born November 5, 1870; and Milton L., born January 27, 1882. Annie married Eugene Kitts of Antwerp, and died April 12, 1894. Alton, Charles O., was born in Philadelphia, N. Y., August 17, 1870, a son of George Alton. He was reared in the village of Antwerp and educated in Ives Semi nary. He worked with his father in the mercantile business until about fourteen years of age, when he worked on a farm for an uncle, C. C. Mason, remaining with him three years and then learned the printer's trade, which he worked at for three years. At the age of twenty he went to Rapid City, S. Dak., and worked at his trade as printer for a short time, then returned to Antwerp and with H. B. Gates engaged in the grocery and meat business, which partnership existed until October 1, 1895, when it was dissolved and he formed a -partnership with G. P. Warner. They continued together for one year and since then Mr. Alton has carried on the business alone, having the largest business of its kind in the village of Antwerp. Mr. Alton is a Republican in politics and at present is treasurer of the village. He is a member of Antwerp Lodge, No. 226, F. & A. M. ; of Antwerp Lodge, No. 426, I. O. O. F., and of Court Antwerp, No. 573, I. O. F. In February, 1893, he married Jennie Ahles, and they have two children: Earl K. and Corrine. Fuller, Gilbert M. , was born in Antwerp, May 5, 1837, a son of John and Electa (Bacon) Fuller, he born in Whitenham, N. Y., and she born in Jefferson county, daughter of Timothy Bacon. John Fuller was a son of John Fuller, a native of Ver mont, and came to Whitenham, N. Y., and then to Antwerp, being one of the early settlers ofthe town. John, father of Gilbert M., was a farmer and in politics a Re publican. He and his wife had ten children: Abner, Alpheus, Gilbert M., Lodema, an infant not named, John, Albert, Savilian, and Eugene. Mr. Fuller died in 1885 and his wife in 1851. Gilbert M. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and has made his own property and has a farm of 162 acres where he lives and thirty-two in pine timber and a dairy of twenty-four cows. In politics he is a Republican and a member of Antwerp Grange. May 4, 1862, Mr. Fuller married Mary O'Hara, born in St. Lawrence county, daughter of Ralph O'Hara, one of the early settlers of St. Lawrence county. To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were born two sons: Bert, born July 25, 1872, graduated from Ives Seminary in 1890 and is now a teacher in Minnesota; and Frank G., born September 13, 1874, educated in Ives Seminary and is a farmer. Mrs. Fuller died August 19, 1887, and in 1888 Mr. Fuller married Martha, daughter of Harris and Sylvina (Wells) Henderson, who came to St. Lawrence county where he died about 1891 and his wife in 1884. Mason, Cyrus, was born in Le Ray, August 19, 1825, a son of Asa and Betsey (Rider) Mason, natives of New Hampshire, he a son of Benjamin Mason who lived and died in New Hampshire, and she a daughter of Thomas Rider, born in New 206 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Hampshire and came to Le Ray and there died. Mr. and Mrs. Mason were married in New Hampshire and in 1817 came to Le Ray and took up a farm. He died there in 1829, aged forty-four years, and his widow came to Antwerp with her family and died there in 1881, aged ninety years. They had seven children : Evaline, Asa, Bet sey, Sallie, Achsah, Cyrus and Abigail. Cyrus Mason was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 600 acres of land m the town of Antwerp and keeps sixty-five cows. In politics he is a Republican; and a member of the Grange. In 1849 he married Sibyl Bacon, daughter of Timothy Bacon, and they had two children: Henry, born August 5, 1852, educated m the common schools, by occupation a farmer, married Emma Blodgett and they have one child, Eugene H. ; and Bion, born November 9, 1857, educated in the common schools, is a farmer and married Anna Smith and they have five children: Floyd, Cyrus, Mabel, Roy and Ernest. Willard, Elbert C, was born in Antwerp, on the homestead farm, October 11, 1843, a son of Clark Willard. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Ives Seminary. He has been an extensive breeder of Hambletonian horses, also an extensive dealer in horses. He owns 203 acres where he lives and 134 acres in Antwerp, and a dairy of fifty cows. March 11, 1865, he married Anna Cornwell, daughter of George W. Cornwell, and they have four children: Charles H., Minnie A., John C. and Eleanor E. Render, Robert, was born in England, April 27, 1829, a son of William and Han nah (Spirit) Render, who emigrated to America in 1833, coming to Ogdensburg, and in 1835 to Antwerp, with a family of four childen. They had thirteen children, of whom eleven, are now living: George, born August 29, 1830; Mary J., born January 28, 1832; James, born March 27, 1833; Richard born December 20, 1834; Betsey A., born May 22, 1836; William I., born November 6, 1838; Jonathan, born March 5, 1840; Joseph, born January 22, 1842; Charles, born May 18, 1845; Hannah M., born November 15, 1847, and Jane, born March 15, 1849. When Mr. Render came to Antwerp he took up fifty acres and added to it, and at one time had about 700 acres, and at his death 600. He was a lifelong Democrat, but voted for Fremont. They adhered to the church of England and in Antwerp united with the Congregational church and afterwards Mr. Render was very active in building the Episcopal church of Antwerp and also a prominent member for some years. He was a member of Antwerp Lodge, F. & A. M., of the I.O.O.F and charter member of the Grange and a member of the official board. He died January 27, 1874, and his wife April 22, 1876. Robert Render was educated in the common schools and Gouverneur Wes leyan Seminary and followed teaching for a number of years. He commenced farming with fifty six acres and at the present time owns 233, and has a dairy of thirty-five cows. Mr. Render has been a Republican since the organization of the party, though not an aspirant to office. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the I.O.O.F., and holds important offices in that lodge. He and his wife are mem bers of the Methodist church, but he was formerly a member of the Congregational church; he has always been a trustee in the church and has been superintendent of the Sunday school. December 31, 1859, he married Annice C. Jenne, born in Fowler, N. Y. , and they had three children: William F., born January 19, 1861, died PERSONAL REFERENCES. 207 August 26, 1881; George H., born December 23, 1862; and Mary E., born June 29, 1871. Mr. Render is an official member of the Grange, he and his wife having twice represented the county Grange in State Grange. George H. Render is a member of the M. E. church, of the Masonic order, and the Patrons of Husbandry ; he has been master of the grange for several years, has represented it in the county and State Grange, and is a member of the National Grange. Mary E. Render was graduated from Ives Seminary and from Syracuse University, class of '72, and is now teaching music, painting and languages. She is a member of the M. E. church and also the grange. Chase, Levi, was born in Maine, February 22, 1808, a son of John and Olive (Seavey) Chase, natives of Maine. His grandfather, John Chase, was a native of England and died in East Indies with yellow fever. He came to Portland, Me., in early life and was a sailor. John Chase went to Utica in 1816 and in 1822 to Ant werp, being one of the first settlers. He died March 8, 1855, and his wife died Feb ruary 23, 1851. Levi Chase was reared on a farm and had a very limited education. He has lived on the farm where he now resides fifty-five years, owns seven hundred acres of land and keeps seventy cows; for many years he has been an extensive stock dealer. In 1838 he married Harriet Shurtleff, and they had three daughters: Catherine, Amelia and Mary A., and one son, Delavin. Mrs. Chase died in 1892, aged eighty -three years. Catharine married Abial Shurtleff and they had one son, Clinton. His father died when he was young and he was brought up by his grand father, Levi Chase, and took the name of Clinton Chase. Catherine Shurtleff mar ried again, Mr. Albert Velasko, and they had one daughter, Kittie. Mr. Velasko died in 1879. Amelia married Allen Ostrander, and they have one daughter, Hattie, wife of Randolph A. Bodman. Mary A. married Oliver Ostrander, and had two children: Luella, wife of George Davis, and Howell. Mr. Ostrander died Septem ber 8, 1889. Delavin Chase married Ida Ostrander and they had three children : Carrie, wife of Guy Young, Alice F. and Levi. Mrs. Chase died in 1879. His second wife was Malissa Bartlett, and they had three daughters: Eva, Mildred and Harriet. Levi Chase is a Democrat and has been and is now one of the leading farmers of his town. He drove the first ox team in his neighborhood between Shurtleff's Corners and Bishop's Corners and his step-grandfather, Joshua Fairbanks, shot two deer at that time. Casey, James, & Sons.— The firm is James Casey, sr., James, jr., and George Casey. James Casey, sr., was born at Fort Covington, N. Y., February 14, 1839, a son of William and Margaret (Canada) Casey, and grandson of Morris Casey who came from Ireland to Franklin county in an early day and spent his days on a farm where he died at age seventy years. His wife was Maggie O'Neal. Margaret Can ada was a daughter of John and Mary Canada, who also came to New York from Ireland and settled near Albany and died in Wisconsin. Morris Casey and wife had two sons and one daughter; William Casey and wife had five sons and two daugh ters, four sons and two daughters now living. James Casey, sr., was educated in the common schools of Franklin county and Theresa ; he went to school to Ex-Gov ernor Flower. Mr. Casey started out in life for himself at the age of fourteen, working on a farm. He worked for Ed. Cooper until his death, when he rented Mr. 208 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Cooper's farm and then bought a farm of 125 acres and added to it until he now has 600 acres. In 1890 he engaged in a general store at Theresa and the firm has been known as Casey & Sons. Previous to this Mr. Casey was engaged in shipping stock, hay and produce and has been an extensive breeder and dealer in trotting horses. In 1866 he married Mary Cornwell of Theresa, and they had two sons and one daughter, Millie A., William George and James, jr. In politics Mr. Casey is a Re publican, and is liberal in religious views. He has made his own property and is one of the well-to-do men of Theresa. In addition to the property mentioned Mr. Casey owns the Casey block, five dwelling houses, machine shop, blacksmith shop, etc. Mrs. Casey died March 23, 1886. Daniel Casey, oldest brother of James, jr., went to California in 1852 at the age of twenty-two and died at the age of fifty-two, leaving a wife and two children and an estate of $153,000; Morris, second brother, went to Galesville, Wis., and started a grist mill, was also a farmer and postmaster and leading man of the place; the fourth brother, John, was engaged in the flax business at Theresa and is now a wealthy man at Kansas City. His fifth brother, William, is now in Oregon running a sheep, horse and cattle ranch ; his oldest sister is wife of Dr. Gandett of Redwood, and his second sister is wife of James Demsic of Fort Covington, N. Y. Smith, A. T. , was born in the town of Gouverneur, a son of Zadock and Clarissa (Walker) Smith, he born in Vermont, and she in Richville, N. Y., a daughter of Jo siah Walker, one of the first settlers in St. Lawrence county. Josiah Walker drove from Berkshire county, Mass., with a pair of oxen and settled in St. Lawrence county on a farm, built himself a house and returned to Massachusetts with the same conveyance for his bride, Rhoda Upham, and returned to the farm where he lived to a good old age. They were charter members of the Congregational church at Richville, and he was a deacon for many years, and they always enjoyed the love and esteem of their acquaintances. Mr. Smith's parents purchased a farm near Richville, where they resided until about 1862, when his father enlisted in the 106th Regiment, N. Y. Vols., and was killed at Culpepper, Va., near the close of the war. He was educated at the Richville school and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. At the age of thirteen he entered a store as clerk and continued in the same occupa tion until 1882, when he engaged in business for himself, and for the past thirteen years has conducted a drug store at Theresa. He is a self-made man, never having had assistance from any source since he was about ten years of age. In 1889 he married Jennie Peck, daughter of F. M. Peck, an old merchant resident of Theresa. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics and a member of the county and town com mittee. He is now president of the village and a member of the Board of Education. He is a prominent Mason, being the present master of Theresa Lodge,-No. 174, F. & A. M. ; a member of Theresa Chapter, R.A.M. ; Watertown Commandery and Media Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. Baird, John S., was born at Waterloo, N. Y., September 8. 1865, and after receiv ing his schooling entered the jewelry store of John R. Montague, at Waterloo, where he remained for three years. In 1885 he came to Watertown, and in company with W. W. Scott, established a jewelry business, to which he succeeded as sole proprietor in 1890. He is a practical and skilled jeweler and optician, and by hard work and PERSONAL REFERENCES. 209 honorable dealings has acquired a large and influential patronage. His place of business at No. 4 Paddock Block, which he has occupied since 1890, is centrally located, comprising a fine store (and basement) 25 by 75 feet in dimensions, in which is built a modern vault, guarded by the famous Yale time lock. Mr. Baird does not confine his operations alone to Watertown, but does business in all parts of the United States, issuing for this purpose a beautiful 100 paged catalogue, embellished with fine engravings, representing over 4,000 different articles. He also carries a full and complete assortment of optical goods and scientific appliances for testing purposes. A leading specialty of the establishment is diamond setting, fine and complicated watches, jewelry, etc. Energy, keen business acumen, and methods governed by integrity and fairness have been the elements underlying his success. In his career as a business man and citizen his record is untarnished and he merits the success he has won. Canfield, Sheldon S., came from New England stock and brought with him a sup ply of physical, moral and mental health which have all served him a good purpose and brought him to three score years and ten, in the full enjoyment of his faculties unimpaired, and with his zeal and energy still equal to all the numerous calls made upon him. He was born August 11, 1826. a son of Rev. Rufus Canfield, who was born in Massachusetts and removed to Herkimer county where he resided until his death. His mother was Tabitha (Arnold) Canfield, born in Rhode Island. Mr. Can- field's ancestors were of Scotch descent and the first representatives came to this country in 1650, settling in Connecticut. Mr. Canfield's education began in the dis trict schools and was finished in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y. His first employment was on the lakes where he remained for six years, and then formed a copartnership with his son-in-law, Mr. Irwin, under the firm name of Can- field & Irwin, dealers in general merchandise at Fabius, Onondaga county, N. Y., which partnership was continued for a period of two years. The firm of Canfield & Irwin was a successful one and had a large and lucrative business. On his farm in the town of Watertown, which now comprises 112 acres of the richest land in Jeffer son county, he began in a very modest way and is now in possession of ample fortune where he now enjoys the same in semi-retirement. March 5, 1849, he married Ann, daughter of James and Rebecca (Fisher) Tremper, and they have an only daughter, Mrs. W. H. Irwin of Waterville, N. Y. They have three grandchildren of whom they are very proud: Fred C. Irwin, a medical student of New York; Edith A. and Hazel C. Mr. Canfield is a member of De Ruyter Lodge No. 692, F. & A. M. He has always been a Republican in politics and has been often solicited to become a candidate for political office, but has resolutely declined, preferring the honorable labors and duties of the farm to the unenviable responsibilities and doubtful rewards of political life. Tyler, Horace E., was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., Octo ber 30, 1849. In 1859 he removed with his parents to Watertown, and in 1862 fin ished his common school education. At this date he commenced his apprenticeship with W. D. Wilson as blacksmith, served his time and then worked for him until 1874. He then started into business for himself in the ornamental iron works and the next year E. J. Harmon and A. Ladue became his partners and they manufac- 210 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. tured agricultural implements. In 1880 his health failing him he sold his interest in the business to the other partners. In 1882 after regaining health he engaged with the H. H. Babcock Buggy Co. as superintendent of the shipping department and re mained with them one year, then formed a copartnership with W. W. Conde of Watertown, and George Penn of Syracuse, under the firm name of Maud S. Gear Co., with Mr. Tyler for superintendent. In 1889 he embarked in the coal business with his brother, W. D. Tyler, which firm still exists as it was then organized. Mr. Tyler brought to this enterprise experience and a well trained judgment and has succeeded in extending their trade until it covers every part of the city. Muzzy, John Boyden, was born in the town of Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y. , January 4, 1870, a son of Joseph B. Muzzy, a farmer of that town. John B. was edu cated in the common schools of his native town and at Union Academy (Belleville). He taught school for one year and in the fall of 1891 entered the law department of the University of Michigan, when he returned home and taught one year, then en tered the office of Elon R. Brown, with whom he studied until admitted to the bar February 7, 1896. He remained with Mr. Brown as managing clerk, until December 1, 1896, when he then engaged in practice alone. In the fall of 1896 Mr. Muzzy was elected justice of the peace, which position he resigned April 1, 1897, to take the office of deputy county clerk. He is a member of the 39th Sep. Co., N. Y. S. N. G. , and of the Lincoln League. Goodale, Henry D., one of Watertown's foremost and influential citizens, was born in that city in 1852, a son of Dr. Charles and Mary (Sewall) Goodale. His grand father, Dr. Reuben Goodale, came from Oneida county at an early day and was one of the first physicians of the city of Watertown. His father was a graduate from the hospitals of Paris, and was engaged in the practice of his profession until his death in 1876. After Henry D. finished his schooling he entered the office of the National Bank and Loan Company of Watertown, continuing with that institution, being advanced from office boy to the responsible position of teller and cashier, hav ing been in their employ from 1869 to 1885, when he in company with Mr. Charles M. Otis established himself in the insurance business, which firm exists to-day as it was then organized. Mr. Goodale is largely engaged in the loaning of money, hav ing been in the business many years with great success, and without the loss of one dollar to his customers. Wolf, Charles M., has been engaged in his present business since 1885, the business being established at Black River, N. Y., but was removed to Watertown in 1891. In 1887 the company was incorporated under the laws of New York as The Ryther Manufacturing Co., the officers of the company being Charles P. Ryther, president, J. B. Wise, vice-president, and C. M. Wolf, superintendent. Mr. Wolf is a native of Black River, born in November, 1848. He was for many years associated with Poor, Dexter & Co., chair manufacturers at Black River, which firm was succeeded by the H. C. Dexter Chair Co. in 1885. It was at this date that Mr. Wolf engaged in the malleable iron business. June 17, 1875, he married Katie Hart of Black River. Mr. Wolf is a son of William and Mary (Parkinson) Wolf, his father coming to this country from Ireland in 1832. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 211 Grant, Capt. Philander B., was born in Lewis county, N. Y., March 9, 1827. He removed with his parents to Pillar Point, from thence to about four miles from Clayton village, where he remained on a farm until about eighteen years of age. Here he received his education at the district school. He then commenced sailing on the lakes until 1850. On the first day of April he left Sackets Harbor for Cali fornia by way of New York. On the llth day of April he sailed from New York on the James K. Polk to go around Cape Horn and arrived in San Francisco on the 18th day of September, same year ; from thence he went to the mines ; worked in mines for a year and a half: then he went into the general grocery and miner supplies, con ducting that business with a partner. Came east in the spring of 1853 and June 9, 1853, married Maranda S. Stone of Sackets Harbor and then returned ^o California in September following. There continued business until 1856, then came east with his wife. Remained in Sackets Harbor for two years, then went to California again by way of the Panama route. Remained there one year and then closed out busi ness and returned east again, and in 1862 enlisted in the 10th N. Y. H. A. Vols, as a second lieutenant, and in September was ordered to Washington and from there went into the forts around Washington, and in 1863 was promoted first lieutenant and the following year as captain. May, 1864, was ordered to reinforce Grant at Cold Harbor and served in defense of Richmond and Petersburg, and in 1864 was ordered to Washington and then down to the Shenandoah Valley. February, 1865, was discharged on account of disabilities and returned to Sackets Harbor. In 1868 removed to Watertown and engaged in the grocery business on Public Square and continued in that business until about 1876 when he sold out and in 1878 engaged in the same business with a partner named S. W. Reynolds. In 1884 W. H. Mould took the place of S. WT. Reynolds and the firm name was P. H. Grant & Co., and in 1886 J. W. C. Sparks bought Captain Grant out and in 1890 Captain Grant bought Sparks's interest and then the firm name was Grant & Mould, which copartnership still exists. Mrs. Grant died May 19, 1887, and in 1890 he married Libbie L. Abbey. His family consists of Ida May Mould, Jennie E. Witt and Frederick H. Grant. Brown, Wallace N. , M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at Housatonic, Mass., February 10, 1866. He removed with his parents to Watertown in 1866 and in 1883 was graduated from the Watertown High School. He then spent two years at Cornell University and in 1887 began the stady of medicine in the office of Dr. I. E. Booth, receiving the degree of M. D. at the University of Vermont in 1890, and the degree of M. D. from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city in 1892. He located at Marquette, Mich., where he was engaged in practice for one year and then returned to Watertown and has since been engaged in the prac tice of his profession. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society, the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. Baldwin, Fred A., was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, and at the age of about fifteen years removed with his parents to Watertown, where he has since resided. He entered the schools of Watertown andgraduated from the Water- town High School in the classical course, class of '78. After graduation he engaged for a time in teaching and gained an excellent reputation in the work, filling with great credit the position of principal of schools at Evans Mills, Cape Vincent and 212 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Mannsville. He was for some time principal of a large union free school in West Troy, N. Y., and later held the position of teacher of Latin and instructor of the Teachers' Training Class in the Watertown High School. He is the possessor of a teacher's State certificate, granted by the state superintendent of public instruction, which licenses him to teach in any of the common schools of the State during life. Mr. Baldwin read law with O'Brien, Emerson & Ward (the senior member of which firm is now one of the judges of the Court of Appeals), and after a due course of study was admitted to the bar. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace of the city of Watertown by a majority of 1,042. He is now actively en gaged in the practice of his profession at Watertown. In 1892 he married Kate C. Hall of Mannsville, N. Y. Reese, Lucius E., was born near Evans Mills, October 16, 1848, son of Martin (born in Herkimer county in 1813) and Amy S. (Paul) Reese (daughter of John Paul and born in Herkimer county June 19, 1816). Lucius E. had brothers and sisters as follows: Wellington W., married Lydia Hamlin of Theresa, N. Y., and now resides in Detroit, Mich. ; Ezra G., died at the age of twenty-one; Elizabeth C. , died in in fancy; Evelin P., married Jane A. Timerman and isa farmer in Pamelia, N. Y. ; William H , married Maria Timerman and is a farmer and dealer in Evans Mills, N. Y. ; James E. , was shot and died in the army in 1863; Emogene, married Henry Cable of Watertown, N. Y. ; Lucius E. ; Martha E. , married Taylor Carpenter(butcher), of Watertown, N. Y. ; Martin H. , married Martha Lingenfelter, Watertown , N. Y. ; Mil - ton C. , died aged three years ; John A. (butcher), married Emma McCrea, Watertown, N. Y. ; Elva E., married Webster Murphy (farmer), Philadelphia, N. Y. Lucius E. Reese was a farmer boy up to the age of twenty-two, when he went to the city of Watertown to work for Sheldon Webb, a butcher ; later for D. S. Robbins who kept a meat market. He married Jane M. Wheeler on July 1, 1881; she was born in Harrisburg, N. Y., March 2, 1850, a daughter of Edward and Margaret (Dunlap) Wheeler, able farmers of that town. He then bought out a meat market on the cor ner where the Flower block now stands, and has been engaged in the meat and vegetable business ever since in Watertown. At the present time he is keeping the finest market in northern New York, located in the American block, Watertown, having in his employ six men and keeping six delivery horses. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have no children. Reeves, Martin, was born in the town of Hounsfield on his father's farm, in 1841. His father removed to Dexter when he was four years old, and his education was obtained in the public schools of that village. He left home when he was twenty- two years of age and bought a farm two miles from Dexter on the Pillar Point road in 1864. It was at this time Mr. Reeves married Mary O'Harra of Dexter, and they have two children: Sherly B., who resides at home on the farm and Lettie, who is the present postmistress of Brownville. In September, 1864, Mr. Reeves enlisted in Co. B. 186th N. Y. Vols., and served to the close of the war and was mustered out June 11, 1865. In politics he is a Democrat and has held the office of county and town delegate and at present is assistant postmaster. Mr. Reeves carries on his farm one mile west of Brownville. He is a member of Brownville Lodge No. 53, F. & A. M., and Court Brownville No. 561, I. O. Foresters; is a comrade of J. Broad- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 213 bent Post No. 188, G. A. R., of Dexter, has beeu a commander two terms and at present is the senior vice-commander. Houghton, William A., was born in the town of Antwerp, November 12, 1862, on his father's farm, known as the Elijah Houghton homestead, seven miles west of Antwerp village. He was educated in the common schools of the vicinity, and at Ives Seminary and Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. After finishing his education he entered the employ of Ira C. Hinsdale, general merchant of Ant werp, as bookkeeper. He left Antwerp in 1891 and came to Dexter, purchasing the opera house block and engaged in general merchandise business in which he con tinued six years, when he disposed of the business to Messrs. Luther Bros. & Co. During the time Mr. Houghton was in business in Dexter, he was also the owner of a livery business which he ran in connection with his other line of trade. He still continues the livery business and the buying and selling of produce and dealing in carriages and farm implements. In 1888 Mr. Houghton married Alice M. Wicks, daughter of Samuel Wicks, and they have three children: Charles W. , I. Fernie and Grace. Mr. Houghton's paternal grandfather, Elijah Houghton, served through the war of 1812 and was at the battle of Sackets Harbor. Mr. Houghton has five brothers: Dr. E. M. Houghton of Detroit, who holds the position of superintendent of the extensive laboratory of Parke, Davis & Co. , manufacturers of medical and pharmaceutical preparations; James, who resides on the old homestead at Antwerp ; Edwin S., a mining expert of Fountain, Col. ; Dr. C. A. Honghton, a prominent dentist of Philadelphia, N. Y., and Roy, a student at the Philadelphia (N. Y.) Academy. Boomer, George M., was born in Belleville, January 17, 1847, a son of Mathew and Jeanette (Dutcher) Boomer. Mathew Boomer was a native of Ellisburg, a son of Mathew Boomer who came to Ellisburg in a very early day and here lived and died. Mathew, jr., was a farmer and at one time owned a farm of 160 acres. In politics he was a Republican and was deputy sheriff and constable. He served three years in the late war, in the 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. George M. Boomer was educated in the Union Academy and began his business life as a clerk in Oswego, and has been engaged in various kinds of business. In 1872 he began booming the oil and gas wells, beginning in Canada, and has traveled in Germany and Australia in this business. He came to his native town, Ellisburg, in 1893 and bought a farm of 83 acres of land and followed general farming. September 27, 1875, he married Georg- iana Morrison of Petrolia, Ontario, and they had seven children: Florence F., wife of Byrou A. Randall of Dexter; Blanche C, George H.. Mabel J., Donald J., Sidney M. and Ruth M. Mr. Boomer is a Republican and attends and supports the M. E. church. He served in the late war, enlisting in Co. M, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. Matteson. William E., was born in Ellisburg, November 26, 1855, a son of William and Malvina (Tousley) Matteson, natives of Ellisburg. William was a son of Sam uel Matteson, one of the early settlers of the town, coming from Rhode Island to Chenango county and then to Ellisburg. William was a stock dealer and farmer, owning a good farm at the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1893. Will- 214 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. iam E. Matteson was educated in the Union Academy at Belleville and followed teaching for some years ; then engaged in farming and stock raising, being one of the leading farmers of the town. In politics he is a Republican and one of the assessors of the town, being appointed by the town board in 1896 to fill a vacancy. In 1897 he was elected by a large majority, which office he now holds. In 1876 Mr. Matteson married Ella E. Fales, and they have two children: Joel S. and Lucy May, both living at the present time. Stowell, Fred, was born on a farm in the town of Cape Vincent, in 1865, a son of Horace and Annie (Irvine) Stowell, residents of Cape Vincent. Mr. Stowell attended the common schools, but finishing his scholastic education at Ives Seminary at Ant werp, N. Y. , and at Cazenovia Seminary. He commenced the s-udy of law with Porter & Walts at Watertown and from there he went to the Albany Law School from which he was graduated in 1889 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In 1890 he went to Dakota where he practiced his profession for three years, and then re turned to Cape Vincent where he is now practicing law. He is village clerk of the village of Cape Vincent, and also town clerk of the town, having been elected to the latter office in 1896, when he received the highest number of votes cast for any name on his party ticket. On February 15, 1898, he was elected supervisor by a majority of eighty-five. He is, and has been all his life, an active Democrat. He is a Mason, being a member of Cape Vincent Lodge No. 293, F. & A. M. Few country lawyers have a better practice than Mr. Stowell. Dana, Capt. F. , was born in the town of Hammond, St. Lawrence county, April 6, 1840. His father, James Dana, settled in Hammond in 1820, with his parents, Frank and Huldah Dana, who were among the pioneers of Watertown, and after wards moved to what is known as Dana's Point, Chippewa Bay, where they estab lished the first brick plant of St. Lawrence county. James Dana married Serepta, daughter of Mr. Pennock. He was a painter and served in the army during the Re bellion in the 10th U. S. Infantry. Capt. F. Dana was educated in the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 106th N. Y. Vols, and took part in seventeen battles and was wounded five times, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He returned to St. Lawrence county and has since been engaged in river and lake transportation. In 1867 he married Mary D. Buss, and they have one son, John F. Captain Dana is one of the men who have made the St. Lawrence River famous, conservative and of sterling integrity and his word is as good as his bond. Manning. George, was born at Dickinson's Landing, Canada, October 2, 1847. His father, Jeremiah Manning, was a native of Ireland and came to Canada in 1837. The family trace their descent from Robert Manning of Woolwich, Eng., who was an officer in the British army. The family removed to Ireland in 1798 and came to the United States in 1850. He married Mary A., daughter of Patrick Lamm. He was a soldier in the British army and enlisted and served during the Mexican war. He came to Rensselaer Falls in 1850 and on the breaking out of the war of the Re bellion in 1861, enlisted in 1862 in Co. A, 106th N. Y. Vols., and received an honor able discharge in 1863. He returned home and died August 15, 1864. George Man ning was educated in the common schools. November 23, 1863, he took his father's PERSONAL REFERENCES. 215 place in the U. S. army, enlisting in Co. B, llth N. Y. Cavalry, serving until Octo ber 7, 1865. He then returned to Rensselaer Falls and went to Michigan in 1866, where he engaged in the lumber business. In 1874 he returned and in 1877 hired out as a scout under General Crook in the regular army, remaining until April, 1879, when he engaged in mining in Black Hills of Dakota until September, 1881, when he returned to Rensselaer Falls and m 1882 moved to Alexandria Bay. He married Emma Boice in 1889, and they have one daughter, Freda. Mr. Manning is one of tbe conservative men of his town, and has ever aided and advanced the best inter ests of his town and its people. Wardwell, N. M., was born at Whitesboro, Oneida county, N. Y., February 12, 1821. His father, Hon. Daniel Wardwell, was a native of Bristol, R. I., and came to Oneida county to study law with Golden Sill, and was admitted to the bar from his office. He married Hetty, daughter of Newton Mann, who was one of the pro jectors and founders of the cotton mills at York Mills. Daniel Wardwell and wife came to Jefferson county about 1822, settling in Mannsville, where he practiced law, farming, and served as associate county judge from 1825 to 1827; he was elected to the Legislature in 1827 and elected to Congress in 1828, serving up to 1834, after wards returning to Mannsville and was again requested to represent his district in the Legislature. In his case it can be truly said, "the office sought the man." He afterwards moved to Pulaski for a short time, then returned to Mannsville and re tired from active business, spending his last years in Rome, N. Y. N. M. Wardwell was educated in the common schools and Belleville Academy ; he then engaged in the mercantile business in Pulaski from 1839 to 1852, when he went to Rome and en gaged in business up to 1860. In 1863 he was appointed commissary of subsistence with rank of captain, by Abraham Lincoln, serving until the close of the war, when he returned to Adams and engaged in the malting business, retiring from active business in 1893. He was appointed postmaster in 1892 and served until 1896. In 1843 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick Jones. Mrs. Wardwell died in 1886; they had three children ; Charles H., Robert D. and Mrs. Elizabeth Kellogg. In 1893 he married Mrs. Antoinette Waite Sutton. York, Dow Brooks, p. o. Smithville, was born in the town of Henderson, October 17, 1853, a son of A. H York, born in the town of Adams, October 7, 1824, where his parents, Stephen and Artemisia (Fletcher) York, settled in 1815. A. H. York married Betsey T., daughter of Deacon Elijah and Mabel (Thompson) Harrington, and through life was engaged in ship carpentry and farming. He took an active interest in education and the progress of his town, and died in September, 1881. Three chil dren were born to them: Stephen H., born August 24, 1851, educated in the schools of this county and was graduated from New York Medical University, and is located in California; Hattie, born January 16, 1859, was educated at Belleville, and married George Cooley; they have two daughters, Alice and Mabel, who reside in New Mexico; and Dow B., who was educated at Union Academy of Belleville and at Adams Collegiate Institute. November 4, 1873, he married Kate Esther, daughter of Fayette and Caroline (Hunting) Stanley. Fayette Stanley was born March 20, 1816, a son of Daniel and Esther Stanley, who settled in this county in 1804. He died September 14, 1894. Caroline, his wife, was born in Boston, Mass., May 8, 216 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. 1823, a daughter of Michael and Lucy (Beal) Hunting; she died March 7, 1893. Three daughters were born to them. Lucy Evangeline, Kate Esther and Mary Elizabeth. Lucy Evangeline was born August 18, 1852; married Albert A. Rob bins, September 21, 1873. Mary Elizabeth was born April 13, 1856, and Kate Esther, was born August 9, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Dow B. York are the parents of two daughters: Florence Stanley and Marian Faye. Florence was born October 16, 1874. and graduated from Belleville Union Academy in June, 1894. She taught in the primary school at Smithville, and on August 19, 1896, married Burley Gilbert Pooler, a son of John H. and Mary Pooler. He was born in the town of Henderson, May 11, 1870, was educated at Belleville and graduated from there in 1893, and from Brockport Normal in 1896. He will make teaching his profession. He and his wife are at present teaching in Lafargeville of this county. Marian Faye was born Octo ber 20, 1881. Dow B. York has passed a part of his life in farming and cheese mak ing. In 1888 he was appointed postmaster at Smithville, under the first administra tion of Grover Cleveland, and in 1893 was again appointed to the same office. It became a presidential office in 1895 and he was reappointed for a term of four years. Oatman, Danford G., was born September 8, 1842. His father, Darius Oatman, was a native of Otsego county and came to Jefferson county with his parents, George and wife in 1823, and for twenty years was engaged in the shoemaker's trade, and afterward a farmer; he died in 1889. Danford G. married Minnie, daughter of Frank Bryant, and they have two sons, Claude D. and George E. Mr. Oatman is one of the practical and successful farmers of Jefferson county. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and was one of the fifty detailed from his regi ment as a provost guard in the city of New York. He served in the battles of the Wilderness, the Seven Days Fight, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, the campaign of the Shenandoah Valley, meeting General Early in his famous raid, and received an hon orable discharge in July, 1865. He returned to Jefferson county, spending a few years in Springfield. In 1877 he bought the Edward Green property of fifty-seven acres, which has been in the family for eighty-five years. Howard, Thomas H., was born in Ireland, in 1833, a son of William and Mary Howard. He was reared on a farm and came to America when twenty years old and and here attended school. He has always been a farmer and has 100 acres of land and a dairy of fifteen cows. Mr. Howard enlisted in Co. C, 10th N. J. Regiment, in January, 1862, aud served until the close of the war, serving in twenty important battles: Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Hanover C. H., Mine Run, Wilderness, Spott sylvania C. H., Fredericksburg, Weldon R. R., North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Chapm's Farm, and many other small battles. Mr. Howard was in the Crimean war in 1853 to 1855, serving with the British army, and assisted in taking Sebastopol, fought at Inkerman Valley and also at Balaclava. In politics Mr. Howard is a Re publican and takes an active part. He has been assessor of his town for six years. In 1865 he married Mary A. Irvin, native of Ireland, who came to America when young and they have six children: Edward W., Henry, Carrie E., Ervin C, Gilbert F. and Eugene H. They have lost by death two children— Charles E., died' July 10 1876, and Freddie, died July 4, 1876. When Mr. Howard came to Sackets Harbor he had but twenty-five cents in his pocket which he gave for his dinner. He has PERSONAL REFERENCES. i 217 made his own property, and is now one of the representative farmers of his town. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church at Fredericks Corners. Fetterly, Franklin, son of Laurence and Margaret C. (Fox) Fetterly, was born on his father's farm in Clayton township, where he spent his early boyhood days. He was educated in the common schools and after mastering the studies which those institutions afford, he entered Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams, where he completed a course in the higher educational branches and after leaving the acad emy taught school for the next five years. He then purchased the Spencer D. Reed farm, remaining there until three years ago when he added to his landed interests by purchasing the Dean farm, where he now resides. February 9, 1874, he married Mary Ciok, daughter of John Cook of Depauville, and they have four children: Frank H., a sailor on the great lakes between Buffalo and Duluth, Minn., Ralph E., Grace I. and Glenn C, who reside at home. September 12, 1896, Mr. Fetterly met with a sad bereavement in the loss of his estimable wife, who died at the family home after a lingering illness from consumption. In politics Mr. Fetterly has always worked with the Democrats and was for thirteen consecutive years assessor of the town of Orleans, thus attesting to his faithful qualities as a town official, as well as the high esteem in which he is held by the taxpayers of the town. He also finds time to enjoy that social divertisement so often found in the lodge room and is a re spected member of Clayton Lodge No. 296, F. & A. M. Walradt, Dorman, was born in Salt Springville, N. Y. , December 29, 1844, son of Godfrey and Maria Walradt. Godfrey was a native of Allegany county and his wife of Montgomery county. In 1847 he came to Theresa, where he lived until his death, April 22, 1868, and his wife died November 4, 1896. Mr. Walradt's grandfather, Abram Walradt, lived and died in Montgomery county. Dorman Walradt was ed ucated in the common schools. He was engaged with W. D. Chapman & Son for some time and was then on the road traveling. He was postmaster during Cleve land's administration and one year during Harrison's. In 1890 he engaged in mer cantile business and has been very successful. In 1865 he married Nancy Shurtleff, and they had two children: George D. , born August 20, 1866, was educated in the common schools and graduated from Eastman's Business College in 1886; married Ida L. Peck; and James H., born April 27, 1870, educated in Theresa. Mr. Walradt is a Democrat and has been justice two terms and president of the village two terms. He is a member of Theresa Lodge F. & A. M., and Lodge of Perfection of Water- town; also a member of the Council, P. of J., and Chapter, Rose Croix, of Ogdens burg, N. Y. ; Central City Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32d degree, class of 1898, Syra cuse, N. Y, He attends the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Walradt is a member. Root, William L., was born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1857, a son of Daniel C. and Emily (Simpson) Root. Daniel Root was a farmer and was born in Hebron, Washington county, N. Y. ; he came to Lewis county when a young man and was one of the first settlers of the town ; he moved to Alexandria Bay, and on Wells Isl and purchased 660 acres of land; he died in Philadelphia, N. Y., in July, 1895; his widow still resides there. William L. Root was educated at Alexandria Bay and Philadelphia ; he engaged in the milk business at Alexandria Bay, and in October, bb 218 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE, 1884, came to Theresa and engaged in a general store and handles flour and salt ex tensively. December 18, 1877, he married Minnie Wilson, who died September 13, 1879, and on August 28, 1881, Mr. Root married Helen J. Dingman. In politics Mr. Root is a Republican, but is not an aspirant to office; he is a member of the Supreme court of the Independent Order of Foresters at Theresa. He is a grandson of Daniel Coon Root, born in Hebron, N. Y. , married Ann Hanna; he died in Hebron, and his widow married and lived near Watertown, N. Y. The great-grandfather of Mr. Root, William Root, was born in 1771 in Westfisld, Mass. ; he removed to Hebron in 1793, married, in 1796, Mary Coon, from Rowe, Mass. ; he weighed 250 pounds, com manded a regiment at the battle of Plattsburg in 1814, and died in 1830. The father of William was Solomon, born November 20, 1749, in Westfield. Mass. ; married, Au gust 8, 1770, Lucretia Wheaton, and moved first to Chester and then to Hebron about 1795, where he died in 1809, aged sixty; he weighed 360 pounds, and it is said he did not have the privilege of seeing his feet for some years. His father, Solomon, was born November 17, 1716, in Westfield, Mass., where he lived and married, June 16, 1743, Mary Church; he died September 5, 1785, aged seventy years. His father, Thomas Root, was born in 1648 in Farmington, Conn., moved from there to West- field, Mass., and married in 1671, Mary Gridley; she died in 1673, and he married in 1675, Mary Spencer. John Root, the Puritan ancestor, emigrated from a place in England called Badby. His father was dead, and he lived with an uncle, a brother of his father, and was adopted. His uncle was a man of wealth, advanced in years and a zealous opponent of popery, and, it is believed, one of the nobility. He insisted that John should go into the Parliamentary army under Cromwell to fight against Charles I and the Catholics. He had an aversion to war and chose rather to join a company of puritans who were coming to this country. When he arrived he came to Farrington, and was one of its first settlers in 1640. He married Mary Kilbourn about that date. The emigrants locating in Farrington were mainly from the neigh borhood of Boston, Newtown, and Roxbury, Mass. They began the settlement in 1640, and among them John Root was a prominent citizen, as above indicated. He married soon after his settlement, Mary, daughter of Thomas and Frances Kil bourn. She was born in the year 1619 at Wood Ditton, England, and came to this country in the ship "Increase" in 1635. They were both in full communion with the Farrington Congregational church. He died August, 1684, age seventy-six, leav ing a good estate valued at £819. She died in 1697, aged seventy-eight. He ap pears to have been eleven years older than his wife at their marriage, and she sur vived him thirteen years. His father was John, of Badby, Northamptonshire, Eng land, who married Mary Russell in 1600. Mrs. Root is a daughter of Jarad and Sarah A. Dingman, he a native of Oneida county, N. Y.,born December 22, 1822- she was born in Hounsfield, January 6, 1818. Jared was a son of Cornelius' Ding man, born in Amsterdam, N. Y., July 6, 1800, came to Lee, Oneida county, when a small boy, was a farmer, and lived and died there. Sarah was a daughter of John Dingman, born in Amsterdam, N. Y., April 16, 1793, and died in Chaumont in 1883. Mrs. Root's father came to Chaumont when a young man, and has lived in Alexan dria for about forty-five years ; he took up and cleared the farm from the forest, where he still lives ; he is a Democrat and member of the Masonic order for over thirty-five years; he and wife had a family of seven children: John, William, George, Catharine Elsie, Jason and Helen. Mrs. Dingman died December 26, 1893. The great-grand'- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 219 father of Mrs. Root, Jarad Dingman, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1760; he was in the Revolutionary war; they lived in New Jersey, and came thence to Lee; he died in Chaumont in 1842. The father of Jarad was John, a native of Holland; he married Margaret Phillips, whose mother was Margaret Bogardus, and traces her ancestry to Holland; her father was Cornelius Bogardus; his father was Evaradus Bogardus, the second established minister of New York city; he married Anneke Rolof Jans, whose maiden name was Webber; she was a granddaughter of Prince William of Orange, who was afterward king of Holland ; her father, Wolfert Webber, became king of Holland, succeeding his father ; Anneke Webber married Rolof Jans and came to America in 1620, landing at Albany, which at that time was known as Beverwick. Rolof Jans died in 1637, and in 1638 his widow was married to the Rev. Everardus Bogardus. Stowell, Harold B., M. D., son of Dr. Olmsby O. and Josephine E. (Bishop) Stowell, was born in Lewis county, N. Y. , May 20, 1873, and is one of Watertown's youngest and most successful physicians and surgeons. He waseducated in the Union School and Clinton Liberal Institute, graduating in the class of 1891 with highest honors. The following year he began the study of medicine in his father's office and in 1895 Was graduated from the Albany Medical College. He immediately began the prac tice of his profession in the office of his father. Dr. Stowell is a member of Jefferson County Medical Society, the Red Men and the Alumni Association. Carpenter, Frederic M. , son of John M. and Amanda J. (Graves) Carpenter, was born in the city of Watertown, February 14, 1866. After finishing his schooling he entered the employ of his father as a bookkeeper and continued in that capacity until 1893, when he became a member of the firm of Bergivan, Carpenter & Co., of which he is now a member. Mr. Carpenter is a young man of excellent business ability and is esteemed by all who know him. Bigham, Thomas, established himself in Watertown in the contracting and build ing business in 1890. That he has succeeded is evidenced by the fact that he is now the most extensive builder and most largely patronized of any in the city. He was born at Harrisburg, Lewis county, N. Y. , April 22, 1854. Mr. Bigham has had many years' experience in his chosen line of business, having served several years in a door and sash factory at Copenhagen, prior to locating in Watertown. He employs from twenty-five to thirty workmen and has erected some of the finest residences and business blocks in the city. February 18, 1878, he married Elizabeth Toones of Harrisburg, N. Y. He is a prominent member of the Citizens' Club. Lowe, A. D., was born in Clayton, N. Y., September 26, 1850, a son of Isaac and Zella (Atwood) Lowe. He was educated in Brownville, Fairfield and Watertown, graduating from the Watertown Commercial College under Pitt Brown. He began his mercantile career as a clerk, and in 1872 became a partner in the firm of Ranney & Lowe. This firm continued until the winter of 1876, when Mr. Lowe sold out and a year later formed the firm of Terry & Lowe, which continued until the fall of 1886. Mr. Lowe then built his present fine business block and has since conducted the leading business of Depauville. He is one of the best known and most enterprising 220 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. men of the town and has filled the office of town clerk three terms and justice of th e peace two terms, and was twice nominated for supervisor. In politics he is a Re publican and was postmaster at Depauville from 1878 to 1886; he was deputy post master under Cleveland, having practical charge of the office, was reappointed post master under President Harrison in 1888 and served until October, 1893, and on September 1, 1897, was again appointed under President McKinley. Mr. Lowe is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Foresters; he has been treasurer of the Masonic lodge for five years and is chief ranger for the Foresters. August 13, 1873, Mr. Lowe married Emma F. Smith of Clayton, daughter of Abner Smith, who is a prominent citizen of the town. Mr. Lowe's grandfather Lowe was a volun teer in the war of 1812. Allen, Aaron B., was born on the farm he owns, May 19, 1820, a son of James and Sallie (Sheldon) Allen. James was a native of Rhode Island, and came to the town of Lorraine about 1810. He was in the war of 1812; was a farmer and carpenter and worked on Pierrepont's dwelling house 300 days. He died in 1835, aged fifty- one years. A. B. Allen was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 235 acres of land and has a dairy of twenty-eight cows. In May, 1846, he married Caroline Grenell, and they had five children: Jennette E. Hulslander of Adams Center, N. Y. , Carrie Waterman (deceased), Emma J. Brim mer, Anna Overton and Mary Lowrey. Mr. Allen was a Democrat until war times, since then he has been a Republican. He has been justice of the peace and asses sor of his town and a member of the Grange. Mr. Allen is a member of the Baptist church at Mannsville. The children of James Allen were six, four danghters and two sons: Sallie Ann, Hannah J., Alzina, Sardius, Aaron B. (the subject of this sketch), and Eliza J. Marsh. Clark, John R., was born at Plattsburg, N. Y.. July 13, 1842, and is the second child and son in a family of six children of Alexander and Belinda (Brown) Clark. His father was a native of New York State and was engaged in the milling business in Plattsburg where he located about 1840. In 1845 he removed to the town of De Kalb, St. Lawrence county, and located on a farm just on the edge of the village of Richville. He continued farming until his death in 1884, having resided on his original purchase in De Kalb for almost forty years. Our subject's early education was obtained at the district schools of De Kalb and he also was a student at the Belleville High school which is located in the town of Ellisburgh, N. Y. In 1865 he commenced his mercantile life by becoming a clerk in the general store of Wheeler & Hayes at Three Mile Bay, Jefferson county, N. Y., in whose employ he remained five years. He then opened a general store for himself at Lisbon Center, N. Y., where he continued in business till 1875 when he removed to Depauville in the town of Clayton. He carried on business at this point for a period of twelve years when he disposed of his business and engaged in other pursuits till 1889 when he opened a grocery store in the public square in Watertown. He removed to his present loca tion on the public square about five years ago and by hard work and honorable deal ings has acquired a large and influential patronage. His present wife is Lottie May, daughter of William and Lucinda Beardsell. She is of English parentage. They have two children : Brayton G. and Arthur J. He has always been a Republican PERSONAL REFERENCES. 221 but has never been aspirant for political honors. He is a member of Court Stella, No. 1985 of the I. O. F. Butterworth, Henry, was born in London, England, and he was early apprenticed to the fur trade in that country, his family as far back as his grandfather having been engaged in that enterprise. He came to this country in the early sixties and followed his trade in New York city till 1867, when he came to Watertown, N. Y. After working as journeyman one year he entered the employ of A. Tubbs, with whom he continued till 1880, when he formed a partnership with C. H. Tubbs, under the firm name of C. H. Tubbs & Co., for the sale of hats, caps and furs. This part nership was dissolved in 1886, when he opened his present place of business and continued bnsiness under his rwn name till 1892 when he took his two sons, Henry N. and Frank, in partnership, the style of the firm being H. Butterworth & Sons. In 1894 a store similar to the Watertown establishment was opened in Columbus, Ohio, and Mr. Butterworth removed to that city. He married Charlotte M. Fulcher, a native of London, England, and they have six children, viz.: Henry N., born in Watertown, N. Y. . January 28, 1868, his present wife is Mae L. , daughter of Charles P. and Mary N. Young of Utica, N. Y. He has always been engaged in business with his father. Charles F. , married and resides in Chicago, 111.; Frank, born in Watertown. N. Y., October 7, 1872, and married Pearl, daughter of Mrs. P. M. Wood, of Columbus, Ohio. They have one child, Margory W. He is the junior member of the firm of H. Butterworth & Sons. The three youngest children, viz. . William H., Gertrude E. and Robert B. reside at their father's home in Columbus, Ohio. Graham, Calvin D. , son of James and Catherine (Damon) Graham, was born in the town of Stillwater, Saratoga county, N. Y., March 1, 1822. His father was born in Ireland, of English parents, and emigrated to this country when he was twenty years of age, settling in Saratoga county. The subject of our sketch is one of five children, three sons and two daughters. He was left fatherless when quite young, and worked hard to help support the family, remaining at home until he was twenty years of age, when he started out alone, empty handed, to carve out a competency for old age. He was variously employed until January, 1845, when he married Mary Munson, and engaged in farming in the town of Adams. In 1853 he purchased a farm Containing one hundred and fifty acres in the town of Lorraine, and began farming on his own account. August 18th of that year his wife died, leaving two children, a son and daughter. January 17, 1855, he married Lucy Pratt, of Stone Mills, and the following year he bought and moved on to the old Pratt farm at Stone Mills, in Jefferson county, where he resided until 1887, when he purchased a lot and built an elegant residence at No. 44 State street, where he has since lived in retire ment. December 30, 1890, his wife died. Qctober 1st, of the following year, he married Mrs. Sarah H. White, who died after a two weeks' sickness, of typhoid fever. April 22, 1896, he married Lavina L. Holcomb, of Lewis county, his present wife. Mr. Graham, although past three score years and ten, is yet quite active and in full possession of all his faculties. He is one of Watertown's most honored and respected citizens. Sherman, George C, treasurer of Taggarts Paper Co., is a well known citizen of 222 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. Jefferson county. He is a son of the late Charles A. and Caro (Norton) Sherman, and was born July 25, 1862. His education was obtained in the public schools of Watertown, having graduated from the latter in 1878. After graduation he entered the Watertown Steam Engine Works, and was advanced from time to time to the position of assistant treasurer. In 1887 he became treasurer of the Taggarts Paper Company, which position he now holds. Mr. Sherman is president of the National Bank & Loan Co., trustee in the Jefferson County Savings Bank, and connected with several other business corporations. In November, 1886, he married Alice L. Taggart, of Watertown, N. Y. Middleton, De Witt C. , son of Andrew C, was born in the town of Rutland, April 11, 1850, and was educated in the Watertown High School. For four years he was a clerk in the store of J. & A. Bushnell, and has since been engaged in the shoe busi ness in this city. He was mayor of Watertown in 1884-85, and was a member of the Board of Education for two years. In 1885 he organized the Watertown Electric Light Company, of which he is now president. Hart, William E., photographer, is a Canadian by birth and has been a resident of Watertown since 1862. He learned his business in the studio of his brother, Charles S. Hart, one of the oldest photographers in Jefferson county, and was an assistant to him until 1884, when he engaged in business for himself. Mr. Hart has attractive rooms in what is known as the Marble block, and has facilities for the execution of all classes of work. He does Crayon and India ink portrait work, and has estab lished an extended reputation. Mr. Hart served the city as alderman from the Third ward, two years, and in 1886 was elected mayor, serving two terms. Carpenter, John M., secretary and treasurer of the Excelsior Carriage Works, was born in Watertown, N. Y., November 15, 1833. His first business experience after leaving school was in the mercantile business, in which he continued for twenty-five years. He then became connected with the Watertown Spring Wagon Works as its secretary and treasurer, and in 1889 he organized the Excelsior Carriage Company, 'and has since been its secretary and treasurer. Mr. Carpenter has always taken an active interest in the municipal and county affairs, was president of the village of Watertown, and held the office of county treasurer from 1869 to 1875. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge and the Union Club. Kellogg, Virgil K., district attorney of Jefferson county, was born in the town of Rutland, March 17, 1858, a son of Sylvester Kellogg (born January 21, 1808, at Mar tinsburg, N. Y., and moved to Rutland in 1822). Mr. Kellogg attended the country district schools, Watertown High School and Adams Collegiate Institute; he entered upon the study of law June 27, 1879, in the office of Levi H. Brown, and was ad mitted to the bar in October, 1882, at Rochester. In November, 1884, he moved to Carthage and formed a business connection with Hon. A. E. Kilby. Jan uary 1, 1893, he opened an office in Watertown. In 1892 he was elected district- attorney by a plurality of 2,678 votes over John Conboy, Democrat. He has been unusually successful in his position as district-attorney, being one of three who have procured convictions in murder trials during the hundred years of the county's cor- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 223 porate existence. He is well grounded in the law, is a close student, and has under pinned his legal learning with a good classical education. Nims, William A., son of John H. and Abigail (Brown) Nims, was born in Cape Vincent in 1851. After attaining maturity he first engaged in farming and in 1874 commenced the study of law in the office of Winslow & Smith in Watertown, con tinuing there one year. For two years subsequently he was with Hubbard & Walts, and was admitted to practice in 1877. Cadwell, O. B., is a native of Lewis county, and a descendant of Major Oliver Bush, one of tbe pioneers of that county. He came to Watertown in 1860 and en tered the employ of Henry P. Cooke, who established the present business in April of that year. Mr. Cooke, a native of Oneida county, was associated at different periods with George B. Phelps, J. C. Lepper and Mr. Cadwell; he died in 1878. In 1862 Mr. Cadwell enlisted under Capt. James B. Campbell, in Co. M, 10th N. Y. H. A., and was closely associated with that regiment during its term of service; he was then transferred to the 6th N. Y. Artillery and attached to the division staff, General Hartsuff commanding, and was made quartermaster and chief ambulance officer of the "District of the Nottaway," with headquarters in Petersburg. He was mus tered out of service with the 6th Artillery at Hart's Island, New York harbor, in the fall of 1865. He entered the army as a private, subsequently receiving his warrant as sergeant of his company, and later as sergeant-major of the regiment; he was afterward commissioned as second lieutenant and again as first lieutenant, the last promotion being received while serving in the trenches before Petersburg. He held several staff positions, serving under Colonel Piper, General Stewart, Colonel Ed wards, General Ferero and General Hartsuff, but never absent from the brigade or division of which his regiment formed a part; at one time during the winter of 1864- 65, he was provost marshal of the city of Winchester, Va. Returning to Watertown after the close of the wan. he resumed his business relations with Mr. Cooke, and in 1874 was admitted as a partner, the firm becoming Cooke, Cadwell & Co., which continued unlil the death of Mrs. Cooke (she having represented the estate of her husband), in 1891, when it was changed to O. B. Cadwell & Co. Mr. Phelps who for many years was the company of the firm, died in 1892, and since then Mr. Cad well has been sole proprietor. In 1884 Mr. Cadwell was appointed by Governor Cleveland, a trustee of the New York State Soldier and Sailor's Home, was reap pointed by Governor Hill and again by Governor Flower, serving as such till 1897, a period of thirteen years. He is a member of the G. A. R., a director in the National Bank, and stockholder in other business enterprises. A successful, accomplished business man who counting it gain to serve his country in the hour of supreme need, his military record reflects upon him in the highest credit and in his daily life he "justifies the honors he has gained." Smith, Mason Lee, was born at Munnsville, Madison county, N. Y., October 3, 1859, and came with his parents to this county in 1866. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Watertown and he was graduated from the high school June 20, 1877. He began the study of medicine with Dr. A. R. Rudd, in January, 1877, and attended lectures at the University Medical College of New \7ork 224 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. city from 1877 to 1881, being graduated from there March 8, 1881. He has always practiced in the city of Watertown, and joined the County Medical Society in Octo ber, 1881, serving as one of its censors in 1888, 1889 and 1890. Dr. Smith was elected coroner of Jefferson county in November, 1888. Cannon, Gilbert, M. D., was born in Almonte, Canada, April 14, 1854, and was educated at McGill College, Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1877. He began practice at Oxbow, Jefferson county, and came to Watertown in August, 1894. He is a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, and in addition to a hospital experience in the Montreal General Hospital took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic School. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society and has a high reputation in his profession. Parker, George B., D. D. S., one of Watertown's youngest and most successful dentists, was born May 30, 1871. He is a son of Ackley H. and Emma A. (Boell) Parker. He obtained his eiucation in the Watertown public and high schools, and in 1890 began the study of dentistry. In 1894 he was graduated from the Philadel phia Dental College, at which time he opened an office in Watertown for the prac tice of his profession, in which he has since been successfully engaged. June 5, 1895, Dr. Parker married Jane I., daughter of Jane A. and Elmira (Benor) Quencer, of Watertown, N. Y. He is a member of the Citizens' Club, and of the F. & A. M. Lansing, Addison Farwell, was born in Vineland; N. J., October 16, 1870, a son of Dr. Edward Lansing, a native of Herkimer county; Dr. Lansing died May 29, 1895. Addison Lansing was the youngest son of seven children, and was educated in Farn ham Preparatory School in Beverly, N. J., and entered the University of Pennsyl vania in 1888, from which he was graduated in 1892, with the degree of B.S. He was in the office of Carter & Day in Philadelphia for sixteen months and then was with S. F. Brown of Trenton, N. J., one year. He came to Watertown in 1896 and has since been a partner with Mr. Ramsay. Burdick. Nelson, was born in the town of Lyme, Jefferson county, N. Y., Decem ber 28, 1820. In 1867 he removed to Watertown and engaged in the manufacturing business and in 1870 in company with M. Horton began the manufacture of carriages and wagons. After four years Mr. Horton retired from the firm and Mr. Burdick conducted the business alone until 1877, when he admitted his son, W. W. Burdick, the firm now being known as W. W. Burdick & Co. Mr. Burdick has always taken an active interest in politics and in 1882 was elected mayor of the city. He is one of Watertown's leading citizens and has a legion of friends. Trowbridge, Frederick G., M. D.— The history of the medical profession of Jeffer son county, N. Y., would indeed be incomplete were the Trowbridge family omitted. For three consecutive generations they have stood to the head of their profession, alleviating the sufferings of their fellowmen and winning the confidence of those with whom they are brought in contact, by skill in their profession and the purity and simplicity of their lives The grandfather of the subject of the sketch was born in Massachusetts and died in Jefferson county, where he had for fifty-five consecu- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 225 tive years practiced medicine, being one of the charter members of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and a man of sterling integrity. William R., the father of Frederick G. , was born in Watertown and early evinced an inclination to follow his father's profession ; after equipping himself for the same he practiced in his native city for forty consecutive years. Frederick G. was born in the city of Watertown, October 30, 1857. After taking a course in the high school he determined to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious ancestors and accordingly read medicine with his father, and was graduated from the Buffalo Medical University with the degree of M. D. in 1883. As his first professional study began in 1874, a period of nine years had thus been devoted to the accumulation of professional knowledge. Few stu dents in this or any other country have given the same time and painstaking care to thoroughly mastering their profession and equipping themselves for their life's work. William R. Trowbridge was a surgeon in the United States army during the late Civil war. Smith, Herbert H., M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Watertown, was born in the town of Hounsfield, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 13, 1860. His edu cation was obtained from the Ives Seminary at Antwerp, and the Rochester Business College, from which he was graduated in 1880. He then began the study of medi cine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, but finished his profes sional course in the University of the City of New York and received his degree in 1889. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Watertown, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Jefferson County and City Medical Socie ties, of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He was married in April, 1885, to Mary E. Burns of Jefferson county, and she died January 26, 1893. Barnett, John A., M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in Potsdam, N. Y., in July, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and the Nor mal School. He began the study of medicine at the Ann Arbor Medical College and received his degree in 1890. He then became connected with the State Hospital at Utica, N. Y. , as assistant physician and was afterward appointed assistant physician at the State Hospital at Ogdensburg, where he remained for three years. At this date he removed to Watertown and began the practice of his profession, where he has since resided. Dr. Barnett is a member of the Jefferson County Medical So ciety, also the City Society. He was for two years one of the board of health and on the board of pensions for three years. He was married in June, 1893, to Bell E., daughter of the late Robert E. Lowrey of Ogdensburg, N. Y. Kieff, David D., was born in Bombay, Franklin county, N. Y., July 3, 1866. He was reared on a farm, educated in the public schools and graduated from a business college; at the age of fifteen he came to Watertown, N. Y., and began the study of architecture, with John Hose and W. W. Tucker. In the year of 1887 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Hose, under the firm name of Hose & Kieff, architects; they continued in business until 1893. He then bought Mr. Hose's interest and estab lished an office in the Flower building, which he still retains. Among the more im portant buildings of which Mr. Kieff has been the architect might be mentioned the Watertown City Hall, erected in 1896-97, Otis House, erected in 1894, Herald build- 226 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. ing, erected in 1896, Cooper Street School, erected in 1895, the marble residence of ex-Mayor F. D. Roth, residence of E. G. Mosher, Simson Bros., B. A. Field, Thomas Burns, A. R. Flower. He has also designed many buildings out of town: The Ant werp Town Hall, Bent Bros.'s building, E. G. Tucker's residence, Philadelphia, N. Y., and many others of equal prominence. Mr. Kieff has always been a Demo crat in politics and is at present the secretary of the Board of Health, and building inspector. He is also a member of the Jeffersonian and Citizen Clubs. McMullen, George C. — Among the native born citizens of Watertown, there is none who has taken a more prominent part in the development of city and county than Mr. George C. McMullen. He was born August 29, 1851, and received his ed ucation from the public schools of his native city. He learned the grocery business in the employ of Messrs. Munday & Son, and was associated with Messrs. Ethridge & Co., of Rome, N. Y., for eighteen years, at the end of which time the firm of Mc Mullen & Sons was established. Aside from his extensive affairs in the wholesale grocery business he is also connected with other business enterprises, being vice- president of the Watertown Savings Bank, a director of the Union Carriage and Gear Compan}7, and a trustee of the City Hospital. He has never taken an active part in polities, having refused the nomination for mayorthree times. He is a prom inent member of the Union Club and Knights Templar. June 5, 1877, he married Atta R. Clay of Ogdensburg. He is a son of John and Jane (Snow) McMullen. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother was from Connecticut, and settled in New York State in 1847. Nellis, Joseph, is a native of Palatine, Montgomery county, and was born Decem ber 28, 1867. He was educated in St Johnsville High School and Fairfield Academy. He came to Watertown in 1889 and began the study of law in the office of Dorwin & Brown (later Brown & Adams), and was admitted to practice September 16, 1892. He has held office of excise commissioner for two years, and is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 49, of Watertown, and R. A. M. No. 59. December 20, 1894, he married Louise Seipel of Watertown and they have one son, George Seipel Nellis. Streeter, John C, was born in the city of Watertown, November 22, 1829, a son of Lansing W. Streeter, a native of Goshen, Mass., who came to this county in 1822, when eighteen years of age. He was a tailor by trade and was the first tailor of this city. John C. was the oldest of the family of four children, and has always been in trade until 1887, when he retired. He was mayor of the city two years; postmaster under President Cleveland from 1885 to 1889, and held some of the minor- offices of the town. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1861, and is also a pioneer member of the Union Club. He has been twice married and has one son, Fred W. Boltz, Andrew P. , was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y. , De cember 7, 1837. He has spent a great part of his life on the farm and in the manu facture of cheese. In 1896 he gave up the farm and removed to Watertown and en gaged in the retail grocery business in which he is now engaged. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Dorr) Boltz, who are natives of Germany, coming to this PERSONAL REFERENCES. 227 ^country in 1830 and settling in Jefferson county. Mr. Boltz was married in March, 1851, to Elizabeth Hass of Clayton, N. Y. Ferrin, Henry F., a native of Vermont, was born in 1837. In 1840 he removed with his parents to Watertown, where he attended the public schools. At the early age of sixteen he succeeded his father in business (who was engaged in the marble business) and has since conducted the business with marked success. This is the oldest house of the kind under one management in New York State. The premises occupied are large and commodious and a full force of marble cutters, sawyers and polishers are busy at all times. Mr. Ferrin is enterprising, progressive, and well merits the success he has achieved. Barker, Sylvester V., a native of Rossie, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., was born January 16, 1855. His education from schools was meager and confined to the ele mentary grades. He early served an apprenticeship at the carriage maker's trade in which he was engaged for four years He afterward removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he conducted a variety store for seven years, and then disposed of his business and removed to Watertown and engaged in the same line in which he has since been actively engaged. Mr. Barker and his family take an active interest in church affairs, being members of the M. E. church. Hubbard, Byron V., one of Watertown's leading boot and shoe dealers, was born in that city, May 21, 1855. He acquired a good education from the public and high schools of his native city, after which he entered the grocery and fruit store of his father where he remained until 1885, when he engaged in the gents' furnishing busi ness on his own account and in 1893 disposed of his stock and embarked in the boot and shoe business, which business he has since conducted. Mr. Hubbard is a genial, public-spirited citizen and has a host of friends. He was married in May, 1894, to Clara E. Brick of Watertown, and is a member of the Lincoln League. Schuyler, Frederick Eugene, son of John R. and Malvina (Weller) Schuyler, was born in the town of Antwerp, Jefferson count}', N. Y. , October 19, 1861. His father died when he was quite young and he was compelled to make his own living from the time he was ten years of age. His first business experience in mercantile life was as a clerk for C. H. Tubbs, but was compelled to resign his position after two years on account of failing health and he removed to Denver, where he remained for two years. He then returned to Watertown much improved and in company with J. B. Le Fave opened up a furniture store under the firm name of Schuyler & Le Fave, which firm continued until 1896, at which time it was succeeded by the now well known firm of Schuyler & Rich. This firm are among the foremost of Water- town's successful business houses and by courtesy and uprightness have succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Schuyler is yet a young man and has apparently many years in which to develop the successful career he has started upon. Dryden, Allen, junior member of the grocery firm of Fuller & Dryden, was born at Napence, Ont, in August, 1862. His first commercial experience was as a clerk in a grocery at Detronto, Ont. , where he was employed for four years and afterward was employed by the same firm in the manufacture of doors and remained with them 228 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. until 1883, when he removed to Oswego to accept a position with R. R. Thomas & Co. as foreman in their factory. After a service of four years he removed to Water- town and succeeded Jerry Sough in the grocery business, becoming the junior mem ber of the firm of Fuller & Dryden. Mr. Dryden married Sarah E. Berry in Jan uary, 1888. Cahill, Daniel W., business manager of the Arcade Drug Company, was born in Watertown, N. Y. , January 15, 1864. He was educated in the public schools and in 1880 was graduated from the Watertown High School. At this time he became as sociated with Mr. J. W. Knott in the drug business, in which he was engaged for about eighteen months, when he entered the service of the Watertown Pharmaceu tical Co. and after a short time with this company he resigned to accept a position offered him with Drs. H. G. P. Spencer & Son, where he remained until 1884, and then entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1886. In 1891 he became a member of the Arcade Drug Co. of Watertown, which was incorporated under the laws of the State in 1892, with Mr. Cahill as its treasurer and manager. Mr. Cahill is a member of the Lincoln League and has been a mem ber of the executive committee since its organization. Rich, Ross C, is of French-English descent, the name Rich formerly being "La Riche." He is a lineal descendant of Amasa Dodge, who settled in Springfield, Mass , in the early part of 1600. He is a son of De Alton and Francis (Dodge) Rich, and was born in the town of Henderson, Jefferson county, N. Y. , August 16, 1875. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and the Adams Collegiate Institute, from which he was honorably graduated in the class of 1892. In March, 1895, he removed to Watertown and entered the dry goods store of Bush, Bull & Roth, as a clerk, where he was employed until September 8, 1896, when he pur chased the interest of J. B. La Fave in the furniture business, becoming the junior member of the firm of Schuyler & Rich, in which he has since been successfully en gaged. Mr. Rich is a prominent member of Corona Lodge No. 705, I.O.O.F., and an honored citizen. O'Connor, Hugh, jr., son of Hugh and Bridget (Leonard) O'Connor, was born in Watertown, N. Y., May 8, 1867. His parents emigrated to this country in 1857 and settled in Watertown, where they have since resided. Mr. O'Connor served an ap prenticeship at the blacksmith's trade of nearly three years with his brother, Michael O'Connor, and in 1892 embarked in business on his own account in which he has since been engaged. He is an active and prominent member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Elmer, FredM., is one of Watertown's eminently successful businessmen. He was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1866, educated in the public schools of Water- town, and at the age of twenty-two became a member of the firm of William Elmer & Sons, whom he succeeded in business in 1891. He is an experienced caterer, hav ing had a number of years' experience in his chosen line of business. Aside 'from this he carries a full line of choice Key West and Havana cigars, confectionery, ice cream, etc. Mr. Elmer's business career has been a successful one and he sustains a high reputation in this community. PERSONAL REFERENCES. 229 Faichney, George H., manufacturer of clinical thermometers, was born at Oxbow, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 21, 1869. He was educated in the public schools and at the Gouverneur Normal School. In 1888 he removed to Watertown and in company with Herbert Bodgett engaged in the manufacture of thermometers under the firm name of Faichney & Bodgett, which continued for two years, when Mr. Faichney succeeded to the business and has since conducted it alone. Mr. Faichney employs from eight to ten skilled workmen in the manufacture of his instruments and the work turned out is of the highest order. He is a member of I. O. O. F. and the I. O. F. King, F. P., junior member of the well known clothing firm of Snook & King, was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y. , August 17, 1855. Plis first ex perience in mercantile life was as a clerk in a country store, and in 1874 he removed to Watertown to accept a clerkship with George Hause, jr., in whose employ he re mained for four years. At the end of this time he entered the service of Frank C. Fox, where he remained for a period of nine years. March 20, 1890, the firm of Suook & King was organized and is to-day the largest dealers in hats and custom made clothing in the city. They make their own garments and a force of from twenty to thirty skilled workmen are employed to meet the demands of their patrons. Mr. King is a member of the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum and the Citizens' Club. Gray, C. W. , wholesale and retail dealer in ice, is one of Watertown's enterprising and successful business men. The ice furnished by him comes from Huntingtonville, N.Y. , which is absolutely pure, the water being clear, soft and pure. He has a storage capacity of over 5,000 tons and his wagons deliver from the various ice depots of the city to his many patrons, which consist of allthe leading hotels, merchants and pri vate families. Mr. Gray is honorable and progressive and is to be congratulated upon the success he has achieved. Mowe, George H. , has been established in his present business since 1884. The firm consisted of A. Beffrey and George H. Mowe and continued under the style of Beffrey & Mowe until 1893, since which time Mr. Mowe has conducted it alone. This firm was the first to introduce hot water for the heating of buildings success fully and now there are a number of the finest residences that are heated by that method. Mr. Mowe has always been ready to lend a hand in effecting needed im provements and takes a deep interest in all that tends to the advancement of the community in which he lives. Britton, Fred W., one of Watertown's rising young business men, was born in that city September 20. 1867. He attended the public schools and in 1886 was graduated from the Watertown High School. Immediately after graduation he entered the Times editorial staff and remained in that capacity for eleven years. At the end of this time he became president of the Britton Shoe Company, which was incorporated in February, 1896, and has since been engaged in that business. Mr. Britton is a prominent member of the Citizens' and Jeffersonian Clubs and is esteemed by all who know him. Ryan, Stephen R., was born in Osceola, Lewis county, N. Y., in 1849. In 1863, at 230 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. the age of fourteen, he went to Rome, N. Y., to accept a clerkship in the grocery of M. P. Wardwell, in whose employ he remained for some time, after which he went to Croghan and was apprenticed at the carpenter and joiner trade. In 1872 he re moved to Watertown and found employment at his trade until 1876, at which time he was elected constable for a term of three years. In 1879 he opened a small store on Court street for the sale of ale and lager, continuing in this business until 1881, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Winslow and engaged in the wholesale business. This firm continued until 1884 when Mr. Winslow was succeeded by Mr. Williams, and the firm of Ryan & Williams continued for two years, when Mr. Ryan succeeded this firm and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Ryan deals largely in choice wines and liquors of the most celebrated brands. He is a gentleman of wide experience in business affairs and thoroughly conversant with all the details of his chosen line of trade. Spratt, John W., a leading hardware and stove dealer of Watertown, was born in that city, February 16, 1833. He has been engaged in his present vocation since 1864, at that time being a member of the firm of Sarget & Spratt, which was sue. ceeded by Spratt & Gates, this firm continuing until 1890, when Mr. Spratt succeeded that firm and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Spratt was married in December, 1865, to Anna Taylor, and she died in 1893. Pendergast, John E. , is a son of James and Johanna (Hyde) Pendergast, who immigrated to this country from Ireland in 1836 and settled in Utica, N. Y. , where John E was born December 25, 1867. After graduating from the public schools he entered the office of Dr. Wallace Clark as a student, where he remained until 1881, and then accepted a position with Frank Williams, in whose emplov he remained for a year and a half, when he removed to Morristown, N. Y. , to take charge of the Frontier House bar, remaining in that capacity for four years. At this date he re turned to Utica and after a time removed to Canton, N. Y., where he was appointed deputy sheriff under Erastus P. Backus and served in that capacity until 1891, when he removed to Watertown and was employed at the Woodruff House. In 1896 he embarked in business on his own account in company with Mr. Dibble, as proprie tors of the Arcade Cafe. Mr. Pendergast is a prominent member of the K. of P. being first lieutenant on Maj. Jefferson Young, jr.'s, staff U. R. K. of P. Makepeace, Charles E.— There is no citizen in Watertown who is better known or has a wider circle of friends than Charles E. Makepeace. He was born in the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 11, 1856. He has been closely identi fied with the commercial interests of Watertown for many years, and is now junior member of the firm of Dean & Makepeace, who were the first in the United States to use electricity in the grinding of feed. Mr. Makepeace was for many years en gaged in the agricultural implement business, and through his honorable dealings he has gained the confidence and esteem of a large circle. June 29, 1892, he married Matie B. , daughter of Samuel and Catherine Hoover. Otis, Charles M., is a son of David D. Otis, one of the pioneers of Jefferson county who settled in Watertown in 1826 and up to the time of his death in 1881, was one of PERSONAL REFERENCES. 231 the leading hardware dealers of the city; it was he that built the famous Otis House of that city. Mr. Charles M. Otis was born in Watertown, January 8, 1851, and after attending the public schools entered the insurance office of D. M. Bennett, and after serving in that office for a time entered the service of H. & D. F. Cooper, as a salesman in their hardware establishment, where he remained for a year, when he resigned his position to accept an offer made by the Metropolitan Gas Co. of New York city, and remained with them five years. In 1885 he returned to Watertown to take charge of his mother's estate and at the same time engaged in the insurance business, forming a copartnership with H. B. Goo dell, under the firm name of Otis & Goodell, which is now one of the leading insurance firms in the city. Mr. Otis was married to Eliza E. Vandevier of New York city, July 5, 1882. Reeves, James E., a member of the well known boot and shoe firm of Allen & Reeves, was born in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y. , March 26, 1851. His education was obtained from the public schools and the Wesleyan Seminary. He was engaged for several years in the merchandise business and in 1875 was em ployed by Wm. Nealy & Co. of New York city as traveling salesman, where he re mained for a short time and then accepted a like position with the wholesale house of Couch & Wisner of Bridgeport, Conn., with whom he remained for thirteen years. He at this date located in Watertown and in company with W. J. Allen entered into the retail boot and shoe business, which firm is now one of the leading boot and shoe houses in Watertown. Mr. Reeves is an active member of the Masons and the Royal Arcanum. January 12, 1876, he married Idella M. Smith of Watertown, N. Y. Elwood, E. Elsworth, was born at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, N. Y. , June 5, 1861. His first business experience after leaving the public schools was in the em ploy of his brother under the firm name of B. H. & E. E., Elwood, and in 1896 that firm was succeeded by the Elwood Silk Manufacturing Company, with B. H. Elwood as president and E. E. Elwood as secretary and treasurer. They manufacture all kinds of silk dress goods and give employment to 125 workmen. Mr. Elwood was married June 4, 1884, to Emma L. Wood of Fort Plain, and they have two sons. Dorsey, James M., one of Watertown's leading clothing merchants and one of her most prominent citizens, was born January 16, 1858. He was educated in the pub lic schools, after which he entered the grocery store of Merritt Andres as a clerk and remained in his employ for a period of ten years. At this date he entered the ser vice of E. B. Dewey and continued with him for five years, and in 1895 became the junior member of the firm of Bilyea & Dorsey, proprietors of the U. T. K. clothing store, and has since that time given his entire attention to the company's extensive affairs. Mr. Dorsey is a member of a number of societies, being prominent in Masonic circles, a member of the I. 0. O. F., an exempt fireman and is now on the board of directors. June 15, 1885, he married Hattie E. Robinson, and they have an only son, George R. Flynn, Bartholomew, junior member of the well known undertaking firm of Pawling & Flynn, was born in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y., in December, 1841. His parents removed to Watertown when he was a child and where 232 OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE. he attended the public schools. His first business experience on his own account was in the milling business in 1862, in which he was engaged until 1877, when the mill was destroyed by fire and since that time he has been engaged in his present business. Personally Mr. Flynn is a very social gentleman and is a prominent mem ber of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity. White, George W., was born in the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y. , De cember 4, 1861. His early days were spent on the farm and in 1880 he entered the service ofthe Knapp Lumber Co., which firm was succeeded by White & Sullivan, Mr. White being the senior member. This firm manufactures doors, sash and blinds and give employment to from fifteen to twenty-five workmen. Mr. White is a son of Lyman an Marcia (Town) White, who came to this county from Massachu setts in 1826. Mr. White has always taken an active interest in public affairs, being at one time town clerk of the town of Pamelia. May 18, 1881, he married Eva A. White of Hounsfield, N. Y. Dibble, Ira D., was born at Hornellsville. N. Y. , June 11, 1857, and came to Watertown in 1894. In succession he was employed by the Union Club, the Wood ruff House and again at the Union Club and in January, 1897, entered into partner ship with J. E. Pendergast at the opening of their business career and the two have ever since maintained an equal partnership in all their business enterprises. The cafe is elegantly fitted up and equipped with every convenience and facility for the comfort of patrons. They also handle everything' in the way of fine wines and liquors. Mr. Dibble is a genial host and his friends number legion. He is ex tremely popular and highly esteemed and respected in this community. Salisbury, Alfonso, son of George W. and Margaret (Waffel) Salisbury, was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y., November 15, 1832. After acquiring a liberal education from the district schools, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in which he was engaged for a period of thirty years. In 1863 when his ser vices were required he enlisted in Co. K, 10th N. Y. Artillery, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war. In 1879 he was appointed superintendent of the Watertown Water Works and has since that time acted in that capacity. He was married in September, 1855, to Harriet E. Reed, a native of Jefferson county. Barber, Henry S.— One of the foremost and best known farmers in Jefferson countv is Henry S. Barber, born in the town of Le Ray, N. Y., July 22, 1831. He received his education in the district schools and the academy at Evans Mills. On leaving school he was apprenticed at the carpenter's trade and in this he received a training and gained a practical experience in his trade such as is rarely obtained. After serving his time and becoming an expert journeyman carpenter and joiner, Mr. Bar ber, in pursuance of his design in perfecting himself at his trade, engaged in build ing on his own account and for others and continued the same until 1860. At the end of this time he bought a farm and has since then been engaged in dairying and farming. In 1887 he removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where he remained for two years, when he returned east and located in Watertown and after a few years re moved to the farm where he now resides. August 22, 1860, he married Mary M Edwards, and they have four children: George W., Mrs. Col, A. G. Judson, who re'- PERSONAL REFERENCES. 233 sides in Washington, D. C, John Edward and Mary Bell. Mr. Barber attributes his success to his own patient, methodical habits, punctuality, thrift and unceasing at tention to business at all times. He is an estimable citizen and a model of homely virtues. Puffer, William W. — Among the most noted representatives of the marble trade is the firm of Puffer & Co., of which William W. is a member. This business was founded by Mr. Isaac G. Puffer at Lowville, in 1863. In 1888 he removed to Adams, where he conducted business until 1892, and then removed to Watertown, where they have since conducted business. The work shops and yard are located at No. 113 Washington street, where are shown fine examples of mortuary art in the form of monuments, tomb headstones, etc., in imported and domestic granite and marble. The facilities are ample and parties in need of anything in this line, from a simple marble slab to an imposing Amerian, Swedish, Italian or Scotch granite monument, are invited to call at the above number. Mr. Puffer is son of Isaac G. and Carry (Winslow) Puffer, and was born at Lowville, N. Y. At an early age he entered the employ of his father, commencing at the bottom and by dint of hard work, enterprise and honorable methods, worked himself up to his present position as an equal owner in the business. Hungerford, Mrs. Jane C, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., November, 12, 1818, the youngest of seven children born to James and Phebia (Rann) Wiley. Mrs. Hun gerford received her education in the Poughkeepsie schools, but was left an orphan at an early age and was sent to live with her sisters, where she remainhd until 1844, and then married Mr. Truman Hungerford, a well known farmer of Johnstown, N. Y., and a man of ability and progressive ideas. In 1864 they removed to the town of Watertown, Jefferson county. Mr. Hungerford died July 9, 1889, leaving a widow and four children: the eldest, Frank N. , resides in Colorado, Brayton W., Grace and Orvill. Fisk, John H., a descendant of one of the oldest pioneer families of Jefferson county, was born at the old homestead about four miles southeast of the city of Water- town, where he now resides, October 26, 1824. He is the oldest of a family of nine children ; was married October 13, 1852, to Calista M. Heath. His brother, Ira H. Fisk, was born August 26, 1826, was married November 26, 1867, to Mary C. Snell. Ann Fisk, his twin sister, died November 7, 1893. Abraham Fisk, born June 12, 1828, died September 2, 1897. Susan Fisk, born November 27, 1829. Lorinda M. Fisk, born December 12, 1831, died May 2, 1859. Thomas Duane Fisk was born June 8, 1833, died May 24, 1862, was married December 24, 1856, to Adalaide Heath. They had three children: Alice, born June 14, 1858, married Frank Hart; died Jan uary 20, 1881. Carrie A., born October 12, 1860, married December 24, 1875, to Isaac Horning; had three children, Minnie May, Lulu and John; married second, Jay Cook, November 5, 1885 ; they have an adopted son, Jerald Cook. Martha M. , born August 5, 1862, married Fred V. Cook, February 9, 1882; have two children, Mabel and Glenn Duane. Melissa E. Fisk, born February 12, 1835, married Octo ber 15, 1854, to Clark E. Freeman; he died July 16, 1866; they had three children, Fannie Annette, born July 24, 1856, died September 29, 1861; IrafJ., born July 7,