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REMINISCENCES,

ANECDOTES AND STATISTICS

OF THE

EARLY SETTLERS AND THE ' OLDEN TIME

IN THE

TOWN OF SHERBURNE,

CHENANGO COUNTY, N. Y.

^ ?•» »

BY JOEL HATCH, JR.

¦^9

UTICA, N. Y.
CUBTISS & "WHITE, PEINTBES, 171 GENESEE ST.
1862.

PREFACE.

The incidents connected -with the early history of the Town of Sher
burne, are resting mainly in the recollection of a few indi-yiduals ; and
if not soon recorded, will he irrecoverably lost.
The writer of the folio-wing pages undertakes the task, -without any
regard to his fitness or unfitness, for the foUo-wing reasons ; He is a
descendant of one of the first settlers, and the longest resident in the
town of any individual li-ying ; is the only male representative of any
of the twenty proprietors, -who now own or reside upon any portion
of their paternal acres ; and there are but eight of their children no-w
living in the town. The remainder, over one hundred in number, are
scattered to the four corners of the earth. Many minor incidents are
related in this -work, which are only worthy of note, as they serve to
associate the reader with the trials, difficulties, and hardships, inci
dent to settling and subduing an unbroken forest.

HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
From the commencement of the French war, to the
close of the Revolutionary war, was a period of constant
struggle, in cabinet or field, for our rights, civil and reli
gious. In the midst of these exciting and impressive
scenes, the characters and principles of the early settlers
of the town of Sherburne were developed and moulded.
The exigencies of their country, together with uncer
tainty as to the result of passing events, confined them
to those acts and exertions which were most immedi
ately pressing and necessary, until "the god of battles had
crowned their arms with success, and the clarion of war
had ceased to sound ;" when they found themselves free
and independent, with the responsibilities of Church and
State resting upon their shoulders. They were now
under the necessity of entering without delay, into meas
ures to maintain themselves and their families, and lay
a foundation for the future well being of their children.
Accordingly, they resolved to make a settlement in
the woods and wilds of the State of New York ; there
bring up their children to habits of industry, and rear
them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Two years after peace with Great Britain was estab
lished, they removed from Kent, Litchfield county, Con-
a2

6 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
necticut, into the then county of Albany, to lands belong
ing to Judge Duane, in the town of Duanesburgh. Judge
Duane was unwilling to sell to settlers in fee simple. He
would consent only to rent his lands for limited periods.
This savored too much of servility for them, with their
views of freedom and independence, patiently to endure.
After seven years bondage under the annual rent sys
tem, they determined to remove in one body to the Val
ley of the Chenango, and settle upon lands then recently
purchased by the State of New York, of the Oneida
Indians, known as the Governor's Purchase. The treaty
by which the celebrated " Twenty Towns " became the
property of the State, was made in 1T88, by George
Clinton, at Fort Schuyler, now Utica.
The act authorizing the Surveyor General, Simeon De
Witt, to locate and number these towns, was passed
February 25, 1789. The lands were advertised for sale
in 1791. The sale was to take place at New York city.
It is reported that the folio-wing incident occured at
the time when the treaty above aUuded to was made.
After it had been duly ratified, Governor Clinton having
seated himself upon a log, one of the chiefs came and
took a seat so close to him, that out of courtly respect,
he moved along ; the chief crowded close again — the
Governor made another move. These movements were
repeated, untU the Governor, not only found himself off
the end of the log, but greatly perplexed, not compre
hending the meaning of all this ! The chief stoically
replied : " Just so white man crowd poor Indian —
keep crowding — keep crowding — ^by and by, crowd him
clear off! — where poor Indian then ?"

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 7
PIONEERS.
Those who first came into the Valley of the Chenango,
to examine the country, and select the location of a settle
ment for themselves and some of their neighbors, were :
Deacon Nathaniel Gray, Elisha Gray, Joel Hatch, New-
comb Raymond, and James Raymond. They started on
their journey the day these lands were advertised for
sale, piloted by Josiah Throop, chief of the engineering
corps, who had surveyed the " Twenty Townships " the
pre-vdous year. Deacon Gray and the Surveyor came
on horse-back, the rest on foot, with their packs on their
backs. From Duanesburgh, they took a circuitous course to
tbe north end of the Otsego Lake, thence down the east
side of the lake to Cooperstown, at its southern ex
tremity. Here, leaving the abodes of civilization, they take a
westerly course, guided by compass and marked trees ;
now climbing precipitous hUls — now penetrating dark
and tangled forests, crossing deep rivers, threading vales,
and fording streams. Thus they toiled on their weary
way untU night overtakes them. Soon their camp-fire
fiends up a cheerful blaze. They seat themselves around
upon thickly spread Hemlock-boughs, fresh cut from the
branches hanging over their heads. After partaking of
the humble fare furnished by their knapsacks, they -wrap
themselves ia their blankets, and invoking the watchful
care of Him whose eye never sleeps, lie down to rest
their weary limbs for the night. They rise at dawn,
realizing " that the sleep of the laboring man is sweet."
Their patriarchal leader mounts his horse, they shoulder
their packs, and resume their march, re-enacting each
day the toUs of the preceding. At length, they find

8 HISTOKT OF SHEEBFENB.
themselves on the bank of the XJnandUla river, which they
crossed three or four miles below the present site of
New Berlin viUage, and pursued their journey, buoyant
with hope and expectations, enlivened by the ever
changing panorama passing before them, as they ap
proached the Valley of the Chenango.* They struck this
river, east of where Norwich village now stands, and
followed its course ten miles north to the junction of the
Handsome Brook, called by the natives To-to. They
arrived at 2 p. m., after five days hard traveUng, June
1791. While standing upon the bank of this beautiful river,
contemplating the scenery around their prospective local
ity — scanning the hills that bound the valley — eying the
tall and stately Pines — admiring the extensive groves of
Sugar Maples — and scrutinizing the soU and verdure,
they discover that the grass has been recently cropt !
While querying whether this has been done by wUd or
domestic animals, one of their number cries " Hark 1 I
hear a bell!" They listen. "Its a cow-bell! Some
family of white people must be near !" Guided by its
tinkling sound, they cross the Handsome Brook, when,
lo ! amidst the forest trees, a new shanty appears, built
of bark, in the form of a tent! Excitement quickening
their pace, they were soon at the door, and found a
family consisting of five men, one woman, and some
small children, who had arrived about three hours before
them, from the town of Paris, Oneida county. After
mutual congratulations had been exchanged, such as only
kindred spirits having the same objects in view, and
braving the same toils and dangers, could realize ; and
* The name Chenango is of Indian origin, and signifies in their lan
guage, "beautiful river."

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 9
each others views and wishes obtained, they proposed
to examine the south-west quarter of the ninth township,
the next day in company.
The good woman of the house addressed herself to
the entertaining of her guests, with right good wUl.
Her house was soon in order; a place was found for
everything, and everything was in its place. One of
these pioneers remarked that " She appeared to be as
weU acquainted with every room in the house, as if she
had lived in it a twelve month." With true pioneer
hospitality, she prepared the best room in her mansion
for their repose through the night. Including the Sur
veyor, she had six more lodgers to provide for. How
she accomplished this, you can conceive better than I
can express. Suffice it to say, she had good new bread
and beer of her own baking and brewing, upon the table
for breakfast, the next morning.. Seating themselves
around an apology for a table, arranged -with primitive
splendor, the unexpected good fortune of having these
luxuries, together with milk, spread before them, called
forth with lively emotion the remark, " We can tell our
friends and neighbors at home, that we found the land
flowing with mUk, if not honey." Tasting the delicious
beverage, he exclaimed with a ludicrous scowl, " What's
the matter with the mUk f" They sip, shake their heads
and look at each other in blank amazement. One better in
itiated into the mystery, laughing, steps out of the door,
and soon returns with a leek, saying, " The cow has been
eating leeks ; taste this and you wUl not perceive the fla
vor in your mUk." They rose from their repast wiser than
when they sat down ; and for years after were fain to
put their knowledge to practical use. So luxuriant was
the grass and herbage, so wonderful its effect upon the
cow, that the mUkman filled his paU the third time, when

10 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
he exclaimed, " I wont go out again if the milk rots in
her bag." My informant clapped his hand upon my knee,
and looking archly in my face, said, " Its not necessary
to state how large the paU was." After having finished
their examination, and mutually agreeing to purchase in
company, they departed, expecting to find this family on
their return ; but never saw them afterwards.
Returning home, they take the northern route through
the town of Paris. From thence to the Mohawk river ;
following this stream to the junction of the Schoharie,
and thence to Duanesburgh. As they brought a goodly
report of the land they had visited, Nathaniel Gray was
dispatched to New York city, empowered to negotitate
for the same. On inquiring he found that the State had
sold to Wm. S. Smith six townships, including the land
he was in quest of. The patent granted to Wm. S.
Smith, was dated AprU 16, 1794, and recorded in the
office of the Secretary of State.
In disappointment he returned home. Unwilling how
ever to abandon the enterprise, they resolved to make
one more effort. Accordingly, Mr. Gray made another
journey to New York. On presenting his second pro
position, he had the mortification to be again rejected.
As he was about to return, Mr. Smith offered him the
quarter in question, at one dollar twenty-five cents per
acre ; proposing to execute a contract for a deed, upon
certain conditions, to run seven years, which, if approved
of by his associates, they might retain, if not, return it
and he would charge nothing.
This contract was given to Nathaniel Gray, Timothy
Hatch, Joel Hatch, Newcomb Raymond, Josiah Lathrop,
James Raymond, John Gray, jr., Abraham Raymond,
EUsh Gray, CorneUus Clark, and Eleazer Lathrop.

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 11
It was accepted, none of them being able to pay down
for their lands. The land selected by this company was
the southwest quarter of the ninth township,* one of the
twenty towns purchased of the Oneida Indians, in 1 788_
The grantor of the deed to the eleven proprietors, was
Benjamin Walker, its date 1796.
FIRST FAMILY.
Abraham Raymond and famUy, were the first to move
on and take possession of their new home. They started
in the -vdnter of 1792, and came as far as Norwich,
(where a few families had located about two years pre
vious, and were the nearest neighbors to their intended
settlement,) and tarried there until spring, when they
were joined by their associates, (their number having in
the mean time increased from eleven to twenty,) who
came on for the purpose of commencing improvements,
and preparing for the reception of their famUies, the next
year. Their names were, Nathaniel Gray, Joel North
rop, Joel Hatch, John Lathrop, Elisha Gray, John Gray,
John Hebbard, Eleazer Lathrop, Ezra Lathrop, Corne
lius Clark, Timothy Hatch, Abraham Raymond, New.
comb Raymond, James Raymond, Josiah Lathrop, Eli
jah Gray, Elijah Foster, John Gray, jr.,f Amos Cole,
David Perry.
* Jt contains six thousand, two hundred, twenty-two aud one half
acrep. f John Gray, jr.'s name is on the original deed; but as he relin
quished his lot to his father, John Gray, who settled upon it, and was
always spoken of as one of the first settlers by his associates, I think
it proper to name him as one of the first proprietors ; he was, to say
the least, practically such. John Gray, jr., settled in the west part of
the State, and died there ; and was the last of the twenty proprietors.

12 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
A party of them arrived late one afternoon, and put
up for the night on the west side of the Chenango river,
opposite where Norwich vUlage now stands. In a -wig
wam, on. the east side of the river, owned and occu
pied by a family of Oneida Indians, a few Tuscaroras,
(after having drank more " fire-water " than was meet,)
were reposing for the night. One of these began t© stab
with a knife the squaw of another Indian. The cry of
"David ! David ! he kUl your squaw !" awoke her
sleeping lord, who, seeing the condition of his squaw,
and him who had done the deed, struggling with a sober
Indian, who sought to control him, seized a tomahawk
and sank it into his head. Abraham Raymond and Joel
Hatch visited the wigwam the next morning, with many
painful misgivings as to what might be in store for them
and their families, in the future. They found the wound
ed man lying upon the ground, nearly naked, with a
" lump of brain as large as a butternut, oozing out of
the wound." He lived in this condition two or three
days. Mrs. Raymond assisted in dressing the wounds,
and administering to the necessities of the squaw, who,
in a few days, was able to sail down the river in a canoe.
A runner carried the news of this tragedy to the chief
of the Oneidas, who, with his head men and councillors,
soon arrived, and proceeded to examine the case accord
ing to their own laws and customs. He inquired very
particularly into the general conduct of David toward
the white people. Whether he was saucy and quarrel
some, whether he injured their cattle, &c. The witnesses
all gave him a good character for peace and quietness.
The chief, after due consultation with his head men, thus
decided : " If Indian go kill my squaw, I kill him, so
David he clear."
Mr. Raymond and one of his associates went forward

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 13
and erected a hut, for the accommodation of the whole
company, for the ensuing season. This mansion, from
which no one was turned away for want of room, was
built in one day, and covered with bark and brush. It
stood about forty rods below the junction of the Hand
some Brook with the river. Lift up your eyes and sur
vey the land, as when the fathers first beheld it ! when
trees of primeval growth, in towering grandeur, pierced
the skies, carrying the mind back, almost coeval with
the time when the morning stars sang together. What
object in view has yonder solitary woodsman, -with ax
upon his shoulder, slowly wandering amid the giants
of the forest, whose interlocking branches have for ages
hid mother earth from the genial rays of the sun ? Be
hold, with slow and measured step he moves along —
now halting upon the bank of this gurgling rill — now
pausing to examine this cool bubbling spring. He seats
himself upon a moss-covered mound, his manly brow
exhibiting the intense workings of his mind : " Yes, here
wUl I build my house, set up my altar, and enjoy life
¦with her who is the sunshine of my soul, the centre of
aU my earthly joys. I have a part to act in the great
drama of the world, a duty to perform to God and his
Church, to my family and country. Providence having
led my footsteps hither, I ought not, I cannot go back."
He rises to his feet, runs his eye up the trunk of a stately
tree, lays off his coat, seizes his ax, strikes ! It is
the first blow, and the first echo from the woodman's
ax ever heard in this region, since time began. Blow suc
ceeds blow, and echo answers echo, until it totters to
its faU. Instinctively raising his eye through the open
ing, the glorious orb of day salutes his gaze, apparently
delighting to linger in his diurnal course to warm and
vivify the earth, and cheer the laborer onward. Hark I

14 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
what is that which comes swelling upon the breeze ?
He listens, lost in a pleasing reverie ; a crash, succeeded
by a heavy rolling sound, assures him that a brother
pioneer has felled his first tree. Day after day witnesses
to their patient, persevering toU.
The echo from lot to lot gives to each pleasing assur
ance, that he is not doomed to struggle alone — that
kindred spirits have counted the cost and made the firm
resolve, cheered by anticipations of the future when
they may, around their own firesides, by the blessiag
of God, enjoy, amid the conveniences and comforts of
civUized life, the sweets of domestic and social inter
course. During the summer and autumn of 1792, the southwest
quarter was re-surveyed and divided into twenty equal
parts, by Cornelius Clark, in such manner that each
might obtain an equal share of river and upland, and
assigned by lot to the several proprietors.*
Such was their desire to live in peace and harmony
with all men, especially with each other, that in order
to remove, as far as possible, from their midst, every
danger of disagreement, they mutually agreed to abide
the metes and bounds established by their surveyor.
They did abide them to the letter. I never knew any
disagreement among them, on account of the bounds or
quantity of land in their respective lots. This year they
buUt their first saw-mUl, cleared some land, erected a few
log-houses, opened a road from the settlement now
known as the Quarter, east to the UnadiUa river, ten
mUes. * Cornelius Clark having a preference for a particular lot, (the one
now occupied by George Davis,) offered the man who drew it, a bot
tle of rum and an az without helve, and in its rough state, to exchange
with him, which offer was accepted.

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 15
The saw-miU was located in the gulf, on the stream,
east of Sherburne vUlage, about half a mUe below the
falls, known as the Sulphur Springs. Finding some ne
cessary irons lacking, they dispatched Joel Hatch, on
horse-back, to Clinton, (the nearest black-smith's,) to
obtain them. Following Indian paths, after three days
absence, he returned with them. The cost of the irons
at the shop was trifling.
It was at thismUl that the first sermon ever preached
in town, and probably in the valley, was delivered in
1792, by the Rev. Blackleach Burritt.* His text, Isaiah
XXXV. 1 : " The -wUdemess and the solitary place shaU be
glad for them ; and the desert shaU rejoice, and blossom
*Mr. Burritt graduated at Tale, in 1765. That year, the British
Parliament laid a tax of two pounds g-terhng, (about ten dollars,) on
every diploma granted from any college in the colonies. He was a
zealous Whig, during the Revolutionary War; often carrying his
patriotism into his pulpit. He resided at that time on Long Island,
near the East River, about twenty mUes from New York city, which
was in the possession of the British armj. A party of British Sold
iers, guided by Tories, surrounded his house in the night, took him
prisoner, and hurried him into their boat ; not allowing time to put
on his clothes, until they had him safe on board. They sailed imme
diately for New Tork, where he was confined, most of the time, -with
other prisoners, in what was known as the " Sugar House."
He would preach to his fellow prisoners on the Sabbath, and admin
ister the consolations of religion to the sick and dying, under repeated
insults and threats, from a rude, unfeeUng soldiery. After about two
years captivity, expecting to be released on a particular day, he pre
pared a spicy sermon for the occasion, which the officers, knowing his
spirit and independence, were determined to prevent his dehvering.
Accordingly, when orders arrived for his discharge on the Monday
following, they released him on Saturday night previous. He request
ed permission to stay and preach to his countrymen on the Sabbath
day. They peremptorily refused, ordered him to leave immediately,
which to his deep regret, he was obhged to do.

16 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
as the rose." The emigrants, in the midst of their high
hopes of future prosperity, were disheartened by the ap
pearance of a hard frost, on the morning of the 1st of
September, succeeded by a premature snow, the effect
of which was so severe on vegetation, that the trees of
the forest were as effectually denuded of their foliage, by
the 15th of September, as is usual by the middle of Oc
tober. As they looked upon each other, almost in despair,
they would inquire. Is this a cold, frosty country ? Is the
climate unpropitious ? WUl our undertaking prove a
faUure ? The only answer that could be given was, our
all is at stake — we have purchased, and must abide the
issue, whether for better or for worse.
After sixty years residence in town, some of them
remarked, that they had never since seen frost or snow
equally severe, as early in the season. With these
gloomy forebodings they returned to their families, ex
cept Abraham Raymond, who having his with him, tar
ried upon the spot, residing part of the winter with the
settlers in Norwich.
During the winter and spring of 1793, most of them,
with their families, came on and took possession of their
land of promise. Some of the company employed In
dians to convey their baggage up the river, in their
canoes, at about twenty-five cents per hundred. After
wards, in their intercourse between the two settlements,
the less timid mothers, with their children, would trust
themselves to the skiU of these primitive navigators, as
preferable to traveling by cart and oxen through the
almost pathless woods ; and they never had cause to
complain of their want of gaUantry or honesty. Two
sons of Cornelius Clark, Job and John, started on foot,

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 17
in advance of their father and family. WhUe on their
way, they purchased a bag of flour, and carried it some
sixty or seventy mUes, upon their shoulders, together
with necessary utensils for camping in the woods and
clearing land. They built a hut three-fourths of a mile
from any of the other settlers, and commenced pioneer
life, cheered by the friendly interest in their welfare,
manifested by their neighbors. With energy and ambi
tion, these young men plied their task. The tangled
pile of prostrate trees, testified that they were not idle.
On a certain night, one of them, being left alone, was sud
denly aroused from the enjoyment of "nature's sweet
restorer," by his ever watchful dog springing upon his
bed, uttering a low growl. Peering through the dark
ness, he discovered in the dim light of the aperture, which
served for a door, the head of some wild animal, evidently
determined unceremoniously to scrape his acquaint
ance ! Not being disposed, unarmed and alone, to
entertain such company, he seized a log-chain, which prov
identially hung within reach, and hurled it violently at
the head of the unwelcome intruder, causing him to beat
a retreat, clamorously pursued by the faithful dog. The
terrific yells which succeeded, gave unmistakable evidence
to the panic-stricken listener, that deadly combat was
raging ! At length, the uproar without gradually sub
siding, evinced that the battle was drawing to a close —
leaving him to no enviable reflections upon his unpro
tected condition, impatiently awaiting the dawn of day.
The fate of his dog hung in suspense until late the next
afternoon, when he was discovered slowly advancing
towards the cabin, so seriously injured that he died in
two or three days.
After securing a shelter, barely sufficient to protect
their famUies from inclement storms, the great desidera-
b2

1 8 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
turn was to raise the requisite supply of provisions for
the ensuing year. In order to do this, it would first be
necessary to clear their lands, which would caU for aU
their energy to have it done in time to insure a crop.
The scarcity of seed among them at this time, espe
cially of the coarser kinds, was no small item in their
perplexities, as the following incident wiU disclose :
They had no potatoes, and none could be obtained
nearer than Otsego county. John Lathrop, with cart
and oxen, started to obtain a supply. After the usual
events incident to traveling in a new country — plunging
do-wa steep banks, and fording unbridged streams — he
finds himself across the UnadiUa river, where he was
enabled to obtain about twenty bushels of potatoes, of
a farmer, by the name of Dickey, who, some thirty or
forty years after, became a citizen of the town. Mr.
Lathrop, on his return was struggling to ascend the
west bank of the river, with his load, to accompUsh
which, required all the energy of himself and strength
of his team. When near the top, up tipped his cart-
body ! — out slid the hind board — down rolled the pota
toes into the mud and water below, with a speed that
contrasted finely (though not agreeably) with that of
their ascent. To remedy this mishap, there was no alter
native but to gather them into a basket, and carry them
upon his shoulders several rods up a steep, wet, and slip
pery bank, requiring some twenty or more journeys, up
and do-wn, to accompUsh. In relating this incident, he
said, " When I had to rush into the river to prevent
some of them from floating down the stream, to dig
others out of the mud, and -vdpe them on the grass or
my old frock, and lug them on my back up the hiU, I
thought my troubles were great." On the half-century
anniversary of the settlement, those who remained, had

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 19
a social gathering, at the house of Timothy Hatch, to
celebrate the day. Deacon Dickey introduced himself
among them, remarking, " Although I was not one of
the early settlers, I think myself entitled to a seat among
you, for supplying the first seed potatoes planted in the
town." This little reminiscence inaugurated him into
their fraternity with right good will.
LOG HOUSES.
Their houses were constructed of round logs, laid
upon the top of each other, and so notched at the ends,
as to lie as close as possible — the joints between being
filled -with small sticks, and plastered over -with clay
mortar. Its covering was often of bark, sometimes tem-
porarUy of brush. Openings were made for doors and
windows, a part of the logs cut away at one end, and a
few stones piled up for a back to the fire place, the bare
earth for a hearth and floor — a hole cut through the roof
for the escape of the smoke — as large a log as could be
conveniently managed, four or ten feet long, rolled
into the fire-place, with a forestick to correspond, raised
upon wooden " fire dogs ;" and then the good wife and
mother was prepared to commence the duties of her sta
tion. The inspiring influence of the hope and belief that
they shall see better days, banishes every murmur, and
sheds around her a halo of joy and cheerfulness. The
kettle adjusted on the top of the burning wood, the
pork and potatoes put therein, soon all are delightfully
foaming and boiling. The long-handled frying-pan, or
the short-handled spider is on the coals before the fire,
containing the Indian meal, moulded and prepared for
baking iato bread. Some unexpected movement of the
burning wood, causes the kettle to upset, precipitating
its contents into the fire ! The ashes and cinders raised

20 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
into a cloud, unmercifully pepper the half baked bread.
This mishap adjusted as weU as circumstances allow, the
frugal meal is arranged in due order, on the top pf a
large chest or- some rough board, supported at each
end on boxes or old barrels. The conch-shell echoing
through the woods, summons the husband and father
from his fallow ground, (which had been recently burnt
over,) begrimed and blackened with soot and smoke, as
thoroughly as the good house-wife's bread and pork.
The accident explained, they instinctively glance at their
child, express their joy and thankfulness that it was no
worse, and sit down to their simple repast, with grati
tude and cheerfulness.
Gradually, as their circumstances allow, improvements
are made. The blanket which has served as an apology
for a door, gives place to one made of boards ; it may be
smoothed with the plane, or in its rough state ; hung on
wooden hinges of rude construction, with wooden latch
and handle. A string connected with the latch, runs
through the door' and hangs on the outside.
For want of glass, they substitute oUed paper. For a
floor, some suitable tree is cut, rent in twain -with the
beetle and wedge, leveled with the hewing ax, and may
or may not be, slightly smoothed with the plane ; and
then laid across a few poles adjusted upon the ground,
leaving a suitable space for the hearth and fire-place.
Let all who reside in the house, or who may enter it,
take good care of their pocket knives, or other small
articles of value, lest they find their way through the
crevices of the floor, and disappear from sight.
Let the gallant, who in self-complacency poises one
leg upon his knee and rocks back in his seat, (strapping
his new jack-knife upon his boot,) look well to his posi-

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 21
tion, lest the legs of his chair explore the vicinity of a
crack, seek a resting place below, and come out minus
half their number, himself sprawling upon the floor, rub
bing his elbows and scratching his head.
This room constituted kitchen, nursery, parlor, and to
a certain extent, lumber room. The bed snugly adjusted
in one corner, on some rude structure — was surrounded
and adorned with sheets or blankets for curtains.
The pantry consisted of wide boards, one above
another, resting on long pins driven into the logs.
These shelves were adorned with pewter plates, from
six inches to two feet in diameter, arranged in rows set
up on edge, with cups, mugs, and basios, all polished to
such a degree that your own image would be distinctly
reflected from theu- surfaces. Pewter constituted mainly
their table furniture, even to their spoons, whether for
table or tea. At that day, there was but one set of silver
spoons in the town. The tradition is, that CorneUus Clark
had a pair of silver shoe-buckles, sent him from a rela
tive in England, and that he had them melted down and
-wrought into tea-spoons, which are now in the posses
sion of some of his grand-chUdren. When they were
able to obtain boards, the roofs of their houses were more
substantially covered, and some laid loosely over head
for a chamber floor, for lodging room for their children,
-visitors and strangers, which was reached by climbing a
ladder. All lodgers therein might reasonably expect,
that by some unpropitious movement of the wind, a
volumn of smoke would be rolled through the apart
ment of sufficient density to silence the buzz, and pre
vent the sting of the musquito, lea-ving them to dry their
tears the best they could.
A shelf would generally be suspended from the beams

22 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
over head, about one foot below the chamber floor,
which served as a depository for almost -every article not
wanted for immediate use. A social party was seated
one afternoon around the table of Joel Hatch. The tea
having been poured out and distributed, the mistress of
the house remarked, " Mr. Hatch, perhaps some of our
friends would like some sugar in their tea, wont you
hand it down ? its over where Mr. Gilmore sits." Mr.
Gilmore rising, took it from the shelf, and commenced
knockiog off fragments with his knife. After repeated
blows, he exclaimed, " I declare ! this is the hardest cake
of sugar I ever saw, it makes my knife strike fire !" and
laying it down, began drinking his tea. Mr. Hatch took
up the fragment to sweeten his tea. After striking one
or two blows, he stopped, saying, " Well might Mr. GU-
more call this hard sugar ! its a piece of a grindstone !"
Mr. Gilmore replied, he had not discovered but his tea
was very well sweetened.
A broom made of hemlock-boughs, or smaU twigs of
beech, would give unmistakable evidence of ha-ving been
frequently caUed upon to keep things neat and tidy,
around the mansion.
For that necessary article, a cradle, owing to the scar
city of mechanics, a sap-trough, for a brief space, would
be substituted, and the " Uttle darUng " rocked to quiet
ness and sleep, under the musical tones of " luUaby," -with
as much promptness and success, as ever attended its
more aristocratic name-sake.
Instead of the piano, their music would be the buzz
and hum of the spinning wheel — the echo of the wood
man's ax — and the crash of falUng trees.
There was great equality among them. AU were in
debt for their lands, for the payment of which, together

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 23
¦with the supply of their daUy recurring wants, they were
dependent entirely on the products of their partially sub
dued farms, and were obliged to practice in their domes
tic arrangements, the most rigid economy. Their dress
was of the plainest kind, in the manufacture of which,
every pound of flax, from the hatchel to the distaff, every
fleece of wool, from the cards and spindle to the loom,
must pass through the manipulations of the good ma
tron's or her budding daughter's hands. Their own
ingenuity and skill must be exercised in dying every
article of their wardrobe, the materials for which could
only be obtained from the forest around them, such as
the Butternut, Soft-Maple, Witch-hazel, Sumac, &c. ; or
from the more aristocratic Indigo tub, which, as a matter
of course must stand as an ornament by the side of every
fire-place, especially in cold weather. If its odor is offen
sive, you have only to remove to a niore respectful dis
tance, and no offence wUl be given or taken. The
mothers, all honor to their names, whether prepared for
company, or dressed for church, would be clad in checked
linen garments, every thread of which had passed through
their busy fingers. The plaids -with their blending shades
and arrangements, were matters of their own fancy and
taste. After beiag fitted and prepared !iccording to their
knowledge of the mantua-niaker's arts, and ha-ving been
subjected to the polish of the smoothing iron, this dress
would bestow upon its wearer as much dignity and
sracefulness, as can be found within the folds of silk or
satin at the present day.
The fleece of wool of " nature's darkest dye," taken
from the " good old black sheep," and sparsely mixed
with that of the white, would, through the doating
mother's energy and skiU, clothe her sons in garments,
which to her fond view, would not disgrace them in the

24 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
eyes of some lovely damsel, if it did not recommend them
to their good graces and affections.
In the supply of their tables, they confined themselyes
from necessity, to such kinds of food as afforded the most
nutriment, with the least labor and expense ; prominent
among which were beans and Indian corn. The morn
ing and evening repast, generally consisted of " hasty
pudding," eaten in milk, or, in its more primitive form,
spread over with maple molasses, the sight of which,
when being prepared by the ever indulgent mother,
would cause a noisy scramble among the Uttle urchins,
reminding us of the acme of three boys, while enjoying
-with great gusto such a meal, " I wish we were three
kings, then we would have clean ruffled shirts to wear, a
new coal-cart to ride in, and eat puddin' and 'lasses for
ever." Bean porridge, flavored by being boiled with
salt beef or pork, was no uncommon article of food upon
their tables. Their bread in its simplest form was
" Johnny cake," baked in a spider, or on a board set up
on edge before the open fire-place ; or the loaf of Indian
bread, compounded with pumpkins, to make it moist and
sweet, baked in a wrapper of cabbage leaves, under a
bed of burning coals, which could not fail to gratify
the most delicate palate. Gradually, as their clearings
increased, wheat became their more common bread, but
of such a quality as would at the present day be con
demned as unfit for use, in consequence of the mixture of
cockle, chess, smut, and other impurities, which grew in
their fields in rank luxuriance around remaining logs and
stumps. Their only contrivance for cleaning grain was a hand fan,
made of wiUow wicker-work, in using which, by a peculiar
toss, aided by a dexterous movement of the knee against

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 25
the underside, the grain received an upward impulse,
when a portion of the chaff would be blown away. After
t'his process had been repeated a number of times, it
was passed through a coarse sieve or riddle, and then
elevated high in the air, and poured in a gentle stream.
through a current of wind upon the threshing floor.
This, though slow, tedious, and imperfect, was the best
means they had, until mUls for cleaning grain were intro
duced. S-wine, which were easUy fattened by the aid of acrons,
beech-nuts and other " shack," constituted their standard
meat. When cooked in any of its multifarious forms, it
was customary for the master of the house to cut it into
small pieces, and place it in the centre of the table, after
which, each, fork in hand, would help himself, mouthful
by mouthful. It would have been thought as selfish and
vulgar at that day, to take a slice of meat upon your
own plate, as it is at this, to be repeatedly helping your
self from the dish. This was the custom of the people,
and sanctioned by the times.
When the fatted calf was kiUed, or lamb slain, they
would distribute portions to their near neighbors, who,
in due time, returqpd the compUment without refer
ence to the balance. They would mutually arrange the
time when each should kUl, so that they might, at suit
able intervals, be accommodated with a piece of " fresh."
Trout abounded in the small streams, and -with venison
occasionally, and other trophies of the huntsman, formed
no undesirable portion of their animal food. The tin
milk-pan, or the wooden bowl, would adorn one end of
the table, weU fiUed -with ample sized dough-nuts, which,
in modern times, are nearly supplanted, by stinted crul
lers, miffs, jumbles, and deleterious sweet cakes, that
make us sigh for the good old days of yore.

26 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
GRIST MILL.
The nearest mill for grinding grain, was at Whites-
to-wn, about forty miles distant, reached only by Indian
foot-paths, leading through a dense unbroken forest. For
more than two years, this and the mortar and pestle,
was their only resource. Some of the more ingenious
would attach a spring to the pestle, which materiaUy les
sened the labor of pounding.
Some of the first grists taken to null, were from neces
sity carried on horseback, or on oxen yoked together,
and one or more bags of grain lashed to their backs,
vrith others hanging across the yoke between them.
This mode of miUing was evidently inconvenient and
unprofitable. In order to carrymore at a time, they con
structed a " dray " or " carry all," by cutting a crotched
tree of suitable dimensions, and so attaching one end to
the yoke, that the two branching limbs shall spread out
and drag upon the ground behind the oxen. By pin
ning cross pieces to these, and driving stakes into their
sides, they were enabled to pile their bags of grain
thereon. Two or more men, lea"ving behind them loved
ones, with no neighbor in sight or hearing, anxiously
awaiting their return, seize their Sxes, shoulder their
musket, and plunge into the wUd wood, clearing away
such obstacles as block their path — ^fording streams and
climbing their precipitous banks. Their cattle, at times,
sink to their bodies in the mire. They struggle, floun
der, and flounce to extricate themselves, but aU to no pur
pose. They are unyoked, and by hard pulling and pry
ing, released. Onward is the motto. Night overtakes
them. They camp as best they may — build their barri
cade — examine their musket, pick the flint — renew its
priming — commit one eye to Morpheus, while the other

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 27
Stands sentinel over the camp, ready to give the alarm
on the approach of the common enemies that prowl in
the forest, which, from their growl and howl, and fresh
tracks recently seen, are kno-wn to be near. A blazing
fire, Uke a guardian angel keeps them at bay. They
arise at da-wn to re-enact each day in substance, the toUs
of the preceding. Five or six days of precious time
would thus be spent in procuring sustenance for their o-wn
and some of their neighbors' famiUes, until, -with joy,
they find themselves on their return, and approaching
their little clearing. At length, their log-cabin heaves
in sight, their bosoms swell with emotion — a Uttle
daughter, with blooming rose colored cheeks, discovers
her father, bounds into the house, dancing -with joy, and
exclaims, " Oh, mamma ! mamma ! daddy has come !
daddy has come ! now we shall have something besides
pounded corn to eat — some good new wheat bread to
crumble into our bean porridge, shant we ? — wont you
make some short-cake? — Oh! oh!* oh!"
It is worthy of note, that at this time, there were but
two log-houses where the city of Utica now stands, four
miles east of Whitestown. Such incidents it is weU to
record, that the generation now growing up in comfort,
ease, and luxuiy, may, by comparing the present -with
the past, realize how great is the labor, and how many
the privations of those who first settle and buUd up a
new country. Great was their rejoicing, when their
landlord generously offered to furnish the irons, mill
stones, and other articles which could not be obtained
upon the spot, and ship them to Albany, agreeing to
take the mill when finished, at a fair valuation in pay-
ment towards their land, deducting the amount he had
advanced. This proposition was readily accepted, and
steps immediately taken to carry it into effect.

28 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
To get their mill-stones from Albany was a herculean
task, such heavy articles, such ways as the primitive con
dition of the country furnished, (for roads they could
not be called, roads were yet in the future,) would appal
almost any men but such as these. Their stout hearts,
and indomitable energy, were adequate to every emer
gency. Two men, one of whom was John Lathrop,
started with sled and oxen, the latter part of winter, to
obtain them. Slow indeed was their progress. Day
after day, their voices would echo among the trees, as
they cheered their teams — now starting the bounding
deer, anon frightening the nimble fa-wn — now joining
teams to surmount this hill — now to cross that stream,
and climb its abrupt bank — ^now breaking through
nature's bridge of ice, and extricating themselves from
their difficult position, in the best manner circumstances
allow, until their formidable task was successfuUy accom
plished.* In the spring of 1794, Joel Hatch buUt a temporary
hut, and commenced operations upon the mUl. He was
three miles from his nearest neighbor, with his wife and
two small chUdren.
As the evening twUight begins to hover around, the
dense forest lends its aid to render the scene monoton
ous and solemn. In subdued quietness they seat them
selves before the blazing fire, buUt where the hearthstone
ought to be. The good old cow, lies upon the ground,
near the door, chewing her cud, gently sounding her
beU as she sways to and fro, when the howl of the wolf,
from some distant hiU-top, breaks the silence that reigns
around. Wolf answers wolf, from among the neighbor
ing hills — wolf answers wolf, from hill and vale, on every
*It took three weeks to perform the journey.

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 29
side, gi-vdng unmistakable evidence that a pack are near !
A glance at the door, satisfies the inmates that a blanket
only, is a poor barrier against famishing half-starved
wolves. A large chest is hurriedly placed behind it, rest
ing on its lower edge. Chairs, boxes, anything at hand,
which -will aid in blocking the entrance, are pUed thereon.
A solemn stUlness succeeds, for some half-hour. These
noctural visitors, ip the mean time, reconnoiter the pre
mises, halt near the door, and, without warning, raise on
the wings of the wind, a prolonged yM, that rever
berates from hUl to hUl, to the consternation of the
inmates of the house ! The cow leaped to her feet, and
made the circuit of the house so furiously, that the clat
ter of her beU caused the wolves, -with equal fear and
fright, to beat a retreat. AU was sUent the remainder
of the night, save an occasional howl from some distant
hiUs. The mUl, where the above scene took place, was the
first erected for grinding grain in the town, and undoubt
edly in the county, and is located about four mUes north
of the -viUage, in the north west quarter, on the Hand
some Brook. It is now owned by Walter Firman. I
am aware that Preston and Norwich, both claim priority ;
but Sherburne people would not have gone to Whites-
town to get their grinding done, if there had been a miU
at either of those places. Neither would Nor-wich have
resorted to Tioga Point, as she is said to have done, in
Clark's History of the County, if Preston had a miU at
that time. Besides, people Uving in Norwich, are known
to have brought grain to this mUl very early.
Soon after it was put in operation, it became expedi
ent for the daughter of CorneUus Clark to " go to miU."
Caty, who was just budding into womanhood, was weU
pleased with the prospects of a ride of four miles through
o2

30 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
the woods on horse-back. " She was'nt afraid, no, not
she." Being detained longer than she expected, she
started rather late on her return. When -within one
mile of her father's house, her horse gave an unexpected
spring, which brought her and the bag of meal to the
ground. Striking upon her feet, and maintaining her
hold upon the bridle, the first object she saw, was two
fiery eyeballs, glaring through the t-wUight darkness,
directly upon her ! Scarcly realizing how it happened,
she found herself astride her horse ; and not incUned, if
she could, to check his speed, bent aU her energies to
maintain her seat in the saddle. On reachkig home,
with natural excitement, she related her adventure. The
family -with one accord endeavored to allay her fright,
by pretending to think she was more " scared than hurt."
They did not deem it advisable, however, to go in search
of the bag until the next morning, when they disco-sr-
ered the well known tracks of a large wolf, iri its imme
diate vicinity!
There have been, including the above, eight milk for
grinding grain erected in to-wn — there are now only
two in operation.
At an early day, a grist mill was built by John GU-
more, close to the FaUs, known as the Sulphur Springs.
The water was conducted by a spout through the roof.
The road leading to it, was do-wn a smaU ravine from the
north, running under a bridge, over which the Cherry
Valley turnpike road passed. The ravine, under the
bridge, has since been filled up, and no trace of the
bridge or miU remains. There have been twenty-one or
two miUs for sawing lumber, running at different times,
-within the bounds of Sherburne. At this day, there are
but twelve.
The remainder of the town, after this begining, was

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 31
settled with unusual rapidity. In seven years, the num
ber of inhabitants had increased to twelve hundred and
eighty-two. Many of these proved to be kindred spirits,
drawn hither by the prospect of enjoying a well regu
lated Christian Society, -with organized Churches and
Schools. They were ready and wilUng at aU times to
throw their influence upon the side of good order,
moraUty and reUgion, and were honored with offices of
trust and responsibility, the duties of which they dis
charged with credit to themselves, and satisfaction to
the people.
FIRST PAYMENT FOR THEIR LANDS.
When the first payment for their lands became due,
their landlord, Benjamin Walker, mounted his horse and
came to -witness the progress and prosperity of the set
tlers and receive his dues. He met them at the house of
Cornelius Clark. The money at that day was chiefly
sUver. One of them having brought his in a common
miU bag, Mr. Walker purchased it, and added the
remainder of his receipts. When ready to depart, he
swung it across his horse, and vaulted into his saddle,
with the air and attitude of a miU boy, which excited the
merriment, and called forth the jokes of the spectators.
They wished to know " how much toll " the miUer was
entitled to for grinding his grist, &o. As he bowed
himself away, the settlers jocosely cautioned him to be
on his guard, lest by riding against some protruding
limb, he should rend his bag and scatter his grist along
the path, a misfortune which sometimes happened. I
would by no means be understood to intimate that the
bag was so full, that he experienced any difficulty in
tying its mouth; or, that it was so heavy, that he
required assistance to lay it across his horse.

32 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
FIRST SCHOOL.
The first school organized for -winter, was at the house
of Nathaniel Gray, one and a half mUes north of the
yUlage. Two log houses having been erected adjoining
¦each other, to accomodate two families, one of them was
vacated for the benefit of the school. A pedagogue, by
the name of  Gardner, was employed to teach it;
when exercising a class in speUing, he put the word
book — the scholar speUed it b-u-k — the teacher pro
nounced it right. Edward Gray, son of John Gray, dis
puted this. The master, in order to maintain the dignity
of his station, undertook to correct him corporeally ; a
scuffle ensued, from which the teacher came out second
best. The result was, the school was broken up for the
remainder of the -winter.
TOWN MEETING.
The first Town Meeting was warned by the To-wn
Clerk of Paris,* to meet at the house of Timothy Hatch,
on the first Tuesday of AprU, 1795. They met in a log-
house. Isaac Foote was chosen moderator, and Oramus
Holmes, Town Clerk.f
* Four years previous to that date, it was a part of Whitestown.
f Oramus Holmes was a soldier of the Revolution, a resident of
Vermont. At the age of 17, he enhsted into one of the regiments of the
celebrated "Green Mountain Boys." He was -with Gen. Montgomery
in his expedition against Quebec. About the period of the evacua
tion of Ticonderoga by the British, he and a companion while out on
a scouting expedition, were taken prisoners, conveyed to Quebec,
and confined on board a prison ship. Making their escape in the
ship's boat, with two others, they crossed the St. La-wrence, struck
into the -wilderness, without compass or guide, and traveled seventeen
days in a -wild, dreary, and unsettled region, subsisting for the first
seven days on four hard biscuits, and eight ounces' salt pork, per day,

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 33
The Eighth and Ninth Townships were set off from
Paris, as the Town of Sherburne, three years after the
first Town Meeting, in 1798.
Chenango county was foi-med the same year, from
parts of' Herkimer and Tioga counties, and extended
from Oneida Lake to the Susquehanna River, and
included Madison county. Madison was taken from
Chenango, in 1806.
The Town received its cognomen, according to tradi
tion, in the foUo-wing manner : After the bounds had
been agreed upon, the question was asked by one of the
members of the Legislature, " What name shall we
give it ?" The reply was, " The inhabitants of that
place, always sing in their religious meetings, a tune
caUed Sherburne ; I think that name -wUl suit them bet
ter than any other."
I have taken the Town Records for my guide, in set
tling the time when Sherburne was first organized. As
and the remaining ten days on the inner bark of the White Pine, and
a few fish caught with their hands. After so many days of hunger,
toil and anxiety, while fording a river, and when midway of the stream,
they were discovered and retaken by a party of Indians in their canoes,
coming suddenly around a bend in the river, and carried back to Que
bec, where they were again imprisoned with others on the second
floor of a two story building, under a guard of eighteen men. Mr.
Holmes, -with two of his fellow prisoners, escaped by leaping to the
ground, evading the guard, crossing the river, and again striking into
the -wilderness. After many days of wandering and suffering, they
reached the frontier settlements of "Vermont in safety. In March,
1194 or 6, he settled in Sherburne, and soon united -with the Congre
gational Church, and cheerfully co-operated in all plans for the estab
lishment of civil and religious institutions, and whatever contributed
to the growth and prosperity of the settlement. In 1805, he removed
to the shores of Lake Erie. After living there 27 years, he removed
to Ohio, and there died, aged SI.

34 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
there are unaccountable discrepancies found in the laws
and other publications, in regard to the time when the
county and town were first organized, I advise great
caution in aU who would seek accuracy upon that sub
ject. I beUeve the above is a correct version of the
matter. FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Nathaniel Gray was the first Justice of the Peace
appointed in the town. He was not a man of brUliant
talents, but had the faculty to win from all veneration
and respect. His counsels were received as words of
wisdom, and his opinions as law. The reUgious and
moral atmosphere which he diffused around aU his actions,
gave him a commanding influence over men, which few
in any community possess. He was the Patriarch of the
settlers — a man -without an enemy — a burning and shin
ing light in the Church. He and Abraham Raymond
were chosen Deacons of the First Congregational
Church, in Sherburne, at the time of its organization,
1794. Both of these men were soldiers in the French
War. Mr. Gray ha-ving been honorably discharged,
returned home. The next season, Abraham Raymond
entered the service, and was marched upon the same
ground, which was near the south end of Lake ChaM-
plain in the vicinity of Lake George and Crown Point.
He was taken sick, and was unable to get home without
assistance. With the spirit of the good Samaritan, Mr.
Gray mounted his horse and went to his rescue, riding
some two hundred mUes from Kent, Litchfield county,
Conn., through more than one hundred mUes of unset
tled woods and wilds, exposed to hostUe bands of French
and Indians, then in open war -with the colonies, and
known to be lurking around. He found him weak and

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE. 36
feeble, unable to mount a horse without assistance.
Riding behind and supportmg himself as well as he
could, they rode a few mUes and halted. By frequent
short journeys, rests, and careful nursing, he gradually
increased in strength, and finally arrived home in safety ;
and more than twenty-five years afterwards, they became
associates in forming a new settlement in the VaUey of
Chenango, and in leading church and society in the
paths of Christian duty and usefulness.
The impress, which the religious character of these
two men stamped upon society, and the institutions they
were instrumental in founding, are to this day exerting
a salutary influence upon comunity. When we consider
the almost normal condition of things in this valley at
that early day — no organized to-wn or county for some
years — aU recently from the tented field — State laws few
and almost unkno-wn by the people — their magistrate
with but Umited guide by which to square his official con
duct, well may we marvel that so per:%ct order, peace and
quietness should prevail. We can account for this only
by their unwavering aUegiance to the laws of heaven,
and the confidence so impUcitly placed in their Moses
and Joshua, to judge righteous judgment over them.
The law as administered by him, was not the " rich man's
shield and buckler — ^the good man's terror, the poor
man's scourge." Deacon Gray died June, 1810. Dea
con Raymond died 1830.
FIRST LAWSUIT.
The first lawsuit in town, was before Nathaniel Gray,
Esq. Da-vid Perry had discovered a dog, belonging to
Weston G. Thomas, chasing and worrying his sheep.
The owner, not regarding the repeated complaints that
his dog was in the habit of so doing — that sheep had

36 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
been recently kUled, and they had reason to believe his
dog was guilty of the deed. Mr. Perry kUled the dog.
Mr. Thomas entered complaint, and caused a writ to be
served upon him for damages. The news spread and
became the universal topic of conversation. The moral
sense of the community was shocked. That one neigh
bor should go to law with another, was an event which
could not be tolerated. The excitement became general.
A gentleman by the name of Poyers, now residing in
the lower part of the county, says, that at the time and
place designated for the trial, he was present — that
nearly every adult male in the town was there, intent on
effecting a compromise, which was so readUy acceded
to by the parties, when brought together, that the
people were taken by surprise. Their friendly remon
strances against the spirit of Utigation, brought to Ught
the fact that a certain pettifogger, by the name of 
WUder, (who had recently come into the place,) had
counseled him to p^psecute, evidently for the purpose of
pocketing a fee. This fact, turned the indignation of aU
upon the gentleman of law. They spontaneously resolved.
themselves into a committee, and delegated some of their
number to wait on the barrister, and inform him that his
presence in the town could be dispensed with — that his
antecedents were distasteful to the people, and that the
sooner he left the place, the more agreeable it would be
to them ; at the same time remarking, if he decided to
tarry among them, his person and property would not
be molested, but he might rest assured they should avoid
all intercourse, if not deaUngs with him. The spirit and
opposition manifested by the people against the course
he had pursued, convinced him that the sooner he was
away, the better it would be for him. To the joy of the
community, in less than one year after he came into the
town, he was seen on his way out of it.

HISTOET OP SHEEBUENB. 37
With the twenty proprietors, the writer was person-
aUy acquainted, and has often heard them " fight their
battles o'er." There was not a low or groveUing spirit
among them. Every individual, from personal worth,
commanded and received respect. Litigation between
any of them was an e-^ent, which never, to my knowl
edge, took place. Such was their confidence in each
other's honor and honesty, that in traffic, they would trust
their neighbor to weigh and measure for himself, what
ever article he wished to obtain. They lived more like
members of the same family, than neighbors having
separate interests.
They were generally Congregationalists in their church
organization and belief — Calvinists in doctrine — zealous
supporters of education, morality, and religion — given to
hospitality g,nd brotherly kindness. None of them pos
sessed more than a common school education, and that
very meagre, compared to the scientific attainments of
the present generation; but they -were men of strong
minds and unbending integrity. United in their views,
they controlled the political character of the town.
They were Whigs in sentiment and poUcy. During all
the varying phases of party names, they stood true to
their principles. The spirit of '76 had almost uncon
trollable ascendency over them. To question their devo
tion to their country, was touching the " apple of the
eye." As characteristic of these men, the following
anecdote may not be inappropriate: After the town
had been settled fifteen or sixteen years, national poli
tics caused party spirit to run rather high through the
land. Newcomb Raymond, having business at the
county seat, on his return, called on Col. Mead, who
kept a public house near North Norwich bridge. They
soon got into a political discussion upon certain measures
D

38 HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB.
then before the country. Col. M^d defended and Mr.
Raymond opposed them. Mr. Mead growing warm,
indiscreetly exclaimed, that all who were opposed to said
measures were Tories. This declaration roused the
lion. " Col. Mead ! when you were in your cradle, I
was following Gen. Washington, leaving my foot-prints
marked on the snow and ice, in blood ! To be called a
Tory by you, is too much for flesh and blood to bear ;
nothing but your being in your own house saves you a
drubbing ! If you say it again, that shan't save you."
The fire and bearing of this man, who was among those,
who, at midnight, under Generals HamUton and Lafay
ette, entered the first redoubt taken from CornwaUis, at
Yorktown, Virginia, bayonet in hand, -without flint in his
gun,* awed the Colonel, and he said no more.
The greater proportion of these, and many of the early
settlers with them, had done more or less active service
in the Revolutionary War, battUng for their rights, liber
ties, and independence. Some of them assisted in taking
Canada from the French. Two were at the taking of
CornwaUis. Others at the battle of Saratoga, aided in
compelling Burgoyne to surrender his arms and army,
to Gen. Gates. Some were at the battle of German-
town, and in various other places of less note in our
Revolutionary history.
Their number was rapidly increased, by men of moral
and religious principles, drawn hither by their unity of
faith, and strong desire to begin life where they and
their families could have church and school privileges,
which gave to Sherburne, as a town, its moral and reU
gious reputation. They were conservatives, deeply im-
* They took them out, lest an accidental discharge should betray
their approach to the enemy.

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 39
bued -with the principles of their Puritan forefathers — a
law abiding community. The observance of the Sab
bath, as holy time, was to them a matter of conscience,
strictly enforced in their famiUes, by example as well as
precept. Among the first complaints for breach of the
peace, was one for desecration of the Sabbath, entered
by John Gray, Sen., (a UniversaUst,) against a party of
men and boys, who had been seen upon the river, fish
ing through the ice on that day. They were duly
arraigned, reprimanded, and punished by fine. Such
were their conscientious scruples, in all matters relating
to the desecration of the Sabbath, that, about 1809, they
carried their ideas of duty so far, as to attempt stopping
by force, people who were traveling through the to-wn,
upon secular business, on that day. The laws of the
State authorized them, in no equivocal terms, to stop and
detain aU such untU the Sabbath was past, and then
take them before a magistrate, whose duty it was to
impose a fine upon them. In attempting to put this law
in force, opposition was aroused, resistance made, and
lawsuits ensued. The law was so unpopular, and pubUc
opinion so manifestly against all attempts to carry it into
execution, that they became convinced that it was, to
say the least, of doubtful propriety, and aU things consid
ered, inexpedient. When we recollect that our wise
legislators saw fit to pass such a law, and the Governor
of the State to sanction it by his signature, we cannot
wonder that men, having the fear of God before their
eyes, should feel it to be their duty, by all lawful means,
to carry it into effect. Whatever censure we are dis
posed to pass upon them for their misguided zeal, must,
with equal, if not with greater force, apply to the law
making power.
Soon after the organization of the town and county.

40 HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE.
Joel Hatch was appointed Justice of the Peace, as suc
cessor to Esquire Gray, whose age and infirmities ren
dered it expedient that he should resign. Esquire
Hatch was retained in that office some fifteen or sixteen
years. He was the subject of many jokes and anecdotes
among the people, ready on any occasion and every
emergency, with a well timed story, or an appropriate
aijecdote. At home, in any company, free, frank, and
sociable — never disconcerted at any blunder or mishap
that might light upon his shoulders. With fastidious
ness or the toilet, he had little or no affinity. Plain in
matter and manner — fearless and original — backed by a
strong mind and a retentive memory — well posted in
all public measures, civil or religious — remarkable for
recognizing any individual with whom he had been ever
so slightly acquainted — once anchored upon any import
ant principle, you might as well attempt to "batter
down the rook of Gibralter with a pocket poistol," as
to move him from his moorings. No matter -with how
renowned a politician, or how celebrated a divine he
was conversing, if he differed -with him ujion any point,
he was ready to charge in battle array, in a tumbUng
rather than a rolling manner, with arguments and opin
ions so unique and original, as to command attention
and win respect. His style and manner, when aroused,
was that of the rasp, rather than the polishing file.
In the early days of his public career, (1808,) a vote
to divide the Eighth and Ninth Townships, which, until
then had formed the town of Sherburne, was, after
strenuous opposition from influential men, under consi
derable excitement, obtained. As the Legislature was
then in session, it was considered advisable to appoint an
agent to go forthwith, and present a petition for an act,
authorizing the division. Esquire Hatch, was, accord-

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE. 41
ingly appointed. On arriving at Albany, he presented
his petition in due form before the Legislature, where he
found that a strong array of opposition was organized.
After some time had been spent upon the question, by
the members, one of them remarked, "Perhaps the dele
gate can give us some information upon the subject, let
us hear him." He arose at once, and was entering into
the merits of the case, in his peculiar manner, riveting
the attention of the house to such a degree, that the
opposition became annoyed ; and in order to break him
down, raised the question of his right to address the
House, -wishing to know if Esq. Hatch was a member,
&c. This interruption, and these remarks, were received
by him as an infringement upon his right of petition, for
the obtaining of which, he had shouldered his musket in
the Revolutionary War. It aroused the spirit and energy
that had carried him to the tented field. His sten
torian voice instantly rang through the hall — " I came
here with a petition from the people ! I am one of the
people ! I have a right to be heard, and I wUl be heard!"
He was heard in sUent attention and evident delight, by
the House. The object of his mission was soon accom
plished to his own, and his constituents' satisfaction.
The first two lawyers, who settled in the town, with
the view of practicing their profession, were Jonathan
Pettit, and Ezra Osborn. Their company, as lawyers,
was looked upon with jealousy, as tending to promote
rather than allay the spirit of litigation. Nearly, if not
quite, their first debiit at a regularly contested suit, was
before Esq. Hatch, who was frequently under the influ
ence of somnolency ; but when spoken to, was instantly
aroused. The testimony finished, the lawyers com
menced their pleadings. Esq. Osborn having completed
his, Esq. Pettit began speaking in reply. The afternoon
d2

42 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
being warm and sultry, he soon discovered the magis
trate nodding upon the bench. Being ambitious to
acquit himself with honor, and establish his fame for
legal lore, he thus addressed him : " I would thank the
Court to keep awake, as there are some very important
points which I wish to present for its consideration.
" Go on, go on, the Court wUl hear you." Esq. Pettit
proceeding, was again annoyed, by observing rather
more whalebone elasticity in the neck of the Justice
than he thought compatible with the dignity of his sta
tion, or consistent vrith the due appreciation of his argu
ments, and renewed his request for the special attention
of the Court. Esq. Hatch, arousing from his lethargy,
with his accustomed promptness and vivacity, repUed :
" Never mind, never mind, I decided the case more than
an hour ago ; but I thought I would let you earn your
dollar ;" which so disconcerted him, that he sat do-wn,
observing, " Then, aU I can say wUl be of no avaU."
Judgment was rendered in favor of his client.
After Esq. Hatch had served a few years as a magis
trate, a number of Associate Justices were appointed,
among whom was Stephen Benedict. He was his anti-
pode in matter and manner. The contrast was instruct
ive and amusing. One, bold, defiant, and determined ;
the other, mUd, attractive, and winning — one in-riting,
rather than shunning, responsibility — the other, avoid
ing it if possible, but never shrinking from it, when
necessary. Two men apparently more uncongenial, are
seldom associated together, yet, no two individuals, in
pubUc business, ever harmonized better.
Others, in various parts of the to-wn, were, from time
to time, appointed as their associates and successors, of
some of whom, honorable mention might be made, but

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 43
their increasing numbers renders the attempt inexpe
dient. The foUowing incident may be taken as a sample of
the moral integrity of the town officers at that day :
At a state election, a certain individual offering his
vote, one of the board who knew him to be an iUegal
voter, began to question him, when an unscrupulous jfer-
tizan whispered in his ear, " He is one of our party."
The reply was, " I know no party here." He turned
away, saying, " Upon my word, this is the most honest
board I ever knew." JUDGES.
The first Court of Common Pleas, held in Chenango
county, was convened at the school-house, in the town
of HamUton, near the residence of Elisha Payne, June
1798. Madison county, at that time was part of Che
nango. Isaac Foote, of the Eighth Township, now
Smyrna, presided as First Judge, and held the office ten
years.* In 1808, Joel Thompson, of Sherburne, succeeded
him, and remained upon the bench several years, and
was also a member of the Legislature. In 1813, John
Gray, jr., of Sherburne, took a seat upon the bench, as
Associate Judge. Tilly Lynde, also in 1816 , and PhUo
Robinson, in 1841.
The first jail limits in the county, were established by
* Judge Foote, was the first member of the Legislature from this
region. He was appointed to represent the interests of the people in
this vicinity, when it was included in the county of Herkimer. He
teld a distinguished place in the public eye, and won their confidence
and respect to such a degree, that aU felt that the "Ship of State "
would be safe -with such men ou board.

44 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
the Court of Common Pleas, July 1799, at Sherburne
Four Corners, adjacent to the residence of Josiah Pur-
dy, occupying an area of three acres. The jaU of the
county was at Whitesto-wn, untU 1808.
CIRCUIT COURT.
The first Circuit Court was held on the 10th of July,
1798, in the Academy in the town of Oxford. James
Kent presided. There was no business transacted at this,
nor the second term, for want of litigants.
STORE.
The first Store was opened by James Elmore, about
one and a half miles north of the viUage, on the farm
now owned by Asa Foote, jr. He also hung out the
first sign for an Inn, and built the first framed house in
the town. He was the first Post Master appointed ia
the place. His commission bears date January, 1801,
signed by Joseph Habersham, Post Master General. The
first painted house in town was James Sherburne's.
CARDING MACHINE.
The first Machine for Carding Wool, was erected by
Simeon Paddleford, in 1804, one mile below the viUage,
on the Chenango river. It is said that this was one of
the first two Carding Machines, brought into this coun
try. It was at the same place that the first establish
ment, in the Ninth Township, for fulling and dressing
cloth, was set up by Aaron Mills. Before that time,
Joseph Collins had a fulling mill in operation, in the
Eighth Township, now Smyrna, which, probably, was
the first mUl of the kind ever erected within the present
bounds of Chenango county. The fii-st settler in the

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 45
Eighth To"wnship was Joseph Porter, who came in the
same year as the Twenty Proprietors.
WOOLEN FACTORY.
The first Woolen Factory was erected by William
Newton, in 1812, on the Handsome Br.ook, one mile
north of Sherburne viUage. It was twice burned down
and then abandoned.
Joel Hatch's Machine Shop, was buUt the same year,
on the same dam. The first Turning Lathe in the town,
and probably, in the county, was set up by him, for the
purpose of turning the various parts of Spinning Wheels.
It consisted of a spring-pole, fastened over head, near
the chamber floor. A cord attached to one end of it,
then wound around the article to be turned, the lower
end fastened to a foot-piece. Pressing this -with the
foot would cause the stick to revolve a number of times.
On releasing the pressure, the spring pole would return
to its former position, causing the stick to roll alter
nately, backwards and forwards. It was on such lathes
that he and his master did their turning, and they were
unacquainted with any other untU a later day.
Ox carts and sleds were the only vehicles they had
for their accommodation, for several years. Their cart
wheels were many of them, made of one piece, cut from
a large oak tree, with a hole bored through the centre, for
the axle. Their cart and wagon wheels, when ironed at
aU, had the tire in pieces, spiked across the joints of the
felloes. Whole tire were unknown at that day. Jacob
Rees introduced the first two horse wagon into the town.
The first white male born in the town, was Lorenzo
Hatch. I am aware that this is claimed for Justin
Guthrie. He was born, per famUy record, in 1792, and

46 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
Lorenzo Hatch, in 1793. The first settlers came in
1792, and it was the uniform testimony of aU who were
then residents, that in that year, the wife of Abraham
Raymond was the only white female in the to-wTi. The
fii'st white female infant was Abigail Raymond, born in
1793. She now lives in Oregon.*
The first death was a child of Nathaniel Austin, which
was occasioned by its being scalded in maple syrup. The
first death among the proprietors, was Joel Northrup.
The last was Joel Hatch. PHYSICIANS.
The first Physician was Dr. Lacy. He tarried but a
short time. Dr. Asa White settled very early. He was
eminently a practical man, possessing energy and skUl
to such a degree, that no other physician could success
fully compete with him. In the early days, of his ride,
he was called to visit a patient, residing about ten mUes
distant. His path led him through a dense forest, of
about six mUes. Midway, some pioneer had com
menced the erection of a log-house, which was so far
completed as to be ready to receive the roof — a narrow
doorway had been cut through one side. Receiving a
bushel of corn, as part compensation, for his services,
the Doctor set out on his return. Night overtook him
soon after he entered the woods, when he was sere
naded and followed by a pack of wolves ! Hurryiag for
ward, he led his horse into the half-finished house, took
a seat with his bag directly over the doorway, and
defended himself and horse, by swinging a long pole
backwards and forwards, until the dawn of day — the
* She, with her husband, crossed the Rocky Mountains, some 25
years ago, on horse-back.

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE. 47
wolves most of tbe time, in close proximity, -making
demonstrations of a determination to force their way
into the iaclosure. He died in 1818. His son, DevUlo
White, took his ride, and maintains the ascendency to
this day, and ranks among the first of his profession in
the county. In 1804 or 5, the typhus fever prevailed
extensively through the town, causing more deaths, in
proportion to the number of inhabitants, than any sick
ness that has prevaUed before or since. It was gener-
aUy attributed to the malaria arising from the decay of
vegetable matter, as about that time, stumps and fallen
trees, were very much rotted and began to crumble
away. The effect of this was more marked in this to-wn
than elsewhere, because so great a number commenced
simultaneously the work of clearing, the decay, and con
sequently the miasma, pervaded aU parts of the town
about the same time. Aaron Mills was the first person
prostrated -with this fever. He recovered. It was
observed that strong robust constitutions, were as liable
to be attacked with it as any others, and some thought
more so.
Dr. Asa White was the principal physician. In his
management of this disease, he followed the standard
medical works of that day, which directed the free use
of stimulants, particularly wine and Peruvian bark. The
fatality which accompanied this mode of treatment, was
attributed to the virulence of the disease, until the sup
ply of bark, in this and neighboring towns, became
exhausted. When, to the surprise of all, those cases
which were, from necessity, treated without the stimu
lant, succeeded best. After this. Dr. White abandoned its
use, (but not without opposition, from others of his pro
fession.) The fever soon became a manageable disease
in all this region, which was, for a time, more or less

48 HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB.
exposed to it from the same cause. It was a difficult
matter to obtain the requisite assistance to administer
to the necessities of the sick. There were instances of
persons riding eight or nine mUes, to reUeve some fami
lies only one night, and returning the next day, at the
imperative call of urgent cases near home. It was no
uncommon event, to travel four or five miles for watch
ers, and convey them home the next morning. Their
comforts and accommodations at that day, were exceed
ingly limited. Many of them had but one room in their
houses, in which, four or five sick persons might be
lying at the same time, at one end of the room, in the
various stages of the disease, and the necessary cooking
going on at the other.
Rumors of this sickness circulating abroad, checked
the tide of emigration for a time, and retarded the
increase of the settlement. SCHOOL HOUSE.
The first School House erected in the town, was
located about one and a half miles north of the village,
near the bridge on the Handsome Brook road. It was
in later times designated " The Quarter School House."
No trace of it now remains. The district embraced the
whole town. Many would have to travel between three
and four miles to reach it. The pupils sometimes num
bered between ninety and one hundred per day. From
this district, others from time to time were formed, untU
the number had increased to twenty. The second
School House was built, about one and half mUes west
of the village, near the residence of Daniel Newton.
This district included all that part of the town lying on
the west side of the river. Select Schools were early
established and well patronized, especially during the

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 49
winter months. About 1840, a building of moderate
pretentions was erected, and a charter for an Academy
obtained, which was maintained, with more or less fluc
tuations, until 1847, when a Union School was organized
by combining four districts, and locating the school in
the vUlage, This drew many from the Academy, who
would otherwise have attended, which had the effect to
cause it to run down, and the corporation to give up
its charter. After the Union School had been con
tinued about thirteen years, the distance, scholars living
out of the village, were obliged to travel, and other
causes combining, induced the old district, commonly
known as the " quarter," by mutual consent, to with
draw, and they were accordingly set back as an inde
pendent district in 1359.
GOSPEL AND SCHOOL LANDS.
The act, authorizing the Surveyor General to survey
and locate the Twenty Townships, was passed February
25, 1789, and among other provisions, required him to
mark two lots of 250 acres each, as near the centre of
the Township as might be, to be reserved for reUgious
and school purposes. These were afterwards sold by
the State, to speculators, -without proper reservations.
The intelligent and religious emigrants, who had taken
up farms within the to-wns, remonstrated, and petitioned
the Government with such energy and perseverance,
that in 1811, the law-making power appropriated forty
lots of 250 acres each, near Oneida Lake, which were
divided among the towns interested ; and, as far as I
am advised, have been sold, and the interest generally
appropriated to the support of Common Schools.
The lot awarded to Sherburne, was situated in the
town of Sullivan, Madison county. Joel Hatch, Esq.,

50 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
was appointed agent, to superintend the sale of these
lands. It was twenty-three years after the passage of
the law, appropriating these lands for the purposes above
mentioned, before they became the absolute property of
the towns, which was in 1814.
The Permanent Fund, belonging to the town, for edu
cational purposes, is one thousand and eight hundred
doUars, which is secured by Bond and Mortgage.
LIBRARY.
The settlers, before their removal to the VaUey of the
Chenango, feeling the importance of general informa
tion, and appreciating the necessity of providing the
means of acquiring it, for the rising generation, formed a
company, raised from their scanty means the sum of ten
dollars, and appointed an agent to purchase suitable
books, to form the neucleus of a future Public Library.
This was styled Federal Library, and was maintained
about thirty years. It had increased to nearly five hun
dred volumes, when, to the surprise and mortification of
those who had mauitained it from the beginning, a few
individuals, who were mostly recent settlers, at an annual
meeting (which was thinly attended) taking advantage
of this circumstance, -without regard to honor or moral
honesty, ruthlessly voted to dissolve the same, and
divide the books among themselves, thereby excluding
all who had neglected to pay their annual tax at that
meeting, from any participation in the division. The
whole affair was a disgrace to the actors, and ought to
go down to posterity as a monument to their shame.
WEDDING.
The first Wedding in the town was John Hibbard's,
which took place about two years after the Settlers came

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 51
into the valley. There was no Clergyman, Justice of
the Peace, or other officer legally qualified to adminis
ter at the altar, nearer than North Norwich, seven miles
below — no carriage roads nor carriages, except ox-carts.
There was then no alternative, but a ride on horse-back.
Mr. Hibbard accordingly applied to Joel Hatch, saying,
" Mr. Hatch, I want to get your horse to go to North
Norwich; Betsey Sartel and I have concluded to get
married, and I want to go to Esq. Purdy's and have
the slop over with." He took his intended bride behind
him, rode do-wn to North Norwich, and, as a conse
quence, they came back husband and wife. The first
fruit of this marriage, was a pair of t-wins.
Joel Hatch, Esq., being caUed upon, by Mr. Tillotson,
to perform the marriage ceremony for him, referred him
to the Rev. Roger Adams, who was the first settled
preacher in the place. Mr. Adams readUy complying
-with bis wishes, mounted his horse, rode three or four
mUes over the hiUs into the north-east quarter of the
town, through such roads as the primitive condition of
the country furnished, and duly pronounced them hus
band and wife. The ceremony ended, the bride-groom
inquired the amount of his fee. Mr. A. repUed, " I never
charge anything — they pay what they please." He
thanked him heartUy, adding, " If Esq. Hatch had mar
ried me, I'll warrant it would have cost me a doUar."
The divine waited on the magistrate the next morning,
and notified him that his popularity was on the wane.
Two or three weeks after, the bride-groom presented
Mr. Adams with a new wash-tub.
PARTY-RIDE.
When their sons and daughters began to mingle in
social glee, as young gentlemen and ladies must and wiU,

52 HISTOEY OP SHEEBUENB.
regardless of all inconveniencies that arise from the want
of carriage roads, of splendid carriages, and correspond
ing equipages, they resolve to have a ride on horse-back,
and go four or six miles through a newly cut road, to
make a call upon a neighbor, as every family, for miles
around, are near neighbors, and well acquainted with
each other.
Every beau must furnish a horse for himself, and one
for his lady, equipped with a side-saddle. In default of
an extra horse, a pillion must be provided, lashed behind
his own saddle, and his lady ride behind him.
Thus equipped, each young gentleman starts for his
lady ; arriving at her father's house, he finds her tidUy
rigged in garments of her own manufacture, from the
spindle to the loom. She is soon ready, and climbs
upon the top of some newly cut stump, or recently faUen
log. The horse is led along side, for her to mount. At
the moment she springs, the horse makes an unexpected
movement, and she leaps to the ground ; nothing daunt
ed, she remounts, and makes another attempt, perhaps
with better success ; off they start for the appointed ren
dezvous, merry and laughing.
The scattered cavalcade gradually concentrates, untU
the whole troop greet and congratulate each other, in
anticipation of the pleasures before them. They faU
into line, chattering and giggling like a fiock of black
birds — plunge into the wild forest — picking their way
among old logs, stumps, and mud-holes, as best they can
— now bowing their heads close to their horses' necks,
to dodge an over-hangiog half-faUen tree — now hauling
to the right, and now to the left, to avoid this and that
pool of mud and water — closely hugging some obtruding
half trimmed log, in imminent danger of being precipi
tated into the mire below — now unhorsed by some pro-

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 63-
trading limb, with pride and spirit remounting, onward
they move — now on the verge of some unbridged stream,
they plunge down its short steep bank, calculating their
chance of being precipitated over the heads of their
horses into the stream below — now splashing through
and defacing the crystal waters at their feet — now doubt
ing whether they shall be able to ascend the opposite
and steeper bank, without coining out minus their horses,
and themselves sprawUng in the mud andwater in the
rear. The ladies dismount, and by the aid of bushes,
and the help of each other, are enabled to ascend to the
top. The young men, more delighted than otherwise,
address themselves to their sport, eager to show their
prowess. One of their number plunges forward, shout
ing and cheering his horse — which flounders and flounces,
sending a due quantity of mud and water into the air,
without partiality to horse or rider — the rest follow suit,
with like success. With merriment they examine their
wardrobe — " My shoes are full of mud and water," cries
one — " So are mine," they all in chorus cry, with a vocif
erous laugh — right glad that their white stockings were
left at home, if such an article as summer hose was own
ed by any of them. Their shoes are emptied of their
contents, and, together with their feet, washed in the
running stream — their pantaloons undergoing simUar
ablutions, especiaUy near their feet — faces and hands not
forgotten. After gathering some of the wUd flowers that adom
the banks of the stream, they mount their horses, and
-with more intense glee, move on. A beautiful spotted
fawn is discovered crossing their path. " O ! catch him,
catch him !" from the lips of one and all. Some spur
their horses in chase, others dismount, in hot pursuit
they shout and rend the air with their cries, spurred to
e2

54 HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB.
-vigorous intensity, by the excitement the race and the
occasion inspire. They soon lose sight of him, give
over the chase, and resume their ride, vivaciously relat
ing their personal adventures in the scene.
At length they rein up to a stout fence, made of large
round logs, a few rods beyond which stands a well bmlt
log-house, looking as aristocratic as any in town. Dis
mounting, they let down a pair of bars, made of round
poles, leap with agUe step, their closely packed ends,
and wend their way along a narrow grass plat, bounded
on one side by a huge fallen tree, on the top of which,
small poles and brush are piled, to guard and keep back
intruding cattle from the garden, in the midst of which
stands the mansion they are seeking. They rap : the
response, " Come in," is quickly answered by a puU
at the latch-string, and shove at the door, revealing
the good woman of the house, busy with her cards, and
her daughter -with cheerful industry filling every corner
of the room, with the well understood music of the spin
ning wheel. The " How do you do ? and how do you
do?" ended, the cards and wheel cleared away, the
twig broom doing duty, the dust from the cards disap
pears, and they are seated with as much pleasure and
heartiness, as ever reigned in any mahogany furnished
parlor of the present day. " Where are the men-folks ?"
one of the young gentlemen inquires. " They are down
at the lower end of the clearing — I will send for them."
" No, we will go ourselves and see how they are getting
along." Seizing their hats, they are guided to the spot,
by the " Whoa — haw — gee !" that echoes through the
surrounding wood. They find them busy, roUing half-
burnt logs into heaps. The usual compliments ended —
" We wiU finish this log-heap, and then go the house."
" That's right — we -wiU help you ;" and at it they go

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 55
with right good wUl. One seizes a lever, ready at any
moment to lend a helping hand. Here is a large log,
e-vidently requiring more strength to roll than the far
mer and his two stout sons possess. It must be cut
before it can be moved. One throws off his coat, seizes
an ax, and mounts the log. Knowing that every blow
-wiU be strictly scrutinized according to the well known
rules of the art, he takes pride and pleasure in display
ing his talent on this occasion. He having finished one
side, another, with equal ambition, mounts and finishes
the other. Then their united strength rolls it to its des
tined place.
Then- task ended, they return to the house, where,
instinctively, they seat themselves around the door,
under some shade, on logs, stumps, or whatever else is
at hand, discussing their progress and plans for the future
among themselves. Let us see what is going on in the
house. The tea-kettle is hung over the fire — the kind
mother says, " Come, my daughter, you make some
short-cake." The guests -with one united voice, volun
teer their assistance, for the spirit of industry, and help-
one-another, reigns in-doors as well as out. Suiting
their actions to their words, all are in lively motion,
inquiring with exhUarated chatter, " Where is this ? and
where is that ?"
Here is the dish containing the ashes of burnt corn
cobs, the use of which they aU weU understand. In its
stead, at the present day, pearlash, saleratus, or soda
are substituted. The short cake in due quantity and
quality, is soon swelling before the fire. The materials
for the sweet loaf are paraded, which, after a full inter
change of opinions, are maturely compounded in the
most approved manner ; and having been subjected to the
process of baking, it is temptingly ready for the table.

56 HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB.
Now for the tea, what shall we have for tea ? " We
have been out for some weeks." " So have we, and so
have we," echoes from more voices than one — " there is
none to be had in to-wn."
After discussing the respective merits of sage, burnt
crust, roasted acrons, evans-root, and parched-corn, the
decision is made in favor of crust coffee. " Shall we
sweeten it in the pot, or let each prepare it to suit his
own taste ?" The latter method is resolved upon. A
cake of maple sugar, by no means diminutive in size, is
produced. " Shall we cut it into smaU pieces ?" " No,
let each one shave it off to suit himself" These impor
tant matters all settled, the table set out, noses counted,
mathematical calculations made, it is decided that the ,
cross-legged pine-table must be enlarged, or divide the
guests and set the table twice. "Here are a couple of
wide boards, lay them upon the table, then there wiU be
room for all." " That's it ; see how nice they suit."
The iron-bound chest is ransacked with care, untU
two neatly folded diaper table-cloths are produced,
which, after being duly admired for their evenness
and figure, (for mothers, tib that day, well knew how to
make " fine twined linen,") are spread upon the table.
Pewter plates and dishes, in whose polished surfaces,
your disturbed hair could be seen and rectified, together
-with wooden plates or "trenchers," to make up the
required number, are arranged in order. In quick suc
cession, the variously prepared viands, grace the table.
The ham and eggs, dough-nuts, &c., which, if I have
neglected to mention, they had not forgotten to furnish.
The tea — no, crust-coffee — poured out, the gentlemen
called, the table surrounded, aU standing, the blessing
asked, they take their seats.
The gentleman of the house, as was the custom of

HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB. 57
those times, takes the meat, and after cutting it into
smaU pieces, returns it to the middle of the table.
" Help yourselves." All are busUy engaged, at what
their hands find to do. The good man of the house,
casting his eye around, perceiving that all have finished
their repast, rises to his feet. In respectful reverence,
they all imitate his example, and return thanks for all
mercies received, and soon after address themselves to
preparations for their return, as there is no time to be
lost. The usual parting compliments ended, they are
soon in the saddle, and under a shower of good -wishes
for their safe arrival home, set forward in high spirits.
After the most difficult part of their road has been
surmounted, the deepening gloom, and the declining
sun, have the effect to cause, in sympathetic harmony,
their united voices in soft melodious strains, to echo
in song. Suddenly, " The bird of wisdom," perched over
their heads, mingles his intense, unearthly note, causing
an involuntary shudder, succeeded by peals of laughter,
and the cry, " Who's brought up in the woods to be
scared to death by owls !" Gradually they relapse into
a moody, monotonous state of mind, when, instinctively,
they place a -wider space between each couple, as if to
enjoy each their o-wn partner's exclusive company. Their
horses, by some in-visible means, appear quite incUned to
closer contact than usual, and their riders manifest no
objection to be placed in nearer proximity to each other,
and are soon engaged in all manner of chit-chat, evi
dently to their own satisfaction — now discussing the
prospective marriage of this, and now of that couple, and
perhaps their own.
Thus with slow and measured step, quietly they move
along — none in a hurry — aU in a little world of their
Qyfrjx — deeply intent upon its internal organization. As

58 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
the setting sun begins to entangle itself among the tree-
tops, they find themselves sooner than they are aware,
and than they desired, awakened from their pleasing
reverie, by their arrival at her father's house. Dis
mounting, they pause for a moment on the steps, and
are engaged in close, low-toned conversation — whether
to renew their vows, or pop the main question, I wiU
not attempt to decide, nor intrude upon their privacy,
but leave them to their anticipations and dreams of
future joy and happiness. BRIDGE.
The first Bridge across the Chenango river, was buUt
near the junction of the Handsome Brook, to accommo
date foot passengers. Teams forded the stream a short
distance below. It consisted of only one large tree in
width, and three of them in length, leveled on the upper
side with the hewing ax. Stakes driven a few feet apart
near the outer edges, were interwoven -with withs, to
protect women and chUdren from falling into the stream.
A woman by the name of Lathrop, rode across the bridge
-with a child in her arms, to the astonishment of her
friends and neighbors, in safety. It was considered a
hazardous undertaking, even to lead a horse over the
structure. A Frenchman, rather than ride through the
river, made the attempt, when, unfortunately, the horse
fell upon the bridge, with his feet dangling on both
sides, and was prevented from falling into the water by
the stakes and withs, which held him there, until the
neighbors could be rallied, from a quarter to one mUe
around, in sufficient numbers to lift and support the
horse across the remainder of the bridge, which, -with
considerable difficulty, and great exertion, they were
enabled to accomplish.

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 59
ARK.
In 1803, there was buUt and launched into the Che
nango river, near the first bridge above the viUage, a
boat, caUed by the inhabitants, an "Ark," for the pur
pose of conveying lumber down the river, with the
expectation of finding a profitable market at Baltimore,
in Maryland. Nathaniel Austin, and his brother, em
barked in this enterprise. The anxiety of the people to
make the river available for purposes of na-rigation, was
such, that they voted a tax upon the town, to clear it of
obstructions. The launching of the Ark was a gala day.
Men, women and chUdren turned out to -witness the
performance. When the famous Ark was afioat, they
must have a ride. Like the Ark of old, it was soon
fiUed -with Uving creatures, even to the dog. With tow
ing, setting and pulUng by the wUlows, they were ena
bled to ascend the river towards half a mile, when, Uke
boys after tugging and hauling their sleds to the top of
the hill, they were well paid for their toil, by riding
down again. It was freighted chiefly with pine staves
and shingles, which did not prove as remunerative as
they anticipated ; and they found more difficulty in
keeping the channel of the river than they expected,
especially when it was on the rise. There were one or
two other Arks built, for similar purposes, near the
south Une of the town, one of wh;ch was freighted with
grain, which became damaged during the voyage, and
was a total loss. Mr. Austin and his son Seymour, whUe
on this expedition, were both attacked with the yeUow
fever, -with which Mr. A. died,* his son recovered and
returned home.

* Mr. Austin was compromised by Shay's RebeUion in Massachu
setts, and was taken and sentenced to be hung. While confined in

60 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
CHENANGO CANAL.
The Chenango Canal, running from Utica to Bing-
hamton, nearly through the centre of the to-wn, was
commenced in 1833, forty years after the town was set
tled, and completed in 1837, at a cost of $1,737,703.
When the bill of 1833 became a law, there was great
rejoicing through the vaUey. In Sherburne, old boats
were dragged from the river, mounted on runners, and
drawn through the streets, by from four to six pairs of
horses, with flags and streamers flying, drums, fifes and
other musical instruments playing, which, together -with
the shouts and hurrahs from those assembled, gave
unmistakable evidence of the joy that event occasioned.
When we contrast the present -with the past, we can
not wonder at the enthusiasm manifested by the people.
Their market was at Albany. Such was the condition
of the roads in the primitive days of the settlement, that
it usuaUy required from nine to thirteen days to perform
the journey, with loaded teams. For every cwt., the
cost of transportation would be from seventy-five cents
to one dollar fifty cents, besides freight from New York
city to Albany. Now, even from New York, the expense
is only from twenty-five to fifty cents, leaving a sa-ving
to the people, of from fifty cents to one doUar on every
prison at Springfield, Mass., his wife came the night before he was to
have been executed, to make a farewell visit. She exchanged her cloak
and hood with him, and in the evening twilight called to the keeper
to be released. Her husband walked out unsuspected and made his
escape. She remained quiet until he had time to get beyond dan
ger of being recaptured, when she called again to be released. The
jailor, findiug he had no legal authority to detain her, she was allowed
to depart. Mrs. Austin lived in town an honored and respected widow
thirty years or more. She always maintained a modest reserve when
any allusion was made to the above transaction.

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 61
cwt. exported or imported. Mr. Zacheus W. Elmore,
who was an early merchant, relates that when he came
into the place, 1801, he brought the second two-horse
wagon into the town, and that he broke two axles be
tween here and Albany, and was nine days on the road.
THE PRESS.
The first News]iaper published in the town and county,
was the " Western Oracle," by Abraham Romeyn, at the
Four Corners, in 1303. It was a single octavo sheet,
containing few advertisements, and but little, domestic
news. Its pages were in most instances, occupied with
pubUc documents, chiefly relating to the affairs of our
nation with the French.
The next was the " Olive Branch," printed on West
Hill, by Phinney FairchUd, May 1806. In 1808, John
F. FairchUd became the sole proprietor.
The " Republican Messenger " made its appearance in
1810, pubished by Jonathan Pettit and James Percival,
in the village of Sherburne.
The " Sherburne PaUadium " was issued in 1836, by
J. W. Marble, in the vUlage.
" Sherburne Transcript " succeeded in 1855, pubUshed
by James M. Scarritt. All these were ephemeral in
their existence.
CENSUS.
According to the Census of 1800, seven years after its
first settlement, Sherburne contained 1.282 inhabitants.
In 1810  2.520
1814  2.607
1820. .. V  2.509

62 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
1825  2.493
1830  2.601
1835  3.108
1840  2.791
1845  2.680
1850  2.623
1865  2.776
The Census returns of 1865, give the cash value of
farms $1,039,734.
Improved acres 20.702, unimproved 6.544 acres.
Cash valuation of stock $169,867.
Tools and implements $38,332.
There were 523 framed houses and 1 log, 2 stone
buildings (should read 5) and 5 brick.
According to the Census of 1830, there were 2.601
inhabitants. In five years, 1835, owing to the infiux of
foreigners, occasioned by the buUding of the Chenango
Canal, they amounted to 3.108, being an increase of 508.
After the pubUc works were completed, many of these
settled in the town. In 1355 there were 183 Irish, 27
English, and 14 Germans, amounting to 224 foreigners
then residents ui the town.
Clark, in his history of the county, quoting from the
Census returns of 1830, says, " There were four slaves set
down in the enumeration, as belonging to Sherburne,
and that no other town in the county contained any per
sons held in servitude ; and that three of the slaves held
in Sherburne, 1830, had attained to the age of one hun
dred years." This is news to me. I have seen the day
when I knew, and could name every individual residing
in the town, and never knew but one person held as a
slave, and he was only nominaUy such, having been

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 68
brought in by a Dutch family some twenty years after
the settlement was commenced. The head of this famUy
was heir to certain property, held upon condition that
he should maintain the colored person in question, during
his life, as he was judged incapable of acting for him
self. Not one of the Twenty Proprietors ever owned a
slave. No resident, white or colored, ever attained to
tbe age of one hundred years.
The settlers showed a marked zeal in establishing and
fostering the Common School, the importance of which
they deemed second only to the moral and religious
training of the rising generation, with which it should
go hand in hand, in order to prepare them for usefulness
in their day, and enable them to form correct principles
for their guidance in the management of pubUc affairs,
eventuaUy to rest upon their shoulders. In revie-wing
the result, the honorable manner in which her sons and
daughters have acquitted themselves, in every station
they have been caUed upon to occupy, leaves Sherburne
no cause to blush. For general intelligence, they would
not suffer in comparison with an equal number in any
community. Pass through the States and Territories of
the Union, Sherburne has representatives in nearly, if
not quite, two-thirds of these ; go to the shores of tho
Pacific, behold they are there ; enter our haUs of legis
lation, her sons have been found here ; look into the pul
pit, many of them stand there, proclaiming the news of
salvation through a crucified Redeemer, to a lost and
ruined world ; turn to India's burning clime, there Ue tho
mortal remains of one who, in obedience to her Saviour'«
commands, left father and mother, kindred and country,
the wife of Rev. Mr. Little, an honored Missionary of
the American Board;* cast your eye upon the judicial
* Amelia, daughter of Wm. Newton.

64 HISTOET OF SHEEBUENB.
bench, they have had seats there ; survey the Bar, many
of them are filling that with honor and profit to them
selves, and it is to be hoped, without detriment to the
communities in which they reside ; pass not by our Col
leges and Seminaries of learning, for they are there occu
pying the highest and most responsible stations ;* tum
your telescope upon Jupiter's belts or Saturn's rings,
behold ! some of them, in imagination, have wandered
there — " Could plan new worlds without the least misgiving.
But on this planet couldn't make a living."
Would you leam more ? Wrap close your mantle of
fur, steer for the frozen regions of the north, and among
the tumbling mountains of ice, inquire of those who
strike the harpoon — more than one of them are there.
GRADUATES OF COLLEGE.
Raymond Dixon graduated at Yale in 1807, and was
the first citizen of the town, and probably of the county,
who graduated from any College. He became a preacher
of the gospel — died in 1861. Abraham Dixon, Yale,
a lawyer, honored -with a seat in the State Senate ; John
H. Lathrop, Yale, ChanceUor of the University of Wis
consin ; Hubert A. Newton, Yale, Professor of Mathe
matics in Yale College ; Isaac LaFayette Cushman,
Yale, no profession^honored with a seat in the New
York Legislature ; Julius W. Hatch, graduate of HamU
ton, Lecturer on Astronomy ; Columbus Foster, gradu
ate of Union, farmer ; Charles Babcock, Yale, no pro
fession ; Alvin Lathrop, Hamilton, teacher.

* John H. Lathrop, ChanceUor of the University of Wisconsin ;
Hubert A. Newton, Professor of Mathematics, Tale College.

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE. 65
CITIZENS WHO BECAME PREACHERS OF THE GOSrEL
Ebenezer Raymond, graduate of Union ; Eleazer La
throp, and Isaac Adams, graduates of Hamilton ; Caleb
Johnson, graduate of Hamilton, died before he had com
pleted his Theological studies. Lyman S. Rexford and
WaUam Robinson, graduates of Yale ; Nathaniel Smith,
graduate of  ; Blackleach Gray,  ; Jared W.
Fox, Shubel Carver, Jonathan Copeland, Hiram Lee,
graduates of Oberlin ; Israel Foote, graduate of  ,
Episcopal Rector ; Smitb Curtis, Union.
SHERBURNEITES ADMITTED TO THE BAR.
John H. Lathrop, Joseph Guthrie, Benj. F. Rexford, De
Witt Rexford, John Babcock, Joseph Benedict,* Pitt
Lynde, OUver M. Benedict, Warren Newton, Isaac New
ton, Nathaniel Foote, Wm. Hopkins, Wm. Lathrop,
JuUus K. Rose, David FoUet, Herchell Hatch.
GEOLOGY.
From the Geological Report of the State, publish6d
in 1 842, by Lardner Van Vexem, we copy what relates
to the town of Sherburne :
The lowest rocks of the county are those belonging
to the Hamilton group, (named after Hamilton in Madi
son county.) It contains the Tully limestone, the Gen
esee slate, the Portage, the Ithaca, the Chemung and the
Catskill groups. The whole of the Hamilton group is con
fined to the towns of Sherburne and Smyrna, and a strip
extending along the UnadiUa river, through Columbus
and New Berlin, below the village of which it passes
under the higher rocks. It is well exposed along Hand-

* Author of "Benedict's Treatise."
f2

66 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
some Brook, to the north east of Sherburne village,
exhibiting a mass from sixty, to one hundred feet thick,
chiefly of the dark colored shale of the group, and
abounding in its characteristic fossils. The falls in the
creek are over the shale, which extends towards the
mouth of the creek, and is lost under a covering of allu
vion and soil, being the most northern part of the Che
nango Valley where seen. The same mass makes its
appearance to the east of the vUlage of Smyrna, beyond
which, at a lower level, are those of the upper rocks of
Hamilton Seminary, and of Ladd's quarry, on the Canal,
above Sherburne. The ridge, from Madison county,
composed of the Hamilton group, appears to incline
rapidly near Sherburne, so as to admit the Sherburne
flags to appear at the level which they present, at less
than two miles below the vUlage.
PoETAGE AND Ithaca Geoups. — Numcrous quarries
are or sned in all the^tov.ns in this r.;roup, for building
stone, apu for fagging. The better ki ids of the latter
occur in the lower part of the group. Several points
south of Sherburne were examined, among which was
Mr. Skinner's quarry, where the flags were large and
smooth, but the quantity of shale and slate upon them
was considerable. At Church's quarry, about two
miles from the viUage, they were more accessible, but
not so good. The opening here is about twenty feet in
depth upon a hillside, rising about forty feet above the
valley, and showing dark blue or blackish slaty shale,
with the sand stone.
On page 160, he says: "Though but'Uttle is exposed
of the group in the county, there are four points of
interest. The first is Ladd's quarry ou the canal, near
Madison county line, and is the continuation of the

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 67
range of West HamUton. The quarry is rich in many of
the fossils of the group.
" The next point is the falls and banks of Handsome
Creek, (should read Sulphur Springs Creek,) north of
Sherburne. The water falls for sixty or more feet, and
the sides of the Creek expose about one hundred feet of
the finer kind of shale."
On page 234, speaking of Sulphur Springs, he says :
" A Sulphur Spring issues from the slate of the HamU
ton group, at the foot of the Falls, on Handsome Brook,
near Sherburne."
Locating the Falls and Spring on Handsome Brook,
is an error. They are on a stream, east of the village
of Sherburne, caUed promiscuously Sulphur Spring,
Harris or Mad Brook, which enters the Chenango river,
about one mile below the vUlage — ^the Handsome Brook
nearly one mUe above. CLIMATE.
When the trees of the forest reigned monarchs of the
soil, they exerted such controlling influence over the
winds and storms of this vaUey, as to give them a differ
ent character from those of the present time. The rays
of the sun being obstructed by these masses of foliage,
rarefaction could only take place when the sun shone
with its greatest warmth, at which time the humidity
which had been coUecting during cold and cloudy days,
was taken up and condensed in large quantities. In
these days, when a greater extent of the surface of the
earth is exposed to the direct rays of the sun, evapora
tion goes on with more constancy and uniformity, and
the sky is oftener overcast with clouds of less density,
which discharge theu- contents in the form of rain or

68 HISTOEY OP SHEEBUENB.
snow, in much smaller drops or finer flakes, forming a
noticeable contrast with storms of former times. The
early showers would generally be seen rising in the
western horizon, in a dark lowering cloud, advancing
with greater or less rapidity. All knew that this por
tended a violent rain, and no time was to be lost in seek
ing a shelter from the drenching torrent. These clouds
were frequently accompanied by flashes of lightning
and peals of rolling thunder, far exceeding in sublimity
those of the present day. The forest trees, acting as con
ductors, rendered the electrical phenomena compara
tively harmless. Accidents from this cause were almost
unknown for twenty years or more, if we except rare
cases, where men or cattle imprudently took shelter
under tall trees. When the outpouring was over, the
sun shone out as suddenly as it had been obscured, in
brUUant contrast with the gloom which before prevaUed.
Sudden showers of rain, are not now so marked and
frequent, they are more drizzling, and an approaching
shower is not, as a general rule, so distinctly foreshad
owed by the appearance of the clouds. When the snow
had covered the ground at the commencement of winter,
it usually remained three months or more, and the inhab
itants could and did rely upon having good sleighing
for that length of time, with the exception of what was
termed " the January thaw," which was almost as regu
lar and certain as if governed by fixed laws — usually
taking place about the middle of the month, and con
tinuing two or three weeks. These thaws are now more
varying and uncertain. Sudden thaws during the winter
months, are more frequent; as a natural consequence,
winter grain is more liable to be injured by freezing and
thawing, causing its cultivation to be in a great measure
abandoned.

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE, 69
Between the middle of October and the fifteenth of
November, there used to be from nine to eighteen days
of mUd, balmy sunshine, usuaUy termed Indian Summer,
or smoky days. Their beauty and genial influence was
such, that their advent would be haUed with unusual
deUght. The pecuUar features of that period are now
less marked, and have changed their character and durar
biUty, to such a degree, as scarcely to attract attention.
According to the State census of 1855, four-fifths of
the area of Sherburne have been brought under cultiva
tion. Along the banks of Chenango river, from the
north line of the county to its junction with the Susque
hanna, we now rarely see trees of primitive growth.
The consequence is, that an unobstructed avenue is left
for winds to circulate up this valley, from south to north.
South winds, (such as we experience at the present day,)
were unknown to the early settlers. Their severest
storms were from the north-east, and the prevailing wind
from the north-west. Both these appear now to be
modified by the increasing prevalence of those from the
south. The northeast -winds have nearly disappeared,
are less intense, and of shorter duration ; the west and
north-west are more fitful, and at times assume the char
acter of a tornado, whose general direction is from west
to east. Early settlers remember the time when the
seasons were more uniform — when the snow as it feU
upon the tops of stumps, would heap in cones twelve or
more inches from base to apex, and stand there for days
and even weeks, before the wind would disturb them.
As the country becomes cleared, our rivers, brooks
and rivulets have less water in them, than when their
margins were skirted with trees. Many of them, which
now are dry most of the time in summer, would then
contain more or less water throughout the year, and

70 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
many of our " mountain streams " would flow mors
months than they now do weeks.
It is supposed by some, that the cold winds from our
northern lakes, especiaUy Ontario, exert an influence
upon the climate of this valley. This was more or less
the case, in the early days of the settlement, when the
prevaiUng winds were from that direction. But the
south wind at this day overpowers and drives these
back.* There is one peculiarity in the snow storms of
Sherburne at the present time, which, probably, has
some connection with the winds from the lakes. The
snow falls decidedly deeper, near the north line of the
town, than south of it. Sherburne is bounded north by
the county of Madison, through which runs in an east
and west direction, a range of hills, nearly, if not quite,
one thousand feet above the waters of the Ontario, and
extending westward, nearly the whole length of the
lake, and easterly along the valley of the Mohawk river.
The cold winds, as they sweep over the northern seas,
are rolled against and along the northern slope of these
hills, where numerous clearings admit the rays of the
sun, which warm their sides and tops to such a degree,
as to rarefy the air from the lake, and cause its currents
of mist to ascend into the cold regions of the clouds,
when they are borne in an eastern direction by their
own impetus, untU checked by the south vrinds of the
Valley of Chenango, near its head, where they are con
densed into snow and fall to the earth near the south
line of Madison county. As the trees of the forest daily
diminish, and the changes in the topography of the val
ley gradually advance, and as the habits, manners and
customs of the people, rise in the scale of refinement and
* Ontario, at the nearest point, is 80 or 90 miles north-west.

HISTOEY OF SHEEBljEira:. 71
extravagance, many of the " Uls that fiesh is heir to," take
a new form, and require a corresponding change of medi
cal treatment ; and, although there are no diseases pecu
liar to this vaUey, the hardy, robust constitutions of early
days, are seldom seen. The above mentioned prevalence
of south winds, undoubtedly is the chief agent in prduc-
ing these results. We have reason to believe that this
wiU be modified by the multiplication of fruit and shade
trees, and that the increasing value of timber, will so
check its wanton destruction, that the VaUey of Che
nango -will continue to maintain its celebrity, as a healthy
and agreeble place of residence.
LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE.
Sherburne is situated in 42 degrees and 44 minutes
north latidude ; 1 degree and 36 minutes east longitude
from Washington ; 96 miles west of the capitol of the
State; about 90 feet lower than the head waters of
Chenango river in Madison county ; and 546 feet above
the level of the Erie Canal, at Utica
INDIANS.
The Valley of the Chenango, had from time immemo
rial, been the red man's hunting and fishing ground, and
he continued it as such, until agricultural improvements
banished the bear, the wolf, and deer from the valley.
The Oneida Indians were the occupants when the emi
grants first came into it. They were a quiet, peaceable,
inoffensive race. Men, women aud children, soon became
so accustomed to their ways and manners, that the effect
of their presence was that of pleasure, unalloyed with
the least dread or fear, provided they were not under
the influence of intoxicating liquors. I never knew an
instance of complaint against any of them, for petty pU-

72 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
fering. The productions of the field, garden and hen
roost, were more secure from their depredations at that
day, than from those of the white people at this. In
summer they roamed up and down the banks of the
Chenango, in quest of game.
In the winter, they built wig-wams in the -ricinity of
the settlers, and manufactured baskets and splint brooms,
to sell to the inhabitants for provisions to sustain them
selves, until the opening spring, when they resumed
their accustomed practice of hunting and fishing.
They exhibited considerable skill and ingenuity in
making baskets and brooms, which were almost the
only articles of manufacture they would attempt, and
was usually done by the squaws. Their brooms were
made generally of black-ash staddles, between two and
three inches in diameter, pounded the length of the
brush, until the grains would separate, and then spUt
into fine strands ; or of water beech, or birch, peeled
into fine shreds, and then bound together -with strips of
the same.
The settlers would frequently make them smaU pre
sents of articles of provisions, wliich the chUdren were
very fond of conveying, and receiving their thanks in an
unknown tongue, or in half English and half Indian diar
lect, which to them was quite amusing.
They appeared to have very limited fastidiousness in
their intercourse with the inhabitants. If they wished
to enter your house, the first you would know, the door
would be noiselessly opened and their heads unceremo
niously thrust in, and in a low tone they would ask :
"Want to buy broom?" receive your answer, and
walk away with a fixed monotonous countenance, which
seldom changed. They scrupled, not [secretly if they

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE. 73
could, to spy what was going on in your house, through
any crevice they could find. The wife of one of the
settlers, at a very early day, was seated before the fire,
which was built against a few stones pUed upon each
other, in order to protect the building from igniting —
large holes between the logs and stones being inclosed.
She was waiting the return of her husband until dark
ness had spread its curtain around, with two small child
ren playing before the fire, when she discovered an
Indian peaking, close by the fire, into her apartment,
without any apparent attempt at concealment. With a
little natural excitement, she cried " peak-a-boo !" when
he quietly retired.
They were a shrewd people, not easily outwitted. A
young gentleman of my acquaintance related, that after
the war of 1812, as he was sitting on the piazza of an
Inn, a young Indian came and seated himself by his side,
in an easy, familiar manner, saying, " How do ? how do ?
Don't you know me ? Ain't you Colonel P. ? Did'nt
you command me at the battle of Queenstown ?" " No,
I never was in the army." " Me thought you was CoL
P. — he brave warrior — he handsome man — you look just
like him," tapping upon his shoulder, " now treat — now
treat." They would often be seen paddling their canoes along
the river, which they used extensively for the purposes
of navigation. They kept it free from obstructions, from
Smith's Valley, in the town of Lebanon, Madison county,
to its junction with the Susquehanna river. Their
canoes were constructed of pine logs, made so thin and
light, and so skilfully proportioned, that they would
glide over the water with admirable grace and rapidity,
and could easily be carried upon their shoulders from
place to place. Their intercourse with the inhabitants
Q

74 HISTOEY OP SHBEBUENE.
was peculiarly brief. They were never kno-wn to Unger
around their dweUings, in loaferish idleness for one half
hour — their business or curiosity was soon satisfied, and
they would depart as unceremoniously as they came.
INDIAN RELICS.
On the farm originally settled by Timothy Hatch,
about one mile and a half north-west of the village, on
the west side of the river, 30 or 40 rods from its bank,
are to be seen, four or five round excavations in the earth,
from four to six feet deep, measuring about the same in
diameter at the top, lying close to each other ; on the
edges of which were large trees standing, comparing in
height and size, to the average dimensions of those com
prising the rest of the forest, which consisted mainly of
hard maples, and was occupied thirty or forty years for a
sugar orchard.
While I was spending a few hours at their boiling
camp, the celebrated Abraham. Antoine, (who, a few
years after, was executed at 1 orris ville, Mad'son comty,
for the murder of one of his own race,) was seen
approaching. It was proposed to invito him to go and
examine these, and see what he would say about them,
to which he readUy consented. After looking at them
a moment, and running his eye up to the top of the trees
standing upon their edges, he said : " It's a place where
Indian bury corn great while ago." The trees have
been cleared away, and the place more or less since
plowed over.
In an adjoining field, on the north, which has been
long under cultivation, many stone arrow heads have
been plowed up ; also stone chisels, hatchets, pestles
for pounding corn, &c. ; and as late as 1846, a stone of
a peculiar red color was found in the same field. It was

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE. 75
about three eights of an inch thick, five inches long,
rounded at each end, three inches broad at one, and two
at the other, with a hole near the narrowest end, about
half inch in diameter, and polished quite smooth on each
surface. It is said that no stone of the same species was
ever obtained this side of Mexico. It was undoubtedly
worn for an ornament.
When they were constructing the Chenango Canal,
which is on the opposite side of the river, human bones
were exhumed, which, with a few exceptions, would, on
exposure to the atmosphere, crumble into dust.
INDIAN FORTIFICATION.
About four miles north of Sherburne village, and one
mile west of the Handsome Brook, are the remains of a
structure worthy the examination of antiquarians. It is
an embankment of coarse gravel, built in the form of a
horse-shoe — the open ends towards the north. It is
about four rods wide between the outer ends, and seven
or eight rods deep to the centre of the bow. From the
lowest point in the centre, to the highest part of the
embankment, is full twenty -five feet. There are embank
ments running from each extremity of the bow ; the one
easterly, fifteen or twenty rods long, terminating in a
swamp ; that on the west side is much longer, ending at
the foot of a hill, nearly in the same range with the
other, but disconnected from the main structure, by an
opening two or three rods wide. In the front of the
whole, is a low swampy piece of ground of small extent.
A gentleman by the name of Champlin, who for
merly owned the farm on which it is situated, says he
has frequently plowed upon the top of the bank, and
thinks it is three or four feet lower than when he first

76 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
saw it, and that fiint arrow points were frequently found
in its vicinity. Finding arrow points is verified by other
witnesses. It remains an open question, whether this is a natural
or artificial structure. If artificial, for what purpose?
It was originally crowned with trees corresponding in
dimensions with those of the surrounding forest. The
small extent of the area enclosed within its walls, is a
serious draw-back to the supposition that this was an
Indian fortification. In whatever light we view it, we
cannot but consider it as a curiosity.
WILD ANIMALS.
Wild animals were Bears, Wolves and Deer, which are
now entirely extinct. The last wUd bear seen in town,
was met and killed with an ax, one mile north of the
village in the Handsome Brook, by Lorenzo Hatch, the
first white person born in the town.
Eli Marsh used to relate, that early one moming, he
heard a hog squealing, in a manner so unusual, in the
woods near his house, that he took his gun and sallied
out to ascertain the cause. He soon discovered a large
bear sitting ' in state ' upon his haunches, in conscious
pride of power and dignity, holding the hog upon the
ground ; and on every exertion to free himself from his
clutches. Bruin was cuffing him, first on one side of his
head, and then on the other. This he would repeat at
every attempt of his captive to extricate himself from
his grasp — the slightest motion would bring the paw of
his majesty about his ears with such force, that from
necessity he would drop his head upon the ground, and
remain as quiet as the nature of his situation would
admit. Mr. Marsh was enabled to advance so near the animal,

HISTOET OP SHEEBUENB. 77
on account of his attention being wholly drawn to his
victim, as to get a close shot upon him, which he gave
with such effect as to bring him to the ground. The
porker, for a moment, appeared to be in a quandary
about the sudden relaxation of the grasp of his captor;
slowly raising his head, and cautiously making a move
ment, he walked off a few feet, halted — looked round as
if wondering what it all meant — turned back, grabbed
bim by the ear, gave one indignant shake, accompanied
by a significant grunt — then apparently satisfied that he
had shown proper resentment, wheeled about and starts
ed for the farm house upon a run. This bear measured
over seven feet in length, and was killed within, or near
the corporate bounds of the village.
Wolves. — Wolves were more numerous and trouble
some, frequently making sad havoc among flocks of
sheep, so much so, that the town voted from year to
year, a premium of ten dollars a head for every full
grown wolf killed, until their depradations ceased. The
last wolf killed in town, was by Smith M. Purdy, Esq.
Panthbes. — I never heard of one being seen in the
town, but certain effects and frights which were now
and then encountered, were supposed to have been
caused by the panther. Young cattle were sometimes
found killed, under circumstances which led to the belief
that they had been slain by some ferocious animal, other
than the bear or wolf*

* Since writing the above, Mr. Benjamin Church has informed me,
that while passing through a piece of woods, one and a half miles
east of the village, at a late hour one moou-light winter's evening, he
distinctly saw a panther in the path directly before him, reared upon
his hind legs. By swinging his hat, and giving as shrill a shout as
he could, he so frightened the animal, that he gave a sudden spring, and
f2

78 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
Deee. — Deer were occasionally taken for twenty or
thirty years, and the recollection of the saddle of venison
smoking upon the table, would almost reconcUe us to
the idea of a return to the days of Nimrod, log-houses,
and spinning wheels again.
Beavee. — Beaver were in a few instances caught by
the Indians, but soon disappeared.
Ottee. — Otter were more plenty, and occasionally
taken, forty or fifty j^ears after the settlers came in, but
at this day few traces of them are to be seen.
Hedge Hogs. — A few hedge-hogs were kUled, at an
early day, but have long since been exterminated.
Foxes, Raccooxs and Rabbits. — Foxes, Raccoons
and Rabbits are yet caught, but comparatively rare.
Flying Squireels. — Flying Squirrels were frequently
seen, but at this day seldom if ever.
Skunks. — Skunks were not original inhabitants.
They did not honor the town with their company, untU
some fifteen or twenty years had elapsed.
Venomous Reptiles. — Of Venomous Reptiles, none
were ever known in the town.
BIRDS.
Quails. — QuaUs were repeatedly seen in flocks at an
early day, but are now extinct.
Black Birds. — Black Birds, in large bodies, would
grace our forests, but now in greatly diminished num
bers, and generally of a smaller species.
disappeared in the woods. His first leap was found by measurement
the next day to bavo been twenty feet.

HISTOEY OP SHEEBUENB. 79
Wild Pigeons. — WUd Pigeons in successive flocks,
would be seen for hours at a time, passing overhead
with great rapidity, but now their visits are few and far
between. Wood Ducks. — Wood Ducks would often be seen
making their ncsls, in bodies of old decaying trees, but
DOW seldom, if ever.
Paeteidges. — Partridges were plenty and frequently
caught, but now in diminished numbers.
Hawks. — Hawks were daily seen in considerable num
bers, sporting on the wing for hours at a time, a circum
stance which, at the present day, has no parallel.
PRODUCTS OF THE SOIL.
The trees of the forest consisted of Beech, Birch,
Hickory, Ash, Elm and Basswood, with large Oaks,
white, black and red, standing here and there, in tower
ing grandeur like so many aged sentinels ; and tall and
stately Pines, which, if now standing as they then stood
on certain localities, would sell for more than the lands
they occupied, with all their improveiiienls. On the hills,
were Hemlocks, interspersed with orchards of sugar
Maples, on which the inhabitants depended for their
main supply of sugar for a number of years. Chesnuts, .
although more or less plenty in the lower part of tho
county, .ire unknown in the town, excepting on a few
lots bordering upon the towns of North Norwich and
New Berlin. The Whortleberry also, is rarely seen
north of the southern boundary of the town.
Apple-trees were found near the river, which were
supposed to have originated from seed accidentally scat
tered by the Indians, and bore fruit for half a century.
The Apple and Pear, improve as the country grows

80 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
older. The Peach and Quince never did thrive in this
locality. Thorn-apples, of three-fourths of an inch in diameter,
were not uncommon, which the inhabitants frequently
cooked. The largest kinds were of rich, yellow color.
When ripe they exhaled an agreeable odor. This fruit
appears to come to its greatest perfection in the shade,
for, as soon as the lands are cleared around them, they
rapidly diminish in size and odor, and become unpala
table. Meadow Plums of good quality were numerous.
The Gooseberry, smooth and prickly, together with
Black Currants of a nauseous flavor, abounded on the
flats. A few Red Currants were found, supposed to have
been scattered by birds or Indians.
Wild Onions were plenty, on the low grounds near
the river, in beds of various dimensions — their bottoms
seldom exceeding half an inch in diameter — and were
frequently gathered and cooked by the inhabitants.
They are now extinct, or nearly so.
Leeks were very numerous and annoying to dairy
women, on account of the nauseous and disagreeable
flavor imparted to the milk, when, in grazing, the cows
fed upon their tops. It would taint their butter to such
a degree that it could not be eaten, without first biting
a piece of the root. In eating milk, in any form, all
all would resort to this, before that otherwise delicious
article could become palatable. They are almost, if not
entirely, eradicated.
The Ginseng, Sweet Scisley and TaUow roots, were

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 81
often met with, but at this day, it is doubtful whether a
root of any of them can be found.
Potatoes. — Humbolt, in the history of his travels in
South America, remarks that the Potatoe was before the
arrival of the Spaniards, in use in Chili, Peru, Quito and
New Grenada, and seems to think those countries the
original source of it ; and adds that Sir Walter Raleigh
found it in Virginia, in 1584, and raises the question,
whether it was introduced there, from the North or
South ? One thing is certain, they were found in the
town of Sherburne, by the emigrants, in various locali
ties — the root under, rather than over, half inch in
diameter. Conversing with an octogenarian,* who has
resided in the town since 1795, he remarked, "that
Potatoes were so plenty that no one need have starved,
in the season of them, if he had nothing else to live
upon," adding they were small. They covered the
ground extensively, on both sides of the river, and
around the mouth of the Handsome Brook. Abra
ham Raymond's family, by repeated plantings, obtained
fair sized Potatoes from them, which, after they had
come to maturity, were gathered promiscuously with
others, and no further notice taken of them, CorneUus
Clark, also raised from the Potatoe plant found on his
lot, full sized Potatoes, which became part and parcel of
his supply, from year to year. They were exterminated
mainly, by cattle feeding upon their tops. At that early
day, every rood of ground reclaimed from the forest,
must be appropriated to raising grain, roots and vege
tables, to sustain themselves and their cattle through
the winter. For a number of years, they were obliged
to cut trees, on the buds and small twigs of which, by
* Asa Northrop.

82 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
" browsing," their cattle were enabled to eke out a pre
carious living. Their only resource in summer, was to
strap a bell on the leading cow and let their cattle run
at large in the woods ; as a consequence, in grazing,
they would crop the Potatoe plant, and by so doing,
destroy the blossom which produced the seed, from
which the root was annually propagated. The Potatoe
being so near the top of the ground, would be annihi
lated every winter by freezing, which accounts for their
diminutive size, being reproduced only from the baU
each year. The inhabitants, understanding but little of
its early history, or the philosophy of its propagation,
generally discarded it as a useless weed, and would
aUude to it only as the -wUd Potatoe.
DISTILLERIES.
There have been nine or ten Distilleries and one Brew
ery estabUshed in the town, all of which, save one, it is
generally believed, have proved to their owners, an
unprofitable investment. One was burned down ; one
man lost his life in another, by being scalded with steam.
Three or more of the owners of these estabUshments
died drunkards.
The town has wiped the stigma of manufacturing
" fire water " from her escutcheon, about twenty years,
and the county for nearly the same time. According to
the State Census of 1855, there was not a Distillery in
the county of Chenango. The following extract from
Spafford's Gazetteer, of the State of New York, pub
lished in 1813, may not be inappropriate here: "While
the people of the county are entitled to credit for their
Common Schools and social regulations, they ought to
exclude a multitude of small DistUlers. No invidious
discrimination prompts this remark too generally neces-

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 83
sary throughout the State, but thinking and sober men
would do well to consider the tendencies of these little
establishments, and observe their effects in a neighbor
hood. Will they faU to contract habits of drinking
more than is conducive to health or comfort, when a
jug of whiskey is constantly at hand, or can be had in a
few minutes, fresh from the DistiUery?" Clark, in his
history of the county, remarks: "As Mr. S. compli
mented our citizens highly, in 1813, except they patron
ized Distilleries, and as they had not one of these estab
lishments in the county, in 1845, it foUows, we must be
an unexceptionable people, in this latter year. Long
may we continue so,"
The pioneers considered it very essential to their
health and comfort, to have ardent spirits with them, in
order to " warm them when too cold, or to cool them
when too hot." Accordingly they purchased a barrel
of rum in company, and brought it into the valley the
first year when the twenty proprietors came on to make
a beginning, and left it in the care of Abraham Ray
mond, T'ho placed it outside of his shanty, and built a
roof over it of bark and brush. This building you will
recollect, was near the mouth of the Handsome Brook,
and on the east side of the river. A daughter of Mr.
Raymond's, only seven years of age at that time, relates
to the writer sixty years after, that she had somehow
imbibed the idea that liquor was very bad for the
Indians, and that she had no fear or dread of their pres
ence, if it was kept from them. Hearing them paddling
their canoes along the river, and expecting a visit from
them, she flew to the rum barrel, and covered it up in
the best manner she could, and watched the issue as if
her life depended upon the result. Their swarthy vis
ages — their half clothed bodies — their tomahawks and

84 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
knives suspended from their belts, were all harmless in
her eyes, provided they did not discover the hidden
barrel. They landed, walked up to the hut, and looked
around, but finding no one there except Mrs. Raymond,
and two or three small children, quietly returned to then-
canoes and departed ; the girl, in the mean time, con
gratulating herself for her prudence and discretion, as
having thereby saved herself and mother, from the tom
ahawk and scalping knife ! At that day, the use of
intoxicating liquors was almost universal. It would be
considered a breach of hospitality, not to present the
bottle to their friends and neighbors at almost every
interview, especially if they were rendering assistance
as laborers or otherwise. It had grown into a proverhi
" as bad as a raising without rum," which they frequently
applied, when they wished to draw a disparaging com
parison. Whenever they assembled to assi-st at the
raising of any building, before they commenced opera
tions, the bottle or jug must be passed around, each
drinking directly from its mouth, and handing it to his
neighbor. If this had been neglected, they would take
their places and wait the order to " Heave O ! heave !"
when, with much apparent exertion, they would not be
able to make any progress. The master workman would
call for the bottle, after which, they were able to finish
their work with ease and alacrity.
If my recoUection does not fail me, there was but one
of the twenty proprietors, who might be considered as a
subject of " king alcohol," and he not sottish and brut
ish, but occasionally under his power, although there
were too many of that class in town. In 1815, the town
voted to petition the legislature, to pass laws " to
prevent men from drinking," (intoxicating liquors.) I
believe nothing further was done about it at that time,
except to forward the petition.

HISTOET OF SHBEBUENE, 85
It is not to be disguised that they paid too much tri
bute to his majesty, by allowing themselves to go in the
way of temptation, not duly considering that his ranks
are always recruited from the sober and temperate part
of community. CHURCH.
The fathers, with their families, arrived Saturday
night, March, 1793. They assembled for public relig
ious worship, on the second Sabbath after; and it has
been continued by them and their descendants, without
intermission from that day to this, whether they had
the preaching of the Word or not, A Congregational
Church was org.inized the 6th day of July, 1794, by
Rev, Mr, Campbell, consisting of the following indivi
duals : Nathaniel and Bethiah Gray, Elijah and Sarah
Gray, Abraham and Betsey Raymond, Timothy and
Ruth Hatch, Josiah Lathrop, Eleazer Lathrop, Mabel,
wife of Newcomb Raymond, and Ruth, wife of Joel
Hatch, Melissa, wife of James Raymond, Ezra Lathrop
and Mariam his -wife, Nathaniel Gray and Abraham
Raymond, were chosen Deacons. Although the above
differs from the printed list of the members of the First
Church, it is believed to be as correct as can be obtained.
The records having been burned, positive accuracy
cannot be claimed. March 15, 1798, the society was
incorporated The First Congregational Church and
Society of Sherburne, Eli Marsh, Joel Northrup and
Orsamus Holmes were elected Trustees, This was the
first church and society formed in this region. There
were only three churches organized previous to this in
western New York, and these but one year earlier,*
* Hotchkin's History. H

86 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE,
Rev. Blackleach Burritt preached the first sermon in
the town and county, 1792 — he tarried but one week.
It was thirteen years after their arrival, before they had
a settled pastor. During these years, this and other
churches subsequently formed in this region, were occar
sionally supplied and counseled, by missionaries sent
and supported by churches in Connecticut and Massa
chusetts, They would be received with marked atten
tion and unusual delight. Their advent would be haUed
as an era, long to be remembered. Messengers would
be sent in every direction, untUl all, however scattered
or remote, had heard the news. Such was their hunger
ing and thirsting to hear the living preacher, that, at the
time appointed, the women and the aged would be seen
on horse-back, slowly wending their way among the
trees of the forest ; and pedestrians of both sexes and
all ages filling up the picture, until they arrive at the
place appointed. " Their house of worship has no tall
spire pointing to heaven — no bell to summon the people
to prayer — no ceiled walls, nor cushions filled with soft
est down." Its walls are round logs, its roof of boards,
or perhaps of bark. When their increasing numbers
require a more commodious building some newly erected
barn would be substituted, until school houses were
buUt. Rev. Nathan B. Darrow was the first minister
employed by the people. He was engaged to preach
one year, and also to teach a winter school, which num
bered for weeks, over ninety scholars per day. He set
tled in Homer, Cortland county, Feb. 1803. Four or five
years after, he removed to Ohio, where be died many
years since.
During these days, peace and harmony prevailed in
the church. It would almost literally be said, that they
saw "eye to eye;" but alas for poor human nature!

HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE, 87
when meeting and school houses began to be topics of
conversation, they found here an entering wedge of dis
cord; they could not be agreed upon their location,
especially the meeting house. Enough was said and
done to demonstrate that they, in common -with the rest
of human kind, possessed selfish and depraved natures.
They had their failings, who has not ?
The Chenango river, dividing the town nearly through
its centre, those on the west side argued that the church
ought to be buUt there, in order to accommodate the
people of Smyrna, which was at that time part of Sher
burne. Those on the east side contended that the town
would in time be divided, and in that case the house
would be quite one side of the centre of business and
population. A councU was caUed, many arguments
advanced pro and con, but all to no purpose. In 1802,
those on the west side of the river withdrew, joined
with Smyrna and formed a Church, styling themselves
The Second Congregational Church and Society of Sher
burne, They built a house of worship on what is kno-wn
as West HUl. This was the first house erected for relig
ious worship within the present bounds of the county of
Chenango. Rev. Joshua Knight was their first and only
settled preacher. Four or five years after, the Eighth
and Ninth Townships were divided — the Eighth taking
the name of Smyrna. From this time, the Church and
Society began to wane. The death of Mrs. Knight, and
the marriage of Mr. Knight to her daughter, who had
Uved in his family, and had uniformly addressed him as
her " father," resulted in his speedy dismissal from his
Church, and accelerated its removal to the village of
Smyrna. It is creditable to the Church and Society,
that this affair caused no division among them. Although
Mr. Knight labored strenuously in his own defence, he
carried no party -with him.

88 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
Those on the east side of the river, which are the pre
sent Church, located their house one and a half miles
north of the village, in 1803 or 4, near the residence of
Asa Foote, jr. In 1810 it was removed to the viUage.
After it had been moved about half the distance, the
interest taken in the operation was such, that the ladies
must have something to do about the matter. Accord
ingly, one beautiful morning, they were assembled,
and placed themselves at the levers, the word was given
to 'heave,' when the building was seen to move some feet,
amidst lively cheers from the gentlemen around. How
much help they had from some unobserved corner, it
may not be necessary to relate.
They worshiped in this house, nine or ten years, before
it was lathed and plastered, or in any measure done off
inside. The seats, at first, were loose boards, in their
rough state, resting on blocks. Even the pulpit had
never seen the smoothing plane, if we except the top
shelf or table, and the seat. For two or three years, it
was not glazed around the gaUeries, and for the first one
or two winters, some of the -vrindows were not even
boarded up. A certain clergyman from abroad, who
occuf)ied the pulpit, (which was nearly on a level -with
the gaUery,) one stormy winter's day, after he had
closed the service, thus addressed the congregation :
" It is a shame for any people to let their minister stand
in his pulpit, with the winds blowing directly upon him,
while they are secured from the storm below. You
ought, at least, to do as much as to board up the wind
ows in the galleries." This hint was duly attended to
before the next Sabbath day.
It was over twenty years, before stoves were intro
duced. The only provision for their comfort, was foot-
stoves, which were filled -with coals, before they left

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB, 89
home. At intermission, they would resort to the near
est dweUings, to warm themselves before their ample
fire-places, and replenish their dishes of coals for the
afternoon service. They occupied this house for more
than half a century. While yet a few of the venerable
fathers remained, the subject of buUding a new house
was gently broached ; but out of deference to their
strongly expressed attachment to the old house, and
the cherished associations connected therewith, the
subject was waived, until, the last of them had b^en
"gathered to their fathers," whieh was in 1855. Their
successors, in 1857, erected a new house, better adapted
to their circumstances and the times, which was dedi
cated in June, 1858.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Roger Adams. He
was installed August, 1806. An mteresting revival, by
which the church was quickened and enlarged, followed
as the fruit of his labors. Mr. Adams' voice failing, he
was obliged to relinquish preaching, and was accord
ingly dismissed in 1809.
His education was Umited. He was modest and unas
suming. His style and matter were plain, forcible and
convincing. He was not a great, but a good man, win
ning the affections of all who knew him, and well calcu
lated to foster and promote union among brethren.
Their next settled pastor was Rev. Abner Benedict,
who was installed in 1811. During his ministry, there
were thirty or forty added to the church. He left in
1813. He was the antipode of Mr. Adams, having the
advantage of a good education. He was much inclined
to hold forth the terrors of the Law, and harp (exces
sively, perhaps,) upon'^predestination and election. He
was a Boanerges, His matter and manner would often
h2

90 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE,
startle weak minds, and offend those less favorably
inclined, creating for him warm friends, or strong
opposers. Rev, John Truair, their third settled pastor, was
installed 5th July, 1815, During his ministry, in 1816,
there were about one hundred added to the Church. In
1819 and 20, there was another addition of one hun
dred and nine. He was dismissed in 1820.
Mr. Truair was a self-i^de man, and of Spanish
descent, (His father, when quite a lad, emigrated to
this country, and was sold for a Umited period, to pay
his passage.) He possessed a fearless, untiring energy,
and unaided, persevered until he had acquired a good
academical education. His natural talents were of a
superior order. He was apt and appropriate, on any
emergency. He spoke with a roUing eloquence, that
would rivet the attention of his audience at times, to
such a degree, that you may almost hear the dropping of
a pin. At the close of a rousing discourse, one of his
hearers remarked to another, as they were leaving the
house, " I hate to hear a man preach as if he was mad,"
This coming to the ears of Mr, T., he announced as his
text the next Sabbath morning, " I am not mad, most
noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and
soberness." In the pulpit, he had few superiors ; out of
it, some felt that he was not as careful as he ought to
be, to avoid, at least, the appearance of evU. A mother
in Israel, one of his admirers, remarked, "He ought to
go into the pulpit, and stay there,"
Rev, I, N, Sprague was installed June 7, 1825, Dis
missed Sept, 7, 1834. In 1831, there were about ninety
added to the church, by the blessing of God upon his
labors. Dec, 14, 1827, his dweUing-house, together -with

HISTOEY OP SHEEBUEl^E. 91
most of its contents, including the book of Records and
Sacramental Vessels, belonging to the church, was pro-
videntiaUy destroyed by fire. In consequence of this
calamity, the church and community are deprived of
many of the statistics and facts relating to its history,
for the first thirty-three years. A committee was ap
pointed by the church to remedy this misfortune in the
best manner practicable. Their report is, undoubtedly,
the most reliable history of that period, which can be
obtained. George E. Delevan was installed pastor of this church,
14th of March, 1838, and was dismissed in 1839.
Amos C. Tuttle was settled October 30, 1845, and dis
missed September, 1853. During his ministry, the
church enjoyed two interesting revivals, by which there
were about eighty added to its communion ; and passed
through a trying ordeal, arising out of the anti-slavery
excitement. About sixteen of their number presented
a petition to be dismissed from her watch and care, in
order to form themselves into a separate body, assign
ing as a reason why they wished to withdraw from her
fellowship, that the church would not conform to their
views of the matter, religious or political, accompanied
-srith such demands and ultimatums, that out of self-re
spect and due regard to her obligations to the Great
Head of the Church, she refused to grant their request.
In the early part of the excitement, the church had
expUcitly defined her position, by passing a series of
resolutions upon the subjct of slavery, which are record
ed in the following words :
" 'Whereas, The subject of Slavery is one of deep and intrinsic import
ance to every American Christian, and is now agitating the public
mind throughout the land, we, as a church, feel it to be both our duty

92 HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB.
and privilege to make a public expression of our views in reference to
it. Therefore
"Resolved, That we consider the enslaving of one part of the human
family by another, as a gross violation of the most precious and sacred
rights of human nature — as utterly inconsistent with the law of God,
which requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves — and totaUy
irreconcilable with the spirit and principles of the gospel of Christ,
which enjoins that ' All things whatsoever that ye would that men
should do unto you, do ye even so to them.' Slavery, we believe,
creates a paradox in the moral system. It places rational, accounta
ble and immortal beings in circumstances where they have not the
power of moral action. It makes them dependent on the will of
others, whether they shall receive religious instruction — whether
they shall know and worship the true God — whether they shall enjoy
the ordinances of the gospel — whether they shall perform the duties
and cherish the endearments of husbands and wives, parents and
children, neighbors and friends — whether they shall preserve their
chastity and purity, or regard the dictates of justice and humanity.
Such are some of the consequences and evils of slavery — consequences
and evils not imaginary- — not arising from an abuse of the institution,
but which connect themselves -with its very existence, and aro insep
arable from it. If, in any instances, the slave does not suffer aU these
evils, as wo believe there are many, it is owing to the humanity of
the master, rather than to any inherent righteousness in the system
itself. The slave is deprived of his natural rights, degraded as a
human being, liable to have inflicted upon him aU the hardships and
injuries which inhumanity and avarice may suggest. Such being the
system of slavery, we regard it as a sin against God and man, and do
feel it to be our duty to use our honest, earnest and unwearied endea
vours in all suitable ways, to remove its evils from our land and
throughout the world.
"Resolved, That, holding as we do, that American Slavery is a sin
against God and man, we cannot invite to our pulpit a minister who
is actually a slaveholder, and approves of the system ; nor invite to
our communion an individual holding a like relation to the system.
"Resolved, That, great as we believe the evils of slavery to be, and
much and earnestly as we desire its removal, we do not believe that
its evils would be mitigated, or its aboKtion hastened by gatherings

HISTOEY OP SHBEBUENE. 93
for political efiect on the Sabbath, and therefore we cannot approve or
countenance gatherings for such purposes, on that sacred day.
"Resolved, That, as a church, we do not feel called upon to express
an opinion of any system of political action for the removal of slavery,
believing, as we do, that its political bearings should be settled by us
as citizens, in connection with our fellow citizens, and not as an
ecclesiastical body."
The church adopted these resolutions, with the
expectation that they would satisfy all parties, and
produce peace and concord among the brethren. In
this they were disappointed. About forty withdrew,
formed themselves into a separate body, thereby break
ing the covenant by which they were bound to the Great
Head of the Church and his people, erected a house of
worship, labored with zeal to build themselves a place
and a name, but to no purpose. They speedily ran down,
sold their house,, and are scattered, more or less, through
the land, and generally remain isolated from all church
relations, like sheep without a shepherd. Five only have
returned, after the lapse of fourteen or fifteen years, to
the bosom of the church, which they had repudiated.
Rev. Archibald MoDougal was installed February 14,
1854. Dismissed 1860.
The church, at an early day, was accustomed to assem
ble all the children of its members, at the commencement
of every new year, for the purpose of having close per
sonal conversation with each, upon the subject of their
souls' concern and fiiture -^'ell being. They continued
this practice until their increasing numbers rendered it
impracticable, when Sabbath schools took their place.
It was a general custom among them, to require their
children to commit to memory the Assembly's Short
Catechism. Nothing short of great accuracy in the
answers would be accepted. With few exceptions, they

S4 HISTOEY OP SHBEBUENE.
entered, early in life, some branch of the vineyard of the
Lord, and are useful members of the Church and State,
an honor to their parents, honored and esteemed by the
communities in which they reside.
The present number of communicants, is one hundred
and sixty five ; and of Sabbath school scholars, one hun
dred and ten. BAPTISTS,
The first Baptist Church was founded June 24, 1802.
It consisted of twenty-four members, of whom, one only
is now living. Their first house of worship was erected
in 1818, east of Earlville, on the dividing ridge between
the Chenango valley and the Handsome Brook, near
the south line of the to-wn of Hamilton. About 1836,
they mutually agreed to divide and locate the church at
Earlville.* Those living in that vicinity continued their
relations with the first church. Those on the east side
were organized as the Second Baptist Church of Sher
burne, Oct. 7, 1836, -with twenty members. Their num
ber increased to one hundred and fifteen in four years,
and was then diminished in one year, by emigration, to
sixty-five. They now number eighty-seven.

* They sold their house to Henry Waters of Earlville, who removed
it to the bank of the Chenango Canal, where it was converted into a
etore-house. Some years after, the conversation among a party of
young men, turning upon the singular and quaint variety of articles
with which Mr. Waters had surrounded himself, one of the number
offered to bet that no one could inquire for anything in his store, which
he could not produce. Another accepted the wager — revolving in
his mind what impossible article of merchandise should save the stake
— "Have you any pulpits for sale, sir?" Mr. W. promptly led him
to an out building, where, in the midst of kindred rubbish, he dis
played to the astonished youth, and his intensely amused companions,
the article inquired for, standing entire.

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB, 95
They erected their house of worship, in the viUage,
in 1837, at the cost of about $2,300,
METHODISTS.
The Methodist Church was organized in the vUlage
of Sherburne, March 12, 1839, by Rev, James P, Backus
and Ebenezer Colson, They built their house of wor
ship in 1840, They now number eighty-three members,
FREE COMMUNION BAPTISTS.
The Free Communion Baptist Church, was organized
as a branch of the Plainfield Church, Feb. 8, 1809, by
Elder Strait, Deacons Fuller and Crumb, jr., and Messrs.
Spicer, Fitch and other brethren. They chose Elder
Strait their pastor, and Ephraim Howry church-clerk.
They received, on that occasion, eighteen into their fel
lowship Ijy baptism. From this time they had a succes
sion of pastors, and frequent additions were made until
1819, when, by mutual consent, a council of ministers
and delegates, from churches in their connection, was
called to dissolve their relations with the parent church.
This council consisted of Elder William Hunt, from
Plainfield; Elder Benjamin Rowland, Exeter; Elder
Easterbrooks, Brookfield ; Deacon William Phelps, New
Berlin ; and Deacon Hart, from Plymouth. They met at
the school-house, near Stephen Tillotson's, on the 2d
day of June, 1819. Elder William Hunt was chosen
moderator, and Royal Bryant clerk. The council after
due consideration, organized them into a separate church,
which contained forty-eight members. Elder Hunt gave
the solemn charge. Elder Easterbrooks the right hand of
fellowship, and Elder Rowland made the concluding
prayer. Stephen Tillotson and Stephen Tinker were
Deacons, Robert Dart church clerk.

96 HISTOEY OF SHBEBUENE.
About this time. Elder Benjamin Rowland, was chosen
pastor, and occupied the pulpit seventeen years. During
Ms ministry, there were frequent revivals. In 1 820, there
were fifty-five added to the church. Occasional additions
were made from year to year, until 1831, when there
was another revival, and sixty-seven were added.
About this time, they obtained a charter from the
Legislature, and were incorporated Free Communion
Baptists of the State of New York. They erected a
house of worship, at the cost of about $500.
From 1831, the church continued to prosper — revivals
were frequent, and large accessions were made. Deaths,
exclusions and emigrations, have reduced their number
at present, to about one hundred. Elder Rowland's suc
cessors, in the pastoral office, were : Elders Lotheridge,
Mathers, Brown, Clark, Russel, Gardner, Moore, Cook,
Lewis, and J. M. Darling, who is the present pastor.
Two of their members have become preachers of the
gospel, viz. : William Lothridge, ordained July 9, 1831 ;
and Daniel Mather, in 1837.
EPISCOPALIANS.
The Episcopalians were organized into a church, by
the Rev. Russel Wheeler, in July, 1828.
Its first male Members, were — Thomas Kershaw, H.
N. Fargo, Amasa Skinner, Asa Foote, Ezra Griffin.
Mrst Wardens. — Thomas Kershaw, H. N, Fargo,
First Vestry. — Amasa Skinner, Alexander Holmes,
Reuben Davis, Elijah E. Merrill, Peter J. Da-vison, Wm.
Rees, Asa Foote.
Their first Rector was the Rev. Edward Andrews,
who was engaged to officiate one fourth of the time, for
one year, from the first of Sept., 1828.

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB, 97
They erected their church edifice in 1831, at the cost
of about $2,500, including the beU.*
In 1882, Bishop Onderdonk made them their first paro
chial visit, and confirmed thirty-six.
In 1832, the Rev. John W. Woodward, suppUed the
parish one half of the time. In August of the same
year, the Rev, Liberty A, Barrows was employed as
Rector, one half of the time. By a subsequent arrange
ment, he continued to serve the parish until 1838, when
he resigned. In January, 1838, the Rev. Thomas J.
Ruger, succeeded him, and occupied the pulpit six months-
In Jxfne, 1839, the Rev. Thomas Towel, filled the vacan
cy. In Feb., 1842, the Rev. Liberty A, Barrows was
recalled, and continued untU 1846, when he resigned.
In May of the same year, the Rev. W, D, WUson was
chosen Rector, and continued the same untU 1850, On
the 8th of May, that year, the Rev, Levi H, Corson was
chosen Rector, During his ministry, on the 19th June,
1860, the records of the church and society were burnt,
and the above minutes were coUected by him, from
the best information that could be obtained. May 8,
1854, he resigned. -The Rev. Thomas Applegate suc
ceeded in July, 1854, He resigned Oct. 1, 1856, Rev.
G, L, Foote became Rector, AprU 1, 1856, and continued
untU AprU, 1858, May, 1858, the Rev, Joshua L. Bur
rows became Rector, and stiU officiates as their pastor.
In 1858, their church communicants numbered seventy.
The number of famiUes Ijelonging to their society was
fifty-eight, containing one hundred and thirty adults, and
?Trinity Chiu-cji, in New Tork, contributed SCO dollars; John
Watts, of New Tork, (a ^arge land-holder in the north-east quarter,)
f 500 ; Amasa Skinner, Thomas Kershaw, and H. N. Fargo, each $100,
And othcfrs smaller sums, according to their several abilities.
I

98 HISTOEY OP SHBEBUENE.
fifty chUdren ; in all one hundred and eighty. Sabbath
school pupils thirty. Moneys raised for missionary and
benevolent objects $131 60,
UNIVERSALISTS.*
The UniversaUst Society of Sherburne, was organized
on the 25th day of August, 1849, by the fi-iends of the
cause, who met at the brick school-house, situated east
of the Academy, in the -village of Sherburne, which
building was pre-riously purchased by them, to be used
as a place of public worship. The meeting was organ
ized, by appointing the Rev, James S, Sherburne, as
Moderator, and Isaac Plumb, as Secretary, The Rev,
Alfred Peck, offered a prayer ; and a Constitution for
the govemment of the society, was presented by the
Rev. 0. L. SMpman, for consideration, which was
adopted. Alberto Sabin, Naham Starr and Luther N.
Murdock, were elected Trustees ; and Elijah S. Ly
man, was elected Secretary. Rev, James S. Sherburne,
Naham Starr, Richmond White, Alfred Sabin, Alberto
Sabin, Elijah S, Lyman, WUliam C, White, Luther N.
Murdock, and Isaac Plumb, were present aud partici
pated in the jproceedings of the meeting.
The society held reUgious services at this house, until
the year 1866, when they purchased the meeting-house,
in the village of Sherburne, knoivn as the Free Church,
a neat and commodious building, which they stiU occupy
for religious worship.
ROMAN CATHOLICS.
After the completion of the Chenango Canal, a num
ber of foreigners, chiefly Irish, remained in the town,
!" Communicateid Jjy Isaac Plujab, Esq. .

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 99
They were soon organized into a church, professing the
Roman Catholic faith.
In 1858, they purchased the house belonging to the
First Congregational Church and Society of Sherburne,
and have preaching once in two or three weeks. If I
am rightfully informed, there is not an American born
citizen, except their own children, united with them. It
appears to be the policy of their Priests, to keep them
isolated as much as possible, from all religious or educa
tional intercourse with the Protestant community.
LAST OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS.
Josiah Lathrop was one of the original proprietors of
the south-west quarter ; and was three years in the service
of his country, during the Revolution. He and Joel Hatch
were the last survivors of that band of pioneers. It was
a curious coincidence that their birth days should be the
same day and month, the 29th of August, although Mr.
L, was seven years the senior. It was their custom to
meet at each other's houses, alternately on that day, and
have a social visit with each other, and their offspring,
to the fourth generation. It was a grand sight to behold
these venerable men, " o'er whose grey locks four score
and ten winters had shed their frosts and snows," sit
side by side, and recount the reminiscences of the past.
They had seen sixty winters pass over the valley, since
their first arrival, and now found themselves the only
survivors of all their compeers. Together they had gone
through the trials and vicissitudes of their country, " in
the times that tried men's souls." They could contrast
the present With the day they first beheld the Valley of
Chenango in its primitive glory, when it was only the
residence of the roving Indian, the wild bear, the prowl-

100 HISTOEY OP SHEEBUENB,
ing wolf, and the bounding deer. When -with slow and
steady perseverance of the ax, swung by their own arm,
they beheld, one after another, the trees of the forest
fall crashing to the ground. Now, in their stead, the
expanded landscape, dotted with comfortable dwellings,
surrounded by lawns of luxuriant grass, and fields of
waving grain, spreads itself out before them. With hearts
overflowing with joy and gratitude, they saw temples
erected to the living God, filled with worshipers from
Sabbath to Sabbath — flourishing schools around them —
prosperity and internal improvements exceeding their
most sanguine anticipations. Every bosom would swell
with grateful emotion towards them and their associates,
for all the toils and hardships which they encountered in
laying the foundation for these results : all would be dis
posed to honor them, not only as soldiers of the Revolu
tion, but as soldiers of the Cross — to regard them not
merely as aged citizens, but as sages " whose words were
words of wisdom, which it would be safe to follow."
These fathers, and the greater portion of the early set
tlers with them, have gone the way of all the earth. The
last of this band was Joel Hatch, who survived Mr.
Lathrop, about one year ; and was one of the first to
explore and settle in this town, and the last to leave it.
He died March 26, 1855, in the 91st year of his age.
CONCLUSION.
What people have received a greater legacy from their
forefathers, than the people of Sherburne ? The boon of
freedom, from tyrany and oppression, almost every one
of the original, and many of the early settlers with them,
were personally active in obtaining, which, together with
the beautiful landscape that adorns the banks of the Che-

HISTOEY OF SHEEBUENB. 101
nango, as a well watered garden, and was made such by
the sweat of their brow, they have bequeathed to us.
These organized churches, religious and literary institu
tions, so prominent in our midst, after being watered by
their tears, and nourished by their prayers, they have
banded over into our hands for safe keeping. May we
ever have their names in grateful remembrance, imi
tating their virtues, and transmitting this inheritance
unimpaired to our posterity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAOB*

Animals, WUd  Tq
Ark,  ;..;,¦.,,.,.  :  59
Baptists  ,,'...  i. .i  94
Birds  ;  ,  T8
Bridge,  58
Burritt, Eev. Blackleach,  15
Carding Machine  4i
Census;  , . 61,
Chenango Canal,  60
Climate,  67
Church,  .;  85
Circuit Court,  .,  44
Citizens who became preachers, Ac,  65
Conclusion,. . :  100
Deer,  ,...,  IS
Distilleries,  ,.  82
Episcopalians,  96
First FamUy  11
First Justice of the Peace,  ,  84
First Lavi^suit  36
First Payment of Lands, .-.  31
First School,. ;  :,..:  32
Free Communion Baptists...... ¦,  '.  95
Geology,...'..  65
Gospel and School Lands,  49
Graduates of Colleges,  -  64
Grist MUl  26
Hawks,  ^9

104 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Indians,  71
Indian Fortifications,  75
Indian Eelics  ,  74
Introductory Remarks,  6
Judges,  43
Last of the Original Proprietors  99
Latitude and Longitude  71
Lawyers, first in Tovra,  41
Library,  ..•,,. 50
Log-houses, , . . :  19
Marriage, first in town,  50
Methodists,  95
Panthers  77
Party Hide  51
Physidians,.  ¦.......; 46
Pigeons, Wild,  79
Pioneers,  7
Potatoes,  81
Products of the SoU  79
Roman Catholics,.  98
School Houses,  48
Sherburneites admitted to the Bar,,  65
Skunks,  78
Store,  44
The Press,  61
Town Meeting,  32
TJniversalists,  ^  ,  98
Wedding  '  50
WUd Animals,  76
Wolves,  '. 71
Woolen Factory,  , . , . 45

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