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Full text of "Annals and recollections of Oneida County"

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\J\JC-\J'— ' 



CoRw I 






ANNALS 



AND 



R ECO LL ECTIONS 



F 



ONEIDA COUNTY. 



" stretch forth ! stretch I'ortli ! from the South to the North, 
From the East to the West— stretch forth ! stretch forth ! 
Strengthen thy stakes and lengthen thy cords— 
The World is a tent for the World's true Lords ! 
Break forth and spread over every place, 
The World is a World for the Saxon Race ! "' 

TUPPER. 



BY POMROY JONES 






ROME 



\. 



^L/'/W^^A 



A^ V 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOK. 
1851. 



^ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, 

Br POMROY JONES 

lu the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for 
the Northern District of New York. 



PRINTED BY A. J. ROWi-EY, ROME, N. Y. 



PREFACE. 



It is now sixty-seven years since James Dean and Hugli 
White became permanent settlers in Oneida County. Al- 
though lectures have been delivered, and half century 
sermons preached, containing valuable reminiscences of 
particular localities ; yet the great body of the county has 
had little done for the preservation of its annals. 

During a protracted illness of his father in 1838, while 
tlie Author's attendance was required near the sick bed, 
he wrote a few chapters of early incidents, which were 
published. At the time, the Author was strongly solicited 
to write an extended and connected history of the County. 
His duties, as a member of the County courts, and to hi's 
family, then prevented it. After the adoption of our present 
Constitution, by which one, instead of five Judges, was made 
to constitute and hold those courts, — the Author was left 
free from his public duties, and he at once set about collect- 
ing the materials for the following work. 

When commencina;, if he could have foreseen the amount 
of labor with which he was about to tax himself, possibly he 



IV. PREFACE. 

might have quailed ; but the pleasure cxpericncetl iu his 
researches, added to the little native perseverance he pos- 
sessed, entirely precluded the idea of an abandonment of his 
purpose. 

It has been endeavored to have every portion correct. 
In all instances, the most accurate information has been 
sought. It is not, however, to be presumed but that minor 
inaccuracies arc contained in the work. There has been fre- 
(jucntly a very great discrepancy iu the relation of the same 
transactions, by different individuals : and it has been no 
slight task to reconcile these different statements ; but in 
most cases the Author has been enabiei;! to do so, to his 
own satisfaction. 

In relation to the military operations that occurred during 
the Ptcvolutionary contest, there is a very great diversity in 
the statements made by different Authors. Col. Marinus 
Willett, a prominent actor in these operations, published a 
narrative detailing them, soon after the close of the war. 
This narrative has been considered the best evidence, as to the 
matters it contains. He was an eye witness, and wrote them 
out while fresh in his memory, while other authors have but 
compiled the recollections of men far advanced in life, or the 
still more unreliable evidence of tradition. 

The Author has found himself too late by a quarter of a 
century, in looking up the materials for a full and perfect 
notice of " Men and events," in the early settlement of the 
(Jounty. Even since he commenced, death has closed many 



PREFACE. V. 

]ip3, from which much valuable information was expected. 
An interview was had with the late Philo White, youngest 
son of Judge AVliite, the pioneer of Whitestown, and valu- 
able information elicited and notes taken. Another interview 
was promised ; but ere it was had — his tongue was forever 
silent ! 

Joseph Blackmer, Esq., oue of the earliest settlers of the 
County, and whose obituary will be found in the history of 
Westmoreland, a man of great observation and memory, and 
whose recollections of the early days of Oneida were more 
perfect and vivid than that of almost any other individual, 
and to whom it was intended to apply, was in his gi'ave before 
the opportunity was had ! 

Lydia Parkman, a maiden lady, who moved into West- 
moreland in 1790, and whose memory was such that her mind 
was a perfect record of whatever came to her notice in the 
first half century of her residence, died the past winter, aged 
seventy-five ! The distance to her residence was so brief, 
that it was supposed that whatever she could impart, could 
be had at almost any time; and while looking to more 
distant sources, " the wheel was broken at the cistern,'' and 
this vast reservoir was beyond our reach. 

These cases are but mentioned to slsow how fast all that is 
unwritten is being lost. A cumpiler, twenty-five years 
hence, would find little left but va2;ue and unreliable 
tradition. 

Much aid has been rendered by very many individuals in 



VI. rnEFACE. 

different towns in the County. The names of Amos O. 

Osborn, Esq., of Sangerficld, William C. Brewster, of 

Annsville, and Clift French, Esq., of Western, should be 

mentioned, who left but little to be done for their towns. 

other than arranging and transcribing their manuscripts. 
The names of all his friends, who have kindly furnished 

valuable information, would swell the list too long for thi." 

iilace : they will please accept our most grateful acknow- 

ledgemctits. 

Joshua V. H. Clark, Esq , of Manlius, very politely gave 

permission to transcribe from his I'ich history of Onondaga. 

all that was requested, relative to Oneida County. 

The two lectures of William Tracy, Esq., before the 

Voung Men's Association, of Utica, containing '• Notices of 
Men and Events in Oneida County." comprised much that 
is valuable and useful, and rendered essential aid. 

Hon. 0. S. Williams delivered two lectures to the Clinton 

Lyceum, on the history of that place, which have been of 
great use in preparing the notices of Kirkland. 

The Rev. Dr. Asahel S. Norton, of Clinton, preached a 
Thank.sgiving sermon ; the Rev. Israel Rrainard. of Vcron;i. 
a New Year's sermon ; the Rev. Messrs. Walter 11. Long 
of the Presbyterian, and Jireh J). Cole, of the Baptist church 
o^' AVhitestown, and 0. ])artholomew, of Augusta, half 
century sermons, that contained valuable statistics of the 
towns where delivered. The addresses, and a portion c.f tin- 
H'^rmons have been published, and those not publiHli<:'d. the 



PREFACE. Til. 

author.? have kindly furnished their manuscripts, which have 
essentially lightened the labors of compiling the annals for 
those towns. 

A native of Oneida County, born in the year 1789, and 
not once having changed his place of residence — his own 
recollections of the earlier and lat^r times in the County, 
has enabled the Author, as he believes, to add something to 
the interest of the book. 

The work has been extended to a much greater length 
than was at first anticipated ; for as the compilation pro- 
gressed, materials have accumulated entirely beyond our 
expectations. This necessarily has caused tielay. Other 
causes, over which the Author and Publisher had no conti'ol, 
unnecessary, and perhaps improper to be mentioned here, 
have effected further delay ; but at length every obstacle hajr 
been surmounted, and the public have the results of years 
*ipent in the research. 

It is believed no higher desire need be extended to the 
readers, than that each will derive as much pleasure from 
the perusal, as has been experienced in the compilation. 

THE AUTHOE. 

LAIBDi?ViH,E. 1851. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 

Paoi; 1. 

I'Kuu/f Incognita,' or unknown Lincl — all of the country west of 
Albany. Formation of Counties and Towns, including and in- 
cluded in Oneida County. Tryon county, changed to Montgomery. 
Its limits defined. Whitestown and its boundaries. Town of 
(Jhemung. Ontario, Tioga, Otsego and Herkimer Counties. Onon- 
daga County formed. Oneida County formed; its boundaries. 
Three terms of Common Pleas and General Sessions. The Towns 
in Oneida County in 1801. Jefter.son and Lewis Counties formed. 
Oswego County formed. Formation of all the towns in the County, 
up to the present time. 

CHAPTER II. 

ONEIDA COUNTY. Page 14. 

Its location, latitude and longitude. The courses of the streams of 
water that drain the several sections of the county. Geology. 
Minerals. - Elections. Town Meetings in Whitestown. Courts, 
&€. Judges of Common Pleas and County Courts. Tables giving 
the votes for Governor for fifty years. A table giving the poi)ula- 
tion in 1800, and each tenth year to 1850. Members of Assembly. 
Sheritfs and County Clerks. District Attorneys and Siu'rogatcs. 
Capital trials and punishments. County organizations. Political. 
Coxe's Patent. 

CHAPTER III. 

ANNSVILLE. Page GI. 

Geology. Fish Creek and branches. Probable Lakes. jNIiller s 
Creek. Fall Brook. Its Falls. Rocks. Water Power. Furnace 
at Taberg. Geographical description. Soil and productions. In- 
dians. History. Antiquities. Anecdotes of Joseph W. Bloom- 
field. Mr. Gere, the well-digger ; his death by the caving in of a 
well. Elias Brewster. Bringing the cows. A Panther. A Bear. 
William Lord drowned in the Hum Hole. Anecdote of going to 
School — and Snow in June. Names of early settlers. 



X. CONTKNTP. 

CHAPTER IV. 

AUGUSTA. Tage 84. 

Situation. Pout Smith Ica.sed New Petersburgli. Otiier Patents. 
Oneida Ee.servatioii. Fir.st settlement of the Town, and first set- 

. tier.?. Anecdote of Amos Parker. Jrancis OToole. Cassety'K 
Mills at Oriskany Falls. Washington Street. Town Organized. 
Name. First Town Meeting. Failure of second meeting' First 
nnd other Merchants. Presidential Electors and Memhers of A.-j- 
seinbly. First death — marriage and deaths. Clergymen buried. 
Deaths by fire-arms. Murder by an Indian, andthe murderer 
e.Kecuted bv the avenger of blood. Accidents. Academy. Large 
families. Flisha Shephard. Bear stories. Villages. Keligions 
societies'. First sermon. Col. Thomas Cassety. 

C HAP T Ell V. 

AVA. Paoe 113. 

The youngest town in the county. Ebenezer Harger the first .settler. 
Names of early settlers, plrst saw-mill. Gristmill. Hardships. 
Head M'atcrs of the Mohawk, Black river and Fish Creek emanate 
from it. Is well watered. Horace Iloyt the only merchant. 
Lumber dealer and manufacturer of Potash. A society of Friends. 
Professional men. Common schools. School fund. Boils. Ponds. 
French road. German settlers. First supervisor. 

CHAPTER y T . 

BOONVILLE. Paok lltj. 

Its territory first in Whitestown, then in Steuben, then in Leyden. 
and was organized as a town in I8O0. Kortnaer first name propos- 
ed. Andrew Kdniimds the first settler in ITOo. First grist and 
saw-mill. In IT'.)!'', large accessions to the settlement, and sture 
and tavern erected. First death, birth and marringe. Lii's ele- 
vated. Egypt. Limestone. Lumber. Canal feeder. Religious 
societies. Boonville village. Alder creek. Williamsville. Num- 
ber of mills. First town meeting. Supervisors. 

CHAPTER VII. 

IIRIDGEVVATEK. PAr;f l^!.'. 

Location. Bridgewater Flats. Their fertility. Head waters of the 
Unadilla. Line of property. Its history. Lime-stone. Coal — 
small vein of Dissimilarity of the east and MX-st hills. Joseph 
Farwell first settler — came in 1788. Other early settlers. First 
tavern. First saw-mill — store — blacksmiths shop and grist-mill. 
A boy captures u young bear. Ileligious societies — Presbyterians 
— Friends — I5ai)tists — Universalists. .Acailemy. Bridgewater Fe- 
male Sf.'ininarv, 



. CONTENTS. XI. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CAMDEN. Page 131. 

Composed of the Tth and one-half of the 8th township.? of Scriba s 
Patent. Taken from Mexico. First town meeting. First .Super- 
visor and town clerk. Soil. Building stone. First settler. First 
saw-mill. By whom raised. Early settlers. Mrs. Bacon and in- 
fant drowned ; tlier were the first deaths in the town. Carnden 
village. West Caniden. Mills. Religious societies. Incidents. 

CHAPTER IX. 

' DEERFIELD. Pagb 13l>. 

The east line of Oneida county. Deerfield organized. First town 
meeting. First settlers in 1773. Driven off by the Indians and 
Tories in 1776. Timely notice by an Oneida Indian. All escaped. 
After incidents of the first settlers during the Revolutionary war. 
Removed back in 1784. Soil. Deerfield hill. Deerfield corners. 
Rehgious societies. Baptists. Eld. John Leland, Methodists. 
North Deerfield and South Trenton Baptists. Mills. 

CHAPTER X. 

FLORENCE. Page MC. 

First settlement of the town. First settlers. Soil. Anecdote of a 
boy. Quarries. Streams of water. Organization of the town. — 
First town meeting. Description of the i>lace. List of Supervi- 
sors. Florence village. Its btisiness and tanneries. Religious 
societies— Congregational — Methodist — Baptist. R,eminiscences. 
Mills. 

CHAPTER XI. 

FLOYD. Page Im. 

Named from Crcn. Floyd, who owned lands in its bounces. Probably 
when, and by whom first settled. Early settlers in the differeiir 
par.:s of the town. The Moulton family. Their sufferings in the 
Ite volution. William Allen, E.sq. Samuel Dyer, Esq. Anecuuti- 
of Capt. Nathan Townsend. Geology and Soil. First Deaths. 
Sickness. List of Supervisors. First tavern. Religioa.s Socie- 
ties and houses for public worship. Union House, erected uncier 
peculiar articles of agreement. Baptists. "Welsh Methodists. 
Schools. Flo}-d Corners. Nine-mile Creek. Obittiaries of early 
settlers. 

CHAPTER XII. 

KIRKLAND. Paoe 165. 

Settlement commenced. Names of early settlers ; had visited the 

place the previous fall; disagreement and .settlement as to the place 

■to commence; their first domicils. First female who arrivect. 

Building lots. Clearing. Washington and Clinton Iand-holder.«. 



XII, CONTENTS. 

Tlic nearest mill. Going lo mill. Saw mill. First ivli^^iotis 
mecling. Contentment. Death by drowninij: of Mi.ss Tiutlc. 
Thomas Fancher killed by a falling tree. Mercj' Stebbins, third 
(ieaih. First marriages. First birth. Accessions. Famine in 
I7SI). Relief by Isaac Paris. First framed houses and barns. 
Tlioma.s Hart. Bears. Local names. Dreaming match. Hart's 
store robb:'il. Religious Societies. Geology. Manchester. Ham- 
ilton Oneida Academy. Hamilton College. A. M.Stowe's address. 
Biography of Samuel Kirkland. Notice of Mo.ses Foote. Jesse 
(..'uitiss and his obituary; his ancient Bible. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

LEE. Page ^ij. 

First .=;ettlcm?nt and settlers of the town. Ideas of the ConncclieiU 
people of its location. Patents, lis territory: in M'hat counties 
and towns, previous lo its organization. Organized in 1811. 
By whom named. Fir.sl town meeting. First supervisor and town 
clerk. List of supervisors. Soil and productions. Bears ; the 
two Cunninghams kill one. Fir.st death, birth and marriage. 
First saw and grist mill. First school-house. Course of discipline. 
Bu.siness. Religious .societies. Schools. Early fi.shery. Lee Cen- 
tre. Nisbet's Corners. Robert Nisbet. Delta; its business. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

iMARCV. I'aoe -'37. 

hi 1710, an emigrant, by the name of Wilson, leaves Ireland, and 
comes to Coiineclicnt, from thence to Vermont ; eight of his .sons 
in the Continental army . one of his sons the finst sflller in Marcy. 
■who is soon followed by two brothers. Customs and anecdotes of 
the first settlers. A hunter. Healthy. Schools. Indians. Busi- 
ness. Religious societies. IN'amed i'rom Gov. Marcy, Mho visited 
the town. 

CHAPTER XV. 

MARSn.ALI,. I'if.r. 2J7. 

Hrotlierlown Indians. Land given thou by the Oncidas. A fart 
settled here previous to the Revoluticjn; they mostly left just pre- 
vious to that war: AVampy and one or two oihers remained. Ren- 
contre between "Wampy ami a hostile Indian. After peace the In- 
dians returned; in 1831, commenced selling and removing to Green 
Bay. First settlement of the town by the whites. Names of some 
of the first settlers. Geology. Religious .'ocieties. Henrich Star- 
ing's escape from the Indians at this place: his Yankee pass and 
decision. Villnges. Addenda. Book of Indian records discovered. 
<'ierks. Lands a.ssigned tot hem. Their town meetings. By-laws. 
I'ngitivc slaves. Proceedings in a treaty with the western Indians. 
Inscription on grave stones. 



CONTENTS. XIII. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

NEW IIAUTt'ORD. Pace 27:.>. 

The seltlement of the to^vn was commenced in 1788 by Col. Sanger; 
moved his family the next spring; he built the first saw and grist 
mill. Names of carlv settlers in dillerent parts of t!ie town. Con- 
struction of the Seneca turnpike in 1800; one cause of rapid growth ; 
its prosperity for a time, injured bv the construction of the Erie 
Canal. Present business of the village. First child born. Re- 
ligious societies. Incidents in relation to Mr. Johnson"s ordination, 
pfrst hou.se for public worship in the county. Biography of Judge 
Sanger. Gen. Oliver Collins. Manufactures. iMills. _ 

CHAPTER XVII. 

PAPaS. Page 28S. 

First .settler and settlers in the town. Congregational Church in 1791 . 
Mr. Steele; his epitaph ; persecutions of, in Shay's Avar. A chap- 
ter of crime. Monuments in the Paris Hill Cemetery. George 
Stanton burned in his house. Episcopalian Church at Paris Hill. 
Sauquoit; first settlement of this section. Names of the early set- 
I lers. Incident in the life of Kirkland Griffin. Benjamin Merrills. 
First store and tavern. Methodist and Union Presbyterian societies. 
Cassville; first settlers ; its churches. Business on the Sauquoit 
Creek: a reminiscence of the supposed capability of the stream. 
Col, Gardner Avery; his obituary. Of Edward Scoville. Mills. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

RExMSEN. Page 304. 

Location, streams of water, soil and productions. Geology, rocks and 
minerals. From whom named. Patents. Nev/ stimulants for the 
settling of the north part of the town. First settlement, in 1792, by 
Barnabas Mitchell. Hardships. Reinforced in 1793. First death 
and birth. Arrival of Welsh emigrants in 1808 ; their characteris- 
tics. Religious .societies. Schools. Remsen village ; its first set- 
tlement; its present business. Intemperance and temperance. Re- 
chabite tent. Mills. First town meeting in 1798. List of super- 
visors. Obituary of John G. Jones. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

ROME. Pack 312. 

Ancient carrying-place, with the Dutch and Indian names; first 
notice of it ; tradition. Fort Bull. Fort Williams ; destroyed by 
Gen. Webb. Itinerary; description of the country. Pitt. Fort 
Stanwix erected. Roof and Brodock ; obituary of the former. In 
I77t;, the fort repaired; in 1777, St. Leger sent to take it; invests 
it; events during the siege. Oriskany battle; Willett's sortie; 
death of Herkimer. Arnold arrives at Fort Dayton. Han Yost 
Schuyler. Siege raised. Various reminiscences. First settlement 
of the town. Early settlers. Old canal. Peter Colt. George 
Huntington. War of 1812. United States arsenal. Erie Canal, 
Syracuse and Utica rail-road. Academy. Schools. Religious 
societies. Old newspaper. Obituaries of Ebenezer Wright and 
Edward Potter. Addenda. 



XlV. CONTENTS. 

CHxVPTEIl XX 

SANGERFIELD. Pi.OE 401- 

Xnmbcr 20 of the twenty townships. Surveyed in ITttP. Purchase'! 
I7;.t0. First settler, Zerah Phelps, in 179"i. Name.s of early set- 
tlers. A freshet. Early frost. Accident to Mr. Clark. Firstborn, 
a female. Included in Pari.-'. Alarm from the Indians. Amusing' 
Inaian anecdote. First born male. Col. Norton. First marriage. 
IT'Jo favorable. Large reinforcement ot emigrants. Great use of 
bake kettles. First store. In 17'J5, the town of Sangertield organ- 
ized. First town meeting. First supervisor. First post otiice 
Number of taxable inhabitants in 179(j. The first physician. In 
17f>8, Chenango County formed, including Sangertield. In 1801, 
set to Oneida. Religious societies. Newspapers. Location. Ge- 
ology. Streams of water. Villages. Murder of Benjamin White, 
Lisi'of supervisors. Obituary. 

CHAPTER XXI 

STEt;BEX. Page 4^6. 

Organized in 1792. First town meeting near Fort Stanwix. In 179t;, 
Rome and Floyd taken from it; and. in 179()^Western and Leyden. 
Elevated location. Steuben and Star's hill. 'Rocks. First settlers, 
Fir.'t birth and marriage. Biography of Baron Steuben; anecdotes 
of the Banm; the Baron's grave. Wonderful occurrence. No 
tarern. Longevity. Religious societies. Printing office, 

CHAPTEK XXII 

TRENTOX. Paob 44?. 

First settler, Oldenbarncveld, Mr, Boon, agent lor (he Holland 
Land Company. Service's Patent. Anecdote of Peter Smith. 
Destruction of "the Johnson papers. Col. Mappa and Dr. Vander- 
kemp. Hardships at Oldenbarneveld. Other early .setilers. First 
saw and grist mill. Fir.-t town meeting. Geology. Agriculture 
Trenton Falls, Moonlight Reveries, Accidents at "the Falls. 
Cavern, Villages. Holland's Patent : its hi.slorv. Religious so- 
cieties. Biography. Dr. Guiteau, Dr. Vanderkemp, 

C ri A I' TEV. X X T 1 1 

UTICA, I'agic 486. 

F'!arlie'st mention of its site. Indian name. F<.>rt Schuyler, Notice 
' .n in Edinburgh Encyclopedia. Survey of Cos by'.'j Manor, Notice 
of carlv settlers. Uriah and William Alverson ; tlie Moreys : Fran- 
cis FosUt ; Silyca; Josejjh Soulc ; James 8, Kip; Stephen Potter; 
John Post, the first merelinnt ; John Cuntiingham : .Jacob Christ- 
man ; Mrs, Petric. Anecdotes of Saucy Nick and Brant. In 1704 
>nhabitants of. Dr. Carrington ; Peter Bellinger : John Rellirger. 
First Bridge in 179*2. Names and Notices of many of the i^rumi; 
nent settlers and inhabitants. Amount of Taxes in 1800. Titles of 
the land. John Bradstrect. Western Sentinel. Whitcstown Ga.- 
zettc' and Cato's Patrol. Columbian Gazette. Erie canal. Packets. 



CONTENTS. XV. 

Missionary tour of John Taylor. Meeting.s ia boLalf of the Greeks 
and Poles. Letter of LaFayettc. Meeting of Abolitionists. Coun- 
ter meeting. Record of prominent events. History of the corpo- 
ration. Population at different periods. Churches. Institutions, 
Associations, Companies, &c., &c. New York State Lunatic Asv' 
lum. Forest Hill Cemotry. Banks. Globe mills. Steam cotton 
mills. Waterworks. Gasworks. Ancient Britons' Society. Me- 
(^hanics' Associations. Schools. Academy. Female Seminary. 
Common Schools. Secret Societies. 

CHAPTER XXIY. 

VERNON. Page 634. 

Settled late. Includes the principal Oneida village. Early wealth 
Oneida Reservation. Bleecker's, Baschard's, Van Eps' and Ser-. 
geant's Patents. First settlers. First death. Names of settlers 
Emigrants. Their characteristics. First marriage and birth. — 
Geology. Mineral spring. Religious societies. Organization of 
the towu. First town meeting. Grist Mills. Supervisors. Lo- 
cal names. Accidents. Schools. Biograpliy. Anecdotes, Epi- 
taph of Rev. John Sergeant. Indian Orchard. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

VERONA. Page 662. 

Size. First settlers. A Romance. First death. Royal blockhouse. 
Early settlers of the town, dead and living. Notice of Elizabeth 
Wha'ley Matteson. Organization of the to^vn. First town meet- 
ing. Supervisors. First election Accidents. Sickness. 1805. 
Improvement. Milages. Geology. Medicinal sjiriug. Religious 
Societies. 

CHAPTER XXVI, 

VIENNA. Page 6?<). 

Organized. Townships 9 and 10 Scriba's Patent. Face of the (own 
and timber. Lumber. Agriculture. Quarry. Oneida Lake. 
Voters. Saw and grist mills. Bears. Frenchman's Deer hunt. 
Ring hunt in 1820. Villages. McConnellsville, North Bay. Vi- 
enna, West Vienna and Fish Creek Landing. Religious Societies. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

WESTEUN. Page 6D3. 

Boundaries and size. Time and by whom the settlement M'as com- 
menced. Their seed, grain and potatoes brought from Herkimer. 
Leases, the most common conveyances. Roads and first bridge 
across the Mohawk. Incorporation of the town and first town 
raeetiug. Supervisors. Waters. Face of the town. Geology, &c 
Original Patentees. Schools. Westernville. Mills and other bu- 
siness establishments. Religious societies. Their charity to eacb 
other, Biography of Gen, Floyd. Anecdotes of, 

\ 



XVI. CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

WESTMORELAND. Page 713. 

Fourth town settled. Dean's Tatent. Wemple's and Kirldand'.s Pat- 
ents. First settlement and settlers. Anecdote ol'Ephraim Elaek- 
mer's last day's journej". Other settlers arrive. History of Nathan 
Looniis' Farm. Titles of Farilis. Hardships. Mills erected.— 
Settlers in different parts. Geology. A Hnrricauc. Historical 
Reminiscences. Ages of twenty persons. First deaths— marriages. 
Merchants. Religious Societies. Biography. A second Cente- 
narian. Schools and school-houses. Milages. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

WtHTESTOVVN. Pa.ue 75-'. 

The lirst permanent settlement in the County. The beauties of 
Central and Western New York discovered by New England sol- 
diers, in the old French and Revolutionary wars. Hugh White, 
the first settler. His journey, age, and family. Sauquoit Patent. 
Mills. Law suit. A Samp mortar. Scarcity. Philo White. I'i- 
geons. Early Settlers. Notices of. Wrestling match. Traits of 
Judge White. Indians. Religious Societies. First organization 
of the Town. Its limits. Spirit of the early inhabitants. Offices 
lieldbythem. Western Centinel. Salt manufacturers. Villages. 
Aboriginal remains. Two obituaries of Revolutionary Soldiers. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

INDIANS. Page 833. 

The Six Nations. Their name as given by themselves and others. — 
Iroquois most general. Population at various periods. Oneidas. 
Their History. Missionaries to. Characieristics. Their Wars 
and their connection with the Dutch, English and French. Con- 
tinued. Plattcopf. Scanandoa. Present condition of the Tribe. 
Visit to the remnant. Indian names of persons and localilies. Os- 
ceola's Anecdotes. Tuscaroras. From whence — their history anc! 
wars. Emigrate to near Oneida. Decome the Sixth Nation. Join 
the Americans in the Revolutionary war. Stockbriuoe Indians. 
Their history. Missionaries and Missions School. Emigrate to 
New Stockbridge— to Green Bay. Tradition of. Buotukrtons. 
Their History. Samson Cecum. They emigrate lo this County. 
Thence to Green Bay. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 



The Dutch originally settled and governed the territory 
\vithin the present limits of the State of New York, and by 
them it was called New Netherlands. As late as 1638 that 
portion of it lying west of Fort Orange (Albany) was termed 
by the Dutch chroniclers, '■'• Terra Incognita^'' or Unknown 
Land. In 1674 the Dutch finally surrendered the colony 
to the English, and it was named New York, in honor of the 
Duke of York, to whom the colony had been granted by 
Charles II in 1664. It had, however, been surrendered by 
the Dutch G^ov. Stuyvesant, in 1664, to the English, by 
whom it was held until 1673, when it was taken by the 
Dutch, and held by them until the next year. In 1683 the 
colony was divided by its Legislature into twelve counties, 
viz. : — New York, Albany, Dutchess, Kings, Queens, Orange, 
Ulster, Richmond, Sufi"olk, Westchester, Dukes, and Corn- 
wall. In 1768 and 1770, the counties of Cumberland and 
Gloucester were added. Dukes and Cornwall, after a bitter 
controversy, were surrendered to Massachusetts in 1693 ; and 
a part of Gloucester and Cumberland was, after a quarrel, 
ceded to New Hampshire, and now forms a part of Vermont; 
and the portion of the two counties retained was formed into 
a county called Charlotte, now Washington County. 

This chapter is written to show the changes made in the 
territory now or formerly m, or connected ivith, the territory 

1 



2 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY, [cHAf. 

of the County of Oneida, including the formation of counties 
and towns, and the changes made in their boundaries. 

In 1772 the County of Tryon was formed from the terri- 
tory of Albany County lying westwardly of a line running 
nearly north and south through the present County of Scho- 
harie. The name Tryon having become highly obnoxious 
from the active hostility and acts of wanton cruelty of Gov. 
Tryon towards the Americans during the Revolution, the 
Legislature, on the 2d of April, 1784, changed the name of 
Tryon County to Montgomery, in honor of tlie General of 
that name who had fallen at Quebec. By the same act 
Montgomer)' County was divided into five districts, called 
Mohawk, Canajoharrie, Palatine, German Flats, and Kings- 
land. German Flats district included all the western part 
of the State, and was then an unbroken forest, excepting a 
few German settlements upon the Mohawk. Kingsland di.s- 
trict included the northern part of Herkimer County, and 
"extended westwardly to the West Canada Creek. In 1786 
Montgomery County contained fifteen thousand and fifty- 
seven inhabitants. 

By the act of March 7, 1788, defining the boundaries of 
the several counties in this State, the County of Montgomery 
was declared to contain "all that part of this State bounded 
easterly by the Counties of Ulster, Albany, Washington, 
and Clinton ; southerly by the State of Pennsylvania ; and 
westerly and northerly by the west and north bounds of iinir 
State." By an act of the same date the following towns 
in Montgomery County were bounded and described, viz. : — 
Caughnawaga, Palatine, Herkimer, Mohawk, Harpersfield, 
Otsego, Canajo-xharrie, German Flats, and Whitestown. By 
an act of the same date, German Flats district was divided, 
;ni(l the town of White's Town (thus written) was formed, 
and bounded easterly ]>y a line running north and south io 



I.] INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3 

the north and south bounds of the State, and crossing the 
Mohawk River at the Ford near, and on the east side of, the 
house of William Cunningham, and which line was the west- 
ern boundary of the towns of Herkimer, Grerman Flats, and 
Otsego ; southerly by the State of Pennsylvania ; and west 
and north by the bounds of the State. 

The house of William Cunningham referred to, stood near 
the foot of Genesee street in Utica, and upon, or near the site 
of the store now occupied by Stephen Comstock. These 
were the boundaries of the County of Oneida in embryo, in 
1788; but we shall see that, by subsequent enactments, its 
eastern line was removed eastwardly to its present position 
at the eastern boundary of the county. 

By an act passed March 22, 1788, the town of Chemung 
was formed in and from a part of Montgomery County lying 
on the Owego and Tioga Rivers, but its bounds would be 
hardly intelligible now. 

By an act passed January 27, 1789, the County of On- 
tario was formed and bounded as follows: — "All that part 
of the County of Montgomery which lies to the westward of 
a line to be drawn due north to Lake. Ontario from the mile 
stone or monument, marked eighty-tico, and standing in the 
line of division between this State and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, shall be one separate and distinct county, and 
be called and known by the name of Ontario." 

By an act passed Feb. 16, 1791, Montgomery County was 
divided, and the Counties of Tioga, Otsego, and Herkimer 
formed from its territory, and the bounds of the County of 
Ontario changed. 

The County of Herkimer (including the present territory 
of Oneida) was bounded as follows: — "All that tract of land 
bounded westerly by the County of Ontario, northerly by 
the north bounds of this State, easterly by the Counties of 



4 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

<Jlinton, Washington, and Saratoga, and soutlierly by the 
(/Ounties of Montgomery. Otsego, and Tioga." The north 
parts of the towns of Palatine and Caughnawaga, lying north 
of a line beginning at a place called Jersey Fields, on the 
line between the towns of Herkimer and Palatine, and 
thence easterly to Saratoga County, were added to Herkimer 
(jounty. 

By an act passed April 10, 1792, the town of Whitestown 
was divided, and the towns of "Westmoreland, Steuben, Paris. 
Mexico, Peru, and Whitestown formed of its territory. 

Westmweland was bounded by a line beginning at the 
eastern line of the Oneida reservation, where the lino of 
Steuben crosses the same, thence southerly and westerly 
along said reservation line to a point opposite the south-west 
corner of a tract granted to Abraham Wemple, thence along 
the southern line of Wemple's tract to the " old line of pro- 
perty," thence northerly at right angles with said line of 
' property to the Oriskany Creek, thence down said creek to the 
southern bounds of the Oriskany Patent, thence north-west- 
erly parallel to the old line of property to " Steuben Town." 
thence along the line of Steuben to the place of beginning. 
First town meeting to be held at the house of James Dean. 

Steuben was all that part of Whitestown bounded as fol- 
lows: — Becinnincr at the mouth of the Nine Mile Creek, 

CO " 

running thence north-eastwardly to the north-east corner of 
Holland Patent, thence northerly along the eastern bounds 
of Steuben's Patent to the north-east corner thereof, thence 
due north to the northern bounds of the State, and also from 
the place of beginning due west to the line of the Oneida 
reservation, thence north-west along said line to Fish Creek, 
thence due north to the northern bounds of the State. First 



I.J INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 5 

town meeting at the house of Seth Eanney, near Fort 
Stauwix. 



Paris was all that part of Whitestown bounded as follows : 
— Beginning at Stillman's Bridge on Oriskany Creek, thence 
south-easterly to the house of J as. Fairwell, on lot No. 80 in 
the 7th Division of Cox's Patent, thence southerly in a direct 
line until it meets the New Hartford road, where it crosses a 
creek a few rods west from the house of Samuel Wells, 
thence southerly in a line to the south-western corner of lot 
No. 7 in the 11th Division of Cox's Patent, thence due east 
to the line of Grerman Flats, thence southerly along said line 
to Tioga County, thence westerly along the line of Tioga 
County to the western line of the twenty Townships, thence 
northerly to the line of Oneida reservation, thence along the 
last line to the line of Westmoreland, thence along the last 
line to the place of beginning. First town meeting at the 
house of Moses Foote, Esq. 

Mexico was all that part of Whitestown bounded as fol- 
lows: — Easterly by the eastern bounds of the Military Tract, 
and a line drawn northward from the mouth of the Connisse- 
rago Creek across Oneida Lake to Lake Ontario, southerly by 
Tioga County, westerly by the western bounds of the town- 
ships of Homer, Tully, Marcellus, Camillus, Lysander, and 
Hannibal, of said Military Tract, and northerly by Lake 
Ontario. First town meeting at the house of Benjamin 
Moorehouse. 

Penc was all that part of Whitestown bounded easterly by 
the town of Mexico, southerly by Tioga County, westerly by 
Ontario County, and northerly by Lake Ontario. First 
town meeting at the house of Seth PhelpSj Esc(. 



6 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

All the remainder of Whitestown to be and remain a town 
by the name of Whitestown, and the first town meeting to be 
held at the house of Jedediah Sanger, Esq. 

The County of Onondaga was formed by an act of March 
5, 1794, and was composed of the Military Tracts. 

By an act passed March 5, 1795, the town of Cazenovia 
was formed of parts of the towns of Whitestown and Paris, 
Herkimer County ; and the towns of Hamilton, Sherburne. 
Brookfield, and Sangcrfield, were formed of parts of Paris. 

By an act passed Feb. 26, 1 796, the town of Mexico was 
formed of part of Herkimer County, with bounds different 
from those stated on last page. The reasons why this town 
was twice formed, are not stated. The bounds of Mexico as 
now formed were as follows: — Beginning at the north-west- 
ern corner of Fonda's 40,000 acre patent, thence along the 
western side of Canada Creek to Wood Creek, thence down 
Wood Creek to Oneida Lake, thence through the middle of 
Oneida Lake to its western end, thence to the northern shore 
of Onondaga River, thence down that river to Lake Ontario, 
thence easterly and northerly along the shore of that lake 
to the mouth of Black Biver, thence up that river to the 
northern corner of 25,000 acres sold by Wm. Constable to 
Wm. Inman, thence southerly 37 deg. 30 min. west along 
the north-western bounds of the last-named tract to the 
north-western corner of Oothout's Patent, thence southerly 
1 deg. west along the western line of the last-named patent 
to the place of beginning. First town meeting at the house 
of John Myer, " in Botterdam, in said town of jMexico." 

By an act passed March 4, 1796, the town of Steuben, 
Herkimer County, was divided, and the towns of Floyd and 
Rome erected from its territory. Floyd was bounded as 
follows: — Beginning at the north-western corner of the great 
lot No. 36 in Fonda's Patent, and thence along the western 



].] INTRODUCTORjr CHAPTER.  . , 7 

bounds of tliat lot and lots Nos. 50, 63, and 71 in Fonda's 
Patent, and in the same course continued to the southern 
bounds of Steuben, thence easterly along the same to the 
mouth of the Nine Mile Creek, then along the south-eastern 
bounds of Steuben until a western line shall intersect the 
north-eastern corner of the great lot 41 in Fonda's Patent, 
thence along said line and the -northern bounds of said lot 4 1 
and lots Nos. 40, 39, 38, 37, and 36 in Fonda's Patent to the 
place of beginning. First town meeting at the house of 
Saml. J. Curtiss. 

The town of Rome was. bounded as follows, viz. ; — All 
that part of Steuben bounded northerly by a line to begin at 
the north-western corner of said town of Floyd, and then 
directly along the northern bounds of great lots Nos. 35, 34? 
33, 32, 31, 30, 29, and 83 in Fonda's Patent to Canada 
Creek, thence down said creek to its junction with Wood 
Creek, thence along the western and the southern bounds of 
said town of Steuben to the south-west corner of Floyd, 
thence along the western bounds thereof to the place of be- 
ginning. First town meeting to be held at the house of 
Ebenezer Clafiin. The first town meeting in Steuben was 
to be held at the house of Joshua Wells. 

By an act passed March 10, 1797, the town of Steuben, 
Herkimer County, was. divided into three towns, viz.: — 
Steuben, Western, and Leyden. The first town meetings 
were to be held as follows; — In Steuben, at the late residence 
of Baron Steuben, deceased ; in Western, at the house of 
Ezek. Sheldon; and in Leyden, at the house of Andrew 
Edmonds. 

By an act passed March 24, 1797, the town of Schuyler, 
Herkimer County, was divided, and the town of Trenton 
formed from its territory, and bounded as follows, viz.: — 
Beginning at a point in the western line of Schuyler, four 



8 ANNALS OF ONETDA COUNTY. [CITAP 

iullOvS north in the direction of said western line from Mohawk 
Eiver, then northerly on said line to the north-western corner 
of said Schuyler, thence easterly on said town line to the 
great Falls on Canada Creek, thence down said creek to the 
north-western corner of lot No. 55 Gage's Patent, thence on 
the western line of said patent south to the north-western 
corner of lot No. 18 on said patent, thence westerly in a 
straight line to the place of beginning. First town meeting 
at the House of Thos. Weeks. Remainder of Schuyler to 
be the town of Schuyler, and first town meeting at the house 
of Geo. G. Weber — 'Uow Weaver. 

By an act also passed March 24, 1797, the town of San- 
gerfield, Herkimer County, was divided, and the town of 
Eridg-\Yater formed of its territory, and bounded as follows, 
viz.; — '-All that pai-t of the town of Sangerfield lying east- 
erly of the division line between the third and fourth quar- 
ters of the twentieth township so called, be, and is hereby 
erected into a separate town, by the name of Bridgwater." 
First town meeting to be held at the house of Thos. Convers: 
and first town meeting in the town of Sangerfield. thus newly 
formed, at the house of Ebenezer Hale. 

At this time Herkimer and Montgomery constituted the 
Ninth Congressional District. 

An act was passed March 15, 1793, dividing the County 
of Herkimer, and forming the additional Counties of Oneida 
and Chenango from its territory. The boundaries of Oneida 
were as follows, viz.: — "All that part of Herkcmer County 
beginning at the south-west corner of the town of Bridg- 
water,. and running thence easterly on the line of said town 
to the Unadilla River, thence northerly and easterly on the 
line of Bridgwater to the town of Litchfield, thence north- 
erly on the line of ]3ridgwater and Litchfield to the south- 
east corner of the town of Paris, thence the same line 



I.] INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 9 

continued on the eastern line of Paris and Whitestown to 
the southerly line of Cosby 's Manor, thence north-easterly 
in a direct line to the northerly bounds of said Cosby's 
Manor, at a point where the same is intersected by the 
division line between Gage's and Walton's Patents, thence 
northerly on the line between the said Walton's and Gage's 
Patents to the West Canada Creek, thence northerly up 
the waters of said creek to the forks thereof, thence east- 
erly up the east branch of said creek to the north-east corner 
of Service's Patent, thence northerly to the northern bounds 
of this State, thence westerly along the northern bounds of 
this State to Lake Ontario, thence along the easterly shore of 
said lake to the mouth of the Oswego River, thence easterly 
up said river to the Oneida Lake, thence along the southern 
side of said lake to the Oneida Creek, thence up said creek 
on the eastern line of the County of Chenango to the north- 
ern line of the town of Hamilton, thence easterly along the 
northern bounds of said towns of Hamilton and Sangerfield 
to the north-western corner of the town of Bridgwater, thence 
southerly on the western line of said town of Bridgwater to 
the place of beginning." 

In the County of Oneida three terms of the Court of 
Common Pleas and General Sessions were to be held annu- 
ally, viz.: — On the third Tuesday in May, first Tuesday in 
September, and last Tuesday in December, at "the School 
House near Fort Stanwix ;" but no Circuit Court was to be 
held in the County unless the Justices of the Supreme 
Court should '-in their judgment deem it proper and neces- 
sary." Oneida and Chenango were to form a part of the 
district previously composed of Herkimer and Otsego, re- 
specting all prosecutions in the Court of Oyer and Terminer. 
The same act provided that a Court House and Jail should 
" be erected at such place within one mile of Fort Schuyler, 



10 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUN-n*. [ciIAr. 

Otherwise Foi-t Stanwix, in tlie town of Komc, as the Super- 
visors'' should designate; also tliat this County should be 
represented by three Members of Assembly, and that the 
first meeting of the Board of Supervisors should be held at 
the School House in Rome, on the last Tuesday in 3Iay. 

By the terms of the same act, all that part of the town of 
Frankfort included within the boundaries of Oneida, should 
be added to the town of Whitestown ; and all that part of 
Schuyler included within Oneida was erected into a new 
town called Deer^field, and tlie first town meeting in the 
latter was to be held at the house of Ezra Payne ; and all 
that part of Norway included in Oneida was erected into a 
new town by the name of Remsen, and its first town meeting 
was to be held at the house of Samuel Howe. 

By the same act all that part of Whitestown bounded 
westerly and southerly by the County of Chenango, easterly 
by Brothertown and Paris, and northerly "by the southern- 
most Great Genesee Ptoad," was formed into a new town 
called Augusta, and its first town meeting was to be held at 
tlio house of Timothy Pond, Jr. ; and the remaining part of 
Whitestown "lying within the Oneida reservation, so called," 
was annexed to Westmoreland. 

The Counties of Montgomery, Herkimer. Oneida, and that 
part of Chenango formerly a part of Herkimer, were formed 
into a Congressional District. 

By an act passed March 15, 1799, tlie town of 3Iexic-o. 
Oneida County, was divided, and a new town called Camden 
formed from its territory ; and the first town meeting in the 
latter was held at the house of Samuel Royee ; and "all that 
part of Township No. 2 in Scriba's Patent lying east of 
Fi.sh Creek," was annexed to the town of Rome. 

By an act pa.ssed March 14, 1800, the town of Mexico was 
again dividi^d. and tlie town of Redfield formed. 



I..] . INTI10DUCT0K.Y CHAPTER. jl 1 

Upon the revision of the lavfs of this State in 1801, an act 
was passed on the third of April in that year, fixing and re- 
asserting the boundaries of the several counties. By this 
act the boundaries of Oneida were as follows, viz. : — "All 
that part of this State bounded easterly by the County of 
Herkimer, northerly by the County of Clinton and by the 
northern bounds of this State, from the most westerly corner 
of the County of Clinton to a place in Lake Ontario, where 
the said northern bounds shall be intersected by the new 
pre-emption line aforesaid," (a line from Lake Ontario to 
Seneca Lake.) "continued due north, westerly by the line 
last mentioned to the south bank of Lake Ontario, and south- 
erly by the Counties of Cayuga, Onondaga, and Chenango, 
and the southern bounds of the patent granted to William 
Bayard and others, called the Free Masons' Patent." 

By the act passed the 7th of April, ISOl, dividing the 
counties into towns, the following towns were described in 
the County of Oneida, viz.: — Bridgwater, Deerfield, Tren- 
ton, Paris, Whitestown, Eemsen, Floyd, Steuben, AVestern, 
Leyden, Rome, Camden, Redfield, Watertown, Champion, 
Lowville, Turin, Mexico, Westmoreland, and Augusta. 

By an act passed March 3, 1802, the County of St. Law- 
rence, with nearly its present limits, was formed from the 
territory of Oneida. 

By an act passed Feb. 17, 1802, the towns of Verona and 
Vernon were formed of parts of the towns of Westmoreland 
and Augusta ; and the first town meeting in the former was 
held at the house of Martin Langdon, and in Vernon at 
the house of David Tuttle. 

By an act passed April 1, 1802, the towns of Leyden, 
Watertown, and Mexico, in Oneida County, were divided, 
and the towns of Brownville, Adams, and Rutland, formed 
from their territory. 



42 ANNALS OF ONKIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

By an :ict passed Feb. 22, 1803, the towns of Mexico. 
Turin, Lowville, and Champion, in Oneida County, ■were 
divided, and the new towns of Ellisburgh, Harrisburgh, and 
IMartinsburgh formed from their territory. And by an act 
jiassed the same da}', all such parts of the patent of land 
granted to Baron Steuben as were previously included within 
the toAvns of Trenton and Bemsen, were annexed to the 
town of Steuben. 

By an act passed March 24, 1804, the towns of Adams 
and Mexico, Oneida County, were divided, and the towns of 
Harrison. 3Ialta, and Williamstown formed therefrom. 

By an act passed Fob. 16, 1805, the town of Camden was 
divided, and the town of Florence erected from its territory, 
and the first town meeting in the latter was to be held at the 
house of John Spinning. 

By an act pa«sed March 28, 1805, the County of Oueid;v 
was divided, and the Counties of Jefferson and Lewis erected 
from the northern portion of its territory ; and also forming 
the town of Boonville from the part of the town of Leydcu 
remaining in the County of Oneida. First town meeting in 
Boonville to be held at the house of Joseph Denning. 

By this act Oneida was entitled to three, and Jefferson 
and Lewis each to one Member of Assembly. The boundary 
line then established between Oneida, Jefferson, and Lewis, 
Avas substantially the same as that existing at present. 

An act was passed March 21, 1806, dividing the town of 
Mexico, Oneida County, and forming the town of Fredericks- 
burgh from a part of its territor)^ 

By an act passed Feb. 20, 1807, the town of Williamstovrn 
was divided, and tlie town of llichland formed, and a part 
added to the town of Kedfield. And by an act passed April 
3. in the same year, the town of Camden was divided, and the 
town of Orange formed from a portion of its territory. And 



I.] INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. . llS 

by an act passed April G, 1808, the name of Orange was 
changed to Bengal. 

By an act passed April 8, 1808, the town ofWilliamstown 
was again divided, and the town of Constantia erected. 

By an act passed April 3, 1811, the town of Western was 
divided, and the town of Lee formed from a portion of its 
territory ; and the first town meeting in the latter was to be 
held at the house of Samuel Darling. And by an act passed 
April 5, 1811, the town of Fredericksburgh, Oneida County, 
was divided, and the town of 8eriba formed from its terri- 
tory, and the remainder of the former to remain a town with 
its name changed to Volney; and by a law passed in ISIG, 
the name of Bengal was changed to Vienna. 

By an act passed March 1, 1816, the towns of Constantia, 
Mexico, New Haven, Redfield, Richland, Scriba, Volney, 
Williamstown, (Oneida Co.,) and the town of Hannibal, (Onon- 
daga Co.,) were formed into a new county, named Oswego. 

By an act passed April 7, 1817, the town of Whitestown 
was divided, and the town of Utica formed ; and by a law 
passed April 12, 1823, the town of Annsville was formed 
from the towns of Lee, Florence, Camden, and Vienna ; and 
by a law passed April 12, 1827, the town of New Hartford 
was formed from a part of Whitestown ; and by a law passed 
April 13, 1827, the town of Kirkland was formed from a part 
of Paris. By a law passed Feb. 21, 1829, the town of Mar- 
.shall was formed from a part of the town of Kirkland ; and 
by a law passed March 30, 1832, the town of Marcy was 
formed from a part of Deerfield ; and by a law passed 3Iay 
12, 1846, the town of Ava was formed from a part of Boon- 
ville. This completes the history of the formation of the 
twenty-seven towns constituting the County of Oneida, giving 
her fair jyropwtions^ which should never be marred by divi' 
sions. or detractions from her territory. 



14 ANNALS OF OXEIDA COUNTT. [cHAP. 



CHAPTEE II 



ONEIDA COUNTY 



Is centrally located in the State of New York, and is bound- 
ed uortli hy Lewis County and a small corner of Oswego, 
cast by Herkimer Count}', south by Otsego and Madison 
Counties, and west by Madison and Oswego Counties. 

It is situated between 42 deg. 46 min. and 43 deg. 33 min. 
north latitude, and 1 deg. 05 min. and 1 deg. 55 min. west 
longitude from the city of New York. 

The surface of the county is peculiar. Although tlie 
Erie Canal passes quite through it. on the long level which 
extends from Frankfort to Syracuse, and although the county 
lies lower than the country west from that city, still the 
water flows from the county east, west, north, and south. 
The Mohawk River is formed within its bounds. The East 
and West Branches, the Lansing Kill, and a number of 
f^maller tributaries, rush together in the town of Western 
iVom the east, south, and north, and form the embryo river. 
Its course from Western to Rome is south-westerly, where 
it takes a south-easterly course until it leaves the county 
below Utica. After it leaves Rome, it receives from the 
north the Nine Mile Creek and several smaller streams, and 
from the south the Oriskany, Sauquoit, and smaller streams. 
The West Canada Creek, which for some distance washes 
the eastern boundar}- of the county, receives the united 
waters of the Steuben and Cincinnatus Creeks, just below 
Trenton Falls, and soon after it passes through a part of 



II.j ONEIDA COUNTY. 15 

Herkimer County, and empties into the Moliawk at Herkimer 
village. It is a fair presumption, that seven-eighths of the 
water of the IMohawk at this place, is drained from the 
springs and surface of Oneida County. 

Wood Creek and Fish Creek, with their tributaries, drain 
four entire towns, and portions of five others, in the north- 
west section of the county, and after uniting their waters for 
a short distance, empty into the east end of the Oneida 
Lake. The Oneida Creek, which forms the western boun- 
dai-y of the county, opposite the towns of Vernon and Verona 
receives the Skenandoa Creek, a stream that rises in the 
western part of Augusta, runs south a short distance, then 
east, and shortly takes a northerly and north-westerly course, 
passing through Vernon until it falls into the former stream 
near the north-west corner of Vernon, and south-west corner 
of Verona. 

The town of Sangerfield, in the south-west corner of the 
county, although one part is watered by the east branch of 
the Oriskany, sends a small stream into the Chenango Eiver, 
one of the branches of the Susquehanna, — and the town 
of Bridgwater, in the south-east corner of the county, is 
drained by a head-water of the Unadilla, another tributary 
of the Susquehanna. 

The towns of Eemsen and Boonville, in the north-east 
section of the county, contain not only head-waters of the 
Mohawk, but the Black River, which empties into Lake 
Ontario at Sacketts Harbor, passes through these towns, 
receiving numerous small streams in its passage. 

It will, therefore, be seen that the water from the north- 
west part of the county reaches the Atlantic by the Oneida 
Lake and lliver, the Oswego Eiver, Lake Ontario, the 
Eiver and Gulf of St. Lawrence; while that in the north- 
east part finds the same outlet ])y the Black Eiver, Lake 



16 AXXALS OF ONKIDA COVNTY. [CIIAP. 

Ontario, etc. The water in the south-west corner reaches the 
same ocean by the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, and 
Chesapeake Bay ; while that in the soutli-east part finds the 
same egress by the UnadiHa, — ^a head-water of the Susque- 
hanna. And this while the great central portion uf the 
county discharges its waters into the Atlantic by the Mo- 
Iiawk and Hudson Rivers. 

GrEOLOGY. — Fcw countics in tlie State present as great 
a variety of geological formations. 

The primary system is found in the north-east part of 
the county, bordering on thfl Black River. At this point, 
granite , Black River and Trenton limestone are its compo- 
nents. Bordering on these are the Utica slate and the Hud- 
son River group of shales and sand-stone. The Oneida slate. 
seen in almost every section of the county, next follows ; and 
this is succeeded by the Clinton and Lockport groups of 
limestone, rich in fossils, and the Onondaga salt group, here 
mainly made up of red and green shales. The Oriskanj' 
sand-stone is found in many of the valleys of those streams 
in the south part of the county which run in a northerly 
direction. The Marcellus shales appear at a few isolated 
points in quite the south part of the county ; as also is tlie 
Hamilton group of limestone. 

Mimrah. — The county is rich in iron ore. It is inex- 
haustible in the towns of Kirkland, Westmoreland, and 
Verona. Peat and marl are found in many localities. The 
principal mineral springs are noticed in the towns in which 
they ai*e situated. 

Elfxtio.vs. — The first town meeting held in the district 
(town) of "Whitestown, was convened at the house of Capt. 
Daniel C. White, in said district, on Tuesday, the 7th day of 



;T.J ONEIDA COUNTY. VY 

April, 1789, "agreeable to warning," and "it being more 
convenient," the meeting adjourned to the barn of Hugh 
White, Esq., at which time and place they '-proceeded as fol- 
loweth: 1 st chose Col. Jedediah Sanger, Supervisor; 2d chose 
Elijah Blodget, Town Clerk ; 3d chose Amos Wetmore, First 
Assessor ; 4th chose James Bronson, Second Assessor ; 5th 
chose Ephraim Blackmer, Third Assessor ; 6th chose Oliver 
Collins, Collector ; 7th chose Hugh White, Esq., and Capt. 
Moses Foot, Poor Masters ; 8th chose George Doolittle, 
Jedediah Sanger, and Ephraim Blackmer, Commissioners 
of Highways ; 9th chose Jedediah Phelps, Joseph Sowle, 
Salmon Butler, Amos Kellogg, Nehemiah Jones, and Alex- 
ander Parkman, Constables ; 1 0th chose Maj. G ilbert Willett, 
Amos Ives, Ebenezer Butler, Jr., Alexander Parkman, Jo- 
seph Jones, Joseph Jennings, Overseers of Boads ; 11th 
chose Lemuel Levenworth, Rice Hawley, Lemuel Cook, Seth 
Ranney, Barnabas Pond, Fence Viewers; 12th chose Eben- 
ezer Butler, Jr., Daniel C. White, Pound Keepers; 13th 
voted to let swine run at large, 'yoaked and ringed;' 14th 
voted that the Supervisor appoint the place for holding 
the next annual town meeting. Then said meeting be dis- 
solved." 

The second town meeting in Whitestown was held at 
the barn of Capt. Needham Maynard, in said town, April 
6, 1790. "The following persons were elected: — Major 
William Colbrath, Supervisor ; Elijah Blodget, Town Clerk ; 
Joshua Morse, Capt. Daniel C. White, Lieut. Isaac Jones, 
Col. Jedediah Sanger, Rozel Fellows, Assessors; Oliver 
Collins, Collector ; Capt. Amos Wetmore, Capt. James 
Cassety, Overseers of Poor ; Capt. Moses Foot, James Dean, 
Esq., George Doolittle, Commissioners of Highways ; Samuel 
Ensign, Bill Smith, Rufus Blodget, Solomon Kellogg, Joseph 
Jones, Constables; Silas Phelps, Samuel Laird, Rapha*! 

2 



ly ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP 

Porter, iSamuel Wells, Samuel Winch, Ashbel Beach, Amok 
Miller, Wm. Satchel, Darias Sayle3, Jedediah Phelps, Over- 
seers of Tlighways ; John Tillotson, John Barsley, George 
Langford, Aaron Kellogg, Fence Viewers; Lemuel Levet- 
worth, Barnabas Pond, Pound Keepers. 

" Voted to re-consider the whole votes that have been 
received as null and void, when the Inspectors adjourned 
the meeting till to-morrow morning at 1 o'clock. Wednes- 
day morning at 10 o'clock, April 7, 1790, met according to 
adjournment. Chose, l.st, Jedediah Sanger, Supervisor ; 2d. 
A.shbel Beach, Town Clerk ; 3d, Joshua Mor.se, Capt. Dan- 
iel C White, Lieut. Isaac Jones, Ensign John Tillotson. 
and Ebenezer Wright, Assessors; 4th, Oliver Collins, Col- 
lector ; Capt. Amos Wetmore and Jame.s Bronson, Overseers 
of Poor; James Dean, George Doolittle, John Tillotson. 
Commissioners of Highways; Samuel Ensign, Bill Smitlj. 
John Bullen, Hezekiah Ptice, Joseph Jones, Nathaniel 
Townsend, Constables; Silas Phelps, Samuel Laird, John 
Young, Joseph Farewell, Samuel Wells, Samuel Wind). 
Jason Parker, Ashbel Beach, William Clarey, Amok Miller, 
Seth St^el, William Satchel, Overseers of Highways ; John 
Barsley, Lemuel Levenworth, Barnabas Pond, Pound 
Keepers. 

'• Montgomery County^ ss. : — This certifies that the free- 
holders, and other inhabitants of Whitestown, being met in 
said town for the purpose of choosing Town OflScers, on 
Tuesday, the 6th day of April, 1790, did on said day collect 
fifty votes for Maj. William Colbrath, and thirty-four vot^s 
for Col. Jedediah Sanger, for Supervisor, and William Col- 
brath was declared to be Supervisor. Then proceeded to 
the election of other officers, but many people being deprived 
of the privilege of voting for Supervisor, etc., Dioird to huv-; 
the proceedings of the day made null and void, which passed 11 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTV. 19 

the affirmative. The meeting being then adjourned to Wed- 
nesday, the 7th inst., at 10 o'clock in the morning, at this 
place. Wednesday, 10 o'clock in the morning, met according 
to adjournment, and the poll list being opened and kept open 
till about five o'clock in the afternoon, at ^vhich time the poll 
list was closed, and upon canvassing the same, found that 
Jedediah Sanger was unanimously elected Super\'isor, witli 
the number of 1 19 votes, which choice was publicly declared 
in said meeting, and that he hath produced a certificate from 
Hugh White, Esq., that he has taken the oath of office. 

" Attest for Elijah Blod&et. Town Clerk. 
'• Attest for Ashbel Beach, Town Clerk." • 

In this '• our day and generation' proceedings like these 
would be considered ver}- singular. They are not given 
because they possess very much interest to the public, so far 
as the offices or candidates are concerned ; but they have 
been transcribed to show the S2nrit of tJie times, and to show 
the manner in which the people, in the early settlement of 
this country, transacted their business in their town meet- 
inars. Some of the results of this double election are decid- 
edly imiqvc. The defeated candidate for Supervisor of the 
first day, was elected unanimously on the second ; but to 
place the matter beyond doubt, the two Town Clerks sign 
his certificate of election. 

Most of the candidates, as well as voters, were natives of 
New England, and it was of old in the New England town 
meetings where the people learned that they possessed the 
rights and abilities of freemen. The student of history soon 
learns that the attempt to abridge the rights of the New 
Englanders when assembled in town meeting, was a promi- 
nent cause of the Ptevolution ; and also that those town 
meetings were powerful means in gaining our independence. 
^Host of the actors in that town meeting had fought for liberty 



*^0 AXNALS OP ONEIDA COVXTV. [CHAP. 

in the Revolution, and we see with what tenacity they clung 
to their military titles. 

Many of those then elected to petty offices in the back-" 
woods town of Whitestown, — a town, however, then larger 
in territory than some of the kingdoms of Europe, — after- 
wards became men of distinction, and arose to some of the 
most honorable places under our Government. Their history 
would fill a large volume. Messrs. Dean, White, Sanger, 
and Maynard, were Judges of the County; Mr. Colbrath 
was SheriflF of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; Messrs. 
Collins and Doolittle were Generals in the Militia, and the 
first as such, served his country in the war of 1812 ; Messrs. 
Foot, Cassety, Isaac Jones, Joseph Jones, Wetmore, Levcn- 
worth, Phelps, and others, were for many years Justices of 
the Peace ; Isaac Jones the first Supervisor of Westmore- 
land ; and several others became distinguished in their 
various avocations and positions in life. 

The first general election held in the town of Whitestown, 
was opened at the Cayuga Ferry (Bridge), thence adjourned 
to Moorehouse's Tavern in Manlius, thence to Fort Stanwix, 
and closed at Whitesboro. 

In 1791, at the town meeting in Whitestown, Jedediah 
Sanger was elected Supervisor, Ashbel Beach Town Clerk, 
.Ebenezer Butler (afterwards of Pompey) Collector, James 
Wadsworth of Geneseo, Trucworthy Cook of Pompey, Jere- 
miah Gould of Salina, and several others, Overseers of 
Highways. 

Courts, etc. — The first Court of Record held within the 
present limits of the county, was a term of the Herkimer 
Common Pleas and General Sessions, at "the Meeting House 
in the town of Whitestown," on the third Tuesday in Jan., 
1704. Present — Henry Staring, Judge, and Jedediah San- 



U.J ONEIDA COUNTY. 21 

gcr and Amos Wetinorc, Justices. In the list of Assistant 
Justices and Justices of the Peace found in the minutes of 
this term, are the following names of those within our present 
territory, viz. : — Hugh White, Judge Sanger, A. Wetmorc, 
Alex. Parkman, I]phraiiu Blackmer, Moses Foot, Edw. 
Paine, Seth Phelps, David Ostroui, Needham Maynard, 
Elizur Moscley, Samuel Sizer, William Fanning, Ebenezer 
Wright, and Jedediah Phelps. Among the Constables 
named are Uriah Seymour, Simeon Pool, and Samuel En- 
sign, of Whitestown ; Jesse Curtiss, Nathan Marsh, Amos 
Button, Samuel Branch, John Finch, and Ezekiei Goodrich, 
of Paris ; Joseph Jones of Westmoreland ; and Samuel 
Dickinson, Edw. S. Salisbury, Jasper French, and Benjamin 
Giiford, of Steuben. Grand Jury — Wni. Stone, Foreman ; 
Archibald Beach, Jared Chittenden, Waitstill Dickinson, 
Matthias Halbert, Nehemiah Pratt, Abijah Putnam, Na- 
thaniel Gilbert, Alexander Enos, Coonrod Edee, Debold 
Dedrick, Joseph Jennings, Pt. Mills, Matthew Hubbell, 
Benjamin Ballou, Nathan Seward, Thomas Jones, Alvin 
Wheelock, James McNutt, Benjamin Tisdale, Justin Grif- 
fith, Duty Lapham. William Colbrath, Sheriff; Jonas Piatt, 
Clerk. Joseph Strong was admitted as an Attorney and 
Counsellor, and took the oaths of office. Eight men were 
convicted of assault and battery, and fined from sixteen 
shillings to three pounds each. Five civil causes were tried, 
two of which were in ejectment, viz.: — James Jackson r.r 
dcm. Wm. Cunningham, Jr., vs. Samuel Dexter, tenant, in 
which the defendant obtained a verdict; and James Jack- 
son ex dem. Jacob Folts vs. Wm. Dygert, Sen., tenant, in 
which the verdict was for the plaintiff. 

Mr. Tracy in his lectures states that this term of the 
Herkimer Common Pleas was held in Judge Sanger's barn, 
and in the preceding October. A half burnt record in the 



'Z2 ANNALS OF ONKIBA COUNTY. [cIIAP. 

Ilorkimcr County Clerk's Office shows that the above state- 
iiient, as to time, is correct ; and as there was no meeting 
house at that time in tlie town of AVhitestown otlier than the 
one in New Hartford (and that in quite an unfinished state), 
this, with other evidence obtained, is conclusive that the term 
was held in the New Hartford meeting house. The law 
authorizing the term provided that the Herkimer County 
^'ourts should be held alternately at Herkimer and Whites- 
town. New Hartford was then in Whitestown, and as Judge 
Sanger was never " found napping" when any thing for the 
benefit of his village was at stake, he exerted himself suc- 
cessfully with Judge Staring and a majority of the bench, 
and the court was appointed at New Hartford. This term, 
liowever, was the only one held in that village, for Whites- 
boi'o ever afterwards succeeded in getting it at that jDlace. 
An anecdote of this first court is thus told by Mr. Tracy : 

" A gentleman who attended the court as a spectator, in- 
i'ormed me that the day was one of those cold ' January days 
frequent in our climate,' and that in the afternoon, and 
when it was nearly night, in order to comfort themselves in 
vheir by no means very well appointed court room, and to 
l:eep the blood at a temperature at which it would continue 
to circulate, some of the gentlemen of the bar had induced 
the Sheriff" to procure, from a neighboring inn, a jug of 
spirits. This, it must be remembered, was before the inven- 
tion of temperance societies. Upon the jug's appearing in 
( ourt, it was passed around the bar table, and each of the 
learned counsellors in his turn upraised the elegant vessel, 
and descanted into his mouth, by the simplest process 
imaginable, so much as he deemed a sufficient dose of the 
delicious fluid. While the operation was going on, the dig- 
nitaries of the bench, who were no doubt sufi"ering quite as 
jnuch as their brethren of the bar, had a little consultation, 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. / 23 

when the first Judge announced to the audience that tlio 
court saw no reason why they should continue to hold open 
any longer, and freeze to death, and desired tlie crier forth- 
with to adjourn the court. Before, however, this functionary 
could commence with a single ' Hear ye,' Colonel Colbrath 
jumped up, catching, as he rose, the jug from the lawyer who 
was complimenting its contents, and holding it up towards 
the bench, hastily ejaculated ; ' Oh, no, no, no, Judge, — 
don't adjourn yet ; take a little gin. Judge ; that will keep 
you warm ; 'tant time to adjourn yet ; ' and suiting the action 
to the word, he handed his honor the jug. It appeared there 
was force in the Sheriff's advice, for the order to adjourn 
was revoked, and the business went on." 

Like terms of the court were doubtless held in the town 
of Whitestown on the third Tuesday in January, 1795-6-7. 

The records in the Clerk's Office of Herkimer County 
were destroyed by fire in 1804, and it is impossible now to 
learn particulars of other terms of the courts afi'ecting the 
inhabitants of Whitestown. From a scrap discovered in our 
Clerk's Office, it seems that at a term of the General Sessions 
held at the church in Herkimer on the third Tuesday in 
Januar}', 1792, Hugh White, Jedediah Sanger, and Moses 
Foot, were fined one pound fourteen shillings each for non- 
attendance as Justices ; and John Allen, Lemuel Bradley, 
and Smith Miller, were fined one pound four shillings each 
for like default as petit jurors. 

Upon the organization of Oneida County in 1798, the 
following persons were commissioned to " keep the peace," 
viz. : — Judges — Jedediah Sanger, Hugh White, James Dean, 
David Ostrom, George Huntington. Assista7it Justices — 
iVmos Wetmore, Thomas Cassety, Garret Boon, Adrian Fr. 
Van der Kemp, Elizur Moseley, Henry McNeil, Peter Colt, 
Needham Maynard. Justices of Tea-cc — James S. Kip, 



24 ANNALS OF ONHIDA COUNTV. [ciIAP. 

James Steel, Matthias Hurlburt, James Sheldon, Ja-recJ 
Chittenden, Joseph Jennings, Reuben Long, Itliamar Coe, 
Jesse Curtiss. Kirtland Griffin, Wm. Blount, James Kinney, 
Ephraim "Waldo, Tliomas Converse, Joseph Jones, Daniet 
Chapman, Ebenezer 1\. Hawley, Abrara Camp, Joshua 
Hathawa}-, Jesse Pearee, Matthew Brown, Jr., Daniel W. 
Knight, Samuel Sizer, Ebenezer Weeks, Wm. Olney, Henry 
Wager, John Hall, Isaac Alden, Joseph Strickland, Samuel 
Pioyce, John W. Bloomfield, Benjamin Wright, Luke Fisherj 
Jonathan Collins, John Storrs, Pascal C. I. De Angelis, 
Stc^ihen Moulton, Abel Frcnch, Daniel J. Curtiss, Samuel 
How, Bozel Fellows, Rudolph Gillier, Medad Curtiss, John 
Townsend, Abiel Lindsley, G'-. Camp, Alexander Coventry. 
Joel Bristol. 

The first Circuit Court in this county was held on the 
second Tuesday of September, 1798, at "the School House 
near Fort Stanwix," by Hon. John Lansing, Jr., Chief Jus- 
tice. The following persons composed the Jury upon the 
trial of the first civil cause, viz. : — Jotham Wardon, Ben- 
jamin Case, Allen Risley, Ithiel Hubbard, Caleb Smith, Jr.,. 
Phineas Kelloirg. Andrew Warner, Comfort Lee, Georec- 
Stewart, Enoch Higby, Elias Merrill, and Peter Sloan. 
There were but four other causes upon the calendar. Lentil 
1802 the circuits Avere held -at tlie same place, and subse- 
quently, alternately with Whitestown. Prior to 1818 but 
one term was held in a year. 

. The first Court of Oyer and Terminer in this county was 
held at "the School House near Fort Stanwix," on the 5th 
day of June, 1798. Present — Hon. James Kent, Justice of 
Supreme Court ; George Huntington, Judge of Common 
I'leas ; and Thomas Cassety and Elizur Morseley, Assistant 
Justices. The following persons were sworn as the Grand 
Jury, viz. : — Ebenezer Wright, Foreman; Matthew Brown, 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 25 

Jr., John White, Andrew Clark, Hugh White, Jr., Aaron 
Roberts, Ezra Paine, Samuel Wells, Timothy Pond, Michael 
Frost, Jesse Woodruff, Ozias Marvin, John E. Howard. 
Stephen Eldridge, and Joshua Wills. Stephen Ford and 
Thomas Converse were fined $5 each for non-attendance. 
The G-rand Jury found no bills of indictment, and but one 
criminal trial took place, which was that of Sylvia Wood 
for murder; but the particulars of her conviction will bo 
given in another place. 

At the next Oyer and Terminer, on the second Tuesday 
in September, 1798, the Grraud Jury brought in but one bill. 
In that case the prisoner plead guilty to the oliarge of steal- 
ing a yoke of oxen, and was sentenced to the State's Prison 
for three years. No indictments were found, and no trials- 
were had at the term of 1799. At the term for 1800 there 
was but one trial, and that was for trespassing upon Indian 
lands. The prisoner was Major Watson, "a subject of tJKv 
Ring of Great Britain," and he was charged with occupying 
and trespassing upon certain lands "in the township of 
Oswegatchie (now Ogdensburgh), lying in said County of 
Oneida," he claiming to hold them under title from the 
Oswegatchie Indians, contrary to the statute, etc. At the 
term for 1801 three trials took place: one for murder, in 
which the prisoner, George Peters, an Indian, was convicted ; 
one for forgery, in which the prisoner was convicted and 
sentenced to the State's Prison for life; and one for riot, in 
which two defendants were convicted, and a fine of one hun- 
dred dollars imposed upon one, and tea dollars upon tin- 
other. 

The first term of the Oneida Common Pleas and General 
Sessions of the Peace, was held at the School House near 
Fort Stanwix, on the third Tuesday in May, 1798. Present 
— Hon. Jedediah Sanger, First Judge: George Huntington 



20 ANNALS OF 0\]:IDA COIINTV. [cllAT. 

niul David OstroDi, Jiidges. A rule was cutcred that all 
Attorneys and Counsellors who had been admitted as such 
to the Herkimer Common Pleas, be admitted to practice in 
iliis court upon taking the oaths of office, and Thomas 11. 
(J old, Joseph Kirkland, Arthur Breese, Erastus Clark, 
.Idslma TIatliaway, Joab Griswold, Nathan AVilliams, Francis 
A. Bloodffood, Jonas Piatt. Rufus Easton. and Mcdad Cur- 
tiss, were admitted accordingly. 

The following persons composed the Crand Jury, viz. : — 
JiOan Dewey, of Wliitestown, Foreman, Gershom AValdo, 
John ]?arnai'd, Ebenezer Wright, Jr., Amos Noyce, Cyrus 
h^ellovrs, of Home ; Abraham Ogden, Levi Butterfield, of 
J'loyd : Alpheus Wheelock, Jonatlian Swan, lleuben Beck- 
wit h, of Western; Stephen Heed, Jacob T. Smith, of Tren- 
ton : Gurdon Burchard, Philo White, William Smith, of 
Whitestown ; Ptichard Whitney, Josiah Whitney, Stephen 
Barret, of Paris ; Shadrach Smith, William Fanning, Caleb 
Willis, of Deerfield : Josiah Stillman, John Baxter, of 
Westmoreland. 

The following persons v\'ere summoned as petit jurors, 
viz.: — Matthew Brown, Eeuben Merrill, John Hewson, 
Frederick Selleck, Abraham Handford, John ]iristol,- 
Stephcn AVhite, Asa Knap, William Walwortli. Kufus 
Barnes, of Rome; Ephraim Robbin.s, Timothy Bronson, 
Josiah Woodruff, Stephen Cummings, of Floyd ; Ezekiel 
Cleveland, Daniel Spinning, Luther Miller, Richard Salis- 
bury, David Ilicks, Jolin ILiwkins, Ichabod Brown, Daniel 
Fames, of Western ; Isaac Chamberlain, Joseph Martin, 
Allen l^icrce. Garret Becker, of Trenton ; Aaron Clark, 
Arnold Wells, Barnabas Brooks, Zebediah Tuttle, Jolm 
Hobby, William Bmwn, of Wlutestown ; Simon Hubbard, 
Abiel Simmons, Luther Richards, Elijali Dresser, Samuel 
Xiekol<, Zebediah Plank, of Paris : Hazard Shearman, John 



!T.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 27 

Weber, Zadok Warren, George Damewootl, Jolni Daiue- 
wood, John Reeves, of Deerfield ; Alexander Dorchester, 
Nathaniel Townsend, Benjamin Blaekman, Joshua Douglass, 
of Westmoreland. 

But one bill of indictment was found, and that for assault 
and battery, to which the defendant plead guilty, and \Yas 
lined five dollars, which was ordered to be paid to prosecutor 
and witnesses. 

Messrs. Grold, Kirkland, Brcese, Clark, Williams, and 
I^latt were appointed a committee to report a system of 
rules for the court, and at 3Iay term, 1799, they reported 
twenfrv-two rules, which were adopted. 

But five civil cases were upon the calendar, in all of whicli 
judgments were taken by confession. 

The first civil cause tried in this court was tried at the 
September term, 1798. Hon. Hugh White took his seat 
upon the bench at the last-mentioned term, and Hon. James 
Dean took his seat in December term, 1799. The County 
Courts previous to May, 1802, were held at the "School 
House near Fort Stanwix." The jail at Whitestown having 
been completed, as appears by a Report of Sheriff Brodliead 
to the Court at December term. 1801. May term of 1802 
was held " at the School House near the jail in Whitestown." 
Present — Jedediah Sanger, First Judge; David Ostrom, 
James Dean, Hugh White, Thomas Hart, and Henry Coffeen, 
Judges ; and Amos Wetmore, Needham Maynard, and Jo- 
seph Jennings, Assistant Justices. During the year 1802 
this court was held at Whitestown, and subsequently alter- 
nately at Rome and Whitestown. The terms were held upon 
the third Tuesday in May, first Tuesday in September, and 
last Tuesday in December. 

At the September Sessions for 1803, the Grand Jury 
found bills of indictment against Hon. Thomas Hart, of 



28 ANXALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

Paris, David O.strom and Nccdham Maynard, of Wliitestown, 
Nathan Sage, of Ilcdfiold, James Dean, of Westmoreland, 
and Henry Coffccn, of Watertown, Judges of Oneida County, 
for neglecting to attend that term. It is presumed this had 
the desired effect, for tlioir names generally appear in tlio 
minutes of succeeding terms, and nol. pross. were sub.sc- 
fjuciitly entered to the indictments. 



JUDGES or COMMON TLEAS AXD COUNTY COURTS. 

The following list of Judges appointed for this county 
since its organization, ^Yas politely furnislicd by Hon. Chris- 
topher Morgan, Secretary of State. 

1798, ]Vrarch 22. Jedediah Sanger, of Whitestown, Fir.st 
Judge, Hugh White and David Ostrom, of Whitestown. 
James Dean, of Westmoreland, and George Huntington, of 
Home, Judges. 

ISOl, January 28. Silas Stone, of Low^'ille, Judge. 

1801, August 21. Messrs. Sanger, White, Dean, O.strom. 
and Huntington, re-appointed, with Thomas Hart additional. 

1802, 3Iarch 13. Natlian Sage and Henry Coffcen. of 
Ecdfield. 

1803, March 31. Needham 31aynarJ. 

1804, April 3. Chauncey Gridley. 

1804; July 3. Messrs. Sanger, Dean, Ostrom, Hunting- 
ton, Sage, Coffeeu, Maynard, and Gridley. re-appointed. 

1805, Feb. 15. Messrs. Sanger, Dean, Sage, Maynard. 
Ostrom, Coffcen, and Gridley, re-appointed : and March 25. 
Samuel Dill : and April 8, Apollos Cooper additional. 

1808. March 22. Mcssr.s. Sansrer. Dean, Gridley, Sase, 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 29 

Dill, Cooper, rc-appointed, and Joseph Jennings and Jiuvis 
'Pike additional. 

1810, March 5. Morris S. Miller, First Judge, Jedediah 
Sanger, Henry McNiel of Paris, Abram Camp of Whites- 
town, and Timothy W. Wood. 

1813, February 23. Moris S. Miller, James Dean, David 
Ostrom, Henry McNiel, George Brayton, Richard Sanger, 
Jesse Curtiss, Gerrit G. Lansing, Benjamin Wright, John 
Storrs, Peter Pratt. 

1814, April 5. Messrs. Miller, Dean, 0.strom, McNiel, 
Curtiss, Lansing, Wright, Storrs, and Pratt, re-appointed ; 
and Levi Carpenter, Jr., and Frederick Stanley, additional. 

1815, April 15. M. S. Miller, Joseph Jennings, Solomon 
Wolcott, Prosper Rudd, Daniel Ashley, Peter Pratt, James 
S. Kip, Sherman Barnes, Thomas H. Hamilton, Asahel 
Curtiss, Charles Wylie, Joseph Grant. 

1818, April 24. Messrs. Miller, Wylie, Grant, and Hamil- 
ton, with Ezekiel Bacon additional. 

1821, March 21. Messrs. Miller, Grant, and Hamilton, 
with Truman Enos and Joshua Hathaway additional. 

1823, February 3. Messrs. Miller, Enos, Hathaway, and ^^ 
Grant, with Samuel Jones additional. 

1824, November 22. Samuel Beardsley, First Judge, in 
place of M. S. Miller, deceased. *^ 

1825, March 9. Henry R. Storrs, in place of Samuel 
Beardsley, who declined the appointment. 

1826, April 5. James Dean (son of former Judge Dean)^ 
in place of Truman Enos, who resigned upon his election to 
the State Senate. 

1828, February 5. Messrs. Hathaway, Grant, and Jones, 
re-appointed. 

1830, January 15. Chester Hayden, First Judge, and 
Israel Stoddard. 



30 ANNALS or ONKIDA COUNTY. [ciIAP, 

1831, April 8. Reuben Tower, of Sangcrficld, in place of 
James Dean, whose term had expired. 

1832, February 10. Nathan Kimball, of Augusta, in 
place of Reuben Tower, resigned. 

1833, February 6. John P. Sherwood, of Vernon, and 
Arnon Conistoclc, of Western, in place of Messrs. Jonrs and 
Hathaway, whose terms had expired. 

1835, January 23. Chester Hayden, of Utica, First 
Judge, and Israel Stoddard re-appointed. 

1837, February 21. Nathan Kimball re-appointed. 

1838, February 2. Pomroy Jones, of Westmoreland, in 
place of J. P. Sherwood, resigned ; and March 9, Arnon 
Com.stock re-appointed. 

1840, February 2. Fortune C White, of Whitestown, 
First Judgo, vice Ilayden ; and April 14, Seth B. Roberts, 
of Rome, rice Stoddard. 

1843, February 10. Chester Ilayden and Amos Vrood- 
worth, of Florence, vice Messrs. Kimball and Co:-iist4'>ck, 
whose terms had expired, and Pomroy Jones re-appoicted. 

1845, February 21. P. Sheldon Root, of Utica, Fir.^t 
Judge, rice White; and April 14. Ebenezor Robbing, of 
Lee, rice Roberts. 

1846, May 12. Othnicl S. Williams, of Kirkland, va". 
Hayden. 

1847, June. P. Sheldon Root elected County Judge 
Upon the organization of Herkimer County in 1791, 

Henry Staring Was appointed First Judge, and Michael 
Myers, Hugh White, and Abraham Hardenburgh, Judges 
and Justices of the Peace; and Jedediah Sanger and Amo.s. 
Wetmore, of Whitestown, Alexander Parkman and Ephraiiri 
Blackmcr, of Westmoreland, and John Bank, Patrick Camp- 
bell, and AVilliam Vecdor, Assistant Justices and Justices of 
the Peace. 



n.J 



ONEIDA COUNTY. 



Votes for Governor in the several towns of Oneida County 
from ISOl to 1822 inclusive; also the votfts for and 
aa-ainst the Convention and Constitution of 1821-2. witii 
the names of all the to\YU3 iu the county since its organ- 
ization. 



TOWNS.. 


1 

.^ 

S 

© 

o 
is 

22 
5 

11 

17 

20 

38 

14 

28 

17 

47 


^01. 

O 

% 
-j: 
'ji 

It 

a 
> 

Hi 

p. 

o 

175 

130 

36 
29 

41 

34 

59 

i 

& 

612 


18( 

h^ 

Oi 
bS: 

o 

89 
131 

41 
26 

84 
30 

45 

88 

33 

74 
140 

27 

64 

128 

85 


)1 

3 

'A 

c 

o 

1- 

41 

87 

63 
65 

65 
61 

55 

22 

100 
43 
29 

10 
1 

403 
49 


18( 

XT. 

c 

p 

o 

1 
ft 

139 

11 

52 

64 

52 

125 

27 
2 

53 

143 


)7. 

XT. 

a 
o 

176 

74 
67 

88 

41 

17 
25 

5 

33 

412 


181 

a: 

p- 

c 
H 

fi 

ft 

150 
15 
63 

46 
68 

7 
62 

99 
33 

5 

62 

187 


0. 

CO 

m 
c§ 

O 
t-5 

200 
52 

88 

25 
110 

19 
55 

28 

29 

6 

61 
465 


181 

+7 
rr. 

i" 

C 

'c 
n 

« 

74 
11 
65 

37 

44 

6 
70 

151 

20 

89 
43 

158 


o. 
o 

eft 

n 

o 

Ph 

c 




IflR 


T?o<inville 


HO 


Bridg^vater 


7'' 


B rown vill e 

Bengal 


4'? 


Camden 

Champion 


129 


Constantia 


07 


Beerficld 


6''» 


Ellisbvivgh. 




Floyd 


'i'> 


Florence 


^^ 


Fredericksburgh 




Harrisburgh 




Levden 




Lowville 




Lee 


''G 


Mexico 


77 


Martinsbm-gli 




Pari.s 


'srifi 


Rutland 





* Morgain Luis alsohnd 11 votes in Bridgwater. 
t Daniel D. TomUins aho had 31 votes in Mexico. 



32 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 



[clIAr. 



Votes for Governor, &c., in Oneida County. 
(Continucil from last page.) 



TOWNS. 



Rcmscn 

JU'dfield 

Ridilaiid 

Home 

Steuben 

Scriba 

Sangerfield .... 

'I'uriii 

Trenton 

Verona 

Vernon 

Voluey 

Waterto\\'n 

AVestmoreland. 

Whitcstown 

"Williamstown. 
Western .> . ... 



1801. 



o 
32 



60 
47 



48 
51 



27 
149 

485 



1804. 1 1807. 



o 



40 
60 
14 
68 
73 

105 
35 

128 



91 12 248 



32 
50 



96 .33 

74 27 



89 
47 
47 
15 
93 

58 
63 

278 



16 
53 
37 

138 
89 

34 

31 

81 
102 



54 



22 

25 

68 
42 

118 

66 
36 

7 



101 



1810. 1 imz. 



1441322 
37 
295 



19 

54 

73 

100 

83 

44 

45 
98 

88 



48 

161 

111 34 

11255 



14 
3 

79 
82 
57 

133 

82 

53 

102 



e 

15 
57 
71 
116 
45 
23 









o 

1/2 

17 
2 

125 
76 

58 
6 



93 
372 

48 
20 



42137 

55 1 10.3 

91 76 

142213 

5| 26 

64 143 
161j364 

30 56 
210 15 



n.J 



ONEIDA COUNTY. 



Votes for Governor, &c., in Oneida County. 
(Continued from last page.) 



TOWNS. 



Augusta — 
Boonville .. 
Bridgwater 
Bengal 



Uamden 

€onstantia 

licerfield 

Floyd 

Florence 

Lee 

Mexico 

Kew Haven 

Orwell 

Paris.... 

Remsen 

Redfield 

Richland 

Rome 

Steuben 

Scriba 

Sangerfield 

Trenton 

Utica 

Verona 

Vienna 

Vernon 

Volney 

Westmoreland. 
Whitestown ... 
"Williamsto^vn . 
Western 



181G. 


181 


7. 


1820. 


1821. 


1822. 


1822. 


CO 








M 






c 




o 






.5 




o 




S 


a 
o 


o 




o 


s2 






c 


C 


.S 
6 


bh 

a 


o 






s 




CO 

C 

o 

O 




fcb 


1— 1 


M 


K*- 




o 


'">■ 


o 


a 


O 

o 


in 


IS- 


u 


•p 


c; 




-t-j 


r- 


P- 


^ 


cj 




rt 


O 


♦-> 


— > 


^ 


a 


o 


ci 


o 


o 


bjj 


o 


tJ3 


Q 


^ 


o 


rt 


O 


VI 


P 


ft 


\^ 


<; 


Pm 


<\ 


1-5 


m 


73 


134 


105 


2 


66 


104 


183 


14 


69 


88 


221 




40 


62 


54 




24 


36 


54 


44 


59 


15 


90 




63 


81 


104 


1 


35 


86 


95 


102 


87 


65 


181 




30 


21 






















53 


97 


86 




89 


166 


74 


64 


47 


111 


253 


G 


5 


11 


17 




30 


25 


91 


3 


72 


10 






78 


48 


72 




33 


97 


103 


81 


95 


84 


210 


') 


109 


27 


97 




72 


61 


162 


47 


140 


41 


176 




14 


19 


28 




16 


41 


40 


17 


31 


18 


59 




97 


35 


95 




123 


32 


136 


19 


126 


27 


185 




19 


21 


42 


1 


17 


64 














33 


31 


45 
24 




20 
54 


12 
15 


126 
68 


8 










186 


433 


340 


8 


129 


430 


272 


409 


252 


269 


621 


14 


16 


9 


31 






31 


29 


9 


16 


23 


58 




38 




28 


3 


4] 


9 














139 


115 


51 




66 


64 


391 












116 


108 


124 




96 


140 


354 


22 


222 


44 


412 




41 


54 


35 


3 


44 


51 


122 


3 


74 


4 


115 




15 


9 


15 




16 




108 












58 


125 


96 


2 


26 


142 


121 


97 


72 


89 


321 




83 


100 


95 


3 


41 


133 


122 


167 


108 


122 


221 












25 


122 


244 


64 


139 


90 


448 


9 


104 


73 


101 




78 


95 


180 


50 


134 


83 


262 








75 




20 


149 


80 


71 


73 


58 


164 




80 


127 


106 




20 


196 


140 


151 


67 


164 


219 




15 


19 


2 


3 


61 


21 


147 


35 


108 


39 






65 


155 


154 




95 


135 


207 


104 


154 


109 


354 


2 


140 


355 


293 


17 


103 


260 


359 


141 


294 


126 


600 


1 


43 


44 


38 




64 


32 


62 


26 


51 


12 






140 


14 


129 




134 


24 


241 


13 


197 


5 


2C3 





34 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 



[CIIAP. 



Votes for Governor at each election since tlie adoption of 
the Constitution of 1821. 



G. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
1-2. 
13. 
14. 
13. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
liO. 
21. 

2',. 
24. 

25. 

20, 

'77 



TOWNS. 



Annsville .... 

Augusta 

Ava 

Boonville.... 
Bridgwater.. 



1824. 1826. 1828. 1830. I 1832. 1834. 1 1836 



Camden 

Decrfleld 

Florence 

Floyd 

Kirkland .... 

Lee 

Marcy 

Marshall 

New Hartford 

Paris 

Remsen 

Rome 

Sangerfield ... 

Steuben 

Trenton 

Utica: 

V(/i-nbn 

Verona 

Vienna 

Western 

Westmoreland 
Wbitestown ... 



76 
196 

120 
113 

54 
149 

45 
154 

193 



287 

47 
277 

91 
116 
117 
150 

52 
178 

80 
310 



116 58 
222 188 

92115 



135 

161 

204 

34 

90 



93 
50 

1.32 
43 

122 



77 160 



704233 
52. 26 



257 

228 



297 
63 



49 103 
250 122 
384i246 



391 

187 

139 
41 

2502301205 
2.55'516i24J 



76 
160 
100 
236 



u 



M 



96 
243 

163 

127 

90 

291 



145 

164 

126 
130 
183 
169 

44 

92 183 
|251 

92 323 



511 

75 

235 

199 

42 

201 

400 

343 

162 

166 

33 

199 

409 



163 
165 
45 
448 
151 
127 
169 
470 
196 
351 
165 
380 
253 
203 



c 

o 



157 
225 

180 
112 
186 
213 
42 
125 
505 
107 



328 
319 
132 
299 
235 
114 
353 
715 
367 
206 
142 

276 
349 



Q 

a 
O 



75150 
208 305 



142 
247 

188 
132 
146 
272 
71 
206 
2151171 
242 14 



29 

167 

167 

147 

49 

77 



140 
188 
205 
77 
354 
196 
115 
229 
50] 
290 
295 232 
1811113 
346 15 
2662.52 
292,247 



117 

264 
261 
74 
192 
173 
130 
212 
323 



263 
il24 
1175 
i23U 
I 99 

i222 
383 
160 
192 
200 
214 
77 
434 
235 
139 
259 
:470 
,289 
358 
265 
387 
281 
342 



o 



py 



129 
248 

217 
174 
194 
145 

60 

9 
284 
113 

97 
219 
.325 
317 
153 
353 
221 
1.52 
323 
689 
.331 
255 
110 

41 
301 
378 



PS 



1 












a 


u 


is 


>- 





05 


02 


<; 




>J 




^ 


c 


^ 


a 


c: 


















\^ 


> 


^ 


>■ 



2 M 






153 
314 

24 
13o 
171 
247 
113 
191 
207 
.335 
168 
222 
191 
219 
79 
49 
236 
152 
265 
472 
309 
364 
252 
373 
243 286 
3151415 



99jl33j 73 
231 236! 101 



I 



172 
159 
223: 

150: 

74! 

821 
323 
135 
1041 
206j 
344' 
297| 
163 1 
295 
222' 
154; 
310 
776 
302 
261 
121 

47 



196113 
134| 66 

L38ll68 
193i 71 
107j 23 
162i 4b 
220121.-. 
286 88 
151 27 
161 104 
163|248 
1461204 
851 71 
46"^ 104 
182|l41 
1371 CO 



212 
461 
254 



216 

50.3 
125 



2.59 149 



233i 
3,57 
21 



32 

8 

ii7r;> 



223 238 



In 1828. Solomon Soutbwick, tlie Anti-Masonic Candidate for Gov-, 
ernor, received 186 votes in the county. In 1824, the votes of Steuben 
were rejected by the County Canvassers, on account of an error in 
the date of returns (1823 instead of the right yoar'^,by a vote of 9to 8. 



"•] 



ONEIDA COUNTY. 



OO 



Votes for Governor. &c., contiuued. 



"I §1 S 



I1I59 

4I2I8 

5! 146 

6|161 

7,226 

b|ll3 

9159 

10258 

111317 

12^140 

I3I19O 

141162 

15 237 

16 67 

17 464 

18 236 



19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 



116 
242 
603 
318 
227 
273 
358 



26 240 

27J244 



lllo 
117 

227 

121 

176 

104 

41 

56 

241 

97 

66 

13U 

331 

197 

163 

359 

190 

141 

237 

658 

309 

256 

86 

52 

237 

354 



O 

d 



1911177 
2571204 



460 
154 
173 



189 
229 



333 

15B 
279 



271 16' 



127 
219 
284 
453 
211 
235 
231 
244 

94 
578 
281 
138 
311 

85 
270 
435 
334 



82 
86 
323 
149 
126 
210 
391 
315 
214 
519 
248 
195 
348! 
877 
326 
391 
152 



290 
149 
169 
183 
135 
172 







1261210 
176 233 



268 
120 
165 
102 
47 
56 
264 29(1 
392 136 
157 67 
176139 
2031307 
225:229 
9l|l40l 
5691410 
2681192 



124 
268 



117 

277] 



71776 796 



4751104 
315 305 
322!424!265i359 



254 
415 
339 
373 

280 



264 

351 

99 

57 

268 



336 

164 

210I 

235| 

17!t| 

193| 

266i 

432I 

212; 

221' 

240 

264 

120 

577 

285 

140 

293 

852 

301 

494 

371 

354 

296 

325 



1841 




1 


840. 




1848. 


1 


A 


' 


/■^ 


-'"•'^ 


' 


— '. — 


> 


£ 
173 


is 
> 

< 


J2 


5 




5 
I—' 


a 



5 

< 

72 


23 


194 


152 


143 


175 


173 


52 


169 


166 


152 


177 


102 






34 


94 


15 


71 


72 


305 


16 


145 


255 


96 


231 


206 


131 


22 


129 


103 


120 


130 


39 


209 


59 


135 


190 


56 


183 


251 


142 


54- 


166 


108 


99 


99 


193 


86 


45 


49 


117 


30 


60 


195 


80 


16 


151 


58 


125 


57 


46 


311 


28 


220 


292 


125 


283 


180 


188 


31 


269 


158 


210 


163 


178 


104 


15 


116 


06 


57 


62 


100 


199 


27 


183 


133 


54 


138 


170 


399 


33 


169 


342 


16G 


345 


87 


316 


66 


228 


272 


112 


299 


241 


202 


31 


63 


156 


32 


158 


116 


516 


35 


382 


433 


410 


479 


198 


222 


7 


210 


183 


169 


189 


111 


190 


37 


53 


142 


58 


124 


94 


337 


79 


202 


292 


64 


271 


256 


1034 


109 


530 


1037 


449 


1034 


703 


304 


36 


240 


244 


113 


243 


143 


451 


25 


332 


417 


200 


420 


200 


108 


38 


292 


88 


46 


119 


315 


116 


25 


37 


266 


281 


67 


72 


282 


48 


213 


235 


137 


210 


207 


404 


94 


183 


382 


149 


372 


212 



c 



xn 
o 



245 
221 
98 
349 
152 
292 
256 
298 
191 
276 
368 
174 
167 
237 
272 
132 
677 
271 
141 
27] 
1201 
270 
436 
419 
325 
301 
290 



o 



165 
195 

8S 
324 
115 
249 
101 

86 

71 
268 
222 

73 
194 
340 
385 
196 
560 
178 
141 
344 
1059 
295 
517 
173 
137 
291 
465 



Note— The numbers at the commencement of the lines indicate the to\rn^ as 
numbered on the preceding page. 



36 



ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY. 
Population of'Onoida County at various periods. 



TOWNS. 



Annsville 



Augusta • 



Ava 

lioonville - 
Bridgwater - 
Bengal - - 
Camden - - 
Constantia - 
Champion 
Deerfield 
Florence - - 
Floyd - - 
Kirkland - - 
Lowville 
Leyden - - 
Lee - - - 
3Iarcy - - - 
Marshall 
Mexico - - 
New Hartford 
Paris - - - 
Remsen - - 
Home - - - 
lledfield - - 
Richland - - 



Sangerfield - 
Steuben - - 
Scriba - - 
Trenton - - 
Turin - - 
Utica - - - 
Vernon - - • 
Verona - - 
Vienna - - 
Westmoreland 
Western - - 
Whitestown - 
Williarastown 
Watertown - 



ISOO.i 1810. 



1598 



1001 

384 

143 
1048 

767 

3( 
622 



240 

4721 
224 

1497 
107 



552 

624 
440 



1542 
1493 
4212 

119 



22837 



2004 

393 
1170 

454 
1132 

153 

1232 
396 
970 



845 



5418 
489 

2003 
362 
947 

1324 

1105 
328 

1548 



1519 
1014 

1 1 35 

2416 

4912 

562 



1820. 



2771 

1294 
1533 

1772 



2346 

640 

1498 



2186 



1830. 



6707 

912 

3569 



2011 
1461 

2617 

2972 
2707 
2447 
1307 
279 1 
2237 
5219 



1481 
3058 

2746 
1608 

1945 



4182 

964 

1699 

2505 



2514 



1908 



1840. 



1765 
2175 

5519 
1418 

2331 



[chap. 

^850. 

2688 
2271 
1027 
3309 
1308 

2820 



3120 
1259 
1742 
2984 



2936 
1799 
2251 



''819 



3599 o 
2765 2844 



1400 
4360 



1638 
5680 



2272 
2094! 1993 



3221 



8323 
3045 
3739 
1766 
3303 
2419 
4410 



3178 

12782 
3043 
4504 
2530 
3105 
3488 
5156 



2287 
2587 
1419 
3421 



3025 
1857 
2115 

4847 
4283 
2384 
7920 



2371 
1754 

3540 

17556 
3089 
5587 
3436 
3292 
2524 
5820 



33792,50997:7132Gi85300 99543 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 37 

MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY, WITH THE YEAR OF THEIR ELECTION. 

1798. Henry McNiel, David Ostroui, Abel French. 

1799. David Ostrom, John Hall, Nathan Smith. 

1800. David Ostrom, Abel French, Jes.se Curtiss. 

1801. David Ostrom, Joel Bristol, Abel French. 

^802. James Dean, Senior, Abel French, John Lay, 
Aaron Morse. 

1803. David Ostrom, Joseph Kirkland, David Coffecn, 
Abraham Van Eps. 

1804. Greorge Brayton, Joseph Jennings, Joseph Kirkland 
A tie vote between Benjamin Wright and Walter Martin. 

1805. George Brayton, Joseph Jennings, Thomas Hart. ' 

1806. George Brayton, Charles Z. Piatt, Uri Doolittle, 

1807. Benjamin Wright, Henry McNiel, Thomas 11. 
Gold. 

1808. Benjamin Wright, David Ostrom, James Dean. 
Senior, John Storrs, Joel Bristol. 

1809. David Ostrom, John Storrs, John Humaston. 
Samuel Chandler, Levi Carpenter, Jr. 

1810. George Huntington, Henry McNiel, John Storrs. 
Isaac Brayton, George Doolittle. 

1811. George Huntington, Joel Bristol, Erastus Clark, 
Isaac Brayton, John Storrs. 

1812. George Huntington, Josiah Bacon, John Lay. 
Erastus Clark, Nathan Townsend. 

1813. Isaac Brayton, Henry McNiel, Theodore Sill. 
James Lynch, Laurens Hull. 

1814. John Storrs, Theodore Sill, John Lay, James 
Lynch, Rufus Pettibone. 

1815. James Lynch, Richard Sanger, Roderick Morrison, 
Isaac Brayton, Jesse Curtiss. 



38 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

IS 16. licury Huntington, Martin Ilawley, David Ambler, 
Wheeler Barnes, Newton Marsh. 

1817. Henry Huntington, Joseph Kirkland, Nathan Wil- 
liams, George Brayton, Tlienr "Woodruff. 

1818. Ezekiel Bacon, George Huntington, Theor WooJ- 
rufif, Luther Guiteau, Senior, David P. Hoyt. 

1819. George Huntington, Henry McNiel, James Dean, 
Jr., Theophilus S. Morgan, John Storrs. 

1820. George Huntington, Joseph Kirkland, Allen Fraser. 
William Root, Josiah Bacon. 

^1821. George Huntington, CJrccne C. Bronson, Israel 
Stoddard, Samuel Chandler, Peter Pratt. (Jonas Piatt, 
Henry Huntington, Ezekiel Bacon, Nathnn 'Williams, 
Samuel S. Breese, Delegates to Constitutional Convention.) 

1822. Plenry Wager, Thomas H. Hamilton, James Lynch, 
Uri Doolittle, Samuel Wetmore. 

1823. Henry Wager, Jo.scph Allen. Joseph Grant, Apollos 
Cooper, John Ptuger. 

1824. Joseph Kirkland, Israel Stoddard, David Pierson, 
Samuel Woodworth, Broughton White. 

1825. Theodore Sill, Laurens Hull, Aaron Barnes, Israel 
Stoddard, Ilussell Clark. 

1&2G. Theodore Sill, Winthrop IT. Chandler, Benjamin P. 
Johnson, John Billings, John Parker. 

1&27. Thomas E. Clark, Benjamin P. Johnson, Gardiner 
Avery, Ell Savage. Linus Parker. 

1828. Keuben Bacon, Fortune C. White. Benjamin P. 
Johnson, Eli Savage, lleuben Tower. 

1829. Eli Savage, Arnon Comstock, Linus Parker. Itliai 
Thompson, Elisha Pettibone. 

1830. Arnon Comstock, David Moulton, Beuben Bcttis, 
Riley Shepherd, Jolm F. Trowbridge. 

1831. David ^loulton, Daniel Twitcliel, Lemuel Hough, 
Rutgcr B. Miller, Natlianicl Fitoh. 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTV. ^ 39 

1832. Ichabod C. Baker, Squire Utley, David Wager, 
Levi Buckingham, John Dewey. 

1833. Ithai Tliompson, Hiram Shays, Israel S. Parker, 
Aaron Stafford, Pomroy Jones. 

1834. Amos Woodworth, Merit Brooks, Dan P. Cadwell. 
David Wager, Riley Shepherd. 

1835. Henry Graves, Jared C Pettibone, John W. Hale, 
John Stryker, William Knight. 

1836. Andrew S. Pond, Lester N. Fowler, John I. Cook. 
Levi Buckingham. 

1837. Eussell Fuller, Fortune C. White, James S. T. 
Stranahan, Henry Hearsay. 

1838. Ward Hunt, Israel Stoddard, Jesse Armstrong, 
Amasa S. Newberry. 

1839. Charles A. Mann, John F. Trowbridge, Nelson 
Dawley, Anson Knibloe. 

 1840. Nathaniel Odell, Luke Hitchcock, Calvin Dawley, 
Joseph Halleck. 

1841. Horatio Seymoui', Dewitt C. Stephens, Ebenezer 
llobbins, Ichabod C Baker. 

1842. John H. Tower, Amos S. Fassett, David Murray, 
Dan P. Cadwell. 

1843. Horatio Seymour, James Douglass, Richard Empy, 
Justus Childs. 

1844. Horatio Seymour, Andrew Billings, Calvert Corn- 
stock, Merit Brooks. 

1845. Benjamin F. Cooper, Chauncey C. Cook, Daniel G. 
Dorrance, Russell Fuller. 

1846. John Dean, Nathan Burchard, Abel E. Chandler, 
Isaac Curry. (Charles P. Kirkland, Hervey Brayton, Ed- 
ward Huntington, Julius Candee, Delegates to the Constitu- 
tional Convention.) 

1847. Luke Smith, Warren Converse, Bloomficld J. 
Beachj Henry Wager. 



40 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 



[CIIAP. 



1848. Oliver Prcscott, Nchcmiali N. Pierce, James M. 
Elwood, Chauncey Stevens. 

1849. William J. Bacou, rtali)h Mcintosh, Robert Frazier, 
Luther Leland. 

1850. Joseph Benedict, Lorenzo House, Lewis Rider, 
George Bray ton. 

Michael Myers was the Member of Assembly from Her- 
kimer County in 1792-3, and Jedediah Sanger in the years 
1794-5, and in 1796-7 no one was returned. 



SHERIFFS AND COUNTY CLERKS, 

Witli the years of Uwh- first appointment, or commencement of tcim 
of office under an election. Under tlie Con.stitution of 1777 Sheriflk 
^vcre appointed annually, and under that of 1821 they were elected 
for three years. Clerks held their office three years. 



sheriffs: — 

1798. William Colhrath. 

1799. Elizur Moscley. 

1800. Charles C. Brodhead. 
1804. James S. Kip. 

1807. Benajah IMcrrill. 

1808. James S. Kip. 

1810. Benajah IMerrill. 

1811. James S. Kip. 
1815. Apollos Cooper. 

1819. John B. Pease. 
1821. John E. Hinman. 

1823. John E. ITiiiman (elected). 

1820. David Pierson 
1829. John E. llinjnan. 
18o2. Samuel M. Mott. 
18;0.j. Erastus Willard. 
1838. Lvnian Cnrtiss. 

1841. David Monlton 

1842, Dec. 24. Theodore S. Fax- 

ton, app'd bv Gov. Seward. 

1843, Jan. ] 3. Israel S. Parker, 
u])pointed bv Gov. Bouek. 

1844. Palmer V. Kellogg. 
1847. Lester Barker. 
1800. John R. Jones. 



clerks: — 

1798. Jonas Piatt. 

1799. Francis A. Bloodgood. 

1802. Abram Camp. 

1803. Francis A. Bloodgood (who 

held tlie office ten years). 
1813. Abram Camp. 



1815. Francis A. Bloodgood 

(again clerk for 6 years). 

1821. Eliasaph Dorchester. 
1823. Do. do. (elected) 

182(5. John H. Ostrom. 

1829. John H. Ostrom. 

1832. Geor-e Brown. 

1&35. John^D. Leland. 

1838. James Dean. 

1841. P. Sheldon Root. 



1844, Dclos De Wolf. 
1847. Patriek Mahon. 
1850. Alexander Rae. 



II.] 



ONEIDA COUNTY. 



41 



William Colbrath was Sheriff of Herkimer County from 
its organization until Oneida County was organized, in 1798. 
Jonas Piatt was Clerk of Herkimer County from its organ- 
ization until the organization of Oneida County, when he 
was appointed Clerk of the latter. Mr. Piatt resided in 
Wliitestown, and this will doubtless account for a fact of 
considerable interest, and not very generally known ; i. c, 
that the Records of Deeds and Mortgages recorded in 
Herkimer County, from its organization (1791) to the organ- 
ization of Oneid:; County (1798), are in the Clerk's office of 
Oneida County, at Utica. These records fill eight large 
volumes, and are evidence of conveyances and incumbrances 
affecting lands in the present Counties of Herkimer, Oneida, 
Madison, Onondaga, etc., including sales of " soldiers' rights" 
in the Military Tract, conveyances and powers of attorney 
from original patentees and their representatives, from In- 
dians, etc. It was a fortunate circumstance that they 
were retained in this county, otherwise they would have 
been destroyed when the Clerk's Office of Herkimer County 
was burned in 1804. 



BISTRICT ATTORNEYS AYD SURROGATES, 

With the year of their first appointment, or of commencement of 

term of office by election. 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS: 

1798. Thomas R. Gold. 

1801. Nathan AVilliams. 

1813. Josei>h Kirkland. 

1816. Thomas H. Hubl)ard. 

1818. Nathan Williams. 

1821. Samuel Beardslev. 

1826. Hiram Denio. 

18.S4. Icliabod C . Baker. 

1841. Timothy Jenkins. 
184.5. • Calvert Comstock. 

1850. Roscoe ConkHng, appt'd by 
Governor. 

1851. Sarauel.B. Garvin. 



surrogates: —  

1798. Arthur Breese. 

1808. Joslma Hathawav. 

1813. Erastus Clark. 

1815. Joshua Hatliaway. 

1819. Greene C. Bronson. 

1821. Joshua Hathaway. 

1827. Henry A. Foster. 

1831. Alanson Bennett. 

1835. Henrv A. Foster. 

1837. Jolm"Stryker. 

1847. Othniel S. Williams. 



1'^ ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 



CAPITAL TraALS AND CONVICTIONS. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, Leld at the School House 
near Fort Stanwix, on the 5tli day of June, 1798. Present 
— Hon. James Kent, Judge of the Su2)reme Court; Geo. 
Huntington, Judge of Oneida County ; Thomas Cassety 
and Elizur Moseley, Assistant Justices. 



The People 
vs. 
Sylvia Wood, alias C Thos. 11. Gold, Esq., Assistant 
Sylvia Brown. J Attorney General. 



> 



The prisoner had been indicted at the May term of the 
Oneida General Sessions, 1798. The charge was, that the 
prisoner had, on the 29th of April, 1798, murdered her hus- 
band. Major Wood, in the town of Augusta, by shooting him 
with a gun charged with shot. 

The husband died the next day ; but previous to his dcatli, 
liis deposition, with those of the wife and Letty Forbes, was 
taken by Thomas Cassety, Esq., a Justice of the Peace, by 
wliich it appears that the wife was intoxicated, (she and her 
husband having attended an election on that day.) and while 
her husband was attempting to restrain her, she seized a gun 
and inflicted the fatal wound. Samuel Dill, Moses B. El- 
ilridgc, Silas Perkins, llcuben Reynolds, Job Babcock, 
Jeremiah Stevens, Walter Hyde, John Wright, Wm. Jaff, 
Philo Hizer, Rowland Potter, and Nahum Morse, were em- 
panelled as jury for the prisoner's trial. Thomas Cassety, 
Joseph Letty, Polly Forbes, and Timothy Pond, were 
%vitne8sc.^ for the people; and William Stutoly and Ichabod 
Stafibrd for the prisoner. The jury found the pri.soner 
guilty, and she was sentenced to be hung on the 29th of 
June (inst.), between 10 A. M. and 2 P. M., and tliat her 



ir.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 43 

body be delivered to Dr. Amos (I. Hull for dissection. 
Upon the morning of the day appointed for her execution, 
she was found dead in her cell in Herkimer jail, having 
hanged herself with the expectation that she could thus evade 
the whole of the sentence. In this, however, she was mis- 
taken, for science had its suf/jcct. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, at the School House near 
Fort Stanwix, on the 16th of June, 1801. Present — Hon. 
James Kent, Judge of the Supreme Court ; Hon. Jedediah 
Sanger and David Ostrom, County Judges ; and Amos 
Wetmere and Peter Colt, Esqrs., Assistant Justices. 

The People ^ 
- vs. > Thos. E.. Gold, Esq., Assistant 

George Peters. ) Attorney General. 

The prisoner was a Montauk Indian, born at Montauk 
Point, Long Island. The remnant of his nation, with rem- 
nants of several other coast tribes of Indians, had formed a 
new tribe, significantly called the Brothertons, with which 
the prisoner resided. He was charged with killing his wife. 
Eunice Peters, at Rome, on the 24th day of February, 1800. 
An inquest was held by Coroner Bill Smith over the body 
of deceased, and the verdict was, that prisoner had nmrdered 
her by striking her upon the head with a club, or wooden 
poker. The following persons composed the jury upon his 
trial, viz.: — Lot Fuller, Grove Hulbert, Jotham Gaylord, 
Menry Crane, Loomis Kellogg, Ebenezer Markham, Peter 
Eastman, Nathaniel Montague, Nathan Hemingway, Truman 
Blackman, Abel Wilcox, and Joseph Phelps, who rendered 
a verdict of guilty. Peters was sentenced to be hung on the 
•28th day of August, 1801, and he was accordingly executed, 
under the direction of Sheriff Brodhead, upon the hill west 
of the villnge of Whitesboro. 



44 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAP. 

The Court made an order in this cause, directing seven 
dolhnrs aud fifty cents to be paid to Solomon Rich for 
'• victualling Indian witnesses." 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, held at the Court House in 
Home, June 12th, 1817. Present — Hon. Smith Thompson, 
Judge of the Supreme Court; and Morris S. Miller, James 
S. Kip, and Joshua Hathaway, County Judges. 

The People J 

vs. \ Thomas H. HuLLard, Esq., District 

John Tulii. ) Attorney. 

The indictment was found after a Coroner's Inquest had 
been held. The indictment charged that the prisoner mur- 
dered Joseph Tuhi on the 1st of May, 1817, in the town of 
Paris, by inflicting a deep wound upon his head with an axe. 
The two Tuhis were cousins, and had been to Clinton 
attending a militia muster, where, becoming intoxicated, 
they quarrelled about a small sum borrowed by one from 
the other, and John formed the design of killing Joseph. 
They belonged to the Brothcrton tribe of Indians. Upon 
the trial the prisoner was convicted, and was sentenced to be 
hung on the 25th day of July then next, between 10 A. M. 
and 2 P. M. He was accordingly executed at the time 
appointed, by Apollos Cooper, Esq., then Sheriff, assisted 
by John B. Pease, Under Sheriff, upon that part of the city 
of Utica now known as Corn Hill. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, held at Whitcstown, Decem- 
ber 19th and 20th. 1817. Present— Hon. Jonas Piatt, 
Judge of the Supreme Court ; and 31. S. Miller, Joseph 
Jenning.s, Solomon Wolcott, and J. S. Kip, County Judges. 



11.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 45 

The People, 1 

I T. 11. 



vs. 1 T. 11. Hubbard and N. Wil- 

Jolin Harris, John Denny, ^ Hams for People. 

James O'Brien, David Linus, 
and Roswell T. Pratt. 



Messrs. Grold & White for 
prisoners. 

The prisonei'S Avere indicted at the same term in which 
they were tried, and were charged with having, on the 19th 
of August, 1817, set lire to the jail in Rome, by which 
means one Elisha Green was suffocated to death. The prison- 
ers (as well as Green) were at the time confined in jail for 
different offences, and in that way attempted to escape, but 
before they could effect their purpose they were compelled 
to cry for help, and when extricated were all nearly dead. 
Green took no part in setting fire to the building, and no 
intention to kill him was shown. The jury found the 
prisoners guilty of murder, and they were sentenced to be 
executed on the second Friday in February, 1818. The 
gallows was erected, cofiirLS prepared, and a large concourse 
had collected to witness the execution ; but on the previous 
evening a reprieve had arrived from the Governor, changing 
their punishment to imprisonment for life. Harris, Linus, 
and O'Brien were in jail under a sentence to the State's 
Prison for three years, for grand larceny, Denny under an 
indictment for an assault with intent, etc., and Pratt under 
an indictment for passing counterfeit money. Denny and 
Linus were Oneida Indians. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, held at the Academy in 
Utica, Oct. 7, 1824. Present— Hon. Samuel R. Betts, 
Circuit Judge ; Joseph Grant and Samuel Jones, County 
Judges. 

The People 

vs. ^ Samuel Beardsley, District Attorney. 

Irad Morse. 



46 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP, 

The prisoner was indicted at the previous May term of 
the General Sessions, for the murder of David Freeman, in 
the town of Rome, on the 9th of jMay, 1824, by shooting 
liim with a gun charged with shot. Freeman lived two days 
after being shot. 

Deceased was a lad about seventeen years of age, and the 
two were hunting on Sunday, one carrying the gun and the 
other a bottle of whiskey, when a drunken quarrel arose, 
and Morse seized the gun, and going off a short distance, 
turned and fired, lodging the charge in the lungs of the boy. 
The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to 
be hung on the 3d day of December then next. His punish- 
ment was, however, changed to imprisonment in the State's 
Prison for life, and it is understood that he died soon after 
at Auburn. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, held at the Academy in 
Utica, on the 11th of October, 1830. Present— Hon. Philo 
Gridley, Circuit Judge ; Nathan Kimball and Pomroy Jones, 
County Judges. 

The People ^ 

vs. > Ichabod C. Baker, District 

Kobert M Her. ) Attorney. 

The prisoner was indicted at the preceding June Sessions, 
for having murdered Barney Lcddy, at the city of Utica. oa 
the 29th day of April, 1839. Miller resided near Water 
street, in Utica, and deceased was proved to have been at hia 
house on the evening of the murder, both being intoxicated, 
and having sent out for whiskey. The next morning Leddy 
was found, stripped of his clothing, insensible, and nearly 
motionless, lying upon the ground some thirty rods from ^^lil- 
ler's house, he having received a violent blow upon his head, 



II.] ONEIDA COUNT V. 47 

apparently given -n'ith a club. Upon search being made, a 
part of Lcddy's clothes were found buried under mud and 
water in the cellar of Miller's house, and the cinders and 
ashes of other articles in the fire-place, and bloody stains 
upon the floor. These facts taken together, unexplained, 
warranted the jury in finding the prisoner guilty of murder. 
He was sentenced to be executed on the second day of De- 
cember then next. He was however respited by the Grov- 
ernor for a few days, when he was hung, in the jail at Whites- 
town, under the direction of Sherifi' Cuvtiss. 

Oneida Circuit Court, held at the Academy in Utica, 
from the 4th to the 12th of October, 1841. Present— Hon. 
Philo Gridley, Circuit Judge. 

The People J 

vs. > Hon. Willis Hall, Attorney 

Alexander McLeod. ) (J-eneral. 

J. L. Wood, District Attorney, Niagara County, and T. 
Jenkins. District Attorney, Oneida County, for the People. 
Messrs. G-ardner and Bradley, Attorneys, and Hon. Joshua 
A. Spencer, Counsel for prisoner. 

Tlie prisoner was indicted at the February term of the 
Niagara County General Sessions, in the year 1841, for 
having, on the 30th day of December, 1837, crossed the 
Niagara River and burned the steamboat Caroline, then 
lying at the wharf at Schlosser, in the town and County of 
Niagara, in the State of New York, and at the same time 
murdering Amos Durfec. The facts of this case, as con- 
nected with the rebellion and disturbances in Canada in the 
year 1837, have become a pai"t of the history of the country, 
and need not be repeated here. The venue in this cause 
had been changed from Niagara to Oneida by an order of 
the Supreme Court. Thirty-three witnesses were sworn on 



■18 , ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

tlio part df the People, and fourteen for the defense, besides 
a larire number residinjr in Canada sworn before commission- 
ers, whose depositions were read upon the trial. The follow- 
ing' persons composed the Jury, viz. : — Charles 0. Curtis, 
Kdniund Allen, John Mott, Elijah Brush, Ira Byington, 
"William Carpenter, Isaiah Thurber, Peter Sleight, Asher 
-Vllen, Seymour Carrier, Ezeck Allen, and Volney Elliott. 
Verdict — Not guilty. 

Such was the anxiety on the part of the public to be 
present at the trial (numbers having come a great distance 
for that purpose), that the Sheriff had summoned a large 
force of constables and deputies for the purpose of preserving 
order, and by directions of the Judge the following order 
of entering and leaving the Court House was established, 
viz.: — 1. The Court. 2. Members of the bar and reporters. 
3. Prisoner, in charge of constables. 4. Jury. 5. Wit- 
nesses. C. Citizens, until seats were filled, when the doors 
were to be closed. 7. Persons having business in Court, 
admitted upon special application to the Sheriff. 

Oneida Oyer and Terminer, held at the Academy in 
TJtica, September 16, 1847. Present — Hon. Philo Gridley, 
Justice of the Supreme Court; P. Sheldon Root, County 
Judjje ; Julius C Thorn and Caleb Steves, Justices of the 
Sessions. 

The People ^ Calvert Comstock, District Attorney. 
vs. [• J. A. Spencer and F. Keruan for 

Mary Runkle. ) prisoner. 

The prisoner was indicted in the Recorder's Court of 
Utica, at the August term, 1847, and was charged with 
having murdered her husband, John Runkle. in the city of 
Utica, on the 'xOth of August instant. 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 4J) 

The prisoner had seized deceased by the throat while he 
was asleep, in the middle of the night, with no light in tlie 
room, and with such a fiend-like grasp as to nearly sever his 
wind-pipe, and to cause immediate death. She was of a 
slight form, but, contrary to appearances, was proven tij 
have possessed great muscular power. Common rumor had 
charged her — but with how much justice it is impossible to 
•decide — with having destroyed two of her infant children by 
drowning them together in a wash-tub, — with murdering and 
robbing a pedlar, — with poisoning a son, who had arrived at 
manhood, and to whom she and her husband had conveyed 
some property to prevent its being taken by creditors, — 
-and with many less heinous offenses. These are now, how- 
ever, beyond the reach of human investigation and legal 
tribunals. After committing the crime, and having washed 
the body of deceased, put clean linen upon the body, and 
hidden that which was soiled with blood, and washed the 
blood from the floor, in the night in question, she called in 
t^everal of her neighbors, stating that her husband had died 
in a fit ! While the deed was being perpetrated, the unna- 
tural monster, upon the pretext that her husband had been 
seized with a fit. called their daughter, about thirteen years 
of age, to her aid, directing her to hold his limbs in such a 
manner that he could make little or no resistance. 

After a patient investigation, the jury found the prisoner 
guilty of murder, and she was sentenced to be hung on the 
9th of November, 1847, between 10 A. M. and 2 P. M. She 
was accordingly executed, within the jail at Whitesboro, 
tinder the direction of Sherifi" Barker, having made no 
revelations as to the crime for which she was convicted, nor 
relating to her previous life. 

Other trials for 'muider have taken place in this county, 

4 



50 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CIIAP. 

but they have resulted in verdicts of acquittal, or in convic- 
tions for the different grades of manslaughter, punishable by 
imprisonment in the State's Prison. 



COrNTY 0RGANIX.VTX0N5. 

The Oneida Baptist Association was organized September 
27th, 1820. The churches of this denomination within the 
county had, for a few of the first years of the present cen- 
tury, belonged to the Otsego Association, and subsequently 
for a few years previous to tlic formation of this Association, 
to the Madison Association 

It is somewhat difficult at the present time, from the 
annual minutes of this body, to give the increase of the 
denomination in the county, as at its formation quite a num- 
ber of churches from Madison Count}' organized with it , 
still it can be approached with tolerable accuracy. 

In 1823, there were fifteen churches in the county, (beside 
Boonvillc. which ha« ever belonsed to the Black River 
Association.) seven ordained ministers, and 1074 members. 
On the same territory in 1850, there were twenty -six 
churches, twenty-seven ordained ministers, (two of whom 
arc missionaries in the East Indies.) and 2,529 members. 

This body has no ecclesiastical powers whatever It is 
only advisory. 

The Presbytery of O/ieida was organized by an act of the 
General Assembly of the Prc.'*bytcrian Church in the United 
States, at their meeting in the month of May, 1802. Its 
territorial limits included all of the State west of the ctisi 
lines of Ilerkimtr and Otsego Counties. Its original mem- 
bcES were Rev. Messrs. Jedediah Chapman. John Lindslej, 



U.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 51 

Bctliuel Dodd, Samuel V. Suowdon, Isaac Lewis, and 
Peter Fish. The cliurelies which were connected with it 
soon after its organization were, in Oneida County, those 
of Whitesboro, Utica, Now Hartford, and Trenton; in Ot- 
sego County, those of Cooperstown, Cherry Valley, and 
Springfield ; in Herkimer County, that of Little Falls ; in 
Cayuga County, those of Washinglon, Romulus, Ovid, and 
Ulysses ; in Steuben County, that of Bath ; in Tioga, that 
at Painted Post ; in Ontario County, those of Geneva, Pal- 
myra, Lyons, Sodus, and Caledonia. Many of these coun- 
ties have had their lines bo altered by divisions, that these 
churches do not now belong to the counties they then did. 
Subsequently, the limits of the Oneida Presbytery nar- 
rowed down by the formation of other Presbyteries, so that 
it was confined principally to Oneida and Herkimer Coun- 
ties. The first meeting was held at Whitesboro, September 
7th, 1802. 

In January, 1843, it consisted of thirty-one ministers, 
and about thirty-five churche.^. At that time it was divided 
by the Synod of Utica, the new body taking the name of 
the Presbytery of Utica. In consequence of some dissatis- 
faction, the two bodies were merged in the Presbytery of 
Utica at th& next meeting of the Synod. The Presbytery of 
Utica, at the present time, consists of thirty-six ministers, 
and about thirty churches. 

The Synod of Utica was organized at Utica, September 
15th, 1829, by order of the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church. When organized, it was composed of the 
Presbyteries of Ogdensburg, Watertown, Oswego, Oneida, 
and Otsego. At this tune it consists of the Watertown, 
Oswego, St. Lawrence, Utica, and Otsego Presbyteries. Its 
territory comprises the Counties of Herkimer, Otsego, 
Oneida, Lewis, O.swego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence. 



52 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COL'NTV. [CIIAP. 

In the summer of 1850, tlic " Old School" branch of the 
flonominatiou organized a new body, by the name of the 
Presbytery of 3Iohawk. It is annexed to tbc Old School 
(Jcncral- Asssenibly of the United States. 

The Episcopal Methodists have an Oneida Conference ; 
but it does not seem to be a county organization, for it com- 
prises much territory out of the county, while the Black 
River Conference embraces nearly or quite the northern half 
of Oneida. 

The Oneida County Tonpcraiicc Socict?/, organized some 
years since, has performed well its part. It holds its annual 
meetings in the winter, and latterly it has had semi-annual 
meetings. 

Oneida Coiuity Agriadtural Society. — This Society 
holds a prominent place among the public institutions of the 
county. It was organized in lvS41, and the first annual 
exhibition held in the autumn of that year, since which it 
has progressed steadily in usefulness and importance, until 
it now ranks among the best institutions of the kind in the 
Union. 

Ten exhibitions have been held under the direction of 
this Society in as many successive years, each one of which 
has exceeded its predecessor in the amount of receipts, and 
the number of farmers and otiiers in attendance. The 
premiums, which were at first confined chiefly to farm stock 
and products, have been extended so as to embrace most 
articles of household and domestic manufiicture, and a large 
number of mechanical articles. Its funds for membershij) 
have steadily increased, and have for a few years past been 
augmented by making a small charge for admission to the 
show of domcsti« and fancy articles, until they amounted — 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 5o 

including the State appropriation of $255 — in 1849 to 
about $1,000. In 1850 a new plan was adopted, the entire 
grounds (ten acres) for the exhibition enclosed with a high 
fence, at the expense of the citizens of Home, and a charge 
for admission made to all who were not members of the 
Society. This arrangement brought into the Treasury about 
8 1,500, a balance of some $500 above expenses for the same 
year. The Society has now a balance in the treasury amount- 
ing to near $1,000. 

Many of the farmers and other citizens of the county have 
taken a deep interest in the success and management of this 
Society. In this brief notice it is impossible to do more 
than present the names of the Presidents for each year, and 
a complete list of the officers elected for the year 1851. 

. President in 1841-2 — Pomroy Jones. 

'• 1843-4— Benj. P. Johnson. 

'• 1845 — Elon Comstock. 

" 1846 — Dolphus Skinner. 

" 1847-8— Ira S. Hitchcock. * 

" 1849— Henry Ilhodes. 

" 1850— Benj. N. Huntington. 

" 1851— Pliment Mattoou. 

Vice Presidents — Franklin A. Spencer, Ephraim Storrs. 
Executive Committee — Calvin Bishop, John Butterfield. 
Jonathan Talcott, Horace Dunbar, Henry Ilhodes, Amasa 
S. Newberry, Oliver II. Babcock, Horace H. Eastman, 
Henry B. Bartlett, Horatio N. Carey. 
Treasurer — Iloland S. Doty. 
Secretary — Levi T. Marshall. 

The exhibitions of the Society have never been held two 
successive years in the same town, the opinion having pre- 
vailed that greater good could be accomplished by holding 
them in different parts of the county in alternate years. So 
large has been the attendance in the last two years, that it 
seems almost indispensable now to confine the show to a few 
of the larger towns, where only the great numbers who 



54 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cilAP. 

attend can procure accomodations. Judging from the im- 
provements already visible in the agriculture of the county, 
and the present flourishing condition of the society, it seems 
safe to predict for it a long and useful career. 

Political. — The two great and earliest political parties in 
the United States had formed before the organization of 
(.)neida County. The Democratic, with Jefferson at itn 
head, and the Federal, with Hamilton as its leader. After 
the formation of the county in 1798, it was found to contain 
a Federal majority. Subsequent to the organization of St. 
Lawrence County in 1802, the Democratic party for two or 
three years was in the ascendant. In 1S05 the Counties of 
Jefferson and Lewis were taken from Oneida, which left it 
"with a Federal inajority of from twelve to fifteen hundred. 
This was a powerful majority, when it is recollected that at 
the time scarcely one half of the citizens were voters, as the 
old Constitution of the State contained that most aristocratic 
and odious provision, requiring a freehold qualification of 
§250 to entitle the citizen to the privilege of the elective 
franchise. In the war of 1812 the Federal party took strong 
ground, not only against the administration of Mr. 3IadisoD, 
[)ut some of its movcHicnts were so anti-national, that they 
bordered on treason. In 1814 the Hartford Convention, 
composed of delegates from the New England States, held 
its secret session. At the time it was strongly suspected of 
liatching treason against the United States, and of giving aid 
and comfort to the enemy. The peace of 1315. however, 
entirely deprived the opposition of power for evil, if evil 
was actually intended. The party contrived to keep up its 
organization for three or four years, when it was found that 
the Hartford Convention was a mill-stone, sinking it too low 
for any reasonable hope of a resurrection. In 1819 was 



I!.] ONEID^^ COUNTY. 



oo 



witnessed the disbanding of the Federal party, and the 
amalgamation of a large propoi'tion of it with the Cliuton- 
ians, a section that had seceded from the Democratic party. 
For a short season the Clintonians had the ascendancy in 
the county, and in the county, as in the State, although 3Ir. 
Clinton by reason of his personal popularity usually obtained 
a majority, yet the Democrats succeeded in the Legislature. 
In 1821 a Convention was called to amend the State Consti- 
tution. In this body the Cliutonians in this county were 
represented by three delegates, and the Democrats by two. 
The Convention was decidedly Democratic, and the amended 
(Jonstitution which emanated from it, did away with the 
Council of Appointment, and the property qualification for 
suffrage, the two most obnoxious provisions of the old Con- 
stitution. Mr. Clinton's death took place soon after the 
commencement of the xVnti-Masonie ezcitement, and the 
formation of that part3^ Strong men joined the Anti- 
Masonic party iu the county ; yet Oneida never became so 
far " infected" as to once give a majority to that party. In 
1834 the Anti-Masonic party disbanded, and the present 
Whig party raised on its ruins. The Democratic party 
maintained its position in the majority until within a few 
years, when, weakened by divisions, the Whig party has 
cbtained the ascendancy in the county, State, and Nation. 
The spring of 1851 has witnessed another political somerset 
in the count}'", the Supervisors elected standing eighteen 
Democrats to twelve Whigs. 

At the close of this political notice of the county, it may 
not be entirely uninteresting to tlie reader to have a short 
account of a political celebration of the " olden time," al- 
though in the numbers who participated, it fell far short of 
modern political gatherings at the raisin^ of lo^ cabins, 
hickory poles, jetc. 



50 AN.VAI.S OP ONEIDA COUXTV. [clIAr. 

lu Sqitcnibcr, 1801, the Democratic party having suc- 
ceeded in electing Mr. Jefferson to tlie Presidonc}' of the 
Union, and Ccorge Clinton to the giihernatorial chair of 
New York, tlie few of that party in Oneida County — 
barely tsufficiont to form a corporal's guard — determined ti> 
celebrate their victories by a public dinner. The day and 
place were appointed, of which public notice was given. The 
place was White's Tavern, in "Wliitesboro, then kept by the 
widow of Daniel C. White. For days the busy hum of 
preparation was heard. Pigs squeaked their final gasp, and 
gobblers strutted their last brief hour, to grace the ponderous 
table. A cannon, that for many a long year had graced the 
parapets of Fort Stanwix, and pourod forth its booming 
thunder on St. Leger's beleaguering forces, was carted, the 
day preceding the dinner, through the intervening fens and 
morasses, to belch forth its joyous roar to each successive 
toast. The da}- arrived. It was most propitious. No 
skulking clouds obstructed sol's morning ra3'S. Early the 
guests by twos and threes hurried their way to tlic banquet. 
Dut on their arrival vrhat consternation ! '• The cannon is- 
stolen," resounded from every mouth. Nought disheartened, 
another gun must be i:)rocured. It could be done in time, if 
man nor beast were spared. John B. Pease, trusty and 
true, was soon dispatched to relieve Fort Stanwix of anotliev 
portion of its artiller}'. John Gilpin's famous ride, com- 
pared with his, was tame. Howe'er, a new disaster overtook 
him. When the return journey was but half performed, the 
vehicle gave out ! But the good Dutch Colonel, who lived 
where Oriskany's waters mingle with tlie J^Iohawk, kindly 
supplied another, and soon the smoking steeds stood panting 
at our hostess' door, and joyous cheers .announce tlic quick 
arrival. Anon the guest.s, fourteen all told, are doing amplo 
ju'^tice to the good things the lone hostess had prepared, and 
soon, like all things else, the feast is at an end. 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY. 57 

TIic cloth removed, the sparkling, mockiug wine appears. 
The first of thirteen toasts is then announced. No cannon's 
roar responded. The gun is spiked ; or, to use the lines of 
the Federal bard for the occasion: 

"A rat-tail file fell from the skies, 
And spiked the gun before their eyes." 

These Democrats were still in courage. A sturdy son of 
^'^ulcan, residing in the same village, with sleeve uprolled, 
brawny arm, and ponderous sledge, cleared out tlie obstructed 
vent, and in due time nineteen discharges, told all within the 
sound, that thirteen re2;ulars and half twelve volunteers had 
been drank. The ceremonies over, adieus exchanged, and 
ere the sun had sunk to rest beyond '■ Ontario's waters," all. 
all, had left for distant homes. 

The half is not told. Time sped its way, as all time does, 
and the printed weekly messenger, " The Whitestown Gazette 
and Cato's Patrol," was scattered wide, by post, among the 
people. It was a small sheet, perhaps a little more than 
seven by nine. Weekly news and advertisements, com- 
pressed to smallest space, it had ; but the " Poet's corner " 
was filled to overflowing. 'Twas all about the Democratic 
celebration. Low and blackguardly in language, its only 
merit was its rhyme. It thus began ; 

'• From Simond.s down to Doctor Shaw, 
One great in phj'sic, one in law." 

'Twas said to have been the production of one who had 
spent long years in classic halls. Each of the fourteen 
Democrats came in by turns for a large share of personal 
abuse, if abuse it could be called. Capt. Isaac Jones re- 
ceived his full proportion, was termed " A would-be Justice 
living on the Genesee road." The sheet was read and laid 



;">8 ANNALS OF ONP:iDA COUNTY. [cilAP. 

aside. Another week rolled round, and then another •• Ga- 
zette" came to its patrons. Canto II '-of the same sort" 
came with it. 'Twas like it.s predecessor, only its low slang 
.sought to be more abusive. A specimen is giA'cn. Doct. 
.Shaw's optics were of the largest, lightest kind. In speaking 
of the Doctor, the poet says : 

' " With eyes like ncw-pcelcd onious."' 

] n tliose early days readers were so sparse, that one paper 
had to sufl&ce for the whole count}-. Not then as now. Now, 
one party ha.^ it.« Observer^ Democrat^ and Sentinel; the 
other its Herald, Whi,:!, and Cilizeii : and temperance men 
their Teetotaller, besides religious. Then one paper had to 
cater for all its readers, and small patronage at that. There- 
fore, he that was termed " the would-be Justice," in the sam^e 
pape.'- that contained the second " Canto," was heard, — 'twas 
all in prose, except one half the motto. It thus began : '"For 
as the crackllno; of thorns under a -not. so is the lauL'hter of 



a fool' 



'•What sorry poems, w)iat a wretched chime, 
Do sucli more poltroons jiiigle into rhyme." 

It was >;hort, cmustio, and severe. Opponents freely ad- 
mitted that the Captain took the advantage. The article 
thus concluded : — ■' You say I am a would-be Justice. God 
knows I want no office, but I ai i proud, infinitely proud, of 
being with a majority of three millions of freemen ; and let 
me say to you, that your production is as heartily despised 
l)y the candid of your own party as by mine." And so it 
was. Federalists were heard to say, '• that the actors should 
hftve been ashamed to have interfered in the least, and ob- 
structed the celebration. That if the Democrats wished to 
meet and partake of a public dinner, they had a perfect 
right to do so : that v/e had fought for liberty, and our 



II.] ONEIDA COUNTY, 59 

citizens had the right, if they in no way disturbed the peace, 
to enjoy it." 

In conclusion, the little petty persecutions at Whitesboro, 
no doubt made scores of Democrats in the county. 

The foregoing is entirely from recollection. It is believed 
no copy of the papers are left in the county. 

The names of the fourteen individuals v>'ho participated 
in the celebration, were, — John B. Pease, Esq., and Hon. 
Rufus Easton, of Rome ; Maj. John Bellinger, Col. Nicholas 
Smith, Hon. Francis A. Bloodgood, James S. Kip, and 
Martin Dakin, Esquires, of TJtica ; Capt. Isaac Jones, Capt. 
Samuel Collins, and Hon. Truman Enos, of Westmoreland ; 
John H. Todd, Esq., of Verona ; and Alexander Enos, Esq., 
Doct. Jonathan Shaw, and Shadrach Smith, of Whitestown. 
The last-named was the blacksmith v/ho cleared the spiking 
from the gun. Joseph Simonds, Esq., of Clinton, an Attor- 
ney at that place, was to have been present and delivered an 
address, but was prevented by sickness. 



Coxe's Patent. — This is considered a,n appropriate place 
to notice this extensive Patent, extending across a portion of 
Rome, and quite across Westmoreland, Kirkland, and Paris, 
to the north line of Bridgwater. It was bounded on the 
west by the line of property, and extends the whole length 
of it. By the survey of this Patent, the line of property is 
twenty-two miles and sixty-four chains in length. The 
Patent is bounded on the south by Bridgwater, on the east 
by Cosby's Manor, Bayar's, Morris', and Oriskany Patents, 
and north by Wood Creek. It contained 47,000 acres, and 
was a part of 100,000 acres granted by George III to 
William Coxe, Rebecca Coxe, John Tabor Kempe, and 
Orace his wife, descendants of Daniel Coxe. doctor of physic, 
on condition that said descendants execute a grant, release, 



C)0 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cllAP.' 

and surrender to the crown of all their right and tike, (»r 
pretended right and tike, to the Province of Carolana and 
Islands, as described in a certain original Patent to Sir 
Kobcrt Iloath. The Patent also prescribes that the said 
(irace Kempc certify her consent and acceptance, by such 
separate examination as, according to the laws of New York, 
will bind the inheritance of married women. It was granted 
without quit-rents for ten years. It was also made with the 
following reservation : — " Except and always reserved all 
mines of gold and silver, also all white or other sorts of pine 
trees, twenty-four inches in diameter twelve inches from the 
ground, fit for inasts for the royal navy. 

'• Said tract to form two townships : that lying north-west 
of the Oriskany Creek to be Coxeborough, that to the south- 
cast of said creek to be Carolana. Each of said townships 
to liave tvro Assessors, one Treasurer, two Overseers of 
Highways, two Overseers of Poor, one Collector, and four 
Constables, to be elected on the first Tuesday of May in 
each year, by a majority of the freeholders. 

'■Signed by CadwalLader Colden, at our Fort, in the City 
of New York, on the 30th day of Mav, A. D. 1770." 



jll.] AN'XSVILLK. 61 



CHAPTEll III, 



ANNSVILLE. 



Geology. — The geology of tins town presents features 
peculiarly interesting, perhaps as much so as in any town 
in the county. The indications are quite distinct, that por- 
tions of this town were at some former period covered with 
the waters of three small lakes. 

The first, or lower one, was situated in the south-east 
corner of the town, and covered all that portion known as the 
Forks. This lake must have been about three miles in 
length from east to west, and two in width from north to 
south, covering an area of about six square miles. Its form 
was irregular, something in the shape of the human foot and 
letr, the toes to the north and the leg to the west. Its inlets 
were the east and west branches of Fish Creek, or perhaps 
more properly Fish Creek and Mad River ; for the author 
tind.'S that the names Mad lliver and West Branch arc 
indiscriminately applied, by the inhabitants in the vicinity^ 
to that branch of the stream. The outlet was at or near 
where Fish Creek now escapes from the valley. The barrier 
— feeble, to be sure — which confined this lake in the neigh- 
borhood of the outlet, was composed mainly of sand, inter- 
mixed here and there with small portions of clay and gravel. 
If conjecture be allowable, this barrier was forced by the 
accumulation of water thrown against it by the giving away 
of the banks which confined the upper lakes, and then this 



62 ANNALS or ONEIDA COLNTV. [CHAr. 

increased body of water forcing its way to the Oneida Lake 
On the south, eaHt, and west sides, the shores seem to have 
been composed of the same material as the barrier, as no 
rocks and very few .stoncH were found : but on the north 
side the rock formation cornmejices. wliich extends north, 
cast, and west, beyond the limits of the town. AVhat was 
once the bottom of this lake, is now one of the finest agricul- 
tural sections of the town or county. This alluvial bottom 
in some parts contains many small pebbles, mostly of the 
same kind as those in the north part.- of the town, brought 
down and worn smooth by the floods of centuries. Occa- 
sionally granite bowlders are found, out of place to be sure, 
for there is no granite formation iu the town, or nearer than 
the north-east part of Jefferson at.(1 the eastern part of Her- 
kimer Counties. The water in this lake iu many places 
was probably one hundred feet in depth. 

The second lake of this chain was atuated about three- 
fourths of a mile northerly from the fii'.st. In size it was 
smaller, and in form more regular, being semicircular, pro- 
bably covering two square miles. Wliat were its shores arc 
entirelv different in character- from the first, the surface beintr 
composed of stone, gravel, and loam, while the lower stratun: 
consisted of friable slate, alternated with a harder kin.:. 
The slate is divided, by perpendicular and parallel seam?, 
into small sections or blocks. Its inlet was the east branch 
of Fish Creek, and its outlet where the creek now runs, at 
its south-west corner. The channel here cut through tlie 
stone, gravel, and slate, is from fifteen to twenty rods in 
width, and in some places sixty fed in depth. Its bottom 
rested on the rock formation whioli underlays this section of 
the town. The alluvial soil now covering it, is rendered 
nearly untillable by the quantity of stone brought from 
above by the water Near the south-west corner there was 



III.] ANNSVILLL. G 



a bay, running tlirce-fourtlis of a mile nortli-wcat. The 
point formed by the bay and lake is composed mostly of con- 
glomerate or pudding-stone, overlaid with sand. In one 
place sand-stone is in the process of formation. The cement 
of the sand-stone and conglomerate is probably lime, although 
lime is found nowhere else in the vicinity. In the basin of 
this lake and bay is now situated Taberg Village. Its sur- 
face must have been at least fifty feet higher than the first. 

The third and last lake was situated about one mile 
Tiearly due north from the second. In size and character it 
nearly resembled the second, with the exception that the 
creek, in the long course of ages, has worn for itself a chan- 
nel of fifty or sixty feet lower than the bottom of the lake 
Its elevation above the second lake must have been at least, 
cne hundred feet. The water at its lower end might have 
been sixty feet in depth, but in the upper part quite shallow. 
An island arose nearly sixty feet from its surface. It was 
known to the early settlers as Walnut Hill, from. the grove 
of white walnuts which covered a portion of its surface. An 
outlet, where at least a portion of its waters were discharged. 
oan be traced from its north end into the valley of "West 
Creek in the town of Lee. This stream, by a eircuitou;. 
route of some ten miles, empties into Fish Creek one mile 
below the lower lake. 

The channel of the creek above this last lake, assumes 
the picturesque and sublime, beyond the power of descrip- 
tion ; and for three miles there are few places where its 
banks can be ascended or descended in safety. The sides of 
this chasm are walled up with rock, from eighty to three 
hundred feet in height, and the spectator from the giddy 
height looks down into the tops of tall trees which have for 
centuries braved the ragings of the stream and storms. To 
him. full grown persons at the Ixjttom apparently dwindle 



01 ANNALS OF ONKIDA COUNTY. [(_1I.\1\ 

to mere pigmies. His sensations become allieJ to fear, but 
lie soon learns to look from his perilous position with com- 
po.surc. To the spectator in the chasm, the forest trees at; 
the top cWiiuUc into mere shrubs. He looks with awe and 
wonder at the hoary crags and overhanging rocks above him, 
and his imagination is carried far back as he beholds the 
oifects of mighty causes which have been in operation for 
ages. Here the waters froni tlie melting snows of a thou- 
sand winters, and the rains of as many summers, falling iu 
this extensive valley, have found a passage to the Oneida 
Lake, in their way overcoming every obstacle, removing 
every barrier. Around him the visitor sees, in wild confu- 
sion, the fragments left by this war of the elements, broken, 
worn, and rounded by the action of the hurried waters, and 
their violent contacts with each other. From the head of 
this branch of Pish Creek to the Forks, a distance of nearly 
forty miles, the current is very rapid, falling from thirty to 
seventy-five feet per mile. 

"Within the town of Annsville, and above the upper lake, 
the creek receives but two tributaries of any importance. 

Miller's Creek empties into it near the head of the upper 
lake. It received its name from the first settler on its 
banks. It flows from tiie west, and its main features are the 
same as those of Fish Creek, its channel being worn equally 
deep in the rock. 

Fall Brook empties into Fish Creek about three miles 
above Miller's Creek, and it also flows from the west. It 
takes its name from the f-ills where it empties into the creek. 
Unlike Miller's Creek, it has its channel upon the fir.st layer 
of rocks until it falls into the main stream. 

This fall is divided into three separate falls : the upper of 
fourteen feet, the middle of twenty feet, and the lower of 
sixty feet. The channel of Fish Creek where it receives 



III.] ' ANNSVILLE. • *35 

tliis strccam, is about one hundred and fifty feet in depth, and 
the rocks have been worn back by the falls twenty-five rods. 
The bottom of this chasm has an area of about an acre in a 
triangular form, the base on Fish Creek and the apex at the 
falls. This is covered with the fragments of rocks, which 
once helped to fill up the chasm. Approaching from below, 
"the visitor hears the roar, and meets a current of wind and 
spray some time before the falls are visible. A small stream 
is seen dashing and foaming at his feet, sometimes beneath 
the fragments of rocks, sometimes overleaping them. It 
seems, after so troublous a course, gladly to lose its identity 
in Fish Creek. As the visitant approaches nearer the falls, 
the almost perpendicular walls of rock, at least one hundred 
feet in' height on either hand, become visible. The roar and 
spray increase, when, after passing a few more fragments 
covered with foliage and wet with spray, the falls are at once 
in view. Here a scene of sublimity and grandeur, little an- 
ticipated, is before him. Directly in front, is the fall of 
sixty feet, and about twenty-five in width, falling into a deep 
foaming pool below. 

A current of air is created by the falling water sufficient 
to keep the leaves and tendrils of the trees that overhang 
the chasm in constant motion. Above, he sees the two upper 
falls plunging from one ledge of rocks to another, as if pre- 
paring for their final leap. When the stream is low, much 
of the water is dissipated in spray, but when swollen by rain 
or melting snow, it forms a scene of grandeur and sublimity 
beyond the powers of description. Trenton Falls excepted, 
probably no place in the county possesses equal attractions to 
the lover of nature's wild magnificence. Standing, as the 
spectator does, in this frightful chasm, where the light and 
heat of summer but partially ever comes, amid the fragments 
of rocks and the ruins of towering cliffs, he feels the vanity 



66 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

t 

of all that is human, and is thus led from nature up to 
nature's God, and he can hardly leave witliout becoming a 
better and wiser man. 

The rock mentioned as underlaying this town, is a bluish- 
grey sand-stone. It is in layers of from six inches to two 
feet in thickness, and is cut into square and angular blocks 
by seams. Good building stone to any amount can be 
quarried on the banks of the creek, but it is too hard to bu 
cut. It is not known that any other rock of this kind i.-; 
found in this part of the State. It grows harder after being 
quarried and exposed to the air. The rock is underlaid and 
overlaid with dark-colored friable slate. The strata are from 
three inches to five feet in thickness. It soon falls to pieces 
on being exposed to the action of the sun, rains, and frost. 
It is evidently what our State geologists term Pulaski shale. 
The conglomerate or pudding-stone found near Taberg, has 
been already mentioned, as also the few bowlders of granite 
at the Forks. Beside these, it is not known that there 
is but one other kind of stone in the town, and that is com- 
posed of organic and vegetable remains. Of this stone, a 
portion is found in bowlders, and in some places it is fouiid 
in strata among the slate and sand-stone. Some of the shells 
in this rock are two and even four inches in diameter. There 
is a plight dip in all the rocks in this town to the south and 
west. There has, as yet, been no minerals or ores discovered 
in this town, excepting bog iron, which is found in many 
places, but in small quantities. In most places the water 
has drained off, and left it to oxidize to an extent that ren- 
ders it nearly worthless. 

WATER POWER. 

Probably no town in the county possesses as good and 
exten?ivc water power as the town of Annsville. The priii- 



III.] annsvilll;. , 67 

cipal streams have been already mentioned, with the excep- 
tion of the small one which empties into Fish Creek at 
Taberg, the water of which is sufficient for a blast furnace 
in the driest season. All the streams are very rapid. Fish 
Creek has a course of tea miles in this town, ^rith a fall of 
from thirty to one hundred feet per mile. Indeed, so far as 
fall is concerned, it is believed its whole waters can be used 
every hundred rods in that distance. Its tributaries furnish 
almost as much power as the main stream. Although there 
is hardly one-twentieth of the Vi'ater power occupied yet, there 
are now in operation two grist and flouring mills, twenty-one 
saw mills, twelve shingle mills, four lath mills, four turning 
lathes, two stave machines, one wool-carding, cloth-dressing, 
and manufacturing establishment, one blast furnace, two 
cupola furnaces, and two tanneries. Besides these, there is 
other machinery in the process of erection. 

The blast furnace at Taberg requires more than a passing 
notice. In 1809 the Oneida Iron and Glass Manufacturing 
Company commenced operations where the furnace now 
stands. They gave it the name Taberg from that of cele- 
brated ironworks in Europe. In 1811 it commenced its 
first blast, and has continued its operations from that time to 
the present with but occasional stoppages. For some years 
it was extensively engaged in the manufacture of hollow 
ware, and similar articles. For a few years past, under a 
change of owners and direction, it has been exclusively used 
for the manufacture of pig iron. The castings of this fur- 
nace have ever sustained the highest reputation for strength 
and durability. Even now, the pig iron from this furnace 
suffers but little in comparison with the best Scotch pig, and 
for many uses it is even its superior. In the south-west part 
of the town there is an elevation known as Pond Hill, which 
receives its name from the pond situated npon it. It covers 



03 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

an area of about six acres, and its altitude is about seventy- 
five feet higher tlian tlic country around it, and its depth is 
unknown. It has no visible inlet or outlet, and it must bo 
kept up by springs below its surface. 



GEOGUAPIIICAL DESCRIPTION. 

Tlie town of Annsville is bounded on tlie east by tlu-" town 
of Lee, south by Kome and Vienna, west by Camden and 
Florence, and on the north by the line between Oneida and 
Lewis Counties. The general surface of the town is some- 
wliat broken and uneven. Its general declination is to the 
south and east. Large swells, or ridges, running east and 
west, commence in the south, and rise higher and higher to 
the north line of the town. Between these rise and flow 
larger and smaller tributaries of Fish Creek. On the west- 
ern side there is a small section which sends its waters into 
the West Branch, or Mad River. 



SOIL AND rRODUCTIONS. 

This town contains every variety of soil. The soutli- 
eastern section is to a considerable extent clayey, with occa- 
sional small sections of sand and gravel. The soil of this 
part is quite productive in all the grains and grasses of tlio 
county. The south-western section is more elevated, drier. 
more sandy, and stoney in some places, and is the best sec- 
tion for grain, but probably not for grass. The nortli-east 
section is stoney and somcAvhat broken. Tlie soil is strong, 
adapted to grain better than grass. The north-west section 
is better adapted to meadow and pasturage tlian tlie others, 
but is not as good for grain, excepting the kinds termed 
p]ngli.sh grain. 



III.] 



ANNSVILLE. 



G9 



l]y tlie census of 1845, the following list of the products, 
im'ricultural and other, is obtained : 



Barley - - - -  
Peas' - - . - . 
Beans - . - -  
Buekwlicat - - - • 
Turnips . - . . 
Potatoes - - - - 
Flax - . - - 
AVhcat - - - - 
Corn - - - - 
PtVC ... - 

Oats - - . - 

Butter - - - - 
Cheese . . . - 
Wof>l - - - - 
Fulled Cloth 

Flannel - - - - 
Linen and Cotton 

Two Flouring Mills using - 
Turned out - - . 

Eighteen Savv' Mills using - 
Tiu'ncd out - . - 

Carding Macliinc using 
Turned out 

Iron Works using - - - 
Turned out . . . 

Aslicrics using - - - 
Turned out 

T«o Tanneries using - - 
Turned out 

JS'o of Horses - - . 
" Sheep - 
" Hogs 
" Cows - 
'• Other Keat Cattle - 



41 

20 

'24 
3'J'J 

4(3 
30G 

UM 

170 

811 

100 

1290 



acres 



$ 14,000 
15,000 

$ 13,G05 
30,959 

S 4.200 
5,680 

S 9,449 
14,400 

S550 
725 

$ 2,889 
3,983 



2251 


bushels. 


494 




124 




5,975 




2,574 




15,733 




1,530 pounds. 


1,447 


bushels. 


15,138 


u 


920 


c: 


32,880 


c: 


105,458 


pounds. 


7,440 


li 


5,879 


a 


1,482 


}-ards. 


3,598 


c; 


2,257 


c: 



raw material, 
manufactured article. 

raw material, 
manufactured article. 

raw material, 
mamifactured article. 

raw material, 
manufactured article. 

raw material, 
manufactured article. 

raw material, 
manufactured article. 

G2G 

- - 2,808 
- 1,522 

- - 1,059 
- - - - 1,112 



Some of these sources of prosjierity have largely increased 
since the last census, particularly that of lumber. It Avill 



70 ANNAI-S OF OXETBA COUNTY. [CHAP 

be perceived there tire now tliree more saw mills than in 
1845. 

The construction of plank roads has become so exten- 
sive, that the lumber business is now far more extensive. 
A large amount of plank suitable for that purpose, has 
been furnished from the forests and mills of this town : and 
more shingles have also recently been manufactured and 
sent to the eastern market. Large quantities of hemlock, 
pine, spruce, curled and pinned maple, cherry ash, and bass- 
wood lumber, are annually senl from this town to the Erie 
Cajial to be shipped for market. 

It will be perceived that the persons taking the census 
were not required to furnish the statistics of a number of 
branches of the luniber business, to wit ; the manufacturing 
of shingles, laths, staves, and the various articles from turn- 
ing laths. 

To all these should be added great improvements in 
buildings, and those of farms in fencing and ditching. 

A few years since, the Legislature passed a law allowing 
the towns of Home, Annsville, and Florence, to vote at their 
annual town meeting $2,000 each for the improvement of 
the State road from Rome to Sacketts Harbor. They all 
passed the requisite votes, and are now fully realizing the 
wi'=;dom of the incasure in their improved facility in getting 
their products to market, and in the increased travel througli 
their towns. There are three taverns in this town with 
sufficient accommodations to meet this increase of business. 
A company has been formed, the stock taken, and a plank 
road constructed from Taberg to Rome, on the route of the 
.State road. There are also two stores and one grocery in 
the town. 



ni.] ANNSVILLE. 71 



INDIANS. 

The branch of the Oueida Tribe which formerly resided 
at the meadows in this town, have been mentioned in the 
general account of the tribe. During or about the time of 
the old French war, a party of Canadian Indians, about 
twenty in number, came and settled at the Forks. They 
came for the purpose of enjoying tlie fishery. This exceed- 
ingly annoyed the Oneidas, whose territory and rights were 
thus invaded. They however succeeded, after a brief time, 
in driving off the intr-iders. How much force had to he 
u,sed in their ejectment, can not now be ascertained. 



HISTORY, ANTIQUITIES, ANECDOTES, ETC. 



John W. Bloomfield, Esq., was the first white settler of 
this town. He moved from Burlington, New Jersey, and 
made his first improvement near where Doct. Beech noiv 
resides. He purchased a large tract of land, and soon built 
u saw mill and grist mill. Mr. Bloomfield stayed the night 
before he arrive 1 within the present limits of Oneida County, 
eight miles below Utica, then Fort Schuyler. This was iu 
April, 1703. In the morning he started before breakfast, 
intending to make that necessary meal at Fort Schuyler. 
When he arrived there, su.ch was the dearth of '• creaUira 
comforts]'' that the hostess told him she had nothing with 
which she could refresh either himself or horse. As the 
only alternative, he was obliged to mount poor " dobbin,'' 
who was as hungry as himself, and travel another four miles 
over a dreary road to Whitesboro. It must be recollected 
that this was not in these railroad times, but in the days 



72 AXNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cir.\P. 

■\vlieu from one to two miles per hour over the corduroy and 
mud, was doing very well. Suffice it to say, that lie arrived 
at Judge White's just in time not to miss the dinner hour, 
breakfasting and dining at the same time. He remained 
with Judge "Wliite about two weeks, and then went to Home, 
then Fort Stanwix. The same day upon which he arrived 
at Fort Stanwix, the late Greorge Huntington arrived with a 
small assortment of goods, as noticed in the history of Rome. 
After staying a short time, he went on to his purchase at 
Taberg. The next year after Esijuire Bloomfield arrived at 
Taberg. he employed a man liy tlie name of Crere to dig a 
well. Gere resided in the present town of Lee. After he 
had progressed to a considerable depth, the sand caved in 
and caught his feet and legs, and Mr. Bloomfield Avent dovra 
to extricate him. AVhen he had landed at the bottom, ho 
looked up, and saw that the sides of the well were cracking 
and heaving, ready to fall in upon them. He sprang and 
caught hold of the rope used for drawing up the earth, and 
by powerful exertion, succeeded in extricating himself, while 
poor Gere was covered to a great depth, and with him all the 
fihovels on or near the premises. A messenger was imme- 
diatel}' dispatched to Lee, and another to Rome, to get help 
and shovels. This was about the middle of the afternoon. 
Gere could talk with those on the surface, said that the tub 
which was suspended by the rope over liim had prevented 
the sand from falling upon his head, and that he Avas not 
hurt, and only suffered for the want of fresh air. How 
intense were the feelings of the few by-standei-s ! Minutes 
seemed ages before help arrived ; but very soon, in propor- 
tion to the distance, men came scattering in with shovels. 
Each went to work as if the preservation of the life of a 
human being depended on his individual exertions. Such 
however was the vast amount of earth which had caved in^ 



III.] ANNSVILLE. 






and the cox^stant running in, like water, of the sand from tlie 
sides, that the work proceeded very slowly. All night they 
toiled on without succeeding in reaching the sufferer. Each 
succeeding hour his voice grew more feeble, until some time 
in the night it ceased for ever. In the morning the force 
was increased, but it was nearly noon before all that re- 
mained of the poor well-digger was exhumed. The body 
was taken to Lee to be buried. He left a wife and children. 
and two of his sons afterwards lived with Mr. Bloomfield. 

Previous to the breaking up the settlement of the Oneida 
Iridians at the Forks, they used to bring salmon to Mr. 
Bloomfield at Tabcrg, for which he paid them a certain price 
per pound. The Indians were not slow in learning that 
the heavier the fish the more money they received. One 
dav an Indian brouft-ht him a back load of fish, and thev 
were, as usual, weighed and paid for. On dressing them, it 
was found that each fish had been heavily charged with 
gravel stones ; but before the discovery was made, the poor 
Indian was far on his way to the Forks with his ill-gotten 
gains. A few days afterwards, Mr. Bloomfield saw Powlis, 
their chief, and complained of the fraud practised upon him. 
Powlis was very indignant, and said that Mr. Bloomfield 
had ever paid a fair price for every article he had purchased 
of them, and that he should not again be so illy treated ; and 
in all his purchases afterwards, Mr. B. never found a fish 
with so indigestible a dressing. 

One day, while Mr. Bloomfield was out upon his farm, an 
Indian came to his house, and requested Mrs. Bloomfield to 
let him have some liquor. This she resolutely refused, and 
he still as resolutely demanded it, saying that he knew they 
had it in the house. Finding that words did not terrify 
her, he drew his knife, and by threatening gestures drove 
her into a corner of the room, thinking thus to terrify her, 



74 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

SO that the liquor avouIJ be forthcoming. In this he was 
mistaken, for she then, in a determined voice, directed some 
member of the family to go out and call Mr. Bloomfield, 
who was not far distant. ]3y this time he had learned the 
spirit of the woman, and thought he had better beat a hasty 
retreat, while he could with a sound skin, which he at once 
effected. The nest day, to make peace with her, and to 
convince her that he highly appreciated her firmness, ho 
brought a fine saddle of venison, and presented it to her. 
She was ever afterwards well treated by the Indians. 

Another of the early settlers of Annsville, was Mr. Elias 
Brewster. Originally from Connecticut, and a descendant of 
the pilgrims, he emigrated to this county in 1789 or 1790. 
He commenced upon a farm in the town of Western, near 
where is now the village of Delta. In 180G he bought a lot in 
tlie town of Annsville, and commenced clearing it in March 
of that year; and on the 1st of April, 1807, he removed his 
family to his new home. lie had the curiosity to measure 
tlie snow on his premises, and found it five feet in depth ; 
and it was not all gone on the 1st of May. (The writer well 
remembers measuring the snow in the forest, and found it 
four and a half feet deep on the 7th of April of that year ; 
and this was in a location where it was not drifted, and in 
tlie town of Westmoreland.) The cabin into which lie moved 
was of the rudest kind. Crotches were set in the ground, 
from which poles were placed to support the roof The roof 
and siding were of rough boards and slabs. These had to 
be hauled tliree miles, at great labor, upon a route where no 
road 'ir liridge liad been constructed. A fire in a primitive 
fireplace at one end, over whicli an opening had been left for 
the escape of the smoke, warmed its inmates. A rough door, 
hung with strips of raw hide, and a window the paper panes 
of wliich were made transparent with oil, completed the 



in.] ANNSVILLE. 75 

domieil of the new settler. His nearest neighbors were 
some two miles distant in the town of Lee, Wolves, 
panthers, bears, and foxes were much too plenty for the 
.safety of flocks, herds, and the tenants of the farm yard, 
and not unfrequently were the settlers obliged to resort to 
strong pens, and watch-fires for their protection. Many 
and amusing were their encounters with these free den- 
izens of the forest. As in all new settlements, their 
cattle had in summer to graze in the wide forest for subsis- 
tence ; therefore, " bringing the cows " became household 
words with all the juveniles (gray-haired now) of those days. 
()n one occasion it was near night before Mr. Brewster 
started for these useful animals, and ascertaining their direc- 
tion by the tinkling of the bell suspended from the neck of 
the " old co^r," he at once dashed into the forest. He found 
tliem a full mile from his house, and sunset warnini:' him that 
darkness would soon be upon him, he therefore started the 
cows rapidly for home. The road was circuitous to avoid a 
jniry swamp. The more rapid striking of the bell notified 
the family that the cows were found, and in full motion for 
home, as well as of the progress made. When about two- 
tliirds of the distance was accomplished, the wild, unearthly 
scream of a panther on the track in the rear, gave notice to 
all concerned of the extreme danger of the father. These 
.^creams were continued at short intervals, and distinctly 
showed that the panther was fast gaining upon the bell. 
Soon the cattle reached home, and were let into the little 
clearing, when such a shrill and prolonged scream rang out 
from the darkness, apparently but a few rods from the 
liouse, as if once heard will ever be remembered. As soon 
.IS the cattle were j-arded, a fire was kindled in the enclosure, 
which, with the aid of horns, tin pans, and brass kettles, 
successfully frightened avray the unwelcome visitor; notj 



76 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

however, until it had given a full and fair specimen of the 
hideousuess of its notes, and its capabilities in prolonging 
them. On the following morning, the bark of a recently 
fallen beech tree showed the capacity of the animal to harm 
a subject more congenial to its appetite. 

In the autumn of the second season of Brewster's residence 
in town, the bears committed great depredations in his corn 
field. A neighbor, who had recently moved to within about 
one mile of him, was the owner of a large black sow. In 
her perambulations, this animal had also learned the where- 
abouts of the corn field, and seemed to vie with Bruin in 
licr sad havoc of the crop. The apology for a fence, was 
wliat was known in those days as a " tree fence," which was 
not a very good barrier against the grunting quadruped. 
(She had often been forcibly ejected, but as often made a 
forcible rc-eutrance. One evening, and about dark, Mr. 
Brewster heard the work of destruction again going on in 
the corn field, some thirty rods from the house ; and from 
tlie cai'liness of the hour he concluded it was the tame and 
not the wild trespasser. He therefore directed his son, of 
about twelve years of age, to go and again dispossess the 
animal. The little fellow demurred, saying that it was of 
no use. A reiteration of the order, however, caused him to 
start, not however in the best possible humor with things in 
general, or the black soav in particular. ]Jy the time he had 
arrived at the point of the animal's depredations, he had laid 
in. as instruments of expulsion, a number of good-sized 
stones. The beast was so busily engaged as not to discover 
the boy until lio was close upon it, and had saluted it with u 
lull volley of stones. At first the animal stood on tlie de- 
fensive, but another volley caused it to seek safety in flight. 
Satisfied with the ea.se with wliich he had expelled the sow, 
lie returned to tlie house, reflecting upon her oxpertness 



in. J ' ANNSViLLi:. 77 

in climbing the brush and logs of the fence. He tokl his 
father it was of " no further use to try to keep out the sow, 
418 she could climb as well as a cat, for she went over the 
fence where it was fifteen feet high." This aroused the sus- 
picions of the father, and he enquired how the beagt behaved 
when he commenced stoning it. The boy replied that " she 
raised herself upon her hind feet as if to make fight, when 
he sent a good big stone that hit her in the side of the head, 
which caused her to run and climb the fence " as described. 
By this time the father was satisfied with the nature of the 
beast the boy had driven from the field. He said nothing, 
however, for fear of alarming the family. The next morn- 
ing, on repairing to the scene of operations, he discovered, by 
the size and shape of the tracks, that instead of a sow, his 
boy had been -dealing with a huge bear. The next day two 
•guns were set in the field, and some time in the night fol- 
lowing, the report of the guns announced that something had 
crossed the cord. The following morning a bear was found 
dead but a few rods from the scene of operations. It was 
of the largest size, weighing about four hundred pounds. 

As late as the year 1827 or 1828, the bears again made 
their appearance in this town, and did great damage to the 
corn crop. 

On the IGth of August, 18 IG, a man by the name of 
William Lord, a neighbor to Mr. Brewster, went to Taberg 
after some necessaries for his family, and some rum, with 
■^vhich to do his harvesting. The distance was about two- 
miles, and there was no road through the forest on any por- 
tion of his route. He had to cross Fish Creek where the 
Coalhill Bridge is now located. He reached Taberg, trans- 
acted his business, and just at night started for home, but 
was observed to be partially intoxicated when he left. The 
banks of Fish Creek, above the crossing place, are pre- 



78 ANNALS OF OMJIUA COUNTV. [cilAT. 

cipitous and rocky. Darkness, and the fumes of the licjuor. 
caused him to lose his way. Instead of reaching the creek 
at the crossing place, he struck it about forty rods too high, 
and walked oft' the bank where it was about fort}' feet high, 
and fell upon the rocks, and thence into the stream. In his 
fall he caught hold of some bushes, but their roots were too 
frail to sustain his weight, and he floated down the creek u 
few rods to still water. "When found, two days afterwards. 
,the bushes were in his right hand, and the handle of the jug 
in his left. His neck was broken. The place where he 
went off the bank was on the west side of the creek, and 
opposite the centre of the island above the Coalhill Bridge. 
The still water where the body was found has ever since re- 
ceived the appellation of the '• Eum Hole." 

Like all new settlements, the advantages of education 
were very limited, and schools were like ''angels' visits, few 
and far between."' The history of one day will well portray 
the troubles of "going to school'' in a new settlement. 

Two little sons of one of the early settlers were attending 
the summer term of their district school in 1816. The eldest 
was nine, the youngest sis years of age. Rain or sunshine, 
cold or hot, they had to walk three miles in the morning to 
reach the school house, and the same distance at night. Two 
little girls, of about the same ages, resided on their road, one 
mile nearer the school. The eldest girl was a slender, deli- 
cate thing, while her younger sister was stout and robust 
The same disparity existed between the boys, but in the 
reverse : the eldest being a strong, athletic little fellow, and 
withal possessed of an indomitable will, that enabled him to 
do anything which could be done by an urchin of that age. 
Of these four, the youngest girl was the only one that 
possessed a pair of shoes, the othera having to make their 
long daily walk with bare feet ; and even the small girl was 



Ill] ANNSVILLK. • '• 79 

not fortunate enough to possess those comfortable accom- 
paniments of shoes, — a pair of stocking;;. 

Those of us old enough will remember the 6th day of 
June, 1816. It had been preceded by cold frosty nights, 
and on that day it snowed in every part of the county, and 
in some parts it fell several inches in depth. Cold as wa-i 
the morning, these four children were punctually at school. 
The school house — none too comforable for pleasant weather 
— had become so cold by two o'clock in the afternoon, that 
the pupils were dismissed, with directions to go to the near- 
est house on their way home. There was a house on the 
road of the four we have introduced to our readers, about 
one-fourth of a mile from the school house. To this house. 
by moving in double quick time, the}^ managed to get ; but 
to their utter dismay, they found the door fastened, and its 
inmates from home. Here was a dilemma. To retrograde 
was useless, for the home of the girls, one and three-fourth 
miles distant, was as near as any inhabited dwelling. Snow 
was falling, and it was already two inches deep. Our eldest 
boy's strength of nerve was now put to the test. Nothing 
daunted, however, he well laid his plans, and at once pro- 
ceeded to put them in execution. He had that morning — 
rather clandestinely, it is true — appropriated his father's 
roundabout, quite too capacious for him, yet possessing two 
very important advantages : it shielded him from the cold, 
and its extensive pockets, one on each side, served as a de- 
posit for all the et ceteras of the school boy, viz.: — a ball, 
fish-hook and line, top, knife, sling, and whistle, toys as 
necessary to the man in miniature as others to those of 
larger growth. Little could he have imagined to how much 
more important uses these huge pockets would be put during 
the day. He directed the two girls to walk on as fast and as 
far as they could without freezing, then to sit down and both 



•cU ANXALS OF OXEIDA COUNTY. [cIIAP. 

rub the eldest girl's feet with their hands until he came up. 
He then took lii.s jirother upon liiw back, with a foot in each 
pocket, and his arms about his neck, and followed on. WIiou 
he came up with the girls, he put down his brother, and told 
him and the smaller girl to proceed as before, and he took 
the larger girl upon his back, with her feet in those noAv 
useful pockets, and so on by successive stages until they had 
arrived within forty rods of the girls' home. Their fiither, 
wlio was chopping in the vicinity of the road, heard the cries 
of the girls, .and came to their aid. Our hero then had the 
eldest girl upon his back, and, without speaking, the father 
caught the youngest two, one under each arm, and ran for 
the house. Our hero said he thought he never saw a man 
run as fast before, for ere he had gone one half the distance to 
the house, the father returned, and lifting the elder girl 
from his back, took her under one arm and our hero under 
the other, and soon had them deposited before a good rousing 
fire. The mother of the girls, previous to the arrival of our 
hero, had learned from them the whole history of the trans- 
•action. On his arrival she at once, in the fullness of Iier 
gratitude, loaded him with lier caresses. This wounded his 
pride, although perhaps a very little of that article would 
have been excusable, for, as he supposed, he had saved his 
fellow-sufferers from perishing. Slie also, by her misjudged 
kindness, had him sit near to the glowing fire. Tlie pain in 
his feet soon became almost insupportable, a sickenimr sen- 
.sation came over liiiu.his virion lieeame obscured, he grasped 
at the chair, but did not succeed, his physical powers, which 
had been so over-tasked, gave way, and he fell. The iuten.se 
agony of the moment was soon lost in a state of unconscious- 
ness. For hours the poor sufferer lay insensible. Tlie first 
thing he noticed on the return of reason, was the kind- 
Lcartcd woman bending over him, and his father applying 



311.] ' ANNSVILLE. 81 

some restorative to his feet. It was after dark. His father 
liad started with his team in season to have saved all the 
sufiering, had the school continued to the usual hour of dis- 
mission. He wa.s wrapped well in warm clothing, put on a 
sled, and taken home the same evening. His feet were so 
lacerated by the stones and sticks in his path, while devoid of 
feeling, that a number of days elapsed before he could even 
walk about the house. 

Another (^ the early settlers was Squire Fairservice. He 
settled en the flats, a little above Jervis' mill, and was a 
rioted fisherman. While splitting wood one day, his little 
'child came out of the house, unobserved by him, and walked 
directly under his axe, and the descending blow cleft its 
scull, and killed it instantly. After the salmon had been 
shut out of the creek, Faii'sorviee emigrated to Wisconsin, 
where he died. 

Adam P. Campbell and Nicholas Armstrong settled on 
^he meadow in 1805 or 1806. Dan Taft, and a man by the 
name of Jones, settled near where Vincent Taft now keeps a 
public house. Dan Taft for a number of years kept a noted 
tavern on the same premises. The author remembers of 
staying at it one night in June, 1814, and that a fine salmon 
graced the supper table, which had been caught the same 
day near by. About the same time a man by the name of 
Wade settled at the Forks. 

The persons named are believed to be the earliest inhabit- 
ants of the town. Some have emigrated, and others have 
"rested from their labors," and repose in the several ceme- 
teries in the towr But two of them are known to be living, 
John W. Blornifield, J'Jsq., who now resides in Rome,* and 
Adam P. Campbell, who yet resides near the scenes of his 
early toil 

* Deceased since this account was written. 

6 



'S2 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAT. 

Flint arrow-lieads and hatchets, with other rude articles of 
aucient date, are found iu this town. A few years since, a 
heavj freshet washed away the alluvial banks at the Fork.^ 
to a considerable extent. On its subsiding, there were found, 
come three feet below the surface, the remains of large earthen 
vessels, from two to three feet in diameter ; also several 
other articles, evidently made for culinary purposes. Hearths 
and fire-places were also exhumed by the same freshet. 
Conjecture said that these remains were the work of a race 
anterior to the Indian : who. or when, must ever remain a 
blank upon the pages of the history of the countr3^ Th.-^t 
the luscious salmon has here been cooked for long; centuriep, 
can not be doubted ; but the civilized pale faces, by the con- 
struction of the Oswego Canal, have probably for ever shut 
these migratory fish from the Oneida Lake and its tributa- 
ries. In this instance, civilization has worked a vast injury 
to the lovers of good living in Annsville. 

Benjamin Hyde was the first Supervisor upon the organ- 
ization of the town. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Baptist Church in Annsville wa.s organized February 
17, 1831, with twenty members. Samuel Bloss was its first 
pastor. In the September following, it joined the Oneida 
Baptist Association, and reported thirty-six members to that 
body. For the next ten years its increase was gradual and 
constant. In 1841, William A. Bronson was its pastor, and 
it reported lOG members. For the next three years there 
was a slight decrease of numbers. In 1845 it sent no dele- 
gates to the Association, and in 184G the minutes of that 
body show that the church was dissolved, but there are no 



IILJ ANNSVILLE. 83 

reasons given for its dissolution, It was, however, soon after 
brought into visibility; for in 1848 it had the Rev. P. P. 
Brown for pastor, and fifty-six members ; Mr. Brown preached 
to them two years. In September, 1850, the Rev. Samuel 
R. Shotwell was its pastor, and it had so increased, that it 
reported seventy-three members to the Association. A few 
years after its organization, the church and society erected 
a small house for public worship, a little south of Taberg 
Village, and on the hill, the south bank of Fish Creek. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1838, 
with nine members. The next year they erected a small 
house for worship, centrally located in the village. This 
body now contains forty-two members. 

There is a Preshyierian Church and Society in this town. 
They have a respectable house for public worship, in the 
northerly part of Taberg. An effort was made to procure 
the statistics of this body by a friend residing in the place. 
He reported that its records were lost, and that, on enquiry, 
aothing satisfactory had been gleaned. 



•^4 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 



C K A P T E 11 I V . 

AUGUSTA. 

'T.ius is the soutli-westernmost town in Oneida County. It 
lies in an elevated position, and from its bounds waters flow 
to the ocean through the Hudson and St. Lawrence ; and if 
there are no waters which flow from tliis tovai to the ocean 
through the Susquehannah, it is but a short distance from 
the southern line of the town to waters which enter the 
ocean through that channel. 

This town lies j^rincipally upon two high hill.*, or ridges, 
running nearly north and south upon each side of tlie Sken  
andoa Creek. On the side hills, and in some places reaching 
almost to their summits, are inexhaustible beds of limestone. 
This has been extensively quarried for fences and building 
purposes. In some quarries the seams are very regular, 
and no better stone for masonry can be found. From the 
abundance of lime in the soil, winter wheat is cultivated 
more generally than in any otlier town in the county. 
Although the town lies principally upon two ridge.', yet its 
.south-east corner extends into the valley of the Oriskany, 
and the village of Oriskany Falls is in this section. In 
general, the soil is cxcsllent, and there is less of swamp in 
the town than in almost any other section of equal size in 
the county. Besides a small proportion of hemlock, and a 
very small quantity of cedar, within a short distance north of 
Augusta Centre, the forests of this town were composed of 
tlio.se kinds of hard timber common in the county, and de- 
noting good land for grain 



iV.J AUGUSTA. 85 

la 1794, Peter Smith, f'atlicr of Gerrit Smith, leased of 
the Oneida Indians about 60,000 acres, which, in honor of 
his name, was called New Petersburgh. Gerrit Smith 
asserts that this lease was for 999 years ; some of the old- 
est inhabitants, however, are of the opinion that it was for 
but twenty-one years, as they received their leases for that 
period. The pagan party of the Oncidas was opposed to 
the leasing to Mr. Smith, and at one time they proceeded so 
far as to drive the surveyor off' from the tract. The south- 
cast corner of New Petersburgh was the south-east corner of 
Augusta, and it extended quite across this town and the 
County of Madison. There was a tract of 1,000 acres, whicli 
was situated east of Stockbridgc, and west of the " Four 
Miles Square," as it Avas called, and lying Avithin Smith's 
G0,000 acres : this was granted to John Gregg, Sen., John 
Gregg, Jr., and James Alexander, and was called the 
" School Lot," the rent of which was appropriated to the 
education of Indian children. Zaccheus Barber, Charles 
Francis, and Samuel Farrington, reside upon this lot. "Riley 
Shepard resides upon the north-west corner lot of the "Four 
Miles Square" above mentioned. Mr. Smith divided his 
tract into four allotments, the first of which was entirely 
v/ithin the town of Augusta. Previous to 1797, most of the 
lands of this tract in Augusta were leased for twenty-one 
years. In 1 795 and 1 797, acts were passed by the Legislature, 
providing that all who had obtained leases of Smith could 
have patents from the State upon paying the State ^3,53 per^ 
acre, and that Smith should be allowed to retain six lots 
in this town, as part or entire pay for his lease from the 
Indians. The lands thus patented were mortgaged to the 
State, to secure the purchase money ; and it is believed that 
one-fourth of the original purchase money is yet unpaii^. P. 
Smith was born in 1768. of Dutch parentage. In 1795. the 



86 ANNALS OF ONTTTDA COUNTT. [CHAF. 

Oneidas sold to the State a large tract, known in those days 
as the "Oneida Reservation." This purchase included the 
north part of Augusta, and large portions of the towns of 
Vernon and Verona. It was soon surveyed, and was sold 
at Auction in August, 1797. The Indians retained within 
this reservation a tract a mile S(|uare, which was eventually 
conveyed to the Northern Missionary Society, and for which 
the Society was to maintain a missionary and teacher among 
the Indians. This tract was located in the following man- 
ner: — A stake was stuck by the side of the spring, about 
sixty rods south-west of the present residence of John Curry, 
which was made the centre of the tract, and from this point 
the mile square was surveyed. The Kev. Samuel Kirkland. 
who came to Oneida in 1766 as a missionary, enjoyed a part 
of the avails of this lot after it was conveyed ; and in 1809. 
after the death of Mr. Kirkland, the Society employed a Mr. 
Jenkins as a missionary among the Indians. His services 
were acceptable to but a very small number of the Indians, 
and he became discouraged, and left. The Indians have 
since sought further compensation for the land tlie^' had 
conveyed to the Society ; but its acting members declared 
that they had been ready to fulfil upon their part, and as the 
land had been disposed of by the Society in good faith, they 
saw no violation of Christian principles in their course. The 
author knows nothing of the merits of this controversy, but 
is entirely satisfied that if all the dealings of those profes.sedly 
Christians had been conducted upon "Christian principles," 
the efforts of the missionaries of the cross would have been 
attended with much happier results among these benighted 
children of the forest. Two liundred and forty acres of thi,s 
tract fere patented to Israel Chappin, being the lots upon 
which Lemuel Smith and Mr. Murray settled, and the re- 
mainder was patented directly to tlie Society 



jrv.] . , AUGUSTA. 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. AND FIRST SETTLERS. 

A man named Ounn built the first habitation for white 
persons in Augusta, in 1793, which stood not far from where 
Peter Stebbius now resides. Benjamin Warren built the 
second, upon the precise loeation upon which his house now 
stands. David Jlortou built upon the place upon which the 
llev. Sheldon Smith now resides ; and John Alden com- 
menced a clearing in the same year upon the south lot upon 
the north and south road which passes through the centre of 
the town. 

Upon the 1 7th of August, in this year, Ichabod Stafford, 
Joseph and Abraham Forbes, and their families, took up their 
residences upon the east liill in this town. Mr. Stafford 
^'took up"' the lot upon which Truman Cole resides, and the 
Forbes took up the lots adjoining and south of Stafford. 
Some of these slept, upon their cart the first night they 
resided in Augusta. In 1794, Isaac and Benjamin Allen 
settled* upon the farm upon which Isaac Allen resides ; and 
Amos Parker, who had occupied a farm upon the Brotherton 
Tract for two years, removed to the place where he died. 
He was a brave soldier for his country, and lived and died 
an eminently active and devoted Christian. Upon one oc- 
casion, while serving in the army of the Revolution, he saved 
the life of La Fayette by disobeying orders. La Fayette 
ordered an intrenchment, which was protected by palisades 
and abattis, to be carried by storm.* For this purpose, he 
selected a forlorn hope of twenty -five men, armed with 

* The author presumes that this was one of the redoubts stormed 
at the siege of Yorktown. La Fayette commanded the Ameii,cans, 
who stormed one, while, to excite emulation, a division of French 
ittroops stormed the other. 



S8 ANNALS OF ONEIDA CX)UNTV. • [gHAP". 

luuskcts, and also with axes, for tlie purpose of removing the- 
abattis and palisades. Mr. Parker -was one of this party, 
and niarclied by the side of La Fayette. They cleared the- 
way to the palisades, and Parker struck one of the pickets, 
with his axe, intending to sever it at a blow, but his instru- 
ment was too dull to produce that effect, even by a second 
Idow. l*uttiug his hand to the top of the post, by the help 
oi his brawny arm it was so loosened that, by a v/ell-directed 
effort, it was drawn from its position, and then another and 
another shared the same fate in quick succession. Upon 
the removal of the third, La Fayette exclaimed, " That will 
do. my boy," and passed tlirough the breach, followed by 
Parker, to the works thrown up by the enemy. Within 
were the eneujy, opposing their entrance, while friends were 
pressing in their rear. Death to his l>eloved General now 
seemed inevitable. Their orders were not to fire, under 
pain of death, until the w^ord was given ; yet Parker, prefer- 
ring the chance of losing his life by tlue sentence of a court 
martial, to seeing his commanding officer sacrificed, drew up 
his trusty musket, and fired. This }nade an opening, through 
which he rushed, followed by La Fayette, into the intreneh- 
nrent, and with the butt end of his musket he soon made a 
lodgment for himself and conwades, and the fortres.s was 
taken. After the transaction, he was arraigned before a 
coiirt martial, and tried fur disobedience of orders ; but it 
was so evident that his disobedience had been the means of 
saving the life of La Fayette, and crowning the expedition 
witli success, that he was acquitted. In 1824, when Lii 
Fayette, the "Nation's Guest," was at Utica, the old soldier 
called at his room, and although some were disposed to de- 
prive him of admission, he persisted, and obtained an en- 
trance. He offercl Iiis hand, and gave his name, but his ol<I 
conimauder. not recognizing him, requested him to relate- 



IV.] AUGUSTA. 89 

tjome cu'cumstance by •wliieh he niiglit call him to mind. 
Mr. Parker mentioned the above occurrence, when they, whO' 
more than forty years before had undauntedly shared danger 
bo imminent, now wept, like Joseph and Benjamin, upon 
each other's neck. 

Mr. Parker, because the tallest man in the army, stood 
upon the right of the American troops when Cornwallis sur- 
rendered. As a conqueror he also met death when it came. 

In 1794, Thomas Cassety came to the Falls of the Oris-' 
kany, and built a log house, and commenced preparations 
for building a saw mill. Ozias Hart, Abel Prior, Thomas 
Spafford, Ezra Saxton, Abiel Lindsley, and Francis O'Toole, 
removed into the town this year. 

Francis O'Toole was an educated Irishman, and was im- 
pressed into the service of England while on his way to 
France to complete his education. He was in a number of, 
desperate battles, and, after three years, was landed in Bos- 
ton, without money or friends. Ho travelled over the 
country some four or five years in search of a home. The 
following narrative was related substantially to a friend b}' 
Mr. O'Toole: — 

'•After he had landed in Boston, he went to Hartford, 
Conn., where he hired to Col. Thomas Seymour, with whom, 
he lived two years. Frank had the fortune soon to ingra- 
tiate himself into favor with the Colonel and his lady. For 
the first year he passed only as a wild, unlettered Irishman. 
Upon one occasion, Mrs. Seymour kindly proffered her ser- 
vices to teach him to read. Frank, with the greatest possible 
nonchalance depicted upon his countenance, gravely told her 
he thought himself now too old to commence an education. 
His benevolent employers were not undeceived as to his 
knowledge of letters until liis second year's service, and ho 
was then detected as follows: — Col. S. had a son, by the 



9*0 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAF. 

name of Richard, pursuing his studies in Yale College 
Being at home during his vacation, he wished to excite some 
wonder among the servants in the kitchen by a display of 
his learning, by "spouting" a sentence in Latin. This 
pedantry threw poor Frank off his guard, and llichard wa^ 
retorted upon severely in the same language. This was 
overheard by Mrs. S. in an adjoining room, who soon made 
her appearance, and told her son she thought he would b^ 
l5e very much improved by a farther acquaintance in the 
kitchen. The news soon spread that Col. Seymour's wild 
Irishman was liberally educated, and he who had been only 
greeted with the epithets of Pat and Paddy, was now ad- 
dressed as Mr. O'Toole." 

In coming to this town, a\Ir. O'Toole followed the old 
Indian path, and upon arriving at the spring near where he 
built his house, was so well pleased with the place, that he 
resolved to make it his residence, if he could obtain it. This 
he was so fortunate as to accomplish, and located himself 
here in 1794, and remained until he v^as removed to his la.st 
resting place, February 23. 1S42, at the age of ninety. He 
left a son, who is an Attorney-at-Law in Albany, and also 
a number of daughters, who are enterprising and highly 
respectable, and three of whom reside in Kome. 

In 179.3, Mr. Cassety completed his saw mill at the Falls. 
Lemuel Hart and J. Reynolds came into the town this year. 

In the autumn of 1796, a grist mill was so nearly com- 
pleted, that the inhabitants were not all compelled to go 
either to Clinton, Westmoreland, or Madison to mill. Pre- 
vious to this time, it was not an unfrequent occurrence for 
the inhabitants, for lack of beasts of burden, to carry their 
grain to those places upon their backs. A grist mill was 
built at Fishville, in 1808, by Charles Fish and Benjamin 
Gregg. In 1809 one was erected at the Centre, by Josiah 
Bartholomew and Eleazar 3Ietcalf 



nr.] * AUGUSTA. 91- 

Abraliam and Alexander Holmes resided upon the east 
hill this year. Oliver Bartholomew, Deacon Philip Pond, 
AVilliam Martin, Stephen Crosby, Archibald and John Man- 
chester, Robert Worden, and John Goodhue, were also 
residents of the town this year. 

In 1797, an effort was made in the Legislature to organize 
this town. The bill passed the Assembly, but when reached 
in the Senate, Samuel Jones, then a Senator from the south- 
ern district, and who was the first State Comptroller, arose 
and asked, "What will they do for town officers? for the 
law declares they must be freeholders." This defeated the 
bill, for Peter Smith's land was then yet held by leases for 
twenty-one years, and the Oneida Reservation had not been 
sold. 

In the spring of this year, five families came in company 
from Washington, Litchfield County, Conn., of whose num- 
ber were Robert Durkee, Newton Smith, Joseph Hurd, and 
Sheldon Parmalee. Benjamin and Joseph Durkee, in the 
course of the year, followed from the same town. They all 
settled upon the road running south from the Centre, and 
which was called "Washington street." Previous to the 
arrival of these settlers, there was no road from Michael 
Hinman's, where George L. Brigham now resides, to the 
Centre. 

An election was held this year, while the territory of 
this town was included in Whitestown, Herkimer County, 
at the public house of Charles Putnam, upon the hill east of 
Harvey Putnam's present residence. 

This town was organized in 1798. The name of Augusta 
was given in consequence of a promise of Gen. Augustus 
Van Horn to Thomas Cassety, who was now a Colonel in 
the militia, that if the Colonel would procure the town to be 
named after him, he would give him a new military hat. 



98* AN.XAL.S OF UNEIDA COUM'T. [ciIAr. 

The name .so nearly resembled the General's, that tlio 
Colonel received the promised '-hat." 

By tlic act organising the town, the first tov>n meeting 
was to be held at the house of Timothy Pond, Jr. The first 
meeting Avas held agreeably to the Legislative appointment, 
and Thomas Cassety was elected Supervisor, and Joseph 
Durkce Town Clerk. Col. Cassety, from his education and 
talents, became a leading spirit in those days. Mr. Durkec 
held the office of Clerk twenty-four successive years, and of 
the nineteen men elected to office at this meeting, he is the 
only one who yet resides in town. But one other is known 
living, Oliver Bartholomew, who resides near "Watcrtown. 
Col. Cassety was a Justice of the Peace for Herkimer County. 
for we learn of his having solemnized marriages while thi.< 
territory belonged to that county. He administered the 
oath of office as Supervisor to himself, as appears by the 
records, and certified that the oath was taken before himself 
Perhaps a part of this irregularity arose from the fact that 
the oaths of all town officers Avere recoi-ded in the town 
book, and subscribed by themselves. In newly settled towns, 
many irregularities had to be overlooked. The statutes of 
those days required the oaths of town officers to be taken 
 before a Justice of the Peace, or other proper officer, without 
fee or reward ; and it is believed that Col. Cassety was the 
only person authorized to administer oaths within tlie limits 
of the town. The first election of Justice of the Peace b}" 
the people in town meeting, was that of Nathan Kimball, in 
1830 : but Justices were elected previous to that year at 
general elections, under the amendment to the Constitution 
adopted in 182G, but which the town records do not show. 
J^lsfjuirc Kimball, who is yet living, has since held the office 
of County Judge. The town meetings were held regularly 
up to 1802. In 1801 the town meeting adjourucdj to meet 



IV.] V;/.,-' AUGUSTA. .'■'..-' 93 

the next year at the house of Seth Holmes, who resided 
upon the west side of the road ascending the hill from the 
.^outli at Vernon Centre. This venerable mansion is yet 
standing, although mucli gone to decay, and uninhabited. 
The meeting failed, for before the time appointed, the town 
of Vernon had been erected, leaving the house of Mr. 
Holmes in the latter town. Accordingly, three Justices of 
the Peace appointed the town officers for 1S02. In 180.5, a 
Town House was built at the Centre, in which the town 
meetings have since been held. It has been twice removed 
to different locations, the last time to the Centre, in 1842, 
when it was repaired at the expense of the town. 

The first merchant was a Mr. Adams, who kept his goods 
in the housfe of Ichabod Stafford, in 1798. He built, or 
rather raised and covered, a building for a store in that 
vicinity, but failed before he had filled it with goods. Mr. 
Smith "sold goods" near the present residence of Christopher 
Stebbins, but committed some crime, for which he was sen- 
tenced to State's Prison. Elisha Carrington established 
himself as a merchant at an early period at Newell's Cor- 
ners, but he soon removed to Peterboro. Abel Lindsley 
traded at a very early period at the place now occupied by 
Cyrus Barber. Samuel Chandler came into the town and 
engaged in business with Mr. Lindsley, some five or six 
years before he commenced business with his brother. This 
firm failed, and Winthrop H. Chandler, after some delay, 
entered into business with his brother Samuel, in 1806. 
'This firm, imder the name of Samuel Chandler & Co., 
became one of the most respectable mercantile establish- 
ments in the county, and the brothers long enjoyed the con- 
fidence of the community. 

They were both, at different times, elected Supervisors of 
the town, and Winthrop H. represented the county in the 



'%4 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAF. 

Assembly. Wintbvop II. did not become an actual resident 
of Augusta until Mny, 1808, and the two continued the 
business until 1818, when Samuel died. Wiutlirop II. con- 
tinued the business until Feb. 24, 1835, when his store was 
destroyed by fire. This was tlie most disastrous blow to the 
prosperity of Augusta Centre that has ever happened. John 
J. Knox settled in Augusta in 1811. He has been exten- 
sively engaged in mercantile operations, and the purchasing 
of produce, up to the present time. He was for a time 
President of the Bank of Vernon. Knox's Corners is a 
place of considerable business. 

Two citizens of this town have a.ssisted in electing Pres.i- 
sidents. David Ambler was a member of Assembly when 
the electors were chosen by that body, who elected James 
Monroe. John J. Knox was an elector when W. H. Har- 
rison was elected. While in the Assembly, Mr. Ambler 
voted for the construction of the Erie Canal, a measure of 
vast importance, and which has fully shown the far-seeing 
wisdom of its supporters. 

"W. II. Chandler, Riley Shepard, and David Murray, 
have been members of the Assembly. Chauncy C. Cook, a 
native of this town, was a member of Assembly from Kirk- 
land in 1845. 

The first white child born in Augusta, was Peter Smith 
Gunn. The first persons married in the town, were Daniel 
Hart and Catharine Putnam. Col. Cassety officiated upon 
the occasion. The oldest native now residing in this town, 
is Mrs. Margaret Mahanny, daughter of Francis O'Toolc 
The first death in the town was that of Fileazar Putnam, 
who died April 15, 1795, aged 31 years. He lived upon the 
cast hill ; and as a number of families of that name had 
located near together, that section of the hill was knowxi to 
the early settlers as Put's Hill The next death of an adult 



IV.] .-rs-iijv AUGUSTit. 96 

■was that of Lucy Greene, who died in March, 1796. Age 
not ascertained. Two deaths of children occurred in this 
town at an early period, one a child of Ozias Hart, the other 
of John Porter, but which died first can not bow be ascer- 
taiited. They were first buried near where Herman Parker 
resides ; but the ground proving unsuitable, they were after- 
wards removed to the present burying ground, south of 
David Stilson's. This ground was originally given for that 
purpose by John Porter, and was enlarged, newly fenced, 
and beautified in 1845. There are four clergymen buried 
in it: the Eev. Amos Crocker, whose grave is lost, and Pkcv. 
Simon Snow, whose epitaph is, — 

" With Heavenly weapons I have fought 
The Battles of the Lord, 
Finished my course, and kept the faith, 
And wait a sure reward." 

The Rev. A. P. Clark, and the Rev. John Orrasbee. 

During the nine years preceding September 1847, there 
were 247 deaths in the town. The annual proportion is one 
in 76,2. The greatest number in a year, 42 ; least number, 
19. Population, 2,271. 

There have been four deaths by fire-arms, where the de- 
sign to shoot, if not to kill, was shown. Mr. Major Wood, 
who lived upon the east hill, was shot by a woman who 
lived with him as wife. He had served in the continental 
army, and this woman came from the army with him. She 
was intemperate, and had been to an election the day pre- 
ceding the commission of the deed, and was intoxicated at 
the time. Little was known of the circumstances, or how 
iTiUch of malice or design were manifested by the act. She 
was tried, convicted of murder, and sentenced to be hung, 
and her body given to the surgeons. In the night preceding 



VlG ANNALS OF ONEIDA COt'NTY. [cli.ir. 

the day of execution, she hung herself in the jail at Ilerki'- 
uiei". At the time, it was the opinion of many that she was 
induced to commit suicide by the belief that thereby she 
would evade the last part of her sentence, and save her body 
from the dissecting knife. If this was so, she failed in her 
object, for her remains Avere used for the promotion of pro- 
fessional science. (See section upon Capital Convictions, 
pp. 42, 43, for particulars of her trial.) 

Theophilus Fowler, an Indian, shot Ethan Wiffgins, an- 
other Indian. They, with others, had been on a squirrel 
hunt for two or three days. Coming into the neighborhood 
of the distillery, Wiggins went into the shoe shop of Charles 
Stiles, an upper room of the house now occupied by David 
Fish, and Fowler went to the distillery and obtained some- 
thing to drink. Very soon Fowler took his gun and went 
rapidly up the street, until opposite the shoe shop. Wiggins 
was looking out of the window, and Fowler, without giving 
any notice of his intentions, drew up and fired. Wiggins 
fell, one shot having entered his eye, and was immediately 
carried to Brotherton, where he survived but about three 
days. 

After the Revolutionary war, the Oneida Indians who 
resided at Oriskany, left that location, and a part came to 
the " Mile Square," in the neighborhood of tlie present 
residence of Jolm Curry. This location had long before 
been occupied by Indians. Mr. Philo White was of the 
opinion that when the Oneida Indians left Oriskany, a part 
"f tliem went to Canesaraga. After the settlement of 
Augusta, a number of those Indians yet remained upon the 
"Mile Square." Cornelius was tlicir head man, and he had 
a son-in-law named Jacob. Jacob and another Indian, 
whose name can not now be ascertained, went to Clinton, 
where they obtained liquor. While upon their return, they 



?V.] AUGUSTA. 97 

had a quarrel, and although Jacob was much the smaller 
man, yet, as is believed, from the fact that he was less drunk , 
he obtained the advantage in the fight. Upon arriving 
at their settlement, they first came to the home of the larger 
Indian. The latter went into his wigwam, and obtaining 
his rifle, came to the door, and shot Jacob, who fell dead. 
He then dragged the body into the woods, and made an 
attempt to conceal it. The next morning, Jacob not having 
arrived at his home, his father-in-law, Cornelius, started 
to search for him. When he arrived at the place in the road 
where Jacob had been shot, his practised eye discovered 
blood, and with true Indian sagacity, he traced its trail 
into the woods, and found the body. From the circumstan- 
ces, he at once knew who was the murderer. Standing in 
the relation of the " avenger of blood," according to the 
Indian laws, he immediately proceeded to the cabin of the 
murderer, burst open the door, and with his ever ready knife, 
gave, as he supposed, the fatal stab. By means of " eaves- 
dropping," a few evenings afterwards, he ascertained that 
his aim had not been true, and that the murderer was re- 
covering from his wound. Cornelius then went to Hendrick 
Smith, his nephew, who resided at the Indian Orchard, and 
who was also from Oriskany, and borrowed his brass hatchet, 
with a steel edge, and also persuaded Smith to go with him. 
They started, and ran without once halting, until they ar- 
rived at the cabin door of their victim. Cornelius burst open 
the door, and finding the object of their vengeance upon his 
bed, without uttering a word, caught him by the haii*, and 
with one blow of the tomahawk cleft open his head. Not 
knowing in what light the matter might be viewed by the 
friends at Oneida, of the Indian whom they had executed, 
Cornelius and Smith thought it prudent to leave the place 
until the excitement, if any, had subsided. They therefore 

7 



98 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr 

went south into the Chenango country, and remained until 
they learned that the friends of the murderer were satisfied 
that his punishment was merited and just, and were not di«- 
posed to take any notice of it, or his executioners, when tliey 
returned. 

The author is aware that there is some skepticism in re- 
Ijition to this transaction. His informant was the Hon 
Aaron Staffox'd, of Waterville, who is a son of the Ichabod 
Stafford who settled in Aiigusta in 1793. He resided witlt 
his father at the time, and but a short distan.ce south from 
where it took place. Although he was not an eye'-witnesg, 
yet he well recollects the affair, and that the next morning 
after the murder, Jacob's wife, with a very young infant, 
came to his father's, accompanied by her mother, the wife 
of Cornelius, and of their talking of the subject, and weeping 
bitterly. He also well recollects having seen the brass 
hatchet, with steel edge, belonging to Hendrick Smith, with 
which it was said the Indian was executed ; and also remem- 
bers the absence of Cornelius and Hendrick. Those ac- 
quainted with the tenacity of Mr. Stafford's memory, will 
Imrdly doubt the correctness of his statements. 

Another instance of death from fire-arms, was that in 
which Thomas Grinnell. accidentally, shot himself in the 
arm, near the shoulder. He survived the accident but about 
:) week. - 

Timothy Ranney was accidentally shot by his cousin, 
Silas Cook, on Sunday, tlie 10th of April, 1810. Ptiley 
Shcpard and Timothy Ranney, were sitting near each other, 
reading alternately a verse from tl;e Bible, and if the charge 
had possessed sufficient force to have passed through Mr 
Ranney's head, Shepard would have shared the fate of his 
cousin. 

At the Falls, Mr. Cady shot Mr. Gardner, who was actini; 



IV.] • ' AUGUSTA. ' -' 9,9 

the part of a military officer, by giving Lim the word of com- 
mand. There had been a training the day previous, and 
(Jady was not aware that the gun was loaded. 

Orrin S. Cook, son of Josiah Cook, was killed by the 
falling of a tree, Oct. 22, 1818. 

Terence Fagan was killed July 12, 1838, by falling from 
liis wagon, and the horses stopping with one of the wheels 
resting upon his neck. His death occurred in Stockbridge, 
)iut he was a resident of Augusta> 

lloswell J. Lewis, of this town, was killed at Oneida 
Castle, on the 22d of May, 1842, by being run over while 
attempting to stop his own and E. Wooster's liorses while 
running. After the accident, he survived but about twenty- 
four hours. Says his obituary : " Within the recollection of 
tniv oldest citizens, death has not entered our town under so 
painful a shape, and attended by such a variety of distressing 
particulars, as in this instance." • 

In 1834, a sum of about $2,100 was raised for the pur- 
pose of an Academical School at the Centre. A very com- 
modious stone building was soon erected, and a school went 
into successful operation. In 1840, the sum of $400 was 
raised for a library and philosophical apparatus, and the 
Academy was incorporated. The form of the building is 
peculiar, at least it is so for Central New York. The front 
is a regular semicircle, while the rear wall is straight. The 
teachers in this Institution have been, Melville Adams, 
Kev. Benjamin Lockwood, Robert Bradshaw, J. Manross, 
Hewitt Bronson, G. L. Hall, Rev. Samuel Whaley, A. K. 
Eaton, C. Percival. Mr. Hall taught successfully during 
,seven years. 

This town, like Vernon, was settled by very many from 
Litchfield County, Conn. At this time, eighteen of the 
forty-eight families who reside upon the road which runs 



100 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP, 

north and south through the Centre, were from that county, 
or are the immediate descendants of such. The town of Otis, 
in Berkshire County, Mass., at one time had many repre- 
sentatives in Augusta. 

Josiah Cook, grandfather of Chauncy C. Cook, of Clinton, 
attended a half century celebration at the Centre in 1847. 
He came from Otis to this town in 1799, with thirteen chil- 
dren, all of whom, with a single exception, settled with 
families in Augusta. His descendants, on the 7th of Sep- 
te.mber, 1847, numbered 250.  . 

Abner Ranney, who died September Ist, 1847, aged 101 
years, 5 months, and 5 days, came from Blandford, Hamp- 
den County, a town adjoining Otis, had twelve children, 
^.j'ghty-seven grandchildren, and eighty great-grandchildren. 
These two patriarchs settled upon opposite sides of th<3 same 
s'oreet. 

Knox's Corners at one time went by the name of Cook's 
Corners. 

Elisha Shephard, an old resident of this town, and who 
was in the battle of Stone Arabia, upon the Mohawk, on the 
i9fch of October, 1780, in which Col. Brown, the commander, 
5.ad about forty out of two hundred soldiers, were killed, 
related a fact which the author has never seen noticed in any 
.s.'icount of the aborigines. Mr. Shephard states that none of 
tbe red-haired persons who fell in the battle were scalped, 
9?hi.le no others escaped the horrid mutilation. 

In 1795, Mr. J. Reynolds, while looking for his cows, 
a,-icompanied by his dog, treed a bear, when about sixty '■ 
rods south-west of Ozias Hart's. Being within hailing dis- 
tance, he called to Hart to come with his gun, and shoot the 
bear. Mr. Hart misunderstood the request, supposing the 
bear had treed Reynolds. Although he had a gun well 
loaded, and one or two dogs, he went in search of his brother 



IV j] ; AUGUSTA. 101 

that he might have his assistance in relieving his neighbor 
from his perilous situation. Mr. Reynolds becoming iin- 
I patient,. went to Hart's, believing the clog would keep pos- 
 session; but in this he was mistaken, for the dog also left. 
and before the arrival of Reynolds or the Harts, the animal 
had decamped, and made good his retreat. The anecdote 
does no very great credit to the courage of Ozias Hart or 
the dog. 

Another "bear story" is also told by the "oldest inhabil- 
ants." As Thomas Spafford was going to meeting one Sun- 
day, at the house of Ichabod Stafford, and when about half 
way from the Centre to Stafford's, he discovered a large bear 
following him. For a time he pursued his way quietly, 
hoping the animal would soon leave the path, but in this ho 
"was mistaken, for the animal gained fast upon him. He 
now attempted to frighten it from its course, but without 
success. The bear at length having come so neai*, and \\s 
company being so unwelcome, Spafford left the path, and 
ascended a small hemlock, and by the time he was fairly out 
of reach, the animal was at the roots of the tree. Thus un- 
pleasantly situated, and wishing to get a higher, and perhap.s 
easier position, Stafford unluckily took hold of a dry limb, 
which broke, and he fell. Bruin, doubtless thinking as 
• Spafford '-came tumbling down," that he was "come for." 
suddenly left, while the latter pursued his way without fur- 
ther molestation. 

Oriskany Falls is a flourishing village, in the south-west 
. part of the town. The fall of the Oriskany Creek at this 
— place is so considerable, that a large amount of water power \h 
obtained. In its descent, the water is carried over a led£:e 
of limestone, at an angle of about 45 degrees. There are a 
grist and flouring mill, two saw mills, two woolen factories, 
besides some smaller machinery ; and the water power ia 



102 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

such as to admit a vast increase of business. The village 
contains about six hundred inhabitants, two taverns, two 
dry goods and two grocery stores, three storehouses, two cab- 
inet and chair factories, and most kind of mechanic shops. 
The Chenango Canal, and "Hamilton and Dean.<5ville Plank 
Road," pass tlirough this place. There is an inexhaustible 
i|uarry of limestone in and near the village, large quantities 
of which are quarried for building purposes and for lime, and 
transported upon the canal to different parts of the country. 
The Congregational Church is of stone, of good size, and is a 
substantial edifice. 

Augusta Centre has three places of public worship. — a 
Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist, those of Presbyterians 
and Baptists with steeples. They are all painted, and are 
well-arranged, good buildings. The Academy at this place 
has been noticed. There are a tavern, one dry goods store, 
a grist and flouring mill, with the various mechanic shops 
usual in country villages. 

There are four grist mills and six saw mills in the town. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The first sermon preached witliin the present limits of the 
town, was by a Methodist minister, in 1794, in the house of a 
3Ir. Fairbanks, upon the place now occupied by Mrs. Camp 
Williams. Possibly there may have been preaching pre- 
viously by some missionary, but if so, it is not within the 
knowledge of any one now living in the town. 

The widow of Ichabod Staiford, who is now quite aged, 
and resides in the village of Waterville, informed the writer 
that a Baptist Church was formed very early in the settle- 
ment of the town, in the vicinity of lier residence upon the 



yv.] AUGUSTA. 103 

•east bill, of whieh she was a member. It was dissolved after 
a few years, and no records respecting it have been found. 

In 1797, a log school-house stood upon the west side of 
the road which runs north from William Bridge's. In that 
■^ehool-house, on the 7th of September of that year, the 
present Congregational Church was formed, with nine mem- 
bers, by Rev. Doct Asahel S. Xorton, of Clinton, and Rev. 
Joel Bradly, of Westmoreland. The church was organized 
In the morning, and Rev. Mr. Bradly preached in the after- 
noon. The names of the first members were Isaiah Gilbert, 
Experience Gilbert, Benjamin Dui'kee, Susanna Durke»\ 
Thomas Stafford, Lucy Stafford, Ezra Saxton, Abiel Linsley, 
and Anna Linsley. Mr. Linsley was the first moderator. 

After the formation of the church, its members continue(i 
to meet upon the Lord's-day in private dwellings, school- 
houses, barns, and sometimes in the open air, for conferen<'e 
and prayer, and occasionally had preaching, by Dr. Norton 
and Rev. Mr. Kirkland, and sometimes others were employe i 
for a few weeks, or perhaps montLs. 

In 1800, the church numbered but sixteen, having re- 
ceived seven by letter, and two by profession. 

In 1804, Rev. John Speneer commenced preaching to tlii.« 
people. lie was a native of Connecticut, and had enjoyed 
but the privileges of a common school education. At tlie 
close of the Revolutionary war, in which he served as a 
soldier, he came to Worcester, Otsego County. He wa,s ;i 
plain, unassuming man, but contemplating the moral desobi- 
tion around him, and the paucity of laborers, he desired to 
enter the ministry. He was encouraged, and licensed to 
preach in October, 1800. He spent two or three years in 
the County of Greene, and afterwards in the County of 
Oneida, and removed from Vernon Centre to Augusta. The 
elder class of the people, speak of him witli affection. He 



104 ANNALS OF ONIUDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

left tills place in 1807, and in 1809 removed to the tlieu 
almost unbroken wilderness, but now the town of Sheridan, 
iu Chatauque County. His praise as a missionary, was in 
many churches. A monument, bearing the following in- 
scription, marks liis grave in the burying place in Sheridan 

" This stone is consecrated to the memory of Rev. John 
Spencer, many years a missionary of the Connecticut Mis- 
sionary Societ3^ . He was the first Gospel minister who 
traversed the wilderness tlien called the Holland Purchase, 
and was the instrument, under God, in forminar most of the 
CongregaticHial and Presbyterian Churches which existed in 
this region when he rested from his labors, 1826, aged G8. 

" He trod a useful but laborious path to immortality, iu 
the ardent, unremitted exercise of doing good. 

'• The Association of Western New York, grateful to his 
memory, have erected this monument, hoping that it may 
prompt the beholder to imitate his self-denying labors. 
1838.^' 

Says Mr. Aycr : "From the time of Mr. Spencer's n^ 
moval until October 15, 1809, the church appears to have 
been in tlie wilderness in tumults, like sheep without :i 
sliepherd, going astray. At that time the church called the 
llev. David Kendall, of Hubbardston, Mass., to take the 
pastoral charge, which was accepted, and he was installed 
May 2, 1810. Mr. Kendall was dismissed. August 1 1, 1814. 
During his ministry, twelve were received by profession, and 
two by letter. 

The Ptcv. Oliver Ayer commenced his labors with thi^ 
church in October, 1814, and was installed January lOtJi. 
181G. the 11 cv. Dr. Azel IJackus preaching upon the occa- 
sion, from Hebrews x. 25. Mr. Ayer continued his labois 
with* the church about four years. These are reckoned a** 
the four most prosperous years which this body ever ex. 



n 



AUGUSTA. 105 



pericuced in succession. Two years of the time witnessed a 
revival, in which the church, numbering at their commence- 
ment but forty-eight members, received accessions of one 
liundrcd and sixty. 

Mr. Ayer's health having failed, the Rev Ely Burchard 
commenced his labors with this ehareh in January, IS 18. 
Mr. Ayer was cot dismissed until Feb. 3, 1819, and the 
(•ouncil that dismissed him, ordained and installed Mr. Bu)-- 
chard the next day. The' church fcujoyed the labors of tin- 
latter four years and eight months, and was increased during 
his ministry by the addition of forty-four upon profession, 
and fourteen by letter. He'was dismissed Oct. 15, 1822. 

The Rev. Benjamin J. Lane commenced his labors, as 
stated supply, a few weeks after the dismissal of Mr. Bur- 
chard. and continued them about four years. In the earl}- 
part of this period there was an interesting revival, and 
during the four years of his labors, sixty-five were received 
upon profession, and fourteen by letter. The Rev. Leverctt 
Hull immediately succeeded Mr. Lane, and like his prede- 
cessor, was not installed. He continued four years, and 
received about one hundred upon profession of faith. The 
first protracted meeting in Augusta was held during the 
ministry of Mr. Hull. The revival, which was the result of 
this meeting, or at least the measures and means adopted, 
were condemned by some as extravagant. Mr- Hull had 
warm and decided friends, while some were as decidedly 
opposed to him.  ^ ' 

The Bev. Mr. Hull was succeeded, for one year, by Rev. 
John Waters, whose labors were eminently useful. In June. 
• 1831, a protracted meeting was held, in which the Baptists 
took part : a revival followed, and, as its fruits, on the 4th 
of September, fifty-three were received upon profession of 
faith, being the largest number ever received at one time bj 



106 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [C'lIAP. 

this church. On the 2.">tli of November, 1832. the church 
reached its highest point in numbers, having at that time; 
precisely four hundred members. 

In January, 1838, thirty -five members received letters of 
dismission, for the purpose of forming a churcli at Oriskany 
Falls. 

After the trial of many candidates, Rev. A. P. Clark was 
called to the pastoral office, September 13, 1833, and was 
installed February 12, 1834. He was an excellent pastor 
and man. During the spring or summer following, he had 
the misfortune to break one of his limbs, which hindered 
him from his labors a number of months. He died Feb. 
G, 1835, aged 38 years. He was entombed with the people 
of his affection, and his epitaph is, — "Remember, the words 
that I spake unto you while I was yet with you." Nothing 
could have been more appropriate. 

A little more than two years of quiet followed, in which 
Mr. PLobertson and Mr. Wells supplied the pulpit. 

On the 10th of May, 1836. the present pastor, Rev. Orlo 
Bartholomew commenced his labors, and was installed by 
the Oneida Presbytery on the 24th of the following August. 
There were upon the church book when he came, 279 mem- 
bers. Of that number 119 have been dismissed, two have 
been excommunicated, and fifty have died. During tliis 
time, seventy-one have been received by letter, and ninety- 
four by profession of faith, and three who had been absolved, 
liave returned, making the whole number received, 108, 
leaving the cliurch tliree less than when the present pastor 
commenced preaching to thcni. Tii the first year of his 
labors, fifteen were added upon profession, tlie result of a 
protracted meeting, held in connection with the Bapti.«t 
Church. Tn tlid tliird year, thirty-six were received upon 
profession, .^lu.-^t of these were hopefully converted in the 



IV.] AUGUSTA.  - ' 107 

above-mentioned meeting. Elders Smitzer and Parker per- 
formed most of the preaching during the meeting. 

Deacons Abiel Linsley and Isaiah Gilbert officiated for 
the first sis or seven years of the existence of the church. 
They had each held the office before they came to Augusta. 
Deacon Linsley, after he left, was the instrument of doing 
much good ; and a letter written by him to his pastor, when 
unable to attend public worship from ill health, was the 
commencement of the means which resulted in the formation 
of the Grenesee Missionary Society. In 1804, Amos Grilbert 
arid Philip Pond were chosen deacons. Lebbeus Camp, 
chosen in 1814, was dismissed in 1833. John Lewis was 
chosen in 1822, Robert Durkee and Mark Thompson in 
1832, and Russell Knox in 1834. 

This church has contributed liberally to the benevolent 
objects of the day. In five years, commencing with 1837, 
they gave $4,419 09 to different benevolent Associations. 
From the time of the erection of the town house, in 1805, to 
1816, it was occupied as a meeting house by this Society. 
In 1816 the present house of worship was built, and was 
dedicated Feb. 3, 1817. In 1844, its interior was re- 
modelled, and it was re-dedicated the same year. 

As early as 1802, there were two Methodist classes in 
Augusta, one of which met in the neighborhood where now 
the iMessrs. Powers reside, and the other upon the east hill, 
in the vicinity of which the old chapel stood. This was the 
centre of the denomination in this. town for many years, and 
they had often large congregations for the country. The 
old chapel was built by Riley Shepard, in 1819, and was 
regularly occupied until the new chapel was built at the 
Centre, in 1840. The. new chapel was dedicated December 
15, 1840, Zaehariah Paddock officiating upon the occasion. 
The first service in it after the day of dedication, was upon 



108 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAT. 

Thauksgiving-day, the 17tb of the same month, when the 
Kev. 0. Bartholomew, of the Congregational Church, preach- 
ed from Johnvi. 12: "Gather up the fragments, that nothing 
be lost." 

There are now in connection with the Methodist denomi- 
nation at various places in the town, as follows; — At the 
Centre, forty-two ; at the Falls, twenty-one ; at Knox's Cor- 
ners, twenty-three; upon the "Strip," twenty; making 1G6 
members of the station or circuit. There are twenty of the 
inhabitants of Augusta connected with the Methodist Society 
at Deansville, eighteen with the Society at Vernon Centre. 
and five connected with the Society at Stockbridge. 

The present Baptist Church in Augusta was organized 
August •22, 1829, with thirty-three members. The first 
meeting for business was held August 30> the same year. 
and their meeting house was dedicated the 20th of the same 
month. These dates may seem paradoxical, but they are in 
accordance with the records and the facts. It seemed to the 
author unusual for a Society to erect a good and convenient 
meeting house, and have it dedicated, before the organization 
of the church ; but upon re-inquiry, he is assured the above 
dates are correct. 

The most extensive revival was in 1831, and which is 
mentioned in the history of the Congregational Church. 
Seventy-six were added to the Baptist Church upon pro- 
fession, and twelve by letter during its continuance. In 
September, 1833, the number of members was 127, in 1838. 
141. Present number, 85. The preachers to this Church 
have been, Elders P. P. Brown, James A. Mallory, A. H. 
Ilaff, Jason Corwin, — . Bridge, — . Jeffries, and R. Z. Wil- 
liams. 

The Congregational Church at Oriskany Falls was organ- 
ized January 31, 1833. Its present number is seventy-five, 



TV.] AUGUSTA. ' ' ,^^,' - 109- 

of whom thirty-six reside in Augusta. There is but one 
more member of this denomination upon the territory which 
this Church occupies in Augusta, than when formed. The 
walls of their house were erected and enclosed in 1834, and 
tib.e basement so finished that the congregation worshipped in 
it until the building was completed and dedicated, April 9, 
1845. The dedication serm.on was preached by the Rev. 0. 
Bartholomew, from 2 Ghron. ii. 4. 

The B-ev. John Gross labored with this church one year 
previous to the last Lord's-day in Nov. 1834, when the Rev. 
Pindar Field commenced his labors, and was installed by the 
Oneida Association, December 21st, and was dism.issed by 
the same on May 26, 1846, a little more than one year after 
tfie house, for which he had made great personal sacrifices, 
had been dedicated. At the time of his settlement, the 
cburch consisted of forty-seven members. There were added 
daring his ministry ninety-three, forty -one by profession and 
firty-two by letter. During Mr. Field's pastorate, the sum 
ni" about $700 was contributed by this Society to the differ- 
ent benevolent objects of the day. 



(JoL. Thoma.t Caesety. — The author has not been able to 
ascertain satisfactorily the time of his birth. He was the 
S5n. of James Oassety, who was a captain in the British 
army, and on service in this country in the French war of 
1756 After the peace of 1760, the captain went to Detroit, 
and established himself as an Indian trader Here he con- 
t.ifjued until the commencement of the War of the Revolu- 
tion, when he was ordered to take up arms against the 
colonies. This he refused to do. In the m.ean time Thomas, 

tbe subject of this notice, was born, had pursued the usual 
I 



110 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cllAV 

preparatory course, and was now far advanced in his collc' 
giate education. During a vacation, he visited his father at 
Detroit, and while there, an officer of the crown was sent to 
arrest his fatlier for treason, in refusing to fight the battles 
of George III against the colonies. The arrest was made in 
the presence of the son, which so exasperated him, that he 
seized a loaded musket, and fired at the officer. Whether lie 
killed him or not, is not known, as the Colonel iu after life 
would never throw any light upon the subject, further than 
that the ball passed through the officer's hat crown. The 
Captain was taken to Quebec, and for three long years con- 
fined so closely in prison, that in the whole period the sun 
never for once shone upon him. At length, with two others, 
lie made his escape. Thomas, after firing at the officer, made 
good his retreat from Detroit, and took refuge with one of 
the western tribes of Indians. Here he was received and 
treated with kindness, was formally adopted into their tribe, 
one of the chiefs of which gave him his daughter for a wife. 
]5y her he had issue ; and tradition has said, whether truly or 
falsely, that '-the celebrated Tecumsch was a son of Thomas 
Cassety." 

After a residence of several years with the Indians, and 
ufter our independence had been acknowledged by Britain, 
us he could then return in safety, he left the Indian?, and 
again took up his abode in civilized life, and was again mar- 
ried. By this marriage lie liad seven children, two sons and 
five daughters. The next that is learned of him is, thit he 
was residing at Canajoharie. 

The surveyors employed by Peter Smith having been 
driven off. as before stated, their compass and chain broken 
to pieces by the pagan party of the Oneidas, Mr. Smith had 
recourse to Mr. Cassety. who was residing at that place, to 
induce bim to come to Oneida, and make peace with the 



tV.] AUGUSTA. -..i. ill 

Indians. From Lis thorough acquaintance with Indian 
character, he was peculiarly fitted for this mission, in which 
he was entirely successful. Mr. Smith, by means of these 
services, was enabled to realize a considerable fortune. 

In 1794, Mr. Cassety removed to the town of Augusta, 
and settled at Oriskany Falie, a location which for many 
years was known only by the name of Cassety Hollow. Here 
he built the mills as before stated, and iii erecting the grist 
mill, he and Peter Smith v.-ere in company: Soon after its 
completion, Cassety, who was now a Colonel in the militia, 
and Justice of the Peace, purchased of Smith his share, and 
mortgaged his property to Smith to secure the payment of 
the purchase money. Eventually, the foreclosing of this 
mortgage reduced the Colonel from competency to poverty. 
The earnings of years of toil and privation were all swept 
away. 

His death was most melancholy. A clothier, in removing 
from his shop, had left, among other articles, a bottle of sul- 
phuric acid. This the Colonel supposed to be whiskey, (a 
poison in most cases just as sure, if not as rapid,) and the 
fatal draught closed his existence in a few hours. He died 
August 14, 1831. 

Colonel Cassety had talents of a high order, which had 
been improved by a good education. He was a warm and 
true friend ; generous almost to a fault. The early settlers 
of Augusta often enjoyed his bounty. Upon one occasion, in 
a time of scarcity, he divided among them, gratuitously, all 
the bread-stuflfs in his mill, poor as well as rich receiving in 
proportion to the numbers in their families. Unsolicited, 
upon another occasion, he advanced the money to save a poor 
man's cow from being sold upon an execution. He was a 
wit and humorist. In polished society, he was a gentleman. 
For the amusement of others, he could represent scenes from 



! 



I'' 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 



[cHAr. 



savage life with skill and accuracy. In his iutercourse with 
those in humble life, he could conform to them without 
compromising bin dignity of character. He had his faults, 
but we would let those lie, buried in the same grave, where, 
without monument or epitaph, sleep his remains. 

His father, Gapt James C^hsety, died in Augu?ta, M:iy 
23, 1822, aged 84 



\ 



v.] AVA. ,113 



CHAPTER V. 



AVA. 



This is the youngest sister in the family of towns in Oneida 
County. It was taken from the west part of BoonvillCj and 
organized as a town, by an act of Legislature, passed May 
12, 1846. 

The territory included in this town was first settled by 
Ebenezer Harger. He removed from Connecticut to Whites- 
town in 1797, and to this town in 1798, and settled upon the 
east branch of the Mohawk, about three-fourths of a mile 
east of the location of the Ava Post Office. Zephaniah 
Wood and Abner Wood settled soon after Mr. Harger. 
Soon after, — and it is believed in 1800, — Philo Harger, 
Benjamin Jones, Lemuel Wood, and Justus Beardsley 
moved into the town. In 1801, Philo Harger and Benjamin 
Jones erected the first saw mill in the town, upon the east 
branch of the Mohawk. At this time, the few settlers were 
nine miles from any other inhabitants. The nearest grist 
mill was that of Gen. Floyd, at the place since named West- 
ernville, at a distance of twelve miles, without a road, bridges, 
or causeways. For the first few years, these isolated pion- 
eers endured many hardships and privations. Wolves, those 
pernicious nuisances of border life, were quite too numerous, 
and destroyed many of their few sheep and other stock. 

This town occupies an elevated position. Head-waters 
of the Mohawk, Black River, and Fish Creek emanating 

8 



1 1 4 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ullAP. 

from it. It is much better adapted to grazing than grain ; 
and products of the dairy arc* fast becoming the staple 
of export from the town. Indeed, it is believed that when 
its forests are relieved of their lumber, and it.s population 
become farmers only, that then its surplus butter and cheese 
will render Ava equal in wealth to any of the adjoining 
towns. 

The town is well w.atered. and has an al-undant water 
power. The east and west branches of the Mohawk, Point 
Eock Brook, and Blue Brook run through the town, and 
Fish Creek bounds the west end of the town. There are iu 
the town one grist mill, and eight saw mills. The water is 
pure, and its numerous waters are 3"et well stored with the 
'■speckled trout.'' 

Horace Iloyt, Esq., who has been Supervisor of the town 
two years since its erection, is its only merchant Besides 
the legitimate business of a country store, he deals largely in 
lumber. In 1848. he sold at least fifteen hundred thousand 
spruce shingles. He is also engaged in the manufacture ot 
patash. 

• A Societ}' of Friends, who have a hou.se for public wor- 
ship, is tlie only religious society in the town, although there 
arc within its limits a resident Methodist preacher, and meui- 
bcrs of other denominations of Christians. 

There is also a physician located in the town, and he. with 
the clergyman, are the only professional men within its 
bounds. 

The Common Schools of this town arc well sustained by 
its inhabitants. Each year since its organization, they have 
voted to raise a larger sum by taxation, than that received 
from the income of the State Common School Fund : and in 
this they have surpassed a majority of the towns in the 
county. 



v.] AVA. il5 

The town has also a School Fund of between three and 
four hundred dollars, the income of which is also applied to 
the support of education. This fund was derived from a 
division of the poor fund of the town of Boonville, when this 
town was taken from it. 

The soil is a gravelly loam, with little or no clay. Good 
stone for building purposes is abundant. 

Vf ithin the town is a small lake, or pond, of some sixty 
or seventy acres in extent. The water is very clear and 
pure, and in som6 places seventy feet in depth, and still it 
has no visible inlet or outlet. ^ 

There is another small pond, of two or three acres, in the 
vicinity of Point Rock Brook. 

The old French Uoad leading from Fort Stanwix to Car- 
thage, passed through this town, and some portions of which 
can still be traced. This was probably the route taken by 
M. De herj, when he and his command surprised and took 
Fort Bull, as mentioned in the history of Ptome, Chap. XIX 

Besides those mentioned as first settlers, Messrs. Bates, 
Barnard, Fanning, Adams, Mitchell. Beck, and Tiffany were 
pioneers in the settlement of Ava. 

Many Germans have located in the north part of thi.s 
town, and they are a hard}', industrious, and frugal class of 
citizens. 

Henry Capi'on was the first Supervisor, which office he 
again holds this year (1850 ) 



^1*3 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAF, 



CHAPTER VI. 



BOONVILLE. 



In the Introductory Chapter, it will be perceived that the 
territory embraced within the limits of this town, was in- 
cluded in 1788 in the town of Whitestown, in 1792 in Steu- 
ben, and in 1797 in Leyden, in which town it remained until 
180.5, when the town of Boonville was formed, Mr. Boon, 
the acting agent of the Holland Company, had proposed the 
name Kortenaer, — that of a distinguished individual of 
Holland, — but it seems that it was decided that the town 
should bear up the name of its patron. While this town and 
Leyden were united, Kortenaer (as Boonville was then called) 
took the lion's share, for nearly all the town meetings were 
held within its limits ; and during the eight years of their 
connection, Andrew Edmonds, at whose house their first 
town meeting was held, was twice elected Supervisor, and 
the brothers Phineas and Silas Southwell were elected 
several times to the .^ame office. 

The first settler of the territory now included in ]]oonvilIc. 
was Andrew Edmunds, who removed there in the spring of 
1795. He was agent for Mr. Boon, or, more properly, for 
the Holland Company, and a number of men were in his 
employ or under his direction. During this season they 
erected a saw mill, and made other preparations for the 
commencement of the settlement. A grist mill was also 
commenced, and the boards sawed, but in kiln-drvin" the 



VI.] BOONVILLE. 117 

boards, so that they could be worked, they unluckily took 
fire, and were all consumed. This so much delayed the 
grist mill, that it was not put in operation until the nest 
spring. 

In the spring of 179G, large accessions were made to the 
settlement ; among them we find the names of Luke Fisher 
and his son, Phineas Southwell, Silas Southwell, Martin 
Southwell, Asahel Porter, Ezekiel Porter, Aaron AVillard. 
Jacob Springer. Jeptha King, Hezekiah Jones and son, a Mr. 
Stockwell. and three young men by the name of King, and 
doubtless a number of others whose names are not now re- 
collected. Of these, many were in the employment of the 
Holland Company, while others "took up" farms, and com- 
menced clearing away the heavy forest. This spring the 
Company erected the store now occupied by the Messrs. 
Bamber, and with such rapidity, that it was occupied as a 
store as early as June. In the fall the Company erected a 
building for a tavern. In size and appearance, it nearly 
corresponded with the store. Of these several structvire.s 
erected b}' the Holland Company, none now remain, except 
the store. The tavern was upon the lot upon which stands 
the stone building in which the Post Office is now kept. 
From the best information obtained, the first death in the 
town was that of a Mr. Truman. Of this there is, however, 
"some uncertainty, as other informants think it was a Mr. 
Darrow who died first. 

That pleasant relation first instituted in Eden, "when 
angels were witnesses, and Grod the priest," was early at- 
tended to. The first marriage was that of Mr. Henry Evans 
and Miss Elizabeth Edmunds, daughter of Capt. Andrew 
Edmunds, the first settler. If some died, others were born. 
The first birth in the town was that of a daughter of Jacob 
Springer. 



J 18 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

This town lies in an elevated position, the head waters of 
the Mohawk and Black Rivers, and Fish Creek, being found 
almost in the same neighborhood. Snow falls to a greater 
depth than in the southern part of the county. The larger 
portion of the town is better adapted to pasture than grain. 
In the south part of the town is a section which has received 
the distinctive local name of Egypt, possessing a warm 
gravelly soil, which is good for grain. In many parts, the 
surface is dotted with immense bowlders. Quarries of good 
limestone for building purposes, are abundant. Dairying is 
rhe most general and productive business carried on by the 
farmers, and is receiving to some estent the attention it de- 
.scrves. Lumber is abundant, and large quantities were 
prepared for mai'ket in anticipation of the opening of the 
Black River Canal in the spring of 1850. and which found 
its way to market in the followiua; season of navi^iation. 
The forests of pine and spruce are so extensive upon and 
near the head-waters of the Black River, that many year.-= 
must elapse, even with the fi\cilities of the canal, before they 
c-in be cleared. 

The Black River Canal feeder extends from the river at 
Williamsville. nine miles to Boonvill© village, at which is 
the summit level. Extending upon this level about two 
miles in a south-westerl}- couree from the village, it enters 
the ravine (for valley it can not bo termed) of Lansing Kill 
(Creek), and keeping in the frightful chasm of the Kill a 
number of miles, it debouches into the valley of the Jlohawk 
in "Western. 

Tlie Missionaries of the Cross early visited the "Black 
River Country," as the valley of that river and its vicinity 
was termed by the early emigrants. The Congregational 
Cliurch of Boonville was formed by the Rev. Daniel Smith, 
a missionary sent out by the Massachusetts Missionary 



VI. J BOONVILLE. 119 

Society, in the summer of 1S0.5. Its records previous to 
1S22 are lost, and little is known of its early history. A 
committee was appointed a few years since, to look up its 
early statistics, but very little was obtained. This com- 
mittee, however, reported, '■ that the Church at its formation 
consisted of nine members, five males and four females ; 
that there were occasional supplies of preaching by mission- 
aries from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut; 
that religious meetings were kept up upon the Lord's-day 
when there was no preaching." The committee could not 
ascertain the number of those who had been added previously 
to the time the present records commence. In April, 1831, 
n branch church was formed in the south part of tlie town, 
which consisted of twelve members, six males and six females. 
The church contained, January 29, 18-30. 170 communicants. 
The Boonville Baptist Church was organized Feb. 3, 1810, 
by Elder John Upfold. It consisted of seventeen members, 
ten males and seven females. The first pastor of the church 
was Elder Timothy Day, who filled the pastorate three year.'^. 
The pastors since that time have been Samuel Marshall, 
Charles Clark, Norman Chase, A. D. Truman. John Hitch- 
cock, Wm. Thompson, Perley P. Parsons, and Eliada 
Tuttle, the present pastor (1850). Up to 182G, the church 
Jield its meetings in the school house in the villase, and in 
private dwellings. In that year they erected a respectable 
and commodious hou,se of wor.ship. Previously to, and after 
the formation of the church, and before it had a stated 
pastor, those veteran pioneers, Elders Stephen Parsons, 
John Stephens, John Clark, Williams and Way, occasionally 
preached to the Baptists in this vicinity. After the church 
had stated preaching, sometimes intervals of months occurred 
during which they liad but occasional preaching from mis 
"ionaries and others. The Piev. Peter P. Roots, Simeon 



1-20 ' ANNALS OF OXEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

licrscy, Tillinghast Green. — Ashley, — Beelos, and D. G. 
Corey, uo\y of Utica, occasionally supplied the pulpit. 

The aggregate number of those who have joined this 
church since its organization, as nearly as can now be ascer- 
tained, is 275 ; and the present number of communicants is 
sixty-six. This body has never joined the Oneida Baptist 
Association, but has retained its connection with the Black 
liivcr Association. 

There is ai Methodist Church in this town, with a con- 
siderable congregation, and which has erected a chaste and 
commodious house for public worship. 

Boonvillc village is a very thriving and handsome place, 
situated upon the plank road leading from Utica to Turin 
and Lowvillc. The construction of the Black Kiver Canal 
has added much to the importance of this village : and in 
auiount of business, its inhabitants concede a superiority, of 
places within this county, but to Utica and Kome. The 
village contains seven dry goods stores, one drug store, 130 
dwellings, and about 1,000 inhabitants. It has no Academy, 
but its common school house is a commodious two story 
stone building. Two teachers are employed in it. who have 
an average attendance of about ninety students. 

Alder Creek village and post office arc situated seven 
miles southerly from Boonvillc village, where the plank road 
crosses the creek of tliat name. This place has a small union 
church building, which was erected and has been occupied as 
a house of worship by the Methodists, Baptists, and Pres- 
byterians. Here are an extensive tannery, and some other 
l>ranchcs of mechanics : also a store and two taverns. The 
first settler at this place was John Piatt, who commenced 
here about 1805, and who is still living in the vicinity. 

"NVilliamsvillc is a small village at the head of the Black 
Eiver Canal feeder, upon the line between Boonvillc and 



'I; 



VI ] BOONVILLE. 121 

lleinsen. Hero are two saw mills, a store, planing mill, 
butter-tub factory, and several dwellings. 

According to the census of 1845, there were then twent}- 
five saw mills in the town of Boonville, the largest number 
in any town in the county, excepting Vienna ; also two grist 
mills, two carding machines, two iron works, three asheries, 
and three tanneries. The population of the town was 3.G53. 

The first town meeting in Boonville was held at the house 
of Joseph Denning. Jacob Rogers was elected the first 
Supervisor, but held the office but one year, and was suc- 
ceeded by Philip Schuyler, who held the office one 3'ear, 
Job Fish one year, John G. Post two years, Martin South- 
well thirteen years, John Dewey four years, Henry Graves 
nine years, Philip M. Schuyler three years, Stephen "Ward 
five years, "Wm. S. Jackson two years, and "Wilson B. Grant 
three years: the last first elected in 1849. The decrease in 
the population of this town, apparent from a comparison of 
the census returnfi of 1840 and 1850, is to be accounted for 
ill the facts that Ava, with a population of about 1,000, was 
taken from this town in 1846, and that in 1840 many hun- 
dreds of laborers upon the Black Biver Canal, and their 
families, were then inhabitants- of this town, but most of 
whom have since removed to other sections of the countrv 
where public works were in progress. 



122 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CilAP. 



CllAPTEPt VII. 



BRIDGEWATER. 



TiiLS town is located within and upon the side.s of a valley, 
which extends through it from north to south, and it.s ea.st 
and west lines are upon the highlands which form the side.*^ 
of the valley. This valley is known in this section of the 
State by the name of Bridgewater Flats. The Flats at the 
north line of the town are ahout one mile wide, and decrea.'^e 
gradually to the south line of the town, Avhere they arc about 
half a mile in width. 

These Flats are celebrated for their fertility, and in gen- 
eral are very highly cultivated. Poi-tions of them in rbo 
central and southern parts of the town are quite sandy, and 
in the northern part they are somewhat stouey, with an oc- 
casional bowlder. The State geologist, when he visited this 
town, gave as his opinion that no rock existed underlaying 
this valley, within 1.000 feet from tlie surface, and this opin- 
ion is partially sustained by tlic fact that no rock has been 
found in the deepest wells wliicli liave been sunk. One of 
the head-waters of tlie T'nadilla rises in Paris, and passes 
tiirough this valley to the south. Upon the banks of thi.s 
stream was originally a dense cedar swamp, from twenty to 
sixty rods in width, which served to fence the farms in tlie 
vicinity, and much is left for future use. Anotlier branch of 
the Unadilla rises near the north-west corner of Bridgewater, 
and empties into the above described stream, a short distance 



VII.] BRIDGEWATER.  ' 123 

above the Corners, near the south bounds of the town. The 
'' Line of Property," so called, extends from a point west of 
Korae upon Wood Creek, opposite where the Canada Creek 
empties into it, to the head of this last described branch of 
the Unadilla. This was the longest line upon the same point 
of compass in the county. Its original course was south 27 
degrees east. A sketch of the history of this "Line of 
Property," so often referred to in old Indian treaties and in 
conveyances, may be interesting. For a great number of 
years, the want of a settled boundary between the Six 
Nations and their dependencies, on the one hand, and the 
colonies of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land, and Virginia, on the other, was the source of many 
difficulties. . These resulted in complaints and outrages on 
the part of the Indians, and encroachments and wrongs on 
the part of the whites. For half a century, at nearly every 
annual meeting of the Indians with the Governor of New 
York- at Albany, these difficulties were the subject of nego- 
tiation and "talk." To remedy these evils, a convention was 
held at Fort Stanwix, Nov. 5, 1768, in which the colonies 
were represented by Sir Wm. Johnson, General Indian 
Agent, Wm. Franklin, Governor, and Fre. Smyth, Chief 
Justice of New Jersey, Thos. Walker, Commissioner fov 
Virginia. Richard Peters and James Tilghman, of the Coun- 
cil of Pennsylvania ; and the Six Nations by Tyorhansere, 
alius Abraham, Chief of the Mohawks, Canaghaguieson, of 
the Oneidas, Seguareesera, of the Tuscaroras. Otsiuoo-hivata, 
alias Bunt, of the Onondagas, Tegaaia, of the Cayugas, and 
Guastrax, of the Senecas. The boundary established be- 
tween the Indians and colonies began at the mouth of the 
Tennessee (then- Cherokee or Hogohege) River, near the 
junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi, thence up along 
the south banks of the Ohio to Kittaming, above Fort Pitt 



12 1 AXN'ALS or OXEIDA COUXTY. [cilAr. 

(Pittsbui-frli). tlienco to the west branch of the Susquehanna, 
and across the AUegliany Mountains to the east branch of 
the Susquehanna, and thence up that branch to the Owegy 
(Owego), thence to the Delaware River, and up that river 
to a point opposite where the' Tianaderha (the Unadilla) 
falls into the Susquehanna, thence across to and up tlie west 
branch of the Unadilla to the head of the same, thence in a 
straiglit line to tlie junction of Canada Creek with "Wood 
Creek, '-at the west of the carrying place beyond Fort Stan- 
wix." This was the "Line of Property," but that part of it 
from the head of the Unadilla in Bridgewater to Wood Creek, 
is more generally known by that name than the other por- 
tions. The Patent of Coxcborough. granted soon after- 
wards, extended the entire length of this part of the line, and 
was bounded upon it on the west. After the Ptevolution, 
the tracts granted by the Oneidas to this State, were bounded 
on the east upon this "Line of Property," and in subsequent 
conveyances, this Line has been constantly referred to," and 
that too by many who, wondering at the singularity of the 
term, knew little or nothing of its history. The south part 
of the Patent of Coxeborough was called, prior to the Revo- 
lution, the township of Carolana, and the north part the 
Township of Coxcborougli, tlie line between the two being 
the Oriskany Creek. See notice of Coxeborough at the 
close of Chapter II. 

Another small branch of the Unadilla is made from 
springs, and crosses tlie plank road near the centre of the 
town. Upon the banks of this stream there is a belt of 
small cedars, giving it quite a picturesque appearance. The 
water is so pure, that it is a favorite resort of the speckled 
trout. 

In the north-cast part of the town is a quarry of excellent 
limestone for building purposes. This quarry extends over 



vji,] EniDGfiwAfErv. 125 

some three or four hundred acres, and lies about thirty feet 
higher than the flats opposite. In the same section, lying 
higher than the limestone, and upon the farm now owned by 
Peleg Babcock, a small quantity of coal has been discovered. 
The vein is very thin, and tlie quantity so limited, that very 
little hope is entertained of there being sufficient to render 
it of any importance. According to the theories of geolo- 
gists, this vein seems out of place, "for although vastly 
higher than the coal region in Pennsylvania, it is too low for 
coal. In other words, the dip of the coal beds in that State 
is such, that it would rise much above any section of this 
county. In the same formation with this stray vein of coal, 
iron pyrites are found, which are quite inflammable, and 
burn like wood." 

The hills upon the east and west sides of the valley, are 
quite dissimilar in soil and formation. In the north part of 
the town, south of the limestone, the side hill contains much 
slate ; opposite, on the west side of the valley, there is shale. 
On the east hill, the soil is a gravelly loam ; on the west, 
the soil is clayey. 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 

In the year 1788, Joseph Farwell came to the south part 
of this town, and commenced a clearing at the place known 
as Farwell's Hill. This was the commencement of the set- 
tlement of Bridgewater, Ezra Parker came later in the same 
year. In March, 1789, Farwell, in company with Ephraim 
Waldo and Nathan Waldo, removed their families from 
Mansfield, Conn., to Farwell's Hill. They came by the way 
of Albany, up the valley of the Mohawk to Whitesboro, and 



1'2G ANX.VLS OF OXEITM COUXTV. [CIIAP, 

from thence by the way of Paris Hill to Bridgewater. From 
Paris Hill they were obliged to make their road as they 
progressed, following a line of marked trees. Their team 
consisted oi' two yoke of oxen and a horse, and the vehicle 
an ox sled. They arrived on the 4th of March. The snow 
at this time was about one and a half feet deep, but soon 
increased to the depth of four feet. They had two eows, 
which, with the oxen and hoi'se. subsisted until the snow left 
upon browse alone. Upon their arrival, they erected a 
shanty in the most primeval style. Four crotches set in the 
ground, with a roof of split basswood. overlaid with hemlock 
boughs, with siding composed of coverlets and blankets, 
formed the first dwelling house ever erected in the town of 
Bridgewater. The three families continued in this miserable 
apology for a house until midsummer, when two of them, 
having more comfortable dwellings provided, removed to 
them, while the other remained for a year. Farwell's house 
was of logs, built upon the hill where he commenced the 
previous season. About three years afterwards, he erected 
the first framed house in town. 

Ezra Parker removed with his family into tlft north part 
of Bridcewater in 1789, and built a loc house, which soon 
afterwards he opened as a " house of entertainment.'' The 
same year, a Mr. Lyman settled upon the present location of 
Parkhurst's tavern. Three or four years subsequently he 
erected the second framed hou.sc in town, and this is the 
liouse in which the tavern is now kept by Parkhurst. All 
the families in town in that year have been named. The 
first two years, the settlers were obliged to go to Whitestown 
to mill, a distance of twenty miles, as their circuitous f ath 
by marked trees then ran. In 1790. two men of the name of 
Hubbard settled in the west part of the town. Tliis year 
Maj. FarwcU constructed a saw mill upon the west branch*ot' 



vn.J ■'''' epjdgewaTer. f27 

tlic Uriadilla River, and which stood about three-fourtlis of a 
mile below the junction of the West Branch and the Tiana- 
dara Creek. This is propably the same name given above as 
Tianaderha, slightly changed. In 1791, Jesse Ives, Joel 
Ives, and Abner Ives, settled upon the hill known as Ives' 
Hill, where Jesse Ives yet resides. 

In 1792, Ephraim Waldo built a store and a blacksmith's 
,«hop upon Farwell's Hill, and. these were the first in town. 
This year, Mr. Thomas built the first grist mill in town, upon 
tlie same stream and a short distance below Farwell's saw 
mill. '■■■' ••  "■ "•■ "' ' • •■• ••■' ■'■■■■ 

Soon after the settlement of the town, a son of Ephraim 
Waldo, eight years of age, while in the woods, discovered it- 
small young bear by the side of a log. asleep. The little 
boy, intent upon securing the animal, noiselessly retreated 
until he found a small elm, from which, with his Barlow 
knife, he succeeded in peeling a piece of bark suitable for his 
purpose. Having fixed a noose in the end of his lasso, and 
creeping to the opposite side of the log, he had the good for- 
tune to slip the noose over little Bruin's head, at the same 
time making sure of his prize by tightening the cord so that 
it could not u.tter a cry. He was too much of a back-woods- 
man not to know that the dam, in such cases, is alwtij's 
within hailing distance of her young. Then came the "tug 
of war," in the process of dragging the animal towards, 
home, and which manifested the strongest evidence of its 
not having been previously broken to the halter. The old 
bear, soon missing her cub, followed upon the trail a con- 
siderable distance, until she came to the highway, where... 
fortunately for the boy, she was discovered and shot by Jesse 
Waldo. The boy, now free from danger, kept on his way 
home, where he arrived in safety with his trophy of success 
1h bear hunting. 



128 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. ' [ciIAr. 

BridgeWfiter is the smallest town in the county. It is 
about four and a half miles in width from north to south, 
end five and a half in length from cast to west. According 
to the last census, it was the smallest in population, contain- 
ing at that time 1,358 inhabitant*. 



RELI&IOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Presbyterian Society in this town was constituted 
March 8, 1798, with thirteen members. In 180.3, they 
erected a house of worsliip, in which they continued to meet 
until 1834. The Church was then divided, and a new house 
of worship built at Bridgewater Corners, in the south part of 
the town. The other portion of the body formed the Cass- 
ville Church, and erected a meeting house at that place. 
Neither church has now a pastor. The following persons 
have been pastors of the Bridgewater Church, viz. : — Rev. 
John Southworth, Rev. A. Miller, Rev. C. Matchin, and 
Rev. Edward Allen. Mr. E. Allen was dismissed in the 
spring of 184G, went to Wisconsin, where he soon afterwards 
died. Since Mr. Allen left, the church has had no settled 
pastor. The present number of members is 112. 

The Friends formerly had a considerable society in Bridge- 
water, and built a good and commodious house of worship. 
The society has become so scattered, that they do not now 
maintain worship, and their meeting house is fast going to 
decay. 

The Baptist Church of Bridgewater was constituted July 
12, 182G, with sixteen members. They settled the Rev. 
Amasa Smith as pastor, who labored with them about nine 



VII.] '■ bridgewateA. 129 

years. The church was, prosperous during his ministry, and 
increased to sixty members. The second pastor was the 
Rev. Jonathan P. Simmons, who commenced his labors in 
April, 1835. He was a successful preacher, for during the 
first year of his ministry, the church was increased to 114 
members. Mr. Simmons was succeeded by tlie Rev. Jason 
(^rwin, and he by the Rev. Daniel Dye, who was followed 
by the Rev. P. W. Mills, and he by the ReV. D. W. Smith. 
Rev. Mr. Smith is still connected with the church, but not 
as pastor, he having assumed the charge of the Female 
Seminary. Since the pastorate of Mr. Simmons, the church 
has experien'ced prosperity and adversity, its numbers having 
varied from 60 to 120. This body is well united at this 
time. Present number, 98. Their house of worship was 
erected in 1826, upon the hill a short distance west of the 
village. In 1840, it was removed to near the centre of the 
village, when it was repaired and much improved, and is 
now a \ery convenient house of worship. 

The Univerialists erected a respectable house of worship 
a little sovith of the village in 1834. Their first preacher 
was the Rev. L. D. Smith. Messrs. Grosh, Brown, and 
Woolly, have since preached to this society. At present 
they have no regular preacher. They number about forty 
members. 

An Academy was established at the village of Bridge- 
water in the year 1826, and continued to flourish for 
about ten years, but was discontinued in 1839. A large 
and commodious building had been erected at a cost of 
$2,500 for the use of this school, and furnished with a good 
chemical and philosophical apparatus and library. For the 
first ten years of its existence, it averaged one hundred 

9 



130 ANNAL.S Of ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

pupils, and inaiiitulaed a high character for its efficiency in 
instruction. Its decline, and final extinction, was most un- 
fortunate for the interests of education in that portion of 
the county. 

Another scliool was instituted in December. 1S47. by the 
name of the "Bridgewater Seminary," -which in Ma}'. 184'J. 
waa altered to that of "Bridgewater Female Seminary,"' 
and is now conducted for the education of females. This 
school is very prosperous, with about ninety young ladies in 
attendance. Many attend, from its high reputation, the 
department of music. In this branch of education it has 
few equals. This school is under the supervision of the 
Eev. D. W. Smith, and its flourishing state is ample evidence 
of his fitness for the duties he has assumed. 



i' .'. 



VIII.")  CAMDEN. 131 



CHAPTER VIII. 



CAMDEX 



The town of Camden is composed of the seventh and one 
half of the eighth townships of Scriba's Patent. It was 
taken from the town of Mexico, and organized in 1799. 
The first town meeting was held at the house of Samuel 
Royce. Esq., at which John W. Bloomfield was cho.sen 
Supervisor, and Samuel E-oyce Town Clerk. 

Every person who visits Camden village notices the beau- 
tiful cottage at the head of the main street. This cottao-e 
occupies the site of the log house at which the fij'st town 
meeting in Camden was holden. 

In this town there is considerable variety in soil, and the 
country is c|uite varied. The soil of the shores of Mad 
lliver is a sandy loam, with a preponderance of sand ; yet 
it is very fertile. The road leading from McConnellsville. 
in Vienna, to Camden village, is quite level, and few farm.- 
in the county are more productive than a number throuo-h 



which this road passes. In the west part of the town is a 
section known as Hillsboro, which, is hilly, and its soil is 
more gravelly and stony, and is better adapted to grazinf 



than grain. 



Several quarries of good building stone are found on Mad 
Piiver. particularly in Ca.mden village, near Curtis' Mills. 



132 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CJIAP. 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 

Judge Henry Williams was the first permanent settler of 
this town. -Jesse Curtiss, father of Jesse Curtiss, Esq., of 
Clinton, came to the town and erected a saw mill previously 
to the arrival of Judge Williams, but his family did not 
arrive until afterwards. The frame of this saw mill was 
raised by eight persons, viz.: — Maj. Jesse Curtiss, and his 
son Elisha, Samuel Royce, Esq., Aaron Matthews, Esq.,an<l 
his two sons Aaron and Lyman, and son-in-law Church, and 
daughter Rosetta. Some are of the opinion that three or 
four other families came into the town about the same time 
Judge Williams arrived, but all of them, with the exception 
of the latter, returned to the older settlements to remain 
the first winter. This leaves the Judge the first permanent 
settler. The first settlers were Plenry Williams, Levi 3Iat- 
thews, Daniel Parke, Seth Dunbar, Joel Dunbar, Aaron 
Matthews, Thomas Comstock, Jesse Curtiss, Elihu Curtiss 
(father of Gen. Lyman Curtiss), Samuel Eoyce, Noah Tut- 
tlc, Andrew Tuttle, Benjamin Barnes, Benjamin Barnes, 
Jun., Philip Barnes, Israel Stoddard, and Mr. Carrier. 
Judge Israel Stoddard came to Camden in 1798, and pur- 
chased a farm, upon which was a small house, and he again 
arrived with his family about the middle of May, 1 799. 
Upon his arrival at his house, he found that a funeral was 
being attended within it. A Mrs. Bacon, with her infant 
child, and another woman, who.'^e name was not ascertained 
by the writer, were crossing Mad River in a canoe, and 
when near the middle of the stream, the canoe was acciden- 
tally overturned, and the three left to the mercy of the 
rapid current. Mr. Carrier, who was near by, plunged in 
and rescued the woman, but Mrs. Bacon and child wcro 



Vin.J CAMDEX 1 



<•)<--, 



drowned. It was the funeral of the mother and child which 
the Judge found when he and his family arrived at their 
new homo. These were the first deaths in the town. 

Camden village^ a very handsome, thriving place, is located 
upon the east side of Mad River, and contains about five 
hundred inhabitants. The village contains two common 
achool districts, with about 125 children each. An unincor- 
porated Academy occupies the lower story of the town hall, 
and has usually from fifty to sixty students in attendance. 
The common schools in town and village are generally well 
attended, and flourishing. There are fifteen districts, and 
parts of districts, in the town. 

In the village there are a good flouring mill and two saw 
mills, four shingle machines, two tanneries, six stores, one 
grocery, six blacksmiths' shops, a woolen factory, employing 
from ten to twelve persons, and two iron foundries, connected 
■with machine shops and plow factories, in which are manu- 
factured all kinds of mill irons, and various patterns of plows," 
tliree taverns, and four churches. 

In West Camden there are a store and a tavern. There 
are twenty-two saw mills in the town. 



KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The First Congregational Church in Camden was organ- 
ized in Paris, in this county, on the 19th of February, 1798. 
by the Rev. Eiiphalet Steele, then the pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church of Paris Hill. It consisted of eight 
members, four males and four females, who were dismissed 
from Mr. Steele's church, viz. : — Benjamin Barnes and 
Jemima his wife, Noah Tuttle and Thankful his wife. 
Philip Barnes and Laura his wife, Ruth Barnes, wife of 



134 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ClIAP. 

Oliver Barnes, and Benjamin Barnes, Jun. Tims organ- 
ized, the Church removed to Camden, then a part of the 
town of Mexico. The first sermon preached in the place 
vras by the Rev. Joshua Johnson, of Redfield, from Isaiah 
xxxv. 1: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be 
glad for them: and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as 
the rose." Within the year 1799, the church and society 
erected a house of worship, and the pews were sold for the 
support of preaching. The pews continue to be sold annu- 
ally to raise money for the same purpose. In September, 
1800, twelve were received from various other churches, and 
in November, 1803, eleven others were added to their num- 
ber. June 5, 1803, several of the members of this church, 
and several others, in all twenty-three, were organized into a 
church, called the Second Conjrrea'ational Church of Camden, 
and this society subsequently erected a house of worship. 

In 1807, the First Church and congregation erected and 
enclosed a meeting house. 

October G, 1809, they gave the Rev. Ebenczcr Laven- 
worth a call to become their pastor, which was accepted, and 
he was duly ordained and installed. He was a plain preach- 
er, and during his ministry tliirty-six were added to his 
church. 

October 13, 1813, he was dismissed, at his own re- 
quest, and removed to Pompey ; and the church received 
.stated' supplies from the Rev. ^Icssrs. Brainard, Sweezy, and 
others. Mr. Sweezy's labors were much blessed, and in 
the following winter Rev. Oliver P^astman, from Vermont, 
pireached to the church, and as a result of their labors, and 
the revival which followed, fifty were added to the church. 
A society was soon organized under the statute, by the name 
of the Union Congregational Society. The terras of union 
were, that meetings should be held in the houses of worship 



Vni.] - CAMDEN. .  13 



oo 



of the two churclies alternately, and in proportion to the 
amount raised by each for the support of preaching. 

In 1815, the Second Church united with the First Church, 
and subsequently but one organization was maintained. 

In February, 1817, Henry Smitli, a native of Durham, 
N. H., a graduate of Bowdoin College, and a licentiat-^ ot 
the Salem Association, was unanimously called by the 
church and society to become their pastor. The call was 
•-iccepted, and he was duly ordained and installed by a bo'dy 
of ministers from the Oneida Presbytery = and the Oneida 
Association. The llev. John Frost, of the Oneida Pres- 
bytery, preached the ordination sertoon. from 1 Tim. iii. 1. 

In the autumn of 1818, by its request, this church was 
dismissed from the Oneida Concrreirational Association, and 
united with the Oneida Presbytery, upon the "accommodating 
plan," reserving to itself the congregational form of govern- 
jnent. 

The labors of Mr. Smith were greatly blessed to the good 
of the people. In 1818 and 1821 there were accessions to 
the church; and in 1824 about sixty, and in 182.5 about 
seventy were added to their number. But 1826 was the 
crowning year of all, and justly styled, '• the great revival.'' 
As a result of this revival, more than 150 were added to this 
church, while many others united with other churches and 
denominations. Defections followed, but the pastor being a 
•• peace maker," the wanderers were generally reclaimed, and 
that too without compromising any principle on his part. 
Upon the organization of the Oswego Presbytery, Jan. 1 7, 
1823, this church, with its pastor, became a member of that 
body. 

During Mr. Smith's labors, the church increased from 100 
to GOO members. Bible classes and Sunday Schools were 
fostered by him, and were instrumental of great good. 



lo& ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

J\Ir. Smith, after a severe illness of about ten days. died. 
July 19. 1828. lie died in the triumphs of faith. 

The church was without a settled pastor about one year, 
but during this time yyas supplied by the llev. Herman Nor- 
ton and Lewic> H. Loss, and about twenty were added to its 
members. A call was given to Mr. Loss to become its pa^ 
tor. which was accepted, and he was ordained Nov. 1 1, 1829. 
b3' the Oswego Presbytery. Dui"ing the year of the pas^ 
torate of Mr. Loss, forty persons, mostly heads of familie.% 
were added to the church. 

Discordant anti-masonry, with its anti-Christian spirit, 
crept into the church, and Mr. Loss, from a consciousness of 
his want of experience, was induced at the end of the year 
to ask a dismission, which was reluctantly granted. 

The llev. John Barton was soon afterwards procured as a 
preacher, and he continued his labors for iwo years. Kt- 
was well calculated to allay the excitement. The church 
modified its resolutions, and the Masonic members pledgcfl 
themselves to refrain fi"om any connection with the Masonic 
institutions, and thus hannony was restored. 

In August. 1831, a protracted meeting was commcnc-ed. 
under the direction of the llev. J. Burchard. The rcs^ults 
of this meeting were the- hopeful conversion of about 700 
persons, residing in Camden and the adjoining towns. 

Mr. Barton declining to become pastor of the church, his 
labors were terminated afr the close of the two 3'ears, and 
llev. John Gray succeeded him, and preached eight months. 
iSoon afterwards, the Rev. William Lusk presented himself 
as a candidate for settlement, and. after a brief probation, 
was ordained, Feb. 19, 1834. At first he had a large con* 
gregation. but being understood to 1)e somewhat prejudiced, 
against '-new measures," a disaffection was created, and at 
the close of the first year such was the state of affiairs, that 



Via.j • , •, CAMDEN. - 1S7 

fears were entertained that he could not be longer sustained. 
An unhappy division followed, but after a protracted exa- 
mination, the Presbytery advised the continuance of their 
relations. A meeting of the society was called, and after a 
warm discussion by both parties, a vote was passed to give 
Mr. Lusk the six months' notice of their wish to have the 
pastoral relation dissolved, according to the stipulations of 
the settlement. The case was again presented to the Pres- 
bytery, and that body granted the request of the majority of 
the society, and the fall his labors terminated. 

In 183G, their divisions had become in a great measure 
healed, and the society made a successful effort to repair 
their meeting house. The pulpit was supplied for a year 
and a half by the Rev. Messrs. William Fuller and John 
(yross. and Mr. Fuller was successful in a'atherins; in a num- 
ber of converts. A sufficient sum was raised by tlie sale of 
slips to justify the calling of a pastor, and an invitation was 
therefore given to the Rev. John Barton, which was ac- 
cepted, and he was duly installed. He continued his labors 
with them for eight years, and was an instrument of niucli 
good to the people of his charge. During this term, there 
were 120 additions, 97 were dismissed, and 28 died. At the 
installation of Mr. Barton, the ehiirch numbered 325 mem- 
bers. His labors closed in the fall of 1844. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. R. Richard Kirk, who was installed Oct. 
7. 1 845. Mr. Kirk continues his labors with eneom-aging 
prospects, and enjoys the confidence of a large and respec- 
table congregation. Thirty-five have been added to the 
church since the commencement of his labors, and at this 
time it numbers 325 members. 

A few incidents will close the history of this church. Mrs. 
Thankful Northrop, one of the pioneers in the settlement of 
Camden, and one of the original members of the. churck 



138 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTT. [clIAF. 

when organized at Paris Hill, (she vras then the wife of Noali 
Tuttle.) is yet a frequent attendant at church, and a regular 
juember of the Sunday School.* 

Since 1815. the church has experienced eighteen extensive 
revivals, and has received about 1,100 members, a large 
majority of whom have changed their relation, to bear tes- 
timony in other spheres to the truths of the Gospel, and the 
blessings of its institutions. .: 

At an early period the society received a donation rt 
land from the heirs of Mr. John 3Iurray, the avails of 
which produce an annual income of $11 •2. This fund is 
perpetual. 

* Since penning the above, the writer lias received the intelli- 
gence that this good old lady has gone to her rest. She died the 
]lth of February, 1819, being her birlh-day. having completed her 
.*»4th year. 

, ' 'fj ■..' 



;X.] DEEHFIELD. 



139 



CHAP»TETl IX. 

BEERFIELD. 

By an act of the Legislature, passed March 15, 1798. the 
County of Oneida was taken from Herkimer County, with 
its eastern boundary commencing on the south-east corner of 
the town of Bridgewater, and running north on the east line 
of Bridgewater to the south-east corner of Paris, thence on 
the same line continued on the east line of Paris and Whites- 
town, to the southerly line of Cosby's Manor. Thus far, the 
county line was upon the original line of Whitestowu, as 
established in 1788. Commencing on the southerly line of 
Cosby's Manor, the county line diverged from the original 
line of Whitestown, by running north-easterly in a direct 
line to the northerly bounds of Cosby's Manor at a point 
where the same is intersected by the division line between 
Gage's and Walton's Patents, thence northerly upon the 
line between Walton's and Gage's Patents to the West 
('anada Creek, thence northerly up the waters of said creek 
to the forks thereof, &c. The line of the county thus di- 
verging from the original line of Whitestown, left portions 
of the towns of Frankfort and Schuyler in the county of 
Oneida. The act then proceeded to annex the part so left 
of Frankfort to Whitestown, and then organized the town 
of Deerfield of the part taken from Schuyler, providing that 
the first town meeting should be held at the house of Ezra 
Payne. The author has been thus particular in the descrip- 



140 . ANNALS OF ONEIDA C:OIj"NTY. [cHAP. 

tlou of this line, from the fact that heretofore there has been 
some uncertainty in the minds of a portion of the early set- 
tlers of the county as to when, and how, the east line of 
Whitestuwn (which crossed the Mohawk at the fording place 
now the foot of Genesee street, Utica) had been carried far- 
ther east than it ran originally. 

The history of the first settlement of Deerfield contains 
much of interest. 

In 1773, George J. Weaver, Capt. Mark Damoth, and 
('hristian Eeall, moved to the vicinity of Deerfield Corners. 
Imilt themselves log houses, and commenced clearing awav 
the forest. Little is known of their trials and hardships up 
to 177G. Like a large proportion of the Dutch on the 
jMohawk, these settlers were staunch "Whigs. Not having 
the sign of being tories at their doors, (this sign was the 
scull bone of a horse upon the top of a stake), they were 
marked for the firebrand and the scalping knife. In the 
summer of 1776 an Indian, believed to have been an Oneida; 
and V)'ho for some cause had received the sobriquet of Blue 
2?«c/.-, was hunting northwardly from the settlement, and in 
tlie viciuit}' of Canada Creek. While thus occupied he came 
xipon a party of tories and Indians, who were very particular 
in their inquiries respecting the little settlement at the 
Corners. IJlue Back gave such answers as he chose, and the 
l)arty proceeded in the direction of the settlement. After 
tliey were out of sight, ]>lue Black, who was well acquainted 
with, and the fast friend of the settlers, and boding no good 
to them from the visit they were about to receive, determined 
to apprize them of their danger. For this purpose, being well 
acquainted with the intervening hills, swamps, and thickets, 
with all the rapidity of the Indian scout, he hasted to their 
settlement, and gave them timely warning of their danger 
Soon their scanty furniture was hidden in the forest, and 



IX.] DEERFIELD. ' 141 

the women and cliiUlren, in a wagon, accompanied by the 
men on foot, were rapidly wending their way to Little Stone 
Arabia, a small fort, Avhich was situated in the pi-esent town 
of Schuyler. The time was but brief ere the Indians and 
tories were in the settlement, but "the birds had flown."' and 
nothing was left upon which to vent their disappointed spite, 
tixcept the empty dwellings. To these the brand was ap- 
plied, and their charred ruins were all that was left of the 
first settlement of Deerfield. 

If thus successful in their escape were these pioneers, yet 
in the succeeding troublous times of the Revolution, two of 
them at least came in for a full share of the sufiering which 
fell so heavily upon the good Dutch inhabitants of the 
Mohawk valley. Mr. Pamoth, who had previously ^resided 
at Herkimer, returned to that place, and soon afterwards 
received a Captain's commission in a company of rangers. 
In an attack upon that place, he had an arm so shattered, 
that it never afterwards entirely recovered, and on account 
of which he received a pension to the close of his life. 

Mr. Weaver was hardly as fortunate. He was taken pri- 
soner near Herkimer, by a party of tories and Indians, and 
from thence, by the way of Oswego, was taken to Canada. 
He was kept in such close confinement in the prison at 
<^uebec, that for nine months he never saw the sun, moon, or 
stars. From Quebec he was taken to England, where, after 
liaving been a prisoner for more than two years, he was ex- 
changed, and returned to his native valley. 

In the summer of 1784, as a singular coincidence, after all 
the casualties of war, when it could be truly said, "there was 
scarcely an individual in the whole Mohawk valley who had 
not mourned a father, mother, brother, daughter, or lover 
slain,"' after the guns of the tories, and the firebrand, toma- 
hawk, and scalping knife of the less savage Indians bad ren- 



142 ANXALS OB' ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

dercd this beautiful aud fertile valley almost a desert waste, 
tiiccie three first settlers and their families were again united 
upon their old farms, planting and gathering crops in the 
Bamc fields their own hands had cleared, at Deerfield Cor- 
ners. About the same time, Peter "Weaver, Nicholas 
Weaver, George Weaver (oi-iginally spelt Weber), George 
Damoth, Nicholas Harter, and Philip Harter, arrived and 
settled in the neighborhood. Of these, Nicholas Harter 
only survives, and now (autumn of 1850), at the age of 
ninety years, in the enjoyment of a green old age, witli. 
apparently, but few of the infirmities of so long a life, he is 
left to recount the sufferings, trials, exploits, and incidents of 
the Revolution to a new generation. He was born at Her- 
kimer.-and although but a lad, was familiar with the paths 
to old Forts Schuyler and Stanwix, and the settlement at 
Deerfield, prior to the war. He married the daughter of 
Capt. Damoth (Damoot as pronounced by the Dutch, and 
Damewood by the early New England settlers). With a 
hearty laugh he related to the writer a "scrape" he once 
witnessed in the Mohawk, near the foot of Genesee street, 
Utica. A few days after the Oriskany battle, a party 
started from the Mohawk settlements witli a number of 
beef cattle for the garrison at Fort Stauwix, and several 
women took this opportunity of an escort to visit their hus- 
bands who belonged to the garrison ; the women on horse- 
back, while the cattle drivers were on foot. Upon arriving 
at the fording place in the Mohawk at the point named, and 
as one of the women was descending the steep bank to the 
river, a brawny Dutchman, who did not wish to wet his feet, 
jumped upon the liorse's back, behind the woman. The 
horse, offended cither on account of this unceremonious ac- 
cession to his load, or else the reversed order in which bis 
cargo was arranged, sprang forward, and by "a well-directed 



IX J W/: i.v DEERFIELD. : , //a 14a 

eflfort,"' threw the Dutchman into the contfe of the stream, 
while the woman landed in safety. 

The early settlement of Deerfield was eonfined to that 
portion of the town lying in the Mohawk valley, and the hill 
sides adjoining. The Coxes and Coffins settled in the north 
part of the town, near Canada Creek, some "fifteen or twenty 
years afterwards. "''  ' . . 

Reall's Creek is the small mill stream that ri.ses in the 
high laud between Canada Creek and the Mohawk, and 
running past the Corners, empties into the Mohawk. It 
received its name from the Reall mentioned as one of the 
first settlers; his first house, which was burnt by the Indians, 
stood upon its bank. His second house is yet standing. 

In 1792, the first bridge was erected over the Mohawk, 
between Utica and Deerfield. To insure more help, it wa.s 
raised on Sunday. George M. Weaver, son of George J. 
Weaver, and his wife, with their little son, the present 
George M. Weaver, of Deerfield, were on their way to the 
raising, and when about half way from the Corners to Utiea. 
and some twenty or thirty rods above the present McAdani 
road, their dog treed a bear. Mr. Weaver left his wife and 
son with the dog, to keep the animal up the tree, while he 
returned for his gun. The peculiar barking of the dog had 
apprised the inhabitants of '• Old Fort Schuyler," that valu- 
able game was on foot, and a number of them arrived with 
their guns at about the same time that Mr. Weaver re- 
turned. Four or five shots were made in quick succession, 
and poor Bruin's life paid the forfeit for his temerity in 
approaching so near the site of an embryo city. 

Dr. Francis G.uiteau was elected first Supervisor, and 
Isaac Bravton Town Clerk. 

The intervale land, so celebrated as the Mohawk Flats, is 
alluvial, and the soil such as is common to bottom land. 



144 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAP. 

]>ack from this is a gravelly jtlain, naturally good for grain ; 
but too much cropping, with too little manure, has in many 
instances rendered it less productive than it should he. 
From tliis plain rises, and in some places quite abruptly, 
the high land adverted to, between the 3Iohawk and West 
('anada Creek, known as Deerfield Hill. This hidi land is 
better adapted to grass than grain. The forests of this high 
land have for many years supplied Utica with a large por- 
tion of its fuel, but these have now almost disappeared, and 
but a few years will elapse before, instead of taking wood to 
Utica, coal will have to be brought for home consumption. 

Deerfield Corners is a village of considerable business, 
containing a dry goods store, a number of groceries, and a 
tavern. Between the Corners and Utica, nearly all the 
bricks used for building in the city of Utica have been 
made. They are made from the alluvial deposits of the 
Mohawkj and are durable weather bricks. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The contiguity of the thickly-settled portion of this town 
to Utica, where large congregations of the diiferent denomi- 
nations assemble regularly for worship, has caused quite a 
proportion of the church-going population of this town to join 
the different societies in that city. The Baptists gathered a 
church in 1798; the second or third Baptist Church organ- 
ized within the limits of the county, and erected a house of 
worship a short distance below the Corners. Elder Oded 
Eddy was ordained about this time, and became the first 
pastor of this church, which relation he sustained for twenty- 
four years. From the causes mentioned, this body has lot^t 
its visibility, but the denomination hold meetings occasionally 



jx.] ^''' deerpielb. -'-'^'►" 145 

in their house. Elder John Leland, a man of extended 
fame for his strong native powers of mind ; . and as a preacher, 
statesman, and politician, when upon visits to his son, John 
D. Leland, Esq., preached in this place ; and it is needless to 
say, that if timely notice was given, a large audience was 
insured. 

The Methodists also hold meetings occasionally in tlie 
Baptist meeting house. 

The North Deerfield and South Trenton Baptist Church 
reported fifty-four members in 1850. Rev. Albert Cole 
pastor. Elder A. F. Eockwell (now of Utica) was pas- 
tor in 1841; Elder S. S. Hayward from 1842 to 1844; 
Elder Nelson Ferguson in 184-5-6; Elder Wra. A Wells in 
1847-9. The services of the church are divided between 
North G-age in Deerfield, and South Trenton. Of the his- 
tory of this church prior to 1841, the author has obtained 
no particulars. 

In 1845, this town had 2.347 inhabitants, and contained 
one grist mill, eight saw mills, one fulling mill, and one card- 
ing machine, besides various mechanics' shops. There are 
no factories in this town. . • .... 



10 



146 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 



['•',1 ^. »;'■■> I ' 
•_ '. '1' iff! 



CHAPTER X. 

FLORENCE. 

The settlement of tins town was commenced in the fall of 
J 801. At this time Amos Woodworth, father of the Hon. 
Amos "Woodworth now residing in the town, settled within 
about half a mile of its north line. John Spinning, at about 
the same time, settled on what is now known as the State 
Eoad, two miles south-easterly from Florence village : and ;» 
Mr. Turner also, at about the same time, moved into the 
town. These three settlers had each fifty acres of land given 
them by William Henderson, of the city of New York, who 
had previously purchased the fourth township of Scriba's 
Patent. The land was given as a bonus to induce them to 
commence the settlement of the township. Perhaps there 
wei;e others who had land given them, but of this no satisfac- 
tory information has been obtained. Very shortly after 
these first settlers had moved into the town, Azariah Orton, 
a Mr. Crawford and his son Clark Crawford, and Noraian 
"Waugh, settled in the south part of the town, and Benoni 
liarlow, Ebenezer Barlow, Ambrose Curtiss,Ephraim Wriglit, 
Joseph Olcott, and Benjamin Youngs, settled on that part of 
the town known as '■ Florence Hill.'' 

Nathan Tliompson, who for many years kept a public 
house in what is now known as East Florence, and who was 
succeeded in the tavern by his son Aaron H. Thompson, 



X.J , rLORE.N'CE. 



Ut 



Esq., visited tlie town in 1801, but did not arrive with his 
family until the 6th of May of the next spring. 

The settlement of this town, in common with the north- 
ern tier of towns, progressed more slowly than the other 
t^ections of the County. Indeed, until within the last ten 
years, quite a portion of the land had not been purchased 
by actual settlers. In general the land is cold, and there is 
];ut occasionally a year in which Indian corn comes to matu- 
rity. "With but few exceptions, the soil is stony, and in 
many instances after cultivation the land is almost covered 
with cobble and fiat stones, a large portion of which are too 
^^mall to make permanent wall for fences. The town is better 
for grazing than grain. Where the farmers have turned 
their attention to dairying, they have been successful, and it 
is believed that eventually, this town will furnish a fair pro- 
]jortion of butter and cheese for market. Being elevated, 
with a clear, bracing atmosphere, and pure water, it is un- 
usually healthy. 

Within the last three years, the author was at Florence 
Hill. When about to start to go down to the village, a fine 
rosy faced little boy of some twelve or fourteen summers, 
very politely asked if he could ride about two miles. Tlie 
request was granted. He was intelligent and communicativa 
In reply to inquiries in relation to the productions of the 
soil, he said, " grass did very well, they could not raise much 
rorn, oats did a little better, that the land was so cold they 
could not raise much grain of any kind, but then it is vcn/ 
Jiealtky:^ There was a moral to be gleaned from the closing 
remark of the boy. How little can be enjoyed, in a country, 
let the soil be ever so rich, and its productions luxuriant, if 
obtained by the sacrifice of health, and how sweet the coarsest 
food if seasoned with a good appetite. We could not lielp 
internally saying, — that is right my little fellow, always look 
at the bright side of the picture. 



148 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

There is a quarry of good building stone on Little Kivcr, 
about half a mile below Florence village. The town is hilly, 
but not mountainous. It is Avell watered with numerous 
springs and streams. 

Mad Rh'er is the most considerable stream in the town. 
It enters on its north line, and flowing quite through tlie 
town of Florence, passes into the town of Camden some little 
distance above Camden villa<re. It is but a small stream 
where it enters the town, but swelled by its numerous little 
tributaries from the hill country on either side, it leaves the 
town a very considerable stream for water power. Little 
Kiver is the name of the stream on which Florence village 
is situated. Although not large, still from its extensive full, 
it is capable of turning quite an amount of machinery. It 
must not be confounded with its namesake which empties 
into Mad Iliver from the west, between Camden village and 
McConnelsville. This Florence Little liiver wdiich empties 
into Mad River on its easterly side, adds still more to the 
singularity of the names of the streams in the " Fish Creek 
Nation," as this portion of the county has sometimes been 
called. Mad River, two Little Rivers, with numerous 
smaller streams united, meet Fish Creek at the Forks, when 
conjointly, they form but a creek to the Oneida Lake, 

By the act organizing the town of Florence, the first town 
meeting was to be held at the house of John Spinning. . The 
town meeting was held agreeably to the terms of the act, on 
the first Tuesday in April, 1805. The meeting was held in 
a small framed house in which Mr. Spinning kept a tavern : 
with its moss-grown roof it is yet standing. It is on the east 
side of the State Road, about two miles south-easterly from 
Florence village, and can readily be distinguished by the 
traveller by a large ornamental pine, that stands in such close 
contiguity as to nearly or quite touch one of its corners. At 



'X.J FLORENCE. 140 



the first town meeting, x\sa Jenkin.s was elected Supervisor, 
and David Younff, Town Clerk. Mr. Jenkias held the office 
for six successive years. Then Benoni Barlow was elected 
at nine succeedinc; town meetina-s. It seems at the close of 
Mr. Barlow's services there was a vacancy, whether from his 
resignation or removal, does not appear by the records. 
Samuel Stanford was elected at a special town meeting to fill 
the vacancy, and served that and the succeeding year. Then 
Calvin Dawley held the office for five years, Amos Wood- 
worth (Junior) six years, Simon Davis two years, Charles 
Curtiss two years, Safford S. Delano two years, Xathan 
Thompson one year, Varniim Dunton one year, Anthony 
Empey two years, Daniel G. Dorreuce two years, Watson 
Sammons one year, Aaron H. Thompson three years, and 
John Downes, Jun., was elected in 1851. who is the present 
incumbent. 

The tov.'n owns the basement of the Baptist Church in the 
village, and use it for all town purposes, such as elections, 
town meetings, etc;. 

Florence village is a small but thriving village, centrally 
located in the town. It contains between fifty and sixty 
■dwelling houses, and about 300 inhabitants. It has two 
physicians, and a Catholic clergyman, three dry goods stores. 
one drug store, one clothing store attached to a tailor's shop, 
two blacksmith shops, two wagon and sleigh makers' shops. 
four boot and shoe shops, one harness and saddler's shop, and 
one cabinet shop. There are also in the limits of the village 
one grist and three saw mills. 

Its largest source of prosperity is its tanneries, the most 
extensive of which was formerly known as Stranahan's. but 
for the last three years owned and worked by the Hon. Lewis 
Kider, the present member of Assembly from the third 
district in this county. He has nearly or quite doubled the 



1 55 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

amount of business since he commenced, three years since. 
He employs from fifteen to twenty-five hands through the 
year. The present year he will tan from 26.000 to 28.000 
sides of sole leather. This is done on commission. He has 
on hand at the close of the winter of 1851, over 3,000 cords 
of hemlock bark. This cost two dollars per cord delivered. 
He uses also from 1,000 to 1,200 cords of wood' in a year. 
The water power is insufficient to grind the large amount of 
bark needed in the establishment, so that recourse is had to 
a steam power for the remainder. 

Mr. John Sliter has a smaller tannery in which he man- 
ufactures both upper and sole leather. He tans 1.200 sides 
of sole, and 400 sides of upper and harness leather, 400 skins, 
and uses 150 cords of bark the present year. 



nELIGIOUS SOCJETIES. 

The fir.-^t church organization in the town of Florence wa.s a 
Congregational Church on Florence Hill, December 16, 1816. 
At the time of its formation, it consisted of ten members? 
three males and seven females. AYhen constituted, it was on 
the congregational plan of government, but early joined the 
Presbytery on the accommodation s^'stem. It had so increa-sed, 
tliat it reported to the Presbytery, January 1, 1829, sixty- 
eight communicants, in 1832 and in 1834, seventy-two in 
each year. From this time it declined in numbers until 
1845, when it reported but forty members. From the time 
of its formation up to 1825, the church had no pastor, but 
was supplied with preacliing quite a portion of the time by 
clergymen cin ployed fur different lengths of time. October 
7, 1825, they gave tlic llev. Samuel Sweezy a call to settle 
witli them. A society in connection with the church was 



X.] i ■■■— FLORENCE. -:'''''. 151 

formed January 26, 182G, and forthwith became incorporated 
under the statute. Mr. Sweezy, having accepted the call 
was installed March 8, 1826. At a society meeting, held 
February 6, 1826, a vote of thanks to Gerrit Smith was 
passed, " for furnishing part of the glass, a site for the meet- 
ing house, a liberal lot for a burying place, thirty acres of 
land for the benefit of the society, fifty acres to the Rev. 
' Samuel Sweezy, and a subscription of ten dollars a year for 
the support of the Gospel." ' ' ' ' '■ 

In 1825, the meeting house on the hill was commenced, 
but was not completed under two or three years. The Rev. 
Mr. Sweezy now resides in Camden, and the church has lost 
its visibility. . . , 

Methodist Ejnscopal. — There are no records of this deno- 
mination to be found earlier than 1832, still it had organiza- 
tions in the town of a much earlier date. 

^The first class formed was on the Hill, and about thirty- 
five years since. For a time it flourished, and then for quite 
a space it languished, but of late has revived. In the village 
there is a class of about thirty years' standing. They have 
a small, yet neat and convenient, chapel for worship, which 
was erected in 1833. There is another class in the town, of 
about thirty years' standing, on Mad River, which meets 
about three miles below the village. For a time it has been 
in a low state. Although not large, all of these classes are 
now active, flourishing, and prosperous. 

Baptists. — There was a church of this denomination 
formed in this town previous to 1 828, but the precise time of 
its organization can not be ascertained. In that year it 
belonged to the Oneida Baptist Association, and reported to 
that body Iwenty-four members, and that Roger Maddock, a 



15ii ANXALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [cHAr. 

liccutiatc. was i^reacliing to them. Mr. Maddock labored 
■with this church imtil 1831. when he was returned as an 
ordained preacher. In 1835 it reported sixty-four members, 
and James B. Oicott as preacher. This was the largest 
number to which it arrived. 

In 183G, Dcnison Alcott, a licentiate, as preacher, and 
lifty-three naenibers. In 1837, Benjamin Fuller as preacher, 
and fifty-five members. Mr. Fuller continued his labors to 
this people for a number of years. The last time this body 
reported to tlic Association was in 1841, when it had become 
reduced to tliirty-four members. For a number- of years it 
has lost its visibility. In its palmy days it erected a very 
respectable house for worship in the village. 

In 1833, the denomination started a school for the edu- 
cation of young men, combining somewhat of the manual 
labor system. 

In 1834, they erected a large three story stone buiWing 
for the school. The school, however, prospered for but ;t 
few years, and at length was discontinued for want of patron- 
age. Some few years since, the Catholics purchased thi.- 
building for a church, aaid it is now surmounted with a cross. 
At this time a majority of the inhabitants of Florence 
ai'C Catholics, and the clergyman of that denomination in 
Florence villa irc is the only one sustained ia the town. 



IiEHixiscENX'Es. — The name of Nathan Thompson, one of 
the early settlers of Florence, who moved into- the town iu 
the spring of 1802, has been mentioned. lie was a native 
of New London, Ct., but had lived the most of his life time 
luitil his removal, in Sandisfield, Mass. When he arrived, 
there was but one hou.sc between that of John W. Bloom,- 



X.] '.•• , FLORENCE. 'r.h 153 

field, Esq.. at what is now Taberg, and the house of John 
Spinning, two miles easterly from Florence village, a dis- 
tance, by the route then travelled, of about twentj'-two miles. 
Tlie name of this settler was John Rogers. ]Mr. Thompson 
says he had to depend entirely upon wild game for his supply 
of animal food. "With his gun he selected with care the 
fattest and sleekest from the numerous herd of deer that 
then abounded in the forest. ^  •■' .. \ 

The 11th of July, 1809, was an eventful day to our settlei*. 
Indeed, the preservation of his life would seem almost mira- 
culous. He was engagx^d in drawing wood to his door, with 
a single horse, by draughts. "When about to hitch the chain 
to one, the horse started, and the hook of the chain caught 
through the flesh, and taking up the tendons under his left 
knee. Thus fastened, the beast drew him at full speed along 
a crooked path, over knolls, and through the mire, a distance 
of twenty-five rods, when it was brought to a pause by a 
fence that crossed the track, but was evidently preparing to 
leap it, when Mr. Thompson, whose presence of mind had 
not forsaken him, disengaged the hook before the plunge, 
and thus escaped almost certain death. 

He was taken into the house, and was confined to his bed 
four months. The wound was a most frightful one, of full 
ten inches in length, while the tendons were loosened from 
tlieir ligaments from the knee to the heel. His back and 
arms were terribly lacerated. The celerity of the ride was 
such, that some persons who soon examined the route, found 
that in a number of instances he cleared by actual measure- 
ment ten feet at a bound. The hideous scar attests in full 
the truth of the statement. 

The sterility of the soil has been noticed. The following 
ludicrous description of the failure of a portion of the first 
settlers, it is presumed, will not be entirely uninteresting to, 



154 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 



the reader. The author travelled through this town in June, 
1813, and called at Thompson's tavern to refresh himself and 
beasts. Our landlord was busy in attending to the out-door 
duties of the establishment, while his good lady assumed 
occasionally some of the duties in the bar. Between Fi.sh 
Creek and our stopping place, we had observed that about one 
half of the log domicils had been abandoned, and were tenant- 
less. The landlady was appealed to for the reasons for so 
general a desertion. With much sang-froid she replied, '• that 
some were too lazy to work and had to clear out to keep from 
starving, others of this class, rather than starve, would steal 
a yoke of oxen, and they had to be sent to State's Prison, but 
the greater part failed, in not knowing how to farm it on such 
land, for they did not know that sorrel seed was worth more to 
them by the bushel than clover seed, because more natural to 
the soil." 

In 1845 there were two crist mills, ten saw mills, and 
three asheries in the town. 



I 
t 



XI.] TLOTD. ■' ' 155 



CHAPTER XI. 



FLOYD. 



This town was named in honor of General William Floyd, 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, a 
sketch of whose biography is given in the history of the town 
of Western, Chap. XXVII. Gen. Floyd was the owner by 
purchase of considerable land in this town in Fonda's Patent, 
and among which w^ere a 500 acre lot, upon wliich "Floyd 
Corners" is located; also another 500 acre lot, and quite a 
number of other lots ; but how much in the aggregate, has 
not been ascertained. 

After making the most careful and diligent inquiry, the 
author has been xmable to ascertain the year in which the 
first settler moved into the town, or the name of the pioneer 
who led in advance the "forlorn hope" into its forests. 
However, from the best information obtained, it is probable 
that Capt. Benjamin Pike was the first settler, and that he 
removed into the town in the year 1790. Not much later, 
however, Stephen Moulton, the younger, settled in the town. 
Shortly after, but in what year could not be ascertained, 
William Allen, Nathaniel Allen, and James Chase, arrived 
in the town together. Mrs. Allen, the relict of William 
Allen, is yet living. She says that when they arrived, Capt. 
JBenjamin Pike, Elisha Lake, and a man named Howard, 
resided below the present residence of Linus Moulton. At 
a very early period, two brothers of the name of Howard 



156 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cifAP. 

resided about lialf a mile cast of the Corners. Not much 
later, Hope Smith settled in the town. He was tlie father 
of Stephen R. Smith, one of the earliest and most popular 
Universalist preachers in the county. 

David Byam, James Bartlett, and a Mr. Putney, were the 
earliest settlers in the north part of the town. Jarvis Pike, 
a son of Capt. Benjamin Pike, if he did not move into the 
town with his father, very soon followed him.* 

As early as February, 1795, the different members of the 
Moulton family from Stafford, Connecticut, had settled in 
this town. As before mentioned, Stephen Moulton the 
younger was among the earliest settlers. "Within five years 
after his arrival, his father, Stephen IMoulton. and four 
other sons, Salmon, Joseph, Benjamin, and Ebenezer, had 
moved into the town. Stephen, Sen., and Stephen, Jun., 
a.nd Joseph and Benjamin (twins), are dead. The obituary 
of Stephen the j-ounger is given at the close of this chapter. 
Salmon, now ninety-three years of age, and Ebenezer, aged 
eighty-one years, yet reside in the town. Salmon (May. 
1851) enjoys good health, but is so far deprived of hearing, 
tliat the author, after repeated efforts, gave up in despair of 
gleaning from the fund of important reminiscences he pos- 
sessed of the early settlement of Floyd. The Moulton 
family were among the staunchest Whigs of the Revolution 
in the land of '• steady habits," and sacrificed much in the 
cause of their country. Salmon was taken prisoner on Long 
Island, and suffered all the horrors of a confinement in the 
'•Sugar House," a place more noted for tlie suffering of its 
inmates than the "Black Hole" of Calcutta, because more 
protracted. A more particular notice of the sufi"eriugs of the 

i 

* A lease was shown t)ie author, executed by 'William Floyd to 

Jarvis Pike, of a lot northerly from the " Corners,"' dated at AVhitea. 
town, Herkimer County, October 26, 1793. 



XI.] FLOYD. 157 

American prisoners In the - Sugar House," is given in the 
history of Westmoreland, in speaking of Capt. Phineas Bell. 
Mr. Moulton was kept so short of provisions, that he and his 
compatriots used to chew pieces of the oak staves of the 
sugar casks left in their prison, for the little nutriment they 
contained. His father, Col. Stephen Moulton, was after- 
wards taken prisoner at (as is understood) Fort Washington, 
and there confined. After a tedious confinement in the 
" Sugar House," Salmon was paroled to leave for Fort Wash- 
ington, and soon after both father and son were paroled to go 
to their homes. 

William Allen, Esq., whose name has been Introduced as' 
one of the earliest settlers of this town, died about seven 
years since. His former acquaintances assured the writer, 
that if he had been applied to while living, a much more 
perfect early history of Floyd could have been obtained than 
from any source now left, as his retentive memory was well 
stored with much that was useful and entertaining. 

Samuel Dyer. Esq., was one of the early settlers of this 
town. After a number of years' residence, he sold his farm, 
and removed to what Is now the town of Marcy. He was a 
man of great good sense, yet it seems that neitner Philomela 
nor Orpheus had very nicely attuned his ear to the harmony 
of '-sweet sounds." Upon one occasion. Esquire Dyer was 
at the ofiice of the late Thomas R. Gold, in Whitesboro. 
Mr. Gold had just purchased for his daughters a piano, 
which was among the first, If not the first, brought into the 
coxmty. Mr. Gold gave Esquire Dyer an invitation to go 
to his house, to listen to the music of the instrument. The 
invitation was accepted, although it Is probable no very rich 
treat was anticipated. Awhile the "many strings" of the 
instrument were made to vibrate the richest music, from the 
delicate touches of the daughter. Mr. Gold, in raptures, 



158. ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

asks his guest if lie had ever heard such charming music 
before. " Yes, yes," was the prompt reply. What could it 
have been? was now asked, and the response given, "That 
of half a dozen men whetting their scythes in my meadow 
before breakfast." 

Captain Nathan Townsend moved into Floyd in 1801, and 
settled upon the farm now owned and occupied by his son. 
AVilliam Townsend, in the south-easterly part of the town. 
This farm was purchased of Governor George Clinton, who 
had previously purchased the whole of Sumner's Patent, 
which was located between Holland Patent and Fonda's 
Patent. Gen. Floyd's purchases were made from the last- 
named Patent, which was located in the central and westerly 
parts of the town. Previous to Capt. Towusend's purchase 
of this lot, one Turner Ellis had been in 2")Ossession of it, as 
a squatter. 

Capt. Townsend is yet living at Holland Patent village, 
aged eighty-six. He has had seven sons, viz.: — Gardner, 
who resides near Holland Patent ; "William, who resides on 
the homestead in Floyd ; Halsey, who died at the South : 
Palmer, an extensive importing hard-ware merchant in 
New York ; Ingham, a large farmer, who resides upon the 
road from Floyd Corners to Holland Patent ; Nathaniel, a 
resident of New Orleans ; and Nathan, a resident of Cam- 
den, in this county. 

Thomas Bacon was an early settler in tliat part of the 
town known as Floyd Hill. For a time this locality was 
known as Bacon's Hill, from this early inhabitant. Samuel 
Cummings was also a very early settler upon the Hill. 



Geology. — There is nothing peculiar in the geological 
formation of this town, there being neither ores, minerals, or 



XI. J FLOYD. -  159 

Stone quarries within its limits. The extensive quarries of 
stone at Stittville, and other parts of Trenton, in the im- 
mediate vicinity of Floyd, together with the liberal supply 
of bowlders upon the Hill, in a good degree remedy the lack 
of building stones. 

If ever the lake existed, from the Little Falls uniting with 
the Oneida Lake, its northern shore must have been a little 
north of the site of the road running from Floyd Corners to 
Holland Patent. The indications are here strongly in favor 
of the speculation. 

There are no better or more beautiful farms in Oneida 
County than those upon this road. Judging from their high 
state of cultivation, the symmetry, and good condition of the 
farms, the elegance and convenience of their buildings, their 
owners are not only thriving, but wealthy. From this sec- 
tion to the summit of the Hill, the land is better for pastur- 
age and dairying than for grain, and the agriculturalists are 
adapting their farming to their soil, and thrift is manifest in 
their progress. 

The first death in the limits of the town, was that of a Mr. 
Foster, who died from disease. The second was that of 
Nathan Thompson, who was killed while falling a tree. In 
the latter part of the summer of 179G, the dysentery pre- 
vailed among the few inhabitants of the town. Col. Stephen 
Jloulton, Sen., lost his wife, and his son Benjamin lost three 
children, with this disease. The four died within the same week. 

The town of Floyd was taken from Steuben, and organized 
by an act of the Legislature, passed March 4, 179G, its first 
town meeting to be held at the house of Samuel J. Curtiss. 
The first town meeting was held the same spring, and 
Stephen Moulton, Sen,, was elected Supervisor, and Moses 
Coffeen Town Clerk. 

The town records for 1797 are lost. 



l^t) ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

In 1793 and 1799, Abel French held the office of Super- 
vif?or. 

In ISGO. Jarvis Pike was elected Supervisor, and held the 
office for eleven successive years. Since that period, the 
following persons have held the office for the terms specified: 

In 1812, Nathan Townsend, Sen. In 181 3, Ephraini 
llobbinswas elected, and held the office until 1819 inclusive. 
In 1820 and 1821, Nathan Townsend again. In 1822, 
1823, and 1824, Ephraim Robbins again. From 1825 to 
1832 inclusive, Salmon Pelton, and from 1833 to 1837 in- 
clusive, David Moulton were elected. In 1838 and 1839, 
8amuel C. Brooker. In 1840, 1841, and 1842, David 3Ioul- 
ton again. In 1843 and 1844, Hosea Clark. In 184.5. 
David ^Moulton was again elected, and has been re-elected in 
each year to the present time (1851), making fifteen years 
tliat the present incumbent has held the office. 

The first tavern in the town was kept at the Corners, by 
Capt. Benjamin Pike. He kept it, however, but for a short 
time, and was succeeded by 3Ioses Coffeen, who continued in 
the business at that place for several years. 



nELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, AND HOUSES FOn FUDLIC WonSHIP. 

At the Corners there is a very respectable "Union" house 
for public worship. The articles of agreement under which 
this hou.se was erected, are quite peculiar. Each slip in the 
house has an appraised and relative value, and is trans- 
ferable by purchase. On the first Monday in January in 
each year, the proprietors meet, and each has a right to de- 
signate the denomination lie wishes to occupy the house 
during the year. After a list is thus completed, it is ascer- 
tained, in proportion to tlie value of the slips owned, what 



XI.J V ;.'.;,. FLOYD. 161 

proportion each clcnomiuation shall occupy for tlie ensuing 
year. Some years, the Presbyterians, Baptists. Methodists, 
and Universalists, have each put in their claims, and had the 
house in proportion. The present year (1851), the Meth- 
odists have the house three-fourths, and the Baptists one- 
fourth, of the time. As far as ascertained, the action of the 
proprietors has been quite harmonious, liowever unique tlieir 
model. 

The Baptists have a small meeting house upon the Hill, 
where they maintain worship vrhen they do not occupy the 
liouse at the Corners. This Church was organized in 1807, 
under the care of Elder Simeon Jacobs, and in 1816 num- 
bered eighty-three members, of whom twenty-two had been 
baptized the preceding year. From tliat time, for many 
years, no materials for its history have been found. Elder 
R. Z. Williams was pastor in 1841 and 1842, Elder Isaiah 
^latteson in 1843, Elder V. D. Waters in 1844, Elder 
Josiah Hatt in 1846, and Elder Thomas Applegate in 1347. 
In 1850 61 members were reported. ;-,, ,.:  ,; 

The "Welsh Methodists and the Welsh Preshytcrians have 
each a small house for worship on the Hill. And here, as in 
other sections of the county where the Welsh have settled, 
they maintain their national character, in sustaining the 
public worship of the God of their fathers. 

The common schools in Floyd have been well sustained 
and flourishing, until that unequal law, termed the " Free 
School Law," was passed in 1849. Since then, they have but 
fchared the calamity with all the towns in the State, of having 
the cause of popular education rapidly retrograde. 

There are nine school districts, and parts of districts, in 
the town. .,■  , ., ,... .- ,,-, ;.. .■ ,,. •...■,., ,,  ■. 

11 



IG-i ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAP. 

Floyd Corners is the only place in the town which aspires 
to the dignity of being termed a village. Here arc a small 
collection of dwelling houses and mechanic shop.s, a church, 
school house, store, and tavern. The Floyd post office is 
kept here ; it is the only office in the town. 

The Nine Mile Creek forms a portion of the southern 
boundary, and passes through a small section of the south- 
west part of the town. The first mill erected in Floyd was 
upon this stream, at a location known as the Punch Bowl. 
According to the census of 184.5, there were, at that time, 
one grist mill and tliree saw mills in the town. 

The following obituaries of early settlers in Floyd were 
published at the time they bear date in .the Rome Scrdi?ic/, 
and are copied with the belief tlioy will be interesting to the 
reader. 

"DiKD, in Floyd, on tlic 12t]i of December, 1849, Mr. Samuel 
Dcnison, aged 7G years. 

'■ IMr. Denison was one of the early settlers of this county, having 
resided, we think, on the same f\irm for almost half a century. Al- 
though not the first, the town of Floyd was oneof the earliest settled 
towns in the county ; but its pioneers, many of whom have lived to a 
good old age, are drojiping away, and a few years more will have 
I'emovcd all of thcni from the scenes of their early adventures, and 
the home of their manhood and old age. 5Ir. Denison located in 
Floyd in the year 1800, or forty-nine years ago. Several othci-s came 
about the same time, a few jjrior to his arrival, and others soon after ; 
Init we regret that we have not the inlbrmation necessary to a correct 
account of the men and the occurrences of that early period. 

'■ Among the first settlers were Nathan Townsend, James Chase, 
Nathaniel and 'William Allen. Latham and Samuel Denison, Salmon 
Moulton, and, we believe, also the grandfather of Col. David Moul- 
ton, \\hose first name we do not now remember. There are doubtless 
several others, whose names will occur to tho.se longer and Ijetter 
acquainted with the early history of the town. These settlements 
were made in diflerent parts of the town, while it was yet a wilder- 
iies*, and while the whole county was nearly in the .same condition. 
There were settlements of several years' standing in Whitestown, (by 
which name all the county north and west of Utica was then called,). 



XI.] FLOYD. ' 163 

Fort Stoinwix, (now Rome,) Western, Westmoreland, etc. ; but the 
population was sparse, and neighbors few and Air between. It was 
at that day not unusual for the citizens of Floyd to go with ox teams 
to Western, Lee, and other distant towns, to meeting, a task which 
our present inliabitants would hardly feel Avilling to accomplish. 

" Of the pioneer settlers named above, only two now remain, Mr. 
Salmon Moulton and Capt. Townsend, the former still residing in 
Floyd, and the latter at Holland Patent, having retired from his 
farm .■several years ago. Mr. Chase died many years ago, the two 
JNIr. Aliens about six years since, at an advanced age, and Mr. Latham 
Denison some four or five years ago. Mr. Samuel Denison, whose 
recent death has led to this brief and imperfect narrative, had con- 
tinued to reside on the farm where he first located, and to enjoy the 
esteem and respect of his townsmen and acquaintance, until his death 
on Tuesday last His health had for the past three or four years 
been seriously impaired, although such as to admit of the superin- 
tendence of his farm and business affairs. He was celebrated for 
tlie skill and intelligence with which he conducted his farm, and for 
many years has been a constant subscriber to agricultural papers, 
which he has i)erused with much interest, while those younger and 
less experienced have steadily rejected all such aids. 

" How few of our first settlers, of those who cleared up the wil- 
derness, and who have litei'ally made this county to " bud and bIo.s- 
som like the rose," now remain among us. Let us appreciate the 
services, the toils, and privations, as well as imitate the virtues of 
those who have departed, while we respect and minister to the com- 
fort of those who remain among us." 



•' Anotukr Revolutionary Patriot Gone. — Died, at his residence 
in Floyd, N. Y., on the 1st of February, 1851, Stephen Moulton, for- 
merly from Stafford, Ct., aged 91 years, of inflammation of the lungs. 

" He was a member of the celebrated band of musicians of the 
Revolutionary army, under Mr. Timothy Olmstead. He emigrated to 
Floyd sixty-one years since, was one of the pioneer settlers of the 
county, and has occupied the same fkrm from that period. He was 
never sick until his la.^fc sickness, but at all times enjoyed health and 
vigor during a long life, and often boasted that ' the doctors were 
no richer for him, as he never took a portion of their medicine.' He 
was very spry and active to an advanced age, and at the season, 
walked over in the morning from his dwelling to this village, [Rome,] 
some seven miles, priding himself upon being the first to execute 
his pension papers, on the 4th of March and September. He was 



1G4 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

honest and iiarticnlar in his business transactions, and very cautious 
und unwilling to contract a debt; was a kind, considerate, and 
obliging neighbor, liusband, and father. He had the happy faculty 
to 'drive away dull care,' and always a fund of anecdotes to instruct 
and amuse those around him, enjoying, as he was wont, a hearty 
laugh with unmeasured satisfaction. His death occurred about four 
weeks after the attack, and such was the strength of his constitution, 
that his muscular powers were in some force for twelve or fifteen 
hours after his pulse had apparently ceased." 



XII. I KIRKLAND. 



165 



CHAPTER XII. 

KIRKLAND. 

This is a most interesting section of the county. Its 
college and seminaries of learning render it, not only the 
literary and scientific emporium of Oneida County, but of 
central New York. The religious societies of the town are 
of the highest order, and their early records show them as 
models for their cotemporaries and successors. 

The settlement of this town was commenced in March, 
1787, the first emigration having consisted of eight families. 
Some little uncertainty exists as to the names of all the 
Iieads of these eight families, but as to' five of them there 
is ni) dispute. Moses Foot and his three sons, Bronson, 
Luther, and Ira, and his son-in-law Barnabas Pond, were of 
the number ; and there is but little doubt that Levi Shear- 
man and Solomon Hovey were two of the eight; but whether 
Ludim Blodget or Timothy Tuttle made the eighth, must 
remain a matter of uncertainty. But this is a question of 
\ery trifling importance, for in the month of April succeed- 
iuo'. we find the names of Blodget and Tuttle, Samuel Huh- 
bard, Randall Lewis, Cordial Storrs, John Bullen, and Capt. 
Cassety, father of Col. Cassety, — the pioneer of Oriskany 
Falls. — among the settlers. Capt. Moses Foot was the lead- 
ing spirit of the emigrants. 

In the Ml previous (1786), an exploring party of the 
settlers came from the German Flats to Paris Hill, followirg 



106 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COfN^'. [CHAP. 

thus far tlio " OUl !Mo3-cr Road," an Indian trail leading 
from Buffalo to the valley of the Mohawk, at a place some 
distance below Utica, where a Dutchman named Moyer kept 
a tavern. The exploring party left Paris Hill and came to 
the elevated plain near where Daniel P. Northrop and the 
widow Mary Baird now reside, and here the party divided, 
a part wishing to commence operations at this place, while 
the others proceeded to the site of the park, or '-green." in 
the centre of the village of Clinton, equally determined there 
to commence the settlement. A committee was appointed 
by each party, who met upon the banks of the small creek 
near where Scott's slaughter house now stands, but neither 
would yield, and they returned to their constituents without 
having effected a compromise. Subsequently other delegates 
were appointed by each, who settled the dispute, and the 
location of Clinton village was agreed upon for their future 
residence. Tradition asserts that, in the fall of 178G, Ludini 
]?lodget commenced building a log house upon the ground 
where the widow Pliilena Catlin now resides. On the ^Tth 
of Februar}", a few days previously to the arrival of Capt. 
Closes Foot and his party, James Bronson visited the site 
of Clinton Green. Exhausted by his rambles in exploring 
the country, he contrived to construct a shelter by the side, 
of the upturned roots of a large Iienilotk. He was the first 
white person who ever slept in the village of Clinton, and 
so well plea.scd was he with the place, that he afterward.^ 
settled where his grandson Roswell now resides, opposite 
the Liberal Institute. 

But to return to the first settlers. Habitations were first 
to be provided. Huts constructed with crotches and poles, 
and sided and roofed with bark, destitute of floors, doors, or 
windows, were their first domicils. Ludim Blodget coui- 
pletcd the log cabin he had commenced the fall previous. 



XII.] ' ..'T/- KIUKLAND. ..•///. 1G7 

and although built of logs, and covered, as were the huts, 
with bark, it bore quite an aristocratic appearance among its 
more plebeian neighbors just described. 

Mrs. Sobmon Hovey was the first female wlw arrived, 
and of course something extra had to be provided for tlie 
accommodation of her table furniture and wardrobe. Her 
husband felled a large hollow basswood, which grew a few 
feet west from where the Kirkland Bank now stands, and cut- 
ting off a piece of the proper length, split and hewed off one 
of its sides ; this, raised upon end, with a number of shelves 
fitted into it, and placed by the side of their hut, was found 
admirably contrived for a pantry, cupboard, and clothes 
press. A street was laid out, extending north and south, 
from Royce Mansion to the dwelling of Mrs. Kays. To each 
family was set apart a lot of two acres upon this street, and 
upon these lots the first apologies for houses were erected. 

Soon afterwards, and in tlie next 3'ear, additional lots of 
eight acres each, adjoining the two acre lots, were set apart 
to the several families. < j^i u •; i, . i ., 

As soon as their first rude shelters were provided, the 
settlers fell zealously to work to clear for each a piece of 
land, upon which to raise vegetables, and a crop of Indian 
corn. The lofty forest trees which had withstood the storms 
of centuries, were laid kw by the blows of the sturdy axe- 
men. In the course of the summer, the 'place, by common 
consent, was named Clinton, in honor of Clevirge Clinton, 
who was then Governor of the State, and who was largely 
interested in various tracts of land in the present limits of 
the county, some of which were located in the present bounds 
cf Kirkland. it may not be impro^x^r in this place to men- 
tion, that G-eorge Washington, the beloved father of his 
country, was the joint owner with Gov. Clinton of quite a 
jtumbei" of now valuable farms in Oneida County. The lot 



16S ANXAI.S OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

No. 14 in the 5th grand division of CoxeLorough of 31G 
acres, and composing the farm of the late Nathaniel (jriflin. 
of this town, was held by a deed directly from President 
Washington and Gov. Clinton. The author has seen this 
deed, signed by the hands of George Washington and Gov 
Clinton, and witnessed by Tobias Lear and De Witt Clin- 
ton, dated July 2-2, 1790. Within five years past, 1,000 
acres of the Mount Vernon estate have been sold to a com- 
pany of Friends at $25 f)er acre. Washington could hardly 
have anticipated that these cheap wild lands in the vicinity 
of the Oneidas would, Avithin half a century, readily sell for 
twice, and in souie instances three times, the price per acre 
of his beloved Mount Vernon. 

The nearest mill was Wetmore's, at AVhitestown, about 
seven miles distant from Clinton, and at the time of the 
commencement of the settlement, there was no road to it, 
and for portions of the distance there was not even an 
Indian trail through the tangled forests and miry swamps. 
To go to mill and return, was a hard day's journey, especially 
when, for lack of horses, the grain was borne on the back of 
the owner. Capt. Foot was the owner of the first and only 
horse in the place, and this '-sorry jade"' was soon stolen by 
the Indians. In the month of June, 1787, a part}' of the 
settlers turned out and cleared a road sufficient for the 
passage of an ox cart, and the next day Samuel Hubbard 
drove the first team to Whitestown, and returned with six 
bushels of corn. The same season, Capt. Cassety built :t, 
small grist mill on the east side of the Oriskany, a short 
distance above the site of the factory of Barton and Tracy. 
]>y September it was so far completed as to be ready to 
commeneo business, when Samuel Hubbard, Ludim Ijlodget, 
Jesse Catlin, and Salmon Butler, each shelled a peck of 
corn, of which tliey made a joint grist, and then cast lots to 



XII.] :>■•■■.■■ KIRKLAND. IGO 

determine whose shoulders should bear the precious grain 
to the mill. The lot fell upon Samuel Hubbard, who forth- 
with carried it to the mill, and as it was the first grist, im- 
memorial custom decreed that it must be ground free of 
toll. This was the first grist mill west of Grerman Flats, 
except Wetmore's, at Whitestown. 

A saw mill was erected, either the same or the succeeding 
season, a short distance above the grist mill, drawing water 
from the same pond. 

On Sunday, the 8th day of April, 1787, the first religious 
meeting was held, at the half completed log cabin of Capt. 
Foot. This rude edifice stood upon the spot now occupied 
by the tin shop and printing office. Capt. Foot commenced 
the services by prayer ; Bronson Foot, Barnabas Pond, and 
Ludim Blodget were the principal singers ; and Caleb Mer- 
rills, who had settled near the place now known as Middle 
Settlement, read a sermon. From that day to the present, 
there are probably very few places where the Lord's-day 
has been more appropriately and religiously observed. 
Public worship, with scarcely an interruption, has been well 
attended and maintained. . • .;, , ,.'. !■ ri.ji: ; 

The summer passed away and autumn came ; but how 
chano-ed ! What in March was an unbroken forest, now 
siiowed the germ of a thriving settlement. The numerous 
little openings and clearings, — the fences, indeed not very 
ornamental, surrounding fields of corn dotted with the 
yellow pumpkins, — the blue smoke ascending from perhaps 
twenty log houses and cabins, — showed distinctly that other 
than the red man was there, and that the new settlers were 
of the genuine persevering Anglo-Saxon race. 

The settlers were becoming contented and happ}'. Con- 
trasted with New England's bleak hills, their location was 
fast becominc; an El Dorado. Home, with all its sweet 



170 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

associations, it wa-s fast becoming. The author remcinbcrs, 
something more than twelve 3'ears since, of meeting Mr. Eli 
Zh'istol, one of the pioneers of Clinton. "How is your good 
old father?" was thz first inquiry. Upon being informed 
that he was in usual health, Mr. Bristol resumed, ''Tell him 
from me, that I want to see him once more before I die. I 
am now. more than eighty-five, and I can not expect to live 
Kiuch longer. We are now both so deaf, that we can not 
converse together, but I want to see him. Tell him also 
that I remember that the first twelve years I spent in this 
country, were the twelve happiest years of my life." Such 
was the universal testimony of the pioneers of Oneida. 
They say '• all were on a level." An j^ristocrat can not 
breathe the air of a new settlement. 

Tlie early settlers of Clinton, living as they did almu.-t 
beyond the pale of civilization, and beyond the limits of any 
organized town, early bethought themselves of the necessity 
of some compact or civil polity, for the preservation of order 
and quiet in their isolated settlement. 

The author found the following articles among the papers 
of his uncle, the late Isaac Jones, Avho was one of the first 
settlers in Clinton. 8uch was the scarcity of paper, and 
rigid economy of the times, that they were written upon the 
margin of the pages of a pamphlet, and doubtless they were 
the original and rdu^li draft. 

" Whereas, Capt. Moses Foot, and some others, formerly 
ef ye State of Connecticut, did last fall find a good and con- 
venient place for a large settlement in Coxeborough, County 
of Montgomery, State of Xew York : and whereas, the said 
Foot did contract with John Lansing, Juu.. of Albany, in yp 
State aforesaid, for a large tract of laud, sufficient for a con- 
siderable number of inhabitants, and did invite hi.s acquaint- 
ances aud others to join with him in the purchase and 



XII.] .-, • . KIRKLAND. \. 171 

settlement of said land : Therefore, we, whose names arc 
underwritten, being about to take the benefit of said invi- 
tation, for our future safety and benefit with regard to buying 
said land, and other internal business amongst ourselves, do 
by these presents covenant with each other, jointly and 
severally, that we will be under the following rules, regula- 
tions, or by-laws, viz.: — 

'• We will, as soou as may be, meet and choose a Secretary, 
whose business it shall be to record all our public papers, 
votes, &G., and said record shall be binding on us all ; said 
Secretary must be sworn to the faithful discharge of his 
trust, and serve for one year. 

"2. Any seven .persons shall have liberty to call the pro- 
I^rietors or company together, and the Secretary shall, by 
their application, issue out a warrant for a meeting at least 
four days before said meeting. 

'•3. Three copies of said warrant, set up in the most pub- 
lic places of our settlement, shall be deemed a sufficient 
warning while we live as compact as at present ; and every 
article of business to be done shall be inserted in said war- 
rants, that the members may have time to consider of them, 
and be in some manner prepared to give their opinion, and 
it shall not be lawful to act on any business not mentioned 
in the warrants. 

"4. In all matters of debate, the moderator shall allow 
every member to have his turn to speak, provided he does it 
in an orderly manner. .  / 

"5. No votes shall be recorded, or be binding, except two- 
thirds of the members are of a mind. 

"G. Upon the consideration of Capt. Foot's taking us in 
as partners with him, we agree to pay him the account he 
has kept in cash in procuring said land, that is. labor fur his 
time, and cash to the amount of what he has expended.'' 



172 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

111 1788, about twenty families were added to the num- 
ber. This was most cheerintr and briorlitenlni' to their 
prospects. 

Wlien the location was agreed upon in the fall of 178G, 
they supposed that they were not withiu the limits of any 
patent, and that the land had never been surveyed. They 
characterized themselves as squatters, but presumed upon 
the benefit of the pre-emption right. Upon exploring and 
clearing up the land, they however soon discovered lines of 
marked trees, and during the second season they ascertained 
that they were on Coxe's Patent, a tract of land granted by 
the colony of New York, on the 30th of May, 1770,- to Dan- 
iel Coxe, William Coxe, Rebecca Coxe, and John Tabor 
Kempe and Grace his wife, and by them had been surveyed 
iut(i lots. 

Clinton was found to be on the "two thousand and sixteen 
acres tract," and by this descriptive name it is still known 
by the older inhabitants and surveyors. It was based upon 
tlie Oriskany Creek on the west, extending east to Daniel 
P. Northrup's, nortli to Solomon Gleason's, and south as far 
as jMrs. Hays'. 

The most unpleasant part of the discovery was yet to be 
made. The tract had been surveyed into twenty lots of 
C(iual size, and the proprietors had offered to give the tract 
to any company of twenty families who would make a per- 
manent settlement upon it. 

After this state of tilings had been discovered by the 
settlers, they entertained strong hopes of realizing the benefit 
of this offer ; but the patentees ascertaining tliat the settle- 
ment had been made in ignorance of their ofl'er, the settlers 
were required to pay ten shillings per acre. 

In the summer of 1788, therefore. Capt. Foot was sent 
to Philadelphia to make the necessary contracts for the pur- 



XII.] .^ . KinKLAXD. ..  173 

chase of tlie wbole tract, and eventually the several lots were 
taken by the different settlers. The site of the village was 
on a triangular piece, called the "handkerchief lot," from its 
resemblance to a half handkerchief, and was purchased by 
Capt. Foot. 

If the settlers were happy and contented, they also came 
in for their share of grief allotted to humanity. In the 
spring of this year " the insatiate archer " sent a shaft into 
their secluded settlement, and he rarely .assumes a more 
distressing or heart-rending form. The bow was not drawn 
at venture, for, as the poet writes, 

" Death loves a shining mark." 

Miss Merab Tuttle, aged 17, daughter of Col. Timothy 
Tuttle, who owned and resided upon the Koyce farm, was 
drowned in the Oriskany Creek. The circumstances were 
briefly these: — Miss Tuttle and Miss Anna Foot, daughter 
of Capt. Moses Foot, started late in the afternoon to make a 
call at Mr. William Cook's, who resided on the west bank of 
the creek, in a log house which stood near the site of the house 
formerly owned by Mr. J. Herrick, and at present occupied 
by Mr. John Nettleton. For lack of perfumed French hair 
powder for their toilet, they called on their way at Cassety's 
mill, and with the mill-dust whitened their locks, as for 
- some gala day. Though now obsolete, such then was the 
fashion. At that time no bridge spanned the stream from 
it-s source to its mouth. The settlers had felled two trees 
across, a little below the site of the bridge on the road to 
the college. When the girls arrived at the crossing place, 
they found the stream swollen from the spring freshet and 
recent rains, and its turbid waters were rushing and foaming 
madly down its channel. At first they quailed, but Miss 
Foot, the more courageous of the two, soon led the way, 



174 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP; 

fuUowcd by her companion. Wlien near the nudcllo of the- 
.stream, Miss Foot heard from her friend the exclamation. 
'' 0, dear, my head .swims !" which was instantly followed 
by a splash iu the water, and turning, saw he? struggling in 
the current. Miss Foot gave such loud and prolonged cries 
for help, that she was distinctly heard through the woods at 
Miss Tuttle's residence. ^ Mr. Cook, who hapi:'ened to be at 
his house, either witnessing the accident, or attracted by the 
cries, sprang into the stream to rescue the drowning girl, 
and nearly succeeded in grasping her by her clothes, when 
the current drew her from his sight under a pile of drift 
wood. Instant and continued search was made for the body. 
The blacksmith wade hooks, whicli were fastened in the ends 
of long poles, with which to drag the stream. Thes« were 
unsuccessfully plied through the whole night. Iu the morn- 
ing the remains of the unfortunate young lady were found, 
drawn under a pile of drift wood, near the site of the Clinton 
Factory. Few eyes slept in Clinton that night. Intelli- 
jreuce of the accident was sent to their neiehbors at Dean's- 
Settlement, in Westmoreland, as also the time appointed for 
the funeral. At the time named, many of the few settlers 
on Dean's Patent attended. The late Nehemiah Jones-, 
father of the autlior, when about to start, and knowing there 
could be no clergyman expected, (as probably tliere was 
none west of Albany,) took with him a volume of sermons, in 
which was one preached on the occasion of a young man 
])eing drowned. At the funeral he was requested to read 
that sermon, and after a prayer by Capt. Foot, he did so. 
The text upon which the sermon was founded, was 1 Samuel 
XX. 3: "There is but a step between me and death." Her 
grave was first dug on the '-green," but it being thought too 
wet, she was buried in the south part of the present burying 
irround, which was then a part of her fathers farm. Major 



XII.] nv KIRKLAND. • 175 

Jiaruabas Pond, but a few years before his death, informed 
the author that he dug her grave, and that he dug every 
grave in that burial ground until there had been cr\*er one 
hundred interments. 

There were few or none of those fevers in the settlement, 
the scourge of many of the new settlements in the west and 
far west. The second death was that of Thomas Fancher, 
Jun., who was killed by a falling tree, in 1791 ; and the 
third was that of Mrs. Mercy Stebbins, wife of Judah Steb- 
bins. Jun., aged 26 years. She was the mother of James 
D. Stebbins, yet residing in Clinton. 

Cupid, the wily little god, was not idle, but visited the 
settlement in 1788, casting his darts, and making some very 
pleasant wounds among the young people. The result was, 
the marriage of Elias De'sv'^y and Anna Foot, and Andrew 
]}lanchard and Mary Cook, upon the same day. The first 
public wedding, (and even some claim that it was the first 
marriage of a white couple in the county.) was that of Mr. 
lloger Leverett and Miss Elizabeth Cheesbrough, sister of 
the late Harry Cheesbrough and Mrs. Benedict Babcock, 
Sen. The bans were solemnized upon the Congden farm, in 
a log house which stood upon a knoll in the first orchard 
east from where the road from Clinton to Utica crosses the 
Chenango Canal. Jason Parker, of Utica, so long known 
as a stage proprietor and mail contractor, was an invited 
guest. In lack of other, the fire-sill was used as the most 
prominent seat for the company: It was a real merry- 
making ; and if the bill of fare did not quite come up to 
that of the modern weddings of Clinton, yet we are quite 
sure it did not fall short in that essential ingredient of a 
good wedding, — happy guests. Among the early marriages 
was that of Mr. William Stebbins to Miss Lydia Branch, 
November 25, 1790. The Pvev. Sampson Orcum, the Indian 



176 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

preacher, officiated, and, as was the custom in those days, 
saluted the bride without giving any offence. 

The first cliild born in the settlement was Clinton Foot, 
son of Luther Foot, who died before he arrived at manhood. 
The second was Fanny Kellogg, daughter of Capt. Amos 
Kellogg. She is yet living in Clinton, and is the widow of 
the late lamented Orrin Gridley. The third, Julius Pond, 
Esq., deceased, who was estensively known in the county, 
was born July 26, 1789; and the fourth was James D. 
Stebbins, who was born September 1 1 of the same year. 

Many settlers arrived in 1789, among others, Jesse Cui*- 
tiss, Esq.,* who is still living, in the enjoyment of a green old 
age. a monument between the past and the present age. 
honored and beloved. He brought on his back from the log 
huts in Utica, a skipple (three pecks) of seed wheat. . 

It is believed that, for the first time, horses were seen in 
the settlement this year, excepting the one before mentioned 
as brought in by Capt. Foot. William Carpenter and 
Nathan Marsh each had one, and during the fall they went 
on horseback to Albany. It is no very great compliment, 
however, either to the roads or the powers of the beasts, to 
state that Jesse Curtiss and Bartholomew Pond, who started 
on foot at the same time, preceded them some hours in 
arriving at Albany. 

The summer of 1789 was in one respect more trying to 
the settlers than its predecessors. Famine, with all its 
liorrors was upon them. The crops of the previous year 
wore insufficient for their own wants and those of the daily 
increasing emigrants. The hoarded little stock of flour, and 
their last year's crop of potatoes, were consumed, and the 
corn and meal were nearly exhausted, while the forthcoming 
crop was not inaturcd. At planting time such were their 

* Since deceased. (Sec liis obituary at the close of the chapter.) 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 177 

{^traits, and their care to husband their limited supply, tluit 
the eyes of the potatoes were cut out for planting, and the 
remainder carefully preserved for the table. To slaughter 
their few cattle, would be at once to destroy their future pros- 
pects, and nothing but the last extremity could have induced 
them to do so. Money was almost out of the question, and 
it is believed that if they had been compelled to contribute 
their all, not enough would have been found to purchase a 
barrel of flour, even at present prices. The forests were 
vsearched for ground-nuts and leeks, the fishing rod put in 
requisition, and most fortunate was the hunter who succeeded 
in securing a bear or her cubs, to aid in their extremity. 
Notwithstanding, children cried for food, and strong men 
put themselves on a stinted allowance, that the more help- 
less might be fed. All this did not suffice ; something far- 
ther m_ust be done. A small party was sent to Fort Plaiii, 
Montgomery County, to see if supplies could not there be 
obtained. At that place resided a large farmer and miller, 
named Isaac Paris, and to him imploringly they appealed. 
He responded most liberally ; and with a promptnes" whicli 
did honor to his heart, he loaded a small flat boat with flour 
and meal, and sent it up the Mohawk to the mouth of the 
(3riskany. Here it Was met by a party of the settlers, 
transhipped into a log canoe of their own construction, and 
from thence, with the aid of setting poles, paddles, and ropes,-, 
their " ark of plenty" Avas taken up the creek as far as the 
site of the bridge upon the Lairdsville road, and from that 
landing it was transported in carts to the settlement. Lan- 
guage is too feeble to describe the rejoicings upon the arrival 
of this timely supply of breadstuff's. Clinton has never 
liefore nor since witnessed such an overflow of gratitude. 

The settlers did not go to Mr. Paris as beggars. Silver 
and gold they had none, but they had industry, and gtror.g 

12 



173 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

hands and arms, and they agreed to pay for the meal and 
flour iu ginseng, to be delivered the next fall. Thi.s root, 
iu the early days of Oneida, was a considerable article in 
commerce. Although our cattle have now almost extirpated 
it from our forests, it was at that early day found in great 
abundance. It was shipped to those countries afflicted with 
the plague, where it was for a long time considered the best 
antidote against that disease. In 1792, a new town, includ- 
ing Clinton, was formed from Whitestowu, and in gratitude 
to their benefactor, the name of Paris was given to it. The 
original town of Paris has since been divided, and the town 
of Kirkland, including Clinton, taken from it. At thii^ 
time, such is the veneration of the name of Paris, that many 
of the descendants of those who enjoyed his beneficence, 
although rightfully proud of the name of Kirkland, regret 
that the name Paris had not been retained by that portion 
of the original town including Clinton. 

This year the settlers commenced building for thcmselvei^ 
more permanent and comfortable habitations. Col. Timothy 
Tuttle erected tlie first framed house, which yet remains, 
and is the carriage house upon the premises of the late 
Samuel Ro^-ce. 

The same year. Ebenezer Butler erected the second framed 
house, upon the spot where is now the residence of Asa 01m- 
stead, and there he opened and kept the first store in town. 

About the 20th of October, 1789, snow fell to the depth 
of nearly two feet, and this upoji a bed of mud of nearly the 
same depth. Tlie weather became cold and inclement, and 
most forbidding to him who luid yet to erect a frame dwell- 
ing. Precisely at this time, a settler, determined not to be 
foiled in liis plan of building a framed hou.sc before the win- 
ter should set in in full severity, went to Capt. Foot's saw 
mill, and for three da^-s and two nights, unremittingly, and 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 179 

without aid, continued to sa^w the lumber necessary for the 
building. "When the task was completed, his hands had 
become glazed, as by fire, by the constant use of the frosty 
mill-bars ; but he was well repaid for his toil, for in a few 
days he was enabled to rear a frame dwelling sixteen feet 
square. That dwelling is now the kitchen of Mr. Horatio 
Curtiss, and that persevering settler was Jesse Curtiss, 
already mentioned. 

The first two framed barns were built this year, the first 
by Judah Stebbins, upon the farm now owned by Mr. Edwin 
J. Stebbins, and the second in the latter part of the season, 
upon the farm of the Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg. These were 
both large, and the first built in the vicinity. 

In the year 1792, Thomas Hart removed to Clinton. He 
was the father of a number of sons, one of whom has been 
conspicuous in our great commercial emporium, another in 
central, and others in western New York. In company with 
one Seth Roberts, Mr. Hart opened a store in the building 
in which Ebenezer Butler had before traded. Mr. Hart 
was appointed one of the Judges of Oneida County some 
years previous to his death. The most expensive monument 
at that time in the Clinton burying ground, was erected to 
his memory, with the following inscription : — 

•■ In memory of Thomas Hart, E.squire, who died Feb. 11, 1811. 
aged 60 years and 4 months." 

In 1793, Judah Stebbins erected the first two-story house 
in the town, and which yet stands, being the large yellow 
dwelling upon the farm of the before-named Edwin J. Steb- 
bins, his grandson. A single fact shows at once the difficul- 
ties which had to be surmounted, and the laborious habits of 
those days. Mr. Stebbins, with his own hands, rived or 
split the clap-boards upon this house, from pine trees. Now 



180 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP, 

the builder is hardly content with the best of half inch pine 
.^tuff, sawed, planed, and jointed by steam power, and deliv- 
ered at his door. 

Clinton was settled by natives of New England, princi- 
pally from Massachusetts and Connecticut. Its history 
shows the striking influence of early habits and education ; 
for from 1787 to the present day, the place has continued tn 
possess most of the characteristics of a New England town. 
The staid habits, prevailing morality, and the attachment to 
education, which are here found, most distinctly show their 
eastern and Puritan origin. 

Sometimes, the settlers met with odd adventures. The 
bears in those days were very destructive to green corn and 
young pigs. 

In the fall of 1790, Mr. Curtiss, and three or four others-, 
on their return from meeting one Sunday afternoon, passed 
through a corn field, near where stands the mansion formerly 
occupied by Maj. Pond, and now by Mr. Gunn. Tlu-y 
heard an unusual rustling in the corn, and in searching for 
the cause, discovered two bear cubs busily engaged in break- 
ing down and masticating the green ears. Forthwith they 
made an onset upon the trespassers, and, despite their 
piteous cries for their dam, by dint of blows and kicks, soon 
despatched them. The same afternoon, Mr. Eronson, upon 
returning from meeting, found the old bear sitting very 
quietly and demurely upon the steps of his door, little 
dreaming of the sad calamity which had overtaken her 
young. 

The street leading past the house of James D. Stebbins 
was for a long time called "Brim Field" street, being en- 
tirely settled by emigrants from the town of that name in 
Massachusetts. The street leading to Utica was long known 
a.^^ '• Toggletown," from the long lines of log fence on each 



XII.] KIEKLAND. 



181 



side of it, made by "toggling" the logs together at the joints. 
Even at this day, some of the old inhabitants designate this 
street by that name. 

The name of "Chuckery" is indellibly impressed upon the 
eastern part of this town, and when the section bearing that 
name became so populous as to send a colony into Madison 
('ouuty, such was tlie partiality for the name, that the clus- 
ter of buildings is known as "New Chuckery" to this day, 
notwithstanding some modern innovators have attempted to 
change it to Perryville. The little village upon the creek 
above Clinton, now knov\^u as Franklin, once bore the un- 
.seemly name of Sodom. If its inhabitants ever deserved 
so uncourteous an appellation (which is very much doubted), 
its present population have earned their title to the populai: 
name by which their village is now designated. 

In the early settlement of Clinton, a circumstance occur- 
red similar in some respects to the famous dreaming matcli. 
])etween Sir William Johnson and the Mohawk sachem. A 
man named Owens was building a framed house near where 
^stands the residence of the Eev. Mr. Sawyer. The Rev. Mr. 
Kirkland, in passing it with a cart and oxen, observed some 
pieces of boards which he needed, and said to Owens, '• I 
had a dream last night." " YvHiat did you dream?" was the 
response. " I dreamed that you gave me these nice pieces 
of pine boards, and that I took them home in my cart." 
'■Well," says Owen, " if you so dreamed, you must take 
them." The next day, as Mr. Kirkland was again passing, 
Owens saluted him, and told him he had had a dream. 
'•What was it?" asked Mr. Kirkland. "I dreamed that I 
wanted your cart and two yoke of oxen to go to Whitesboro 
for brick for my chimney, and that you let me have them." 
'■ Well," says his Reverence, " if you dreamed so, you must 
have them, but, dear me, do not ever dream again." 



]82 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTV. [cHAP. 

In the 3'car 1801, Epliraim Hart, who liad sneeceded hi.s 
father, Thomas Hart, in the mercantile business, had collected 
1,800 silver dollars, with which he was soon to start for New 
York to purchase goods. An Irishman named Samuel 
3IcBride, who had in some way learned that Mr. Hart had 
that sum on hand, on the night of the 23d of July, broke into 
the store, and stole the whole. In the morning the theft was 
discovered, and immediate search made for the thief and 
money, and the burglar was soon captured, with the whole 
.sum. excepting about two dollars. He was brought back to 
(.'linton for examination, where he made his escape in the 
night from his two keepers, and got into the forest. Upon 
the high ground opposite where the Middle Settlement road 
leaves the Utica road, and in rear of the house then the 
residence of 3Ir. Samuel Hecox, he found a hollow stump, 
some ten or twelve feet high, into which he stowed himself, 
intending to remain through the next day, and the next 
evening to leave for "parts unknown." But the Fates had 
otherwise ordered, for at evening, in attempting to leave, he 
found himself unable to get to the top of his hiding place, 
and for several hours hope forsook hiui, and he believed he 
must there remain, and die from starvation. The next 
morning, in the frenzy of despair, and aided by the light of 
day, a more desperate effort was successful, and he was upon 
the point of escaping from his novel ceil, just in season to be 
re-captured by some person in search of him. He was sub- 
sequentl}" tried, convicted, and rewarded for his villany with 
fourteen years' duress in State's Prison. Altliongh in 
amount this fell far short of some modern bank robljcrics 
yet in those hard money days, it created much sensation in 
the vicinity. The stolen money was composed entirely of 
Spanish milled dollars. 

Some account has been already given of the first religiou?; 



XII.] KIK.KLAND. _ 183 

meeting held in the viUage. No minister visited tlie place 
until the month of Novembei", 1788, when the Key. Samuel 
Eells, then pastor of the Congregational Church in Bran- 
ford, Ct., visited the place, remained some time, and preached 
to the people. He also formed for his hearers a covenant, 
which much resembled the " half-way covenant," so popular 
in those days in New England, and this was signed by nine 
males and seven females. This covenant was not very or- 
thodox in its character, requiring merely '-moral character,'' 
■■historic faith," and baptism, but not requiring '-saving 
faith" as a pre-requisite for communion. As a basis of 
Christian and church fellow.ship, such a covenant might 
possibly be considered a little preferable to the absence of 
all religious association, yet even of this some doubts might 
be entertained. It appears that the "half-way covenant" 
was very soon abandoned in Clinton. 

In August, 1791, Dr. Edwards, better known as the 
younger Edwards, then pastor of a church in New Haven, 
Conn., arrived in the place, and during his stay organized 
a Congregational Church, of about thirty members. On the 
•26th day of September, of the same year, " The Society of 
Clinton" was organized by the election of Mos3S Foot, 
Eli Bristol, Ebenezer Butler, Jun., Hannaniah Ellinwood, 
Ebenezer Tuttle, and Samuel Tuttle, as trustees. The 
articles of association are dated September 1. 1791, and 
were signed by eighty-three members, embracing nearly all 
the prominent men in the settlement. 

In 1792, the Rev. Asahel S. Norton "came, at the request 
of the people, to preach the Gospel of salvation." 

After he had preached to them some time, they gave 
him an invitation to become pastor of the church and society, 
which was accepted. Owing to some disappointment in 
obtaining the person selected to preach the sermon, his 



184 AXN'ALS OF ONEIDA COUNTT. [CIIAP 

ordination was delayed to a niucli later day than was in- 
tended, lie was ordained in the open air, near the eontrt^ 
of Clinton, on the 18th of September, 1793. Dr. Norton 
remained pastor of the Congregational Church a few weeks 
over forty years, and was dismissed in November, 1833. 

At the close of Dr. Norton's pastoral labors. 741 had 
joined the church, including those who united at its forma- 
tion. 13ut thirty-four had joined previous to his ordination, 
and of these, seven had been already dismissed, leaving but 
twenty-seven members at tJiat time. 

Of the whole number (741) who had joined previous to 
the close of his services, 571 had been received by pro- 
fession, and 170 by letters from other churches. Thes(^ 
numbers show that his labors had been eminently success- 
ful. In 1820, Dr. Norton preached a Thanksgiving sermon, 
which was published at the request of his congregation, and 
in which he states. — " There have been added to the church 
419 since it has been under my pastoral charge. The 
Avhole number of members since the first formation of tho 
church. 453; of these, 213 liaA'C fallen asleep, or removed ti> 
other parts of the country. The number now remaining in 
the limits of the society is 240." 

Near the close of 1799, a revival commenced in Clinton, 
which continued through 1800 and a part of 1801. As its 
fruits, sixty-three joined the church on profession of faith in 
1800, and forty-four in 1801, besides twenty-four who joined 
by letter within thc:-o two years. 

In 1831. another revival of religion occurred and pro- 
gressed during the year. Ninety-one were added upon 
profession, and eight by letter, and in 1832, eighteen by 
profession, and fourteen by letter. 

Tn 18:;r), tlic Ilev. Moses Chase was installed pastor. His 
ministry was successful, for within that year twcnty-ono 



XJI.J KIRKLAND. 185 

joined upon profession and twenty-five by letter, and in 183G. 
thirty-five by profession and twenty by letter. In 183S. 
thirty-nine were added upon profession and nine by letter. 

Mr. Chase was dismissed in 1839, and the aggregate ac- 
cessions during the five years in which he was pastor, were 
104 upon profession and sixty-five by letter. 

The Rev. Wayne Gridley, was installed pastor in 1840. 
In 1842, nineteen joined by profession and ten by letter, and 
iu 1843, thirty-five by profession, and four by letter. In 
1845, Mr. Gridley was dismissed on account of ill health. 
])uring the five years in which he was pastor sixty-eight were 
added on profession and forty-four by letter. 

In 1846, the present pastor, the Rev. Robert Gr. Virmilyc 
was installed. During the years 1846, 1847, and 1848, ten 
were added by profession and sixteen by letter. From the 
formation of the church in 1791 to the close of 1848, 1,082 
had been received into the fellowship of the church, 830 had 
either died or been dismissed, leaving the present number 
2G0. In 1850 this church reported to the Greneral Associa- 
tion 250 members, 80 males and 170 females, and that five 
had been received upon profession and nine by letter during 
the year, and the removal of fifteen by death, by dismission, 
etc. Doctor Norton yet survives. He was eighty-five years 
of age on the twentieth of September, 1850, and still dwells 
upon his farm about one mile north-west of the village, which 
has been his home for more than half a century. He has 
lost the sight of one eye by disease, and the other has become 
dim by age. He walks to and from the post office in the 
village, with the sprightliuess, if not with the elasticity, of 
youth. In speaking of him, the author feels justified in 
.swerving from the rule he had adopted, not to speak but iu 
general terms of the characters of the living. He is a loved 
monument, spared to us, of the past generation, of the early 



186 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

settlors of the county. lie loves the people of Cliutou, and 
they love and venerate liim. Each succeeding winter they 
make him a pastoral visit, when not only a large portion of 
his own beloved church and society meet, but others of the 
different societies ; and well they may, for during his long 
and useful life, the benediction of his Savior in the sermoii 
on the Mount has well applied to him : '• Blessed are the 
peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of (rod." 

Baptist CImirh. — During the revival of religion in 1S31. 
a portion of the converts were impressed with the belief that 
immersion is the scriptural mode of baptism, and that be- 
lievei'S are the only subjects. In the month of June of that 
year, a meeting of those persons was held to consult as to 
their duty, and after a full and free discussion, and the ad- 
vice of members of different Baptist Churches, they came to 
the conclusion to unite with the first Baptist Church in 
Westmoreland, with the understanding of ultimately being 
dismissed to form a church in Clinton village. Accordingly, 
on the sixth of July following, the Westmoreland Churcli 
h.eld a meetin2; in the Universalist Church in that villaire. and 
received seventeen members, who resided in that vicinity. 
This was the germ of the Baptist Church. (3n the 25th of 
September afterwards, a Council was called to advise as to the 
jtropriety of organizing said members into a church, and after 
a full discussion, the Council advised to the measure, and 
they forthwith proceeded to organize such church, as they be- 
lieved, on the apostolic plan. It consisted of nineteen mem- 
bers, nine males and ten females. Elder P. P. Brown, of 
Augusta, preached the sermon. Elder David Morris, of Home, 
gave the hand of fellowship, and Elder Daniel Putnam, of 
Sangerfield, addressed the church on the occasion. 

They soon procured the use of the Grammar school building. 



XII.] KIRKLAKD. 187 

and on the first Lord's-day in October they commenced wor- 
ship, which has been regularly maintained to the present 
time. In the winter of 1832, a subscription was circulated 
to raise funds to build a meeting house for their use. Nine 
hundred and fifteen dollars and ninety-one cents having been 
subscribed, they proceeded to commence preparations for pur- 
chasing a lot and building a house, which were to cost 81,800. 
The house was completed and dedicated on November 9th of 
the same year. The building is sixty feet by forty, with a 
circular gallery and basement, and was at the time considered 
a neat structure, as well as an honor to its projectors and build- 
ers and an ornament to the village. On the completion of 
their house the church found itself in debt about 61.100, ou 
which an annual interest had to be paid, besides the support 
of a pastor. This to a body, the assessed value of whose 
individual property amounted probably in the aggregate to 
less than 88,000, must have appeared somewhat onerous, but 
there was union, and where that is, there is strength. By 
assessments and re-assessments, and with the aid of 8193.5i3 
generously donated by members of other denominations, in 
1837, the whole debt was cancelled, one family having paid 
within the five years 8536,90. 

The church has had its seasons of prosperity and adversity. 
From its commencement to the present time. 337 have been 
added to its numbers, 174 by letter, and 163 by baptism. 

The first pastor of the church was Elder Daniel Putnam, 
who remained but one year. From that period to the pres- 
ent, the church has had a succession of pastors, eight in 
number. 

In 1842, 1843, Elder Jason Corwin was pastor; in 1844, 
Elder William Thompson; 1845, 1846, Elder A. Kenyon; 
1847 and 1848, Elder Harry White; 1850 and 1851, Elder 
D. Alcott. The present number of members is eighty-fivc» 



188 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

Of tliosc who have Leen dismissed, the greater portion liave 
joined other Baptist Churches, a few have died, and but few 
have been excluded. Of its original members, seven yet re- 
main in the church. 

The Unitcrsalist Society. — Universalism was first preach- 
ed statedly in Kirkland, in 1820, when the Kev. Stephen 11. 
Smith, so well known and appreciated through the whole de- 
nomination, delivered a course of lectures in the village of 
Clinton. As mentioned in the history of New Hartford. 
(Chap. XVI,) the Whitestown Society was the parent stock 
from which the others of the same faith emanated. In Clin- 
ton there were several prominent members of the denomina- 
tion, and they wished to bring the blessing of public worship 
as they held to be the truth, to their own doors. The lec- 
tures of Mr. Smith in 1820, prepared tlie way for the erec- 
tion of a neat and commodious brick church in 1822. Jo- 
.seph Stcbbins, Esq., headed the subscription witli 8500, and 
as money was needed, during the erection of the building, he 
advanced about §1,000 over his subscription. For his gene- 
rosity he has never received, as he probably never expected, 
any other return than the approbation of his own conscience, 
and the gratitude of his bretliren in the denomination. Thi.< 
.society has never been more than moderately prosperous, and 
has bad to contend against much prejudice. Still it sustains 
a respectable rank as to wealth and numbers, and will com- 
pare fiivorably with cither the Methodist or Baptist Socie- 
ties. The Congregationalist is very much larger. 

In connection with the Universalist Church should bo 
mentioned '■ the Clinton Liberal Institute," which is under 
the patronage of this denomination. It was founded in 1832, 
and received a cliarter in liSS 1. It consists of a male and 
female department, which occupy separate buildings. That 



MI.] KIRKLAND. ' ' ' ISO 

of the male department is a large stone edifice, nearly 100 
feet in length, and four stories high, and cost over $9,000, 
The female department has until recently occupied a building 
which has been found inadequate for its purposes. 

In 1850 a new building was erected for this department, 
the architectural design and execution of which have con- 
ferred much honor upon its projectors, and an ornament upon 
the village. The estimated expense of the building was 
$6,500. The site was a gift to the Institute, and one of the 
finest in the village, having been valued at $500. Considera- 
ble improvements are being made in the male department, 
and the trustees and friends of the Institution are putting 
forth their earnest efforts to raise the school to the first rank 
among the Academies of the State. A subscription for a 
permanent fund of $10,000 has been recently nearly or quite 
filled up. besides a considerable sum required for the erection 
of the new building for the female department. "Within a 
short period two very liberal bequests, amounting to from 
nine to ten thousand dollars, have been made to the Insti- 
tute, which, when received, will add materially to its means of 
usefulness, in diffusing the blessing of a good education to its 
pupils. At present the school sustains a respectable rank 
among the literary institutions of our country. It employs 
six teachers, and generally has about one hundred students. 
The Rev. Thomas J. Sawyer is now at the head of its faculty. 

Metliodist Society. — This denomination has a respectable- 
society in Clinton. A few years since they erected a verj^ 
neat and appropriate chapel for public worship on the east- 
erly side of Clinton Gi-reen. The author has repeatedly, from 
time to time, been promised notes, containing statistics of 
this body, and had left a blank in his manuscript for as ex- 
tended a notice of this as of the other religious societies in 



190  ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

the place. He has, however, been entirely dlsappointctl in 
receiving the information so often sought, and is reluctantly 
compelled to go to press with but this stinted notice. 

There are now in Clinton village more than twenty or- 
dained ministers of different denominations, four church- 
es, seven stores, eight licensed physicians, one College, the 
Liberal Institute, an Academy, two Seminaries for young 
ladies, a District School, a bank, and a printing office. The 
Surrogate for the county now resides in Clinton, and holds 
his courts there. A plank road from Waterville to Utica 
passes through Clinton, as does also the Chenango Canal. 
Clinton has been justly termed the literary and scientific 
emporium of Central New York. 

Geology. — This town possesses numerous beds of iron 
ore. from which about 3,000 tons are used annually at Con- 
stantia and Taberg. This is mostly converted into pig iron 
for the supplying of cupola furnaces. Its quality approxi- 
mates to that of best Scotch pig. This ore was formerly 
worked to a small extent in a forge at Walesville, and in 
Marshall, but the iron, either from the want of skill in tlu 
manufacturers, or the inferior quality of the ore, proved to be 
most miserably poor. There are quarries of good building 
stone near Clinton village. Near Hamilton College are ex- 
tensive beds of red shale, otherwise there is nothing peculiar 
to distinffuish this from the neiirhborinc; towns. 

Manchester village (although its post office bears the 
name of Kirkland), lies one and a half miles below Clinton. 
where the Seneca plank road crosses the Oriskany Creek. 
Here in the olden time was the Indian trail from the ford at 
Fort Schuyler (Utica) to the. Oneida Castle. It was also 
ooDsidercd as the head of uavisration on the Oriskany. al- 



XII,] KIRKLAND. 191 



though perhaps occasionally a canoe may have ascended a^ 
high as Clinton. The wrecks of two or three batteaux were 
found here when the first settlers arrived. A small stream 
here enters the Oriskany from the south-east, and on the 
point formed by the two streams there was a small Indian 
clearing, with another on the easterly side, still smaller, used 
for encamping. The first settler in this village was Robert 
Parks, who arrived here in 1788, and in the same season a 
number of families removed to this place and vicinity. Mr. 
Parks erected the first framed house, which is now the back 
part of the tavern owned by David Pixley, Esq. There arc 
in the village two stores, two taverns, an extensive cotton 
factor}^, several mechanics, and from thirty to forty dwelling 
houses. There are a Congregational Church and Society, 
with a respectable house of worship. This church reported 
in 1850 forty-nine members. Rev. S. W. Raymond, the 
present pastor, commenced his labors with the church in 
1846. 

The water power for the factory at this place was obtained 
in a manner different from the ordinary mode. The flats of 
the Oriskany at this place are wide, and instead of confining 
the stream to either side by a dike, a heavy wall of masonry, 
about fifty feet in length, laid in hydraulic cement, was 
raised some twenty feet, near the centre and crosswise of the 
valley, a few rods from the channel of the stream just above 
the site of the factory. Froui the ends of this wall heavy 
parallel embankments of earth were carried so far up and 
into the stream, as to raise the water nearly to the top of the 
wall. Although expensive, a power was thus obtained suf- 
ficient for the machinery of a large factory. 

(3ne of the earliest Sunday Schools in the county \^as 
established in this village. Warren Converse, Esq., then 
superintendent of the factory, and Mr. Isaac Pixley, were 



193 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

mainly instrumental in getting up the school. It was started 
varly in IS 17, and it had a two-fold object: first, instruction 
in the Scriptures ; and, secondly, to give those destitute of 
other means, an opportunity to acquire the rudiments of 
education. Some wore found, even thirteen years of age. 
without a knowledge of the alphabet. Instances can he 
given of young men who have succeeded well in life, and 
have made respectable members of society, who in this school 
received their entire education. . Although at its commence- 
ment it had to encounter prejudices, it is continued in it.« 
usefulness to the present time. 



HAMILTON ONEIDA ACADEiMY. 

This Institution was incorporated by the Regents of the 
University, by charter, dated "the thirty -first day of January, 
in the seventeenth year of American independence." [1793] 
This charter is written upon parchment, and is in a good 
state of preservation, having been kept in a tin case. 

The preamble of the charter sets forth that, "Whereas 
Samuel Kirkland, Jonas Piatt, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark. 
Joel Bristoll, Sewall Hopkins, James Dean, and 3Iichael 
3Iyers, by an instrument in writing, under their hands and 
seals, bearing date the 12th day of November, in the year 
of our Lord 1792, after stating, among other things, that 
they are founders and benefactors of a certain Academy in 
Whitestown, contiguous to the Oneida Nation of Indians, 
in the County of Herkimer, in the State aforesaid, who have 
contributed more than one half in the value of the real and 
personal property and estate collected and appropriated for 
the use and benefit of said Academy, did make application to 
us, the said Ilegents, that the said Academy might be incor- 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 193 

porated and become subject to tlie visitation of us and our 
successors, and that we would signify our approbation that 
Alexander Hamilton, John Lansing, Egbert Benson, Dan 
Bradly, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark, James Dean, jMoses 
Foot, Thomas R. Gold, Sewal Hopkins, Michael^ Myers, 
Jonas Piatt, Jcdediah Sanger, John Sergeant, Timothy 
Tuttle, and Samuel "Weils, named in the said application, 
and their successors, might be a body corporate and politic, 
])y the name and style of the Trustees of Hamilton Oneida 
Academy.^' The Regents then proceed to '-signify their 
approbation"' of said Trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy, 
etc. This charter is signed by George Clinton, Chancellor, 
and N. Lawrence, Secretary. 

Of the persons named above as petitioners and trustees, 
it is believed that not one is now living ; certainly not more 
than one or two. 

In 1794, a large and commodious wooden building was 
erected for the Academy, and partly completed The corner 
stone was laid with much ceremony. The Baron Steuben 
was present by invitation, and to him vras given the honor . 
of placing it in proper position. He was escorted to Clin- 
ton, and from thence to the '■Hill,'' the site of the Academy, 
by Capt. George W; Kirkland and his troop of Clinton 
Light Horse. My informant says he wore his military hat 
— the one worn in the Eevolution — upon the occasion. If 
speech could have been given it, what an '-o'ertrue tale" it 
could have told, of suffering witnessed, of hard service, of 
battles fought and victories won in the cause of the United 
States. 

In the latter part of the same year, a school was com- 
menced, under the preceptorship of the Rev. John Niles, 
and during a portion of the time he had the charge of the 
school, the Rev. James Murdock was associated with him. 

13 



\ 



194 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

Mr. Niles was succeeded by the llev. Robert Porter. Mr, 
Porter was succeeded by the late Professor Seth Nortou. 
who remained but one year, aud then returned to Yale 
College, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Robbing, 
who remained a year, when Professor Norton returned and 
resumed the charge of the school, and continued at its head 
until the college charter was obtained, when he was elected 
Professor of Languages in that Institution. As lone as Mr. 
Kirkland liTed,he continued the benefactor of the Academy. 

Within the past year a travelling pedlar called at the 
residence of the author, to dispose of some of his wares, and 
while present produced a small package of papers, which he 
said he had found in the road near New Hartford villaare. 
On examination, they were found to l:>e dated in the latter 
part of the last century, mostly of a legal character, and of" 
no possible use at this time to any one. One paper, liow- 
ever, as a relic of JMr. Kirkland's devotion to his favorite 
Institution, is worth preserving. It was under the hand and 
seal of Mr. Kirkland. and in a short preamble he sat forth 
that the trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy were de- 
sirous to borrow three or four hundred dollars to complete 
the Academic building, and then proceeds, by promising, for 
value received, to make him.'^elf personally responsible ta 
any person who would loan the money to said trustees. 
Comment is 2m?wccssar?/. 

In its time, Hamilton Oneida Academy performed well 
its part. jMany of the sons of Central New York left its 
halls with their all of classical education, to become eminent 
in the pulpit, at the bar, and in the medical profession. 
Among the contributors to its funds may be found the 
names of almost every inhabitant of Clinton, and many 
from the adjoining towns. Thus useful and prosperous, and 
thus fostered, it soon became apparent that, at no distant 



Xll.] KIRKLAND. • 195 

clay, a wider field of usefulness was opening before it. A 
subscription was again opened, to raise funds to endow it as 
a College. This subscription was headed by that excellent 
man,— the then patroon of Albany, — the late Stephen Van 
Konsselaer, who gave $1,000. The late Daniel D. Tomp- 
kins — then Governor of the State, and afterwards Vice 
President of the United States — gave $500. They were 
followed by many generous donors, until a sufiicient sum 
was raised, added to the prospective bounty of the State, tt) 
warrant an application to the Regents of the University for 
a colleo'e charter. The prayer was heard, and on the 2Gth 
of May, 1812, a charter was granted to Hamilton College. 

The trustees named in the charter were, Henry Hunting- 
ton, George Br ay ton, Morris S. IMiller, Nathan Williams, 
James S. Kip, James Caruahan, Jedediah Sanger, Joseph 
Kirkland, John H. Lothrop, Thomas R. Gold, Jonas Platt. 
James Eells, Asahel S. Norton, Ephraim Hart, William 
Hotchkiss, Joel Bristol, Henry McNiel, Peter Smith, Dirck 
€. Lansing, Jasper Hopper, Obadiah German, Arunah Met- 
calf, Simeon Ford, and Walter Fisk. Of the above twenty- 
four trustees, all that survived at the time of the annual 
commencement, July 1849, were James Eells, Asahel S. 
Norton, William Hotchkiss, Dirck C. Lansing, Jasper Hop- 
per, Arunah Metcalf, and Walter Fisk. 

The Rev. Azel Backus, D. D., was elected first President. 
in 1812. This selection was most fortunate. The college, 
under his auspices, was fast rising in usefulness and public 
favor ; but his connection with the institution was soon 
severed by death. Dr. Backus was born in the town of 
Franklin, near the city of Norwich, Conn., on the 13th of 
October, 1765. His father died while his only child was in 
infancy. The death of the father was an almost irreparable 
loss to the son, for he particularly needed in youth those 



19G ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNir. [CHAP. 

restraints which none but a father can so well impose. Ills 
ardent temperament required a firm and steady control, and 
his early years were marked with great licentiousness of 
opinion. His companions were rude, ignorant, and disso- 
lute. His mind became poisoned with infidelity, and lie 
often spoke of himself " as a brand plucked from the buru- 
ino;." 

While engaged in his studies, preparatory to his admission 
to college, he began an intimate acquaintance with his uncle, 
the Pvev. Charles Backus, of Somers, who soon won the 
aftections of his nephew. The influence tlius obtained, he 
employed to promote the eternal welfare of his young kins- 
man. He was successful, for the infidel was arrested, and 
trembled in view of his danger, and the arrow fiistened in 
his heart. Guided by the Spirit, he bowed to the sovereignty 
of the God he had denied. Religion softened his heart and 
subdued his will. After the completion of hi.s preparatory 
studies, he was admitted a member of Yale College. While 
in college his insatiable thirst for knowledge often- led him 
into a desultory course of reading, and through life his 
learning, though extensive, in some degree lacked system. 
The completion of his collegiate course had exhausted his 
pati-imony, and left him to some extent indebted to friends. 
As yet, he had not selected his profession. With but few 
friends, and no pecuniary resources, he was almost discou- 
raged, and at one time he had decided to abandon the farther 
prosecution of literary pursuits, and join the army. Here 
again his unele stepped in as a guardian angel, and rescued 
his wayward nephew. A change of purpose was effected. 
and a resolution formed to enter upon the study of divinity. 
His first occupation after leaving college, was the charge of 
the grammar school in AVcathersfield, where he was associated 
with his classmate, John H. Lothrop, Esq., and in the divi- 



XII. J KIRKLAND. 107 

sioii of duties, the care of the young gentlemen devolved on 
Dr. Backus. His superior talents as au instructor were 
here developed. He was licensed and commenced preaching 
in 1789, and soon afterwards was invited to preach to the 
congregation then lately bereaved by the death of Dr. Bel- 
lamy. He afterwards received an unanimous call to become 
the pastor of the church, which was accepted, and his talents 
and character did not fail to render him acceptable and use- 
ful to his congregation. He was a faitliful pastor. In his 
intercourse with his people, he was candid and affectionate : 
as a preacher, he was sound, original, attractive, and instruc- 
tive. His imagination was brilliant and chaste, producing 
some of the boldest combinations and brightest specimens 
of intellectual creations. His pen never did justice to his 
talents as a preacher. In 1798, he preached the annual 
election sermon, by the appointment of Grov. Wolcott ; and 
in 1799, he preached Gov. AYolcott's funeral sermon. Soon 
after his ordination, he opened a select school in Bethlehem, 
the principal object of which was to prepare young men for 
colleo-e. He continued this school as long as he resided in 
the State. He was peculiarly cjualified for a teacher, by the 
clear and direct manner in which he explained and illus- 
trated first principles, and adapted his ideas and language 
to the capacity of his pupils. He always acquired and re- 
tained the affection and respectful regard of those under hi.-^ 
care. His selection and success as President of Hamilton 
Colleo-e, have been noticed. In the midst of his career of 
usefulness, he died of typhus fevei', December 9, 1816, aged 
fifty-two. His funeral sermon was preached by Ilev. Dr. 
Norton. The corporation of the college, as a token of their 
respect for their departed President, erected over his re- 
mains in the college cemetery, a handsome monument to his 
memory. The inscription is in Latin. 



198 AWALS OF OXEIDA COVXTV. [cHAP. 

In person, Dr. Backus was of the nikkllo stature, robust, 
and atliletic ; tliougli corpulent, he was active. 

He buried several children before he came to this State, 
and four sui'vived him. Two have since deceased: Wealthy, 
wife of Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro, and Albert, who died in 
France, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. 

The Rev. Henry Davis, D. D., succeeded to the Presidency 
in 1817. He had previously been President of Middlebury 
College, Vermont. For the first five years he was succe.«>- 
ful, and the institution prosperous. Here it would ho 
grateful to the feelings of the author, were a thick veil 
drawn over its history, never to be raised ; but such is not 
the case. The decline and almost extinction of Hamilton 
(college are remembered by those wlio survive. 

In November, 1823, an occurrence took place of tlie most 
astounding character. A small cannon, heavily loaded and 
plugged, was fired and burst, at two o'clock in the morning. 
r)n the fourth floor of one of the colleirc buildings. It wa.s 
. placed in the hall, by the side of a room occupied b}' a tutor, 
who, at the time, was asleep in an adjoining room. Althougli 
some of the students had a pique against the tutor, yet it 
\rns never suspected that there was any intention to take his 
life; still, his escape was almost miraculous. His coat, 
which was hanging on a cliair at the foot of his bed, was so 
]-cnt as to preclude repair. The fragments of tlie cannon 
were tlirown in every direction, some through the roof, and 
others through all the floors, quite into the basement. Some 
of the windows in that section of the building, were almost 
annihilated, sasli as well as glass. The side of the tutor's 
chamber was entirely swept away, and the door was found 
erect against the opposite wall. In the end. this event 
brought the institution to tlie ver}' verge of dissolution, 
although ."iuch a result did not necessarily follow vsuch a 



XII.] KmKLAND. 199 

cause. It is believed tliat, if tlierc had been liarmoniotis 
action between the board of trustees and tlie faculty, its 
prosperity need not have been disturbed ; but such was not 
the case. The faculty believed that, by the college by-laws, 
its government was vested in them ; the trustees, or at least • 
a majority of them, thought differently, and at a meeting of 
the board, a committee was appointed to investigate the 
matter. This committee made no progress in obtaining the 
names of the authors, although, providentially, the faculty 
were soon in possession of all the facts, and the names of 
the nine students concerned. The reader need not be 
■carried through the long labyrinth of troubles which fol- 
lowed. A portion of the trustees wished the President to 
resign, which he distinctly refused to do, on the ground that 
his reputation was too deeply concerned to permit such :!• 
-course. Year after year of crimination and recrimination 
passed between a majority of the board and . the President : 
and as a house divided against itself can not stand, so, in tlu; 
years 1829 and 1830 there was no graduating class. During 
a portion of these years, the college was reduced to nine 
students, and a part, perhaps all of these, were induced 
to remain to save the charter of the institution. '• New 
measures,'' as they were termed, for producing religious 
revivals and excitements in Oneida County, became inter- 
woven with thejr troubles. The Western Education Society 
liad erected, in the vicinity of the college, a large boarding 
liouse, for the gratuitous boarding of its beneficiaries ; and 
as another of the evils the institution liad to encounter, 
these students were a source of jealousy and annoyance to 
those who were able to defray their own expenses. 

After being thus brought to the very threshold of disso- 
lution, better counsels prevailed. A portion of the trustees 
s'eslgned, and others of diflPerent views were appointed. 



200 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

'• Charity Hall," as said boarding house was called, was sold, 
and became a private dwelling. The prospects of the college 
began to brighten. In 1831 there was a graduating class of 
nine, in 1832 of eleven, and in 1833 there were ninety-three 
students in attendance, and a graduating class of twenty. 

In 1832, Dr. Davis resigned the Presidency, but it was 
not accepted until the appointment of his successor, the 
Kev. Sereno E. Dwight, D. D , in 1833. Dr. Dwight con- 
tinued in the Presidency but two years, and in 1835 he wa.s 
succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Penny, D. D., who, in 1830, 
was succeeded by the present incumbent, the Rev. Simeon 
North, who had been for the previous ten years Professor 
of Languages in the institution. Since President North 
entered upon the Presidential duties, the college has been 
constantly gaining in public confidence. Indeed, it was 
never as flourishing as in 1849. This j^ear the catalogue 
shows a 

Senior Class of - - - 51 

Juniors -...40 

Soplioiiiores 4-1 

Freshmen .-..---... 2'.) 

Totul - - - - - - - - lo8 

Of the Seniors, forty-seven graduated at the annual coni- 
nicncement of this year, the- largest number of graduates 
since the incorporation of the institution. 

Notwithstanding the clouds and darkness which have at 
times overshadowed this institution, the future in prospec- 
tive is most cheering; it is one of tlic bright and sunny 
spots in Central New York ; improvement is visible in its 
course. Some little change in the course of studies, such a.s 
experience may dictate, to bring it up to the standard of the 
iiL'e. and it will be all that its fondest friends can wish, or its 
founders hoped. 



XII.] KtRKLAND. 201 

We are gratified tliat, on commencement day, the ludicrous 
chapeau and gown no longer disfigure the form of the 
President, but he appears in a plain suit of citizen's black. 
On the last commencement, when the atmosphere was rang- 
iujj near 11 0'^ Fahrenheit, the audience was not tortured 
with Greek and Latin exercises ; and it is fondly anticipated 
that, at no distant day, we shall hear the degrees conferred 
in plain Anglo-Saxon, that language of which it has been 
said, " "Wherever it is spoken, there the rights of man are 
best understood." The dark ages are past, when the gaping 
multitude supposed that something supernatural is conferred 
in a collegiate degree. Now, it is believed that, in connec- 
tion with a thorough course of studies pursued in disciplining 
the mind of the student, it is rendered almost priceless ; but 
it is not believed that four years spent in college in idleness 
and dissipation, and, if he is so fortunate as to receive one, a 
degree conferred in Latin, and a parchment inscribed in the 
same language, very well qualify the possessor for the active 
duties of after life. 

This history of Hamilton College can not be closed in 
any way so satisfactorily to the author, as by inscribing the 
following address of A. M. Stowe at the last commencement. 
Mr. Stowe was a member of the graduating class, and kindly 
furnished a copy, by request: — 



"Benignant Heaven did smile propitiously, and gave us proof of 
love to man, when, with Almighty hand. He made these i-olling hills, 
and this delightful valley. I would ask those here to-day who have 
strolled in foreign lands, — lands where the muses sang most sweetly, 
I would ask, Where, in all thy rounds, didst find such scenes as 
these 1 Stroll through these groves, and climb the rugged hill with 
me, and, from the summit of some lofty brow, feast well thine eyes 
on Nature's most exquisite volume. 

"I come to speak at first, of those once lords of this fair land, 
' whose foot-prints in the sands of time ' we have washed away, I 



202 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

Avould point yon to their irraves, if I knew wlicre to fiml thciu. 
Tlicir graves! Tlioy arc all about us; \\c tread each day upon the 
dust of noble men. We meet to-day where brave Oneida's sons once 
met in councils wise. Ilcre curled the smoke, here ran the deer, 
and here the arrow flew. The war-whoop's deafening yell was heard 
from hill to hill, from glen to grove, most fair; but cries like these 
were most unusual; Oneida's sons loved peace, and only when pro- 
voked to deeds of bloody hue, would they go forth in dread array; 
but when their ire was up, not one of all the Ave remaining nation.s 
dwelling round could stand before them. Like as the lion, when 
roused from peaceful rest by some intruder, they would make the 
earth to quake, and heaven's broad arch to ring. 

"A crude idea they had of the Great Spirit; to it they bowed with 
reverence. Thej- bowed when it was seen in blasts terrific, prostra- 
ting mighty forest oaks ; they bowed when lightnings flashed across 
their path, and thunders pealed on high ; they also bowed when 
death, the mighty foe of all, unnerved their neighbor's arm, and laid 
his icy hand on tongue and vitals. But worshipped they not as the 
nnderstanding Christian worships. For ages, no volume well inspired 
to them was kno^^^l ; no true idea of duty, God, or final retribution. 
Their ideal heaven was in Elysium's plain, where game is found in 
great abundance, and fleetest hounds, and arrows true, secure them 
richest food. To such delightful home they hoped to go when the 
Great Spirit called them. In yon fixir valley dwelt Oneida's tribe for 
ages out of mind, and each successive generation stronger grew, till 
numbering many hundreds. 

" In tills condition Samuel Kirkland found them. When quite a 
youth, he left the halls of Princeton, from whose doors scores, not a 
few, have gone, to bless the world, and with a heart burning to be 
nseful, he gave himself away, as give the men of God in this our own 
day, who go to foreign land to teach the ' way of life.' Oneidas' 
habits soon he learned, their language too; and then methiuks I 
hear him say, '0, noble .son of nature's wild domain, thou should'st 
not die without the truth ; the image of the Holy on thee is stamped : 
with thee I'll spend m)' days, and count it pleasure.' One friend he 
had to comfort him ; save her, for years, he seldom saw the face oi' 
Saxon blood ; but saw he something belter, — he saw the natives 
turn their faces heavenward, and ask for mercy. Such faith and 
works as he possessed can not but succeed. Ilis step was always 
welcome to the rudest wigwam ; the chiefs in liim confided. 
, " Skcnandoa, whose powerful intellect and native eloquence is on 
the lips of all. loved Kirkland much ; loved as those alone can love 
who worship God sincerely. He lived till five score winters whistled 
through lus locks, and died, — died as a Christian dies. Ilis monn- 



XIl] KinKLAND. 203 

merit, plain, simple, time-worn, you will find on yonder hill, where 
sleeps the dust of some well-versed in classic lore. 

•' England, with strong desire to make us pay a tax on tea, swarmed 
on our coasts by king's command. Of nations dwelling round this 
tribe, some joined our foe, and used their influence strong to make 
Oneida's sons rush to the bloody fray. On council ground the chiefs 
of neigliboring nations met. In harangues long and eloquent in 
their euphonious language, (so xmlike our own,) they spoke succes- 
sively. Oneida's tribe did waver ; it felt the force of sophistry, which 
seldom is without etfect in this our day, when men of intellect per- 
verted speak to the people. It seemed that one more burst of elo- 
quence would turn the scales. The keen, discerning eye of Kirkland 
saw the crisis, and rose to make the iinal speech. His brow was 
calm as evening's placid waters. In their own language, which he 
spoke most beautifully, he led them back to time when first he 
knew them ; afterward, with careful step he traced his wnj up to 
the present then, and drew the contrast. When the Great Spirit 
dictates man, he must prevail : no eloquence like that which comes 
from lips moved by the Great Eternal. Kirkland never dreamed of 
fiiilure : his faith and hope were strong. He did prevail. From that 
momentous hour, Oneida's sons buried the tomahawk, and always 
proved our friends. 

" Witli self-denial more than we can know, this holy man did labor, 
labored till auburn hair had blossomed white, and his firm step be- 
came uncertain. He sowed the seeds of truth, he reaped a glorious 
harvest. To see the natives ' look and live ' was all his heart's de- 
sire, and this he saw. 

" Should I pass by one certain act of that good man, you would 
think it wrong. Turn then your thoughts far back, to that propitious 
day wlien Kirkland laid the corner-stone of oiu" beloved college ; and 
as they gathered round, natives and all, his prayer went up like in- 
cense pure, that it might prosper. May be, his spirit hovers o'er | 
today ; delightful thought ! Would you know where his ashes sleep 1 p 
On yonder hill side, go with me, my friends, and drop a tear ; not that " 
lie died, but that our path, compared with his, has been so crooked. 
But where is the tribe he loved so well, and for whose weal he sacri- ,', 
ficed so much 1 Time would fail to tell ; it would take a volume of 'i 
octavo size to state their wrongs. The peeled and scattered rem- 
nants will reply." 

Rev. Samuel Kirkland was born at Norwich, Conn., on 
the 1st of December, 1741. His father, the Rev. Daniel • 
Kirkland, was the minister of that part of the town of Nor- 



Si04 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

wicli then called the parish of Newcut, and now the town of 
Lisbon. His motlier's maiden name was Hannah Perkins. 
The Kirkland family, as the name indicates, is of Scotch 
descent, and in this country can be traced back to Saybrook. 
Conn., in 163-5. Among the thirty-six heads of families 
who were the early settlers of that place, the name of John 
Kirkland appears, who is said to have come from Silver 
street, London. 

Samuel, the subject of these memoirs, was the tenth in a 
family of twelve children. Little is known of his childhood 
and early youth. The first that can be learned of him is as 
ci student at the Rev. Dr. Wheelock's school, at Lebanon. 
Conn., in 1761. He was there highly esteemed and beloved. 
He entered the Sophomore class of Nassau Hall, Princeton. 
N. J., in the autumn of 1762, and received his degree at 
Princeton in course, at the commencement in 1765. He 
bad, however, previously left college, and at the time his 
degree was conferred, he had entered upon his missionary 
labors for the Indians. While at school at Lebanon he had 
made considerable proficiency in the Mohawk dialect, iindcr 
the instruction of a young native, a fellow-student. This 
shows that, thus early, he was preparing himself for a mis- 
sionary to the Sis Nations. 

Mr. Kirklaud's mis^sionary expedition to the Senecas was 
undertaken at the early age of twenty-three, and was the 
first great act of his life, and abounded with romantic and 
perilous adventure. On his way, he arrived at Johnson 
Hall, the residence of Sir "William Johnson, His Majesty's 
General Agent for Indian Aftairs, on the 16th of November. 
1764. He was kindly received by Sir William, who gave 
him a speech and a belt of wampum to deliver to the Sen- 
ecas. Sir William also furnished him with an escort of 
two trusty Indians of tliat tribe, each conveying a pack of 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 205 

forty pounds' weight. He left the Hall January 17, 1765, 
and made the journey on snow shoes. On arriving at 
Kanonwalohule (Oneida Castle), the principal village of the 
Oneidas, the Indians, after being made acquainted with the 
object of his mission, expressed some concern for his safety, 
and gave him an invitation to remain with them one year, 
before visiting the Senecas. He thanked them for their 
kind intentions, but told them he must proceed, unless 
Providence hedged up his path. On his route from Oneida 
to Onondaga, being unused to walk on snow shoes, his ancles 
became much swollen, and he stayed one night and most of 
the next day at the latter place. As this was the central 
council fire of the Six Nations, the Onondagas claimed that 
the message of Sir William should first be delivered here. 
The missionary acceded to this, and gave the substance of 
the speech, to which the chief sachem replied, and then 
affectionately embraced him, which was followed by the 
others present shaking his hands. On the 7th of February, 
towards evening, twenty-three days after leaving Johnson 
Hall, he arrived at Kanadasegea, the principal town of the 
Senecas. The two guides had been very kind, going before 
to make a track for him, but still he sufiered much from his 
swollen ancles. The day after his arrival a council was 
(jonvened, and Sir William Johnson's address and belt of 
wampum delivered. These were thankfully received by 
the head sachem and a large majority of the nation, but 
there was, however, a small minority with sullen countenan- 
ces, and this minority, headed by an influential chief, subse- 
quently caused him great trouble. 

Mr. Kirkland was soon adopted into the family of the 
head chief ; but the chief's house being crowded, it was 
determined that he should reside with a small family near 
by. In this family he was comfortable, and kindly treated ; 



•^OG ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

but in a sliurt time his host died vcrysuddenly in the niglit^ 
he liaviiig been in perfect health the day previous. These 
circumstances were seized upon by the enemies of the mis- 
sion, and a council called, in which they tried to induce a 
decision for the death of the missionary. Better counsels, 
]iowc\er, prevailed, the head sachem averting the threatened 
event. After this last council he lived in great harmony, 
friendship, and sociabilitj'. But famine drove him from his 
station near the end of April, and in company with his 
Indian brother and family, he returned to Sir AVilliaui 
Johnson's. This journey was made in a bark canoe as far 
as the Oneida Lake; and on his way he called at Fort 
Brewerton, at the west end of the Lake, and enjoyed the 
hospitality of the commanding officer. Here the keenness 
of his appetite was such, that his host had to restrain him. 
to prevent his injuring his health. In crossing the Oneida 
Lake they were overtaken by a storm, and their danger was 
most imminent ; they, however, made for a point upon the 
northern shore, and upon striking which, their frail craft, 
having been so much strained, fell to pieces. They reached 
Johnson Hall in the early part of ISlay, and the first saluta- 
tion of Sir William was, "My God. Mr. Kirkland. you look 
like a whipping post." After staying about three weeks, 
preparations were made for his return, and he was supplied, 
by Dr. Wheelock's order, with such necessaries as he would 
need the ensuing season. Sir "William knt him a new blan- 
ket, '-on condition he would never return it."' A second- 
hand batteau was also presented him. in which to carry his 
provisions and baggage. His Indian brother, who had shared 
with him the downward passage, accompanied him on his 
return, and they reached Kanadasegea on tlie 29th of June. 
For some time matters went on very pleasantly : he had 
acquired such knowledge of the language as to be able to 



Xn.] KIRKLAND. 



207 



engage in common conversation; his peace was, however, 
again disturbed by his old enemy the chief, who insisted that 
Mv. Kirldand's continuance would be the destruction of tlie 
nation,' and announced it as his fixed purpose to put him to 
death if he did not leave ; and an attempt was made to put 
this threat into execution. A subordinate of the chief way- 
laid him, and snapped his gun at him twice, which fortun- 
ately missed fire. 

He left the Senecas in May, 1766, and arrived in Lebanon 
the 19th of that mouth. He was accompanied by a chief 
and his Indian brother, who were treated with great respect 
by the General Assembly, who were then in session. They 
were much affected by the kindness they received, and were 
greatly surprised to find the country so thickly peopled. 

Mr. Kirkland was ordained on the 19th of June, and 
the same day received a general commission as an Indian 
missionary from the Connecticut Board of Correspondents 
of the Society in Scotland. With his new commission he 
started, in July of that year, and took up his residence at 
Kanonwalohule, among the Oneidas. His principal reason 
for changing the field of his labors was, that he regarded the 
Oneidas, in moral qualities, as the noblest of the Six Nations, 
and altogether the most susceptible of religious impressions. 
His opportunities for arriving at a correct conclusion, had 
been good, for he had passed some time with this people in 
passing to and from the Seneca country. A strong friend- 
ship had already sprung up between himself and some of the 
chiefs. He commenced his missionary labors among the 
Oneidas about the first of August, 1766, and continued 
them, with but occasional interruptions, for more than forty 
years. In the November following, he succeeded in building 
himself a house, cutting and hewing the timber, and digging 
the cellar, with his own hands, Mr. Kirkla'id cultivated a 



208 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COL'NTV. [clIAP. 

garden on the same ground now occupied for the same pur- 
pose by Hon. Timothy Jenkins. Among his first acts was 
un attempt to stop the tide of intemperance, in which he was 
quite successful. Eight of the chief men were appointed 
to seize all the intoxicating liquors wliich could be found, 
and destroy, or otherwise dispose of them. Tlie effects of 
this strong measure were such, that about eighty casks of 
rum were carried through the town, and oflered for sale, and 
oven to be given away, yet not in one instance were the 
Indians prevailed upon to take it. 

The Divine blessing soon followed his labors. Many 
individuals and families were converted to the Christian 
faith, and continued firm, adorning their profession by lives 
of sobriety, industry, integrity, and piety. They became 
the steadfast "helpers in Christ Jesus" of their spiritual 
teacher. His poverty was such, however, as to retard his 
usefulness. In 1769 he received the first jiecuniary assist- 
ance from the Society in Scotland. An order drawn upon 
John Thornton, for one hundred pounds sterling, was sent 
him, and James Baine, of Scotland, sent him in addition 
thirty pounds. 

In the spring of 17G9, his health having failed him. he 
took a short respite to regain it. He spent the summer in 
Connecticut, and on the 15th of September of that year, he 
was married, to Jerusha Bingham, the daughter of a respec- 
table farmer. She was indeed an excellent woman, and well 
fitted, by her good sense and devout heart, to become the 
wife of a missionar}'. Shortly after his marriage, he returned 
to his post, accompanied by his wife. As it was necessary 
to enlarge his house from ten to sixteen feet square, lie left 
Mrs. Kirkland in the family of Gen. Herkimer, on the 
Mohawk, uniil he could accomplish it. This being com- 
pleted, he removed her to her new residence in the latter 



XII.] • KIRKLAND. "iOC* 

part of December. ]Mrs. Kirkland's influence was soon felt 
in introducing order, neatness, industry, purity, and devotion 
among tlie Oneida women. 

InJ^GTO, Mr. Kirkland visited Boston, wlien be was talcen 
under tbe patronage of tbc Boston Board, and a salary of 
one bundred pounds a year as tbeir missionary, and tbirty 
pounds additional in consideration of bis great pains and 
expense in learning tbe principal dialects of tbe Six Nations. 
Tbrougb tbe aid of tbc Boston Board, seconding tbe exiar- 
tions of tbe Indians, a meeting bouse, saw and grist mills, 
and a blacksmitb's sbop, were erected, and farming utensils 
purcbased, in tbe course of a few years. Tbe progress of a 
portion of tbe nation in acquiring tbe babits and arts of civil- 
ized life, as well as in Cbristianity, was rapid. Tbe corres- 
pondence of tbis period between BIr. Kirkland and tbe 
Society in Scotland, sbows tbat bis missionary services were 
bigbly appreciated by tbe Society. 

Early in tbe summer of 1770, Mrs. Kirkland started, on 
borseback, for tbe residence of ber motber, in Connecticut, 
but was unable to proceed fartber tban G-en. Herkimer's, at 
tbe foot of Fall Hill, on tbe Mobawk. Here sbe remained 
several weeks, and on tbe 17tb of August gave birtb to twin 
sons, named by tbeir fatbcr, after bis esteemed friends, 
George "Wbitfield and Jobn Tbornton. During ber illness, 
sbe received a letter from tbe celebrated G-eorge Wbitfield, 
full of Cbristian consolation. As soon as ber strengtb 
permitted, sbe returned to Oneida, to tbe great joy of tbe 
Indians, wbo immediately adopted tbe boys into tbe tribe, 
giving George tbe name La-go-ne-ost, and Jobn tbat of 
Ab-gan-o-wis-ka, tbat is, Fair Face. 

Mrs. Kirkland passed tbe winter of 1772-73 in Stock- 
bridge, Massacbusetts ; and as tbe turbulent times preceding 
and during tbe Revolution now commenced, sbe did not 

14 



•210 ANAAL^ OF O.XEIDA COUNT V. fc'HAP. 

return to Oneida until after the peace of 17 53. A small 
farm was purchased at that place, upon Avhich she aud her 
family resided. Mr. Kirkland. however, continued hi.s resi- 
dence and labors, as well as the unsettled state of the country 
would permit. He endeavored to keep' the Indians in a 
htatc of neutrality, and this seems to have been the object 
of Congress, as appears by its records. (See chapter on 
Indian Histor}-.) "With the Oueidas he was to a great 
extent, although not eutirel}-, successful, in the early periods 
of the contest ; but subsequently, about two hundred aud 
fifty warriors, under the celebrated chief Skenandoa. ren- 
dered important service to the United States. 

Mr. Kirkland was, commissioned as chaplain by the dai- 
tinental Congress, and performed duty as such at Fort 
Stanwix. and other posts in the vicinity, during a large 
portion of the Revolutionary contest. In 1779 he was 
Brigade Chaj^lain in General Sullivan's campaign against 
the Indians, on the Susquehanna aud the western part of 
New York, and witnessed that terrible retribution which was 
meted out by that General, for the British and savage bar- 
-barities inflicted upon our frontier. He continued with the 
expedition until late in the fall, when he visited his family 
at Stockbridge. During the remainder of the war, he spent 
the most of his time at Fort Stanwix and at Oneida Castle, 
as Kauonwalohule was then and is now called. 

In 1784 he again renewed his labors among the Oneidas, 
as directed by the Boston Board for the Society in Scotland. 
That Society, however, very properly refused to pay him his 
.salary while employed as chaplain by Congress. 

In the fall of 1784, a great Council of the Six Nations was 
called at Fort Stanwix, at which commissioners on the part 
of the United States attended, and Mr. Kirkland was pre- 
sent as interpreter, and aided, by bis advice to the Indians, 
iu bringing them to agree to terms of peace. 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 211 

In 17SG. a general religious awakening occurred among 
the Indians of Mr. Kirkland's charge at Oneida, and more 
than seventy souls iu the villages were under serious im- 
pressions. The external reformation was conspicuous ; and 
for more than seven months not a single instance of drunken- 
ness was known in two of the villages. The pagan party in 
the tribe were much annoyed by this state of things, and 
laid a plan to take the life of the Missionary. In thi.s they 
were defeated by the Christian Indians, who hid him during 
the night in which the murder was to have been perpetrated, 
and in a council held the next day, the pagans were brought 
to terms, and asked Mr. Kirkland's pardon. His journals 
for 1786 and 1787 gave full satisfaction to the Society in 
Scotland. 

During the residence of Mr. Kirkland's family in Stock- 
bridge were born his son Samuel and three daughters. 
Jerusha, Sally, and Eliza. 

"While Mr. Kirkland was on a visit to his family in 
January, 1788, Mrs. Kirkland died. She was an excellent 
woman, wife, and mother. This was a severe blow to the 
mission, to the missionary, the husband, and the father, and 
his plan of removing his family to Oneida the following 
spring was frustrated ; he therefore returned solitary and 
alone to his laboi-s. A considerable part of the summer of 
1783 was spent on a tour among the western nations of the 
confederacy, as far as Buffalo Creek. At that place he found 
a large concourse assembled, principally from the Six Nations, 
with some Delawares, Cherokees, and other western and south 
ern Indians, and here he met many of his friends of the 
Seneeas. with whom he had become acquainted in 1765, and 
the greeting was most cordial. At this council he had in- 
terviews with Indians from every village and branch of the 
Six Nations, and their whole population, from the best infor- 



212 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CIUP. 

niatiou lie could acquire, was then 1,350, cxclu-slvc of the 
j^Iohawks, wlio luul removed to CJrand Ilivcr, in Canada. 
lie also had an interview with the celebrated Brant, in 
which that great chieftain informed him, he had been trying 
to unite the Indians in a confederacy, independent of white 
people, that a delegation from the Six Nations had visited 
twenty tribes, and that belts had been received importing a 
compliance vrith this plan, from all these nations. The ob- 
ject of this alliaucG was, the peace and good of Indians, and 
not war with either Uritons or Americans. This was a wise 
and righteous policy, and well worthy its originator. 

The main object of this council was the extinguishment of 
the Indian title to a tract of 0,144.000 acres, familiarly 
called the Gcncscc Couninj. This land was granted by 
New York to Massachusetts, and sold by the latter State to 
Phelps & Gorhaui, for $1,000,000. This price at tiie pre- 
sent day. and but little more than sixty years afterwards, 
seems a low price for lands now worth on an average •'S'JO 
per acre. I'or Mr. Kirkland's services at this treaty, Messrs. 
Phelps & CJorhani subsequently gave him a deed of 2,000 
acres, located in Ontario County, in the seventh township, 
.seventh range of towns. 

lleturning from this tour the latter part of August, he 
resumed his labors among the Oneidas. At this period, the 
intrigues and iniiuence of the French traders among the 
Indians, began to interfere with his usefulness. In the 
spring of 1789, a French Eonum Catholic Priest, who was 
a Jesuit, came to Oneida, and took up his residence near the 
lake, and claimed to have been sent by the French Ambas- 
sador at New York. Assisted by one Pennet, a French 
trader of great shrewdness, a considerable French party was 
soon formed among the Indians. Mr. Kirkland carefully 
avoided all disputes between the American and French 



Xir.] KIRKLAND. 213 

parties. The ppivit of animosity rose to such a pitch as to 
endanger the peace of the tribe. The author of this work 
recolleets of hearing, when but a small lad, his father state 
that this quarrel at one time had risen so high, that nineteen 
Indians of one party and twenty of the other, all armed to 
the teeth, met with the determination to settle the matter 
by trial of battle, and for this purpose they had chosen a large 
room, where they had all met, and were about to commence 
their murderous contest. — which, had they proceeded with 
their purpose, would have eventuated in the almost entire 
extermination of the whole party, so equally balanced were 
they as to strength and numbers. — when Mr. Kirldand by 
some means heard of the meeting of the parties and its 
object, and at once went to them, and obtained admission. 
He then proceeded, in one of his most glowing speeches, to 
depict the wickedness and folly of their shedding each other's 
blood, and with such effect upon his savage auditors, that 
they were induced to forego their work of slaughter. 

During the difficulties between the American and French 
parties, each had written to Governor Clinton, of New York, 
on the subject, who returned the following answer, which 
was translated to a full council of the tribe. This letter is 
so replete with plain common sense argument, that it is l)e- 
lievcd it will well repay the perusal of every reader. 

New York, September 12, 1780. 
"Brothers: — I have received your letters, and shall give you an 
answer. Mr. Pennet is only to be considered among you as an ad- 
venturing niercliant, ])ur.suing his own intore.st. lie holds no ollice, 
nor does he sustain any public character in this couutr)'. lie at- 
tempts to deceive you, therefore, when he says he is sent by the 
King of France and the ]\larquis La Fayette, to ti'ansact business 
with you. You ought not to listen to his speeches, nor pay any 
attention to his dreams.* 

* Pennet had dreamed that the Oneidas gave liim five miles square of their 

best land. 



ili ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciLvr. 

'• The King of Franco is our good ally, and he lias an ambassador 
here (whom you saw witli me at Fort Stanwix last fall) to transact 
liusiness and maintain friondshii) with the United States ; hut he has 
nothing to do with any particular State, or the Indians residing in it. 
You must not, therefore, believe Mr. Pennet, when he says lie is 
sent among you by the ambassador. I believe the ])riest now among 
you came at the recjuest of Mr. Pennet and his friends. They have 
a riirht to worship God in a manner most agreeable to them; but T 
apiu-ove of your determination to adhere to your old minister, for I 
fear the preaching of different doctrines among you will only serve 
to perplex and puzzle j'our understandings ; and divisions, either in 
respect to your temporal or spiritual concerns, may prove dangerous 
to your welfare and prosperity. 

" Brothers : — I am happ}- to hear you arc firndy united as to our 
late agreement, and you may be assured that it ^\■ill be faithfully 
adhered to on the part of the State. 

" Let me exhort you to .sobriety and industry, for it is this alone, 
by the blessing of the Great Spirit, that can secure to your comfort 
and happiness. 

'■ I am your friend and l>rother, Gkorge Clinton." 



This letter did much to produce quiet, for it unmasked 
the character of Penuet, aud confirmed the wavering. 

The year 1790 was one of comparative quiet. Taught a 
lcs.son of wisdom by the severe suflPerings from famine the 
])revious year, the Indians paid greater attention to agri- 
culture. One family harvested more than one hundred 
bushels of wheat, a greater <|uantity than had been ever 
raised before in the territory of the Six Nations by Indian 
culture. 

The only incident giving variety to the life of the mission- 
ary this summer, was the arrival of Count Adriani, an 
Italian nobleman, wlio spent several days at Oneida ; and 
the chief pleasure Mr. Kirkland derived from this visit, 
was in the confirmation of his own previous opinion respect- 
ing the musical powers of the Indians. The Count said 
he thought '• the melody of their music, and the softness and 



XII.] KIRKLAXD. 215 

ricliness of their voices, were e(pal to any lie ever, heard In 
Italy.'' 

'In January, 1791, Mr. Kirkland again visited hi.s chil- 
dren, but shortly returned to resume hi.s arduous duties. A 
difficulty of long standing between the Wolf tribe and the 
Turtle and Bear tribes, caused by the Intrigues of the 
French traders, was brought by him to a peaceful issue. He 
wrote to G-eneral Knox, advising the sending of Capt. Hen- 
tlrick, a Stockbridge Indian, upon a mission to the western 
and south-western tribes. The plan was approved, and 
Capt. Hendrick sent, to endeavor to keep these Indians in a 
state of peace ; he was, however, unsuccessful, and the bloody 
defeat of St. Clair followed in November. 

In January, 1792, in compliance with the wish of Gen. 
Knox, Secretary of War, Mr. Kirkland attended a council 
of the Six Nations at Geneseo. The object of this council 
was to induce the Six Nations to send a delegation to 
Philadelphia, then the seat of gOA'ernment of the United 
States. After surmounting many difficulties, Mr. Kirkland 
was at last successful, and a delegation of forty reached 
Philadelphia late in IMarch. Mr. Kirkland's conduct was 
entirely approved by the War Department. Indeed, the 
credit of bringing this large representation of the Six Nations 
to the seat of government is due, and the success attending 
the measure is attributable, mainly to his eiforts and influ- 
ence with the Indians. Its results were highly important, 
for there had been previously a strong disposition among 
the Six Nations, with the exception of the Oneidas, to make 
common cause with the western Indians in their hostility to 
the United States. Had they done so, the frontiers of New 
York and Pennsylvania, instead of the territory north-west 
of the Ohio, would have been the seat of savage warfare and 
barbarity. Such a calamity was averted by the visit to the 



21G AXXALS OF O.NEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

scat of government of ;<o large a number of cliiefs. Mr. 
Kirkland returned tu Oneida about the middle of May, 
rejoicing in being able to return to the immediate duties of 
lii.s mission, but with a consciousness that he had been in 
the way of his dut}^, and had rendered some sei-vice to his 
Country, to the Indians, and to the cause of humanity. 

Tlio family of Mr. Kirkland had, in October, 1791, re- 
moved to the land given him by the Indians and the State. 
After his return from PhiladeliDhia, in May, 1792, he spent 
the summer in the discharge of his missionary duties, and 
superintending the measures adopted by government for the 
instruction of the Indians in agriculture and the arts of 
civilized life. Additional oxen, plows, and other farming 
implements, were purchased and distributed. 

In August he attended the commencement of Dartmouth 
College, and took with him an Oneida chief, by the name of 
Onoudega, but called by the Avhites Captain John. During 
the exercises, President Wheelock addressed Captain John, 
and the latter replied, and in the close of his remarks he 
addressed the graduating class, in' a strain of wisdom Avhich 
would be au ornament in the address of any President of a 
college in his counsels to the young men at the close of their 
collegiate studies. 

In Octobci", Mr. Kirkland injured one of his eyes while 
ridlne; through the woods fi-oiii his residence, near Clinton. 

DO / / 

tc Oneida, and in December his si<;-ht and general health 
had become so inuch affected, that his physician recom- 
mended a journey, and application to oculists in New York 
and Philadelphia. He was the more disposed to make this 
journey, because, in addition to the benefit to his health, it 
would enable him to do something for the furtherance of an 
object he had near his heart. His plan for the education of 
the Indians embraced u High School or Academy. An 



XII.] KIRKLAND. 217 

institution of tliis kind, to be located near what was then 
the boundary line between the white and Indian population, 
Mr. Kirkland had long regarded as of great importance for 
the improvement of both. This project was warmly seconded 
by all the intelligent and influential persons who had emi- 
grated from New England to the towns of Whitestown, 
Paris, and Westmoreland. They had faint hopes indeed of 
any great benefit to the Indians, but felt its importance to 
the growing communities around them. In his journey he 
saw and conversed with many influential individuals on the 
subject. At Philadelphia he saw President Washington, 
who "expressed a warm interest in the Institution;" and at 
New York he saw the Governor of the State and the Ptegents 
of the University, and took the initiatory steps for a char- 
ter. Mr. Hamilton had previously consented to be named 
as one of the trustees in the petition for incorporation. 

Early in 1793 the institution was incorporated, by the 
name of " Hamilton Oneida Academy." But Mr. Kirk- 
land's services to the institution did not end here. In April 
of that year he made it a valuable donation in lands, the 
preamble to the title-deed of which is as follows: — "A 
serious consideration of the importance of education, and 
an early improvement and cultivation of the human mind, 
together with the situation of the frontier settlement of this 
part of the State, though extensive and flourishing, yet 
destitute of any well regulated seminary of learning, has 
induced and determined me to contribute of the ability 
wherewith my Heavenly Benefactor hath blessed me, towards 
laying the foundation and support of a school, or academy, 
in the town of Whitestown, County of Herkimer, contiguous 
to the Oneida Nation of Indians, for the mutual benefit of 
the young and flourishing settlements in said county, and 
the various tribes of confederated Indians, earnestly wishing 



218 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAP. 



tlie institution may grow and flourish, that the advantages 
of it may be extensive and hvsting, and that, under the sujile.s 
of the God of wisdom and goodness, it may prove an emi- 
nent means of diifusing useful knowledge, enlarging th(> 
bounds of human happiness, aiding the reign of virtue and 
the kingdom of the blessed Ficdeenier." 

This preamble is followed hy a deed conveying to the 
trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy several parcels of 
land, containing in all several hundred acres. One lot of 
twelve acres was declared to be inalienable, and this i.s the 
•• ground plot," as it is termed, upon which Hamilton College 
now stands. The remainder of the lots were left to the 
disposition of said trustees. The establishment of this 
school was the last important act in Mr. Kirkland's life. 

The Pennet party caused him much trouble, and in 170 4 
they made an unsuccessful effort to have him superseded. 
The Kev. Drs. Belknap and 3Iorse were appointed a com- 
mittee by the board to investigate the grounds of complaint, 
and reported favoraldy to 3Ir. Kirkland, and upon this 
report, and the testimony adduced by him. the board di.*- 
missed the complaint. 

In 1795, by the stumbling of his horse, Mr. Kirkland 
was thrown upon the hard ground, with great violence. He 
never recovered from tlie effects of this fall, but for five or 
six years was much of the time an invalid. 

In 1797, the Society in Scotland dissolved its connection 
with 3Ir. Kirkland, and about the same time the Society 
discontinued most of its missionary operations in the United 
States. In IfcO.j his youngest son, Samuel, died in Boston, 
and in 180G his son (ieorge W., in Jamaica. 

As far as health would permit, Mr. Kirkland continued 
his labors at Oneida through life. The Christian church at 
that place, as long as he survived, regarded him as their 



Xir.] ' KIRKLAND. . ,. . 219 

missionary and pastor. In one of liis last communications 
to the Society he says,— "Whether I hold the office [of 
missionary] or not, while I live, and have any capacity for 
service, I must do much of the duty. I know their language 
and manners, I love them, and they me. I have learned to 
bear with their ignorance, their perverseness, their dulness, 
and not be angry, or despondent. They must and always 
will come to me, and expect to receive counsel, instruction, 
sympathy, and hospitality." He frequently expended the 
whole of his salary in his hospitality to them, and it was 
no unusual thing for him to furnish seventy, eighty, and 
even a hundred meals in a single week to the Indians. 
Even after his death they seemed to expect, and claimed 
almost as a right, the same attention and hospitality they 
had ever received in his lifetime. 

After a brief but severe illness, he died of pleurisy, on 
the 28th of February, 1S08. His remains were carried to 
the church in Clinton, where a funeral sermon was preached 
by the Kev. Dr. Norton. He was interred in a private 
grave near his house, where, on one side, rest the remains of 
his widow* and youngest daughter, and on the other the 
celebrated Skenandoa. 

His daughters were all married : Jerusha, the eldest, (now 
the sole survivor of the family.) in 1797, to John H. Loth- 
rop, Esq., of Utioa; the next, Sarah, in 1804, to Francis 
Amory, of Boston, and the youngest, Eliza, in 1818, to Rev. 
Edward Robinson, D. D., then Professor Ln Hamilton Col- 
lege, and subsequently known as an oriental traveller, and 
now a Professor in the Union Theological Seminary of New 
York City. His sons George W. and Samuel died un- 
married ; John T. married late in life, and had no children, 

* Mr. Kirkland was married a second time. Ili.s second wife sur- 
vived l)im several years, and it is lier remains that rest beside liis. 



^ 



2:20 AXNALS or oneida county. [ciiAr. 

so that tliorc is no descendant of Mr. Kirkland bcarine bi.s 
name. 

Pcrliaps tlic reader may think that the memoirs of ^Iv 
Kirkhmd have been made too prolix for a work of this kind. 
The incidents of his life were, however, so varied, and 
abound with so many important and useful data, that, in 
the opinion of the writer, they could not have been abridged 
without detracting materially from the instruction they fur- 
nish, and the interest they possess. To have omitted more, 
would have been to mar the fair proportions of the super- 
structure, — "a well spent life." Much of detail, and many 
things possessing interest to the various classes of readers, 
are necessarily omitted for want of room. For the materials 
of this sketch, the author is chiefly indebted to the i?/?' o/" 
Mr. Kir/Jand, written by his grandson, Samuel Kirkland 
Lothrop. 

Moses Foote, who was the "leading spirit" of Clinton, 
was born August 4, 1734, in the town of Waterbury, Conn. 
He was the son of Moses Foot, who was born January 13, 
1702, who was the son of Xathaniel Foote. who was born 
April 13, IGGO, and he the son of Robert Foote, Avho was 
born about 1627, and he the son of Deacon Nathaniel Foote. 
who was born about 1593, and emigrated from England to 
Wethersfield, Conn. ' 

The subject of this sketch Avas twice married, first to 
Thankful Bronson, of "Waterbury, August 12, 1750; by 
this marriage he had one son, Bronson Foote, who was a 
soldier of the Revolution, and died in Clinton, August 30, 
1836, aged 70. The second marriage was to Amy Richards, 
May 17, 1758. and by which he had nine children, viz. : — 
Ira, Thankful, Luther, Amy and Anna (twins), Moses, 
Arunah, Jairus and Betsey (twins). Of these. Thankful. 



Xn.] KIRKLAND. 221 

(the wife of 3Iajor Barnabas Pond.) Amy, Moses, Arunali, 
and Betsey, (the wife of Deacon Gold Benedict,) died in 
Clinton. Little is known of the biography of Mr. Foote, 
other than that related in the account of the early settlement 
of Clinton. He was engaged as a soldier in securing the 
independence of his country, the contest for which had but 
just closed when he put his fortitude to a severer test, by 
emigrating to the vicinity of the Oneidas, and subduing a 
portion of the tangled, heavily-timbered forest. 

He was eminently fitted by nature for a pioneer settler, 
endowed with an iron frame, full six feet in height, and of a 
temperament and muscular texture capable of almost any 
amount of hardship and privation, and also possessing a large 
.share of native shrewdness and sagacity. He lived to wit- 
ness the progress of society, as it swept like an avalanche 
over Central and Western New York, making the wilderness 
literally to "blossom like the rose." He lived to see his own 
Clinton become a flourishing village, with a well-endowed 
college within its bounds ; he lived to see also the commence- 
ment of that stupendous work, the Erie Canal, audits middle 
section nearly completed, and agricultural products raised 
upon lands cleared by his own hands, transported upon its 
Iwsom to the Atlantic markets ; and this, too, over a route a 
portion of which, forty years before, he had on foot threaded 
his way, without even that first impress of civilization, — a 
road. He died in Clinton, February 9, 1819, aged 84. 

It may not be improper here to say, that John and Ado- 
nijah Foote, brothers, who were early settlers in the town of 
Vernon, and the former of whom died in that town, in 1833, 
the latter still living, were descendants from the same stock, 
as also was the Hon. Elial T. Foote, who for about twenty- 
five years was a Judge, and the last twenty years of the time, 
First Judge of Chautauque County. 



'^^2 AXXALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Jesse Curtiss. — Tn tlio foregoing sketch of the bistory 
of the town of Kirkland, the author lias made '-honorable 
mention" of the name of Jesse Curtiss, but since it was 
penned, he too. "like a shock of corn, fully ripe," has been 
gathered to his fathers. An obituary, published in the 
Ondda Whig shortly after his death, and from which the 
following are extracts, is but a just tribute to departed 
worth. 

" Died, at liis residence in Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., on the 
19th of January, 18-JO, Je.sse Curtiss, Esci., aged 83 years. 

'• The press is often called upon to record the names of that race 
of men of fearless hearts, lionest heads, and iron sinews, who settled 
the County of Oneida. One by one the siirvivors of another gene- 
ration arc departing, and soon the last foot-print of the last veteran 
will vanish from the shores of time. In tins class Mas found Mr. 
(lurtiss. He was born in Plymouth, Conn., of a sturdy Puritan an- 
cestry, and at the age of twenty-two years emigrated to Clinton, 
with no resources save his integrity and his enterprise. ' lie came 
from Utica in the spring, and brought on his back, from the log huts 
at that place, a skippel (three pecks) of seed wheat.' His was not 
a life of wild turmoil and lawless excitement ; no bloody feats in 
arms, no direful carnage, were his to tell. Ijut 'peace has its tri- 
umphs,' and in these he bore no inferior i)art, 

'• The following account of the building of his house is taken from 
the ' Early Histoi-y of Clinton,' and it develops at once the rudeness 
of the land and the energy of the man : — 

"About the 20th day of October, 1789, the snow fell to the depth 
of nearly two feet, ujion a bed of mud not much less; the weather 
became cold and inclement, and most forbidding to the Avayfarer 
and laborer. Precisely at this time, a settler, zealous to build a 
frame house before the winter should set in with its full severity, 
went to Capt. Cassety's saw mill, and for three days and two nights, 
alone, and without rest or intermission, continued to saw the lum- 
ber necessary for the building. When the task was ended, his hands 
were glazed as if by tire, from using so constantly the cold iron bar.s 
of the saw mill ; he felt himself well repaid, however, for all his 
toil and fatigue, for in a few days he reared a frame dwelling sixteen 
feet square. That dwelling is now the kitchen of Mr. Horatio Curtiss, 
and tliat diligent settler was Je.sse Curtiss, already mentioned.' 

'•With but little fonfidenee in mere theory, lie was a practical 
farmer, and furuishis one of the most striking examj)les to be found 



Xll.'J KIRKLAND. ■.■.'. 223 

in the county, of the success which follows unceasing industry and 
economy. On the same farm of fifty acres on which he first located, 
he lived for more than sixty years, engaged in no other pursuit 
except such offices of trust and honor as his fellow-citizens conferred 
upon him. "With no other means of acquiring property, he made 
the faru; a garden, and himself a man of guod estate ; he brought 
up and established in life his children, and retained to the day of 
his death a handsome competency. The golden stream, if it was 
not quick and violent, M'as constant and unceasing. 

■'■ Mr. Curtiss was eminently an useful man in all the departments 
of life ; a man of decided piety, and yet no zealot. A firm sup- 
porter of public and jjrivate morals, he was always in the foremost 
rank in the promotion of every useful and benevolent enterprise. 
Education never had a more steadfast friend. For sixty years the 
common school was not beneath his fostering care, and our acade- 
mies and college can bear grateful witness to his repeated benefac- 
tioris. 

••In the political history of the county, and especially of the ' Old 
Town of Paris,' Mr. Curtiss was a prominent actor. A decided 
jjolitician, he all his life maintained an uniform course, and was ever 
found doing valiant service for his party and his country. No 
resistance ever dismayed him, and no obstacle ever diverted him 
from his path. The confidence of the county honored him with a 
seat in the Legislature, and for twenty-eight successive years he 
was Supervisor of the town. 

■• The Old Town of Paris I'' How many striking recollections are 
stirred up by these words, and what changes in that town have been 
witnessed by the departed ! When he became one of its citizens, it 
was a wilderness, embracing nearly the present Second Assembly 
District, with here and there an opening cut by the pioneer. Two 
hundi'ed souls was its whole population, but they were the seed of a 
might}^ people. Now, they have grown to 20,000 in number, and its 
village spires, its massive manufactories, and its schools, testify to 
the sterling character of its earlier inhabitants, and to its present 
prosperity, morals, and intelligence. 

" It was no small honor to have the confidence of such a commu- 
nity ; and for almost half a century, the names of Jesse Curtiss, 
Isaac Miller, Henry McNiel, and Kirtland GrifiBn, were identified 
v.-ith the political power of the town. All these have departed ; the 
.sliarpness of party politics may at times have produced dislike and 
political, or even personal unkindness, yet that was transient, and 
they have sunk to their graves in peace, honored and beloved by 
the generation that succeeded them." 



■ZM ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

At the time of his death, Mr. Curtiss was possessed of 
one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Bible in the United 
States. It was published in Geneva, by John Crcspin, in 
15G8, and is, therefore, 282 years old- On its blank leaves 
it contains written evidence that it was owned by the Curtiss 
family as early as 1636. Although it carries uninistakable 
proof in its appearance of having been thoroughly "search- 
ed," yet it is in good repair and preservation. 



XIII.] T.EE. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



LEE. 



The first settlement made within the town of Lee, was by 
two brothers, Stephen and Reuben Sheldon, in the year 
1790. They located on the west bank of the Mohawk 
River, on the site of the present village of Delta, at that 
time there not being one house between them and Fort 
Stanwis. Others soon moved into their immediate vicinity, 
among whom were David Smith, Daniel Spinning, John 
.Spinning, Benjamin Spinning, Stephen Salisbury, and Nich- 
olas Salisbury. Soon after the arrival of these pioneers, 
Nathan Barlow, William Taft. Dan Miller, Smith Miller, 
John Hall, Frederic Sprague, and a Mr. Hale, moved into 
the present limits of Lee, and commenced the settlement of 
"Lee Centre" and its vicinity. As early as 1795, James 
Young, Charles UlFord, Elisha Parke, a Mr. Potter, and 
some others, whose names can not be ascertained, had re- 
moved to the place, and reinforced the settlement at the 
Centre. The first settlers of Lee in general were men of 
limited means, and with their but small capital had to over- 
come the hardships of a new country, and to endure many 
privations before they had cleared and cultivated sufficient 
land to insure a competence. They were, however, indus- 
trious and frugal, they labored hard and fared hard, but 
they were persons seemingly raised up for the purpose of 
settling a new country ; they were temperate and healthy, 

15 



'Z'Hi ANNALS OF ONEIUA COrNTV. [clIAP. 

and, with the blessing of ProvidencC; were prosperous, cou- 
twnted, and happy. 

It may not be entirely uninteresting to give the ideas of 
the old settlers of this section of the county before their 
removal, together with that of their friends in Connecticut 
at the time. It is given in their own language, as narrated 
by one of the descendants of the pioneers of Lee. now resid- 
ing in the town. 

The Military Tract, consisting of the bounty land given 
by the State of New York to her revolutionary soldiers. — 
now the Counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca, was 
said to be "so far off, and so near the ends of the earth, they 
supposed it never would be settled by a civilized people." 
What is now Lee and Western were described as "away up 
the Mohawk Eiver, away beyond Fort Stanwix, inhabited 
only by bears, wolves, and Indians." A land 

'■ Where nothing dwelt but bcast.s of prey, 
Or men more tierce and wild than they.' 

The ideas of these good people of the "land of steady 
habits," could hardly in these days be considered as very 
correct in relation to the settling of the Military Tract, but 
they undoubtedly were as to the inhabitants, "bears, wolves, 
and Indians" being then the only occupants of this town. 

Although the two sections noticed were the earliest settled, 
the whole of the southern part of this town was soon dotted 
with emigrants from New England. The westerly part of 
the town, on the former State Road, now the Rome and 
Taberg plank road, was not far behind the Delta and Centre 
sections of the town. 

At the time of its settlement, the territory composing the 
present town of Lee consisted of the following patents or 
tracts of land: — Scrila's Patent, Oothoudt's Patent, includ- 



XIII.] LEE. 



227 



iug Bowne's Purchase, Banyar's Patent, Fonda's Patent, 
Matchin's or Mcllwaine's Tract, Boon's, Cooper's, or Mappa's 
Tract. A part of Scriba's Patent, known as the 6,000 acre 
tract in township No. 1, and a part of the 4.000 acre tract in 
township No. 2, were sokl to Daniel C. White, John W. 
Bloomfield, John Hall, George Huntington, and others. 
There is a tract of land lying in the west part of the town, 
(and extending into the town of Annsville.) known as the 
Franklin and Bobinson, or Quaker Tract. It was originally 
a part of Scriba's Patent, but was not a part either of the 
6,000 or 4,000 acre tracts, and extended to Fish Creek, and 
is intersected by the town line. 

. As the settlement of the " Whitestown Country" pro- 
gressed, towns were organized with an extent of territory 
only regulated by its number of inhabitants. As the popu- 
lation increased rapidly, divisions and subdivisions of the 
towns and counties followed in quick succession. The 
earliest inhabitants of this town first found themselves in 
Montgomery County, then in Herkimer; and then in Oneida; 
first in the town of Whitestown ; second, in Mexico ; third, 
in Steuben ; fourth, in Western ; and fifth, in the good town 
of Lee. The town of Lee was organized in 1811, since 
which time its boundaries have only been changed by having 
a part, of Annsville taken from it. It is bounded on the 
north by the town of Ava, on the west by Annsville and 
Fish Creek, on the south by Rome, and on the east by 
Western. It seems that for a short time previous to its 
organization, its territory, or at least a portion of it, was 
known by the name of Worcester, but on its organization, 
James Young, junior, of Lee, and Joshua Northrup, of 
Western, who were members of the committee appointed to 
get the new town organized by the Legislature, and select a 
name, and who were both emigrants from the town of Lee. 



228 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Mass., proposed tliat name for the new town, wLicIi was 
adopted by the Legislature. The ai'ca of the town contain.'^ 
about 29,000 acres. 

By the act of the Legislature forming the town of Lee, 
the first town meeting was to be held at the school house, 
near Samuel Darlington's. (This school house is hereafter 
noticed as the first erected in the town.) The town meeting 
was held agreeably to the terms of the act, on the third day 
of March, 1812, and elected James Young, junior, Super- 
visor, and West Waterman, Town Clerk. The town has 
now been organized forty years, and the following list gives 
the names of those who have served as Supervisors, and the 
number of years each has served: — 

John Young, junior - - - - - - 2 years. 

John Hall -- .3" 

William Parke 10 " 

Daniel Twitchcll - - - - • - . - • 8 " 

James N. Ilusted 2 " 

Freeman Perry 1" 

Lyman Sexton - - - - - - - 2" 

John J. Castle 2 " 

Jerome Checscbrough - 1 " 

Mansir G. Phillips ------- 1 " 

Charles Stokes (the present incumbent) - - 2 " 

The southerly portion of the town, which has but a slight 
elevation from tlic village of Rome, has a very warm, pro- 
ductive soil, some sections of which resemble the cobble stone 
and gravelly plain on which the village of Rome is located, 
while other sections are a sandy loam. There is no part of 
the county better adapted than this to the raising of Indian 
corn ; indeed, it produces well all those kinds of grain and 
grass cultivated in Central New York. From this portion 
of the town, the land rises to an altitude approximating the 
high lands in the north part of the county. This is a good 



XIII. J   LEE. ' 229 

section for pasturage, grass, oats, potatoes, etc. ; and its farm- 
ers are now turning their attention to dairying and tlie 
raising of stock, as the most productive farming of which their 
soil is capable ; and it is worthy of remark, that the more 
elevated portions of the county, where the agriculturists are 
engaged in dairying and the raising of stock, are full equally 
flourishing with those parts adapted to the raising of grain, 
however much more these sections are inviting in appear- 
ance. On Fish Creek, where it forms the north-west boun- 
dary of the town, there are extensive quarries of good building 
stone. Other than these, there are no quarries, and the in- 
habitants in the other sections have to use for building 
purposes, the small bowlders and cobble stone in their 
neighborhood, or draw them quite a distance. 

The early settlers were much annoyed by bears and 
wolves, committing depredations on their herds of swine and 
flocks of sheep. The large tract of low land and swamp on 
Wood Creek, towards its confluence with the Oneida Lake, 
made a sure retreat in the day time for these pests of the 
new settlers, and the proximity of their place of shelter to 
these new settlements, enabled them to gratify their appetites 
for pork and mutton at the expense of the inhabitants. To 
obviate this, these domestic animals had to be driven up and 
yarded each night, and it was surprising how soon the flocks 
of sheep would learn the voice of their owner in collecting 
them to their place of safety, their numbers often made 
minus one or two, even in the day time. . '; 

Two sons of the Emerald Isle, by the name of Thomas 
and Henry Cunningham, were rolling logs, to clear a farm 
they had purchased, when they heard the most piteous cries 
from one of their porkers, proceeding from the edge of the 
forest, in the immediate vicinity of where they were at work. 
Not wishing to part with their embryo bacon without making 



230 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP, 

an effort, tLey flew to the rescue, Avltli no other or better 
offensive weapons than the handspikes with which they were 
at work. "When they had got to the place of the encounter, 
they found Bruin had the hog in close embrace, and had 
already commenced making a meal from that which its 
owners had fondly anticipated would in the fall have formed 
one of the substantials for the feeding of their own house- 
holds. The trespasser could very readily have parried tlie 
blows of one assailant, but had not an extra eye nor arm for 
the two. especially when the blows fell in most rapid suc- 
cession, and soon the depredator had to yield the contest 
and his life, to a well-aimed heavy blow on the cranium. 
This was on the farm now owned by Cleorge llemington. 

The first child born in the town was Fenner Sheldon, a 
son of Reuben Sheldon, one of the two brothers who first 
settled at Delta. He was born in the year 1791, and yet 
resides in the town, in the vicinity of " Lee Centre." Ilis 
parents were advised to apply to the patentees for a land 
warrant for their son, as the first-born in that vicinity : but 
if the application was made, it must have been unsuccessful, 
as the son never received the "bounty land." 

The first death in Lee was that of a young man named 
Job Kaird, aged twenty years, who died in 1798. His 
disease was the bilious putrid fever, the germ of wliich lie 
brought from the vicinity of Wood Creek and the Oneida 
Lake. Alvan Young, Esq., yet residing in the town, well 
remembers attending the funeral, about one mile from his 
father's residence, and on the farm now occupied by Freeman 
Milks, and speaks quite confidently that this was the first 
death in the limits of the town. 

The first marriage was that of Mr. Dan Miller, to 3Iiss 
Amy Taft, daughter of William Taft. The next was that of 
two daughters of Mr. James Young, to young men in their 



xm.] LEE. -■ 231 

iieighborliood. Unfortunately, the author has not obtained 
■the dates of these first weddings, but they took place early in 
the settlement of the town. 

The first saw mill erected in Lee, was built either in 1 79 i 
or 1792. by David Smith, Esq., on the Mohawk River, oji 
the site of the jDresent mills in the village of Delta. The 
second saw mill was erected in 179G, by John Hall and 
Smith Miller, on the Canada Creek, at Lee Centre. There 
are now twenty saw mills in the town, the most of them 
doing good business. 

The first grist mill in Lee. or indeed in this section of the 
county, was built by Gren. William Floyd, in 1796. It was 
^;ituate on Canada Creek, one and a half miles south of Lee 
Centre, and near the line between Lee and Rome. It 
accommodated a large section of country, there being at the 
time of its erection no grist mill nearer than at Whitesboro. 
]Many of the early grists brought to this mill, came on the 
backs of the owners, horses in those days being a luxury 
beyond the means of most of the settlers. This ancient mill, 
erected by the immortal signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, has long since been in ruins, and its site aban- 
'doned. The second grist mill in the town was built in the 
year 1798, by Thomas and William Forfar, emigrants from 
the Highlands of Scotland. It was located on Canada 
<h'eek, on the site now occupied by the mill at Lee Centre. 
There are now two grist and flouring mills in the town, one 
in Delta and the other at Lee Centre, each doing an exten- 
sive business. 

The first school house was erected in 1796 or 1797, by the 
voluntary contributions of the inhabitants, in money, mate- 
I'ials, and labor, and was situated, one mile south-east from 
Lee Centre. In this pioneer school house, many of the 
early sons and daughters of Lee received their first lessons 



232 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAF. 

ill the rudiments of a comiiion school education. Some of 
them jet reside in the town, and they say if some luckless 
wight failed to get a fair portion of ideas by the ordinary 
course of study, as the course of discipline then was, tlic 
knights who occupied the chair pedagogic would make the 
attempt to quicken the perceptions by a smart application of 
the hand on the ear, and if that failed, an effort was made to 
reach the seat of knowledge through the cuticle of the back, 
by a thorough application of the rod. 

The manufacture of leather was commenced on a small 
scale as early as 1815. There are now four tanneries in the 
town, doing a fair but not extensive business. 

There are three wool-carding and cloth-dressing establish- 
ments, in one of which the manufacture of woolen cloths is 
carried on to a considerable extent. 

There are also in the town an extensive plow manufactory, 
two lathes for the turning of wood, driven by water power, 
and seven dry goods and grocery stores. 



nELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The first church organization in the town was a Congrc- 
gcUional Churchy constituted as early as 1797, and ten of 
its members, seven males and three females, belonged to the 
limits of the present town of Lee, viz. : — Nathan Barlow, 
Lydia Bai'low, John Hall, Dan Miller, James Young, Han- 
nah Young, Ebenczer Seymour and wife, Joseph Simmons, 
and Eliakim Miller. There were a few also who united 
with this body who resided in the present town of "Western, 
Joshua "Wills and wife, Hezekiah Elmer and wife, and 
perhaps one or two others. The first pastor of this church 
was the llev. James Southworth, then the Rev. Mr. Norton. 



XIII.] LEE. 



233 



Missionaries for a time — Rev. Mr. Cook, Rev. Mr. Leavens- 
worth, Rev. John Alexander, Rev. Mr. Long, Rev. Mr. Hall, 
Rev. Simeon Snow, Rev. Clement Lewis. The present pas- 
tor (1850) is the Rev. Mr. Edwards. It is now under the 
Presbyterian form of government, and has about thirty 
members. This society used as a house of worship, for 
about twenty years, the school house noticed as the first in 
town. 

The Methodists are the most numerous body of Chris- 
tians in Lee. They have a respectable house for public 
worship in Delta, besides a share in the house belonging to 
the "Union Ecclesiastical Society," at Lee Centre. This 
last-named house was erected in 1819, and was the first 
house for public worship in the town. The IMethodists are 
supplied by circuit preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Chidester 
and Richards supplying them in 1850. 

The Friends have quite a numerous society and a house 
for worship located near the West Branch Post Office, in 
this town. 

The Universalists have a society in this town, and have 
for their present pastor the Rev. Mr. J. S. Kibbe, alternately 
holding their meetings with the Methodists in the " Union 
Church." 

The common schools previous to 1849 had been well sus- 
tained, were flourishing, and the cause of education rapidly 
advancing. Few towns could produce an equal amount of 
talent in useful and active life, which had been developed but 
in the common schools. In 1845 there were seventeen public 
schools in successful operation. The school house at Lee 



234 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Centre is a good two-story wooden building. Tlie cost of 
the several school houses, and the land connected \\'ith them 
was 83,708. 

The first settlers in the region of Fish Creek possessed 
one advantage over the early settlers in many other parts of 
the country. The luxury of the " roast beef," pork, and 
mutton, of older settlements, is sparingly enjoyed in new ; 
but in the neighborhood of the creek, the luscious salmon 
almost compensated for the deprivation. From the time the 
salmon made their first appearance in the spring until fall, 
the supply was only limited by the demand, and after the 
wants of " home consumption" had been satisfied, the surplus 
was frequently taken to gratify tlie voluptuaries at Fort 
StanwiX; Whitestown, and Old Fort Schuyler. Many of the 
inhabitants thus drew from Fish Creek a considerable part 
of their support. In the fall they were salted down for 
winter's use, and formed a far more palatable substitute for 
'• meat victuals," than did the salted pigeons substituted by 
the pioneers of Wliitesboro. 

There arc no large villages in this town, but there arc four 
points where business centres. 

In the west part of the town, on the Rome and Taberg 
plank road, is a small cluster of houses, mechanics, etc., and 
there are in the vicinity four saw mills, and other machinery 
on West Creek, a stream that empties into Fish Creek. 
Jlerc is the Lee Post Office, and a tavern. 

Lee Centre, as its name indicates, is centrally located in 
the town. Here are a number of dwellings, the T^nion 
Church, two stores, a tavern, a grist and saw }nill, Lee 
Centre Post Office, a tannery, with various shops for mechan- 
ics. It is a quiet country village, isolated from the bustle 
of canals, rail or plank road.s, yet its water power makes it a 
place of some importance and considerable business. It is 



XIII. J LEE. ,, :•..■ . -ioa 

situated ou the Canada Creek, a stream sufficient to turn 
quite an amount of machinery, that empties into Wood 
Creek westerly from Home. 

Nisbet's Corners are about two miles easterly from the 
(Centre, where the road from that place to Delta crosses the 
Home and Turin plank road. Here is a store, tavern, and a 
small collection of dwellings and shops, and Stoke's Post 
Office. This place takes its name from Robert Nisbet, a 
gentleman from Adams, Mass.. who settled here about the 
year 1818, and resided here until his death, which occurred 
in March, 1839. He was. a prominent and active business 
man. For many years he was confessedly the best farmer 
in the county, and in his farm management jDrobably had 
few superiors in the country. He was also extensively en- 
gaged in the produce business, and did more at an early 
day to introduce and encourage good dairying in this 
part of the State, than any other person. The little village 
which bears his name, was built up under the influence of 
his active and extended business, and for many years pre- 
sented, during the autumn, the stir and activity often not 
witnessed in towns of a much larger population, but lacking 
the energy of a master spirit to guide and direct its opera- 
tions. The influence of Mr. Nisbet's example and advice 
has contributed largely to the agricultural improvement, 
not only of the town where he resided, but of tliis entire 
section of country. This brief tribute to his memory is not 
therefore undeserved. 

Delta is situated in the extreme eastern part of the 
town, a small portion of the village being in "Western. It 
lies on the westerly side of the Mohawk River, which 
affords it an abundant water power. Delta has a post 
office of that name, a Methodist Church, a grist and flouring 



236 ANXALS OF ONEIDA COUMY. [ciIAP. 

mill, a .«:iw mill, a large distillery, a plow factory, a -wool 
cardiug. clotli dressing, and woolen manufacturing establish- 
ment, and the various mechanics usually found in a coun- 
try A-illagc, with quite a collection of respectable dwelling 
bouses. 






XIV.J MARCV. , . 237 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MARCY. 

In the year 1740, and in the north of Irehand, were wit- 
nessed the parting adieus of a young man and his lately 
betrothed wife, to parents, brothers, and sisters, and the dear 
friends of their childhood and youth. The parting over, a 
long, long, lingering look was given to the green valley that 
had ever been their home, and where the shamrock covered 
the happy playgrounds of childhood ; a long farewell was in- 
wardly breathed to Ireland, and the journey to the harbor 
of embarkation was at once commenced. They had heard 
of " swate Americy," the home for the oppressed and poor, 
where labor was abundant, and wages fully compensated for 
its toil, and, above all, where but a small portion of the 
laborer's earnings were swallowed up in rents, tythes, and 
taxes. To this El Dorado of their imaginations were our 
young emigrants about to exile themselves. 

Having crossed the wide Atlantic, the town of Plaintield, 
in the State of Connecticut, was selected for their future 
home. Poor in this world's goods, yet rich in each other's 
love, in stout hearts, strong arms, and persevering industry, 
they could hardly fail to be successful. At the end of 
twenty-five years, we find our emigrants with ample com- 
petence, almost rich, and with ten healthy children, nine 
sons and a daughter. Another emigration now became 
necessary, to secure farms and homes for this numerous 



238  ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. . [fllAF. 

progcn}'. Vermont was then the "New Country ," whose 
woods and clieap lands were inviting the tide of emigration. 
and in 1 7G.j we find our Irish-Yankee settled in the town 
and County of Windsor, in that territory, then claimed bv 
New York and New Hampshire. A few years found them 
with good farms, cleared of their primeval forests ; then came 
the time that "tried men's souls," and eight of the nine sons 
were found with the Green Mountain Boys, battling for 
their country. The ninth and youngest would have joined 
his comrades, but his age did not come up to the continental 
standard. What was seemingly remarkable, they all lived' 
to see their country's independence established; although 
some were "during the war's'' men, no bullet had been com- 
missioned to harm them, and being some of the iron men of 
that age, they had withstood the hardships and privations 
which swept so many of the soldiers of independence to un- 
timely graves. 

Vermont not coming fully up to their anticipations, four 
of the sons were among the earliest settlers of the town of 
Marc}-. John Wilson, the sixth son, was the first person 
who removed within the present limits of the town. He 
came in the spring of 1793, and brought a large family of 
children, all under eighteen years of age. He settled upon a 
river farm, about half a mile east of the Nine Mile Creek, 
where he built a small log house, and cleared several acres of 
land. In the fall he was taken ill of a bilious fever, and 
died, and several of his elder children continued to reside on 
the farm, while the younger separated, and went to live 
with difi'erent relatives. Early in 1794, James Wilson, the 
seventh son of the Irish emigrant, arrived in the town. A 
Dutchman, named Tull, had preceded him, and built a log 
house eighteen feet square, in which he and his family, in all 
twelve persons, were living. The house stood on the bp'iV 



XIV.] MARCY. 239 

of the Nine Mile Creek, about sixty rods above its junction 
with the Mohawk. Like all new settlers, TuU's latchstriug 
was out, and James Wilson removed in with the already 
crowded household, adding six to their numbers, and there 
remained until spring, when he purchased a '-new lot,'' as 
unimproved lands were then called, about one mile north of 
the Oriskany village, upon which he moved. His first 
efforts in agriculture were unfortunate. He cleared a few 
acres the first spring, and planted it with corn, adding a 
liberal supply of pumpkin seed to the corn seed. The 
pigeons pulled up every stalk of the corn, leaving the pump- 
kins to luxuriate alone on the virgin soil. Their numbers 
were legions, and their size enormous, but they were his only 
produce the first year, and consequently the hardships of the 
settlers were trying and severe, as the oxen and cows had 
to be fed the first winter from the tops of the elm, basswood, 
and maple. Hardships were, however, borne without com- 
plaint, and at the end of fifteen years from his arrival, he: 
w;as a wealthy farmer. 

In 1794, Isaac and Jacob Wilson, fourth and fifth sons of 
Thomas Wilson, removed into this town, in the neighbor- 
hood of their brother. Of these y^rs^ settlers, not an individual 
now remains in the town, all having died or removed ; the 
last, Thomas, son of James Wilson, who was but a small 
lad when he arrived, having recently removed to the town of 
Vernon. Of the early settlers, among whom were the 
Careys, Camps, and others, several still reside in the town. 

The first settlers were mostly uneducated men, yet with 
their rude manners, kind and neighborly. They were in thc' 
habit of meeting at some one of their houses, to celebrate 
the advent of the new year. A "rich supper," as they 
termed it, was provided, by each furnishing the articles in 
which he most abounded ; and the result was, that theaa 



240 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

.suppers cxLibitcd a bountiful supply of turkeys, cliickcnsj 
pies, cakes, etc. After the supper, the young people spent 
the evening in dancing, -while the older ones told their stories 
and cracked their jokes. 

Strong drink was freely used, although by few to intoxi- 
cation ; for this was before the invention .of temperanco 
societies. Logging and wood bees were also the order of the 
day, to which a whole neighborhood were invited, to give one 
of their number a lift in drawing, piling, and burning Iocs, 
in clearing land, or to cut and draw fire wood. It is very 
questionable whether those who have succeeded them enjoy 
life with as high a relish as they did. They were a plain 
people, manufacturing in their families almost every article 
of their wearing apparel, the fabric of which, though coarse, 
and colored from the bark of the hemlock, soft maple, but- 
ternut, and hazel, was wai-m and durable. The females, or 
as they might be termed, " nature's ladies," were well fitted, 
by inclination and habit, for pioneers ; and threading the 
paths through their tangled forests on foot, or at best on 
horseback, was to them a pastime. An instance might be 
given of a young married woman, who, wishing to visit her 
father's family, some three miles distant, at the place now 
known as Colraan's Mills, in the town of Whitestown. went 
to the pasture, caught a highly spirited four j^ears old hor.';e, 
manufactured a halter from her home-spun, home-woven, 
long and strong unmentionables, and without other head- 
gear for her horse, or even a saddle, performed the journey, 
having to ford or swim the Mohawk at the " Oxbow," on her 
outward and homeward passage. She had a pleasant visit, 
and her, it must be confessed, perilous ride, was performed 
without accident. 

This town, in common with the early settlements of the 
county, suffered much from the depredations of bears, wolves. 



XIV.] ''  MARCy. 2^1 

and foxes, and some of the early settlers soon learned to 
be quite skilful in making the bears rue their depredations 
in the corn fields. Probably a Mr. Hall had acquired the 
"art and mystery" beyond any of his cotemporaries, for at 
one time he had sixteen of their pelts stretched on the sides 
of a barn to dry. 

The early settlers in general enjoyed good health, and but 
occasionally a case of bilious or intermittent fever occurred 
in the valley of the Mohawk, or on the margin of a mill- 
pond. Consumption was hardly known, but of late years 
almost one half the deaths in the town are from this dis- 
ease. The principal causes for this change would doubtless 
be found in the different modes of living, and the warm 
houses, heated in winter almost to suifocation by stoves, and 
then the sudden transition into the cold north-westers of our 
climate. 

A portion of the first settlers were not very strict in their 
observance of the Lord's-day, and a number of them used to 
congregate on this day upon the Mohawk Flat, near the 
Oxbow, to talk over the news of the day, etc. Two lads, of 
about fourteen years, took a rather novel way to cure th-e 
eviL Near the place of rendezvous stood a tall pine tree, 
the top of which grew so thick as to be quite impenetrable 
to the eye, and one Sunday morning, previous to the time 
of gathering, the boys, with testament in hand, and taking 
advantage of a thickly-limbed cedar which shot up beside 
the trunk of the pine, reached the thick top of the latter, 
and snugly ensconsed themselves v/ithin it. At the usual 
time the loiterers convened, and soon one of the boys, in a 
loud but sepulchral tone, commenced reading from the 
sacred volume texts against the desecration of the day. 
Occasionally the reader would interlard the selected scrip- 
tures with an admonition to desist from the bad example 

16 



242 ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY. fcHAP. 

thcj were setting their children. The hearers strained their 
optics to see from whence came the waruiugs, but no dis- 
covery was made. They, however, very soon left, and the 
cure was most perfect. For more than thirty years the 
principal actors in this scene kept the secret locked in their 
own breasts, but after their whole congregation were either 
dead or removed from the town, one of them divulged the 
whole matter. 



G-KOLOGY. — There is nothing dissimilar in the geological 
formation of this town, from that of many of the towns iu 
tiie county. Commencing on the soutlierly side of the town, 
which is bounded on the Mohawk River, we find the alluvial 
flats common to the stream, and the alluvial deposits are iu 
juany parts of great depth. In digging a well on that flat, 
a frog in a torpid state was found, encased in clay and 
gravel, twenty feet below the surface. After being exposed 
to the air a short time, animation returned, but it survived, 
but a few hours. The flats in this town are of various 
widths, but in general the whole width is about one mile, 
and as the river meanders from side to side, it leaves at some 
places tlie larger portion in this town, and at others a large 
portion in the adjoining town of Whitestown, while at others 
the river is nearly central. When not too wet, they are 
very productive. Rising from the flats, there is a strip of 
table land, averaging about one hundred rods in width, and 
which is much higher in the north-western than in the south- 
eastern parts of the town. Opposite the Oriskany village,, 
the hill is very considerable, while against Whitcsboro it ha.s 
but a slight elevation above the alluvial flats. In the lower 
part of the town, tlie soil of this table is almost entirely 
sand, warm and quick, and. with high manuring, very pro- 



XIV.] .v..,i,, , MARCY. 243 

ductivc. In passing up the Mohawk to a point opposite the 
upper part of Whitesboro, there is found a small rivulet 
which rises on the hills at the north, and empties into the 
river, passing between the residences of Milton and Horace 
Dyer, and this stream is the boundary between the sandy 
and gravelly portions of the table land ; above it is entirely 
gravel. The cobble stone and gravel of this section have 
the appearance of once having been washed, and occasionally 
clumps of petrified shells are found, a strong indication that 
this table was at some period covered with water. If. as 
manv suppose. — and there are certainly very strong reasons 
for the opinion. — Fall Hill at the Little Falls was the east- 
ern terminus of a lake which once occupied the Mohawk 
valley above, then the depth of water would have been suf- 
ficient to have covered this table land. It is very productive, 
the earth thrown from wells fifteen or twenty feet in depth, 
possesses all the fertility of that on the surface. 

Leaving the table land, and further back from the Mo- 
hawk, the land rises into hills of primary formation ; these 
are not quite as productive as the alluvial and table lands, 
yet there is much good second quality land. Most of it is 
underlaid with slate from two to twenty feet below the sui'- 
face. The slate has a slight dip to the south, and this will 
be found true of all the rock and mineral formations in the 
countv. Much time and money have been expended in this 
town in boring for coal, and in one instance a few individuals 
penetrated 100 feet, near the Nine Mile Creek, without find- 
ing coal, and for the very best of reasons, — there is none. 
If the geology of the county had formerly been as well 
understood as at present, much labor and money might have 
been saved for more useful purposes. 

Agriculture. — The agriculture of this town is improving 



244 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

Wheat has been almost driven from its limits by the wheat 
■worm, but within the last two j'ears a few good crops have 
been raised, and strong hopes are entertained that, when the 
worm has passed by, wheat growing — to an extent equal to 
home consumption — may be resumed. All other crops 
common to the county are successfully cultivated ; much, 
however, of this success is found with those farmers who 
pay the greatest attention to the superior methods of man- 
uring and cultivating their land. Within a few years there 
has been a decided improvement witnessed in the agriculture 
of Marcy. • 

Schools. — There are no Seminaries or Hiofh Schools in 
the town. The common schools are represented to be quite 
flourishing. 

Indians. — There were no Indians residing in this town 
when the county was settled. A correspondent informs the 
author that there was a place about half a mile east of the 
Oriskany. upon a beautiful piece of table land, on the north 
bank of the 3Iohawk, which was known to the first settlers 
by the name of the '-Indian Castle.'' As early as 1796 it 
was mostly covered with second-growth timber, five or six 
inches in diameter ; and a small mound, about eighteen 
inches high, and from eight to ten feet across the top, is still 
seen upon its site. Near the place of this Indian .settle- 
ment are from twenty to thirty "hopper holes," as they were 
termed by the first settlers, and, according to tradition, they 
were used to secrete their corn on the approach of an enemy. 
Each hole would contain about ten bushels, and the bottom 
and sides were carefully lined with dry brakes and grass. 
■Several of these were found upon the farm first purchased 
by James Wilson. Iron hatchets, of a very peculiar shap«. 



XIV. J ..(■).' ^.' MARCY. no ;;.!,/>.';'.' i. 245 

have been ploughed up on the same farm, supposed to be of 
Spanish manufacture. The authors correspondent is of the 
opinion that this phace and the Orislvany viHage were, an- 
terior to the lievolution, occupied by a branch of the Mohawk 
tribe, and that the Oneidas took possession after they had 
left. This may be correct ; still the author had never pre 
viously heard of the Mohawks having any villages as higl 

up the river. 'i  ' i^ h)'n.:lr. -i; •.::'; ;■  'H 'j;-, ;.;i 

By the last census the town contained 1.7G9 inhabitants 
It then contained no grist mill, seven saw mills, one tri, 
hammer, using $400 in raw materials, producing 81..500 ii 
manufactured articles, two tanneries, using $7,700 in ra^ 
materials, and producing $10,600 in manufactured articles. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 



There arc two Baptist Churches in the town, the cost o 
which was $ 1.0.30 ; one Congregational Churdi, cost $"200 
and one Methodist Church, cost $1,320. Of these ehurchc 
no statistics have been obtained, with the exception of th» 
Berean Baptist Church, and of this they are quite meagre, 
The Berean Church was formed early in the year 1844 
xmder the pastoral care of Elder Wm. H. Thomas, an( 
reported that year sixty added by baptism, thirty by expe 
rienee and letter, and seventeen dismissed, excluded, an; 
deceased, leaving a total of seventy-three. In 1845, 11* 
members were reported. In 1846 and 1847, Elder Myroi 
H. Negus was pastor, and seventy members reported th 
former, and sixty the latter year. In 1849, Mr. Alfre. 
Harris, a licentiate, supplied the pulpit, and but forty-sevei 
members were reported. The first pastor became a " casl 
awayT and fled to a distant part of the country, where hv 



24G 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. 



[ciur. 



died in poverty and disgrace. How mucli of the declension 
of this church is chargable to his /«//, will never be known 
in time. 

By a law passed March 30, 1832, the town of Marcy was 
formed from the town of Deerfield, and was named in honor 
of William L. Marcy. then Governor of the State, and Secre- 
tary at War during the administration of President Polk. 
A few months after the formation of the town, Gov. Marcy 
visited it, and was the guest of C. Baldwin, Esq.. who wa=? 
the first and then Supervisor of the town. 



. -  , 1 1 ;■  . . ' .1 



I 



. / ' ' ' M 



:.; ; •- ' , I'uJf 
!• 't I ■:■: \n 



XV.] • MARSHALL. • 247 



€ H A P T E H X Y 



MARSHALL. 



If the author liad commenced a few years earlier, lie 
could here have opened a rich mine of historical incidents. 
In this town was located the tribe known as the Brothertown 
Indians. It was composed of the remnants of the various 
tribes of New England and Long Island. They had melted 
away in their murderous wars with the pale-skin.s, and by 
adopting their vices, until, when they here sought a refuge, 
these remnants were small indeed. After they had congre- 
gated at this place, they numbered but about 400. What a 
fearful accounting will have to be rendered by our New 
England forefathers for the mighty balance of the once 
powerful Naragansets, Mohegans, Pequods, Montauks, Na- 
ticks, and nuinerous smaller tribes, who welcomed them to 
their shores, fed them from their own scanty supplies, and 
not as the ancient Israelites, when by persecutions and 
exactions driven from the land of Egypt, with increased 
numbers, but by " war, pestilence, and famine," foi'ced them 
to emigrate, with this little pittance of numbers, to Brother- 
town, given them by the ever hospitable and generous 
Oneidas. 

The territory presented to the Brotherton Indians was 
much more extensive than was ever used or occupied by 
them, and they very early sold quite a section of it to the 
State. The part which they reserved to themselves lay on 



y4S ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

each hide and contiguous to the Oriskany Creek. A portion 
of this reservation was within the present town of Kirkland. 
but their main settlements were in Marshall, in the vicinity 
of Deansville and Dickville. By the death of the late Thomas 
Dean. Esq., who for many years resided within the limits of 
the Indian settlement, the author has lost the most reliable 
and valuable source for information respecting these Indians. 
Asa Dick, Esq., died a few years since, and a brother of his 
emigrated but about two years since, who were very intelli- 
gent men of the Naragauset stock. Since the death of Squire 
Dick, and the removal of his brother, not one of the tribe has 
l^een left to tell the story of their emigration to this place, 
their sufterings. privations, and wrongs, and meagre indeed 
is the little that can be gleaned of their history. 

A portion of them settled at this place prior to the Kevo- 
lutionary War, but the year has not been ascertained. 
Prominent among those who settled thus early, were the 
names of David Fowler, Elijah Wampy, and John Tuhi, 
(grandfather to. the one of the same name who was executed 
in 18 IG.) A large proportion, however, of those who settled 
before the war, left their settlement soon after its commence- 
ment, fearing the ravages of the Senecas, Cayugas, and 
Ouondagas, who had espoused the cause of the king, while 
they in feeling were with the colonists, although professing 
neutrality. A few — probably not more than two or three — 
of the men staid, spending a portion of their time at this 
place, for the purpose of seeing to and cultivating their land 
to some little extent, while the remainder of their time was 
spent at Fort Stanwix. Wampy, who has been before no- 
ticed, was of this number. On one occasion, as he was going 
from the Fort to Brothertown, and had proceeded some two 
or three miles on his way, a hostile Indian sprang from 
behind a tree, close to his pa.th, and was about to skoot him 



XV.] TV MARSHALL. ,iA/l'» 249 

down with liis rifle, when Wampy flew at him, knocked up 
the muzzle of the gun, so that the ball passed harmlessly 
over him, and with his knife laid his brother red-skin dead 
at his feet. The victor, believing that other foes would soon 
be attracted by the report of the rifle, caught the weapon 
from its now passive owner, and, bearing the trophy of his 
prowess, in double quick time, retraced his way to the Fort. 

When the great body of them left during the war, potatoes 
had been planted, and were left growing in the fields, and 
when they returned at its close, after an absence of some 
five or six years, they found that the tubers had continued 
to yield their annual crops, in diminished quantities to be 
sure, yet a sufficiency at least for planting. 

After their return, many of them became quite skilful 
agriculturists, had large and productive fields in the Oris- 
kany valley, and quite a proportion of them managed to live 
very comfortably. But the "pale-faces" were on their trail, 
and soon had surrounded their settlement ; with one hand 
presenting them with the Bible, — the Word of Life, — and 
with the other, that "fire-water," their greatest, direst curse, 
and which was well known to be death, physical and moral, 
to the savage. After the fathers who emigrated had mostly 
" fallen asleep," the tribe went to decay. Intemperance, 
with its accompaniment, licentiousness, fast did their work, 
and the descendants of king Philip, Sassacus, and a host of 
sachems renowned in the New England wars, debased in 
body and soul, but greeted the eye of the spectator of their 
wrongs. On their petition, a little more than twenty years 
since, the Legislature passed a law permitting them to sell 
their farms to individuals, with the advice and consent of the 
Superintendents of the lirothertown Indians; and, in 1831, 
a portion of them, having sold out, emigrated to Green Bay, 
where they commenced a settlement, separate from the 



250 ANTfALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Oneida and Stockbridge Indians, who removed to the Bay 
at about the same time. They continued to sell and emi- 
grate until two years since, when the '• last of the Brother- 
tons," like the '• last of the Mohegans," had a second time 
abandoned to the pale faces, the burial-place of their fathers. 
The first settlement by the whites of the territory at this 
time included within the limits of Marshall, was on that part 
of the Brothertown tract sold to the state. It is believed 
that David Barton was the first settler : he removed to this 
place from Connecticut in 1793. lie was, however, very soon 
followed by "Warren Williams, who took up the farm now 
owned by Horace H. Eastman, Esq. "Williams soon sold 
out to Elder Hezekiah Eastman, for Elder Eastman received 
his deed from the State, dated in 1795. acknowledged before 
Judge Hugh '\A'hite. and recorded by Jonas Piatt, then clerk 
of Herkimer County. Beside those named, Capt. Simon 
Hubbard and Levi Barker were very early settlers in the 
town. Col. Lester Barker, ex-sheriif of Oneida County, was 
the first white child born on the Brothertown tract. 

Geologv. — The geology of Marshall nearly resembles the 
south-western part of the county. There are extensive 
quarries of limestone on the liighcr lands in the town. The 
best for building purposes, and hardly surpassed in the 
county, is that on the farm of H. H. Eastman, Esq. Tliere 
are but very few bowlders and little of the land can Ijc termed 
stony. The soil is very productive. Few towns in the 
county equal, and none excel it, in tlie average quality of the 
land. The valley of tlic Oriskany here ranks with its best 
portions, while much of tlie hill land, almost, and in some 
instances quite, rivals it in fertility. On the plank road from 
"Waterville to Paris Hill, a part of the distance of which 
passes througl) tlie sonlh-easterly part of Marshall, the farm- 



XV.] ■'■  . MARSHALL. 251 

ers have displayed much taste in ornamenting the road with 
rows of maples and other forest trees. Esq. Eastman has on 
his farm, at least a mile in length, twelve feet apart. In 
summer these shade trees present a very fine and picturesque 
appearance. The town is well watered. The west branch 
of the Oriskany Creek enters it but a short distance below 
Oriskany Falls, while tlie east branch enters it in the lower 
part of Waterville. After each running about four miles, 
they get into the same valley opposite Dickville, and their 
proximity is but quite trifling on the plank road south, from 
Deansville to Waterville, forming a junction a little below 
Deansville, and just before it enters the town of Kirkland. 
Beside there are numerous rills that rise in the hills on either 
side of the branches, entering them as tributaries. 



,; I'''"'  ■'•' .•ii;. •■■: r ^ , 

j .[1 rrj'A :-n'-l .•iji ^ijhc.tM 

,,,,,,, KKLIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

.1'. ,.l i^'fjn ■,■•:•- • '-M •;<■> err. n .'■:'*! si; •. 

The Congregational Chvrch in Marshall was organized 
June 14, 1797; this was the first church formed within the 
limits of the town. At tjie time of its formation, it was in 
the "old town of Paris," and early it received the distinctive 
name of " Hanover Society." The church was constituted 
with fourteen members, seven males and seven females, since 
which there have been added by profession 234, and by letter 
86, making in all 334. Mrs. David Barton (the first settler) 
joined this church in the September after it was formed, 
and Mr. Barton in 1 804, and are both yet members. 3Irs. 
Eunice Griffin joined in 1803, and is still a member. » 

In 1801, the Ilannrcr Chvrch ami Society erected their 
first house for public worship, and after having used it as 
such forty years, it was rebuilt in 1841. The church has 



252 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

had four pastors. The Rev. John Eastman was ordained 
about 1809, prcaclied to this people about thirteen yearfi 
and was dismissed January 8, 1822. Eey. Ralph Robinson 
shortly after commenced his labors with this Society, was 
installed pastor May 9, 1827. Rev. Richard M. Davis was 
installed pastor July 2, 1833, and was dismissed in May. 
1835. Rev. Pindar Field commenced his labors with this 
body in October, 1846, and was installed pastor February 
23, 1848 ; he is the present pastor. Previous to the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Eastman, a Mr. Thompson, of Saugerfield. a Mr. 
Rell. Rev. Publius V. Bogue, and Rev. Lothrop Thompson, 
preached for different lengths of time. After the dismissal 
of Mr. Robinson, and previous to the installation of Mr, 
Davis. Rev. Mr. Boo-ue acain, and Mr. Ina;ersoll about two 
years, and after the dismissal of Mr. Davis, and before the 
installation of Mr. Field, Rev. Rufus Pratt about eighteen 
months. Rev. David J. Weeks two years, Rev. E. Parmely 
eighteen months, Rev. Mr. Grosvenor, Rev. Seth P. M. 
Hastings, and Rev. S. W. Raymond, through the summer of 
1842, then S. W. Raymond for three and a half years sup- 
plied this people with preaching, with occasional supplies 
from President North and Rev. Salmon Strong. The pre- 
sent number of members belonging to the church is fifty-five, 
twelve males and forty-three females. ■; : - i; .'r ([r?v/ 

The Baptist CImrcli of Paris, afterwards known as the 
First Baptist Church in Paris, was organized within the 
present limits of Marshall, July 6, 1797. It will be per- 
ceived that it was but twenty-two days the junior of the 
Congregational Church just noticed. It was constituted and 
fellowshipped by a council from tlie ]5aptist Churches in 
AVhitestown, Litchfield, Fairfield and I'alatine, Peterboro, 
and 2d Burlington. Composing in part the delegation from 



XV.] 'l ^■■'" MARSHALL. ' 253 

•these churches, we notice the names of Stephen Parsons, 
Joel Butler, Peter P. Roots, and Ashbel Hosmer, those 
veteran pioneers of the denomination in Central New York. 
The church when formed consisted of twenty-seven members, 
fifteen males and twelve females, probably a larger number 
than were organized into a church, thus early, in the county. 
The council convened at the house of David Wood, and this 
house was their place of meeting for public worship for a 
number of years. The church received accessions from time 
to time, until about one hundred and sixty persons had been 
members. Elder Hezekiah Eastman commenced preaching 
to this people as early as 1796, probably earlier. After the 
church was constituted, he became its pastor, and continued 
his labors with it until 1809, when he asked and received a 
dismission to the Sangerfiekl Church. Soon after this he 
went on a missionary tour into the Avestern part of the State, 
as is shown by the following extract from his journal: — 
" September 22, 1809, I set out on a missionary tour to the 
Holland Purchase." 

After the dismissal of Elder Eastman, John Beebe, a 
member of the church, commenced preaching to the people, 
and on the 26th of October, 1811, the church called him to 
ordination. A council was called, and met on the 13th of 
November following, and after an examination and approval 
of the candidate, proceeded next day to his ordination. Eld. 
Beebe continued as pastor for a number of years, but his 
health failing in 1823, Eld. John Gr. Stearns was called, and 
assumed the pastoral duties. Eld. Stearns continued with 
the church about five years. The records of this body close 
January 16th, 1832. At this time it seems to have lost its 
visibility. The anti-masonic excitement had much to do 
with its dissolution. A part of its members united with the 
«hurch in Clinton, which had then been but recently formed. 



!254 ANNALS OF OXEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

Mdh(xlht Episcopal. — Tliis denomination had a class in 
this town as early as 1803, which was supplied with preach- 
ing once in two weeks by the preachers appointed to the 
Westmoreland Circuit. In 1828, a society was organized 
preparatory to building a house for public worship, but 
nothing was accomplished, in consequence of a disagreement 
as to its site. Nothing further was done as to building a 
house until 1837, when an eifort was made to raise funds for 
the building of one at Deansville, which was so far successful 
that a respectable house for public worship was erected at 
that place in 1832, the site of which was presented to the 
society by the late Thomas Dean, Esq. In 1839, Deansville 
was set off as a station, and has so remained to the present 
time. The church now numbers about ninety members. 

The Univa'salists have a small society, and a house for 
worship in the locality known as " Forge Hollow." It has 
preaching one-half the time. .. . , 

In this town was enacted one of those daring feats and 
escapes, of which the Revolutionary contest was so fruitful. 
The story of Heinrich Stairing's escape from the Indians at 
Brothertown, has been often told, varying in minutite, but 
agreeing in all the important particulars. ifi ; ... ^,-, / 

Mr. Tracy's relation of it in his lectures, is probably the 
most correct account now within the reach of the author. 
and has therefore been followed, with but slight alterations 
in this work. 

As this individual, when Herkimer County was first or- 
ganized, and when it comprehended within its limits the 
present county of Oneida, received, and for many years held 
the office of first judge, and also his. birthplace so near the- 
pre.'sent eastern line of the county, it seems to warrant in thi* 



XV.] V >• MAESHALL. ' 255 

place, a somewhat extended notice of him. Heinrich Staring 
was a native of the Mohawk Valley, and was born about 
eleven miles below the city of Utica, and soon after the set- 
tlement of the German Flats. Little is known of his early 
history. 

"At the commencement of the llevolutionary War. we 
find him a militia officer, and regarded by the royal party as 
a most important and influential personage in his neighbor- 
hood. He was present at the battle of Oriskany, and from 
that period held tlie office of colonel of the Tryon county 
militia during the remainder of the war. Possessing great 
shrewdness, strong common sense, and unflinching intrepidity, 
he enjoyed the unlimited confidence of the German and Dutch 
settlers on the Mohawk, and became a prominent object for 
seizure by the enemy. A great number of anecdotes illus- 
trative of the extraordinary means that were used by the 
enemy he had to deal with to procure his person or destroy 
him, might be related. The story was from the lips of the 
old man several years after the war. The event took place 
some time late in November, and about the year 1778 or 
1779. He had, for some purpose, gone into the woods at 
some distance from his home, and while there, by chance, 
came suddenly upon a party of hostile Indians, who. during 
those years, were frequently prowling about the settlements 
on the Mohawk, and occasionally making murderous incur- 
sions among the inhabitants. Before he became fully aware 
of their presence he had got so completely in their power that 
flight or resistance were out of the question. He was seized 
with every demonstration of hellish delight, and rapidly hur- 
ried away in a contrary direction from his home and south- 
ward of the Mohawk, until his captors supposed themselves 
out of the reach of pursuit, when they directed their march 
westward, and at night reached a small uninhabited wigwam 






256 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY, [cHAr, 

at a little more tlian a quarter of a mile from the right Lank 
of the Oriskany Creek, above Clinton, in what is now called 
Brothertown. The wigwam consisted of two rooms, separated 
from each other by a partition of logs. Into the larger of 
these there opened an outside door which furnished the only 
entrance to the house. Another door communicated from 
the larger to the smaller room. The latter had one window, 
a small square hole of less than a foot high by about two feet 
wide, placed nearly six feet above the floor. The whole 
structure was of logs, substantially built. The Indians ex- 
amined the smaller room, and concluded that by securely 
fastening their prisoner hand and foot, they could safely 
keep him there until morning. They, therefore, bound his 
hands behind him with withes, and then fastened his ancles 
together in the same manner, and laid him thus bound in 
the small room, while they built a fire in the larger one, and 
commenced a consultation concerning the disposition of him. 
Staring, though unable to speak the Indian language, was 
sufficiently acquainted with it to understand their delibera- 
tions, and he lay listening intently to their conversation. 
The whole party were unanimous in the decision tliat he 
must be put to death, but the manner of doing this in the 
way best calculated to make the white warrior cry like a 
cowardly squaw, was a question of high importance, and -one 
which it required a good deal of deliberation to settle satis- 
factorily to all his captors. At length, however, it was 
aCTeed that he should be burned alive on the following morn- 
iug, and preparations were accordingl}^ made for the diabol- 
ical sports of a savage auio da fe. During the deliberation, 
the horrible fate that awaited him suggested to Colonel 
Staring the question of the possibility of an escape. As he 
lay on the ground in the wigwam, he could see the window I 
have spoken of, and he determined to make an effort to 



XV.] MARSHALL. 257 

release liimself from the withes which bound him, and en- 
deavor to effect a passage through it without alarming his 
savage keepers. Before they had sunk to rest, he had so 
far succeeded as to release one of his hands from its fasten- 
ings, sufficiently to enable him to slip his wrist from it. (3ii 
finding that he could do this, he feigned sleep, and when the 
Indians came in to examine and see if all was safe, they re- 
tired, exulting with a fiend-like sneer, that their victim was 
.sleeping his last sleep. They then all laid down on the 
ground in the larger room, to go to sleep. Staring waited 
until all had for a long time become quiet, when, slipping 
his hand from the withes, he was enabled silently to release 
his ancles, and by climbing up the side of the house by the 
aid of the logs, to escape from the window without creating 
an alarm. In the attempt, and while releasing his ancles 
from the withes, he had neces,sarily taken off his shoes, and 
liad forgotten to secure them with him. He was now outside 
of the wigwam, barefoot, at a distance of five and twenty 
miles from his home, without a guide or a path, hungry, and 
in a frosty night in November, and with a band of enemies 
seeking his heart's blood, lying ready to spring upon liim. 
But he was once more free from tlieir clench, and this one 
thought was nerve, and strength, and food, — was all he 
needed to call into action his every power. He stole witli 
cautious silence from the wigwam, directing his course 
towards the creek, and increasing his gait as he left his cap- 
tors, and got beyond the danger of alarming them. He liad 
got about half way to the creek, and had begun to flatter 
himself that his whole escape was accomplished, when he 
heard a shout from the wigwam, and immediately the bark 
of the Indian dogs in pursuit. He then plunged on at the 
top of his speed, and knowing that, while on the land, the 
dogs would follow on his track, in order to baffle their pur- 

17 



258 ANNALS OF ONKIDA COUMV. [CHAJ. 

suit, as soon as he readied the creek, he jumped, in, and ran 
down stream in the channel. For some time he heard the 
bhouts of liis late masters, and the baying of their hounds in 
the pursuit ; and now that he had reached the water, wherfi 
their dogs could, not track him, he laughed out-right as he 
ran, in thinking of the disappointment they would feel when 
they arrived at the bank. The fear of the faggot, and all 
its accompanying tortures, furnished a stimulus to every 
muscle, and he urged on his flight until he heard no more of 
his- enemies, and became satisfied that they had given up their 
pursuit. He deemed it prudent, however, to continue his 
course in the bed of the creek, until he should reach a path 
whicli led from Oneida to Old Fort Schuyler, — -a mud fort, 
built on the present site of Utica during the French war, 
and which was situated between Main street and the banks 
of the River, a little eastward of Second street. The path 
crossed the Oriskany about half a mile Avestward of where 
the village of Clinton now stands. He then took this path 
and pursued his course. I have mentioned that, in his haste 
to escape, he forgot his shoes. He had on a pair of wool 
stockings, but in running on the gravel in the creek, they 
soon became worn out, and the sharp pebbles cut his feet. 
In this difficulty, he bethought him of a substitute for shoes, 
in the coat he wore, which, fortunately, was made of a thick 
heavy serge. He cut off the sleeves of this at his elbows, 
and drew tlicm upun li is feet, and thus protected them from 
injury. But he used to say he soon found this was robbing 
Peter to pay Paul, for in the severity of the night, his arms 
became chilled, and almost frozen. He readied the landing 
ai Fort Schuyler just in the gray dawn of the morning, and 
cautiously rcconnoitering, in order to ascertain whether any 
one was in the fort, which was frequently used as a camp 
ground, he satisfied himself that no one was in the neighbor- 



XV.] , Y i '• • MARSHALL. 259 

hood. In doing this, he fortunately discovered a canoe 
which had floated down the stream, and lodged in the wil- 
lows which grew on the edge of the bank. He instantly took 
possession of it, and by a vigorous use of the paddles-, with 
the aid of the current, succeeded in reaching his home with 
his little bark in the middle of the forenoon."' 

'■As has been noticed, in organizing the Court of Common 
Pleas for Herkimer County, Colonel Staring was appointed 
its first Judge. It is not to be supposed, or pretended, that 
any peculiar qualifications or fitness for the ofiice recom- 
mended him for the appointment. His honest and strong, 
])ut uncultivated mind, had never been schooled to threading 
the mazes of legal science ; and indeed, he had enjoyed few 
even of the most common advantages of education. But he 
possessed the confidence of his fellow-citizens for his sterling 
integrity, strong common sense, and tried and approved 
patriotism ; qualifications which were regarded by the vene- 
rable George Clinton, then Grovernor of the State, as sufficient 
to warrant his appointment to the office. Indeed, at that 
period in the history of the State, few Courts of Common 
Pleas could be found Avith a lawyer on its list of judges ; 
und it is no disparagement to these courts at that time, to 
assert, that the court in which Judge Staring jDresided was 
in no respect inferior to its sister tribunals. Many anec- 
dotes illustrative of his simplicity of character, and lack of 
education, are related." 

In the early settlement of the county, the story of Judge 
Staring's " Yankee Pass'''' was as familiar with the people as 
'•household words." ! . . 

By virtue of his office, which carried with it the powers of 
a magistrate, it became his duty to see that the laws were 
properly enforced and obeyed. Then, as now, our statutes 
forbid ''all uunecessary labor and travelling ou the first day 



260 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAP. 

of the week, commonly called Sunday.'' Soon after his 
appointment as first dignitary of the bench, a shrewd Yan- 
kee, who had been visiting that iinlocated and fast-receding 
region, the "far west," that then hardly extended as far 
towards the setting sun as Onondaga Hollow and Salt Point, 
was passing, on horseback, the residence of the Judge, on his 
his way '-down east," on the first day of the week. Judge 
Staring, who, like many of the good Dutch settlers in the 
Mohawk Valley, was quite strict in his observance of the 
day, at once went to the highway, and arrested the law- 
breaking traveller. At first the traveller stoutly demurred, 
stating that his business was urgent, and required haste. 
The Judge was, however, immovable, and the traveller, mak- 
ing a virtue of necessity, soon proposed to pay his fine of six 
'• York shillings." This was accepted by the law enforcer. 
"Now," says the traveller, "I suppose I can proceed?" to 
which he received an affirmative answer. The traveller then 
said to the Judge, that as he had satisfied the broken law, 
by paying his fine, he wished a pass, that he might not bo 
again molested in his journey. The judge declared his 
willingness to give the desired paper, but .stated his inability 
to write it, and further, if the traveller would do it, he would 
affix his signature. To this the Yankee assented, and pro- 
ceeded to pen the wished-for document, to which the Judge 
signed his name, and forthwith the traveller proceeded on 
his way. A few months afterwards. Judge Staring went to 
Kane's store, at Canajoharie, and was there presented for 
payment with an order for twenty-five dollars. At first he 
strenuously denied having given such an order, but having 
more particularly examined the signature, and finding it 
genuine, he revolved the matter over in liis mind, and at 
last caught an inkling of the puss at the bottom of the 
uieal-tub. He asked for a description of the person who 



XV.] 



MARSHALL. 



26 1 



presented the order, when the Yankee and his beast were 
most aecurately described. " Oh ! now I know it all," says 
the Judge, " it is nothing but that ' Yankee Pass.'" As the 
signature was genuine, and as no proof could be made of the 
fraud, the draft had to be duly lionored ; but for the remain- 
der of Lis official term it is presumed the Judge never gave 
another " Yankee Pass." 

The following is related by Mr. Tracy: — "One day. an 
unfortunate debtor applied to the Judge to obtain the relief 
afforded by the statute, and having prepared and duly exe- 
cuted his assignment, waited the signature of the Judge to 
perfect his discharge. 'Well,' said he, 'have you got all 
things ready?' 'Yes,' replied the debtor, 'every thing is 
prepared ; all you have to do is to sign my discharge.' 
'Very well,' said the Judge, 'have you paid all your debts?' 
'Oh! no,' said the debtor, 'if I had I should not apply for 
the benefit of the statute.' 'But,' replied the Judge, 'I can't 
sign the paper till you have paid all your debts : you must 
pay your debts first.' Upon this point he was inexorable, 
and tlie applicant was forced to seek elsewhere the relief 
desired." , . •• i :„ i 



Villages. — Dcmisville is the most important point in the 
town of Marshall. It is located on the Chenango Canal, 
in the north-easterly part of the town. The plank roads 
leading from Waterville and from Madison, to Utica, unite 
here. This place has the Methodist Church, Deansville 
Post Office, two store houses, two mercantile houses, two 
taverns, a grocery and provision store, with a number of 
mechanic shops, etc., and but a few rods easterly is the grist 
mill erected by Asa Dick, Esq., on the west branch of tlie 
Oriskany Creek. Here was the mansion of the late Thomas 



262 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAT. 

Dean, Esq., so long and favorably known as the agent of the 
Brothcrtown Indians. . .1 



DichviUe. — Since the construction of the Chenango Canal, 
and the building up of Deansville, this place has nearly lost 
the characteristics of a village. It received its name from 
Asa Dick, Esq., before-mentioned, who lived and died here. 
He was a man of enterprise, lived in good style, had a good 
two story dwelling, painted white ; but in the latter part of 
his life, he extended his business beyond his means, and after 
his death his estate was found to be insolvent. Formerly 
the place had its merchant and mechanics, but is at this time 
little more than a neighborhood of farmers, located on very 
choice land, with its two saw mills on the east branch of the 
'Oriskany. 

Forge IIollow. — As its name indicates, its inhabitants arc 
engaged in the manufiicturc of iron. The first forge wa.s 
erected here in 1801, by Daniel Hanchet, John Winslow, 
Thomas Winslow, and Ward "White. It manufactured iron 
from ore. It has now three smaller establishments of the 
kind, which work only scrap iron. I^illy Titus has for quite 
a number of years been engaged in furnace castings, formerly 
quite extensively, but at this time the infirmities of age have 
compelled him to materially abridge his business. The place 
has the Universalist Church, a merchant, and a number of 
mechanics. It is located on the east branch of the Oriskany, 
tlic hills on each side of its narrow valley rising abruptly, 
and to a considerable lieiglit. Tlic Waterville plank road 
passes through Dickvillo and Forge Hollow. A man by the 
name of Putnam was probably the earliest .settler in this 
place; Elder Tremain and Tinjotliy ]5urr were also among 
the" early settlers. 



XV.] MARSHALL. 263 

Marshall {hnwarly called Hanover). — This place isiocitted 
•on the plank road leading from Y/aterville to Paris Hill, 
New Hartford, and Utica. It has the Congregational Church, 
the Marshall Post Office, a store, public house, various me- 
chanics' shops, and a small collection of dwelling houses. 
The farms in this vicinity are of the iirst quality, there being 
no better upbud in the county. 

A protracted effort has been made to procure from his 
family the facts, dates, and incidents, for a biography of the 
late Thomas Dean, Esq., but without success. 



ADDENDA. 

After the copy of the foregoing notices of Marshall was in 
the hands of the printer, and a part of it in type, the author 
accidentally discovered, at the house of George W. Bass, in 
that town, the ".Book of Brothertown Records," from 179G 
to 1843. In penmanship, and in neat, orderly arrangement, 
it excels many of the books of tovvm records in tlie county. 
On the first page each Town Clerk has entered his name 
in the order in which they were elected. To revive the 
recollection of the names of some of the more prominent 
members of this amalgamated tribe ' of Indians, the list is 
inscribed : — 

Elijah Wampy, David Fowler, jun., William Coyliis, 
Christopher Scheesuck, Thomas Crosley, Jacob Dick, Wm. 
Dick, jun., James Fowler, jun., Daniel Dick, David Toucee, 
R. Fowler, James Kiness, Simon Hart, James Wiggins, 
Alexander Fowler. 

These were all the clerks from 1795 to 1843, several of 
them holding the office for a number of years. 



2G4 ANNALS OI" ONEIDA COUNTV. 



I CHAP. 



James Kincss, who served longer than any other individ- 
ual, wrote a most beautiful engrossing liaiid, which few clerks 
of the present day can equal, and which still fewer can excel. 
His orthography is very correct, indeed the whole book in 
this respect fully comes up to the generality of town records. 
There is a paper copied into said book, dated September 26th, 
1795, signed by Samuel Jones, Ezra L'Hommedieu and Zina 
Hitchcock. " Commissioners appointed by an Act of the Leg- 
islature of the State of New York, 'An act relative to lands- 
in Brothertown,' have appropriated to the following Indiana, 
the following lots of land, as the same liave been laid out and 
delineated upon the map of the land, set ofi" by the said Com- 
missioners, for the use of the Indians." 

Then follow tlie names of forty-five persons, several of 
whom were widows, and the number of the lot or lots assign- 
ed to each. In this list is found the name of George Peters, 
wdio was afterwards executed for the murder of his wife 
Eunice. To him and his family was assigned two lots, which 
lay a little east of McMillen's. The wife that he murdered 
was a daughter of the celebrated Wampy before noticed. 

June 13th. ITOG, "William Floyd for himself and in behalf 
of the other Superintendents, set lots to eight families. 

July 3, 1797, Thomas Eddy, Superintendent, assigned 
lands to eight families ; by tlic proceedings it appears that a 
part of the lots assigned to tliese families, had been JDrevious- 
ly assigned to others, and by them forfeited, but does not 
.state in what the forfeiture consisted. 

a\t a meeting of the Superintendents of the Ijrotliertown 
Indians, held in the school house in said town, January 8th. 
1812. Ptcscnt — l>i Doolittle and Asahel Curtis, Super- 
intendent.^ and William Ilotchkiss, Attorney. At this 
meeting lands were assigned to ten persons and families. A 
part of the-se lauds had been previously assigned aud forfeited. 



XV.j MARSHALL. 265" 

and it is stated that the forfeiture was worked by the 
persons dying without issue. After these assignments the 
records show that individuals selected such unoccupied or 
forfeited lot as they chose; then the Peacemakers gave a 
certificate to the superintendents of such choice, which seems 
to have given a right to possession. 

By an act of the Legislature the people of Brothertown 
were to meet on the first Tuesday in April of each year, to 
elect their town officers. At these meetings the Peacema- 
kers presided, and were also authorized to notify special 
meetings. The elective officers were a Clerk, two Overseers 
of the Poor, two 3Iarshals, three Fence Viewers, a Pound 
Master, and Overseers of Highways. The office of Peace- 
maker, answering in most respects to that of a Justice of the 
Peace, and which entitled the possessor to the affixture of 
Esquire to his name, was not elective, but seems to have 
been appointed by the G-overnor and Senate. They had 
Tithino--men, but none of the minutes of the town meetings 
show that they were elected. Probably they brought from 
New England the idea of such an officer, but as the office 
was not known to the laws of New York, they selected such 
a person to do the duties, only as an individual. 

The book contains many by-laws, quite a portion of which 
are for the suppression of vice and immorality. The by-law 
for the observance of the first day of the week, commonly 
called Sunday, is quite similar to the statute of this State, 
in the characteristics of the ofi"ence and the amount of the 
fine, seventy-five cents, but with this difference " and in case 
no property can be found to answer said fine, and it is not 
answered in thirty days, then every such offender shall by a 
warrant under the hand and seal of any one of the Peace- 
makers of said town, be set publicly in the stocks, for the 
space of two hours, then, and in every such case, the cost for 



26*3 AXNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAr. 

oxcouting said precepts, sli-xll be paid tlio Marshal out of the 
treasury of said town." 

]}y auothor section the lite punishiucut was to be inflicted 
for card phiying and frolicking on Sunday, and on Saturday 
or Sunday evenings. 

Tn another s-ection a fine of thirty-seven and a half cents 
is imposed for any one offence in profanely cursing or swear- 
ing, find in defoult of pjiying the same in thirty days, or giv- 
ing such security as shall be accepted by the Peacemakers, 
tlien to be set publicly in the stocks for one hour, and for 
any number of offences, whereof any such offender may be 
convicted at the same time, two hours. Drunkenness is .pun- 
ished by the same penalties and pains as cursing and swear- 
ing. Extra penalties arc inflicted for intoxication at town 
meetings. There is a section for the punishment of accesso- 
ries to stealing. - • ' , . 

Arbitration is provided for <as a court of reference by a 
rule from the Peacemakers. There are a number of sec- 
tions defining tlio duties of town officers, and one to prevent 
females from attending town meetings. 

In common with most Indian nations, they deprecated any 
mixture with the African race, the following is the forty- 
fourth by-law: — '•'■Negro Mixture Women. As they are not 
proprietoi's of the tract of land called Brothertown, notwith- 
standing their marrying to any of the inhabitants of said 
town. Therefore, they henceforth shall liave no right or 
title to any of tlie annuity of the said Brothertown Indians." 
In all, there are sixty-seven scc-tions of the by-laws, and tliis 
notice of them will be concluded by transcribiiig tliat in rela- 
tion to "Fugitive Slaves."' 

" If any of the inhabitants of Brothertown, at any time 
hereafter shall indulge, harbor or conceal any child or chil- 
dren, servants or apprentices, that has run away or absconded 



X'V] , .• MAKSHALX. 26SS' 

from his, her or tlieir master, guardian or parent, and bo 
thereof convicted, shall forfeit and pay to the person ag-- 
grieved, the sum of one dolhir for every twenty-four hours 
thus indulging, harboring or concealing any child, apprentice 
or servant, without the consent of the master, guardian or 
parent as aforesaid, to be recovered with cost of suit in any 
court of the Peacemakers of Brothertown."' 

By the records it appears that the following named persons 
held the office of Superintendent of the Brothertown In-, 
dians: — -Samuel Jones, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Zina Hitchcock, 
William Floyd, Thomas Eddy, Bill Smith, Thomas Hart, 
Henry McNiel, Uri DoolittlCj Asahel Curtis, Joseph Stebbins, 
William Root, Nathan Davis, Austin ]\Iygatt, Samuel L. 
Hubbard, Elijah Wilson, Samuel Comstock. 

The Peacemakers were appointed from among the Indians. 
It would ?eem that they were usually made from a few of 
the more prominent and educated families, the senior and 
junior members of which sometimes held the appointment at 
the same time. Prominent among the Peacemakers from 
1796 iio 1843, were the Fowlers. Johnsons, Scheesucks, Tuhis, 
and the Dicks.  ^^  

In 1809, the Brothertowns sent John Tuhi, sen., John 
Scheesuck, sen., Jacob Fowler and Henry Cuchip, delegates 
to treat with the western Indians. Their proceedings were 
ordered to be recorded. 

t \ "   , f i 

I *■ , . • 1  , ■,■;.,. . i J .'. ■.---■.■ 1 .  ,f^ 

Speech of the said delegates, July 3, 1809, to the Dela- 
wares, and the rest of the Wawponohkies, as follows : 

" Brothers : — We sent our salutation to you last year, with 
a promise that we would pay you a visit, we are very glad 
that the Good Spirit has enabled us to sit with you at this 
eoancil-fire to-day. 



268' ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

"Brotlicrs : — Our ancestors and your forefathers were in 
friendship with each other, but the covenant which they have 
made with your forefathers has been forgotten by us. Nev- 
ertheless, when we heard you were in trouble, we were sorry, 
and when you were promoting peace among yourselves and 
your neighbors, we rejoiced. 

'• Brothers : — Our forefathers have had the same fate your 
ancestors have met with, they have had a long war with th& 
white people. Our people were then numerous, but after 
many years of storm or war, they made peace, then they 
found their numbers much lessened, and the white people 
possessed of their native country, as they have done to your 
forefathers, and for that reason we have liad to move from 
place to place, as you have also done. 

"Brothers: — Although we live a great distance from you, 
and in among the white people, ever since we were in being, 
still we feel our minds drawn towards people of our own 
color. 

'Brothers: — We now take hold of your hand, to renew 
that friend.ship which subsisted between our ancestors and 
yours, which has been forgotten for a great length of time, 
this friendship is extended to the whole of the confederacy, 
on our part we shall teach our children how to maintain this 
friendship, that it may last to the latest of our generations. 

"Brothers: — We take your council-fire to be the front 
door at which we should enter at first, and here we put down 
our talk and request you to communicate the same to the 
whole of the confederacy. 

[One belt of wampum delivered.] 

"Brothers: — As you have a sad experience for many 
years past, you understand well what poverty is, therefore, 
we now lay our case before you, as we have not land enough 



XV.] . , MARSHALL. .lA-.-M 200 

to contain all our people in the east, we should feel happy if 
you would consider us : May the Great Good Spirit enable 
us to keep this friendship always bright." ... , 

[Delivered a white belt of wampum, with three black streaks 
ou it, containing ten rows of wampum.] 

Answer to the above : — 

"White River, July 3, 1809. 

"At a General Council held by the Wawponohkies (to 
wit): — Delawares, Mohiconick, Monssy, Wescoopsey, and 
Nanticoke Nations, at which time Working Pomseon, a prin- 
cipal chief of the Delaware Nation, delivered a speech to the 
deputies of the four towns which stand on the banks of the 
Grand Eiver and River De Trench, also to the Mohekons, 
and the remnant of the seven tribes of Indians who reside 
at Brothertown, in the State of New York, as follows: — 

" Grand-cltildren^ BrotJters^ and Friends: — I am happy 
to see you. I salute you all. It is a happy thing that we 
are met together so many of us, the remnant of the Wawpo- 
nohkies, to deliberate ixpon the welfare of our respective 
tribes. 

"Grand-children: — While we were sitting by the side of 
this river, in a dismal situation, about tw»elve months ago, 
our grand-children, the chiefs and head warriors of the 
Miamies, arrived and sat where you now sit, and we were 
sitting where we now are, our business with them was to 
settle the difficulties which did arise on account of this land. 

"Grand-children: — With great satisfaction I now men- 
tion to you that last fall the Miamies and ourselves have 
removed all cause of uneasiness, and we have had a confirma- 
tion by the President of the United States, whereby we are 
assured we may live on these lands without molestation. 



470 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. fclIAF. 

" Grand-cliildren. Brothers, aud Friends; — Be it known 
to you that you have the same privilege as we huve to this 
laud, \xc cau not point out a particular spot for you to live 
on, but you may take your own choice wherever you should 
he suited on undivided laud along this river, there you may 
build your fire-place. 

'•Grand-children, Brothers, and Friends : — All our chiefs, 
head warriors, and young men send their salutations to your 
chiefs, heroes, and young men : Be it known then that our 
union is full and complete, and established to-day : therefore, 
let your eyes be fixed on this place, that yonr minds may not 
be fluctuating as heretofore, but easy and settled. This 
speech is to you all, as we have become one people." 

[Diftercnt strings of wampum delivered. Two strings of white, 
wiimpum to tlie Brothertown people.] 



It will be perceived that the Brothertown Indians arc 
spoken of as remnants of seven tribes : In other parts of 
their records they term themselves emigrants from the seven 
tribes, but no where give the names of all of them. No 
doubt but what there were seven principal tribes from which 
they were derived, but it is a fact well known to a person 
acquainted with the history of the New England Indians 
that a tribe was frequently divided into villages, bearing sep- 
arate names, still members of the same tribe or stock. 

There was another book of records, containing the minutes 
of the courts held by the Peacemakers. Some time in the 
year 1850, the tribe now at Green Bay sent by a messenger 
for both books, but for some reason the messenger did not 
obtain the book containing their town records, but did that 
containing their judicial proceedings, which he took to Oireeu 
Bay 



XV] MARSHALL. 2"1 

A few of the Brotliertown Indians obtained marble slabs, 
and placed them at the graves of their friend.s. Tvro onlj 
-of their inscriptions have been obtained. 

"John Turn, E.sq., 
Died December 14, 1811, 
Aged 65 jeskVii.'' 

Thi.s monument is now broken down, and is in three 
pieces. 

•' E.STHER PoUaUI.NAL, 

A Member of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians, 

A Practical and Exemplary Christian. 

Affed 08 vcars," 



272 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



NEW HARTFORD. 



This towii embraces territory wliicli was among tlic early 
settled sections of the county. Although the village of New 
Hartford received its name at an early period, yet until 
1827 the present territory of the town was included in 
Whitestown. 

The settlement of this town was commenced by Colonel 
(afterwards Judge) Jedediah Sanger, who arrived at the site 
of the village, and commenced making improvements, in 
March, 1788. He bought 1,000 acres of land lying upon, 
and about equally divided by, the Sauquoit Creek, and 
which includes the whole of the present village. He con- 
tracted to pay fifty cents per acre, and within the first year 
of his residence he sold one half of his purchase, including 
all on the east side of the creek, to Joseph Higbee, for one 
dollar per acre, thus clearing one half of his purchase, in- 
cluding the site of most of the village. Higbee's half of 
the entire tract w^as found, upon a re-survey, to contain six 
hundred acres. 

Under the auspices of its enterprising founder, New 
Hartford had a rapid growth, and the evidences of the 
energy of its master-spirit Avere every where witnessed, and 
a large clearing made in the course of the first season. In 
March, 1789, Col. Sanger removed his family to New Hart- 
ford, and in that year he erected a saw mill, and in the 



XVI.] NEW HARTFORD. 273 

following year a grist mill. In the first three years of it.'? 
settlement, this town contained a band of pioneer settlers, 
who compared favorably with those of any section of the 
county. 

Those who settled west of the village, and in the vicinity 
of the present plank road, were Ashbel Beach, Amos Ives, 
Solomon Blodget, Salmon Butler, Joel Blair {the three last 
named at Middle Settlement), Agift Hill (on the farm for 
many years owned by Oliver Sandford, Esq.), a 3Ir. Wyman 
(on the farm now owned by Linus Parsons), and Stephen 
Bushnell (who settled upon the farm now occupied by his 
son of the same name), and Oliver Collins and Joseph Jen- 
nings (upon the road from Middle Settlement to Whites- 
boro). Those who settled east of New Hartford village, 
were Joseph Higbee, Nathan Seward, and John French ; 
and south of the village, three families of Kelloggs, two of 
Risleys, two of Olmsteads, and Messrs. Seymour, Butler, 
Hurlburt, Kilborn, and Montague. In the early settlement 
of Chautauque County, a branch of the Bisley family emi- 
grated thither, and a member of the family — Hon. Elijah 
Risley — has been Sheriff of the county, and a Representa- 
tive in Congress. 

The village and territory now embraced within the town 
of New Hartford, for a considerable number of years made 
a healthy and rapid progress in population and wealth. 
The construction of the Seneca turnpike road, in 1800, gave 
the village great advantages, and its business .?oon out- 
stripped that of many of its cotemporaries. For the loca- 
tion of the rpad through this place, the town was indebted to 
the same master-spirit. Located as the village was, out of 
the direct route, yet Judge Sanger, by taking a large amount 
of stock, exerting his potent influence, and putting in full 
exercise his industry and perseverance, when a valuable 

18 



274 ANNALi; OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

object was to be attained, could scarcely fail, and succes.^- 
crowned his efforts. The immense water power of the creek 
was then just being developed, and from that time to the 
present, its use in propelling machinery has rapidly in- 
creased. 

For a considerable portion of the time after the construc- 
tion of the turnpike, and before the completion of the 
middle section of the Erie Canal, a much larger amount of 
business- was done in New Hartford village than in Utiea ; 
and to its extensive water power — ^the lack of which has 
ever been severely felt in the latter pkee — was this extent 
of business attributable. Even her merchants, at the head 
of whom stood the heavy fina of Wilbor & Stanton, at one 
time traded more extensively than those of its neighbor on 
the Mohawk. But the construction of the Erie Canal dried 
up many of the sources of the prosperity of New Hartford, 
in common with other villages situated upon the turnpike. 
The carrying business for the mighty west at once left the 
Great Western turnpikes for the canal, and Utica soon. 
grew to be a city, and the New Hartford merchants were 
obliged to yield the palm. The canal did not, however, cut 
off one most important source of prosperitj'. for the Sauquoit 
continued to flow on, and with this advantage New Hartford 
must ever continue a village of considerable business. 

The village contains at this time four dry goods stores, 
one druggist and one grocery, two tin sbops. one cabinet and 
one paint shop, one blacksmith and wheelwright, and two 
shoe shops, two taverns, two large and three small cotton 
factories, one grist and one saw mill, and a tannery, at which 
more than 830.000 worth of leather is manufactured an- 
nually. The village iilso contains five houses for public 
worship, viz. : — one each for the Presbyterians, Episcopal- 
ian.s. Methodists, Friends, and Universalists : and also five 



XVI.] NEW HARTFORD. 275 

ministers of the Gospel, four physicians, no lawyer, and 
about 1,000 inhabitants. , j  

The first child born in New Hartford, was the late Dr 
Uriel H. Kellogg. He died some four or five years since. 



I , RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The oldest religious society in New Hartford, is the 
PrcsbTiterian Churchy which was organized, with thirteen 
members, August 27, 1791, by the Rev. Jonathan Edwards-, 
D. D., of New Haven, Conn. It was organized in the same 
month; and by the same clergyman, as was the Congregar 
tional Church in Clinton. This was also formed as a Con- 
ijrefrational Church, and so remained until 1802, but since 
which its discipline has been in strict accordance with the 
standards of the Presbyterian Church. Its first pastor was- 
Dan Bradley, who was ordained in February, 1792, and was 
dismissed in December, 1794. On the 6th of September 
following. Mr. Bradley removed to Marcellus, Onondaga 
County, and it appears that he did not again preach the 
G-ospel, but entered on the business of farming, and in after- 
life became one of the most skilful and scientific agricultur- 
ists of Onondaga County. He was appointed a County 
Judge in 1801, and First Judge in 1808, and was appointed 
President of the first Onondaga^ County Agricultural Society 
in 1819. He died at his residence, at Marcellus, September 
19, 1838, aged 71 years. He wrote much for the diff'ercnt 
agricultural periodicals of his day. 

The nest pastor was- the Hev. Joshua Johnson, who was 
installed October 26, 1795'. It is said that the young people. 
to do due honor to the occasion, held in the evening an 
" Ordinatioji Ball;'' but some persons living at the present 



276 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cilAF. 

(lay entertain doubts as to the correctness of this statement. 
The balance of testimony is, however, in favor of the asser- 
tion that a "ball" was actually got up for the occasion. Loth 
as the writer is to believe that so solemn an occasion should 
have been desecrated by the mirth and levity usually found 
in the ball room, still he finds the '' Ordination BaW noticed 
by two respectable authors,* who have published histories of 
the times, and it is believed neither would have so done had 
not the evidence been to him entirely satisfactory. 

Another circumstance in relation to the ordination of Mr. 
Johnson, is deemed of suificient importance to be preserved 
in the history of the times. At a day some time previous 
to his ordination, a council was called to examine him, and, 
if found worthy and competent, to ofl&ciate in the ordination 
ceremonies, and so confident were the church and society in 
the fitness of their candidate, that public notice was given 
that the ordination would take place on the day succeeding 
the sitting of the council. The council convened and en- 
tered upon their duties, and on the next day a large con- 
course assembled to witness the ceremonies. After waiting 
some time, the chairman of the council came in, and informed 
the people that the council had found the candidate not suf- 
ficiently orthodox to admit of his ordination, but did not 
state the points upon which he was considered heterodox. 
Mr. Johnson was then requested, by one of the leading mem- 
bers of the society, to state why the council refused his 
ordination, and he complied with the request. The senti- 
ment to which he could not give his assent, was one that had 
caused much agitation in the religious world at the time. 
It was this: — "That before saving grace could be applied to 
the conversion of the soul, it must feel an entire willingness 
to be damned." The assembly dispersed, and a council was 

* Tracy'.s Lectures, and Clark'.s History of Onondaga. 



I 

XVI.] NEW HARTFORD. 277 j 



called from New England, which took a different view of the 
question, and Mr. Johnson was oi'dained and installed on the 
day above mentioned. " 

Mr. Johnson preached to this people five years, and was 
dismissed December 15, 1800. Rev. Samuel F. Snowden 
was installed in May, 1807, -and was dismissed in August, 

1813. The Rev. Noah Coe was installed pastor in June, 

1814, and continued his pastoral labors for more than twenty 
years, and was dismissed in February, 1835. He was highly 
respected and beloved by his people. The Rev. Moses C. 
Searle was installed July 8, 1835, and was dismissed in 
June. 1845. The present pastor, Rev. E. Hj, Payson, was 
installed October 14, 1845. There are now over 200 com- 
municants in the church. 

This church and society erected the first house for public 
worship in the county, and indeed in the State west of Her- 
kimer. It was erected in 1793, although not completed, nor 
the steeple erected, until 1796. Great credit should cer- 
tainly be awarded the architect, for although remodelled and 
repaired, the house is still occupied, and the steeple yet 
stands, and it yet is in appearance a very respectable house 
of public worship, venerable for its age, it having outlived 
many of its juniors, and seniors it had none, in the county. 
In this house was held the first County Court held within 
the limits of Oneida County. Judge Sanger gave the lot on 
which it was erected, and also gave a lot in Sangerfield for 
the benefit of the church. ' .' ' '' 

The Ejnscopal Church at this place is styled. — " St. 
Stephen's Church, New Hartford." Rector, Rev. Stephen 
H. Battin. Belonging to this society are about forty-five 
families, comprising nearly 200 individuals, and about sixty 
communicants. It has a Sunday school, with five teachers, 



278 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

aud about forty pupils ; and it lias a neat brick church 
edifice, with a tower and bell, erected in 1825. Judge San- 
ger gave the lot upon which it stands, and also by his will 
gave an annuity of 8250 to aid in the support of a clergy- 
man. 

There is an Episcopal MctJrodist Society in this town 
wliich have a small, yet very neat house of worship in New 
Hartford village. 

The Friends have a small society in the town, with a small 
house for worship in the south part of the village. Their 
house, like all those of the denomination, has its two front 
doors, where the males and females enter separately. The 
members here, as every where, are characterized for their 
industry, temperance, simplicity, neatness, and tlirift. 

The ZTniversalist Society in this town is tlic parent stock 
of the denomination in Central New York, and the third in 
the State. The two older societies were one in the city ot 
New York, gathered by the llcv. Edward 3Iitchcll in 1 797, 
and the other in Hartwick, Otsego County, gathered in 1S03. 
The doctrine was introduced into this place by the Rev. 
Nathaniel Stacy, in 1805, and in December of that year 
was formed '-The Universalist Society of Whitestown." 
For many years this was the principal seat of the denomi- 
nation in a large extent of country, and its influence was 
wide-spread. Judge White, the pioneer of Whitestown, was 
one of its prominent members. In 1815 this society built a 
small but comfortable churcli, a little below New Hartford 
village, on the road to Utica, wliich is still standing, and 
occupied as a house of worship by those who have followed 
in the faith of their fathers, — the doctrine of universal 
salvation. 



XVI. J NEW HARTFORD. 279 

There was also for a few years a small Baptist Church in 
the town, organized as a branch of the church at Whitesboro, 
but which was dissolved in 1844. In 1840 this body re- 
ported thirty-one members, and James Reed, a licentiate, as 
their preacher; in 1841 it, instead of remaining a branch, 
organized as a church; and in 1843 reported but twenty- 
four members, and Elder 0. Tuttle as pastor. 



Jedediak Sanger. — This individual, whose name is so 
prominent in the history of the first settlement of the towns 
of New Hartford and Sangerfield, was born in Sherburne, 
3Iiddlesex County, Massachusetts, on the 29th of February, 
1 751, consequently he had a birth-day but once in four years. 
His parents were Richard and Deborah Sanger, who had 
ten children. Jedediah being the ninth. He received but the 
common education of boys at that time, worked upon a farm, 
and subsequently kept a small store. In May, 1771, he 
was married to Sarah Rider, by whom he had four children, 
none of whom survived him except a daughter, now the 
widow Eames, who resides a short distance south of New 
Hartford village. In 1782 he removed to Jeffries, Cheshire 
County, New Hampshire, where he pu<rchased a large farm, 
which he carried on, keeping a tavern, and also a small store 
in his tavern and dwelling. He was successful for two years, 
when, in 1784, his store and dwelling, with their entire con- 
tents, were consumed by fire. The time of the fire seemed 
to be peculiarly unpropitious, for two heavy loads of groceries 
had arrived at the close of the preceding day, and which had 
been unloaded just in time to be destroyed. The loss left 
Mr. Sanger bankrupt, but his was not the courage to quail 



280 ANNALS OF OXEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

under misfortune. He was but thirty-three years of age. 
■with a perseverance which could overcome every thing but 
impossibilities. Soon after his loss, the account of the far- 
famed " Whitestown Country" reached him, and he deter- 
mined to cmi";rate thither as soon as he could arranjre his 
business to do so. His arrangements having been completed, 
he started upon his journey for that then almost unknown 
country, and commenced the settlement of New Hartford 
in March, 1788. The author believes it but justice to his 
memory in this place to disabuse the public as to the report 
that he clandestinely left Jeffries, " between two days and 
two weeks," to avoid his creditors. From the most reliable 
information, this was not the case. That he left on Monday 
morning, and took what, in the parlance of the times, was 
termed an " early start,''' some two or three o'clock, was true ; 
but that the journey was kept secret, is incorrect. He ga^■o 
his word to his creditors, that if he was ever able, no man 
should lose one penny by him, and such was their confidence 
in his integrity, that no effort was made to molest him, 
knowing as they did that his bankruptcy had been caused by 
unavoidable misfortune ; and most sacredly was the promi.se 
remembered and kept, for after he had become prosperou.s, 
and able to do so, the last farthing of his debts, principal 
and interest, was paid. 

As has been stated, lie built a saw mill in 1789. and grist 
milt in 1700. In 179G he erected the first grist and saw 
mills on the outlet of the Skaneateles Lake, now in the 
beautiful village of Skaneateles, Onondaga Count}-. Hv 
was one of the acting and leading partners in the Paris Fur- 
nace, which was erected in ISOO, and went into operation in 
ISOl. In 1805 he was engaged in the manufacture of cot- 
ton. His land agencies for the Coxes and other proprietors 
in New York and Philadelphia, have ^o some extent been 



XVr.] NEW HARTFORD. 281 

noticed. Ho spent eleven winters in Albany as a member 
of the Senate and Assembly, to each of these bodies, having 
been elected by the people. He was the first Supervisor of 
Whitestown. and held the office for three successive years. 
He was appointed First Judge of Oneida County upon its 
organization, and held the office until 1810, when he resigned, 
as, by the constitution and laws, his age (GO years) disquali- 
fied him from holding that office. 

His first wife died September 2G, 1814. His second mar- 
riage was to Sarah B. Kissam, August 31, 1815, who died 
April 23, 1825. His third marriage was to Fanny Dench, 
October 3, 1827. She survived her husband, and died in 
May, 1842. The subject of this brief memoir died June 6, 
1829. The following epitaph is copied from his monument 
in the village cemetery : — 

Sacred 
 to the memorv 

of ' 

,, . Hon. Jedediah S.iNGER, 

,,, who died June 6,  , ^ 

A. D. 1829, 
The founder of New Hartford, 
His charities are widely extended", 
 And his munificence has reared 

And supported several edifices 
Devoted to the service of his ;^;  ;, 

Maker. ; ^ 

His virtues are indelibly impressed 
upon the 
Hearts of his Countrymen. 



Upon the cenotaph in the Episcopal Church, raised by 
members of his own family, is the following inscription ; — 



282 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

Sacred ' 

to the memory 

of 

Jedf.diah S.ange:r, 

Corn Feb. 25th, 1751, " ' ' 

Died June Gth, 1829. 

ile, 

being dead, yet 

speaketh. 

The distmcuisliiii"; traits of Judyc San^er'rf character 
were, great energy and decision, close application to business, 
coupled with the strictest integrity. In politics, he belonged 
to the Federal School He was liberal and public-spirited, 
and his benefactions to the public seemed to have been re- 
turned to him tenfold. 



Gen. Oliver Colllxs was one of the very early settler.^; 
«jf New Hartford. He was a native of the State of Connec- 
ticut, and served in the Continental Army, in the Line of 
that State, in the capacity of a sergeant. At the close oi 
the revolutionary contest he, in common with his comrades, 
was discharged, with a worthless currency in his pocket as 
pay, yet rich in the consciousness of having well performed 
his duty to his country, and in that resolution which or- 
dinarily brings success. 

It is believed he emigrated to this town in 1789. He 
commenced on the f;\rm now owned by Thomas W. Moore, 
a short distance from Middle Settlement, on the road to 
Whitesboro, where he continued to reside tlic remainder of 
liis life. At an early period he received a captain's com- 
mission in the militia company organized in AVhitestown. 
from whence lie rose in rcirular military L^radatinn to the 



XVI.] XEW HARTFORD. 283 

rank of Brigadier- General. "While holding this commission, 
the war of 1812 was declared, and in this war also he ren- 
dered valuable services to his countrj', having been, in 1814, 
commandant of that most important military post, Sackctts 
Harbor. Here his position was a most trying one. The 
British, in the latter part of this year, had the naval ascen- 
dency on Lake Ontario. The United States' regular army 
was mostly with General Brown on the Niagara frontier, 
and the whole American flotilla on Lake Ontario was moored 
at this place, the enemy's odds against it being too great to 
justify its taking the offensive upon the Lake. The garrison 
at Saeketts Harbor consisted of but the 13th regiment, 
about 500 strong, a battalion of artillery, a few hundreds of 
militia, and the sailors and marines belonging to the fleet. 
W^'ith this incompetent force for the defence of millions of 
public property, which the enemy were constantly menacing, 
Gen. Collins called out the militia of Oneida County in. 
masse. The call was promptly obeyed, but from misman- 
agement in the commissariat, the provisions furnished were 
inferior in quality, and unwholesome. To add to thi.s. the 
season w£sp very rainy, and the streets in Saeketts Harbor 
and its etivirons became so bad as to be almost impassable, 
even the sidewalks in many instances being ancle deep in 
mud. Disease soon made its appearance in the militia, and 
was very mortal. Panic seized them, and they deserted 
even by half companies, in some instances the commandants 
of companies running away with portions of their commands. 
Many, however, had too much patriotism and principle to 
quit the post without leave, but, when taken sick, would 
apply to Gen. Collins for passports to go out of the place 
into a more healthy atmosphere. He always treated these 
applications with lightness, and a prompt refusal. Great 
dissatisfaction prevailed. Gen. Collins, no doubt, acted 



884 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

f 

from the best of motives, and if he committed an error in 
his treatment of these requests of the militia, it was one of 
the head and not of the heart. Ilis wish was to keep up at 
least a show of defence, until the garrison could be reinforced 
by the army under Gen. Brown, then on its march from 
Buffalo to the Harbor. On Gen. Brown's arrival, he, i^ 
general orders, higlily complimented Gen. Collins for thet 
great zeal he had manifested in the public service. '' 

On the expiration of Gen. Collins' term of service at 
Sacketts Harbor, he returned to Oneida County, and ordered 
a Court Martial for the trial of the deserters from the de- 
tached Militia at the Harbor. The Court Martial convened 
at the public house kept by Major John Bellinger, in Utica, 
now known as the "New England House." Some of thd 
culprits employed able counsel for their defence, and in 
addressing the Court Martial, the counsel made the remark 
that, "if the Court presumed to sentence his clients, the 
good citizens of Utica would never suffer the sentence to be 
carried into execution." Notwithstanding, the delinquents 
were sentenced to have all tlieir back pay stopped, and to 
be drummed out of camp, as far as Deerhcld Colters, with 
the " lioguc's March," wearing their coats wrong side out. 
Gen. Collins, who was present, and whose duty it became to 
see the sentence of the Court Martial carried into execution, 
and taking the hint from the remarks of the prisoner's coun- 
sel, went to the commandant of a company of regular 
soldiers, then stationed in Utica. and loaned their music and 
a sergeant's guard of sixteen men, to assist in the perform 
ance of his duty. The guard were marched to Bellinger's, 
and the prisoners brought forward. A considerable number 
of persons had collected, and there was unmistakable evi- 
dence that there was a disposition to carry out the threat of 
counsel. Gen. Collins at once ordered the guard to load 



•JCVI.] NEW HARTFORD. 28^ 

their pieces -with ball cartridges, and then turning to the 
spectators, said, " If you interfere in this business; Gentle- 
men, it is at your peril, for I will cause more bullet holes to 
be made through your bodies, than there are button-holes in 
your coats." It is almost needless to add that there was 
no interference, and that the sentence was executed to the 
letter. 

At the close of the war he retired to private life, and upon 
the farm he had redeemed from the forest, he spent the 
remainder of his days in quiet, having by his industry and 
economy secured a competence for his declining years. In 
his politics, Gen. Collins never swerved from the Democratic 
platform. He was four times married. His eldest son died 
some years ago, in St. Lawrence County. His second son has 
been one of the most prominent citizens of Lewis County. 
His relict, and a son and daughter, now reside in Manchester 
village. Gen. Collins died August 14, 1838, aged 76 years. 

f.-v; ,.'.•;, - if;;; • .-.■ ' . V _ ^ ! L 

'  • ' ' ' MANUFACTURES. 

This town, located as it is on both sides of the Sauquoit 
Creek, a stream which for its size stands unrivalled for its 
water power, has ever held a high position as a manufactur- 
ing town, and contains a larger number of manufactories 
than any other town in the county, or probably in the State. 
Near the north line of the town, are the " New York Upper 
Mills," an establishment owned by the same company as the 
New York Mills, just below, in Whitestown, and consists 
of a large stone building and a wooden one. The wooden 
building has ever been known as the " Burr Stone Factory," 
having received its name from its having been erected and 
long used as a grist mill, in which the first French burr mill- 



286 ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr, 

stones in the county were used in the manufacture of flour. 
These Upper Mills are entirely employed in the manufac- 
ture of colored goods, pantaloon stuffs and chambrays. of 
which 25.000 yards per week are turned off. It employs 
450 operatives, and pays about 8 1.000 per week for labor. 

Nest above is what was formerly the " Capron Factory," 
now the "Utica Cotton Mills." It manufactures 28,000 
yards per week, employs 156 operatives, 136 looms, and 
7.000 spindles, and uses annually 1,150 bales of cotton of 
400 pounds each. 

Above are Howell's two factories, the New Hartford 3IilI, 
Washington Mill, and two factories known as the '"Hollister 
Factories." The location of the Ilollister manufacturing- 
establishment at this place has received the local name of 
Checkerville. from the fact that Mr. Hollister, at the time of 
his commencement here, was engaged in business in the 
Checkered Drug Store in Utica. 

Still above are the large machine shop and foundry of 
Rogers & Spencer. The location of the latter has received 
the romantic name of Willow Vale, from the number of 
willows growing in the vicinity, on the margin of the ereek 
and dyke. 

Near the south line of the town are the Eagle Cotton 
Mills of Chadwick & Sons. 

In the north-west corner of the toyrn, on the Oriskany 
Creek, are Clark's Mills, for the manufacture of cotton. 
The building is 250 feet long, 70 wide, and four stories high, 
the wheel house, which projects from the centre of the build- 
ing, being five stories ; the basement is of stone, the remain- 
der of brick. Until the recent erection of the Utica Steam 
Cotton Mills, this was the largest building for manufacturing 
purposes in the county. At this place the town of West- 
moreland lies on the west side of the creek, and the towns of 



XVI. J 



NEW HARTFORD. 



287 



New Hartford, Wliitestown, and Kirkland corner on the 
bridge which here spans the stream ; this leaves the build- 
ings of the company in all four of the towns ; the main 
factory, however, is in New Hartford. The factory has been 
built within the last five years, and is owned by Ralph Clark, 
of the firm of Kalph Clark & Co., of the city of New York, 
and his brothers Enos and Ammi B., who reside near the 
premises, and are engaged in the business of the factory, a 
store, and a grist and saw mill just above, in the town of 
Kirkland. All this business can not fail shortly of building 
up a large and important village. Tlie building is as yet 
but half filled with machinery, and it is probable that the 
whole creek, with the heavy fall attained, will be unequal to 
the carrying of the machinery the building is capable of con- 
taining, but that a steam engine will have to be called to its 
aid. 

Xhere are four grist and nin,e savy mills in the town. . ' 



' it 



28S ANxNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAF. 



CHAPTER XVII, 

PARIS. 

The first settler of this town was a Capt. Rice, who moved 
on to what is now known as Paris Hill, about the first of 
March, 1789. About three weeks after, and on the •20th of 
March, Benjamin Barnes, Benjamin Barnes, jun., and Jolm 
Humaston, arrived and settled in the neighborhood. Three 
days after the arrival of Mr. Barnes, Stephen Barrett came, 
and within a few weeks after, three brothers, Aaron, Adams, 
and Abel Simmons, moved on to the Hill. These were the 
first settlers of the town of Paris, as it now is ; but it should 
be borne in mind that Clinton, which was originally included, 
and whose inhabitants gave it its name, was settled two 
years earlier by Capt. Foot and his company. 

The early settlers of Paris Hill were a moral and religious 
people. In 1791 a small Congregational Church, of five 
members, was constituted by Dr. Jonathan Edwards, while 
on the same visit to these frontier settlements in which he 
officiated in the formation of the first churches at Clinton and 
New Hartford. All that is obtained of the history of the 
~ Paris Hill Church is contained in the inscription from the 
table stone over the grave of the Rev. Mr. Steele, its first 
pastor, which is copied entire. It is very much regretted 
that more of the earlier and later statistics of this venerable 
body have not been obtained. Assurances were made that, 
without fail, they should be forthcoming, but they have never 
been received. 



XVII.] i'' ' "  ' PARIS. 



2S9 



i.rj:;!; .■]:iv.v..r^ . 


•....* 


■■■'I,',-} il};-,'. ]-<■! 


[.r^ 


i'i-'\i 


•..' 


J .-. <t: si'fi'i- 


■' ! ; 



This Momiment is erected *■'' '"'■i-('> :n 

. .!. .., uii . to the memory of the 

:, i; - Rev. Eliphalet Steele, A. M., 
r,. T- By his afll'ctionate Church, 

In testimony of 
"•''"'' ' ' their respect for his talents, 

■!''"••' ''■'-■, • and gratitiule for his 

-it'.,' *; .[)'•■,•'.   faithful labors 

.,,:;*;;; ^;| In the pastoral ofSce. ' -. .. 

• .. ,  „,- Watchful and dihgent, 

. , An impartial inquirer 
' -^ -^ after truth, 

•''-;-''••"'••'' ^+^'' An able defender of the 

"s - ' Christian faith. 
He was born at Hartford, Conn., 

June 26, 1742, . . . 

Graduated at Yale College, 17G4, 
Was ordained to the work of 

the Gospel Ministry •- ' 

at Egremont, Mass., 1770, 
Dismissed from his pastoral charge . ..jL-ii-^i^it^i-ijii- 
in that place, 1794, • ur-y; 
Installed at Paris, July 15, 1705, , /^ , 
, Died Oct. 7, 1817, aged 75. \^,. 
The Church in Paris, 
of which he was the first Pastor, 
was formed by the 
il«v. Jonathan Edwards, D. D., in 1791. 
of 5 members. 
When Mr. Steele was installed, 
it consisted of 19, 
273 were added during his ministry, 
and at the time of his decease 
there were 193 members. 

!i), jUll- i r.' •■r.v. I 

Mr. Steele was considered by his cotempovaries a.s very 
orthodox, and sound in his sentiments.' He was a man of 
great plainness of speech, and by some it was thought his 

19 



20G ANNALb OF OKEIDA COUXTV. [cHAP. 

manner savored of bluntness. An anecdote is recollected by 
the author, and is given as illustrative of the man. About 
the commenccuient of the present century, at a meeting of 
the Oneida Association, a charge was preferred against ;i 
young clergyman for preaching unsound doctrine. He had 
been cited, and was present with the manuscript of the ser- 
mon complained of. On the sermon's being read, it was 
found there was notliing objectionable in sentiment, but was 
obscurely worded. Mr. Steele took the occasion to lecture 
the young man to be more cautious in his language, and 
elided with this remark : " Aye, young man, you do not know 
more than half as much as I do, and I do not know one half 
as much as I think I do." This, it must be confes.=>ed, was 
a very peculiar way of patting himself on a level, as to 
knowledge, with the young man to whom he was administer- 
ing a reproof. , , , .,;,, , ., ,. 

In the Hhtory of Berkshire Cormiy^ speaking of fir 
Steele, is the following: — ••■The people generally [of Egrt.- 
mo-nt] were united in their pastor, until the time of Shay's 
rebellion. As he was suppo.sed to be favorable to the Gov- 
ernment, the malcontents became his enemies and opposers 
On a certain occasion, several armed ruffians violently en- 
tered his house in the night season, and after treating him iu 
a very insolent and abusive manner, carried away his watch, 
and several articles of clothing." Mrs. McNiel, widow of 
the late Henry McNiel, Esq., of Paris, and daughter of Mr 
Steele, and who now resides in Clinton, although but a small 
girl at the time, well remembers this transaction. She say.> 
tiiat armed sentinels were placed at all the doors and wiu- 
dow.-j of the liouse, to prevent any persons escaping, and . 
giving the alarm. The numbers in and about the house 
•were so great, that resistance was entirely hopeless, and none 
wa.i made. She hai blue -ilk in the house for a new bonnet. 



XVil. 1 PARIS. 2^ 

which was taken by these marauders, they saying that it 
would make good colors for Shays. When the party left, 
they fired two guns in quick succession, supposed to be sig- 
nals. Parties became so violent, that he was dismissed by a 
council, April 29, 1794. 

For more than forty years after the first settlement of 
Paris Hill, its inhabitants were reckoned as a sober, moral, 
and industrious people. About the year 1835, perhaps ear- 
lier, their fears became awakened, and their suspicions aroused, 
that a number of young men, residents on the Hill and 
vicinity, were extensively engaged and connected in shop- 
lifting, and passing counterfeit money. Great vigilance and 
prudence had to be exercised in the matter. The culprits 
managed so ingeniously and cautiously, that years passed 
before the proofs had become sufficient to make any arrests. 
In the latter part of 1837 and the fore part of 1838, there 
were several arrests made, and the proof found sufficient to 
put them on trial. As they were men of property and tact, 
it now became necessary that every proper exertion should 
be made to convict the guilty. Many of the most respec- 
table inhabitants stepped forward to strengthen the hands of 
the officers of the law. As the accused had the means, the 
most eminent counsel were employed in their defence, and 
equal counsel was retained by said inhabitants to assist the 
District Attorney. In March, 1838, Hiram W. Meeker 
was tried and sent to the State's Prison, la June, Daniel 
Head. Oran Head, and George Brown were convicted and 
sentenced each to five years in the State's Prison. At the 
same term Guy Carter, jun., was tried, but succeeded in 
getting a verdict of not guilty ; subsequently he was tried 
for larceny, and still more subsequently for perjury, but his 
good fortune in procuring testimony seemed to defy the 
meshes of the law. and he escaped conviction. After these 



pJ2 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

repeated admonitions that the way of the transgressor is 
hard, and after his father, who was an able farmer, had ex- 
pended his all, in the defence of his son, justice, though 
tardy, was sure. He went to Schenectady, passed counter- 
feit money, was arrested, tried, convicted, and sent to t^c 
State's Prison. It was well remarked at the close of that 
June term, that Oneida County never in one year sent four 
better looking, better dressed, or more talented men to the 
Legislature, than it now sent to the State's Prison. 

Some important civil causes that were tried soon after, 
one of which was to some extent connected with a portion of 
the criminal prosecutions, caused a most deplorable state of 
things. Few, however fair their characters had previously 
been, were found who could not be impeached ; such power- 
ful litigants seemed to manufacture testimony for the occa- 
sion. Neighbor was arrayed against neighbor, and most 
fortunate did the counsellor consider himself who could arct 
one witness on to the stand who was not impeached by a 
dozen before the trial closed. This state of things has since 
subsided, and now society moves as quietly as in most other 
sections of the county. The lesson taught, that however 
successful, for a while, combinations in crime may prove, 
"justice will surely overtake the wicked," has been most 
salutary. It is but justice to close this lamentable chapter 
of crime with the remark, that many of tlie parents and 
relatives of the young men were not at all implicated. Un- 
j^ileasant as has been the duty of penning the foregoing, still 
the hopes that it might be a beacon-light to the young men 
bf Oneida, has been the only incentive. / 

The oldest monument in the burying ground is that of 
Harriet, daughter of Henry and Margaret McNiel, who 
died April 28, 179G, aged one year and nine months. The 
next oldest is that of Ebcnezer Kctchum. who died July ». 



XVU.J PAPvIS. 



C9; 



17'J(3, ill the iiftli year of his age. That there were earlier 
deaths at this place is probable, but the author has been un- 
able to procure any earlier data. 

In looking through this cemetery, a number of things 
strike the eye of the observer as singular. Deacon Nathan- 
iel Tompkins had erected four monuments to as many wives 
he had buried side by side. The first, Elizabeth, died March 
22. 1805, aged 27; the second, Mehitabel, who died Sep- 
tember 10. 1810, aged 29 ; the third, Lucretia, died October 
10, 1827, aged 43; and the fourth, Clarissa, who died May 
20, 1839, aged 50. Deacon Tompkins himself died January 
18, 1848, in the seventy-third year of his age. He left a 
widow, who still survives. 

In another part of the yard, is a stone erected to the 
memory of seven children of Patrick and Martha Camp- 
bell, aged four, sixteen, twenty-five, twenty, sixteen, twenty- 
five, sixteen. 

On another stone is this inscription : — 

" la Remembrance of George Stantox, who was burned in lii.s 
house, Feb. 1 1, 1827, aged 67 years." 

On inquiry, the author learned that he was a brother of 
Deacon Daniel Stanton, and that he resided about one and a 
half miles from the village, within the present limits of the 
town of Marshall. The house was burned in the night 
time, during one of the coldest and most severe snow 
storms for many years ; and it was supposed that Mr. Stan- 
ton succeeded in saving some articles of furniture, and went 
back for others, when, mistaking a door, he fell into the 
cellar, where his remains were found. He left a wife and 
three daughters, who escaped with nothing but their night 
clothes, and before they could get to a neighbor's, their 



294 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

limbs were all more or less frozen, some so severely that it 
was with difficulty they were saved from amputation. 

As an lii.storical remini.scencc, it should be mentioned that, 
early in the settlement of this place, it was visited by Bush- 
rod Washington, to see the lands that had fallen to him, as 
legatee of his illustrious relative, " the father of his country."' 

St. Paul's Church, Paris Ilill — EjriscojxUian. — This is" 
one of the oldest societies of this denomination in the county. 
The Rev. William Baker is rector at this time. By the 
parochial report to the diocese of Western New York, for 
1850, there were fifty families belonging to the congregation, 
thirty-six communicants, five of whom had been admitted 
within the year. The rector reports that " the parish of St. 
Paul's is in a very prosperous state." '• The time to favor 
Zion. the set time, is come," and brethren dwell together in 
unity. Funds have been raised to enclose the church and 
lot with a neat fence, which is in progress. The vestry pro- 
pose to plant shade trees around the church, which will be a 
great improvement. 



Sat;qi;oit. — The name of this village is taken from that 
of the creek on which it stands, and is a corruption of the 
original Indian name, Se-dau-quate. 

This village (or more properly two villages) stands on two 
parallel streets, about half a mile from each other, on oppo- 
site sides of the creek, and united by a cross street. On 
the west side is a tavern and store, the Presbyterian Church, 
po.st office, with quite a number of private dwellings. On 
the east side is the Methodist Church, the Academy, a .ston*. 



xvii.] 1 .vi/.jc PARIS. -295^ 

a tavern, as also a number of private dwellings, mechanics, 
etc. On the cross street there are various kinds of machinery 
turned with water power. 

The settlement of this section of Paris was commenced 
f^oon after that on the Hill. In the fall of the same year, 
(1789.) Phineas Kellogg came and built a log house about 
100 rods north of where Savage's tavern is now located. In 
.March. 1790, Mr. Kellogg, John Butler, Sylvester Butler, 
Asa Shepard. and Mrs. Plumb and two children (the wife 
and children of Joseph Plumb), removed from New Eng- 
land, and arrived at the house built by Kellogg the preced- 
ing fall. When they arrived, they found the roof broken in 
by the snow, a heavy bank of which yet remained in the 
liouse ; this was shoveled out. and the room made as com- 
fortable as circumstances would permit, for the accommodation 
»>f the new comers. Mr. Plumb followed the same spring. 
In the course of the season, probably there were some ar- 
rivals, for in the fall Williaaa Swan, a lad of about fourteen 
years of age, died, which was the first death within the 
present limits of Paris, of which there is at this time any 
knowledjre. The winter after Swan died, there were two or 
three deaths in the vicinity from the small pox. 

In the year 1791, Kirkland Griffin, Capt. Abner Bacon, 
PeaeoE Simeon Coe, Speneer Briggs, Baxter (rage, Josiah 
Hull, Nathan Robinson, Enos Pratt, and a Mr. Boot, settled 
in the vicinity of Sauquoit. Mr. Butler is yet living on a 
farm about a mile west of the village, and Enos Pratt lives 
in Westmoreland. These two, it is believed, are all that sur- 
vive of the heads of families who came to this part of Pari.s 
in the two years named. 

Kirkland Griffin, Esq., whose name has been mentioned as 
one of the early settlers of the Sauquoit valley, resided on 
the east side of the creek. Dui-ing our revolutionary eon- 



2yt3 . ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. fCHAP. 

tu6t, Lit) lite wa.s uu cventl'ul uuc. ilc .shipped ou board of 
cue of the earliest privateers that Avere littod out iu that 
contest, tu annoy and cripple the commerce of Britain 
The cruise wa.s a .sliort and unfortunate one, for their craft 
was soon captured by superior force, and taken to England, 
and hini.self and comrades were confined in that den ot 
misery, the Mill Prison. Here the sufferings of the prison- 
ers were most iuteuse. 80 stinted was their supply of food, 
that if fortunately a rat could be caught, it was roasted and 
deemed a luxury. Suffice it to say, that their suffering.s 
were only equalled by the prisoners on board the Jersey 
prison ship, and the sugar house in New York. After thus 
suffering for two years and five months, they were exchanged. 
and sent iu a cartel to the minister of the United States iu 
Trance.- Accessions of captured sailors had from time tc 
time been made to their numbers, so that, when exchanged. 
there were over two hundred. They were shipped for the 
I'^nitcd States on board the Alliance, the consort of the 
Bonhommc Richard, under the eommand of Com. Paul 
Joucs. That daring officer, instead of sailing direct to the 
United States, must needs -'beard the lion in his den," by 
cruisinc: around the Island of Britain. On this cruise Ik- 
fell in with and engaged the Serapis frigate. The batth^ 
that followed was one of the mo.st obstinate and bloody 
recorded in naval Avarfare. The stars and stripes were vic- 
torious, and St. G^corge's cross humbled before them. After 
the British captain had come on board Com. Joue.s' vessel, 
he in some way learned that the jMili Prison sailors were ou 
board the American vessel, and he then exclaimed, '• Now 
I know why I am conquered ; without those prisoners you 
never could have obtained the victory." And well he might 
thus form an opinion, for he knew that men who had suffered 
a^ these mca, would take victory or death a,s a. watchw^vd. 



xva.J PARIS. 2&7 

vastly preferring the latter in fighting their country's battles, 
to another term in the Mill Prison. 

Confirmatory of this incident in the life of Esquire Griffin, 
the following is extracted from Cooper's Life of Faal Jones: 
— "About this time (1779) a cartel arrived at Nantes, bring- 
ing in more than a hundred exchanged American seameu 
from Mill Prison. A short time before this exchange, Mr. 
Eichard Dale, late a master's mate of the U. S. brig Lexing- 
ton, had made his escape from the same prison, and had 
joined Jones in his old capacity. This gentleman, a native 
of Virginia, and subsequently tlie well known naval captain 
of this name, was now made first lieutenant of the llichard^ 
by Jones, who had blank commissions by him. The men of 
the cartel were applied to, and many of them entered, thus 
giving the Pilchard a respectable body of Americans to sus- 
tain the honor of the flag she wore." > - |^ f .;!;» :••! : i, ;' ,■ 
• Esquire Griffin ever afterwards observed the anniversary 
of his release from the Mill Prison, as a day of thanksgiv- 
ing. In true primeval New England style, on that day, his^ 
children and children's children were invited guests to share 
the bounty of the patriarch's table. 

When he left the Serapis, he took from her armament a 
plain cutlass, which he afterwards carefully retained. It is 
still preserved in his family, as a memento of the " times that 
tried men's souls." uorl ;: l■:F}^■i^ . ''wU 

He was truly an excellent man. He held the office of 
Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and was the 
officer for this section of the town without distinction of 
party. 

Benjamin iMerrills was an early settler in this vicinity. 
He was a soldier in the old French war, and was one of a 
detachment of 500 Connecticut troops sent to Havanna, on 
the Island of Cuba, ia that contest. It is recorded in ita 



298 ANNALS Of ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

histor}'. that ^uch was the unhcaltliincss of the climate, and 
iho fatality of sickness, that but seventeen of their number 
lived to return ; and of this number was Mr. Merrills. 

\n lFO-2 Judge James Orton kept a store and tavern in a 
part of the building now known as " Savage's Tavern Stand." 
Previous to Judge Orton's keeping a public house, Capt. 
Abner Bacon had kept a tavern on the site of tlie present 
re.sidence of Col. Chauncy Butler. 

The Mtthodht Episcopal Church is a neat lirifk struc- 
ture, erected in 1842. The congregation is respectable, and 
the society flourishing. 

The Union P rc^byterian Chnrch of Sauquoit was organ- 
ized January 29, 1810, pursuant to a vote of the Norwich 
('hurch on the 13th of December, 1S09, dismissing a number 
of their members for that purpose. The services of organ- 
ization were performed in the house of Capt. Abner Bacon, 
the Bev. Messrs. p]. Woodworth. J. Eastman, and J. South- 
worth officiating. It consisted of twenty-six members, the 
most of whom were dismissed from the Norwich <'hurch ; 
the remainder were received by letters from other churches, 
;ind some by profession. For almost a year the church and 
society met in the school house, known as the " Centre School 
House," when their first house for public worship was dedi- 
I'ated. The first deacons were Joseph Howard, Timothy L. 
Bacon, and David Curtis, and its first minister was the Kev. 
Ezra Woodworth, who was dismissed in ISlo. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Bev. Publius V. Bogue, who was subsotjuently 
installed pastor, March 15, 1815. Mr. Bogue was dismissed 
February 7, 1S2G. From Mr. Bogue's dismission until the 
spring of 1829, the Bev. Orin Catlin supplied the pulpit; 
from that time until the fall of 1S30, the Bev. Oren Hyde; 



XVII.] -;•.•'; PARIS. " 299 

from the fall of 1830 Tentius J). Soutliworth became f^tatcd 
supply, and continued as such until the Rev. Beriah Hotch- 
kin was installed pastor, April 30, 1833. The pastorate of 
Mr. Hotchkin continued until August 11, 1836. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. Francis Jones, who was installed 
December 5, 1838, and dismissed July, 1841. The present 
pastor, the Rev. John AVaugh, immediately succeeded him as 
stated supply, and was subsequently installed, December 27, 
1 843, the same day on which their new house of worship was 
dedicated, which is a beautiful and commodious house, sixty 
feet by forty. 

The ecclesiastical relations of this church have been twiea 
changed. It was organized as Congregationalist, and re- 
mained connected with the Oneida Association until, by an 
unanimous vote, it became attached to Oneida Presbytery, 
on the accommodating plan. On the 26th of April, 1832, 
the church resolved to become wholly Presbyterian.  >''■"'■ 

This church at several times has been visited by powerful 
revivals of religion, particularly in 1820, 1829, 1839, and 
1843. At present it numbers nearly 150 resident communi- 
cants. The valley of the Sauquoit is rapidly filling with 
inhabitants, and the congregation constantly increasing. 

Cassville. — This is a small village in the south part of 
Paris, and on the Sauquoit Creek. At this point the main 
branch comes from the west, and after uniting with a small 
stream that heads in a large spring a short distance south- 
westerly from the village, the creek turns abruptly to the 
north, which course it keeps until it empties into the Mo- 
hawk, below Whitesboro. 

The first settlers at this place were Elias Hopkins, Mark 
Hopkins, and Eleazar Kellogg. The precise date of their 
settlement has not been ascertained, but it was quite early, 



oOO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [cHAP. 

aa J'jlias liupkins built a .saw mill, the first mill of any kind 
croutod abuvc the Paris Furuace. It stood on the site of 
the grist iiiill owned by Benjamin lUiodes, of Bridgewater. 
There arc now two saw mills on the west branch of the 
creek, above Cassville. There is a fork factory at this place, 
ou the stream formed from the spring. There is another 
saw mill a short distance below the village. There was a 
grist mill built very early, by John Budlong, (now John- 
sou's.) three-fourths of a mile above the Paris Furnace. It 
was reached by a road that came down the hill from the 
west, the road up the valley of the creek then reaching no 
higher than the furnace ; indeed it was for a number of 
years supposed by the first settlers that it would be im- 
possible to make and maintain a road from the furnace up 
to Cassville : but modern enterprise has, however, completed 
an excellent plank road between these two places. Bud- 
long's mill i.s now known as Johnson's. 

: There are two houses for public worship in Cassville. 

The Bujitists have a very neat and well finished hou&t\ 
with a tower and bell, and the society is flourishing. Al- 
though veijuested, the author has been unable to obtain the 
early history of this church. By the minutes of the Oneida 
Baptist Association, in the years 1847 and 1848 this church 
reported 120 members in each year. In the year 1849 it 
reported an addition of forty-one members, twenty-eight by 
baptism, and thirteen by letter, seven dismissed, and three 
died, present number I '31. 

"Worship is not now sustained in the PicsLijterian house. 

From the mill built by Budlong, (now Johnson's.) the 
valley of the Sauquoit is a continuous succession of villages, 
and water power applied to almost every manufacturing pur- 



Kvn.] /-v;  r.vuis. 30t 

pose. For its size and length, the world can hardly furnisli 
an equal to the Sauquoit. Its length is but about twelve 
miles, and in that distance th^re is 8G0 feet fall, not by 
cataracts, but quite even in its whole course. Next below 
Johnson's mill are the two scythe factories, the upper owned 
by S. A. and the lower by David J. Millard. These fac- 
tories turn out about 4,000 dozen scythes and 3,000 dozen 
forks annually. Next is jMiller's machine shop, connected 
with JPetty's cupola furnace. Below these are the Clayville 
woolen factories, which manufacture about 800 yards of 
broad cloths daily, and pay about 880,000 annually for 
labor. This village contains, as near as can be ascertained, 
1,000 inhabitants. In the years 1848 and 1849, there has 
been an elegant Episcopal Church erected and completed in 
this place. ' '■'■''' ' 

Next below Clayville is a saw mill owned by D. J. Millard ; 
then the Farmer's Factory, now owned by Hungerford & 
Rugger, who manufacture 9,000 yards of cotton goods per 
week ; and next the paper mill of Savage and Moore, doing 
a very extensive business. The next in order is the Frank- 
lin Factory, owned by Brownell & Son, who manufacture 
from 15.000 to 20,000 yards of cotton goods per week. The 
next is the Bacon saw and grist mill, now owned by Henry 
Crilbert ; then a saw mill and clothing works, owned by 
Abner Bacon ; next Brownell's new factory ; and last in the 
town of Paris is the saw mill of J. B. Bacon. • : ' ;■' .,» 

A reminiscence of some interest is related showing how 
mistaken were the views of at least one of the early settlers. 
Judge Sanger sent a millwright, by the name of Spofford, to 
explore the Sauquoit from New Hartford upward, to ascer- 
tain its capacity for water power. After carefully examin- 
ing the sti'cam, he reported that no site for a mill could be 
obtained above New Hartford until a little below whore the 



oO« ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [c'lIAP. 

Paris Furnace stood, and opposite the roaidcnce of the late 
Col. Avery, a distance of nearly six miles, and in which it is 
now ascertained the creek falls 384 feet. A son of Mr. 
Spofford afterwards erected a saw mill at the place selected 
by liis father, and what renders it still more peculiar is. 
that the site thus designated is now considered one of the 
least feasible in the vicinity, and since the demolition of the 
i;aw mill, no structure has been there erected to use the 
water. 

The Paris Furnace, which did an extensive business for 
many years, was commenced in 1800, and went into opera- 
tion in 1801 ; it stood a little below the Clayville factories 
Eliphalet Sweeting was the first founder. 

A man by the name of Hill kept the first boarding house, 
in a log building, and as late as 1S02 it was the only build- 
ing within one mile of the furnace. ' , ' 

On the hill west of the furnace, both above and below, 
the settlement was commenced earlier than at the furnace 
Among the.'se settlers were Col. Bcntley, Deacon Charles 
Allen, and David Budlong. North of the furnace, in 1802. 
there was a log house, in which Thomas Spofford, the son of 
the millwright, resided, directly in front of the mansion of 
the late Col. Avery. The next was three-fourths of a mile 
further north, which was a log house occupied by Theodore 
Gilbert, and stood near the present Spring House. 

Col. Gardner Avery, who removed to the vicinity of the 
furnace in 1802. was for many years a largo stockholder, 
and one of the leading managers of the concern. He was a 
man of strict integrity, and great businc?* habits The 
following is his obituary : — 

"Died, at Saratoga, on the ITth of August, 1349, Col. Gardnkr 
AvrKY. a^cd 7'> years. OoJ. Avery was one of the early settlers of 
Oneida, and through a long aud active life maiataiaed a character 



xva.j PARIS. ,. 303 

Tar inteiiiijpncc and integrity, such as few pcs.'icss. A.s a professor of 
the Christian religion, he was conspicuous fur his benevolence, for 
his zeal for promoting the interests of tiie cause he had espoused, 
the faithful and conscientious discharge of life's duties, and for a 
dei)ortmcnt generally in harmony with his profession." 

Tlie following appeared in the Vtica Observer, some time 
ia 1344 : — 

■' Died, at Paris Hill, the 7th inst., after a distressing illness of four 
days, Edw.vrd Scovill, Esq., aged 54. He was the youngest son of 
t'le late Darius Scovill, who removed with his family from Watertown, 
<^)i.. to this place, in 1803, then almost a wilderness. The deceased 
having been a resident of Paris for forty-one j'cars, had cultivated an 
extensive acijuaintance in this section of our country, with its social, 
political, and religious history ; and in his social relation thereto, ht* 
was remarkable for his diffidence in adopting hasty decisions on the 
apparent merits or demerits of principles and topics affecting any of 
these subjects ; and also for his firm adherence to them when adopted 
In the relations of husband, parent, neighbor, and friend, he was kind, 
affectionate, obliging, firm, and enduring : a. zealous supporter of good 
order and gospel institutions." , .,,,..■ •( .' 

By the census of 1845, this towa had 3,097 iuuabitaata, 
jji? grist rpills. and seven saw mills. 



);;)i) 



C04 ANNALS OF OXEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAF, 



GHAPTEK XVIII. 



HEMSEN. , 



This town forms the north-east corner of Oneida County, 
this angle extending further north than any other portion 
<if the county. It i.'^ located on the summit between Lake 
Ontario and the valley of the Mohawk at Utica. The 
Black Kiver passes through it near its centre, in a north- 
west course towards Lake Ontario at Sacketts Harbor. The 
north bounds of the town cross Moose River, an important 
branch of the Black Biver. West Canada Creek, the larg- 
est tributary of the Moliawk, forms the eastern boundary of 
the town, where it is tlie dividing line between Oneida and 
Herkimer Counties. The smaller streams that rise in the 
town flow into both the Black Biver and Canada Creek. 
The numerous falls and rapids in these two streams show 
tliat the altitude of Bemsen is very crreat. Like all hiffh 
sections of country, its soil is better adapted to pasturage 
than tillage. With the exception of oats, which produce 
quite well, there is but little grain raised, yet small quanti- 
ties of corn, barley, and buckwheat, are cultivated. 

Geologv. — The geology of the town differs but little 
from the other high sections of the county. The southern 
part of the town rests on a bed of limestone, excellent for 
cement when burnt, and for cutting for building and other 
jnirposes. In the section north of the Black Biver, primitive 



xvni.] r.EMsnN. 30r» 

rock bowlders, a species of granite, abound. Some speci- 
mens of iron ore have been discovered in its north-east part, 
and it is believed by many that future research will show 
that it abounds in that quarter of the town.  • 

This town w'as named from Henry Remsen, late of the 
city of New York, one of the original patentees of Remsen- 
burgh Patent, which was located mostly within the present 
limits of Remsen. Considerable portions of a number of 
the old patents were embraced in it, viz.: — Adgate's eastern 
tract, Woodhull's (being about eight miles square), Remsen- 
burgh, and a small part of Service's. In territory it is a 
very large town, and although Verona by some is claimed to 
he the largest, still future surveys may give the precedence 
to Remsen. .4 - 

Until recently the northern half of the town was little 
known, and with but very few permanent settlers ; but since 
the commencement of the Black River Canal and feeder, 
this part of the town has risen in importance. The canal 
feeder dam, nine miles above Boonville, is in this town, and 
-as the canal is now completed to Boonville. a market is 
opened for the vast amount of lumber standing on these 
lands. Capitalists can not fail of investing the necessary 
amount to render it available, by bringing into use the 
almost unlimited water power with which the country 
abounds. Another reason why this section of the country 
has remained dormant is, that much of the land has been 
kept out of market, A better state of things in this respect 
now prevails ; the land is put for sale, and this will soon 
add so materially to its population, that it probably will 
soon be divided, so as to make a new town in the north part, 
including the Woodhull Tract.  "' 

The settlement of this town was commenced in 1792. 
Barnabas Mitchell, from Meriden, Connecticut, was the only 

20 



305 ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAI*. 

settler in that year. The whole rcgioQ was then a howling 
wilderness, and we can hardly conceive at the present day of 
the amount of moral courage necessary to induce a settler to 
thu.s locate himself and family so far from the dwellings of 
his fellow jucii. IIardsliii>s. they experiexiced, but hope 
l)Uoyed them up. He located about five miles north-east of 
the present village. In 1793 our pioneer was cheered with 
(juite a reinforcement to the settlement. In this year John 
Bonner. Nathaniel Rockwood, Bettis Leclerc, Perez Farr.^ 
and Jonah Dayton moved into the present limits of llem- 
sen. These first settlers are now all dead, and their hard- 
ships, privations, and trials are unwritten. Indeed, nearly 
all the early settlers have paid the debt of nature, and their 
posterity, some of whom arc now on the down hill of life, 
in many instances occupy their places. Milo Mitchell, Esq.. 
a- son of the first settler, seems to have inherited at least a 
portion of his father's enterprise, industry, and perseverance. 
for he is the largest farmer in Bemsen. 

The first death in the town was that of Capt. Peck, but 
the date of his decease is not known. The first birth was 
that of Polly Mitchell, daughter of the first emigrant. 

The early settlers of this town were fi'om the Eastern 
States; but. about the year 180;?, David Mound. John 
James, GriiBth I. Jones, John Owens, and Hugh Hughes, 
fresh from the mountains of "Wales, located in Bemson. 
This commenced a new era in its po})ulation. The reports 
of these early foreign emigrants to their friends in Wales, 
of the cheapness and fitness for dairying of the lands in 
this section has induced the.se Ancient Britons to emigrate 
in such numbers, that competent residents of tlie town 
believe that at least three-fourths of its population an' 
Welsh. It is said that Bemsen. Steuben. Trenton, and por 
tioas of Deertield. Marey. and Boonville. ;u-e almO'it as, well 



XVni.] REMSEN. 307 

t 

known in Wales as in Oneida County. These descendants 
of the ancient Cambrians form a liardy, industrious, frugal, 
and of course thriving population. Their butter daii'ies, 
for which they are far famed, are carried on to graat perfec- 
tion, producing an article rivalling the products of old 
Dutchess. They are a moral and religious people. The 
statistics of crime in G-reat Britain show that, in an equal 
population, but one Welshman to ten Englishmen and fifteen 
Irishmen are convicted, and it is confidently believed that 
the records of Oneida show that here this people have not 
degenerated. The author's probity as an historian, and the 
portions of English and Irish blood that course in his veins, 
he believes to be sufficient to incite to impartiality, still he 
hopes to be pardoned if he speaks a little enthusiastically o.f, 
a people from whom he is in a direct line descended. 



RELIGIOUS SOCJETIESt. 

These are all Welsh, and divided into four deuominatiou.s, 
viz.: — Episcopal Methodists, Wliitfield Melltodists, Presby- 
terians, and Bap)tists. The Whitfield Methodists are the 
most numerous. There are ten houses for public worship iu 
the town. Although the Welsh are somewhat noted for 
dividing into small societies, still as they arc remarkable for 
their strict attendance at church, these several houses are 
well filled, and preaching well supported. They are exact 
as regards their religious discipline, and as a people they 
are Calvinistic in their doctrines. A Welsh Catholic would 
be an anomaly, and they are peculiar in their hatred of all 
that appertains to Popery. It is quite well ascertained that 
tliis people have furnished but one Catholic in Oneida 



:]08 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. fc'IlAr. 

Comity. They are almost a nation of singers, and in this 
part of public worship nearly the entire congregation join. 
In general their voices are harsh, but probably this is more 
from want of cultivation than any native defect, as some who 
have cultivated their voices are superior. They excel in 
harmony, discords rarely occurring. 

ScuooLS. — The schools in this town have heretofore been 
well attended and flourishing. The effects of the free school 
law of the last year (1849) have been most deleterious; 
schools are on the decline, and in some districts there are 
now no schools. This is but common with all the agricul- 
tural and rural districts in the county. This state of things 
should be a warning to future legislatures, never to assume, 
unasked and unexpectedly, to legislate on important oues- 
tions, where the great body of the people are interested. 

Remscn Village. — This is the only village in the town, 
and was incorporated in 1845. It is situated in the south- 
west corner of the town, including a small piece of Trenton 
within the bounds of the corporation. The Cincinnatus Creek 
passes directly through it, and towards the lower part of the 
village the creek falls about twenty-five feet nearly perpen- 
dicularly, which vastly adds to its capacity for turning mach- 
inery. 

The settlement of the village v>'as commenced in 1795, by 
James Smith, deceased, who opened a public house in the 
place. The building he prepared for the accommodation of 
travellers, was composed in part of boards and part of logs. 
This public house thus constructed was continued for several 
years. Broughton "White, Esq., now one of tlie oldest citizens 
of the town, opened the first store, in 1803. and a store has 
been continued on the same spot to the present time. Esq. 



XVUI.J . REMSEN. 300 

White was a surveyor, and for some years was a member of 
Baron Steuben's family, while the Baron was engaged in 
settling his patent in Steuben. 

There are at this time in the village two taverns, five 
stores, an extensive tannery, for many years conducted by 
Mather Beecher, Esq., and now by' Hale & Colback, three 
saw mills, and most of the mechanic shops found in country 
villages. There are three commodious houses for public 
worship within the village, one Baptist^ one Congregation- 
/'list, and one Whif field Methodist ; and there is an Aca- 
demy, in which, on the first of January, 1850, there were 
fiftv-six students in attendance ; also a common and infant 
school. The plank road from Utica to Boonville passes 
through the village. 

This place was formerly conspicuous for its intemperance, 
and the means it furnished to its own and the neighboring 
inhabitants. A respectable merchant, who has now banished 
alcoholic drinks from his store, informed the author that at 
one time he retailed 3,500 gallons of whisky in five months, 
lie said. — " Such was the press that we did not stop U' 
measure, for when a customer brought a keg, we inquired 
its capacity, placed it under the tap, and filled it, rolled it 
away, and under with another." •' Yes," said a partner, who 
was sitting by, " and we did not make one penny by all this 
li(|uor trafiic, for at the same time we were retailing goods on 
credit, and with our strong drink we sent out among our 
customers such a flood of bankruptcy, ruin, and death, that 
in the end we lost more than we made by it." The tem- 
perance reform has performed wonders for Remsen. Her 
inhabitants in this have developed one of their true Welsh 
traits, — perseverance. They less rarely break their pledge 
than any other people. Comparatively very little alcohol is 
now used as a beverage. 



rjlO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

There is a Rcchabitc Tent in the place, numbering over 
100 members, and they are making sober men of the intem- 
perate. The innkeepers are not licensed to sell strong drink. 

The village numbers about five hundred inhabitants, and 
there are few in the county of its size where more business 
is transacted. 

There are in the town twelve saw milks, two grist mills 
(one worked by steam), seven mercantile houses, besides 
groceries, three physicians, and three lawyers. 

The first town meeting was held in 1798, and the follow- 
ing is a list of the Supervisors elected, and the number of 
years each has served : — 

Ephraira Hollister 1 j-ear. 

Genshom Hinckley 10 " 

Broughton White 11 " 

James Sheldon '2 •' 

Zalmon Root 2 ■'■ 

Luther Conkling 2 ' 

Lemuel Hough :< '■' 

Henry R. Sheldon 6 '^ 

Mather Beecher 4 - 

Evan Owens - - - - - -- 5'' 

Thomas R. White 1 '= 

Obadiah J. Owens 1 •' 

Griffith 0. GrifTlths 1 " 

Andrew Billings 1 ■' 

William H. Thomas 2 " 

Evan .Jones -1" 



The following obituary is from the Ufj.<:a Daihj Gazette 
of June 9, 1851; — 

Died, at Remsen. on the first inst., Mr. John G. Jonk.s, aged CS 
years. 



XVIII.] REMSEK. 



311 



Mr. Jones was one .of the oldest and most respectable inhabitants 
of his lo^\^l, and was very highly esteemed by a large circle of ac- 
quaintances. He resided in this vicinity about fifty years, and accu- 
Tiuilated great wealth. He was followed to his resting-place by 
about 500 of his old friends, and no lei-s than 110 carriages and wag- 
gons beiiig in the procession. 






312 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTi'. [CHAP. 



CHAPTER XIX 

ROME. 

Tiii.-i town presents a richer field for the Llstorlan thari 
any other town in the county. At a point within its limits, 
the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, while of sufiicient size 
for battcan navigation, approach within a mile and a half of 
each other. The intervenlno; eround is low. and covered 
with a deep alluvial deposit, from which it may be inferred 
that far back in the history of our globe, during freshets, 
their waters commingled, and still farther back, when the 
barrier of Fall Hill was unbroken, the valleys of the Mo- 
hawk and Wood Creek were covered with a lake, extending 
westward from that barrier some sixty or seventy- miles, and 
including the Oneida Lake. The cobble stone on the dry 
plain upon which the village of Rome is built, give evidence 
of having been rounded and smoothed by the action of 
water. 

The importance of this "carrying place," or, as called by 
the good Dutch inhabitants lower down in the INIohawk 
valley. " Trow Plat.'' was early appreciated. The Indian 
name for this portage was De-o-wain-sta ; i. c, tlie plact- 
where canoes arc carried across from one stream to anotlier. 

The fir.st mention of it that has been found in any written 
document, was in a petition of the New York city mer- 
chants to tlic Unssenibly in 1724. At this time France and 
Urltaiu were at peace, and the French Indian traders had 



xrx.] ROME. 313 

taken advantage of the times, by making their purcbases-for 
the traJe in that city. Of this our provincial Indian traders 
complained to the assembly, stating that it gave the French 
traders the advantage, by enabling the latter to undersell 
them on account of their easier water communication by way 
of Lake Champlain, and the passage of a law was procured, 
forbidding the New York merchants to sell goods for the 
Indian trade to the French. Against this law the New 
York merchants in turn complained, and in their memorial 
to the Assembly set forth, that "from Albany the English 
traders commonly carry tlieir goods sixteen miles overland 
to the Mohawk at Schenectady, the charge of which is nine 
shillings (New York money) each waggon load. From 
Schenectady they carry them in canoes up the Mohawk 
River, to the carrying place between the Mohawk and the 
river that runs into the Oneida Lake, whicli carrying place 
between is only three miles, except in very dry weather, 
when the}^ are obliged to carry them two miles further. 
From thence they go down with the current the Onondaga 
Hiver to Catarcui. [Ontario] Lake." 

In 1726. the English sent a party of 100 men to take 
possession of Oswego, for the purpose of securing it as a 
place of trade, and the next year the fortifying that post 
commenced, under the direction of the Colonial Governor 

Burnet. /■; •: ■,■/[' ,,..,■;„;•;■; -I- )':■■•; ,,;' :,ii ..i.,:.,y '■.;,, 

At what time the first fortification was erected at the 
'• carrying place," is uncertain. The necessity for a fort at 
this point was first set forth in the petition of a number of 
Indian traders to the Assembly, in October, 1736, in which 
they asked the erection of a fort at the " carrying place, at 
the upper end of the Mohawk River." 

-• There is a tradition that two forts had been destroyed at 
this place previou.?ly to the erection of Fort Stanwix. — the- 



314 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

Hrst by flood, tlie second by fire. If this be true, the first 
Tuu.st have been a very slight affair, and probably built 
jiearer tlie Mohawk than Fort Stanwix. Still there are ac- 
counts which locate a fort (not finished) at that period upon 
the portage between Forts Williams and Bull, and at this 
day it is impossible to clear up the matter, unless light shall 
}.e thrown upon the subject from the archives of some of the 
Kuropean Governments. Indications of a work located near 
the Mohawk were observed by the early inhabitants. The 
second fort was undoubtedly Fort Williams, which was de- 
h'troyed by Gen. Webb in 1756, as hereafter stated. The 
author has been unable to ascertain when this second fort 
was built. Its Idca'tion was doitbtlcss on 'the same ground 
afterwards covered by Fort Stanwix, for when that work was 
levelled a few years since, ruins were discovered which had 
the appearance of having belonged to an anterior work. 

Two and a half miles west from Fort Stan-'.vix stood Fort 
Bull, and which was probably erected a short time previous 
to the French war of 1756, as, when taken by the French, it 
l)ore the name of its commandant. It was customary at that 
period for officers who had superintended the erection of 
forts upon the frontiers, to be honored by having them named 
after themselves, and from this fact the inference is drawn, 
that the same officer who built Fort Bull commanded it 
when taken, as hereafter related. The fort stood on the 
north bank €f Wood Creek, where the ground was so low, 
that a dK.m across the creek just below, throw the water into, 
and filled the ditch quite around it, thus easily forming a 
moat ■which rendoi^d the fort difficult e-f access. 

The following is copied from 'the Deannentary History 
f)f the State of JVe^v ¥ork\ and is the first authentic ac- 
count of Forts Bull and Williams : — 



XIX.] ROME, ' '  > ' 315 

• '-CAPTURE OF FORT BULL. — By M. De Lery. 
"Pari3 Document, XII. 

•'On the 27tli of March, 1756, at four o'clock in the 
morning, the detachments commanded by M. De Lery, 
lieutenant of the colonial troops, commenced their march, 
very much -weakened by the fatague they experienced during 
tifteen days since they left Montreal, for they were two days 
entirely out of provisions. At half past five they arrived at 
the road to the carrying place, and the scouts in advance 
brought in two Englishmen, who were coming from the fort 
nearest to Chouaguin [<Oswego], whom M. De Lery caused 
to be informed that he should have their brains knocked out 
by the Indians if he perceived that they endeavored to con- 
ceal the truth, and if they communicated it to him, he should 
■use ail his efi'orts to extricate them from their hands. 

" These prisoners stated that the fort this side Chouaguin 
was called Bull, having a garrison of sixty soldiers, com- 
manded by a lieutenant ; that there was in this fort a con- 
.siderable quantity of munitions of war and provisions ; that 
the fort was constructed of heavy pickets, fifteen to eighteen 
feet above ground, doubled inside to a man's height, and was 
nearly of the shape of a star ; that it had no cannon, but a 
number of grenades, which Colonel Johnson had sent on 
intelligence being communicated to him by the Indians of 
our march ; that the commandant of the fort was called 
Bull ; that fifteen batteaux were to leave in the evening for 
Chouaguin ; that at the moment sleighs were arriving witli 
nine batteau loads ; that the fort on the Cerlear [Mohawk] 
side, at the head of the carrying place, was of much larger 
pickets, and well planked, having four pieces of cannon, and 



310 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

a garrison of laO men, commanded by Captain Williams, 
whose name tlie fort bore ; and that they did not know it" 
there were any provisions in the fort, not having been in it. 

*' At 10 o'clock the savages captured ten men, who were 
conducting the sleighs, loaded with provisions. These con- 
firmed what the prisoner had stated, and added that 100 
men had arrived at 8 o'clock on the preceding evening, who 
were said to be followed by a large force. 

'• 3Ionsieur De Lery, whilst occupying himself in distri- 
Imting among the detachment the provisions found in the 
sleighs, was informed that a negro, who had accompanied the 
loads, had escaped, taking the road to Fort Williams ; Avherc- 
npon, not doubting but they would have intimation of him 
at that fort, he acquainted M. De IMontiguy, his second, of 
his determination to attack Fort Bull, the prisoners having 
assured him that tlie greater part of the provisions and 
stores were there. Each officer received immediate orders 
to form his brigade ; and M. De Lery told the savages that 
he was about to attack the Bull, but they represented t(i 
him that now they had provisions to carry the detachment to 
La Presentation [Ogdensburg], — English meat that the Mas- 
ter of life had bestowed on them, without costing a man. — 
to risk another affair would be to go contrary to His will : 
if he desired absolutely to perish, he was master of his 
Frenchmen. The commander replied that he did not wish 
to expose them, and asked them only for two Indians tc 
guide his expedition, which the}' with difficulty granted. 
(Some twenty determined afterwards to follow him, being 
encouraged by some drams of brandy. The Algonquin.s. 
Nipissings, and those Ii'oquois who were unwilling to follow 
him, accepted the proposition made by J\I. De Lery, to 
guard the road and the twelve prisoners. They assured the 
commander that he may make the attack : they would take 



XIX.] ROME. 



117 



possession of the road, and watch the movements of the 
English at Fort Williams. 

" The detachment having commenced their march along 
the high road, the soldiers having their bayonets fixed, M. 
De Lery gave orders, when within fifteen acres of the fort, 
to move straight forward without firing a shot, and seize the 
guard on entering the fort. He was still five acres oiF when 
he heard the whoop of the savages, notwithstanding the 
}>rohibition he had issued. He instantly ordered an advance 
double quick, in order to carry the gate of the fort, but the 
<'nemy had time to close it. Six Indians only followed the 
French, the others pursued six Englishmen, who, unable to 
reach the fort, threw themselves into the busli. M. De Lery 
set some to cut down the gate, and caused the commandant 
to be summoned to surrender, promising quarter to him and 
all his garrison, to which he only answered by a fire of mus- 
ketry, and by throwing a quantity of grenades. Our soldiers 
and Canadians, who ran full speed the moment the Indians 
whooped, got possession of the port holes ; through these 
they fired on such of the English as they could get a sight 
of. Great efi"orts were made to batter down the gate, which 
was finally cut in pieces in about an hour. Then the whole 
detachment, with a cry of Vive le Roi, rushed into the fort, 
and put every one to the sword they could lay hands on. 
One woman and a few soldiers were fortunate enough to 
escape the fury of our troops. Some pretend that only one 
prisoner was made during this action.* 



* " Except five persons, they put every soul they found to the 
sword." — A Faithful Narrative of the Dangers, Suflerings, and De- 
liverance of Robert Eastburn, and his Captivity among the Indians 
of North America. Annual Ecgister, Vol. I. Anno 1758. 

This Eastburn was taken prisoner by the French on this occasion, 
and removed to a town called Oswegatchy. 



318 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CKAP 

'• The commandant and officers repaired to the stores, and 
caused tlieir men to use diligence in throwing the barrels of 
])0wdcr into the river, but one of the magazines having 
caught fire, and M. De Lery considering that he could not 
extinguish it without incurring the risk of having the people 
blown up who would be employed there, gave orders to retirt 
as quick as possible. There was hardly time to do this, 
when the fire communicated to the powder, which, hlew up 
at three points. The explosion was so violent, that a soldier 
of Guyenne, and an Iroquois of the Sault, were wounded by 
the debris of the fort, though they were already at a distance. 
The Indian especially is in danger of losing his life by thf 
wound. 

" A detachment was, however, sent to look after the bag- 
gage that remained on the road, and .shortly after an Indian 
came to notify M. De Lery that the English were making a 
sortie. This caused him to rally his- forces, and placing him- 
self on the bank of the creek, he had the bombs, grenades, 
bullets, and all the ammunition that could be found, thrown 
notwithstanding into the water. He had the fifteen batteaux 
staved in. and then set out to meet the sortie of which ht 
had been informed ; but he learned on the road that the 
Indians had repulsed it, after having killed seventeen men. 
This sortie was from Fort Williams, on the intelligence 
carried thither by the negro. The Indians who, unwilling 
to attack Fort Bull, took charge of the road, acquitted them.- 
selves 80 well, that this detachment quickl}'' retreated, with a 
lo3S of seventeen men. The Indians, coming some hours 
after to congratulate M. De Lery on his fortunate success, 
failed not to make the most of their advantage. A chief 
asked him if he proposed attacking the other fort : wliick 
was nothing more than a boast on his part. M. De Lery 
replied he would proceed forthwith if the Indians would 



XIX.] ' ROME. SIC'* 

follow liim. This reply drove this chief ofFj and all those of 
his party prepared to follow. Our troops did the same, and 
encamped in the wood, three quarters of a league from the 
fort. The Fort Btull prisoners were examined, and we 
I(?arned that Col. Johnson, having been informed of our 
n,iarch, had sent notice to all the posts, regarding it, how- 
ev.er. as impossible, in consequence of the rigor of the season. 
Fort Bull is situate near a small creek that falls into that of 
Ohouaguin, about four miles from the fort. Fort Williams 
is near the river Mohawk, which falls into that of Corlear. 
The carrying place fronji one fort to the other is about four 
miles long, over a pretty level country, though swampy in 
some places.. 

" M. De Lery's detachment was, 15 officers, 2 cadets, and 
10. soldiers of the Queen's Regiment, 17 of Guyenne's, 22 of 
Beam's. 27 of the Colony, in all 93 soldiers ; 1G6 Canadians, 
o3 Iroquois from the lake of Two Mountains, 33 from La 
I^resentation, 18 from Sault St. Louis, 3 from St. Bigin, 3 
Abenakies of Missiskoui, 2 Algonquins, and 1 1 Nipissings. 
Total, 362 n>en, 265 of whom attacked the Fort. A soldier 
from the Colony, and an Indian, from La Presentation, were 
killed. A soldier of the Queen's, two Canadians, and two 
Iroquois, were wounded. It is estimated that more than 
40,000 weight of powder was burned or thrown into the 
creek, with a number of bombs, grenades, and balls of differ- 
ent calibre. A great deal of salted provisions, bread, butter, 
chocolate, sugar, and other provisions, were likewise thrown 
into the water. The stores were filled with clothes and 
other effects, which were pillaged : the remainder burnt, 
This day has cost the English ninety men, of whom thirty 
are prisoners. Our detachment killed or cajitured thirty, 
horses." ,m , • 

T[hu3 far baa the writer foll.owed verbatim thq Freacli-,, 



320 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

nocount. On the retreat of the party, they fell on their 
knees, and returned tlianks to God for their victory. After 
I lie .«econd night, they made a very hasty retreat for fear of 
General Johnson (Sir William) who they learned was in 
pur.suit, and they suffered almost as much from famine on 
tlieir return as on their advance, by reason of their not beinf^ 
able to carry on their backs a sufficiency to last them to their 
i^tores at Lake Ontario. 

It might have been hoped, for the honor of human nature, 
and the Frencb in particular, that the account of this mas- 
.sacre, — for by no other name can it be called, — wa.s ex- 
aggerated ; but it is so well authenticated by the English 
accounts published at the time in the New York Mercury^ 
that it can not be doubted, although the numbers probably 
are over-estimated. Of the slain, fifteen resided in and near 
Albany. 

On the nth of August, 1756, Count Frontinac com- 
menced the siege of Oswego, with an army of 3,000 regulars, 
Canadians, and Indians. On the 14th of the same month, 
the commander. Col. Mercer, having been killed, Lieut.-Col. 
Littlehales, who as senior officer had taken the command, 
surrendered the place to the French. 

In a note to the foregoing article in relation to the taking 
of Fort Bull, is the following : — " The latter [Fort Wil- 
liams] stood until 1756, when it was destroyed by General 
Webb, on his famous flight from Wood Creek, immediately 
after the fall of Oswego." 

Smith, in his Colonial History of Nov- York^ says that, 
after the loss of Oswego, " Gen. Webb, who was then posted 
at the Oneida carrying place, was in such consternation that 
he ordered trees to be felled in Wood Creek, to obstruct tho 
progress of the enemy if they should attempt to penetrate 
that way, and the Earl (of Loudon), in equal terror at 



XIX. J ROME. 321 

Albany pushed on Sir Wm. Johnson with the militia to 
sustain Webb, and ordered large drafts to follow fronx Albany 
and Ulster, and importuned even the southern colonies for 
recruits." Subsecjuently the same author says: — "The dis- 
asters of the campaigns of 175G-7 were followed by a quarrcd 
between several of the army officers, in which mutual recri- 
minations took place, one party charging that the loss of 
German Flats" (destroyed by a force of French and Indians, 
Nov. 12, 1757) "was a consequence of the destruction of 
Fort Williams by Gen. Webb, while that officer, to lighten 
the burden of imputations under which he rested, averred 
that he destroyed the fort in pursuance of positive orders 
from Earl Loudon." 

The worst consequences were anticipated from the aban- 
donment of the territory adjacent and the destruction of 
Fort Williams, and one of these is mentioned in a commu- 
nication of Sir William Johnson to the Board of Trade at 
London, dated June 18, 1757, in which he says: — " 'Tis 
probable our destroying the works at, and abandoning tho 
Oneida carrying place last summer," (Sir William at the 
time of its destruction was at the German Flats, with a 
force of militia and Indians.) " may produce a neutrality 
fi'om the Oneidas and Tuscaroras." 

In a description, or " itinerary," of the country from 
Oswego to Albany, by a secret agent of the French, in 1757, 
•fche following relating to Forts Bull and Williams is found: 

"Fort Bull, which was burnt in 1756 by a detachment 
under the orders of M. De Lery, was situated on the right 
bank of this river," (river Vilcrick, or river of the Killed 
Fish, or Fish Creek, as it was then called, now Wood Creek.) 
" near its source on the height of land. # * * From 
Fort Bull to Fort Williams is estimated to be one league 
and a quarter. This is the carrying place across the height 

21 



322 ANNALft OF ONEIDA COCNTV. ("CHAP. 

of land. The English had constructed a road there, over 
which all the carriages passed. They were obliged to brid^o 
a portion of it, extending from Fort Bull to a small stream, 
near which a fort had been begun, though not finished, it 
was to be intermediate between the two forts, having been 
located precisely on the summit level. * * * Fort 
"Williams was situated on the right bank of the river Mo- 
hawk, or dcs Agnics, near the rise of that river on the height 
of land. It was abandoned and destroyed by the English 
after the capture of Choucgen" (Oswego). 

From the character of G-en. "Webb as here given, the 
reader may very well conjecture that this hero of "Wood 
Creek was the same Gen. "Webb who so supinely and in- 
gloriously lay at Fort Edward on the Hudson, with a large 
force, without making one eiiort to relieve Col. Monroe, and 
Lis brave garrison of 3.000 men. who were besieged by the 
French and Indians in Fort "William Henry, on Lake 
George. Col. Monroe and his army were consequently 
compelled to surrender to superior numbers, when a large 
portion of his men were massacred by the savages, with very 
little exertion on the part of the French to restrain them. 

In the month of August, 1758, after the defeat of the 
British army under Gen. Abercrombie, before Ticonderoga, 
an expedition under Gen. Bradstreet. for the taking of 
Fort Frontcnae (now Kingston), in Canada, was planned and 
successfully executed. The following passage in relation to 
Gen. "Webb is from Col. "Willett's narrative of the expedi- 
tion : — 

" Col. Bradstreet was well qualified for the enterprise, 
the success of which depended very much on the celerity of 
his movements. The troops passed down "Wood Creek with 
all the expedition in their power, though they were greatly 
impeded by the lowness of the water, and obstructions occa- 



XIX. ] '"' ROME. 323 

sioned by trees, which the year before had been felled across 
the creek by order of Gen. Webb, after the loss of Fort 
William Henry, a measure which savored more of timidity 
ilian skill."' 

Smith, in his history, says that after the destruction of 
Frontenac. Col. Bradstreet " returned to the carrying place 
between the Mohawk and Wood Creek, to assist in securing 
that important pass in the country of the Oneidas, which 
Gen. Webb had so ingloriously left to the great insecurity 
and intimidation of the Six Nations ; " and that, owing to 
their great fatigue, or the bad quality of the water of Wood 
Creek, five hundred of Col. Bradstreet's men, mostly of this 
colony, died upon or near the carrying place. 

Up to the close of 1757, disaster had followed disaster to 
the English arms. Gen. Braddock had been defeated near 
Du Quesne, Gen. William Johnson had failed in an attempt 
to reduce Crown Point, and Oswego was in the hands of the 
enemy, leaving the colonies almost at the mercy of the 
French and savage foe. 

The commencement of 1758 found William Pitt, Earl of 
Chatham, at the head of the British ministry. His in- 
domitable spirit was soon infused into every department of 
the government, and every officer and agent was taught that 
seeming impossibilities were to be overcome by energy and 
skill. 

The importance of fortifying anew the carrying place at 
the head of the Mohawk, was soon discovered, and early in 
the year. Fort Stanwix* was erected by an English General 
of that name, at an expense of £60,000 sterling. It was a 



* In tlic Revolutionary War an attempt was made to change the 
name from Stanwix to Schuyler, from the then detestation of every 
thing British, which has caused some confusion in the histories and 
maps of the time, as well as in histories and works of fiction of a 



324 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

square fort, constructed on the most true and approved scien- 
tific principles of military engineering, having four bastionn, 
surrounded by a broad ditch, 18 feet in depth, with a covert 
■way and glacis. In the centre of the ditcJi was a row of per- 
pendicular pickets, and a horizontal row upon the ramparts. 
Smith, in enumerating the events of 1758, says that "the 
operations terminated in the north-west in the construction 
of a respectable Fort in the country of the Oneidas, and it 
was called Stanwix, in compliment to the General who com- 
manded in that quarter ; " and in November of that year 
Lieut.-Gov. Dclancy congratulated the New York Assembly 
upon the reduction of Louisburg, the erection of Fort Stan- 
wix, and Col. Bradstreet's success at Frontenac, thus, by 
coupling it with other great events, showing the importance 
attached to the fortification of this celebrated portage, then 
far in the Indian territory. Smith continues : — '• The suc- 
cesses of 1759 infused a new zeal into the acting men of the 
colony. One hundred men more were posted in a small 
fort at the little falls of the Onondaga, and as many more at 
the western extremity of the Oneida Lake (Fort Brewerton), 
fifteen at the eastern end, and four hundred at Fort Stan- 
wix. A road was cut from that fortress, eighteen miles 
across the portage, to the mouth of the "Wood Creek, to 
shorten the j^assage by that stream, which is more than 
double that distance. It was then asserted that the plain of 
the waters of "Wood Creek and the Mohawk Kiver, at each 
end of that carrying place, differed but two feet, which, if 
true, may one day give a supply of salmon and many other 
kinds of fish to the inhabitants upon the boi'dcrs of the 
latter of these streams." 

later period. In this work the author has used but the original 
name, and in Col. Willctt's narrative it is not once called Fort 
Schuyler. 



XIX.] ROME. 325 

"N^ery little more, liowever, can be gleaned respecting Fort 
Stanwix duriuo- the remainder of the " old French War." 

The force commanded by Col. Eradstreet, and which 
marched against Frontenac (now Kingston), left Lake 
George early in August, and proceeded to Albany, and 
from thence ascending the Mohawk, rendezvoused at Fort 
Stanwix, consisted of the following troops: — regulars, 135 ; 
royal artillery, 30; New York provincials, 1,112; Massa- 
chusetts do., G75 ; New Jersey do., 412.; Fthode Island do., 
318; batteau-men, 300; and about GO rangers; in all, 
3,035. The regulars were commanded by Capt. Ogilvie. 
and the artillery by Lieut. Brown. The New York troops 
consisted of two detachments : the first, commanded by Lieut.- 
V>o\. Charles Clinton, of Ulster, amounted to 440 men, under 
Captains Ogden, of Westchester, Peter Dubois, of New York, 
■"^ Sam. Bladgely, of Dutchess, and Daniel Wright, of Queens; 
the second was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Isaac Corse, of 
Queens, and Major Nathaniel Woodhull, of Suffolk, and 
amounted to 668 men, under Captains Elias Hand, of Suf- 
folk. Itichard Ilewlet, of Queens, Thomas Arrowsmith, of 
liichmoud, Wm. Humphrey, of Dutchess, Ebenezer Seeley. 
of Ulster, and Peter Yates and Goosen Van Schaik, of 
Albany. The troops left Fort Stanwix the 14th of August, 
and thence down Wood Creek through Oneida Lake to 
Oswego, down Lake Ontario, and across the St. Lawrence 
in open boats, and arrived and landed within a mile of Fron- 
tenac on the 25th. Col. Corse, who had distinguished him- 
self the three preceding campaigns, volunteered Avith a part 
of his detachment to erect a battery, in the night of the 
26th, in the midst of the enemy's fire, and which in the 
morning commanded their fort, and led to an immediate 
surrender. The commander of the fort was afterwards 
exchanged for Col. Peter Schuyler, who was taken at Os- 



326 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

wcgo. and while a prisoner had rendered much service to the 
English prifsoners in Canada. The detachment, after burn- 
\u<y the masazines, and an immense stock of Indian jroods, 
and destroying the vessels on the lake, returned to fort 
Stanwix on the 10th of September. In November, the 
French garrison of Fort Du Quesne abandoned and burnt the 
fortress. 

In 1759 Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Niagara, and Quebec, 
were taken by the British. Under the walls of the latter 
place a hardly contested battle was fought on the 13th of 
September, in which the brave Gen. James "Wolfe, the com- 
mander of the British, and Gen. Montcalm, the master-spirit 
of the French in Canada, lost their lives. In 1760 the 
remainder of Canada was subdued, and became annexed to 
Britain. 

This state of things rendered Fort Stanwix comparatively 
of little consequence, and it was suffered to go to decay. In 
this year John Roof and a Mr. Brodock, from the Dutch 
settlements lower down in the valley of the 3Iohawk, were 
found residing at the "Traw Plat." in the vicinity of Fort 
Stanwix. where they gained a livelihood in assisting in the 
transportation of goods destined for the Indian trade, across 
the carrying place ; trading with the Indians ; and, one of 
them at least, in keeping a tavern for the accommodation of 
the few wayfarers who, in those early days, came to these 
western wilds. All that the author has been able to glean 
respecting these first settlers in Rome, is found in the fol- 
lowing obituary published in the Rome Sentinel: — 



"Died, at his residence, in Canajohario, Montgomery Count)', on 
the 2d inst. [Oct. 1847] after a short illness, Col. John Rook, aged 86 
year.s. .John Roof, father of tlie subject of this notice, was one of the 
tirst settlers at Fort Stanwix (now Rome), where he located himself 
as an innkeeper and trader with the Indians, as early as 1700. Thx) 



XIX.] noME. 327 

deceased was born at that military post, August 28, 1761, soon after 
which event, and when an infant, £:ir 'William Johnson, with many of 
the most influential whites of the Mohawk valley, met the chiefs gt' 
the Iroquois at that place, to brighten the chain of friendship, and 
Iniry the war hatchet, the French and Indian war having then just 
terminated. Gen. Herkimer, a guest present, stood as god-father 
when the deceased was christened. lie was on militia duty in the 
Revolution repeatedly (his father being a cai)tain of militia), and to 
him were well known Col. Brown, who fell gloriously at Stone 
Arabia, and his own god-father, whose blood watered the fields cf 
Oriskany ; indeed, he was present at the death of the latter, and 
was a witness to his patient resignation. lie was a colonel of militia 
subsequent to the Revolution. Temperate in his habits, and honest 
in his dealings, he has gone down to the grave full oT"years. Truly 
the great poet did not err when he said : — 

•' An honest man is the noblest work of God." 



Messrs. Roof and Brodoek held no title to their lands', 
but occupied them under a contract from Oliver Delancy, 
one of the proprietors of the Oriskany Patent, who was in 
the Revolution attainted of treason, as an adherent of the 
<5nemy, he having acted as General of a brigade of tories. 
They left that place at some period early in the revolution- 
ary contest, but the precise time has not been ascertained. 

In the spi'ing of 1776, Colonels Van Schaick and Dayton 
were sent to Tryon County with detachoients of continental 
troops, and were stationed at Johnstown and GJ-erman Flats. 
In the month of June in the same year, Gen. Schuyler 
suggested the propriety of taking immediate possession of 
Fort Stanwix, and fortifying it more strongly, which propo- 
sition was highly approved, and Gen. Schuyler the same 
month ordered Col. Dayton, who was stationed at the Ger- 
man Flats, to take post at Fort Stanwix, and repair the • 
works. In August, Gen. Schuyler visited the post in per- 
son, but was soon called away upon duties relating to the 
Canada expedition. Col. Dayton, perhaps for the want of 



oZS^ ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

means, acconiplislicd very little in repairing and strcugtlien- 
ing tlic place. It was at this time that the attempt was 
uiaJe to cliangc the name to that of Scliuylcr. About the 
close of this year, Gen. Schuyler was again iustru^^ted to 
.strengthen the works at Fort Stanwix. 

The last of April, 1777, Col. Peter Gansevoort, with the 
third regiment of the New York line was ordered; to thi.< 
post. Col. Marinus "Willett, of the same regiment, was the 
second in command. Tlio repairs to the fort were still un- 
iinished, and the early part of the summer was spent in 
placing the fortification in a situation for resistance, but it 
had not been completed when afterward invested. 

Previous to the year 1777, Gen. Burgoyne had boasted 
that with an army of 10.000 men he could march through 
the thirteen c-onfederaited caionies, and in this year he bad 
such an army placed at his disposal. The- plan matured bv 
the British cabinet, was for Burgoyne to pass from Montreal 
to Lake Champlain, and from thence forc-c his way to. 
Albany, and there co-operate with Gen. Clinton, the com- 
mander of the British forces in the city of New York, in 
establishing a chain of posts from Canada to that city, so as 
entirely to scYcr New ]*]iigland from the middle and south- 
ern colonics. This plan, so imposing on paper, and which, if 
carried out. Avould have been so disastrous to the sons of 
libcrt^y, fighting for independence, was doomed to l>e one of 
the most complete and perfect failures experienced by the 
British during the whole contest. In furtherance of tlu^ 
plan, Burgoyne dispatched Col. Barry St. Leger, with the 
HOth regiment of foot, 20Q strong, and a regiment of loyal- 
ists (iories), and such Indian force && he- could call together 
on his route, to prt)eced up Lake Ontario' to Oswego, thenco 
up the O.swcgo and Oneida Rivers, ac-ros<s Oneida Lake aJid 
up "Wood Creek to Fort Stanwix. to invest and take that 



XIX.] ROME. ,. , ; 325 

post, and then pass down the Mohawk and join his General 
at Alban3^ , ,  : . 

As early as the tliird of July, it became apparent to the 
garrison of Fort Stauwix, that hostile Indians were prowling 
about the fort. The following extract of a letter from Col. 
Gansevoort to Col. Van Schaick, dated July 28, will show 
one of the earliest of those tragedies which crimsoned the 
frontiers of New York : — 

. '-Dear Sir, — Yesterday, at three o'clock in the afternoon, 
our garrison was alarmed at the firing of four guns. A 
party of men was instantly dispatched to the place where 
the guns were fired, which was in the edge of the woods, 
about five hundred yards from the fort, but they were too 
late. The villains were fled, after having shot three girls 
who were out picking raspberries, two of whom were lying 
f^calped and tomahawked ; one dead, the other expiring, who 
died in about half an hour after she was brought home. 
The third had two balls through her shoulder, but made out 
to make her escape ; her wounds are not thought dangerous. 
}>y the best discoveries wc have made, there were four 
Indians who perpetrated these murders. I had four men 
with arms just passed that place, but those mercenaries of 
Britain came not to fight, but to lie in wait to murder ; and 
it is equally the same to them, if they can get a scalp, 
whether it is from a soldier or an innocent babe." 

One of the girls who was killed was the daughter of a man 
who had served many years in the British artillery, and had 
been stationed as one of the guard at this place for several 
3'ear?. As he was considerably advanced in life and infirm, he 
had received a discharge, with a recommendation to Chelsea 
hospital ; but as he had been indulged while here with the 



ooO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. . [cHAP. 

j^rivilcgc of cultivating a piece of ground, and the us-e of a 
small house for himself and family, he preferred to remain 
where ho was, instead of returning to his native countrj; 
and to enjoy the benefits to which his services entitled him. 

A short time pi'cvious to the investment of the fort, the 
following singular incident occurred. It was written out by 
Dr. Dwight in a different form, and published with an 
account of his travels into this section, and from thence 
copied, under the title of '• Faithful American Dog," into the 
■' American Preceptor," one of the early reading books for 
schools published in the country. The author has, however, 
copied it from Dr. Thatcher's Military Journal. 

" Capt. Greig went with two* of his soldiers into the w^oods 
a short distance to shoot pigeons ; a party of Indians started 
suddenly from concealment in the bushes, shot them all down, 
tomahawked and scalped them, and left them for dead. The 
captain, after some time, revived, and perceiving his men 
were killed, himself robbed of his scalp, and suffering ex- 
treme agony from his numerous wounds, made an effort to 
move, and lay his bleeding head on one of the dead bodies, 
expecting soon to expire. A faithful dog, who accompanied 
him, manifested great agitation, and in the tenderest manner 
licked his wounds, which afforded him great relief from ox- 
<juisite distress. He then directed the dog, as if a human 
being, to go in search of some person to come to his relief. 
The animal, with every appearance of anxiety, ran about a 
mile, v.'hen he met with two men fishing in the river, and 
endeavored, in the most moving manner, by whining and 
piteous cries, to prevail on them to follow him into the 
woods. Struck with the singular conduct of the dog, thoy 



* Willett's Narrative r.tates that but a corporal attended the 
captain. 



XIX.] ROME. .•/; 331 

were induced to follow him part of the way, hut fearing 
some decoy or danger, they were about to return, when the 
dog, fixing his eyes on them, renewed his entreaties by his 
cries, and taking hold of their clothes with his teeth, pre- 
vailed on them to follow him to the fatal spot. Sucli was the 
remarkable fidelity and sagacity of this animal. Capt, 
Greig was immediately carried to the fort, where his wounds 
were dressed ; he was afterward removed to our hospital 
[Albany], and put under my care. He was a most frightful 
spectacle, the whole of his scalp removed ; in two places on 
the forepart of his head, the tomahawk had penetrated 
through the scull ; there was a wound on his back witli the 
same instrument, besides a wound in his side and another 
through his arm with a musket ball. This unfortunate man, 
after suffering extremely for a long time, finally recovered, 
and appeared to be well satisfied in having his scalp restored 
to him, though uncovered with hair." . .: 

In Gen. Sullivan's campaign against the Seneca Indians 
in 1779, Kay-ing-waur-to, a chief, was killed, and upon his 
person was found a paper, of which the following is a copy : 

'• This may certify that Kay-ing-waur-to, tlic Sanake 
[Seneca] chief, has been on an expedition to Fort Stanwix, 
and has taken two scalps, one from an officer and a corporal 
that were gunning near the fort, for which I promise to pay 
at sight ten dollars for each scalp. ■• - >  ; i' . 

" John Butler, 
• "Col. and Supt. of the Six Nations and 

the allies of his Majesty. 
" Given under my hand at 
Bucks Island." 

These were undoubtedly the scalps of Capt. Greig and 



OO-i ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP- 

one of liis men. It having been asserted in Congress after 
the war, tliat tliere was no evidence that Great Britain 
authorised tlie payment of money for scalps, tliis paper 
(among many otlier evidences) was produced. 

At this period there was a general feeling of alarm and 
excitement throughout the country, particularly in the State 
of New York. Tliese were increased in the valley of the 
Mohawk, when, on the 15th of July, Thomas, one of the 
principal Oneida sachems, who had just returned from 
Canada, where he had been present at an Indian council, 
gave a " talk." from which the following extracts are made. 

After civiui!; an account of the force marchinc again.st 
Fort Stanwix, he said : — 

" Brothers, — I, therefore, desire j'ou to be spirited, and to 
encourage one another to march on in assistance of Fort 
Stanwix. Come up, and show yourselves ]nen. to defend 
and save 3'our country, before it is too late. Despatch your- 
selves to clear the brush about the fort, and send a party tu 
cut trees in "Wood Creek to stop the same. 

'•Brothers. — If you don't come soon, without delay, to 
assist this place, we cannot stay much longer on your side : 
for if 3'ou leave this fort without succor, and the enemy shall 
get possession thereof, we shall suffer like you in your settle- 
ments, and shall be destroyed with you." : . • 

After much more advice, he closed with the following 
sentence : 

'• You may depend on it we are willing to help you, if you 
will do some efforts too." 

After Col. Gansevoort assumed the command, the repairs 
to the fort proceeded in earnest, but as ill luck would have 
it, a French engineer had been employed for the work, who 



XIX.] noME. oo3 

was wholly incompetent. Instead of repairing the works 
after the manner of their original construction, which would 
have been comparatively easy, he sent out large parties to 
the swamp to cut logs for pickets, and which when brought 
to the fort, he began to erect in the covert way, and not in 
the centre of the ditch as formerly. After these pickets had 
been brought to the fort with so much labor, each was found 
seven feet longer than required, being seventeen feet, instead 
of ten. For this blunder, Col. Willett advised his immediate 
discharge, but as he had been appointed by Gen. Schuyler, 
Commandant of the Northern Department, Col. Gansevoort 
was reluctant to take the step. Another blunder of this 
engineer, was the erection of a building for barracks outside 
the fort, and which could be of no possible use in the event 
of a siege, and the result proved it worse than useless, for 
after the investment, it was set on fire by the British, which 
occasioned considerable inconvenience to the garrison. The 
third in the chapter of blunders was the erection of a salient 
angle to cover the gate, so constructed, that the port-holes in 
the pickets did not correspond with the embrasures of the 
fort. Col. Willett early discovered this error, but suffei-ed 
the engineer to proceed until it would be plainly perceptible 
to ail. The lack of skill on the part of the engineer had 
now become so apparent that he was arrested by Col. "Willett, 
by order of Col. Gansevoort, but was permitted to depart to 
head-quarters, a letter being sent at the same time informing 
Gen. Schuyler of the cause of his arrest. This step was not 
taken until some time in July. Thus being without any one 
to act as engineer, greater diligence than ever was necessary 
to put the fort in a proper state of defence, and officers and 
men now exerted themselves to their utmost. By the first 
day of August, the wall around the fort was repaired ; the 
parapets nearly raised : embrasures made on three of the 



334 ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY'. [CIIAP. 

bastions ; horizontal pickets fixed around the walls, and per- 
pendicular pickets around the covert -way, and "the gate and 
the bridge made secure. The garrison had but just finished 
laying the liorizontal pickets, but none of the parapets were 
cnmpletcd. when the enemy appeared before the fort. The 
parapets had, therefore, to be finished in the presence of the 
enemy, and thus being exposed, several of the men were 
killed by their rifles. The engineer had neglected to con- 
struct a magazine, although he well knew that there was no 
secure place for the ammunition. Now the seven feet of 
spare timber cut from the pickets wa.s turned to good ac- 
count. These pieces were framed together in a square form, 
placed in the body of one of the bastions, and being covered 
with earth, formed a safe powder magazine. 

The garrison was, however, quite deficient in two impor- 
tant articles for sustaining a siege, — ammunition and pro- 
vi&ions. 

On the 30th of July a letter was received at the fort from 
Thomas Spencer.* dated '• Oneida, July 29.'' from which the 
following extracts are made : — 

'• At a meeting of the chicf:^ to-day, they tell me that 
there is but four days remaining of the time set for the 
king's troops to come to Fort Stanwix, and that they think 
likely they will be here sooner. * * * 

" The chiefs desire the commanding officers at Fort Stan- 
wix not to make a Ticonderoga of it.f * * * 

* The source from which this is derived docs not state who 
Thorna.*< Spencer is, but from tlie style, the author has no doubt but 
that he is the same as the Sacliem Tliomas who gave the " talk '' 
just noticed. He was killed in the Oriskany battle, and was there 
called the "Indian Intcr])reter.'' 

t Referring to the abandonment of that place by Gen. St. Clair, 
^ust one month before. 



ROME. 335 



XIX.] 

'• Let all the troops that come to Fort Staiiwix take care 
on their march, as there is a party of In(iians to stop the 
road "below the fort. * * * 

" Send this to the committee ; as soon as they receive it, 
let the militia rise up and come to Fort Stanwis. * * * 

'• This may be our last advice. * * * 

'•We send a belt of eight rows to confirm the truth of 
what we say.'' 

On the first of August an express arrived at the fort, 
with the thrice welcome intelligence that a number of bat- 
teaux, loaded with ammunition and provisions, guarded by a 
reinforcement of 200 men, were at hand. 

They arrived the next afternoon, and as the last batteau 
was unloading, the enemy made his appearance. 
 On the third, St. Legcr proceeded to invest the fort in 
form. His force was about 1,G00 strong, regulars, tories, 
and Indians. The Indians, 1,000 in number, were com- 
manded by the semi-savage Brant, the master-spirit of the 
Six Nations. Col. Gansevoort's garrison, after the rein- 
forcement arrived as a guard to the batteaux, amounted 
to 700, or, as some accounts say, 750 men, regulars and 
militia. 

When the siege commenced, the garrison was without a 
flag. Military pride, indeed every sense of propriety, would 
not allow them to dispense with an appendage so proper to a 
beleaguered fortress." Necessity is the mother of invention." 
Shirts were cut up to form the white stripes, bits of scarlet 
clotli were joined as an apology for the orange, and the blue 
ground for the stars was composed of a camlet cloak, fur- 
nished by Capt. Abraham Swartwout, of Poughkeepsie, an 
officer of the garrison. Drake, in his beautiful poem, The 
American Flag, says ; — 



oolO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COVNTY. [CHAP. 

" When freedom from her mountain height, 
Unfurled her standard to the air, 
Slio tore the azxirc robe of ni^ht, 
And set the stars of glory there." 

The garrison of Fort Stanwix in their extremity were less 
poetical in tlieir choice of materials for a standard, for they 
simply ■• tin-e the azure robe " of Capt. Swartwout. 

Even at this late date, Poughkeepsie claims the honor of 
having furnished the "true blue" for the flag of Fort Stan- 
wix. This, however, is but a secondhand claim on the part 
of Poughkeepsie, for this same camlet cloak was taken from 
a detachment of the British at Peekshill, by Col. Willett, 
in the spring of I77G. Col. Willett, at the same time, was 
in command of tlie third New York rciriment, to which 
Capt. Swartwout belonged, and having routed the detach- 
ment and taken their baggage, no doubt the captain appro- 
priated the cloak to which after-events have attached so 
much of romance, as his share of the " spoils." Soon after 
the investment, a demand of surrender was made by the 
British commandant, and indignantly rejected by Colonel 
Gansevoort. 

' The siege was commenced, and prosecuted with great ac- 
tivity, and thi'ee batteries were established on the brow of 
the steep bank between where the Baptist and Catholic 
churches now stand, two for artillery and one for mortars. 

At this time, it is somewhat difficult to ascertain with cer- 
tainty the point from which the approaches were made. Col. 
Stone, in his Life of Brant, has placed the zig-zag approaehe.s 
and parallels north-westerly of the fort, whereas information 
received by the author many years since, from persons who 
belonged to the garrison at the time of the siege, placed the 
approaches from the bend of the river east of the fort. It is 
very probable, that both accounts are correct, for it is not 



007 



XIX.] ROME. 

uncommon for besieging armies to break ground in two or 
more places, to distract the besieged. The approaches from 
the bend of tlie river ^yere represented as a covered way, 
and one of the author's informants was so particular as to 
state that they commenced near an apple tree, which is yet 
standing on the bank of the river. The encampment of 
Johnson's regiment on the south side of the river, below the 
bend east of the fort, seems to favor tlie idea of an approacli 
from this side. 

St. Lcger fixed his head-quarters at the upper landing on 
Wood Creek, which was about half a mile west of the fort. 
lie had also an encampment about half a mile north-east 
from the fort, in the ravine at the head of the Spring Brook. 
Sir John Johnson's camp was at the lower landing on tlie 
Mohawk ; while the Indians were encamped in the edge of 
the swamp, south-westerly from the fort. By this it will be 
.seen how perfect was the investment, each of the four en- 
campments being out of the reach of the guns of the fort, 
and still within relieviBg distance of each other. St. Leger 
Iiad pushed his advances with such activity that, at the time 
of raising the siege, on the 22d of August, the approaches 
were almost to the ditch, and a mine in a state of forward- 
ness under one corner of the fort. 

The following rather bombastic proclamation of St. Leger 
is copied from an original manuscript, now in the possession 
of the Messrs. Sandfords, the editors and publishers of the 
Rojnan Citizen. They obtained it of Bernard F. Yates, 
who resides in the upper part of the town of Western. It 
is in a good state of preservation, is written in a very fair 
liand, and bears indubitable evidence, from its time-marked 
appearance and genuine signatures, of being an original 
copy. 

It is reasonable to presume that a number of copies were 
/ 22 



338 , AKNALS OF O-NEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP- 

prepared and distributed bj the lojalistd in the Mohawk 
Valley. 

"By BARRY St. LEGER, Ks.j.. 

"i.'ommanJt'i-in-C'liief c>f a chosen Dody of Troops from the Grand Army,n8 well as 
an exleiisivc Corps of liidiiiii Allies, from all tbe Nations, inc., &.c. 

" The Forces entrusted to my command arc designed to act in 
concert, and ajwn a common principle, witli the numerous Armies 
and Fleets which already display in every quarter of America, the 
power, the justice, and, wjieu properly sought, the mercy of the 
King. 

" The cause in which the British Arms are thus exerted, applies 
to the most affecting interests of the human heart ; and the military 
servants of the Crown, at lirst called forth for the sole purpose of 
restoring the rights of the Constitution, now comhine with love of 
their country, and duty to their Sovereign, tlie other extensive 
incitements which spring from a due sense of the general privilege of 
mankind. To the eyes and ears of the temperate ])art of the pub- 
lic, and to the breasts of suffering thousands in the Provinces, be 
the i^ielancholy appeal, whether the present unnatural rebellion has 
not been made a foundation for the completcst system of tyranny 
that ever God in liis displeasure suffered for a time to be exercised 
over a froward an^l stubborn generation. 

" Arbitrary iinprisoiuuent, confiscation of projierty, persecution, 
and torture, unprecedented in the Inquisitions of the Romish Church, 
are among the palpable enormities that sertify the affirmative. 
These arc infficted by assemblies and committees, who dare to pro- 
fess themselves friends to liberty, upon the most quiet subjects, with- 
out distinctioivof iige or sex, for the sole crime, often for the sole 
suspicion, of having adhered in j)rinciple to the Government under 
which they were born, and to whicli by every tye, divine and human, ^ 
they owe allegiance. To consummate these shocking proceedings, 
the profanation of religion is added to the most profligate prostitu- 
tion of common reason ; the consciences of men are set at nought ; 
and multitudes are compelled not only to bear arms, but alao t(j 
swear subjection to an usurpation they abhor. 

•' Animated by these considerations, at the head of troops in iiic 



XIX.] 



ROME. 



339 



fall powers of liealtli, discipline, and valour; determined to strike 
\vhere necessary, and anxious to spare where possible; I, by these 
presents, invite and exhort all persona, in all places where the pro- 
gress of this army may point, — and, by the blessing of God, I will 
extend it, — to maintahi such a conduct as may justify in protecti:;-- 
their lauds, habitations, and families. The intention of this is to 
hold forth security, not depredation, to the country. • 

'To those whom spirit and principle may induce to partake the 
glorious task of redeeming their countrymen from dungeons, and re- 
establish the blessings of legal government, I offer encouragement 
and employment, and upon the first intelligence of their associations, 
I will find means to assist their undertakings. The domestic, the 
iadustrious, the infirm, and even the timid inhabitants, I am desirous 
to protect, provided they remain quietly at their houses, that they 
do not suflTer their cattle to be removed, nor their corn or forage to 
be secreted or destroyed, that they do not break up their bridges or 
roads, nor by any other act, directly or indirectly, endeavour to ob- 
struct the operations of the King's troops, or supply or assist those 
of the enemy. 

" Every species of provision brought to my camp, will be paid for 
at an equitable rate, and in solid coin. 

'• If, notwithstanding these endeavours, and sincere inclinations to 
effect them, the phrensy of hostility should remain, I trust I shall stand 
acquitted in the eyes of God and men in denouncing and executing 
the vengeance of the State against xhe wilful outcasts. The mes- 
sengers of justice and of wrath await them in the field, and devas- 
tation, famine,, and every concomitant horror that a reluctant, but 
indispeusible, prosecution of military duty must occasion, will bar 
ihe way to their return. B^rry St. Leger. 

" Camp before Fort Stanwix, August ye 10th, 1777. 
" By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

" Will. Osb. Hamilton, Secretary." 

On the back filed—" Si. Leger's Manifesto:' 

Near this time the following incident occurred, as related 
by Jabez Spicer, who at the time was a soldier in the gar- 
rison, and since a United States' pensioner. He wa-? well 



o40 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

known to some of the early settlers of Rome, and was liy 
them considered entirely reliable. 

A sentinel, posted on the north-west bastion of the fort, 
was shot with a rifle while walking his stated rounds, in the 
gray of the morning ; the next morning a second met the 
same fate, on the same post : the crack of the rifle was 
heard, but from whence it came, none could conjecture, and 
the alarm being given, no enemy could be discovered. Of 
course on the third nicht this station was dreaded as brin^- 
ing certain death, and the soldier to whose lot it fell, quailed 
and hung back ; but to the surprise of the whole guard, a 
comrade offered to take his place, and was accepted. Towards 
morning, the substitute sentinel drove a stake into the ground 
at the spot where his predecessors had been shot, on which 
he placed his hat and watch-coat, and with the help of a 
cord and a wcU-stufted knapsack, he soon had a very good 
apology for a portly soldier, who stood to the life at "support 
arms,"' with his trusty shining musket. Having thus posted 
his not exactly "man of straw,'' he quietly sat down behind 
the parapet, closely watching, through an embrasure, for 
coming events. At early dawn the well-known report of 
the same rifle Avas heard, and the column of smoke ascendinjr 
from the thick top of a black oak tree, some thirty or forty 
rods distant, showed the whereabouts of the marksman. The 
sergeant of the guard was soon on the spot, and the com- 
mandant notified that the perch of the sharpshooter had been 
discovered. A four-pounder was quickly loaded with can- 
ister and grape, and tlie sound of this morning gun boomed 
••o'er hill and vale"' in the distance, immediately succeeded 
by a shout from the garrison, as they beheld one of Britain's 
red allies tumbling head foremost from the tree top. On 
examining the counterfeit sentinel, the holes through the 
various folds of the knapsack were more than circumstantial 



XlX.] ROME. 341 

evidence that the aim was most sure, and that had the owner 
stood in its ph\ce, he would have followed to his account 
those who had preceded. It is hardly necessary to add, that 
the sentinels on the north-west bastion were not afterwards 
molested. 

For a while we will leave this heroic garrison, and detail 
the prominent causes which led to the raising of the siege. 

On the 17th of July preceding, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Her- 
kimer issued the following proclamation, in what was then 
Tryon County : — 

'• Whereas, it appears certain that the enemy, of about 
^,000 strong. Christians and savages, are arrived at Oswego, 
with the intention to invade our frontiers, I think it proper 
and most necessary for the defence of our country, and it 
shall be ordered by me as soon as the enemy approaches, 
that every male person, being in health, from sixteen to 
sixty years of age, in this county, shall, as in duty bound, 
repair immediately, with arms and accoutrements, to the 
jilace to be appointed in my orders, and will then march to 
oppose the enemy with vigor, as true patriots, for the just 
defence of their country. And those that are above sixty 
years, or really unwell aud incapable to march, shall then 
assemble, also armed, at the respective places where women 
and children will be gathered together, in order for defence 
against the enemy, if attacked, as much as lies in their 
power. But concerning the disaffected, and who will not 
directly obey such orders, they shall be taken, along with 
their arms, secured under guard, to join the main body. 
And as such an invasion regards every friend to the country 
in general, but of this county in particular, to show his zeal 
and well affected spirit in actual defence of the same, all the 
members of the committee, as well as all those who, by 



342* ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [cHAP. 

former comn'»l.s3ion8 or otherwise, liaye been exempted froro 
any other military duty, are requested to repair also, whoii 
called, to such place as shall be appointed, and join to re- 
pulse our foes. Not doubting that the Almighty Power, 
upon our humble prayers and sincere trust iu Ilim, will 
then graciously succor our arms in battle for our just cause, 
and victory can not fail on our side." 

The letter from Thomas Spencer received at Fort Stan- 
wlx on the 30th of July was. as it directed, forthwith sent 
to the committee of Tryon County, and means were imme- 
diately taken for the assembling of as many of the militia 
as possible. Their own firesides were to be invaded : the 
time for exertion had come, a time which they ought to have 
anticipated, and for which, from tlie ample notice they had 
received, they ought to have made the best possible prepara- 
tion. They were determined, however, to atone for their 
neglect. The fears excited by their previous losses had con- 
siderably subsided, and Gen. Herkimer soon found himself 
at the head of 800 men, most of the committee being among 
the number, as officers or volunteers. 

They set forward in high spirits, and on the night of the 
."th of August encamped at what is now Oriskany, wher« 
the creek of that name unites with the Mohawk, little 
dreaming that to one-fourth of their number it was their last 
rest until the sleep which knows no waking. 

After he had encamped, Gen. Herkimer dispatched Adam 
Ilelmer to the fort, with letters to Col. Gansevoort, giving 
him notice of his arrival at Oriskan}-, and requesting hi.g 
aid, by a sally from the fort, on the arrival of the reinforce- 
ment ; also directing the firing of three cannon in succession. 
asj a signal that the messenger had succeeded in delivering 
the letters. On the morning of the 6th, Gen. Herkimer 



XIX. ] KOME, 343 

was of the opiulon that it was not prudent to advance until 
reinforced, or at least until the signal should be given that a 
sortie from the fort would be made, to divide the attention 
of the British. His officers, however, were of a different 
opinion, and were eager to press forward ; angry words en- 
sued, in which his two colonels, and other officers, branded 
their commandier as a "tory and a coward." The brave old 
man replied, "that he considered himself placed over them 
as a father, and that it was not his wish to lead them into 
any difficulty from which he could not extricate them ; that, 
for himself, he had not the same reasons to be cautious and 
prudent as had many of his officers and men, — that Prov- 
idence had denied him children, and if he fell, no child 
would be left without a paternal protector ; but if they 
rashly ran into danger, and lost their lives, many would be 
the children in the Mohawk Valley who would be left father- 
less, and this at a time when Fort Stanwis and its little 
garrison would be all that would be left between the cruel 
savages, and more savage tories, and their firesides ; that he 
feared if his little band failed in relieving the fort, it would 
soon surrender, arid then nothing could save their homes 
from the firebrand, and their good wives and children from 
the tomahawk and scalping knife ; that, burning as they now 
seemed to meet the enemy, they would run at his first ap- 
pearance." The clamor, however, increased, with repeated 
reproaches of toryism and cowardice, until, stung to the 
quick and irritated, he gave the word — "March on." On 
receiving the command, the troops gave a shont, and in 
rather j)c^(^ mdl order, rapidly moved fonvard. This state 
of things prevented the precaution of throwing out flanking 
parties, so necessary where a savage foe and ambuscades 
were to be anticipated. This was the more inexcusable, as 
the letter from Oneida had given them timely warning. 



o44 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [cHAP. 

St. Lcgcr, having received notice of the approach of Gen. 
Herkimer, dispatched Col. Butler, with a large portion of 
his loyalist force, and I>rant, with most of the Indians, to 
intercept him. Brant, not feeling entirely satisfied that the 
force detailed was sufiicieut to cope with Geu. Herkimer, 
and wishing to learn his numbers and order of march, dis- 
l)atchcd a scouting party of Indians to obtain, if possible, the 
desired information. For this purpose the party proceeded 
to a small stream about a mile west of Oriskany, where they 
sc^-rcted one of their number in a hole dug in procuring 
earth to cover a causeway in tlic ravine, and about tliirty 
feet from the road which Gen. Herkimer would take, cover- 
ing him from view with hemlock brush. Here, snugly cn- 
sconsedj he correctly numbered Herkimer's command as it 
passed, and after the rear-guard had gone by, made a rapid 
movement through the forest, and informed Brant of the 
exact strength of the party, and which was not as nunierouff 
as Brant had supposed. 

Brant and Butler had selected a place well fitted by nature 
for the attack. The road leading then from Oriskany to 
Fort Stanwix, was through an unbroken forest, and about 
two miles from the former, crossed the deep ravine, some 
thirty rods north of the present road to Eome. The bottom 
of the ravine was marshy, but a log causeway rendered it 
passable. The ambuscade commenced at the ravine, the 
enemy lying concealed on both sides of the road, for almost 
a mile above it. Gen. Herkimer, who rode a white horse, 
was in the advance with Coxe's regiment, and had crossed 
the smaller ravine some little distance above the one first 
mentioned, and the whole column in open order, with thi- 
exception of the rear-guard, composed of Vischer's regiment, 
had passed the causeway, when the Indian war-whoop was 
given as the signal of attack, and the murderous conflict 



XIX. J ROME. 345 

comniencetl. The attack was general, and from every qiiar* 
tor. The Indians immediately closed up the opening at the 
causeway, severing the rear-guard from the main body, and 
thus situated, it broke and fled. They were pursued by the 
Indians, and no portion of the little army sufi'ered as severely, 
and it is believed they would have suffered less had they 
manfully cut their way to the main body. On receiving the 
first fire, Gen. Herkimer ordered Col. Cox to wheel his 
regiment into line, in the road, and this was attempted, but 
the fire from the unseen foe was so severe, that soon every 
man took to a ti*ee. It now became a contest of individual 
feats of noble courage and daring. Soon after the com- 
mencement of the action, Gen. Herkimer, who still remained 
with the advanced regiment, received a ball about six inches 
below the knee, which shattered the bone, and also killed the 
horse on which he rode. His saddle was taken from the 
prostrate steed, and placed by the side of the trunk of ;i 
fallen tree, where the brave old General, reclining against 
the tree, continued to issue his orders. For a considerable 
time there was much confusion and disorder, but this was 
followed by the discovery that concert of action was neces- 
sary for an effective defence, and soon tolerable order was 
restored, and the men formed in circles, the better to repel 
the attacks of the enemy, who were now closing in upon 
them on all sides. In a great measure the firing had ceased, 
but the work of death was progressing with the tomahawk, 
the bayonet, the knife, and clubbed musket, and resistance 
became effective. At this juncture a heavy shower of rain 
arose, which arrested the fight for more than an hour, and 
this gave Herkimer's men an opportunity to organize still 
more perfectly. A circle was formed around the wounded 
General, and it became necessary to place two men to a tree 
instead of one, with orders for but one to fire at a time. 



346 AXNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

This was to counteract the tactics of the Indian?, who, 
whenever they saw a musket discharged from beliind a tree, 
ran up and tomahawked its owner before he had time to 
rchiad. After the rain liad subsided, the figlit was renewed 
with still deadlier ardor, and the advantages of the new ar- 
rangement were soon seen, for the life of many a tawny son 
of the forest paid the forfeit of his temerity in rushing be- 
liind a tree where there was still a loaded niu.sket. It soon 
became apparent, from their flagging eff"orts, that the Indians 
were becoming sick of the fight, and hope began to animate 
the Americans. At this point the enemy were reinforced 
by a detachment of" Johnson's Greens," led by Maj. Stephen 
"Watt, a brother-in-law of Col. John Johnson. The regiment 
of which it was a part was raised by Col. Johnson in Canada, 
but a large portion of the men were refugees from the Mo- 
hawk Valley. The blood of the Dutchmen boiled at tlie 
fight of these tories, for they were, in many instances, per- 
sonal acquaintances, who liad fled their country, and were 
now returned as enemies, and a mutual recognition took 
place, llevenge and hate doubly nerved the arms of Her- 
kimer'.s men, and they fired upon them, and then springing 
from their cover.s, attacked them with bayonets, and when 
these were wanting, with the butts of their muskets ; or 
throttling each other, and drawing their knives, stabbing, 
and frequently dying in each other's embrace. In this last 
a.s.sault, Col. Cox was killed. He jiossessed a daring spirit, 
and mingled in the thickest of the fight, and his voice could 
be heard cheering on his men, above the clashing of arms 
or the yells of the savages. This murderous conflict con- 
tinued for half an hour, in which Major AYatt was wounded 
and taken jjrisoner, but left on the field. Col. "Willett'a 
narrative states that this officer was slain, but in this was 
incorrect. He was left, as was supposed, mortally woundetl, 



XIX.] ROME. 54? 

but after the battle he crawled to a stream of water, and 
slaked his thirst, and this was his only nourishment for two 
days, when he was found alive by some Indian scouts, and 
brought into St. Leger's camp. A heavy firing in the direc- 
tion of Fort Stanwis leading the British to believe that 
their presence was more needed in that quarter, the retreat 
was sounded, and nothing loth, they withdrew, leaving the 
Tryon County militia the honor of retaining the battle 
field. It was, however, purchased at a fearful price : two 
hundred Americans, one-fourth of their original number, 
were either dead on the field, or too severely wounded to be 
removed. <Col. Cox, and Majors Ersinlord, Klepsattle, and 
Van Slyck, were among the slain, with Thomas Spencer, the 
Indian interpreter. Without burying the dead, with such 
wounded as could be removed, the shattered remains of this 
gallant band retraced their way to old Fort Schuyler, the 
present site of Utica, where they encamped for the night, 
and on the next day many of the men reached their homes. 
Tryon County was literally filled with mourning. There 
was scarcely a family in the Mohawk Valley but what had 
lost some relative, a father, brother, or cousin.* 

Few battles have been fought at a greater disadvantage, 
than was that of Oriskany to the Americans. On the first 
attack, their baggage and ammunition waggons fell into tlic 
hands of the enemy, and their cartridge boxes therefore con- 
tained their all of ammunition ; the day was warm, and sur- 
rounded as they were, no water could be procured ; under 
all these disadvantages, they defended themselves for six 



* Judge Gray, of ITerkiraer, now one of the Judges of the Supreme 
Court of this State, informed the author that his grandfather, two 
uncles, and other more distant relatives, were killed in the battle. 
Another uncle, Lieut. Samuel Gray, was in the battle, but escaped 
unhurt, and assisted in carrying Gen. Herkimer from the field. 



34S ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

lung hours. They had acted rashly in moving forward as 
they did in the morning, but by their unyielding courage 
they well retrieved their reputation. Notwitlistanding the 
disadvantages under which the battle was fought, the enemy 
were caused to suffer equally with themselves. The loyal- 
ists and Indians each lost in killed about 100, besides many 
wounded. The Seneca Indians were placed by Brant in and 
near the ravine, and fifteen of their chiefs fell in that part 
of the field. 

In an address before the New York Historical Society. 
Governeur Morris said : — " Let me recal, gentlemen, to your 
recollection, the bloody spot where Herkimer fell. There 
was found the Indian and the white man, born on the banks 
of the 3Iohawk, their left hand clenched in each other's 
hair, the right grasping in the grasp of death the knife, 
plunged in each other's bosoms ; thus they lay frowning." 

Although the struggle at the time was so nearly balanced, 
yet in its results, it was to the Americans a victory achieved. 
The spirit of the Six Nations was in a great measure broken, 
and although scattered bands of them committed their dc- 
predations and cruelties, they never afterwards would make 
stand for a field fight. 

J. R. Simms, Esq., in his '-History of Schoharie County, 
and Border Wars of New York," has recorded a great num- 
ber of personal incidents, and feats of courage and prowess, 
(in many cases taken from the relations of the actors.) con- 
nected with Indian and tory irruptions upon the Mohawk, 
and from among which the author has selected the following 
relating to the Oriskany battle: — 

After the Indians had mostly left upon hearing the firing 
at Fort Stanwix during the sortie of Col. "Willett, Capt. 
John James Davis remarked to Isaac Covenhoven. a soldier 



SIX.] ROME. 349 

standing near, that he " believed the red devils had pretty 
much all left them. ' " I don't know," said C, '• tliere may 
be some of them lurking about yet." These words were 
iscarcely uttered before Capt. Davis, a brave and meritorious 
officer, fell mortally wounded, a bullet from the rifle of an 
Indian having passed through his lungs. 

Capt. Jacob Gardinier, of the Tryon County militia, was 
distinguished for his bravery and personal acts during this 
terrible conflict. '• With a few of his men, he vanquished a 
whole platoon, killing the captain thereof, after he had held 
him for a long time by his collar, as a shield against t!ie 
balls and bayonets of the whole platoon. The brave militia 
captain lived many years, and was cured of tldrtcen wounds. 
After being literally riddled by bullets and bayonets, Capt. 
Gardinier crept into a cavity at the roots of a fallen tree, 
and continued the fight. He had with him a German lad 
as a waiter, who tlien became very useful, bringing to his 
master guns of the fallen, loading such as were not loaded, 
etc. He was so wounded that he could neither stand nor 
load his own gun, and yet from his place of temporary safety 
he did no little execution. Observing an Indian stealthily 
^lodo-iup- from tree to tree to ffet a shot at an ximerican 
officer, upon whom he had brought his rifle several times 
v/itli partial aim, Capt. G. shot him, and sent his High 
DutcJt hoy. as he called him, to get his gun. The lad 
returned wdth a report that the Indian was not dead, hut 
was kicking^ as he had fallen across a log with his feet up, 
and was probably in his death struggle. After a few min- 
utes, the boy was sent again, and soon returned with all the 
Indian possessed, save his carcase." 

Capt. Gardinier was a blacksmith previously to the war, 
and had in his employ a man named Henry Thompson, a 
native of jS^ew Jersey, who " was a tall, lank-looking fellov/, 



3')0 ANNALS or OXEID.V COUNTV. [CHAP. 

as odd as be was ungainly. He was in the Oriskany battle, 
ap a private under his employer, and after the conflict had 
lasted some time, and groans and death were rendered 
familiar, he approached the captain, and told him he was 
Jiunary. '■ Fight away ^ said the intrepid officer. '■ I caiil, 
v'UJioiit cati?}g.' said Thompson. ' 7'J/cn go and get a piece.' 
was the reply. He did so ; sat down in the midst of the 
battle, on the body of a dead soldier, and ate heartily, while 
the bullets were cutting the air around his head like hail- 
stones. Having finished his repast, he arose, and fought 
with renewed energy, appearing in the thickest of the fight. 
Such an evidence of cool bravery to gratify hunger, I be- 
lieve was never excelled, if before equalled.'' 

Samuel Gardinier, a brother of the captain, received two 
balls from opposite directions, evidently from fowling pieces, 
and whifih met in his side, just above the groin. After the 
balls were extracted, he recovered, and the balls are stiU 
kept as sacred relics by his descendants. 

In the heat of the battle, a little aside from the main 
body, "William Merckley, of Stone Arabia, was shot by an 
Indian, and mortally wounded. Valentine Fralick, a neigh- 
bor, seeing him fall, came to him, and kindly ofiered to 
assist him. •• Take care of yourself, and leave me to my 
fate." was the wounded man's reply. Several Indians ap- 
proaching at this moment, Fralick concealed himself under 
a fallen tree, and shortly after, going to the spot, he found 
that his friend had been tomahawked and scalped. Giving 
the body a temporary burial, he returned to the American 
camp on the battle field. 

" After the battle of Oriskany, a song, commemorative of 
the event, was composed, and for a long time sung in thi? 
Mohawk Valley, of which the following is a stanza: — 



XIX.] ROME. 351 

'• Bravo Herkimer, our General, i« dead. 

Ami Colonel Cox is slain ; 
And many more and valiant men, i 

We ne"er shall see again." 

As has been stated, Gen. Herkimer was wounded early in 
the battle, yet he continued to give his orders with coolness 
and promptness until the enemy withdrew. At one time, 
while the battle was raging fiercely around him, not forget- 
ting his Dutch habit, he deliberately took his tinder box 
from his pocket, and with his pocket knife and a flint arrow 
head, carried for the purpose, he lit his pipe, and smoked 
with great composure. After the battle, he was removed on 
a litter to his house, two miles below the Little Falls. In a 
few days amputation became necessary, but through want 
of skill in the operator, the arteries were not properly se- 
cured.* His attendants, the night following' were cautioned 
to keep a close watch, to sec that the wound did not bleed, 
and if it did, to give immediate notice : but the bottle of 
spirits, which was formerly thought to be indispensable in 
the sick room, was too powerful for the nerves of the watch- 
ers, and they all went to sleep, and when they awoke they 
found the wound bleeding profusel}'. The alarm was given, 
but it was too late, the loss of blood had been such that he 
could not be saved. The General himself now becoming 
satisfied that but few more of the sands of life were left to 
run, called for his Bible, and very composedly selected ono 
of the Psalms most appropriate to his case, which he read 
with great fervor, soon after which the hero who had thu.s 
shed his blood for his country — now the Christian hero — 

* Col. Wilfett called to see the General soon after the operation, 
and found him Bitting in bed smoking his pipe, and conversing in fine 
spirits. Early the next morning he learned that the General had died 
in the night, having bled to death. — Willeti's Narrative. 



3o2 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

calmly and composedly resigned his spirit to Tlim M-ho 
gave it. 

Thus one of the most valuable lives in his county was 
lost for lack of scientific skill in the operator, and the eifects 
of alcohol on the attendants.* 



Since writing the foregoing, the author accidentally dis- 
covered the following letter in a number of TJic Folitical 
Atlas, published in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in June, 
1807. The facts and incidents related are singular and 
interesting. 

" SCIIENECT.IDY, JuilC 8. 1807. 

" On Thursday, the 41h inst., about four miles from the citj- of 
Schenectady, aside of tlie Moliawk turnpike, sitting under a tree, 1 
discovered Petrus Groot, who was supposed to have been slain in 
the Oriskany battle, mulcr Gen. Herkimer, on the Gth of August, 
in the year 1777. I immediately recognized him, and on conversing, 
with him, he confessed himself to be the person I took him to be. 
1 then carried him to the nearest tavern, where I left him to be sent 
to his children and brothers, from whence, however, he departed 
before day the next morning, and was seen in Albany on Friday. 
His mental faculties are much impaired, supposed to have been 
occasioned by a Avound of a tomahawk near the fore part of his 
head, though he is at most times tolerably rational. His head is 
l;ald, the circle or .scar of the scalping knife is plainly to be seen on 
it, as also a stab on the side of his neck, near the .shoulder, and a 
small scar near the ancle. * * * He speaks English, French, 
Dutch, and Indian, and says he has been last a prisoner among the 



* The autlur lias made {treat CNcrtion to obtain llic age oT Gen. Heikiincr at the 
time of his death. Kvcn since the printer hail commenced this chapter, llirotwli ii 
Iriend ve have comniunica ed with a nephew of the (jeiieral, liy the nanii- of Her- 
kimer, residin}/; at llocklon, Herkimer County. Tlie nephew is enlirely itnalile, 
from any means in his pus-essiun, to ^ivc the desired iiifjrmalion, but staled as hii 
liolie;", llial hi.i uncle at I'm- lime <>f his deatli was l)ut about I'orly-live years t>l" luje. 
Tlie author had supposed that he was considcralily fur'.her advanced in life, ami 
hwe the (iues'.ion rest!?, pciliaps never to be solved. 



XIX.J ROME. 353 

Indians, north of Quebec. Had on an old dark gray coat, old brown- 
ish pantaloons, and has a large pack with liim. He refused to go 
home, as one of his former neighbors whom he saw would not recog- 
nize him, he was fearful his children and brothers would not. He 
said he would go to the Governor's. Being at times deranged, it is 
feared he will stray away too far for his friends to find him. He is> 
of a very respectable family and connection. 

" The printers in this and neighboring States are requested to 
give this a few insertions in their papers, to aid in restoring a poor 
sufferer to his children and friends, who has been thirty years a 
l)risoner among the Indians. He is now sixty-five years of age. He 
was a Lieutenant in the militia at the time he was supposed to have 
been slain. Joii\ Sanders." 

But to return to the fort. After experiencing many de- 
lays and encountering many difficulties, Adam Helmer — 
who, it will be recollected, was dispatched by Gen. Her- 
kimer from Oriskany — succeeded in getting into Fort Stau- 
wix and delivering his message at about 1 o'clock P. M., 
or, as other accounts say, 10 or 11 A. M. The signal guns 
were fired, but whether they were heard by Gen. Herkimer 
or his men, is not known. Col. Gausevoort immediately de- 
tailed 200 men, with a field piece, under Col. Willett, his 
second in command, to make a sally, and cause a diversion 
in favor of Herkimer, for the firing had been heard from the 
battle field, and the uncommon bustle in the tory and Indian 
i;amps led Col. Gansevoort to very correctly appreciate the 
posture of aifairs. Just as the detachment under Col. 
Willett was about to leave the fort, the shower previously 
mentioned came on, which caused a delay. Fifty men, with 
a light three-pounder on a travelling carriage, having been 
added to Col. Willett's party, and the rain having ceased, at 
about two o'clock the sortie was made, Col. Willett proceed- 
ing directly to the tory camp. Such was the impetuosity of 
tlieir movements, that Sir John Jolinson's regiment souglit 

23 



;3.'5't ANNA.L3 OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

safety in flight. Willett then marched to the Indian camp, 
which was forced with equal celerity. 

The Americans captured the entire camp equipage, cloth- 
ing, blankets, stores, etc., of the two. camps, and the baggage 
an<i papers of most of the officers. 

There were in the fort seven teams of horses and waggons, 
and these were now dispatched for the plunder taken in the 
enemies' camps, and they passed to and from them three 
times each, twenty-one loads in all. The storming party 
having accomplished their work, now made a move to re- 
turn, when it was found that St. Leger was making an 
attempt to intercept tliem. A -sharp fire from the party, 
.tided by the cannon on the fort, caused him to desist, and 
the Americans arrived safely in the fort, without the loss of 
a single man. Among the plunder were five British stand- 
ards, and these were immediately run up to flutter in the 
breeze beneath the stars and stripes. Within a few years 
past, Gen. Peter Gausevoort, o-f Albany, son of the com- 
mandant of Fort Stanwix, presented to an Independent 
Military Company of that city, a bra.ss drum taken in thi» 
sortie. 

8t. Leger, though in offisct defeated, resolved not to regard 
tha events of the day in that light, but to use them even to 
aid him in obtaining the surrender of the fort. He com- 
pelled Col. Bellinger and Major Frey, who were now in his 
camp as prisoners, to address a letter to Col. Gansevoort, 
•iated 9 o'clock in the evening, August 6th, exaggerating ti\c 
disasters of the day, and strongly urging a surrender, telling 
him how strong were his besiegers, that no succor could 
reach him, and assuming that Burgoyne was already at 
Albany. After a verbal demand for a surrender, which 
was indignantly rejected on the ground that it was a breach 
of the etiquette always due from honorable belligerents W 



XtX.] ROME. 355 

send a "verbal messsage for a surrender, St. Leger imme- 
diately followed it by a written one, to which Col. Qanse- 
voort sent the following laconic answer : — 

" Sir : — Iu answer to your letter of to-day's date, I have ouly to 
say, tha: it is my determined resolution, with the forces under my 
command, to defend this fort, at every hazard, to the last extremity. 
in behalf of the United American States, who have placed me here 
^o defend it against all their enemies. 
"- 1 have the honor to be. Sir, 

" Your most obedient and humble servant, 

"Peter Oansevoort, Col., 

" Commanding Fort Staawix." 



The only damage which the besieged had as yet received, 
was caused by the bursting of a few shells, killing a small 
number of the garrison, and slightly injuring the barracks. 
St. Leger's cannon being found altogether too light to make 
any impression on the walls of the fort. 

Gen. Schuyler, on hearing of the attack on Gen. Herki- 
mer, and its results, dispatched Gen. Arnold with Gen. 
Larned's brigade to its relief, at the same time writing a 
letter to Col. Gansevoort, exhorting him to hold out to the 
last extremity, and encouraging him with Mattering accounts 
of the prospects of staying the march of Burgoyne. On 
the 22d of August, Gen. Arnold, with about 900 light troops, 
arrived at Fort Dayton, which stood in the present village 
of Herkimer, where he halted, thinking it advisable not to 
proceed further until the arrival of reinforcements. He also 
addressed a letter to Col. Gansevoort, urging him to suffer 
no apprehensions as to the result, for he knew the sti-ength 
of the enemy, and knew how to deal with them, stating 
that he had been retarded by the roads, ete., and that militia 
were now joining him in great numbara, etc. He also aa- 



356 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

nounccd to Col. Ganscvoort the victory of Stark at ]Jenning- 
ton, and closes: — "Burgoyne, I hear this minute, is retreating 
to Ty. I make no doubt our army, which is near fifteen 
tliousand strong, will cut off his retreat." 

The situation of the garrison, although not desperate, vras 
becoming critical. If not relieved soon, the want of pro- 
vision would compel them either to surrender or cut their 
way through a superior force in the night time, and retreat 
to join Arnold at Fort Dayton. The latter alternative Col. 
Cansevoort had resolved to pursue when he should be re- 
duced to one or two days' rations. " Those who knew him 
best, knew how well he dared to execute his resolves." 

That nothing might be left undone. Col. (lan.sevoort 
thought it advisable to dispatch the brave Col. Willett and 
Lieut. Stockwell* to apprise Gen. Schuyler of his situation, 
and urge him to send an adequate force to his relief. We 
will accompany these two, and briefly relate the occurrences 
which followed, and which eventuated in the raising the 
siege. These officers left at 10 o'clock in tlie evening, on 
the 10th of August, creeping on their hands and knees 
through the enemy's lines, and adopting various arts of con- 
cealment on their way through swamps and pathless woods. 
From the manner in which they were obliged to make their 
egress from the fort, they could take no provisions with 
them, except a few crackers and cheese. In pursuing their 
way on the north side of the Mohawk, they very opportunel}' 
came to a place where a liurricanc had, a few years previously. 

* There is some difficulty at tliis time in ascertaining Stockweirs 
ranic. In some accounts he is called Lieutenant, in others Major- 
Even in Willctt's Narrative Loth titles arc promiscuously used. The 
probability is, tliat in 1777 he wa.s but a Lieutenant, but before tJie 
dose of the war had been jiromotcd to a ^Lijority. Lieut. Stock- 
well had been selected on account of hi.s jteculiar fitness for such 
;iD ent-cnu-ise. as lie was an excellent woodsman and hunter. 



XIX.J ROME. 357 

prostrated tlie trees of the forest, and these had been suc- 
ceeded by a luxuriant growth of blackberry bushes, whose 
fruit was then ripe, and of Avhich they made their only meal 
until they arrived at Fort Dayton.* On arriving there, they 
received a hearty welcome from Col. Weston, who was sta- 
tioned there with his regiment, and who gave them the 
agreeable intelligence that Gen. Larned had been ordered 
by Gren. Schuyler to march his brigade of Massachusetts 
troops to the relief of the fort. Resting but one night at 
Fort Dayton, Col. Willett and Lieut. Stockwell started 
early the next morning, on horseback, to meet these troops, 
which they had the satisfaction of doing the same day at 
night. Gen. Larned informed them that Gen. Arnold, who 
was then at Albany, was to command the troops marching to 
the relief of the fort. Col. Willett the next day repaired to 
that city, where he learned from Gen. Arnold that the first 
New York regiment was on its march to join Larned's bri- 
gade. The next day Gen. Arnold and Col. Willett followed 
the troops up the Mohawk, and in two days arrived at Fort 
Dayton. 

Arnold received information that there was to be a gather- 
ing of tories on a certain night at Shoemaker's, one of the 
king's Justices of the Peace, on the south side of the Mo- 
hawk, a few miles above, and Col. Willett, who was at the 
time at Fort Dayton, was dispatched with a competent force 
to arrest them. Col. Willett and his party arrived and sur- 

* The "British Annual Register," of 1777, thus spealcs of this 
enterprise : — " Col. Willett afterwards [after the sally] undertook, 
in company with another officer, a much more perilous expedition. 
They i)assed by night through the besiegers' works, and in contempt 
of the danger and cruelty of the savages, made their way fur fifty 
miles through pathless woods and unexplored morasses, in order to 
raise the country, and bring relief to the fort. Such an action de- 
uiauds even the praise of an enemy.' 



358 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAF. 

ronnded Shoemaker's in the night time, and made prisoners 
of tlie whole party, some twenty in number, and they were 
soon lodged in Fort Dayton. Among the number was 
Hanyost Schuyler, one of the coarsest and most ignorant 
fipecimens of humanity to be found in the valley, and yet a 
large share of shrewdness and low cunning were interwoven 
in his character. He had been so notorious as a spy, that a 
drum-head court-martial, which was called the next day for 
his trial, found no difficulty in pronouncing him guilty, and 
he was sentenced to be hung the following morning. Capt. 
Hull waa a member of this court martial, he who was the 
(ieneral Hull who so inglorlously surrendered Detroit in 
tlie war of 1812, and who was sentenced to death for his base 
conduct. 

The mother and brother of Hanyost resided at the Little 
Vails, who, having heard of his capture and sentence, lost 
D ) time in applying to Arnold to spare his life ; the General 
was, however, inexorable. Major Brooks, of Lamed's bri- 
gade, perceiving the posture of affairs, and believing that 
some capital might be made out of the spy, went to Gen. 
Arnold and stated the scheme to him. Gen. Arnold, warned 
by the fate of Gen. Herkimer, and fearing his force insuf- 
ficient to raise the siege, the more readily agreed to resort to 
stratagem. The plan concocted was this : — Hanyost was to 
be suffered to escape from the guardhouse, and his life spared, 
on condition that he should repair to the Indian and tory 
camps in the vicinity of Fort Stanwix, and by an exagger- 
ated account of Arnold's force, induce them to desert their 
leader in sufficient numbers to cause St. Leger to raise the 
siege. If he failed, his brother, who consented to remain as 
a hostage, was to grace the same noose which had been pre- 
pared for Hanyost. All having been arranged, Arnold and 
iJrooks went out, and related the particulars of the plan iu 



XIX.] ROME. 35G 

the presence and hearing of the sentinel at the door of the 
guardhouse, and after they were through, Arnold, with a 
significant look, asked the sentinel if he knew his duty, to 
which the latter gave an affirmative reply. After dark 
Hanyost made his escape from the guardhouse, the sentinel 
being cautious not to fire the alarm until the double traitor 
had time to get beyond the reach of pursuit. Then the 
alarm was given, the guard turned out in the pursuit, but 
without avail. All who were not in the secret regretted that 
such an arrant villain should have escaped the just doom 
that awaited him. 

The life of his brother for this once caused Hanyost to be 
true to his country, and he fulfilled his contract to the letter. 
An Oneida Indian had also been let into the secret, who 
cheerfully embarked in the enterprise. Hanyost, who was 
acquainted with many of St. Leger's Indians, upon his arrival 
m their camp told a most piteous story of his having been 
taken by the rebels, and his escape from being hanged, and 
also showed them several holes through his coat, made by 
bullets, which, he said, were fired at him when he made hi« 
escape. Well acquainted with Indian character, he com- 
municated his intelligence to them in a mysterious and 
imposing manner. When asked as to the number of men 
with Arnold, he shook his head, and pointed upward to the 
leaves of the trees : and upon being farther questioned, he 
said the number of Arnold's men could not be less than 
[.0,000. This news soon spread through the camps. At 
this juncture the Oneida arrived, and with a belt confirmed 
Hanyost's statement. On his way he had fallen in with 
two or three Oneida Indians of his acquaintance, who readily 
engaged in furthering his design, and these, dropping into 
the camp one after another, a.s if by accident, spoke of the 
great number of warriors marching against them. They 



360 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

ilso atatcd that the Americans did not wish to injure the 
Indians, but if they continued with the British they must 
all share one common fate. By these means, alarm and col- 
sternation were thoroughly spread among the whole body 
of Indian.s, and they resolved upon immediate flight. St. 
Lcger did all in his power to prevent their leaving at this 
critical juncture, but in vain. As a last resort, he tried to 
get them drunk, but the dram bottle had lost its charms, 
and they refused to drink. After he had failed in every 
attempt to induce them to remain, he tried to persuadt^ 
them to fall into the reai", and form a covering party to hi.> 
army, but this only increased their dissatisfaction, and they 
charged him with the design, of sacrificing his red allies to 
the safety of the whites. In a mixture of rage and despair. 
St. Leger immediately ordered the siege to be raised, and 
with his entire force of regulars, tories, and Indians, he left 
in such haste as to leave his tents standing, abandoning all 
his artillery, and some accounts state that they left their 
dinners cooking over their camp fires. The Oneida Indian, 
it seems, had a spice of the wag in his composition, for he 
followed in the rear, and occasionally raised the cry, Thnj 
are coming, they are coming, for his own diversion in seeing 
the red coats take a foot race, and the retreating army 
never felt entirely safe until fairly embarked on the Oneida 
Lake. 

llanyost kept with St. Leger's ai-my on the retreat, until 
it arrived at the mouth of Wood Creek, when he returned to 
Fort Stanwix, and gave Col. Gansevoort the first intelligence 
of the approach of Gen. Arnold's command. From thence 
he returned to Fort Dayton, and having fulfilled, on hi.s^ 
part, every part and parcel of the contract, his brother was 
at once discharged. Ilis principles had, however, undergone 
no change ; he was still a tory, and. Balaam-like, soon after 



XIX. J ROME. 361 

rejoined the British standard, attaching himself to the forces 
of Sir John Johnson. After the peace of 1783, Hanyost 
came back, and resided in the valley of the Mohawk. lie 
wa.s well known by some of the first settlers in Westmore- 
land, and was represented by them as a low, coarse, and 
apparently a very stupid being. 

The author, in February, 1797, when a few weeks more 
than seven years of age, passed over the Oriskany battle 
field. For nearly a mile the road ran through the scarred 
forest. Many of the trees, from the ground to the height of 
twenty or thirty feet, were so perforated with balls, that 
they had the appearance of a building lately battered by a 
hail-storm. There was then but about an acre of the battle 
field cleared, and that of quite a recent date. In the clear- 
ing stood a log house, and near the house stood the stump of 
the beech tree beside which Gen. Herkimer received the 
fatal wound. From thence the author went to Fort Stan- 
wix. the appearance of which was truly formidable. Tho 
cannon mounted on its angles, and the pickets then mostly 
standing, plainly spoke of the purpose for which it was 
erected. Many of the pickets were standing as late as 
ISOG. 

The accounts are discrepant as to the day the siege was 
raised, some placing it on the 22d of August, and others on 
the 25th. Gen. Arnold immediately marched his division 
to Fort Stanwis, and on his way he stopped on the Oriskany 
battle field, and burled the remains of the brave men whose 
corpses had been blackening in an August sun, from the 6th 
to the 25th of the month. Those only were buried that were 
lyin'T in and contiguous to the road. On the first settlement 
of this section of the county, many skeletons were found 
yet bleaching and uncovered, and a number of the first set- 
tlers met and gathered all that could be found, and uudis- 



o\32 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COXTNTY, [cHAF. 

tiugutshcd between friend and foeman, they were interr^ 
in a common gravi\* 

About the time Gen. Arnold's command proceeded to the 
relief of Fort Stanwix, several batteaux, loaded with pro- 
visions for the garrison, passed up the river, with a com- 
petent guard on the shore. As they approached the Oriskany 
battle ground, the stench was almost insupportable. Near 
tlie nsouth of the Oriskany Creek, a gun was found standing 
against a tree, upon which were hanging a pair of boots, 
while in the creek near by lay the remains of their supposed 
owner, far advanced in decomposition. In the grass near 
the shore lay the bod}' of a well-dressed man. without hat 
or coat, who they supposed had expended his latest energies 
in crawling to the water to quench his thirst. His head 
was bound up with a black silk handkerchief, which Sergeant 
John Clark, of the party, loosened, but left it with its owner. 
He, however, took from his shoes a pair of silver buckles. 
A little farther on. nine dead bodies were lying across the 
road, arranged in regular order, as was supposed, by the 
Indiane after they had fallen. A short distance farther, an 
Indian was seen dangling from the limb of a tree, tuspend^'d 
by the heels with the tug strap of a harness from a baggage 
waggon ; this, it was conjectured, had been done by some of 
Gen. Herkimer's men, after their tawny foe had been killed, 
or severely wounded, in the contest. 

The failure of the expedition against Fort Stanwix was a 
a victory achieved in the cause of the United States, it 
allowed to speculate, suppose the fortress had capitulated, 
110 stand could liave been made this side of Albany : the 

* The party consisted of persons from Rome, Westmoreland, and 
Whitcstown. Judge Hathaway was the fir.st to move in the enter- 
prise, and a mimber of cart loads of bones were tbus colk-cted and 
interred. 



XIX.] ROME. 363 

Mohawk Valley would have been swept by Brant and his 
Indians, as with the besom of destruction ; the tomahawk, 
the scalping knife, and the firebrand would have left it with- 
out a dwelling or an inhabitant. And if Burgoyne had been 
reinforced by such a force, surrounded as he was by forests 
and mountains, every foot of which was known to the sav- 
ages, the issue might have been widely different, and slavery, 
instead of freedom, been the result. 

"Nothing," says the British Annual Register for 1777, 
'* could have been more untoward in the present situation of 
affairs, than the tmfortunate issue of this expedition. The 
Americans represented this and the affair at Bennington as 
great and glorious victories. Gansevoort and Willett, with 
Starke and Warner (heroes of Bennington), were ranked 
among those who were considered the saviours of their coun- 
try." 

On the 1 9th of September and the 7th of October, two 
severe battles were fought at Saratoga; although not de- 
cisive, the advantage in each was with the Americans, and 
as a result, on the 16th of October Gren. Burgoyne surren- 
dered his army to Gen. Gates. 

Gen. Sullivan was appointed to command the expedition 
against the Indians of Western New York in 1779, and the 
command of the eastern division of his army was assigned to 
Gen. James Clinton. The destruction of the Onondagas 
preceded the attack of the concentrated forces on the Seneca 
and other western nations. Gen. Clinton detached Col. Van 
Schaick, assisted by Col. Willett and Major Cochran, with a 
force of about 500 men, for the service of destroying the 
Onondaga villages, and on the 19th of April, 1779, they 
left Fort Stanwix. The party encountered rainy weather, 
swollen streams, and morasses, yet moved with such celerity 
fee to arrive at the Onondaga settlements the third day- 



364 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

For the purpose of distracting the attention of the Indiani=", 
the party was divided into detachments, with orders to attack 
simultaneously as many settlements as possible. The work 
ot destruction was soon commenced, and the Indians, taken 
ciitirel}' by surprise, fled so precipitately as to leave their 
guns, and other weapons, in their wigwams. Their villages 
were soon wrapt in flames, gardens spoiled, provisions de- 
stroyed, and cattle killed. In one day the Onondagas were 
reduced from a state of comfort and security to one of misery 
and famine, houseless, and destitute. The influence of this 
expedition was most salutary on those of the Oneida Nation 
who were wavering, for a deputation from the Oneidas and 
Tuscaroras was immediately dispatched to Fort Stanwix, to 
brighten the chain of friendship, and give renewed assurance 
of continuing true to the States. 

Having thus accomplished the objects of the expedition. 
Col. Van Schaick returned to Fort Stanwix, without the loss 
of a single man. 

In October, 1780, Sir John Johnson and Brant collected, 
with great secresy, at La Chien, on the island of Montreal, a 
motley band of about 1,200 men, principally Canadians and 
Indians : a force which, from its materials, might well Ix; 
supposed capable of accomplishing deeds of cruelty and 
blood. This body ascended the St. Lawrence in batteaux to 
Lake Ontario, thence to Oswego, up the Oswego and Oneida 
Rivers to the Chittenango Creek, and up that stream about 
six miles, where they landed on the east bank, at a short 
bend, opposite to what was afterwards known as " Lot No. 
100," in the town of Cicero. This was probably as near as 
they dare approach Fort Stanwix, for fear of alarming the 
garrison, whicli was at all times on the alert At the place 
of landing was a pallisade enclosure, which had been erected 
pa some former occasion, and which they proceeded to put 



XIX.] ROME. 365 

in a good state of repair. A sufficient guard was left to 
protect the boats, and such stores as were not needed for 
the remainder of the expedition. The party then crossed 
the country to Schoharie, where tliey were joined by the 
tories of that region. Ftuin, desolation, and death marked 
their progress, and after doing immense damage, they made 
a precipitate retreat. The Americans mustered, under 
Oen. Robert Van Kenssclaer, and pursued them as far as 
Clocksfield. Had that Greneral fulfilled his promise to sus- 
tain Col. Brown and his party, that brave officer and one- 
third of his men would not have been sacrificed at Stone 
Arabia. A^an Rensselaer's effective force nearly doubled 
that of the enemy, and nothing but the most criminal supine- 
ness prevented the capture of Col. Johnson and his whole 
party ; indeed, when he ordered his men to fall back and 
encamp, the enemy were on the point of capitulation. To 
add to this chapter of blunders, Van Rensselaer sent an 
express to Fort Stanwis, informing the commandant where 
8ir John's boats were concealed, with a statement of the 
movements of the hostile party. Captain Walter Vrooman 
was, in consequence, immediately dispatched from Fort Stan- 
wix, with a detachment of fifty men, to destroy the boats 
and stores left at the place of landing. Capt. Vrooman lost 
no time in the execution of his orders, and the guard left by 
Sir John were taken prisoners, the stores all destroyed, and 
the boats sunk, except two, in which the party intended to 
return. It seems that, by some means, Sir John had been 
apprised of Capt. Vrooman's movement, and he dispatched a 
detachment of Butler's rangers, with a party of Indians, 
with orders to push forward with all haste, if possible to 
intercept Capt. Vrooman and his little force. By forced 
marches, the British and Indians arrived in the vicinity of 
the Ghittenango Creek, and unexpectedly came upon the 



366 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY [CHAf 

Captain and Lis men, while taking their dinner, and aa 
about to emhark on their return, and without firing a single 
gun made the wliolc party prisoners. The Indians and 
Canadians were greatly exasperated on finding their boats 
and two pieces of cannon sunk, and their stores rifled and 
spoiled, and as a consequence, the prisoners were treated 
with the greatest severity. Three of their number fell im- 
mediate victims to savage cruelty. One poor fellow was 
compelled, while- bound hand and foot, to run the gauntlet 
Being placed at the head of two parallel lines of Indians, be 
was ordered to run between the lines for their whole length, 
the savages, while he was passing, giving him blows with 
whips, clubs, and weapons, and if he should be successful in 
getting through, his life was to be spared. He started with 
a determined resolution, and made nine extraordinary leaps, 
when he was struck down, beaten with clubs, and then bound 
to a pine tree, and there roasted alive. This tree was stand- 
ing but a few years since, and known in the neighborhood as 
" Ttie Turtle Tree." The figure of a large turtle was cut by 
the Indians on the tree, indicating that it was the turtle 
branch of the tribe who committed the barbarity, as well as 
designating the particular tree. At every anniversary of 
this event, Indiana revisited this spot to examine the tree, 
and renew the tracks in the sand made by the unfortunate 
prisoner, and after holding a sort of '^potv-tvow:' would then 
disappear. This custom was continued yearly as late as 
1815. Such was the distance between these tracks made bv 
the unfortunate man while running the gauntlet, that the 
fleetest unbound Indian could but with great exertion equal 
them. The place at which this event occurred, is about two 
miles north from Matthews' Mills, in the town of Manlius, 
on land now or lately occupied by Mr. Ezra Tucker 

Joha Adams, Esq., who first Burveyed much of tb«: land 



XIX. ] ROME. 367 

in that vicinity, and the late Judge John Knowles, who 
settled there in 1805 or 1806, saw the pickets then standing 
near the landing place, and occasionally found guns, hatchets-, 
knives, bullets, etc. ; and at high-water many persons have 
seen wliole boats and fragments of others driven up among 
the fiood-wood, with timbers very little decayed. These cir- 
cumstances, corroborative of the testimony of Mrs. Storms, 
who was a prisoner taken in this expedition of Johnson, and 
that of Foster, a tory, who was one of Johnson's party, are 
strong evidence to show that CoL Stone, in his Life of 
Braftt, was mistaken in locating this transaction on the 
Onondaga E-iver. 

(^.a.pt. Vrooman, who was a powerful man, had a large 
pack placed on his shoulders by the Indian who claimed 
hini as his prisoner. This pack was made of a striped "lin- 
seywoolsey" petticoat, stolen from some good '■'■rrmv" in 
Stone Arabia, and was sufficiently capacious — if, indeed, 
somewhat deficient in length — to hold enough of plunder to 
tax Capt. Vrooman's muscular powers to their utmost. lie 
had not, however, borne it far before he was recognized by 
Col. Johnson, who inquired why he carried it ? Replying 
that it had been placed upon him by an Indian, the Colonel 
cut its fastenings with his sword, letting the pack fall to the 
ground. In a short time the owner of the pack, who was in 
the rear when it was cut from Capt. Vrooman's shoulders^, 
came up, and in anger replaced it, threatening him with 
death if he did not continue to carry it It had been re- 
placed but a short time when Sir John again, seeing the 
American captain (who was a fine specimen of the early 
Dutch) under the unseemly load, once more severed its 
fastenings, placing a guard around him to prevent any 
iusuit or injury from the red warrior. In a few minutes 
the latter re-appeared, with uplifted tomahawk, tkreatening 



368 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

vengeance ; but finding the prisoner guarded by bristling 
bayonets, lie sullenly again fell to the rear. lie, however, 
watched during all the way to Canada for a favorable oppor- 
tunity to execute his threat. Shortly afterwards, while 
crossing a stream upon a log, this Indian with his pack fell 
into the water, and would have been drowned had it not 
have been for assistance rendered by his comrades. On 
arriving at Montreal, Capt. Vroomau was incarcerated in 
prison, and did not again see the sun for two long years. 

On the 2d of March, 1781, Sergeant James Williamson 
was ordered, with Corporal Samuel Betts, and sis soldiers, 
to proceed from Fort Stanwix to guard a small party of 
•wood-choppers, w^ho were at work about half a mile from the 
fort. While thus engaged, Brant, with a strong force of 
Indians and tories, made a sudden onset upon them, and 
made the whole prisoners, excepting Sergeant Williamson, 
who made his escape to the post amid a shower of balls. 
Only two Americans were wounded, Timothy Reynolds and 
William Moffatt, and the latter, having fired upon the ene- 
my, was tomahawked and scalped. The enemy immediately 
left the vicinity of the fort, with their prisoners, and forded 
tl.c ?»Iohawk some distance below. Upon the arrival of 
Williamson at the fort, the alarm gun was fired, and a 
strong body sallied out in pursuit, which continued till 
night-fall. 

On arriving near the river, at the path leading from the 
fort to Fort Dayton (now Herkimer), Brant halted his 
force, and cutting the buckle-straps from his prisoners' 
shoes, carefully placed them along the path upon the snow 
crust, that the Americans might know the fate of their 
friends, and, quite probably with the intent of luring them 
into liis power, with the hope of rescuing the captives. 
Brant then proceeded to the Oneida Castle, and froui 



XTX] ROME. 3G9 

thence, after procuring a supply of corn, made Lis way to 
Fort Niagara. These incidents were often related by Wil- 
liamson to his friends after the war. Before arriving at 
Niagara, an incident occurred illustrative of the singular 
I'aprice of the savage chieftain. Brant ordered Corporal 
Betts to exercise his men and fellow-in'isoncrs, to see if they 
understood the tactics of Baron Steuben. Betts, either 
doubting the ability of his men to do justice to the Baron's 
system, or feeling disinclined to such an exhibition in his 
unpleasant and disheartening condition, wished to avoid the 
performance, but Brant peremptorily commanded obedience. 
Betts drew out his men, fifteen in number, dressed them into 
line, and then went through the manual exercise, a la Steu- 
lien, much to the satisfaction of Brant. Some of the tories. 
however, were disposed to ridicule the manner in which the 
Yankees had done the thing ; but Brant put a stop to their 
fun by a. terrible frown, saying at the same time, that " the 
Yankees went through with it a d — d sight better than they 
could, and that he liked to see the thing done well, although 
it were done by an enemy." 

Nothing farther of moment is known to have occurred at 
Fort Stanwix during the war which closed in 1783, when 
Britain acknowledged the independence of the United States. 
in that treaty (xreat Britain made no provision for her In- 
dian allies, but ungratefully left them to take care of them- 
,«elve3 as best they could. The Indians were much oifended 
when they found they were unremunerated for all their 
losses and sacrifices during the war. A large portion of 
them had the good sense to perceive that if, when united 
with Britain, they were unequal to a contest with the States, 
their chance single-handed would be but poor indeed. An-_ 
■other portion, at the head of whom was the far-famed Red 
JTacket, and no doubt encouraged by British traders and 

24 



370 ANNAL3 OF ONEIDA COL'NTY. [CHAF- 

^gents, were for continuing the war ; but the peace partVr 
headed by Corn Planter, prevailed. Accordingly, a treaty 
wa.s made at Fort Stanwix, in October, 1784, between the 
chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations, on the one part, and 
Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee, commis- 
sioners on the part of the United States. At this treat} 
La Fayette was present. The Six Nations agreed to sur- 
ronder all the captives taken in the war, and relinquish their 
claim to a portion of the western part of this State, and a 
large section north-west of the Ohio. Red Jacket* was 
present, and did all in his power to prevent the cession of 
the territory, or the conclusion of a treaty of peace. 

Forty years afterwards, when La Fayette had become the 
" Nation's guest," and when at Buffalo he was introduced ta 
Red Jacket. Their conversation was carried on through an 
interpreter. During the interview La Fayette alluded te 
the treaty of Fort Stanwix, and not recognizing Red Jacket, 
inquired, "And what has become of the young Seneca, who- 
on that occasion so eloquently opposed the burying of the 
tomahawk?" " He Ls :iow before you," replied the haughty 
'^.hieftain. 

On his way to Fort Stanwix to attend the treaty, La 
Fa,yette called at the log cabin of Judge White, in Whites- 
boro: In 1824, in passing through Oneida County, he re- 
collected the occurrence, and inquired for Judge White and 
family. On being informed that the Judge's widow yet 
resided near whore he had seen her, he manifested the wisli. 
and called upon her. 

The attendance of La Fayette at this treaty was one of 
his last acta as a public officer when in the service of the 
Itnitcd States. 

" Bo oamcd from a vest of that color presented to hira by Va-y 
JJritish, and which was v/orn by him oa all great occasions. 



MX.] ROME. 371 

A remhuBcence of Gen. Stanwix, who erected, and from 
whom the fort of which we have been speaking was named, 
— a name to which after-events in relation to its defence 
have attached eo much importance, that "Stanwix Kal!" 
has been affixed to first class public houses both in Albany 
and Rome, — it is thought will be interesting to the reader. 
Gee. Stanwix was an Irishman, and in 1766, in crossing tho 
Irish channel from Ireland to England, with his ftimily, the 
vessel on which they had embarked foundered, and every 
soul on board perished. The General left property, and 
there was an attempt to have its descent to collateral 
branches governed by the principles of the Roman law ; 
that is, that those in the meridian of life would pnma facie 
survive thoce of less powers of endurance, either from the 
tender years of youth, or the infirmities of age. The Court 
of King's Bench, however, waived the decision, on account 
oi the nicety of applying the rule to the case, and recom- 
mended a compromise, which was acceded to. 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN. 

The precise time when the first settlers after the Revciu- 
tioa came to Rome, can not be precisely ascertained. Jede- 
diah Phelps, Esq., came into the county with Judge Dean, 
in 1784, and erected a shop for carrying on his trade, that of 
brass founder and silversmith, at Wood Creek, and after 
being " drGW?ied 07it " from that location in the spring of 
1785, settled at Fort Stanwix. A few other settkrs pro- 
bably came there at about the same time. In the years 
1785 and 1786 five log houses were erected in the vicinity 
of the fort. The author has frequently heard it st?,ted by 
bis fatb-sr, that when he arrived, in January, 1787. there 



I 

• 



372 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP/- 

were three log houses at old Fort Schuyler, seven at White.s- 
boro, three at Oriskany, five at Fort Stanwix, and three in 
Westmoreland, and that these twenty-one houses, a portion of 
which were little more than huts, then sheltered the whole 
white population in what is now Oneida County, and indeed 
in the whole of the State of New York west of Utica, a few 
traders with the Indians excepted. 

During the administration of the elder Adams, a company 
of " the standing army," commanded by Capt. Cherry, wa.s 
quartered in the octagon block-house in Fort Stanwix. This 
block-house was built subsequently to the E-evolution. and 
previous to Jay's treaty. It is believed it was built in 179r> 
or 1796, when much alarm was felt through the country 
from the hostile attitude of the western Indians. 

Among the early settlers of Rome, and prominent men 
prior to 1800, were John Barnard, George Huntington, 
Joshua Hathaway, Dr. Stephen White, Henry Huntington. 
Eozel Fellows, Matthew Brown, Bill Smith, Seth Fcanney, 
Matthew Brown, jun., David Brown, Ebenezer, Daniel W., 
and Thomas Wright, Thomas Selden, Solomon and John 
"Williams, Peter Colt, Col. William Colbrath, Abijah and . 
Clark Putnam, Caleb Reynolds, Rufus PJaston, Thomas 
Gilbert, Moses Fish, Stephen Lampraan, Jeremiah Steves 
and John Niles, all of whom, with one or two exceptiou.s, 
are now deceased. 

In the spring of 1793 John Barnard kept a tavern a few 
rods north-east from the present site of the Court House. 
In the latter part of April, or fore part of May, Mr. George 
Huntington arrived vrith a small assortment of goods, and 
for the want of better accommodations, he put them up for 
the benefit of customers in Barnard's bar room. This wat: 
the first store in Rome. The building thus occupied as a 
tavern and store was the first two-story building erected in 



XIX. ] ROME. 373 

Rome, and was built by Seth Rauuey. In the course of the 
season Mr. Huntington put up a small one-story framed 
building, into which he removed his goods. Henry Hun- 
tington, his brother and partner, resided in New York until 
1798, when he removed to Rome. The first store built by 
Mr. G. Huntington stood on James street, just north of the 
Merrill's Block. 

About the first of August, 1799, Thomas Walker started 
the first printing press in Rome, in this same first store. 
He printed a weekly paper, entitled the Columbian Gazette^ 
for Eaton and Walker, proprietors. 

The oldest buildings now standing in Rome, are the early 
residences of Messrs. H. and (x. Huntington, on Dominick, 
east of James street, and the plow factory (formerly Mc- 
Carthy's store) on the corner of Dominick and Washington 
-streets. 

The first grist mill in Rome was erected in 1795, and 
stood on Wood Creek, a few rods northerly from the United 
States' Arsenal. Its location for "custom work" must have 
been excellent, for in 1796 or 1797 a batteau loaded with 
corn arrived at this mill, having threaded its way from 
Ontario County, down the Seneca River to "Three River 
Point, thence up the Oneida River and the Oneida Lake to 
Wood Creek, up that stream through all its windings and 
turnings twenty-five miles to the mill. After getting their 
'■grist ground," the same devious track had to be followed 
on their return ; but as perseverance accomplishes all things, 
in due time, and without accident, they arrived at their 
homes, much to the joy of their families and friends, who 
were famishing for "lack of bread." 

Dr. Stephen White kept a tavern, in 1797, at the lower 
landing on the Mohawk, and near where the old canal 
was locked into the river. His bouse was opposite the pre- 



374 ANNALS OF ONEn>A COUNTT. [cilAr. 

sent residence of Matthew Huntington, then the residence 
of Col. William Colbrath. Cicero Gould and brother kept 
a tavern in the building (since mostly rebuilt) now occupied 
by Col. Henry A. Foster. Thomas Gilbert kept a tavern 
at the lower lauding on Wood Creek, at its confluence with 
Canada Creek. 

Previous to 1800 a man by the name of Logan kept, a.* a 
liotel, the large three-story wooden building on the north- 
west corner of James and Dominick streets. This building 
was burnt at the "great fire," and is succeeded by the four- 
ctory brick building known as the "American." 

By an act passed March 30, 1792, it was enacted. — '• Tliafc 
■tliere shall be established two companies of stockholders, one 
for the purpose of opening a lock navigation from the now 
navigable part of Hudson's liiver, to be extended to Lake 
Ontario and to the Seneca Lake, and to be called and known 
by the name of ' The President, Directors, and Company of 
the Western Inland Lock Navigation, in the State of New 
York,' and the other for like purpose with respect to north- 
ern parts of the Hudson, &c., &c. The Commissioners iVir 
distributing stock were, Samuel Jones, David Gelston, Com- 
fort Sands, Melancton Smith, and Nicholas Hoffman, f>i' 
New York ; and Abraham Ten Broeck, John Taylor, 
Philip S. Yan Rensselaer, Cornelius Glen, and John Ten 
Broeck. 

•• The first Directors were, Philip Schuyler, Leonard 
(lansevoort, Jeremiah Yan Rensselaer, Elkanah Watson. 
John Taylor, Jellis A. l-'onda, William North, Goldsbrow 
Banyar. Daniel Hale, John Watts, Walter Livingston. 
Dominick Lynch, James Watson, Matthew Clarkson. Ezra 
L'Hommedieu, IMelancton Smith, David Gelston, Stephen 
Lush, Cornelius Glen, Silas Talbot, John Frey, Douw 
Fonda, John Sanders, Nicholas J. Kossevelt, Daniel McCor- 



xrX.] ROME. 



375 



mick, Mariuus Willett, Jonathan Lawrence. Philip Yuo 
OorUandt, and James Clinton. 

'• The waters between Schenectady and Wood Creek wexe 
to be made navigable within five years after January 1st, 
1793, and to be completed down Wood Creek to Lake On- 
tario and Seneca Lake, within fifteen years from the anme 
•date. The State paid to each company, as a 'free gift,' 
§ 12.500 when each had expended ^25,000. 

"'The Western Inland Lock Navigation Company' co;cq- 
pleted a canal connecting the navigable waters of Mohuwk 
Kivor and W^ood Creek, at Rome, in 1797 ; it was two miles 
in length, and of a capacity for Durham boats of forty tons 
))urthen ; it had locks built of brick, at the east ancJ west 
ends, and its water was from the Mohawk by a feeder at ihe 
(centre ; its course passed the southerly margin of the vii- 
lage." — Western Enquirer. 

The brick locks, it seems, did not answer the purpose, and 
they were shortly afterwards rebuilt with more substantial 
materials. The bricks of which they were first constructed 
were very large, and the first Court House at Rome was 
constructed of them. Since the Court House was burned 
in 1848, these same bricks are again reused for the wall:-. 
of a handsome dwelling at the corner of George and Court 
i^treets. 

The following particulars respecting this canal are cou- 
densed from a notice of it in the first edition of Spafford's 
Gazetteer of JSfeic York., published in 1819. " The canal is 
fed by a lateral cut from the Mohawk, which entered it 
nearly a mile west of the river. It had a lock of ten feet 
at the eastern, and another of eight feet at the western ter- 
minations. There were also four locks, respectively of four, 
.«ix, seven, and eight feet, upon Wood Creek, within five 
miles of Rome, which were made by throwing dams across 



376 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTT. [CHAP*, 

the stream. JJattoaux. carrying from three to fifteen ton.s, 
drawing two feet of water, could jmss. but in dry season; 
with some difficulty. About IS 12 it was estimated that 30C 
boats, with 1.500 tons of merchandise, &c., went througl- 
this canal annuall}-. The canal at Little Falls [llocktonj 
was completed iu 1795."' These stupendous enterprises, for 
that period, were greatly indebted to the wisdom and energy 
of Gen. Schujder, who was President of the Company bv 
which they were constructed. "The average freights in 
1812 from Xew York to Oawego, per hundred weight, were. 
— ^to Albany, 30 cents : to Schenectad}-, 16 cents: to Utica. 
75 cents ; and to Oswego, $ 1 25, or $2 40 per cwt. through, 
which included lockage, portage money, »fcc. But the prO' 
jo(ji of a (ireat Western Canal, to connect Lake Eric and 
the Hudson by a boat navigation, is now u principal topic 
in this State. Commissioners have examined the country, 
and have reported in favor of the project, but on a plan 
which to my [Spafford's] apprehension is generally imprac- 
ticable. The object is certainly a desideratum of vast im- 
portance, and the magnitude of the undertaking is warranted 
by the ample means at our disposal. But the object is, or 
ought to be, a national one, and Congress will probaibly be 
induced to lend efficient aid whenever its practicability shall 
be satisfactorily demonstrated to that body." Such doc- 
trines sound strangely in this "day and generation." 

Peter Colt superintended the construction of the old canal. 
An anecdote which went the rounds of the papers at the 
time, may not be entirely uninteresting. Then, as now, 
canals were mainly constructed by Irish laborers. As Mr. 
Colt was passing through a company of those laborers one 
day, for some real or supposed offence or delinquency, h<! 
gave one of them a smart kick on his rear exposure. Thu 
man instantly let go his barrow, and while with his left hand 



XIX.] ROME. 377 

rubbing tbe seat of attack, with his right very respectfully 
raised his hat, and rolling the quid in his mouth, and with a 
•peculiar knowing twinkle of the eye, said, in the richest 
Irish brogue, "Fath and by Jassus, if yer honor kicks so 
while ye're a coult^ what'U ye do when ye get to be a 
horse?" 

George Huntington was continuous Collector and Peter 
Colt Superintendent for the Western Inland Lock Naviga- 
tion Company until the comj)letion of the Erie Canal. 
There is extant a copy of the finding of a body of freehold- 
ers of Herkimer Count}-, summoned by William Colbrath, 
sheriff of said county, dated November, 1797, in which they 
assess to the proprietors of "the Expense Lot," for fourteen 
acres of land, taken by the Western Inland Lock Naviga- 
tion Company, upon which to excavate their canal. Damages 
$ 1 00 and costs of appraisal. 

In the second war for independence, declared in 1812. 
Home had not quite lost "the fire of the flint" of the "days 
that tried men's souls." When called upon, it again and 
again furnished its quota of men for the defence of the 
northern frontier. Major Samuel Dill, of this town, was at 
Sacketts Harbor in the first detachment under Col. Bellin- 
ger, in 1812. When the downfall of Napoleon on the field 
of Waterloo had left no other enemy to haughty Britain 
tlian the United States, when Wellington's hitherto invin- 
cible regiments were pouring into Canada, in that darkest 
period of the war, Governor Tompkins, unsolicited, appointed 
Joshua Hathaway Quarter Master General of the New York 
State Militia, and ordered him to Sacketts Harbor. When 
he arrived at that post, it was under the command of the 
hero of Oswego, Col. Mitchell, of the regular artillery, who 
immediately tendered to him the command, as senior oflicer. 
Thia was at first m.odestly declined, but on Col. Mitchell's 



378 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAf. 

earnestly insisting, with the most cordial assurances of his 
{.'00(1 will, counsel, and co-operation, it was accepted. 

In the fall of this year the Oneida County Militia wcro 
called to Sacketts Karhorj en 7)iassc, and the 157th regiment, 
usually known as the Rome regiment, commanded by Col. 
John Westcott, embodied and marched to that post. Among 
its officers were Lieut.-Col. Joshua G. Green, Captains Rudd. 
Fillmore, Church, Grannis, Uinckley, and Peck, (perhap? 
.•-orae of these were there previously, in the detached militia.) 
i"taff ; Adjutant Samuel lieardsley, Paymaster Jay Hatha- 
way, Surgeon Henry H. Smith. 

In a truthful narrative of the events of that period, the 
historian is compelled to record the fact, tliat tlierc w^ere 
individuals of high staudine, who would attend the militarv 
parades when drafts were called for, and harangue the men 
when under arms, denouncincf the war as wicked, and all 
those who volunteered their services as murderers. 

The United States' Arsenal, magazine, work.sliops, and 
officers' quarters at this place, w^ere erected in 1813. The 
work was superintended by Major James Dalliba, of the 
Ordnance Department. A State Arsenal, built of brick, 
previous to IS 10, stood on the site now occupied by St. 
Peter's (Catholic) Church, It was accidentally destroyed 
by fire, with its contents, a few years since. 

On the 4th of July, 1817, the ground was first broken in 
the construction of the Erie Canal. This was done with 
appropriate public ceremonies, and t)ie place selected was 
a few rods west of the United States' Arsenal, and the honor 
of casting the first sliovel of earth was assigned to the late 
Hon. Joshua Hathaway. Wood Creek flows into the canal 
at this point, and the surplus water passes off by a waste 
weir over its old channel, following which about three-fourth.'* 
of a mile, it receives Mud Creek, a email mill stream, froin 






XiX.] EOME. 37!) 

the south-wost, and about the same distance below is the 
remains of Fort Bull. 

The Eric Canal from I^foutezuma to Utiea was so far 
completed as to be navigable in 1820. Bela 13. Hyde was 
the first collector, appointed at Rome, and held the ofiiee for 
eighteen successive years. The first tolls were -paid by Col. 
John Westcott. upon a raft of timber. The Erie Canal on 
its fix'st construction through Rome, passed about half a 
mile south of the village, but this was a departure from the 
uniform course pursued by the State in the location of its 
public works. In every other instance it is believed the 
canal was located, as far as consistent with the public in- 
terest, so as to save capital already invested, while at this 
point a diflFcrent policy or course was pursued. The canal 
located half a mile from the village was far more expensive 
in its construction than if laid in the bed of the old canal 
through the village. No very satisfactory reasons have ever 
],>een adduced for such a location, and it was certainly very 
disastrous to the village, and for eighteen years kept it 
])ehind the other villages upon the line of the canal. At 
the time of its construction, it was said the Western Inland 
Lock Navigation Company asked such an exorbitant price 
for their canal, that it was thought cheaper to make a new 
one than to buy it. Others suspected that an assistant 
engineer was interested in testing the practicability of con- 
structing canals through a muck swamp, as he owned land 
of that description in another county, which would be greatly 
benefitted if canal making in such grounds proved success- 
ful. Be that as it may, all the advantage which Rome de- 
rived from the canal for the above term of time was very 
limited, although it is true that a storehouse and a little 
cluster of cheap buildings, mostly built upon piles, sprang 
up in the swainp. In point of durability, the latter just 



^80 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAlK 

answered tlicir ciul. i'or when the location of the enhirc:f'l 
canal was changed through the village, these buildings ha-, 
lived out their da}', and their owners experienced very littJi 
loss. The change of location, which was in 1844, gave  
new impulse to the business of the place. 

This now forsaken channel, however, still answers * 
valuable purpose as a drain for the " swamp." Several hui} 
dred acres, originally covered with a dense growth of pirn, 
cedar, and black ash, have latelj'' been cleared, and are foun« 
so dry that the alluvial soil is very valuable for agricultura 
purposes. 

The Syracuse and Utica Railroad passes through the 
southerly part of the village, crossing the Mohawk and Eric 
Canal upon wooden bridges. The depot is a substantia' 
stone building, 225 feet in length. This road was charterec 
in 1836, and its construction has added materially to th» 
prosperity of Rome. The Rome and Watertown Railroad 
nojv constructing, makes its junction with the Syracuse an^^ 
Utica Railroad a few rods westerly from the depot. Ex* 
tensive buildings are about to be erected near the junction. 

The Black River Canal passes in a southerly direction 
through the easterly part of the village. This work has 
progressed very slowly. From the disordered situation of 
the State finances in 1842, all public works for a time were 
suspended, but a better state of things has enabled the State 
to resume its public works, and this canal is in such a state 
of forwardness, that it became navigable to the Black River 
in the spring of 1850. 

The capitalists of Rome, aided by the inhabitants of the 
difi"erent sections of country interested, have, with a laudable 
ambition, converted all the important highways leading to 
the village into plank roads. Those from Rome to Oswego, 
from Rome to Taberg. from Rome to Turin, and from Rome 



X\X.] ROME. 381 

to Western and Boonville, are already constructed, wliile 
one from Rome to Hamilton is in the course of construction. 
 The Rome Academy, an incorporated institution, occupies 
a handsome three-story structure, built by subscription in 
1848, upon a beautiful and prominent location on the public 
square, on the north side of Court street, and west of the 
Court House and James street. It is under the charge of a 
board of trustees, who. have power to fill all vacancies in 
their number. Eev. S. Pt. Brown, some time missionary 
in China, is its principal, and the female department is 
under the care of Miss Sabina Jennings, late of Mount 
ilolyoke Seminary. For an institution so recently estab- 
lished, it is in a very prosperous condition, now numbering 
about 200 students, with a juvenile department attached. 

The common schools of Rome have claimed the attention 
of its prominent citizens, and are not behind those of any 
section of the county.* 

The village contains 500 dwelling houses, some of them 
very elegant structures, and pre-eminent among which is 
that of Mr. Edward Huntington, on Liberty street, which is 
of brick, finely stuccoed and shaded, in imitation of stone. 
It also contains forty stores and sixty mechanic shops. The 
principal public houses are the American, Northern, and 
Railroad Hotels, Stanwix Hall, Tremont House, Willetfc 
House, and Seymour House. The Bank of Rome and Fort 
Stanwix Bank are each doing an extensive and profitable 
business. The Rome Exchange Bank has been establishe-d 
within the present summer (1851). 



 * Since the foregoing was penned, a new era has commenced in 
the common schools in the village. A new school house has been 
erected, of brick, seventy feet by fifty, two stories high, calculated 
to accommodate 400 scholars, and located upon a large lot in a 
iiandsorae and convenient position, at an expense of about $7,000. . 



382 ANNAI.S OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

The natural advantages of Ftome as a place of business, 
are good, antl it3 location central. The carrying place Irora 
the Mohawk to Wood Creek in the olden time, the old canal 
making an uninterrupted water navigation from New York 
to the Ontario, Cayuga, and Seneca Lakes, the elevated dry 
gravelly plain, so firm and suitable for building ground, tho 
excellence of its water, and its contiguity to the fore-men- 
tioned streams for hydraulic purposes, all seemed to point 
to this location as one for a place of extensive business. Its 
growth, however, for the first half century after its perma- 
nent settlement, was far short of public expectation, and for 
this there were a number of causea. A prominent one was 
in the fact, that the owners of the soil refused to sell the fee 
simple of the building lots. Enterprising business men, 
locating themselves in a new country, generally possess too 
much of the spirit of independence, too much of the feeling 
of "anti-rentism," to willingly impose on their posterity the 
burthen of an annual stipend to the landholder. The loca- 
tion of the Seneca turnpike, some ten miles south of Rome, 
and intersecting tho Mohawk at Utica, soon caused a rival, 
without a tythe of its natural advantages, to grow up and 
outstrip it. And then the unkind and unjust first location 
of the Erie Canal, as before mentioned, added to the fact 
that the energies and ambition of the people Lad become 
too dormant, left this place with but a very tardy progress. 
The construction of the Syracuse and Utica Railroad, the 
(ihange of the route of tho Erie Canal, and the construction 
of the Black River Canal, roused the Romans to burst "the 
shell" which had so long encased them, and their new flou 
rishingand prosperous place, with its improvements, its plank 
roads, and business facilities, give unerring evidence of the 
pablio spirit of its capitalists, and tho enlightened enel"gie*^ 
of its people ; and with its but few years of prosperity, it 



XIX.j ROME. 383 

even now claims a reserved stock of public spirit and''aia- 
bition, with a basis, it is believed, of sound advantages, 
which, when events shall ripen, and the State Capitol, in. 
search of a new location, shall " westward take its way," will 
then show their mettle in the strife with Utica and Syracuse ; 
"till when, it bides its time" 

Two fires in the village, the first burning quite a portion 
of the business portion on the south side of Dominick street, 
and the "great fire," which occurred January 6th, 1846, 
sweeping all the buildings on the north side of Dominick 
street, from the Bank of Rome on the west to James street, 
and up that to Stone Alley, have very materially added to 
tlie beauty of the place. In the brief space of three years 
from their occurrence, the whole of the burnt districts were 
rebuilt with good substantial brick buildings, and on the site 
of the latter fire it is believed few finer or more uniform 
blocks of its extent can be found in central New York. 

la one instance thousands now regret that the ruthless 
hand of improvement had not been stayed. The noble fort, 
built on the strictest scientific rules, and round which so 
many rich reminiscences centrej has been razed, and not one 
portion of it left to mark its locality. It was an exception 
to every other fortification in the " Old Thirteen," for it was 
never taken, and no enemy ever entered within Its ramparts. 
For a pleasure ground, its location w^as most admirable, and 
planted with forest trees and shrubbery, no park in the 
State could have vied with it. On the south and east lay 
the finest alluvial meadows, through which the silvery Mo - 
hawk, "o'er its numerous rifts," wends its way, while equi- 
distant between the river and the fort, meanders Spring 
Brook, " cold as winter's ice," in which in former timea 
gambolled " nature's best," the speckled trout ; while on the 
north and west, for at least two miles, extends a level plateau. 



3''84 AN.NALS or ONEIDA COirNTY. [cilAF. 

than' which, for town or city, no finer site exists. If it had 
been spared, so long as the stars and stripes float over ii 
nation of freemen, bo long as tlie remembrance of the times 
which ''tried men's souls" is cherished, so long each mcr 
feeding year would have increased the interest in a spot so 
rich in revolutionary lore. 

All now left for the historian is to speak of it as "among 
tlie things that were." and as far as possible preserve the 
identity of its location. The residence of John Stryktr, 
Esq., stands where stood the north-east corner or bastion, 
on the south-east that of Virgil Draper, on the south-west 
that of Alva Mud-ge, a,nd on the north-west that of J). B. 
Prince. The large elm tree standing at the west end of the 
dwelling of Alva Mudge, in 1804 was a small ten foot sap- 
ling, growing on the west scarp, just below the top of the 
rampart. 

It has fared better with Fort Bull, for time has effected all 
the changes wrought ur)on it. It is a fort in miniature, 
compared with Fort Stanwix, yet a very handsome and 
regularly formed work. It is near a farm liouse owned hy 
Simon Matteson, and the area within its walls is occupied as 
a garden. Pickaxes, gun barrels, hatchets, knives, flint 
arrow-heads, flints, pieces of crockery, etc., are occasionally 
plowed up within the fort and in its vicinity. In a com- 
mendable spirit, Mr. Matteson says, that so long as he owns 
the farm, the fort shall remain as it is. In building a barn 
a few years since, he used for one of the posta a stick of 
timber found in the bed of Wood Creek, and which belonged 
to the dam thrown across it at the time of the construction 
of the fort. It was entirely sound, "and just aa good a.« 



new." 



The public buildings in Rome are the United States' Ar- 
senal, Court House. Jail. Academy, Presbyterian, Baptist. 



XIX.] ROME. 365 

Episcopal, Methodist, Irish Romau Catholic (St. Peter's), 
Dutch lloman Catholic, Welsh Methodist, and Lutheran 
Churches. 

There are two printing offices, from each of which issues 
a weekly paper, — Tiie Rome Sentinel (Democratic), and the 
Roman Citizen (Whig). 

In the town are twelve saw mills, carried by water, three 
steam saw mills, two furnaces, one grist and flouring mill, 
one plaster mill, one steam planing machine, one woolen 
factory, two breweries, a stone ware manufactory, and a ship 
tackle block factory. The county poorhouse is in this town, 
about two miles south-west of the village. 

There are several Lodges of Odd Fellows in the villaa:i\ 
which occupy a handsomely furnished hall on James street. 
There is also a flourishing Division of the Sons of Tem- 
perance. 

The Court House and Jail, just completed by the county, 
occupy ^he site of the former ones, which were destroyed by 
fire some three years since. They are of brick, except the 
uells, which are of large slabs of limestone. These buildings, 
in style and finish, are considered as models, worthy the 
central county of the Empire State. 

There is nothing in the geology of this town of particular 
interest, other than already noticed. On the southerly line 
of the town is a quarry of freestone, particularly noticed in 
the history of Westmoreland (Chap. XXYIII). On the 
north line of the town the banks of the Mohawk and Crulf 
Brook show large masses of shale. Bowlders are occasion- 
ally met with. The surface of the village plat, and for a 
considerable distance nortli and east, was originally almost 
covered with cobble stones, many of which exhibit numerous 
petrifactions. 

In excavating the canal through the swamp, clam shells 

■26 



386 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [aiiXT. 

of a large size, charcoal, and ashes, were found imbedded 
eigh.t ftet bc'lo^v the surface. 

Fish Creek, which forms the western boundary of the 
town, is here large and rapid, and was formerly well stocked 
•with trout, and from May to July it amply supplied the 
Home market witli the finest salmon, speared and brought in 
by the Oneida Indians. As late as 1800 salmon were so 
plenty, that from three to four cents per pound was a fair 
price, and many were bought of the Indians for a pint to a 
quart of rum per salmon. They sometimes brought them 
in baskets on tlieir backs, and when extra plenty, the Indian 
ponies were used as pack-horses, on which the iish were 
somewhat fantastically, and quite ingeniously, bound with 
bark, the back and sides of the beast having been previously 
covered with branches of the large-leafed basswood sapling. 

The following public officers have been elected or ajv 
pointed from among the former or present citizens of Home ; 
— two Supreme Court Judges, three Supreme Court Com- 
missioners, six County Judges, tv.'O Sheriffs, four Surrogates, 
one United States' Senator, one Member of Congress, six 
Members of Assembly, two State Senators, hve County 
Treasurers, one Chief Engineer of the Erie Canal, one do. 
of the Black River Canal, and one Captain of the United 
States' Army. The first postmaster in the place was Mat- 
thew Brown, jun. 

John Barnard, who has been mentioned as an innkeeper 
and business-man in the early days of liome, yet survives, 
at a very advanced age, in Lima, Livingston Countv. Jede- 
diah Phelps, Esq., also named as an early settler, has for 
many years resided in Albion, Orleans County. About two 
years since, the author wrote to him for some of his recol- 
lections of the early history of Oneida County. The an- 
;.\Ycr came in another hand, but age had so impaired his 



XIX.] ROME; 387 

memory, that nothing of interest waS' elicited At the 
bottom of the letter, in very fair and legible characters, was 
tlie following, in his own hand — 



*G) 



"I am, dear Sir, very respectfully yours. 

" jEDEDL-vn Phelps. 
" Mv. aire is I'G.''* 



Sergeant John Dowlee, of the artillery, was loag in tho 

garrison of Fort Stanwix, and was in it when it sustained 

the siege by St. Leger. He also went out with the party 

under Col. Willett, and was at the taking of Sir John JoImi- 

son's camp. He said the surprise of the Indians and tories 

was r.s perfect as was that of Gen. Herkimer at Oriskany, 

as thev had no picket-guard out. and were engaged in making 

fires and cooking their rations. It will le recollected that 

J ohnson's camp was at the landing, about half a mile below 

the fort. When the attack was made, the tories attempted 

to ford or swim the river, and were shot down by scores 

while in tl.e river, and those who reached the shore fled for 

their lives. Sergeant Dowlee was of the opinion that a 

portion of Johnson's men had returned from the Oriskany 

battle before their camp was stormed. He declared " they 

were a bloody, villauous looking set." He was the only 

officer who settled in the vicinity of the work he had so long 

assisted in defending, and where he and his comrades had so 

signally punished the Indians and tories for the Oriskany 

butchery. He lived to a good old age. 

The following epitaph, copied from the monument over 
his remains, contains so much of the history of one of 
Home's prominent citizens, that it is inser^d : — 

* Since deceaaed, 



388 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAf, 

"In memory of the Hon. Jo.snuA Hathaway, more than forty 
years a resident of thi.s town. He wa.s born in Suffield, (Jt., Aiip. 
10, 1701 ; graduated at Yale College in 1787, and died at Rome, 
Lee. 8th, 18.30. ' Requie-scat in pace.' As a husband and father, 
ever worthy, loved, and venerated. As a man and Christian, up- 
right and exemplary; a friend to the needy and injured; and a 
father in the Church. As a magistrate and judge, by the grace of 
God, an executor of justice, and maintainer of the truth, 'a terror to 
evil doers, and praise to such as did well.' As a patriot, he bore 
arms in two wars for his country, and sustained at all times the 
cause of the people with zeal juid fidelity. As a citizen, ever active 
and enterprising for the benefit of our common country, and among 
the foremost for the improvement of this favored portion of it. To 
him was assigned the honor of breaking ground on commencing that 
great and beneficial work, the Erie Canal, July 4, 1817. In the 
various relations of life he fulfilled its duties as in the fear of God, 
with faithfulness, ability, and honesty of purpose. He died lament- 
<'d. ' The memory of the just is blessed.' " 



Judge Hathaway's father, himself, and six brothers, wore 
under Gen. Stark at the Bennington battle, which victory 
was the first link in the chain of events, and the flight of 
St. Leger from before Fort Stanwix the second, M'hich led to 
the capture of Burgoyne ; the capture of Burgoyne laid the 
foundation for a treaty of alliance with France, and without 
the aid of the French land and naval forces, Washington 
could not have forced the capitulation of Cornwallis, which 
in fact achieved the independence of the United States. 

The following inscription is also copied from a monument 
ir. the village cemetery ; — 



• To the memory, of Capt. Samuel, Perkins, who departed this lifo 
at the United States' Arsenal, Rome, Dec. 30, 1837, in the 75ih year 
of his age. He entered the service of his country during the War 
of the Revolution, when he was but 14 years old, and served till its 
independence wa^ giired. He was actively engaged in the Indian 



XIX.J ROME. 389 

campaign of 179o, under Gen. Wayne. lie also participated in, and 
rendered valuable services during the late war with Great Britain. 
After wliich, retiring from active duties, he held for 18 years the 
station of ordnance keeper, and died in the public service. In 
every situation of his life was remarkably exemplified that just 
SL-ntiment, — ' An honest man is the noblest work of God.' " 



George • Ilimtington, mentioned as the first merchant, 
spent the remainder of his days in the village. He was a 
man of great excellence of character. His personal appear- 
ance was very fine, and did not escape the observation of 
liis aboriginal neighbors, the Oncidas. for they gave him for 
a name A-i-o, in their language, "handsome." He died 
vSeptember 23, 1841, aged 71 years. 

Henry Huntington, brother, and for many years partner 
in many of their business transactions, of George, came to 
this place, as has been stated, in 1798. and selected it as a 
home for the remainder of his life. He was a man of great 
worth. The mercantile firm of Henry and George Hun- 
tington was uniformly noted for the integrity of its entire 
business transactions. The utmost harmony prevailed be- 
tween the brothers, and for years after they had retired from 
mercantile business, they used to meet in the morning in 
their former counting room, and smoke their long pipes in 
company. For a large portion of their lives they were an- 
tagonistic in their political preferences, and if the difierent 
parties had their bickerings, they had none. They were 
very successful in all their business transactions, and each 
had acquired a large fortune. Henry was, from the time of 
its charter, in 1812, to the time of his decease, President of 
the Utica Bank, and was considered the wealthiest man in 
the county. He died October 15, 1846. aged 80 years. 



390 AJVNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAr 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The First Congregational Church of Rome was formed 
September 25, 1800, and consisted of eleven members. The 
Rev. Simon Waterman, of Plymouth, Conn., was present, 
and officiated at its organization. Its first pastor was the 
Rev. Moses G illett, a graduate of Yale College, who came to 
Rome and commenced his labors in ISOG, and wa.« ordained 
and installed over this church in October, 1807. At that 
time the church consisted of thirty members. Mr. Gillett 
continued his labors until October, 1837, thirty years from 
his ordination. During all this time he so devoted himself 
to his work in the ministry, and with a singleness and effec- 
tiveness of purpose, that the inspired eulogy of Barnabas 
well applied to him : " He was a good man, and full of the 
Holy Ghost, and of faitli, and much people was added unto 
the Lord." There were added to the church during his 
ministry, 807 members, 103 by letter and 704 by profes.sion: 
of these. 184 were added March 12. 182G, as the fruits of 
the "great revival" which occuri'ed in connection with t!ie 
labors of the Rev. Charles G. Finney, and the influence of 
which spread over an extensive region, but was probably 
more strongl}^ marked in this vicinity than elsewhere. The 
influences of this revival have been' likened to the waves 
formed by casting a pebble upon a sheet of water, pressing 
forward, wave forming wave, until they strike the tarthest 
.shore ; so many of the inhabitants of the western prairies, 
and granite-bound New England, yet bless G-od that they 
lived in ''these days." Subsequently to this period, the 
church continued harmonious and prosperous, and receiving 
accessions, so that in 1831, ^t the formation of tlie Second 
Churchy it numbered over 500 members. 



XIX.]  ROME, 391 

After Mr. Gillett's resignation, in 1837, the Rev. Messrs. 
D. Clary, B. "W. Dwiglit. and E. 0. Dunning, each for a 
brief period preached to this people. In 1841 the Rev. 
Selden Hayncs was installed pastor, and held that place 
until dismissed from his charge, June 30, 1346. He ^vas a 
successful pastor, for during his labors 130 were added to 
the Church. 

The First and Second Churches were reunited, June 8, 
1847. The Rev. Messrs. George C. Lucas, George Bush- 
nell, and W. F. Williams supplied the pulpit two years. In 
May, 1848, the present pastor, the Rev. William E. Knox, 
commenced his labors with the church, and was installed on 
the 2d of August following. Since his installation, there 
have been accessions of seventy-six members. Up to the 
present time (1850) great harmony prevails, the pastor, 
church, and congregation, being happily united. The large 
and increasing numbers who attend stated worship are 
straitened for accommodations in their present house, and it 
is already designed in 1851 to erect a new building, in size and 
style equal to the wants of the congregation, and to correspond 
with the newly-erected public buildings of the place. 

Secoiid Congregational Church. — In the latter part of 
the year 1S30, the First Church then containing. over 500 
members, it was thought advisable, by a respectable por- 
tion of them, to form a second church. On their appli- 
cation for that purpose to the Oneida Presbytery, January 
11, 1831, their request was granted, and the next day they 
were formally -organized as a church by a committee of that 
body. At the time of organization fifty-eight persons ofiered 
to become members, but as the number was soon increased 
to eighty-six, this latter number maybe considered as lis 
number at its commencement. 



302 ANNALS or ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

From this time until July following, the desk was supplied 
by the llcv. Messrs. Erastus Nicliols, Daniel Nash, and John 
Waters, and their brief labors were blessed to the church 
In July, 1831. the Rev. Jacob Ilelfeustiue entered upon tlic 
duties of pastoi*, and continued them for two years. In tlii.^ 
time 160 were added by profession, and eighteen by letter. 
Tlic next pastor was the Rev. Avelyn Sedgwick, who re- 
mained three years, during which thirtj-^-nine were added by 
profession, and fourteen by letter. From the dismissal of 
Mr. Sedgwick, in September, 1836, to June 8, 1847, the 
time of the \;nion of the two churches, the following clergy- 
men preached to tliis people, viz. : — C. Edwards Lester, 
Theodore Spencer, Herman Norton, Henry H. Hurlburt. 
Benjamin H. Campbell, Orson Parker, Charles Jones, and 
iicorge S. Boardman. Of these, only Messrs. Campbell and 
Jones were installed pastors, the others officiated as supplies 
from year to year. Rev. Mr. Spencer labored eighteen 
months, in which time twenty-two were added by profession. 
and twenty-seven by letter. Rev. Mr. Norton for one year. 
and five were added by profession, and six by letter. Rev. 
JMr. Campbell for eight months, and a few were added by 
letter. During the space between the dismissal of Mr. 
Campbell and the procurement of a successor, the Rev. 
Orson Parker labored as an evangelist for a few weeks in 
the month of November, 1840. A revival followed, and as 
its fruits about fifty were added by profession. Many pro- 
minent individuals, heads of families and young people. 
were subjects of this revival, and since, by their consistent 
Christian deportment, have given evidence of the sincerity 
of their profession. Rev. Mr. Jones ministered to the 
c'iiurch from July, 1841. until June, 1843, and in this period 
eigliteen were added by profession, and twenty by letter. 
Rev. Mr. Roardman commenced his ministrv soon after the 



XIX. ] ROME. 393 

dismissal of Mr. Jones, and continued three years, until 
June, 1840, during which, ten were added by profession, and 
fifteen by letter. Mr. Boardraan was dismissed, as was Mr. 
Haynes, of the First Church, to further the reunion of the 
two churches, which took place June 8, 1847. 

Baptist Cliurch. — The records of this church commence 
as follows: — "In the summer and autumn of the year of 
our Lord 1817, several of the members of the different 
Baptist Churches residing in Rome and its A'icinity, became 
impressed with the idea that it would promote the declara- 
tive glory of God. the honor of the Redeemer's kingdom, and 
their own happiness, if Grod in his providence should so 
order, as to have a church formed amongst them." 

A conference on the subject was notified and held at the 
school house, in "Wright's Settlement, town of Rome, October 
23. IS 17. '-The result of the conference was, that there 
appeared to be ground to build upon, and material with 
which to build, without interfering with any other church or 
society." 

'■ Wednesday, Nov. 19. — Met according to appointment. 
voted to send to "Whitestown, Floyd, Trenton, and Western 
churches, for counsel. Elder Dyer Starks, being present, 
was invited to attend ; and that they meet at the house of 
»losepli Briggs on the 10th of December, at 10 o'clock 
A. M." 

"Dec. 10, 1817. — The conference met according to re- 
quest, and after making inquiries sufficient to satisfy them- 
selves, voted to give the brothers and sisters fellowship as a 
sister church, in token of which Elder Elon Galusha, in 
behalf of the council, gave the right hand of fellowship." 

The church thus constituted consisted of seventeen mem- 
bers. 



394 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAr. 

Elder Dyer Starks* was its first pastor, and he continncd 
his charge for several years. He was succeeded by Elders 
Jacobs and Douglass, who each preaclied for a short period. 

After this the church was so fortunate as to secure the 
services of Elder David Morris. lie was a •• workman ap- 
proved,"' and during his pastorate the church and society 
were enlarged and strengthened. Tn August, 1826, a house 
of worship was commenced, and was completed the next 
year, and was '-in its day" a very neat edifice. Eld. Morris 
continued with them ten years, when he was dismissed. Ho 
was succeeded by Elder John Gibbs, and he by Elder 
Emerson xVndrews, who was dismissed in 1838. The same 
year the present pastor, H. C. Vogell, began to preach to 
this people. He is highly esteemed by his flock and the 
citizens generally, as the length of time he has sustained 
himself with them fully evinces. Since he commenced his 
labors here, their house of wor.ship has been greatly in:- 
proved as to appearance and convenience. The Church 
from its small beginnings, seventeen members, has increased 
.so that it now numbers 294 communicant.^;, and a large 
society attends upon their stated worship. The church con- 
tributed 6300 during the past year for missionary purposes. 

The Prote-sto.nt Episcopal Chvrch at Rome was organized 
and incorporated in 1825, by the name of •• Zion^s Church, 
Rome."' The Rev. A. S. Hollister was its first pastor; Jay 
Hathaway and Henry Hayden, wardens ; Numa Leonard, 
Hiram Denio, If. N. Carr, J. B. Read, J. A. Canfield, R 



* EUk-r Starks lived to a groat ago. lie had no relatives in tl.o 
countr}", and I'ur a number of years after lie liad become );Upor- 
annuatod, was supported by the Oneida Bapti.st Association. After 
his decease, the Association erected an appropriate head-stone at 
}jis grave, in .the burying ground in Rome. 



X.'X.] ROME. 395 

Butler, and Peter White, vestry. The following clergymen 
huve at different periods, as rector.s or in other capacitic?, 
had charge of the church, viz.: — M. A. Perry, Geo. Fiske, 
William W. Niles, J. Sunderland, J. ^V. Woodward, N. B. 
Burgess, Hobart Williams, Henry Lockwood, S. IT. Battin, 
Seth Davis, and Almou Gregory. The society now numbers 
fifty families, about 200 individuals, and sixty communi- 
cants. The Rev. Henry B. Whipple is the present pastor. 
Their house of worship stands on the south-west corner of 
Washington and Liberty streets, and was consecrated for 
divine service on the 15th of August, 1833, by the Right 
Rev. Bishop of the Diocese. In 1851 this society has nearly 
completed a new stone edifice on the north-east corner of 
the same streets. 

Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. — A class is Relieved to 
have been formed in what is now called the "Adams Neigh- 
borhood," as early as 1799, which continued in existence 
until a society was organized at the "Ridge," in 1803. It 
has not been ascertained at what time the meetings began 
to be held in the village. The society held its services in 
the Court House until 1828, at about which time the present 
church edifice was built. This church is in a flourishing 
condition, and reported at the last session of the Black 
River Conference, 200 members. The present pastor is the 
Rev. James Erwin. During the year 1850 their house of 
worship was much improved. 

The author intends to make no invidious comparisons 
among many other able and efficient ministers of this deno- 
mination who have preached in Rome, by mentioning the 
Kame of the Rev. Mr. Ninde, who was stationed in charge 
of this people for a time. He was a faithful and eloquent 
preacher of the New Testament, and one who, not only by 



396 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cilAP. 

Ills public ministrations, but by his example and daily life, 
was peculiarly calculated to win souls. His praise was not 
only in all tlie churches of the Methodists, but in those of 
the different denominations in this place. His memory is 
held in "grateful remembrance"' by tliem, for -'the memory of 
the just is blessed." His Master called for him : he was ready, 
and entered into His rest, soon after he left this station. 

Welsh C/iurch. — This society occupies the edifice formerly 
in the possession of the Second Congregational Churcli. 
The church was instituted in 1847, and numbers at this 
time about seventy members. In doctrine it is Calvinlstic. 
and in form of government Methodist Episcopal. 

Among the papers of tlie late Alexander Parkman, Esq.. 
of Westmoreland, was found a Columbian Patriotic Gazette. 
of January G, 1800, No. 23, a paper published at Kome, by 
Ebenezer Eaton and Thomas Walker. By a comparison 
with the papers published at this place at the present time, 
the great improvements in printing and typography in the 
last half century is most strikingly illustrated. 

Under the miscellaneous head, on the first page, is an 
article headed, '-The Events of the French Revolution." 
giving a very concise account of the prominent events of 
that sanguinary and bloody struggle. There is a note at the 
bottom of the page giving, in a brief space, the particulars 
of the beheading of Louis XYI, and closes by saying, " Of 
the Members of the Convention who voted for the King's 
death, forty have been guillotined, six have killed themselves. 
four have been assassinated, two were found dead in the 
field, and one died in irons ; in less than four years after 
that unhappy event." 

The probable reason why the paper was preserved was. 



^IX.] ROME. 397 

that it contained an account of the funeral of Gen. Wash- 
ington. It is from the account published in Georgetown, 
Maryland. The description thus closes: — '-The sun was 
now settinir. Alas ! the sun of glory was set for ever. 
No, the name of WASHINGTON, the American President 
and General, will triumph over death, the unclouded bright- 
ness of his glory will Illuminate future ages." The editorial 
is headed, " Columbia Mourns." 

The summary of '-Domestic Occurrences" thus closes: — 
'• A large number of respectable and wealthy gentlemen in 
the Counties of Montgomery and Herkimer, with the co- 
operation of like characters in Schenectady and Fort Schuy- 
ler, have resolved on petitioning the Legislature, at their 
next session, to be formed into a corporation for the purpoi:e 
of turnpiking the road from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler.". 
If these respectable and wealthy men had been cautioned 
not to thus invest their capital, for possibly before their 
turnpike was half paid for from its tolls, a canal and rail- 
road would be built along by the side of it, and within forty 
years, taking all the business from it, so that they would 
petition to abandon their charter ; would they not have at 
least looked somewhat incredulous ? 

There is a table giving the " State of the Thermometer, 
taken at Hamilton Oneida Academy," for the last half of 
December, 1799. The table shows that there were eight 
cloudy days, three fair days, one clear, one rainy, and one 
snowy day in the time. 

In the advertisements, Peter Colt informs the public 
that, on the 14th of December, 1799, he lost, between the 
store of Messrs. G. Huntington &> Co., and his house, a 
newly-dressed calf skin, and a quire of writing paper, and 
that if the finder will return them to said store or his house, 
he shall receive a suitable reward, and his thanks. 



308 ANNAf.S O? ONUriA COUNTY. [cHSP. 

The following is the "List of Letters remaining in the 
Post Office Jiiimary 1st, 1800."' 

It t^hould be borne in mind by the reader, that at that 
time the town of Western had no post office, which in 1800 
included all of Lee and part of Annsville. It soems that 
Mr. lyaac Lockwood, of High Falls, Black lliver. had a 
letter advertised, also Mr. Stephen Wells, of Strickland 
There was an attempt to have the town of Iledfield thus 
named from an early settler, but the land-owner, Redfield. 
prevailed in ha,ving his name affixed to the town, now so far- 
famed as the land of snow. It is therefore presumed, that 
if Mr. Wells ever had the perusal of liis letter, lio had to 
nome or send all the way from Redfiesd for it 

LIST OF LETTERS 

Remaining: in the Post Office, Kome, January 1st, 1800. 

A. 

Isaac Alden, 2-Rome. 

B 

Capt. John Bates, Rome; Matthew Booman, do.; William Burcl;, 
do.; Mr. Burnam, do. ; James Brown, do. ; James Brown, Bridge- 
water ; Nathan Barlow, Western. 

c. 

James Cornish, 2 Rome. 

E. 
Robert Felton, Rome. 

G. 
Gideon Gilford, Rome ; James Gould, do. 

H. 

Gershom HiitckJey, Rome ; David Harmon. Great Salmon River. 

J. 

Nahum Johnson, Rome. 

K 

Aaron King. Rome. 



xix.J noMK. 309 

L. 

Isaac Lathvop; Rome; Solomon Lord, do.; Isaac Lockwocd: Iligli 

Falls, Clack River. 

M. 
Daniel Marshall, Rome. 

0. 

A-brahaia Ogden, Rome ; William Olney, Western; 

P. 

Joseph Phips, Western, 

S, 
James Simpson, Rome. 

T. 

Samuel Tublos, Rome. 

W. 
Barritt West, Rome ; William W«ntvvorth, do. ; Steplien Wells, Strick- 
land ; Ezra Wheeler, Western. 

Matthew Brown, jun., P. M. 



The following obituaries are from the Rome Sentinel- of 
June 25, 1851.— 



•■ Died, in Rome, June 17th, Capt. Ebenezer WRiGMT, aged 73 
years. 

•'Capt. Wright was among the oldest settlers of the town. He 
came with his father in 1789, from Sharon, Conn., when there was 
but one framed house standing on the present site of this village. 
The family located themselves on the north side of the river in thti 
neighborhood, which from that time has been known as " Wright's 
Settlement." Capt. Wright became connected with the First Church 
in August, 1815, as did a large number of the most respectable in- 
habitants of the town, the fruits of the powerful revival of that 
year. Since that he has remained a consistent and exemplary mem- 
ber, and highly respected and beloved by all his numerous acquaint- 
aacc. After a somewhat protracted illness, which he boreVith the 
most cliild-like acquiescence in God's will, and with a meekness and 
iiweetaess of manner which charmed all who visited him. and ia the 



400 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAr. 

exercise of a lively and most comforting hope to the rest which he 
uow enjoys with the saints in hght." 

" Died, In Rome, on the 18th inst., Mr. Edward Potter, aged 03 
jears. 

•• Mr. Potter was a British sohlier under Burgoyne, but deserted 
.from that standard in Canada, and came to thi.s State, before General 
Iturgoyne's arrival with the Army. Although he did not join the 
American army, he was ever through the war a friend to American 
liberty, which he lived to see established and to eiyoy during a long 
life. 



Addenda. — While the writer was engao-ed in rcadln<' the 
proof" sheet of the last form of Rome, he accidentally learned 
the following little reminiscence, which was deemed worth 
preserving. Captain Jesse Pierce, who kept a ferry acro.ss 
the Mohawk at the Simon's Farm, above the llidge ]Millsi, 
was appointed hy Government, in 1789, to distribute to the 
people the arms and equipments left in Fort Stanwix, which 
duty he performed. They were a gift to said inhabitants 
for the defence of this frontier, and it is but a few yeur.s 
since some of these veteran fire-arms were still in the hands 
of their recipients. This was the tirst military appointment 
JO t])C -towu. 



XX.] SANGERPIELD 401 



CHAPTER XX. 



SANGERPIELD. 



This town was originally known as Township No. Twenty, 
of the twenty townships laid out upon the west side of the 
Unadilla River. Under a law of the Legislature passed 
February, 1789, it was surveyed in the summer of that 
year. After the survey, and previous to its settlement, it 
was simply known to the land speculators of the day as 
Township No. 20, of the "twenty towns." At the time of 
the survey it was included in Whitestown, Montgomery 
County. In 1790 and 1791 it was purchased of the State 
upon speculation, chiefly by Michael Myers, Jedediah San- 
ger, and John J. Morgan, and a considerable portion of it 
was subsequently leased in perpetuity, and much of it re- 
mains on lease up to the present time. 

The following is a copy of the record in the case of Messrs. 
Myers, Sanger, and Morgan, upon their application for the 
purchase of Townships Nos. 18 and 20, and part of No. 19, 
now in the ofiice of the Commissioners of the Land Office in 
Albany, under the law of March 22, 1791, for the sale of 
public land. Doc. Hist, of N. Y. Vol. Ill, p. 1072. 

" The application of Michael Myers, Jedediah Sanger, and John 
J. Morgan, for the purchase of Townships No. 18 and 20, and the 
parts unsold by the Surveyor General of Township No. 19, being 
three of the Twenty Townships surveyed by the Surveyor General 
pursuant to an act passed the 25th day of February, 1789. The two 

26 



402 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. fCKA?. 

firat Townships, to wit, Nos. 18 and 20, at the rate of three shillin^if 
and threo pence per acre, and the parts of No. 19 unsold, as abo/e 
mentioned, at the rate of three shillings and one penny per acre. 
one-sixth part thereof to be paid on the 1st day of October next. 
and the residue in two equal payments, the one-half on the lat of 
April, 1792, and the remaining half on the 1st of January, n^'d 
being read and duly considered. (Accepted.) 

 Acres — 67,130 = £ 10,908 15 shillings." 



Upon the formation of Herkimer County, February 16. 
1 79 1, this township was included in that county, and in this 
year the first step was taken towards its settlement. In the 
fall of this year, Zcrah Phelps, then a resident of the " Greeti 
Woods," Massachusetts, and who had previously purchased 
lot No. 42 in this town, sent his hired man to build a house, 
which was constructed of logs, and stood about twenty rods 
south-easterly from the present residence of Jesse O P/Iills. 
and about one mile in the same direction from the " Centre." 
The house was erected near a primitive elm, which is yat 
standing, and this was the first tenement erected for a 
settler in the town of Sangerfield. 

About the first of March, 1792, Minierva Hale and T^'ifc. 
and Nathan Gurney and wife and infant, moved into the 
town from New Hartford, where they had previously resided 
one or two years. The first day of their journey they reached 
the house of Simon Hubbard, who lived on the place now 
occupied by his son Marinus Hubbard, in the town of Mar- 
shall, where they remained over night. Their conveyances 
were ox teams and sleds. On the next morning, the snow 
being very deep, they made short yokes for their oxen, and 
using their bed cords for traces, they drove them tandem. 
and thus plowed their way to their new farms Tlie distance 
from Mr. Hubbard's was but about four miles, but such was 
the almost impassable state of their route (for road they hao. 



XX.] SANGERFIELD 40? 

none), over hills and logs, across and through creeks, swamps, 
and thickets, overlaid with at least four feet of snow, that it 
was quite night before they reached its termination. Mr, 
Hale had purchased land adjoining the lot of Mr. Phelps, 
and Mr. Gurney had purchased lot No. 40, now in the vil- 
lage of Waterville, and a part of which is at present owned 
by Aaron Stafford, Esq., whose father, Ichabod Stafford, 
noticed as among the earliest settlers of Augusta, purchased 
of Grurney. They both, however, proceeded to the house of 
Mr. Phelps, who had moved into it only two or three days 
previously, and here they remained until they built houses 
for themselves. The three men, their wives, and Gurney's 
child, all occupied the same room, and for the best of reasons, 
it was the only one in the house, or in the town. 

In the month of April, when the heavy body of snow on 
the ground began to melt, their proximity to the creek be- 
came a source of considerable annoyance. After a very 
warm day and night, for the season, upon awaking in the 
morning they found a portion of the creek had formed a 
current directly through the house. A sort of cellar had 
been dug, large enough for present purposes, under the floor 
in the centre of the room, of which the water had taken 
possession, and the pork barrel was merrily waltzing in the 
eddy. The women remained in bed while the men waded 
out and cut large logs, on which to make a fire. During 
the remainder of the day, and until the water subsided, the 
women performed all their house work while upon their 
beds. Mr. Gurney immediately went to work upon his land, 
and was the first settler in Waterville. He built his house 
on the corner where Erastus Wilbur now resides. In the 
month of April following, Benjamin White moved in, and 
settled upon lots Nos. 39 and 40, the farm most of which 
was owned and lately occupied by Amos Osbom, deceased. 



464 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAt». 

I>uring the same year, Phineas Owen and the father of 
Nathan Gurncy settled on lot No. 40. In April and May 
of this year, Sylvanus Dyer, Asahel Bellows, Nathaniel 
Ford, Henry Knowlton, Jonathan Stratton, and a Mr. 
Clark, settled in the town. These were all the families in 
the town in 1792. Nathaniel Ford assisted in surveying 
this township in 1789, and moved on to the lot selected at 
that time. Of the actual settlers, he was the first man that 
came into the town. He is yet living upon his original farm. 
A very heavy frost early in the fall of 1792, which entirely 
destroyed the corn crop, put an end to emigration until 1794. 
Even those already in the town made up their minds to remove, 
if the ensuing season should prove as unfavorable and disas- 
trous. In the month of May in this year, a serious accident 
happened to Mr. Clark, who had taken up the lot lately 
owned by Oliver Robbins, deceased. It was a misfortune 
incident to the settlement of a new country, where a heavy 
forest has to be made to give way to agriculture. He had his 
leg badly broken and crushed by a falling tree ; this happened 
on Saturday afternoon. He was immediately taken to the 
house of Mr. Hale, which had but just been erected, and 
made as comfortable, for the time being, as circumstances 
would permit. As a surgeon was necessary, Mr. Hale started 
in quest of one, and rode the only horse in town, and that 
had but recently arrived on Mr. Clark's farm. He started 
by the light of a torch, which he carried, and his only guide 
as to the proper course, was the moss on the north sides of 
the trees. Early in the morning he arrived at Whitestown, 
but finding no physician there who dare perform amputa- 
tion, he proceeded to old Fort Schuyler, where he found Dr. 
Guitcau, who returned with hira. This is supposed to have 
been Dr. Francis Guiteau, brother of the late Dr. Luther 
Guiteau, Senior, of Trenton. After examination, he did not 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 405 

wiah to operate without the counsel and assistance of an 
older practitioner. Dr. Petrie, of Herkimer, -was therefore 
sent for, and upon his arrival, on Tuesday, the two, with the 
assistance of Dr Elmer, of Paris, amputated the limb. 

In the month of July in this year, Mrs. Zerah Phelps 
became the mother of a daughter, which was the first child 
born in the town. What formed a somewhat peculiar co- 
incidence was, that Mr. Phelps, being so fond of border life, 
afterwards left this place, and was one of the pioneers of the 
town of Batavia, Genesee County ; another daughter, born 
there, was the first child born in that town. If Mrs. Phelps 
had happened to have lived under a like dispensation with 
the spouse of the Patriarch Abraham, perhaps we might yet 
hear that she was the mother of thfe first born of Wisconsin > 
Iowa, and Minnesota. Mr. Phelps was also a member of the 
first grand jury ever impanelled west of Genesee river. 

In the month of April, 1792, the town of Paris was organ- 
ized, and township No. 20 was included within its boun- 
daries. 

The year 1792 did not pass without its false alarms from 
the Indians. They were frequently seen, and sometimes in 
considerable numbers, while on their hunting and fishing 
expeditions from Oneida to the Unadilla. They had a well 
trodden trail, called the Oneida Path, which entered the 
town about two and a half miles east of its north-west cor- 
ner, and left it but a few rods west of its south-east corner. 
Mr. Phelps built his first house but a few rods from this 
path. Col. Willett, when the conveyance was made to Mr. 
Ford, remarked that he would give a warranty against 
every thing but Indians ; those the purchaser must take 
care of himself. As yet, however, they had given the set- 
tlers no cause for fear, still prudence dictated them to 
carefully cultivate their friendship. 



406 AJfWALS OF ONEIDA COUNTT. [CHAr. 

One afternoon in the early part of October, all the men 
in the town, eight in number, were collected together, con- 
structing a bridge over the Oriskany Creek, near where 
Bacon and Goodwin's woolen factory now stands. While 
thus engaged, they heard the hum of many voices, and a 
scout who was dispatched, soon reported that about 150 
Indians, of all sizes, were passing on their path to the 
Unadilla, about 200 rods from where the men were. Mr. 
Hale, knowing that if nothing worse happened, his wife 
would be sadly fi'ightened, started for his home, but did not 
arrive as soon as the Indians. Mrs. Phelps, who had just 
finished baking when she saw the Indians, left all but her 
infant, and ran to Mr. Hale's, and on her arrival, Mrs. Hale, 
who was equally frightened, proposed to run to the men. 
Mrs. Phelps, however, objected to this, on account of her 
being burthened with her infant, and at that moment they 
saw through the window a single Indian approaching the 
house. Mrs. Hale concluded that the two could conquer 
him, and if not, they would meet the worst as they best 
could. The Indian, who from his appearance she supposed 
to be the son of a chief, addressed her in the Indian dialect, 
which of course was not understood. Mrs. Hale, in haste to 
see the end of the matter, pale and frightened as she was, 
assumed an air of unconcern, and said, '-'If you want any 
thing, use plain language, and say what it is ; if I have it 
you shall have it." He immediately responded, " Bread," 
and was almost as soon supplied with all she had. The 
Indian took out of his belt of wampum a silver brooch, of 
the value perhaps of a shilling, and offered to pay for the 
bread, but this was refused, and he was told it was given 
him. He left with a smile upon his face, and was soon with 
his comrades, who were in full possession of Mrs. Phelps' 
house, and a shout of laughter, which made many broad 



XX ] SANGERFIELD. 407 

acres of the forest ring, announced his arrival. Mrs. Hale 
said she presumed the merriment was caused by his descrip- 
tion to the Indians of the ridiculous figure she made when, 
palo and trembling with fear, she assumed so bold an air 
while addressing him. Mrs. Phelps, to her astonishment, 
upon returning to her house, found her own bread untouched, 
and every thing precisely as she left it, as if no one had been 
there. 

On the 20th of January, 1793, Seneca Hale, son of Mr. 
and Mrs. Minierva Hale, was born, being the first male born 
in town. 

()a the 9th of February of this year, and about three 
weeks less than a year from the first settlement by Zerah 
Phelps, Col. David Norton and family moved into the town. 
From a diary, yet in the possession of the family, of his 
journey from Arlington, Bennington County, Vermont, to 
view the western country, the author was permitted to make 
the following extracts : — 

"May 28th, 1792. — Set out from Arlington to view the 
western country. 

•'June 1st. — Rode to Whitestown, thirteen miles from 
German Flats, to James Ferguson's, from thence to Col. 
Sanger's, four miles, from thence to Samuel Ferguson's, two 
miles. Whitestown is mostly level, the soil rich, but poorly 
watered. The timber is maple, beech, elm, bass, hemlock, 
and butternut. 

Monday, June 4th. — Went to Clinton, and thence through 
the Indian lands, the soil of which is excellent, the ground 
being covered with nettles^ and other herbage, four miles ; 
from thence to the twentieth township, which is thirteen 
miles from Col. Sanger's, by way of Clinton, and lodged at 
Stratton's. 

"Thursday, June 7th. — A rainy day, viewed in -other 



■108 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP 

parts of the town. Land rich, hilly, and well watered 
Lodged at Dyer's. 

- "Friday, June 8th. — Went to view lots No. 41, 38, and 
27. Level, timber mostly maple, with some bass, elm. beech, 
butternut, cherry, and two cedar swamps, with pine and 
hemlock : a branch of the Arisca [Oriskany] running through 
38, and a small pond on 27. Lodged at Stratton's. 

"Saturday, June 9th. — Returned to Col. ^Sanger's by 
Col. Tuttle's [Paris Hill], and bought of Col. Sanger lots 
Nos. 38 and 27, and tarried at Samuel Ferguson's." 

The diary from which the foregoing is copied, although 
much discolored and worn, is very neatly written, as were ali 
the writings of David Norton. For the first ten years of 
his residence, he was emphatically the first man in town. 
He was the first Justice of the Peace, the first Supervisor, 
the first Captain in the Militia, the first Colonel, and the 
first Postmaster after the post ofBce was removed to the 
Centre. In all the early enterprises of the town, religious, 
civil, political, and social, Col. Norton's name is almost 
uniformly foremost. All the first writings, deeds, contracts, 
school bills, and papers of the various kinds connected with 
the formation of all sorts of associations, are by his hand 
The correspondence between the Baptist Society and other 
denominations, was usually done by him. He was very 
methodical and particular in his business transactions, and 
was strictly honest in his dealings, and through life a devoted 
Christian. 

The first marriage in town was that of Sylvanus Dyer and 
Hannah Norton, the Colonel's eldest daughter. They were 
married October 30, 1793, and Esquire Tuttle officiated iu 
the ceremony. The bride (now Mrs. Dyer) is yet living in 
the town of Marshall, and says "it was the first knot of the 
kind the Esquire ever tied." Every person in town was 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 409 

invited to the wedding, and Mrs. Dyer believes tliere wa* 
not one who failed to be present. 

The season of 1793 was as extremely favorable, as the 
preceding one had been unfavorable. Corn, and all other 
kinds of grain and vegetation, matured and ripened in the 
greatest perfection. This caused a brighter era to dawn 
Upon the town, and emigrants by scores greeted the eyes of 
the pioneers. In the spring and summer of 1794, about 
forty families moved into the town. Among these were 
Daniel Brown, Saul Smith, Thomas King, Daniel King. 
Solomon Williams, Samuel Williams, Justus Hale, Eben- 
ozer Hale, and Benjamin Dewey. Ebenezer Hale was the 
father of the late John W. Hale, of Clinton, who represented 
the county in the Assembly of 1836, and of Mrs. George 
Bristol, of the same place. Of these, only two are now 
livin:^, Solomon and Samuel Williams, who vet reside on 
the farms tliey originally purchased and cleared. Mr. 
Dewey settled on a lot purchased of Col. Sanger. It is said 
he was the creditor of a person, for whom, by an arrange- 
ment, the Colonel was to pay the debt in land. The Colonel 
accompanied Mr. Dewej^, to point out to him his land, and 
took him first to No. 44, then a very repulsive, gloomj- lot, 
but now quite productive. After viewing it to his satisfac- 
tion, Dewey felt indignant, and considered it an insult that the 
(Jolonel should seek to pay an honest debt with such a tan- 
gled, solitary waste, and turning to the Colonel, he impatiently 
exclaimed, "Well, Colonel, if you have got any rnore land just 
show it, for I'll not take this bear's hole, any way." 

Mr. Zerah Phelps built the first framed house in town, 
and Ebenezer Hale the second. At this time no bricks 
were to be had for ovens, and as it is a proverb that the 
first settlers of a country hold all their goods and chattels 
in common, Mrs. Minierva Hale's bake-kettle was in great 



410 AIWALS OF ONEIDA COUNTT. [CHAP. 

demand, and as it was the only one in the settlement, it was 
for most of the time in requisition, with hardly time to cool. 
Mrs. li^bonczer Ilale, now residing in Clinton, says that 
bhe baked in it the flour and meal of forty-two bushels of 
i^rain, and mostly by the fire of burning log-heaps in the 
clearings near the house. This, by two bushels, beats Mrg. 
Samuel lloyce, one of the first settlers in Camden. The 
first summer she lived in that town, she baked eight barrels 
of flour in her bake-kettlo. In the fall, Mr. Hale procured 
brick, and constructed an oven, when his wife in turn dis- 
pensed its benefits to the neighborhood. 

The first store in the town was this year opened, by 
Messrs. Justus and Ebeuezer Hale, in their dwelling house, 
where they also kept accommodations, for the benefit of way- 
farers. This summer, Polly Dyer taught a school in Col. 
Norton's house, which was the first kept in town. In this 
summer occurred the first death, which wa.s that of Sibyl 
Knowlton, daughter of Henry Knowlton. Her mother also 
died about a month afterwards. They were buried near the 
residence of Nathaniel Ford, where their remains, in com- 
pany v/ith some others, await the last summons. 

l>y an act of the Legislature, passed March 5, 1795, the 
township was erected into a town, by the name of Sanger- 
field, and was so named in honor of Col. Jedediah Sanger, 
of New Hartford. In consideration of its being thus named. 
Col. Sanger agreed to present a cask of rum at the first 
town meeting, and fifty acres of land to the church of any 
religious denomination which should build the first house 
for public worship. 

Many of the first settlers had selected New Lisbon as the 
name for their new town, and their disappointment and 
chagrin were manifested by giving that name to the Congre- 
gational Society, which was formed soon afterwardsj and thus 



XX.] SANGEIIFIELD. 411 

they made the society with the rejected name the recipient 
of Col. Sanger's bounty. It does not appear that the Colonel 
was at all chargeable with the "unfair means" which were 
attributed by those displeased with the name, to those who 
had been instrumental in procuring it. His promise was 
honorably fulfilled, by furnishing a cask of choice rum for 
the first town meeting, and by conveying twenty.five acres 
of land to the Congregational Society, and twenty-five acres 
to the Baptists, the former being the first religious society, 
and the latter erecting the first church edifice. The two 
twenty-five acre lots were parts of lot No. 45. 

By tiie act organizing the town, it was provided that the 
first town meetin<r should be held at the house of Zerah 

O 

Phelps. This house was on the f\irm now owned by Warren 
Kellogg, eighty rods east of his present dwelling. Agree- 
ably to the law, the electors of the town met, on the 7th day 
of April, 1795, at the house of Mr. Phelps, when, as the 
record informs us, " After the meeting was opened they voted 
to adjourn to the barn," so that in fact this first town meeting 
was held in Mr. Phelps' barn. At this meeting, Daniel 
Brown and Levi Carpenter, Esq., officiated as clevks p?-o tern. 

David Norton was elected Supervisoi\ and Thomas Brown, 
Esq., Town Clerk. 

Soon after the town was organized, a?.d probably in 1796, 
a post office was established at Waterviile, and x\mos Muzzy 
appointed Postmaster. He was succeeded by Col. John 
Williams. In 1808, the office was removed to the Centre, 
and Col. Norton appointed the successor of Col. Williams. 
Col. Norton held this office until the time of his death. He 
died universally lamented, in 1829. After Col. Norton's 
death, his son-in-law, Daniel North, succeeded him as Post- 
master, which office he has held, through all the diiterent 
administrations, mem. con., until the present time. 



412 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHA?. 

Iij 1796, tlie number of taxable inhabitants in what is 
now t^angerficld, was eighty-five. Total amount of real and 
personal property assessed 84.475, and the tax upon it. in- 
cluding collector's fees ($5 35), was 6108 5G. Benjamin 
White was the highest on the list, his tax being $5.04. 

In the month of September, 1795, Dr. Stephen Preston 
became a resident of this town. He was the first regular 
physician within its limits, and for more than thirty years 
enjoyed an extensive practice in his profession. He used to 
say that when he first came into this section, the enquiry 
was, '-Wlieve can I obtain a doctor?" but after a few years 
it was, '-What doctor shall I employ?"' The Doctor wa.s 
somewhat eccentric, but notwithstanding, a man of sterling 
good sense and judgment. He held the office of Justice of 
tlie Peace for many years. 

On the 24th of March, 1797, the town of Bridgewater was 
erected from the east part of this town, the boundary be- 
tween them being the third quarter line of the township. 

By an act passed March 15, 1798, the County of Chen- 
ango was formed from the Counties of Herkimer and Tioga, 
and the town of Sangerfield was included in the new county. 

On the 4th of April, 1S04. an act was passed taking the 
town of Sangerfield from Chenango County, and annexing il 
Oneida County ; and here the fact is accounted for, that in 
the census returns of 1800, Sangerfield is not found among 
the towns of Oneida County. 



RELIGIOUS SOeiliTlES. 



On the 5tli day of January of this year, the first step wu.- 
taken to procure the services of a clergyman, by circulating 
a subscription paper to pay for preaching. On the 14th of 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 413 

the same month, a meeting was held to appoint a committee 
to carry into effect the wishes of the settlers. David Norton 
was chairman, and Nathan Gurney clerk. The members 
of the committee were Nathaniel Ford, Ebenezer Tenney, 
and Justus Hale. The last vote passed was as follows: 
—"Voted that the above committeemen shall hire a minister 
four Sundays on probation." This was the first organized 
effort to secure preaching, and was the germ of the First 
Congregatiotial Society. 

Between January, 1795, and March, 1797, religious ser- 
vices were usually held on Sunday, and occasional preaching 
by the Rev. Mr. Steele, Rev. Aaron Bogue, Rev. Mr. Minor, 
Rev. Mr. Mozier, and the Rev. Mr. Crane. 

The regular stated meetings were held as follows: — two 
successive Lord's-days at Col. Norton's at the Centre, and 
alternately one quarter of the time at the house of Giles 
Mix, at the east end of the settlement ; and the remaining 
quarter at the house of Ebeneser Tenny, at the west part of 
the town. Col. Norton read sermons one half the time. 
Col. Dyer one quarter, and Ebenezer Tenny one quarter. 

The First Congregational Society was probably formed 
the latter part of 1795, or the fore part of 1796 ; the precise 
time can not now be ascertained. There is a subscription 
paper yet in being, dated September 8, 1 796, made payable 
to the " Trustees of the Society of Lisbon, in Sangerfield." 
The style of the same society, or corporation, has been 
variously written, as the " Trustees of Lisbon Society," 
" Trustees of Lisbon Congregational Society," and " The 
First Congregational Church of Sangerfield." . 

The church was formally organized as an independent 
body on the 15th day of March, 1797. It then consisted of 
eighteen members, eleven males and seven females. None 
of its original members now survive, and but very few of the 



414 AKNALS or ONEIDA COUNTT [cHAP. 

congregation. Nathaniel Ford, who has been mentioned as 
chairman of the original executive committee, is still living 
He ib a member of the church now, but was not originally 

The first settled pastor over this church was the Rev 
James Thompson, who was settled in 1800. 

The following list comprises the several pastors, with the 
vear they severally commenced and ended their services: — 

Rev. James Thompson, from IbOO — 1806. 

" Samuel Rich, " 1806—1816. 

" Evans BcardBlcy, " 1816 — 1823. 

" John D. Pierce, " 1825—1830. 

" H.J.Lombard, « 1831 — 1832. 

« F. H. Aycrs, « 1834—1835 

« John B. Fish, « 1838—1844. 

" E. S. Barrows, « 1836—1837. 

" Mr. Bcecher, " 1837—1838 
'' Mr. Butts; and Rev. Mr. Wilkins, who preaches 
at the present time. 

in 1804 this society erected their house for public wor- 
ship, on the village green at the Centre. This green is 
eighteen rods wide and forty long, and was conveyed to the 
Society for that purpose, the 17th day of October, 1796, by 
David Norton, Ebenezcr Hale, Justus Hale, and Oliver 
Norton. 

In 1823, about one half the church and congregation 
seceded, and formed the First Presbyterian Church and 
Society. In 1824 they removed their church edifice to a lot 
a short distance northerly on the road to Watcrville. In 
1846 it was taken down, and the present building erected 

The Baptist Church in Watcrville was organized in the 



XX.] SANGERFIELI7; 415 

year 1798. Previously to tho 14th of April ia this year, 
the few Baptists iu town liad met and worshipped with th« 
Congregationalists ; but "feeling themselves excluded from 
the privilege of social worship in that church," they agreed, 
" by the advice of Eld. Peter P. Roots, to meet at the house 
of brother White Osborn, on that day, and consult as to what 
measures were best under the circumstances." Accordingly. 
on the 14th of April, eight persons met at Mr. Osborn's, 
which was on Stanton Parks' farm (where Sherman Bartho- 
lomew now resides), and formed themselves into a society 
for worship, which they kept up, although perhaps not 
regularly, until the 19th of December following, when they 
met at Benjamin White's, in Waterville, and were received 
into the fellowship of the neighboring associate churches. 
The first clergyman who preached to them was Eld. Peter 
P. Roots. The first regular'settled minister was Eld. Joel 
Butler, who commenced his labors early iu 1799. In the 
year 1800, they erected their first house of public worship, 
on the " green," as the entire triangular plat was called now 
in the centre of the village of Waterville. This plat had 
been gratuitously granted them by Benjamin White for 
that and other church purposes. This church edifice was 
taken down in 1833, and the present brick church erected 
on its site the same year. The " green" is now all enclosed 
and built over, and is held by leases in perpetuity from the 
church, at a small annual ground rent. 

Elder Butler preached about\five years, and after the ex- 
piration of his term of labor, there was occasional preaching 
by different clergysien. Eld. Joy Handy preached a short 
time early in 1806. Eld. Hezekiah Eastman preached oc- 
casionally for short periods, as the society desired. From 
1807 to 1814 it can hardly be said that the church had any 
existence. There was but occasional preaching, and no 



416 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

regular organized system for its support. There arc no 
church records of this period, and the blank can only be 
filled up with the recollections of those who witne«scd its 
decay and torpor. In June, 1814, the Eev. John Upfokl 
assumed the charge of the church, and by his zeal and 
•energy, restored it to unusual vigor. The following are the 
names of its pastors from that period to the present : — 

Eev. John Upfold, from 1814—1817. 

" Joel Clark, '' 1817—1823. 

'• Daniel Putnam, " 1824—1832. 

" Chancellor Hartshorn, " 1833—1837. 

'= Warham Walker, " 1838-1841. 

« David Wright, " 1841 — 1843. 

'■' John N. Murdock, " 1843—1846. 

« George W. Davi.s, • " 1846—1847. 

'• Mr. Pierce, " 1847—1848. 

"• L. W. Hay hurst, " 1849. 

By the published minutes of the Oneida Baptist Ap?o- 
xjiation, to which this church belongs, it appears that in 
September, in the years 1847 and 1848, they had no settled 
minister, and that there were 107 members belonging to the 
church. This is a smaller number than they had formerly 
reported, which the author finds to be the case with most of 
the churches of the different denominations in the county. 
Perhaps this may be mostly accounted for in the number of 
new churches formed. 

On the 19th of May, 1823, the First, Presbyterian Church 
in Waterville was organized, by twenty persons, who pre- 
sented letters of dismission from the Congregational Churcb 
in Sangerfield. The Rev. Evans Beardsley became the first 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 417 

stated supply of this cliurcli, -which oflice he held until April 
27, 1824. In the latter year, Rev. Daniel C. Hopkins was 
installed pastor, and dismissed in 1828. Rev. John R. 
Adams, was the stated minister, during the following year. 
At the close of his term of service, Rev. E. S. Barrows, was 
invited to become the minister, and remained in this capacity 
until February, 1833. The next pastor of the church was 
the Rev. Aaron Garrison, who was installed in 1833, and 
dismissed February, 183G. Rev. Salmon Strong, was then 
obtained fur several months, as stated supply, and October 
5th, 1836, Rev. Joseph Myers, was installed pastor, and re- 
mained in the office until June, 1839. Rev.-John Frost, 
was next obtained as minister of the church. In March. 
1843, he was removed from the field of his labors by death. 
Rev. Samuel W. Whelpley, was installed pastor in May fol- 
lowing, and dismissed in June, 1843. Rev. E. S. Barrows 
was again obtained as a stated supply, and closed his labors 
in April, 1845. In May of the latter year. Rev. A. D. 
Gridley was invited to become the minister of this people, 
and February 22, 1847, he was installed pastor." The 
above is extracted from the "Manual," recently published 
by this church. Rev. A. D. Gridley still continues their 
pastor. 

In the summer of 1823, they erected their house for pub- 
lic worship upon the " green," purchased and prepared for 
that purpose, at the west end of the village. In 1844, this 
buildin<T was sold to the Methodists, and a'uew one erected 
opposite the Bank, in the central part of the village. The 
old building is still standing ; but from the inability of the 
Methodists to retain it, it has fallen into the hands of a pri- 
vate individual. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone 
of this edifice took place in June, 1824, and a variety of me- 
mentos of the time, such as newspapers, American coin, etc., 

27 



418 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUITrV [CHAP 

and abottlo of whiskey, were very securely placed within t'v" 
head-fltonc of the corner. 



In August, 1840, the EpiscopaJ. Churchy at Watervi;H»\ 
waa organized, and Rev. Fortune C. Brown was the first 
rector, and and continued as such during five years, until th^^ 
fall of 1845. In the year 1842, this society organized ar 
'•the Wardens and Vestrymen of Grace Church, Waterville," 
aad erected their present church edifice. The Rev. Davi i 
M. Fackler took the place of Mr. Brown, and remained until 
the spring following. Tho Rev. Wm. A. Matson was minis- 
ter, from the summer of 1846, to June, 1848, and the Rov 
J H. Benedict, from September, 1843, to the present time 

la 1843, the" Congar Settlement" society, of the Metho- 
dist Ejnsco^ial Church was organized. Thoy purchased th^- 
old Presbyterian church edifice, in Waterville, but which was 
sold in the winter of 1843-9. 

In tho month of April, 1847, the Scwml Methodist Epis- 
copal Chairch was organized. This society has a very neat 
hoiwe for worship in the south part of the town at "Congar 
Settlement," or "Congar Town," these names being prornis- 
cuouflly applied to the same location 

In June, 1814, Joseph Tenny, commenced the pubIicatio:> 
of a weekly newspaper, in this town, entitled the '• Cltrir- 
ftans^ Weekly Monitor omcI Sahhath Morning Rqmst." In 
1816, it was merojed in the " Civil and Rclisioua IntelUsen- 
'vrl'' or rather the two papers were printed on the same sheet 
The Intelligencer continued to bo published until 1833. when 
Mr Tenny, the publisher removed from tlic town 

A weekly newspaper, entitled the " Oneida Standard^^ wa.H 
published in Waterville, in 1833 and 1834 It was eatab 



XX.J SANGERFIELD 419 

lisbed as a political paper, advocating the iateresta of the 
democratic party, and at first was conducted with abihty, but 
fallitif into other hands, it was removed to Utica, and was 
soon afterwards discontinued. 



LOCATION, GEOLOGY, FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SOIL, ITru. 

The town of Sangerfield is si'tuated in the southern part 
of the county, eighty-eight miles westerly from Albany, oa 
the Cherry Valley Turnpike, and seventeen eouth-weat froia 
Utica. Its latitude is north 43 deg. 54 min., its eievatioa 
above tide water about 1375 feet, and 800 above Utica and 
the long level on the Erie Ganal. It contains about 18,900 
acres. Its shape is nearly that of a parallelogram. Although 
many of the lots are of irregular shape, they were intended, 
as required by law, to contain 250 acres each. 

The east and west lines of the town run due north and 
south, the south line due east and west, and the north line 
south b7 deg. east. Its greatest length from north to south 
is SIS. miles and 120 rods, and its breadth from east to west, 
I'our miles and 216 rods. 

The north-west part of the town reste upon " carniijerous 
limestone." a part of which is exposed, and quarried in the 
creek, below the woolen factory, in Waterville. The remain- 
ing and billy portion of the town rests immediately upon the 
" Marcellus shales," escept the summits of the highest hills 
is the Bouth and south-west parts, which are capped by tht 
lower shales of the " Hamilton group.'" 

The main easterly branch of the Oriskany creek, and a 
branch of the Chenango river, rise in the northerly part of 
the town, and for about two miles before the former takes its 
northerly and the latter its southerly «ourse, they are nearly 



420 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. fcilAP. 

parallel to each other, and run to the west. The north and 
central portions of the town lying upon and between thcst- 
streams arc comparatively level, and the land very excellent 
for cultivation. 

The northern extremity of the "great .swamp" is on 
lot 27, about three-fourths of a mile west from Waterville. 
and from thence its course is south-westerly, leaving the 
town near the west "quarter line." Its average width is 
about one and a half miles, and the length of the part lying 
in this town is about four miles. In its natural state this 
swamp abounded in the finest timber for building and fencing 
purposes, it being very thickly and heavily covered witli 
white pine and cedar. Its most valuable timber, however, 
has already disappeared before the axes of the settlers, it 
having furnished lumber for most of the buildings, and raik 
for the fences, for many miles around. A small portion of 
this swamp has been cleared and drained, and promises to be 
good meadow land ; but most of it will probably remain a 
waste for many years yet to come. If the early settlers of 
the county had exercised prudence with regard to the lots 
fitted by nature to be preserved for their timber, if they had 
oftener heeded the appeal of the song " Woodman S2m?e that 
tree" we should not have witnessed a scarcity of the article, 
ere a half century had hardly elapsed from the time the "pale 
face" commenced his depredations upon its vast and heavily 
timbered forests. 

All the east part of the town and that part which lies 
south-east of the Chenango creek which drains the swamp, 
rises into hills ranging from two to three hundred feet in 
height. In the southern hills, spring numerous tributaries of 
the Chenango, which, running northerly and westerly, and fall- 
ing over the rocks of shale,form a number of picturesque water- 
falls, in two of which the water descends about seventy feet. 



iX.j SAN&ERFIELD. 421 

One of these tributaries heads in " Bailey's Pond/', a nat- 
ural sheet of water, lying about 200 feet higher than the 
swamp, and covering about ten acres. It is said to have 
been sounded with 120 feet of line without finding bottom. 

A tributary of the west branch of the Oriskany creek, also 
takes its rise in this town, in a swamp, on lot No. 13, and 
leaves the town about a mile south of its north-west corner. 
The hills which enclose the valleys of this creek on the west, 
and those bounding the lower part of the great swamp, form 
one continuous chain on the west line of the town, from the 
Cherry Valley turnpike to the line of Brookfield. 

The soil of the valleys is rich and productive, and the hills 
are excellent for pasturage. The staple productions of the 
town are corn, grain, hops, wool and cattle. The town con- 
tains five houses for public worship, for the different denom- 
inations, heretofore mentioned, and fifteen school districts and 
school houses. By the census of 1845, the town contained 
2272 inhabitants. 

The village of Waterville stands chiefly upon lots Nos. 39 
and 40 in this town, but a small part of the village is how- 
ever in the town of Marshall. It is situated upon the east 
branch of the Oriskany creek, at its junction with a small 
tributary which rises among the hills in the east and south- 
east part of the town of Marshall. At, and below this junc- 
tion, the east branch falls very rapidly until it unites with the 
west braflieh at Deansville. The power thus furnished is the 
only durable water power in the town. This circumstance, 
very early in the settlement of the country, caused a collec- 
tion or "huddle" of buildings, known as '-Sangerfield Hud- 
dle," and which by a steady and healthy growth has become 
the third place in importance in the county. In 1793, the 
former Colonel, but then Judge Sanger, built the first saw 
mill at this place. In the year 1794, Benjamin White 



422 ANNALS OF OJTErDA COtTNTT [CIIAr. 

erected one on the site of the present woolen factory. In the 
year 1796, Mr. White erected a grist mill near the site of the 
one now owned by Goodwin and Church. Within a few 
years afterwards Justus Tower, Esq., who settled in the 
place in 1799, built the grist mill which stands a few rods 
below. 

In 1799, Sylvanus Dyer, removed from the Centre, which 
up to that time had been tJic village of the town, and built 
the house now owned by Mrs. William Page, at the west end 
of the village, in which he opened both a store and a tavern. 
This was the first stock of goods offered for sale in the vil- 
lage. In 1801, Brown and Hewett. who had previously 
kept a store on the road to Oriskany Falls, and on the hill 
where Nicholas Edwards now resides, erected for a store the 
building now owned by Fitch Hewett. The next store was 
soon after opened by Robert Benedict, Esq., in the building 
erected by him, apd which is now the rear wing of the 
Waterville House, owned by A. D. and G-. B. Cleveland. 
Esquire Benedict is said to have been very much of the gen- 
tleman, both in his manners and style of living. He was 
the brother-in-law of Doctor Nott, now President of Union 
College, and soon after he commenced trade, the Doctor, then 
a young Clergyman, made him a visit. Although Esq. B. 
was the son of a clergyman and brought up in the faith of 
'•the most straitest sect" yet neither he nor his household 
possessed a copy of the holy scriptures. Fearing the reproof 
he would receive from the Doctor if his destitution should be 
discovered, when the family were summoned to worship, he 
borrowed a Bible of Col. Sylvanus D3'er, his next neighbor, 
and placed it upon the table in the parlor, so as to appear as 
his own. In the morning after the family had assembled 
for prayer, the Doctor took the sacred volume and very rev- 
erently opening it, and turning over its leaves to select a 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 



iza 



chapter suitable to the occasion, saw the name of Sylv&nas 
Dyer written on a blank leaf, but which he passed without 
seeming to notice, and proceeded with his devotions. In the 
course of the day the Esquire returned the borrowed volume, 
and thinking he would not again be cAught in the awkward 
dilemma, proceeded to the store and purchased a copy, and in 
the selection he strove for as near a resemblance to the one 
he borrowed as possible, and placed it in the same position 
in which the Doctor had left the other in the morning. 
When the family were all again present for evening prayers 
the Doctor took the new Bible and leisurely opened it to 
read as before. Probably the newness of the book caused a 
little suspicion in his mind, for after a close search on the 
blank leaves, he quietly and quizzingiy remarked, " Brother 
Benedict, I don't see Sylvanus Dyer's name here." No de- 
scription is necessary of the confusion of the brother-in-law 
in his unpleasant predicament. 

In April, 1804, an extraordinary freshet deluged the val- 
ley of the Oriskany. It swept every dam at this, place, and 
caused a great destruction of property, and two estimable 
citizens, Justus Tower, Esq., and John Williams, jun., lost 
their lives by the flood. Justus Tower. Esq., was a man of 
great enterprise and had recently been re-elected supervisor 
of the town. Soon after the freshet, the village was visited 
with a severe epidemic which carried off a number of citizens, 
among whom was Ichabod Stafford, Esq., who has been pre- 
viously mentioned. 

In the year 1808, the Sangerfield Post Office which had 
been previously located in this villago, was removed to the 
Centre. In this year or the year preceding, the village, 
which from its first settlement had no other local name than 
the Huddle, received the name of Waterville. In the fall of 
the year, on a certain evening. Doctor Sherman Bartholomew, 



424 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Joaiah Bacon, Reuben Bacon, Isaac Terry, and John Wil- 
liams, Esquires, were together in the tavern kept either bv 
Eli lIotL-hkiss, or Pardon Kcyes, now the dwelling house oi 
Doctor E. A. Munger, and among other topics, the name of 
the village became a subject of conversation, and it was unaii- 
imously agreed that the village deserved a more dignified 
name, and that it should have one. After the suggestion of 
a variety of names, Doctor Bartholomew proposed that of 
Waterville, to which they all assented, and by that name it 
has since been recognized. It was not however generally 
known by that cognomen out of the village, until the Water- 
villePost Office was established in 1823. The name Water- 
ville was selected, because not only agreeable, but a very ap 
propriate one. The writer would not. like a certain lady au- 
thor, intimate, that "Whiskeyvillc would have been more ap- 
propriate, believing that pure water is more congenial to the 
tastes of a majority of its citizens than whiskey. 

In the year 1S06, the village had thirty-two dwelling 
houses and stores, and 300 inhabitants. It has now a bank 
with a capital of $ 1 00 000. five large dry good stores, an ex- 
tensive drug store, a large grocery and provision store, a 
large tannery connected with the boot and shoe-making, for 
foreign markets, an extensive copper, sheet iron, and tin 
manufactory, an organ manufactory, which employs many 
hands, a large woolen factory, two grist and flouring milli^. 
a distillery for the making of pure alcohol, three furnaces, 
two machine shops, two taverns, and three houses for public 
worship. 

There is now constructed a plank road from thi.s place 
t4i rough Clinton to Utica, and another to Utica, via Paris 
jlill, as also the Earlville and Watervillc plank road, on the 
L-a.st side of the swamp. It has a select school for young la- 
dies, and an excellent district school. The village contained 



XX.] SANGERFIELD. 



425 



on the 1st of January, 1848, 1014 iahabitants, nearly ono 
half the whole number in the town. 

The "Centre" is a small village situated on the Cherry 
Valley turapike, one and a quarter miles south from Water- 
ville. The village contains one large store, two taverns, the 
Sangerfield post office, and the Congregational church. It 
contains thirty-five dwelling houses, and about 250 inhabitants. 

The name of Benjamin White has frequently occurred in 
the foreo-oins notice of Sangerfield. He was one of the 
fathers of the town, having settled as early within two weeks 
as any one in the town, or village of Waterville. He was the 
liberal donor to the Baptist society, of the ground on which 
stands their church, and the triangular block of buildings in 
the centre of the village. He built the second saw mill, and 
the first grist mill in the town. In 1805, his fellow townsmen 
elected him supervisor. A few years afterwards, he emi- 
grated to the town of Stafibrd, Grenesee County, where his 
end was most melancholy and tragical. He had two sons, 
the eldest of whom resided with his father, with the larger 
portion of his moderate property, in espectancy. The youn- 
ger son resided in Ohio. It seems there was some dissatis- 
faction in his mind, because he had received so small a share 
of his father's estate. Some few years after the father had 
removed to Stafibrd, he came from Ohio to see him, and while 
there, mentioned to some one, that he intended his father 
should give him more of his property before he returned. 

After his arrival, he went to the wood^, where his father 
was manufacturing maple sugar. The elder brother was 
plowing so near, that he could distinctly see his fether and 
brother, but not near enough to hear any of their conversa- 
tion. After a short stay at the sugar works, they started 
together for the house. 

Their conversation is but a subject for conjecture. The 



426 ANNALS OP ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

elder brother observed, that when they started, his father 
walked an if excited. AVhen they arrived at the house, as 
the father stepped up to the door to open it, the son took 
him by the shoulder, turned him round, and with a pistol 
shot him dead. For the commission of this parricide, the 
fon v?a3 apprehended, tried, convicted, and executed. 

The following is a list of the several Supervisors of the 
town of Sangerfield, and the number of years each has 
served : — 



David Norton 


6 


years 


from 1795 to 1800. 


Amos Muzzy - 


1 


a 


1801. 


Oliver ^'orton - 


1 


li 


1802. 


Justus Tower 


1 


11 


1803 and 4. 


Benjamin White - 


1 


li 


1805. 


Oliver C. Seaburj' - 


C 


(( 


ISOGtoO, 11 and 13. 


John Williams - 


1 


-(■ 


1810. 


Josiah Bacon - 


9 


u 


1812-14 to 20 and 28. 


Reuben Bacon - 


4 


(1 


1821-22-23 and 32. 


Samuel M. Mott - 


7 


u 


1821-5-G-7-9-30&31 


John Mott - 


3 


11 


1833-42 and 43. 


Erastus Jetrers 


2 


t. 


1834 and 8G. 


Levi D. Carpenter 


1 


11 


1835. 


Horace Bigelow 


4 


l( 


1837-38-39 and 40. 


Julius Tower 


1 


11 


1811. 


Otis Webster - 


1 


(I 


ISM. 


Amos 0. Osborn - 


2 


11 


18J5 and IG. 


De Witt C. Tower - 


2 


11 


1847 and 48. 


John W. Staflbr^ 


1 


11 


1849. 



The following obituary of the late Daniel Eells, Senior, 
belonged more appropriately to New Hartford, but as his 
death did not occur until after the history of that town had 
been printed, it is given here. It seems, too, that he first 
settled in that part of Sangerfield which was formed into 



•Jtx] SANGERFIELD. 427 

Bridgewater in 1797, and it, therefore, is not entirely out of 
place here. It is taken from the Utica Daily Gazette, of 
July 21, 1851:— 

" Another old resident has fallen. Deceased — in New Hartford, 
Daniel Eells, Senior. Born in Middletown, Conn., November, 1767. 
Died July 17th, 1851. Aged 93 years 9 months. A young man 
when the Revolutionary War commenced, he joined the army at 
Boston under Colonel Talcott. With others he labored all night in 
building the slight embankment the defence of which has since ren- 
dered Bunker Hill so memorable. In the morning his company was 
ordered into the country on a scouting expedition, and was thus 
absent from the battle. Soon afterwards, on the ocean, he was cap- 
tured by an English privateer and taken into Bermuda, where he 
was kept prisoner a long time. He was in the battle on Long Island 
and with Washington when he evacuated New York. After return- 
ing to Boston with the army, he remained in New England during 
the war. But owing to some informality in the evidence Govern- 
ment did not see fit to grant him a pension. In January, 1796, he 
removed with his family \o Bridgewater in this county, where he 
remained one year, and from thence to New Hartford (then known 
as Whitestown), v/here he has since resided. Almost a centenarian, 
he lived to see the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose. One of 
the few left who endured the hardships of that period, he lived to 
see his descendants enjoy the blessings he helped to obtain. And it 
is a remarkable fact that during a space of 93 years, he resided 
under the same roof with a sister deceased last December, at the 
advanced age of 86 years. He did not make a profession of religion 
until late in life, yet was always a constant attendant at the House of 
God, until the infirmities of age prevented. Though shut out from 
the sympathies of the world of late years, by age and imbecility, he 
endeared himself to his friends and relations by his kindness and 
amiability of heart and life. Reverence to his memory and peace 
to his ashes." 



42? AN."tAL.S 01' OiCEIDA COITXTT. [CIIAP. 



CHAPTEK XXI, 

STEUBEN. 

By an act of the Legislature, passed April 10th, 1792. 
this town was created. The amount of territory included 
within its bounds would be considered rather formidable at 
the present day. Steuben was all that part of Whitestown, 
beginning at the mouth of the Nine Mile Creek, running 
thence north-easterly to the north-east corner of Holland 
Patent ; thence northerly along the east bounds of Steuben'a 
Patent to the north-east corner thereof; thence due north to 
the north bounds of the State ; and also from the place of 
beginning due west to the line of Oneida E,eservation : 
thence north-west along said line to Fish Creek; thence due 
north to the north bounds of the State, First town meeting 
at the house of Scth Ranuey, near Fort Stanwis. 

The town meeting was held on the first Tuesday of April, 
1793, Roswell Fellows was chosen supervisor, and Jedodiah 
Phelps town clerk. 

This shows that Fort Stanwix, at that time, was the cen- 
tral point of the town of Steuben, and that^ the inhabitants 
in the vicinity of the fort, came in at least for a goodly pro- 
portion of the " spoils." for Messrs. Fellows and Phclpf5 
were both residents of that locality. Mr. Fellows held the 
office of supervisor for three years, when, in March, 179G, 
the towns of Rome and Floyd were taken from Steuben. 
The act also provided, that the next town meeting for Stou- 



XXI.] STEUBEN. 429 

ben should bo held at the house of Joshua Wells. The 
meeting was held, and Samuel Sizer was chosen supervisor. 
Mr. Sizor held the office for six years. 

In 1797, the town of Steuben was again divided, and the 
towns of Western and Leydcn taken from it. This, it 
is believed, left this town with its present bounds and ter- 
ritory. The law making this division of the town provided 
that the nest town meeting should be held at the late 
residence of Baron Steuben, deceased. At the expiration 
of the six years of Mr. S. Sizer's services as supervisor, 
Thomas H. Hamilton was elected to that ofl&ce, who held it 
for twenty-live successive years. He also, for a number of 
years, held the office of judge of the county. He is now 
livins: at an advanced ase in the town of Verona. Russel 
Fuller, who is yet a resident of the town, has held the office 
for eight years. 

This town lies in an elevated position, and its soil is better 
adapted to grazing than grain. It raises very little corn or 
wheat, although within the last few years a fair piece of 
spring wheat is occasionally seen. Butter is the leading 
article for market. The majority of the population is Welsh, 
who are sot famed for the manufacture of cheese, but in 
butter they acknowledge no superiors. If their soil is less 
luxuriant, probably no section of the county can be found 
where the farmers are more prosperous or accumulate pro- 
perty faster than here. 

This town adjoins Floyd on the south. The line being 
nearly on the top of what is known as Floyd hill, a high 
ridge of land running east and west. Passing down a long 
and gradual descent into the central part of Steuben, there 
is a valley lying parallel with the hill. In this valley, Big 
Brook runs westerly and north-westerly, and empties into 
the Mohawk ia Western, and Steuben Creek flows from the- 



•f30 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAT* 

valley castwardly and sjouth-eastwardly, and unites with Cin 
cinnatus Creek, at Trenton village. From this vallcj rises to 
the north the high land, known as Steuben hill. It rises 
much higher, and overlooks Floyd hill, and its ascent in 
much more abrupt. At a number of places, Hamilton Col- 
lege and other buildings in the neighborhood, are to be dis- 
tinctly seen with the naked eye. Starr's hill the most elevated 
point in this ridge, is the highest land in the county. Its 
altitude is so great, that Indian corn entirely falls to mature 
on it. 

The visitor is at once impressed with the vastncss of the 
landscape. No land within many miles is as high as v/hcre 
ho steinds. Westerly and north-westerly the view is almost 
unbounded. A large section of the Oneida Lake is to le 
seen, and a person well acquainted in Central New York, in 
viewing the location of different highlands, soon becomes sat- 
isfied that portions of seven dilTerent counties are distinctly 
seen. This section of Steuben hill received its name from 
Captain David Starr, one of the earliest settlers in the town 
who chose for his Lome this elevated ground. Capt. Starr 
held his commission in the continental army, and served 
seven years. He had but a durable lease of Lis farm, and 
was not as successful in farming as with his sword. After 
the death of the Baron Steuben, his executor Col Walker, 
pressed the Captain for rent, and a suit was institated for its 
collection, when the Captain became so irritated, to think that 
one of his old companions in arms should distress Lira for 
that which he had not the means of paying, that he gave the 
(Colonel a verbal challenge to meet him at the grave of the 
Baron, with sword and pistol, and there settle the matter. 
The suit however proceeded no farther, and the Captain had 
further lenity shown him. In quite a numbf?r of instances 
and in different places, the people in the vicinity have choecn 



XXt.] STEUBEN. 431 

this elevated locality as a place of sopultare for their 
friends. 

In general the surface of this town may be termed stony 
Bowlders of every eizc and shape, some of which are of im- 
mense proportions, thickly dot the fields. By the patient 
persevering industry of its inhabitants, Welsh and Yankee, 
these unsightly deformities are being fast removed and laid 
into the most substantial and enduring fences. To the un- 
practised, the task of removing some that are thus used, would 
seem Herculean. Where the rock is entirely too large to be 
removed with an ordinary force of men and teams, a fire is 
built as compactly across it as possible, and none but tho 
most stubborn can withstand the process for but a short time. 
when the huge block from circumference to centre cracks to 
pieces, and like the fragments of a divided nation, the resis- 
tance of its several parts can be readily overcome, and the 
mighty mass that had unitedly withstood every effort, is 
scattered, never again to be united and cemented. 

Samuel Sizc-r was the first person who settled within the 
present limits cf Steulien. It is, from the best evidence ob- 
tainable, believed he removed to the town in 1789, and came 
to superintend the Baron Steuben's farming operations, al- 
though he had previously been a ship carpenter. 

Captain Simeon Fuller came and took up a lot on Steu- 
ben's Patent, in the spring of 1792, and the nest spring he 
removed his family into the place. He was born October 
17th, 1762, and is still living on the farm on which he first 
settled, with his son Major Russel Fuller. The author 
called upon the old gentleman the last of August, 1843. He 
was found in the field hale and hearty, reaping and binding 
wheat, lacking then but a few days of being 86 years of age 
He served in the army of the Revolution, for which he re- 
ceives a pension. By industry and economy, he has acquired 



■432 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY, [cHAr. 

a hamlKome oompetence for his declining years. lie is a fine 
remaining spccimon of the men raised up by Providence to 
achieve their country's independence. Captain Fuller bouglit 
a part of his farm of Captain Woodruff, who is mentioned in 
another place. From some cause the article of sale from the 
Baron Steuben to Captain Woodruff, and by him assigned 
to Captain Fuller, was lost. Captain Fuller called on the 
iJaron and stated the loss, requesting the lease of the lot, a.s 
agreed in the article. The Baron turned to his clerk and 
said, '• make out the lease, Mr. Fuller is hard at work, I hear 
the trees falling on the lot everyday.'' 

The first child born in the town of Steuben, was Stephen 
Brooks, jun. The first couple married, was William Case to 
:t Miss Piatt. 



(From Frost's American Generals.) 
LIFE OF MAJOR-GENEKAL STEUBEN. 

" Services such as tliose of Baron Steuben, during our 
.struggle with (ircat Britain, are justly considered as among 
the very highest that could be rendered by any officer in 
that trying period. In this light they were regarded by 
Washington; and their best eulogy is a comparison of the 
condition of the American army at the close of the war, 
with it as it had been at its commencement. 

" Frederic William Augustus, Baron de Steuben, was born 
in Germany, about the year 1730 or '33. The history of his 
youth is unknown. lie served with Frederic the Great; in 
the seven years' war, possessed the entire confidence of that 
monarch, and became his aid-de-camp and lieutenant-general 
in the Prussian armv. This fad is sufficient to establish his 



XXl.] STEUBEN. 433 

military character and knowledge of tactics; and be was 
ever regarded by the Prussian government as one of their 
most able officers. After the close of the war, he filled 
Various offices in Germany, principally under the smaller 
princes, and was tendered a command in the army of Aus- 
tria, which he refused. At the commencement of the war 
between Great Britain and her colonies, he was in a condition 
of gentlemanly affluence. 

" In 1 777, while -on a visit to England, he stopped at Paris, 
for the purpose of having an interview with the Count St. 
Germain, the French minister of war, and one of his intimate 
friends. Soon after, he wa« waited on by Colonel Pagen- 
stecher, on behalf of the Count, who informed him that the 
latter desired a personal interview at the Paris arsenal, on 
matters of importance. It is well known that France was 
then secretly aiding the Americans, both by advice and mili- 
tary stores ; and it was with a view of enlisting the Baron in 
the cause of freedom, that the proposed interview was sought. 
At the meeting, St. Germain represented the ultimate pros- 
pects of the colonists as flattering; that France, and probably 
Spain, would eventually aid them, but that their army needed 
disciplinarians, which want the Baron could well supply. 
These proposals were seconded by the Spanish consul and 
two French noblemen ; but the Baron refused to give a, de- 
cisive answer until an interview could be obtained with the 
American envoys. The latter were unable to give the assu- 
rances required, and after abandoning his intention of visiting 
England, Steuben soon after returned to Germany. On his 
arrival at Rastadt he found letters from the Count, informing 
him that a vessel was about sailing for America, in which he 
could immediately embark, with a prospect of having everj^ 
■difficulty satisfactorily adjusted. Having received from Dr. % 
Franklin letters of recommendation to General Washington 

28 



434 AJfNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CHAP. 

and the President of Congress, he embarked, on the 26th of 
September, 1777, under au assumed name, and after a rougli 
voyage, landed at Portsmouth, N. II., December 1st. 

"His first care was to address his recommendations to Gen- 
eral Washington, at the same time requesting admission inti> 
the service. The close of his letter is worthy of preservatioiv 
' I could say, moreover, were it not for the fear of oifending 
your modesty, that your excellency is the only person under 
whom, after having served under the King of Prussia. I 
could wish to pursue an art to which I have wholly given up 
myself Washington referred him to Congress, as the only 
body empowered to accept his services : and accordingly, in 
February, he laid his papers before that body. A committee: 
of tive was appointed to wait upon him. In Iiis interview 
with them the Baron stated what he had left to engage in the 
American service, offered them his services, without any other 
remuneration than the amount of expenses ; but, that while 
he expected no reward, should the final result bo unsuccessful, 
yet in case of the Americans gaining their independence, he 
would expect an indemnity for the offices he had resigned in 
Europe, and a reward proportionate to his services. Con- 
gress returned him thanks for this disinterested offer, and 
requested him to join the army. 

" The American main body was at that time wintered near 
Valley Forge. The sufferings endured by the troops, their 
privations and diseases during that terrible winter, were long 
remembered as forming the darkest page of our revolutionary 
history. At sight of them, the astonishment of one who had 
been accustomed to the well provided armies of Europe, may 
be conceived ; and Steuben declared that under such circum- 
stances no foreign army could be kept together a single 
month. He was appointed inspector-general, and entrusted 
with the difficult task of forming from such materials au 



XXI.] STEUBEN. 435 

army disciplined after the European system. Disheartening 
as were these prospects, and heightened, too, by Steuben's 
ignorance of the English language, he entered upon his duties 
with ardor. An interpreter was found, and the great work 
of giving efficiency to the army of Washington commenced. 
This was something new to the sufferers of Valley Forge; 
and the strictness of the old soldier, together with his perfect 
familiarity with the most difficult military movements, aston- 
ished even the commander himself ' The troops,' says Dr. 
Thacher-, 'were paraded in a single line, with shouldered arms 
every officer in his particular station. The Baron first re- 
viewed the line in this position, passing in front with a scru- 
tinizin.w eve, after which he took into his hand the musket 
and accoutrements of every soldier, examining them with 
particular accuracy and precision, applauding or condemning, 
according to the condition in which he found them. He 
required that the musket and bayonet should exhibit the 
brightest polish; not a spot of rust or defect in any part 
could elude his vigilance. He inquired also into the conduct 
of the officers toward their men, censuring every fault and 
applauding every meritorious action. Next, he required of 
rne,as a surgeon, a list of the sick, with particular statements 
of their accommodations, and mode of treatment, and evea 
visited some of the sick in their cabins.' 

■' The great services rendered by the Baron, as exhibited in 
the rapid improvement of tho-trmy, did not escape the notice 
of either Washington or Congress ; and at the recommenda- 
tion of the former, he was appointed permanent inspector- 
general, with the rank of major-general. By his great exer- 
tions he made this office respectable, establishing frugality 
and economy among the soldiers. In discipline, both of men 
and officers, he was entirely impartial, and never omitted au 
opportunity to praise merit, or censure a fault. Washington 



-436 ANNALS OF ONEtftA COUNTT. [cllAr, 

speaks of hira in (he following mrfnner. 'Justice concurring 
^ith inclination, constrain mo to testify that the Baron has' 
in every instance discharged the several trusts reposed in 
him. with great :^eal and ability, ko as to give him the fullest 
title of my esteem as a brave. indefatigable, judicious and ex- 
perienced officer.' 

"America was soon to witness the effects of the new disci- 
pline upon the very army that liad twice defeated hers. In 
June, 177S, the British army evacuated Philadelphia, and 
marched hastily for New York. They were led to this step 
through fear that a French fleet might block- up the Dela- 
ware, while Washington attacked them by land, and thus 
they be forced to surrender. Washington pursued them and 
ardently desired to give battle. Steuben's opinion coincided 
with the commander's, and on the morning of the 28th a de- 
tachment under General Lee, advanced against the enemy, 
itnd commenced the battle of Monmouth. In the retreat and 
subsequent rally of the advance, the value of discipline was 
triumphantly displayed. The retiring troops were formed by 
Washington in the very face of the enemy, turned upon their 
pursuers and regained the lost ground. Such a movement is 
justly considered the triumph of discipline ; and the battle 
erf Monmouth is one of the most remarkable of the war, not 
only as exhibiting the great talents of General Washington. 
but as a proof of the former invaluable though silent labors 
of the Baron Steuben. 

'■ On the 20th of May, Lord Cornwallis united his southern 
army with General Arnold at Petersburgh. The latter offi- 
cer had succeeded to the command in Virginia, at the death 
of Phillips. Previous to this, Steuben had found his situa- 
tion so irksome, that he had asked and obtained leave to join 
Greene in South Carolina ; but he Avas prevented from doing 
«o by the new invasion of CornAvallis. He therefore estab- 



XXI.] STSUBEV. 437 

{islied hirafielf with six hundred men at the state arsenal, near 
the source of Janjes river. 

" Having ascertained the Baron's position, Cornwallis de- 
tached Colonel ^imcoe against him with five hundred regu- 
lars, who were to be joined in their march by Tarletou with 
two hundred and fifty horse. Steuben had no means of as- 
certaining his opponent's strength, and when the latter dis- 
played an extended front, and built a large number of fires 
at night, he was led to believe that the whole force of Corn- 
wallis had arrived. The Americans retreated, and Simcoe, 
after destroying the stores at the state arsenal, returned to 
Petersburgh. 

"On the 16th of June, Steuben joined La Fayette, who 
had previously been reinforced by the Pennsylvania troops, 
under General Wayne. On the 16th of July, the Marquis 
met Cornwallis near Jamestown, and a slight engagement 
took place, in which the Americans behaved remarkably 
well, notwithstanding their great inferiority of numbers. 
The enemy gained some advantage, but did not pursue it ; 
and soon after the Earl marched to Yorktowai, which he be- 
gan to fortify. 

" On the 28th of Septembor, the main allied army of the 
Pi^ench and Americans, under Rochambeau and Washington, 
aided by the fleet of De Grasse, sat down before the place. 
The siege lasted until the 18th of October, during which 
time Steuben bore his full share of toil and danger. His 
exact scientific knowledge rendered him extremely useful 
and to atone in some measure for his former vexations, 
Washington assigned him a command in the line. His ser- 
vices are honorably noticed by that great man, in the general 
orders subsequent to the capitulation. 

" After this happy aflFair, the Baron returned with the main 
army to the middle states, where he remained until the treaty 



433 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

ofpcac'O. In 1782 he iuformed Washington of the arrival 
of one of his former acquaintances, the Count Benyowzky or 
Biencwsky, whom he introduced to the commander. He 
was a Prussian nobleman, allied by blood to the renowned 
Pulaski, and had experienced most romantic changes. lie 
offered to hire on certain conditions, a body of German 
troops, to be employed in the American army as a distinct 
legion, and each officer and soldier at the close of the war 
was to receive a tract of the public land. His plan was ap- 
proved by Washington, after some alteration, and favourably 
reported by Congress ; but the approach of peace prevented 
its adoption. 

"• Baron Steuben was appointed to receiA'e the surrender 
of tlie posts on the Canada frontier, but the incivility of 
the British general caused much contention, and Steuben 
returned to New York. 

'• On the day that Washington resigned his office as com- 
mander-in-chief, he wrote to the Baron the following noble 
and affectionate letter: — 

'•'Although I liave taken frequent opportunities in public and 
private, of acknowledginc; your great zeal, attention and abililies:, in 
performing the duties of your office, yet I Misli to make u-sc of tliis 
last moment of my public life, to signify in the strongest terms, my 
entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sciise of the 
obligations the public is under to you for your faithful and merito- 
rious services. 

"'I beg you Mill be convinced, my dear sir, that I .should rejoice, 
if it ever should be in my power, to serve you more essentially than 
by expressions of regard and allection ; but, in the mean time, I am 
])ersuaded you will not he displeased with this farewell token of my 
sincere friendship and esteem for you. 

" ' This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the ser- 
vice of my country. Tiie hour of my resignation is fixed at twelve 
to-day; after which I shall become a private citizen on tlie banks of 



XXI.] STEUBEN. 439 

the Potomac, where I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the 
great esteem and consideration with which 

'• ' I am, my dear Baron, &c.' " 

'• The neglect with which many of the brave men who had 
bled in our cause were treated by Congress, will ever remain 
as a stigma on that body. Among these were Steuben ; for 
seven years he made ineffectual efforts to obtain a notice of 
his claims, but in vain. He had left affluence and baronial 
dignity among the monarchs of Europe, to waste his life in 
our struggle, and now when tlie great object has been reach- 
ed, lie was poor, homeless, and unprovided for. 

'• At last, through the strenuous exertions of Washington 
and Hamilton, Congress were induced to acknowledge his 
■claims. In 1 790, they granted him an annual sum of twenty- 
five hundred dollars. Other grants, principally of land, had 
been made by Virginia and New Jersey, and on the the 5ih 
of May, 1786, the New York Assembly voted him sixteen 
thousand acres. Determined not to revisit Europe, he built 
a log house on his land, rented a large portion of it to 
tenants, and, with a few domestics, lived there until his death, 
excepting during an annual visit to New York city in the 
winter. His time was spent in reading, gardening, and in 
cheerful conversations with his faithful aids. Walker and 
North, who i-emained with him until death. Occasionally he 
amused himself by playing chess and hunting. 

" On the 25th of Noi^ember, 1794, he was struck by paraly- 
sis, and on the 28th, his long and active life closed. He died 
in full belief of the truths of Christianity, which for some 
.time had been his consolation and support. 

'■ His body was buried in his military cloak, to which was 
attached the star of knighthood, always worn during life. 
His servants and a few neighbors buried him. His grave 



440 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

wag in a deep forest, which being afterwards crossed by a 
road, occasioned its reinterment on a spot about a quarter of 
a mile north of his house. Walker performed this duty, and 
afterwards placed an iron railing around the grave. A stone, 
with the inscription, Major-General Frederick William Au- 
gustus, Baron de Steuben, marks the hero's resting place. 
A tablet in memory of him was placed in the Lutheran 
church, Nassau St., New York, where he always attended 
when in that city. This was done by his aid, Colonel North, 
who graced it by the following inscription : — 

Sacred to the Memory 

of 

FREDERICK WILLIAM AUGUSTUS, BARON STEUBEN, 

A German Knight of the Order of Fidelity, 

Aid-de-Camp to Frederick The Great, King of 

Prussia, 

Major General and Inspector General 

In the Revolutionary War. 

Esteemed, Respected, and Supported by Washington. 

He gave Military Skill and Discipline 

To the Citizen Soldier, 

(Who fulfilled the Decrees of Heaven.) 

Achieved the Independence of the United States. 

The highly polished manners of the Baron 

Were graced by the most noble feelings of the 

Heart ; 

His hand open as the day to melting 

Charity, 

Closed only in the grasp of Deatli. 

This memorial is inscribed by an American, 

Who had the Honor to be his Aid-de-Camp, 

The happiness to be his friend, 

1795. 

" By hia will, the Baron left his library and one thousand 
dollars to a young man of literary habits, named Mulligan. 



XXI.] STEUBEN. 441 

whom ho had adopted, aad nearly all the remainder of his 
property to North and Walker. What a proof of his firm- 
ness as a friend, and his gratitude for even the smallest 
favors." 



An anecdote of Baron Steuben has been frequently told 
and published in almost as many different forms as narrators. 
The following is believed to be the correct version, as it was 
obtained from the former neighbors of Jonathan Steuben, and 
who had frequently heard him narrate the whole details of the 
transaction. After the treason of the infamous Benedict 
Arnold, when, to use the words of one of the early historians 
of the Revolution, -he was despised by all mankind," the very 
name seemed to grate harshly on the ears of the Baron. On 
one occasion after the treason, the Baron was on parade at 
roll-call, when the detested name, Arnold, was heard in one of 
the infantry companies of the Connecticut line. The Baron 
immediately called the unfortunate possessor to the front of 
the company. He was a perfect model for his profession ; 
clothes, arms and equipments in the most perfect order. The 
practiced eye of the Baron soon scanned the soldier, and. 
" call at my marquee, after you are dismissed, brother soldier,'' 
was his only remark. After Arnold was dismissed from 
parade he called at the Baron's quarters as directed. The 
Baron said to him, "you are too fine a soldier to bear the 
name of a traitor, change it at once, change it at once." But 
what name shall I take, replied Arnold. " Any that you 
please, any that you please, take mine, if you cannot su-it 
yourself better, mine is at your service." Arnold at onci^ 
agreed to the proposition, and immediately repaired to his or- 
derly, and Jonathan Steuben forthwith graced the company 
roll, in lieu of the disgraced name of him who had plotted 
treason to his country. After the United States had con- 



\ 

442 AXMAL-s or oneida couNTi'. [chap. 

qiicred their independence, our hero returned to Coriuecticut. 
and on his petition, the general court legalized the change of 
name. A few years after, he wrote the Baron, who had now 
Pettled on hi.s patent in this county, that he had married and 
had a fine son born, and that he had named hiui Frederick 
William. The Baron replied that when the sou had ar- 
rived at the age of twenty-one, he would give him a fjirm. 
The Baron soon after paid the debt of nature, but his letter 
was carefully preserved. A few years after its settlement 
Jonathan Steuben removed to this town with his family. 
When Frederick William arrived at his majority, the letter 
was presented to Col. Walker, one of the Baron's executors, 
who at once executed to him a deed, in fee of fift\' acres of 
land, but which had been previously leased to Samuel Sizer. 
and as the recipient preferred the enjoyment of the land to 
the receipt of the rents, lie purchased the lease, and at one- 
v.'ent into possession. 

Jonathan Steuben lived to become a pensioner, and died 
some fifteen or si.xteen years since. His widow survived him, 
and has been dead but about six years, she also drew a pension. 

Tn tlie war of 1812, Frederick William went with the 
militia to Sacketts Harbor, where he was taken sick and died. 
For his services his widow received a pension, lie was or- 
derly sergeant of his company, and with the name of the 
3Jaron he had seemed to inlierit at least a portion of his distin- 
guishing qualifications, for he Avas considered one of the best 
di.sciplinarians in his regiment. 

The following anecdote of the Baron Steuben, is copied 
from '• Clark's history of Onondago " The author of that 
work having kindly given permission to have it and a number 
of other items relating to this county, transcribed into thi«' 
work : — 

'■Mr. John A. Shaefier was the first settler in 3Iaiilius 



XXI.) STEUBEN. 44o 

village. He commenced his residence in 1792. lie like 
many others of the early settlers, soon after opened a tavern 
and sold a few goods, to satisfy the very limited wants of the 
scattered inhabitants. In the year 1794, a son was born to 
Mrs. Shaeffcr, which was undoubtedly the first birth in the 
village. He was named Baron Steuben, in honor of the fa- 
mous General of that name, who about this time spent a night 
at the house of Mr. Schaeifcr, on his way out to Salt Point 
\7ith General Stephen Van Eensselaer, and General William 
North. The circumstances of this visit have been related to 
the author as follows : — 

'• ' On the return of the party from Salt Point, whether 
they had been to select a site for a block-house ; they spent 
the night at the house of John A. Shaeffer, Esq., • inn-keeper,' 
at Manlius. The guests were considerably fatigued with 
their journey and the labors of their important trust, and re- 
tired early to rest. During the night there seemed to be an 
unusual stir about the house, and as the hour of midnight 
approached, it still increased; and before morning transpired 
one of those unpostponable events incident to all prosperous 
and increasing families. The Baron was greatly annoyed 
during the night, so that he scarcely slept a wink. The fre- 
quent shutting of doors, continual tramping of busy feet, and 
hushed sounds of female voices, which were greatly magnified 
by the Baron's nervousness, and the importance of progressing 
events, kept his mind in continual tumult. 

'• ' The house was built of logs, only one story high, with two 
rooms below ; the chamber being the size of the house, with 
only loose boards for a floor, and accessible by no other 
means than a ladder. This chamber was occupied by the 
distinguished guests of Mr. Shaefi'er. The companions of 
the hero of this tale slept soundly, but not so with the Baron. 
He often turned himself on his bed of straw, seeking rest and 



444 ANNALS OF ONEIOA. COUNTY. [CHAP. 

finding none, continually wondering what on eartb could ex- 
cite such wonderful comniotion, and he finally worked him- 
self into an uncontrollable passion, which could scarcely be 
restrained till morning. On the earliest approach of light, 
the Baron rose, vowing vengeance on all below. He ap- 
proached the redoubtable landlord in not the most agreeable 
humor, saying, your house is full of gossips and goblins, sir : 
I hav'n't slept a wink all the blessed night ; you have a pack 
of dogs about you, noisy enough to deafen one. Sir, I repeat ; 
your house is full of gossips and goblins. Sir. your house isn't 
tit to stable swine. Give us breakfast, let us be off, and we'll 
not trouble you again. The ]3aron's rage was at its height. 
Mine host was perfectly dumb-founded before his enraged and 
angry guest, and dared not lift his head, or hint the cause of 
the disturbance during the night. But soon to give relief to 
his troubled mind, a woman approached the angry Baron, 
who was still breathing forth threatenings and storm, bearing 
in her arms an infant, who had not yet witnessed the setting 
of a single sun, saying, 'here, sir Baron, is the cause of all the 
noise and trouble last night.' The gallant old soldier instant- 
ly felt the impropriety of his conduct, his habitual good 
humor was instantly restored, his accustomed gallantry 
prompted him at once handsomely to apologize, at the same 
time begging ten thousand pardons of those around him. lie 
tendered his most hearty congratulations to Mr. ShaefFer 
and his wife, and ofiFored to bestow his name on the new 
visitant, which ofi"er was accepted, and forthwith the Baron 
drew a deed of gift for two hundred and fifty acres of land, 
from his domain in Oneida, and after breakfast, with his 
friends, went on his way rejoicing.' " 

The Baron thought very highly of his land in this county. 
On a certain occasion while on one of his annual winter visit.s 
to the city of New York, some of bis friends rather jeered 



Xxr.] . STEUBEN. 445 

liim for attempting to settle the mountains, lip at the head of 
the Mohawk. The Baron was a little nettled, and at once 
retorted, " that it was the best land in the world, and he could 
prove it." The proof was challenged, and it was at once 
given as follows : " Why there is Capt. Simeon WoodruiF, 
who had sailed around the globe with Captain Cook^^And he 
has bought a farm on my patent and settled on it, and sure 
if in all his V03'agc a better location had been found, he would 
not have done so." The argument was deemed conclusive. 

Captain Woodruff moved into the town of Steuben, in 1 790. 
and took a lease of a part of a farm now owned by Major 
Russel Fuller. 

Baron Steuben's Grave. — As noticed in his biography, 
the dust of this hero reposes in this town. In his will, the 
Baron provided that his body be buried in the place designated, 
but after his death it could not be ascertained that he had to 
any friend designated the place. The only remark that 
could be recollected that had any bearing upon the subject, 
was, that he was once heard to say, that under a certain hem- 
lock, north of his residence would be a good place to be buried, 
without however expressing any wish as to his own remains. 
In the absence of any other expressed wish, that place was 
selected, and his remains there interred. A few years after a 
road was laid out, so that the grave was included within its 
limits. The impropriety of such a state of things induced 
Col. Walker, of Utiea, who was one of the Baron's aids in the 
Revolution, and who was one of his executors and principal 
legatees, to remove the remains to a more suitable resting 
place. The place selected was in the centre of five acres of 
heavy timbered wood-land, and Col. Walker gave one of the 
Welsh Baptist Societies, in the vicinity, a lease of fifty acres 
of land, of which the five acres of wood-land was a part, the 
only rent and consideration to be paid, is the keeping said 



446 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COtTNTY. _ [cHAP. 

6ve acres substantially fenced forever, and no cattle or othesy 
animals suffered to go within its bounds, and the title to fail 
whenever the lessees shall fail in the performance of the 
stipulations. Up to the present time the society has sacred- 
ly kept its trust, the forest having the most primeval appear- 
ance, and the little tiny saplings as well as the largest beech 
and maples bear the impress, that here^ man nor beast has 
trespassed. The monument erected by subsci'iption, when 
the "nation's guest," La Fayette, visited this country, is be- 
coming dilapidated, and for the honor of the town and county, 
it is hoped that it will be shortly repaired. The tablet is 
about seven feet by four, and nearly a foot in thickness, of 
the purest limestone, and kept in place, will withstand tho 
ravages of centuries. 



The following from the Rome Sentinel of December IGth, 
1849. is considered worthy of being inserted : 

'■■ Wonderful Occurrence. — The most remarkable and almost in- 
credible accident that we ever heard of, happened in the town of 
J^teuben, in this county, last week. About three weeks since, Thomp- 
son Phillips, a respectable inhabitant of Steuben, completed a new- 
Steam Saw Mill near a piece of woods on his premises. It was kept 
in tolerable successful operation, till a week ago last Friday, whea 
the boiler collapsed, and by the force of steam or some other pow- 
er,* moved bodily from the arch into which it was set, and was 
carried with tremendous Airy, the distance of twenty-eight rods into 
a piece of woods. In its progress it carried away the chimney of the 
Saw Mill, and struck and severed entirely from the stumps six trees, 
several of which were hemlock, and one, a somid beech, eighteen 
inches in diameter. One of the trees was severed into several pieces, 
and the last tree that was struck was broken into a log about thirty 

*Vtic boiler buret at one en I, and it m now believed that the escape of ibo f.Utam 
'rom the end, on the reaction prUicljle, cau*od tbU powerful mo\emea; cf it.— 
•\«i aoc. 



XMI-L STEUBEN*. 447 

feet long, which was driven six rods beyond the stump from which it 
was severed. The wood that was in tlie furnace at the time of the 
accident, was drawn into the boiler through a hole broken into the 
•boiler over the furnace, tighter than it could be driven by a beetle. 

" Every tree except the last one severed, fell in the direction froca 
which they were struck. There were six men in the Saw Mill at the 
time, no one of whom was injured. The explosion M-as loud, and a 
man at work in the woods near where the boiler passed, thought for 
a moment that the last trump was sounding. 

" Every particular of the above occurrence haiipened as we have 
7'dated, as hundreds Avho have gone a con.siderablc distance to see 
the ruins, can verify."' 

Tiiere are no leading roads or public improvements through 
this town. Four taverns at different times have been started, 
but there being little foreign aid, and the inhabitants too tem- 
perate and frugal to give them an efficient home support, 
llhey have all failed for the want of patronage. For the last 
Twenty years Steuben, and to its honor it is narrated, has had 
no house where drunkards are manufactured according to 
law. 

The high altitude of this town renders the air pure and 
bracing. As a town it is remarkably healthy. In its eas- 
terly part there is a school district of thirty families. 
Within this district, and within the ten years previous to 
1849, there had seventeen persons died^ over eighty years 
of age. Of these three were between eighty and eighty-five. 
ten between eighty-five and ninety, and four between ninety 
and ninety-five. A majority of these persons had resided in 
the district more than forty years, and quite a proportion 
were emigrants from Wales. There has been but one crimi- 
nal conviction in the district, and that was of a person whc 
had not resided in it two years. This district is thus partic- 
ularized, as a fair sample of the town. 



as 



ANNALS OF ONEIDA COVXTV. 



[chap. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 



Tlioro aro seven churches in this town, six of whicli arc 
Welsh and one English. These churches are of the follow- 
ing denominations, viz. : two Calvinistic Methodist, two 
Presbyterian, one Baptist, one Episcopal Methodist, and one 
Union Society of Methodists and Baptists. These statistics, 
in connection with the number of inhabitants, show conclu- 
sively that tlie Welsh are a church going, and a church loving 
people. It is rather a national peculiarity of the Welsh, that 
they divide into small societies, for the support of a preached 
gospel, and still they well sustain them by their attendance, 
subscriptions and contributions. By the census of 1845, 
there were six saw mills in the town, and no grist mill. 

There is a printing office, but of its business capacity the 
author is not informed. 

Population in 1845, 1,924. 



chap] trentoh. 449 



CHAPTER XXII. 



TRENTON. 



The first settler of this town was Gerrit Boon, a native of 
Holland, who arrived in Trenton village in 1793, althoHgli 
he had then been some time in the United States. He was 
a most amiable and worthy man, and possessed great perse- 
verance and patience in overcoming all the obstacles and 
privations attendant upon the settlement of a new and unex- 
plored country. 

He came from old Fort Schuyler (Utica) to this place 
marking a line of trees on ground he selected for a future 
road, and on arriving at the junction of Cincinnatus and Steu- 
ben Creeks, he pitched his tent and named the place " Olden- 
barneveld," in honor of a great patriot and statesman of 
that name in Holland, a man of indomitable truthfulness and 
•courage, who perished on the scaffold in 1619, in the eighty- 
second year of his age, in defence of the virtuous principles 
he had adopted. 

Mr. Boon was agent for Nicholas Van Staphorst, Pieter 
Van Eighen, Hendrick Vollenhoven, Aernout Van Beefting, 
Volrave Van Herkelom, of Amsterdam, Holland, known as 
the Holland Land Company, and who with Jacob Van Stap- 
horst, Christian Van Eighen, Isaac Ten Gate, Christiana 
Coster, widow of Peter Stadnitski, and Jan Stadnitski, cit- 
izens of Netherlands, were the original '• Holland land 
owners." Mr. Boon, either alone, or in connection with Her 

29 



450 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

man LeRoy, William Bayard, James McEvers, Paul Busti. 
or some of them, purchased and held in trust for the owners 
in Holl'ind. A-arious considerable tracts of land in this section, 
aside from the immense possessions of the company in tlie 
western part of this State, and among which were, 46.057 
acres of Oouthoudt's Patent, 6.0-2G acres of Steubens Patent. 
1.200 acres of Machin's Patent, 23,609 acres of Servis's 
Patent, etc., the latter Patent mostly lying in this town. 
As the early conveyances affecting these lands are not all re- 
corded in this County, the author has not been able to give 
a "chain of title" to them. 

Servis's Patent was granted in 1768, by Sir Henry Moore, 
Governor of this colony, to Peter Servis and twenty-four 
others, tenants, and really for the benefit of Sir William John- 
sou, and like most of the large colonial grants was made in 
the first instance to obscure individuals and by them trans- 
ferred to a government favorite, or oflicor of rank, to evade 
the instructions of the '• Lords' Commissioners for Trade and 
Plantations," — (Vide Cosby's Manor, Utica.) 

Sir William Johnson prepared a great feast by roasting 
an ox whole, etc., to which he invited Peter Servis and his* 
twenty-four colleagues, besides a large number of other in- 
habitants of Johnstown and vicinity, with their wives and 
children, and when all were in the best of spirits he procured 
a transfer of the patent to himself, he having doubtless fur- 
nished the money and exerted the influence necessary for its 
procurement. After the death of Sir William, and prior to 
the Revolution, his son Sir John Johnson and other heirs 
sold Servis' Patent to several gentlemen residing in New 
York, so that it was not confiscated with the property of th(> 
Johnson's in the Mohawk Valley, and between 1790 and 
ISOO, this and the various other tracts were conveved to 
Boon ami others in trust, and on the 24th of March, 1801, 



XXIl.J TRENTON. 451 

Messrs. LeRoy, Bayard and Boon, conveyed Servis' Patent 
directly to tbc Hollaed Company. IMr. Boon died a few- 
years since at Amsterdam, in Holland, whither he returned 
many years since, after closing up his land agency in a man- 
ner most satisfactory to his employers. 

A characteristic anecdote is told of the late Peter Smith, 
in connection with the purchase of Servis' Patent, by Mr, 
Boon. After negotiating with the owners of the Patent in 
New York, Mr. Boon came to this then entire wilderness to 
examine as to the quality of the land. Having done so to 
his satisfaction, he arrived at the village of old Fort Schuyler 
on Saturday evening, on his way to New York, and put up 
with Mr. Smith, with whom he intended to remain over 
Sunday. After giving Mr. Smith his views as to the land 
and the price per acre at which he could purchase it, and 
tafter the usual chit chat of the evening, Mr. Boon retired for 
the night. On Sunday morning he was surprised at the non- 
appearance of Mr. Smith, and what was singular his family 
could not account for his mysterious absence. The day 
wore away, and, although the family manifested no signs of 
alarm, yet no explanation of the occurrence was given, and 
early on Monday Mr. Boon sat out on his slow and toilsome 
journey for home. Immediately upon arriving in the city 
he called upon the proprietors of the Patent to complete the 
purchase, and it is easy to judge of his surprise when he was 
informed that Servis' Patent had been sold to Peter Smith 
on the day preceding. The story ends with an insinuation 
that Mr. Smith received a bonus of about $10,000 for his 
interest in the land. 

At the commencement of the Revolution, Sir John John- 
son concealed the title-deeds, and other valuable papers, be- 
longing to the family, by burying the strong box containing 
them, in the garden of Johnson Hall, and several years after- 



452 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAf. 

Wards, wlien cxluimed they were found destroj-ed, having bo- 
come T\et and mouldy, and therefore illegible. This fact 
having become public, Peter Servis. the original patentee, be- 
ing still alive in the Mohawk A^alley, presuming that the 
transfer to Sir William could not be proved, commenced an 
action of ejectment against Mr. Boon and others, to recover 
the land, but failed in the attempt, as parol proof of the trans- 
fer, was admitted upon the trial. 

Among the early settlers of this section of the town, was 
Col. Adam G. Mappa and his family, Doctor Vander Kemp, 
both emigrants from Holland, the latter from the city of 
Leyden. Doctor Vander Kemp first settled near Esopus, 
now Kingston, Ulster County, in 1788. In 1793, he changed 
his residence to the shores of the Oneida Lake, and soon 
after to Oldenbarneveld, whei-e he enjoyed the society of 
Col. Mappa's family. Col. Mappa succeeded Mr. Boon in 
the land agency, and Mr. John J. Vander Kemp, a son of the 
Doctor, early in life succeeded H. J. Huidekoper, Esq., who 
was appointed chief clerk in the general agency, Philadel- 
phia. In 1804, Esquire Huidekoper accepted the agency of 
the Holland Land Company's lands, in Pennsylvania, and re- 
moved to the Alleghany river, when young Vander Kemp was 
called to the chief clerkship in Philadelphia In 1824, upon 
the decease of Mr. Busti, Mr. Vander Kemp succeeded him 
in the general agency. Thus clerk in Col. Mappa's office, 
chief clerk, and general agent, he was almost half a century 
engaged in the concerns of the Holland Land Company. 

But to return to Oldenbarneveld. The first settlers en- 
dured all the hardships and deprivations incident to a border 
life at that period. The nearest mill was sixteen miles dis- 
tant, and in the then state of the roads, it waa a full three 
days' journey to go and return. When the candles were all 
expended, and a supply not forth-coming, they had to sub«tl- 



WU. TRENTON. 



45c 



tute a saucer of lard, witli a strip of linen for a wick, thus 
forming a lamp around which they would sit, and enjoy life 
as well as with tlie most costly lamp, filled with the best of 
sperm, to grace their table. In the best of weather and in 
the driest portion of the season, twelve hours were quick 
time in which to perform the journey to old Fort Schuyler. 
This, it must be recollected, was before plank roads were in- 
vented. 

Among the first settlers of Trenton, were Judge John 
Storrs, Col. Robert Hicks, Peter Schuyler, John P. LittlCj 
Cheny Garrett, and William Hollo. Like all first settlers, 
they had their privations, joys and sorrows, in common. An 
instance of this, and of the energy of the men of those days, 
by which a house, as if by magic appeared to grace their vil- 
lage, is related. A new settler had arrived with his family, 
but no domicil was ready for their accommodation, and noth- 
ing in preparation for its erection. Trees, it is true, were 
growing in their native forest, " decked in green," and this 
was all. The morning after the arrival all hands turned out 
to give the new settler a benefit, some logs were cut to be 
taken to the mill for boards, others were employed in prepar- 
ing a skeleton frame, and ere night had spread her " sable 
curtains,"' the house had been framed and raised, the boards 
sawed, the building entirely enclosed, and the family had 
'•moved in,'' to dream their future fortunes, the first night in 
their new home. It is probable there were neither plastering, 
paint nor glazing, but contentment made it equal to a palace. 

Mr. Boon while he continued his agency erected a saw 
and grist-mill, so that in a short time, comforts and accom- 
modations clustered about them. 

The first town meeting of the inhabitants of Trenton, was 
held April 4th, 1797; at which Col. Adam Gr. Mappa was 
chosen supervisor, and John P. Little, town clerk. During 



454 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

the next three yeai's, Judge John Storrs held the office of 
supervisor : for the next ten, Peter Schuyler; the next eighteen 
(with tlie exception of one year) William liollo, and then 
Judge Storrs held the office again for eight years. 

Of the first settlers of this town, Miss Sophia, daughter of 
Col. Mappa, the widow of Judge Storrs, and Cheny Garrett 
are all who now survive. 

To the scientific geologist there is no more interesting sec- 
tion of the State than this town. Limestone underlaid with 
slate, is found in almost all parts of it, and is of the very best 
and purest quality Avhen burned for building purposes. The 
produce of many quarries also is easily cut, and is thus ex- 
tensively used in the erection of buildings. The State Asy- 
lum, at Utica. is built of Trenton limestone, quarried near 
Stittsville, a small village intersected by the line between this 
town and Marcy This stone is formed of myriads of shells, 
corals, etc., etc. In diiferent parts of the town, as the limited 
supjily of timber suitable for fences, becomes exhausted, the 
farmers arc annually quarrying from their inexhaustible beds, 
and adding to the walls which are eventually to enclose and 
divide their fields. 

In agriculture this town maintains an equal position among 
her sister towns in the count}'. When the town was new, 
winter wheat was extensively raised, but as the land becomes 
partially worn, it is winter killed, to so great an extent that 
its culture has been abandoned and spring wheat substituted, 
and this has been nearly driven from the productions of the 
town by the insect. Indian corn, oats, barley, rye, potatoes, 
carrots and ruta-bagas yield well, and are as sure to bring as 
good a return for the labor bestowed, as in most sections in 
the county. There is a large proportion of good land in 
Trenton, and among her farmers she numbers many of the 
most enterprising, persevering and successful of that class in 



XXn.] TRENTON. 455 

this section of the country. Improvement and onward is 
their motto. This town furnishes a number of active and 
.influential members of the Oneida County Agricultural So- 
ciety. More attention has of late been paid to the breeding 
of good stock of all kinds, than formerly. The soil is well 
adapted to grazing, and large quantities of butter and cheese 
fire made annually and sent to market. 

Trenton Falls. — These falls, now so celebrated, were 
iirst brought into notice by the Rev. John Sherman, by pub- 
lications in different papers, and a pamphlet giving a, most 
glowing description of them. '• They are situated on West 
Canada Creek, in N. lat. 43 deg. 23 min., 1 4 miles north of Utl- 
ca.at which place every facility can be had for a ride to Trenton 
iFalls, where a large and commodious house is erected for the 
Accommodation of visitors."' The Indian name of these falls is 
<Juy-a-hora, signifying " fall of the glancing waters." This 
•creek is the main branch of the Mohawk river, and interlocks 
•?.vith the Black Siver upon the summit elevation and at one 
point the two streams are but three-fourths of a mile apart, 
and can very readily be turned into the same channel. The 
West Canada Creek has chosen its course along the highlands, 
jnaking its way on the backbone of the country, and empties 
into the Mohawk at Herkimer. Mr. Sherman thus speaks 
of the approach to the falls: "From the door yard, you step 
at once into the forest, and walking only twenty rods strike 
the bank at the place of descent." Passing down the stairs, 
"you land upon a broad pavement, level with the water's edge, 
a furious rapid being in front that has cut down the rock still 
deeper ; being now on the pavement, the river Styx at your 
feet, perpendicular walls of solid rocks on each side, and the 
narrow zone of sky far over head, your feelings are at once 
excited, j&n have passed into a subterranean world. The 



456 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

lirst impression is astonishment at the change. But recov- 
ering instantly, your attention is forthwith attracted to the 
magnificence, the grandeur, the beauty and sublimity of the 
scene. You stand and pause. You behold the operations 
of incalculable ages. You are thrown back to antediluvian 
times. The adamantine rock has yielded to the flowing 
water that has formed the wonderful chasm. You tread ou 
petrifactions or fossil organic remains imbedded in the four- 
lumdreth stratum which preserves the forms and occupies the 
places of beings once animated like yourselves, each stratuni 
having been the deposit of a supervening flood, that happened 
successively, Eternity alone knows when!" 

These falls have not the sublimity or grandeur of Niagara, 
where every thing of cascade is formed upon the grandest 
scale. There perched on Table Eock, the visitor at one view 
can witness the mighty roll and tumble of the father of cat- 
aracts. Not so at Trenton. Here days spent in viewing 
and reviewing the succession of Avonders and the beauties of 
the several cascades, rapids and eddies, and the scenery in 
which they are involved, will hardly satisfy the eyes of the 
tourist. There are three principal falls, the lower of thirty- 
seven, the middle of eleven, and the upper of forty-eight 
feet, and these with the lesser cascades and rapids immedi- 
ately above, below and intervening, make a descent of 109 
feet. 

In 1822, Mr. Sherman erected a "Rural Retreat for the 
accommodation of visitors at the Falls. His receipts for the 
first year were 8 187.35. 

The following beautiful lines were sketched at the Falls 
by the gentleman whose name is affixed, and presented to a 
Miss M. S., of Waterville. in this County, who was one of 
the party, and who furnished a copy for this work 



r-.f 



XXII.] TRENTON. 457 

MOONLIGHT REVERIES. 

There is a pleasure in tlio pithless woods; 
There is a ra.plure oii the lum ly shore ; 
There is society where nouo intrudes, 
By the deep seaaud music iu the roar. — Byron. 

N'iglit' s shadows thicken and tlie star.s look tbroug'U 

Their eth'ry veil ot'soft and cloudlcs.s blue, 

■yVhile the pale moon with clear and steady ray 

Usurps the throne, where sat the god of day ; 

Here', as I stand iipon this rugged shore, 

Nought breaks the stillness, save the mighty roar 

Of Trenton's waters, as they rush along. 

O'er craggy steeps, and jagged rocks among. 

Foaming and lashing iu their ceaseless flow. 

To reach in thunder the abyss below. , 

Flow on, proiid stream ! — flow on, unfettered river, 
And peal aloud great Nature's anthem ever, 
And you., ye hills, in living verdure drest, 
Ye giant rocks, no human foot e'er prest ! 
Aye stand, 'till Time to ashes shall have trod 
All earthly emblems of the power of God. 

Ye flow'ry banks, so beauteously array'd ! 

Ye winding walks, through which but once I've stray'dJ, 

If ne'er again among ye I shall rove. 

In the sweet presence of the hearts I love. 

Still on my mind, till life's brief hour is o'er, 

Your charms are written — fadeless evermore ; 

Ye maddened waters ! as ye rush along. 

Years will re-echo your undying song, 

And tho' afar my footsteijs wander free, 

My pulse wiU quicken at the thougkt of thee. 

J. E. V.\tL, New York. 
Trenton Fall», Asgust, 1845* 



458 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAr. 

Among the immeusc numbers who have visited the falls 
from the four (quarters of the world, within the past thirty 
years, several most heart-rending accidents have occurred, 
showing the necessity of care, while viewing these beautiful 
and wonderful works of nature. Such accidents occur too 
frequently from venturing too far and attempting to reach 
points almost impossible of acccs.s, and at the utmost risk 
of life. 

AcciDK.NTs AT Trenton Falls. — Ou the 21st of July, 
1827, a numerous party from New York visited the falls, and 
among the number were several members of the family of 
John Suydam, Esq., of that city. Miss Eliza Mesier Suy- 
dam, aged seventeen years, a daughter of Mr. Suydam, and 
a young gentleman, a cousin, were in advance of the party, 
and upon arriving at the projecting point just below the fall, 
the second above the refreshment house, and since known as 
the "Suydam fall," Miss Suydam passed around alone, and 
in a moment her cousin was made aware of her sad fate by 
seeing her bonnet borne down the foaming rapid. The body 
was not found until one or two days had elapsed, and was 
then taken to Utica for burial. 

On the 2d of August, 1 830, Charles E. Bill, son of Dr. 
Bill of llemsen. visited the falls with a sister, two ladies, his 
cousins, and an uncle. AVhile assisting the ladies arc/und a 
point of rock a short distance above the lower fall, he in- 
cautiously stepped into the edge of the current, when his feet 
•^lipped and he was hurried in a standing petition over the 
frightful cataract, a fall of about 40 feet. As he passed out 
of bight, he waved with his hand a final adieu to those who 
gazed in helpless agony upon his certain and rapid progress 
down the torrent, while his features showed the full realiza- 



XXir.] TRENTON. 459 

tion of liis terrible fate. Mr. Bill's acje was about 21. he was 
a student at the Fairfield Medical College, and was a young 
man of excellent character and fine promise, and his death 
was mourned by an extensive circle of relatives and friends. 

On the 15th of July, 1836, while Mr. Herman Thorne, a 
celebrated millionaire of New York, then recently returned 
from Paris, with his family, was on a visit to the falls, a young 
daughter; 3IissZerlina, was drowned at the same place where 
Miss Suydam found a watery grave. The following account 
of the catastrophe is.copied from a New York paper : 

'• On Friday last, Mr. Thorne was carefully conducting 
his wife over a narrow pass, having this fated daughter, Zer- 
lina, in his arms, when a faithful servant stepped up and 
begged permission to take charge of the little girl. At first 
Mr. Thorne declined, but was finally induced by the difficul- 
ty of the pass, to give the child over to the servant. He had 
scarcely done so, and turned again to his wife, when a scream, 
the last ever uttered by the lovely child, burst upon the ear, 
and he looked around to see the servant struggling in the 
boiling eddies, and to feel — that his own cherished daughter 
lie was to behold no more. The man had slipped upon the 
treacherous rocks, and with his charge was precipitated into 
the whirling stream. The little girl instantly disappeared. 
The man sustained himself until a stick was held forth, by 
which he was drawn from the water. Thus perished before 
the eyes of her parents — in the early blossom of life, ere sin 
had touched, or sorrow faded — Zerlina Thorne, in the eighth 
year of her age — described to us, by one who is himself a 
father and has known affliction, as a child of such uncommon 
loveliness, as to attract the regard of all who approached her."' 

On the 2d of August, 1849, a party of six ladies and gen- 



4G0 ANNALS OF ONEFDA COU.VTT. [clIA7, 

(l(Miien wore visitirifr the falls, having arrived the day prece- 
ding, and of the number were Edward and Eliza Bryan, son 
and dauglitcr of Mr. Daniel Bryan, and brother and sister of 
Jolm Bryan, Esq., of Utica. The party left the hotel in thie 
nidniing to visit the fiills, and upon arriving at the refresh- 
ment house, the Bryans, leaving their companions, proceeded 
as far as the path is cut in the rock and as far as any but the 
most venturesome ever go, and then as they were climbing 
around a huge pile of rock with a perpendicular face of an 
liundred feet, with only here and there a slight projection or 
crevice to assist them while hanging a considerable distance 
above the water, was the last that was seen of them alive. 
The particulars of that terrible moment will never be known 
until that great day when all secrets shall be revealed. 
AVhieh met his or her fate first ? and what struggles and 
efforts to save the other? and how long those struggles? 
are questions no human tongue can answer. They parted 
with their friends at about ten o'clock, and the watch of 
Miss Bryan was found stopped a few minutes before elev- 
en. The body of Edward was found late in the evening 
near where he doubtless fell, and the body of the sister 
was found early the next morning a short distance be- 
low. On the fourth their funeral took place at Utica, and 
their remains were followed to their final resting place by 
one of the largest processions ever witnessed in that city, in- 
cluding almost the entire fire department, of which Edward 
Bryan was a member. 

Cavern at Trenton Falls. — The following article pro- 
ving the existence of this cavern, with a description, is copied 
from the Friend nf Man^ an anti-.slavery newspai)€r, formeriy 
jiublishcd in Utica. The exploration was made by several 
gentlemeu, students in the "Oneida Institute  atWhitesboro. 



\'XII.J TRENTON. 461 

"The entrance of Ihc oavern is to be found at a distance of 
perhaps a mile and a half from the recess directly upon the 
creek, on the west side, and about two hundred yards from 
its bank. It is on a Seld owned by Stephen Buffington, and 
has immediately around it a clump of bushes. 

"Before entering we entirely changed our dress, putting 
on old clothes which we had provided for the occasion, and 
taking in our hands candles, hammers, matches, etc. — (a 
preparation which was afterwards found to be essential to 
safety.) We also left at the mouth some person to build a 
fire, (a precaution which we would also recommend to other* 
for their comfort on coming out.) It is not convenient for 
more than three or four persons to enter at a time. Each 
one should carry a candle or other light, as it greatly facili- 
tates the progress, and a single one is every moment liable to 
be extinguished. We were able to enter by stooping slight- 
ly, but the passage immediately contracts, so that but one 
person can pass at a time, and that only upon his hands and 
knees. The way is arched in the rock above, and has in ita 
bottom a fissure of considerable depth, in which flows a stream 
of pure water. It is nearly horizontal, in a direction towards 
the creek, and uniform in size, except here and there w hen 
it is partially closed by pieces of rock which have fallen from 
above. At a distance of about ten rods from the mouth, this 
passage opens into the upper part .of a circular room about 
twelve feet in depth, which from its figure has been called 
the bottle. 

"It presents nothing very remarkable. Ascending from this, 
the passage is continued forward of the same form, and in the 
direction as before, for a distance of thirty yards, when it 
is firmly closed by rocks. Here, however, the fissure in- its 
floor is enlarged in several places. Through one of these 
Opeaings we found a passage j and, descending in the posture 



46'2 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTl'. [CHAP. 

of a chimney sweep, through a space of fifteen feet, we came 
to the channel of the brook. Following this, we found u 
straight and narrow route, in form and course like the one 
above, for forty yards. Through this it is necessary to go 
on the hands and knees a part of the distance, and occasion- 
ally to lie flat down and crawl like a serpent, carrying one 
arm before with the candle, and applying the other closely to 
the side of the body, and even with this expedient, a person 
of greater than orcHuary size might stick fast in the passage, 
and be unable to extricate himself without assistance. At 
length the way became wider, and higher, and its sides began 
to be covered with an incrustation of carbonate of lime, 
which being crystaline, presents, by the reflection of the 
light, a handsome appearance. Soon it expands more, and 
passes an apartment of considerable dimensions. Here all 
our toil was awarded. Our eyes were gratified with the sight 
of stalactites, hanging in numbers from the roof, and running 
in ridges like little columns along the sides. The whole sur- 
face of the rock, and the pebbles on the floor, are covered with 
an incrustation, white in some parts and brown in others, pre- 
senting an appearance truly beautiful. The stillness which 
pervades this deep part of the cavern, in connection with the 
thoughts that we are separated from the living world above 
by such depth of solid rock, produces a peculiarly solemn 
impression on the mind, while the reverberation of our voices 
returning upon our own ears in greatly magnified notes, 
make a very singular sensation. 

''Passing still onward, the passage continues for many 
yards of various dimensions, and, as we crawled along, a 
pleasant sound as of falling water fell upon our ears ; and 
indeed we soon entered a cavern larger than either of those 
we had seen, from the side of which issued a living spring, or 
a brook, which, like the one wo followed, has found the way 



XXII.} TRKNTON. ' 465 

troin the surface of the earth, and here falls from a raTine in 
a perfect sheet, like a cascade in miniature. This cavern was 
more beautiful than the former. Its sparry roofs and walls, 
and its white pebbles, with the water reflecting in its fall the 
light of our candles, and breaking the profound stillnesS' 
which would otherwise prevail, produce an eifect altogether 
pleasant and more easily imagined than described. The rill 
makes its way through the rock to the creek, but cannot be 
followed more than twenty feet from this cascade, the way 
being then closed by large stones. At this point bones were- 
found, indicating it to have been the resort of the beasts of 
prey. On starting to come out, our first impulse was to 
make extensive depredations on the encrusted walls and roof, 
but the recollection of the narrowness of the passage preven- 
ted, and we contented ourselves with taking one or two pieces 
of a foot or more in length, which we brought out singly, 
and filling a bag with smaller pieces, which we rolled along: 
the paths before us. We arrived safe at the mouth of the 
cave, having been absent two hours and a half 

"■ The whole distance we estimated at three hundred feet. 
The air was pure, and although cold and damp, our constant 
exercise kept up free circulation, and we sustained no injury 
except the bruises we received by our heads from the rocks. 
Thus, in addition to the well-known grandeur and beauty ot 
the works of the Author of Nature seen in the vicinity, we 
have seen another curiosity fully equal to the former, giving 
to the spot new interest and greater variety. True, it is 
difficult of access, but those who enter it will be richly paid 
for their labor — the lovers of adventure, by the novelty of so 
romantic a journey into the bowels of the earth." 

Trenton village (formerly Oldenbarneveld,) is a small 
but pleasant village, situated, as has been stated, near th© 



464 ANNALS OF 'ONEIDA COt'NTY. [ciIAP. 

confluence of the Steuben and Cincinnatus Creeks. There arc 
two stores, two taverns, several mechanics' shops, and about 
nixty private dwellings. The family mansion erected by Col. 
Mappa, is of stone, and is equalled by but very few private 
dwellings in the county. The district school house is of 
•stone, two stories high, with a town hall in the upper part, and 
is a respectable, durable structure. There are three churches, 
Unitarian. Presbyterian, and Methodist. Capt. John Bil- 
lings, is the post-master at this place. He received the ap- 
pointment in the spring of 1805, his commission bearing date 
the 19th of June, thereafter, and is believed he is now the 
oldest post-master in the United States. An article pub- 
lished in the JJtica Observer some two or three years since, 
claimed this honor for Mr. Billings, and was answered by a 
statement that there then was a post-master at some place 
in the Mohawk Valley, whose commission was dated in the 
latter part of President "Washington's administration. Since 
then the obituary of that post-master has been published, 
and it may now be fiiirly inferred that Trenton village can 
claim the "oldest post-master." 

South Trenton is situated in the south-east part of the 
town, in the valley of the Nine Mile creek. A singular 
circumstance connected with this stream is that in all its 
course it is nine miles from Utica, uniting with the Mohawk 
that distance above the city. South Trenton contains about 
forty dwellings, and two hundred inhabitants. It has a 
post office, one physician, two taverns, one store, four shoe 
shops, two carriage shops, two blacksmiths' shops, two 
paint shops, one tailor, one harness maker, and one saw 
anill. It has also a flourishing division of the Sons of Tem- 
perance. 

There arc three houses for public worship, viz. ; a 
Union house belonging to tJie Baptists and Presbyterians* 



XXII.] TRENTON. 465 

that of the Independent Baptists, and one belonging to the 
Welsh Baptists. 

The district school house stands on an elevation a little 
north of the village, in which about one hundred pupils are 
taught, ten months in the year. The school is divided into 
two departments, in one of which is taught the higher branches 
of education, usual in academies, by competent teachers, 
thereby relieving the inhabitants from the necessity of send- 
ing their sons and daughters abroad to complete their edu- 
cation. The villagers, by their laudable exertions, have 
raised the character of their school so high, that it has been 
frequently termed " the model school." 

The first settlers in this part of the town, were Col. Thomas 
Hick£, ian emigrant from Rhode Island, John Garrett and 
his two sons, Cheney and Peter, from Branford, Connecticut, 
and Edward Hughes and Hugh Thomas, from Wales. Che- 
ney Garrett built the first framed house in the village, which 
is yet standing on the bank of the Nine Mile creek. 

Holland Patent. — This was a srant of 'about 20.000 
acres, and lies principally within the limits of the town of 
Trenton. It was granted by the British crown to Heni-y, 
Lord Holland, and by him sold to Seth Johnson, Horace 
Johnson and Andrew Craige. Under their direction it was 
surveyed and divided into lots of about 100 acres each, in 
July, 1797, by Moses Wright, a surveyor, then residing in 
Rome. 

At the time the Johnsons came upon the Patent, 
Noah Simons, who also claimed to be an owner of it, was 
engaged in making a survey, but soon left, and never came 
to the Patent afterwards. The heirs of Noah Simons have 
within the last twenty years been to great trouble and ex- 
pense in tracing out the title in England, and have to their 

30 



466 ANNALS OF OXEIDA COL'NTY. [CIIAP. 

satisfaction found the record of the original conveyance to 
their ancestors, and which, if attended to in season, would 
have secured the tract to the Simons family ; upon further 
examination, however, they found that the Johnsons and 
Craige, had so long since sold the whole of their rights to the 
settlers, that they were barred by the statute of limitations, 
and have now abandoned all hopes of obtaining what they 
consider their just due. 

Seth Johnson, the senior partner of that firm, was born in 
Middletown, Connecticut, November 2d, 1767, and died 
\?hile on a visit to Holland Patent, December 8th, 1S02, and 
was the first person buried in the burial ground he had given 
for the use of the settlers upon his lands. 

A few families moved upon the Patent previously to 1797. 
having purchased of Simons. The date of the first settlement 
can not be precis<;ly ascertained. One of the authors infor- 
mants was of the opinion that Holland Patent was settled a 
little earlier than Trenton Village. Of the settlers under 
the title of Simons, Rowland Briggs and Eliphalet Pierce 
only survive, and who with Eliphalet Cotes, Benjamin White 
and a few others long since dead, purchased of Simons, and 
repurchased of the Johnsons and Craige. Soon after thesur- 
v<jy, the proprietors (Johnsons and Craige.) wishing to estab- 
lish an actual and permanent settlement, sold one quarter 
of the Patent to Bezabel Fisk. Pascal C. I. DeAngells, Hez- 
ekiah Hulbert, and Isaac Hubbard, for the location of which 
these four drew shares, after selecting two lots each. In this? 
way a nucleus was formed, around which gathered a band of 
hardy pioneers, the descendants of whom to this day bles? 
their memory. They encountered many hardships, and suf- 
fered from many wants and privations. Bears and wolves 
were also quite too plenty. One of these pioneers, Eliphalet 
Cotes, was at the killing of forty-nine bears. It was the uni- 



XXII.) TRENTON. ' 467 

form custom when they met for public worship, to take with 
them their guns, and on one occasion, worship was adjourned, 
that they might repair to the neighboring forest to kill one of 
the pests of the pig-sty, a bear. Mrs. Kelsey, the wife of an 
early settler, having been to Whitestown to dispose of some 
of her handy-work, on her return became lost in the woods, 
and for the want of a more convenient sleeping apartment, 
spent the night in the top of a tree, she climbed to a sufficient 
elevation to save herself from being made the supper of some 
of the wild beasts, which had almost undisturbed possession 
of that section of country. She did not very highly enjoy the 
music of her serenaders, although they were adorned with 
the mustaches and whiskers so necessary to modern musical 
excellence, yet she comforted herself with the reflection, that 
if she had been less fortunate in securing a place of safety 
j^he would soon have lost all power to listen to the music, as 
harsh as it was. Day-light, however, made her persecutors 
retreat, and she reached home in safety. 

The following are obituary notices of the four persons who 
purchased one fourth of the Holland Patent, and settled unon 
it in 1797. 

Hezekiah Hulburt died while upon a visit to Conneefeicut, 
in January, 1800, aged 50 years. 

Bezabel Fisk died also in Connecticut, aged 88 years-. 

Pascal C. I. DeAngelis, died at Holland Patent, in 1839, 
aged 76 years. 

Isaac Hubbard d^ed in. Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1848. 
aged 99 years. 

The village of Holland Patent is centrally located on the 
Patent and contains sixty-five dwellings, and about 500 in- 
habitants. It has a post-office, two stores, one tavern, four 



468 ANNALS OF ONEDA COUNTY. [CIIAr. 

Bhoc shops, one harness shop, one grist mill, one shingle ma- 
chine, one cabinet shop and four physicians. 

Hobart Hall Academy was incorporated by the legislature 
in 1839, and Pascal C. I. DeAngelis was the first President. 

It occupies a commodious edifice, and is under the direc- 
tion of fifteen trustees, has a male and a female department, 
and is under the care of Mr. Arnold Petrie, A. B., as prin- 
cipal: over 120 students were in attendance the past year, 
and its future prospects are favorable. 

There are five houses for public worship in the village, 
belonging to the Presbyterians, old and new school Baptists. 
Episcopalians and Unitarians. Leonard Pierce was the first 
child born upon the Patent, and he is now living aged 55 
years. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

There are seventeen houses for public worship in the town 
of Trenton, some of which are very handsome and commodi- 
ous buildings. This unusually large number of religion? 
societies will prevent the author's giving a very extended 
history of either, as to do so would fill a considerable 
volume. 

From the first settlement of the town the families of Judge 
Vander Kemp and Col. Mappa. were constantly in the habit 
of meeting together for religious services. After some time a 
school house was erected in which the first settlers used to meet 
for public worship. The Bev. Mr. Fish, a Presbyterian cler- 
gyman and a native of New Jersey, was the first preacher 
who visited the town. The author has not learned the exact 
time of his arrival, but it must have been within three or 
four years after the settlement commenced, for he is found 



XXa.] TRENTON. 



469- 



named as the first pastor of the Presbyterian church at Hol- 
land Patent, which was formed in 1797. The Presbyterian 
church at Trenton village, was organized at an early period. 
Previously to 1822, the Rev. Dr. Harrower preached alter- 
natel}- at the village and Holland Patent. This church is 
now in connection with the Presbyterian church in South 
Trenton, and its services, are held alternately at the village 
and in the union house at the latter place. 

The Eev. John Sherman, an Unitarian minister, came to 
the town of Trenton in or about the year 1805, and with his 
family removed to Trenton Falls in 1806. He was accep- 
table to, the people, and here became pastor of the first 
church of tliat denomination in the State of New York, and 
their house of worship was erected in this town in 1814. At 
its organization this church numbered fourteen members. 
After ]Mr. Sherman's resignation, which was soon after the 
erection of their house, the Rev. Isaac B. Pierce, from Rhode 
Island, was settled over this church, and preachedtwenty-five 
years, to the entire satisfaction of the congregation. In 1840, 
the Rev. Edgar Buckingham, from Massachusetts, assumed 
the- pastoral office for this church, which relation he still sus- 
tains, officiating a part of the time at Holland Patent. Mr. 
Sherman established an academy at the village, which he 
sustained several years. He died at the Falls, August 2d, 
1828, aged 57. He was a grand-son of Roger Sherman, the 
signer of the declaration of independence, and was a man of 
superior education and talents. 

The Presbyterian church, as has been stated, was formed at 
Holland Patent in 1797, and Mr. Fish was its first pastor. 
The former records of this church are lost, so that little is 
known of its early history. In 18 12, a Congregational church 
was formed at the Patent, by the Rev. Elijah Norton, to which 
be preached as " stated supply " a short time, and was sue- 



470 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

ceedcd by the llev. Dr. Harrower, who preached tor both 
Presbyterians and Congrcgationalists, who met together for 
worship at that place and at Trenton village. On the 2d of 
January, 1821, near the close of the labors of Dr. Harrower, 
in this place, the two- churches united, and assumed the name 
of "the church of Christ in Holland Patent." This union has 
resulted in continued prosperity, in increasing the efficiency of 
the church and the number of members. In 1822, the llev. 
William Goodell,was regularly installed its pastor. In 1S29, 
3Ir. Goodell was succeeded in the pastoral office by the Ptev. 
Stephen W. Burrill, who was duly installed. The present 
pastoi', the Rev. James W. Phillips, was installed by the pres- 
bytery of Utica, the 12th of February. 1850. The records 
.show 133 communicants. 

First Bajtist Church. — This church is located at Holland 
Patent, and was constituted March 2Gth, 1812, with sixteen 
members, seven males and nine females. Elder Joel Butler, 
who was the first pastor of the Sangerfield church, was also 
the first minister in this church. He was a successful preach- 
er and many were added to its numbers. In 1813, the 
church and society erected a small but comfortable house of 
worship. The successive pastors of this church have been 
as follows : 

Elder Joel Butler, - from 1812 to 1819. 
'■ Norman Cuitcau,- ** " 1319 '• 1820. 
" Simon Jacobs & J. Stevens.1820 '• 1821. 



Griffith Jones, - 


i.'. 


1822 


" 


1825. 


Dyer D. Ransom, 


li 


1825 


a 


1827. 


Robert Z. Williams, 


i'. 


1827 


u 


1834. 


Nathaniel Wattles, 


a 


1834 


u 


1837. 


Thomas Roberts. 


•• 


1S37 


a 


1841. 



-XXII.] Xr.ENTON. 471 



In 1840, the church had increased to over one hvxndred 
members, and their house had become too small for the con- 
gregation worshipping in it. A new house of stone was built 
this year, at a cost of $ 3000. 

In 1841, Elder John Dill was called to the office of pastor 
In 1S4'2, an unhappy division took place, and about thirty- 
five members retired. In 1843, during a protracted meeting 
their almost new house of worship was burned, but which has 
since been rebuilt. In 1847 and 1848, the Rev. Leland J, 
Huntley was pastor, and in 1849, Rev. Thomas Owens. The 
minutes of the Oneida Baptist Association, show that the 
'church consisted of ninety members in September, 18.50. 

^aint FcniVs Episcopal Church. — On the 25th of April. 
1821, the .Rev. Henry Moore Shaw, James Wetmore, and 
others, took the preliminary steps to incorporate this church 
;xt Holland Patent, and the records show that it was fully or- 
ganized on the 2 1st of June, of the same year. Rev. Henry 
.'Moore Shaw was chosen rector ; James Wetmore and Abra- 
ham Diefendorf, wardens ; and Aaron Savage, Seth Wells, 
-.Robert McArthur, Samuel Cande, Ri-yant Youngs, John P. 
Warner, Samuel White and Aaron White, vestrymen. The 
-.society has now a good church edifice and parsonage. 

There are also at Holland Patent, a Welsh Baptist and a 
"Welsh Congregational church, and also a society of Univer- 
salists, who hold meetings once in four weeks. 

There is a Baptist church, which meets a part of the time 
rat Trenton, called the "North Deerfield and South Trenton" 
■church. The portion of the church residing here, united 
with the branch of the Presbyterian church of Trenton vil- 
lage, in erecting a union house for public worship. In 1843, 
.and 4, Elders A. F. Rockwell and S. S. Hay ward ; in 184.'5. 



172 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

Elder Nelson Ferguson; in 1847-8-0, Elder William A. 
Wells ; and in 1850, Elder Albert Cole, were pastors of this 
church. It meets a portion of the time at North Gage, in 
Dcerlicld. In 1850, it reported fifty-four members. 

There is also at South Trenton an independent Baptist 
church, which has recently erected a house of worship. 

There is also at this place a Welsh Baptist Church, of 
forty members. They have a house of worship, in which 
they have preaching in the Welsh language, regularly every 
Lord's-day. 

At Trenton Falls is a small Baptist church, which was form- 
ed at the village about the year 1833, of thirty-nine mem- 
bers. They have a house of worship which was erected in 
1838, and in whioh the Rev. Philander Persons preaches at 
present, one half the time. Elders A. F. Bockwell, John 
Stevens, Jesse Jones, R. Z. Williams, Van Rensselaer Waters, 

James Mallory and Salmon have, at diifereut periods. 

preached to this church. 

There is also a a small church at Prospect, in the town of 
Trenton, consisting of twenty members, in which the Rev. 
Robert Littler at present labors one-fourth part of the time. 



EioGRAnir. 



Doctor Luther Guiteau was born at Lanesboro', Massa- 
cliusctts, in the year 1778. Not a little remarkable in the 
history of his famtly, was their connection with the medical 
profession. For many generations it is well ascertained, that 
they had in succession, furnished one at least, who did credit 
to himself and honor to the science. There seemed to be a 
peculiar adaptation. It is said of the Swiss that their moun- 



XXri] TRENTON. 473 

tains become them, and they become their mountains. AMth 
no less truth it may be said of the Guiteau family, the med- 
ical profession becomes it, and it becomes the profession. 

In his youth and early manhood the subject of this notice, 
exhibited a more than ordinary degree of talent, as evidenced 
by his being frequently selected to address public assemblies, 
on occasions of festivity and joy. His youth was also char- 
acterized by great gentleness and amiability of character ; 
qualities that adorned and beautified his after life. 

The residence of his brother, Doct. Francis Guiteau, in 
Utica, a name eminent in the early history of that city, soon 
attracted the attention of young Luther to this section of 
countr}'. At about the age of sixteen he came to Clinton, in 
this county, which then afforded good opportunities for study, 
where he remained one or two years. Unfortunately we have 
no information as to his success as a student, but judging 
from his aptitude, his thirst for knowledge, and his acquire- 
ments afterwards exhibited, guides that will hardly permit 
of an eri'oneous conclusion, he must have ranked high. He 
seems to have had a strong inclination (constitutional per- 
haps), to the study of medicine. At an early period his in- 
quisitive mind was active in the acquirement of medical 
knowledge. This is shown by a dissertation on " Typhus 
Fever," read before the Oneida County Medical Society in 
after life, in which he quotes his experience in the treatment 
of that disease, as early as the year 1793, when about fifteen 
years of age. 

His professional studies were pursued under Doctor Buel, 
of Sheffield, (Mass..) and immediately on completing them he 
removed to Trenton, then Oldenbarneveld, in the year 1802. 
Here he commenced, and continued in the practice of his pro- 
fession the remainder of his life, a period of about forty-eight 
years. He died February 12thj 1850. His death although 



474 AXKALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP, 

not unespcctoJ, caused an unusual sensation of grief tl}rougli- 
out tlie extensive circle of his acquaintance and practice. 

Of his estimation as a physician and a man, it is almost 
superfluous to speak. His well-earned reputation is both 
history and eulogy, while the respect and love with which he 
was regarded by the entire community, and the "sympathet- 
ic tear " at his loss, unerringly proclaim the wide spread pub- 
lic estimation of his character. 

He was for many years President of the >Oneida County 
3Icdical Society, and frequently gave them dissertations on 
the important subjects of the profession. 

Although he held decided political opinions, yet he never 
sought political preferment. The love of his profession was 
too engrossing. He however accepted from his fellow citi- 
zens a seat in the Legislature, in the year 1819, but he was 
afterwards frequently heard to say that political considera- 
tions would never again induce him to relinquish his prac- 
tice. 

In medicine and politics Boct. Guiteau was conservative, 
but not to the extent of distr-ustinsr the future, or sierhinjr for 
the past. He predicted for his country a glory unknown in 
the annals of the world, and fondly cherished the time when 
the science of medicine would be freed from conjecture and 
superstition. It was innovation as mnovation^ that he dis- 
trusted, and the ignorance and superstition that impeded the 
progress of truth, that he viewed with feelings akin to horror 
and disgust. Tlie following grotesque description of a pre- 
tender, occurs in an address of his to the students of the Fair- 
field jMedical College. " And shun as the bane of your pro- 
fession, any approximation to that senseless, brainless, cold- 
blooded, semi-vital being, denominated a quack." 

Doctor Guiteau loved his profession. Its practice wa.s, to 
• liim, from higher, holier, purer motives, than its pecuniary 



$ 



XXII.] TRENTON. 475 

considerations. On the contrary it seemed to partake of the 
spirit of the perfor^mance of a pleasant duty. In its pursuit 
he sacrificed ease, domestic and social enjoyments, while his 
presence in the sick-room seemed accompanied with a bene- 
diction. Much of his zeal and devotion to his profession, 
w,ere the results of high religious principle, while its duties 
were pei-formed with the spirit of a martyr. 



Francis Adrian Vander Kemp, L.L.D., was born at Cam- 
pen, in Overyssel, one of the United Provinces of the Netli- 
<3rlands, on the 4th of May, 17.52. On his father's side ho 
was descended from the distinguished families of Vander 
Kemps, the Bas, the Van Drongelens — and upon his moth- 
er's side from the Leydekkers, the Huybcrs, the DeWittes, 
Lords of Haemstede, etc., etc. His father was educated for a, 
merchant, but entered the army in 1745, and was present at 
the battles of Lowfelt, Roacoux, Aste and Molden. In 1747 
he married Anna Catharina, only heir of Francis Leydekker, 
receivei'-general of Tertolen in Zealand, — His regiment was 
in garrison at Campen at the time of the birth of the subject 
of this notice. — Young Vander Kemp, after having made 
sufficient progress in the Dutch and French languages, was 
sent to the Latin school at Zutphen in Gelderland, where, al- 
though, as he says, his " progress was rather slow, without any 
brilliant proficiency," he received a prize on the 14th of Jan- 
uary 1763. From Zutphen he removed with his family to 
Zwolle in Overyssel, where his studies were continued, and 
where, without discontinuing or abating his ardor for his stud- 
ies, he was placed as a cadet in a company of infantry in the 
regiment of Holstein Gottorp in 1764 — and in 1766 he was 
admitted to the same rank in his father's regiment. During 



476 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP, 

these periods, and up to 17G9, he devoted a good share of his 
time to the Latin, Greek and Hebrew, under most able mas- 
ters. In the latter year his regiment having been ordered to 
an encampment where he could not pursue his studies, he de- 
termined to solicit from the Prince of Hesse a permission of 
absence. Receiving an abrupt repulse from the Prince, he 
immediately asked and obtained a dismission from the service. 
In August, 1770, he entered the University of Grouingen, 
where he devoted two years to Latin, Greek, the Oriental 
languages. Metaphysics, Natural history. Cosmology, etc., be- 
sides private instruction in English and Italian. Of this 
period he says, "my determination to leave nothing untried, 
to soar, if possible, above mediocrity, made me exert all my 
strength with a view to conquer. Ere long was my health 
impaired by chemical experiments, by extravagant studies, 
allowing myself seldom but five hours' rest, often contented 
with two or three, often taking no rest at all." In his third 
year he tacked upon his previous course, botany, ecclesiastical 
history, ecclesiastical law and the laws of nature, the last 
two under the celebrated Yarhdcrmarck. While under the 
teachings of that talented professor, and amid the influences 
of many of his niiilitary and classic companions with their fa- 
vorite authors, united with a hatred of the classical hierarchy 
and their continual usurpation, he became a partial convert 
to the errors of Deism — errors which found so many votaries 
among the learned and great of that age in central Europe. 
Associated with young men of the first families in the republic, 
nobility and gentry, arguing against the dominion of the cler- 
gy, the rage of the latter was soon raised to a high pitch, and 
to them he was " a reprobate old in sin, though young in 
years" — although their hatred was. in fact, pointed rather 
against Prof. Vandermarck, than against his pupil. The lat- 
ter was called before an ecclesiastical tribujial of professors 



XXII.] TRENTON. 477 

and ministers, and threatened with disgrace, unless he should 
abandon Vandermarck, purify his library, and resume his 
studies — which done, he should be restored to the favor and 
care of his friends. In his ardor and zeal for reform, his ha- 
tred of tyranny and love for his great master, Vandermarck, 
he rejected these terms with disdain. He now employed his 
pen in a defence of his master against the clergy. During 
this period he formed many connexions, and opened corres- 
pondence with learned men in Holland and other countries, 
chiefly among the " remoiistrants." Upon recommendation of 
Prof Vandermarck he received the offer of civil employ at St. 
George Delmina in Africa ; shortly afterwards another to go 
to the West Indies as governor to a young gentleman. He 
says '• I knew myself too well to accept the guidance of a 
youth, when I was scarce to be trusted to regulate my own 
conduct. The inhospitable coast of Delmina seemed now my 
only refuge, when it struck my mind that the Baptists at Am- 
sterdam were reputed to be of extensive liberal principles ; 
that I was intimate with some wealthy and learned members 
of this community, Prof Oosterbaen of Amsterdam, the Rev. 
John Stinstra at Harlingen, and through his recommendation 
with the family of Hoofman at Haerlem — I resolved then to 
open my mind to Prof Oosterbaen — ask him for support to 
promote my studies at Amsterdam in their Seminary, if I 
could be admitted without compromising myself in any man- 
ner, without constraint to any religious opinions I might adopt 
or foster, or adopt in future, and with a full assurance that I 
should be decently supported — all which was generously ac- 
cepted and Oosterbaen actually acted and proved himself to 
me a friend and benefactor, a guide and father. I thus left 
Groningen to remain during the vacation at the University 
of Franequer, being there gratified with the rooms and library 
of my friend Chaudoir, then a candidate of the Gallican 



•478 AXXALS OF ONEIDA COUiNTY. [CHAP. 

church and on a visit to his parents. In September, 1773, 1 
left that place for Amsterdam to enter a new course of stud- 
ies among the Baptists. As soon as I arrived at the rooms 
hired for me by Prof Oosterbacn, with my small, though se- 
lect library, augmented by a few authors, indispensably re- 
quired. I resolved seriously to begin my inquiry into the truth 
and nature of the Christian religion." "With his knowledge 
of history, ancient and modern, civil and ecclesiastical, of' 
church antiquities and classic literature, laying aside all pre- 
conceived prejudices, he determined to seek and embrace truth 
— soon, by the most assiduous study, night and day, he be- 
came fully convinced of the truth of Christian, revelation. 
With his Greek New Testament, aided by the lectures of 
Prof Oosterbacn, he soon became convinced of and embraced 
the leading doctrines of evangelical Christianity, and in 
November, 1773, he publicly professed his religious prin- 
ciples and received baptism from Van Ileinisgen. 

During two years he studied theology with Greek and the 
mathematics. On the 1 8th of December, 1 775, he was ad- 
mitted as a candidate to the ministry, and after having re- 
ceived calls to the care of churches in Zealand, Friesland' 
and Holland, on the 25th of July, 177G, he accepted that of 
riuysen. in Holland, and during that year he received invita- 
tions to become pastor of churches in Flanders. Zealand and 
Le3'den, the latter of which he accepted, Octoitcr 1, 1777. 
Here circumstances occmTcd to produce a rencAval of his po- 
litical connections in Holland and the other provinces. All 
the time he could spare was devoted to the laws and consti- 
tution, the history and antiquities of his country. His libe- 
ral views became well known, which his friends charged to the 
teachings of his old master V^andermarck. while the greatest 
jyreteiulal crime of the latter was that he was a disciple of 
Arrainius. H« now embarked in the great reform of placing 



XXII.J 



TRENTON. 479 



the liberties of his country upon a more- permanent basis. lu 
1747, the office of Stadthohier had become hereditary in the 
House of Orange. Without overthrowing the House of 
Orange, or the orders of nobility, he believed that their in- 
terests were not inconsistent with, and indeed might be 
greatly subserved by, granting to the people at large a real 
influence in the government. Even many of the Orange 
party desired radical reforms. He was urged forward by 
several men of distinction (among whom ^Yas Vander Capel- 
len. Lord of Pol), and he published several letters upon the 
military jurisdiction, the quotas of the different States, the 
rights of arbitrage, etc., etc. He says he now took upon him- 
self the vast labor of collecting " all which was valuable 
among the archives of my country, as well as in the libra- 
ries of individuals." " I perceived the forged chains vrhich- 
were to be riveted on the necks of my countrymen, and 
deemed it a feasible thing to break them. I perceived their 
insensibility and indolence, and would rouse them to vig- 
orous and unrelenting action. I glowed with indignation 
when I became convinced that in the fetters prepared for the 
Americans, the slavery of our own country was a chief ingre- 
dient. I would enlighten my parishioners by the pure 
knowledge of genuine gospel truth, and annihilate the hier- 
archical power of the church of Christ. Neither the difficul- 
ties I had to struggle with, nor the obstacles I had to 
encounter, nor the threatening aspect of futurity, could dis- 
courac'e me or shake my endeavors. Here was the Baron 
Yauder Capellen and Vandeniarsch — there Van Berckel, 
DeGyzelaer, Paulus, Luzae, emboldening me to proceed, 
while a Duqui, a Vandermarck, a Vreede, a Vanschelle made 
a proffijr of their aid, and numbers of the wortliiest of the 
Stadtholder's friends procured me weapons of hardened steel 
witli which to combat the monstrous hydra," 



480 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

At this juncture Mr. Vandcr Kemp, published several 
works, one a collection of tracts upon North America, in 
which a comparison was drawn between the United States 
and the United Provin(?es, a seri'as of letters on the corvees 
or laws giving the services of the subject to the Lord, in 
Overyssel, etc., etc. This last produced a terrible effect, and 
the chains of slavery fell from the people of that Province. 
For an ode published in 1789, in praise of the opposition in 
Friesland, a vexatious prosecution was commenced and con- 
tinued for nearly two years before the University Judicature. 
The ode was the pretext, but his other liberal tracts, connec- 
ted with his efforts in the cause of reform generally, were the 
real causes of the prosecution. His friends all became alarm- 
ed, and he was urged to leave the country, asylums being of- 
fered him at Brussels, and by the French Cabinet. He 
however determined to stand his ground, and proceeded to 
Hamburgh, where he was tried upon 1 75 articles, and after 
various appeals to higher powers, the prosecution was aban- 
doned. These efforts to crush him only excited him to still 
greater efforts. He says, " I lashed abuse of power, wherev- 
er I met with it, without mercy — even when threatened with 
incarceration. The weak-minded stood aloof, many feared to 
accost me in public, but I gained more and more the favora* 
ble regards of the first men in the State." He was hated bv 
government and the clergy, the lower classes had not sufficient 
moral power or intelligence to aid him in his efforts for tlieir 
amelioration, but the middle estates, possessing a large share 
of the talent, education and wealth of the country, seconded 
his efforts. In 1782, he delivered a sermon upon 1 Kings, 
xii, 3-20, delineating the conduct of Israel and Keho- 
hoam — a mirror for the Prince and nation — which was three 
times delivered and twice published — and also published 
four large volumes of authentic documents, copied from 



XXII.] TRENTON. 481 

records and works in the archives and private libraries — and 
to the latter were subsequently added three volumes of the 
same character. 

This year the subject of this sketch was married to a 
daughter of Hon. Jacob Vos, burgomaster of Nymegen, and 
Lady Amira Ecekman, a grand-niece of theWilliam Beekman, 
who emigrated to New Amsterdam (New York), in 1G46, 
and who soon after was a Lieutenant Governor of this Prov- 
ince. His wife's family were attached to -the Stadtholder's 
cause. During the years 1783 and 4, he was engaged in 
publishing a series of sermons, numerous tracts vipon political 
subjects and in contributing to several liberal journals. 

In 1785, the crisis arrived — Mr. Vander Kemp now as- 
sumed the capacity of a onilitary leader in the attempted 
revolution. A militia was organized, and as one of the few 
leaders of his party, he was in some way connected with near- 
ly every corps. His friend through life, the late Col. Adam 
Gr. Mappa, of Trenton, organized a corps, and by superior mil- 
itary knowledge, soon brought it under excellent discipline. 
Col. Mappa was soon raised to the command of their little 
army. Tlie British influence was on the side of the Stadt- 
holder, while France was pledged to countenance, and if nec- 
essary, assist the republicans. Utrecht was revolutionized 
without bloodshed or disorder. 

Soon the Stadtholder became alarmed — a truce was soun- 
ded — pledges of reforms and concessions were given, but alas, 
a fatal schism arose among the reformers, by which all was 
lost. Vander Kemp and some of his friends doubted the 
sincerity of the court in those pledges, while others became 
frightened, and were disposed to accept the terms offered. 
In violation of the truce agreed to on both sides, the night of 
the 5th of July, 1786, the city of Wyek, was surrounded 
by 1500 soldiers, with six cannon, and two mortars. In 

31 



482 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

vain VanJcr Kemp and his few friends attempted to rouse 
tlic pcoqile, tlie spirit of apathy and dissension liad taken too 
strong a hold, and by order of the magistrates the gates were 
opened — and while the troops entered on one side, he led his 
little band of about ninety men out of the opposite gate — 
remaining himself with his friend De Nys and an aged vete- 
ran, too old to retreat, the only representatives of their cause. 
This took place notwithstanding the declaration of the French 
Cabinet to consider the commencement of hostilities as a 
declaration of war — the special pledge of protection to Y an- 
der Kemp and his friends on the part of that cabinet and the 
instruction of Count A'ergennes to their representative in 
Holland. 

On the 9th of July, a general amnesty, in Avhich A'ander 
Kemp was named, was published, but notmthstanding this, 
he was conducted to Amersfoort by a guard of dragoons, 
where he was placed in a public building under a strong 
guard. His first act here was to resign the pastoral charge 
of his church at Leyden. Neither he nor his wife were al- 
lowed to correspond with their friends, unless their letters 
were first examined. 

Every art was tried to induce Mrs. Yander Kcrnp to ap- 
peal to the Stadtholder for his intercession, but she refused. 
even after the solicitation of her own brother, a member of 
the States General. A large Prussian force having entered 
the country, leading the patriots to hope that it would ad- 
vance to their support, Yander Kemp was taken to Utrecht 
escorted as before. There he was insulted by the comman- 
der, Gen. Baron Yon Munster, with " and you, sir ! witli 
your delicate pen — it was Madame la rrinccssc. you gather 
BOW the fruits." 

The ruling party having nothing farther to fear, he and 
his friends were released December 19. 1787, upon condition 



XXII.J TRENTON. 483 

of the payment of about $35,000. to indemnify the govern- 
jnent. He had previously determined to leave his country 
forever, and no entreaties could induce him to change his 
plans. His wife with their two children (John J. and Ber- 
tha) and servant, visited him just before his release. The 
heavy ransom was paid by his friend De Nys. He was re- 
leased in the evening, and in the same night, after embracing 
his wife, children and friends, left Utrecht, and arrived at 
Antwerp on the 21st, whence he wrote to John Adams, then 
Minister of the United States at London. His wife, after 
disposing of his house in Leyden, his extensive library, col- 
lection of statues, busts, medals and superfluous furniture, 
joined him at Antwerp. His acquaintance with Mr. Adams 
iiad commenced in 1780 or 81, while the latter, as agent 
of the United States, was in Holland, and it is understood 
that he had rendered Mr. Adams very considerable services 
in his efforts to procure loans for our government. Mr. 
A. now furnished him letters to some of the first men in 
America. 

The Baron V. Capellen also procured for him letters from 
La Fayette, to several gentlemen in the United States and he 
afterwards received others from Mr. Jefferson, and Count 
Potemkin. He sailed from Havre, March 25, 1788, and ar- 
rived at New York the 4th of May. In New York he soon 
raade the acquaintance of Gov. George Clinton, Gen. Knox, 
Col. Hamilton — Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Hamilton conversed 
with Mrs. Vander Kemp in Dutch (the latter understanding 
but two words of English — yes and no). They received the 
most kind attentions from all quarters. Having forwarded 
his letters to Gen. Washington, Dr. Franklin, Gov. Living- 
ston of N. J., Mr. Vander Kemp soon received an invitation 
to visit Mt. Yernon. On his way thither he spent several 
days with Gov. Livingston, had an interview with the venerable 



484 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

Franklin, at Pluladelpliia, " and arrived at last at Mount 
Vernon, where simplicity and order and unadorned grandeur 
and dignity had taken up tlieir abode." Washington approv- 
ed of his plan for an agricultural life, and made a tender of 
his services, but advised his settlement in the State of New 
York, among the Dutch inhabitants. After visiting most of 
the villages upon the Hudson and Mohawk, he settled :it 
Esopus (Kingston), Ulster Co., where he remained about 
live years. From thence he removed in 1793, to a place 
named by him Kempwick, upon the north shore of Oneida 
Lake, where he purchased of Geo. Parish upwards of on*' 
thousand acres of land. 

Soon afterwards he removed to Trenton (Oldenbarucvcld). 
where he could enjoy the societ}* of his old friends G. Boon 
and Col. ]Mappa. Soon after the organization of Oneida. 
County, Mr. Vander Kemp received the appointment of as- 
sistant Justice of the County Court, from which he acquired 
the title of Judge, and his title of Dr. was received from the 
University in Europe, with his degree of Doctor of Law.-^. 
He continued to correspond with many distinguished men in 
this country and Europe, and at his residence was often vis- 
ited by persons of the highest distinction of both continents. 
In 1818, under the auspices of Gov. De Witt Clinton, he trans- 
lated the ancient Dutch records in the archives of our State, 
consisting of twenty-five folio volumes, an employment for 
which he was eminently qualified, by his deep learning as a lin- 
guist and his experience in transcribing antique documents i)i 
his own country. 

The latter years of his life were devoted to domestic enjoy- 
ments in the bosom of his family, and in the family of his 
old companions in arms, and fellow laborer in the cause of 
freedom Col. Mappa, and in his library, that never fiiiling 
fountain to the cultivated mind. The Philosophical Society 



XXli.] TRENTON. 485 

of Pliiladclpliia, the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Boston 
and that of Philosophy and Literature of New York, adopted 
him as a member of their bodies, and he published in this 
country several small works upon Theological, Historical and 
Scientific questions. 

He died at Trenton on the 7th day of September, 1829. 



i86 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



UTICA. 



The earliest mention the author has found of the site ot 
the City of Utica, is in certain Royal Letters Patent, granted 
by the authority of Geoi'ge II. Dsi Gratia, o^Gvesit Britain, 
etc. King, defender of the faith, etc., and dated the 2d day of 
January, 1734, " wherein and whereby" 22.000 acres of land 
are granted to Joseph Worrell, Wm. Cosby Sheriff of Am- 
boy, John Lyne, Thomas Ffreeman, Paul Richards, John 
Ffelton, Charles Williams, Richard Shuckburgh, Timothy 
Bagley, Joseph Lyne and Frederick 3Iorris, '• in fee. in free 
and common socage as of our manor of E. Greenwich, in 
Kent." This Patent recites that the grantees named, by 
their petition received by Gov. Cosby in Council on the IStli 
of July, in the year preceding, had stated that Nicholas Eker 
and sundry other Germans had in 1725, by licence from Gov. 
Burnet purchased '-that tract in the Mohawk country on both 
sides of the river between the great flat or plain above the 
fall, and the land granted to the wife and children of Johan 
Jurck Kast." also another tract bcmnninff " on the west line 
of said granted lands, on both sides of the river running up 
westward to a certain creek called Sadahqueda and in breadth 
in the woods on both sides of the river, six English miles," 
that said grantees had purchased of said Germans their right 
and interest in said lands, and they therefore asked Letter.'* 
Patent for 22.000 acres, a part of the land so purchased of 



xxiii.] UTicA. 487 

said Germans. The Patent then proceeds, " in obedience to 
our royal instructions to said Governor of New York, etc., 
at St. James, the 19th of May, 1732, and by the said William 
Cosby, Governor, etc., and George Clark, Esq., Secretary of 
said Province, Archibald Kennedy, Esq., Receiver General, 
and Cadwallader Coldeu, Esq., Surveyor General, Comuiis- 
sjioners for setting out land to be granted, have set out to the 
said Joseph "Worrell and others, a certain tract in the county 
of Albany, on both sides of the Mohawk river, beginning at 
a point on the south side of said river on the we&t side of a 
brook called Sadahqueda, where it falls into said river, and 
thence S. 38 deg, W. 238 chains, thence S. 52 deg., E. 483 
chains, thence N. 38 deg., E. 480 chains, thence N. 52 deg.j 
W. 483 chains, thence S. 38 deg., W. 242 chains, to the place 
of beginning," and thence proceeding in the usual form of a 
Patent or Deed, reserving to the erown all gold and silver 
mines, and trees fit for ship timber and masts, and the yearly 
rent of two shillings and six pence, fer each one hundred 
acres, and binding the grantees to cultivate three acres in every 
fifty, within the next three years, and concluding, " Witness 
our well beloved William Cosby, Captain General and Gov- 
ernor in chief of New York, New Jersey, and the territories 
thereto depending in America, Vice Admiral of the same and 
Colonel of our army at Fort George, in the city of New York, 
the 2d day of January, 1734." This tract thus granted was 
afterwards known as Cosby's Manor, upon a portion of which 
Utica stands. 

The next mention of the locality of Utica. found by the 
author is in the minutes or "Itinerary" of a French spy 
from Canada, who traversed the region from Oswego to 
Schenectady during the " old French war," to wit, in the year 
1757. He entitled his report thus: " Itinerary from the 
mouth of the river Chouegen (Oswego.) in lake Ontario, to 



488 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CIIAP. 

lake Onciila, tlicncc up Vilcrick (Wood Creek) to the suui- 
luit level which is the source of the river of the Mohawks or 
<l<:s A,::?iicSj by which we can descend to Corlar or Chencctedi. 
which Albany or Orange can be reached." After describing 
the route from Oswego to Komc, the s/j/y then takes the road 
from the latter on the south or right side of the Mohawk 
leading to Schenectady. He says: " leaving Fort Williams" 
\(the predecessor of Fort Stanwis, Eome), " there is a road tliat 
unites with that by which horses and cattle pass from Fort Kou- 
nvi (Fort Herkimer), opposite the mouth of the West Canada 
Creek and Chouagen. This road is bad for about four 
leagues after leaving Fort Williams. The country is mar- 
ahy — Carriages {ka trains) travel it in winter and during the 
summer, and it can easily be passed on horseback at all times- 
though in some places there is a great deal of mud. After 
these four leagues, carts can easily go as far as Fort Kouari. 
Having travelled four leagues on this road, Avhich is five 
leagues from Fort Kouari, we come to the forks of two 
roads, one of which to the left, leads to the Palatine's village 
(Herkimer), by fording the Mohawk River." This language 
is somewhat ambiguous, and there is an evident discrepancy 
as to distances, still the ford mentioned was doubtless at or 
near the foot of Genesee Street, Utica. During the revolution 
the fording place across the Mohawk was at the site of the 
present bridge at the foot of Genesee Street, and it is proba- 
ble that the road to the river on the north side, and the ford 
were the same which had been used for forty or fifty years 
Ijcfore, rather than the supposition that the}' had been chang- 
ed in the then wilderness state of the country. The venerable 
Mr. Hartcr, of Deerfield, now ninety years of age, and a na- 
tive of Herkimer, recollects having visited Deerfield Corners 
frequently, several years prior to the llevolution, and he lo- 
cates the lord where the bridtre now is, and a short distance 



XXIII.] VTICA. 489 

above Fort Selmjler, which, he says, was erected to guard the 
passage across the river. 

The author has not dug up these two references to the 
ground and soil upon which TJtica stands, because he thinks 
they foreshadowed or were prophetic of the beautiful and 
thriving city now spread out upon them, but, may be, to 
gratify that innate propensity for tracing ourselves and our 
things back to their origin, or, may be, from a desire to record 
something old enough to possess a little of the mist and won- 
der-fog of history, or, may be, because they possess some his- 
toric worth as facts, or, for all these reasons put together. 
He is too conversant with the sentiment of the country, to- 
gether with what his eyes have seen, not to know that Utica 
is indebted for what she is to the energy and perseverance of 
the last and present generations of her citizens, and not to 
any natural advantages of location, or power for driving ma- 
chinery, or richness of soil, nor to any thing which men long 
since gone from the earth and forgotten, ever did, or design- 
ed for her. 

, The '• Itinerary" of the spy gave a minute description of 
every fortification, fortified dwelling and other object of in- 
terest to an invading force, between Oswego and the Hudson, 
and upon both sides of the Mohawk, and from which it seems 
there was no fortification upon the site of Utica, in 1757, as 
none is mentioned. Leaving Fort Williams and taking the 
path on the north side of the Mohawk, he says, " is estimated 
to be twelve leagues." * * * " This path leads over hills 
and sniall mountains, and can be travelled only afoot or on 
horseback. Eight leagues must be traversed by this path 
before reaching the forks of the high road that comes from 
the other side or right hank of the river." 

The name of the site of Utica in the Oneida tongue is 
Ya-nuu- da-da-sis. i. c. arotind the hill. The a's in the syl- 



■490 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [clIAP. 

lable Yd and first c/« have the ordinary long sound, the a in 
the second da, has the sound as in father, and the syllable id 
fully accented, but there are, as in case of most Indian names, 
a variety of pronunciations of the word, even by natives of 
Oneida. The author took the opportunity of their presence 
at the Mechanics' Fair in Feb. 1851, to ask the Oneida chief, 
Beech Tree and two other younger Indians, to give the pro- 
nunciations of this name. Each of them pronounced it very 
many times, both before and after consulting among them- 
selves as to the manner of doing it, and the author wrote it 
then, U-nun-da-da-ges. The first syllable seemed a mere 
deep aspiration and was caught by the ear with much difiicul- 
ty — the second, third and fourth syllables were pronounced 
as above, and the last like ges or Jes or zis or j soft or z. In 
the first instance above, the author has followed 3Ir. Morgan 
iu his " League of the Iroquois." As given by him the name 
in the Seneca dialect is Nun-da-da-sis. in the Cayuga De-o- 
nun-da-da-sis, in Onondaga None-da-da-sis, in Mohawk Ya- 
ya-none-da-ses, and in the Tuscarora. Ya-nun-na-rats. Af- 
ter Fort Schuyler was in ruins, the place was called Twa-dah- 
ah-lo-dah-que, i. e. ndtis of old fort. The author being in 
doubt as to his orthography of the word, asked one of the na- 
tives above mentioned to write it, who wrote as follows : Twu- 
Icn-Jtoi-ro-ta-qnc ! saying however that the author's pronun- 
ciation as above was correct. 

The close of 17.38, Fort Schuyler was erected upon the 
south bank of the Mohawk, and named in honor of Colonel 
Peter Schuyler, an uncle of (Icn. Philip Schuyler of tlie Rev- 
olution. Jjord Chatham having taken a place in the minis- 
try of Geo. II., a new spirit was infused into affairs, and the 
most energetic measuz'cs were adopted for retrieving the lo.sscs 
of previous years in the prosecution of the war with France. 
This fort was designed to guard the fording place just abovo 



\ 



xxm.] UTICA. 491 

it in the 3Iohawk, and to form one in the chain of posts be- 
tween Fort Stanwix and Schenectady. These forts gene- 
rally contained small garrisons, whose duties were to inter- 
pose a check upon advancing parties of French and Indians, 
to exert an influence over and protect the six nations, and 
furnish scouts for traversing the forests between the Mohawk 
and Canada. By the achievements which soon followed ; the 
taking of Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Niagara, Quebec, etc., 
the " old French war " was brought to a close and Fort 
Schuyler doubtless soon became useless and tenantless. The 
walls of the Fort were composed of earth which inclosed but 
a small area and were probably surmounted by pickets. It 
stood between Main Street and the Mohawk, just below Sec- 
ond Street. A block house was erected at some period pre- 
viously to the close of the revolution, which stood upon the 
site of the depot of the Utica and Scheueetady Rail Road 
and was occupied by Moses Bagg, sen., as a blacksmiths' shop 
for a time between 1790 and 1800. 

The Edinburgh Encyclopedia, American edition, says that 
this fort " was also the scene of several skirmishes betv/een 
the Indians and the whites, the flats of the Mohawk and the 
country adjoining, being the possession of the Mohawk tribe." 
Notwithstanding this may be true, the author has found 
neither records nor traditions confirming it, and from tlie 
time of its erection the Mohawks were the firm friends of 
the English. It is believed that the fort was not garrisoned 
in the revolution, but may have been temporarily occupied 
by troops in their passage to and from Fort Stanwix and the 
Indian country. From an attempt made in the revolution 
to change the name of Fort Stanwix to Schuyler, some con- 
fusion in historical reminiscenses has been created, some 
transactions having been located by those unacquainted with 
this fact, at the site of Utica which should have been at Fort 



4'J2 ANXALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

vitanwix. In 1762, Cosby's manor was surveyed by Chris- 
topher Yates. On the 31st of August, 1780. John R. 
IJIeccker, one of the proi)rictors, completed a survey of the 
manor and a map of the same, upon which was designated all 
the original lots, and by which the land was divided between 
Messrs. Schuyler, Bleeckcr, Bradstreet's heirs and Scott. The 
manor extended from the mouth of the Sauquoit Creek, cast- 
wardly upon the Mohawk eleven miles and seventeen chains, 
by six miles wide, being three miles on each side of the river. 
The lots arc about sixteen to seventeen rods wide and three 
miles long. The city of Utica according to its present limits 
is bounded on the east upon or near the east line of great lot No. 
82, and on the west by the west line of great lot No. 99. 
Nos. 82, 92. 93 and 94 belonged to J. R. Rleecker, Nos. 83, 
84 and 85 to J. M. Scott, Nos. 86, 87, 88, 98 and 99 to Gen. 
Schuyler, Nos. 89, 90, 91, 95, 9G and 97, to Gen. Brad- 
street's heirs. Lot No. 92 extends to a point near the west 
cud of Broad Street basin bridge, No. 93 to a point a few 
feet east of First Street canal bridge, No. 94 extends to a line 
a few feet east of Charlotte Street, and strikes the east line of 
Genesee Street near the south-cast corner of Genesee and 
Catharine Streets, No. 95 extends to a line a few feet east of 
Broadway, No. 96 extends to a line beginning near the head 
of State Street, and thence north upon the line between the 
Cooper and Huntington property, crossing the canal a few 
rods west of the foot of Cornelia Street, No. 97 extends to 
the south-east corner of Variek and Fayette Streets, No. 98 
extends to the cast side of the Vulcan Works, and No. 99 ex- 
tends to the line of "Whitestown. According to Blceckcr's 
map of 1786, it appears that clearings had then been made 
on lot No. 86, designated as McNamee and Abm. Broome's 
'• improvements " lying on both sides of the Plate Kill, that 
the '-old fort'' was upon lot No. 93, that two houses belong- 



XXIIl] UTICA. 403 

ing to Cunningham and Damuth stood upon lot No. 94, (at 
lower end of Genesee Street,) that the house of Mr. Chrisman 
stood upon lot No. 95, and that McNamee had an " improve- 
ment" upon lot No. 96. These houses, clearings, etc., were 
upon or near the old road to Fort Stanwix, corresponding 
nearly with Main and Whitesboro Streets. The author's 
father removed past old Fort Schuyler to Dean's Patent (in 
AVestmoreland), in January, 1787, and he many times said 
" there were three log huts or shanties, then near the old fort," 
which dwellings must have been built in 1786, or previously. 
3Iost, or all of the notices of Utica heretofore printed, have 
stated that the place was first settled in or about 1788 or 89, 
but truth will allow two, three or more years to be added to 
its age. By the Bleeeker map, Nail Creek is named " Nagal 
Kill." Some twenty-five years age Mr. Joseph Masseth, a 
(jrerman, established a " dog nail factory " as it was called, 
upon the banks of Nail Creek, for the manufacture of wrought , 
nails. His bellows were blown by two dogs, who in turn ran 
in a wheel after the manner of modern dog churns, and a 
description of his factory (at first a mere shanty) went the 
rounds in most of the newspapers of the United States. Mr. 
Masseth now resides in West Utica, having obtained a hand- 
some competency from his "dog nail factory," and it is very 
generally believed that Nail Creek received its name from 
these circumstances. But " Nagal Kill " is German and 
Dutch, and translated means Nail Creek, thus showing it an 
ancient name, but from what or when it received the name, 
or what kind of a " Nail" was intended, will doubtless ever 
remain a mystery. 

On the 7th of March, 1788, the town of German Flats, 
Montgomery County, (Tryon County formed March 12, 1772, 
from Albany, name changed to Montgomery in 1784.) was 
divided, and the town of Whitestown formed, with less than 



494 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COL'NTV. [CHAP. 

200 inhabitants. The new town was bounded on the cast 
by a line crossing the Mohawk at the fording place near the 
house of John Cunningham, which stood near the site of 
Bagg's Hotel, at the lower end of Genesee Street, and run- 
ning thence north and soutli to the bounds of the State and 
included all west of that line. Upon the formation of 
Oneida County, in 1798, this east line was thrown eastwardly 
to the present line of the city and county. Utica is situated 
in latitude 43 deer. 6 min.. and loucritude 1 dec. 41 min. east 
from the meridian of Washington. 

The late William Alverson, father-in-law of Theodore S 
Faxtou. Esq., came with his father Uriah Alverson to old 
Fort Schuyler in 1788, and the latter leased a portion of lot 
98, of Gen. Schuyler. He erected a house upon the site of 
the boat yard, now owned by Messrs. Penfiold and Dean. 
At this time a family named Morey. Philip the father, and 
Solomon, Richard and Sylvanus his sons, from Rhode 
Lsland. were living as squatters on lot 97. and Francis Foster 
was then a squatter on lot 9G. A man named Silyea was 
also a squatter at a very early period near the fort. Sylva- 
nus Morey and Mr. Russell in 1780, purchased Foster's '•bet- 
terments" or "improvements," on lot 96, to use new country 
terms, and they in turn sold in 1790 or 91, to Joseph Soule. 
who subsequently took a contract for the land of Judge San- 
gepfthe agent of the Attorney for the executor of some of the 
devisees of Gen. Bradstreet. Soule subsequently sold his in- 
terest to James S. Kip, who took a deed from Evans and 
Gould. Deacon Stephen Potter arrived in April. 1790. and 
purchased the whole of lot 97, but soon sold parts of it to 
other settlers. (Some particulars as to first settlers may be 
found in the subsequent account of the titles to real estate.) 

Neither the soil nor its location, at an early period, held out 
inducements to emigrants to settle at this place. Nearly all 



xxin.] UTicA. 495 

the ground now Luilt upon, was then an almost impassible 
swamp. All that was then anticipated was to make the place 
a '-landing" upon the Mohawk, and as the adjoining country 
was cleared up and this stream became smaller, its prospects 
were greatly improved by its being at the head of navigation . 
The first business men of the place could only hope that the 
village of old Fort Schuyler would be the -port of the cities of 
Whitestown and New Hartford. They consequently kept 
close to the banks of the river, and for many years the busi- 
ness part of the place was that part of the " Genesee road " 
below the line of Main Street and the " Whitestown road " 
and the banks of the river. The residences of those who did 
not live in the same buildings with their shops, stores, etc., 
were scattered along upon Main and "NYhitesboro Streets. The 
old Indian path from Ya-nun-da-da-sis (site of Utica) to 
Ga-no-wa-lo-hale (Oneida Castle) here intersected the road 
from Ska-na-tat (Albany) to De-o-wain-sta (the portage from 
the Mohawk to Wood Creek), and made it a natural and 
convenient location for a trading house for the Indian trade 
John Post, the first merchant in what is now Utica, was 
engaged for some years previously to 1790, in connection 
with Mr. Martin, of Schenectady, in trading with the six na- 
tions, particularly in the purchase of ginseng, then exported 
in large quantities to China, as a supposed remedy for that 
fatal disease the Plague. Mr Post was born at Schenectady 
in December, 1 748, and faithfully served his country during 
the entire period of the war of the Revolution. He be- 
longed to the stafi" of the army, and was at the taking of Bur- 
goyne, in Sullivan's expedition, in the battle of Monmouth, 
and at the surrendry of Cornwallis. In the spring of 1790. 
having purchased and leased real estate near old Fort 
Schuyler, upon Cosby's manor, he removed thither. With 
his wife and three infant children and a carpenter, placing a 



49C ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CIIAP. 

stock of mercliandiae, furniture, provisions and building ma- 
terials in boats, he embarked upon the Mohawk at Schenec- 
tady, and in eight or nine days landed at his new home. So 
deep was the mud in the road, now Genesee Street, that the 
children had to be carried to the log^xiZocc previously erect- 
ed, where they all arrived " cold and uncomfortable." The 
persons then residing here were Uriah Alverson, John Cun- 
ningliam, Jacob Christman. and "Widow Damuth, and their 
families, and probably some others named elsewhere, or whose 
names have not been ascertained. Christman served as a 
boatman for Mr. Post several years, and removed to or near 
the farm now owned by Colonel Nicholas Smith, in the east 
part of the town. In a communication recently received by 
the author from IMrs. Petrie, a daughter of Mr. Post, she 
says : '• As the place was then much resorted to, my father 
sold lots to mechanics and traders. The first settlers were 
men wanting in energy and enterprise, and he re-purchased 
the lots of them, and soon sold to others, who also proved in- 
efficient in building up the place, which my father fancied 
would — must, considering its location, in due time, command 
much trade. Again he re-purchased the lots, and he did not 
wait long before he, a third time, sold them to such men as 
became permanent residents and acquired a competency."' 
At first Mr. Post kept his goods for sale in his dwelling, but 
in the next year (1791) he erected a building for a store. 
where ho had an extensive trade with the Indians and the 
early settlers of the surrounding country. Of the Indian.s 
he purchased furs, skins and ginseng, (called by them Ka- 
/on-dag-gaicgh, the panax trifolmm^) in exchange for rum. 
paints, cloths, powder, shot, ornaments of various kinds, beads, 
small mirrors, etc., etc. It was a common occurrence that 
thirty or forty Indian men, women and children remained 
at his house through the night, and if the weather was cold 



xxiii.] UTicA. 497 

they occupied the floor in front of the immense kitchen fire 
of logs, but in summer they lodged in the barn, or if too drunk 
to get into the barn, then they lay upon the grass plats by 
the side of the log and brush fences near the corner of Gen- 
esee, Whitesboro and Main Streets. Mr. Post is said to have 
been a man of most strict integrity and great kindness of 
lieart, but the '• light of our day " had not shown him the 
great wrong he inflicted upon the poor natives, by gratifying 
their unconcperable passion and thirst for " fire-water " in 
the shape of New England rum. The store, owned and oc- 
cupied by Mr. Post, stood upon the northerly corner of Gen- 
esee and Whitesboro Streets, upon or near the site of the 
store now occupied by J. E. Warner & Co., and lie also sub- 
sequently had a store at Floyd, and another at Manlius. 

"While here, and under the influence of rum, the Indian.'? 
frequently engaged in bloody fights, were frequently turbu- 
lent and troublesome, and sometimes showed their knives 
when none but Mrs. Post and her children were in the house. 
In or about 1792, the celebrated Saucy Nick entered the 
dwelling-store with another Indian, and learning that Mr. 
Post was absent, they demanded in most imperious and iu- 
.-ulting tones of Mrs. P., pipes, " backer " and rum, Nick at 
the same time drawing his knife struck it into the eountei 
handle up, and also shut the door of the room. As they 
were about compelling Mrs. P. to draw more rum, she found 
an iron rod upon the floor, and seeing a hired man, named 
Bbenezer Henderson, passing the window, she called him in. 
Nick would not permit him to enter until he told him that 
lie was called to get more rum. Mrs. P. then directed the 
man to throw the Indians out of the house, she at the same 
instant striking the knife beyond their reach with the rod. 
and with her assistance, her order was literally obeyed. Nick 
ever afterwards treated the family with proper respect. At 



4}S AXNALs OF ONEIDA COl'NTr. [CHAP- 

auotuer time, Mrs. J*, interfered to put aa end to a fight 
among several Indians who had passed the night by the 
kitchen fire, when one of them rushed toward her with his* 
knife. kShe seized a chair with wliich she defended herself, 
until another Indian came to her relief by attacking her ad- 
versary. These instances are given to show the perils and 
dangers under which the pioneers of this country began the 
work of reclaiming the forests to the use of civilized masi. 
Hud as a few of the many instances which might be given of 
the spirit and courage of the vromcn of those days. 

Mrs. Petrie says : " As ours was the first house whicli 
could accommodate traA^ellers. a sign was put up, though re- 
luctantly, and my father kept tavern no longer than until 
some one with means, etc., could be prevailed on to leare 
u more privileged place to settle here, for the sole purpose of 
keeping a tavern. In those days men in that business were 
very independent, and if travellers or 'movers' vnshcd to 
'put up' at a tavern, they had to help themselves, water 
their own horses or oxen, harness or yoke them again, and 
if they asked to be served with aught, the landlord or his 
family would sometimes ask, • who was your waiter last year ? ' 
JSometimes. if persons did not look well to themselves, they 
received rough words and usage from these back-woods land- 
lords." At that period, a sort of independence prevented the 
Yankees from doing anything which had the appearance of 
.'i?rvice. "While Mr Post kept a tavern, upon one occasion., 
the celebrated Indian Chief, Joseph Brant, became his guest 
for a night. Brant was on his way to Canada, from the seat 
of government, where he had been to transact some businee^'^ 
Avith Congress. A Mr. Chapin and another gentleman were 
also guests at the same time with him. The Chief called for 
one bottle of wine after another, until they were all in a pretty 
happy mood, when the two gentlemen declined drinking any 



XXUI.) UTICA. 409 

more. After being repeatedly urged to drink, and as often de- 
clining, they were told by Brant sportively, that unless they 
drank he would pour it down their necks. Becoming somewhat 
mettled at tlieir decided refusal, Brant made some other 
proposition to Mr. Chapin, and from something said or re- 
fused to be done by the latter, the Indian flew into a tower- 
ing passion. Angry words passed, and Brant dared Chapin 
to fight him, which the latter refused, and then tried by fair 
words and persuasion to satisfy the chief that no insult had 
been intended, but failing in this, he made an effort to leave 
the room — and the rest of the company also attempted to 
calm the excited passions of the great Mohawk warrior 
Brant however drew his sword, and drove Chapin into a cor- 
ner of the room, and there by the most bitter taunts and re- 
proaches, by making passes at him with his weapon, and by 
rushing furiously towards him, attempted to compel him to 
tight. Chapin coolly bared his breast and said, '■ I will not 
lay hands upon you, but here is my bare breast, pierce it with 
your sword, if a victim you wish." Mrs. Post, at this crisis, 
recollecting to have heard that an Indian could be moved by 
the sight of an infant, instantly took her youngest child, but 
a few months old, and holding it in her arms, placed herself 
in front of the infuriated Brant, telling him that he must 
destroy her and her child before he injured their guest and 
friend. " How would it have looked," she continued, " if sev- 
eral ladies had met here for a social visit, and they had ended 
it in strife ? Put up your sword, and here, take my babe and 
hold it as you often have the others — see, it smiles and you 
look so angry ! " The heart of the savage Thayendanegca 
was touched, he, who had revelled in scenes of blood and cru- 
elty at Oriskany, and in the whole extent of the Mohawk 
valley, was now conquered by the smiles and innocence of an 
infant. The expression of his features was instantly changed, 



;"jOO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUXTY. [clIAr. 

and laughing, he exclaimed, " what a fool I liave been ! Cha- 
pin, let us forgive each other." After this reconciliation, they 
retired. Mr. Post was not present, but this scene was wit- 
nessed by Mrs. Post and lier children. 

July 13, \79-2, Mr. Post purchased of the representative.-- 
of Gen. Bradstreet, eighty-nine and a half acres of lot 95. 
which now includes the heart of the city, and he had a lease 
of twenty-five years of a small piece of lot 94, where his store 
stood. Doing an extensive business, he was apparently pros- 
perous, and doubtless in a few years amassed a considerabk' 
property. He had taken as a partner his son-in-law, Giles 
Hamlin, and in making collections they had received a large 
amount of wheat, pork, etc., to take to market, with which, 
and a large sum in bank notes, they intended to purchas«> 
largely for their several stores. This was in 1 806 or 7, and 
a most disastrous fire swept away the whole, goods, money, 
etc., in a few minutes. Not more than $100 of the whol«' 
was saved, and Mr. Post was ruined as to property. In the 
decline of life, with a familj- of seven daughters, he could not 
recover from the blow, nothing but a mere pittance could be 
saved, and broken in spirits, infirm from age. Mr. Post ended 
his days in penury and want. In view of his revolutionary 
>;crvices, and his efforts to build up IJtica in its infancv. lit- 
.sometimes felt he ought to liave been spared at least a liomf.' 
in the place. The Masonic Lodge, of which he had been an 
officer, aided him with a small sum on two occasions. lie 
died December Gth, 1830. 

Mr. Post erected a warehouse of wood, three stories hisrh. 
upon the river, and afterwards another of brick, which stood 
a few rods above the Mohawk bridge, at the foot of Ccnesec 
Street. It is now but a few years since that part of the 
brick warehouse left standing by time and the floods wa.'< 
taken down, the last relic of the navigation of the Mohawk 



XXUI.j UTICA. 501 

lie owned several boats which were employed during the sea- 
son of navigation in taking produce, etc.. to Schenectady, 
and bringing^back merchandize and the families and effects 
of persons removing into the new country. After a while, he 
fitted up three stagc-boat.s, the Accommodation, the Diligence 
and another, with oil-cloth covers, seats, etc., for the accom- 
modation of travellers between Utica and Schenectady, who 
preferred this mode to wagons and afterwards stages, over 
rough and muddy roads. Mr. Post was the first post-master 
in this place, but held the office bat a few years. 

In or soon after 1794. the followin,<T; persons resided in this 
place, and probably others whose names, or the dates of their 
removal thither, have not been ascertained, viz : Deacon Ste- 
phen Potter, farmer — date of his purchase given elsewhere — 
the father of the late Wm. P. Potter. He was an excellent 
man and citizen, a devoted Christian, and one of the founders 
of the first Presbyterian church. He died September 18, 1810, 
aged 72 years, and Sarah, his widow, died March 18, 1812, 
aged 72 years. Moses Bagg, senior, opened a tavern upon 
tlie site of the present Bagg's hotel, an establishment known 
by his name as far as any tavern in the country. He work- 
ed for a time at his trade of a blacksmith. He died Sept. 
12, 1805, aged 68 years, his wife having died the 21st of 
March preceding, aged 65 years. John House kept a tavern 
for fciome time, on the corner of Genesee and Main Streets, 
fronting the " wood market " square. His oldest daughter 
became the wife of Myron Holley, a man distinguished iu 
western New York in the days of anti-masonry. Gurdou 
liurchard was a saddler, and many years afterwards kept the 
tavern known by his name, upon the site now occupied by 
the McGregor House, and after whom Burchard Street was 
named. This tavern was destroyed during the great fire, 
March 31, 1837. Mr. Burchard died of cholera. August Id, 



502 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP- 

1832. Messrs. John Hobby and Simeon Jones were black- 
smiths, and Mr. Hobby occupied a shop which stood upon 
or near the site of the eastern Rail-road depot. James P. 
Dorchester, hatter, had a shop on the westerly side of Gen- 
esee road, the second above the comer of Wbitesboro Street, 
and Mr. Eggleston, a cooper, had a shop a little above, and 
opposite Dorchester's. These were probably all the buildings 
on Genesee above the line of AVhitesboro, except Houses 
tavern and the store of Stephen Ford opposite. Mr. Ford 
died soon afterwards and his widow became the wife of Mr. 
Alverson. Peter Smith had a small log store near the river, 
and east of Genesee Street. In 1793, he erected apot-ashorv 
upon the creek, where the gulf basin now is. He also erected 
the dwelling afterwards occupied by Judge Miller, in which 
he resided a short time. 

On the 19th of Julv. 1794. Evans and Gould sold lot 9G. 
r.-ontaining 400 acres, to James S. Kip, who sold 117 acres to 
the late Judge Apollos Cooper, April 11, 179.>. About thij* 
time (1794), J. S. Kip built a small log house near the oast 
end of Main Street, and near the site subsequently occupied bv 
the elegant residence of Hon. Morris S. Miller, above )ncii- 
tioned. (This once beautiful residence has been occupied for 
years past by negroes, and the very dregs of the citj', and 
liaving become untenantable even for them, is being demol- 
ished.) Mr. Kip established a landing upon the river nearly 
in front of his house, at the mouth of Ballou's (Gulf) creek, 
wishing to draw the commerce of the river, and the naviga- 
tion thereof, to that part of the town. For many years Mr. 
Kip was one of the most prominent men of the place. He 
was sheriff of the county several years, and held other impor- 
tant posts. He erected the finest mansion in the place at 
the time, of cut stone, on the westerly side of Broadway, a 
short distance south of where the Erie Canal was afterwards 



XXIII.] UTICA. 503 

constructed. The canal, however, ruiu.ecl the grounds around 
it, and flowed into the cellar, and upon ha enlargement, 
the house had to be taken down. Mr. Kip died August 
27, 1831, aged 64 years. Thomas and Augustus Corey, 
ferraers, purchased 200 acres of lot 95, July 5, 1791, 
and resided on the northerly side of Whitesboro Street, a 
few rods w.est of Genesee, and Nov. 2, 1795, they sold out to 
Messrs. Boon and Lincklaen, agents of the Holbind Land 
Company. This land, or a part of it, was more generally 
known to the early settlers as the Hotel lot, as the Holland 
(Jompany erected upon it the first brick house in the place, 
the large hotel, known many years as the York House, now 
the three story double dwelling house, next above the Bank 
of Utica and Hotel Street, was laid out upon this land. The 
site of the York House was probably at one time the largest 
and deepest flag pond within the bounds of the village. The 
Coreys removed to parts unknown, and the author has found 
no farther traces of them. Dr. Samuel Carrington, one of the 
earliest physicians in the place, resided a short distance up 
Whitesboro Street from Gren^see, and being unmarried board- 
ed with his sister, Mrs. Foster, the widow of a Presbyterian 
clergyman. Dr. Carrington reside-d in the place as early as 
this time (1794). In ISOO, Dr. C. kept a store for the sale 
of drugs, paints, dye-stuffs, and " books on subjects worthy 
the attention of every person," etc., etc., and in his adver- 
tisement in the Columbian Gazette^ published at Rome, in 
that year, he says, " all which he is determined to sell for very 
low prices, for ready pay, having found from sad experience 
ihat credit is the bane of trade, he declines granting that in- 
dulgence in future, and would rather cry over, than after his 
goods." He was the second post-master in the village, and 
was succeeded by Dr. Hitchcock. 

In 17.91, Peter Bellinger pm-chased 150 acres, a part of lot 



oO'i ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cilAP 

8'j, and not I'ar tVoiu tlii.s time, and according to soma accounts 
as early as March, 1788, Col. John Bellinger became a resi- 
dent of the place. He was a native of the Mohawk valley. 
Jiad been a soldier in the Revolution, and was at the Oris- 
kany battle, as was his brother-in-law, Mr. Smith, the father 
of Col. Nicholas Smith, now one of the oldest residents of the 
city. In 1783, the father and mother of Col. Smith were 
killed at Herkimer, by Indians and torics, while he and n 
brother and sister, all very young, were in the fort at that 
place. The Colonel was then adopted by his uncle. Col. Bellin- 
ger, and when under ten years of age came to this place with 
him, where he has ever since resided. He still preserves, 
with much care and veneration, the fowling-piece used by liis 
imcle at Oriskan}-. Col. Bellinger died October 9, 1 8 15, aged 
fifty-five years. According to some accounts, the daughter 
of Col. Bellinger, afterwards the wife of Joshua Ostrom, and 
mother of Henry B. Ostrom of this city, was the first white 
person born in the place. The next six or eight years from 
this time, down to about the year 1800, made many changes 
in the population, business and appearance of the place. 

A law was passed March 28, 1797, authorizing the raising 
of S 45,000 by lotteries, to be expended in improving various 
roads in this state, of wliieh 8 2.200 were appropriated to the 
improvement of the '• great Genesee road ' between " old Fort 
Schuyler '"' and Geneva, and § 400 were directed to be paid tf» 
John Post, Xathan Smith and Isaac Brayton, for erecting a 
bridge over the Mohawk at old Fort Schuyler. This was 
doubtless the first bridge over the Mohawk at the foot of Gen- 
esee Street. In the summer of 1 792, a bridge was built across 
the river between First and Second Streets, but which was not 
probably a very durable structure. The location and construc- 
tion of the Seneca turnpike from this point westward and the 
erection of this bridge were among the first movements which 



xxrii J UTICA. 505 

cave Utica, a starL and secured for it a share of the business 
theretofore monopolized by Rome and other places, in the 
vicinity. 

The late Jason Parker was one of the earlier residents of 
the place, and arrived probably about the year 1791 

By an act passed March 31, 1804, the exclusive right wa?^ 
•rranted to Jason Parker and Levi Stephens, of Tunning 
stage wagons from Utica to Canaudaigua, under certain re- 
strictions and regulations for seven years from the first of 
Juno, then next. Two trips -were to be made in each week ; 
no more than five cents per mile could be charged for con- 
veying passengers ; no more than seven full-grown persons 
could be taken at once in any stage without the unanimous 
consent of those aboard: if there were four persons more than 
a stage load they were entitled to an extra ; four stages and 
teams were to be kept on the road in use, or ready for use; and 
between June 1st and October 1st, the trip was to be made 
in forty-eight hours. 

The first mail to this place was conveyed by Simeon Pool. 
h\ 1793, under an arrangement with the post-office depart- 
ment, authorizing the transportation of the mail from Cana- 
johario to Whitestown, a distance of fifty miles, the inhabi 
tants upon the route paying the expense. The post-rider wa.s 
allowed twenty-eight hours to make a trip, and the same t 
return. This contract soon passed into the hands of Mr. 
Parker, and he carried the mail for a time on horseback, hi.s 
■wife sometimes taking his place, when he could be more profi- 
t;ibly engaged in other employments. Thus he commenced, 
by such humble beginnings, a business which, within his life 
time, was increased to one of the largest business organiza- 
tions ever formed in the place. At the time of his decease 
there were eight daily lines of stages running through Utica 
east and west, besides twelve daily, semi-weekly or weckly 



(y 



506 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

lines running north and south, with the departure and arri- 
val of lOS stages with sixty mails weekly, in most of which he 
was or had been interested. Besides these were two daily 
lines of packets upon the canal to Schenectady, and one to 
iJuffalo and one to Syracuse. Shortly prior to the year 1800. 
Mr. Parker resided in a small log house upon Main Street, 
a little west of First Street. Utica was greatly indebted to 
him for her extraordinary means of intercourse with various 
parts of the state. Mr. Parker died Sept. 28, 18.30, aged 
.sixty-seven years. 

Bryan Johnson, tlie father of Alexander B. Johnson, ar- 
rived at this village, July 4, 1797, from England. He was 
.so well pleased Avith tlie position of the village, then called 
old Fort Schuyler, tliat he made it his residence, though when 
he came he intended to merely rest a few days and proceed 
to Canada. The day he arrived, being the anniversary of in- 
dependence, a public dinner was given in a grove, in rear of 
where the York House before named, was subsen[uently crcct- 
od. and an oration was pronounced by Francis A. Bloodgond. 
then just out of his clerkship, and about commencing the 
practice of law in the place. The village had, however, two 
lawyers already, Nathan "Williams, afterwards circuit judge, 
and Erastus Clark. At this time if such luxuries as loaf 
.<ugar, green tea, etc., were required, and if the smaller stocks 
(jf the merchants here were exhausted, they could be obtained 
uf AVillianx Cr. Tracj', at the older settlement of Whitcsboro. 
(,'lark and Fellows then kept the largest store in Utica, and 
John Post kept goods mostly for Indian trade. The nearest 
market for the sale of wheat and potashes in considerabh' 
• juantities, was at the store of James and Archibald Kane, at 
Canajoharie, who then kept the best assortment of European 
and West India goods, to be found west of Schenectady. 
Kane's store was celebrated throughout a large extent of 



XXlIl] UTICA. 



5o; 



country, and was resorted to by persons who had produce to 
sell, or who desired to make considerable purchases, aad they 
transacted a very extensive business in both purchasing and 
selling. After a few days, Mr. Johnson established himself 
in business in a small building previously used as a black- 
smith's shop, which stood opposite the site of the McGregor 
house, and commenced the purchase of country produce for 
money, which was a novelty in the business transactions of 
Fort Schuyler, and arrested the flow of produce to the Kane's. 
He also procured a good assortment of goods which he sold 
at prices unusually low, thereby detering buyers as well as 
.sellers from resorting to Canajoharie. This sort of comiieti- 
tlon shortly induced the Kane's to close their store and re- 
move to Utica, where under the firm of Kane and Van Rens- 
selaer, they long carried on an extensive business in rivalry 
of Mr. Johnson. By these active competitions, this place 
speedily out-stripped the neighboring villages and became the 
centre of an extensive trade in the purchase of produce and 
the sale of goods, and all conducted on the principal of car^h 
payments. The fame of Utica for selling low and purchasing 
produce at hi^^h prices, attracted trade from the whole region 
of the state lying west and north, and also brought hither 
new traders to compete with the houses already established. 
Among the new merchants were John C. Devereux, "Watt.s 
Shearman. John Bissell, Daniel Thomas and several others, 
whose joint and vigorous enterprise made Utica the first and 
most active place in the state west of Albany, and where lux- 
uries and nearly every convenience could at all times be pro- 
cured at reasonable prices. Mr. Johnson retired from a very 
successful business about the year 1810. For several years 
he occupied a large brick store on the west side of Crenesee 
Street, just below the Ontario Branch Bank. The last 
earthly record rc§pecting Mr. Johnson is as follows : " Here 



503 ANNALS OF ONKIDA COUNTY. [cHAr. 

lies IJryan Joliiison, the laiuented father of Alexander B 
Johnson, lie was a native of England. His mercantile en- 
terprise gave Utica its first impulse. For paternal affection 
lie had no equal — for knowledge of the ways of man no supe- 
rior. His life was abstemious and cheerful, his death in- 
stantaneous, on the I2th of April, 1824. in the seventy-fifth 
year of his age, and in the vigorous possession of all his fiic- 
ulties.'' 

Messrs. Kane and Van .Tlensselaer continued in business 
for several years longer than jMr. Johnson. John C. Dcver- 
oux emigrated from Ireland in 1799, and came immediately 
to Oneida County. To the youth and middle-aged, in the 
county, at that early period, Mr. Devereux was extensively 
known as the teacher of the polite accomplishment of dancing 
and as a proficient in discoursing sweet music upon the vio- 
lin, as well as by his polite and gentlemanly manner.s. In a 
few years he was as extensively known for his active and 
careful business habits and talents. His brother Nicholas 
Devereux came to America in 1806. John C Devereux 
commenced business as a merchant near the lower end of 
<rene.sec Street. For several years he was extensively cn- 
jiaired in the commerce and navigation of the Mohawk river, 
occupying a large warehouse upon it, so constructed that 
boats could be run under a projecting portion of the 
building, from whence thev were loaded and unloaded with 
comparative case. His store, for some time, stood upon the 
site of the Bleecker house, below ]3agg's hotel, and after- 
wards he owned and occupied the brick store opposite, about 
midway between Whitesboro Street and the rail road. The 
success and reputation of 3Ir Devereux were a fine illustra- 
tion of what may be accomplished by industry, integrity and 
energy, unaided by wealth or family, " when left free to com- 
bat" with fortune under the benign influences of our free in- 



XXIII.] L'TICA. . 509 

stitutlons. lie was not ouly successful in amassing wealth, 
bat earned the respect and good-will of all classes, and during 
the whole of liis life identified himself with all the interests 
of the vilhige and city, and freely contributed for every ob- 
ject of public utility. During life, a sincere adherent to the 
Catholic church, it is doubted whether a house of worship was 
erected in Utica within the almost half centurj"- he was a res- 
ident here, to which he did not contribute. For the present 
church edifice of St. John's Catholic church, he contributed 
upwards of $12,000. For the last fifteen or twenty j-ears of 
his life he withdrew gradually from active life. In 1839 and 
40 he was maj'or of the city, having been the first directly 
elected to that office by the votes of the electors, and filled 
the office with honor to himself and the approbation of the 
citizens. He died on the 11th of Dec. 1848, aged 74 years. 

Watts Shearman was a carpenter and joinei*, and prior to 
the year 1800 kept a small shop in a part of his story and a 
half dwelling on Main Street, just below First Street, where 
he sold '■ cake and beer" and the other et ceteras usual to a 
small grocery. Increasing his business, and manifesting su- 
perior business talents, he quit his trade, and took rank among 
the most successful, merchants in Utiea. He occupied a store 
upon the west side of Grenesce, a little below the line of Broad 
Street. Subsequently, Mr. Shearman removed to New York, 
where he prosecuted an extensive business. 

Francis A. Bloodgood was probably the third lawyer that 
commenced business in Utica. For many years he was clerk 
of the county, and was identified with all the prominent mea- 
sures for the advancement of the village. He resided upon 
or near the site of the McGregor House, and removed to 
Ithaca many years since, where lie died. 

Died, in this village. December 23d, 1822, Dr. John Clark, 
aged ninety -four years, and December 14th, 1823, Jerusha. 



T'lO ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

his widow, ngod ninety-two years, of Lebanon, Conn., where 
they lived till advanced age. when they came to Utica to re- 
side with their son, Erastus Clark, Esq. Erustus Clark wa.'- 
boru at Lebanon, May 1 1th, 1768. At an early age he grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College, under the younger President 
Wl)eeloek. At the age of twenty-two he was admitted to the 
]J:ir of the Superior Court of his native State. In 1791 he 
removed to Clinton, then a part of Whitestown, aiul after be- 
ing admitted to the courts of this State, commenced the prac- 
tice of law in a land of ptrangers, without patronage, desti- 
tute of property, without the advantages of captivating man- 
ners or address, and without the fascination of soul-stirring 
eloquence. His success in his profession was, therefore, slow, 
but his learning, industry and character for probity, gradu- 
ally raised him to a higlily respectable professional rank. In 
1 797. he removed to old Fort Schuyler, which, as a proposi- 
tion first proceeding from him, in the next year received the 
name of Utica. During his residence here he filled many 
offices of high public trust with strict fidelity, disinterested 
zeal and independent firmness. His name was proverbial 
for oriirinality and decision of character. An enliirlitened 
conscience was his habitual guide, and if from precipitancy 
or irritation, his head sometimes erred, there was a redeeming 
principle in his heart which reclaimed and regulated his 
erring judgment and passions. Neither the frowns nor flat- 
teries of friends or foes could move him from what he deemed 
the course of duty and integrity. lie was never known to 
offer the incense of flattery to any one, and what others 
th'mght he spoke, and his frankness sometimes appeared ill- 
timed and excessive — and this naked and unreserved habit 
of mind and expression, frequently gave ofl'cnce when he wa."- 
unconscious of it. Those who knew Mr. Clark best, esteemed 
liim most. He was liberal in his charities and ccncrous iu 



xxni.] UTicA. 5 1 1 

promoting benevolent objects and public institutions, while 
no man was less indulgent to his own appetite, or more self- 
denying in his pleasures and personal gratifications, and in his 
habits of living he was simple, plain and frugal. The relig- 
ious character of Mr. Clark was free from ostentation, but 
uniform, consistent, sincere and ardent — and he lived and 
died in the same Christian faith and practice in which he was 
reared under the benign influences of the religion and insti- 
tutions of New England. Mr. Clark died in this place on 
tiie 7tli of November, 1825. He resided for years upon the 
west side of Genesee, nearly opposite to the entrance to Cath- 
ariiie Street. 

General Joseph Kirkland was among the earliest lawyers 
in this section, having been admitted several years prior to 
the organization of Oneida County. He was a native of 
(,'onnecticut. graduated at Yale College, settled in New Hart- 
ford in 1794, and removed to Utica in 1813. He was dis- 
tinguished for much dignity and decision of character, and 
possessed a fair share of talents as a lawyer, united with great 
industry and perseverance in his profession. He was a man 
of strict integrity and honor, and although rigid and unyield- 
ing in his views and his actions consequent upon them, he 
shared largely in the respect of community. For many years 
his business was very extensive, especiall}'' in that of collect- 
ing for 'merchants. He represented this county repeatedly 
in the State Assembly, was a member of Congress, was ap- 
pointed the first mayor of Utica, was District Attorney when 
this District included several counties, and held other posts 
uf trust and honor, always with credit to himself and strict 
fidelity to his constituents. Mr. Kirkland was born Januarv 
18th, 1770, and died February 2d, 1844. 

Gen. Kirkland was the last of that class of eminent law- 
yers, who reflected so much honor upon this county and their 



512 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAF. 

l)rofession, between 1795 and 1820. Bcsidea those already 
named, he was the cotcmporary of Piatt, Gold, 8ill and 
Storrs, of Whitesboro, men who will be remembered and 
appreciated as long as Caine's and Johnson's Keports remain 
uuthorlties as to the common law of our State. At the time 
those men were at the zenith of their strength and power, it 
required no ordinary amount of courage and talent to acquire 
a business standing at the bar of Oneida. Gen. Kirkland 
was a distant relative of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, the 
missionary to the Oneida Indians. 

Nathan "Williams was boi-n at Williamstown, Mass., Dec. 
19, 1773, of most respectable parents, his father lost his en- 
tire property by the vicissitudes of the Revolution. At the 
age of thirteen, young Williams left his home Vt'ith "but a few 
cents in his pocket, '• to seek his fortune " in the wide world, 
lie first came to Troy, where by his perseverance and excel- 
lent character he was enabled to obtain the advantages of an 
(iducation, and while young, was admitted to practice in tiie 
courts of this state, lie commenced the practice of law in 
this place about the year 179G. Among those who grew up 
with the place, sharing in the labors and moral and intellec- 
tual privations of a newly settled country, he was universally 
respected for his virtues and talents. He was district attor- 
ney, a member of both branches of the state legislature, a 
member of the state constitutional convention cf 1821, and a 
member of Congress. 1^'or many years beheld the very la- 
borious and responsible office of circuit judge in this district. 
A.S early as 1804, he was the candidate for Congress of the 
democratic party in his congressional district. At an earlier 
period he was president of the village, and };eld several im- 
portant trusts under the National government. In the war 
of 1812 he left his family and extensive business, and shoul- 
dering his musket and knapsack, joined the American army 



XXm.] UTICA, 51 



r, 



at Sacketts Harbor, then under the command of his brother- 
in-law, Gen. Jacob Brown. Mr. Williams resided almost 
forty years upon the northerly side of Whitesboro Street, 
nearly opposite Hotel Street, and removed to Geneva upon 
receiving the appointment of clerk of the supreme court, 
wliere he died. He died universally lamented, September 
25, 1835, and his remains were brought to Utiea for inter- 
ment, and here his family have since resided. 

David Ostrom was a soldier in the Revolution, and among 
the earliest settlers in Oneida County. About the year 
1790 or 91, he removed from Dutchess County to New Hart- 
ford, and afterwards lived in Paris, from whence he removed 
to Utica, about the year 1807. Upon the organization of 
Oneida County in 1798, Mr. Ostrom was appointed one of 
the county judges, which office he held until the year 1815, 
with the exception of three years, in which his name was 
omitted from the general Commission of the Peace for the 
county. Although not educated for the bar, he was in 1812 
admitted ex gratia, an attorney and counsellor of the county 
courts, and by an advertisement of that period it seems that 
he opened an office in Utica. He also repi-esented the coun- 
ty in the assembly for several years from its organization. 
He was a man of sound practical sense and judgment and 
shared largely in the good will of community. David Ostrom 
died March 17, 1821, aged 68 years. Joshua Ostrom, his 
son, died October 4, 1828. Gen. John H. Ostrom, another 
son, was distinguished as a political leader, and for the urban- 
ity of his manners. As a lawyer, of fair talents, he was not 
prominent in his profession, he was a man of great activity. 
and was prosperous in his various undertakings. He held 
the offices of clerk of the county, mayor of the city and vari- 
ous other posts of honor and profit. He was highly respect- 
ed by an extensive circle of acquaintances for his integrity 

33 



514 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUXTV. [ciIAr. 

and the correctness of liis habits, scutimcuts and principles. 
He died August 10, 1845, aged fifty-one years. 

Died, in this village, in April, 1803, Dr. John Cochran. 
Director-general of the military hospitals of the United States 
in the war of the Revolution, aged 76 years. 

The following anecdote relating to Major James Cochraii, 
went the rounds of the newspapers in 1850, and is given as 
it was found, with the explanation that Mr. Lossiug's work 
is considered pretty good authority. Major Cochran at the 
time of his election to Congress resided at Cauajoharie, and 
his competitor was Judge Cooper, of Cooperstown, the father 
of Cooper, the novelist. He afterwards removed to Utica, 
where he resided several years, and from thence he removed 
to Oswego, where he was appointed post-master. He was- 
the son of Dr. Cochran above named, and married a daughter 
of Gen. Philip Schuyler, who is believed to be still living at 
Oswego. Major C. died at that place some two or throe 
years ago. 

" The Man who Fiddled IIim.self into Congress. — Major Coch- 
ran, who is now, or was quite recent!}', living in C'swego, N. Y., aiul 
wlio was a member of tlie House of Represcnlatives during the lul- 
ministratiou of the elder Adams, used to say that he fiddled bimsell 
into Congress. A sliort time previous to his election, a vessel was Ir 
be launched in Seneca Lake, at Geneva, and it being an unusual 
event, people came from afar to sec It. The young folks gathorc d 
there determined to have a dance at niglit. A fiddle was procured, 
l>ut a fiddler was wanting. M;ijor Cochran Mas tlien quite an ama- 
teur performer, and liis services were demanded on the occasion, 
lie gratified the joyous company, and at the supper table one of the 
entlemen remarked in commendation of his talents, that he was ' fit 
for Congress.' Tlie liint was favorably received, by the company, 
the matter was 'talked up,' and he was nominated and elected t > 
Congress for the district then comprising the whole State of Ne\7 
York west of Schenectady. The incident is related in Lossir.g"? 
Field Book of the Revolution." 



& 



xxin.] UTiCA. 515 

Col. Benjamin Walker was a native of England, and came 
to New York city prior to llie Kevolution, where be was en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits. He served as an officer during 
the entire period of the war with considerable distinction, and 
was a sincere and warm friend to the United States. As an 
aid to Washington, he was for some time a member of the 
military family of the commander-in-chief. Upon the arri- 
val of Baron Steuben in 1777, Col. Walker joined his staff, 
and a warm personal friendship existed between the two as 
long as the Baron lived. Col. Walker and 'Col. William 
North, another of the Baron's aids, were appointed by the 
Baron, in his will, his executors, and he devised to the two a 
large share of his property. Soon after the Baron's death in 
1794. and as early as 1797, Col. Walker removed to old 
Fort Schuyler, where he resided the i*emainder of his life. 
('ol. Walker was a man of intelligence and refinement, and 
v\"as identified with the early growth and progress of Utica. 
lie devised a considerable portion of his property to a natur- 
al daughter who became the wife of Major Combs, a French 
officer then residing in Utica. Upon the accession of Louis 
Philip to the throne of France, Major Combs had liberty to 
return to his"native country, and from whence with the rank 
of Colonel, he was soon after dispatched to Algiers, where he 
was killed at the head of his regiment, while storming a for- 
tification. Mrs. Combs recently died in France, and it is yet 
problematical whether any heirs of her mother will make 
good a claim to her property in land and money in Utica. 
Col. Walker died January 13, 1818, aged sixty-five years. 

In 1803, Drs. Solomon Wolcott and Francis Guiteau, Jr., 
were practicing physicians in this place in partnership, and 
also kept for sale " opposite the hotel " a supply of drugs and 
medicines. Dr. Guiteau was a brother of the late Dr. Lu- 
sher Guiteau of Trenton, and Calvin Guiteau, the latter of 



516 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COTJNTT. [cTJAF. 

whom for many years after, about 1790, was extensively en- 
gaged in this section as a surveyor. Dr. F. Guiteau came to 
the place several years previously to 1803, and remainetl 
subsequently to 1814, and was distinguished as a physician 
and surgeon. Dr. Wolcott, in the firm of S. AVolcott & Co. in 
1812, and in 1813 as a partner with the late John Williams, 
carried on an extensive business in the sale of drugs, groce- 
ries, etc. Dr. AVoleott died October 30, 1818, aged forty- 
nine years. Mr. AVilliams arrived in Utica a poor Welsli 
boy, and first as an assistant in and about the office, garden 
and stable of Dr. Wolcott, then a clerk in the store, then a 
partner, afterwards was the successor of the Dr. in the mer- 
cantile part of the business. Mr. Williams became one of 
the most successful and wealthy merchants ever in Utica, and 
his course was an illustration of what may be accomplished, 
without money or family influence to begin with, by integ- 
rity, energy and persevei-ancc. He died Jtme 13, 1843, aged 
iifty-two years. 

In 1804, Drs. Alexander Coventi-y and D. Hasbrouck 
were practicing physicians in Utica, as partners. Dr. Cov- 
entry, the father of the present Dr. Coventr}-, was born 
near Hamilton, in Scotland, August 26, 1766, and died Dec. 
9, 1831. In 1812 and 14, Dr. Hasbrouck was a druggist in 
this place. 

James Delvin emigrated from Ireland in 1801, and soon 
became a resident of Utica. Upon his decease he left by 
his will to collateral relatives considerable real estate, 
now among the most valuable in the city. The manner in 
Avhich wealth is sometimes forced upon persons, is illustrated 
by the following account of the circumstances under which 
Mr. Delvin acquired this property. '■ It is said that he had 
loaned to one of our citizens a few hundred dollars, and the 
ktter failing, he was compelled to take an acre or two of land 



KXIII.] UTICA. 517 

lying upon (jreiiosee, Liberty and Hotel Streets, or entirely 
lose his debt." The laud was then (a short time before the 
canal was laid out) considered worth very little, except for 
a goose pasture, being nothing but a bog, but he took it, 
hoping eventually to realize a trifle from it, but sorrowing 
much, on account of the loss of his money. The Erie Canal 
brought this land into the heart of the place. Mr. Delvin 
died December 19, 1825, aged sixty years. 

Apollos Cooper became a resident of old Fort Schuyler in 
1795, and on the lltli of April, in that year, purchased of 
James S. Kip 1 17 acres of lot 96, known as the Cooper prop- 
erty, extending from the river nearly to the point formed by 
^I'enesee and State Streets. Mr. Cooper was identified with 
the growth and prosperity of the city and county for nearl}"- 
forty-five years. " His integrity, sound judgment and irre- 
proachable life secured him the respect and esteem of all who 
knew him." In 1805, he was appointed a county judge and 
held the office five years ; in 1815, he was appointed sherifij 
and held the office several years, and in 1823, he was a mem- 
ber of assembly. On the 2d of April, 1839, " as a shock of 
corn fully ripe he was gathered to his fathers " in the seventy- 
third year of his age, "and the odor of a good name will long 
hallow his memory." 

Talcott Camp was born at Durham, Conn., March 4, 1762, 
and served in the Commissary department during most of the 
li evolutionary contest. From Durham he removed to Glas- 
tonbury, where he was several years a merchant. In 179G, 
lie removed to this place, where he was for many years a suc- 
cessful and enterprising merchant. For a series of years, he 
was an upright and esteemed magistrate of the town of Whites- 
town, residing in Utica, and in 1809, and the five following 
years, was president of the village. He was a man of stc- 
ling sense and judgment, and in an eminent degree enjoys ; 



518 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

the rcfpect of community. He was the father of our old 
merchants, Harry and John Camp, and of the late !Mrs. W 
F. Potter. He died Sept. 5, 1832, aged 70 years. 

Capt. James Hopper was a native of England, and for 
many years was in command of various vessels in the En- 
glish merchant service, sailing to diflferent parts of the world, 
occasionally owning shares in his vessels and cargoes. For 
a time he commanded an armed vessel under orders from the 
British Admiralty, sailing with letters of marque in the war 
between England and France. His vessel having been taken, 
he and his crew were carried to France as prisoners, and he 
was afterwards exchanged for the celebrated French Mar.shal 
Junot, who had been taken by the British in Egypt. Capt. 
Hopper came to America in 1801, and soon settled in Utica, 
where he purchased considerable real estate. He was the 
father of Thomas and George J. Hopper. Capt. Hopper 
died May 16, 181G, aged fifty-eight years. 

In 1798, Charles p]aston was a painter and glazier in 
Utica, and kept paint, glass, etc., for sale. In 1813, he was a 
merchant doing an extensive business in the sale of paints, 
oils, etc. 

In 1804, Dr. Marcus Hitchcock was post-master of Utica. 
but when appointed the author has been unable to learn. For 
nearly forty years subsequently he was a druggist, also doing 
a large business in the sale of patent medicines. He remov- 
ed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he died but a few years 
since. Dr. Hitchcock was succeeded as post-master by James 
Piatt, who held the office but a short time, and was succeed- 
ed by Augustine (>. Dauby, near the commencement of Gen. 
Jackson's administration. Mr. Dauby held the office twenty 
years, and was succeeded by Joseph H. Shearman, soon after 
Gen. Taylor entered upon the Presidency. 

Thomas Skinner was a lawyer, and an active member of 



x.xm.] UTiCA. 519 

ithe democratic party in this place, where he resided about 
forty years. He died June 19, 1848, aged seventy years. 

About the 25^1 of May, 1796, Mr. William McLean es- 
tablished in New Hartford (then in Whitestown), the 
Whitcstovj'ti Gazette^ the second paper established in the 
county, the first being the " Western Scntinel^^ printed in 
Whitesboro. Mr. McLean emigrated from Hartford, Conn. 
In 1798 lie removed his paper to Utica, " near the post-office," 
where he continued its publication under the name of 
'•'• Whitestoicn Gazette and Cata's FatrolP The No. in 
possession of the author is Vol. III. No. 117, dated August 
27, 1798. This was the first paper published in Utica. In 
1803, Mr. jMcLean was obliged by ill health to relinquish his 
paper, and sold out to John H. Lathrop, Esq. A few years 
after, Asahel Seward and Ira Merrill started a weekly paper 
called the " Patriot^'' and after a while the two papers merg- 
ed in the Patriot. In 1821, the name of the paper was 
changed to "Utica Sentinel" and in 1825, upon being united 
with the " Columbian Gazette]'' as a result of Clintonianism, 
the paper was named the " Sentinel and Gazette" and in 
1834, the name was changed to " Oneida Whig" the daily 
issue of which is the Gazette again. Mr. McLean after va- 
rious vicissitudes of fortune, and after -a residence of a few 
years at Vernon Village, established himself at Cherry Val- 
ley, where he resided the last thirty years of his life •' enjoy- 
ing to an unusual degree the good will and esteem of the 
community in which he lived." He died March 12, 1848, 
aged seventy-three years. Mr. Seward was an apprentice to 
Mr. McLean in the Gazette office, before its removal to this 
place. For many years he was extensively engaged in tlie 
printing, publishing, and book-selling business. He died 
January 30, 1835, aged 53 years. 

About the 1st of August. 1799, Thomas Walker^ Esq. es- 



520 ANNALb OF ONEIDA COUNTV. [CIIAP. 

tablibhcd the " Cohimhian Patriotic Gazette'^'' at Home, and 
coutinuod its publication upwards of two years. The imprint 
of the paper says it was printed by Thomas AValker for 
Eaton & "Walker. About the first of March, 1803, Mr. 
^^'alker having removed to Utica, commenced the " Colum- 
bian Gazette^'' and continued its publication for a long series 
of years as the organ of the " democratic republican " party, 
us the " Wldtestoivn Gazctte^^ and its successor, the *^ Patri- 
ot" were of the '• federal " party. In the division of the 
democratic party, originating among the friends and oppo- 
nents of DeWitt Clinton, as a candidate for the Presidency, 
Mr. "Walker belonged to the Clintonian branch. In 1825, he 
sold the Gazette to Messrs. William J. Bacon and Samuel 
D. Dakin, by whom the Gazette and Sentinel were united. 
Although still alive, the author feels himself at full liberty 
to say, that no man in Utica has ever earned a fairer title to 
the good will and respect of the people than Mr. AValkcr. 
He was elected as the successor of Mr. Huntinfjton, the 
President of the Utica Bank. Ebcnezer Eaton, the partner 
of Mr. "Walker in the Gazette at Home, came from "Vermont, 
and remained at Rome but a short time. He then removed 
to Aurora, Cayuga Count}-, where he published a paper for a 
short period, and then returned to "Vermont, where he con- 
ducted the " North Star " for many years, and where it is 
understood he still resides. He is a brother of the celebra- 
ted Gen. Eaton, who served under Gen. "Wayne, and after- 
wards espoused the cause of Hamet, the dethroned Bashaw 
of Tripoli, in his attempts to regain the government. 

John H. Lathrop succeeded Mr. McLean as the conductor 
of the Whitcstaicn Gazette and Cato's Patrol, and was con- 
nected with it and its successor nearly or quite tothe close of his 
life. The addition to the name of the paper of" Cato's Patrol'' 
had reference to the younger Cato who was the defender of 



XXIII.] UTICA. 521 

ancient Utica, a place destroyed and almost forgotten many 
hundreds of years before its name was transferred to a little 
vilkge in the back woods of America. Mr. Lathrop died, 
June 15, 1829, aged fifty-eight years, and was inten-ed in the 
private burying ground south of Water Street, within a few 
days after it was opened. He was born in New HavoD, 
Conn., and graduated at Yale College, with honor, at an early 
age. Having chosen the profession of law, he was admitted 
and practiced in the courts of his native state for a short pe- 
riod with distinction. As a man and citizen he was highly 
respected, and was identified with almost every measure for 
building up the place. " As a gentleman, a scholar, and 
Christian, by the purity of his life and manners, by his fine 
genius and extensive attainments, he became the pride of 
a[n extensive circle of friends, and an honor to his race." 

The " Western SentineV was established at Whitesboro, 
the first of January, 1794, by Oliver P. Easton, who had 
been fitted out for that purpose by the Messrs. Swords of 
New York, but he remained only a short period, and was 
succeeded by a Mr. Lewis, who was the publisher in the 
summer of 1799. This was the first newspaper printed in 
the county, and was continued about six years. The prin- 
ting office was " near the post-ofiice in Whitestown, Herkimer 
County, New York." The Whitcstoivu Gazette was subse- 
quently established by McLean, at New Hartford, in the 
town of Whitestown. 

Eliasaph Dorchester was for a time connected with Mr. 
Walker in the publication of the Columbian Gazette^ and 
afterwards was connected with the Oneida Observer. The 
Observer was established near the commencement of the year 
18 IG, as the organ of the party which elected Messrs. Madi- 
son and Monroe to the Presidency, and in opposition to Gov. 
DeWitt Clinton as a candidate for the Presidency, and the 



522 ANNALS OF ONEIDA CO"UNTY. [CIIAP. 

Clintonian party. As early as 1824, the Observer was prin- 
ted by A. G. Dauby, who edited it many years after he par- 
ted with his interest in the publishing department. These 
notices of the several papers were deemed proper in this 
place in connection with the names of Messrs. McLean and 
Walker. 

Joseph Ballou, the father of Obadiah, and Jerathmael 
Ballou, and Mrs. E. B. Shearman, arrived in the vicinity of 
old Fort Schuyler in the spring of 1 792, and settled in what 
is now East Utica, below the Basin. The Gulf Creek, run- 
ning through the " Big Basin " was for raan}-^ years known as 
]Jallou's Creek. Mr. Ballou died about the year 1810. Col. 
Benjamin Ballou, a cousin of the latter, arrived in this place 
as early as 1798, and died Nov. 18, 1 640, aged seventy years. 
In 1804, Obadiah Ballou above named, was extensively en- 
gaged as an agent of Kichard Lee of New York, in the sale 
of patent medicines in Utica, as appears by an advertisement 
of two columns in the Columhuni Gazette. From the cer- 
tificates and puffs it is evident that '• certain remedies " and 
•• infallible medicines " were known and used by our ances- 
tors, but notwithstanding, as strange as it seems, flesh is still 
jicir to disease and mortality. 

Morris S. Miller was in early life the private secretary of 
tJie distinguished patriot, John Jay, while Governor of this 
state. Soon afterwards he commenced the practice of law in 
Lowville, now in Lewis County, and early in the present cen- 
tury, having married a daughter of Mr. Bleccker of Albany, 
Mr. 3Iiller removed to Utica. He was a member of Con- 
gress from this district in 1812, when war was declared 
against Great Britain. He was appointed first judge of this 
county, JIarch 5, 1810. and held the office by re-appointments 
until his decease. Mr. Miller died in Utica, Nov. 16, 1824, 
a^ed forty-four years, and his remains rest in the family vault 



xxin.J UTiCA. 523 

of the Bleeckers in Albany. He was a man of fair talents, 
many acquirements, polished manners, and enjoyed the friend- 
ship and esteem of an extensive circle, among whom were 
many of the first men in the country. 

Arthur Breese was one of the prominent men of this sec- 
tion, while yet a new country. His paternal gi-and-fathcr 
was born at Shrewsbury, England, of Welsh parentage, and 
was a cousin of the celebrated Sir Watkyn William AVynii 
of Wynnstay, Wales — and emigrated to Shrewsbury, New 
Jersey, a place named by him probably after his native place. 
Arthur Breese was born at Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and his 
brother, the late Samuel Sidney Breese, of Scanandoah, was 
born in Philadelphia. The subject of this notice, studied 
law with the distinguished Judge Elias Boudinot, and re- 
moved to Whitesboro as early as 1794, where he became a 
partner of the late Judge Piatt, in the practice of his pro- 
fession. Upon the organization of Oneida County, he was 
appointed Surrogate, and held the office until May, 1808. A 
clerk's office of the supreme court having been established at 
Utica about this time, he was appointed the clerk, which of- 
fice he held until the time of his death, a period of about 
seventeen years. He died at New York, whither he had 
gone for the benefit of his health, Aug. 13, 1825, aged fifty- 
three years. He removed to Utica about the year 1805, and 
actively engaged in every measure for building up the place 
or for the intellectual and moral improvement of its citizens. 
He died in the prime of manhood, universally beloved and 
respected. 

Matthew Hubbell, father of Alriek Hubbell, settled upon 
what has been long known as the " Hubbell farm " in East 
Utica, in 1789. He emigrated from Berkshire County, 
Massachusetts, and brought a good share of New England 
energy and perseverance to bear upon the then almost un- 



524 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

broken forest, in the vicinity of the old fort. He died many 
years since. 

Charles C. Brodhead, one of the very few " early settlers" 
now remaining in Utica, became a resident of the place as 
early as 1797. For many years he was extensively engaged 
as a surveyor in this section of the state. Ou the 5th of 
April, 1800, he was appointed sheriff of Oneida County, and 
honorably performed the duties of the office till June 18. 
1804. Mr. Brodhead moves among the children and grand- 
children of his cotemporaries with much of the elasticity of 
youtli, and apparently bids fair to sec a generation or two of 
flu'ir descendants before he is gathered to his fathers. 

Commodore Melancthon T. Woolsey died in Utica, May 
19, 1838, aged fifty-eight years. His paternal grand-father 
fell in the service of his country at the head of a battalion in 
1758. His father, Melancthon L. Woolsey, served with credit 
in tlie war of the llcvolution, and expended a handsome pat- 
rimony in the cause of freedom and his country. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was a clerk in the clerk's office of Oneida 
county, when the late judge Piatt was county clerk. In 1 800 
he entered the navy of the United States, in which he ac- 
tively served'during the great portion of the remainder of 
his life upon the Atlantic, the Pacific, in the Mediterranean 
and upon the lakes. In 1808, he was ordered to the com- 
mand of the lake Ontario station. At the commencement 
of the war of 1812, his command was one of vast responsibil- 
ity, particularly in view of the great numerical superiority of 
the enemy's naval force upon the lakes, and the defenceless 
condition of the ports upon this side. His first object was to 
protect Sackctts Harbor from attack. In addition to the Big 
Oneida, he armed and equipped the schooner Julia, and sub- 
Requently captured the British armed schooner Nelson, which 
he added to the squadron. Shortly afterwards the British 



xxiii.] UTiCA. 525 

sent a strong force against Sackctts Harbor, then witliout 
any works of defence, for the purpose of destroying the vil- 
lage and the American fleet. Commodore Woolsey placing 
his squadron in as secure a position as possible, went on 
shore and took command of a body of volunteers and militia, 
hastily constructed a battery, and in a short time compelled 
the enemy to retire precipitately, with considerable loss and 
damage. Commodore Woolsey was a brave and accomplish- 
ed naval ofl&cer, and always cherished that just pride as to his 
profession, which has so ennobled so many of its members, a 
profession which has furnished to the United States such a 
galaxy of heroes and patriots. A short time before his death 
he removed to Utica, where by the afEiibility of his deport- 
ment, the kindness of his heart, and the correctness of his sen- 
timents and life, he acquired the good will and esteem of all 
who made his acquaintance. He was buried with military 
honors, and was attended to the grave by Captain Mervine 
of the navy, Gren. Comstock and his staff, and the Utica Cit- 
izens' Corps. 

Several years since an anecdote of Com. Woolsey was pub- 
lished in many of the newspapers of the country, but as the 
author has been unable to find a copy, he gives it from recol- 
lection, without names or dates. At some period during the 
war of 1812, a considerable British force commanded by a 
naval ofiicer of rank, effected a landing from Lake Ontario, 
at some point within the county of Jefferson or Oswego. The 
Commodore and the British commander had formed an ac- 
quaintance, and become warm personal friends some years be- 
fore, while stationed in the Mediterranean. The landing was 
made under cover of the darkness of night, and Commodore 
Woolsey, aware of their approach, had collected and taken 
command of a small party of riflemen, which he had station- 
ed in a good position for properly receiving the enemy as 



r»20 ANXALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAf. ' 

soon as they were beyond the reach of their boats. The Brit- 
isli came, and found themselves suddenly confronted by the 
Americans. Com. "Woolsey issued his orders as if to a large 
force, ordering those in front to stand firm, and directing two 
large imaginary flanking parties to secure positions which 
cut off the enemy's retreat, those in front now opening a dead- 
ly fire. The Commodore to make victory sure and quick, in 
thunder tones now ordered his whole force to '• charge bayo- 
net." The British have too often turned the tide of battle 
by the bayonet not to -feel a dread of the weapon when turned 
against themselves by superior numbers, and those Amer- 
icans, now to save themselves from entire destruction, 
cried for quarter, threw down their arms and surrendered. 
The British commander was conducted to the Commodore. 
when a mutual recognition took place. " Commodore." said 
he, " I am happy to be permitted to renew our former ac- 
(:|uaintance, although under unfavorable circumstances, but 
this is the first time I have ever known riflemen to " charge 
hayotiet V Whether the rvse of the Commodore was a 
stratagem conceived at the moment, or was the result of hab- 
it, as marines do carry bayonets, is now a question dillicult 
to be answered. The British force became prisoners of war, 
and then their boats, aboard which was a large quantity of 
arms and military stores, were easily taken. 

David W. Childs was a native of Pittsfield, Ma.s3.; a son of 
Dr. Childs, a celebrated physician of that place, and a broth- 
er of the late Lieut. Gov. Childs of that state. For several 
years he was a lawyer, and ranked among the more prominent 
citizens of Utica. lie died at his native place, whither he 
had cone for the benefit of his health, July 27. 1S2G. a^ed 
forty-five years. William Jones, a brother of Dr. Jones, late 
a President of Texas, was for several years actively engaged 
as a surveyor amd engineer iu and around Utica. Many vil- 



xxiii.] UTICA-. 527 

lage surveys of lots, streets, &c., and the maps of property 
were made by him. He was a highly respected and useful 
citizen, and died Dec. 14, 1827, aged thirty-five years. 

Maj. Benjamin Hinman, the father of John E. Hinman, 
mayor of Utica, was a native of Connecticut, and served with 
much credit during the Revolution, as an aid to General 
Greene. He also lost a handsome fortune through the vicis- 
situdes of the war, and his devotion to the cause of his coun- 
try. In 1793, he removed to Herkimer, and in 1798, re- 
moved to Utica. He was a man of sound judgment, most 
correct morals a/nd habits, and was highly respected as a man. 
a patriot and a citizen. 

He died at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, while upon a jour- 
ney to New Jersey, April 7. 1821, aged sixty-six years. Hi.s 
ao-ed widow still survives in the state of Illinois, and is intl>c 
enjoyment of a handsome bounty from government on ac- 
count of her husband's revolutionary services. 

It was mentioned in the obituary of Major Hinman, that 
he had never drank one glass of ardent spirits in his life. 

In sketching the foregoing notices of prominent men in 
Utica, it struck the mind of the author most forcibly, as it no 
doubt will that of the reader, how large a number in propor- 
tion to the whole were cut off by death hardly past the me- 
ridian of life, and in the midst of active usefulness. Utica 
has ever been a healthy location, and the cause of this early 
mortality is inexplicable. 

In the histories of the various churches and notices of the 
institutions, societies, incorporations, etc., the author has ta- 
ken pains generally to give the names of their founders and' 
early officers, that " honor may be given where honor is duo," 
and also that by a reference to them the names of the promi- 
nent and active citizens, at the various periods named, may be 
ascertained. This has been the authors motive in giving, va 



528 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

some instances, long lists of names, and these to the future 
historian of Utica, if any there ever shall be, will be of more 
value than many pages of incidents and events without sucli 
exact data. This is the author's apology, if one is needed, for 
these lists and the frequent repetition of tlie same names. 

To show the extent of population, and relative taxation in 
the village of Utica in the year 1800, the names of the taxable 
inhabitants and the tax paid by each are given from the village 
tax list of that year. John Post paid a tax of $ 2.00 ; Daniel 
Budlong and Ramsey & Co. ^ 1,25 each ; Samuel Carrington, 
John Hobby, Richard Smith, Nathaniel Butler, § 1,1 2i each ; 
Benjamin Walker, John House, Moses Bagg. Bryan John- 
son. Proprietors of the Hotel, Francis A. Bloodgood, William 
Halsey. '^ 1,00 each ; 0. & J. Ballou, John Smith, John Bis- 
sell, Talcott Camp, Clark & Fellows, Samuel Hooker, 87^- 

cents each ; James S. Kip, Joseph Ballou. Nichols 

(Bagg's house), Nathan Williams, Gurdon Burchard, William 
AV'illiams, William McLean 75 cts. each ; administrator of 
Daniel Banks, John Bellinger, 62^ cents each ; Silas Clark, 

Peter Smith, Worden Hammond, Remsen, Barnabas 

Brooks, John C. Hoyt, Peter Cavcmlcr^ James P. Dorches- 
ter, Watts Shearman, Era.stus Clark. 50 cts. each; S. P. Dy- 

gert, Samuel Forman, Clark, John Curtiss, Benjamin 

Ballou, Jr., Charles Easton, 37^ cts. each ; J. D. Petrie, 
Matthew Hubbell, J. Bocking. Benjamin Ballou, Widow 
Murpliy, Jeremiah Cowden, J. Bissell. Samuel Rugg, Jeptha 
Bucll, Stephen Potter, Samuel Garritt, Jonathan Foot, Jo- 
seph Pierce, G. Boon's house, Apollos Cooper, John Watley, 
Gideon Burchard, 25 cts. each ; William Pritchard, James 

Bagg, Barnabas Cooper, John Cooper, Simeon Jones, 

Van Sykes, 12J- cts. each. Total 8 40,00. The village ex- 
tended at that time no farther west than the west line of lot 
ninety-seven. 



xxm.] UTicA, 529 

As questions relative to the titles of the land upon which 
Utica is built, are of considerable interest to her present and 
future owners of real estate, the writer has compiled the main 
facts and circumstances upon which those titles rest. For 
many yeai's past the original settlers of a large portion of the 
city, or their heirs and grantees, have been compelled to de- 
fend suits brought against them by Mrs. Martha Bradstreet, 
and, although she has sometimes obtained verdicts, yet thos^ 
verdicts have never enabled her to obtain possession of city 
property after having been reviewed by the higher tribunals. 

The territory upon which Utica stands was granted by the 
crown of Great Britain to Joseph Worrell and others, by 
Letters Patent, dated January 2, 1734, certain quit-rents be- 
ing reserved to government as before stated. 

It was the practice of the Colonial Governors and other 
officers of the Crown in the Colonies, to procure patents of 
large tracts of wild land, to be granted to a certain number 
of persons, and then to take assignments of the patents to 
themselves, thus obtaining those immense estates which have 
made so much trouble to their posterity. The Home govern* 
ment, at different times, instructed the Colonial government 
not to grant more than 1000 acres, (at certain periods change 
ed to 2000 acres) of wild land to any individual. To evade 
these instructions, those high functionaries procured a cer- 
tain number, generally of obscure persons, (the number was 
in proportion to the size of the tract they wished to secure), 
to apply for a patent of the tract, with an agreement that 
when obtained, it was for certain nominal considerations and 
favors, to be transferred to the officer, he giving all necessa- 
ry instructions how to proceed, and furnishing the money to 
pay the usually large fees and expenses to other crown offi- 
cers. These large fees and a desire, may be, to do the same 
thing, operated to keep the other officers quiet and prevent 

34 



530 ANNALS OF ONIMDA COUNTS'. [cHA7> 

their informing their masters across the Atlantic of these 
rascalities. 

After all the necessary petitions, surveys and other re- 
quired formalities, the patent was graciou.sly granted to the 
petitioners. This done, they -were collected, may be for u 
feast and general merry-making, and the patent and the 
thousands of acres it covered, were conveyed to him for whom 
they were originally intended. In this way Governors, Lieut. 
Governors, Surveyors General, Secretaries, and Councils 
would gravely perform their various parts in the granting of 
•patents, in the name of their sovereign, to companies of hum- 
ble subjects, when in fact they were for the benefit of them- 
selves. Sometimes private persons of great wcaJith and in- 
fluence, were allowed to act the same farce, and it was in this 
way that nearly all the large tracts granted previously to 
the Revolution, were obtained, and in some instances they 
exceed 100.000 acres in extent. It was in this way that 
'•our well-beloved William Cosby. Captain General, and 
Governor in Chief of New York and New Jersey," etc., etc., 
gravely granted 22,000 acres to Joseph Worrell and others, 
when the grant was in trust for himself and for his own ben- 
efit. This tract immediately took the name of Cosby's 
manor, and the title remained in Gov. Cosby and his grantees 
and heirs, until sold for quit-rents as hereafter stated. The 
'• William Cosby, Sheriff of Amboy " named in the patent, 
was another person, a relative of Gov. Cosby. It was in this 
way that Sir William Johnson obtained those large tracts, 
owned by him, and now lying in Fulton, Montgomery, Her- 
kimer and Oneida Counties. 

Gov. Cosby took the office of Governor on the Ist of Aug , 
1732, and died in New York, March 10, 1736. Ilis widow, 
the daughter of Lord Halifax, remained in this country sev- 
eral years, and afterwards returned to England, where she 



xxm] rncA. 531 

Nvas living as late as 1706. Gov. Cosby left two sons and 
two daughters. Sir William Johnson was agent for Mrs. 
Cosby, and for several years was the medium of a negotiation 
between her and Oliver Delancey and others, for the sale of 
iier estates in the valley of the 3Iohawk. 

The quit-rents reserved in the patent were never paid, and 
accumulated to a large sum before the land was ordered sold 
for their paj'ment. 

On the 7th of May, 1772, Daniel Horsmanden, Esq., chief 
justice of the colony of New York, issued a warrant to Philip 
Ten Eyck, Esq., sheriff of Albany County, directing the sale 
of Cosby's manor, for arrears of cjuit-rents, and accordingly, 
on the fourth of July following, the manor was sold at public 
sale to Col. (afterwards Gen.) Philip Schuyler, for £ 1387. 4s. 
7d., and on the 20th of July a deed of conveyance was exe- 
cuted by the sheriff to Col. Schuyler. Col. Schuyler, how- 
ever, purchased the same for the joint benefit of himself. Gen. 
John Bradstreet, Rutger Bleecker, and John M. Scott, each 
paying one-fourth of the purchaiie money, but, the last three 
for various reasons, not wishing to be known in the transac- 
tion, the deed was drawn to Col. Schuyler. The reason Gen. 
Bradstreet assigned for wishing not to be known as the pur- 
chaser, was, that he feared it might give offence to the Duke 
of Grafton, who, or some of whose family had, or were sup- 
posed to have, an interest in Cosby's manor. Lord Augustus 
Fitzroy, third son of the Duke of Grafton, while upon a visit 
to America, became acquainted with the family of Gov. Cos- 
by, and* through the intrigues of Mrs. Cosby, (according to 
the colonial historian, Smith.) he was united to the oldest 
daughter by a private marriage, at Fort George, in New 
York. To save the Governor from the wrath of the Duke, 
then a favorite of George II., and to blind the relatives, a 
mock prosecution was instituted against Parson Campbell, 



532 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAP. 

who had scaled the walls of the fort and solemnized the nup- 
tials, without the license or publication of banns, against the 
usage, although not against the Inws of the colony of New 
York. Col. Schuyler in his answer, filed March 3, 1789, to 
a bill in chancery, filed in 1783, by Mr. and Mrs. Evans (du 
Bellamy), to compel him, as executor of Gen. B.'s will, to dis- 
cover and convey under the will, thus speaks of the purchase : 
" Said lands having been advertised for sale for the payment 
of quit-rents, I (Col. Schuyler) proposed to Gen. Bradstreet 
to become a partner with me and others in the purchase, to 
which Gen. B. agreed, and that I for myself and in behalf of 
Gen. B., to2;ether with Messrs. Bleecker and Scott having 
purchased Cosby's manoi-. (excepting 100 acres.) Gen. B. paid 
through my hands as his agent for his share, and I admit that 
I hold or claim in trust for the representatives of Gen. B. or 
for the purpose of his will, the proportion of said purchase 
specified." 

Gen. Bradstreet died Sept. 2G, 1774, and by his will dated 
the 23d of the same month, after devising an improved farm 
(no part of the land in question.) to a son of Col. Schuyler, 
devises '■ all the rest of his real estate to his two daughters, 
equally to be divided between them as tenants in common in 
fee" — charging the same with £100 per annum, to be paid 
to their mother, and then the will proceeds : " notwithstan- 
ding the former devise for the benefit of my wife and daugh- 
ters, I empower my executors to do all acts, and execute all 
instruments which they may conceive to be requisite to the 
partition of my landed estate, and I devise the same to them, 
as joint tenants, to be by them sold at such time and in such 
manner as they shall think most for the interest of my daugh- 
ters, to whom tlie nett produce shall be paid in equal shares.'' 
lie appointed Col. Schuyler and William Smith, of New York. 
his executors. The two daughters of Gen. Bradstreet were 



xxiii.J niCA. ' 533 

Martha Bradstreet and Agatha, the wife of Charles du Bel- 
lamy, whose true name and that by which he was afterwards 
known was Charles John Evans. 

The wife of Gen. John Bradstreet had had by a former 
marriage with Colonel John Bradstreet, a son and daughter, 
the son, Major Samuel Bradstreet, of the fortieth regiment 
of foot, and the daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of Hon. Peter 
Livius, chief justice of the Province of Quebec. JMajor Sam- 
uel Bradstreet, son of Col. and step-son of Gen. John Brad- 
street died previous to 1781, leaving two children, one Mar- 
tha Bradstreet, born on the island of Antigua, W. I., August 
10, 17S0. and man-ied to Matthew Codd, in Ireland, April 
1 6, 1799. and who with her husband came to America, in the 
fall of the latter year, and the other was Lieut. Samuel Brad- 
street of the twenty-fifth regiment of foot, who also came to 
America. The widow of Gen. B. died March 31, 1782. 

Martha Bradstreet, daughter of Gen. Bradstreet, died un- 
married, March 22, 1782, and by her will, dated May 15, 
1781, devised in fee (after her mother's death.) one-third of 
her estate, real and personal, to her (step) sister, Elizabeth 
Livius. " to be at her own disposal, and independent of her 
husband, by will or otherwise;" one-third to Samuel and 
Martha, children of her late (step) brother. Major Samuel 
Bradstreet, equally to be divided, and to the survivor, in case 
cither should die under 21, but the income to be expended 
during their infancy, in their maintenance and education ; 
and the remaining third to her sister Agatha du Bellamy 
(Evans) for life, and in ease she survived her husband then 
in fee — she appointed Sir Charles Gould sole executor, and 
authorized him to sell and dispose of such real estate as she 
was entitled to in North America and elsewhere, and to ex- 
ecute conveyances for the same. It seems that Dec. 19. 1786, 
a voluntary partition of Cosby's manor was made b}' and be- 



534 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP- 

tween Gen. Schuyler, representing three-quarters (his owix, 
and those of Gen. B. and Mr. Scott.) and Rutger Bleccker 
the owner of the other quarter, that a map \Yas made and the 
several lots marked thereon with the names of Schuyler. 
Bleecker, Bradstreet and Scott. 

In 1790, Charles John Evans (du Bellamy), and Agatha, 
his wife, one of the daughters and devisees of Gen. Bradstreet 
and Sir Charles Gould, executor of the will of Martha Brad- 
street (the other daughter) ^y Daniel Laulloio and Edivard 
Gould, Jus attorneys^ conveyed by deed with warranty to 
Stephen Potter (father of the late Wm. F. Potter), four hun- 
dred acres. Lot 97, Cosby's manor. (In 18 IG, "Willia'.u F. 
Potter, devisee of Stephen Potter, conveyed to Henry Hun- 
tington about 70 acres, known as the "Huntington property.") 
The Evans and Gould also conveyed 150 acres, part of lot 
89 to Peter Bellinger, Nov. 16, 1791 ; also ill acres in lot 
95 to John Bellinger and Benj. Hammond, June 17. 1797 ; 
also 200 acres in lot 95 to Augustus and Thomas Corey. 
July 25, 1791 ; also eighty-nine and a half acres in lot 95 to 
John Post, July 13, 1792. 

July 19, 1794, Mrs. Agatha Evans (before named) in her 
own right and Sir Charles Gould, executor (as aforesaid), by 
Ed'icard Gould, his attorney, conveyed by deed with cove- 
nants of warranty and for quiet enjoyment to James S. Kip. 
lot No. 9G, Cosby's manor. (April 11, 1795, J. S. Kip con- 
veyed 117 acres to Apollos Cooper, known as the Cooper 
farm.) There may have been also other conveyances from 
Evans and Gould, which have not been found by the author, 
but those above mentioned cover lots 95,96 and 97. 

In the suits brought by Mrs. Bradstreet against the occu- 
pants of lands in Cosby's manor, it has been insisted that the 
conveyances by Daniel Ludlow and Edward Gould, and by 
.l^dward Gould, as attorneys for Sir Charles Gould, executor 



SXIII.] TTTICA. ■'^SS 

of ^lartlia Bradstreet, were not valid conveyances, because no 
authority or power of attorney for that purpose from Sir C. 
Gould had been produced or shown to have ever existed, and 
because Sir C. Gould could not have legally delegated to 
another the power he possessed, under the will of Martha 
I^radstreet, to sell her real estate. Previously to the convey- 
ances by Evans and Gould, in and subsequently to 1790, tlio 
'•• Eradstreet lots" were a wilderness, unoccupied, except by 
a few squatters who had made small " clearings." 

Gen. Schuyler, as executor and trustee of Gen. Bradstreet 
{William Smith having taken sides with England and gone 
to Canada, at the commencement of the Revolution, where 
he died), seems to have been conscious of the responsibilities, 
moral and lejral, and the difficulties connected with his posi- 
tion in rektion to the Bradstreet property, and from 1784 to 
94, he sought the advice of the most eminent lawyers, among 
whom were Samuel Jones, Richard Harrison and Alexander 
Hamilton, as to the manner in which he could •' put the «ev- 
eral heirs (of Gen. B.) in possession of the estate, with safety 
to himself and in conformity to the will" of Gen. B. 

On the 16th of May, 1794, Gen. Schuyler, as executor of 
<ren. B.. executed to Agatha Evans, daughter of Gen. B. (C. J. 
Evans having died Aug. 9, 1793), and Edward Gould, attor- 
ney for Sir C. Gould, executor of Martha B., the other 
•laughter, a deed, which recites the wills of Gen. B., and 
Martha B., that Gen. Schuyler "was seized in fee as tenant 
in common in trust for Gen. B. of one-fourth part " of Co.s- 
T)y's manor ; the death of Wm. Smith, his co-executor 5 the de- 
vises of Martha B. to Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Livius and to Mar- 
tha and Samuel B. (before described) ; the partition before 
named ; and then states that to invest Mrs. Evans with her 
proportion under the wills of Gen. B. and Martha B. and to in- 
•s?e&t Edward Gould with the remainder in trust, for the peij^ 



536 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 



eoas entitled thereto under the will of Martha B., and in 
consideration of ten shillings, he (Gen. Schuyler), '• doth 
grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm " two-thirds 
(undivided) to Mrs. Evans, and the remaining one-third to 
Edward Gould, in trust, to sell and convey the same, and di- 
vide the proceeds (after deducting expenses) between Samuel 
and Martha B., and Mrs. Livius. 

Mrs. Livius died May 4, 1795, without descendants, and 
left a paper purporting to be a will, dated May 25, 1794 
(her husband being then alive), by which she constituted 
Martha Bradstreet (her niece), sole heir to her real and per- 
sonal estate, to be paid and delivered to her at the age of 
twenty-one, or upon the day of her marriage, provided she 
married with the consent of Mrs. Livius' executor. Sir Charles 
Morgan (who by the way is the same person as Sir Charles 
Gould, so frequently mentioned before), but in case of said 
Martha's death under twenty-one, or marriage without such 
consent, then her brother, Lieut. Samuel Bradstreet, was to be 
sole heir to Mrs. Livius' property. 

Martha Bradstreet married Mr. Codd without the consent 
of Sir C. Morgan, but subsequently on the 4th of June, 1800. 
he gave her a certificate expressing his willingness to consent 
to and ratify her marriage as far as he had power then to do 
so. On the 17th of June, 1817, Mrs. B. obtained a decree of 
divorce from Matthew Codd, and subsequently obtained an 
act of the Legislature of New York authorizing her to re- 
sume her maiden name, Martha Bradstreet. July 26, 1802, 
Lieut. Samuel B. released to his sister Martha Codd, what- 
ever interest he might be entitled to claim under the will of 
Mrs. Livius, by reason of her marriage without the consent 
first obtained of Sir C Morgan. 

In 1800, Edward Gould (the before-named attorney of 
Sir C. Gould,, as executor of Martha B. (the elder) alias Sir 



XXIII.] UTicA. 537 

C. Morgan, executor of Mrs. Livius) became bankrupt, and 
under an order of the court of cliancery of New York, on the 
2-2d of October, 1804, he executed a deed to " Martha Codd- 
bite Martha Bradstreet, wife of Matthew Codd of Utica, New 
York,'' reciting the deed to him from Schuyler of May IG, 
1794, that since that date Mrs. Codd had become entitled to 
tlie share of Mrs. L ivius, thereby conveyed to him in trust, 
not already sold and converted into money, and conveying 
to her (Mrs. Codd) all the real estate held by him (E. Gould) 
at the time of his becoming bankrupt, with covenant of war- 
ranty, but providing that he (Grould) should not be held per- 
sonally responsible for any of said real estate which he may 
have sold prior to his bankruptcy. The terms of this deed 
were prescribed by the order or decree of chancery. 

Mrs. Martha Bradstreet, formerly wife of M. Codd, sister 
of Lieut. Samuel B., daughter of Major Samuel B., grand- 
daughter of Col. John B., step-grand-daughter of Gen. John 
B., niece of Mrs. Livius, step-niece of Martha B. and Mrs. 
Evans (du Bellamy), is the person who has for many years 
pressed her claims to a share of Cosby's manor in Utica, and 
the foregoing are the facts upon which those claims are based, 
as well as those upon which the occupants defend their titles 
and possession. 

The share or quarter of Cosby's manor belonging originally 
to llutger Bleecker, is the property known as that of the late 
John R. Bleecker (father-in-law of Hon. Horatio Seymour), 
and his sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Briftkerhoff, Mrs. Blandina 
Dudley, and Mrs. Maria Miller. The quarter of the manor 
originally owned by Gen. Schuyler was divided into lots, and a 
part of them leased or sold by the Gen. in his life time, and 
the remainder has since been sold by his heirs. Mrs. Ham- 
ilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton, now enjoying a ripe ago 
of a little short of an hundred years, and Mrs. Cochran of 



538 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

Os-wcgo. are daughters of Gen. Sclmyler, and but a few years 
^ince sold tlie lust of their lands in West Utica. The real 
estate in AVest Utica, known as the Varick and Mann prop- 
erty, the Ereese estate, that of A. B. Jolinson, &c., belonged 
t-o Gen. Schuyler. The cfuarter of the manor which belonged 
to John Morriu Scott, was all conveyed by him and his rep- 
resentatives many years since. 

The growth of Utica Las ever been slow, sure and steady. 
Iler business men have ever owned a large share of the lots 
and buildings, have proceeded in their various vocations and 
entorprises M'ith caution and discretion, have ever done busi- 
ne.ss almost exclusively upon their own capital, and conse- 
'iuently have not experienced the reactions and revulsions 
under which most other places of its size have suifered. The 
l^egiunings here were truly small, and the prospects were lim- 
ited. In 1793 or 94, when the late Jason Parker arrived 
h-ere on one occasion with the great western mail from Alba- 
ny, it was discovered that it contained six letters for the in- 
habitants of Old Fort Schuyler. This remarkable fact was 
heralded from one end of the settlement to the other, and 
some were incredulous, until assured of its reality by that most 
voracious Dutchman, John Post, the post-master. At that 
rime the arrival of six letters in one mail was an event of real 
importance. About this time Mr. Parker had in his employ 
a young colored man (for this was a slave-holding community 
tlien) and a darker dog, a large noble fellow, and by these the 
mail was dispatched to Fort Stanwix, over a road which had 
been improved but little since the E evolution. Tray with the 
mail lashed upon his back and Jack whistling by his side, 
performed the trip within the contract time, to wit: up one 
•lay and back the next. 

In the Western Sentine/, Sept. 23, 1795 (the earliest No 
known to be extant), are found the followinir advertisements : 



xxiii.] UTiCA. 539 

'•'■ Parked s Mail Stage from Wkitcsiou-n to CanojoharkP 
(Here follows a woodcut of a coach and four — the coach of a 
pattern long since lost from the earth, the coachman with 
cocked hat, and the only modern representation of the 
horses is in the Dutch toys, of the real peg-leg order). " The 
mail leaves Whitestown every Monday and Thursday, at 2 
o'clock, P. M., and proceeds to old Fort Schuyler the same 
evening ; next morning starts at 4 o'clock, and arrives at 
Canajoharie in the evening ; exchanges passengers with the 
Albany and Cooperstown stages, and the next day returns 
to old Fort Schuyler. Fare for passengers § 2.00. way pas- 
sengers four cents per mile, fourteen pounds of baggage gratis 
— 150 weight rated the same as a passenger. Seats may be 
had by applying at the post-office, Whitestown, at the house 
of the subscriber old Fort Schuyler, or at Capt. Roofs, Cana- 
joharie. 

August. 1795. ^ JASON PARKER." 



o 



" Letters remaining in the post-office, old Fort Schuyler : 
(lerrit Grosbeck, Herkimer town; Ebenezer Wright. Fort 
Schuyler ; Abram Vrooman, do. ; Jedediah Jackson or Asa- 
hel Jackson, Clinton ; Stephen Burton, 2, Whitestown ; Oli- 
ver Trumbull, Fort Schuyler. 

Sept. 14, 1795. JOHN POST, P. M." 

John Post, collector of the revenue of the county of Her- 
kimer, gives notice to retailers of wines and foreign distilled 
spirits, that he is ready to grant licenses, also to the " owners 
of stills, or carriages that are kept for pleasure or the con- 
veyance of persons," to enter them and pay the duties, also 
to auctioneers, to take licenses and give bonds, all as required 
by acts of Congress. 

James S. Kip & Co.; of old Fort Schuyler, advertise 



540 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [ciIAr. 

for sale a number of tickets in " the New York City Alms 
House Lottery," also "a quantity of the best Spanish 
sogars " and " cash and the highest price paid for salts 
of lye." 

Peter Smith of old Fort Schuyler advertises " New Pc- 
tersburgh Lands. As those lands, it is expected, will imme- 
diately be sold to the state — it is therefore required that all per- 
sons who have engaged any of them, whether they have leases 
or not (if they have fulfilled their agreements), that they call 
on the subscriber as quick as may be, in order to make ar- 
rangements for purchasing the remainder and reversion of 
them — agreeable to a law of this state, passed 11th of April. 
1795. N. B. A few lots to be disposed of to immediate set- 
tlers, if applied for soon. Sept. 6, 1795." (Vide History of 
Augusta). These are all the advertisements from old Fort 
Schujder. while those of Whitesboro make a very respectable 
appearance, facts which show the diflPerence between the two 
places at that time. The only article under the editorial 
head in this No., is the following : " At the. present time 
throughout the whole of this western country, sickness and 
death prevail beyond what has ever before been experienced 
since its first settlement. Scarce a family escapes, and num- 
bers of whole families labor under the aflSiction of a dreadful 
disease. The diseases most prevalent are, the lake (or Gen- 
esee) fever, the intermittent fever, and the ague and fever. 
The lake fever handles it votaries very roughly, and many 
are forced to yield to its unrelenting sway. We have Iioav- 
cver authority to say that the lake fever is not confined whol- 
ly to the lake towns — but is frequent in the most inland 
towns." 

In the " WJiitcstmvii Gazette loid Colo's Patrol'' of Au"- 
27, 1798, published at Utica, "near the post-ofiice," the fol- 
lowing advertisements arc found, showing very considerable 



XXIII.] UTICA. 541 

progress, rcsultlug from a change of name, and increase of 
population and business. ' 

" New York State Road Lottery No. 1. — Tickets sold by 
John Post." 

" Published and for sale at this office, a narrative of the 
life of Zilpha Smith, alias Sylvia Wood, of Augusta, sen- 
tenced to be hung at Herkimer, June 29, 1798, for the mur- 
der of Major Wood alias George Woodmonsy, but v?ho hung 
herself on the night of the 28th of June." — (Vide Capital 
Convictions and Augusta). 

Moses Bagg oifers for sale a " house and lot suitable for a 
tavern stand." Mr. Allen advertises that he has opened a 
dancing school in New Hartford, where •' parents desirous to 
have their children taught that useful and polite accomplish- 
ment, may depend on the strictest attention," and that " those 
ladies that live out of town and are desirous to be taught, 
may take lodgings at New Hartford and receive two lessons 
six days in the week, and in five or six weeks may learn the 
rules of dancing." Several sheriff's sales by Chauncey Wood- 
ruff, sheriff of Herkimer, and William Colbrath, sheriff of 
Oneida. S. Carrington advertises " drugs and medicines, 
Chas. Easton, the painting and glazing business, paints, etc., 
and David Alger advertises his wife Betsey ! Richard 
Smith has for sale " lime juice, iliascovado and East India 
sugar, molasses, soap, tobacco, Spanish and American segars, 
ciphalique and rapee snuff, hair powder and pomatum, curl- 
ing irons, combs, etc., etc." " The stamp act for sale at this 
office." 

In the year 1800, there were but three roads or streets in 
Utica, viz : the " Genesee road." the Whitestown road," and 
" Main Street." Genesee Street, from a point near where is 
now the entrance to Catharine Street, to the top of the hill, 
and indeed most of the way to .New Hartford, was a newly 



542 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [cHAr- 

inadc cause-way of bare logs, with a swamp and forest on both 
sides. Language is too feeble to describe all the varioua 
sensations resulting from a ride over such a road, and to be 
known they are to be felt. At that period, the woods where 
now runs Liberty Street, and around the site of Mechanics' 
Hall, were a famous hunting ground for squirrels, pigeons, 
owls, etc. Otis "Whipple, Esq., recollects shooting an owl 
upon the site of Mechanics' Hall, about the year 1800. Be- 
tween 1800 and 1810, thousands of pigeons were shot in that 
vicinity. Soon after the year 1800, Hotel Street was laid 
out by the owners of the hotel lot, as the land which it crosses 
was called. Since 1810, it was not uncomman for cows to get 
mired in the vicinity of Chancellor Square and Elizabeth 
Street, and to die before they were found. Fayette Street 
came into use in the summer of 1825, and Judge Cooper, the 
owner of a portion of the land it occupies, opposed its being 
laid out and graded, as he believed the only result which would 
follow, would be the ruin of his pasture. 

In 1802, a company was incorporated for the purpose of 
supplying Utica with wholesome water, but the author is not 
aware tliat any thing was then done towards the accomplish- 
ment of that object. On the 13th of April, 1826, William 
Al\j3rson, Newell Smith, and David P. Hoyt and their asso- 
ciates, under the name of" the Utica Aqueduct Co.," were in- 
corporated for the same purpose — it thus appearing that the 
necessity of some measures for procuring pure water was felt 
at that early day. 

For some years, near the commencement of the present 
century, Main Street, from Bagg's to Kip's landing, was a 
celebrated race course, where many a " scrub race " between 
the earlier settlers among the nags, to try their bottom and 
speed, came off. Kip's darkey was the groom and manager 
upon all such occasions. While upon the subject of racea, 



xxiii.) UTicA. 543 

the following advertisement in the before named " Western 
Ceniiml," (as the name was spelled,) of 1795, seems apropos 
and is given as illustrative of the times. 

'•'•Advertisement. — On account of the supreme court of the 
state of New York being held in the county of Ontario and 
Onondaga in the beginning of September next, the fair and 
races at Bath, Ontario County, are postponed until the 21st 
of September, and the races at Williamsburgh, (xenesee Riv- 
er, until the 1st of October next. 

Bath. Aug. 1 1, 1795. CHARLES WILLIAMSON." 

This Mr. Williamson is supposed to have been the same 
who was in this country as a captain in the British army in 
the Revolution, and who afterwards resided many years in 
this state, as an agent for the Pultney estate. 

la 1S03, George Richards, Jr., opened in Utica, the 
" Oneida Bookstore," and from his advertisement it would 
seem that he had a respectable assortment of school and mis- 
cellaneous books. Mr. Richards was, subsequently, for several 
years, clerk of the corporation. In this year Thomas Willsou 
advertised a large stock of dry-goods, groceries, hard-ware, 
crockery, drugs, medicines, etc. In January, 1804, Moses 
Johnson advertises a heavy stock of " European goods, suita- 
ble for the season," also, groceries, iron, steel, " soal leather," 
etc., and that he " has removed from his former stand near 
the bridse, to the new store in Genesee Street, next door 
north of the post-office." This year " Walton, Thatcher and 
Turner, at Utica, Schenectady and Albany," engage to trans- 
port all kinds of produce to New York, and merchandize to 
the western country. 

In 1812 and 13, the following persons, in Utica, adver- 
tised their business in the Columbian Gazette : 



5-44 ANNALS OF ONEIDA COUNTY. [CHAP. 

General Dry Goods and Variety Stores,— Talcott Camp, A . A'ansant- 
voord, S. Wolcott& Co., Stalliam Williams, John C. Devercux, Kane 
& Van Rensselaer, John E. Evertsen, James Van Rensselaer, Jr., A. 
Hitchcock, Watts Shearman, Henry B. Gibson, Alexander Seymonr. 
I)\vi2;]it & Slicarman. 

Trunk and Harness Maker. — James Dana. 

Edge Tools. — Oliver Babcock. 

Cabinet Makers. — Smead & Cable. 

Drugs and Medicines.— D. Hasbrouck, M, Hitchcock, Guiteau & 
Watson. 

Paints, Oils, &c. — Macomber & Newell, Charles Easton. 

Tobacco, Segars, &c.— Robert Todd, Jr., John A. Bury &Co.. W, 
Fleming. 

Jlorocco Manuitictory. — Amos Camp tt J. Downing, Henry Clark. 

Utica Museum. — Erastus Row. 

Copper Factory. — Daniel Staflijrd & Co. 

Fur Store.— J. C. Neunhoefier. 

Painting and Glazing.— John C. Bull, Z. B. Clark. 

Gunsmithing. — Castle Southerland. 

Hatters and Hatters' Stock and Trimmings. — Samuel Stocking. 
Cozier & Whiting. 

Jlcrchaut " Taylcr." — B. Paine. 

Tailor.— John C. Hoyt. 

Hides, Leather, &c. — David P. Hoyt, Perley Harris, 

Brewery. — Thomas Harden. 

Distillery. — Thomas Dcvereux. 

Stone. — Thomas James. 

Cotton Goods, Glass and Scythes. — E. B. Shearman. 

Candles and Soap. — John Roberts. 

Lamp Oil, &e. — NicoU vfc Dcring. 

Boot and Shoe Makers. — John Queal, Levi Comstock and Ezra S 
Barnum. 

Auctioneer. — E. Spurr. 

Groceries. — James Hooker. 

Stone Cutting. — Cross & Danforth. 

Military Goods. — Barton & Porter. 

Lottery Tickets.— A sahel Seward, Thomas Walker. S, Wolcott 
& Co. 



XXIIT.] UTICA. 545 

On the 4th of July, 1817, the Erie canal was commenced 
and the first ground broken at Rome. About the 15th of 
October, 1819, the middle section of the canal, extending from 
Utica to the Seneca river, was completed, and on the 23d and 
24th of the same month the Canal Commissioners made the 
trip from Utica to Rome. A new era commenced now in tho 
history of Utica : new prospects, a new spirit of progress and 
new resom'ces, were now developed and sprang full of life 
from the head of this great enterprise of our state. Instead 
of " lying low " and longer hugging the muddy banks of the 
3Iohawk, or standing forever upon the corners of Grenesee, 
Whitesboro and Main Streets, Utica obeyed the injunction 
to come up higher, to " lengthen her cords " and enlarge her 
heritage. 

In 1820, a line of packets was established between Utica 
and Montezuma, and large amounts of merchandize, produce, 
etc., were transported between these places upon the canal. 
In 1819 and 20, forty-three miles of the western section, 
mostly on the east side of G-enesee river, and in 1820. twenty- 
six miles of the eastern section, were put under contract. In 
November 1821, boats descended as far as Rockton. then Lit- 
tle Falls, and towards the close of 1822, 220 miles were nav- 
igable, and Oct. ^, 1823, 280 miles were completed. About 
the middle of October, 1825, the entire work was completed, 
and in the same month the first boat passed from Lake Erie 
to the Hudson, on board of which were Gov. DeWitt Clinton 
and several other distinguished gentlemen, followed by anoth- 
er boat, aboard of which were Lieut. Gov. Talmadge, Hon. 
Henry Seymour one of the canal commissioners, and others. 
The completion of the canal and the union of the waters of 
the great North American chain of lakes with the Atlantic, 
was celebrated on the 4th of November with many demon- 
strations of joy and gratification. 

35 



54G ANNALS OF ONEiDA COITNTT. [ciIAP. 



i> 



The act of April 15, 1817. authorizing the commencement 
of the Erie und Cbamplain canals, was met iu its passage 
throuzh tlie two houses with arguuieut. derision and coii- 
tempt, and iu the Council of revision, acting Gov. Taylor 
was known to be its opponent, while the opposition of Chan- 
cellor Kent and Chief Justico Thompson was much feared 
l)v its friends. Judges Yates and Piatt, the latter for many 
years a resident of this county, were known to Lc zealous 
friends of the bill, and. after mature deliberation, Messrs. Kent 
and Thompson gave it their assent. On the 2-2d of Februa- 
ry, IS 19, Hon. Kzekicl Bacon, member of Assembly from 
this county, and a member of the joint committee of the two 
houses upon that portion of Gen. Clinton's speech (message) 
relating to internal improvements, reported in favor of the 
immediate completion of the western section of the canal, ami 
during the same session, Mr. Bacon reported iu favor of in.- 
proving the Oswego river. Judge Bacon is a native of 
Stockbridge, Mass., but resided many years at Pitt.sficld. lie 
graduated at Yale College iu 1794, was admitted to tiic bar 
of his native state in 179S. was a member of Congress from 
1807 to 1813. and was the Comptroller of the Trea.sury of 
the United States, fur sojiie time under President Madison. 
He removed from Pittsfield to Utica. soon after he left hi,* 
bureau in the Treasury department, and was elected to the 
Assembly in 1818, and was appointed a judge of the county 
on the 24th of April in the same year, and held t)ie office 
until the spring of I8:.il. In 1821, he was a member of the 
(Constitutional Convention from this county. Judge Bacon 
now resides in Utica. 

Among the friends of the Eric Canal was the late Henry 
iSevmour, then an acting canal commissioner. To not only tho 
KTupulous performance of every duty in the line of his office, 
but to h'i? euligatc-jed and enlarged views, to his practical 



xxiii.] UTicA. -547 

talents, and his warm friendship for the measure, was the 
state greatly indebted in the favorable action of the Legisla- 
ture, the rapid and economical prosecution, and the quality 
and durability of this great work. Mr. Seymour was chosen 
canal commissioner, by the Legislature, in 1819, in place of 
the late Ephraim Hart, who had been appointed ad interim 
by the Governor, upon the resignation of Joseph Elliott. 
Mr. Seyjnour v/as elected Stat« Senator in 1821. He died 
in Utica, August 26, 1837, aged fifty-six' years. 

Ep