3ltl|aca, Kern ^ork
BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE
JACOB H. SCHIFF
ENDOWMENT FOR THE PROMOTIO^
OF STUDIES IN
HUMAN CIVILIZATION
1918
''S
Cornell University
Library
The original of this book is in
the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028833015
1749'
-OF-
ST. LAWRENCE CO.,
NEAV YORK.
t_^=iWITH^
lllkstralians anil IBiograjpfikal Mfeeklie^
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
IP-CTBLISHEID BIT Xj. H. EVEIiTS & GO.,
7X4^-±6 B^ilbert Street, Philadelphia.
L. H. EVERTS.
J. M. HOLCOMB.
■1878.
CONTENTS.
ia:iSTOK.io^^.Xj.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
PAOE
PAGE
Town of Hopkinton .
. 318
Introductory 8
CHAPTER
" Parishville
" Gouverneur
. 326
. 335
I. — Physical Features 9
" De Kalb
351
11.— Pre-Historic .
20
" Macomb
. 363
III. — French Occupation
24
Do Peyster
. 365
. 370
. 377
IV.— History of Land Titles .
57
" Morristown
v. — Civil Organization
82
" Fowler .
VI.— Statistical
99
" Hammond
. 383
VII. — St. Lawrence Civil List
106
"" Stockholm
. 388
VIII.— The Learned Professions
111
" Louisville
. 397
IX. — Educational and Religious
120
" Massena
. 401
. 412
X.^-Internal Improvements
129
" Brasher
" Lawrence
. 419
HISTORY OF THE CITIES A\D TOWNS OF ST.
Russell
. 426
LAWRENCE COUNTY.
" Hermon
. 435
Village and City of Ogdensburg ... . . 141
" Edwards
. 442
Town of Oswegatohie 198
" Fine .
. 446
' Canton 205
" Pitcairn
. 449
' Potsdam 236
" Clifton .
. 452
' Lisbon 268
" Colton .
.
. 453
Madrid 277
Waddington . 287
'
' Norfollc ... 299
MILITARY HISTORY, WITH MUSTER ROLLS . . 456
' Pierrepont 304
" Rossie .312
PATRONS' RECORD 509
ILLTJSTE.^TIOIsrS.
PAGE
PAOE
Court-House, Jail, and County Clerk's Office,
Canton, facing title-
Portrait of Edward J. Chapin .
facing
189
page.
" Preston King .
it
190
Outline Map of St. Lawrence County
facing
9
D. E. Southwick, M.D. .
between 190
191
Section from Geological Map of St. Lawrence County
11
Portraits of Anthony Furness and Wife .
190
191
Plan of Port Levis, on Chimney Island .
35
" G. N. Seymour and Wife
facing
190
Fac-simile of Seal of St. Lawrence County
82
Portrait of Bishop Perkins
191
" First Legal Writ issued in St.
Lawrence County,
" Daniel Judson (steel)
between 192
193
facing
87
" David C. Judson (steel) .
" 192
193
" Seal of Board of Supervisors
89
" David M. Chapin .
194
View of the County Clerk's Office, built in 1804
93
Jones Block (with portrait, Wm. Jones) .
facing
195
" St. Lawrence University
facing
124
Portrait of Rev. L. M. Miller, D.D. .
196
First Steamboat on the Great Lakes, 1816
136
First Presbyterian Church and Parsonage
facing
196
Fac-simile, Oath of Allegiance of Early Militia
Officers, 1806.
Residence of W. L. Proctor (with portrait)
it
197
facing
456
Portrait of Geo. M. Foster
197
Fac-simile of Commission, 1806
n
457
OSWEGATCHIE.
OGDENSBURG.
Residence of Joseph Wheater (with portraits) .
facing
198
Custom House and Post-Office .
facing
141
" Beniah Morrison '* "
ti
199
Fac-similes of Indian Signatures
. ■ . 143,
144
Portrait of N. T. GifBn
tc
200
Office and Residence of Dr. Southwiok
facing
158
Portraits of John E. Tallman and Wife .
between 200,
201
Residence of George Parker, Esq.
between 168,
159
Residence of John E. Tallman
" 200,
201
" William E. Furniss, Esq.
" 158
159
" John S. Sharp (with portraits) .
facing
201
Portrait of " " "
" 158
169
Portrait of Benjamin Nevin . . . .
202
Portraits of Ashbel and Elizabeth Sykes
facing
159
Portraits of Lewis Northrup and Wife
facing
202
Portrait of Stillman Foote, Esq.
"
168
Portrait of Anthony Furness . . . .
203
" James Armstrong .
between 168,
169
Residence of Walter R. Gray, Heuvelton*
facing
204
Residence of " " . .
" 168,
169
" C. P. Geer .
" 168,
169
CANTON.
Portrait of N. N. Child, M.D. .
facing
170
Residence of 0. A. Mead ....
facing
204
" Dr. S. N. Sherman .
tc
171
" B. H. Southworth (with portraits
) ■
205
Portraits of W. B. Wheelook and Wife
i(
178
View of the Poor-House
"
208
Portrait of E. B. Allen
facing
188
Mill of Lasell & Jewett, and Residence of S. ^W
^ Lasell "
208
" Charles Lyon .
between 188
189
Old Home of late Gov. Silas Wright .
"
209
" Charles G. Myers .
" 188
189
Portraits of Pliny Wright and Wife .
it
209
CONTENTS.
ixjL"U"st:e?.j^tioits.
Residence of R. K. Jackson (with portraits)
" Joshua W. Finnimore (with pori
PAGE
facing 212
traits) double
between 212, 213
facing 213
214
216
216
217
218
between 218, 219
" 218, 219
" W. H. Finnimore (with portraits)
" Mrs. 0. Norton
" N. Sanderson "
" Wm. 0. Squires "
Portraits of Asa Conkey and Wife .
Residence of J. C. Whitney ....
Hodskin House
Portraits of Nathaniel and Barzillai Hodskin . "
" Festus Tracy and Wife ... " 218, 219
Residence of E. J. Tracy " 218, 219
" Harvey Knox .... " 218, 219
Portraits of Harvey Knox and Wife ... " 218, 219
Portrait of Judge W. H. Sawyer ... " 218, 219
" Darius Clark " 218, 219
" John L. Russell .... " 218, 219
Residence of John and Henry Bullis . . . facing 220
Presbyterian Church " 221
Residence of W. D. Boyden "222
" Truman Barnes (with portraits) . between 222, 223
" E. G. Woodbridge ... " 222, 223
" John Malterner (with portraits) . . facing 224
" E, Pickert and Son (with portraits) double page,
between 224, 225
" Samuel W. Pitt (with portraits) . . facing 225
Portrait of Leslie W. Russell (steel) ... " 228
Portraits of Aaron Barrow and Wife 232
Portrait of Hon. Silas Wright facing 232
" B. Miner between 232, 233
" Hon. Silas Baldwin .... " 232, 233
" Murray N. Ralph .... " 232, 233
Portraits of William Perry and Wife . " 232, 233
Residence of William Perry .... " 232, 233
Portrait of George Robinson 233
" John Miller 235
POTSDAM.
State Normal and Training School .
Residence of L. A. Holt
" Luther S. Owen (with portrait)
" George Pert ....
" B. Usher ....
" Wm. J. Barnum (with portraits)
" Martial L. Wait "
*' A. L. Lockwood .
" J. F. Goggin ....
Photograph Gallery of N. L. Stone .
Portraits of Loren, Philena, and N. Ashley an
Residence of B. D. Brooks
" Seth Benson
The French Homestead (with portraits) .
Trinity Church
Residence of Owen J. Sartwell (with portraits)
" Joram Timerman "
" A. E. Louokes "
" Ellis Benson "
" N. L. Benson "
" George W. Bonney
" Milton Heath • .
Portrait of Samuel Partridge (steel) .
" Horace Allen " .
" William A. Dart " .
" Dr. Henry Hewitt " .
Residence of Mrs. Emeline Baldwin (with pen
" Wm. H. Wright (with portraits)
" Lyman H. Dayton "
Portrait of Liberty Knowles
facing 236
240
241
244
244
245
248
between 248, 249
" 248, 249
" 248, 249
Wife facing 249
" 252
" 252
between 252, 253
facing 253
" 264
255
" 256
between 26R, 257
" 256, 257
facing 257
" 267
" 268
between 260, 261
" 260, 261
facing 262
trait) . " 263
" 264
between 264, 265
" 264, 266
Portraits of Eber Wheeler and Wife .
Portrait of Luther E. Wadleigh
Residence of Tilness Hawley (with portraits)
The Mathews Homestead "
Residence of A. T. Hopkins "
" John May "
LISBON.
Residence of H. E. Axtell, with river view
" Adam Scott (with portraits).
Portraits of Benj. D. Wheater and Wife .
MADRID.
Residence of Caleb Pierce (with portraits)
WADDINGTON.
Residence of Jas. Redington
" S. J. Dewey ....
" George Redington
" Calvin Abernethy
Portrait of Hon. Geo. Redington (steel) .
" Major John T. Rutherford
" Mrs. Fanny Pratt .
" Walter Wilson ....
facing
PAGE
265
265
facing 266
between 266, 267
266, 267
facing 267
facing 272
" 273
" 276
facing 286
facing 287
287
" 290
291
" 295
. 298
facing 298
NORFOLK.
Residence of Wm. C. Rawson (with portraits)
" 0. H. Hale .
Portraits of Silas Waldron and Wife
Portrait of Dr. Wm. Floyd
" Chauncey L. Shepard
Residence of " "
" H. C. Farwell
Portrait of H. D. Carpenter
" Perry C. Bixby
PIERREPONT.
Residence of Stephen A. Crary
" J. Ingraham Leonard (with portraits)
" M. and L. Bullis (double page) .
Dairy Farm of Horace Butterfleld (with portraits)
M. L. Howard "
Ezra Lobdell "
Portrait of Gardner Cox ......
Residence of S. C. Curtis .....
" A. B. Hamilton ....
" C. R. Packard (with portraits)
Portrait of F. A. Morrison ....
Residence of Benjamin Butterfield .
" L. Crampton ....
facing 300
between 300, 301
300, 301
facing 302
between 302, 303
" 302, 303
" 302, 303
facing 303
. 303
facing 303
" 304
between 304, 305
facing 306
306
" - 307
308
between 308, 309
" 308, 309
facing 309
. 309
facing 310
" 311
ROSSIE.
Residence of Robert Markwick ....
HOPKINTON.
Residence of Royal Lawrence (with portraits) .
" Mrs. Aohsa Goodell (with portraits)
" Joel Witherell (with portraits)
The Hopkins' Residence "
Portrait of Joel Goodell ....
" Franklin B. Kellogg
" Hon. Jonah Sanford
Residence of " " (with portrait)
" W. E. Eastman (with portraits)
Portraits of Jacob Phelps and Wife .
Residence of Wm. S. Phelps (with portraits)
" T. H. Laughlin "
Portraits of C. S. Chittenden and Wife .
Residence of Jason Brush
Portraits of Eliphalet and Jason C. Brush
aoing 311
facing 318'
" 319
320
" 321
. 322
facing 322
between 322, 323
" 322, 323
facing 323
between 324, 325
" 324,325
facing 325
" 326
between 326, 327
" 326, 327
CONTENTS.
IIjIjTJSTE.^TIOIsrS-
Portrait of Artemas Kent
Portraits of Joseph and Joseph A. Brush
" Dr. Francis Parker and Wife
Residence of Joseph A. Brush .
Portrait of Parker Converse
PAGE
between 326, 327
" 326, 327
" 326, 327
" 326, 327
facing 327
PARISHVIIitE.
Residence of David Daggett (with portraits) .
" D. S. Stevens "
Portrait of Ansel S. Smith ....
" W. W. Bloss
Residence of A. E. Bloss (with portraits) .
Portraits of Samuel K. Flanders and Wife
Residence of Mrs. Mary G. Willis (with portraits)
View of Flanders & Sons' Manufactory
Portrait of Parker W. Rose ....
Residences of P. W. Rose
Residence of Allen Whipple
Portrait of Allen Whipple .....
Residence of H. N. Flower (with portraits)
GOUVERNEUR.
facing 328
between 328, 329
" 328, 329
. 330
facing 331
between 330, 331
facing 330
between 330, 331
. 332
facing 332
" 333
. 333
facing 334
Business Property of C. Anthony, Jas. Brodie, etc. . facing 335
Banking Office of A. Godard & Co " 338
Portraits of A. E. Norton, Wife, and Jessie Ormiston, between 338, 339
Residence of A- E. Norton
Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary
Residence of Milton G. Norton .
Portrait of Prof. W. F. Sudds .
Portraits of E. W. Abbott and Wii
" P. V. Abbott and Dr. G. S. Farmer
" H. W. Hunt and Wife
Portrait of D. A. Johnson .
Portraits of Francis M. Holbrook and Family
Residence of F. M. Holbrook
Portrait of J. A. Bassett .
" E. H. Neary .
" Rev. N. J. Conklin .
" Rev. H. C. Townley .
" Peter Van Buren
" S, B. Van Duzee
Portraits of Harvey D. Smith and Wife
DE KALB.
Residence of John Hockens
" Caroline Smith
" Blon G. Gardner .
" , Nathan Rundell .
Portraits of N. Rundell and Wife
" 338, 339
facing 339
" 342
" 346
between 346, 347
" 346, 347
facing 347
" 348
between 348, 349
" 348, 349
. 349
facing 350
" 350
350
350, 351
350, 361
350, 351
between
. between 350, 351
facing 351
352
. between 352, 353
" 352, 353
Residence of E. P. Townsley and Wife (with portraits), facing 353
" S. V. R. Hendrick . . . ' . "364
" Daniel 0. Stiles (with portraits) . between 354, 355
Portraits of Pelatiah Stacy and Wife . . " 364, 365
" George P. Gaboon and Wife . . " 354, 356
Residence and Mills of A. C. Hine .... facing 366
Residence of S. W. Hemenway " 367
" James Burnett "358
" H. Godard, Esq between 358, 369
Portraits of H. Godard and Wife .... " 368, 369
Residence of Abner Brees (with portraits) . . facing 369
Portrait of Hon. D. A. Moore (steel) .... " 360 ^
Residence of Andrew Roulston (with portraits) . " 362
MACOMB.
Residence of James McFalla
" John A. Wilson
facing
363
363
DE PEYSTER.
Portraits of Otis C. Jillson and Wife
facing 368
PAGE
Portrait of Russel Warren .... between 368, 369
Portraits of Joel Warren and Wife ... " 368, 369
Portrait of George Ashworth 369
" Bcnj. F. Partridge 370
MORRISTOWN.
Portrait of E. W. White facing 374
Portraits of John E. Ingham and Wife . . between 374, 375
Residence of " .... " 374, 375
Farm of Jeremiah Davis (double page), with portraits " 374, 375
Residence of Henry Hooker (with portraits) . . facing 375
Portrait of Augustus Chapman (steel) ... " 376
FOWLER.
Residence of Benjamin Cross ....
HAMMOND.
Residence of Andrew Rodger (with portraits) .
" William Cuthbert "
" James More "
" Michael Forrester .
STOCKHOLM.
facing 382
facing 386
between 386, 387
386, 387
facing 387
Residence of 0. M. Emei-y
" 0. F. Crouch ....
" Benjamin Reeve (with portraits)
W. T. Phippen .
View of the AVest Stockholm Foundry
Residence of G. W. Harrington (with portraits)
" Jas. B. Pelsue "
" Col. Ira Hale "
Late Residence of J. L. Mayhew (with portrait)
Residence of B. G. Lewis (with portraits)
" R. R. Seaver
Portraits of Morgan Marsh and Wife
Portrait of Harriet Smith ....
Portraits of Allen Lyman and Wife .
MAS SENA.
Portraits of Samuel Tracy and Wife
Residence of Hiram Fish (with portraits)
" H. N. Robinson "
" A. J. Barnhart, Barnhart's Island
Portraits of the Barnhart Family
BRASHER.
Residence of Mahalon Lowell .
" J. P. Stafford
" Moses Rich (with portraits) .
" C. T. Hulburt
facing 388
" 388
" 389
" 390
" 391
" 392
"' 393
" 394
" 395
" 396
between 396, 397
" 396, 397
" 396, 397
" 396, 397
facing 401
" 408
409
" 410
" 411
facing
412
412
418
419
LAWRENCE.
Portrait of T. H. Ferris facing 420
Portraits of W. S. Taggart and Wife . . between 420, 421
Residence of W. S. Taggart .... " 420, 421
" Hon. 0. F. Shepard ... " 420, 421
Portrait of " " .... " 420, 421
" M. B. Conlin facing 421
Residence of George Berry (with portraits) . . " 424
" A. E. McEuen " " . between 424, 426
Residence and Store of D. L. Merrill (with portraits) " 424, 425
Portrait of R. S. Palmer facing 425
RXJSSELL.
Russell Block facing 426
Residence of 0. G. Weston "426
Mills of Hiram Bartlett (with portraits) ... " 427
Residence of Wiers Fordham "... " 428
CONTENTS.
ZLLTJSTI^J^TIOIsrS.
PAGE
Residence of Daniel C. Gray (with poi'traits) .
facing 430
HERMON.
A. B. Shaw
" 431
PAGE
J. M. Palmer
432
Business Bloclc of D. S. Lynde
facing 436
Calvin H. Knox
433
" Dr. B. G. Seymour
436
Portraits of Hiry Derby and Wife .
434
Portrait of Henry Gale
436
Gerry Knox " ...
between 434, 435
Residence of Wm. Scripter (with portraits)
" 438
Residence of Harry F. Knox (with portraits) .
" 434, 435
" Ferdinand Richardson (with portraits)
440
Ezra Stiles
facing 435
Portrait of Thomas Thornhill .....
. 441
Bioa-E..A.i^s:io^iL..
PAOE
PAGE
William Furniss, Ogdensburg facing 158
Murray N. Ralph, Canton .... between 232, 233
Ashbel and Elizabeth Sykes, Ogdensburg
" 169
William Perry, Sr., "
. " 232,233
Stillman Foote, "
168
George Robinson, "
. 233
James Armstrong, "
" 169
John Mai tern er, "
. 234
N. N. Child, M.D., "
170
Bphraim Pickert, "
. 234
S. N. Sherman, M.D., "
171
Nelson Sanderson, "
. 234
W. B. Wheeloek,
178
William 0. Squires, "
. 234
Hon. Nathan Ford, "
. 188
John Miller, "
. 235
B. B. Allen,
facing 188
Samuel Partridge, Potsdam
. 258
Charles Lyon, "
between 188, 189
Aaron T. Hopkins, "
. 259
Hon. Chas. G. Myers, "
. " 188, 189
Ira T. French, "
. 259
Edward J. Chapin, Esq., "
facing 189
Hon. Horace Allen, "
. 260
Louis Hasbrouck, "
. 189
Hon. William A. Dart, "
. 260
Dr. J. W. Smith, "
. 190
David Mathews, "
. 261
Joseph York, "
. 190
Owen J. Sartwell, "
. 261
Hon. Preston King, "
facing 190
Henry Hewitt, M.D., "
. 262
Dr. D. B. Southwick,
between 190, 191
Hon. Chas. 0. Tappan, "
. 262
Anthony Furness, "
. " 190, 191
Benjamin G. Baldwin, "
. 263
G. N. Seymour, "
facing 190
William J. Barnum, "
. 264
Bishop Perkins, "
. 191
Warren H. Wright, "
. 264
Daniel Judson, "
192
Liberty Knowles, *'
between 264, 265
David C. Judson, "
192
Eber Wheeler, "
facing 265
Hon. Silvester Gilbert, "
193
Luther B. Wadleigh,
. 265
David M. Chapin, "
194
Hon. A. X. Parker, "
265
William Jones, "
195
Seth Benson, "
. 265
George Parker, "
195
Ellis Benson, "
. 266
Rev. L. M. Miller, D.D.,
196
Luther S. Owen, "
. 266
William L. Proctor, "
197
Martial L. Wait, "
.
. 266
George M. Foster, "
. 197
Andrew E. Louokes, "
. 266
N. T. Giffin, Oswegatohie .
facing 200
Tilness Hawley, "
. 266
John B. Tallman, "
1:
etween 200, 201
Joram Timerman, "
. 267
Benjamin Nevin, "
. 202
Lyman H. Dayton, "
. 267
Lewis Northrup, "
facing 202
John May, "
. 267
Beniah Morrison, "
. 203
Adam Scott, Lisbon .
. 276
Anthony Furness, "
. 203
Benjamin D. Wheater, Lisbon
f
acing 276
John S. Sharp, "
. 204
Dr. Caleb Pierce, Madrid .
. 285
Joseph Wheater, "
. 204
Hon. James F. Pierce, Madrid
. 286
Asa Conkey, Canton
facing 217
Hon. George Redington, Waddington
. 295
Festus Tracy, "
between 218, 219
Hon. James Redington, "
. 296
Harvey Knox, "
" 218, 219
Major John T. Rutherford, "
. 297
Judge W. H. Sawyer, Canton .
. " 218, 219
Henry W. Pratt, "
. 297
Darius Clark, "
" 218, 219
Calvin Abernethy, "
. 298
John L. Russell, "
" 218, 219
Walter Wilson, "
facing 298
Truman Barnes, "
facing 222
Silas Waldron, Norfolk ....
between 300, 301
Hon. Leslie W. Russell, "
. 228
Dr. William Floyd, Norfolk
facing 302
Pliny Wright, "
. 229
Chaunoey L. Shepard, "
between 302, 303
Wm. H. Finnimore, "
. 229
Perry C. Bixby, "
. 303
Joshua W.Finnimore, "
. 230
0. II. Hale, "
. 303
Rufus K. Jackson, "
. 230
Chandler Rawson, "
. 304
Orvillo Norton, "
. 231
Hczekiah B. Pierreponl, Pierrepont,
. 308
Samuel W. Pitt, "
. 231
Moses Leonard, '*
. 308
Aaron Barrow, Jr., "
. 232
Gardner Cox, "
facing 308
Hon. Silas Wright,
facing 232
Charles R. Packard, "
. 309
B. Miner, "
between 232, 233
F. A. Morrison, "
,inn
Hon. Silas Baldwin, "
" 232, 233
Benjamin Butterflold, "
• 310
CONTENTS.
:bx(dg-:ei,j^f:e3:xc)j^Xj.
I'AQE
PAGE
Ezra Lobdell, Canton
311
Hon. Darius Moore, De Kalb
. 360
Appleton C. Howard, Canton
. 311
Hon. Blias P. Townsley, De Kalb
. 360
William Markwioli, Rossie
. 317
John Hockens, "
. 361
Joel Goodell, Hopkinton .
.
. 322
Elon G. Gardner,
. 362
Franklin E. Kellogg, Hopkinton
facing 322
Andrew Roulston, "
. 362
Hon. Jonah Sanford, "
between 322, 323
Stephen W. Hcmenway, "
. 362
John Goodell, "
. 323
Otis C. Jillson, De Peyster
facing 368
Jonah Sanford, " .
. 323
Russel Warren, " ...
between 368, 369
Captain Wm. E. Eastman, Hopkinton
. 324
Joel Warren, " ...
. " 368,369
Blias Post,
. 324
George Ashworth, " ...
. 369
Joel Witherell,
"
. 324
Benjamin F. Partridge, De Peyster .
. 370
Jacob and Wm. S. Phelps,
ti
between 324, 325
B. W. White, Morristown .
facing 374
Eoyal Lawrence,
"
. 325
John E. Ingham, " . . .
between 374, 375
Isaac E. Hopkins,
. 325
Henry Hooker, " ....
. 375
E. W. Hopkins,
ti
. 325
Augustus Chapman, " . .
. 376
t! H. Laughlin,
. 325
Jeremiah Davis, " ....
. 376
Dr. H. D. Laughlin,
"
. 326
The Rodger Family, Hammond .
. 386
Clark S. Chittenden,
"
. 326
Jas. S. More, "...
. 387
Eliphalet and Jason 0. Brush,
between 326, 327
Michael Forrester,
. 388
Artemas Kent,
. " 326,327
William Cuthbert, "...
. 388
Dr. Francis Parker,
. " 326, 327
Col. Ira Hale, Stockholm ....
. 394
Joseph Brush,
"
. " 326,327
John L. Mayhew, " . .
394
Joseph A. Brush,
. " 326,327
George W. Harrington, Stockholm .
. 395
Parker ConTCrse,
it
facing 327
Oliver M. Emery, "
395
Ansel S. Smith, Parishville
between 328, 329
Benjamin Reeve, "
. 395
W. W. Bloss (Autobiography),
Parishville
. 330
B. G. Lewis, "
. 396
Samuel K. Flanders,
it
between 330, 331
James B. Pelsue, "
. 396
David Daggart,
it
. 331
Allen Lyman, " . .
between 396, 397
Hon. Parker W. Rose,
it
. 332
Samuel Tracy, Massena
facing 401
Allen Whipple,
"
333
Hiram Fish, " . . . .
. 410
Deacon George A. Flower,
it
. 334
Horatio N. Robinson, Massena .
. 410
David S. Stephens,
"
. 334
Luther H. Robinson, "
. 410
Edwin W. Bloss,
"
. 334
The Barnhart Family, "...
. 411
Samuel Willis,
it
. 336
Mrs. Helen Rich, Brasher .
. 418
Prof. W. F. Sudds, Gouverneui
facing 346
T. H. Ferris, Lawrence
facing 420
B. W. Abbot, "
between 346, 347
W. S. Taggart, " ....
between 420, 421
Dr. S. S. Farmer, "
. " 346, 347
Hon. 0. F. Shepard, Lawrence .
420, 421
Hiram W. Hunt, "
facing 347
M. B. Conlin, "
facing 421
D. A. Johnson, "
348
R. S. Palmer, "
425
Francis M. Holbrook, "
. 348
A. E. MoBuen, "
. 425
Milton G. Norton,
. ■ . . .349
Dyer L. Merrill, " ...
. 425
Prof. J. Anthony Bassett, Gouverneur
. 349
George Berry, " ...
. 426
A. E. Norton,
ti
. 349
Julius M. Palmer, Russell ....
. 432
Rev. H. C. Townley,
it
. 350
Wiers C. Fordham, " . . . .
. 433
Rev. N. J. Conklin,
ti
. 350
Calvin H. Knox, " . . . .
. 434
Edward H. Neary,
"
. 350
Harry F. Knox, " . . .
434
Peter Van Buren,
it
between 350, 351
Hiram Bartlett, " . .
. 434
S. B. Van Duzee,
it
" 360, 351
Abijah B. Shaw, '*,...
434
Harvey D. and Mary H. Smith,
it
" 350, 351
Capt. Hiry Derby, " . . .
facing 434
Nathan Rundell, De Kalb .
.
" 362, 353
Gerry Knox, " . . . .
between 434, 435
Pelatiah Stacy, "
.
" 364, 355
Ezra Stiles, " . .
. 435
George P. Gaboon, "
facing 356
Ferdinand Richardson, Hermon
. 440
Hon. Harlow Godard, De Kalb
between 358, 359
William M. Scripter, "
. 440
James Burnett, "
. 369
Thomas Thornhill, "
. 441
Daniel 0. Stiles, "
. 369
Henry Gale, "
. 441
Abner Brees, "
•
. 359
1749
INTRODUCTORY.
18T8
It has been well said that " history is the memory of
nations," and the history of a nation is but the aggregation
of that of States, counties, towns, and individuals. The
story of the early experience of the pioneer is the substruc-
ture upon which rests the finished " temple of history."
The history of a neighborhood is made up from the recol-
lections of those who first cut away the dense forest-growth,
and sowed the first grain, and raised the first rude log cabins
to shelter their wives and little ones.
The history of each school and church begins with the
"logging bee," when the scattered neighbors collected
together and erected a primitive building covered with bark,
or " shakes" from the riven spruce or hemlock, where the half-
dozen bronzed and cheaply-clad children sat on slab benches
and listened while the " master" explained the tremendous
problems of " Pike" and " Davie," or patiently taught the
curly-headed youngsters their " A B abs."
The primitive church edifice was sometimes raised in a
couple of days, and often the early sanctuaries were " God's
first temples," the overshadowing forest.
The earliest roads and means of communication were the
Indian trail and the canoe, or " dug-out," and a score of
years elapsed after the first settlement before there were
even passable roads for teams.
The vast domain of St. Lawrence County comprises 2880
square miles, is in itself equal in area to several of the
minor States of the Union, and its history is almost equally
important. We have endeavored, in this elaborate and beau-
tiful volume, to give all the important facts connected with
its various interests : Discovery and early settlement ; the
mission of La Presentation; the military and naval operations
of the early and later wars ; the history of its numerous
land-titles and prominent land-holders ; the planting of its
early schools and churches ; its organization into a separate
county ; its courts and boards of supervisors ; the founding
of its numerous towns and villages ; sketches of its promi-
nent citizens, its attorneys and physicians, its political,
agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial interests ; its
growth and development by decades, with statistics of popu-
lation, taxation, and wealth ; its railway and shipping inter-
ests ; its geography, geology, etc., and the grand and noble
part taken by its people in the terrible struggle for the
preservation of the Union.
A large amount of valuable information was collected by
Dr. Hough when compiling his history of St. Lawrence
and Franklin counties, twenty-five years ago, and this work
has been the prolific source whence we have drawn liberally
in the compilation of the present volume. Every published
work bearing in any way upon the history of the county,
and available to us, has been examined, and its facts em-
bodied, and all portions of the county have been visited,
" old settlers" interviewed, and their recollections utilized in
the best possible manner.
For purposes of convenience the work has been treated
by subjects, as far as possible, and arranged with convenient
index for easy reference.
Among the numerous authorities consulted, we may men-
tion the Documentary and Colonial History of New York,
Hough's History of St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Jefi'erson
Counties, Pouchot's Memoirs (a rare work), the civil list of
the State, Parkman's Works, Writings of Champlain, Char-
levoix, Mante, Knox, Bancroft, Albach, and other standard
authors, various works on the history of the State, legisla-
tive manuals. United States and State censuses, court and
supervisors' records, libraries, records of county societies
and of churches and schools, old newspaper-files, geological
works, and the military records of the adjutant-general's
office at Albany.
In the letter-press and engraving departments, the work
will best speak for itself; but it may be proper to say that
the publishers flatter themselves that their numerous patrons
will, in these respects, find nothing to be desired.
The historical corps have everywhere met with kindly
consideration, but the number of those who have rendered
valuable assistance forbids an individual enumeration. We
would, however, acknowledge ourselves under special obli-
gations to Dr. F. B. Hough and his son, Mr. F. H. Hough ,
to county, city, and town officials, the press and clergy,
officers and managers of societies and orders, members of
the legal and medical fraternities, railway officers. United
States customs officials, postmasters, and the various manu-
facturers throughout the county.
Acknowledgments for assistance rendered in collecting
data for the history of the several towns will be found in
their proper connections.
SAMUEL W. DUE ANT,
HENRY B. PEIRCE.
Ogdessbckg and Canton, Jan., 1878.
COUNTY
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H A M I LTO N COUNTY
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HI8T0EY
OF
ST. LA"WEENOE COUNTY, NEW YOEK
BY S. W. DURANT AND H. B. PEIECE.
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Geography, Topography, Geology, Mineralogy, and Meteorology.
St. Lawrence County, named from the great river on
its northern border, is situated in the northern part of the
State, and contains, according to the " State Gazetteer"
(edited by Franklin B. Hough, A.M., M.D.), 2880 square
miles, being the largest in the State. Its northern boun-
dary is the national line, in the channel of the St. Law-
rence, between the United States and the Dominion of
Canada. It is bounded on the south by Hamilton and
Herkimer counties, on the east by Franklin county, and
on the southwest by Jefferson county.
The principal streams are the Indian, Oswcgatchie,
Grasse, Racket (Raquelte), and St. Regis rivers, and their
branches. The Indian river rises in the east part of Lewis
county, and after a very tortuous course, including a pas-
sage through Black lake, falls into the Oswegatchie about
four miles above Ogdensburg. The Oswegatchie rises in
the northern part of Herkimer county, and flowing north-
ward passes through Cranberry lake, and thence bearing
northwest- makes a curious detour into the eastern border of
Jefferson county, and thence flows in a northeasterly course
to Heuvelton, where it again bears to the northwest and
discharges into the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburg. Grass
( Grasse) river rises in the southeastern part of the county,
in the town of Hopkinton, where it drains Pleasant, Massa-
wappie, and several smaller lakes and ponds. From its
head-waters it flows northwesterly until it enters the town
of Russell, where it deflects to the northeast, and flows with
a uniform course in that direction to its junction with the
St. Lawrence, in the town of Masseua. The Racket river
(originally Raquette) has its sources in the northern part
of Hamilton county, where it drains numerous lakes, among
the most important of which are Emmons', Racket, and
Long lakes. From the northeast corner of Hamilton it
crosses the southwest corner of Franklin county, where it
receives the waters of Dead or Tupper's lake, and flows
2
thence in a general northwesterly direction to the village of
Potsdam, where it makes a turn and flows northeasterly
and discharges into the St. Lawrence in the northwest cor-
ner of Franklin county, on the 45th parallel of north lati-
tude. This is the longest stream in northern New York,
having a course of about one hundred miles, and draining
by an approximate estimate about 1200 square miles. The
St. Regis rises in the southern part of Franklin county, its
head-waters being formed by the outlets of numerous small
lakes and ponds. Its eastern branch heads in the eastern
part of Franklin county, where it drains Meacham's and
numerous smaller lakes. The west branch takes a north-
westerly course, like all the rivers in this region, and flows
directly towards the St. Lawrence until it reaches the town
of Stockholm, when it turns towards the northeast and
flows in that direction to its confluence with the St. Law-
rence at the Indian village of St. Regis, on the boundary line
between the United States and Canada. The east branch
flows in a general northwesterly direction, and unites with
the west branch at the hamlet of Helena in the town of
Brasher. The Deer river, a branch of the St. Regis, rises
in the central part of Franklin county, and unites with the
east branch in the south part of the town of Brasher. All
these streams have a rapid descent from the highlands, and
are broken by numerous falls, cascades, and rapids, which
furnish abundant water-power. In the early days they
were all more or less used for purposes of navigation, and
Black lake is navigable for steam and sailing craft. A
natural canal formerly connected the Oswegatchie and
Grasse rivers, which was at one time considerably utilized
for purposes of navigation by canoes and light bateaux. It
is now entirely abandoned, and for a portion of its length
(about five miles) is nearly dry. It originally had a de-
scent of a few feet towards the Oswegatchie.
LAKES.
There are several quite extensive lakes in the county,
the most important of which are : Black lake, in the western
part, which is about twenty miles in length, anS covers an
estimated area of about fifteen square miles, or 9600 acres.
Its waters are clear, generally deep, and abound in several
9
10
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
varieties of fish. This lake contains numerous islands, and
is walled in places by perpendicular masses of Potsdam
sandstone, affording in many localities most beautiful
scenery. Cranberry lake, in the southeastern part of the
county, covers about ten square miles, according to the
latest maps, or 6400 acres. It is situated well up in the
highlands, in the midst of a great variety of scenery. It
also abounds in islands. Tapper's, or Dead lake, lies partly
in Franklin and partly in St. Lawrence counties, and is
about the size of Cranberry lake, or perhaps somewhat less
in area. It is in the midst of a wild forest region and ad-
jacent to some of the highest cones of the Adirondacks.
Numerous other less important lakes are found in various
parts of the county, among which are Trout and Jordan
lakes, in Hopkinton ; Silver lake, in Fowler ; Trout and
Cedar lakes, in Hermon ; and Yellow lake, in Rossie.
THE LAKE OF THE "THOUSAND ISLANDS,"
in the St. Lawrence, abounds in the most beautiful scenery
on the continent, and the grand river itself is unrivaled
on the globe for the purity of its deep blue waters, and the
ever-changing variety and beauty of its splendid scenery.
Its shores abound in points of historic interest, which, to
the uneducated traveler, are a constant source of enjoy-
ment ; and the isteady flow of its waters, which are never
affected by storms, its enormous volume, its grand reaches,
where it spreads out like the sea, and its wonderful rapids,
all combine to make it one of the most interesting streams
to be found on the earth.
The following extract is from " Weld's Journal," written
in 1799, and published in Dr. Hough's History of Jefferson
County, in 1854. In speaking of the Lake of the Thousand
Islands, he says, —
"About 8 o'clock the next and eighth morning of oar voyage ire
entered the last lake before you come to that of Ontario, called the
Lake of a Thousand Islands, on account of the multiplicity of them
which it contains. Many of these islands are scarcely larger than a
bateau, and none of them, except such as are situated at the upper
and lower extremities of the lake, appeared to me to contain more
than fifteen English acres each. They are all covered with wood,
eveir to the very smallest. The trees on these last are stunted in
their growth, but the larger islands produce as fine timber as is to be
found on the main shores of the lake. Many of these islands are
situated so closely together that it would be easy to throw a pebble
from one to the other, notwithstanding which circumstance the pas-
sage between them is perfectly safe and commodious for bateaux, and
between some of them that are even thus close to each other is water
sufficient for a frigate. The water is uncommonly clear, as it is in
every part of the river from Lake St. Francis upwards; between that
lake and the Utawas river downwards it is discolored, as I have be-
fore observed, by passing over beds of marl. The shores of all these
islands under our notice are rocky; most of thein rise very boldly,
and some exhibit perpendicular masses of rock towards the water up-
wards of twenty feet high. The scenery presented to view in sailing
between these islands is beautiful in the highest degree. Sometimes,
after passing through a narrow strait, you find yourself in a basin,
land-locked on every side, that appears to have no communication with
the lake, except by the passage through which you entered ; you are
looking about, perhaps, for an outlet to enable you to proceed, think-
ing at last to see some little channel which will just admit your
bateiiu, when, on a sudden, an expanded sheet of water opens upon
you, whose boundary is the horizon alone ; again in a few minutes
you find yourself land-looked, and again a spacious passage as sud-
denly presents itself; at other times, when in the middle of one of
these basins, between a cluster of islands, a dozen different channels,
like so many noble rivers, meet the eye, perhaps equally unexpeet-
y
edly, and on each side the islands appear regularly retiring till they
sink from the sight in the distance. Every minute during the pas-
sage of this lake the prospect varies. ... The Lake of a Thousand
Islands is twenty-five miles in length, and about six in breadth.
The celebrated poet, Thomas Moore, visited the St. Law-
rence in the early part of the present century, and the
magnificent scenery of the noble river naturally excited
the enthusiasm of a temperament delicately sensitive to
the beauties of nature, so strikingly reflected in his poems.
The boatmen were accustomed to beguile the tedium of
rowing by singing, their voices being perfectly attuned
and the whole crew joining in the chorus. Of its effect
he says, —
'• Without the charm which association gives to every little memo-
rial of scenes or feelings that are past, the melody may perhaps be
thought common and trifling; but I remember when we had entered
at sunset upon one of those beautiful lakes into which the St. Law-
rence so grandly and unexpectedly opens, I have heard this simple
air with a pleasure which the finest compositions of the first masters
have never given me; and now there is not a note of it which does
not recall to my memory the dips of our oars in the St. Lawrence,
the flight of our boat down the rapids, and all those new and fanciful
impressions to which my heart was alive during the whole of this
interesting voyage."
CANADIAN BOAT SONG.
" Faintly as tolls the evening chime
Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time ;
Soon as the woods on the shore look dim,
We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn.
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near and the daylight's past !
"Why should we yet our sail unfurl ?
There is not a breath the blue wave to curl !
But, when the wind blows off the shore,
Oh, sweetly we'll rest our weary oar!
Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near and the daylight's past !
" Utawa'3 tide ! this trenlbling moon
Shall see us float o'er thy surges soon :
Saint of this green isle ! hear our prayers,
Oh, grant us cool heavens and favoring airs !
Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near and the daylight's past !"
TOPOGRAPHY.
The surface of St. Lawrence County covers so vast an
area that it necessarily shows great variety, from the high-
lands of the Adirondacks in the southeast to the champaign
region lying adjacent and parallel to the St. Lawrence. J
The loftiest elevations are about 2000 feet above tide-water
at Albany, the general elevation of the southeastern portion
being about 1000 feet. The surface in the more even por-
tions is broken, more or less, by parallel ridges of primitive
and secondary formation ; and the western portions, particu-
larly in the towns of Rossie and Macomb, are somewhat
hilly.
A very peculiar feature of the topography of the county
is t^e curious course which its principal inland streams
pursue. The Oswegatchie, Grasse, Raquette, and St. Regis
rivers, all rising in the highlands, flow for about one-half to
two-thirds of their course directly towards the St. Lawrence,
when they make sudden and sometimes — as is the case
with the Oswegatchie — very acute angles, and flow from
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWREiSTCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
11
thence to their union with the great river in courses almost
parallel to that stream. The Oswegatchie is an exception,
though, in former times it connected by a sort of natural
canal with Grasse river, and very possibly at one period
poured its waters through that channel to the northeast.
The reason of this peculiarity is undoubtedly found in the
ridge-like formations before spoken of, which trend gen-
erally in a northeast and southwest direction. Tlie Chip-
pewa creek, in Morristown and Hammond, curiously enough,
flows in a direction exactly contrary to that followed by the
St. Lawrence. The middle and western portions of the
county are somewhat broken by protruding masses of the
Potsdam sandstone. Tlie northern and northea.stern por-
tions are generally level or slightly undulating.
GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY.
The following articles upon these subjects are from Dr.
Hough's History of the County.
From the accompanying map it will be seen that the
stone, etc., which of themselves often become rock forma-
tions. The boundaries of the gneiss rock are very nearly
as follows. They constitute the Thousand islands, the last
of which lie before Morristown, although both shores of
the St. Lawrence are here composed of newer rock. A
narrow strip of this rock extends from Chippewa bay, up
the valley of the creek of tliat name, two or three miles,
being bounded on each side by a formation which geologists
have named Potsdam sandstone, of which a further account
will be given hereafter. The gneiss rock next enters the
county from Jefferson, near the line of the military road
in Hammond, and its northern margin runs nearly in a
direct line to Black lake, and forms all the islands in that
water, although the north shore is sandstone. It leaves
the lake in De Peyster, and runs across that town, De Kalb,
and Canton, leaving the most of these towns underlaid by
gneiss, and passes across a small part of Potsdam into
Parishville and the southern part of the settlements in
Hopkinton, and thence through townships Nos. 7, 8, and 9
op K
ST.MWBIMCE COTMTT.
v.* 1
mL
southern part of the county is underlaid by primary rock,
composed of varieties of granite, gneiss, and white or pri-
mary limestone, which often show, in the structure and mode
of arrangement, that they have been at some period sub-
jected to the action of heat. The constituents of these prim-
itive rocks are generally quartz, hornblendej and feldspar,
arranged in irregular and often very tortuous strata or layers,
which are generally highly inclined. This peculiar mixture
and arrangement of simple minerals is denominated gneiss
rock. When stratification is wanting it becomes sienite, and
when mica takes the place of hornblende it is called granite.
A great variety of minerals occur in gneiss rock in certain
localities, and it is a valuable repository of lead and iron
ores. In some places simple minerals occur in large quanti-
ties, to the exclusion of everything else, as serpentine, limo-
of Franklin county, and the northern edge of Belmont.
With small exceptions to bo mentioned, near Somerville,
the whole of the country south of this line is primary, and
to this region metallic ores, except bog ores, must be neces-
sarily limited. At the 'village of Potsdam the same rock
comes up to the surface, like an island in the midst of sand-
stone, and at other places the same thing is observed. How-
ever irregular the strata of gneiss may be, they will gen-
erally be found to dip or slope down towards the north,
which explains a remark made by Mr. Wright in his early
surveys, that the mountains [like all in the southern forest]
afford very good land on the north side, and gradually de-
scending, but on the south side have high, perpendicular
ledges.
The extensive forest of northern New York is underlaid
12
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
entirely by primary rock, which seems to have been thrust
up through newer formations that surround it. In some
places the latter are thrown into an inclined position by
this intruded mass. Gneiss rock has but few useful appli-
cations. In early times (and still for coarse grinding) it
was used for millstones, and in some places it occurs suita-
ble for building ; but is generally too hard to be wrought
with profit. In the south part of Canton a very fine-grained
and durable variety occurs, which has a uniform gray color
and close texture that recommends it where permanence is
required. Towards the western part of St. Lawrence
County white limestone is of common occurrence with this
formation, and it has given rise to much discussion whether
the limestone be primitive and coeval with the gneiss, or
whether it he a later deposit altered by heat. One fact is
well established, viz., that the white limestone underlies the
sandstone, and many instances of this occur in Rossie, Ant-
werp, etc. Examples are also found where this limestone
underlies or mingles with the granite, as at Lyndhurst, in
Canada.
This limestone has been used to some extent as a marble,
and mills for sawing it have existed in Rossie and Fbwler ;
but its coarse, crystalline texture impairs its value, except
for the more massive kinds of architecture. For the manu-
facture of lime, however, there is probably nowhere in the
world a material that will surpass this. It is generally in
this rock, or along the line of junction with the gneiss, that
the more splendid varieties of minerals occur that are so
eagerly sought by collectors. In agricultural capabilities,
the soil underlaid by primary rock varies in quality, and
seems to be, in a measure, dependent upon the prevalence
of limestone and the nature and amount of the loose drifted
materials that overlie it. The northern border of the State,
and for a great distance into Canada, is underlaid by rocks
of a more recent period, in which lime is an important in-
gredient, and these give character to the soil for a con-
siderable distance south, which can scarcely be said to diifer
from that immediately above them.
The surface of the primary is generally more or less
broken by ridges of rock, often rising but little above the
surface. These ridges have a prevailing direction of north-
east and southwest, which gives to the rivers tributary to
the St. Lawrence their general course, and occasions the
remarkable flexures so strikingly noticed in the OswegatcTiie
and Indian rivers, which flow in natural valleys for a con-
siderable distance between ridges of gneiss. Towards the
southern borders of St. Lawrence County the upheavals be-
come of greater altitude, and as we go into the eastern part
of this, and southern part of Franklin county, they attain
the altitude of mountains, which in Essex reach an altitude
of 5400 feet ; being only exceeded, in the region lying east
of the MLssissippi river, by the Black mountains of North
Carolina and the White mountains of New Hampshire, the
former of which reach 6900 feet. These bald and sterile
peaks support but a scanty vegetation, and overlook in-
numerable ponds and lakes, with fertile intervales ; but
thousands of acres will be found wholly unfit for tillage, and
of no value beyond the timber on the surface or the iron
ores beneath it. These lands form a elevated plateau, liable
to liite spring and early autumnal frosts, but adapted to
grazing, the uplands afibrding pasturage and the intervales
meadows. Of minerals interesting to the collector it has
none, but it abounds in iron ores, which will hereafter em-
ploy the industry of great numbers, as it unites the three
essentials of ore, water-power, and fuel, to which, in a great
degree, has been added, in the Northern railroad, an ac-
cess to market. From an elevation of 1600 feet the surface
uniformly descends to the St. Lawrence, and in Franklin
county, from the greater elevation, the descent is more
perceptible, so that from almost any prominent point the
lower country north may be overlooked to a great extent,
and the majestic St. Lawrence, reduced to a silver line in
the blue distance, with the Canadian villages dotted here
and there, and the obscure outline of northern mountains
faintly appearing on the horizon, give a peculiar beauty to
the landscape.
Lying directly upon the gneiss, or in some instances
upon the limestone, is a rock which presents a great variety
of structure, called by geologists Potsdam sandstone, from
its great abundance above that village, and its remarkable
adaptation for building purposes which it there exhibits.
Perhaps no material in the world surpasses in cheapness,
elegance, and durability the Potsdam sandstone, where it
occurs in even-bedded strata, as in the towns of Potsdam,
Canton, Stockholm, etc. The sharpness of outline which
it preserves in localities where it has been exposed to the
weather for centuries indicates its durability. Walls made
of this stone never present the mouldy, decaying appear-
ance common to walls of limestone in damp situations. It
cleaves into slabs three or four inches thick and several
feet in length, and when first exposed to the air it readily
breaks, when laid over a straight edge, with carefully re-
peated blows of a stone hammer, into pieces of any desirable
size with the greatest freedom. Exposure to the air hardens
it in a little time, and it thenceforth is fitted for any pur-
pose of paving, or the walls of building, for which uses it is
unsurpassed. Walls laid with alternate courses of broad
and narrow stone present a very neat and substantial ap-
pearance.
The sandstone enters Rossie from Jefferson county, be-
tween the Oswegatchie and the iron mines, and runs across
that town about two miles into Gouverneur. The south
margin of this rock conforms to the course we have traced
as the boundary of the gneiss, and it underlies some of the
most valuable farming lands of northern New York. A
feature will be observed in the district underlaid by the
sandstone, which is quite general, and is due to the little
liability to disintegration which it exhibits, namely, the
absence of gentle swells and sloping declivities. Wherever
valleys occur their margins are usually bounded by abrupt
precipices of naked rock, and where deep ravines have been
wrought by running streams, as at the falls on the Chateau-
gay river, the banks present bold projecting and overhang- \
ing cliff's, with intervening spaces, where from frost or
running streams portions have been thrown down or swept
away, leaving detached and almost isolated masses standing.
In Hammond are localities in which outstanding masses
of this rock, of the same height as the main body but separa-
ted from it, often occur. In texture the sandstone differs
greatly, being at times fine-grained and uniformly stratified,
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
13
as at all the quarries where it is wrought, and at times
made up of angular or rounded masses of various sizes,
cemented together, with little symmetry or appearance of
stratification. It is among the last of these that several
curious instances of structure exist, which indicate in them-
selves some of the causes that must have operated when the
deposits were going on. Ripple niarles are of common
occurrence, proving that they formed the shores of ancient
seas, by which the sands were thrown into slight undulating
ridges, exactly as is seen on the borders of existing waters.
In some places the rock is made up of balls, having a con-
centric structure like the coats of an onion, usually with a
pebble as a nucleus, as if they had been formed by rolling
over the surface, receiving an addition from the adhesion of
sand, as we sometimes see snow-balls rolled up by the wind
on the surface of snow. In the vicinity of the iron mines
of Rossie this spheroidal structure is very common, and
makes up the whole rock. They are of all sizes, from a
pea to an orange. But perhaps there is no structure,
either of this or of any rock, more worthy of study than
the remarkable cylindricnl stratification frequently observed
in Rossie, Antwerp, Tlieresa, etc. These cylinders are
vertical, and of all diameters, from two inches up to twenty
feet or more, and their section, .whore exposed to the surface,
shows them to be made of concentric strata of sand of dif-
ferent colors and degrees of fineness, firmly consolidated
and capable of being detached, when they present to the
casual observer the appearance of huge logs of wood, which
has led to their being called '• petrified logs." This sand-
stone contains but few evidences of organic existence, these
being limited to obscure fucoids and one or two bivalve
shells. At times the ripple marks have been seen much
like sea-weeds in their arrangement, and the fracture and
cleavage of the stone near Potsdam has at times shown a
moss-like ramification, which may be due to manganese.
The cylinders at times encroach upon each other, the last
formed being perfect, while the older one has its stratifi-
cation interrupted by the other. No rational theory has
occurred to us by which this wonderful structure could be
explained, other than that they were formed by vortices or
whirlpools playing upon the surface of water and imparting
their gyratory motions to the mobile sands of the bottom,
which has since become consolidated and remains.
The Potsdam sandstone is bordered, along the St. Law-
rence and extending back a few miles, by the culciferons
sandstone, which presents at many places near Ogdensbui-g
definite fossil remains, which are, however, limited to a few
species. Among these are many obscure masses, with a
texture that indicates them to have been sponges, or the
lower orders of zoophytes, which have never been studied
with the view of scientific interest. In an economical point
of view this rock is of importance, both as a building stone
and as material for lime, for which, however, it is far in-
ferior to the white hmestone of the primary region. At
Massena and at Waddington water lime has been manu-
factured from this rock, but this is not now done.
The above enumerated form the principal of our rock
formations, but over them all is more or less extensively and
very unequally spread a mass of soil, sand, clay, and bowlders
of rock, much of which bears evidence of having been
drifted, by agencies that have long since ceased, from more
northern localities, and deposited in its present form. This
has received the name of Drift, and its study forms one of
the most instructive departments of practical geology. Evi-
dences of its northern origin may be found in our ability
to often trace loose masses of rook to the parent source, and
especially to the polished and scratched surface of rocks
when exposed, which bear testimony to the fact that they
have been ground and furrowed by moving masses, which
the direction of the scratches certify was from a northerly
quarter. The evidence of the grinding of solid bodies
moving in water is often observed along streams at the
present day.
Near Cooper's falls, in De Kalb, may be seen a cavity
of several feet in depth which has been worn in this way,
but it is at a level far above the present river ; and in the
gneiss rock, near the Ox Bow, in the edge of Jetforson
county, is another example, which occurs on the face of a
clifi' some seventy feet in height, and is of so remarkable a
nature as to have attracted general curiosity. The pot-
shaped cavity is about 18 feet deep and 10 wide at the
largest part. It derives its name from its having been used
as a pulpit on several occasions when the settlements were
new. In one instance a Methodist quarterly meeting is said
to have been held at the foot of this rock. In De Kalb an
instance is observed in which the strata of sandstone have
been pressed into waves. This locality is mentioned by
Prof. Emmons as being eighty rods north of De Kalb vil-
lage. At another locality the strata are broken up, which
proves that these masses have been subjected to motion
since formed and consolidated. Tortuous strata in the gneiss
are extremely common, but nowhere can this be studied
with better advantage than on the summit of the hill
towards Hammond, in the village of Rossie. Accumula-
tions of drift are of common occurrence in Rossie, near
Sprague's Corners, in Hermon, Pierrepont, Parishville, Hop-
kinton, etc.
There is above the drift still another formation, consisting of
sands and clays, and containing shells unchanged in texture,
and of the species now living in the Arctic seas, which
skirts the northern border of the two counties, from Ogdens-
burg, eastward, to which, from its extensive occurrence in
the valley of the St. Lawrence, the term Laurentian deposit-
has been proposed. It exists in Canada over a great extent,
and also in the valley of Lake Champlain. The railroad
cutting east of Ogdenburg was through this, and multitudes
of the fossil shells of species named by naturalists Saxicava
riiffosa, Tellina groardandica, and a few others occur, and
may be gathered in quantities. The clay beds at Eayniond-
ville, which have a peculiar columnar structure very much
like starch, and no signs of stratification whatever, contain
shells of the same species, proving that they belong to a
marine formation of a comparatively recent period. These
recent fossils occur in ravines throughout a considerable part
of the northern border of Franklin county.
Of a still more recent period are the bog ores still form-
ing in swamps, the deposits of lime from a few springs, and
the detritus brought down by rivers and left at their mouths,
of which the rvsh led. at the mouth of the Oswegatchic,
before the village of Ogdensburg, is an instance.
14
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
LEAD.
Among the remarkable features of the primary are trap
dykes (of which many very interesting instances occur in
Eossie, especially near Wegatchie) and metallic veins. As
it is designed to render this notice of practical utility, many
subjects of a theoretical nature will be passed. Of metallic
veins, those of lead, copper, and zinc are the principal, and
of the first that at Rossie is pre-eminent. Indefinite reports
of lead, silver, etc., based upon Indian traditions, were
common among the early proprietors, and much effort was
made to discover the localities, among which one said to
exist near the sources of Grasse river was sought after.
At Rossie lead ore occurs in several veins, which descend
nearly vertical, and the ores are associated with iron pyrites,
calcite, celestine, anglesite, and many other minerals. At
the mines on Black lake, at Mineral point, zinc blende oc-
curs in considerable quantities, and also, to some extent, with
the galena of the St. Lawren.ee company's mines in Macomb.
We consider the fact settled beyond a doubt, that lead ore
exists in quantities that will possibly render its mining very
lucrative in St. Lawrence County, and, from the discoveries
that are being made, it is probable that many new and val-
uable localities will hereafter be opened. In all cases, so
far as observed, this metal exists in true veins, with definite
walls, and the geological features of the country are such
as experience in other mining districts has shown favorable
to the probabilities of ore in profitable quantities.
COPPER.
An association, styling itself the St. Lawrence Copper
Company, was formed under the exertions of H. H. Bigelow,
of Boston, in 1846, for the purpose of working mines of
copper in northern New York, and mining operations on a
small scale were commenced in several places, but more ex-
tensively on the farm of Hubbard Clark, near the south
line of Canton, where several thousand dollars were ex-
pended in the erection of machinery, and in sinking a shaft
about sixty feet deep, with short levels. The ore occurs
here in white limestone, containing occasional crystals of
brown tourmaline, and with the yellow sulphuret of copper.
It formed a regular vein of one foot in width in some places,
and was associated with calcite, iron pyrites, and occasional
stains of the green and blue carbonates of copper. The
calcite of this place was at times found in crystals of huge
proportions, coated with minute crystals of pearl spar. It
is said that some eighty tons of ore had been procui'od when
the workings were suspended, and a small mass of native
copper was reported to have been found near the locality.
A reverberatory furnace was erected at Russell village for
working these ores, and others from Wilna, Jefierson county,
but never got in operation. Mr. Bigelow subsequently
went to California, and afterwards died of cholera in San
Francisco. Since the above period, no eff'ort has been made
to mine for copper, although in several places specimens of
ore occur in such circumstances as to excite the belief that
it exists in valuable quantities.
IRON.
Next after the agricultural and manufacturing facilities
of northera New York, her iron mines may be ranked
among the elements of her wealth. These ores are of three
distinct varieties, differing essentially in geological age,
chemical characters, mineral associates, and the qualities
of iron which they produce. These are the primitive or
m.agnetic, the specular, and the hog ores. The former,
although of great abundance, mostly occur in sections yet
unsettled, and difficult of access, in Pitoairn, Clifton, Chau-
mont, Sherwood, etc. It is this variety of ore that is so
largely wrought in Clinton and Essex counties, and that
forms the wealth of Sweden. It is known to mineralogists
as magnetite, from its being magnetic. Its mineral asso-
ciates are few, being quartz, pyrites, and pyroxene ; from
its being magnetic, it is readily separated from stone by
being crushed and passed under revolving magnets, which
pick up the particles of ore. It is sparingly distributed
through most of our gneiss rock, and the particles, loosened
by disintegration, form the black sand so uniformly seen on
the borders of the lakes in the primary region. This sand
often troubles the compass of the surveyor, and has led to
the belief of mines of iron ore, in localities where nothing
but iron sand existed. Specular and bog ores have no
effect upon the magnetic needle. Primitive ore is dilBeuk
to melt, but makes good iron, and yields about seventy per
cent. Some varieties make an iron that is exceedingly hard,
as was the case with that wrought in Duane, which led to
the belief that edge-tools having the hardness and temper of
steel could be cast directly from the furnace. This, about
the year 1840, led to much inquiry, and a resolution was
passed by the assembly in the session of 1841 calling upon
Prof Emmons, the geologist of the second district, em-
bracing the northern part of the State, for information re-
specting this ore. In the report which this called forth, it
was stated that the ore was a mixture of the protoxide and
deutoxide of iron, two varieties chemically differing in the
amount of oxygen contained, but mechanically mixed in
this instance, and that a part of the ore being first reduced,
united with the carbon of the fuel, and became true steel,
while the other part was melting. Although the edge-tools
stood the test of experiment, the opinion was expressed that
they would not bear continued use, and this has been fully
sustained by experience, which has shown that they will
soon crumble and break. In his final report, the geologist
expressed his belief that the ores of Duane did not possess
properties differing from those of Essex county. The iron
from those ores is'very hard, and well suited for those uses
that require this property.
The specular ores, so called from the splendid lustre of
the crystals of Elba and other localities, occur under two
varieties, distinct in situation and accompanying minerals.
The least important of these is the crystalline variety, oc-
curring in gneiss and white limestone, often beautifully crys-
tallized in plates, and of variable and uncertain quantities,
liable to thin out and again become wide. It has not hitherto
been wrought with profit. A mine in Edwards has yielded
about eighty tons, which made excellent malleable iron.
Quartz, apparently in twelve-sided crystals, formed by join-
ing the bases of two six-sided pyramids, but really having
a short prism between, is usually found with this ore, and
cavities lined with crystalline groups of these minerals form
splendid cabinet specimens.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
15
Between the gneiss and sandstone, and not elsewhere,
occurs a red, compact ore, chemically like the last, but so
unlike to the eye as not to be classed with it, and this has
hitherto been the ore most largely used in St. Lawrence,
Jefferson, and Lewis counties, for the manufacture of iron.
The oldest of these mines is the Caledonia mine in Rossie,
and has been more or less wrought since 1812. A few
rods distant on the line of Gouverneur is the Kearney iron
mine, which was discovered by Lyman Adams, in 1825,
and produced about 50,000 tons of ore of excellent quality
up to 1852. It has been manufactured at the Carthage,
Louisburg, FuUerville, Freemansburg, Alpina, Redwood,
Wegatchie, Sterlingville, Antwerp, and Rossie furnaces.
It has been worked as an open pit to the depth of fifty feet,
and an area of about a quarter of an acre. At first it ap-
peared as a hillock not covered by other rock. The Cale-
donia mine is capped by sandstone, and has been wrought
into caverns, with huge masses of ore left to support the
roof Several very valuable mines of this ore occur along
the junction of the primary and sandstone in Jefferson
county, and it has been wrought to some extent near the
village of Little York, in Fowler, since 1833. A part of
this mine was purchased by the owners of Louisburg fur-
nace several years since, and the remainder has been wrought
at a tribute of from two to fourshillings per ton to the owners.
The ore here occurs in a hill of moderate elevation, and lies
directly upon the gneiss, which has been uncovered to a
considerable extent, although large quantities still exist.
These red ores impart their color to whatever comes in con-
tact with them, giving a characteristic tinge to every person
and object about the premises. They are never crystallized,
but occur in every variety of lamellar, slaty, botryoidal, and
pulverulent forms, and in some cases cavities are found
lined with beautiful and peculiar crystallizations of carbonate
of lime, spathic iron, heavy spar, arragonite, quartz, iron
pyrites, and more rarely cacoxene or chalcodite, and Mil-
lerite, the latter being the rarest and most beautiful of its
associates. It occurs in but one of our localities in bril-
liant, needle-shaped crystals, radiating from a centre like
the fibres of thistle-down, and having the color and bril-
liancy of gold. Groups of crystalline specimens of these
minerals often form objects of great beauty. This variety
of ore is constantly associated with a mineral much like
serpentine, named by Prof C. U. Shepard dysynlribite, of
which further notice will be given. In some form or other
this always makes its appearance in the mines, often in such
large masses as to displace the ore, and render necessary an
outlay to remove it. It is of every shade of green, yellow,
and red, oft«u mixed in the same specimen, and its surfaces
are many times grounded and polished, as if it had slipped
under great pressure, and before entirely solid. No profit-
able locality of red ore occurs east of the town of Gouver-
neur, although at the junction of the two formations in
Pierrepont a reddish, pulverulent mass occurs, which has
been ground and used as a paint. In some localities this ore
bears unmistakable evidence of former igneous action, as
shown by the contorted, folded, and e,yen fused appearance
of the laminae of which it is composed. Should this
theory be correct, there must have been a peculiar suscepti-
bility of the surface along the line of the two formations.
where from its weakness it yielded to the forces from be-
low. In Gouverneur, near the Little Bow, is a locality of
soft, unctuous, ore-like substance, occurring in white lime-
stone. The red ores yield about fifty per cent, in the large
way, as shown by our statistics of the Rossie furnace. It
has been noticed that castings from this ore shrink a little
upon cooling, which requires the patterns to be a little
larger than the article to be made, while those from primi-
tive ores lose nothing from this, the iron being probably
more crystalline.
Bog ores are rather rare in the primary district, but more
common in swamps in Madrid, Norfolk, Louisville, Bom-
bay, Westville, etc., from which supplies for the furnaces
at Waddington, Norfolk, and Brasher Iron Works have
been derived, and they have supplied several forges. In
favorable localities these superficial deposits are renewed
after being dug over, and thus successive crops are obtained
once in a dozen or twenty years. This ore makes very soft,
tenacious iron. A mixture of the primitive, red, and bog
ores, in equal parts, was thought to make the best specimen
of iron ever produced in northern New York. Bog ores
seldom yield more than twenty or twenty-five per cent.
MINERALS.
St. Lawrence has long enjoyed a deserved celebrity for
the variety and beauty of its minerals, which indicates the
propriety of giving a notice of the more important of these,
as well for a guide to the mineralogist as to convey to the
inhabitants themselves a just idea of the mineral wealth of
their own neighborhoods, and perhaps serve to awaken a
spirit of inquiry and observation, especially among the
youth, that will be productive of the best results. A neatly
arranged mineral cabinet bespeaks the taste and intelligence
of its possessor, and one need not travel beyond the pre-
cincts of St. Lawrence County to collect one that shall pos-
sess both elegance and value, and be as remarkable for
variety as beauty. It is conceded that this county is unri-
valed for the variety of its mineral treasures, and this
pre-eminence should be known and appreciated by its citi-
zens.
Agate occurs with chalcedony, near Silver lake, in Fowler.
Albite, or white feldspar, is a common constituent of
gneiss, in the towns underlaid by that rock, Gouverneur,
Rossie, etc.
Amethyst, to a limited extent, in Gouverneur and on the
banks of Yellow lake, in Rossie.
Amphlbole (basaltic hornblende) occurs frequently in
bowlders, but not in rock formations. In the town of
Rossie it has hitherto been noticed most abundantly.
Anglesite (sulphate of lead) occurred sparingly in the
lead mines of Rossie, with galena.
Anherite (a variety of dolomite, containing iron) has
been attributed to the iron mines of Rossie, but it scarcely
differs from the spathic iron of that region, and cannot be
distinguished from it, if it exists, except by chemical tests.
Apatite (phosphate of lime), crystallized in six-sided
prisms, occurs at several localities in the white limestone
formation in St. Lawrence County. At the Clark hill, in
Rossie, small, but very pretty, crystals have been found ; it
also occurs near the head of Mile bay, on Black lake, and
16
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
north of Somerville, in Gouverneur ; but tlie finest locality
hitherto observed in the county is on the farm of Michael
and Charles Harder, in the town of Rossie. Crystals
weighing eighteen pounds, and twelve inches in length,
have been obtained here, and those of less size, but finely
terminated, are more common. It is used in the process of
assaying gold and silver ores, and would command a high
price for this purpose in the markets. The locality in
Rossie was first noticed and wrought by Professor Emmons.
Abestus, of a brown color, with fibres interlocking each
other in a very intricate manner, occurs in the town of
Fowler, between the villages of Little York and FuUer-
ville. It does not possess the quality of tenacity, or the
property of being easily beaten up into a fibrous mass,
which gives value to this mineral in the arts, as a constit-
uent of incombustible cloth, or a non-conductor of heat,
for the packing of iron safes.
Arragonite (needle spar) occurs in the iron mines, near
Somerville, in beautiful white globular masses, in cavities
of iron ore. When broken these present a silken white
radiated structure. The best that have been obtained came
from a shaft sunk in the land of Mr. Parish, adjacent to
the Kearney mine. From its occurrence with the ores of
iron, this mineral is sometimes called flos-fenl, or the
flowers of iron.
Bahingionite has been said to occur in Gouverneur,
coating crystals of feldspar. The locality, if it existed, has
been lost.
Blende (sulphuret of zinc) was found, associated with
galena, at the lead mines at Rossie, at Mineral point, in the
town of Macomb, and in the towns of Fowler, Morristown,
and De Kalb.
, Calcareous tufa, formed by the deposit of carbonate of
lime, from springs, is of common occurrence in Rossie,
Gouverneur, and other towns. At some localities it is
found imitating in form the fibres of moss, of which it is
popularly believed to be the petrification. This structure
is found to occur where no vegetable matter could have ex-
isted to give it the peculiar appearance.
Calcite (carbonate of lime) occurs in many localities,
and is afforded at almost every mine that has been wrought,
but at none with more brilliancy and beauty than at the
lead mines at Rossie and Mineral point. Limpid crystals,
of great size, often with cavities containing water, occurred
here, and the modifications of form and combination of
groups of crystals appeared to be infinite. On the right
side of the Oswegatchie, two miles above the Kearney
bridge, in the town of Gouverneur, in an oven-shaped cavity
in limestone rook, and imbedded in clay, are crystals of
great size, rough externally, but when broken quite trans-
parent. A specimen more than a foot in length, nearly
transparent, and weighing seventy-five pounds, was procured
by Charles S. Bolton, of Wegatchie, from this locality.
Peculiar modifications occur at the locality of pearl spar,
in Rossie. Just within the edge of Jefferson county, in
the same range with the last locality, on the farm of Mr.
Benton, a very interesting locality of calcite occurs. On
the left bank of the Oswegatchie, near the natural dam in
Gouverneur, large crystals of calcite occur. The iron mines
of Eossie afford crystals, usually of the dog-tooth form in
cavities of iron ore. The mines of the St. Lawrence Lead
Mining Company, in Macomb, have furnished some inter-
esting specimens of a smoky hue, and others tinged red. In
the town of Pitcairn, calcite, of a sky-blue color, in coarse
crystalline masses, occurs on the south road, about two miles
from Green's mill. At the copper mine, in Canton, crystals
of calcite, nearly limpid, often a great size, and frequently
coated with pearl spar, were found.
Cdestine (sulphate of strontia), in crystals of a beautiful
blue tint, was found in working Coal Hill mine, in Rossie.
Chalcedony occurs at a locality in Fowler, in interesting
concretionary forms, but destitute of that polished surface
which is common with this mineral.
Chlorite occasionally occurs in bowlders, but not in rock
formation, in the northern part of the State. It is often
associated with epidote.
Clwndrodite, with its usual associates, spinelle, occurs in
the town of Rossie abundantly, about three-fourths of a mile
west of the village of Somerville. It is of every shade of
yellow, inclining tg orange and brown, and is diffused in
grains and small crystalline particles through the white
limestone, appearing in relief on the weathered surface.
Detached bowlders on the shores of Yellow lake contain
the same mineral, and it is said to occur in, situ, near the
Clark hill, in Rossie.
Dolomite, or magnesian limestone, is of frequent occur-
rence, but not in sufiicient quantities to give it geological
importance. Rossie, Gouverneur, De Kalb, etc.
Dysyntrihite occurs at all localities of red iron ore.
Epidote, granular and disseminated, in chlorite is com-
mon in bowlders, but not in place.
Feldspar occurs abundantly throughout the primitive
region, but at only a few localities of sufficient interest to
merit notice. On the Clark hill, in Rossie, crystals occur
of considerable interest.
Fluor Spar. — One of the most celebrated American
localities of this mineral was discovered many years since,
on Muscalunge lake, in Antwerp, near the borders of St.
Lawrence County. Massive cubes, variously grouped, and
at times presenting single crystalline faces a foot in extent,
were here found. In Gouverneur, two miles north from the
GriSith bridge, a limited quantity was also found. Near
the Rock island bridge, in the same town, it has recently
been found in considerable quantity and of fine quality.
This mineral is employed as a flux for separating metals
from their ores, and in making fluoric acid, the most corro-
sive substance known, and which is used in etching upon
• glass, and in the daguerreotype process.
Galena (sulphuret of lead) occurs in Rossie and Ma-
comb in quantities which will, hereafter render these towns
of great importance. Has also been found in Fowler, Pit-
caun, etc., but not in such quantities as to repay the cost
of workinsr.
Garnet is found only in bowlders, and of coarse quality.
Graphite (carburet of iron) is a common mineral in the
white limestone, although it has not been observed in quan-
tities sufiicient for any valuable purpose. Near the Big
hill, in Rossie, it forms a vein in the old road, and a quarter
of a mile fiirther east it also occurs. The apatite localities
all afford scales of graphite. In Canton it -
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
17
Greenstone is common in bowlders, and occurs in dykes
in limestone in Rossie. The junction of the rock with the
intruded mass often exhibits evidences of the action of heat.
Hornblende, either in its proper color and crystalline form,
or in its 'varieties, as tremolite, asbestus, pargasite, etc., is
one of our most abundant minerals. In Edwards is an in-
teresting locality, two miles from the village, on the road to
South Edwards, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie. The
color is greenish-black, and it is very common to find the
peculiar wedge-shaped crystalline form of this mineral in
the cavities. It also occurs in the town of Rossie, on the
left bank of the Oswegatchie, a short distance above the
village of Wegatchie, and in De Kalb, Gouverneur, Pots-
dam, Piorrepont, etc.
Houghite. — The term has been applied by Prof Shepard,
of Amherst College, to a new mineral that occurs on the
farm of Stephen Ayres, north of Somervllle, associated with
spinelle, serpentine, dolomite, phlogopite, etc. The quantity
is abundant at the locality, and it has been found crystallized
in octahedrons.
Idocrase, in irregular, fluted prisms, occurs in bowlders,
and perhaps in rocks in situ, in several localities in Rossie,
and probably other towns. At Vrooman's lake, near the
Ox Bow, it has been found in crystals which possess ter-
minal planes.
Iron pi/rites (sulphuret of iron) is common, and will
doubtless at a future time possess much economical import-
ance for the manufacture of copperas, sulphuric acid, and
soda ash. Of the former several hundred tons were formerly
made in the town of Canton, but the works have long since
been discontinued. Some of the most brilliant specimens
ever procured were in the lead mines of Rossie, where it
occurred crystallized in cubes, and possessing a brilliant
lustre, which was not liable to tarnish. The iron mines of
Rossie and those adjacent have furnished many interesting
specimens, and often associated with arsenic, known as arseni-
cal iron pyrites. For variety of crystalline form, a locality
on the farm of John Robertson, in the town of Gouverneur,
is worthy of notice. The mineral here occurs with graphite
and iron ore, in small crystals, of the form of the cube, octa-
hedron, dodecahedron, with every intermediate modifica-
tion. Large octahedrons have been obtained in Gouverneur,
on the farm of James Morse. The vicinity of the village
of Hermon has furnished interesting specimens, and the
mines which have been worked for iron, copper, and lead
throughout the county contain more or less of this mineral.
Labradorite (opalescent feldspar) occurs in bowlders, the
best specimens having been found on the banks of the St.
Lawrence, in the town of Oswegatchie, three or four miles
above Ogdensburg. It takes a beautiful polish, and would
form an elegant gem. The play of colors is vivid, and the
shades are mostly green and blue.
loxoclase occurs in Rossie at the celebrated locality of
zircon and apatite, and this is the only hitherto reported
locality. It occurs crystallized in the forms usual with
feldspar, and when broken presents a delicate bluish opal-
escence.
Muscovite, a variety of mica, does not occur tVt situ in
northern New York, but is found in bowlders. One in
Gouverneur, containing large plates of a black variety, was
3
examined by Prof B. Silliman, Jr., of Yale College, and
found to have an optical angle of 70° to 70° 30'.
Pargasite (green hornblende) occurs wherever apatite
has been found in St. Lawrence County. It usually is crys-
tallized in hexagonal prisms, sometimes in radiated crystal-
line fibres, and at others in crystalline grains of ready
cleavage. The finest locality in St. Lawrence County is
near the county line, in Rossie, and in a neighborhood
called New Connecticut.
Pearl spar (crystallized dolomite) occurs in the town of
Rossie, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie, opposite the
furnace at Wegatchie ; it occurs in crevices of limestone,
and is usually planted in clusters of crystals upon large dog-
tooth crystals of calcareous spar, and can be obtained in
considerable quantities.
Phlogopite occurs in numerous localities, and often in
great beauty, at the serpentine locality of Gouverneur, near
Somerville ; at the hornblende locality of Edwards, and at
other places in that town ; in Pine, two miles from South
Edwards ; in Russell, De Kalb, Fowler, Hermon, Gouver-
neur, and Rossie.
Pyroxene in prisms occurs in Rossie, Gouverneur, Her-
mon, De Kalb, etc. Near Grasse lake, in the former town,
a white variety occurs, in which the crystalline form is well
exhibited. In Gouverneur it occurs in the vicinity of the
apatite locality.
Quartz, the most abundant of the simple minerals, occurs
in many interesting varieties. The mines of crystallized
specular iron in Gouverneur, Fowler, Edwards, and Her-
mon all afford splendid crystals. The iron mine near Chub
lake, in Fowler, afibrded beautiful crystals, nearly transpa-
rent and quite brilliant. On the farm of Joel Smith, in
Gouverneur, similar crystals were found. At the apatite
locality at Gouverneur large smoky crystals have been ob-
tained, and at that in Rossie similar ones, much resembling
hyalite. At the iron mines in Rossie delicate groups of
needle-shaped crystals occur in cavities in the ore.
Rensselaer ite, of various shades, from white to black, and
varying from a finely granular to a coarsely crystalline
structure, occurs in limestone and gneiss in many places in
the towns of Gouverneur, Rossie, Fowler, Russell, Fine,
Pitcairn, and Edwards. In Russell and Edwurds it has
been wrought to some extent into inkstands and other small
articles, and its softness, toughness, the beautiful gloss
which it readily receives, and the diversity of color which
it often presents, indicate it as a suitable material for any of
the ornamental uses to which alabaster is applied. It can
be turned in a lathe without diflBculty. The manufacture
from this material was never carried on as a regular business,
and has been discontinued for many years. At Wegatchie,
between 1836-39, about fifty tons were ground and sold for
gypsum.
lltitile (titanic acid) has been attributed to Gouverneur,
but its locality has been lost. This mineral is valuable,
from the use made of it by the manufacturers of artificial
teeth, to give a yellowish tinge to the enamel.
Satin spar (fibrous calcite) is of frequent occurrence in
seams of serpentine and Rensselaerite in Fowler, Rossie,
and Edwards. At a locality near Silver lake, in Fowler,
beautiful specimens occur. Between the Oswegatchie and
18
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Yellow lake, opposite Wegutcliie, in the town of Rossie, is
a remarkable locality ; it is in vertical seams, while the
fibres of the spar run across the vein, and fine specimens
are procurable in quantities. It occurs in narrow seams in
serpentine, at the Dodge iron mine in Edwards. The
quantity is small.
Seapolile, in pearly-gray crystals, occurs at the locality
of apatite, about a mile southwest of Gouverneur village.
It is here abundantly diffused through limestone, and is
readily obtained in separate crystals.
Serpentine abounds in the town of Rossie, on the island
at Wegatchie furnace, in Gouverneur village, and at the
Natural dam, two miles below ; in Fowler, Edwards, De
Kalb, Hermon, Russell, Pitcairn, Fine, Colton, Canton, etc.,
it occurs in greater or less quantity, but nowhere in suffi-
cient abundance to form a rock of geological importance.
On the farm of Stephen Ayres, in Gouverneur, serpentine
of a yellowish-green color, and beautifully mottled, occurs.
In Edwards, near the village, it occurs of various delicate
shades of gi'een and greenish-white, which possess interest.
Spathic 'iron (carbonate of iron) occurs in the iron
mines of Rossie, in beautiful crystalline groups, lining
cavities in the ore. The color is usually bronze, and
various shades of brown, and usually very brilliant. It
also occurs massive, diffuse4 through the ore, and has been
seen more rarely in botryoidal concretions, covering sur-
faces of red specular iron. Some of the specimens of this
mineral from the Caledonia and Kearney mines possess
much beauty, and are highly esteemed by mineral collectors.
Sphene is of frequent occurrence in the western part of
St. Lawrence County. In Gouverneur and Rossie it is
found of a pale red color, and in imperfect ci-ystals. Half
a mile north of Gouverneur village, in a wall, black crystals,
with the angles rounded, as if by fusion, occur in quartz.
Spinelle occurs at the locality of chondrodite, in Rossie,
and at the locality of serpentine and mica, on the farm of
Stephen Ayres, in Gouverneur. Spinelle, when blue, is
the sapphire, and when of a burning red, the ruby.
Sulphur, in a native state, occurs in concretions around
the iron mines in Rossie, where it is formed by the decom-
position of iron pyrites. It is usually more or less mixed
with sulphate of iron and other saline substances.
Sulphate of harytes is associated with limestone, in
Gouverneur, about two miles from the Grifiith bridge. It
presents externally a rusty-brown color, the surface being
covered by bundles of coarse crystalline fibres. Broken, it
presents a pure white color, and is fibrous and laminated.
On the farm of James Morse, in the same town, this
mineral occurs with a micaceous variety of iron ore, in
crystalline plates; and, in the town of Morristown, several
tons were procured for manufacture into white paint, a few
years since. In the iron mines of Rossie it has been found
sparingly.
Svlphuret of copper has been procured in quantities
which justify the belief that it will be found in such abun-
dance as will make it profitable as an ore of copper, in the
towns of Macomb, Gouverneur, Canton, Fowler, Edwards
Russell, etc.
Tourmaline, crystallized, is found in the towns of Rossie,
Gouverneur, Hermon, Russell, etc. The quality of this is
such that, if it could be obtained of stifficient size, it would
form the most excellent plates for examining the properties
of polarized light. It occurs two miles southeast of Gouv-
erneur village, and also one mile north, on the road leading
to Somerville.
Tremolite (white hornblende) occurs in the town of
Fowler, between Little York and Fullerville, of a delicate
rose color ; and, in De Kalb, in white crystalline blades and
tufts, on white limestone, usually appearing in relief where-
ever the surface has been weathered. In Gouverneur is a
very interesting locality, on the farm of Stephen Smith.
A mile from this locality, near the Rock Island bridge,
and in an open field, beautifully radiated tufts are observed,
which, when broken, present a silken gloss. No mineral
can surpass, in beauty of lustre or delicacy of fibre, speci-
mens from these localities.
Zircon, much esteemed by mineralogists for its rarity
and its containing zirconium, one of the rarest of the min-
eral elements, occurs at the apatite locality in Rossie, in
square prisms, of a brownish-red color, and sometimes trans-
parent. It occurs also on the farm of Lorenzo Heath,
nearer the village than the former, and also on Grasse
creek, in the same town, associated with apatite.
METEOROLOGICAL NOTES.
V
Among the more striking of meteorological phenomena
are tornadoes, of which several have occurred since the
county was settled. In traversing the forests, the tracks
of these are often seen in lines of fallen timber, usually
denominated windfalls. They generally travel eastward,
and the whirl is in the opposite direction with that in
which the hands of a watch move.
August 21, 1823, a tornado passed across the town of
Constable, sweeping everything before it, but fortunately
destroying no lives. It entered from Canada, and pursued
a southeasterly direction until it passed the village of East
Constable, when it turned eastwards towards Chateaugay,
and spent its force in the woods. The path was narrow,
and for the first few miles it appeared to pass in two lines,
which united. Its progress was slowj and the roar which
accompanied it warned the inhabitants to seek safety in
flight. The whirling of the vortex was excessive, carrying
up and throwing out from its borders planks, rails, branches
of trees, and whatever lay in its way, and it was said, on
respectable authority, that a log chain lying on the ground
was carried ten or fifteen rods from its place. This report,
so apparently incredible, is scarcely more so than others*
well authenticated by evidence, in which the turf has been
torn up and carried ofi' and heavy metallic articles swept
away by the fury of the tornado. The day on which this
occurred had been excessively hot and sultry, and the
blackness, roaring, and violence of the phenomenon were
said to have been most sublime and terrific. Towards the
end of its course it ceased to progress, but moved in spiral
paths through a maple forest, many acres of which were
prostrated.
Perhaps the most extraordinary tornado ever recorded
without the tropics occurred in St. Lawrence County,
Sept. 20, 1845. It was traced from Upper Canada to Ver-
mont. At 3 o'clock it was at Antwerp ; at 5, on the Saranac ;
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
19
at 6, at Burlington, Vt. ; and at Shoreham, Vt., in the even-
ing. Its length could not have been less than 200 miles,
and its course nearly east, till it reached Lake Champlain,
which it appears to have followed to its head.
On Saturday, at noon (Sept. 20, 1845), some gentlemen
standing on the wharf at Cobourg, C. W., happening to cast
their eyes upon the wa,ter, were struck with the appearance
of a strong current setting directly out from shore. It
seemed as if the whole lake were going away bodily. It
presently returned to a height two feet higher than usual,
and continued to, ebb and flow at interyals of eight or ten
minutes till night. At Port Hope the steamer " Princess
lloyal" could not get into port at all. It was at the time
supposed to be the effect of an earthquake, and perhaps
was. The work of destruction began a mile east of Ant-
werp, and in its course through the forest it swept all
before it, leaving a track of desolation from half a mile to a
mile and a half wide, in which nothing was left standing.
Its appearance was described by those who observed it at a
little distance as awfully sublime, it being a cloud of pitchy
blackness from which vivid lightnings and deafening thun-
der incessantly proceeded, and the air was filled to a great
height with materials carried up from the earth, and
branches torn from the trees. Torrents of rain and hail
fell along the borders of the track, and much damage was
done by lightning. It entered the county in Fowler, and
crossed that town and Edwards, when it entered the unin-
habited forest, and was not further witnessed. In its track
on the Pitcairn road, and another passing through Emmer-
son's and Streeter's settlements, some two miles apart, were
sixteen buildings, — barns, houses, and one school-house, —
which were swept away, yet, wonderful to tell, no human
lives were lost on the whole route. In the house of a Mr.
Leonard were two women and five children, who took refuge
in the cellar, and escaped harm, except that one was struck
senseless by a piece of timber. In another house was a
sick woman with a young child, and a nurse attending
them. Frightened by the noise, the latter threw herself
upon a bed, when the house was blown down, and one of
the logs of which it was built fell across her and held her
fast. She was relieved by the superhuman exertions of the
invalid. Near this house a man was driving a yoke of
oxen attached to a wagon laden with coal. Two trees were
brought by the wind and laid across the wagon, which
crushed it, without injury to the team or man. A frame
school-house in Edwards, in which were several scholars
and their teacher, was unroofed without injury to its in-
mates. Immediately following the tornado was a storm of
hail, some of the stones of which were of great size, which
severely lacerated such cattle as were exposed to it. At
Union Falls, in Clinton county, where it emerged from the
forest, it made a complete wreck of many of the buildings.
" Duncan's forge was considerably injured, and a brick
school-house in Peru was utterly demolished. Two houses
were blown down over the heads of the inmates, and it
was miraculous that no lives were lost. Some fifteen or
twenty buildings were destroyed or injured in that vicinity
by the wind, which committed no further depredations until
it reached Burlington, Vt., where it unroofed a house and
blew down some barns." At Shoreham, in the evening.
was a most majestic display of lightning conceivable. At
Clintonville, on the Ausable, the lightning struck a church
edifice. Several other buildings were struck, some of which
were destroyed by fire. The extent and violence of this
storm has seldom been paralleled, and had its track crossed
settled country, the loss of life must have been dreadful.
The data we possess in regard to our climate is limited
to the results of but a few years' observations made under
the direction of the regents of the University at four acade-
mies subject to their visitation, and to a short period during
which they have been reported to the Smithsonian Institu-
tion, by several voluntary observers. We possess reports
of the Gouverneur Seminary for twelve years, viz. : 1831—
43; of the Ogdensburg Academy for 1838 ; of the acad-
emy at Potsdam for twenty-one years, viz- '■ 1828 to 1849,
inclusive. A similar series of observations have been made
at sixty-two different stations in the State of New York
during an aggregate period of about 900 years, and the re-
sults embody a mass of facts bearing upon the climate of
the State of great practisal value. In 1850 the system
first adopted was discontinued, and another, at fewer sta-
tions, but with better instruments, was substituted.
The first of the following tables is for Potsdam, and the
second for Gouverneur, and they show the results of the
above observations for the respective periods mentioned.
January
February....
Mjirch
April
May
Juno
July
AugnBt
S(*ptember ..
October
November...
December...
Mfvin 43,66
Thermometer.
^1
19.01
18.8U
20.00
43.73
ny.O-i
03.96
68.38
66.73
57.66
45.U0
33.64
22.09
—34
-32
—38
— 1
20
32
40
34
23
12
—10
—26
Resultant of
WINDS.
B.78°30'w.
S.79 22 w.
S.67 45 w.
8.79 17 w.
S.61 34 w.
3.58 30 w.
S.54 17 w.
,".63 45 w.
S.63 68 w
B.5S 48 w
s.67 OS w
8,85 31 ^:
9,78
■ 98
8,65
6,60
9,45
16,37
16,27
13,61
12,89
11,85
9,40
7,94
Weather.
Mean results.
34 130 S.66 16 w. 34 10.29 14.18 15.26 2.38 47.79
11.65
11.88
13,89
14.50
15,78
16,62
18,02
18.90
15 52
14,09 116,01
9,02 '20,98
10,48 20,62
19.45
16.40
17.11
16.50
15.22
13.38
12,98
12,10
14.48
.ss
1,40
1,06
1,48
1.70
3.03
3,31
4,113
2.81
3,U
3,34
1,93
1.41
z ^
= 2
Cfl
28,15
21,31
29.67
34,13
60,62
60,25
80,70
66,18
62,17
66,87
38.62
28.85
January '19.74
rebruary 18.68
Marcli
April
May
June
July
August
September ..
October
November...
December....
Mean 43.
31.01
44.40
64.89
63.32
68.86
67.50
68.11
47.10
33.37
20.49
—35
—32
—30,
10
22
33
37
32
22
10
—17
—40
S.83 45 V.
S.71 32 w.
8.87 64 w.
n.71 27 w.
8.73 33 w.
R.64 30 w.
8.70 46 w.
8.79 46 w.
s.Sl 29 w.
8.82 48 w,
n,87 53 w.
n,76 20 w.
9.56
9,68
10.30
6.26
10.83
9.71
17.67
8.95
12.21
12,42
9.80
100 —40 140 S.81 29 w. 39 11.26 15.13 15.31. 2.29 18.99
16.17
17.67
15.75
16.62
16.17
17.88
18,02
18.87
15.17
13.08
10.00
11.08
16.83
13.60
12.26
14.38
14.83
12.12
12.08
12.12
14 83
17.92
20,00
19.92
16.83
15.13
17.46
22.00
26.97
21.06
19.93
23.33
28,81
19,49
15,06
The mean temperature was derived from three daily obser-
vations, of which one was taken in the morning before sun-
rise, another in the warmest part of the afternoon, and the
third an hour after sunset. The column headed " Hin-liest
degree"' denotes the greatest temperature observed, and the
next column the least. The three columns headed " Re-
sultant of winds" is the product of much labor, and the first
shows the angle or point from which all the winds have
blown during the entire period. The column marked ^je;--
20
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
centage shows the prevalence of the winds in parts of a hun-
dred, and that marked days, in that of the whole number of
days in the month. To illustrate this, the month of January,
at Potsdam, may be taken as an example. The direction
of the wind in the forenoon and afternoon was entered in
the journal, and at the end of the month these entries were
added up. The footings of twenty-one years showed that
the average number of days of wind from each of the eight
points were as follows, in days and hundredths: N., 2.15 ;
N.E., 5.46 ; E., 0.12 ; S.E., 0.59 ; S., 4.35 ; S.W., 9.69 ; W.,
3.48; N.W., 5.16; total, 31.00. The columns showing
these numbers we have been obliged to omit. Erom these
numbers it remained to learn their value and mean direction
(supposing the velocity of the wind to have been uniform),
precisely as we would ascertain the direction and distance
of a ship which would have sailed uniformly in the different
courses for the above times, from the starting point. The
eight directions were reduced to four by subtracting oppo-
site points, these reduced to two by a traverse table, and
lastly these two were brought down to one by a trigonom-
etrical calculation, and the aid of logarithms. In the in-
stance cited, if the whole amount of winds or the whole
time be called 100, then 32 of these, or 9.78 days of the
31.00, the wind came from a point S. 78° 30' W., while
during the remainder of the time (68 per cent., or 21.22
days) the winds from opposite points balanced each other.
The bearing which this inquiry has upon the questions of
climate, and especially upon the agricultural and commercial
interests of the nation, renders it desirable that these obser-
vations should be extended, and measures are now in prog-
ress to maintain on an extended scale a minute and judicious
system of records. The columns headed clear and cloudy
denote the relative periods during which the sky has been
clear and overcast, the monthly mean of the rain-gauge in-
dicates the average depth of rain in the several months,
and the last column the total depth for the whole period,
viz., twenty years at Potsdam, and nine at Gouverneur.
The headings of the several columns render them sufficiently
intelligible. In that marked " Cloudiness," ten represents a
sky entirely overcast. In the column next to the last, the
corrections for expansion of the mercury and other modify-
ing influences are allowed for, so that the numbers represent
the actual mean height of the barometer, independent of
modifying causes.
The following is an abstract of observations made at
Ogdensburg by William E. Guest, Esq., during 1851-52.
Height above tide, 279 feet.
Months.
January
February
March
April
Ma.v....i
June
July
August
tSeplember
October
November
December-
Tkmpeiiature.
19.74
22.15
28.59
39.54
53.56
61.51
6r.75
64.22
57.51
47.67
.".1.64
23.17
47
52
67
69
83
94
95
83
88
73
62
58
6.3
6.5
5.3
3.9
4.6
3.8
4.0
4.8
5.1
4.9
7.0
1.85
2.81
3.15
1.89
3.25
2.80
3.19
2.27
2.43
2.65
4.06
4.68
Bauombteh,
49.653
59.702
29.688
29.563
29.671
29.581
29.615
29.740
29.798
29.680
29.654
29.684
1.365
1.032
0.600
1.045
0.947
1.068
703
585
1.113
864
1.305
1.355
To the farmer especially does the study of meteorology com-
mend itself, for to no pursuit has it so intimate a relation as
this. It is a well-established fact that changes of weather
may oflen be predicted several hours before their occurrence
by the barometer, and thus, especially in the haying and
harvest seasons, a saving would often bo effected sufficient to
pay the cost of the instrument. That atmospheric changes
are due to causes, none will deny. That these are within
the scope of our investigation is probable, although, from
the necessity of the case, no amount of probabilities can
ever establish an infallible prediction. If every season but
one in a thousand had been remarkably cold, or wet, no
certainty could be relied upon for the one. The accumula-
tion of probabilities may, however, be of eminent practical
service. The system observed in these records enables us
to form a comparative table of results, of variable value, from
the unequal time that they were maintained at each.*
The above remarks, made in 1853, have been substanti-
ated to a remarkable degree by the system of observations
put into practical operation within the past few years, in
connection with the U. S. Army.
EARTHQUAKES.
An earthquake occurred in St. Lawrence County, on the
evening of January 22, 1832, at about half-past eleven
o'clock. Houses were shaken at Ogdensburg so much as
to awaken many from sleep, and the tremulous motion of
stoves, crockery, and windows, with a sound like distant
thunder beneath the surface of the earth, was distinctly
perceived by those who had not yet retired to sleep. At
Lowville the sudden and violent agitation of the earth was
accompanied by a sound like that of several heavy carriages
passing rapidly over frozen ground. It was also perceived
very sensibly at Montreal, where the motion was compared
to the shaking of a steamboat whose machinery agitates her
very much. It continued four seconds, and was accompa-
nied with an indistinct noise.
Several quite severe shocks of an earthquake were felt
about two A.M., Sunday, November 4, 1877, perceptible
over a large part of New England, New York, and the
Canadas. There were about four distinct shocks within
the space of one or two minutes, accompanied by a heavy
rumbling, like that produced by a loaded wagon driven
over frozen ground, or a cannot-shot rolled along a floor.
The vibrations wakened people from sound sleep, and in
many places produced a rattling noise in dwellings, like the
jar from a steamer's machinery when in motion.
CHAPTER IL
PKE-HISTOEIO.
The Mound-Builders— Mounds and Ancient Remains— Indians-
Aboriginal Nomenclature.
EaOM all the evidence obtainable upon the subject of
a pre-historic race, or one antedating the Indian tribes
found occupying the American Continent by the earliest
* Hough.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
21
European discoverers, little doubt remains'of the existence
of such a people, who, evidently, in many respects were
quite superior to the modern red men. They were more
numerous than their barbarous successors, as the remains
of extensive fortifications and evidences of important cen-
tres of population, found more especially in the valleys of
the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, clearly indicate ; and that
they were much more advanced in the arts which distin-
guish an era of civilization is also demonstrated by the
superior implements of war, of the chase, and of husbandry
still found in great numbers in many portions of the country.
Even a casual glance at the fine display of ancient relics
made at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition would
inevitably lead one to the belief that the pre-historic race,
whatever their name or lineage, were a commercial, a war-
like, a manufacturing, and an agricultural people. By what
great catastrophe they disappeared from the face of the
continent — whether destroyed by the red race who suc-
ceeded them, by earthquake, flood, or pestilence — wc have
nothing but conjecture for an answer.
It is not positively certain that they occupied the region
of northern New York ; but it is at least probable, as
numerous specimens of a handiwork superior to any known
among the savages are found scattered over the surface of
the country, and in mounds or tumuli, which evidently
date beyond the discoveries of Columbus and contempo-
raries several centuries.
Dr. F. B. Hough, in his History of St. Lawrence and
Franklin Counties, published in 1853, gives a very interests
ing account of the various mounds, trenches, and ancient
relics which have from time to time been discovered and
examined, and, as very little additional has since been
gathered, we give substantially his account :
" Nothing is more common than to find along the lands that skirt
the fertile bottoms which form the shores of the tributaries of the St.
Lawrence the broken remains of rude pottery, seldom sufficiently
entire to enable one to determine the original form, and usually im-
pressed, while in a plastic state, with various fanciful figures, differ-
ing from each other in fragments of different utensils, but possessing
a general resemblance. Not unfrequently a rude resemblance to the
human face is noticed on these fragments. The material of this
terra-cotta is usually clay and coarse sand, generally well tempered
and baked. Stone axes, gouges, and chisels, flint arrow-heiid:*, amu-
lets and beads of steatite, and other personal ornaments, implements
of bone, apparently used as needles and as tools for marking im-
pressions upon their pottery, and fragments of bones and broken
shells, the remains of ancient feasts, indicate in broken and discon-
nected, but still intelligible language, the pursuits of our predecessors
upon this soil."
Gen. R. W. Judson, of Ogdensburg, has a very fine
collection of relics and curiosities, among which are two
remarkable stone gouges, 10 J and 11 inches in length,
found in the town of Norfolk, on lands owned by Charles
Shepherd. They are of green and steel-gray stone, very
hard and fine-grained, and are exceedingly well wrought and
symmetrically proportioned. A curious implement of light-
colored sandstone, 12J^ inches in length, supposed to have
been used in preparing hides and skins for tanning, found
at Yellow lake, in Rossie, by George Lockie, Esq. ^even
chisels, gouges, etc., dug up at Eel weir, on the Oswegatchie
river, by Charles W. Hill. A very fine chisel of green
stone, found on the farm of Geo. N. Seymour, Esq., in
Lisbon. Another, found on Indian point, in Lisbon, by
Preston Lawrence, Esq. A very curious one of light-green
stone, filled with white quartz pebbles, found by Dr. John
Austin in Ogdensburg. A gouge, chisel, several curious
amulets and fragments of pottery, together with copper
spear-heads, stone pipes, etc., found by Simeon Dillingham,
of Lisbon. Also a fine collection of flint arrow-heads,
found in the vicinity of Black lake, by Edwin Capron and
others, and spear-heads and other implements from the
town of Russell. Some of these implements are fashioned
with a master-hand, and are as perfect in their forms as
the best steel implements of modern manufacturers.
A description of some of the more noteworthy localities,
where traces of ancient works appear, is herewith given,
from materials taken mostly from Dr. Hough's work.
" As a general rule those points were chosen which afforded a
natural protection upon one or more sides, as the bank of a stream
or the brow of a hill, leaving defenses to he erected only on the un-
protected sides. The traces observed usually consisted of a mound
or bank of earth, surrounded by a ditch of proportionate extent."
It is probable that the parapet, or embankment, was
originally palisaded or inclosed within strong pickets, as
was the case with the towns and fortifications of the Iro-
quois confederacy in later years.
"In the town of Macomb are found the traces of three trench in-
closures, and several places where beds of ashes indicate the site of
ancient hearths or fire-places. One of these was on the farm of Wm.
Houghton,* on the hank of Birch creek, and formerly Inclosed the
premises subsequently used as a mill-yard. It was somewhat in the
form of a semiciicle, the two ends resting on the creek, and inclosed
about half an acre. All traces of this work were long since obliterated
by cultivation, but the line which formed the bank, and the space
within and without, occasionally afford fragments of potterj', ashes,
shells, and stone implements, pipes, etc. On an adjoining hill, since
partly occupied by an orchard, traces of a work once existed, but this
also has disappeared under the process of cultivation. In a. pond
adjoining this locality was found, many years since, a human skele-
ton, said to have been of colossal size.
"About half a mile northeast of this is the trace of another in-
closure, on the farms of Wm. P. Houghton and Josiah Sweet, but
the outlines were so indistinct that they could not be traced with any
degree of certainty. From what little remains it would appear to
have consisted of a parapet and ditch, the form of which was nn
irregular oval, with gateways or draw-bridges at intervals. Its ex-
tremities rested upon a small stream, in later years the outlet of a
tamarack swamp. This swamp was formerly occupied by beavers,
as is indicated by fragments of trees bea.ring the marks of the teeth
of these animals, which have been dug from several feet below the
surface."
Twenty-five years ago the trench and parapet could easily
be traced for a distance of about 160 yards, which was ap-
parently about half its original circuit. Its longest diame-
ter was from N.N.E. to S.S.W. Numerous fire-beds oc-
curred within it, and, in one instance, a quantity of ashes
and charcoal was found five feet below the surface. In a
field near by are evidences of the existence of a village at
some remote period.
On the premises of the St. Lawrence Lead-Mining Com-
pany, and the farm of Robert Wilson, about three-fourths
of a mile from the first-described spot, is still another trace,
which can be easily made out, as the ground has never been
plowed.* In this instance the work was crescent-shaped,
» Written in 1853.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tlie open side being protected by a low ledge of limestone,
and a branch which led down to a small stream, that may
have served as a covered way of access to the water.
On the farm of Henry E. Holbrook, in the northeastern
part of Potsdam, on or near Mile lot No. 10, was a remark-
able trench inclosure in early times, but which is now en-
tirely destroyed except a very small portion in the public
highway. It is on the road between Norfolk village and
Raquetteville,* west of the river, and half a mile from the
railway bridge at the latter place, and is situated upon an
elevated ridge of drift, at a point which affords a fine view
of the surrounding country. The form of this work was
said to have been semicircular, the open side resting on a
swamp to the west, with gateways occurring at intervals.
The ditch and parapet inclosed about two acres. When
the country was settled pine-trees of four feet diameter were
o-rowing upon the embankment. Underneath their roots
beds of ashes, mingled with broken pottery, flint arrow-
heads, etc., have been found. In and around were found
fire-places, with ashes, charcoal, broken pottery, fresh-water
shells, bones, etc. On an island in the vicinity graves were
found.
In the town of Massena, about half a mile west of Rac-
quette river bridge, and on the western declivity of a slope
near the summit of a dividing ridge which separates this
river from Grasse river, in an open field, are plainly to be
traced the outlines of a work which differs from any above
described, and is by far the best preserved. Its form is
irregular, shaped somewhat like an ox-bow, with its open
side towards the river, and showing numerous openings in
the parapet, especially on the southern side. The open side
.was in part protected by a ditch. The summit of the ridge
at this place commands a delightful prospect, and the vi-
cinity was no doubt a favorite haunt of the rude people who
onee made this region their home. Near by, on either side,
was a river, abounding in fish, and affording many miles
of navigable waters, with an occasional carrying-place, by
which they could penetrate into the interior, while a few
miles away the mighty St. Lawrence, with its bays and
islands, afforded unequaled facilities for obtaining game and
fish. If the intervening timber were cleared away, the lo-
cality in Potsdam, eighteen or twenty miles distant, could
be seen from this place ; and the two may have been occu-
pied by parties of the same tribe, who could exchange sig-
nals, as fires could be easily distinguished from one point
to the other. Immense trees, growing upon the works last
described at the date of the earliest settlements, would in-
dicate a venerable antiquity. Within the inclosure were
several slight eminences, which may at one period have been
sufficiently elevated to have overlooked a line of pickets,
which probably surrounded the work.
In the town of Massena, not far from this work, there
was found, several years since, a pipe, formed of whitish
steatite, or soapstone, having on its bowl and stem, curiously
wrought, the figure of a serpent, with its head rising a little
above the level of the bowl. A semicircular parapet and
ditch formerly existed in the town of Oswegatchie, near its
western border, on lands formerly owned by Benjamin Pope.
* Now eoininonly SpelleJ Rackctville.
J
Its outline may be traced in the spring by the unusual
growth of verdure, and similar spots indicate the site of fire-
places, both within and without. An unusual abundance
of stone and pottery frag^nents were found here in early
times.
The shores of Black lake, in Morristown, between the
village of Hammond and " the Narrows,' contain traces of
-paintings of an obscure character, including the figure of a
deer, rudely drawn, and seven figures in two groups, evi-
dently intended to represent human beings. The block
upon which the deer was drawn is preserved in the State
collection at Albany.
Near the village of Edwardsville, or " the Narrows,' V in
Morristown, on a hill a little east of that place, the plow
turned up traces of an ancient village, including a row of
hearths or fire-places, with burned bones, ashes, charcoal,
and shells. They were a few inches below the surface, and
extended for a quarter of a mile. The traces of ancient
defensive works are found in Canada, in the townships of
Augusta, Williamsburg, Osnabruck, etc.
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
y The region comprised within the present limits of St.
Lawrence County seems to have been a kind of debatable
ground between the Iroquois confederacy and the Huron-
Algonquin nations of Canada; and, from the date of the
earliest explorations by Champlain to the era of permanent
settlement by the whites, was never continuously occupied,
at least for any considerable period, by either. It was
common hunting and fishing ground, but extremely danger-
ous to either party, for the nations dwelling upon opposite
sides of the St. Lawrence were ever at enmity with each
other, and bloody encounters were sure to follow the meet-
ings of their hunting-parties. The region was nominally
claimed by the Oneida nation of the Iroquois confederacy.
The only Indians who seem to have made a permanent
home in the county since it was known to Europeans were
the Oswegatchies, so called, — a collection of families from
among the Iroquois nations who were converted to Chris-
tianity by the Jesuits, and induced to withdraw from their
kindred and settle at La Presentation, now Ogdensburg.
The commencement of tlie settlement was in 1749, under
the direction of Father Frangois Picquet, a Sulpician, com-
monly known as " Abb6 Picquet," of whom a more ex^
tended account will be found in another connection. The
Oswegatchies were eventually (about 1807-8) dispersed
among the St. Regis, Onondaga, and other Indian^.
INDIAN NAMES.
The following interesting article upon the nomenclature
of the Indians is from Dr. Hough's work :
"It is scarcely two centuries since the territory now the United
States was an unbrolten wild, traversed only by the rude native,
who pursued the bear and the moose, and set his simple snares for
such wild game as served to feed or clothe him. The advent of the
European was his misfortune, and step by step he has retreated be-
fore the march of civilization, leaving nothing but here and there
his names of rivers and lakes ; and even these, in too many instanceSj
have been, with a most singular injustice and bad taste, exchanged
for those of foreign origin, or of no signification of themselves.
" The sonorous a,nd peculiarly appropriate names of the aborigines
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
23
have often been made the subject of commendation by foreigners,
and should, in most instances, take the preference of those of modern
origin.
" In some cases this would he difficult, hut in a new and growing
country like ours, in which new sources of industry are daily being
developed and new places springing up, might we not, with peculiar
propriety, adopt the euphonious and often elegant names of the In-
dians instead of such commonplace appellations as ' Smith's Mills,'
or ' Hogg's Corners'? — words which convey no association but those
of the most common and indifferent chal-acter, and which usually
lose all their application after the first generation.
*' Let any one compare the splendid names of Saratoga, Niagara,
and Ontario with Sacket's Harbor, German Flats, or Lake George,
and he will see the contrast between them, and cannot fail to approve
the taste that would restore the aboriginar names of places, where it
may be found practicable.
'* In making his inquiries into the history of the mission at St.
Regis, in June, 1852, the author took special pains to obtain not
only the Indian names of places in the northern part of the State,
and immediately within the territory embraced in tlie work, but also
of whatever other localities he might chance to be able, not doubting
but that the subject would bo regarded as one of general interest.
** At the Indian village of Caughnawaga, near the Saut St. Louis,
the author met an intelligent half-breed, A. Geo. De Lorimier, alias
Oronhiatekha, who is well acquainted with the Mohawk and other
Indian languages, from whom he also derived some assistance, es-
pecially relating to distant and well-known localities. The names
derived from this source will be designated by a f prefixed to the
word.
"Acknowledgments are especially due to the Rev. F. Marcous. of
St. Regis, for essential assistance in this and other inquiries. Those
names received from this source will be thus marked, J.
"RIVERS ANn STREAMS.
"Black River. — (fNi-ka-hi^on-ha-ko-wa) 'big river.' Mr. Squier,
in a work entitled ' The Aboriginal Monuments of New York,' has
given the name of this river as Ka-mar-go. His authority is not
cited.
"In u map accompanying L. H. Morgan-'s work, entitled 'The
League of the Iroquois,* the name given is Ka-bu-a-go, which is a
Seueca word.
" Chateaugay. — This by some is supposed to be an Indian name,
but it is French, meaning, gay castle. The St. Regis call it J 0-sar-
he-hon, ' a place so close or difficult that the more one tries to extri-
cate himself the worse he is off.' This probably relates to the narrow
gorge in the river near th^ village.
" Chippewa Greek, — In Hammond (jTsi-o-he-Ti-sen). This name
also applies to Indian Hut island.
*^ Deer River. — (J Oie-ka-ront-ne)--- 'trout river.' The name also
applies to the village of Helena, at its mouth.
'^French Greek. — (J A-ten-ha-ra-kweh-ta-re) 'the place where the
fence or wall fell down.' The same name applies to the adjoining
island.
" Gananoqui.^-'Hoi Iroquois, supposed to be Huron, and said to
mean /wild potatoes,' Apios tuberoaa ( fKah-non-no-kwen), 'a
meadow rising out of the water.*
" Grasae River. — (| Ni-kent-si-a-ke) ' full of large fishes,' or ' where
the fishes live.' In former times this name was peculiarly applica-
ble. Before dams and saw-mills were erected, salmon and other
fish not now caught were taken in the greatest abundance, as far up
as Russell. Its English name was suggested by the grass meadows
near its mouth. On an old map in the clerk's office it is marked
Ey-en-saw-ye. The letter y does not occur in the Iroquois language.
" Indian River. — On Morgan's map (0-je-qack). The St. Regis
name it by the same appellation as Black lake, which see.
" Oswegatchie, and the village of Ogdenshurg. — (J Swe-kat-si) gup-
posed to be a corrupted Huron word, meaning 'black water.' This
river in early times was sometimes called Black river.
"Ohio. — (O-hi-on-hi-o) 'handsome river.' The French designa-
tion of La Belle Riviere was a translation of the original name.
'" Raqttette River. — A French word, meaning a 'snow-shoe.' It is
said to have been first so called by a Frenchman named Pariscin,
^^ Also Oh-ga-ka-ron-tie.
long before settlements were begun in this quarter, and that the
name was suggested by the shape of a marsh near its mouth. The
/rogKoys name, J Ni-ha-na-wa-te, or 'rapid river,' is peculiarly ap-
plicable. It is said that Col. Louis, the Indian chief, told Benjamin
Raymond, when surveying, that its Indian name meant 'noisy river,'
for which reason it has been usually written Racket.'\
" As rapids are always noisy, this name would have an application,
but we shall retain in the map the original orthography. The St.
IS-avQoia name, as obtained by Prof. Emmons, was Mas-le-a-gui.
On Morgan's map, above quoted, it is called Ta-na-wa-deh, supposed
to be a Seneca word,
" St. Laiorence River. — (J Cat-a-ro-qui) said to be French or Huron.
Signification unknown. On Morgan's map, Ga-na-wa-ge.
" Sf: Regie River and Village. — (J Ak-wis-sas-ne) 'where the par-
tridge drains.*
"Salmon River. — {% Kent-si-a-ko-wa-no) 'big.fish river.'
" Schoharie. — (J lo-hsko-ha-re) ' a natural bridge,' as that formed
by timber fl.oating down stream and lodging firmly.
"f Tioinata. — A small river, tributary to the St. Lawrence, above
Brockville. Signifies 'beyond the point.'
" LAKES.
" Black Lake. — (X 0-tsi-kwa-ke) ' where the ash-tree grows with
large knobs for making clubs.'
" Champlain. — {j" Ro-tsi-ich-ni) ' the coward spii'it.' The Iroquois
are said to have originally possessed an obscure mythological notion
of three supreme beings or spirits, the 'good spii'it,' the 'bad spirit,
and the 'coward spirit.' The latter inhabited an island in Lake
Champlain, where it died, and from this it derived the name above
given.
" How far this fable prevailed, or what was its origin, could not be
ascertained from the person of whom it was received.
" Grasae Lake. — Rossie (J 0 sa-ken-ta-ke), ' grass lake.*
" Ontario. — (f 0-non-ta-ri-io) 'handsome lake.'
" Tapper's Lake. — (JTsit-kan-i-a-ta-res-ko-wa) 'the biggest lake.'
A small lake below Tupper's lake is called j; Tsi-kan-i-on-wa-res-ko-
wa, 'long pond.' The name of Tupper's lake, in the dialect of the
St. Fran(;oia Indians, as obtained by Prof, Emmons, is Pas-kum-ga-
meh, 'a lake going out from the river,' alluding to the peculiar
feature which it presents, of the lake lying not in the course of, but
by the side of, Raquette river, with which it communicates.
"Yellow Lake. — In Rossie (Kat-sen-e-kwa-o), *a lake covered
with yellow lilies.'
" ISLANnS.
" Baruhart'a laland. — (JNi ion-en-hi-a-se-kq-wane) 'big stone.'
"Baxter's Island. — Upper Long Saut Isle (:{:Tsi-io-wen-o-kwa-ka-
ra-te), 'high island.'
" Cornwall laland. — (J Ka-wen-0-ko-wa-nen-ne) ' big island.*
"Isle «(t Gallop, and the rapid beside it (JTsi-ia-ko-ten-nit-ser-
ron-ti-e-tha), ' where the canoe must he pushed up stream with
poles.'
"Isle au Rapid Plat. — Opposite Waddington (J Tie-hon-wi-ne-
tha), * where a canoe is towed with a rope.'
" Lower Long Saut Isle. — (J Ka-ron-kwi.)
" Sheik' a laland. — {\ 0-was-ne) ' feather island.'
"St. Regis Island. — Same name with river and village.
"names of tlaces.
"Brasher Falls. — (J Ti-0-hi-on-ho-ken) 'where the river divides.'
"Brasher Iron Tl''oWcfi.-r(J Tsit-ka-res-ton-ni) 'where they make
iron.
" Canada. — (f Ka-na-ta) 'village.'
"Cayuga. — (f Koi-ok-wen) 'from the water to the shore,' as the
landing of prisoners.
"f Cataroqui. — Ancient name of Kingston, 'a bank of clay rising
out of the waters.'
" Chateaugay. — (Kan-ah-to-he) 'a pot in the ground,'
" Hochelaga. — Former name of Montreal, or its vicinity (f 0-ser-
a-ke), ' beaver dam.'
"Helena. — The same name as Deer river.
" Hoganshurg.^ {I TQ-kaa-vfGn-kn-Yo-YQus) 'where they split or
saw boards.'
f A'"e-Aa hi~an-a-te, " Rough Rapids."
24
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" Kentucky. — (f Ken-ta-ke) ' among the meadows.'
" Malone. — ( J Te-kan-o-ta-ron-we) 'a village crossing a river.'
" Mmsena Village. — Same name as Grrasse river.
"Masnena Springs. — ({ Kan-a-swa-stak-e-ras) 'where the mud
smells bad.'
" Moira. — (t Sa-ko-ron-ta-keh-tas) ' where small trees are carried
on the shoulder.'
"Montreal. — ( J Ti-o-ti-a-ke) 'deep water by the side of shallow.'
" New York. — (fKa no-no) signification not known.
" Norfolk Village. — (J Kan-a-tas-e-ke) ' new village.'
" Lower Falls in Norfolk on Ra(iuette river (Tsit-ri-os-ten-ron-we),
' natural dam.'
" The Oxbow, produced by the bend of the Oswegatchie river,
(JO non-to-hen) 'a hill with the same river on each side.'
" I'utidam. — (fTe-wa-ten-e-ta-ren-ies) 'a place where 'the gravel
settles under the feet in dragging up a canoe.'
" Qiiehiic. — (JTe-kia-tan-tii-ri-kon) ' twin or double mountains.'
" R'lymondville. — (JTsi-ia-ko-on-tie-ta) 'where they leave the
canoe.'
'* S'tratoga. — (f Sa-ra-ta-ke) 'a place where the track of the heel
may be seen,' in allusion to a locality said to be in the neighborhood
where depressions like footsteps may be seen on the rock.
" Schenectady. — (JSka-na-ta-ti) ' on the other side of the pines.'
" Ticonderuga. — (f Tia-on-ta-ro-ken) ' a fork or point between two
lakes.'
". Toronto. — (-j- Tho-ron-to-hen) ' timber on the water.'
" Waddington. — (ij; Ka-na-ta-ra-ken) ' wet village.' "
CHAPTER III.
FBBITCH OOCTJPATIOIf.
Eirly Voyages and Discoveries by the French — Early Trading-Posts,
Missions and Settlements — Isle Oracouehton — Fort Levis — Pou-
chot — Father Picquet,
The great valley of the St. Lawrence and the adjacent
regions was originally discovered and occupied by the
French. Before the English colonies had penetrated fifty
miles from the Atlantic coast, the priests of the Franciscan
and Jesuit orders of the Catholic church, the Couriers des
Bois, and the fur-traders of " New France'' had carried,
under the lilies of the Bourbon, the rude arms and heavy
armor of the 17th century, and the rosary and breviary of
the " mother church,'' to the western extremity of Lake
Superior, and by the middle of the century had established
trading-posts and missions at various points on the St.
Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and along the three great upper
laiies. The indefatigable and self-denying Jesuits even
preceded the avaricious fur-traders, and as early as 1615 had
celebrated mass on the misty shores of the Georgian bay,
which was named by them the "3Ier Douce of the Hurons."
The earliest vessels and water craft, of European models
that navigated the noble river St. Lawrence and the
mighty inland seas of the interior, were constructed by the
French. The discovery and occupation of all the region in
North America, lying south of the Bay of Fundy, by the
English and Spaniards, compelled the French to turn their
attention towards the Gulf and river St. Lawrence, and
eventually, by these thoroughfares, into the region of the
great lakes.
A rapid glance at the discoveries and settlements of the
St. Lawrence valley seems necessary in this connection, in
order to an understanding of the causes which led to the
occupation by the French of the region now included in
northern New York, and to their subsequent wars with
the Iroquois, and, eventually, with the English and their
colonies.
The navigators of various European nations had made
voyages to the coast of North America a long time previous
to the permanent settlement of the country. The " North-
men" claimed to have visited the continent in the tenth and
eleventh centuries, and made settlements, which were, how-
ever, soon abandoned ; and it is stated by French writers
that one Cousin, of the city of Dieppe, visited the country
in 1488. In 1497, John Cabot, a Venetian, in the service
of Henry VII., of England, discovered the coast of Labra-
dor, which country he named Prima Vista, or " earliest
view." Sebastian Cabot, a son of the preceding, made a
voyage in 1498, adding new discoveries, and one Caspar
Cortereal is sometimes claimed to have been the first dis-
coverer of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Norman, Breton,
and Basque fishermen began their voyages to the New-
foundland Banks at an early day, some writers say previous
to the year 1497. There is undoubted evidence that these
fisheries commenced as early as 1504; and in 1517 as
many as fifty French, Castilian, and Portuguese vessels
were employed. In 1506 one Denis, of Honfleur, explored
the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and two years later, Aubert, of
Dieppe, followed ; and in 1518 the Baron de L6ry made an
attempt to found a settlement on Sable Island. In 1524,
John Verrazzano, a Florentine, visited the coast of North
America and explored it from Pamlico Sound to Newfound-
land. These voyages and those of Columbus, Cabral, and
others, created an intense interest among the nations of
Europe, and others followed in rapid succession.
The next important voyage was con.ducted by Jacques
Cartier, a citizen of St. Malo, in France, which port he left
on the 20th of April, 1534. He visited the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, Newfoundland, and Bay Chaleur, and sailed up
the St. Lawrence as far as the island of Anticosti, when
the storms of autumn drove him from the forbidding shores,
and compelled his return. This voyage, though only par-
tially successful, induced Francis I., of France, to dispatch
him upon another, and in May, 1535, he again sailed for
America in three small ships, which, after encountering se-
vere storms, finally reached the coast of Newfoundland late
in July. He soon after explored the gulf, to which he gave
the name St. Lawrence from having discovered it upon
the day of the saint's festival. The name subsequently
attached to the river also.
Cartier proceeded up the river to a place called Stada-
cona, on the spot now occupied by the city of Quebec. To
the modern island of Orleans he gave the name Jsk de
Bacchus, from the great number of wild vines found upon
it. During the autumn he ascended and explored the
great river, called by the savages Hochelaga, to a town of
the same name on the site now occupied by Montreal. The
lofty hill in the rear of the modern city Cartier visited,
and, pleased with the magnificent view from its summit,
named it Mount Royal, from whence comes the present
name, Montreal.
Cartier was the first adventurer to winter in the newly-
discovered country, which he did by hauling his ships up
the little river St. Charles, which discharges into the St.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
25
Lawrence a short distance below Quebec. In the spring of
1536, with his crews diminished by the ravages of the
scurvy, Cartier returned to France. In 1541 he made a
third voyage to the St. Lawrence, under the auspices of
Jean Frangois de La Roque, Sieur de Roborval, a noble-
man of Picardy. During this visit he founded a town
some three and a half leagues above Quebec, which he
christened Charlesbourg Royale, where he again passed the
winter. Roberval himself followed in 15-12 with three
ships and two hundred colonists, and at the place where
Cartier had commenced his settlement erected shops, mills,
and dwellings for a permanent colony; but which, like
others, was in a few years abandoned.
From this time until 1608 there wns no further attempt
to plant colonies on the St. Lawrence, though immense
numbers of fishermen frequented the coasts of Newfound-
land, and scattered settlements were attempted in what are
now called New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, then known
under the general name of Norembega.
CHAMPLAIN.
On the 5th of April, 1608, a French vessel, under the
command of one Pontgravd, a merchant of St. Malo, sailed
from Honfleur with a cargo of goods for trading with the
natives, and on the 13th Samuel de Champlain sailed in a
second vessel with men, arms, and stores for a colony. Both
these vessels were fitted out by De Monts, a French noble-
man, who had obtained from the king a monopoly of the
fur trade. Pontgrav6 reached the St. Lawrence before
Champlain, and, turning the rocky point at the mouth of
the Saguenay river, he found a Basque trading vessel an-
chored in the stream, and quietly pursuing the business of
fur-trading. Upon Pontgrav6's demand for a withdrawal
from the exclusive domain of his employer, the Basques
attacked him furiously, killed and wounded some of his
men, and took from him his arms and ammunition, prom-
ising to give them up when ready to return to Europe.
Such was the state of affairs upon Charaplain's arrival
with the armed ship on the 3d of June. His appearance
changed the aspect of affairs, and the freebooters were glad
to give up everything except their vessel and depart in
peace. The vessels now proceeded up the river, and during
the month of June the city of Quebec was founded, being
the first permanent settlement in Canada, and the third in
the Atlantic region of North America.
In 1611, Champlain established a trading post on the
island of Montreal, and remained nearly a permanent resi-
dent of New France until his death in 1635. The English
held Canada for the period between 1629 and 1632, but it
was considered of so little value that it was restored to
France in the latter year.
The earliest Catholic missionaries were introduced by
Champlain in May, 1615, consisting of four friars of the
Recoll6t order of the Franciscans, — Denis Jamet, Jean Dol-
beau, Joseph Le Caron, and Pacific du Plessis. As early
as 1609, Champlain had entered into an alliance, oifensive
and defensive, with the Algonquins of Canada, and the
same year accompanied a war-party on an expedition up
Lake Champlain into the country of the Iroquois; and in
the encounter which occurred near Lake George in July of
that year thoughtlessly laid the foundation of a never-
ceasing war with this powerful people, and thus entailed
upon the French colonies in America a century and a half
of horrors seldom equaled in the history of the world.
THE JESUITS.
In 162.5-26 this powerful order first made their ap-
pearance in Canada under the patronage of the viceroy,
the Due de Ventadour, who was wholly controlled by it,
and assisted by every means in his power its establishment
in the colonies. The first three representatives of the " So-
ciety of Jesus" to arrive in Canada were Charles Lalemant,
Enemond Masse, and Jean de Brebeuf The Jesuits soon
after entirely supplanted the Franciscans, and from hence-
forth controlled the spiritual affairs of the colony. They
established missions on all the principal streams and on the
borders of the great' lakes, and labored, with a zeal perhaps
unexampled in the history of the world, for the conversion
of the savages to Christianity, exposing themselves unhesi-
tatingly to danger and to death, and suffering untold tor-
tures at the hands of the vengeful Iroquois.
Prom the days of Champlain to the close of the war of
1755-60, there was a constant endeavor by the governments
of England and France to gain the monopoly of the fur
trade of the continent, and to this end unceasing efforts
were made by both parties to draw the various Indian na-
tions under their respective influence. With all the tribes
dwelling north of the St. Lawrence and around the lakes
the French were eminently successful, but the powerful
Iroquois confederacy, which held the balance of power
and overawed all the other nations, they could never gain
over either by bribes or forces. These haughty people
affected to despise both the French and English, and de-
clared themselves independent and masters of the continent.
In 1673 the French, under the lead of Count Frontenac,
then governor-general of Canada, erected Fort Cadaraqui,*
on the ground now occupied by the city of Kingston,
Ontario. In 1675, Robert Ctivelier de la Salle received a
large grant of land at this point from the King, and was
invested with the seignory of Fort Cadaraqui, which in the
two following years he rebuilt substantially with stone, and
named, in honor of the governor-general. Fort Frontenac,
which name it continued to bear until it fell under the
jurisdiction of England.
The following account of Frontenao's voyage up the St.
Lawrence on his way to Cadaraqui, in 1673, is a translation
from the Paris documents in the oflSoe of Secretary of State,
by Dr. E. B. O'Callahan, editor of the " Documentary
History of Now York,'' and published in Dr. Hough's
History of St. Lawrence County :
"The object of this journey was to prerent the ratification of a
treaty between Indian tribes, which he conceived would operate in-
juriously to the interests of the French. He proposed to effect this
by the establishment of a military post on Lake Ontario, and this
was the first beginning made at what is now the city of Kingston,
0. W. He could thus prevent intercourse between the south and the
north, and monopolize the fur trade of the Indians. He was still
further induced to this from the representations of the Jesuit mis-
»The orthography of this word is wonderful, — Kadarockqua,
Caterocouy, Cataracuoi, Cataraqui, Cadaraqui, Cadarackquai, Coeda-
roqua, Caudaroghque, etc.
26
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sionaries, who had for some time lahored among the Iroquois, and
were over anxious that a station should he made in the country of
the Indians, as well to promote their religion, as their commercial
enterprises.
"To impress the natives with a hclicf that cascades and rapids
■were no harrier against the French, Count de Frontenao resolved to
take with him two flat hateaux, similar to that M. de Courcelles had
two years previous carried to the head of the rapids, and even to
mount them with small cannon, to inspiie the savages with awe.
With these two boats, built after a particular model, holding sixteen
men, and painted unlike anything seen before, and with about one
hundred and twenty bark canoes, he at length left Montreal on the
28th of June, having made all necessary arrangements for the govern-
ment of the colony in his absence. On the M of July they had
reached the islands at the head of Lake St. Francis, where they re-
paired their bateaux, which had been injured in the passing of rapids.
We will C[uote the words of the journal:
" TRANSLATION.
" ' On the 4th the route passed through the most delightful country
in the world. The entire river was spangled with islands, on which
were only oaks and hard wood; the soil is admirable, and the banks
of the mainland on the north and south shores are equally handsome,
the timber being very clean and lofty, forming a forest equal to the
most beautiful in France. Both banks of the river are lined with
prairies, full of excellent grass, interspersed with an infinity of beau-
tiful flowers; so that it may be asseitcd, there would not be a more
lovely country in the world than that from Lake St. Francis to the
head of the rapids, were it cleared.
"'Made three leagues up to noon, and halted at a spot more de-
lightful than any we had yet seen. It was close to the little chan-
nel which stretches along the sault on the north side, and opposite
the mouth of a river by which people go to the Mohawk.'^=" Sieur Le
Moine was sent to examine that which goes to the Mohawks, and re-
ported that it formed a large, circular, deep, and pleasant basin be-
hind the point where we had halted, and that the IroquoU whom he
had found there had informed him that there was five days' easy
navigation in that river, and three when the waters were lower.
After having dined and rested awhile the march was resumed, and it
was resolved to take the south channel, with the design to camp
above the Long Saut, and cross over to that side at three-quarters of
a league above it, but the rain which supervened obliged Count de
Frontenac to cause the entire fleet to come to anchor on the north
side, at the place where we intended to traverse, and he had time
only to get the bateaux to do this, and to encamp himself with the
Three Kivers' brigade and his st.aff on the south shore, opposite the
place where the other sections had anchored. We found in the west-
ern forest, in the camp, a white flower, as beautiful as can be seen,
with an odor similar to that of the lily of the valley, but much finer.f
It was sketched through curiosity.
" ' The oth, the rain threatening, we'contented ourselves in dispatch-
ing the bateaux at the break of day to get them past the rapids of the
Long Saut, and the order was sent to the fleet at the north side not
to traverse until the weather was settled.
" ' Therefore, it having cleared about ten o'clock, the fleet traversed
and advanced to the foot of the first rapid of the Long Saut, but one
half having passed, a storm sprang up, which obliged the Count to
go by land as far as the rapid, to hasten on those who were in the
middle, and to prevent the last going farther on; so that four only
were able to pass, and these camped half a league above. He sent
the others into a cove, after he had remained more than two hours
under the rain, without a cloak, very uneasy about the bateaux,
which experienced much difficulty in ascending the rapid ; one of them
had run adrift in the current, had not the people behind thrown
themselves into the stream with incredible promptness and bravery.
'"It is impossible to conceive without witnessing the fatigue of
those who dragged the bateaux. They were for the most part of the
time in the water up to the arm-pits, walking on rock so sharp that
many had their feet and legs covered with blood, yet their gayety
never failed, and they made such a point of honor of taking these ba-
teaux up, that as soon as they arrived in the camp some among them
commenced jumping, playing "prison bars" {joucr ana- harree), and
other games ot like nature. The night of the 5th and 6th inst. was
so wet that the Count could not sleep ; so afraid was he of the biscuit
getting wet, that he ordered Sieur de Chambly not to allow the canoes
to start until he saw settled weather, and to push on the bateaux with
experienced hands in them, as they did not carry any provisions ca-
pable of spoiling. He waited till noon to set out, the weather having
cleared up with appearances of no more rain; but a league had not
been traveled, nor the bateaux overtaken, before a tempest burst so
furiously that all thought that the provisions would be wet. With
care, however, very little harm happened, and, after halting about
three hours, we proceeded un, with some five or six canoes, to find out
a place to camp, to give time to the people in the canoes to follow
them, with all the troops; and though there were three or four very
ugly rajjids to be passed, they did not fail to surmount all these diflicul-
ties, and to arrive before sundown at the head of the Long Saut, where
^' Kaquette river ?
t Mymphiea odorata?
Count de Frontenao had traced out the camp, opposite a little island,
at the end of which the northern channel unites with that on the south.
" ' The 7th, started the canoes (bateaux ?) very early, with orders
to cross from the north side at the place where they should find the
river narrower and less rapid; and he left with all the canoes two
hours after, and proceeded until eleven o'clock, in better order than
during the preceding days, because the navigation was easier. We
stopped three or four hours about a quarter of a league from the rapid
called the li'apide Plat.%
" * The weather appeared the finest in the world. This induced us
to determine on passing the rapid, which is very difficult, on account
of the trees on the water side tumbling into the river, which obliged
the canoes to take outside, and so go into the strongest of the current.
He detached six canoes in consequence, which he sent along to take
axes to cut all the trees that might obstruct the passage of the
bateaux, and took with him the Three Rivers' brigade and his staff
to lay out the camp, having left two brigades with the bateaux, and
others for a rear-guard. But on landing, at five o'clock in the after-
noon, there came a storm, accompanied by thunder and lightning,
more furious than all the others that preceded it, so that it was neces-
sary to dispatch orders in all haste to the bateaux and to all the fleet
to oast anchor wherever they happened to be, which it was very diffi-
cult to effect, in consequence of some of the bateaux being in the
midst of the rapid. The rain lasted nearly the whole night, during
which the Count was extremely uneasy lest precautions may not have
been taken to prevent the provisions getting wet. Next morning, at
break of day, sent for intelligence, and news was brought, about seven
o'clock in the morning, that there was not much harm done, through
the care every one took to preserve his provisions, and the bateaux
arrived a quarter of an hour afterwards at the camp. As every one
had suffered considerably from the fatigue of the night, it was re-
solved not to leave the camp before ten or eleven o'clock, in order to
collect all the people and give them time to rest.
"'The weather was so unsettled that, through fear of rain, they
waited until noon, and though a pretty strong southwest wind arose,
and the river was very rough, we failed not to make considerable
headway, and to camp at the foot of the last rapid.
" ' The 9th, we had proceeded scarcely an hour when the Montreal
brigade, dispatched by Count Frontenac from our third encampment,
by Sieur Lieutenant de la Valtrie, under the direction of Sieur Morel,
ensign, to make a second convoy, and carry provisions beyond the
rapids, was found in a place which he had been ordered to occupy as
a depot. As soon as our fleet was perceived,. he crossed over from the
south to the north and came on board the " Admiral."
" ' The Count wrote by him to M. Perrot, Governor of Montreal, to
whom he sent orders to have new canoes furnished to Lieutenant
Lebert, to join this fleet, and endeavor to bring in one voyage what
he had at first resolved to have brought in two. In two hours after-
wards we arrived at the place Sieur de la Valtrie had selected to
build a store-house. It was a point at the head of all the rapids, and
at the entrance of the smooth navigation. |
" ' The Count strongly approved Sieur de la Valtrie's selection, and
resolved to sojourn there the whole day, to allow the troops to refresh,
and to have leisure to send a second canoe to Montreal with new
orders and to hasten the return of the canoes, which were sent to
bring provisions. At six o'clock in the evening two Iroquois canoes
arrived, bringing letters from Sieur de la Salle, who, having been
sent into their country two months before, advised the count that,
after some difficulty, which was founded on the apprehensions the
savages entertained of his approach, they had, in fine, resolved to
come to assure him of their obedience, and that they awaited him at
Kent6,|| to the number of more than two hundred of the most ancient
and influential, though they had considerable objection to repair
thither, in consequence of the jealousy they felt on seeing Onontio
going to KentS, as it implied a preference for that nation to the
others. This obliged him to request the Abbgs de Fdnolon^ and
D'LfrfJ to go in all haste to KentS, which it had been resolved to
visit, having judged by the map, after considerable consultation and
different opinions, that it would be a very suitable place on which to
erect the proposed establishment.
"'Though Count de Frontenao had appointed this interview with
the savages only with that view, he did not omit, however, taking
advantage of the jealousy they entertained in their minds, and re-
X This rapid is on the north side of Ogden's island, at the present
village of Waddington, at Madrid. The island was known to the
early French voyageurs as the Islo au Rapide Plat, or island at the
flat rapid. The river hero is underlaid by a limestone formation of
very uniform surface, and has a descent of eleven feet in three miles.
I Probably Indian Point, in Lisbon, a short distance above Gallop
Rapids.
II Present orthography, Quinti.
If Ffinelon, the Archbishop of Camhray, and author of the celc-
brated allegorical romance entitled Les Adventures de TeUmaque, was
from 1667 till 1674 a missionary of the Sulpieian order among the
Iroquois, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Ho was born Aug. 0,
1661 ; early engaged with zeal in ecclesiastical studies; became emi-
nent as a missionary, author, and preceptor to the Duke of Bur-
gundy, the heir-apparent to the throne of Franco ; was raised to the
archbishopric of Cambray in 1697, and died in 1715.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
quested those gentlemen to assure them that ho expected them \a
that place only to let them know that he did not pret'or the one to the
other, and that he should be always their common father so long as
they remained in the obedience and respect they owed the king.
"'The 10th, left the camp about five o'clock in the morning j and
though Count de Frontonac had determined on the preceding day,
and before he received the news of the approach of the Imqitoia, to
leave the bateaux with the greater portion of the troops behind, and
to take with him only two or three brigades, to reconnoitre as quickly
as possible the outlet of the G-reat Lake, and the post he was about
to fortify at the mouth of the Katarakoui, he changed his design,
and concluded ho ought to proceed with more precaution until he
should be better informed of the intention of the Iroquois.
'"We therefore proceeded in a body, and in closer column than
heretofore. The weather was so serene, and the navigation so
smooth, that we made more than ten leagues, and went to camp at a
cove about a league and a half from Otondiata, where the eol-flshery
begins. AVe had the pleasure on the march to catch a small loon, a
bird about as large as a European bustard (Oularde), of the most
beautiful plumage, but so difiicult to catch alive, as it plunges con-
stantly under water, that it is no small rarity to be able to take one.
A cage was made for it, and orders were given to endeavor to raise
it, in order to be able to send it to the king.
"' The 11th, the weather continuing fine, a good day's journey was
made, having passed all that vast group of islands with which the
river is spangled, and camped at a point above the river called by
the Indians Onuondrtkoui,^' up which many of them go hunting. It
has a very considerable channel. Two more loons were caught alive,
and a scanoutou, which is a kind of deer, but the head and branches
of which are handsomer than that of the deer of France.'
" The narrative continues with an account of the stately and regal
manner with which the Count do Frontenac entered the lake, and the
interviews which he had with the natives. The pomp and ceremony
with which he received the deputation of the savages, the glittering
armor and polished steel which flashed and gleamed in the sun, the
waving banners gayest colors that floated in the gentle breeze, and,
above all, the roar of caution and the destructive efl"ect of shot, be-
wildered the minis of the simple-hen,rted natives, and impressed
them with awe and astonishment. The Count then related to them
in glowing colors the grandeur and importance of the king, his
master, whose humble servant he 'was, and thus conveyed a vague
but overwhelming impression of the omnipotence of the French.
"From this time forward the St. Lawrence was frequently trav-
ersed by French voyagers, and a post was established at La Galeae
(meaning in the French language a cake or nnij/in), which is sup-
posed to be near the site of Johnstown, in Canada, a short distance
below Prescott, or on Chimney island."
In 1682 Count Frontenac was recalled, and Le Fobvre
de la Barre succeeded hiin as governor-general of Canada.
The new governor managed to make himself somewhat un-
popular, and attempted a castigation of the Iroquois in the
summer of 1684, when he assembled a large force of French,
Canadians, and Indians at Frontenac. At the same time
he was industriously endeavoring to cultivate peace with
the savages through the mediation of Le Moyne, a vet-
eran pioneer of Montreal, and Father Jean de Lamberville,
a Jesuit who had long resided among the Indians as a
missionary. In endeavoring to play a double game his
calculations came to naught, for the savages were sharp
enough to understand all his manoeuvres, and to meet him
at every point, whether of diplomacy or war, and foil him
effectually. While encamped at Frontenac, his army suf-
fered terribly for want of provisions and from sickness, of
which the wily Indians were well advised, and when, through
the efforts of Le Moyne and the Jesuit, a council was finally
arranged and assembled on the eastern shore of Lake On-
tario, on September 3, the famous Onondaga orator, Garan-
ffula, in a remarkable speech, boldly exposed the designs of
the French governor, outwitted him at every point, and
sent him, chagrined and discomfited, back to Montreal,
whence he was soon after recalled by the king, and the
» " —
* Gannonoqui? from the -ff«ron, Ougli-aeanoto, a deer. — Dr. O'Cal-
LAGIIAN.
Marquis de Denonville appointed in his place. This ex-
pedition of La Barre's, on its way up the river, made La
Galettef one of its stopping-places.
In the spring of 1687, Denonville assembled a powerful
force at Frontenac, consisting of French regular troops,
Canadian militia, and a great number of Indians. The
army crossed Lake Ontario and rendezvoused at Irondequoit
bay, where it was joined by several hundred traders. Courier
des Bois, and upper lake Indians. The country of the
Seneca nation, or Canton, was invaded and laid waste, but,
in the main, very little was accomplished ; and, in 1689,
in return for this visit, fifteen hundred Iroquois made an
incursion into Canada, and laid waste the island of Mont-
real, killing and capturing a large number of the inhabi-
tants, and returning, with very little loss, triumphantly to
their own country^.
In the autumn of 1689, Denonville was recalled, and
Count Frontenac was again installed as governor-general
of Canada. Upon his arrival, he found the country in the
greatest state of alarm, and all the upper lake Indians upon
the point of going over in a body to the enemy, as the best
■ means of saving themselves from total destruction, for they
had become nearly convinced that the French could not
protect them from the dreaded Iroquois. By a series of
well-directed operations against the English frontiers, and
a firm and vigorous policy towards the Indians, Frontenac
succeeded in staying the tide that had so nearly over-
whelmed the French colonies in disaster and ruin, and
once more resumed the mastery over the western tribes
which only terminated with the final subjugation of the
French in 1760.
The following extract is from Dr. Hough's work :
" In 1720-21, Father Charlevoix, a Jesuit, undertook, by command
of the King of France, a journey to Canada. His observations, in an
epistolary form, addressed to the Duchess de Lesdiguieres, were pub-
lished at Paris in 1744; from the fifth volume of which we translate
the following extracts from a letter dated ' Catarocoui, 14th May,
1721':
"'Above the Buisson the river is a mile wide, and lands on both
sides are very good and well wooded. They begin to clear those
which arc on the north side, and it would be very easy to make a
road from the point which is over against the Island of Montreal to a
bay which they call La Calettc. They will shun by this forty leagues
of navigation, which the falls render almost impracticable and very
tedious. A fort would be much better situated and more necessary at
La Calotte than at Catarocoui, because a single canoe cannot pass
here without being seen, whereas at Catarocoui they may slip behind
the islands without being observed. Moreover, the lands about Ga-
lette are very good, and they might in consequence have always pro-
visions in plenty, which would save many charges. Besides this, a
bark might go in two days with a good wind to Niagara. One of the
objects which they had in view in building the fort Catarocoui was
the trade with the Iroquois j but these savages would come as will-
ingly to La Galette as to Catarocoui. They would have indeed some-
thing farther to go, but they would avoid a passage of eight or nine
leagues which they must make over the Lake Ontario. In short, a
fort at La Galette would cover the whole country which is between the
great river of the Outaouais and the river St. Lawrencej for they
cannot come into this country on the side of the river St. Lawrence
because of the falls, and nothing is more easy than to guard the
banks of the river of the Outaouais. I have tljese remarks from a
commissary of the marine (M. de Clerambaut d'Aigrcmont), who was
sent by the King to visit all the distant posts of Canada. . . . From
Coteau du Lac to Lake St. Francois is l)ut a good half league. This
lake, which I passed on the fifth, is seven leagues long and three at
the widest pla.oo. The land on both sides is low, but appears to be
good. The course from Montreal to this is a little to the southwest,
and the lake St. Franfois runs west-southwest and east-northeast. I
encamped just above it, and in the night was aroused by piercing
cries as of persons in distress. I was at first alarmed, but soon re-
f A short distance below Ogdcnsburg, on the Canada side.
28
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
covered myself when they told me they "were hnars, a kind of cormo-
rants.'-'- They added that these cries prognosticated winds on the
morrow, which proved true.
" ' The sixth 1 passed the Chesuaux du Lac, thus called from some
channels which form a great number of islands which almost cover
the river in this place. I never saw a country more charming, and
the lands appear good. The rest of the day was speot in passing the
rapids, the principal one of which they call Le Moulinet (The YortexJ :
it is frightful to behold, and we had much trouble in passing it. T
went, however, that day seven leagues and encamped at the foot of
the Long Saut, which is a rapid half a lea.gue long, which canoes
cannot ascend with more than half a load. We passed it at seven in
the morning, and sailed at three o'clock p.m. ; but the rain obliged
us to encamp, and detained us the following day. There fell on the
eighth [May] a little snow, and at night it froze as it does iu Prance
in the month of January. We were nevertheless under the same
parallels as Languedoc. On the ninth wo passed the Rapide Plat
[opposite the village of Waddington], distant from the Saut about
seven leagues and five from Des (laloti^, which is the last of the
rapids. La Galette is a league and a hiilf farther, and we arrived
there on the tenlh. I could not sufficiently admire the beauty of the
country between this bay and Les Galots, It is impossible to see
finer forests, and I especially notice some oaks of extraordinary
height.
" ' Five or six leagues from La Galette is an island called Tonihata,"!"
where the soil appears fertile, and which is about half a league long.
An Iroquois, whom they call the Quaker, I know not why, a very
sensible man and very affectionate to the French, obtained the do-
minion of it from the late Count de Frontenac, and shows his patent of
concession to whoever wishes to see it. He has nevertheless sold the
lordship for four pots of brandy, but has reserved to himself all other
profits of the land, and has assembled here eighteen or twenty fami-
lies of his nation. I arrived on the twelfth at his island and paid
him, a visit. I found him laboring in his garden, which is not the.
custom of savages ; but he affects all the customs of the French. He
received me very kindly, and wished to regale me, but the beauty of
the weather invited me to prosecute my journey. I took my leave of
him, and went to pass the night two leagues from thence in a very
fine place.
*' * r had still thirteen leagues to Catarocoui : the weather was fine
and the night very clear, which induced me to embark at three o'clock
.in the morning. We passed through the midst of a kind of archi-
pelago, which they call Mille/des [Thousand Isles]. I believe there
are about five hundred. When wc had passed these, we had a league
and a half lo reach Catarocoui, The river is more open, and at least
half a league wide: then we leave upon the right three great bays, very
deep, and the fort is built in the third. This fort is square, with
four bastions built with stone ; and the ground it occupies is a quarter
of a league in circuit, and its situation has really something very
delightful. The banks of the river present in every way a varied
scenery, and it is the same at the entrance of Lake Ontario, which is
but a short league distant: it is studded with islands of different
sizes, all well wooded, and nothing bounds the horizon on that side.
This lake for some time bore the name of Saint Louis, afterwards
that of Frontenac, as well as the fort of Catarocoui, of which the
Count -de Frontenac was the founder; but insensibly the lake has
gained its ancient name, which is Huron or Iroquois, and the fort
that of the place where it is built. The soil from this place to La
Galette appears rather barren ; but it is only on the edges, it being
very good farther back. Opposite the fort is a very fine island in
the midst of the river. They placed some swine upon it, which have
multiplied and given it the name of hie des Porca [Hog island, now
Grand island]. There are two other islands somewhat smaller, which
are lower and half a league apart : one is named Vhle aux Gedres, and
the other Vide aux Cerfs [Cedar island and Stag island, neither of
which names are now retained].
" ' The bay of Catarocoui is double ; that is to say, that almost, in
the midst of it is a point which runs out a great way, under which
there is good anchorage for large barks. M. de la Salle, so famous
for his discoveries and his misfortunes, who was lord of Catarocoui
and governor of the fort, had two or three vessel.s here which were
sunk in this place, and remain there still. Behind the fort is a marsh,
where a great variety of wild game gives pleasant occupation for the
garrison.
" * There was formerly a great trade here, especially with the Iro-
quois; and it was to entice them to us, as well as to hinder their car-
rying their skins to the English and to keep these savages in awe,
that the fort was built. But this trade did not last long, and the
fort has not hindered the barbarians from doing us a •'reat deal of
mischief. They have still some families here on the outskirts of the
place; and also some Miesisnguez, an Alffonqnin nation, which still
have a village on the west side of Lake Ontario, another at Niagara,
and a third at Detroit.'
"An English writer (JeffcrsJ has written a book, entitled, 'The
French Dominion in America' (London, 1760, folio), in which he
has freely quoted without acknowledgment, from Charlevoix and
other French writers, statements of facts and descriptions of places
of which he evidently had no knowledge beyond what he derived
from these works.
* Probably loons.
t Indian Jlut island.
"The following is an extract from this writer (p. 15), which may
be compared with the translation from Charlevoix which we have
given :
*" A fourth rift, two leagues and a half hence, is called therift of St.
Francis, from whence to Lake St. Francis you have only half a league.
This lake is several leagues in length, and almost three in breadth
where broadest. The land on both sides is low, but appears to be of
an excellent soil. The route from Montreal hither lies a little towards
the southwest, and the Lake St. Francis runs west-southwest and
east-northeast.
" ' From hence you come to the Ckeanenux du Lac, for thus are CEtlled
those channels formed by a cluster of islands, which take up almost
the whole breadth of the river at this place. The soil seems here
extraordinarily good, and never was prospect move charming than
that of the country about it. The most remarkable falls here are
that of the Moulinet, which is even frightful to behold,;]: and exceeding
difficult to get through, and that called the Long Fall, half a league
in length, and passable only to canoes half loaded.
" 'The next you come to is called the Flat Rift [Bapide du Plat,
opposite Ogden's island and the village of Waddington], about seven
leagues above the Long Fall, and five below that called Les Galots,
which is the last of the falls. La Galette lies a league farther, and
no one can be weary of admiring the extraordinary beauty of the
country, and of the noble forests which overspread all the lands about
this bay and La Galette, particularly the vast woods of oak of a
prodigious height. A fort would perhaps be better situated and much
more necessary at La Galette than at Cadarnqui, for this reason, that
not so much as a single canoe could pass without being seen ; whereas,
at Cadaraqui they may easily sail behind the isles without being per-
ceived at all. The lands moreover about La Galette are excellent,
whence there would always be plenty of provisions, which would be no
small saving.
'*' And, besides, a vessel could very well go from La Galette to
Niagara in two days, with a fair wind. One motive for building the
fort at Cadaraqui was the convonieney of trading with the Iroquois,
But those Indians would as willingly go to La Galette as to the other
place. Their way, indeed, would be much longer, but then it would
save them a traverse of eight or nine leagues on Lake Ontario; not
to mention that a fort i.t La Galette would secure all the country
lying between the great river of the Outawais and the river St. Law-
rence; for this country is inaccessible on the side of the river, on
account of the rifts, and nothing is more jiracticable than to defend
the banks of the great river; at least, these are the sentiments of
those sent by the court of France to visit all the different posts of
Canada.
" * One league and a half from La Galette, on the opposite shore,
at the mouth of the Oswegatchi river, the French have lately built
the fort La Presentation, which commands that river, and keeps open
a communication, by land, between-Lake Champlain and this place.
*' ' Four leagues above La Presentation is the isle called Tonihata,
about half a league in length, and of a very good soil. An Iroquois,
called by the French writers, for what reason we are not told, the
Quaker, a man of good natural sense, and much attached to the
French nation, had, as they say, got the dominion of this island of
Count of Frontenac, the patent of which, it seems, he was proud of
showing to anybody.
" * He sold his lordship for a gallon of brandy, reserving, however,
the profits to himself, and taking care to settle eighteen or twenty
families of his own nation upon this island.
" ' It is ten leagues hence to Cadaraqui, and on your way to this
place you pass through a sort of archipel, called the Thousand Islep,
and there may possibly be about five hundred. From hence to Ca-
daraqui they reckon four leagues.
" ' The river here is freer and opener, and the breadth half a league.
On the right arc three deep bays, in the third of which stands Fort
Cadaraqui or Frontenac*
"From the earliest period of their settlement the French appear
to have been solicitous to withdraw the Iroquois from the interests of
the English, and to establish them near their own borders, as well to
secure their religious as their political adherence to their interests.
To effect their conversion. Father Ragueneau was sent to Onondaga,
in 1657-58; Isaac Jogues to the Moliawlca (among whom he had been
a captive previously), in 1646; Frs. Jos. Lemercicr to Onondaga, in
1656-58; Frs. Duperon to Onondaga, in 1657-58 ; Simon Le Moyne to
Onondaga, in 1654-, and subsequently to the Mohawks and Sciiecas;
and many others, but none with more success than Jacques de Lain-
berville, who was among the Mohaioks in 1657-58, subsequently at
Onondaga, which place he left in 1686, and again, in 1703 to 1709,
he was engaged most zcalgusly in his work of proselyting to his faith
the Indians of New York.
*' The result of the labors of these missionaries was the emigration
of a part of the Mohawk tribe, iu 1675-76, to the Saut St. Louis; in
the vicinity of Montreal. Some account of this emigration is given
X This is probably what is known at present as the Lost Channel,
on the north side of Long Saut island. It has within a year or two
been descended by steamers and found safe, although the war of
waters is frightful.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
29
by Charlevoix, which will here be given as a spccimeu of the zealous
devotion and religious strain in which the Catholic writers of that
period were accustomed to speak and write, rather than for its im-
portance as a historical document.
"The success of their enterprise was proportioned to the zeal and
energy with which it was prosecuted. The room in which Charle-
voix dwelt while at this mission of the Saut St. Louis is still pointed
out to visitors, and the table on which he wrote forms a part of the
furniture of the priest's house at that mission.
"Prom 'Charlevoix's Journals of Travels in North America,' vol-
ume v. page 258, and subsequently. Letter to the Duchess de Les-
diguiercs :
"'Saut St. Lours, May 1, 1721.
" * Madame, — I have come to this place to spend a part of Easter.
It is a period of devotion, and everything in this village is suggest-
ive of pious emotions. All the religious exercises are performed in a
very edifying manner, and leave an impression of fervor on the minds
of the habitants; for it is certain that it has long been the case in
Canada that we may witness the brightest examples of heroic virtue
with which God has been wont to adorn the growing church. The
manner itself in which it has been formed is very marvelous.
" ' The missionaries, after having for a long time moistened the
cantons of the Iroquoin with their sweat, and some even with their
blood, lostj at length, all hope of establishing there the Christian re-
ligion upon a solid basis, but not of drawing a great number of sav-
ages under the yoke of the faith. They felt that God had among these
barbarians his elect, as in all nations, but they were convinced that
to nsnure their calling and their election it was necessary to separate
them from their compatriots, and they formed the resolution of estab-
lishing in the colony all those whom they found disposed to embrace
Christianity. Thoy opened their design to the governor-general and
the intendant, who carried their views still further, not only ap-
proving them, but conceiving that this establishment would be very
serviceable to New France, as in fact it has been, as well as another,
much like it, which had been established in the isle of Montreal,
under the name of La Montague, of which the members of the semi-
nary of St. Sulpice have always had the direction.
" ' To return to that which served as a model for the others : One of
the missionaries of the Iroquoia opened his design to some of the
Mohawka. They approved it, and especinlly that Canton which had
always most strongly opposed the ministers of the gospel, and where
they had often been most cruelly treated. Thus, to the great wonder
of French and savages, were seen these inveterate enemies of God,
and of our nation, touched with his victorious grace, which thus
deigned to triumph in the hardest and most rebellious hearts, aban-
doning all that they held most dear in the world to receive nothing,
that they may serve the Lord with more freedom. A sacrifice more
heroic still for savages than other people, because none arc more at-
tached than they to their families and their natal land. The number
was much augmented in a short time; in part, from the zeal of the
first proselytes who composed this chosen band.'
" This measure led to much persecution, and the converts were
often tortured to compel them to renounce the faith. Others were
confined in miserable dungeons in New York, from which they could
be liberated only by abjuring their new religion, or^ at least, by
promising to leave the French. M, de Saint Valier thus wrote in
168S: * The ordinary life of all the Christians at this mission has
nothing usual, and one would take the whole village to be a monas-
tery. As they only left the goods of their country to seek safety,
they practice on all sides the most perfect disengagement, and pre-
serve among each other so perfect order for their sanctifieation, that
it would be difficult to add anything to it.'
" These savages, of course, carried with them their language and
customs, but the latter gradually became adapted to those of the
French, who labored to abolish those national ceremonies, and sub-
stitute in their place an observance of the ritual and requirements
of the Catholic religion. This measure succeeded so well that, at
the present day, the oldest Indians at the missions have lost all
recollection of the existence of their ancient customs, and do not
preserve the memory of national ceremonies of the olden time."
FIRST SETTLEMENT AT OGDENSBURG.
The emigration to Canada from among the Indians con-
tinued through many years, and at length, in 1749, led to
the establishment of a missionary station and fort at the
mouth of the river La Presentation (Oswegatohie), by
Francis Picquet, a Sulpician.
The following account of the early settlement of Ogdens-
burg is from the " Documentary History of New York,"
vol. i. page 277, and is a translation from the Paris docu-
ments in the State library at Albany :
" A large number of Iroquois savages having declared their willing-
ness to embrace Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a
mission in the neighborhood of Fort Frontenac. Abb6 Picquet, a.
zealous missionary in whom the nations have evinced much confi-
dence, has taken charge of it, and of testing, as much as possible,
what reliance is to bo placed on the dispositions of the Indians.'^'
" Nevertheless, as M. de la Gallisonni&re had remarked, in the
month of October, 1748, that too much dependence ought not to be
placed on them, M. de la JonquiSre was written to on the 4th of May,
1749, that he should neglect nothing for the formation of this estab-
lishment, because, if it at all succeeded, it would not be difiieult to give
the Indians to understand that the only means they had to relieve
themselves of the pretensions of the English to their lands was the
destruction of Chouegucn, which they founded solely with a view to
bridle these nations; but it was necessary to be prudent and circum-
spect to induce the savages to undertake it.
"21st 8ber, 1749. — M. do la Jonquiere sends a plan drawn by
Sieur de L6ry of the ground selected by the Abbe Picquet for his
mission, and a letter from that abbe, containing a relation of his
voyage and the situation of the place.
"He says he left the 4th of May of last year, with twenty-five
Frenchmen and four //'oiyxois Indians; he arrived the 30th at the
River de la Presentation, called Soegatzy.f The land there is the
finest in Canada. There is oak timber in abundance, and trees of
a prodigious size and height, but it will be necessary, for the de-
fense of the settlement, to fell them without permission. Picquet
reserved sufficient on the land he had cleared to build a barque.
" He then set about building a store-house to secure his efTects ; he
next had erected a small fort of pickets, and he will have a small
bouse constructed which will serve as a bastion.:|;
"Sieur Picquet had a. special interview with the Indians; they
were satisfied with all he had done, and assured him they were will-
ing to follow his advice, and to immediately establish their village.
To accomplish this, they are gone to regulate their affairs, and have
promised to return with their provisions.
"The situation of this post is very advantageous; it is on the
borders of the River de la Presentation, at the head of all the rapids,
on the west side of a beautiful basin formed by that river, capable of
easily holding forty or fifty barques.
" In all parts of it there has been found at least two fathoms and
a half of water, and often four fathoms. This basin is so located
that no wind scarcely can prevent its being entered. The bank is
very low, in a level country, the point of which runs far out. The
passage across is hardly a quarter of a league, and all the canoes
going up or down cannot pass elsewhere. A fort on this point
would be impregnable; it would be impossible to approach, and
nothing commands it. The east side is more elevated, and runs, by
a gradual inclination, into an amphitheatre. A beautiful town could
hereafter be built here.
" This post is, moreover, so much the more advantageous, as the
English and Iroquois can easily descend to Montreal by the River de
la Presentation, which has its source in a lake bordering on the Mo-
hawks and Corlar. If they take possession of this river, they will
■* The following extract from Paris Document X. furnishes the
date of the Abbe Picquet's departure to establish his colony on the
Oswegatchie river: " 30th Sept., 1748. — The Abb6 Picquet departs
from Quebec for Fort Frontenac; he is to look in the neighborhood
of that fort for a location best adapted for a village for the Iroquois
of the Five Nations, who propose to embrace Christianity."
f This name is variously spelled, Soegatzy, Souegatzy, Swegatchie,
Chougatchie, Seogasti, Swegage, Suegatzi, Swegassie, Oswegatchie,
etc.
J A tablet of sandstone was placed in the wall of the mission-house
erected by Father Picquet, bearing the following inscription:
In nomine "j" Dei omnipoteutis
Huic hahitationi initia dedit
Frans. Picquet 1749.
Translated, this reads as follows : "Francis Picquet laid the foun-
dations of this habitation, in the name of the Almighty God, in 1749."
In 1831, this tablet was found among the ruins by Amos Bacon,
and inserted over the door of the State Arsenal.
30
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
block the passage to Fort Frontenac, and more easily assist Clioue-
guen. Whereas, by means of a fort at the point, it would be easy to
have a force there in case of need to dispatch to Choueguen, and to
intercept the English and Indians who may want to penetrate into
the colony, and the voyage to Missilimakinac could be made in
safety.
"Moreover, this establishment is only thirty-five leagues from
Montreal, twenty-five from Fort Frontenac, and thirty-three from
Choueguen,® — a distance sufBoient to remove the Indians from the
disorders which the proximity of forts and towns ordinarily engen-
ders among them. It is convenient for the reception of the Lake
Ontario and more distant Indians.
"Abbe Picquet's views are to accustom these Indi.ins to raise
cows, hogs, and poultry j there are beautiful prairies, acorns, and
wild oats.
" On the other hand, it can be so regulated that the bateaux carry-
ing goods to the posts may stop at La Presentation. The cost of
freight would become smaller ; men could be found to convey those
bateaux at fifteen to twenty livres instead of forty-five and fifty
livres, which are given for the whole voyage. Other bateaux of La
Presentation would convey them farther on, and the first would take
in return plank, boards, and other timber, abundant there. This
timber would not come to more than twelve or fifteen livres, whilst
they are purchased at sixty-eight livres at Montreal, and sometimes
more. Eventually this post will be able to supply Fort Frontenac
with provisions, which will save the king considerable expense.
"TheAbb6 Picquet adds in his letter that he examined in his
voyage the nature of the rapids of the Fort Frontenac river, verj'
important to secure to us the possession of Lake Ontario, on which
the English have an eye. The most dangerous of those ra|)ids, in
number fourteen, arc the Trou (the Hole), and the Buisson (the
Thicket). Abb6 Picquet points out a mode of rendering this river
navigable ; and, to meet the expenses, he proposes a tax of ten livres
on each canoe sent up, and nn ecu (fifty cents) on each of the crew,
which, according to him, will produce three thousand livres, a sum
sutficient for the workmen.
"Messrs. de la Jonquiere and Bigot remark that they find this
establishment necessary, as well as the erection of a saw-mill, as it
will diminish the expense in the purchase of timber ; but, as regards
the rapids, they will verify them in order to ascertain if, in fact, the
river can be rendered navigable, and they will send an estimate of
the works.
" They have caused five cannon of two-pound calibre to be sent to
the Abbe Picquet for his little fort, so as to give confidence to his
Indians and to persuade them that they will be in security there.
" M. de la Jonquiere in particular says he will see if the proprietors
of bateaux would eontribnte towards the expense necessary to be in-
curred for the rapids; but he asks that convicts from the galleys or
people out of work {gens inutiles) be sent every year to him to culti-
vate the ground. He is in want of men, and the few he has exact
high wages.
"1st 8ber, 1749. — M. Bigot also sends a special memoir of the
expense incurred by Abbd Picquet for improvements (defrichemcns),
amounting to three thousand four hundred and eighty-five livres ten
sous.f Provisions were also furnished him for himself and workmen
and this settlement is only commenced. M. de la Jonquiere cannot
dispense with sending an oflioer there and some soldiers. Sieur de la
Morandiere, engineer, is to be sent there this winter to draw out »
plan of quarters for these soldiers and a store for provisions. If
there be not a garrison at that post a considerable foreign trade will
be carried on there.
"7th 9ber, 1749.— Since all these letters M. de la Jonquiere has
written another, in which he states that M. de Longueil informed him
that a band of savages, believed to be Mohatolu, had attacked Sieur
Picquet's mission on the 26th of October last; that Sieur de Vassau,
commandant of Fort Frontenac, had sent a detachment thither, which
could not prevent the burning of two vessels, loaded with hay, and
the palisades of the fort. Abb6 Picquet's house alone was saved.
" The loss by fire is considerable. It would have been greater were
«- Ogdensbnrg is 105 miles from Montreal, 60 from Kingston, Can.
and about 90 from Oswego. The distances laid down in the text are
very accurate, considering the time and the circumstances.— Dr.
O'Callaoiian.
t Equal to $653.23.
it not for four Abenakis, who furnished on this occasion a proof of
their fidelity. The man named Perdreaux had half the hand carried
away. His arm had to be cut off. One of the Abenakis received the
discharge of a gun, the ball of which remained in his blanket.
"M. de Longueil has provided everything necessary. M. de la
Jonquiere gave him orders to have a detachment of ten soldiers sent
there, and he will take measures next spring to secure that post. M.
de la JonquiSro adds that the savages were instigated to this attack
by the English. The Iroquois, who were on a complimentary visit
at Montreal, were surprised at it, and assured M. de Longueil that
it could only be Colonel Amson [Johnson ?] who could have induced
them. He omitted nothing to persuade those same Iroquois to under-
take this expedition and to prevent them going to compliment the
governor, having offered them belts, which they refused."
Father Picquet, having fortified his po.sition in the year
1751, commenced the erection of a saw-mill for the use of
his settlement and the government.
In a document entitled, " Titles and Documents relating
to the Seignorial Tenure," made to the Legislative Assembly
of Canada in 1851, and published at Quebec in 1852, is a
copy of the French grant to him. It is taken from pages
299 and 300, and runs as follows :
"Le Marquis de la Josqui£re, Etc.
" FRAN901S Bigot, Etc.
'' On the representation made to us by Monsieur l'Abb6 Piquet,
priest, missionary of the Indians of La Presentation, that in virtue
of the permission which we gave him last year he is building a saw-
mill on the river called La Presentation or Souegatzy, with the view
of contributing to the establishment of that new mission; but that
for the usefulness of the said mill, it is necessary that there should
be attached thereto a tract of land in the neighborhood on which to
receive the saw-logs, as well as the boards and other lumber: where-
fore he prays that we would grant him a concession en ceusive of one
arpent:J; and a half in front on the said river, — that is to say, three-
fourths of an arpent on each side of the said mill, by one arpcnt and
a half in depth, having regard to the promises.
" We, in virtue of the power jointly intrusted to us by His Majesty,
have given, granted, and conceded, and by these presents do give,
grant, and concede unto the Abb6 Piquet the said extent of land of
one arpent and a half in front, by the same depth, as herein above
described : to have and to hold the said unto him and his assigns in
full property forever, on condition that the said tract of land, and the
mill erected thereon, cannot be sold or given to any person holding in
mortmain (gens de main morte), in which ease His Majesty shall ve-
eater plena jure into the possession of the said tract of land and mill;
also, on condition of the yearly payment of five sola of rente and six
deniers of cens, payable to His Majesty's domain, on the festival-day
of St. Kemy, the first of October each year, the first payment of
which shall be due on the 1st October of next year, 1752 ; the said
cens bearing profit of lods et venles, saisbie et amende, agreeably to
the custom of Paris followed in this country ; and that he shall have
these presents confirmed within one year.
" In testimony whereof, etc.
"At Quebec, the 10th of October, 1751.
" Signed La JonqdiSre, and
" True Copy. Bigot." Bigot.
In a letter to Governor Clinton, dated Aug. 18, 1750,
Col. Johnson makes mention of this post in the following
terms :
"The next thing of conseqence he (an Indian sachem) told me was
that ho had heard from several Indians that the Governor had given
orders to the Priest, who is now settled below Cadaraqui, to use all
means possible to induce the five Nations to settle there, for which
end they have a large magazine of all kinds of clothing fitted for the
Indians, as also Arms, Ammunition, Provisions, &c., which they dis-
tribute very liberally."
X An arpent is a hundred porches of land, eighteen feet to the
perch, or about three-quarters of an acre. This is an old French
land measure.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
31
The same to the board of health, Aug. 28, 1756 :
" The OiiundaguK and Oneidas arc in tho neighborhood of Swe-
gatchie, a French settlement on the river St. Lawrence, whither num-
bers of those two Nations have of late years been dchauclied and
gone to live. Though our Indians do not now resort to those places
as frequently and familiarly as they formerly did, yet some among
them do occasionally visit there, ivhen tho French, and tho Indians in
their interest, poison the minds of ours with stories, not only to tho
disadvantage of our good intentions towards them, but endeavor to
frighten them with pompous accounts of the superior prowess and
martial abilities of the French."
The attempt of the French to establish a mission at Os-
wegatehie naturally excited the jealousies of the English,
whose relations with their Canadian neighbors were every
day tending to open hostilities. The industry of the French
in founding establishments among the Indian tribes at this
period suflSciently evinces the anxiety they felt to secure
the interest and influence of the savages to the prejudice of
the English colonies. Tho following communication from
Lieut. Lindesay to Col. Johnson relates to the station at
Swegagc, or La Presentation, shortly before founded :
" Oswr.GO, ISIh July, 1751.
" This day came here from' Niagra the Bunt and the Black Prince's
son, with their fighters. He first gave me an account how it had
fared with them: told me he found two forts built by the French
since he went out; one at Nigra, carrying place, and the other by
John Cair on the river Ohieo. He said he heard a bird sing that a
great many Indians from his castle, and others from the five nations,
were going to Swegage : all this, he said, grived him, and he saw
things going very wrong ; and if a stop was not put to it. the five
nations wou'd be ruined soon. He said he was come home, for he
lookt on this place as such : that he was both hungry and poor; and
hoped, as I represented the Governor and Coll. Johnson here, I would
assist him in a little provisions and clothing to his fighters. I told
him was sorrey for the loss he had sustained, but was glad to find
his thoughts and mine the same as to the French's building forts, and
the Indians going to Swegage; and told him how wrong it was in
our Indjans going to Cannada, and the consequencess that would at-
tend it, in the best light I could. He agreed with me in all I said,
and promised to do everything in his power to have things better
managed, and likewise promised in the strongest terms to all Coll.
Johnson would desire of him. I gave him provisions and cloathing,
&c. for his people, to the value of five pounds above what he gave
me when he spoke, which was three bevers.
" 27th. This day came the Couse, and some other Sinaka sacham,
in order to go to Cannada. He came to see me, and told me he was
sent by the consent of the five nations to go to the Govn. of Cannada
about the building the above said two forts, Ac. I told him the con-
sequence of Indjans going there; but as he is intirely French, all I
said was to no purpose, though he seeni'd to own the force of what I
said, as all the other Indjans did, and I belive all but him might
have been stopt ; but as things are, I could do no more.
"By all the Indjans that have been here, I find the French army
landed at Nigra about the 26th July, in 20 large canoes, to tho num-
ber of 250 or 300 French, with 200 Arondaks and Annogongcrs; they
are to gather all the Indians as they pase, and allso French, and will
at least amount to 1000 or 1200 French and Indjans. Their designs
is to drive the English of that are at or near Ohieo, and oblidge the
Meomies to come and live whore they shall order them. All the Ind-
jans who have been here, say they and all Indians are to join them.
While the Bunt was here, I had him always with me, and did all lay
in my powar to oblidge him. He showed the greatist sence of it, and
said he would allways do what I asked, as he allways had done. He
is much inclined to us; and am convinced that if Coll. Johnson sends
for him, he will come and take our affairs in hand hertily; and I
think he hath it more in his powar then any to bring things to rights,
nor is it to be done without him. This is my sentiments, and I hope
you will pardon my liberty in giveing them. If you approve of what
I have said, and desire me to bring him down with me. He do my
indeavours, and he never yet hath refused what^ I asked of him.
There are some French here, who mett the army about hundred miles
to the west of Nigra. John Lindesay.
" To the Honourable Coll. Wm. Johhson."*
On June 19, 1754, there assembled at Albany the cele-
brated Congress of Representatives from the several Eng-
lish colonies to agree upon a. plan of union for the common
defense against the encroachments of the French and the
hostilities of the Indians, who were incited by them to
make inroads upon the back settlements of the English.
Among the commissioners from the several colonies ap-
peared those who afterwards shone with distinguished repu-
tation in the Revolutionary War, and none more so than
Benjamin Franklin.
The measure which was the great object of this con-
gress ultimately failed, from its strong republican tendency,
which alarmed the minions of royalty then in power; but
several points of interest were discussed, which have a
direct relation with our subject. In the representation of
the affairs of the colonies, which was agreed upon, were
the following statements :
" That the Lake Champlain, formerly called Lake Iroquois, and
the country southward of it as far as the Dutch or English settle-
ments, the Lakes Ontario, Erie, and all the countries adjacent, have,
by all ancient authors, French and English, been allowed to belong
to the Five Cantons or Nations; and the whole of these countries,
long before the treaty of Utrecht, were by said nations put under the
protection of the Crown of Great Britain. . . .
" That they [the French] arc continually drawing off" the Indians
from the British interest, and have lately persuaded one-half of the
Onondaga tribe, with many from the other nations along with them,
to remove to a place called Oswegatchie, on the river Cadaraqui,
where they have built them a church and fort; and many of the
Senecas, the most numerous nation, appear wavering, and rather
inclined to the French ; and it is a melancholy consideration that
not more than one hundred and fifty men of all the several nations
have attended this treaty, although they had notice that all the
governments would be here by their commissioners, and that a large
present would be given."")"
Hendrick, the Mohawle\ chief, warrior, and orator, and
ever the firm friend of the English, endeavored to dissuade
the confederates of New York from joining the settlement
at Oswegatchie ; and at a conference of the Indian tribes
with Sir William Johnson, held at Mount Johnson, Sept.
24, 1753, he thus addressed them in a speech replete with
native eloquence and rhetorical ornament :
" It grieves me sorely to find the road hither so grown up with
weeds for want of being used, and your fire almost expiring at Onon-
daga, where it was agreed by the wisdom of our ancestors that it
should never be extinguished. You know it was a saying among
them that when the fire was out here you would be no longer a
people.
" I am now sent by your brother, the governor, to clear the road,
and make up the fire with such wood as will never burn out; and I
earnestly desire you will take care to keep it up, so as to be found
always the same when he shall send among you. — A belt.
" I have now renewed the fire, swept and cleared all your rooms
with a new white wing, and leave it hanging near the fire-place, that
you may use it for cleaning all dust, dirt, etc., which may have been
brought in by strangers, no friends to you or us. — A string of wam-
pum.
« See Doc. Hist. New York, vol. ii. p. 623.
f A full account of the proceedings of this congress will be found
in the 2d vol. Doc. Hist, of New York, pp. 645-517.
{ Killed in battle near Lake George in 1755.
32
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"I am sorry to find, on my arriyal among you, that the fine shady
tree which was planted hy your forefathers for your ease and shelter
should be now leaning, being almost blown down by northerly winds.
I shall now endeavor to set it upright, that it may fiourish as for-
merly, while its roots spread abroad, so that when we sit or stand on
them, you will feel them shake : should any storm blow, then should
you be ready to secure it. — A belt.
" Tour fire now burns clearly at the old place. The tree of shelter
and protection is set up and flourishes. I must now insist upon your
quenching that fire made with brambles at Swegachey, and recall those
to their proper home who have deserted thither. I cannot leave dis-
suading you from going to Canada ; the French are a delusive people,
always endeavoring to divide you as much as they can, nor will they
let slip any opportunity of making advantage of it. 'Tis formi-
dable news we hear that the French are making a descent upon the
Ohio: 'Is it with your consent or leave that they proceed in this
extraordinary manner, endeavoring by force of arms to dispossess
your own native allies, as well as your own brethren, the English,
and establishing themselves?' . . — A largo belt."
At a general meeting of the Six Nations, held at Onon-
daga, they replied to the foregoing speech and that of the
governor, through their speaker. Red Head, as follows :
" We acknowledge with equal concern with you that the road
between us has been obstructed and almost grown up with weeds ;
that our fire is scattered and almost extinct. Wo return you our
most hearty thanks for recruiting the fire with such wood as will
burn clear and not go out; and we promise that we shall, with the
utmost care, dress and keep it up, as we are sensible from what has
been said by our forefathers, that the neglect of it would be our ruin.
—A belt.
" We know very well the use of the white wing you recommended,
and are determined to use it to sweep out whatever may hinder the
fire from burning with a pure flame. — A string.
''You may depend upon our care in defending the tree which you
have replanted from the inclemency of the high winds from Canada.
Weare full of acknowledgments for your care and admonitions, and
be assured we shall watch every threatening cloud from thence, that
wo may be ready to prop it up. — A belt.
"We rejoice that we see the fire barn pure where it should doj the
tree of shelter look strong and fiourishing. And you may depend
upon our quenching that false fire at Swegachey, and doing all we
can to recall our brothers, too often seduced that way. Tho' wc did
not conceive we had done so much amiss in going thither, when we
observe that you white people pray, and we had no nearer place to
,learn to pray, and have our children baptized than that. However,
as you insist upon it, we will not go that way nor be any more
divided. I must now say it is not with our consent that the French
have committed any hostilities in Ohio. We know what you Chris-
tians, English and French together, intend. We are so hemmed in
by both that we have hardly a hunting-place left. In a little while,
if we find a bear in a tree, there will immediately appear an owner
of the land to challenge the property and hinder us from killing it,
which is our livelihood. We are so perple.-ied between both that we
hardly know what to say or think." — A belt.
The sentiment expressed at the close of this last address
is so true and so melancholy, that it cannot fail to excite our
sympathy at the fate of the unfortunate race of which, and
by which, it was spoken. The unlettered savages, in the
simplicity of artless nature, and prompted by a sentiment
of benevolence which has been but illy requited, admitted
the European settlers to their lands, and proffered the hand
of friendship. When once established, the whites, finding
themselves superior to their rude neighbors in the arts of
trade, failed not in most instances to avail themselves of this
advantage, and overreach them in traffic, corrupt their
morals, and impart to them the vices without the benefits
of civilization.
Under these influences, the presage of the orator just
quoted has been soon and sadly realized, and the red man
has retreated before the march of that civilization which he
could not adopt, and those habits of industry which are at
variance with his nature. Like the wild-flower that flour-
ishes only in the shade, and withers in the sun as soon as
its primitive thicket is gone, the race has vanished, leaving
the homes and the graves of their ancestors for the wild-
ness of the western forests, whence in a few years they must
ao'ain retreat, until the last of the race has disappeared.
In an account of a military expedition consisting of a
French regiment under De Bearre, which ascended the St.
Lawrence in 1755, for the purpose of promoting the mili-
tary operations which the French were carrying on at that
time along the great lakes and western rivers, we find the
following description of the works at La Presentation :*
" On the 28th [of July, 1755] ascended the two Galois rapids which
are dangerous, doubled the Point 4 Livrogne, and crossed from the
north to the south, to encamp under Fort Presentation, which is six
(?) leagues from the end of the rapids. This fort consists of four bat-
tlements, in the form of bastions, of which the curtains are palisades.
It is sufficient to resist s,avagcs, but could be but poorly defended
against troops who might attack it, and who could easily succeed.
On the 29th, doubled two points, notwithstanding the wind blew
with violence against us, and encamped upon Point aux Barils, at
three leagues. On the 30th, passed the Thousand Islands, the river
Toniata, and camped on an island very poorly adapted for the pur-
pose, opposite a small strait a distance of seven leagues. On the 31st,
crossed two large bays. Met in the former two canoes coming from
Detroit, the conductors of whom said that the English had been
defeated on the Ohio."
The Abbe Picquet joined this expedition, with thirty-
eight of his warriors, on the 12th of September, who de-
sired to accompany the expedition to make prisoners at
Choueguen. He left on the 16th, and rejoined at the Isle
of Tonti.
On the 25th his savages brought in two prisoners, having
slain three who resisted them. These prisoners informed
them that the fort at Oswego had been largely reinforced.
Picquet left on the 26th to take his savages and his prisoners
to Montreal to M. de Vaudreuil.
At the attack upon Port George, which resulted in its
capitulation, under Lieutenant-Colonel Munro, Aug. 9,
1757, a company of Iroquois warriors were present, under
the command of De Longueil Sabervois. The Abb6 Picquet,
Sulpician missionary, is also enumerated as among the
French force.
In " Pouchot's Memoirs,'' page 38, the writer, in speaking
of a reinforcement of troops for Fort Frontenac, says the
commander was instructed in case the fort was in the pos-
session of the English (which was feared) to occupy and
fortify some point at or near La Presentation. This was in
1755.
An embassy of the Five Nations held an interview with
M. de Montcalm, April 24, 1757, to which measure they
were inclined from the successes of the French in the last
campaign, which resulted in the capture of Oswego. This
council was addressed by orators from each of the Indian
tribes, but a passage occurs in the original account of this
councilf which is important, as showing the standing of
the Oswegatchies among their Indian neighbors at that
period ;
" There were also in attendance the Iroquoia of La Presentation,
* See Paris Documents, vol. x. p. 213.
f Paris Documents, vol. xiii. p. 124.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
33
who were present at all the deliberations, but spoke not separately
and in their own name. The reason was that they had been domi-
ciled bi^t a short time; they regarded themselTes still as the 'fag
ends' \naUe\ of the Iroquois, who call the village of La Presentation
the tail of the Five Nations."
In a note to this in the original, this mission is men-
tioned as having been founded by the zeal of the Abb6
Picquet, a Sulpician, and as equally important for religion
as for the state.
In July, 1758, M. du Plessis was ordered to take post at
La Presentation with 1800 men, and cover the frontier.
Subsequently this officer proceeded to Frontenac. It would
appear from the French accounts that Sieur the Chevalier
Benoit, a Parisian, was left at La Presentation with a small
force. In October, 1758, Du Plessis was ordered by the
governor-general, M. de Vaudreuil, to return, and the Che-
valier Benoit was oi-dered to proceed to Frontenac, from
La Presentation, and take command.
At this time the colonies were in a bad condition.
The country was almost destitute of provisions, and the
Canadian soldiers, who served without pay, were becoming
discontented, and even threatened to revolt. At this time
M. de Vaudreuil had determined to construct a number of
vessels to aid in the defense of the river and Lake Ontario,
and Sieur de Cresse, assistant ship-master of Canada, and
M. La Force had been sent to Frontenac to take charge of
the work. Toronto, which was held by Sieur Donville,
had been evacuated and the garrison transported to Niag-
ara, where in July following they were surrendered by M.
Pouchot, then in command, to Sir William Johnson. As
the officers in charge of the ship-building operations could
not find the necessary timber iu the vicinity of Frontenac,
they proceeded to Point au Baril, situated three French
leagues above La Presentation, on the north bank of the
river, near the site of the present village of Maitland.
The Sieur de Lorimer had been left in command of La
Presentation upon the departure of M. Benoit, but bitter
complaints were preferred against him, and M. de Vaudreuil
removed him and replaced M. Benoit in command of this
point and adjacent ones, including Point au Baril. Fron-
tenac was abandoned, and all its guns, munitions, and stores
taken to Point au Baril and the new fortification on Oraco-
nenton island. A strong work was thrown up at Point au
Baril ; but, upon the approach of the English army under
General Amherst in the summer of 1760, this and La
Presentation were abandoned and all the fighting force and
material concentrated at Fort Levis. The Abb^ Picquet
abandoned his mission and took refuge on a small island
near Fort Levis and not far from Galot island, at the head
of the upper rapids of the St. Lawrence.
The army of Amherst assembled at Oswego, in June,
amounted to about ten thousand English and provincial
troops, and one thousand Indians under Sir William John-
son, said to be the greatest number of savages that had, up
to that time, been in the field on the side of the English.
The army was well provided with siege artillery and all the
necessary appliances for a finishing campaign against what
few French troops yet remained in Canada.
On the 16th of August the advance had occupied Point
au Baril and La Presentation. On the 17th the French
vessel " Outaouaise" was captured by armed barges belong-
5
ing to Amherst's army, and on the 18th Fort Levis was
completely invested. The English army encamped on
Point de Ganataregoin, now Indian point, at Point a
L'ivrogne, and on the islands La Cuisse and Magdeleine.
Batteries were constructed on Indian point and on the
islands, mounting forty-eight guns and mortars, and a fleet
of several armed vessels and barges also added their fire to
that of the batteries. The nearest batteries were tho&e
upon the islands, from' four to six hundred yards distant,
and having a raking fire upon the landing and the gorge-
wall of the fort. The guns upon Indian point were distant
about eight hundred yards.*
But we are anticipating, and will now return to a rapid
recapitulation of the operations which took place during
1759, and to the time when M. Pouchot assumed command
at Fort Levis in March, 1760.
Early in May, 1759, M. Pouchot, then in command of
Fort Niagara, sent a courier to the Chevalier M. de la
Corne, at La Presentation, to notify him of an intended
attack by the Iroquois, which, however, did not take place.
As heretofore stated, M. Pouchot was compelled, after a
vigorous siege, to surrender Niagara in July following. He
was sent to the east as a prisoner. In November following,
M. Pouchot, with most of the officers and garrison of
Niagara, were exchanged, and, after many delays, arrived,
via Lake Champlain, at Montreal, on Jan. 1, 1760.
E-iily in July, 1759, M. de la Corne, then in command
of Frontenac and La Presentation, moved with his whole
force, consisting of four or five hundred Canadians and the
Indians of the mission of La Presentation, accompanied by
the Abb6 Picquet, up the river and across Lake Ontario
to Oswego, landing at the same spot occupied by the Mar-
quis de Montcalm three years before. Colonel Haldimand
was in command of the force at Oswego, consisting of some
five hundred men, who were without intrenchments. After
considerable delay, caused by the desire of the Abbe Pic-
quet to address the Indians and give them absolution, an
attack was made, but it proved unsuccessful, and La Corne
was obliged to retreat without accomplishing anything. In
the hurry of the retreat the abb6 was very near being taken
prisoner.
In August, 1759, M. de Levis, with about five hundred
men, was sent to take post at La Presentation, and erect a
fortification sufficient to cover the frontier. Upon a thorouaih
examination of the vicinity he determined to fortify the
island then called Oraquointon or Oraconenton, situated
just above the upper rapids of the St. Lawrence, and some
three miles below the mouth of the Oswegatchie river.
Here he constructed a strong, compact work, under the su-
pervision of M. des Androins, a competent engineer. M.
de Levis remained until some time in September, when,
finding the work well advanced, he took a part of the force
and joined the French army at Quebec under Montcalm,
leaving the fort under command of M. des Androins.
An interesting picture of the domestic life of the Oswe-
* This island, now called Chimney island, is owned by Messrs.
Olds and Goodrich, of Ogdensburg. It is (juite a resort in summer.
Several heavy guns and the remains of one or two bateaux are sunk
near the island. Great quantities of solid shot, shells, and other
relics, including a curious sun-dial of lead, have been exhumed.
Si
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
QutcMes is given in the Mowing extract from a narrative
of a residence among them, vfhich may be found entire in
" Drake's Indian Captivities" :
" Robert Eastbnrn, a tradesman, while in company with others, on
their way to Oswego, in March, 1756, while stopping at Captain Wil-
liams' fort, at the carrying-place, near the present village of Rome,
was taken captive by the Oswegatchie Indians, and kept for some
time at their village near Fort Presentation, the site of Ogdensburg.
"The attacking party consisted of four hundred French and three
hundred Indians, commanded by one of the principal gentlemen of
Quebec, and accompanied by a priest, probably Father Picquet.
" The prisoners numbered eighteen or twenty, and their route led
through Lewis and Jefferson counties to Lake Ontario, and thence to
the post at the mouth of the Oswegatchie.
" They were seven days in reaching the lake, and suffered greatly
from want of provisions. April 4 they were met by several French
bateaux, with a supply of provisions, and having crossed the mouth
of a river where it empties into the east end of Lake Ontario, a great
part of the company set off on foot towards Oswegatchie, while the
rest proceeded by bateaux down the St. Lawrence. The adventures
with which the party met are best given in the language of the orig-
inal narrative :
" ' By reason of had weather, — wind, rain, and snow, — whereby the
waters of the lake were troubled, we were obliged to lay by, and haul
our bateaux on shore. Here I lay on the cold shore two days. Tues-
day, set off and entered the head of St. Lawrence in the afternoon ;
came to, late at night, made fires, but did not lie down to sleep.
Embarking long before day, and after some miles' progress down the
river saw many fires on our right hand, which were made by the
men who left us and went by land. "With them we stayed till day, and
then embarked in our bateaux. The weather was very bad (it
snowed fast all day); near night we arrived at Oswegatchy. I was
almost starved to death, but hoped to stay in this Indian town till
warm weather; slept in an Indian wigwam ; rose early in the morn-
ing (being Thursday), and soon to my grief discovered my disap-
pointment.
" ' Several of the prisoners had leave to tarry here, but T must go
two hundred miles farther down stream, to another Indian town.
The morning being extremely cold, I applied to a French merchant
or trader for some old rags of clothing, for I was almost naked, but
to no purpose. About ten o'clock I was ordered into a boat to go
down the river, with eight or nine Indians, one of whom was the man
wounded in the skirmish above mentioned,'':'"
" * At night we went on shore. The snow being much deeper than
before, we cleared it away and made a large fire. Here, when the
wounded Indian cast his eyes upon me, his old grudge revived. He
took my blanket from me, and commanded me to dance around the
fire barefoot and sing the prisoner's song, which I utterly refused.
This surprised one of my fellow-prisoners, who told me they would
put me to death, for he understood what they said. He therefore
tried to persuade me to comply; but I desired him to let me alone,
and was through great mercy enabled to reject his importunity with
abhorrence.
"'This Indian also continued urging, saying, "You shall dance
and sing;" but apprehending my compliance sinful, I determined to
persist in declining it at all adventures, and leave the issue to the
Divine disposal. The Indian, perceiving his orders disobeyed, was
fired with indignation, and endeavored to push me into the fire, which
I leaped over, and he, being weak with his wounds, and not being
assisted by any of his brethren, was obliged to desist. For this gra-
cious interposure of Providence, in preserving me both from sin and
danger, I desire to bless God while I live.
" ' Friday morning I was almost perished with cold. Saturday we
proceeded on our way, and soon came in sight of the upper part of
the settlements of Canada.'
" The party continued their journey towards Canasadosega, and on
the route the wounded Indian, assisted by a French inhabitant, en-
deavored again to compel Eastburn to dance and sing, but with no
better success than before. On arriving at the town, which was thirty
miles northwest of Montreal, he was compelled to run the gauntlet,
and was saved from destruction only through the interposition of the
women. Being assigned to an Indian family at Oswegatchie, in
which he was adopted, ho set off on his return, and after a tedious
and miserable voyage of several days arrived within three miles of
the town, on the opposite side of the river.
" ' Here I was to be adopted. My father and mother, whom I had
never seen before, were waiting, and ordered me into an Indian
house, where w.e were directed to sit down silent for a considerable
time. The Indians appeared very sad, and my mother began to cry,
and continued to cry aloud for some time, and then dried up her
tears and received me for her son and took me over the river to the
® Referring to a portion of the narrative not quoted.
Indian town. The next day I was ordered to go to mass with them,
but I refused once and again ; yet they continued their importunities
several days. Seeing they could not prevail with me, they seemed
much displeased with their new son. I was then sent over the river
to be employed in hard labor, as a punishment for not going to mass,
and not allowed a sight of, or any conversation with, my fellow-
prisoners. The old Indian man, with whom I was ordered to work,
had a wife and children. He took me into the woods with him and
made signs for me to chop, and he soon saw that I could handle the
axe. Here I tried to reconcile myself to this employ, that they might
have no occasion against me except concerning the law of my God.
The old man began to appear kind, and his wife gave me milk and
bread when we came home, and when she got fish gave me the gills
to cat, out of real kindness ; but perceiving I did not like the m, gave
me my own choice, and behaved lovingly. When we had finished
our fence, which had employed ns about a week, I showed the old
squaw my shirt (having worn it from the time when I was first taken
prisoner, which was about seven weeks), all rags, dirt, and vermin.
She brought me a new one, with ruffled sleeves, saying, " That is
good," which I thankfully accepted. The next day they carried me
back to the Indian town, and permitted me to converse with my
fellow-prisoners. They told me we were all to bo sent to Montreal,
which accordingly came to pass.'
"At a grand council held at Montreal, Eastburn mentions a noted
priest, called Picquet, 'who understood the Indian tongue well, and
did more harm to the English than any other of his order in Canada.
His dwelling was at Oswegatchie.'
"A plan of operations against Oswego was in progress, and great
numbers of soldiers were in motion towards Lake Ontario, wiih
bateaux laden with provisions and munitions of war. After a pain-
ful journey, Eastburn arrived again at Oswegatchie; having received
from his adopted mother the choice of remaining at Montreal or re-
turning with her, and having chosen the latter alternative as afford-
ing the best chance of escape. While here he daily "saw many
bateaux, with provisions and soldiers, passing up to Fort Frontenae;
which greatly distressed him for the safety of Oswego, and led him to
form apian for notifying the English of the designs of their enemies.
" ' To this end I told two of my fellow-prisoners that it was not a
time to sleep, and asked them to go with me; to which they heartily
agreed. But we had no provisions, and were closely eyed by the
enemy, so that we could not lay up a stock out of our allowance.
" ' However, at this time M. Picket had concluded to dig a large
trench round the town. I therefore went to a negro, the principal
manager of this work (who could speak English, French, and Indian
well), and asked him if he could get employment for two others and
myself, which he soon did. For this service we were to have meat
[board] and wages. Here we had a prospect of procuring provision
for our flight. This, after some time, I obtained for myself, and then
asked my brethren if they were ready. They said "they were not
yet, but that Ann Bowman (our fellow-prisoner) had brought $130
from Bull's Fort [when it was destroyed as has been related], and
would give them all- they needed." I told them it was not safe to
disclose such a secret to her; but they blamed me for entertaining
such fears, and applied to her for provisions, letting her know our in-
tention. She immediately informed the priest of it. We were forth-
with apprehended, the Indians informed of it, and a court called.
Four of us were ordered by this court to be confined in a room, under
a strong guard within the fort, for several days. From hence another
and myself were sent to Cohnewago, under a strong guard of sixty
Indians, to prevent my plotting any more against theFi-ench, and
to banish all hope of my escape.'
" Here he met with unexpected kindness, and lodged at the house
of the mother of a French smith, whose name was Mary Harris, and
had been taken captive while a child at Dcerfield, in New England.
" He soon after went to Montreal, and while there saw the English
captives and standards, the trophies of the French victory at Oswego
of July 15, 1756, brought into town. Among the prisoners, 1400 in
number, he recognized his own son. He remained a prisoner about
a year after, and was at length permitted to leave for England with
other prisoners, and finally returned home."
A German soldier, who was captured or deserted from
the French at Oswego, gives an interesting account of the
situation of affairs on the frontier, and more particularly at
La Presentation and Fort Levis. We make a few extracts
from the notes in " Pouchot's Memoirs," translated by Dr.
F. B. Hough :
" Henry Young was a German, born near the Rhine, and came to
America about 1757, in a morohant-ship, accompanied by about
twenty other soldiers, who were enlisted in the French service for
three years. He remained at Quebec, where'' he first landed, two
months, when he was sent to Montreal, where he also remained about
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
35
two months. From the latter place lie was sent to La Galette, in com-
pany with others, as a convoy for four bateaux loaded with flour and
brandy. A portion of the cargo went to Cadarac[ui. From that time
Young served at Oswogatohie until the spring of 1759. The garrison
consisted of forty men, who were generally employed in cutting
timber for two stone houses building inside the fort, — one for the
commandant, and one for the three priests which he said they had
there.
"Before the snow was q^uite gone in the spring of 1759 ho was
sent, with twenty-five of the garrison of La Galette, to work on the
Isle Gralot. The fort at La Galette was square, with stockade and
four good block-houses. The French had intended to have made
additional works there, but had not time. They had •■ thousand
barrels of flour and pork at this place, which, upon hearing of the
design of the English to advance in this direction, they conveyed to
Isle Galot. After remaining there for about three weeks, the pro-
visions were re-shipped to Niagara in two vessels. These vessels,
and a third which was unfinished when the carpenters were ordered
to Quebec, were built at Point Baril, three leagues from La Galette.
"The twenty-five men sent from La Galette to Isle Galot* re-
mained a month, when they were joined by two hundred more' from
Point Baril, and the whole party began constructing a strong work
by cutting away the timber, which they formed into a sort of ahatis,
and then threw up a parapet or breastwork of logs, filled with earth,
twelve feet broad, and mounted with twelve guns, which he thought
were twelve-pounders, and two smaller ones. Young left Isle Galot
nished with mounts, and three bateaux loaded with provisions also
joined him from Isle Galot. At Point Baril there was a breastwork,
but La Corue ordered it leveled, and the guns were taken to the fort
on Isle Galot.
"Young further states that it was understood in case the English
should come by way of La Galette all the inferior posts were to
be evacuated, and their garrisons were to join that at La Galette.
La Corno had ordered a quantity of pitch ready to burn the vessel
then on the stocks in case of extremity. At that time the French
had a small picket of twelve men on duty at Isle Chevercuil to give
alarm if the English should appear. This guard was relieved every
eight days from Frontenac.
"Very few Smegalchie Indians accompanied La Come on the Oswego
expedition. He stated that the cook of M. Celeron told him that
after the Oswego affair was over the troops would all return to Ca-
rillon or Quebec."
SIEGE AND CAPTUKE OP FORT LEVIS, AUGUST, 1760.
As the siege and capture of this remarkable fortification
forms, probably, the most memorable chapter in the mili-
tary history of St. Lawrence County, it seems eminently
proper that a thorough description should be given in this
work ; and as there are various accounts, French, English,
and American, we give copious extracts from the different
FORT LEVIS, ON CHIMNEY ISLAND, FOUR MILES BELOW OGDENSBURG.
From plan in " Pouchot's Memoirs."
June 24, 1759, in company with the Chevalier La Corne, who was on
the island eighteen days, during which time he employed all the men
in forwarding and strengthening the fortifications. The powder-
magazine, the baking-ovens for the use of the garrison, and a dwell-
ing-house were constructed of limestone from Oswegatohie.
"When La Corne moved with the expedition destined against
Oswego he left one hundred men at Isle Galot, three at Oswegatchio,
twelve at Point Baril, and a small guard at Frontenac. He left Isle
Galotf with twelve hundred men and one hundred and fifteen Indians.
He halted a day at Point Baril, where some of his oificers were fur-
» Evidently this refers to Isle Oraconenton, now Chimney island,
f Oraconenton, now Chimney island.
writers, who disagree somewhat in the particulars, but as
regards the important facts correspond sufficiently for all
practical purposes. The commander of the besieged fort-
ress, M. Pouchot, a distinguished engineer and officer of
the French army, has given to the world in his memoirs,^
published in Switzerland about 1783, a particular account of
the operations in which he was engaged in the years from
1755 to 1760 ; and in justice to this distinguished officer.
t Translated by Dr. B. F. Hough, and published in 1866.
36
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and to assist in getting at the real facts in the ease, we
copy from his -work a very fall account of the operations
around Fort Levis, commencing at the date of Pouchot's
assuming command of the place in March, 1760. This
was the last stronghold surrendered by the French in North
America, and as such deserves more than ordinary atten-
tion
"At the beginning of March, MM. De Vaudreuil and De L6vis de-
termined to send M. Pouchot upon the ice to take command of Fort
Levis, upon the Isle of Orakointon, near La Presentation, and to re-
call M. des Androins, an engineer who had remained there since Sep-
temher. This engineer was needed for the siege of Quebec," towards
which the most active preparations were made as rapidly as possible.
M. Pouchot realized all the difficulties of the commission with which
he was charged, on account of the scanty resources at his command.
But his zeal for the service led him to overlook all these difficulties.
He was promised, in the spring, a reinforcement of twelve or fifteen
hundred Canadians.
" On the 17th of March, in company with the Abbe Pioquet, mis-
sionary at La Presentation, and five men, with three sleds, he left
Montreal and proceeded to Fort Levis, where he found si.x Canadian
officers: M. Bertrand, an officer of artillery ; MM. Colerons, brothers;
La Boularderie, De Bleury, and De Poilly, cadets, and one hundred
and fifty colonial soldiers. There were also present the captains of
the two corvettes, ' La Force' and ' La Broqurie,' and their crews of
one hundred and eighty men.
" The fort had only been made as a rampart, reveted with sancin-
tifme. The barracks, magazines, and officers' quarters, and other
structures for use in the fort, were finished of wood, piece upon piece,
and covered with planks.f
" M. Pouchot, to render this post susceptible of defense, built upon
the parapet, which was eighteen feet wide, another of nine feet, of
timber, piece upon piece, and filled with earth, which he was obliged
to bring from off the island.^ In this parapet he made embrasures.
Under this parapet he left a berm, four feet wide on the outside, fur-
nished with a frieze. What was left of the first parapet on the inside
was u.sed as a banquette. The rampart was thus raised eleven feet
from the surrounding level. This additional work was rendered neces-
sary for the protection of the interior of the fort, which was com-
manded by grounds of twenty-four feet elevation, on the islands
La Cuisse and La Magdeleine.
" M. Pouchot also caused to he constructed a gallery of pieces of
oak, fourteen inches square and ten feet long, which extended along
the rampart, and served as a terre-plein, and underneath as case-
mates. The batteries were placed upon this gallery or platform, all
around the island. He formed an epaulment of earth, four feet in
thickness, taken mostly from the bed of the river, the island being
only about two feet above the water. An abatis of branches of trees
was placed upon the outside of this epaulment, and extended out as
far as possible into the water, to prevent boats from landing. At
the point of the island, this epaulment was terminated by a redoubt
of timbers, one above another, and pierced for five cannon. On both
sides of the island there were left two places, formed as quays, so
that our boats could land.
"All these works fully occupied the little garrison, which was only
increased by a hundred militia during the campaign. As most of
these militia had been employed only to bring provisions, at least
twenty deserted, and returned down the river with the bateaux
which were used in bringing articles from the shore, as there was
found neither soil, stone,g nor timber upon the island. The ditches,
which were five toises wide, had to be only two feet deep to be filled
with water. Along a part of the epaulment, the banquette was
formed of oak chips made in squaring the timbers.
*■ Alluding to the siege by the French in the spring of 1760, which
was raised by the arrival of the English fleet.
t This description disagrees with Henry Young's account, and
also with the present state of the ruins, which show that several of
the buildings and magazines were built of stone.
J That is, from some other locality, as there was very little on this
island.
g Meaning, probably, qu.arry-stone, as bowlders were plenty.
" The glacis was made of firewood, which Was covered where most-
exposed on the side towards Isle de Magdeleine. All the iron whioh(
could bo found in the ruins of Fort Frontenae, together with eight
old iron guns without trunnions, were brought down, and' the guns
were mounted on frames like mortar-carriages, so that they could be'
served.
" All the Indians at La Presentation, including a famous one called'
Kountngeli, visited M. Pouchot upon his arrival at Fort Levis, and
on the 30th of March there arrived an Oneida Indian, named Tacana
Onenda (Buried Meat), a friend of the English, who made a speech
stating that he was employed by the Iroquois to persuade the Christian
Indians at La Presentation and the Savt to return to their people.
"M. de Vaudreuil having desired M. Pouchot to tend him all
news possible concerning the enemy, he hired a chief of La Pre-
sentation, named Charles, one of those who accompanied the Abb6
Pioquet to France in 1752, to go to Oswego, as if from a hunting
excursion, and get information concerning the English movements
and plans. By him M. Pouchot sent a few peltries. He left on the
1st of April. This Indian was capable and cunning, and spoke very
good French. He visited Oswego, where he obtained considerable
important information. He said the English were apprehensive of
trouble from the two French vessels at Fort Levis, and told him they
were going to kindle a great fire at Oswego, and when a great army
had assembled they would go down to Montreal. They said they
knew the French had a fort on an island, but they could pass it as
they would a beaver's hut, and laughed at the idea of the French
building it. He said the Cmjugas told him they were going to re-
main quiet in the contest. A great council was held at the fort, at
which it was resolved to send an embassy to the Five Nations.
" On the 28th of April two other Indians were sent towards Os-
wego, and a party of five Mississac/as were equipped and sent on an
expedition. On the 30th three or four chiefs from La Presentation
reported that hostile Indians {Onondagaa) were in the vicinity.
" On the 4th of May two Mississaga Indians visited the fort, and
represented that their people wanted to come and settle on this side
of the lake. On the 7th of May two St. Regis Indians arrived from
Oswego, where they had remained seven days. They reported that
the post-commander had issued orders to get all the bateaux in
readiness. The English army was assembling at Fort Stanwix, the
eighteen-gun vessel had arrived at Oswego from Niagara, and
another was momentarily expected. Sir William Johnson was to
hold a great Indian council, and try and persuade the Indians to
join the English.
" On the 9th of May all the chiefs of La Presentation assembled at
the fort to see M. Pouchot. The air was full of rumors of what the
English and Indians were going to do. There were rumors that the
Ottaicas and other Western Indians would join the English, and the
French Indians were in great alarm. On the 14th a Mississaga In-
dian arrived from Oswego. He stated that there was a very large
army assembled there, and word was sent to the La Presentation
Indians that if they did not wish to be destroyed they must remove
to the island of l'oniata.\\ The intention of the English was not to
stop long at Fort Levis. They were going to plant batteries all
around it and batter it until their barges could land on every side
and take it. On the 16tb five Mississagas arrived with three Ameri-
can prisoners whom they had captured near Oswego. They reported
that there were five thousand men at that place.
"On the 18th, M. Pouchot held a grand council, at which he en-
deavored to persuade the Indians at Chnncgatchie, or La Presentation,
to recall the families that had gone to Toniatu island. The Indians
finally concluded to let them do as they pleased.
" An Iroquois, named Sans-Souci, who came from Oswego, did not
wish to attend this council. In the evening he hunted up M. Pou-
chot, who was walking around the fort, and the latter reproached
him for going to Oswego without notifying him, and for speaking il]
of the French. The Indian denied everything. He said that the
commandant at Oswego had spoken to him as follows: 'Is it true
that the commandant of Niagara is at Orakoniton? He will then
die, as he did last year, and this time he will die, together with all
the Indians that are with him. In six days the other vessel will
arrive from Niagara, and we shall then set out. Our army will con-
sist of twelve thousand men, and we will go at once and establish
II Grenadier island, at the outlet of Lake Ontario. It is somewhat
doubtful what island was meant.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
37
ourselves at La Presentation. After having surrounded it with our
vessels and barges, we will batter his fort by turning all the shores
and islands near, and we will hold fast. We will then go on down
to Montreal.'
" This Indian also reported that the English had at Oswego, lying
around the vessel mentioned, more than two hundred bateaux. Ho
asked Pouchot why he had not mounted his guns. The latter re-
plied that he would not put them in place until he was ready to fight
the English, as he did not wish to inform them how many ho had
nor where they were placed.
" On the 18th, M. Pouchot sent out a party of fourteen Indians.
His Indians announced, from the Island of Toniata, the return of their
people who had gone to establish themselves there, and that they had
given up their "English flag. One of the Indians from Oswego said
it was the * Grand Sabre'^J"' who was to command the English army.
" On the 27th, La Broquerie, who was to command the barque
'Outauaise,' arrived at the fort. On the 30th, Oratori came from
Toniata and informed Pouchot that the Indian called Sans-Souci had
gone bacli to Oswego, and that he was paid by the English to come
and inspect Fort Levis and learn what the French were doing. He
stated that an Iroquois party would arrive in about eight days by
way of the South river, not wishing to assemble their canoes, as the
English would know they were abroad.f They expected to strike
by Oneida lake. The same day an Indian arrived from Oswego,
saying the commandant wished to engage the Oiiondaijaa to form a
war-party, but they had refused. If those of Chouegatchi should
strike, they would raise a band of the Bears and strike St. Regis.
" A few days later, KouatagetS arrived at La Presentation, having
in tow two bark canoes which he had taken from n party of eight
Indians and an Englishman, who had come to strike near the fort.
'* On the 4th of June four Mim-iasnga chiefs came to the fort, where
they held a council and made speeches, to which M. Pouchot replied.
On the 18th the two vessels, with one hundred men on board, were
sent by M. Pouchot to cruise in the vicinity of Oswego. They took
a month's provisions. About this time there appeared a prodigious
quantity of that kind of little millers that come in the night and fly
around a candle. They called them Manne, and they fell like snow.
They were very annoying by getting into the food, and by night the
lights attracted them so that we could hardly write. They appeared
for fifteen days, and of different colors, as grey, speckled, yellow, and
white. To these succeeded a kind of white midge, very troublesome
from their numbers, but they did not sting. The rains killed them,
and the earth was covered so that they were two fingers-breadth deep
on all the ramparts, and three or four inches in the bateaux, where
they decayed and infected the air. We were obliged to shovel them
away as we do snow. These midges were nevertheless useful, as those
that fell into the river gave nourishment to the fish, which grew to a
large size, and the Indians caught them in great quantities, especially
eels, in the vicinity of Toniata.J
" All the soil of the island, which was very shallow, was covered
with thousands of little toads. In the environs wo found plenty of
mushrooms, five or six inches apart, and nearly three inches thick
at the base, of a most luscious taste. M. de Vaudreuil sent up at
this time forty Abeuakia Indians from down the river, to whom M.
Pouchot gave the Isle des Galots to plant.
"About the 27th of June a party of Soups arrived from a foray
with two English prisoners and one scalp. One of the prisoners was
a militia captain and the other was his brother. They lived on the
Mohawk river. M. Pouchot, when a prisoner, had lodged at their
house, and had not been well treated. The Indians had dresssd and
painted them like themselves, and compelled them to dance the
Ohichicoy, the common dance of their slaves. M. Pouchet recog-
nized them, and sent them to lodge with the post-surgeon and to eat
at his mess. These prisoners stated that General Amherst com-
manded the English army, which consisted of eleven thousand men
and a large amount of artillery, then rapidly concentrating at
Oswego.
" On the 30th of June the Indian, Saoten, arrived. He said that
» General Amherst.
f This evidently refers to a party in the French interest.
J These millers are described by Dr. Asa Fitch, State Entomologist,
in a letter to Dr. Hough, as belonging to the ph-yganea group of
insects, commonly called eaddia-Jlies and water-moiha. The others
he called chironomiia. Both species are very plenty in June.
eight days before he had left the Onondaga village, crossing the river
near Oneida lake ; that they had heard the strokes of oars along the
river for twenty days, and that he had passed eight bands and
eight chiefs.^ They were wagoning provisions constantly, and had
a great many cannon, mortars, and howitzers.
"On the 1st of July, M. Pouchot sent the prisoners, with the news,
to Montreal. On the 6th there arrived a detachment and an oflieer
whom M. Pouchot had sent to carry provisions to the vessels. They
had been as far as Corbeau|| without finding them, because they had
been cruising in the lake near Oswego.
■' On the 13th, M. Pouchot sent a detachment to La Presentation,
which had been abandoned by the Indians of that mission since
winter, to bring some planks and iron work for the use of the fort,
and to dismantle and ruin the missions, so they should not serve as
a shelter to the enemy."
These ruins were disturbed in 1831, when digging for a
foundation on which to lay the keel of the steamer " United
States," and the tablet bearing the Latin inscription, which
was placed in the wall of the mission-house by Father
Picquet, was found, and subsequently placed over the south
door of the State arsenal building near the water-works.
" On the 14th, La Force's canoe arrived with letters giving an ac-
count of his recnnnoisaance at Oswego, together with a sketch of the
position of the enemy, which agreed substantially with the accounts
given by the Indians. The same day at 2 o'clock p.m. there came up
a vinlent storm from the northwest, with terrific thunder and attended
by a very singular phenomenon. This was a column of fire, which,
with a roar and lightning, fell upon the end of the island. The
waters rose so that they formed an immense wave, which, after cov-
ering both ends of the island, retired. It carried off a dock made
for landing, sunk a Jacobite bateau, and filled the others, which
were thrown upon the strand.
'* On the 16th, M. Pouchot sent back the detachment which he had
dispatched with provisions for the vessels, who soon returned having
executed their orders. La Force informed M. Pouilly, the lieutenant
of the detachment, that from the quantity of barges he had seen in
Oswego river he thought that this was the grand army, and from the
fact that they had arrived in the interval between bis two visits
before Oswego, he judged they would be ready to leave in eight days.
M. Pouchot sent these new observations to Montreal by an Indian.
" On the 22d, a squaw from La Presentation reported that five In-
dians had visited that point, and made many inquiries of her regard-
ing the French. They reported Kouataget6 a prisoner with the
English, but unharmed, and promised the Indians at La Presentation
and Toniata protection if they would remain where they were.
" The garrison had about sixty men out daily as a working party.
On the 24th there arrived a convoy of provisions from Montreal.
They announced that the English were above Richelieu, and that they
feared the junction of Amherst and Murray, but they did not know
there was another great army at or near St. Frederick.^
"On the 25th, at ten o'clock p.m., the canoe of La Force arrived.
He reported that on the 22d he had met near the Galloo islands an
English vessel, which was soon joined by another. Our corvette
then took flight and came to anchor at Toniata, having lost sight of
both during the chase.
" On the 27th, seventy women, children, and old Indians departed
for Montreal, being driven off by fear. On the 29th there arrived
eight canoe-loads of Iroquoia Indians, who had fled from their
fishing-ground at Toniata from fear of the English. They reported
seeing two large English vessels, and had seen ten bateaux passing
the Isle of Cedars filled with troops. On the 30th, more Indians
arriving reported the English passing the Thousand Islands.
" On the 1st of August, La Force sent his shallop to inform M.
Pouchot that his vessel, the * Iroquois,' had struck upon a poulier*'^-" in
the middle of the river above Point au Baril. The latter immediately
sent some bateaux to get her off. On the 5th the two vessels came
to anchor at La Presentation, and the commander. La Force, came
down to the fort. The ' Iroquois' made twelve inches of water an
g Regiments. || Near Kingston.
1 Crown Point, on Lake Champlain.
"■■'■^ A mass of bowlders forming a bar.
38
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
hour, and had flfteeu feet of the forward part of her keel broken.
She was repaird in the best manner possible.
" On the 8th the captured Indian, Kouatagete, arrived, three
days from Oswego, with an Oneida and a Mohawk, as deputies sent
by the Five Nations* to engage our Indians to remain neutral.
Kouatagete informed M. Pouohot that General Amherst had been
fifteen days at Oswego, and that he had seen and spoken with him
several times; that their army was about ten or fifteen thousand
strong, consisting of eight regiments : a red with blue trimmings,
or red and yellow; a Scotch, red with black trimmings; Gage's
regiment light infantry, blue and red; and a great many with caps;
and that he had counted sixty cannon.
" On the 10th a great council was held at the Isle Piquet with the
deputies of the Five Nations, at which very flattering speeches were
made by the deputies, who endeavored to persuade the French In-
dians to withdraw from the contest and let the whites fight it out
alone. They presented wampum from General Amherst, saying that
he would be at Chouegatchie in six days, when he would fight the
French, and that the Master of life only knew what would happen.
M. Pouchot made a speech, wherein he accused the Indians of
cowardice and of being bought by the brandy of the English.
" On the 13th five Indians brought letters from M. de Vaudreuil,
informing M. Pouchot that the English were at Three Rivers, from
St. Frederic, and only awaiting the arrival of Amherst to march
upon Montreal.
" On the 15th the ' Iroquois' was repaired.
" On the 16th, at seven o'clock in the evening, two Indians return-
ing from the chase, announced that the English army was encamped
at Point an Baril and the advance-guard at La Presentation. The
two Indians had visited La Broquerie, on the * Outaouaise,' who wrote
nothing, but fired three signal-guns to notify M. Pouchot of danger.
"On the 17th, at three o'clock in the morning, M. Pouchot de-
spatched a courier to M. de Vaudreuil to notify him of the arrival
of the English army. About seven o'clock, the weather being very
calm. General Amherst ordered an attack upon the ' Outaouaise,'
which was lying in a place away from the currents, by six barges,
called Cai-caaaieres, each carrying thirty men and a twelve-pounder.
They surrounded the vessel, and, after a hot contest of three hours,
she was forced to surrender."}- ^
" Four shallops armed with swivels were sent upfrom Fort Levis by
M. Pouchot to aid the ' Outaouaise,' but arrived too late. The com-
mander ofthe fort had hoped she would have run down and anchored
under the protection of his guns, but the strong currents prevented.t
« They were still called so, although there were then six nations.
t David Humphreys, the historical writer, tells some wonderful
stories about the exploits of Col. Israel Putnam at this time, but
they are altogether too marvelous for belief.
. X The account given by Knox (II., p. 404) is as follows :
"17th. The ' Outawa' brig attempted to escape up tho river in the morning,
but was intercepted by our row-galleya commanded by Col. Williamson, wlio
attacked lier vigorously, when, after an obstinate engagement of two hour'3 and
upwards, wherein she liad filtoen men killed and wounded, her commander, M.
de la Broquerie, thought proper to strike. It has been observed before that
four of these galleys curried each a brass twclve-ponnUer and the fifth a how-
itzer. This is a remarkable action and does great credit to the colonel, who
was a volunteer on the occasion ; for tlie brig mounted one eigliteon-pounder
seven twelve-pounders, two eights, with four swivels, and had one hundred men
on board, being a topsail of near one hundred and sixty tons. She discharged
seventy-two rounds; and the galleys, who had five oiBcera and twenty-five
artillerymen only, exclusive of provincial rowers, fired one hundred and
eighteen.
"The General was highly pleased at this capture, which he testified by his
acknowledgments to tho colonel and officers, with a generous reward to the
gunners. Sucli was tho service performed by four guns and one howilzer, with
the sole loss of one man killed and two wounded."
An account given by Knox (II., p. 409) says that the action lasted
two hours and a quarter, and that the howitzer only fired twice, as
some timbers in that galley gave way. It further adds :
"On board of the galleys, independent of the provincials who rowed wore
twenty-five of the Koyal Artillery, together with Capt. Starkey, Lieutenants
Williamson, Stiindish, Davis, and Conner, six to each vessel ; and Col William
son rowed in a small boat from galley to galley, giving directions how to at-
tack most efl'cctually and with greatest safety."
The general gave the artillerymen twenty-five guineas.
The afiair is related by Mante as follows :
"On tho 17th the row-galleys, well manned, advanced with the utmost intre-
"On the 18th the enemy left La Presentation with a fresh breeze.
Their whole army remained about four hours in battle array in their
bateaux at the beginning of the rapids,^ forming a very fine spec-
tacle. M. Pouohet then thought that they intended to attack with a
strong force, and make an entry upon the island. He had accord-
ingly placed nine guns to fight up the river, and had placed the
others in the epaulement so that they could make eleven rebounds
upon the water. The enemy would have lost heavily in attempting to
land under this fire. They finally determined to file along the north
shore, with considerable intervals between the bateaux, to avoid the
fire. They caused the 'Outaouaise,* which they had taken, to ap-
proach within half cannon-shot to cover them.j[
**M. Pouchot only sought to retard their passage by four pieces,
which he could bring to bear upon them. We fired a hundred and
fifty shot with very little damage, in consequence of the winds and
currents spoiling the aim. As M. Pouchot knew many of the ofiBcers
of this army, several of them bade him good-day in passing, and
others thought from our allowing them to pass that they were his
friends, but did not stop to pay any compliments. The greater part of
the army encamped at Point d'lvrogne.^ They also threw quite a
force upon La Cuisso, La Magdelcine, and Les Galots islands.
"On the 19th their regiment of artillery left Old Galette, with all
their field artillery, and defiled past, as the former had done, to go
and encamp at Point d'lvrogne. The vessel kept up the heaviest
fire possible to cover them. We fired but little at the bateaux, be-
cause it was attended with but little success; but rather directed our
attention to the vessel. Of fifty shots that we fired, at least forty-
eight went through the body of the vessel, which obliged them to get
a little further away. Their captain, named Smul, behaved with tho
greatest bravery, walking continually on the deck in his shirt sleeves.
He had many men disabled. The two other vessels, one of twenty-
two guns, eights and sixes, named the ' Seneca.,' and the other of
eighteen pieces of sixes, named the ' Oneida, ''J"-" came in the evening
and took position by the side of the former.
" On the 20th there was quite a movement of the enemy's army, and
a great number of bateaux went and came from their camp at La
Presentation. They also encamped two regiments at Point de Gana-
taragoin,f-|- who began to throw up earthworks on that side, as also
on the islands La Cuisse and La Magdeleine. We fired some volleys
of cannon at them to disturb the laborers, but had to be extremely
saving of our powder, not having more than five thousand pounds
when the enemy arrived.
" On the 21st everything remained quiet, as the enemy were work-
ing with their full force on their batteries. Their vessels withdrew
also beyond cannon range. We fired on the laborers, but without
much result, as they were already covered and their ground was some
twenty-four feet higher than that of the island.
"By noon we discovered their embrasures, and in the evening
their bateaux made a general movement, and we counted as many as
thirty-six barges, carrying each at least twenty men who threw them-
selves into the three vessels, from which we judged they were going
to attack the next morning. We consequently worked to make epaule-
ments of wood to cover the parties that we thought would be tjie most
exposed in the direction of the enemy's batteries. All the artillery
was loaded with shot and grape, and every one was ordered to pass
the night at his post.
" On the 22d, at five in the morning, the three vessels approached
to within about two hundred toises of the fort, and occupied the
whole range of the river above, from the island La Cuisse to Point
Ganataragoin, from which we concluded they intended to cannonade
us vigorously from the vessels and land batteries. They formed
pidity under a very heavy fire from the enemy, but it did not in theleast damp
the ardor of the assailants. Their fire was returned with such resolution and
bravery that, after a severe contest of about four hours, the French vessel
struck her colors. She mounted ten twolvo-pounders, and had on board one
hundred men, twelve of whom wore killed or wounded. Two of Col, William-
son's detachment wore killed and three wounded. The general immediately
named tho vessel tho ' Williamson,' in honor of the colonel, and to perpetuate
the momory of so gallant an action."
J Above tho island near Indian Point.
II Under Lieut. Sinclair.
If On tho north shore, in rear of Isle la Magdelcine.
-» These vessels were called by Knox the " Onondaga" and the
"Mohawk."
tt Now called Indian Point.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRPJNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
39
together, a half-circle around the forts. M. Pouchot ordered the
artillery officer to collect his pieces, and put them under cover of
merlons, so that they should not he dismounted. Ho also masked
hia embrasures with the ends of great logs of wood to represent
cannon. "We were only clear and in condition to resist from above.
"As soon as the vessels were placed, they began a very brisk and
continuous fire from twenty-five guns, and, at the same time, un-
masked the battery at Ganataragoin, consisting of two twenty-fours
and four twelves, as, also, that on the island of La Magdeleine, of two
pieces of twenty-four and six of twelve. At the first volley, M.
Bertrand, artillery officer, was instantly killed by a cannon-ball
through his loins, as he stood pointing out to M. Pouchot the calibre
of their guns.
" A quarter of an hour later, they began to throw bombs from the
island of La Magdeleine, where they had two twelve-inch bomb-mor-
tars, six mortars for royal grenades, and two howitzers. On the
island La Cuisse six mortars for royal grenades, and on Point Gana-
taragoin two twelve-inch mortars, two for royal grenades, and two
howitzers, — making, in all, seventy-five mouths of fire.
"M. Pouchot received quite a bruise from a, piece of wood ten
feet long and fourteen inches square, which a twelve-inch bomb
knocked over, injuring his back, but this did not prevent him from
being wherever he was needed.
" All these batteries were served with the greatest vigor, and with-
out ceasing till noon, and made the fort fly into pieces and splin-
ters. Our ttien remained under cover, each one at his post, and the
sentinels only observed the movements of the enemy. Thinking,
from our silence, that we were perhaps disconcerted, they advanced
their vessels to within pistol-shot of the fort. Xhey were filled with
troopp, even to the rigging, and were supported by the fire of all the
land batteries.
"Fortunately, they could only come before the fort one by one,
from the manner in which the first came up, and which saw as far as to
the entrance of the fort, which was also enfiladed by the battery of
La Magdeleine. M. Pouchot had in advance covered this with heavy
blindages, leaving only a passage sufficient for one man.
"He thought that the enemy intended to attack with a heavy
force. At least 3000 men, volunteers, grenadiers, and light troops,
were embarked in bateaux, and placed behind the point of La Cussie
island, from whence they could emerge under the fire of the three
vessels and the hind batteries. The movements of the vessels soon
induced M. Pouchot to place 150 men and four officers on the side
opposite the epaulement. He fought the vessels, one after another,
with five guns, the only ones that were mounted, charged with balls
and grape, without replying to the land batteries.
" Notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy's fire, with our
five pieces and our musketry, we forced the 'Outaouaise' and then
the ' Oneida' to run aground half a league from the fort, near the
Galot islands. One of the two was rendered unfit for service.
The * Seneca,' of 32 guns, in trying to come nearer the fort,
grounded also, and was so cut to pieces that she struck her flag,
having then on board 350 men. The side of the vessel toward the
fort was in a very bad condition ; her battery touched the water, and
her port-holes made only one opening. The water she had taken in
made her lean towards the fort."^- M. Pouchot gave orders to dis-
*■ "The 'Mohawk' came down with the other two, who seemed in-
clined to follow, and fired briskly, when very near the fort, for a
considerable time, but was so roughly handled that she was obliged
to cut her cable and bear away, for fear of sinking. By this time,
the 'Williamson' came into play, but, receiving a shot in an unlucky
place, started a plank, which obliged her to retire to a neighboring
island for repairs. The ' Onondaga' at length came down, but not
taking the same course, stopped in shallow water pretty near the
enemy, who fired every time into her, where she could not help her-
self. Though within four hundred yards of one of our own batteries,
she struck to the enemy, and sent a bateau to them with four men
and Mr. Thornton, the commander's second, who looked at that dis-
tance so much like Loring, they thought at the batteries it was him.
The same boat rowing back again to the ship with one of her crew,
probably to fire her, Capt. Adam Williamson, the engineer, pointed
a gun and fired through her, taking both the fellows' arms off, which
made her row into shore directly. Perceiving that there was a
squabble on board the ' Onondaga,' about what they should do, the
general sent an officer's party on board (Lieut. Pennington), who
continue the fire, as he wished to save his powder. The second cap-
tain and some sailors came to surrender. M. Pouchot retained them
as hostages, but could not receive the whole, as they were more
numerous than the garrison.
"In the intervals between these combats the enemy attempted to
land two or throe times to make an attack from the point opposite
the Isle la Cuisse, but two guns that were pointed in that direction
restrained thom, and made them retire behind the point. It is prob-
able that the bad condition in which they found their vessels took
away their desire for advancing. This action lasted from five in the
morning to half-past seven in the evening, without cessation. We
had forty men killed and wounded. We cannot too much praise the
firmness which the officers, colonial soldiers, militia, and especially
the gunners, who were sailors, displayed on this occasion. Several
of the latter could never be rewarded for their address and activity
in serving their pieces. The enemy, like ourselves, fired grape and
ball constantly. M. Pouchot directed a blacksmith to cut up some
old irons, with which he filled sacks, and put into his guns, adding a
ball, which did terrible execution upon the vessels, on account of the
height of the ramparts, which placed them under our fires, so that
we could see upon their decks.
" One thing which amused the garrison at the most serious moments
of the battle was that the Indians, who were perched upon their
trenches and batteries to watch the contest with the vessels, which
they regarded as on their side, on account of the names that had been
given them, because they carried an Indian painted on their flags,
made furious cries at seeing them so maltreated. The English had
assured them that with these vessels alone they would make the place
surrender. When the Indians saw them drift ofi" and ground they
redoubled their cries, and sung out railing names at the English,
saying, 'You did not want to kill our father at Niagara. See how
you are taking him. If you had listened to us you would not have
been here. A Frenchman's fist has made you cringe.' This action
had, however, dismantled all the tops of the parapets around half of
the fort, thrown down the fascines that were placed on the side of La
Cuisse island, and in front of the two demi-bastions.
"At night M. Pouchot endeavored to repair with sacks of earth
the batteries of the bastion opposite the island so that they could be
served. This bastion was ready to tumble down, and we could have
walked upon the slope of the earth that had fallen in. The enemy
continued through the night to bombard us, and fired volleys of can-
non from each battery, loaded with shot and grape, at intervals, to
prevent us from making repairs. We had two men killed and several
wounded.
" On the 23d the enemy continued to bombard and cannonade vig-
orously all day, and at night tried the same bombardment and volleys
of cannon at intervals as on the night previous..
" On the 24th they unmasked a new battery to break down the
wooden redoubt at the end of the island, and to enfilade our intrench-
menta on the side opposite the islands. Their batteries continued as
violently as on the preceding days, and fires caught in the ruins of
the magazine and in the quarters of the commandant, but these were
happily extinguished without the enemy observing our difficulty.
We had but little trouble to take care of what little powder and balls
we had left. Th& enemy's batteries dismounted all the guns of the
bastion opposite the islands. The coffers of the parapet were razed
down to within two feet of the terreplehi, greatly exposing the powder
magazine, which was only made of some large beams.
"On the 25th, at daybreak, M. Pouchot fired vigorously with three
pieces upon the batteries which troubled us the most, and which were
the only ones left on the side attacked. Even one of these three
pieces, and the most important one, wanted a third of its length,
hoisted the colors again, and saved her for ourselves." — Account
quoted hy Knox,
"The general ordered Lieut. Sinclair from the ' Williamson' brig
and Lieut. Pennington, with two detachments of grenadiers under
their command, to take possession of the * Onondaga,' and they
obeyed their orders with such undaunted resolution, that the English
colors were again hoisted on board her. But the vessel, after all,
could not be got off"; and was therefore, abandoned about midnight.
The English batteries, however, put a, stop to any attempt of the
enemy to board her. Capt. Loring being wounded, was in the*
meantime sent ashore.'' — Mante.
40
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
having been broken twice. Notwithstanding its calibre, wo put in
two or three small balls.
" The activity of our fire put the Bnglish in bad humor, and in the
afternoon they redoubled theirs from all their batteries, and iired
red-hot balls, fire-pots, and carcasses. This was too much for this
miserable fort, which was now only a litter of carpenter's wood and
fascines. The hot shot set fire to the eaucissonn of the interior of the
revetment of the bastion, but we extinguished it. From this may
be seen the condition of the ramparts. Some fire-pots also kindled
twice in the debris of the fort, and we also extinguished these flames
with water found in the holes made by bursting shells.
" This determined M. Pouchot, with the advice of all the ofRoers of
the garrison, to write to General Amherst, complaining against this
kind of warfare, never used but against rebels, and which should not
be practiced against a brave garrison, deserving better treatment.
In reply, he sent his aid-de-camp, with a proposition for us to surren-
der, coupled with the threat that if we did not accept within half an
hour, he would resume hostilities.
" M. Pouchot received the officer, and read what Amherst demanded
before all the ofHeers of the gai-rison, who made Ihe most urgent en-
treaties for him to accept them, in view of the impossibility of escap-
ing a general conflagration in case of fire, on account of the small
capacity of the fort and the incumbrance of the ruins. There
remained at this time on the front attacked only two cannon in con-
dition to fire, and no more balls. The outer batteries of the fort were
all ruined, as they were commanded by the islands, as were also the
epaulements of the intrenchments, which were no cover against an
assault.
"On the 26th, in tbe morning, when the enemy entered they were
greatly surprised a.t seeing only a few soldiers scattered around at
their posts, and some sixty militia, in their shirt-pleeves, with hand-
kerchiefs on their heads, and with necks bare in the Canadian fashion.
They asked itf . Pouchot where was his garrison ? He replied that
(hey saw the whole. We had more than sixty men killed and wounded.
All the officers were more or less wounded.
" The enemy admitted that in their passage to encamp, a carcassiero
had been sunk, and that six bateaux were shot through, including the
one occupied by General Amherst, who had watched the operations
attentively. The general politely reproached M. Pouchot, who an-
swered : ^Sir, we only wanted to pay you the honors to which you
were entitled.'
" The English had 128 men killed and wounded on the ' Oneida,'
which was grounded. Upon the ' Mohawk' the captain was wounded,
and fifty men disabled. Upon the ' Outaouaise,' which they had taken
from us, fifty-four men; and on the dilferent occasions in which they
had approached the fort, a hundred more. To these should be added
what they lost in their batteries and trenches, which they never
would confess.*
"The surrender being made, several officers came to conduct M.
Pouchet to General Amherst. They showed him a thousand atten-
tions. He had seen some of them at Niagara and New York. They
feared that the Indians, who were very threatening, and who were
disappointed in finding nothing in the fort, which the soldiers had
pillaged, might wish to do some harm. He thanked them for their
attentions.
'* Having landed on the shore, many Indians came to see M.
Pouchot, who recognized several of their chiefs. He said to them;
'You have killed your father; if they are not people of courage, so
much the worse for you.* They replied: 'Don't be disheartened,
father; you will go to the other side of the great lake; we will soon
rid ourselves of the English.' They were surprised to see him so
cool.
" General Amherst held a conversation for an hour with M. Pouchot
in private.
" He wished information as to what remained to be done in the cam-
paign. It may be presumed that the latter did not make him think
he had an easy task. He, in common with the whole army, appeared
to dread the passage of the rapids. They took among the Canadians
thirty-six guides for their bateaux. The garrison and officers wore
conducted by way of Oswego to New York. M. Belle-Garde, Sul-
pician missionary at La Presentation, who had chosen to be shut up
in the fort to serve the wounded, obtained leave to go down to Mon-
~ The English changed the name of the fort to Ftirt William
Aiiguttun, and left a garrison of 200 men under Capt. Osborne.
treal with two or three women. This priest was very worthy on
account of his zeal for religion, which had led him to Canada for the
sole purpose of converting the Indians. The English sent him baek
to his mission. f The Bnglish army remained about fifteen days
making arrangements to go down the river, but notwithstanding
their guides, of whom some perhaps sought the worst channels, they
lost eighty bateaux and their carcasaieres at Coteau du Lac."
Fort Levis was the last stronghold of the French in
North America. They had possessed the whole vast region
lyino- north of the St. Lawrence, except a small tract in the
vicinity of Hudson's Bay, and with the exception of three
years, — from 1629 to 1632, — from their first discoveries,
made by Jacques Cartier, Roberval, and Champlain, begin-
ning in 1535, until 1760, a period of two hundred and
twenty-five years, during which their posts and missions
were established from the mouth of the great river to the
western borders of the great lakes. At times the able com-
manders which France sent over had threatened the very
existence of the English colonies, but from the year 1758,
when Fort Frontenac was destroyed by Bradstreet, fortune
had gradually deserted them, and with the death of the
Marquis de Montcalm and the fall of Quebec all hopes of a
successful defense against the overwhelming armies of the
English had departed ; nevertheless, a most gallant defense
was made, and there was no loss of honor to the arms of
France when the last feeble garrison surrendered, and the
flag of France was furled to wave no more over the noble
St. Lawrence forever.
According to Knox, the total efifective force of Canada
at the time of the surrender, including militia, was 20,433.
About 3000 soldiers and sailors were sent to France.
In concluding the history of the siege of Fort Levis, we
insei't the following items from the English accounts, which
vary somewhat from that of the French commander. Per-
haps a fair estimate would be arrived at by adopting a mean
between the two extremes.
It would seem that the fitting out of war-parties from
La Presentation, which proved so harassing to the Bnglish
settlements along the Mohawk during the years 1758-9, had
determined the English authorities to send an expedition to
put a stop to their depredations, and Brigadier-General Gage
was instructed to take post at La Galette, and cany out this
important project ; but for some reason this was never done,
and the place remained undisturbed until the advance of
General Amherst's army in 1760.
The French fortress at Quebec was reduced by the
English army under the command of General Wolfe in
1759.
The various French posts in the interior still remained,
and to complete the conquest three expeditions were fitted
out early in the season of 1760. One of these ascended
the St. Lawrence from Quebec, another proceeded towards
Montreal by way of Lake Champlain, and the third, under
Sir Jeffrey Amherst, proceeded by way of Oswego, and
down the St, Lawrence, encountering in its way the strong
fortress on Isle Royal, which he reduced. The details of
t There were two priests named La Garde in Canada at this time!
Joan Pierre Bosson do la Garde arrived in 1760, and died April H,
1790. Pierre Paul Frs de la Garde arrived in 1765, and died at Mon-
treal, April 4, l1U.-Li,te 01,,-onologique. The latter was with
Pouchot at the siege.— JVofe hi Dr. Hough's Trauslation
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
41
this event, as related by Mante, a historian of that war, are
here given :
" The necessary preparations having been matie to bring the whole
power of the British forces in North America against Montreal, in
order to finish by its reduction the war in this part of the world ; and
the season being sufficiently advanced to enable Sir Jeffrey Amherst,
the commander-in-chief, to commence his part of the operations, he
embarked at New York on the 3d 'of May, and proceeded to Sche-
nectady. From thence, with a part of his array, he pursued his route
to Oswego, where he encamped on the 9th of July. The remainder
he ordered to follow with the greatest diligence, under the command
of Brigadier G-age.- On the Nth two vessels hove in sight on Lake
Ontario, which proving to be those that had been fitted out at Ni-
agara, under the command of Captain Loring, boats wore immedi-
ately dispatched to him, with orders t6 look out for and attack the
Ercneh vessels cruising on the lake. On the 20th two more vessels
appeared, and proving to be the French vessels which had escaped
Captain Loring's vigilance, a small boat was immediately dispatched
to cruise for him, with an account of this discovery ; and at thesame
time to prevent his bein^ obliged to return to Oswego for want of
provisions, the general ordered Captain Willyamoz, with a detach-
ment of one hundred and thirty men, in twelve boats, to take post
on the Isle-Aux-Iroquois, and supply Captain Loring with everything
he might want. On the 22d, Brigadier Gage arrived with the rear of
the army; as did Sir William Johnson on the 23d, with a party of
Indians.
" On the 24:th the general received intelligence that tiie French ves-
sels had escaped into the river St. Lawrence, and tliat Captain Loring
was returning with the 'Onondaga' and the ' Mohawk,' of eighteen
six-pounders.
■ " On the 5th of August the igeneral ordered the army to be in readi-
ness to embark. It cbnsisted of the following troops : The fi-rst and
Second battalion of Royal Highlanders, 42d regiment, 44th, 46th,
55th, fourth battalion of the 60th, Royal Americans, eight companies
of the 77th, five of the 80th, five hundred and ninety-seven grenadiers,
one hundred and "forty-six rangers, Gage's Light Infantry, three
battalions of the New York regiment, Colonel Le Roux, New Jersey
regiment. Colonel Schuyler, and four battalions of the Connecticut
regiment, and one hundred and forty-seven of the Royal Artillery,
under Colonel Williamson,- amounting in tlie whole to ten thousand
one hundred and forty-two effective men, oflScers included. Among
the American officers were Colonels Schuyler, Wooster, Lyman, Fitch,
Whiting, and probably Israel Putnam.
" The Indians, under Sir William Johnson, were seven hundred and
six.
"On the 7th, Captain Loring sailed with his two vessels, and imme-
diately after thfe first battalion of Royal Highlanders, the grenadiers
Of the army, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Massey, with Captain
Campbell, of the 42d, to assist him as major, the light infantry, com-
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Amherst, with Captain Delancey as
major to assist him, with Ogden's and Whyte's companies of rangers,
the whole under the command of Colonel Haldiman, embarked and
sailed to take post at the entrance of the river St. Lawrence.
"On the 10th the general himself embarked with the Royal Artillery,
the regulars, Sir William Johnson, and a part of his Indians, in boats
and whale-boats; but the wind being very high and the water of the
lake very rough, they were forced to make for a small creek, at whose
entrance there isa very dangerous bar, on which one of the artillery
boats was lost. The next day, the weather being a little more mod-
erate, the general at noon proceeded for the river De la Motte, and
on the 12th was joined by Brigadier Gage, with the provincials, in a
bay, where the enemy had lately encamped. On the 13th the whole
embarked, and that very day encamped with Colonel Haldiman, at
the -post which he had taken at the head of the river St. Lawrence.
Captain Loring, with his two vessels, having mistaken the channel
from the lake to the river. St. Lawrence, the arniy passed him while
he was endeavoring to extricate himself. On the 13th the whole
army gained Point de Baril, in the neighborhood of the post called
La Gallettd, which Brigadier Gage was ordered to destroy the pre-
ceding year. Here the enemy had a very good dock, in which they
built their vessels.
" The grenadiers and light infantry, with the row-galleys, took post
that day without halting at Oswegatchie/a few miles below Point au
BaTil. - ■ .
6
" All this while one of the enemy's vessels kept hovering about the
nrniy, and, as Captain Loring had not yet got into the right channel,
it became necessary, for the safety of the army, cither to compel this
vessel to retire or to take her.
"The general was therefore obliged to order Colonel Williamson,
with the row-galleys well manned, to do one or the other. On the 17th
the galleys advanced with the utmost intrepidity, under a heavy fire
from the enemy, but it did not in the least dampen the ardor of the
assailants; their fire was retiit'ned with such resolution and bravery
that after a severe contest of almost four hotirs the French vessel
struck her colors. She mounted ten twblve-pounders, and had on
board one hundred men, twelve of whom were killed or wounded.
The general immediately named the vcsSel the 'Williamson,' in
honor of the colonel, and to perpetuate the memory of so gallant an
action. The same day the army proceeded to Oswegatchie, from
whence it was necessary to I'econnoitre Isle Royal, so that it was noon
the next day before the army could proceed.
" Fort Levis stood on this island, which was otherwise strongly for-
tified. Though the reduction of Fort Levis could be of little service
merely as a fort, yet it was certainly of too much eonseqacnce to bp
left in the rear of an array; besides, the number of pilots perfectly
acquainted with the navigation of the river St. Lawrence, which the
making of the garrison prisoners would afford, was alone a sufficient
motive for attacking it. It was therefore invested that very evening.
Whilst the English were passing the point the French kept up a very
smart cannonade upon them, and destroyed one of the row-galleys and
a few boats, and killed two or three men; but, notwithstanding this
fire, and an uninterrupted continuance of it, the fort was so completely
invested by the 20th, by the masterly disposition of the troops, as to
make it impossible for the garrison to escape.
" Captain Loring had arrived the day before, with his two vessels
and the 'Williamson' brig, and the batteries being now ready, the
general, on the 23d, determined to assault the fort, that as little time
as possible might be wasted on it. lie therefore ordered the vessels
to fall down the stream, post themselves as close to the fort as possi-
ble, and man their tops well, in order to fall upon the enemy and
prevent their making use of their guns; whilst the grenadiers rowed
in with their broadswords and tomahawks, fascines and scaling-lad-
ders, under cover of three hundred of the light infantry, who were to
fire into the embrasures.
'' The grenadiers received their orders with a cheerfulness that
might be regarded as a sure omen of success; and, with their usual
alacrity, prepared for the attack, waiting in their shirts till the ships
could take their proper stations.
"This the 'Williamson' brig, commanded by Lieutenant Sinclair,
and the * Mohawk,' by Lieutenant Phipps, soon did; and both sus-
tained and returned a, very heavy fire. But the ' Onondaga,' in
which was Captain Loring, by some extraordinary blunder, ran
aground. The enemy, discovering his distress, plied her with such
unceasing showers of great and small arms that Captain Loring
thought proper to strike his colors, and sent Thornton, his master,
on shore to the enemy, who endeavored to take possession of the
vessel; but by Colonel Williamson's observing it, he turned upon
them a battery, which obliged them to desist from the undertaking.
The general then ordered Lieutenant Sinclair from the ' \Yilliamson'
brig, and Lieutenant Pennington, with two detachments of grenadiers
under their command, to take possession of the 'Onondaga,' and
they obeyed their orders with such undaunted resolution that the
English colors were again hoisted on board of her. But the vessel
after all could not be got off, and was therefore abandoned about
midnight. The English batteries, however, put a stop to any further
attempt of the enemy to board her. Captain Loring being wounded,
was in the mean time sent ashore. This accident of the 'Onondaga's*
running aground, obliged the general to defer for the present his plan
of assault; but this delay proved rather a fortunate event, as it ^aved
a good deal of blood, for on the 25th, M. Pouchot, the commandant,
beat a parley, demanding what terms he might expect; to which no
answer was returned, but that the fort must be immediately given up,
and the garrison surrendered prisoners of war, and but ten minutes
were given for a reply.*
-This is a preposterous statement. Any one who has seen the St.
Lawrence at this point knows that no boat could go and return in ten
minutes from the fort to the hcadqLuarters of the English commander.
The half-hour given by Pouchot is undoubtedly nearer the truth.
42
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" These terms were received wilhin the ten minutes; and Lieutenant-
Colonel Massey with the grenadiers, immediately took possession of
the place.
" The loss of the English before it was twenty-one killed and nine-
teen wounded.*
" The first shot from the English battery killed the French officer
of artillery. Eleven more were killed afterwards, and about forty
wounded. The garrison, and all of the pilots, for the sake of whom
chiefly the place had been attacked, were sent to New York; and the
general named the fort Fokt William AuGUSTUS-f
" On the surrender of Fort Levis, the Indians following the English
army prepared, agreeably to their bloody custom when at war, to
enter the fort in order to tomahawk and massacre the garrison. But
General Amherst, being apprised of their intentions, immediately
sent orders to Sir William Johnson to persuade them, if possible, to
desist, declaring at the same time that, if they offered to enter the
fort, he would compel them to retire. The stores be promised should
be delivered to them, as his army was not in want of what few
blankets might be found there. This message had its desired etfect.
The Indians, though with great apparent reluctance and ill humor,
were prevailed on to return to their camp ; however, their resentment
increased to such a degree, that Sir William Johnson informed the
general he was apprehensive they would quit the army, and return
to their respective villages and castles. The general replied: 'That
he believed his army fully sufficient for the service he was going upon,
without their assistance; that, though he wished to preserve their
friendship, he could not prevail on himself to purchase it at the ex-
pense of countenancing the horrid barbarities they wanted to perpe-
trate; and added, that, if they quitted the army, and on their return
should commit any acts of cruelty, he should assuredly chastise them.'
Upon this most of these creatures, who amounted to about seven
hundred, abandoned Sir William Johnson and returned to their re-
spective villages and castles, but without committing the least vio-
leoce; the faithful few, in number about one hundred and seventy,
who continued with the army, were afterwards distinguished by medals
which the general gave them, that they might be known at the Eng-
lish posts, and receive the civil treatment their humanity and their
affection for the English entitled them to.
" If the French plan of policy had admitted of similar exertions of
*This statement of the English loss is evidently as much below
the fact as Pouchot's is above, and the number given as wounded in
proportion to the killed, is not reasonable.
f The surrender of Isle Royal was announced by the following
proclamation of Governor Golden :
" By the Hon. Oadwallader Gulden, Esquire, President of his Majesty's Council,
[L.9.]
and Commander-in-chief of the Province of New York, and the terri-
tories depending thereon in Americii,
"A PEOCLAMATION.
" Wftereas, His Majesty's forces, under the immediate command of His Excel-
lency Geiieriil Amherst, have late-ly reduced the fortress and works erected by
tlie enemy on an island in the St, Lawrence, called by the French Isle Eoyal,
a few miles below Oswegatcliie, an Indian settlement with a block-house fort,
which the enemy had before aliandoned, from whence the inhabitants of this
province, situated on the Mohawk river, have been so much annoyed l)y parties
sent to harass and disturb them that they were kept in constant alarm, and
many, under strong apprehensions of theirdangcT, abandoned theirsettlements.
And whereas, liy this important acqni>,ilion, the people alongthe Mohawk river
will for tlie futurs lemain quiet in their possc8>ions, and as the improvement
of the settlements there, and the cultivation of the adjacent uncleared country,
cannot but prove of the greatest advantage to the province, the general, by
his letter to me, dated lielow, the Isle Eoyale, the 2Clh ultimo, hath recom-
mended that I would invito the inhabitants thereto, and assure them of a
peaceable abode in their habitation. I have heretofore thought fit with the
advice of liis majesty's council to issue this proclamation, hereby inviting the
persons who, through fear of the incursions of the enemy on that side, Itave
left their settlements, to return to tlieir fanns, where they may now reap the
fruit of their industry, in the utmost security ; and, as a further encouragement
to otliers to become settlers in that part of tlio country, I do promise his
majesty's grant of any of the vacant lands there to sucli pcrs6n8 as fhall apply
for the same, on the usual terms, and on condition of immediate settlemenls
of the tiucts that shall bo so appropriated.
"Given under my hand and seal at arms, in Fort George, in the city of Now
York, the fourth day of September, 1760, in the thirty-foui th year of the reign
of our sovereign. Lord George the Second, by tlte grace of Gud'of Great Britain
Franco and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, and so forth. '
" Cadwa],lader Colden.
"By His Honor's command, G. W. Banyab, D. Sec'y.
" God Save the iiiNG."
humanity towards their prisoners, there is no doubt but they might
thereby have equally prevented the commission of acts which, even
had they conquered, would have been sufficient to sully the glory of
their greatest achievements.
" Till the 3flth, the army was emph>yed in leveling the batteries and
repairing boats and rafts for the artillery, which was now embarked
with the necessary stores ; and on the 31st the general, with the first
division of the army, consisting of the artillery, the grenadiers, and
the light infantry, the 44th and 56th regiments, the 4th battalion of
Royal Americans, and three regiments of provincials, embarked about
noon, and in the evening reached the Isle-Aux-Chats [opposite
Louisville landing], having passed the first rapids. On the 1st of
September, they proceeded about ten miles farther, and encamped.
On the 2d, Brigadier Gage, with the other division, joined the gen-
eral, having lost three Highlanders in going over the falls. The
whole now proceeded together, entered Lake St. Francis, and that
very evening reached Pointe-Aux-Boudets, where, the weather being
extremely bad, the general halted.
' ' On the 3d, a prisoner was brought in, who gave intelligence that
Colonel Haviland had taken possession of the Isle-Aux-Noix, the
enemy having abandoned it on his approach.
" The navigation of the river St. Lawrence is in this place, perhaps,
the most intricate and dangerous of any actually used in North
America, without the assistance of pilots accustomed to the force and
direction of its various eddies. Though the French have been con-
stantly going up and down the river ever since their possession of
Canada, General Amherst's attempt to navigate it in the manner he
did was judged impracticable. No doubt the route by Lake George
and Lake Champlain might have been the easiest to penetrate by
into Canada ; but this by the Mohawk river, Oswego, and the river •
St. Lawrence opened a passage which had as yet been unexplored by
the English, and effectually deprived the French of the opportunity
of carrying on the war another campaign by retreating to their un-
conquered posts at Detroit and elsewhere to the south. Those who
declared the river impracticable to the English, grounded their opinion
on the unsuccessfulness of the attempt made on La Galette the pre-
ceding year by General Gage; not considering the difference between
a feeble, irresolute effort, and a strong, determined stroke.
" The pilots taken at Fort Levis contributed much to the safety of
the army in this navigation, or it would have been equally tedious.
** The chief art of getting through these rapids with a number of
boats consists in the making them keep a proper distance. Without
the greatest attention to this precaution the lives of those who pass
the Cedar Falls, especially, must be in the utmost danger.
" It must be confessed that the appearance of broken rocks and in-
accessible islands, interspersed in the current of a rapid river, and
the foaming surges rebounding from them, without a direct channel
to discharge itself by, presents a scene of horror unknown in Europe;
yet the mind by degrees soon loses the sensation of terror, and he-
comes free enough to direct the actions of the body.
" On the 4th of September the general put the army in motion, and
it soon cleared the Lake St. Francis and entered a country lately
well inhabited, but now a mere desert. About noon the van of the
army entered the Cedar Falls.
" This, as we have already hinted, is by far tho most dangerous part
of the whole river, and had tho boats crowded too close upon each
other most of them must have perished.
•' Accordingly, for the want of sufficient precaution, twenty-nine
boats belonging to the regiments, seventeen whale-boats, seventeen
artillery- boats, and one row-galley were dashed to pieces, with tho loss
of eighty-eight men ; and this too before, on account of the night'a
approaching, the whole of the army could get through ; what did
encamped on tho Isle-Perrot. On the 5th, in the morning, the re-
mainder, taking care to preserve a proper distance, passed tho rapid
with ease. During tho stay tho general was obliged to make to repoir.
the damaged boats the inhabitants came flocking in, and took the
oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty.
" Humanity and clemency ever attended on the victories of tho
Romans ; the princes and tho people who submitted to their arms
were sure of protection ; and those who dared to oppose them were
made to feel the weight of their greatness and power.
" True policy might alone be thought sufficient, especially after snob
an illustrious example, to make the generals of every nation adopt
such conciliating measures. It would have been justly a matter of
surprise if, from the natural feelings of his own heart, independent
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
43
of any other motiye, General Amherst had neglected to stretch forth
the hand of ooiumiseratiou to the number of trembling, despairing
wretches who now appeared before him. The blood that had been
shed in the wantonness of cruelty had expunged from their breasts
every hope of meroy; and they advanced like culprits approaching
a, judge to receive the sentence due to their crimes.
" Full as they were of conscious guilt, how great must have been
their joy to find themselves forgiven, restored to their possessions
and to their families ; to be received as friends, and have every neces-
sary provided for them as such, and to crown all, to know for certain
that they might securely depend on a continuance, or rather an in-
crease, of these blessings."
PICQUET AND POUCHOT.
Two personages connected with the history of La Pre-
sentation and Fort Levis deserve particular mention here
from their prominence, and the fact that one was the
original founder of the mission where now stands the flour-
ishing city of Ogdensburg, and the other the gallant com-
mander of the last fortress held by the French in America.
These are Father Picquet and M. Pouchot. We will begin
with the latter. The facts are from his memoirs, translated
by Dr. F. B. Hough.
M. Pouchot was born at Grenoble, in 1712. His wor-
thy father died when he was young, and his mother soon
married again. The young Pouchot entered the military
service as a volunteer engineer in 1733. The next year he
was transferred to the famous regiment of Beam, in which
he continued to study the art of Cohorn and Vauban.
His genius attracted the attention of M. de Blaillebois, who
assisted him, and was instrumental in placing him under
the direction of M. Bourcet, who employed him upon the
intrenehments of Borgo-Forte and of Mount Baldo, two
strong posts in Corsica, then at war with the Genoese. M.
Pouchot served with distinction in the various campaigns
of the French army in Italy, Flanders, and Germany. In
1744 he was charged by the government with examining
the route into the Tyrol, and in preparing a map, which he
accompanied with a memoir. He had subsequently the
charge of the intrenched camp at Tournai, under the orders
of M. de Villemur. These services obtained him the rank
of captain by brevet and the cross of St. Louis. Upon the
breaking out of the war in America M. Pouchot was sent
with his regiment to the St. Lawrence. His services in
America were many and remarkable. His first work was
upon the fort at Frontenac, which he thoroughly refitted
and made almost impregnable. In October, 1755, he was
put in command of the post at Niagara, which he also re-
built in the best manner during the winter of 175.5-50.
He was present at the siege and capture of Oswego by the
Marquis Montcalm,* in August, 1756, and the result of
the expedition was in no small degree owing to his superior
placing and handling of the French batteries after the death
of M. Descombles, the chief engineer.
After the capture of Oswego M, Pouchot was employed
by Montcalm to open a road from La Prairie towards Lake
Champlain, and subsequently in working upon the fortifi-
cations of Fort Carrillon, now known as Ticonderoga. In
September of that year (1756) he returned with a portion
of his regiment to Niagara, where he labored diligently to
complete a strong work. During the succeeding winter he
* Louis Joseph, Marquis dcMontcilm dc Saint Veron, born lfl2.
was employed in strengthening the works. At this post he
was very successful in gaining the confidence of the Indians,
and in attaching them to the French interests.
In August, 1757, Montcalm captured Fort William
Henry, at the southern extremity of Lake George, which
event spread consternation far and wide among the English
colonies, and led to most determined efforts on the part of
the English government to drive back the French from
their strongholds upon Lake Champlain and along the
northern frontier.
In October M. Pouchot was relieved from the command
of Niagara, and returned to Montreal. On the 7th of July,
1758, he joined Montcalm at Fort Carillon, and took part
in the great battle fought on the 8th, between the French
army, consisting of about 3000 men in their intrenehments,
and the Anglo-American army, amounting, according to
English accounts, to 15,391 men, but estimated by the
French at 22,000.
The French regiments which fought in this action were
those of B^arn, Sarre, Languedoc, Berri, Guienne, the
Queen's, and the Royal Roussillon. The English were de-
feated with terrible loss, and retreated with the greatest
precipitation. This battle ruined the reputation of Sir
Ralph Abercrombie, the commander of the English army,
while it correspondingly added to that of the Marquis de
Montcalm, undoubtedly the ablest commander the French
ever had in America.
In the fall of 1758, M. Pouchot was employed, along
with the Chevalier de Levis, in selecting the best points for
erecting fortifications for tlie defense of Canada, which the
English were threatening. In March, 1759, M. Pouchot
was again ordered to take command of Niagara, where, in
July following, he sustained a memorable siege by Sir Wil-
liam Johnson during fifteen days, defending the place until
it was completely ruined and untenable, when he was forced
to surrender, as the defeat of M. d' Aubrey, who was ap-
proaching for the relief of the place, destroyed all hope of
succor. During the operations the garrison, which origi-
nally consisted of 525 men, including laborers, had 109 men
killed and wounded.
In November, M. Pouchot was exchanged, and arrived
in Montreal on New Year's eve. He had met General
Amherst at Saratoga, on his way north, and the English
commander had intrusted letters in his care to the French
commander in Canada.
In March, 1760, just one year from the time he had
taken command of Niagara, he was placed in command of
the new Fort Levis on Oraconenton island, where he sus-
tained another and most remarkable siege, in August fol-
lowing, defending his post to the last, and only surrendering
when further resistance was useless. Upon his return to
France after the surrender of Canada, he experienced the
fate of many a brave defender of his country, through the
misrepresentations and calumnies of insidious enemies, who
envied him the honors and emoluments that were justly his
due. Charges were preferred against the gallant soldier,
and he was ordered to be thrown into the Bastile. Upon
hearing of these proceedings he presented himself at once
to the minister of war, and said, " I have come from Canada,
where I have a thousand times exposed my life for the in-
44
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
terests of my country. Her enemies offered me employ-
ment, money, and an advantageous position, but I rejected
their offers. The loss of my patrimony is all the fruit left
me for my labors and my services. What do you want ?
Of V7hat do they accuse me?"
After the battle of Carillon the Marquis Montcalm
recommended him for a brevet lieutenant- colonel's position,
but instead he only received a very moderate pension.
" The man so distinguished in that memorable combat, and
who afterwards defended with such valor Forts Niagara and
Levis, could not break down the barriers which separated
the employed subalterns from the superior grades, an ob-
stacle over which intrigue would triumph without difficulty."
He soon after returned to Grenoble, and, when the difficul-
ties broke out in Corsica, entered the service of the govern-
ment, and was killed on a reconnoitering expedition May 8,
1769, in his fifty-seventh year, a gallant soldier to the last.
PATHEK PICQTJET.
The memoirs of Father Picquet have been written by M.
de la Lande, a celebrated astronomer of the Academie des
Sciences, and are published in the fourteenth volume of a
work entitled, " Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses'' (Lyons
edition, 1819, p. 262, et seq.), from which an abridged
translation is published in the Documentary History of
New York, from which, and from the original esssay, we
derive the following :
" A missionary, remarkable for his zeal, and the services
which he has rendered to the church and the state, born in
the same village as myself, and with whom I have enjoyed
terms of particular intimacy, has given to me a relation of
his labors, and I have thought that this notice deserved to
find a place in the Lettres Edifiantes, having exactly the
same object as the other articles in that collection, and I
flatter myself that I shall be able to render au honorable
testimony to the memory of a compatriot, and of a friend
so amiable as M. I'Abbe Picquet.
" Frangois Picquet, doctor of the Sorbonne, King's Mis-
sionary and Prefect Apostolic to Canada, was born at Bourg,
in Bresse, on the 6th Dec, 1708. The ceremonials of the
church, from his infancy, were to him so engaging, that
they seemed to announce his vocation.
" The good instruction which he received from an estima-
ble father, seconded by a happy disposition, enabled him to
accomplish his earlier studies with the approbation of all
his superiors and of his professors, although, in the dissipa-
tion and folly of youth, he was relieved by occupations al-
together foreign to his studies. M. Picquet, in fact, loved
to test his abilities in various ways, and in this he suc-
ceeded ; but his first pastimes had announced his first pref-
erences, and the church was his principal delight.
" As early as the seventeenth year of his age, he suc-
cessfully commenced the functions of a missionary in his
country, and at twenty years, the Bishop of Sinope, Suffra-
gan of the diocese of Lyons, gave him, by a flattering ex-
ception, permission to preach in all the parishes of Bresse
and Franche-Comte which depended on his diocese. The
enthusiasm of his new state rendered him desirous to go to
Rome, but the Archbishop of Lyons advised him to study
theology at Paris. He followed this advice, and entered
the congregation of St. Sulpioe. The direction of the new
converts was soon proposed to him; but the-activity of his
zeal induced him to seek a wider field, and led him beyond
the seas, in 1733, to the missions of North America, where
he remained thirty years, and where his constitution, invig-
orated by labor, acquired a force and vigor which secured
for him a robust health to the end of his life.
" After having for some time labored at Montreal, in
common with other missionaries, he desired to undertake
some new enterprise, by which France might profit by re-
storing peace to our vast colonies.
" About 1740, he established himself at the Lake of Two
Mountains,* to the north of Montreal, to draw the Algon-
quins, the JVipissings, and the savages of the Lake Temis-
caming to the head of the colony, and upon the route of all
the nations of the north, which descend by the great river
of Michilimakina, to Lake Huron.
" There had been an ancient mission upon the Lake of
Two Mountains, but it had been abandoned. M. Picquet
took advantage of the peace which the country then enjoyed,
in constructing a stone fort. This fort commanded the vil-
lages of the four nations, which composed the mission of
the lake. He next caused a palisade to be built around
each of the villages, of cedar posts, flanked by good re-
doubts. The king defrayed half of this expense; the
missionaries incurred the rest by labor.
" He there fixed the two nomadic nations of the Algon-
quins and the Nipissings, and caused them to build a fine
village, and to sow and reap, a thing before regarded as next
to impossible. These two nations, in the event, were first
to give succor to the French. The pleasure which they
experienced in this establishment attached them to France
and the king, in whose name M. Picquet procured them
assistance in money, in provisions, and all that the wants
of these two nations required.
" He there erected a Calvary, which was the finest monu-
ment of religion in Canada, by the grandeur of the crosses
which were planted upon the summit of one of the two
mountains, by the different chapels and the different
oratories, all alike built of stone, arched, ornamented with
pictures, and distributed in stations for the space of threer
quarters of a league.
" He here endeavored to gain an exact understanding
with all the northern tribes, by means of the Algonqidns
and the Nipisdngs, and with those of the south and west,
by means of the Iroquois and the Ilurons. His negotia^.
tions resulted so well that he annually, at the feast of the
Passover and the Pentecost, baptized to the faith thirty to
forty adults.
" When the savage hunters had passed eight months in
the woods, they remained a month in the village, which
made it a kind of mission, receiving many each day with
the two catechisms, and with spiritual conferences. He ^
taught them the prayers and the chants of the church, and
he imposed penances upon those who created any disorder
A portion were settled and domiciled.
" Li short, he succeeded beyond all hope in persuading
these nations to submit entirely to the king, and to render
* About thirtj-si.v miles northwest of Montreal.
HISTOKY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
45
him the master of their national assemblies, with full liberty
to make known his intentions and to nominate all their chiefs.
From the commencement of the War of 1742 his savages
showed their attachment to France and to the king, whose
paternal character M. Picquet had announced to them,
and who was regarded as the beloYed and the idol of the
nation.
■ " M. Picquet was among the first to foresee the war which
sprang up about 1742 between the English and the French.
He prepared himself for it a long time beforehand. He
began by drawing to his mission (at the Lake of the Two
Mountains) all the , French scattered in the vicinity, to
strengthen themselves and afford more liberty to the savages.
These furnished all the necessary detachments ; they were
continually on the frontiers to spy the enemy's movements.
M. Picquet learned by one of these detachments that the
English were making preparations at Sarasto [Saratoga?],
and were pushing their settlements up to Lake St. Sacra-
ment.* He informed the general of the circumstance, and
proposed to him to send a body of troops there, at least to
intimidate the enemy if we could do no more. The expe-
dition was formed. M. Picquet accompanied M. Marin,
who commanded this detachment. They burnt the fort,
the Lydius establishments,'}" several saw-mills, the phmks,
boards, and other building timber, the stock of supplies,
provisions, the herds of cattle along nearly fifteen leagues
of settlement, and made one hundred and forty-five prisoners,
without having lost a sitigle, Frenchman or without having
any even wounded.J This expedition alone prevented tlie
English undertaking anything at that side during the war.
" Peace having been re-established in 1748, our mission-
ary occupied himself with the means of remedying, for the
future, the inconveniences which he had witnessed. The
road he saw taken by the savages and other parties of the
enemy sent by the English against us, caused him to select
a post which could hereafter intercept the passage of the
English. He proposed to M. de la Galissoni^re § to make
a settlement of the mission of La Presentation, near Lake
Ontario, an ' establishment which succeeded beyond his
hopes, and has been the most useful of all those of Canada.
" M. Rouille, minister of the marine, wrote on the 4th
of May, 1749;
" ' A large number of Iroquoia having declared that they were de-
.sirous of embracing Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a
mission towards Fort Frontenac, in order to attract the greatest num-
ber possible thither. It is Abbe Picquet, a zealous missionary, and
in whom' these'nations seem to have confidence, who has been in-
trusted with this negotiation. He was to have gone last year to select
* " I am building a fort at this lake, which the French call Lake
St. Sacrament, but I have given it the name of Lake (leorgo, not
only in honor to his Majesty, but to ascertain his undoubted domin-
ion here." — Si7' Wm. Johnaoii to the Board of Trade, Sept. 3, 1775.
Zond, Doc. xxxii., 178.
f Now Fort Edward, Washington county.
. i"I received an account on the 19th inst., by express from Al-
"bany, that a party of French and their Indians had cut off a settlement
in this province called Saraghtoge, about fifty miles from Albany, and
that about twenty houses with a fort (which the public would not re-
pair) were burned to ashes, thirty persons killed and scalped, and
about sixty takenprisoners." — Gov. Giinion to the Board, 30(/t Nov.,
\1ib. Loud. Doe. xxvii., 187, 235.
^ This officer commanded the French force which captured tho
Island of Minorca from the English in June, 1766.
a suitable site for the establishment of tho mission, and verify as pre-
cisely as was possible what can be depended upon relative to the dis,-
positions of these same nations. In a letter of the 6th of October
last, Mi de la GalisonnlSre stated that, though an entire confidence
cannot bo placed in those they have domesticated, it Is, notwithstand-
ing, of much importance to succeed in dividing them; that nothing must
be neglected that can contribute to it. It is for this reason that his
majesty desires you shall prosecute the design of the proposed settle-
ment. If it could attain a certain success, it would not be difficult then
to make the savages understand that the only means of extricating
themselves from the pretensions of the English to them and their
lands is to destroy Choueguen,|| so as to deprive them thereby of a
post which they established chiefly with a view to control their tribes.
This destruction is of such great importance, both as regards our
possessions and the attachment of the savages and their trade, that
it is proper to use every means to engage the Iroquoia to undertake
it. This -is actually the only means that can be employed, but you
must feel that it requires much prudence and circumspection.'
" M. Picquet eminently possessed the qualities requisite
to effect the removal of the English from our neighbor-
hood. Therefore, the general, the intendant, and the bishop
deferred absolutely to him in the selection of the settle-
ment for this new mission ; and, despite the efforts of those
who had opposite interests, he was intrusted with the un-
dertaking.
" The fort of La Presentation is situated at 302° 40'
longitude,^ and at 44° 50' latitude, on the Presentation river,
which the . Indians named Soegasti; thirty leagues above
Mont-Real ; fifteen leagues from Lake Ontario or Lake
Frontenac, which, with Lake Champlain, gives rise to the
river St. Lawrence ; fifteen leagues west of the source of
the river Hudson, which tails into the sea at New York.
Fort Frontenac had been built near there in 1671 [1673]
to arrest the incursions of the English and the Iroquois j
the bay served as a port for the mercantile and military
marine which had been formed there on that sort of sea,
where the tempests are as frequent and as dangerous as on
the ocean. But the post of La Presentation appeared still
more important, because the harbor is very good, the river
freezes there rarely, the barks can leave with northern, east-
ern, and southern winds, the lands are excellent, and that
quarter can be fortified most advantageously.
" Besides, that mission was adapted by its situation to
reconcile to us the Iroquois savages of the Five Nations,
who inhabit between Virginia and Lake Ontario. The
Marquis of Beauharnois, and afterwards M. de la Jon-
quiere, governor-general of New France, were very de-
sirous that we should occupy it, especially at a time when
English jealousy, irritated by a war of many years, sought
to alienate from us the tribes of Canada.
" This establishment was as if the key of the colony, be-
cause the English, French, and Upper Canada savages could
not pass elsewhere than under the cannon of Fort Presen-
tation when coming down from the south ; the Iroquois
to the south and the Mississngues to the north were within
its reach. Thus it eventually succeeded in collecting them
together from over a distance of one hundred leagues. The
officers, interpreters, and tradei's, notwithstanding, then re-
garded that establishment as chimerical. Envy and oppo-
sition had (affected its failure had it not been for the firm-
II OsVego.
•[ There is some mistake in these figures. The longitude of this
place is 75° 30' west from Greenwich, and latitude 41° W north.
46
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ness of the Abbe Picquet, supported by that of the admin-
istration. This establishment served to protect, aid, and
comfort the posts already erected on Lake Ontario. The
barks and canoes for the transportation of the king's effects
could be constructed there at a third less expense than else-
where, because timber is in greater quantity and more ac-
cessible, especially when M. Picquet had had a saw-mill
erected there for preparing and manufacturing the timber.
In fine, he could establish a very important settlement for
the French colonists, and a point of reunion for Europeans
and savages, where they would find themselves very conve-
nient to the hunting and fishing ■ in the upper part of
Canada.
" M. Picquet left with a detachment of soldiers, me-
chanics, and some savages. He placed himself at first in
as great security as possible against the insults of the
enemy, which availed him ever since. On the 20th of Oc-
tober, 1749, he had built a fort of palisades, a house, a
barn, a stable, a redoubt, and an oven. He had lands
cleared for the savages. His improvements were estimated
at thirty to forty thousand livres, but he introduced as
much judgment as economy. He animated the workmen,
and they labored from three o'clock in the morning until
nine at night. As for himself, his disinterestedness was
extreme. He received at that time neither allowance nor
presents ; he supported himself by his industry and credit.
From the king he had but one ration of two pounds of
bread and one half pound of pork, which made the savages
say, when they brought him a buck and some partridges,
' We doubt not, father, but that there have been disagree-
able expostulations in your stomach, because you have had
nothing but pork to eat. Here's something to put your
affairs in order.' The hunters furnished him wherewithal
to support the Frenchmen and to treat the generals occa-
sionally. The savages brought him trout weighing as
many as eighty pounds.
" When the court had granted him a pension he em-
ployed it only for the benefit of his establishment. At first
he had six heads of families in 1749, eighty-seven the year
following, and three hundred and ninety-six in 1751. All
these were of the most ancient and most influential fami-
lies, so that this mission was, from that time, sufficiently
powerful to attach the Five Nations to us, amounting to
twenty-five thousand inhabitants, and he reckoned as many
as three thousand in his colony. By attaching the Iroquois
cantons to France, and establishing them fully in our in-
terest, we were certain of having nothing to fear from the
other savage tribes, and thus a limit could be put to the
ambition of the English. M. Picquet took considerable
advantage of the peace to increase that settlement, and he
carried it in less than four years to the most desirable per-
fection, despite of the contradictions that he had to combat
against, the obstacles he had to surmount, the jibes and un-
becoming jokes which he was obliged to bear; but his
happiness and glory suffered nothing therefrom. People
saw with astonishment several villages start up almost at
once ; a convenient, habitable, and pleasantly-situated fort ;
vast clearances, covered almost at the same time with the
finest maize. More than five hundred families, still all in-
fidels, who congregated there, soon rendered this settlement
the most beautiful, the most charming, and the most abun^
dant of the colony. Depending on it were La Presentation,
La Galettc, Suegatzi, L'isle au Galop, and L'isle Picquet in
the river St. Lawrence. There were in the fort seven small
stone guns and eleven four- to six-pounders.
" The most distinguished of the Iroquois families were
distributed at La Presentation in three villages. That which
adjoined the French fort contained, in 1754, forty-nine
bark cabins, some of which were from sixty to eighty feet
long, and accommodated three to four families. The place
pleased them on account of the abundance of hunting and
fishing. This mission could no doubt be increased, but
cleared land sufiicient to allow all the families to plant and
to aid them to subsist would be necessary, and each tribe
should have a separate location.
" M. Picquet had desired that, in order to draw a large
number, they should clear during a certain time a hun-
dred arpents of land each year, and build permanent cabins,
and to surround their village with a palisade ; that they
should construct a church and a house for seven, or eight
missionaries. The nations desired it, and it was an effect-
ual means to establish them permanently. All this he
could do with fifteen thousand livres a year, and he pro-
posed to assign them a benefice, as tending to promote re-
ligion. Meanwhile our missionary applied himself to the
instruction of the savages, and baptized great numbers.
" The bishop of Quebec, wishing to witness and assure
himself personally of the wonders related to him of the
establishment at La Presentation, went thither in 1749,
accompanied by some officers, royal interpreters, priests
from other missions, and several other clergymen, and spent
ten days examining and causing the catechumens to be ex-
amined. He himself baptized one hundred and thirty-two,
and did not cease, during his sojourn, blessing heaven for
the progress of religion among these infidels.
" Scarcely where they baptized when M. Picquet de-
termined to give them a form of government. He es-
tablished a council of twelve ancients ; chose the most
influential among the Five Nations ; brought them to Mont-
Real, where, at the hands of the Marquis du Quesne, they
took the oath of allegiance to the king, to the great astonish-
ment of the whole colony, where no person dared to hope
for such an event.
" Attentive as well to the good of the administration as
to the cause of religion, M. Picquet notified the chiefs of
the colony of the abuses which he witnessed. He made,
for example, a remonstrance against the establishment of
traders who had come to locate at the Long Saut and at
Carillon, to hold traffic and commerce, who cheated the
savages, and sold them worthless things, at a dear price,
and hindered them from coming to the mission, where they
were undeceived, instructed in religion, and attached to
France.
" In the month of June, 1751, M. Picquet made a voyage
around Lake Ontario, with a king's canoe and one of bark,
in which he had five trusty savages, with the design of at-
tracting some Indian families to the new settlement of La
Presentation. There is a memoir among his papers on the
subject, from which it is proposed to give an extract.
" He visited Fort Frontenac or Caim-ocoMi, situated^welve
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
47
leagues west of La Presentation. He found no Indians
there, though it was formerly the rendezvous of the Five
Nations. The bread and milk there were bad ; they had
not even brandy there to staunch a wound. Arrived at a
point of Lake Ontario called Kaoi, he found a negro
fugitive from Virginia. He assured him on this occasion
that there would be no difficulty to obtain a great part of
the negroes of New England, who were received well in
Canada, and supported the first year, and that lands were
conceded to them as to habitants. The savages served
them voluntarily as guides.
" The negroes would be the most terrible enemies of the
English, because they have no hope of pardon if the Eng-
lish become masters of Canada, and they contribute much
to build up this colony by their labor. The same is the
case with natives of Flanders, Lorraine, and Switzerland,
who have followed their example, because they were ill at
ease with the English, who loved them not.
" At the Bay of Quinte, he visited the site of the ancient
mission which M. Dollieres de Kleus and Abbe D'Urf^,
priests of the Saint Sulpice seminary, had established there.
The quarter is beautiful, but the land is not good. He
visited Fort Toronto, seventy leagues from Fort Frontenac,
at the west end of Lake Ontario. He found good bread
and good wine there, and everything requisite for the trade,
whilst they were in want of these at all the other posts.
He found Mississagues there, who flocked around him ; they
spoke first of the happiness their young people, the women
and children, would feel, if the king would be as good to
them as to the Iroqvois, fur whom lie procured missionaries.
They complained that instead of building a church, they
had constructed only a canton for them. M. Picquet did
not allow them to finish, and answered them that they had
been treated according to their fancy ; that they had never
evinced the least zeal for religiofi ; that their conduct was
much opposed to it ; that the Iroquois, on the contrary,
had manifested their love to Christianity ; but, as he had no
order/to attract them to his mission, he avoided a more
lengthy explanation.
" He passed thence to Niagara. He examined the situa-
tion of that fort, not having any savages to whom he could
speak. It is well located for defense, not being commanded
from any point. The view extends to a great distance ;
they have the advantage of the landing of all the canoes
and barks which laud, and are in safety there ; but the rain
was washing the soil away by degrees, notwithstanding the
vast expense which the king incurred to sustain it. M.
Picquet was of opinion that the space between the land
and the wharf might be filled in so as to support it and
make a glacis there. This place was important as a trading-
post, and as securing possession of the carrying-place of
Niagara and Lake Ontario.
" From Niagara M. Picquet went to the carrying-place,
which is six leagues from that post. He visited on the
same day the famous Fall of Niagara, by which the four
great Canada lakes discharge themselves into Lake Ontario.
This cascade is as prodigious by its height and the quantity
of water which falls there as by the variety of its falls,
which are to the number of six principal ones divided by
a small island, leaving three to the north and three to the
south. They produce of themselves a singular symmetry
and wonderful efiect. He measured the height of one of
those falls from the south side, and he found it about one
hundred and forty feet.* The establishment at this carry-
ing-place, the most important in a commercial point of view,
was the worst stocked. The Indians, who came there in
great numbers, were in the best disposition to trade ; but
not finding what they wanted, they went to Choueguen or
Choeguenn [Oswego], at the mouth of the river of the
same name. M. Picquet counted there as many as fifty
canoes. There was, notwithstanding, at Niagara, a trading
house, where the commandant and trader lodged ; but it
was too small, and the king's property wa.s not safe there.
" M. Picquet negotiated with the Scnecas, who promised
to repair to his mission, and gave him twelve children as
hostages, saying to him that their parents had nothing dearer
to thorn, and followed him immediately, as well as the chief
of the Little Rapid, with all his family.
" The young Indians who accompanied Picquet had
spoken of this old man as a veritable apostle. M. Picquet
withdrew with him to say his breviary ; and the savages
and the Sonnotoans, without losing time, assembled them-
selves to hold council with M. de Touraine, who addressed
them for some time at length, and said :
"'You savages and the Sonnotoans know your firmnes.s in your
rcsoIutioDSj and know that you have designed to pass by Choeguen
[Oswego] in returning. Let me request you at once that you attempt
to do nothing. They are informed of the bad disposition of the Eng-
lish, whom you regard as the formidable enemy of their colony, and
as the one that has done them the most harm. They are disposed to
destroy themselves, rather than that you should suffer the least harm ;
but all this amounts to nothing, and the savages will always lose by
the approaches of this people, who hate you. As for myself,' added
M. de Touraine, ' I entreat you earnestly not to pass that way. The
Indians have told me nothing more.'
" M. Picquet immediately replied, — ' Ethonciaouin' (that
is, ' As you desire, my children').
" He set out with all those savages to return to Fort Ni-
agara. M. Chabert de Joncaire would not abandon him.
At each place where they encountered camps, cabins, and
entrepSts, they were saluted with musketry by the In-
dians, who never ceased testifying their consideration for
the missionary. M. Picquet took the lead with the sav-
ages of the hills, Messrs. Joncaire and Rigouille following
with the recruits. He embarked with thirty-nine savages
in his large canoe, and was received on arriving at the
fort with the greatest ceremony, even with the discharge of
cannon, which greatly pleased the Indians. On the mor-
row he assembled the Senecas, for the first time, in the
chapel of the fort, for religious services.
" M. Picquet returned along the south coast of Lake
Ontario. Alongside of Choeguen, a young Seneca met her
uncle, who was coming from his village with his wife and
children. This young girl spoke so well to her uncle,
though she had but little knowledge of religion, that he
promised to repair to La Presentation early the following
spring, and that ho hoped to gain over also seven other
cabins of Senecas of which he was chief. Twenty-five
^'''" These are French feet. The falls on the American side are 164
feet high. — Burr's Atlas Introd., p. 31.
48
HISTOKY OF ST: LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
leagues from Niagara he visited the river Gascouchagou,*
where he met a number of rattlesnakes. The young In-
dians jumped into the midst of them, and killed forty-two
without having been bitten by any.
" He next visited the falls of this river. The first which
appear in sight in ascending resemble much the great cas-
cade at St. Cloud, except that they have not been orna-
mented and do not seem so high, but they possess natural
beauties which render them very curious. The second, a
quarter of a mile higher, are less considerable, yet are re-
markable. The third, also a quarter of a league higher, has
beauties truly admirable by its curtains and falls, which form
also, as at Niagara, a charming proportion and variety. They
may be one hundred and some feet high.f In the intervals
between the falls there are a hundred little cascades, which
present likewise a ctirious spectacle ; and if the altitudes of
each chute were joined together, and they made but one as at
Niagara, the height would, perhaps, be four hundred feet ;
but there is four times less water than at the Niagara Fall,
which will cause the latter to pass, forever, as a wonder per-
haps unique in the world.
"The English, to throw disorder into this new levy,
sent a good deal of brandy. Some savages did, in fact,
get drunk, whom M. Picquet could not bring along. He
therefore desired much that Choeguen were destroyed and
the English prevented rebuilding it ; and in order that we
should be absolutely masters of the south side of Lake On-
tario, he proposed erecting a fort near there at the bay of
the CayugaSjJ which would make a very good harbor and
furnish very fine anchorage. No place is better adapted for
a fort.
" He examined attentively the fort of Choeguen, a post
the most pernicious to France that the English could erect.
It was commanded almost from all sides, and could be very
easily approached in time of war. It was a two-gtory
very low building, decked like a ship, and surmounted on
the top by a gallery ; the whole was sarrounded by a stone
wall, flanked only with two bastions at the side towards the
nearest hill. Two batteries, each of three twelve-pounders,
would have been more than sufficient to reduce that estab-
lishment to ashes. It was prejudicial to us by the facility
it afforded the English of communicating with all the tribes
of Canada, still more than by the trade carried on there as
well by the Fi-euch of the colony as by the savages ; for
Choeguen was supplied with merchandise adapted only to
the French at least as much as with what suited to the
savages, a circumstance that indicated an illicit trade. Had
the minister's orders been executed, the Choeguen trade, at
least with the savages of Upper Canada, would be almost
ruined. But it was necessary to supply Niagara, especially
the Portage, rather than Toronto. The difference between
the two first of these posts and the last is, that three or
four hundred canoes could come loaded with furs to the
Portage, and that no canoes could go to Toronto, except
« The GoTieseo river. In Belin's map of P^^rtie Occidcntale de la
Non^elU, Frauce,Mii (No. 992, V. C. State Lib.), it U described as
=^^^ River unknown to Geographers, filled with Rapids and Water-.
t The highest fall on the river is 105 feet.
X Sodus bay. |
those which cannot pass before Niagara and to Port Pronte--
nae, such as the Otaois of the head of the lake (Fond du
Lac) and the Mississagues ; so that Toronto could not but
diminish the trade of these two ancient posts, which would
have been sufficient to stop all the savages had the stores been
furnished with goods to their liking. There was a wish to.
imitate the English in the trifles they sold the savages,tsuch
as silver bracelets, etc. The Indians compared and weighed:
them, as the storekeeper at Niagara stated, and the Choe-
guen bracelets, which were found as heavy, of a piirer silver,
and more elegant, did not cost them two beavers, whilst
those at the king's posts wanted to sell them for ten beavers.
Thus we were discredited, and this silver- ware remained a
pure- loss in the king's stores. French brandy was preferred
to the English, but that did not prevent the Indians going tO'
Choeguen. To destroy the trade the king's posts ought to
have been supplied with the same goods as Cho^guen| and
at the same price. The French ought also have been for.^
bidden to send the domiciliated Indians thither; but that
' would have been very difficult.
" M. Picquet next returned to FrOnteaac. Never was s,
reception more imposing. The Nipissings and Algonquins,
who were going to war with M. de Bellestre, drew up in a
line of their own accord above Fort Froriteuac, where three
standards were hoisted. They fired several volleys of mus--
ketry and cheered incessantly. They were answered in the
same style from all the little craft of bark. M. de Verchere
and M. de la Valtrie caused the guns of the fort to be dis-
charged at the same time, and the Indians, transported with'
joy at the honors paid them, also kept up a continual fire,
with shouts and acclamations which made every one rejoice.
The commandants and officers received our missionary at
the landing. No sooner had he debarked than all the Algon-
quins and Nipissings of the lake came to embrace him,'
saying that they had be'en told that the English had af--
rested him, and had that news been confirmed they would
soon have themselves relieved him. Finally, when he re-
turned to La Presentation, he was received "with thataffection,'
that tenderness which children would experience in recover-
ing a father whom they had lost.
"In 1753, M. Picquet repaired to France to render an:
account of his labors, and solicit assistance for the benefit
of the colony. He took with him three natives, the ap-
pearance of whom might create an interest in the success
of his establishments, and who, in the quality of hostages,
might serve to control the mission during his absence.'
The nations there assembled consented to it, and even ap-
peared to desire it, as well as the chiefs of the colony. He
conducted his savages to Paris, and to the court, where they
were received with so much kindness and attention that they
said, without ceasing, that could their nations know as well
as themselves the character and the goodness of the French,
they would not fail to be otherwise than of the same heart
and interests with that of France.
" While M. Picquet was in Paris in 1754, M. Rouill6,:
then minister of the marine, caused him to draw up sundiy-
memoirs, especially a general memoir upon Canada,' in
which he suggested infallible means for preserving this
colony to France. He also made observations upon the
disturbances which certain inquiet spirits, rash and bolsters
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
49
ous, had occasioned in Canada. The minister highly ap-
proved of them, and assured him that he would write to
the general to prevent in future the recurrence of like dis-
orders, which could not fail to be pernicious in a colony still
weak, and too distant from succors should they be necessary.
" The minister wished to give him a pension of a thou-
sand crowns, but M. de Laport, the first steward, conferred
it upon the Abbe Maillard. The minister was displeased,
while M. Prcquet had only the pleasure of receiving a thou-
sand crowns, of which in truth the ordinance was conceived
in terms the most honorable. The king presented him some
hooks, and when he took his leave the minister said to him,
' His majesty still gives you new marks of his pleasure.'
"The king always evinced the same sentiments towards
him whenever he took occasion to mention him at Ver-
sailles or at Bellevue.
" Meanwhile, M. de Laporte was displeased with this
journey of the Abbe Picquet, because it was leaving the
other ecclesiastic jealous of the impression which this abb6
was making with the court and the city. He restrained
him from continually exhibiting his savages, and attempted
to justify himself in what he had done.
" At length he departed, at the close of April, 1754, and
returned to La Presentation with two missionaries.
" The sojourn of the three natives in France produced
a very good eifect among the nations of Canada.
" War was no sooner declared in 1754, than the new
children of God, of the king, and of M. Picquet, thought
only of giving fresh proofs of their fidelity and valor, as
those of the Lake of the Two Mountains had done in the
war preceding. The generals were indebted to M. Picquet
for the destruction of all the forts as well on the river Cor-
lae (Corlear) as on that of Cboeguen. His Indians dis-
tinguished themselves especially at Fort George and on
Lake Ontario, where the warriors of La Presentation alone,
with their hark canoes, destroyed the English fleet, com-
manded by Capt. Beccan, who was made prisoner with a
number, of others, and that in sight of the French army,
commanded by M. de Villiers, who was at the Isle Galop.
The war-parties, which departed and returned continually,
filled the mission with so many prisoners that their numbers
frequently surpassed that of the warriors, rendering it
necessary to empty the villages and send them to headquar-
ters. In fine, a number of other expeditions of which M.
Picquet was the principal author have procured the promo-
tion of several ofiicers ; notwithstanding some have declared
that there were neither honors, nor pensions, nor favors, nor
promotions, nor marks of distinction, conferred by the king
upon those who had served in Canada, who were prevented
from receiving these by M. Picquet.
" M; du Quesne, on the occasion of the march of General
Braddock, recommended him to send as large a detachment
of savages as was possible, and gave him on this occasion
iull powers. In fact, the exhortations which M. Picquet
made them to give an example of zeal and courage for the
king their father, and the instructions which he gave them,
produced the entire defeat of this general of the enemy in
the summer of 1755, near Fort du Quesne, upon the Ohio.*
'^'This is ajUogethoi- problematical. — (Kd.)
■" This event, which conferred more honor upon the arms
of the king than all the rest of the war, is due principally to
the care which M. Picquet bestowed upon the execution of ,
the commands of M. the Marquis du Quesne in this expe-'
dition, and by the choice which he made of warriors equally
faithful and intrepid.
" He frequently found himself in the vanguard when the
king's troops were ordered to attack the enemy. He dis-
tinguished himself particularly in the expeditions of Sarasto
(Saratoga), Lake Champlain, Pointe a la Cheveleure (Crown
Point), the Cascades, Carillon (Ticonderoga), Choeguen
(Oswego), River Corlac (Mohawk), Isle au Galop, etc. The
posts he established for the king protected the colony pend-
ing the entire war. M. du Quesne said that the Abb6
Picquet was worth more than ten regiments.
" He wrote to him on the 23d September, 1754 : ' I shall
never forget — as a good citizen, I shall remember as long as
I live — the proofs which you have given me of your gene-
rosity, and of your unquenchable zeal for all that concerns
the public good.'
" On the 9th of June, 1755, M. du Quesne, upon the
point of departing, sent word to him that the English
thought of abandoning Niagara. He added : 'The precautions
to be taken muse all emanate from your zeal, prudence, and
foresight.'
" The English then endeavored, as well by menaces as by
promises, to gain the savages, especially after the lesson
which Du Quesne had given them at the Belle Riviere (the
Ohio).
" In the month of May, 1756, M. de Vaudreuil got M.
Picquet to depute the chiefs of his mission to the Five
Nations of Senecas, Cayugas, Oiiontaques, Tuscaroras, and
OneiJas, to attach them more and more to the French. The
English had surprised and killed their nephews in the three
villages of the Loups (Delawares ?). M. de Vaudreuil re-
quested him to form parties, which could succeed each other
in disquieting and harassing the English. He asked of
him his projects in forming a camp ; he prayed him to give
a free expression to his ideas, and exhibited on his side the
greatest confidence, and made him a part of all the opera-
tions which he proposed to undertake ; and declared that
the success of his measures was the work of M. Picquet.
" The letters of M. de Vaudreuil from 1756 to 1759,
which are among the papers of our missionary, are filled with
these evidences of his confidence and satisfaction ; but as
those of M. Picquet are not to be found, it would be diffi-
cult wherewith to make a history of these events, of which
alone M. Picquet has the greatest part.
" In proportion as our circumstances became more 'em-
barrassing, the zeal of M. Picquet became more precious
and more active.
" In 1758 he destroyed the English forts on the banks
of Corlac, but at length the battle of the 13th of Sept.,
1759, in which the Marquis of Montcalm was killed, brought
ruin on Quebec, and that of Canada followed. When he
saw all thus lost, M. Picquet terminated his long and labo-
rious career by his retreat on the 8th of May, 1760, with
the advice and consent of the general, the bishop and in-
tendant, in order not to fall into the hands of the English.
" The esteem which he had gained by his merit, the
50
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
praises which in an especial manner he had received, might
have induced him to remain there, but he had resolved never
to swear allegiance to another power. Inducements were
held out as motives by many French, by missionaries, and
by the savages themselves, who proposed to engage him,
and labored to make him see the advantages that would
result.
" He still hoped to take with him in his retreat the gren-
adiers of each battalion, according to the advice of M. the
Marquis de Levis, to thus preserve the colors and the honor
of their corps, but of this he was not the master.
" He had the materials of subsistence abundantly, but
was obliged to content himself with twenty-five Frenchmen,
who accompanied him as far as Louisiana ; and he thus
escaped with them from the English, although he had been
the most exposed during the war, and although he did not
receive the least help in so long a journey; but he had with
him two little detachments of savages, one of which pre-
ceded him several leagues and the other accompanied him,
who were successively relieved by similar detachments, as
he passed through different tribes.
" Those whom he left he sent each to his own nation, and
advised them as a father. Everywhere they received him
admirably, notwithstanding the deplorable circumstances in
which he was in ; everywhere he found the natives with the
best dispositions, and he received their protestations of zeal
and inviolable attachment to the king their father.
" He passed to Michilimackinac, between Lake Huron and
Lake Michigan, but the savages, consisting of Iroquois or
Algonquins, here left him, that M. Picquet might not be
embarrassed from this cause ;* proceeded thus by way of
Upper Canada to the Illinois country and Louisiana, and
sojourned twenty-two months- at New Orleans.
" Here he occupied himself in recovering his spirits, in
quelling a sort of civil war which had sprung up between
the governor and the inhabitants, and in preaching peace,
both in public" and in private.
" He had the satisfaction of seeing this happily restored
during his sojourn.
" General Amherst, on taking possession of Canada, imme-
diately informed himself of the place where M. Picquet had
taken refuge, and upon the assurance which was given him
that he had departed on his return to France by the west
he said, haughtily, 'I am mistaken in him, if this abb6
had not been as faithful to the King of England, had he
taken the oath of allegiance to him, as he had been to the
King of France. We would then have given him all our
confidence, and gained him to ourselves.'
" This general was mistaken. M. Picquet had an ardent
love for his country, and he could not have adopted
another.
" Soon the English would have finished by proscribing
him and offering a reward for his head, as a dangerous
enemy.
" Meanwhile the English themselves have contributed to
establish the glory and the services of this useful mission-
» I have much desired to find in his papers his memoirs upon the
customs of Canada; but I have heard M. Pioijuet say that this subject
was well treated of in the works of Father Lafitau, who had dwelt
five years at the Saut St. Louis, near Montreal.— ivr<,(e in the Oi-igiual.
ary ; we read in one of their gazettes : ' The Jesuit of the
west has detached all the nations from us, and placed them
in the interests of France.^ They called him a Jesuit be-
cause they had not then seen his girdle, nor the buttons of
his cassock, as M. de Galissoniere wrote to him jocosely, in
sending him the extract of their gazette ; or, to speak se-
riously, the zeal of the Jesuits, so well known in the new
world, makes them believe that out of so great a number of
missionaries there can be none but Jesuits. They are rep-
resented as the authors of all the losses of the English, and
the advantages which the French have gained over them.
Some even insinuate that they possess supernatural powers.
In short, our enemies believed themselves lost when they
were in the army, on account of the horde of savages that
always attended them.
" They spoke of nothing but of Picquet, and of his good
luck; and this became even a proverb throughout the
colony.
" An English ofiScer, having wished to make himself
conspicuous, once offered a bounty for his head, whereupon
the savages conspired to seize this English chief; he was
led into their presence, and they danced around him with
their tomahawks, awaiting the signal of the missionary,
who made it not, in his courtesy to an enemy.
" Thus did he endeavor, by eVery possible means, to act
neutral, at least between the English and the French.
" They had recourse to the mediation of the savages, and
offered to allow him freely to preach the Catholic faith to
the nations, and even to domiciliated Europeans; to pay
him two thousand crowns pension, with all the assistance,
necessary for establishing himself; to ratify the concession
of Lake Ganenta and its environs, a charming place which
the six cantons of the Iroquois had presented to M. Pic-
quet in a most illustrious council which they had held at
the Chateau of Quebec. The belts, which are the contracts
of these nations, were deposited at his ancient mission, the
Lake of Two Mountains, but he constantly declared that
he preferred the stipend which the king gave him, and that
all the overtures that could be made and all the advantages
that could be offered by a foreign power were vain ; that
the idea of neutrality, under the circumstances, was idle,
and an outrage upon his fidelity ; in a word, that the
thought itself was horrible. That he could make his for-
tunes without them, and that his character was very re-
mote from this species of cupidity. The services, the
fidelity, and the disinterestedness of Father Picquet merited
for him a higher destiny.
" Likewise the generals, commandants, and the troops
failed not by military honors to evince their esteem and
their respect for him in a decisive manner and worthy of
the nature of his services. He received these honors as
well from the army as at Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers,
and at all the forts which he passed, and even at the Cedars,
notwithstanding the jealousy of certain menial subjects, such
as M. de , who had sought to tarnish the glory of the:
missionary ; but he had been too vindictive in his assaults
to effect his object.
" We have seen him at Bourg even, a long time after,
receive tokens of veneration and regard from the ofiicers of
regiments who had seen him in Canada.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
51
" We see rendered in many letters of the ministers simi-
lar testimonials rendered to his zeal and success. They
give him the more credit because they saw his anxieties of
heart under the obstacles he had to surmount and upon
the ancient hostility of these nations, who had been almost
perpetually at war, but their experience with the English
had led them to bestow their attachment upon the French,
in proof of which the conduct of these people for a long
time after the war was cited.
" We see in the work of T. Raynal (vol. vii. p. 292)
that the savages had a marked predilection for the French ;
that the missionaries were the principal cause of this ; and
that he says that this fact is especially applicable to the
Abb6 Picquet.
" To give probability to what he says of his services,
allow me to quote the testimony which he rendered in 1769
to the governor-general after his return to France and the
loss of Canada :
" ' We, Marquis du Quesne, commander of the royal and military
order of Saint Louis, chief of the squadron of the naval arm, ancient
lieutenant-general, commandant of New France and the governments
of Louisburgh and Louisiana :
" ' Certify, that upon the favorable testimony which we have re-
ceived in Canada of the services of the Abbe Picquet, missionary of
the king among savage nations; upon the confidence which our pre-
decessors in this colony have bestowed upon him j and the great rep-
utation which he has acquired by the fine establishments which he
has formed for the king, the numerous and supernatural conversions
of infidels, which he has attached not less to the state than to reli-
gion, by his zeal, his disinterestedness, his talents, and his activity,
for the good of the service of His Majesty ; that we have employed
him on different objects of' the same service during the whole period
of our administration as governor-general, and that he has always
acted equal to our expectations, and ever beyond our hope.
" ' He has equally served religion and the state, with incredible
success, during nearly thirty years.
" ' He had directly rendered the king absolute master o the na-
tional assemblies of four nations who composed his first mission to
the Lake of Two Mountains, with liberty to nominate all their chiefs
at his will. He had caused all the chiefs of the nations which com-
posed his last mission, at La Presentation, to swear allegiance and
fidelity to His Majesty; and at these places he created most admira-
ble establishments ; in a word, he has rendered himself so much
more worthy of our notice, that he would rather return to Canada
and continue his labors than to live in his country and recover the
heritage of his parents, who have disowned him^ as we have learned,
for his not wishing to live in France, ten years since, when he was
accompanied by three savages.
" ' We would detail the important services which this abb6 has
rendered, if his Majesty or his ministers require it, and render jus-
tice lo whom it is due, to obtain of the king those marks of approba-
tion which are deserved ; in the faith of which we have signed the
present certificate and sealed it with our arms.
" ' Signed " ' The Marquis du Quesni:.'
" M. de Vaudreuil, governor and lieutenant-general for
the king in all of New France, certified the same in 1765,
that M. Picquet had served nearly thirty years in this
colony, with all the zeal and distinction possible, as well in
relation to the direct interests of the state as, relatively, to
those of religion ; that his talents for gaining the good will
of the savages, his resources in critical moments, and his
activity, have uniformly entitled him to the praises and the
confidence of the governors and the bishops ; that, above
all, he had proved useful by his services in the late war, by
sundry negotiations with the Iroquois and the domiciliated
nations ; by the establishments which he had formed, and
which had been of great service, by the indefatigable and
incessant care which he had taken to keep the savages for-
tified in their attachment to the French, and at the same
time confirmed in their Christianity.
-"M. de Bougainville, celebrated by his maritime expe-
ditions, and who participated in the first acts of the war in
Canada, certified, in 1760, that M. Picquet, king's mission-
ary, known by the establishments which he had made alike
serviceable to religion and the state, in all the campaigns
in which he had been with him, had contributed by his
zeal, his activity, and his talents to the good of the service
of the king and to the glory of his arms ; and his standing
among savage tribes and his personal services had been of
the greatest service, as well in military as political affairs.
" All those who had returned from Canada labored to
make appreciated the services so long and so constantly
rendered to France during nearly thirty years, and to make
known the merit of a citizen who had expatriated himself
to gratify the inclinations of his heart ; who had sacrificed
his youth, his heritage, and all the flattering hopes of
France ; who had exposed a thousand and a thousand times
his life, preserving often the subjects of the king and the
glory of his arms, and who could himself say that he had
nothing in his actions but the glory of France during his
residence in Canada, in which he had spent much of his
life.
" His services had not the same result in the last war for
the preservation of Canada, but the brilliant and almost
incredible actions by which he contributed to it have not
the less preserved, with the savages, the notion and the
high idea of French valor, and, possibly, this feeling may
hereafter result to our advantage.
" I would wish to be able to report all of the letters of
ministers, governors-general, and private persons, of bishops,
of intendants, and of other persons in authority, who wit-
nessed with surprise the projects, the negotiations, and the
operations of which this missionary had the charge, the
congratulations which he received on his successes, as
prompt as they were inspiring, upon his resources, upon
the expedients which he suggested, his zeal and his expe-
rience in critical situations, and which his activity always
put into execution.
" I have often asked him to make a history of them, that
should be alike curious and honorable for France.
" We find a part of these letters among his papers ; I
have there seen, among others, those of M. de Montcalm,
who called him, 'M?/ dear and very wortliy patriarch of
the Five Nations.^
" M. the Marquis de L6vis desired especially to make
known the labors and the successes of M. Picquet, of which
he had been a witness, and which he had admired both for
their disinterestedness, as well for regard to France as
against the English, after the conquest of Canada ; and I
have witnessed the solicitations which M. de L6vis made
to excite his ambition; or direct towards some important
place, a zeal which was worthy of a bishopric.
" The evidence of his ecclesiastical superiors was not less
favorable to the zeal of our missionary. The bishop of
Quebec, in 1760, departing for Europe after having visited
the new mission T^^hich M. Picquet had founded among the
52
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Iroquois, and where he had baptized more than a hundred
adults, enjoined upon all the priests of his diocese to aid
him as much as they might be able ; he conferred upon
him all his powers, even those of approving the other
priests, and of absolving from censures, reserved to the
sovereign Pontiff.
" M. Picquet, after returning to France, passed several
years in Paris, but a portion of his time was engaged in
exercising the ministry of all the suburbs, where the arch-
bishop of Paris deemed that he could be most useful. His
alacrity for labor fixed him a long time at Mount Valerian,
where he erected a parish church.
" He had been compelled to make a journey to sell books
which the king had presented hitn in 1754, which had sur-
vived the treatment he had experienced in Canada, and,
although he was ledueed to a very small patrin)ony, he
failed to employ his activity in obtaining the recompense he
had so well merited.
" Meanwhile, the general assembly of the clergy of 1765
oifered him a gratuity of twelve hundred livres, and charged
M. the archbishop of Rheims and M. the archbishop of
Aries to solicit for hini a recompense from the king.
"The assembly next ensuing, in 1770, gave him also a
similar gi'atuity, but his departure frortt Paris interrupted
the success of the hopes which his friends had entertained
of the recompenses from the court.
" In 1772 he wished to retire to Bresse, whete a numer-
ous family desired it, and urged it with much earnestness.
" He afterwards went to Verjon, where he caused to be
built a house, with the view of making an establishment for
the education of young people. He preached, he catechised,
he confessed, and his zeal was never so much manifested.
" The cTiapter of Bourg decreed him the title of honorary
canon. The ladies De la Visitation asked him to become
their director, and they thus attracted him to the capital of
the province.
" In 1777 he made a journey to Rome, whore his repu-
tation preceded him, and where the Holy Father received
him as a. missionary worthy of being held dear by the
church, and presented him with a gratuity of five thousand
livres for his journey.
" They there made the ineiFectual endeavors to detain
him. He returned to Bresse, and carried thither relics,
which he displayed, for the veneration of the faithful, in
the collegiate church at Bourg.
" The reputation of the Abbey of Cluny, and the friend-
ship which M. Picquet felt towards one of his nephews,
established at Cluny, brought him to this habitation so cele-
brated in Christianity. He purchased for himself, about
1779, a house and plat of land, which he wished to improve,
but in 1781 he repaired with a sister to Verjon, for the
settlement of affairs, where he was repeatedly attacked by
an obstinate cold and by a hemorrhage, which reduced him
considerably, and also by a kind of dropsy ; lastly, a hernia,
which had existed a long time, became aggravated, and
caused his death on the 15th of July, 1781.
" M. Picquet had a very prepossessing and commanding
figure, and a countenance open and engaging. He pos-
sessed a gay and cheerful humor. Notwithstanding the
austerity of his manners, he exhibited nothing but gayety
which he turned to account in his designs. He was a theo-
logian, an orator, and a poet ; he sung and composed songi
in French as well as in Iroquois, with which he interested
and amused the savages. He was a child with one and a
hero with others. His mechanical ingenuity was often ad-
mired by the natives. In short, he resorted to every means
to attract proselytes and to attach them to him, and he ac-
cordingly had all the success which can reward industry,
talents, and zeal.
" It is thus I have thought best to make known a com-
patriot and a friend worthy of being offered as an example
to incite those who are burning with zeal for religion and
for their country."
Picquet was as much an object of abhorrence by the
English as he was of esteem by the French, — a very natural
result from the active partisan spirit which he evinced, and
the zeal and success with which he prosecuted his plans for
the aggrandizement of his faith and his allegiance, which
appear to have been equally the objects of his ambition and
the aim and end of his life. Having given in the above
biographical notice his memoirs drawn up in that florid
style of panegyric so common with the people and the age
in which it was written, we will quote from an English his-
torian of the French war. (Thos. Mante, in a work entitled
"The History of the Late War in America," London,
1772, quarto, page 231.) It is probably as much biased by
"prejudice as the other by partiality.
"As to the Abbe Picquet, who distinguished himself so much by
his brutal zeal, as he did not expose himself to any danger, he re-
ceived no injury, and he yet lives, justly despised to such a degree by
every one who knows anything of his past conduct in America, that
scarce any officer will admit him to his table.
"However repugnant it must be to every idea of honor and hu-
manity not to give quarter to an enemy when subdued, it must be
infinitely more so not to spare women and children. Yet such had
often been the objects of the Abb6 Picquet's cruel advice, enforced
by the most barbarous examples, especially in the English settlements
on the back of Virginia and Pennsylvania."
A French writer, whose initials only are given (S
de C ), has left a memoir upon the war in Canada, and
the affairs of that province from 1749 till 1760, which was
published under the direction of the Literary and Histori-
cal Society of Quebec in 1835, and which makes frequent
mention of the post at Oswegatchie. From this work we
will translate a few extracts.
The rancor with which he assails Picquet almost leads
us to believe that he was actuated by a personal enmity,
although it appears not have been limited to this mission-
ary, but to have been directed towards the religious estab-
lishments of the country in general.
We shall endeavor to preserve the spirit of the original
in our translation. We are thus furnished with two ver-
sions of the conduct of Picquet, and prevented from being
misled by an ex-parte narrative, like that which Lalande
the astronomer has given us.
" Thus M. de la JonquiSro, persuaded that peace could not long
continue, labored to inspire the savages with a hatred to the English,
and especially endeavored to attach the Five Nations or Irofiim-
These people had been always distinguished by their bravery; 'he
French had waged with them long and cruel wars, and the i'nhab-
itanta had been compelled to labor arms in hand, as we see in the
history of Charlevoix, a Jesuit, who has written an ecolesiasticul
history of this country.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
53
'"this nation is divided into five branches, named the OnoTitagu6a,
the Ooj/oguina, the Stonnontowana [Senecae]., the Anniert [Moliawlcs],
and the domiciliated tribes.
" The Onotidagas dwell upon a lake, at no great distance from the
Mohawk river, in a fertile country, and the English pretend that it
belongs to them. The Goyoguiua and the Stonnonionana arc a little
beyond in the same direction, and approaching Niagara. The jdii-
iii'ei-8 dwell upon the river Mohawk, not far from a dwelling belong-
ing to Mr. Johnson, an English otBcer, who understands the Indian
language, and has been very active during this war. The others
reside at the Saut St. Louis, three leagues from Montreal, some at a
place called La Presentation, and some at the Lake of Two Mountains.
" The general can well rely upon the fidelity of those who dwell
near him, but it is not so of the others. Their Cantons, situated as
we have seen above, furnish, in one way and another, difficulties not
easy to surmount.
" M. theAbbfi Picquet, priest of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, was
to this Canton what the AbbS de la Loutre was to Acadia. He had
as much ambition as he had, but he turned it to a different account.*
He understood the Iroqnoia language, and this gave him a great ad-
vantage, and enabled him to put on foot the negotiations which he
wished with the Five Nations to draw them to our cause, and engage
them to come and dwell with us. This abb^, who could not endure
the restraint of the seminary, was very willing to seize an occasion
like that which offered of freeing himself, and of forming a commu-
nity over which he might rule and reign. He labored to decoy the
Five Nations, and to form upon the Uiver Cataraqui, or Frontcnac,
above the rapids, a village.
'* The place which ~he selected for his establishment announced his
little genius,- and caused the fort which he had built to be called
Picquet's Folly j as for himself, he called it La Presentation.
*' When the Abbg Picquet had assembled some families, he talked
of building a fort, under the pretext of protecting them, and they
sent him a commandant and a magazine guard, and enjoined it upon
the commandant to have much regard for the abb6, and placed him,
so to speak, under his tutelage, aud gave full permission to this priest
to conduct and administer the magazines ; in short, everything was
under his orders.
" This priest, meanwhile, did not prosper much, and it was felt
that there was great difficulty in inducing the Iroqiioia to leave a fat
and fertile country- to come and iix themselves upon an uncultivated
tract, and to beg for their life of a priest. It was for this reason that
De la Jonquiere the elder was sent to go and "remain among them,
and in the village which he might deem the most convenient for his
negotiations, and they gave him a brevet of captain, without a com-
pany, to the end that he might not be disturbed in his residence, on
account of his services.
'* There could not have been chosen a more suitable person to re-
main with them. He understood their language perfectly, and for a
long time had lived among them as one of their number, and, al-
though he had been married in Canada, he had among the Iroqnoia
many children ; and, in short, he had been, as it were, adopted among
them, and was regarded as one of their nation. •
"He had his cabin. His instructions were to second the Abbfi
Picquet in his project, and, above all, to induce the Mtthawhe to leave
entirely the vicinity of the English, and to offer them such induce-
ments and advantages as they desired tu make them abandon their
settlements and come and live with us. If, indeed, he had been able
to succeed in this, there can be no doubt that the remainder of the
Five Nations would have followed their e.\ample. They alone were
directly attached to the English, who had all along preserved in them
a hostility to our nation. But Mr. Johnson, who was not ignorant
of the designs of the French, labored, on the contrary, to maintain
them in the alliance of his nation.
"The Jesuits, who had always sought their own aggrandizement
nnder the pious pretext of instructing the people, had not failed to
seek to establish themselves in Canada.
"Wishing tO remain the 80I0 masters, they crossed, as much as
possible, the R^oUets in their projects of returning to the country,
after the English had restored Canada [in the treaty of St. Germain
in 1632]. ■ From the earliest times that these fathers (the Jesuits)
* Hooquart has given him the title of the Apoatle of the Iroquoia,
and the English called him the Jeatiit of the Weat. — {Note in the
■original.)
were established in the country they detached some of their number
to go and preach the gospel to the savages. They followed them in
their marches ; but, wearied with their wandering life, which agreed
not with their designs which they had to accumulate large proper-
ties, they took great care to endeavor to establish their neophytes,
without embarrassing themselves by those whom they abandoned.
" They made great account of their zeal at the court, and showed
large numbers of converts ; and, under the specious pretext of uniting
them, to civilize them,f they demanded concessions of lands and
pensions. The court, persuaded of the justice of their demands,
accorded both the one and the other.
" It was thus that they acquired the seigniories of Charlesbourg,
New and Old Lorette, Rastican, and the Prairie de la Magdelcine,
and others, which are very well established, and of considerable re-
pute. These concessions were given them under the titles of seigneurie
et ventes {loda et vejitea)." , . .
To adopt either of these as a true account of the charac-
ter of Picquet would be equally unjust. Now that the
times and circumstances in which he lived have both passed
away, and even the consequences resulting from his actions
have ceased to exist, we may perhaps, from the data before
us, in view of the times and the circumstances in which he
acted, deduce the following conclusion :
That he was actuated by a controlling belief of the im-
portance and the truth of the religion which he labored
with such zeal to establish, and that this was the ruling
passion of his life. That his energy and ability for the
promotion of this object at times led him to disregard the
common claims of humanity, and to the performance of acts
derogatory to our nature and abhorred by civilized man.
That he evinced a capacity for the transaction of busi-
ness and the promotion of the interests of his government
highly creditable to his character, and such as to entitle
him to the esteem in which he was held by those in
authority ; and that especially in the selection of a location
for a new settlement, which was the great act of his life, he
proved himself the possessor of a sound mind, and a capa-
city for judiciously combining and comparing the probable
effects of causes, which must have made a prominent station
of the post he selected.
The prophecy that a beautiful town might hereafter be
built on the elevated plain opposite his fort has been fully
realized in the present village of Ogdensburg, which the
combination of favorable causes now existing is destined
soon to give a rank second to but few on our inland waters.
The portrait of Picquet is preserved at the Sulpician
mission of the Lake of Two Mountains, the scene of his
early labors and first success as a missionary. Picquet was
succeeded in the mission of La Presentation by Pierre Paul,
Frs. de la Garde, who came to Canada in 1755, and died at
Montreal, April 4, 1784. (See note, ante.)
EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE CONQUEST OP CANADA.
With the fall of the fortress of Isle Royal ceased the
French dominion in 8t. Lawrence County.J It was sub-
f The author in the MSS. neither renders justice to the motives nor
the conduct of the Jesuits. — {Note in the original.)
J Antoine St. Martin, a Frenchman, said to have inhabited the
country since its occupation by the French, in 1760, died at an ex-
treme age (supposed to exceed by several years a century), on the
ith of March, 1849, at Ogdensburg. In his latter years he attracted
some attention from his being made the personage of "■ romance,
written and published at Potsdam, by C. Boynton. His longevity
appears to have been to him, as much as it was to others, a wonder.
54
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sequently occupied by a small guard of British troops, and
held till surrendered, in accordance with the stipulations of
Jay's treaty, in the summer of 1796, to Judge Ford, who
leceived it for the proprietors. The remains of a cemetery
still exist on the west side of the Oswegatchie, and several
head-stones mark the place where British soldiers were
buried. The history of this station, so far as our knowl-
edge extends, from the time of the English conquest to the
surrender under the treaty, is nearly or quite lost.
Such data as have fallen under our notice will here be
given :
In the summer of 1776 the following minute was for-
warded from Oswego by Lieutenant Edward McMichael
(see "American Archives," fifth series, vol. i. page 815) :
" Was informed at Oswego that three regiments of Ministerial
troops had arrived at Oswegatchie, at which place they were joined
by a number of Tories and Indians under the command of Colonel
Johnson, and were to embark immediately on board two armed ves-
sels, bateaux, and canoes, and proceed to Oswego, at which place
they were to be joined by Colonel Butler, with nil the Indians under
his command, and likewise by Colonel Caldwell, with what regulars
could be spared from Niagara.
" They intended repairing Oswego Fort as soon as possible, in
order that they might hold a treaty with the Indians, and be able to
defend themselves against any attack."
In April, 1779, Lieutenants McClellan and Harden-
burgh, of the Revolutionary army, were dispatched from
Fort Schuyler on an expedition, at the head of a body of
Indians, against the British garrison at Oswegatchie, in-
tending to steal upon it and take it by surprise, but falling
in with some straggling Indians, several shots were impru-
dently exchanged, which alarmed the garrison. They then
attempted to draw the enemy from the fort by stratagem,
and partly succeeded, but could not draw them to a suffi-
cient distance to cut oif their retreat, and on approaching
the fort themselves, the assailants were so warmly received,
that they were compelled to retreat without unnecessary de-
lay. The only service performed was to send a Cauglma-
waga Indian into Canada with a letter in French by a French
general, probably the Marquis de Lafayette, and addressed
to the Canadians, and written the preceding autumn.
The expedition was dispatched from Fort Schuyler on the
day before Colonel Van Schaiok moved upon Onondaga ;
and from a letter addressed by General Clinton six weeks
afterwards to General Sullivan, there is reason to believe
one object was to get clear of the Oneida Indians, then in
the fort, until Colonel Van Schaick should have proceeded
so far upon his expedition that they or their people should
not be able to give the Onondagas notice of his approach.
All the Indians still remaining in Fort Schuyler on the 18th
were detained expressly for that purpose. Although pro-
fessedly friendly, and reliable as scouts, they could not be
trusted in expeditions against their fellows.
The expedition of Lieutenants McClellan and Harden-
burgh returned to Fort Schuyler without having efiected
their purpose on the 30th of April.
An incident happened in a military expedition from
Fort Schuyler to Oswegatchie, during the Revolutionary
and he would at times weep, and lament that "God had forgotten
him." With him perished the last survivor of the French period
of our history, and it is much to be regretted that his narrative and
recollections were not preserved.
war, and probably in the one just described, which shows
in an amiable light the finer feelings of the Indian charac-
ter, and will serve as an ofiset for some of the darker phases
of Indian warfare. The subject of the adventure after-
wards for several years resided in St. Lawrence County,
and often related the incident to the one from whose lips
the account is written.
Belonging to the military party that was proceeding
through the forest was a little boy, about twelve years old,
who served as a fifer to the company. Light-hearted and
innocent, he tripped along, sometimes running in advance
to gather flowers, and at others lingering behind to listen
to the music of the birds, which made the forest vocal
with their songs. Seeing the unguarded deportment of
the lad, his captain cautioned him again.st wandering from
the company, for fear that some hostile Indian, who might
be lurking in the thicket, should take him ofiF. The warn-
ing was heeded for some time, but ere long forgot, and he
found himself many rods in advance of the party, culling
the wild-flowers which were scattered in his path and in-
haling the fragrance which the morning air, with its exhil-
arating freshness, inspired him, when he was suddenly
startled by a rude grasp upon the shoulder, which, upon •
looking around, he saw was that of a sturdy Indian, who
had been secreted behind a rock, and had darted from his
concealment upon the unsuspecting victim, who had wan-
dered from his protectors.
He attempted to scream, but fear paralyzed his tongue,
and he saw the glittering tomahawk brandished over his
head, which the next moment would terminate with a blow
his existence ; but the savage, seeing the unarmed and
terror-stricken child, with no warlike implement but his
fife, and doubtless touched with the innocence and terror
of his trembling prisoner, relaxed his grasp, took the fife
from under his arm, and having playfully blowed in its end
he returned it to its owner, and bounded ofi' into the forest.
No further caution was needed to keep him within the
ranks, and they the next day reached their destination,
which was Fort Oswegatchie.
In after-years, when age had made him infirm, in re-
lating this incident, he would weep with emotion at this
perilous adventure, and always ended with the heartfelt ac-
knowledgment " that God had always protected him, and
guarded him from dangers seen and unseen, and from
childhood to old age.''
Isaac Weld, Jr., published in London, in 1799, in two
12mo volumes, a journal of travels in the States of North
America, and the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada,
in the years 1795-97, which describes, among other inter-
esting subjects, the condition and appearance of our fron-
tier, and the fort at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, which
we will quote. [ Vol. il p. 38, et seq.] The voyage was
undertaken in the month of August, 1796 : —
"The Indians not only retain possession of the different islands,
but likewise of the whole of the southeast shore of the St. Lawrence,
situated within the bounds of the United States; they likewise have
considerable strips of land on the opposite shore, within the British
dominions, bordering upon the river; these they have reserved to
themselves, for hunting. The Iroquois Indians have a village upon
the Isle of St. Regis, and another also upon the mainland, on the
southeast shore; as wo passed, several of the inhabitants put off in
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
55
canoes, and exchanged unripe heads of Indian corn with the men for
bread; they also brought with them some very fine wild duck and
fish, which they disposed of to us on very moderate terms.
" On the fourth night of our voyage we encamped, as usual, on the
mainland, opposite the island of St. Regis, and the excellent viands
which we hnd procured from the Indians having been cooked, we
sat down to supper before a large fire, materials for which are never
wanting in this woody country. The night was uncommonly serene,
and we were induced to remain to a late hour in front of our tent
talking of the various occurrences in the course of the day ; but we
had scarcely retired to rest when the sky became overcast, a dreadful
storm arose, and by daybreak the next morning we found ourselves,
and everything belonging to us, drenched with rain.
*< Our situation now was by no means agreeable. Torrents still
came pouring downj neither our tent nor the woods aff'orded us any
shelter, and, the wind being very strong and as averse as it could
blow, there was no prospect of our being enabled speedily to get into
better quarters. In this state we had remained for a considerable
time, when one of the party, who had been rambling about in order
to discover what sort of a neighborhood we were in, returned with
the pleasing intelligence that there was a house at no great distance,
and that the owner had invited us to it. It waa the house of an old
Provincial ofiicer, who had received a grant of land in this part of the
country for his past services. We gladly proceeded to it, and met
with a most cordial welcome from the captain and his fair daughters,
who had provided a plenteous breakfast, and spared no pains to make
their habitation during our stay as pleasing to us as possible.
" We felt great satisfaction at the idea that it would be in our power
to spend the remainder of the day with these worthy and hospitable
people, but, alas ! we had all formed an erroneous opinion of the
weather: the wind veered suddenly about, the sun broke through the
thick clouds, the conductor gave the parting order, and in a few min-
utes we found ourselves once more seated in our bateau. From
hence upwards for a distance of forty miles the current of the river
is exceedingly strong, and numberless rapids are to be encountered,
which, though not so tremendous to appearance as those at the Cas-
cades and le Coteau du Lac, are yet both more dangerous and more
difficult to pass. The great danger consists, however, in going down
them. It arises from the shallowness of the water and the great
number of sharp rocks, in the midst of which the vessels are hurried
along with such impetuosity that if they unfortunately get into a
wrong channel nothing can save them from being dashed to pieces,
but so intimately are the people employed on this river acquainted
with the difi'erent channels that an accident of the sort is scarcely
ever heard of. *Le Long Saut,' the Long Fall, or Rapid, situate
about thirty miles above Lake St. Francis, is the most dangerous of
any on the river, and so difficult a matter is it to pass it that it re-
quires not less than six men on shore to haul a single bateau against
the current.
"There is a third canal, with locks, at this place, in order to avoid a
point which it would be wholly impracticable to weather in the ordi-
nary way. These diflferent canals and locks have been made at the
expense of government, and the profits arising from the tolls paid by
each bateau that passes through them are placed in the public treasury.
At these rapids, and at several of the others, there are very extensive
flour- and saw-mills.
" On the fifth night we arrived at a small farm-house at the top of
the Long Saut, wet from head to foot, in consequence of having been
obliged to walk past the rapids through woods and bushes still drip-
ping after the heavy rain that had fallen in the morning. The woods
in this neighborhood are far more majestic than on any other part of
the St. Lawrence J the pines, in particular, are uncommonly tall, and
seem to wave their tops in the very clouds. In Canada pines grow
on the richest soils, but in the United States they grow mostly on
poor ground; a tract of land covered with lofty pines is there gen-
erally denominated 'a pine barren,* on account of its great poverty.
" During a considerable part of the next day we also proceeded on
foot, in order to escape the tedious passage of the Rapide Plat, and
some of the other dangerous rapids in this part of the river. As we
passed along we had an excellent diversion in shooting pigeons,
several large flights of which we met with in the woods. The wild
pigeons of Canada are not unlike the common English wood-pigeon,
except that they are of a much smaller size ; their flesh is very well
flavored. During particular years these birds come down from the
northern regions in flights that are marvelous to tell. A gentleman
of the town of Niagara assured me that once as he was embarking
there on board a, ship for Toronto, a flight of them was observed
coming from that quarter; that as he sailed over Lake Ontario to
Toronto, forty-five miles distant from Niagara, pigeons were seen
flying overhead the whole way in a contrary direction to that from
which the ship was proceeding, and that on arriving at the place of
his destination the birds were still observed coming down from the
north in as large bodies as had been noticed at any one time during
the whole voyage. Supposing, therefore, that the pigeons moved no
faster than the vessel, the flight, according to this gentleman's account,
must at least have extended eighty miles.
"Many persons may think this story surpassing belief; for my own
part, however, I do not hesitate to give credit to it, knowing as I do
the respectability of the gentleman who related it and the accuracy
of his observation. When these birds appear in such great numbers
they often light on the borders of rivers and lakes, and in the neigh-
borhood of farm-houses, at which time they are so unwary that a man
with a short stick might easily knock them down by hundreds.
"It is not oftener than once in seven or eight years, perhaps, that
such large flocks of these birds are seen in the country. The years
in which they appear are denominated 'pigeon years,'
" There are also ' bear years' and ' squirrel years.* This was both
a bear and a squirrel year. The former, like the pigeons, come down
from the northern regions, and were most numerous in the neighbor-
hoods of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and along the upper part of the
river St, Lawrence. On arriving at the borders of these lakes, or of
the river, if the opposite shore were in sight, they generally took to
the water and endeavored to reach it by swimming. Prodigious
numbers of them are killed in crossing the St. Lawrence by the In-
dians, who had hunting encampments at short distances from each
other the whole way along the bank of the river from the island of
St. Regis to Lake Ontario. One bear of very large size boldly entered
the river in the face of our bateau, and was killed by one of our men
while swimming from the mainland to one of the islands. . . .
" The squirrels this year, contrary to the bears, migrated from the
south, from the territory of the United States. Like the bears, they
took to the water on arriving at it, but as if conscious of their ina-
bility to cross a very wide piece of water, they bent their course
towards Niagara river, above the falls, and at its narrowest and most
tranquil part crossed over into the British territory. It was calculated
that upwards of fifty thousand of them crossed the river in the course
of two or three days, and such great depredations did they commit
on arriving at the settlements on the opposite side, that in one part
of the country the farmery deemed themselves very fortunate where
they got in as much as one-third of their crops of corn. These
squirrels were all of the black kind, said to be peculiar to the conti-
nent of America.
"On the sixth evening of our voyage we stopped nearly opposite
to Point aux Iroquois, so named from a French family having been
cruelly massacred there by the 'Iroquois Indians in the early ages of
the colony. T-he ground being still extremely wet here, in conse-
quence of the heavy rain of the preceding day, we did not much relish
the thoughts of passing the night in our tent; yet there seemed to be
no alternative, as the only house in sight was crowded with people,
and not capable of affording us any accommodation. Luckily, how-
ever, as we were searching about for the driest spot to pitch our tent
upon, one of the partj' espied a barn, at a little distance, belonging
to the man of the adjoining house, of whom we procured the key ; it
was well stored with straw, and having mounted to the top of the
mow, we laid ourselves down to rest, and slept soundly there, till
awakened in the morning by the crowing of some cocks that were
perched on the beams over our heads.
" At an early hour we pursued our voyage, and before noon passed
the last rapid, about three miles below the mouth of the Oswegatchie
river, the most considerable of these within the limit of the United
States which fall into the St. Lawrence; it consists of three- branches
that unite about fifteen'^-" miles above its mouth, the most western of
which issues from a lake twenty miles in length and eight in
breadth.*
"Another of the branches issues from a small lake or pond, only
about four miles distant from the west branch of the Hudson river,
that flows past New York. Both the Hudson and the Oswegatchie
are said to be capable of being made navigable for light bateaux as
"^■" The writer makes some very erroneous statements.
56
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
far as this spot, where they approach within so short a distance of
each other, except only at a few places, so that the portages will be
but very trifling. This, however, is a mere conjecture, for Oswe-
gatchie river is but very imperfectly known, the country it passes
through being quite uninhabited ; but should it be found at a future
period that these rivers are indeed capable of being rendered navi-
gable so far up the country, it will probably be through this channel
that the greatest of the trade that there may happen to be between New
York and the country bordering upon Lake Ontario will be carried
on.''
The small lake referred to bj the author was -doubtless
Raquette lake, in Hamilton county, which is even nearer
the head-waters of the Hudson than above stated, but it
lies at the source of the Raquette river, instead of the Os-
wegatchie.
" The trade is at present carried on between that city and the lake
by means of Hudson river as far as Albany, and from thence by
means of the Mohawks' river, "Wood creek, Lake Ontario, and Oswego
river, which falls into Lake Ontario. The harbor at the mouth of
Oswego river is very bad; on account of the sand-banks none but
flat-bottomed vessels can approach with safety nearer to it than two
miles, nor is there any good harbor on the south side of Lake Onta-
rio, in the neighborhood of any large rivers. Sharp-built vessels,
however, of a considerable size can approach with safety to the mouth
of Oswegatchie river. The 'Seneca,' a British vessel of war of twenty-
six guns, used to ply constantly formerly between Fort de la Galette,
situated at the mouth of that river,* and the fort at Niagara; and
the British fur ships on the lakes used also at that time to discharge
the cargoes there, brought down from the upper country. -
" As, therefore, the harbor at the mouth of Oswegatchie is so much
better than that at the mouth of the Oswego river, and as they are
nearly an equal distance from New York, there is reason to suppose that
if the river navigation should prove equally good, the trade between
the lakes and New York will be for the most part, if not wholly, carried
on by means of Oswegatchie river, rather than Oswego river. With a
fair wind the passage from Oswegatchie river to Niagara is accom-
plished in two days, a voyage only one day longer than from Oswego
to Niagara.
" Fort de la Galette was erected by the French, and though not built
till long after Fort Frontenac, now Kingston, yet they esteemed it by
f.ir the most important military post on the St. Lawrence, in the upper
country, as it was impossible for any boat, or vessel, to pass up or
down that river without being observed, whereas theyeasily escape
uuseen behind the many islands opposite to Kingston. Since the
close of the American war Fort de la Galette has been dismantled, as
it was within the territories of the United States/-- nor would any ad-
vantage have arisen from its retention, for it was never of any im-
portance to us but as a trading-post, and as such, Kingston, which
is in our own territory, is far more eligibly situated in every point
of view; it has a more safe and commodious harbor ; the fur ships
coming down from Niagara by stopping there are saved a voyage of
sixty miles up and down the St. Lawrence, which was often found to
be more tedious than the voyage from Niagara to Kingston. In the
neighborhood of La Galette, on the Oswegatchie river, there is a vil-
vage of the Oatoefjatahie Indians, whose numbers arc estimated at one
hundred warriors.
" The current of the St. Lawrence, from Oswegatchie upwards, is
much more gentle than in any other part between Montreal and Lake
Ontario, except only where the river is considerably dilated, as at
Lakes St. Louis and St. Franf ois ; however, notwithstanding its being
so gentle, we did not advance more than twenty-five miles in the
course of the day, owing to the numerous stops that we made, more
from motives of pleasure than necessity. The evening was uncom-
monly fine, and towards sunset, a brisk gale springing up, the con-
ductor judged it advisable to take advantage of it and to continue
the voyage all night, in order to make up for the time we had lost
during the day. We accordingly proceeded, but townrds midnight
the wind died away; this circumstance, however, did not alter the
determination of the conductor. The men were ordered to the oars
» Fort de la Galette was below the Oswegatchie, on the Canada
side.
and, notwithstanding that they had labored hard during the preceding
day and had had no rest, yet they were kept closely at work until
daybreak, except for one hour, during, which they were allowed to
stop to cook their proyisions. Where there is a gentle icurrent, as in
this part of the river, the Canadians will work at the oar for many
hours without intermission. They seemed to think it no hardship to
be kept employed in this instance the whole njght; on the contrary,
they plied as vigorously as if tbey had but just set out, singing
merrily the whole time. The French Canadians have in general a
good ear for music, and sing duets with tolerable accuracy. They
have one very favorite duet amongst them, called the ' rowing duet,'
which, as they sing, they mark time to, with each stroke of the oar;
indeed, when rowing in, smooth water, they mark time the, most of
the airs they sing in the same manner. . . . The Lake of a Thousand
Islands is twenty ^five miles in length, and about six in breadth. From
its upper end to Kingston, at which place we arrived early in the
evening, the distance is fifteen miles.
" The length of time required to ascend the river St. Lawrence,
from Montreal to Kingston, is commonly found to be about se-ven
days. If the wind should be strong and very, favorable the passage
may be performed in a less time;. but should it, on the contrary,
be adverse, and blow very strong, the passage, will ,be protracted
somewhat longer; an adverse or favorable wind, however,- seldom"
makes a difference of more than three days in, the length of- passage
upwards, as in each case it is necessary to work the bateaux -along by
means of poles for the greater part of the wa,y. The passage down-
wards is performed in two or three days, according to the wind. The;
current is so strong that a contrary wind seldom lengthens the pas-
sage in that direction more than a day."
The English are believed to have maintained the fort,at
Oswegatchie as a protection to their fur trade, and this was
made the cover of a pretension to justify their retaining it
after the peace which followed the Revolution. The Oswe-
gatchies continued to reside in the vicinity after the Bag-
lish conquest, adopted the new allegiance, and as usual
became corrupted in morals by their vicinity to the garri-
son. They are believed to have acted with the British iri
the War of the Revolution.
In the enumeration of Indian tribes made by Sir Wm.
Johnson, in 1763,"j" the tribe is represented as numbering
eighty warriors, at peace with the English. In the same
enumeration the Gauglmawagas are reported at three
hundred men, emigrants from the Mohawks,. nxxA with a
colony at Aghquissasne (St. Regis), which was the seat of
a mission. The latter had been founded but three years
previously.
A portion of the Mohawk emigration had settled at the
mission of the Lake of Two Mountains. The English were
careful not to molest them in their religious observances,,
which remain to this day the same as when first estab-
lished among them. The Oswegatchles, at the time when
the present class of settlers came on, were occupying a
village of twenty-three houses, on Indian Point, in Lisbon,
about three miles below Ogdensburg. Spafford, in his
" Gazetteer," published in 1813, thus mentions them :
"This village was built' by the British government after the Revo-
lution, and when, of course, that government had no title to the land.
The Indians remained here several years after the settlement of the
country by the present proprietors, and wore removed by order, of
the government of New York, on the complaint of the inhabitants.
These Indians, driven from Now Johnstown, in Upper Canada, re-
ceived this spot, with improvements, in exchange, from which driven_
by our government, they became destitute of a local habitation and tt'
name, and the Oswegatchie tribe no longer exists, although a few indi-
viduals remain, scattered among the surrounding tribes."
t Documcritary History of New York, vol. i. page 2,7. . -,;
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTS!", NEW YORK.
57
This dispersion took place about 1806 or 1807, and the
remnants of the tribe, or their descendants, are found at
St. Regis, Onondaga, and elsewhere. While in Lisbon,
they were under the direction of one Joseph Reoain, a
Frenchman, who spoke their dialect of the Iroquois lan-
guage, and is said to have been a chief, and to have married
an Indian woman. They planted coi'n on Galloo island,
and elsewhere in the vicinity.
Their village is described by one who saw it in 1802 as
consisting of a street, running parallel with the river, with
the houses ranged in a regular manner on each side of it,
all uniformly built, with their ends to the street, sharp
roofed, shingled with pointed shingles, and with glass
windows. Every house was built for two families, had two
doors in front, and a double fire-plaee and single chimney
in the centre, with a partition equally dividing the interior.
In 1802 there were about twenty-four families.
These Indians were accustomed to spend most of their
summers on Black lake, in hunting and fishing, returning
to their cabins for the winter. They used bark canoes,
which they carried around rapids and across portages with
perfect ease. As many as forty Indians at a time were
often seen in the settlement when new.
Directly opposite to the site of the Indian village of the
Oswegatchies is the island that was fortified by the French,
and taken by the English under Lord Amherst in 1760.*
The ruins of the fortress upon it are still to be seen,
although mostly obliterated, and have given it the name of
Chimaay island. This island is low, and in shape irregular.
It is on the American side of the channel, and has an area
of six acres. There are said to be still seen on an island
opposite this, under the Canada shore, the traces of works
erected by the English to assist in its reduction.
A great number of iron shot and other metallic relics
have been found on this- island and the adjoining shores, as
tomahawks, hoes, axes, picks, the hangings of gates, and
other relics of the French and Indian occupation of the place.
Like many other places having associations connected
with the olden time. Chimney islandf has been the scene
of money-digging, on a somewhat extensive scale, by those
who were weak enough to be led astray by tlie pretended
indications of the divining-rod or the impositions of for-
tune-tellers. As uniformly happens, there has been money
lost instead of gained in these operations, and if stories
are to be believed, certain of these adventurers have lost
somewhat of credit and standing in the community by these
speculations.
CHAPTER IV.
HISTOKY OP LABTD TITLES.
Indian Titles, Treaties, and Cession of Lands— Land Titles Proper :
Macomb's and Other Purchases — Early Settlements.
This subject has been exhaustively treated by Dr. Hough
in his History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, from
which we take the following accounts, with revisions and
corrections by the doctor. It involves more or less the
' Oraconenton island.
f Its present name..
history of the various Indian reservations and missions in
this region. We give it in as condensed a form as is pos-
sible, and preserve the meaning and connections :
INDIAN TITLES.
ST. REGIS.
" The sovereignty of the soil of the northern part of the
State was anciently vested in the Mohawks, who, from the
earliest period of authentic history, exercised jurisdiction
over it. Upon the emigration of a part of this people to
Canada, they claimed to carry with them the title from
whence the villagers of St. Regis asserted their claim to
the northern part of the State in common with the other
MohawJc nations of Canada.
" The Mohawks, it is well known, espoused the royal
cause in the Revolution, through the influence of the
Johnson family, and emigrated to Grand River, in Upper
Canada, where they still reside on lands given them by
government. Whatever title to the land remained with
them was surrendered by the following treaty, held at
Albany, March 29, 1795 :
" ' At a treaty, held under the authority of the United States, with
the Mohaiak nation of Indians, residing in the province of Upper
Canada, within the dominions of the King of Great Britain. Present,
the Hon. Is.aac Smith, commissioner appointed by the United States
to hold this treaty, Abram Ten Broeck, Egbert Benson, and Ezra
L'Hommedieu, agents for the State of New York, Capt. Joseph
Brant and Capt. John Deserontyon, two of the said Indians, and
deputies to represent the said nation at this treaty.
" ' The said agents having in the presence, and with the approba-
tion of the said commissioners, proposed to and adjusted with the
said deputies the compensation, as hereinafter mentioned, to be made
to the said n.ition for their claim, to be extinguished by this treaty,
to all lands within the said State. It is thereupon finally agreed and
done betwen the said nations and the said deputies as follows: that is
to say, the said agents do agree to pay to the said deputies the sum
of One thousand dollars for the use of the said nation, to be by the
said deputies paid over to and distributed among the persons and
families of the said nation, according to their usages, the sum of
five hundred dollars for the expenses of the said deputies during
the time they have attended this treaty, and the sum of one hundred
dollars for their expenses in returning and for carrying the said sum
of one thousand dollars to where the said nation resides. And the
said agents do accordingly, for and in 'the name of the People of the
State of New York, pay the said three several sums to the deputies
in the presence of the said commissioners. And the said deputies do
agree to cede and release, and these present witness that they ac-
cordingly do, for and in the name of the said nation, in consideration
of the said compensation, cede and release to the people of the State
of New York, forever, all the right or title of the said nation to lands
within the said State, and the claim of the said nation to lands within
the said State is hereby wholly and finally extinguished.
" ' In testimony whereof, the said commissioner, the said agents,
and the said deputies have hereunto, and to two other acts of the
same tenor and date, one to remain with the United States, one to re-
main with the said State, and one delivered to the said deputies, to
remain with the said nation, set their hands and seals at the city of
Albany, in the said State, the twenty-ninth day of March, in the
year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five.'
" Signed, sealed, and acknowledged.
"{Copied from a MSS. volume entitled 'Indian Deede and Treaties,
1712-1810,' ill the office of Secretary of State, at Albany. Page 187.)
" Treaties with the Indians for their lands were, by a pro-
vision of the first constitution of the State, adopted April 20,
1777, reserved to the legislature. It was therein ordained
"' That no purchases or contracts for the sale of lands made since
the 14th day of Oct., 1775, or which may hereafter be made with pr
58
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of the said Indians -within the limits of this State, shall he binding
on the said Indians, or deemed valid, uflless made under the author-
ity and with the consent of the legislature of the State.' (Lawe of
New Yorh, vol. i. p. 16, 1813.)
" By an act passed April 4, 1801, it was provided :
" ' That if any person should, without the authority and consent of
the legislature, in any manner or form, or on any terms whatsoever,
purchase any lands within this State of any Indian or Indians re-
siding therein, or make any contract with any Indian or Indians for
the sale of any lands within this State, or shall in any manner give,
sell, demise, convey, or otherwise dispose of any such lands or any
interest therein, or offer to do so, or shall enter on, or take possession
of, or to settle on any such lands by pretext or color of any right or
interest in the same, in consequence of any such purchase or con-
tract made since the 14th day of Oct., 1775, and not with the au-
thority and consent of the legislature of this State, every such person
shall in every such case be deemed guilty of a public offense, and
shall, on conviction thereof before any court having cognizance of
the same, forfeit and pay to the people of this State two hundred and
fifty dollars, and be further punished by fine and imprisonment, at
the discretion of the court.'
" The State being accordingly the only party whom the
Indians could recognize, to them they applied for the settle-
ment of their claims to lands in the northern part of the
State. These claims were based upon ancient and primitive
occupation, and especially upon the rights which they con-
ceived they had for compensation for services which some
of them, particularly Col. Louis Cook, their head chief,
had rendered in the war. The nature and amount of these
services we will give in our notice of that chief.
" In 1789 he applied for a confirmation of a tract of
land in the present town of Massena, which he claimed
was his own individual right, and this was subsequently
confirmed to him by the legislature. In 1792, the Caugh-
nawaga and St. Regis tribes, claiming to represent the
Seven Nations of Canada, sent a deputation to the governor
of the State of New York to assert their claims, but this
embassy produced no action in their favor.
" As we shall have frequent occasion to allude to these
Seven Nations, it would be well to understand who and
what they were ; but here our knowledge is less definite
than might be desired, especially in relation to the origin
of the term and of the league or combination of tribes of
which it consisted. They appear to have been made up
of several of the detached settlements of Iroquois emi-
grants from New York, and of Algonquins, etc., whom the
Catholic missionaries had domiciliated and settled in vil-
lages.
" The St. Regis branch did not originally form, it is said,
one of the seven, which consisted, according to the Rev. P.
Marooux, of an Iroquois, an Algonquin, and a Nippissing
nation at the Lake of Two Mountains ; an Iroquois tribe at
Caughnawaga ; the Oswegatchie tribe of Iroquois at La Pre-
sentation ; a colony of Hurons at Lorette, nine miles north
of Quebec ; and a settlement of Ahenalds at St. Francois,
below Monti'eal, near the Sorel.
" After the breaking up of the French at La Presentation
and the partial dispersion of the Oswegatchies, tradition
relates that a grand council was held, and it was therein
resolved that the St. Regis, who had formed a part of the
Caughnawagas at the formation of the league, should take
the place of the scattered tribe, and they thenceforth repre-
sented them in the assemblies. According to the gentlemen
above mentioned, the tribes which represented, the Seven
Nations have at present the following numbers (June,
1852) :
" At tlie Lake of Two Mountains, of Iroquois, 250 ; at
the Lake of Two Mountains, of Algonquins and Nippissing,
together, 250 ; at Caughnawaga, of Iroquois, 1300 ; at St.
Regis, 1100; at Lorette, of Hurons, a very few; at St.
Frangois, of AbenaJcis, a few only. The numbers of the
two latter were not known.
" Failing in their first negotiation with the State, the Si.
Regis people prosecuted their claims, and in 1793 again
appeared, by their deputies, at Albany, and laid their case
before the governor, but without success. ' The following
credentials are without date, but are believed to have been
those furnished these Indians on this occasion :
" ' The Chiefs at CaJc-ne-wa-ge^ head of the Seven Nations,
" * To our brother. Commander, and Governor, Ni-haron-ta-go-iua,
George Clinton, at the State of New York. Brother, this is what we
agreed upon : that we should have councils and conversations to-
gether of peace and unity.
" ' Now, brother, we beg that you will pay attention, that you can
take the matter into good consideration betwixt you and us. We
have sent the bearers, which will give you to understand our real
minds and meaning, which is :
" ' Thomas Aragrente,
Thomas Thaeagwanegen,
Lumen Tiatoharongiven,
William Gray,
Attuinatok.
"* All the chiefs' compliments to you, and beg you will not let the
bearers want for victuals or drink, as much as may be for their good.
" ' Tegannitasen, Onasateben,
Onatritsiawanb, .Onwanienteni,
Sganawate, Thanaha,
Tehasen, Sgahentowarone,
Thaiaiakge, Sinohese,
Thahentehtha, Saiegisagene,
Garoniaragon, Garomiatsigowa."
(Signed by their marks.)
" This negotiation also failed in its object, and the
deputies returned home in disappointment.
" In the winter of 1793-94, Colonel Louis, with three
other warriors, again repaired to Albany, to get, if possible,
some specific time designated when the State would meet
with them for their claim. They held an interview with
the governor, but he declined at that time any negotiations
with them on the subject without referring their case to
the legislature.
"The journal of the assembly for 1794 (page 106) cod-
tains the following record in relation to the St. Regis In-
dians :
'"Mr. Havens, in behalf of Mr. Foote, from the committee ap-
pointed to take into consideration the communication made to this
house by His Excelleney the Governor, relative to the St. liegii tn-
dians, reported that they have inquired into the several circumstances
connected with the claim of the said Indians to certain lands within
the jurisdiction of this Slate, and arc of the opinion that it will b^
necessary to appoint commissioners to treat with the said Indians,
and to authorize them, by law, to extinguish the said claim, or to
take such measures relative to the said business as shall be most
beneficial to the State and to tho United States.'
" The following was the message of the governor above
alluded to. It was reported on the 21st of February of
that year :
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
59
"'Gentlemen, — You will receive with this message the oonolasion
of my conference with the Oneida Indians, and u. copy of an addi-
tional speech of the Cayiigas, and my answer thereto.
" ' I also transmit to you a speech made to me by Colonel Louis, of
St, Regis, who, with three other warriors, arrived here some days
ago, as a deputation from the chiefs of the Seven Nations of Lower
Canada. You will perceive by my answer to thorn that I have, for
the reasons therein mentioned, declined entering into conference with
them on the subject of their deputation, other than that of receiving
their communication, which is now submitted to the consideration of
the legislature.
"'Geo. Clinton.'
" So far as we have been able to learn, the course advised
by the committee was not adopted, and no encouragement
was given the deputies further than the indefinite and un-
satisfactory assurance that their claim should be examined
at as early a day as might be consistent.
" What the probable result would be might, perhaps, be
surmised, when we consider that the State had already
patented to Macomb and his associates the territory claimed
by these Indians, reserving only a tract equal to six miles
square, near the Indian village. It is very probable that
the Indians did not know of this sale, and still honestly
believed themselves entitled to a large tract in the north
part of the State.
" In December, 1794, they again appeared at Albany to
urge their claim. The governor appears to have been
absent, and a communication intended for him was deliv-
ered to John Taylor, of Albany, who addressed the gov-
ernor the following letter, inclosing that which he had
received from the Indians :
" * Albany, 10th January, 1795.
" ' Sir, — The inclosed message was delivered me by one of the men
who came down last winter. Col,- Louis, and attended the legislature
at this place on the subject of their lands. He says he was deputed
by the Seven Nations for that purpose, and h.ad directions to proceed
to New York if I could not do the business. As a journey to New
York would have been attended by expense to the State and trouble
tu you, I promised to transmit the message, and recommended him to
return home. I am your Excellency's
" ' Most obedient servant,
'"John Taylor.'
" The letter referred to in the foregoing was as follows :
" • Albany, Decemljer, 1791.
" ' Newataghsa Lewey.
" ' Brother, — The Seven Nations of Upper Canada are still of the
same mind as they were when you spoke with them last winter, but
they expected you would have met them this summer on the business
that they came about to your great council last winter. They sup-
pose that the business of the war, which was expected, prevented
your meeting of them. They hope you will attend to the business,
and meet them, as you promised, as early as possible next summer,
as they are still of the same mind they were when they spoke to you,
and expect you are so likewise,'
" The governor accordingly appointed Samuel Jones, Ezra
IHommedieu, N. Lawrence, Richard Varick, Egbert Ben-
son, John Lansing, Jr., and James Watson, commissioners,
io hold an interview with the Indians to settle some pre-
liminaries with them, but without the power to treat defi-
nitely with them on the subject. The following is the result
of their -negotiations, which was addressed to Governor
Clinton :
" ' New York, G March, 1795.
"' Sin, — In consequence of your Excellency's appointment of us to
that trust, we have this morning had an interview with the eleven
Indians now in the city, from the nation or tribe distinguished as
the St. lieijii Indians, or the Indians of the Seven Nations of Can-
ada, and Colonel Louis, one of their number, as their speaker, made
a speech to us, purporting that during the last winter they had come
to Albany, while the legislature was sitting there, and made known
their desire that a future meeting might be appointed, in order to
treat, and finally conclude and settle, with them respecting their
right and claim to lands within the limits of this State; that they
had returned home with what they received as assurances that such
future meeting would have been appointed ; that they had waited in
e.ipectation of it during the whole of the last season ; that they are
not authorized to treat or conclude therefor; that the only object of
their present journey is again to propose such meeting, when all the
chiefs will attend, so that whatever may then be agreed upon should
be binding on all the tribes.
" ' To this speech we have deferred giving an answer, supposing it
most fit that we should previously be informed of the sense of the
legislature on the subject, it being most probably the interest of both
houses that the act of the 5th instant should be limited to an agree-
ment or an arrangement to be made at this time, and with the Indians
who are now present.
" ' We have the honor to be, sir, with due respect, your most obe-
dient, humble servants,
/"Samdel Jones, Kichahd Vaeick,
Ezra L'HoKjtEDiEu, Egbert Benson,
N. Lawuence, John Lansing, Jr.,
James Watson.
" ' His Excellency, Governor Clinton.'
" The foregoing communication of the agents was trans-
mitted to the legislature on March 7, 1795, by the gov-
ernor, in the following message :
" ' Gentlemen, — With this message you will receive a communica-
tion from the agents appointed to confer with the representatives of
the Si. Regit Indians, which will necessarily require your immediate
attention.
" ' It must readily occur to you that no legislative direction exists
with respect to the greater part of the expense incident to this
occasion.
'"The concurrent resolution of the 3d instant only refers to the
accommodation of the Indians while in the city, and neither pro-
vides for the customary gratuities, nor the expenses arising from
their journey here and their return,
" ' I also transmit a letter from some of the chiefs of the Onondaga
nation, respecting the agreement made with them in 1793 by the
commissioners appointed for the purpose.
" ' Geo, Clinton.
' GttEENWicir, 9 March, 1795.'
"In pursuance of this advice the following resolution was
introduced in the Senate, and passed :
"' Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to di-
rect that suitable accommodations be provided for twelve St. Regis
Indians, who are expected in town this afternoon on business relative
to the claims on the State, and that the legislature will make pro-
vision for defraying the expense,'
"On the 9th of March, 1795, the resolution of the Senate
was referred to the Assembly, and the following record
appears on their journal :
" 'Resolved, as the sense of both houses of the legislature, That it
is advisable a future meeting should be appointed by his Excellency
the Governor to be held with the Indians generally known and dis-
tinguished as the Indians of St, Regis, in order to treat, and finally to
agree, with the said Indians touching any right or claim which they
may have to any lands within the limits of this State; and further,
that his Excellency the Governor, in addition to the request contained
in the concurrent resolution of both houses of the third instant, be
also requested to cause the twelve Indians mentioned in said concur-
rent resolution to bo furnished with such sum of money as may be
requisite to defray the expenses of their journey to this city and on
their return home; and also that his Excellency the Governor be re-
quested to cause such presents or gratuities as he shall deem proper
to "be given to the said Indians, in behalf of this State, and that the
Legislature will make the requisite provision for carrying these reso-
lutions into effect.
CO
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" ' Ordered, That the consideration of the said resolutions be post-
poned until to-raorrow.'
"The agents appointed by the governor held another
interview with the Indians, and the speeches that were ex-
changed on the occasion are preserved, and were as follows :
"'speech op the agents for the state of new YORK TO COLONEL
LOUIS AND OTHER ST. REGIS INDIANS.
" ' Brothers : When we met you, a few days ago, on your arrival in
this city, we told you our chief the Governor was sick, and that he
had appointed us to meet you in his stead.
"'Brothers; We then also bid you welcome, and which we now
repeat to you.
" * Brothers ; Ton then told us that you had come to see us, and only
to propose that there should be another meeting between us and you,
when all your chiefs would attend, and treat and settle with us about
land which is within our State, and which you say belongs to you.
" ' Brothers ; This was the substance of what you then told us, and
we have told it to our chief the Governor, and our council the Legis-
lature, and they have listened to it, and have directed us to tell you
that they very willingly assent to what you have proposed, and that
a message will be sent to you during the next summer to inform you
of the time and place, when and where, we will meet you on the busi-
ness; and we can now only promise that the place will be as near
where you live as conveniently may be, so as to save you the trouble
Of a long journey, and that the time will not be later in the next fall
than when the traveling is good.
'''Brothers : We wish you in the mean time to possess your minds
in peace, for it is as much our wish as it is yours that the business
should be talked over and settled between you and us in friendship
and integrity, as between brothers ; for as we do not desire any land
which belongs to you without paying you for it, so we hope you do
not desire we should pay you for that which does not belong to you.
"'Brothers: We now bid you farewell for the present, and wish
you a safe journey home, and that we may meet each other again in
peace and in health at the intended future meeting.'
" To this speech of the commissioners the St. Regis
Indians, through Colonel Louis, their speaker, replied as
follows :
'"Brothers ; It is usual when brothers meet, if it is even the next
day, to thank Providence for preserving each of them so as to meet
again.
" ' Brothers : We are very thankful that you have taken so much
pity on your brothers, who have come so great a distance to see you
that they were almost barefooted and uncovered; and you, at our first
arrival in the city, gave us a pair of shoes and a hat each, for which
we are thankful.
'"Brothers : When we first arrived hero we told you the business
we had come upon, and which we had come upon several seasons be-
fore, and particularly last winter. You then promised that you would
meet us, but you have not done it. We have business at home as well
as you, brothers, and for that reason we request you to consider about
the matter deliberately.
"' Brothers, — We think it is a long time hence that you have fixed
upon. We told you when we came that we had other business with
the king, who also is on our lands. _ All the other nations to the west-
ward are concerned in that business, and I expect I have that to see
to, as they depend on my council. If that should take place at the
same time as yours it will be inconvenient ; we therefore wish to have
our business with you first settled before we settle with the kin».
" ' Brothers, — We were at Albany when you received the speech of
the king; I then told you the minds of our chiefs upon that subject,
for I know it.
'"You told us then your minds wore to do us justice, and that made
our breasts cool. We returned home and told the king to perform
the promise he had made to us.' [Here Col. Louis produced a printed
proclamation, in parchment, by the late Sir William Johnson.] ' For
this reason we expect our matters with you first settled. For the
king told us that about midsummer he would come and settle with us
for the lands of ours which he had possessed and improved.
" •■ Then, brothers, we shall be able to come and inform you how we
have settled with him.'
" The Legislature, by an act passed March 5, 1785, pro-
vided :
" ' That it shall and may be lawful for the person administering the
government of this State, either by himself or by such agent or agents
as he shall thereunto appoint, to make such agreement and arrange-
ments with the Indians of St. Regis, or with the representatives of
the said Indians, respecting their claims to any lands within this
State, or any part or parts thereof, as shall tend to insure their good-
will and friendship to the people of the United States, and to extin-
guish any and every such claim, nnd in such manner as he or such
agents so to be appointed may think proper ; but no such agreement
or arrangement by such agents shall be valid unless ratified and con-
firmed by the person administering the government of this State, any
thing in the "act relative to Indians residentwithin the State," passed
the 27th of March, 1794, to the contrary hereof notwithstanding.'
" The act here referred to was a law relative to the In-
dians residentwithin the State, which appointed the gover-
nor, with William North, John Taylor, Abraham Van
Vechten, Abraham Ten Broek, Peter Gansevoort, Jr., and
Simeon Dewitt, trustees for the Indians within the State,
and for each and every tribe of them, with full power to
make such agreements and arrangements with the tribes of
central New York, respecting their lands, as shall tend to
produce an annual income to the said Indians, and to insure
their good-will and friendship to the people of the United
States.
" Commissioners were again appointed, who met the
deputies at Fort George, at the south end of Lake George,
in September, 1795, where an interview was held, but
without arriving at satisfactory results, or an agreement
between the parties. We have not been able to procure the
speeches that were made on this occasion, or what tran-
spired between them, further than the intimations contained
in the following pages.
" The results were communicated by the agents of the
State to Governor Jay, who, in the month of January,
transmitted the following message to the legislature :
"'Gentlemen, — I have now the honor of laying before you the
proceedings af a treaty with the Indians, denominated the Seven
Nations of Canada, comprising those usually denominated the St.
Regis Indians, held at the south end of Lake George, in this State,
on the 26th day of September last, with a letter of the 2d instant,
from the agents who were appointed to attend it on the part of the
State.
"'It appears from the above-mentioned letter that the expenses in-
cident to the said treaty have been paid, and the accounts duly
audited and passed, except the allowance usually made by the United
States to the commissioners whom they employ for holding treaties
with Indians.
"'The compensation due to the said agents for their services still
remains to be ascertained and ordered by the legislature.
" 'John Jay.'
"'New York, January 23, 1796.
" March 26, 1796, the governor transmitted to the legis-
lature a message, accompanying a letter from the department
of war, dated the 19th inst., together with the report of the
secretary of state on the subject of claims made by the
Indians called the Seven Nations of Canada to lands within
the State.
"This message, with the accompanying papers, was re-
ferred to the committee of the whole, and subsequently to
a joint committee of the two houses, who reported, on the
1st of April, as follows :
" ' That although the several matters stated by the agents of this
State to the said Indians at the late treaty held with Ihem at Lake
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
61
George are to bo relied on as true, and to be considered as sufficient
to prevent the supposition that the said Indians have a right to lands
claimed by them, and that although these matters both in respect to
fact and inference remain unanswered by the said Indians, yet that it
■ffill be proper whenever a treaty shall be held for the purpose by the
United States with the said Indians that Agents for this State should
again attend, in order further to examine and discuss the said claim,
and, if they shall deem it eligible, then also further to propose and
adjust with the said Indians the compensation to bo made by this
State for the said claim.'
" This resolution met with the concurrence of the house.
" In pursuance of this concurrent resolution of the sen-
ate and assembly, the governor appointed Egbert Benson,
Richard Varick, and Jas. Watson agents on the part of
the State to meet the deputies of the St. Regis and Caugli-
nawaga tribes, who then claimed, and have since been
recognized by the State, to be the representatives of the
Seven Nations of Canada, to negotiate, in the presence of a
commissioner appointed by the government of the United
States, for the extinguishment of the Indian title to lands
in the northern part of the State. The following is an
account of the proceedings at this treaty, which we derive
from the original manuscript in> the office of the secretary
of state at Albany :
" * At a treaty held at the city of New York by the United, States
with the nations of Indians denominating themselves the seven
nations of Canada, Abraham Ogden, commissioner for the United
States, appointed to hold the treaty, Obnawiio, alias Good Stream, a
chief of the CaugknawagaSf Oteatohatongwan, alias Colonel Louis
Cook, a chief of the St. Regis Indians, Teholagwanegen, alias
Thomas Williams, a chief of the CanghtiawagaSj and William Gray,
deputies authorized to represent these nations or tribes at the treaty,
and Mr. Gray also serving as interpreter.
" * Egbert Bensen, Richard Varick, and James Watson, agents for
the State of New York.
"^ May 23, 1796.
"*The deputy, Thomas Williams, being confined to his lodging in
this city by sickness, was unable to be present; the other three dep-
uties proposed, nevertheless, to proceed to the business of the treaty.
The commissioner thereupon informed them generally that he was
appointed to hold the treaty ; that the sole object of it was to enable
the State of New York to extinguish by purchase the claim or right
of these nations or tribes of Indians to lands within the limits of the
State ; and that, agreeably to his instructions from the president, he
would take care that the negotiations for that purpose between the
agents for the State and the Indians should be conducted with candor
and fairness/ "
After a great amount of negotiating, and many long
speeches on both sides, continued through a period of eight
days, the deputies on behalf of the Indians accepted the
terms of the commissioners on the last day of May, as
appears from the following :
•^'31st May, 1796.
"'The deputies having declared their acceptance of the compensa-
tion, as proposed to them by the agents, three acts of the same tenor
and date, one to remain with the United States, another to remain
with the said Seven Nations or tribes, and another to remain with
the State, were thereupon this day executed by the commissioners for
the United States, the deputies for the Indians,, the agents for the
State, and Daniel McCormick and William Constable for themselves
and their associates' purchase under Alexander Macomb, containing
a cession, release, and quitclaim from the Seven Nations or tribes of
Indians of all lands within the State, and a covenant for the State
for the payment of the said compensation, and also certain reserva-
tions of land, to be applied to the use of the Indians of the village
of St, Regis, as by the said acts, reference being had to either of them,
more fully may appear.
" ' Signed, Abram Ogden.
"The following is a copy of this treaty :
" ' The People of the State of New York, by the grace of God free and inde-
pendent. To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Know ye that
we having inspected the records remaining in our Secretary's ofBce, do find there
filed a certain instrument in the words following, to wit:
"*At a treaty held in the city of New York with the nation or tribe of
Indians denominating themselves the Seven Nations of Canada, Abraham
Ogden, commissioner appointed under the authority of the United States to
hold the treaty, Ohnaweio, alias Good Stream, Teharagwanegen, alias Thos.
"Williams, two chiefs of the Caugfinawaga^f Atiatoharongwan, (iliae Colonel Louis
Cook, a chief of the St. Regis Indians, and 'William Gray, deputies authorized
to represent these Seven Nations or tribes of Indians at the treaty, and Mr.
Gray serving also as interpreter, Egbert Benson, Richard Varick, and James
Watson, agents for the State of New York, Wm, Constable and Daniel McCor-
mick, purchasers under Alex. Macomb. The agents for the State having in
the presence and with the approbation of the commissioners proposed to the
deputies for the Indians the compensation hereinafter mentioned for the ex-
tinguishment of their claim to all lands within the States, and the said deputies
being willing to accept the same, it is thereupon granted, agreed, and concluded
between the said deputies and the said agents as follows: The said deputies do
for and in the name of the said Seven Nations or tribes of Indians cede, re-
lease, and quitclaim to the people of the State of New York, forever, all the
claim, right, or title of them, the said Seven Nations or tribes of Indians, to
lands within the said State; provided, nevertheless, that the tract equal to six
miles square reserved in the sale made by the commissioners of the land-office
of the said State to Alexander Macomb, to be applied to the use of the Indians
of the village of St. Regis, shall still remain so reserved. Tlie' said agents do
for and in the name of the people of the State of New York grant to the said
Seven Nations or tribes of Indians that the people of the State of New York
shall pay to them at the mouth of the river Chazy, on Lake Champlain, on the
third Monday of August next, the sum of one thousand two hundred and three
pounds, six shillings, and eightpence, lawful money of the said State; and on
the tliird Monday in August, yearly, forever thereafter, the further sum of two
hundred and thirteen pounds, six shiUinga, and eightpence of the said State.
Provided, nevertheless, that the people of the State of New York shall not be
held tu pay the said sums unless, in respect to the two sums to be paid on the
third Monday in August next, at least twenty, and in respect to the said yearly
sum to be paid thereafter, at least five, of the principal men of the said Seven
Nations or tribes of Indians shall attend as deputies to receive and to give re-
ceipts for the same. The said deputies having suggested that the Indians of
St. Regis have built a mill on Salmon river and another on Grass river, and
that the meadows on Gi'ass river are necessary for hay, in order, therefore,
to secure to the Indians of the said village the use of the said mills and meadows,
in case they should hereafter appear not to be included in the above tract, so
as to remain reserved, it- is therefore also agreed and concluded between the
said deputies and tlie said agents and the said William Constable and Daniel
McCormick, for themselves and their associates, purchasers under the said
Alexander Macomb of the adjacent lands, that there shall be reserved to be
applied to the use of the Indians of the said village of St. Regis, in like manner
as the said tract is to remain reserved, a tract of one mile square at each of the
said mills, and the meadows on both sides of the said Grass river, from the said
mills thereon to its confluence with the river St. Lawrence.
" ' In testimony whereof, the said Commissioners, the said deputies, the said
agents, and the said William Constable and Diiniel McCormick, have hereunto,
and to two other acts of the same tenor and date, one to remnin with the United
States, another to remain with the State of New York, and another to remain
with the Seven Nations or tribes of Indians, set their hands and seals in the
city of New York, the thirty-first day of May, in the twentieth year of the
Independence of the United States, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six.
Abraham Ogden (L.S.), Ohnaweio, alius Good Stream (mark L.S.), Otiatoha-
rongwan, alias Colonel Louis Cook (mark L.S.), Wm. Gray (L.S.), Teharagwa-
negen, alias Thos. Williams (mark L.S.), Egbert Benson (L.S.), Richard Varick
(L.S.), James Watson (L.S.), "Wm. Constable (L.S.), Daniel McCormick (L.S.).
"'Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Samuel Jones, recorder
of the city of New York; John Taylor, recorder of the city of Albany ; Jo's
Ogden Hoffmann, attorney-general of the State of New York.
" ' May 30, 1797. Acknowledged before John Sloss Hobart, justice of supreme
court of judicature, " ^
"*Feb. 28, 1800, Exemplified, signed, and sealed by the Governor, John Jay.'
** The above treaty is engrossed upon a large-sized sheet,
of parchment, to which is affixed a large waxen seal, having
on one side the State arms and inscription, ' The great seal
of the State,' and on the other the device of waves beating
against a rock, and the word ' Frustra,' ' 1798.' The back
and margins are covered with receipts.
*' This and other treaties which have been held between
the St. Regis Indians and the State of New York are
carefully preserved by the clerk of the American party at
St. Regis.
" The agreements made at this treaty were confirmed by
62
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK;
an act passed April 4, 1801. The act allows of a treaty
for the purchase of the mill site at Masseaa, St. Lawrence
County.
" This treaty had previously received the sanction of the
general government, as appears from the following :
" On the 20th of February, 1797, the governor sent to
the Senate the following message :
"'G-ENTLEMEN, — I have the honor of laying before you a letter of
the 18th ult., from the Secretary of the United States, for the depart-
ment of war, inclosing a copy of the resolution of the Senate advising
and consenting to the ratification of the treaty concluded on behalf
of the State with the Indians calling themselves the Seven Nations
of Canada. "'JohsJay.'
" In the negotiations between these Indians and the State
the name of Brant, the celebrated partisan half-breed Indian,
was used in connection with proceedings which the Mohawks
had held with the State, in the cession of tlieir lands, in
such a manner as to awaken a controversy between him
and the deputy superintendent, which ultimately became
embittered by mutual allegations of pecuniary delinquency.
The Six Nations had bargained with Colonel Livingston, in
1787. as we have previously stated, for a large tract of land,
which the Caughnawaga and St. Regis Indians insisted was
fraudulent.
" As Brant was a witness to the treaty, and was one of
the most prominent of those by whom it was made, this
denial of their right amounted to little else than a charge
that those who made it had pocketed the avails for their
own benefit. This charge Brant indignantly repelled,
denying that the Caughnawagas had a right to a foot of
the lands which had been sold to Livingston, and demand-
ing of them their authority for their charges against him
and tlie Grand River Indians. They replied that their
information was derived from the representations of the
officers of the State of New York, at. Albany. To ascer-
tain the ground there might be for this he addressed a letter
to Governor Clinton, which received the following reply :
" ' Greenwich, Dec. 1, 1799.
- '"Deab Sir, — On my return from the country, about a month
ago, I was favored with your letter of the 4th of September. I am
much gratified by the determination you express of furnishing Doctor
Miller with the information he requested of you, and I hope, as the
work for which it is wanted is progressing, you will find leisure to do
it soon. I am confident he will make a fair and honorable use of it-
and, as far as he shall be enabled, correct the erroneous representa-
tions of former authors respecting your nations.
" ' I am surprised to find that you have not received my letter of
the llth of January last. It was inclosed and forwarded as re-
quested, to Mr. Peter W. Yates, of Albany. Had it reached you, I
presume you will find, from the copy I now inclose, it would have
been satisfactory ; but as a particular detail of what passed between
the Canuhnawfitjat and me respecting their lands may be more
agreeable, I will now repeat it to you as far as my recollection will
enable me.
" ' In the winrer of 1792-93, our legislature being in session in Al-
bany, u. committee from the Seven Nations or tribes of Lower
Canada attended there, with whom I had several conferences. They
complained that some of our people had settled on their lands near
Lake Champlain and on the river St. Lawrence, and requested that
commissioners might be appointed to inquire into the matter and
treat with them on the subject. In my answer to their speeches I
answered that it was difficult to define their rights and their bounda-
ries, and that it was to be presumed that the Indian rights to a con-
siderable part of the lands on the borders of the lake had boon
extinguished by the French government before the conquest of
Canada, as those lands, or a greater part of them, had been granted
to individuals by that government before that period. In their reply
they, described their southern boundary as commencing at a creek or
run of water between Forts Edward and George, which emptieS'into
South Bay, and from thence extending on a direct line to a large
meadow or swamp where the Canada creek, which empties into the
Mohawk opposite Fort Hendrick, the Black and Oswegatchie rivers
have their sources. . Upon which I observed to them that this line
would interfere with lands patented by the British government pre-
vious to the Revolution, and particularly mentioned Totten and
Crossfield's purchase and Jessup's patent; but I mentioned at the
same time that I was neither authorized or disposed to controvert
their claims; that I would submit to the legislature, who, I could not
doubt, would pay due attention to them and adopt proper measures to
eEfect a settlement with them upon fair and liberal terms. This I
accordingly did, and some time after commissioners were appointed
to treat with them in the presence of an agent of the United States^
the result of which I find-you are informed of.
" ' I believe you will readily agree that no inference could be drawn
from anything that passed on the above occasion to countenance the
charge made against your nations. The mentioning and interference
of their boundaries, as above stated, with tracts patented under the
British government could certainly have no allusion to the cessions
made by the Six Nations or either of them to the State, especially .as
(if I recollect right) those cessions are of the territory of the respect-
ive nations, by whom they were made without defining them by any
particular boundaries, and subject only to the reservations described
in the deed.
"'I wish it was in my power to transmit to you copies of their
speeches and my answer at full length ; but it is not,for the reasons
mentioned in my former letter. Should they, however, be deemed
necessary to you, I will endeavor to procure and forward them; in
the mean time you may rest assured that what I have related is the
substance of them.
" * I am, with great regard and esteem,
*' ^ Your most obedient servant,
'"Col. JosBi'H Brant. "'Geo. CliSton.'
" This correspondence, and that which ensued with Gov-
ernor Jay, did not satisfy Brant, and he accordingly caused
a deputation of his tribe to repair to Albany, at the head
of which was his adopted nephew, John Norton, to meet
a similar deputation of the Caughnawagas face to face,
and require his accusers connected with the government of
the State of New York either to substantiate their charges
or acquit him in the presence of both delegations.
" The result of this double mission is not known, save
that the chiefs were not satisfied with it.
"In July of the same year (1799) Brant proceeded to
the Caughnawaga country in person, accompanied by a body
of chiefs of several of the tribes, for the purpose of a
thorough investigation in general council. Such a council
was convened, and the difficulties, from the reports of speeches
preserved in writing by Captain Bnint, were fully discussed ;
and that, too, in a most amicable manner. From several inti-
mations in these speeches, it appears that the whole of these
difficulties had been caused by ' chattering birds,' and by the
machinations against Captain Brant of the old Oneida
sachem, Colonel Louis.* The council fire was kindled on
the 8th of July; on the 9th, Captain Brant was satisfied
by the explanation given, and remarked, 'that he had
pulled up a pine and planted down beneath it the small bird
tliat tells stories.'
"OnthelOththe Cuii^'/iHawajra chief replied: 'Brothers,
we return you thanks ; we also join with you to put the
» We quote the language of Stone in bis "Life of Brant." This
author was mistaken in supposing Col. I^ouis an Oneida Indian.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
63
chattering bird under ground from where the pine was
taken up, there being a swift stream into which it will fall
beneath that will take it to the big sea, from whence it never
can return.', (^See Stone's Life of Brant, vol. ii.p. 410,
414.)
" The evident partiality of the writer of the ' Life of Brant'
has, perhaps, prevented him from giving to the Canada
Indians their due in discussing, their claims to the lands in
the northern part of the State.
" The St. Regis people having decided the question of the
amount of land they were to receive, were desirous of having
the boundaries known. To settle definitely, however, their
rights, they addressed the following letter to the governor :
" ' To our Great Brother, John Jay, Governor of the State of New York.
" * Brother, — We, the chiefs and chief warriors at St. Regis, have
sent the Bearers, Louis Cook, Sag Shaketlay, Loren Tarbell, and
William Gray, our interpreters, to inquire of you, Brother, how wo
are to know the distance of our E-cserve, equal to six miles square,
reserved to us by a treaty held at the city of New York, the 30th of
May, 1796, with our deputies Louis Cook, Ohnaweio, Good Stream,
Thomas Williams, and William Gray, and another reserve of one
mile square on Salmon Creek, twelve miles below St. Regis, at a saw-
mill belonging to us chiefs.
" ' Brother, — The reason of our sending the Bearers to you is, that
some time in the latter part of last fall, some of your children, our
brothers of this State, were marking and running lines within what
we expect is our reserved lands, and we know no other way but to
come and inform you that we might know what to do, and we beg
that you will inform the Bearers that they, as soon as is convenient
to you, may return home and inform us what to do.
" ' We hope you will-not let the Bearers want for victuals and drink,
what will be for their good. We wish you health and happiness with
your family. From your Brothers, the chiefs of St. Regis.
Chiefs.
" ' For the Chiefs at " ' Tio-na-to-gena,
St. Regis, William Gray. Tha-ros-ia-he-.\e,
Ta-te-ga-ies-tos,
to-ta-ro-wa-ne.'
" This petition led to the passage, on the 30th of March,
1799, of the following act :
" * The surveyor-general "be, and he is hereby directed in his proper
person, to lay out and survey, in such manner as the chiefs of the
St. Regis Indians shall deem satisfactory, all the lands, reserved to
the said Indians by the treaty held at the city of New York, and
conformable thereto, the twenty-third day of May, in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety-six ; and the treasurer is hereby
required to pay him, out of any money in the treasury, four hun-
dred dollars to defray the expense thereof, which sum the surveyor-
general shall account for with the comptroller.'
" The surveyor-general performed this duty, and reported
as follows :
■"'Sir — Pursuant to the act of the legislature, directing the sur-
•veyorrgeneral to lay out and survey the lands .reserved to the Indians
reaidiD" at St. Regis, I have surveyed in a manner satisfactory to
the chiefs of that tribe the tract, equal to six miles square, reserved
to them at their village ; as also the two tracts of one mile square
each at the mills on Salmon river and Grass river. Maps descriptive
of the bonndaj-ies of these I have the, honor herewith to deliver.
" ' When I was about to commence the survey of the meadows re-
served to the use of these Indians on Grass river, they informed me
in council that they considered themselves entitled to a tract of half
a mile on each aide of the river, from its mouth up to the mill, and
that they had caused it to be run out in that manner for their meadow
reservation, and intimated a desire that my survey should be made
in a corresponding manner. I was obliged to inform them that I
had no guide but their treaty, and consequently could regard no sur-
vey made without authority, and that nothing but the meadows
barely, along that river, was pointed out as their property. They
then, poiatedly desired me to make no marks on that ground, observ-
ing at the same time that as a deputation from their nation would
have to repair to Albany on other business, during the sitting of the
Legislature, they wished by that opportunity to obtain an explana-
tion of what they considered to be a misapprehension between the
parties of the treaty,
" ' Not being permitted to make a survey of the meadows, I availed
myself of the opportunity of going up and down the river, of mak-
ing an estimate of them, with a view to report the same as an article
of information that might be serviceable in case a compromise re-
specting them should be contemplated.
" ' These meadows consist of narrow strips along the margin of the
river, where inundations have prevented the growth of timber. They
lie in a number of patches, of from half a chain to three or four
chains in width, making in the whole extent, which is about .«ix miles,
not exceeding sixty acres altogether, as nearly as I could judge.'^""
" ' The grass on them, with small exceptions, is all wild grass. Their
value, though of no very great consideration as an appendage to the
adjoining lands, is however esteemed as almost inestimable by In-
dians, who consider the clearing of land as a matter entirely beyond
their power to accomplish. It will be impossible, moreover, that the
Indians should ever inclose the meadows with fences so as to prevent
their destruction by the cattle of the white inhabitants, who soon
will settle thick in their neighborhood, and this will inevitably become
the cause of disagreeable differences.
" ' It is proper for me to observe that the ground on which these
meadows are situated as well as the mile square at the mill on Grass
river, has been patented in tracts distinct from Macomb's purchase ;
and therefore the sanction which the proprietors of that purchase
gave to the treaty will' not exonerate the State from the duty of
compensating the owners of the lands from whjch these parts of the
reservation are taken.
[The remainder of the report relates to other subjects.]
" ' Simeon De Witt.'
'"Albanv, January 14, 1800.
" The troubles from trespass anticipated in the above
were soon realized ; for the particulars of these the reader
is referred to our account of Massena.
" On February 20, 1800, there was received in as-
sembly, from the senate, a resolution :
" * That the commissioners of the land oflBce be directed to settle
with the St. Regis Indians for such tracts of land, included in the
lands confirmed to them by the late treaty, and before located by in-
dividuals, and granted by this State, by making compensation for
the lands so granted, or by satisfying the individuals owning such
lands in such manner as they shall judge most advantageous to the
State, and the Legislature will make provision for carrying into
effect any agreement which may be made by the commissioners for
extinguishing the claims of the said Indians, or of the individual
proprietors aforesaid.'
" This resolution was postponed by the assembly, nor is
it known what was the final action of the legislature upon it.
" On the 9th of April, 1801, a law was passed making it
lawful for the governor to cause a treaty to be holden with
the St. Regis Indians, for the purpose of extinguishing their
right to a tract of a mile square at the mill on Grass river, and
for that purpose to appoint an agent on the part of the
State, and procure the appointment of a commissioner on
the part of the United States, to attend the holding of such
treaty. Provided, that the consideration to be paid the
said Indians for the said tract shall not exceed a permanent
annuity of $200. A sum not exceeding $500 was appro-
priated to defray the expense of holding this treaty.
" The surveyor-general was directed to cause the meadows
reserved to the use of the said Indians upon Grass river,
and which had been disposed of by the State, to be sur-
» When surveyed in 1845, they were found to contain 210 4-10
acres.. .. . '.
64
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
veyed, and the quantity ascertained, and to report the same
to the legislature at the next session. It was further made
lawful for the agent to extinguish the right of ferriage be-
longing to the said Indians over the river St. Lawrence,
adjoining their reservation, for such reasonable annuity as
they may deem proper.
" The -future payments of the annuity stipulated with
the said Indians was directed to be made at the town of
Plattsburgh, in the county of Clinton. The act referred to
makes a provision for the patenting by the State to William
Gray of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, including
the mill on Salmon river.
" The president of the United States, by a message
making sundry noininations, and addressed to the senate,
February 2, 1802, recommended the nomination of John
Taylor, of New York, to be a commissioner to hold a treaty
between the State of New York and the St. Regis Indians.
" He was led to this, from having received a communi-
cation from the governor of New York, purporting that the
St. Regis Indians had proposed ceding one mile square, in-
cluding the ferry, to the State of New York, and requesting
a commissioner to be appointed on the part of the United
States to sanction the business, which it was proposed
should be accomplished during the ensuing winter at
Albany.*
" In 1802 agents were appointed to treat with the St.
Regis Indians for the sale of their mile square and meadows.
The following communication, made to the assembly by
Governor Clinton, March 15, 1802, contains the results of
their negotiations. It was first reported to the senate :
" * Gentlemkn, — I now submit to the legislature the report of the
agents appointed to treat with the St. Regin Indians for the extin-
guishment of the mile square and the meadows on Grass river. I
also present to you a petition from those Indians praying, among
other things, for legislative provisions to enable them to lease a part
of their lands to establish a ferry across the St. Regis river, and to
apply the income to the support of a school for the instruction of
their children. It may be proper to observe that, as the petitioners
have uniformly evinced a warm attachment to the State, and have
made uncommon advances towards civilization, they have a claim
to the attention of the legislature, arising as well from principles of
policy as benevolence. They discover an anxiety to return home as
soon as possible, but at the same time are unwilling to leave this
city until the result of their application to the legislature is known.
'"Geo. Cli.nton.'
" The report of the agents referred to in his Excellency's
said message, and the petition of the St. Regis Indians,
■were also severally read, and together with the message
referred to the committee of the house. The petition was
as follows :
"'to our great and honorable brother, JOHN JAY, GOVERNOR
OP THE STATE OP NEW YORK;
"'Brother, — We, the chiefs and warriors of the village of St.
Regis, have sent the bearers, Colonel Louis Cook, Jacob Francis,
Peter Tarbell, as deputies, and William Gray as interpreter, to act
and settle all business for us that may concern this State, or us, the
above-mentioned village, or any individual belonging to this State.
" ' Firsily, we beg you, brother, to order means to have our meadows
on Grass river surveyed, and the number of acres contained there,
to have as many acres cleared near our village, within the reservation
made to us by this State, and then to have the use of the meadows
on Grass river till such time as those lands will be fit to mow grass
on.
* "American State Papers," Indian Affairs, vol. i. p. 565.
" ' Secondly, brother, we wish to inform you that, at the west end of
our meadows on Grass river, we have one square mile of land, like-
wise reserved to us by the State, with a saw-mill in the centre of the
mile square, for which Amable Foshee is bound to pay us the sum of
two hundred dollars per year as long as he keeps it in his custody,
and we are not satisfied with his usage to us.
" ' Thirdly, brother, there is a route that leads from Plattsburgh, on
Lake Champlain, crosses the Chateaugay river, and comes straight
to the village of St. Regis, where there ought to be a ferry kept up
for the accommodation of the public, and the use of this ferry is like
to create quarrels and disputes.
'"Now, brother, in order to prevent all these disagreeable conten-
tions, we wish to propose to you for to take one hundred acres, and
the privilege of the ferry, and where there may be a good potash
works erected for those people who wish to give us two hundred and
fifty dollars as a yearly rent.
'"i^oMri/i^y, brother, we wish to inform you that there are nine
miles between houses, however the route runs through our reserva-
tion, and we mean to rent a part of our lands in order to make it
convenient for travelers, and as some benefit to ourselves and chil-
dren who may follow us, and we began to inform all our brothers
who may see fit to rent the lands of us, that we expect they will pay
their rents according to contract, as you have law and justice in your
power, and we are not acquainted with our brother white people's
laws.
" ' Fifthly, brother, there is a request from your sisters of the vil-
lage of St. Regis, the women of families, which is that you pity
them, and send them a school-master to learn their children to read
and write.
" ' Brother, your compliance to these requests will cause us ever to
pray youi welfare and happiness, who remain your brothers, chiefs,
and their wives in the St. Regis,
" ' Te-ha-ton-wen-heon-gatha,
Tl-E-HEN-NE,
Te-ga-ri-a-ta-ro-gen,
On-w A- ri-en-te,
Ori-wa-ge-te,
To-ta-to-wa-ne,
At-ti-ax-to-tie.
"' Witness, William Gray.
" Accordingly, two laws were enacted relating to these
people at the ensuing session of the legislature. The first
was passed March 8, 1802, which provided, 'that it shall
and may be lawful for his Excellency the Governor, and
the surveyor-general, to treat with the St. Regis Indians
for the extinguishment of their claim to the mile square,
and the meadows on Grass river, ceded to them in 1796,
on such terms as they shall deem most conducive to the
interests of the State, or to purchase the same from the
individuals to whom it has been granted by the State
before it was ceded to the said Jndians, in case the latter
purchase can be made on more favorable terms than the
extinguishment of the Indian claim.'
" The meadows were subsequently purchased of the pat-
entees for the Indians. During the same session an act
was passed relating to the St. Regis Indians, March 26,
1802, as follows:
" ' J3e it enacted by the people of the State of New York, in Senate and
Assembly, That William Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell, be-
longing to the tribe of the St. Regis Indians, be and they are hereby
appointed trustees for the said tribe, for the purpose of leasing the
ferry over St. Regis river, with one hundred acres of land adjoining,
and also one mile square of land on Grass river, within their reserva-
tion within this State, for such term of time as they shall judge
proper, not exceeding ten years, and it shall and may be lawful for
the said trustees to apply the rents and profits of the said ferry and
lands for the support of a school for the instruction of the children of
the said tribe (of which the said trustees shall have the superintend-
ence) and for such other purposes as the said trustees shall judge
most conducive to the interests of the said tribe, and the powers
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
65
hereafter veated in the said trustees may be exercised by them or any
two of them.
" ' And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the
said St. Hegis Indians, on the first Tuesday of May next, and on the
iirst Tuesday of May in every year thereafter, to hold a town-meeting
on their said reservation within the State, and by a majority of male
Indians, above twenty-one years of age, to choose a clerk, who shall
keep Order in such meeting, and enter in a book, to bo provided by
him for that purpose, the proceedings of the said meetings.
" * And be it further enacted, That it shall be made lawful for the
said tribe, at any such meeting aforesaid, to make such rules, orders,
and regulations respecting the improvement of any other of their
lands in the said reservation as they shall judge necessary, and
to choose trustees for carrying the same into execution, if they shall
judge suoh trustees to he necessary.
" ' And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the
said William Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell to procure a bell
for the church belonging to the said tribe, to be paid for out of their
annuity.
'^ ' And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for
the person administering the government of this State to cause to
be sent to the said tribe, at the place where their annuity is paid, two
suits of silk colors, one with the arms of the United States, and the
arms of this State as a gratuity, and to draw a warrant on the treas-
ury for the expenses of the same.'
" On the approach of the war the situation of St. Regis,
on the national boundary; placed these people in a peculiar
and delicate position. Up to this period, although residing
in both governments,4hey had been as one, and in their
internal afiFairs were governed by twelve chiefs, who were
elected by the tribe, and held their offices for life.
" The annuities and presents of both governments were
equally divided among them, and in the cultivation of their
lands, and the division of the rents and profits arising from
leases, they knew no distinction of party.
" The war operated with peculiar severity against them,
from the terror of Indian massacre, which the recollections
and .traditions of former wars had generally inspired the
inhabitants.
" So great was the terror which these poor people excited
that they could not travel, even where acquainted, without
procuring a pass, which they were accustomed to obtain
from any of the principal inhabitants whose names were
publicly known. A paper stating that the bearer was a
quiet and peaceable Indian, with or without a signature,
they were accustomed to solicit, and this they would hold
up in sight, when still at a distance, that those who might
meet them should not be alarmed. They were likewise
accustomed to require persons traveling across their reserva-
tion to have, if strangers, a pass purporting the peaceable
nature of their business. The chiefs, it is said, appointed
certain persons to grant these passes, among whom was
Captain Polley, of Massena Springs. As few of them could
read, it became necessary to agree upon some emblem by
which the signification could be known, and the following
device was adopted: If a person were going through to
French Mills, a bow was drawn on the paper, but if its
bearer was designing to visit St. Regis village, an. arrow
was added.
" Thus cut off from their usual means of subsistence,
they were reduced to a wretched extremity, to obtain relief
from which Col. Louis repaired to Ogdensburg and sent the
following letter to frov. Tompkins ;
* I address you.
9
these lines, for the purpose of expressing the sit-
uation of my nation, and of giving you assurances of our constantly
cherishing good-will and friendship towards the United States, and
of our determination not to intermeddle with the war which has
broken out between them and the English, and which has placed us
in so critical a situation. Our young men being prevented from
hunting, and obtaining a subsistence for their families, are in want
of provisions, and I address myself in their behalf, to the justice and
liberality of the governor of this State, to obtain a supply of beef,
pork, and flour, to be delivered to us at St. Regis, during the time
that we are compelled to give up our accustomed pursuits, which it
seems, if continued, would give alarm to our white brethren. I have
come myself to this place to communicate the distressed situation of
our nation to Col. Benedict, who has promised to submit the same to
you, and in hopes of soon receiving a favorable answer to my request
I subscribe myself, with much attachment, your afiectionato brother
and friend.
big
(Signed) " ' Louis >< Cook,
mark.
" ' One of the chiefs of the nation of the St. Jiet/i« Indians, and a It.-cot.
in the service of the United States of America.'
" In consequence of the foregoing letter, orders were
issued that the St. Regis Indians should be supplied with
rations during the war at French Mills. They accordingly
received during the war about 500 rations daily at the
hands of Wareham Hastings, the agent for the government.
" The Indians, while drawing their rations, begged some
for their priest, from the best of motives, which the latter
received as a kindness from them ; but this circumstance
gave him more trouble than it conferred benefit, for it was
with the greatest difficulty that lie was able to justify or
explain this course with the British and ecclesiastical au-
thorities. He narrowly escaped imprisonment on suspicion
of receiving bribes from the American government. It
will be remembered that the priests house is on the Cana-
dian side of the boundary.
" In 1812 it was agreed between a British and an Ameri-
can commissioner that the natives should remain neutral in
the approaching contest.
' " It is said that in the month of June, Isaac Le Clare, a
Frenchman, then and still living at St. Regis, being down
at Montreal with a raft of wood, was met by an uncle, who
suggested an interview with the governor, which resulted
in his receiving a lieutenant's commission, on the recom-
mendation of Col. De Salaberry.
" Before his return the British company stationed at St.
Regis was captured as below stated, and Lieut. Le Clare
succeeded to the pay but not to the rank of captain, in place
of Montigney. He raised a company of about 80 Indian
warriors, and crossed to Cornwall. These Indians partici-
pated in several engagements during the ensuing war. At
the taking of Little York they were posted at Kingston.
At the attack upon Sacket's Harbor twenty British St.
Regis Indians were present under Lieut. St. Germain, and
at Ogdensburg, in February, 1813, about thirty of the
same, under Capt. Le Clare, crossed to the town. At the
battle of Chrysler's Field they were at Cornwall, and pre-
vented by Col. McLean, of the British army, from engaging
in the battle.
" Chevalier Lorimier, an agent of the British govern-
ment, in 1813 came up from Montreal with the customary
presents to the Indians, and offered them on condition of
their crossing the river and taking up arms against the
Americans. They would not do this, and he returned with
66
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
his presents. This was after Capt. Le Clare had raised his
company, or about the time.
" During the fall of 1812, Capt. Montigney, with a small
company of British troops, in violation of the previous
agreement, arrived and took post at St. Regis. Maj. Guil-
ford Dudley Young, of the Troy militia, stationed at French
Mills, receiving an account of this, resolved to surprise and
if possible capture this party, considering himself justified
in entering upon neutral ground, as the enemy had first
broken their agreement. He accordingly, about the first of
October, 1812, proceeded quietly through the woods by an
obscure path, guided by William Gray, the Indian inter-
preter ; but on arriving opposite the village of St. Regis he
found it impossible to cross, and was compelled to return.
" Having allowed the alarm which his attempt had ex-
cited to subside, he resolved to make another descent be-
fore the enemy should be reinforced, and for this purpose
he marched a detachment, at eleven o'clock at night on the
21st of October, crossed the St. Regis river at Gray's Mills
(now Hogansburg) on a rafl of boards, and arrived about
five o'clock in the morning within half a mile of the vil-
lage, without attracting the notice of the enemy. Here the
major made such a judicious disposition of his men that the
enemy were entirely surrounded, and, after a few discharges,
surrendered themselves, with the loss of five killed, among
whom was Captain Rothalte. The fruits of this capture
were forty prisoners, with their arms and equipments, and
one stand of colors, two bateaux, etc. They returned to
French Mills by eleven o'clock the next morning, without
the loss_of a man, and the prisoners were sent forward to
Plattsburg. Ex-Governor Wm. L. Marcy held a subor-
dinate office in this affair.
" This was the first stand of colors taken by the Amer-
icans during the war, and these were received at Albany
with great ceremony. An account of the reception of the
colors is taken from the Albany Gazette of January, 1813 :
- " ' On Thursday, the 5th inst., at one o'clock, a detachment of the
volunteer militia of Troy entered this city with the British colors
taken at St. Regis. The detachment, with two superb eagles in the
centre and the British colors in the rear, paraded to the music of
Yankee Doodle and York Fusileers, through Market and State streets
to the capitol, the officers and colors in the centre. The remainder
of the vestibule, and the grand btaircase leading to the hall of justice
and the galleries of the senate and assembly chambers, were crowded
with spectators^, His excellency the governor, from illness, being
absent, his aids. Cols. Lamb and Lush, advanced from the council
chamber to receive the standards. Upon which. Major Young, in a
truly military and gallant style, and with an appropriate address,
presented it to the people of New York ; to which Col. Lush, on the
part of the State, replied in a highly complimentary speech, and the
standard was deposited in (he council room, amid the loud huzzas of
the citizens and military salutes. Subsequently to this achievement
Major Young was appointed a colonel in the United States army.'
" This officer was a native of Lebanon, Connecticut.
"'After the war he entered the patriot service under Gen. Mina
and lost his life in the struggle for Mexican independence in 1817.
The patriots, 269 in number, bad possession of a small fort, which
was invested by a royalist force of 3600 men. The supplies of pro-
visions and water being out off, the sufferings of the garrison and
women and children in the fort became intolerable; many of the
soldiers deserted, so that not more than 150 effective men remained.
Col. Young, however, knowing the perfidy of the enemy, determined
to defend the fort to the last. After having bravely defeated the
enemy in a number of endeavors to carry the fort by storm Col-
Young was killed by a cannon-shot from the battery raised against
the fort. On the enemy's last retreat, the colonel, anxious to observe
all their movements, fearlessly exposed his person by stepping on a
large stone on the ramparts; and while conversing with Dr. Hennes-
say on the successes of the day and on the dastardly conduct of the
enemy, the last shot that was fired from their battery carried off his
head. Col. Young was an officer whom, next to Mina, the American
part of the division had been accustomed to respect and admire. In
every action he had been conspicuous for his daring courage and
skill. Mina reposed unbounded confidence in him. In the hour of
danger he was collected, gave his orders with precision, and, sword in
hand, was always in the hottest of the combat. Honor and firmness
marked all his actions. He was generous in the extreme, and en-
dured privations with a cheerfulness superior to that of any other
officer of the division. He has been in the United States service as
lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-ninth Eegiment of Infantry. His
body was interred by the few Americans who could be spared from
duty with every possible mark of honor and respect, and the general
gloom which pervaded the division on this occasion was the sin- ■
cerest tribute that could be offered by them to the memory of their
brave chief.' "^
" In the affair at St. Regis the Catholic priest was made
prisoner, and this surprisal and attack soon after led to a
retaliatory visit from the enemy, who captured the company
of militia under Capt. Tilden, stationed at French Mills, a
short time after. Those who were taken in this affair
were mostly the identical troops who had been the ag-
gressors at St. Regis, and for these they were subsequently
exchanged.
" During the war considerable quantities of pork, flour,
and cattle, from the State of New York, it is said, were
brought by night to. St. Regis, and secretly conveyed across
the river for the subsistence of the British army. These
supplies were purchased by emissaries under a variety of
pretexts, and by offering the highest prices.
" An Indian of the British party at St. Regis was lately
living who was employed as a secret messenger to carry in-
telligence, and was very successful in avoiding suspicions
and in accomplishing his errands.
" It is a well-known fact that there were American citi-
zens who secretly countenanced these movements, and who
openly denounced the war and its abettors ; who hailed a
British victory as a national blessing, and who mourned
over the success of the American arms with a pathos that
proved their sincerity. Impartial truth would require their
names to be held up to the execration of honest men through
all coming time, but charity bids us pass them unnoticed,
that they may perish with their memories.
" By virtue of powers supposed to be vested in them by
the law of 1802, the trustees of these Indians had leased
considerable tracts of the reservation in the vicinity of Sal-
mon river, which had thus become settled and cleared up ;t
but this measure was found to produce jars and discords,
which led to the passage of a general enactment, passed
June 19, 1812:
That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons other than
Indians to settle or reside upon any lands belonging to any nation
or tribe of Indians within this State; and if any person shall settle
or reside upon any such lands, contrary to this act, he or she shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction, be pun-
ished by fine not less than twenty-five dollars, nor more than five
* Sec Barber's "Hist., Coll., and Antiquities of Ct."
t This was done under the direction of John Hansden, their clerk,
who was an Irishman, and possessed much influence over them.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
67
hundred doUara, or be imprisoned not less than one month, nor more
than six months, in the discretion of the court having cognizance
thereof; and it shall be the duty of the courts of oyer and terminer
and general sessions of the peace in the several counties of this State,
in whieh any part of said lands are or may be situated, to charge the
grand juries of their respective counties specially to indict all offend-
ers against the provisions of this section.'
" Meanwhile many persons had in good faith expended
considerable sums in improvements, whieh it was desirable
should be secured to them by a more reliable tenure than
Indian leases, which led, in 1816, to the passage of a law :
" ' That in ease the St. Regie Indians may be desirous of selling
the mile square of land reserved by them at or near the village of
French Mills, in the town of Constable, in the county of Franklin, or
any other lands lying within the State, to which the St. Regis Indians
have any title or claim, the person administering the government of
*the State shall be and is hereby authorized to purchase the said lands
from the said Indians in behalf of this State, and that the treasurer
be and is hereby authorized on the warrant of the comptroller to pay
to the order of the governor such sum of money to defray the expense
of completing the said purchase as the governor may think reason-
able to give for the said lands.'
" The following treaty was accordingly held March 15,
1816:
"'A treaty made and executed between Daniel D. Tompkins, gov-
ernor of the State of New York, in behalf of the people of the said
State, of the one part, and Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis, and Thomas
Williams, for and in behalf of the nation or tribe of Indians known
and called the St. Regis Indians, of the second part (at the city of
Albany, this fifteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixteen), witnesseth.
" ^Article 1. The said tribe or nation of St. Regis Indians do hereby
sell and convey to the people of the State of New York, for the con-
sideration hereinafter mentioned, a certain piece or parcel of their
reservation, called the one mile square, situated in the county of
Franklin, on Salmon river, to have and to hold the same, to the said
people of the State of New York and their assigns forever j and also a
separate and additional tract of land of their said reservation, situate
in the county aforesaid,, containing five thousand acres of the easterly
part of their said reservation, adjoining their aforesaid mile square of
land, within the territorial limits of the State of New York, to be
measured from the east boundary line of said reservation, so as to
make the said west boundary line of said five thousand acres to run
due north and south ; to have and to hold the said five thousand acres
of land, to the said people of the State of New York, and their assigns
forever.
" ' Article 2. The said Daniel D. Tompkins, governor, as aforesaid,
for and in behalf of the people of the State of New York, covenants
and agrees with the St. Regis nation of Indians that the said people,
for the said several tracts of one mile square of land and of five
thousand acres of land hereinbefore granted and conveyed, shall pay
to the said nation annually forever hereafter the sum of one thousand
three hundred dollars, at French Mills, on said premises; the first
payment of the said annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday of
August next, and the whole annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday
of August in each year thereafter.
"^ Article Z. The said St. Regis irihe or nation of Indians also
covenant and agree to depute and authorize three of the chiefs or
principal men of their tribe to attend at the times and the places
aforesaid to receive the said annuity. And that the receipt of the
said chiefs or principal men so deputed shall be considered a full
and satisfactory discharge of the people of the State of New York
from the annuities which may be so received.'
" Signed, sealed, witnessed, acknowledged and recorded.
'* In consequence of the great distress among the St.
Regis and other Indian tribes of the State from the short
crops in the cold summer of 1816, the legislature, at the
recommendation of the governor, by an act passed February
12, 1817, authorized the payment of annuities to be antici-
pated for that year for the purchase of the necessaries of
life.
" The concessions of the last treaty being found not to
cover the territory that had been leased, another treaty was
held on the 20th of February, 1818, as follows:
"'At a treaty held at the city of Albany the 20th day of Febru-
ary, in theyoar of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen,
between his excellency De Witt Clinton, governor of the State of
New York, on behalf of the people of the said State, and Loren Tar-
bell, Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis, and Thomas Williams on behalf
of the nation or tribe of Indians known and called the St. Regie In-
dians, it is covenanted, agreed, and concluded as follows, to wit:
" ' The Siiid St. Regis Indians sell and convey to the people of the
State of New York two thousand acres out of the lands reserved by
the said Indians, to be bounded as follows, to wit: On the north and
south by the north and south bounds of said reservation; on the east
by the lands ceded by said Indians to the people of the said State
by a treaty dated 16th March, 1816; and on the west by a lino run-
ning parallel thereto, and at such a distance therefrom as to contain
the said two thousand acres ; also four rods wide of land through the
whole length of their reservation for a public road, to the west
bounds thereof, together with four rods wide of land for the same
purpose, commencing at the boundary-line near the village of St.
Regis, to run in a direction so as to intersect the aforementioned road
a little westerly of the place where it shall cross the St. Regis river,
which will be about one mile and three-quarters in length. On con-
dition that both the said roads be laid out by Michael Hogan, with
the assistance of Loren Tarbell, and such other person as his excel-
lency the governor of the said State shall appoint; and further, that
in case a turnpike gate or gates shall be established on said road, all
the Indians of the said tribe shall be allowed to pass free of toll, and
on th: further condition that those on the lands they have now and
heretofore sold shall be compelled, before the State gives them or
any other person title thereto, to pay up tho arrearages of rent due
on the lands occupied by the said settlers.
"'In consideration of which cession or grant it is hereby cove-
nanted, on the part of the said people, to pay to the said Indians an-
nually forever hereafter, on the first Tuesday of August, at Platts-
burgh, an annuity of two hundred dollars. And it is further cove-
nanted by and between the said parties that the annuities payable to
the said Indians, in consequence of the former treaties between them
and the said State, shall hereafter be paid them on the said first
Tuesday of August at Plattsburgh, instead of the places where they
are made payable by such treaties. In testimony whereof the said
governor, on the part of the people of the said State, and the said
Loren Tarbell, Peter Tarbell, Jacob Fraucis, and Thomas Williams,
have hereunto set their bands and seals the day and year first above
mentioned.'
" Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and recorded.
" The lands ceded by the treaty of 1818 were by an act
of April 20 oF that year directed to be laid out into lots and
farms and sold. The report of the commissioners appointed
by the governor to perform this duty will be given in our
account of Fort Covington.
The following memorial explains itself, and indicates the
necessity of the course which was subsequently to be
pursued :
"'Albany, February 16, 1818.
" ' To his ExceUency Governor Clinton, of the State of Kew York:
"'The chiefs of the St. Regis Indians, by their petition, most re-
spectfully approach your excellency, to show that in March, 1802, u.
law was passed for the benefit of our tribe, appointing the trustees,
namely, AVilliam Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell, to manage
and improve their affairs. From that period until the late war they
continued happy amongst themselves, but the war having produced
u, feeling of opposite interests in the tribe, they became divided
almost equally in number of young men, having your old chiefs
with their adherents steady in the cause and interests of the United
States. In the course of the war their trustee William Gray was
taken prisoner at St. Regis, and carried to Quebec, where he died a
68
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
prisoner of war. Their other trustee, Colonel Louis Cook, after being
actively engaged with General Brown near BufTalo, died at that
place. Since his death, your excellency's petitioner, Loren Tarbell,
the surviving trustee, taking to his private council Peter Tarbell and
Jacob Francis, old chiefs, in whom the tribe have full faith, has con-
tinued to act as for the whole, and has the satisfaction of assuring
your excellency that the trust reposed in him has been discharged
conscientiously, and with full regard to justice.
" ' Now, your excellency's petitioner growing old, and desirous to
be relieved in part from the responsibility which he has felt in the
discharge of his duties, humbly prays your excellency to get a law
passed appointing the above-mentioned Peter Tarbell and Jacob
Francis to his aid, to fill the vacancies occasioned by the death of the
former trustees, and confirming the acts of your petitioner done in
conjunction with the latter since the death of the former trustees.
" ' And your petitioner will, as in duty bound, ever pray, etc.
"'Lobes Tarbell. (Signed by his mark.)
" ' WiLLiAJi L. Gray, Interpreter.'
" In consequence of the foregoing petition and memorial,
an act was passed on the 3d of April, 1818, appointing
Peter Tarbell and Jacob Francis, chiefs of the said tribe, to
be trustees in place of Colonel Louis and William Gray,
deceased, and to act with the surviving trustee, Loren Tar-
bell.
" Much difficulty arose between the Indians and their
former tenants in relation to their arrearages of rent, con-
cerning which they memorialized the legislature, and on the
10th of March, 1824, procured an act directing the comp-
troller to draw his warrant on the treasury for the payment
of any sum not exceeding $735.07 in favor of Asa Hascall,
district attorney for the county of Franklin, upon his cer-
tificate or certificates of the amount of rents due to the
said St. Reg-is Indians from the settlers on certain lands
ceded to them by the people of this State, by treaty dated
Feb. 29, 1818, and it was made the duty of the said dis-
trict attorney on receiving the said money to pay it over to
the Indians as a full satisfaction and discharge of their
claims.
" On the 10th of April, 1824, the foregoing act was ex-
tended to include the lands ceded March 15, 1816.
" The mill on Grass river and one mile square reserva-
tion continued to be the property of these people until
March 16, 1824, when, at a treaty held at Albany between
Joseph C. Yates, governor, and Thomas Williams, Mitchel
Cook, Lewis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell, they sold and
conveyed for the sum of $1920 this property.
" The following is a copy of the power of attorney under
which the deputies of the foregoing treaty acted :
"'-fiTnom all men by these presents, That we, the undersigned chief
warriors of the tribe called St. Hegii Indians, constitute and appoint
Thomas Williams, Lewis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell as our true
and lawful attorneys, to go to Albany and sell such a quantity of our
lands to the people of this State as they may think proper, and to
transact aU other business which shall be thought best for the welfare
of our nation, and whatsoever our attorneys shall lawfully act or do
we will ratify and confirm. Done at St. Regis in general council this
eighth day of March, 1821.
«"'Eleazer Skarestogowa, Charles Sagaiiawita,
Peter Trewesti, Iouace Gareweas,
LoRAN Cook, Joseph Bern,
Charles AVilliam.s, Eyreb Gagagen,
Thomas Tcbble, Baptiste Satchweies,
Lewey Sabonrani.'
(Signed mostly by their marks.)
«Rev. Eleazer Wij
" The appointment made by the legisiature in 1818, of
trustees to fill the vacancy made by the death of Cook and
Gray, appears to have been unsatisfactory to the tribe, as
is seen from the following petition that was signed by the
same parties as those who furnished the credentials of the
deputies at the previous treaty :
" ' To the honorable the Legislature of the State of New York, in
senate and a/isenibli/ convened :
"'We the undersigned, chiefs and warriors of the St. Regis tribe of
Indians, humbly represent to your honorable body that our old chiefs
that were appointed as trustees are all dead, except one, who is old
and unable to transact public business. We therefore earnestly pray
that your honorable body will appoint Thomas Williams, Mitchel
Cook, Lewis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell as trustees to oversee
and control the affairs of the St. Regis Indians.
"'Done in general council at St. Regis, this ninth day of March
1824.' '•
" The following memorial was also prepared to be for-
warded to the legislature :
" ' At a, public council or town-meeting of the chiefs, head men
and warriors of that part of the St. Regis nation, or tribe of Indians
which claim the protection and countenance of the State of New
York, and which receive annuities from and held lands nnder the
authority of the said State, assembled on this 31st day of May,
1824, on their reservation lands in the said State, it is unanimously
resolved that, in order to put an end to all quarrels for power, we will
not henceforth encourage any other individuals to be chiefs, or trus-
tees, except Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, Lewis Doublehouse,
Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook ; and we do hereby fully authorize
and empower them to transact for and on behalf of our said tribe of
American St. Regis Indians all manner of business which they may
deem for the general good.
" ' We authorize them, especially, to receive all annuities payable
to us by virtue of any bargains or treaties made, or to be made, by
the State of New York, or of individuals under the sanction of law,
and others, and to distribute all money or property, as received
amongst the said tribe of American St. Regis Indians, according to
our claims. We also authorize and require them to execute to the
governor of the said State, or other proper authority, all necessary
grants, conveyances, releases, or receipts which may be required, in
consequence of any bargain or treaty heretofore made, or hereafter in
their discretion to be made on our behalf, and for our benefit, with
the governor of the said State.
"'We do further authorize and require them to endeavor to make
such a bargain with the governor as that all the moneys which we
are now, or shall be entitled unto, shall in future be paid on our reser-
vation lands, to our said chiefs and trustees, and not elsewhere. We
also authorize them to make such arrangements with the governor
that some individual in whom the governor, as well as our said chiefs,
can place confidence, may hereafter be considered the only proper
channel of mutual communication between the governor and our said
chiefs on behalf of our said tribe, excepting all occasions in which
our said chiefs may be at Albany. We fully approve all that was
done by our deputies and chiefs, Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook,
Louis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell, in the bargain or treaty made
at Albany on the 16th March last. We earnestly request that the
governor will bear in mind these resolutions of the American 5/.
Regis Indians ; and, that our minds may be known, we have each of
us caused our several names and seals to be affixed to this paper and
another like it, and ordered one copy to be delivered to the governor
and one to be kept by our said chiefs.
"'(Signed by about sixty Indians.)
" ' Copied from the duplicate at St. Regis.'
" As a further evidence of authenticity, the foregoing
was accompanied by a declaration of allegiance, a copy of
which is here given :
Know all whom it mat/ concern. That we, whoso names are hereto
annexed, do solemnly declare ourselves to belong to the American
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
69
tribe of St.,liegia Indians; that wo owe no fealty to the British gov-
ernment, nor receive any annuities or benefits from the same; that
we wore friendly to the United States during the late war, and have
continued to be so since; and that it is our fixed determination to
establish and continue our residence within the limits pf the said
United States, the protection and countenance, and especially of the
State of New York, we hereby claim for said tribe. In witness of all
which we have hereto caused our names and seals to be affixed this
31st day of May, in the year 1824, within our reservation lands in
the State of New York, done in duplicate, one copy to be kept by our
chiefs, and one copy to be delivered to the governor of the State of
New York.
'"(Signed by about sixty Indians).'
" The author has been unable to ascertain what action, if
any, was taken on this subject by the legislature, further
than that in a treaty , held on the 29th of June, 1824, between
Governor Yates, and Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook,
Louis Doublehouse, Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook, the
latter are recognized as trustees.
" By this treaty they ceded, in consideration of seventeen
hundred and fifty dollars down, and an annuity of sixty
dollars, payable on the first Tuesday in August, at the vil-
lage of Plattsburg, to the said chiefs and trustees, a tract
of one thousand acres of land, bounded as follows :
*' ' On the northeast, by a line commencing on the easterly side of
St. Regis river, at the termination of the roll-way, so called, about
four or five chains northerly from the mast road, and running thence
southeast to the south bounds of the said reserved lands; on the
south by the said south bounds; on the northwest by the said St.
Kegis river and the land leased by the said Indians to Michael
Hogan; and on the southwest by a line to be run southeast from the
said St. Regis river to the south bounds of said reserved lands.'
" On the 14th of December, 1824, the same Indians,
who are styled ' principal chiefs and head men,' confirmed
to the people of the State of New York, for a payment of
one dollar and an annuity of $305, a certain tract of land
which their predecessors had in ' two certain indentures of
lease, or instruments in writing, under seal, bearing date
respectively on the 20th and 23d days of October, in the
year of our Lord 1817, and made and executed by and be-
tween their predecessors in office and Michael Hogan, and
subsequently confirmed by an act of the legislature.'
" The grass meadows on Grasse river, in the town of Mas-
sena, were purchased from the St. Regis Indians by the
commissioners of the land-office, in pursuance of powers
vested in them by the legislature, pn the 21st of February,
1845.
" The amount purchased was, according to Lay's Map
of 1801, two hundred and ten acres, at three dollars per
acre. It was stipulated, that if the amount of land should
be found to overrun, the excess should be paid for at the
same rates.
"The Indian meadows on Grasse river were surveyed
by John W. Tate, in 1845, and patented in small lots in
the years 1846, '47, '48, '49, and 1851."
These transactions are believed to cover all pertaining to
or concerning St. Lawrence County. The history of the
St. Regis Indians more properly belongs to Franklin county,
and is not deemed of sufficient importance to be given in
this work. A very full account of the community is fur-
nished in Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Frank-
lin Counties, published in 1853, together with biographical
notices of many of the most prominent individuals connected
with it.
LAND TITLES PROPER.
" The title of lands, by an established law recognized by
all civilized nations, is naturally vested in the primitive
occupants, and cannot be taken from them justly, without
their consent. ' The law of occupancy, or the taking pos-
session of those things which belong to nobody,' says
Blackstone,* ' is the true ground and foundation of all
property, or of holding those things in severalty which,
by the law of nature, unqualified by that of society, were
common to all mankind. But when once it was agreed
that everything capable of ownership should have an
owner, natural reason suggested that he who should first
declare his intention of appropriating anything to his own
use, and in consequence of such intention actually took it
into possession, should thereby gain the absolute property
of it.'
" The manner in which the primitive title to soil was ex-
tinguished is detailed in the first part of this chapter.
'' Soon after the Revolution, there began to be evinced a
strong tendency for the extension of the settlements, to
which the newly-acquired freedom gave an impulse before
unknown. As a natural consequence, this led to a series
of speculations on a scale proportionate to the progressive
movement ; and it will be noticed that many of those who
engaged in these operations had been associated in the
camp, and had thus acquired, by frequent contact, that
familiarity with each other's character, and that degree of
mutual confidence, which led to the exercise of trust and
reliance upon honor, in many of the negotiations which
they carried on, to an extent unknown at the present day.
" But little was known of the country, at the time of
purchase, beyond that which lay on the border of the
St. Lawrence river. Previous to the Revolutionary War
an extensive portion of the State on the Hudson and
Mohawk rivers, and to a great distance on each side of
these, had been granted in patents by the English crown,
and surveyed. The most northern of these was ' Totten's
and Crossfield's purchase,' which forms the southern
boundary of our two counties. This was purchased at the
request and expense of Joseph Totten and Stephen Cross-
field and others, from the Mohawk and Canajoharie tribes
of Indians, at Johnson's Hall, in Tryon county, in the
month of July, 1773. It was described as lying on the
west side of Hudson river, and contained by estimation
about 800,000 acres of land.f This is believed to have
been subsequently confirmed by a royal grant. The sur-
veyors employed in running out the tract found it a rugged
and inhospitable wilderness, and the farther north they
went the worse they found it, from which it was inferred
that the whole northern country was of the same character.^
" In a map of Canada and the north part of Louisiana, in
Jeffery's 'French Dominions in America,' the country
north of this tract is described as the ' deer-lmnting
grounds of the Iroquois.' Map No. 74, in Delisle's Atlas
* Commentaries on the Laws of England. Book 2, chap. xvi.
t See MSS., Council Minutes, vol. 31, p. 31.
X On the authority of Henry E. Pierrepont, Esq., of Brooklyn.
70
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of 1785 (State library), names it and the north of Ver-
mont ' Irocoisia' or the land of the Iroquois ; and in an
old map, republished in the fourth volume of the Docu-
mentary History of the State, it is called ' Gouglisagrage,^
or the beaver-hunting country of the Six Nations. Across
our two counties is written the following sentence :
*" Through this tract of land runs a chain of mountains which,
from Lake Champlain on One side and the river St. Lawrence on the
other side, show their tops always white with snow, but although this
one unfavorable circumstance has hitherto secured it from the claws
of the harpy land-jobbers, yet no doubt it is as fertile as the land on
the east side of the lake, and will in future furnish a comfortable
retreat for many industrious families.*
" A desire to promote the settlement of the State led the
legislature to take early measures for bringing into market
the unpatented lands. An act was passed. May 5, 1786,
entitled ' an act for the speedy sale of the unappropriated
lands of the State,' creating land commissioners and em-
powering them to dispose of such unsold lands as they
might see proper, within the limits of the State. The out-
lines of the tracts were first to be run into townships of
64,000 acres, as nearly square as circumstances would per-
mit. Each township was to be subdivided into mile square
lots, to be numbered in arithmetical progression, from first
to last, and on every fourth township to be written ' to be
sold hy single lots' The maps so numbered and lotted
were to be filed in the secretary's oiEce, and the original
thereof in the surveyor-general's oflSce :
'"And the said secretary and surveyor-general respectively shall
cause maps so to be filed, to be put up in some conspicuous part of
their respective oiBces, and shall permit any person whatever freely
to inspect such maps, between the hours of nine and twelve in the
morning and three and six in the afternoon in every day, Sundays
only excepted, paying for inspecting in morning sixpence, and the
like in the afternoon.'
" Advertisement for the sale of these lands at public ven-
due was to be duly given. The surveyor-general was to put
up, as nearly as might be, one-quarter part of the unappro-
priated and unreserved lands in every township, in lots con-
tiguous to each other, and sell them to' the highest bidder;
reserving five acres out of every hundred for roads, but not
selling any land for a less price than one shilling an acre.
" The first, and every fourth township, was to be sold in
single lots. One-fourth of the purchase-money was to be
paid down, and the remainder was due within sixty days.
" In every township the surveyor-general was directed to
mark one lot ' gospel and schools,' and another 'for pro-
moting literature,' which lots were to be as nearly central
as may be. The former was reserved for the support of the
gospel and schools of the town, but the latter was reserved
for promoting literature within the State.
" The land commissioners were directed to designate each
township which they might lay out by such name as they
might deem proper, and such name was to be respectively
mentioned in the letters patent for granting a township or
part of a township.
" It was made a condition that there should be an actual
settlement made for every six hundred and forty acres
which may be granted to any person or persons, within
seven years from the first day of January next, after the
date of the patent by which such lands shall be granted •
in failure of which the lands would revert to the people of
the State.
" Accordingly, in pursuance of powers vested in them,
the board above created, on the 25th of May, 1787, passed
the following resolution :
" ' Reenhed, That the surveyor-general be, and he is hereby required
and directed, to lay down, on a map, two ranges of townships for sale,
each township to contain as nearly as may be sixty-four thousand
acres, and as nearly in a square as local circumstances will permit,
and to subdivide each township into lots, as nearly square as may be,
and each lot to contain six hundred and forty acres, as nearly as
may be.
*' * That each range contain five townships adjoining each other, and
one of the said ranges to be bounded on the river St. Lawrence, and
the said ten townships to be laid out within the following limits and
bounds, to wit :
'"Between a line to be run S. 28° E., from a point or place on the
southern bank of the river St. Lawrence, bearing S. 28° E.,*from the
N. W. end of the Isle au Long Saut, and a line parallel with the said
first line, and also to run from the south bank of the said river, and
the said parallel lines to be distant fifty miles from each other; and
that the said surveyor-general advertise the said townships, and pro-
ceed to the sale thereof, agreeably to law, and that two of the said
townships be sold in single lots.*-
" The value of this tract was then but little known, and
of the position and courses of lakes and streams there was
scarcely more knowledge than we now possess of Central
Africa. The shores of the river were well known, and
served as a guide in the. laying out of the ten towns.
" Accordingly, in pursuance of the statute, the following
advertisement appeared in the papers. We copy from the
Albany Gazette of June 7, 1787 :
"'By virtue of an act of the Legislature entitled "An act for the
speedy sale of the unappropriated lands within this State, and for
other purposes therein mentioned," passed the 5th of May, 1786, and
pursuant to a resolution of the Honorable the Commissioners of the
Land Office : —
TEN TOlVNSniPS OF UNAPPROPniATED LANDS,
On the southeast side of the River St. Lawrekce, will bo sold at
Public Vendue, at the Coffee House in the City of New York. The
sale to commence on Tuesday, the 10th of July next, at XL o'clock,
in the forenoon. Maps are filed for inspection in the offices ot the
Secretary of the State, and Surveyor GeneraL
"'The fourth and eighth Townships will be sold by single Lota, the
rest by Quarters of Townships.
" ' Such securities as are made receivable by law on the sales of for-
feited lands, will be received in payment. The one Quarter of the
Purchase Money on the day of sale, and the remainder within sixty
days after.
" ' Simeon De Witt,
" ' June, 1787. « < Surmyor General:
"The names of the ten towniships were established by a
formal resolution of the commissioners of the land-office,
Sept. 10, 1787, and with their corresponding numbers were
as follows :
"1, Louisville; 2, Stockholm; 3, Potsdam; 4, Madrid;
5, Lisbon; 6, Canton; 7, De Kalb; 8, Oswegatchie; 9,
Hague; 10, Cambray.
" They have been known by these names exclusively, and
not by their numbers. All but the last two are still re-
tained. No. 9 was changed to Morristown, and No. 10 to
Gouverneur. Four new towns have since been formed
from these, viz. : Macomb, from Gouverneur and Morris-
town ; De Peyster, from De Kalb and Oswegatchie ; Nor-
folk, from Stockholm and Louisville; and Waddington,
* Land-Oflice Minutes, vol. i. p. 256.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
71
from Madrid. A part of Hague has also been attached to
Hammond, and of De Kalb to Hermon.
" In accordance with the law, and pievious advertisement,
an auction sale took place at the Merchants' coffee-house,
in the city of New York, at the time advertised, at which
the ten towns were offered for sale, in quarters, except Os-
wegatchie and Madrid, which were sold in mile squares.
" The obvious intention of the law in causing these lands
to be offered in small parcels was to afford an opportunity
for those of limited means to compete at the sales ; but
this intention was defeated by a previous agreement, it is
said, among the purchasers, in which they delegated one
of their number to bid, and agreed to not compete in the
sale.
"The principal purchaser was Alexander Macomb, who
subsequently acted a distinguished part in the northern land
purchases. Gen. Philip Schuyler owned a one-fourteenth
interest in these ' ten towns,' or, as they were sometimes
called, the ' Canada towns.' His share equaled 49,860
acres, which were patented in Macomb's name. Watts
owned one-fifteenth of tracts Nos. 1 , 2, and 3 Great Pur-
chase.
" Mr. Macomb had, for many years, resided in Detroit,
and is said to have been a fur-trader. In the course of his
business he had often passed up and down the St. Law-
rence, and thus became acquainted with the general aspect
and probable value of the lands, and better qualified to en-
gage in these purchases than most of his associates. Alex-
ander Macomb was the father of Gen. Alexander Macomb,
commander of the United States army.
" To cover the private agreement certain persons were
employed to bid for Macomb, and the lots so sold were sub-
sequently conveyed to him before patenting. In this man-
ner lots Nos. 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21, in Madrid,
were bid off by Michael Connolly ; lots Nos. 47, 56, and
57, in the same town, by John Meyers ; lots Nos. 48 and
49, in the same town, by Daniel McCormick ; lots Nos.
18 and 19, in O.swegatchie, by John Meyers; and lot No.
23, in the same, by Thomas McFarren, and afterwards
made over to Macomb.
" The ten townships were sold as follows to the original
patentees. Lots Nos. 55 and 56 were not included in the
first patents, but were sold long after.
" Reference is made to the volume and page of patents
in the office of the Secretary of State, where they are re-
corded. The quarters were numbered as follows: No. 1,
the northeast ; No. 2, the southeast ; No. 3, the southwest ;
and No. 4, the northwest quarters. The gospel and school
lot (No. 55) usually came out of No. 3, and the literature
lot (No. 56) out of No. 2. As these towns were designated
to be each ten miles square, the full quarters (1 and 4)
would contain 16,000 acres, and the smaller quarters (2
and 3) 15,360 acres.
" 1. Louisville, patented in quarters, to Alexander Ma-
comb, on the 17th of Dec, 1787 (b. 20, p. 64). The
literature lot was patented to Erastus Hall, Jan. 18, 1833
(b. 32, p. 10). A tier of lots, numbered from 1 to 12,
along the St. Lawrence, sold June 4, 1788, to John Taylor
(b. 20, p. 311, 322). These contained five hundred acres
each.
" 2. Stoelcholm, was patented in quarters, to Alexander
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 68-70). The literature
lot was sold to Henry Foster, Sept. 25, 1834 (b. 32, p.
265).
" 3. Potsdam was patented in quarters, to Alexander
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 50, p. 72, 75).
" 4. Madrid was sold in lots of 640 acres, or one mile
square each, as follows: Nos. 1 to 6, to Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 332). Nos. 7 to 49,
to Alexander Macomb, but on different dates, viz. : Nos. 7
to 18, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 96-99); No. 11, April 19,
1788 (b. 20, p. 267) ; No. 12, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p.
100) ; Nos. 13—14, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p. 268-69) ;
No. 15, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 101) ; No. 16, April 19,
1788 (b. 20, p. 270); Nos. 17—18, April 19, 1788 (b.
20, p. 271-72) ; No. 19, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 101) ;
Nos. 20—21, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p. 273-74) ; Nos.
22 to 30, Dec. 17, 1797 (b. 20, p. 104-112) ; Nos. 31 to
46, Dec. 20, 1787 (b. 20, p. 112-127) ; Nos. 47 to 49,
April 19, 1787 (b. 20, p. 275-277). No. 51, literature
lot, sold to Thomas Peacock, March 24, 1837 (b. 33, p.
226). Nos. 52 to 95, to Alexander Macomb, but at dif-
ferent times as follows : Nos. 52 to 55, Dec. 20, 1787 (b.
20, p. 128-131) ; Nos. 56—57, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p.
278-79) ; Nos. 58 to 86, Dec. 20, 1787 (b. 20, p. 132-
160); Nos. 87 to 95, Dec. 22, 1787 (b. 20, p. 161-169).
The river lots, of 500 acres each, numbered from 12 to 17,
sold to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 322).
" 6. Canton was patented in quarters, to Alexander Ma-
comb, Dec. 16, 1787 (b. 20, p. 80, 83). The literature lot
was conveyed to the trustees of Lowville Academy, Nov.
20, 1818 (b. 26, p. 678).
" 7. De Kalb was patented in quarters, to Macomb, Dec.
17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 84, 87). The gospel and school lot
was subdivided and sold in small lots to individuals between
1829 and 1836. The literature lot was subdivided and
sold in small parcels to individuals between 1829 and
1834.
" 8. Oswegatchie was patented in mile squares, as fol-
lows : Nos. 1 to 9, to Alexander Macomb, Dec. 22, 1787
(b. 20, p. 170, 175) ; No. 10, to Henry Remsen, Jr., Oct.
15, 1787 (b. 20, p. 55) ; Nos. 11 to 12 (the latter of 1160
acres) to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 328) ; No.
13, to Henry Remsen, Jr., Oct. 15, 1787 (b. 20, p. 56);
500 acres at the mouth of Oswegatchie river, to John Tay-
lor, April 22, 1789 (b. 21, p. 178) ; Nos. 14 to 15 (1700
acres) to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 329) ; Nos.
16 to 17, to Henry Remsen, Jr., Oct. 15, 1787 (b. 20, p.
54, 58) ; Nos. 18 to 53, to Alexander Macomb, Dec. 22,
1787 (b. 20, p. 180, 201) ; No. 54, to Alexander Macomb,
Dec. 24, 1787 (b. 20, p. 210) ; Nos. 57 to 100, to Alex-
ander Macomb, Dec. 24, 1787 (b. 20, p. 211, 244); 500
acres to John Taylor, April 22, 1789 (b. 21, p. 178).
" 9. Hague was patented in quarters to Macomb, Dec.
17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 88, 91). The greater part of the gos-
pel and school lots of this town came in Black Lake.
" 10. Canibray was patented in quarters to Alexander
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 92).
"July 4, 1788, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer conveyed to
Macomb, for £275, lots Nos. 1 to 6, in Madrid, and 10 and
72
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
n, inLisboD. (See's office. Deeds, b. 2, 4, p. 305.) On
the same date Taylor sold his lands to Macomb, containing
10,830 acres, for £580. These were lots Nos. 1 to 11, in
Louisville, containing 5500 acres ; No. 12, in Madrid and
Louisville, of 500 acres ; Nos. 13 to 17, in Madrid, con-
taining 2500 acres; and Nos. 11 to 15, in Oswegatchie,
containing 2330 acres. (B. 24, p. 307.) April 5, 1788,
Henry Remsen conveyed to Macomb, for £120, the four
lots he had bid off in Oswegatchie.
" Macomb thus became the nominal owner of nearly the
whole of the ten towns. April 16, 1791, he appointed
Gronverneur Morris, then in Prance, his attorney to sell any
portions of the ten towns which he might deem proper, ex-
cepting a tract in Lisbon previously sold.* So far as our
information extends, no sales were made by virtue of this
power.
"By an instrument executed May 3, 1792, Macomb
conveyed to Samuel Ogden, in trust for himself, Gen. Henry
Knox, Robert Morris, and Gouverneur Morris, four of his
associates, for the consideration of £3200, the four town-
ships of Hague, Cambray, Oswegatchie, and De Kalb, with
the stipulation that Ogden should convey to H. Knox
44,114 acres; to R. Morris, 60,641 acres; and to Gouv-
erneur Morris, 60,641 acres of this tract.f In 1792, Ma-
comb became involved by transaction with Wm, Duer, Isaac
Whippo, and others of New York, J by which he was com-
pelled to assign his interest in a tract of land of 1,920,000
acres, for the benefit of his creditors, to William Edgar and
Daniel McCormick. On the same date with the foregoing
he sold to William Constable, for £1500, the towns of
Madrid, Potsdam, and the west half of Stockholm, and
Louisville, and to William Edgar, for £12,000, the towns
of Lisbon and Canton, excepting a tract in the former, pre-
viously sold to John Tibbets. The towns of Potsdam and
Canton appear to have been at first included in this con-
veyance, which Edgar, in an instrument dated Oct. 24,
1793,§ acknowledged to have been a deed of trust, and ob-
ligated himself to reconvey the same to Macomb when
required.
" The failure of Macomb was in some way connected with
a bank which it was attempted to get established, as a rival
of the Bank of New York, in 1792. The shares of this
bank were to have been $500 each, and 2000 in number.
He was very much blamed for the course he took in the
matter, and on his failure was lodged in the debtors'
prison. It is said that even in this retreat he was assailed
by a rabble, and owed his preservation only to the strength
of the building. Macomb's failure prevented the sale of
northern lands to the celebrated ' Holland Land Company,'
who afterwards made the ' Genesee Purchase.' At the
time this embarrassment occurred, Macomb was largely in-
debted to Alexander Ellice, and others of London. To
satisfy this debt, he had conveyed, June 6, 1792, the
towns of Lisbon, Canton, Madrid, and Potsdam, with the
west half of Louisville and Stockholm, but Ellice dis-
* See Deeds, b. 23, p. 146. Secretary's office,
t lb., b. 2i, p. 309.
X Recital in a conveyance of Oct. 10, 1792. Deeds, b. 24, p. 437,
See's office.
I lb., b. 26, p. 42.
claimed this transfer, and quitclaimed his title to the con-
veyance.
" The following is a brief summary of the transfers of the
several towns of the first purchases, so far as we have been
able to obtain it :
" Louisville. — We have shown how Constable became
the owner of the west half of this town. James Constable,
John McVickar, and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, executors of
William Constable, on Dec. 15, 1803, conveyed 2854 acres
in a square at the southwest corner to Gouverneur Morris,
excepting parts previously sold.|| G. Morris, Jr., received
the above by will from his father, and this is called the Morris
tract, at the village of Norfolk. At one period it was
owned by Le Ray, and a part was afterwards purchased by
Russel Attwater. The remainder of the west half of the
town was conveyed by Wm. C. to Eweretta Constable, Jan.
3, 1803.^ James McVickar and Eweretta, his wife, con-
veyed the above to Wm. Stewart, Dec. 4, 1807, who recon-,
veyed it to McVickar, Dec. 5, 1807.** The latter, Aug. 16;
1816, deeded lots 58, 59, 60, 68, 69, 70, 78, 79, 80, 88,
89, 90, to Henry McVickar,f'j' who by will conveyed it to
Edward McVickar. The remainder of the west half of
Louisville became the property of the McVickar families.
The southern half of Nos. 16, 17, and the whole of 26, 27,
36, 37, became the property of John Jay, who married a
daughter of William Constable. This is called the Jai/
tract.
" The east half of Louisville and Stockholm were con-
veyed, June 2, 1792, by Macomb to Wm. Edgar, Wm.
Laight, and John Lamb, in trust, to be divided as follows:
to Edgar, 30,618 acres ; to Laight, 11,127 acres ; to Lamb,
22,255 acres. JJ Edgar sold his share April 3, 1795, to
Nicholas Low, John Delafield, and Josiah Ogden Hoffman,
for $30,61 8. The latter, July 15, 1797, sold 5103 acres
to Elkanah Watson.
" To divide their lands, the proprietors entered into a
contract in August, 1798, with Amos Lay, to survey it and
subdivide the lots by three qualities. Macomb also agreed
with him for a similar survey of the west half The sur-
vey having been made, and a deficiency being found, this
was proportionally divided among the several proprietors,
and they drew by lot for their tracts Feb. 18, 1799. Mr.
Lay received, for his survey and maps of Louisville, the
sum of $500, and a further sum of $70 for cutting a road
through the town.
" In a communication of E. Watson to the proprietois, ■
accompanying the survey, was the remark that a road from
Louisville to St. Regis was expected to be completed in
May or June, 1799.
" Stockholm.— The west half of this town was sold by • :
William Constable to John Constable, Jan. 3, 1803,§§
and the latter conveyed the same to Hezekiah B. Pierre-
pont Sept. 28, 1809.IIII This was a deed in trust for-
Pierrepont to settle and sell the lands to raise $45,000
to pay Constable. The lands remaining unsold to be
divided equally between them. By an agreement dated
II n., b. 2, p. 149. -f-f lb., b. 4, p. 306.
1 lb., b. 1, p. 86. jj u., b. 24, p. 280, See's Office.
«* lb., b. 1, p. 322, 323. 12 lb., b. 1, p. 85.
nil lb., b. 2, p. 390.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
73
April 10, 1813,* C. withdraws the 4th quarter of the
town, which agreement P. signs. P. conveys to D. McCor-
mick the 3d quarter of town, April 14, 181 3.f McC. con-
veys back the same April 15, 1813. By a subsequent
deed, John Constable, as heir of Wm. Constable,| deceased,
releases with the other heirs of Wm. C. all their interest to
H. B. Pierrepont. This half of the town has mostly been
settled under agents of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and his
heirs. Henry E. Pierrepont, Esq., of Brooklyn, has at
present the management of this estate, and of other exten-
sive tracts in Franklin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and
Oswego counties, which form a part of the Macomb pur-
chases.
" Of the eastern half of this town we have been unable
to obtain the chain of title. Edward W. Laight, Samuel
Reynolds, Wm. Onderdonk, Richard Gouverneur, Nicholas
Low and others, were concerned in the early transfers.
" Potsdam. — Macomb, by way of Edgar to Constable,
as above. The latter by deed, dated Nov. 18, 1802,§ Con-
veyed to Garret Yan Home, David M. Clarkson, and their
associates, as 'joint tenants, and not as tenants in common,'
the town, except two miles wide on the northwest side.
G. Van Home conveyed the above by deed of trust, on the
9th of April, 1821, || excepting parts previously sold to
Matthew Clarkson, to be conveyed to the following proprie-
tors, in separate parcels, and by separate deeds, viz. : Levinus
Clarkson, Hermon Le Roy, Nicholas Fish, John C.
Clarkson, Garret Van Home, Wm. Bayard, the executors
of Jas. McEvers, deceased, Thos. S. Clarkson, Levinus
Clarkson, and G. Van Home. April 10, 1821, M. Clarkson,
as such trustee, executes conveyances of separate lots and
parts of lots, in said town, to said persons.
" All subsequent titles in this town (except the two-mile
strip) have been derived from the foregoing proprietors.
" The strip by the side of Madrid was divided into two
tracts, of which the western is called the Ogden Tract, and
the eastern the Le Roiix Tract. The latter was sold to
Charles Le Roux,by Constable, April 30, 1802. Le Roux
died in 1810, and in his will directed that this should be sold
by his executors (John Doughty, Charles L. Ogden, and
Thomas L. Ogden) as expeditiously as found convenient.
" These executors deeded it June 26, 1811,T[ to David A.
and Gouverneur Ogden, as joint tenants in fee-simple. The
latter, by deed, Oct. 2, 1823,** conveyed to Joshua Wad-
dington and Thomas L. Ogden, who, Nov. 1, 1824,ff con-
veyed to Waddington.
" We have not the title of the western tract.
" Madrid. — Macomb to Edgar, Oct. 24, 1793, as above.
Edgar, by a conveyance dated June 12, 1794, sold to Wm.
Constable the towns of Madrid and Potsdam, for five shil-
lings, N. Y. currency.|J
" Constable sold to Abraham Ogden, Josiah Ogden Hoff-
man, David A. Ogden, and Thomas L. Ogden, this town,
June 6, 1796, for $60,000.§§ This was further confirmed
« Clerk's Office, b. 3, p. 488. || Ih., b. 7, p. 61, 76.
t Ih., b. .3, p. 490, 902. II lb., b. 3, p. 293, 6.
J Wm. Constable died May 3, 1803. »» lb., b. 7, p. 442, etc.
§ Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 46. ft lb., b. 8, p. 17, etc.
X% Secretary's Office, deeds, b. 26, p. 41.
II lb., deeds, b. 28, p. 391.
10
by a deed from Thomas Cooper, master in chancery, June
30, 1801, to John McVickar,|||| who, by deed dated July
10, 1801,T[T[ conveyed to David A. and Thomas L. Ogden,
as tenants in common. These brothers, April, 1803,***
deeded an undivided third of the town to Joshua Wad-
dington. June 29, 1811, these parties executed partition
deeds of lands previously contracted and mortgaged.fff
" Canton and Lisbon. — Macomb to Edgar, as above.
Edgar to Alexander Von Pfister, by deed, June 12, 1794,
for five shillings. This was doubtlass in trust. In this
was excepted a tract of nine thousand six hundred acres,
sold by Macomb to John Tibbets, of Troy, Nov. 20, 1789,
for £960.JIt
" Von Pfister conveyed, March 3, 1795, to Stephen Van
Rensselaer, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, and Richard Harrison,
for £5068 16s.§§§ This is said to have been conveyed to
them in payment for money loaned. On the 21st of Jan-
uary, 1805, Hoffman, by deed, released to Van Rensselaer
his interest in the two towns.
" By an agreement between the parties, Harrison retained
one-third of the eastern part of the tract (about 39,460
acres), and Van Rensselaer the remainder (78,932 acres). ||||||
Stephen Van Rensselaer, by deed dated Sept. 13, 1836,
■ conveyed all his estate in these towns to his son, Henry Van
Rensselaer,T[TfTf in whom the title of unsold portions is
still vested.
" De Kalb. — Macomb to Ogden, as above. The subse-
quent transfers we have not obtained. Wm. Cooper, of
Cooperstown, subsequently purchased the town and com-
menced its first settlement. After his death it was divided
up into a number of tracts among his heirs.
"OswEGATCHiE was patented by ninety-eight patents, as
above stated. Macomb to S. Ogden, May 3, 1792, with
three other towns. Col. Ogden purchased the share of
Robert Morris, as appears in a deed recorded in the Secre-
tary's office, January, 1793, and conveyed to the others their
shares in the townships of Hague and Cambray. On the
29th of Feb., 1808, S. Ogden conveyed by quitclaim this
town to his son, David B. Ogden.**** On the 21st of Jan-
uary, 1847, the latter quitclaimed to David C. Judson,
Esq., of Ogdensburg.fttt
" Nathan Ford and others purchased large tracts in this
town. By a deed of Aug. 17, 1798, Ogden conveyed to
Ford|J;|:J an undivided half of three certain tracts, one of
which contained 10,000 acres, and lay south of the outlet
of Black lake.
" The lot of 500 acres on which stood the original village
of Ogdensburg was sold by John' Taylor, the patentee,
June 13, 1789, to Alexander Macomb, for £25.§§§§
" Hague and Cambkat. — To S. Ogden, as above. May
3, 1792, indorsed in a release from Robert Morris for his
proportion, and an acknowledgment, signed by General
§J§ Secretary's Office.
IJIIII Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 111.
1[1f1| lb., deeds, b. 25, p. 486, etc.
:!.■■:-:■:•» /j.^ deeds, b. 2, p. 132.
Ill Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 17.
Iff lb., b. 1, p. 20.
«-» lb., b. 1, p. 78.
ttt lb; b. 3, p. 191.
XXX lb., deeds, b. 3, p. 100.
tttt lb; B. a. 39, p. 676, etc. Mr. Judson died in 1875.
jjii: Oneida Clerk's Office, book B, No. 7, of deeds, p. 49,
■^m Secretary's Office, deeds, b. 24, p. 308.
74
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Knox, of the receipt of his conveyance, dated May 23, and
June 26, 1792.
" The portion of the above which came to the share of
General Knox lay along the west side of Hague and Cam-
bray, extending from the river to the rear line, and was two
miles, forty-six chains, and twenty-one links wide. This is
known among early purchases as the Knox Tract, conveyed
May 23, 24, 1792. It was supposed to contain 32,994
acres, but was afterwards found to embrace only 32,748
acres. To make up^ the deficiency of his 44,114 acres,
lands in Oswegatchie were conveyed to General Knox.
" Henry Knox conveyed the above to Benjamin Walker,
June 8, 1792, by warranty deed. Walker, March 3, 1794,
executed an agi-eement for the sale and exchange of lands
with Samuel Ogden, including the Knox tract, for the con-
sideration of ?1 6,497. Deeded as promised Dec. 2, 1794.
A strip three chains forty-one links in width, bounded
on the northeast corner of the 60,641 acre tract, was con-
veyed by S. Ogden to David Ford, May 27, 1800. Ford
exchanged lands Sept. 19, 1808, with Morris, by which the
former received a tract on the east border of the town. S.
Ogden, March 4, 1795, conveyed 20,000 to John Delafield,
for £6000. This tract lay near the west border of the town.
Feb. 12, 1796, D. sold to J. 0. Hoffman, for $10, one-sixth
of this 20,000 acre strip. This strip was subsequently
owned by Messrs. Nicholas Low, John Delafield,* and
Benjamin Seixas, and the tract was still further divided by
lines running from the St. Lawrence to the rear. Of these
the first on the west was subsequently conveyed to Philip
Kearney. It was 64 chains 71 links wide, and embraced
10,000 acres. A portion of this, adjoining the town of
Rossie, was sold to Mr. Parish. The next strip, 42 chains
75 links wide, was purchased by Nicholas Low. It embraced
6666.66 acres. A tract 18 chains 71 links wide, next east
of this, embracing half the above number of acres, became
the property of Nicholas Gouverneur. A strip 52 chains
80 links wide, embracing 8000 acres, was sold to Hoffman
and Ogden ; and about 5000 acres, or a strip 26 chains
52 links wide, constituting the remainder of the Knox
tract, was conveyed to Colonel Samuel Ogden. Adjoining
the Knox tract, and embracing 20,000 acres, was sold by
Samuel Ogden to William Constable, for £1000, on the
24th of February, 1794. {Secretary's office, I. mortgages
■i&, p. Ml, ete.)
" William Constable to Gouverneur Morris. Deed of the
same 20,000 acre strip, Nov. 17, 1798. {aeries office, b.
No. 1, p. 39.) Gouverneur Morris acquired of Samuel
Ogden, by purchase, a second tract, adjoining the last,
embracing 60,641 acres. May 13, 1799. {Clerk's office, b.
No. 2, p. 401.) About 9500 acres remained in these two
towns, which Samuel Ogden and wife conveyed to David
B. Ogden,t Feb. 29, 1808. {Clerk's office, b. No. 2, p.
132-33.) David B. Ogden conveyed to Gouverneur Mor-
ris, July 1, 1808, all that was conveyed to him by Samuel
Ogden. {Clerk's office, b. No. 2, p. 151.) Gouverneur
Morris' title was subsequently sold to Edwin Dodge,
» Delafield was a great operator in financial matters, but was ulti
mately unfortunate in his speculations. Seixas was a Jew, and lived
in New York.
f A son of Samuel Ogden.
David C. Judson, Augustus Chapman, Abraham Cooper,
and others.
"THE GOSPEL AND SCHOOL LOTS
were located near the centre of the town, and were usually
Nos. 55 and 56. The former have since been sold by the
authority of the legislature, who, on April 21, 1825, passed
an act authorizing the freeholders and inhabitants of the
several towns, at their annual town-meeting, to vote direct-
ing the whole of the income of the gospel and school lots to
be appropriated to the schools in town.
" The money received for the sale of these lands has in
most or all cases been invested, and the interest arisin"
therefrom applied for the annual expenses of schools.
" The literature lot in Canton was given to the Lowville
academy, in Lewis county, and that of Potsdam to the St.
Lawrence academy in that town.
" The literatuie lots of Stockholm, Louisville, Lisbon,
Oswegatchie, Hague, and Cambray were sold by the sur-
veyor-general, in pursuance of an act of the legislature, in
1832, and the avails placed in the general literature fund
of the State, for the common benefit of the academies and
colleges under the direction of the Regents of the Univer-
sity.
" By an act passed March 23, 1823, the literature lot in
Madrid was appropriated to Middlebury academy, in the
county of Genesee ; and to settle the boundaries a law was
passed on the 17th of March, 1824, by which the east, north,
and west bounds, as surveyed in 1797, were declared the
bounds of the mile square, and the southern line so ran as
to make six hundred and forty acres. Upon receiving a
fee simple conveyance of this from the proprietors, the
State released to them their claim to the remainder of the
township.
" By an act of March 4, 1830, the inhabitants of any of
the towns of St. Lawrence County having gospel and school
lots therein were authorized to apply the rents and profits
to the gospel and schools, or either, as the people assembled
in town-meeting might direct. The part applied to schools
was to be paid to the school commissioners, and that to the
gospel was to be distributed to the different Christian orders
in the ratio of resident members in full communion with
any regularly organized church. It is believed that in no
instance were the funds applied to the latter use.
"old military tract in CLINTON AND FRANKLIN
CODNTIES.
" By the same act under which the ' Ten Townships'
were sold (passed May 5, 1786), a provision was made for
the laying out of a tract of land to pay for military services
rendered by persons in the Revolutionary War.
" Pour of the ten townships so set apart constitute the
present towns of Burke, Chateaugay, Belmont, and Frank-
lin, in Franklin county.
"By a resolution of the land commissioners, of June 19,
1786, the surveyor-general was directed to lay out the tract
as indicated in the act.J This was accordingly done, but
no part of the tract was ever patented to military claimants,
X Laud-ofBoe Minutes, vol. i. p. 182.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
75
being sold like the other lands by the commissioners.
Townships Nos. 6 and 7, the former now in Clinton and the
latter in Franklin counties, were patented by the State to
James Caldwell, of Albany, on Feb. 25, 1785, with the
usual conditions of patents. On March 6, 1785, Caldwell
sold to Colin McGregor, of New York, for £500, currency,
the above townships. On Dec. 19, 1795, Colin McGregor
sold to John Lamb, William Bell, George Bowne, Joseph
Pearsall, Henry Haydock, and Edmund Prior, merchants
of New York, as tenants in common, but in different pro-
portions, of the lands in townships Nos. 6 and 7. The tract
was to be divided into lots, for which the purchasers agreed
to ballot, according to their respective interests therein. The
following is the list of the lots that fell to the share of each,
so far as relates to No. 7, or the present towns of Chateau-
gay, Burke, and a small part of Belmont. Colin Mc-
Gregor drew Nos. 1, 2, 6 to 12, 14 to 21, 23 to 27, 30,
33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 50, 53, 54, 56 to 59, 61
to 65, 68, 69, 70, 72, 75, 78 to 81, 84 to 87, and 90.
John Lamb drew Nos. 76, 71, 3, 13, 22, 55, 82, 77.
William Bell drew Nos. 43, 32, 66, 20, 75, 36, 52, 60,
313, 89. George Bowne drew Nos. 473 and 33. Joseph
Pearsall drew Nos. 34 and 40. Henry Haydock drew No.
88. Edmund Prior drew No. 5. Thomas H. Branting-
ham, who owned a part of each of these townships, drew
lots Nos. 51, 28, and 67, which were conveyed to Colin
McGregor.
" These lots subsequently passed through various hands,
and township number seven at present forms almost the
entire settled portion of the military tract in Franklin
county.
" No. 8 was patented to Colin McGregor Feb. 25, 1795,
who sold to several parties, and the latter divided* it by
ballot, as follows : William Bell, Nos. 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 18,
34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 87, 88, 93, 94, 99, 43, 71, 72,
20, 26, 28 ; in all 25 lots. B. Swartwout, Nos. 2, 12, 16,
30, 53, 57, 66, 69, 78, 80, 92; in all 11 lots. R. L.
Bowne, Nos. 1, 2, 9, 33, 70, 90, 91, 96 ; in all 7 lots.
Leonard Gansevoort, Nos. 17, 21, 22, 45, 55, 56, 59, 60,
73, 79, 84; in all 11 lots. Sir W. Poultney, Nos. 9, 15,
27, 41, 44, 46, 52, 58, 64, 68, 81, 82, 97, 98, 100 ; in all
15 lots. His first agent was Col. R. Troop ; present agent,
Joseph Fellows, of Geneva. Edmund Prior, Nos. 62, 67,
74, 86; in all 4 lots. Wm. Rhodes, Nos. 36, 51, 54, 76,
85; in all 5 lots. Wm. Haydock, Nos. 32, 47; in all 2
lots. Barent Staats, 20 lots, which he sold to the following
individuals: P. Van Rensselaer, Nos. 48, 49, 50, 61, 63,
65, 75, 77, 83, 82, 95 ; in all 11 lots. P. Van Loon and
J. P. Douw, Nos. 6, 8, 11 ; in all 3 lots. A. Van Schaak,
No. 25. J. Plush, Nos. 10, 23, 31 ; in all 3 lots. M.
Gregory, No. 19. J. Benson and D. B. Slingerland, No.
24. A considerable number of the above lots have been
sold for taxes, and many of the present owners hold their
titles in this way from the State.
" Township No. 9 was patented by the State as follows ;
Lots Nos. 1 to 48, to Gerrit Smith, Aug. 10, 1849 ; b. 34,
p. 505. Lot No. 51, to Guy Meigs and Samuel C. Wead,
June 20, 1849 ; b. 36, p. 291. Lots Nos. 61 to 87, to
* Secretary's office, patents, b. 23, p. 393.
Gerrit Smith, Aug. 10, 1849 ; b. 34, p. 505. Lots 91 to
113, also 116 to 126, also 129 to 180, also 182 to 201, also
202, and 205 to 215, 217 to 228, 231 to 270, 272, 275 to
287, 290 to 292, 295 to 304, 321 to 323, 325 to 329, 331,
334 to 342, 355 to 360, to the same, at the same date
as the other purchases. Portions of the remainder have
been sold to individuals, and a part is still owned by the
State.
"Township No. 10 was surveyed by John Richards in
1813, and sold in part to individuals between 1827 and the
present time. A large part was sold to Gerrit Smith,
August 10, 1849, and some lots are still owned by the
State.
" Massena. — This town was mostly granted in small
and separate patents to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and
others. The first of these grants was made Oct. 23, 1788,
adjoining the present reservation, and at the mile square.
These tracts were designated by letters, and extended to the
letter N.
" Colonel Louis, the Indian chief to whom a tract in this
town was conditionally granted in 1789, did not receive a
patent. He, however, drew lots Nos. 72 and 98, of 600
acres each, and 55, 11, and 34, of 500 acres each, in Junius,
N. Y., for his military services.
" macomb's great purchase.
" The legislature of the State of New York, at their ses-
sion in 1791, in order to promote the settlement of their
lands, passed a law authorizing the commissioners of the
land-office to dispose of any of the waste and unappropriated
lands of the State, in such quantities and on such terms
and in such manner as they should judge most conducive
to the interest of the public.
" The extraordinary powers granted by this law have
been rightly pronounced, in the language of a report made
not long since to the legislature on another subject, ' too
great to be intrusted to mortal hands.'
" Governor Clinton, in his annual message of 1792, com-
municated a report of the land commissioners, in which
they said that they had during the year sold 5,542,170
acres, in less than forty parcels, for £412,173 16s. 8d., and
that they had endeavored to serve the public interests
therein.
'' In a list of applications that had been received for the
tract was one from Macomb in April, for all the vacant
lands between Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence, for
8d. per acre, in 6 years, without interest, which was rejected
on account of its extent, ' and because it contained lands
joining old patents, and fronts too great a proportion of
water communication.'
" On May 2 he applied as before, and it was accepted,
the quantity being reduced.
" Wm. Henderson had applied for all the military land
at 9d. per acre, which was rejected. Macomb had no com-
petitors in his purchase.
" This report being in order, Mr. Talbott, of Mont-
gomery, moved a series of resolutions, in which, after enu-
merating the several acts which had been passed relative to
the waste lands, and declaring that the spirit and design of
these had been to afford to those of small means the ability
76
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW^ YORK.
to purchase, and to prevent the accumulation of large landed
estates in the hands of a few, he directly intimated that the
commissioners had violated the trust reposed in them. It
appeared a mystery to him that this immense tract had
been sold for 8c^.,' while adjoining tracts had been sold to
the Roosevelts for 3s. Id., to Adgate for 2s., to Caldwell,
McGregor, and Henderson at Is. Sd. per acre.
" The sale, without interest and privilege of discount by
paying down, was severely censured.
" These resolutions were warmly discussed but not passed.
They were evidently designed as the foundation for an im-
peachment, but failed in their purpose. Colonel Burr, not
having attended the meetings of the board, was not included
in the charges, as he appears to have been absent on official
business.
" The discussion continued till a late hour, when the
house adjourned, without decision, until the next day. On
the 10th of April, 1792, Mr. Melancthon Smith moved the
following resolution, with a preamble, as a substitute for
those formerly offered :
" ' Reaohed, That this house do highly approve of th«- conduct of
the commissioners of the land-oflBce in the judicious sales hy them as
aforesaid, which have been productive of the before-mentioned bene-
ficial effects.'
" This resolution was adopted by a vote of 35 to 20.
The following is a copy of the application of Macomb,
which was received by the commissioners :
" ' At a meeting of the commissioners of the land-ofBce of the State
of New York, held at the city hall, in the city of New York, on Wed-
nesday, the 22d day of June, 1791.
"'Present — His Excellency George Clinton, Esquire, governor j
Lewis A. Scott, Esquire, secretary; Gerard Bancker, Esquire,
treasurer; Peter T. Curtenius, Esq., auditor,
" ' The application of Alexander Macomb, for the purchase of the
following tract of land, was read, and is in the following words, to
wit:
" 'To the commissionei's of tlie land-ofiice of the State of New York.
" 'Gentlemen, — I take the liberty of requesting to withdraw my application
to your honorable board of April last, and to substitute the following proposal
for the purchase of the waste and unappropriated lands comprised wilbin the
bounds hereinafter mentioned, and all the islands belonging to this State in
front of said lands, viz.: Beginning at the northwest corner of the township
called Hague, on the river St Lawrence, and thence extending southerly along
the westerly bounds of the said township, and the township called Cambray,
to the inoet southerly corner of the latter ; thence extending easterly, north-
erly, and southerly along the lines of the said township of Cambray, and of the
townships of De Kalb, Canton, and Potsdam and Stockholm to the eastermost
corner of the latter; thence northwesterly along the line of the said township
of Stockholm, and the township of Louis YiUe, to the river St. Lawrence-
thence along the shore thereof to the line, run for the north line of this State
in the 45th degree of north latitude; thence east along the same to the west
bounds of the tract formerly set apart as bounty lands for the troops of this
State serving in the army of the United States; thence southerly along the
same to the north bounds of the tract known by the nanicbf Totten and Cross-
field's purchase ; thence westerly along the north bounds of the tract last men-
tioned to the westermost corner thereof; thence southerly along the westerly
bounds thereof to the most westerly corner of township No. 5 in the said
tract; thence westerly on a direct line to the northwestermost corner of the
tracts granted to Oothoudt; thence westerly on a direct line to the mouth of
Salmon river, where it empties itself into Lake Ontario; thence northeasterly
along theshore of thesaid lake and the river St. Lawrence to thoplacc beginning
including all the islands belonging to this State fronting the said tract in Lake
Ontario and the river St. Lawrence, five per cent, to be deducted for highways,
and all lakes whose area exceeds one thousand acres to be also deducted ■ for
which, after the above deductions, I will give eight pence per acre, to be paid
in the following manner, to wit: One-sixth part of the purchase-money at the
end of one year from the day on which this proposal shall be accepted, and the
residue in five equal annual installments on the same day in the five next suc-
ceeding years. The first payment to be secured by bond to the satisfaction of
your honorable board ; and, if paid on the time limited, and new bonds to the
satisfaction of the board executed for another sixth of the purchase-money,
then I shall be entitled to a patent for one-sixth part of said tract, to be set off
in a square in one of the corners thereof, and the same rule to be observed as
to the payments and securities and grants or patents until the contract shall be
fully completed. But if at any time I shall think fit t» anticipate the payments,
in whole or in part, in that case I am to have a deduction on the sum so paid
of an interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum for the time I shall have
paid any such sura before the time hereinbefore stipulated.
" ' I have the honor to be, gentlemen,
" ' With great respect, your most obedieut servant,
"'Alexander Macomb.
" ' New York, May 2, 1791.
" ' I do hereby consent and agree that the islands called Caleton's or Buck's
islands, in the entrance of Lake Ontario, and the Isle An Long Saut, in the
river St. Lawrence, and a tract equal to six miles square in the vicinity of the
village of St. Regis, be excepted out of the above ct ntract, and to remain the
property of the State: Provided always. That if the said tract shall not be
hereafter applied for the use of the Indians of the said village, that then the
same shall be considered as included in this contract, and that 1 shall be enti-
tied to a grant for the same on my performance of the stipulations aforesaid.
" ' Alexander Macomb.'
" The board, by a resolution, accepted this proposition,
and directed the surveyor-general to survey the said tract,
at the expense of Macomb, and requiring him to secure
the payment of the first-sixth part of the purchase-money.
(^Land-Office Minutes, vol. ii. p. 192.)
" On Jan. 10, 1792, the surveyor-general having made a
return of the survey above directed, and the'security re-
quired having been deposited for the payment of the
southern half of the tract, containing 1,920,000 acres, the
secretary was directed to issue letters patent accordingly,*
which was done Jan. 10, 1792.f This portion was tracts
Nos. 4, 5, 6, situated in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego
counties.
" In the returns of the survey made under the direction
of the surveyor-general the lands were laid out into six
tracts, of which No. 1 lies entirely in Franklin county, and
Nos. 2 and 3 in St, Lawrence County,
" These were subsequently subdivided into townships
named and numbered as follows, with the origin of each so
far as is known :\
" Number One embraced twenty-seven townships.
Macomb, from Alexander Macomb.
Coi-machus,^ from Daniel McCor-
mick.
Constable, from Wm. Constable.
Moira, from a place in Ireland.
Sangor, from a town in Wales.
Malone, from a name in the family
of K. Harrison.
Annaetown, from a daughter of
Constable.
St. Patrick, from the Irish saint.
Shelah, from a place in Ireland.
WiUiamsviUe, from a son of Con-
stable.
Westerly.
Bwcrettmillc, from a daughter of
Constable.
Dnytmi, from Jonathan Dayton.
Emiis.
15. Fowler, from Theodosius Fowler.
16. JoJinsmanor, from a son of Con-
stable.
17. Gilchrist, from Jonathan Gilchris't
18. Brighton, from a town in Plngland.
19. Cheltenham, from a town in Eng-
land.
20. Margate, from a town in England.
21. Hai-rietstown, from a daughter of
Constable.
22. Zoc/tncaj///, from a lake in Ireland.
23. Kitlarney, from a lake in Ireland.
24. JBanijmore, fi'om a place in Ire-
land.
25. Jilount Mmris.
26. Cove mil.
27. Tiiypei-arif, from a county in Xi"^
laud.
"These were numbered from west to east, and from
north to south.
* Land-offioo Minutes, vol. ii, p, 232,
■ t See Office Patents, b, 23, p, 160; see recital in patent to MoCor-
miok, ib., b, 18, p, 198, etc.
t In obtaining the origin of these names the author has been
assisted by A, 0, Brodie, of N, Y,, and Henry B. Pierrepont, of
Brooklyn,
? Or MoCormiok. This word is but a play upon the name.
HISTO]?.Y OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
77
"Number Two embraced eighteen townships, in the
eastern part of St. Lawrence County, and south of the ten
towns, viz. :
"1. Sherwood.
2. Oakham.
3. Mortlake.
4. Harewood.
5. Janestown, from a daughter of
Constable.
6. PiercefieJd.
7. GruTish-ucJc.
8. Hollywood.
9. Kildare.
10. Malifdavale.
11. Wick.
12. JRiveradale.
13. Cookham.
14. CathaHnevUle.
15. Islington.
16. Chesfrjield.
17. Granf^e.
18. OrMjnacft.
" This tract was numbered from west to east, commencing
at the southwest corner, and ending at the north.
" Number Three was divided into fifteen townships,
"1. Hammond^ from Abijali Ham
mond.
, 2. Somerville, from a town in New
Jersey.
*^3. Dewitt^ from the surveyor-general.
V 4. Filz WiUiam.
5. Ballyheen^ from McCormick's. na-
tive place.
\A. Clare, from a county in Ireland.
jr. Killarwyj from a county in Ire-
land.
k9.
lull.
^.
43.
14.
15.
Edwards^ from a brother of D.
McCormick.
Sarah shv/}'g,
Clifton, from a town in England.
Portafernj, from a town in Ire-
land.
Scriba, from George Scriba. (?)
Chamtifmt, from the name of J. D.
Le Kay.
Bloomjleld.
EmilyviUe, from a danghter of
Constable.
" The numbering of this tract began at the northwest, and
ran irregularly from west to east. Most of the others have
been discarded, or are used only in designating tracts of
land.
" Macomb, soon after his purchase, appointed William
Constable to go to Europe and sell lands, which he did ;
but as they are not within our proposed limits, the details of
these transactions will not be given. The report of this
sale naturally spread through the State, and put a stop to
further applications, which led the commissioners to direct
the surveyor-general (Oct. 11, 1791) to advertise in all the
papers in the State that the Old Military tract, and large
tracts lying on the east and south of this, were still for
sale.
" This was accordingly done.* The failure of Macomb
interrupted the sale and prevented him from receiving the
patents. On June 6, 1792, he released to William Con-
stable his interest in tracts 1, 2, and 3.f
" As many of the transfers that ensued were confidential,
it would be tedious to follow them, if our space allowed.
William Constable and Daniel McCormick were the leadins
o
negotiators in this business, and after the death of the
former, in May, 1803, James Constable, John McVickar,
and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, as his executors, assumed the
settlement of the estate and sale of lands. Macomb's in-
terest in the three tracts was sold June 22, 1791, to William
S. Smith, Abijah Hammond, and Kichard Harrison, but the
patents for these tracts were not issued till several years
afterwards.
"On March 3, 1795, the commissioners of the land-
office directed the secretary of state to prepare letters patent
to Daniel McCormick for the third tract of 640,000 acres,
® Land-office records, p. 220.
t See's office, patents, b. 23, p. 160.
the latter, who was an original proprietor with Macomb,
having paid the sum required into the treasury. This was
accordingly done.J
" On July 10, following, McCormick satisfied the claims
of Smith, Hammond, and Harrison by deeding one-fifteenth
part of the third tract, and two undivided tenths remaining
after deducting the said one-fifteenth part, and also one-third
part of the remainder.§
" May 14, 1798, McCormick applied for patents for the
first and second tracts of Macomb'& purchase, which were
ordered, and on the day following approved and Aug. 17
passed by the commissioners. || The first embraced 821,879
acres, and the second 553,020 acres.
"The fees charged for issuing a patent for 1,374,839
acres, granted to McCormick, amounted to $820, of which
half was paid into the treasury, and the rest the land com-
missioners divided between them, by virtue of an act of
Feb. 25, 1789, establishing the fees, which were a certain
rate per township,^ and of course proportioned to the mag-
nitude of the sales.
"On June 21, 1797, the surveyor-general was directed
by the land commissioners to finish and return a sun'ey of
the lands contracted and sold to Macomb, and to employ
none but competent and trusty surveyors on this duty. If
difficulty arose in finding the starting-point, he was to at-
tend personally to the matter.**
" McCormick, by deed to Constable, Sept. 20, 1793, con-
veyed an undivided third of great lot No. 2,fj' and Dec. 19,
1800, a partition deed between Macomb and McCormick to
Constable was executed. Theodosius Fowler, Jonathan
Dayton, and Robert Gilqhrist, having become interested in
the tract, a partition deed was executed Jan. 19, 1802, in
which Hammond, Harrison, Fowler, Gilchrist, and Dayton
released to McCormick, Constable, and Macomb. In July,
1804, James D. Le Ray, by purchase from Constable, be-
came interested in the townships of tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
He appointed Gouverneur Morris as his attorney.
" We have prepared a detailed statement of the shares
received by each in these transfers, but our space will not
admit of its insertion. The following statement shows the
names of those to whom the difierent townships were as-
signed. It is taken from a copy of an original map, kindly
furnished to the author by P. S. Stewart, Esq., of Carthage,
the agent of Mr. Le Ray.
" To condense the statement, the following abbreviations
will be used : L. — Le Ray de Chaumont ; M. — Alexander
Macomb ; M. C. — Daniel McCormick ; W. C. — Wni. Con-
stable ; F, — Theodosius Fowler ; G. F. — Gilchrist Fowler ;
R. H. — Richard Harrison ; H. — Abijah Hammond ; P.^ — •
David Parish.
" Great Tract No. 1, including twenty-seven townships.
1, M. ; 2, W. C. ; 3, W. C. ; 4, G. F. ; 5, M. C; 6, R.
H. ; 7, W. C. ; 8, H. ; 9, N. i W. C, middle i H., S. J
M. C. ; 10, W. C. ; 11, R. H. ; 12, W. C. ; 13, N. W. \
\ Seo.'s office, patents, \>. 23, p. 394.
J Scc.'s office, deeds, 29, p. 157.
II Land-office records, iii. p. 60. Patents, b. 18, pp. 198, 394, seo.'s
office.
If lb , iii. p. 5?. »■» lb., iii., page 18.
ff Deeds, secretary's office, b. 32.
78
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW, YORK.
R. H., E. i not marked ; 14, not marked ; 15, N. W. i
G. P., N. E. i M. C, south part not marked ; 16, W. C. ;
17, N. i R. H., middle i M. C, S. i W. C. ; 18, H. ; 19,
F. ; 20, G. F. ; 21, L. ; 22, M. C. ; 23, M. C. ; 24, N. W.
i H., N. E. i G. F., S. E. i R. H., S. W. J M. C. ; 25,
5. i G. F., the rest not marked ; 26, M. C. ; 27, N. W. i
M. C, the remainder L.
" Great Tract No. 2, including eighteen townships. 1,
N. W. i M. C, N. E. i L., S. E. i M. C, S. W. i G. F. ;
2, N. W. i M., S. W. i G. F., E. i L. ; 3, W. C. ; 4, N.
W. i L., N. E. i H., S. E. i M. C, S. W. J C. ; 5, M. ;
6, S. i M. C, N. i M. C, R. H , H., G. F., and L. ; 7,
M. C. ; 8, N. J R. M., S. J M. C. ; 9, R. H. ; 10, W. C. ;
11, W. C. ; 12, N. W. i P., N. E. i R. H., S. E. } H.,
S. W. i M. ; 13, P. ; 14, P. and M. ; 15, H. ; 16, R. H. ;
17, E. part M. C, middle part L., W. part G. F. ; 18, not
marked.
" Great Tract No. 3, including fifteen townships. 1,
H. ; 2, not marked ; 3, not marked ; 4, E. part H., middle
part M. C, W. part S. (Madame de Stael ?) ; 5, M. C. ; 6,
E. i L., W.i8.; 7, G. F. ; 8, M. C. ; 9, M. ; 10, N. W.
i M., N. B. i L. ; S. E. i R. H., S. W. i H. ; 11, M. C. ;
12, M. C. ; 13, L. ; 14, not marked; 15, N. E. i M. C,
N. W. i G. F., S. J L. ; 15, N. E. i L., N. W. i M. L.,
S. E. i M. C, S. W. i G. F.
"THE ISLANDS IN THE ST. LAWRENCE
were not patented with the lands opposite which they lay,
nor included in the jurisdiction of any of the towns, al-
though embraced in the contract of Macomb, with two ex-
ceptions. It was not deemed advisable to patent any of
these until the national boundary was decided. By an act
passed March 17, 1815, they were declared to be a part of
the respective towns opposite which they lay, and this ex-
tended to the islands in Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the
Niagara river.
" The islands were patented as follows : All the islands
which lie within this State, between a line drawn at right
angles to the river, fiom the village of Morristown, situated
on the shore of the river, and a meridian drawn throuo-h
the western point of Grindstone island, in the county of
Jefferson, containing 15,402/^ acres, were granted to Elisha
Camp, Feb. 15, 1823. In the above grant is included
Grindstone island, containing 5291 acres; Wells' island,
containing 8068 acres ; Indian Hut island, containing 369
acres ; and some small islands without names.
" Lindy's island, 7.92 acres, to Elisha Camp, Dec. 9, 1823 ;
nine small islands, 178.8 acres; Isle du Gallop, 492.5
acres; Tick island, 11 acres; Tibbits island, 17.5 acres;
Chimney island,* 6.2 acres ; other small islands, 3 acres'
to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, Oct. 21, 1824.
" Rapid Plat, 9763 acres. January 28, 1814, the com-
missioners of the land-office recognized the right of Daniel
McCormick to this island. He conveyed it, on the 13th of
March, 1815, to David A. Ogden. On the 15th of De-
cember, 1823, the following, with the number of acres in
each, were patented to McCormick. (The title is recorded
in book 25, p. 480, of patents, at Albany.)
« Oraooneaton island, occupied by Fort Levis.
"Smugglers' island and Johnson's island, 17.72. An
island near Johnson's island, between that and the United
States shore, 2.46 ; Sny island, 55.20 ; Chat island, 95.20 ;
Chrystler's island, 52.80 ; Hog island, 5.29 ; Goose Neck
island, 405.87 ; Upper Long Saut island, 868.80 ; C island,
3.1 ; D island, 2.5 ; Haynes' island, 134.56.
" The Isle au Long Saut was reserved by the State in
the original sale, from its supposed importance in a military
point of view, and sold to individuals by the surveyor-
general, in pursuance of statute, between May 5, 1832, and
the present time, at the land-office in Albany.
" Barnhart's island, 1692.95 acres ; two-thirds to David
A. Ogden and one-third to Gouverneur Ogden, Dec. 15,
1815.
" This island, near St. Regis, lies very near the Canadian
shore, and a considerable part of it north of the line of 45°
N. latitude. It was accordingly regarded as British terri-
tory, and in 1795 it was leased of the St. Regis Indians
by George Barnhart, for a term of 999 years, at an annual
rent of $30. The British government had made a practice
of granting patents upon the issue of similar leases, and
would doubtless have done so in this instance had applica-
tion been duly made.
" In 1806, a saw-mill was built, and arrangements were
made for the erection of a grist-mill, when the Indians be-
came dissatisfied and insisted upon a renewal of the lease, at
an increased rent. Accordingly a lease was given for 999
years, at $60 annual rent. Deeds had been granted by
Barnhart, who, with all the other inhabitants of the i.sland,
were treated as British subjects, until upon running the line
between the two nations, after the treaty of Ghent, the
commissioners assigned the island to the United States, as
an offset for the half of Grand island, at the outlet of Lake
Ontario, which in justice would have been divided. In
1823, D. A. Ogden and G. Ogden purchased the islands in
St. Lawrence County, and with them Barnhart's island.
The settlers not complying with the offers made, were
ejected by the State, and they in 1849 applied for redress
at the State legislature. By an act passed April 10, 1850,
Bishop Perkins, George Rediugton, and John Fine were
appointed commissjoners to examine these claims, and
awarded to the petitioners the aggregate of $6597, which
was confirmed by an act passed at the following session of
the legislature. The claimants received as follows : Wm.
Geo. Barnhart, $1475; Jacob Barnhart, $3284; Geo.
Robertson, $1127; Geo. Gallinger, $402; and Geo. Snet-
zinger, $309.
" The State, in disposing of its lands, conveys them by
an instrument called a patent, in which there appears no
consideration of payment, and which purports to be a gift,
and to be executed by but one party. As reference is often
made to the reservations of the patent, the form of one is
here inserted :
" ' THE PEOPLE OP THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the grace
of GOD, free and independent. TO ALL to whom these Presents
shall come greeting : KNOW YE, That WE HAVE aiven, Granted,
and ConBrmed, and by these Presents DO GIVE, Grant, and Con-
firm unto [here follows name, bounds of lands, Ac], TOGETHER
with all and singular the Rights, Hereditaments, and Appurtenances
for the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining : EXCEPTING
and RESERVING to ourselves all Gold and Silver Mines, and five
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
79
Acves of every Hundred Acres of the said Tract of Laod for High-
ways : TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described and granted
Premises unto the said . . ., Heirs and Assigns, as & good and
indefeasible Estate of Inheritance forever.
'"ON CONDITION, NEVERTHELESS, That within the Term of
Seven Years, to be computed from the . . . Date hereof, there
shall be one family actually settled on the said Tract of Land hereby
Granted for every six hundred and forty acres thereof, otherwise
these our Letters Patent and Estate hereby Granted shall cease, de-
termine, and become void: IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, AVE have
caused these our Letters to be made Patent, and the great Seal of our
said State to be hereunto affixed : WITNESS our trusty and well be-
loved [George Clinton] Esquire Governor of our State, General and
Commander-in-Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of
the same.'
" These instruments are made out by the Secretary of
State, on the order of the land commissioners, and bear the
signature of the Governor and the great seal of the State,
which, in former times, was a large waxen disk, with paper
on each side, bearing the arms of the State on the face,
and an impression on the back, which was styled the ' re-
verse.'
" 'Tax sales' have caused large tracts of land in the rear
townships of the great purchase to change hands, and many
of the present owners hold their titles from this source. In
March, 1834, 116, 873^ acres were sold in St. Lawrence,
and 28,323 acres in Franklin counties, amounting, in the
latter, to $841.73 only. At this sale Peter Smith bid off
large amounts in these and other counties. In 1839, 43,164
acres in St. Lawrence, and 65,881 acres in Franklin coun-
ties were sold. In 1843, 93,690 acres in the former, and
45,457 acres in the latter. These sales, which formerly
took place at Albany, have, by a recent act of the legis-
lature, been very judiciously transferred to the county-
seats.
" These lands have usually been sold at prices scarcely
nominal. The following are examples : 17,140 acres,
$185.09; 20,568 acres, $263.02; 21,165 acres, $671.03.
The State is said to own considerable tracts which have been
forfeited for taxes.
" ' Landholders' Reserves' have very frequently been
made in the northern counties, and generally apply to
mines and minerals. In some deeds those reserves embrace
certain specific ores or minerals, and in others the reserva-
tions are extended to mill seats and mill privileges. A
clause is commonly inserted by which it is stipulated that
all damages arising from entering upon the premises, in
pursuance of the conditions of the reservation, shall be
paid.
'• This has undoubtedly, in some cases, operated as a
drawback upon the mining interests, as the occupant,
having no claims upon ores that might exist upon his
premises, would feel no solicitude about their discovery ;
and even would take pains to conceal their existence, pre-
ferring the undisturbed enjoyment of his farm to the an-
noyance and disturbance that might arise from mineral
explorations.
" These reservations of ores are superfluous in sections
underlaid by Potsdam sandstone, or any of the sedimentary
series of rock that overlay this formation, as none have
hitherto been discovered or suspected to exist in any of
these rocks.
" It is only in primitive rock, or along the borders of
this and sedimentary or stratified rocks, that useful ores
have hitherto been discovered in this section of the State.
" THE ORIGINAL SURVEY OF MACOMB's PURCHASE.
" The following account of these surveys was obtained
from Mr. Gurdon Smith, a pioneer settler and one of the
surveyors who run out the great purchase. The north line
of Totten and Crossfield's purchase was run during the
Revolutionary War by Jacob Chambers, and forms the
southern boundary of the great tract.
" The ten towns had been supposed to be surveyed pre-
vious to 1799, but some of the lines, if ever marked, could
not then be found, and a part of them were run out, under
the direction of Benjamin Wright, of Rome, in 1799.
" The outlines of the great tract had been surveyed by
Medad Mitchell and Tupper, — the former from New
York, — who laid out the great tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3, but
did not subdivide it into townships. On finishing their
work they were at the extreme southeast corner of Franklin
county, from whence they proceeded through the woods
towards Rome, but bearing too far to the north, they crossed
Black river below the High Falls, and when they first
recognized their situation were in the town of Redfield,
Oswego county, where one of them had previously surveyed.
'' When they reached Rome they were nearly famished,
having been several days on close allowance, and for a short
time entirely destitute. From one of these surveyors Tup-
per's lake, on the south border of the county, derives its
name.. In the winter of 1798-99, Benjamin Wright,
originally from Connecticut, but then a young man, residing
in Rome, and by profession a surveyor, obtained from the
proprietors in New York a contract for surveying the three _
great tracts of Macomb's purchase into townships. He had
been engaged from 1795 till 1798, in company with his
cousin Moses Wright, in surveying large tracts, and, among
others, the Black river tract in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego
counties.
'' From his excellent reputation as a surveyor he was em-
ployed as a suitable person to superintend the survey of the
great northern purchase.
" Early in June, Mr. Wright, with a party of about
twenty men, started by way of Oneida lake and the St.
Lawrence river, with a six-handed bateau, to commence
their operations at St. Regis. They left arrangements for
three of their number, G. Smith, Moses Wright, and Eben-
ezer Wright, with eight other men, to come through the
woods to meet them at Penet's bay, now the village French
Creek. The latter party started on the 11th of June, 1799,
having been prevented by the absence of one of their
number* from getting off till several days after the main
part of the company had left ; and arrived after a march of
about four days at the point designated, but, instead of
finding their companions, they found a letter stating that,
after waiting in vain several days, they had gone down the
river. With the exception of a small supply left for their
support, they were destitute of provisions ; but, making a
virtue of the necessity, they divided their little stock equally
between them, and pulling down the little log cabin which
* Gurdon Smith.
80
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
had served for their shelter, and which was then the only
tenement in the country, they made of its timber a raft,
and, following on, came to where some Canadian timber-
thieves were at work on the American shore, near the head
of Chippewa bay.
" Here they found provisions for supplying their most
pressing hunger, and from hence they were taken in a boat
to where Brookville now is, then a small settlement.
" From this they proceeded to Oswegatchie, where they
overtook the others, and being assembled, they descended
to St. Regis to commence their operations at that place.
At the head of the Long Saut two of the number, intimi-
dated by the swiftness of the current, sUpped out of the
company and attempted to gain St. Regis by land ; but, on
arriving at the mouth of Grasse river, they were obliged to
hire some Indians who were passing to convey them to
Cornwall, from whence they proceeded to St. Regis. A
small party, under the direction of G. Smith, was put on
shore to proceed by land from the Long Saut to St. Regis,
to make a traverse of the river, who arrived two or three
days later than those who proceeded by water.
" The arrival of so many men upon their lands at first
greatly alarmed the Indians, who .suspected evil designs
upon their persons or their property, and they assembled in
arms to repel them ; but at length, being satisfied that their
designs were altogether peaceable, they were received and
treated with much kindness. The names of those assem-
bled at this place for surveying were as follows :
" Benjamin Wright (principal surveyor), Gurdon Smith,
Moses Wright, and Ebenezer Wright (the latter cousins of
B. Wright), Clark Putnam, E. Hammond, Benjamin Ray-
mond, surveyors at the head of parties, and each having
his lines assigned him. Each had two axe-men to mark the
lines, and two chain-men. B. Wright superintended the ope-
rations of the others, and had the direction of supplying
the several parties with provisions at cariips that were estab-
lished at different points. He had his headquarters at the
mouth of Raquette.river.
" One of the first duties to be done was to explore the
Raquette river, and ascertain how far that stream was navi-
gable, and at what points it was most eligible to establish
camps. To G. Smith was assigned this duty, and ho with
two men followed the shore as far up as the present village
of Potsdam, and, in consequence of this and other explora-
tions, a camp was established at the present site of Norfolk
village, at the foot of the rapids on the west side ; another
near Coxe's mills in Pierrepont ; another at the Canton high
falls ; and another at Cooper's falls, in De Kalb, and at each
of these a man was left to take charge of provisions.
" In commencing operations, Mr. Wright found it a
matter of the first importance to ascertain the point where
the line formerly run between the great lots of Macomb's
purchase intersected the south line on the southern border
of the county.
"To determine this Mr. Hammond was dispatched to
find the point of intersection, but not only failed in this
but also was detained so long by various causes that his
absence became a serious source of uneasiness with those
who were left. He at length came in nearly famished,
having failed to accomplish his object.
" Still in hopes of ascertaining these important data, Mr.
Smith was next sent, with directions to make the most
careful examinations and not return until, if possible, they
were found. After traveling nearly as far as was necessary
to reach the point, the party camped near a river to spend
the night, in hopes of being so fortunate as to find the
object of their search the following day. Next morning
one of their party related a curious dream which he had
dreamed during the night, in which he related- that they
seemed to be traveling along and carefully examining every
object for land-marks, when they came to a bog meadow,
with scarcely any vegetation but moss, and that on a solitary
bush which grew apart from all others might be found the
mark. This dream was treated with derision ; but they
had scarcely proceeded a quarter of a mile when they came
to a marsh which the dreamer declared was like that which
had appeared in his vision, and on careful examination he
detected the bush and the mark, much to the surprise of
all.
" The manner in which this anecdote was related leaves
no doubt of its truth, and it remains a subject for the
speculation of the p.sychologist to offer a solution. He
might have heard it related casually, and years before, that
such a mark had been made in such a place, and this, from
its trifiing nature, might have made no impression at the
time and was forgotten, but when it became an object of
solicitude to ascertain it, the busy thoughts flitting through
the mind in dreams, without the control of the will, and
following each other in a succession of which we know no
law or order, might have brought, unbidden, the welcome
fact long forgotten, and which no effort of memory in the
waking state could have recalled. In no other rational
manner can this singular instance of apparent revelation be
satisfactorily explained.
" These different surveying parties spent the summer in
running some of the principal lines of the great purchase,
meeting at times with great hardships, from exposure to the
elements, want of provisions, and misunderstanding of in-
structions, from the imperfect knowledge possessed of the
different lakes, streams,, and rivers in the country.
" Towards fall the several parties proceeded back to Rome,
where they all resided, some by water, and two parties
(Smith's and Raymond's) through the forest.
" An incident occurred in Mr. Smith's party worthy of
record. He had procured a supply of provisions, about
twenty-five miles below Tupper's lake, of a party who had
been sent by Mr. Wright for this purpose, and thence, in
pursuance of instructions, he had turned back to the south
line, and had proceeded on this to the extreme southwestern
corner of St. Lawrence County, where they camped for
the night. In the morning, it being foggy and misty, two
of his men had conceived that the coui-se he proposed to
take, in order to reach the High falls on Black river (S.
25° W.), was not in the direction of their homes, notwith-
standing the evidence of the compass, and peremptorily re-
fused to accompany him. The course they proposed to
take was back on the south line towards Lake Champlain,
and no argument or expostulation could convince them that
they were in error.
" Mr. Smith endeavored to remonstrate by showing that
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
81
the line was obscure, and would soon be lost, and that they
must then wander at random and perish in the forest, which
had then no limits but the St. Lawrence, Black, and Mo-
hawk rivers. But finding entreaties vain, he divided his
provisions equally between them, and they shouldered their
knapsacks and started. At this trying moment those that
remained, tortured with fear that tlie missing men would
be lost, and that their blood would be required at their
hands, resolved to remain in the place they were a short
time, in hopes that the deluded men would lose their course
and call for assistance before they had got beyond hailing
distance; and so it providentially proved, for their receding
forms had scarcely disappeared in the distance than, from
the very anxiety they felt to keep their line, they became
confused and perplexed, and a faint shout in the distance
conveyed back to those who remained the joyful news that
the misguided men had discovered their folly in time to be
saved.
" Mr. Smith, who had been listening intently to learn
whether such would not be the result, instantly sprang
upon his feet, and bidding his men remain in the place
they were, he darted oiF in the direction of the cry, and at
length overtook them, much to the relief of all parties.
" Being by this time convinced of their error, and willing
to trust that most reliable guide the compass, they willingly
consented to follow the others, thankful for having dis-
covered their folly in season. Had not the others remained
where they were, the two parties would have been beyond
hailing distance, and the consequences must have been
fatal. The company on the third day arrived at the High
falls, having struck the road, then newly cut from that
place to Brown's tract, at a point seven miles from the
falls.
-' In May, 1800, Mr. B. Wright, Mr. M. Wright, G.
Smith, and B. Raymond returned with men by way of
Lake Ontario, and finished during that season the survey
of their contract, embracing the first three great lots of
Macomb's purchase. The headquarters during this summer
was also at St. Regis, but nothing worthy of notice oc-
curred. In the latter part of the summer they returned
home with their work finished."
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The posts and missions established by the French were
abandoned at the close of the war in 1760, and the occu-
pants and those connected with La Presentation wore scat-
tered in various directions, mostly going into Canada and
to the Indian settlement at St. Regis.
The earliest settlements succeeding the French occupa-
tion were made under the patronage and direction of the
various landholders, corporate and individual, who had
purchased tracts in the region now occupied by St. Law-
rence County.
The very earliest settlement seems to have been made in
the town of Madrid, in 1793. Following this were others
at Ogdensburg, 1796; Massena, 1798; Louisville and Can-
ton, 1800; Lawrence, 1801; Stockholm, Hopkinton, and
De Peyster, 1802 ; De Kalb and Potsdam in 1803, and in
various parts of the county from that time until about
1812, when nearly every town had been settled more or
11
less. The latest settlements were made in Fine in 1823
and Pitoairn in 1824.
A large number of the early settlers were from New
England, and principally from Vermont, whose hardy sons
filled the valleys of the St. Lawrence and Black river very
rapidly in the beginning of the present century.
Many were also from the older settled counties of the
State of New York, and there were a few from New Hamp-
shire, Miis.sachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Quite
a colony of Scotch settled dming the years 1818-19-21 in
the town of Hammond, and a few Canadians have at va-
rious times made their homes in the county.
" The proprietors seldom made their tracts their homes,
but their agents were generally from the eastern States,
and men of influence in their own localities, and we find
that the first settlers in the several towns were often from
the same neighborhoods.
" Winter was usually selected for moving, as the streams
and swamps were then bridged by ice, and routes became
passable which at other times would be wholly impractica-
ble. A few of the first settlers entered with their families
by the tedious and expensive navigation of the Mohawk
river to Fort Stanwix, and thence, by the canal at that
place, through Wood creek, Oneida lake and river, Oswego
river. Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence to their desti-
nation, and others by the equally toilsome and more dan-
gerous water route from Lake Champlain and up the St.
Lawrence.
'' Had any accidental circumstances thrown the fortunes
of the War of 1758-1760 into the opposite scale, giving to
the French the ascendency, this district might have con-
tinued as it began, inhabited by a French population, and
exhibiting that stationary and neglected aspect still seen in
their settlements below Montreal ; unless, perhaps, the com-
mercial wants of the country might have called forth the
expenditure of extraneous capital in the opening of lines of
communication. Thus the events of a remote historical
period have modified the character of till that follow, and
with those who take a pleasure in watching the relations of
cause and effect there can be nothing more instructive than
observing how necessarily dependent upon the past are the
events of the future.
" The claims of history upon the attention of those who
seek probabilities in precedents is, therefore, direct, ^nd of
an importance proportionate to the proximity of time and
place rather than the magnitude of the events. The mighty
changes in nations and empires, and the records of the vir-
tues and vices of mankind which adorn or disgrace the pages
of ancient history, are instructive as showing the lights and
shades of human character, but they have, to a great degree,
lost their practical bearing from their dissimilarity to ex-
isting conditions: Their consequences remain, but so inter-
woven in the fabric of our civilization as to be inseparable.
The nearer we approach the present the more obvious are
the effects of causes, and there are few prominent events of
American history which have not left their operation upon
existing conditions, and between which may be traced the
direct relation of cause and consequence.
" In pursuing the history of any district, nothing is more
obvious than the fact that causes apparently the most trivial
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
often produce the most lasting eiFects ; and hence the minor
details of a settlement may possess in reality more impor-
tance than was attached to them at the time of their occur-
rence. To borrow the figure of Macaulay, ' the sources of
the noblest rivers that spread fertility over continents, and
bear richly-laden fleets to the sea, are to be sought in wild
and barren mountain tracts, incorrectly laid down in maps
and rarely visited by travelers.' To extend this figure, we
may add that the slightest causes may give direction to the
mountain rill, and thus influence the course of the river
and tlie consequent fertility of the country which it irri-
gates. The origin of our various institutions, literary, civil,
religious, and social, are especially susceptible of receiving
their future direction from causes operating at the time of
origin ; and hence arises the importance of knowing these
data, to be able to appreciate in its various bearings existing
relations and agencies."
A particular account of the settlements will be found in
the histories of the several towns and villages which consti-
tute another department of this work.
CHAPTER V.
CIVIL OEGAWIZATION.
The Colony under Dutch and English Rule — First Formation of Coun-
ties—Boundaries of Albany, Tryon, Montgomery, Clinton — Act
of Erection of St. Lawrence — Boundaries of 1813 — Erection of
Towns — The Law Courts — Their Derivation — Colonial Courts —
Courts of St. Lawrence County — Present Tribunals — Board of
Supervisors — Public Buildings — Court-Houses and Jails — Poor-
Houses — Asylums — Children's Home.
A GLANCE backward from the stand-point of to-day
shows civil government was first established, in what is now
the State of New York, by the Dutch, in 1621. In 1664
their colony passed under the English rule, where it re-
mained until the Revolution, except for a brief interval in
1673-74, when the Dutch regained a temporary supremacy.
Under the Dutch the only civil divisions were the city
and towns. In 1665 a district or shrievalty, called York-
shire, was erected, comprising Long island, Staten island,
and a part of the present county of Westchester. For
judicial purposes it was divided into the east, west, and
north ridings. Counties were first erected by the Colonial
Assembly in April, 1683, and were twelve in number, as
follows : Albany, Cornwall, Dukes, Dutchess, Kings, New
York, Orange, Queen's, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, and
Westchester. In 1766 Cumberland county was erected
and Gloucester county in 1770, and Tryon and Charlotte
counties were erected in 1772. Cornwall was in the present
State of Maine, and Dukes in Massachusetts, and were re-
ceded to the latter colony, so that at the time of the Revo-
lution there were fourteen counties in the State or rather
province, of New York. Since then Gloucester, Cumberland,
and a part of Charlotte counties have been ceded to Vermont.
The county of Albany, as originally erected, contained
within its boundaries the present area of St. Lawrence, and
was thus limited in the act of erection : " To conteyne the
towne of Albany, the colony of Rensselaerswyck, Sehonec"
tade, and all the villages, neigborhoods, and Christian habi-
tacons on the east of Hudson's river, from Roeleffe Jausen's
creek, and on the west from Sawyer's creek to the Saraagh-
tooga." Tryon county, so named in honor of the governor
of the province at the date of its erection (1772), was taken
from Albany (the latter named in honor of the Duke of
Albany, one of the younger scions of the royal family, in
1665), and its boundaries comprised the country west of a
north and south line extending from St. Regis to the west
bounds of the township of Schenectady ; thence running,
irregularly, southwest to the head of the Mohawk branch
of the Delaware river, and along the same to the southeast
bounds of the present county of Broome ; thence in a north-
westerly direction to Fort Bull, on Wood creek, near the
present village of Rome ; all west of that last-named line
being Indian territory.
On the adoption of the Constitution, in 1777, the four-
teen counties, into which the State was divided as above
named, were recognized and continued. On April 2, 1784,
Tryon county was subdivided, and several counties erected
from its territory, and its own name lost in that of Mont-
gomery. The boundaries of the latter county were defined,
in 1788, as follows : " Bounded easterly by Albany, Ulster,
Washington, and Clinton counties ; southerly, by the State
of Pennsylvania ; and west and north, by the bounds of the
State in those directions." March 7, 1788, Clinton county
was erected from Washington, and, in 1801, an act rede-
fining the boundaries of the counties in the State thus
limited Clinton : " To contain all that part of the State
bounded southerly by the county of Essex and the north
line of Totten and Crossfield's purchase ; east, by the east
bounds of the State ; north, by the north bounds of the
State; and west, by the west bounds of the State; and the
division line between great tracts Nos. 3 and 4 of Macomb's
purchase continued to the west bounds of the State."
March 6, 1801, the ten towns so called had been formed
into a town called Lisbon and annexed to Clinton county,
and the act redefining the boundaries of the counties at-
tached to Lisbon all the balance of the present area of St.
Lawrence.
The next important movement was the erection of the
county of St. Lawrence, and concerning that act we quote
from the excellent history of the county compiled by Dr.
Franklin B. Hough, of Lowville, in 1852.
" The causes which led to
the organization of St. Law-
rence County are set forth in
the following interesting docu-
ment, which is the original
petition for its erection, and is
preserved among the archives of
the State, and possesses much
value, from its being said to
contain the signatures of nearly
all the citizens then living in
the county. The original is
written in a remarkably neat
and elegant hand, and the signatures arc in every instance in the
autograph of the signers.*
■•* The original petition ia in the handwriting of John King, father
of Hon. Preston King.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
83
"* To the Honorahle the Senate and Aaaemhly of the State of Neto
York :
"'The petition of the inhabitants, residing within the ten town-
ships upon the river St. Lawrence, beg leave humbly to represent the
great inconvenience and hardships they labor under, by the ten town-
ships being formed into one town, and annexing the same to the
county of Clinton. The principal inconvenience your petitioners
labor under is the very remote distance they are placed from Platts-
burgh, which is the county town of the county of Clinton. Not any
of your petitioners are less than one hundred and twenty miles from
Plattsburgh, and a great majority of them ai-e from one hundred and
thirty to forty miles.
"'Between the ton townships and Plattsburgh much of the way
there is no road, and the remainder of the way is a very bad onej
this, together with the great inconvenience and expense which neces-
sarily must arise to those whose private business (as plaintiffs and
defendants) lead them into the county courts, is such as to almost
place your petitioners without the reach of that justice which the
laws of our country so happily provide for. This is a melancholy
fact, which several of your petitioners have already experienced, and
to which all are equally exposed, and when we add to this the extreme
difl&oulty, troubles, and expenses jurors and witnesses must be sub-
jected to, in attending at such a distance, -together with the attend-
ance at Plattsburgh, for arranging and returning the town business,
increases the burttien and expense beyond the ability of your peti-
tioners to bear. Your petitioners forbear to mention many other in-
conveniences, though sensibly felt. Your petitioners presume they
will naturally occur to the minds of every individual member of your
honorable body. Some of your petitioners presented a petition to
your honorable body, at their last session, praying for the formation
of the town and annexing it as it now is, but they did not then
(neither could they) anticipate the inconvenience and expense they
find upon experiment attaches to their being so connected.
*■ * Your petitioners therefore beg leave humbly to state that much
less hardship and expense would arise to them by having a county
set off, upon the river St. Lawrence, and your petitionei-s humbly
pray that a county may be set off upon the aforesaid river, in such
manner as your honorable body shall deem most proper; and your
petitioners would beg leave further to shew that one of the old stone
buildings at the old Oswegatchie fort (which the proprietors are will-
ing to appropriate until the county is able to build a court-house)
may, at a small expense, be repaired, and which, when so repaired,
will make good accommodations not only for the purpose of holding
courts, but also for a gaol, and your petitioners pray that place may
be assigned for the above purpose.
"'Your petitioners would beg leave further to state that Platts-
burgh is totally out of their route to the city of Albany, which is the
place to which they must resort for their commercial business.
Plattsburgh being as far distant from Albany as the ten towns, con-
sequently your petitioners are turned out of their way the whole dis-
tance, between the ten towns and Plattsburgh, which is not less than
one hundred land thirty miles from the centre of the townships.
" ' The peculiar inconvenience and hardships your petitioners labor
under is such that your petitioners doubt not that relief will be cheer-
fully granted by your honorable body, and your petitioners as in
duty bound will ever pray.
" ' Nathan Ford,
John Tibbets,
EHsha Tibbetts,
Joseph Edsall,
Alex. J. Turner,
John Tibbits, Jr.,
Alex. Bough,
Jacob Redington,
Benjamin Stewart,
Joel Burns,
Janies G. Stewart,
Ashael Kent,*
Challis Fay,
Joseph Gilderslieve,
Elias Demmick,
Ephraim Smith Ray-
mond,
Moses Patterson,
Henry Allen,
Edward Lawrence,
Jonathan Allen,*
James Pennock,
Asa Freeman,
Truman Wheeler,
Coney Rice,
Andrew Rutherford,
"Walter Rutherford,
Richard Rutherford,
Thomas Rutherford,
Isaac Parll,*
Jonathan Ingraham,
Joseph Thurber,
John Thurber,
Thomas J, Davies,
Reuben Hurd,
Aaron Welton,
Jacob Flemmen,
•John Lyon,
Daniel Barker, Jr.,
Jacob Morris,
Samuel Fairchild,
Alexander Leyers,
Daniel Sharp,*
Festus Tracy,
Septy Tracy,
John Armstrong,
Martin Easterly,
Alexander Brush,
James Harrison,
Stillman Foot,
Alex. Armstrong,
Jacob Cerner, Jr.,*
Christian Cerner,*
Jonathan Tuttle,
Benj. Bacon, Sr.,
Benj. Bacon, Jr.,
Oliver Linsley,
Henry Erwin,
Nathan Shaw,
Caleb Pumroy,
Capt. Eben Arthur,
William Scott,
Jacob Pohlman,
David Rose,
John Stewert,
Samuel Thacher,
John Sharp,
John Armstrong,
David Linsley,
Jacobus Bouge,^*
David Giffin,
William Peck,
James Sweeny,
George Foot,
Ashbel Sikes,
John Farwell, Jr.,
Joseph Erwin,
Moses McConnel,
Benjamin Campbell,
Godfrey Myers,
Seth Gates,
James Kilborn,
James Ferguson,
Solomon Linsley, Sr.,
Isaac Bartholomew,
Solomon Linsley, Jr.,
Nathan Smith,
Jacob Cerner, Sr.,*
AVilliam Sweet,
William Morrison,
Daniel Barker,
Samuel Avens,
Elisha Johnes,
John Smith,
Benjamin Walker,
David Layton,
John Pecor,
Peter Woodcok,
John Barnard,
Benj. Nichols,
Seth Ranney,
Lazar Laryers,*
Titus Sikes, 3d,
William Lyttle,
William Lyttle, Jr.,
William Osborn,
Hira Pain,
Joseph Orcut,
* Uncertain.
George Davies,
Rial Dickonson,*
Major Watson,
Thomas Le Gard,*
Benj. Mollis,*
Elijah Carley,
Adam Williams,
David Carter,
William Sharp,
John King,
Thomas Kingsbury,
Peter Sharp,
James Salisbury,
Zina B. Hawley,-'
John Lyttle,
Ezekiel Palmer,
Jeduthan Baker,
Kelsey Thurber,
John Cook,
James Harrington,
Joel Harrington,
Samuel Umberston,
Stephen Foot,
Jeremiah Corastock,
Daniel Mackneel,
Robert Sanford,
Justin Hitchcock,
Jeduthan Farrell,
Holden Farnsworth,*
Richard Harris,
James Higgins,
Samuel Steel,
Eliphalet Blsworth,
RolDert Sample,
Isaac Cogswell,
Reuben Field,
Henry Reve,*
Asa Fenton,
Joshua Fenton,
Jason Fenton,
Joseph Freeman,
Josiah Page,
Peter Dudley,
Ahab Harrington,
Calvin Hubbard,
Amos Lay,
David ,*
John Storring.'
"This petition was received in the assembly on the 8th of Feb-
ruary, 1802, read and referred to a committee consisting of the
following gentlemen : Mr. Dirck Ten Broek, of Albany county ,- Mr.
Solomon Martin, of Otsego county; Mr. Archibald Mclntyre, of
Montgomery county; Mr. William Bailey, of Clinton county; Mr.
Abel French, of Denmark, then Oneida county.
" The bill passed the house of assembly on the 18th of that month,
and subsequently resulted in the passage of the following:
"'an act to euect part op this state into a countv, bv the name
OF the county of ST. LAWRENCE.
Passed March 3, 1802,
" 'I. Be it enacted bj/ the people of the State of New York, repreaeiited
in Sennfe and Assenibli/, That all that tract of land beginning in the
line of the river St. Lawrence, which divides the United States from
the dominions of the king of Great Britain, where the same is in-
tersected by a continuation of the division-Une of great lots numbers
three and four of Macomb's purchase; thence running southeasterly
along the said line until it comes opposite to the westerly corner of
the township of Cambray ;f then in a straight line to the said corner
of Cambray ; then along the rear lines of the said township of Cam-
bray, and the townships of De Kalb, Canton, Potsdam, and Stock-
holm, distinguished on the map of the said township, and filed in
the secretary's office by the surveyor-general; then by a line to be
continued in a direct course from the line of the said township of
Stockholm, until the same intersects the division-line of the great
lots numbers one and two in Macomb's purchase; thence northerly
along the same to the lands reserved by the St. Regis Indians; then
westerly along the bounds thereof to the dominions of the king of
Great Britain ; thence along the same to the place of beginning,
shall be, and is hereby erected into a separate county, and shall be
called and known by the name of St. Lawrence.
** ' II. And be it further enacted, That all that part of the said
county lying westward of the boundary lines of the townships of
Lisbon and Canton, as distinguished on the map aforesaid, shall be,
and hereby is erected into a town by the name of Oswegatchie; and
the first town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house
of Nathan Ford; imd the said townships of Lisbon and Canton
shall continue and remain one town by the name of Lisbon. And that
all that part of the said county known and distinguished in the map
aforesaid by the townships of Madrid and Potsdam, shall be, and
hereby is erected into a town by the name of Madrid; and the first
town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house of Joseph
Edsall. And that all the remaining part of the said county shall be,
and hereby is, erected into a town by the name of Massena; and that
the first town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house of
Amos Lay.
"' \11. And he it further enacted. That the freeholders and inhab-
itants of the several towns erected or continued by this act shall be,
and are hereby empowered to hold town-meetings, and elect such
town-officei's as the freeholders and inhabitants of any town in this
State may do by law ; and that the freeholders and inhabitants of
the several towns, and the town-ofiicers to be by them elected respec-
tively, shall have the like powers and privileges as the freeholders,
inhabitants, and town-officers of any town in this State.
"'IV. And be it farther enacted, That there shall be held, in and
for the said county of St. Lawrence, a court of common pleas and
general sessions of the peace, and that there shall be two terms of
the same courts in every year, to commence and end as follows, —
that is to say : The first term of the said court shall begin on the
first Tuesday in June, in every year, and may continue to be held
until the Saturday following, inclusive; and the second term of the
said court shall begin on the second Tuesday of November, in every
year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following, in-
clusive; and the said courts of common pleas and general sessions
of the peace, shall have the same jurisdiction, powers, and authorities,
in the same county, as the courts of common picas and general ses-
sions of the peace in the other counties of this State have in their
respective counties. Provided always, That nothing in this act con-
tained shall be construed to affect any suit or action already com-
menced, or that shall be commenced, before the first Tuesday in
Juno next, so as to work a wrong or prejudice to any of the parties
therein, or to affect any criminal or other proceedings on the part of
f Gouverneur,
8-i
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
the people of this State; but all such civil and criminal proceedings
shall and may be prosecuted to trial, judgment, and execution, as if
this act had never been passed.
'"V. And he it further enacted, Thut until legislative provision
be made in the premises the said court of common pleas and general
sessions of the peace shall be held in the old barracks, so called, in
the said town of Oswegatchie, which shall be deemed in law the
court-house and jail of the said county of St. Lawrence.
'"VI. And be it further enacted, That the freeholders and inhabi-
tants of the said county shall have and enjoy, within the same, all
and every of the said rights, powers, and privileges, as the free-
holders and inhabitants of any county in this State are by law en-
titled to have and enjoy.
" ' VII. And be it further enacted. That it shall not be the duty of
the supreme court to hold a circuit court in every year in the said
county, unless, in their judgment, they shall deem it proper and
necessary ; any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
*" VIII. ^)irf he it further enacted. That the said county of St.
Lawrence .'hall be considered as part of the western district of this
"'IX. And be it further enacted, That all the residue of the tract
of land lying between the division lines aforesaid, of great lots
numbers three and four, and of great lots numbers one and two, in
Macomb's purchase, and the north bounds in Totten and Crossfield's
purchase, shall, until further legislative provision in the premises,
be considered as part of the town of Massena, in the said county of
St. Lawrence J and all that part of Macomb's purchase included in
great division number one, and the Indian reservation at the St.
Regis village, shall be annexed to, and form part of, the town of
Chateaugay, in the county of Clinton.
" ' X. And he it further enacted. That the .=aid county of St. Law-
rence shall be annexed to, and become part of the district now com-
posed of the counties of Herkimer, Otsego, Oneida, and Chenango,
as it respects all proceedings under the act entitled, "An 'act rela-
tive to district attorneys."
" ' XI. And be it further enacted. That until other provision he
made by law, the inspectors of election in the several towns in the
said county of St. Lawrence, shall return the votes taken at any
election for governor, lieutenant-governor, senators, members of the
assembly, and members of Congress, to the clerk of the county of
Oneida, to be by him estimated as a part of the aggregate number
of votes given at such election, in the county of Oneida.' "
By refeniEg to the first section of the act above recited,
it will be seen that the boundaries there given of St. Law-
rence County include but a small portion of territory aside
from that included in the limits of the ten towns so called ;
the' balance of the present area of the county being, by sec-
tion IX., annexed temporarily to the town of Massena. In
the revision of the statutes of the State, in 1813, the act
dividing the State into counties, passed April 26 of that
year, redefined the boundaries of St. Lawrence County as
follows :
" Beginning at a place in the St. Lawrence river, where
a continuation of the division line between great lots num-
bers three and four of Macomb's purchase intersects the
line dividing the United States and the dominions of the
king of Great Britain ; thence southeasterly along said line
between said great lots three and four to the northwest
corner of Totten and Crossfield's purchase; thence alono-
the north bounds thereof easterly to the division line be-
tween great lots numbers one and two of Macomb's pur-
chase ; thence northerly along said division line to lands re-
served to the St. Regis Indians ; thence along the west
bounds of said reservation to the dominions of the king of
Great Britain ; thence westwardly along the line of said
dominions to the place of beginning."*
The boundaries thus defined have obtained ever sincei
unchanged in any particular.
Down to 1849 towns were erected by the legislature at
which date power was given to the several boards of super-
visors (except in New York county), by a vote of two-
thirds of the members elected, to divide or alter the bounds
of any town, or erect' new ones, when such division does not
' Revised Statutes, 1813, vol. ii. page 37.
place parts of the same town in more than one assembly
district. (See Laws of 1849, chap. 194, p. 293.)
The towns of St. Lawrence County were erected as
follows :
Lisbon (including the ten towns), March 6, 1801.
Oswegatchie, from Lisbon, March 3, 1802.
Madrid, from Lisbon, March 3, 1802.
Massena, from territory attached to Lisbon, March 3,
1802.
Canton, from Lisbon, March 28, 1805.
Hopkinton, from Massena, March 2, 1805.
DeKalb, from Oswegatchie, Feb. 21, 1806.
Potsdam, from Madrid, Feb. 21, 1806.
Stockholm, from Massena, Feb. 21, 1806.
Russell, from Hopkinton, March 27, 1807.
Gouvemeur, from Oswegatchie, April 5, 1810.
Louisville, from Massena, April 5, 1810.
Rossie, from Russell, Jan. 27, 1813.
Parishville, from Hopkinton, March 18, 1814.
Fowler, from Rossie and Russell, April 15, 1816.
Pierrepont, from Russell and Potsdam, April 15, 1818.
Morristown, from Oswegatchie, March 27, 1821.
Norfolk, from Louisville and Stockholm, April 9, 1823.
Brasher, from Massena, April 21, 1825.
De Peyster, from Oswegatchie and De Kalb, March 24,
1825.
Edwards, from Fowler, April 7, 1827.
Hammond, from Roissie and Morristown, March 30, 1827.
Lawrence, from Hopkinton and Brasher, April 21, 1828.
Hermonf from Edwards and De Kalb, April 17, 1830.
Pitcairn, from Fowler, March 29, 1836.
Macomb, from Gouvemeur and Morri,stown, April 3,
1841.
Colton, from Parishville, April 12, 1843.
Fine, from Russell and Pierrepont, March 27, 1844.
Waddington, from Madrid, Nov. 22, 1859.
Clifton, from Pierrepont, April 21, 1868.
City of Ogdensburg (three wards), April 27, 1868.
City of Ogdensburg (fourth ward), 1873.
City of Ogdensburg first incorporated as a village, April
15, 1817.
Canton village first incorporated May 14, 1845.
Gouvemeur village first incorporated April 19, 1868.
Potsdam village first incorporated March 31, 1831.
Norwood J village first incorporated 1872.
Waddington village first incorporated April 26, 1825.
THE LAW COURTS.
The line of descent of the judicial system of New York
can be traced backward, by those curious to do so, through
colonial times to Magna Charta, and beyond into the
the days of the Saxon Heptarchy in England. The great
instrument wrested by the barons from the king at Runny-
mede, a.d. 1215, was but a regathering of the rights and
privileges of which John and his Norman predecessors had
despoiled the order of nobles of the realm. A comparison
of the charters of liberties, drawn up by the colonial i;sseni-
t As Depoau; changed to Hcrmon Feb. 28, 1834.
\ As Potsdam Junction.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
85
blies of 1683 and 1691, and the bill of rights adopted by
the State in 1787, with the great charter, will disclose many
provisions of like import.
But the courts were first introduced into what is now
the State of New York, by the Dutch, at the institution of
their rule in 1621, the director-general and his council
being a trinity of legislative, executive, and judicial au-
thority. In 1641-42 the " Nine Men" held a weekly court,
and in 1653 the Burgomasters and Schepens of New Am-
sterdam (New York) and Fort Orange (Albany) were
created, and held courts corresponding to the present Mayor
and Aldermen's courts to which the Dutch tribunal
was changed on the accession of the English, in 1664.
The Dutch Knickerbocker, Killian Van Rensselaer, held a
Patroon's court, in his manor of Rensselaerswyck (now
Troy), where he dispensed justice (?) after the manner of
feudal times, and practically made his tribunal a court of
last resort, by rendering nugatory all rights of appeal there-
from by a pledge exacted from his tenants in advance to
forego their privilege in that respect, as a condition pre-
cedent to occupancy of his estates. The director-general
and council held the Orphan court as their prerogative,
the Burgomasters being, on their creation, ex-officio orphan
masters, until, on their own application, they were relieved
of the burden, and special orphan masters appointed.
The first English court established in the colony was the
court of assizes, created by the code known as the " Duke's
Laws," promulgated by an assembly at Hempstead, L. I.,
in 1665. Courts of sessions and town courts were also
provided by this code, and a commission for a court of
oyer and terminer,' for the trial of capital offenses, when
the information was filed in the court of sessions more than
two months before the sitting of the assizes. These courts
were abolished by the assembly of 1683, which passed an
act "to settle courts of justice,'' under which courts of
sessions, oyer and terminer, town and justices' courts were
re-established with increased jurisdiction, and a court of
chancery created. The assembly of 1691 repealed all legis-
lation of the former assembly, and of the governor and
council, and established, as a temporary expedient, the
courts of sessions, confining their jurisdiction to criminal
matters ; courts of common pleas, with civil jurisdiction ;
justices' courts in the towns, the court of chancery, and a
supreme court of judicature. These courts were enacted
in 1691, 1693, and 1695, and ceased in 1698, by Umita-
tion. The court of oyer and terminer was not continued
in 1691 as a separate tribunal, but its name was retained
to distinguish the criminal circuit of the supreme court.
On the 15th of May, 1699, the governor (Earl Bellomont),
and council, by an ordinance continued the courts of the
assembly of 1691, with the exception of the court of
chancery, which last, however, was revived August 28,
1701, by Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, who declared him-
self the chancellor thereof; but Lord Cornbury, then gov-
ernor, on the 13th of June, 1703, suspended the tribunal.
On the preparation by the chief and second judges of the
province of a fee-bill and code of practice for the same,
Cornbury finally, Nov. 7, 1704, re-established the court,
and revived the cases pending therein at the date of his
suspension of it. All of the above tribunals, continued or
revived by the ordinances before named, were held by that
authority alone until the English rule was abrogated by the
Revolution for American Independence.
A court of appeals, for the correction of errors only, was
established in 1691, but appeals in certain cases would lie
from it to the king in privy council. It was composed of
the governor and his council, who sat in the fort when con-
vened in that capacity. The prerogative court (court of
probates) was held by the governor during the colonial
period by virtue of the instructions received by that official
from the crown ; the granting of probates being a part of
the royal prerogative retained by the king. The courts of
common pleas, in remote counties, were authorized to take
the proof of wills, and transmit the papers for record in the
ofiice at New York. Surrogates, with limited powers, were
appointed previous to 1750 also in other counties. A court
of admiralty was held by the governor and council under
the Dutch rule ; and under the English, it was at first held by
the governor's special commissions until 1678, when authority
was given to appoint a judge and other ofiicers ; it event-
ually, however, depended from the lords of the admiralty in
England.
The constitution of 1777, of New York, provided for a
court for " the trial of impeachments, and the correction of
errors," the same being the president of the senate for the
time being, the senators, chancellor, and judges of the
supreme court, or a majority of them. This court re-
mained the same under the constitution of 1821, with
some change in its composition, and ceased with the adop-
tion of the constitution of 1846, after nearly seventy years'
existence.
The court of Chancery was recognized by the first con-
stitution, and a chancellor appointed for it by the governor.
It was reorganized in 1788, and ceased its existence pur-
suant to the constitution of 1846, on the first Monday of
July, 1847.
The supreme court of judicature was recognized by the
first constitution, as the tribunal then existed, and was
reorganized in 1778, the judges being appointed by the
council of appointment. The court of exchequer was a
branch of the supreme court, the same as during the colo-
nial period, and was reorganized in 1786, " for the better
levying and accounting for fines, forfeitures, issues, and
amercements, and debts due to the people of the State."
It was abolished by the general repealing act of December
10, 1828. Circuit courts were established April 19, 1786,
to bo held by justices of the supreme court in the respective
counties. Under the second constitution, the circuit courts
were held by circuit judges, appointed by the governor,
there being eight circuits in the State. The constitution
of 1846 abolished the circuits as then established, and pro-
vided for the holding the circuit court by the justices of
the supreme court.
Courts of oyer and terminer were provided by an act
passed February 22, 1788, to be held by the justice of the
supreme court at the same time with the circuit. Two or
more of the judges and assistant judges of the court of
common pleas, in the respective counties, were to sit in the
oyer and terminer with the justice. Under the constitu-
tion of 1821 the oyer and terminer was held by the circuit
86
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
judge. Any justice of the supreme court could, however,
hold a circuit or preside at an oyer and terminer. The
court of admiralty existed but a short time under the State
government, the court ceasing at the adoption of the Federal
Constitution in 1789 ; that instrument vesting admiralty
jurisdiction solely in the federal courts.
The court of probates vras created in 1778, by the act to
" organize the government of the State," passed March 16,
in that year. This act divested the governor of the powers
he possessed in the colonial period in the prerogative and
probate courts, and transferred them to the judge of the
court of probates, except in the appointment of surrogates.
In 1787 surrogates were empowered to be appointed. The
judge of the court of probates held his office at New York
until 1797, when an act was passed, March 10, requiring
the court to be held in Albany, and the records to be
removed and kept there. The court had appellate jurisdic-
tion over the surrogates' courts, and was abolished March
21, 1823, its jurisdiction transferred to the chancellor, and
its records deposited in the office of the clerk of the court
of appeals in Albany.
Surrogates were appointed under the first constitution for
an unlimited period by the council of appointment, and an
appeal lay from their decisions to the judge of the court of
probates of the State, as before stated. Under the second
constitution they were appointed by the governor and sen-
ate for four years, and appeals lay to the chancellor. Un-
der the constitution of 1846, the office was abolished, except
in counties having more than 40,000 population, in which
counties surrogates may be elected, the term being first for
four years, but by an amendment adopted in 1869, the term
was extended to six years. Appeals lie to the supreme
court. In counties of less population than 40,000, the
county judge performs the duties of surrogate.
The court of common pleas was continued from the col-
onial period by the first constitution, and under that instru-
ment had a large number of judges, as high as twelve being
on the bench at the same time, in some counties. By an
act passed March 27, 1818, the office of assistant justice
was abolished, and the number of judges limited to five,
including the first judge. The court was continued with-
out material change, by the second constitution, and expired
with that instrument in 1 847.
The constitution of 1846 provided for the following
courts : A court of impeachments, to take the place of the
former tribunal of that nature, and composed of the presi-
dent of the senate, the senators, and judges of the court of
appeals, or a majority of them. A court of appeals, organ-
ized at first with eight judges, four chosen by the people for
eight-year terms, and four selected from the class of justices
of the supreme court having the shortest time to serve.
By the article in relation to the judiciary, framed by the
convention of 1867-68, and adopted by the people Novem-
ber, 1869, the court of appeals was reorganized. In ac-
cordance with the provisions of this article, the court is
now composed of a chief judge and six associate judges,
" who hold their office for the term of fourteen years, from
and including the first day of January after their election.''
The first election of judges was in the year 1870. This
court has full power to correct or reverse the decisions of
the supreme court, five judges constituting a quorum, four
of whom must concur to pronounce a judgment. In case
of non-concurrence, two rehearings may be had, and if the
non-concurrence still obtains, the judgment of the court be-
low stands affirmed. The clerk of the court is appointed
by the court, and holds his office during its pleasure.
The supreme court, as it existed in 1846, was abolished,
and a new one established, having general jurisdiction in
law and equity. The State is divided into eight judicial
districts, in each of which four justices are elected, except
the first (comprising the city of New York), where there
are five. The terra of office, as originally established, was
eight years, but the amended judiciary article provided
that, on the expiration of the terms of justices then in
office, their successors shall be elected for fourteen years.
They are so classified that the term of one justice expires
every two years. The court possesses the powers and exer-
cises the jurisdiction of the preceding supreme court, court
of chancery, and circuit court, consistent with the constitu-
tion of 1846, and the act concerning the judiciary, of May,
1847. The legislature abolished, April 27, 1870, the gen-
eral terms of the court then existing, and divided the State
into four departments, and provided for general terms to be
held in each of them. The governor designates a presid-
ing justice and two associate justices for each department,
the former holding his office during his official term, and
the latter for five years, if their terms do not sooner expire.
Two terms at least, of the circuit court and court of oyer
and terminer are held annually in each county, and as many
special terms as the justices in each judicial department may
deem proper. A convention, composed of the general term
justices, the chief judges of the superior courts of cities,
the chief judge of the court of common pleas of New
York city, and of the city court of Brooklyn, appoint the
times and places of holding the terms of the supreme and
circuit courts, and the oyer and terminer, which appoint-
ment continues for two years. The county clerks and clerks
of the court of appeals are clerks of the supreme court.
THE COUNTY COURTS.
The constitution of 1846 provided for the election in
each of the counties of the State, except the city and
county of New York, of one county judge, who should hold
the county court, and should have such jurisdiction in cases
arising in justices' courts and in special cases as the legis-
lature might provide; but should have no original civil
jurisdiction, except in such special cases. The legislature,
in pursuance of these provisions, has given the county
judge jurisdiction in actions of debt, assumpsit, and cove-
nant in sums not exceeding $2000 ; in cases of trespass and
personal injury not to exceed $500 ; and in replevin, $1000.
The county court has also equity jurisdiction for the fore-
closure of mortgages, the sale of real estate of infants,
partition of lands, assignment of dower, satisfaction of
judgments, whenever $75 is due on an unsatisfied ex-
ecution, and the care and custody of lunatics and habitual
drunkards. The new judiciary article (1869) continued this
jurisdiction, and gave the courts original jurisdiction in all
cases where the defendants reside in the county, and in which
the damages claimed shall not exceed $1000. The term of
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HI8T0KY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
87
office of the county judge, originally four years, was then
extended to six years, upon the election of successors to the
incumbents then in office, the new tenure beginning Jan
1, 1871.
COURTS OF SESSIONS.
Two justices of the peace, to be designated by law, were
associated with the county judge, by the constitution of
1846, to hold courts of sessions, with such criminal juris-
diction as the legislature shall prescribe.
Special judges are elected in counties, to discharge the
duties of county judge when required, by provision of the
legislature on application of the board of supervisors.
THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
of St. Lawrence County, as will be seen by the act of
erection of the county, was to be held on the first Tuesday
in June, 1802. Accordingly, on that day, the same being
the first day of the montli. Judge Nathan Ford appeared at
the old barracks in Oswegatohie, with the sheriff and clerk,
ready for business ; but no associate judges appearing, the
court was adjourned until five o'clock on Wednesday.
Pursuant to adjournment the same officials came together
and adjourned twenty-four hours longer for the same
reason, and so again on Thursday and on Friday, until ten
o'clock Saturday morning, when a full bench appeared, as
follows : Nathan Ford, first judge ; Alexander I. Turner,
judge; Stillman Foote and John Tibbitts, Jr., assistant
justices. Mathew Perkins, Esq., was admitted to the prac-
tice of the law before the court, and the court adjourned to
the next court in course. Louis Hasbrouck signing the
record as clerk.
The second term of the court was held Nov. 9, 1802,
with the same presence, except Joseph Edsall appeared as
assistant justice in place of Esquire Foote. The court ad-
journed till the afternoon, and then until the next morn-
ing, for want of business, when a judgment was taken by
confession against one of the members of the court for
$400 debt and $9.42 costs in favor of Chas. B. & Geo. W.
Webster. Another cognovit was entered up against Jacob
Pohlman, at the suit of John B. Finncane, for $281.84
debt, and $9.54 costs ; and Benjamin Skinner was admitted
to practice before the court, and then the court adjourned
till June, 1803. This term was held by Judges Turner
and Edsall with Justices Tibbitts and Foote. Andrew
McCoUum and Morris S. Miller were admitted as attorneys
to practice, and the court adjourned till November, when
all of the before-named judges and justices were present.
A jury brought in a verdict for $110.60 debt, and six
cents cost, in favor of Jonathan Scott against another mem-
ber of the court; and the clerk was ordered to assess the
damages in another case against another member of the
court, which resulted in a judgment of $67.84, and then
the court, not caring probably to monopolize the docket,
adjourned till November.
This term, — November, 1804, — was held in the court-
house, all of the other terms being held in the old barracks.
Mr. Perkins entered up judgments at this term amounting
to $138.98 ; McCollum, the same, to $80.79 ; and there
was one jury trial. In June, 1805, there were judgments
amounting to $2507.86, entered by confession and default
mostly.
At the November term, 1805, Amos Lane was admitted
to the bar, having been granted an examination " speciali
gratia," as the record says. A license was granted John
Fulton to run a ferry across the St. Lawrence, between his
house on lot No. 21 in Massena and the house of George
Barnhart in Canada, and also to run a ferry across Grasse
river. An insolvent debtor was discharged from the im-
portunities of his creditors, on his assignment of his prop-
erty to Thomas J. Davies and Andrew McCollum for the
benefit of said creditors, under the bankrupt act of 1801.
At the June term, 1806, the clerk got a little mixed on
the sheriff's returns of certain papers, expressing it thus,
"tunc pro nunc" "then for now;" when it probably was
intended for " now for then." The October term, 1806,
opened with one senior judge, three judges, three assistant
justices, and one justice of the peace on the bench, and the
June term previous had two judges, three associate justices,
and five justices of the peace present. Mathew Perkins,
the first attorney, died in 1808.
GENERAL SESSIONS OF THE PEACE.
The first term of this court was convened June 1, 1802,
at the old barracks in Oswegatchie, and, like the common
pleas, adjourned from day to day till Saturday the 5th,
when Judges Ford and Turner and Assistant Justices
Foote and Tibbitts, and Thomas J. Davies and John Reed,
justices of the peace, proceeded to hold the sessions. The
court was duly opened by proclamation, and the sheriff,
Elisha Tibbitts, returned his venire with the following
panel of grand jurors :
Benj. Stewart, foreman, James Akin, Andrew O'Neil,
Uri Barber, Reuben Turner, John Delance, Benj. Gallo-
way, John Sharp, Henry Erwin, Jonathan Tuttle, Robert
Huggins, Samuel Allen, John Lyttle, Wm. Lyttle, John
Farewell, Jr., Jacob Redington, John Lyon, Adam Mil-
yers, George Davis, Joseph Thurber, David Giffin, Benj.
Wilson, George Morris, Thomas Lee.
The jury was sworn and charged by the senior judge,
and withdrew for consultation, and in the afternoon re-
turned into court and reported no presentments, and the
court adjourned till November.
The November sessions were held by the same judges,
and Alexander Brush was the foreman of the grand jury,
which found five indictments, — two for grand larceny, and
three for coining and passing counterfeit money. John
Erooker, indicted for grand larceny, was convicted on one
indictment and sentenced to pay a fine of $40 and costs,
and to stand committed till same was paid, and recognized
to the next oyer and terminer on the other. The court
estreated four forfeited recognizances, and recognized two
witnesses to the next oyer and terminer, and then adjourned
till the next term. There were no presentments at the
June term, 1803, and the June sessions, 1805, was held
by a bench of two judges, three assistant justices, and
seven justices of the peace. T. Skinner being present as
district attorney-general, at the June term, 1806, the first
sentence to state's prison was passed, the same being on
Elijah Hor, — two years for perjury.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
At the June term, 1809, of the common pleas, the first
alien was admitted to citizenship in the county courts, the
same being James Thomson, who was born in Ulster, Ire-
land, and emigrated to New York in 1801.
CIRCUIT COURT AND COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER.
The first record we find of this court is of the June term,
1810, which began the 29th day of that month, with the
following presence on the bench : Hon. Ambrose Spencer,
one of the judges of the supreme court ; Nathan Ford,
first judge; Russell Attwater, Benj. Raymond, Joseph
Edsall, and Alexander I. Turner, judges; Daniel W.
Church and Stillman Foote, assistant justices.
Wm. Groat and Richard Van Arnam were committed to
jail on an indictment found by the general sessions, and on
their trial the former received ten years in the penitentiary,
and the latter was found " not guilty." Judge Van Ness
held the June oyer and terminer, 1811, whereat Reuben R.
Seely, indicted for petit larceny, was sentenced three months
to the county jail, " to be fed on bread and water, unless
the sherifi' shall think his health required other food." An
indictment for rape procured a home for life in the state's
prison for the miscreant charged with the crime.
At the July term, 1816, Louis Gerteau was convicted of
the murder of his wife, and sentenced to be hung on July
12, just nine days after his sentence.
The county court was convened for the first time October
5, 1847, Hon. Edwin Dodge, county judge, presiding, and
Joseph Barnes, justice of the sessions. Smith Stillwell
was the foreman of the grand jury.
THE surrogate's COURT
was first convened April 27, 1805, by Mathew Perkins,
surrogate, the following business being done : The last will
and testament of Ezekiel Colburn was proven by Elisha W.
Barber and David White, witnesses, and admitted. The
next court was held August 24, the same year, when the
will of John Harris was admitted to record. The first
intestate estate was presented to the court and administra-
tion granted thereon in 1806, the same being the estate
of Royal Chapman, of Madrid, Stephen Eldridge being
appointed administrator.
Mathew Perkins, the first surrogate, died, and his estate
was administered upon by his successor, Andrew McCoUom.
The first letters of guardianship were granted June 21,
1813, by Gouverneur Ogden, surrogate, Luther Abernethy,
aged seventeen years, being the infant. The first inventory
filed in the court was that of the estate of Allen Barber,
deceased, of Madrid, which was filed November 23, 1806.
The appraisal footed up $148.29.
A term of the supreme court was held in Canton,
Oct. 13, 1847 — Judge David Cady presiding — for equity
business.
The tribunals which exercise legal jurisdiction over the
people of St. Lawrence County at the present time, and the
constitution of the courts, are as follows :
THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES.
Appointed.
Morrison R. Waite, Ohio, Chief Justice {4th circuit) 1874
Nathan Clifford, Maine, Associate Justice (1st circuit) 1858
Appointed,
ce f2d circuit) 1873
1870
, 1870
1862
1877
1862
1862
Ward Hunt, N. Y., Associate Just:
•Wm. Strong,Penn., " " (3d " )..
Joseph P. Bradley, N. J., " " (5th " ).,
Noah H. Swayne, Ohio, " " (6th
James M. Harlan, Kentuclty, " " (7th
Samuel F. Miller, Iowa, " " (8th
Stephen J. Field, Cal., " " (9th
D. Wesley Middleton, Washington, Clerlt.
Wm. T. Otto, Indiana, Reporter.
John G. Nicolay, Illinois, Marshal.
The court holds one general term annually at Washing-
ton, D.C., commencing on the second Monday in October.
THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
for the second circuit (including New York, Vermont, and
Connecticut) :
Ward Hunt, Associate Justice Supreme Court.
Alexander S. Johnson, Circuit Judge.
William J. Wallace, District Judge.
Terms in the northern district (which includes St. Law-
rence County), Albany, second Tuesday in October ; Canan-
daigua, third Tuesday in June ; also adjourned term, for
civil business only, at Albany, third Tuesday in January,
and at Utica, third Tuesday in March. Charles Mason,
clerk of northern division ; office, Utica.
THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
for the northern district of New York :
William J. Wallace, Syracuse, Judge.
Richard Crowley, Lockport, Attorney.
Winfleld Robbins, Buffalo, Clerk.
Isaac F. Quinby, Rochester, Marshal.
Terms. — Albany, third Tuesday in January ; Utica, third
Tuesday in March ; Rochester, second Tuesday in May ;
Buffalo, third Tuesday in August ; Auburn, third Tuesday
in November. A special term by appointment at Oswego,
Plattsburgh, or Watertown, and a special session in ad-
miralty at BuiFalo, on Tuesday of each week.
THE COURT OF APPEALS.
Term Expires.
Sanford E. Church, Chief Judge, Albion Deo. 31,
William F. Allen, Associate Judge, Oswego
N. Y. City..
Syracuse....
Geneva
Hudson
Herkimer.,
i8S4
.878
.884
1884
Charles A. Rapallo
Charles Andrews, " '.'
Charles J. Folger, " "
Theodore Miller, " "
Robert Earl, " "
Edwin 0. Perrin, Clerk, Jamaica.
F. Stanton Perrin, Deputy Clerk, Albany
Hiram B. Sickels, Reporter, "
Amos Dodge, Crier, "
Andrew J. Chester, Attendant, "
Jeremiah Cooper, " Lenox.
THE SUPREME COURT — GENERAL TERMS —
for the third department, consisting of the third, fourth,
and sixth judicial districts.
William L. Learned, Presiding Justice.
Augustus Bockes, Associate Justice.
Douglass Boardman, " "
CIRCUIT COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER
and special terms of the supreme court for the fourth judi-
cial district, comprising the counties of Clinton, Essex,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
89
Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, St. Lawrence,
Schenectady, Warren, and Washington.
Term Expires.
Charles 0. Tappan, Potsdam, Justice Supreme Court.... Dec. 31, 1891
Joseph Potter, Whitehall, " " .... " 1885
Judson S. Landon, Schenectady, Justice Sup. Court " 1887
Augustus Bookes, Saratoga Springs, " " .... " 1888
Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk.
John R. Brinokerhoff, Norfolk, District Attorney.
Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheriff.
THE COUNTY COURT.
Leslie W. Russell, Canton, County Judge, term expires Dec. 31)
1883.
Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk .
Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheriff.
GENERAL SESSIONS OP THE PEACE.
Leslie W. Russell, County Judge.
Cornelius Carter, Justice Sessions.
George Backus, Justice Sessions.
Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk.
John R. Brinokerhoff, Norfolk, District Attorney.
Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheriff.
THE SURROGATE COURT.
Dexter A. Johnson, Gouverneur, Surrogate, term expires Dec. 31,
1883.
Joseph T. Chapin, Ogdensburg, Special Surrogate.
THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
of the several towns and city of Ogdensburg.
THE BOARD OP SUPERVISORS.
The board of supervisors, as the fiscal manager of the
county, has come down from the " good old colony times,
when we lived under the king," and dates its beginning in
an act of the colonial assembly of New York, passed in
April, 1691.* By this act it was provided that the free-
holders of the colony should elect two assessors and one
supervisor in their respec-
tive towns ; the former to
assess and establish the
rates on each freeholder
and inhabitant, and deliver
the list to the supervisor,
who took it up to a general
meeting of the supervisors
of the county, who ordered
the same collected by the
constables or collectors of the several towns. The super-
visors as a board also elected a county treasurer, who re-
ceived and disbursed the funds for county charges. This
act was repealed October 18, 1701, and courts of general
or special sessions, held by the justices of the peace of the
county, or any five of them, were created, to make the
necessary levies of taxes and audit claims, and certify the
same to two assessors and a collector in each town for col-
lection pro rata. This court also appointed the county
treasurer. On June 10, 1703, the supervisors were restored
again and put in charge of the strong box of the treasury,
and the courts of sessions relieved of the care of the finan-
* Bradford's Ed. Coloniul Laws.
cial interests of the county, and the supervisors required to
meet as a board at the county town, annually, on the first
Tuesday in October, and at such other times as they might
deem proper for the transaction of their business. The
board received back again, also, the power of appointment
of county treasurer, who was allowed a sixpence on the
pound for his fees, the collectors getting ninepence for their
fees of collection. The system of the supervisors has been
continued under the several constitutions of the State to
the present time.
The records of the board of supervisors of St. Lawrence
County previous to 1814 were lost in a fire at Ogdensburg
in the spring of 1839, and consequently no abstract of the
early business of the board can be obtained. The first
board is said to have been composed as follows : Nathan
Ford, of Oswegatchie ; Alexander J. Turner, of Lisbon ;
Joseph Edsall, of Madrid ; Mathew Perkins, of Massena.
In 1814 the board was composed of the following super-
visors :
Canton, Daniel Walker; De Kalb, Issac Burnham j Gouverneur,
Richard Townsend;- Hopkinton, Roswell Hopkins; Louisville, Tim-
othy W. Osborn ; Madrid, Joseph Freeman ; Massena, Willard Seaton ;
Parishville, Daniel W. Church; Potsdam, Benjamin Raymond; Os-
wegatcbie^ Louis Hasbrouck; Rossie, Reuben .Streeter; Russell,
Reuben Ashman ; Stockholm, Nathaniel F. Winslow; Lisbon, Geo.
C. Conant.
Roswell Hopkins was unanimously chosen chairman, and
Geo. C. Conrad clerk, pro tern. . This meeting was the
annual one, and convened on the first Tuesday in October,
at the court-house in Oswegatchie.
On motion of Benjamin Raymond, seconded by a fellow-
member, it was " Resolved, that the sherifi' be directed to
cause a brick frame work to be built under the iron stove
in the court room, and as many brick flues to be built on
the top thereof as the stove will contain ; also to cause to be
repaired the damage done the court-house by the enemy. "f
The board then adjourned until the last Tuesday in the
month, when they met again and continued business.
A bounty of ten dollars was laid on wolves' heads, the
possessors of which were full grown, and five dollars on
" whelps of sufficient age to see or travel abroad" provided
always if these same animals were not slaughtered by an
Indian. Five hundred dollars were appropriated to pay
the bounties.
The following town accounts were audited : Canton,
roads, $250 ; wolf bounties, $40 ; sundries, $100.22; total,
$390.22. De Kalb, roads, $250 ; schools, $30 ; the poor,
8150 ; total, $430. Gouverneur, roads, $250 ; sundries,
$104.46; total, $354.46. Hopkinton, roads, $250 ; schools,
$24.72 ; the poor, $150 ; wolf bounties, $100 ; sundries,
$157.13; total, $681.85. Lisbon, schools, $60; sundries,
$177.98 ; total, $237.98. Louisville, roads, $250 ; schools,
$16.72 ; sundries, $50.68 ; total, $316.95. Madrid, roads,
$250 ; schools, $150 ; the poor, $200 ; sundries, $236.81 ;
total, $836.81. Massena, roads, $250; schools, $66.76;
sundries, $96.61 ; total, $413.37. Oswegatchie, sundries,
$62.50; total, $62.50. Parishville, schools, $21.66; sun-
dries, $142.51 ; total, $164.17. Potsdam, sundries, $90.75 ;
total, $90.75. Rossie, roads, $250 ; sundries, $153.37 ;
t The British in 1812-13.
12
90
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
total, $403.37. Kussell, roads, $250; schools, $40.98;
the poor, $250; sundries, $56; total, $596.98. Stock-
holm, roads, $250 ; schools, $31.92; sundries, $51.11 ; total,
$333.03.
Tbtofe.— Roads, $2500 ; schools, $442.31 ; the poor, $750 ;
wolf bounties, $140 ; sundries, $1480.13; total, $5312.44.
The county accounts allowed amounted to $739.40 ; and
the towns were allowed for money already expended on
bridges, $693.51. Besides the above-named sums, a general
appropriation, levied on the county at large for the build-
ing of bridges, was made to the amount of $1000. A
committee, consisting of Supervisors Hopkins, Raymond,
and Hasbrouck, appointed at the January meeting in 1814,
reported on previous appropriations for bridges, by which
it appears that one of $1225 was made in 1805.
The county treasurer reported that he had received from
the comptroller all arrears due the county on taxes and in-
terest to June 14, 1814, amounting to $6495.34, which
amount paid all the indebtedness against the county up to
the meeting of the board in annual session, and left a bal-
ance of $3600 in the treasurer's hands. The balances
reported as due the towns for bridge building was directed
to be paid to the proper authorities from this balance of
$3600. The tax-list for the year aggregated $8943.73.
In 1815 another appropriation for bridges was made of
$1000, and distributed to the towns where the most im-
portant structures were needed, — Oswegatchie getting $450,
De Kalb $200, and Gouverneur $350.
In 1816 the first equalization of assessment of real
estate was effected. At the annual meeting a committee,
consisting of Supervisors Hasbrouck, Winslow, and Ray-
mond wa-s appointed, and reported that, owing to the im-
perfectness of the returns from some of the towns, equali-
zation was impracticable, and recommended all of the
assessment rolls to be returned to the assessors for re-assess-
ment of real estate, on the following basis : Tracts of 1000
acres and upwards, at $1.50 per acre; in parts of the town-
ship of Hammond, Somerville, and Kilkenny, in the town
of Rossie, and Crumach and Grange in Massena, from 50
cents to $1 per acre ; in Russell, Parishville, and Hopkin-
ton, from 10 cents to $1.50 per acre; other towns, not ex-
ceeding 75 cents per acre. Small tracts for farms, from
25 to 50 per cent, more, beside improvements. This report
was adopted, and the assessment retaken accordingly, and
returned to an adjourned meeting convened November 16
following. At this meeting Messrs. Raymond, Hasbrouck,
and Barber were appointed a committee on equalization,
and they recommended the following additions and deduc-
tions to the assessment of real estate, which were made :
Additions: Potsdam, $7831.57; Parishville, $358.25;
Lisbon, $5207.33; Massena, $12,082.50 ; Rossie, $3543.06;
De Kalb, $18,735.91 ; total additions, $47,758.62.
Deductions :' Hopkinton, $2353.25 ; Madrid, $43,514.12 ;
Russell, $663.50; Canton, $1227.75; total deductions'
$47,758.62. '
Mr. Hasbrouck was appointed to assist the clerk in the
equalizing of the assessment and casting the taxes.
A tax of twenty cents per acre was levied on all lands
situated within one mile of the roads laid out by the com-
missioners appointed by the act of April 15, 1810 and
eight cents per acre on all lands more than one mile, and
less than two, distant.
In 1817 the town of Fowler appeared on the board for
the first time, in the person of its first supervisor, Theodo-
sius 0. Fowler. The United States authorities valued the
lands of the county in 1814; and the supervisors deeming
the valuation put upon it too high, disregarded the instruc-
tions of the comptroller to assess the same on the basis of
the said valuation, and petitioned the legislature for relief.
The report of the county treasurer showed receipts fi'om
Feb. 1, 1814, to Nov. 5, 1817, amounting to $20,501.92,
all of which had been properly disbursed, except a balance
of $111.40. The taxes of Fowler for the first year of its
sovereignty were, for State and county purposes, $167.66;
for town purposes, $106.96 ; total, $274.62.
In 1818, Chester Gurney was clerk pro tern, of the
board. In after-years Mr. Gurney was a noted lawyer in
Michigan, and one of the original Liberty men of St. Jo-
seph county, in that State.
In 1819 Pierrepont sent its first supervisor to the county
board, and for the privilege of self-government paid tribute
as follows : To the State, $58.17 ; to the county, $123.90 ;
for its own poor, $200 ; for schools, $18.09 ; and for sun-
dry expenses and appropriations, $125.98; total, $526.14,
the collector getting in addition $26.30 for his fees. A
pauper family from Rutland, Jefferson Co., having been
transported into St. Lawrence County, and thence through
the same to Malone, by easy stages, whereby St. Lawrence
had incurred expense, Jefferson county was applied to to
liquidate the cost of the transit. The first panther bounty
was paid this year.
In 1820 the number of taxable inhabitants in the county
was returned at 2798, the total assessment being $747,704,
as returned by the assessors, and the supervisors increased it
to $757,000, and levied a tax of $14,335.56 for all pur-
poses on it. From Nov. 8, 1817, to Oct. 3, 1820, the
treasurer received $31,409.29, from which he disbursed
for roads and bridges $19,913.67, and for wolf bounties
$2307.50.
In 1821 Morristown appeared on the board in the per-
son of its first supervisor, David Ford, the first assessment
and taxation being as follows: Taxable inhabitants, 161 ;
value of personal property, $1816; value of real estate,
$35,391 ; total valuation, $37,207. Taxes, State, $101.93 ;
county, $360.78 ; town, $150.96 ; collectors' fees, $32.28;
total taxes, $665.02. M. B. Hitchcock, county clerk, pre-
sented a bill ibr $149.99 for ofiice rent, which, after many
ballotings, was rejected. The first vote to reject had but
one vote against the proposition, when the motion was re^
considered, and a motion to allow $100 had. three support-
ers, a motion to allow $50 had but two friends, and the
final rejection was carried nine to five. Mr. Hitchcock
presented his bill again in 1822, and it met the same fate
again ; and so to in 1823. In 1822, Samuel Partridge, of
Potsdam, was appointed sealer of weights and measures,
and $50 appropriated to buy standards.
In 1823 Norfolk's first supervisor, Christopher G. Stow,
appeared on the board. The tax-list of the town made the
following exhibit: Taxable inhabitants, 108 ; value of real
estate, $62,770 (no personal property returned) ; State tax,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
91
$62.77 ; county tax, $89.77 ; town taxes, $248.70 ; total,
$401.24. Resident wild lands wore assessed at $1.90 per
acre ; improved lands, $4.75 ; non-resident lands, wild,
from .50 and .75 to $1.00 per acre ; barns, $75.
In 1825 De Peyster and Brasher appeared before the
board, the former by Smith Stillwell, supervisor, and the
latter by Benjamin Nevin, but Mr. Nevin, being an alien,
could not take his seat.
The tax-lists of the new towns were as follows : I)e Pey-
ster— taxable inhabitants, 130 ; personal property, $2415 ;
real estate, $71,227 ; total assessment, $73,642 ; taxes.
State and county, $210.66 ; town, $273 ; total, $483.66.
Brasher — taxable inhabitants, 87 ; real estate assessment,
$60,342; taxes. State and county, $175; town, $222;
total, $397.
Martin Brombling killed a panther and brought the cor-
pus entire before the board and received his bounty, and
kept the skin of the animal unmutilated. The board voted
that a bank was necessary in Ogdensburg, in order to place
the inhabitants of St. Lawrence County on an equality with
other citizens of the State in relation to good money. The
board adopted a seal, a representation of which is appended
to this history of the board.
In 1826 two claimants appeared before the board for the
seat of Brasher, — Jehiel Stevens and David McMurphy.
McMurphy, as town clerk, declared himself elected, while
Stevens, as justice of the peace, presiding at the election,
received the largest number of votes, and was seated.
In 1827 the towns of Hammond and Edwards were first
represented on the board by Sylvester Buttrick and Orra
Shed, respectively. The tax-lists of the new towns made
the following exhibit : Hammond — taxable inhabitants,
137; personal property, $2066 ; real estate, $60,417 ; total
assessment, $62,483. Taxes, county, $191.38 ; town,
$213.25 ; total, $430.85. Edwards — taxable inhabitants,
129; personal property, $1845; real estate, $51,114;
total assessment, $52,959. County tax, $161.91 ; town,
$402.89; total taxes, $604.21.
In 1829 Lawrence was first represented on the board by
Carlton McEwen, supervisor. The town had 216 taxable
inhabitants listed, the valuation of property being, for per-
sonal, $235 ; real estate, $43,198 ; total, $43,433. County
tax, $158.36; town tax, $417.69; total taxes, $714.34.
The annual meeting of 1830 was the first one held in
Canton, and at this meeting Hermon (under the name of
De Peau) first came to the board in the person of William
Teal, supervisor. The valuation and taxes of Hermon were
as follows : taxable inhabitants, 134 ; personal property,
$550 ; real estate, $34,641 ; total valuation, $35,191.
County tax, $134.26 ; town, $349.81 ; total taxes, $538.54.
The appropriations for the year amounted to $10,524.22,
divided as follows: Jurors, two years, $1600; constables
and justices, two years, $1326 ; superintendents of the poor,
$3000 ; supervisors, $870 ; court-house, $600 ; wolf boun-
ties, $470 ; miscellaneous accounts, $1242.84.
In 1832 the expenses of the town boards of health, ren-
dered necessary by the prevalence of the cholera, amounted
to $1351.45. Hon. Preston King was chairman of the
committee on the audit of the same, and also of the com-
mittee on the superintendents of the poor and their doings.
In 1836 the first assessment of incorporated companies
was specifically returned, and contained two companies only :
Ogdensburg bank, real estate, $4200 ; taxable stock, $93,691 ;
total, $97,891. Tax, $675.02. Ontario and St. Lawrence
steamboat company, taxable stock, $36,000 ; tax, $248.24.
In 1837 the companies had increased so that the assess-
ment amounted to $191,191, and the taxes to $1807.21.
This year, too, Pitcairn was first represented on the board
by John Sloper. The tax list contained the names of
44 taxable inhabitants ; its valuation for assessment was
$13,137 ; county taxes, $56.72 ; town taxes, $73.96 ; total,
$137.35.
In 1838 the supervisor from Morristown offered a reso-
lution prefaced by a preamble of many " whereases," which
set forth that information, believed to be reliable and
authentic, having been received that the Patriots had made
" a noble stand" at Windmill Point, in Canada, and had had
a severe engagement with the " advocates and minions of
British tyranny and oppression," and that the Patriots
needed reinforcements to prevent being captured by the
aforesaid " minions," and " so meet with defeat, and sacri-
fice their lives in contending against the aforesaid cruel and
merciless foe ;" and that as the board of supervisors of St.
Lawrence " felt a deep interest and intense anxiety in the
success of the patriotic struggle, which would spread the
light of liberty abroad throughout the land," therefore, for
the preservation of the lives of those patriots " who are
contending for the rights of men born free, and for the
republican principles for which our venerated forefathers
shed their blood,
" Jlesolocd, That the board adjourn to meet again on the last Mon-
day of November instant, in order to enable the members thereof to
return to their respective homos to devise ways and means to rescue
that Spartan band of patriotic friends, and preserve their lives from
the hands of their enemies, the tyrants and advocates of the British
crown.''
The board, however, having a wholesome regard for the
proclamation of neutrality issued by the Federal govern-
ment, extinguished the resolution by laying the same on the
table indefinitely, by yeas and nays, the record of which
vote does not appear spread upon the proceedings of the
session.
In 1841, Macomb entered the list of representative
towns, and sent David Day (2d) up to the county board as
supervisor. Its value and taxes were as follows : Taxable in-
habitants, 144 ; personal property, $450 ; real estate,
$43,438; total, $43,888. County tax, $223.75; town,
$361.81; total, $670.04.
In 1844 the town of Fine sent its first supervisor to the
board, Amos J. Brown being the man, who was accom-
panied by Payne Converse, the first supervisor from Colton.
The valuations and taxes of the new towns were as follows :
Colton— total valuation, $27,121 ; State tax, $29.86 ; county
tax, $120.73 ; town, $129.47 ; total, $429.92. Fine— total
valuation, $49,157 ; State tax, $54.07 ; county tax, $218.58 ;
town, $358.54 ; non-resident road tax, $456.72 ; total,
$1127.73.
In 1849 the first laws were enacted under the increased
powers granted the board in 1847 by the legislature, the
same being a law for wolf bounties, ^nd auother for the
92
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
preservation of deer. A part of the town of Hermon, the
south end of E. i of township No. 4 of great tract 3, of
Macomh's purchase, being sub-division lots 32 to 37 inclu-
sive, was annexed to Edwards.
In 1851 the board recommended the formation of a county
agricultural society by the farmers of St. Lawrence County.
In 1852, at the annual meeting, the resignation of Bishop
Perkins, clerk of the board from 1819 continuously to that
date, thirty-two years, was received, Mr. Perkins having
been elected to congress. The board passed some very
complimentary resolutions on the matter, and elected Mar-
tin Thatcher to the vacancy.
The board offered twenty dollars for a bounty on wolf
scalps, and telegraphed the offer to the Franklin board, and
asked them to do likewise.
In 1855 there were 4776 persons returned liable to mil-
itary tax in the county, and the levy on them amounted to
$2493. The legislature was invoked by the board to ap-
propriate $10,000 for the improvement of the east branch
of the St. Eegis river.
In 1859, at the annual meeting, the town of Madrid was
divided on the five-mile line, and the northern half created
the new town of Waddington, and in 1860 the new town
sent its first supervisor to the board, the same being Walter
Wilson. The State equalization of property in the year
1860 fixed St. Lawrence valuation at $15,633,359, the
State tax being $59,928. William Eomaine, supervisor from
Lawrence, died while the board was in session, eight days
after he first took his seat at the annual meeting, and the
resolutions spread upon the records relating to his decease
were touching, tender, and modest. The assessment and
taxes of Waddington for 1860 were as follows : Acres,
32,713 ; value of real estate, $560,605 ; personal property,
$44,805 ; total, $605,455 ; State tax, $320,895 ; county
tax, $1800.74; town tax, $996.24; military tax, $77;
total tax, $5082.93.
In 1861, at the annual meeting, resolutions of support
of the war measures of the government were passed, and a
law enacted prohibiting the hounding of deer in the county.
In 1862, resolutions of support to volunteers then in the
field, were passed.
In 1864, there were several special meetings held, to
devise ways and means for paying volunteer bounties to
encourage enlistments in the Union armies for the sup-
pression of the southern Eebellion. The first one, in July,
passed resolutions appropriating $500,000 for the purpose.
Another meeting, held Aug. 23, reconsidered the former
action, and offered bounties of $700, $800, and $900, to
one, two, and three years' men respectively, in addition to
State and national bounties, and appropriated $1,200,000
for the payment of the same. In September the quota of
the county was full, under the call of July 18, for 500,000
men.
At the annual meeting of 1865, the death of Hon.
Preston King was announced, and the board passed appro-
priate resolutions and adjourned for the day.
In 1868, Clifton appeared in the person of her first su-
pervisor, Charles C. Snell, and the city of Ogdensburg sent
three supervisors, as follows : 1st Ward, Calvin W. Gibbs •
2d Ward, Wm. C. Alden ; 3d Ward, Zina B. Bridges!
The assessment and tax-list of Clifton for the year 1868
was as follows : acres, 62,425 ; valuation, $60,783 ; State
tax, $372.27 ; county tax, $892.01 ; town tax, $28.50 ;
non-resident road tax, $151.90 ; total tax, $1480.75. The
tax-roll of Ogdensburg was included in that of the town of
Oswegatchie.
In 1873, the 4th ward of the city of Ogdensburg was
erected, and Thomas Callahan elected supervisor ; but he
did not attend the board, and in 1874 Wm. D. Britton
appeared as the supervisor of the ward.
The present board of supervisors (1877) is constituted as
follows :
Brasher, George Kingston.
Canton, Leslie W. Russell.
Clifton, James Sheridan.
Cotton, Charles B. Fisher.
De Kalb, Thomas M. Wells.
De Peyster, William Newcomb.
Edwards, Cornelius Carter.
Fine, Alexander Muir.
Fowler, A. H. Johnson.
Gouverneur, Newton Aldrich.
Hammond, James S. More.
Hermon, A. A. Matteson.
Hopkinton, Jonah Sanford.
Lawrence, Sumner Sweet.
Lisbon, Samuel Wells.
Louisville, William Bradford.
Macomb, Warren Hastings.
Madrid, John H. Robinson.
Massena, H. B. AVhite.
Morristown, Charles Richardson.
Norfolk, E. A. Atwater.
Oswegatchie, Harvey L. Jones.
Ogdensburg, 1st Ward, J. Y.
Chapin.
" 2d Ward, C. Mar-
ceau.
3d Ward, S. F. Pal-
mer.
" -Ith Ward, H. S.
Lighthall.
Parishville, Edward H. Abrom.
Pierrepont, Lorenzo Northrup.
Pitcairn, Lorenzo D. Geer.
Potsdam, Erastus D. Brooks.
Rossie, A. E. Helmer.
Russell, Wm. H. Lewis.
Stockholm, Ebenezer S. Crapser.
Waddington, Jno. T. Rutherford.
The board met on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in annual session,
and organized for business by re-electing Newton Aldrich,
of Gouverneur, chairman. The session was an interesting
one, lasting through sixteen days, with several night ses-
sions. A considerable portion of the time was spent in a
vigorous discussion of the ever troublesome question of the
equalization of assessment of real estate, arising from con-
flicting interests ; but on the tenth day, the report of the
committee on that matter, after a recommittal, was finally
adopted, and was as will be seen in the next chapter (VI.),
by a reference to the tabular statement of supervisors' esti-
mates for 1877-78.
The present board of supervisors compares, favorably with
its predecessors in point of ability and watchfulness, and
the interests of the county at large, as well as the constitu-
ent towns, seem to be as jealously guarded as in any year
of the history of the board, its labors being materially aided
by the efiiciency of its clerk, Stillman Foote, Esq., now in.
his seventeenth year of service as such.
Liberal use has been made of the legislative powers
granted boards of supervisors by the legislature, by the St.
Lawrence County Board since 1847, and its increased pow-
ers given in 1875, and its enactments are passed with the
formality of the State legislature, and are engrossed and
published. The laws passed by the board have, thus far,
been confined to the destruction of noxious animals, preser-
vation of wild game, enabling acts for the raising, by town
levies, moneys for town purposes, the erection of new
towns, etc.
The chairmen of the board of supervisors have been as
follows, since 1814 :
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
93
1814-18— Eoswell Hopkins.
1819 — Louis Hiisbrouck.
1820 — Benjamin Raymond.
1821 — Louis Hasbrouck.
1822 — Jason Fenton.
1823 — Louis Hasbrouck.
1824— William Allen.
1825 — Phineas Attwater.
1826-28— Smith Stillwell.
1829— Phineas Attwater.
1830— William Allen.
1831— Baron S. Doty.
1832— Geo. C. Conant.
1833-34— Zenas Clark.
1836-37- Wm. Allen.
1838 — Almon Z. Madison.
1839— Ansel Bailey.
1840— Geo. Redington.
1841— Jehiel Stevens.
1842— N. Sackrider.
1843-45— Asa Sprague.
1846 — Solomon Pratt.
1847— Silas Williams.
1848— Geo. F. Winslow.
1849-50— Orrin M. Fisk.
1851 — Charles Anthony.
1852-53— Asaph Green.
1854— RoUin C. Jackson.
1855 — Erasmus D. Brooks.
1856— Aaron T. Hopkins.
1857— P. W. Rose.
1858— C. C. Montgomery.
1859— Wm. P. Smith.
I860— C. T. Hulburd.
1861- Ela A. Merriam.
1862— Edward W. Foster.
1853— Emory W. Abbott.
1864-65— Edward W. Foster.
1866-67— C. C. Montgomery.
1868-69— Tiras H. Ferris.
1870-71— C. C. Montgomery.
1872-74— S. H. Palmer.
1875— E. W. Foster.
1876-77— Newton Aldrich.
The clerks of the board have been, from its first organi-
zation, in 1802, to the present time, as follows:
1802-10- Louis Hasbrouck.
1810-19— William W. Bowen.
1819 — Chester G\irBey,pro tern.
1819-52— Bishop Perkins.
1852-57— Martin Thatcher.
1857-61— Edward A. Merritt.
1861 to the present time, Still-
man Foote.
COURT-HOUSES AND JAILS.
In accordance with the law erecting the county, one of
the stone buildings west of the Oswegatchie was fitted up
as a court-house, and a bomb-proof magazine on the jpre-
mises as a jail, in 1802. Here the first courts were held
and first delinquents confined until the completion of the
court-house, in 1803, under the provisions of a clause in an
act passed April 2, 1803, which provided as follows :
"And be it further enacted^ That it shall be lawful for the super-
visors of the county of St. Lawrence, and they are hereby authorized,
to receive the moneys subscribed by the inhabitants of the said county,
for building a court-house and gaol, on the east side of the mouth of
the Oswegatchie river, opposite to the old barracks, and to apply such
moneys for building the said court-house and gaol, in such manner
as they or the majority of them shall judge most for the interest of
the said county; and shall account for the expenditures of the said
money with the judges of the court of common pleas for the said
county.
" And he it further enacted^ That as soon as the said supervisor;;, or
a majority of them, shall, by writing under their hands, certify to the
sheriff of the said county, that the gaol hereby authorized to be built
is fit for the reception of prisoners, it shall and may be lawful for the
said sherifT, after filing the said certificate in the office of the clerk of
the said county, to remove the prisoners into the said gaol, which
gaol thereafter shall be the gaol of the said county j and that as soon
as the said court-house is finished sufficiently, so as to be comfortable
for holding court, and a certificate thereof by the said supervisors, or
a majority of them, delivered to the judges of the said court, and
filed in the clerk's office, shall thereafter be the court-house for the
said county, to all intents and purposes.
"And te it further enacted, That until further order of the legisla-
ture, it shall not be necessary for the sheriff of the said county to
give bonds to the people of this State, for a larger sum than four
thousand dollars, and six sureties of five hundred dollars each."
An act of Feb. 12, 1813, required the board of super-
visors to raise a tax of $900, for the purpose of erecting a
fire- proof clerk's ofiice. Previous to the completion of this,
the records were kept in the office of Louis Hasbrouck, the
clerk. The date of the first record in the office is May 29,
1802.
The house in which the clerk's office was kept for several
of the first years is represented in the accompanying en-
graving, which possesses an additional interest, from its
having been one of the first dwellings erected in Ogdens-
burg. It was completed in 1804. The lot on which it
stood was sold to Mr. Hasbrouck for a guinea. Its central
location has rendered it worth several thousand dollars.
This venerable dwelling was unfortunately consumed in
a destructive fire that occurred in the autumn of 1852,
together with a modern block of stores represented in the
cut, and much valuable property on the opposite side of the
street.
The following resolutions in relation to the act author-
izing the erection of a new clerk's office, were passed by the
board of supervisors in October, 1821 :
" Moved that the sum of $600 be raised and levied for the purpose
of building a fire-proof clerk's office.
"Action postponed for the present.
" It was proposed to amend this by inserting $500, and this amend-
ment was passed.
" Voted that the building should be erected in the village of Ogdens-
burg. Louis Hasbrouck, David C. Judson, and Bishop Perkins were
appointed a committee to determine the size and plan, and to super-
intend its erection and finishing. It was further resolved, that,
"* Whereas, by an act of the legislature, passed Feb. 12, 1813,
authorizing the board of supervisors of the county of St. Lawrence
to raise money to build a fire-proof clerk's office in said county ; and
whereas, it is considered probable that a division of the county may
take place, and in such case a location at Ogdensburg would not bene-
fit such new county, — it was therefore resolved that, in case of such a
division, such sum as may be assessed on the territory so set off into
a new county should be refunded to such new county.' "
In pursuance of the foregoing resolution, a stone build-
ing was erected on the corner of Ford and Green streets,
in the village of Ogdensburg. It was for several years the
land office of the Hon. Henry Van Rensselaer.
The proprietors and settlers of the central and southern
sections of the county were never entirely satisfied with the
location of the public buildings at Ogdensburg, and, by re-
ferring to the letter of Judge Ford to S. Ogden, dated
Jan. 11, 1805, it will be seen that secret jealousies were
entertained on this subject. In 1818 the first direct effort
was made to effect a removal, which was defeated through
the efforts of persons residing in Ogdensburg.
Among the arguments then adduced in favor of the
94
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
measure were the exposed situation of the frontier and
liability to hostile incursions in case of war, the incon-
venience of the public buildings and insecurity of the
jail, and especially the distance from the centre of the
county and the southern settlements.
The petition for the appointment of commissioners to
select a new site for public buildings had 700 signatures,
and the remonstrance 762. The inhabitants of Potsdam
also petitioned for the removal of the public buildings to
their village.
Against the removal of the county-seat it was urged that
the condition of the buildings at Ogdensburg did not call
for a change ; that a large amount of money was about to
be expended upon roads, which would make that place
easily accessible ; that the county buildings, worth $2000,
would become forfeited by reversion to the proprietor ; that
the taxable inhabitants, then numbering 2000, were then
thinly scattered, and an uncertainty still existed where the
weight of population would ultimately preponderate.
A plan was at this time proposed for dividing the county
by a line running between Lisbon and Canton on the west,
and Madrid and Potsdam on the east, to extend in a direct
line to the southern bounds of the county. The new
county was to have been named Fayette.
An estimate made at the time is interesting, denoting
the number of taxpayers in the several towns, and is as
follows :
Westei-n Division. — Oswegatchie, 193; Gouverneur, 89;
De Kalb, 126; Russell, 119; Fowler, 28; Rossie, 62;
Lisbon, 115 ; Canton, 202. Total, 934.
Eastern Division. — Madrid, 260 ; Potsdam, 302 ; Parish-
ville, 133 ; Stockholm, 99 ; Hopkinton, 81 ; Louisville, 106 ;
Massena, 85. Total, 1066.
The subject of removal to a central location again came
up for legislative action in the session of 1827, but was
permitted to lie over till the next session, for the purpose
of obtaining a more distinct expression of the popular wish
on the measure ; and under these circumstances it became a
test question in the election of members of assembly in that
year. Party considerations wore dropped for the time, and
it was expected that the canvass would decide the prefer-
ences of tlie electors of the county upon the subject of
removal. It resulted as follows :
FOE KEMOVAL.
Moses Rowley 2364.
Jabez Willes 2178.
AGAINST REMOVAL.
Jason Fenton 2069
Phineas Attwater 1688
The members elected were nominated by a convention
representing the portion desirous of a change of site, and
with a distinct understanding that they would labor to
effect that object.
The records of many of the towns show that an expres-
sion of opinion was taken on this subject at their town
meetings in 1828.
The petition upon which the law, authorizing a chano'e
and appointing disinterested commissioners to designate a
new site, was not numerously signed, but embraced the
names of those who possessed much weight and influence
in the county. It was dated December, 1827, and received
in the senate Jan. 18, 1828.
This led, after the most active opposition from many of
those interested in Ogdensburg, to the passage of the fol-
lowing law :
" All Act establishing .the location of Gourt-Houae and other Public
Buildings iu St, Lawrence County.
" Passed Jan. 28, 1828.
" I. Joseph Grant, George Brayton, and John B. Hinman, of the
county of Oneida, be, and they are, hereby appointed commissioners
to examine, determine, and fix upon the proper site for the erection
of a new court-house, gaol, and cleric's office, in and for the county
of St. Lawrence, whose duty it shall be to go into the said county to
examine the situation of the same, with respect to its population, its
territory, its roads, and the means of communication between the
several towns and settlements in the said county, together with the
immediate prospect of settlements, and all other things which they
shall think it necessary to examine and inquire into, the better to
enable them to form a correct determination as to the site of a court-
house, gaol, and cleric's office for the said county, which shall best
accommodate the population of the. said county in reference to its
present territory.
" II. The said commissioners, after having made such inquiries and
examinations as aforesaid, and as to them shall be satisfactory, shall,
on or after the fifteenth day of August next, fix upon and establish
the site for the buildings aforesaid, and shall put their determination
in writing, under theif hands and seals, or the hands and seals of
any two of them, and shall iile the same in the office of the clerk of
the said county, whose duty it shall be to receive and file the said
paper without any compensation for so doing ; and the determination
of the said commissioners, or any two of them, being so made and
filed as aforesaid, shall be final and conclusive in the premises."
Section III. provides for the compensation of the commissioners,
— three dollars per day, and fifteen cents per mile traveling fees.
"IV. That Ansel Bailey, David C. Judson, and Asa Sprague, Jr.,
be, and they are, hereby appointed commissioners to superintend the
building of a court-house, gaol, and clerk's office, in and for the said
county of St. Lawrence, upon the site to be fixed upon and established
by the commissioners appointed in and by the first section of this act.
'•■ V. The commissioners appointed in and by the last preceding
section of this act, or a majority of them, are hereby authorized and
empowered to purchase materials, contract with workmen, and do all
other things necessary to the building of the said court-house, gaol,
and clerk's office j to direct the size, shape, and arrangement of the
said buildings, and the materials of which the same shall be con-
structed, and that the said clerk's office shall be built of such mate-
rials and be so constructed as to be fire-proof.
"VI. The commissioners last mentioned shall be, and they arc,
hereby authorized to draw upon the treasurer of the said county of
St. Lawrence, from time to time, for such sum or sums of money as
shall come into the treasury of the said county, to be appropriated
for the erection of the said buildings ; and it shall be the duty of the
said treasurer to pay on the order of the said commissioners, or a
majority of them, any sums of money in his hands appropriated to
the erection of the said buildings.
" VII. The said commissioners appointed to superintend the erec-
tion of the said buildings shall, before they enter upon the duties of
their office, give bonds in the penal sum of $5000, with approved
sureties, to the supervisors of the said county, conditioned that they
will faithfully discharge the duties of the said commission, and the
moneys which shall come into their hands as such commissioners,
and that they will punctually and honestly account to the said super-
visors for all such moneys; and the said commissioners shall be enti-
tled to receive each the Sum of two dollars per day for each day they
be necessarily employed in the discharge of their duties under this
act, to be audited, levied, and collected as the other contingent
charges of the said county are audited, levied, and collected."
VIII. A tax of $2500 to be levied on the county for the building.
IX. The board of supervisors to sell the old court-house, gaol, and
clerk's office, and apply the proceeds towards the new building, etc.
X. Supervisors to procure a deed in fee simple of the new site.
XI. The site to be paid for out of the proceeds of the old buildings.
XII. The supervisors to levy a sum in 1829, not to exceed $2500,
to finish the new buildings.
XIII. Commissioners to give notice to the judges of the county
court of the completion of the buildino-s.
XIV. The judges to meet and fix upon the gaol liberties.
XV. The sherifi'to remove prisoners to the new gaol when directed
by the judges of the courts.
XVI. The sheriff alone liable for escape of prisoners on removal.
XVII. The clerk to remove records when directed by judges.
XVIII. After the above, the new buildings shall be deemed the
county court-house, gaol, and clerk's office to all legal intents.
XIX. Vacancies among first commissioners to be filled by governor.
XX. Vacancies in building commissioners to be filled by county
Judges.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
95
The sum designated by the foregoing act being found in-
adequate to complete the buildings, an act was passed April
16, 1830, authorizing the supervisors to raise $600 more
for that purpose.
The first record made at the clerk's office after its removal
was on the 8th of Jan., 1830, on which day it was opened.
The old court-house lot at Ogdensburg was sold to Bishop
Perkins for $1000, and the clerk's office for $600 to Gov-
ernor Ogden.
The following extract from the report to the supervisors
of the commissioners appointed to erect the cgunty build-
ings at Canton, describes their original construction :
" Each building is of stone. The court-house is two stories in
height, 44 feet by 40. The lower story is divided into four rooms,
besides passages and stairways, 4'iz., u. grand-jury room, a room for
constables and witnesses attending the grand-jury, and two rooms for
petit jurors. The upper story is devoted entirely to a court-room, 41
feet in length by 37 in breadth.
** The clerk's oflBce is of the same height and size of the private
clerk's office, and differing in its construction only in making the
front room smaller and the rear one larger. . . .
** The gaol is 36 by 40, with the basement story rising about five
feet out of the ground, and a story and a half above. About 12 feet
of the easterly end of all the stories is appropriated to prison rooms,
except a small room in the lower story for a sheriff's office, where the
stove is placed, intended to give warmth to all the criminal rooms in
the upper story, as well as the debtor's room immediately back on the
same story.
" The plan of the criminal rooms has been entirely changed since
the report made at the last meeting of the board.
" It was then contemplated to take the Jefferson county gaol as a
model in the construction of ours, the strength of which consisted in
the size and even surface of the stone of which the walls are con-
structed. The difiioulty of obtaining stone of sufficient size and
evenness of surface to admit of dowaling induced them to abandon
that plan.
" The criminals' rooms are a block of cells five in number, con-
structed of wood and iron, placed in the second story, within and
three feet distant from the outside walls.
" The light is admitted into the cells through gratings in the upper
part of the doors (which are to be wholly of iron), opening into the hall
in the easterly end of the building, into which the light is admitted
through four strong grated windows.
" The cells are, with the exception of one, intended for the ac-
commodation of single prisoners only.
" The plan, though novel as applied to county gaols, was suggested
to the consideration of the committee by an examination of the con-
struction of the State prison recently erected; and it appears to
them to possess the same advantages for a county prison, which has
given to those establishments a character for usefulness in the pre-
vention of crime, by the reformation of the criminal, in the measure
of punishment that has revived the hope of the philanthropist in the
success of the penitentiary system, that from the world and from the
contaminating influence of the society of his fellow-prisoners, who
may he more hardened in vice, and left to his own solitary reflections,
if there is any chance for reformation by punishment it is under such
circumstances. The safety of the arrangement strongly recommended
itself to the consideration of the committee.
" Confined singly, there can be no joint efforts.
" Communication from the outside, except as to one cell, is believed
to be impracticable, and difficult as to that;/and should an escape
from a cell be effected, the outside wall or grating would still remain
to be forced."
The cost of the new court-house, jail, and clerk's office
was about $6800. The jail was enlarged in 1836.
The accommodation of the court-house being deemed in-
sufficient for the wants of the county, the subject of repair-
ing and enlarging the building was brought before the
board of supervisors, at their session in 1850, and it was
resolved,
"That a committee of five persons be appointed by the board,
whose duty it shall be to examine the present building, and the cost
and expense of an addition of twenty-four feet, of the same materials
as the present building, and of the same height, including the ex-
pense of remodeling the inside in a convenient and suitable manner,
and to receive proposals for the erection and completion of said ad-
dition."
This committee was authorized to contract for the erec-
tion of said addition to the court-house, provided such ad-
dition shall be found practicable, for the sum of sixteen
hundred dollars.
Two days afterwards this vote was reconsidered, on a
vote of eleven to ten, and three members of the board
were appointed a committee to examine and determine
what repairs and alterations in the court-house were neces-
sary. If, in the judgment of the committee, repairs and
alterations should be made, and they might contract for the
same, for a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, the
committee were to file a certificate to this effect with the
clerk of the board, and they then might borrow on the
credit of the county, at par, such sums for seven per cent,
annual interest, which they were authorized to expend in
repairs and alterations of the court-house.
The committee were to give their official bond for money
so borrowed, not exceeding two thousand dollars in the ag-
gregate, which was to be entered by the clerk of the board
in his minutes, and certified by him, bearing seven per
cent, interest, payable annually. In case the committee
should determine to make such repairs and alterations, they
were to cause such alterations and repairs to be contracted
for and made under their inspection and direction.
A further amendment, which required that the commit-
tee in no case should have authority to contract for the
completion of the addition of twenty-four feet on the east
end of the court-house, unless the same could be done for
two thousand dollars, was adopted.
Messrs. Picket, Anthony, Cogswell, Foster, and Hazelton
were appointed to select a committee to carry the foregoing
resolutions into effect, and they reported the names of
Messrs. Pisk, Thatcher, and Cogswell, who were duly ap-
pointed.
The additions contemplated were effected during the
year 1851.
Thus far in the history of the public buildings the com-
piler has quoted from Dr. Hough's " History of St. Law-
rence County."
In 1858 a bill was passed providing for the building of
a new jail, not to exceed the cost of twelve thousand dol-
lars. Parker W. Rose, Benjamin Squires, and George
Robinson were appointed commissioners in charge of the
work, and to dispose of the old jail and fixtures. The
building was completed in 1860, and cost, including site,
fixtures, furniture, and interest, thirteen thousand six hun-
dred and thirty-seven dollars and thirty-one cents. It was
built of Potsdam sandstone, from the Cox's mills quarries,
of a dark-red, color, and has two stories and an attic, forty-
four by seventy-two feet on the ground. It contains
twenty-four cells, four debtors' rooms, and one parlor,
chamber, and two sleeping rooms for the sheriff's family.
In 1877 an addition of wood was erected on the north side
of the jail, inclosing the prison court, and fronting west
96
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
forty-seven feet, and running to the east sixty-seven feet,
including the wood house. This addition is two stories, and
furnishes four good rooms for the sheriff and his family.
Mr. Wheeler, the present very efficient officer, superintended
the building of the new addition, and also extensive repairs
on the jail proper, and renovated the court-room, putting
in ventilating flues, and painting and papering the same,
wainscoting the halls and offices, during the summer of
1877. The court-room at the present writing presents a
clean and tasty appearance, and is convenient and comfort-
able. The cost of the new building and the repairs on the
jail and court-room amounted to six thousand two hundred
dollars.
The county clerk's office becoming too contracted for the
accommodation of the rapidly increasing business of the
county, in 1870 a committee recommended the erection of
a new and more extensive one, and reported that no repairs
could be made to advantage on the old one. No further
action was taken in the matter until the annual meeting of
the board of supervisors in 1876, when resolutions offered
by supervisor Leslie W. Russell, of Canton, declaring the
time had come when new and better accommodations for
the preservation of the public records were imperatively re-
quired, were adopted, and a committee, consisting of super-
visors Russell, Hermann, Foster, Wells, and Crapser, was
appointed to report plans for a building and estimates of the
cost thereof. This committee reported at a special meeting
in January, 1877, plans and specifications of a building,
which were adopted by the board. A building committee,
consisting of Mr. Russell, Robert Dalzell, and E. S. Crapser,
was appointed, and authorized to contract for the erection
of the building in accordance with the plans, at a cost not
exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. A contract was made
with Messrs. Moore & Fields, of Canton, for fourteen thou-
sand five hundred dollars, and some changes made in the
plan as the work has proceeded will bring the cost up to
about fifteen thousand five hundred dollars, exclusive of fix-
tures and furniture. Work was commenced on the foun-
dation. May 17, 1877, and the building at the present
writing (December, 1877) is rapidly approaching comple-
tion. The whole structure is most thoroughly and solidly
built. The foundation or trench walls are laid with granite
five feet in thickness, of large blocks, and the wall above
that to the surface of the ground, ten feet, is of the same
material. From the surface of the ground the wall, inclu-
ding the water table, is of the black limestone of the Nor-
wood quarries, as are also the corners, window trimmino's
cornice, and coping. The body of the building is of the
light grayish granite of Gouverneur, and the two colors
present a unique and beautiful appearance. The main
building is thirty by forty-eight feet on the ground, wkh a
projection of five feet constituting the entrance, and two
stories in height, the lower one twelve and the upper one
eleven feet in the clear. A hall ten feet wide passes
through the centre, on either side of which ai;e four rooms
above and below, seventeen by twenty feet. An annex
thirty-six by forty feet, of one story, of fourteen feet be-
tween joints, is built at the rear of the main buildino- con-
necting therewith by two passages, secured by iron doors
at both ends. The annex is intended to be fire-proof for
the storing of the records. The floor is tiled with marble,
and supported by three heavily-built arches of brick. The
roof is of copper, and heavy limestone coping protects and
ornaments the same. The basement is light and dry, and
is to be fitted up with a Boynton furnace for heating pur-
poses. Solid granite pillars support the beams of the first
floor of the main building, and give a sense of strength and
durability satisfactory and pleasing. The roof of the main
building is slate, and is surmounted by a very neat and
proportionate cupola. The architect of the building is
Aiken, of Brasher. It is expected the building will be
ready for occupancy some time during the winter of 1878.
When it is completed, it will be an honor to the county in
point of architectural beauty and excellence, as well as eco-
nomical construction.
The "jail liberties,"* established in 1814, included one
hundred and fifty acres, bounded as follows : Beginning
at a post standing at the most southwesterly corner of the
wharf belonging to David Parish ; thence north, 45^ east,
two chains to the bank of the St. Lawrence river ; thence
along the water's edge thereof, to where the southerly line
of Morris street intersects the river , thence south, 44J° east,
thirty-one chains and fifty links to a stake ; thence south,
45 J° west, forty chains to a stake ; thence north, 44J° west,
forty-one chains to beginning. The present liberties were
laid off in 1873 by order of the county court, and contain
455 acres, the limits of which are marked by stone monu-
ments planted at the corners of the same, and the intersec-
tion of the same with the streets of the village of Canton.
The " liberties' ' are rectangular, with the jail centrally located
therein, and includes the entire business portion of the vil-
lage on both sides of the river and the railroad depot,
giving the debtors who give bail for their presence thereon
a good and pleasant ramble.
POOR-HOUSES AND ASYLUMS.
The first compulsory charity within the limits of the
present " Empire State," was that which the act of the colo-
nial assembly of April, 1691, provided for, whereby the
towns of the colony were required to support their own
poor, and whereby, also, safeguards were thrown around the
system to prevent imposition upon the authorities. The
assembly of 1 683 may have also provided for such support,
and so, also, may have the Dutch burghers before that, but
the first laws we find recorded on the subject are those re-
ported in Bradford's edition of the Colonial Laws from 1691
to 1773, published in London, which gives the first act as
passed in April of the former year.
The legislature in 1778 provided for the support of the
poor by towns and cities, and later on for the building of
poor-houses by towns and counties. Previous to the adop-
tion of the poor-house system by St. Lawrence County each
town in the county supported its own poor.
'■■' The liberties arc certain prescribed limits contiguous to the jail,
in which persons Imprisoned for debt may have their liberty to range
at pleasure, upon giving security that they will not leave the limits
without authority from the court. Imprisonment for debt was
abolished in 1831, except for fraud, or attempting to remove, or conceal
property from creditors, and the " code" of 1847 continues the same
exceptions.
HISTORY 0P ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
97
The first action taken by the board of supervisors in re-
gard to a poor-house for the county was at the annual
meeting in 1825, when a vote was carried through by eleven
yeas to seven nays to purchase a farm and build a house,
and a certificate to that effect filed with the county clerk.
The sum of $2400 was voted for the purpose above named,
to be raised in three equal annual installments. Smith Still-
well, Josiah Sanford, and Chauncey Pettibone were ap-
pointed commissioners to locate the site and make the pur-
chase. At an adjourned meeting held in January, 1826,
several attempts were mkde to agree upon a site for the
poor-house, but without success, and the commissioners
previously appointed were discharged from further duty,
and subsequently new commissioners were appointed, viz.,
John C. Perkins, Samuel Northrup, and Reuben Streeter,
with power to purchase a site. This appointment was re-
considered, and a lot of eighty acres, known as the " Nathan
Walker lot," situated one mile west of Canton village, on
the De Kalb road, was purchased of David C. Johnson for
§1250. An appropriation of $500 was made to repair the
buildings and stock the farm. A board of seven superin-
tendents of the poor-house was appointed, viz. : Asa
Sprague, Jr., Daniel Walker, Smith Stillwell, Samuel Par-
tridge, Silas Wright, Jr., Joseph Barnes, and Ephraim S.
Raymond. In 1827 $500 additional were raised to erect
another building at the poor-house.
In 1832 the distinction between the town and county
poor was abolished. In 1842 fifty acres of land were
added to the farm at a cost of $1066, and new buildings
erected and other improvements added. In 1846 an addi-
tion was made to the poor-house, constructed of stone. In
1861 a resolution looking to the erection of a new poor-
house was passed by the board of supervisors, and A. B.
James and Edw. W. Foster were appointed a committee on
plans, but no further action was taken in the matter until
1865, when the board voted, at the annual meeting in No-
vember, to purchase the Herriman farm, containing 330
acres, at $50 per acre, situated two and a half miles north
of Canton village, and to build a poor-house thereon not to
exceed in cost $40,000. The farm was accordingly pur-
chased, and a building committee appointed, viz., M. D.
Packard, Seth G. Pope, and T. S. Clarkson (2d), who
advertised for proposals for the erection of the buildings
in accordance with the plans adopted, but received none
bringing the cost of the building within the appropriation
of $40,000. The committee then proceeded to the making
of brick, quarrying stone, and cutting timber for the
building on the farm, and at the annual meeting in
1867 the appropriation was increased to $50,000. The
building was completed by the committee in 1869, and ac-
cepted by the board of supervisors in November of that
year. The cost of the buildings amounted to $48,788.58 ;
of the barn and repairs on other outbuildings, $2348.05 ;
of the farm, $16,500; total expenditure, $67,626.63. The
old poor farm sold for $6500. In 1872 twenty wards were
fitted up for the confinement of the insane poor, at a cost of
$1400. The manner in which the indigent of the county
are cared for speaks volumes for the humanity and benevo-
lence of the people of the wealthy county of St. Lawrence.
The farm is well tilled and fairly productive, and the un-
13
fortunates committed to the care of those immediately in
charge of them are cared for humanely and as comfortably
as is possible with such a class of dependents.
The actual cost of keeping the fifty-six paupers who
were provided for the first year of the operation of the
poor-house system was $1055.53, 869 weeks of board being
furnished. The second year, 1329 weeks' board were fur-
nished, costing $2731.87. There were furnished during
the year ending Nov. 1, 1877, 8046 weeks of board at a
cost less than $1 per week, or $8021.54.
In 1859 the products of the farm amounted to $1247,
and the live stock was valued at $860, and utensils, furni-
ture, etc., at $1700. In 1868 the products of the poor
farm were valued at $3563, which left a net profit of $106
on its management, inclusive of interest on its cost. In
1870 cheese was made which sold for $752. In 1874 the
products of the farm amounted to $4485.08. The report
of the superintendents for the year ending Nov. 1, 1877,
makes the following exhibit : The products of the farm
were valued at $4285, the implements on hand, at $1231 ;
the furniture in the house, at $1659 ; the improvements
made on the farm during the year, at $190 ; and sundries on
hand, at $1143 ; 155 persons were received during the year,
and 146 discharged; 11 absconded, 22 died, and there
were 8 births in the house ; 4 children were bound out,
and 141 remained in the house and asylum at the date of
the report, 70 males and 71 females. Of these unfortu-
nates, 25 were insane, 5 were blind, 19 were idiotic, and
3 were deaf mutes. The temporary relief supplied by
the superintendents in the several towns amounted to
$35,167.68, which, together with the expenses of the poor-
house ($8021.54, and children's home $2984.24), made
$46,173.46 expended for sweet charity's sake, besides the
appropriations for the State charities.
In 1842 the increasing expense of the pauper relief af-
forded called out a letter from the board of supervisors to
the superintendents of the poor-house, calling attention to
what the letter characterized as the exorbitant charges al-
lowed by the superintendents in their auditing capacity, and
asking for a closer scrutiny of the personal services of the
overseers of the poor, " which, many times, exceeded the
amount of relief granted," and physicians' bills, and thought
" the latter should not make the misfortunes of the public
a source of profit." The board recommended that hence-
forth the superintendents, before they granted temporary
relief, "should ascertain whether or not the applicants
therefor could not relieve themselves by work, and if so, to
apply the Scripture rule, ' If there be any among you that
will not work, neither shall he eat.' "
The amount of appropriations made for the relief of the
poor in St. Lawrence County by the board of supervisors
since the adoption of the poor-house system is as follows,
exclusive of amounts paid for farm and buildings :
Inside Poor- Outsule Poor- Tntni
Year. House. House. ■^°™'-
1827 $1,918.51 $1,918.51
1828 2,731.87 2,731.87
1829 1,649.23 1,649.23
1830 673.26 S661.50 1,134.76
18.31 2,877.62 3,160.00 6,037.62
1832 2,019.26 2,000.00 4,019.26
1833 2,683.12 3,881.94 6,566.06
1834 2,477.00 3,290.34 5,767.34
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Inside Poor- Outside Poor- Total.
Year. House. House.
1835 $2,166.15 $2,660.63 $4,726.78
1836 2,649.19 2,836.01 6,485.20
1837 ■ 2,493.03 6,081.70 8,674.73
1838 2,600.00 6,677.00 9,177.00
1839 ; 5,049.84 6,017.74 11,067.68
1840 3,711.58 4,947.20 8,668.78
1841 3,494.69 5,709.98 9,204.67
1842 3,014.46 6,.334.83 9,349.29
1843 .. ,3,.625.43 5,278.62 8,803.95
1844" 3,839.15 5,182.09 9,021.24
1845 3,000.00 5,641.53 8,641.63
1846 2,784.03 4,926.42 7,710.45
1847 3,630.61 6,311.75 9,942.26
1848..; ^ 4,756.38 7,641.54 12,397.92
1849 4,332.35 8,2.37.26 12,569.61
1850 4,357.03 7,846.62 12,203.55
1851 5,471.18 8,626.00 13,997.18
1862 6,166.04 9,119.25 16,286.29
1863 8,497.18 8,431.11 16,928.29
1854 5,517.99 11,127.62 16,645.61
1855 6,987.35 11,557.67 18,644.92
1856 4,927.25 11,630.12 16,567..37
1867 6,231.98 12,766.73 18,997.71
1858 : 7,696.43 13,944.38 21,640.81
1859 6,358.81 15,141.84 21.500.65
I860 8,246.36 16,884.59 26,130.95
1861 8,4,38.96 17,6.35.76 26,074.72
1862 8,859.62 20,259.20 29,118.72
1863 8,466.39 27,012.62 35,479.01
1864 7,765.58 31,043.86 38,809.44
1865 9,440.36 35,542.49 44,982.85
1866 13,461.14 31,312.04 44,773.18
1867 13,076.00 31,360.07 44,436.07
1868 8,623.19 32,396.90 41.020.09
1869 10,627.66 34,056.59 44,684.15
1870 12,293.16, 28,781.43 41,074.59
1871 12,143.25 31,389.93 43,533.18
1872 9,027.35 30,039.89 39,067-24
1873 8,339.23 27,615.35 36,954.58
1874 6,615,16 27,682.26 34,197.42
1875 7,624.83 27,700.62 35,325.46
1876 7,263.15 28,012.49 35,266.64
1877 8,021.64 35,167.68 43,189.22
Total for 51 years, $205,942.54 $689,960.93 $795,903.47
Add to these figures the amounts expended for that other
charity, to give homeless waifs the comforts of a temporary
abiding-place, — $5451.91, — and the grand aggregate of the
county's charities to the unfortunate in its own borders
for the last half-century reaches the munificent sum of
$801,355. Besides this enormous expenditure, for many
years past appropriations have been made yearly for the
State charities, those for the year to come amounting to
$693.31. Who shall say, in the face of the figures and
facts, that St. Lawrence County is a " soulless corporation?"
The cost of disbursing the charities of the county for
the year 1877 was $1529.71, which sum was allowed the
superintendents of the poor-house for their services and
traveling fees.
THE SUPERINTENDENTS OP THE POOR
were first appointed by the board of supervisors, and this
method obtained in St. Lawrence County until the office
was made an elective one. The position has been filled as
follows :
1825. — Asa Sprague, Jr., Daniel "Walker, Smith Stillwell, Samuel
Partridge, Silas Wright, Jr., Joseph Barnes, and Ephraim S. Ray-
mond.
1826.— Silas Wright, Jr., Geo. N. Seymour, Daniel Stone, Joseph
Ames (2d), Jabez Welles.
1827.— Smith Stillwell, Joseph Ames, Benjamin Squires, Silas
Baldwin, Jr., Daniel Stone.
1828.— Samuel Partridge, Marcus Allen, John MoCall, Daniel
Stone, Simoon D. Moody.
1829.— Simeon D. Moody, George Guest, Aaron Atwood, Jabez
Welles, Christopher G. Stowe.
1830.— Aaron Atwood, C. G. Stone, Jabez Welles, ErastusVilaa, S.
D. Moody.
1831. — The satne as last, except Aloy Smith in place of Atwood.
1832-33. — Stowe, Vilas, Moody, A. Z. Madison, Ansel Bailey.
1834. — Royal Vilas vice Brastus Vilas.
1836. — Gideon Sprague and Rodolphus D. Searle vice Vilas and
Bailey.
1836.— -Josiah Waid vice Sprague.
1837-39. — Calvin T. Hulburd vice Madison.
1840. — Ebenezer Miner vice Moody.
1841-42. — Frederick Sprague vice Hulburd.
1843. — Norman Sackruler vice Moody.
1844. — Myron G. Peck vice Sprague.
1845-46. — N. Sackruler, B. Miner, and Luke Baldwin.
1847-50. — Sackruler, Baldwin, Joseph Barnes, A. Burt, Hiram
Hurlbut.
1861-63.— Luke Baldwin, P. Converse, S. P. Oliver.
1864-65. — L. Chamberlain vice Oliver.
1856-70. — P. Caldwell vice Converse.
1861-77. — David Fields vice Baldwin, deceased.
1862-66. — Levi E. Waterbury vice Chamberlain, resigned.
1866-67. — Julius Judson vice Waterbury.
1870-77. — Geo. Robinson vice Caldwell.
1871-77.- Fred. P. Baloh vice Judson.
THE children's HOME
was established in the early part of the year 1876 by the
superintendents of the poor-house, under the direction of
the board. It is situated in the village of Canton, on the
west side of the river, in a pleasant and healthy location,
the present building being rented for the purpose at a
rental of the interest on $2500 per annum. It will accom-
modate fifty children, though no more than thirty-six have
so far been in the house at one time. The expenses for
the first year of its management amounted to $2334.35, in-
cluding $850 for repairs and furniture. Forty-seven chil-
dren, from two to twelve years of age, were admitted the
first year ; eleven found homes, five absconded, and thirty
remained in the institution at the date of the first report of
the superintendents. The ladies of Canton assisted in get-'
ting bedding, etc., and rendered a helping hand generally.
The visiting committee appointed at the annual meeting of
the supervisors, in 1876, reported as follows: " Taking into
consideration the fact that this is our first year, and that
the building occupied is only a rented one, — not originally
designed for its present use, — we were well satisfied with
all that came under our observation. It is evident a new
building, specially arranged for the purpose, is needed to
make its management wholesome and economical. We be-
lieve that in establishing this institution a long step has
been taken in the right direction towards diminishing
pauperism, and is in entire harmony with the spirit which
at the present time, in our State and the country at large,
is so bravely and generously stimulating and supporting
every movement calculated to relieve distress, and help the
unfortunate ones whom misfortune has rendered helpless.
We bespeak for the Children's Home the interest and good-
will of our citizens, for we can think of nothing more
hopeless and discouraging than the dreary childhood of a
homeless orphan." The committee were E. W. Foster,
Wm. Bradford, and E. R. Turner. Geo. Robinson, the
superintendent of the poor, under whose immediate super-
vision and management the home was established and
managed, in making his report thereon at the end of the
first year, invited the board of supervisors to visit the home,
saying, " You will find some happy little faces to greet you,
who will in after-years thank and bless you for what you
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
99
do for them now." Several of the supervisors availed
themselves of the opportunity and visited the home with
the committee, and expressed themselves well satisfied with
the success of the experiment thus far.
The following is a summary of the report of the super-
intendent for the second year, ending Nov. 1, 1877 :
Thirty children were admitted to the home during the
year, and twenty-three settled in comfortable homes. A
school was taught in the home for thirty-eight weeks, and
a Sunday-school, organized at the establishment of the
home by the young gentlemen and ladies of the Presby-
terian church of Canton, has been maintained successfully
to the present time, and has been a factor of worth in the
good work of the institution. The expenses of the home
for the year amounted to the sum of $3117.56, which in-
cludes rent, insurance, teaching, medical attendance, food,
and clothing; 2236 weeks of board being supplied at an
average of f 1.40 per week, which, under the circumstances,
does not appear to the visiting and auditing committee to
be an unreasonable expense. The manager of the home,
Geo. Robinson, one of the superintendents of the poor-
house, and also the committee of the board of supervisors,
strongly recommended in their reports the erection of suit-
able buildings as an economical and sanitary measure.
The matron of the home since its organization is Mrs.
Howard, who is assisted in her duties by Miss Buck.
CHAPTER VI.
STATISTICAL.
Population — Elections — Industry and Wealth — Agricultural Societies
- — -Dairymen's Association — Board of Trade — Valuations and Tax-
ation— The Taxes of Sixty-eight Tears ; " There's Millions in It"
— State Loan — U. S. Deposit Fund — Wolf Bounties.
The following table exhibits the population of the sev-
eral towns in the county, as shown by the censuses :
TOWNS.
1810.
1820.
1825.
1830.
1836.
1840.
1845.
401
1,898
828
2,440
939
2,412
2,118
3,466
2,218
699
1,337
4,035
Colton.
466
DeKalb
541
709
766
787
1,060
814
633
1,200
788
739
1,531
1,074
956
1,723
Be Peyster
1,138
1,064
Fine
243
Fowler
605
765
1,671
1,267
1,447
1,552
767
688
827
1,097
1,891
1,076
J, 671
1,796
1,327
870
910
1,241
2,411
1,316
1,762
2,538
1,845
1,271
1,147
1,845
3,508
1,693
1,840
227
2,600
Hammond..
1,911
1,580
372
581
884
1,435
2,066
Lisbon
820
930
831
1,474
864
4,376
Louisville
1,970
1,113
1,420
955
1,930
944
837
2,639
1,701
1,723
665
3,133
959
558
3,469
2,070
1,618
1,039
3,924
1,479
749
4,069
2,288
2,339
1,373
4,656
1,667
922
4,611
2,726
2,809
1,728
5,719
2,260
1,430
396
4,473
1,653
1,373
2,995
4,376
2,798
Morristown
2,328
Norfolk
1,644
1,245
1,661
594
235
6,414
Parishville
2,090
1,450
563
Potsdam
928
1,911
869
486
822
3,112
1,074
480
1,449
.3,650
660
669
1,944
3,810
666
722
2,047
4,856
Rossie
1,386
Russell
394
307
1,499
3,293
Total
7,885
16,037
27,506
36,361
42,047
56,706
62,354
Brasher
Canton
Clifton
Colton
DeKalb
De Peyster
Edwards
Fine
Fowler
Gouverneur
Hammond
Ilerraon
Hopkinton r
Lawrence
Lisbon
Louisville
Macomb
Madrid
Massena
Morristown
Norfolk
Ogdensburg City
1st Ward
2d Ward
3d Ward
Oswegatchie
Parishville
Pierrepont
Pitcairn
Potsdam
Rossie
Russell
Stockholm
Waddington
In asylums, penal institu-
tions, etc
1850.
2,548
4,685
Total 68,617 74,997 83,689
606
2,389
906
1,023
293
1,813
2,783
1,819
1,690
1,470
2,209
5,209
2,054
1,197
4,856
2,915
2,274
1,753
2,668
4,995
7,766
2,131
1,469
503
5,349
1,471
1,808
3,661
1,040
2,676
1,163
1,180
316
1,620
2,856
1,875
1,648
1,664
2,365
5,109
2,120
1,<
4,862
2,701
2,111
1,804
3,377
6,379
10,060
2,114
1,834
531
6,631
1,480
2,108
3,790
1,400
3,182
1,249
1,287
519
1,808
.3,201
1,968
1,690
1,990
2,828
6,640
2,310
1,816
1,978
2,926
2,284
2,329
3,348
5,964
10,821
2,296
2,267
577
6,737
1,609
2,380
4,074
2,768
1,481
3,102
1,187
1,180
487
1,748
2,915
1,819
1,667
1,941
2,719
6,078
2,237
1,788
2,109
2,741
1,881
1,876
18Y5.
11,091
2,319
2,423
668
6,441
1,8.36
2,625
3,770
2,663
3,342
6,014
221
1,719
3,11
1,138
1,076
603
1,785
3,539
1,767
1,792
1,907
2,677
4,475
2,132
1,673
2,071
2,560
1,964
2,441
10,076
3,203
2,889
3,984
3,018
3,241
2,391
667
7,774
1,661
2,688
3,819
2,699
),994| 84,826 84,124
3,486
6,018
86
1,686
3,044
1,221
1,094
760
1,633
3,830
1,815
1,806
1,956
2,641
4,211
2,039
1,760
1,968
2,709
1,849
2,476
>13,204
2,043
2,310
868
7,417
1,765
2,417
,3,550
2,516
47
The total population of the State in 1875 was 4,704,394.
In 1810 there were 14,638 slaves in the State, 5 in the
county, and they had increased to 8 in the county in 1820 ;
but in 1830 all the people of the State were free. In 1850
the population was divided among the sexes as follows:,
34,996 were males, and 33,582 were females ; 39 were col-
ored, the females of the latter being in the majority by one.
4,358 were native born Americans, outside of the State ;
13,713 were foreign born, and the remainder, 43,546, were
born in the State. These people constituted 11,914 fami-
lies, who dwelt in 11,704 houses.
In 1870 there were resident in the county 42,007 males
and 42,819 females, of all ages. From 5 to 18 years there
were 13,088 boys and 12,932 girls ; from 18 to 45 years, the
males numbered 12,932 and the females 15,034. Of males
of 21 years and upwards there were 20,806, and of male
citizens there were 17,612. Of the native born popula-
tion there were 66,607, whose nativity was as follows : New
York, 59,403 ; Massachusetts, 884 ; Connecticut, 275 ;
Vermont, 4572; Pennsylvania, 78 ; New Jersey, 71. Of
the foreign born there were 18,219, whose nativity was as
follows : British America, 10,067 ; England and Wales,
1367; Ireland, 5688; Scotland, 891; Germany, 108;
France, 36 ; Sweden and Norway, 8. Eight of the abo-
riginal lords proprietary of the country, or their descendants
rather, — Indians, — were returned as part of the population
of the county.
In 1875 there were 19,266 voters in the county, 14,925
being native born and 4341 naturalized aliens. There were
*■ City of Ogdensburg included in this number.
100
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
of this class of citizens in the State 1,138,661, of whom
743,298 were natives and 395,363 foreign born and natur-
alized.
ELECTIONS.
The first election by the people in what is now the State
of New York, was that of the "Twelve Men," in 1641,
held under the Dutch rule. The first election under the
English was that of the assembly of 1665, for the promul-
gation of the " Duke's Laws." The first election under the
authority of the people themselves, was that one held in
March, 1775, to elect deputies to the provincial convention,
which met in New York, the 20th of April following, to
choose delegates to the Continental Congress, which assem-
bled at Philadelphia, on May 10, 1775. Down to the
adoption of the State constitution in 1777, elections were
held before the sherifiFs by a poU or viva voce vote. The
constitution provided for the ballot system to be tried, after
the war then waging had ceased, as an " experiment,"
guarding the same, however, with a provision, that " if the
experiment proved unsatisfactory, the former method," or
some other, should be returned to. In pursuance of this
provision, a law was passed March 27, 1778, authorizing the
use of the ballot in elections for governor and lieutenant-gov-
ernor, but retaining the viva voce system for members of the
legislature ; but in 1787, Feb. 3, the restriction was done
away, and the ballot system introduced generally. The in-
spector system was introduced at this time (1787), and, with
some changes, still obtains. Local boards in each election dis-
trict at first canvassed the returns ; the result was recorded
by the town clerk, who forwarded the same to the county
clerk, who recorded it in his office, and forwarded it to the
secretary of state, who also recorded it, when the votes were
canvassed by a. State board, consisting of the secretary of
•state, comptroller, and treasurer, on or before the 8tli of
June, and who published the result. By the act of 1787,
general elections were held on the last Tuesday in April,
and might be held five days. By the act of April 17, 1822,
a board of county canvassers was instituted, consisting of
one inspector of elections from each town, and the attorney-
general and surveyor-general were added to the State can-
vassers. The general election day was changed to the first
Monday in November, and could be held by adjournment
from place to place in each town or ward, for three days.
In 1842, the date of holding general elections was changed
to the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in November,
and the balloting confined to one day. By this last act the
supervisors of the respective counties were constituted the
boards of county canvassers, which system is in vogue at
the present time.
ELECTORS.
Under the assembly of 1691, electors were required to
be residents of the electoral district at least three months
prior to the issue of the writ, and to be possessed of a free-
hold worth £40. " Freemen" of the corporations paying
a rental of 40s. per annum, were also admitted to the rin-ht
of sufl!rage. Catholics were not allowed to vote, nor to be
elected, and Quakers and Moravians were at first virtually
disfranchised, and remained so until they were allowed to
affirm. Under the first constitution, electors were required
to have a residence of six months, and such as were free-
holders of estates of £20 in the county, or paid a rental of
40s. per annum, and actually paid taxes, could vote for rep-
resentatives to the legislature. Freemen of New York and
Albany also were voters, for these and inferior officials, with-
out the property qualifications ; but to cast a ballot for
governor, lieutenant-governor, and senators, required the
possession of a freehold worth £100 over and above all
debts charged thereon. In 1811 these values were changed to
corresponding sums in the Federal currency, viz., $250, 850,
and $5. No discrimination was made against blacks and
mulattoes, except that they were required to produce au-
thenticated certificates of freemen. The constitution of
1821 extended the elective franchise to every male citizen
of the age of twenty-one years, being a resident of the
State one year preceding any election, and of the town or
county where he offered to vote six months, provided he
had paid taxes, or was exempt from taxation, or had per-
formed military duty, or was a fireman ; and also to every
such citizen being a resident of the State three years, and
of the county one year, who had performed highway labor,
or paid an equivalent therefor during the year. Colored
persons were not voters unless possessed of a freehold of
$250 value, were residents of State three years, and had
paid taxes on the full value of their estates, above incum-
brances thereon. In 1826, the elective franchise was made
free to all white male citizens, without property qualifications
of any kind ; that qualification, however, was retained for
colored citizens. In 1845, the property qualification re-
quired for the holding of office under the constitutions of
the State up to that date, was abrogated by the people. In
1846, and again in 1860, propositions for equal suffrage to
colored persons were rejected by the people by heavy ma-
jorities. By the amendment to the constitution adopted
by the people Nov. 3, 1874, " Every male citizen of the
age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a citizen for
ten days, and an inhabitant of the State one year next pre-
ceding an election, and for the last four months a resident
of the county, and for the last thirty days a resident in the
election district in which he may offer his vote," is entitled
to vote at such election. Elective officers under the first
constitution were limited to the governor, lieutenant-gov-
ernor, senators, and assemblymen, and the town officers, loan
officers, county treasurers, and clerks of supervisors, were
appointed as the legislature provided. All other civil and
military officers were to be appointed by the council of ap-
pointment, unless otherwise designated in the constitution.
Under the second constitution, the list of elective officers
was greatly extended, and the power of appointment of
those not elective conferred on the governor. In 1846,
two hundred and eighty-nine officers were thus appointed.
The list of appointive officers is very limited at the present
time.
The political sentiments of the people of St. Lawrence
County will be shown by the following tabulated statement
of the votes cast at gubernatorial elections from 1810 to
1826, and those at presidential elections from 1828 to 1876,
inclusive. An election for senators, in 1808, was the firet
election of which returns arc recorded in the county records,
so far as ascertained, and the vote stood as follows : For
Hopkins, McNiol, Forman, and Henry, 258; for Blood-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
101
good, Rich, Martin, and Halsey, 236. The first town-
meeting was held in 1801, being that of Lisbon, while a
part of Clinton county.
FOB GOVERNOR.
1810. Jonas Piatt 676
1813. Stephen Van Rens-
sellaer 631
1816. Kufas King 530
1820. Be Witt Clinton 803
1812. Joteph C. Yates 1653
1824. be Witt Clinton 1732
1826. Be Witt Clinton.... 1761
D. D. Tomplcine.,
301
D. S. Tompkins 238
B. D. Tompkins 461
D. D. Tompkins 431
Scattering 7
Samuel Young 1123
Wm. B. Rochester 1337
Total.
877
869
991
1234
1660
2855
3098
Those in italics were elected.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
1828. Whig, 2,647; Democratic, 2,575.
1832. " 2,784; " 3,318.
1836. " 2,235; " 3,089
1840. " 4,803; " 4.751
1844. " 4,672; " 6,008 ; Abolition, 468
1848. " 3,667; " 614 ; Free-Soil, 6,023
1852. " 4,570; " 5,584; Abolition, 1,014
; Democratic, 1,950; American, 1,332.
11,324; Opposition, 4,056
10,864; Democratic, 4,048
11,888; " 3,941
11,331; " 4,395
13,465; " 5,784
1856. Republican, 9,i
I860.
1864.
1868.
1872.
1876.
The vote of 1876, by towns, was as follows :
Brasher
Canton
Clifton
Colton
DeKalb
De Peyster...
Edwards
Fine
Fowler
Grouverneur..
Hammond....
Harmon
Hayes.
350
926
16
305
602
250
182
144
270
669
320
297
Hopkinton 389
Lawrence 416
Louisville 269
Lisbon 903
Macomb 284
Madrid 353
Massena 389
Morristown 396
Norfolk 289
Oswegatchie 1460
Parishville 439
Pierrepont 442
Pitcairn 151
Potsdam ~. 1268
Rossie 229
Russell 375
Stockholm 677
Waddington 416
Til den.
308
534
6
103
110
41
90
48
133
257
108
158
71
138
178
201
119
145
185
ni
215
1123
78
116
42
438
134
210
179
206
Total.
5,222
6,102
5,324
9,654
11,148
10,304
11,168
12,980
15,380
14,912
15,829
15,726
19,249
Total.
658
1460
22
408
712
291
272
192
403
926
428
455
460
554
437
1104
403
498
674
607
504
2583
517
558
193
1706
363
686
856
620
Popular questions submitted to the people, have been
disposed of by the electors of St. Lawrence County as
follows :
1821 — For the amended constitution
Against the same
1826 — For the election of justices of the peace and extend-
ing the right of suffrage 2,392
Against the same 34
1845 — For convention to revise constitution 5,611
Against the same 328
For the abrogation of property qualitication for office 5,254
Against the same 5
1846 — For the adoption of the amended constitution 6,824
Against the same 235
For equal suffrage to colored persons 2,585
Against the same 4,867
1849— For free-school law 4,997
Against the same 2,546
1850— For repeal of free-school law 4,628
Against the same 3,550
1860 — For equal suffrage to colored citizens 8,899
Against the same 4,413
1864— For soldiers voting 7,116
Against the same 190
1866 — For act to create state debt to pay bounties 8,205
Against the same 646
1866 — For convention to amend constitution 10,156
Against the same 829
1869 — For the adoption of amended constitution 6,639
Against the same 2,670
For the judiciary article 1,083
Against the same 7,289
For uniform rule of assessment and taxation 5,082
Against the same 3,577
For property qualification for colored persons 2,359
Against the same 7,215
1870 — For an act to fund canal debt 2,261
Against the same 10,420
1872 — For amendment in relation to court of appeals 7,194
Against the same 34
For act to create State debt for general fund deficiencies 7,528
Against the same 109
1873 — For appointment of judges 982
Against the same 5,617
1874 — On eleven proposed amendments to the constitution
submitted, the average vote on each stood as follows :
For their adoption 7,154
Against the same 1,718
1876 — For abolition of canal commissioners and appoint-
ment of superintendent of public works, and the
abolition of inspectors of State's prisons and ap-
pointment of a superintendent of State's prisons.... 10,942
Against the same 1,009
INDUSTRY AND WEALTH.
In 1810 St. Lawrence County had 247 looms, making
19,047 yards woolen, 36,000 of linen, and 1,926 of mixed
cloth ; 5 fulling-mills, dressing 14,000 yards ; 2 carding-
maehines, using 10,500 lbs. wool ; 12 tanneries, using 1767
hides ; 2 distilleries, making 25,000 gallons spirits, worth
80 cents per gallon, and 1 trip hammer.
The State census of 1835 gives the following statistics of
the industry and wealth of St. Lawrence County at that
date :
There were 151,483 acres of improved lands in the
county, 54,581 head of neat cattle, 10,040 horses, 81,789
sheep, and 32,437 swine. There were in operation 41
grist-mills, 110 saw-mills, 1 oil-mill, 27 fulling-mills, 24
carding-machines, 3 woolen factories, 8 iron works, 8 trip
hammers and forges, 4 distilleries, 45 asheries, 1 paper-
mill, 1 brewery, and 25 tanneries, which used and manu-
factured raw materials to the value of $485,897, and the
value of the manufactured product of the same was re-
turned at $690,772. There were manufactured 68,677
yards of fulled cloth, 82,549 yards of flannels and such like
goods, 64,369 yards of cotton, linen, and other thin fabrics,
in 1834.
The census of 1840 gave the following exhibits: 16 iron
furnaces, 6 blooms and forges, 4 lead smelting works, em-
ployed 687 men, and a capital of $322,000, and produced
2462 tons of cast-iron, 185 tons bar-iron, and 270,000 pounds
of lead. The iron works consumed 3971 tons of fuel. The
total capital employed in manufactures aggregated $815,000,
and the value of the product was placed at $553,000.
There were 158 houses engaged in trade, employing 238
men, and a capital of $561,000. The agricultural exhibit
was as follows: 11,088 horses, 61,455 neat cattle, 125,821
sheep, 41,889 hogs, and 12,510 bipeds of the poultry species.
There were produced the year previous (1830) 278,007
bushels wheat, 24,018 bushels of barley, 334,009 bushels
of oats, 23,571 bushels of rye, 34,312 bushels of buck-
wheat, 204,824 bushels of corn, 236,863 pounds of wool,
3560 pounds of hops, 547 pounds of beeswax, 1,412,272
102
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bushels of potatoes, 99,813 tons of hay, 25 tons of flax and
hemp, 10 tons of silk cocoons, 848.132 pounds maple sugar,
and 16,468 cords of wood were sold. The product of the
dairy was valued at ^260,509, and the orchard product at
the sum of $14,823. The women's work on home-made
goods amounted to the sum of 1136,635, and their market
gardens produced $40,136 worth of vegetables and small
fruits. Lumber to the value of $14,690 was manufactured,
and 897 tons of pot and pearl ashes found a market from
the forests of the county. Skins and furs to the value of
$3316 were taken from the forest likewise by 85 men who
were thus employed. There were employed in the county
at the time of taking the census 88 persons in mining,
12,190 in agricultural pursuits, 238 in commerce, 2141 in
manufactures and the trades, 15 in navigating the high
seas, 95 in navigation of the lakes, canals, and rivers, 193
in the learned professions, and 117 were pensioners for
military services rendered by themselves or husbands.
In 1850 the census revealed the followino: interesting;
facts, as ascertained by the U. S. marshals. There were
6124 farms, containing 377,086 acres of improved lands ;
and there were 262,627 acres of unimproved lands returned
besides in the county, and this real estate, together with
the improvements and implements thereon, were valued at
$9,900,053. There were in the coilnty 13,811 horses and
mules, 74,361 neat cattle, 89,910 sheep, and 18,423 swine.
In 1849 there were produced in the county 289,956 bushels
of wheat, 380,757 bushels of rye and oats, 244,690 bushels
of corn, 476,934 bushels of potatoes, 56,319 bushels of
peas and beans, 16,520 bushels of barley, 19,227 bushels
of buckwheat, 4,473,368 pounds of butter and cheese,
122,688 tons of hay, 101,855 pounds of hops, 2806 bushels
clover and other grass-seeds, 149 bushels flax-seed, 3045
pounds of flax, 1,236,504 pounds of maple sugar, 80 gal-
lons of molasses, 100 pounds of tobacco, 287,900 pounds
of wool, and 23,013 pounds of honey and beeswax. The
value of animals slaughtered was returned at $284,571, and
the market-gardens produced $4468 worth of " truck," and
the orchards $29,955 ; 10 gallons of wine were also made
by some one " for sickness," probably. There were killed
in the county during 1849-50, 3500 deer, valued at $3
per head.
The manufacturing establishments carried an investment
of $1,141,370, employed 1516 hands (counting two for one),
and produced goods of various kinds valued at $1,783,617.
Domestic goods to the value of $82,812 were manufactured
by families within their own doors.
The census of 1860 contained the following exhibit of
the county's industry and wealth : There were returned as
improved 571,973 acres of land, and 278,130 acres unim-
proved, and the cash value of farms wasplaced at $22,442,701
and the value of farming implements and machinery at
$942,808. The live-stock was valued at $3,994,406, and
consisted of 19,915 horses, 4 mules, 68,734 milch cows,
4232 working oxen, 35.273 other cattle, 56,522 sheep, and
27,149 swine. The products of the farm and dairy were
as follows: 579,810 bushels of wheat, 41,532 bushels of
rye, 263,562 bushels of corn, 828,007 bushels of oats, 25
pounds of tobacco, 204,490 pounds of wool, 92,260 bushels
of peas and beans, 1,094,718 bushels of potatoes, 175 I
bushels of sweet potatoes, 57,150 bushels of barley, 31,118
bushels of buckwheat; $35,023, value of orchard products
316 gallons of wine; $15,872, value of products of market-
gardens, 7,193,597 pounds of butter, 2,353,887 pounds of
cheese, 165,634 tons of hay, 25 bushels of clover-seed
4433 bushels grass-seed, 99,833 pounds of hops, 809
pounds of flax, 26 bushels flax-seed, 1,378,142 pounds of
maple sugar, 2740 gallons of molasses, 2578 pounds of
beeswax, 44,351 pounds of honey; $47,483 in value of
home-made manufactures, and the animals slaughtered were
valued at $494,513.
There were 367 manufacturing establishments in the
county, of various kinds, with an invested capital of
$1,094,061, which gave employment to 1206 males and 78
females, to whom they paid $353,073 for wages ; the cost
of the raw materials used was placed at $1,197,260, and
the value of the manufactured product was returned at
$1,950,184.
The census of 1870 contained the following returns of
agricultural statistics : 664,823 acres of improved lands
were returned, and the value of farms placed at $57,661,214
and the value of all farm productions, including better-
ments and additions to stock, was estimated at $9,598,071
for the year previous. Live-stock was valued at $8,739,900,
and consisted of 24,126 horses, 87,293, milch cows, 1612
working oxen, 62,632 sheep, and 16,981 swine.
The products of the farm and dairy for the year 1869
were as follows: Spring wheat, 257,623 bushels; winter
wheat, 12,078 bushels; rye, 35,295 bushels; corn, 174,840
bushels; oats, 1,077,345 bushels; barley, 196,421 bushels;
buckwheat, 57,078 bushels ; wool, 281,962 pounds; pota-
toes, 1,217,809 bushels; butter, 8,419,695 pounds; cheese,
1,710,082 pounds. There were 687 manufacturing estab-
lishments of various kinds, 36 of which were operated by
steam, and 563 by water-power, giving employment to 2922
persons, of whom 2,672 were males above the age of six-
teen years, 150 were females above the age of fifteen years,
and 100 were youths. The capital invested in these estab-
lishments amounted to $3,631,081 ; the wages paid, to
$821,429 ; the materials used, $3,697,952 ; and the man-
ufactured product was valued at $3,831,776.
The census of 1875, taken by the State authority, has
not, at this writing, been published, and the returns, except
on population, have been without the reach of the com-
pilers of this work, and hence are not given. However,
there has been a large increase in the dairy product of the
county, which at the present time forms the prominent fea-
ture of the agricultural productions of the county. There
are about eighty cheese-factories in the county, and from
ten to fifteen butter-factories. Nearly 100,000 cows are
milked in the county, and the gross income per head is es-
timated at $50. The first cheese-factory built in the county
was one at South Canton, in 1861.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
In the act of April 7, 1819, for encouraging these, St.
Lawrence received $100 for two years. A soci'ety entitled
" The St. Lawrence County Society for promoting agricul-
ture and domestic manufactures" was formed in 1822.
Membership, fifty cents annually. A meeting was to be
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
103
held on the last Wednesday of Pebraary, for the election
of officers, and on the third Tuesday and Wednesday of
October, for a fair, which was to be held at Canton, Pots-
dam, and Madrid, alternately. This society was abandoned
in one or two years.
On Feb. 4, 1834, a second society was formed at Ogdens-
burg, named the " St. Lawrence County Agricultural So-
ciety." Membership, one dollar annually. Not less than
two fairs were to be held annua.lly at Ogdensburg. Upon
the last day of the first fair in each year the officers were to
be elected. Its first officers were George Parish, president;
H. Van Rensselaer, Silas Wright, Jr., and J. C. Clarkson,
vice-presidents; Smith Stillwell, secretary; Wm. Bacon,
Smith Stillwell, Sylvester Gilbert, David C. Judson, U. H.
Orvis, G. Ogden, and Henry M. Fine, managers. This
also subsisted about two years, and at its first fair distrib-
uted 1227 among thiity-seven competitors, principally on
stock.
The general law of May 5, 1841, allowed this county
f 170 annually, for five years, and led to the formation of a
third society, of which R.. N. Harrison was president, and
a vice-president was appointed to each town, an executive
committee of seven, and a treasurer and two secretaries.
Their first feir (Oct. 7, 1841) distributed $361 in sixty-six
premiums. Their second (Sept. 14, 1842), $171 in fifty-
eight premiums. Nine years next ensued without an agri-
cultural society, when the board of supervisors, in 1851,
passed a resolution strongly in favor of another attempt,
and designated the Thursday evening following for a pre-
liminary meeting, to take measures for an organization.
Subsequent meetings were held, and on April 3, 1852, a
convention was held at the court-house, and a constitution
adopted. Henry Van Rensselaer was chosen president ;
Uriel H. Orvis, Jonah Sanford, and Hiram Johnson, vice-
presidents ; Henry G. Foote, secretary ; and Ebenezer
Miner, treasurer. A corresponding secretary was appointed
in each town. Elections are held on the second Tuesday
in June, at the court-house, when the president, vice-presi-
dents, secretary, and treasurer are chosen, and the executive
committee (who are the above officers) determine the time
in September and place for holding the annual fair, decide
upon tiie prizes, appoint judges or committees, and take
such action as may promote the objects of the society.
Membership, one dollar annually, and none but members
allowed to compete, for premiums. The fiscal year com-
mences with October. The constitution was signed by fifty
delegates who attended the convention.
The first fair of this society was held at Canton, Sept.
16, 17, 1852, on premises finely adapted for the purpose,
in the lower part of the village, and near Grasse river.
The grounds had been leased for a term of five years, and
inclosed by a close board fence. Both days were delight-
fully pleasant, and the crowds of intelligent farmers with
their families who attended bespoke the general interest
that was felt, and augured well of the future ; which augury '
has been well fulfilled in the subsequent success of the so-
ciety. There were 396 articles offered for premiums, very
many of which were highly creditable to the county.
The receipts of the first fair were $1274.81, and the
premiums ofl'ered amounted to f 299. In 1856 additional
lands were leased of J. F. Ames, adjoining the first tract
leased, and the track extended, and the whole grounds
fenced. In 1858 the lands before leased were purchased
for the society by E. Miner and L. E. B. Winslow, and the
grounds now contain 38 acres, on which permanent and
substantial buildings have been erected, consisting of floral,
dining, vegetable, and mechanical halls, with sheds for
stock, and a grand stand with a seating capacity for 3000
persons. The grounds are well watered, and graded with
walks and drive-ways, are beautifully shaded with trees on
the sloping front towards the river, and have a fine track for
the trial or speeding of horses. The cost of the fair-grounds,
with the present improvements, is not less than $15,000.
The society held its twenty-sixth annual fair on the 12th,
13th, and 14th of September, 1877, at which there were
2011 entries for exhibition, competing for $3500 in pre-
miums, and the total receipts were about $5000.
The show of blooded stock in the county, which began
at fifteen or twenty animals in 1852, has increased to from
two hundred or three'hundred fine animals. The value of
the society is shown also in other departments, in the
largely-increased number of exhibitors, and in the increasing
interest taken in the growing of roots and the different
kinds of grasses, and other measures for the improvement
of the soil and the herds for dairying purposes. The pres-
ent officers of the society are as follows : President, Gen.
N. M. Curtis, Ogdensburg; Treasurer, R. B. Ellsworth,
Canton ; Superintendent, Worth Chamberlain, Canton ;
Secretary, A. T. Martyn, Canton.
" The St. Lawrence County Dairymen's Association" was
organized January 9, 1872, by the dairymen of the county,
for the purpose of promoting the dairying interest. The
first election was held at that time, and a constitution
adopted, and monthly meetings have been since that time
to the present on the first Tuesday of each month, except
during the heated term, when they are suspended. At these
monthly meetings discussions of various topics touching on
the dairying interest are had, and a general annual conven-
tion is held on the first Tuesday in January, at which
papers are read by the ablest agriculturists and dairymen to
be had in the country, besides addresses from local speakers.
The association has been an efficient educator in its particu-
lar province, and has stimulated the dairymen of the county
to more intelligent practice and led them to improve their
herds by the introduction of better blood, as well as provid-
ing better care, food, and protection for them, thereby in-
creasing the flow of milk, and adding to its quality. The
first officers of the association were as follows : President,
E. H. Southworth ; a vice-president in each town in the
county ; Treasurer, H. J. Cook ; Secretary, A. T. Martyn
(from whom the facts were obtained as recited herein) ;
Corresponding Secretary, H. B. Parmer; Directors, C. H.
Brown, John May, Albert Langdon, C. N. Conkey. and
Lucius Crampton, who remain unchanged to the present,
Orson Wallace being added to the board December, 1877.
Dr. G. P. Cole, of Potsdam, has been president 1873-76 ;
G. M. Gleason, 1877 ; W. L. Rutherford, of Waddington,
1878; A. T. Martyn is still the secretary, and E. P. Tup-
per has been the treasurer since the first year.
The membership numbers from one hundred to one huu-
104
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
dred and fifty annually, and is composed of the leading
dairymen of the county, who have taken and still continue
a great interest in the association and its work.
THE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY DAIRYMBN's BOARD OF
TRADE.
This organization is an outgrowth of the dairymen's
association, and was organized and designed to be mutual
in its tendency, co-operative in its workings, and beneficial
in its results, and thus far has fairly met the expectations of
its founders. It is purely an organization for the combina-
tion of individual efforts, which, from a business point of
view, are in themselves, singly, incompetent to produce a
system by which each individual shall receive the benefits
of the combined whole.
November 9, 1875, a meeting was held at the court-house
in Canton, where the subject of holding market-days was
discussed, which resulted in the appointment of a com-
mittee to locate and make the necessary arrangements for
such a market-day in St. Lawrence County the following
season. The committee were, M. D. Packard, of Canton
C. H. Brown, of Russell ; John May. of Potsdam ; Andrew
Tuch, of Lisbon ; Hon. Geo. M. Gleason, of Gouverneur
Lucius Crampton, Pierrepont ; Gen. N. M. Curtis, Ogdens-
burg; Marvin Holt, De Kalb ; and H. L. Sweet, Madrid
and they were to report at the January meeting of the
Dairymen's Association. On January 5, 1876, Mr. Tuch,
as chairman, presented to the association the unanimous
report of the committee, recommending the establishment
of a board of trade in St. Lawrence County, and also
recommended the following list of officers for the organiza-
tion for the first year: President, Hon. Geo. M. Gleason, of
Gouverneur ; Vice-President, Horace W. Hale, of Canton ;
Secretary, Marvin R. Wait, of Canton ; Treasurer, Albert
Langdon, of Canton; Directors, L. Crampton, Pierrepont;
H. 0. Sweet, Madrid ; 0. H. Hale, Norfolk ; 0. C. Jillson,
De Peyster ; Thomas Mayne, Heuvelton ; John Thompson,
Stockholm ; and Geo. H. Rowland, Morristown. The com-
mittee also recommended Messrs. Gleason, H. W. Hale,
Wait, Langdon, and Packard, as a committee to draft a
constitution and code of by-laws, and located the market at
Canton.
The recommendations of the committee were concurred
in, and a constitution or articles of association and rules of
government reported subsequently by the committee in
charge of the same, were adopted. The name of the orga-
nization was adopted as it appears at the head of this sketch
and the membership fee placed at one dollar per annum
the members only being entitled to a voice in the counsels
of the board. Butter- or cheese-factories are admitted to the
privileges of the board and of the salesroom on the pay-
ment of five dollars per annum. Fifty cents will admit
non-members to the privileges of the salesroom for a sino-le
day, except voting. The buyer and his agent being admit-
ted on one ticket. Visitors are admitted by courtesy, with-
out privilege of buying or selling. The market-day was
established on Friday of each week, from the second week
in May to the first in December.
The first market-day was held May 12, 1876, and con-
tinued on Friday of each week until and including Octo-
ber 27 of that year. On each of these days a telegram
was received from the Associated Press, of New York, giv-
ing the price of cheese in Liverpool, and of butter, cheese,
and gold in New York, and the tone of the market. The
largest number of cheese-factories offering in one day dur-
ing the first year was twenty-three, and the heaviest offer-
ing was 6251 boxes. The membership was 121, including
32 factories, the fees amounting to $233. There were
registered ofi"erings of 54,2.47 boxes of cheese, aggregating
3,254,820 pounds, and thousands of boxes were offered at
different times, which were not registered, for some reason
unknown. Besides these oflferings, there were heavy sales
by others than members of the board.
The prices ranged from nine to eleven and five-eighths
cents per pound. The fall cheese was not sold until the
last of November, after the board closed, and brought
twelve and a half and thirteen cents. The actual trans-
actions on the board in cheese amounted to $325,482.
There were offered and bought also on the board 609 tons,
or 1,218,440 pounds of butter, costing $335,073, with the
price ranging from fifteen to forty cents per pound, averag-
ing between twenty-seven and twenty-eight cents. The
actual and open transactions of the board in both butter
and cheese aggregated the sum $660,555. There were
twenty different buyers on the market during the season,
with an average attendance on each day of from seven to
ten, and the salesmen were from seventeen different towns.
The transactions of 1877 are not closed at this writing,
so that an exact statement of the year's business cannot
be made, but the factory representation has been better for
the present season than the past one of 1876, and the offer-
ings and sales have been steadier. The greatest number of
factories offering in one day the present season, as registered,
was twenty-five, and the offerings have ranged from one
thousand to eight thousand boxes. Judging from the trans-
actions to date, and those likely to be made before the
board closes, the offerings of 1877 will reach eighty thou-
sand boxes of cheese, and the butter oflferings will also show
a large increase over the first year's transactions, which
demonstrates the usefulness of the board, and warrants the
indulgence of hopeful prophecies of its future continued
success. There are in the county between seventy and
eighty cheese-factories.
The officers of 1877 are Andrew Tuch, of Lisbon, presi-
dent; Charles N. Conkey, Canton, vice-president; Mar-
vin R. Wait, of Canton, secretary (to whom we are in-
debted for the facts contained in this account); Albert
Langdon, Canton, treasurer. The directors remain un-
changed.
VALUATIONS AND TAXATION.
Public moneys were first raised in the colony of New
York, June 1, 1665, by warrant issued by the governor,
Colonel Nicholls, to the sheriff and collectors.* It would
appear that antecedent to this time the towns and counties
raised moneys for their own use, but the precise mode is
not known. A tax called a " benevolence" was raised on
the inhabitants, as appears from a letter from Governor
Andrass, and Smith observes " this proceeding was a badge
* Smith's History of New York, p. 31.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
105
of bad times."* In 1683, the first regular system of taxa-
tion by law was adopted. The wars of England with
European nations, especially with the French, plunged the
colony into an enormous debt, most burdensome to the
inhabitants. From 1691 to 1709 the sum of £61,861 was
raised by the colonists for building forts, raising and paying
troops, and for other war purposes, besides the excise tax of
a penny in the pound for the ordinary and incidental
charges of the colony. Before 1776 the colonists were
obliged to pay nearly £1,000,000 sterling. In 1788 the
first regular system of taxation was adopted by the
State.
The valuations and taxation of St. Lawrence by periods
of five years since 1815 are given in the following table.
The school taxes, down to and including the year 1850,
were raised by the towns, and are included in the amount
of town taxes. The amount of school taxes from and
including 1855, are included in the State levies.
Year.
Acres
of Laad.
Assessed
Value of
Heal Estate.
Assessed
Value of
Personal Prop,
Aggregate
Valuation.
state Taxes.
County Taxes.
Town Taxes.
School Taxes.
Aggregate
of Taxes.
1815
$4,895.18
1,765.68
1,369.47
$2,498.95
3,537.61
5,704.04
10,461.37
12,092.81
16,619.95
20,541.29
31,635.48
43,806.43
48.853.60
178,094,81
180,664.76
145,535.18
$3,602.51
7,864.50
12,263.13
15,093.69
15,248.22
22,198.19
24,879.02
23,797.93
21,358.06
29,425.95
206,241.65
79,991.47
70,077.63
$643.24
906.03
.3,216.40
3,616.00
3,770.00
7,338.49
9,735.61
6,823.16
9,238.77
11,725.00
11,483.07
20,066.76
20,055.43
$11,639.88
14 335 fift
1820
$704,878
2,738,856
2,561,370
2,691,197
3,132,751
3,296,689
4,772,884
14,947,814
14,769,718
14,728,780
15,115,177
14,757,316
$12,826
119,941
180,925
238,027
160,682
337,619
304,293
1,533,903
1,653,965
1,703,877
1,036,942
1,082,522
$757,000
2,858,797
2,742,295
2,929,224
3,29.3,433
3,634,308
5,077,177
16,481,722
16,425,715
16,432,657
14,152,119
15,839,838
1825
19,336.61
1830
1835
28,880.83
42,41 ; .38
1840
1845
2,180.58
2,538.59
20,602.15
59,927.88
71,386.40
116,243.80
96,266.06
1850
60,066.04
89 119 90
1855
1,667,629
1,659,160
1,652,405
1,663,335
1,654,820
1860
143,168.54
1865
451,449 23
1870
378,336.93
322,699.25
1875
The following table exhibits the valuations and taxation for the county, as made and estimated by the board of super-
visors for 1877-78 :
Acres.
A.ssessed
Value of
Eeal Estate.
Equalized
Value of
Real Estate.
Value of
Pei-sonal
Property.
Aggregate
Assessment.
State tax.
County Tax.
Town Taxes.
Dog Tax.
Total Taxes.
64,629
63,547
61,733
218,422
50,868
27,309
31,778
104,873
34,129
40,981
35,820
32.686
178,922
28,156
66,774
33,424
a7,295
29,876
30,684
27,633
.34,980
39,733
59.182
67^129
36,021
69,025
22,788
68,723
54,608
32,836
$1,118,930
960,800
31,026
214,410
1,358,660
702,346
142,620
62,320
206,610
672,480
286,950
211,063
264,450
357,220
742,290
281,1110
426,280
353.620
349,165
316,830
229,900
2,(]83,477
644,060
258,690
47,305
1,377,795
191, .540
248,840
601,840
353,490
$430,142
1,206,764
29,638
246,382
688,424
330,804
164,402
66,334
259,760
826,042
' 375,339
246,036
319,634
448,668
932,316
348,048
217,683
447,961
426,679
398,319
305,043
2,600,909
310,799
290,168
34,707
1,606,643
204,000
312,513
636,992
477,897
$.50,600
6^,980
4,000
7,930
16,020
17,600
12,550
$400,742
1,269,744
33,638
253,312
604,444
384,304
176,962
65,334
267,790
893,842
388,789
256,060
352,734
496,628
941,266
350,998
218,083
465,941
461,624
422.920
309,843
2,921,019
358,339
298,578
80,437
1,777,083
206,650
319,543
660,732
394,077
$2,013,50
6,031,66
149,17
1,12.J,76
2,680.86
1,514.81
784 82
289.76
• 1,187,71
3,964,42
1,724,36
1,135,69
1,564,46
2,197,78
4,174,76
1,656.76
967.16
2,066,59
2,047,43
1,876.78
1,374.22
12,956,41
1,589,61
1,324,75
161 ,66
7,881.51
912.10
1,417,24
2,067.14
2,191,33
$2,839.90
7,826,37
207,33
1,561,36
3,726.64
2,146.86
1,090.69
402,71
1,660,69
6,500,41
2,396.39
1,678,29
2,174,16
3,054,21
6,081,72
2,163,46
1,344.21
2,871 96
2,845.33
2,606.83
1,909.79
18,004.41
2,208.71
1,840,36
224,58
10,957,18
1,267.68
1,969.67
4,109.,57
3,045.37
$4,167.35
3,089.16
334,65
1,884,82
1,012,63
544,91
673.31
1,239.82
992.29
6,996 87
5,306,38
2,200,00
627.39
1,40J,55
902,02
1,263,40
646,14
481.59
1,269,74
2,110,93
1,063.90
10,383,81
528,63
1,805.72
472.30
8,438.46
973,60
1.230.62
714,92
611.03
$217.60
302.00
6.00
80.60
173,50
78,00
62.00
26.00
87,00
181.60
89.50
93.00
63.00
60.00
288.50
124.00
172.00
109.00
172.92
92,00
180,00
202,00
73,00
108,60
42,00
288,50
76,00
127.50
136.00
123,50
$3,833.60
$9,026.00
16,684,30
693 07
Colton
4,682.84
De Kalb
7,396.03
4,265,01
2,456,16
1,939,72
8,040
68,800
13,460
10,025
33,200
46,860
8,950
2,960
500
17,900
35,915
24,010
3,900
420,050
47,540
8,420
1,730
171,040
1,050
7,000
30,740
16,180
3,810.90
16,.566.46
9,469.21
4,910.21
4,296.10
6,637.03
10,899.66
4,989.89
2,954.56
Madrid
6,421.67
8,143.30
. 6,580.73
Norfolk
4,356.37
- 41,619.75
ParlBhville
4,373.69
6,013.09
868.71
27,314.26
3,157.24
4,627.03
7,813.66
6,869.84
Totals '..
1,664,373
$14,984,806
$14,984,806
$1,131,160
$16,116,955
$71,478.49
$99,334,63
$63,148.62
$234,717.27
The county tax was levied to cover the following appro-
priations made by the supervisors at the annual session of
1877:
Bonds due on loan for county clerk's office and
interest
Extras on clerk's offices
Salaries of county officers
Charities. — Lunatic" asylums ; $8,000.00
Institutions for blind, deaf mutes, and insane
criminals 693.26
Por superintendents of the poor 44,988.16
Poor-house and superintendent's services 1,529.71
$6,007.00
606.10
6,600.00
55,211.13
* Smith's History of New York, p. 34.
Court expenses, including stenographer $8,725.00
Sheriff's and jailer's accounts 5,458.30
Constables and justices 2,678.64
County clerli's accounts 1,089.51
Jail library 50.00
18,001.45
Printing 2,629.40
Excise accounts 666.00
School commissioners' services (cast as a school-
tax on the several towns) 600.00
Non-resident taxes 860.00
Refunding 33.00
Miscellaneous accounts 3,274.15
Total $94,428.23
The county treasurer's report for the year ending Nov.
1, 1877, shows the following receipts of revenue for the
year in his office :
14
106
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
On hand November 1, 1876 $17,361.51
Received from bondsmen of former treasurer 40,464.58
" " town collectors (taxes 1876) 115,148.88
*' " comptroller, school moneys 64,783.81
" excise moneys, from towns 2,502.00
" from board of State paupers $254.57
" " individuals for care of persons in
county house 432.00
686.57
Received fines from district attorney 325.00
" on bond and mortgage on old poor-farm. 237.00
Miscellaneous receipts 945.13
Resident and non-resident taxes received 435.33
Non-resident taxes from comptroller 6,636.54
Total receipts, exclusive of balance on hand Nov.
1, 1876 $192,164.84
Balance on hand Nov. 1, 1877 $16,459.74
The total amount of taxes levied by the board of super-
visors from the year 1814 to 1877, both years inclusive,
is as follows :
1814 to 1825 $179,875.58
1826 to 1835 273,805.38
1836 to 1845 416,300.68
1846 to 1855 588,269.68
1856 to 1865 1,913,230.34
1866 to 1877 4,038,823.28
57,410,304.94
These amounts are exclusive of the school district taxes
levied by the school authorities of the respective towns.
There were issued, by the authority of the board of
supervisors, war bonds of the county, in 1864 and 1865, to
encourage enlistments into the army for the suppression of
the Rebellion, to the amount of $1,008,350, on which the
sum of $357,000 or thereabouts, in interest, has been paid,
and the entire amount of principal, with the exception of
one bond of $100, which is not due until 1880, and the
holder of which, a widow lady, declines to receive the prin-
cipal tUl the same is due. The State, in 1865, refunded,
on bounties paid under the call of Dec. 9, 1864, the sum
$242,500. The history of the bond unpaid, just mentioned,
is interesting. The present holder gave her two sons, her
only children, to the service of the country, and when the
county committee solicited subscriptions for the war loan
she sent one hundred dollars, all the money she had, and
asked for a bond, the time of payment of which should be
deferred to the farthest authorized limit, which was accord-
ingly done, and the patriotic mother still holds the bond
and draws the annual interest thereon.
THE STATE LOAN.
On April 18, 1786, bills of credit to the amount of
£200,000 (New York currency) were emitted by the State
for the relief of the people in the way of a circulating me-
dium, and loaned to the different counties according to their
population, and loan commissioners appointed in each county
to manage and loan the same on real estate security at five
per cent, per annum, the loan to run fourteen years and
limited to £300 to any one person. These bills of credit
were counterfeited, and in February, 1788, new bills were
printed for those in circulation and the old ones retired and
death pronounced on all counterfeiters of the new issue. In
1796 another loan was made to the new counties, and in
1807-8 still another loan was made by the creation of a
debt by the State, bonds being issued therefor and sold, and
the funds arising therefrom distributed pro rata among the
counties on the basis of population, and commissioners ap-
pointed as before to handle the funds in each county. The
amount received by St. Lawrence County was $4473, which
was kept at interest as a separate fund, until 1850, when it
was consolidated with the
UNITED STATES DEPOSIT EUND,
the principal of which was deposited in the county in 1837
and amounted to $103,501, and separate and distinct com-
missioners appointed to loan the same. This deposit fund
was the portion awarded to St. Lawrence County from the
surplus moneys in the United States treasury deposited
with the several States by act of Congress, of June 23, 1836
and the amount deposited with New York was, by act of
the legislature of April 4, 1837, distributed among the sev-
eral counties according to their population. The loans from
this fund are limited between $200 and $2000 to a single
individual, except in New York, where the limits are $500
and $5000. The interest is charged at seven per cent., and
the same paid into the State treasury, less fees and expenses
of collection, and by the comptroller distributed among the
counties for the support of schools and academies.
The loan and deposit funds were both diminished by
reason of defaults in payment of loans, and consequent sale
of mortgaged lands, which were bid in by the State, and
payments to the State on account of the principal, until, in
1850, when the funds were consolidated, the amount of the
same was $85,367.43.
The last report of the commissioners shows the amount
of the fund to be over $82,000 now on loan on real estate.
WOLF BOUNTIES.
The board of supervisors offered bounties from time to
time for the destruction of wolves and panthers, ranging
from $10 to $20 for full grown animals of the former
species, and $5 to $10 for the whelp; and from $5 to $15
for panthers, the former being more destructive among the
sheep of the farmers than the latter. Bounties were paid
from 1814 to 1850, as follows : 1815, $270 ; 1816, $1230;
1817, $480; 1818, $707; 1819, $455; 1820, $1225;
1821, $1465; 1822, $405; 1823, $245; 1824, $340;
1825, $510 ; 1826, $760 ; 1827, $670 ; 1828, $980 ; 1829,
$640 ; 1830, $470 ; 1831, $740 ; 1832, $390 ; 1833, $895 ;
1834, $605 ; 1835, $510 ; 1836, $435 ; 1837, $1005 ; 1838,
$950 ; 1839, $705 ; 1840, $205 ; 1841, $110 ; 1842, $365 ;
1843, $260 ; 1844, $365 ; 1845, $205 ; 1846, $160 ; 1847,
$120; 1848, $80; 1849, $125; 1850, $60,— total, $19,142.
Bounties are still offered for the destruction of these ani-
mals, but few scalps, however, are taken annually.
CHAPTER VIL
THE ST. LAWEEKCE CIVIL LIST.
Officers of the Nation, the State, the Judiciary, the Senate, the
Assembly, and the County.
The fame of the county of St. Lawrence is coextensive
with the nation of which it is an integral part. Its citizens
have maintained its reputation and upheld its honor in the
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
107
senate, in the lower house of Congress, in the governor's
mansion, on the bench of the State, and in the legislature.
Their counsels have prevailed in the halls of national and
State legislation, and wherever the stars and stripes float in
all of our broad Union the names of her sons, Wright and
King, are known and honored.
In the nation the county has been thus represented :
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Appointed by joint session of the State legislature.
Term, six years:
Silas Wright, Canton, Feb. 7, 1837; re-elected Feb. 7, 184.3; re-
signed November, 1844.
Preston King, Ogdensburg, Feb. 6, 1857 ; served one term.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.
The Federal Constitution directs that a census be taken
every ten years, and after each enumeration Congress appor-
tions the representation among the several States. As soon
as practicable, after each apportionment, the legislature di-
vides the State into congressional districts.
The apportionment of New York has been as follows
since the adoption of the constitution in 1788 :
Years. Batio. Kepreseutatives.
1789 30,000 6
1792 33,000 10
1802 33,000 17
'1811 25,000 27
1822 40,000 34
1832 47,000 40
1842 70,680 34
1852 93,433 33
1861 127,000 31
1872 137,800 33
The districts which have included St. Lawrence in their
bounds have been as follows :
Under act of March 23, 1797, district 7, composed of
Clinton, Essex (1799), Saratoga, and Washington.
Act of March 30, 1802, district 15, Herkimer, Oneida,
and St. Lawrence.
Act of March 20, 1804, Jefferson and Lewis were added
on their erection in 1805.
Act of March 8, 1808, district 10, Herkimer, Jefferson,
Lewis, and St. Lawrence.
Act of June 10, 1812, district 18, Jefferson, Lewis, and
St. Lawrence.
Act of April 17, 1822, district 20 (entitled to two mem-
bers), Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawrence.
Act of June 29, 1832, district 14, Franklin and St.
Lawrence.
Act of Sept. 6, 1842, district 18, Lewis and St. Law-
rence.
Act of July 19, 1851, district 17, Herkimer and St.
Lawrence.
Act of April 23, 1862, district 17, St. Lawrence and
Franklin.
Act of June 18, 1873, simply changed the number of
the district to 19, leaving its area the same as last consti-
tuted.
REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
Elected for terms of two years, by districts.
David A. Ogden, Madrid (now Waddington), 1817-19, 15th Con-
gress.
Silas Wright, Canton, 1827-29, 20th and 21st Congresses.
Jonah Sandford, Hopkinton, 1829-31, 2l5t Congress.
Ransom H. GiUett, Ogdensburg, 183.3-37, 23d and 24th Congresses.
John Fine, Ogdensburg, 1839-41, 26th Congress.
Henry Van Rensselaer, Ogdensburg, 1841-43, 27th Congress.
Preston King, Ogdensburg, 1843-47, 28th and 29th Congresses ;
1849-53, 31st and 32d Congresses.
Bishop Perkins, Ogdensburg, 1853-56, 33d Congress.
Socrates N. Sherman, Ogdensburg, 1861-63, 37th Congress.
Calvin T. Hulburd, Brasher, 1863-69, 38th, 39th, and 40tb Con-
gresses.
Amaziah B. James, Ogdensburg, 1877-79, 45th Congress.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
Appointed by the legislatures down to 1825, when the
district system was adopted by the people, but acted under
for one election only, that of 1828, when by an act passed
April 15, 1829, the legislature adopted the general ticket
system as now in use. In making up the general ticket
one person is selected from each congressional district, and
two to represent the State at large. In 1872 there were
three electors at large, one for a congressman at large given
the State before redistricting.
1808, Russell Atwater; 1828, Augustus Chapman; 1836, David C.
Judson; 1856, Smith Stilwell; 1864, Preston King (at large) ; 1872,
Henry R. James ; 1876, William J. Averill.
In the years of the presidential elections not given in the
above, the electors were from other portions of the district.
Attorneys of the United States. — Appointed by the
president, by and with the consent of the senate : — William
A. Dart, for the northern district of New York, appointed
March 27, 1861 ; and reappointed March 10, 1865.
Consul- General of the United States at Montreal. —
William A. Dart, now in office.
Surveyor of the Fort of New York. — General Edwin A.
Merritt, under President Grant, and recently appointed by
President Hayes, and now occupying the position.
In the State, the county has been thus represented :
Governor. — Silas Wright, elected in 1844, receiving 241,090 votes,
to 231,057 oast for Millard Fillmore, and 15,136 for Alvan Stewart.
Stajff' of the Governor, as commander-in-chief of the militia and
admiral of the navy. Appointed by the governor, at his pleasure.
General Edwin A. Merritt, quartermaster-general, appointed January
2, 1865.
Comptroller. — The office of auditor-general was created by the pro-
vincial convention of 1776, for the purpose of settling certain public
accounts. In 1797 the office was abolished, and that of comptroller
was substituted therefor, which was continued by extensions of two
and three years until February 28, 1812, when it was permanently
organized. Under the first and second constitutions, the office was
an appointive one, but under the present organic law it is elective, —
term, two years. The comptroller is the financial officer of the
State. Silas Wright, Jr., of Canton, was appointed to the office
January 27, 1829, and held the same until February 11, 1834.
Attorney-General. — The law officer of the State, whose duties have
been substantially the same since the creation of the office under the
colony. Appointed under the first constitution, chosen by joint bal-
lot of legislature under the second, and elected by the people under
the present regime biennially, each odd year. Charles G. Myers,
Ogdensburg, 1860-61.
Canal Appraiser. — Appointed by governor and senate ; term, three
years. Charles G. Meyers, appointed .January 24, 1873.
Inspector of State's Prisons.^' — Elective under present constitution ;
term, three years. Dr. Darius Chirk, Canton, 1850 to 1855 inclusive.
Comniisaioners of Public Charities, — Organized 1867, under name
* Abolished 1876, and office of Superintendent of State's Prisons
created instead.
108
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities. Consisted of
eight commissioners, one in each judicial district, appointed by the
governor, with consent of senate. In 187.S the name was changed to
the State Board of Charities. It has the power of visitation of nil
charitable institutions, public or private, and also all eleemosynary,
correctional, and reformatory institutions except State's prisons. The
term of office is eight years. Edward W. Foster, Potsdam, appointed
for the fourth district June 17, 1867, and re-appointed for the third
district May 28, 1873.
New Capitnl Commissioners. — Designated first by the act providing
for the construction of a new capitol, and subsequently appointed by
the governor. Edwin A. Merritt, Potsdam, appointed April 7,
1871.
THE JUDICIARY.
SUPREME COURT.
The justices of the supreme court under the constitu-
tion of 1846 were originally elected for a term of eight
years, by districts, but under the amended judiciary article,
adopted in 1869, the term is fourteen years.
Justices of the Foui-th Judicial District. — Amaziah B. James, Og-
densburg, two terms, from January 1, 1853, to December 31, 1869;
William H. Sawyer, Canton, appointed to fill vacancy December 26,
1876, and term expired December 31, 1877 ; Charles 0. Tappan, Pots-
dam, term began_ January 1, 1878, and expires December 31, 1891.
JUDGES OF THE COURTS OP COMMON PLEAS AND GEN-
ERAL SESSIONS.
Appointed by the council of appointment under first
constitution, and by the governor under the second one.
First Judges.— 'Siaihan Ford, 1802 to 1820; David A. Ogden, 1820
-1824, and 1826-1828; John Pine, 1826, and 1829-1838: Horace
Allen, 1838-1843 ; John Fine, 1843, till the Court of Common Pleas
was abolished by the new constitution.
Judges (with years of first and last appointment). — Alexander J.
Turner, 1802; Joseph Edsall, 1802-1808; Russell Atwater, 1808-
1818; Benjamin Raymond, 1808-1814; Alexander Richards, 1808-
1818; Roswell Hopkins, 1810-,1814; Robert Livingston, 1811-1828;
David A. Ogden, 1811-1814; Thomas J. Davies, 1815-1818; N. P.
Winslow, 1815; Jason Fenton, 1818-1828; Amasa Haokley, Jr.,
1823; Ansel Bailey, 1823-1828; Smith Stilwell, 1823-1828; David
C. Judson, JabezWilles, Asa Sprague, Jr., Chauncey Pettibone, 1829;
Minet Jenison, 1832-1837; Zenas Clark, 183."); Edwin Dodge, George
Kedington, Phineas Attwater, 1846. Besides those above named,
James Averill, Anthony C. Brown, and Isaac R. Hopkins have also
acted under appointment as judges. The list here given is necessarily
imperfect, from the defective manner in which the records of appoint-
ments were formerly kept.
Assistant Justices. — By appointment, Stillman Foote, John Tib-
bits, Jr., March 10, 1802; Luke McCracken, Robert Livingston,
Daniel W. Church, March 6, 1806; Daniel W. Church, Stillman^
Foote, April 8, 1808 ; John Tibbits, Jr., Luke McCracken, Charles
Cox, Daniel W. Church, Stillman Foote, David Ford, David Robin-
son, Reuben Ashman, March 6, 1811 ; Charles Cox, June 6, 1812 •
Daniel "W. Church, John Tibbits, Jr., Stillman Foote, David Ford
Daniel Robinson, Reuben Ashman, April 6, 1814; Eeuben Ashman,
Jason Fenton, D. W. Church, Richard Townscnd, Zephaniah French
Timothy Pope, John Polley, Charl«s Hill, Caleb Hough, Jr., April
16, 1816; Caleb Hough, Moses A. Bunnell, John Lyttle, Reuben
Streeter, N. P. Winslow, March 16, 1818.
At this last date the office was abolished.
COUNTY JUDGES.
Elected under the present constitution at first for four
years, but since the adoption of the amended judiciary
article, in 1869, for six years.
Edwin Dodge, .June, 1847, to December 31, 1855 ; William C. Brown,
January 1, 1866, to December 31, 1863 ; Henry L. Knowles, January
1, 1864, to December 31, 1871; Charles 0. Tappan, November, 1871,
to December 31, 1877; Leslie W. Russell, November, 1877; term
expires December 31, 1883.
JUSTICES OF SESSIONS.
Designated yearly from among the Justices of the Peace
of the county.
1847, Joseph Barnes, James C. Barter; 1849, Joseph Barnes, Chil-
Icab Billing; 1860, Joseph Barnes, Silas Baldwin; 1851 and 1862,
Joseph H. Beard, Silas Baldwin [for 1853-54r-56 we are unable to
complete the list]; 1857-68, Harlow Godard, Joseph Barnes; 1859,
Silas Baldwin, Joseph Barnes ; 1860, Silas Baldwin, Roswell Hop-
kins; 1861, 0. D. Edgerton, Harlow Godard; 1862-64, Edgerton and
Baldwin ; 1866, Baldwin and W. E. Tanner; 1866, Tanner and God-
ard ; 1867-68, Baldwin and Geo. G. Simons ; 1869-70, Baldwin and
A. S. Tucker; 1871-72, Baldwin and James Miller; 1873-76, Baldwin
and W. P. Smith; 1876, A. S. Tucker and Rufus K. Jackson; 1877,
Cornelius Carter and Tucker; 1878, Carter and Geo. Backus.
SPECIAL COUNTY JUDGES.
Elected for terms of three years.
William H. Wallace, 1854-66; Wm. H. Sawyer, 1866-57; Edward
Crary, 1858; Harvey D. Smith, 1858-59; Edward H. Neary, 1860;
Edward Crary, 1861-63; Samuel B. M. Beckwith, 1864^66; Edward
H. Neary, 1867-75; Vasco P. Abbott, 1876-79.
SURROGATES.
Appointed under first and second constitutions ; elected
under present one ; at first for terms of four years, and
since 1869 for six years.
Mathew Perkins, 1802-08 (till his death) ; Andrew McCollom, 1809
-13 ; Gouverneur Ogden, 1813-20 ; Silas Wright, Jr., 1821-23 ; Horace
Allen, 1824-40; James Redington, 1840-44; Charles 6. Myers,
1844^47; Benjamin G. Baldwin, 1847-65; James Redington, 1856-
59; Harvey D. Smith, 1860-63; Stillman Foote, 1864-77; D. A.
Johnson, 1878; term expires 1883.
SPECIAL SURROGATES.
Elam R. Paige, 1867-68; Heber Sykes, 1869-71; Horace B. Ells-
worth, 1872-74; Worth Chamberlain, 1875-77.
LEGISLATIVE.
THE SENATE.
Under the first constitution this body consisted of twenty-
four members, apportioned among four great districts, —
Eastern, Southern, Middle, and Western. After the first
election they were divided by lot into four classes, so that
the terms of six should expire each year. This representa-
tion was increased whenever a septennial census revealed
an increase of one twenty-fourth in the number of electors,
until the number should reach one hundred. In 1795 the
number was forty-three. In 1801 the number of senators
was fixed at thirty-two permanently, and has since remained
unchanged to the present. The State was divided into
eight senatorial districts by the constitution of 1821, each
one being entitled to four senators, one to be elected each
year for a term of four years. The constitution of 1846
changed the time of election of senators to each odd year,
and reduced the term to two years, and created thirty-two
districts.
Senatorial Districts. — St. Lawrence was a part of the
Western district from the erection of the county to April
7, 1815, when it was made a part of the Eastern district,
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
109
and so remained until the second constitution was in force.
That instrument formed the Fourth district of Clinton,
Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence,
Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. In May,
1836, Herkimer was added, and Fulton in April, 1838.
The constitution of 1846 formed St. Lawrence and Frank-
lin the Fifteenth district; the act of April 13, 1857,
changed the number to the Seventeenth, which number
and territory has since remained unchanged.
Senators. — Russell Atwater, RussoU, 1813-16, Eastern district.
David C. Judson, Ogdensburg, 1822, 4th district.
Silas Wright, Canton, 1824-27, 4th district.
Louis Hasbrouok, Ogdensburg, 1833-34, 4th district.
Jabez Willes, Potsdam, 1835-38, 4th district.
James G. Hopkins, Ogdensburg, 1840-43, 4th district.
John Fine, Ogdensburg, 1848-49, 15th district.
William A. Dart, Potsdam, 1850-51, 15th district.
Zenas Clark, Potsdam, 1854- 57, loth district.
Bloomfield Usher, Potsdam, 1858, 15th district.
Charles C. Montgomery, Waddington, 1860-63, 17th district.
Abel Godard, De Kalb, 1866-67, 17th district.
Abraham X. Parker, Potsdam, 1868-71, 17th district.
Darius A. Moore, De Kalb, 1876-77, 17th district.
Dolphus S. Lynde, Hermon, elected for 1878-79, 17th district.
THE ASSEMBLT.
The first representative assembly that convened in what
is now the State of New York was " The Twelve Men,"
under the Dutch rule, who were elected in Manhattan
(New York city), Brooklyn, and Pavonia (Jersey City), to
suggest means to punish the Indians for a murder they had
committed. The first representative assembly under Eng-
lish rule met at Hempstead, Long Island, March, 1655, but
this could not be called a legislative assembly, as it simply
promulgated laws — " the Duke's Laws" — prepared for such
purpose. The first legislative assembly was that of 1683,
which was afterwards abrogated, and all the laws it had
enacted ; and that one of 1691 created, which continued
through the colonial period. Under the State authority
the assembly has always been chosen annually. It con-
sisted at first of seventy members, with the power to increase
one with every seventieth increase of the number of electors,
until it contained three hundred members. When the con-
stitution was amended in 1801 the number had reached
one hundred and eight, when it was reduced to one hun-
dred, with a provision that it should be increased after each
census at the rate of two annually until the number reached
one hundred and fifty. The constitution of 1821 fixed the
number permanently at one hundred and twenty-eight, and
members were elected on a general ticket.
The constitution of 1846 required the boards of super-
visors of the several counties to meet on the first Tuesday
in January succeeding the adoption of that instrument,
and divide the counties into districts of the number ap-
portioned to them, of convenient and contiguous territory,
and of as nearly equal population as possible. After each
State census the legislature is to re-apportion the members,
and to direct the time when the supervisors shall meet for
the purpose of re-districting the county. Pursuant to this
provision, the boards met in June, 1857, and in June,
1866. Hamilton and Fulton counties together elect one
member, and every other county one or more.
Asseinhly Apportionment of St. Lawrence County — First
Constitution.— ¥vom March 3, 1802, to March 28, 1805,
the county was represented with Oneida county. From
March 28, 1805, to April 1, 1808, St. Lawrence, Jefi'er-
son, and Lewis formed one district, entitled to one mem-
ber. From the latter date to April 18, 1826, St. Law-
rence comprised one district, having one member. From
the last-named date to the adoption of the constitution of
1846 this county had two members, from which time
forward to the present there have been three members
sent from the county, which was divided into as many
districts.
Assemhly Districts. — By the districting of 1847, the first
district was composed of the towns of De Kalb, De Peys-
tor, Fowler, Gouverneur, Hammond, Macomb, Morris-
town, Oswegatchie, Pitcairn, and Rossie. The second
district was composed of the towns of Canton, Edwards,
Fine, Hermon, Lisbon, Madrid, Norfolk, Pierrepont, and
Russell. The third district was composed of the towns of
Brasher, Colton, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Louisville, Massena,
Parishville, Potsdam, and Stockholm.
By the districting of 1857 and 1866 the first district
remained unchanged, with exception of the transfer of the
town of Fine from the second district; the second was
composed of the towns of Canton, Clifton (from April 21,
1868), Colton, Edwards, Hermon, Lisbon, and Madrid,
Norfolk, Pierrepont, Russell, and Waddington (from No-
vember 12, 1859). The third district remained un-
changed, with the exception of the transfer of Colton to the
second district.
1808-9. Alexander Richards.
U3. jyij!ii>.
William Allen.
1810-13. Roswell Hopkins
1833.
William Allen,
1814. Louis Hasbrouck
Sylvester Butrick.
1815. David A. Ogden.
1834.
Jabez Willes,
1816-17. Wm. W. Bowen.
Sylvester Butrick.
1818. David C. Judson.
1835-37.
Preston King,
1819-21. Joseph York.
Wm. S. Paddock.
1822. Wm. H. Vining.
1838.
Preston King,
1823-24. Nathaniel F. Win
slow.
Myron G. Peck.
1825. J. A. Vanden Heuvel.
1839.
Myron G. Peck,
1826. Baron S. Doty.
Asa Sprague.
1827. Baron S. Doty,
1840.
Asa Sprague,
Sylvester Gilbert.
Zenas Clark.
1828. Jabez Willes,
1841.
Zenas Clark,
Moses Rowley.
Solomon Pratt.
1829. Jonah Sanford,
1842-44
Calvin T. Hiilburd,
Harvey D. Smith
Geo. Redington.
1830. Jonah Sanford.
1845.
Asa L. Hazelton,
Asa Sprague, Jr.
John L. Russell.
1831. Asa Sprague, Jr.,
1846.
Asa L. Hazelton,
Joseph Freeman.
Bishop Perkins.
1832. Edwin Dodge,
Ist District.
2
d District.
3d District.
1847..Bishop Perkins,
Phine
13 Atwater, Henry Barber.
1848..Cha3. G. Myers,
John
3. Chipman, Benj. Holmes.
1849.. Harlow Godard,
Justus
B. Pickit
, Noble S. Elderkin.
1850.. "
John
Eorton,
It tt
1851..Smith Stilwell,
ti
tt
tt tt
1852.. " "
Benja
rain Smith
, Parker W. Rose.
1853..Barnabaa Hall,
"
It
tt tt
1854..
Silas
Baldwin,
Levi Miller.
1855..A3aph Green,
"
((
tt tt
1856..Emory W. Abbott,
Benj.
Squire,
Daniel P. Rose, Jr
1857.. " "
ti
ti
Erasmus D. Brook
no
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1858,
1859.
1860,
1861.
3862..
1863.,
1864..
1865..
1866..
1867..
1868..
1869..
1870..
1871..
1872..
1873..
1874.
1875.
]876.
1877.,
1878.,
Ist Diatrict.
.Harlow Godard,
it i{
.Charles KichardsoD,
ti It
Elias P. Townsley,
Geo. Parker,
i< It
Geo. M. Gleason,
2d District. 3d District.
William Briggs, Oscar F. Shepard.
tt tt it tt
Edwin A. Merritt, Clark S. Chittenden.
It It tt tt
James Kedington, Calvin T. Hulburd.
" " Abraham X. Parker,
tt ft tt tt
" '* Daniel Shaw.
W. R. Chamberlain, " "
" " Richmond Bicknell.
Julius M. Palmer, A. H. Andrews.
.Darius A. Moore,
tt tt
.Seth Q. Pope,
it tt
David McFalls,
tt tt
Geo. F. Rowland,
Dolphus S. Lynde,
A. Barton Hepburn;
Wm. Bradford.
It It
Parker W. Rose.
Jonah Sanford.
It tt
Lewis C. Lang.
tt tt
Rufus S. Palmer.
COUNTY OFnCERS.
District Attorneys. — The original appellation of this office
was that of assistant attorney-general, and the districts were
seven in number, and embraced several counties each. The
office was filled by the council of appointment, at pleasure,
under the first constitution, and by the courts of sessions
under the second one. Under the present constitution the
oflice is an elective one, for terms of three years. The name
of the office was changed to its present appellation in 1801.
Down to 1818 St. Lawrence County formed a part of the
district comprising Lewis and Jefferson counties also, and
no district attorney resided in this county. Since that date
the office has been filled as follows : John Scott was the first
one, and he was succeeded by Bishop Perkins. John W.
Grant in 1840, and William A. Dart in 1845, were the
other incumbents up to the date of the first election of an
- attorney, who was Charles G. Myers, who served two terms,
1847-1853. The succession has been as follows : Thomas
V. Russell, 1854-60 ; B. H. Vary, 1861-69 ; Leslie W.
Russell, 1870-72 ; John R. Brinckerhoff, 1873-78.
County Clerics. — By appointment until 1847 ; and by
election since, for terms of three years.
Louis Hasbrouck, March, 1802, to June, 1811.
Alexander Richards, June, 1811, to March, 1813.
Louis Hasbrouck, March, 181.3, to March, 1817.
Myrtle B. Hitchcock, March, 1817, to July, 1819.
Joseph York, July, 1819, to February, 1821. ■
Myrtle B. Hitchcock, February, 1821, to Dec. 31, 1825.
James G. Hopkins, 1826-31.
William A. Root, 1832 (six months).
A. C. Low, June, 1832, to July 8, 1843 (time of decease).
John Leslie Russell, July, 1843, to Deo. 31, 1843.
Martin Thatcher, 1844-49.
George S. Winslow, 1850-55.
Benjamin G. Baldwin, 1856-58.
Mark W. Spanlding, 1859-61.
James F. Pierce, 1862-64.
Moses Rich, 1865-67.
John Miller, 1868-70.
Tiras H. Ferris, 1871-76.
Murray N. Ralph, 1877-79.
Sheriffs. — Under the first constitution the sheriffs were
appointed annually by the council of appointment, and no
person could serve more than four successive years. Under
the second constitution they were elected for terms of three
years, and were ineligible for the next succeeding term, and
that disability still continues. Under the Dutch, the sheriff
was termed the School Fiscal.
1802 -
1803-6 -
1807-10-
1811-13-
1814-17-
1818-25-
1826-28-
1829-31-
1832-34-
1835-37-
1838-40-
1841-43-
-Elisha Tibbetts.
-Thomas J. Davies.
-John Boyd.
-Thomas J. Davies.
-Joseph York.
-David C. Judson.
-Levi Lockwood.
-Minet Jenison.
-Lemuel Buck.
-Jonathan Hoyt.
■Luman Moody.
■Benjamin Squire.
1844-46— Noble S. Elderkin.
1847-49— Josiah Waid.
1850-52— Henry Barber.
1853-55— Reuben Nott.
1856-58— Paine Converse.
1859-61— Shubael R. Gurley.
1862-64 — Lorenzo Chamberlain.
1865-67— Edward J. Chapin.
1868-70— William E. Tanner.
1871-73— Wm. H. Walling.
1874-76— Edward J. Chapin.
1877-79— Orson 0. Wheeler.
County Treasurers. — Appointed by board of supervisors
until the adoption of present constitution ; since then elected
for terms of three years.
Owing to the loss of the early records of the board of
supervisors, we cannot obtain a complete list of the county
treasurers. The list begins with
1816-20— John Tibbitts.
1821-33— John Fine.
1833-54 — John Leslie Russell.
1855-58— Barzillai Hodskin.
1859-75— Harvey N. Redway.
1876-78— Milton D. Packard.
Coroners. — Seth Ranney, William Shaw, Feb. 29, 1804; S. Ranney,
Wm. Staples, Nicholas Reynolds, March 5, 1805; John Lyon, Wil-
liam Staples, Nicholas Reynolds, April 8, 1808 ; Benjamin Willard,
Kelsey J. Thurber, John Boyd, Stephen Langworthy, March 6, 1811;
Wm. S. Guest, Wm. Perry, Winslow Whitcomb, Clement Tattle, June
15, 1812; Joshua Dewey, Stephen Slawsou, Caleb Hough, Jr., March
3, 1813 ; John Herrick, Enoch Story, John Pierce, Levi Green, John
Williams, Dyer Burnham, Kirtland Griffin, Jeremiah Matherson,
March 2, 1814; J. Dewey, C. Hough, B. Willard, J. Boyd, K. J.
Thurber, April 15, 1815; J. Dewey, C. Hough, B. Willard, J. Boyd,
K. J. Thurber, March 16, 1816; Reuben Atwater, N. F. Winslow,
C. Hough, Elijah Baker, John Lyttle, Ira Ransom, K. J. Thurber,
March 16, 1818; R. Atwater, Elijah Baker, Ira Ransom, Joseph
York, John Lyttle, Enos C. Eastman, April 8, 1819; R. Atwater, E.
Baker, J. Lytle, J. York, E. C. Eastman, Wm. S. Guest, Charles
Whalan, Hazen Rolf, and Jabez Willes, 1820; Wm. S. Guest, Peter
Pollard, Ira Collins, Thomas Bingham, Hazen Rolf, Zoraster Culver
Caleb Hough, Henry C. Green, Thomas D. Clin, Nathaniel Ives, Feb.
28, 1821. In 1822 the same, with the addition of Thomas Hill. [Wo
are not able to procure six years.] John E. Perkins, Henry Foot,
Samuel C. Barter, S. Pratt, 1828 ; Darius Clark, Wm. S. Paddock,
Justus Pickit, Michael S. Daniels, 1831; Abijah Rowley, Allen
McLeod, Jr., Gideon Sprague, Almond Z. Madison, 1834; S. Pratt,
D. Clark, John Stone, Rudolphus Searle, 1837; D. Clark, Joseph H.
Ripley, Royal Vilas, Smith Low, 1840; D. Clark, Charles N. L.
Sprague, Luther Lamphear, R.Vilas, 1843; D. Clark, Henry D.
Laughlin, Wm. S. Paddock, Hemau W. Tucker, 1846; Wm. S. Pad-
dock, re-elected, 1847; H. D. Laughlin, Cyrus Abernethy, 1849; L.
Lamphear, Wm. S. Paddock, 1851 ; T. 0. Benjamin, Alexander B.
Gregor, John C. Preston, 1852. [We are unable to give the list for
1863-55.] B.F.Sherman, 1856-61; Ephraim Whitney, 1867; Dr.
S. C. Wait and Wilson, 1858-61; F. P. Sprague, 1862; John
R. Furniss, Samuel C. Wait, 1863-64; Ephraim Whitney, 1865-68;
John R. Furniss, Dr. Swan, 1866; Dr. C. B. Fisher, 1867-76; David
McFalls, Dr. Robert Morris, 1869; Ephraim Whitney, 1871-74;
David McFalls, John R. Furniss, 1872-75 ; Blisha Bridges, 1874; C.
C. Bartholomew, Ephraim Whitney, 1877; D. McFalls, 1878.
Deputy Superintendents of Schools, appointed by the
supervisors.— Sylvester Ford, 1841, for the section east of
Lisbon, Canton, and Russell, and Jos. Hopkins for these
and all the towns west. In 1843, George S. Winslow, for
the whole county. ]\Ir. Winslow resigned his office in 1844,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ill
and Charles Rich was appointed to the western, and Fred-
erick P. Sprague to the eastern sections. In 1845, Sprague
resigned, and Mr. Rich was appointed for the whole county
for the ensuing year. In 1846, Luke Carton was appointed,
and held the office till it was abolished.
In 1857 the office was restored, under the name of
" School Commissioner." and made elective, with terms of
three years. Since that date the succession has been as
follows :
1st Assembly District. 2d District. 3d District,
1857... .....Allen Wight, M. W. Spaulding, Tiras H. Ferris.
1858-59... " " C. C. Church,
1860 " " " " W. W. Bloss.
1861-62. ..T. H. Laughlin, " " " "
1863 " " Clark Baker, " "
1864-66... " " " " B. C. Whitney.
1867-69... " " " " " "
1870-71... " '■ W. G. Brown, " "
1872 " " A. Barton Hepburn, " "
1873-75.. .D. S. Giffin, " " "
1876-78. ..Erwin S. Barnes, Albert L. Cole, L. L. Goodale.
Loan Commissioners, appointed by the governor :
1810-17, Russell Atwater and Alexander Richards ; 1818-20, Alex-
ander Richards and Roswell Hopkins ; 1821-40, Joseph W. Smith,
Smith Stilwell, Jason Fenton, Alvin C. Low. U. S. Deposit Fund :
18S7-39, Joseph Ames (2d), Geo. Ranney ; 1840-42, John L. Barnes,
Wm. Blake; 1843-44, John Horton, Harlow Godard; 1845-48, Elihu
Phelps, Z. N. Ellis; 1849-60, M. P. Jackson, Isaac R. Hopkins. Con-
solidated Funds: 1851-53, M. P. Jackson, Isaac R. Hopkins; 1853-
55, H. M. Childs and F. P. Sprague; 1855-57, Stillman Foote and
Jason Brush; 1857-59, Stillman Foote and Thomas H. Conkey;
1860, T. H. Conkey, S. N. Sherman; 1861-64, Conkey and H. W.
Hale; 1856-67, H. W. Hale and Jason Brush; 1867-69, G. C.
Packard; 1873-77, Geo. S. Wright, Truman Barnes.
Excise Commissioners, appointed by the governor, under
the act of 1857, regulating the sale of spirituous liquors :
1857-60, Geo. Hurlbut, Chas. H. Allen, Stephen Vanduzee; 1861,
H. J. Cook vice Allen; 1862, Darius Clark vice Cook; 1863, Smith
Stilwell vice Hurlbut; 1865, Dan. H. Davis vice Vanduzee; 1867,
Rufus K. Jackson vice Clark; 1868-70, Charles Richardson vice
Stilwell.
The office was abolished in 1870, and town commissioners
are elected.
CHAPTER VIIL
THE LEAENED PBOFESSIOBTS.
The Bar— The Medical Profession— Medical Societies— The Clergy
— The Professors — The Press.
THE BAR.
The bar of St. Lawrence County has numbered in its
roll of attorneys names renowned in the annals of the State
and nation, not only in the practice of one of the most hon-
orable of professions, but on the bench and in the halls of
legislation. Its members, too, have been distinguished
not only in the civic arena, but they have gained imperish-
able honors on the gory fields of war. In the second war
of American Independence, and in the terrible carnage of
the great Rebellion, St. Lawrence had her legal sons who
bore her honor untarnished on many a blood-stained field.
The following list of attorneys, resident in the county at
the date of their' admission to practice in the courts, has
been compiled from the records of the courts of the county,
where they have appeared more or less frequently in the
conduct of cases before those tribunals. This list has also
been revised by one of the oldest practicing attorneys in
the county, and the dates given are those of the admission
of the respective attorneys, or their first appearance before
the court, as appears by the records, as near as could be
ascertained. We trust it is substantially free from errors.
1802. Matthew Perkins, the first lawyer, was admitted
to the practice of his profession in St. Lawrence County, at
the first term of the court of common pleas, held June 5,
1802, Judge Nathan Ford presiding, and which also was the
first court held in the county. Mr. Perkins was also the
first surrogate of the county, and died in 1808. The same
year (1802), in November, Benjamin Skinner, Jr., was ad-
mitted. He died in 1873.
1803. Andrew McCoUum, Morris L. Miller.
1805. Adriel Peabody.
1806. Samuel Chipman.
1807. J. P. Warford.
1808. Samuel Warford.
1809. W. W. Bowen, Liberty Knowles (see biography
in history of Potsdam), Matthew Myers. (Fourteen of the
above-named attorneys swore allegiance to the State of New
York, "as a free and independent sovereignty," Jan. 11,
1809.)
1810. George Boyd, George C. Conant, Lewis M. Ogden,
Samuel Livermore, Palmer Cleveland, Gouverneur Ogden,
Wm. S. RadolifF, R. M. Popham, Wm. D. Ford, John
Scott (first resident district attorney in the county, 1818).
1811. Henry C. Martindale, Louis Hasbrouck (first
county clerk), Samuel Rockwell.
1815. Bishop Perkins (see biography in history of
Ogdensburg).
1816. Horace Allen (see biography in history of Pots-
dam), H. Wm. Channing.
1817. John Fine (see biography at close of this list),
Wm. H. Vining, John Cook, Alfred Lathrop, Theo. M.
Atwater, Alexander Richards, Jr.
1819. Silas Wright, Jr. (see biography in history of
Canton).
1821. L. C. Hubbell, Jas. Edwards, M. M. Terry, Aaron
Hackley, Jr., Halsey Townsend.
1822. Jacob A. Van den Heuvel, Jacob J. Ford, A. C.
Brown.
1823. George Redington (see biography in history of
Waddington).
1824. Ransom H. Gillett.
1825. E. Fowler, J. G. Hopkins, Edmund A. Graham.
i827. John W. Grant.
1828. Silas Baldwin, Jr. (see biography in history of
Canton), Thomas Dewey, Charles E. Beardsley.
1829. Edwin Dodge, Jeremiah Bailey.
1830. Preston King (see biography in history of Og-
densburg), John Leslie Russell (sec biography in history
of Canton), Cephas L. Rockwood.
1831. James Redington (see biography in history of
Waddington), Benjamin G. Baldwin.
1832. Julius C. Abel, A. Hayward, Charles G. Myers,
N. F. Hoyer, Samuel H. Piatt, Calvin T. Hulburd.
112
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1833. Elam Rust, David M. Chapin, Levi Smith, Gr. W.
Gardner.
1837. A. B. James, Baron S. Doty, S. B. Seeley.
1838. Stephen G. Dodge, R. W. Judson (see history of
Ogdensburg, and military history), Edward Elderkin, Henry
L. Knowles, Wm. A. Dart (see biography in history of
Potsdam), Thomas V. Russell, Britten A. Hill.
1840. James D. McLaren, Wm. C. Brown, Cyrus W.
Baldwin, Charles Anthony, Simeon Smith.
1841. Joseph M. Doty, Stillman Foote (see biography in
history of Ogdensburg).
1843. Wm. C. Cooke, H. G. Foote.
1844. W. L. Knowles.
1845. Jos. R. Flanders, C. B. Wright, Amos Reed,
Wm. B. Hickok.
1846. Cornelius A. Parker, Charles A. Eldredge.
1849. W. T. Barker, D. S. Pride, Edwin Clarke, Ed-
ward Crary, W. H. Wallace.
1850. J. MoNaugbton, Chas. T. Pooler, C. L King,
B. H. Vary, Wm. C. Chipman, C. R. McClelland, Geo.
Morris.
1851. E. E. Cooley, W. B. Goodrich, W. H. Andrews,
Samuel B. Gordon, Jno. Powell, Jr., M. Field, C. 0. Tap-
pan (see biography in history of Potsdam).
1852. W. H. Sawyer (see biography in history of Can-
ton), Chas. Rich, C. C. Montgomery.
1853. Aikens Foster, G. F. Havens.
1854. D. Magone, Jr., J. C. Spencer.
1855. Edwin Coan, Nathan Crary.
1856. Edw. H. Neary (see biography in history of
Gouverneur), 0. F. Partridge, James F. Pierce (see biog-
raphy in history of Madrid), J. R. Brinckerhoff, John
Doud, G. P. Chapin.
1857. E. H. Nickerson.
1858. Chas. B. Westbrook, Samuel S. Edick, E. R.
Page, F. A. Bacon.
1860. Mark White, Richmond Bicknell, N. Wells, C.
A. Boynton, W. R. Chamberlain, H. F. Grain, Cyrus G.
Stafford.
1861. H. D. Ellsworth, A. X. Parker (see biography
in history of Potsdam), Alvin M. Lamb, S. B. M. Beck-
with, John Gunning, Jr., Dan. S. Giffin, L. Hasbrouck, Jr.,
Nathaniel P. Hays, John Magone, Thomas McGivern,
Paraclete Sheldon, James Nowlan.
1862. Leslie W. Russell (see biography in history of
Canton), R. L. Wilcox, R. B. Lowry, Geo. G. Simons, S.
H. Palmer, Edwin C. James, Lucius L. Bridges, T. H.
Brosnan.
1863. A. E. Smith, John F. Havens.
1864. J. A. Vance.
1866. Watson J. Ferry, Horace Russell.
1867. Geo. Z. Erwin, Geo. B. Stacy, Geo. A. Kingston,
J. G. Mclntyre.
1868. J. Y. Chapin, John F. Bugbee, D. McCurdy.
1869. L. C. Lang, Heber Sykes, Luther E. Wadleigh
(see biography in history of Potsdam), J. B. Preston, Chas.
N. Bixby.
1870. John Miller (see biography in history of Canton),
John S. Miller, Wm. G. Brown, A. Z. Squii-e, Thomas
Spratt, L. M. Soper, W. S. Lansing, A. E. Kilby, C. E.
Chamberlain, L. K. Soper, L. Z. Remington, Silas W. Wil-
son, D. M. Robertson, Jno. W. Stone, E. M. Holbrook.
1871. V. P. Abbott (see biography in history of Canton)
D. A. Johnson (see biography in history of Gouverneur).
1872. A. Barton Hepburn.
1874. Charles Anstead, E. B. White, Worth Chamber-
lain, H. J. Moore, Charles G. Idler, Garrett S. Conger.
1875. H. W. Day, Theo. H. Swift, C. E. Sanford, T. N.
Murphy, J. M. Kellogg, F. J. M. Daly.
1876. W. M. Hawkins, A. B. Shepard, J. C. Keeler.
1877. Geo. Fowler, W. A. Poste, 0. H. Feathers.
THE BAR OF THE PRESENT.
Gouverneur. — Charles Anthony, D. A. Johnson, Geo.
Fowler, Abel Godard, C. A. Parker, C. Arthur Parker, G.
S. Conger, E. H. Neary, Wm. H. Andrews, J. B. Preston,
V. P. Abbott.
ffermon.—K B. White, H. W. Day, Wm. G. Brown.
Canton. — Silas Baldwin, Wm. C. Cooke, Leslie W. Rus-
sell, W. H. Sawyer, D. M. Robertson, Thomas V. Russell,
H. D. Ellsworth, Jno. F. Bugbee, John Miller, Worth
Chamberlain, C. E. Chamberlain, A. Z. Squires, W. A.
Poste, 0. H. Feathers.
Potsdam. — Chas. 0. Tappan, H. L. Knowles, Wm. A.
Dart, Geo. Z. Erwin, A. X. Parker, H. L. Knowles, W.
H. Wallace, Edward Crary, Jno. G. Mclntyre, John A.
Vance, L. E. Wadleigh, W. H. Hawkins, W. H. Faulkner,
T. H. Swift, C. E. Sanford.
Ogdensburg. — Stillman Foote, Chas. G. Myers, R. W.
Judson, A. B. James, E. C. James, D. Magone, D. M.
Chapin, J. Y. Chapin, L. K. Soper, L. M. Soper, J. M.
Kellogg, E. M. Holbrook, J. McNaughton, R. E. Water-
man, Geo. B. Shepard, A. B. Shepard, Geo. Morris, Geo.
Morris, Jr., Louis Hasbrouck, Louis Hasbrouck, Jr., C. G.
Idler, A. E. Smith, R. B. Lowry, Frank Sherman, Thomas
Spratt, B. H. Vary, J. W. Stone, N. Wells, Joseph Ray,
D. McCurdy, C. G. Egert, 0. F. Partridge, C. A. Burton,
Stephen G. Dodge, W. J. Averill, C. R. Westbrook.
Heuveltoii. — D. S. Griffin.
Norfolk.— 3. R. Brinckerhoff.
Norwood. — C. N. Bixby, Sylvester Judd, T. M. Murphy.
Madrid.~G. R. McClelland, Geo. G. Simons.
Waddington. — C. C. Montgomery, James Redington.
Brasher. — C. T. Hulburd, Lewis C. Lang.
North Lawrence. — N. P. Hoyer.
Nicholville. — Geo. B, Stacy.
Colton. — A. B. Hepburn, Charles Anstead, M. D. Beck-
with, Aikens Foster.
Fine. — George A. Kingston.
THE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
was organized in May, 1876, for the chief objects of organ-
izing the bar, and aiding and assisting in proper legislation,
and to obtain and maintain a library for the use of the
bench and bar of the county. It is auxiliary to the State
bar association, and is in furtherance of the same objects.
Its annual meetings are held in May, at Canton, and stated
meetings are also held at each term of the supreme and
county courts.
The officers of the present are the same as at the first
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
113
organization of the association, viz. : Hon. Chas. 0. Tappan,
president ; Edwin M. Holbrook, corresponding secretary ;
Delos McCurdy, secretary; V. P. Abbott, treasurer. Be-
sides these, is a list of vice-presidents and the usual com-
mittees.
The association has a fair library, and is constantly adding
new works, valuable and necessary for its use. It is kept
in the district attorney's office in the court-house, and con-
tains thirteen legal text-books, fourteen volumes digests,
the session laws of the State, from 1802 to date, complete,
with a few exceptions, eleven volumes of U. S. laws, three
hundred and twenty-four volumes of reports, and other
miscellaneous volumes.
There are, doubtless, many reminiscences of the early bar
which would be entertaining to recount would space permit,
but we are /oj-eclosed, to use a legal phrase, and cannot
even enter a demurrer or take an exception to the ruling.
However, we insert a sentence of one of the early lawyers
named above, whose duties were more frequently those of
the magistrate than of the advocate.
A culprit had been brought before him for some infrac-
tion of the law, and having been tried, the court pronounced
the judgment of banishment " from the face of God's
earth to Canada !" The record does not state whether the
sentence was executed or not.
Another of the early lawyers went, in after-years, to
Michigan, and located in St. Joseph county, and became a
leading magistrate at the county-seat. He was a dry joker,
and one day, in trying a case before a brother magistrate in
an adjoining town, objected to the jurisdiction of the court.
and moved a dismissal of the case. The opposing counsel
could not see that the point was well taken, as the towns
were adjoining ones, and, by the Michigan laws, the juris-
diction of justices extended into such situated towns. But
the objector insisted upon his point, and proceeded to de-
monstrate that the two towns did not join. Taking up a
couple of books which lay on the table, he placed them
parallel to each, about six inches apart, and said to the
court, who, by the way, had a very exalted opinion of his
brother magistrate's legal acumen, " Now, 'squire, when
these two towns were originally laid out they did join, but
a few years ago, you know, the highway commissioners of
the towns laid out a road on the town-line the whole six
miles, and now (pointing to the books) you see they don't
join by four rods.'" The justice scratched his head, re-
adjusted his spectacles, and, before the attorney for the prose-
cution recovered from his laughter at what he considered a
good joke, the court decided he had no jurisdiction, and
nonsuited the plaintifiF.
We give in this connection the biography of one of the
most eminent, so far as legal ability was concerned, of the
early members of the bar, and who ranked in his long years
of practice with the foremost attorneys of his district. We
allude to Hon. John Fine, of Ogdensburg, now deceased.
" He was born in New York, August 26, 1794, and was
prepared for college by Andrew Smith, a Scotchman, a well-
known and severe teacher. He entered Columbia college
in 1805, and graduated in 1809, at the age of fifteen, re-
ceiving the second honor, the English salutatory, Among
his college classmates were Bishops B. T. Onderdopk aad J.
15
Kemper, Rev. Dr. W. B. Wyatt, Revs. C. R. Duffee and J.
Brady; Drs. J. W. Francis and E. N. Bibby, and the
Hon. Murray Hoffman. Mr. Fine studied law four years
with P. W. Radclift', one year with Gr. W. Strong, and
attended a course of law lectures of one year under Judges
Reeve and Gould, at Litchfield, Conn. He removed to St.
Lawrence County in 1815, and formed a law partnership
with Louis Hasbrouck, which continued until the death of
the latter in 1834. In 1824 he was appointed first judge
of the county, and was continued in this office by reap-
pointment till March, 1839. In the fall of 1838 he was
elected to Congress, and in the latter of the two years was
on the committee on foreign affairs. In 1844 he was reap-
pointed first judge, and held that office until the adoption
of the new constitution in 1847. During his service of
over eighteen years on the bench, three only of his de-
cisions were reversed. In 1848 he was elected to the State
senate and served one term, during which period he in-
troduced and aided in carrying into a law the bill to punish
criminally the seduction of females, and also the bill to
protect the property of married women. The latter lias
made a great change in the common law, and raises the
female sex from a menial and dependent condition, as
regards the control of their property, to an equality with
man. The refinements of civilized society, and the spirit
of the Christian religion, justify the law which has been
incorporated into our code, and, from the favor with which
it has been received by the public, there is a probability it
will never be repealed. Judge Fine received the degree of
Master of Arts from Columbia college, in 1812, and that of
Doctor of Laws, from Hamilton college, in 1850. In 1847
and 1849 he was nominated for judge of the supreme court,
but on each occasion was unsuccessful, the venerable Daniel
Cady, of Johnstown, being elected. From 1821 to 1833
he held the office of county treasurer, and upon resigning,
the board of supervisors passed resolutions expressive of
their confidence in his integrity and ability. In 1852 he
published a volume of lectures on law, for the use of his
sons, of which Judge Cady has said, ' I do not believe
there is another work in the English language which con-
tains so much legal information in so few words. All I read
and hear of the lectures strengthens my convictions that
they should be in the hands of every student who wishes to
■ acquire in the shortest time a knowledge of the laws of his
country.' The high station and distinguished attainments
of the one by whom this opinion was given confer great
value upon it. In the various benevolent movements of
the day, and especially in the founding and support of the
county Bible society. Judge Fine has been foremost, and he
will long be regarded as the efficient supporter of this and
other benevolent societies, as a distinguished lawyer, an
able jurist, and as one who in every respect has adorned
and elevated the society in which he has lived.''*
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
The science of medicine enlists the best powers and
deepest thought of its votaries. Ministering to the " thou-
sand shocks which flesh is heir to," whether of the body or
' Rouglt's IJistor^ of Frapklir) ii^d St. Lawrence Counties,
114
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of " a mind diseased," a skillful physician and surgeon is
one who loves his profession, not for what personal gain
there may he in its prosecution, hut for the ever-expanding
thought, the ever-increasing knowledge of the mysterious
mechanism by which the human being is made to live, and
the consequent power he acquires to counteract and eradi-
cate disease. As a body the St. Lawrence medical pro-
fession stands second to none of its class in the interior
of the State.
THE ST. LAWRENCE MEDICAL SOCIETY
was organized October 14, 1807, on the passage of the law
authorizing the formation of medical societies in the State.
At the first meeting Joseph W. Smith was chosen presi-
dent ; I. W. Pier, vice-president, W. Noble, secretary ; B.
Holmes, treasurer; John Seeley, Powell Davis, and B.
Holmes, censors. A seal, having for its device a lancet
within the words "St. Lawrence Medical Society," was
adopted July, 1811.
The society held its annual meetings for the most part of
the time to the year 185G, at which many able papers on
the diagnosis and treatment of disease have been read by
its members, which have included all, or nearly so, of the
regular school, or allopathic, as commonly called, physi-
cians who have been residents of the county.
The presidents of the society have been as follows :
Joseph W. Smith, 1807 to 1814, 1818-19, 1828-29,
and 1833; Robert McChesney, 1815 to 1817, 1821, and
1841; Gideon Sprague, 1820, 1835, and 1843; B. Holmes,
1825 ; E. Baker, 1826-27, 1832, 1845, and 1848 ; Francis
Parker, 1840; S. H. McChesney, 1830-31,1834, 1844,
and 1852 ; Socrates N. Sherman, 1836, 1842, and 1847 ;
J. A. Mott, 1837 ; S. Ford, 1838 ; W. S. Paddock, 1839 ;
M. S. Parker, 1864-65; Louis Stowers, 1865-66; Z. B.
Bridges, 1866-67 ; C. C. Bates, 1867-68 ; B. P. Sherman,
1868-69; S. L. Parmelee, 1869-70; Jesse Reynolds,
1870-71 ; Robert Morris, 1871-72 ; D. McFalls, 1872-73;
A. R. Gregor, 1873-74 ; E. H. Bridges, 1874-75 ; H. A.
Roland, 1875-76 ; L. E. Felton, 1876-77.
Some time about 1856 the society suspended its workings,
and the records previous to that time have been lost, and
what we have produced of the history previous to 1852
has been taken from Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence
and Franklin Counties. On January 19, 1864, several of
the members of the old society met and reorganized it,
electing the following board of officers : Dr. Martin S.
Parker, president ; Dr. S. L. Parmelee, vice-president ; Dr.
R. R. Sherman, secretary ; Dr. Jesse Reynolds, treasurer;
Drs. N. L. Buck, F. P. Sprague, and H. B. Boland, censors.
The present officers of the society are, Dr. C. C. Bar-
tholomew, of Ogdensburg, president ; Dr. J. A. Wilbur,
vice-president ; Dr. L. E. Felton, of Potsdam, secretary ;
Dr. Fred. Geer, treasurer ; Drs. Robert Morris, of Ogdens-
burg, E. H. Bridges, and J. Reynolds, censors ; Drs. Z. B.
Bridges, S. L. Parmelee, and A. N. Thomson, delegates to
the State medical society ; Drs. J. Reynolds, Z. B. Bridges,
D. McFalls, C. C. Bartholomew, and Frederick Geer, dele-
gates to the American medical association.
The following list of physicians have been members of the
society, the dates being those of their admission thereto :
1807. Powell Davis, B. Holmes, Ira W. Pier, John
Seeley, J. W. Smith.
1808. Pierce Shepard.
1809. Elijah Baker, John Spencer.
1 811. Robert McChesney, Myron Orton, Daniel Brainerd.
1812. Reuben Phillips, James A. Mott.
1814. Philip Scott, Ira Smith, Gideon Sprague.
1815. John Archibald.
1816. F. W. Judson, W. S. Paddock, Royal Sikes, Silas
Spencer.
1817. Wm. A. Canfield, John S. Carpenter.
1820. Thomas Harrington, Solomon Sherwood.
1821. Wm. Atwater, W. Hatch, John McChesney, Na-
thaniel K. Olmstead, Francis Parker (see biography in
history of Parishville), Jason Winslow.
1822. Levi Crane, Rufus Newton, C. Skidmore, Alvah
Squire.
1823. J. W. Floyd (see biography in history of Norfolk),
Ira Gibson, Caleb Pierce (see biography in history of
Madrid).
1824. Darius Clark (see biography in history of Canton),
Elkanah French.
1826. Roswell Nash, T. Van Sickler, Lewis Stowers,
Seymour Thatcher.
1827. Reuben Ashley, Alanson Ray, Socrates N. Sher-
man (see biography in history of Ogdensburg), R. -B.
Webb.
1828. G. W. Barker, Joseph Brayton, Sylvester Ford,
Woolcott Griffin, H. D. Laughlin (see biography in
history of Hopkinton), John S. Morgan, Hiram Murdock,
C. H. Pierce, J. W. Ripley, L. Samburn, Lorenzo Sheldon,
Albert Tyler.
1829. Oliver Brewster, Wooster Carpenter, J. H. Chand-
ler, John Marsh, James S. Munson, Orra Rice, Jr.
1830. Giles F. Catlin, J. S. Cochran, D. L. Collamer,
Hiram Goodrich, D. L. Shaw.
1831. Alvan Ames, Jacob Clark.
1832. R. M. Rigdon, Benj. P. Smith, J. A. Chambers.
1833. H. 0. Chipman, Wood.
1834. J. H. Ripley, E. Whiting.
1835. Calvin S. Millington.
1836. Wm. Bass, I. B. Crawe, H. Mazuzan, Charles
Orvis, S. C. Wait.
1838. D. 8. Olin, G. F. Cole.
1840. Mason G. Sherman.
1841. Ezra Parmelee.
1842. R. Burns, J. H. Dunton, Geo. Green, Henry
Hewitt (see biography in history of Potsdam), B. F.
Sherman, C. A. J. Sprague, W. H. Sprague, William
Witherell.
1843. M. L. Burnham, Thomas Dunton, 0. H. May-
hew, T. R. Pangburn, A. B. Sherman.
1844. A. Ames, J. S. Conkey, C. F. Ide, W. J. Manley.
1845. B. F. Ames.
1846. R. L. Clark.
1847. W. F. Galloway, J. H. Grennell, Samuel Marsh.
1848. D. A. Raymond.
1852. R. Davidson, J. H. Hyer, G. R. Lowe, 0. F.
Parker, J. C. Preston, Jesse Reynolds, F. P. Sprague, G
S. Sutherland.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
115
1864 to 1866. Cornelius H. Buck, John Pierce, C. C.
Bates, R. R. Sherman, Zina B. Bridges, Benj. M. Ames,
H. A. Boland, Joseph H. Gibbons, S. L. Parmelee, James
S. Gale, G. B. Seymour, A. R. Gregor, A. C. Taylor, J.
H. Benton, W. H. Cruikshank, Hiram D. Smith, Charles
N. Hewitt, Thos. Murdock, Ira H. Darling, S. Holman,
N. L. Buck, A. H. Thompson, E. Whitney, M. S. Parker,
0. G. Ross, 0. McFadden, J. A. Wilbur.
1866. Stuart Chrichton, E. M. Curtis, E. A. Hutchins,
J. H. Jackson, S. H. Rolfe, Robert Morris, F. A. Cutler.
1867. C. B. Barber, E. H. Bridges, William P. Stone,
G. W. Reynolds, D. McFalls, E. C. Walsh, Benjamin F.
Drury.
1869. T. A. Pease.
1870. A. P. Grinnell, W. C. Wood, Isaac Drake, C. C.
Bartholomew.
1871. L. E. Felton, C. M. Wilson.
1873. R. I. O'Connell, James A. Phillips, W. H. Car-
penter, Frederick Greer.
1874. H. L. Stiles, James Garvin, E. J. Bowen, J.
Morrison, D. R. Freeman.
1875. A. R. Turner, A. B. Goodenough, G. H. Holmes,
D. M. Seeley, Louis B. Chagnon, C. B. Hawley, S. H.
Foster.
1876. B. S. Manley, H. T. Hammond, L. B. Baker,
Frank R. Sherman, Albert L. Morgan, 0. J. Hutchins.
1877. F. A. Anderson.
Besides these the following have practiced the profession
of medicine in the county, principally in the early days of
its settlement: 1800, Dr. Hosea Brooks; 1801, El'isha M.
Barber; 1802, Allen Barber (drowned in 1806); 1805,
William Noble, Richard Townsend (practiced only in emer-
gentcases) ; 1806, Stephen Langworthy ; 1807, Daniel Camp-
bell, Pliny Godard; 1811, Lemuel Winslow; 1820, John
Bean; 1830, B. L. Beardsley, Elihu Gillis; 1828, John
Inman ; 1843, J. Addison Brown ; 1846, Franklin B. Hough ;
1850, D. McLaren; 1862, William Wilson; 1861, P. P.
McMonagle; 1860, B. 0. Cook; dates unknown, Drs. Bow-
man, Goss, Barrows, Slade, Blaokman, Joseph Boynton,
Solomon P. Sherwood, and Derby; 1875 and at present,
L. M. Giffin, Luther Hawkins, L. J. W. Miller, J. S.
Howard, David F. Dayton, Dr. Hall.
THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN NEW YORK
is composed of physicians of the old school practicing in
that portion of the State, as indicated by the title of the
society ; but members are admitted from any part of the
State, provided they are at the time of application members
of the county association where they reside. Physicians of
the Dominion of Canada may also become members on
presentation of a diploma of some regularly incorporated and
organized medical school. Its annual meetings have been
usually held in Malone, Franklin Co.
The members of the association residing in St. Lawrence
County are as follows ;
Ogdenshurg. Zina B. Bridges, Elisha H. Bridges, C.
C. Bartholomew, Frederick Gears, Robert Morris, Benjamin
F. Sherman, Frank R. Sherman.
Potsdam. Gideon C. Cole, David F. Dayton, L. E.
Felton, John Pierce, Jesse Reynolds.
Lawrencevilk. H. A. Boland, J. H. Jackson.
Lisbon. W. H. Cruikshank.
Stockholm. Isaac Drake, Thomas Dunton.
Norfolk. Sylvester Ford, A. H. Thompson.
Gouverneur. David McFalls.
Heuvelton. Lewis Samburn.
Norwood: J. A. Wilbur.
The following are the officers for 1877 : President, Dr
Robert Morris, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Vice-President, Dr,
George B. Dunham, Plattsburg, N. Y. ; Secretary, Dr. Sid
ney P. Bates, Malone, N. Y. ; Treasurer, Dr. Calvin Skin
ner, Malone, N. Y. ; Committee of Intelligence, Dr. B. F
Sherman, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Dr. Theodore Gay, Malone,
N. Y. ; Dr. L. E. Felton ; Committee of Publication, Dr.
Elisha H. Bridges, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Dr. Calvin Skinner,
Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. Renno E. Hyde, Chazy, N. Y. ; Dr,
Sidney P. Bates, Malone, N. Y. ; Committee of Arrange-
ments, Dr. J. S. Phillips, Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. S. S. Went-
worth, Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. A. M. Phelps, Chateaugay, N.
Y. ; Microscopist, Dr. Elisha H. Bridges, Ogdensburg,
N. Y.
THE ST. LAWRENCE HOM(EOPATHI0 MEDICAL SOCIETY.
This society was organized Oct. 4, 1871, with the follow-
ing officers: Dr. D. E. Southwick, of Ogdensburg, president;
Dr. Ezra Parmelee, of Morley, vice-president ; Dr. H. D.
Brown, of Potsdam, secretary; Dr. N. N. Child, of Ogdens-
burg, treasurer ; Dr. E. R. Belding, of Malone, Sanford
Hoag, of Canton, and J. M. Dow, of De Kalb, censors. A
constitution and by-laws similar to those of the Albany
Homoeopathic society were adopted.
The presidents of the society from its organization to the
present time have been as follows: 1871, D. E. Southwick;
1872-73, E. Parmelee; 1874, E. R. Belding; 1875, J. M.
Dow ; 1876, D. E. Southwick.
The society has its annual meeting on the second Tuesday
in June, and its semi-annual meeting the same day in De-
cember, at which essays on the diagnosis and treatment of
disease, on the principle of " similia similibus curantur,"
are delivered by the members.
The president. Dr. Southwick, in his annual address in
1872, gave the history of the rise and progress of homoe-
opathy in St. Lawrence County, from which we learn that
the first physician to practice medicine after the system of
Hahnemann therein was Dr. Ezra Parmelee, an old-school
physician up to 1856, when he began to practice homoeo-
pathioally at Morley, where he still resides and practices.
In 1857, Dr. Austin began the practice at Canton, and Dr.
Southwick in Ogdensburg. In 1860, Dr. Johnson changed
his practice in De Peyster from the old to the new school,
and is now a practitioner in Morrison, Illinois. About the
same time. Dr. Swan began at Riohville, and Dr. Willard
at Potsdam. The latter was succeeded by Dr. Brown. E.
R. Belding was a student of Dr. Willard, and located at
Malone, Franklin, where he is still in practice. Dr. Austin
died in Canton, but some time previous to his death sur-
rendered his practice to Dr. Reno, who gave way to Dr.
Fisher. Dr. Daygart and Dr. Hoag were also of Canton.
Dr. George Dart succeeded Dr. Johnson in De Peyster
in 1864, and located in De Kalb in 1870, and Dr. Fisher
116
HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
went to Gouverneur in 1870. Dr. N. N. Child located in
Ogdensburg in 1863.
The present officers of the society are as follows :
President, Dr. Southwick ; Vice-President, George Dart ;
Treasurer, N. N. Child ; Secretary, S. Hoag ; Censors, E.
R. Belding, Charles W. Radway, H. D. Brown ; Delegate
to American Institute of Homoeopathy, D. E. Southwick ;
to State society, Sanford Hoag.
The members of the society and the dates of their ad-
mission are as follows :
1871. E. Parmelee, D. E. Southwick, H. D. Brown,
N. N. Child, E. R. Belding, S. Hoag, J. M. Dow, E. E.
Fisher, George Dart.
1874. W. C. Doy, Waddington ; G. E. Baldwin, Gouver-
neur; E. C. Low, Plattshurg.
1875. George W. Randall, Rensselaer Falls ; A. B. Cole,
Hermon ; G. S. Farmer, Gouverneur.
1877. C. W. Radway, Canton ; Jason Turner, Heuvel-
ton, A. L. Greene, Stockholm.
The clerical profession will be found noticed in connection
with the history of the churches, and the instructors are
enumerated in the history of colleges, academies, and schools
in the general history of the county and the town histories.
THE PRESS.
The first paper published in St. Lawrence County was
the Palladium, by John C. Kipp and Timothy C. Strong, of
Middlebury, Vt., who were furnished by David Parish and
Daniel W. Church with money to purchase a press and
erect a building for the purpose of printing a paper in
1810. The enterprise was started in December of that
year. The printers had a small quantity of type; Mr.
Church built the office and sent for the press, while Mr.
Parish furnished the money with which to begin business.
Strong continued in the concern less than a year, when his
partner took the office alone, and sold, in the fall of 1812,
to John P. Sheldon. The first paper was printed on a sheet
11 by 17 J inches, and had but two pages. Sheldon enlarged
it to a folio, but difficulties being experienced in getting
regular supplies of paper, many of the numbers were issued
on a common foolscap sheet. It was printed on an old-
fashioned wooden press, published weekly, and distributed
through the county by a foot-post, an old Swiss about sixty
years of age acting as carrier. Sheldon discontinued his
paper about 1814. From several numbers of this paper
before us, it is learned that it was Federal in politics, and
denounced the war. For a time it had but three columns
and two pages of 7 by 11 inches, exclusive of margin.
David R. Strachan and Piatt B. Fairchild purchased a
Ramage press of James Bogart, of the Geneva Gazette,
and commenced in December, 1815, a weekly paper under
the title of the St. Lawrence Gazette, a small folio sheet
20 by 25 inches, fire columns to the page, at two dollars
per annum. Fairchild subsequently withdrew, and the paper
was continued by the remaining publisher until April 12,
1826, when Dan Spafford and James C. Barter purchased
the office, and continued the paper without change of name
or size till December, 1829, when Spaffijrd became pub-
lisher, and continued it till about the 1st of Jan. 1830.
He then sold it to Preston King, who had also purchased
the St. Laurence RepiibUcan, previously issued at Potsdam.
The Gazette thus ceased to exist, and the press on which
it had been printed was laid away, and finally destroyed
in the great fire of 1839. It espoused the cause of Mr.
Adams, after his election in 1824, and advocated his re-
election in 1828. Its politics were changed to Republican
on its union with the other paper.
The Northern Light, an anti-Masonic paper, was begun
at Ogdensburg, July 7, 1831 (20 by 26 inches), by W. B.
Rogers, and in October, 1831, was assumed by A. Tyler
and A. B. James, who published it about a year, when the
latter became its editor. On the 10th of April, 1834, its
name was changed to The Times, and at the end of the
fourth volume it was enlarged to six columns, and its title
changed to the Ogdensburg Times. In July, 1837, Dr. Tyler
again became associated with Mr. James, and the name was
again changed to the Times and Advertiser. In July,
1838, Dr. Albert Tyler became its sole publisher, and con-
tinued until March, 1844, when it was transferred to
Foote & Seeley, and it became the Frontier Sentinel. It
has continued till the present time under the following
names :
The Frontier Sentinel,\ie.gwa April 2, 1844, by Foote &
Seeley (six columns folio), at one dollar per annum. Mr.
Stephen B. Seeley, of the above firm, died Aug. 17, 1844,
and the paper was thenceforth continued by Henry G.
Foote. On the 8th of June, 1847, the name was changed
to the Ogdensburg Sentinel, under which it continued to the
1st of Oct., 1858, when it was discontinued. The subscrip-
tion list was transferred to the liepidilican, and the press and
most of the type eventually went into the Advance office.
In 1847, when its name was changed, it was enlarged to
eight columns. On the 27th of Nov., 1847, this paper was
transferred to Stillman Foote, by whom it was continued, as
before stated, until October, 1858. It was printed, subse-
quent to 1847, on an Adams power press.
The Laify Sentinel was the first attempt to establish a
daily paper in St. Lawrence County. It was started April
14, 1848, by Stillman Foote, at one cent per number, and
continued until September 14 of the same year. Its pages
were nearly square, and three columns in width. It was
made up from the matter prepared for the weekly sheet,
with a few advertisements.
The St. Lawrence Bvdget, a very small advertising sheet,
in the interests of the St. Lawrence Insurance Company,
was issued from the press of the Sentinel, semi-monthly,
for about two years, in 1850-51.
The Meteorological Register was the title of a monthly
quarto commenced January 1, 1839, by J. H. Coffin, then
principal of the academy, and now of Fayette college,
Easton, Pennsylvania. It was devoted to scientific in-
quiries, and continued but four numbers. It was issued
by one of the printing-offices in the village. This highly
meritorious publication is believed not to have received the
patronage which rendered its continuance practicable,
although conducted with an ability very creditable to its
editor.
The Ogdensburg Forum was commenced April 24, 1848,
by A. Tyler, to support the Whig party and the interests
of General Taylor. It was a. small-sized folio, in small
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
117
type, and at first issued tri-weekly and weekly, at $1.50 and
50 cents per annum. When first started it was issued in
the quarto form, with four pages to the sheet, but at the
end of six months the tri-weekly was discontinued, and
after the first year the folio form was adopted. It was dis-
continued in February, 1851. The ofiice from which this
paper was issued had been supplied with new furniture
complete, and was at first designed for a job oflSce only,
and it was the first attempt to establish an ofiice of this
kind in St. Lawrence County. After the paper was stopped
it continued to do job work until 1852, when it was sold
and removed to Gouverneur.
The first attempt to establish a daily paper in St. Law-
rence County of a character comparable with the daily press
of the cities was made in March, 1852, by William N.
Oswell, a former editor of the St. Lawrence Republican,
assisted by Mr. Fayette Robinson in the editorial depart-
ment. It was entitled the Daily Morning News, pro-
fessed neutrality in politics, and was conducted with an
ability and enterprise which entitled it to a liberal support.
The presses, type, and furniture of this ofiice were new.
In September, 1852, was commenced the issue, from the
press of the Daily News, a large sheet, neutral in politics,
and devoted to literary and general intelligence, by the
name of the Weekly News, by William N. Oswell. The
latter paper soon after was temporarily suspended, but again
issued in a smaller sheet, and continued as a daily paper for
a short time, and discontinued.
The Ogdenshurg Daily Times, a second daily paper, was
begun October 18, 1852, by William Yeaton and Warren
Dow, and was printed at the Republican office. It proposed
to act independent in politics, and the first number was a
small folio, five columns to the page, and appeared to be
edited with ability, but the publication was arrested by a
disastrous fire after one or two issues.
The St. Lawrence Republican was commenced in Pots-
dam in the fall of 1826, or early in the following year, by
William H. Lyman, on a super-royal press. It was after-
wards published, in company with Jonathan Wallace, as a
Republican paper, in opposition to the St. Lawrence Gazette,
and was the first Democratic paper in the county. It was
20 by 29 inches, weekly, and distributed by post. In the
summer of 1827 it went into the hands of Mr. Wallace,
and in the winter of 1828 Lyman became the proprietor.
In 1827 it was removed to Canton, and printed awhile as
the Canton Advertiser and St. Lawrence Republican. In
1830, Preston King purchased it and took it to Ogdens-
hurg. On the first day of January, 1830, he issued num-
ber one of volume one of the St. Lawrence Republican, and
continued its publication till January, 1833, when Samuel
Hoard purchased it. Up to this time it was printed on a
Ramage press, bought for f40 in New York city in 1826.
This press had a stone bed, which, having broken, was re-
placed with a wooden plank. In May, 1833, Mr. Hoard
brought from Fort Covington, Franklin county, an iron
Smith press, and enlarged the paper to 21 J by 32 inches.
In 1834 he took into partnership F. D. Flanders, of
Malone. In December, 1834, Matthew M. and John M.
Tillotson became the proprietors. They published it two
years, when the former withdrew, and it was continued by
J. M. Tillotson till the fall of 1841. In April, 1839, the
establishment was consumed by fire, but early in the sum-
mer its publication was resumed, and the paper enlarged to
23J by 36 inches, and with seven columns to the page, and
printed on a Washington press manufactured by Hoe & Co.,
New York. In the fall of 1841, Franklin B. Hitchcock
and Henry M. Smith purchased the office, and continued
the publication of the paper .until July 16, 1848, when
Hitchcock sold his interest to William N. Oswell, and went
gold-seeking to California. Smith & Oswell published the
paper until December 3, 1851, when Hitchcock returned
and re-purchased his interest. Smith & Hitchcock con-
ducted the business till March 17, 1852. Mr. Smith's
health then failing, he sold his share to M. W. Tillotson, a
former proprietor. July 10, 1849, the paper was enlarged
to double-medium. Hitchcock &■ Tillotson continued the
pubUcation till May 22, 1855, when John A. Haddock
purchased one-third of the establishment. On the first of
April, 1856, Mr. Haddock sold his third to I. G. Stil-
well. On November 30, 1858, H. R. James and James
W. Hopkins purchased the whole establishment, and in
December, 1860, Mr. James became the sole proprietor.
In 1856, Henry R. James, James W. Hopkins, and
Charles R. Foster consolidated two amateur boys' printing
establishments, and started a daily paper under the title of
The Boys' Journal. A short time later they purchased a
Guernsey press and started the Weekly Journal. In the
summer of 1857 Foster sold his interest. James & Hop-
kins continued the publication of both papers till they
purchased the St. Lawrence Republican. The weekly was
merged in the St. Lawrence Republican, and the " Boys' "
dropped and " Daily" substituted in the title of the daily
paper. This was the first successful daily newspaper ven-
ture in Ogdensburg and the county. For fourteen years
Mr. James continued the publication of both daily and
weekly papers under their present titles, to wit, The Og-
densburg Journal, daily, and St. Lawrence Republican and
Journal, weekly.
On the first of January, 1874, S. P. Remington and S.
H. Palmer each purchased a one-third interest in the estab- ^
lishment. It has since been conducted by Messrs. James,
Remington & Palmer. From the time the Republican
came under the control of Mr. King till 1855 it was the
organ of the Democratic party in St. Lawrence County.
Upon the organization of the Republican party, in 1855, it
espoused the Republican cause, and has since been a de-
fender and exponent of that political faith. The St. Law^
rence Republican has twice been burned down, but has
each time arisen from its ashes enlarged and improved, and
with new vigor. One of these fires, as before stated,
occurred in April, 1839, and the other in October, 1852.
The appointments of the office have increased with the
demands of the public, and its increase of subscribers has
kept up with the increase of population in the county.
The old Ramage press has given place to one Taylor cylin-
der, one Hoe cylinder, one Adams book press, one Camp-
bell cylinder, one Degner jobber, one Ruggles card press,
and one Washington hand press, while the subscription list
has risen from a few hundred to exactly 4512 copies. On
Wednesday, the 14th day of November, 1877, it entered
118
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
upon its 48th volume. It has names on its subscription
books which were placed there upon the issue of the first
number in 1 830.
The Ogdensburg Advance and St. Latorence Weekly
Democrat was 'started in Ogdensburg, in March, 1861, by
James W. Hopkins. It was called the Advance, and there
were a daily and a weekly. In December, 1862, it passed
into the hands of the Democracy, at which time Mr.
O'Brien, of the St. Lawrence Democrat, published at
Canton, formed a partnership with Amos S. Partridge,
when the Advance and Democrat were united and pub-
lished by O'Brien & Partridge. The name of the daily
was continued, but that of the weekly was changed into the
St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat. May 31, 1863, Mr.
O'Brien retired and was succeeded by E. M. Holbrook,
and the paper was published by Holbrook & Partridge
until October 24, 1864, when it passed under the control
of Ranson Skeels, who discontinued the daily and reduced
the size of the weekly. In April, 1867, the office was pur-
chased by Charles J. Hynes, who soon after refurnished it,
put in new presses and type, enlarged the paper, and in-
creased its circulation. Mr. Hynes owned the paper till
May 23, 1877, when it was purchased by Messrs. D. T.
Elmer & G. F. Darrow, the present proprietors. The form
of the publication has been changed to an eight-page paper,
and is one of the most complete county papers in the State.
In politics it is unfalteringly Democratic, and in spite of the
discouragements of strong adverse political sentiments in
the section, it has grown to be a power in northern New
York. It is the only Democratic paper published in the
county, and has an extensive circulation.
POTSDAM.
Tlie Potsdam Gazette was begun January 13, 1816
(neutral in politics), by Frederick Powell, 18 by 22 inches,
from a screw press made by J. Ouram, in Philadelphia,
and bought in New York for 8150. It was discontinued
in April, 1823. It was issued weekly, and contained four
columns to the page. Zena Clark was connected with it a
few months. In January, 1824, Mr. Powell commenced
issuing from the same press a neutral paper, 20 by 24
inches, four columns folio, entitled the Potsdam American,
which was afterwards published by Powell & Redington,
and discontinued in April, 1829. In May, 1829, Elias
Williams issued from this press, and of the same size as
the last, an anti-Masonic weekly, entitled The Herald, but
which continued only till August of the same year. In
April, 1830, William Hughes printed on the same press an
anti-Masonic weekly, called the Patriot. It was 20 by 26
inches, five columns to the page, and was stopped early in
1831, when the press was removed to Ogdensburg by W.
B. Rogers, and used in publishing the Northern Light.
This was afterwards sold to Judge Buell, of Brookville, for
$25, and used for job work, and its place supplied in 1834
by an iron No. 3 Smith press.
On the 11th of April, 1844, Mr. Boynton commenced
issuing The Enquirer and Tariff Advocate, a campaicn
paper devoted to the Whig party, and continued only till
the November following. It was a small folio, terms fifty
cents, and issued from the same press as the Cabinet.
In consequence of this the Cabinet became unpopular with
the Democratic party, and it was removed at the end of the
second year to Potsdam, and continued weekly, on the same
plan as before, one year, when it was changed to folio. The
literary matter of this folio was issued on a semi-monthly
octavo, in covers, double columns, with title and index,
one year, under the name of The Repository, which was
commenced July 20, 1846. At the end of the fourth vol-
ume the Cabinet was sold to William L. Knowles, and
thenceforth issued under the name of The St. Lawrence
Mercury. Mr. Knowles continued its publication two
years, when he sold to William H. Wallace, who continued
to publish it about two years longer under the same name,
when he sold, in June, 1851, the establishment to H. C.
Pay, who changed the name to The St. Lawrence Journal,
and continued its issue till July, 1852, when it was united
with The Potsdam Courier. It professed to be neutral
in politics.
The Potsdam Courier was commenced by Vernon Har-
rington, in fall of 1851, and continued till July, 1852,
when it was combined with the Journal. It was issued
from the same press which had been previously used at
Grouverneur. It was neutral in politics. The Potsdam
Courier and Journal, formed in July, 1852, by the union
of the Courier and Journal, and published by Harrington
& Fay, was the only paper published in Potsdam in 1852.
It professed to be neutral in politics. Terms, one dollar
per year. In 1853, H. C. Fay was the sole publisher.
In 1858, or thereabouts, the Northern Freeman was be-
gun by Doty & Greenleaf in Canton ; afterwards Greenleaf
was succeeded by Baker and the paper removed to Potsdam,
where it was published by 0. D. Baker. In 1861 the two
papers then published in Potsdam united, under the joint
name of the Courier and Freeman, and were published by
Fay, Baker & Co. In 1862, Baker & Pay succeeded, and
they in turn gave way, in 1865, to Elliott & Fay. Since
1873 the paper has been published by Fay & Sweet to the
present time. The Courier and Freeman is 28 by 43
inches, 36 columns folio, Republican in politics, and is edited
ably and spicily. Its weekly circulation is about 26C0
copies. The office is equipped with four steam-power
presses and material for a first-class job-office. It is the
only paper in the third assembly district, and is well sus-
tained.
The Philomathean, a literary magazine, conducted by
the Philomathean Society of the St. Lawrence academy,
was started in the spring of 1849, and continued several
numbers. It was made of selected productions of the
members of the society. It was proposed to be issued at
the end of each academic term, or three numbers in a year,
at a subscription price of 37 J cents.
CANTON.
In 1827, while Mr. Wallace was publishing the St.
Lawrence Republican, he issued a semi-monthly folio, 13
by 20 inches, called the Day Star. It was a Universalist
paper, and continued six months, when it was united with
the Gospel Advocate, of Utica. While this paper was
being published the press was removed to Canton.
In July, 1832, C. C. Bill started a Whig paper in Can-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
119
ton, called the Northern Telegraph, and after printing it a
time sold liis interest to Orlando Squires, -who commenced
publishing a Democratic paper on the same press, which
was called the Canton Democrat, who continued it a short
time. A paper called the Luminary of the North was
published here in July, 1834. The St. Lawrence Demo-
crat, a Whig paper, owned by several individuals, and
published by Edgar A. Barber, was commenced in Septem-
ber, 1840, and its publication finally ceased in April, 1842.
It was printed on a No. 3 Washington press. The North-
ern Cabinet and Literary Repository, a neutral and literary
paper, was begun at Canton Jan. 2, 1843, by Charles
Boynton, in the quarto form, semi-monthly, at $1 per
annum. The press and materials were the same as those
which had been used in Mr. Barber's paper. Mr. Wilson
commenced May 28, 1850, publishing at Columbia village
(Madrid), with the press and type formerly used by the
Theresa Chronicle,
The Trne Democrat. It was a small-sized folio, and
professed to support the Democratic party. At the end of
ten months it was purchased by 0. L. Ray, and its politics
changed from Democratic to neutral. At the end of a
year its name was changed to the Columbian Independent,
and continued a year longer under the same title, when it
was removed to Canton, and the name again changed to the
Canton Independent, under which -it was published for a
time, and discontinued. The Canton Weekly Citizen was
the title of a very small folio, attempted to be published
at Canton, commenced with the 1st of January, 1852, by
J. S. Sargent. It continued four weeks.
The St. Lawrence Plaindealer was started as a Repub-
lican campaign paper, in July, 1856, by William B. Good-
rich, then a lawyer of Canton village, and S. P. Reming-
ton, as the junior partner, placing against Mr. Goodrich's
capital his practical knowledge of the business of printing.
The material of an establishment that had some time be-
fore failed, known as the St. Lawrence Democrat, was
used, and the paper was printed on an exceedingly ancient
hand-press. As the campaign demonstrated that the busi-
ness could be made a reasonably paying one, an entire new
outfit was purchased, and the paper was issued as a pei;,^
manent enterprise of Canton. At the end of a few
months, Colonel Goodrich disposed of his interest in the
concern to the junior of the firm, and the paper was con-
tinued from that time till 1862, under the editorship and
management of S. P. Remington. Having entered the
military service, Mr. Remington at that time sold the office
to J. Van Slyke, who owned and controlled it until repur-
chased by the former proprietor in 1867, by whom it was
conducted until Aug. 1, 1873, when it was purchased by
Gilbert B. Manley, the present proprietor. Colonel Rem-
ington soon after became connected with the Ogdensburg
Journal and Republican, on whose editorial pages the
traces of his vigorous pen are daily manifest.
The material of the Plaindealer office was twice con-
sumed by fire, — once on the 14th of Aug., 1869, and
again on the 4th of Aug,, 1870. A clean sweep was made
by each of these fires, nothing having survived them except
one small job-press, so that all the office material was of
necessity purchased new aftei' the fire of 1870. With com-
mendable enterprise, after each of these fires, Colonel Rem-
ington continued to issue the paper regularly, on small
sheets at first, but in a few weeks restored to its usual size
and fully on its feet again.
The history of the Plaindealer is as full of stirring
events as could have well occurred to a paper published in
a country village. Colonel Goodrich, one of its founders,
fell in command of the 60th Regiment early in the Rebel-
lion, and now lies buried in Canton village, while Colonel
Remington, dropping the pen to wield the sword, took an
active part in the stirring events of that time. His record
appears in the military history of the county.
The Plaindealer, during the changes of proprietorship
which have occurred, has always adhered to the Republican
party, and without being accused of attaching undue im-
portance to what has appeared in its columns, it is believed
that its career justifies the claim that it has exercised a
political influence which time has shown to have been
good.
The Plaindealer is a folio sheet of thirty-two columns,
26 by 40 inches in size. Its office contains a newspaper-
and a job-press, a " Eureka" steam-engine, and is well fur-
nished with type and material. It has long maintained
the reputation of turning out a superior quality and style
of job-work. George T. Manley is foreman of the office.
The Commercial Advertiser, a weekly Democratic news-
paper, an eight-column folio, 40 by 26 inches, is published
by Hall & Tracey, at Canton. It was first published by
the present proprietors at Norwood, St. Lawrence Co., Nov.
3, 1873, and removed to Canton in May, 1877, the first
number being issued in the latter place on the- 31st of that
month.
The Advertiser office is equipped with two steam-presses
and other machinery and material for a complete newspaper
and job-office.
GOUVERNEUR.
The first successful attempt to start a newspaper in Gouv-
erneur was made, in 1849, by W. M. Goodrich and M. F.
Wilson, who procured a press from Carthage, and, on the
19th of April, in that year, issued the first number of a
small folio weekly sheet, which they named The Northern/
New Yorker. It was not a pecuniary success, and at the
end of its first volume it passed into the hands of Nelson
J. Bruett & Co., who slightly enlarged it ; but at the end
of about three months it was reduced to less than its origi-
nal size, and was finally discontinued in 1851. The St.
Lawrence Advertiser, a very small sheet, was continued
about five weeks longer, and the office was then moved to
Potsdam.
A paper called The Laborer was established here, in
1852, by Martin Mitchell, of Fowler, the first number
having been issued July 20. It was afterwards enlarged,
and named The Free Press, and a Mr. Mason became con-
cerned in its management. He was succeeded by H.
Mitchell, and the name of the sheet was changed to Tlie
St. Lawrence Free Press. Its affairs became involved, and
about 1854, Mr. J. J. Eames, of Hammond, assumed con-
trol, and attempted to place it on a sound basis. In this
he was assisted by small subscriptions among the citizens to
secure the continuance of the paper ; but all was to no pur-
120
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
pose. Mr. Eames lost considerably in the enterprise, and
the publication of the paper was abandoned. Gouverneur
now had no newspaper until July, 1864, when Mr. F. E.
Merritt, editor and proprietor of The Sandy Creeh Times,
at Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., removed that paper to this
place, and commenced its issue here as The Gouverneur
Times. Its publication in Gouverneur has now continued
for more than thirteen years under the same editor and
proprietor.
The New Yorh Recorder was commenced at Gouverneur,
in 1866, by Miss M. M. Smith, editress, and existed until
1873.
The Gouverneur Herald, a twenty-eight-column weekly,
was established April 10, 1873. During the first few
weeks of its existence it experienced several changes of
ownership, but was finally purchased by H. G. Reynolds,
who continued sole manager and proprietor until Nov. 12,
1874, when Frank L. Cox purchased a half-interest, and
the firm became Reynolds & Cox, as at present. The paper
has since been increased from twenty-eight to thirty-six
columns folio. In politics it is Republican. This and the
l\mes are the two papers of the village at the present time.
HEBMON.
The Hermon Union was a neat twenty-eight-column
weekly newspaper, established Oct. 27, 1874, by T. A.
Farnsworth, proprietor, and D. C. Carter, editor. Its suc-
cess seemed assured, when the office was destroyed in the
extensive fire that visited the village April 27, 1875, and
no publication of the Union followed that disaster, save one
issue detailing the conflagration, which issue was printed at
Canton.
The Hermon Advertiser, an 8 by 12 inch sheet, issuing
semi-monthly, was founded by Charles Pliny Earle, a youno-
man who learned " the art preservative" in the office of the
Union. It is devoted to the business interests of Hermon
and its circulation is gratuitous. It contains a summary of
local news, and 500 copies are distributed every other week.
A good job-office is connected with the establishment.
WADDINGTON.
The Waddington Pioneer is a late venture in the field
of journalism. It is an eight-column folio weekly, and was
begun in the spring of 1877.
CHAPTER IX.
EDUCATIONAL AND EELIGIOUS.
Early Schools—" Literature Lotteries" — Commissioners, Trustees
and Superintendents— Stnte Normal and Training School— County
Teachers' Association — St. Lawrence University Etc.
The earliest schools in the State of New York were
of a private nature, and small academies were probably in
existence previous to the Revolution. In his first messao-e
to the State legislature after the adoption of the constitution
of 1787, Gov. George Clinton uses the following languao-e :
" Neglect of the education of youth is one of the evils
consequent upon war. Perhaps there is scarce anything
more worthy your attention than the revival and encourage-
ment of seminaries of learning ; and nothing by which we
can more satisfactorily express our gratitude to the Supreme
Being for his past. favors, since purity and virtue are gen-
erally the offspring of an enlightened understanding."
During that session an act was passed incorporating the
regents of the university, who reported to the legislature
the numerous advantages which would accrue to the citi-
zens generally from the establishment of common schools.
In 1789 an act was passed requiring the surveyor-general
to set apart two lots in each township for gospel and school
purposes. At the session of 1795, Gov. Clinton recom-
mended, in the following language, the organization of a
common school system :
" While it is evident that the general establishment and
liberal endowment of academies are highly to be commended,
and are attended with the most beneficent consequences, yet
it cannot be denied that they are principally confined to the
children of the opulent, and that a great portion of the com-
munity is excluded from their immediate advantage. The
establishment of common schools throughout the State is
happily calculated to remedy this inconvenience, and will,
therefore, engage your early and decided consideration."
An act was passed appropriating f 50,000 annually for
five years for encouraging and maintaining schools to be
instructed in the common Elnglish branches.
The amount was apportioned among the several counties,
and the supervisors were required to raise by tax on each
town a sum equal to half that received from the State.
Provision was made for the supervision of the schools, and
the apportionment of the moneys among the several dis-
tricts and for making annual reports. This was the origin
of the present school system. The appropriation made in
1795 expired in 1800.
In 1801 an act was passed directing the sum of $100,000
to be raised by means of four successive lotteries, |12,500
to be paid to the regents of the university, and the re-
maining 187,500 to be paid into the treasury for the use
of common schools, under direction of the State legisla-
ture. These " literature lotteries" were in existence until
after the constitution of 1821 was adopted, which prohib-
ited them, and the comptroller was directed to invest the
proceeds remaining in real estate.
An act was passed in April, 1805, providing that the net
proceeds of 500,000 acres of the vacant and unappropriated
lands owned by the State should be appropriated as a per-
manent fund for the support of common schools, the avails
to be safely invested until the interest should amount to
$50,000, when an annual distribution of that amount should
be made among the schools of the State.
In 1811 an act was passed empowering the governor
(Tompkins) to appoint a committee of five to report a
system for the establishment of common schools. The
committee reported in February, 1812, and submitted the
draft of a bill which contained, with one exception, the
main features of the school system as it existed up to 1840.
As originally passed, this act authorized the electors of each
town to determine whether they would accept their share
of the public money and raise an amount equal thereto on
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
121
their taxable property. The act was afterwards amended,
making it obligatory.
The outlines of the plan submitted by the commissioners
were, briefly, as follows : The several towns of the State to
be divided into school districts by three commissioners,
elected by the citizens. Three trustees to be elected in
each district, who should superintend the schools; the
interest on the school fund to be divided among the differ-
ent counties, according to population, the proportion for
each town to be divided according to the number of chil-
dren between the ages of five and fifteen years. Each town
to raise by tax as much money as should be received from
this fund. The gross amount of money raised by the
State and by the towns to be appropriated to the payment
of teachers exclusively. The whole system to be placed
under the superintendence of an ofiicer appointed by the
council of appointment.
Gideon Hawley, of Albany, was the first superintendent
appointed by the governor and council, Jan. 14, 1813.*
The apportionment of moneys received from the State in
1814 was as follows :
Louisville, $4.50; Madrid, $20.46; Massena, $9.46;
Stockholm, $4.43 ; Potsdam, $13.38 ; Gouverneur, $3.21 ;
Oswegatchie, $17.94; Lisbon, $11.82. This was an ex-
cess of the State appropriation of 1813 paid to the towns
of De Kalb and Hopkinton, and refunded by them.
In 1827 the annual sum distributed to the several dis-
tricts of the Stat€ was increased to $100,000. During the
administration of Secretary John A. Dix, the foundation of
the school district library was laid.
In 1838 the legislature passed an act adding $160,000
from the revenue of the U. S. deposit fund to the amount
annually apportioned to the schools, making in all $275,000,
one-fifth to be appropriated annually for the purchase of
books, the remainder to be applied in the payment of
teachers. An equal amount was required to be levied on
the taxable property for the same purpose.
In Feb., 1839, John C. Spencer began his administration
as secretary of state, during which an act was passed
creating the office of county superintendent of schools.
Samuel Young was the next secretary of state, com-
mencing Feb. 7, 1842. In 1843 the offices of town com-
missioner and inspector were abolished, and a town super-
intendent substituted. Teachers' institutes were first held
in this year. The normal school at Albany was established
in 1844.
Nathaniel S. Benton succeeded Samuel Young in 1845.
At a special session of the legislature, in Nov., 1847, an act
was passed abolishing the office of county superintendent.
Jan. 1, 1848, Chi-istopher Morgan became secretary of
state, during whose administration a deputy superintendent
was appointed, Alex. G. Johnson being the first.
The act establishing " free schools" was passed on the
26th of March, 1849. A controversy followed, and in
1851 the free school law was repealed, and a State tax of
$800,000 levied.
In 1850, S. S. Randall was appointed deputy superin-
* Welcome Esleeck Buooeeded Mr. Hawley, but soon after the
secretary of state was made ex. officio superintendent of schools.
John Van Ness succeeded Mr. Esleeck.
16
tendent. In 1852, Henry W. Johnson was appointed
deputy State superintendent, and was succeeded, in 1854,
by S. S. Randall. In the last-named year the legislature
created a department of public instruction, with Victor M.
Rice as superintendent. The incumbents of the office since
have been Henry H. Van Dyck, Emerson W. Keys, Vic-
tor M. Rice, Abram B. Weaver, and Neil Gilmour.
The general school law was revised in 1864. The legis-
lature of 1856 substituted for the $800,000 State tax a
levy of three-fourths of a mill upon every dollar of the
value of real and personal property. By the act of 1867
a tax of one and one-fourth mills was directed to be raised.
The rate bill was repealed, and the schools became finally
free in 1867.
The number of school districts in the towns of the State
was reported in 1875 as 11,291.
Union graded schools have been adopted in many of the
larger towns.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The earliest schools in St. Lawrence County were estab-
lished during the first decade of the present century, the
earliest in Ogdensburg being opened in 1809. Academies
were opened at an early date, the first being at Potsdam,
called the "St. Lawrence academy,'' in 1812. Another
was opened at Gouverneur in 1826, called the " Gouverneur
Wesleyan seminary," and a third at Canton, under the
name of " Canton academy," in 1831. The "Ogdensburg
academy" was opened in 1834. A history of these insti-
tutions is given in connection with that of their respective
towns.
According to the State superintendent's report for 1875
the number of school districts in the county, including the
city of Ogdensburg, was 508. The number of school build-
ings was 495, of which 9 were in the city. Of these, 401
were frame buildings, 57 brick, and 21 stone, with a total
valuation of $300,143. The total number of children of school
age was 30,563, and the total attendance 21,440, of which
728 were from other districts. The total amount of money
received from all sources was $155,009.13. There weie in
addition 56 private schools, with 2574 pupils in attend-
ance. The number of licensed teachers employed for 28
weeks or more was 544, and the total number licensed in
the county for the year was 1005, of which 194 were males
and 811 females. The number of volumes in libraries was
21,565, valued at $10,853. The school commissioners are
Erwin S. Barnes, of Gouverneur, Albert L. Cole, of Her-
mon, and Lucius L. Goodale, of Potsdam. The State tax
for 1876 was $25,393, and the amount received from the
State, for the same date, was $78,381.
THE STATE NORMAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL.
By an act of the legislature passed April 7, 1866, the
governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, comptroller,
treasurer, attorney-general, and superintendent of public
instruction were constituted a commission to select locations
for four new normal schools, and in making such selections
were directed to consider the offers of land, buildings, or
money, which counties, towns, villages, and existing insti-
tutions of learning were thereby authorized to make.
It being understood that one of the new schools was to
122
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
be in northern New York, tlie long existence and wide re-
nown of St. Lawrence academy at once drew attention to
Potsdam as the proper place for the intended institution,
and earnest efforts were made to secure its location there.
The trustees of the academy unanimously voted to surren-
der their land and buildings to the normal school ; the su-
pervisors of St. Lawrence County made an appropriation
of $25,000 to aid in the erection of new buildings. The
village of Potsdam added $10,000 more, and the town of
Potsdam, at a special meeting, held Dec. 1, 1866, voted to
increase the amount by $15,000 more.
This made a total of $50,000, but the State commission
decided that they would not accept less than $70,000,
besides the land and other property of St. Lawrence acad-
emy, as a condition of locating the new institution at Pots-
'dam. This amount was estimated to be sufficient to build
the required edifice for the school, besides purchasing the
ground and building occupied by the Presbyterian church
of Potsdam, which was between the two lots and buildings
owned by the academy. On Dec. 23, 1866, another special
meeting of the voters of the town of Potsdam was held,
and, after an earnest debate, it was decided by a large ma-
jority that the town should give $20,000 more for the nor-
mal scbool, thus making up the $70,000 required.
In January, 1867, the legislature passed an act accepting
the various offers above mentioned, directing the levying of
taxes in accordance with them, and appointing a commission
to erect the proposed building. It consisted of Erasmus D.
Brooks, President, T. Streatfield Clarkson (2d), Treasurer,
Hiram H. Peek, Henry Watkins, and Charles Cox. There
was still another difficulty, however. The Presbyterian
church asked $10,000 for its land and building, and the su-
perintendent of public instruction, who had control over this
item, would not allow but $8000 out of the funds already
contributed. But the village of Potsdam added $2000 to
its former gift, and thus this difficulty was obviated.
In August, 1867, the first " local board" was appointed
by the superintendent of public instruction ; such board
being designated by law as the governing power of the in-
stitution, under the superintendent. The first board con-
sisted of Henry Watkins, President ; Charles 0. Tappan,
Secretary ; Noble S. Elderkin, Aaron N. Deering, Jesse
Reynolds, and A. X. Parker, of Potsdam; Ebenezer Fisher,
of Canton; Roswell Pettibone, of Ogdensburg; and John
I. Gilbert, of Malone. In November, 1867, the commis-
sion to erect the buildings let the contract therefor to
Joseph Greene.
In the spring of 1868, the work commenced. The old
academy buildings were torn down and removed, the foun-
dation walls of the new edifice were constructed, and on the
14th day of Juno, 1868, the corner-stone of the " State
Normal and Training school" was laid with imposing cere-
monies by the jMasonic fraternity ; a specially constituted
grand lodge and eleven subordinate lodges being present,
besides an immense assemblage of other citizens, ean-er to
testify their good-will towards the new institution.
In the course of less than a year the buildino- was
erected. The body of the old Presbyterian church (brick)
was incorporated into it, but all the rest was of Potsdam
sandstone, laid up in the style known as rough ashlar. In-
cluding the Mansard roof, it comprised three stories besides
the basement. It presented a total front of two hundred
and twenty-four feet toward the eastern side of the public
square of Potsdam, but the depth was jaaade irregular to
facilitate the lighting and ventilation. It was fitted up to
accommodate 250 normal students, 180 academic, 180 inter-
mediate, and 250 primary.
In the winter of 1868-69, John H. French was nomi-
nated by the local board, and confirmed by the superintend-
dent of public instruction, as principal of the school and
president of the faculty, but having resigned before the
school opened, Malcolm MacVicar, Ph.D., LL.D., was
appointed in his place.
The building was completed April 25, 1869, and the
school was opened on the 27th of the same month. It had
been understood, when St. Lawrence academy surrendered
its property, and when the people of the locality poured
forth their means so liberally in behalf of the new school,
that the latter should affiard free instruction to other than
strictly normal students. Accordingly, it was divided into
four departments : normal, academic, intermediate, and
primary. When it opened it had but twenty-five normal
students, together with thirty-eight in the academic depart-
ment, ninety-seven in the intermediate, and ninety-nine in
the primary. By the fall term the number of normal stu-
dents had increased to a hundred and thirty-four.
The State has appropriated $18,000 a year for the sup-
port of the school ever since it was opened. Besides this
it expended $32,000 in 1870 to put ten furnaces into the
building, and make other improvements. In 1871 $3000
extra were appropriated for improving the grounds, fencing,
etc. In 1876 an appropriation of $17,000 was granted by
the legislature, and in the course of that year a still more
important improvement was made.
The old brick church, which had been made to do duty
as the centre of the normal school building, was removed,
and the whole edifice was harmonized and completed by a
central structure of Potsdam sandstone, forty-five feet front
by a hundred and thirty feet deep. This, it will be under-
stood, leaves the total frontage two hundred and twenty-four
feet as before. The whole is surmounted by a cupola, reach-
ing a hundred feet from the ground.
This lofty, extensive, and strongly-built edifice, of a rich,
dark-brown color, forms a most appropriate home for the
arts and sciences, and is certainly a great advance on the
little frame " academy" built, a few rods distant, by Benja-
min Raymond, sixty-seven years ago. Yet that action of
Mr. Raymond is doubtless the principal reason why this
baronial-looking structure now overlooks the busy village of
Potsdam and the valley of the rushing Raquette.
The normal and academic departments are now com-
bined under the general head of the normal department,
there being a hundred and seventy-four normal and forty-
eight academic students. In the intermediate department
there are a hundred pupils, and in the primary department
eighty.
The faculty consists of Malcolm MacVicar, Ph.D., LL.D.,
principal and teacher of intellectual and moral philosophy
and school economy; Henry L. Harter, A.M., vice-principal
and teacher of ancient languages ; Amelia Morey, precep-
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
123
tress and teacher of methods in grammar ; Warren Mann,
A.M., teacher of natural sciences ; Eugene S. Loomis,
Frank E. Hathorne, Charles C. Townsend, A.B., Mary L.
Wood, Amelia A. McPadden, Mary M. Kyle, and Carrie
M. Grifford, teachers of other branches ; Helen D. Austin,
principal of the intermediate department ; and Frances A.
Parmeter, principal of the primary department.
The local board now consists (December, 1877) of Henry
Watkins, A.M., president; Hon. Charles 0. Tappan, sec-
retary; Jesse Reynolds, M.D., treasurer; Eben Fisher,
D.D., Rpswell Pettibone, A.M., Hon. John I. Gilbert,
A.M., Hon. A. X. Parker, and Gen. E. A. Merritt ; Wil-
liam Wallace, Esq., who had been a member since a short
time after the organization of the board, having died within
the past summer.
To gain admission to the normal department, applicants
must be at least sixteen years of age, of good health, good
moral character, and average abilities. They are appointed
to the school by the State superintendent of , public instruc-
tion, on the recommendation of school commissioners and
city superintendents. They must pass a fair examination
in reading, spelling, geography, and arithmetic as far as the
square root, and be able to analyze and parse simple sen-
tences.
All pupils must also, on entering, sign a declaration that
their purpose in attending is to prepare themselves to teach,
and that it is their present intention to teach in the public
schools of this State for a reasonable length of time. In
the judgment of the State superintendent, a " reasonable
length of time" is a period as long as that during which
the student has attended the normal school.
There are three courses in the normal department : the
elementary English, the advanced English, and the class-
ical. The elementary English course occupies two years ;
the first is devoted to arithmetic, grammar, and other studies
of the same grade ; the second, or strictly normal, year,
to the history and philosophy of education, school economy,
school law, methods of giving object-lessons, teaching in
school of practice, and other exercises intended to fit the
students for their profession as teachers.
The intermediate and primary departments furnish the
schools of practice, where the normal students acquire the
art of teaching by giving actual instruction under the eye
of their own supervisors.
To enter the advanced Engli.sh course, students must
pass a satisfactory examination in all the studies of the first
year in the elementary English course. The first year in
the advanced is devoted to algebra, geometry, English lit-
erature, and corresponding studies, while the second, or
normal, year is nearly the same as in the elementary Eng-
lish course.
The classical course embraces three years. The first is
employed on the higher English studies and Latin; the
second, on Latin, Greek, and a few other branches ; the
third, on Latin, Greek, professional studies, and teaching in
the school of practice.
Students who satisfactorily complete either of these
courses receive diplomas, which serve as licenses to teach in
all the public schools of the State. Notwithstanding the
division of the courses into years, students are allowed to
advance as slowly as their health, attainments, or other
circumstances may require, or as rapidly as those circum-
stances will permit.
There are three flourishing literary societies connected
with the school, — the " Roger Baconian" and the " Francis
Baconian" being sustained by the young men, and the
" Alpha" by the young women.
The school year is divided into two terms of twenty weeks
each, — ^the fall term beginning on the first Wednesday in
September, and the spring term on the second Wednesday
in February. The intermediate and primary departments
open two weeks later in the fall, and one week later in the
spring, than the normal. The State places students from
a distance on an equality with those in the vicinity, so far
as practicable, by refunding the fare necessarily paid on
public conveyances, in coming to the school, to those who
remain a full term.
We have reserved to the last the most important subject
connected with the normal school, — the method of instruc-
tion. This is the same as that employed in the other nor-
mal schools of this State, but is materially different from
that in common use in other schools, academies, and col-
leges.
This method is frequently called " object-teaching," but
that name is repudiated by all the normal school teachers,
as involving the idea of holding up toy-like "objects" before
the pupils. This is considered well enough for small
children, but the system must reach a much more advanced
stage of development before it is available for young men
and women. Mr. Sheldon, principal of the Oswego normal
school, calls the system in use the objective mode of teach-
ing, while Mr. Mac Vicar, of the Potsdam school, terms it
the scientific method.
Under either name, the idea is to teach known realities
in the most direct manner possible. As the lawyer always
objects to " hearsay evidence," so these gentlemen object to
hearsay teaching or studying. If a material object is to be
described it must if possible be inspected, measured, weighed,
tested in every possible manner, by actual observation. If
this is not practicable, then the pictured or sculptured
representation is to be used. When a complete " concept,"
or representation of the object, has been formed in the brain,
then it is considered proper to read about it, for then the
words bring up the concept before the mind, which other-
wise they would not do.
In mathematics the same rule is applied ; constantly
familiarizing the mind with the idea that numbers represent
actual objects ; studying actual cubes instead of representa-
tions of cubes on the blackboard, and in all things working
on the solid basis of reality.
In mental and moral philosophy a similar course is to
be observed. The pupils are first to study not what Herbert
Spencer says, or Dugald Stewart, or Sir William Hamilton,
but what they themselves feel. They are to observe closely
their own emotions, passions, reasoning powers, and learn
all they can in that way of mental and moral phenomena ;
then it will be time enough to extend their knowledge by
finding out what other people have to say on the subject.
It is not our province to pass judgment upon these
ideas, but as the normal schools are designed to teach the
121
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
teachers, it is evident that the views promulgated and the
methods employed at those institutions are likely to have
a marked effect on the whole educational system, and we
have therefore deemed it necessary to furnish our readers
with a slight sketch of the mode of procedure in the prin-
cipal school of St. Lawrence County.
The first nominations for normal school in St. Lawrence
County were made hy the supervisors in 1846, and were as
follows : Rollin Dart, George Ellis, James Forsythe, Sidney
R. Smith, and Miss Susan Richardson.
THE COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.
The St. Lawrence County Teachers' Association was or-
ganized in the court-house at Canton, in October, 1858.
Mr. W. Spaulding, Esq., the school commissioner of the
second assembly district, was the first president. He, and
his fellow-commissioners of the county, and James Cruik-
shanks, Esq., then of Lisbon (who was engaged in pro-
moting the general interests of education in the State), suc-
ceeded in awakening sufficient interest among the teachers
of the county to induce a respectable number to assemble at
that time, form an association, and discuss the details of
school- work and the general principles of education. From
that time to this, nineteen years, the association has held
annual meetings, and some years semi-annual meetings. In
July, 1859, the session was held in Ogdensburg, when
essays were read and discussed, practical questions intro-
duced and answered, methods of education, chiefly drawn
from the experience of the teaclier, presented and com-
posed, and addresses delivered. On this occasion the
closing address, on " The Dignity of the Teacher's Office,''
was given by Prof. J. S. Lee, who had recently come from
Woodstock, Vermont, to take charge of the collegiEte de-
partment of the St. Lawrence university. The sessions
have been held in Pot.sdam, Madrid, Gouverneur, Richville,
Heuvelton, Rensselaer Falls, Lawrenceville, Norwood, Og-
densburg, and Canton. The people of these places took a
commendable interest in the gatherings, attended the meet-
ings, generously entertained the teachers in their houses,
and thus made it pleasant for them.
The meetings usually continued from two to three days.
At first the sessions were held in summer and autumn, but
it soon became apparent that the teachers could be better
accommodated by holding them during the brief recess be-
tween Christmas and New Year's. This afforded an oppor-
tunity for a large number of teachers to be present. Every
session has been well attended, and sometimes a large crowd
has assembled. Generally from 200 to 300 teachers have
been present, and a goodly number of these taken part in the
exercises. A sparsely-attended or a poor meeting has not
been held from the first organization. At several of the
first sessions, no regular programme was presented before
the association met, or only the barest outline of exercises,
and few or no speakers were selected. The members came
together and discussed subjects presented by any member
suggested by the occasion, or drawn up in order by a com-
mittee appointed after the association met. This plan, or
want of plan rather, did not work well, and a committee
was appointed at each session, to draw up and present an
order of exercises to be followed at the next session and
the speakers selected. This programme was printed and
distributed at the commencement of the session. Still, some
whose names appeared on this programme failed to perform
the parts assigned them. Then more care was taken to
select speakers and essayists who would give the assurance
that, unforeseen contingencies excepted, they would perform
the duty assigned them. The result has been most satis-
factory. Only very few have failed to appear whose names
were on the programme. This has contributed much to the
success of the association.
The officers have not been frequently changed. The
names of the presidents are : C. C. Church, commissioner
of the second district, 1858-61 ; Rev. Dr. J. S. Lee,
professor in St. Lawrence university, 1862-68 ; L. L.
Goodale, present commissioner of the third district, 1869-
73 ; Barney Whitney, principal of Lawrence academy,
1874-78. The names of the secretaries, so far as they
have been ascertained, are L. L. Goodale, E. D. Blakeslee,
and H. L. Horter, professor and vice-principal of Potsdam
normal school. The present officers are Barney Whitney,
president ; J. S. Lee, vice-president ; H. L. Horter, secre-
tary ; J. A. Hoig, treasurer.
ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY.
This institution was founded by, and is under the control
of, the Universalist church. It is the only college in the
State north of the Central railroad. The original design of
the founders was to establish a divinity school. The uni-
versity is the result of an amplification of their plans.
Prior to 1845 no attempt had been made to put into sys-
tematic operation a theological seminary in the Universalist
denomination. In September of that year Thomas J. Saw-
yer, D.D., then principal of the Liberal Institute at Clinton,
opened a theological department in that school, and, entirely
unaided by the denomination at large, maintained the same
for several years. While thus engaged he continued to
urge upon clergy and laity, through the denominational
press and from the pulpit, the necessity of a Universllist
college and theological school. In his efforts he was ably
seconded by the Rev. W. S. Balch. Tuft's college, at Coi^.
lege Hill, Mass., was the first and immediate result of the
movement thus begun.
The need of a divinity school still existed, and at a meet-
ing of the Ne,w York State convention of Univer«ili»ts,
held at Hudson, in 1852, the " New York Education So-
ciety" was formed, and this appears to be substantially the
first step towards the institution at Canton. The constitu--
tion of this society declared its object to be " to promote
the cause of education in connection with the Universalist
denomination, and to aid in the education of young men of
good reputation and promise who are desirous of entering
the ministry." A board of sixteen trustees was chosen,
who organized by electing Rev. T. J. Sawyer president,
Rev. E. Francis ti-easurer, and Geoige E. Baker secretary.
Solicitors of subscriptions were put into the field. By
common consent it was understood that the school should
be located in that part of the State which should offer the
greatest pecuniary and other inducements. Various locali-
ties in central New York were proposed. During the year
1854 subscriptions amounting to upwards of $20,000 were
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
125
secured, but no definite steps were taken as to selecting a
site.
Martin Thatcher, Esq., of the city of New York, but
formerly resident at Canton, was the first to propose Canton
as the place for the school. In the spring of the year 1855
he broached the proposition to Theodore Caldwell, Levi B.
Storrs, and Barzillai Hodskin, three prominent business
men of Canton. These gentlemen held their first meeting
to consider the question at a hotel in New York city, during
the month of April, 1855. At first Messrs. Storrs, Hods-
kin, and Caldwell had little faith in the feasibility of the
project, and felt that their section of the State would be
unable to compete with wealthier and more central localities.
Inspired, however, by Mr. Thatcher's energy and hopeful-
ness, they returned home and immediately entered upon a
thorough canvass of the county. Their eiforts were en-
couraged to such an extent that thoy felt warranted in
pledging their personal responsibility for the raising the
sum of $15,000 for the school. The committee to whom
was intrusted the selection of locality for the school met in
August, 1855. Messrs. Caldwell, Thatcher, Hodskin, and
Storrs placed in the hands of this committee their joint and
several bond, conditioned for the payment of the sum of
$15,000 towards the purchase of a site and erection of a
building, in case the school should be located at Canton.
After careful consideration it appeared to the satisfaction
of the committee that the ofi'er from Canton was the most
advantageous of the several submitted to them, and Jan. 5,
1856, it was decided to locate the school at Canton.
Messrs. Thatcher, Storrs, Caldwell, and Hodskin imme-
diately organized themselves as a general committee for
soliciting subscriptions and putting up a building. Some-
thing over $20,000 was subscribed in northern New York,
payable according to the terms of the subscription, — not at
once, but in four equal annual instalments. Notwithstand-
ing their thus limited resources, the committee purchased
twenty acres of land, near the village of Canton, and began
the erection of a brick building one hundred feet long by
fifty wide.
The need of a college in northern New York had long
been felt. As soon as it was decided to locate the theologi-
cal school at Canton, the proposition was made that a col-
lege be established in connection with it, or rather that a
university be established, of which a college of letters and
science and the theological school should be departments.
The project was received with much favor by the leading
men of the county, not alone of the Universalist, but of
other denominations. The late Hons. Preston King, John
Leslie Russell, and David C. Judson were outspoken friends
of the proposed university, and very earnestly recommended
its establishment. The idea thus well received was promptly
acted upon, and by an act of the legislature of the State of
New York, passed April 3, 1856, "Jacob Harsen, Preston
King, John Leslie Russell, Sidney Lawrence, George C.
Sherman, Francis Seger, Martin Thatcher, Barzillai Hods-
kin, Levi B. Storrs, Theodore Caldwell, James Stirling, F.
C. Havemeyer, Caleb Barstow, Thomas Wallace, Josiah
Barber, Norman Van Nostrand, George E. Baker, P. S.
Bitley, H. W. Barton, A. C. Moore, Thomas J. Sawyer,
William S. Balch, John M. Austin, L. C. Brown, George
W. Montgomery, and such other persons as are or may be
associated with them, and their successors'' were chosen " a
body corporate, by the name of the St. Lawrence Univer-
sity, for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, and con-
ducting a college in the town of Canton, St. Lawrence Co.,
for the promotion of general education, and to cultivate and
advance literature, science, and the arts ; and also to estab-
lish and maintain a theological school and department in
Canton aforesaid." It was further enacted that the funds
of the two departments should be kept separate. The
building committee proceeded with their work. The cor-
ner-stone of the main building was laid June 18, 1856.
The proceeds of the subscriptions made as before stated
proved inadequate to the work, and the committee were
often at their wits' ends to carry on the work continuously.
Levi B. Storrs was the financial agent of the enterprise.
Mr. Caldwell worked actively in the field, while Messrs.
Thatcher and Hodskin left no stone unturned to assist their
colleagues. At hardly any time from the first was the
committee able to proceed without pledging their personal
responsibility. Especially did Messrs. Storrs and Thatcher
raise money in this manner. At one time their individual
notes to the amount of several thousand dollars were put
into the New York market for funds. These strenuous
efforts were successful. The building was ready for occu-
pation in April, 1857. Meanwhile the legislature had been
petitioned for an appropriation for the new university, and
on April 18, 1857, an act was passed giving it the sum of
$25,000, on condition that the same sum be raised by its
friends in addition to all amounts previously secured. Of
this sum, $19,000 were raised by subscription, and Messrs.
Caldwell, Hodskin, Storrs, and Thatcher became responsible
for $6000, and the appropriation was secured.
April 15, 1858, the theological school was formally
opened, with Rev. Eben Fisher at its head. The college
department was opened in April, 1858, Rev. John S. Lee
being inducted into the principalship.
The first theological class, consisting of five, was gradu-
ated in 1861. This department has in all one hundred
graduates, while nearly two hundred besides have followed
special courses under its instruction. The Rev. Dr. Fisher
is still at its head. Through his energy the school has
been made a great power in the Universalist church. Its
funds have been largely increased by his efforts. On sev-
eral occasions of pressing necessity he has entered the field
for funds, and never without large success. Dr. Fisher is a
man of great force of character, honest, manly piety, large
learning in his special field, and wide experience with men.
Under his training, the best in his students is developed. No
man in the denomination is more aptly and thoroughly fitted
to his work than Dr. Fisher. Rev. Massena Goodrich, M. A.,
occupied the chair of Biblical Languages and Literature from
1861 to 1863. He was succeeded by Rev. Orello Cone,
M.A., who still is the incumbent. Prof. Cone is a gentle-
man of remarkable attainment in many fields of learning.
His knowledge of the ancient and modern languages enables
him to stand abreast with the ablest writers and the best
thinkers on questions of biblical and theological interpreta-
tion. Since 1869, Dr. John S. Lee has filled the professor-
ship of Ecclesiastical History and Biblical Archaeology.
126
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
We shall speak of him further in connection with the Col-
lege of Letters and Science. The regular course of the
theological department covers three years, and embraces
instruction in moral philosophy, logic, ecclesiastical history,
homiletics, evidences of Christianity, intellectual philoso-
phy, exegesis, natural theology, systematic theology, bibli-
cal archaeology, and the Greek and Hebrew languages.
There is also a post-graduate course, to be completed in one
year. The degree of Bachelor of Divinity is conferred on
those completing the post-gi-aduate course. Those com-
pleting the three years' course receive diplomas. Applicants
for admission to the theological school must bring satisfac-
tory testimonials as to their moral and religious character.
They must also sustain a satisfactory examination in the
English branches. They must be believers in the Holy
Scriptures, must accept the Winchester confession of faith,
and have a fixed determination to devote their lives to the
Christian ministry.
Prior to the opening of the collegiate department of
the university, there had been very little instruction in the
classics in northern New York. Potsdam academy, a fit-
ting school for Middlebury college, was the only institution
in the section which provided satisfactory training prepara-
tory for college. As a consequence, there was very little
of the classical spirit in the region in which the new insti-
tution was to look for students. Professor Lee found it
necessary to organize a preparatory school in connection
with the collie, for the purpose of fitting students for the
college itself. The fitting school was continued until 1864,
and then given up. The first class was graduated from the
college in 1865. Since then the classes have followed each
other in regular succession, gradually, on the whole, in-
creasing in the number of their members. For the best
interests of the new college Professor Lee worked ably,
tirelessly, and successfiiUy. His zeal never flagged, even
under great discouragements. He gave the best years of his
early prime to the work, until, worn out by care and drudg-
ery, he was obliged to seek rest in travel. After his return
from a tour of the Old World, in 1869, he was called to
and accepted the chair he now holds in the theological
department. Rev. Richmond Fisk, Jr., D.D., succeeded
him as the head of the college, with the title of president.
Dr. Fisk instituted a policy which brought the college more
prominently and favorably before the public, and increased
its usefulness in many directions. Under his administra-
tion, there grew up more of the college spirit than had
been before felt. Through his efibrts, and by the aid of an
efficient corps of professors, the courses of instruction be-
came more definitely fixed ; methods were systematized,
lectureships instituted, prize funds established, and, in
general, the best characteristics of college training began to
be developed. Under President Fisk, in 1869, a school of
law was instituted in connection with the university, with
William C. Cooke, Esq., professor of practice, pleadings,
and evidence ; Hon. Leslie W. Russell, professor of per-
sonal property, criminal and commercial law, and real es-
tate ; and Hon. Stillman Foote, professor of domestic re-
lations, personal rights, wills, and contracts. After grad-
uating two classes this department was discontinued, owino-
to a curtailing of its privileges by the effect of new rules
of the court of appeals regulating admission to the bar.
Daring its continuance the school flourished greatly. The
eminent legal gentlemen named gave its students excellent
courses of lectures, and, at considerable sacrifice on their
own part, were rapidly building up a law school second to
none, when, by reason of the rather invidious rules spoken
of, the enterprise had to be abandoned. Dr. Fisk was also
largely instrumental in securing the erection of the Herring
library hall, which was built in 1869—70, and stands on the
college campus, northwest of the main building. This hall
is a fire-proof structure, and the depository of the Herring
library of some ten thousand volumes, named after Silas C.
Herring, of New York city, to whose liberality the univer-
sity is indebted for the same. This library is very valuable,
and comprises several collections, the principal one being
that of the late Dr. E. K. Credner, of the university of
Giessen, Germany.
Dr. Fisk resigned the presidency of the college in 1872,
and was succeeded by Rev. Absalom G. Gaines, D.D., who
is still president. The improvements and reforms begun
under Dr. Fisk have been in general carried through by
Dr. Gaines, and many others inaugurated. Eminent thor-
oughness in every direction is the characteristic of the
administration of President Gaines. He is satisfied with
nothing short of the very best effort of every student. He
is a man of the strongest personality and profoundest
scholarship. He is very popular with the students. He
pervades, it may be said, every phase of the college, and
has established a standard of scholarship and character
throughout the same which has heretofore never been at-
tained there. He is assisted by an efiScient faculty, con-
sisting of the following teachers : A. Z. Squire, M.A., pro-
fessor of mathematics; Bernhard Pink, professor of the
German and French languages ; Walter B. Gunnison, B.A.,
professor of the Latin language and literature ; Charles K.
Gaines, B.A.. professor of the Greek language and litera-
ture ; James Henry Chapin, M.A., professor of geology
and mineralogy ; and C. Weaver, B.A., instructor in Latin
and Greek. Two courses of study are followed in the
college, the classical and scientific. Each is in every respect
as comprehensive and adequate as the corresponding courses
in the best colleges. Each course stands for no more on the
catalogue than in the class-room. In no institution are the
various courses of study, as marked out, more conscienti-
ously followed.
Women are admitted to all classes and courses upon ex-
actly the same terms with men. The usual degrees are
conferred upon those who fulfill the requisites of graduation.
The governing board of the university is the board of
trustees, of which Jonas S. Conkey, M.D., is president, and
Levi B. Storrs, recorder and treasurer. The alumni of the
university are represented upon its governing body, and will
soon have much influence in shaping the general policy of
the institution.
Among the principal benefactors of the university may
be named John Craig, Esq., late of Rochester, deceased,
by whose gift it received the sum of 850,000 ; A. C. Moore,
Esq., of Buffalo, the donor of $25,000 ; and Alvinza Hay-
ward, Esq., of California, who gave the sum of $30,000
to the college. This last benefaction was secured by the
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
127
able efforts of Dr. J. S. Conkey, president of the board of
trustees, a life-long friend of Mr. Hayward.
In closing this sketch of the history of St. Lawrence uni-
versity, it is but proper to say that while, like most similar
institutions, it is under the control of a religious denom-
ination, and has for one of its departments a theological
school, its general policy .is exceedingly liberal, and the
college proper is entirely unsectarian. Dr. Gaines encour-
ages the utmost freedom of thought and opinion consistent
with morality, reason, and true character. All are encour-
aged to be religious, but none are dictated to as to what
they shall believe or how they shall worship.
The institution is to be commended in all respects. To
those who are desirous of securing a liberal education, but
are poor, an opportunity is here offered for obtaining the
same economically. Those having daughters to educate can
find here the most liberal and solid training for them. On
the whole, we may say that the institution is broad, liberal,
and catholic, and in every respect thorough in its policy and
administration. It is rapidly becoming a power in the
northern part of the State. Under its influence a literary
spirit is developing which promises the most happy results.
Its alumni are becoming numerous and influential, and in
due time the university will become, if it is not already, a
powerful factor for good in advancing the interests of the
county and section.
RELIGIOUS.
The first attempt at planting the Christian religion in St.
Lawrence County was undoubtedly made by Rev. Father
Francis Picquet, a Catholic of the order of Sulpicians, in
the year 1749, who established a mission, and gathered
several thousand Indians of the Five Nations, and others,
around the mouth of the Oswegatchie. This mission was
successfully maintained for about ten years, but upon the
approach of the English army under Gen. Amherst, in the
summer of 1760, it was abandoned, and probably never
renewed.
The converted Indians scattered in various directions.
It is possible that the rites and ceremonies of the church
were retained under the English rule, but we have no au-
thentic information upon this point.
The English had a small garrison either at Oswegatchie
or Oraconenton island for some time after the conquest of
Canada, and it is possible that clergymen of the English
Church may have officiated ; but subsequent to 1760 there
was no permanent religious organization in the county until
about 1804, when churches began to spring up, at first
feeble in numbers and in means, but gradually, as the
country became settled, they grew in importance, and have
since kept pace with the growth of the country.
THE PRESBYTERIANS
were among the earliest to organize, commencing in 1804
in Lisbon, and in Ogdensburg the succeeding year.
Synods. — The formation of the different synods in the
State have been as follows : The synod of New York,
" New Side," in 1741 : the synod of New York and New
Jersey in 1785 ; the synod of Albany in 1803 ; the synod
of Geneva in 1812 ; the synod of Utica in 1829; synod of
Susquehanna in 1853 ; synod of Buffalo in 1843 ; synod
of Susquehanna in 1855 ; synod of Onondaga in 1855.
Presbyteries. — Presbytery of Dutchess county, 1763 ;
presbytery of Albany, 1791 ; presbytery of Oneida, 1803;
presbytery of Geneva in 1805 ; presbytery of Onondaga,
1810. In 1816 the presbytery of St. Lawrence was formed,
including that portion of St. Lawrence County not included
in the presbytery of Champlain and Jefferson and Lewis
counties. The name of this presbytery was changed to
Watertown in 1828. In 1821 the portion of St. Lawrence
County before occupied by the presbytery of Champlain was
made the new presbytery of Ogdensburg. In 1830 the
name was changed to St. Lawrence presbytery.
At the disruption of 1838, the old school ministers and
churches of the presbytery of St. Lawrence were organized
into the presbytery of Ogdensburg. At the reconstruction
of the Judicatories of the Church, in 1870, the General
Assembly directed that the presbyteries should be defined
" by geographical lines, or by convenient lines of travel.''
At present the counties of St. Lawrence and Jefferson
constitute the presbytery of St. Lawrence, which includes
the old presbyteries of Ogdensburg and Watertown.
The present number of churches of this denomination
in St. Lawrence County is eleven, located as follows: 1st
Oswegatchie church, in Ogdensburg; 2d Oswegatchie, at
Black Lake; Heuvelton, Canton, Waddington, Potsdam,
Morristown, Gouverneur, Brasher Falls, Hammond, and
Rossie. The membership, as given in Dr. Fowler's "Pres-
byterianism in Central New York," published in 1877, is
1915.
According to the United States census report for 1870,
there were twenty-one organizations of all denominations of
Presbyterians in the county, with church sittings for 8080.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal denomination was one of the
first to organize in St. Lawrence County. It is claimed
that ministers of this sect preached to the British garrison
of Oswegatchie as early as 1793. At an early day the
whole of northern New York was included in various dis-
tricts and conferences, which were changed from time to
time, as circumstances required. In 1803^ the " Black
River circuit" was formed from the Genesee district.
Among its earliest circuit riders were Barzillai Willey and
John Husselkus. In 1804 it had 90 members.
The " St. Lawrence circuit" was formed in 1811, with
84 members, and Isaac Puffer was the first circuit preacher.
In 1820 the Black River district was formed as a part of
Oneida conference, including both of our counties up to the
period of the division. St. Lawrence circuit was supplied
by the following preachers : 1812, Isaac Puffer, 144 mem-
bers ; 1813, Benj. G. Paddock, 160 ; 1814, Joseph Hick-
cox and Robert Menshall, 230 ; 1815, 262 ; 1816, Wyat
Chamberlin and John Dempster, 251 ; 1817, Andrew
Prindle and Thomas McGee, 231 ; 1818, Thomas Good-
win and Calvin N. Flint, 290 ; 1819, Timothy Goodwin
and Thomas Demorest, 332 ; 1829, W. W. Rundall and
Josiah Kies, 349 ; 1821, Ezra Healy and Orrin Foot, 398 ;
1822, Truman Dixon, Squire Chase, and Roswell Parker,
343; 1823, Isaac Smith and R. Parker, 383; 1824,
128
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Gardner Baker, 315 ; 1825, do., 243 ; 1826, James Brown,
255; 1827, Andrew Prindle, 230; 1828, 152. In this
year this circuit was divided into several. Indian River
circuit, embracing a part of St. Lawrence County, was
formed in 1821. Potsdam circuit was formed in 1823,
with Warren Bannister first preacher. Subsequently other
circuits were formed, as follows: Ogdensburg, 1826; Par-
ishville, Waddington, Canton, and Grouverneur, 1828 ;
Heuvelton, 1829 ; Port Covington, 1830 ; Hammond and
Chateaugay, 1832 ; Hopkinton and De Kalb, 1833 ; Lisbon,
Louisville, Massena, and Bangor, 1835 ; Bombay and Stock-
holm, 1836 ; Westville, 1837 ; Russell mission, 1838 ; Ros-
sie mission, Matildaville, and Pierrepont mission, 18-10 ;
South Canton, Sprague's Corners, Norfolk, Buck's Bridge,
and Brasher mission, 1841 ; Macomb mission, 1842 ; Ra-
quette River and West Stockholm, 1843 ; Edwards mission
and Morristown, 1846 ; St. Regis mission, 1849; St. Law-
rence, French mission, Duane mission, and Moira circuit,
1850.
Presiding Elders. — Black River district : 1820, Eenaldo
M. Everts; 1823, Dan. Barnes ; 1826, Goodwin Stoddard ;
1827, Nathaniel Salisbury. Potsdam district : formed in
1828, and embraced the two counties and a portion of Jef-
ferson; 1828, B.G. Paddock; 1831, Squire Chase; 1834,
Silas Comfort; 1836, G. Loveys ; 1837, W. S. Bowdish ;
1839, Lewis Whitcomb ; the district discontinued in 1840,
and merged in Ogdensburg district ; renewed in 1842 ; 1842,
A. Adams; 1845, Isaac L. Hunt; 1849, Geo. C. Woodruff;
Ogdensburg district: formed in 1852 ; 1852, Hiram Shep-
ard. Gouverneur district: formed in 1839 ; discontinued in
1844; 1839, W. S. Bowdish; 1841, Lewis Whitcomb;
1842, Nathaniel Salisbury.
The " Black River conference" was formed in 1836, and
incorporated in 1841. It included a large number of coun-
ties in northern New York, and its first board of trustees
consisted of George Gary, Jehu Dempsey, Nathaniel Salis-
bury, Gardner Baker, Wm. S. Bowdish, Isaac Stone, and
Lewis Whitcomb. Its original charter restricted it to the
holding of property which should produce an annual income
not exceeding $10,000, but by the new charter of 1873 its
jurisdiction was enlarged, so that itnow may possess prop-
erty having an annual income of $15,000.
In 1868 the area of the conference was reduced to four
counties, — Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Franklin.
In 1872 its title was changed to " Northern New York con-
ference." It was subsequently enlarged, and now embraces
Oneida, Oswego, Jefierson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin,
and a part of Madison, and is subdivided into six districts,
to wit: Herkimer, Utioa, Oswego, Adams, Watertown, and
St. Lawrence. At present St. Lawrence County is in-
cluded partly in Watertown and partly in St. Lawrence
districts.
From the minutes of the Northern New York confer-
ence for its fourth session,— 1876,— we glean the foUowino-
statistics :
Number of circuits a,nd stations, 30, viz., Gouverneur, Ilcrmon, De
Kalb, Rensselaer Falls, Heuvelton, De Peyster, Hammond, Edwlrds
and Fine, Macomb, Potsdam, Potsdam Junction, Canton, Ogdens-
burg, Morristown, Lisbon, Waddington, Madrid, Buck's Bridge" lius-
sell, Clare, South Canton and Pierrepont, Colton, Pari8hvil°e,' West
Stockholm, Norfolk, Louisville, Massena, Brasher, Lawrence, and
Nioholville. Total number of communicants in full membership,
3963. Twenty-nine Sabbath-schools are reported, with 635 officers
and teachers, and an attendance of 4380 scholars, and 19 libraries,
containing 3892 volumes of books. The estimated value of church
property was $181,850, and the amount of salaries allowed to regu-
lar ministers, not including presiding elders, was $21,075. The ap-
proximate value of parsonages was $29,000. The conference includes
within its jurisdiction four prominent institutions of learning, — the
Syracuse university, the Wesleyan university, and the Ives and Drew
theological seminaries, all in a flourishing condition. In connection
it has also a historical society, Rev. I. S. Bingham, president; a life
insurance association, a board of church extension, a missionary so-
ciety, a freedman's -aid society, and a ladies' and pastors' Christian
union.
Conference Ofieern. — Bishop E. G. Andrews, D.D. (Des Moines,
Iowa), president; S. 0. Barnes, Lowville, N. Y., secretary; B. S.
Cheeseman, assistant secretary ; J. C. Stewart, journalist; Wm. Wat-
son, statistician; M. R. Webster, Daniel Marvin, Jr., James Coote,
assistant statisticians.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.
The advent of this denomination in St. Lawrence was
coeval with Presbyterianisni, and, in fact, the two bodies
were mingled together more or less during the first years of
the early settlements. The St. Lawrence consociation and
the Black River association, established in 1810, occupied
northern New York.
The " St. Lawrence Consociation,'' embracing the lay
element, was formed at Madrid, Feb. 9, 1825. The "St.
Lawrence Association,'' formed of the clergy, was organized
at Madrid, Sept. 14, 1844, with seventeen members.
According to our best information, the churches of this
denomination in St. Lawrence County are now included in
the " Black River Association."
The number of organizations in the county, as shown by
the United States census for 1870, was fourteen, with sit-
tings for 4350.
BAPTISTS.
This denomination was very early in the county, having
organized a society in Ogdensburg in 1809. The Baptists
are somewhat peculiar in their system of church govern-
ment, each separate society being " a law unto itself," and
acknowledging no higher authority. Associations of various
kinds are formed for the transaction of general business,
but they have no more than advisory power over the
churches, and there are no higher ofiicers than those of
each individual church.
The " St. Lawrence Baptist Association'' was organized
in the fall of 1813, in Stockholm, in a log house on the St.
Regis river owned by Zephaniah French, by Elder Haseall,
founder of Hamilton seminary. Elder Starkweather, from
Vermont, and a few others. This organization still con-
tinues, and embraces St. Lawrence and Franklin counties.
The " Baptist Missionary Convention" was organized in
1827, as auxiliary to the " Baptist Missionary Convention
of the State of New York." As its name indicates, its
work is within the State, though it formerly labored in other
States and in Canada.
The " St. Lawrence County Bible Society," organized in
Sept., 1836, is not now in existence, having been merged
in a general county Bible society composed of all Protestant
denominations except Episcopalians.
The number of churches at present included in the St.
Lawrence Baptist association within the county is seventeen,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
129
located at Canton, Colton, Edwards, Fine, Gouverneur,
Hermon, Lawreneeville, Madrid, Massena, Monterey, Nichol-
ville, Ogdensburg, Parishville, Pitcairn, Potsdam, Richville,
and Russell, with a total membership, by their last report
(1877), of 1447. The total valuation of church property,
from the same authority, is about |91,000.
The " St. Lawrence Sunday-School Convention" was or-
ganized about 1856, and has'continued until the present
time. The present officers of the convention are J. E.
Fisk, president, and C. E. Bascom, secretary. Schools
are reported at Gouverneur, Hermon (2), Lawreneeville,
Madrid, Monterey, Massena, Nioholville, Ogdensburg, Par-
ishville, Potsdam, Richville, and Russell, with a total mem-
bership of 1162, and libraries containing in the aggregate
2074 volumes.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The Catholics were first to occupy the ground where
Ogdensburg now stands, under the lead of Father Picquet,
in 1749, and this was the establishment of Christianity in
St. Lawrence County. From 1760 to about 1830, there
were no stated services of this church in the county.
About the last-mentioned date missionaries began to visit
the scattered Catholics within the county, soon after which
a small stone chapel was erected in Ogdensburg, near where
St. Mary's cathedral now stands. The Catholic population
is now quite large in the county, being probably about 4500
in Ogdensburg alone, and the denominations are well estab-
lished at various points in the county.
According to the census of 1870, there were eight or-
ganizations, with sittings for 4264; but these figures are
doubtless much below the present facts, as the sittings in
Ogdensburg will accommodate nearly 3000. The denomi-
nation have two convents and several schools attached to
their societies in Ogdensburg.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
The Church of England may possibly have had represen-
tatives within the present bounds of St. Lawrence County
during the occupation by the English, from 1760 to about
1796, but we have no record of them. Probably the first
church organized was the one at Waddington, then a part
of Madrid, about 1817. From that date to 1868 all the
Episcopal churches of northern New York belonged to the
diocese of New York. In that year all the northeastern
portions of the State were set off, and constituted the dio-
cese of Albany, which is subdivided into four convocations,
— St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex, and in-
cluded under the general title of " Convocation of Ogdens-
burg." The Right Rev. William Roswell Doane, S.T.D.,
the present bishop of the diocese, resides at Albany. The
present archdeacon of the Ogdensburg convocation is Rev.
George C. Pennell, who resides at Rouse's Point, in Clinton
county.
This denomination has erected the finest church edifice
in northern New York at Ogdensburg, for an account of
which see history of that organization. The number of
organizations in the county at the present time is eleven,
and the number of communicants about three thousand.
There are other churches of various denominations, the
history of which will be found in their respective towns.
17
CHAPTER X.
IBrTBHETAL IMPBOVEMElirTS.
Turnpike and Plank Roads — Canals — Railways — Steam Navigation
— Telegraph Lines — Customs.
The earliest means of transportation in St. Lawrence
County were bridle-paths and the primitive canoe and
bateau. The former led into the county from various di-
rections : from Rome and Utioa vici Oswego and JeiFerson
counties and down the Black river valley, and thence from
Carthage, or the Long Falls, and Watertown northward
across the country lying between the waters of Black river
and the Oswegatchie and Indian rivers to the various set-
tlements. Another route was from the lower waters of Lake
Champlain westward through the wilderness, crossing the
Chateaugay, St. Regis, Raquette, and Grasse rivers. A
favorite water route from New England was down the
Sorel or St. John's from Lake Champlain to the St. Law-
rence, and thence up the latter stream by the laborious
route over the various rapids. Canoes and bateaux were
used on the St. Lawrence and all the interior streams,
wherever a few miles of water navigation relieved the toil-
some labor of the bridle-paths and early roads.
Following these, at a very early date, came the Stat«
roads and turnpikes ; later still plank-roads and projects for
various canals ; and, lastly, railways and steam navigation
on the water routes. This chapter includes Dr. Hough's
account of the various means of locomotion and transporta-
sion down to 1853, from which date it has been brought
forward through the diifercnt changes and improvements to
the year 1877, and made as complete as possible.
EARLY STATE ROADS.
Attention was early directed towards opening a southern
route from St. Lawrence County, and a law of April 1,
1808, made provision for this by taxing the lands through
which it passed for a road from Canton to Chester, in Essex
county, and by several acts of 1810 to 1814, a further sum
was appropriated for this purpose, and the road was opened
under the direction of Russell Atwater, but was little
traveled, and soon fell into disuse. June 19, 1812, a road
was directed to be opened from near the foot of sloop navi-
gation of the St. Lawrence to Albany, and again, in 1815,
a further tax was laid, with which a road was opened by
Mr. Atwater from Russell southwards and made passable
for teams, but, like the other, soon fell into decay. Previous
to 1810 the land proprietors had, by subscription, built a
bridge over the Saranac, which was swept away by a flood,
and commenced opening a road to Hopkinton, to aid which a
law of April 5, 1810, imposed a tax on the adjacent lands,
and appointed two commissioners to repair and construct a
road from the northwest bay to Hopkinton. In 1812, '16,
and '24 a further tax was laid. The several towns were to
be taxed four years for its support, and it was then to be
assumed as a highway.* A road was constructed and for
» Prom August, 1819, to July, 1821, $20,883.62 were paid by the
State to commissioners of State roads in St. Lawrence County, and
for several years, from 1814 forward, $10,000 per annum were appro-
130
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
some time traveled, but had so fallen into decay as to be
scarcely passable. The several towns, about 1850-53,
undertook to reopen it as a highway, and considerable
sums were expended.
In April, 1816, commissioners were appointed to lay out
a road from Ogdensburg by way of Hamilton to Massena,
from Massena through Potsdam to Eussell, and from Rus-
sell through Columbia village to Hamilton, at the expense
of the adjacent lands. April 16, 1827, John Richards,
Ezra Thuber, and Jonah Sanford were directed to survey
and level a route for a road from Lake Champlain to Hop-
kinton, and in 1829 $25,836 was applied for its construc-
tion. When done the governor was to appoint three com-
missioners to erect toll-gates and take charge of the road,
which was soon after completed, and in 1833 a line of
stages started between Port Kent and Hopkinton. This
road is still used, the gates having for many years been
taken down, and it has been and is of essential benefit to
the country. An act of April 18, 1828, directed a road to
be opened from Canton to Antwerp, at the expense of the
adjacent lands.
Several other special provisions have been made for roads
in the two counties. The first turnpike was made by the
"St. Lawrence Turnpike Company," incorporated April 5,
1810, and consisting of the principal land-owners. It was
designed to run from Carthage to Malone, and was opened
by Russell Atwater, as agent for the company. In 1813
it was relieved from the obligation of finishing it beyond
the line of Bangor east, or the Oswegatchie State road west.
After the war the road lost its importance, and in 1829
was divided into road districts. It still bears the name of
the Russell turnpike. The " Ogdensburg Turnpike Com-
pany" was formed June 8, 1812, when D. Parish, L. Has-
brouck, N. Ford, J. Rosseel, Charles Hill, Ebenezer Legro,
and their associates, were incorporated with $50,000 capi-
tal, and soon after built what is since mostly a plank-road
from Wilna to Ogdensburg, by way of Rossie. In April,
1826, the road was abandoned to the public. The " Par-
ishville Turnpike Company" was incorporated February 5,
1813, when D. Parish, N. Ford, L. Hasbrouck, J. Tibbetts,
Jr., B. Raymond, and Daniel Hoard were empowered to
build, with a capital of $50,000, the present direct road
from Ogdensburg through Canton and Potsdam to Parish-
ville. In March, 1827, this road was given up to the towns
through which it passed, and in April, 1831, the part be-
tween Ogdensburg and Canton was directed to be improved
by a tax upon the three towns of $500 for two years, to
be expended by a commissioner named in each town. With
this sum and tolls collected for its support an excellent
road was kept up. In 1850 the route was directed to be
planked, and a sum not exceeding $10,000 was allowed to
be borrowed on six years' time, upon the credit of the tolls,
and incidentally upon the credit of Ogdensburg village,
Lisbon, and Canton. This has mostly been done.
PLANK-EOADS.
This class of roads has gone out of use mostly after
priated for bridges by tbe supervisors and levied on tbe county but
distributed to tbose towns having the most important structures.
Large amounts were also paid by the towns for similar purposes.
having had a brief existence, during which they served a
very useful purpose. In districts where timber is abun-
dant and labor cheap, they will probably continue in use
until the increase in population and scarcity of timber
make it necessary to construct something more permanent
and durable. In St. Lawrence County we believe plank-
roads have ceased to exist, but as a part of the history of
the past, a short account of them is deemed of sufficient
importance for insertion in this work. The following items
are from Dr. Hough's work. Most of the old plank-road
beds have been adopted for turnpike and common roads,
and considerable portions of them graveled and otherwise
improved. Several of the graveled turnpikes are toll roads.
A road from Ogdensburg to Heuvelton, having been in-
corporated by a special act, was opened in September, 1849.
Capital, $5000, with privilege of increasing to $20,000.
Its earnings have been about $2000 annually.* The
" Gouverneur, Somerville and Antwerp Company," like the
following, was formed under the general law. It was or-
ganized December 30, 1848, and finished September, 1850.
Length, 12 miles 124 rods; capital, $13,000. Six miles
of this road are in Jefferson county. First Directors, C.
P. Egbert, S. B. Van Duzee, Gilbert Wait, Nathaniel L.
Gill ; Treasurer, Martin Thatcher ; Secretary, Charles An-
thony. The " Gouverneur, Richville and Canton Plank-
Road" company's road extends from the village of Gouv-
erneur to the line of Canton. Formed July 6, 1849 ;
length, 16 miles; capital, $16,000. Its first officers were
Wm. E. Sterling, S. B. Van Duzee, John Smith, J. Bur-
nett, E. Miner, T. Caldwell, directors ; E. Miner, president ;
Wm. E. Sterling, treasurer; C. A. Parker, secretary.
The " Canton Plank-Road," a continuation of the latter
road, extending from the village of Canton to the town-line
of De Kalb, was built under a special act, passed March
24, 1849, which authorized a tax in the town of Canton,
of $6000 for the first year and $1500 annually for three
successive years afterwards, for constructing the road, which
was to be owned by the town. Hiram S. Johnson, James
P. Cummings, and Benjamin Squire were named as com-
missioners to locate the road. The net earnings, after keep-
ing the road in repair and repaying money borrowed for
its construction, were to be applied to the support of roads
and bridges in town. Luman Moody, Theodore Caldwell,
and Joseph J. Herriman were appointed commissioners to
build the road and superintend it after its completion.
The " Canton, Morley and Madrid Plank-Road Com-
pany," formed January, 1851 ; road finished August, 1851 ;
length Hi miles. Silas H. Clark, Alfred Goss, H. Hods-
kin, J. C. Harrison, E. Miner, R. Harrison, A. S. Robinson,
first directors.
The " Potsdam Plank-Road Company" was formed
Oct. 17, 1850 ; length, 5 miles 154 rods, from Potsdam
village to the Northern railroad ; cost, $6439.43 ; finished
Oct. 8, 1851 ; divided 8 per cent. ; dividend, July 1, 1852.
First directors, John McCall, Robert McGill, John Bur-
roughs, Jr., Stephen Given, Jr., Benjamin G. Baldwin.
The " Hammonton, Rossie and Antwerp Plank-Road
Company," formed Jan. 23, 1850 ; completed in December
'■'' Now a toll turnpike.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
131
Mowing; length, 20 miles; capital, $35,000; 7 miles are
in Jefferson county. Directors, Ira Hinsdale, E. Brainerd,
Z. Gates, A. P. Morse, and D. W. Baldwin.
The " Morristown and Hammond Plank-Road Company,"
a continuation of the former, was laid along the route of
the former road, and through a country which offered but
few obstacles to its construction. President and Treasurer,
Moses Birdsall; Secretary, Henry Hooker. Length, lOJ
miles; capital, $10,000, in 200 shares of $50 each ; organ-
ized in July, 1851 ; completed in May, 1852. This, with
the preceding, forms a continuous plank-road communica-
tion with routes leading to Utica, Rome, Watertown, etc.,
and terminating on the St. Lawrence river, in the village
of Morristown.
The " Heuvelton and Canton Falls (now Rensselaer
Falls) Plank-Road Company," as originally organized, had
a length of about 10 miles. It has been continued to the
road from Canton to Hermon by the same company, and
twelve chains on that road to meet a plank-road, since con-
structed, from the town-line of Canton, through the village
of Hermon. The first directors were Henry Van Rensse-
laer (president), Elijah B. Allen, E. N. Fairchild, D. Simp-
son, and John ShuU, Jr. The office of the company is in
Ogdensburg, at the land-office of Mr. Van Rensselaer, who
is the principal owner of the road. Through a part of the
distance it was laid through unsettled lands, which have
thus been brought directly into market and opened for
settlement.
The " Hermon Plank-Road Company" was formed
March 1, 1851. David W. Weeks, Seymour Thatcher,
Edward Maddock, L. H. Sheldon, Noah C. Williams, were
the first directors. Capital, $4000, in shares of $50 each,
and the length of the road is 4J miles. It extends from
the village of Marshville to the town-line of Canton, where
it connects with the Canton Falls plank-road to Ogdensburg.
The road was finished about July 1, 1852. It has been
proposed to extend this road on to Edwards, and thence
through to Carthage, in Jefferson county.
The " Heuvelton and De Kalb Plank-Road Company"
was organized Feb. 6, 1849, and extended to intersect the
Gouverneur and Canton plank-road at a point three miles
east of Richville. Its length is about 1 3 miles. The first
directors were William H. Cleghorn, William Thurston,
John Pickens, R. W. Judson, Pelatiah Stacey, Andrew
Roulston, Lewis Sanford.
The " Norfolk, Raymondville and Massena Plank-Road
Company" was organized Feb. 14, 1851, to be completed
in 1852. Length, 10 miles 44 chains ; capital, $8500, in
170 shares of $50 each. It is a continuation of the Pots-
dam road. It forms a direct communication between the
railroad and several thriving villages. Uriah H. Orvis, G.
J. Hall, N. F. Reals, C. Sackrider, B. G. Baldwin, E. D.
Ransom, Hiram Atwater, Justus Webber, and Marcus
Robins were first directors; U. H. Orvis, president; G. J.
Hall, secretary.
'THE OLD TDRNPIKE.
" We hear no more the clanging hoof,
And the stage-coach rattling by,
For the sten,m-king rules the traveled world,
' And the old' pike's left to die !
The grass creeps o'er the flinty path,
And the stealthy daisies steal
Where once the stage^ horse, day by day,
Lifted his iron heel.
" No more the weary stager dreads
The toil of the coming morn ;
No more the bustling landlord runs
At the Bound of the echoing horn ;
And the dust lies still upon the road,
And bright-eyed children play
Where once the clattering hoof and wheel
Rattled along the way.
" No more we hear the cracking whip,
And the strong wheel's rumbling sound;
But, ah ! the water drives us on,
And an iron horse is found !
The coach stands rusting in the yard,
The horse has sought the plow ,
We have spanned the world with an iron rail,
And the steam-king rules us now !
" The old turnpike is a pike no more,
Wide open stands the gate ;
We have made a road for our horse to stride,
And we ride at a flying rate.
We have filled the valleys and leveled the hills
And tunneled the mountain's side,
And round the rough crag's dizzy verge
Fearless now we ride.
" Go — on — on — with a hearty front !
A puflF, a shriek, and a bound,
While the tardy echoes wake too late
To echo back the sound.
And the old pike-road is left alone,
And stagers seek the plow ;
We have circled the earth with an iron rail,
And the steam-king rules us now !"
WATER COMMUNICATION — CANAL PROJECTS.
From an early period attempts were made to improve the
navigation of the St. Lawrence, and in an act of April 1,
1808, J. Waddington, D. A. and T. L. Ogden, were au-
thorized to build a canal and locks at Hamilton, and to col-
lect toll, at the rate of twenty-five cents per ton, on all boats
passing. Locks to be fifty feet long, ten feet wide, and
deep enough to receive boats having two feet draught.
Under this act tolls were authorized to be collected at the
rate of twenty-five cents per ton for large boats, and double
that rate for all boats under two tons capacity. The im-
provements were to be completed within three years. A
wooden look was first attempted, but before being com-
pleted its foundations were undermined and it was aban-
doned. In 1811 and 1815, the act was extended, and
finally a stone lock was built in the line of the stone dam,
which proved of little use, as its dimensions only allowed
the passage of Durham boats. The era of steamboats fol-
lowed, and the Canadian government assuming the task of
building locks and canals around the principal rapids, work
on the American side was given up. An effort was made
to secure the advantages of a portion of the trade by con-
structing a canal to Grasse river, but it was never carried out.
The north shore has always been chosen by voyageurs^
and the difficulty of crossing over to these looks would have
rendered their use limited. On the 5th of April, 1809,
means were provided for carrying into effect a concurrent
132
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
resolution of March 27, directing the surveyor-general to
authorize some competent person to survey the St. Law-
rence, and report. By an act of April 9, 1811, Russell
Atwater and Roswell Hopkins were appointed to expend
$600 on the American shore from St. Regis to the Indian
village in Lisbon. It is believed that a towing-path was
made along the shore in places, at an early day, and proba-
bly with this appropriation. In 1833, the subject of cutting
a canal from the head of Long Saut to Grasse river was
pressed upon the legislature, and a subscription raised to pro-
cure a survey. Grasse river was considered navigable to
within three miles of Jlassena village, and there intervened
a ravine and low land, which it was found required a canal
of six miles, one mile of which was through gravel and
clay a depth of thirty-five feet. The fall from the head of
the Saut to Lake St. Francis was found to be fifty feet.
Estimated cost, $200,000. It was stated that in 1833
$48,000 was paid for cartage and towage past the Long
Saut, and the cost of towing one boat amounted to |500
per annum. The subject was also urged upon Congress by
a convention at Canton, Dec. 18, 1833, and D. C. Judson,
Wm. Ogden, N. F. Hyer, H. Allen, and M. Whitoomb
were appointed to circulate petitions. Nothing was eifected
or afterwards attempted, as the Canadian government soon
after undertook this labor,
" The Oswegatchie Navigation Company'' was incorpo-
rated April 25, 1831, for the purpose of improving, by
means of locks, canals, and dams, its navigation to Black
lake and to the town of Gouverneur, and from the Oswe-
gatchie river, along the natural canal, to Grasse river, and
up to Canton village. Capital to be $50,000, and Sylvester
Gilbert, Jacob A. Vanden Heuvel, Smith Stilwell, and Louis
Hasbrouck were appointed a board of commissioners to re-
ceive subscriptions. A certain portion of the work was to
be accomplished within five years, and the duration of the
corporation was limited to thirty years.
The previous act was renewed April 25, 1836, and con-
tinued in force thirty years. Baron S. Doty, Silvester Gil-
bert, Jacob A. Vanden Heuvel, Smith Stilwell, Henry Van
Rensselaer, and B. M. Fairchild were named commissioners
to receive stock. Unless they met within three months the
act was to be void. In 1835 the capital stock was increased
to $100,000. R. Harrison, D. C. Judson, S. Gilbert, H. Van
Rensselaer, E. Dodge, A. Sprague, and S. D. Moody were
named commissioners to receive subscriptions. No actual
improvements were ever undertaken under these acts. In
the petition which procured the passage of the above act It
was stated that at Heuvelton locks had been commenced,
and might be completed at small expense ; that the expense
of dams and locks to improve the natural channel of the
Oswegatchie would not cost to exceed $12,000 ; and that a
steamboat might be built for $5000, sufficient to meet the
business of the proposed company. The fall on Grasse
river at Canton is stated to be nine feet, and at Cooper's
fall in De Kalb, on the Oswegatchie river, as eight feet
which being overcome by locks would render the latter
river navigable as far as the Ox Bow, in Jefferson county. A
dam across Grasse river, and a short canal near the eastern
end of the natural canal, would bring Canton in navigable
communication with the St. Lawrencs at 0"-densbur»-.
The plan of extending the Black river canal to Ogdens-
burg was brought forward in 1839, and a survey executed
by Edward H. Brodhead, which is published in the legis-
lative documents of 1840, embraced the several improve-
ments above proposed.
Several acts have been passed for preventing the obstruc-
tion of the channels of our rivers, by declaring them pvLlic
highways. Raquette river, from its mouth to Norfolk, and
St. Regis, from the province line to the east line of Stock-
holm, were so declared April 15, 1810. April 16, 1816,
the Oswegatchie was made a highway to Streeter's Mills, in
Rossie, and its obstruction forbidden under a penalty of
$100. By a subsequent act this limit was extended to
Cranberry lake.
An act of 1849, for improving the sources of the Hudson
for lumbering purposes, led in 1850 to petitions for grants
to be expended on Raquette and Moose rivers. These were
referred to a select committee, who, through their chairman,
Mr. Henry J. Raymond, made a very elaborate report, set-
ting forth the advantages of the improvements, and de-
scribing the wonderful natural water communication of the
primitive wilderness of northern New York. This elevated
plateau, averaging 1500 to 1870 feet above tide, gives origin
to rivers flowing in different directions. The Raquette,
after a crooked and sluggish course through several large
ponds, and receiving tributaries navigable for logs from
many lakes in the interior, on arriving within fifty miles of
the St. Lawrence becomes rapid, and descends to near the
level of that river before reaching Massena. In a multi-
tude of places it affords fine, cascades for hydraulic purposes,
especially in the villages of Colton,East Pierrepont, Potsdam,
Racketville, Norfolk, and Raymondville, with many inter-
vening places. There is a peculiarity of this river that de-
serves special notice, which is its little liability to be affected
by drought and flood, in consequence of its being fed from
lakes. The highest water commonly occurs several days later
-in this than the neighboring rivers, and a prudent policy
should lead to the erection of sluices and floodgates at the
outlet of the lakes to retain the excess of the spring flood
against any want that might occur in the drought of sum-
mer. Such a want has not hitherto been felt, but might if
the interior country were cleared and cultivated. An act was
passed April 10, 1850, declaring the Raquette a highway
from its mouth to the foot of Raquette lake, in Hamilton
county, and on the 9th of April an appropriation of $10,000
was made, to be expended by H. Hewitt, A. T. Hopkins,
and C. Russell, in removing obstructions and improving the
channel. These consisted in shutting up lost channels
and straits around islands, in the erection of piera, dams,
booms, etc.
The accession of capital and employment of labor from
this improvement is remarkable. But one gang-mill ex-
isted on the river at the time of the passage of the law,
while in 1853 there were either in operation or in course of
erection eight, and still more contemplated. The logs sawed
at these are brought from the country adjoining Tapper's
lake. Long lake, in Hamilton county, many of the lakes
and streams of Franklin county, and from the western
borders of Essex county.
Much credit is due to Dr. H. Hewitt, of Potsdam, for
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
133
exertions in procuring this improvement, and to Messrs.
Wm. A. Dart, of the senate, and Noble S. Elderkin, of
the assembly, for the zeal and ability with which they sus-
tained the measure.
The first attempt to open a cheap and direct communica-
tion between the navigable waters of the St. Lawrence and
the sea-board began in 1823, and arose from the wants
which had been so severely felt during the war. A year
or two after the peace, plans for uniting Lake Champlain
with the Connecticut were discussed and attempted. Judge
Raymond and Benjamin Wright, while surveying the coun-
try before its settlement, had formed projects for improving
the natural channels of the rivers, and to them belongs the
merit of the idea. The former was afterwards the ardent
advocate of a canal. A meeting of the citizens of Clinton,
Franklin, and St. Lawrence counties convened at Ogdens-
burg, Aug. 28, 1823, to concert measures for a canal, who
appointed B. Raymond, of Norfolk, S. Partridge, of Pots-
dam, J. A. Vanden Heuvel, of Ogdensburg, Wm. Hogan, of
Fort Covington, Thomas Smith, of Chateaugay, and Asa
Hascall, of Malone, who prepared and published a lengthy
report for distribution in the sections most to be benefited
by the work. It was accompanied by a report from Judge
Raymond, who had been employed to make a preliminary
survey. This improvement proposed to use the Oswe-
gatchie. Natural canal, and Grasse river to Canton. The
petitions and the friendly influences towards these works
led to an act for a survey under the direction of the canal
commissioners, and Holmes Hutchinson, of Utica, was em-
ployed. The expense was limited to $1500. The summit
was found to be 811 feet above the St. Lawrence at Og-
densburg, and 966 above Lake Champlain. This work
was commended to the legislature by De Witt Clinton in his
annual message of 1825, but was found impracticable, and
abandoned.
RAILWAYS.
A railroad began to be discussed in 1829, and a full
meeting was held Feb. 17, 1830, at Montpelier, Vt., for
promoting a railroad from Ogdensburg, by way of Lake
Champlain and the valleys of Onion and Connecticut rivers,
and through Concord and Lowell, to Boston. A committee,
previously appointed, reported favorably on the plan and
its advantages, and estimated that passengers and heavy
freight could be taken over the whole route in 35 hours.
They further predicted that 15 miles an hour would here-
after be performed by locomotives. On the 17th of March,
1830, a similar meeting was held at Ogdensburg, and a com-
mittee of twelve appointed to collect information and report
to a future meeting. Application was also made to Con-
gress for aid in constructing the work, but this failing,
petitions were next forwarded to the State legislature, and a
convention met at Malone, Dec. 17, 1831, to promote this
object. This failed, but was prosecuted until May 21,
1836. The Lake Champlain and Ogdensburg railroad was
incorporated with a capital of $800,000. S. Gilbert and S.
Stilwell, of St. Lawrence, B. Clark and J. Stearns, of
Franklin, with two from each of the counties of Clinton
and Essex, and James H. Titus, of New York, were em-
powered to open books for receiving stock. Some declining
to act, a law of May 16, 1837, appointed Wm. H. Harri-
son, of New York, Wm. P. Haile, of Clinton, D. L. Sey-
mour, of Franklin, and J. L. Russell, of St. Lawrence, in
their place. About this time the plan of a railroad from
Ogdensburg directly through to Albany was discussed. A
convention met, Feb. 27, 1837, at Matildaville, for this ob-
ject. The moneys subscribed for the road to Lake Cham-
plain were first reloaned, and afterwards refunded to sub-
scribers. This company failing to organize, a convention
met at Malone, Aug. 8, 1838, and persons appointed to
collect statistics. These measures led to an act of April 18,
1838, authorizing a survey, which was executed by Edward
F. Johnson, and the expense was limited to $4000. On
May 14, 1840, commissioners were appointed to survey and
estimate the cost of a railroad by the several routes, and
the public documents of 1841 contain the results. Both of
the lines surveyed passed southeast through the county and
penetrated the wilderness. The Port Kent route passed
up the valley of the Ausable and down the St. Regis, and
thence, by way of Parishville and Potsdam, to Ogdens-
burg. Length, 131 miles; summit, 1733 feet above tide;
cost, $2,714,003.89; maximum grade, 95 feet going east and
90 feet going west ; least radius of curve, 800 feet. The
Plattsburg route led to Malone and Moira, whence a route
by Norfolk and Columbia, and one by Potsdam, was sur-
veyed. Summit, 1089 feet; distance by Norfolk, 120,
and by Potsdam 122 miles ; cost of the Norfolk line,
$1,778,459 24; of the Potsdam route, $1,923,108.09;
maximum grade of both, 40 feet; least radius, 1300 feet. In
connection with this report was given the probable cost of
improving the rivers and Natural canal, the aggregate of
which was $305,982. A convention met at Malone Deo.
22, 1840, who, through a committee, memorialized the
legislature, and procured the opinions of several military
men on the importance of the route as of national use in
case of war.
This measure failed to become a law. Nothing discour-
raged, the friends of this improvement continued active,
and finding it impossible to obtain assistance from the State,
began to importune for the privilege of helping themselves;
and here they were met by the poweri'ul opposition of the
friends of the central routes, which was conciliated by their
being themselves brought to the necessity of feeling the
want of votes to carry one of their measures. In the ses-
sion of 1845, Messra. Hiram Horton, John L. Russell, and
Asa L. Hazelton representing these two counties, a bill was
introduced and early passed the assembly, but was delayed
in the senate till near the close of the session. At this
time not less than fourteen railroad bills were before the
legislature, among which was one for increasing the capital
of the Syracuse and Utica road. It was partly through
the influence of the friends of this road, who found them-
selves forced to help, in order to be helped, that the bill
finally passed, receiving the governor's signature but twenty
minutes before the adjournment. This act passed May 14,
1845, incorporating
THE NORTHERN RAILROAD
for fifty years, with a capital of $2,000,000, in .shares of $50,
and naming David C. Judson and Joseph Barnes, of St.
Lawrence, S. C. Wead, of Franklin, and others from Clin-
134
HISTORY OE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ton and Essex counties and New York, commissioners to
receive and distribute stock.
Measures were taken to raise the means for a survey, and
in the fall of 1845 a delegation visited Boston to induce
capitalists to undertake the work. They were advised to
return and raise along the road as much as possible first,
which was done; but, in their absence, about $10,000,000
of railroad stock had been taken, and their chances for suc-
cess were much lessened. To set forth the advantages of
the route, Mr. James G. Hopkins, of Ogdensburg, in 1845,
published a pamphlet containing many documents and
statistics relating to the matter. It is but justice to state
that not only these estimates but those that preceded them
were, so far as relates to the resources of the country, far
below what time has developed. The Burlington people,
and those interested in the lines of New England roads
connecting with Lake Champlain, early perceived the ad-
vantages that would ensue from a line which would turn a
portion of the resources of the great west through their
channels. In July, 1846, Mr. James Hayward, an expe-
rienced engineer, who, since 1828, had had his attention
directed to this route, was employed to survey the route,
who did so and reported.
In June, 1846, a company was organized at Ogdensburg,
having George Parish, president ; J. Leslie Russell, of Can-
ton, Hiram Horton, of Malone, Anthony C. Brown, of Og-
densburg, Lawrence Myers, of Plattsburg, Charles Paine,
of Northfield, Vt., S. F.. Belknap, of Windsor, Vt., Isaac
Spalding, of Nashua, N. H., and Abbot Lawrence, J. Wiley
Edmonds, Benjamin Reed, T. P. Chandler, and S. S. Lewis,
of Boston, directors; S. S. Walley, treasurer; and James
G. Hopkins, secretary. In the fall of 1847, a contract was
taken by Sewall P. Belknap for the portion east of Malone,
and by Chamberlain, Worral & Co., to be completed within
two years. Work was begun in March, 1848, at the deep
cutting in Ogdensburg, and in the fall of that year was
opened to Centreville from Champlain river. Late in 1849
it had reached Ellenburg ; in June, 1850, Chateaugay;
October 1, Malone; and in the same month through ; the
last work being done near Deer river bridge, in Lawrence.
From their report of 1852 it is learned that this road has
cost, including fixtures and equipment, $5,022,121.31, and
possesses very ample facilities for the transaction of the im-
mense amount of business in the freight department. Amount
of land owned in July, 1851, 3077i acres, exclusive of
roadway. Its buildings at that date were as follows:
Wharves, docks, and piers at Ogdensburg, 4534 feet;
at Rouse's Point, 165 feet wharf and a pier of 1650, which
has since become a part of the bridge across Lake Cham-
plain. Freight and passenger station at Ogdensburg, 305
by 84 feet. One freight-house at ditto, 402 by 82 feet ;
fire-proof engine-house for six locomotives, and numerous
other buildings. Among these, the grain warehouse and
elevator deserves notice. It is built on piles in 14-feet
water, and contains 42 bins, each 30 feet deep, and capable
of holding 4000 bushels each, or 12 tons of wheat. All
these deliver their grain on one track by spouts, and each
can load a car with 10 tons in eight or ten minutes the
load being weighed on a platform-scale in the track. The
elevators are driven by a steam-engine of 15-horse power
and raise daily 16,000 to 18,000 bushels, which is weighed
as received in draughts of 30 bushels, and spouted into cars
or raised into the bins if stored. The cars are sent in on
one track and out on another, being changed by a traverse-
table. Vessels laden with grain on the upper lakes are here
unloaded with great facility, and the establishment is found
to be eminently useful in promoting the business of the
road. It was erected by N. Taggert, after plans by P.
Pelletier, the draftsman of the company, who has kindly
furnished the above data.
This building was burned in 1865, and two grain-houses
were erected in its stead, and these were pulled down in
1877. The present extensive elevator was erected under
the superintendence of Mr. Abraham Klohs, assistant super-
intendent of the road, and also an acting engineer. It has
a storage capacity of 600,000 bushels of grain, and is ar-
ranged in a manner similar to the one destroyed in 1865
including two tracks and a traverse-table. The company's
facilities for handling grain-produce, and all descriptions of
freight, are unsurpassed.
At Lisbon, Madrid, Potsdam, Stockholm, Lawrence,
Moira, Bangor, Champlain, and Hoyle's Landing are depots
50 by 100 feet ; at Brush's Mills, 80 by 35 feet ; at Cha-
teaugay, 200 by 55 ; a passenger-station, 37 by 26 ; and a
wood- and water-station, 330 by 35 feet ; at Rouse's Point,
a passenger- and freight-house, 500 by 104 feet ; a station-
house and hotel, 78 by 50 ; repair-shop, 175 by 80 feet ;
and numerous other buildings. Since the date of the last
report before us, depots have been built at Knapp's, Burke,
Malone, and other places.
Many of the station-buildings have been rebuilt or ma-
terially changed, and new and very substantial ones of brick
erected at Ogdensburg and Chateaugay.
Much opposition was met from the eiForts made by the
company to procure the right of bridging Lake Champlain,
to enable it to connect with the eastern roads ; and in the
sessions of 1850, a special committee, consisting of Wm. A.
Dart, George Geddes, and Robert Owens, Jr., was appointed,
who, in the recess of the legislature, visited the locaUty, and
reported. An attempt was made to excite the jealousies of
New York against Boston, but an expression was obtained
from the leading interests of that city disclaiming this, and
concurring in the proposed improvement, and among the
objections urged were the obstruction to navigation, the
diversion from the trade of the canals, and consequent loss
of revenue to the State, and the obstruction it would be to
the fortress of the United States government north of the
road and near the boundary. This matter has been since
decided and a floating draw-bridge constructed, so that
trains pass freely over without hindrance.
Since the above paragraph was written a new and more
substantial bridge has been erected over Lake Champlain.
It is of wood, built on piles, and has a spacious draw for
the passage of vessels.
It is less the amount of travel over this road than that
of freight that gives it importance. Being remote from the
great lines of travel, it as yet has not generally attracted that
notice which it deserves, but when its advantages come to
be known and appreciated, it cannot fail of drawing a con-
siderable amount of New England travel going westward.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
135
The officers of the Northern railroad can boast of one fact
which few other roads would be able to do, viz., that they
have never caused the death or injury of a passenger who
has intrusted himself to their charge!
During its whole existence there has been only one slight
collision, which resulted in injuries to a few passengers, but
none of them of a serious character. This exemption from
accident is not due to chance, but mainly to the admirable
precision with which the trains are run, and it is doing in-
justice to no one to assert that this is principally due to the
talents and ability of the chief engineers of the road. Every
employee is instructed in his duties, and no excuses are re-
ceived for any violation or neglect of them. This inexorable
rule has its advantages, which are felt and approved by all
concerned ; and it is said that men can be employed in run-
ning trains at less wages on this than on many other roads,
from the feeling of security resulting from these arrange-
ments.
In 1870 the road was leased to the " Central Vermont
railway company" for a period of twenty years, at an annual
rental of $384,620 for three years, $415,390 for the next
three y^ars, and $446,160 the remainder of the term, pay-
able monthly ; the company to keep the road in good repair.
These obligations not having been fulfilled, the property
was taken possession of by the owners in 1877. The name
was changed, under the provisions of a new charter, some
years since, to the present one, — " Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain railroad company."
The following table shows the classes, and amount in
tons, of freight handled and transported during the last
year, ending Sept. 30, 1877 :
Tons.
Products of the forest 76,840
■Animals 13,428
Vegetable food 27,400
Other agricultural products 69,494
Manufactures 10,728
Merchandise 12,696
Other articles 31,005
Total ;241,591
Total earnings of the road for the year ending Sept. 30,
1877 $516,938.30
Total expenses 284,654.85
Number of passengers, all classes, carried 118,640
Average weight of passenger trains, exclusive of passengers, —
tons 65
Average weight of freight trains, exclusive of freight 206
This road has connections by ferry with the Grand Trunk
and the St. Lawrence and Ottawa lines at Prescott. Freight
is transported across the river without breaking bulk. Ex-
tensive shops for the manufacture and repair of rolling-stock
were erected by the company some years since, near the east
line of the city. In full running order they employed 100
men, and turned out a finished car per day, and repaired as
high as 700 cars per month. The manufacturing depart-
ment is not now in operation, and only a limited amount of
repairing is done.
The officers of the company are : John C. Pratt, presi-
dent; Henry A. Church, secretary and treasurer; John C.
Pratt, Boston ; John S. Farlow, Boston ; George M. Bar-
nard, Boston; I. D. Farnsworth, Boston; Francis Cox,
Boston; Theodore A. Neal, Boston; George Lewis, Bos-
ton ; Thomas Upham, Boston ; Henry A. Church, Boston ;
Samuel M. Felton, Philadelphia ; William J. Averill, Og-
densburg ; C. T. Hulburd, Brasher Falls ; Albert Andrus,
Malone ; W. W. Hungerford, Ogdensburg, superintendent.
The superintendents of the road from the beginning
have been Charles L. Schlatter, Geo. V. Hoyle, Harvey
Rice, De Witt C. Brown, and the present incumbent, W.
W. Hungerford.
THE POTSDAM AND WATERTOWN RAILROAD
originated from the dissatisfaction felt by Potsdam and
Canton in not having the Northern railroad pass through
their villages. Soon after the Rome and Cape Vincent
railroad was opened, the want of a connecting link with the
Northern road began to be felt, and it became an object of
importance to decide whether this should connect at Og-
densburg, and run along the St. Lawrence, or at a point
east of this, and through the interior of the county. In
July, 1851, a convention met at Watertown, and persons
appointed to collect the means for a survey ; Mr. E. H.
Brodhead employed, and at a meeting held at Gouverneur,
on Jan. 8, 1852, this report and survey were rendered, and
a company formed the next day, under the general law of
the State. In no place will the route vary three miles
from a direct line ; the grades will not exceed 36.96 feet
to the mile ; and, with one exception, the shortest radius of
curve does not exceed 2000 feet. Length, 69 miles ; esti-
mated cost, $293,721.50, for grading and bridging ; besides,
$6000 per mile for superstructure. A route was surveyed
to Sacket's Harbor in connection with this.
From this time vigorous efforts were made to secure a
sufiicient amount of stock to commence the construction of
the road, and by an act passed April 7, 1852, the company
was authorized, whenever the subscription to the capital
stock should amount to $5000 per mile, to exercise the
powers, rights, and privileges usually possessed by a com-
pany incorporated under the general act. This act was
considered necessary in this case in order to secure the
right of way, and made contracts for the same. In Oct.,
1852, the sum of $750,000 having been subscribed, the
directors felt themselves warranted in entering into a con-
tract for the making of the road, and accordingly contracted
with Phelps, Matoon & Barnes, of Springfield, Mass., by
whom the road was to be completed July 1, 1854.
This road, passing through a comparatively level section,
was constructed at much less expense than many other roads
in the State, and opened up an extensive and quite wealthy
and populous country. It is now operated under the con-
trol of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg company,
one of the best managed and most prosperous in the State,
and having excellent connections in all directions. The
principal stations on this line are Gouverneur, De Kalb,
Canton, and Potsdam. At Potsdam junction it makes con-
nections with the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain-road,
and at Philadelphia, in Jefierson county, with the Utica
and Black River road.
The Ogdensburg Branch, now the main line, was put in
operation in September, 1862, and soon became a great
thoroughfare. The stations are De Kalb, Rensselaer Falls
Heuvelton, and Ogdensburg. Extensive shipments of lum
ber and live-stock are made from Ogdensburg, and the
dairy products of the county largely pass over this line to
136
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
southern markets. Among the earlier oflGtcers of this road
were 0. V. Brainard, Eli Farwell, Hiram Holcomb, Wm.
AUaster, Wm. E. Sterling, Edwin Dodge, Barzillai Hod-
skin, Orville Page, Zenas Clark, Samuel Partridge, Joseph
H. Sanford, Wm. W. Goulding, A. M. Adsit, Edwin Dodge,
Daniel Lee, and H. L. Knowles.
UTICA AND BLACK RIVEE RAILROAD.
The line at first constructed from Carthage to Morris-
town was called the Black River and Morristown railroad,
but was subsequently consolidated with the Utica and Black
River road. The last-named company are now extending
their line from Morristown to Ogdensburg, and the present
intention is upon the completion of this link to change the
name to Utica, Black River and Ogdensburg railroad. The
work between Morristown and Ogdensburg is well under
way, and the line will bo in running order early in the sea-
son of 1878. When completed it will give Ogdensburg
and the western portion of St. Lawrence County additional
and valuable facilities for the transaction of business. To
the commerce of Ogdensburg it must give a fresh impetus,
for the city will then have two lines running south and
west, and an important one to the east, connecting with the
great lines of the country. An accommodating spirit in
the management of these three roads would add largely to
their business, and be of great benefit to the city of Ogdens-
burg. Close connections are necessary to gain the patron-
age and confidence of the public, and a union depot at
some convenient point in the city would be of immense ad-
vantage to the railway companies, to the city of Ogdens-
burg, and to the public generally.
STEAM NAVIGATION.
Steamboat navigation was first attempted on the great
lakes by the building of the Ontario, in 1816, by Charles
Smyth, David Boyd, Eri Lusher, Abram Van Santvoord,
John I. De Grafi", and their associates, who, in February,
1816, made an unsuccessful attempt to secure au incorpora-
tion as the " Lake Ontario Steamboat Company," with a
capital of $200,000. In their memorial before us, they
state that they had purchased of the heirs of Robert R.
Livingston and Robert Fulton the right to the exclusive
navigation of the St. Lawrence. Their steamer, which
FmST STEAMBOAT ON THE GnEAT LAKES, 1816.
is shown in the above illustration, is engraved from a
drawing by Capt. J. Van Cleve. The boat was 110 feet
long, 24 wide, 8 deep, and measured 237 tons. She had
one low-pressure cross-head engine of 34-ineh cylinder and
4-feet stroke. The latter was made at the Allaire works,
New York. She was designed to be after the model of the
Sea Horse, then running on the Sound, near New York,
and was built mainly under the direction of Hunter Crane,
one of the owners. The first trip was made in 1817, and
her arrival was celebrated at all the ports on the lake and
river with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy, and
hailed as a new era to the commerce of our inland seas.
In every village that could muster a cannon, and from every
steeple that had a bell, went forth a joyous welcome, and
crowds of eager citizens from the adjoining country thronged
the shores to salute its arrival. Bonfires and illuminations,
the congratulations of friends, and the interchange of hos-
pitalities, signalized the event. The trip from Lewistown
to Ogdensburg required ten days ; fare, $16 ; deck fare, $8',
Master, Capt. Mallaby, U.S.N. The Ontario continued
till 1832, seldom exceeding five miles an hour, and was
finally broken up at Oswego. The Frontenac, a British
steamer, at Kingston, and the Walk-in-the- Water, 1818, on
Lake Erie, followed soon after.
The Martha Ogden was built at Sacket's Harbor, about
1819, with Albert Crane managing owner the first season.
She was lost in a gale off Stony point, and the passengers
and crew saved by being landed in a basket, drawn back
and forth on a rope from the wreck to the shore. No one
was lost, and the engine was recovered and placed in the
Ontario. The Sophia, originally a schooner, was fitted up
as a steamer at Sacket's Harbor, at an early day. The
Rohhins was another small schooner, built over, but never
did much business. The Black Hawk, built at French
Creek, by G. S. Weeks, and owned by Smith, Merrick &
Co., was used several seasons as a packet, and afterwards
sold to Canadians, and the name changed to The Dolphin.
The Paul Pry was built at Heuvelton, in 1830, by Paul
Boynton, for parties in Ogdensburg, and run some time on
Black lake to Rossie. About 1834, she was passed into
the St. Lawrence, at great delay and expense, and used as a
ferry until, from the aff'air at the Windmill, in 1838, she
became obnoxious to the Canadians, and was run on Black
River bay afterwards. The Rossie, a small steamer, was
built near Pope's mills, about 1837, by White & Hooker,
of Morristown, and ran two seasons on Black lake. This
was a small affair and proved unprofitable.
An act of Jan. 28, 1831, incorporated the "Lake
Ontario Steamboat Company," capital, $100,000 ; dura-
tion till May, 1850. The affairs were to be managed by
fifteen directors, and the office to be kept at Oswego. This
company built the steamer United States, which was
launched in November, 1831, and came out July 1, 1832,
under the command of Elias Trowbridge. Length, 142
feet ; width, 26 feet beam, 55 feet over all ; depth, 10 feet ;
engines, two low-pressure ones of 40-inch cylinder and 8-
feet stroke. Cost, $56,000. This steamer, so much in ad-
vance of anything that had preceded it on the American
side, ran on the through line till 1831, when, from having
become obnoxious to the Canadians on account of the use
made of her at the affair of the Windmill, she was run
upon the lake only afterwards, and was finally broken up at
Oswego in 1843, and her engines transferred to the Rochester.
This was the first and only boat owned by this company.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
137
The Oswego was built at that place in 1833 ; of 286
tons ; was used for several seasons on the through line, but
after running six years the engines were taken out and
placed in the steamer St. Lawrence. She was changed to
a sail vessel and lost. The Brownville was built on Black
river, below the village of that name, in JeflFerson county.
In going down the St. Lawrence she took fire and was
burned to the water's edge, but was run on an island, and
her crew saved. She was afterwards rebuilt, and run
awhile with the former name, and subsequently lengthened
at Sacket's Harbor, and her name changed to the William
Avery. The engines built by William Avery, of Syracuse,
which had previously been high-pressure, were changed to
condensing. With a few minor exceptions, there have been
no high-pressure engines employed on the lake or river ex-
cept in propellers. In 1834 the William Avery was run
between Ogdensburg and Niagara, with W. W. Sherman as
master. She was dismantled in 1835. The Charles Carroll
was built at Sacket's Harbor, and run from Kingston to
Rochester in 1834. Afterwards she was rebuilt and length-
ened at Sacket's Harbor, in the summer of 1834, and her
name changed to the America. Her engine was high-
pressure. The America, with D. Howe master, was run-
ning from Ogdensburg to Lewistown late in the season of
1834.
The Jack Downing was a very small steamer, built by P.
Boynton, at Carthage, JeiFerson county, in 1834 ; drawn on
wheels to Sacket's Harbor, launched, fitted up, and intended
as a ferry at Ogdensburg ; used for this purpose a short time
at Waddington, and afterwards run from Fort Covington to
Cornwall. Her engine was in 1837 transferred to the
Henry Burden, a boat on a novel principle, being supported
on two hollow cylindrical floats and the wheel between them.
It was afterwards taken by the Rideau canal to Ogdens-
burg, and used a short time as a ferry.
The Oneida, of 227 tons, was built at Oswego, in 1836.
A. Smith was her first master. Her owners were princi-
pally Henry Fitzhugh, of Oswego, E. B. Allen and G. N.
Seymour, of Ogdensburg. In 1838, and during some part
of 1840, she was in the employ of government. With
these exceptions, this vessel made regular trips from Og-
densburg to Lewiston until 1845, when her engine was
taken out, and she was fitted up as a sail vessel. The engine
of this boat was afterwards transferred to the steamer British
Queen, one of the American line of boats from Ogdensburg
to Montreal. She was subsequently lost on Lake Erie.
The Telegraph, a steamer having 196 tonnage, was built
near Dexter, Jefierson county, and first came out in the fall
of 1836. She was owned by parties in Utica, Watertown,
and Sacket's Harbor. Sprague was her first captain. She
was in the employ of government in the fall of 1838, the
whole of 1839, and some part of the spring of 1840.
Changed to a sail vessel and burnt on Lake St. Clair. The
Express was built at Pultneyville, Wayne county, — H. N.
Throop master, and one of the owners, — about the year
1839. It was used on the through line for several years,
and afterwards ran from Lewiston to Hamilton. It was
finally laid up in 1850. The St. Lawrence, 402 tons, was
enrolled at Oswego, in 1839, the engines being the same as
those which had been used in the Oswego. In 1844 she
18
was rebuilt, and the tonnage increased to 434 tons. Her
first trip was performed in June, 1839. Cost about
$50,000. She was run till 1851, most of the time as one
of the through line, when she was dismantled at French
Creek. This is said to have been the first steamer on this
lake that had state-rooms on the main deck. Length, 180
feet; beam, 23 feet; hold, 11 feet. In 1839 she was com-
manded by John Evans ; in 1840-46, by J. Van Cleve.
Her place on the line was supplied by the Cataract.
The George Clinton and the President were small boats
built at Oswego in 1842, and the former was wrecked on
the south shore of the lake, in 1850. About 1842, a stock
company called the " Ontario Steam- and Canal-boat Com-
pany'' was formed at Oswego, who, in 1842, built the Lady
of the Lake, of 423 tons, G. S. Weeks, builder; used on
the through line until 1852, when she was chartered as a
ferry, in connection with the railroad from Cape Vincent to
Kingston. This was the first American boat on this water
that had state-rooms on the upper deck. J. J. Taylor was
her master for several years. The Rochester, built for this
company by G. S. Weeks, at Oswego, in 1843; of 354 tons,
and run on the lake and river until 1848, after which she
ran from Lewiston to Hamilton. In July, 1845, the
Niagara, of 473 tons, came out, having been the first of a
series of steamers built at French Creek by J. Oades. Her
length was 182 feet ; beam, 27 J feet ; total breadth, 47
feet; hold, 1\ feet. Engine from the Archimedes works,
with cylinder of 40 inches and 11 feet stroke. Wheels, 30
feet in diameter. The British Queen was built on Long
Island, between Clayton and Kingston, in 1846, by Oades,
the engines being those of the Oneida. Length, 180 feet ;
beam, 42 feet ; engine double, each cylinder 26 inches in
diameter. The British Empire was built at the same time
and place with the last.
The Cataract came out in July, 1837. She measured
577 tons, and was commanded the first season by James
Van Cleve. Length of keel, 202 feet ; breadth of beam,
27 J feet; breadth across the guards, 48 feet; depth of hold,
10 feet; diameter of wheels, 30 feet; engines built by H.
R. Dunham & Co., at the Archimedes works, in New York,
and the cylinder has a diameter of 44 inches, and a stroke
of 11 feet; cost about $60,000. She was commanded in
1847-48, by J. Van Cleve; in 1849-51, by R. B. Chap-
man ; in 1852, by A. D. Kilby.
Ontario. Built in the summer of 1847. Length of keel,
222 feet; of deck, 233 feet ; and over all, 240 feet 6 inches ;
breadth of beam, 32 feet 2 inches ; and over all, 54 feet 8
inches ; depth of hold, 1 2 feet ; machinery made by T F.
Secor & Co., New York ; cylinder 50 inches in diameter,
and 11 feet stroke ; tonnage, 900 ; cost about $80,000.
Bay State. This magnificent steamer came out for the
first time in June, 1849, with J. Van Cleve master the
first season. She had a tonnage of 935, and the following
dimensions, viz.: length, 222 feet; breadth of beam, 31 J
feet ; total breadth, 58 feet ; depth of hold, 12 feet ; eno-ines
from the Archimedes works, New York, with a cylinder 56
inches in diameter and 11 feet stroke; wheels, 32 feet in
diameter.
The Northerner was built at Oswego, by G. S. Week?
and came out in May, 1850. She, had a tonnage of 905 ■
138
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
length, 232 feet; beam, 30} feet; total breadth, 58 feet;
depth of hold, 12} feet; wheels, 32 feet in diameter; cost
$95,000 ; engines by T. F. Secor & Co., of New York, with
cylinder of 60 inches in diameter, and a stroke of 11 feet.
The New York, the largest American steamer on the
lake, was built in 1851-52, and made her first trip in
August, 1852, with R. B. Chapman master ; cost about
1100,000; tonnage, 994; length, 224 feet; beam, 32}
feet ; entire breadth, 64 feet ; engines built by H. R. Dun-
ham & Co., New York ; cylinder, 60 inches in diameter,
with 12 feet stroke ; wheels, 34 feet in diameter.
Besides the above there have been built or run upon the
river and lake the John Marshall, Utica, Caroline, Pres-
cott, Swan, Express, Gleaner, and a few others, mostly
small.
Shortly after the formation of the " Steam- and Canal-
boat Company," a new one was organized, called the " St.
Lawrence Steamboat Company." The two were, in 1848,
united in one, which assumed the name of the " Ontario
and St. Lawrence Steamboat Company," having a capital of
$750,000, and at present (1853) the following officers : E.
B. Allen, president; E. B. Allen, G. N. Seymour, H. Van
Rensselaer, A. Chapman, E. Gr. Merrick, S. Buckley, H.
Fitzhugh, A. Munson, T. S. Faxton, H. White, L. Wright,
directors ; and James Van Cleve, secretary and treasurer.
This company were the owners of eleven steamers in daily
service during the season of navigation. Their names,
routes, and names of masters, as they existed in the summer
and fall of 1852, were as follows :
Express Line. — From Ogdensburg, by way of Toronto
to Lewiston, and back, a daily line of two steamers, viz. :
But/ State, Captain John Ledyard ; New York, Captain R.
C. Chapman.
Mail Line. — From Ogdensburg to Lewiston, touching at
Kingston, and all the principal American ports, except Cape
Vincent, a daily line of four steamers, viz. : Northerner,
Captain R. F. Child; Cataract, Captain A. D. Kilby;
Niagara, Captain J. B. Estes; Ontario, Captain H. N.
Throop.
The American Line, from Ogdensburg to Montreal, a
daily line of three steamers, viz. : British Queen, Captain
T. Laflamme ; British Empire, Captain D. S. Allen ; Jenny
Lind, Captain L. Moody.
Railroad Ferry. — From Cape Vincent to Kingston :
Lady of the Lake, Captain S. L. Seymour.
Line from Lewiston to Hamilton, at the head of Lake
Ontario : Rochester, Captain John Mason.
Of the above steamers, the Niagara, Cataract, Ontario,
Bay State, and New York were built at French Creek, by
John Oades, and the British Queen and British Empire,
by the same builder, at the foot of Long island, in the St.
Lawrence. Of propellers, the pioneer on the lake was the
Oswego, built at that place in 1841 ; since which, about a
dozen have been built on the lake. In 1851 a line, now
numbering ten propellers, was established by Crawford &
Co., to ruo in connection with the Northern railroad, for
forwarding freight. In 1852, this line transported about
30,000 tons of flour and produce, eastward, and 20,000 of
merchandise, westward. Many of these vessels have cabins
for passengers. jNIost of them were built at Cleveland Ohio.
Speaking of the manner in which the business of steam
navigation was managed on Lake Ontario and the St. Law-
rence in 1852, Dr. Hough makes the following observations :
" It is a singular fact that not a single accident has ever occurred
upon any American steamer on Lake Ontario, or the St. Lawrence,
which has caused the death or injury of a passenger. This is not
due to chance so much as to skillful management.
"It is believed that the steam packets on Lake Ontario, although
they may be wanting in the gaudy ornaments and dazzling array of
gilding and carving which is so ostentatiously displayed on the
steamers of the North river, will compare in real convenience, neat-
ness, and comfort, in the careful and attentive deportment of the
officers and subordinates employed, in skillful management, punctu-
ality, and safety, with any class of boats in the world. This opinion
will be readily indorsed by any one who has enjoyed the accommoda-
tion which they afford."
The number of vessels built in the district of Oswegatchie
from 1865 to 1877 inclusive, and their tonnage, was as
follows :
Ton.".
Steam vessels 9 440.37
Barges 9 170.40
Total 18 610.77
The number of vessels registered in this district, and
their tonnage, is as follows :
Tons.
steam vessels 15 1068.67
Sail vessels 7 691.47
Barges 7 964.12
Total 29 2724.46
Steamers for passengers and freight ply regularly in the
season between Lake Ontario and Montreal, touching at all
intermediate points; and there are several of a smaller ca-
pacity which run from Ogdensburg to various points below
Waddington, Louisville, Massena, etc. There are steam
ferries at Ogdensburg, Morristown, and at several points
below the latter.
For the benefit of navigation, there are light-houses
erected on the American side at Ogdensburg, Cross-over,
and Sister islands, within the bounds of St. Lawrence
County, and there are several on the Canadian shore.
MARINE RAILWAY.
The repairing of vessels is an important item to the great
lines of transportation and to shipping men generally, and
to facilitate this branch of commerce dry-docks and marine'
railways are constructed at great expense, by which a vessel
may be taken from the water and placed in such a positioti
that work can be carried on upon every part of her, outside,
inside, and underneath, at the same time.
Knowing the advantages that would accrue from a work
of this kind located at Ogdensburg, a company called the
Ogdensburg Marine Railway Company was formed Sept.
29, 1852. The following gentlemen were chosen ofiieers
at the first meeting: Henry Van Rensselaer, B. N. Fair-
child, E. B. Allen, Edwin Clark, and Allen Chaney, trustees;
Henry Van Rensselaer, president; Walter B. Allen, secre-
tary. The duration of the company was limited to fifty
years, and the shares were fixed at fifty dollars each. This
organization was elFected under an act passed Feb. 17,
1848. During the season of 1853 the company constructed
a marine railway at Pigeon Point, a half-mile above the
mouth of the Oswegatchie, on the St. Lawrence, of sufficient
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
139
capacity to take out the largest vessels then on the lakes.
Its approximate cost was $75,000, and it was and is yet the
largest on the northern border. There are others at King-
ston, Ontario, and at Oswego.
Connected with it was an extensive ship-yard, with the
necessary shops and appurtenances for building and repair-
ing all classes of sea-going craft, canal-boats, etc., etc. The
original company built the Mariner and rebuilt the Rio
Grande, two sail vessels, besides repairing a large number,
of various descriptions, during the time in which they op-
erated the works, from 1853 to about 1860, when they
were leased to E. B. Allen & Son, who operated them for
ope or two years, when the property was sold to H. C.
Pearson, who operated it until about 1870, when it was
purchased by the Northern Transportation Company.
During Mr. Pearson's occupancy he constructed ten or
twelve canal propellers for the Erie canal, and built a
number of vessels for the lake trade, among them the
schooners W. B. Allen (for E. B. Allen & Son) and South-
west, and two propellers and a side-wheel steamer. The
works are now the property of the Northern Transit Com-
pany, which succeeded the old Northern Transportation
Company in 1876. The railway has a capacity for hauling
out and repairing two of the Northern Transportation
Company's propellers at the same time. Their average
tonnage is about 400. The engine used is of about 40-
horse power only, but by the use of heavy and complicated
gearing a large vessel is easily taken from the water in less
than an hour after she begins to move. This railway has
been in successful operation for twenty-four years. The
steady flow of the St. Lawrence, and its exemption from
floods, make it the finest fresh-water stream in the world
for purposes of this description.
THE NORTHERN TRANSIT COMPANY.
A company known as the " Northern Transportation
Company" was organized under the laws of New York in
1855, and reorganized under the laws of Ohio in 1862.
This company had two lines of propellers in operation, one
running to Lake Erie and one to Lake Michigan. Fifteen
boats were employed until 1868, when the number was in-
creased to twenty-one. Those running on Lakes Erie and
Ontario and the St. Lawrence river were built as large as
could be passed through the Welland canal, — about four
hundred tons each. This company continued in business
until 1875, when the property went into the hands of a re-
ceiver. In 1876 the " Northern Transit Company" was
formed, which purchased the entire outfit of the former
company, and are now running sixteen propellers and three
sail vessels between Ogdensburg and the ports of the lakes ;
Chicago, Milwaukee, Toledo, and Cleveland being the
principal ports in the west, and Oswego and Ogdensburg
in the east. The boats touch at all points on the St. Law-
rence above Ogdensburg, and at all the ports, both Canadian
and American, on the lakes above the Welland canal. The
principal business is the freighting of grain and flour from
the west and merchandise from the east, the latter princi-
pally from New York and Boston.
The New England business passes mostly via Ogdens-
burg, and the New York business via Oswego. The
passenger traffic is more extensive than is at first sight
apparent, amounting to over $100,000 annually. At
Ogdensburg the line connects with the Ogdensburg and
Lake Cliamplain railway, and through this with the Central
Vermont railway, which distributes to all parts of New
England. The connections at Oswego are by canal and
railway, and the facilities are excellent and ample. The
line also connects at Clayton with the Utica and Black
River railroad.
The company also own the marine railway at Ogdens-
burg (spoken of elsewhere), and in connection therewith
a ship-yard, where are constructed many of their vessels,
extensive repair-shops, a saw-mill, etc.
The boats are registered in the Cleveland district, and
the company have also a ship-yard at that place for the
construction of vessels.
The present ofiicers of the company are A. W. French,
president ; Philo Chamberlin, superintendent ; W. W. But-
ler, secretary and treasurer ; C. L. Thompson, auditor.
TELEGRAPH COMPANIES.
Northern New York was first brought into direct com-
munication with the great cities in 1849, by means of the
Canadian line of telegraphs operating on the Morse princi-
ple. A station was established at Brookville'and another
at Prescott. The " New York State Line" extended a
branch from Watertown to Ogdensburg, by way of the Old
Military road, in the summer of 1850. Ogdensburg was
the only station in the county.
In the summer of 1851 the " Vermont and Boston
Line,'' originally intended to extend only as far as Burling-
ton, was continued on to Rouse's Point and Ogdensburg,
partly along the line of the railroad and partly along the
highway. It had stations for receiving and transmitting
intelligence at Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, North Pots-
dam, Malone, and Chateaugay. Both of these lines were
operated on the principle of Bain's electro-chemical tele-
graph, and sufficient stock was taken up along the routes
to defray the expense of erection.
The entire business of the county of St. Lawrence is
now transacted by two companies : " The Montreal Tele-
graph Company" and the " Dominion Telegraph Company."
The former was organized in 1847, and commenced busi-
ness in the county in 1849. It connects with the Anglo-
American Cable Company and with the land lines of the
Western Union Company at Oswego, BulFalo, Detroit, and
other points. Nine separate lines connect with the Ogdens-
burg office. The territory occupied by the company is
divided into two divisions, called the Eastern and Western,
Oo-densburg being in the Western Division.
The officers of this company are : President, Sir Hugh
Allan ; Secretary and General Eastern Superintendent,
James Dakers ; Treasurer, Charles Bourne ; Greneral
Western Superintendent, H. P. Dwight; Superintendent
Western Division, Dexter Van Ostrand; Manager Ogdens-
burg Office, James Ingram.
" Tiie Dominion Telegraph Company" was organized in
1868, and commenced business in St. Lawrence County in
September, 1872. Offices are established at Ogdensburg,
Morristown, and Hammond, in St. Lawrence County. The
140
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
company connects with direct ocean cable with the Atlantic
and Pacific and Vermont International Telegraph companies.
The general offices of the company are located at Toronto.
The following are the present officers : Board of Directors,
Hon. T. N. Gibbs, M.P., president; John I. MacKenzie,
Esq., vice-president; James Michie, Esq., treasurer; Thos.
Swinyard, Esq., managing director; Hon. William Cayley,
W. F. McMaster, Esq., A. Copp, Esq., R. N. Waddell,
Esq., Laurence Oliphant, Esq. Local Directors, M. H.
Grault, Esq., Montreal ; A. Joseph, Esq., Quebec. Execu-
tive officers, Thomas Swinyard, Esq., general manager,
Toronto; Frederick Roper, Esq., secretary, Toronto. Divi-
sional Superintendents, H. Neilson, Toronto ; C. R. Hosmer,
Montreal ; T. C. Elwood, Toronto ; D. B. McQuarrie, Hal-
ifax. Agent at Ogdensburg, C. E. Comstock.
r. S. CUSTOMS.
The District of Oswe.gatchie was established March 2,
1811, and the following statistics, procured by the Hon.
Preston King, at the Treasury Department, for this purpose,
show the business of this district very satisfactorily. The
collectors have been Alexander Richards, 1811-20 ; Aaron
Hackley, 1821 to 1827 ; Nathan Myers, 1827-29 ; Baron
S. Doty, 182fl-36 ; Smith Stilwell, Oct. 1, 1836, Sept. 11,
1840; David C. Judson, Sept. 12, 1840, Feb. 16, 1849;
James C. Barter, Aug. 7, 1849 ; Thomas Bacon, Horace
Moody, David M. Chapin, N. M. Curtis, George Parker,
and Col. S. P. Remington, the present incumbent.
The collections for a series of years, including all we could
obtain, are shown in the following table :
Year. Collections.
1815 $11,729.37
1816 4,409.80
1817 6,176.02
1818 6,155.98
1819 2,716.01
1820 1,677.01
182X 1,339.45
1822 2,307.35
1823 2,462.07
1824 1,913.59
1825 1,349.30
1826 1,207.87
1827 768.02
1828 2,103.33
1829 2,044.91
1830 2,.329.76
1831 3,314.60
1832 3,847.04
Year. Collections.
1833 $3,295.99
1834 2,625.53
1836 2,964.76
1836 10,581.00
1836 2,228.97
1837 4,316.79
1838 2,847.62
1839 2,497.68
1840 1,111.25
1840 542.22
1841 1,420.08
1842 1,268.68
1843 743.36
1844 2,032.09
1846 2,884.26
1846 1,852.26
1847 4,650.09
1848 5,106.76
Year. Collections.
1849 $7,605.19
1849 1,325.19
1860 11,210.37
1861..... 20,048.96
1870 309,190.00
1871 269,420.00
Year. Collections
1872 $234,361.00
1873 226,249.00
1874 206,605.00
ISrS 112,.S60.00
1876 80,362.00
187? 96,494.00
Subordinate offices are located at Hammond, Morristown
Louisville, Massena, and Waddington, of which noticf.s will
be found in the history of the respective towns.
CUSTOM-HOUSE AT OGDENSBURG.
The U. S. government purchased grounds in Ogdens-
burg, about 1850, of David C. Judson, and erected the
present fine, substantial, and imposing edifice. The struc-
ture is built of Berea sandstone, fr^-ii Ohio. The basement
is of blue cut limestone, resting u,, ja a concrete foundation,
four feet wide and six feet deep, filled with broken limestone
and Salina cement. It is three stories in height, and 121
by 57 feet in dimensions, and stands in a commanding loca-
tion, on the block bounded by State, Knox, South Water,
and Spinner streets. The lower floor is occupied by the
post-office, customs department, pension-office, and offices
for the revenue department. In the second story are the
U. S. court-rooms and necessary offices. The rooms in the
third story are used mostly for storage purposes. The floors
rest upon iron girders, supported on brick arches. The
roof, covered with Vermont slate, is supported by iron
rafters, and surmounted by an iron-framed dome thirty
feet in diameter, in the centre of which is a spiral iron
stairway, fifty feet in height, reaching to the observatory
above, which commands a fine and extensive view of the
city, the St. Lawrence river, and the surrounding country
on both sides for many miles. The interior finish is of
white ash, and the furniture of black walnut. The hall
floors are laid with sandstone tiling, and the office floors are
of four-inch white spruce. The stair-frames are of iron,
and the steps of Ohio stone. The building is heated by
steam. The open space west of the building is inclosed by
an iron fence, and the wide space around is lagged with
Potsdam sandstone.
The entire cost of the building, including grounds, furni-
ture, etc., has been about $265,000, and it is one of the
finest of its class in the country. (See illustration.)
The steamer "Admiral," formerly U. S. revenue cutter,
is owned by the Judsons, of Ogdensburg.
CUSTOM house: and ^oiro7?fc-rr^^^^;ii,^tTV
VILLAGE AND CITY 0¥ OGDEKSBUKG.
INTEODUCTORY.
The city of Ogdensburg, named in honor of Samuel
Ogden, its original proprietor, is beautifully and most ad-
vantageously situated on the St. Lawrence river, at the foot
of heavy ship navigation for the lakes, and on both sides of
the Oswegatchie river, which here enters the St. Lawrence
from the south. The great rapids of the latter river com-
mence about six miles below Ogdensburg, and form a serious
obstruction to the navigation of that stream ; but above
Ogdensburg there is plenty of still water for the largest
vessels and steamers. Three great railway lines diverge
from this point towards the east, south, and southwest, and
good connections are made with the Canadian railway sys-
tem. The manufacturing facilities of Ogdensburg are good,
and more especially in the lines of finished lumber and va-
rious descriptions of wood-working. The Oswegatchie fur-
nishes extensive water-power, which is well utilized, and
the point is easily accessible to the iron mines of New York
and Lake Superior, and the coal fields of Pennsylvania and
Ohio. The city is finely laid out with broad streets, and is
generally well built, particularly in the line of business-
buildings, which compare favorably with those of any city
of its size in the country.
The public buildings of Ogdensburg are a United States
custom-house and post-ofiice, a fine city-hall, six costly
churches, nine good school buildings, a State arsenal, — the
latter not at present in use for the purpose designed, — and
the city water-works. Besides the nine public school build-
ings, the Catholics and other denominations own several
costly and commodious school buildings in various parts of
the city, including two convents.
The latitude is about 44° 40', and the longitude 75° 30'
west from Glreenwich.
Ogdensburg contains all the elements of larger cities, —
broad, fine streets, beautifully shaded with forest maples ;
good public and business buildings ; elegant and costly pri-
vate dwellings ; grand churches ; excellent schools ; an en-
terprising press ; a resident bishop ; prominent clergymen,
attorneys, and physicians ; extensive banking-houses ; im-
portant manufactures ; railways ; telegraph and express
lines ; the finest post-oiEce building in the northern part of
the State ; water- and gas-works ; beautiful cemeteries ; an
efficient police and fire department ; numerous orders and
societies ; bands, etc. ; and a very important commercial
and mercantile trade. It is situated in the midst of most
interesting historical associations, dating back to the days
of Champlain and Frontenac, and closely connected in later
times with the stirring military events of 1812-15, and of
1837-40. The situation of the city is grand, — ^upon the
banks of the finest fresh-water stream upon the globe, upon
whose breast floats the commerce of two mighty nations,
and which connects the greatest system of inland navigation
in the world with the waters of the Atlantic. From the
dome of the custom-house, on a clear day, the prospect is
grand and sublime. The vision takes in a vast stretch of
the St. Lawrence, with its bays and islands, the long line of
the Canada coast, with numerous cities and villages, towards
the north and west, and to the south and east the extensive
champaign region lying between the wilderness and the
river; and far to the southeast rise the blue undulating
outlines of the ancient Adirondacks, the fathers of moun-
tains. The population of Ogdensburg, by the last State
census of 1875, is something over 11,000, of whom between
4000 and 5000 are of foreign extraction.
The bonded debt of the city is §135,000 ; of which
there was issued in 1868 $100,000, and in 1870 $35,000.
These bonds run for twenty years from date of issue, with
interest payable semi-annually in February and August at
the National Park bank, city of New York.
The following statements are from the last annual report
of the Mayor for 1876-77.
SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS OF GENERAL FUND.
Balance on hand at date of last report
Keoeired from E. White, Esq., recorder, fines, etc
" Board of excise, licenses
" City treasurer, liquor licenses
*' Hack and carter licenses
" Show licenses ,
" Circus licenses
" Foreign insurance companies
" Distribution of city taxes
" Town orders
" Ferry license
" Entertainment at town-hall, for gas
" Street vendor
" Transfer of order 433 to highway fund...,
" Transfer from special police fund
Paid
, $U70.n8
701.10
2349.25
2844.05
221.00
83.80
30.00
437.98
2186.03
309.65
100.00
1.20
1.00
20.38
1.79
$10,467.31
SUMMARY OF DISBURSEMENTS FROM GENERAL FUND.
City Clerk, N. H. Lytle $500.92
Police department 2941.46
Legal services 65.75
Excise Board, salary, etc 150.00
Assessors' salaries, etc 372.00
G-as bills at town-house, police headquarters, and
town-hall 189.20
Rent police headquarters 200.00
E. White, recorder, salary 600.00
Firewardens, July 4 18.00
Pound rent 25.00
Expenses of fire department 687.95
" inspectors and clerks election 331.25
Expenses printing, etc 603.70
Health officers 322.43
Lumber 226.49
Coal, police headquarters and town-hall 146.10
Wood for same places 258.50
Erroneous taxes returned 50.51
Special police, July 4 and Nov. 7 138.75
Insurance 224.00
Surveying 17.00
Shoveling snow 16.00
Sundries, etc 1447.23
$9,331.24
141
142
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
WATEB-WORKS FUND — EECEIPTS.
Received from water-rates *^®?2'^o
It (t 11. lo
<. .■ 347.75
« 90.70
„ « 92.00
« .. .■■" 21.5.10
» « V ■ 135.24
« <' 127.00
« " ■. ■ 1.30.71
« " ■ 18.70
« « 42.35
1862.19
" " ' ,\ 126.98
" " ' 141.50
" " 175.45
<< " 161.00
" " 653.39
" 14.70
" " 11.62
Received note to pay interest on bonds 4725.00
" from city taxes 4960.00
" balance of city taxes 560.00
$17,119.25
WATER- WORKS — DlSBURSESfENTS.
By balance overdrawn at date of last report $157.54
Paid Seymours &> Co., coal 80.00
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 105.50
" C. A. Davies & Co., merchandise 38.54
" Cranberry lake commissioners 72.00
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 109.25
" Ogdensburg gas company, gas at water-works 5.40
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 114.75
" Water- works pay-roll 31.45
" Draft interest on bonds 4725.00
" Commissions National Park bank 23.62
" J. C. Armstrong, postage account.... 8.00
'* R. Montgomery, labor 99.14
" W. B. Allen & Co., merchandise 34.21
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 107.45
^* Water-works pay-roll 14.38
" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 108.90
" Seymours & Co., coal 252.23
" Murphy & Liscomb 58.40
" E. S, Brownson, merchandise 9.27
" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 105.72
" Thomas McSirr, labor 11.75
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 114.45
" Note and discount 4829.14
*' Water- works pay-roll 24.19
" A. H. Lord, salary 106.00
" James Brown, lumber 34.97
" Ogdensburg gas company, gas at water-works 11.88
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 110.60
'* Interest on coupon bonds 2460.00
" Interest on registered bonds 2275.00
** Park bank, commissions 11.81
" Exchange on draft 11.81
" W. W. Fulton, referee 18.42
" W. B. Allen, merchandise 76.65
" J. Autin, wood 43.12
" J. Glass, merchandise 115.35
" A. H. Lord, disbursements 36.00
" J. C. Armstrong, stamps and envelopes 11.76
'' James, Remington & Palmer, printing 28.26
" C. A. Davies & Co., merchandise 11.66
" C. Slocum, labor 8.48
" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 111.60
" " 127.05
" C. Axhley, merchandise 3,34
" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 110.06
" J. MoNaughton, legal services 10.00
" Ogdensburg gas company, gas for water-works 9.72
•' Balance 146.56
$17,119.25
MISCELLANEOUS.
Highway fund — receipts and expenditures $11,023.67
Gas fund— receipts and expenditures 2,247.22
Public park fund— receipts and disbursements 1,372.26
Sewer fund, " " 2,026.83
Cemetery fund, " *' 541.60
Hose house fund, " " 426.73
Total $17,638.31
The total amount expended on account of streets, in-
cluding walks, bridges, and culverts, was $10,945.08.
In the following pages will be found the early and later
history of the mission, village, and city of Ogdensbui-o'
with a full account of its various institutions, manufactures,
schools, churches, professions, etc., with complete lists of vil-
lage and city officers to the present time, carefully arranged
by subjects, and covering every department of enterprise
from 1749 to 1878.
TRADE.
The first stock of goods opened in Ogdensburg was
brought by the tedious route of the Hudson river, the Mo-
hawk, Wood creek, Oneida lake, Oswego river, Lake On-
tario, and the St. Lawrence, by Nathan Ford, agent for
Samuel Ogden, and arrived at Ogdensburg Aug. 11, 1796.
On the route up the Mohawk one of the boats, loaded
with the goods, was sunk in the rapids and the goods badly
damaged.
This stock was opened in the sergeant's room of the
late British barracks, and Richard Fitz Randolph was the
first man to measure tape and sell salt and sugar in the
embryo city. To-day, from this small beginning, the city
has grown and enlarged its trade until the mercantile estab-
lishments probably number over one hundred and fifty of
various kinds.
BUSINESS SUMMART.
A summary of the present business of the city of Og-
densburg gives about the following : 4 asheries, 35 attor-
neys, 2 architects, 3 auction and commission, 3 bakeries,
2 banking-houses, 9 barber-shops, 2 billiard-rooms, 20
blacksmiths, 4 boat-builders, 2 bowling-alleys, 2 books and
stationery, 1 book-bindery, 10 boot- and shoe-dealers, 3
brokers, 1 brewery, 1 broom-factory, 4 carriage-works, 1
cement-roofing, 1 chandlery, 10 clergymen, 6 clothing-
stores, 5 confectioners, 2 heavy coal dealers, 4 cooperages,
1 crockery dealer, 5 dentists, 12 dress-makers, 4 doors,
sash, and blinds, 5 druggists, 11 dry goods, 1 express office,
2 flour and grain dealers, 4 flour-mills, 1 forwarding and
corn, 2 foundries and machine-shops, 2 fruit dealers, 4 fur-
niture dealers, 50 grocers, 2 hair-work manufacturers, 8
hardware and tinware, 3 hat, cap, and fur dealers, 15 hotels,
9 insurance agents, 5 jewelers, 3 job printers, 4 justices, 4
land agents and real estate, 2 grain elevators, one with ca-
pacity of 650,000 bushels, 90 licensed hackmen, wagoners,
and carters, 5 liquor-stores, 2 liveries, 3 heavy lumber deal-
ers, 2 marble-shops, 20 meat and vegetable markets, 4 mer-
chant tailors, 10 milliners, 2 musical instruments, 2 oils and
glassware, 3 photographers, 12 physicians, 5 planing-mills,
1 plaster-mill, 3 plumbers and gas-fitters, 5 post officials, 2
pump-factories, 3 railways, 10 saddlery and harness, 25
saloons and sample-rooms, 9 public and 7 select schools, and
about 20 societies of various kinds, exclusive of churches,
1 extensive stave-factory, 2 steam ferries, 2 telegraph offices,
4 tobacconists.
The total capital invested in the city in various branches
of business, railways, transportation, manufactures, banking,
and trade, approximates $5,000,000.
VILLAGE AND CITY OF OGDENSBURa.
The city of Ogdensburg comprises, for civil purposes, a
part of the town of Oswegatchie, which was erected from
Lisbon March 3, 1802, the date of the organization of the
county.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
143
The first settlement was made in 1749 by the Sulpician
Father Francis Picquet, who built a mission house and in-
closed it with a small stockade, or palisade, and had mounted
for its defense " seven small stone guns and eleven four- to
six-pounders." In 1751 he built a dam and saw-mill on
the Oswegatchie, as stated by one writer ; by another it is
said that a dam and mill were erected by Captain Vernuil
Lorimier, a French officer, who commanded at La Presenta-
tion (the name given by Picquet to his post). At this
mill large quantities of lumber were manufactured, a por-
tion of which was used in the building of the rapidly-
increasing village, which was composed of Indians, mostly
from the Onondaga tribe of the Five Nations, who were
persuaded to embrace Christianity, or rather to conform to
the outward rules of the Catholic church, and to emigrate
to the new mission on the Oswegatchie.
The mission was abandoned and the works destroyed by
the French upon the advance of General Amherst's army
in the summer of 1760. The sandstone tablet, with its
Latin inscription, which Father Picquet had placed in his
mission house, was found among the ruins in 1831, and
afterwards inserted in the front of the State arsenal, erected
in 1858.
A British garrison probably occupied this post for some
years. The English were in possession in 1793, at which
time Samuel Ogden was in correspondence with the gov-
ernor of New York and the governor-general of Canada
concerning the occupation by the English and the rapid
destruction of the timber upon his domain, which was
being extensively shipped to the north side of the St.
Lawrence.
Settlement was commenced here, under the proprietor-
ship of Samuel Ogden, by his agent, Nathan Ford, in 1796 ;
and on July 11, 1797, Mr. Ford was made his attorney for
the sale of lands. It was Mr. Ogden's intention to begin
at an earlier date, but possession of the English Fort Oswe-
gatchie could not be obtained. The ownership was finally
settled by the terms of Jay's treaty, ratified in February,
1796, and the British gave up possession.
Under British administration leases had been procured
from the Oswegatchie Indians, under which the old French
mill and dam were put in repair and an extensive lumber-
ing business commenced by the Canadians, and was in full
tide of operation when the fact first became known to the
purchasers.
Specimens of these spurious titles are inserted as curi-
osities worthy of preservation.
SPECIMEN INDIAN TITLE.
" To all people to whom these presents shall come : Ogentago, Do-
wasundah, Sahundarish, and Canadaha, the four representatives of
the Indian village of Oswegatchie, have this day, by and with the
advice of the whole nation, being duly assembled in full council of
the whole tribe or nation, as above mentioned, Men, Women, and
Children being all present, have this day bargained, agreed, and to
farme let for ever, to Major Watson, of Oswegatchie, and to his heirs
and assignes for ever, all that tract or parcel of Land, Situate, Lying,
and Being, on the South Side of the River St. Lawrence, Beginning
at the northwest corner of a tract of land granted to Daniel Smith,
and running up along the stream of the river one League, or three
English miles; thence Bast South-east from the Lake or Kiver, into
the woods three Leagues or Nine English Miles, thence Northeast
one League or three English miles, thence North North west three
Leagues or Nine English Miles, along the Line of said Daniel Smith
to the place of Beginning, at the River Keeping the breadth of one
League or three English miles, from the front of the River with Nine
Miles in Depth; to him, his heirs and assigns, with the appurte-
nances thereunto Belonging, or anywise appertaining to him the
Said Major Watson his heirs and assigns for ever, for the yearly
Rents and Covenants herein Reserved to the above Ogentago, Do-
wasundah, Sahundarish and Canadaha, their heirs and successors or
assigns, forever; to be yearly and Every year after the day of the
date hearof, and to commence on the first day of December, one
thousand Seven hundred and ninety three, the sum of Twenty
Spanish Mill'd Dollars, thirteen and one third Bushels of wheat, and
thirty three and one third pounds of pork, to be paid on the premices
by the said Major Watson, his Heirs, Executors, administrators and
assigns, to the above forementioned representatives, their heirs or
assigns, if legally demanded on the premises, they giving sufiicient dis-
charges for the same, every year, hereafter, as the same rent becomes
due. Now therefore this Indenture witnesseth, that the above Ogen-
tago, Dowasunda, Sahundarish, and Canadaha, the four Representa-
tives of the above mentioned village, and being the true and lawful
owners of the above described Lands, and for, and in consideration of
the yearly Rents and Covenants above mentioned, the receipt whereof
they do here acknowledge, hath granted Bargained aliened released
and confirmed, and by these presents doth, fully, freely, and Abso-
lutely, do grant, Bargain, and sell; alien. Release, and confirm, unto
the said Major Watson, his heirs and assigns for ever all the Title,
Interest, Property, Claim, and Demand, of and unto, the above men-
tioned Land, and premises, together with all the Trees, Timber,
woods, ponds, pools, water, water courses, and streams of water, fish-
ing, fowling, hawking, and hunting, Mines and Minerals, Standing,
growing, Lying, and Being, or to be had, used, and enjoyed within
the limits and Bounds aforesaid, and all other profits, Benefits,
Liberties, priviledges, heriditiments, and appurtunanceys to the same
Belonging, or in anywise appertaining, to have, and to hold, all the
aforesaid Land, and premises, to the said Major Watson, his Heirs and
assigns, to the proper use Benefit and Behoof of him, the said Major
Watson, his Heirs and assigns for ever. So that neither of them the said
Releasors nor their heirs or any other person or persons whatsoever for
them or either of them, in their or either of their Names or write. Shall,
or May, by any ways or means whatsoever, at any time hereafter.
Claim, Challenge, or demand any Estate Right Title Interest, of, in,
or to, the said above released premices, or any part thereof. But from
all and every action and actions. Estate, Right, title. Claim, and De-
mand, of any kind, of, in, or to, the said premises, or any part there-
of, they and Every of them. Shall be for ever Bound, by thease presents,
and thay, and Every of them, the above said premises, with the ap-
portunances to the said Major Watson, his heirs and assigns, shall,
and will, for Ever Warrant and Defend. In Witness whereof, they
have hearunto Set their Hands, and Seals, the Twenty Second day of
August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
ninety two.
" Sealed and Delivered
in the Presents off,
" Senhawe x his Mark.
Sahieh x bis Mark.
Henry Galton.
Chrest. Swansichton.
Ogentago x his Mark. l. s.
Dowasundah, x his Mark. i^. a.
Sawhundarish, x his Mark. L. s.
Canadaha. x his Mark. l. s.
'T. B. A true coppy
" Indorsement on Preceding. — Be it for Ever hereafter Remembered,
that the chiefs of the Oswegatchie Nation have received of Major
Watson, Jared Seeley, and Daniel Smith, and John Livingston, an
actual payment for the consideration contained in the Deeds executed
by us and our fathers, comprehending ten miles on the river St. Law-
rence, with nine miles back into the woods ; wo say received the rent
in full, for the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
144
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ninety-seven, agreeable to the conditions of the within Lease or Deed,
and the said parteys are hear hy Regularly Discharged for the same,
as witnesses our hands.
his
'Candaha.
'Witness present,
" Amos Ansley.
mark.
" Lashalagcnhas, X his mark.
" Lcwangelass, X his mark."
Onatchateyent, Totagoines, Onarlos, Tiotaasera, Aonaota,
Gatemontie, Ganonsenthe and Onente, OswegatcMe chiefs, at
Grenville, U. C, June 1, 1795, in the presence of Joseph
Anderson, John Stigraan, and Ephraim Jones, confirmed
to Catharine and Francis, the wife and son of Capt. Verneuil
Lorimier, a verbal lease, executed in 1785, of a tract on the
south shore, half a mile on each side of the small river
called Black river and up to Black lake, for the yearly rent
of one hundred silver dollars, or money equivalent thereto.
This was a full warranty deed with covenant. Lorimier had
been a French officer in command of Fort Presentation, and
a tradition relates that he also possessed a French title,
which, with other papers, were scattered and lost in a gale
of wind that unroofed his house.* It having been reported
that the St. Regis Indians discountenanced these proceed-
ings, Watson and his associates wrote to them on the subject,
and received the following answer, dated at St. Regis, April
10, 1795 :
"SiK, — We were favored with your letter of the 9 March, and we
have to inform you that no Indian of St. Regis ever will molest or
trouble you on your present possession. You pay our brothers of the
Oswegatchie a tolerable rent, and as long as "you will make good pay-
ment of the same rent to our brothers, who are the same in all re-
spects as ourselves, we shall and ever will be happy to keep you in
full possession ; do not ever believe any thing to the contrary from
any person whatever.
" We are with esteem, your brothers and friends,
" Tharonhiageton, " Ononsagenra,
" Assorontonkota, " Tionategekha.
"For ourselves and others of our village of St. Regis."
To Still further substantiate their title, the lessees from
the Indians procured of the commandant of the furt at
Oswegatchie a permit to locate upon and occupy the tracts
included in their leases. This document is given below, in
the orthography and punctuation of the original :
*' This is to cartifyc that John Levingston Daniel Smith, Major
Watson, and Jered Seley have made a purchase of a tract of land
from the Indians of the Oswegatchie within the Jurisdiction of the
British post of Oswegatchie, I having examined said purchase and
find it to be a fair one therefore the said John Levingston Daniel
Smith M'ajor Watson and Jered Seley are hereby ortherized to settle
cultivate and improve the saim and T as oummanding officer of said
post Do hereby Ratilie and Confirm said purchase and promia the
Kings protection to them and Their associates Witness my hand And
seal Don at oswegatchie this Tenth Day of June one thousand seven
hundred ninty four
Richard Porter. L. S."
* Slated on the authority of Wm. E. Guest, Esq., of Ogdensburg.
By virtue of these titles, and under protection of the
British flag, a saw-millf was erected west of the Oswegat-
chie, near its mouth, and the business of lumbering was
commenced and prosecuted with spirit, under which the
majestic forests, covering almost the entire region, began
rapidly to disappear; and these operations extended to
the whole river-front and the tributaries of the great river
capable of floating spars and rafts.
The following correspondence, in relation to these claims
and trespasses, passed several years before settlements were
attempted :
" New York, Nov. 1, 1793.
" His Excellency George Clinton, Esq.
" Myself and associates, owners of ten townships of land lying on
the east side of the river St. Lawrence, having had the honor of ad-
dressing you on the 2d of September, 1792, and stating to you, as the
head of the executive of this State, certain representations of tres-
passes daily committed on said townships by subjects of the Govern-
ment of Great Britain, in hopes that through your aid some measures
would be taken, either by the government of the State or by the
general government, to put a stop to the great evil of which we com-
plained. But finding from good information that the trespass was not
only continued, but very much increased, I conceived it for the in-
terest of myself and the other gentlemen concerned to take a journey
to that country, as well to establish the facts contained in that letter
as to endeavor, by making a representation thereof to the governor
of Canada, to have an immediate stop put to the evil. How far my
expectations have been realized, your excellency will judge from a
perusal of the copies, hereto annexed, of the letters that passed
between Governor Simooe, my Lord Dorchester, and myself.
" You will allow me, in behalf of myself and associates, to aver to
you that all the facts contained in our letter to you, as well as those
contained in my letter to Governor Simcoe and my Lord Dorchester,
are true, and I trust you will readily see the necessity of some imme-
diate and spirited measures to stop the trespass, or the great part of all
our valuable timber will be destroyed, and carried out of the United
States, by a set of men whose only motive is to plunder and destroy.
Our title under the State we know to be good, and we conceive we
have every just claim for protection and indemnity from it. It is now
upwards of eight years that wo paid into the public treasury a large
sum of money for this tract of country, under full expectation that
we might make peaceable settlements thereon. But, unfortunately
for our interests, we are not only prevented by the British government
from settling those lands, but the subjects thereof have already robbed
us of the most valuable part of that property. It is the apprehension
of consequences of a public nature that restrains us from appealing
to the law of the State for the protection of that property. There can
be no doubt but that the justice of the legislature ought to give us
an ample indemnity for our sufferings. How far, then, it may be
proper for us, through you, to make a representation of the hardships
under which we labor to it, at the approaching session, is with much
respect submitted to your wisdom, and we, well knowing your anxiety
for the dignity of the State and the interests of its individuals, have
no doubt that you will do everything that may be proper in the
premises.
" I have the honor to be your most obedient humble servant,
"Sam'l Ogden."
" York, Uppek Canaba, August 31, 1793.
"His EXCEI.LHNCY JOHN G. SlMCOE, ESQ.
" Sir,— Having obtained, under the State of New York, a title to
a large tract of land lying on the southeast side of the river St. Law-
rence, at or about Oswegatchie, and being informed that many persons
calling themselves subjects of your government are daily committing
great trespass on said tract of land, by cutting and transporting to
Montreal large quantities of timber therefrom, I beg leave to repre-
sent the same to your excellency, in full confidence that your interpo-
sition will put an immediate stop to such proceedings as tend very
much to my injury. It may not be improper to add that, previous
to my leaving New York, I was advised, and well knew, that the ex-
t This was possibly a new mill, as the original French mill m^J
have been destroyed or decayed.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
145
eoutivo of that State would, on my application, give his immediate
aid for the protection of this property. But conceiving such an opera-
tion would involve a governmental question (which for very obvious
reasons I conceive at this time ought to be avoided), at great expense
and fatigue, I undertook a journey to this country, that I might make
this representation to your excellency previous to any other measures
being taken in the premises.
" I have the honor to bo, etc.,
"Sam'l Ogden."
" Yonic, August 31, 1793.
" Samuel Ogden, Esq.
"Sir, — I am just favored with your letter of the 31st of August.
I beg leave to observe to you that last autumn, on the representation
of the Oaioegatckie Indians, the magistrates of the town of Augusta
warned some of his majesty's subjects to quit those very lands. I
apprehend you claim under a title from the State of New York. In
regard to your intimation that the executive of the State of New
York would give its immediate aid for the protection of this property,
I have to observe that you are perfectly just in your observation that
such would be a governmental question, inasmuch as it is obvious to
all tJtei-e is nn treaty line, nor can he reasoaahiy expected to he acknowl-
edged by Great Britain, until the prior articles of the treaty shall be
fulfilled by the United States. But in the immediate point of view,
as this question does not concern his majesty's subjects, who have
already been forbidden, at the request of the Indians claiming the
land, to form settlements on that side of the river, I can only refer
you to his excellency the commander-in-chief for any further ex-
planations you require, to whom your very liberal principles as ex-
pressed in your letters, which I shall transmit to him, cannot but be
highly recommendatory, and impress those sentiments of respect,
with which I am your obedient servant,
"J. tr. SiMCOE,
" Li.-Guv'r Upper Canada.''
" Quebec, Sepiember 29, 1793.
"His ExoELLENcr Guy Lord' Carlton, Governor-General, Etc.
" Mr Lord, — His excellency, Governor Simcoe, having in his letter
to me of the 31st of August referred me to your lordship on the
subject about which I wrote him, I beg leave to address you thereon,
and to inclose you for your information that correspondence and a
representation of some facts which came to my knowledge since
writing to Governor Simcoe. On examining the tract of country
which I own, I found the most wanton and excessive waste of timber
imaginable, so much so that I conceive injury already committed to
the amount of many thousand pounds. I found also a large saw-mill
building within two or three hundred yards of the fort of Oswegat-
ohie, which if persisted in will destroy the most valuable tract of
timber in all that country. This mill is building by Verne Francis
Lorimier, a half-pay captain, who lives opposite my tract on the
western side of the river, with whom I had a conversation on the
subject. After producing a copy of the records of New York showing
my title to these lands, and representing the injury that would arise
to me from the waste of timber which the mill would occasion, I
offered, in order to prevent any further difBculty, to pay him his dis-
bursements in case he would desist. This he refused, and informed
me that he was conductor of the Indians on whose lands it was, and
that so long as one of them were alive he should possess the mill.
This gentleman being in the employ of your government, for Indian
affairs, or agency, and under that pretense is in the constant practice
of selling large quantities of timber. It is not my husiness, my lord, to
discuss any question of a public nature. I shall not, therefore, at-
tempt to reason as to the right the Indians may have to those lands
(which I am informed by the governor of New York have been long
since purchased of them), on the propriety of the detention of the
post at Oswegatchie, or on the recent eatahlishment of an Indian village
in my lands. Yet I cannot help observing that no claim of title can
in the courts of New York justify those trespasses on my property,
which the State stands bound to protect me in. I presume your good-
ness will excuse the earnest importunity of an individual who con-
ceives himself a great sufferer, and feels a most anxious desire, from
various motives, that your interposition may prevent any further
settlement or waste being committed on those lands until the question
of the posts shall by the two governments be finally adjusted and
settled.
"I have the honor to be your lordship's most obed't serv t,
"Sam'l Ogdkn."
19
In the summer of 1795, Mr. Ford was sent by Ogden to
take further measures to obtain possession and commence a
settlement. His letter of Instructions, dated Perth Amboy,
July 12, 1795, will be read with interest:
" Dear Nathan, — By this opportunity I have written again to my
brother* on the subject of his application to my Lord Dorchester,
and have told him that you would stay a few days at Montreal, and
requested him to communicate to you there (to the care of Mr. For-
syth) his lordship's determination. Now in case of his giving you
permission to repair one or more of the houses, and placing inhabi-
tants therein, you will then, while at Oswegatchie, make, with the
advice of Major Drummond, the necessary arrangements, and procure
some proper person to move therein as my tenant. The importance
of this you will sec, and it may hecouie a question whether you had
not better in this case return from Toronto via Omoegatachic, and
spend acme loeeka or perhapa months there thia aunnner and nntunni, so
as to prepare and arrange things for your reception next spring. If
you should succeed in the idea I gave you respecting the aaic-mill,
then it ought to be kept diligently at work in sawing pine boards and
shingles proper for the buildings we mean to erect next year, which
ought to be carefully set up when sawed, so as to be seasoned for use
next summer. Cannot you, by some means or other, possess yourself
of a particular account of the distance and route from Oswegatchie
up the river and lake, and so on to Fort Stanwix, or such route as the
nearest direction may lead to ? In doing this, attend to the following
queries : 1. What falls of water between the Oswegatchie and the
lake ? 2. What distance from the fort to the lake? what streams put
in and where? with a full description of lands, meadows, swamps,
etc. Be very particular aa to thia. 3. A very particular description
of the lake, as well as the outlet, and the land around its margin,
with an estimate of its dimensions and course, so that we may form
an estimate of its situation in the townships. Estimate its course
with that of the great rivers. 4, What streams run up into the lake,
and what water communication leads from towards Fort Stanwix, and
what may be the supposed distance ? 5. In your description of land
attend to timber, limestone, intervale, bog meadow, swamps, etc.
Let your observations be made in writing, and do not spare paper.
Perhaps a few dollars laid out in presents to the Oswegatchie Indians
would be useful. You will procure from the commanding otficer at
Montreal a letter of introduction to the sergeant at Oswegatchie.
This will become very necessary. Colonel Gordon and Colonel Mo-
Donald, if at Montreal, will aid you in this.
" My health is mending. God bless you.
" Sam'l Ogden.
"Major Ford."
In answer to the foregoing, the following letter was re-
turned, dated Kingston, Aug. 28, 1795 :
" Dear Sir, — I have this moment received your letter dated July 12.
Its contents shall be attended to. I wrote you the 2d and 7th inst.,
both of which I hope you have received. I left Montreal the 9th for
Niagara; on my way I paid Oswegatchie a visit, and was much sur-
prised to find the dam so completely out of repair. The north end of
the dam is totally gone for fifteen or twenty feet, and all the gravel
is off the dam, — indeed it does not appear there ever was any great
quantity upon it. Such another built dam I never saw. It looks
more like an old log house than it does like a dam. There is a kind
of crib work built up, which supports logs, set nearly perpendicular,
without having even the bark taken off, and chinked exactly like a
log house. It appears there has been a little gravel thrown on, but
there is scarce a trace of it left.
" Nothing has been done this summer, and I doubt much if they
will do to repair. Ilonniwell has sold out to Lorimier, and he has
rented to a number of people, and so confused a piece of business as
it is I never saw : There is no person about the place that can give
me the whole history of the business. Honniwell is not at home, or
I could have known all about it. I was happy to find that most of
the people upon the other side are glad to find that a settlement is to
be made, and many intend coining over. I did not go to sec Lori-
* The Hon. Isaac Ogden, of Montreal, who became a loyalist in the
Revolution, and afterwards filled a high judicial station in Canada.
146
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mier, and for this reason : After conyersing with Mr. Farrand fully
upon this subject, we finally eoneluded it would be best for me to
show the greatest indifference, merely call at the mill, look at the
fort, and take care to impress the idea fully upon whoever I talked
with that, by the treaty, the fort was to be given up in June; that
there would be a garrison sent there; that settlers would be brought
on, and business commenced extensively. This I have done in a way
that I hope will have its desired effect. In my absence Mr. Farrand
will make business at Oswegntohie, and sound Lorimier on the sub-
ject, and, if possible, make him apply for terms. If he can be brought
to this state, a negotiation may be had upon better terms than if I
should apply to him. Mr. Farrand concurred fully in this idea, and
thinks it the most probable way to accomplish our wishes. Lori-
mier's circumstances are in a very embarrassed state : the mill, to-
gether with the farm, are mortgaged to Honniwell, and many other
demands are rising up against the estate. My intention is to return
to Oswegatohie, if I keep my health (which, thank God, was never
better). I intend leaving my baggage, and find my way through the
woods to the Little falls. This idea I suggested to you in a former
letter. Never was anybody more unfortunate than I have been in
passages. I had a long passage up the North river, and a long pass-
age to St. John's ; was detained longer at Montreal than was neces-
sary, for want of a conveyance up the river; a long passage up the
river, and, as the d 1 must have it so, arrived here only two hours
too late for a passage to Niagara, and this is the ninth day I have
been here, wind-bound; and, what is more than all, a packet, which
arrived two days ago from Niagara, brings word that the governor
left that place six days ago for Long Point, at which place his stay
is very uncertain. I shall go on to Niagara, and if I do not find his
return certain in a short time, I shall go on to Fort Erie, and there
hire an Indian to take me on in a birch canoe until I find him. I
think this will be saving time. The whole time I have been at this
place is completely lost, for I durst not be out of the way for fear the
wind should come fair, in which case the vessel would leave me.
"Were not this the case I should have visited the isle of Taunty and
the Grand isle.* All this must be left until I return. I believe there
will be no doubt of a lawsuit respecting Grand isle. I have been to
the mills upon the Thames, and find them very much out of repair.
My time was so short that I could not get a very full account about
them and the land. I shall see them again. The greatest object of
all is the fixing of the Oswegatchie business, and no stone shall be
unturned to bring this to a happy issue. Mr. Farrand tells me that
Lorimier relies upon a French title, which he says he has. This Mr.
Farrand will get a sight of, and, should it be worth anything, a nego-
tiation will be more necessary. Mr. Farrand will be in full possession
of all the business against my return (which T shall make as speedy
as possible), and which I shall not leave until I see an end of. The
boat which is going to Montreal is waiting for this, and hurries me
so that I have not time to write you as fully as you wish.
" N. FoiiD.
" Col. Ogden, Newark,"
" Newark, in Upper Canada, Sept. 10, 1795.
"Dear Sir, — I wrote you from Kingston the 20th of August,
which I hope you have received. In that I mentioned my ill luck
in not arriving at Kingston a few hours sooner, which would have
made me in time to have taken passage in the packet, by which mis-
fortune I was detained at Kingston from the 19th of August to the
1st of September, and, after another gun-boat vnyaije of ."-ix days, ar-
rived at this place, where I am now detained by the governor's not
having returned from Long Point, from whence he is daily expected.
I shall transact my business with him as soon after his return as pos-
* Mr. Ford was commissioned by Col. Ogden and Nicholas Low to
make inquiries into the titles and terms of these islands, and pur-
chase them of Sir John Johnsipu in the name of Alexander Wallace
an Englishman (as they say in Canada), on speculation. He was
authorized to offer £2000 sterling for the isle of Tanle. Eleven fam-
ilies had been settled three years upon it. Grand isle had been pur-
chased at Montreal from Mr. Curot, a Frenchman (who held it under
iL grant from the king of France), for £600, with a further sum of
quarter dollar per acre when the title was established. These pur-
chases were not made by Mr. Ford. He examined them, and made
very full reports upon soil, timber, etc., which are preserved with his
papers. — P. H. H.
sible, and return to Oswegatohie immediately, when I hope to. settle
that business. Should I not he so fortunate as to obtain leave of the
governor to repair the houses, that will not prevent my negotiating
with Lorimier. Mr. Farrand will have taken the necessary measures
for bringing about a negotiation. I have this day written him to
meet me at Oswegatchie on my return. I take it for granted you
have received all my former letters, which contain all the information
I have. I will write you thence by way of Montreal, and inform you
of my success with his excellency. Unless something very unforeseen
takes place I shall undoubtedly leave my baggage at Oswegatchie,
and go through the woods to the Mohawk river. I am of opinion
that it will be best to strike the river as low down as the Little falls,
which is said to be 120 miles from Oswegatchie. I am sorry to tell
you it is a very sickly season in this province; never was it more so;
but I am very happy to add that it is less so about Oswegatchie.
That part is looked upon to be the most healthy of any in Upper
Canada. Should I pass through this country without a touch I shall
be peculiarly fortunate. It is said here that strangers are scarce ever
exempt. I hope to reach the fort in a state to be able to undertake
the proposed march. I should recommend to you not to sell before I
return. I think there can be no doubt of those lands settling very
fast. I hope to give you a very satisfactory account of them on my
return. I have this moment heard that the governor is at Fort Erie,
on his return. Believe me to he your very humble servant.
" N. Ford."
Mr. Ford, in a letter dated Kingston, Sept. 23, 1795,
mentioned that the governor had returned sick, and that
liis business could only be settled in council. He again
states his intention of traversing the woods to the Mohawk,
but it is not known whether this design was carried into
effect. Jay's treaty, which was finally ratified in February,
1796, provided in its second articles that his majesty's
troops should be withdrawn from all posts within the
States on or before the 1st of June, the property of British
subjects being secured to them by the government, and
they were to be free to remain or go as they saw fit.
The signature of the treaty having at length rendered it
certain that the surrender of Fort Oswegatchie would re-
move the last obstacle which had for several years hindered
the settlement of northern New York, Mr. Ford at length
started with a company of men, a few goods, and articles of
prime necessity for a new settlement, with the design to re-
pair or rebuild the dam and mills on the Oswegatchie and
survey and settle the country. As a guide for his opera-
tions, the proprietor drew. up the following memorandum of
instructions, which embody the designs and wishes of Col.
Ogden in relation to the new settlement :
" On your arrival at Oswegatohie endeavor, in as amicable a man-
ner as possible, to gain immediate possession of the works, mills, and
town. If difficulties do arise, you will of course exercise the best of
your judgment and discretion in order to remove them. This, per-
haps, may be done best by soothing measures; perhaps by threats
and perhaps by bribes, as to which it must be entirely submitted to
your judgment, as circumstances may turn up. It seems certain that
you will have no difficulty in obtaining possession of the fort and
works. These, therefore, I presume you will immediately possess.
The mills seem the great difliculty, for which you will make every
exertion after you have possession of the fort. After you have ob-
tained possession of the mills, you will immediately commence the
repairs thereof, so as to have the saw-mill at work this autumn before
you leave it. As to the manner of repairing the dam, it must be left
to your own judgment. I must, however, recommend it to your par-
ticular attention to have it solidly placed and well filled in with stone,
and graveled, so as to render it permanent and secure. Perhaps it
may be best for this fall's operation to place the whole of the saic-mill
on the same site as it formerly stood, observing, however, that in our
next summer's operations wo shall place many other works on llieaime
rinni, and that those works must be carried so far down the river iif I"
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
147
be placed on the navigable water, so that vessels may eome to them to
load and unload. If the old mill is destroyed, and you find that a new
one must be constructed, I would recommend that you construct it so
as to saw planls: or timber of forty feet long. You will exercise your
own judgment as to what repairs it may be proper for you to put on
any of the buildings at the old fort. It strikes me that it will be
best to repair the old stone houses, and as many of the frame as may
be found sound and free from decay. Of this, however, you will be
able to judge after a careful inspection thereof. Should you meet
with any difficulty with the Indians who live below, send a letter to
Mr. r , and inclose one to Grey (the interpreter), who lives
at St. Regis; desire Grey to come up to you, nnd with him fall on
such measures as may be proper for an accommodation.
"If on experiment you find that a further supply of goods will be
advantageous this autumn, write me so, and send me a memorandum
thereof, so that I may forward them to you. If on experiment you
find that that any particular article of commerce will answer a good
and speedy remittance, you will be very early in your communica-
tions to me thereof, and it is probable that you may point out the
best and most expeditious manner of transporting the same.
" It maif be that certain articles of remittance may offer which it
may be proper to send to Montreal for sale, in which case you will for-
ward them to the care and direction of Thomas Forsyth, of that place,
taking care to give him written instructions how to dispose thereof,
and always remember in your letter book to keep regular copies of all
your letters. Your Set of books must be regularly kept, so as to show
a very exact account of all expenditures and disbursements, so tbat
every shilling may be explained and accounted for. Write me from
Schenectady the result of your conversation with Tibbets, so that I
may endeavor to fall on some measures for the completing that object.
If on examination you find any tract of land without my purchase,
and which you believe to be an object worth our attention, write
me a full accowH thereof^ and enable me to take it if it should be
found an object. Mr. Grey gave me some reason to believe he could
find a mine of iron ore within our ten townships. Pray extend your
researches thereafter as early as possible, as it is very important that
we should, at as early a period as possible, commence our iron-work
operation, -and nothing can be done until the ore be found. The let-
ters I forward you from hence I shall forward to the care of D. Hale,
Albany; any which you may write to me (not by the post) you will
also direct to his care.
" S. Ogdrn.
"July 12, 1796."
Mr. Ford left New York in July, 1796, and on the 18th
arrived at Albany and crossed with teams to Schenectady,
where he met Mr. Day and John Lyon,* men whom he
had employed to come with him, together with Thomas
Lee, carpenter, and Dick, a negro slave who was owned by
Mr. Ford. These were considered suflBcient to man one boat.
To hire another would cost £85 to Oswegatchie, besides
porterage and lock-fees, which would amount to £5 more.
Of the boatmen, Mr. Ford remarked : " So abandoned a set
of rascals as the boatmen at this place are, I never saw."
Instead of complying with their demand he bought a four-
handed boat, and tried to hire men by the day, but here he
was again met with a coalition, and was obliged to pay high
wages to his hands.
So impressed was he with the impositions and exactions
that thus obstructed the gateway to the great west, that he
predicted that at no distant day, if a change for the better
did not soon occur, " the western country would seek a
market in Montreal rather than submit to the exactions of
these men," Could a prophetic vision but have carried
him forward through but half a century, and placed him
on that very spot, where he could have seen the throbs of
those mighty arteries which transmit the wealth of millions
» Mr. Lyon die] in Fdruary, 1834, at the age of eighty-jine.
along their channels and on their iron tracks, in obedience
to the electric message, and the beautiful Mohawk reduced
to an insignificant stream from the withdrawal of its waters
by the canals, the senses must have failed to impart to the
understanding the vastness of the change, and the bewil-
dered eye would have gazed without comprehension upon
the scene as belonging to a dream !
Is an equal change reserved for the coming half-century ?
Mr. Ford, having purchased a boat for £16, prepared to
leave the town, and the journal of his voyage will give the
incidents which occurred with much vividness, and will
here be quoted :
" Left Schenectady on Friday, July 22, 1796, at two o'clock, with
two boats for Oswegatchie; proceeded up the river as far as Maby's
tavern, where we lodged; distance, six miles. 23d. Set out early in
the morning, and got ns far as Mill's tavern, where we lodged; dis-
tance, ten miles; had -■*■ very heavy shower this afternoon. 24th.
Left Mill's tavern and got to Connoly's, where we lodged ; distance,
seventeen miles. Our passage up the river is rendered very slow,
owing to the lowness of the water and our boats being full loaded. I
have been under the necessity of loading them full for two reasons:
first, because I could not make up three full loads ; and, second, be-
cause of the infamous price I was asked for taking a load. It will
scarcely be believed when I say that I was asked £85 for one boat-
load to betaken to Oswegatchie, besides looks and portage-fees, which
would make it amount, in the whole, to £90. This I thought so
enormous I could not think of submitting to it. I purchased a boat,
and hired another with three bateaumen, and with my own people I
set out, and thus far we have come on tolerably well. 25th. Left
Connoly's this morning, and came on to what is called Caty's rift;t
distance three miles. At this unfortunate place commenced my ill
fortune. I at first hired only two bateaumen, but previous to my
leaving Schenectady I hired a third, hoping by this I had put it out
of the power of any accident to happen. The boat, being manned by
three professed bateaumen and one good hand (though not a boatman),
ascended this rift to within a boat's length of being over, when she
took a shear and fell back, aqd soon acquired such velocity that the
resistance of the boatmen became quite inadequate to stopping her.
The consequence wa-s, she fell crosswise of the current, and when she
had descended the rapids about half way she brought up broadside
upon a rock (which lays in the middle of the stream), and sunk al-
most instantly about four or five inches under. In this situation she
Lay about two hours before I could pruoure assistance to get her un-
loaded ; the delay of getting to her, together with the difficulty of
coming at her cargo, made us three hours before we could relieve the
boat, during whjch time we expected to see her go to pieces, which
would undoubtedly have happened had she not been a new boat, and
well-built. It was particularly unfortunate that it was on board this
boat that I had almost all my dry goods, which got most thoroughly
wet. Upon getting the bout off I found she had two of her knees
broke, and one of her planks split, and leaky in several places. I
immediately had one-half the cargo reloaded, and set forward up the
rapid, at the head of which lives Mr. Spraker. Here I unloaded, and
sent the boat back lor the residue. Upon their arrival I set about
opening the goods, all of which were soaking wet. The casks I had
the goods in would have turned water for a short time, but the length
of time the boat was under gave an opportunity for all the casks to fill.
The three boxes of tea were all soaked through. The difficulty of get-
ting this article dry was heightened by the very showery weather we
had Tuesday and "Wednesday ; but by paying the greatest attention
we were enabled to get it all dry by Wednesday evening. The goods
I had all dried and repacked; the boat I had taken out of the water
and repaired; almost everything was now ready for setting out in the
morning. Upon drying the tea I found it was too much damaged to
take on ; I concluded it would be better to send it back to New York
and have it disposed of at auction for what it would bring, rather
than have the reputation of bringing forward damaged tea, and dis-
posing of it for good, and that in a country where my future success
very much depends upon the reputation I establish. 28th. I finished
■j- Keaton's rift, the most formidable on the route.
148
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
packing up, and at ten o'clock we got on board and proceeded upon
our voyage again ; got as far as Neller's tavern ; distance, about
twelve miles; rained very sharp this afternoon. 29lh. Got to the
Little falls this afternoon about three o'clock. The tea I left boxed
up, in the care of Mr. Spraker, to be forwarded to Mr. Murdock,
Schenectady. I have written him to forward it to Mr. McKie ; you
will be so good as to give him directions about it. It was fortunate
that two chests of tea were left at Schenectady, as was also a barrel
of snuff, etc., which I have ordered to be forwarded to Kingston.
The two casks of powder I have also sent back to Mr. McKie; that
article was totally spoiled (except to work over again). The best of
the muslins was in Richard's trunk, and did not get wet. I hope the
dry goods are not so damaged as to prevent a sale of them. The
cutlery is very much injured, notwithstanding the greatest attention.
This is not only a heavy loss, but is attended with vast fatigue and
perplexity. I could not procure oil-cloths for the boats (the one you
had was sold with the boat). I have only tow cloths, which I fear
will not be sufficient to protect the goods against the very heavy
rains we have had and still have. It has been raining about twelve
hours very heavy, and, should it continue, I apprehend the cnsks
will not fully shed the water. No industry or perseverance shall be
wanting on my part to make the best of the voyage."
On the 1st of August the voyagers arrived at Fort Stan-
wix (Borne), on which date Mr. Ford wrote to Col. Ogden
that, although the voyage had thus far been disastrous and
extremely unpleasant, yet he anticipated arriving at Oswe-
gatchie in a week, and hoped to go on pleasantly' down hill.
A copy of the letters of Judge Ford, from 1796 till
1807, is before us, which describe the events of that period
with minuteness, and are expressed in language remarkable
for that force and originality so peculiar to that singular
man. They would of themselves form a volume of consid-
erable size, and we shall be under the necessity of gleaning
from them the succession of events, although we confess
our utter inability to approach that conciseness and that
striking peculiarity which indicate the talents and genius of
their writer.*
He arrived Aug. 11, 1796, and was accompanied by
Richard Fitz Randolph, a clerk, Thomas Lee, a carpenter,
John Lyon and family, and a few boatmen from Schenec-
tady. His goods he set up in the sergeant's room, which
he used as a store ; the family of Tuttle, whom he had sent
on to stay in the fort and keep things in order, he placed
in the barracks adjoining the store ; Mr. Lyon he placed in
the mill-house, and immediately crossed to Canada, and ob-
tained three yoke of oxen, four milch cows, peas, wheat,
etc., hired about forty men, and set about building a dam
and saw-mill. He found many persons on the other side
anxious to settle, but was not at the time authorized to sell
lands, and could only defer their applications by telling
them that settlements could not be made till the lands were
surveyed. In a few days Joseph Edsall arrived, and began
to survey the town. He brought with him a small bag of
orchard grass seed, half for Ford, and half for Mr. Farrand,
on the north shore. On the 7th of September he wrote to
Mr. Ogden as follows :
"When I wrote you last, I mentioned Major Watsonf and several
other persons, who had settled upon the lands up the river. These
people have relinquished their pretensions, and find that they had
better become purchasers. Watson and several others of them are
at work for me. From what I had heard before, it was Watson I was
expecting that would be the person who meant to give us trouble, but
» Dr. Hough.
t Major Watson was a son of John Watson, from Ireland, and in
early life had been a prisoner among the Indiana.
I am glad to find it is not like to be the case. But I am well in-
formed that John Smith, or Joseph Smith (who goes by the name of
Yankee Smith), is the man who says he will try the title with you.
He lives upon the other side himself, and keeps a tavern. I believe
he is a man of but little force to set about establishing title to such a
tract. I have been told that he was on his way to warn me about my
business, but was taken sick and returned. I have not seen him. It
would be well to make an example of him, if wo could get him over
this side. Those fellows only want to be treated with promptness to
bring them to terms. I dare say Smith's object is to make a fuss,
hoping that to get clear of him you will give him a deed for a tract,
which he is not able to purchase. This I would never indulge him
in. It is through such fellows that so much trespass has been com-
mitted, and [by] this Smith particularly.
" I have had all the chiefs of the St. Regis village to see and
welcome me to this country, excepting Gray and two others, who are
gone to the river Chazy, to receive the money from the State.
" They gave me a hearty welcome, and pressed me very much to
pay them a visit. I treated them with the utmost civility, and sent
them all away drunk. As to the Oswegaich'e Indians, I have never
heard a word from them upon the possession of their la-nds, — many
of them have been here to trade, etc. As to Lorimier's claim, I never
heard anything from them until I had been here several days. I had
been asked what I intended doing with the widow, etc., by people
who were not interested (and who, I suppose, informed her what I
said upon the subject) ; my reply was that we had been very illy
treated about t'ne business heretofore, but I had understood that the
widow was in indigent circumstances, audit was not your or my inten-
tion to distress the widow and fatherless : what was right we intended
to do. Were Mr. Lorimier alive, we should hold a very different lan-
guage. This was my uniform reply to those who said anything to
me upon the subject. Upon the I7th Mr. Sherwood (a young lawyer)
came over and presented me a letter from Mrs. Lorimier (a copy of
which is annexed), which, after I had read, he began to apologizofor
being under the necessity of formally forbidding me to proceed in my
building upon-the premises, and begged I would not be offended if he
called in two witnesses that he might do it in form. He went on to
say that he thought Mrs. Lorimier's right would hold good under the
2d article of the treaty, etc.; to all which I made no other reply
but that I should not have any objection to his being as formal as he
wished, and as to her coming within the 2d article, I did not con-
ceive it could be made to bear such a construction, and concluded
by observing that if Mrs. Lorimier meant to set up title, it must Ijo
the hardest kind of one, and that all idea of charity must be at an
end. He insinuated that the cause would be tried in their courts, it
being a matter that the treaty was to decide. This idea I treated
with levity, as did also Farrand, when I mentioned the thing to him.
A few days after_ this transaction I was over the river, where I saw
Capt. Anderson (who lives at Kingston), to whom the estate is in-
debted. He told me be was going to administer on the estate, and
wished to know if we intended'to make the widow any compensation.
I told him the widow had sent me a letter and a lawyer to forbid my
proceeding ; that I supposed she meant to press her title if she had
any, in which case charity would be entirely out of the quesiion.
That we had ever been disposed to do what was right, he himself
very well knew. Who had advised her to the step she had tiikcn I
did not know, neither did I care. If they thought the widow would
do better by a lawsuit than relying upon our justice and generosity,
she was at perfect liberty to try it; that I should give myself no
further trouble about it. He told me ho thought it a very unwise step
she -had taken, and could not imagine who had advised bel- to it;
that the thing was given up, and I should never hear any more of it.
Notwithstanding all his protestations to the contrary, I did believe
then, and ever shall, that ho himself was the man. I took care uot to
insinuate such a belief. I then interrogated him as to her title; this
he evaded, upon which I told him that ho must be well enough
acquainted with law to know that a widow could not dispose of real
estate, and if they had any title to the land I should not do anything
until the heir-at-law gave me a release and quitclaim. That if I
went into the business at all I did not mean to do it by halves. This
brought forward an elucidation of their title, as he has it from the
widow, and as he says the lease which ho has seen is * * *" Ho states
that in the year 1786 they built a saw-mill and lived upon this side;
that the dam and mill wont away, and they removed over the river.
That in the year 179.3 the Indians gave Lorimier a verbal lease (for
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
149
the land, as stated in her letter to me). That after Lorimier's death
the Indians came forward and confirmed to her, in her own name (in
writing), a lease for the same lands (the widow states) they gave
Lorimier a verbal lease for. This last act was done this springer last
fall.
" This, he assures me on his honor, is all the title they have.
After much conversation upon the subject, I told him that if their
conduct towards mo was such as it ought to be, I would take the
business into consideration, and make an equitable valuation of the
mill and house, and pay the widow therefor, provided they gave up
all idea of title. This he assured me they would do, and rely upon
our generosity. I am to write to him upon the subject, which when
I do he will come down, and we shall have an end to the business.
I do not wish to be in too great a hurry, for fear that something may
be behind, whioh I may find out. I shall be attentive to the business,
and not lose too much time.
"As to business in the mercantile way, it equals my expectation.
I am confident much business may be done here in that way. I am
sorry that I have not a further supply of coarse goods here for the
season. Provisions of every kind can be taken in here in abun-
dance. It was impossible for me to know soon enough what would
answer this country for you to forward them this autumn. I shall
make the best and most of what I have : it will go some way in
making provision for our next summer's operations. I would sug-
gest to you the propriety of sending to England this fall to have the
burr-stones shipped to Montreal j they will come easier and much
cheaper that way than coming up the Mohawk. It is astonishing
what a mill may do here. Boulton's mill, which is at the Garlows,
is now resorted to for fifty miles, and a worse mill lam sure never
was. I have not yet been able to get information relative to iron
ore. If I can get the dam done soon enough, I intend to take a
ramble back of the lake. If we get the saw-mill under way this fall,
whioh I hope will be the case, it will be absolutely necessary to have
a hill of such timber as will be wanted for the grist-mill, so that
every preparation for that may be going on this winter. This you
will be so good as not to fail sending me.
"My carpenter will stay the winter. I can now give you an accu-
rate account of the surveys and claims made by the people who have
leases from Indians : Yankee Smith begins 1 mile from the fort, runs
H miles upon the river, and 9 miles back. Watson then begins, and
has the same quantity. Sealy then begins, and has a like quantity.
Sealy lives upon the other side ; he has been here, but I did not know
at the time of his pretensions. Watson tells me that Sealy's lease
is in New England. I should not be surprised to find that he had
sold it to the speculators there. The following is Mrs. Lorimier's
letter to me :
" ' EDWAKDSiiURG, 16th August, 1796.
" ' Sir, — I am informed you have arrived in Oswegutchie with a number of
people, and have taken possession of one of my houses there, and that you are
about to make a dam across the Black river, first taliing away what remained
of mine. That you may not be deceived, I now inform you that I have a good
title to half a mile on each side of that river, from the mouth to the source of
it, which I cannot think of relinquishing without a valuable consideration;
and Christian charity obliges me to think that you would not eudeavor to
wrong or in any manner distress the widow and fatherless, and as it appears
you wish to form a settlement there, I hereby give yon my first offer to pur-
chase my title, and would be glad to have you answer upon the subject as soon
as possible, that I may know how to govern myself.
"' I am your most humble serv't,
"*Cathaetne Lobimier.
" ' To Majok Foed.'
" I was not particular in stating to you that Lorimier's verbal lease
was obtained of the Indians after you had warned him off the prem-
ises. I have drawn upon you through Mr. Forsyth for $500, payable
ten days after sight. I hope he will honor the bill. I have requested
him to forward me $iOO in cash and $100 in rum. Richard joins in
best respects to Mrs. Ogden and family. I am very anxious to hear
from you, and when you write, pray let me know the news and how
the world is going. I believe you will begin to think it is time for
me to stop, for you Inust be tired of reading, and I am sure I am of
writing. So God bless you is the earnest prayer of your friend and
humble servant,
" N. FOKD.
"Colonel Samuel Ogden."
On the approach of winter Mr. Ford returned to New
Jersey, and did not get back to Oswegatohie until the 9th
of August, 1'797. He found that the Canadian claimants
had been over the spring before, held a town-meeting,
elected civil and military officers, and sent on Ensly, their
moderator, to get their proceedings confirmed by the gov-
ernor, and that they had opened a land-office for selling and
settling his tracts. He wrote to his partner, — ■
" I also found that some of those jockeys had come over and stripped
a quantity of bark. I immediately sent Mr. Randolph, with a boat
(properly manned), with orders to take on board as much bark as he
could, and burn the residue. He accordingly set out, and did not (un-
fortunately) arrive at the place before they got off with one boat-load,
but was fortunate enough to arrive just as they had got the second
loaded, which he detained, and after making them assist in loading
his boat, he ordered both to sail for the garrison, where they arrived
in good order, and well conditioned. I immediately sent the bark to
a tanner in Johnstown, where I send my hides, so that we shall have
our hides tanned with our own bark. They have kept themselves
very quiet upon the subject. I gave out that I wanted more bark,
and only wait for trespassers to come over and get it for me. If it is
possible for processes to be made out, leaving the names to be filled
up, and a deputation made, I am clear for having some of the ring-
leaders in Herkimer jail, — this I am sure would settle the business.
If this can be done, let friend Richard's name be mentioned for the
deputation, and I will see that the business is properly executed ; but
you must write me particularly how it is to he done, and you must be
particular that the opinion be given by a lawyer of New York, for
depend upon it, there is a difference between New York and New Jer-
sey laws upon these subjects. "'■■■
In a letter written early in 1798, Ford stated his anxie-
ties about the leases, and advised that influence should
be used with the governor and legislature to prevent
any mischief that might arise from the ex parte repre-
sentations which he understood were being used, and
added that it would make a fatal hole in Oswegatchie
township should the claims happen to be by any means
confirmed. The trouble about the lease was finally settled
by purchase from Mrs. Lorimier and her son, Sept. 26,
1798, in which Mr. Ford paid £62 10s., Canada currency,
for a quitclaim " during the rest residue and remainder of
said term which is yet to come and unexpired, to wit ; so
long as wood shall grow and water run, peaceably and
quietly to enter into, have, hold, and occupy, possess and
enjoy." The original is extremely diffuse in its style, and
abounds in repetitions. Watson was arrested on a charge
of having violated the statute by dealing with the Indians
for their lands, taken to the county jail at Rome, indicted
in June, 1799, tried and convicted in June, 1800, having
laid in jail a year, and was released upon his signing a re-
lease and quitclaim, and surrendering his papers.
It appears that Watson and Ensly were the only ones of
the lessees who had ventured to sell lands to settlers ; the
others only awaited the result to set up their claims. In
his letter to his attorney, Thomas R. Gould, of Whitestown,
informing him of the condition of the afiairs, and forwarded
by Mr. Sherman, the keeper of Watson, on his way to jail,
he expressed his regret at the necessity which led him to
the measure, and added that every milder means had been
exhausted. His efforts to secure the others failed. In a
letter of Sept. 11, 1798, he says, —
" The sheriff then wont in pursuit of Ensly, hut by some means or
other he got suspicious that something more than common was pre-
'* Nathan Ford was commissioned as a Special Justice of the Peace
for Herkimer county, March 20, 1797.
150
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
paring, and lie made his escape over the river, by which means he
eluded the officer. Watson I have forwarded to jail, and as he is
really the principal, I hope it will be sufficient to finish the business.
I am sorry that Ensly was not taken, for he is a great villain. I am
not sure but I shall lay a plan for taking him yet; nothing but the
difficulty of sparing hands to send down with him will prevent; but
should he recross the river, and be saucy, I will do it at all events.
They have carried on with a tolerable high hand since my absence,
in insulting our settlers. I have given it to the charge of all the
people, if any person dare threaten them or abuse them for settling
under the title derived from the State, to make me instantly ac-
quainted with the fact, and I will immediately issue a warrant for
them, and send them to jail. This, by the State law, I have a right
to do, and I certainly shall do it. The remote situation of this place
has encouraged, and still does encourage, to do and act as they would
not dare to act were the jail a little handier, and there is no way to
get the jail nigher to us but by cutting the road to the Mohawk.
This is a thing you must take pains about, and with a little pains I
am confident it may be effected ; and if only a winter road can be got,
the value of the lands will almost double. At present it is impossible
for people to get here, the expense is so great. I shall draw upon
you shortly for six or eight hundred dollars, and hope you will be
prepared. Friend Richard joins in best respects to Mrs. Ogden and
family. Believe me to be as ever your humble servant,
"N. Ford."
In a letter of Sept. 16, 1798, to Samuel Ogden, lie says, —
" I wrote you the 11th inst., in which I mentioned having sent
Watson to jail, etc. The minds of those in his and Ensly's interests
are much agitated at the circumstance. They are at present very
quiet, and Bnsly durst not be seen this side the river. It has been
suggested that the Indians will be excited to do private mischief. I
am not uneasy for my personal safety. We are so totally outside of
the protection of government, that it may become absolutely neces-
sary to go into some violence, should violence be threatened. Noth-
ing but necessity will induce me to do a thing which will not be
perfectly consistent with law, but when that necessity presents itself
I shall do that which is most effectual for self-defense, and oppose
violence with violence, and trust to common justice the event. I
have been told the Indians have burnt a quantity of wild hay I had
put up some distance from here; the truth of the fact I have not yet
ascertained; I shall find out the persons who have done it. My line
of conduct towards them I shall not pretend at present to say."
During the season of 1797 a grist-mill was commenced,
it being the same as that now owned by S. W. Day,
which was placed a considerable distance below the dam,
in order that vessels might there load and unload. A
large number of hands were employed, and, to add to his
cares, Isaac Ogden had hired and sent up from Montreal
four French masons and five or six laborers, at high prices,
and with the promise that they should be paid in money as
soon as their work was done. There was no lack of ability
or inclination on the part of Mr. S. Ogden to sustain these
expenses, but the means of communication by letter, and
especially the remittance of money, were very precarious
and uncertain. This produced the greatest difficulties, and
in this and the following years almost rendered the firm in-
solvent. It was in these extremities that the energy and
perseverance of Mr. Ford were displayed in the most
striking manner, and in such a way as to indicate his quali-
fications for founding a new colony, beyond the protection
of the laws, and among those whose interests would have
been promoted by his misfortunes. After complaining to
his partner of the high prices promised (|30 for masons
and $15 for laborers, while he could hire the latter for
$11.25), he adds,—
"There is a disadvantage over and above the very high price al-
lowed the French laborers, because nothing but money will answer
for d 1 the thing will they purchase. There is their expenses,
which amounts to $30 or $40, exclusive of their pay. Your brother
writes very anxiously, fearing he may be led into some scrape in the
business. I will give you an extract of that part of his letter: 'You
are to pay them at Oswegatchie, in silver doUare ; be careful that you
do not bring me into a lawsuit with them for non-compliance on
your part, as you see I am bound; it would not be well for a judge
to be sued.' He also mentions that he had wrote you upon the sub-
ject, etc., and you will see the positive necessity of putting it in my
power to defray the heavy expenses which must unavoidably accrue
in so extensive a building. The cash I am obliged to pay out for
the supplies of last winter and this spring will take every farthing
of money I brought with me, and unless you take measures for my
being immediately supplied, it will be impossible for me to go on.
The store affords me a considerable assistance, but the sales fall
vastly short of the supply wanted. I hope you will not let this es-
cape your attention. The success of our operations very much de-
pends upon this year's exertions. There are a number of people who
wish to come over, who have not joined the mob, but they have no
money to purchase, and are poor. How I shall do with them I know
not. I must shape the thing by way of agreement. Another year I
shall insist upon your sending an agent about your landed matters;
it is positively more than I can attend to and take care of my busi-
ness. I cannot conclude without taking again the liberty of pressing
upon your mind the necessity of forwarding me the ways and means ;
without it, I shall not be able to do much this year. You will have
the goodness to present my best respects to Mrs. Ogden and all the
family, and believe me to be, with every sentiment of esteem, your
friend and humble servant, *' N. Foun.
" N. B. — I took out my commission as a magistrate, but could
not be sworn in by any other but a judge or clerk of the court of this
county, and not any being handy, I could not spare the time to hunt
them up. The invention of our friends over the river have been upon
the stretch to invent lies to destroy our influence. Among the great
number propagated I shall only mention was that you and I were
both broke, and that Mr. Randolph had surest orders to quit the
ground as soon as he possibly could plausibly do it, etc."
In a letter of Aug. 23, he urged the justice of the claims
of the laborers, many of whom were poor, and whose fami-
lies would be brought to want, and represented in strong
language the discredit that would be brought upon them-
selves in case of failure to pay them. The following bill of
goods was probably the first ever ordered in town. They
were directed to be sent to Fort Stanwix, to meet boats frotn
Oswegatchie, and to be packed in tight barrels:
"Four doz. pieces of Hummums, that will come at Is. lOd., or 2s.
pr. yd.; 3 or 4 pieces of coarse blue and mixed colored cloths; 200
yds. check flannel, yd. wide; striped cotton, blue and white; i ps.
of camblet, for cloaks (brown); 1 ps. swan's skin; 2 ps. coating; I
ps. blue 2d cloth: 1 ps. yellow flannel; 1 ps. of red; 1 ps. of white;
colored silk and twist ; 10 or 20 ps. calico, some of which to be large
figured for Indians, the rest fashionable ; 1 ps. Russian sheeting; 1
cwt. bar lead; 500 oil flints; vermilion for Indians; 1 small case
hats; 2 doz. of cotton handkerchiefs for men; 2 doz. do. for women;
i cwt. indigo; 2 or 3 ps. of blue and black moreen; 2 or 3 ps. of
oaliminco; do. 2 ps. durant, do.
'• If you should determine to send the above articles, you must do
it immediately, and send me word. I do not know anybody at Fort
Stanwix, unless you shall write to Mr. Weston, and he will have them
stored."
In a letter dated Sept. 13, 1797, to S. Ogden, he wrote,—
" I am still disappointed in not hearing from you; how to account
for it I am totally at a loss. How, or in what manner, I am to turn
myself to meet the present demands, at present I knownot; and how
I am to do when the season of work closes, I am still much more at
a loss to know. I have not ten dollars at command, and have now
forty-five hands (besides a number of women and children) to find
in provisions. These must all be fed and paid, and unless you for-
ward me the means it will be out of my power to go on with the
business. I have squeezed along, knows how, until this time,
but this flijU do no longer. The money must be paid for what has
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
151
been had, as well as what is to be. Laying aside every other con-
sideration, this way of carrying on business is extravagant, for sup-
plies must be had, and at such prices as those who have them choose
to ask, but if I had it in my power to send a man out and purchase
with cash, I should be able to get things a little at my prices. The
supply of provisions will amount to considerable, but when I come to
pay off the hands, and then tell them I have no money, what must
their opinion be of us ! They have nothing but their labor to depend
upon, and have been at work and still are at work, under the strongest
impression that the moment they want their money they can have it.
The contract your brother made with the Frenchmen was such that
they were to be paid monthly. They were so dissatisfied at the ex-
piration of the first month, that it was with difficulty I prevented
their going to Monti-eal and demanding their pay from your brother.
They said, 'He is the man they bargained with, and he shall fulfill the
contract.' Their second month will expire the 7th of next month,
and then I suppose there will be more noise than all the work is
worth, for I have not in my power to pay them, and I am sure they
will then leave me, and your brother must stand in the gap. A noise
at Montreal with the Frenchman, and a noise here with the people
over the river, will be rather more than any one man can stand.
Were I not quite confident that you had taken measures before now,
I should be almost induced to run away."
In this letter he gave a minute account of the plan of the
mill and fixtures, and his hopes and fears in relation to the
first raft which he was preparing to send to Montreal. As
the business of the season was about being closed up, his
embarrassment became extreme, and is fully set forth in the
following letter, dated Oct. 7, 1797 :
"I have this moment received your letter of the 13th of August,
and my letter of the 13th September (which I hope you have received)
will be answering much of it. Some few days ago I received part of
the money you had placed in your brother's hand, but the whole sum
of $500, which I am authorized to draw upon him for, is so trifling,
compared with our disbursements (as you will see by my last letters,
to which permit me to refer you), that 1 am almost discouraged. You
know, when I left you, you did not furnish me with any more cash
than was necessary to get me here, and pay our debts. This, you
very well remember, I remonstrated against, but you assured me I
should have a sufficiency forwarded to Montreal early enough to meet
my exigencies, upon which promise I set out, and have struggled
through the season thus far, at the close of which I receive $500, a.
sum that is only $5 more than will pay the four French masons and
six laborers from Montreal. Now, what am I to do *ith all the rest?
and how am I to pay for provisions and lay in our winter stock ?
The mode you point out is to draw upon you at short sight. I have
no doubt that the bills would be punctually paid, but let me ask to
whom am I to sell the bills in this country ? This cannot be done
to any one short of Montreal, so that the very moment Mr. Ran-
dolph returns from that place, I must send him back to negotiate
the bills; the very expense attending this will be considerable, and the
loss of his services at this time will be much more than the expense,
for it is more than I can possibly do to attend to keep upwards of
forty hands at work, provide provisions, and tend the store, which I
have been obliged to do ever since he has been gone to Montreal,
which is upwards of three weeks. Added to all my own troubles, I
have been perplexed with Edsal's thirteen surveyors, whom he left
unprovided for, and who have given me a great deal of trouble, and
Tuesday next must be fitted out for home, and provided with cash ;
and before I can send to Montreal and get returns, Odle and his
party, and King and Vanriper, must be fitted out, and they must have
money to carry them home. Their wages will be paid in Jersey, but
the five carpenters and thirty laborers I have hired from over the
river must be paid hero, and so must all our supplies. If you had
received your money, the shortest way would have been to forward it
by Mr. McDonald, and if you had not, you ought to have advised
me to draw sooner. It is now the close of the season, when the hands
want to be paid off, and now I have to do what might have been done
long since. It is certainly placing me in a very cruel situation in a
strange country, and in a country where it is the interest of so many
to be our enemies, and who lay hold of every opportunity to turn
every slip to our disadvantage, and, I am sorry to add, there are
some among this number who have professed friendship. God
knows I have a heart that despises them, and a disposition to punish
them for their scurrility, as soon as I can bring it home to any one
who has the smallest pretensions to calling himself a gentleman.
There has been much said of us, but I cannot trace it those whom I
suspect. If I am able to do so, I will call them to a settlement that
shall make them tremble. In my former letter I informed you that
I had sent a raft of boards to Montreal, and the prospects of raising
money fiom that source, etc. The raft contained 2800 boards; this
number was as much as could go down the rapids at this season.
My orders were for the boat to return as soon as the boards were
landed, and friend Richard to remain and sell them to the best ad-
vantage. He has not yet returned. The boat has returned, and by
it he has sent me $400 of the money in your brother's hands ; the re-
mainder he retained, and wrote he had done so because he feared the
r.aft would not sell for enough to pay for the articles I had been under
the necessity to purchase, such as rum, nails, tackles to raise the
mill, etc. Before the boat came away he had sold one crib for $12.50
per 100 boards, and did not expect a higher price for the remainder ;
so that when he comes to pay your brother about $40 which he ad-
vanced for the Frenchmen's outfit, and $40 which we owe to R. F. A
Co., and for three barrels of rum, fifteen bushels of salt, two casks of
nails, window glass, and tin, and add to this the cash he had to pay
the hands at Montreal, I am sure he will have no raft money in band,
for at the most the raft will fetch no more than $380, supposing he is
able to get $12.50 per 100, which is very doubtful.
" . . . My room-door opens at this instant ; enters my ten
Frenchmen ; ' What do you want?' ' Our month is out, and we want
our moneys.' Here I must stop and settle with them. ... I
have done it, thank God ! and had I not received the money from
Montreal as I did, they would have left me and gone to your brother.
But by doing this I am now stripped of cash again, and all the other
people must do without, I have done this to save the noise which
would otherwise be at Montreal. The noise here is bad enough, and
I fear our fame will spread fast enough without our assistance to prop-
agate it. What I am to do now I know not. Those from whom I
have been in the constant habit of purchasing beef at 4d. York, now
ask me 4J, and they keep the hide and tallow. This will bring our
beef at 5Jd., and this arises from no other cause than a knowledge of
my being without money, and the advantage is taken. They know
I must have beef, and they know I must get it from those who can
credit; and I cannot help myself Had I the cash I could get it
plenty, and, I believe, for less than 4d. This is also the case with my
flour. If I had cash I could purchase wheat for less than a dollar,
but, as I have not, I am under the necessity of purchasing of Mr.
, who charges me four dollars per cwt. This is a loss of one
dollar upon every hundred, which is no small matter in the quantity
I am obliged to use. This is doing business at a great loss, and, if it
can, ought to be avoided. You certainly have no competent idea of
the magnitude of our building, or you would never have sent me $600
under the idea of its being sufficient for our summer's operations.
The little map I sent you in my last will furnish you with sufficient
information to form a. judgment of what we have to do, and, from
your knowledge in business, of the expense also. Every possible
economy is made use of, and no object however trifling escapes my
attention ; and could I be furnished with a capital equal to the ob-
ject, I am bound to say, no work of equal magnitude would be set
in motion for the same money this would be.
•'. . . If you would for a moment conceive yourself in my very,
very unpleasant situation, I am confident your humanity would be-
come excited to that degree that no time would be lost in giving
relief but you are too far from the scene and my pen too feeble to
paint. I close the subject, not doubting you will take the earliest
opportunity to furnish me with the means necessary for the occasion.
In my last I told you we were almost through the stone work of the
mill. That is finished, and a most complete wall it is. . . . Before I
close this letter I shall give you a description of the dam and race we
expected to raise on the 12th. I should now have the pleasure to
tell you it was, and partly covered, had not Odle met with the mis-
fortune to stick the adze into his ankle, which has laid him up nearly
a fortnight.
" There is one question you will naturally ask me, about paying
the Frenchmen, which is. Why did I not draw a bill and send it to
your brother at Montreal to negotiate and pay them there? This I
tried, and pressed it in every way and shape I could devise; but
their jealousy, or their ignorance, or the orders of their priests to
152
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bring the money with them (so that they could have their share), or
what it was, I know not; but nothing but the moneys would answer.
I have kept the masons busy at the walls of the dam. I have found
the race a more tedious job than any I ever undertook. I have drove
it with the utmost industry, and have progressed in it as fast as
could reasonably be expected, considering the disadvantage I labored
under in sending so many of my hands with the raff."
The mill was finally raised in October of that year (1797).
He proposed to have the mill-stones brought to the place in
sections and put together there, to save the expense of
taking them whole up the rapids in boats. His Frenchmen
he finally sent to Mr. Ogden, of Montreal, for the balance
due them, but was very soon enabled to remit the means of
payment. His opinion of the settlers from Canada Was
subsequently modified :
*' Those people upon the other side, who used to talk so much about
purchasing and settling, say very little about the matter now. The
intentions of some of them I have discovered, which was to purchase
upon the credit given, in hopes before the leases expired the land
would rise so as to net them a handsome profit. In this I prevented
them by annexing to the terms ' in case of actual settlement.' I think
it much better the land should rise in your hands than theirs. There
is another class which would come over, but are so poor they durst
not purchase. Knowing their own inability to pay, they are fearful
that at the expiration of the time the land will bo taken from them
and they lose their improvement. So that between the two classes
we are not like to get many from the other side. Indeed, the more
I become acquainted with them the less I fancy them as settlers.
They are a strange medley, and I believe it is well the river is be-
twixt us. I am well convinced in my own mind the country will
settle, and by our own countrymen, one of whom is worth six of his
majesty's beef-eaters. Let us get our buildings and our business well
under way, and if possible get the legislature to assist in cutting a
road from the Mohawk, and the country will soon settle itself. The
road ought to be attended to this winter. You can, through the
medium of your friends, get the thing pressed in the legislature. If
this were done the people on the other side assure me they would
much rather take their produce to Albany in the winter than go to
Montreal. They have all a desire to trade with New York. Were
this avenue once opened, it would be astonishing to see the number
of people that would flock in. The navigation is too intricate and
expensive for families to come in that way. The consequence is
hundreds are under the necessity of going to the army land and the
Genesee and every other new country to which they can get with
sleighs. The road finished, and our business under good way, will
at once render Ogdensburg the emporium of this part of the world.
I hope Edsal has furnished you with a map and field-book of his
work. I charged them to do so as soon as they got home. I was
happy to be informed that Mr. G. M. Avas so soon expected. I hope
he has arrived safe. I am much at a loss to account for your writing
me only once since I left Jersey. You promised me you would be
very punctual."
Postscript of a letter dated Dec. 17, 1797, by N. Ford,
to Samuel Ogden :
" N. B.— The Yankees I mentioned to you in a former letter have
been with me, and go out to-morrow to vieAv the lands upon the east
branch. There are four of them who will settle together, and, as I
conceive it an object to get a settlement going in that part of the
tract, I have made it an object with them, by allowing them each to
take one hundred acres adjoining each other, for ten shillings per
acre, in four annual payments. There are four more who wish to
join them and make a like settlement, and I have promised Mr.
Thurber (who is the leading character in the business), if they come
forward and go immediately on with him and his associates, they
shall have a like quantity at twelve shillings per acre. Mr. Thurber
tells me I may expect them. As soon as I can get this settlement
under way I shall venture to put the lands in that quarter at sixteen
shillings and twenty shillings, and so on from time to time as the
settlement advances. I mentioned in », former letter the plan the
people over the river had laid for speculation. They having been
defeated in that have laid another, which is to purchase and strip off
the timber before the payment becomes due and then give up the
land. This scheme I have also discovered, and by frustrating this
plan we shall not have many settlers from the other side, unless it
should so turn out, upon finding they can get no advantage from
their plans, some may become actual settlers. The Yankee immi-
gration is commonly in the winter, and, as the ice over Lake Cham-
plain has not been good until lately, I expect there may be some
along shortly. I shall have another opportunity to write you again
in ten or twelve days, and when I return shall give you a full history
of everything. Don't forget the road to the Mohawk, everything
depends upon that. God bless you. N. F."
On the 24th of October, 1798, Mr. Ford wrote to Ogden :
" I have sold eight or ten farms, but not one shiUlDg of money j
but I think it better to let settlers come on under contract. I con-
sider most of them pioneers making way for another set, which will
most assuredly- succeed them. Many stand aloof yet, waiting the
fate of Watson (who I suppose is now in jail), hoping or doubting as
to the title.
"... I mentioned to you the burning of our hay by the Indians,
in consequence of Watson's arrest. The report was not true. I have
had an opportunity of seeing the Indians who were suspected, and
read them a lecture upon the subject. I found them submissive. The
white Indians are the worst; but I have so totally got the better of
white and black Indians that they are perfectly quiet, and I have
not the least apprehension from either. I cannot conclude without
pressing your attention to the road. Be assured it is everything to
this country.''
The great object of solicitude, the mill, was at length
completed so as to get grinding done on the 1st of Decem-
ber, 1798. On the 22d he had ground about 1500 bushels.
During the summer of 1799, while the surveys of the towns
were in progress, vague reports of iron mines, salt springs,-
etc., were circulated, and high expectations formed from
the latter. During the season of 1799 a second saw-mill
was erected. During the first eleven months the gristrmill
ground 3954 bushels of wheat, 1820 of corn, other grain
100 for customers, and 693 for the owners. In almost
every letter which he wrote Mr. Ford brought in the sub-
ject of a road to the Mohawk, as an object of vast impor-
tance to the prosperity of the new settlement. He observed,
in a letter to the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, as follows;
" The difficulty of getting to this country with families is beyond
what is generally supposed. The present road through the Chateau-
gay country accommodates the few vrho emigrate from the upper part
of Vermont, but the immense flood of people who emigrate to the
westward go there because they have no choice. This road once
opened as contemplated, the emigration would soon turn this way,
not only because the distance would be less than to the Genesee, but
also because the lands are better and more advantageously situated.
If the legislature will not take up the business, I am fully of opinion
the proprietors will find their account in cutting out the road at their
own expense. I should suppose those who own in the big purchase
would unite iiartially in the thing, for that land can never settle until
a road is out. The traveling and commerce which will go to Albany
from Upper Canada will far surpass the most sanguine idea. I am
confident the farmer from this country will take his produce to Al-
bany as easily as he can to Montreal, and he is sure of going to a
better market. Over and above this (which is a sufficient reason for ■
inducing them this way) is that, generally speaking, those who have
settled upon the opposite side of the St. Lawrence are from the North
and Jlohawk rivers, and their connections are there. So they have
a double advantage of seeing their friends and doing business upon
more advantageous principles. Vast numbers of the most leading
farmers in that country have assured me they would go to Albany,
in preference to Montreal, if it took them three days longer. I am
confident that the commerce which would flow into Albany, through
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY", NEW YORK.
153
the medium of this road, would very soon reimburse the State for the
expense. Those who live on our own side of the river arc compelled,
from necessity, to trade at Montreal. This is the case with myself.
My inclination is to trade to Albany, but it is impossible. It is highly
politic to prevent, if possible, the commerce of this country from
falling into a regular system through Montreal; for when people
once form mercantile connections, it is vastly diilicult to divert and
turn the current into a new channel. I see no rational mode but
having the road cut, to secure to Albany so desirable an object. I
have talien the liberty of stating my ideas upon this subject, which,
if they should meet yours, I trust and hope you will take sucli steps
as will secure a benefit to the State, as well as promote the interest of
the proprietors and settlers.
'* I can but be suspicious that you and Hoffman have suiTered an
imposition in Mr. Hay and Mr. Sherman's survey. I shall mention
the grounds of my suspicion, and you will be able to draw your own
conclusions. Some short time before Mr. Hay had finished his part
of the survey, I had it hinted to me that Sherman's work was all
wrong. Not many days after Mr. Hay came to my place, when I
mentioned the matter to him. He told me he had understood some-
thing of the matter, upon which I told him it was his business to
ascertain the fact, and, as a honest man, make you acquainted with
the business early enough to prevent Sherman's receiving his pay.
This I told him was not a business that immediately concerned me,
but I would not be in the knowledge of these things without com-
municating them, and he might take his choice of doing it himself
or I would do it for him. A day or two after he came to me, and
affected to be very much distressed, and wanted my advice; that he
was confident Sherman was a villain, and much feared he should be
involved with him. I told him to get two surveyors, go into the
woods, and take Sherman with them, examine the lines he (Sherman)
had run, as well as the lines given him to lay out his work from, and
if his work was- false, convict him of it upon the spot; then let these
surveyors certify the fact, and then write you a letter fully upon the
subject, and inclose the certificate. This was done. The surveyors
and Hay told me they had never seen such infamous work done by
anybody who had the smallest pretensions of being a surveyor. They
very particularly examined the line given him to lay off his work
from, and found that right. Hay wrote you a letter upon this subject,
which I made him show me, also the certificate, both of which he
promised to forward immediately. I have no doubt upon my mind
he would have done it, for there never were two men who execrated
each other more than they have, or appeared to be greater enemies,
and I never was more surprised than to hear that they met by mutual
agreement at the St. Regis village, and traveled on to Albany to-
gether, and found no difficulty in making up a very good survey and
getting their pay, and have now gone to New York for another job
of surveying. No alteration has taken place in the liues since they
were examined, and if they were wrong then they certainly are wrong
now. How Mr. Hay reconciles this business I cannot very well see.
I should have been happier to have given this information earlier.''
During the fall of 1800 Mr. Ford was visited by Gouv-
erneur Morris, on a tour to see his northern lands, and
wrote : " I have done all I could to add to his accommoda-
tion, but that has been so trifling it scarce deserves a name ;
for there was no accommodation which he had not with
him. He travels in the style of an eastern prince." In
this season a fulling-mill was got in operation, and kettles
for making potash were brought on at great expense. In
the summer of 1801 Edsall was employed to survey a road
through to the Black river, which was completed in Sep-
tember. It was intended to run to the High falls, but he
found that after leaving the Ox Bow, " he came to a most
intolerably swampy and ridgy ground, growing worse and
worse as he progressed, and before he reached the falls be-
came so perfectly confident of the impracticability of a road
as well as the impossibility of settlement that he abandoned
the idea." This surveyor took a contract for continuing
the road from Louisville to the east branch of Black lake
20
(Oswegatchie), and arrangements were made for extending
it on to the Long falls (now Carthage, Jefferson county),
to intersect the road through the Black river country, then
about being laid out by Jacob Brown. At this time a
project was on foot for opening a road through to Schroon
lake, in the direction of Albany, but the roughness of the
country, as found by Edsall's survey, deterred for a time
the prosecution of this plan. The road towards Black river
was so far cleared of underbrush during the fall, that it was
resolved to attempt the journey through by sleigh as soon as
the snows permitted. Mr. Ford was strong in the faith that
before the next summer he would have a road that could
be "used by loaded wagons, and added: "I have no idea
of putting up with such a thing as they have made through
Chateaugay, which scarcely deserves the name of an apol-
ogy for a road." Late in this season the arrival of a vessel
from Oswego, with one hundred and twenty barrels of
salt, was recorded as a memorable event.
The erection of a new county was prosecuted with zeal,
and in March, 1802, was successfully accomplished. Mr.
Ford thus wrote to S. Ogden concerning the first session of
the county court :
"We had a respectable grand jury and a numerous audience, and
the business of the day was gone through with tolerable propriety.
I was much disappointed in Edsall's not being there. I, however,
brought forward my propositions respecting the court-house, and
should have gone through it tolerably well, but Turner and Tibbets,
with the assistance of a Mr. Foote, who lives in Canton, rather seemed
to think it had rather be put off. I did not think it good policy to
urge the thing, and make party at that particular time. This is of
too much importance to be omitted a moment. [Reflections upon the
personal motives of certain parties are omitted, in which the interests
of other localities for securing the county-seat are surmised.] If we
can preserve harmony in the county it will be the better way, but if
it is reduced to a certainty that we are to be opposed, I am deter-
mined to take the field, and we will try our strength. I would wish
to try all other means first. I'his letter and our determination ought
to be kept a profound secret, and let us pursue the same friendship
which they affect towards us ; if we take them upon their own ground
we may have a chance to fight them with their own weapons, but to
do this with effect, caution on our part is necessary. . . . You must
let me hear as early as possible, for the board of supervisors must
meet shortly to fix about repairing the jail, and this cannot be done
for less than £100. It will be poor policy to tax the county that sum,
in addition, for a thing that ultimately will be lost, and, at this par-
ticular time, I do not think it practicable for the county to pay it;
for wheat and flour have no market at Montreal, and the people have
nothing that will bring money. The policy of the county ought to
be the strictest economy, and make the taxes as light as possible ; for
nothing scares people like taxes, and particularly in a new country.
A man will be hardly willing to emigrate to a new country where his
little all is subject to be sold for taxes.
" There is a curious circumstance about the law which perhaps it
is not best to say anything about at present, and which I am con-
fident I am not mistaken in, and Turner stood by me when the law
passed, and he is confident of the same thing. The bill as first
reported fixed the place of the court-house here. That part was
amended, and it was left with the judges and supervisors to fix the
spot. But the bill now says, "to bo left to the future order of the
legislature." Another thing in the bill, — the time of opening the
court was on the second Tuesday of June; the bill now says the first
Tuesday." Turner and myself stood by, and our attention was neces-
sarily fixed on the bill, but we neither of us can remember any such
amendments. How they have since found their way into the bill I
do not understand. As we now must apply to the legislature to fix
the place, it makes it necessary that we should be as unanimous as
possible. If we are, and apply, there is no doubt but we can succeed.
Edsall has been from home these four weeks ; what has become of
him I do not know, — I fear some accident. I met with him at the
154
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Little Falls, and mentioned my plan to him, which he approved. I
have delayed doing anything very pointed, because he was not here.
The season thus for has been the wettest and most backward of any
known in the country. Wheat has no market at Montreal, neither
has any thing else."
In a letter to T. L. Ogden, on the subject of taxes, he
said, —
" It is of all consequence that taxes be kept out of view as much
as possible, and a tax of £100 in addition to those which must be
raised for other purposes would, when all put together, be more to
each than any man within the county ever paid in his life, let him
come from whatever part of the world he might. I need not tell you
the influence this would have upon the mind as well as pockets of all
the settlers, and also the influence it would have upon those who con-
templated emigrating to the county.
" It is too obvious to need the smallest observation ; for there can
be none but will readily believe the emigration would very soon be
from instead of into the country. Tou will most undoubtedly agree
with me in opinion, that all measures ought to be pursued which will
have a tendency to promote and encourage seltlement. This I take
to be a primary object with all those who possess lands within the
county, from which they expect to draw resource. Whilst I am upon
the subject of taxes, I cannot omit mentioning one circumstance
which applies forcibly to this country, and is one which requires ad-
dress and management in the affairs of the county to obviate its
effects, and this arises from our proximity to Canada, where the taxes
are very small, and scarce deserve a name. People will be drawing
a parallel, and when they find the taxes upon this side of the river
to be so much higher than upon the other, I fear it will be difiicult to
explain away the effects which may be produced. The taxes lastyear
were three times as high on this side of the river as they were upon
the other. T, however, explained the thing away very much in my
settlement. People, however, talked and affected not to see what could
make the difference. Our taxes now of course must be something
higher, but if things are judiciously managed, I hope taxation will
be circumscribed so as not to be oppressive. Many difficulties have
this long time presented themselves to my mind upon those subjects,
but never so forcibly as they have since my return home; and, upon
mature deliberation, I concluded to make the following proposition,
and if the county thought proper to accept the offer, I would set
about the court-house and jail, and, before this time next year, I
would have a room for the court, and also one jail-room fitted, and
the whole should be finished as soon as possible, and not repair the
barracks.
"Propoaitioii. — That every person should sign In wheat as many
bushels as they thought proper,— to be paid in jvheat, delivered at
our mill in the following manner : one-third in February, one-third
in the February following, and one-third the next February. The
house to be set upon the east side of the Oswegatchie river. Ogden
and Ford would subscribe SIOOO, take the wheat subscription upon
themselves, and go on and finish the building at once. The county
was very much disposed to take the offer, and very properly con-
cluded that they c'ould never get a house upon so good terms but
Tibbetfs, Turner, and Foote threw cold water upon it, and I did not
think proper to urge the thing. Their opposition did not extend
beyond their own settlement, and many of them thought the offer too
generous to he slighted."
In a confidential letter of August 8, 1802, the fear was
expressed that some project was on foot to extend the
county back to the height of land, in which case the court-
house would undoubtedly fall in the great purchase, or of
dividing it by a line from the rear to the river.
On the 18th of September, 1802, he wrote, concernino-
the road, —
" I have got all the worst places cross-wayed ; and to convince you I
have effected something like a road, a wagon from the Mohawk river
came through to Ogdensburg with me. I do not mean to tell you it is
at this minute a good wagon-road, but before cold weather I intend it
shall be so. I have finished the bridge over the East Branch (now
Heuvelton), and a most complete one it is; there are few so good in
any of our old counties."
This bridge was afterwards swept away.
During the season vigorous eflForts were made to collect
materials for the court-house. On the 12th of November,
1802, he wrote, concerning the settlement, —
''Emigration this year has universally been less than it has been
for several years past, and this I impute to the sudden fall of pro-
duce, in consequence of the peace. From the high price of produce
land in our old settled country was proportionate, and lands not ex-
periencing the same sudden fall are still kept up by those who meant
to sell and emigrate; but the neighbor who meant to buy does not
think he can (in consequence of the fall of produce) pay the price
he expected he could, and the consequence is the man does not
sell, and as consequently does not emigrate. But this is a thing
which will regulate itself, and emigration must soon go on with its
usual rapidity; for I cannot learn there are any less children got in
New England now than there were when wheat was three dollars
per bushel, and it is equally necessary that Yankees swarm as it is
for the bees. We are getting on with our settlement. I have got
three settlers out upon the new road, fifteen miles from this, and
several intend going. I hope to have the road a good one; I mean
to have it in my power to say it is by far the best new road I ever
saw in a new country."
The lumber trade, although often a source of loss at times,
continued to be prosecuted, and one or two rafts were sent
annually to Montreal. On the 10th of July, 1804, Mr.
Ford wrote to Ogden, concerning his raft, etc., —
" She sailed yesterday with flour, potash, pearl barley, boards and
planks, all of which I fear will go to a dull market, hut this is a fate
attending doing business. We must hope for better times, and be
the more industrious. I found our business at home in as good train
as I could expect. The difiiculty of procuring labor in this country
is unusually great. The high price of lumber last year- was such as
to induce almost everybody to drive at that business, which takes off
all the surplus labor this year. In old times, ' all the world went up
to Jerusalem to he taxed,* but in modern days all the world go to
Montreal with rafts, which, if I am not mistaken, will prove a heavier
tax to them than the old times people experienced at Jerusalem. I
have got our tanning business under way ; we shall make about two
hundred hides. I find the men I have employed in the business to
be very industrious, and hope we shall find the business to answer.
Since my arrival I have determined to set a still at work. I have em-
ployed a man who has the reputation of being clever at the distilling
business. I have sent to Albany for a still of 160 gallons, and a rec-
tifier of 50 gallons. The size of these I imagine is as profitable as
any. At all events I do not wish to dip too deep before I make the
experiment. I brought in three masons from Troy to work at the
court-house, and I hope to see the chimney above the roof to-morrow
or next day at furtherest. My intention is to hold our November
term in the house. After getting through this and the two foregoing
objects, I intend laying aside all further considerations in the build-
ing way until we find ore, except it be a house, which I intend shall
be of stone. I cannot consent to live in those old barracks much
longer, and the groundwork of this fabric I intend shall bo laid next
summer. I found a number of settlers had got on before my return.
I have sold several farms since, and ix number more are intending
to purchase, but money they have not. I can plainly perceive there
will not be a great length of time elapse before a race of people will
come along who will purchase improvements."
On the 17th of November, 1804, he wrote, —
"This season has passed away without hearing a word from you.
Why you are thus silent I do not know. I told you in my last I was
jogging away at the court-house, and now I have the pleasure to tell
you I have completed it, so as to be very comfortable and convenient.
We have also finished one of the jails. The November term was held
in the house, and the people of the country expressed much satisfac-
tion in finding themselves in the possession of so much accommoda-
tion. It has been a pretty tough job to get along with, for it has
interfered very much with our business, but I hope the effect will be
to put an end to any court house dispute in the county. I have had
the certificates regularly filed in the proper office, and it now becomes
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
155
the court-house and jail of -tho county. I told you also in my former
letter I was about setting up n distillery, and upon examining I
found it would be more trouble to convert one of the block-houses
into a distillery than it would be to build a new one. The court-house
delayed me so late in the fall that I only got at distilling a few days
since. I hope we shall find it to answer. Our tannery we shall find
to answer. The man whom I have employed I find to bo very indus-
trious and a good workman. As to settlement, that progresses, but
not with the same rapidity which some other part of the county does,
I have made a number of sales this fall, and to some who are respect-
able people j and one sale I have made (which is not fully completed,
and which, if it takes place, which I do not doubt at present) of im-
portance, for it is to a man who will pfiy half the money next spring,
and the residue in one or two years. He has been over the land and likes
it well, and also the country generally. He will purchase between 2000
and 3000 acres, and is to give $5 per acre. Should this sale take place,
there are a number of men of handsome property in Ulster county
(from whence this man comes) who will also purchase and remove
here. Although our sales are not rapid, we shall ultimately do better
than those who are pressing otF tlieir lands at the price they are, and
upon so long a credit, for the rise of lands is much more advantageous
to us than their interest will be to them. In either case no money is
received. Nothing has been done or is doing about the road, and un-
less there is a different conduct among the proprietors there will not
be by me."
The subject of tlie road to the Moliawk was never lost
sight of until accomplished, which was done by a law of
April 9, 1804, in which a lottery was created, for the pur-
pose of raising $22,000, with 10 per cent, in addition for
expenses, to construct a road from Troy to Greenwich,
Washington county, and from or near the head of the Long
falls on Black river (Carthage), in the county of Oneida,
to the mills of Nathan Ford, at Oswegatchie, in St. Law-
rence County. The latter was to be six rods wide, and
Nathan Ford, Alexander J. Turner, and Joseph Edsall
were appointed commissioners for making it. Owners of
improved lands might require payment for damages.
$12,000 of the above sum was appropriated for this road.
If any person thought proper to advance money for either
road he might pay it into the treasury, to be repaid with in-
terest out of the avails of the lottery. Vacancies in the
office of commissioners were to be filled by the governor.
They were to be paid $1.50 per day. The summer of 1805
was devoted to the location and opening of the road, and
on the 26th of October, 1805, Judge Ford wrote, —
"1 have just returned from laying out the State road between Og-
densburg and the Long falls upon Black river, and I am happy to
tell you we have great alterations (from the old road) for the better,
as well also as shortening distance. This business took me nine days,
and most of the time it was stormy, disagreeable weather. The diflB-
euUy I find in forming a plan how our lottery money can be laid out
to the best advantage makes me wish for some abler head than mine
to consult, or those with whom I am associated in the commission.
To contract by the mile is.very difficult, and to contract by the job,
comprehending the whole distance, is still worse. After consulting
and turning the business in all the ways and shapes it is capable of,
I proposed to my colleague the propriety of employing a man of
reputation, who had weight of character equal to the procuring of
thirty good hands to be paid by the month, and he to superintend
the business; the superintendent to be handsomely paid, and he to
carry on and conduct the business under the direction of the com-
missioners. This plan we have adopted, and I trust I have found a
man who is fully adequate to the task,* and we shall make our en-
gagements to begin on the 25th of May. I hope nothing will inter-
fere which will obstruct our progressing. I am sorry to say I am not
* David Seymour, of Springfield, Vt., the father of George N.
Seymour, Esq., of Ogdensburg.
wholly without my fears, although I durst not whisper such an idea.
You would be astonished to see how much pains are taken to coun-
teract this object by those who are settling lands to the east of us:
and you would be equally astonished to see the exertion there is now
making to get roads in every direction to Lake Champlain. Their
exertion is by no means fruitless, for they have worked through with
several. This I, however, fim happy to sec; notwithstanding it pro-
duces to us a temporary evil, will eventually be a thing which can-
not fail to produce to us solid advantages; because through these
avenues we shall ultimately reap as great advantages as they will.
All that can be said of the thing is they are enjoying the first fruits.
There is not now scarcely a town in the rear of us (in Macomb's
great purchase) but what is open for sale, and have agents now on
that trumpet thopc lands to be the finest in the world; and these
agents being Yankees who have connections in the eastern States,
have turned the most of emigration that way. Those lands are in-
finitely better, generally speaking, than we ever had an idea of, and
the very low price they are held at induce vast numbers to stop at
them, notwithstanding their original intentions were otherwise. But
it is a fact that nine-tenths of the first emigrants inquire for cheap
lands, and the reason for their so doing is because they expect to sell
their improvements and jog farther. Those agents cry down the front
Ifinds as a poor, sunken, and fever and ague country, and that lands
have got to their value, and a thousand other stories equally false and
ridiculous. These, together (or some one of them), have the eBfect to
divert the unwary traveler. By the dexterity of those fellows in the
east, and the Black river jockeys to the west (whose brains are
equally inventive), they really have the effect to make our settlement
interior. Were I to attempt to give you any adequate idea of the
means made use of to divert and keep back settlements upon the
river towns by these people, I should exhaust all my ingenuity and
then fall vastly short of the object, Suflice it to say that no stone is
left unturned ; but however much it may avail them for the present
its duration must be short. The patroon having stopped the sales in
Lisbon and Oanton has been of great injury to us, because it has
enabled the people I have just described to assert that the sales of
the river lands are stopped, and this has prevented many from coming
on. to view lands in our town. I'inding that every species of foul
play is practiced against us, I have thought it good policy to send a
man (who is very well qualified) to that part of Vermont from whence
the greatest emigration to this country comes, to make a true state-
ment of the countr}', and lessen the force of misrepresentation by
exposing the fraud practiced upon the credulity of those who seek a
better country. I have also authorized him, after finding out proper
influential characters, to privately assure them if they come on and
purchase, and use their influence to induce others to follow them, I
will make it a consideration which shall be to them an object. I have
also employed another, who lives beyond the mountains, near the
borders of New Hampshire, in tho same business, and my determina-
tion is t() show those fellows who have taken so much pains to prevent
our town from settling that it can be done. My time heretofore has
been so much occupied with our business, and my winters so wholly
taken up in carrying out measures with the legislature, that I have
not had it in my power to traverse the eastern States and meet those
agents there, and have an opportunity to do away their misrepresen-
tations. There arc a number of people who have been on their way
to me (as has come to my knowledge), who have been turned aside by
these fellows. Their wish was to settle upon the lands near the court-
house. When they have mentioned this they have been confidentially
told there is no court-house in the county established by authority,
and that there is no likelihood of the thing being substantially fixed
here ; but that their lands are in the centre of the county, and that
there is no doubt but it will be there. They have caught many by
this stratagem, I should not be surprised if there should be an
attempt to make a hubbub about tho court-house; but I hope I have
guarded that at all points so as to baffle their designs. Envy and
jealousy are very conspicuous concerning the court-house, and you
would be surprised to see how much pains have been taken to turn
all the eastern roads from our toAvn. This I have looked at without
its being known that I have observed it, and when they had got the
whole fixed very much to their minds, and as they supposed, so as to
keep the whole emigration interior. When the board of supervisors
set I proposed to them to appropriate a sum of money for the pur-
pose of opening a road from the East Branch bridge to the northeast
line of Canton, for the purpose of accommodating that part of the
156
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
county with a, road which would fetch them to the court-house si.x
miles nearer than any other way ; and as that interior country was
rapidly settling, I thought it the duty of the board to facilitate their
communication with the court-house as much as possible. This idea
the board fell in with, and we have appropriated between three and
four hundred dollars to that object, and in drawing the resolution I
have taken care to word it in such a way as will run the road not
only so as to make the above accommodation, but also so as to strike
their main road at a point which will exactly embrace all their other
roads, by which we shall open an avenue through that part of our
purchase in Dewitt (now apart of Russell), and give a full chance
for those who wish to settle at Ogdensburg. This stroke has dis-
turbed much of their plans, and I suppose the board will have to
suffer a little slander for appropriating public money for the public
'accommodation against their local interest. We shall have the com-
missioners out this fall, and have the road laid and recorded, and, if
possible, have it opened. After we get it recorded it will be out of
their power (under present circumstances) to get it altered, and this
is what they fear. Much pains were taken last year to have a suffi-
cient number of towns set off for the purpose of overbalancing the
board of supervisors. This they failed in. I foresee that much jar-
ring interest and local consideration will compel us to meet that dis-
sension which all new counties have experienced before us. It is a
fatality incident to human nature, and we must not expect to bo
exempt from it.
"I am happy to tell you we have got the East Branch bridge fin-
ished, and I think it is not such a one as will get away as soon as
the other did.* In my former letter I told you I had been obliged
to rebuild the lower side of our dam. The frost had so injured it
that it would not do to risk it another winter. This has been a heavy
job. This, together with the bridge, repairing the two houses in
town, and our ordinary business, has found vent for all the money I
have 'been able to muster. The want of capital obliges us to carry
on business to a great disadvantage. If we had capital sufficient to
open business upon such a scale as the situation of this place incapa-
ble of, wo could without doubt make the business support itself; but
under the present circumstances it moves feebly in comparison to
the dead capital. I hope we shall not always stand at the same
point. You doubtless recollect the letter you wrote me last fall upon
the subject of a clergyman being sent here under the direction of the
bishop. That letter I answered fully, in which I stated the feelings
and wishes of the settlers. I also mentioned to them the measures
pursuing by them to obtain a clergyman of their own persuasion. I
also stated my opinion as to the policy of attempting to urge or in
any way to direct their wishes in this matter. To that letter I would
beg leave to refer you. Finding them determined to get one of the
Presbyterian order, and their minds being fully bent upon that ob-
ject, I concluded it was proper for me not to oppose, but fall in with,
their views, and take such a lead in the business as to prevent their
getting some poor character who would probably be a harm rather
than advantage to tho settlement. Under this impression I have
united with them in giving a call to a Mr. Younglove, a gentleman
of education and abilities, and who has been the first tutor of the
college at Schenectady for three years.f His recommendations are
highly honorable. He has spent six weeks with us, but has now re-
turned to his friends in Washington county, and expects to be back
in February. I have suggested to him the idea of taking the charge
of an academy here, — an institution I make no scruple will answer
well, for there is no such thing in Canada short of Montreal. If I
can succeed in effecting this object, which at present I make no doubt
of, it will be the means of adding much reputation to this place, and
particularly so by having it under the guidance of a man who has
already established a reputation as a teacher. Our court-room will
afford good accommodations for the present. Upon his return I
shall form apian for carrying this desii able object into effect, and
advertise the thing in our papers, and also the eastern and Montreal
« The bridge at this place had been swept off in a freshet.
t The Bev. John Younglove, A.M., S.T.D., graduated at Union
college in 1801. In the following year he was appointed tutor, and
was one of the first two who held that office in that college. He had
hold that place until 1805, when he received the call as above stated.
It does not appear that he settled there, although he spent some time
here. Mr. Younglove was tho first pastor of the first Presbyterian
ohurch in Ogdensburg, in 1806.
papers. By this means full publicity will be given to the institution,
and I think it cannot fail to attach much reputation to the village of
Ogdensburg ; and when we get a little more forward, and find the
thing to succeed, we will build an academy. David and his family
left this yesterday for their new habitation in Morristown, where I
hope they will be comfortable the ensuing winter. He writes you by
the present conveyance. I have written you a number of letters
this summer, but I am sorry to tell you I have received none from
you except the one by T. L. 0. I cannot conclude without telling
you I fear the Indians will jockey about the lead mine; but if they
should, we would have the gratification to know the speculation is a
good one: the lands are settling rapidly. I am, however, not with-
out hope we shall finally attain our object. Believe me, with much
affection, your friend,
"N. Ford.
"Colonel Samuel Ogden."
To counteract the influence of traveling agents, Mr.
Ford, in the winter of 1805-6, also sent men to travel
through the districts, in which the emigrating epidemic
prevailed, and published in two of the papers in Vermont,
giving a little history of the county. Dr. J. W. SmithJ
was one of the persons employed to influence emigrants.
Of the articles he said, —
*' I shall prepare another, and forward in February. The doctor
(to whom I shew them) says they're calculated to be useful in Ver-
mont, and is surprised that something has not been done long since.
I have ever been of opinion it was as easy to write the county into
notice as it was the Genesee, and have frequently requested your sons
David and Ludlow to do it, but it seems they did not, and I am con-
scious my pen is too feeble. But I presume I have done the thing in
such a way as will do no harm if it does no good. All I can say is
that a plain simple story sometimes takes effect, provided it be so
told that no suspicion is attached to it, and I have tried to guard my
expressions so as to prevent that. There has not been any oppor-
tunity for me to hear from Vermont yet. This I however expect
daily. I very much suspect some attempt will be made at the legis-
lature for dividing the avails of the lottery, for the purpose of ex-
pending a part of it upon the Champlain road. I have written to
my friends in the legislature guarding them against it. I mentioned
to you that the board of supervisors have granted a sum of money
for making a road from the East Branch bridge to intersect that and
other roads which had bejn laid opt by those interior people for the
purpose of turning the emigration from the front towns, and that I
expected it would make a noise. They kept themselves tolerably
peaceable, hoping and expecting nothing would be done until after
the next town-meeting, when they would change the commissioners
of Canton and Lisbon. In this they have been anticipated, for we
have contracted for the making the road and building the bridge
over the natural canal, and making the crossway through the swamp,
and the hands are now at work at it. Before town-meeting we hope
to have the heaviest of it completed. They have no hope now to
prevent the thing, but gratify themselves by railing against the
supervisors for granting the money. This I disregard. Business,
as usual, will take me to Albany in tho latter part of February.
How long I shall be detained there is very uncertain. I shall from
thence pay you a visit."
Having quoted freely from the Correspondence down to
the time when it ceased to relate to the settlements, we will
resume the history of Ogdensburg. The village was sur-
veyed the second or third year of the settlement, and the
streets named at first as now, with trifling exceptions. The
first house erected and finished was the present American
hotel. The place was named from Samuel Ogden, who was
a son of David Ogden, and had several brothers. On the
occurrence of the Revolutionary War, the father and all of
the sons, except Abram (the father of David A. Ogden, an
t See Biography.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
157
owner of Madrid) and Samuel, adhered to the royal cause.
These two were disinherited by their father for their politi-
cal faith. Samuel Ogden was for many years engaged in
the iron business in New Jersey. He bore the title of
colonel, although he is believed to have held no office, and
took no part in the Revolutionary War. He married a sister
of Gouverneur Morris, and the acquaintance which resulted
from this relation led him to become concerned extensively
in the land-purchases of the western part of the State, and
in the township of Oswegatcliie and elsewhere. He lived
for a time at Trenton, N. J., and owned an estate which
afterwards was purchased by General Moreau. He subse-
quently resided in Newai'k, N. J., where he died, about
1818. David B. Ogden, whom we have had occasion to
mention as concerned in the titles, was a son of S. Ogden.
In 1802 was held the first celebration of our national
anniversary in Ogdensburg, if not in the county. It was
held at the old barracks, and Mr. John King, in the em-
ployment of Ogden & Ford, delivered the oration. In 1804
a pleasant celebration was held, at which a party of both
sexes from Canada united with the villagers in the festivi-
ties of the occasion. A dinner was prepared by Judge
Ford, as was his custom for several years, and in the even-
ing fireworks were first displayed. They were prepared on
the premises, and said to have been very fine. Many of
the Canadians, previous to the war, were accustomed to cross
to our side and join in celebrating our national anniversary,
and even the war itself, although it temporarily chocked the
intercourse along the lines by inspiring mutual fear and
suspicion, did not long separate those people who had many
interests in common. In 1813, along the lower part of St.
Lawrence County, old neighbors began to exchange visits by
night, and continued to do so more or less privately till the
peace.
There were living in the village of Ogdensburg in 1804
hut four families, viz. : Slosson, on the corner diago-
nally opposite the St. Lawrence hotel; Dr. Davis, on the/
ground now covered by E. B. Allen's residence ; George
Davis, who kept an inn at the American hotel ; and a Mr.
Chapin, in State street, near the Ripley house. There was
a store kept by Judge Ford, at the old barracks, and occa-
sionally the settlers had the opportunity of shopping on
hoard of Durham boats from Utica, in which goods were
displayed for sale.
In the summer of 1803, Mr. Washington Irving, then
a young man, came into the county with some of the pro-
prietors, and remained a short time. His name oftcurs on
several old deeds as a witness. In 1804, Mr. Louis Has-
brouck, the first county clerk, who had been on for two
years previously, removed with his family, and settled in
the village.
In November, 1804, Francis Bromigen, David Griffin,
Richard M. Lawrence, John M. Lawrence, John Lyons,
Wm. B. Wright, Seth Warren, Archibald McClaren, and
Stephen Slawson were returned as grand jurors, and Daniel
McNeill, Wm. Sharp, and John Stewart as petit jurors, in
Oswegatchie.
In 1808 the unsold portions of the village plat were pur-
chased by David Parish, who first visited the town in the
fall of that year, and measures were immediately taken to
create at this point a commercial interest that should con-
test with every other port on the river and lake for superi-
ority. In this year a bridge was built by a Mr. Aldrich,
at a cost of $1500, which was warranted to last five years,
and which stood fifteen. In 1829 and in 1847 legislative
provision was made for rebuilding the bridge. In the fall
of 1808, the firm of J. Rosseel & Co., sustained by the
capital of Mr. Parish, commenced mercantile operations,
and brought on $40,000 worth of goods, which were opened
in a temporary store until a permanent building could be
erected.
On Nov. 10, 1808, the building of two schooners was
commenced by Mr. Jonathan Brown, of New York, who,
with Selick Howe, was sent on from New York for that
purpose by Mr. Parish. Two vessels, the " Collector'' and
the " Experiment," were built during that winter and the
following summer. The first one launched was the schooner
" Experiment ;" it occurred on the 4th of July, 1809, and
formed a part of the exercises of the day. A very hand-
some celebration was got up for this occasion. An oration
was delivered by a Mr. Ogden, a lawyer from New Jersey,
at the court-house, and a dinner was prepared in a beautiful
walnut grove, on the present site of the marble row. Great
numbers of Canadians participated in the proceedings with
spirit. The yard in which the " Experiment" was built
was on the site of Amos Bacon's store. She was subse-
quently commanded by Captain Holmes, and had a burden
of 50 tons. The second vessel was the schooner " Collector,"
launched in the latter part of the summer of 1809, which
made several trips up the lake that season under Captain
Obed Mayo, and the next year she was run by Captain
Samuel Dixon. Her first arrival was Nov. 15, 1809, with
salt and dry goods from Oswego. She was owned by Ros-
seel & Co. In the following summer (1810), the third
schooner, the " Genesee Packet," was launched and rigged.
She was owned and commanded by Captain Mayo. On the
5th of July, 1810, Mr. Rosseel wrote to his patron as fol-
lows : " We have renounced the project of building boat*,
since with them we could not enter into competition with
the Kingstonians in the line of transporting produce down
the St. Lawrence, a rivalship which we are solicitous to
maintain, though we work for glory; we therefore have re-
solved to combine building arks.'' Early in the season of
1809, Mr. Rosseel proceeded to Montreal to procure from
thence laborers, where he engaged about forty Canadians to
work by the month, and bought two bateaux to take them
up to Ogdensburg, with blankets, peas for soup, etc., each
receiving a month's wages in advance for their families'
support. These bateaux were afterwards used in bringing
sand from Nettleton's point, above Prescott, for the mortar
used in building, the cement of which is remarkably hard.
The stone building at the wharf was commenced on the 7th
of May, under the direction of Daniel W. Church, and in
June, Mr. David Parish's brick house. The commercial
and mercantile enterprise of the company prospered for a
season, and the vessels belonging to the port of Ogdensburg
became the carriers on Lake Ontario, and at the breaking
out of the war it was growing more rapidly than any port
on the lake.
The approach of the war arrested the growth of the vil-
158
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
lage as well as that of the country in general, and the em-
bargo entirely stopped its commerce. These evils began to
be felt for several years previous, and Judge Ford, as early
as Aug. 18, 1807, in writing to S. Ogden, said, —
"The sound of war has palsied the sales of land in this county.
The prospect of immigration this fall to the county was vastly flat-
tering, and among the number were men of property and respecta-
bility. This unhappy affair will very materially affect our prospects
in the money line. I yet hope I shall receive a payment, which if I
do, I shall not fail to alleviate your present wants. I, however, am
apprehensive that the gentleman (who is now out) will fear to return,
for much is said of the Indians, and much pains is talcen by some
people upon the other side of the river to inspire a belief that the In-
dians will be employed by the British government, and their num-
bers are immensely magnified. This, as is natural, frightens the old
women, and the anxiety and commotion among them is astonishing.
Many are for flying immediately, whilst others are so frightened they
do not know which way to run. This constant theme of fear, origi-
nating with the women, puts the d — 1 into some of the men, and
some among them are becoming as old-womanish as the women them-
selves. These men I abuse for their cowardice, and the women's
fears I soothe, but I fear all my exertions will be in vain, for it is in-
credible what frightful stories arc going upon this subject. Should
the war-whoop continue, and curtail us in the receipt of that money
so certainly expected, it will be totally out of my power to afford
you that aid you wish. It would have been out of my power to have
given you assistance when I was in Jersey, if Mr. Lewis had not
promised me he would answer my draft upon him in October. Upon
the promise I purchased my goods upon six months' credit, and gave
you his note for what he could then- pay, together with the ready
money I had. These two, together with what money I bad to pay
upon our Dewitt purchase, made up a sum of almost $2000. By this
means I was under the necessity of going in debt, and to people who
are not in a situation to lay out of their money ; with them we have not
heretofore had dealings, and who count upon punctuality. . . . Out
of all the moneys we have due in this country, I am confident I shall
not be able to command S500. I need not urge upon you the neces-
sity of cherishing that credit and reputation which we have estab-
lished in the course of our business, neither need I give you any new
assurance how much pleasure it would afford me to have it in my
power to help you to such sums as I may be able. I really viewed
the time as having arrived when you might have calculated upon a
certainty from your estate here, and nothing but the dreadful dilemma
into which our country is now plunged could have prevented it. I
yet hope the whirlwind may pass by without material injury. . . .
What makes this war-whoop more particularly disadvantageous to us
at this time, is the event which we have so long anticipated being
upon the eve of taking place, of this becoming the place of a depot
instead of Kingston. Two of the principal merchants residing at
the head of the lake called upon me, when on their way down the
river with their produce, to know if arrangements could not be made
for receiving and forwarding their produce to market, provided they
should be able to contract with the owners of vessels, so as to make
it their interest to come to Ogdensburg instead of Kingston. I told
them I was not prepared at that moment to answer them decisively,
but if they would call upon me upon their way up, I would by that
time make an estimate, and give them an answer what I could do the
business for. Last week they called, and we found no difiiculty in
agreeing upon the price of forwarding, but they found this war busi-
ness would interfere. They, however, told me they would make it a
business to see the owners of vessels, and if this war sound should
blow over, write me immediately, that I might make the necessary
arrangements. To set this business properly in motion will take
considerable money. Therefore, much caution is to be used, that a
failure on our part should not take place. If we can but get the
thing in motion it will produce an effect that will be solid. Should
the temper and times admit of, going into this business, I shall be
under the necessity of sending to the Susquehanpa for those people
who have been in the habit of making arks and managing them.
I do not think the business of ark-building is sufficiently understood
by any person in this country to hazard anything to their manage-
ment, and as the success of this business is very much to depend
upon economy and accurate management, I think we had better go
to the expense at once of procuring men who already understand the
business, than hazard it to those who must learn from experience.
"N. Ford."
On the 18th of December, 1807, he said,—
" When I wrote you last, I told you the sound of war was like to
palsy emigration, and I am sorry to add, a continuation of the war-
whoop has completely produced that effect; and if one can jud^e
from the acts of the administration, the chances are much in favor
of war measures, though I presume Jefferson docs not calculate to
fight himself. I hope and trust there will good sense and moral
honesty yet be found in the people of America to avert the impend-
ing storm. The extreme wet season has prevented the post making
the regular tours, by which I am much in the dark how prospects in
the political hemisphere are likely to stand. . . . Should this
unpleasant bustle blow over this winter, I presume we may calculate
the ensuing summer will produce to the county many valuable settlers,
who are laying back from no other cause than to see the fate of the
present commotion. Very few sales have been made in the county
this year, and most of those which have been made were to that de-
scription of y)eopIe who may be considered as the first run, and con-
sequently are of the moneyless kind. The people in the county have
very much got over their first fright about war, and I hope, should
it come, they will have spunk enough to stand their ground, and
manfully defend their property. The d — 1 of it is, we have neither
guns nor ammunition to do with. I suppose, upon a proper repre-
sentation to Jefferson, he might be induced to send us up one of his
gun-boats ; it might as well travel our new road as plow through
the sandy corn-fields of Georgia. I think an application of this
kind, made through Stone of New Jersey, might be attended to at
least by Stone, whose capacity is not equal to distinguishing but that
such application and mode of conveyance would be perfectly proper
and consistent. I hope you will write me often, and give me a sketch
of the times. I should like to know a little beforehand how the guil-
lotine is like to work. That is u, machine much more likely to
travel than Jefferson gun-boats, and my opinion is, the Democrats
will never rcit until they erect a few of those kind of shaving-mills."
The reader is referred to the chapter on the war, for the
details of the incidents that occurred here during that
period. For many years afterwards business languished,
and the country was a long time in recovering from the
financial depression which it occasioned. A fort, to be
called Fort Oswegatchie, was begun, and after the war some
thoughts of finishing it were entertained, but the work was
never prosecuted. During the summer of 1817, Mr. Mon-
roe, the president, made a tour through the northern States,
and visited Ogdensburg. He reached Hamilton from
Plattsburg, July 31, and on the following day he was
met by a party of gentlemen from Ogdensburg, and carried
into town, preceded by a band of music ; and became the
guest of Mr. George Parish. He there received the re-
spects of the citizens, and the trustees and inhabitants,
through Louis Hasbrouck, Esq., who delivered him the
following address :
"SiH, — The trustees and inhabitants of this village welcome with
peculiar satisfaction your arrival, in health, among them, after your
long and fatiguing journey through many of our yet infant settle-
ments. In common with the nation, we have viewed with much in-
terest your important tour along our sea-board and frontier, particu-
larly confiding in your observation, wisdom, and experience for the
establishment of such points of national defense along our immediate
border as will best promote our individual prosperity and strengthen
the national security. Born and educated under a government whose
laws we venerate, enjoying a soil rich iu the bounties of Providence,
and' grateful for the invaluable blessings of liberty bequeathed' to us
by the heroes of the Kevolution, no excitement shall be wanting on
our part to maintain, defend, and transmit to posterity the benefits
we so eminently possess. Experience, however, has taught us that
individual or sectional exertionsj be they ever so ardent, unless aided
by the protecting and strong arm of government, afford but a feeble
:t^
't ' *SSi
W
0
OFFICE /iND ffESIDENCE or Dff.SOUTHWfCK, OGDENSBUfftj, N Y.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 27, 1806, in
England. He was son of George and Ann Furniss. His
father was born November, 1781, and died in 1836. His
mother, whose maiden name was Wilcock, was born Sept.
21, 1778, and died June 10, 1840. In the year 1830 he
emigrated to America, and settled ip the town of Rossie,
St. Lawrence County. He first engaged as a miller, with
George Parish, with whom he remained until about the
year 1839, when he commenced business for himself
During this time he had an interest in smelting the ore
taken from the lead mines in that town. About 1840 be
came to Ogdensburg, and leased the custom mill of the city,
which, after some four years, he purchased.
Prudent and economical in business, he became one of
the most successful and enterprising business men of his
city. Unaided pecuniarily while young, he, by judicious
management, secured a competence tljat placed him beyond
the apprehension of want. During his business career, he
was highly respected by all \fho knew him, and especially
by those who had dealings with him. He was a man of
correct habits, his character and reputation being above
reproach. He was strictly honest ai)d exact in all his
dealings.
Mr. Furniss never was very active ip politics, but during
the late rebellion was an ardent supporter of the adminis-
tration. He first cast his infiuence with tbe Whig party,
and upon the formation of the Republican party espoused
its principles and adopted its platform- Held in high
esteem by his fellow-men, he was elected to several impor-
tant offices in his city, — was alderman in 1851-53-54. He
was never SQljcjJ;ofls of public hopofs of tljis kinc}, and never
shrank from bearing his share of the public burdens for
the preservation of peace and good society. Liberal in his
views, he was ready to enlist in any good enterprise which
would build up and improve the city of his adoption,
establish society upon a religious basis, and educate the
rising generation.
In the year 1834 (Sept. 15), he married Mrs. Mary A.
Knott, of English birth, who only lived until July 20,
1840. Her daughter, Lucy A., married Mr. T. D. Servis,
of Lacrosse, Wis. ; for his second wife, Sept. 3, 1846, he
married Miss Clarissa, daughter of Henry Lum and Belinda
Ranney. Her father was a native of Morristown, N. J.,
and settled in Ogdensburg in 1810. Henry Lum was a
lineal descendent of the fifth generation from Samuel Lum,
who was born June 13, 1619, in England, and was one of
the early settlers of the New England States ; one of his
sons settling in Connecticut, a second on Long Island, and
a third in New Jersey.
By his second wife he had three children, — William E.,
Fannie, and Clara. Fannie died while young. William
E. married Miss Fannie, daughter of the late Daniel
Judson, of Ogdensburg ; resides in his native city, has
succeeded his father in the milling business, and is one of
the enterprising business men of his county. Clara married
Mr. D. V. Williams, of Joliet, 111,, and resides in Chicago.
William Furniss was a member of the Episcopal church
of Ogdensburg for many years previous to his death (which
occurred July 2, 1872), and for several years served as ves-
tryman. Early in life he identified himself with church
interests, of which he was a liberal supporter. Both of his
wives were members of the same church.
ASHBEL SYKES.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg,
ELIZABETH SYKES.
ELIZABETH STKES.
The subject of this sketch was born in Morristown, N. J., Deo. 7,
1796. She was the daughter of John and Martha Lyon, who were
both natives of the same State as herself. The former was born
Aug. 26, 1753 ; the latter, Aug. 16, 1759. John Lyon was first mar-
ried to Miss Rachel Keves, March 26, 1775, by whom ho had three
children : Hannah, Mary, and Rachel. Upon the death of his wife
(1780) he married Miss Martha Babbit, July 9, 1781, by whom he
had seven children ; Lewis, Aaron, Sarah, John, Stephen, Harvey,
and Elizabeth (the subject of this memoir),
John Lyon and his family of wife and eight children came from
New Jersey and settled in the locality of Ogdensburg in 1796, at
first taking quarters in an old Prench garrison, the present site
being on the south side of the Oswegatchie river. They came with
Judge Nathan Ford, who was sent as land agent for Mr. Ogden,
owner of the land where the city now is. Judge Ford also moved
into one of the French garrisons, and some years after erected for a
residence the house now used as a nunnery. At the time the Lyons
family came to this locality no railroads or steamboats were known.
They were six weeks on their journey, traveling mostly by means of
rowboats. Upon reaching the settlement then known by the Indian
name of Oswegatchie, they found three Indian chiefs (white men)
who claimed to hold the land, together with many bands of native
Indians, and, with these exceptions, there were no white people.
Through the shrewdness and careful management of Judge Ford,
the title to land claimed by the chiefs was soon abandoned, and the
Ogden title firmly established. The Lyons family lived here, endur-
ing all the privations and hardships coincident not only with a
pioneer life, but a life among the Indians, for some years before any
more white settlers came; and, as an example of the want of modern
conveniences, it may be stated that the nearest grist-mill was seventy
miles down the river St. Lawrence, where they went in canoes with
their corn to be ground, or at times taking the alternative to pound
it in a hollow stump. About eight weeks after the arrival of the
family the wife and mother died — in 1796 — at the ago of thirty-
seven, leaving a large family of children in »■ new home in the
wilderness to mourn her loss, — her dying words being that she com-
mitted the care of her children to God.
John Lyon, in the year 1815, married his third wife. Miss Mary
Smith, a native of Connecticut, who was born in 1777, and died some
fifteen years after her husband. He lived upon the spot where he
first settled, cleared ofi' the forest, made the land tillable, followed the
occupation of a farmer, and died Feb. 3, 18.34.
At the time of the writing of this sketch all of the children are
dead except the two youngest; Harvey, living near the place of his
father's first settlement ; and Elizabeth, whose portrait is found above
this notice, by the side of her husband's, is now living in the city of
Ogdensburg, where she has resided for the last sixty-one years, and
in the town and city for eighty-one years. She was only three years
of age when her father settled here, and now, in her eighty-fourth
year, has lived to watch the various changes from the wilderness to
the present beautiful city of wealth, from the rude log cabin to the
palatial residences of modern times ; to see schools, churches, and
society established; and it may be said here that she is supposed to
have lived longer in the county than any other person at the present
time.
At the age of twenty-two, and in the year 1815, she married Ezra
Fitch, of Cooperstown, N. Y. To them were born three children:
Elizabeth, Elias, and Ezra; the last two dying in infancy, the
daughter living to be twenty-one years of age. Mr. Fitch died in
the year 1822. In the year 1839 she married Ashbel Sykes, a native
of Suffolk, Conn., but at the time of his marriage, of Lisbon, this
county. Ho was born Oct. 16, 1777, and died April 27, 1868.
Since the death of her second husband Mrs. Sykes has lived alone,
doing her housework most of the time. At the age of twenty-six
she united with the Presbyterian church of this city, and from that
time has been an active member of that body until age debarred her
from such duties. Charitable to all, a friend to the destitute, possess-
ing that urbanity of manner and good common sense oharactenstio
of the pioneer women of the country, she still retains her activity of
both mind and body to a remarkable degree. Beyond the competence
necessary for her support to the end of her life, she has arranged for
her entire property to be distributed at her death among various
religious institutions, remembering especially the one most dear,
own church. She has been for many years manager of the mission-
ary work in her own church, and contributed liberally for its sup-
port. Few persons are spared to live through so many yeifs "
usefulness as Mrs. Sykes, and few who are spared leave so laudable
a record.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW .YORK.
159
defense agaiost a powerful foe. Placed on a frontier contiguous to a
warlike and powerful nation, enjoying the advantage of an extensive
and increasing navigation, it is peculiarly important that our local
situation should be well understood. At the commencement of the
late war the attention of government was in the first instance natur-
ally drawn to the defense of that extensive line of sea-coast, on which
the immense maritime force of the enemy could be more eflfectuaDy
exerted, and consequently the more remote and interior defenses did
not perhaps receive the protection which their importance warranted.
"But commencing your administration in a time of profound
peace, enjoying the confidence of the nation, and presiding over a
government proud of its honor, tenacious of its rights, and possess-
ing the requisite resources, we flatter ourselves, should any collision
hereafter take place (which we pray heaven to avert), your penetra-
tion and judgment, aided by your local observations, will have pointed
out a.nd perfected such a line of defenses as will insure our personal
safety, and redound to the honor and prosperity of the nation. That
you may establish these desirable objects, progress in your important
tour in safety, and return happily to the bosom of your domestic
circle, is, sir, the fervent prayer of your obedient servants.*'
His excellency made a verbal reply to the following eifect :
" He thanked the citizens of Ogdensburg for their attention, and
Tery polite reception ; he received them as marks of respect to the
first magistrate of the nation, not by any means arrogating them to
himself as an individual. It gg^ve him great pleasure, because it
evinced an attachment of the people to that form of government
which they themselves had established. He was satisfied they held
its value in just estimation, and were sincerely devoted to its preser-
vation, and in administering it he would support its principles, and,
to his best ability, promote the interests of the country. As the ad-
dress correctly stated, his journey was connected with objects of na-
tional defense, and was undertaken for the purpose of acquiring such
information as would better enable him to discharge the duties of his
oflBce; that large sums of money had been appropriated by the gov-
ernment, the judicious application of which depended much on the
executive. He perfectly agreed that the time of peace was the best
time to prepare for defense, but had much pleasure in stating that
the best understanding prevailed between our government and that
of Great Britain, and was persuaded he had every reason to look for
a permanent peace. He said that the importance of the situation
along the St. Lawrence had not escaped his observation, and during
his progress in this country he was much gratified to find it fertile
and abundant, and inhabited by enterprising, industrious, and he
believed a virtuous people.*'
In the evening the president was joined by Major-
Greneral Brown, of the United States army, and his whole
suite, accompanied by whom he repaired to Morristown,
and lodged with the honorable Judge Ford.
On Saturday, the 2d, he viewed Mr. Parish's extensive
and very valuable iron-works at Rossie, considered to be an
establishment of great public importance and usefulness to
the surrounding country. From Rossie he proceeded to
Antwerp, where he was met by Mr. Le Ray and others,
and conducted to Le Rayville, where he spent the night.*
PROMINENT EARLY FAMILIES.
In the early years of the present century, when the
region now occupied by St. Lawrence County first began to
attract the attention of settlers and capitalists, it was be-
lieved that a great. system of roads and canals would bring
it into close connection with the sea-board, and extravagant
anticipations were indulged that it would rapidly become
one of the best-peopled and most desirable countries in the
United States for agricultural, manufacturing, and com-
mercial purposes, and as a residence locality, especially
along the magnificent St. Lawrence river. Prominent and
* Narrative of a Tour of Observation, by James Monroe.
wealthy men from New England, New York, and New
Jersey entered heavily into land speculation, and many
aristocratic families settled in and around Ogdensburg,
which they fondly believed, from its remarkable situation
at the foot of lake navigation and its proximity to the
mines, water-power, and forest region of the State, would
speedily become the great emporium of trade and com-
merce of the upper St. Lawrence valley. Among the
prominent families who settled in the vicinity of Ogdens-
burg were the Parishes, Ogdens, Fords, Van Heuvels, Van
Rensselaers, and others. These were all Whigs, and,
having abundant means, they proceeded to clear the forests
away and make improvements and erect substantial dwell-
ings and outbuildings, which compared favorably with a
similar class in Virginia and along the valleys of the Hud-
son, Mohawk, and Connecticut rivers. Of this description
were the mansions on the estate subsequently owned by
Hon. Henry Van Rensselaer, now belonging to the Averills,
and where a vast sum of money was expended in building
immense stone fences, laying out broad and beautiful
grounds, and in erecting buildings that would be no dis-
credit to the great manors of England. The Parish man-
sion, erected about 1809-10. This was a great establishment
in its day. Its last occupant, Mr. George Parish, aban-
doned it about 1869, and is now living in Seftenburg,
Bohemia, a province of the Austrian empire, where he
has large estates and holds a baron's title.
Soon after the American Revolution the prominent
loyalist refugees were granted lands along the St. Lawrence
by the British government for those which had been con-
fiscated by the United States government, and nearly the
whole line of the St. Lawrence, from Cornwall to the Bay
of QuintiS, was settled by them. After a time these fami-
lies, who were of the better class, assimilated with those on
the American side, and thus a sort of landed aristocracy
flourished for many years.
VILLAGE OF OGDENSBURG.
INCORPOEATION.
The village of Ogdensburg was incorporated by an act
passed by the legislature, April 15, 1817, of which act the
following is
"Section I. — Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York,
represented in the Senate and Assembly, That the district of county
contained in the following bounds, to wit: Beginning at a black-
oak-tree standing on the eastwardly bank of the Oswegatchie river,
being the northwestwardly corner of a lot of land now owned by
William Wells, and running thence north sixty-one degrees and ten
minutes east, one hundred and eleven chains and thirty links to the
southwestwardly corner of a lot of land now owned by Timothy
Burr; thence along his bounds north twenty-four degrees and thirty
minutes west, sixty-five chains and eighty-one links to a cedar post
on the margin of the river St. Lawrence; thence continuing the same
course into said river to the bounds of the county of St. Lawrence;
thence along the said bounds westwardly to a point opposite the
middle of the Oswegatchie river; thence along the middle of the
Oswegatchie river to a point opposite the place of beginning ; and
thence to the place of beginning. And all the freemen of this State,
inhabitants within the limits aforesaid, be, and they hereby are
ordained, constituted, dnd declared to be from time to time and for-
ever hereafter a body politic and corporate in fact and in name by
the name of the trustees of the village of Ogdensburg, and by that
160
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
name they and their successors forever shall and may have perpetual
succession, and be persons in law capable of suing and being sued and
of defending in all courts and places whatsoever in all manner of
actions whatsoever, and that they and their successors may have a
common seal and may change and alter the same at pleasure, and
shall be in law capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying any
lands or tenements within the limits aforesaid to and for the common
use and benefit of the inhabitants of the said village."
OFFICERS.
The first election for village officers was held May 12,
1817, at which the following persons were chosen : Presi-
dent, Louis Hasbrouck ; Trustees, Joseph W. Smith,
Charles Hill, John Scott. The board held a meeting May
17, 1817, and appointed Joseph W. Smith, treasurer ; Syl-
vester Gilbert, clerk ; and Louis Hasbrouck and J. W.
Smith a committee to draft a code of by-laws. The latter
were read and adopted on the 26th of the same month.
The list of officers for the village of Ogdensburg, from
1818 to 1867 inclusive, embraces the following;
1818. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Palmer Cleveland,
Charles D. Raymond, JoEn Tibbits ; James Averell (3dJ,
clerk.
1818. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Charles D. Ray-
mond, Erastus Vilas, Joseph York; David R. Strachan,
clerk.
1820. — James Averell (3d), president; Levi Gilbert,
Wolcott Hubbell, Amos B.acon ; George N, Seymour,
clerk.
1821. — Walcott Hubbell, president; David C. Judson,
Amos Bacon, Bishop Perkins; Geo. N. Seymour, clerk,
1822. — Brinsley Hunton, president; Abel Heminway,
Harvey Church, John Eaton ; Bishop Perkins, clerk.
1823. — Louis Hasbrouck, president ; Joseph Rosseel,
Charles D. Raymond, Ira Shead ; David C. Judson, clerk.
At the annual election the following were appointed to
revise the charter: Louis Hasbrouck, Anthony C. Brown
David C. Judson, Bishop Perkins, James Averell (3d). A
petition was sent to the legislature for a revision of the act
incorporating the village, and a new act was passed April
9, 1824, and the next village board elected under the new
charter.
1824. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Joseph Rosseel,
Charles D. Raymond, Ira Shead ; David C. Judson, clerk.
1825. — Joseph Rosseel, president ; William Bacon, An-
thony C. Brown, David C. Judson ; Baron S. Doty, clerk.
1826.— George Guest, president; Richard Freeman, Da-
vid C. Judson, Baron S. Doty, Charles D. Raymond ; Ed-
mund A. Graham appointed clerk by board.
1827. — Anthony C. Brown, president; Henry Lum,
William Bacon, William A. Campfield, James G. Hopkins ;
E. A. Graham appointed clerk.
1828.— Charles Hill, president ; Joseph Rosseel, Erastus
Vilas, Charles D. Raymond, Joseph W. Smith ; Edmund
A. Graham appointed clerk.
1829.— Charles Hill, president; Baron S. Doty, Elijah
B. Allen, Peter C. Oakley, John Elliott ; E. A. Graham,
clerk.
1830.— Charles Hill, president; David C. Judson, Pres-
ton King, John Elliott, Harvey Thomas ; E. A. Graham,
clerk.
1831. — Charles Hill, president; John Elliott, Harry
Odell, David C. Judson, Royal VUas ; E. A. Graham,
clerk.
1832. — James G. Hopkins, president; Charles Hill, Lin-
coln Morris, Jacob Arnold, William B. Spelman. Board
of Health.- — B. Perkins, S. Gilbert, L. Hasbrouck, Charles
Hill, D. C. Judson, M. S. Daniels, E. B. Allen, J. W.
Smith.
1833. — James G. Hopkins, president ; Royal Vilas, Lin-
coln Morris, Egbert N. Fairchild, Preston King; E. A.
Graham, clerk.
1834. — James G. Hopkins, president; Joseph Rosseel,
Egbert N. Fairchild, John Clark, Preston King; E. A.
Graham, clerk.
1835. — Sylvester Gilbert, president; David C. Judson,
George W. Shepard, Moses S. Piatt, Michael S. Daniels ;
George Guest, clerk.
1836.— Sylvester Gilbert, president ; M. S. Piatt, M. S.
Daniels, Wm. H. Marshall, James W. Lytle ; Charles G.
Myers, clerk.
1837. — Erastus Vilas, president ; John J. Gilbert, Amos
Bacon, Henry D. Laughlin, William Melhinch, John J.
Gilbert ; Anthony C. Brown, clerk.
1838.— Charles Hill, president; John Clark, H. D.
Laughlin, Amos Bacon, Socrates N. Sherman ; A. C. Brown,
clerk.
1839. — Amos Bacon, president ; Collins A. Bumham,
Edwin Clark, Wm. E. Guest, AUeti Chaney; Wm. C.
Brown, clerk.
1840. — George W. Shepard, president ; Allen Chaney,
Joshua L. Warner, Wm. H. Marshall, John Barber ; W.
C. Brown, clerk.
1841. — David Crichton, president; Wm. H. Marshall,
William Bacon, Thomas Bacon, David Burdett; W. C.
Brown, clerk.
1842. — David Crichton, president ; James G. Wilson,
Charles Shepard, Thomas Birkby, Nathan S. Pitkin ; Ste-
phen B. Seely, clerk.
Map of the village, by W. B. Gilbert, adopted and placed
on file in the county clerk's office.
1843. — Amos Bacon, president ; Elijah White, Joseph
Hutchinson, Jr., George M. Foster, Edwin Clark ;.S. B.
Seely, clerk.
1844. — James G. Hopkins, president; Henry T.Bacon,
Alden Vilas, William Jones, Amaziah B. James; William
B. Hickok, clerk.
1845. — James G. Hopkins, president; Amaziah B.
James, Alden Vilas, William Jones, Henry T. Bacon ; A.
B. James, clerk.
1846. — Amaziah B. James, president ; Harvey Thomas,
Jeremiah Baldwin, Amasa W. WooUey, George D. V.
Seymour; William B. Hickok, clerk; George Morris,
clerk, on resignation of W. B. Hickok.
1847. — Cornelius Stillman, president ; David C. Judson,
James G. Averell, George N. Seymour, Royal Vilas ; Geo.
Morris, clerk.
1848. — Egbert N. Fairchild, president ; James G. Hop-
kins, Charles Shepard, William E. Guest, William Jones;
Stillman Foote, clerk.
1849. — Stillman Foote, president; David Crichton,
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
161
Albert Chismore, Benj. Whitney, Elijah White; Albert
Tyler, clerk.
1850. — William Bacon, president; David Crichton,
Amasa W. Woolley, Nehemiah Whitney, S. Gilbert; Louis
Hasbrouck, cleik.
1851 (Four months). — William Jones, president; Egbert
N. Fairohild, Jeremiah Baldwin, Amaziah B. James, Collins
A. Burnham ; George Morris, clerk. Mr. Burnham de-
clined to serve. John P. Rossell was elected in his place.
William Jones resigned, and E. N. Fairchild was elected
president.
A new charter was granted by the legislature, June 20,
1851, and an election held on the fourth Tuesday of July
following. This charter gave greater privileges, and under
it the bounds of the village were extended, and the corpo-
ration divided into three wards.
1851 (New charter). — WilUiam C. Brown, president ;
Edwin Clark, Elijab B. Allen, Henry S. Humphrey, for
1st ward ; Allen Chaney, Henry Rockwell, William Furness,
for 2d ward ; Nathan S. Pitkin, Albert Tyler, Luke Bald-
win, for 3d ward ; George Morris, clerk.
1852. — William C. Brown, president; John Austin,
David Field, John F. Rosseel, Ralzaman Haskell, William
C. Alden, Daniel D. T. Carr, Nathaniel Taggert, Nathaniel
Lewis, Luke Baldwin ; George Morris, clerk.
1853. — John P. Rosseel, president ; George D. V. Sey-
mour, Jacob H. Guest, David M. Chapin, William Purness,
Alouzo E. Alden, Allen Chaney, Philander Robbins, Wil-
liam Jones, Ira Wheelock ; Joseph McNaugbton, clerk.
1854. — J. F. Rosseel, president ; John Barber, Smith
Stilwell, Jr., George M. Poster, Ozro S. Cummings, P. M.
Burt, William Purness, Norman Sackrider, William Jones,
George P. Ryon ; Gaylord P. Chapin, clerk.
1855. — Thomas Bacon, president; E. N. Pairchild, S.
Gilbert, W. C. Brown, Eli.sha Sanderson, Franklin N. Burt,
Patrick V. Lankton, Cyrus Vilas, William H. Young, J.
A. Stevens; Edwin M. Holbrook, clerk.
1856. — Sylvester Gilbert, president ; Walter B. Allen,
Herman P. Millard, Royal Vilas, Franklin N. Burt, James
D. Raymond, Erastus Vilas (2d), P. V. Lankton, John
Allendorph, Roswell S. Ryon ; Edwin M. Holbrook,
clerk.
1857.— S. Gilbert, president ; W. B. Allen, H. P. Mil-
lard, E. N. Merriam, F. N. Burt, J. D. Raymond, A. Chaney,
P. V. Lankton, J. Allendorph, A. Chismore; E. M. Hol-
brook, clerk.
1858. — Seth G. Pope, president; George Morris, Charles
P. Egert, George Parker, John G. McDonald, Ozro S. Cum-
mings, James L. Ives, Alric M. Herriman, Luke Baldwin,
Joseph Thompson ; N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1859.— S. G. Pope, president; G. Morris, C. P. Egert,
Jacob Henry Guest, Benjamin L. Jones, W. C. Alden, D.
D. T. Carr, A. M. Herriman, Louis D. Hoard, Joseph
Thompson ; N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1860 A. M. Herriman, president; W. C. Brown, J.
H. Guest, George Witherhead, B. L. Jones, W. C. Alden,
C. S. Burt, Carlos Slocum, George Newmeyer, J. Thompson ;
N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1861. — A. M. Herriman, president; W. C. Brown, G.
Witherhead, J. H. Guest, B. L. Jones, Wm. C. Alden,
21
Patrick Golden, Carlos Slocum, Josepb Thompson, George
Newmeyer ; H. G. Thomas, clerk.
1862. — David C. Judson, president; George Parker,
Thomas Bacon, Ela N. Merriam, Amos S. Partridge, P,
Golden, Hiram Chatterton, J. Thompson, Henry W. Fer-
guson, A. M. Herriman ; William Wheeler and John
Magone, clerks.
1863. — David C. Judson, president ; B. M. Holbrook,
John W. Hastings, James M. Chamberlain, J. L. Ives,
Thomas Mullin, Harvey L. Jones, J. H. Morgan, J.
Thompson, William Armstrong ; William B. W. O'Brian
and William N. Oswell, clerks.
1864. — Charles G. Myers, president; Calvin W. Gibbs,
Nathaniel H. Lytle, Charles I. Baldwin, Harrison C. Pear-
sons, Harvey L. Jones, Walter B. Allen, Henry F. Church,
Carlos Slocum, Reuben M. Barnes; T. H. Brosnan, clerk.
1865. — Calvin W. Gibbs, president; J. H. Guest, Na-
thaniel H. Lytle, George D. Seymour, Erastus Vilas (2d),
P. H. Delaney, Francis N. Burt, D. W. C. Brown, George
R. Bell, James H. Morgan ; T.,H. Brosnan, clerk.
1866.— De Witt C. Brown, president; J. H. Guest, N.
H. Lytle, H. T. Bacon, P. H. Delaney, Erastus Vilas (2d),
P. Golden, G. R. Bell, William L. Proctor, Allen B. Phillips ;
R. E. Gordon, clerk.
1867.— De Witt C. Brown, president; Nathaniel H.
Lytle, Arthur Callaghan, Charles I. Baldwin, James A.
Mack, Galen W. Pearson, Merchant J. Ives, William L.
Proctor, William Armstrong, William H. Young ; Chipman
S. Mastin, clerk.
TOWN-CLOCK.
In November, 1841, a clock was purchased of Andrew
Meneely, of West Troy, and placed in the tower of the Pres-
byterian church. Its cost, including freight, expense of
setting up, etc., was nearly seven hundred dollars. Some
trouble was experienced with it on account of a bad ar-
rangement of the weights, and, by permission of the trus-
tees of the church, the weights were altered so as to reach
the basement .'^tory. At a recent date new faces have been
placed on the clock, from the necessity arising therefor at
the reconstruction of the spire of the church. When the
old church was removed the clock was carefully taken down,
and now occupies a position in the spire of the substantial
church built on the site of the old one. Messrs. Bell Bros.,
jewelers, of Ogdensburg, have had charge of the clock since
it was first set up in 1841.
TOWN-HOUSE.
An act was passed by the legislature, April 2, 1858, em-
powering the supervisors of St. Lawrence County to assess
on the town of Oswegatohic a tax of $5000, besides col-
lector's fees, for the year 1858, the balance to be raised in
1859, and not to exceed $10,000 altogether, for the purpose
of erecting a building for the joint use of the town of Os-
wegatchie and the village of Ogdensburg. Also empower-
ing said town to issue bonds to the amount of $5000 in
1858, the balance to be raised as the commissioners re-
quired it. Smith Stilwell, John Pickens, and Alden Vilas
were appointed commissioners to superintend the work, and
placed under bonds of $10,000 for the faithful performance
162
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOUK.
of their duty. The building was to contain, by the pro-
visions of the act, " a room for the public meetings of the
inhabitants of said town and village ; a room for the meet-
ing and deliberation of the trustees of said village, and of
the board of education ; a police-court room ; such number
of lock-ups, or prison-rooms, as they shall deem necessary,
together with rooms for a keeper and his family ; with such
other rooms and appurtenant buildings as are necessary or
proper for said purposes." It was provided that none of
this money should be used until the village had first secured
a lot on which to build, and accordingly the present location
was chosen, on the corner of Franklin and Washington
streets, and the lot purchased of George Parish, Esq., in
exchange for engine-house lot. No. 3. The plan of the
building by the commissioners was adopted by the village
board in June, 1858, and work was at once commenced.
The edifice, now standing, is a large brick building, two
stories and a basement in height, and cost, besides furnish-
ing, painting, etc., $8778.42. The furniture and other ex-
penses aggregated about $1000 additional. The hall on
the second floor is commodious and well lighted (as are all
the rooms in the building),. and is used both for judicial
and social purposes. The structure was completed in Jan-
uary, 1859.
VILLAGE MARKET-HOUSE.
This building was erected in 1838, on a lot leased from
George Parish, Esq., and bounded by Water, Washington,
and Catharine streets. It was 80 by 24 feet in dimensions,
containing eleven stalls 12 by 6 feet. A code of by-laws
regTilating the market was passed September 29, 1838, and
at a sale of stalls at auction, on the 6th of October following,
they were all bid in.
On Blay 27, 1824, the name of Eupliamia was changed
to State, and of Gertrude to Franklin streets.
St. Lawrence County in general, and that portion border-
ing on the river in particular, partook of the general alarm
that spread like an epidemic through the country on the
approach of the Asiatic cholera in 1832. The village of
Ogdensburg suffered considerably from this pestilence, and
strict sanitary regulations were adopted in this and other
frontier towns, in pursuance of the recommendations of the
legislature in an act passed at a special session convened for
the occasion. Quarantine grounds were established, at first
at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, and afterwards at Mile
Point, the site of the present depot, where crafts from
Canada were to be detained fifteen days. The followinn-
facts are mostly derived from an address delivered before
the St. Lawrence medical society, by their president. Dr. S.
N. Sherman, who had witnessed the progress of the pesti-
lence at that place, and was a believer in its non-contagious
character :
"In June, 1832, the disease appeared in America, the first case
having occurred in Quebec on the Sth of that month. On the 14th it
appeared at Montreal, and on the 17th at Ogdensburg, though not in
its severest grade. On the 21st of June the first fatll oase°ooeurrcd
at that place. During the period from the Sth to the 2l3t of June it
was computed that from one hundred to one hundred and fifty citi-
zens of Ogdensburg and vicinity were in the cities of Montreal and
Quebec, or occupied on boats and rafts, in the passage to or from
thence. Some, it is true, on their passage down, ]aid up their boats
and returned j but of all that number engaged in navigating the St.
Lawrence, not one, so far as was known, died of the cholera, or was
attacked by it. The case that occurred on the 21st of June was that
of a Frenchman, of dissi])ated habits and broken-down constitution.
He assured those around hiiu, on his death-bed, that he bad not
crossed the St. Lawrence in a fortnight, and could not therefore have
caught the disease by ordinary contagion. The second fatal case was
that of a child fot\r years of age, at least half a mile from the resi-
dence of the former. The third ease was also that of a Frenchman,
living in a quarter remote from the others, and who had not been out
of the village for weeks. The fourth case occurred near one of the
wharves, and the subject of it had not left the village, but subse-
quently an aged couple, with whom he boarded, sickened and died of
the disease. The fifth case occurred a mile from the village, on the
Heuvelton road, the subject of which had been in no other house, and
not a stone's throw from her own, for the last fortnight.
" Cases followed in quick succession : first here, to-morrow at a
point half a mile distant, and next day in a quarter equally remote,
and under circumstances that strongly tended to prove th'e non-con-
tagious character of the disease. Precise data of the mortality of the
cholera at Ogdensburg are not preserved, as none of the physicians
kept a journal of the cases, and the records of the board of health are
lost. The number of cases reported was about 160, and of death, 49.
In 1834 the numbers attacked were not more than ten, of whom seven
died. It is but just, however, to remark, that the mortality in pro-
portion to the number of cases in the above estimates is too large, as
no cases were counted in which the third stage or state of collapse
had not made more or less progress. In 1832, by common consent,
the physicians reported no case as cholera unless, among other symp-
toms, the rice-water discbarges, vomiting, violent cramping of the
muscles of the limbs or trunk, or both, the broken or cholera voice,
and more or less blueness of the skin occurred. Had all the cases
been reported in which the disease was checked in the earlier stages,
the number would have been increased to hundreds. This custom
was adopted in Philadelphia and other cities, and the less rate of
mortality which they exhibit is thus explained. In the city of Paris
there were treated in a given time, 10,274 cases, of whom 1453 died.
In New York, of 5814 cases, 2935, or about 52 per cent., were fatal.
In Quebec there had died of cholera, up to Sept. 1, 1832, 2218, and
the city probably did not number over 28,000 inhabitants, which
gives a mortality of eight per cent, of the whole population. In Phila-
delphia there died 754 out of 2500 cases. In Montreal the mortality
of the disease was greater than in any American city except Quebec.
No reports were made of it in 1834, from its having been deemed the
wiser policy to excite as little as possible the attention of the public
mind to the subject, and thus avoid the general state of consterna-
tion aud alarm which are well known to operate so powerfully in
producing fatal results in numerous cases, and which is thought to
have increased the mortality of the disease in 1832."
The state of alarm which pervaded the frontier on the ap-
proach of the cholera, and the stringent quarantine regula-
tions which were imposed upon all persons coming from the
provinces into the States, checked for a season all business
and communication on the St. Lawrence, and increased the
alarm which was felt in relation to the disease. Intercourse
was not established along the river for several weeks, and the
public mind but slowly recovered from the panic which
the pestilence had occasioned. The following memoranda
from the records of the board of supervisors show the
expenses which were incurred in the several towns in the
organization of boards of health and the establishment of
sanitary regulations :
" Brasher, $8.50 ; Canton, $120 ; Do Kalb, $6.60 ; Edwards, $5 ;
Fowler, ^'6; Gouverneur, $9 ; Hammond, $18.25; Depeau,$5i Hop-
kinton, $5; Lawrence, .fo ; Lisbon, $10; Louisville, $9.87 ; Madrid,
$87.87; Massena, $13; Morristown, $164.37; Norfolk, $6; Oswe-
gatchie, $24.63 (Ogdensburg, $780.33); Pierrepont, $4.25; Pots-
dam, $24.48; Stockholm, $7 ; Total, $1351.46."
Tiie only serious visitation of the Asiatic cholera since
1832 was again in 1854, when it was very severe. It was
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
163
introduced by immigrants from Europe ou board of vessels
passing up the St. Lawrence river, and there was a large
number of cases in Ogdensburg. Dr. Robert Morris, who
was health officer of tlie village in that year, states, iu an
article for publication, that there were 105 deaths in the
village, mostly among the railroad laborers and others of a
similar class. The mortality was fully equal to fifty per
cent, of those attacked.
The completion of the Oswego canal was the first public
work that conferred a benefit upon Ogdensburg, or St. Law-
rence County, as they thus first gained a direct avenue to
market. The Erie canal hindered the growtli of this por-
tion of the State, more than it promoted it, by opening
new, cheap, and fertile land to the settler, the produce from
which could be sent to market at less expense than that
from this county, and thus great numbers were induced to
emigrate. In the great era of speculation and high prices
in 1836, in connection with the extraordinary mineral re-
sources then being developed, a new impulse was given, and
measures were adopted to improve the hydraulic power of
the place by the purchase of the water-privilege and erec-
tion of mills.
This right had passed from Ford to Thomas Denny, and
was bought by Smith Stilwell, in 1836, for $30,OUU, and
has since been sold to individuals who are bound by certain
regulations to sustain the expenses which their maintenance
may require. A canal is extended down to below the bridge,
and, with the exception of a few weeks in summer, aflFords an
ample supply for the extensive mills and manufactories upon
it. The dam built by Judge Ford, in 1796, has, with some
repairs, lasted till the present time, and is still good.
A most destructive fire occurred at Ogdensburg on the
night between the 16th and 17th of April, 1839, by which
nearly half the business portion of the village was laid in
ashes. The loss was estimated at but little less than $100,000.
The irritation that then existed ou the frontiers led to the
suspicion that it was the work of an incendiary.*
This fire consumed the premises on the southwest corner
of State and Ford streets, including the post-office. Re-
publican printing-office, and a large number of stores and
shops.
On the morning of the 1st of September, 1852, another
fire consumed a large amount of property on Ford and Isa-
bella streets, extending from the store of G. N. Seymour
nearly to Washington street, and shortly after two other
destructive fires burned a large amount of property on Ford
street, including the office of the St. Lawrence Republican
and the entire premises belonging to the Hasbrouck estate.
As an emporium of commerce, and the natural limit of
navigation by sail-vessels, the port of Ogdensburg enjoys
advantages incomparably superior to those of any port on
the river, and this feature of the location presented itself to
the minds of the French in their selection of a site for a
mission, the English in their retention of it as a fur station,
and the' early purchasers under the State as a point for the
establishment of a commercial interest and the nucleus of
a new settlement.
* The incendiaries and robbers were afterwards detoctod and ap-
prehended, tried, convicted, and sent to State-prison. They wore a
man and wife, and both died in prison.
The completion of the Northern railroad has done infi-
nitely more than all other causes combined to give an impulse
to the prosperity of Ogdensburg and of northern New York -
generally, and in our history of improvements will be found
an account of the origin, progress, and completion of that
work.f This, in connection with the system of Canadian
roads in progress and the great natural advantages of the
place, cannot fail to give it an eminence as a commerc'al
point which it so truly deserves.
From the completion of the Northern railroad to the
date of the incorporation of Ogdensburg as a city, in 1868,
its growth was quite rapid.
Five new school buildings were erected between 1854
and 1868. Several of the fine church edifices that adorn
the city were also erected during this period, and many
substantial blocks, manufactories, and dwellings. Streets
were opened and graded, old plank-roads changed to grav-
eled turnpikes, and many improvements made in every
branch of business.
The opening of the Northern railway naturally drew a
large trade in lumber, grain, etc., from the upper lakes,
and much of the business of New England with the west
passed through the place.
The population increased so much that in 1868 the place
contained the requisite number of inhabitants to enable it
to apply ' for a city charter, and the necessary steps were
taken, and the desired object accomplished. Since its char-
ter was obtained it has been one of the cities of the State,
but it still remains a part of the town of Oswegatehie for
various purposes, and we have the anomaly of a population
living under both town and city organizations at the same
time.
CITY OF OGDENSBURG.
INCORPORATION, ETC.
A charter was granted to the city of Ogdensburg on the
27th of April, 1868, and May 2, 1873, it was amended,
the following being title one of the amended charter :
" Sectiom 1. — That district in the county of St. Lawrence, included
within the bound? described in the next section, shall hereafter be
called the city of Ogdensburg, and the inhabitants from time to time
therein shiiU form a body politic and corporate by the name of 'the
city of Ogdensburg.'
" Sec. 2. — The boundaries of said city shall bo as follows : Begin-
ning at a point in the centre of the river St. Lawrence, at the north-
erly corner of the town of Oswegatehie, and running thence along the
easterly line of said town southerly to the division line between sec-
tions number one and two of the Van Solingen tract; thence south-
westerly along the said division line, and the northerly line of section
two, and numbers five, si.\, and seven of the same tract to the centre
of the Oswegatehie river; thence to and along the southerly line of
the 'mansion-house property,' and the continuation thereof, to the
land of the late Henry Van Kensselaer ; thence northerly along the
easterly line of said Van Rensselaer lands, and the southerly and
westerly bounds of the 'ship-yard' lands to the centre of river St.
Lawrence, and thence along said centre to the place of beginning.
"Sec. 3. — The said city is divided into four wards, as follows: All
that part lying between the centre of the river Oswegatehie and the
centre of Franklin street is the first ward; that part lying westerly
of the centre of the river Oswegatehie is the second ward; that part
lying between the centre of Franklin street and the centre of Patter-
son street is the third ward ; and that part lying easterly of the centre
of Patterson street is the fourth ward.
-(■ See Chapter X., general history, pp. 133 et seq.
164
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
'■Sec. 4.— The common council may divide said city into so many
highway distvicts as they may deem proper, and change the same at
pleasure."
Title 2. " Sec. 6.— The officers of said city shall be as follows : A
mayor; three aldermen for each ward; one supervisor for each ward;
a recorder; one assessor for each ward; a chief of police and police-
men; a chief engineer of the fire department and two assistants; a
treasurer, who shall also be collector ex nfficin ; a clerk; one or more
street commissioners, not exceeding one in each highway district."
CITY OFFICERS.
The following is a list of the officers of the city of
Ogdensburg, from 1868 to 1877, inclusive:
1868. — William C. Brown, mayor; Charles I. Baldwin,
Walter B. Allen, Henry Rodel, aldermen 1st ward; Benj.
L. Jones, Galen W. Pearsons, Patrick Hackett, aldermen
2d ward ; Carlisle B. Herriman, Urias Pearson, Chester
Waterman (until July), William L. Proctor (after July),
aldermen 3d ward ; Calvin W. Gibbs, supervisor 1st ward ;
William C. Alden, supervisor 2d ward ; Zina B. Bridges,
supervisor 3d ward ; Nathaniel H. Lytle, city clerk.
1869.— W. C. Brown, mayor; C. G. Myers, W. H.
Daniels, Wm. J. Averell, aldermen 1st ward ; P. Hackett,
Gates Curtis, John McDonald, aldermen 2d ward ; C. B.
Herriman, W. L. Proctor, G. W. Smith, aldermen 3d
ward ; C. W. Gibbs, supervisor 1st ward ; Wm. C. Alden,
supervisor 2d ward ; Zina B. Bridges, supervisor 3d ward ;
N. H. Lytle, city clerk.
1870. — Zina B. Bridges, mayor ; W. H. Daniels, Joseph
Baker, W. B. Allen, aldermen 1st ward ; George W. Mack,
Charles M. Adams, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward ; Wm.
L. Proctor, Wm. A. Newell, Timothy Larkin, aldermen 3d
ward ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk.
1871. — W. L. Proctor, mayor; John Barber, Calvin P.
Goodno, Charles S. Philips, aldermen 1st ward ; G. W.
Mack, John C. McVean, Thomas Whalen, aldermen 2d
ward; W. A. Newell, Bcnj. Tilley, M. C. Loomis, aldermen
3d ward; N. H. Lytle, city clerk.
1872.— W. L. Proctor, mayor ; Ela N. Merriam, S. H.
Higbee, Chas. S. Philips, L. Hasbrouck, Jr. (vacancy by
resignation of Philips), John Glass, Wm. C. Alden, Lyman
N. Burt, Wm. A. Newell, Benj. Tilley, Thomas N. Derby,
aldermen ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk.
1873.— W. L. Proctor, mayor ; E. N. Merriam, C. G.
Egert, L. Hasbrouck, Jr., W. C. Alden, James Hall, Hiram
D. Northrup, Wm. A. Newell, John Austin, Morrison C.
Loomis, Daniel Donahue, Andrew George, John Earl,
aldermen ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk.
1874— W. L. Proctor, mayor ; E. N. Merriam, C. G.
Egert, Wm. Wheeler, aldermen 1st ward; W. C. Alden,
James Hall, Patrick Hackett, aldermen 2d ward; John
Austin, Seth G. Pope, George B. Oswell, aldermen 3d
ward; Francis R. Houlihan, H. W. Ferguson, Michael T.
Power, aldermen 4th ward ; N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1875. — John F. Rosseel, mayor; C. G. E'l-ert W. H.
Daniels, J. W. Hastings, aldermen 1st ward ; James Hall,
Henry Lovejoy, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward; John
Austin, Chas. H. Butriok, Alfred B. Chapin, aldermen 3d
ward; H. W. Ferguson, F. R. Houlihan, M. T. Power,
aldermen 4th ward ; N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1876. — James Armstrong, mayor ; L. D. Ralph, A. E.
Smith, J. W. Hastings, aldermen 1st ward ; H. Lovejoy,
John W. Piercy, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward ; C. H,
Butriek, Silas W. Day, Charles P. Geer, aldermen 3d ward ;
H. W. Ferguson, F. R. Houlihan, Adolphus F. Daily, al-
dermen 4th ward ; N. H. Lytle, clerk.
1877. — James Armstrong, mayor ; L. D. Ralph, Joseph
Gilbert (resigned), John W. Hastings, William Wheeler
(elected to fill vacancy), aldermen 1st ward; John W.
Piercy, A. A. Valley, D. C. Turner, aldermen 2d ward ;
W. Bell, S. W. Day, George Foster, aldermen 3d ward;
Ed. P. McElligott, Michael T. Power, John Pray, alder-
men 4th ward ; Joseph Roy, city clerk ; A. B. Chapin,
chief of police ; T. N. Derby, street commissioner ; James
Lytle, chief engineer ; Lyman D. Burt, treasurer.
DEATH or HON. DAVID C. JUDSON.
At a meeting of the city council, held May 5, 1875, the
following preamble and resolutions were ofiered by the
mayor, and adopted by the council :
"Whereas, The Hon. David C. Judson, a resident of Ogdensburg
for more than sixty years, and of the county of St. Lawrence for
nearly seventy years, and at different times occupying the positions
of clerk, trustee, and president of the village of Ogdensburg, and also
the offices of sheriff of St. Lawrence County, collector of the district
of Oswegatchie, State senator, one of the judges of the county court
of St. Lawrence County, and other positions of trust, departed this
life on the 5th of May, 1875, at the age of eighty-nine years; and
" WhereaSj The intimate conneclions of Mr. Judson with the public
affairs and public improvements in this city and county for nearly
seventy years, renders it eminently fitting and proper that his decease
should be the subject of appropriate action by the mayor and alder-
men of the city of Ogdensburg in council assembled, therefore
" RcHolced, That in the death of Mr. Judson the city of Ogdens-
burg and the county of St. Lawrence have sustained a great and
irreparable loss, and that we deeply feel and sincerely regret his
decease, notwithstanding it came when in the fullness of years, and
afrer a long life free from spot or blemish;
" lieei'lvecl, That the unswerving honesty and integrity with which
Mr. Judson in his long life, whether holding a public post of honor
or that of a private station, performed all and every duty which de-
volved upon him, meets and receives our hearty commendation, and
are worthy of our sincere and earnest emulation;
'■ Resohed, That as marks of respect for the deceased, this pream-
able and these resolutions be entered at large upon the records of the
city council, and that said city council attend his funeral in a
body."
WATER-WORKS.
The subject of a supply of water for the use of the city
and for service at fires having long been agitated, and
numerous reservoirs constructed which were found inade-
quate for the purposes designed of them, it finally became
necessary to build suitable works for supplying the much-
needed article. After examining various plans, the Holly
system was decided upon, and the present water-works
were constructed, in 1868, at a cost of $100,000, the city
issuing bonds to that amount, bearing interest at seven pSr
cent., maturing in twenty years from date, and payable
semi-annually in New York. Of these bonds, $25,000
were taken by Hon. William A. Wheeler, since elected
vice-president of the United States. The works are' located
on the east bank of the Oswegatchie, from which the water
is drawn, the pump-house being a substantial building of
blue limestone, three stories in height, and thirty-three feet
square. It has a wing eighteen by twenty-five feet, built
of the same material, in which the boiler is placed. Im-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
165
provements to the amount of 135,000 were made up to 1873,
including the extension of pipes, the purchase of additional
gates, the setting of new hydrants, and the purchase of an
engine of 120-horse power for use in contingencies arising
from scarcity of water, breaking of the dam, or other trouble.
In the spring of 1874, a Fiander's double-acting piston
pump was purchased of the Vergennes manufacturing
company, and tested April 22, 1874. It cost $3000, and
proved satisfactory to all. The object in procuring this was
a greater capacity to pump, with less power. This pump
is the only one kept in constant use, the others only being
used in the case of low water or a demand for an extra
supply in any emergency. The pumps altogether are capa-
ble of supplying more than 3,000,000 gallons of water every
twenty-four hours, the piston pump supplying an average
of 720,000 gallons. At the date of the last annual report
of the water commissioners, April 1, 1877, there were 810
consumers receiving supplies from the water-works, paying
rates amounting to 17601 annually. There were at the
time thirteen miles of mains, seventy-seven fire-hydrants,
seventy-three gates, and five safety-valves, all in good order.
The expenditures for the year, including plastering and
completing the boiler-room, painting the pump- and boiler-
room, building two hundred feet of sidewalk, and paying
all necessary expenses, were $1079.63.
The Holly alarm is used in case of fire, managed by re-
moving both caps from the hydrant and allowing the water
to flow for thirty seconds, reducing the pressure at the
works, and ringing a gong by means of a regulator for the
purpose. The ground on which are located the buildings
was purchased of George Parish, in 1868, the price paid
being $5400.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
At a meeting of the village trustees, held on the 20th of
April, 1818, it was "Resolved, that it be recommended to
the iuhabitants of the village to raise the sum of two hun-
dred dollars (besides collector's fees) for the purpose of pro-
curing a fire-engine.'' At the succeeding election, May 18,
1818, it was voted to raise this amount by tax, the same to
be paid into the hands of the treasurer on or before the 1st
of the following August. The interest thus awakened was
kept up, but it was not until 1820-21 that an engine was
secured. At the village election held May 14, 1821, the
balance of money required to pay for it (two hundred dol-
lars) was voted, and, during the same season, an engine-
house was built on a contract, by A. Kingsbury, on the
corner of Euphemia (now State) and Green streets, costing
fifty dollars. The engine, a small hand machine, cost in
the neighborhood of five hundred dollars. July 17, 1821,
a fire-company was organized, and rules and regulations
were adopted. It numbered twenty-four members, as fol-
lows: Joseph York, Edwin Bacon, Lewis C. A. Do Villers,
Isaac C. Page, Gains Clark, John Berthrong, Bethuel
Houghton, Worden Griffin, John Elliott, Asahel Geralds,
Jr., Abiram Kingsbury, John C. Bush, Richard W. Col-
fax, Lincoln Morris, Harvey Church, William Warner,
John Creighton, John Eaton, Alvah Dimmick, John L.
Barheydt, Guy C. Stevens, Jesse Willson, Henry Lum,
Rowlings Webster.
On the 19th of October, 1832, a new code of by-laws
was adopted, and the membership increased to thirty-seven.
New hose was purchased in 1834. Buckets, ladders, leather
hats for firemen, etc., had been furnished as early as 1822-
24. Preliminary steps were several times taken to secure
a new engine after the old one had become unfit for much
use, but each time they went no fartlier than to pass reso-
lutions empowering certain parties to purchase an engine.
A Mr. Hardinbrook, of New York, was negotiated with on
the subject, and it is possible that (the old engine not
working favorably) a new engine was received from him,
as the matter of settlement with him was placed in the
hands of Elisha Tibbits, of New York city.
An engine-house was built in 1847 in the rear of the
academy, the contractor being George Arnold, and the price
$200. The building was 40 by 22 feet, with 12-feet posts,
and cost, including stove, painting, etc., $228.17. A new
engine was purchased in 1849, of A. Van Ness, of New
York, with 250 feet of hose, costing in the aggregate
$1000. This was a larger and better engine than the vil-
lage had yet possessed. The old one was repaired in 1851,
and continued in use.
In March, 1852, a fire-company was formed in the third
ward, with Nathaniel Taggart, foreman ; Thomas Alton,
first assistant; William Dalzell, second assistant; Nathan
S. Pitkin, clerk and treasurer. The same year an additional
engine was purchased, with a bell, hose-cart, and 409 feet
of hose, at a cost of $1230.85. The engine was numbered
" Two," and named " Oswegatchie." The lot for the engine-
house cost $1000. Fire-company No. 2 was formed in
January, 1853, with fifty members. In the summer of
1858 another engine was purchased of Messrs. Button &
Blake, at an expense of $1300, and 900 feet of new hose
were added in 1859, costing $859.
At the date of the last annual report of the chief of the
fire department, April 2, 1877, the apparatus in service
consisted of two first-class Amoskeag steam fire-engines,
and three hose-carts, all in good condition. Also two old
hose-carts, and one old hook-and-ladder truck, with hooks
and ladders of very old style and very little value to the
department. The hose on hand and in use amounted to
3100 feet of heavy, oak-tanned, leather make, some of
which had been in service seven years. There were also
1800 feet of old leather hose not in use. The engine- and
hose-houses are as follows: Hose Co. No. 1, located on the
west side of Catharine street ; Steam Fire-Engine Co. No.
2, on Main street, second ward ; Steam Fire-Engine Co.
No. 3, on Patterson street, between Ford and Washington ;
Old Engine-House No. 3, on Town-House lot, Franklin
street. The manual force of the department at the date
of the report consisted of one chief and two assistant engi-
neers, and thirty-five members of engine- and hose-com-
panies.
GAS-WORKS.
As early as 1852, the subject of gas for the village of
Ogdensburg was discussed, and finally negotiations were
entered into with Messrs. John Lockwood & Co., of Phila-
delphia. These parties agreed to form a corporation to be
called the " Ogdensburg Gas-Light Company," provided
the village would grant them certain rights (which were at
the time agreed to), and would furnish gas at five dollars
166
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
per thousand cubic feet for the first year, reserviogthe right
to increase to six if found necessarj'. One mile of mains was
to be laid, fifty lamp-posts set, and all houses requiring gas
to be supplied. The works were to be completed by August
1, 1854. Finally, the contract for erecting suitable build-
ings was given in the fall of 1853 to Georgo Odeorne, of
Philadelphia, and some time in the summer or fall of 1854
the village was first lighted with the new illuminator. The
property of tlie company in 1858 was assessed at $75,000.
The works are located in the west division of the city. On
Water street, in the east division, is a large gasometer,
which it was found necessary to add on account of the
growth of the city, and increasing requirements for lighting.
A DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD
occurred in Oswegatchie river in 1862, lasting a week, and it
was by the utmost efforts of the citizens that much valuable
property along it was saved. The lower bridge was by per-
sistent effort prevented from being washed away, and the
river-bank around the bend, below the present dam, was
undermined to such an extent that much of it caved in.
The present protective or guard-wall was built immediately
after, and all further danger from a like source averted.
MANUFACTURES.
The manufactures of Ogden,sburg date back to 1751,
when Father Picquet erected a saw-mill, and probably also
a dam, for the manufacture of lumber for the use of his
new settlement. This mill was used by him during the
ten years in which he labored here, when it was abandoned
and perhaps destroyed. About 1785 it was rebuilt, or at
least repaired, and put in operation by one Captain Lori-
mier, about 1785, and operated by him for some time. In
1796 the dam and mill were rebuilt by Nathan Ford, agent
for Samuel Ogden, and from that date to the present time
manufacturing of various kinds has come in until the amount
of money invested is large, and the amount of business
done very considerable. The principal branches of manu-
facturing carried on here are merchant and custom milling,
foundry and machine work, tanning, various kinds of fin-
ished lumber work, staves, pump-manufacturing, and ship-
building.
We give a condensed history of the various establish-
ments, past and present, in the following pages. An article
on ship-building will be found in Chapter X., in connection
with navigation and transportation.
FLOURING-MILLS.
The Ogdenshurg Mills. — During the season of 1797 a
grist-mill was commenced, it being the same as that now
owned by S. W. Day, which was placed a considerable dis-
tance below the dam, in order that vessels might there load
and unload.
This mill was sold by Mr. Ford's estate, in 1840, to
Harvey Thomas, who in 1850 sold out to William Furniss.
Mr. Furniss carried on the mill until 1863 or '64, durino-
which time it did an extensive business. Mr. Furniss was
succeeded by Messi's. Duty & Phillips, and Mr. Doty
shortly after this sold his interest to Charles Lyon, and the
business was carried on for four or five years under the
firm-name of Lyon & Phillips. At the expiration of this
time Mr. Lyon sold his interest in the property to Mr. S.
W. Day, who purchased Mr. Phillips' interest in the spring
of 1877.
The mill is a wooden structure, sixty by eighty feet, and
five stories in height. It is provided with six runs of stone,
three of which are used for custom grinding, three turbineT
wheels, and three central-dissharge wheels. Mr. Day will,
during the following season, thoroughly refit the mill with
new and improved machinery, and it is thought that, when
fitted up, it will be capable of grinding from twelve to
fifteen hundred bushels of grain per day.
During the year 1876 one hundred and twelve thousand
bushels of wheat were ground.
The Oswegatchie Mills. — This mill was built in 1836 by
Horace Hooker, of Rochester, N. Y., and Eli B. Haskell,
of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1850 the mill was leased by Nor-
man Sackrider. After running the mill for one year he
purchased the property. The mill had remained idle for a
number of years previous to 1850, owing to a lack of means
for transporting flour to market. This was remedied by
the completion of the Northern railroad about that time.
The mill was run with profit until April, 1863, when it was
destroyed by fire.
In 1864, Mr. Sackrider sold the water-power to Mr.
Henry Gr. Foot, who immediately commenced the construc-
tion of the present mill. Mr. Foot did not have the means
of carrying on the business, and, after his death in 1865,
the property remained idle until the following spring, when
it was purchased by the present owners, Messrs. Rodee,
Lynde & Nichols. The mill consists of two buildings, one
of which is fifty feet square, and the second seventy feet
square, and both are five stories in height. The mill has
eight turbine-wheels, with six runs of stone, and is capable
of manufacturing from three hundred to three hundred and
fifty barrels of flour per day. The principal market is in
the New England States.
The Iroquois Flouring- Mills. — This -extensive mill was
built by Mr. George Parker in 1863. The buildings (three
in number) are of stone, five stories in height. The mill is
sixty by ninety feet, the storehouse is fifty by sixty-four feet,
and the elevator is forty by seventy-five feet. The mill is
provided with eight turbine-wheels, with six runs of stone,
and is capable of manufacturing about four hundred barrels
of flour per day. The elevator has a capacity of twenty-
five hundred bushels per hour, and is used in supplying two
other mills with grain. The grain used is from the western
States, and the principal market for the flour manufactured
is Canada and the New England States. The mill is owned
at present by Mr. George Parker's estate.
Furniss' Flouring-Mills. — This mill was built in 1877,
upon the site of a mill burned in April of that year. The
present building is eighty by fifty feet, is built of stone,
and is five stories in height. It is provided with the means
of conveying wheat directly from the vessels into bins,
whose combined capacity is about thirty thousand bushels.
The mill is fitted with the most improved machinery,
having five runs of stone, and is capable of manufacturing
two hundred and fifty barrels of flour and one car-load of
corn-meal per day. The principal mai-ket is in the New
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
167
England States. The mill is owned by Mr. William E.
Furniss.
The Empire Mills. — This mill was built in 1860 by
Judge William C. Brown. The building is of stone, forty
by seventy feet, sind is three stories in height. It has two
turbine-wheels and two runs of stone, and is capable of
manufacturing twenty-five barrels of flour per day and of
grinding two hundred bushels of corn. The mill is at
present owned by Mr. William Rider, and is leased by
Messrs. C. S. Philips & Son.
FOUNDRIES AND MACHINE-SHOPS.
The machine-shop owned by Mr. Gates Curtis, situated
upon Lake street, was built in 1835 or 1836 by Mr. J. C.
Lewis. The works have been since owned by Chapin
Brothel's and by J. C. Alden. They were purchased by
Mr. Curtis in 1855, since which time the buildings have
been enlarged and repaired.
Mr. Curtis is now engaged in the manufacture of the
Curtis turbine water-wheels, steel and iron plows, agricul-
tural implements, etc.
The foundry owned by Messrs. Allen & Co. was built
about the year 1840 by Messrs. Chancy & Allen. Mr.
Allen purchased the interest of Mr. Chaney in 1862. This
is quite an extensive foundry, and does a general line of
casting.
The machine-shop owned by Mr. John Glass was built
by him in 1861. These works employ fifteen men, and
are engaged in the manufacture of steam-engines, wood-
working machinery, water-wheels, etc.
The Alden foundry and machine-shop was built by Mr.
J. C. Alden in 1871. The building is eighty-five by
thirty feet, three stories in height. This establishment is
engaged in the manufacture of shingle-machines, planing-
and sawing-machines, and does a general line of casting and
mill-work.
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTORIES.
Northrup's stavo-factory was built in 1861 by Messrs.
D. & S. A. Northrup. It consists of a stave-factory and
cooper-shop combined, and has been carried on by Mr. H.
D. Northrup since 1867. This establishment employs at
present about sixty men and boys. The principal market
for the staves, shingles, barrels, etc., manufactured, is in
the New England States.
The Ogdensburg steam dye-works were established in
the fall of 1877 by Mr. Fred. S. McGuire, and does a
general line of custom dyeing.
Lovejoy's'sash- and blind-factory is the oldest establish-
ment of the kind in the city, and is quite extensively en-
gaged in the manufacture of sawed and dressed lumber,
doors, sash, blinds, etc.
S. G. Pope's door-, sash-, and blind-factory was estab-
lished by Mr. S. G. Pope in 1851. The manufactory,
situated on Lake street, is forty by eighty feet, and is three
stories in height. Owing to the lack of water during the
dry seasons, in 1863 a thirty-horse power engine was placed
in the building. During the war these works manufactured
four hundred doors per week. Previous to 1870, Mr.
Pope did a very extensive shipping business.
Babcock's pump-factory is a substantial stone structure,
forty by seventy feet, and four stories in height. Was
built by Mr. Baron S. Doty about the year 1846. The
stone used in its construction was obtained upon the site
of the present city gas-works. The building was used for
a number of years by Mr. 0. S. Cummins as a macliine-
shop. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1854, but was
immediately rebuilt. Was converted into a flouring-mill in
1862. Since that time the property has changed hands
several times, and has been used for various purposes. In
1873 it was purchased by the present owner, Mr. A. A.
Babcock, and is used at present as a pump-factory. The
works are fitted with the latest improved machinery, and
are capable of manufacturing from one thousand to fifteen
hundred pumps per year.
There are two tanneries in the city, one of which was
built in 1828 by Erastus Vilas. This building has been
in constant use as a tannery since, and is owned at present
by M. Vilas.
There is also an upper leather and morocco tannery,
owned by Mr. F. N. Burt.
THE LUMBER TRADE.
The lumber trade of Ogdensburg is very heavy. Situated
at the foot of lake navigation, and at the terminus of several
important lines of railway, and having extraordinary facilities
for procuring and handling this important product, it com-
mandsan extensive trade. Alargeshareofthetimberhaudled
in the New England States passes through Ogdensburg, and
considerable quantities are exported south over the two rail-
way linos, the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg, and the
Utica and Black River. The facilities this point enjoys
could not fail to attract dealers, and accordingly we find
several heavy firms located here. Prominent among these
is the well-known firm of Skillings & Whitney Brothers,
whose extensive mills and yards are situated at the western
terminus of the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railway.
The history of this firm is briefly as follows: In 1857, Mr.
David N. Skillings commenced business on his own account,
in Boston. At that time Messrs. Charles and David Whit-
ney, Jr., were also in business at Lowell. In 1855, Mr.
Lawrence Barnes commenced the lumber business at Bur-
lington, Vt. These three firms were independent of each
other, but in 1858 they united, and carried on the business
in Boston, under the firm-name of D. N. Skillings & Co. ;
in Lowell, Ogdensburg, Albany, Toledo, and Detroit, as C.
& D. Whitney, Jr., & Co. ; and in Burlington, Vt., and
Whitehall, N. Y., as L. Barnes & Co. They also subse-
quently established a branch at Indianapolis, Ind. Business
was commenced in Ogdensburg in the spring of 1859,
under the management of Mr. Wm. L. Proctor, who still
continues agent for the firm at this point. In 1871 the
firm changed to Skillings, Whitney Brothers and Barnes,
and continued as such until Jan. 1, 1873, when Mr. Barnes
retired, and the firm became Skillings & Whitney Brothers.
On the 1st of January, 1877, Mr. David Whitney, Jr.,
of Detroit, retired from the firm, taking with him the ves-
sels employed in transportation, and also the interest of the
firm at Albany, N. Y. All the interests of the firm are at
present located at Boston and Ogdensburg.
168
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The business steadily increased until about 1873, since
which date it has somewhat diminished, owing to a variety
of causes, but principally to the general stagnation of busi-
ness. At one time the company occupied, in addition to
their present extensive grounds, a large lot owned by Mr.
George Parish, from whom they leased. At present their
business is consolidated around the Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain railway terminus.
In the flood-tide of prosperity the firm owned eighteen
steam and sail vessels, upon which were employed about
125 men ; and handled lumber to the extent of 125,000,000
feet annually. An immense steam planing-mill 300 by 80
feet in dimensions, and driven by a 200-horse power Cor-
liss engine, was erected in 1871, and put in operation. It
had a capacity for dressing 100,000 feet in ten hours, and
gave employment to about 50 hands.
The amount of lumber handled by them during the season
of 1877 was from 30,000,000 to -10,000,000 feet. The
present number of hands employed varies, according to cir-
cumstances, from 50 to 200. All descriptions of work
done in a first-class mill are turned out by the firm. The
principal market is in New England.
The principal houses of the firm of Shepard, Hall & Co.
are located in Boston, Mass., and Burlington, Vt. The
branch at Ogdensburg was established in 1870. A planing-
mill was put in operation in 1871. The business of this
firm is exclusively wholesale. They deal in all kinds of
hard and soft lumber, which comes from Canada and the
west. Their market is mostly in New England. Their
planing-mill and docks are located near the elevator of the
Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railway, and their facili-
ties are ample for the transaction of a large business. This
firm is connected with an extensive one in Montreal.
The saw- and planing-mill, shingle-mill, lumber-yard, and
boat-shop of E. S. Bronson is located on the west side of
the Oswegatchie, in the rear of the old grist-mill. Mr.
Bronson purchased the establishment in 1867 of G-eoro-e
Parish, and entered into a copartnership with ChariesLyon,
who had previously rented the property. This partnership
lasted a year or two and was dissolved, Mr. Lyon starting a
mill of his own, and Mr. Bronson continuing at the old
place. Bronson's mill was burned in February, 1873 a
short time previous to the great fire of that year on Ford
and Water streets. This establishment has a capacity for
planing fifteen thousand feet of lumber, making ten thou-
sand clapboards, a large amount of shingles, and other work,
daily, and one boat a week. Mr. Bronson has handled as
high as 4,000,000 feet of lumber in a year, but averages
much less ; his manufactures amount to from 500,000 to
1,000,000 feet of lumber annually,— for 1877 about 700 -
000. Eight to ten men are employed during the summer.
The present buildings were erected soon after Mr. B. was
burned out.
The saw-mill of Charies Lyon, adjoining Bronson's estab-
lishment, does a large business, sawing more than the other
mill. The planing is done by Mr. Bronson. Mr. Lyon is
extensively engaged also in the cord-wood trade, keepino- a
considerable force of men chopping in the woods His
property was burned in 1871 or 1872, and afterwards re-
built. Several men are employed around the mill.
BANKING.
The first steps taken towards the establishment of banks
in St. Lawrence County were in 1825, when the necessities
of the county led the supervisors to pass a resolution in
which they asserted the unsound state of the circulating
medium, which consisted largely of Canada issues, from
which losses were constantly ensuing, and set forth the
claims of northern New York to the corporate privileges
and benefits of banks of issue. This resolution passed by
a vote of eleven to seven.
On the 30th of April, 1829, the Ogdensburg bank was
incorporated for 30 years ; capital $100,000, in 2000 shares.
Horace Allen, Amos Bacon, David C. Judson, Baron S.
Doty, and William Bacon were appointed to open books for
subscription of stock. It went into operation soon after
upon the safety fund principle, being the only one of that
description ever organized in the county. The institution
continued business until Dec. 31, 1858, when it discontinued
business, its obligations being assumed by the Oswegatchie
bank.
On the 9th of October, 1838, articles of association were
filed for a new bank, to commence operation Oct. 15, 1838,
and continue 100 years ; capital, $100,000, in 1000 shares,
and to be managed by 21 directors, one-third of whom were
to be chosen annually. It began to issue bills in January,
1839. The name assumed was the St. Lawrence bank. After
continuing business two or three years it became insolvent,
and its aiFairs were closed up.
The Oswegatchie bank, a chartered institution, went
into operation Nov. 19, 1854. Its first officers were
Augustus Chapman, president; James G. Averill, vice-
president ; E. N. Merriam, cashier. This bank, as above
stated, assumed the circulation of the old Ogdensburg
bank. Mr. Chapman died May 11, 1860, and on the 29th
of the same month Mr. James G. Averill was elected pres-
ident in his place.
The bank continued to do business until June 11, 1866,
when it was changed to a private banking firm, under the
name of Averills & Chapman, who continued until Dec. 1,
1873, when Mr. James S. Bean became associated with the
firm, which was changed to Averills, Chapman & Bean, and
has so continued to the present time. The present partner-
ship includes the following gentlemen : James G. Averill,
Wm. J. Averill, R. B. Chapman, J. S. Bean. The officers
are E. N. Merriam, cashier; E. B. Vilas, teller; A. K.
Strong, book-keeper ; and J. S. Martin, clerk.
C. G. Egert & Co. opened a banking house about 1874,
with a capital of $50,000, and did business about two
years.
The Judson bank was organized under the general
banking law of the State, June 13, 1853. Its first officers
were John D. Judson, president; Daniel Judson, cashier;
William Armstrong, teller. The original stockholders were
Hon. David C. Judson, John D. Judson, Daniel Judson,
and George N. Seymour. About June 1, 1866, a copart-
nership was formed under the name and style of " Judsons'
Bank," and the business was changed to that of a private
institution. At this date Mr. Seymour retired from the
firm. Under the new regime the officers were John D.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdenaburg.
Stillman Foote was born in Canton, June 13, 1817. He was the son of Still-
man Foote, the first settler in Canton. The latter was born at Simsbury, Cud a.,
Sept. 10, 1763, and was the fifth in descent from Nathaniel Foote, an emigrant
from England as early as 1633, when he took the freeman's oath at Watertown,
Mass., and in 1635 was one of the "goodlie companie" who went "f.irther
west," to Pyqnag (afterwards Wethersfield), Conn., for " more room," where,
after taking an active part in tbe Peqnod war, he died, in 1644, leaving two
sons and five daughters, from the eldest of whom, Nathaniel, the sulject of this
sketch traces his descent. Stillman Foole, the elder, born Sept. 10, 1763, was
the immediate descendant of Daniel Foute, of Sitnsbury, Conn., from which
place he removed to Middlebury, Vt, probably about 1773. In 1777, being ex-
posed to the depredations of scouting parties of British, Tories, and Indians,
and having been pillaged of most of his movalde property, he took his family
farther south for protection, and on bis return, in 1783, purchased about twelve
hundred acres of land, whei'e he felled forests, btiilt mills, and resided for many
years. He had a family of eight sons and four daughters, of whom, says Swift,
the historian of Middlebury, they " were of great service in the settlement and
organization of the town." Of these eight sons, the eldest was a lieutenant in
the Revolutionary army; the second, Gecirge, in the last year of his life a resi-
dent of Canton, was one of the Green Mountain Boys who applied the " Beach
Seal" to the settlement of Yorkers, at Vergeunes, and stood by the side of
Ethan Allen at the surrender of Ticonderoga. The fourth and fifth sons served un-
der Ethan Allen, in the Vermont Volunteers. Mr. Daniel Foote died .it Canton,
May 10, 1801, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, of smallpox. His is sup-
posed to be the first death of a white man in Canton. (See History of Canton.)
William Foote (the elder) was twice married; first, to Louisa Donaghy, of
Shefiield, Mass., by whom he had three ch.ldren, — Chauncey, Henry, and Louisa,
the wife of Cephas L. Bockwood. Second, to Mary Pember, of New London,
Conn., by whom he had also three children, — Delia, the wife of Leonard Sears ;
Stillman, the subject of this sketch ; and Mary, wife of Elam Kust. The cir-
cumstance of his settlement at Canton, and the numerous enterprises in which
he was engaged to promote its welfare and prosperity, will be spoken of in the
history of the town of Canton, where he died, Dec. 27, 1834, in the seventy-
second year of his age.
Stillman Foote, the younger, early evinced a taste for reading and study, and
spent the fall and winter of 1829-30 at St. Lawrence Academy, Potsdam. In
thefallof 1832 he entered Canton Academy, and there continued till the spring
of 1835, when he entered the freshman class at Middlebury College, Vermont.
He graduated with creditable standing in 1838, being the first collegiate pupil
and graduate from tliat academy.
While in college he aided in defraying his expenses by teaching school, first
in Cornwall and Leicester, Vt., and in the winter of 1837-38 at W ddington,
N. Y. After graduating, he began the study of the law with Eliim Ttiist, E-(q.,
his brother-in-law, at Waddington, at the same time teaching school. He spont
the winter of 1839-40 in the law-ofiice of the late Ilnn. John L. Russell, in
Canton, and in the spring of 1840 was invited into the office of Hnn. James
Redington, at Waddington, he having ju«t been appointed Surrogate of the
county. Here he remained, discharging the duty of surrogate's clerk, till ho
finally opened an office on hh own account. He was admitted to the Court of
Common Pleas of the county in 1841, and a-< attorney in the Supreme Court, in
Jan., 1843. He immediately opened an office in Waddington, where he prac-
ticed his profession till May 1, 1845, when he removed to Ogden'*burg and en-
tered in partnership with his nephew, the late Henry G. Koote, eldest son of his
brother Chauncey. In May, 1846, he was admitted counselor in the Supreme
Court, and solicitor and counselor in chancery.
Sept. 22, 1847, he was married to Mary R. Ohipman, oldest daughter of Hon.
Johns. Chipman, of Waddington. She died on the 29rh of March, T8I9, leaving
a son of about nine months, who followed his mnthpr in August ensuing. On
the 16th of Nov., 1853, he again married, with Elizabeth A. Gurst, second
daughter of the late George Gurst, Esq., of Ogdensburg. They have had five
children, of whom one only, a daughter, survives.
On the 27th of Nov., 1847, Mr. H. G. Foote, being the editor and proprietor of
the Ogdemburg Sentinel, and having taken the secretaryship of the St. Lawrence
County Mutual Insurance Company, the law partnership was practically, though
not formally, dissolved, and Stillman Foute became The lessee and editor of the
Sentinel for three years, before the expiration of which he became the pur-
chaser and proprietor of the establishment. In April, 1848, he established the
Daily Sentinel, being the first attempt to run a daily paper in St. Lawence
County ; but the times not being propitious for such an enterprise, it was dis-
continued at the end of fivo months. Mr. Foote remained the editor and pro-
prietor of the Sentinel till Oct., 1858, when the material of the office was sold,
and the subscription list tran=!ferrod to the St. Lawrence Republican. When
Mr. Foote succeeded to the editorship of the Sentinel, it was a warm supporter
of tbe principles and policy of the Whig party. It gave its ardent support to
Heiirv Clav in 1844, to Gen. Taylor in 1848, and, though the platform of tbe
Whig national convention, in 1852, was not entirely satisfactory to Mr. Foote,
he supported Gen. Scott. But bis early proclivities were opposed to the insti-
tution of slavery. He believed in the natural equality of all men before the
law, and hence,'though not holding to the right of the national government to
interfere with the institution in tbe States, was opposed to its extension into
the Territories, over which the national government held the supreme control.
As slavery existed only by virtue of State authority, and as the general govern-
ment was one of limited powers, and was established "to secure the blessings
of liberty," he held that the general government not only hiid no power to es-
tablish slavery, but tliat it was its imperative duty to prohibit it in the Terri-
tories, and especially in territory that was free when it came to the national
possession. His viewfl, therefore, naturally assimilated with those of the
"Free-Soil wing" of the Whig party, and prepared him, when, in 185.5, that
party was formally disbanded, to go into the Republican organization. He was
a member of tlie last Whig State Convention (1855) in the State of New York,
and was chairman of the committee which took the final step to bring together,
as one body, the State convention of the Free-Soil wing of the Democratic
party, and that of the Whig party, at Syracuse. He may be said, therefore, to
have been present at the birth of the Republican party in the State of New
Yoik. Frum thit time, so long as it existed, the Smlinel v/»fi an earnest Re-
publican piper, and Mr. Foote has, till the present time, been an active member
of that party, supporting its principles, policy, and candidates, with pen and
tongue. #
He has been fully identified with the scheme'* for promoting the educational
interests of his town and city. He filled the office of Town Superintendent of
Schnnls of Oswegatchie in 1848-49, and on the organization of the city schools,
in 1857, he was elected the first Superintendent of Schools, in which capacity
he served six years. Ho was subj<equently elected a member of the Board of
Education, where he served six years, being two years in succession the Pres-
ident of the Board.
On the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Foote devoted himself
zealously to aiding in the organization and fitting out of the regiments of vol-
unteers sent from tlie county.
In Nov., 1861, he was elected Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, which place
he has acco|)tabIy filled to the present time. Jan. 1, 1864, he entered upon the
duties of the office of Surrogate of the County, which place he filled for fourteen
snccpHsivo years.
At the same time ho formed a copartnership with Col. Edward C. James in
the practice of hs profession, which connection was dissolved July 1, 1874,
During its continuancp, the firm of Foote & James was engaged in some of
the heaviest nnd most importiint litigation borne on the calendars of St. Law-
rence and adjoining- countifs. Since its dissolution, Mr. Foote has continued in
tlie practice of the law t) the present date.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
The subject of this sketch Was born in Enniskillcn,
county of Fermanagh, province of Ulster, Ireland, March
26, 1811. He was the eldest of a family of two children-
one son and one daughter (Jane) — of James and Jane El-
liott Armstrong. His father was drafted into the yeomanry
corps to serve in the Franco-English war of 1815 ; he was
a farmer by occupation, and the opportunities afforded his
children for an education were very limited. His father,
in the year 1830, emigrated to this country and settled in
Perth, province of Ontario, D. C, bringing his family with
him. The daughter is still living on the homestead taken
up by her father. The father died in 1867 ; the mother
in 1869. James was nineteen years of age when he came
to this country, and previous to coming here had learned
the cooper's trade ; upon reaching America he took up his
trade as a means of support. His first place of business
was Iroquois, Canada, where he engaged with Hon. George
Brouse, member of the Canadian Parliament, for one year,
receiving therefor £50. At the end of this time he estab-
lished business for himself at Edwardsburg, which he car-
ried on only for one year, and came to Ogdensburg in the
year 1832, where he has remained until the present time.
In the beginning of Mr. Armstrong's business career he
had received no pecuniary support from his father, and
consequently as a necessity made economy and judicious
management a part of his study, a regard for which has re-
sulted in his securing a sufficient competence to place him
beyond the apprehension of want.
Upon arriving at Ogdensburg he soon established him
self in business, and for many years successfully engaged in
a general lumber and cooper business. About the year 1854
he established a stave and shingle manufactory and saw-
mill in Iroquois, Canada, which he has successfully carried
on until the present time, and during the past year has
opened a wholesale and retail hardware store in this city.
Beginning with nothing but his hands, Mr. Armstrong has
so increased in his business as to be ranked among the most
enterprising business men of the city.
In politics Mr. Armstrong was originally a Democrat,
then a Free-Soiler, but upon the formation of the Kepubli-
can party espoused its principles and adopted its platform.
Held in such esteem by his fellow-townsmen for his integ-
rity and his general support of all measures tending to pro-
mote the welfare of the public, he has for several years
held the office of Supervisor of the 3d ward of his city, and
in May, 1876, was elected Mayor of the city of Ogdensburg,
which office he now holds. *
In the year 1832 (Jan. 6) he married Miss Margaret
Armstrong, daughter of William and Jane C. Armstrong,
of Edwardsburg, Canada, her father and mother both being
of Irish birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have been
born seven children, — Sarah Jane, William, Margaret,
Belle, Eliza Ann, James Clendenning, and George Henry.
All are living. William was the head cashier for the late
A. T. Stewart, of New York, for seven years, and at the
death of Mr. Stewart became one of his legatees, as a re-
ward for meritorious services. William is now vice-presi-
dent of the Judson bank, Ogdensburg, and James C. is
cashier of the same. George Henry is connected with his
father in business in his native city.
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM ARMSTRONG. 0&D£NSBUH(i_^N.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1G9
Judson, president; Daniel Judson, cashier. The latter
gentleman died in 1873, and Mr. James C. Armstrong
succeeded him. Mr. William Armstrong was cashier for
A. T. Stewart & Co., in New York, from 1867 to 1875,
when he returned to Ogdensburg, and was elected vice-
president of this bank. David C. Judson, Sr., died in
1875. The present officers of the bank are as follows:
John D. Judson, president; William Armstrong, vice-pres-
ident; James C. Armstrong, cashier; D. C. Judson (2d),
teller; James Ives, book-keeper; E. C. Loe, assistant teller;
John Brown, clerk.
Several banks were in operation in Ogdensburg at diifer-
ent periods from 1838 to 1850, mostly under the manage-
ment of New York parties. Among them were the Drovers'
bank and Farmers' and Mechanics' bank. They were banks
of issue, and their obligations were all redeemed.
At present the two banking firms located in the city
have a working capital of 1250,000 each, and carry a line
of deposits of about $500,000 each.
ATTORNEYS.
The early attorneys who resided and practiced in Ogdens-
burg were Hon. Mathew Perkins, Hon. John Fine, Hon.
Preston King, Hon. William C. Brown, Hon. Ransom H.
Gillett, Bishop Perkins, James C. Spencer, and perhaps a
few others. Biographies of many of these will be found in
this work, and notices in different connections, — in the
court record, civil list, etc.
In this connection we make brief mention of some of the
prominent members of the bar who have at various times
up to the present been located in Ogdensburg.
Hon. Ransom H. Gillet was born near Lebanon Springs,
Columbia Co., N. Y., about 1800. He came to Canton
about 1823, with an axe on his shoulder. Subsequently
studied law with Hon. Silas Wright, teaching school at the
same time to assist him in his studies. Received his clas-
sical education at the St. Lawrence academy, Potsdam ; was
admitted to practice, and associated with Aaron Haekley, a
prominent attorney, and then collector of the port. iMr.
Gillet was appointed postmaster of Ogdensburg in 1832,
and was also brigade inspector of State militia. This latter
office made him acquainted with the people, and his subse-
quent popularity elected him to Congress in 1832, and the
two following terms, '34 and '36. In the autumn of 1833
he became associated with Charles G. Myers. Mr. Gillet
was appointed by the United States government commis-
sioner to make a treaty with the Six Nations while serving
in Congress. He was a leading Democrat, and a disciple
of Hon. Silas Wright. Under Mr. Polk's administration
he was appointed register of the treasury. He finally re-
moved to Washington (1845), and in his later years prac-
ticed in the supreme court of the United States in that city
and in New York. He was also solicitor in the court of
claims. He retired from business, about 1867, to the old
farm where he was born, in Columbia county. He wrote a
popular life of Silas Wright, and also published other
works. He died in the city of Washington in 1877.
Hon. A. B. James was born July 1, 1812, at Stephens-
town, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. His parents removed in 1814
to Sweden, Monroe Co., from thence to Byron,. Genesee
Co., and subsequently to Batavia, the county-seat, whore he
attended the private academy of Judge Nixon. In 1827
he located in Troy, where he remained about a year, and
removed thence to Waddington, St. Lawrence County, N.Y.,
in 1829. In that place he read law with William Ogden
until the autumn of 1830, when he removed to Montreal,
for the purpose of learning the French language, and re-
mained until September, 1831, paying his way by working
at the printing business, which he had previously learned.
In September, 1831, he came to Ogdensburg, and assumed
the publication of the Northern Light, a paper which had
been established about eight weeks previously. He continued
this until 1838 (changing its name in 1834 to the Times
and Advertiser), when he sold to Albert Tyler. During
these years (up to 1838) he completed the study of the
law in the office of Hon. James W. Hopkins, was admitted
to practice in January, 1 838, and opened an office in
Ogdensburg in November of that year. He has been in
continuous practice since, except when employed in the
duties of the various offices conferred upon him by the peo-
ple. In the fall of 1853 he was elected justice of the
supreme court of New York, and held the office until 1876.
On the first day of November in that year ho resigned,
and was elected in the same month a member of the 45th
congress, for the 19th congressional district.
During his practice of the law he was associated for about
one year (in 1839) with B. A. Hill, now of St. Louis, Mo.,
and afterwards for twelve years with Hon. Wra. C. Brown.
These firms had a very extensive practice.
Col. Edward C. James, second son of the preceding, was
born in Ogdensburg, May 1, 1841. He attended the acad-
emy in Ogdensburg, and subsequently the high school of
Dr. Reed, at Geneva, N. Y. He enlisted as a private in
the 50th N. Y. Engineers, which regiment was assigned to
duty with the army of the Potomac. He was appointed
adjutant of the regiment; promoted to major of the 60th
N. Y. Infantry May 1, 1862; promoted lieutenant-colonel
of the 106th N. Y. Infantry in August, 1862; and was
commissioned colonel of the same in September, 1862.
Colonel James resigned his commission in August, 1863,
returned to Ogdensburg, and studied with his fatlier, and
was admitted to practice as an attorney in the same year.
Opened an office in Ogdensburg Jan. 1, 1864, and has been
since in constant practice.
Roscius W. Judson was born at Louisville, near Nor-
folk, Aug. 17, 1810. His father, Eben Judson, came from
Vermont in 1810 ; he was the first supervisor of Louisville.
He died June 29, 1814. Mr. Judson is a self-made man.
He was determined to acquire a good education, and did
so, working out of school hours and vacations to support
himself meanwhile. He entered Potsdam academy in
November, 1828, and remained until April, 1834, when he
came to Ogdensburg, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 17,
1839. He chose the profession of law. He has held the
positions of special county judge and master in chancery.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion Mr. Judson entered
heartily into the effort to subdue it. He was foremost in
time of need with money, pen, tongue, and hard work.
Through his almost unaided endeavors he succeeded in
raising over 2000 volunteers in St. Lawrence and Franklin
170
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
counties. He was made colonel of the 142d Regiment N.
Y. Vols., and was afterwards promoted to brevet brigadier-
general. He is a natural orator, and well known through-
out his section.
General Judson has four sons: the eldest, Selden C,
enlisted in the 106th N. Y. Infantry ; was promoted captain,
and breveted major; was assistant adjutant-general on
General Smith's and General Morris' staffs; was taken
prisoner May 6, 1864, in the battle of the Wilderness, and
was held nine months. Was in eight different prisons
during his captivity, and suffered extreme hardships. He
read law with his father, and graduated at the Albany law-
scliool in 1867 ; was admitted to practice the same year.
Practiced several years in St. Joseph, Mo., and is now in
business in Chicago.
His second son, Winslow Judson, graduated at the Al-
bany law-school in 1867, and has been in successful practice
at St. Joseph, Mo., since.
Hon. William C. Brown. — This gentleman was a- son
of Judge A. C. Brown, a prominent and early practitioner,
and was born in Ogdensburg in 1820. He was admitted
to practice in 1841, and was a partner of Hon. A. B. James
for twelve years, which partnership was continued until the
latter was elected to the supreme court in 1853. He was
twice elected county judge, and was a member of the consti-
tutional convention of 1867. He died in Ogdensburg, in
December, 1870.
James C. Spencer was a native of Franklin Co., N. Y.,
and commenced the practice of law in Ogdensburg, in Au-
gust, 1854. He was a partner of Hon. William C. Brown.
In 1864 he removed to New York city ; was elected judge
of the superior court in that city, and served two years. In
1857 he was appointed U. S. district attorney by James
Buchanan, and served to 1861.
David A. Ogden, who came to St. Lawrence County at
an early day, was a law partner of Hon. Alexander Hamil-
ton at the lime of the latter's unfortunate death at the
hands of Aaron Burr, in 1804. He never practiced in
St. Lawrence County, but filled the office of county judn-e
for many years. He was a large land proprietor.
John W. Grant, a brother of Mrs. Bishop Perkins, was
a native of Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y., where he was
born in 1807. He read law with Judge Cady, and re-
moved to Ogdensburg about 1825, and practiced for a
number of years. He served as district attorney, and was
a candidate for Congress in 1840. Died in February,
1868.
Louis Hasbrouck was descended from a reputable French
family, and was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1777. He
was educated at Princeton college. New Jersey, where he
graduated with honor. Read law with Hon. Ogden Hoff-
man, of New York city, and located in Ogdensburg in 1802.
Mr. Hasbrouck held various prominent positions : was first
postmaster at Ogdensburg in 1807, and held the ofiSce until
1829 ; was first county clerk of St. Lawrence County, and
was member of State assembly in 1814. He was elected
State senator in 1832, and held the office until his death.
(In those days the State senate constituted the court of
errors.) He was for many years agent for the Van Rens-
selaer and Harrison estates. He was a partner of Hon.
John Fine from 1817 to 1834, in which year he died, uni-
versally respected.
Louis Hasbrouck, son of the preceding, was born in Al-
bany in 1814. He read law with Hon. John Fine, and
was admitted to practice in 1838. He followed the profes-
sion for about ten years, when he gave it up to attend to
the large landed estate left by his father.
Louis Hasbrouck, Jr., the third of the name who have
practiced in Ogdensburg, was admitted to the bar in 1861,
and has since practiced in Ogdensburg. Was partner of
Hon. Wm. C. Brown at the time of the latter's death. Mr.
Hasbrouck was appointed assistant U. S. attorney in 1 860-
61, and at present holds the o&oe of U. S. commissioner.
Joseph MacNaughton. — Born in Essex, Chittenden Co.,
Vt., July 4, 1824. The family removed to Potsdam, N. Y.,
and from thence to Canton, N. Y., subsequently to Heuvel-
ton in 1836, and to Ogdensburg in 1840. Mr. MacNaugh-
ton read law with Hon. R. H. Gillet and Bishop Perkins,
and was admitted to practice in 1852. He opened an office
in Ogdensburg, and has remained in the city to the present
time. He was deputy postma,ster under J. M. Doty in
1846-47 ; was appointed deputy U. S. collector in 1849,
and held the office a few months, and was again appointed
to the same office in the spring of 1852, and held it until
September, 1854.
Delos McCurdy was born in De Peyster, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., June 1, 1846. Read law with John Magone
(since deceased), and was admitted in April, 1868 ; has
practiced in Ogdensburg to the present time ; was city
recorder from 1868 to 1871, and district attorney in 1872.
R. B. Lowry was born in Metis, province of Quebec, in
1837. Removed to Ogdensburg in 1860. Read law with
Joseph McNaughton, and was admitted to practice. Taught
school while pursuing his studies, and was superintendent
of city schools from 1866 to 1875. Was in the army one
year. Since 1875 has practiced law in Ogdensburg.
George Morris was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1817,
and came to America with his father's family in 1819, and
settled in Hammond, St. Lawrence County. Removed to
Missouri in 1840, and remained until 1845. Read law in
St. Louis, and graduated at Kemper college, Missouri, in
1843. In 1845 he located in Ogdensburg, and was asso-
ciated with E. E. Cooley, now of Decorah, Iowa, for some
time ; has also been in partnership with B. H. Vary and
Charles G. Blyers, of Ogdensburg. At present is connected
with his son, Mr. Geo. E. Morris, who was born in Ogdens-
burg in 1853, studied with his father, and was admitted
to practice in Saratoga county in the autumn of 1876. Has
been associated with his father since that date.
Bennett H. Vary was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in
1824. Read law with Joseph Benedict, of Utica, and Geo.
A. Youngs, of Remsen, Oneida county. Removed to Og-
densburg in May, 1847 ; read law with Myers & Baldwin;
admitted to practice in December, 1849, and has been in
Ogdensburg to the present time. Has held various town
offices, and was district attorney for nine years. Has been
at various times partner with Amos Reed, Edward Clark,
Geo. Morris, Horace Russell (now assistant district attorney
of New York), and lastly with John W. Stone.
Edwin M. Holbrook was born July 11, 1828, at Wis-
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
yt^y}U^
N. N. Child, M.D., was born in the town of Compton,
Province of Quebec, Jan. 31, 1837. ,
He is the only son of Walter and Laura B. Child. His
father was born in the town of West Boylston, Mass., Dec.
30, 1789, and was a descendant of Thomas Child, who, with
his two brothers, came to America in the ship " Mayflower."
Thomas settled in Massachusetts, and the other brothers in
Virginia and' Pennsylvania. His mother was born in Ver-
mont, Jan. 7, 1810. She was a daughter of Seth and Rebecca
Bonnel, the former of Connecticut and the latter of ISTew
Hampshire, both of English descent.
His parents removed from Canada and settled in Wilming-
ton, Essex county, in 1846. They gave their son the advantages
of an early education in the common school, and, when he
was fifteen years of age, placed him in Keesville Academy,
where he remained three years, receiving a classical education.
Like many other of the men of standing to-day, he began by
teaching school winters to pay his expenses and gain an edu-
cation, and after the age of sixteen years, he, unaided pecuni-
arily, finished his English and classical education.
At the age of twenty-three he entered Dr. H. A. Hough-
ton's office, of Keesville, Clinton Co., N. Y., and began the
study of medicine'. He remained under his tutorship for
three years, during which time at intervals he attended lec-
tures in the medical department of the University of Vermont,
located at Burlington. He attended a preliminary and regular
course of lectures at Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield,
Mass. In November, 1862, he attended a course of lectures in
the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, located at
Philadelphia, graduating from that institution in March, 1863,
and receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine.
The same spring (1863) he came to Ogdensburg, and some
eight months afterwards entered a partnership with Dr. D. E.
Southwick, and began the practice of his profession. This
partnership continued until 1871, when Dr. Child opened an
office by himself, and has since continued a practitioner of
physic and surgery in the city where he first located.
At the age of twenty-four, and in the year 1860 (Dee. 7),
Dr. Child married Miss Phebe, daughter of Paul and Sarah
Southwick, of Keesville, N. Y. Her father was a native of
Salem, Mass., being born May 15, 1797, and his ancestors early
settlers of the New England States, and of English birth.
Her mother was a native of Vermont, being born Sept. 14,
1800, and her grandfather, on the mother's side, a soldier of
the Revolutionary War. Dr. and Mrs. Child have two chil-
dren living, Sarah Augusta and Frank Southwick.
Dr. Child began, on coming to this city, to place before the
people, as opportunity offered, the practice of the same theory
in medicine as had some seven years before been introduced
by Dr. Southwick, the establishment of which had gained a
strong foothold in very many of the most intelligent families
of the city and surrounding country. His energy was such,
his desire to lay before the people the most successful exposition
of medical treatment that the advancing age had experienced,
that the doctor soon grew into favor with the best society in
the practice of his profession ; and, although only a prac-
titioner here for fourteen years, has an extensive ride, and a
large circle of warm friends among those to whom he admin-
isters in times of need.
In politics Dr. Child is a Democrat, but, during the late
Rebellion, warmly supported the administration. He is a
constant student in his profession, clinging closely to its first
principles, as a safeguard against the evils of opinion. He is
a member of the American Medical Institute, also of the State
Medical Society, besides very proficiently rendering aid to the
medical society of his county, in which he has served as treas-
urer from its organization. Dr. Child takes an interest in the
temperance cause, and is a warm advocate of total abstinence,
carrying with him these principles, and practicing them in
every family upon which he is called to administer.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
Dr. Socrates N. Sherman was born in the town of Barre, Washing-
ton Co., Vt., July 22, 1801. His family were of the yeomanry of the
Green Mountain State, who practiced and cultivated the sterling
qualities of frugality, industry, and honest economy, and to whom
none other than the education of the common school was possible.
He was the eldest son of the family, and participated in the labors
of the farm until twenty years of age, when ho entered the office of
Dr. "Van Sickliu, then of Barre, as a student of medicine, support-
ing himself by teaching school winters, until he graduated and re-
ceived his diploma at Castleton Medical College, in 1824.
In the early part of 1825, Br. Sherman came into this county, and
located in Heuvelton in the practice of his profession, where he re-
mained only a few months, when he entered into partnership with
the late Dr. Joseph W. Smith, then the foremost physician in this
county, and remained a resident of this place, and in the constant
practice of his profe'ssion, except when called from home by official
duties, until the time he was stricken and enfeebled by the disease
which terminated his life.
He had great enterprise and great physical endurance, and applied
himself devotedly to the study and practice of his profession, gaining
steadily the love, respect, and confidence of his patients and the
public until he dissolved his partnership with Dr. Smith, and es-
tablished a drug-, stationery-, and book-store, continuing his medical
practice in connection with his other business, which he conducted with
the energy which distinguished him until his extending practice in-
duced him to turn his attention again to his profession exclusively.
His ride extended over this and the adjoining towns, and his in-
creasing reputation for great skill, both in physic and surgery, soon
extended his visits over nearly the entire county.
Dr. Sherman's frank and manly character, his great and unfeigned
kindness of heart and of manners, made his patients his friends. To
them he devoted himself, never sparing himself by night or by day,
in storm or calm, in heat or in cold, but promptly flying to the relief
of the distressed, regardless of their condition in life or the prospect
of remuneration for his services. By these means the Doctor early
achieved an influence which rendered him a power in the community
in all public enterprises and in local politics. His convictions were
clear and strong, his motives were honest and patriotic, and whatever
his hand found to do he did it with his might.
His early action was with the anti-Masonic organization, and when
the fusion of the anti-Masons with the Democratic-Republicans formed
the "Whig party, he was one of its most active and influential leaders,
and continued in that position until the formation of the present
Republican party, when he joined its ranks, rendering the party
signal service. In 1860 he was elected a member of the Thirty-
seventh Congress for the Seventeenth Congressional District, then
composed of the counties of St. Lawrence and Herkimer. His con-
gressional career, which opened favorably, was arrested by the War
of the Rebellion, in which, against the remonstrances of his friends,
he persisted in volunteering, as a surgeon in the army. Early in
1861 he was commissioned as a surgeon of the 34th N. Y. Vols,, a
regiment raised within his congressional district. To the relief of
the suflFerings, diseases, and wounds of his comrades-in-arms he de-
voted himself, and became so conspicuous for his skill and zeal in the
service that, on the expiration of the term of enlistment of his regi-
ment, he was retained in the service, and made the Medical Director
of the department of Western Virginia, where he remained until the
close of the war. In the service he contracted the disease which ter-
minated his life; but this he never regretted, believing it was Ms
duty to serve his country in her need, at whatever sacrifice to- himself.
He was always liberal and progressive in his views. His love of
children was a distinguishing trait in his character, and his appreci-
ation of the benefits of a liberal system of popular education was
such that he thought no sacrifice too great to be cncountericd in the
cause.
The confidence of the people at large in him enabled him almost
single-handed to conduct and carry to a successful termination the
struggle which culminated in the creation of our extended system of
free and graded schools under a board of education. The more im-
portant of our magnificent structures in Ogdensburg devoted to that
cause are monuments of his success against the determined opposi-
tion of capital.
Though devoted to public interests and professional pursuits, he
by no means neglected his social duties. Four brothers, who have
since become respectable, and some eminent, members of his noble
profession, owe much of their success to his aid, precept, and
example.
In the year 1828 (Feb. 14) ho married Miss Lois Low, a native of
Vermont, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Ogdensburg..
To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were born two children, Sophia and Low
Franklin. The daughter married Dr. S. Sanford Blodgett, of Malone,
Franklin Co., N. Y., and resides in Ogdensburg. The son lived to
the age of twenty-seven years, and died in 1863. Mrs. Sherman was
pre-eminently a devoted wife and mother, and warmly endeared to
all who knew her, and especially to her children and grandchildren.
She died, at the age of fifty-six years, June 14, 1864, in the hospital
in Virginia, while on a visit to her husband. Dr. Sherman died in
Ogdensburg, Feb. 1, 1873.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
171
casset, Lincoln county, Maine; came to Ogdensburg in
November, 1851. Read law with Brown & Spencer, and
was admitted to the supremo court of the State Sept. 14,
1858. During Mr. Buchanan's administration was assist-
ant district attorney for the noithern district of New York,
and was admitted to district and circuit courts of the United
States. Is a commissioner of the circuit court of the United
States for the northern district of New York. In 1864-65
was engaged in practice in the city of New York. Returned to
Ogdensburg, and in 1870 formed a partnership with Daniel
Magone, under firm-name of Magone & Holbrook, which is
still existing. Was admitted as attorney and counselor of
the supreme court of the United States, January 28, 1875.
Daniel Magone was born in O.swegatchie, St. Lawrence
County. Read law with James & Brown. Admitted about
1851, and has since been in practice in Ogdensburg. Has
been associated in the profession at various times with Gay-
lord P. Chapin (since dead), 0. F. Partridge, now deputy
in U. S. customs department ; with Charles G. Myers, and,
lastly, with his present partner, E. M. Holbrook.
Joseph Y. Chapin, son of David M. Chapin, was born in
Ogdensburg in 1843. Graduated at Hamilton college,
Oneida county. New York, in 1866. Read law with his
father, and was admitted to practice in 1870; has been
located in Ogdensburg to the present time. Was elected
special surrogate in November, 1877, and also holds the
office of ward supervisor in county board.
John W. Stone was born in Do Kalb, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1846. Read law with B. H. Vary, and
was admitted to practice in November, 1865, since which
date he has been associated with Mr. Vary.
William Peters. — Born in Ogdensburg in 1842. Read law
with Hon. Francis Kernan, of Utica, N. Y. Admitted to
practice in 1865. Practiced in New York city ten years.
Is now located in Ogdensburg.
L. M. Sopor. — Born in Hammond, April 23, 1843. Grad-
uated at the law department of Columbia university, Wash-
ington, D. C, in 1869. Graduated from law department of
Canton, N. Y., university, in 1871. Read law with Lowry
& Russell, of Canton, two years. Admitted to practice in
Washington, D. C, in 1869, and in New York, November,
1870. - Received degree of bachelor of laws. Practiced in
Ogdensburg since November, 1872.
L. K. Soper. — Born in Macomb, St. Lawrence County, N.
Y., June 24, 1848. Read law with Hon. E. H. Neary, of
Gouverneur. Graduated at law department University of
Canton in June, 1871. Admitted November, 1870. Read
law also with Foote & James, of Ogdensburg. Now prac-
ticing in Ogdensburg.
R. E. Waterman.— Born in Ogdensburg, 1850. Read law
with J. MacNaughton. Admitted in 1875. Practiced a
short time in New York city. Now in partnership with
J. MacNaughton.
Among the citizens of Ogdensburg who have been promi-
nently connected with its interests and those of the county,
and especially deserving of mention on account of his ad-
vanced age, is Hon. Smith Stilwell, now living in Ogdens-
burg in his ninety-fourth year, having been born in Sara-
toga county, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1784. In early life he went
to Albany, and was employed in a mercantile house for seven
years as clerk. He subsequently carried on business for
himself two years. He settled in De Peyster in 1810,
when the country was a wilderness. He cleared a large
farm, and remained upon it until 1836, when he sold it and
purchased his " Laurentia" farm, on the banks of the St.
Lawrence, four miles above Ogdensburg. This farm he still
owns, and several others in the county, all containing about
430 acres. In 1828 he was appointed deputy United States
collector, and collector in 1840. He removed to Ogdens-
burg in 1829, where he remained a number of years. BVom
1840 to about 1856, at which date he built his present resi-
dence in Ogdensburg, he lived on his fiirm. During the
War of 1812-15 he was in Albany, where he lived until
1816, having been appointed by Gov. Tompkins city auc-
tioneer, then an office commissioned by the governor. Re-
turned to his farm in 1816 with a considerable amount of
money which he had saved in his business. He was county
judge for a number of years, and was a member of the
legislature in 1851—52. He was also on the Fremont
electoral ticket in 1856.
Judge Stilwell has been a man of remarkable physical
powers, as his ninety-four years and present hale and hearty
appearance readily indicate. His mental faculties are won-
derfully preserved, and his love of anecdotes, rich jokes, and
pleasant company make him, in his extreme old age, a mo.st
agreeable companion. His knowledge of all the early
families, and more particularly of the aristocratic and
wealthy land-holders along both shores of the St. Lawrence,
is perhaps more complete than that of any man living, and
he delights in conversation and the game of whist.
PHYSICIANS — OLD SCHOOL.
Dr. Joseph W. Smith was the first physician who settled
in St. Lawrence County. He was born in Che.shire, Mass.,
Feb. 22, 1781, and his father soon after removed to Addison,
Vt., where he died in 1791. Dr. S. studied medicine with
Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, of Vergennes, in 1799, and com-
pleted his studies with Dr. William Rose, of Middlebury,
in 1802. In 1803 he removed to Lisbon, St. Lawrence
County, where he practiced until 1807, when he removed
to Ogdensburg, where he practiced until about the time of
his death, July 4, 1835. He was the first president of the
county medical society, and held the office for many years.
The Sherman family were from Barre, Washington Co.,
Vt., and are distant connections of the Ohio family of the
same name. Dr. Socrates N. Sherman, the oldest of the
brothers, graduated at the Castleton medical college, Ver-
mont, in 1825, and rode through from his native State to
Ogdensburg on horseback the same year, and opened an
office for the practice of his profession. He was for many
years not only the leading physician, but was prominently
connected with the medical society, the schools (often called
the father of the Ogdensburg school system), and all im-
portant public matters. In 1860 he was elected to congress
and the following year went into the military service as
surgeon of the 34th N. Y. Infantry volunteers, raised in
Herkimer county, and served with great distinction. He
was home on a short leave of absence in 1862, but rejoined
the army in sea.son to participate in the battles of South
Mountain and Antietam, in September, 1862. Ho was also
172
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
present at the battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862.
He subsequently resigned from the volunteer service, and was
commissioned in the regular army, and assigned to duty in
West Virginia, where he had general charge of hospitals.
He returned home in December, 1865, with his constitution
badly shattered by disease contracted during the service,
and which finally caused his death, Feb. 1, 1873. He held
the office of postmaster of Ogdensburg for a few months
preceding his death.
Dr. B. P. Sherman settled in Ogdensburg in 1835. In
1837 he commenced teaching school, and continued until
1840. He studied medicine with his brother while engaged
in teaching. Attended Albany medical college, and graduated
in 1841. Commenced practice in the town of Hammond,
St. Lawrence County, the same year, and remained two
years, when he removed to Potsdam, and practiced about
two years, and located in Ogdensburg in 1845, where he
has since remained. Dr. Sherman ranks high in the pro-
fession, and is well known throughout the State.
Dr. M. Gr. Sherman came to Ogdensburg about 1828,
where he labored for some time as a mechanic. After-
wards followed the sea for two years, and was shipwrecked.
Returned to Ogdensburg, studied medicine, and graduated
at Fairfield, N. Y., in 1836. Practiced in Rossie from 1836
to 1840, when he removed to Ogdensburg, and practiced
until 1845, in which year he removed to Canada, and re-
mained two years, when he returned again to Ogdensburg,
and continued practice until 1850, when he re-visited Cali-
fornia. Returned in 1852, and soon after removed to
Michigan City, Ind. He served as surgeon of the 9th Ind.
Infantry from 1861 to 1865, and never was off duty a
day.
Dr. M. W. Sherman came to Ogdensburg from Vermont,
about 1837-38. Studied medicine with Dr. S. N. Sherman
in 1840-41. Graduated at Castleton, Vt., about 1847.
Practiced in Hermon, St. Lawrence County, three years.
Removed to Ogdensburg. Went to California, and returned
in 1852. Subsequently returned to Cahfornia, where he
died in February, 1864.
Dr. A. B. Sherman came to Ogdensburg about 1830-31.
Was clerk for Dr. S. N. in book- and drug-store. Bought his
brother out in 1835. Closed business in 1837. Read medi-
cine. Graduated in Pittsfield, "Mass., in 1838. Practiced
in Ogdensburg until 1840, with his brothers. Removed to
Rossie and practiced about two years ; from thence removed
to Waddington, whore he remained until about 1848-49,
when he removed to Morrisburg, Canada, where he is now
in practice.
Dr. Frank R. Sherman, a son of Dr. B. F., studied with
his father, and graduated at Cornell university, in the sci-
entific department, and subsequently at Bellevue hospital
college, in February, 1875. He practiced in Ogdensburg
about one year, and removed to Michigan City, Ind., where
he now resides.
Dr. Zina B. Bridges was born in Massena, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1826. Studied medicine at Fort Covington,
in Franklin Co, Graduated at the medical department
of the University of New York in 1850. Commenced
practice, and has remained in Ogdensburg since.
Dr. Elisha H. Bridges graduated at Bellevue medical
college in 1864, and has practiced in Ogdensburg with his
brother since. During the War of the Rebellion he served
in the U. S. navy, on board the steamer " Bibb."
Dr. Robert Morris was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Jan.
28, 1810. He emigrated to America and settled in the
town of Hammond, St. Lawrence County, in 1819. Studied
medicine with Prof. Thomas Hun, a distinguished practi-
tioner in Albany. Attended two terms at the Albany med-
ical college, and graduated Jan. 27, 1846 Also attended
one term at Geneva, N. Y. Commenced practice in Ham-
mond, where he icmained four years, and removed to Og-
densburg in 1850, where he has since been located. Dr.
Morris went into the service during the late war as surgeon
of the 91st N. Y. Infantry Volunteers, and served through
the war. He was health oiEcer for the village of Ogdens-
burg in 1854, and had a long experience with Asiatic
cholera, which prevailed extensively in that year.
Dr. J. H. Benton was born in the town of Antwerp (at
Oxbow), JefiFerson Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1823. Read medi-
cine with Dr. Trowbridge, of Watcrtown. Attended lec-
tures at Willoughby college, Ohio, in 1846, and graduated
at the University of Pennsylvania in 1848. Practiced two
years in Blockley hospital. West Philadelphia. Practiced
a few months at Oxbow, and removed to Ogdensburg in
1851, where he has since remained. Had considerable ex-
perience with cholera in 1854.
Dr. C. C. Benton was born Aug. 20, 1828. Studied
with Drs. Rosa and Trowbridge, of Watertown, N. Y.,
about three years. Was with Prof. William E. Horner,
of Philadelphia, three years, and subsequently with Prof
Gibson, of the same city, lour years. Both these gentle-
men are eminent in their profession. He graduated in
1850. Left Philadelphia in 1854. Traveled in Europe,
and visited the hospitals of Paris, London, and Edinburgh
in 1851. Settled at Oxbow in 1854, and practiced until
1875, when he removed to Ogdensburg. Dr. Benton has
a fine and well-selected cabinet of minerals and curiosities
from various parts of the world ; the minerals mostly from
the neighborhood of Rossie.
Dr. James S. Raymond was born in Potsdam, N. Y.,
July 13, 1827. Studied with Dr. J. H. Laughlin, of
Ogdensburg. Attended lectui-es at Albany medical col-
lege. Spent a year at Harvard college, and also Massachu-
setts general hospital. Took a six months' course, and
graduated at Philadelphia college of medicine in February,
1852. Practiced a short time in Kentucky, aud removed
to Algonac, St. Clair Co., Blich., where he resided for
nearly eighteen years. Removed to Ogdensburg in 1869,
where he has been in practice, and in the drug and medi-
cine trade, since.
Dr. Charles C. Bartholomew was born in Waddington,
St. Lawrence County, May 16, 1846. Studied with Dr.
J. H. Bartholomew at Lansing, Mich. Attended one term
at Ann Arbor, and graduated at Bellevue hospital college,
N. Y., in 1870. Commenced practice in Ogdensburg the
same year, and has since resided there. Dr. Bartholomew
is at present president of the St. Lawrence County medical
society.
Dr. Robert Boyd was born at Kingston, Ontario, in
1844. Graduated at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1871 ; also at
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
173
Bishop's university, Montreal, in 1 877. Located in Ogdens-
burg in 1872. Practiced for a short time in 1871-72 in
Washington Co., Wis. Since 1872 has been in constant
practice in Ogdensburg.
There are two other physicians in the successful practice
of their profession in Ogdensburg, belonging to the old
school, — Dr. Fred. Geare and Dr. J. H. Brownlow, — of
whom we we have not been able to procure data.
Among the early physicians of the old school who prac-
ticed in Ogdensburg may be mentioned Drs. Seeley, Jud-
soD, Canfield, Dr. Albert Tyler, Dr. H. D. Laughlin, Dr.
Crawe, Dr. Mayo,* and Dr. N. W. Howard. Dr. Seeley
practiced previous to 1835. Dr. Tyler probably earlier.
He afterwards removed to Washington, D. C.
Dr. Laughlin died in 1864. Dr. Crawe was from Water-
town, and returned to that city. Dr. Howard has been
prominently identified with the city schools for many
years, and has not practiced his profession since 1 855 to
any extent.
There are probably others well deserving of mention, but
of whom we have not been able to obtain the necessary
data. Many of them will be found in the records of the
medical societies, and in Chapter X. of this work.
PHYSICIANS — HOMCEOPATH 10.
The homoeopathic physicians are Dr. D. E. Southwick
and Dr. N. N. Child, for an account of whom see biogra-
phies.
DENTISTS.
The resident dentists in Ogdensburg are Dr. John Aus-
tin, D.D.S , who has practiced for about thirty years ; Dr.
S. S. Blodgett, D.D.S. , for nearly the same period ; Dr. J.
T. Newell, D.D.S., about fourteen years ; Dr. B. F. Mal-
lory, D.D.S., and Dr. T. B. Perpignan, D.D.S.,— both the
last-mentioned only a short time.
THE OGDENSBURG POST-OFFICE.
A post-ofl5ce was first established at Ogdensburg in 1807,
during Mr. Jefierson's administration, and Louis Hasbrouok
was appointed the first postmaster, and held the office until
1829, through the administrations of Jefferson (partly),
Madison, Monroe, and John Quiney Adams. During Mr.
Hasbrouck's administration the oflice was located on the
'• Triangle" block, belonging to him, at the foot of Ford
street.
Upon the incoming of President Jackson's administra-
tion Ransom H. Gillet was appointed postmaster in the
spring of 1829, and held the office until 1833, when Pres-
ton King succeeded him during General Jackson's second
term, and probably held it until the close of Mr. Van
Buren's term, in 1841. Under the Harrison-Tyler admin-
istration Piatt B. Fairchild filled the position, and during
this time the office was located on the south side of Ford
street. Under Mr. Polk, in 1845, Joseph M. Doty was
appointed, and served a part of the term, when he was re-
moved, and Luke Baldwin appointed in his place, and con-
tinued to the spring of 1849. Under him the office was
located on State street, where the meat-market now is. In
1849, under the Taylor-Fillmore administration, George
Robinson was appointed, and performed the duties of the
position until the close of 1852, when Luke Baldwin was
again appointed under Mr. Pierce, and continued until 1856.
Thomas Bacon was postmaster under Mr. Buchanan, from
1857 to 1861.
Under Abraham Lincoln's first administration Robert
Atcheson held the office until August, 1863, when R. G. Pet-
tibone succeeded him, and continued to July, 1872, when he
resigned in favor of Dr. Socrates N. Sherman, who held it
from that date until his death in February, 1873, when
Mr. Pettibone was again appointed, and has held it to the
present time.
The office has been located in the U. S. Government
building since its completion, and is fitted up in every re-
spect equal to the best offices in the Union. The building
is the finest in northern New York.f
A money-order department was established in November,
1864, and the first order was issued on the second day of
that month.
During the year ending June 30, 1877, the amount of
orders drawn was about $38,000, and of those paid during
the same period not far from $50,000.
The value of stamped envelopes and postage-stamps sold
for year ending Dec. 31, 187-7, was $10,335.88.
Number of registered letters sent, 7476 ; number of
registered letters received, 9828. There are eight daily
mails each way, and the number of pouches and sacks
handled during the year amounts to about 12,000 each
way.
The office contains 1370 boxes and 369 drawers, both
kinds being furnished with locks and keys.
The office belongs to the third class, and the postmaster's
salary is $1800 per annum, with liberal allowance for clerk
hire. The present force consists of R. G. Pettibone, post-
master, and Lewis B. Leonard, assistant postmaster, with
three clerks. The office in every respect is a model one,
and, next to Watertown, transacts the heaviest business in
the northern part of the State.
HOTELS.
The Seymour House, on the southeast corner of Ford
and State streets, is the most prominent in the city. It
was erected in 1842 and 1851, and was originally called the
St. Lawrence hotel. The front on State street is 132 feet,
and on Ford, 94 feet. It contains about 100 rooms, and is
finely furnished throughout. Proprietor, F. J. Tallman.
The Woodman House, on State street, is a good, com-
fortable hotel, containing about 40 rooms, well arranged and
ventilated and convenient to business. Most of the travel-
ing troupes stop at this house. Proprietor, John Har-
rington.
The Johnson House is situated near the Ogdensburg and
Lake Champlain depot, corner Ford and Patterson streets.
It does a good business during the boating season, and is
well kept by N. P. Keeler.
The National hotel, corner of Ford and Catherine streets,
is one of the early stone buildings of the city, and conve-
* Dr. Mayo is now in the United States navy.
■f For description, see Chapter X.
174
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
niently located to the ferry and Rome, Watertown and
Ogdensburg railway. Proprietor, Wm. Owen.
The New York House is in the west division, near the
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railway depot. Pro-
prietor, Wm. Elliott.
The Oswegatchie House is also in the west division, corner
of Lake and Main streets. Proprietor, C. Jillson.
These are the principal hotels, and do the bulk of the
business. Besides these there are others in various parts
of the city, in all fifteen that are licensed.
HALLS.
There are four commodious public halls in the city, some
of them fitted up for theatricals. These are the town-hall,
Eagle hall, Lyceum hall, and Union hall.
BUSINESS BLOCKS.
Ogdensburg can boast of an unusual number of fine and
improving business buildings, many of them recently con-
structed and elegantly finished. They are generally four
stories in height, a few only being two and three stories, and
constructed of brick and stone.
Prominent among the blocks are three belonging to the
Judson property, — Eagle, Gilbert, Granite (built of siliceous
limestone, but somewhat resembling dark granite), — two
fine ones belonging to W. B. Allen, Barber and Ashley's, two
belonging to the Hasbrouck estate, James', Pope's, two be-
longing to Gibbs, and Green's, Rockwell's, and Nevins', — ■
the last three on the west side of the Oswegatchie river.
MASONIC.
Extract from an address delivered by E. M. Holbrook,
February, 1874, at the dedication of the present lodge-room
of the order in Ogdensburg :
" It is eminently proper upon this occasion that a refer-
ence should be made to the birth and growth of the Ma-
sonic fraternity in this locality, and its present status, as
well as that in this State and the United States.
" The first lodge of Freemasons in Ogdensburg was or-
ganized in 1809. A meeting of the Masons in that place
was held at the house of Horatio G. Berthrong, situate at
the place where the Seymour House now stands, on the
22d of March, 1809. There were present on that occasion
Bros. John Tibbits, Jr., Nathan Goff, Horatio G. Berthrong,
Andrew McCollum, Joseph York, Bethuel Houghton,
John Calkins, Samuel Fairchilds, Henry Berthrong, Samuel
Chancy, David Coffin, and Palmer Cleveland. Steps were
then taken for the organization of a lodge.
" At the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge
held Sept. 6, 1809, a charter was obtained, and a lodge was
here constituted, under the name of St. Lawrence Lod^e.
The following-named brothers were the first officers : Pal-
mer Cleveland, W. M. ; Bethuel Houghton, S. W. ; John
Tibbits, Jr., J. W. ; D. M. Lewis,-Treas. ; Joseph York, Sec. ;
H. G. Berthrong, S. D. ; Orin Ives, J. D. ; Samuel Pair-
child, Tyler.
"At the annual communication held Dec. 27, 1810
Bethuel Houghton was elected W. M., and served one
year, when Palmer Cleveland was elected his successor, and
served the lodge in that capacity for several years. On
account of the war between the United States and Great
Britain, and the disturbed state of society and business
consequent to the hostilities between these countries in
this locality, no meetings of the lodge were held between
Dec. 28, 1812, and March 14, 1816. On April 18, 1816,
a meeting was held and the lodge revived, and its meetings
continued.
" Unfortunately, the records of the lodge, from July 16,
1816, to May 9, 1822, have been lost, and a history of the
lodge between those dates cannot be given. That it con-
tinued in harmony and was prosperous is evinced from the
register, which shows a membership of 57, among whom
were Silvester Gilbert, Amos Bacon, John Fine, George
N. Seymour, J. W. Smith, Erastus Vilas, Rawlings Web-
ster, A. C. Low, and many others of the most influential
citizens of this place.
"During the year 1822, Amos Bacon served the lodge
as Master. On Nov. 28, 1822, Silvester Gilbert was chosen
W. M., serving as such one year. On Dec. 18, 1823,
Abiram Kingsbury was elected his successor, and held the
office one year.
" On June 16, 1824, on invitation of the building com-
mittee of the Presbyterian church in Ogdensburg, the lodge
laid the corner-stone of their edifice with the usual Masonic
ceremonies.
" At the annual communication held Dec. 9, 1824, Joseph
W. Smith was elected and installed W. M., and served one
year.
" At the next annual communication, held Dec. 1, 1825,
Silvester Gilbert was again elected W. M., but, declining
to serve, he was excused by the lodge, and George Guest
was elected and installed. He continued in office until
Dec. 14, 1826, when Abiram Kingsbury was elected his
successor, and served one year. At the annual communi-
cation held Dec. 6, 1827, George Guest was again elected
and installed W. M. He was re-elected at the next annual
communication, and continued to serve the lodge in that
capacity until and including the regular communication of
Feb. 19, 1829, when the lodge was practically disbanded,
and its meetings discontinued, — the ' Morgan' disturbance
at that time subjecting the brethren to bitter persecution
and social and political proscription.
" The first meetings of the lodge were held in the upper
story of the stone dwelling on the corner of Isabella and
Washington .streets, the residence of the late Hamilton
Stewart. This room was occupied for many years.
"Afterwards the upper story of the Bellis store, on
Ford street, then the property of the late Amos Bacon,
was fitted up, and occupied as long as St. Lawrence Lodge
existed. After the cessation of meetings of the lodge on
account of the ' Morgan' difficulties, St. Lawrence Lodge
ceased to exist, and for a period of eighteen years there
were no regular meetings of Freemasons in this place. In
June, 1847, a dispensation was issued by the Master of
Masons of New York to certain brethren here to organize a
lodge, to be known as Ogdensburg Lodge.
"The first meeting under that dispensation was held
July 22, 1847, with the following officers: G. Grant, W.
M. ; S. Gilbert, S. W. ; Royal Vilas, J. W. ; R. D. Searle,
Treas. ; Abijah Abbott, Sec. ; Joel Mack, S. D. ; R. Web-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
175
ster, J. D. The brothers continued to hold their meetings
under the dispensation. March 7, 1848, the Grand Lodge
granted warrant to Ogdensburg Lodge, No. 128. The fol-
lowing were the first oflficers and members : George Guest,
W. M. ; Silvester Gilbert, S. W. ; Royal Vilas, J. W. ;
R. D. Searle, Treas. ; Abijah Abbott, Sec. ; Joel Mack,
S. D. ; Rawlings Webster, J. D. ; Luman Newell, Tyler.
Harry Odell, S. B. James, Roland Hack, R. Dudley,
Thomas Atcheson, Joel Houghton, Archibald McGoodin,
G. C. Stevens, A. McCollum, Gabriel Muneret, C. Ripley,
L. Baldwin, John C. Hanley, Smith Low, Griswold Enos,
Harvey Church, George Hoyd, T. G. Seward, John Young,
S. C. Walker, William Gordon, and Robert Bothwell.
" The lodge held its meetings in a room in the upper
story of the old courl>house, which stood where the custom-
house now stands, in connection with the Ogdensbur"-
Chapter, No. 63, R. A. Masons.
" On April 30, 1855, a committee was appointed by the
lodge to confer with Mr. Averill as to a room for said
lodge in the brick building then being constructed by him
on Ford street. A satisfactory arrangement was not, how-
ever, made, and on the 11th of June, 1855, the proposition
of our late Brothel- Royal Vilas, for the fourth story of his
two brick stores, was accepted. Steps were immediately
taken by the lodge and Ogdensburg Chapter, and rooms
were there fitted up in Vilas block, and were dedicated on
the evening of September 7, 1855, Rev. Mr. Tredway
officiating. The lodge continued to hold its meetings in
that block until January, 1874. . . . The following-named
brethren have each served as W. M. of the lodge : 1840-
50, George Guest; 1851-52, John Young; 1853, Luke
Baldwin; 1854, Joel Mack; 1855, George A. French;
1856, Edwin M. Holbrook ; 1857, James D. Raymond ;
1858, Heman F. Millard; 1859, John D.Ransom; 1860,
Charles S. Burt; 1861, Thomas Hall; 1862, John H.
Fairchild; 1863, Amos S. Partridge ; 1864, Jas. Thompson ;
1866-67, Jas. H. Palmer ; 1869, Geo. W. Mack; 1870-71,
W. N. Cross; 1872, R. Montgomery; 1873-74, A. W.
Lord, and Richard L. Seaman, the present Master. Of
those who have served as W. M.'s of Ogdensburg Lodge,
all who preceded the speaker, and Brothers Millard, Ran-
som, Fairchild, and Mack, who succeeded him, have died,
and the wind on this February night sighs its weird and
mournful requiem over their snow-clad graves. Of the
others, besides the speaker, W. Brothers Cross, Mont-
gomeryf and Lord are alone members of the Ogdensburg
Lodge, — W. Brothers Raymond, Bush, Hall, and Partridge
being demitted, and W. Brothers Thompson, Hanna,
Palmer, Studholm having each become a member of Aca-
cean Lodge, No. 705.
" Since the organization of the Ogdensburg lodge, some
three hundred and sixty have been raised to the sublime de-
gree of Master Masons, and the membership of said lodge
at its last return in June, 1874, was one hundred and forty-
eight. The whole number on its register is four hundred
and sixty-two.
" On March 16, 1870, the members of Ogdensburg
brother lodges petitioned for a dispensation for a new
lodge at this place, to be known as Acacean Lodge. A
dispensation was granted, with the following oflBcers : M.
Bretans, W. M. ; James Raymond, S. W. ; W. L. Proc-
tor, J. W.
" At the annual convocation of the Grand Lodge in
1870, a warrant was granted to Acacean Lodge, No. 705,
with the following as officers: C. H. Butrick, W. M.;
James S. Raymond, S. W. ; W. L. Proctor, J. W. The
lodge was constituted and dedicated by Rev. Brother Havens,
D. D. G. Master, on the 20th day of September, 1870, and
has continued until last month to meet in the hall recently
occupied by Ogdensburg Lodge. The following have been
W. M.'s of Acacean Lodge since its warrant ; C. H. Bost-
wick, 1870-73; M. S. Lee, 1874; W. Brother Gates Curtis,
a member of Acacean Lodge, was W. M. of De Peyster
Lodge ; W. Brother M. C. Loomis, also a member of Aca-
cean Lodge, was W. M. of Brownsville Lodge ; W. Brother
Butrick was also Master of Grass River Lodge in Madrid.
" On Sept. 18, 1818, a meeting of R. A. Masons was held
to organize a chapter, and the following were named as
officers: H. P., S. Gilbert, K. ; Amos Bacon, Scribe. A
dispensation was granted at a convocation of the Grand
Chapter of the State of New York, held February, 1819.
A warrant was granted on May 27, 1819. On May 27,
1819, the chapter was instituted and dedicated at the old
court-house, the Rev. A. G. Baldwin acting as G. H. P.,
and who delivered an address. A collation was served at
the house of William Warner. The first exaltation was
on the 5th of July, 1819, when Brothers Harvey, Church,
A. Kingsbury, and William Warren were duly exalted to
the most sublime degree of Royal Arch Masons. The
meetings. of the chapter were regularly held up to, and
including, Nov. 27, 1827, when the following were elected
officers and installed : S. Gilbert, H. P. ; G. W. Kruger,
K. ; George Guest, S.
"Since the organization of the chapter, up to this date,
the exaltations were some sixty.
" There does not appear to have been any further meet-
ings of the chapter for a period of about twenty-two years.
" In 1848 the following companions petitioned for a re-
vival of the chapter : S. Gilbert, George Guest, Rawlings
Webster, Henry Church, S. G. Seward, L. Baldwin, R. D.
Searle, S. B. James, and R. Dudley.
" At a convocation of the Grand Chapter of the State of
New York, Feb. 7, 1849, the prayer of the petitioners was
granted, and the warrant renewed.
" On the 3d of March, 1849, some of the petitioners
met in the ofiice of Mr. Van Rensselaer, at the corner of
State and Green streets, and a committee was appointed to
confer with the Ogdensburg lodge, with reference to a
room. Arrangements were subsequently made, and on the
8th of March, 1849, the chapter commenced its regular
convocation in the hall in the old court-house. The meet-
ings continued to be held there until September 7, 1855,
when they were held in the hall in Royal Vilas' block,
and have been held there until last month.
" The following have been High Priests of said chapter
since its reorganization in February, 1849 : S. Gilbert,
1849-55; E. M. Holbrook, 1856-59, '61, '66-73; J. H.
Fairchild, 1860-62; C. S. Burt, 1864; N. Lewis, 1865;
Joseph Studholm, 1874 ; and the speaker is the High Priest
for the present year.
176
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
" Companions Burt, Studholm, and the speaker are the
only surviving High Priests since the chapter was formed in
1819. The exaltations in the chapter since its reorgani-
zation in 1849 have been 150, and its present membership
is 70.
" A dispensation was granted in March, 1871, to certain
petitioners for a commandery of Knights Templar in this
city. The dispensation was not acted upon the first year,
and was renewed by the Grand Commandery in October,
1872. In the following July a commandery under dispen-
sation was organized by R. E. Joseph B. Chaffee, Grand
Lecturer of the Grand Commandery, and continued its
work until October, 1873, when, at the annual conclave of
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State
of New York, a warrant was given to Ogdensburg Com-
mandery, No. 54, Knights Templar. The commandery
was instituted and dedicated under its warrant, December,
1873, by R. Em. John S. Perry, Grand Treasurer.
" The following are the present oiEcers of .^aid com-
mandery : E. M. Holbrook, E. C. ; Jas. Thompson, Genl. ;
Joseph Studholm, Capt. Gen. ; C. H. Butrick, Prelate ; N.
P. WooUey, Treas. ; G. Boswell, Rec. ; T. H. F. Robert-
son, S. W; W. B. Hutchinson, J. W. ; D. Hanna, Sd. B. ;
J. E. Willson, St'nd. B. ; D. Bowen, Warder; Gates Cur-
tiss, J. S. Raymond, Guards ; W. A. Butler, J. Behre,
Sentinels."
Since 1874 the Masonic organizations in the city have
been in a prosperous condition, and, notwithstanding the
tinaes, have been gradually increasing in membership.
OGDENSBURG LODGE, NO. 98, I. O. 0. P.,
was organized with eight charter members, Feb. 24, 1847.
The original number of the lodge was " 273." Upon the
union of the two Grand Lodges of the State this lodge was
granted a new charter, and the number was changed to
" 98." The following are the names of the original mem-
bers of the society : John B. Haggert, Henry W. Smith,
Joseph M. Doty, George Boyd, Frank B. Hitchcock, F.
M. Humphrey, A. M. Hepburne, and George W. Durgin.
The following officers were elected at the first meeting of
the society : John B. Haggert, N. G. ; Andrew Hepburne,
V. G. ; Henry M. Smith, Sec. ; George Boyd, Treas. ; Joseph
M. Doty, P. Sec. Thirteen persons were duly initiated mem-
bers of the society at the first meeting. This is the only
lodge at present within the county, and has been in a pros-
perous condition since its organization. Their lodge-room
is one of the finest in the State.
The present officers of the society are as follows : L. M.
Sopher, N. G. ; Henry S. Lightall, V. G. ; Jacob Boston,
R. S. ; Francis Corry, Treas. ; Benjamin Wells, Permanent
Secretary.
OGDENSBURG ENCAMPMENT, NO. 32, I. 0. 0. F.,
was organized April 23, 1861, with the following charter
members: Francis Cony, Elijah White, H. F. Millard
Alexander Matheson, T. C. Atoheson, M. Lewis, and Jos.
Thompson. The officers elected at the first meeting were :
Elijah White, C. P. ; M. Lewis, H. P. ; Joseph Thomp-
son, S. W. ; Alexander Matheson, J. W. ; Francis Corry
Scribe. Meetings are held regularly in the rooms occupied
by the lodge.
The present officers are : F. N. Burt, C. P. ; James
Spear, H. P. ; Robert Wright, S. W. ; Laughlin W. Giles,
J. W. ; Francis Corry, Scribe.
OGDENSBURG DIVISION, NO. 235, SONS OP TEMPERANCE,
OP EASTERN NEW YORK,
was organized March 27, 1847, the charter members being:
George Boyd, Simeon Dillingham, Henry G. Foote, Andrew
M. Hepburn, Henry Rockwell, Philo Abbott, Geo. Guest
(2d),R. G. James, J. C. Hanley, Amasa W. Wooley, Geo.
W. Durgin, L. R Storrs, John Burke, R. S. Armstrong,
Philip Hergog.
This is the only division in this section of the State be-
longing to the Eastern Grand Division, and it is within the
territory of the Western Grand Division. The division has
been in a flourishing condition since its organization. The
most prosperous meeting ever held in the Oswegatchie
division was held March 26, 1874 ; the receipts from in-
itiations alone amounting to one hundred and eight dollars.
The society at that time numbered oyer four hundred
members.
The present officers of the society are ; F. S. Ryan, W.
P. ; W. A. Callaghan, W. A. ; Hugh Miller, R. S. ; E.
Weaver, F. S. ; A. Callaghan, Treas.; R. Golden, I. S.;
David Mcintosh, O. S. ;'Miss M. F. Cook, A. C. ; Mrs.
A. Callaghan, Chaplain.
OGDENSBURG LODGE, NO. 285, I. 0. G. T.,
was organized May 25, 1867, with the following charter
members : G. S. Wright, P. H. Millard, C. H. Adams, A.
N. Partridge, L. G. Cadier, George R. Persons, C. Smith,
Serena McCoy, J. N. Thompson, C. A. Webb, N. J. Mack,
Louisa S. Smith, A. E. Foster, Jennie M. Briley, Helen
Rutherford, H. E. Higby, E. L. Higby, W. L. Thompson,
George R. Leonard, John Seeley, S. T. Duclos, and F. E.
Persons. The following officers were elected at the first
regular meeting of the society : W. L. Thompson, W. C.
T. ; C. A. Webb, W. V. T. ; G. S. Wright, W. Chap. ; C.
H. Adams, W. Sec. ; Serena McCoy, W. A. S. ; A. N.
Partridge, W. F. S. ; Jennie M. Bailey, W. Treas.; G. R.
Persons, W. M. ; F. E. Persons, W. D. M. ; Hattie B.
Higby, W. L G.; J. M. Thompson, W. 0. G. ; E. L.
Higby, W. R. H. S. ; Helen Rutherford, W. L. H. S. ;
P. H. Millard, P. W. C. T.
Meetings were at first held in "the lodge-room occupied
by the Sons of Temperance. In July, 1872, they moved
into the present lodge-room, which is commodious, finely
furnished. During the year 1874 the society numbered
over three hundred members. With the exception of a
few weeks during the summer of 1877 meetings have been
held regularly since its organization. The present officers
are as follows : J. E. Fell,^W. C. T. ; Louisa S. Smith, W.
V. T. ; W. H. Wright, W. Sec. ; Ella Wilson, W. A. S. ;
Charles Robinson, W. F. S. ; J. P. Wallace, W. Treas. ;
W. J. Knox, W. C. ; George Robinson, W. M. ; Nettie
Sturdevant, W. D. M. ; Ella Golden, W. L G. ; Fanny
IMoore, W. R. S. ; Ida Moore, W. L. S.
HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
177
STATE ARMORY.
The Strong stone building standing on the hill above the
city water-works was built by the State in 1858, and used
as a store-house for old muskets and other ordnance pre-
viously used by the militia, and of little value. The prop-
erty was purchased by the city after the War of the Rebel-
lion, and the building is now used as a place in which to
store the various tools belonging to the city, — plows, shovels,
picks, scrapers, etc. On the south front of the building
the tablet from Father Picquet's mission-house, built in
1749, is set in the wall for preservation. Its rude lettering
is much worn by the action of the elements, and cannot be
read except by close scrutiny.
PARKS.
The city contains three very pleasant parks, one in the
west and two in the east division. " Mansion" park, occu-
pying the space inclosed by Ogden and Rensselaer streets,
and Ford and New York avenues, in the west division, was
donated to the village about 1852-53, and the trustees
accepted it and fenced it in. No improvements were made
in it until within the past five years, but it is now neatly
inclosed and well taken care of, and is a credit to the city.
A number of beautiful pines are within the inolosure, and
lend much to its attractiveness.
"Hamilton" park lies in the oast division, between
Green, Knox, Hamilton, and Paterson streets, and is the
square originally the old cemetery. It was converted into
a park about the close of the War of the Rebellion, the
remains having been removed to the city cemetery and
other localities; some which were not claimed to the pot-
ter's field. It is a little larger than Mansion park.
" Central" or " River" park occupies the space along the
bank of the Oswegatchie in front of the custom-house,
and was conveyed to the city at a recent date by George
Parish.
Many improvements have been made in all the parks, and
the work of placing in them reservoirs and fountains is now
going on.
IRON BRIDGES.
The Oswegatchie river is spanned within the city limits by
two wrought iron-bridges, manufactured by the King bridge
company, of Cleveland, Ohio ; the lower one, crossing from
the foot of Ford street, was built in 1866, at a cost of about
$22,500, including sub- and super-structures, approaches,
etc. It consists of two spans of 111 feet each. The road-
ways, two in number, are each 16 feet wide, and the two
sidewalks 8 feet each. The upper bridge, connecting
Fayette and Spring streets, was built in 1873, when mate-
rial was much cheaper, and the company was doing a larger
business. Its cost, including piers and abutments, was in
the neighborhood of $20,000, the superstructure alone
costing about $12,000. This bridge is 586 feet in length,
and consists of five spans, averaging a trifie over 117 feet
each. Two of the shorter spans are 110 feet each, while
the longest is 125 feet. It has a single roadway, 18 feet
in width, and two sidewalks, each 5 feet wide.
Seth G. Pope, Esq., -of this city, who was instrumental
in securing these bridges, has, as agent for the company, con-
tracted for and built a number of them in other localities,
2%
including a very substantial one at Waltham, Massachu-
setts, differing somewhat in pattern from the two at Ogdens-
burg. Of the latter the lower one has stood a great strain
since it was built, and it is more substantial than many
others built by this company.
OGDENSBURG FIRES.
Ogdensburg, like many other towns and cities, has had its
experience with fire. One of the most destructive confla-
grations visited the city in 1873. It originated in a hard-
ware establishment and tiu-shop on Water street, below
the Oswegatchie bridge, in a range of frame buildings, and
spread with such rapidity and fury as soon to be beyond
control. Buildings were burned on both sides of Water
street, above and below the bridge, including those which
occupied the site of the block now owned by Hon. A. B.
James.
The total loss was between one and two hundred thou-
sand dollars, on which insurance was paid to the amount of
about one hundred thousand dollars. It made a sad inroad
into the business of the city, but a large share of the
ground has since been covered with fine marble and brick
edifices.
There have been many minor fires, but this was by far
the most serious since the great fire of 1852.
EXPRESS COMPANIES.
There are two express companies having ofiices in the
city, both in the stone building on State street formerly
the Ogdensburg bank, and both in charge of the same
agent, — C. P. Geer. They have occupied their present
location since about 1873. The companies are the " Ameri-
can" and the ''U. S. and Canada."
BANDS.
The Ogdensburg city band was originally organized in
1860 ; it was reorganized under its present name in 1874,
and consists of sixteen pieces. It is a fine corps of musi-
cians, and an honor to the city. Its officers are : Leader,
D. H. Bowen, who has held the position since 1874, he
having effected the new organization ; President, Hugh
McCaffrey ; Secretary and Treasurer, James Doyle.
The La Fayette band was organized in 1874, under the
direction of Rev. Father La Rose, of the French church. It
has seventeen instruments, of which but a portion are in
use, and the membership is at present (December, 1877)
quite small. Most of its members belong to the laboring
class, and are changing often on account of not being able
to find constant employment.
FERRIES.
The early ferries on the St. Lawrence between Ogdens-
burg and Prescott, Canada, were row- and sail-boats, and
these continued in use until perhaps about the year 1830,
when Eli Lusher put on a steam ferry. Isaac Plumb and
his nephews, Charles, Lewis R., Ward, and Isaac, succeeded
Lusher, and continued the business down to 1874, when
Charles Lyon bought the equipment, and has continued
it since. Isaac and Ward Plumb are the present cap-
tains on the two boats, one of which pliej direct between
178
HlSTOflY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the two cities, the otlier (the " Transit") being employed by
the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railway company in
conveying freight cars and passengers between the railway
depots. Messrs. Plumb also own the steamer " Henry
Plumb."
These ferries pay a license on both the American and
British sides of the river. They have been so carefully
managed that there has never been a serious accident since
their first establishment. The passenger traffic is exten-
sive at this point, and the boats make trips every forty
minutes, at ten cents per head for each passenger, until
December 1, when the charge is twenty-five cents. A large
amount of stock and poultry is also handled here, passing
mostly from the Dominion to the United States.
MUSEUM.
Among the places of note in Ogdensburg worthy of in-
vestigation the museum of General Roscius W. Judson de-
serves special mention. The general was evidently born
with an extraordinary and remarkably discriminating taste
for mementos and relics of " ye olden time," and especially
for everything that would perpetuate the memory of Amer-
ican heroes and statesmen of the Revolutionary period.
From his boyhood he has been engaged in gathering, from
every available source, objects of interest and curiosity of
every description, and whose history covered the period
from the ages when this region was occupied by the pre-
historic people down to the present time.
His collection of ancient implements of numerous varie-
ties, found principally in northern New York, and largely
in St. Lawrence County, is very complete, and many of the
specimens are exquisitely wrought and ornamented. Tlie
ancient stone axes are ponderous weapons, that in the hands
of the powerful men who wielded them must have been
well-nigh irresistible, and the beautifully finished gouges,
knives, and images evince a skill and intelligence that put
to' shame all the efforts of the red race known as Indians,
and prove beyond a doubt the existence of an ancient peo-
ple upon this continent, who possessed a remarkable degree
of civilization.
Supplementary to these ancient curiosities is a fine col-
lection of Indian implements of war, of husbandry, and of
the chase, — hatchets, flint arrow- and spear-heads, pipes,
household utensils, etc. The articles representing the civil,
military, and domestic life of the colonies, and of the sub-
sequent union of States, are in wonderful variety ; and, what
is sometimes lacking in more noted collections, an authentic
description is furnished with each particular piece or speci-
men, and they are known to be genuine.
A special enumeration of the 3000 specimens which
make up this unique and wonderful collection we have not
space to furnish, but to every admirer of time-worn relics
and rare curiosities from the battle-fields of the republic,
and from every department of human industry and inven-
tion, we would say, go and see General Judson's collection.
It is free to all, and the most polite, aff'able, and courteous
gentleman in the land will delight to explain everything to
you in his inimitable way.
The collection deserves to have a fire-proof buildin"-
erected for its safe-keeping, and the citizens of Ogdensbur"-
will do honor to themselves by making provision for pre-
serving it in the interests of their historic city.
SCHOOLS.
The earliest school of which we have any record is men-
tioned in the following memorandum by Mr. Joseph Ros-
seel, dated Nov. 24, 1809 : " Upon application of some of
our villagers, I have granted the house destined for Captain
Cherry's bivouac as the place for the use of a school for
upwards of thirty children, whose parents have engaged
jMr. Richard Hubbard for a teacher.'' Mr. H. was from
Charlestown, N. H., and the number of his scholars, at first
only about six, increased very soon to double that number.
The place having been found too small, a dwelling-house
was next used for a whUe, and not long after a small school-
house was built. The village was included in one district
until about 1836—37, when it was divided into three dis-
tricts : two on the east side and one on the west side of the
Oswegatchie river.
A stone school building was erected as early as 1820-25,
on Knox street, corner of Caroline street, in which schools
were taught up to 1850, when the first of the present
school buildings was erected on Franklin street, known now
as No. 1.
The trustees at that time were Dr. S. N. Sherman, A. B.
James, and Otis Glynn. This building was a vast improve-
ment on those of former years, and accommodated 450
scholars. It cost, complete, about $3000. We are unable
to give the names of the early teachers in the old districts,
as the records were destroyed by fire, but Dr. B. F. Sher-
man recollects that a young man by the name of Cleghorn
taught in the old stone building on Knox street, about
1836. Dr. B. F. Sherman was himself a teacher, and
taught his first term in the building now No. 2, then num-
bered 22, on Washington street. He afterwards taught in
the old stone building, his last term being in 1840, when
he abandoned teaching for the study and practice of the
medical profession.
The three districts established in 1836-37 were num-
bered with other districts of the whole township, and were
continued as originally organized until the act consolidating
the districts within what are now the limits of the city into
one, which was passed in 1857. By this act the graded
system, or at least something approximating it, was estab-
lished, the schools being divided into primary and second-
ary, and an institute, which furnished all the advantages
of a high school. This latter was abolished in 1871, and
a grammar school substituted in its stead. The project of
establishing a high school is under discussion, and is quite
likely to be adopted sooner or later, which step would com-
plete the schools upon the graded system, and enable pupils
holding diplomas to enter the higher institutions of learning.
The school buildings of the city, with their location, ma-
terial, and date of erection, are as follows :
No. 1, on Franklin street, built of brick in 1850.
No. 2, on Washington street, of brick, built in 1854.
Occupied also for grammar school.
No. 3, on Park street, of brick, built in 1853.
No. 4, on New York avenue, of stone, built in 1856.
No. 5, in east part of city, rebuilt of brick.
(Photos, by Oow.j
^^^y^^^^C^^^^ <^.
The siuDJect of this sketch was born in Marlborough, N. H.,
Dec. 17, 1804. He was eldest child of a family of nine children
of James and Lucy Wheelock, both natives of New Hampshire.
His father, born May 15, 1776, was a lineal descendant of
Wheelock, who came to this country from England about the year
1635, In company with his two brothers.
His mother was youngest child of "William Barker, and was
born July 22, 1780. William Barker was of English birth, and
came with his brother John, the former settling in the town of
Marlborough, N. H., b^ing the first white settler of that town, and
before the town had a name. The latter settled in Lester, Vt., and
both remained on the land upon which they first settled until their
death. His father was a farmer by occupation, and being in
moderate circumstances was only able to give his children any-
thing more than a common school education. "When "William was
about ten years of age his father, with his family, moved to Pitts-
ford, Eutland county, Vt., and in the year 1836 removed, with three
of the youngest children, and settled in the town of De Peyster,
this county, where the father and mother lived until their death,
he dying May 31, 1855, his wife dying Sept. 11, 1849.
Until William was nineteen years of age he worked on the farm
with his father, and then in the year 1824, having previously
bought his" time until he should become of age of his father for
one hundred dollars, and with his pack on his back, came on foot
all the way from Pittsford to take up his home in the wilderness.
Coming to the town of De Peyster, St. Lawrence County, he took
jobs chopping timber land at five dollars per acre, and as soon as he
had saved the money he went back to the parental roof, paid his
debt, and by this first speculation gained one year's time for himself.
Eeturning to this county, lie spent several years clearing land, and
then engaged as superintendent with the contractors of the Eideau
canal. After a short time he entered as a partner with Mr. Clif-
ford as contractors in building some six locks on the canal. Suc-
cessful in this operation, he went to Maryland, 1832, and contracted
to build the aqueduct across Catockton creek for the Chesapeake
and Ohio canal. He next built the viaduct across the same stream
for the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Successful in these opera-
tions, he again returned to this county, purchased in all some four
hundred and thirty-eight acres of land in the town of De Peyster,
and began farming. Eemained on his farm only a short time, and
lin the year 1836 came to Ogdensburg and built the canal in the
city for the Ogdensburg water-power company. In 1837 betook
charge of the Eossie lead mines for the Eossie lead mining com-
pany, James Averill being president, David C. Judson being vice-
president. At the end of four years he engaged with George
Parish to take care of his iron mines, furnaces, ore beds, and wood-
lands in the town of Eossie ; and, while employed by him, built
the large furnace, grist-mill, foundry (largest north of Utica),
machine-shop, and all the brick buildings in Eossie except the
hotel, and made the entire castings for the Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain railroad ; and at the close of his services with him re-
ceived not only his entire approbation, but a substantial present,
not only increasing the value of his employer's property, but suc-
cessful for himself.
After fourteen years he returned to his farm, where he remained
until 1866. Sold his farm, and after one year came to Ogdensburg,
where he has since resided. Mr. Wheelock has been a successful
business man, was representative in whatever he turned his atten-
tion to, and while a farmer took the second prize for the best farm
in the county, awarded by the judges appointed by the agricultural
society of the county, and at the present time ranks with the first
in all its improvements.
In politics, Mr. Wheelock has been a life-long Democrat, but
was never active as a politician. In the year 1835, at the age of
thirty-one, he married Miss Susan Adelia, daughter of Daniel and
Abigail Dike, of Chittenden, Eutland county, Vt. Her father
was the first male child born in the town, and was son of Captain
Jonathan Dike, of Scottish birth. Her mother (whose maiden
name was Mitchell) was a native of Easton, Mass.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock are members of the Presbyterian
society of Ogdensburg. He has contributed liberally for the sup-
port of church and school, and has been active in any measure
looking towards the education of the masses and the building up
of ^ood society wherever he has been located.
Coming into the county in its early days of settlement, Mr.
Wheelock has watched the progress of improvement in the various
branches of industry of the county ; a man of strong personal
character, ambitious in all business operations with which he was
connected, he, as an employee, retained the full confidence of those
whom he served, and as a manager of his own business commanded
the respect of all associated under him. He is a plain, unassuming
man, largely interested and well versed in the important topics of
his day, and possessing that good, sound judgment common to" the
self-made men of St. Lawrence County.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
179
No. 6, on Fayette street, of stone, built in 1864.
No. 7, on Barre street, of brick, built about 1868.
No. 8, corner Ford avenue and Pine street, of brick,
built in 1870.
No. 9, on Knox street, of wood, rebuilt about 1865.
This building was formerly used as a fire-engine house.
In these buildings during the past year there have been
taught twenty-four schools during an average of ten months.
There were employed in all twenty-four teachers and three
assistants. The wages of teachers range from thirty to
seventy dollars per month, and assistants receive five dollars
per week.
Attendance. — The attendance for the year ending March
30, 1877, was as follows: spring term, 1221; fall term,
1264; winter term, 1271. Average attendance during
spring term, 957 ; average attendance during fall term,
1028 ; average attendance during winter term, 1097.*
Valuation. — The total valuation of school property, in-
cluding sites, according to State superintendent's report for
1875, was 853,914. Daring the year repairs and improve-
ments were made on No. 2 to amount of $1174.61.
Library. — The library belonging to the schools is kept
in the town-hall building. It is in charge of Miss Mary
E. Baldwin, librarian, who receives a salary of fifty dollars
per annum. The total number of books now in condition
for circulation is 2959. The total receipts and expenditures
by the board of education for the year were $20,559.67.
In addition there were also seven private schools in the city,
with an attendance of 1265 pupils.
Dr. S. N. Sherman justly deserves the title of father of
the Ogdensburg school system, for he labored faithfully and
unremittingly from 1825 to the end of his life in the cause
of the common schools, and was connected with them in
some official capacity for many years. He was the first
president of the board of education established by the act
of 1857, and held the office continuously until he entered
the army in 1861. He was elected by common consent as
the most proper person to fill that important position, no
one ever thinking of opposing him. He was instrumental
in procuring the passage of the act consolidating the dis-
tricts in Ogdensburg, and in erecting several of the fine
buildings now in use.
Succeeding him in the office of president have been
George Parker, Henry Rockwell, Stillman Foote, B. N.
Meniam, Dr. N. W. Howard, and Robert Morris, the
present incumbent.
The superintendents of the city schools have been Still-
man Foote, John Magone, R. B. Lowry, and Dr. N. W.
Howard.
OGDENSBURG ACADEMY.
An act of April 6, 1833, directed that the money then
in the hands of the supervisor and poor-masters of the town
of Oswegatchie should be delivered up to D. C. Judson, S.
Gilbert, G. N. Seymour, M. S. Daniel, and H. Thomas,
who were appointed commissioners to receive these moneys,
and enough more raised by tax upon the town to make
$2000 (on condition that a like sum were first subscribed
in the village), and to purcliase therewith a lot and build-
* Total number of children of school age in the city, 4169.
ings for an academy, one room in the building being re-
served for a town-hall. The inhabitants of each school
district in town, not in the village, were entitled to credit
on the tuition of any scholar from their district to the
amount of the interest on the tax of the district. The
supervisor and town clerk, and the president and clerk of
the village, were made ex officio trustees of the academy,
who were to audit the accounts of the commissioners and
to fill vacancies. On the 24th of April, 1834, the trustees
were empowered to grant licenses for a ferry across the St.
Lawrence at the village, the rates and rules of which were
to be established by the county court of common pleas.
The income was to be paid over to the above commissioners,
and when their term of office should expire, on the fulfill-
ment of the duties for which they were appointed, to be
paid to the treasurer of the academy. The rights thus
granted were to continue ten years.
On the 20th of April, 1835, the academy was incorpo-
rated with the following trustees : George Parish, John
Fine, David Ford, David C. Judson, Henry Van Rensselaer,
Royal Vilas, Bishop Perkins, Geo. N. Seymour, Baron S.
Doty, Elijah B. Allen, William Bacon, Smith Stilwell,
Sylvester Giliet, Amos Bacon, Thomas J. Davies, Joseph
W. Smith, Ransom H. Gilbertj James Averill (3d), Duncan
Turner, George Ranney, Joseph Rosseel, Rodolphus D.
Searle, Edmund A. Graham, James G. Hopkins, Silas
Wright, Jr., William Hogan, Gouverneur Ogden, George
Redington, and Augustus Chapman, together with the
supervisor and town clerk of the town of Oswegatchie, and
the president and clerk of the trustees of the village of
Ogdensburg for the time being. They were clothed with
the usual powers of such officers. Those who held by
virtue of town or village office were to have the care of the
town-hall. Previous to the passage of these acts an
academic school had been established. On the 22d of
May, 1834, the trustees, at a meeting held at Canton, fixed
the rent of the ferry at $300 per annum for three years,
commencing with the 1st of June. This rate has since
been repeatedly changed.
On the 8th of October, 1834, Taylor Lewis, of Water-
ford, subsequently a professor of languages in New York
university and professor of Greek and Latin in Union col-
lege, was appointed the firsD principal, with a salary of
1600. On the following May the trustees resolved to have
four departments in their schools, — two male and two fe-
male. This arrangement was never fully carried out. The
first president of the board of trustees was David C. Jud-
son. He was succeeded by John Fine. In the fall of
1837, Mr. Lewis was succeeded by James H. Coffin, after-
wards vice-president and professor in Lafayette college at
Easton, Pa. In February, 1838, Mr. Coffin was engaged
for one year at $800, and on the 1st of April, 1839, a new
ao'reement was made by which he was to receive whatever
income might be derived from tuition, ferry, and literature
fund, reserving a sufficient sum for repairs. In the spring
of 1840 the Rev. J. A. Brayton was engaged, who con-
tinued in charge of the school until September, 1843, when
he resigned, and Mr. John Bradshaw was employed in
November of the same year. He continued the principal
of the institution until the summer of 1849, when Messrs.
180
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Hart F. Lawrence and Roswell G. Pettibonc entered jointly
into an agreement with the trustees in which they assumed
the care and government of the institution, receiving what-
ever might accrue from tuition, literature fund, and the
ferry, excepting only suiBcient to pay insurance and repairs.
The Hon. John Fine, president of the board of trustees,
filled this office for many years. Messrs. Lawrence and
Pettibone continued the school to 1856, when Mr. Lawrence
retired, and Mr. Pettibone continued it for about a year in
his own name. In 1 857 the legislature passed a special act
whereby the schools of Ogdensburg were consolidated into
one district, including the academy.
The old academic building was originally erected in
1819, and opened in 1820 as the St. Lawrence hotel. It
stood on the corner of State and Knox streets, opposite the
site of the new custom-house and post-office, then occupied
by the old court-house. Upon the organization of the
academy it was purchased by the commissioners, the village
contributing one thousand dollars towards its purchase, and
receiving the privilege therefor of the chapel for the use of
town-meetings and elections.
The building embraced apartments for a family, study,
recitation-rooms, and a chapel. The school had a well-
selected library and philosophical apparatus, and every fa-
cility for obtaining a good practical education. The only
assistance the school ever received from the regents of the
university was |250, on Feb. '28, 1845, for the purchase
of apparatus. In the summer of 1851 a teachers' depart-
ment was organized.
The act of 1857 established substantially the graded
system, including primary and secondary or intermediate
■ schools, and an institute, with a board of education, a su-
perintendent for all the schools, and a principal for the in-
stitute. Under this arrangement the academy became the
institute, which was continued in the same building until
Oct. 21, 1854, when it was destroyed by fire. The insti-
tute was then established in the school building No. 2, on
Washington street, where it remained until discontinued in
1871.
Mr. Pettibone continued as principal until 1863, when
he was succeeded by T. N. Brosnan. The following is be-
lieved to be a correct list of those who have served subse-
quently: R. B. Lowry, J. S. Grinnell, H. J. Porter, A. B.
Hepburn, James O'Neil, C. E. Hawkins, W. H. Faulkner,
C. F. Ainsworth, Mary E. Colleghan, A. B. Shepard (for
a short time), and E. S. Lane.
CHURCHES.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first permanent settlement at Ogdensburg was com-
menced in 1796. In 1805 the first religious society was
formed, under the title of the "first church and congrega-
tion of Christ in the town of Oswegatchie." In September
of that year a subscription of $393 was made out, payable
half-yearly to the minister who should be called and settled.
In Jan., 1806, a call was sent through Rev. Isaac Snowdon,
of New Hartford, then moderator of the presbytery of
Oneida, to Rev. John Younglove, of that presbytery. It
was signed in behalf of the congregation by Nathan Ford,
L. Hasbrouck, and Thos. Davies, and promised to pay the
sum of $400 annual salary while Mr. Younglove should
continue pastor. He accepted, and labored for a short time
at this place. After his departure, and until after the War
of 1812-15, there was no regular minister located here.
The Rev. Mr. Smart, of Brockville, Canada, occasionally
held services, and in Dec, 1811, a call was made to the
Rev. Comfort Williams, who had previously labored here
for a short time, offering him $600 per annum salary. This
paper was made in due form, and signed by Nathan Ford,
L. Hasbrouck, and John Lyon, trustees. Mr. Williams
came, and continued until the war broke up and scattered
the congregation.
The meetings of the society were held at this time in the
old court-house. The congregation was taken under the
care of the presbytery of Oneida in 1806.
Subsequent to the war correspondence was opened be-
tween the congregation and the Oneida presbytery con-
cerning stated preachers, but without success, until 1819.
Occasional sermons were delivered by Rev. Mr. Gerry, of
Denmark, Samuel T. Mills, and Revs. Isaac Clinton, Phelps,
and Dunlap. In Sept., 1816, the St. Lawrence presbytery
was formed from Oneida, and this church was set off with
others. Mr. John Lyon was the first delegate from the
new body. Various clergymen officiated here from time to
time, and services were maintained at the court-house,
Judge Fine (who had settled in Ogdensburg in 1815) read-
ing selected sermons. During the year 1817, Rev. Royal
Phelps visited the place and ascertained the needs of the
society, and whether it would be advisable to try and unite
all the professing Christians in the place (about 30) in one
body ; but society relations were adhered to, and matters
remained as before.
In October, Rev. Mr. Dunlap, a Presbyterian, from Low-
ville, visited the place, and baptized Mr. Lincoln Morris,
his wife, and three children.
In the early part of 1919, the Rev. Barnabas Bruin, a
tutor in Union college, was settled over the society, and the
same year the first church edifice, called the " Gospel Barn,"
was erected, at a cost of $600. It stood on the corner of
Ford and Caroline streets. A portion of this structure was
afterwards converted into a dwelling.
On Dec. 8, 1819, in that place of worship, the following
eighteen persons — nine males and nine females — were organ-
ized by Rev. Mr. Bruin into a society under the denomina-
tion, faith, and government of the Presbyterian church in
the United States, viz. : John Fine, John Bell, Isabella B.
Bell his wife, John Elliott, Nathaniel Smith and his wife
Susannah R. Smith, Benjamin Nichols and Lucy his wife,
Chester Guerney, David R. Strachan, Mary E. Hubbell,
Charlotte Spenser, Esther Rice, Philena Colfax, Wm. J.
Guest and Juliana P. his wife, Christiana Eaton, and Geo.
Oliver. The church was received under the care of the
St. Lawrence presbytery. On Wednesday, Dec. 15, George
Bell and John Pine were duly elected elders, and Sabbath,
the 19th, were ordained and installed in their work. The
Lord's Supper was administered the Sabbath after, being
the first of the new year. The first meeting of the session
occurred previous to the communion, on Dec. 27, 1819, at
the house of D. Turner, and Mr. Jared W. Spencer, Mrs.
HISTOKY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
181
Benjamin Wilson, and Mrs. E. Sykes were examined and
received into full communion on profession of their faith.
This was certainly a cheerful and hopeful beginning. Four
days after, at a second meeting of the session, four others
were also received on profession of their faith, viz. : Dun-
can Turner and Isabella his wife, Mrs. Lincoln Morris, and
Mrs. B. Nichols, Jr. Total, twenty-five. The following
persons were elected trustees of the congregation : Nathan
Ford, Duncan Turner, Wm. J. Guest, John Lyon, Joseph
Rosseel, Wolcott Hubbell.
Shortly after this Mr. Bruin, who was in feeble health,
went away on a visit, declaring he believed his work was
done. He had accomplished, by the blessing of God, more
in one year than he had expected to in three or four. He
thought his mission was closed. He returned to remain
only a few days, and finally died in Connecticut, loved as a
valued servant of Christ, and lamented that his work should
so soon be completed.
The Rev. Isaac Clinton occupied the pulpit as a stated
supply during the year 1820. He was previously settled
at Lowville, and was a member of the St. Lawrence presby-
tery. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rosseel, five members of the
Lyon family, and fourteen others were admitted to the
church during the year, making a total of forty-six commu-
nicants.
On Sept. 22, 1820, Duncan Turner and Wm. J. Guest
were elected elders, and ordained and installed on the fol-
lowing Sabbath.
In February, 1821, the Rev. James McAuley, having
been duly called, entered upon his labors at a salary of $600
per year.
Elder Wm. J. Guest died in 1823, at the age of forty-
four years, greatly beloved and respected.
In February, 1824, Joab Seely, Joseph Rosseel, and Sal-
mon Smith were elected and installed elders of the church.
The old stone church, the antecedent of the present
stately edifice, was dedicated in 1825. The parsonage was
erected in 1839. In 1848 the church was enlarged. The
church and parsonage, with their improvements, cost alto-
gether $19,750.
Weekly prayer-meetings were instituted at an early day,
and at first held in private dwellings, afterwards in a school-
house standing where Dr. S. N. Sherman now resides.
Subsequently they passed to the stone school-house on
Knox street, now occupied as an ofiice by Mr. H. Church,
and thence to the old school-house in Washington street,
where they remained until the erection of the old lecture-
room in 1849.
The stone church spoken of above was commenced in
1824. It was originally 72 by 48 feet in dimensions, which
were enlarged in 1848. Judge Nathan Ford and Elder
Turner gave respectively $2000 and $1200 towards it.
In 1825 causes of diiference arose which resulted in a
separation of the congregation, one part continuing to oc-
cupy the church, and the other holding services in the
court-house and calling in the aid of different clergymen.
After frequent consultation, the Hon. J. Fine and the Hon.
B. Perkins were appointed to meet the synod and present
the situation of the two sections of the church. It resulted
in an amicable adjustment of these diflSculties, and the
church was again harmonized. In the spring of 1826, the
Rev. Mr. McAuley resigned his connection with the church.
During his pastorate of nearly six years one hundred and
fourteen persons were added to the number of its commu-
nicants.
Messrs. Joab Seely and Salmon Smith having resigned
their offices as elders of the church, on Oct. 10, 1826,
Messrs. John Lyon and A. Abbott, Esq., were elected to
the same office. Subsquent to the resignation of Mr. Mc-
Auley the pulpit was supplied by diffijrent clergymen until
May 25, 1827, when the Rev. James B. Ambler, a member
of the Oswego presbytery, engaged to serve the congrega-
tion as stated supply during the term of three years, his
salary being fixed at $600 per year, payable semi-annually.
He continued his labors here for a year nnd a half, when
his engagement was terminated by mutual consent. Twelve
persons united with the church during this period. The
organ was placed in the church during the year 1828,
chiefly through the exertions of General Arnold, at a cost
of $700.
On the 2d of February, 1829, Rev. Elizur G. Smith en-
tered upon the duties of pastor. In October of that year
the old bell, weighing 906 pounds, was replaced by a new
one from L. Aspinwall, of Albany, weighing 1300 pounds.
In 1831, Mr. Smith removed to the east on account of his
health. During his ministry a protracted meeting occurred,
resulting in the addition of about sixty persons on profes-
sion.
In January, 1832, Rev. J. A. Savage succeeded Mr. Smith
as stated supply, and continued as such until the 18th of Feb-
ruary, 1835, when he was regularly installed as pastor, and
remained until Sept. 30, 1850, when he resigned to accept
a call to the presidency of Carroll college, at Waukesha,
Wisconsin.
In 1836 eleven persons were dismissed from this church
and organized into a Congregational church, which con-
tinued only a few months.
Elder John Lyon died in 1812. He was the first of
this church who settled in Ogdensburg. In the same year
George M. Foster and Wm. E. Guest were elected elders,
and Elijah White and Israel Lamb were chosen deacons,
— the first since the formation of the church.
The church was enlarged during the fall and winter of
1847-48, at an expense of $3750, but the sale of slips more
than met the outlay. A lecture-room 45 by 21 feet was
added in 1849, and enlarged in 1856, at a total cost of
$1325. The additions to the church during the pastorate
of Mr. Savage were 335. From the time of the resigna-
tion of Mr. Savage until February, 1851, the pulpit was
supplied by Revs. R. T. Conant, James Rogers, Wm. Smart,
B. S. Barnes, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Townsend, and A. D.
Brinkerhoff.
On the 1st of February, 1851, a call was extended to
the Rev. L. Merrill Miller, D.D., who accepted and entered
upon his duties in May following, and has continued until
the present time.
The elders serving since 1851 have been Norman Sack-
rider, George Hurlbut, and Elijah White, elected in 1858,,
and George R. Bell, Allen Chancy, David M. Chapin, and
Benjamin Nevin, elected in 1865.
182
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The deacons have been E. White, Israel Lamb, Harvey
Lyon, and W. L, Thomson.
About 1856 the necessity of dividing the congregation,
or building a new and more commodious church, began to
be apparent. The old edifice seated 844 persons. Dr. Mil-
ler proposed at first to build a new church on the west side
of the Oswegatohie river, and divide the congregation, but
this did not fully suit them, and they proposed to build a
new house of worship sufficient for their needs. Dr. Mil-
ler at once took the ground that to do this the congregation
must come promptly forward with the necessary means, and
push the work with vigor under a competent superintend-
ence. The breaking out of the War of the Rebellion delayed
the work, and it was not until the spring of 1865 that op-
erations were begun in earnest. In May of that year the
ladies of "The New Church Society" raised funds for
finishing and furnishing the new edifice. The building
committee consisted of Dr. Miller, S. G. Pope, and Charles
Lyon, and the doctor gave his personal supervision to the
work from first to last.
May 20, 1867, notice was given of the last service in
the lecture-room building, which was immediately removed,
and the work of excavation begun. The last service, with
appropriate exercises, in the church, transpired on the third
day of June following. On the next day began the re-
moval of the church furniture and the building itself.
Public worship and Sabbath-school service were held in
Lyceum hall. The materials of the old edifice, as far as
possible, have appeared in this house. The east wall and
tower were mostly retained. The west tower, west wall,
and most of the north and south walls are entirely new. The
buttresses are also new. The structure is of blue limestone
(caps and facings being cut stone) from the base to the spire,
which rises 190 feet. Built in pointed Gothic style, it pre-
sents the true ehurchly aspect of solidity, symmetry, and
spaciousne.ss. The Sunday-school and lecture-room are fur-
nished with ample accommodation and ante-rooms. The
pastor's study is a convenient, home-like room, from which
a passage-way leads to the pulpit. Comfort and conveni-
ence and edification of worshipers have been consulted
with success, as well as church architecture and durability.
The dimensions of the main building are 78 by 108 feet.
Size of audience-room 70 by 90, which, with pleasant gal
leries half around the church, has an easy capacity for 1200
persons. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate exer-
cises on the 21st day of August, 1866. The new lec-
ture-room was first occupied for the annual Sunday-school
festival January 4, 1867. Church services commenced in
the same room the Sabbath following. The church, finished
and furnished, was dedicated to the worship of Almighty
God on the 20th day of September, A.D. 1867. The
total present value of the church property, including par-
sonage, is about $75,000.
The new church society, up to its annual report for 1876,
had received, from its organization in 1865, $12,224.82.
In addition to this, there are attached to the church two
other societies, to wit : the Dorcas society, which was
organized in 1828, under the name of the " Fragment so-
ciety," for providing garments for the needy, and the
" Ladles' missionary society."
The first Sabbath-school was organized in the summer of
1820. Mr. Joseph Rosseel was the first superintendent,
and served until 1861, when Mr. R. G. Pettibone succeeded
him. In connection with the church, schools have at differ-
ent periods been opened in various parts of the city, and in the
surrounding country. In 1876 there were three remain-
ing connected, namely : the church school and the 2d and
3d ward schools. The pastor is ex officio superintendent.
The report for 1876 showed : Officers and teachers, 13
male, 38 female, total 51. Scholars : males 172, females
202, total 374 ; aggregate, 425.
Among the prominent members who have died were
Duncan Turner, in 1852, Joseph Rosseel, in 1863, Wm. E.
Guest, in 1864, Abijah Abbott, in 1866, and Hon. John
Fine, in 1807.
The amount of moneys raised for various purposes from
1852 to 1876, inclusive, has been as follows : For home
purposes, $137,878.39; for foreign purposes, $31,815.73 ;
total, $169,694.12.
The organ which now graces the lecture-room of the
Presbyterian church and assists in its devotional exercises,
was placed in the old church in the year 1828, chiefly
through the exertions of General Arnold, and cost $700.
The new organ, which gracefully fills so large a place in the
new church, was built by the well-known and popular es-
tablishment at Westfield, Mass., William A. Johnson, pro-
prietor. He was the builder of the large organ in Chicago,
one of the largest in America. Our organ, in the judg-
ment of professional experts, is unsurpassed in beauty and
purity of tone, voicing, and general effect by any organ of
its size and appointments built in this country. It has two
manuals, from C C to A, in Sop. — 58 keys ; also, pre
pedal manual from C C C to D — 27 keys ; 1323 pipes are
divided between great organ, pedal organ, and swell organ.
It has 30 choice stops, with 5 mechanical registers. The
case is of chestnut, with black walnut mountings and orna-
ments. The front pipes are ornamented in gold and colors.
The church has had during its existence six difierent
bells. The present one, weighing 1823 pounds, was placed
in the tower in 1861. A fine town-clock is also connected
with the bell, having four ornamental faces, and furnishing
time to the public.
The church has on its roll since its organization 1280
communicants. It received from 1819 to 1851, 583 ; had
on its roll in 1851, 217 ; received since, — by examination,
471 ; by certificate, 226,-697 ; dismissed since 1851,
277 ; died since 1851, 135 ; now on the roll, 502. Bap-
tisms of children during the quarter century, 629 ; of adults,
101 ; total, 730.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized June 30, 1809, as the Oswe-
gatohie Baptist church, nine members uniting to organize
it, — ^six males and three females, — as follows: Daniel
McNeil, Amasa Townshend, Samuel Havens, James Salis-
bury, Isaac Parce, Truman Parce, Mary Townshend, Polly
Salisbury, and Elizabeth Parce. The organization was ef-
fected by the agency of Rev. Samuel Rowley, of the Massa-
chusetts missionary society, who was moderator of the
meeting, Samuel Havens acting a.s clerk.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
183
The Articles of Faith and Covenant adopted wore known
as the Articles and Covenant of the Vermont Association.
Samuel Havens was elected clerk of the church. The
church met in school-houses and private residences in dif-
ferent parts of the town, and had no pastor or regular
preaching. The first baptisms recorded were in November,
by Elder Carr. John Taylor and Lucy Allen were the
candidates.
From December 10, 1810, to July 12, 1817, there are
no records of meetings, the events of the War of 1812 so
scattering and disheartening the members that the church
seemed to sink out of existence. In July, 1817, the
church resumed its meetings, evidently being moved thereto
by the labors of Eider David Boyiiton, of the Fairfield asso-
ciation (Vermont).
The fiist regular engagement for stated preaching was
made with a Bro. Brown, a licentiate of what place is not
stated. The terms of agreement were that the church pro-
vide him a place to live in, and that he should live on
terms of equality with the brethren, and should not leave
them for greater temporal gain. The church made appli-
cation for membership in the St. Lawrence Baptist asso-
ciation in January, 1818, at the meeting held at Russell.
Brothers Brown, McNeil, and Payne being appointed as
delegates.
From 1818 to 1824, Rev. Jonathan Payne, Sr., was
regular preacher to the church, but was not pastor. The
first pastor was Nathaniel Colver, a noted pulpit orator and
debater, who served the church one year, — during parts of
1827-28. In 1829, Rev. J. W. Sawyer bejame pastor of
the church, serving it one-half the time till 1834. Rev.
J. M. Howard was pastor from January, 1834, to Sep-
tember, 1837.
In November, 1837, Rev. W. H. Rice became pastor of
the church, and held the office one year or more. Rev. J.
M. Howard returned to the pastoral work in 1839, and
continued till about January, 1842, from which time Rev.
Gratten Brand served as pastor till January, 1843. In
May, 1843, Rev. Charles Willard became pastor, serving
till January, 1846. He was followed by Rev. A. Case
from May, 1846, to January 2, 1848. Rev. J. N. Webb
was called as pastor May 1, 1848, and served till Feb-
ruary, 1852. Rev. Wm. Carpenter followed from August,
1852, to January, 1854. Rev. Charles E. Elliot, from
November, 1854, to January, 1856. Rev. T. H. G-reen
succeeded him from June, 1857, until August, 1859. Rev.
H. M. Carr, just graduated from Madison university, was
ordained pastor in October, 1859, and served the church
until September 30, 1861. Rev. H. C. Reals served as
pastor nine months, and Rev. J. H. Walden supplied six
months between October, 1861, and February, 1863.
In April, 1863, Rev. Wm. Carpenter commenced his
second term of service as pastor, and continued till April
11, 1867. He was followed by Rev. L. L. Wood, graduate
of Madison university, who was ordained September 10,
1867, and served till September, 1870. Rev. H. W.
Barnes, the present pastor, commenced his work in De-
cember, 1870, having served seven years at the date of this
article.
This church has had but one house of worship, which
has been several times considerably changed by additions
and repairs. The corner-stone of the building was laid
July 3, 1830. The lectul'e-room was occupied for services
about the close of the year, or the early part of 1831. The
building was not completed and dedicated till 1833. Rev.
J. W. Sawyer was pastor, and J. C. Lewis clerk. The
original structure had galleries on three sides.
In 1 855 (Rev. C. E. Elliot pastor, and Deacon E. Vilas
clerk) the house was enlarged by an addition of twenty-
four feet to its length, the galleries were removed, the pulpit
placed in the rear end of the house, and the floor, origi-
nally inclined towards the front, was leveled. Further re-
pairs and improvements were made in 1860, Rev. H. M.
Carr pastor, Wm. Hawkins clerk.
In 1831 the church was organized under the statute
of 1813, and changed its name from the Oswegatchie Bap-
tist church to the First Baptist church and society of
Ogdensburg. May 17, 1 869, the church was reincorporated
as the First Baptist church of the city of Ogdensburg, and
a constitution and by-laws adopted, a copy of which may be
found in the church archives. At this time Rev. L. L.
Wood was pastor, and E. S. Brownson clerk.
In 1871 the church was substantially rebuilt from base-
ment up, furnished with a fine organ, frescoed, upholstered,
a steeple added, and sheds for teams and a house for the
" sexton erected, at a cost of $16,000.
A special act of legislature was passed, in 1875, ratifying,
confirming, and approving all the acts of the society, such
as its change of name and title, its acts of rebuilding and
giving security for moneys loaned it by bonds and a mort-
gage on its property, and correcting any errors which may
have been committed in its organization, reincorporation,
or business. The mortgage has been, since the passage of
this act, cancelled and discharged, and the property, valued
at $20,000, is at this date free from incumbrance. The
society numbers one hundred and ninety-seven cominuni-
cants, more than eighty of whom reside outside the city.
The church participates in the benevolent work of
American Baptists, such as home and foreign missions,
publication society work, tract and Bible distribution,
ministerial education, etc. Its regular services are public
worship twice each Sunday, a Sunday-school, and two
prayer-meetings weekly. The custom of the church is to
celebrate the Lord's Supper monthly, on the first Sunday
of the month. The covenant-meeting and business-meeting
of the church united are held also monthly.
The Sunday-school of the first Baptist church in Ogdens-
burg was organized about 1827-28. Its earliest records
are dated 1830, but no account is given of its organization.
In December, 1830, the names of 37 scholars were enrolled ;
in 1834 the number had reached 112. J. C. Lewis seems
to have been some of the time superintendent of the school.
Its library was largely the gift of individuals, and consisted
of standard books. Its classes were marked as " Testament
classes" and " Spelling-book" classes.
The school was reorganized in 1869, and a constitution
and rules were adopted, under which it is now acting. It
has a membership of about 140, and is divided into three
departments : primary class, intermediate classes, and Bible
classes. It makes regular weekly contributions for its own
184
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
expenses, and annually appropriates from $25 to $60 for
the cause of education among the freedmen. Its scholars
range from four to seventy years of age. Its teachers are
mainly Christian women. Its pastor has a permanent place
and charge in the school. Its present officers are W. L.
Proctor, superintendent ; W. H. Butrick, assistant super-
intendent; E. S. Brownson, secretary and treasurer ; Fred.
Davis, E. Douglass, and Charles Butrick, librarians. W.
L. Proctor has served as superintendent almost uninter-
ruptedly for nine or ten years, and E. S. Brownson as sec-
retary and treasurer.
The church has under its care a mission school, known
as the Bethel mission, organized about 1868. A day school
was for four or five years connected with the mission, with
Miss May Kelly as teacher. It meets in a building erected
for its accommodation, and owned by W. L. Proctor, who
was for several years its superintendent. A benevolent and
industrial department is connected with the school, with the
care and clothing of its poor members as its object. This
school numbers nearly one hundred members. It is under
the charge of Benjamin Algie, as acting superintendent.
One Christian woman, connected with the school from its
commencement, should be honored as carrying the school
in her heart, and ministering to it as a mother to her
children.
riRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The first Methodist Episcopal society in Ogdensburg was
organized Feb. 21, 1825, the following persons signifying
their desire to become stated hearers in the Methodist Epis-
copal church, viz., Joseph Brooks, Lewis Lyon, James W.
Lytle, Ichabod Arnold, Wm. Henry, Joseph Arnold, Loyal
Giffin, Gabriel Readman, David Chapin, Joseph Cule, Tim-
othy Case, Jas. Butterfield, Richard Hathaway, Jas. Say-
ward, Samuel W. Brady, John Hathaway, Samuel Willson,
Reuben Brown, Jas. Parlow, Jesse J. Shaver. Under the
pastoral charge of the late Rev. Gardner Baker, the follow-
ing gentlemen were elected trustees, viz., Ichabod Arnold,
Joseph Arnold, Joseph Cole, David Chapin, and Joseph
Brooks. The society proceeded immediately to erect a
small wooden chapel on the corner of Montgomery and Caro-
lina streets, which served the church for twenty-five years,
under the pastoral care of the following ministers respect-
ively, viz.. Revs. Gardner Baker, W. W. Rundali, Squier
Chase, Philo Barbery, John Seys, E. Hines, L. K. Reding-
ton, E. Hall, John Lovis, W. S. Bowdish, L. Whitcomb,
Geo. Sawyer, John Sawyer, Edward Banister, John Lovis,
Jas. H. Lamb, P. D. Gorrie, Hiram Shepard.
Under the pastoral charge of the Rev. John Sawyer, in
the year 1841, an extensive revival was enjoyed by the
church, which gave new energy to the hitherto small so-
ciety; and, again, in the years 1847 and 1848, under the
charge of the Rev. P. D. Gorrie, as the result of another
revival, a large number was added to the church ; and, in
1849, the Rev. Hiram Shepard was appointed to the charo-e ■
and, in 1850, under the direction of a building committee'
composed of J. M. Woolley, Geo. Arnold, and Henry Plumb^
the old wooden chapel was removed, and the present brick
church edifice was erected, and for .sixteen years the church
was served by the following ministers : Revs. J. P. Jennin>'-s
D. M. Rodgers, W. S. Titus, J. B. Foot, A. S. Wightman,
Samuel Call, B. S. Wright, Thomas Richey, and John T.
Hewett.
In the year 1866, the centennial year of Methodism in
the United States, this edifice was remodeled and partially
rebuilt, under the direction of a building committee, com-
posed of Rev. J. T. Hewett, Dr. D. E. Southwick, and J.
M. Woolley, and has been served since that time by the
Rev. H. W. Bennett, Rev. E. C. Bruse, Rev. C. H. Guile,
and Rev. F. H. Beck respectively. The church has now
over 300 communicants.
The Sabbath-school of the church was quite small until
the year 1848, when, under the efficient superintendency of
David Fields, Esq., it began to assume somewhat larger
proportions, until it is now one of the largest and most effi-
cient Sabbath-schools in the county. It has 38 officers and
teachers, 379 scholars, and a library consisting of 435 vol-
umes. Its superintendents have been, since Mr. Fields re-
tired, Capt. I. D. Ransom (under whose superintendence
more than any one else it is indebted for its present stand-
ing), Abram Metcalf, and J. M. Woolley. Its present
officers are W. I. Knox, superintendent ; L. R. Plumb,
librarian ; L. E. Plumb, secretary.
The present officers of the church are Jas. R. Morris, J.
P. Johnson, Dr. N. N. Childs, J. M. Woolley, S. B. Hut-
chins, D. H. Davis, and H. D. Northrup, trustees; J, P.
Johnson, clerk ; A. N. Partridge, treasurer.
ST. John's protestant episcopal church.
The Rev. Daniel Nash, on a missionary tour, in 1816,
visited this place, and, in a report which he made, says
that he was the first Episcopal clergyman who had visited
that village and the county of St. Lawrence. The second
one who officiated was the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, a mis-
sionary, who came early in June, 1818, and at times per-
formed divine offices in the court-house ; and, on the 23d
of May, 1820, a society was incorporated, having Thomas
J. Davies and Isaac Plumb wardens, George Parish, Louis
Hasbrouck, David Ford, David C. Judson, Andrew McCol-
lom, Junius Walton, Richaid W. Colfax, and Silvester Gil-
bert vestrymen. The first report to the bishop was that of
1 5 members. In 1 82 1 it was resolved to build a stone church
edifice ; and, in the same year. Rev. L. Carter was invited
to a temporary charge, which he immediately assumed, and
on the 10th of August, 1821, he laid the cornerstone on a
lot of ground given for that purpose by David and George
Parish. In October, 1823, the building was opened for
worship. In 1824 the Rev. Addison Searle and Rev. Mr.
Beardsley were called to take temporary charge of the con-
gregation, and in 1825 the first measures were adopted by
the vestry for the erection of the present rectory. In the
same year the Rev. Mr. Todd accepted the charge of the
parish. In 1830 the Rev. Nathaniel Huse was called to
the parochial charge, and in 1833 the Rev. Richard Bury
was chosen to a temporary charge. In 1838 the Rev.
Francis Tremayne became the minister ; and in 1836 the
Rev. William Barton became the first rector, and continued
until 1839, when he resigned, and the Rev. Mr. Brayton
was temporarily employed. In 1840 the Rev. H. R.
Peters was invited to the rectorship, and still remains. In
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
185
1843 the churoli was thoroughly repaired, enlarged, and
made to assume its present appearance. This work was un-
dertaken by Hon. H. Van Rensselaer, one of the wardens,
who very liberally proposed to make the addition, and
carry up the tower to a proportionate height, in considera-
tion of the additional pews. This inci-eased the length 30
feet, making its present dimensions 90 by 42 feet, and the
church is capable of seating from 500 to 600. In conse-
quence of the growth of the congregation, further additions,
or a new edifice, will ere long be needed. The rectory ad-
joins the church in the same inclosure, is of stone, and was
built on land given by George Parish. There is a large
bell in the tower, and the church contains a fine organ.*
(Written in 1852.)
In the year 1869 the vestry resolved to remove the old
church and parsonage, and to build a more commodious
place of worship on the same site. In the spring of 1870
the work on the new church was commenced, and on the
27th of July, 1871, the Bishop of Albany consecrated the
finished building in the presence of 23 clergymen and a
vast congregation. This church is perhaps the finest and
costliest in the northern part of the State.
It was designed by Knilen T. Littell, of New York, and
is of the early decorated Gothic style of architecture. The
plan comprises chancel, nave, aisles, tower, organ-chamber,
sacristy, and porch. The extreme dimensions are 150 feet
by 75 feet. The main entrance is througli the tower, which
rises 110 feet, and is crowned by angles and intermediate
pinnacles, forming a striking feature in the view of the
city from any quarter. The entrance-door is canopied,
the canopy surmounted by a cross, and flanked by triple
columns. The crowning pinnacles of the tower are con-
nected by an open stone parapet. The body of the church is
divided into nave and aisles. There are eight bays separated
by buttresses and lighted with lancet-windows, five of which
are filled with handsome subject-glass, in memory of late
members of the parish. The clerestory has two traceried
windows to each bay, and the arches of the clerestory wall
are supported by coupled wrought-iron columns, with capi-
tals of cast metal, from the foliage of which the gas-jets
project. The chancel is 30 feet in depth and 25 in width,
with apsidal termination. On the south side of the ch.in-
cel is the organ-chamber, and on the north side of the sac-
risty, adjoining the organ-chamber and sacristy in the
easternmost bay, are side-porches. The roof is partly open,
with arched ribs and moulded panels in the ceiling. From
the junction of the arched ribs in the chancel a corona
depends. The church is wainscoted with white-ash, with
black walnut mouldings, the wainscoting in the apse being
deeply paneled, with trefoiled heads in the panels. The
seats are of white-ash, with black walnut rails, and the
chancel farniture is of black walnut. The church is built
of the dark-blue calciferous sandstone found at Ogdens-
burg, and the string-corners, arches, and trimmings gener-
ally are of light-buff Ohio freestone, forming a striking and
brilliant contrast. The roofs are slated with purple and
» The history of the church to 1862 was furnished for Dr. Hough's
work by Rev. Mr. Peters, the additional material by Rev. Mr. Mor-
rison.
24
red Vermont slate, in equal proportions, with a small amount
of green slate, all laid in harmonious patterns. The ridges
are surmounted by iron castings, and the gables crowned
with iron crosses, all finished in blue and gold. The gen-
eral effect of the whole edifice is that of solid and seemly
stateliness, and its acoustic properties arc perfect. It is at
present seated for about 1000 persons, and, if necessary, the
accommodation can be somewhat increased. The cost of
the building was between $70,000 and 180,000.
In 1875, St. John's chapel was built to the south and
rear of the church, after the plans of the eminent archi-
tect who had designed the church. So happily was the
scheme carried out that both buildings seem parts of one
original, design. The chapel contains a lecture-room de-
signed to accommodate about 325 persons, two commodious
school-rooms, with adjoining class-rooms, besides guild-
rooms, etc. The total cost was about $12,000.
In the year 1872, Dr. H. R. Peters having resigned the
rectorate, the Rev. H. W. Beers, D.D., was called by the
vestry, and entered on his duties as rector in June of that
year.
In March, 1875, Dr. Beers resigned his post to take
charge of a church in the city of San Francisco, and in
the following June, Rev. J. D. Morrison, the present rector,
was called to the position. The church has on its roll be-
tween 350 and 400 communicants, and there are some 280
children connected with the Sunday-school. In connection
with the church there are several institutions devoted to
charity and to education.
St. John's guild, organized by the rector in 1876,
among various branches of parish work with which it is
charged, cares for the poor through its district visitors and
Dorcas society, distributing hundreds of dollars and large
quantities of food and clothing to the necessitous annually.
St. John's orphanage, organized in the spring of 1877,
receives and cares for orphan children, without distinction
of creed or name.
St. John's high school, established by the rector in
1870, is intended to furnish a thorough grammar school or
academic training to pupils. Though still in its infancy,
the school has already won many friends. The present
master is Rev. Geo. C. Griswold, who is also the rector's
assistant. The clergy of this church, in addition to their
parish duties, have been carrying on a successful mission
work in the adjoining township of Lisbon. The current
expenses of the church during the last year (including an
annuity of $1000, which is secured to Dr. Peters for life)
amounted to somewhat more than $5000. During that time
more than $2000 was also given to various charities, besides
large sums for parish improvements. Considering the
manner in which it responds to its obligations in the present
season of financial depression, when so many enterprises are
prostrated, it is not diffioult to see that a future of great
and vigorous usefulness is in store for St. John's church,
Ogdensburg.
The following are the dates when the several parishes in
St. Lawrence County were admitted into union with the
diocesan convention (some of them had been in existence
for some years previous to the dates given) : St. John's, Og-
densburg, 1820 ; St. Paul's, Waddington, 1824 ; Christ
186
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
church, Norristown, 1833; Trinity, Potsdam, 1835; Grace
church. Canton, 1836; Grace church, Norfolk, 1844;
St. John's, Massena, 1870 ; St. Luke's, Lisbon, 1871 ;
Trinity, Gouverncur, 1869.
St. Thomas' church, Lawrenceville, and Trinity chapel,
Morley, — the latter one of the most perfect specimens of a
rural church to be found anywhere, — and nearly a score of
missions, should be added to the above list. Everywhere
the work is growing rapidly.
SAINT mart's (ROJIAN CATHOLIC) CATHEDRAL.
The advent of the Catholic religion in the region now
occupied by St. Lawrence County, dates back to the year
1749, when Father Francis Picquet,* a French missionary,
of the order of Sulpicians, established a mission-house, and
erected a strong stockade, defended by a few small guns,
near the ground now occupied by the Rome, Watertown
and Ogdensburg railway depot in Ogdensburg.
Succeeding him, in 1760, was Father Le Garde, who was
with M. Pouchot in Fort Levis during the siege by Gen.
Amherst, and who afterwards died at Montreal. Whether
a mission was maintained here subsequent to the conquest
by the English we have been unable to ascertain.
The earliest communicants were mostly Indians of the
Onondaga tribe of the Five Nations, converted by De
Lamberville, Father Picquet, and other missionaries, and
induced to emigrate from central New York and- settle on
the banks of the St. Lawrence, where Ogdensburg now
stands, but then known to the Indians as Oswegntcliie, or
Swegatchie, and named by Father Picquet ■' La Presenta-
tion." Over the door of his mission-house the Rev. Father
caused a stone tablet to be inserted, bearing the Latin in-
scription :
" In nomine -\- Dei omnipotentis Hide habitationi initia
dedit Fran's. Picquet, 1749."
When the post was destroyed by the French, in 1760,
this tablet was left among the ruins, where it remained until
1831, in which year it was unearthed, and some years later,
upon the erection of the State arsenal, was inserted over
the south entrance, where it still may be seen.
From about the close of the French war it is probable
that there was no regular mission maintained, and the place
was without the ordinances of the Christian religion until
about 1831-32, when missionaries began to make occasional
visits to the then village of Ogdensburg ; about which date,
or perhaps a little later, a small stone chapel was erected on
the lot adjoining west of the cathedral of St. Mary. The
first resident priest was Rev. Father James Salmon, who
came about 1 832-33. The next was Rev. Father David
S. Bacon, about 1839, and he was succeeded by Rev. Father
James Mackay, in December, 1840. Under Father Mackay's
care a church was organized and incorporated Nov. 29
1848. The original trustees were James Kennedy, Daniel
Burns, and James McNally. In 1852, Father Mackay
had met with sufiBcient encouragement to enable him to
erect the present substantial and imposing edifice. It is
constructed of the dark-colored oalciferous sandstone found
in the vicinity, and is an honor to the society and an orna-
« For sketch of Father Picquet, see General History, ante.
ment to the church architecture of the city. A large and
convenient vestry- room was added in the rear in 1872.
When Father Mackay first came to Ogdensburg he was
placed in charge of the entire Catholic population of St.
Lawrence County, which now requires the services of
sixteen priests for its accommodation. He was continued
in this position for about twenty-five years, since which he
has given his time to the congregation in Ogdensburg.t
A female school was established in connection with the
church as early as 1 848, and a fine stone school building
afterwards erected. This school is under the control and
tuition of the " Sisters of Charity^ A school for males
was also opened in the springof 1877, and an excellent and
commodious building of brick erected during the same year.
This school is conducted by the brothers of the order
" Clerks of St. Viateur.'' Both these institutions have
been put in successful operation, and the buildings erected,
under the superintendence of the Very Reverend James
Mackay, V.G., which titles he has earned by a long and
laborious series of years spent in the service of the " mother
church." The schools combined have an average attend-
ance of four hundred pupils, and are in a flourishing con-
dition.
Ogdensburg was erected into a bishopric in 1872. In
May of the same year the Right Rev. Bishop E. P. Wad-
hams located here as assistant bishop for the diocese.
For many years past there has been no remarkable in-
crease of the number of communicants to St. Mary's, owing
principally to the lack of foreign immigration, and the slow
increase of population. The number is kept good mostly
by additions from the rising generation. The erection of
a bishopric, and the residence of the principal magnate of
the diocese in Ogdensburg, together with the popularity of
Father Blackay, give the churches an added dignity and
importance which undoubtedly contribute greatly to their
growth and prosperity.
The average number of communicants of St. Mary's
cathedral is 1200 to 1300. On remarkable occasions it has
been as high as 1 600. The congregation is mostly made
up from the Irish population of Ogdensburg and vicinity,
which is probably 1500 or more. The property belonging
to St. Mary's cathedral is quite valuable, being among the
best in the city. The total value of church and school
property in Ogdensburg belonging to the Catholics approxi-
mates 8100,000.
ST. JOHN BAPTIST — FRENCH CATHOLIC CHURCH.
A congregation was organized under the above title on
the 24th of April, 1859, by Father J. B. Lemercier. It
included most of the French families then living in and
around Ogdensburg, and during the first year the rev.
father reported sixty additions by baptism. Father Le-
mercier remained until his death, which occurred on the
12th of Dec, 1863. He was buried in the church on the
5th of January following. During his pastorate he erected
the fine brick edifice now occupied by the congregation, and
also the parsonage adjoining.
t During Father Mackay's residence in Ogdensburg he has erecti'd
five churches in the county : at Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Canton, Wad-
dington, and Rossie.
HISTORY OF ST. LA.WRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
187
Father Lemercier was a native of Nantes, in France.
From the date of his death until October, 1864, there was
no permanent pastor, but services were conducted by various
priests who visited Ogdensburg from other stations. At
the last-mentioned date Father Renauld was settled as pas-
tor, and remained until June, 1866. He was also from
France. He was succeeded in July, 1866, by Father L.
Griffa, an Italian by birth, who continued until June, 1867,
when he was succeeded by Father George Jeannotte, who
officiated with great acceptability until March, 1877, when
the present pastor. Rev. Father P. 0. La Rose, who had
been an assistant to Father Jeannotte for four years, suc-
ceeded him. Both the last-named gentlemen are natives
of the province of Ontario, from near Montreal.
The first meetings of the society were held in Eagle hall
for some time, and for a .short period in the " Mansion,"
now occupied by the Gray Nans as a convent. The church
edifice is a large and commodious structure of brick, and
can accommodate 1400 people. It is furnished with a fine
organ and bell, and stands in a very commanding situation,
overlooking the city and the St. Lawrence. The total cost
of the church, parsonage, and grounds has been about
$10,000.
In connection with this church are two free schools, one
for males and one for females. The former is located on
Ford street, and is under the control of the brothers of
the order "Clerks of St. Viateur" who also have charge
of a similar school connected with the St. Mary's cathe-
dral. The pupils number 250. The female school is con-
ducted by the Gray Nuns, and the number of pupils is
about 120.
The Catholics have also two convents in Ogdensburg.
One established by the " Clerks of St. Viateur," from
Joliet, near Montreal, about 1872, and having a school in
connection known as " St. Philip Neri's Boarding Academy,"
in which tuition fees are charged ; and the other, " Convent
of our Lady of Victory," established at an earlier date, by
the " Gray Nuns." Rev. Cyril Fournier, C.S.V., is su-
perior of the Ford street convent, which has ten brothers ;
and Mother de Chantel is lady superior of the convent of
" Our Lady of Victory" adjoining the French church. The
latter institution is established in a large building originally
erected by a prominent citizen for a family dwelling. The
property owned by the Catholics in Ogdensburg is kept in
excellent condition, and evinces in every way a most
thorough and careful supervision. The Catholic population
of the city is between four and five thousand, of whom
three thousand are French, connected with St. John's
church ; the remainder being mostly Irish, and communi-
cants at St. Mary's cathedral. The number of regular com-
municants at St. John's is about 2000. The French church
is situated almost within a stone's throw of the site of
Father Picquet's mission-house erected in 1749, but instead
of the vast wilderness that surrounded the latter are now
the well-cultivated fields and comfortable homes of an in-
telligent and industrious people ; and in the place of the
dusky sons and daughters of the forest who made up Father
Picquet's congregation are the sons and daughters of those
pioneers of New France who first planted the cross in the
wilds of the St. Lawrence. A busy city has grown up on
the ground occupied by La Presentation, and the steam -
whistle wakes the echoes where in the early day was heard
the war-whoop of the Iroquois.
YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION.
This organization was formed Jan. 19, 1877, the old
association, organized about 1872, having disbanded. The
officers of the present association are : President, J. B.
Johnson ; First Vice-President, Charles McClair ; Second
Vice-President, E. S. Lane ; Corresponding Secretary, M.
J. Ives ; Recording Secretary, W. J. Knox ; Treasurer,
A. M. Partridge. Booms have been fitted up on the third
floor of the Gilbert block, corner of Ford and State streets,
including a chapel and free reading-room. The chapel is
tastily furnished, and contains an Estey " Boudoir" organ.
The reading-room contains a small library of standard, his-
torical, and religious works, and about fifteen papers and
magazines are taken, including the prominent dailies and
weeklies, the standard monthlies, and the most prominent
religious papers. Tiie active and associate membership,
Deo. 24, 1877, was ninety-five.
EEMAKKABLE WEATHER.
It is worthy of record that the fall and winter of 1877—78
were the mildest known on the St. Lawrence for the past
sixty years. The rivers were open as late as Jan. 1, 1878,
and there had been no snow to remain up to that date.
STEAMER EXCURSION.
On the first day of January the steamer "Armstrong,"
Captain Plumb, made an excursion from Ogdensburg and
Prescott to Brockville and return, a circumstance before
unheard of in this region.
CEMETERIES.
The first ground occupied for burial purposes within the
present limits of the city of Ogdensburg was on the high
ground west of the Oswegatchie river, on the block east of
the French church, where, possibly, burials were made by
Father Picquet as early as 1749-50, and certainly by the
British garrison, which subsequently occupied the post of
Oswegatchie, from 1760 to 1796.
A burying-ground formerly occupied the present beauti-
ful site of Hamilton park, but upon the organization of the
present cemetery association, in 1847, this was discontinued
for purposes of sepulture, and the remains were mostly
transferred to the new grounds.
The Ogdensburg cemetery association was incorporated
July 26, 1847, with the following persons as trustees:
George N. Seymour, Elijah B. Allen, John Fine, Collins
A. Burnham, Edwin Clark, David C. Judson, William
Brown, Amos Bacon, and James G. Hopkins. It was
dedicated on the 18th of September, 1847, by the clergy
and citizens, and an address was delivered by the Hon.
John Fine. The grounds are situated on the Oswegatchie
river, a little south of the city limits. The amount origin-
ally purchased was about ten acres, but subsequent pur-
chases have brought the total up tu about thirteen acres.
This cemetery is tastefully laid out with numerous carriage-
188
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
roads and walks, and is beautifully ornamented with shade-
trees and shrubbery, and contains many fine monuments.
It is about twenty-five feet above ordinary water in the
Oswegatchie river, and the ground is a sandy loam, the best
possible composition of soil for the purposes required. The
present officers of the association are as follows : President,
Elijah White ; Vice-President, Walter B. Allen ; Secre-
tary and Treasurer, Charles Lum. The board of trustees
consists of the following gentlemen : Elijah White, W. B.
Allen, Charles Lum, James Gr. Averill, John D Judson,
Wm. L. Proctor, G. R. Bell, D. Seymour, and Alden
Vilas.
The Catholics of Ogdensburg possess two fine cemeteries;
one belonging to the congregation of St. Mary's cathedral,
and situated south of the Ogdensburg cemetery, the other
belonging to the French population, located on the west
side of the Oswegatchie. They are both tastefully laid out
and kept in fine order.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. NATHAN FORD.
Nathan Ford was born at Morristown, N. J., Deo. 8,
17C3, and, having at an early age lost both parents, ho
spent his childhood with his paternal grandfather, Jacob
Ford, and remained, after the death of the latter in 1777,
with the family, receiving but a common education. In
1779-80, he, though a youth of but seventeen, solicited a
service in the continental armies, and obtained and faith-
fully discharged the duties of a.ssistant-deputy quarter-
master-general during the memorable winter of suiFering in
which the American army lay encamped on the hills back
of Morristown. While still a young man, he obtained the
confidence of several of the parties who had, many of them,
been ofiicers in the Revolution, and who had become in-
terested in the land speculations of Northern New York,
and was sent by them in 1794 and 1795 to explore the
northern part of the State, where they had made their
purchases, and also to examine and report upon several of
the islands near Kingston, which they were proposing to
purchase upon speculation.
We have given some of the details of the settlement at
Oswegatchie, from which it will be learned that he was a
man of indomitable energy and force of character, which
proved adequate to the trying emergencies which surrounded
him, and which would have discouraged common men from
proceeding. The OswRgatchie Indians often proved an-
noying, especially when stimulated by ardent spirits, and
on one occasion a number of them in the night-time
entered the old stone garrison which he inhabited, seized
Dick, his negi-o slave, and were about to put him into the
fire which was burning in the room, but the cries of the
frightened negro aroused Mr. Ford, who seized his sword,
and, without waiting to dress, he rushed into the room and
succeeded, with the help he as.sembled, in drivinu- out the
intruders. This affair probably oecuried in a drunken row
for after the Indians had been driven from the house they
began to quarrel among themselves, and one Battise, said
to be a chief of the tribe, got stripped and beaten till he
was nearly dead. During the night he knocked at the
door of Mr. Lyon for admission, and was allowed to enter
and spend the night on the floor. In the morning, as he
arose to depart, he stooped down to the hearth, blackened
both hands with coal, and rubbing them over hts face, he,
with a whoop and a bound, sallied forth to avenge the
injuries he had received on the previous night. These
Indians were peculiarly addicted to intemperance, having
for many years resided near a post where liquors were
easily procured, and in consequence frequent quarrels arose
among them, and the night was often made hideous by
their bacchanalian riots and yelling. Two or three of their
number got killed at these revels in 1796-7.
Early in 1803 a dispute concerning timber on Ogden's
island, alluded to elsewhere, had reached such a pitch that
life was threatened, and the affair necessarily came under
the notice of Judge Ford, who wrote to Governor Clinton
as follows :
"Upon my arrival here, I availed myself of the first safe oppor-
tunity to forward the letter (your excellency did me the honor to
commit to my care) to the chiefs of the St. Regis village. Upon inquiry,
I found they had carried a very high hand respecting the island busi-
ness, a.nd absolutely went so far as to threaten the taking of scalps..
This threat was made by Gray, and was previous to Judge Edsall's
sending the express forward. Upon my being informed of this out-
rngeous conduct I wrote Gray a letter upon the subject, and wished to
know how he durst throw out such threats against the citizens of this
State, and told him it was absolutely necessary for him to come forward
and make such concessions as conduct like this required; that harmony
and good understanding the citizens of this country were willing to
cultivate, but threats like this they would be far from submitting to,
and the sooner he gave satisfactory explanations upon the subject the
sooner harmony would be restored. Had he resided in the county or
State, as a magistrate I should have pursued a different method with
him. Colonel Lewis, who was on his way home from Oneida (and
who had not seen your excellency's letter to the chiefs, or mine to
Gray), called upon me. I explained to him the subject of your ex-
cellency's letter, and also mine to Gray. I told him it was a matter
of astonishment that he and Gray should have to act in such open
defiance of the laws of the State as they had done respecting the sale
of the timber upon the island ; had it been by common Indians, some
little apology mighthave been made for them, but for him and Gray
there certainly could he none, because they knew better, and they as
certainly could have no doubt resting upon their minds as to the
islands being comprehended in the sale of those lands to the State;
and ivs an evidence, that at the time of the treaty be and Gray applied
to your excellency to know if the islands would not be taken possession
of before the corn which was then upon them would be fit to gather.
This was too strong a circumstance to admit of a quibble, and too
well grounded in their recollection to be denied. He attempted a
weak apology, and concluded by saying ho hoped good understand-
ing would not bo broken up, and that similar conduct would not take
place. I then stated to him Gniy's threats, and the necessity there
was of his coming forward and making satisfactory acknowledgments,
which should be made as public as his threats had been. This he
assured me he should do; and accordingly Gray came up, and, after
making the fullest recantation, declared he never meant or intended
harm to any of the citizens of this State, and that he must have been
in liquor when so unguarded an expression escaped him, and hoped
the thing might be overlooked. I then talked with him upon the
subject of the island. He did not pretend but that the islands were
contained in the sales to the State, but attempted to apologize by im-
pressing the idea of a grant made to the St. Eegis people of that
particular island by the Oswegatchie Indians. I found no difficulty
to confound him in this specious pretext, for it has been his and
Lewis' uniform declaration to me that the Oswegatchie Indians never
was born in Orange, Worcester Co., Mass., April lY, 1791.
He was the fifth child, in a family of seven children, of
James and Phebe Allen, both natives of the same State,
— the former of Acton, the latter of Mendon. His father
was a cloth-manufacturer by trade, and through his busi-
ness was enabled to support his family and give his children
the advantages of a common-school education. He carried
out very strictly the principles of family training inherited
from Puritan ancestry, being a descendant, in the fourth
generation, from James Allen, who emigrated from Eng-
land, and settled near Boston, Mass. His father and grand-
father were both soldiers of the Kevolutionary War, were at
the battle of Bunker Hill, and served in the American army
until the close of the war. At the age of fifteen, Elijah
went to Worcester to learn the mercantile business with his
uncle, Samuel Brazier, but soon after went to Mendon,
where he engaged with his cousin, John Tyler, in the dry-
goods business. At the age of nineteen he was sent to the
city of Charleston, S. C, to take charge of a branch store
pf Mr. Tyler's, where he remained until the breaking out
pf the War of 1812, leaving that city on account of the
embargo placed upon the port, preventing the landing of
goods.
He married Miss Harriet, daughter of David and Nancy
Ann Seymour, the former a native of Hartford, Conn.,
and the latter a native of Massachusetts. After his mar-
riage, in Springfield, Vt., he went to Albany, where he
established himself in the wholesale mercantile business,
which he carried on for several years. Being much inter-
ested in the fur trade, he went to Chicago, which then had
only a few log houses and a small garrison to protect the
traders of the post. He remained there only two years,
and went to Sault St. Mary, Mich., another post for the
fur trade, where he was successful in his business operations
for some seven years.
In the year 1827 he came with his family and settled in
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
Ogdensburg, where he opened a general mercantile busi-
ness. With the increasing prosperity of Ogdensburg, and
the increase in trade, he enlarged his business. Keeping
pace with the demand, he opened a wholesale grocery and
tea house, trading mostly with Canada, some branches of
which he maintained until his death, Feb. 16, 1869. He
was interested in the old river steamer " United States,"
the first that made regular, reliable trips up and down the
St. Lawrence. He was also interested in the control of
the steamers " Oneida" and "St. Lawrence." The boating
trade of the river increased until the steamboat company,
of which Mr. Allen was elected president, had placed upon
the river and lake eleven elegant and commodious steamers.
He was largely interested in building the Ogdensburg and
Lake Champlain Railroad. His ambition for the public
improvements looking towards the increase of trade for his
city and the extension of its borders was such that he lost
laro-e sums of money in trying to put forward the first
Rome and Ogdensburg Railroad, and also in the establish-
ment of the Marine Railway, an enterprise which must
always prove a benefit to the city. During his business
career in Ogdensburg he was largely interested in the
river trade, and, before the establishment of railroads, did a
very extensive business as a forwarding and shipping mer-
chant. Among the business men of his county none were
more active.
In politics, Mr. Allen was first identified with the Whig,
afterwards with the Republican party ; he never solicited
public office, or neglected his business for any political
preferment. He was a liberal contributor to both church
and school interests, and largely assisted in the erection of
the Presbyterian church edifice of his city, of which body
of Christians he and his wife were members to the time of
their death. She has passed away, but her many virtues
are still remembered by her friends, and firmly impressed
upon the minds of her children.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg,
CHARLES LYON.
The subject of this sketch was born at Fort A.nn, Wash-
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1814, and at the time when his
parents, John and Patience Lyon, were on a visit to her
native county. His father, for his first wife, married Miss
Betsey Blanchard, 1808, by whom he had one son, David
C, who is a graduate of Union college, and a Presbyterian
minister of St. Paul, Minnesota. She died April 9, 1810.
By his second wife he had seven children, — Harvey, Charles,
Roby Ann, John Smith, Mary Jane, George, and Aaron.
Of these, only three are living, — Harvey, Charles, and
G-eorge, — the first a resident of Hammond, this county, the
latter a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri. Charles, the
subject of this memoir, resides in the city of Ogdensburg.
His father by occupation carried on farming, but also en-
gaged largely in the lumber business. Charles very early in
life assisted his father in his business as a lumberman during
the winter season, and in the summer season worked on the
farm. From the time he was thirteen to fifteen years of age
he had become so schooled in business as to take charge of
his father's lumber-yard. He then spent one year in school
at the academy in Ogdensburg. At the age of nineteen he
went to New York city, and remained one year as clerk in
a wholesale dry goods store. He then went to Albany,
where he remained for three years in the fur store of Gan-
sevoort Melville, when he succeeded him in the fur business
under the firm-name of Lyon & Cheesebro, which firm con-
tinued in business for four years, when Mr. Lyon returned
to Ogdensburg and engaged in the lumber business, which
to a greater or less extent he has followed down to the
present time. Soon after returning from Albany he pur-
chased the farm settled by his grandfather when he first
came to this county, which he made his residence for some
twenty years, and during the time of his residence there he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of timber land ad^
joining and a part of the original land purchase of Judge
Nathan Ford, at that time owned by the heirs of the judge.
Since that time he has caused to be cleared oyer sixteen
hundred acres of original timber land, making some forty-
eight thousand cords of wood after the sawing timber had
been taken off, which in the aggregate amounted to some
eleven million feet. This land after being cleared he has
sold for farming lands. He has owned some twenty-eight
hundred acres, and after his sales still retains some seven-
teen hundred acres. He is also a large real estate owner
in the city. Among the business men of Ogdensburg no
one is more active, no one takes a greater interest in build-
ing up and beautifying the city, and years after he has left
all these interests his works will stand as monuments of his
industry and ambition. In the year 1836, Dec. 19, while
at Albany, he married Miss Maria, daughter of Henry and
Maria Vandenburg, of that city, but who was born in Cort-
land Co., N. Y., May 22, 1813. Her father was a native
of Coxsackie, on the Hudson, and her grandfather was a
native of Holland. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were born six
children, — Mary Sprague, Martha Safford, David Howard,
Emma Sophia and Anna Maria (twins), and Ella Louise.
All are living except Martha Safford, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Lyon united with the Second Presbyterian church of
Albany, under Dr. Chester, when she was only thirteen
years of age, and is now a member of the Presbyterian
church of Ogdensburg. Careful in the instruction of her
children, her lessons of morality will live with them, years
after she has passed away. Mr. Lyon for some fbrty-eight
years has been connected with the same church with his
wife, has been very actively engaged in Sabbath-school
work for over a halftcentury, and becomes more endeared
to that interest as years increase. In politics he is a Re-
publican, first casting his vote in the old Whig party. He
was never solicitous of office, and although held in higi*
esteem by liis fellow-citizens, and political preferii)eiif
offered, yet he shrank from publicity. Once, ho\vever, he
wfis elected supervisor, in which office he served one term,
Liberal in his views, he is also liberal in ^^^ assistance in
every enterprise looking to the building up of good society
and the support of churches and schools. He has always
taken a deep interest in the agricultural interests of biS
county, and has been prominently identified W''"'' t''l§
society froin its early days.
Photo, by Kent, Eocliester,
CHARLES G. MYERS
was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence County, Feb. 17, 1810.
His father was of German, his mother of Scottish, pater-
nity. They settled on a farm on the St. Lawrence river in
1800, where Charles G. was born, the youngest of three
children. The eldest, James C, born in 1799, is now
active and vigorous, and still resides on the homestead farm.
The second, Lucretia, was distinguished for fine literary
ability and piety, and died in 1826. The subject of this
sketch, at the age of ten years, entered the St. Lawrence
Academy at Potsdam, and continued there for about five
years, during which time he attained a fair knowledge of
the classics and the ordinary academic course. At the age
of sixteen he entered the law-office of Gouverneur and
William Ogden, at Waddington, St. Lawrence County, and
there and at the then village of Rochester, Monroe Co., com-
pleted the term of clerkship then required for admission to
the bar, and was admitted as attorney-at-law and solicitor
in Chancery at the October term, 1832, at Albany.
In 1833 he formed a partnership with Hon. Ransom H.
Gillet, then member of congress for his district, residing
at Ogdensburg, and at once entered upon the active practice
of his profession, being brought forward more rapidly than
was then usual, by reason of the continued absence of his
senior in congress.
In 1844 he was commissioned Surrogate, and served four
years ; in 1848 was Member of Assembly, 1st district ; in
1847 was elected District Attorney, and re-elected, serving
as such until January 1, 1854; in 1859 he was elected
Attorney-General. In 1861, as a member of the Military
Board, he participated in the organization of thirty thousand
troops. For his participation therein see the " Military
Reports, 1862." In 1863-64 he served as chairman of the
military committee of his senatorial district, and greatly
aided the organization of the 95th, 106th, and 142d regi-
ments of volunteers. In 1873 he was appointed Canal
Appraiser on nomination of Gov. Dix, which office he still
holds.
A Democrat from his youth, in 1847, as a "Barn-
burner," he attended the Herkimer convention. In the
assembly, in 1848, he moved the Wilmot Proviso, amend-
ing the resolution for the admission of Texas. Opposed
from the first to the extension of slavery into fi'ee territory,
he joined the Republican party at its organization, and has
continued with it ever since.
Mr. Myers, politically, was entitled to a much higher
position than he ever secured, and in the estimation of his
friends his ability and sterling honesty should have given
him greater political preferment. Independent in thought,
followed by judicious action, yet far above any underhanded
measure to accomplish his objects, he is unswerving and
.faithful to principle, irrespective of men.
In the circle of his acquaintance he stands a peer among
his associates, having great consideration for others in pre-
ference to himself; gentlemanly, unpretentious ; and in his
own family, especially, his social qualities are pre-eminent.
He never led opposition to any enterprise tending to benefit
society, educate the rising generation, or establish it upon a
religious basis ; but always gave encouragement to ambition
rightly directed, and to pure motives apparent in others.
He is among the prominent members of the bar of his county,
and particularly distinguished as a safe and wise counselor.
In 1836 he married Miss Frances Ann Ranney, by whom
he had two sons and two daughters. George R., his eldest
son, was colonel of the 18th New York Volunteers in the
War of the Rebellion, who, after his term of service ex-
pired, was breveted brigadier-general for meritorious ser-
vices. His second son, Charles McC, is a lawyer, and a
partner with his father. His eldest daughter, Frances A.,
married Mr. George A. Eddy, of the N. T. Company, and
his youngest, Mary, is unmarried.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdenabiirg.
(^^M4.^^A^
was born in the town of Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County,
Oct. 3, 1827.
He was the eldest son of a family of three children of
Ira and Almira H. Chapin. The former was a native of
Connecticut, the latter of Herkimer county ; her maiden
name was Pinney, and she w^ a daughter of Judge Pinney,
who married a daughter of an Indian chief of the Mohawk
tribe. Judge Pinney came to Oswegatchie as early as 1808
with his family, and he and his wife were both buried in
the village of Heuvelton.
His father belonged to the large family of Chapins of
the New England States, who are descendants from English
stock, and came to St. Lawrence County with his father,
John Chapin, during the pioneer days of the county's
history. He first settled at Ogdensburg. His father was
engaged in the lumbering business in the earlier part of his
life, but subsequently followed farming, which he carried
on until his death in the year 1842, aged fifty-two years.
The father died when Edward J. was only fifteen
years old. The mother, with due consideration and fore-
thought for the future prosperity of her children, educated
her third son, Alexander P., for a doctor ; he graduated at
Castleton, Vermont ; opened the practice of his profession at
Matamoras, Mexico, but only lived some six years thereafter,
and died at the age of thirty years, in the year 1858. The
second son, Gaylord P., was educated for a lawyer ; gradu-
ated at Middlebury College, Vermont ; was admitted to
practicehis profession about the year 1854 ; became promi-
nently identified during his short career with the bar of
Ogdensburg, but only lived about four years after he was
admitted to the bar, and died in the year 1856, aged thirty
years. In the year 1854 the mother died.
After the death of the entire family, except the subject
of this memoir, Edward J. (having previously man-
aged farm matters with his mother, and assisted in the
education of his two brothers), at about the time of the
death of his second brother, was appointed undcr-sheriiF of
his county, which office he retained for some nine years,
and during the entire time discharged the duties of the
office to the satisfaction of the people, and with such honor
to himself, that at the end of this time he was elected
sheriff, which office he enjoyed for the term allowed by
law. For the next six years immediately following he was
under-sheriff. He was in 1873 again elected sheriff for
his second term, which term of office expired Jan. 1, 1877,
making in all twenty-one years' continual service as under-
sheriff and sheriff. He was chief of police of Ogdens-
burg from its incorporation as a city, May, 1868 (with the
exception of one year), until August, 1877.
In his early manhood days he was a member of the
Whig party, and from the time of his first vote began to
take an active part in politics. Upon the formation of the
Eepublican party he united with its principles and adopted
its platform, and has since unswervingly stood firm in its
ranks. In 1870 he married Miss Jemima, daughter of
Benjamin and Sarah Nevin, of this city. Her father was
of Irish birth, and came to America at the age of nineteen
years, and settled in the town of Brasher, in 1817. Her
mother was a native of New Hampshire, her maiden name
being Woodbury.
Mr. Chapin's public career has been such as to gain the
full confidence not only of his own political friends, but
also of those opposed to him in politics. Unassuming, he
despises the man who engages in anything underhanded to
accomplish any object; scrupulously honest, and a man of
sterling integrity.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
189
-had any claim wliatovei- to lands in thia part of the State, conse-
quently they could not grant an island in the river. In consequence
of his excellency's letter, the husiness of the island I hope is happily
concluded, and I hope a similar occasion will not present itself. I
consider it proper to give your excellency the earliest information
upon this subject, and it was but yesterday that Gray came forward."
Mr. Ford was appointed first judge, which ofiice he held
for many years, and in this capacity he ever evinced that
promptness and decision, joined with sound judgment, that
rendered him peculiarly valuable to the public, and a terror
to evil-doers. In politics he was Federal, and although he
denounced the policy of the war, his course was such as to
secure the confidence of the officers stationed at Ogdens-
burg, and he was particularly useful in dissuading from
predatory incursions for plundering, which led only to re-
taliations. For several years previous to his death, which
occurred in April, 1829, his constitution had been yielding
to the insiduous approaches of consumption, but the vigor
of his mind remained unimpaired, and he continued to feel
a deep interest in public afiairs, after his strength had de-
nied him the power of taking part in them. He had seen
and felt the first feeble beginnings of a colony which had
grown up to a populous and thriving town, and the howling
wilderness, traversed only by savages and wild beasts, trans-
formed into cultivated fields and inhabited by an intelligent
and prosperous people. With the progress of a third of a
century before him, he looked forward into coming years,
and, with the prophetic faith natural to his employment,
I'ealized in his mental vision the change which a century
would work in the condition of the country around him.
Some time before his death, a friend, conversing on this
subject, asked him if, in his dreams, the future aspect of
the town ever presented itself The idea instantly struck
him, and with an energy beyond his strength, and an eye
kindling with enthusiasm, he replied, " Dream? I see it 1
A rich and populous ci/y! A wide extent of country
covered with houses ; a harbor crowded with the fleet of the
lakes !" He then went on and in glowing language por-
trayed the coming greatness and opulence which natural
advantages were destined to confer upon the town. From
the earliest period, Mr. Ford took the strongest interest iu
the welfiire of the Presbyterian church in the village.
In person, Mr. Ford was thin and slender, and his fea-
tures are well represented iu the portrait given ; his eye
possessed unusual brilliancy, and when excited by any topic
that engaged his whole soul, it sparkled with enthusiasm
and feeling. In his manners he was courteous and grace-
ful, and his hospitality was of that elegant kind which,
while it made its recipients at ease, gave them a sense of
welcome, and a home feeling, so eminently pleasing to the
guests. He was interred in the family vault, in the western
part of the village, which is neatly enclosed in a wall, and
the grounds within are suitably adorned with shrubbery.
LOUIS HASBROUCK
was the fifth in descent from a family of French Hugue-
nots, who fled from France to Holland, and thence to New
Yi)j-k, and settled on the Hudson, in the present town of
New Paltz, Ulster county. He was born at New Paltz, on
the banks of the Wallkill, April 22, 1777, and received his
collegiate education at Nassau Hall, in Princeton, at which
he graduated Sept. 25, 1797, and studied law in New York
under Josiah Ogden Hofi'man and Cadwallader Colden. In
August, 1801, he was admitted at Albany to practice in
the supreme court, and, in September following, to the
Ulster court of common pleas. While at Albany, at the
time of his admission to the supreme court, he met with
Judge Ford, and was persuaded to come to Ogdensburg to
settle, and through the same influence he received an
appointment as clerk of the county March 10, 1802. In
June he arrived at Ogdensburg, and ofiiciated at the first
court held in the old garrison in that month. He came by
horseback, with others, through the Mohawk and Black
river countries. He returned in October, and continued
for two years to spend his winters below, and his summers
in Ogdensburg. In May, 1804, he started, with the view
of making a permanent residence, accompanied by his wife,
brother, a lady cousin, and a female slave, and proceeded up
the Mohawk valley and the Black river settlements, in a
wagon, as far as Coffin's tavern, in West Carthage. It
being impossible to proceed farther by wagon, he hired
another horse of a Frenchman called Battise, and proceeded
on from thence with throe horses to the five travelers. One
of the horses was used as a pack-horse, and across it were
laid two bags containing provision and clothing. Their
outfit for a march of several days through a wilderness,
with no guide but a line of marked trees, and only casual
opportunities of procuring supplies from the huts of scat-
tered settlers, consisted of some dried beef, a few lemons
for making lemonade, hard crackers, and a little tea and
sugar. For milk, bread, and other provisions, they trusted
to the supplies they might procure along the road of the
inhabitants, or kill in the forest with their fire-arms. Mr.
Joseph Hasbrouck led the way, and the others followed in
Indian file, adopting at times the practice of riding and
tying, and at others mounting double. The route led
through Wilna, Antwerp, and somewhere near the line of
the Old State road to the Oswegatchie, at the present vil-
lage of Heuvelton, where they crossed the river in a scow.
Their first night was spent at Lewis's, their second at Lee's
(now Mordecai Cook's, in Antwerp), their third at Bris-
tol's (De Peyster's), and their fourth at the old garrison in
Ogdensburg. The Hasbrouck mansion was erected the
year previous, and finished in 1804. Mr. Hasbrouck
moved for a few weeks into Judge Ford's building, at the
garrison. Mr. Hasbrouck arrived in the infancy of its
settlement, and commenced the practice of law in that vil-
lage, which he continued till his death. He held the office
of county clerk until 1817. During a period of thirty-two
years, in which he saw the progressive and rapid rise of the
county from a wilderness to a populous and prosperous dis-
trict, he was intimately concerned with its business and its
interests, and was extensively known to its citizens, by all
classes of whom he was highly esteemed for the many ex-
cellent qualities he possessed. With the purest rectitude
of principle in all his conduct, he united a kindness and
benevolence of disposition that made him alike respected and
beloved by all. Modest and unpretending in his manners,
he sou'i-ht not public distinction, and preferred the walks of
190
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
private life, from which he could not be prevailed to with-
draw, until, at the fall election of 1832, he reluctantly
consented to allow his political friends to nominate him for
the office of senator of this State. To this office he was
elected, and continued until his decease, which resulted from
hydrothorax, on the 20th of August, 1834. The mem-
bers of the bar of the county of St. Lawrence, resident in
Ogdensburg, convened the day after, and testified their re-
spect for the amiable character of the deceased by passing
a series of resolutions highly expressive of their esteem for
his merits and sorrow at his death, and followed in a body
to his last resting-place the remains of the citizen whose
memory it was their privilege to honor. The trustees of
the village also called a meeting of the inhabitants to con-
sider the proper measures to be taken for paying suitable
respect to his memory. The meeting thus assembled
adopted measures for testifying their sorrow and expressing
their sympathy with the family of the deceased.*
DR. J. W. SMITH
was the first physician who settled in St. Lawrence County,
at a period when the hardship.s of that laborious profession
were unusually severe. The physician's avocation is always
one of great responsibility, and requires for its successful
prosecution the greatest amount of sagacity and skill ; but
especially amid the privations of a new settlement, where
conveniences fur the sick are sometimes not procurable, and
the usual methods, from necessity, are supplanted by such
as the exigencies of the moment may suggest, does it re-
quire in a special manner the exercise of sound judgment
and a prompt and judicious action. Dr. Smith was born at
Cheshire, Mass., Feb. 22, 1781. His father removed from
Cheshire to Addison, Vt., and died in the year 1791. He
studied with Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, of Vergennes, in
1799, and completed his professional studies with Dr. Wil-
liam Rose, at Middlebury, in 1802. In the following year
he removed to Lisbon and commenced practice. Durino-
the time he resided here his business extended to Madrid,
Canton, and Oswegatchie, and was one of great hardship
from the want of passable roads, and the great distance
which he was compelled to travel, often on foot, from the
impossibility of getting through otherwise, and exposed to
the various vicissitudes incident to a new country. He has
been known to travel on foot through the forest by torch-
light, at night, without a road, to Canton, a distance of
eighteen miles. In 1807 he removed to Ogdensburg, and
became the first physician at that place. He was the first
president of the county medical society, and continued to
fill that office during a great part of the time till his
death. He also held the office of loan commissioner for
some time. He died at Ogdensburg July 4, 1835.
The following tribute to his memory, published soon
after his decease, is believed to be but a just picture of his
life and character :
"From the first settlement of the county to the close of his life
his whole time and energies were devoted to his profession. He
* Dr. Hough.
underwent incredible fatigue in his extended practice in the country
without roads, and never spared himself in his exertions to mitigate
the pain of others j neither dangerous roads, or the darkness of
night, or inclement weather, ever deterred him from attending to the
calls of the sick, even though that call were by the most poor and
profligate of our race; all will bear him wilness to his kindness,
charity, and compassion. It was no selfish principle that prompted
his exertions. The love of gain seemed to have no influence with
him, for he habitually did himself great injustice, as well in respect
to the amount of his charges ns in his reluctance to collect those he
had made. He was undoubtedly a man of great science, skill, and
judgment in his profession. Perhaps no physician ever had the uni-
versal confidence both of his professional brethren and of his patients
than Dr. Smith ,* at the bedside of a patient he was rarely mistaken,
either in the disease or its appropriate remedy. To the poor and
distressed he was the good Samaritan, and in the various relations of
professional and private life he was ever found exemplary."-|-
JOSEPH YORK,
the second sheriff of St. Lawrence County, an active parti-
san in the war of 1812-15, and a citizen who enjoyed to a
great degree the esteem of the public, was born in Claren-
don, Mass., Jan. 8, 1781, and removed, with his father's
family, at an early age to Randolph, Vt. From thence he
emigrated, in 1805, to Ogdensburg, and for three years
lield the post of deputy-sheriff under Thomas J. Davies,
when he succeeded that gentleman, and held the office of
sheriff four years. At the battle of Feb. 22, 1813, he was
residing in the court-house, and had care of the prisoners.
Measures had been taken to raise a new company, and he
was to have been one of its officers. He had charge of a
cannon which was posted at the corner of Ford and
Euphamia streets, and was the only person of his party
who was not killed or wounded. He was captured and
taken to Prescott, but soon after, at the intercession of his
wife, he was paroled, and in a few weeks after exchanged.
The prisoners in jail were set free on their own assertion that
they were confined for political offenses, but upon being
assured of the contrary they were mostly rearrested, and
given up to Mr. York, who met the British authorities at
the national boundary on the ice, in the middle of the
St. Lawrence, and received them. Among these was one
who had fled to Montreal upon his receiving his liberty,
and was there captured. He had been confined on a
charge of murder. During three successive years, Mr.
York represented the county in the legislature. The town
of York, in Livingston Co., N. Y., derives its name from
him. He died on the 6th of May, 1827, at the age of
forty-six, after a lingering illness of several months.
Mr. York was a very public-spirited man, and especially
in times of danger. or alarm he was one of those who
placed himself in front, and by his word and example en-
couraged others more timid or less qualified to think for
themselves at moments of excitement. This was particu-
larly the case in fires, on which occasion he never failed to
take the lead in directing the means to be taken for sup-
pressing the consuming element and in rescuing prop-
erty.f
t Dr. Hough.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
The subject of this sketch was born at the village of Ogdensburg, St. Law-
rence Co., N. T., on October 14, 1806. His father died soon jifter the birth of
Preston, leaving to him a modest competence, and committing his son to the
guardianship of the late Hon. Louis Hasbronck.
Mr. King received his classical course, preparatory for college, at the St
Lawrence academy, and entered Union college in 1821, whence be graduated
with distinction.
He pureued the study of the law in his native village with his guardian and
tlie late Judge Fine, and was duly licensed as an attorney. He never practiced
his profession. His inclination led him into thepoliticfil field. Ho soon became
a writer upon and editor of the St. Lawrence Republican, a Democratic paper;
and he ardently espoused and advocated the principles and measures then held
and puiBuc'd by the Democratic party.
In 1832 he was appointed postmaster at Ogdensburg, which office hii held for
several years, and in 1834 he was elected a member of assembly, and was re-
e!t-cted there sever.il consecutive times to that office.
He at once took a foremost rank in the legislature as a radical, opposed to
corporate monopolies, and in favor of hard money. His associates and com-
panions in the legislature were Abijfih Mann, Samuel Toung, Richard Hulbert,
and others of like opinions, and during his service he became an expert and
accomplishtid parliamentarian, which stood him in good stead in after-life.
His ardent love of Democratic institutions induced him, in 1837-38, to form
the so-called "patriot" movement to sever Canada from Great Britain, and wheu
that affair culminated in the unfortunate expedition of Von Schoultz, and his
capture at "Windmill point," Mr. King headed an effort to rescue the luckless
survivors, which was only defeated by the treachery of the messenger whom
he sent to the men, urging them to eacape on his steamer. His failure to
rescue these men weighed heavily on his spirits, and produced an illness from
wliich he did not recover for several months.
In 1845 he was elected a member of Congress, and twice, consecutively, re-
elected to the same offiice. During these six years' service in the Hi^use he was
distinguished as a cool, vigilant, and industrious member, and as a fearless and
able advocate of "free s il, free speech, and free men." He is said to have
beon the real author of the famous " Wilmot proviso," though with character-
istic modesty he allowed another to offer it.
After the close of his services in the House of Representatives he served as
one of the commissioners of harbor improvement in the city of New York.
During all this period, Mr. King had been a conspicuous member of the
Democratic party in the State, and one of the trusted leaders of that division
of the party then known as " Barnburners."
When, in 1854, the Barnbui-ners, following the lead of the late John "Van
Buren, surrendered the control of the party to the "Hunkers," and abandoned
the doctrines of free soil, ami the "corner-stone," Mr. King became one of the
prominent founders of the Republican party, and was run unsuccessfully in
1855 as its candidate for the olfice of secretary of state.
In 1857 ho was elected by the Republican party to the Senate of the United
Suites, and served his full time in that body, where he held a high rank for
solid influence. "He had the high honor of speaking in the Senate of the
United States the first plain words which told the Southern leaders that if they
chose war, war they should have." His firmness, courage, and unhesitating
faith in the triumph of the right enabled him to render far more efficient ser-
vice to his country in his unassuming and unostentsitiuus manner, by his wise
and prudent counsels, than many other members who commanded more public
attention by display and ostentation.
When the late Mr. Greeley attempted a combination to force Mr. Seward from
the cabinet, Mr. King firmly sustained the great secretary, and thereby in-
curi'ed Mr. Greeley's unrelenting hostility. At the expiration of his term, Mr.
King persistently refused to solicit support for re-election, relying upon his
record and the justice of his constituency. In the canvass, Mr. Greeley ap-
peared as a bitter opponent, assigning as one reason, Mr. King's adherence to
Mr. Seward, and Mr. King was defeated.
In 18G4, Mr. King was a prominent delegate in the Baltimore convention,
and advocated and secured the nomination of Andrew Johnson for vice-president.
Upon the accession of Mr. Johnson to the presidency, Mr. King was for some
time his guest, and heartily approved the rejection by the president of the nu-
merous presents tendered; Mr. King holding through life the doctrine of
Silas Wnght, whose political pupil he was, that public men ought never to
embarrass themselves by incurring obligations to individuals which might,
perchance, influence them in the performance of public duties.
In the summer of 18G5, Mr. King was appointed collector of the port of New
York, an office in the administration of which he was not fairly settled when
his death by his own hand, in a sudden fit of insanity, terminated his career
November 12, 18G5.
Mr. King never married. He was kind and affectionate to his relatives,
steadfast to bis principles, and faithful to his friends; urbane and affable to
all, and sympatliizing and accessible to high and low, rich and poor, alike. Ho
was frugal in his personal expenses, plain in his apparel and modes of life, but
always ready to relieve the necessities of the needy and afflicted. His grasp of
public aflaira and political questions was intuitive and masterly. Ho was not
an orator. He was too terse and laconic in expression for a successful speaker,
but could express more solid sense in a sentence or two than would serve an
orator for an extended speech.
The integrity and purity of the man are demonstrated by the fact that, though
he hold all the public positions above enumerated, and lavished nothing in
unnecessary expenses, at his death his modest estate consisted mainly in real
property inherited from his father.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensbnrg.
D. E. SOUTHWICK, M.D.
The subject of this sketch was born in Keesville, Clinton
Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1831. He was the only son and
third child of a family of six children of Paul and Sarah
Southwick. His father was a native of Salem, Mass.,
being born May 15, 1797, and his ancestors early settlers
of the eastern States and of English birth. His mother
was born Sept. 14, 1800. His father, at the age of ten
years, came to Keesville, and remained there until his
death. He was a farmer by occupation, and in circum-
stances to give his children the advantages of a good edu-
cation. David E. was early a student in the common
school, but received his first instruction in a private school
kept in the family. At the age of eighteen he entered the
academy of his native place and remained for some three
years, at the end of which time he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. Blanchard, of Keesville. After a year
he entered the office of Dr. AVard, of the same place, and
during the year attended a course of medical lectures in
Albany, and at the close of the year entered the Homoeo-
pathic medical college at Philadelphia (the first homoeo-
pathic college started in the United States). Here he
spent about one year, and graduated, receiving the honorary
degree of Doctor of Medicine in the year 1857. Coming
home he remained for a short time, caring for his father,
who had been thrown from his carriage. His father shortly
after died, being sixty-three years of age. His mother had
died when he was quite young. In the year 1857 he came
to Ogdensburg, and began the practice of his profession,
where he has remained until the writing of this brief sketch
(1877).
In the year 1871, Dr. Southwick married Miss Sarah
Frances, daughter of Alden and Ellen Vilas, of this city.
Mr. Alden Vilas was one of the pioneers of Oswegatchie,
and of New England birth. He came to this county at the
age of sixteen years, and was a descendant of Peter Vilas,
who was born 1704, in England. Her mother was daugh-
ter of Thomas and Sarah Chandler, of Reading, Vt.
Dr. Southwick opened up the practice of the homoeo-
pathic theory in the city of Ogdensburg, and was the first
physician of that school who permanently located there, and
hence was the pioneer of his profession in the city where
he has .since resided. As, in the introducing of any new
doctiine, opposition of opposing theories is expected, it was
no exception in Dr. Southwiok's experience. This he met
with true, manly dignity and consideration, feeling the value
of the correct practice of the peculiar theory which he was
about to propagate, yielding to others their own opinions,
but reserving the result of his own in the development of
his practice.
Quite fortunately for the doctor, an epidemic peculiar to
children, called " scarlatina," broke out, in the treatment
of which he was very successful. This, being in the winter
following his arrival in the city the August previous, at
once gave a strong impetus to the new theory, and placed
its propagation favorably before the people. His great
skill in practicing medicine has gradually become a matter
of fact in the minds of the people, and has made his pa-
tients his warmest friends.
In 1864 he took into partnership with him Dr. N. N.
Child, the partnership lasting until the year 1871, since
which time Dr. Southwick has remained alone in the prac-
tice of his profession, yielding his services to the needy poor
as soon as to the wealthy, to those from whom he never
expected any remuneration for services as well as to those
who were in circumstances to pay.
Dr. Southwick never takes an active part in the political
arena, but is strongly imbued with Republican principles,
and esteems highly the value of a vote for principle instead
of for men. In social life he is considerate in conversation,
gentlemanly in all his ways, modest, and unassuming. He
is liberal in his views, and ready to assist every enterprise
for the good of society, the education of the masses, aad
the propagation of the principles of the Protestant religion.
He is a member of the American Medical Institute, also of
the State medical society, and president of the county
medical society.
^^^
"V ^'
Photo, by Dow.
6o/V*-7 -€^0
ANTHONY FURNESS.
The subject of this sketch was born in the parish of
Cliburn, county of Westmoreland, England, Oct. 15, 1797.
He was the eldest son of a family of ten children of John
and James Furness, both natives of the same county.
His father was a stone-mason by trade, and laid up a fair
competence for himself and family, but gave his children
liberal opportunities for obtaining an education.
Anthony worked with his father until he was of age,
and learned the mason trade, as also did four others of his
brothers. At the age of twenty-one, and in the year 1818,
he emigrated from England, landing at Quebec. After a
few days he came to Ogdensburg, and at once began work
at his trade. From that time until age debarred him from
the active duties of life, he continued in his business, and
as contractor and builder has erected some of the finest
residences now in the city of his adoption.
At the age of twenty-six, and in the year 1823, he
married Miss Margaret, daughter of James Gilmour, of
Morristown. She was born in Paisley, Scotland, December
20, 1802, and came to America with her father, June 20,
1820.
To Mr. and Mrs. Furness have been born nine children :
John R., Elizabeth J., James A., William, Mary, James
H., Isabella Scott, George A., and Charles Howie. Of
these, the three eldest are dead. William has entered the
law-office of Hon. D. Magone, of Ogdensburg. Mary
resides with her father, having lost her husband, Seth
Pomeroy, June, 1861 ; they were residents of Detroit,
Mich. James H. went to Austin, Nevada, in 1862, with
a party to work in the silver-mines. Very little has been
heard of him since, and it is not known now by his friends
where he is. Isabella Scott married Allen Gilmour, and
resides in Albany, N. Y. George A. is in the dry goods
business in his native city ; he married Miss Martha,
daughter of Fred. Winslow, and resides in Ogdensburg.
Charles Howie married Miss Annie, daughter of William
Vollaus, of Oswegatohie, and resides in Gloversville, N. Y.
Mrs. Furness, in the early history of the Presbyterian
church of Ogdensburg, united with that body, and re-
mained a member of the same until the time of her death,
August 6, 1867. She was a model Christian woman, in-
structed her children in their early life in all that was
necessary to impress upon their minds lessons of morality
and religion ; devoted to the best interests of society, a
faithful wife, a loving mother, honored by all who knew
her, and especially endeared to her sisters in the church.
Anthony Furness, on first coming to this city, entered
the ranks of the Whig party, having imbibed liberal prin-
ciples of the same party before leaving his native country.
Upon the formation of the Republican party he naturally
cast his lot with it, and has always regarded the right of
suffrage a boon conferred upon every American citizen.
He is a very plain, unassuming man, and lives in the
hearts of his children, who surround him in his old age.
He is now in his eighty-first year, having lived to see the
various changes in the city's history.
He has been connected with the Presbyterian church for
the last thirty years, and his record will go down to his
oifspring without a blemish to mar its evenness or detract
from its influence upon generations unborn of his race.
He is still active in mind and tjody, and ^-esides i(i tj^e
house built by himself in the year 184(J.
za^'^^^
MRS. G. N. SEYMOUR.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdenaburg
GEORGE N. SEYMOUR.
The subject of this sketch was born in Siiringtield, Vt, April 14, 1794^. He
wfia the eldest son of a family of five children of David and Nancy Seymonr,
■viz.: George N., Harriet, Isaac, David L., and Nancy Ann. David Seymour was
a native of Hartford, Conn., and a lineal descendent of — Seymour, who
emigrated to this country from England, and settled in Hartford soon after the
landing of the Pilgrims. Nancy Seymour (whose maiden name was Nichols)
was a daughter of Nathaniel Nichols, of Winchenden, Mass. In 1806, David
Seymour, leaving his family in Vermont, came to St. Lawrence County with
Gen. Lewis Morris as a surveyor and contractor, bringing a company of men
with him. He erected the old court-house of Ogdensburg where the new cus-
tom-house now standn; took the contract for building the bridges on the old
State road to Albany, and while at work at Heuvelton went in bathing, and
was drowned. His body was the first interred in the old cemetery.
The mother and widow, with true devotion to her children, unaided pecuni-
arily, and «ith but little competence left at the sudden death of her husband,
met her position with remarkable oourage, and with a will to do, by judicious
management and fortithought, gave her children each a liberal education for
that diiy, and trained them while young in all tliat lays the foundation for
true manhood and womanhood. She died at the residence of her daughter,
Mrs, Gilbert, in Ogdensburg, at the advanced age of eighty-aeven years'.
In theyearlSnS, at the age of fourteen years, George N. came to Ogdensburg,
recommended by Gen. Lewis Morris, of Verniont (guardian of his father's child-,
ren), to the firm of Russeel & Lewis, merchants. He was bound out to these
gentlemen until he was of age. It was dunng these seven years of apprentice-
ship that lie was schooled in business tactics, and laid the foundation of cai'eful
business habits, which, together with the careful antl more than ordinary^ain-
ing of his mother, formed the germ of his successful operations as a merchant
in after-years. His education from books while young was of such a character
as to lay the foundation for a good business ability. Upon arriving at the age
of twenty-ono he entered the land-offjce of Mr. David Parisli, and was soon
after sent to Vermont to solicit enjigration to the county, and for the purpose
of inducing settlement on the lands owned by Mr, Parish. At the age of twenty-
two he wont to New York, puiohased a stock of goods, brought them to Ogdens-
burg, and began business for hiniself. He hf^fl acquired sufficient reputation
for his integrity with those witli whom he had been associated to command
their full confidence, and commenced business upon borrowed capital, loaned
from Mr. Parish.
His careful and judicious nvmagement in business secured for himself and
family a competence which placed him beyond the apprehension of want.
Scrupulously honest, he was held in high esteem by his fellow-men, and often
intrusted with theaffaird of others a3 executor or guardian. Ho was counsel
and assi.-itanco to those in need, and during the great famine in Ireland was
president of the relief committee for his county. Ho was drafted, and served
in the War of 1812 for a short time, mostly at Sacket's Harbor. Mr. Seymour
in politics was first a Federalist, afterwards a Whig, but upon the breaking up
of that party ever after stood independent for the principles involved, and not
for the men, thought and acted for himself, regarding the right of suffrage as
the gift of the people. He took a deep interest in matters of church and school,
and was a member of the Presbyterian Society of Ogdensburg.
In 1844 he took into partnership with him his two sons, and at the end of
ten years left his mercantile business in their hands, which they continued
until 1860. He was chosen vice-president of the Ogdensburg bank upon its
organiz!>tion, and held that position for several years. He was also a stock-
holder in the Judson bank from the time of its organization until his death,
July 27, 1859.
At the age of twenty-three, and in the year 1818, be married Miss Sophia
Mary, daughter of Louis and Sarah de Villera, of Wilna, Jefferson county.
Her father was a native of Abbeville, Fi-ance, and descended from an ancient
and respectable family; was in the service of Louis XVI. as lieutenant in the
Battiilion Vermandois, a corps composing a part of the Royal Guards, and
stationed most of the time at Paris. He was transferred to the regiment
serving in America under Gen. Rochambeau, and came to this country about
the close of the Revolutionary War, with Count Le Ray de Chauraont, for the
purpose of joining the Allies. Her father first came to Trenton, afterwards to
Cooperstown, thence to Butternuts, where he married Miss Sarah Kinney, of
Connecticut birth. It was at Butternuts that Miss Sophia Mary de Villers was
born, October 19, 1797.
To Mr. and Mrs. Seymour were born four children, — Harriet Ann, George de
Villers, Isaac Lewis, and Sophia Mary. Of these all are living, Harriet Ann
married Mr. John D. Judson, a banker of Ogdensburg city, and resides in that
place; George de Villers married Miss Frances G. Ford, of New Jersey, and
resides in his native city; Isaac Lewis married Miss Mary Ann Cryalor, of
j Williamsburg, Ontario, and resides alHO in Ogdensburg; Sophia Mary married
Mr. George Conant, of Ogdensburg, and resides in New York city.
Mrs. Seymour many years ago united with the Presbyterian church of this
city, and has remained a member of the same until the present time. She \^
at the writing of this sketch celebrating her eightieth birthday, surrounded
hy her children and grandchildren. She has lived to see four generations in
her own family, and still retains her accustomed activity of both body an^
mind. Coming into the county in the early days of its settlement, she has
noted the various changes from the rude cabin to residences of grandeur, ber
tokening the wealth of this generation. In her day schools, churches, and
societies have been established, She has the pleasiiro of seeing before the close
of her life the result of her early lessons of instruction to her children, an^
their influence down the generations beyond. She lives in the hearts of her
children^ endeared to them by the parental ties of an affectionate mother.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. NEW YORK.
191
Plioto. by Dow, OgdenPbiirg.
The Perkins family are the descendants of Sir Jacob
Perkins, a knight, and president of a college in England.
His sons, Joseph and John, when young, came to New
England. They, and fifteen others, were the first settlers
of old Ipswich. They were born about the commence-
ment of the 16th century. It was from the latter, John,
that the subject of this memoir is descended. John was a
friend to the Indians, had their confidence, and saved the
town from destruction by their giving him timely notice.
John Perkins, Sr. (son of Jacob), was born in Newent,
Gloucester, England, in 1590; came to New England in
1631, in the same ship which brought Roger Williams ;
died at Ipswich, in 1654, aged sixty -four. He left three
sons and three daughters. The names of the sons are re-
corded in the Ipswich town-records among those who had
the right of commonage then, — the last day of the last
month, 1641. The grandfather of tho subject of this
sketch, Mathew Perkins, married Miss Hannah Bishop, a
native of Connecticut, in 1738.
Bishop Perkins was born in Becket, Berkshire Co.,
Mass., Sept. 5, 1787, and was, at the time of his death
(Nov. 20, 1866), in the eightieth year of his age. He
received his preparatory instruction from Rev. Timothy
M. Cooley, of East Granville, and entered Williams college
in the year 1807. Soon after leaving college he entered a
law-office in Troy, but eventually finished his studies with
Hon. Joseph Kirkland, of Utica. Coming to reside in St.
Lawrence County soon after the close of the War of 1812,
he first located himself at Lisbon, but soon after removed
to Ogdensburg, succeeding to the business of Mr. Bowen,
at that time the most distinguished member of the bar.
He was soon after appointed district attorney, which office
he held by continued appointment for more than twenty
years, discharging its duties with such ability, integrity,
and devotion to the public good that change or competition
was scarcely thought of. The same may be said of the
office of clerk of the board of supervisors, which he held
for about the same period. At a later time he was mem-
ber of congress; he was also member of the constitu-
tional convention of 1846, and in the assembly of this
State.
In politics Mr. Perkins was a life-long Democrat. He
never sought public offices, or any political preferment, nor
did he shrink from bearing a public burden placed upon
him by his county.
The leading trait of Mr. Perkins' character as a public
man was an unselfish devotion to the maintenance and sup-
port of whatever his judgment dictated to be right. With-
out any of the art or address of the scheming politician, it
was the universal confidence in his integrity and faithful-
ness that gave him the official positions he held. In private
life, in his social aifections and friendships, Mr. Perkins
possessed and acted with a kindness of heart and feelings
that never tired, and a generosity that forgot selfibh con-
siderations. To his family and intimate friends he was
strongly endeared, and, though living (after premonitions
which warned them of his end) beyond expectation, his
loss was severely felt.
At a meeting of the bar of the village of Ogdensburg,
held at the office of Justice James, on November 22, 1866,
convened on occasion of the death of Hon. Bishop Per-
kins, the Hon. D. C. Judson was called to the chair, and
George Morris appointed secretary. After remarks on the
character and virtues of the deceased by Justice James,
Charles G. Myers, B. H. Vary, and others, the following
resolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That in tlie death of Hon. Bishop Perliins, the b.ar of
St. Lawrence County have lost its oldest member, one whose integ-
rity, candor and professional courtesy, liberality, and ability have
given character to the bar of this county, of which we may well be
proud J and that it behooves us as survivors to emulate his example
and endeavor to perpetuate its influence upon those who shall come
after.
Resolved, That high as is our appreciation of the professional and
official career and character of our deceased brother, who ably exe-
cuted the duties of the oflGce of prosecutor and legislator, it is in
his domestic and social relations that he shines brightest, wherein
he emphatically proved himself " an honest man — the noblest work
of God."
The bar of the county erected his monument, and placed
upon it the following inscription :
"Bishop Perkins, born in Becket, Berkshire county, Mass., Sept.
5, 1787. A lawyer for forty years ; the leader and exemplar of tho
St. Lawrence County Bar, in logic, research, integrity, and all that
elevates and adorns the profession. He lived without guile, and
died without reproach."
In 1822 he married Miss Mary, daughter of William
and Blargaret Grant, of Johnstown. N. Y. Her father
and mother were both of Scottish birth, coming to America
with their parents when thej' were quite young. To Mr.
and Mrs. Perkins was born one daughter, Margaret Grant
Perkins, who resides with and kindly cares for her mother
in her declining years.
192
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK,
DANIEL JUDSON.
The subject of this sketch was born in Washington,
Litchfield Co., Conn., March 18, 1797.
He was the eighth cjjild and sixth son of General David
Judson, who had a family of fourteen children. General
Judson was a native of Washington, Conn., and was born
March 9, 1755. He was a descendant of William Judson,
who emigrated from Lancaster, England, about the year
1634. He was second lieutenant, lieutenant, and captain
in the War of the Revolution, as appears by the dates of
his commissions. In 1778 he graduated at Yale college.
In 1790 he was appointed by the general assembly of the
State of Connecticut to be a lieutenant-colonel, commander
of the 29th regiment of militia. By his commission, dated
1795, he was appointed by the general assembly of the
State of Connecticut to be brigadier-general of the 8th
brigade of militia of that State.
February 28, 1784, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas and Eunice Davis, of Washington, Conn. Her
father, Thomas Davis, was descended from English ances-
try.
In private life General Judson was a merchant while in
Connecticut. In the year 1806 he came to St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., bringing with him his family, at that time con-
sisting of himself, wife, and twelve children, except his
eldest daughter, Abigail, who was married, and remained
behind. His other two children, Adelia and John D., were
born in this county. The general first settled near Black
lake, buying a large quantity of land, and, with his sons,
began clearing oiF the original forest, built a log house,
and afterwards erected a frame house, the first built on
Black lake. His forethought in coming into a new country
with his family has proved his good, sound judgment, and
to his children, pecuniarily, has been a field for extensive
operations as business men. The early family training in-
herited from Puritan ancestry, and practiced in the culture
of the children, tended to impress upon their minds very
fully industrious habits, laid the foundation for a thorough
business ability, and prepared them for the various exten-
sive and successful operations which they carried on in after-
years. From the time that General Judson came to this
county until his death, February 14, 1818, he was in very
poor health, but directed the operations of his sons. His
wife died at the age of 87 years, June 10, 1850. He
passed away during the pioneer days of the county's his-
tory, and his children are among the oldest residents of the
county at the time of the writing of this sketch. The
eldest daughter is still living at the age of 93 years, quite
active in mind, and being able to give many of the facts
herein noticed.
Daniel was nine -years of age when his parents came to
St. Lawrence County, and as with the children in the pio-
neer days of the county's history, their services measured
largely from a pecuniary point of view, this case was no
exception.
As early as the year 1825 he established himself in busi-
ness in the village of Ogdensburg, where the Judson
bank is now located, which he carried on in a quiet way,
always gentlemanly in his deportment and methodical in all
his business operations. In 1836, at the time of the great
money crisis, he wound up his general business, and soon
after became a stockholder in the Ogdensburg bank. He
was one of the originators of the Judson bank, was one of
its stockholders, and was nominally its cashier from its
organization until the time of his death, August 21, 1873.
Mr. Judson was never an active politician, and cared not
for any preferment that political parties could offer. He was
originally a Silver-Gray Whig, afterwards an unswerving
Democrat. He was for many years connected with church
interests, was a member of the Episcopal church of his city,
and for many years one of its vestrymen. It is said of him
" That he was noted for his evenness of life, his unas.sum-
ing manner, his plain and honest dealing, and his sterling
integrity."
At the age of fifty years (June 23, 1847) he married
Miss Susan, daughter of Hon. Charles B. Phelps, a native of
Portland, Conn. He was a prominent member of the bar
of Litchfield Co., and has enjoyed the high oflBces of his
State as member of the House of Representatives, Speaker
of the House, State senator, and judge of his county for
a long term of years. She was born in Woodbury, Conn.,
March 23, 1818. To Mr. and Mrs. Judson were born two
children, Fannie M. and Elsie M., both living. The former
married Mr. W. E. Furniss, a prominent and enterprising
miller of Ogdensburg.
DAVID C. JUDSON
came into the cOunty of St. Lawrence in the spring of
1808, his father's family having settled on Black lake, in
Oswegatchie, two years previously, from Washington, Conn.
It being the period of the embargo, Mr. J. engaged in no
permanent business until 1811, when, on the appointment
of the late Thomas J. Davies to the ofiRce of sheriff, he, in
connection with his friend, Mr. York, undertook to do all
the active duties of the oflnce throughout the county, the
former taking all east of the east line of Lisbon and Canton,
and the latter the remainder.
He accordingly located at Hamilton, in Madrid, and this
arrangement continued during the official term of Mr. Da-
vies, and of Mr. York, his successor. In 1818 he was ap-
pointed sheriff, and assumed the active duties of the western
half; he thus became thoroughly conversant with the en-
tire county, and a witness of its early and feeble begin-
nings, which was of eminent service to him in subsequent
life. In the division of the Democratic party, during the
era of good feeling in national politics, in relation to Mr.
Clinton and his policy, Mr. J., adhering to Mr. C, was re-
moved from the office of sheriff on the triumph of the
Bucktail party in 1821.
He was immediately after nominated and elected to the
senate from the eastern district. The constitution of 1821
coming into operation in 1 822, by which all legislative and
judicial offices were vacated, he declined renomination, and
was principally instrumental in securing the nomination of
Silas Wright, Jr., who was elected, and then first occupied
the field in which he became so eminent. In the selection
of a new site for the public buildings, Mr. Judson, from
— "'■c dL.£,„i-!^j Sortai"--' ■
o^,
(--^^ C^^yy gK-i.^fU
B^lttl:c nr.m.a,Xla^aerTeo5pe
^V )i) ( ,il'J iS(.\j
-7^
^ 6.M^^
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiSTTY, NEW YORK.
193
his intimate knowledge of the county, gave his influence
for a change, believing that the public wants required it,
and his identification with this measure contributed to his
election to the assembly in 1818, the county having before
been decidedly federal. The measure was brought forward
this session, but defeated, principally through the influence
of the late George Parish. In 1826 it was again brought
forward, aided by Mr. Wright, in the senate, and Mr. Jud-
son, notwithstanding his interests and residence at Ogdens-
burg, gave his influence for it. It was at last successful,
having been made the issue of the election of 1827, and he
was one of the building committee appointed to superintend
the erection of the new buildings, which were completed in
time for the fall term of 1829, at a cost of less than seven
thousand dollars.
From 1829 till 1840 he was one of the judges of the
county court. In the fall of 1829 he was chosen cashier of
the Ogdensburg bank, and remained till IS-tO, when he re-
signed, and in the fall of that year was appointed collector
of the district of Oswegatchie, by Van Buren, and held
this station under the diiferent presidents until 1849. From
the year 1849 until his decease Mr. Judson devoted his
time principally to his extensive private business and the
care and development of the large property which he had
acquired. In June, 1853, in connection with his brothers,
Daniel and John D. Judson, and others, he established at
Ogdensburg the Judson bank, under the laws of the State
of New York, of which John D. Judson, Esq., was presi-
dent, and Daniel Judson, Esq., cashier. This bank con-
tinued in business until about the year 1867, when it was
closed up, in consequence of the onerous taxation imposed by
Congress upon the circulation, etc., of the State banks. After
its close Mr. Judson, with his brothers, continued the busi-
ness as private bankers. In 1862, Mr. Judson was elected
president of the then village of Ogdensburg, and was re-
elected in 1863.
During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Judson was an
active supporter of the Union, and occupied a leading posi-
tion upon all local committees which had for their object the
furnishing of men and money in aid of the government,
and on all occasions evincing his patriotism by his counsel
and personal efforts and large contributions of money. In
1868, at a meeting of the citizens of Ogdensburg for the
purpose of securing an act of incorporation as a city, Mr.
Judson was appointed one of the committee to prepare a
city charter, and took a prominent part in the formation of
the organic act by which Ogdensburg became a city.
Always a zealous member of the Democratic party, he was
frequently the recipient of nominations by that party to
important official stations, viz., member of congress, presi-
dential elector, etc. He was the candidate of that party at
the first election for mayor of the city of Ogdensburg. To
the active efforts of Mr. Judson, and his liberal contribu-
tions of money, the church and society of St John of Og-
densburg are greatly indebted for their present elegant
church edifice.
For several years before his death Mr. Judson was almost
exclusively occupied in the management of his property,
but was always ready to give his counsel and support to all
public matters in promotion of the interests of the city and
2.fi
county. He died at Ogdensburg, May 5, 1875, at the age
of eighty-nine years.
It is seldom that an individual is found who, for nearly
three-fourths of a century, has been so extensively and so
intimately concerned in public affairs, and it is but justice
to add, that his worth is appreciated as extensively as his
name is known ; and in most of the public improvements of
the county in general, and of Ogdensburg and vicinity in
particular, we witness many of the beneficial results of his
influence.
HON. SILVESTER GILBERT
was born at Otego, Otsego county, N. Y., September 24,
1787. His ancestors were of English birth, and on coming
to America first settled at Hartford, Conn., and are traced
to the various localities of Middletown, Conn., New Lebanon,
N. Y., and the birthplace of the subject of this memoir.
Soon after he became of age, about the year 1810, he came
to Ogdensburg, and established himself in business as a
hatter, which trade he had learned previous to coming here.
He evinced from the first the ability and good judgment
necessary for successful operations as a business man. Soon
after the War of 1812, he formed a copartnership with the
late Judge Averill in the mercantile business, in which oper-
ation, with different public and financial positions, he spent
most of his active life. Mr. Gilbert was an active and
careful politician. In his earlier days he was a Federalist,
afterwards a Silver- Gray Whig, but upon the breaking up
of the Whig party united with the Democrats.
Before leaving the county of his birth, he joined the
Masonic fraternity. He assisted in forming the first lodge
in Ogdensburg, of which, in 1826, he was Master. He
was highly esteemed by the members of the fraternity, not
only at home, but throughout the State, holding the office
of Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter in 1852, '53, '55 ;
Grand King, 1857-58 ; and in 1859-60, that of Deputy
Grand High Priest. Devotion to principle of whatever he
conceived right was characteristic of him through his entire
life, and unswervingly he remained a Mason for some fifty-
five years.
He was a man of unquestioned integrity, retaining the
full confidence of all with whom he was associated, and
was elected to fill not only important but responsible places
within the gift of the people. He has been severally elected
as supervisor of the town of Oswegatchie, member of as-_
sembly, and president of the Drovers' bank ; and in all
and every position, filled them to the satisfaction of his
constituents and to the honor of himself
In the Harrisburg convention, in 1839, when General
Harrison received his nomination for the presidency, he
was one of the delegates from the Empire State representing
the great St. Lawrence County.
Especially in the circle of private life and social inter-
course was the beauty and usefulness of Mr. Gilbert's life
most felt and enjoyed. His genial and kind feelings, agree-
able and pleasant manners, with his unpretending, correct
moral habits, made him the useful exemplar of society
around him. His religious duties were performed with
unwavering fidelity, and though devotedly attached to the
194
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
Episcopal church, his efforts in building it up and main-
taining it were never tinctured with intolerance.
In the domestic circle and in the bosom of his numerous
family he was the beloved and agreeable companion, the
affectionate father, the ever-kind husband.
Upon the incorporation of the Episcopal church in 1820,
the Hon. Silvester Gilbert was elected one of its first ves-
trymen, and in 1835 was elected warden, which latter ofiiee
he held until the day of his death. He was always a warm
supporter of church and school interest, and it may be said
here, without any depreciation of the efforts of others, that
he was the main man in putting forward and completing
the first church edifice of St. John's in this city.
. For his first wife he married Miss Lois Ranney, Feb. 16,
1818. She died Aug. 19, 1819, leaving one son, who is
now living. For his second wife, Dec. 1 6, 1822, he married
Miss Nancy Ann, daughter of David and Nancy Seymour
(the former a native of Hartford, Conn., and the latter a
native of Winchenden, Mass.), by whom he had twelve
children, eight of whom are now living. The mother of
these children still lives (honored and respected by her
children and a large cii-cle of relations) in the old stone
house, which for more than fifty years has been the home
of the family, and which for many of these years was the
centre from which many enterprises, social, political, or eccle-
siastical, emanated. At the time of the political excitement
attendant upon the election of General Harrison, a banner,
worked in the house by the ladies of the village, was presented,
by the Hon. Henry Van Rensselaer, to the Tippecanoe Club.
The hospitable doors were always open, and a genial host
and hostess ready to receive their numerous friends. Mr.
Gilbert died suddenly, Oct. 25, 1865.
"Sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approached his end
Like one who wraps the draperj of his couch about him,
And lies down to pleasant dreams."
DAVID M. CHAPIN.
The subject of this sketch was born about three miles
from the city of Ogdensburg, April 22, 1806. His grand-
father, John Chapin, came from New England and settled
in Ogdensburg in the year 1800, when the village com-
prised only a few houses besides the old French garrison
bringing with him a family of seven sons and four daugh-
ters, all but one of whom lived to old age, the father him-
self living to be about one hundred years of age. From
this family sprang numerous families in the county of St.
Lawrence of the same name.
David's father, John Chapin, was the eldest of the seven
sons, and married Miss Abigail Thrasher, who bore him
ten children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the
eldest. His father died in 1856, aged seventy-five years.
His mother died in June, 1836.
David M. spent his infancy and childhood on a farm
with his parents, on the ridge (so called), about three miles
from Ogdensburg, on the Heuvelton road. His early edu-
cation was limited to the common school. At the a"-e of
twenty years, feeling the necessity of more education, he
set out with the determination to secure it if possible, un-
aided pecuniarily, and with a few articles of wearing ap-
parel in his hand. Arriving at western Oneida county, he
joined a class of young men under the tutorship of Rev.
Jonathan Gale. Here, by working four hours each day,
he carried on his studies and kept up his necessary ex-
penses. At the end of four months he went to Rome, N.
Y., and began to prepare for college under the instruction
of Prof. Grosvenor. In the year 1830 he entered the
sophomore class in Hamilton college, and remained one
year. Returning to Ogdensburg, he, in October, 1831,
opened a select school, which he kept up for some three
years, and in the mean time entered his name as a law
student in the office of Hon. James G. Hopkins.
In the year 1836 he was admitted to practice law in the
supreme court of New York State, and afterwards admitted
to practice in the United States court. He has continued
the practice of his profession to a greater or less extent
^.-^.-i^a/i.
^-^^.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
until the present time, but in his later years has given a
large amount of his time to life, fire, and marine insurance
and negotiating loans by bond and mortgages on real estate.
In politics, Mr, Chapin was originally a Democrat, but
upon the formation of the Republican party adopted its
principles, and lias since been an active member of that
party and firmly adhered to its platform. In April, 1861,
he was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to the
office of collector of customs for the district of Oswegatchie,
which office he held until August, 1866.
In the year 1838 (March 15) he married Miss Mary
Elsie, daughter of Joseph York, formerly of Vermont, but
among the pioneers of Oswegatchie. Her father was sheriff
of the county in 1812-13; was taken prisoner by the
British, carried to Johnstown, but afterwards released. He
was subsequently member of the state legislature. To
Mr. and Mrs. Chapin were born five children, — Mary
^/x£^^^^t^^i^^'^^'^<^
Jones Block , FropY or Mrs. £. JONES, Ogdhnsburo, New York.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
195
Lavinia, Joseph York, Sophia Elizabeth, Louise ]51sie, and
David John. All are living except the youngest, who
died in infancy. Mary L. married George B. Bacon, of
the United States Navy ; Joseph York is a practicing
attorney in the city of Ogdensburg and supervisor of the
first ward ; Sophia Elizabeth married Jacob B. Wells, of
New York, and resides in that city.
WM. JONES
was born in Jefferson county, May 30, 1816. He was
eldest son of Solomon and Sally Jones, — the former of New
England birth, the latter born in Canada. William worked
until he was nineteen years of age with his father, making
brick, then he engaged as clerk in a grocery-store, and at.
the end of two years bought out the store and began busi-
ness for himself.
For his first wife, in the year 1845, he married Miss
Fannie Moore, by whom he had two children, Francis Levi
and Albert H. The former enlisted in the War of the
Rebellion, served about one and a half years, and his con-
stitution giving way, he came home and died in 1865.
Albert H. resides in New York. His first wife died in
1850. For his second wife he married, in 1853, Miss
Elizabeth Fackrell, daughter of John and Jane Clements
Fackrell, the former of English, the latter of Irish, birth.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born five children, — Fanny
E., Luther H., John E., Jenny M., and William F. All
are living except John E., who was drowned in the St.
Lawrence river when only four years of age, in the year
1864.
Mr. Jones was unaided pecuniarily, and struck out in
his early years with the right kind of a determination to
succeed as a business man. For many years he carried on
the grocery business in Ogdensburg, and was known as a
man of stern integrity and careful business habits. In all
his business operations he was successful, and accumulated
a sufficient competence to place him beyond want.
He was quite active as a politician, stood unswervingly
in the Democratic party, and was elected to some of the
most important offices in his village and city.
In the year 1852-53, he erected the Jones block (now
the Woodman House block), an engraving of which will
be found, in connection with his portrait, on one of the
pages of this work. He died Jan. 1 , 1 87 1 .
GEORGE PARKER.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Westminster, Vt., Feb. 18, 1817. He was second son of
a family of three children of Isaac and Anna Parker. His
father was a native of Massachusetts, and only son descended
from one of three brothers, who in the early settlement of
the New England States emigrated from England and
settled there. His mother was a native of Rockingham,
Vt., and of Scotch descent, her maiden name being Camp-
bell. When he was eight years of age his father removed
to Franklin cSunty, N. Y., and subsequently came to the
town of Massena, St. Lawrence County.
His means for obtaining an education had been some-
what limited, and at the age of thirteen years he entered a
store as clerk in Hogansburg. He possessed great force of
character, and his early instruction was such as to lay the
foundation for good business habits and fit him for the self-
reliant position which he took in business circles in after-life.
Unaided pecuniarily, he began at that age for himself and
struck out into the busy world, meeting its obstacles with
that courage and manliness applicable to those older in years
and with greater experience. At the age of eighteen years
he engaged as clerk with John C. Bush, a merchant of
Ogdensburg, and remained with him some three years.
Subsequently he was agent and manager for the firm of
Skinner & Bush, at their iron-works in the town of
Brasher.
In the spring of 1840 he left the firm of Skinner &
Bush and went into business for himself in the village of
Massena as a merchant, in partnership with Jlr. E. D.
Ransom, but remained there only a few years and came
back to Ogdensburg, where he engaged in trade for a short
time. About the year 1848 he engaged in railroad busi-
ness, and was closely connected with the interests of the
Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain R. R. for the next seven-
teen years in various offices, and for a time as superin-
tendent of the road. During this time he had purchased
an interest in some mill property, which subsequently en-
gaged his whole attention, and during the latter years of
his life was a successful operator in that business. The
interest thus started, since his death is carried on by his
eldest son (living), James W. Parker, a young man of
enterprise and good business ability.
At the age of twenty-three and in the year 1841 (Jan.
12), he married Miss Fanny E., daughter of James and
Betsy Wilcox, of New Haven, Vt. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker
were born seven children, four of whom are living. Mary
resides in Ogdensburg;- James W., previously mentioned;
Annie Campbell, married Lieutenant Fred. M. Symonds,
U.S.N. ; and William Henry is a graduate of Cornell
university.
Mr. Parker was very prompt in all matters of business,
energetic in everything he undertook, and yet amid his
business relations and cares always found time for improv-
ing his store of useful knowledge. He was very fond of
scientific and historical reading. Many years ago he was
favorably known as a pleasant writer for the press, was very
closely and intimately connected with the educational interests
of the city as a member of the board of education, and was
always ready to encourage any enterprise looking to the
buildin" up of good society and the education of the rising
generation.
In politics, Mr. Parker was a Democrat, and unswervingly
remained so, but was never an active politician. He was
conversant with the business interests of the city and county,
and was from its organization connected with the Board of
Trade. He was president of the same at the time of his
death, July 27, 1868.
196
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
% /'
Photo, by J. H. Kent, Rochester.
yy
^
^-tsr
2AAa/^
REV. L. M. MILLER, D.D.,
was born in Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1819,
being the same year that the church in Ogdonsburg, over
which he has so long ministered as pastor, was reorganized
and re-established after its dispersion by the War of 1812-
15. He united with the First Presbyterian church of
Rochester at the age of thirteen years, and prepared for
college in attendance upon the " old high school," subse-
quently called Collegiate Institute, and over which the Rev.
Dr. Chester Dewey for many years presided. Notwith-
standing the drawback of feeble health, he graduated with
honor at Hamilton college, in the notable and very suc-
cessful class of 181:0. Though enfeebled by a severe cough
and general debility, and discouraged by the repeated ad-
vice of physicians, and their assurance that it would be
useless for him to pursue his studies longer with any view
to prosecute the work of the ministry, he persisted in going
forward, and entered Princeton seminary in the fall of 1840,
passed the examinations of one year, and attended many
of the lectures of the second year. When compelled by
want of strength to leave the seminary, he took charge of
a small school in the family of the Hon. Dr. Fitzhugh, of
Livingston Co., and putting himself under the direction of
Steuben (0. S.) presbytery, was by them examined and
licensed to preach, in November, 1 843.
In May, 1844, he was called to the Presbyterian church
of Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and was ordained and installed
as pastor in October of the same year. In October, 1846,
he was married to Miss Lydia R., a daughter of the Hon.
David Ramsey, of Bath. After a service of seven years
with that church, — filling the offices of stated clerk of
Steuben presbytery and permanent clerk of the synod of
Buffalo, preaching and lecturing much outside of his own
parish, and acting as trustee to Genesee academy, — he re-
ceived and accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Pres-
byterian church of Ogdensburg, N. Y., in February of 1851.
In going to this place, by a severe stage accident he was
laid up with a broken limb, and could not enter upon his
labors. His installation took place June 25, 1851. Though
repeatedly called to enter other desirable fields of service,
he still remains, and is now completing the twenty-seventh
year of his pastorate there. His incessant labors in this
field, over his own church and for other churches, have
been interrupted only by a brief illness in the winter of
18G5-66, and a visit of nearly ten months in Europe,
Egypt, and Syria, in 1869-70.
During this pastorate, notwithstanding constant decrease
by deaths and removals in large numbers, the roll of com-
municants has much more than doubled, and a new ornate
stone church edifice (a view of which will be found on the
opposite page), with an easy capacity for twelve hundred
persons, has been built and amply furnished in every de-
sirable manner for the purposes of worship and the conveni-
ence of the congregation.
Dr. Miller has been corresponding secretary of the St.
Liiwrence County Bible Society for quarter of a century,
and intimately connected with various ecclesiastical and
benevolent associations of the county, devoting successfully
much time and labor to their various objects. He has
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND PARSONAG-E.
OSDENSBUWS-, ". y-
(QROUHD Plan 80 k ISO nn .)
'hU^ySo
T~tyi:yryy—
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
197
been called to repeat many of his lectures upon his travels
and other topics, and to publish many of his sermons.
He received the honorary degree of S.T.D. from his
Alma Mater in 18G5, and was elected a trustee of Hamil-
ton college in 1869. He was an advocate for the preser-
vation of the Union in its integrity, and in earnest and
active sympathy with the soldiers of the Union army.
Zealous for the reunion of the Old and New School
branches of the Presbyterian church, he was among the
first who proposed and advocated that step. After the re-
union, the Synod of Central New York was formed, of
which body he was elected moderator, at Utica, in 1873.
Taking an active interest in the cause of Christian edu-
cation, he has encouraged eleven of the young men of his
church to enter the ministry, the most of whom are now at
work, with evident success, in its various fields.
By a reference to Dr. Miller's pastoral record for the
year closing in May, 1877, we conclude that he is still as
arduous in his work as ever. It is as follows : sermons,
100 ; lectures and addresses, 256 ; marriages, 26 ; funerals,
32. From his entire pastoral service, exclusive of visita-
tation, which is laborious, we have taken the following sum-
mary : sermons preached, 4512; lectures and addresses
delivered, 4879; marriages performed, 1009; funerals
attended, 802. Total, 11,202.
WILLIAM L. PROCTER.
The subject of this sketch was born in East Washing-
ton, N. H., March 26, 1837. He is the oldest son of Mr.
Israel Procter, a farmer of that place. He worked with
his father upon the farm until twenty years of age, when,
with his father's consent, he removed with his uncle
(mother's brother), Lawrence Barnes, to Burlington, Vt.,
and worked for him in the lumber business until June 3,
1859, when he was transferred to Ogdensburg, N. Y., to
conduct a branch of the lumber business which had re-
cently been established at that place under the firm-name
of C. & D. Whitney, Jr., & Co., of which his uncle, Law-
rence Barnes, was a partner. He has been since the com-
mencement connected with the firm under the new style of
Skillings & Whitney Brothers, Mr. Barnes having with-
drawn his interest Jan. 1, 1873. Mr. Procter was mar-
ried Feb. 12, 1861, to Miss Dolly P. Howard, daughter of
Rev. J. M. Howard, of Ogdensburg, the ceremony being
performed by the bride's father.
William L. and Dolly P. Procter have had born to them
the following children :
An infant son, born Aug. 4, 1862, died Aug. 9, 1862 ;
William Henry Procter, born July 21, 1863; Lawrence
Manning Procter, born Aug. 16, 1865 ; Mary (Minnie)
Isabel Procter, born April 10, 1867 ; Nancy (Nannie) Grace
Procter, born Aug. 17, 1869 ; Mabel Jane Procter, born
July 6, 1872.
Mr. Procter was elected trustee of the village in 1866-7 ;
was elected alderman, to fill the vacancy of Chester Water-
man, in July, 1868, and for the full term of 1869-70. He
was elected mayor of the city in 1870, and sworn in Jan.
1, 1871, holding the office continuously until June 1, 1875.
PJioto. by Duw, Ogdenpbiirg.
'-<s^, cyfi, Q'A^H^
The subject of this sketch was born in Middlebury,
Mass., April 17, 1802. His father, Peter Foster, was of
Welsh descent, and served in the Revolutionary army.
There is now an old Bible in possession of the family which
was hidden under the stones over the gateway of the castle
during the persecution of the Protestants. When George
M. was quite young his parents moved to Vermont. His
mother's maiden name was Sarah Conaut Morton.
About the year 1826, George M. came to St. Lawrence
County, and soon after learned the harness and saddlery
business. Launched upon the world with nothing but his
hands to depend upon as a means of support, as with many
of the most successful and enterprising men of his genera-
tion, he early learned the necessity of economy and judicious
management in all business affairs as the safeguards to a
competence for life. About the year 1825 he established
business for himself in the village of Ogdensburg. His
business operations were marked with varying successes and
reverses. During the first part of his business career he
was in partnership with Mr. Samuel P. Archibald, and
durinu- the latter part with the late David C. Judson. For
nearly fifty years he was one of the enterprising business
men of his village and city, and held in so high esteem by
all with whom he was associated as to gain for him the full
confidence of the public for his upright dealing and charac-
teristic honesty. In politics Mr. Foster was, in his earlier
days, what was then known as a " Silver-Gray" Whig, but
upon the breaking up of the Whig party stood ever after
until his death independent of either of the two great parties
since in existence. His opinions thus independently given
for what he conceived right, with his good common sense,
secured him many political friends of both parties, and he
was the recipient of their suffrages for many years as asses-
198
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sor of the town of Oswegatchie, and for some fourteen years
its supervisor. Mr. Foster was very closely associated with
the Presbyterian church of Ogdensburg, and for many years
prominent in the councils of that body, having enjoyed the
office of deacon for several years, and for many years pre-
vious to his death that of elder. He was liberal in his
views in relation to the interests of school, and gave en-
couragement to any enterprise tending to educate the rising
generation.
In the year 1832, and at the age of thirty, he married
Miss Mary Jarvis, of Camden, N. Y., by whom he had five
children,— Sarah C, George, Mary J., Charles, and Na-
thaniel. Of these the two youngest are dead. Sarah C.
married Dr. Lucius Hannahs, of Theresa, and is now his
widow. George learned the harness and saddlery business
with his father, and succeeded him in the same in Ogdens-
burg; married Miss Mary A. Fancher, of Essex, N. Y.,
and to-day controls that particular branch of trade in his
city which he carries on. It is due to the memory of
Charles Foster to say that he, with H. R. James and J.
W. Hopkins (neither of whom werQ of age), started, March
1, 1855, Tlie Boys Daily Journal, now the Ogdensburg
Journal, and while as students published the " Morning
Glory" and " Young America." Charles died in Denver
City, in 1861.
The mother of these children died while they were
young, but her instruction was such to them in their youth
as to impress indelibly upon their minds the basis of piin-
ciple upon which true manhood and womanhood rests. She
died a member of the Episcopal church, in the year 1841.
Mr. Foster afterwards married Miss Mary A. Hopkins, of
Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1842, and survived her
some thirteen years, he dying in the year 1871, in the sev-
entieth year of his age.
HISTORY OF THE TOWNS.
OSWEGATOHIE.
OswEGATCHlE was incorporated with the county March
3, 1802, from Lisbon, and originally embraced the towns of
De Kalb, Gouverneur, Morristown, and De Peyster. It
lies upon the St. Lawrence river, at the mouth of the Os-
wegatchie (from which it derives its name), and enjoys
unrivaled advantages for manufactures and commerce.
The water-power within the town is extensive and valu-
able. The principal business of the inhabitants is that of
farming, and most of the land within the town is at present
under profitable cultivation. The first settlement within
the town was commenced in 1796, by Samuel Ogden, at
the present city of Ogdensburg, for an account of which
see the history of Ogdensburg.
THE VILLAGE OF HEUVELTON.
The village of Heuvelton, situated in the southeastern
part of the town, upon the Oswegatchie river, is a station
upon the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad, by
which it is distant seven and one-fourth miles from Ogdens-
burg. It contains three churches, a union school, eight
grocery-stores, three furniture-stores, one hardware-store,
two harness-stores, four blacksmith-shops, four shoe-shops,
two tanneries, a grist-mill, two saw-mills, a sash-, door-, and
blind-factory, three cooper-shops, a hotel, a telegraph- and
an express-office, and has about five hundred inhabitants.
The Oswegatchie furnishes a fine water-power at this
point. The village was surveyed by Judge Edsall, of
Madrid, before it had an inhabitant, and received the name
of " Fordsburgh," from Nathan Ford. It was often men-
tioned as the East Branch, meaning the place where the
highway crossed the East branch, or Oswegatchie. This
river was frequently called the East branch, while the In-
dian river, or outlet of Black lake, bore the name of" West
branch." Truman Bristol, and families by the name of
Havens, Jones, and Osburne, were the first settlers in this
portion of the town. They began small improvements
about the year 1805. In the fall of 1806, Jairus Reming-
ton, formerly a Presbyterian minister, a native of Massa-
chusetts, but then from Putney, Vermont, moved in by
way of the Black river country with his family, and
commenced keeping a public-house on the lefl; bank of the
river, upon the site of the present residence of John Pick-
ens. He had visited the place several times previously,
and had made an arrangement with Judge Ford to estab-
lish an inn at this point, where it was very much needed
for the accommodation of the numerous travelers and im-
migrants who were coming into the country by the State
road which had been opened a short time previous. Judge
Ford wrote, January 6, 1806, as follows :
" I have also sold four lots in our village at the East Branch bridge
to a gentleman who is a man of education and iniiuenoe in Massa-
chusetts, and also in Vermont. His intention is to set up business,
and, from the representation he makes to me, I am induced to believe
he will be very serviceable, not only as an inhabitant, but as being a
BfN/ziH Morrison.
(photos by Dow.OGDErJSBUR& )
Mrs. Beniah Morfiison.
Residence of BENIAH UORRISON .Oswe&atchil,Si.Uwrence Co., N. Y.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
199
person who will bring witli liim a, number of emigrants. I have
made it his interest to be servioenble to us this wny, aa I have
also those who have gone to Vermont. This gentleman has also
gone for his family. He has made arrangements for building, and,
as an evidence of his being in earnest, he has made consideniblo
advances to carpenters here for beginning early in the spring. From
present appearances I have grounds to believe there will be a strong
emigration to our settlement the ensuing season."
Judge Pinney settled here with his family in 1808.
Some of the members of this family are buried in the
southeast corner of the lot now owned by Mrs. Mary Ross,
on Lisbon street. During the year 1808, a IMr. Redfield
located at the village with his family. There were very
few settlers besides these until 1820, when Jacob A. Vanden
Heuvel, an enterprising gentleman from the city of New
York, having purchased the village, and an extensive tract of
land adjoining, commenced the erection of a grist-mill and
numerous other improvements. The name of the village was
changed at this time to " Heuvel" in honor of him, and,
as the village owes much to him for its early growth and
prosperity, the following brief account of his life may be
of interest :
Mr. J. A. Vanden Heuvel was the son of a Hollander who
emigrated to New York in 1792, having previously resided
several years in the Dutch colony of Demarara, in Guiana,
of which he was for some time the governor. At the time
of his removal to New York, J. A. Vanden Heuvel was
a boy five years of age. He continued to live with his
father, and attended school in the city until he entered
Yale college, at which institution he graduated when at the
age of eighteen years. He returned to the city of New
York, and engaged in the study of the law. Shortly after
this his father sent him to Demarara to settle his business
at that place. After an absence of four or five years he
returned to New York. A short time after this his father,
through the influence of a friend (one Thomas L. Ogden),
was persuaded to purchase a tract of land, in company with
him, in St. Lawrence County. After the purchase this land
was divided between them. He was authorized to change
his name from Vanden Heuvel to Van Heuvel, by an act of
the legislature passed Feb. 8, 1832. He died at the resi-
dence of Mr. G. D. Bell in the town of Clay, Onondaga
Co., N. Y., May 5, 1874, at the age of eighty-nine
years.
The first religious meetings were held by the Methodists.
Dr. S. N. Sherman was the first physician of the place,
having located here in 1825. Mr. Van Heuvel, with much
liberality, erected a church for the Episcopal worship, but
it was never much used by this denomination, and subse-
quently passed into the hands of the Universali.sts.
The first death in this part of the town is said to have
been that of Mr. David Seymour,' who was drowned in
1806. He was at the time engaged in the erection of a
bridge.
The first school was taught in the village, in the winter
of 1808 and 1809, by Dyer Badger.
By deed, dated Oct. 25, 1822, Mr. Van Heuvel conveyed
to the school district a site which has since been used for
school purposes, and is the same that is now occupied by
the union free school. During the years 1808 and 1811,
cflibrts were made by parties from New York City to pur-
chase the water privileges at this place for the purpose of
erecting mills.
In 1828, a gentleman remained in the village for some
time, during which he endeavored to purchase the water-
power for the purpose of erecting glass-works.
The name of the village was changed to HeuveUon in
January, 1832.
A saw-mill and dam had been erected by Mr. Remington
many years previous.
The place soon began to increase in population quite
rapidly.
The bridge, which had been erected some distance above
the present one, was carried oiF by the high water, as have
one or two others which have been built at this place.
During the fall of 1825 the village was visited by a fever,
which for a time baflled the skill of the physicians. It is
said that during the first few days of its continuance there
were no less than eighteen deaths in the village.
During the rebellion the village of Heuvelton furnished
portions of two companies, one of which was commanded
by Captain Dan. S. Gifiin, and the second by Captain William
Johnson, who was killed at the head of his command at
the battle of Gettysburg. The village has been growing
rapidly for the past few years, and its railroad connections,
together with its water-power, insure its future prosperity.
A substantial iron bridge was erected across the river at
this point in 1875 by the Canton Bridge Company, of
Canton, Ohio. This structure, with its approaches, cost
the town nearly ten thousand dollars. The bridge is wh_at
is known as a " truss arch bridge." It is handsomely finished
and painted, and is an ornament to the village.
A post-ofiice was established at an early day, and the
following-named persons have held the postmastership in
the order in which they are named : George Seaman, Wil-
liam Thurston, Horace Gifiin, George Seaman, and John
Pickens, the present incumbent, who has held the position
since 1860.
The earliest settlement in the vicinity of
BLACK LAKE
was made in 1797 by Capt. Joseph Thurber, and his sons
Kesley J. and John K. Thurber, from the town of Augusta,
in Canada, but origirially from New Hampshire. Mr. Thur-
ber had been a very early settler at Plattsburg. David
Rose, David Judson, Thomas J. Davies, and others -were
early settlers in this part of the town.
Jacob Pohlman, a millwright, who had been employed in
1797 by Mr. Ford upon his mill at Ogdensburg, was an
early settler in this town, in the vicinity of the lake. He
emigrated from Germany when a young man, and first
arrived in Philadelphia. A short time after his arrival he
met Mr. Ford in Albany, who persuaded him to remove to
the new settlement, and he spent the remainder of his life
in the town.
Settlement commenced upon the river road near the
Morristown line about the same time, Thomas Lee being
the pioneer settler. The first school in Oswegatchie was
opened in this settlement, and John K. Thurber was the
first teacher. Capt. David Gifiin, Adam Millis, and Elijah
Carley also located along this road.
200
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The first death in the town after the arrival of Judge
Ford and his party was that of Mrs. Lyon. The first
marriage among the settlers was that of James Chambers
and Elizabeth Thurber in 1796. As there was no magis-
trate or clergyman authorized to perform the mari'iage cere-
mony, this interesting event took place upon the Cilnada
shore. In 1811, Mr. John King, from New Jersey, arrived
as a clerk for Mr. Ford.
Settlement was commenced at what is known as the Ver-
mont settlement about the year 1820. During that and the
two succeeding years the following-named persons, most of
them from Windsor county, Vt., settled at this point:
Messrs. John Scriptures, Nathan Greason, Daniel Rice,
Clark Rice, Abner Guiles, Abner Guttersou, Samuel Gree-
ley, John Thurston, Artemas Spring, George Fuller,
Joseph Fields, Otis Glinn, Levi Puffer, Edward Dyer,
William Thurston, and George Seaman.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
The town records were destroyed April 17, 1839, in the
great fire at Ogdensburg, and the following list of supervisors
is partly made up from other sources.
Supervisors.— 1802-13, NiitUn Ford; 1814-23, Louis
Hasbrouok; 1825-28, Silvester Gilbert; 1829, Washington
Ford; 1830, Jacob Arnold; 1831, Baron S. Doty; 1832-
34, Preston King; 1835, Joseph W. Smith; 1836, Royal
Vilas ; 1838, Baron S. Doty ; 1839-44, George W. Shep-
ard; 1845-52, George M. Foster; 1853, Henry D. Laugh-
lin; 1854-56, George M. Foster; 1857, Novman Sackrider;
1858-59, George M. Foster; 186U, James G. Hopkins;
1861, Ela N. Merriam; 1862-03, William J. Averell ;
1864-66, Seth G. Pope; 1867, Bennett H. Vary; 1868-
69, William J. Averell; 1870-74, Samuel H. Palmer;
1875, Henry Rodee; 1876, Carlisle B. Herriam ; 1877,
Harvey L. Jones.
Present Town Officers. — Harvey L. Jones, supervisor ;
George M. Maguire, town clerk ; William W. Felton, Elijah
White, James A. Mack, Alexander V. Lanning, justices.
CAPITAL CRIMES.
The first man hanged in the county of which we have
any record was a Frenchman by the name of Louis Ger-
toau, alias Louis Conrad, alias Jean Baptisto Gerteau. He
was indicted for the murder of Marcia Scarborough, in the
town of Massena, in 1816, and was hanged to a tree within
the present city limits of Ogdensburg, on the 12th of July,
nine days after the trial.
William Kerby was tried at Ogdensburg, Aug. 23, 1823,
and sentenced to be hanged on Thursday, Nov. 6. He, for
some reason, was never hanged. The indictment upon
which he was tried recites that on the 20th of Dec 1822
the morning after Christmas, not having the fear of God
before hia eyes, and being moved and seduced by the in-
stigations of the devil, he threw John Hughes off the
bridge over the Oswegatchie river at Ogdensburg.
Van Van Dyke, who was hung at Canton on Friday,
Dec. 21, 1877, for the murder of his wife, was, at the
time of the murder, at work upon the farm of Mrs. Daily,
in the town of Oswegatchie.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Henry Lovejoy, John Austin, William J. Shields, John
W. Piercy, Henry Robinson, assessors ; William Mayne,
John Snyder, William Barbour, commissioners of high-
ways ; Walter J. Pickens, William King, overseers of the
poor ; John Pickens, Matthew Barker, Patrick Hackett,
town auditors ; Ozias Huntington, Alfred J. Marceau, Wil-
liam Sentiman, William Tindall, William H. Bell, con-
stables ; A. B. Chapin, H. D. Northrop, Thomas Smith,
commissioners of excise.
At a special town-meeting, held Aug. 27, 1862, it was
Reeolved, That there should be raised, by tax upon the real and
personal property within the town, the sum of $10,000, to be appro-
priated and paid to persons who should volunteer for three years, or
during the war, in any of the regiments of volunteers furnished by
the State.
INCIDENTS.
Upon the occasion of the breaking out of the War of
1812, many who had settled within the borders of this
town foreseeing that, situated as it was upon the frontier,
it would become the scene of strife, and believing discre-
tion to be the better part of valor, sought safety in flight.
It is said that so great was the excitement that in many
instances cattle were left uncared for and fields of ripening
grain unharvested.
Many an incident is related by the early settlers of these
exciting times which space will not permit us to record.
Among the families who located in the nortliern part of
the town at an early day was that of Capt. David Gifiin.
Upon the commencement of hostilities his hired men left
him. He had at the time a large field of wheat ripe, and
in a condition to be harvested. He knew that without as-
sistance he would be unable to do the work. He accord-
ingly visited Ogdensburg, where General Benedict was
stationed, and stating his case to him, he asked to have a
detachment of soldiei's sent to harvest the grain. The gen-
eral at first laughed at the idea, but finally told him to
visit the barracks, and that if he could find men there
who were willing to go that he would give his permission.
Mr. Gifiin had little difficulty in obtaining assistance, the
men agreeing to receive one bushel of wheat each per day
for their services. Within two days after work had been
commenced in the field the entire crop was harvested.
Upon the occasion of a rumor that an attack was to be
made upon the village, three families who were living at
Ogdensburg ascended the Oswegatchie river to Heuvelton
during the night in a small boat.
THE UNION FREE SCHOOL, DIST. NO. 5, OP OSWEGATCHIE,
was organized Oct. 31, 1874. The school building, which
was erected that year at a cost of $6000, consists of three
departments.
The school is under the supervision of a board of educa-
tion consisting of nine members, and has an attendance of
about one hundred students residing within the district,
together with a large attendance from other districts.
Situated at the little village of Heuvelton, upon the line
of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad, conve-
nient of access, and removed from the evil influences of the
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity ;
as such we present an outline of the life and character of Nathan
Ford Giffin, », pioneer of Oswegatchie, and prominently identified
with its interests. He is a lineal descendant of Simon Giffin, who
came from the north of Ireland some time previous to the year 1761,
and settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was a man of wealth and
culture, and although but little is known of his history it is presum-
able he was a prominent citizen, from the fact that one of the public
parks of Halifax bears his name. He left a^ family of four children
—John, George, Elizabeth, and Simon, Jr. Simon, Jr., ultimately
moved to Connecticut, where he died at an advanced age, leaving a
family of four children— David, Edward, James, and Jennie. David,
father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Bennington, Vt.,
where he was born Sept. 8, 1766. In 1792 he married Jerusha Tgmp-
son, and in the year 1800 came to St. Lawrence County, and located
in the town of Oswegatchie, about six miles above Ogdensburg, on
the river St. Lawrence, where he purchased a farm which he carried
on in connection with his trade— that of a blacksmith. At this time
he was thirty-four years of age, full of life and vigor, and well fitted
to perform the arduous duties of a pioneer. From this time forward,
though a man of limited means, he was closely identified with the
growth and development of this part of the county.
In 1796, Nathan Ford came to Ogdensburg as agent for the Ogdens,
and between him and the elder Giffin an intimacy sprang up which
soon ripened into a strong friendship, and at Ford's request the son
born to him Dec. 6, 1806, took his name. Mr. Giffin was prominent
in all matters, devoted to the interests of his town and county, and
ever ready to make any sacrifice demanded of him. When the
present highway from Morristown to Ogdensburg was laid out he
took the job of constructing some five miles of the road. During the
War of 1812 he took an active part in military matters. He was
chosen captain of militia, and commanded ji company during the
operations of the army on the frontier. Being thoroughly ac-
quainted with the country on both sides of the St. Lawrence, his
serviceB were extremely valuable; and one of his sons, also named
David, and pow living at Briar Hill, was occasionally selected for
secret service across the border. After the war his attention was
again turned to his farm and shop in connection with his duties as
quasi land agent in rendering assistance to new S' ttlers in locating
land. He spent the remainder of his days upon his farm in peace
and quiet. April 2, 1840, he passed to a higher existence, leaving his
devoted wife, who was all that is expressed in the terms amiable and
David, George, Alameda, Henry, Nathan Ford, William C, and
Jerusha T. Of the above, Nathan Ford Giffin, our present subject,
was the second child born to David in Oswegatchie, and is at this
writing the oldest native-born resident of the town. His boyhood
days were spent upon his father's farm sharing the hardships and
privations of « pioneer family. After attaining his majority he
resided a short time in Seneca county, where he learned the trade of
a tanner and currier. Returning to his native town he formed a co-
partnership with his brother William in the business of tanning, but
the investment proving unremunerative, they sold out, and in 1830 he
located permanently at Heuvelton, where he has since resided. Here
he has been actively engaged in a business life. For several years
he carried on the following diiferent branches of business, to wit;
general merchant, tanning and currying, saw-, shingle-, andflouring-
mills, shoe- and harness-shop, and the manufacture of pot- and pearl-
ash. Being a man of fine business ability, and extremely energetic, he
has been eminently successful in all his undertakings, and is enjoying
a well-earned competency, the result of a long life characterized by
untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing, and all will
hold his memory in respect and esteem for his uprightness of character
and his quiet and unassuming deportment. Though actively inter-
ested in the development of bis village and town, he has had no desire
for political preferment, and has never accepted office of any kind
either by election or ajipointment, excepting that of justice of the
peace, which he held for four years. He has been an active supporter
of the Methodist church of Heuvelton, of which he is a member, and
has contributed largely towards the construction of church edifices
and their maintenance. In character he is positive, acts upon reflec-
tion, but decisive and firm in his decisions when reached. Socially
he is genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those
with whom he came in contact. Entirely destitute of ostentation, he
is of that class that must be known to be appreciated. Noted for his
hospitality, his house has always been open to all. In 1831, Mr. Gif-
fin was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Duty and
Martha Galloway. She was a native of Canada, where she was born
June 6, 1813. The fruits of this union were eight children — Eliza-
beth M., Nathan C, Charles H., Dan S., David G., Edwin W., Wil-
liam M., and Levefett W. Jan. 16, 1863, Mrs. Giffin died, and in
March, 1864, Mr. Giffin was again married to Miss Mary Southwick,
of Bceseville, Essex Co., N. Y.
Thus concludes the history and genealogy of one of the old fami-
lies of Oswegatchie, and it is to suc^h as they that this generation are
JOHN E. TALLMAN.
Phuto. by Dow, Ogdtiiisbiirg.
MRS. JOHN E. TALLMAN.
JOHN E. TALLMAN.
Among the truly representative men of the town of Os-
wegatchie, few, if any, have been more intimately associated
with the material development of the town than John E.
Tallman. Mr. Tallman has not only witnessed the transi-
tion of a thin settlement into one of the largest and most
prosperous agricultural districts in the county, and in his
own person has typified so admirably the agencies which
have wrought many of these changes, that no history of the
town would be • complete without some slcetch of his life.
He was born in Troy, N. Y., in May, 1804, and was the
eldest child in the family of Nathan E. and Eliza (Wool)
Tallman, which consisted of four boys. His mother was a
sister of Gen. John E. Wool, after whom our subject was
named.
The elder Tallman was born in Boston, Mass., in 1781 ;
but little is known of his early history farther than
that he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and lived in
Boston until he attained his majority, when he moved to
Troy, whore he was married. Mrs. Tallman was born in
New York city in 1794. From Troy he went to Albany,
and at the breaking out of the War of 1812 he enlisted,
and served during its continuance. In 1815 he came with
his family to the town of Oswegatchie, where he resided
until his death.
When sixteen years of age our subject was thrown en-
tirely upon bis own resources, and commenced life as a
farm hand. In 1823 he purchased eighty acres of land,
which is a part of the farm he now owns. Upon attaining
his majority he found himself in debt for liis farm and six
hundred dollars beside; and, as evidence of his business
ability and thrift as a farmer, it is only necessary to say
that he paid every dollar of bis indebtedness, and added to
his first purchase over four hundred acres. Aside from his
operations in farming, Mr. Tallman has dealt extensively in
butter, and also been engaged in other enterprises. He
owned and operated at one time the Ogdensburg paper-
mills, which were destroyed by fire in 1863, at a loss of forty
thousand dollars. Mr. Tallman's career as a farmer and
business man has been strongly marked by foresight and
energy. When once determined upon a course he pursued
it to a successful termination.
In 1826, Mr. Tallman was united in marriage to Miss
Betsey Rosegrant, of Little Falls, Herkimer county, N. Y.
The result of this union has been ten children, eight of
whom are living. Mr. Tallman is now in his seventy-third
year, and can look back over his past life with the consola-
tion that he has improved his opportunities, done his part
towards the development of his town, and that he is m
every way worthy of the position accorded him by his
fellow-townsmen.
(Photon ty Dow )
lARS.JOHN S.SHf.RP.
John S.Sharp.
RESIDENCE of JOHN S. SHARP, 0sw£&ATcnit,5T. L*w«enc£ Co.N.K
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
201
larger cities, this school presents many advantages for the
instruction of the young.
THE HEUVELTON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was organized Aug. 18, 1868. The following officers were
elected : President, Lewis Sanburn ; Secretary, Dan. S.
Giffin ; Treasurer, John Pickens ; Trustees, G. T. Howard,
Lewis Sanburn, E. L. Wright, John Pickens, Thomas E.
Smithers, William P. Johnson, Dan. S. Giffin. Thos. Mayne
(3d), John Hutchinson, William Steel, and Thomas Hum-
phrey.
The grounds owned by the association are situated near
the village, and contain about eight acres. They were pur-
chased shortly after the organization of the association at a
cost of $1000. About the satne amount has since been ex-
pended in improvements. The sale of lots has amounted
to $2500.
THE LOTAL ORANGE LODGE (nO. 91),
of Heuvelton, was organized March 24, 1874, with thirteen
members. The original officers of the society were as fol-
lows: Jackson Banford, W. M. ; William Badger, D. M. ;
Thomas Jackson, Rec. Sec. ; Lewis Palmer, Treas. ; James
T. Daily, Chap. ; Sanderson Banford, T. ; James Bean,
James Todd, John Banford, James Cook, James Sander-
son, Committee. The lodge was granted a new charter
June 26, 1875. It has at present a membership of fifty.
Meetings are held every second week.
THE OSWEGATCHIE PAIR-GROUND COMPANY
was incorporated April 12, 1860, with a capital stock of
$8000, divided into 1600 shares of $5 each, with the priv-
ilege of increasing it to $15,000. The first directors were
George D. V. Seymour, William J. Averell, Peter Mc-
Gregor, Chester Dyke, and Chas. G. Myers.
THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL
ASSOCIATION*
was organized in 1856, with A. P. Morse, of Hammond,
president ; Charles Shepard, of Ogdensburg, secretary ; and
George N. Seymour, of Ogdensburg, treasurer. They ne-
gotiated with James Averell for the purchase of one hun-
dred acres of land by private subscription. The land se-
lected lay upon the east bank of the Oswegatchie, about
one mile south of the city. Annual fairs were held until
the breaking out of the war, when the association, feeling
the payments of interest and principal too much of a bur-
den, relinquished the grounds to Mr. Averell, who con-
sented to take them back without further compensation
than the interest already paid.
THE OSWEGATCHIE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
was organized June 10, 1871, and that year the legislature
constituted Messrs. D. C. Judson, A. B. James, Z. B.
Bridges, J. C. Houghton, and John Pickens superintend-
ents of fair-grounds, and authorized them to issue bonds of
the town of Oswegatchie to the amount of $15,000, and to
apply the proceeds to the purchase of grounds and the erec-
* This organization has since dissolved.
tion of buildings. The amount of the town bonds was in-
creased in 1872 to $20,000. These bonds were negotiated
at par, and $7500 were applied to the purchase of twenty-
seven acres of land lying on the east side of the Oswe-
gatchie, in the south part of the city, and partly within the
corporation. The remainder, with an additional $3000,
which had been received as the profits from two fairs, was
applied to the erection of buildings and inclosing the
grounds.
The buildings consist of an agricultural hall, 62 by 32
feet; a mechanic's hall, 100 by 40 feet; a dairy hall, 65
by 32 feet; a floral hall, 75 feet in diameter, with a gallery
18 feet in width ; a dining hall, under the grand stand, 45
by 100 feet; a kitchen, 18 by 36feet; two cattle sheds,
each 300 feet in length ; a horse barn, 30 by 50 feet ;
office, 16 by 18 feet; shed, 26 by 50 feet; wing, 26 by 36
feet ; and a small dwelling, which is used by the officers
during the fair, and occupied by a man who has charge of
the grounds. There is an excellent half-mile track, which
incloses a ball-ground. The grounds are held in trust for the
town by the superintendents, who rent them to the society
annually for the profits of the fair to the extent of the in-
terest on the bonds. The first officers of the society were
Hon. A. B. James, president; Hon. J. D. Judson, treas-
urer ; Hon. Arnold E. Smith, secretary ; J. C. Houghton,
superintendent ; Thomas N. Derby, marshal. The present
officers are as follows : William H. Daniels, president ;
John D. Judson, treasurer ; N. W. Howard, secretary ; C.
Waterman, superintendent ; J. C. Houghton, marshal.
The following list shows the receipts and expenses of the
society for each year since its organization :
Year. Becejpta. Expenses.
1871 $5459.92 $5650.17
1872 5259.60 6677.20
1873 6796.25 6740.80
1874 7164.70 6495.11
1S75 6760.40 82.37.45
1876 4600.05 6737.64
1877 6690.46 6685.14
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. S. N. Sherman was the first practicing physician in
the village of Heuvelton. He was a pupil of Dr. James
Van Sicklin, of Barry, Vt. Graduated at the Castleton
medical college in the fall of 1823. Located at the village
of Heuvelton in 1824, and continued in practice at that
place for one year, when he removed to Ogdensburg, where
he practiced until a short time before his death, which
occurred in 1874. He was for many years a member of
the county medical society.
Dr. L. Samburn, of Heuvelton, was the pupil of Dr.
James Van Sicklin, of Barry, Vt. Attended two courses
of lectures at the Castleton medical college. Afterwards
attended lectures at the Burlington university, and gradu-
ated at that institution in 1825. Removed the year fol-
lowin" to the village of Heuvelton, where he has since
continued in practice. He is a member of the county
medical society, and has several times been a delegate to
the State medical convention.
Dr. Bigelow located at the village of Heuvelton in 1832,
and continued in practice until the fall of 1833.
Dr. A. C. Taylor was a graduate of the Burlington med-
26
202
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ical college. He located at the village of Heuvelton in
1850, and continued in practice at that place until 1874,
when he removed to the town of Jlalone, Franklin county,
where he is in practice at present. He was a member of
the county medical society.
Dr. J. B. Wallace was the pupil of Dr. George Buchanan,
of the Royal Infirmary of Glasgow, Scotland. Gradu-
ated at the Andersonian university, in Glasgow, in 1872.
Located at the village of Heuvelton, where he has since
been in practice. He is a licentiate of the Faculty of
Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is also a member
of the State medical .society of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Jason Turner attended lectures at the Homoeopathic
medical college of Detroit. Graduated at that institution
in 1872. Located in the city of Detroit, where he con-
tinued in practice for two years. Attended lectures at the
Heidelberg medical college in 1874, located at the village
of Heuvelton in October, 1875, and has continued in prac-
tice at that place until the present time. He is a member
of the county medical society.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at Heuvelton was organized in 1826, with twenty mem-
bers, by Rev. Messrs. Joseph Brooks and William W.
Rundel], the latter of whom was the first pastor. The
first house of worsliip was erected in 1843. In 1870 the
present edifice, which will seat five hundred persons, was
erected at a cost of $10,000. The present number of
members is about one hundred and sixty. The present
pastor is Rev. W. F. Ball. The church property is valued
at 112,500. The first Sabbath-school of this denomina-
tion in Heuvelton was organized in 1832.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY
of Heuvelton was organized by G. T. Howard, A. M. Gray,
B. Kate, J. Pickens, and A. H. McMurphy, Sept. 2(3,
1842. Was reorganized July 3, 1850, and again reorgan-
ized April 5, 1859, and changed to
THE riRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first pastor was the Rev. B. B. Parsons. The
church edifice was erected in 1844. It will seat two hun-
dred persons. The society is without a resident pastor.
The church property is valued at 11200.
THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF OSWEGATCHIE,
at Heuvelton, was organized, with forty members, by
Josephus Briggs, the first pastor, April 16, 1842, and re-
organized Sept. 26, 1842, and April 15, 1843. The
church edifice was erected in 1829 by Jacob Van Heuvel,
for the Episcopalians, but was used for a short time only
by that society, and subsequently passed into the hands of
the Universalists. Its cost was $3000, and it will seat
four hundred persons. There are at present about sixty
members of the society. The church is valued at $5000.
The society is at present without a regular pastor. Ser-
vices are, however, held regularly.
We are under obligations to the following-named per-
sons for information furnished : Judge Stilwell, Thomas
Jackson, Jackson Banford, Daniel S. GifEn, Dr. L. Sam-
burn, William Thurston, Nathan F. GiflBn, Dr. J. B. Wal-
lace, John Pickens, Dr. Jason Turner, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BENJAMIN NEVIN.
The subject of this sketch was born in Donaghadee,
county Down, Ireland, Sept. 20, 1797.
He was eldest son of a family of thirteen children of
John and Jemima Nevin. His father was born July 21,
1771, came to America and first settled with the balance of
his family (that had not previously emigrated) in the town
^A^^
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg,
^>i\>o^
of Brasher, St. Lawrence County, during the early days of
the settlement of that town.
Previous to the settlement of the family here the subject
of this memoir and his brother Francis had found a home
here, and settled in the same town. The inducements
offered for settlers in a new country over those of a resi-
dence at home were sufficient to incur the necessary expense
and dangers consequent upon a change, and would give a
larger field for business and better fruits for the labor of his
children.
The father died at the advanced age of eighty-one years.
The mother was born September, 1775, and died several
years before her husband. Benjamin first landed at New
York, and soon after came to Helena, town of Brasher, as
land-agent for Daniel McCormick, who owned a very large
LEWTS NORTHRUP.
-rliotos. by Dow, Ogdensburg.
MRS. NANCY NORTHRUP.
LEWIS NOKTHRUP.
Among the early settlers of the town of Oswegatchie,
none are more worthy of special mention than the subject
of this sketch. He was born Feb. 2, 1801, in Pottstown,
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and was the fourth child in the
family of Joel and Sarah (Van Dercook) Northrup, which
consisted of ten children. The elder Northrup was a black-
smith by trade, and, owing to his limited circumstances,
was unable to give his children the advantages of an edu-
cation. From Pottstown he removed to Spraker's Basin,
and in 1814 came to St. Lawrence County and settled in
the town of Lisbon, about five miles from Ogdensburg.
The youth of that period acknowledged obligations to their
parents in their labor till majority, and Lewis Northrup,
working out, contributed his earnings towards the support
of the family. Thus familiarized with toil and privation,
he was well fitted for the arduous duties of a pioneer.
After attaining his majority he commenced life for himself
Previous to this time he had followed boating and rafting
on the St. Lawrence, and to some extent had been engaged
in lumbering ; but farming; being more congenial to his
tastes, he decided to engage in it as a permanent business ;
and, in harmony with this decision, he purchased land in
the town of Oswegatchie. After some changes and reverses
he purchased, near where he now resides, twenty-two acres
of land, and since this time has been engaged in farming
and lumbering, and that he has been successful his fine
farm of two hundred acres is all that is needed in evidence.
In 1824, Mr. Northrup was married to Miss Nancy,
daughter of Alvin and Betsey Simons. They were origi-
nally from Vermont, and among the first settlere of Oswe-
gatchie, having located in the year 1806. Mr. Simons was
prominently identified with the town, and considered to be
one of the prominent citizens of that day. Since Mr.
Northrup's marriage his life has been spent in the quiet
occupation of a farmer, with no other ambition than to be
a good citizen and an industrious, honorable man, and the
universal respect and esteem of his neighbors attest that his
life has been a success.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
203
estate, extending not only in this county but Franklin. To
Mr. Nevin was intrusted the entire business, which grew in
proportion as the country became settled, and the business
was of such extent as to require three sub-agents under Mr.
Nevin, stationed at different localities on the estate. This
position Mr. Nevin held during the entire time he lived in
St. Lawrence County. During his sojourn in the town of
Brasher he was appointed postmaster, which office he held
for several years, and was elected supervisor of his town for
several terms.
In politics Mr. Nevin was formerly a Whig, but upon
the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, and
adopted its principles. He was unassuming in his way, and
never sought any political preferment, neither did he refuse
his aid for whatever he conceived right.
In the year 1851 he removed to the town of Oswegatchie,
and purchased a farm known as the " Rockingham Place,"
located on the banks of the St. Lawrence river and over-
looking the Canada shore and Prescott. Here he lived and
carried on farming in connection with his agency until the
time of his death, Nov. 25, 1866.
Mr. Nevin was connected with the Presbyterian church
for many years as deacon previous to his leaving the town
of Brasher, and upon coming to Ogdensburg united with
the Presbyterian body of that city, and became one of its
ardent supporters, was prominent in its councils and always
ready to lend his influence and give his means for its sup-
port. For many years before his death he was an elder of
the church.
He was a man of correct habits, great industry, a
thorough business man, possessed with sterling integrity,
capable and trustworthy in every respect, and highly
esteemed by all who knew him. Successful in his business
operations, he secured for himself and family a sufficient
competence to place them beyond the apprehension of want.
January 28, 1835, he married Miss Sarah Woodbury,
of New Hampshire, but at the time of her marriage of
Fort Covington, N. Y. She was born Oct. 6, 1815, was a
near connection of Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire,
justice of the United States court. She was a lady of great
personal accomplishments, possessing all those qualities that
made her the devoted wife and mother, and commanded
the respect of all who knew her. She died March 3, 1852.
To Mr. and Mrs. Nevin were born six children : David A.,
John H., Jemima, Abigail C, Oswald B., and Washington.
All are living;.
BENIAH MORRISON.
William Morrison, the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was a native of Portsmouth, N. H. ; but little is
known of his history, further than that he was a soldier in
the War of the Revolution. At the close of the war he settled
in the town of Gilmington, where Benjamin, Beniah's
father, was born, in the year 1789. In 1816 he moved to
Starksborough, Addison Co., Vt., where Beniah was born
Oct. 8, 1818, the eldest in a family of four boys and three
girls. At the age of sixteen his father died, and he took
charge of the farm until he cams to St. Lawrence County,
in 1844, locating upon the farm upon which he now resides.
His first purchase was twenty-five acres. To this he has
added, from time to time, until he now owns a beautiful
farm of three hundred and sixty-five acres, under a high
state of cultivation, a view of which, in connection with
pbrtraits of himself and wife, can be seen in another part
of this work. In connection with his extensive farm, Mr.
Morrison has been largely engaged in the nursery business ;
he had at one time fifty thousand trees in stock. In
January, 1841, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to
Miss Eunice, daughter of Joseph and Phoebe (Millington)
Rounds, of his native county. They have been blessed
with three children — Benjamin F., born August 2, 1842,
in Starksborough, Vt., and living on the old place; Edna
H., born Oct. 31, 1844 ; and Leroy, born Jan. 14, 1852.
Mr. Morrison has always been a straightforward, reliable
business man, a successful and energetic farmer, and is
well worthy of the competency he is now enjoying, and the
honorable position he holds among his fellow-townsmen.
Photo, by Dow.
ANTHONY FURNESS.
The subject of this sketch was born in the year 1803, in
the county of Westmoreland, England. His parents were
farmers in good circumstances, but not possessed of suffi-
cient means to give their children the advantages of education.
At the age of ten years he was placed at service on a farm,
and thus laid the foundation for one of the prominent traits
of his character, — untiring industry. By economy he man-
aged to save a considerable sum from his earnings, which
was placed at interest, and at the -age of twenty-seven, the
date of his emigration to America, he found himself pos-
sessed of sufficient means to establish himself in the home
of his adoption. He first settled in Ogdensburg, where he
worked by the month for some time. Ho then purchased
seventy-five acres of land, which is a portion of his present
farm, for which he was to pay seven dollars per acre. The
land was in an unimproved state, and being heavily timbered
204
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the construction of a farm was no small task ; but by degrees
field after field was added, and industry and frugality were
rewarded, and to the original purchase sixty-five acres were
added. As soon as his home was free from debt he began
to look around him for some one " to share his joys and
sorrows." He made the acquaintance of Miss Catherine,
daughter of William Ashworth, of Macomb, whom he
married March 17, 1842. The result of this union were
four children. In June, 1854, Mrs. Furness died, and in
February, 1855, Mr. Furness was again married to Miss
Isabella Baird, by whom he had one child. In January,
1864, Mrs. Furness died, leaving her husband and a large
circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mr. Furness is em-
phatically a self-made man. Denied the advantages of educa-
tion, he has cut his way through life by the sweat of his
brow. Starting with seven sovereigns, he has accumulated a
fine property by honesty, industry, frugality, and honorable
dealing, and in looking back upon his past life he can con-
sole himself with the fact that he has done his part towards
the development of the town of Oswegatohie. Mv. Furness
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Heu-
velton, and helped to consti'uct the present church edifice.
All in all, he is a valuable citizen, and a worthy member of
society.
JOHN S. SHARP.
John S. Sharp was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Sept.
4, 1810, and was the fourth child in the family of Jacob
and Sally Sharp, which consisted of four boys and four
girls. The elder Sharp was also a native of Columbia county,
where he was born in 1761. In 1817 he removed with his
family to Herkimer county, where he remained until 1824,
when he moved to St. Lawrence County, settling in the town
of Oswegatchie, where he lived until his death, which
occurred in 1825. John waa at this time a sturdy lad of
fifteen, and the elder Sharp being a man of very limited
means, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources, and
commenced life by working as a farm-hand.
Being careful and economical he saved a little each year
from his earnings, and, in 1839, he bought thirty acres of
land, which formed the base of his present magnificent farm
of three hundred and twenty-five acres, a view of which
in connection with his residence and portraits of himself
and wife, can be seen in another part of this volume. Mr.
Sharp is emphatically a self-made man, and an exemplar of
the adage that " the rolling stone gathers no moss."
Starting with nothing but his hands and a robust con-
stitution, he has secured a well-earned competency and an
enviable reputation as a thorough and systematic farmer.
In 1836, Mr. Sharp was married to Julia Ann Spoor, of
Herkimer county. She was an excellent woman and a worthy
wife and mother. From this union there were three chil-
dren : Catherine, born Feb. 14, 1841; John, born Feb.
22, 1843 ; and Isaac A., born April 22, 1845.
In 1845, Mrs. Sharp died, and in 1848 Mr. Sharp was
again married to Miss Margaret L. Utter, by whom he has
had six children: Harriet A., born April 20, 1854; Julia
A., born April 12, 1856; Charles S., born Oct. 16, 1857;
Sarah L., born Oct. 20, 1859; William M., born Dec. 1,
1869 ; and Charles S., born May 20, 1852, deceased.
JOSEPH WHEATER
was the sixth child in the family of Daniel and Mary
(Sherwood) Wheater, which consisted of nine children.
He was born in the town of Hilliam, Yorkshire, England,
Nov. 10, 1826. His father was a farmer in good circum-
stances ; but with a view of bettering the condition of his
family, he severed the ties which bound him to the land of
his birth, and emigrated to the United States in 1844, lo-
cating in the town of Oswegatchie, where he continued to
reside until his death, which occurred March 11, 1862,
when Joseph succeeded to his father's estate. In 1853,
Mr. Wheater was united in marriage to Miss Margaret,
daughter of John and Sarah Lightfoot ; she was born at
Church Fenton, Yorkshire, England, March 8, 1826. In
April, 1830, her father emigrated to the United States, and
settled in Ogdensburg, where he lived until his death, which
occurred May 11, 1876. Mr. Wheater is very properly
classed among the prominent farmers and representative
men of Oswegatchie. He is the proprietor of a magnifi-
cent farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres, a view of'
which, in connection with portraits of himself and wife,
we present on another page. Mr. and Mrs. Wheater are
prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and both have done much towards its support and main-
tenance.
Res . OF Walter R. Gray, Heuvelton. st.lawrence co.,u. y.
Residence of 0. A. MEAD, Canton, St, /.awrence Co.,N.>^
''^^^^ftV^^
E. H. SOUTHWOPTH .
Mrs.E.H. Southworth.
CANTON.
The town of Canton, geographically, is situated between
the towns of Lisbon on the north, Potsdam on- the east,
Pierrepont and Eussell on the south, and De Kalb on the
west. It is a perfect square, with an area of one hundred
square miles, and lies northwesterly and southeasterly,— its
boundary lines, east and west, running at right angles from
the St. Lawrence river, which is some ten miles or more
distant, forming the northern boundary of the town of Lis-
bon. Its surface is a general level, though not a flat plain,
being diversified by gentle undulations and gracefully-rising
ridges. Its soil is of the best in the county of St. Law-
rence, and is not surpassed, if equaled, by that of any in
the county. It is underlaid with limestone, and is warm
and light, and well adapted to cultivation, though. dairying
is the principal business of its thrifty farmers. Quarries
of good building stone, of a light-grayish color, have been
lately opened within its limits, which afford an excellent
material for construction purposes, and which are exhaust-
less practically. On the Grasse river, below the High Falls,
is a deposit of iron pyrites, which was formerly worked for
the manufacture of copperas, which is described farther on
ia detail.
The town is watered efficiently by the Grasse river, which
enters it on lot 7, range 10, and runs north to lot 7, range
8, then easterly to lot 5, range 8, then northerly through
Canton village, till near the north line of lot 4, range 4,
then bends to the west into lot 5, same range, then northerly
into the northeast quarter of lot 5, range 2, thence north-
easterly, passing through the village of Morley, and making
its exit on the north line of the northeast quarter of lot 3,
range 1. Little river is its main tributary, and runs some-
what deviously through lot 5, northwest corner lot 4, range
10, along south line lot 4, range 9, northerly through lots
3, ranges 9, 8, and 7, then westward, near the north lines of
lots 3 and 4, range 7, and empties into the Grasse, a little
south of the limits of the village of Canton. Harrison
creek is also not an inconsiderable affluent of the Grasse,
coming in from De Kalb on lot 10, range 9, and running
nearly due east to its junction with the main stream, near
the west line of lot 7, range 8. The Oswegatchie throws
one of its numerous curves into the northwestern corner
of the town at Rensselaer Palls, sweeping in and out again,
in a mile and a half of its length.
The striking feature in the topography of Canton is the
natural canal, leading from the Oswegatchie, near Rensse-
laer Palls village, almost due east, to the Grasse river on
lot 5, range 2. Dr. Hough, in his History of St. Law-
rence and Pranklin Counties, thus describes it :
'" It was originally open both at this and Grasse river,
and navigable for small boats, and became the highway to
mill by the pioneers. This channel is six miles long, and
from five to ten and even twenty-five rods wide, with a
descent of three feet towards the Oswegatchie. It runs
through an alluvial flat of about four thousand five hundred
acres, covered by a forest of black ash and soft maple, which
has hitherto been too wet to cultivate, but is now in process
of reclaiming. The outlet on the Oswegatchie has been
closed, and a canal cut along the bank to below the dam, by
which the water is expected to be lowered about four feet.
It has cost about six thousand dollars. The outlet on
Grasse river has long since been closed. This channel is
known on some maps and among the inhabitants as Indian
creek."
Since the publication of the doctor's work, the drainage
of the land adjacent to the canal has steadily progressed,
until a considerable area has been reclaimed and is now
good grazing lands, and some even fit to cultivate. In time
it is confidently expected it will prove to be of the very
best lands in the town.
The name of the town is derived from the old survey-
township, and was one of the names placed on the original
map of the surveyor-general of the State. This official
seemed determined that the townships of Macomb's purchase
should not begin their existence without at least a name,
which was noted, whatever their future progress might
reveal of worth. And thus the wilds of St. Lawrence blos-
somed all over with the names of ancient heroes, and more
ancient cities, long before there were inhabitants therein
to honor the nomenclature.
AN ABSTRACT OF TITLE
to lands in this town shows the following changes down
to the actual settlers : Macomb, the original purchaser
from the State ; Macomb to William Edgar ; Edgar to A.
Vonfeister ; Vonfeister to Stephen Van Rensselaer, J. 0.
Hoffitnan, and Richard Harrison ; Hoffman to Van Rensse-
laer, his interest, vesting the town in Van Rensselaer, the
west seven miles by ten, and in Harrison, the east three
miles by ten. The changes in detail will be found in the
chapter on land-titles in the general history of the county.
The survey of the town we quote entire from Dr. Hough,
in his work before referred to :
" Canton was surveyed by Amos Lay, assisted by Reuben
Sherwood and Joseph Edsall, in the summer of 1799.
Their labors included both townships of Canton and Lis-
bon. Among the men who were employed to assist were
the following : Pestus and Septimus Tracy, Nahum Allen,
George Goss, Abner Hazleton, Alvin White, Jacob Red-
ington, Thompson. The supplies of provisions for
the summer's operations were boated up, in canoes, through
20!i
206
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
v/
Oswegatchie river and Indian creek (natural canal), and up
the G-rasse river, to the site of the present village of Canton.
While working near the St. Lawrence, their supplies were
carried directly over at whatever point they might happen
to need them. The survey of the two townships being
completed, the hands returned to New England through
Canada.
SETTLEMENT.
" While the survey was going on, the parties engaged on
it were frequently back and forth from the front settle-
ments-in Canada, and the subject of the value of the
lands was much discussed, and a high idea was entertained
of their probable value for agricultural purposes. This led
to the formation of an association, consisting of thirty
or forty Canadians, who proposed to form a settlement
on the tract, and who sent one of their number to Albany,
to negotiate a bargain with the proprietors, for a pur-
chase. This agent is said to have eifeoted a conditional
bargain for one-quarter of a township, wherever the com-
pany might wish to locate, in Lisbon or Canton. Upon
receiving this intelligence, the whole party decided upon
traversing the tract, to learn its actual value by direct ob-
servation ; and accordingly, taking several days' provisions
on their backs, and guided by persons who had been em-
ployed in the survey, they separated in small parties, and
pursued their course in various directions through the woods.
At night they would meet at an appointed place, kindle an
immense fire of logs and dry materials which they collected,
and camp around it for the night.
" Everything proceeded agreeably for awhile, but unfor-
tunately for their harmony, numbers of them came from
different quarters upon a remarkably beautiful tract of land,
in the southeastern part of Canton, where the hard timber
was unusually clear and lofty, and a meandering stream
wandered through the forest between banks that, in their
native growth of timber and herbage, and the soil at the
surface, betokened unusual richness and fertility. Here,
without the knowledge of each other, several parties resolved
to locate their interests, and in accordance with the preva-
lent custom, commenced slight improvements, which, in
their opinion, would confer a pre-emption right to the soil.
These proceedings soon became known to the whole party,
and the overlapping claims of rivals engendered a party
strife, in which each loudly vociferated his claims and in-
sisted upon the priority of his arrival, and in a;n incredibly
short space of time the schemes of the whole party were
dissipated. Of confidence in each other's honor, they had
none ; and the mutual distrust led to the dissolution of the
company, who scattered immediately, and by different
routes sought the St. Lawrence, and crossed again to
Canada. Some being ignorant of the course of the rivers,
wandered from their way, and did not reach the great river
till they had arrived in Louisville ; and when they gained
the settlements, were well-nigh exhausted with hunger and
fatigue.
'•■ The first land that was taken up with the view of actual
settlement in the town of Canton was by Daniel Harrin"--
ton, a native of Connecticut, but who had afterwards lived
in Vermont and in Canada. In 1800, he took up a tract
of land on the east side of Grrasse river, where Canton vil-
lage now is, having commenced a small improvement the
fall before, which consisted of a slight clearing near the
present agricultural fair-ground and on the bank of the
river, where he sowed less than an acre of land to wheat,
in the fall of 1800 ; and having no team to assist him, he
harrowed in the grain with a hand-rake. The crop was
sold to Mr. Foote, and, when harvested, yielded more than
sixty bushels, notwithstanding the immense numbers of
squirrels of that year. By a striking coincidence, the offi-
cers of the society, in selecting their fair-grounds, located
them almost exactly on the spot which had thus early be-
tokened its capabilities for agricultural improvement. The
cabin of this pioneer stood on the spot where the flag-staff
of the fair-ground is erected. In the fall of 1799, several
men came into town, and made slight clearings, supposing
that thereby they acquired a pre emption right; but the
first permanent settler was Stillman Foote, Esq., from Mid-
dlebury, Vt., who came into town to look for lands in 1800,
and purchased the mile square on which Canton village
now stands. Harrington's title, including the wheat crop,
he purchased for a horse, saddle, and bridle. In March,
1801, Mr. Foote left his home in Vermont, for his location,
with two teams laden with provisions and furniture; but
upon the approach of warm weather he was obliged to
leave a great part of his load at Willisborough, on Lake
Champlain, to be taken, together with the irons for a mill,
by the more circuitous route of Lake Champlain and St.
Lawrence river to Lisbon, the nearest accessible point, about
18 miles from his destination. A very poor road conducted
our emigrants as far as Chateaugay, where every trace of a
road ended, and they were obliged to seek the St. Lawrence
at St. Regis, where they crossed and proceeded along the
Canada shore to opposite Lisbon. From this point they
were guided to Canton by an obscure trace, marked for a
road. Blr. Daniel W. Church, who had been engaged as a
millwright, followed by water, having charge of the mill-
irons and remainder of the loading left at the lake. From
his diary before us, the following memoranda are taken :
"'March 27 took leave of my family and home. 29th, went to
Bason creek, and waited some days. April 1, got a passage for old
Mr. Foote [Daniel F., the father of S. F.] to Plattsburg, in company
with one Mr. Storer, who had a spare horse there, and sent my two
men with him. Thought I had taken a prudent step to keep the old
gentleman from catching the smallpox, which he would be much ex-
posed to should he go with me through Canada. 4th. Got our load-
ing on board, and set sail; got myself set on shore at Carlotte to get
more loading. The vessel could not wait; I got aboard of another
with Johnson, and set sail. Just at night the wind rises, and the
evening is very dark. The passengers, of whom there were 50, begin
to be very sick. The vessel is poorly manned, and I remain on deck
to assist the captain in working it, as it is in some danger. Run in
at Peru, and lay at anchor in the swell all night. Could hardly see
land when within 20 yards, and suffered intolerably with cold, having
no blanket, nor even great-coat. 5th. The wind dies away, and we
set our passengers on shore, and sail with a moderate breeze till the
morning of the 6th, when we reached St. John. Met with Johnson
and my other company, and walked to Laprairie. 8th. Go to the
Indian village, 9 miles above Laprairie, and ferry across to Laohine.
The Indian village is the handsomest town I have seen in my whole
voyage, except Mount Real. To see the Indians at their homes was
quite now to mo. 9th. Went back to Mount Real on foot after a
canal ticket. Sot out just at evening, and it was dark before I left
the place. Lost my way, and, returning, was hindered some time,
but arrived at my company in so short a time as to surprise them.
10th. Agree with Mr. Tuttle concern'ng a boat, as follows: He is to
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
207
hare a boat and two hands, or one hand and work himself; and I am
to find the rest of the help, and pay the canal ticket. Tuttle is clerk
to one Crystler, and takes a passage in another boat, and agrees with
Mr. Grant to hire two hands, but the latter cannot, because it is seed-
time with the Canadians. We set out without help, but cannot get
along, the current is so strong. Happen to hear of two hands, who
will go to Point Clair, 8 or 9 mile.^; hire them, and arrive there,
nth. Go to Cedars with great difficulty. 12th. Arrive at the King's
locks, where the hands being all beaten out, leave the boat, and we
hire Canadians in their room. I go in the boat, and come very near
getting lost in the rapids. Meet with as much hardship as I know
how to get along with, and, after toiling as hard as possible, arrive
at the head of Lake St.- Francis between 9 and 10 in the evening.
13th. Sail across the lake a little below Cornwall. 14th. Go above
Cornwall. Tuttle hires 2 hands, one good, the other worse than
none. "We find it impossible to get any farther with our loading.
15th. Arranged business, and set out on foot, hardly able to stir.
Go to Crystler's, and have difficulty in settling with , who refuses
to allow some borrowed money. 16th. Arrive at Lisbon, at the house
of James Turner. 17th. Keach Canton, with seventeen blisters on
my hand, occasioned by rowing and pulling the bateau along. Find
Thomas down with the fever and ague.'
" Mr. Church was accompanied by Lebbeus Johnson and
sons ; John Flannegan, a journeyman ; Thomas Marvin, an
apprentice, and one or two others. He found in the camp
Mr. Foote and his father, who had come through on horse-
back, and others to the number of twelve, who all occupied
the same shanty, and without the first convenience, as every
article not of prime necessity had been left at Cornwall until
a road could so far be cleared as to allow of the passage to
teams. An entire week was consumed in getting the teams
from Lisbon ; and on Saturday night they were still three
miles from camp, where the cattle were left to browse, and
the men came on. The whole party then proceeded to re-
turn to them, and the loads were got in. The first clearing
was made on the west side of the river, near the water's
edge, just below the present bridge. The party immediately
set about preparing the frame of a saw-mill, but had scarcely
begun operations when the camp was visited by sickness,
and one of the number stricken down by death. On the
2d of May, Mr. Church, the millwright, was attacked by
intermittent fever, contracted the summer previous ; and
about the same time the elder Mr. Foote was taken with
symptoms, at first not understood, but soon too sadly recog-
nized as the smallpox. Five of the company had been in-
oculated, and this operation was forthwith performed upon
the other six. Although nearly fourscore years of age,
the invalid bore his sickness well, and at one time it was
hoped he would survive. But, on the accession of the
secondary fever, he grew worse, and died. His last words
were, ' God's will be done.' Mr. Church, at this time,
was not able to sit up in his couch of hemlock boughs, and
the symptoms were beginning to appear upon those who
had been inoculated. Stillman Foote had fallen a few days
previous and broken a rib, which disabled him from ren-
dering assistance. They kept the corpse until the third
day, watching it by turns, and then committed it to the
earth, wrapped in the hammock on which he died, with a
few hemlock boughs below him, and the bark of an elm-
tree for a coffin. There was at this time no medical aid to
be had nearer than Johnstown, in Canada, and even this
was not to be reached, as the heavy rains had rendered all
the streams impassable, so that a young man who had been
sent out was obliged to return. This is believed to be the
first death of a white person in Canton, and occurred May
10, 1801. We will here resume our quotation from Mr.
Church's diary, which describes the difiiculties of the set-
tlers with vividness. It covers some of the events above
described :
" ' May 2. Myself had the fever and ague. 4th. Had an intoler-
able fit of it. Gloomy times. 5th. Worked. Very rainy at night ;
camp leaks everywhere; no place to lay down in. Sleep none at all.
Had free scope for my thoughts, not having anything to interrupt
mo but the snoring of the res»t of the company, soaking in water.
With great difficulty I prevent the rain dropping on old Mr. Foote.
Let any person imagine himself in the woods, fifteen miles from any
house, sick of the fever and ague, one of the company rotten with the
smalipo.f, one with his ribs broke, one other ghostified with the fever
and ague, three inoculated with the smallpox, and only three well
ones, and let him imagine himself exposed to all the rains, without
physician, or nurse, or medicines; then let him awake, and find it a
dream, and see how glad he will be! 10th. More trouble; the old
gentleman died, and I am growing worse every day. The three well
ones bury the old man as well as they can in his hammock, and put
some barks over him. Hard times for poor Stillman, who had to lay
his own father in his winding-sheet. 13th. Eide out to Lisbon with
extreme difliculty. I cannot sit on a horse. Ride barebacked. Get
wet with rain through and through. From Canton to Lisbon settle-
ment is fifteen miles without the least opening; very little road, and
very many swamps and mireholes. 14th. Go to Dr. Adams' and
back on foot, fourteen miles. Half an hour before I set out, while the
fever was on, I could not walk across the house. 25th. So far recov-
ered as to ride back to Canton.'
" Mr. Church was soon compelled to go back to his
friends, and the rest of the party, having partly finished
the mill, returned to spend the winter in Vermont. In the
spring of 1802, Mr. Foote returned with his family, con-
sisting of a wife, two sons, and a daughter, and they took
up their abode in a corner of the saw-mill. Mr. Church
and three companions proceeded through the woods from
Chateaugay, a distance of about 70 miles, without mark or
guide but a compass. Their goods were borne by a pack-
horse, and they were five days on the pathless road, most of
the time in the rain, and towards the last of their journey
so short of provisions that they were obliged to subsist upon
pork and partridges, of the latter of which they chanced to
kill a few on the way. During this summer a single run
of rock-stones, driven by a tub-wheel, was got in operation
in a part of the mill, and this was the first and only grist-
mill in town until after the war.
" During the summer of 1802 a thrilling incident hap-
pened, which well-nigh proved fatal to one of the party. On
a Sabbath morning about 20 persons had assembled at the
mill, from the several clearings, to spend a day in social in-
tercourse and discuss the news. Two men were crossing
the river in the only boat in the place, and had gained an
island, when the current unexpectedly caught the boat, and
was taking it down stream. One jumped out, but in so
doing threw the bow of the boat farther into the current,
and the remaining one, finding it impossible to gain the
island, jumped overboard with his setting-pole, and lodged
on a rock where he could maintain himself but with great
difficulty, while the boat was swept down and broken
among the rapids below. Mr. Church procured a rope,
and swam over to the island, where, making one end fast
to a tree, he let himself down stream till he could get the
other end into the hands of the one in peril, who was thus
rescued from what appeared to bo certain destruction.''
208
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
/
EARLY SETTLERS.
In 1802 the town began to settle very rapidly, and,
among others, Peter R. Leonard, Moses Leonard, Thomas
D. Olin, Chester Dewey, Lebbeus Johnson (and five sons),
James Parkill, Daniel and Nathan Walker, Thomas Kings-
bury, most of them with families, and from Vermont,
located.
The locations of the first settlers were as follows : In
1802, James Parkill, the first clerk of the town, lot 2, range
6, nearly opposite the Bridge farm ; Peter R. Leonard, lot
2, range 6, near the present railroad crossing. In 1804
Mr. Leonard located near the new cemetery, and kept a
public-house for several years, and moved into Pierrepont
in 1807. Moses Leonard settled near him. Daniel Walker
located on lot 8, range 5, on the old De Kalb road, and
Nathan Walker located on what is now the County poor
farm. Benjamin Walker also located on lot 5, range 5. T.
D. Olin located on the road through the Olin settlement.
Thomas Kingsbury located on what is now known as the
Judd farm. He was a Revolutionary soldier.
Among the other pioneer settlers may be named the fol-
lowing : Jacob Conkey, father of Dr. J. S. Conkey, of
Canton village, on the Bridge farm ; Joseph and William
Ames, on lot 1, range 6; Dan Judd, a Revolutionary sol-
dier, and the first miller in Poote's mill, at the village, on
the Tyler Martin farm ; Walter Clark, on lot 2, range 6 ;
Asa Conkey, on the Southworth farm ; Festus Tracy, the
first to select his land in the town, doing so while assisting
in the survey in 1799. His son, Elisha, occupies the old
homestead. Thomas II. Conkey, father of H. H. Conkey,
located on the Potter farm, lot 2, range 7 ; Joshua Conkey*
also on lot 2. Peter Brown, 'near the brick church, and
succeeded in 1805 by John Farwell. Jeduthun Parwell,
on lot 2, range 7. Harvey Knox bought the John Farwell
farm, and now occupies it. Ebenezer Sanderson, on the
farm now occupied by his son. Nelson, and the widow of
the pioneer. Salmon Ward Squires, 1806, on lot 1, range
9, now occupied by his son, Wm. Orrin Squires, who was
born on the farm. Abdiel H. Tracy, on lot 2, range 9,
and Anson Parker on the same lot. Henry Mead also on
the same lot, and where he is still living at the age of
ninety-two years, and his wife at the age of eighty year.'.
They were from Vermont, and are living with their son,
Orvill? Mead. Peter Langdon, also from Dorset, Vt., in
1807, opened the first store in South Canton, and died in
1867, aged ninety-one years. His son, Albert Langdon,
lives on the homestead, and is the proprietor of an extensive
butter-factory. Benjamin and John Rose, also from Dor-
set, Vt., in 1806, located on lot 1, range 10 ; a son of John
Rose occupies the homestead of his father. In 1810,
Jesse Barnes settled on lot 4, range 9, and his son, Truman
Barnes, now owns and occupies the homestead. Amos
Smith and Hubbard Clark were pioneers on the same lot,
and their sons, James Smith and Alanson Clark, own and
occupy the homesteads. In 1805, William Perry, from
» Joshua Conkey at seventecB years of age was a drummer at Ben-
nington ; held a captain's commission in war of 1812 ; was talien
prisoner at Ogdensburg, and talieu to Halifax. When set at liberty
was sent by sea to Boston, and walked from that city to Canton.
Rutland, Vt., located on lot 5, range 10. (A biography of
this old pioneer may be seen at the end of the history of
this town.) Samuel Leonard was an early settler on the
Canton road, about a mile north of the brick church. His
father died on this farm in 1841, at the advanced age of
one hundred years and five months. Rev. Constant South-
worth, father of E. H. Southworth, moved from Vermont
at an early day, and settled near the brick church. He
was pastor of the Congregational church organized here in
1823, and lived on the parsonage lot about a mile west of
Smith's corners, on the High Falls road. He was a grad-
uate of Middlebury college, and was a classmate of Silas
Wright.
John Hopkins was a pioneer of 1803, and settled on the
river opposite the present poor farm. He was from Pitts-
ford, Vt. A daughter, Mrs. Rhoda Crary, now eighty-
seven years old, then a girl of thirteen, writes that " it was
in the month of March when we came ; the snow was deep,
and my brother and I rode on horseback twenty-five miles.
I had a puppy and a kitten given me when I started, and
I carried them all of the way in my woolen apron. The
first night we stayed at Lebbeus Johnson's, and the next
day went to our own place. My mother, and a sister aged
ten years, went into the woods one day to hunt for the
cows, and sister stepped into a bear-trap, which, springing,
drove two great spikes through her leg, but fortunately
passed the bones. They were half a mile from the house,
and mother made several attempts to release the prisoner,
but could not, and went back to the house and sent another
sister two miles to a neighbor's to get help, which, speedily
in fact, but to poor sister in the trap very tardily, arrived,
and set her free." This letter was written but a few days
previous to the present writing, and though the writer is
nearly ninety years old, yet the chirography is remarkably
clear and the orthography perfect.
In the vicinity of Morley, on the north side of the river,
on lot 3, range 1, the early settlers were Peck, S. Belden,
S. G. May, and Eaton Ray. Across the river and east of
the village were Thomas Fenton, Reuben Wilson, and G.
Simmons, on lot 2, range 1. On lot 1, range 1, were the
families of Wm. Hollenbeck, Hill, Hutchinson, Wm. Fos-
ter, Nathan Clark, David Olin, Paine, Robinson, and
Luther L. Page.
On the river-road from Morley to Canton, among the
early settlers, were James Lankton a'nd J. Wiley, on lot 3,
range 1 ; Ira Butler and E. Covey, on the Butterworth
farm ; Jeremiah Day, on lot 4, range 2. Amos Jones set-
tled on the Harrison place, on the Potsdam road. Heber
Sykes was a pioneer on lot 4, range 3. Moses Sanderson,
in 1816, located on lot 3, range 3, and Lemuel Jenison was
also a pioneer on the same lot. Jonathan Day settled on
the road through the Olin settlement as early as 1805-6.
Solomon Walker, in 1808, located on 240 acres in the
northwest corner of lot 3, range 5. In 1811, Lyman Tup-
per located on lots 2 and 3, ranges 4 and 5. Among the
pioneers in the western part of the town may be named the
Barber family, whose descendants in the vicinity of the old
homestead are quite numerous.
Aaron Barrows, in 1816, moved in from Dorset, Vt,,
and settled on lot 1, range 9, and a son, Parlin Barrows,
Res of S.W LA SELL
Mill or LASflLL ^nd JEWETT,
C/iNToN, New Yam.
Mrs. Pliny Wright
Pliny Wright.
OLoHoMEoFTHEurEGOV.S/LAS WRI&HT#Pr£sent /?ES . of PLINY WRIGHT.
CANTON, St. LA'NRENCi CO. N.Y
( UmVCRSAll^ Chi/tck. }
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
209
now owns and occupies the same farm. Another son, Dea-
con Prosper Barrows, lived and died in Canton. Aaron,
another son, lives in the vicinity of the homestead, and is a
merchant and the postmaster at Crary's iMills, where he
has been in trade for thirty years.
In the neighborhood of South Canton" lived one William
Lemon, a " Green mountain boy," who stood six feet seven
inches in his stockings. He came from Vermont in com-
pany with S. Baldwin and John Farwell, passing through
Troy. On the route they met some teams, and, as the
snow was deep, the teamsters refused to give half of the
road. After some words Mr. Baldwin said, " You had
better give us half of the road peaceably, or we will force
you to do so.'' This only provoked laughter and jeers,
whereupon Baldwin said, " William, rise up and clear the
road !" As Lemon's proportions began to assume a perpen-
dicular, the teamsters began to grow uneasy ; and as he
rose to his feet and began to straighten up, the obstinate
fellow shouted, " Hold on ! hold on ! We have seen enough
of you !" And they speedily pulled out and gave the de-
sired room. As they passed. Lemon said, " I wasn't half
up when you called to me to sit down." '
Mathew Wallace, a pioneer in Parishville in 1812,
moved into Canton in 1821, and located on lot 3, range 9,
where he died at the age of ninety.
The first birth in the town was that of a daughter of L.
Johnson, in 1803 ; and the first male born in the town was
Hiram Leonard, a son of Peter R. Leonard, who was born
the same year. Mr. Leonard is a resident of Colton, in his
seventy-fifth year, and a hale and active man.
The second death in the town was that of one Osgood,
who was killed in 1803, about three miles south of Poote's,
by the fall of a tree.
The first school was taught, in 1804, by William Bar-
ker, near the new cemetery ; and religious meetings began
to be held the same year.
MANUFACTURES.
In 1807, Jeduthun Farwell, from Dorset, Vt., built a
dam across the Little river, at the hamlet now known as
Brick Church. He built a saw-mill there, and put into it
also a run of rock or field-stones, and attached a bolt. The
stones came from the town of Russell, and were got out by
Joseph Hutchinson. This saw-mill stood on the north
bank of the stream. A few years later Mr. Farwell built a
stone grist-mill on the south bank of the stream which con-
tained two run of rock-stones. He also built a distillery
near the grist-mill. The saw-mill is still standing, but a
cheese-factory occupies the site of the grist-mill. At what
is now known as Butterfield's mills, Elisha Clark built the
first saw- and grist-mills erected there.
COPPERAS AND ALUM.
" About a mile below the high falls on Grasse river, near
the south part of Canton, where that river issues from a ro-
mantic rocky ravine, its channel broken by rapids, and its
banks discolored by reddish and yellow stains from the
efflorescence of iron pyrites, which here form an important
constituent of the rock, stand the remains of a manufac-
tory of copperas and alum, which have for many years been
27
going to ruin. This manufactory was commenced in the year
1832, by S. & H. Foote, of Canton, who on the following
summer were joined by G. W. Shepard and J. C. Bush, of
Ogdensburg, the premises having been leased of Harry Van
Rensselaer for ten years for the purpose. During the first
year but little was done but getting the works in order and
erecting suitable fixtures for the manufacture. In the
summers of 1833, '34, '35, and a part of 1836, from sixty
to eighty hands were employed, but the enterprise being
found one that did not remunerate, it was abandoned. The
process of the manufacture depends upon chemical princi-
ples, and was as follows : The rock abounding in iron py-
rites (sulphuret of iron) was first dug and broken by hand,
a process easily effected, from the tender and porous texture
of the mineral. A clay bed having been prepared on the
ground, and a quantity of wood first laid, it was covered
with the pulverized stone, and ignited. When once fairly
on fire, it would burn of itself, from the great percentage
of sulphur in the mineral, and it needed no further care
than to throw on new ore, with water, to reduce the pile to
a smouldering heap, charged with the saline substances
sought, which were lixiviated by the application of water ;
the ley collected and boiled in a large leaden tank, ten or
twelve feet square, and two feet deep, and, when sufiiciently
concentrated, pumped into vats and allowed to crystallize on
racks hung in them for the purpose. After the first crop
of crystals of copperas was obtained, the residual liquor was
again boiled, with the addition of certain proportions of
potash, and the second time set to crystallize, when alum was
obtained. The proportions obtained were three parts of
copperas to one of alum.
" The fumes which arose from the burning and smoulder-
ing heaps were very disagreeable, and so noxious that a
great number of trees in the vicinity were destroyed by
those poisonous emanations. More than a thousand tons
of copperas, and a third as much of alum, were made here
while the works were in operation. Most of it found its
way to the New York market. Unlimited quantities of
iron pyrites exist at this place, which may hereafter offer
inducements for the renewal of this manufacture, or the
making of soda ash, should facilities for transportation to
market be increased, or cheaper or more efiicient methods
of manufacture be discovered."*
Nothing has, up to the present time (1878) been done
to resume operations at this point, and is not likely to be
soon.
Other manufactures and interests will be treated of under
the several village histories which follow.
DAIRYING INTERESTS
are the prominent ones in the farming community of Can-
ton, there being eight cheese- and three butter-factories in
the town, viz.: West Canton cheese-factory, of Luman
Mead, capacity, 600 cows ; South Canton cheese-factory,
Washington Spaulding, 500 cows ; Hiram Hildreth's
cheese-factory, near Morley, 400 cows ; Bridge cheese-fac-
tory, Butterfield & Son, 350 cows; Truman Barnes' cheese-
factory, 300 cows ; Canton cheese-factory, Cleveland &
* Dr. Hough.
210
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Mathers, operated by Mead & Barrows, 300 cows ; Free-
man factory, at Rensselaer Falls, 300 cows ; Fayville fac-
tory, E. G-. Woodbridge (heaviest patron), 150 cows; A.
Langdon, butter-factory, 500 cows ; Morley butter-factory,
A. S. Robinson, 300 cows; product of 1877, 24,000
pounds; High Falls butter-factory, Lucius Richardson,
150 cows. The Morrell cheese-factory in Pierrepont draws
some of its milk from Canton, and there are about one-
third as many cows as those abcrve enumerated milked for
butter, which is made in private families, which will make
over 5000 cows milked for butter and cheese for marketing
in the town.
There were 597,920 pounds of butter and 1,212,684
pounds of cheese shipped from Canton railroad station in
1877, or about 91 car-loads of both articles.
POPULATION.
In 1845 Canton had 4035 inhabitants of the human
persuasion ; in 1850 they had multiplied and replenished
the town so that they numbered 4685. In 1855 there
were 4995; in 1860, 6379 ; in 1865, 5964; 1870, 6014;
and in 1875, 6018.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
Canton was erected as a separate town from Lisbon
March 28, 1805. The first town-meeting was directed to
be held at the house of Stillman Foote,' March 4, 1806.
The electors having been assembled, Stillman Foote was
chosen moderator, and the following elected to the respec-
tive offices: Stillman Foote, supervisor; James Parkill,
town clerk ; William Perry, Thomas D. Olin, George Foote,
assessors ; Mason Foote, constable and collector ; Daniel
Walker and John Farwell, overseers of the poor;.Medad
Moody, Amos Smith, and Moses Leonard, commissioners
of highways ; Hubbard Clark, Walter Clark, Pestus Tracy,
Solomon Walker, James Parkill, Uri Barber, John Hop-
kins, Zadock Clark, Titus Sikes, and George Foote, over-
seers of highways; Peter Brown, William Lemon, and
Jonathan Day, fence-viewers ; Stillman Foote and Peter R.
Leonard, pound-masters.
Following is the succession of supervisors since the for-
mation of the town :
1806.
1807-08.
1809-12.
1813-22.
1823-24.
1825-27.
1828-30.
1831-33.
1834-35.
1836-40.
1841-42.
1843-44.
1846-46.
Stillman Foote.
Daniel Walker.
Daniel Campbell.
Daniel Walker.
Thomas D. Olin.
Jeduthun Farwell.
James Parkill.
Silas Baldwin, Jr.
John Heaton.
Lemuel Buck.
Henry Barber.
Kichard N". Harrison.
Henrj Barber.
1847-48.
1849.
1850-52.
1853-54.
1855-56.
1857-58.
1859-61.
1862-66.
1867-70.
1871.
1872-75.
1876-77.
Cyrus Abernathy.
William F. Cahoon.
Hiram F. Johnson.
Thomas V. Eussell.
Charles H. Allen.
George Robinson.
Jeremiah Traver.
Milton D. Packard.
Horace W. Hale.
Charles N. Conkey.
M. D. Packard.
Leslie W. Russell.
Stillman Foote was appointed the first magistrate. The
following have been town clerks for four or more consecu-
tive years: Nathan Walker, J. L. Barnes, Simon D. Moody,
Ziba N. Ellis, Amasa 0: Brown, and Silas Baldwin since
1857, excepting 1861, a service of nineteen years.
The town officers elected Feb. 13, 1877, were: Leslie
Russell, supervisor; Silas Baldwin, town clerk; Langdon
Clark, justice of the peace; Albert T. Martin, assessor;
Leslie A. Williams, collector ; Jerome T. Johnson, John
W. Brown, overseers of the poor; H. H. Conkey, F. C.
Murphy, R. L. Church, William Crane, Barton Weel,
constables ; A. S. Robinson and Marvin R. Wait, town
auditors.
The records of the town contain some interesting memo-
randa, from which extracts have been made.
1806. — Five dollars bounty offered for every wolf killed
in the town ; the same in 1812 ; and double this amount
in 1810 and 1816.
1810. — " Voted that a fine of $12 be imposed on all jug-
glers, mountebanks, and wire-dancers." Fifty dollars were
raised for securing the rights and privileges of fish, and S.
Foote, D. Campbell, and N. Walker were appointed a com-
mittee for this purpose. This was afterward a subject of
much interest to the town, and resulted in legislative action,
as will be elsewhere noted.
1811. — Resolved to preserve in the town records the
dates of the births, deaths, and marriages, which were to be
reported to the clerk under a penalty for neglect. In 1812
the assessors were charged with the collection of these
data.
1823. — A tax of $500 was voted for the support of the
poor; and a like amount in 1825.
1835. — -Voted to petition the legislature for a law to tax
the town $500 to be paid to the trustees of the public lands,
in trust for the academy, to be invested for its benefit, on
condition that the trustees execute bonds for the convey-
ance of the lot and buildings for a school. The following
year, M. Jenison, J. H. Conkey, S. D. Olin, R. N. Harri-
son, D. Mack, J. Ames (2d), C. Foote, S! Wright, Jr., L.
Moody, D. Clark, H. Barber, and A. Smith were appointed
a committee to superintend the academy and employ a
teacher, and to attend to the interests of the town therein.
In 1837, a tax of $500 for three years was voted for the
academy, on condition that an equal amount be raised by
subscription to maintain the institution.
1840. — A bounty of one shilling was voted for every
crow killed in town ; and in 1841-42, a bounty of ten cents
was voted for a similar purpose.
1846. — A special meeting was held May 19, 1846, to
vote on the matter of granting license for the sale of spirit-
uous liquors in town ; 255 voters declared for no license and
142 for license. Again, on April 27, 1847, on the same
issue, 318 expressed themselves in favor of no license, and
297 for license. In 1877 the town elected a board of ex-
cise commissioners opposed to granting license.
The late civil war evoked the" following action on the
part of the town of Canton : At a special meeting, Aug. 23,
1862, a tax of $4200 was voted for bounty purposes, at |50
per volunteer, on condition that the quota be filled to meet
the exigency of the case ; otherwise only so much of a tax
should be levied as would enable the payment of $50 per
volunteer actually enlisted. The legislature was petitioned
to legalize this action, and George C. Bogue, Ebenezor
Miner, Milton D. Packard, L. E. B. Winslow, Albert
Langdon, Wm. Perry, Jr., Cornelius Van Waters, T. L.
Harrison, Algernon Robinson, and Bingham A. Sykes were
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
211
appointed a committee to procure the necessary funds and
attend to their disbursement. On the 12th of December,
of the same year, the voters assembled at a special meeting
authorized the supervisor and town clerk to issue interest-
bearing certificates of $300 each, to be countersigned by a
justice of the peace, and granted on the order of the auditing
committee, to an amount not exceeding $18,000, which v^ere
to be paid to such volunteers as would be necessary to fill the
quota. Wm. H. Sawyer, Joseph Barnes, and Algernon S.
Robinson were appointed the committee to audit accounts,
and served in this capacity until the close of the war. The
last special meeting was held Feb. 23, 1864, when a bounty
of $400 per volunteer was decreed, subject to the foregoing
conditions.
At the annual meeting in 1865 $6000 was voted to be
paid to such men of the town as had been in the service,
and who had not heretofore received the $300 bounty.
The several quotas of the town were generally speedily and
satisfactorily filled, and considerable private aid was given
to further the measures of the war.
The town has been divided into five election districts or
voting precincts, — Nos. 1 and 5 being in the village ; No. 2
at Morley ; No. 3 at Jerusalem Corners, and No. 4 at Rensse-
laer Falls. The comparative votes here given indicate the
past and present voting citizenship of the town. At the
gubernatorial election, April 30, 1807, Morgan D. Lewis
received 43 votes and Daniel D. Tompkins 14 votes. Three
years later 73 voters declared their preference for Jonas
Piatt and 40 for Daniel D. Tompkins. At the election for
governor, in 1876, 928 votes were cast for the Republican
nominee and 532 for the Democratic candidate, — a total of
1460 votes.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TOVfN INTERESTS.
The public highways have received proper attention from
the first, — at the first town-meeting ten road districts
having been formed for the purpose of working them.
These have been subdivided until they number eighty-
seven. The streams of the town are spanned by substan-
tial structures, among them being several first-class wrought-
iron bridges, costing from $1500 to $8000, and the ap-
propriations made for their repair have been liberal and
timely.
Several State roads were early located, and the Parish-
ville turnpike company located its route through the town
about 1815. In 1827 the company surrendered its fran-
chise, and a few years later that part of the road from
Canton to Ogdensburg was improved by taxation ; and, in
1850, measures were taken to plank the road-bed, tolls
being charged. Besides this there were the Canton plank-
road, from the village to the town line of De Kalb ; the
Canton, Morley and Madrid plank-road to those places,
and others in the western part of the town, which are de-
scribed in the general history of the county, constructed
from 1848 to 1853, and whose road-beds reverted to the
town as soon as the first set of planks had decayed. These
generally form excellent highways, and are the principal
thoroughfares of the town.
As early as 1823 the project of using Grrasse river in the
town, in the series of improvements by which navigation
was to be afforded by means of the Oswegatchie, natural
canal, and the Grasse to the St. Lawrence, was discussed,
and received legislative consideration, and, in 1831, a com-
pany was incorporated to carry this idea into effect. The
measure was further agitated in 1836, but no improve-
ments in this direction have ever been made in the town of
Canton.
Mention has been made of the action of the legislature
concerning Grasse river. -In 1815, C. Willson, F. Tracy,
and Wm. Richardson were appointed a committee to make
Grasse river navigable for fish ; and on the 12th of April,
1824, a law made the river a public highway, from its
mouth to the high falls in Canton, the construction of dams
being allowed on condition that passages or sluices be pro-
vided for fish to pass. Neglecting to do this or setting nets
or weirs was punishable by a fine of $25. In 1825 the
town appointed Minot Jenison and Thomas D. Olin to in-
vestigate the condition of dams, and prosecute any viola-
tion of the law under a guarantee to indemnify them from
losses arising from lawsuits. Since the country has been
cleared the quantity of water in this stream has been di-
minished so much that it is not esteemed of so much con-
sequence as formerly.
Railroad facilities are afforded by the Rome, Watertown
and Ogdensburg company, which operates a line running
through the town from west to a little north of east, south
of the centre, and in the western part of the town a line
having a northerly direction. The entire length in town is
about 15 miles, the road-bed being about 325 feet above
tide, with easy grades and curves, and is firmly ballasted.
Stations and side-tracks are provided at Canton village and
at Rensselaer Falls. At the former place are neat and
ample depot-buildings, from which large quantities of
freight are received and discharged, and the travel from
this point is very considerable. The road was built by the
Potsdam and Watertown company, which was organized
Jan. 9, 1852. Work in town was commenced in 1853,
and in the fall of 1854 trains began running regularly
from the two points above named. The eastern section of
the road was constructed under the direction of B. Hods-
kin, one of the first directors. In 1860 the Potsdam and
Watertown company sold its franchises and property to the
present company, which, in 1862, constructed the Ogdens-
burg branch from the main line at De Kalb Junction, com-
pleting it through the town of Canton that year.
The first telegraphic communication was over the wires
of the Vermont and Boston line, constructed along the
State road from Potsdam, through Canton, to Ogdensburg
in 1851, stock having been taken along the line to defray
the expense. Subsequently the Blontreal compaiiy erected
lines along the railroad, and at present also controls the old
line. Offices are maintained at the villages in the town.
Express facilities are afforded by the American company,
which has an office in the business part of the village of
Canton.
The project of erecting a town-hall was agitated in
1845, and on the 21st of April, 1846, the supervisors of
the county were directed by an act of the legislature to
levy a tax on the town of $333.35 annually for three years,
to be paid to Benjamin Squire and Cyrus Abernathy, as
212
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
commissioners in trust, with power to erect the building.
A plain but substantial frame structure was erected nearly
opposite the court-house, on a spacious lot fronting the
public square. The control of the house was delegated to
the supervisor of the town and his successors in office. The
huilding has been frequently repaired, but on the 2d of
May, 1877, a special meeting was held to determine the
propriety of erecting a new and more modern hall for the
use of the town. W. H. Sawyer, M. D. Packard, and C.
N. Conkey, as a committee of the annual meeting, reported
in favor of a hall costing |20,000, to be paid in four annual
instalments, and that the bonds of the town be issued to
secure this amount. The electors approved the report, and
appointed L. W. Russell, W. H. Kimball, and Worth Cham-
berlain to execute its provisions. The board of supervisors
legalized this action of the town, and the initiatory steps
for building have been taken.
A description of the proposed building will be found in
connection with the history of the village.
EDUCATION.
The town of Canton has from the first been interested
in advancing the cause of education, giving proper encour-
agement to the common schools and in a liberal measure
fur the promotion of the several institutions of learning
which have been fostered in its midst, a detailed history of
which will appear in connection with a sketch of the vil-
lage.
Schools wore early taught in different localities, — the first
one ou the corner of the new cemetery-grounds in 1804.
Districts were formed as the country settled up. Thirty
districts in all were created, which have been reduced to
the present number, — twenty-eight. In 1877 these con-
tained 2067 children between the ages of 5 and 21 years,
from which an average attendance of 907 pupils was
secured, and $7558 were appropriated for the maintenance
of these schools, and 37 teachers were employed and paid
$8272 for services.
In 1816 an act of 1807, relating to the gospel- and
school-lots of central New York, was extended to this
county, and authorized the supervisor and two commission-
ers, chosen at a town-meeting, to lease them for a term not
exceeding 21 years, and apply the proceeds to the support
of the gospel or schools, or both, as might be directed.
Subsequently the literature-lot was donated to the academy
at Lowville. ■ Besides this revenue, the town appropriations
were usually equal to the State aid, and the schools have
thus been well maintained. In many districts excellent
houses, furnished with the requisites for successful teach-
ing, have 'been provided.
There are 29 school-houses in the town, valued, with their
sites, at $14,100.
MORLEY VILLAGE.
Morley, formerly known as Long Rapids, is pleasantly
situated on both sides of "the Grasse river, in the northeast
corner of the town, near the line between Canton and Lis-
bon, and six miles from Canton village. Stillman Foote
began the settlement by building a dam and erecting a saw-
mill in 1810. Christopher Wilson and Pitts Bailey, from
Vermont, bought the village site and the saw-mill, which
was in an unfinished state. In 1815 they put into this
mill two run of rock-stones, with a bolt. Two years later
they built a new mill, and put in burr-stones. These mills
stood about four rods east of the present stone mill. In
one corner of the last mill Mr. Thomas Fenton had a room
where he carried on wool-carding and cloth-dressing. He
continued here about eight years, and then built a factory
a few rods down the stream, which he occupied about twenty
years. Wilson settled on the east side of the river, and
built the first frame house, on the spot now partly occupied
by Mr. L. Fenton's house. Bailey built a frame house on
the west side of the river. It now forms a part of the Er-
vin hotel, which Bailey built and kept many years. The
first bridge was built about 1820. Before this the settlers
on the west side in going to mill would stop on the bank
with their horse, and a flat-bottomed boat or scow would
go over from the mill for their grist, and return it, when
ground, in the same way. The first saw-mill on the west
side was built by Charles Barrett, who also built the tavern
recently burned. The first store and goods was kept by J.
P. Cummings, in a frame building, where the engine-house
now stands. A year or two later he built the stone build-
ing which is still standing. In this store he was a partner
of Isaac Whitney for six years, and then Whitney bought
the Bailey tavern, which he kept some twelve years. The
present stone grist-mill has four run of stone, and was built
in 1840. It is owned by Mr. T. L. Harrison, and is under
the management of Mr. Rufus K. Jackson. Wm. Wash-
burn was the first blacksmith, and Eden Ray the first car-
penter, in the village. The school-house in the village was
built about eighteen years ago, after plans furnished by Mr.
W. H. Harrison. It is of stone, one story high, and built
in the Gothic order of architecture, its cost being about
three thousand dollars. When the post-office was first es-
tablished here, at Mr. Harrison's request the name of the
village was changed to Morley. This village is the resi-
dence of Mr. Thomas L. Harrison, a son of one of the late
proprietors of this town. Mr. Harrison is secretary of the
State agricultural society. On his farm here near the vil-
lage, he has the finest herds of short-horn cattle in the
country. For seven head he was off'ered, and refused, forty-
five thousand dollars. He occasionally sells a cow for six
thousand dollars, or a bull for fifteen or twenty thousand
dollars. A short-horn calf will bring from five hundred to
one thousand dollars.
The village of Morley contains 2 churches, 1 flouring-
mill, 1 saw-mill, 1 butter-tub factory, 2 asheries, 1 hotel,
4 stores, and the usual mechanic shops, and has a popula-
tion of about 300 souls.
EPISCOPAL CHUKCH, MORLEY.
Trinity chapel was erected in 1870-71, mainly through
the efforts of Mr. T. L. Harrison, a liberal and wealthy
churchman, a resident of the village. It is a stone struc-
ture, of the English Gothic rural style of architecture, open
roof inside, roof-boards and rafters finished in oil, and in
all its appointments presents a very neat appearance. The
chapel is twenty-four by sixty-two feet, with a recessed
chancel of sixteen by twenty-four feet, and will seat about
R.K.Jackson.
Mrs.R. K.Jackson.
RESIDENCE OF ff . K. JACK50N , MofiLEV, (CANroN,)Sr,tAv»ff£NO£ Co.,J(.y.
«-6--»A,>^^
ffE6IDENC£ or JOSHUA Vf. F'NNI
^'omry.iSr.UwRENCE County , Wew Vowk.
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u \y'i
WM.H.FINNIMORE.
MKS.WM. H. FINN/MORE
RESIDENCE or WILLIAM H.riNNIMORE, Morley. (CmtohjSt.Uwhence CoJ.Y.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
213
two hundred and fifty persons. The cost was about twelve
thousand dollars. On the 26th day of July, 1871, it was
consecrated by Bishop Doane, assisted by the neighboring
clergy. This is a mission chapel, and is under the control
of the board of missions of the diocese of Albany. The
present missionary in charge is the Rev. Charles S. Olmstead.
The membership is 125, communicants 42, number con-
firmed since consecration of chapel 54. The Sunday-school
numbers 75 scholars, with the rector as superintendent.
Previous to building this chapel, occasional church services
were held in the school-house for a number of years, by
clergymen from Canton and other places. A Sunday-school
was organized and carried on by ladies connected with the
church, during a period of twenty years, which school was
held in the school-house. The missionaries in charge of this
mission have been Rev. W. S. Hayward, Rev. E. C Prout,
Rev. A. Whitaker.
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, MORLEY.
On the 23d day of September, 1843, the members of the
congregation worshiping at the school-house in tlie village of
Morley met, pursuant to law, and proceeded to organize the
First Wesleyan Methodist society of the village of JNIorley.
Hiram Barber and John Byington were chosen to preside,
and David Clemens, Joel Seger, Zelotus Whitney, John W.
Allen, and Thomas Buflfam were chosen trustees. Among
the first members of this society were David and Naurilla
Clemens, Ira and Joanna Day, John Byington and wife,
Wesley Byington and wife, James S. and Rachel Wright,
Edward and Ruth Gould, Thomas and Sally Fisher, Wil-
son and Lorena Freeman, Peter and Mary Wheeler, Marilla
Whitney, Hiram H. Lockwood, Truman Penoyer, Orlow
Walbridge. The church edifice was built in 1843. It is
a plain one-story frame building, size 40 feet by 60 feet,
cost $1200. The parsonage, built in 1845, is in the same
inclosure ; cost 1800. The pastor first chosen was Rev.
Lincoln Brown. The following have been some of the
officiating pastors since : Rev. Joel Grinnell, Rev. Isaac
. Sprague, Rev. Wm. P. Ray, Rev. Dyar Willis, Rev. N.
Wardner. Rev. J. L. Benton is the present pastor. Mem-
bership, 110.' The Sunday-school is in charge of James S.
Wright, superintendent. Number of scholars, 92 ; teach-
ers, 9 ; library, volumes, 200.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT CRARY's MILLS.
This society was organized September 5, 1823, at the
M. E. (brick) church, located on mile square 3, range 9.
The following is a list of the names of those who composed
the society upon its organization : Wm. Hatch, Hubbard
Clark, James Burgess, Amos Smith, Elisha Clark, Shubael
Clark, Joseph Chandler, Luther Brown, Amos Clark, Justus
Stiles, Jeduthun Farwell, Smith Page. Rev. Constant
Southworth was moderator. The trustees elected were
Jeduthun Farwell, Wm. Hatch, Luther Brown, and Samuel
Clark.
Soon after their organization, Hon. S. Van Rensselaer
deeded to the society thirty-five acres of land, on which to
build a church and parsonage. The parsonage and barn were
built and occupied, but the society after ten years found that
the greater number of their members lived in the vicinity
of Crary's Mills, and resolved to build their church there.
They put up a frame for a church building in 1840, which
was completed in 1844, and dedicated. The size of the
building was 32 feet by 44 feet. The land which was
deeded by Hon. S. Van Rensselaer not having been fully
occupied for the purposes intended, reverted to the heirs.
In 1858 the society bought the land at $10 an acre, and
sold it afterwards at a profit. In 1859 the society was re-
organized by an election of six trustees instead of four, as
formerly. In 1873 the church bu^ilding was repaired
thoroughly, and a porch of 12 feet and a belfry added, the
whole expense being $2200. Rededicated by Rev. Wm.
Miller, February 12, 1874. Rev. Constant Southworth
was pastor from 1823 to 1831. Rev. C. W. Fifield is the
present pastor. Geo. Harper, superintendent of Sabbath-
school ; children 60 ; attendance 40.
RENSSELAER PALLS.
The village of Rensselaer Falls is situated in the north-
west corner of the town, on the east bank of the Oswe-
gatchie river. The R., W. & 0. R. R. runs through the
village. It is 13 miles distant from Ogdensburg, and 10
miles from Canton. It contains nine stores, two churches,
a hotel, a grist-mill, two saw-mills, the Phoenix bent
works, a chair-factory, a cheese-box factory, two wagon-
shops, and other mechanic shops. The river has a fall of
six feet at this place, which gives a good water-power. The
village was begun in 1839 by the erection of a forge by
Tate, Chaffee & Co. It first had the name of Tateville,
from Robert Tate, of the above firm, but it has been more
generally known as Canton Falls, until the establishment of
a post-office. The forge had three fires, and was situated
on the west bank of the river just below the dam. In 1845
the forge was rented to J. W. Browne, who ran it three
years, using bog ore from Lisbon and specular ore from
Hermon. John Shull, Jr., as agent for Van Rensselaer,
built a saw-mill in 1839, on the site now occupied by the
Phojnix bent works. The first mill was carried off hy a
flood, and the second was burned. The first grist-mill was
built in 1842, by Henry Van Rensselaer, which was burned,
and in 1846 the present stone grist-mill was built. Jesse
Bunnell was the first miller, Mr. Rathbone was the first
shoemaker, Caleb Johnson the first blacksmith ; his shop
stood just above the bridge, on the east bank of the river.
The first tavern was built and kept by John Shull, Jr.
The first store was kept by Thomas Leonard, where J. W.
Browne now has his store. Mr. Browne is the oldest mer-
chant in the village, having been there nearly thirty years.
Dr. T. Murdock has been there thirty years, and is the
oldest physician in the place, and was the first. He came
from Vermont. The post-office was established here De-
cember 19, 1851, Archibald Shull being first postmaster.
The present postmaster is 0. Van Waters. The popula-
tion of the village is about 350. Among the early settlers
in the vicinity of Rensselaer Falls were the following per-
sons, and their location : on lot 9, range 2, John Shull, Sr.,
N. Hammond ; on lot 8, range 2, Jacob Shull, Mrs. Ames,
Arch. Shull, Christian Ghering, and A. Johnson; on lot 7,
range 2, W. Randall; on lot 7, range 1, J. Ghering and
C. Goodell ; on lot 8, range 1, J. T. Johnson, J. Ghering,
214
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Jr., and Mrs. Swift; on lot 9, range 1, Dea. Hanna, S. Wal-
roth, Leonard Herring, and A. Sunderlin ; on lot 10, range
1, A. Sharp. The road leading west from the Canton and
running through range 4, is known as the Irish settlement
road, and was settled about thirty years ago by a large
number of emigrants from the Emerald isle.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT RENSSELAEE FALLS.
The first Methodist Episcopal class was formed in the
spring of 1853, by Rev. A. Blackman.from the Heuvelton
circuit. The members of this class were J. L. Gilbert,
Mary Ann Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert and wife, Mrs. Van
Waters, Sophia Parsons, and Catharine Chaffee. The class
remained about the same up to 1855, when Rev. S. F.
Kenyon succeeded Rev. H. Woodruff, and began to preach
here every two weeks. During this year some additions
were made to the class. In 1856, W. C. Lent, a local
preacher, was engaged, and the class received new members.
During 1857 the church grew, and from the progress it was
apparent that the society must have a church of their own.
This society having been a charge of Heuvelton, in 1858,
the Kendrew neighborhood (in De Kalb) was taken, and
with this class formed a charge, having their own quarterly
conference, and W. C. Lent was continued over it. Nov.
11, 1858, the society was legally incorporated, with Joseph
L. Gilbert, Robert Wilstrop, and Joseph Wheater as
trustees. During this year a church was built at an ex-
pense, including the site, of $1000. This church was sit-
uated on Rensselaer street, just east of State. Previous to
building this house, meetings were held in the school-house.
1859, W. C. Lent was returned to this charge. A parsonage
was built on the church lot at an expense of $400, and a
church was built in the Kendrew neighborhood at a cost of
1900. Cooper's Falls appointment was taken from De Kalb
circuit and annexed to this charge. In 1860, conference ap-
pointed Rev. A. Hosier to the charge. 1862, the last year
under the pastorate of Father Mosier, was prosperous. Rev.
J. V. Humphrey came here this year ; under his pastorate
the charge gained a little.
1863. — The session of conference held at Watertown
appointed Rev. A. M. Roe, A.M., formerly principal of
Gouverneur Wesleyan seminary, to the charge, and the
church prospered.
1864. — Rev. A. M. Roe was returned. In 1865, con-
ference at Potsdam appointed Rev. G. P. Kenney. During
this year there was a revival, and the church increased and
prospered. In 1866, there was more than the usual pros-
perity, and congregations were good, and the society felt the
need of a better church. Towards the close of the year the
church and parsonage were sold for $1875. A new church
was projected. In 1867, Rev. G. P. Kenney was returned.
A lot was bought for the new edifice, which was to be of
brick, size, forty by sixty feet, with basement under the
whole, and all above ground. In November the building
was inclosed, and the basement made ready for use during
the winter. In 1868, Rev. A. T. Copeland was sent to this
charge. The church edifice was completed and dedicated
Sept. 16, 1868. Rev. B. I. Ives, chaplain of Auburn
prison, preached the sermon, after which he stated that the
church cost about $8000, and that a balance of $5000 was
to be raised. Subscriptions were called for, and the follow-
ing sums subscribed : Joseph Wheater, $1000 ; Thomas
A. Madill, Hiram Stoddard, and Benjamin Wheater, each
$500; R. Wilstrop and wife, $300; J. L. Gilbert and
wife, $250 ; Thomas Dickinson, J. W. Browne, and A. S.
Barter, each $200. Others subscribed with equal liberality.
The amount realized was $5114. This unexpected result
gave great satisfaction to all concerned. During this year
a union protracted meeting was held by the Methodist and
Cono-regational churches, with great success. The pastors
officiating since that time have been Rev. W. F. Brown,
1870 ; Rev. J. B. McCuUough, 1873. During this year a
parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church.
1877. — This church has a present membership of 160,
and is under the pastoral charge of Rev. C. Phelps. The
present trustees are J. W. Browne, Joseph Wheater, and
S. F. Dexter. The Sunday-school has about 75 scholars ;
officers and teachers, 15. George Spooner, superintendent.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OP RENSSELAER PALLS
was organized June 6, 1842, at the school-house in the vil-
lage, with the following members : Deacon John ShuU and
wife, Jacob Shull and wife, Archibald Shull and wife. Chris-
tian Ghering and wife, and Joseph Lytle and wife.
The society prospered and grew with a healthy growth.
In 1847, they decided to erect a church edifice suitable to
the needs of the society. At a meeting legally called,
Jacob Shull and F. F. Rathbone were chosen to preside,
and John Shull, Jr., William Hanna, and T. F. Rathbone
were chosen trustees, July 19, 1847. Work was begun,
but the building was not completed until in 1848, the latter
part of the year. Jan. 11, 1849, the church edifice was
dedicated, the dedicatory prayer being made by the pastor,
Rev. G. Cross, and the sermon preached by Rev. B. B.
Parsons. The size of the church was thirty-six by fifty
feet, and cost $800. In 1875, extensive repairs, alterations,
and improvements were made to it, and Feb. 16, 1876, it
was re-dedicated, the sermon for the occasion being preached
by Rev. J. C. Holbrook, D.D., of Syracuse, the dedicatory .
prayer by Rev. G. Cross, a former pastor, now of Richvilie.
The size of the building as improved is thirty-six by sixty
feet, and the cost was about $5000. The parsonage belong-
ing to the society was built in 1870, and cost about $1500.
The value of the property held by the society is not far
from $8000. The pastors have been as follows : Rev. L.
W. Chaney, Rev. R. T. Cross, and the present pastor, Rev.
G. A. Rockwood, who has been pastor during nine years.
The present membership of the church is one hundred and
two. The present trustees of the society are T. F. Craig,
Andrew Bennett, and Robert Akins. In connection with
the church is the Women's Missionary board, with a mem-
bership of forty-five.
The Sabbath-school has a membership of 150 scholars.
Library, 200 volumes. Superintendent, Mr. N. E. Doty.
The church and Sabbath-school are both in a prosperotiffl
and flourishing condition. a
FELLOWSHIP LODGE, NO. 749, P. AND A. M.
This lodge was organized March 5, 1874. Its charter
members were, John R. Mills, Frank B. Dorothy, P-
0. NOfiTOM.
MffS.O. fioHTOH.
RES. or MffS. O.NORTON, CANTON, 5T.L/iWR£NCE CO..N.Y.
Mhs. E.Sanderson.
Mfs.N. Sanderson.
L Sanderson.
FHOTOS 81 MBS DB J HiroNCOM C«»TO«,
RES. or N SANDERSON, Gmton St Uw^ENCz Co N Y
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
215
McComiick, L. H. Hill, Irwin H. Rose, Daniel DiJdn-
son, and James E. Barber. Its first ofiicers, U. D., were,
J. R. Mills, W. M.; F. B. Dorothy, S. W. ; P. McGor-
miok, J. W. Its present officers are, L. H. Hill, W. M. ;
S. J. Lewis, S. W.; M. Chambers, J. W. ; T. McKelvy,
Treas. ; J. J. Doty, Sec. ; Wm. Dexter, S. D. ; A. Clark,
J. D. ; W. B. Rose, Tyler.
THE VILLAGE OF CANTON.
This village, the seat of justice of St. Lawrence County
since 1828, is situated near the centre of the town north
and south, and on lots 3 and 4 of ranges V. and VI. east
and west. It is 18 miles from Ogdensburg, 11 miles from
Potsdam, and 24 miles from Gouverneur, with which city
and tillages it is connected by the Rome, Watertown and
Ogdensburg railroad. By rail it is about 30 miles from the
latter city. Originally, its area was one mile square, lying
northeast and southwest, on both sides of the Grasse river,
but was subsequently enlarged to two miles square, and
again reduced to its original limits.
The first settlement was made on the present plat of the
village by one Daniel Harrington, the details of which have
been previously given in the history of the town. Stillman
Foote located the original mile square in 1800, and pur-
chased the same of the proprietors, and was really the first
permanent settler, not only of the village, but also of the
town.
Prominent among the early settlers on the village site
were Dr. Wm. Noble, the first physician, who owned the
tract including the present university grounds, and located
in 1804-5; Dr. Daniel Campbell, 1807; Dr. Elijah
Baker, 1808 ; Edwin Jones, father of D. M. Jones, the
manufacturer and merchant of to-day, 1803 ; Amos Jones,
Sr., Medad Moody, father of Captain Lucius Moody, 1804;
Silas Wright, 1819, and his brother Pliny, the latter still
a resident of the village ; Silas Baldwin and Dr. Darius
Clark, 1824; and Nathaniel and B. Hodskin, 1827. Mr.
Baldwin, or, as he was always called, 'Squire Baldwin, and
B. Hodskin still reside in the village. Others were E.
Frost, Alvin 0. Low, S. Prentice, and E. Bridge. Harry
Smith came in 1830, and- Walter Brown about the same
time. In 1825, Ebenezer Miner came to the village tem-
porarily, and settled permanently in 1829. Also Clapp,
Bailey, the Walkers, Benjamin, Dan, and Solomon, and
Joseph and John Barnes were early comers to the village.
Stillman Foote lived in one end of his saw-mill for a time
after his family's arrival, and then built a house on the
brow of the hill, in 1802, which, enlarged and renewed, still
overlooks the village under the overarching branches of
some great elms, planted out by the present Stillman Foote,
of Ogdensburg, and his brothers. Dr. Campbell built his
house where the one occupied by Mr. Traver now stands,
and, in 1812, it, with the house of Mr. Foote on the op-
posite side of the river, were about all the dwellings there
were in the village, at least of any pretensions. Mrs.
Miner, widow of E. Miner, deceased, and daughter of Dr.
Campbell, says the first dance ever held by white folks
in Canton was in the upper part of a large wood-shed at-
tached to the doctor's house. An Indian family used fre-
quently to stop at an old house which stood on the present
site of the Hodskin house.
During the War of 1812, the doctor closed his store and
opened a tavern for the accommodation of travelers and
troops passing through the village en route for Ogdensburg
and the scene of hostilities. On one occasion, a sloop-load
of goods was confiscated by the American commander, and
sent secretly to Dr. Campbell's house. A force of our
British cousins started from Prescott to recover the goods
of which they had been despoiled, but Providence was on
the side of the Yankees, and a furious snow-storm delayed
and at last turned the soldiers back, and the goods were
sold. The value of the same was $50,000, and the sale was
ever after known as the " great vendue."
Captain Lucius Moody, still a resident of the village, was
born therein in 1806, being the second male born in the
the town. His father, Medad Moody, bought about two
acres of ground, including the present site of the Hodskin
House, and built a house thereon, and in after-years built
a larger one for hotel purposes. Capt. Moody is at the
present time the oldest resident, in point of occupancy, in
the village. His father was born in Amherst, Mass., and
came "from Weybridge, Vt., with his wife and two chil-
dren, Simeon D. and Clarissa, — afterwards the wife of Gov.
Silas Wright, — in 1804, finding their way through the
forest from Lake Champlain to St. Regis by blazed trees.
His first location was on the south side of the river, just
above the present bridge. He was captain of a military
company at Ogdensburg during the War of 1812.
MANUFACTURING.
Excellent water-power is afforded by the Grasse river at
the village, there being natural falls or rapids, which have
been improved by several substantial dams and flumes.
Power is thus supplied to a number of manufacturing es-
tablishments, whose products are a source of considerable
revenue to the place. Stillman Foote was the pioneer
manufacturer. Having obtained possession of the mill site
and its privileges in 1800, the following year he began to
build a saw-mill, under the direction of Daniel W. Church,
a millwright, from Vermont, bringing the mill-irons from
that State. It stood near the site of the present " Eagle
Mills," and was gotten into operation in the fall of 1801.
" The next summer, a single run of rock-stones, driven by
a tub wheel, was put in a part of the mill ; and this was
the first and only mill in town until after the War of 1812."
In 1820 the second saw-mill was put up in the same locality,
by a son of the above, Henry Foote, the framework being
used afterwards in the construction of another mill on the
same site, which became widely known as the " Jackson
Mill." This was erected on a very extensive scale, in 1860,
by the late B. E. Jackson, and was at that time reputed
the best mill of the kind in the country. Subsequently
this became the property of B. Hodskin, by whom it is yet
operated. It is a very complete establishment for the
manufacture of all kinds of lumber, with a cutting capacity
of 20,000 feet per ten hours, and contains a planer, edger,
shingle and lath machines. In 1872, 4,000,000 feet of
spruce lumber were manufactured, most of which was
shipped to the Albany markets. The logs to supply this
216
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mill are floated down the river from points thirty miles
above, and furnish an excellent quality of lumber. When
fully worked, thirty men are employed in these mills.
About 1840, Silas Wright built a custom-work saw-mill
on the site of the planing-mill, which was burned in 1852.
Another saw-mill, occupying the site of the " St. Lawrence"
grist-mill, was erected by Chauncey Foote, in 1845. After
being the property of L. Buck, it was sold to Captain
Moody, who removed it to make way for the grist-mill.
A short distance above the island, near the mouth of
Van Rensselaer creek, Silas Parker built a saw-mill in
1850, with a capacity of from 5000 to 10,000 feet per day.
This is at present operated by Joel Noolan.
The first good grist-mill was in a stone building erected
east of the saw-mills on the island on the opposite side of
the river, about 1817, by Still man Foote. It was operated
a number of years, but was discontinued when other mills
were built. A fire destroyed the building, but a part of the
wall remains in the shops erected on its site.
In 1842, Henry Van Rensselaer erected the '' Eagle
Mills," for custom and merchant work. It is a very fine
four-story structure, built of the beautiful stone found in
this section, 45 by 65 feet, the walls being 2k feet thick.
At first there were three run of stones, but another has been
added, giving it a capacity of 600 bushels per day. The
mill has seven iron water-wheels, and all the improved
modern machinery. Since 1871 it has been the property
of Lasell & Jewett. A fine view of these excellent mills
appears in this work.
The " St. Lawrence ilills" is a fine three-story brick
building, on the island, opposite the above. It was erected
in 1859-60, by Lucius Moody, is 40 by 60 feet, has five
wheels and four run of stones, and, like the other mills,
does custom and merchant work. It is at present owned
and operated by'Hod.skin & Sherwin, and is first-class in
every respect.
Some time before the War of 1812, Stillman Foote es-
tablished a bloom-forge on the east side of the river, in the
rear of whei'e Jones' furnace now stands. The forge was
run on bog ores found in the northern part of the town,
and red hematite from Chaumont. The power was fur-
nished by a large undersliot wheel, and the manufacture of
iron was successfully carried on until about 1828.
About 1815, Mr. Foote also put up a distillery in the
same locality, and in 1827 an extensive marble-factory, near
the same place. About all the material used in the county
before 1835 was here prepared, the material used being the
rock found at Crary's Mills. At that point Mr. Foote had
erected machinery to cut the stone into suitable blocks.
Unfortunately, this rock did not withstand the corrosive
efi'ects of the elements, and its manufacture had soon to be
abandoned.
In 1827, Nathaniel Hodskin erected a pocket-furnace,
on the west side of the river, which was the first establish-
ment of the kind in the county. It had an open forge
capable of melting half a ton of iron at a time, the fire
being fed by charcoal. Here were made ordinary castings
and the famous Jethro Wood plow, whose introduction
marks an important era in the history of the agriculture of
the State. This establishment was removed to the east
side of the river in 1833, into a large stone building, which
is yet occupied for this purpose, and B. Hodskin associated
with his father in the conduct of the business. The work
produced now included mill-irons and casting for machinery,
that used in the Elagle mills being here manufactured.
Stoves were also made, and the manufacture of improved
plows, as the " Poughkcepsie," " Peekskill," and " Eagle
of Worcester" patterns, received especial attention. It is
estimated that nearly all the plows used in St. Lawrence
and Franklin counties, previous to 1850, came from these
shops.
In 1852 the property passed into the hands of D. M.
Jones, who, in 1860, enlarged the capacity of the works by
the addition of a krge brick furnace of the best construction.
The stone building was supplied with iron working lathes,
etc., and has since been used as a general machine-shop in
connection with the furnace. Mr. Jones employs ten men
in the manufacture of general foundry-work, stoves, and
plows and cultivators of his own designing, which are favor-
ably used.
Storr's machine-works occupy a frame building on the
island, erected in 1871, for the manufacture of a machine
to be used by tailors in pressing the seams of clothing.
The device is a very ingenious one, and more than 2000
machines have been sold, one establishment alone, in Bos-
ton, employing 60. The machine is the invention of Levi
B. Storrs, by whom the factory is carried on. Employs
from eight to ten men, and uses steam- and water-power.
In the early days of the town there were a number of
pot and pearl asheries at the village, carried on by L. E.
Clark, B. Hodskin, and others, and a large establishment
of this nature by E. Miner, from 1830 to 1854.
The first to engage in the tanning business was Elias C.
Page, who began in a small way near the bridge on the
island. A larger tannery was put up by him near the
same place, in 1830, which was destroyed by fire, and in
1840 he laid the foundation of Jones' tannery. This was
very much enlarged by J. Traver, who purchased the prop-
erty in 1853, and is at present an extensive establishment,
occupying three large buildings. From ten to twelve hun-
dred cords of hemlock bark are used annually in the 93
vats, whose capacity is 75,000 calf-skins per annum.
Eight men are employed (no leather being finished), under ,
the direction of a skillful foreman.
A fourth tannery was put up in 1846, by David Sears,
which was subsequently converted to other uses.
The manufacture of woolen articles began in 1827 ; a
man named Bird having a carding-machine in a building
attached to the saw-mill, on the west side. A similar ma-
chine is at present operated in the old furnace building, the
upper portion of which was adapted for a woolen-factory in
1850, by B. Hodskin. There were two sets of machinery,
to manufacture all sorts of woolen goods. After a few years
operation the factory was discontinued.
A potato-starch factory was put up in 1848, by B. Hods-
kin and D. D. Weed, which was also discontinued after
three years' operation, and was the only one which was ever |
erected in town.
About 1852, A. Fowler began the manufacture of axes
and edged tools in a small shop on the east side of the
Resiocnce or Wm.O. SQUIRES, Canton, N.-Y.
Asa. Coni(ey.
MffS.ASACONK^Y.
Asa Conkey, at his death the oldest citizen of this
county, resided in Canton seventy-one years. He
was a native of Massachusetts, being born in Pelham,
in that State, Nov. 22, 1784. Nine years afterward
his father removed with his family to Orwell, Vt.,
and thence to this town, April 16, 1802. The sub-
ject of our memoir was then in his eighteenth year,
and engaged in the carpenter's trade with his father
for a considerable time. During the last war with
Great Britain (1812) he enlisted and served under
General Brown. In 1814 he married Anna Clark,
of Orwell, Vt., who died three years afterward.
The year following he married Mrs. Mary Bannister.
His first home was on the land now occupied by Mr.
Henry Southworth. In 1816 he bought a farm
where Mr. Charles Matthews now lives. The death
of his first wife occurred there, and was the fore-
runner of other trials. Soon after be met those of
another kind. Business reverses, unprofitable specu-
lations, and other disappointments stripped him of
all his possessions, and in 1824, and at the age
of forty, he began the world anew with, as he said
himself, a stout heart, willing hands, and trust in
Providence. In 1826 he removed to the valuable
and beautiful lands where he passed the rest of his
life.
Industry aud foresight were effectual in accumu-
lating a competence; and having passed into years
beyond the usually allotted age of man, and buried
his wife, he retired from the activities of secular life,
leaving the many concerns of his business to his son,
Charles N., in whom he justly reposed the most
unquestioning confidence, and who uniformly honored
him with affectionate respect. There also survived
him a daughter, Mrs. E. C. Goff, and two sons,
Theodore and Hamilton, all in Wisconsin, and the
Rev. Dr. Bannister, of the university in Evanston,
111., his wife's son by her previous marriage, and who
was to him, in all respects, like his own child. One
child died in infancy.
That event of his life most noticeable and valuable
was his becoming a Christian. This occurred in
1827. Six years later he was elected and ordained
an elder in the Presbyterian church, and lived and
died having " good report of all men, and of the
truth itself." Sprung from the Scotch-Irish colony
that settled in New Hampshire about 1720; trained
amid the traditions of Indian incursions and the
old French war; habituated to New England indus-
try, thoughtfulness, perseverance, and improving
skill, he was well qualified to be the influential man
he truly was. His piety was of the most Scripturally
intelligent type. Judging a man by the true standard,
not what he has, or what he knows, but what he is,
Asa Conkey was one of the just whose memory is
blessed. Led of the Spirit of God by the faith
which is in Christ Jesus, his faith was like the light
which shineth more and more until the perfect day.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
217
river. Subsequently he established himself on the island,
where he carried on the works until 1875, when the present
proprietor, M. A. Fowler, assumed the business. Several
thousand axes and many edged tools are produced per year.
The building of which he occupies a part was erected about
1846, by Barrows & Blanchard, for a butter-tub and cheese-
box factory. Several years later Henry Stickles put in
machinery for a sash and blind factory, and as such it has
been operated ever since.
On the site of Sears' tannery are Lawrence & Taylor's
planing-mill, T. Williams' chair-factory, and Peter Nolan's
furniture-factory. Among the first to engage in the manu-
facture of furniture was the firm of Lawrence & Irwin.
The former is yet in the business. A. J. Gage & Co. are
also furniture-manufacturers.
Thomas Champlin came to Canton about 1820, and
worked at his trade as a wheelwright from that time until
his death. In 1875, S. W. Wright established himself as
a carriage-builder, in the old Champlin shop on Water street,
erecting, in 1877, a new building in addition, to accommo-
date his business. Employment is given to nine men, and
all kinds of vehicles are manufactured. On the same street
T. E. Clark has carried on the business since 1874, in a
building which stands on a spot that has always been used
for shop-purposes. The lower part is used as a smithy by
E. D. & T. D. Jackson, the former having worked at this
place since 1843. Farther down the street, C. Bailey
worked at the trade at an early day, and in 1846 erected
the present stone shop, which still bears his name. Amos
Jones, Sr.,was the first in the place to engage at the trade,
having a shop near the Presbyterian church. Walter Brown,
Jr., and a man named Frost, were also early smiths in the
village.
On the island, south of the bridge, a commodious shop
has been erected, in which G. E. Champlin & J. W. Jef-
frey carry on the manufacture of caiTiages and wagons on
a large scale.
In 1874, J. H. Rushton engaged in boat-building on a
small scale, using a model which has proved very satisfac-
tory. The business has been gradually enlarged, until at
present nearly a hundred boats per year are built, with an
increasing demand from all parts of the country. A spec-
ialty is made of very light boats, for fishing and sporting
purposes, and the " Rob Roy'' canoe.
Besides the foregoing manufacturing interests, the village
has the usual complement of small mechanic shops.
A boy, named Lewis Kirk, an apprentice with Mr.
Hedges, attempted the manufacture of a spinning-jenny,
but, not succeeding, went to Lowell, Mass., where his talent
for invention and ingenious workmanship was recognized,
and he became in after-years one of the leading machinists
of that great manufacturing city.
TRADE.
The first stock of goods brought into the village for the
purposes of trade was a small one by Dr. Campbell, who
kept the same in a room in his dwelling-house in 1807, and
which room was afterwards converted into a bar-room, when
he opened his house as a tavern.
In 1827 there were three stores in the village, conducted
28
by E. Bridge, on Main street, above Union block, in a brick
house, the first building of that material in the village.
Barnes and Sacrider were opposite, the site of the Hodskin
house, in the frame building now used for a blacksmith-
shop. A. C. Low and A. Bacon were where Harry Smith'^
drug-store now stands.
B. Hodskin established the first hardware-store in 1850,
in the old white house, in company with H. D. Langdon.
Daniel Black was one of the first to open a drug-store, on
the site of Jacob Jewett's store. Harry Smith began
trading in 1832, and has continued in the business ever
since to the present time. Solomon Boynton was one of the
leading merchants on Main street in 1830, and later. He
died in the village. Ebenezer Miner began trading in the
village in 1830, or thereabouts, and continued until 1857,
and was for many years a leading merchant, keeping a gen-
eral stock. Christopher Cook and Simeon D. Moody, the
latter an early merchant and long in trade, were also among
the business men of Main street. M. D. Packard is one
of the oldest dry goods men in the place, having been so
engaged since 1854, and in the same location. Moses
Wliitcomb was one of the leading men in the dry goods
line in the town in his time. Medad Moody and Nathan
Walker were in trade together soon after 1816, and sent
twice a week to Ogdensburg for pork and flour by an ox-
team.
In the furniture trade, Lorenzo Lawson has been en-
gaged for more than thirty-five years. Joseph Ellsworth
has been over twenty years in the boot and shoe trade, and
is the oldest dealer in that line at present in the village.
L. B Storrs is the oldest clothier, having been thirty years
in the business here. R. B. Ellsworth is also in the cloth-
ing trade in Miner block. D. M. Jones and H. L. Sackrider
have been engaged in the hardware trade since 1859. The
dry goods men at present are Packard, Simmons & Saiford,
and Havens. Conkey & Sherman have an elegant drug-store
and carry a heavy stock. They have been so engaged
since 1865. Harry Smith and Seymour are also engaged
in the druggist's line. Dr. Wm. Noble had a store on the
Potsdam road in 1835, and before. Mr. Smith has always
kept more or less of a general stock of merchandise, and
in earlier days it was said that no one could ask for an
article at his counter and not find what he wanted.
A wan'er was once laid between two friends — one a
strano-er to the town — that no article could be called for
by the stranger that Mr. Smith could not produce. The
strano-er immediately walked into the store and called for
"a second-hand hog-yoke." '-AH right, I have just the
article you want," said Mr. Smith, and, throwing open the
door of a back room, sure enough there was the very thing
called for.
THE PROFESSIONS.
The attorneys of the present will be found named in the
history of the bar. Hon. Silas Wright was the first lawyer
to locate in Canton, and he came here in 1819. Silas
Baldwin came in 1824, and formed a partnership with
Mr. Wright, though he was not formally admitted to the
bar until 1827. Wm. C. Cooke was admitted in 1843;
John Leslie Russell, in 1830 ; Thomas V. Russell, in 1838 ;
Judo-e W. H. Sawyer, 1852 ; Leslie W. Russell, 1862.
218
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The physicians have been as follows : Dr. W. Noble, the
first one, about 1805-6 ; Dr. Daniel Campbell, 1807 ; Dr.
Elijah Baker, 1808; Dr. Darius Clark, 1824; Dr. J. S.
Conkey, 1843; Dr. R. R. Sherman, 1860; Drs. A. C.
Ames, J. C. Preston. The last four named are still in
practice, and belong to the old school of medicine. Drs.
Baker and Clark were the leading physicians of the village
and vicinity for many years, and were skillful in their pro-
fession and prominent in the community. Both died in the
village, and were buried in the old cemetery. Dr. Ames
was a student of Dr. Baker, and Dr. Conkey and Dr. Sher-
man were students of Dr. Clark. Dr. Conkey practiced
about twenty years in Antwerp, Jefferson county.
Of the homoeopathic school, Dr. Austin was the first
physician to locate in Canton, coming here in 1857. He
was succeeded by Dr. Reno, and the latter by Dr. Fisher.
Dr. Daygart also practiced here, and Drs. E. E. Fisher and
Sanford Hoag are the present practitioners.
The dentists are Dr. John Hitchcock, who located in
1865; Dr. Fred. Hosley, 1873 ; and Dr. J. H. Wilson, in
or about 1874. Dr. Joshua Gr. Willis and Dr. Favell were
the first to operate in the dental profession in the village.
Bowerman Brothers and Dr. Holmes were here before
1865. Dr. Gleason succeeded Dr. Holmes, and Dr. Hosley
succeeded Gleason.
The clerical profession is represented by the pastors of
the several churche:-, who are named in that connection ;
and the teachers are also named in connection with the
university and schools.
THE PRESS
is represented by the St. Lawrence Plaindealer and the
Commercial Advertiser, detailed sketches of which appear
in the chapter devoted to the press in the general history.
AUTHORSHIP.
Prof. John S. Lee, D.D., of the St. Lawrence univer-
sity, has been a traveler to some considerable extent, and
has given to the world his observations and conclusions in
two neat and tastily-printed volumes, from the Williamson
and Cantwell press, of Cincinnati. One of them, entitled
" Sacred Cities,'' an octavo of 2C6 pages, treats of his trav-
els in Palestine, and is a most interesting companion. An-
other, entitled " Nature and Art in the Old World," is an
octavo of 441 pages, very neatly printed, and a valuable
addition to the library. The oiiticisms of the press have
been very flattering to the autlior of these books, and it is
with pleasure that we place upon the records of the county
the present notice of the doctor and his works.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
Mrs. Dr. Hitchcock is the present excellent artist in the
village, having opened a gallery here in 1866, as successor
of N. L. Stone, now of Potsdam. She has executed a large
portion of the photographic work for this histoi-y, and has
a good patronage. Mr. Stone succeeded Sherman.
BANKING.
R. M. Godard & Co. were the first to establish a bank-
ing-office in Canton, and they did so in 1858, and failed in
1860-61. They were succeeded, in 1862, by H. J. Mes-,
senger, who opened a banking-office, in 18G2 or thereabouts,
with Holland as cashier, and two years later organized the
bank of Canton under the State banking law. Messenger
suspended in 1868, M. D. Packard being appointed re-
ceiver. During the time of the bank of Canton the Com-
mercial bank was begun, and after receiving deposits for
about three weeks closed its doors, and its manager departed
with the funds.
In January, 1870, the present banking-house of S. D.
Hungerford & Co. was opened in the building occupied for-
merly by the bank of Canton, under the management of
W. H. Kimball, president, and S. D. Kimball, cashier. In
1870 the present banking-office was built and occupied.
The business of the bank is confined to loans and deposits,
the latter averaging about 1 125,000 during the year last
past.
HOTELS.
The first public-house opened for entertainment of trav-
elers was by Stillman Foote, Sr., in 1804, on the south side
of the river, on the hill. Dr. Campbell opened the second
one, in 1812, on the east side of the river, on the site now
occupied by Mr. Traver's house. Medad Moody erected a
square frame house on the present site of the Hodskin,
House, in 1820, which was destroyed by fire and rebuild
several times, the last time it was burned being in 1862.
It was not rebuilt. Blr. Moody was its host. B. Hodskin
bought the site and, in 1864, put up the present house,
which is a brick edifice, 55 by 50 feet, and 60 by 40 feet
to the rear, four stories in height, has forty sleeping-rooms
and spacious parlors, and cost $25,000. It has been con-
ducted a portion of the time by Mr. Hodskin, but the pres-
ent landlord is H. Bromley. The house was built on de-
mand of the people for suitable accommodations for the
convenience of those having business at the county-seat,
and for the traveling public, and a bonus of $5000 was
given by the people in aid of its construction. Mr. Hods-
kin has, during the fall of 1877, erected an elegant and
commodious cottage, on adjoining grounds to the main hotel,
for the comfort and convenience of family boarders, which
is as yet uncompleted, but is designed to be ready for the
next season's business. A view of the " Hodskin" and its
surroundings, including the cottage, may be seen on another
page.
The "American House" was built in 1825 by S. Pren-
tice, and kept as the " Prentice hotel" until about 1840,
when it passed into the ownership of Henry Foote, and
from him to the Bridge brothers, who changed the name to
the "American." It is at present the property of B.
Hodskin ; B. Lynde, host.
The "Commercial hotel" is run principally for the ac-
commodation of those attending the courts.
PUBLIC HALLS.
The Union block, built in 1850, contained the first pub-
lic hall, aside from the town-hall, in the village. It was
erected by B. Hodskin, and was destroyed by fire in 1869.
Before 1858, Ebenezer Miner put up a small hall, whieK
was destroyed by fire that year, and rebuilt by Mr. Miner,
and again destroyed. In 1871. Mr. Miner erected. the
NATHANIEL HODSKIN.
/
/
Nathaniel Hodskin was an early pioneer of Chenango county, State
of New York, whither he immigrated with his parents, when a boy
of twelve years, from his native State of New Hampshire, wherein he
was born May 15, 1788. He' and his
father cleared up a heavily-timbered
farm in the town of Otselic, the latter /'
dying there before the son attained /%
hia majority. About the year 1809, ''
Mr. Hodskin married Lydia Hill,
also a native of New England, who
immigrated to Otselic with her pa-
rents at an early day. In 1827, Mr.
Hodskin removed with his family to
Canton, St. Lawrence County, where
he arrived on the 27th day of Sep-
tember, stopping at the Moody
House, then occupying the site of
the present Hodskin House, built by
his son.
Soon after his arrival in Canton,
Mr. Hodskin began the erection of a
"pocket" furnace, and had it in
operation in four weeks' time, and
manufactured plows therein during
the fall and winter succeeding. This
furnace was just below the present
site of the Eagle Mills, and was the
first one erected in the county. In
1833 he and his son, B. Hodskin,
built the stone furnace now owned
by D. M. Jones, the father and son
continuing in partnership in the busi
ness until 1847, when the elder Hod-
skin retired from the firm, and after about two years removed to
the farm now owned by Mr, Tallman, just on the edge of the village.
He remained on the farm but two or three years, when he returned to
the village and reoceupied the dwelling he first erected in 1828-29,
and passed the remainder of his days therein.
Mr. Hodskin was an active business man, and successful generally,
though he never accumulated a large
amount of wealth. He, however,
had a comfortable competency, from
which he contributed, as far as he
was able, to all public enterprises for
the benefit of his town.
In politics Mr. Hodskin was for-
merly a member of the Whig party,
but on the disruption of that organi-
zation he cast his lot with that of its
life-long opponent, the Democratic
party. He was never an applicant
for office, and resolutely declined all
important ones, but yet was ever
willing to do what was required of
the private citizen.
He and his wife were members of
the Universalist church, and lived
in concord together for sixty-six
years, being blest with robust health
until within a very short period
before their demise, — Mr. Hodskin
dying August 18, 1875, aged eighty-
seven years, and his wife, March 27,
1877, aged eighty-six years. It is
said of her that she was kind, benevo-
lent, and industrious, a most excel-
lent nurse in time of sickness, and
persisted in doing her own house-
work without the aid of a domestic
until her husband's last illness. Two sons and three daughters blessed
their union, of whom two now survive, — B. Hodskin, of Canton, and
Clarissa, now Mrs. Hiram A. Rice, of Jefferson county.
BAKZILLAI HODSKIN.
Barzillai UodBkin, the oldest son of Nathaniel Hodskin, of Canton,
was born in Otselic, Chenango county. State of New York, March 27,
1810. When about twelve years old he removed with his father's
family to Madison county, and from thence, in 1827, to Canton. He
received a fair common-school education, and when twenty-two years
of age engaged with his father, in
Canton, in the furnace business, and
remained so connected until 1847,
when his father retired and the son
continued the business until 1854, at
which time he sold it out. In 1850
he engaged in the hardware trade in
Canton with a Mr. Langdon, and on
closing out his furnace business gave
his entire attention to his hardware
trade; but Mr. Langdon dying the
same year, the stock was sold and the
partnership closed. In November of
that year he was elected county treas-
urer of the county of St. Lawrence,
and for the next succeeding four
years his time was occupied with his
official duties and those of director
of the Potsdam and Watertown rail-
road, to which position he was chosen
the same year. In 1858 he was
chosen treasurer of. the road, and
held the office until the road was
sold in 1880. As managing director
he was actively engaged in the con-
struction of the road and its opera-
tions. From 1850 to 1860 he was
associated also with others in the
constrnction of every plank-road leading from Canton, and con-
tributed largely in money and time for the prosecution of those
enterprises. In 1861, with Mr. Cutting, he began again in the hard-
ware trade in Carthage, Jefferson county, where they remained one
year, and then removed to Gouverneur, Mr. Hodskin selling his
interest in 1863, and closing his mercantile career. In 1864, Mr.
Hodskin built the Hodskin House (a view of which we present to our
readers on another page of this work), and conducted it as a hostelry
a portion of the time for the next four years. In 1869 and 1870 he
was engaged in silver-mining in Colorado, being the superintendent
for the St. Lawrence Silver Mining Company. In May, 1872, he en-
gaged in superintending the saw-mill
of E. E. Jackson for the executors of
that estate, and bought the property
in January, 1874, and has been en-
gaged in the manufacture of lumber
since then to the present time.
Mr. Hodskin's has been an active
and busy life, and besides the
various enterprises before mentioned,
he has engaged extensively in build-
ing, having erected in Canton five
dwellings, some of them of imposing
appearance and somewhat costly in
construction, and several business
blocks, and though the village has
been devastated by fires in its busi-
ness portion rather frequently, he
has fortunately escaped them all.
On the 8th day of January, 1835,
he was united in marriage to Sarah
A. Hutchins, daughter of Roswell
Hutchins, of Norfolk. She is a native
of St. Lawrence County, her father
being born in Vermont. Two chil-
dren, now living, have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Hodskin, — Roswell N.,
a merchant in Omaha, Nebraska,
and Delia B., now living at home.
In politics Mr. Hodskin was formerly a Whig, but since 1858 has
been of the Democratic faith. The esteem in which he is held by his
fellow-citizens is best shown, perhaps, by their choice of him as
county treasurer and superintendent of the poor, though opposed to
him largely in politics throughout the county.
In religious belief he is a Universalist.
FESTUS TRACY.
MRS. FESTUS TRACY.
FESTTJS TKACY.
The name of Festua Tracy deseryes a conspicuous place on the roll
of the St. Lawrence County pioneerSj and the record of his life fur-
nishes us another illustrious example of that sturdy, self-reliant, and
determined class of men who are the pride and boast of our country.
It was this noble yeomanry who encountered danger and endured
hardship in order that the development of the resources of the coun-
try might be rendered possible. AH honor to them, and thrice honor
to the memory of him who not only helped to pave the way for immi-
gration, but who himself became one of the most useful and promi-
nent men of the town. Festus Tracy was u. self-made man, and
possessed those admirable qualities common to that class of men in
a full measure. "His was a will to do and dare," and though beset
by many difl&cuUies, nothing could deter the accomplishment of bis
purposes. He was the third son of Perez and Elizabeth (Hyde)
Tracy, and a native of Norwich, Conn. While but, a mere lad his
parents moved to Orwell, Vt., where they opened a public-house
for the entertainment of the many travelers then passing that way.
Soon after their settlement a fatal epidemic prevailed, to which both
Mr. and Mrs. Tracy fell victims. Absalom Fuller, a cousin of the
family, had compassion on the orphanage of Festus, and adopted
him into his own family, rearing him to the life of a farmer. His
educational advantages were thus limited to the spare intervals when
the work of the farm did not require his assistance; but ho made
good use of his opportunities, and had a laudable ambition to rise
above his circumstances. Having attained his majority, he bade his
benefactor adieu, and struck out boldly to seek his fortune in the
then unexplored regions of the northwest, engaging to assist Amos
Lay in surveying. The period from 1798 to 1800 was thus spent in
the wilds of Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, and while engaged
in surveying the town of Canton the richness of the soil and proba-
ble future value of the land attracted his attention, and induced him
to select a lot for his future home. His winters were spent in Canada
lumbering, and in the country hunting fur-bearing animals, which,
together with his earnings as a surveyor, enabled him to purchase the
two hundred acres of land he had selected in 1799, and some five
stock besides. He returned to Vermont, where, about 1801, he mar-
ried Elizabeth Conkey, who was the daughter of a Revolutionary sire
from the State of Rhode Island, Joshua Conkey, who was a drum- .
mer-boy at the battle of Bennington, and again did service for His
country in 1812, holding a captain's commission. While in service
he was taken prisoner, carried to Halifax by the British, exchanged ,
and landed at Boston, from which place he walked to Canton, where, j
he had made his new home.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Tracy settled on his land, in a rude log
hut without windows or other doors than a blanket hung over the "PW-jj
ing left in the wall. To procure window-glass in the fall necessitateCj
a journey to Canada, and many privations did this young couple
bear to maintain their place lis pioneers. But friends and neighbors
were soon added to the settlement, and with them came the nece.«sary
adjuncts of life, and even its attendant comforts. Thenceforth the
lot of Festus and Elizabeth Tracy was lightened, and their children
enjoyed the blessing of a good, comfortable home. The following is
an account of their family and the condition of the children : Albert
G., physician, died in Havana; Hosea Catlin, farmer, died on South-
worth's place; Lauren P., gunsmith, died in Canton ; Mary J.,witeof,
Tyler Martin ; Millioent S., wife of Benjamin Hester, of Boston ; Un,
farmer, died on Catlin Tracy's place ; Elisha J., farmer, occupies the
homestead ; Sylvia B. is the wife of B. H. Southworth, living near
Canton; Orilla is a resident of Boston. ;
Festus Tracy lived to a good old age near the scenes of his early:
struggles, honored and beloved by all who know him. _H.e departed
this life Jan. 11, 1857. His consort was no less respected, and sur-
vived him until Sept. 15, 1868, when she, too, passed to her lieavenly
rest.
HARVEY KNOX.
MRS. HARVEY KNOX.
HARVEY KNOX.
The old and well-known Knox family was founded in
the green Isle of Erin, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. It
has, moreover, a noble ancestry, its members being lineal
descendants of the last Earl of Knox. In 1837, William
Knox, the progenitor of those whose names appear in this
connection, emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, to America,
settling in Blanford, Hampden Co., Mass. His sons, John,
William, and Adam, accompanied their father, and found
homes in the same locality. One of them, William, reared
eight daughters and five sons, who were named William,
Edward, John, Titus, and Orrin. The first of these was
the -father of six sons, — William, Samuel, John, Nathan,
David, and James, — and from the third of these has sprung
the Knox family upon which this memoir is based.
John and Anna (Gunn) Knox were the parents of six
sons and three daughters, — Henry, John, Gerry, Chester,
Harvey, Clarissa, Harriet, and Philomelia, — all of whom
were born at Blanford, Mass., and moved with their parents
to the town of Russell in 1806, and were the third family
in town in the order of settlement. The father had as-
sisted in surveying the town the year before, and had pur-
chased six hundred acres of land, which became his future
home.
The immediate subject of this sketch is the sixth and
youngest son of the above family, and was born Oct. 13,
1801. He was, therefore, but a child when he came to his
new home, and as a lad and youth was deprived of the ad-
vantages of good schools and other means of education.
He is chiefly self-taught, but has employed to good advan-
tage the knowledge of which he thus became possessed,
and found it practical. Mr. Knox served as postmaster of
Russell village four years, and has honorably held several
town offices in Russell and Canton, but has always preferred
the quiet of his chosen avocation, farming. In 1846 he
left the neighborhood of his youth and purchased a farm
near Canton, where he has since resided, his old age being
brightened by the consciousness of a life well spent.
In January, 1830, he united in marriage with Harriet
King, daughter of Henry King, of Canton, by whom he
had one child, a daughter, who was named Harriet P., born
Jan. 11, 1833, who grew to womanhood, and married Ellis
Benson, of Potsdam. Soon after the birth of this child
Mrs. Knox was called from this earthly life to the joys of
the life beyond the tomb.
On Jan. 4, 1835, Mr. Knox was the second time married,
taking as a consort Lucinda S., the daughter of Adolphus
Hosley. The issue of this union were four children, of
which three only survive at present. Mary C. became the
wife of Ebenezer L. Sanderson, and Harvey W. S. resides
on the homestead, lightening his father's cares and labors
by carrying on the farm. He is married to Horal L.
Hickok, of Parishville, and has a family of three children.
JUDGE W. H. SAWYER.
Judge Sawyer, of Canton, has for more than a quarter of
a century practiced before the bar of the courts of St. Law-
rence County and those of the State, winning his way
through the honorable profession of the law to the supreme
bench, whereon his reputation was still further extended,
and he became more widely known as an able jurist.
He was born Oct. 15, 1826, in Potsdam, St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y. His father, George R. Sawyer, was a native
of Westmoreland, N. H., and his mother, Hannah (Taft)
Sawyer, was born in Ferrisburg, Vt. They removed to St.
Lawrence County in or about the year 1808. William H.
Sawyer was educated at the St. Lawrence academy at Pots-
dam, and began the study of the law with the firm of Cook
& Barker, attorneys, of Canton, and continued with them
until 1851, when he was admitted to the bar, and began
the practice of the profession in Canton, where he has pur-
sued it to the present time. In 1862 he associated Leslie
W. Russell with him in a law partnership, which was main-
tained until Dec. 29, 1876, at which time Mr. Sawyer re-
ceived the appointment of justice of the supreme court for
the fourth judicial district from the governor of the State,
and the partnership was terminated by Judge Sawyer
takin"; the bench.
His practice has been an extensive one, and scarcely an
important suit in the county has been brought to trial in
which the judge has not appeared either for the party
plaintiflF or defendant for the past fifteen years and more
previous to his appointment as justice of the supreme
court.
In politics Judge Sawyer is and has ever been a Demo-
crat. The estimate the people have placed upon his abilities
and their confidence therein is shown by the hearty support
they gave him in the election of 1877, when he was the
candidate on the ticket of his party for the position he then
occupied in a district largely opposed to him in politics.
His home vote, among his own townsmen and neighbors,
was most flattering, even though a St. Lawrence citizen of
the dominant party of the county was opposed to him.
This vote, though it did not place the judge upon the bench,
did show unmistakably his power with the people with
whom he has lived all of his days, and was an expression
of confidence all the more pleasing from its rarity.
On Sept. 22, 1854, Judge Sawyer was united in marriage
to Marion H. Clark, a native of Canton, and a daughter of
Dr. Darius Clark, a native of Vermont.
Nine children have blest the union of Judge and Mrs.
Sawyer, — seven boys and two girls, — all now living.
Among the citizens of St. Liiwrence County, none were
more widely and favorably known in its confines than was
Dr. Darius Clark, of Canton. For nearly half a century he
ministered to the ills of the body in his own county, and as
a physician was known far beyond its boundaries by his
skill in the practice of his profession. He was also known
in public life, being intrusted with important commissions
by the people and the governor of the State, and in the ex-
ecution of the trusts committed to him he was never found
w^anting.
Dr. Clark was born in Weybridge, Vt., April 7, 1798,
his parents being Samuel and Lucy (Lawrence) Clark,
natives of Boston, Mass., the latter a member of the noted
Lawrence family of that city. Dr. Clark was the youngest
of thirteen children, and a brother, Solomon Clark, of Ma-
lone, Franklin Co., N. Y., is the sole survivor of the family.
Dr. Clark came to Malone some time previous to 1822, and
began the study of medicine with Dr. Waterhouse, a noted
physician of that county, and pursued the same until 1824,
when he was admitted to the practice of the profession, and
removed to Canton, where he ever after resided. He was
admitted to the St. Lawrence medical society the same
year, and was a prominent member of the same during his
medical career, being its secretary for several years. Dr.
Clark, though having an extensive practice which monop-
olized the greater portion of his time, yet did not ignore
other calls than professional ones. He was an ardent
Democrat politically, and maintained his party allegiance
faithfully to the last. In 1848 he was elected inspector of
State's prisons, and re-elected in 1851, serving six years.
Later in life we find him executing various commissions
entrusted to him by the governor, notably, investigations
of complaints arising from and against the management of
the State's prisons at Dannemora and elsewhere. That
these trusts were faithfully executed, the repeated calls upon
him for similar services are sufficient proof He was also
for several years the assessor of his town, a position of
vastly more honor than profit, and one where the best
judgment and most just intention fails sometimes to i;ive
satisfaction to all. But Dr. Clark must have been more
than ordinarily successful, even in this delicate position, to
have retained the same year after year without solicitation
or desire. The doctor was also largely interested in all
matters of public interest, and was energetic in their initia-
tion and conduct to completion or realization, and retained
his interest during his life.
On Feb. 5, 1826, Dr. Clark was united in marriage to
Clarissa Maria, daughter of Dr. E. Baker, the first physician
of Canton, and for years the leading practitioner in the
county. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Clark,
— Darius D., Marion H., and Maria Louisa, — of whom
Marion, now the wife of Judge W. H. Sawyer, of St.
Lawrence County, alone survives.
The son was educated at West Point, and entered the
army as a lieutenant, and died at Fort Yuma in 1859.
Maria married Benjamin Coon, and removed to Michigan,
where she also died. Dr. and Mrs. Clark were members
of Trinity (Episcopal) church of Canton, and died in the
communion of the same, the former early in January, 1870,
and the latter about the middle of September, 1876.
For a generation John Leslie Kussell occupied a leading position
and a prominent one among the citizens of St. Lawrence. For twenty-
one years the custodian of their public reyenues, by repeated eleva-
tions to the office of county treasurer, he filled the position with honor
to himself and the acceptance of his constituency, and left the office
without a spot on his integrity or a penny of the enormous funds
passing through his hands sticking to his palms unlawfully. In the
assembly and the constitutional convention his voice was heard, and
his abilities felt and acknowledged. In the advancement of the in-
terests of the county, its prosperity and improvement, he bore for
years a most prominent part. Conspicuous at the bar, and in the in-
terests of internal improvements of northern New York, Ms sphere
of usefulness was as extensive as it was ably filled.
The family is an ancient and honorable one, being the Russell
family of England, of which the Duke of Bedford is the present head.
The first ancestor of the family who settled in America came hither
about 1650, and his son was none other than that same Presbyterian
minister who, at North Hadley, Mass., secreted in the cellar of his
house the regicide judges, Goffe and Whalloy. A prayer-book and
G-reek Testament brought to America by this minister's father has
remained in the American branch of the family to the present date.
Judge Leslie W. Kussell, of Canton, having it in his possession. On
one of the fly-leaves is the signature, "Samuel Uussell, 1700."
John Leslie Russell was born at Fairfax, Vt., Fob. 11, 1805, and
removed with his parents, John Hancock and Anna (Wood) Russell,
to Malone, Franklin county, in 1807. He was educated at the com-
mon school and St. Alban's academy preparatory to a collegiate
course, and entered the University of Vermont, at Burlington, in
1823, graduating therefrom in 1826. For one year immediately suc-
ceeding his graduation he read law with Judge Ingalls, of Union
village, Washington Co., N. T., and then returned to Malone, and
completed his legal studies with Asa Hascall, of that place, and was
admitted to the practice of the profession in 1828. In the fall of
1829 he removed to the village of Canton, where he followed his pro-
fession actively until 1844, at which time, being elected to the State
assembly, he was largely instrumental in procuring the charter for
the Northern New York railroad, now known as the Ogdensburg and
Champlain railroad, and was appointed attorney and one of the direc-
tors of that corporation, and was one of the executive managers, and
remained so connected until 1853. The duties of this appointment
and his own extensive private interests taking his attention princi-
pally, he relinquished the practice of his profession in the courts
almost wholly after 1844. In 1834, Mr. Russell was appointed county
treasurer by the board of supervisors, and held the office under such
appointment until the adoption of the constitution of 1846, when it
was made an elective office; and he was chosen in 1847 for a term of
four years, and re-elected in 1851 for a similar term, holding the posi-
tion continuously twenty-one years. In 1833 he was appointed post-
master of Canton, and held that position until 1841, under Presidents
Jackson and Van Buren. In 1844 and 1845 he served in the assem-
bly, and in 1846 was a member of the constitutional convention, and
served on the committee on currency and banking, and took a prom-
inent part in the discussions of that body. On the death of A. C.
Low, county clerk, Mr. Russell was appointed to fill the unexpired
term, and held the office for the benefit of Mr. Low's widow, transfer-
ring to her the entire proceeds of the office during his incumbency.
In 1 856 he was a candidate for canal commissioner on the Democratic
State ticket, but was defeated, the State giving nearly 60,000 Repub-
lican majority. He was a life-long Democrat.
In 1833, Mr. Russell was appointed the agent and attorney of
Misses Frances and Jane Harrison, of New York, and managed their
large landed interests in St. Lawrence County from that time forward
to the time of his death, which occurred April 19, 1861. He was the
intimate friend of Hon. Silas Wright through the years of that states-
man's career, and when in the assembly was understood to represent
Mr. Wright's views on the floor.
In 1832 he married Mary S., daughter of Jacob Wead, of Malone.
She was a native of Brandon, Vt., and died in May, 1870, leaving
four children to treasure her memory as a sweet and holy thing, viz.,
Adeline, then Mrs. Wallace Pratt, of Kansas City, but deceased in
March, 1873 ; Mary, wife of Watson J. Ferry, of Kansas City ; Leslie
W., a prominent lawyer of Canton and St. Lawrence County; and
Sibyl E., the wife of Virgil G. Bogne, of Lima, Peru, S. A.
Mrs. Russell was a member of the Presbyterian church, and, with
her husband, a regular attendant on its ministrations.
The high place Mr. Russell held in the esteem and confidence of
his fellow-citizens is shown by their repeated elevation of him to im-
portant trusts within their gift. The biographer might draw aside
the veil and exhibit the domestic virtues of his subject; but those are
tho sacred and pleasing memories, valued treasures, in the keeping
of his own children, whose admiration and abiding love for the father
is the best evidence of the existence of those virtues.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
219
present Miner block, corner of Court and Main streets, a
brick building, 58 by 80 feet, 3 stories in height. The
upper floor furnishes a hall, fitted up with a stage, and with
a seating capacity of 500 persons. It cost $20,000.
The Hodskin opera-house is situated on Hodskin street,
and has a seating capacity of 300. It has a stage, and was
opened as a public hall in 1876.
The proposed town-hall is to be erected on the southeast
corner of Main and Miner streets, and is to have an area of
about 110 by 70 feet, with a basement opening on Miner
street, for butter cellarage and storage, and the residence of
the janitor, and to be practically above ground. The first
floor will be occupied by the post-oflice and the board of
trade rooms. The second floor is to supply an auditorium,
with a stage 30 by 70 feet, and a balcony across the north
end, the seating capacity being sufiBcient for 2500 persons.
The floor rises from a few feet distant from the stage to the
rear, thus giving elevated and eligible seats. The proposed
plans include a tower and town-clouk. The material of
which the hall is to be built has not at the present writing
been decided upon. It will be, however, of the blue and
white stone similar to the new clerk's office, or of brick
with stone trimmings. The cost is to be $20,000, which
has been provided for as detailed in the town history.
When completed it will be not only an ornament to the
village, and a secure place for the records of the town and
post-oflaoe department, but it will reflect credit and honor
on the projectors of the same, and the liberality and public
spirit of the people.
The new county clerk's oflBce, and the other county
buildings in the village, are fully described in the general
history of the county.
Other prominent buildings for business purposes are the
Mathews block, H. L. Saokrider & Sons' building. Masonic
hall block, the Moxley and Johnson buildings, and the
bank building.
Simeon D. Moody erected in 1835 a brick block, to
which Union block is adjoined.
THE POST-OFFICE
at Canton was established April 1, 1804, and was given the
name of New Cairo, Daniel Sayre being appointed post-
master. July 1, 1807, the name was changed to Canton,
and Stillman Foote appointed. January 1, 1811, he was
succeeded by Daniel Campbell, who held the office until
May 25, 1821, when Silas Wright was appointed. During
the first two years of his term the office was kept in the
store of Barnes & Sackrider, in the building now known as
Sherman's blacksmith-shop, opposite the Hodskin House.
Afterwards it was removed to his private office, on the lot
now used as a park, belonging to the Hodskin House.
March 6, 1827, Silas Baldwin received the appointment,
keeping the office in the same place until the spring of
1829, when he built an office on Court street, nearly oppo-
site the engine-house. At this time a mail was received
three times a week each way, between Plattsburg and Og-
densburg. Two horses were driven, and Bangor was the
stopping-place at night going either way.
January 30, 1833, John L. Russell w.,s appointed, who
removed the office to Main street, about where C. D. In-
galls' store stands. After a short time he removed it down
Main street near D. M. Jones' store.
June 16, 1841, Jeremiah Bailey was appointed, and
June 7, 1843, Darius Clark received the appointment.
During his term Aniasa 0. Brown was the assistant. At
this time a mail was received daily each way ; two- and
four-horse stages starting from Ogdensburg and running
through, night and day, to Plattsburg, thence to Boston,
Mass. During his term the office was kept a short time in
a small building on the ground occupied by the bank, when
it was moved to the site of H. H. Judd's store.
Ephraim C. GofF wa.s next appointed. He removed the
office to a place near Jones' store.
Amasa 0. Brown was appointed April 9, 1853, and held
the office two terms, the latter part of the time on the
north corner of Hodskin and Main streets.
The next appointment was Seth P. Remington, who was
succeeded by the present incumbent, William R. Reming-
ton. The office was on the corner of Main and Hodskin
streets until the morning of the 7th of August, 1870, when
the building was consumed in the great conflagration, in
common with half the business houses of the village. For-
tunately, the mails and all the government property were
saved, but the office furniture was destroyed. Before seven
o'clock in the forenoon the office was established in a part
of Sackrider's hardware-store, without interrupting the
business of the office, and the mails were sent out as usual.
It was soon after located in a wooden building on the north
side of Main street, where a year later it was again disturbed
by fire, but the contents were all saved. Again Sackrider's
store was used while repairs were being made, when the
office was removed back, and kept there until the spring of
1877, when its present location was taken. It now occu-
pies a brick building midway the park and Miner street, on
the south side of Main street.
Tlio business of the office has increased from a few bags-
ful per week to about 1000 pounds of matter for a like
period, forwarded and received, requiring 36 bags daily.
It is a postal money-order office, and in 1877 orders
amounting to $13,707.91 were paid, and about an equal
amount drawn ; 300 registered letters have been sent and
about 1100 received. The weekly distribution of papers is
also very great. Henry P. Blorse, the present assistant
postmaster, has served in this capacity the greater part of
seven years, and to him are we indebted for data pertaining
to the office.
The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad fur-
nishes facilities for the transportation of passengers and
freight to and from the world outside the village. The
station agent is A. F. Nims.
The American express company have an office in the
village, Messrs. Judd & Bonney being the agents. Mr.
Judd has been so connected with the company at this place
for the past ten years.
The Montreal telegraph company's lines run through
the village, Messrs. Judd & Bonney also being its agents.
Miss J. W. Ormiston is the operator.
The business of the present is conducted by 12 manu-
factories, more particularly described elsewhere, 4 dry-goods
houses, 5 grocers, 4 boot and shoe dealers, 3 hardware and
220
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
stove stores, 2 furniture-stores, 3 clothing-houses, 3 drug-
stores, 2 book-stores, 2 jewelers, 2 harness-makers, 1 bank,
6 produce and butter and cheese dealers, 3 meat-markets, 4
restaurants, 3 hotels, 1 marble-shop, 2 bakeries, 1 cigar-
store, 4 millinery-stores, 3 dress-makers, 1 shoe-shop, 6
blacksmiths, 1 boat-builder, 1 photograph-gallery, 14 law-
yers, 6 physicians, 6 dentists, and 2 newspaper and job
printing-offices. The village also contains 6 churches, 2
school-houses, 1 court-house, 1 jail, 2 clerk's offices, 1
university, and the Children's Home of the county.
EDUCATION.
The first school was taught in a small house situated on
the site of the present Miner block. The school- and
meeting-house was built opposite that site, and now stands
on Water street, and is used for the storage of lumber.
The St. Lawrence university, located in the village, will
be found fully described, and its interesting history given
in detail, in the general history of the county.
THE CANTON ACADEMY
originated from a subscription circulated in the spring of
1831, in which twenty-five citizens of the town pledged
themselves to pay 11250 towards erecting a suitable build-
ing for an academic school. These subscribers met on May
16, 1831, and adopted articles of association, in the pre-
amble of which are set forth the advantages of education
and the necessity of a literary institution among them.
They provided that a building should be erected two stories
high, with a cupola and belfry, and not less than 30 by 50
feet. The proposed building was to be owned in shares of
$50 each, and every share was to entitle to one vote. A
building committee was to be appointed as soon as practi-
cable, who were to solicit donations and collect subscrip-
tions, and to expend them on the proposed building, being
required to render an exact account of their receipts and
disbursements. To become a partner to the compact, a
person was to subscribe his name, and give his note to one
of the building committee, in substance as follows, viz. :
" Five dollars payable in the month of August next, and
the remainder in two annual instalments, payable in cattle,
on or before the first day of October ; or grain, on or before
the first day of February following." These articles were
to continue in force until the school should be incorporated,
and for this application was immediately to be nidde by a
committee of three, to be named at the next meeting of the
subscribers. No subscription was binding until the sum of
$1200 was signed and the site selected for the building.
Joseph Ames (2d), Isaac C. Paige, andWm. Noble were
appointed a building committee, and the present site, opposite
the county buildings, was presented to the subscribers by
David C. Judson for that purpose. At the same meetings
Hiram S. Johnson, Silas Baldwin, Jr., and Minet Jenison
were appointed to solicit an incorporation from the board
of regents, but the amount of property necessaij for tins
was increased about this time, so as to put it beyond their
present means to gain this object. On the 8th of May,
1835, an act was passed by the legislature authorizing a
tax of 1500 upon the town of Canton for a classical school,
upon condition that an equal sum should be raised by sub-
scription, which tax when collected should be paid over to
the trustees of the gospel and school lot, to be safely in-
vested, and the income to be paid annually for the support
of the academy. A competent school must be maintained
at least eight months in the year to entitle it to the avails
of this fund. The requisite sum was accordingly raised
and invested on bond and mortgage. On the 9th of April,
1837, another act was passed authorizing a tax upon the
town of $500 annually for three years, on similar conditions
as the previous tax, and the requisite additional sum was
subscribed.
An act of incorporation was passed April 24, 1837, ap-
pointing Silas Wright, Jr., Minet Jenison, Thomas N.
Conkey, Chauncey Foote, Thomas D. Olin, Richard N.
Harrison, Daniel Mack, Joseph Ames (2d), Simeon D.
Moody, Darius Clark, Henry Barber, and Amos Gr. Smith
trustees, with the usual powers. Although a charter was
not obtained until 1837, a good classical school had been
sustained since 1831, under the charge of Messrs. Lock-
wood, Seymour, and Barrett, successively, the latter having
charge at the date of incorporation.
In 1839 the trustees purchased a lot of Mr. Judson, ad-
joining the one already in their possession, and erected a
building upon it, to be occupied a part of it by the female
department of the academy and a part as a boarding-house.
After its completion it was so occupied until it was burned,
in November, 1844. During the summer of 1845 the
building first erected was thoroughly repaired, and an ad-
dition made to it for the accommodation of the female
department, which is found to be a much more convenient
arrangement than the previous one.
The cost of the buildings, as they stood in 1852, was
not far from three thousand dollars.
The academy was maintained as such until Aug. -20,
1868, when it was merged in the " Union Free School," ■
then established. The principals of the academy during its
history were as follows : George H. Wood, 1838-41 ;
David Black, 1841-42; Sanford Halbert, 1842-43; Chas.
Williams, 1843-44; Franklin Wood, 1844-48; Edward
W.Johnson, 1848-49; Abel Wood, 1849-50; Franklin
Wood, Abel Wood, H. F. C. Nichols, J. W. Crush, Wm.
P. Ball, Wm. A. Ely, D. N. Burke^ the latter being the
principal when the " Union Free School" was established.
The statistics of the academy from 1839 to 1851 are as
follows. Those marked with an asterisk indicate the num-
ber at the date of the report, the others indicate the
number during the year :
Number
Received from
Year.
of
Students.
Literature
Fund.
Debta.
Tuition.
Total Income.
1839
99«
$92.20 ■
$1038
$753
$921.00
1840
94»
142.36
1254
1006
1301.00 ■
1841
69»
142.49
1364
820
1193.00
1842
61»
90.85
1091
758
1103.00
1843
36»
108.44
864
610
915.00
1844
98
110.18
866
791
1124.00
1845
126
88.02
600
625
913.00
1846
182
185.74
376
826
1091.00,
1847
164
226.61
328
725
1089.00
1848
116
109
135
123
136.61
133.23
156.32
124 80
617
358
690
690
1021.00
1849
899.00
1850
1001.00
1851
924.00
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
221
On the 20th day of August, 1868, a meeting was held
on the petition of John Miller and twenty-five other legal
voters of school district No. 1, Canton village, and the
question of adopting the "Union Free School" system sub-
mitted to the legal voters of the district, which resulted in
favor of the same, and the system was accordingly put into
operation and the academy adopted as the high school, or
aeademical department of the school.
Under the Union free school system the principals have
been as follows: H. R. Burrington, W. W. Thompson,
John S. Miller, H. P. Stowell, and Newberry W. Evans,
the present incumbent. Mr. Evans is ably assisted by the
following corps of teachers : E. H. Bugbeo, assistant prin-
cipal; Inez Jones, preceptress; M. A. Sheldon, S. Harley,
assistants. Primary department: C. J. Dunn, L. A. Wright,
B. A. Lawrence.
The first board of education of the Canton Union free
school consisted of Wm. A. Rich, H. A. Post, L. W. Rus-
sell, John Miller, John F. Bugbee, W. Wheelock, J.
Teance, W. H. Sawyer, and M. W. Spaulding. The first
president was W. H. Sawyer, who held the office continu-
ously until the first day of January, 1877, at which time
he took his place upon the supreme bench. John F. Bug-
bee has been the clerk of the board from the first organi-
zation of the same to the present time.
The present board of education is as follows: B. Hodskin,
president ; John F. Bugbee, clerk ; Geo. E. Champlain, B.
D. Bragdon, J. S. Conkey, H. H. Judd, A. Z. Squire, J.
W. Heaton, H. W. Hale, trustees; Wm. H. Kimball,
treasurer ; Edward Haley, collector.
The library contains six hundred and twenty-seven vol-
umes, and the philosophical and other apparatus is valued
at three hundred dollars.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CANTON
dates its history from the year 1821. Early in 1807, Rev.
Amos Pettingill, of the New Hampshire missionary soci-
ety, and Rev. Ebenezer Hibbard, of the missionary society
of Vermont, organized a Congregational church, which, by
vote, changed its ecclesiastical organization and became
Presbyterian in the year first mentioned. The original
church, when formed, consisted of seven members, but the
records, having been written on detached pieces of paper,
and passed from hand to hand, until the year 1821, were
entirely lost. Our limits forbid details of the traditions of
this period.
The first preaching of the gospel in Canton was con-
ducted by a Presbyterian minister, in 1804, and probably
by the Rev. A. Proudfoot, from Washington county, who
had a short time before organized a church in Lisbon Cen-
tre, the oldest religious organization in the county. In
1816 the then pi-esbytery of Oneida applied to the synod of
Albany to be divided. The division was made, and by it
was constituted the presbytery of St. Lawrence, comprising
the counties of Lewis, Jefferson, and part of this county.
The northern and eastern part of the county was part of
the presbytery of Champlain. In 1821 the synod of
Albany set off Ogdensburg, De Kalb, Canton, Potsdam,
Hopkinton, Rossie, and Gouverneur to constitute a presby-
tery, calling it by the name of Ogdensburg. In 1829 a
change was made, uniting all the county in the presbytery
of St. Lawrence. In 1839, at the division of the church
into Old School and New School, the Old-School presbytery
was formed, and in 1870 these two presbyteries and that of
Watertown were formed, at the reunion of the two great
severed bodies, into the present presbytery of St. Lawrence,
of which this church is now an integral part.
The first pastor of the church, on becoming Presby-
terian, was Rev. Hiram Johnson. The membership of his
charge was only about thirty. Mr. Johnson was a man of
power, and laid the foundations of the church deep and
stable. Faithful, clear, and scriptural in preaching, watch-
ful and firm, with a sustaining session in exercising over-
sight and discipline, the church was blessed of God and
increased in numbers and religious power.
The church was incorporated as a religious society, in
accordance with the laws of the State, in July, 1823, its
first trustees being Elias C. Page, Silas Wright, Joseph
Barnes, Henry Poote, William Richardson, Eden Ray.
In 1826 steps were taken to build a church edifice, and
land for a site was deeded to them that year by Joseph
Barnes and Silas Wright. About the same time the village
cemetery was deeded to them by Mr. Van Rennselaer.
Owing to the want of means, the church was not completed
till 1831, although commenced in 1828.
Mr. Johnson's pastorate continued till 1838. He retired
owing to ill health, and died, from an injury received on his
farm, in 1853.
Rev. Roswell Pettibone, from Evans' Mills, succeeded
him, January, 1839. His pastorate continued till 1854,
and was blessed with much prosperity. During his minis-
try the parsonage was erected. He died in Dannemora,
1863.
Rev. John Waugh succeeded to the office, and served as
pastor from July, 1855, till July, 1869. The interior of the
church was reconstructed at his coming, and the session-
house built. Mr. Waugh at present is pastor of the church
of Carthage, Jefferson county.
Rev. James Gardner, the present pastor, began his min-
istry November, 1869. In 1876 was erected the present
beautiful church edifice. It speaks for itself. The audi-
ence-room, nearly square (about 67 feet), is in the foi'm of
an amphitheatre ; the ceiling is arched and made of corru-
gated iron ; the windows are of stained glass ; the organ is
placed in the chancel ; there are no galleries ; the chapel, on
the west side and connected with folding-doors, is 54 by 22
feet. The building is heated by three furnaces ; the house
is of stone, a dark-blue lime with white trimmings, also
lime, and is slated. Under the chapel is a basement for two
large rooms. The entire building is symmetrical, harmo-
nious, and entirely satisfactory, while it is an ornament to
the village. Its construction, done cheerfully and carefully,
and as an act of devotion to Immanuel, has been a spiritual
blessing to the people.
The church has, it is hoped, in good degree fulfilled her
mission. Reliable revivals have marked her history. Her
sons and daughters have been found active and efficient in
many points in the distant west. Additions to its numbers
occur now almost at every communion, and the growth is
healthy. The benevolent work of the church is not forgot-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ten. Religious services are conducted in the poor-house
and jail, and a Sabbath-school is conducted in the children's
home.
The succession in the eldership has been as follows:
Mo-ses Sanderson, Elijah Baker, Wm. Blanchard, Asa Con-
key, Marcus Allen, Wm. F. Cahoon, W. A. Eldredge,
Prosper Barrows (all except the first named are dead), Or-
son Baker, Algernon S. Robinson, Jacob Noble (deceased),
Joseph Barnes (deceased), Charles N. Conkey, Harry P.
BuUis, Henry H. Judd, Henry L. Sackrider.
The following are the names of the deacons : H. C. Kipp,
Eben Ray, John Shepard, Clapp Bailey (all dead), L. Law-
rence, Hugh Miller, Hiram Sanderson.
The trustees of the society are A. S. Robinson, D. De-
lanoe, H. Bullis, M. D. Packard, W. Cahoon, C. B. Man-
ley; Treasurer, H. H. Judd; Clerk, S, Baldwin.
Sabbath-sohool : G. B. Manley, superintendent ; S. D.
Kimball, assistant ; W. Dunn, librarian. Director of church
music, Ed. J. Bonney ; Sexton, M. Macintosh. Building
committee of new house, Herman P. Matthews, Wm. H.
Kimball, Milton D. Packard, Thomas Fields, Henry
Bullis.
The communion roll of the church is about 200.
CANTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
As early as the beginning of the present century the
Methodist missionary pressed his way northward, encoun-
tering almost incredible difficulties and opposition, but de-
termined to plant the standard of his church wherever tlie
immigrant had ca.?t his lot. They were men of simple
faith, but had an unfaltering trust in the ultimate success
of their mission. There were those, also, among the pio-
neers who had espoused the faith in their old homes with
so much ardor that they burned with a desire to transplant
the spiritual vine to this new country, having a full belief
that its branches would soon overshadow many, believers.
The way was thus prepared for the coming of the itinerant,
under whose preaching they gladly banded together, form-
ing the nucleus of future Methodist interests. In St.
Lawrence County this humble beginning was made, about
1806, in the western part of the town of Potsdam, where
Nathan and Sophia Crary, David and Sally French, Jabez
Hcaly and his wife formed the first Methodist class. Dur-
ing the next five years the membership had so much in-
creased that, in 1811, a circuit was -formed of this new ter-
ritory, bearing the name of the county, to which the Rev.
Isaac Puffer was appointed preacher in charge. The mem-
bership at that time numbered 84. The work being fully
established, there was an encouraging increase of members
under the zealous ministrations of such pioneer preachers
as Revs. Paddock, Hiokcox, Menshall, Chamberlain, Demp-
ster, Prindle, Foot, Demorest, Healy, Flint, and others, so
that, in 1819, a Methodist church and society was formed
in the town of Canton. Among those who were thus early
associated as members were Ezekiel Hodges, Roderick
and Kesiah Starks, Zuriel and Martha Palmer, Harriet and
Sophia Risley, Frederick Clark, Anna Bassett, John and
P. Mathews, Hugh and Irene Montgomery, Jonathan Lang-
don, Ruel and Candace Clifton, Lydia Parker, Minerva
Crary, Henry and Catharine Gleason, John, Polly, and
Elijah Rose, Anna Squires, and Mary Smead, as well as
the following, who, on the 3d of November, 1819, were in-
corporated as the trustees of the first Methodist church so-
ciety of Canton : Jesse Barnes, Hugh Montgomery, Isaac
Buell, Jeduthun Farwcll, Wm. Perry, and Wm. Richardson.
The organization papers were acknowledged before Nathan
Ford, the first judge of the county. Until this time, and
for a few years later, meetings were held in school-houses
and in a building which had been used in connection with a
distillery by Jeduthun Farwell.
But measures were soon taken to build a church, and in
1823 a brick edifice was erected in South Canton, on an
eligible lot, donated to the society for church and cemetery
purposes by Wm. Richardson. This was known as the
first Methodist church in Canton, and is still used for pub-
lic worship. Since 1849 it has been connected with sev-
eral other churches in Pierrepont as a separate circuit, the
work in the village of Canton having been designated a
station. At the brick church there is a membership of 65,
who are under the pastoral care of Rev. W. C. Smith. A
Sabbath-school has been maintained -.many years, which, at
present, has 68 members, and is superintended by George
W. Andrews.
Meanwhile the northern part of the town had become
settled, and Methodism had become established in that lo-
cality as well as in the village. To meet the demand for a
more convenient place of worship the second Methodist
church and society of Canton was formed, on the 28th of
August, 1827, with Solomon Boynton, Samuel Fish, Daniel
M. Foot, Gershom Conger, and Joseph Ames as trustees.
A lot on Chapel and Court streets was purchased of David
C. Judson, Jan. 1, 1828, upon which a frame church, 40
by 60 feet, with gallery and class-rooms, was erected that
year. This was the home of the society for nearly forty
years, the present church, a handsome two -story brick struc-
ture, having been erected in 1866. The building is relieved
by a fine tower, in front, and is well furnished. On dedi-
cation day, Feb. 25, 1867, the. building committee — Jere-
miah Traver, William Dodge, and 0. W. Judd — reported
that they had expended $6054.70 in its construction. A
parsonage was erected in 1846, and the entire value of the
church property is estimated at $8000.
The present number of members are: in full connection,
178 ; probationers, 89 ; who are under the spiritual tutel-
age of Rev. J. B. Hammond.
The present official board is composed of J. Van Brock-
lin, F. C. Murphy, A. C. Sawyer, 0. M. Sumner, E. Tup-
per, J. Bailey, E. Baker, J. Kingston, R. A. Barker, J.
Beard, L. Shumway, H. Risley, J. Randall, J. N. Bassett,
M. Tuttle, and C. Norton.
The following clergy have been connected with the Meth-
odist wock in Canton since 1819 : Rev. Thomas Demorest,
Josiah Keys, Wm. Rundell, G. W. Barney, T. Dickson, H.
May, J. Smith, S. Chase, R. Parker, G. Woodruff, B. G.
Paddock, John Townsend, Calvin Danforth, John Seys,
John Loveys, Lyndon King, 0. Squires, C. W. Leet, P. D.
Gorrie, H. Graves, L. D. Gibbs, A. J. Phelps, J. Sawyer, D.
Chidester, J. Erwine, Philo Bennett, J. E. Stoddard, L.
King, Wm. D. Moore, Isaac Turney, H. Corbin, W. W.
Hawkins, E. Smith, Wm. A. Nichols, E. Wheeler, Ira H.
TRUMAN BARNS
waa bom July 12, 1814, on the faxm where he at present
resides. His father, Jesse Barns, was the son of a sea
captain in Connecticut, where Jesse lived until his removal
to St. Lawrence County, in 1806. His journey hither
was made on foot, carrying on his back whatever luggage
he needed. Having located the old homestead he returned
to Connecticut for his family, consisting of his wife Lucy
and one child, and returned to his new home, where he at
once took an active and earnest part in everything that
pertained to its welfare. He was the first to subscribe to
the building fund of the church, contributing two hundred
dollars for this purpose. Mr. Barns died in March, 1833,
while away from home, and was buried at Middleville, N.
Y. His widow survived until December 8, 1875.
Truman is the third member of the family, and at the
time of his father's death was only nineteen years old ; but
the care of the farm devolved upon him, and he at once
began to attend to its duties, arranging with the other
heirs to purchase their interest in the farm. He devoted
himself to the cattle business and dairying, with successfdl
results.
In 1840, Mr. Barns joined an independent artillery
company, was chosen captain of the organization, and sub-
quently colonel of the regiment to which it was attached.
He did not fill the latter position, but received the appoint-
ment of enrolling officer in the State militia, with the rank
of captain.
On December 1, 1841, he married Lucia L., daughter of
Linas and Sallie Sanford, who came from Vermont in
1821. The issue of this union was a family of four chil-
dren,— S. L , living with his parents ; George E., in Can-
ton ; and Helen M. and Jesse T., deceased.
Mr. Barus attached himself to the Republican party
when it was first organized, and has taken a deep interest
in the welfare of his town. He has filled various offices
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his neigh-
bors, and is at present one of the commissioners for loaning
United States deposit funds. Mr. and Mrs. Barns are de-
voted members of the Methodist church at Canton.
Res. OF TRUMAN BARWS, Canton, 5t. Lawrence Co. N.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
223
Corbln, W. S. Titus, D. W. Roney, 0. C. Cole, W. W.
Hunt, B. S. Wright, Wm. Jones, G. C. Crevey, S. Call,
L. L. Palmer, and J. B. Hammond.
A Sunday-scliool lias been connected with the church
since 1832. George Barber was the first superintendent.
There are at present more than 200 members, and a small
library is maintained. Nathan Barber is the superintendent.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CANTON.
Members of this persuasion lived in the town as early as
1814, chiefly in the northern part, but no efibrt was made
to form them into a church until several years later. Oc-
casional meetings were held in the school-house in what
was known as North Canton, and on the 22d of June,
1817, a council was called by the Rev. Samuel Churchill,
a missionary from the Boston society, for the purpose of
organizing a church. Delegates were present from the .
churches at Madrid and Stockholm, and fourteen persons
presented themselves for membership, as follows ; Rupe
Batchelor, Alanson White, Justin Olin, Benjamin Olin,
Joseph Olin, Freelove Olin, Polly J. Olin, Harriet Bidwell,
Polly Olin, Rebecca Day, Anna Olin, Mary Conkey, Polly
Ames, and Sally Olin. Justin Olin was appointed deacon,
and Joseph Olin clerk. Rev. Rupe Batchelor was called
to the pastoral office, and under his ministrations there
were many accessions to the membership. In 1825, Elder
Richard Palmer succeeded as pastor, and in 1831 Elder Joel
Peck. The records of 1832 shove a menibership of ti8, and
attest the prosperous condition of the work. Services were
now hold at the village, and a branch of the church which
existed in the south part of the town was here united with
the main body.
On the 10th of December, 1823, the First Baptist Evan-
gelical society of Canton was incorporated, with R. Batch-
elor, T. D. Olin, and Jonathan Paul, trustees. This society
represented the interests of the church, and in 1829 united
with the Universalist society in building a brick house of
worship, which was used by the Baptists until 1849, when
they erected a church of their own in the same locality.
This house was a frame, with sittings for 300 people, and
was dedicated by Elder Joseph Sawyer, Feb. 8, 1849. A
revival ensued, which was blessed with glorious results. The
present church edifice is the third house of worship, and
was erected in 1871-72, at a cost of about 15000. It is a
handsome frame, with a seating capacity for 400 persons,
and reflects credit upon the society, whose present trustees
are Horace W. Hale, Harvey Barber, and Orville Moore.
Other official members are George S. Olin, deacon, and
Arthur V. Olin, clerk.
In 1859, under the pastorate of Elder Conant Sawyer,
the church had its maximum membership, 188, but from
that period there was a diminution, occasioned by deaths
and removals. At present there are 47 members, who are
under the pastoral care of Elder C. W. Booth. Of the
original members, Alanson White, now a resident of Madrid,
in this county, is the only survivor.
A Sabbath-school has been maintained by the Baptist
church since 1820, when one was organized in the Olin
school-house with 60 scholars, 'and Justin Olin superin-
tendent. The following year a library was formed, to
which additions have from time to time been made. The
present library numbers 197 volumes. In 1830 the school
was removed to the village, and has since had a prosperous
existence. It was reorganized, in the summer of 1877,
under the superintendence of Arthur V. Olin, and has 40
members.
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized in 1836, by the Rev. Richard Bury, who
was also the first rector of the nineteen members compos-
ing the body. On the 22d of August of the same year a
society was formed in connection with the church, and
bearing its name, of which Richard N. Harrison and Ros-
well Green were wardens, and John D. Burns, Darius Clark,
Elam Russ, Harry Foote, Lyman P]llsworth, Thos. Viner,
Chauncy Foote, and Henry Van Rensselaer, vestrymen.
An unassuming chapel was erected in 1841-42, which was
consecrated Sept. 3, 1842, by the bishop, Benjamin H.
Onderdonk, D.D. This has been thoroughly repaired, and
enlarged by the addition of a recess chancel, containing a
beautiful stained window, and an excellent pipe-organ. The
architecture of the church, also, has been made to conform
to the ecclesiastical order. The building now presents a
handsome appearance, has sittings for 300 people, and is
worth 15000. In 1855 a fine rectory was erected on a lot
adjoining the church, on Blain street, which, with the
surroundings, is valued at $3000.
The rectors of the parish since its organization have been :
1830, Richard Bury; 1838, William Latham; 1840-11,
Johnson A. Brayton ; 1842-43, Thomas P. Tyler; 1843-
44, F. J. Hawley; 1845^6, William G. French; 1848,
Minot M. Wells; 1851-53, Abel Ogden ; 1854-59, John
Wells Moore ; 1859-64, W. A. Rich ; 1864-65, Thomas
H. Siel; 1866-68, William Binet ; 1868-71, John F.
Potter; 1872-73, George T. Kaye ; 1873-74, R. B. Van
Kleek; 1875-76, R. D. Irwin ; 1877, John T. Pearce.
The official members of Grace church society are J. C.
Harrison, Sr., and William H. H. Sawyer, Jr., wardens;
Leslie W. Russell, Richard B. Ellsworth, Samuel C. Kerr,
William G. Woodruff, and Benjamin Lynde, vestrymen ;
R. B. Ellsworth, clerk.
The Sabbath-school of the parish was reorganized in
April, 1877, with Rev. John T. Pearce superintendent.
The school has a membership of 66 scholars and 10
teachers. A library of 300 volumes is in charge of W.
Simmons.
THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY
of Canton was organized in November, 1829, at a meeting
held in the school-house in the village, with the follow-
ing officers : Minot Jeuison, Joseph Ames (2d), and
Thomas H. Conkey, trustees ; Alvin C. Low, clerk ; Daniel
Mack, collector.
The first members besides those above named were
Lemuel Buck, Jacob Conkey, Z. N. Ellis, Salathiel Ellis,
Daniel Walker, Otis Sanderson, Willard Sanderson, Isaac
Reed. Services were first held in the school-house.
An edifice was erected in 1828-29 as a union church by
the Universalists and Baptists, each to be entitled to its use
in proportion to the amount owned in it. It cost, probably,
about $3500. A few years later the Baptist interest was
transferred to the Universalists, and the house passed into
224
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
their full possession. The present building was remodeled
in 1865, and is valued at $8000.
The pastors of the church hare been as follows : Revs.
Mr. Briggs, W. H. Waggoner, L. M. Hawes, J. P. Good-
rich, 1849-54; S. W. Remington, 1854-56; Richard
Eddy, 1857-62 ; L. C. Browne, 1864-66 ; Simon Good-
enough, 1867-69; A. G. Gaines, Joseph Crehore, 1873;
and present pastor.
The present officers of the society are John F. Bugbee,
Abel A. Simmons, Charles C. Caldwell, trustees. Member-
ship, 61. A Sunday-school was organized in 1840. It
now numbers 117 teachers and pupils, and has 500 vol-
umes in its library. Its officers are H. D. Kipp, superin-
tendent ; E. H. Bugbee, assistant superintendent ; E. Will-
son, treasurer ; Mertie Farmer and Ellen Paige, librarians.
The church proper was organized in 1836, and at present
numbers 97 members ; Deacons, Theodore Caldwell, Abel
A. Simmons, Ezekiel Willson. Before the settlement of a
pastor frequent preaching was had by Messrs. Parsons and
Paine, and by Dr. Wallace, of Potsdam.
ST. WAEY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH.
St. Mary's church (Roman Catholic) was incorporated
Aug. 17, 1874, by Bt. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, bishop of
the diocose of Ogdensburg, Very Rev. James Mackey,
vicar-general of said diocese ; Rev. James O'DrisooU, pastor
of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and laymen Dennis
Woods and James O'Brien, as trustees. About thirty years
ago a large number of emigrants from Ireland settled in
the western part of the town of Canton, on what is now
known as the Irish settlement road.
The pioneer priest was the Rev. James Mackey, now
vicar-general of this diocese, who at intervals visited this
settlement from Ogdensburg, and was the founder of the
church. The first mass was said in the log house of one
of these settlers, named McCormick. About twenty-five
years ago the society was formed, and purchased their pres-
ent lot, and erected on it a small frame church edifice, in
size 35 by 50 feet, at a cost of $300.
In this humble church they worshiped until 1873, when
it was burned. Besides Father Mackey and the present
pastor, only one priest. Rev. John Brosnan, has been in
charge of this church. He was pastor nearly three years,
and by his efforts the present parsonage was purchased in
1869, at a cost of $3500. Father MoGlyun, of Potsdam,
occasionally officiated in this parish. Among the old and
prominent members of this parish may be mentioned John
O'Brien, Peter Mohan, Patrick Flynn, Mr. Sherlock, and
Mr. McCormick, of the settlement. After the burning of
the old church edifice, and during the building of the pres-
ent one, the court-house was used as a place of worship.
Through the efforts of the present efficient and popular
pastor, the Rev. James O'DrisooU, the erection of the pres-
ent church edifice was undertaken, and commenced in the
spring of 1874. On the 4th day of July of that year the
corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, by the
Rt. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, bishop, assisted by the clergy
of the diocese of Ogdensburg.
The structure is built of brick, in the Gothic style of
architecture. The size, including the tower and sacristy.
is 65 by 135 feet, and the auditorium 60 by 100 feet. The
inside walls and ceiling are to be handsomely frescoed ; the
wood-work is in ash and black walnut ; the windows are to
be of stained glass, and will be principally memorial. The
cost of the edifice when completed will be about $50,000.
The first mass was celebrated in the new church on
Christmas-day, 1875. The membership is 1500. A
Sunday-school is connected with the church, with a mem-
bership of about 150 scholars, the pastor being superinten-
dent.
THE MASONIC FRATERNITY.
Among the earliest settlers were members of the mystic
brotherhood, and about 1812 a lodge of the order was in-
stituted under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of
England, and signed by King George. It is believed that
this parchment is still in existence, but further than this no
account of the lodge can be given, all the records having
been destroyed by fire in 1859 and in 1871.
The present lodge, St. Lawrence, No. Ill, was organized
in December, 1845, under a charter, granted in response to
the petition of Elijah Baker, Daniel Mack, Darius Clark,
Isaac C. Paige, Samuel Leonard, George Bridge, Ebenezer
Miner, Joseph Ames (2d), Lemuel Buck, Paul Boynton,
Israel Cook, Israel Tupper, R. Pettibone. Only one of
these is at present alive, Joseph Ames, residing in Brooklyn.
At the first meeting, held Dec. 22, a.l. 5845, the fol-
lowing officers were elected : Elijah Baker, M. ; Daniel
Mack, S. W. ; Joseph Ames, J. W. ; Darius Clark, Sec. ;
Lemuel Buck, Treas. ; Isaac C. Paige, S. D. ; Paul Boynton,
J. D. ; and Samuel Leonard, Tyler. The lodge has had
a very flourishing existence in spite of the reverses it has
met in the destruction of its property, and is at present in
possession of a very fine hall, which is handsomely furnished.
Since 1845 there have been initiated 381 candidates, and
the lodge has at present 138 members in good standing.
The officers are R. R. Sherman, W. M. ; D. G. Griswold,
S. W. ; D. W. Christian, J. W. ; J. S. Conkey, Treas. ;
E. S. Balcome, Sec. ; B. H. Bush, S. D. ; J. E. Clark, J.D. ;
L. Griswold, Tyler.
St. Lawreiice Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was insti-
tuted Feb. 3, 1848, the first officers being Elijah Baker, H.
P. ; Daniel Mack, K. ; Paul Boynton, S. ; Harry Smith,
Capt. H. ; S. E. Buttolph, R. A. C. ; Darius Clark, Sec. ;
J. Ames, Treas. ; R. Pettibone, Chaplain. The present
membership is 76. The High-Priests since the chapter
was formed have been E. Baker; Daniel Mack, Darius
Clark, Harry Smith, W. H. Sawyer, B. D. Bragdon. The
present officers : B. D. Bragdon, H. P. ; D. G. Griswold,
K. ; R. R. Sherman, S. ; J. C. Ruston, Treas. ;. and B. S.
Balcome, Sec.
St. Lawrence Gommandery, No. 28, of Knights Tem-
plar was instituted July, 1858, the first officers being
Darius Clark, E. C; Wm. H. Sawyer, Gen.;. A. 0. Brown,
Capt. Gen. ; Richard Eddy, Prelate ; Ezekiel Willson, S.
W.; M. J. Ferry, J. W. ; E. C. Smith, Rec.; J. Van
Brocklin, Treas. ; John R. Filley, Warden. The E. C.'s
from organization to date have been Darius Clark, Harry
Smith, Wm. H. Sawyer, B. D. Bragdon, and 0. A. Hine.
There are at present (1877) 90 members belonging to the
commandery, having the following officers : 0. A. Hinc,
John Malterner.
Mrs. John MALTEffHEFt.
\ Ephraim PICKERT. y/
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Residence of EPHRMM PICf
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F.-ft SON, Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
MRS. SAMUEL W.PITT.
.Samuel W Pitt.
I
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
225
E. C. ; D. H. Stanton, Gen. ; D. G. Griswold, Capt. Gen. ;
H. B. White, Prelate ; E. Willson, Treas. ; Worth Cham-
berlain, Rec. ; G. H. Gilmore, S. W. ; H. P. Barnhart,
J. W.; Harry Smith, Std. B. ; M. K. Balcome, Swd. B. ;
L. B. Atwood, Warden; G. L. Manley, 1st G. ; J. Q.
Flood, 2d G. ; E. Barnard, 3d G. ; and E. D. Jackson,
Capt. Gen.
ODB-FELLOWS.
In 1852 a lodge of this order was organized in Canton
under the name of River de Grasse Lodge, No. 425. Or-
ville Page, Amasa 0. Brown, Martin Thatcher, and others
were prominent in its organization. It suspended before
1860. Harry Smith was a member of the first Odd-Fellows
lodge instituted in America, the same being at Baltimore,
in 1826. Mr. Smith joined the lodge in 1827.
REFORMATORY.
St. Lawrence Division, No. 258, Sons of Temperance,
was organized in Canton, June 26, 1847, and maintained
its organization with varying success for several years, but
decayed with the decline of the order in the State.
Canton Lodge, No. 558, I. 0. G. T., was organized
March 3, 1865, with 50 members, and flourished for a
time and went the way of all Good Templars, and was suc-
ceeded by the Canton Temperance Society, which, about
the 1st of September, 1876, was merged into the Reform
Gliih of Canton, organized through the efibrts of Messrs.
Frost and McElvey. Among the prominent workers iu
the interests of the club were the pastors of all the churches,
E. M. Perry, Lewis C. Storrs, Mr. Manley of the Plain-
dealer, and Mr. Eastman. The membership of the club
ran up to 100 and over, and has done, apparently, a per-
manent good for the community. Its present officers are
Lewis C. Storrs, President ; E. M. Perry, Vice-President ;
J. 0. Wheeler, Secretary ; J. H. Willson, Treasurer.
The Woman's Temperance Society was organized at or
about the same time as the Reform Club, growing out of
the same movement, and has been a most efficient aid to the
club, and a powerful agent in the temperance reform move-
ment, which culminated in an anti-license vote at the last
corporation election in the village in 1877, and closed every
bar in the place. Yet its workings are performed quietly
in the domestic circle, where woman's power is most potent
for good or ill. The first officers of the society were Miss
Stackhouse, President ; Miss E. D. Heaton, Secretary. The
organization of the society was also ably aided by Mrs.
Wilcox, of Potsdam. The membership of the society has
increased until now it numbers 400. The present officers
are Miss Augusta Wallace, President; Miss Griswold, Sec-
retary; Mrs. Mcintosh, Treasurer. Both the club and
society have regular weekly meetings, and the good work is
still going on.
MUSICAL.
The first brass-band in St. Lawrence County was organized
in Canton, in 1841, with the following members and instru-
ments : Lieut. Henry Young, teacher and leader, P? bugle;
Lucien Ellsworth, E*" bugle ; Z. N. Ellis (sec'y), W' bugle ;
H. A. Post (treas.), B" bugle ; S. D. Moody, B" bugle ;
Horace Moody, cornet; Darius D. Clark, trumpet; Giles
Packard, cornet ; Silas Ford, French horn ; Wm. Young,
29
French horn; A. 0. Brown, tenor trombone; Ambrose
Willson, tenor trombone ; L. B. Storrs (pres't), ophicleide ;
Erastus Hale, bass horn ; Caleb Hickok, bass trombone ;
Loyal Baxter, bass drum ; Delos Baxter, snare drum. This
organization attained to something more than a local celeb-
rity, and was in existence for several years.
In 1859 another band was organized of nine pieces, viz.:
Fred Boynton, E"" cornet; M. M. Follett, E"" clarionet;
M. How, B'' cornet; Ira Barrows, B'' cornet; D. Austin,
B ^ tenor ; J. Montgomery, E ^ bass ; H. D. Kipp, E >> tuba ;
Chas. Boynton, drum. This band was uniformed in sum-
mer of 1860, and remained in existence about three years.
In the year 1868 the Canton brass-band was organized
with twelve pieces, viz. : George L. Gay (sec'y), B '' clario-
net; t)r. Holmes (treas.), E'' cornet; Dr. J. Sturdevant, B*"
cornet; Chas. Foote, 1st tenor; J. B. Livingston, solo alto;
L. A. Taylor, alto ; L. B. Storrs, baritone ; L. H. Whiting,
B*" bass; H. D. Kipp, basso; R. H. Havens, tenor drum;
G. Farmer, bass drum and cymbals.
The Firemen's bra.ss-band of Canton was organized May
5, 1875, as follows : L. H. Whitney, leader, baritone ; Geo.
L. Gay, E*" clarionet; J. L. Farmer, B"" clarionet; Fred
Gamble, E*" cornet; G. R. Barber, E"" cornet; Otis Davis,
E'= cornet; Wm. G. Woodrufi", B" cornet; Milton A.
Fowler, B*" cornet; L. A. Taylor (treas.), 1st alto; Levi
M. West, 2d alto ; Daniel C. Johnson, B"" tenor; Wm. E.
Dunn, B'' tenor; Frank Thomas, B'' bass ; Wm. M. Dean,
E" tuba; A. M. Woodruff, E" basso; R. H. Havens,
tenor drum ; J. Q. Flood (sec'y), bass drum ; Joseph Smith,
cymbals.
The original members of this organization furnished their
own instruments, with the aid of a subscription by the
citizens of the village of $100. Prof W. H. Easton, of
Madrid, was engaged to instruct the band and write their
music, and remained about one year. Prof J. B. Livingston,
of Canton, was then engaged, and has been continued to
the present time, and is now the leader and instructor.
New uniforms were made by L. B. Storrs & Son, of Can-
ton, for the band in July, 1876. But few changes have
been made in Vas personnel of ilie. band since its organization,
the greater portion of its members being business men of
the village. It has met regularly every week for rehearsal
in Firemen's hall, on Court street, which is furnished for
its use free of charge. The cost of instruction and uni-
forms has been met by compensation received for music
furnished at the county fairs and elsewhere. It performed
escort duty for St. Lawrence Commandery, No. 28, K. T.,
of Canton, at Malone, May 12, 1877. The band has at-
tained to a marked degree of proficiency, and enjoys a good
reputation abroad for its excellent music.
In October, 1877, an elegant stand was erected in the
park, by the effijrts of Misses Clara J. Dunn and Lottie C.
Smith, who collected a sum sufficient for the purpose ; and
Pliny Wright, Esq., and others, provided the symmetrical
and beautiful flag-staff which stands alongside of the music-
stand. From this stand, during the pleasant evenings of
the autumn of 1877, the Firemen's band discoursed much
beautiful harmony, amply repaying the fair collectors for
their trouble, and the citizens for their expenditures, in
providing the means for the public concerts.
226
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
At the present time the band is constituted as follows :
Prof. J. B. Livingston, leader (and treas.), solo alto ; Wm.
G. Woodruff, assistant leader, B'' cornet; Ira Barrows
(sec'y), B"" tenor trombone ; George L. Gay, E'= clarionet;
J. L. Parmer, B'' clarionet; Fred Gamble, E'' cornet; C.
H. Martin, E'= cornet; Joseph Smith, B'' cornet; Geo. E.
Sims, solo cornet; L. A. Taylor, E'' alto ; Levi M. West,
E'' alto ; Dan C. Johnson, B^ tenor ; Otis Davis, B*" bari-
tone ; Isaac B. Smith, E'' bass ; A. M. Woodruff, E ^ tuba ;
E. H. Havens, tenor drum ; J. Q. Flood, bass drum and
cymbals.
THE CLIPPER DRAMATIC CLUB
was organized in the year 1875 by a number of the young
men of the village, and gave two entertainments the first
winter, producing quite creditably the plays of " Oliver
Twist," " Halvei," and " The Child-Stealer." During the
winter of 1876-77 the club re-organized, paid off an in-
debtedness, incurred previously, of $300 from the receipts
of their entertainments, and purchased and paid for about
$200 worth of scenery and stage properties, which are now
on hand. The club played with signal success the piece
" Ten Nights in a Bar-Eoom," givino; it once at Hermon
and three nights in Canton to large and enthusiastic audi-
ences. The club also produced very effectively the drama
" Streets of New York," playing the same three consecutive
nights to overflowing houses. The plays of " The Hidden
Hand" and " The Octoroon" have been produced with much
success by the club.
The present officers of the club are : President, Worth
Chamberlain ; Directors, Levi C. Storrs, G. H. Kelly, and
W. G. Woodruff; Secretary, G. C. Sawyer; Treasurer, J.
W. Simmons ; Stage-Directors, A. F. Nims, C. A. Lagrange,
D. W. Christian.
LITERARY.
The Canton Social Library was incorporated April 11,
1832, Darius Clark, Moses Whitcomb, Wm. Perry, Jr.,
Lyman Langdon, Wm. F. Gaboon, Elias C. Page, and
Benjamin Walker being the first trustees. Like other
library associations in the county, this became extinct on
the formation of school district libraries.
There are public libraries now attached to the university
and the public school, and Messrs. Judd and Bonney main-
tain a circulating library at the present time.
MORTUARY.
The first public burial-place selected for the sepulture of
the dead in Canton village was located on the west side of
the river, and was set apart for the purpose in 1801, when
Daniel Foote, the father of Stiilman Foote, Sr., was buried.
In 1810 a new site for burial purposes was selected on the
east side of the river, near the present site of the M. E.
church, and several were buried there.
In 1827-28 the cemetery lying near the railroad, on
Miner street, was conveyed to the Presbyterian church by
Henry Van Eensselaer, and remained the only place of en-
tombment in the village until the organization of the new
cemetery association, and the laying out of its grounds in
1870-71.
The grounds of the old cemetery are being cleared, the
remains of those interred therein being removed to the new
cemetery ; and it is the intention to remove all, with tlie
exception, perhaps, of the remains and monument of Gov.
Wright, which, it is proposed, are to remain in the centre
of a park, into which the old grounds may be transformed.
Evergreen Cemetery. — In the year 1870 the Canton
cemetery association was incorporated, with W. H. Sawyer,
John Miller, Henry L. Sackrider, Ebenezer Fisher, and W.
Wheelock trustees. Judge Sawyer was chosen president,
and Mr. Wheelock secretary. Twenty six and a half acres
were selected and purchased of H. J. Cook at $100 per
acre, lying east of the village, between the roads leading to
Potsdam and Pierrepont, on a high, sandy ridge, covered
principally with pine. A survey and plat of the grounds
we're made by Benjamin Squires, and the first sale of lots
was held at auction. A plan of the cemetery was adopted
in 1872, and the grounds laid out in accordance with the
same, and the lots established at 300 square feet each. The
cemetery was formally opened and dedicated Sept. 24, 1872,
and a seal was adopted for the association. The cemetery-
grounds are very eligibly located, and susceptible of com-
plete drainage, and, for the greater portion of their area,
covered with a forest growth of old pines, whose murmur-
ings are a constant requiem for the sleepers beneath their
shade. Measures have been initiated looking to the as-
sumption of the grounds by the corporation of the village,
and their management thereby.
Hon. W. H. Sawyer has been the president of the asso-
ciation from the organization of the same to date. The
present board of trustees are as follows : W. H. Sawyer, E.
Fisher, H. H. Judd. terms expire June, 1878; W. H.
Kimball, Harry Smith, John Miller, terms expire June,
1879 ; Leslie W. Eussell, Wm. E. Woodruff, E. B. Ells-
worth, terms expire June, 1880 ; John Miller, clerk.
The first burial in the Evergreen cemetery was that of
E. C. Smith and his wife, both of whom were interred on
the same day and in the same grave.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
Canton was vested with corporate privileges May 14,
1845, its bounds at that time being equal with the jail
limits, excepting thereout the bridge across Grasse river.
The limits were subsequently increased to a mile each way
from a common point at the intersection of Court and Main
streets, with the bridge excepted as before. But the bounds
were again reduced to their original dimensions in 1871,
and at present remain as at first indicated. The time of
holding elections and the number of offices have also been
changed, but the powers of the trustees, common to well-
ordered villages, remain essentially as under the original
charter. The first board of trustees, elected in 1846, was
composed of Nathaniel Hodskin, Prosper Barrows, Benja-
min Squire, Nathan Pratt, and Barzillai Hodskin. The
presidents were for a number of years elected from among
the ti'ustees, but are now elected by the people. From
1846 to 1852 they were Nathaniel Hodskin, Elias C. Page,
Prosper Barrows, Paul Boynton, A. E. Kipp, P. Boynton,
and Luman Moody. From 1853 to 1858 no accurate list
can be given in consequence of the destruction of the re-
cords in 1 859. From the last-named period to the present
the presidents and clerks have been as follows :
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
227
1859.— E. Miner and S. J. Day.
1860-61. — Joseph Barnes and W. H. Sawyer.
1862.— L. E. B. Winslow and M. B. Chamberlain.
1863. — D. M. Jones and J. Barnes.
, 1864.— J. Traver and J. F. Havens.
1865. — E. Miner and Joseph Barnes.
1866. — E. Miner and Joseph Barnes.
1867.— E. Miner and W. J. Ferrey.
1868.— B. Hodskin and W. J. Ferrey.
1869.— C. Bailey and J. W. Bugbee.
1870. — Jeremiah Traver and Joseph Barnes.
1871. — Joseph Barnes and W. J. Ferrey.
1872.— J. S. Conkey and H. D. Ellsworth.
1873.— B. Hodskin and H. D. Ellsworth.
1874.— H. H. Judd and H. D. Ellsworth.
1875.— L. B. Storrs and H. D. Ellsworth.
1876. — L. B. Storrs and Courtland Charnberlain.
1877. — L. B. Storrs and Courtland Chamberlain.
The present officers are L. B. Storrs, president ; Xury
Lewis, J. J. Johnson, Charles C. Cadwell, £^nd Sumner W.
Lasell, trustees ; Courtland Chamberlain, clerk ; W. H.
Kimball, treasurer ; H. D. Sackrider, A. M. Tulley, Henry
Bullis, assessors ; Patrick Murray, collector ; David H.
Wells, constable ; John Miller, police magistrate.
nUE DEPARTMENT.
The first fire-company organized in the village was
formed in or about 1840, and was si^pplied with a small
rotary hand-engine, manufactured in Vermont. The com-
pany maintained its organizatiot^ for some twelve or fifteen
years, when the engine becoming disabled, the village was
without protection against fire until 1870. Harry Smith
was foreman of the company in 1843.
On the 28th of August, 1869, a meeting yr,aa held ift
the corporation to devise means to create and m.aintain a
fire department. B. Hodskin, G. L. Irwin, and Jeremiah
Traver were appointed a committee to ascertain the cost of
an engine and apparatus. On September 4 the committee
reported that a second-hand engine could be purchased at
Ogdensburg, and that reservoirs should be constructed
throughout the village ; $700 were appropriated for the
execution of the recommendations of the committee.
On Sept. 9, 1869, a meeting was held to organize the
fire department of the village, and Geo. L. Irwin elected
foreman, H. D. Moody first assistant foreman, W. J. Mo-
Leod second assistant foreman, H. D. Ellsworth secretary,
B. D. Bragdon treasurer. The foreman appointed Heber
Sykes foreman of the hose. Committees on constitution
and by-laws and on petitions for membership were ap-
pointed. The meeting recommended to the board of trus-
tees for appointment as chief engineer, S. D. Bridge, and
as assistant engineer, S. P. Remington. The constitution
and by-laws reported by the committee on Sept. 11 were
adopted by the department.
On Sept. 21 " the machine" was taken out for practice,
and again on the 24th. The uniform of the department
was adopted Sept. 29, and consisted of a " blue shirt, with
red facing, red cuffs, with number of company on same, red
belt, with company. name on black ground. Ofiicers, white
belts, with name on red ground. Midshipman's cap, with
two bands of gold lace, with number on front." The
branchmen were also provided with a rubber coat and
" sou'wester." F. J. Perkins was elected foreman of the
engine company in December, 1869, at the first annual
meeting, and W. 0. Place first, and E. D. Jackson second,
assistant, Charles A. Foote secretary, John S. Miller treas-
urer, W. J. McLeod foreman of hose company. Jan. 6,
1870, the name of the engine company was changed from
the " Canton Pire-Company, No. 1,'" to the " St. Lawrence
Company, No. 1."
In March, 1870, a bill of incorporation was prepared
and forwarded to the legislature, which passed the bill April
22 following, by which the engine and hose company then
existing, and any others that might be formed, were or-
dained and constituted " The Fire Department of the Vil-
lage of Canton," and the following board of directors named
to hold their office till the first annual meeting of the de-
partment under the act of incorporation : S. D. Bridge,
chief engineer ; S- P- Remington, assistant engineer ; M. D.
Packard, assistant engineer ; F. J. Perkins, John J. Stacks,
Wm. J. MoLeod, Daniel Ileynolds, Christopher Reynolds,
and Baron D. Bragdon. Under the act of incorporation
the department elect a chief engineer, and each company a
director of the department, for two years' terms.
On Nov. 3, 1870, resolutions of respect on the death of
Charles W- Cooke were adopted, and on the 18th similar
resolutions were adopted on the death of Heber Sykes.
Hooks and ladders were ordered in January, 1871.
The department went to Prescott and competed for the
prizes offered for hand-engines at a tournament, on " Do-
minion day," in 1871, and were much rejoiced at the
courteous reception accorded them by the Prescott firemen.
In 1870 a frame engine-house was built on Water street,
which was occupied until 1874, when the present brick
structure on Court street was erected, at a cost of $3325.67.
It has a fireman's hall in the second story, and has a tower,
in which an alarm-bell is hung.
A hook-and-ladder company was formed Deo. 2, 1875,
with twenty members, and a truck purchased. A new code
of by-laws was adopted April 20, 1876.
The annual review of Oct. 18, 1876, was a noted one,
and passed off with much eclat, the department and Fire-
men's band being tendered a complimentary banquet at the
Hodskin House.
The department are supplied at present with a good
hand-engine, and well equipped with hose, and hooks, lad-
ders, and trucks.
The chief engineers of the department have been as fol-
lows: S. D. Bridge, 1870-71; John J. Stacks, 1872-73;
M. D. Packard, 1874-76; Ezra Jackson, 1877; J. H.
Mills, 1878. The foremen of the companies have been as
follows: Engine company — Frank J. Perkins, 1870-74
and 1876; T. D. Jackson, 1877-78. Hose company^
W. J. McLeod, 1870-73 ; M. T. Wood, 1874-75 ; Thos.
Fobare, 1876; J. Q. Flood, 1877-78. Hook-and-ladder
company— Dr. J. Hitchcock, 1876 ; John Mills, 1877 ; C.
J. Perkins, 1878.
The board of directors of the department at the present
time is composed as follows: One year — John H. Mills,
chief engineer ; D. G. Griswold, first assistant engineer ; L.
228
HISTORY 01 ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
A. Williams, second assistant engineer ; H. D. Sackrider,
treasnior; D. G. Johnson, Geo. Seymour. Two years—
L. M. Farmer, Page Tilley, John Hitchcock, Thomas Rey-
nolds, secretary, and John Bush, steward.
The department numbers about 100 men, 50 being the
full force of the engine company, and 25 each in the hose
and hook-and-ladder company.
DESTRUCTIVE CONFLAGEATIONS.
The first disastrous fire which occurred in the business
portion of the village was on July 4, 1843, and which be-
gan on the corner of Court and Main streets, from a fire-
cracker, and destroyed property valued at S25,000. On
Aug. 14, 1869, a fire broke out on the north side of Main
street, and swept away everything between Water and Hods-
kin streets, about half of the business of the village being
destroyed, and a loss involved of $65,000. One year later,
lacking a few days, another fire broke out where it was
stopped the year before, and devastated the north side of
Main street as far east as the Wright mansion, and in-
volving a loss of 1150,000. But, with the exception of a
single lot, or perhaps two, the entire area thus burned over
was rebuilt by substantial two- and three-storied brick
structures, which present a solid and business-like appear-
ance much to the advantage of the village.
The progress of the village may be inferred from the
fact that over fifty buildings have been erected in its limits
during the year just past (1877), many of them of some-
what extensive proportions. The population of the village
is not far from 2500.
THE FIRST CELEBRATION
of the 4th of July held in Canton was of the anniversary
of 1810. Stillman Poote, Sr., was president of the day,
and a Rev. Mr. Paine the orator. Some five or six hun-
dred people were present in the village, and engaged in the
ceremonies with gi-eat zest. The rostrum was improvised
from an ox-cart, and as the orator ascended it to address
the people, he commenced thus : " Fdlow-citizens, I now
ascend the sacred desk to address you on this momentous
occasion !" There was an audible smile heard in the audi-
ence at the dignified title given to a vehicle of too common
use to inspire much respect.
THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH
was celebrated with great enthusiasm: 10,000 people
filled the streets of Canton, rejoicing over the birth of
Liberty and Popular Sovereignty in the year of grace 1776,
when the liberty-bell pealed forth its glad announcement
to the world that a nation was then founded upon the
equal rights of all men. Hon. Leslie W. Russell was the
orator of the day, and Col. Henry Barber the president.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
The thanks of the historians are hereby tendered for in-
formation received and assistance rendered in the compila-
tion of the foregoing history of Canton to Dr. Hough, from
whose history of St. Law.ence and Franklin counties much
of the early history of the town has been drawn, Wm. Perry,
Sr., Mrs. Bridges, Capt. Lucius Moody, Silas Baldwin, Esq.|
B. Hodskin, Harry Smith, the pastorsof the several churches,
John F. Bugbee, Esq., L. B. Storrs, Esq., Postmaster Rem-
ington, the officers of societies, town officials, the manufac-
turers generally, M. N. Ralph, county clerk, 0. W. Wheeler,
sheriff, and many others, whose names we have not space to
mention.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. LESLIE W. RUSSELL.
Among the leading attorneys of northern New York, Les-
lie W. Russell, a native of Canton, St. Lawrence County,
and still a resident of his birthplace, justly takes his place.
Though a practitioner of little more than sixteen years, yet
his reputation at the bar of the courts is as extensive as the
judicial department in which he resides. His success in
the conduct of his cases, both as a counselor and advocate,
is marked, and he has risen to eminence in the ranks of his
profession, alike honorable to himself and pleasing to his
troops of friends.
He was born April 15, 1840, being the only son of John
Leslie and Mary Wead Russell, and was educated at the
common school and Canton academy until the age of four-
teen years. From sixteen to eighteen he taught district
schools, and a few days after his eighteenth birthday en-
tered the law-office of Nicholas Hill, Peter Cagger, and
John H. Porter, of Albany, and began the study of the
law. He remained with these celebrated attorneys until
the death of Mr. Hill, in 1859, when he went to Milwaukee,
Wis., and entered the office of John W. Carey and Wallace
Pratt (the latter the husband of Mr. Russell's older sister),
and pursued his studies for two years longer. In April,
1861, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was offered
a commission, and was about to leave for the field of war,
as first lieutenant in the First Wisconsin Volunteer In-
fantry, when he received a telegram announcing the death
of his father, which compelled his return to Canton to set-
tle the estate left by the deceased. On the 7th day of May
following he was admitted to the bar, and immediately began
the practice of his profession, which he has steadily and
successfully followed to the present time. He opened an
office in Canton, and conducted his practice by himself
until January 1, 1862, at which date he formed a law con-
nection with Wm. H. Sawyer, which continued until ter-
minated by the appointment of Mr. Sawyer to the supreme
bench of the State, Dec. 29, 1876, since which time Mr.
Russell has conducted his business without a partner. In
1867 he was elected to and served in the constitutional
convention, being on the committee on suffrage, of which
Horace Greeley was chairman, and on the committee on in-
corporations. In 1 869 he was elected district attorney of
St. Lawrence County, and declined a renomination at the
end of his term. From 1869 to 1872 he was law professor
in St. Lawrence university, lecturing twice a week. In
1876-77 he was nominated by both political parties, and,
of course, elected, supervisor of Canton, and during his
term of office was largely instrumental in effecting a final
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
229
and permanent settlement of the troublesome question of
the location of the public buildings by securing the erec-
tion by the county of an elegant fire-proof county clerk's
office in Canton, Mr. Russell being the active member of
the building committee. In 187G he was one of the presi-
dential electora on the Republican State ticket. In 1 877
he was nominated by the Republicans, without oppo.sition,
for the office of county judge, and was elected by a large
majority. His term is for six years, and commences Jan.
1,1878.
By a reference to the docket of the county and circuit
courts, it will be seen that for the past few years there has
been scarcely an important suit tried before those tribunals
wherein Mr. Russell has not appeared either for the prose-
cution or defense, criminal or civil.
On the 19th of October, 1864, Mr. Russell was united
in marriage to Miss Harriet, daughter of Rev. R. F. Law-
rence, a Presbyterian clergyman, then of Malone, and one
of the collateral descendants of the Lawrence family, of
which Amos, Abbott, and Capt. James Lawrence were dis-
tinguished members and representatives. Mrs. Russell was
born in Claremont, N. H., Oct. 30, 1843. Of five children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell three are now living, viz.,
Lawrence, born July 27, 1867 ; Jessie, born Nov. 9, 1873 ;
and Robert, born Dec. 28, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Russell
are members of Grace (Episcopal) church of Canton, he
being one of the vestry.
Mr. Russell possesses a genial nature, which, added to
his courtesy and afl'ability, makes him a pleasant and en-
tertaining companion, and wins him many warm friends.
PLINY WRIGHT.
Mr. Wright was born in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt.,
Dec. 14, 1805, and is still on the stage of active life, and
though somewhat enfeebled in bodily health, is in the full
possession of vigorous mental powers, and interested in the
scenes passing around him and events transpiring within his
ken. His parents, Silas and Eleanor (Goodale) Wright,
were natives of Amherst, Mass.. where their family of seven
children were mostly born. A brother, Daniel L. Wright,
now occupies the old Vermont homestead where he was
born, seventy-nine years ago, and has had no other residence
during the entire period. Himself and Pliny Wright are
the only survivors of the family, which consisted of four
sons and three daughters.
Pliny Wright was educated at Middlebury college, Ver-
mont, for the profession of the law, and on graduating
therefrom, in 1827, entered the law office of his brother,
Silas Wright, Jr., and Silas Baldwin, Jr., in Canton,
and began the reading necessary to fit him for the practice.
Here he remained for about two years, and then entered the
office of Colonel McKown, of Albany, where he continued
his studies for about another year, when, his health failing,
he relinquished his studies and returned to Canton, and
since then has given his attention to other business, princi-
pally that of farming.
In politics, Mr. Wright shared the sentiments of his dis-
tinguished brother, Governor Wright, and was, and is yet.
a great admirer of the stern integrity of General Jackson,
— " Old Hickory." During the excitement of the political
campaign of 1836, Mr. Wright penned a letter to his
brother, Silas Wright, then in Washington, in which he
alluded to the attempted assassination of President Jackson,
which allusion, and expressions of friendship for the presi-
dent accompanying it, were conveyed to that dignitary, and
elicited the following reply from Mr. Wright to his brother
Pliny, under date of April 9, 1836: "I showed the
president the paragraph of your letter as requested. The
good old man read it, and his eyes literally filled with tears,
as he replied, ' Mr. Wright, give my best respects to your
brother, and assure him that wishes such as he has expressed
are the richest reward I expect or desire for the perils,
hardships, and fatigues of my public life. No man was
ever more anxious to return to his home than I am to see
the 4th of March, 1837, when I may retire to the Hermit-
age and rest in domestic quiet ; and if the blessings your
brother invokes so kindly, the smiles of a merciful Provi-
dence, and the good wishes of friends can follow and abide
with me, then I shall meet the close of my life, which must
soon come, happy and contented. Tell your brother these
are the feelings of my heart, and that I shall never cease to
return his good wishes by prayer for blessings upon him and
his friends.' "
On the formation of the Republican party, Mr. Wright
connected himself with that organization, and still adheres
to it.
Mr. Wright, having for sixty-six years battled the storms
of life and basked in its sunshine alone, residing among his
relatives, concluded to take to himself a wife and get a
home of his own ; and, though late in life to launch' upon
an untried sea, on December 13, 1871, he was united in
marriage to an estimable lady, Mrs. Ann Bigelow. He at
once purchased the interest of the heirs of Hon. Silas
Wright's estate in the old homestead of the latter in Canton,
and in the spring following his marriage moved into it, and
still occupies the same. We present to our readers a sketch
of this home of Mr. Wright, and portraits of himself and
wife, on another page of our work.
WILLIAM H. FINNIMORE,
the second son of William P. and Mary (Isaac) Finnimore,
was born in Bristol, England, June 12, 1829. When
nearly three years old his parents, in the spring of 1832,
left their home in England, and emigrated to America.
After a voyage of eight weeks and two days the ship " Mary
of London" came to anchor in the port of Quebec, Canada.
They then immediately proceeded by boat up the St. Law-
rence river, and landed in the town of Lisbon on June 15,
1832. The family remained in this town three years. Mr.
Finnimore's father being a blacksmith, worked here at his
trade during that time. The first year he received eight
dollars a month. In 1835 they removed to Canton, and
settled in the village of Morley. Mr. Finnimore, Sr., built
a shop and established his business. The school privileges
of William H. were limited when he was young, and when
he became older his daily toil was in assisting his father in
230
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the shop. In 1851, when but twenty-two years old, he
went to California to better his condition. He remained
there most of the time for eight years, working at blaek-
smithing, at which he was successful and prosperous, and
while there sent money home to purchase the farm on which
he now lives. He returned home once in that time, but
went back, accumulated more money, and began his farm-
in"- free from debt. During his stay in California he visited
New Caledonia and Fort Yale, on the Frazer river. In
1859 he returned, and was united in marriage, November
3 of that year, to Mary Jane Whitney, daughter of Hiram
Whitney. Two children have been born to them, Carrie
M. and Willie H., both living. Since his marriage he has
resided on his farm, which contains one hundred and fifty
acres, and is well kept and finely improved. He has been
and is a very successful farmer. In politics he is Republican.
A sketch of his home, and portraits of himself and wife,
may be seen on another page of our work.
JOSHUA W. FINNIMORE.
The subject of this sketcli is one of the self-made business
men of St. Lawrence County. He was born in Bristol,
England, April 8, 1823. His parents, William P. and Mary
(Isaac) Finnimore, concluding that they could better their
condition in life, and give their children advantages not to
be obtained in the ' Old Country,'' accordingly emigrated
to America in the year 1832. They sailed from Dartmouth,
England, in the vessel " Mary of London," and were fifty-
eight days on the voyage. They landed in Quebec, Canada,
and came from that place up the river St. Lawrence in a
Durham boat. Their destination was London, Upper Can-
ada (now Ontario), where Mr. Finnimore, Sen., had relatives
living, but owing to the prevalence of the cholera they were
obliged to land in the town of Lisbon. The date of landing
was June 15, 1832. Besides the subject of this sketch,
three other children, a daughter and two sons, were born in
England, and came with their parents : Jane, married Henry
Lawrence, of Lisbon, and resides there now ; William H.,
married Mary J. Whitney ; Henry married Esther Fisher,
and reside in Morley. Of fourteen children, twelve are
no* living, seven sons and five daughters. The family
moved from Lisbon to Morley village in 1835. Mr. Finni-
more, Sen., being a blacksmith by trade, built a shop and
established himself in business. As he never amassed a
large property, his children pushed out and sought their
own fortunes. Joshua W., among the rest, when a boy
worked at chopping, farm work, and such other labor as
boys can find to do, and occasionally going to school. When
old enough he went into his father's shop, and learned the
blacksmith's trade, after which he was in partnership with
him six years. His first venture in real estate was in 1845,
when he bought two acres and a half of land, to pay for
which he went to Canada and chopped wood at forty cents
a cord, and when he had earned forty dollars he made the
first payment. On this land he erected his present neat and
substantial cottage. April 20, 1848, he was united in mar-
riage with Margaret S. Glass, of the town of Lisbon. Of
six children born to them, only four are now living, Mar-
garet, Daniel W., Eva, and Addie, all with their parents
on the homestead.
Mrs. Finnimore's parents, Daniel and Jane (Robinson)
Glass, emigrated from Ireland in the year 1827. They
were shipwrecked on the voyage, but were rescued and
taken to Quebec. They came from there to Ogdensburg,
and subsequently moved into the town of Lisbon, settled
on land about one mile from Red Mills, and began farming,
which they always followed. Mrs. Finnimore was born
Aug. 20, 1829. Of four children, only three are now living,
Mary Ann, married to Ellis Newby, and living in Morley;
Jane, married Thomas Charters, of Potsdam. Mrs. Finni-
more's father died July 31, 1872. Her mother is still
living at the good old age of eighty-five years. Mr. Finni-
more's father died Sept. 17, 1864, and his mother Sept.
30, 1868.
Mr. Finnimore has been actively engaged in business as
a real estate and produce dealer, and in mercantile business,
but now devotes nearly all his time to farming, for which
he has a great taste, evidences of which are shown in his
farm buildings, stone walls, and the general appearance of
his farm. His barns are models in style and completeness
of arrangement. He now owns several farms, amounting
to about nine hundred and fifty acres. To his original pur-
chase of two and a half acres he has added from time to
time other tracts, until his home farm, one of the finest in
the town, contains one hundred and seventy-five acres. He
has removed the stumps and stone, and used the latter
in building fences. At this time may be seen on his home
farm nearly four miles of stone fence or wall equal to the
best and surpassed by none in the county. His home is
pleasantly situated, having a fine view of the surrounding
country, and overlooking the Grasse river. Joshua W.
Finnimore is to-day a hale and active man, hospitable and
sociable in disposition, universally respected by his acquaint-
ances, and honored and loved by his friends and relatives.
As a farmer he is a model. In politics he is Republican.
In religious faith he and his family are Episcopalian, his
daughters being communicants of that church, and Mar-
garet, the eldest daughter, is a zealous worker both in the
church and Sunday-school, x^nd now, after years of toil
and hardships, Mr. Finnimore is rewarded by the ownership
of a fine property, and his middle age is passing in ease and
affluence near his humble beginning.
RUFUS K. JACKSON.
John B. Jackson, the father of Rufus K., was born in
Gilmanton, N. II., Oct. 20, 1791. In 1819 he removed
with his wife, Sally (Shepard) Jackson, and family to Bel-
mont, Franklin Co., N. Y., and settled near the outlet of
Chateaugay lake, where he built the first grist- and saw-mill
in what is now the village of Popeville, where there are now
extensive iron-works in operation. The most of that region
was then an unbroken forest. The few settlers were sparsely
scattered, and knew something of the toil and privations of
pioneer life. Himself and heroic wife, a woman of sterling
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
231
qualities, adapted themselves to the state of things in their
new home, and were eminently useful in establishing religion
in the town where they settled. About 1829 he sold his
mills and moved to what is now the town of Burke, and
from there, in the fall of 1834, to the village of Morley,
where he rented the saw- and grist-mill known as the Har-
rison mills, and continued in that business until the present
stone mill was completed in 1840. During the building of
the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad, he was em-
ployed by that company as an agent for the purchase of
wood, lumber, and ties, and continued as such fourteen years,
making his residence in Malone. Becoming enfeebled by
age he retired from business, and with his wife found a
home during twelve years in the family of his son-in-law,
D. W. C. Douglass, where he died July 1, 1876. His wife
died June 17, 1877, in the eighty-eighth year of her age.
Rufus K. Jackson, the immediate subject of our sketch,
was born in Grilmanton, N. H., Aug. 6, 1813. At the age
of six years and three months he came with his parents to
their wilderness home. He has in remembrance the day
when they left the little village of Chateaugay, and, with
two wagons loaded with their household goods, set out on
their journey through the forest, finding their way by maiked
trees. That dark day in November, 1819, a day remem-
bered by many now living, was the day of that journey.
The following winter was a cold one, with deep snow ; but
the spring opened bright and pleasant, and then began in
earnest the labor of the pioneer in making a new home.
Mr. Jackson's boyhood days were spent in labor on the
farm, and for recreation he had hunting and fishing. His
school days were passed in the common school held in the
log school-house. At eighteen years of age he entered the
academy at Malone, and completed his education there.
While there he studied surveying and fitted himself for
the surveyors' profession. Having a taste for mechanical
work, he learned the carpenter's and millwright's trade,
which he followed up to the year 1870. Mr. Jackson has
been twice married; first, in the year 1835, Octobet 8, to
Betsey Whipple, of Malone, who died June 27, 1870. His
second marriage was with Mrs. Sarah E. Rombough, his
present wife, June 5, 1871. Mr. Jackson went with his
parents to Morley in 1834, and has resided there since.
In 1842 he purchased a lot and erected a house just below
where he is now living, and resided there till the spring of
1870, when he purchased his present residence, of which a
view is given in this work. In politics Mr. Jackson is and
has always been a Republican. In 1862 he was appointed
justice of the peace to fill vacancy, and has been elected to
that position three times since. During the year 1876 he was
justice of sessions; during the War of the Rebellion he was
the enrolling officer of the town, and previous to 1 870 he was
for four years county commissioner of excise. In 1865 he
took the State census in this town, and in 1870 the United
States census for Canton and Lisbon.
In religion, Mr. Jackson is orthodox, yet liberal in his
views, and has never joined any religious denomination.
His life has been an upright and honorable one. He is re-
garded as a representative citizen, a good practical man, and
a man of sterling integrity. In religion, Mrs. Jackson is
identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.
An adopted daughter, Sarah M. Jackson, occupies a
place in the hearts and home of her foster-parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Jackson.
ORVILLE NORTON.
About 1805, Elihu Norton, a Revolutionary pensioner,
settled in the town of Canton, having come from Middle-
bury, Vt. Here he lived until his death, in 1824, having
a family of seven children. Of these, Orville was the sec-
ond son, and was born Oct. 11, 1807. He was, therefore,
at his father's death but seventeen years old ; but he bravely
assumed the care of the family with his mother until his
marriage, Dec. 5, 1833, to Electa, daughter of Daniel and
Phoebe Whitney. Her parents had come from Vermont to
Madrid at an early day, and lived in that town until their
death. After his marriage Orville resided with his mother
several years, then erected a home in which his family still
reside, — a view of it appears in this book, — and by industry
was enabled to attain to comfortable circumstances in life.
Mr. Norton was a man of sober, steady habits, a consist-
ent member of the M. E. church, a Republican in politics,
and generous and liberal in all his dealings. He was highly
esteemed for his worth as a citizen, and his death, Dec. 3,
1874, was mourned by many friends. Of his family of
nine children, two only survive, Laura E., wife of Wallace
Jones, of Madrid, and Eva L., wife of Geo. A. Newman.
Daniel, a son, died in the war in 1864, and Jas. E., another
son, died in 1871. .
SAMUEL W. PITT.
William Pitt, the father of the above, came from Eng-
land as a soldier of the War of 1812, and, upon the declara-
tion of peace, settled at Alburgh, Vt. Here he married
Jane Wright, June 24, 1819, and here Samuel W. was
born to them April 21, 1820, the oldest of nine children
which blest their union, six of whom yet survive. In 1822
they moved to Franklin Co., N. Y., and six years later to
St. Lawrence County, near the spot on which Samuel at
present resides. William Pitt died Feb. 18, 1873, aged
84 3'ears, his widow yet surviving him at the age of 81
years. The subject of this sketch remained with his father
on the farm until ho was twenty-two years of age, when he
purchased a tract of 40 acres of land, which at present con-
stitutes a part of his homestead in the town of Canton. By
perseverance and industry he was enabled to pay for this
tract, and in 1850 to purchase an addition of 137 acres,
which he has improved in an excellent manner, as will be
seen from the illustration of his farm in another part of this
work. Here he lives, surrounded by the comforts of a
pleasant home, enjoying the fruits of his industrious life.
Mr. Pitt has always affiliated with the Republican party,
and is a member of the Methodist church.
On the 17th of February, 1851, Mr. Pitt entered the mar-
riage relation with Elmina F. Brown, daughter of Ephraim
and Irene Brown, of Vermont, and where they lived until
1833, when they also became citizens of New York. Mr.
and Mrs. Pitt have three children, — Milan E., Dillon H. and
Sherman S., — who are yet living under the parental roof
232
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
AARON BAREOW.
MES. AARON BAEROW.
AARON BARROW, Je.
The life of this highly-respected gentleman recalls another
instance of the genuinely self-made man. In Aaron Barrow
mingles the blood of a parentage of English and Dutch
extraction. His father, Aaron Barrow, was a native of the
steady State of Connecticut, while his mother came from
one of the Dutch families of Dutchess Co., N. Y. Upon
their marriage they settled in Bennington Co., Vt., where
the subject of this sketch was born, in 1806. When he
was ten years old, in 1816, his parents moved to what is
known as South Canton, and enrolled themselves among
the pioneers of that section. The settlers were few, and
the country was a comparative wilderness, which resounded
with the howls of wolves and the screams of panthers.
Here the boyhood of young Barrow was spent. His school
privileges were limited, and the means of obtaining a col-
lege education beyond his reach. But he thirsted for
knowledge, and drank at every source which would satisfy
his cravings until he had fairly educated himself, and, what
is better, his education was practical. It served him well,
and enabled him to attain the success which has attended
his undertakings.
At the age of twenty-one he left the parental roof and
engaged to teach school in winter, finding other employ-
ment in summer. This practice he continued several
years, yet more thoroughly educating himself for his life-
work. About 1840 the office of postmaster of South Can-
ton (since changed to Crary's Mills) was tendered him, and
he held the position several years. His townsmen also
called him to serve their interests as a justice of the peace,
the duties of which office he discharged creditably for ten
years, as well as those of minor town-offices.
In 1844 he engaged in business as a produce-dealer, in-
creasing it from a small beginning until his purchases
amounted to $25,000 per year. In 1848 he engaged per-
manently in mercantile pursuits, and has been engaged in
trade ever since, — twenty-nine years, — -alone and with his
son-in-law, Russell S. Elmer, who is at present thus associ-
ated.
Although thoroughly devoted to the interests of his
avocation, Mr. Barrow has not allowed his zeal to overcome
his judgment, nor has he prostituted his honor for the sake
of gain. He has preserved his integrity unblemished and
his honor unsullied. Neither has his attention been so
exclusively absorbed that he could not share in the efforts
to advance the interests of this community. He has been
ever ready to promote every good work, and has thus se-
cured the respect and esteem of his fellows and the friend-
ship of his neighbors.
In 1835, Mr. Barrow assumed marital relations with
Emeline Boyden, daughter of William and Martha Boyden,
who emigrated from Conway, Mass., in 1810, and also
settled in Canton. Three children were born to bless this
union : Martha Amelia, who became the wife of R. S. El-
mer, in 1867, and who has since departed this life ; William
Eugene, who died in 18C3, aged nearly twenty-one years;
and Josephine, who died in 1856, at the age of fifteen, —
thus leaving this worthy couple without the homage which
dutiful children render to devoted parents.
HOH". SILAS "WRIGHT.
BY DR. FRANKLIN B. HOUGH.
This illustrious citizen was born in Amherst, Mass., May
24, 1795, and in infancy removed with his parents to Wey-
bridge, Vt., where he formed his earliest associations. After
an academic course, he entered Middlebury college, and
graduated in 1815, and while still a student he entered
warmly into the political discussions of the day, and became
a Republican in politics. Having studied law with Henry C.
Martindale, at Sandy Hill, N. Y., he was in 1819 licensed
to practice as an attorney in the supreme court, and in that
year, being led to Canton on a visit to a friend, he was in-
duced to settle in that new and thinly-settled village. Here
he commenced the practice of law, and soon acquired the
esteem of his fellow-citizens, and the confidence of the
public generally, for his sound judgment and good sense.
He was soon appointed surrogate, justice, commissioner of
deeds, and postmaster ; held several town oflBces, and passed
through the several grades of
military promotion to the ofiice
of brigadier-general. As a magis-
trate he discouraged litigation,
and as a lawyer he was especially
eminent in the happy manner in
which he drew from witnesses
the statements bearing upon the
case, without ever touching the
feelings by rudeness or satire.
His arguments were always lucid
and logical, and carried with
them a conviction not only of
their truth and justice, but also
of the genius and talents of their
author.
In the various improvements
of the town and county he took
an active part, and especially in
the erection of county buildings,
after the selection of the site,
was he noted for his zeal and
activity in collecting materials
and assisting the work.
The influence which the upright character and evident
talents of Mr. Wright had acquired, led his friends to wish
to try his abilities on a wider field ; and his name was pre-
sented in the fall of 1823, without his previous knowledge,
to the Republican convention of the fourth senate district,
then embracing the counties of Saratoga, Montgomery, and
Hamilton, Washington, Warren, Clinton, Essex, Franklin,
and St. Lawrence. The opposition of De Witt Clinton and
his friends to the convention of 1821, and other causes, had
led to a new organization of parties, styled Clintonians and
Buck-Tails, anti-Clintonians or Republicans. Mr. Wright
was known to be friendly to the latter, but his known can-
dor and liberality rendered him more acceptable to the Clin-
tonians than any other candidate that could be offered, and
he was unanimously nominated.
During the legislative session preceding the nomination
of Mr. Wright to the office of senator, the Republican
members of both houses from the 4th district met to decide
by ballot which county in the senatorial district should be
entitled to senator. The county designated was to be entitled
to the privilege of selecting their candidate, thus dispensing
with the formality of a convention of the whole district.
After seven ballotings, and some feeling being created in
the minds of some members, the choice fell upon St. Law-
rence County. Mr. Wright was thus enabled to enter a field
in which he was eminently qualified to excel, and his future
career might have been quite different had the choice of a
different county been the result of the balloting. The elec-
tors for president and vice-president had, since 1789, been
selected by the legislature in the same manner as senators
of the United States are now chosen, which gave great
additional importance to the members of the legislature,
and from the relative prospects
of the five prominent candi-
dates for the presidential term to
commence in 1825 (Crawford,
Adams, Jackson, Clay, and
Calhoun), the friends of Mr.
Crawford believed that their
interests would be promoted by
retaining the existing law for
the appointment of electors.
Other parties proposed to re-
store the right of naming the
electors to the people, and most
of the candidates of 1823 were
questioned in relation to their
views, and Mr. Wright among
others. He freely declared him-
self in favor of giving directly
to the people the choice of elec-
tors. No pledge was given or
required beyond the faith re-
posed in the frank and unre-
served declarations made by him
in conversation. His vote in
the county was 1419, that of his opponent 20. In Canton
it was 199 to 1. The one vote was doubtless given by Mr.
Wright himself.
The session of 1824 was memorable for the spirit which
attended the passage of the electoral law, as the proposed
change in the mode of electing presidential electors was
called, and this became the engrossing subject of the session
from the time of its opening till the final passage of the
bill. Mr. Wright's course in this contest was such as to
draw from his political opponents the admission that he
was governed by upright and consistent principles, although
at variance with their plans, and subversive of their cherished
schemes. While in the senate, early in the session of 1825,
a great number of applications for bank charters were pre-
sented in both houses, and such were the restrictions then
in force that banks that held charters virtually possessed
HON. SILAS WEIGHT.
great privileges for transacting pecuniary business, and
hence charters were eagerly sought after. ' Mr. Wright
opposed these applications to the extent of his ability, and
was to a considerable degree successful. His influence con-
stantly increased in the senate, and in 1826 he was elected
to Congress. The tariff question was then a subject that
was agitated by the parties, and Mr. Wright became a
member of a committee which had an important bearing
upon this subject. At the next election for Congress, Mr.
Wright was defeated from the omission of the word junior
in his name on some of the ballots, and from an irregularity
in returns. Early in 1829 he was appointed comptroller,
which office he filled with distinguished ability until, in
1833, he was chosen U. S. senator, and took his seat in
this august body at the age of 38, and at the time when
the nullification measures of South Carolina, the removal
of the deposits from banks, the recharteiing of the national
bank, and other exciting topics distracted the national
councils. Mr. Wright opposed the continuance of the bank
in a speech of great ability. At the end of the short term
to which he was chosen, he was, in 1837, re-elected, not-
withstanding the powerful bank influences brought against
him. At the national convention of 1844, the nomination
of vice-president was tendered to him, but declined. In
1842 his friends had solicited from him the privilege of
nominating him for governor, but he declined, as he had
also done that of the office of judge in the supreme court of
the United States. In 1844 he was nominated for governor
and elected. During his official term the constitution of
the State was revised, and several subjects requiring -in
especial manner the exercise of promptness and discretion
arose.
In 1846 he was again nominated for governor, but Mr.
John Young, his. opponent, was elected. At the close of
his official term, Mr. Wright returned to his residence in
Canton, and engaged in that pursuit for which during a
long period he had evinced a decided fondness,— that of
practical agriculture. He was appointed in 1847 to deliver
the address at the State Agricultural Fair, at Saratoga
Springs, and accepted the appointment, but was attacked by
a severe illness of which he died in two hours. He had for
several months devoted his days to hard labor on his farm^
and his nights to correspondence, which were believed to
have been the proximate causes of his death. This sudden
bereavement cast a gloom over the comm\inity, and the
heavy tidings were received with sadness by his numerous
friends and the public generally. The Democratic party
were at this time looking about for a man upon whom they
might unite at the next presidential canvass, and from every
quarter there came expressions that indicated the preference
they felt for Mr. Wright, and it is highly probable that
had he lived he would have been selected as their candi-
date.
During his lifetime his mercantile friends had procured
a testimonial of their esteem, which after his death was for-
warded to Mrs. Wright. It consisted of 125 pieces of sil-
ver plate, manufactured by Gerandus Boyce, of New York
each article bearing a suitable inscription commemorating
the occasion of the gift. The articles were two pitchers,
holding four quarts and one pint each; a silver tea-kettle
holding three quarts ; a coffee-pot, tea-pot, sugar-dish, cream-
pot, slop-bowl, soup-ladle, fish-knife, crumb-knife, ice-cream
slicer, pair of sugar tongs, four butter knives, and nine
dozen table and dessert spoons and forks. The total value
was about $1900.
Soon after the death of Mr. Wright, his widow and
family yielding to the solicitation of his neighbors and
friends, accepted the offisr which they tendered, of erectin"
a plain and simple monument over his grave, as a testimo-
nial of personal esteem and private friendship. An osten-
tatious display of architecture was deemed inconsistent with
the modest and unassuming character of the man whose
name it bore, and unnecessary to perpetuate the memory of
one who had become endeared in the hearts of the people.
A subscription was drawn up in October, 1847, the amount
of each contribution limited to $1, and its circulation to
citizens of St. Lawrence County. With the avails of this
a simple shaft of pure white marble from the Dorset quarry,
fifteen feet in height, resting on a base of Canton granite
one and a quarter feet high, was erected and inclosed in a
neat iron paling.
The shaft bears on one side his name and date of birth
and death. On the other the inscription, " Erected by the
Citizens of the County of St. Lawrence."
The citizens of Weybridgc and vicinity, in Vermont
(which town Mr. Wi-ight always regarded with the feelings
of a natal place), in the March following his decease, united
in testifying their respect for his character by erecting a
monument to his memory. A series of resolutions highly
expressive of regard were drawn up, and a committee ap-
pointed to procure the means for erecting it, and a steel
plate engraving of it. Solomon W. Jewett and Samuel 0.
Wright, of Weybridge, and Samuel S. Phelps, of Middle-
bury, were appointed the committee, who, at a cost of about
14400, erected in their village near the school-house, and
over the same ground where the Congregational church
stood, at which Wright and his parents had worshiped, a
shaft of white marble about thirty-eight feet in height.
The main shaft is twenty-eight feet high, three feet square
at the base, and seventeen inches at the top. It stands
upon a mound, and is supported by three bases; the first
8, the second 6 J, and the third 5 feet square. Above this
is a die four feet square, which is surmounted by the shaft.
Inserted in the monument is a beautiful and accurate medal-
lion bust, executed by E. D. Palmer, of Albany. The only
inscription which it has upon it is Silas Wright. It is sur-
rounded by a circular iron railing six rods in diameter.
His biography has been ably written by the Hon. Jabez
D. Hammond, and forms the third volume of the " Political
History of New York." The well-known character and
abilities of this talented writer are a sufficient guaranty of
its value.
The reader will find in "Hammond's Life of Silas
Wright" a very minute and correct account of the life and
public services of this truly illustrious man.- His memoirs
have also been written by J. S. Jenkins.
From the standpoint of the present, thirty years subse-
quent to his decease, the impartial judgment of the nation at
large is moat favorable to Mr. Wright, all parties joining in
commendation of his career as a statesman.
(^,J^.
He whose name heads this article was one of the foremost
business men of St. Lawrence County for nearly forty years,
and in that time he formed an acquaintance and established
a reputation second to none of his fellow-citizens, and, dying,
left behind him an unsullied honor and an unblemished
character.
Mr. Miner was born in Cornwall, Vt., Nov. 23, 1794.
He was the son of a farmer, and one of ten children, and
in his youth learned the trade of a joiner. Upon learning
that money was paid for work in Canada, he and a brother
set out to seek their fortunes there. At Ogdensburg he
was taken ill, and on his recovery engaged as a clerk in the
store of Bacon & Averill, with whom he remained until
1828, when he entered into business for himself, forming
a connection with E. N. Fairchild, of Ogdensburg, and
opening trade at Massena Point. In 1825 he first came to
Canton, where Bacon & Averill had a branch store.
In 1829, Mr. Miner married the daughter of Dr. Daniel
Campbell, deceased. Miss Eliza Gr. Campbell, and bought
the interest of the heirs in the estate of the doctor, and
built the brick house on Main street, on the same lot where
the doctor built his first house. He built an ashery, and
engaged extensively in the manufacture of pot and pearl
ashes and lumber. He was active in the promotion of all
public improvements, and erected many buildings in Can-
ton, notable among which is Miner block, which has been
twice destroyed by fire, and as frequently rebuilt by him,
each time more elegantly and expensively than before. It
was not finished when Mr. Miner fell ill, and he did not
live to see its completion in 1871.
He gave liberally of his time, influence, and money to
secure a railroad through Canton village, and was one of
the directors of the Watertown and Potsdam road while in
process of construction.
In 1851, Mr. Miner, with Colonel Orvis, of Massena,
and David C. Judson, of Ogdensburg, conceived and inau-
gurated the St. Lawrence County agricultural society,
which was formed by their efforts, and the first annual ex-
hibition held. From that time to the day of his death,
which occurred at seven p.m. of the last day of the 20th
annual exhibition of the society, Mr. Miner was connected
with it either as president or treasurer.
He was the superintendent of the building of the acad-
emy at Canton, and built the first sidewalk in the village,
and laid the first section of a plank-road leading therefrom.
He retired from the mercantile business in 1855, having
given his attention thereto for thirty years.
Mr. Miner was a life-long Democrat in politics, sincere
and zealous for what he considered the best interests of his
party; and, although a member of the minority, was often
elected to honorable and trustworthy positions in the gift of
the community. He was one of the superintendents of the
county poor-house for seven years.
He died Sept. 16, 1871, leaving his wife of forty-two
years and the children which had blessed their union to
mourn his loss, treasure his virtues, and venerate his name.
His children are as follows: Elizabeth, now Mrs. D. D.
Wead, residing at Sheldon, Vt. ; Charles M., of New York
city; Catherine, wife of Frank Banksmith, of Memphis,
Tenn. ; and Mary L., now Mrs. R. B. Ellsworth, of Canton.
Blr. Miner was buried with Masonic honors, he having
been an eminent Mason for many years, and a prominent
member of the craft at a time when to be so connected was
to be in a measure proscribed.
HON. SILAS BALDWIN.
For more than half a century Silas Baldwin has been a
resident of Canton, and a prominent and highly respected
citizen of the county of St. Lawrence. He was born in
Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt., May 15, 1797, to which place
his father and mother, Silas and Priscilla (Carey) Baldwin,
together with a number of relatives of the family name,
had previously removed from their native place, Mansfield,
Conn. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1802. Silas Baldwin, Jr.,
as he was known during the earlier years of his life, was
educated at Middlebury college, in his native State, gradu-
ating therefrom in 1821. He chose the legal profession for
the business of his life, and entered the office of Calvin
Sheldon to pursue the study of the law. He subsequently,
and for the principal portion of the time, continued his
reading with Leonard Sargent, afterwards lieutenant-gover-
nor of Vermont. Emigrating to Canton in 1824, he entered
the office of Hon. Silas Wright, to fill the years of study
in a lawyer's office required by the supreme court of New
York before admission to the bar to practice the profession,
and was admitted to the courts of the State as an attorney
and counselor-at-law and solicitor in chancery in 1828.
He had, however, in the mean time, been a partner of Mr.
Wright, and shared the business of the office.
He pursued the practice of the profession until about
1860, when he relinquished it, his duties as magistrate re-
quiring his attention, a position he had held for twenty-five
years then, and which term has been continued to the pres-
ent time, a period of forty-four years. Though now past
eighty years of age, his office is frequently thronged by liti-
gants and their attorneys and witnesses, scarcely a day pass-
ing that his attention is not required in the discharge of his
magisterial duties. His health, though somewhat enfeebled,
does not seemingly becloud the powers and vigor of his
mind, and his decisions rendered from the bench are clear
and explicit, and as satisfactory as can be where adverse
interests are adjudicated.
Mr., or, as he is familiarly designated. Squire Baldwin's
political life reaches backward through the history of all
the great political parties of the. Union. He was first a
Jeffersonian Democrat, in opposition to the Federalists, his
father and himself being opposed to all the rest of the family.
He joined the Whig party on its rise, and when that old
organization gave way to the Republican party the Squire
cast in his political fortunes and faith with that organiza-
tion, and still remains an active and zealous member of the
same. His political preferment has been varied and con-
tinuous, with the exception of the years between 1842 and
1850. As before stated, he had been a justice of the peace
from 1825 to 1842, and from 1850 to the present. He
was supervisor of Canton in the years 1831, '32, and 33 ;
assemblyman in 1854 and 1855 ; a justice of the sessions
for twenty years altogether; and postmaster from 1826 to
1833, under John Quincy Adams, and General Jackson-
He has been a member of the Presbyterian church of
Canton since 1841, and clerk of the society for several
years, and was elected town clerk in 1857, which office, by
successive elections, he still holds.
In February, 1826, he was united in marriage to Harriet,
daughter of Jeduthun Farwell, of Canton, who died in
April, 1828, leaving no issue.
In October, 1829, Mr. Baldwin was again married, tak-
ing for his wife, Elizabeth Strong, daughter of John Strong,
from Addison county, Vt. By her two children were born to
him, Harriet F., now Mrs. Lucius V. Sherman, who resides
with her father, and Jane McCure, now Mrs. Edward W.
Perry. Mrs. Baldwin died March 1, 1864, in the commu-
nion of the same church of which her husband is a member.
And now as the life of this pioneer, already lengthened
more than a decade beyond the allotted threescore years
and ten, is drawing towards its close of activity, he can
look back over its varied shadows and sunshine, its strug-
gles and its triumphs, and, with a serenity born of an un-
faltering trust in One who doeth all things well, await with
composure the inevitable hour that comes to all the living.
^^"^^W-g/^J^
As a record of success consequent upon constant and en-
ergetic endeavor, we present to our readers a brief outline of
the life of Murray N. Kalph, the youngest county clerk St.
Lawrence county has had during her history of more than
three-quarters of a century. Living all of his days to the
present in his native town, Mr. Ralph can justly look with
pride on his career thus far, and feel measurably satisfied
with the degree of success that has resulted from his efforts
to build up a reputation and win a competency of this world's
goods. Scarcely yet in the prime of life, the future is still
opening before him with brightening prospects of a still
more honorable and useful career, with promise of good yet
to come to crown his meridian witli happiness, comfort, and
honor.
Murray N. Ralph was born in the town of Canton,
Nov. 7, 1842. His father, Stephen W. Ralph, was born in
Delhi, Delaware county. New York, and has been for many
years a manufacturer of woolens in the village of Canton.
His mother was Ursula E. Ralph, a native of Jefferson Co.,
N. Y. His brother, L. D. Ralph, is a prominent clothing
merchant in Ogdensburg, and another brother, Stephen W.,
now deceased, was formerly a druggist in the same city.
Mr. Ralph was educated at the Canton academy, but left
that institution when but thirteen years of age, and for a
short time was engaged with his brother at Ogdensburg, in
the drug-store of the latter. For a short time succeeding
this clerkship he was engaged with his father in the factory
at Canton, and went into the Plaindealer printing office,
where he remained until some time in the year 1860, when
he again entered his brother's service in the drug-store,
where he remained some two or three years, and returned
to Canton and engaged again with his father in the factory.
In 1867 he entered the county clerk's office as recorder
under Moses Rich, then serving the last year of his term.
He continued in this position during John Miller's incum-
bency of three years, and upon Tiras H. Ferris' accession
to the office was appointed by that gentleman deputy county
clerk, and served as such during both terms of Mr. Ferris'
occupancy of the office. In 1876, Mr. Ralph was elected
successor to Mr. Ferris, his term of three years beginning
Jan. 1, 1877. He is still discharging the important duties
of his trust to the satisfaction of his large constituency, and
especially of those whose immediate interests he has in
charge as clerk of the courts of the county. In politics
Mr. Ralph is a Republican.
In October, 1868, Mr. Ralph was united in marriage to
Miss Imogene S. Perkins, daughter of F. J. Perkins, of
Canton, of which town she also is a native. One child,
a bright, active little girl of six years, Ella U., was born
to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph, whose dancing feet and merry laugh
bring joy and sunshine around the hearthstone as only inno-
cent, rippling, joyous childhood can.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph are regular attendants on the min-
istrations of the Universalist church of Canton.
WILLIAM PERRY, SR.
MRS. WILLIAM PERRY.
WILLIAM PEEKY, SK.
This old and well-known citizen was born March 20, 1796, in Clar-
endon, Rutland Co., Vt. His father was of French origin, and a,
carpenter and joiner by trade. In 1790 he married Mary Felton, in
Worcester, Mass., and lived there, working at his trade until 1796,
when he moved to Rutland county. Here he opened a tavern on the
old Boston road, conducting it until the business became unprofitable.
He then concluded to go to Now York with the view of seeking a new
home. After looking at various localities, in 1804, decided that St.
Lawrence County combined the most advantages, and selected a farm
on which the subject of our sketch now resides. Its present appear-
ance is indicated by a cut which appears in this book, but at that
time it was a body of heavy timber, abounding with game and beasts
of prey. The first purchase consisted of 220 acres. In 1806 he
brought on his family, reaching his new home about the first of
March. There were at that time but few settlers, and probably not
more than a hundred acres of cleared land in town. Necessarily,
there were many hardships to be endured and privations to be over-
come which required a hardy, vigorous people. Mr. Perry at once
applied himself with great zeal to this great work and was a moving
spirit in his neighborhood, being active in every good work j and
himself and wife were members of the First Methodist Bpicopal
church, of Canton.
In the days when the militia was considered an indispensable ad-
junct of the country, Mr. Perry was chosen captain of a company
and was known by this title until his death, Aug. 31, 1840. He was
highly esteemed by his townsmen for his sterling worth as a citizen
and no man was more universally esteemed as a neighbor than plain
William Perry. His wife had departed this life several years pre-
vious, Oct. 23, 1830, and was also highly respected for her many
amiable and Christian qualities, which had endeared her to a large
circle of friends.
The immediate subject of this sketch, known as Wm., senior, after
his father's death, is the first of eight children, and all but one of
whom lived to rear families of their own. He was married to Betsey
Heaton, Jan. 20, 1820. She was a daughter of James and Susansah
Heaton, who came from New Hampshire among the first settlers.
The fruits of this happy union were seven children : Betsey L., the
wife of Alonzo Butterfield ; Herman Felton, a graduate of Union Col-
lege, and a banker at Clear Springs, Md. ; Hiram H., also a graduate
of the above college, died Oct. 31, 1872 ; William, residing on the
farm, is one of the leading citizens of the town; Mary S., the wife of
A. W. Alexander, a prominent lawyer in St. Louis; Emily A., and
Saphronia, residing with their father, and ministering to his comfort
in his old age.
After walking life's path together for nearly half a century, in the
latter years of which Mrs. Perry was in poor health, Mr. Perry was _
deprived of his devoted consort, Aug. 24, 1869, and has since waited
patiently to join her on the other side. They began their married
life with no other capital than that afforded by ready hands and a
strong will to succeed in their purposes. These traits enabled them
to possess the old homestead, after years of toil, to satisfy the demands
of the other heirs. Notwithstanding they had this object in view, it
never occurred to them to deprive their children of an education
that they might the more quickly accomplish it. They have given
their children a liberal education, and lived to receive their blessing
for this rich legacy.
Mr. Perry has ever taken a deep interest in educational matters,
and has been ready to contribute of his means for the erection of
institutions of learning. Although not an active politioian, Mr. Perry
has not neglected his duties as a citizen. Since ho has attained his
majority he has not missed a single election, except the fall election
in 1877. His first vote for president was east for Gop. Jackson, and
his last for Gen. Hayes. He remained a Democrat until the troubles
in Kansas revealed to him the danger to the country which attended
slavery, when he became an active, earnest adherent of the Republican
cause. As a member of that party he has often been consulted about
its interests by the leaders, and his counsels were always attended
with success.
Mr. Perry is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Can-
ton, to which he has contributed liberally and ungrudgingly. Thus
he lives in his 82d year, having survived his early associates, and
residing longer in the town of Canton than any other man.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
233
<^
The lives of public men belong to the public, hence an
outline of the same is properly within the province of our
work, which essays to be the reflection of tlie settlement
and progress of St. Lawrence County. And peculiarly
appropriate is the sketch of the life of the present subject,
George Robinson, who stands at the head of the grandest
charity of St. Lawrence — the county poor-house — and its
offshoot, the Children's Home, the latter of which is the
creation of Mr. Robinson's humanity. Both of these in-
stitutions being fully described in our general history of the
county, it seemed most fitting that he under whose man-
agement they are both successfully conducted should be
also placed upon our pages in a becoming manner.
George Robinson was born in Massena, St. Lawrence
Co., Jan. 27, 1819. His parents', Daniel and Esther (Kil-
bourne) Robinson, were natives of New England, the father
coming to St. Lawrence County in 1800, and his wife and
family two years later. At the age of nine years, Mr.
George Robinson lost his mother by death ; too young to
realize a bereavement that in later years brings with it the
keenest anguish a child's heart can feel. Mr. Robinson's
educational advantages wore limited to a term of three
months per year at the district schools of the town until he
was sixteen years old, when he was called to take a vacant
clerkship in the store of Ebenozer Miner, at Massena Point,
temporarily, but which proved to be the beginning of a
long and successful career as a merchant. After serving
Mr. Miner a short time, he engaged similarly in Canada,
opposite to the Point, from whence, after a few months, he
was transferred to Ogdensburg, where the firm with whom
he was employed had a branch establishment. Here he
remained twelve years as clerk and partner in the hardware
trade. At the close of this period he was appointed post-
^^U-i-Myl^f^-rj^
ma.ster at Ogdensburg by President Zachary Taylor, and
held the position four years, till June, 1853. He then
removed to the village of Morley, in the town of Canton,
where he engaged in milling and the manufacture of lumber
until 1870, when, being elected superintendent of the poor
of St. Lawrence, he removed his residence to Canton, and
has since given his entire attention to the discharge of the
delicate duties of his important trust to the present time
He was re-elected in 1873, and again in 1876, which re-
peated elections by the people of the county is the best
proof of their estimate of his worth for the position, the
proper discharge of the duties of which requires sound
judgment, nice discrimination, courteous, but firm, bearing,
added to a keen and appreciative sense of the real distresses
of the unfortunate poor, who are with us always. During
Mr. Robinson's second and present term, the Children's
Home was established mainly through his efforts, and has
been successfully managed by him thus far, as will more
fully appear by a reference to the history of that charity
elsewhere in our work. His record, of which he may be
proud, in connection with that other important charity
maintained by his fellow-citizens of the county, the poor-
house and farm, will also be found in connection with the
history of the same, he being the active member of the
board of superintendents having that charity in charge, and
the house and the farm being conducted under his especia'
direction and management. The disbursements of the
superintendents for the poor-house, home, and temporary
relief for the past year, as will be seen by such reference,
amount to more than 140,000, and the heaviest burden of
this extensive business falls to the lot of Mr. Robinson. It
is impossible in the discharge of such a trust that complaints
from some quarters should not arise against those distrib-
234
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
uting the alms of the people, but the mass of the intelli-
gence of the county are in sympathy with their officials,
and give only commendation of their course.
In politics Mr. Robinson is a Republican, and was for-
merly a member of the Whig party. He served as super-
visor of Canton in 1857 and 1858.
In September, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss
Cordelia V. Buck, a native of Madrid, St. Lawrence County,
but whose residence has been in Canton since her infancy.
Her father, Lemuel Buck, was a native of Vermont. Two
children have blessed the union of BIr. and Mrs. Robinson,
one of whom only is now living, viz.. Nelson Lemuel.
Mrs. Robinson is a member of the Cnivcrsalist church of
Canton.
JOHN MALTERNER.
About 1810, Albert Malterner, a native of Herkimer
county, came as a pioneer to Somerville, St. Lawrence
County, where he lived an exemplary life until 1863, when
death removed him from the midst of his friends at the
ripe old age of ninety-four years. This was the father of
John Malterner, the oldest of eight children, and who was
born at his parents' new home September 12, 1810. Until
his nineteenth year his boyhood was passed on his father's
farm. He then engaged as a clerk in the store of Solomon
Pratt, at Somerville, remaining until his failing health
warned him to seek a more active employment. Having
recovered his health, he entered into partnership with Mr.
Pratt, but was again forced to give up his mercantile life
on account of poor health. In 1852 he settled permanently
on the farm on which he at present resides, and enjoys the
reputation of being one of the representative self-made men
and solid farmers of the county. Although not an active
politician, and never an office-seeker, BIr. Malterner takes a
deep interest in political matters, and belongs to the Repub-
lican party. He was united in marriage with Maritte K.
Comins, by whom he has three children,— Perley C, living
at home; Albert J., a stock-breeder in Kansas; and Silas
N., a citizen of Colorado.
EPHRAIM PICKERT
is a son of Frederick and Catharine (Windecker) Pickert.
He was born August 13, 1815. His youth was passed on
his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, when he
began life for himself by working by the month until he
was twenty-one. At this age he married Catharine, daughter
of John and Margaret Davis, of the same county (Herkimer).
Of the family of eight children which blessed this union,
four are now hving : Hiram, in the town of Potsdam ; Alex-
ander, on the homestead ; George, in Canton ; Melvina is
the wife of D. D. Delanee, also of St. Lawrence County.
The oldest son, Alonzo, was in the army of the Potomac,
was wounded, and died in Louisiana with the consumption!
In 1839, Mr. Pickert settled in Lewis county, and nine
years later on the farm which he now occupies, a view of
which appears in this work, and which indicates him to be
a successful man. The improvements are among the best
in the county, and have been designed, to a large extent,
by Alexander, who served in the Federal army nearly three
years. He subsequently married Miss Emma Delanee.
Father and son are earnest Republicans, and Mr. and Mrs.
Pickert are members of the Universalist church at Canton.
NELSON SANDERSON.
The parents of this gentleman, Ebenezer Sanderson, bom
Feb. 4, 1793, and Lucy Priest, born April 29, 1795, were
united in marriage in Shrewsbury, Vt., Feb. 12, 1814, and
soon after moved to the town of Canton, about three miles
from the village. Here Nelson Sanderson was born, Jan.
2, 1817, and his boyhood days were passed on this farm,
rendering his father such assistance as he was able. He
early evinced a strong desire to educate himself, and being
granted the privilege to attend the academy at Canton, he
did so, going and coming daily on foot. He succeeded in
obtaining the elements of an education which has served
him well in the business of life, and which has distinguished
him as one of the leading men of his neighborhood. Mr.
Sanderson has always lived on the old homestead, a view of
which appears in this book, where his father died and where
his mother still lives, having passed the allotted fourscore
years, receiving the care of dutiful children.
On Dec. 25, 1839, Mr. Sanderson was united in marriage
with Zaida Langdon. daughter of Peter Langdon, a pioneer
in South Canton. Mrs. Sanderson was born Sept. 5, 1818.
The union of this worthy couple has been blest with three
children, Ebenezer, Carrie, and Emma, all of whom re-
main in the neighborhood of their youth.
WILLIAM ORRIN SQUIRES.
Salmon Ward Squires, father of the subject of this sketch,
with his wife, Anna (Wells) Squires, emigrated from Dorset,
Vt., in the year 1806, and settled in the neighborhood now
known as South Canton. He was here in 1799, and as-
sisted in the survey of the town, and at that time made
choice of the land on which he afterwards located, the same
being lot 1, range 9. He built a log house on the bank of
a small stream that was on his farm, and in 1814 erected
a large frame house, which is still standing, and moved out
of the old and humble home into the new and more pre-
tentious one.
William Orrin Squires was born in the town of Canton,
on the homestead which now forms a portion of his farm,
Feb. 10, 1823. He attended the common schools of that
day, and worked on the farm. When far enough advanced
in his studies he entered the Canton academy, where he
completed his education, which he early made practical as
a teacher. While in the State of Vermont he became ac-
quainted with Miss Susan French, daughter of Nathaniel
and Polly French, with whom he was united in marriage
Jan. 13, 1850. Mrs. Squires was born in the town of
Glover, Orleans Co., Vt., Jan. 29, 1826. They have had
two children born to them and now living, Abby, now in
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
235
Massachusetts, and Eugenia May, living at home. Mr.
Squires, except when teaching, has all his life pursued the
occupation of a farmer, and has in his farm two hundred
and fifteen acres. In his religious views he inclines to the
Universalist faith. Through life he has never been an as-
pirant to public place or ofiice, but has lived honestly and
industriously, giving to every man his due, and attending
strictly and constantly to the business of his farm, and
has won the esteem and respect of all who know him. A
sketch of his home, and portraits of himself and worthy
helpmeet, adorn another page of our work.
The reputation of John Miller, of Canton, is co-extensive
with the limits of the county wherein he has been an hon-
orable resident for half a century, and he is as favorably as
he is widely known. " John," as he is familiarly called by
all wlio are acquainted with him, has been before the vision
of the people of the county, either in business callings or
official, for nearly forty years, and though his head is now
whitened with the frosts of threescore winters yet his pop-
ularity does not seem to diminish, but rather increases, as
his years roll on.
His father was Levi Miller, who was born in Worcester,
Mass., in 1780, and soon after removed with his parents to
Chester, in the western part of Massachusetts. In 1802
he left the paternal roof and located in Turin, Lewis Co.,
N. Y., where he worked successfully at the trade of a car-
penter. He was married at the age of twenty-four years,
and settled on a farm near Constableville, in the town of
Turin. In 1808, or shortly afterward, he and his wife
connected themselves with the Methodist Episcopal church.
and Mr. Miller became a leading member, being successively
class-leader, local preacher, deacon, and elder, the latter office
being conferred on him at the age of forty years. In 1823
he removed with his family to Louisville, St. Lawrence Co.,
and for fourteen years was land agent for James McViekar.
As a farmer and mechanic Mr. Miller was active and suc-
cessful ; as a leader and preacher he was ardent, zealous,
and faithful to his vows. He died at the age of seventy-
three years, leaving behind him a character untainted by
wrong or deceit, and is remembered for his good deeds by
a large acquaintance.
He was blest with a family of eight children, five sons
and three daughters. The sons were active representative
men of the community, three of them serving several terms
as supervisor of their town, and one, Levi, was twice
elected to the assembly of the State. John Miller, the
more immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Turin,
Lewis Co., January 23, 1816, and removed with his parents
to Louisville in 1823. He received such advantages as
were accorded by the district schools of his boyhood days
in the way of an education, and at the age of seventeen
engaged as a clerk with Benjamin Phillips, at Massena, in
a country store. In the fall of 1837 he engaged in the
mercantile line with his brother Levi, and continued so
connected until 1840, and then gave his attention to farm-
ing until 1844. From that date to 1847 he was engaged
in Canada as foreman on the Long Saut canal, and in lum-
bering. In the latter year he turned his attention again to
farming, and remained so engaged until 1850. From 1850
to 1855 he was superintending a lumber manufactory, and
at the latter date engaged in the mercantile business at
Murley with McAllister & Finnimore. He removed to
Canton in 1862, at which time his more public life began.
He entered the county clerk's office as deputy county
clerk, which position he filled for six years ; and so accept-
ably that the position was terminated simply by his election
to the principalship of the office, which latter position he
filled for one term of three years. For the years inter-
vening between December 31, 1870, and January 1, 1877,
Mr. Miller's time and attention were occupied with his pro-
fessional practice as a lawyer, having been admitted to the
bar in 1870, and his magisterial duties as police justice of
Canton, to which office he was elected in 1871, and which
position he still retains. On January 1, 1877, he re-entered
the clerk's office as deputy clerk, and is thus engaged at the
present writing.
Mr. Miller was first elected to the office of justice of the
peace in 1862. He was also school commissioner of Louis-
ville for six years. He was an ardent Whig while that old
party was in existence, and naturally fell into the ranks of
the Republican organization at its inception, and is a zealous
partisan and has ever been.
On the 4th day of March, 1844, Mr. Miller was united
in marriage to Jane Eliza, daughter of Allan McLeod, Esq.,
of Scottish birth. She was born in Williamsburg, Canada,
December 30, 1814, and at the age of two years came with
her parents to Louisville, in which town she was married.
Three children blest this union, a daughter and two sons :
Mary E., born May 4, 1845, died in August, 1867 ; John
S., born May 4, 1847 ; and George A., born September 21,
236
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1849. The sons are now lawyers in Chicago, John having
been admitted to the bar at the same time with his father,
and George receiving the diploma of the law department of
the St. Lawrence university in 1873. John graduated
from the same university in 18G9, and was professor of
mathematics and German therein during the years 1871 to
1873, and professor of Latin and Greek in" 1873-74. He
is a member of the prominent law firm of Herbert, Quick
& Miller, of Cliicago, and George is iu the same oflSce.
Mrs. Jliller was a communicant of the Episcopal church,
and died November 21, 1877. She was a Christian lady
from her youth, and zealous in all good works ; she left
behind her a name more precious than rubies, and memo-
ries that linger with her companion and children that shall
brighten and grow more precious as the time passes, till the
reunion in that land where the broken bands of love and
affection shall be re-united, and partings and sorrow shall
be no more.
POTSDAM.
In the month of June, 1803, a company of six or eight
men might have been seen making their way in a south-
easterly direction, over ridges covered with maple and
beech, and through glades dark with hemlock, pine, and
cedar, in the western part of what is now the town of Pots-
dam. The leader was a tall, slender, though well-built
young man of twenty-eight, with light hair and complexion,
and already wearing that air of command which is the
birthright of the natural leaders of men. This was Benja-
min Raymond, agent of the proprietors of Potsdam, and
then on the point of opening that town for settlement.
As stated at large in the general history of the county,
the survey-township of Potsdam, named after the ancient
capital of Prussia, had been laid out and sold at auction by
the State, with the rest of the " ten towns," in 1787, had
been patented to Alexander Macomb the same year, and
transferred from him through William Constable and others,
so that in 1803, when settlement began, it was owned in
three tracts : one tract, two miles by five, in the northwest
corner, by David A. and Thomas S. Ogden ; another, also
two miles by five, in the northeast corner, by Charles Le
Roux ; while the title of the main tract, eight miles by
ten, was vested in Garret Van Home and David M. Clark-
son. These, however, held it in trust for a company con-
sisting of themselves, Nicholas Fish (father of Hon. Ham-
ilton Fish), Hermon Le Roy, William Bayard, and James
McEvers.
It was these six gentlemen who had appointed Mr. Ray-
mond their agent, and had sent him forth to manage and
sell their land. He had previously been engaged as a sur-
veyor in this section, both in running out the townships
and in laying them off in mile-square lots, and was conse-
quenfly well acquainted with the country in which he was
to operate. Having embarked at Rome, Oneida Co., in
May, 1803, with a bateau, or large boat, laden with mill-
irons, provisions, and other necessaries for his purpose, Mr.
Raymond and his half-dozen employees had made their toil-
some way through Oneida lake, Oswego river. Lake Onta-
rio, and the St. Lawrence river to Point Iroquois, above
Waddington. There they had left a part of their little
cargo, and with the remainder piled on two or three ox-
sleds, they made a kind of path through the forest to their
point of destination.
Thus we find them at the time we have deemed most
meet to begin a detailed history of the town, leaving prior
matters, in which large tracts of country were involved, to
the general history of the county. Before proceeding with
the adventures of the pioneers, however, we may mention
that the survey-township of Potsdam was then a part of the
civil town of Madrid, which had been formed, with the
county of St. Lawrence, the year before.
Still pressing on, and clearing their own way through
the forest, Raymond and his companions at length reached
the west bank of the Raquette river, about half a mile
below the falls, where Potsdam village now stands. The
river-bank being dilEcult to travel on, Mr. Raymond directed
the building of a raft of cedar logs, and with this the ad-
venturers made their way up to the foot of the falls. They
landed on the west side, built a log hut on the rocks, and
began the erection of a saw-mill. This was got in opera-
tion the same year, and was the first frame building erected
in town.
Mr. Raymond also opened a land-ofiBice in the log house
before mentioned, and offered lots for sale at $2.50 per
acre. In the course of the summer came Ebenezer Patter-
son with his family, who occupied the " land-office," and
boarded Mr. R.'s workmen. This was the first white fam-
ily, and Mrs. Patterson was the first white woman in town,
and, as no other women or children came that year, Mrs.
Patterson enjoyed for several months the unquestioned dis-
tinction among the pioneers of being " the handsomest
woman in Potsdam."
The names of those who came from Rome with Mr. Ray-
mond cannot now be ascertained, but perhaps some of them
were numbered among those who took contracts for land
that year. The following is a list of those who took con-
tracts, or deeds, in the order of time, the first being dated
June 9, 1803, and the next two on the following day:
Christopher Wilson, Jabez Healey, John Fobes, Moses Pat-
terson, Elihu Knights, Asa Knapp, Elias Champion, Gur-
don Smith, Joshua Conkey, Francis Whitney, John De-
lance, Benjamin Stewart, Giles Parmele, Sylvanus Eaton,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
237
Archibald Royce, William Smith, Chester Dewey, Nathaniel
Bailey, David French, Esau Rich, Reuben Ames, Barnabas
Ames, Benjamin Bailey, Howard J. Pierce, Nowell B.
Smith, Ansel Bailey, Ebenezer Hubbard, and Ebenezer
Patterson.
Only two of these took deeds that year, — Benjamin Stew-
art and William Smith. Mr. Stewart's was the first deed
given to a settler in the town, being dated July 9, 1803,
and covering the northwest part of lot 42. Mr. Smith's
deed is still in the possession of his son, W. A. Smith,
who has permitted us to examine it. It is dated Sept.
19, 1803, is signed by Garret Van Home and David M.
Clarkson,by Benjamin Raymond, their attorney, and grants
to William Smith, of Shoreham, Vt., 320 acres of land,
being the north half of lot 26, in the town of Potsdam,
for the sum of $800. It was witnessed by Ebenezer Park-
hurst, Jr., and Nathan S. Douglass.
We cannot learn that any of those before named, except
Patterson, remained through the winter, though probably
some did. Most of them came on and examined the land
before purchasing, and many of them made preparations for
occupation. Mr. Versal Healey, a son of Jabez Healey, who
took the second contract, says that the last-named person
and his brother-in-law, John Fobes, came from Vermont
together to look for land. They rode through from Lake
Champlain on horseback, following the township lines
marked by the surveyors. Arriving at the falls of Ra-
quette river, on the east side, they saw no one, but discov-
ered a raft of cedar logs moored to the bank. They em-
barked on this ; Mr. Healey poling the raft across the stream,
while Mr. Fobes held the bridles of the horses, which
swam behind the rude craft. Arriving on the other side, they
found Land-agent Raymond standing in the door of his
log office, with a bottle of rum ready to welcome the new-
comers,— this being the universal method of giving welcome
in those days. Mr. R. was the only man in the immediate
vicinity, the hired men being at work in the woods.
The two adventurers spent two or three weeks in exam-
ining the country, and finally both took contracts for land,
about five miles from the falls, near the road to Canton.
This road and several others were surveyed by Raymond
that summer ; all running in almost exactly straight lines,
and all centering at the falls, where he intended there
should be a village. The road from Stockholm to Can-
ton was cleared of underbrush during the summer so
that teams could pass. After Healey and Fobes had
selected their land they returned to Vermont, and then
Healey and his eldest son, Amasa, a youth of eighteen,
came back to Potsdam the same fall, with packs on their
backs, to prepare a place for the family.
They built a log house on the land before selected, and
cut down two or three acres of timber around it. The near-
est house in which a family lived was four miles west, in the
present town of Canton, and there for a while Mr. Healey and
his son boarded. The youngster, however, gave up, and de-
clared that he couldn't go four miles night and morning and
live entirely ou venison and corn bread and chop all day
besides. Mr. H. then went to Ogdensburg and bought
some groceries, and they put up a hut, in which they kept
"bachelor's hall" during the rest of their labors. When
these were finished, they again returned to Vermont with
their packs on their backs.
Early the next spring (1804) Mr. Healey came through,
with his wife, eight or ten children, three horses, and a lot
of cattle. They went to St. Regis ; thence up Grasse river
on the ice to Canton, and thence across to their new home,
that being the only available road. Versal, the seventh son,
was then a year old.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Fobes also brought their family in
the spring of 1804, and in the course of the season numer-
ous others came, including a large proportion of those who
took land the previous year. Among those who are known
to have come in 1804 were Christopher Wilson, Benj.
Bailey, Howard J. Pierce, Benjamin Stewart, John De-
lance, Joseph Bailey, and his sons Nathaniel and Ansel ;
the latter afterwards known as Judge Bailey. Mr. Ray-
mond also brought his family from Rome that spring.
One of the prominent settlers of that year was Gurdon
Smith, who located at the point now called West Potsdam,
but which long bore the name of " Smith's Corners.'' Mr.
S. had been the chief one of the corps of surveyors who,
under the general management of Benjamin Wright, had
surveyed a large part of Macomb's purchase. It is said
that when he first arrived at the falls of Raquette river,
while surveying, before the settlement, the only indication
of civilization that he found was a solitary tuft of timothy
grass. This might well be considered emblematical of the
future of Potsdam ; for grass has been and is likely to be
the chief reliance of that locality.
This year (1804) there was a new crowd of land-buyers ;
the list including the names of Ebenezer Parkhui'st, Jr.,
William Ames, Barnabas Hogle, Thomas Bowker, David
Covey, Jehiel Slafter, Joseph Wright, Lebbeus Johnson,
Bester Pierce, Rosweil Parkhurst, Alvin Mills, Reuben
Field, John Bowker, Spalding Waterman, Ezra Crarey,
and William BuUard, and his associates. Many of these,
besides examining their tracts, began improvements. Axes
rang merrily in numerous locations, and the deer, then com-
mon in every glade, found unwonted intruders encroaching
on their ancient retreats. The price of land this year was
from two dollars and three-fourths to three dollars and a
half
Meanwhile, Mr. Raymond was pushing forward a grist-
mill at the falls, the property of the land proprietors, which
was raised and partly finished that summer, but not got in
operation till the next year. Ebenezer Wright, a brother-
in-law of Raymond, was the millwright. When the mill
was ready to raise, all the population of Canton, Potsdam,
and Stockholm was called together, and two days were oc-
cupied in the task. The first day the sills were fastened
in their places and the bents made ready for raising. When
this was done some one offered to bet two gallons of rum
that there were no four men in the crowd who, with
two handspikes, could raise one of the corners off from
the underpinning. Christopher Wilson, Jabez Healey,
Benjamin Stewart, and John Delance took the bet, raised
the corner, and won the rum. The next day the ponderous
bents were lifted to their places, and then the " ardent" was
still more copiously dispensed. Rum and whisky came
very near being legal tender in those days.
238
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The same summer Mr. Eaymond built the first frame
dwelling in town. It was on the west side of the river,
where he evidently expected the village to be. Being in-
tended to be used as a dwelling-house, store, and land-office
all in one, it was built with two wings, the whole forming
a cross. Its shape caused it to be dubbed " The Fox and
G-eese House" by the pioneers, and as such it was known
as long as it stood.
The first child born in Potsdam was Orpha Maria Smith,
daughter of William Smith, born on the 20th day of April,
1804. The next two were Lovina Healey, daughter of
Jabez Healey, and a daughter of Benjamin Raymond, both
born on the 14th day of October, in the same year. It is
a matter of dispute whether the first boy was a Covey or
a Knights. The marriage of John Delance and Nancy
Healey took place in the summer of 1804, and was, in all
probability, the first in town.
We have mentioned that a tract of land was contracted
for by " William Bullard and his associates" in 1804. This
took place on the 28th day of November, in that year, when
a contract was given for 2427 acres to William Bullard,
who acted on behalf of himself, and of William, Thomas H.,
and Annie Currier, J. Buttolph, John Burroughs, J. and
E. Field, Nathan Howe, John McAUaster, E. and S. Shaw,
M. Smith, D. and L. Wyman, and B. Wells. The tract
was situated from one to three miles north of the present
village of Potsdam, and contained parts of mile square lots
and 27, 28, 29, 37, 38, and 39, the whole, however, being
on the east side of Raquette river. The total price was
18300, or about $3.42 per acre. Mr. Bullard had projected
an organization somewhat on the Fourierite plan, in which
all the property was to be held and all the work to be done
in common.
The next year some of the associates came on and begun
improvements, but no formal union was then consum-
mated.
Mr. Raymond having gone with his family to stay during
the winter of 1804-5 in a more civilized community, was
returning in the spring of the latter year, accompanied by
his family, by his brother-in-law, Wright, and his family,
and by his cousin, Sewall Raymond, all in sleighs, when
they were completely deserted by the snow at Ox Bow, on
the Oswegatchie river, in the edge of Jefferson county.
The energetic agent immediately directed the building of
a raft out of about thirty pine logs, on which the sleighs,
goods, and families were placed, and on which they pro-
ceeded down the swollen stream to Cooper's Falls, in De
Kalb. The horses were sent overland, in charge of Sewall
Raymond, and from Cooper's Falls there wa,s enough snow
to serve the party to Potsdam.
In 1805 the list of land-buyers included Ezekiel Wilson,
Paul Raymond, Horace Garfield, Ebenezer Jackson, Dyer
Bottum, Elijah Stevens, Azariah Orton, David Hendee,
Levi Wyman, Josiah Fuller, William Pike, Charles Cox^
Benjamin Pratt, Levi West, Jeremiah Gilmore, Abraham
Collins, Samuel Harris, Levi Swift, Fr..derick Currier,
Josiah Fuller, A. Powers, Asa Goodnow, Abner Royce'
Jr., Andrew Patterson, Timothy Parker, Luther Savin, Wil-
liam Isham, Timothy Shepard, and Larned Rich. Besides
these, several of those who had purchased in previous years
renewed their contracts, or took others, so that their names
appear more than once on the books of the land-office.
David French moved into town in the beginning of
March, 1805. He was obliged to leave part of his effects
on the way, like many others, on account of the badness of
the roads. He managed to find transportation for two
shotes, however, but soon after his arrival the bears relieved
him of the care of one of them. The only clearing be-
tween his place (where his son, Ira T., now lives) and the
falls was that of Chester Dewey, on the farm now owned
by Stewart Sayles. That farm had a large amount of inter-
vale on it, which the industrious beavers had covered with
water by means of a dam. Nathan Crarey, with his son,
Orrin, and eleven other children, also moved into town in
1805.
As near as can be ascertained, it was in 1805 that the
first settlement was made on the " Ogden Tract," in the
northwest corner of the town, by Isaac Buck, who then
built a house and began a clearing in the locality, since
known as Buck's Bridge, about half a mile from the Madrid
line.
It was in 1805 also, in the month of July, that the first
death occurred in Potsdam. It was that of James Chad-
wick, a young man from Massachusetts, who was at work
with Horace Garfield, near where the old Clarkson mansion
stood, and was killed by tlie falling of a limb of a tree.
This leads us to remark in passing, how many times in our
investigations we have discovered that the first death in a
town h:is been caused by the falling of a tree. Such an
accident seems to have been one of the most serious dangers
that the pioneers had to encounter.
Among the earliest settlers of the town was John Smith,
an uncle of Joseph Smith, the celebrated Mormon leader.
He was for many years quite a respectable resident of Pots-
dam, but when his nephew turned up as a prophet, John
Smith joined him, went to Utah, and became high-priest, of
the Mormon church. After his death, his son, George A.
Smith, a native of Potsdam, attained the same position, and
still holds it. Samuel Smith, another uncle of Joseph,
was also a resident of Potsdam.
It is almost needless to say that the early pioneers found
still earlier inhabitants of the lands they were appropriating
to themselves. Notwithstanding the loss of an occasional
shote, it does not appear that the bears were extremely
troublesome, and the old settlers of St. Lawrence County
have much less to say about the depredations of wolves on
their sheep than those of some other localities. Deer, how-
ever, were remarkably abundant, and no one who could live
on venison need lack for food. They seemed to be attracted
to tlie clearings both by curiosity and love of grain, and
were sometimes so common that it was not thought worth
while to spend powder and ball upon them. Benjamin
Smith, son of Gurdon Smith, told Hon. W. A. Dart that,
when a boy, he was frequently sent to drive the deer out of
the wheat.
Indians, too, were quite common, though none had a
permanent residence in this vicinity. They used to come
up from St. Regis in the fall with their squaws and papooses,
build bark cabins in the woods, hunt and trap all winter,
and return in bark canoes on the floods of early spring. It
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
239
would appear that they had formerly been in the habit of
dragging their canoes up-stream, where it was too rapid to
row up, if it is true, as tradition asserts, that the Indian
name of Potsdam was Teioatenetaremes, meaning a place
where the ground settles under feet in dragging up a canoe.
At one time they had five cabins on the land of Jabez
Healey. They were generally peaceable towards the whites,
but made very free with their houses, walking in without
rapping, and occasionally indulging in a dance on the
puncheon floors if the spirit so moved them.
One day in 1805 or 1806, Mr, Healey and John Delance,
wrhile at work together in the woods, heard the screaming
of a woman at Mr. Healey's house. The thought of Indians
at once occurred to both of them, and they sprang towards
home at their best speed. Arriving there they found a
number of Indians dancing in the house, but the screams
came from a squaw whom her drunken husband was beating
in the road. She had got his knife, and he was pounding
her to make her give it up.
The two men went up and endeavored to persuade him
to stop. He made a menacing movement toward Delance,
when the latter at once knocked him down. The proverbial
danger of interfering between man and wife was quickly
illustrated, for the squaw at once assailed her rescuer, knife
in hand. Healey however, swung his axe aloft, and she
slunk back. Meanwhile, the Indian arose, ran to the house,
and got his gun. Some of the others, however, divining
his intent, knocked the priming out of the pan, thus ren-
dering it for the time harmless. Mr. Healey also suspected
his object and followed close upon his steps. The savage
reached the house first, and snapped the weapon full at the
breast of the white man. The latter seized hLs antagonist
by the shoulders and thrust him down upon a bench with a
force that nearly jarred the breath out of him.
The knock-down, the set-down, and the whisky, alto-
gether, were too much for the red man ; be gave up, and
began to cry. After a plentiful lachrymal indulgence, he
wanted to " make up" with Healey and Delance, and to
express the reconciliation in Indian form by each antago-
nist kissing the back of his opponent's hand. Mr. Healey,
knowing the importance of keeping on good terms with the
savages, readily assented, and gravely went through with
the ceremony, but Delance declared that he wouldn't " kiss
hands with any damned Indian," and a reconciliation, so
far as he was concerned, was left unaccomplished.
For several of the first years the Indians furnished almost
the only market the whites had. The former had money
which they obtained for furs, and they would frequently
buy corn, " pooter" (as they called butter), and other prod-
ucts of the farm. Rum, and whisky, too, they would buy
whenever they could, and the settler who could procure a
barrel of either article thought himself on the high road to
fortune. For wheat they did not care, as they had no
means of grinding it, while corn could easily be parched
and then pounded in a mortar. Consequently, wheat could
hardly be sold at any price.
By the beginning of 1806 the people of the survey-town-
ship of Potsdam felt strong enough to support a town or-
ganization of their own. A petition was accordingly sent
to the legislature, and on the 21st day of February, in that
year, an act was passed creating the town of Potsdam, which
corresponded in size to the survey-townships of the same
name, covering an area of ten miles square, or one hundred
square miles. A town-meeting day was appointed, but the
inhabitants neglected to assemble. Consequently, as the
law then stood, tiiree justices of the peace, residing " in or
near" the town, were authorized to appoint the necessary
ofiicers. Accordingly, on the 4th day of April, 1806,
three justices, whose names do not appear on the record,
assembled and appointed the following ofiicers, — the first
in the town of Potsdam :
Supervisor, Benjamin Raymond ; Town Clerk, Gurdon
Smith ; Commissioners of Highways, Bester Pierce, David
French, and Gurdon Smith ; Assessors, Giles Parmele,
Horace Garfield, and Benjamin Bailey ; Overseers of the
Poor, Jabez Healey and David French ; Pound-masteis,
William Smith and Oliver Boyden ; Overseers of High-
ways (path-masters), Benjamin Raymond, Benjamin Stewart,
Levi Swift, Abner Royce, Jr., Archibald Royce, and Isaac
Buck ; Fence-viewers, Levi West, Bester Pierce, and Ben-
jamin Stewart. It will be understood that justices of the
peace were then appointed by the governor, and are conse-
quently not to be found in the list of ordinary town ofii-
cers. Benjamin Raymond and Gurdon Smith were two of
the first justices appointed in this town, and both held the
office for many years.
Emigration went on apace. Among the improvements
which were made in 1806, Isaac Buck built a saw-mill at
" Buck's Bridge," — though there was no bridge there then,
nor, in fact, any of any consequence in town. Some of the
small creeks were crossed with rude pole-bridges, but the
larger ones were ferried, usually with rafts. Asahel Wright
also located at Buck's Bridge that year; his son, Warren II.
Wright, then two years old, being now the oldest resident
there. The same year Moses Patterson made the first set-
tlement at the point now called Yaleville. The price of land
in 1806 was four dollars per acre. It was in 1806 or 1807
that we first hear of any religious services in Potsdam.
Some Methodist missionaries held a very warm revival in
the western part of the town. Women fell in trances, and
all those strong manifestations were observed which are cer-
tainly more common in the back settlements than elsewhere.
David French and wife, Jabez Healey and wife, and Ezra
Crarey and wife were the first to join the church. No con-
tinuous church was kept up in Potsdam, though there may
have been in Canton.
The earliest school-teacher in Potsdam, so far as known,
was Howard J. Pierce. Mr. Versal Healey remembers of
going to school to him in a log shop near the North Canton
road when a very small boy, and as Mr. Pierce was one of
the first to purchase land, it is probable he followed the occu-
pation of school-teaching in the winter as soon as there were
any scholars to be taught.
The first physician who practiced in town was Dr. Baker,
of Canton ; but the first who resided in town was Dr.
Pierce Shepard. The exact year of his arrival is not
known, but it was as early as 1808, in which year he joined
the newly-established St. Lawrence medical society, being
apparently already on the ground, and having probably been
here for two or three years. We say " probably" so.
240
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
because as soon as there were thirty or forty settlers in any
locality a doctor made his home there. There was plenty
of sickness, due both to the hardships undergone by the pio-
neers and to the malaria let loose by the disturbance of the
virgin soil.
In the forepart of 1807 the legislature annexed the sur-
vey-township of Dewitt to Potsdam. This included nearly
all the settled part of the present town of Pierrepont. It
remained a part of Potsdam for eleven years ; but as it was
then set oiF, and as the events occurring there are duly
described in the history of Pierrepont, no further notice
of them will be taken here.
Potsdam post-office, the first in town, was cstablislied on
the 21st day of April, 1807. Dr. Pierce Shepard was the
first postmaster.
In April or May, 1807, the long-contemplated union was
formally organized: Several of the original parties had
withdrawn, and some others had joined, so that at the date
just mentioned the members were William Rullard, John
Burroughs, Manasseh Smith, Nathan Howe, Ammi Cur-
rier, Thomas Currier, Isaac Ellis, William Currier, Alba
Durkee, and John McAllaster. They appear to have waited
until all had got settled and made clearings on the common
land before trying to carry out the scheme to the full
extent.
A constitution was then formed, by which all matters
relative to the union were to be decided by a majority of
votes. The familes were to live separate, but all the prop-
erty was to be held in common. The members were to
share in the proceeds according to the labor invested, — that
is, as we understand it, they were to share thus in the
grain, wool, fruit, and other net proceeds, while the land,
teams, stock, and tools were to be held in common. An
account was to be kept with each member, showin" the
amount of stock invested and days' work performed, and a
settlement was to be made with each stockholder at an
annual meeting in January. All control over the political
or religious views of the members was entirely disclaimed.
Mr. Bullard was chosen general agent and manager, and
John Burroughs clerk; and then the new constitution -was
put in operation. Whatever may have been the jarring of
its parts it did not break down at once. Mr. Bullard bein"-
the projector and chief man of the organization, was popu-
larly known as the " King of the Union." His majesty
was a shoemaker by trade, and worked a large part of the
time at that plebeian occupation. His residence was a log
cabin, a short distance south of the present residence of
Salmon Currier, and served not only as palace and shoe-shop,
but also as school-house. The gentleman just named says
that Mr. Bullard was his first teacher, and that the latter
lived, taught school, and made shoes all in the little cabin.
On the whole he was quite a useful kind of kino-.
Leaving our friends of the Union to struggle as best they
may with the many difficulties of their undertaking, we
will spare a few lines for a much older class of communists.
The Indians continued to spend their winters in the vicinity,
and to enter at will the hou.ses of the white people. On
Christmaseve, 1807, there was to be a dance at a log tavern
in Canton, said to have been the first entertainmen°t of its
kind in this part of the country. In the morning ei-rhteen
warriors came stalking into Mr. Healey's house, gun in
hand, attired in their gaudiest blankets, their brightest paint,
and their tallest feathers, on their way to see the great
dance of the white people. Accustomed as the children
were to Indians, this was rather too much, and the younger
ones beat a hasty retreat under the bed. After a due dis-
play of their finery they all set forth for the scene of the
promised entertainment.
The only Indian who used to rap at a white man's door
was a prominent chief named Captain Peter. He was a
man of considerable intelligence and unquestioned integrity
and was much respected by the whites. But even Captain
Puter would get drunk. Shortly after ihe Christmas dance
just referred to, the captain got into a fracas with the same
vicious savage that had the difficulty before described, who
gave him an ugly stab in the abdomen with his knife, which ■
at first was thought to be fatal. The wound was sewed up,
however, and the captain recovered. The aff'air took place
in one of the shanties before mentioned, on Mr. Healey's
farm. The assassin fled for his life from his enraged coun-
trymen, and was never heard of more in this vicinity.
Meanwhile the scope of the Indian hunting-grounds was
being constantly reduced by the advance of the whites'.^
David Barnum came in 1807, and Simeon Dart in I8ff8 ;
the latter settling at Smith's Corners, now West Potsdam.' !
Timothy Shepard, a brother of Dr. Shepard, came about '
the same time and located at the falls, but on the east side.
Josiah Fuller also built on that side the first tavern in town
(on the west side of Market street, near the bridge), and it
began to be apparent that the main part of the village was
to be east of the river. The tavern was soon sold to Samuel
Pear, who kept it till his death, in 1817. Harmony Lodge
of Masons was established at Potsdam in 1808, when there
were not over half a dozen houses in the villaee. It flour-
ished about twenty years, and then passed away in the great
disaster which then for a time overwhelmed the institution.
In 1808, Benjamin Raymond was appointed one of the
judges of the common pleas, a position which he held for
seven years. This, however, was not a very onerous office,
and did not interfere with his close attention to the land-
office, mills, etc., of the proprietors. The mills were re-
sorted to from a long distance. Benjamin Raymond, Jr.,
now of Chicago, has related to his friends how he used to
ferry men across the river and back who came from Hopr
kinton to mill.
This labor was dispensed with after 1809, for in that
year a bridge was built on the present site, which lasted
until 1830. In that year, 1809, Liberty Knowles located
in the village. He was admitted to the bar the next year,
being the first lawyer in town, and from that time till his
death was one of the leading citizens. By this time (1809)
the price of land had been raised to from five to six dollars
an acre.
In 1810 the " Union" dissolved ; for at that date we find
in the land-office books several transfers of land from Wil-
liam Bullard, in whose name it had all previously stood, to
various members of the society. Although a strict account
was kept of the days' woi-k performed, and the products .
divided accordingly, it was found that there was a great
difference in days' work, and the more industrious members
^yw^g^'-l^ JJ^aJ'.' '^'i.
"THE OLD DART FARM" V/tw of L.A.HOLT'S Farm, West Potsdam, NY.
Luther 5. Owen.
Res. OF Luther S.Owen, West Potsdam, NX
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTS', NEW YORK.
241
were always the losers by the arrangement. It is said to
have been more objectionable to the most energetic women
than to the men ; for they saw the cloth which they had
made, taken for the benefit of their more indolent sisters,
while their own children suffered from the cold. Yet the
dissolution was accomplished without much bitterness, and
the Unionists continued friendly afterwards.
According to the census of 1810, Potsdam had a popu-
lation of nine hundred and twenty-eight; making it the
third town in that respect in the county. This included
a dozen or so of settlers who were located in what is now
Pierrepont. Up to this period there had been few public
religious services of any kind in town, and there were then
none in the village. Deacon Azel Lyman, who came in
1810, stated, in his lifetime, that when he arrived there were
but seven dwellings in the village. These were small
frames ; all outside of these were of logs. The people were
industrious and enterprising, but somewhat reckless, and
it was a common thing to spend Sunday in hunting, fishing,
and similar amusements. Judge Raymond, however, was
in the habit of holding religious services in his family every
Sabbath, including the reading of a prayer and sermon,
singing, etc. Mr. L. asked the privilege of attending these
meetings with his family. It was cheerfully granted, and
he then persuaded others to ask the same favor. In a short
time the judge's room was crowded every Sunday, and guns
were no longer heard on that day in the purlieus of the
village.
Judge Raymond was desirous that there should be a
general and regular attendance on religious services, and
something done for the advancement of education. Accord-
ingly, during that summer he erected a frame building,
twenty-four feet by thirty-six, situated between what is now
Main and Elm streets, a little east of Market street, intended
to be used for both a church and school. It was fitted up
with a porch and a small bell, and the cost has been vari-
ously estimated at from five hundred to seven hundred dol-
lars. The leading men were even then revolving the idea
of having an academy here, and the building was fre-
quently called by that name. There was not as yet even a
common-school organization in town ; the schools thus far
having been private ones, supported by voluntary sub-
scriptions. The new building was occupied for such
schools and for district schools until the organization of
the academy.
The first religious service held in it was the funeral of
Deacon Lyman's infant daughter. After that services were
held there every Sabbath ; Judge Raymond reading a ser-
mon until a minister was employed.
It was about this time (1810 or 1811) that the first frame
houses began to appear outside of the village ; small, one-
story cottages, and only a few of them, but marking the
beginning of the change from the pioneer stage to a more
advanced era. Captain Benjamin Stewarts, in 1811, was
one of the very first. Mr. Lorenzo D. Eaton came to
Potsdam village, and is still a resident there.
Another early resident of the town is the venerable Ansel
Paine, who resides two miles north of West Potsdam, and
who came into the town in 1811, at the age of twenty-one.
He recollects the number of houses as five on the east
side, besides that of Judge Raymond, who then lived on the
ground where General Merritt now does. This does not
differ materially from Mr. Lyman's estimate (seven), as the
latter perhaps included Raymond's new house and one or
two west of the river. The residences mentioned by Mr.
Paine were those of Dr. Shepard, Timothy Shepard, Azel
Lyman, Lemuel Pinncy, and Samuel Pease (the tavern-
keeper). Judge Raymond then had a small store on the
corner of Market and Main streets.
Liberty Knowles built a house that summer, the same
now occupied by his son, W. L. Knowles. It was then,
unquestionably, the most palatial mansion in town.
Mr. Paine first located on lot eight, a mile north of
Hewittsvillc. At that time, as he says, nearly every resi-
dence outside the village was a log house, on a hill, with a
little clearing around it. Nearly all the pioneers sought
the hills, where a crop of grain could most quickly be ob-
tained, while the damp, rich, heavily-timbered valleys were
left to those who could wait for slower returns.
In Juno, 1811, the First Presbyterian church was organ-
ized, of which a detailed account will be given farther on.
In June, 1811 or 1812, a fulling-mill was erected on the
island at the village.
In June, 1812, the war with England startled the whole
frontier with visions of invasion and massacre. Great fear
of the Indians was felt, and many settlers left the county.
Even the St. Regis Indians were looked on with suspicion,
but we have been told that in not a single instance did they
manifest an unfriendly disposition. The most trouble the
inhabitants had was on account of the frequent calls for
the militia to serve along the St. Lawrence.
Mr. Ansel Paine served thus for eight months in 1812
and 1813, and, so far as we have been able to learn, is the
only surviving soldier of that war who was then and still is
a resident of Potsdam. The company was made up from
Potsdam, Madrid, and Massena. The first captain was
Bester Pierce, of Potsdam ; after him it was commanded
by George R. Wells, of Madrid. It was at Waddington,
Ogdensburg, and finally at Sacket's Harbor. Bodies of
regular troops were also frequently moved through the
town, and after the battle of Chrysler's Field, in 1813, a
large portion of the American army retreated to Potsdam
village. They made things pretty lively there while they
stayed, and the inhabitants did not much relish the manner
in which they took possession of the place.
It was during the martial period now under consideration
that the legislature provided for the organization of the
common schools. Acting under a law passed in 1812, the
electors of Potsdam assembled in special town-meeting at
the academy on the first day of September, 1813, and chose
Benjamin Raymond, Gurdon Smith, and Howard J. Pierce
as commissioners of common schools. At the same time they
elected four inspectors of common schools, viz., James
Johnson, Liberty Knowles, Thomas Swift, and Sylvester
Bacon.
Even amid the clang of arms the zealous citizens under-
took to found an academy. A subscription was circulated
for that purpose in December, 1812. Benj. Raymond sub-
scribed a hundred shares of ten dollars each, including the
building he had already erected, with the lot on which it
242
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
stood. Liberty Knowles, Azel Lyman, Samuel Pease,
Robert McChesney, Benjamin Burton, Anthony Y. Elder-
kin, Joseph P. Reynolds, William Smith, James Johnson,
Renel Taylor, Pierce Shepard, Lemuel Pinney, John Bur-
roughs, Sewall Raymond, David Parish, and Jacob Red-
ington each took ten shares. Eighteen others took less
amounts, making three hundred and twelve shares, or
thirty-one hundred and twenty dollars in all, — no small sum
for that period. The next month a petition for incorpora-
tion was presented to the legislature, but no action was
taken on it, and the scheme for the present fell through.
As a whole, the effect of the war was decidedly to stim-
ulate the business of Potsdam village. There was, of
course, no traffic by way of the St. Lawrence. People
did not like to go to points like Ogdensburg and Wadding-
ton on the immediate frontier, and the consequence was to
increase the trade at places which were considered at a safe
distance in the interior. A large business was also done
by the government along the line through Canton, Potsdam,
etc., in moving all kinds of supplies necessary for the army.
Several enterprises were carried out during the progress
of the war. The American hotel was raised in 1813, our
venerable but then 3'outhful friend, Mr. Paine, taking part
in the raising. A large portion, if not all, of the turnpike
through Potsdam to Hopkinton was built at this time, at
an average cost of two dollars per rod, though some of it
had been chopped out as early as 1811. Much of the
Parishville turnpike was also made during the war, the
cost of some of it being about three dollars and a half per
rod, as we learn from the old account books kept by Judge
Raymond for his principals. A distillery was also built in
1813, by the proprietors of the land. A sad event of that
period was the burning of the earding-machine on the
island, when a son of Dudley Beokwith, the person in charge,
perished in the flames. It was rebuilt before the close of
the war.
The principal change was in the mercantile business.
Before the war there had been but one small store, kept
by Judge Raymond, on the west side of the river. His
cousin, Sewall Raymond, began one on the east side in 1813,
and when the brother of the latter, John Raymond (a still
surviving citizen of Norwood), came at the close of the war,
arriving on the very same day that the news of peace
reached the village, he found no less than six stores in op-
eration on the east side. Instead of the half-dozen houses
to be seen in 1811, there were twenty-five or thirty. But
with the close of the war trade reverted to its former chan-
nel along the St. Lawrence, and all the east-side merchants
failed except Sewall Raymond, who continued to transact
business there for over forty years.
By this time there were twenty or thirty small frame
houses scattered through the town, outside of the village,
and in 1815 David French made another advance, and put
up a two-story residence, — the first at least in all that part
of Potsdam. There was, however, neither a hotel nor a
store, nor hardly a shop of any description outside of the
village, and not even a saw-mill, except at Buck's Bridge.
The village was not only the centre of all business, but the
place where the youths and men of the surrounding country
assembled to join with the villagers in the rough recreations
of the day, and some very lively times they had, too, ac^
cording to the testimony of an occasional survivor.
It was not far into the country then. The forest came
down from the east to the site of the town-hall, and although
there were many clearings, yet one could probably have
kept in- the woods all the way from that point to the heart
of the Adirondacks. Young John Raymond, the eastern
clerk (he was then nineteen), thought he had got into a
pretty wild country when, in the summer of 1815, he
nearly ran over a panther in the middle of Elm street, only
a short distance from Market.
As he was going after his brother's cow in the dusk of a
Sunday evening, he saw an animal sitting on its haunches,
some distance in front of him, which he supposed to be a
large dog. When he arrived within a few rods the animal
gave a " eat leap" over the ditch to the side of the road,
and then the youth saw that it was a panther, one of those
animals having been killed and brought into the village
only a few days before. The next moment he leaped back
into the road, and stood watching the young man, who
was in a serious dilemma. If he stood his ground the
beast might slay him for his impudence, and if he ran away
he might pounce on him for his cowardice. While he was
considering the matter the panther again leaped over the
ditch, and crept behind a stump, where Raymond could see
his fierce eyes peering out in the gathering dusk on one
side, and his tail swinging angrily to and fro on the other.
Seeing that his panthership did not intend an immediate
advance, the youngster quickly withdrew, and was not mo-
lested. Going to the nearest house, whicl* was only a
short distance away, he informed the owner what he had
seen. The latter took his rifle, and the two returned, but
the panther had retired to the forest.
The fellow had already killed several sheep, and it was
determined to make a grand effort to destroy him. Notice
was sent far and near, and on an appointed day the farmers
and villagers of Potsdam, Parishville, and part of Stock-
holm all turned out en masse to hunt the panther. They
inclosed a circuit nearly twenty miles in circumference, em-
bracing portions of those three towns, and at a given signal
advanced from all sides towards the centre.
On througli forest and clearing, over hill and through
dale, dashing through streams and clambering over preci-
pices, pressed the hunters, gradually contracting their skirm-
ish-line (or rather ring), and being animated continually
by the sharp report of rifles, as deer and other game
attempted, with more or less success, to break through the
fiery circuit. As they closed up, the shots rang forth more
frequently, becoming a regular fusillade, until at length the
marksmen were obliged to moderate their zeal for fear of
hitting each other. When all the ground had been swept
over, and the exhausted hunters stood together in the
centre, they found they had slain plenty of deer, a bear or
two, and uncounted quantities of smaller game, but the
chief object of their search — the panther — was not among
their trophies. Perhaps, however, he had been pretty well
frightened ; for never again did he or any of his brethren
venture quite so close to the academic purlieus of Potsdam.
For " academic" Potsdam was bound to be. The scheme,
which had fallen through in 1813, was revived as soon as
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
243
practicable after the war; and in April, 1816, tte desired
institution was incorporated by the name of " St. Lawrence
Academ}'." It will form the subject of a separate sketch.
Even before the academy, another instrument of intel-
lectual enlightenment made its appearance, — the first num-
ber of the Putsdam Gazelle having been issued by Frederick
C. Powell on January 13, 1816. This and subsequent
newspaper ventures are mentioned in the chapter devoted
to the press in the general history of the county.
But these academic and journalistic exponents of civili-
zation were liable to be crowded by the original denizens of
the wilderness. The panthers had been driven away, but
the deer still came sniflSng curiously around, as if anxious
to learn the mysteries of type-setting or the profounder lore
of Latin and of Greek. Mr. Raymond relates that the only
deer he ever shot at he killed in July, 1816, a few rods
east of the site of the Methodist church. The animal had
wandered into the edge of the village, and was gazing with
motionless surprise at the unwonted scene when young
Raymond discovered him. Obtaining a rifle, the latter
crept up behind a row of currant-bushes, within easy range,
fired, and brought down his game.
Shortly after the war, Mr. John C. Clarkson, one of the
heirs of David M. Clarkson, came to Potsdam to live as
manager of the lands, a handsome mansion havins been
erected as a residence. Mr. Raymond gave up the agency,
and in 1818 removed to Norfolk.
There was a large emigration throughout the town in the
next two or three years after the war ; a good many people
having been waiting for peace before venturing so near the
frontier. The celebrated "cold summer" of 1816, when
there was a frost every month in the year, together with the
increase of population, conspired to raise the prices of all
kinds of food to an exorbitant amount. This evil, however,
was soon overcome by the large crops of the next year, and
as a rule the main trouble was that prices were so low that
grain would not pay the cost of transportation to market.
The chief resource for obtaining money was the making of
potash and sending it to Montreal.
Several men, long prominent in the history of the town,
came about this period. Among them were Horace Allen,
who was admitted to the bar in 1816, and Samuel Partridge,
one of the most thorough-going of business men. Dr.
Robert McChesney, who located at Potsdam at the begin-
ing of the War of 1812, was a prominent physician up to
the time of his death, in 1824.
As before stated, the Potsdam people, in both village and
county, were apt to have some pretty loud times, and prac-
tical jokes were the order of the day. Perhaps the most
exciting one was in 1817 or '18. A man named Speers
strolled into the shop of a watchmaker named Griffin, when
the latter bantered him to swallow a dish of acid which he
was using about his work, oifering him a watch as a reward.
Speers thought he could stand it, took down the acid, or
pretended to do so, and carried oif the watch. Some of
the village wags learning of the affair, and knowing that
Griffin was easily imposed on, went to see him, with solemn
faces. They told him that Speers had suffered terribly
from the acid, and was sure to die; "and you," they
added, " will be hung for giving him poison."
"Good heavens! sol shall!" exclaimed the frightened
watchmaker. " What shall I do ?"
"Well," replied his advisers, "Speers is able to be up
yet, though the doctors say he is sure to die. You had
better challenge him to fight a duel. That is a fashionable
thing among gentlemen, and if you kill him you will never
be punished. But if he dies of the poison you have given
him, you will surely go to the gallows."
This logic appeared sound ; the challenge was duly sent,
and the duel was promptly arranged, Speers being posted
as to the joke. It took place on the ground now occupied
by the Episcopal church. The affair seems almost too
ludicrous for belief, but there are living witnesses of the
fact, and others who heard of it at the time.
The parties appeared, each provided with a second and
a big horse-pistol, while a crowd of the villagers collected
to see the fun. The seconds loaded the pistols with powder
only, placed their principals in position, and then one of
them gave the word :
" One — two — three — fire !"
Fire, they did ; but, of course, without inflicting any in-
jury. Again the pistols were loaded with powder, again
the word was given, again the fruitless shots rang out for
the amusement of the chuckling spectators. At the third
fire Griffin's own second, who had stepped up behind him
unseen, struck him a tremendous blow with his fist and
felled him to the ground. The unfortunate duelist thought
he was shot, and the sympathizing bystanders assured him
that he was not long for this world. He bade them a tear-
ful farewell, and proceeded to give some hasty directions
regarding the disposal of his property. After the farce had
proceeded as long as it was thought amusing, the dying man
was informed that the whole was a huge jest. He was so
pleased to get back to life that he ordered a gallon of rum
for the crowd ; and the scene closed with a grand jollifica-
tion, of a kind too common to need any description.
Long after the "Union" was dissolved its members con-
tinued to form to some extent a class by themselves. They
generally belonged to the " Christian" denomination, with a
strong inclination towards Unitarianism. Some, however,
did not adopt the Unitarian views, and there were many
hot theological discussions among the supporters of the
opposing creeds.
One day, in March, 1818, a niece of Mrs. John Bur-
roughs, residing in Mr. Burroughs' family, undertook to
show one of the smart tricks performed in her native State
of Connecticut. Taking a hen's egg and a^en, she wrote
upon the former with melted tallow the words, " Woe, woe,
to those who deny the Trinity!" Then she placed the egg
in a cup of vinegar, which ate away the outside of the shell
except where it was protected by the tallow, leaving the
warnin"- words before quoted standing in raised letters, and
as plain as could be desired. In the evening Mr. Bur-
rou'^hs took the egg to the barn of Thomas Currier and
deposited it on the middle of the fioor, where it could not
but meet the eye of the first who entered.
The next morning Mr. Currier's oldest son, David, a boy
of fifteen, went to the barn, and the first thing he saw was
an egg in the middle of the fioor, and, as he declared, a
hen standing cackling beside it. (This is not improbable,
244
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
as a hen that finds an egg is very apt to think she is en-
titled to cackle over it.) Picking it up, David saw the '
ominous words, and hurried off to the house with the won-
derful article.
The news of the great discovery spread from house to
house with almost telegraphic rapidity, and from far and
near men, women, and children came to behold the marvel.
People were readier to believe in supernatural events than
they are now, and they had no time to study chemical ex-
periments in the backwoods. At first few seem to have
suspected a trick ; the Unitarians were seriously depressed
and the Trinitarians correspondingly elated. One of the
latter obtained possession of the egg, laid it carefully in a
basket of wool, and exposed it to the view of hushed spec-
tators, but without allowing them to touch the precious
article. For several days the excitement continued ; people
coming on foot, on horseback, and in sleighs, — some of
them from as far as Massena and Lisbon. One skeptical old
fellow came with the rest, took a long look at the egg, and
then exclaimed, " Well, for my part, I don't believe that
Grod Almighty ever used an old hen for a printing-office."
Before long other eggs began to appear, also adorned
with wonderful inscriptions. Some of the more supersti-
tious began to think that the world was coming to an end
surely, but it was soon learned that these later marvels were
produced with vinegar and tallow, and it seemed a reason-
able inference that the first one owed its existence to the
same operations. The excitement died away almost as
quickly as it had arisen, though for a long time a few
wonder-loving men and women shook their heads with mys-
terious awe when they spoke of the " Trinity egg.'' Many
years afterwards it was learned who played this dubious
joke on a credulous people.
In 1818 Pierrepont was set off in a separate town, and
from that time to the present the size of Potsdam has re-
mained the same, — ten miles square.
About 1818, or a little earlier, Horatio S. Munson
started a nail-factory on the island at the village. He cut
the nails out of plates and then headed them by hand. In
1819 the first hotel that we can learn of in Potsdam, out
of the village, was opened by David French at his resi-
dence on the Canton road. It was kept open by himself
and son over thirty years, and became quite a celebrated
hostelry. The stage business had by this time become im-
portant, and in dry weather the four-horse coaches rolled
merrily over the great road running through Canton, Pots-
dam, Stockholm, etc., and over some of the other highways,
while the drivers cracked their whips to their gallant steeds
and blow their horns vigorously as they approached each
modest hamlet. Bat the scene was less enlivening in
spring and fall, when for half the distance the mud came
up to the hub of the vehicles, and the passengers walked in
melancholy procession with rails on their shoulders, to aid
the exhausted horses.
The Indians had ceased to make their annual visits for
the purpose of hunting and trapping, and only an occa-
sional red man was seen (usually a drunken one) wander-
ing over the field of his former exploits. One, who bore
the brief if not elegant appellation of " Jim," accidentally
met his death near enough, so that the Potsdam doctors got
hold of his body. They dissected poor " Jim," and wired
his bones together into a skeleton. His brethren found it
out, and for a time they were disposed to dig up their long-
buried tomahawks and march en masse to execute their
vengeance on the sons of jEsculapius. They were at length
placated, but they avoided Potsdam for a long time after
that. The fear of having their bones strung on a doctor's
wires was more terrible to them than that of scalping-knife
or fagot.
Nineteen hundred and eleven was the population of
Potsdam by the census of 1820, it having more than
doubled in ten years ; a pretty rapid increase considering
that nearly three years of the interval had been war-time,
and that the population of Pierrepont was reckoned in the
former census, but not in the latter. Potsdam was, in 1820,
the second town in the county in population, and came
very near being the first, having about two hundred and
fifty more inhabitants than Oswegatchie, and only nineteen
less than Madrid.
In April, 1821, Mr. Garret Van Home, the surviving
trustee of the land comprising four-fifths of Potsdam, con-
veyed the portions yet unsold to Mr. Matthew Clarkson,
who re-conveyed it in separate parcels to Van Home and
the other owners, including Levinus and John C. Clarkson,
Nicholas Fish, Hermon Le Roy, William Bayard, and the
executors of James McEvers. Titles were subsequently
derived from these individual owners.
Shortly afler this there were several important buildings
erected in the village out of a new material, the now cele-
brated Potsdam sandstone. The regular masses of this
rock which cropped out in many places, but especially on
the river-bank, above the village, had early attracted the
notice of travelers and settlers, but it was not until this
time that it was put to any practical use. There is naturally
some confusion about dates, but, as near as we can ascertain;
after comparing several statements, it was in 1821 that the
first building of any consequence was constructed of that
material, being the store still standing on the southeast
corner of Market and Elm streets. It was built by Liberty
Knowles, Sewall Raymond, and Charles Partridge, partly
as an experiment, to see if the stone was really fit for
building purposes.
It is needless to say that the experiment succeeded:
Shortly after, about 1822 or '23, Mr. Knowles built a
tannery (to be used by Azel Lyman), and Mr. Partridge a
distillery, of the same material. In 1823 or '24 the latter
gentleman erected a three-story stone structure, commonly
called the aqueduct building, in which water was raised to
supply the tannery and distillery. Pump-logs were also
laid from it to various parts of the village, and water was
supplied to the citizens at five dollars per house. No one
at that time questioned the legitimacy of the distillery busi^-
ness, but when the temperance discussion a few years later
awakened people's minds to its nature, Mr. Partridge closed
his distillery, never to be re-opened. ,
When the corner-stone of St. Lawrence academy (the
north building) was laid, on the 1st day of June, 1825, of
which mention is made elsewhere, the population of the
village was estimated in the documents placed under the
stonj at four hundred, and that of the whole town at
-T77"
~W^
?■/
/?£S. or B. USHER, No.3 £lm Sr, Potsdam, ^£W Voffic.
Y/M.J. Barnum .
( FH07QS BY W.l.SroNE, PorSDAM,)
NlHS- Wm.J. Bahnum.
>.'S- 4
Res. OF William J. Sarnum. Potsdam, n.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
245
two thousand seven hundred. Yet, by the census taken in
that same month of June, the population of the town was
found to be three thousand one hundred and twelve. This
is, perhaps, the only case on record where the people of a
town estimated its population at four hundred less than it
actually was.
The Fourth of July, 1825, was celebrated in a very
peculiar manner, of which we have observed no parallel
elsewhere. A preliminary meeting was held, at which reso-
lutions were passed recommending the people of the town
to assemhle at an early hour on Independence Day, with
teams and suitable implements, to embank the meeting-houses
and gun-house, and improve the public square, as a principal
part of the exercises. Jabez Miles, John C. Smith, John
Goulding, and Anthony Y. Elderkin were appointed a com-
mittee of arrangements, while forty-nine others were named
as assistants to notify the people of their respective neigh-
borhoods, and take charge of various parts of the work.
As the list comprises many of the principal citizens of all
parts of the town at that time, we give it entire :
Warren Clark, Moses Cheeny, Ebenezer Brush, Solomon
M. Crary, Seth Benson, A. Powers, David French, Ansel
Bailey, Louis Plympton, William Smith, Sylvester Bacon,
Giles Parmele, Archibald Royce, James Murphy, Gurdon
Smith, Stephen Buss, David Barnum, Thomas S. Hemenway,
Perez Fobes, Joel Buckman, Ezra Lyman, Samuel Parker
(2d), Samuel Stickney, Jacob Redington, Jonathan Hoit,
Ammi Currier, Frederick Currier, Daniel Pride, James
Porter, John Chandler, Charles Edgerton, Thomas W.
Durkee, Isaac Ellis, Jr., Isaac Austin, Stephen Maynard,
John Smith, Almond Howard, Parley Perrin, Ira Perrin,
Amos W. Brown, Aikins Foster, Bester Pierce, Horace
Gaifield, John Olmstead, John M. Call, Alanson Fisher,
Azel Lyman, John B. Judd, Eleazer Johnson.
The day was "celebrated" as arranged. Daylight was
welcomed by the discharge of cannon. At half-past seven
prayers were attended on the common. At eight o'clock
a single gun was fired, and labor began. Plows, scrapers,
pickaxes, shovels, spades, and hoes were all put in requisi-
tion, and the work of leveling the square, and more partic-
ularly of banking up the two meeting-houses, so as to ex-
clude the blasts of winter, was carried merrily forward until
half-past twelve. Then, at the firing of a gun and sound
of a bugle, a procession was formed, headed by the Potsdam
band, and marched to a table on the common, which was
furnished with the eatables brought by the laborers. The
villagers added a dessert, and the indispensable liquor was
furnished by the committee. At half-past one labor recom-
menced at the sound of the bugle. At five p.m. the same
martial music was followed by a cessation from labor and an
oration by the Rev. Jonathan Wallace. We trust it was a
brief one. The day closed with music and the firing of cannon.
This was doubtless a very useful way of celebrating the
glorious Fourth, but we do not hear of its being repeated
or imitated ; and probably the people thought that to use
one of our few holidays for shoveling dirt was a little too
much of that good quality called industry.
The " gun-house," above mentioned, was the structure in
which was kept the cannon belonging to the Potsdam artil-
lery company, a famous institution of that day.
The advantages of the village of Potsdam were such that
the people were slow in trying to make other villages.
As late as 1828, Hon. W. A. Dart states that there was
nothing but the buildings of Gurdon Smith immediately
at " Smith's Corners," or Potsdam. Immediately after that,
however, a few more people began to centre there. There
was always a peculiarly intelligent class in that vicinity. At
an early period. Rev. Ira Allen, a minister of the " Chris-
tian" sect, persuaded the farmers to get up a library of
standard books. These were circulated through the com-
munity, read and re-read, especially by the young men, and
it is quite probable that that had a good deal to do with
the further fact that, for a rural neighborhood, many young
men of subsequent prominence hailed from the vicinity of
" Smith's Corners."
The " Union Library Association" was also incorporated
at the village, Jan. 8, 1828, with Jabez Miles, Zenas Clark,
Amos W. Brown, Myron G. Munson, Horace Allen, Solo-
mon M. Crary, and Solomon Parmeter as trustees. It
having been found impracticable to lease the gospel and
school lot on reasonable terms, the trustees of public lands
were authorized to sell it on such terms as they might deem
best, except that the credit granted should be less than ten
years. This was done, and the money finally invested for
the benefit of the common schools.
Meanwhile, the farmers all through the town kept steadily
at work improving their farms, and by 1830 a large majority
of the old log houses of pioneer times had been abandoned.
The owners moved into their new frame dwellings, and either
tore down their log cabins or employed them for corn-cribs
or sheep-folds. In that year the population of the town
was three thousand six hundred and fifty.
The village of Potsdam was incorporated on the 3d day
of March, 1831. Its affairs were placed Under the control
of five trustees, to be elected annually, who were to choose
one of their members president, and to appoint a clerk,
treasurer, collector, constable, and pound-master. The next
year a seal was adopted, its device being a tree with the
word Potsdam above it.
The year 1832 was the dismal one in which the deadly
cholera first visited this country. The village trustees ap-
pointed Zenas Clark, George Wilkinson, and Justice Smith
a board of health, and John Parmele health ofiScer, for the
purpose of guarding the place against disease. The board
passed resolutions restraining persons from Canada from
entering the village without a bill of health, and requiring
the removal of all nuisances which might generate disease.
The increase of population in the town between 1830
and 1835 was only a hundred and sixty, the number in the
latter year being three thousand eight hundred and ten. By
this time a few beginnings had been made towards hamlets
outside of Potsdam village. Amos Blood, Esq., who moved
to West Potsdam in 1835, says there were then several
houses and a blacksmith-shop within a few rods of the
Corners.
About the same time Barnabas Yale, and his sons Lloyd
C. and John Yale, settled a mile west of West Potsdam,
where there was already a saw-mill, to which a single run
of stone for grinding corn was added by Alexander Bailey.
This hitching of a run of stone on to a saw-mill was a com-
246
HISTOHY OF ST. LAWEENCB COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
mon device in the early days, and is occasionally observed
at the present time. Other settlers concentrated at the
point just mentioned, and, as the Yales were prominent,
stirring men, people grew into the habit of calling the little
settlement by the name of Yaleville, which it has ever since
retained.
About the same time Edward Crary built a grist-mill at
the point which has since been known as Crary's Mills,
situated on a branch of Grrasse river, in the extreme south-
west corner of the town. Not long afterwards a small tan-
nery was erected at the same point.
" Buck's Bridge," too, had grown into a hamlet of some
consequence, and on the 30th day of March, 1836, a post-
office was established there, with Owen Buck as the first
postmaster.
The log houses were now things of the past almost
everywhere in Potsdam. The use of Potsdam sandstone
had been steadily growing into favor, and many dwelling-
houses had been built of that material, besides nearly all
the large important buildings requiring great solidity.
The great financial panic of 1837 put a sharp check on
traders and speculators throughout the country, and Potsdam
village of course felt its depressing effects. The town, how-
ever, was so largely agricultural — being especially given to
dairying, the products of which would always bring money
at some price — that it escaped with less injury than the
greater part of the country. Notwithstanding the " hard
times" first prior to 1840, the census of that year showed
that the town of Potsdam had a population of four thou-
sand four hundred and seventy-three, — an increase of nearly
five hundred in five years.
By this time, as might be inferred, the town was pretty
well settled up, and when any locality is once fairly settled
there are fewer events which are worth noticing than during
the hard struggle to subdue the wilderness and transform it
into the abode of civilization. The course of history, like
that of love, must not run too smooth.
As the land was cleared up, and the time passed when
large crops of grain could be raised on the new soil, merely
because it was now, it was more and more plainly discov-
ered that recourse must principally be had to grazino- and
dairying, and the people devoted themselves more and more
to that field of industry.
In 1845 the town voted, by a very small majority, to
build a town-house in the village. The necessary law was
passed by the legislature, and a tax of twelve hundred dollars
was levied on the town, in two annual instalments. The
money was anticipated by loans, and a frame structure, sixty-
four feet by forty, was built the same year on the west side
of the public square, by William J. Sweet, under the di-
rection of Henry L. Knowles, Samuel Partridge, Flavel
Smith, and William W. Gouldin"
The post-office at West Potsdam was established Jan.
15, 1847, with William T. Galloway as the first postmaster.
That at Crary's Mills was established Dec. 10, 1849, Tru-
man Hunt being the first postmaster.
Just before the middle rf the century a large addition
was made to the means of transporting the products of soil
and forest to distant markets. In 1847, '48, and '49 the
Northern railroad (now Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain)
was built through the northern part of the town, being
completed its whole length in 1850. The distance in this
town was almost exactly six miles. At one point very im-
portant results were immediately realized from the building
of this road. It crossed the Raquette river on a farm of
four hundred acres, owned by Benjamin Gr. Baldwin, Esq.
That gentleman conveyed fifteen acres to the company for
a depot, besides the right of way through his farm. In
1850 he' erected a tavern, which burned down the next
March. Two others were, however, erected that spring in
its place. In 1851, when Norman Ashley went into busi-
ness there, he states that there were a store kept by B. G.
Baldwin & Co., three hotels, and eight or ten houses.
In 1852 a dam, with eight feet fall, was erected on
Raquette river, a highway bridge was constructed a little
below it, and Mr. Baldwin laid out a village, to which he
gave the name of Raquetteville, derived from that of the
river, and using the orthography which was then deemed
correct, but which has since been generally discarded. A
post-office was established there on the 30th day of De-
cember, 1850, with RoUin Ashley as the first postmaster.
About the same time that Raquetteville was starting into
life in the north, a great impetus was given to business
at other points on Raquette river. In 1849, Dr. Henry
Hewitt, of Potsdam, conceived the idea that by improving
the channel of that stream large quantities of logs might
be floated down it from the great wilderness through which
it runs, manufactured into lumber at or near Potsdam, and
shipped over the new railroad to all parts of the country.
He infused the same belief into others, circulated petitions
to the legislature, and the next winter went to Albany to
push his scheme. Hon. William A. Dart, of Potsdam,
was then a member of the State senate, and Hon. Noble
S. Elderkin, of the same place, was a member of the as-
sembly. They sustained the proposed measure with great
zeal and ability, and in April, 1850, a law was passed de-
claring the Raquette a highway from its mouth to the foot
of Raquette lake, in Hamilton county, thereby preventing
land-holders along its banks from interfering with the pro-
posed work, and another law appropriating ten thousand
dollars to removing obstructions and improving the channel.
A very great increase of the lumber business took place
immediately afterwards. Within three years several large
gang saw-mills were built along Raquette river, of which
mention will be made in the list of manufactures. One of
these, erected by Dr. Hewitt, about two and a half miles
below the village, became the nucleus of a small hamlet
called Hewittville. A strong impetus, too, was given to
the manufacture of wooden fabrics of all kinds, Siish, blinds,
doors, fanning-mills, etc.
This was a period of such general activity that in 1851
West Potsdam suddenly bloomed out with an insurance
company, — " The United States Mutual Insurance Com-
pany." The following were the first directors: Amos
Blood, Martin Lester, Albert M. Skeels, William J. Bar-
num, Charles Dart, Orsemus L. Foote, Royal Barnum,
Dennison G. Wilmarth, William A. Dart, Horace Allen,
Truman Lillie, Jonah Sanford, Joseph Barnes, Martin
Thatcher, Henry Barber, Amaziah B. James, Benjamin
Lane, William E. Ellis, Alfred Goss, Lloyd C. Yale, C. B.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
247
Hawes, A. S. Lockwood, and James Lane. The company
stood for several years, but West Potsdam was hardly large
enough for such an institution, and ere long it suspended
operations.
To go back a little, we may mention that the Potsdam
plank-road company was formed Oct. 17, 1850, and on Oct.
8, 1851, it had completed a plank-road from Potsdam vil-
lage to Riiquetteville, at a cost of $6439.
This, however, did not satisfy the needs of the town, and
early in 1851 a company was organized to build a road
from Potsdam village to Raquetteville. Then the Canton
people proposed to extend it to their village. Other towns
to the southwest became interested, a convention was held
at Watertown, and finally a large meeting was held at Gou-
verneur, in January, 1852, when the Potsdam and Water-
town railroad company was organized. In the course of
the next four years the company built a railroad from
Watertown to Raquetteville, or " Potsdam Junction," as it
was called by the railroad people. A full description of
this road is given in the general history of the county, but
we desired to mention here the fact that it originated in
Potsdam. Of course the location of the junction of the
two roads at Raquetteville largely increased the business of
that place, and for several years it grew with great rapidity.
The only murder for which any one was ever convicted
in Potsdam occurred at the village on Jan. 23, 1852. Two
Irishmen, named John Dounovan and James Rowley, had
quarreled over their beer, and exchanged blows, but had
apparently become reconciled and parted friends. Donno
van, however, followed Rowley and inflicted several wounds
with a jack-knife, which proved fatal. The murderer at-
tempted to resist arrest, but was soon overcome, and the
next month was tried at Canton and convicted. He was
executed on the 16th of April following, this being the
second legal execution in St. Lawrence County.
In 1857 the town-house was destroyed by fire. The
next winter there was another contest over the question of
building a new one, the affirmative again carrying the day
by a very small majority. The new house was built in
1858, at a cost of 85000.
The opening of the channel of Raquette river, the conse-
quent building of immense saw-mills on its banks, the con-
struction of the two railroads before mentioned, the rapid
development of business, the birth and growth of Raquette-
ville, all together made the decade from 1850 to 1860 a
very busy one for Potsdam. The first half of the next
decade was still more exciting, but the part taken by the
soldiers of St. Lawrence County in the great conflict for free-
dom and union is narrated in connected form, regiment by
regiment, in another portion of this work. It can truly be
said that the town of Potsdam did its full share — nay, more
than its share — in that mighty struggle, for at its close that
town had sent to the field one hundred and twenty-four men
more than were necessary to fill all calls and drafts upon it.
With the return of peace men plunged with renewed
ardor into the pursuits of business. The most important
public act of that period was the locating and building of
the normal school, of which a full account is given in the
chapter devoted to that important subject in the general
■history of the county.
In spite of the chock to population caused by the war,
the number of inhabitants in the town rose from 6737, in
1860, to 7774, in 1870.
The manufacturing establishments along the Raquette
river were all working at the extent of their capacity, when
they were seriously disturbed by the great flood in May,
1871. There had been very heavy rains, and the river
was steadily rising, but it was supposed the booms and
piers were sufficient to withstand all the pressure of the
water. Suddenly one Friday came the report from the
south, " The reservoir dam has given way." At once
there was a great commotion all along the river, but espe-
cially at the village, because there the most people were
congregated. Blen, teams, boats, and materials were mus-
tered in hot haste, and every efibrt made to strengthen the
defenses against the flood. Owing to the long, winding
course of the river below the reservoir, it was not till Sat-
urday noon that it began to rise more rapidly. Saturday
afternoon the wreck of the Ellsworth saw-mill came floating
down the stream, being caught by the booms at the village,
and adding greatly to the excitement. The dwellings on
Fall island were all vacated, and much of the machinery
was moved.
All Saturday night were heard the rattling of wagons,
the shouts of men, the cries of children, the squealing of
pigs, and similar sounds, and a thousand wild conjectures
were ventured as to how far the water would rise, and how
far it would be necessary to move. At daylight on Sunday
the bridges and other points of observation were crowded
with people, all asking, " How much has the water risen ?"
The trains were not allowed to cross the railroad bridge, the
passengers being transferred.
At noon a bulkhead in the water-wall above Fall island
was crushed, and the water rushed through. The wings of
Batchelder's furniture-factory were torn away, and the main
building carried down and lodged against Watkins & Leete's
plow-shop. The floor of Sparrow & Swan's machine-shop
was left, with the heavy machinery standing on it, while
the upper part was torn ofi' and thrown down. An immense
mass of lumber, logs, tools, etc., lodged against the railroad
bridge, which seemed likely to be carried off, but which
finally held its place.
The booms above Sissonville went off with all their logs.
At Hewittville two spans of the bridge, the middle por-
tion of the dam, and the booms crowded with logs were
carried away by the flood. The river was covered with
logs, lumber, wrecks of buildings, etc., but everything was
held by the booms of Loveless & Fonda, at Norwood, and .
most of the matter was recovered by the owners. The
water gradually subsided after Sunday afternoon, but it was
many months ere all the damage done by the great flood
was fully repaired.
In 1872 the village of Potsdam Junction was incorpo-
rated ; the name of Raquetteville had become unsatisfactory
to the people, and had been abandoned. " Potsdam Junc-
tion," too, sounded very much as if that thriving village
was a mere adjunct of Potsdam, and in 1875 this name
too was changed by legislative enactment, at the request of
the people, for that of Norwood. It is to be hoped that
this brief, convenient, and euphonious designation will not
248
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
also go out of favor. The railroad station is still called
Potsdam Junction.
By the beginning of 1875, many of the people of Pots-
dam had formed a strong opinion that the town-house,
erected in 1858, was too old, leaky, and small for such a
large and thriving town. A resolution providing for a new
one, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, was introduced at
the annual town-meeting in February, 1875. It was hotly
opposed by almost half of the people as a needless extrava-
gance, but, after a very sharp debate, a resort to the ballot
was had, and the question was decided in the affirmative by
ten majority. The passage of the requisite act by the legis-
lature was still ardently opposed, but was carried in April
of that year, and duly signed by Governor Tilden. Wm.
J. Barnum, William Mathews, and Norman Swift were
appointed a committee to build the new structure, and
were authorized to anticipate by loan a tax of twenty thou-
sand dollars which the supervisors were directed to levy on
the town, such tax to be in five equal annual instalments,
with annual interest.
The committee demolished the old house the same spring,
purchased more land adjoining the old site, and, during the
summer of 1875, built the structure authorized by law, at
the cost before designated. The building in question is of
Potsdam sandstone, the wall being of the kind known as
" broken ashlar." It is ninety by sixty-eight feet in size,
with a Mansard roof, slated on the sides, and covei'ed with
tin on the top. The basement is twelve feet high. Above
it is a large hall with balcony and stage, the whole capable
of seating fifteen hundred persons. It is certainly a very
substantial and commodious edifice, whatever may be
thought by a large portion of the people as to the justice
or economy of building it. The population of the town, by
the census of 1875, was seven thousand four hundred and
seventeen.
Having thus given a brief outline of the general course
of events in the town of Potsdam from its first settlement
in 1803 to the present time, we will now furnish our readers
with some details regarding separate interests, localities, and
organizations which could not well be incorporated in the
main part of the town history. In regard to business in-
terests, we give especial prominence to manufactures, be-
cause these usually employ many laborers, and involve the
welfare of large numbers of persons besides their owners.
As we are obliged to draw the line somewhere, however,
we confine our special notices to those operated by steam or
water-power.
POTSDAM VILLAGE.
Population two thousand nine hundred. Potsdam was
incorporated, March 3, 1831, with the following officers:
Trustees, Jabez Willes, Horatio G. Munson, Sewall Ray-
mond, Samuel Partridge, and Frederick C. Powell. Presi-
dent (elected by the board), H. G. Munson ; Treasurer,
Jesse Davison ; Clerk, Justus Smith.
List of Presidents: H. G. Munson, 1831; Jabez
Willes, 1832; Justus Smith, 1833; Samuel Partridge, 1834
and 1835 ; Theodore Clark, 1836 ; Sewall Raymond, 1837;
H. G. Munson, 1838; Jabez Willes, 1839; Samuel Part^
ridge, 1840; Benj. G. Baldwin, 1841; George Wilkins,
1842; Sewall Raymond, 1843, '44, and '45; Theodore
Clark, 1846 and '47 ; Noah Perrine, 1848, '49, and '50 ;
Charles T. Boswell, 1851 ; Joshua Blaisdell, 1852; H. H.
Peck, 1853 ; Theodore Clark, 1854; J. H. Sanford, 1855 ;
Noble S. Elderkin, 1856 ; Amos Brown, 1857 ; Seth Ben-
son, 1858 and '59; William H. Wallace, 1860, '61, and
'62 ; A. X. Parker, 1863 and '64; Hiram H. Peck, 1865,
'66 ; A. X. Parker, 1867, '68, and 69 ; Milton Heath,
1870; Bloomfield Usher, 1871, '72, and '73; Milton
Heath, 1874 and '75 ; Henry L. Knowles, 1876 ; Milton
Heath, 1877.
Present Officers (December, 1877) : President, Mil-
ton Heath ; Trustees, Milton Heath, Geo. Z. Erwin, Geo.
B. Swan, J. G. Mclntyre (W. H. Wallace died during
term) ; Assessors, Joseph F. Blood, J. H. Seeley, and Ed-
ward Crary ; Treasurer, W. Y. Henry ; Clerk, Samuel C.
Crane.
present business interests.
Four large dry-goods stores, 6 groceries, 4 hardware-
stores, 3 drug-stores, 3 millinery-stores, 2 book-stores, 1
variety-store, 2 jewelry-stores, 1 music-store, 3 hotels, 5
saloons, 3 furniture-stores and cabine(>shops, 3 wagon-shops,
2 harness-shops, 2 marble-shops, 5 blacksmith-shops, 4
shoe-stores and shops combined, 2 smaller shoe-shops, 2
clothing-stores, 1 laundry, 5 meat-markets, and 3 barber-
shops. There are also 12 lawyers, 5 physicians, 3 dentists,
6 clergymen, and 1 newspaper, described in the chapter on
the press in the general history.
Manvfactures. — The foundry was erected previous to
1830, by Judge Jabez Willes. It is now owned by C. W.
Leete. The material used in it is remelted iron. It is
employed principally in making mill-irons and other ma-
chinery, as required by customers ; also plows, stoves, potash
kettles, and similar articles. It usually employs six to eight
hands.
Watkins, Lester & Co.'s saw-mill was built in 1852 or
'53, soon after the opening of the channels of Raquettc
river, by Elderkin, Clark & Co. After several changes of
ownership the firm became Burnham & Watkins in 1863,
and remained so nine years. Since then it has been Watkins,
Lester & Co. The mill stands where the old one did, built
there in 1803. It has fifty-seven upright saws, a circular
saw for cutting lumber, and others for working up waste
matter ; also a lath-mill, planing, etc. It will cut about
four million feet yearly.
Plummer & Vickery also built a saw-mill on the east
side of the river at about the same period as Elderkin &
Co., which is still standing, owned by Colonel Gray, a non-
resident, but is not in use.
Wood's flouring- and grist-mill is a three-story stone
structure, built for the proprietors of the land in 1830, on
the site of the old grist-mill of 1804. In all sales of land
along the river the right of grinding grain was reserved.
About twenty-five years ago the proprietors sold the mill,
and with it the monopoly of giinding grain on Raquette
river. This monopoly is still attached to the mill, except
that some of the later owners have parted with it in the
case of a grist-mill at Norwood. The Potsdam mill has
been owned by Watkins, Rodee & Co., and by Colnon &
Hitchins, its present proprietor being Robert Wood. It
MRS. M.L. Wait.
M.L.Wait.
Photos, sr N.l.Stoul, Potsdam, H.V.
r p^.
ffES. or J. F.GOGGIN, roTSOAM, New York.
N. L. STONE'S
Plioto. and Copying House.
After a previous experience of 15 years
a,t Ogdensbnrg, Antwerp, Canton, and
Potsdam, Mr. Stone established the pre-
sent honse in 1875.
The building was erected especially for
the Photo, and Copying BtrsiNESs, with
SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES
of light, convenience, and adaptation.
On the first floor are the office and sales-
room, parlor, artists' studio, skylight,
toilette, copying, and chemical rooms.
The various rooms on the second floor
are occupied with copying, printing,
mounting, retouching, burnishing, etc.,
and on the roof, in a cupola, is the mam-
moth apparatus for printing
LIFE-SIZE FOETBAITS.
There are fourteen persons (January 1,
1878) employed at the different branches.
In addition to an extensive local trade,
a large wholesale business is done for
other photographers and agents.
Fine German Photographs
AND
India-Ink Portraits
THE SPECIALTY.
J^
' E, &
J^^ONESj^hOT CORA. FH_^ opy NL- hZuTc ll
Stone's photo. &. eopvfNO house. potsoam.nv.
Finely equ/pped. a large cor-ps of skilled kimsTS .Htkoounencns or imuuaoiT photogkaphy,
India Ink portraits, copyino md ENLA/fGiN(i, both at retail and fou other Photo aifAPHEifs,
AND AOENTS AT WHOLESALE.
jW/?s.Philen/\ M.Ashuy.
LoftEN Ashley.
( Deceased.)
Norman Ashliy.
fiRS.fiOKMAN ASHLEY.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWIlE^fCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
249
does a large amount of both custom-gi-inding and flouring
for sale.
Swan's sash-, blind-, and door-factory was begun in 1853,
by Seth C. Ellis & Co. In 1855, Mr. George B. Swan
bought out some of the owners and soon became sole pro-
prietor, and has so remained ever since. Mr. Swan turns
out from sixty to a hundred thousand dollars' worth yearly
of sash, doors, blinds, and other building materials, and
employs from fifty to a hundred hands, according to the
times. His work has a wide celebrity, much of it going
into the Australian trade and to other distant localities.
Sparrow's sash-, blind-, and door-factory was established
about 1851 by Perro and Hand. After several changes it
became the property of Mr. A. J. Sparrow, by whom it is
now owned. Mr. S. makes a specialty of finishing and
glazing blinds, sash, etc. The factory employs from twenty
to forty men, and its annual product runs from forty to
seventy thousand dollars.
Cutting & McCormick's wagon-factory was begun in
1868 by Mr. Cutting. It employs seven or eight hands,
and the amount of work done, including repairs, is valued
at from ten to twelve thousand dollars.
Batchelder & Son's furniture-factory was begun by B.
F. Batchelder in 1841. In 1869 the firm-name became
Batchelder & Son, and in 1874 Batchelder & Sons. The
factory has been twice burned and once swept away by
the flood. It employs from six to twelve men, and turns
out from ten to twelve thousand dollars' worth of work per
year.
Putnam's cutlery-works was originated by Charles D.
Putnam in 1863, and is still owned by him. It makes
cutlery, mechanics' tools, and garden tools, and is run by
steam-power.
The cabinet-shop of E. A. Hamlin, built about eighteen
years ago, and the moulding-works of Mr. Parkhurst are
provided with water-power, but are now doing but a small
business.
THE NATIONAL BANK OP POTSDAM.
This institution is particularly distinguished as being
the only national bank in St. Lawrence County. Its origin
is to be found in the Frontier bank of Potsdam, which
began business on the 1st day of May, 1851, as a private
institution, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, the
stockholders being H. P. Alexander, then president of the
Herkimer County bank, J. C. Dann, cashier of the Sacket's
Harbor bank, and Bloomfield Usher, formerly of Her-
kimer, now of Potsdam.
On the 1st of May, 1 854, it was reorganized as a State
bank and its capital increased to a hundred thousand dol-
lars. That corporation continued in business until Oct. 22,
1866. It then ceased to exist, but the National bank of
Potsdam took its place, and the capital of the former insti-
tution was not only transferred to the latter but was increased
to a hundred and sixty-two thousand dollars.
For five years thereafter the bank was a depository for
government funds; at the end of which time it voluntarily
repaid them, and received back its securities. On the 1st
day of March, 1871, the capital was increased to two hun-
dred thousand dollars. The capital stock of the bank is
chiefly owned by the original proprietors j^ the Frontier
bank, though the number has gradually increased from
three to sixteen.
The total amount of the resources of the company at
the present time is six hundred and seventy thousand one
hundred and eight dollars. The sums deposited with it
amount to two hundred and seven thousand five hundred
and fifty-one dollars, and its circulation is a hundred and
eighty thousand dollars.
The stability of the institution is shown by its unwaver-
ing position through all its existence, by its gradual increase
of capital and business, and to some extent by the long
career of its ofiicials. Bloomfield Usher and Luke Usher
have been respectively the president and cashier from the
first organization in 1851. William Usher, Jr., has been
teller for sixteen years, and William Y. Henry has been
book-keeper ibr twelve years.
RAILROAD INTERESTS.
To the energy and enterprise of the citizens of Potsdam
belongs the credit of originating the railroad now known as
the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad. In 1850,
fifty-eight of the public-spirited citizens of the village orga-
nized themselves into the Potsdam Railroad Company, and
proceeded to elect the following-named gentlemen directors
of the corporation : Joseph H. Sanford, Wm. W. Goulding,
Samuel Partridge, Henry L. Knowles, Augustus Fling,
Theodore Clark, Charles T. Boswell, Willard M. Hitch-
cock, William A. Dart, Hiram H. Peck, Aaron T. Hop-
kins, Charles Cox, and Nathan Parmeter. Among the
stockholders were such men as Hon. Horace Allen, and
Liberty Knowles and others, whose advanced age debarred
them from active participation in the work of the company,
but who liberally responded to the call for aid in the construc-
tion of the road. The company immediately after incorpo-
ration commenced work, and built the road from Potsdam
to Potsdam Junction (now Norwood), there intersecting the
Northern railroad, now the Ogdensburg and Lake Cham-
plain railroad, a distance of 5 J miles. Before the road was
entirely completed the people of Canton began to see the
benefits to be derived by extending the road to their village,
as also did the citizens of Gouverneur. The result was a
general meeting was held at Canton, which resulted in the
organization of the Potsdam and Watertown Railroad Co.
This transpired in 1852, and a short time afterwards a
branch was extended to Ogdensburg, which was finally con-
solidated with the Rome and Waterto_wn railroad, under
the present title of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg
railroad.
ST. LAWRENCE ACADEMY.
Though dead it still lives in the hearts of the thousands
who have been trained by it to lives of usefulness, and we
have therefore deemed it proper to give a separate sketch
of this renowned institution. We have already mentioned in
the general history of the town how Judge Raymond erected
a building to be used for school and church in 1810, how he
employed a gentleman to act as teacher and preacher in
1812, how a large subscription was raised for an institution
of learning in the midst of the war, and how St. Lawrence
academy was incorporated in April, 1816. We now proceed
to delinea,te its independent career.
250
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The first trustees were Benjamin Raymond, Liberty
Knowles, Pierce Shepard, Azel Lyman, Joseph P. Rey-
nolds, Sewall Raymond, Robert McChesney, David Parish,
Nathan Ford, Louis Hasbrouck, Roswell Hopkins, Russell
Atwater, and Ebenezer Hulburd. Those whose names in
this list come after that of Robert McChesney were resi-
dents of other parts of the county. Benjamin Raymond
was the first president of the board, holding until 1819.
He was succeeded by Liberty Knowles, who was president
until his death in 1839. Long terms appear to have been
the rule, for Sewall Raymond was appointed clerk of the
board at its first meeting in 1816, and held the position by
successive re-elections till his death forty years later.
By the act of incorporation the lands in Potsdam re-
served for literary purposes (lot 56) were transferred to
the trustees, with power to lease, not sell it. At the first
meeting of the trustees in September, 1816, they directed
the senior trustee and the clerk to lease the land in lots of
sixty acres or less, for fourteen years, for a peck of wheat an
acre after the first two years. But even at this rental,
which seems so low, responsible men could not be found to
clear land and then pay rent on it, when they could buy
land on reasonable terms all around.
At the same meeting a preceptor was employed for a year,
at four hundred and twenty-eight dolkrs. The price of
tuition in reading and writing was fixed at two dollars and
a half per term ; " cyphering," mathematics, and book-
keeping, three dollars ; dead languages, three dollars and a
half; higher English branches and French, four dollars.
The same month a code of by-laws was adopted, providing,
among other things, that no students should be admitted
who could not " stand in a class and read in plain English
readings ;" that all students should attend the church where
the preceptor worshiped, unless their parents or g-uardians
(or themselves if twenty-one years old) should ask the privi-
lege of attending elsewhere ; and that all should strictly ob-
serve the Sabbath day and evening, and Saturday evening.
Nathan Dixon, a graduate of Middlebury college, Ver-
mont, was the first preceptor, beginning his labors in the
autumn of 1816, and remaining only one year. He and his
successors for nine years taught in the building erected by
Raymond. Mr. Dixon had forty-two students, of whom,
according to the record, seventeen studied "cyphering,"
ten "mathematics," three "the dead languages," and
twelve " reading and writing." What kind of " cypher-
ing" that was which did not come under the head of mathe-
matics we are not informed. After Mr. Dixon the school
was closed two years, when Levi S. Ives (afterwards the
Episcopal bishop of North Carolina) was employed, re-
maining two years. He was succeeded in 1821 by Charles
Orvis, who stayed but one year, and who was followed by
Rev. Daniel Banks.
This gentleman was a successful teacher, and under his
administration St. Lawrence academy acquired a high repu-
tation throughout the northern part of the State. His
salary was from five hundred and fifty to seven hundred
dollars per annum. In April, 1825, the legislature appro-
priated two thousand five hundred dollars to the academy,
on condition that a brick or stone edifice, worth at least
three thousand dollars, should be erected on ground owned
by the trustees. The same month the commissioners of
highways were authorized to convey, and shortly after did
convey, a suitable lot to the trustees out of land granted by
the original proprietors to the town for public purposes.
The trustees proceeded forthwith to erect a stone building
on the lot just mentioned, facing the public square of Pots-
dam village from the east, and occupying the site of the
north wing of the normal school building. The corner-
stone was laid by Harmony Lodge of Masons, on the 1st
day of June, 1825. The structure was of Potsdam sand-
stone, sixty-eight by thirty-six feet, and having three stories
besides the basement, the whole surmounted by a cupola
and belfry. The cost was four thousand dollars, the surplus
over the twenty-five hundred dollars granted by the State
being raised by the citizens. The building was erected by
Samuel Partridge, under the direction, and subject to the
acceptance of, Liberty Knowles, John C. Smith, and Joseph
P. Reynolds. It was completed the same year. Soon after-
wards the old academy was sold to the Presbyterian church.
Rev. Mr. Banks died in 1827, his school year being com-
pleted by his assistant, Joseph Hopkins. In 1828 the leg-
islature authorized the sale of the " literature lot," the pro-
ceeds to be invested in a fund of which the interest should
be applied only to the payment of teachers, and this was
accordingly done. In the beginning of the same year,
Mr. Asa Brainerd, a graduate of the University of Ver-
mont, was employed as principal, and occupied that
responsible position till the summer of 1847, — nearly
twenty years. As may be supposed from this long
period of service, Mr. Brainard was an excellent teacher,
and the school was exceedingly prosperous. In 1835
it was selected by the regents of the State university
as one of the institutions to which State aid should be
given for the instruction of classes of common-school
teachers.
In consequence of this action, the town petitioned for,
and the legislature passed, an act the same year, imposing
on the town a tax of five hundred dollars in 1836, and the
same amount in 1837, to help construct an additional build-
ing. Such a building was erected in 1836, on ground south
of the Presbyterian church of that day, and facing the
southeast corner of the public square from the east. The
church thus stood between the two academic buildings.
The " south academy,'' as it was commonly called, like the
north one, was four stories high, including the basement,
and, like it, was built of Potsdam sandstone. It was seventy-
six by thirty-six feet, and contained a lecture-room, appa-
ratus-room, laboratory, and numerous other rooms necessary
for its purposes. The cost was five thousand two hundred
dollars, and after applying the thousand dollars given by the
town, and sixteen hundred dollars raised by subscription,
there was still a heavy debt, which long burdened the insti-
tution. The State loaned the academy two thousand dollars
in 1841, but it did not even pay the interest.
Nevertheless, as a school, it was highly successful. A
professorship of mathematics and another of languages were
instituted in 1835, and thenceforward a hundred teachers
on an average were fitted annually to teach in the common
schools. In 1847, Mr. Brainard resigned, and was suc-
ceeded by William H. Parker, previously professor of Ian-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
251
guages, who remained two years, and was followed by
William F. Bascom. In 1849 the State gave the academy
the two thousand dollars before mentioned, and subse-
quently surrendered its claim to the unpaid interest. This
nearly relieved the institution from debt. Mr. Bascom was
also a successful teacher, and remained as principal until
the fall of 1852. Rev. E. W. Plumb, D.D., served as acting
principal during the remainder of the school year, and in
the summer of 1853 became actual principal. The next
year H. B. Bucknam was the principal, but in 1855 Mr.
Plumb resumed control, and remained until 1864. He
usually had three assistants besides the teacher of music.
Greorge H. Sweet served as principal from 1865 to the
closing of the academy.
In 1867 the trustees conveyed all the academy property,
real and personal, to the State of New York, in trust for
the "State Normal and Training-school," to be located at
Potsdam. In the spring of 1868, the two stone structures
before described were removed to give place to the build-
ings of the normal school. The academy, still under charge
of Mr. Sweet, was removed across the square to the old
Methodist church. In April, 1869, the academic depart-
ment of the normal school was established, and the St.
Lawrence academy then ceased to exist as a school. It
practically ceased, also, as a corporation, though there has
been no formal dissolution of the board of trustees.
Probably no educational institution in the State, below
the rank of a college, ever exercised a greater influence for
good than did the one under consideration, and many col-
leges have accomplished far less. Thousands of well-edu-
cated teachers, business men, and professional men went
forth from its walls, and those who are still living usually
speak with pride and affection of " old St. Lawrence
academy."
THE FIRST PEESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On the 9th day of June, 1811, Daniel Ballard, Ezra
Barnum, Joseph P. Reynolds, Benjamin Burton, Reuben
Field, Judith Burroughs, Rebecca Hough, Asenath Field,
Polly Garfield, Sally Reynolds, and Nancy Shepherd were
invited by Rev. William Wright and Rev. James Johnson
to form the First Presbyterian church of Potsdam. The
number was increased to twenty during the first year by
the admission of Phebe Dart, Martha Burroughs, Susannah
Shepherd, Anna Haswell, John Burroughs, Lucina Carpen-
ter, Benjamin Raymond, Stephen Blanchard, and Polly
Blanohard.
" St. Paul's church society" was formed in connection
with the church just named on the 14th day of August,
1811 ; Liberty Knowles, Azel Lyman, and Joseph P. Rey-
nolds being the first trustees.
Until March, 1812, there was no minister, but services
were held every Sabbath in the old academy building.
Judge Raymond usually reading a sermon. On the 10th
of that month Rev. James Johnson was installed as the
first pastor. He was also the teacher of the academy, and
it seems to have been the design of Judge Raymond (who
contributed largely to the support of both school and
church) that the school should be taught by the minister,
and should be, to a large extent, under the direction of the
church.
On the 14th day of December, 1818, St. Paul's church
society having become disorganized, the " Trinity church
society" was formed, with John C. Clarkson, Horace Allen,
Forrest Morgan, Ezra Barnum, Samuel Partridge, and
Daniel Shaw as trustees. It is supposed that this name
(Trinity) was assumed as a mark of orthodox distinction
from the Unitarians, who were quite common in the neigh-
borhood of the old " Union." Nevertheless, it was thought
too stylish a name by the old-fashioned Puritans who ruled
the church, and on the 16th day of December, 1820, it
was changed to the "First Presbyterian society of Potsdam ;"
Azel Lyman, Sewall Raymond, and Forrest Morgan being
the first trustees under this last name.
Meanwhile there had been a great revival in the fore-
part of 1820, at which 80 members had joined, and in
1821 it was determined to build a house of worship. The
frame was raised about the first of July. It was on ground
now occupied by the normal school building, and was long
known as the " white church." It was dedicated on the 9th
day of February, 1822, and was the first finished church
dedicated in town, for though the Methodists dedicated
theirs about three weeks earlier, it was not entirely com-
pleted. The building cost about $4500. It was then con-
sidered a wonderful edifice, and the raising was a great
event. An ample lunch was provided by the people of the
church, with plenty of good liquor to wash it down. Total
abstinence was not yet considered a religious virtue.
Rev. George H. Sawyer related to WiUiam H. Wallace,
Esq., that, after the erection of the single tall timber which
was to support the spire, Ansel Paine mounted to the top,
more than a hundred feet high, stood erect on the end of
the timber, swung a bottle of whisky around his head, and
then flung it to the ground, where it landed unbroken in
the mud. He then, for a moment, reversed his position,
standing on his head on the end of the single timber, and
finally descended to the earth.
The " white church" was used until 1853, when it was
taken down, and a brick structure erected on the same site,
at a cost of about $10,000. In 1867 the Presbyterian
society sold this last edifice with the site, for $10,000, to
the normal school commission, by whom it was made a part
of the normal building. In 1868 the society began the
present church edifice at the intersection of Lawrence ave-
nue and Elm street. It is of Potsdam sandstone, the main
building being 90 by 54 feet, with a wing for a session-
room 44 by 33 feet, an addition in the rear 26 by 20
feet, and a tower 17 feet square, surmounted by a spire
150 feet high. The inside finish is of ash. The main
room seats 600 persons, and the cost of the entire edifice
was about $37,000. It was finished in March, 1872, and
dedicated on the 5th day of June, in that year.
The church now contains two hundred and fifty members,
and the Sabbath-school about two hundred scholars. The
present deacons are Frank Fay, Henry L. Knowles, and
Henry K. Needham. The trustees are William J. Bar-
num, Henry Watkins, and F. H. Wilcox. F. H. Wilcox
is treasurer and clerk.
The following is a list of the pastors, with their periods
of service : James J. Mason, 1812 to 1817. There was no
ordained minister for nine years, when Rev. Daniel Banks,
252
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
principal of the academy, and Rev. Moses Ayres usually
supplied the pulpit; Ora P. Hoyt, 1826 to 1831 ; Fred-
erick C. Cannon, 1831 to 1835 ; Reriah R. Hotchkin, 1836
to 1845 ; Elijah W. Plumb, 1846 to 1853 ; J. E. Rankin,
1855 to 1857; Richard R. Kirk, 1857 to 1860; Israel
Levings (not installed), 1860 to 1863; Herman C. Riggs,
1863 to 1867 ; Horace P. V. Bogue, 1867 to 1869 ; Ed-
ward R. Furbish, 1872 to the present time.
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH.
This was organized as a station of St. Lawrence circuit
on the 12th day of November, 1820. A time-worn record
pasted into one of the church-books states that " Rrothers
Powell, Miles, Denning, and Clark" joined on trial on the
day of the organization, being received in full communion
the next spring. There is no record of any members prior
to those, though there had been Methodist preaching in
town more than ten years before.
RrotherGary, Sister Gary, and Rrother Easton joined on
probation, December 24, 1820. Josiah Keyes and William
W. Rundell were the preachers on St. Lawrence circuit at
this time.
The next year a small frame house of worship, now known
as Firemen's hall, was erected by this church, the frame
being raised on the 21st day of June, 1821, and being the
first one raised in town. This house was also the first
one dedicated, though in an unfinished state, on the 22d
day of January, 1822. Ezra Healey and Orin Foot were
the preachers on St. Lawrence circuit from July, 1821, to
July, 1822 ; and Truman Dixon, Roswell Paiker, and
Squire Clare during the next year. Potsdam circuit was
formed in 1823, there being one class at the village, and
others at points now unknown.
A society for secular purposes was organized on the 4th
day of February, 1833, with John Lockwood, Gorsham
Conger, Jonathan Paul, George Wright, and John Rying-
ton as trustees. Meanwhile the church had ceased to be a
part of a circuit, and had become an independent station.
In 1835 it had 130 members, in eleven classes, extending
over a wide tract, some being in Parishville, and some on
the edge of Norfolk. The church edifice was repaired in
1844, and the parsonage partly rebuilt in 1848. In 1860
a large new brick church was built on Main street, at a cost
of about $10,000.
The present number of members, including probationers,
is 329. The Sabbath-school has 22 oflacers and teachers,
and 197 scholars; also a hbrary of 358 volumes. The
trustees are M. G. Munson, J. W. Dayton, Martin Strait,
John May, William Roberts, J. B. Austin, R. S. Manley,
Smith Dains, Nelson Relding. The stewards are C. W.
Leete, C. M. Dunbar, T. W. Gleason, C. F. Adams, N. L.
Stone, E. A. Hamlin, A. L. Crane, William May. The
Sunday-school superintendents are II. L. Harter and N. L.
Stone ; the clerk is M. G. Munson.
The following is a list of the pastors from the formation
of Potsdam circuit, procured by Rev. Mr. Rramley from
the records of the conference of northern New York : War-
ren Ranister, 1823 ; J. M. Rrooks and Isaac Smith, 1824 ;
W. W. Rundell and Hiram May, 1825 ; Renj. E. Paddock
and Hiram May, 1826 ; R. Dighton and G. Rarney, 1827 ;
Josiah Keyes, 1828 and 1829 ; Benj. B. Shipman, 1830 ;
Azariah Hall, 1831 and 1832 ; B. Phillips, 1833 ; Robert
Everdale, 1834; J. T.Peck, 1835 and 1836; C. W. Leete,
1837 ; I. L. Hunt, 1838 ; J. E. Downing, 1839 ; Harvey
E. Chapin, 1840 and 1841 ; Joseph Kilpatrick, 1842 ;
Isaac Stone, 1843 and 1844; E. Arnold, 1845 and 1846 ;
J. H. Lamb, 1847 and 1848; P. D. G-ome, 1849 and
1850; 0. M. Legate, 1851 ; E. W. Jones, 1852; W. A.
Nichols, 1853 and 1854; Wm. H. Hawkins, 1855; Sam-
uel Marsh, 1856 ; L. D. White, 1857 ; P. D. Gorrie, 1858
and 1859 ; J. B. Foote, 1860 ; Orlando C. Cole, 1861 and
1862 ; S. Call, 1863, 1864, and 1865 ; J. T. Clymer, 1866
and 1867 ; S. 0. Barnes, 1868, 1869, and 1870 ; James
C. Stewart, 1871; L. D. White, 1872, 1873, and 1874;
Alexander Rramley, 1875, 1876, and 1877.
THE FIRST TJNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
The first organization of a Universalist society at Pots-
dam of which there is any record took place on the 3d day
of January, 1824, though there had previously been preach-
ing there by ministers of that denomination. On the above-
named day, Gurdon Smith, James Whitcomb, and William
Perkins were chosen trustees ; Joseph Parkhurst, clerk ;
Nathaniel Parmeter, collector; Eliphalet Holbrook, monitor.
A constitution was duly adopted, and Rev. Jonathan
Wallace was employed as preacher. He served the society,
many years, — sometimes preaching in Potsdam half the
time, sometimes three-fourths, and sometimes all the time.
In 1827 he was hired by the society to preach three-fourths
of the time, — two-fourths in Potsdam village and one-fourth
in the west part of the town. Mr. Wallace was a man of
marked ability, whose permanent residence was in Potsdam
up to the time of his recent death in an honored old age.
The early meetings in the village, according to the rec-
ords, were in the " yellow school-house" up to 1836, when
a frame house of worship was erected on Elm street, at the
corner of the public park. Up to 1852 there was only a
secular organization, — not a complete church. On the 17th
and 18th of January of that year a church of twenty-five
members was organized ; the hand of fellowship was given
them, and Joseph Miles, Timothy Bacon, Solomon Par-
meter, and John Lucas were chosen deacons. There were
several reorganizations between that time and 1859, and sev-
eral constitutions adopted, which, however, did not seriously
differ from each other. In 1858 the number of trustees
was changed from three to five. In 1874, under the pas-
torate of Rev. A. U. Hutchins, there was a marked revival
of interest, and twenty-three new members were admitted
to the church.
In 1876 and 1877 an elegant and substantial church edi-
fice was erected on the site of the old one. It is built of
Potsdam sandstone, is forty-six by sixty-five feet in size, and
cost about thirteen thousand dollars aside from the ground.'
The following ministers have served the church, either as
settled pastors or temporary supplies, since its organization
in 1824 : Jonathan Wallace, W. H. Waggoner, Jonathan
Douglass, U. M. Fisk, E. Fisher, M. Goodrich, Prank M.
Hicks, Moses Marston, E. Hathaway, and A. U. Hutchins.
There has been no pastor since the close of Mr. Hutchins'
labors in February, 1876.
/f^A T. F/?£NCH . /WffS. I.T. HfENCH.
(■ N.LStone, Photo. Potsdam. )
>
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
253
The following are the present officers of the society :
Trustees, E. A. Merritt, George W. Waldo, James Lemon,
Isaac Mathews, and Myroa H. Wait ; Secretary and Treas-
urer, J. H. Baum.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church. was organized on the 9th day of June, 1824,
with thirteen members, viz. : John Tichenor and wife, Nor-
man Clinton and wife, Henry Myers and wife, Charles
Grundy and wife, Silas Taft and wife, Josiah Doolittle,
Phoebe Collins, and Rowena Fobes. The first deacons were
Norman Clinton and Josiah Doolittle, and the first pastor
was R. Batchelor.
The congregation was feeble for many years, and had
no house of worship until 1858. In that year a frame
structure for that purpose was erected on Elm street, in
Potsdam village, at a cost of five thousand one hundred
dollars. It was improved in 1875 at an expense of two
thousand five hundred dollars. The audience-room will
seat about three hundred and fifty persons. The present
value of the church property, including the parsonage lately
erected, is about twelve thousand dollars.
The following is a list of the pastors since Mr. Batchelor :
Hiram SaiFord, R. D. Palmer, Silas Pratt, Henry Green,
John Ide, John Wilder, John C. Ward, I. N. Hobart, H.
S. Day, Isaac Sawyer, G. W. Baptist, J. W. Daniels, and
C. E. Bascom, the present incumbent.
The present number of members is one hundred and thirty-
five; the number of teachers and scholars in the Sunday-
school is one hundred and forty ; the number of volumes in
the library is about three hundred. The deacons are Wil-
liam L. Hitchcock and L. Hemenway, Sr. ; the clerk, P.
S. 'Westcott. The names of the trustees are Malcolm
McVicar, Lewis Partridge, C. B. Partridge, William L.
Hitchcock, Carter Smith, H. K. Baldwin, and W. H.
Walling.
TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
The first Episcopal services in Potsdam were held in
1818 by Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, who officiated alternately
at Ogdensburg and Waddington on Sundays, and on Wed-
nesdays held service at Russell, Canton, Potsdam, Parish-
ville, and other points in the county. Similar occasional
services were continued by missionaries from Ogdensburg
and Waddington until Nov. 11, 1834, when the Rev. Rich-
ard Bury became the first resident priest at Potsdam.
The parish was incorporated on the 23d day of March,
1835, when Messrs. John C. Clarkson and Augustus L.
Clarkson were elected wardens, and Messrs. David L. Clark-
son, Zenas Clark, Theodore Clark, Blyron G. Munson,
Noble S. Elderkin, Samuel Partridge, Frederick Miller, Jr.,
and Aaron T. Hopkins were chosen vestrymen.
In 1835 and 1836 a church was built after the design
of Trinity church. New York ; the material being sand-
stone, and the size 64 by 44 feet, with a tower 13i feet
square and 57 feet high, and a vestry-room Hi by 15J
feet. The entire cost was 15880, $1500 of which were
contributed by Trinity church. New York. The location
chosen was a peculiar but most beautiful one, being on the
south part of Fall island, in the village of Potsdam, the
Raquette river sweeping by on each side of it only a few
rods distant, and a score of smaller islands lying still far-
ther to the southward giving a charming diversity to the
scenery. The corner-stone was laid on the 3d day of June,
1835, and the church was consecrated by the Right Rev.
Benjamin T. Onderdonk on the 7th day of August, 1836,
there being then 17 communicants.
In 1856 a legacy of $3000 was left to the church. Two
years later this sum and $2000 more was expended in im-
provements, including a recessed chancel with an internal
area of 24 by 19 feet, and open seats with paneled stand-
ards in place of the old pews. The windows were filled
with enameled glass, surrounded by figured borders, — a
gift of the ladies' sewing-society. Other improvements
have since been made.
There are now 253 communicants and 190 Sunday-school
scholars. The yearly offerings are about $3500. The pres-
ent rector is the Rev. H. R. Howard ; the wardens, E. W.
Foster and T. S. Clarkson ; the vestrymen, Benjamin
Usher, Charles 0. Tappan, M. Heath, T. S. Clarkson, Jr.,
L. Usher, C. Cox, 0. G. Howe, G. L. Erwin.
The following is a list of the reverend gentlemen who
have acted as rectors, with their terms of service : Richard
Bury, from November, 1834, to 1837 ; Albin K. Putnam,
January, 1839, to February, 1844; N. W. Monroe, April,
1844, to October, 1846; J. G. Hubbard, D.D., April,
1847, to January, 1851 ; Kendrick Metcalf, D.D., Sep-
tember, 1851, to April, 1852; William Staunton, D.D.,
April, 1852, to November, 1859 ; J. A. M. La Fourette,
May, 1860, to March, 1865; J. S. Kidney, February,
1866, to April, 1871; H. R. Howard, 1871 to the present
time.
ST. Mary's church (catholic).
There was a Catholic church at Potsdam as early as
1845. It was supplied by priests from other churches, —
principally from Waddington. Rev. James Keeveny, the
first resident priest, came about 1856. Services were held
in a building which had formerly been a dwelling-house.
Father Keeveny was succeeded by Rev. P. J. McGlynn.
During his ministration, in 1859, the present commodious
edifice was erected, being consecrated in August of that
year by Bishop (now Cardinal) McCloskey. It is now esti-
mated to be worth about $8000. A substantial brick par-
sonage was built in 1866.
Father McGlynn died in December, 1867, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Joseph Taney. The latter was followed,
in 1874, by Rev. Joseph J. McDonald, the present incum-
bent. The church now embraces about 60 families, with a
total membership of near 350. The present trustees are
the bishop, the vicar-general, and the priest, together with
Mr. James Hayes and Mr. John Casey.
THE catholic APOSTOLIC CHURCH.
There are many churches of this denomination in Europe
and Canada, but only three or four in the United States
besides the congregation at Potsdam. It originated in Scot-
land about 1830, beginning under the form of prophesyings,
healings, etc. It spread rapidly to England and other coun-
tries, and in the course of a year or so men were named to
the office of apostle by the Holy Ghost, speaking, as was
254
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
believed, througli prophets. In time twelve apostles, the
original number, were thus appointed.
Under their rule, guided, as is claimed, by prophecy, the
Apostolic church has gradually increased, though it is still
comparatively small. There is a fourfold ministry of
apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor ; the twelve apos-
tles being the directors of the whole body, and the functions
of the other leaders being sufficiently shown by their titles.
Each fully organized church is under an " angel'' (chief
pastor or bishop), assisted by elders and deacons, and, if
necessary, by sub-deacons and deaconesses.
Their faith is the same as that of the main body of the
Christian church, with the addition that they believe also
that prophetic truth and special inspiration are now vouch-
safed to man. Their liturgy and the vestments of their
officials resemble those of the Episcopal cliurch. They
look on all the baptized as members of the Church of
Christ, considering themselves as only favored by being the
first to be gathered in modern times under the rule of the
apostles. They also expect the speedy coming of the Lord
on earth.
The beginning of this church in Potsdam was in 1837,
when two evangelists, named Card and Cuthbert, came
hither at the invitation of Mr. David Lewis and began
preaching. In the course of six months about twenty were
organized into a church, and remained for a year under the
supervision of Mr. Cuthbert. Mr. Easton was their pastor
for a year and a half, and was followed by Norman Holmes,
who remained about ten years. A small frame house of
worship was erected at Potsdam in 1846. In 1848 and
'49 the church was more fully organized, but it was still
too small to possess all the orders of the ministry. It was
sometimes considered a branch of a church in New York
city, and at other times as under the jurisdiction of the
one in Ottawa, Canada.
Mr. Holmes was succeeded as pastor by W. W. Andrews,
who remained about eight years. After his departure Mr.
Noah Perrin, of Potsdam, was made chief elder, and acted
as pastor most of the time till his death, in 1876, though
during that period Mr. Britton was stationed here as pastor
two years and a half, and Mr. Dunlap a year and a half
There are now about 40 communicants. Mr. Georo-e
Lewis is the chief elder and acting pastor; the deacons
being David Lewis, W. J. Seeley, and W. P. G. Seeley.
The eucharist is administered every Sabbath at ten o'clock
A.M., and vesper services are held at five p.m.
EAQUETTE RIVER LODGE, NO. 213, F. AND A. M.
The charter of this lodge was granted on the fourth day
of March, 1851 ; the charter members being Joshua Blais-
dell, M. ; Aaron T. Hopkins, S. W. ; Jehiel H. Hyde, J.
W. The following is a list of the Masters from that time
to the present : Joshua Blaisdell, Jehiel H. Hyde, Joseph
H. Sanford, Henry R. Ames, Noble S. Elderkin, Daniel
Lewis, Justin H. Blaisdell, H. M. Phelps, Robert Pierce,
William H. Wallace, Samuel C. Crane, Sylvester B. Bur-
ton, Julius S. Lord, Martin V. B. Ives.
The present number of members is 105. The stated
communications are held at Potsdam village on the first
and third Thursdays of each month. The following are the
present officers : M. V. B. Ives, W. M. ; A. B. Country,
man, S. W. ; W. F. Leete, J. W. ; A. T. Hopkins, Treas. ;
Geo. Erwin, Sec. ; Geo. W. Parkhurst, S. D. ; Wm. Lee,
J. D. ; Chas. E. Jewett, S. M. C. ; S. 0. Loucks, J. M.
C. ; Rev. H. R. Howard, Chap. ; H. R. Leete, Tyler.
SAINT LAWRENCE CHAPTER, NO. 24, R. A. M.,
organized at Massena under charter dated Feb. 9, 1809,
and removed to Potsdam about February, 1821. The first
officers were Elisha Denison, H. P. ; Daniel Robinson, K. ;
John Polly, S. ; John Wilson, C. H. ; Ira Kellogg, P. S. ;
Thomas C. Colburn, R. A. C. ; Ezekiel Colburn, M. of 1st
V. ; WiUard Seaton, M. of 2d V.; J. Polly, M. of 3d V. ;
John Wilson, Treas. ; Wm. Go.ss, Sec.
The chapter suspended work from 1829 to 1851, owing
to the high state of excitement which prevailed, and the
prejudice which assailed the craft about the former date,
and for years after. The succession " in the east" has been
as follows:
Elisha Denison, 1809; Thomas Steadman, 1810-11,
1814-16, and 1819; Ezekiel Colburn, 1812; Willard
Seaton, 1813; Daniel Robinson, 1817; John Stone, Jr.,
1818 and 1820; Robert McChesney, 1821-22 ; William
Stowell, 1823 ; Samuel Bigelow, 1824 ; Zenas Clark, 1825 ;
Jonathan Wallace, 1826 ; Jabez Willes, 1827 ; A. Y. El-
derkin, 1828; D. B. Stevens, 1829; Zenas Clark, 1851-
53 ; Joshua Blaisdell, 1854-55, 1862, 1864-65 ; Joseph
H. Sanford, 1856, 1859-60 ; Harvey N. Redway, 1857-
58; Wm. H. Wallace, 1861; Gideon F. Cole, 1863;
Henry R. Ames, 1866-68 ; Noble S. Elderkin, 1869 ; Don
Carlos Brookins, 1870; Samuel C. Crane, 1871-74; Wil-
liam W. Bert, 1875-78.
The present officers are : W. W. Bert, H. P. ; M. V. B.
Ives, K. ; S. C. Crane, .S. ; J. H. Baum, C. H. ; J. S.
Dord, P. S. ; S. A. Redway, R. A. C. ; J. D. Hand, S. 0.
Loucks, C. E. Jewett, M. of V. ; C. E. Batchelder, Treas. ;
W. F. Leete, Sec. ; Rev. H. R. Howard, Chaplain ; F. M.
Brush, Organist ; H. R. Leete, Tyler.
The chapter meets in Masonic hall in Potsdam on the
second and fourth Thursdays in each month, at seven P.M.
Membership at present about 50.
POTSDAM GRANGE, NO. 39, PAT5,0NS 01? HUSBANDRY.
This is a flourishing young organization, which, although
it meets in the village, is devoted to the interests of the
farming community. The " Grangers" have been the ob-
jects of considerable ridicule, but their central idea of im-
proving the social life of the farming population is certainly
a most valuable one. Potsdam grange contains ferty-one
members.
POTSDAM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There was a fire-company in Potsdam as early as 1823,
but it became disorganized ; and, though there were two
engines in possession of the village in 1853-, there were no
systematic means of working them provided. The present
fire department was organized in 1857, with a chief en-
gineer, assistant engineer, secretary, assistant secretary,
treasurer, steward, and two companies, — Frontier Hose,
No. 1, and Potsdam Engine, No. 1.
J. R. Jackson was the first chief engineer. He was
MRS. OWEN J. Sartwell. Owen J. Sartwell.
( PHOTOS. BY N, I. Stone, Potsdau,U Y. )
JORAM TiMERMAN
Mrs.Joham T|MEI?MAN.
PHOTOS. By L.N.5rON£, FOTSDAM
W. H. V/RIGHT.
MrS.W.H.WWGHT.
( fHOros BY H L SrONE, Forso/iMN.Y )
RESIDENCE or W h Wff/GHT ffuus SffiosE sr (.AWPfN.f Co N V
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
255
succeeded by J. B. Lombard ; he by A. X. Parker ; and
the latter in 1867 by J. L. Brown, the present incumbent.
In 1874, Raquette Hose, No. 2, was organized, and in
1875 Relief Hose, No. 3. Each hose company contains
two officers and ten men, while the engine company has
forty names on its roll. The present officers of the depart-
ment are J. L. Brown, chief engineer ; J. L. Hand, assist-
ant engineer ; S. A. Redway, secretary ; D. Charters, assistant
secretary; James Lemon, treasurer; Ira Ransom, steward.
POTSDAM WATER-WORKS.
These are on the " Holly" plan, forcing the water through
pipes by power, which, in this instance, is derived from
Raquette river. The cost was $50,000. There are 4i miles
of mains, and 186 purchasers of the water. The annual
receipts are now |1300, and the amount is increasing.
The main object of their erection, however, was to guard
against fire, and for this purpose they have shown them-
selves to be admirably calculated. The works are managed
by a board of water commissioners, of which Bloomfield
Usher is the president, and Geo. B. Swan and Samuel C.
Crane are the other members. William H. Wallace was
the president of the commission until his death, during the
past summer.
NORWOOD.
This village has a population of 1 200. It was incor-
porated as Potsdam Junction in 1872, but its name was
changed to Norwood in 1875. Benjamin G. Baldwin was
its first president, and was such at the time of his death.
He was succeeded by Norman Ashley ; he by A. M. H.
Pearson ; and he by Moses F. Collins. The present trustees
are Elisha Reynolds, William E. Hale, and Luther Bartlett ;
the clerk is Thaddeus Thayer.
PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Norwood contains 1 general store, 4 dry-goods stores, 2
large groceries, and 5 smaller ones, 3 hardware and tin-
stores, 2 drug-stores, 1 jewelry-store, 1 flour- and feed-
store, 1 furniture-store, 3 millinery-stores, 1 job printing-
office, 2 hotels, with liveries attached, 3 wagon-shops, 2
harness-shops, 3 blacksmith-shops, 2 shoe-shops, 1 paint-
shop, 2 meat-markets, 1 bakery, and 1 barber-shop. There
are also 2 lawyers, 2 doctors, 1 dentist, and 2 clergymen.
MANUFACTURES.
The custom grist-mill of H. S. Martin & Son was started
in 1874. In the same building, which is 80 by 56 feet,
and 3 stories high, is the hub-factory of the same owners,
which employs several men, and turns out about 5000 sets
of hubs per annum. They also make some 300,000 sh.ngles
each winter. A portion of the building is rented to Leonard
& Martin, and used as a butter-tub factory. They employ
11 men in the building, and as many more outside. The
power for the whole is furnished by a 25-horse power
steam-engine.
The Flourinq-Mill op Hiram Rodee is a four-story
stone structure, which cost about $35,000. It has five run
of stone, and makes about two hundred barrels of flour in
twenty-four hours. There is a large frame store-house ad-
joining it.
Reynolds' Saw-Mill was built by Amos Bicknell,
about twenty years ago. Another structure was built near
the same time for a starch-factory. Mr. Wait Reynolds
bought the saw-mill in 1863. In 1867 he purchased the
starch-factory and changed it into a shingle-mill, and also
built the sash- and door-factory. The saw-mill cuts 500,000
feet per year. The whole employs near thirty men.
Davis' Thrashing-Machine Factory was built by
Wait Reynolds three years since, and transferred to Mr. S.
N. Davis. It turns out from fifteen to twenty machines
per year.
Pearson's Broom-Handle and Hoop-Factory was
built by Enos & Macomber, in 1865. In 1869 it came into
the possession of Mr. A. M. H. Pearson, who now owns it.
It employs eight men, who manufacture from forty to fifty
thousand toy-hoops yearly, and from six to seven hundred
thousand broom-handles.
Beam & Waldron's Tannery was built in 1877.
It has twenty-five vats and a ten-horse power steam-engine.
The establishment of the Norwood Lumber Company
is the largest in the village, but we have been unable to
obtain exact statistics. The mill was built by James Mor-
gan & Co., and was subsequently owned by Morgan, Adsit
& Co., and Lovelace & Fonda. The latter built a steam
saw-mill in 1865. After various changes the mills passed
into the hands of the Norwood Lumber Company, which
was organized in 1875. A large space on the east side of
Raquette river is occupied by its buildings and lumber-yards,
and many millions of feet are sent away every year.
union school no. 1.
A small part of this district is in the town of Norfolk.
It was organized as a graded school district, with a board of
education, in the spring of 1870. There are four grades :
academic, senior, junior, and primary. Each of the three
higher grades has one teacher, and the primary has two. The
school-house was built eight years before the organization
of the board, but additions have since been made to it. It
is considered worth $2500. The present principal is Fred-
erick W. Woodworth. There are about two hundred and
fifty scholars in the district. The board of education con-
sists of Luther Bartlett, president ; Loren R. Ashley, Wil-
liam T. Leonard, William E. Hale, Omer A. Hine, Edgar
T. Phelps, Giles J. Hall, Charles N. Bixby, and Hiram
Rodee.
the METHODIST CHURCH OP NORWOOD.
Occasional Methodist services were held in Norwood, then
called Raquetteville, previous to 1855. In that year the
church was organized under the ministration of Rev. T.
Richie. He was succeeded by Rev. T. Smedley, in 1858.
The records are incomplete, and there were occasional va-
cancies in the pastorate, but the church steadily increased
in size, and in 1861 it aided the Congregational society to
build the house of worship now used by the latter body.
It was agreed that the two churches should use the house
jointly, and that in case the Methodists should at any time
desire to withdraw and build a separate edifice, they should
be refunded the amount paid by them.
This arrangement was carried out, and the Methodists
worshiped at the house in question for six years ; Rev. G.
256
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
P. Kenney assuming the pastorate in 1863, Rev. R. E.
King in 1864, Rev. T. C. Millington in 1866, and Rev.
W. Gr. Ball in 1868. During the ministry of the last-
named gentleman the church found itself strong enough to
erect a separate house of worship. They accordingly re-
ceived the moneys previously paid, raised a large subscrip-
tion in addition, and built a very elegant and commodious
brick structure, with a stone basement, suitable for the large
congregation which has since assembled there. Rev. C. W.
Brooks became the pastor in 1871 ; Rev. W. D. Chase, in
1874; and Rev. I. D. Peaslee, in the spring of 1877. A
fine brick parsonage has lately been built beside'the church
edifice.
The church is in a very flourishing condition, having
two hundred and ten communicants, two hundred and
ninety-four Sabbath-school teachers and scholars, and four
hundred volumes in the Sabbath-school library. The pres-
ent stewards are Edward Leonard, M. F. Collins, Ashley
•Collins, Stephen Ducolin, "J. Gr. McCloud, and Thomas
Leonard.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHUECH OP NORWOOD.
The first Congregational society of Raquetteville (now
Norwood) was organized March 4, 1858, with Norman
Ashley, Robert McGill, and A. T. Holbrook as trustees,
and J. S. Morgan as clerk. The first Congregational chui eh
was formed July 15, in the same year, with nineteen mem-
bers. The first officers were H. E. Holbrook and J.- H.
Edgerton, deacons, and Paul P. Dowd, church clerk.
Rev. Dr. E. W. Plumb, principal of St. Lawrence
academy, preached for the young church about three years.
He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Barton, and he for a
short time by the Rev. Mr. Sheldon. A frame house of
worship was built under the management of the Cono-reca-
tional society in 1861, and dedicated February 13, 1862;
the cost for land and building being four thousand dollars.
The Methodists assisted in its erection, and occupied it
pointly with the Congregationalists until the foi'mer built a
church edifice in 1 868, when the money they had contrib-
uted was refunded to them. Rev. James W. Grush as-
sumed the pastorate in 1864, Rev. George Hardy in 1867
Rev. Thomas H. Griffith in 1873, and Rev. C. H. Rowley
in 1877.
There are now ninety-three members of the church, and
a hundred and seventy-two teachers and scholars in the
Sabbath-school. The latter has a new library of about two
hundred volumes. The following are the present officers :
Deacons, Norman Ashley and John M. Kinsman ; Trustees,
Gershom Waldo, Thomas Austin, and Franklin Thayer;
Clerk of church and society, L. C. Yale; Treasurer of
society, H. B. Hall.
ST. Andrew's mission (episcopal).
This mission was formed at Norwood, February 7, 1874.
It now numbers eighteen members. Services are held in
the Congregational church on the first and third Sundays
of each month by the Rev. J. R. L. Niblett, of Trinity
church, Potsdam. The warden is John Raymond; the
treasurer, M. Valley ; the clerk, Edwin Pearson.
THE SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Thirty-two persons residing in the north part of Potsdam,
and previously connected with the Scotch church of Madrid,
formed a separate organization in 1852, and in 1853 they
erected a house of worship in the former town, about two
miles north of west from Raquetteville (now Norwood).
A thriving church has ever since been maintained there .
It is now under the charge of Rev. Dr. Thompson, one of
the faculty of a medical college in Philadelphia, but a resi-
dent of the village of Madrid. He devotes his time largely
to the care of his church, though some of it is occupied in
delivering lectures in Philadelphia.
HEWITTVILLB.
This little hamlet has grown up around the great saw-
mill built by Dr. Henry Hewitt immediately after he had
procured the opening of the channel of Raquette river, as
mentioned in the general sketch of the town. It is now
owned by the Potsdam lumber company. It has a hundred
upright saws, besides a circular, and cuts some six million
feet per year. The mill and a few houses situated near it,
and mostly occupied by workmen in it, constitute the village
of Hewittville.
SISSONVILLE.
The Sissonville mill is the largest on the river. A mill
was first built at that point by Pomeroy, Pearson & Co. in
the great mill-building period so often referred to, between
1850 and 1854, but it was neglected, and went down before
and during the war. The present mill was put up after the
war by Griswold & Sisson. It will cut from ten to twelve
million feet of lumber in a year. The mill is substantially
Sissonville.
CRARY'S MILLS.
This village, the beginning of which was noticed in the
general history of the town, in the southwest corner of
which it is situated, contains two stores, one harness-shop,
one wagon-shop, one blacksmith-shop, one tannery, one lime-
kiln, one grist-mill, and about twenty houses. There is a
church near by but not in this town. The lime-kiln owned
by A. Church, but known as the Harvey kiln, produces
especially good lime, of which a large amount is sold.
Crary's Mills Lodge, No. 665, I. 0. of G. T., was or-
ganized Jan. 29, 1871. The principal officers then were
Martin G. Follet, W. G. T. ; Clara Langdon, W. V. T. ;
S. S. Harvey, W. Sec. The principal ones now (December,
1877) are H. A. Loomis, W. C. T. ; Ella Wood, W. V.
T. ; M. P. Giffin, W. Sec.
Crary's Mills Grange, No. 54, Patrons of Husbandry,
was formed Jan. 20, 1874. The present officers are N. 0.
Freeman, Master; W. A. Sherman, Overseer; H. A.Mor-
rison, Lecturer ; E. H. Langdon, Steward ; Z. D. Brown,
Asst. Steward; W. Spalding, Chap.; H. D. Leonard,
Treas. ; A. P. Harvey, Sec. ; C. B. Church, Gatekeeper;
Mrs. W. D. Boyden, Ceres ; Mrs. H. A. Church, Pomona ;
Mrs. Nelson Beldan, Flora ; Mrs. Z. D. Brown, Lady Asst.
Steward. The grange has 44 members.
BUCK'S BRIDGE.
This place, which has been mentioned before, now con-
tains one store, one blacksmith-shop, one wagon-shop, one
A. E. LOUCKS.
Mrs A.E.Loucks.
"PARTRlDGi: FARM'-'Resioence OF A. E. LOUCKS, Potsdam, N, Y.
Ellis Benson.
Mrs. Ellis Benson.
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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
257
cooper-shop, and about twenty houses, besides the churches
and mills, to be specifically mentioned. Wright & Post
have a saw-mill, two shingle-mills, and a provender-niill.
Wright & Corbin have a saw-mill, lath-mill, and planing-
mill. The power for all the mills is furnished by Grasse
river. Both firms do an extensive business, and a large
space is covered with their products. These are mostly
sent to market from Madrid station, on the Ogdensburg
and Lake Champlain railroad.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENT CHURCH.
A house of worship for the use of this denomination was
erected at Buck's Bridge, on the north side of Grasse river,
about 1853. There was regular preaching by Rev. Messrs.
John Byington, Harry Buck, and S. B. Whitney, but no
church was organized until 1861. Rev. Messrs. S. B.
Whitney, Henry Hilliard, and A. H. Hull have officiated
since that time. The present number of members is about
twenty-six.
duck's bridge and west POTSDAM CIRCUIT (METHO-
DIST episcopal).
Previous to 1837 there had been occasional preaching
by Methodist ministers at Buck's Bridge, but there are no
records of any regular organization prior to that time. In
that year a separate charge was formed from Canton cir-
cuit, embracing classes at Buck's Bridge, South Canton,
Morley, and South Lisbon. Since then South Canton and
Morley have been separated from this circuit, and the class
in Lisbon has been consolidated with that at Buck's
Bridge. A class was formed at West Potsdam about
1841 in connection vrith this circuit, which in that year
received the name of Buck's Bridge circuit.
A frame church edifice was built at Buck's Bridge about
the time of the organization of the circuit (1837). It has
been thoroughly repaired of late, and is now a very neat
and pleasant structure, situated on the north side of Grasse
river.
A small church edifice was built at West Potsdam, in
1842, by the Methodists and Free- Will Baptists combined.
About 1857 the Congregational church at that place was
transferred to the Methodists, whereupon the structure pre-
viously used by them was abandoned.
There are now seventy members in the class at Buck's
Bridge, and fifty-three in that at West Potsdam. The
stewards are A. G. Buck, Williams G. Wright, Artemas
Hearns, and S. Ketcham. The class-leaders arc Warren
H. Wright and Melzar Corbin at Buck's Bridge, and
Frederick Howe at West Potsdam.
The following is a list of the pastors, with their respective
years of service. Previous to 1841 they preached at Buck's
Bridge and the other places named ; since then they have
officiated at both Buck's Bridge and West Potsdam : Lind-
ley D. Gibbs, 1837; D. Chichester, 1838; J. Stoddard,
1839 ; Lyndon King, 1840-41 ; Rufus C. King, 1842-43 ;
Franklin Hawkins, 1844-45 ; Alamanzo Blaokman, 1846-
47; Justin Alden, 1848-49; A. F. Bigelow, 1850-51;
IraH. Corbin, 1852-53; C. C. Simons and B. E. Whip-
ple, 1854; J. T. Alden, 1855-56; S. F. Kenyon, 1857;
A. E. Corse, 1858-59; S. C. Corbin, 1860-61; C. E.
33
Boebe, 1862-63; Othniel Holmes, 1864; D. D. Parker,
1865-66; J. Dolph, 1867; W. F. Bull (supply), 1868;
George Hastings, 1869-70; S. Boyd, 1871-72; S. C.
Goodell, 1873-74 ; H. C. Abbott, 1875-77.
WEST POTSDAM.
This place which, under the name of Smith's Corners,
has been previously mentioned as a point of considerable
note, if not of much size, is now a bright-looking, welK
built little village, containing a store, blacksmith-shop,
shoe-shop, and about twenty houses, besides a cheese-
factory in course of construction and a church edifice pre-
viously mentioned.
. YALEVILLE,
another hamlet a mile west of West Potsdam, consists of a
store, shoe-shop, wagon-shop, blacksmith-shop, and about a
dozen houses. The mill, which was here thirty years ago
and which has been mentioned previously, has many years
since ceased to exist.
There is also another place called Yaleville (the name
being derived from the same family as the foregoing), situ-
ated on Raquette river, partly in Norfolk, but having
several houses in Potsdam.
FORMER CHURCHES.
A united religious society was_formed on the 16th day
of September, 1806, with Wm. Bullard, Jonathan Adams,
Annie Currier, Reuben Field, Manasseh Smith, and Alba
Durgee as trustees. These gentlemen, and the other mem-
bers of the society, were the same who had taken land in
common, and who formed themselves into the "Union" the
next year. As near as can now be ascertained the society
first named did not adopt any particular creed, but was
formed to aid the religious advancement of the community
in co-operation with whatever sects might desire to occupy
the field. It does not appear to have survived the indus-
trial " Union," with which it was more or less connected.
The " Christian" sect, through the labors of Bela Palmer,
organized a church in the autumn in the neighborhood of
the old " Union." It then numbered from thirty to forty
members, most of whom had belonged to that community.
Rev. Ira Allen began preaching for this church in 1819,
and with a very brief interval retained pastoral charge of it
until his death, about 1860. It was then feeble, and soon
ceased to exist.
A Free- Will Baptist church, with thirty members, was
formed at West Potsdam, by the Rev. Otis P. Willis, on
the 4th of July, 1841. This church erected a house of
worship in connection with the Methodist Episcopal so-
ciety in 1842. The society connected with the church was
incorporated on the 29th of June, 1843, with G. S. Hath-
away and B. Lane as trustees. Rev. William Whitfield
preached there from 1843 to about 1854. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Mr. Deering, who remained but a short
time. After that there was only occasional preaching, and
finally the church became extinct.
A Congregational church was also organized at West
Potsdam in 1841 or 1842. A substantial frame church
edifice was erected there in the latter year. Rev. Charles
Bowles, a colored man, was the first settled pastor, He
258
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Rowley. Regular services
were maintained for eight or ten years. After that there
■were occasional meetings, but the church gradually became
more feeble, and about 1857 they transferred their bouse of
worship to the Methodists (the only denomination who
kept up regular services at West Potsdam) by a deed of
gift, the only condition being that the recipients should pay
about thirty dollars of debt which was standinj^; against the
Congregational society. The latter then dissolved.
OTHER INTERESTS.
There is a steam saw-mill about five miles west of the
village, built by a company in 1854, now in the hands of
Chester C. Simons It is worked from two to six months
per year, cutting about seventy-five thousand feet of lumber
per month. Near by is a cheese-factory, built by a stock
company of farmers in 1867, and still owned by them. It
now receives the milk of about two hundred and fifty cows.
There is also another cheese-factory three or four miles
from the village, on the Canton road. It uses the milk of
from three hundred to four hundred cows.
THE EAQUETTE VALLEY AND ST. REGIS VALLEY AGRI-
CULTURAL SOCIETY.
This association was organized in 1870. Its operations
are not restricted to any particular towns, but it receives its
principal support from Potsdam and the towns adjoinins; on
the east and south. Its grounds at Potsdam village com-
prise about twenty acres of land, which, with the buildings
and other improvements upon it, have cost about $22,000,
$19,000 of which has been paid since the organization of
the society out of the net earnings. The association pays
annually, in purses and premiums, about $4500.
For the first three years the principal officers were Chas.
0. Tappan, president; Luke Usher, treasurer; and H.
M. Story, secretary. Since then the presidents have been
E. W. Foster, in 1873; A. X. Parker, in 1874-75; E.
W. Foster, in 1876 ; and William J. Barnum, in 1877-78.
C. W. Leete and J. G. Mclntyre are the present treasurer
and secretary.
TOWN OFEICERS.
The following persons have served as supervisors of Pots-
dam : Benj. Raymond, 1807; Charles Cox, 1808; Benj.
Raymond, 1809 ; Charles Cox, 1810-11 ; Benj. Raymond,
1812 to 1817, inclusive; Gurdon Smith, 1818 to 1821, in-
clusive ; Samuel Partridge, 1822; Gurdon Smith, 1823-
24 ; Samuel Partridge, 1825 ; Horace Allen, 1826-27 ;
Samuel Partridge, 1828-29; Zenas Clark, 1830 to 1834'
inclusive; Ansel Bailey, 1835 to 1837, inclusive; Amos
W. Brown, 1838; Ansel Bailey, 1839; Aaron T. Hop-
kins, 1840 to 1843, inclusive; Thomas Swift, 1844-45;
Isaac Parker, 1846-47; Charles Dart, 1848^9; Amos
Blood, 1850-51; Isaac Parker, 1852 to 1854, inclusive;
Benj. G. Baldwin, 1855; Aaron T. Hopkins, 1856 to
1860, inclusive; Edward W. Foster, 1861 to 1876, inclu-
sive; Erasmus D. Brooks, 1877.
The present town officers are : Supervisor, Erasmus D.
Brooks ; Town Clerk, Josiah L. Brown ; Justices of the
Peace, Samuel C. Crane, S. S. Harvey, Abel A. Hall, Mar-
tm Welch, and Philander Simmons ; Assessors, William J.
Barnum, Sylvanus Ellis, and Stillman Howard; Highway
Commissioner, Norman Swift ; Town Auditors, George L.
Eastman, Leander A. Holt, and Merritt Wheeler ; Over-
seers of the Poor, James Lemon and Edwin Leonard ; Col-
lector, David K. Brown ; Constables, David K. Brown,
William Pratt, Douglas P. Loomis, Charles J. Waldron,
and Stephen M. Ketcham ; Inspectors of Election, Amos
B. Countryman, John B. Nichols, Charles Lane, Judson
Wright; Noel 0. Freeman, Chas. Olmstead, George Erwin,
Spencer D. Ray, Loren R. Ashley, Wait Reynolds, John
F. Goggin, Frank M. Hawley, Robert Pierce, Joel Olm-
stead, and C. C. Nightingale ; Excise Commissioners, Wm.
J. Barnum, 0. A. Hine, and Isaac Matthews ; Pound-
Master, Francis H. Wilcox.
In closing this connected sketch, we desire to express
our thanks for information affisrded us to Messrs. W. A.
Dart, H. L. Knowles, E. W. Foster, C. 0. Tappan, J. G.
Mclntyre, W. L. Knowles, W. F. Leete, William Mathews,
George Erwin, Jonah L. Brown, T. S. Clarkson, E. W.
Furbish, Alex. Bramley, C. C. Bascom, David Lewis, Ver-
sal Healey, Ira T. French, L. S. Owen, Amos Blood, Mr.
and Mrs. W. A. Smith, Ansel Paine, Warren H. Wright,
John Raymond, Norman Ashley, Lloyd C. Yale, C. N.
Bixby, I. N. Peaslee, and Salmon Currier ; and to any
others who may have given us information, and whose
names we may have omitted to record.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL PARTRIDGE
was born in Franklin, Mass., Dec. 19, 1792. His ancestry
was, on both sides, of the best of that practical and rugged
New England stock which has almost achieved miracles in
overcoming obstacles of every description, his family being
directly connected with the patriot blood of Roger Sher-
man. In his childhood his parents removed to Alstead,
N. H., and there, when he had reached manhood, in Miss
Abigail Ladd he found his wife.
The spirit of emigration to " the west" was strongly
stirring the spirits of New England's sons ; and in 1817,
when twenty-five years of age, Mr. Partridge came, with
his young wife, to Potsdam, then a lately-opened township
in the wilderne.ss of northern New York. He established
himself here in mercantile business, in which he continued
lor thirty years with varying fortunes, but, on the whole,
with decided success. His business success, however, did
not change his native kindness of heart, and in him his
employees and tenants always found a friend. In 1847 he
retired from the active pursuit of business, content to
spend the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of the
ample means which his industry and enterprise had accu-
mulated, in the quiet and society of his children and grand-
children.
The unobtrusive pleasures of domestic life were his
peculiar enjoyment, and he was the kind father of a large
and loving family, consisting of one son and nine daugh-
ters, two daughters having died in infancy.
^://^14yU^u^ uA^^?a^c^^!^-^
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
2.59
In 1858, on the lltli of October, Mr. Partridge died,
aged sixty-six years, having retained almost all his early
vigor up to a short period before his death.
While justly attentive to his own peculiar interests, and
careful in the proper husbandry of his resources, Mr. Par-
tridge possessed a broad spirit of charity and benevolence.
He was emphatically a "public-spirited man." Prom an
early day one of the trustees of St. Lawrence academy,
he was devoted to its interests and labored for its prosperity.
His time and means were lavishly employed in its behalf,
and to him and a few others of like noble spirit the public
are indebted not only for the very existence of that institu-
tion, but for that of the stately normal school which has
succeeded it.
In all plans for the material advantage of his town and
community he was a sound counselor and a liberal helper.
His public spirit and business capacity were duly appre-
ciated by his townsmen, and though he was never an
office-seeker, he was several times selected by them to
represent them on the board of supervisors.
He was one of the first to appreciate the good policy of
building our present railroads, and aided to the utmost of
his ability in providing necessary funds for their construc-
tion, to his own serious embarrassment and immediate
pecuniary loss. He was one of the first board of directors
of the Potsdam and Watertown railroad, and always, in
regard to that and other measures of public improvement,
was ready to sacrifice his own means for ultimate good of
the whole community.
From his first arrival in Potsdam, Mr. Partridge was
a steadfast friend and supporter of Christian worship. He
took a very active part in founding Trinity church, and
was one of its most eflicient and munificent ofl&cers and
parishioners. In all the relations of life he was true and
just; a man of few words, but "what he said he meant.''
He lived discreetly, and walked uprightly. At his death
he left to his townsmen the memory of a pure and honest
man ; to his family, the fragrant treasure of a good name.
AARON TOWNSEND HOPKINS.
Born a few weeks before the opening of the present cen-
tury, Mr. Hopkins has passed through a long life of varied
experience and marked success. His father was Robert
Hopkins, of Williamstown, Vt., and his birth took place in
that town on the nineteenth day of November, 1800. In
1802 his father removed with his family to Crown Point,
in this State, and thence, in 1806, to the " Holland purr
chase," in what is now the county of Wyoming.
Robert Hopkins was called to the front as a captain of
militia in the war of 1812, and took part in the celebrated
battle of Queenstown Heights. Soon after he was taken
sick, and died at Black Rock, while still in service.
The next year (1813) his widow returned to Vermont,
where Aaron T. resided for twelve years. He acquired a
good education, and during the last of his residence there
was principal of Newton academy, at Shoreham, in that
State. He came to Potsdam in 1825, taught stenography
and other branches there for a short time, and then
taught three years in Ogdensburg. During this period
(in the spring of 1827) he was married to Miss Betsey
Eastman, daughter of Samuel Eastman, one of the earliest
pioneers of Hopkinton. In 1828 the young couple removed
to Potsdam, where they have ever since resided.
There Mr. Hopkins engaged in the leather business,
which he carried on very extensively. For many years he
employed about thirty hands in making boots and shoes,
tanning hides, etc. Ho was a very successful business man,
being one of the few who went safely through the great
financial crisis of 1837. About 1840 he built the large
stone tannery at Potsdam, which long ranked as one of the
important institutions of the village. Between 1852 and
1854 he closed out his extensive business, and since then he
has lived at ease upon the competence previously obtained.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins,
of whom the only son died in 1852, and one of the daugh-
ters during the past summer. Mr. Hopkins is a constant
attendant and liberal supporter of the Episcopal church, to
which his family belong, and of which he has been many
years a vestryman. Having joined the Masons at the
age of twenty-one, he is one of the oldest, if not the very
oldest, membars of that fraternity in the town.
Mr. Hopkins has frequently been elected by his fellow-
citizens to various town ofiices, and has been supervisor for
nine terms — from 1840 to 1843 inclusive, and again from
1856 to and including 1860. With a single exception,
this is longer than any other citizen of Potsdam has been
honored with that important position.
IRA T. FRENCH.
Samuel French, the grandfather of our subject, a resident
of Fairfield Co., Conn., served for seven years in the Revolu-
tionary War. His son David (the father of Ira T.) inheriting
the boldness of his sire, though exercising it in another
sphere, dauntlessly faced the perils of the wilderness, pur-
chasing a hundred acres of land in Potsdam in 1803, the
first year that township was offered for sale, and removing
thither from Vergennos, Vt., with his newly-wedded bride
a year or two later. Slowly but surely the giants of the
forest went down before his industry, and in 1819, having
a fine house for those times, he opened a hotel on his farm,
midway between Potsdam and Canton, which was kept
open for thirty-five years. Mr. David French died on No-
vember 15, 1854.
Ira T. French, the only son of the pioneer just named,
was born on December 21, 1807, on the farm where he now
resides. From an early period he assisted his father in his
farm labors, and continued to do so during the life of the
latter, except when attending or teaching school, which lat-
ter occupation he followed for four winters. On August 14,
1832, he was married to Laura Jane, daughter of William
Perry, the latter being a native of Massachusetts, and one
of the earliest settlers of Canton. Mr. and Mrs. French
have had six children, all living except one son, George
W., who enlisted in .the Eleventh New York Cavalry, and
died at New Orleans, Sept. 10, 1864.
Throun-h the labors and business capacity of David and
260
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ira T. Frencli, the original liundred acre farm was gradually
increased to one of eight hundred acres. Desirous both of
forwarding the welfare and enjoying the company of his
children, the subject of our sketch has divided the most of
this great tract among them, and he and his estimable wife
are now enjoying an honored old age, surrounded by many of
their numerous descendants.
HON. HORACE ALLEN.
The subject of this biography, whoso portrait is here
published, was born at Williston, Vt., on the 24th day of
April, 1789. His father, Nathan Allen, a farmer of mod-
erate means, was a descendant of Ira Allen (brother of the
celebrated Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary memory), and his
mother, whose maiden name was Lovina Winslow, was a
descendant of Gov. Winslow, one of the emigrants by the
Mayflower. His early life, like that of must of the earlier
settlers of Vermont and New York, was an example of
industry and frugality.
Mainly by his own exertions he fitted himself for college,
and entered the University of Vermont, at Burlington, from
which institution he graduated in 1812. He studied law in
the oiBce of Judge Ross, in Essex, N. Y., and established
himself in his profession at Potsdam in the spring of 1816.
In January following he married Semuntha Hamilton, of
Champlain, N. Y. The village of Potsdam then consisted
of but a few buildings, the town was sparsely inhabited,
and the whole county was comparatively new.
From the day of his settlement in Potsdam to that of his
death he was identified with the interests and prosperity of
his town and county. He early took and long maintained
a first rank as a lawyer, and the demands of his profession
were most conscientiously and laboriously fulfilled. While
in active practice he was retained in nearly every important
suit in the county, and his strong, clear, and logical mind,
stored with classical and legal knowledge, rendered him a
dangerous adversary.
In the year 1824 he was appointed surrogate of the
county, which office he held until 1840. In the spring of
1 838 he was appointed first or presiding judge of the court
of common pleas, which ofiice he held until the spring of
1842. For a long number of years he was master and ex-
aminer in chancery, and postmaster of his village. From
almost the beginningof the history of that institution he was
a member of the board of trustees of St. Lawrence academy,
and warmly devoted to the interests of public education.
As a husband, father, and friend, in the quiet labors of
his profession, and in the public relations of his official posi-
tions, in every place, in every hour, his was an earnest, de-
voted, and faithful life. Gifted with talents of a high
order, and with a perseverance in their use which was
truly remarkable, yet for family, kindred, friends, and hu-
manity he had a mind and a heart as simple and unaiFected
as that of a child.
From 1824 to the day of his death Judge Allen was a
leading member of the Presbyterian church of Potsdam,
and one of its most prompt and liberal supporters. Amid
all the various relations and duties of his busy and laborious
life no Christian duty was ever deferred or left undischarged.
His was a bright example of industry, integrity, and fidel-
ity. Few men were more widely known and respected, and
none more generously trusted. He departed this life at
Potsdam, May 24, 1866, leaving his widow, who died July
3, 1871, a son. Gen. Lucius Hamilton Allen, of San Fran-
cisco, and a daughter, Harriet S., wife of William A. Dart,
of Potsdam.
HON. WILLIAM A. DART.
The above-named gentleman was born at "Smith's Cor-
ners," now called West Potsdam, on Oct. 25, 1814. His
father, Simeon Dart, was a plain farmer and mechanic, but
came of old and sturdy New England stock, one of his an-
cestors having emigrated from England about 1652, bring-
ing with him for himself and others the original patent
from the crown for the township of New London, Conn.
Simeon Dart was one of the earliest pioneers of Potsdam,
having located at Smith's Corners in 1808, and the country
around still consisted of a dense forest, broken by occasional
•clearings, when the subject of this sketch was born.
Much of the youth of the latter was spent in Potsdam
village, and as be approached manhood he felt that strong
desire for an advanced education and an active career which
has impelled so many American youth to the most strenu-
ous exertions. His father could affiard him little assistance,
but by teaching school in winter the youth procured the
means to obtain a good education at the old St. Lawrence
academy, and also to prosecute the study of law, which
was done in the office of Hon. Horace Allen. In 1840,
after an extremely rigorous examination, which resulted in
the rejection of several applicants, he was admitted to the
bar as an attorney, and opened an office at Potsdam.
On Sept. 1, 1841, Mr. Dart was married to Miss Harriet
S. Allen, only daughter of his former preceptor, Judge
Allen. Two daughters have been the fruit of this union.
In 1845, Mr. Dart was appointed postmaster at Potsdam,
and the same year be was appointed district attorney of
St. Lawrence County by the judges of the court, who then
had the appointment of that office. As Mr. Dart had only
just become eligible to the office by being admitted as a
counselor, the appointment furnished very decided evidence
of the ability of the recipient. The constitution of 1846
put an end to his tenure of the office, and he declined to
be a candidate for election.
In 1849, at the age of thirty-five, only nine years after
he was admitted as an attorney, Mr. Dart was elected to
the State senate. He took an active part in the proceed-
ings of that body, and was one of the celebrated twelve
Democratic senators who resigned in order to prevent the
assemblage of a quorum, thus for the time defeating a bill
to enlarge the Erie canal on credit, which they deemed un-
constitutional, and which was afterwards decided to be so
by the court of appeals. He was re-elected by more than
double his former majority. At the end of 1851 he re-
tired from the senate, devoted himself exclusively to his
profession, and acquired an extensive practice. In 1854 he
entered into partnership with Mr. (now Judge) Charles 0.
Tappan, and the firm continued until 1869.
MBW. M(Q)MA(DIE JvlLILIgMc
'-^cLtc^^j^ cJ^. ^CL^U::^
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
261
A Democrat up to 1854, he separated from that party
when it annulled the Missouri compromise, aided to organ-
ize the Eepubliean party, and has ever siflce been one of its
strongest advocates. His professional and political distinc-
tion was such, that on the accession of President Lincoln
he was appointed United States district attorney for the
northern district of New York, and his nomination was
unanimously confirmed by the senate without reference to
a committee. His duties through the war were extremely
delicate, important, and laborious, but were so discharged
that, on the expiration of his term in 1865, he was again
reappointed by President Lincoln, and confirmed by the
senate without a competitor for the position.
In 1866 the entire charge of suppressing a Fenian in-
vasion of Canada was committed to him by the govern-
ment; military officers, commandera of revenue cutters, and
collectors of customs being placed under the general direc-
tion of the energetic district attorney. His faithful, fear-
less, and impartial action received the warm thanks of the
government. He was, however, removed from office by
President Johnson because he refused to follow the example
of that official in abandoning the Eepubliean party.
In April, 1869, Mr. Dart was appointed by President
Grant consul-general for British North America, his official
residence being at Montreal. There are over one hundred
consuls, vice-consuls, and consular agents under the juris-
diction of the consul-general, and his position is more im-
portant than that of many foreign ministers. Mr. Dart has
retained this responsible office to the present time (December,
1877), and we believe it is not questioned but that its
delicate duties have been discharged with entire satisfac-
tion to both the American government and the people of
Canada.
DAVID MATHEWS,
son of Joseph and Polly Mathews, was born at New Haven,
Addison Co., Vt., on May 22, 1798. In his youth he
learned the trade of a mason. He was married Jan. 14,
1821, to Lory, daughter of Joshua and Mercy Perry, also
a native of New Haven, having been born there on Nov.
13, 1798.
In March, 1823, the young couple removed to Potsdam
village, Mrs. Mathews bearing her second child, an infant
six weeks old, in her arms. Mr. Mathews at once began
work at his trade, and his industry, skill, and integrity soon
made him one of the leading builders of the growing
village. The celebrated Potsdam sandstone was just coming
into use, and young Mathews built, or helped to build, nearly
all the early structures of that material, including the old
stone flouring-mill, Judge Allen's house, the South academy,
and many others. He was also a contributor to the funds
of the last-named institution.
After having taken an active part for ten or twelve
years in building up the village, Mr. Mathews sought room
for his large and growing family on a farm. For about
four years he resided on one lying half-way between Pots-
dam and Norwood, — though that was long before Norwood
was thought of While living there he made a public pro-
fession of religion, and was baptized in sign of his faith.
He and his wife have ever since been liberal supporters of
the Baptist church. About 1836 he became the owner of,
and removed to, a farm of a hundred and thirty acres,
situated just south of Potsdam village, and within the
present limits of the corporation. There BIr. and Mrs.
Mathews lived, toiled, and reared their numerous fauiily for
twenty-five years. Having then acquired an ample com-
petence, Mr. Mathews purchased a house and lot near the
centre of the village, where he resided until his death,
which occurred on January 28, 1876. Throughout his
life he enjoyed the reputation of a plain, unassuming,
industrious, upright citizen, and he sought no other station.
His wife, who had so long shared the toils of life in a
new country, still survives him, in an honored old age, and
in remarkable vigor for one on whose head have fallen the
snows of seventy-nine winters.
This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children :
Mary Ann, wife of Alfa Eldridge, of Colton ; Isaac, who
now resides on the old homestead ; William, a prominent
builder in Potsdam village ; Lucina, wife of George Pert,
of the same place ; Amos, a lieutenant in the Union army,
and now a resident of Iowa ; Emily, wife of George
Plympton, of Lockport, N. Y. ; David P., now deceased ;
Charles, who died in infancy ; Edward, a Union soldier,
and a citizen of Iowa; Eansom, another soldier, and also a
resident of Iowa ; and Martha BI., wife of Loyal S. Jack-
son, of Canton.
The descendants of David and Lory Mathews are numer-
ous and widely scattered, but to the latest generation, and
whatever the station to which they may attain, they may
ever look back with pride to the twain who, for fifty-five
years, confronted and conquered together the difficulties of
life.
OWEN J. SAETWELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in Glover, Vt., on
Feb. 27, 1829, his father being John Sartwell, of that
town, who died when Owen was nineteen years old. After
many years of desultory labor in various parts of the
country, Mr. Sartwell came to St. Lawrence County in
1863. In January, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary
Angelia Somes, daughter of Samuel Somes, one of the
early settlers of De Kalb.
Being now the head of a family, Mr. Sartwell thought
it was time to go to work in earnest, — and he did. He
leased a farm, and in two years he and his young wife had
accumulated a capital of two thousand dollars. He then
purchased a farm of a hundred and sixty acres in the town
of Potsdam, near the Canton line, for eight thousand dol-
lars. At the present time this is all paid up, the farm is
well stocked, and the farm and buildings have been greatly
improved. Comment is unnecessary.
Mr. and BIrs. Sartwell are the parents of one daughter
and three sons, — Olive Persis, John Samuel, Daniel Ward,
and Frank Owen.
Hard are the farmer's labors, but brief his story ; yet,
with him, as with the soldier, it is often true that "fortune
favors the brave." Certainly such has been the case in
this instance.
262
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
HENRY HEWITT, M.D.
Fearless, energetic, and self-reliant from youth to old
age, the subject of this notice was well qualified to win suc-
cess in the conflict of life among our strenuous American
people.
Born in New London, Connecticut, on the 8th day of
October, 1797, he spent his youth in that locality, studied
medicine in the medical department of Yale college, and
on receiving his diploma began practice at Vergennes, Ver-
mont. After several years' successful practice there, he
removed to Coventry, in the same State, where he resided
until 1840.
In that year. Dr. Hewitt removed to the village of Pots-
dam, which remained his home from that time till his
death. At first he engaged in the hardware business, but
on the breaking out of a dangerous epidemic in 1842, he
resumed his former profession. Always selfreliant, he
treated the disease according to a theory of his own, and
with marked success. The ordinary practice of medicine
seems to have appeared somewhat tame to his restless mind,
and he soon drifted into other pursuits.
About 1849, Dr. Hewitt took up the enterprise of making
Raquette river the highway on which the vast amount of
timber growing near its banks could be profitably carried
to where it might be manufactured and marketed. Such
an experiment had once failed, but Dr. Hewitt was satis-
fied that it ought to succeed, and was determined that it
should succeed. He circulated petitions asking State aid
to improve the rafting capacity of the river, urged the
measure vigorously before the legislature, and finally ob-
tained from that body a grant of ten thousand dollars for
the purpose.
He was equally assiduous and skillful in carrying the
scheme into practical operation, by which he not only
benefited himself, but conferred lasting advantages on the
community. The long and winding Raquette, heading in
Essex and Hamilton counties, was soon alive with logs cut
from its shores, and the village of Potsdam thus became
the seat of an important manufacturing interest. He
invested his means largely in building an extensive gan"
saw-mill on Raquette river, two or three miles below
Potsdam, around which grew up the little village of Hewitt-
ville.
When the war for the Union began, Dr. Hewitt supported
his country's cause with all the zeal of his nature, and on
the formation of the Ninety-second New York Volunteers
although then sixty-four years old, he accepted the po.st of
surgeon.
Accompanying his regiment to the swamps of the Chicka-
hominy, he there contracted the disease which finally
ended his life, and was compelled to resign his commission.
He was able, however, to discharge the less arduous duties of
surgeon of the sixteenth enlistment district of this State, and
did so with his usual zeal and faithfulness for two years •
yet the exertions of his active life, and especially the hard-
ships of his Virginia campaign, gradually undermined his
strong constitution, and he died on the 22d day of J.uly,
1869, after a career of nearly seventy-two years, distin-
guished for untiring energy and straightforward, honorable
conduct.
HON. CHARLES 0. TAPPAN.
Like many other eminent citizens of St. Lawrence County,
Judge Tappan is a native of the Green Mountain State.
He was born in Addison, Vt., April 17, 1831. The same
year his parents removed to Essex county, in this State,
where the future judge's youth and early manhood were
passed.
His father was an industrious farmer, and being desirous
that his son should have the benefit of a thorough English
education, he sent him (after he had acquired what the
common schools could give) for several successive terms to
Moriah academy, in that county. After leaving that insti-
tution, young Tappan studied law, at Moriah, with John
F. Havens, Esq., sustaining himself meanwhile by teaching
school, — that universal resource of struggling American
ambition. Not satisfied with scholastic attainments which
any one at all disposed to self-sufficiency would have thought
more than ample, young Tappan, at the same time, received
private instruction in Latin and the sciences from his friend
and fellow-student, Edward N. Dewey.
After three years of teaching in winter and studying
the rest of the year, Mr. Tappan was admitted to the bar
on July 4, 1853. In the following month he and Mr.
Dewey began practice in Potsdam, under the firm-name of
Dewey & Tappan. The next year, Hon. William A. Dart,
already a prominent lawyer, seeing the material of which
the young men were made, joined the firm, which then be-
came Dart, Dewey & Tappan. In 1856, Mr. Dewey with-
drew to try the wider field of Chicago practice ; the firm
of Dart & Tappan remaining at Potsdam.
Being thus well established in business, the young law-
yer sought a partner for life, and on February 24, 1857,
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Hewitt, daughter
of Dr. Henry Hewitt, likewise of Potsdam. Three children
have been the fruit of this union.
Mr. Tappan was an early and zealous Republican, and,
when Mr. Dart was appointed United States district attor-
ney for the northern district of New York, in the spring of
1861, he made his partner assistant district attorney, which
position was held by the latter until the retirement of Mr.
Dart, in the autumn of 1866. The firm of Dart & Tappan
continued in active practice until 1869, when the senior
partner was appointed United States consul-general in
Canada. Mr. Tappan and Geo. Z. Erwin, Esq., then
formed the firm of Tappan & Erwin, which has continued
till the present time (November, 1877).
Meanwhile, Mr. Tappan has been active in whatever
concerned the welfare of his adopted town and county. In
1868, being then one of the trustees of St. Lawrence acad-
emy, he was zealous in securing the location of a State nor-
mal school at Potsdam, and was one of the committee which
superintended the construction of the building. He was
subsequently appointed one of the first members of the
" local board," was elected its first secretary, and has ever
since retained that position. He was also very zealous in
organizing the Raquette Valley and St. Regis Valley agricul-
tural society in 1870, and was elected and re-elected presi-
dent during the first three years of its existence. He has
also been elected, during the present year, the first president
of the St. Lawrence County bar association.
B.G-.Baldwin.
Residence of MRS.EMELINE BALQy/m,lmmwcfBE.U(iMLDWN.JAmHmiU LANf"HIE(f,(HW s/srw.)
NOI^WOOD. flew yoFfK.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
263
In the autumn of 1871, Mr. Tappan was elected county
judge for the term of six years. As his term approached
itiS close, he was nominated by the Republicans for justice
of the supreme court, and to this position, too, he has just
been elected, taking his seat on the first day of January,
1878, to hold for fourteen years.
At the bar, Mr. Tappan was characterized by industry
and carefulness in preparing his cases, and by a logical and
candid presentation of them, rather than by any of the
sharp manoeuvres in which some counselors delight. The
same attributes of candor, industry, and sound judgment
have distinguished him on the bench of the county court,
and they will doubtless confer honor on his office as well as
himself in the lofty position to which he has now been
called.
BENJAMIN GORDON BALDWIN,
son of Captain Benjamin Peter and Mehitable (Gordon)
Baldwin, was born in Bradford, Vt., May 13, 1806, and
died in the village of Potsdam Junction, N. Y., Jan. 21,
1873. He was prepared for college at the academies in
Bradford and Hartford, Vt., and was a graduate of Dart-
mouth college in the class of 1827. After graduating he
taught at the academy in Francestown, N. H., a few months,
and then removed to White Creek, N. Y., and there com-
menced the study of law in the office of Judge Jermain.
In March, 1828, he removed to Potsdam village, N. Y.,
and there completed his legal studies with Horace Allen,
Esq., and in 1832 he was admitted to the bar.
Aug. 2, 1833, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Lan-
phier, of Alstead, N. H. She died Oct. 2, 1835, and
Oct. 23, 1837, he was again married to Miss Emeline
Lanphier, a sister of the above.
After his admission to the bar he practiced his profession
in Potsdam, either as a partner with Mr. Allen, William A.
Dart, or on his own account, until the fail of 1850. He
then took charge for a year of the railroad station of the
Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad (then Northern
railroad), and engaged in various efforts and enterprises to
promote the growth of a new village in the vicinity of the
station, located upon a farm of 400 acres belonging to him.
In June, 1847, he was elected surrogate of St. Law-
rence County for a term of four and one-half years, and in
the autumn of 1851 was re-elected to the same office for
the further term of four years. On Jan. 1, 1856, he en-
tered upon a three years' term as county clerk of St. Law-
rence County. This office, combining those of register of
deeds and clerk of all the courts of record in the county,
required his removal to Canton, the county-seat. On the
expiration of his term of office he returned to Potsdam and
erected the dwelling-house* in the new village, first called
Raquetteville, next North Potsdam, then Potsdam Junction,
now Norwood, where he resided the remainder of his life.
He was fourteen years justice of the peace of the town of
Potsdam, having been five times elected by the people.
In the spring of 1867, on the recommendation of Chief-
Justice Chase, of the United States supreme court, he was
appointed register in bankruptcy of the congressional dis-
* See lithograph plate in this connection.
trict of New York composed of the counties of St. Law-
rence and Franklin, which office he held till he resigned it,
in the summer of 1872.
At the time of his death he was president of the new
village,. then called " Potsdam Junction,'' which, in the latter
part of the year 1871, had been incorporated as a village
under that name, and he being the first president of said
village. In the month of March next after the village was
incorporated, " in consideration of their good will and the
sum of one dollar," he conveyed to the village of Potsdam
Junction the public park in its centre, since named " Bald-
win park," providing " that no part of said grounds shall
ever be sold, leased, or otherwise disposed offer any private
use, it being intended by this conveyance that the premises
thus conveyed shall always be kept and used for the com-
mon benefit, profit, and pleasure of the whole village. The
erection of a building or buildings upon the same for the
purposes of public education, or other general uses, for the
public at large, shall not be deemed a violation of the above
condition." A few days prior to his death he directed
(dictating to his attorney in writing) that the Riverside
cemetery, of Potsdam Junction, then held under contract,
be paid for out of his estate and conveyed to the cemetery
association of the village.
The following remarks of the Rev. E. B. Furbish, pastor
of the First Presbyterian church of Potsdam, who preached
his funeral sermon, will illustrate the character of Mr.
Baldwin :
" Eenjamin G. Baldwin united with the Congregational ehureh in
Potsd.-ira July 5, 1835, but a little while after passing his thirty-ninth
birthday. Then, and for some time before, he began to know God;
to understand his sinfulness, God's holiness and infinite loving kind-
ness through Christ Jesus. Just as he had entered upon his active
life, with that life stretching out before him, he realized that he was
not his own but had been bought with n price, and under the guid-
ance of his Great High Priest held intercourse with Jehovah. From
the shelter of divine love he looked forth upon the world into which
he was to go forth with no selfish ambition to gratify, but with the
consecration of his unusual powers of mind, heart, and will to his
Redeemer's service. From this early consecration resulted the. char-
acter we honor. From this consecration resulted his rare example of
Christian benevolence. He did not save his wealth for the purpose
of giving it away in the hour of death. But extraordinary benevo-
lence marked his entire life, and was constantly proclaiming that he
belonged not unto himself. His benevolence was not merely the im-
pulse of a very generous nature, but was directed by great wisdom.
His desire to give wisely did not prevent giving often and liberally,
hut only multiplied opportunities. And it was marked by true affec-
tion for those he assisted. The same characteristics marked his pub-
lic benefactions as all that he has done for this village, for the cause
of Christ here, the spread of the gospel through the world, do so
plainly declare.
" Another fruit of his Christian life was his conscientiousness. He
seemed to walk beneath the gaze of One to whom he was willingly
accountable. In whatever position of life he moved he impressed all
with the belief that he was determined, at all events, to do right.
This stern, unflinching rectitude he exhibited to a marked degree
while practicing law and while he held ofiices of trust from his fellow-
citizens. He was retiring in his disposition, disliked the contests of
his legal profession, though the study of law was congenial to his
tastes, and throughout his life his advice was constantly sought,
wisely given, and many cases were referred to his judgment.
" His Christian life was remarkably even, not subject to ecstacies
and depression, though not without a glow and warmth. Every day
it could be said of him that he ran well. He was a constant attend-
ant upon the means of grace. He loved the house of God and all its
ordinances, and here renewed his strength. To the regret of the
church he loved so well, he would not fill any of its ofiices, though
264
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ms advice was sought, given, leaned upon, and he was a pillar of the
church. His place was regularly filled in the Bible-class; his in-
structions were gratefully received, though he shranli from taking
the teacher's office. His example commended to old and young the
study of God's holy word. How heneficent is such an example can-
not be estimated. It has done much to produce such characters as
was his we mourn. He was a man of broad and liberal views, as his
benevolence and deprecation of the unwarrantable divisions among
Christians of different denominations do testify.
"He was a diligent man, and felt that he had work to perform
while God continued him here, — work not for himself, but for others,
— and up to the hour of his last sickness he willingly spent and
spared not himself. In referring to his death, he said that he was
very willing to go, but that there were some things he would like to
attend to before his departure, and these things were plans for the
welfare of this community purely benevolent.
" It is easy for some men to be forgotten, but it will be impossible
for you to forget your departed fellow-citizen. As you walk your
streets you must think of him for what he has done in your village;
your very homesteads are associated with his name and kind consid-
eration ; as you welcome to their home your future pastors you will
think of him, and in this sanctuary you will not cease to praise God
for the friend he raised up for you. And as you follow your dead to
their last resting-places, and shall be in a measure comforted when
they are buried in abeautiful and well-cared-for cemetery, his benevo-
lence will minister to your consolation, and as you think in your last
hours of resting by their side you must remember him,
" The country. State, and county have lost an honored and worthy
citizen ; but the loss to your village will be felt very keenly. Your
fellow-citizens from the other portions of our town do most sincerely
sympathize with you. May his piety, his rectitude, his patience,
and well-doing be emulated by us all, and our town shall not cease
to be blessed by him. May New England send many such men to
the Empire and sister States till the goodly leaven shall leaven the
entire republic. Aside from his family, he will be missed most of all
by this church. May God, in some way his infinite wisdom can
easily devise, make good to you, dear brethren, your great loss.
" But what seems to bis fellow-oitizens and to this church a great
affliction falls with the heaviest force upon the inmates of his home.
For your consolation you can rejoice that he knew, through Christ
Jesus, his Heavenly Father, and that he has been exalted as a Chris-
tian citizen and in the home influence he exerted, whose worth and
affection you only know, but especially in the hope he has left you
that now God hath highly exalted him, far above the affection and
commendation of earth, unto the love and ministrations of his Re-
deemer."
WILLIAM J. BARNUM.
This gentleman's paternal grandfather, Stephen Barnum,
then a citizen of Massachusetts, was one of that gallant
hand who, amid" the throes of revolution, achieved the
independence of America. He served through the winter
of 1776-77 at Ticonderoga, and in the summer of 1777
took part in the bloody battle of Bennington, where he was
wounded by a Hessian bullet, and his powder-horn was
shot from his person. After the Revolution he removed to
Shoreham, Vt., where his son, David Barnum, was reared
to manhood. In 1807 the latter moved to Potsdam, being
one of the earliest settlers of that town, and located on
what is now a portion of the farm of his son William. He
resided there until 1850, when he died, leaving four chil-
dren,—William J. and Lucy P., who are still living, and
Royal and Louisa M., deceased.
William J. Barnum was born in Potsdam on the 10th of
December, 1808, and from his youth to the present time
has diligently and successfully followed the occupation of
a farmer. On the 2d of March, 1837, he was married to
Miss Louisa A. Pobes, daughter of Peris Pobes, whose
father, John Fobes, was one of the very earliest settlers in
the township of Potsdam. This union has been blessed with
two sons, Jasper E. and Seward, both of whom reside at home.
Mr. Barnum's agricultural success has been such that he
now owns a farm of over eight hundred acres (one of the
best in the town), which is managed by himself and his two
sons. Dairying has been his principal specialty, and for the
last twenty years he has milked on an average about a hun-
dred cows, besides raising considerable stock. He has also
been an intelligent advocate of all public measures tending
to advance his chosen pursuit. He was one of the delegates
who helped to organize the St. Lawrence County agricul-
tural society, and for twenty years has been one of its vice-
presidents. When the Raquette Valley and St. Regis
Valley agricultural society was organized, BIr. Barnum he-
came one of its most active members, and is now its president.
In politics, Mr. Barnum was originally a Whig, but since
the organization of the Republican party he has been one
of its firmest supporters. For over twenty years he has
annually been chosen one of the assessors of Potsdam, — a
position of no slight responsibility and importance in a town
of near eight thousand inhabitants. During the winter of
1861-62, Mr. B., in conjunction with Mr. Luther Priest,
furnished cooked rations for the 92d New York Volunteers,
which was then being organized, and succeeded in discharg-
ing this heavy task in a very satisfactory manner.
In short, the subject of our sketch has been a thoroughly
successful man in whatever he has undertaken, and few per-
sons more fully deserve the appellation of a representative
American farmer than William J. Barnum.
WARREN H. WRIGHT.
This veteran citizen of Potsdam was born on the 18th
of April, 1804. His father, Asahel Wright, settled in the
" Buck's Bridge" neighborhood in 180G. There Warren
H. grew to manhood, receiving the education afforded by
district schools, and learning the business of farming, with
some knowledge of his father's trade of a carpenter.
Mr. Wright was married on the 8th day of February,
1832, to Caroline, daughter of Timothy Goodale, one of
the early settlers of this town. Soon after, the enterpris-
ing young man built the bridges at Madrid and at Buck's
Bridge, and in 1835 he bought the farm on which he now
resides. Having purchased the adjacent water-power, on
Grasse river, he built several mills, — saw-mills, shingle-
mills, etc., — which he carried on, together \yith his farm,
up to 1876. He then disposed of the mills to his sons
and son-in-law, still retaining a large, well-improved, and
well-stocked farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been the parents of eight
children,— Williams G., Martha H., wife of Henry Bil-
lings; Mary A., wife of James Blackman ; Harriet H.j
wife of Melzar Corbin ; Lydia R., wife of Dr. Rolfe; Jud-
son W. ; Delia C, who died in childhood ; and Winona D,
After a long and industrious life, which spans the whole
period between the primeval forest and the civilized com-
munity, the aged pioneer and his wife now find 'themselves
in the enjoyment of an ample competence, and surrounded
by descendants in equally prosperous circumstances.
W.H. WRl&HT.
Mrs.W.H.W/?/&ht.
C fHOTOS.BY It L.SrONt. PorsiMM.NY )
Lyman H. Dayton.
Mrs. Lyman H. Dayton.
Photos. BY IV I Stone, Potsdam. N.Y
fffSIOEMCE or LYMAN H.DAYTOH, Potsdam, New York
LIBERTY KNOWLES.
About the year 1640 two brothers, Knowles, left Eng-
land for the capes of Virginia. One of them, among its
early settlers, landed at New Haven, in the colony of Con-
necticut. In January, 1646, leaving a wife and two sons,
he, with others, sailed for the old, upon errands for the new
home, and all were lost at sea. His grandson, Eleazer
Knowles, with sixteen others, organized " for erecting a
plantation at Pomperague," and, after obtaining the Indian
consent, in February, 1672, adopted a brief, model code
of laws for its government, and early in 1673 entered
upon their tract, since known as ancient Woodbury, of
whose history, as well as that of the colony of Connecticut,
those seventeen men and their descendants made an im-
portant part. Their first coming to the State of New York
was in 1756, when, in response to a call for help, one hun-
dred and seventy-six men of Woodbury, among them Thomas
Knowles, grandson of Eleazer, marched to Fort William
Henry, at the head of Lake George.
Eleazer, younger brother of Thomas, entered the army of
the Kevolution, was a commissary oiEcer during the war,
and in March, 1786, removed his family to Freehold, now
Greeneville, in Greene Co., N. Y. His son. Liberty Knowles,
was born in that part of old Woodbury now Southbury,
Nov. 5, 1784 ; lived his boyhood in Greeneville ; was grad-
uated at Williams college ; served his law clerkship with
Dorance Kirtland, at Coxsackie ; was admitted to practice
in the supreme court in 1809, and in the same year became
a resident of Potsdam. In 1811 he erected the dwelling
on the east side of Market, now at the head of Depot street,
in which he resided until his death, on Jan. 7, 1859.
In 1812, at Richmond, Mass., he married Melinda,
daughter of Paul Raymond, of whom it is not too much to
say, " she opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her
tongue was the law of kindness." She was a helping friend
to all in need.
Before middle life, impaired health compelled Mr. Knowles
to relinquish a successful law practice. He turned to agri-
culture, took part in the early experimental building with
Potsdam sandstone, engaged in manufacture in the village
and upon Grasse river, and was ever ready to lead or follow
in whatever would promote the prosperity of the village or
county. The very large elms of Market and Elm streets
were his planting, reluctantly permitted in streets then
newly cleared of forest.
The town history will place Mr. Knowles among the
earliest to organize and maintain religious and educational
institutions. Among denominations he was Presbyterian ;
politically, a Federalist, a Whig, aiid anti-slavery when the
name subjected one to insult. Thirty years or more he was
the presiding officer of the board of trustees of St. Law-
rence academy ; was among the most munificent donors in
establishing that institution ; and, whenever additional funds
were required, was among the ready and generous to re-
spond. Its instructors ever found him a kind friend and
wise adviser, and many of its pupils were by him aided in
an education which otherwise they could not have attained.
,( '
EBER WHEELER.
Photo, by N. L. Stone, Potsdam
MRS. EBER WHEELER.
EBER WHEELER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Worcester Co ,
Mass., on the 11th of June, 1796. In 1802 he removed
with his father to Bridport, Vermont, where he remained
until 1823. In that year young Wheeler determined to seek
another home, and he found it in what was then the new
country of St. Lawrence County. He selected the town
of Potsdam as his residence, and there he has ever since
lived.
In 1825, Mr. Wheeler married Lucy Fobes, daughter
of John Fobes, one of the very earliest of the hardy settlers
who subdued the wilderness in this region, having taken, in
fact, the third contract for land in the town of Potsdam.
Mr. W. purchased and located on the farm where he now
lives in 1837, and there he and his chosen spouse met to-
gether the ills and joys of life for almost forty years.
Mrs. Wheeler passed away from earth on the 24th of
November, 1876. Their union had never been blessed
with children, but a daughter was adopted by them who
has cheered their declining years, and who is now in charge
of Mr. Wheeler's household.
Mr. Wheeler has been a thorough-going farmer all his
life, and in his old age enjoys a competence which is but
the just reward of his industry, judgment, and attention to
business.
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
265
Photo, by N. L. Stone, Potsdam.
LUTHER E. WADLEIGH.
This gentleman is descended from good old New England
stock ; the first Wadleighs in the county being three
brothers, who emigrated from an English hamlet of the
same name about 1625. United States Senator Wadleigh,
of New Hampshire, is one of their descendants and a rela-
tive of the subject of this sketch. The grandfather of the
latter, Aaron Wadleigh, was a captain in the Revolutionary
army. His paternal grandmother, too, was a Simmons,
descended from a pilgrim father of that name, who, in
1620, landed from the Mayflower on the " stern and rock-
bound coast" of Plymouth.
Luther E. Wadleigh, son of Aaron and Betsey Wad-
leigh, was born at Starksboro', Vt., on the 22d day of Feb-
ruary, 1837. During his infancy his parents removed to
Vergennes, in the same State, where they remained until he
was five years old, when they again removed to Stockholm,
in this county. Scarcely had they located in their new
home when the head of the family died. Young Luther
remained in Stockholm fourteen years, principally taking
care of himself after the age of twelve. When nineteen
years old, having earned a little money, he determined to
obtain a better education than he had been able to acquire
in the common . schools, and accordingly came to Potsdam
and attended the old St. Lawrence academy during several
terms.
On the 1st day of March, 1859, Mr. Wadleigh was united
in wedlock to Miss Hannah M., daughter of Capt. R. W.
Seeley, of Madrid, one of the early settlers of that town.
Mr. and Mrs. W. are now the parents of two children, — a
son and a daughter. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Wad-
leigh began the study of law with the firm of Dart &
Tappan, of Potsdam, and in 1865 was admitted to the bar.
After three years spent in other pursuits he opened an
office in Potsdam, where he has over since been a successful
practitioner.
In 1869, Mr. Wadleigh was appointed a justice of the
peace, and held the ofiice till the close of 1876. In a vil-
lage of the size of Potsdam some cases of considerable im-
portance, and many of manifold perplexities, are tried in a
justice's court, and the successive re-elections are pretty
good evidence of the skill and impartiality of the magistrate.
In 1876, Mr. Wadleigh declined a third re-election, finding
himself unable to spare the necessary time from his increas-
ing law practice, to which his whole attention is now
devoted.
HON. A. X. PARKER.
This gentleman is a son of Isaac Parker, who died at
Potsdam in 1856, and was well and honorably known
throughout the county.
A. X. Parker was born in 1831, in Addison Co., Vt.,
and has been a resident of St. Lawrence County about
forty years. He worked on a farm until eighteen years
old, attending the common schools, and receiving a fair
English education at St. Lawrence academy. He studied
law with Hon. H. L. Knowles, of Potsdam, at the Albany
law school, with Cook & Fithian at Bufialo, and with
Judge Noxon at Syracuse. He commenced practice at
Potsdam in 1856, and in 1857 was married to Miss Mary
J. Wright, of that village.
Mr. Parker was elected to the assembly for the years
1863 and 1864, and was unanimously renominated for the
succeeding term, but declined. He was appointed post-
master of Potsdam by President Lincoln in the spring of
1865, but was removed in the fall of 1866 by President
Johnson. In 1867 he was elected State senator, and was
re-elected in 1869, holding the position four years. He
was also first "elector at large'' upon the Republican presi-
dential ticket for this State in 1876.
Mr. Parker has been a member of the Republican party
ever since its formation, has been upon the " stump" in nearly
every important campaign from 1856 to the present time,
and has made occasional addresses on non-political sub-
jects. He has occupied from time to time several minor
positions of responsibility, such as school-teacher, justice
of the peace, chief of the fire department, president of the
village, president of the local agricultural association, etc.
He was a trustee of St. Lawrence academy, and is now a
member of the local board of the State normal school.
He is also a working member of the county and State bar
associations, and is actively and successfully engaged in the
practice of his profession.
SETH BENSON
was born in Benson, Vt., May 7, 1798; married Sally
King, daughter of Eli King, of Benson, March 31, 1819 ;
came to Potsdam in 1820, and located on what is now a
portion of the farm of his son Ellis. There have been born
to Mr. Benson ten children, seven of whom are now living,
— four sons and three daughters. In 1857, Mr. Benson
sold his farm to his son Ellis, and moved to the village of
Potsdam, where he has since resided. He has a very
pleasant residence, a view of which may be seen in this
work.
266
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ELLIS BENSON.
This gentleman is a son of the well-known citizen of Pots-
dam, Seth Benson, and was born on the farm where he now
resides on the 22d day of August, 1821. He lived with
his father until he was twenty-one years old, when he
struck out boldly for himself into the wilds of the west.
He worked as a millwright some twelve years, erecting nu-
merous mills in the forests of the northwestern States. In
1851 he returned, and purchased the homestead of his
father, where he has ever since resided. In 1854 he was
married to Harriet P., daughter of Harvey Knox, now a
resident of Canton, and their union has been blessed by four
children, one son and three daughters.
Though for many years he followed a different occupa-
tion, Mr. Benson is par excellence a farmer. During his
ownership of his place, valuable additions have been made
to the buildings, cultivation has been carried on to the
highest point, and the utmost neatness prevails everywhere.
" Comparisons are odorous,'' says one of the most celebrated
characters of Shakspeare, so we will not assert that Mr.
Benson is the best farmer in Potsdam, but we will only re-
peat the voice of all his acquaintances in declaring that he
Ls one of the very best, not only in Potsdam but in St.
Lawrence County.
LUTHER S. OWEN.
Mr. Owen was born at Burlington, Vt., Aug. 5, 1809, and
remained a resident of that place until 1835. On the 6th
of December, 1832, he was married to Clarissa, dauo-hter of
Elisha Allen. In February, 1835, he removed to Potsdam,
driving an ox-team the whole distance, with the principal
part of his effects, but hiring the transportation of his wife
and infant daughter in a more comfortable conveyance.
After a few months' residence at West Potsdam, Mr.
Owen settled a little west of Yaleville, on the place where
he has ever since resided. He worked as a mason a portion
of his time, but attended to his land with sufficient assiduity
to make a fine farm, and is now the owner of a hundred
and fifty-six acres. There Mr. and Mrs. Owen brought up
their six children, — Mary M., now wife of Martial L. Wait ;
Miranda M., wife of John M. Butler; Lovisa, wife of Mul-
ford Sweet ; Sarah Jane (now deceased), wife of Irvin Olin •
Cordelia, wife of Freeman Blood ; and Luther W., who
married Miss Ettie Rood. Mrs. Clarissa Owen died on the
3d of October, 1872, at the age of fifty-eight. Mr. Owen was
again married on the 9th of December, 1873, to Catharine
E., daughter of Mr. A. Grant. He still resides upon the
old farm, but his son, Luther W., is now carrying it on.
MARTIAL L. WAIT.
John H. Wait, the father of Martial L., removed from
Shoreham, Vt., to Potsdam, about 1819, and made the
first improvements on the densely timbered land which now
constitutes the farm of his son. He survived the toils and
hardships of pioneer life to the age of seventy-seven, dying
in March, 1876, and leaving five sons and one daughter.
Martial L. Wait, the fourth son of John H. and Mary
M. Wait, was born on the sixteenth day of July, 1833, on
the farm where he now resides. His youth was spent in
attending school and aiding his father on the farm. In 1854
he was married to Miss Mary M. Owen, a daughter of
Luther S. Owen, and then nineteen years of age. The
young couple took up their residence with the elder Mr.
Wait, and there has ever since been their home. Four
children have been the fruit of their union, — Luna J.
Leo M., Mary M., and Alvin W.
The laud, which sixty years ago was a forest, has been
transformed into one of the pleasantest farms in town.
Dairying has long been a specialty, and, as in most cases,
when properly carried on, it has surrounded with abund-
ance those who have given it their principal attention.
ANDREW E. LOUCKS.
The parents of this enterprising young farmer were
George H. and Lucetta M. Loucks, the latter of whom
died Oct. 16. 1871.* The couple first named came to this
town in 1846, and settled on what was then called the Bald-
win farm, but is now a part of the village of Norwood,
where they remained two years. They then removed to
what was commonly known as the Partridge farm, two
miles from Potsdam village, on the Stockholm road, where
Andrew E. Loucks was born on the 7th day of January,
1849. His father having purchased the farm just men-
tioned, the subject of this sketch grew up there, securing a
fair English education and being inured to all the labors of
a farmer's life. September 14, 1870, he was married to
Miss Hattie L. Traver (born Sept. 12, 1849), a daughter of
Perry and Harriet E. Traver, of Potsdam. In the year
1873 he bought the farm above alluded to, which contains
two hundred acres, from his father, and set himself dili-
gently to manage, cultivate, and improve it, in which he is
meeting with marked success. Mr. and Mrs. Loucks are
the parents of two boys : Floyd T. Loucks, born Sept. 28,
1872, and Andrew E. Loucks, Jr., born July 24, 1874.
TILNESS HAWLEY.
Thomas Hawley, the father of Tilness, was a citizen of
Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt., in 1796, and there the
subject of this sketch was born on the 17th day of July, in
that year. When he was about a year old his parents re-
moved to Franklin Co., in the same State, and when he was
ten they made their home in Rome, New York. In 1820
he was married to Miss Mary White, of Rome, and in
1822 the young couple removed to Martinsb'urg, Lewis Co.,
where they began their life in the forest, and where Mr.
Hawley made a good farm.
Mrs. Mary Hawley died in 1834, and in 1835 Mr. Haw-
ley moved to Potsdam, purchasing a farm near the centre
of the town. In 1836 he married Miss Olive Parmele,
daughter of Giles and Hannah Parmele, who were among
the very earliest pioneers of Potsdam, the name of Mr. Par-
mele (a soldier of the Revolution) appearing frequently on
the early records as one of the leading citizens of the town.
* G. H. Loueks was the son of George G. Louoks, who resided in
Potsdam from 1844 to 1849, and died in Orleans, Jefferson county, in
isfig
TiLNESS Haw LET.
( Photos. ffrW.L Stone, Potsdam, N.y. )
MRS.Ti1.NE5S Uawley.
Res. of IILNISS HAW LEY, Canton Mo. rorsoAM, New York.
Oavid Matthews. Mrs. David Matthews.
/Photos. By N.t, Stone, forsoAM,)
Mrs. A.T. Hopkins.
' ft' i Stone, Photogw Potsdam.)
^ ^r.^/^^--^
s. ^ ^^
RES. of A.T.HOPKINS, Main Strut, POTSDAM, N. Y.
Mi-' ' -m
( Photos or fi. L Stohm .Fotsdam )
l^ffS.JOHN j^AY .
HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCB COUNTY. NEW YORK.
267
Mr. Hawley has been a very active and successful farmer
throughout his life, and has owned .several farms at the
same time in the town of Potsdam. About eight years ago
he removed to his present residence in the western edge of
Potsdam village, where he has since lived.
By his first wife Mr. Hawley had two children ; by his
present ivife he has had nine, of whom eight are living.
The names of the ten now living are as follows : Jay R.
Hawley, Giles P. Hawley, Jerome P. Hawley, Lucius E.
Hawley, Mary Perry, Frances Huested, Louisa Stanton,
Ellen Adams, Hannah Wallace, and Lucia E. Darling.
The life of a farmer usually embraces few startling inci-
dents, but Mr. Hawley has performed its duties with such
industry and judgment as to secure the respect of those who
knew him, and to obtain a handsome competence for the
support of his old age.
JORAM TIMERMAN.
This gentleman was a son of Frederick and Mary Timer-
man, his father being one of the original settlers of Man-
heim, Herkimer county, where the subject of this sketch
was born on the 28th day of January, 1829. In February,
1834, his parents removed to Jefferson county, taking him
with them. There he grew to manhood, receiving his edu-
cation at the district schools, and being bred to the occupa-
tion of a farmer, — an occupation which he has followed
throughout his life. October 2, 1851, Mr. Timerman was
married to Miss Harriet Loucks, daughter of George and
Mary Loucks, of Orleans, Jefferson county, and in 1853
the young couple removed to Potsdam. For ten years
thereafter Mr. Timerman, like many other young farmers
making their way up in the world, occupied various farms on
shares. Accumulating in this way a small capital, he pur-
chased in 1863 the farm of about two hundred and eighty
acres, situated four miles southwest from Potsdam village, on
which he has since resided. At first it was burdened with a
heavy debt, but by industry, enterprise, and good judgment
this has been entirely removed.
Mrs. Harriet Timerman died Nov. 12, 1867, leaving two
children, Herman De Witt Timerman and Frank Elmer
Timerman. On the 18th day of February, 1869, Mr.
Timerman was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia McCrea,
daughter of Samuel and Olive McCrea, of Lisbon.
Mr. Timerman's place, under his management, has been
a most productive and valuable one ; and he himself has
attained to one of the most creditable positions which an
American can desire, — that of an energetic, prudent, and
successful farmer.
LYMAN H. DAYTON.
Isaac Dayton, the father of the above-named gentleman,
was one of the most laborious of the pioneers of Potsdam.
He came to that town from Panton, Vt., in 1812, and for
a time was engaged in clearing land for still earlier settlers.
Having purchased a small piece of land, which is now a
part of the farm of his son Lyman, he returned to Panton
and married, and there the subject of this sketch was born,
September 17, 1814. Mr. Isaac Dayton brought his family
to Potsdam in 1817, having spent some of the intervening
time there preparing a home for their reception.
Young Lyman remained with his father and shared his
labors until he was twenty-one, when he went to Canada.
On the outbreak of the " Patriot War," in 1837, the young
Yankee thought it advisable to return to this side, making
his home in Clayton, Jefferson county. While residing
there, on the 10th of February, 1841, he married Miss
Martha B. Barnum, of Potsdam. He continued to reside
in Clayton until 1849, when Mrs. Dayton died, leaving two
children, Sylvester V. and Marion, now Mrs. A. E. Sales
of Norfolk."
The same year Mr. Dayton returned to Potsdam and
purchased the old homestead — already much increased in
size — from his father. On the 1st of February, 1852, he
was again married to Miss Cynthia Champney. They have
lived and labored together till the present time, having had
five children : Carlton C. ; Isaac W. ; Alba 0., who died
in 1875 ; William L. and Charles N., who died in childhood.
Mr. Dayton's eldest son, Sylvester, enlisted as a Union
soldier, and died at New Orleans, Sept. 20, 1864.
The original tract of twenty-five acres has grown to be
an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres, amply
provided with stock and implements; and Mr. and Mrs.
Dayton are entering on the decline of life, surrounded by a
competence which is the well-earned reward of industry
and perseverance.
JOHN MAY.
Another son of Vermont ! We begin to doubt whether
a man can be a lawful voter in Potsdam unless he or his
parents came from the Green Mountain State. John May
was born in Richmond, in that State, on the 10th day of
October, 1816. His father, Samuel G. May, soon removed to
Morley in this county, but John was left in charge of his
uncle, Giles F. Place, with whom he remained tintil he was
twenty-one^ When he began life for himself his only
capital was a pair of strong arms and a hundred dollars
in money. Three years later he came to Potsdam.
On the 31st of December, 1840, Mr. May was married to
Mary C. Dustin, then eighteen years of age, a native of
Tunbridge, Vermont, and a lineal descendant of the cele-
brated woman whose heroic achievement in slaying her
Indian captors, and thus gaining her freedom, is a well-
known episode in New England history. Mr. and Mrs.
May have been the parents of two sons and four daughters.
During the next six years after his marriage, Mr. May
was in charge of the farm of David L. Clarkson, and in
1847 removed to his present location. There he has ever
since diligently pursued the vocation of a farmer. The
hundred dollar capital of forty years ago has now expanded
to a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of prime land
(a hundred of which are within the corporate limits of
Potsdam village and the remainder immediately adjacent)
with all the usual accessories ; and it may be truly said that
if fortune has somewhat favored him, a strong will and
untiring industry have favored him still more.
About twelve years ago both Mr. and Mrs. May joined
the Methodist church of Potsdam, of which they have ever
since been faithful and zealous members.
LISBON.
This town embraces the territory included in number
five of the ten towns, and on March 6, 1801, was erected
into a town, including the entire ten towns, and retaining
the original name of Lisbon, which was annexed to Clinton
county. This result was brought about by the following
petition, drawn up by residents of the town, and said to
have been intended as a preliminary to the location of the
county-seat within its limits :
" To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York, in Senate
and Assembli/ convened :
"The memorial of the subscribers, for themselves, and in behalf
of the Ten Townships of land, situate on the River St. Lawrence,
heretofore sold by the people of the State, respectfully showeth ;
"That many settlers are now established on the said townships,
and have already made valuable improvements thereon ; that great
inconvenience ensues by reason of their remoteness from settled parts
of the State, and they are daily exposed to loss and injury in their
property by the waste and spoil committed by persons from the op-
posite side of the Uiver St. Lawrence, and having no magistrates or
constables among themselves, such injuries cannot be redressed; that
the said Ten Towns are situated in the counties of Montgomery,
Oneida, and Herkimer; that it has become highly necessary for the
encouragement and prosperity of the settlers on the said townships
that they should be incorporated into one town. They, therefore,
humbly pray that the said townships, as described in the map filed
in the secretary's office, and known by the names of Louisville, Stock-
holm, Madrid, Potsdam, Lisbon, Canton, Oswegatohie, De Kalb,
Hague, and Cambray, may be enacted into one town, and to be known
as the town of Lisbon ; and that the same may be annexed to the
county of Clinton ; and that the town-meetings of the said town may
be held in the township of Lisbon, being the centre township, at the
house of Alexander J. Turner; and, as in duty bound, they will ever
pray."
The petition was signed by TJri Barber, Calvin Hubbard, James
Turner, Benjamin Bartlett, Samuel Allen, Ahab Herington, Daniel
Herington, Jacob Hoar, Alexander Turner, Jr., John De Lance,
David Zoyten ( ? ), Festus Tracy, Jacob Pohlman, John Tibbits,
Alexander J. Turner, Stillman Foote, George Foote, Peter Sharp,
R. F. Randolph, John Tibbits, Jr., Wesson Briggs, Benjamin Pierce,
Andrew O'Neill, Benjamin Stewart.
This petition was received in assembly Feb. 9, 1801,
read, and referred to Messrs. Shurtliff, Norton, and Danforth,
and the town of Lisbon was, on the 6th of March, 1801,
erected as mentioned.
The town of Lisbon lies on the St. Lawrence river, north-
west of the centre of the county. Its soil is fertile and
well adapted to the growth of the various grains raised in
this latitude. It is underlaid by calciferous sandstone. The
surface is usually level, being slightly undulating in places.
The town is watered by Great and Little Sucker brooks,
Brandy, Line, Indian, and other creeks, most of which
reach the St. Lawrence in other towns. The Grasse river
crosses the southeast corner, and has numerous tributaries
rising in the town. The islands in the St. Lawrence oppo-
site the town and within the boundary of the United States
were annexed to it after the final settlement of the boun-
dary between the United States and the British possessions,
and include the Great Isle au Galloup and others in the
group, and the historic Oraconenfon, or Chimney island,
which lies in the river opposite Indian point. The Galloup
islands are named from the rapids which begin immediately
above the location of the old '■'■ Red mills." The principal
rapid is on the Canadian side, and a canal has been con-
structed around it for navigation purposes. At this point
on the Canadian shore- is located the flourishing village of
Port Elgin, or, as it is frequently called, Edwardsburg,
from the township in which it is situated. Considerable
amounts of merchandise are brought across the river here,
and in August, 1871, a port of entry was established at
Lisbon P. 0. Andrew O'Neill was appointed deputy col-
lector, and continued to serve until Dec. 15, 1877, when
the port was discontinued at the .solicitation of officers sent
on a tour of investigation by President Hayes. This was
done on the supposition that a port at this point was unne-
cessary, but events have since shown that much trouble was
saved importers and others while it was in existence. At
present it is necessary to send for deputy officers from Og-
densburg when needed, and smuggling has been carried on
to a considerable extent here and at points below, some well-
known parties being implicated. It is probable that the
port will be re-established.
The Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railway crosses
the town diagonally nearly through the centre, passing
through the village of Lisbon Centre, and the Rome,
Watertown and Ogdensburg railway cuts off a small corner
on the southwest.
On Indian point are still shown the remains of a work
constructed by the British General Amherst's army in 1760,
during the siege of Chimney island. Traces of other
works appear on Drummond and Prisoners' islands, and it
is said that a strong block-house formerly stood on the main-
land near the mouth of Indian creek, which was built at
the same time or soon after. This statement is not authen-
ticated by any record either of the French or English his-
torians, and if its existence was a fact it has been overlooked
by all previous writers.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Andrew O'Neill, the first settler in the town of Lisbon,
was born at Shanes' castle, near the city of Belfast, Ireland,
in 1766. This castle was owned by Lord Shanes (John)
O'Neill, who employed the young man — Andrew O'Neill —
as his clerk. The latter received a liberal education, and
was more fitted to the use of the pen and books of the
accountant and scholar than the rougher implements of
farming and the hardships of the life of a pioneer. How-
ever, he left behind all his pleasant associations and emi-
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
269
grated to the United States while George Washington was
in the executive chair. He mentioned having often seen
the president. For some time Mr. O'Neill resided in
Canada, but in the month of October, 1799, crossed into
Lisbon, — while the town was being surveyed for the pro-
prietors by Reuben Sherwood, a Canadian, — and settled on
the farm now owned by his son, Andrew O'Neill, about two
miles below the present Lisbon post-office, and immediately
opposite the Canadian village of Port Elgin. He employed
men from Canada to build him a log house near the river
side, in which he lived for a time. He afterwards erected
the large frame dwelling now standing on the north side of
the road nearly opposite the residence of his son. The
house is not now occupied except as a granary, and Mr.
O'Neill intends to preserve it for the associations of the
past, " whose memory haunts it still." On one occasion,
late in the year, Mr. O'Neill crossed into Canada for a
supply of provisions, etc., for the family, and while he was
gone one of the terrible winter storms peculiar to the region
came up and prevented his return for a week, it being im-
possible to cross the river. Mrs. O'Neill, a strong, hardy
woman, and an energetic worker, went into the forest and
cut down a large maple-tree, which she chopped into fire-
wood, and thereby kept the family from freezing.
At another time Mrs. O'Neill was out one evening after
the cows, and darkness came on before she found them.
She finally lost her way, and, after wandering for some time,
came to the edge of a marsh a mile and a half down the
river and some distance back. Here she knew where she
was, but did not dare attempt to pick her way through it
in the dark. But a short time previously she had assisted
in stacking the marsh grass which had been cut, and,
reaching the stack, she climbed to its tup and dug a place
in which to rest for the night. Ere long the foxes began
to bark all around her, and she, not being acquainted with
the noise, was much alarmed. At last numbers of them
were seen around the spot, and, without further fears, she
fell asleep, awaking at dawn and returning home in safety,
none the worse for her somewhat exciting adventure.
Mrs. O'Neill often assisted her husband in " logging," and
while helping roll the logs into heaps, ready to burn, would
place her infant son Thomas on a blanket brought along
for the purpose, and laid upon the ground. This son was
the first white child born belonging to the new settlement,
but owing to the absence of necessary help at the time of
his birth, his mother was obliged to cross the river, and
the son first saw the light on Canadian soil.
The first birth in Lisbon was that of a daughter in the
family of John Tibbits, Sept. 14, 1800. She was named
Dorcas, and was afterwards long a resident of the city of
Ogdensburg. She was married to Amos Bacon, and died
in the seventy-seventh year of her age.
Mrs. O'Neill was descended, on her mother's side, from a
Virginia family, some of whose members were engaged in
the War of Independence. Her father, a man named Arm-
strong, was an Irishman by birth, and settled, previous to
the Revolution, near Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Andrew
O'Neill died in 1840, aged seventy-four, and his wife in
1846, at the age of sixty-five.
A tract of 9600 acres, lying on the river St. Lawrence,
and in the northwestern part of town, was purchased from
Alexander Macomb, by John Tibbits, of Duanesburg,
Schenectady Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1789, for the sum of
£860, New York currency. In a mortgage bearing the
same date as the deed it is stipulated, concerning the in-
terest, "that should it so happen that the said John
Tibbits, his heirs or assigns, should not have the peaceable
possession or enjoyment of the said premises, or should be
disturbed or kept out of the posse!5sion thereof by any In-
dians, or by reason of any claim which the Indians may
have thereto, then in such case the interest on the above-
mentioned sums to cease during such time as the said John
Tibbits shall be kept out of the peaceable possession of the
said premises according to the true intent and meaning of
this instrument." For this reason it is shown by the in-
dorsements that no interest was demanded from 1791 to
1796, inclusive. " Tibbits' tract," as it is called, was prin-
cipally surveyed by Daniel W. Church, while the balance
of the town was surveyed into farms by Amos Liiy, Isaac
Beach, and William Preston.
Mr. Tibbits was a descendant of the old Puritan stock,
his ancestry having emigrated from England at a very early
period. The Tibbits and Briggs families were closely re-
lated, and from data furnished by Deacon William Briggs,
of Lisbon, the following account of their settlement is
given :
Tvvo brothers, named Briggs, came from England some-
where from 1635 to 1640, and landed near the famous
Plymouth rock, where the persecuted "Pilgrims" first set
their feet on American soil, in December, 1 620. After several
years spent in prospecting for a suitable location, during
which time they suifered many hardships, they finally made
a settlement in the then colony of Riiode Island. Here were
born many of the Briggs and Tibbits families, among them
John Tibbits and Job Briggs, — grandfathers on each side of
the present Deacon William Briggs, — whose births both
occurred in the year 1737. A cemetery in the old neigh-
borhood contains the earthly remains of numbers of each
family.
About 1765-70, Job Briggs removed to Dutchess Co.,
N. Y., remaining there until 1780, when he again removed
to Schenectady county, and settled in the town of Duanes-
burg, in a locality known as "Quaker street." Here he
purchased a large tract of land, and settled upon it a family
of twelve children, — eight sons and four daughters. These
remained here near together for some years, but the spirit
of emigration soon caused them to separate, and some of
them sought homes elsewhere. Job Briggs died in 1798,
and his wife, Mercy (Estes) Briggs, in 1815. Wesson
Briggs, the fourth son of Job Briggs, was married Jan. 20,
1800, to Mary Tibbits, daughter of John Tibbits; and early
in May of the same year, a party consisting of John Tibbits
and wife, John Tibbits, Jr., and wife, and Wesson Briggs
and wife, started from Schenectady up the Mohawk in an
open boat, with what effects they could carry, for Tibbits'
tract in Lisbon. After a voyage of about thirty-five days,
by way of the Mohawk river, Indian creek, the Oswego
river, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence, they arrived
safely at their destination, about five miles below the loca-
tion of Ogdensburg, then an unimportant place, on the farm
270
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
now occupied by Mr. Briggs' youngest son, Deacon William
Briggs. The entire journey was made through an almost
unbroken wilderness. A rude log cabin was at once erected,
in which the three families lived until better accommoda-
tions could be provided. In the following September was
born Mr. Briggs' daughter, Dorcas, previously mentioned,
and on the 6th of June, 1801, after they had resided here
about one year, a second child was born in the same family,
this time a son, who was called Walter, and who was the
second white child born in town. On the opposite shore of
the noble river were numerous settlers who had fled from
the colonies during the long struggle for independence, being
supporters of the king, and they proved kind neighbors to
the new-comers, and aided them in every way tliey could.
Elizabeth, the wife of John Tibbits, Jr.,* became the
mother of fifteen children ; and Mary, the wife of Wesson
Briggs, gave birth to five. Of the latter all are dead ex-
cept the youngest son, William, who is the only surviving
member of the family. Mrs. Tibbits died March 28, 1809,
and Mr. Briggs, March 20, 1810, when her youngest child
was but little more than a year old. Walter, Benjamin,
and William, sons of Wesson Briggs, became the parents
of sixteen children, of whom twelve are yet living, while
the other two sons died without issue.
When the War of 1812, between the mother country and
the young republic, broke out, the situation of the settlers
along the border was rendered extremely unpleasant, yet
almost to a man they stood up in defense of their common
country. Wesson Briggs joined the army, and, as his wife
was dead, and he had no one to attend to his children, he
decided upon sending them in the care of trusty men to his
old home in Duanesburg, where his mother, brothers, and
sisters were still living. Securing the services of a trusty
French-Canadian named Samuel Lawray, and a Canadian-
Dutch girl named Nancy Wagner, he placed his children
in an ox-cart, under their care, and they started, the cart
being drawn by a strong pair of oxen. The journey of two
hundred miles through the forest was safely accomplished,
occupying about twenty-five days, and the children were
safely cared for, — the youngest by his grandmother, Mercy
Briggs. In the winter of 1814 Mr. Briggs visited his old
home in Duanesburg, making the trip in a sleigh drawn by
a team of horses, and on his return to Lisbon took his
children with him, having a second time entered the mar-
riage state. Not long after the close of the war, Mr.
Briggs raised a company of cavalry, under the militia law
of the State, and was its captain for several years. He was
afterwards promoted colonel of the regiment to which the
company belonged. He died Feb. 22, 1 831 , and his second
wife, Mrs. Lydia Briggs, followed him to the " land of the
hereafter" in 1866.
William Briggs, youngest son of Wesson Briggs, has
held numerous town offices, — among them town superin-
tendent of schools for five years, and supervisor for eight
years. Was elected to the assembly, from the second as-
sembly district of St. Lawrence County, in 1858, and
again in 1859, serving two temis. During the late War of
* John Tibbits, Jr., died in Detroit, Sept. 23, 1826, aged flfty-three.
His father died in Lisbon, Jan. 20, 1817, aged eighty.
the Rebellion he was, with many others in the town of Lis-
bon, active in rendering assistance to the volunteer cause.
Out of his own family he sent four boys, — Alvah W. and
Baron W. Briggs, and Henry H. and John C. Bosworth, —
the latter sons of his second wife. Three of them were with
the eastern army, and were present at the surrender of
Lee, and the other was with the victorious western army
which fought its way down to the sea, and thence marched
northward over the storied ground of the Revolution, con-
quering the army of Johnston, and arriving at last at the
national capital after the greatest march of modern times.
The four sons enlisted in the 39th, 106th, and 142d Regi-
ments N. Y. State volunteers, and on their return home
brought with them ten commissions which they had won in
the service of their country. Alvah W. Briggs became the
colonel of his regiment, — the 106th, — and was with General
Sheridan when he so completely defeated the rebel Gren-
eral Early in the Shenandoah valley in Virginia. He was
wounded during that movement, and his brother Henry
received a wound at Fort Fisher.
Early in February, 1800,-|- Alexander J. Turner, of
Salem, Washington Co., came into town by way of Lake
Champlain, as agent for the proprietors, and located on an
eminence half a mile west of the old mills, having taken up
the first three river lots adjoining Tibbits' tract. He con-
tinued as agent until 1805, and was succeeded by Louis
Hasbrouck, of Ogdensburg. He died in March, 1806.
At his death he was a judge of the court of common pleas,
and formed one of the bench at its first organization. Reu-
ben Turner, who settled in 1801, was a soldier of the Revo-
lution, and died in July, 1833, at the age of ninety-two.
Peter Sharp and Peter Henion, Germans, from Schoharie,
located in 1800 on farms near Lisbon P. 0., and erected
houses thereon. In 1801, William Shaw, Lemuel Hoskins,
William Lyttle, James Aikens, and Benjamin Steward
moved into town. These men were nearly all from Ver-
mont. Matthew Perkins, from Becket, Mass., and Hezekiah
Pierce, also settled. These two were connected by marriage
with the family of John Tibbits.
Many of the earlier settlers emigrated from Washington
Co. In 1802, John, Samuel, William, and JaVnes, sons of
William Lyttle ; Richard and John Flack,| Cresset,
Isaac and Elihu Gray, John McCrea and sons,— John, Jr.,
Samuel, and Alexander, — and others, arrived and located.
During the years 1803-6, a large increase was made to the
number of settlers. In 1802, Robert Livingston came to
town and made a small clearing, and in 1803 moved his
family in from Washington Co. He was born in Saratoga
Co., August 17, 1769. In 1810, while a resident of Lis-
bon, he was appointed one of the judges of the court of
common pleas of St. Lawrence County, which office he held
until 1826. For twenty years he was a justice of the peace,
and was several times elected supervisor of the town. He
was one of the principal supporters of the Presbyterian
church in Lisbon. His death occurred November 23, 1858,
when he had reached the ninetieth year of his age. The
old place is now occupied by his grandson, William Bruce
f Hough's History.
i Ibid.— 1S06, on authority of Isaac 6. Flack.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
271
Livingston, whose house stands on the spot where stood the
original mansion of his grandfather. Judge Livingston
was the grandfather of the man who has In later years made
himself famous as " America's greatest orator," and a subtle
wielder of both tongue and pen against the doctrines and
customs of Christianity. His boyhood was spent on the
banks of the grand river St. Lawrence, and perhaps much
of his eloquence was derived from the musical language
of its sparkling waters, speaking intelligibly to him in a
momentary pause on their swift way to the sea.
Although the course pursued by Colonel Robert L. Inger-
soll since his removal to the " Prairie State" may have won
him many enemies in certain circles, it has made many
friends in others, and his memory is yet dear to those who
knew him as a young man on the border of the " Empire
State." The writer heard him frequently mentioned, and
a wish expressed by many to welcome him in a visit to the
" scenes of other days "
The following return of electors was made in 1801, when
this town embraced the present limits of the ten towns.
The occurrence of the name o{ njlrm on a poll list is novel.
Except the first two, who were reported worth a freehold of
the value of £100 or upwards, the remainder were returned
as renting real estate worth at least forty shillings per an-
num : " Ogden & Ford, Elijah Carley, Stephen Foot, David
Race, Thomas Lee, Benjamin Wilson, Kelsey Thurber,
Jonathan Comstock, Wm. G. Peck, John Lyon, Jacob
Pohlman, Benjamin Niokler, Major Watson, Seth Rainey,
Joseph Thurber, Jeduthun Barker, Adam Milyer, Thomas J.
Davies, Jonathan Ingraham, Daniel McNeal, John Smith."
Among the early comers to the town may also be men-
tioned the following : John A Armstrong, Joseph Martin,
Sharp McFadden, Abel Madill, Nehemiah Sheldon, Samuel
McFadden, Truman Reynolds (a soldier of 1812), John
Hanna, and many others.
It is related of Mr. and Mrs. James Flack that when
they were married he was under twenty-one and she under
seventeen years of age. During the war of 1812, Mrs.
- Flack, feeling unsafe so near the scene of active hostilities,
mounted a horse, took her child, four months old, in her
arms, and rode to Plattsburg, and thence to Hebron, Wash-
ington Co. James Flack became an extensive lumberman
in St. Lawrence County.
A daughter of Samuel McFadden was in after-years
married to John L. Martin, and went with him to California,
where, less than a year later, she died, leaving an infant son.
On the receipt of the news " at home," her sister. Miss
Elizabeth McFadden, started unattended to the place of her
death, and obtaining the consent of her brother-in-law,
brought his infant child back with her to the home of its
grandparents, where it could receive proper care. The son
is now living.
Mrs. Sarah Sheldon, wife of Nehemiah Sheldon, per-
formed a journey at an early day on horseback from Lisbon
to Tompkins county, and Mrs. Truman Reynolds rode to
Sacket's Harbor during the War of 1812 to visit her hus-
band, who was stationed there. When Ogdensburg was
captured by the British in February, 1813, Mrs. Reynolds,
with her two children, was in the barracks. She was al-
lowed, with others, to hastily pass out upon the ice, from
whence she witnessed the burning of the shelter she had
but a few moments before left. Her two children, a son
and a daughter, are both residents of Lisbon, the son, Wm.
H. Reynolds, being a man of influence among the citizens,
and a deacon in the First Congregational church. The
daughter became the wife of James North, long a resident
of the town.
After the defeat of the French in America, and the oc-
cupation of Ogdensburg and other posts by the English,
the Oswegatchie Indians removed from the post, and located
their village on what is yet known as Indian point, near the
mouth of Indian creek, in the northwest corner of town.
They continued to reside here until 1806-7, when they
were removed by the government on complaint of the in-
habitants. In 1763 these Indians numbered but 80, and
in 1813 they had 23 houses on the point. While here
they were under the direction of a Frenchman named
Joseph Reoam, who spoke their dialect, and is said to have
married one of their women. Dr. Hough's " History of
St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties" says, " Their village
is described by one who saw it in 1802 as consisting of a
street running parallel with the river, with the houses
ranged in regular manner on each side of it, all uniformly
built, with their ends to the street, sharp-roofed, shingled
with pointed shingles, and with glass windows. Every
house was built for two families, had two doors in front,
and a double fire-place and single chimney in the centre,
with a partition equally dividing the interior. In 1802
there were about 24 . families. These Indians were accus-
tomed to spend most of their summers on Black lake in
hunting and fishing, returning to their cabins for the winter.
They used bark canoes, which they carried round rapids
and across portages with perfect ease.''
After their removal from Lisbon they had no tribal hab-
itation, and became scattered among the surrounding tribes,
some going to Onondaga and some to St. Regis, and soon
lost all tribal distinction.
"Still from the hurrying train of life fly backward far and fast
The milestones of the fathers, the landmarks of the past."
FIRST AND PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS PROCEEDINGS
RELATIVE TO BOUNTIES DURING THE WAR OP THE
REBELLION, ETC.
The first officers for the town of Lisbon, elected in 1801,
were as follows, viz. : Supervisor, Alexander J. Turner ;
Town Clerk, John Tibbits ; Assessors, John Tibbits, Jr.,
Benjamin Stewart, Joseph Edsall, Seth Raney, William
Shaw ; Commissioners of Highways, Calvin Hubbard, Jacob
Redington, Benjamin Stewart, Wesson Briggs, Jacob Pohl-
man ; Constables, Peter Sharp, Joseph Furman, John Thur-
ber ; Collector, Peter Sharp ; Postmasters, Uri Barber, Ben-
jamin Bartlett, John Lyon ; Path-masters, Samuel Allen,
Benjamin Galloway, William Shaw, Benjamin A. Stewart,
Joseph Edsall, Reuben Fields, Adam Milyer, Joseph Thur-
ber ; Fence-viewers, Uri Barber, George Hilman, John Tib-
bits, Jr., Asa Furman, John Sharp; Pound-keepers, Ben-
jamin Stewart, Reuben Fields; Trustees for the Glebe,
Alexander J. Turner, John Tibbits, Jr., Benjamin A.
Stewart.
272
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Succession of Supervisors.^Most of the election records
of this town previous to 1831 have been lost or destroyed,
and up to that date the list is probably imperfect: 1801,
and for several years after, Alexander J. Turner; 1814-15,
George C. Conant; 1816-17, James Thompson; 1818,
Bishop Perkins; 1819-20, Robert Livingston; 1821-28,
Wesson Briggs ; 1829, John Thompson ; 1830-35, George
C. Conant ; 1836, Joseph Chambers ; 1837, 6. C. Conant ;
1838-39,David C.Gray; 184(1-41, CharlesNorway ; 1842,
William H. Reynolds; 1843, D. C. Gray; 1844, G. C.
Conant; 1845-49, William Briggs; 1850-51, Aaron Rolf;
1852-53, David G. Lytle ; 1854-56, Wm. Briggs; 1857-
61, Ira Wallace; 1862-69, Alexander A. Martin; 1870,
Samuel Wells ; 1871, Alex. A. Martin ; 1872-76, Andrew
Tuck ; 1877, Samuel Wells.
The balance of the officers for 1877 are as follows:
Town Clerk, Robert Scott, who has held this office contin-
uously since 1854; Justices of the Peace, Augustus Mon-
crief, Robert Taylor, M. T. Stocking (latter two holding
over from previous elections) ; Collector, William Dezell ;
Assessor, John S. McFadden ; Commissioner of Highways,
John C. Gray ; Overseers of the Poor, James Martin (2d),
David Wallace ; Commissioner of Excise, William Dawley ;
Town Auditors, Robert Akins, John N. Madill, G. P. Flack ;
Constables, Richard D. Gray, James Murdie, Robert Nelson ;
Town Sealer, Charles H. Herrington ; Inspectors of Elec-
tion, District No. 1, Isaac Newton, A. C. Gloss, Robert
Scott; District No. 2, William Dings, M. S. Chambers, W.
C. Flack ; District No. 3, A. Jones, A. O'Neill, S. Dilling-
ham ; District No. 4, R. S. Tait, John Newby, James
Moncrief
At a special town-meeting, held August 30, 1862, a
bounty of fifty dollars was voted to each volunteer who
should enlist from the town of Lisbon on or after the 22d
of the same month.
A special town-meeting was held December 24, 1863, at
which a bounty of four hundred dollars was voted to each
volunteer from the town, and certificates of indebtedness
were issued to those who enlisted on or after the date of
the meeting, to fill the quota of the town on the call of
the president, dated October 17, 1863.
At a special meeting, August 13, 1864, subsequent to
the president's call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men,
bounties of three hundred dollars each were voted to volun-
teers from Lisbon who had enlisted or re-enlisted between
July 13, 1863, and January 1, 1864.
At a special meeting, held February 28, 1865, a bounty
of one hundred dollars each was voted to " volunteers,
recruits, and substitutes," to fill the quota of the town of
Lisbon on the call of December 19, 1864.
Several other meetings were held for similar purposes,
but their proceedings were rendered null and void by those
of the meetings above mentioned. Lisbon furnished a
large number of men for the army,- and many of them
returned maimed and crippled for life, while others " sleep
their last sleep'" on the bloody fields of the south. Their
motto — '^JDulce et decorum est pro patria mori" — is a con-
solation for the mourning ones, on whose tablets of memory
their heroic deeds and noble sacrifices are indelibly graven.
In 1856 a substantial and commodious stone building
was erected at Lisbon Centre for use as a town-hall. It
stands on the hill in the upper part of the village.
Captain John Lyttle, mentioned in the list of early set-
tlers, was a citizen of the town of Lisbon nearly forty years,
and died June 28, 1843, aged sixty-four years. During
the war of 1812-15 he held the office of captain of a rifle
corps, and was in several of the battles on the western fron-
tier. For more than twenty years he was a justice of the
peace in Lisbon, and is remembered as an upright, honest
man, and during his life an honor to the locality in which
he had chosen his home.
It is related of a Mrs. Barton, who lived with her hus-
band on Sucker brook, that she at one time shouldered a
bag containing a bushel of wheat, carried it to Waddington,
about fourteen miles away, had it ground, and carried the
grist back in the same way. This is but one of many
anecdotes of a like nature which might be related in the
history of the early settlements, and shows to what straits
people were sometimes reduced.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in the town of Lisbon was taught in the
northwestern part, in what is yet known as district No. 1,-
in 1808. The name of the first teacher is forgotten, but
among the early ones was Robert Thompson. The town
contained in December, 1877, thirty-two whole and ten
joint school districts, and a population of about five thou-
sand.
Among the manufactures of Lisbon brick-making enters
to some extent. The largest yard in town is probably
owned by Joseph Rutherford, and is located about three
and a half miles below Lisbon P. 0., near the river. The
brick made are of a fine quality.
Within a few years the dairying interest has increased
largely, until at present the town ranks among the best in
the county in this respect.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Joseph W. Smith, the first regular physician who
located in St. Lawrence County, settled in Lisbon in 1803,
and practiced here and in adjoining towns until 1807, when
he removed to Ogdensburg. He was a man of much talent,
and an untiring laborer in the field of his profession, often
making journeys into Canton, Oswegatchie, Waddington,
and other towns, sometimes a distance of twenty miles, and
many of the early inhabitants had cause to remember him
gratefully.
Dr. W. Carpenter also settled early, and had for a time
considerable practice, but was almost entirely superseded
by Dr. William A. Campfield, who settled quite early, and
had a long and successful practice. He was a practitioner
of the old allopathic school, and is remembered as a cour-
teous and afiable gentleman.
During the epidemic which pervaded the country in
1813 great numbers died, and Lisbon is said to have suffered
more severely than any other town in the county. During
the well-remembered cold seasons — ^1816-17 — there was
great suffering for want of provisions, in consequence of
short crops. It is said that more corn was raised on the
Galloup island, and in a field of eleven acres on Livingston's
Adam 5coTr. Jeanett-e Scorj
/ ^HOTOORAFH^ BY DOW, OCDENSffUfffr, J
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
273
point, in 18 IG, than in all the rest of St. Lawrence County.
However that may be, these were the only localities which
produced to any extent in town, and the yield here was
abundant, owing to some local cause, — the influence of the
water in warding ofi' frost, or other reasons. Ordinary corn
sold for two dollars and a half per bushel, and seed-corn as
high as five. Potatoes wore worth one dollar a bushel,
which has been the case at numerous times since, thoui^h
not because of an entire failure in the crop.
During the War of 1812-15 an incident happened which
caused great excitement, '= A company of some sixty
dragoons had been stationed for some time in the fall of
1813 at the house of Peter Wells, four or five miles back
from the river, on the road to Canton. About thirteen of
these had come to the mills, and were stopping at an inn
kept by one Scott. A sufficient guard of sentries was
stationed around the house, but during the night a party of
two hundred men from Canada, having landed on Tibbits'
point about midnight, surprised the sentinels, and sur-
rounded the house where the dragoons were supposed to be,
but not until several of them had escaped. One, named
Smith, was shot, and another one, Mercer, was wounded.
The latter was brutally stabbed several times after resist-
ance ceased, and he was loft for dead, but subsequently re-
covered. Two dragoons, — Scott and his son, — and all of
the horses that could be found, were taken to Canada. It
is said that these dragoons made a very gallant resistance,
and that it was impossible to take Smith and Mercer
alive."*
On the breaking out of the cholera-panic in 1832, a
board of health was formed and Dr. Wooster Carpenter
was appointed health ofiicer. The St. Lawrence, opposite
the house of Obadiah Piatt, and not l^ss than three hun-
dred yards from the shore, was assigned as a quarantine
ground for craft from Canada ; but it is believed the regu-
lations were never enforced.
On the 11th of March, 1828, a circulating library was
incorporated in this town, with William Marshall, Andrew
O'Neill, Albert Tyler, John Glass, Joshua G. Pike, James
Douglass, and James Moncrief, trustees.
LISBON POST-OFFICE.
At this point was built, in 1804, by D. W. Church, a mill-
wright, for the proprietors of the town, the first mill within its
limits. It was painted red, and long bore the name of the
" Red Mills," as did the settlement around it. It was finally
abandoned and removed, and a large stone mill built in its
place, at the beginning of the Galloup. rapid. The latter was
in after-years burned, and its ruined walls still stand, a grim
monument of the industry of other days. The present mills,
located a mile and a half down the river, on Livingston's
point, were built within a more recent period by Joseph
and Samuel Smithers, and include a grist-mill, a saw-mill,
and a shingle-mill (the latter two built by Hugh Lalone and
George Sparrowhawk, and now the property of Lalone).
The parties who erected a grist-mill had previously built a
dam about half-way across to Lalone island, intending at
* Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties.
OK
first to build it entirely across, but owing to a lack of means
it was turned up stream at some distance from shore, to avoid
its being carried away by the ice.
Until the old " Red mill" was built, in 1804, it was
necessary for the settlers to cross into Canada to get grinding
done.
" An act was passed April 6, 1850, authorizing Henry
Van Rensselaer, Esq., of Ogdensburg, his heirs and as-
signs, to erect, for hydraulic purposes, a dam from the south
shore to Galloup island, a distance of about 1200 feet. A
fall of from six to eight feet would thus be obtained, and
an amount of power almost incalculable afforded. The
bottom of the river is rocky, and capable engineers have
estimated the work practicable at a cost of §50,000. This
being the foot of navigation for sail-vessels on the lakes
would doubtless, wore a dam built and a branch to the rail-
road laid, give an importance to this point as a manufac-
turing place whicli has scarcely a parallel in the country.
This channel is used but little, if any, by boats ; and the
navigation north of the island would be improved by divert-
ing more water into that channel, as would necessarily
result in the erection of a dam," j"
From the islands and the rapids here the place is famil-
iarly known as " the Galloups." The post-office was estab-
lished in the neighborhood of 1830, receiving the name
of Lisbon. The first postmaster was George C. Conant,
who located here and^tudied law for some time with Matthew
Perkins, and on the death of the latter married his widow.
He (Conant) became a lawyer of considerable note, and
held numerous offices of trust in the gift of the people of
the town. Both he and Perkins were from Massachusetts.
The second postmaster was John Thompson, and among
those who have held the office since are Dr. W. Carpenter,
Simeon Dillingham (who was postmaster about eight years
altogether), and his brother, Charles W. Dillingham, who
came here from Albany. The present incumbent is Mrs.
Nettie D. Turner.
Previous to 1833, Simeon Dillingham worked at his
trade — that of a carpenter and joiner — in the employ of
the Van Rensselaer family, at Albany, and at that date re-
moved to Ogdensburg, where he remained until 1835, and
came during that year to Lisbon. It was in this year that
the stone grist-mill was built, also a wing-dam five hundred
feet in length.
At an early day John O'Neill, son of Andrew O'Neill,
(the first settler of Lisbon), manufactured potash, and kept
a small store on land now owned by Andrew O'Neill, Jr.
He also owned a store at Sucker Brook settlement, and his
were probably the first mercantile establishments in town.
James Thompson quite early established a store at Gal-
loupville (Lisbon P. 0.) in the building now occupied by
the post-office and grocery.
The place contained in December, 1877, a post-office, an
Episcopal church, a small grocery, a butter-factory (estab-
lished in the spring of 1876 by T. S. Atkins), a black-
smith-shop, and a few dwellings. At one time quite a
number of village lots were owned here and a considerable
amount of business was done. The village lots are now
"f" Hough,
274
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mostly the property of Henry E. Axtell, as well as a large
share of the property in the neighborhood.
LISBON CENTRE P. 0.
This village has principally sprung into existence since
the completion of the Northern railway (now the Ogdens-
burg and Lake Champlain railway), or since about 1851, in
the spring of which year the post-office was established,
with John MoBride as postmaster. He was succeeded in
the office by John Bell, and he in turn by James Brown.
The present incumbent is Robert Akins.
About 1855-56 the present brick hotel— the "Fulton
House"— was built by Samuel Wells, who had previously
kept a hotel iu an old frame building. The " Fulton" is
not licensed nor regularly kept as a hotel, owing to lack of
custom in a small place, so near Ogdensburg.
A small stock of goods was opened here during or pre-
vious to 1850 by John Bell ; but the first store of any con-
sequence was opened in the fall of that year by Dix and
MoBride.
A steam saw-, shingle-, and grist-mill was built by John
Kent in 1873, and in the winter of 1877-78 was doing a
large custom business. The building is of brick, boarded
over, and contains four run of stone. The machinery is
driven by a thirty-five horse-power steam-engine.
At the time these items were gathered (Dec. 7, 1877), a
cheese-factory of considerable size was being erected by
Andrew Grahams, and, at the time, the village contained
three stores, one harness-shop, two churches, a school-house,
a post-office, a steain grist-, saw-, and shingle-mill, two
blacksmith-shops, one carriage-shop, one milliner-shop,
one tailor-shop, two physicians (W. H. Cruikshank and
A. L. Morgan), and about two hundred inhabitants. At
the station the railroad company has a depot building, fifty
by one hundred feet, and a long siding.
Produce is extensively handled at this station, several
dealers shipping large amounts, the principal firm being
Messrs. Flack & Son. Samuel Rogers, John MoBride,
Bently & Middleton, and several others, are engaged in
this business, the produce being shipped to Boston and
other eastern points. The business of one of the heaviest
dealers at the village is said to have required the handling
-of $100,000 during the past year.
FLACKVILLE P. 0.
The Flacks settled near the site of the present village of
Flaokville, in company with Daniel, Isaac, and Elihu Gray.
The place was started by John P. Flack as early, probably,
as 18.30. He erected several buildings, among them one
in which a man named Hartwell placed a large general
stock of goods, and established the first store in the villat»e.
There were also a blacksmith-shop, a wagon-shop, an ashery,
etc., and quite a business sprung up, it being before the
days of railroads, and the goods were all hauled by team
from Ogdensburg and other points.
Thomas Craig erected a hotel about 1835, and it was
owned and operated afterwards by John P. Flack. It was
finally destroyed by fire, and was at the time the property
of a man named Guest.
A post-office was established here about 1844, and named
Flackville, from John P. Flack, who was the first post-
master. Those who have since held the office are Isaac G.
Stocking, Stephen B. Ainsworth, J. C. McCullough, and
the present incumbent, J. Gibbons.
Flackville contained in December, 1877, two stores, two
churches, one blacksmith-shop, one wagon-shop, a shoe-shop,
a post-office, and from twelve to fifteen families.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The first permanent religious organization in the county
was formed in Lisbon, by Rev. Alexander Proudfit, of
Salem (Washington county ?), who visited his old neigh-
bors for that purpose. Rev. Mr. Sherriff, a Scotchman,
become their first pastor, in 1804. The First Associate
Reformed congregation in Lisbon was incorporated Nov.
15, 1802, with' A. J. Turner, John Tibbits, Jr., John
Farewell, William Shaw, Benjamin Stewart, and Reuben
Turner, trustees. This was reorganized Feb. 28, 1827,
with George C. Conant, John Thompson, and Joseph
Martin, trustees. A church was built half a mile north
of Lisbon Centre, at a place then quite a point for business.
The first church building owned by the old society stood
on the same ground on which St. Luke's Episcopal church
at Galloupville now stands. Its construction, including all
the work of raising funds and the labor of building, is said
to have cost a barrel of whisky, and the admission that it
might have done so was made by one of its members to
Dr. F. B. Hough when the latter was gathering notes for
his " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties."
At any rate, considerable of the "extract" was undoubtedly
used. This society is now United Presbyterian in denomi-
nation, and has a membership of about 140. Its pastor is
Rev. John Service. A Sabbath-school is in connection,
having a good membership. The present frame church at
Lisbon Centre was built in 1856, and will seat about 250
persons.
The first society of the Methodist Episcopal church in
Lisbon was incorporated April 25, 1822, with Daniel
Aiken, Asa Baldwin, David Wells, Robert Briggs, and
Luke McCracken, trustees. It was reorganized April 3,
1847, with George Fulton, Joseph Langtree, David Aiken,
Stephen Blackley, and Isaac Stocking, trustees. Meetings
were held on a small scale as early as 1805. A church
was built at Galloupville (Lisbon P. 0.) in 1862. It is a
frame structure, capable of sealing 200 persons, and cost
about $650. It was built on land deeded to the society by
Hugh Lalone, the pastor in charge at the time being Rev.
R. Ballou. The membership in December, 1877, was 40.
Pastor in charge, Rev. W. C. Lent.
An organization was effected January 9, 1850, afid a
church built at Flackville, which was finished in 1851.
The trustees were Dwight Spencer, Joseph H. Langtree,
Isaac G. Stocking, Lyman N. Saoket, and Henry Soper, with
E. Pease as pastor. The membership in December, 1877,
was 65, and the appointment is under the same charge as
the one at Galloupville, Rev. W. C. Lent being pastor.
ST. Luke's church (episcopal),
in the town of Lisbon, was formed October 12, 1837, with
Obadiah Piatt and Samuel Patterson, wardens ; Jesse Piatt,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK.
275
Hugh Leach, Robert Leach, Henry Hunt, Simoon Dilling-
ham, John Clarke, William Spears, and Dr. Wooster Car-
penter, vestrymen. The first rector was probably Rev. Sir.
Brayton. The present very neat stone church, located at
Galloupville, was built in 1856, at a cost of about $3000.
It is the most costly church in town, and occupies a beauti-
ful location on the river-road, commanding a fine view both
up and down the broad and rapid St. Lawrence. The tower
at one time gave way and it became necessary to rebuild it.
The society was unable to pay for the work, and the money
was raised in New York city by Mrs. General Thomas
Davies* and forwarded to the society. Andrew O'Neill, of
Lisbon, has been a member of this church longer than any
person now living, except William Spears, one of its first
vestrymen, and has always taken an active interest in its
welfare. The present membership of the society is about
20. Rev. James D. Morrison, of Ogdensburg, officiates
here every Sabbath afternoon.
A society of Covenanters was formed as early as 1840,
and incorporated June 28, 1842, with John Middleton,
William Glass, John Smith, John Cole, John Campbell,
and James Valentine, trustees. The original society num-
bered 40 persons, under the charge of Rev. J. Fisher. A
church was built near Flackvilie soon after the organiza-
tion was completed, costing |600, and containing scats for
168 persons. Its first regular pastor was Rev. John Mid-
dleton. Its present membership is something less than
100, and it is under the pastoral care of Rev. William
McFarland, who has ministered here a number of years.
FIRST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP LI.SBON.f
This church was first started by a few people who met
in private houses for prayer, about the year 1825. Like
their predecessors, the Covenanters of Scotland, they al-
ways held their meetings on Thursday evening, assembling
in what is known as the Craig neighborhood. William
Craig, who might be called the founder of the church, was
originally a member of the Associate church of Lisbon, but
afterward united with this church. He wrote, about 1828,
to Rev. James W. Stewart, of Argyle, Washington county,
New York, making inquiry about a preacher for the R. P.
church of Lisbon. Stewart could not visit this county, and
it was not until 1830 that Blr. Craig's desires in this direc-
tion were gratified. During that year two preachers of this
denomination — Revs. S. Milligan and John H. Simms —
visited this locality. In 1831, Rev. J. W. Stewart, the
same to whom Mr. Craig's letter had been addressed, visited
Lisbon and remained six months. During his stay the
congregation was organized with a membership of 50.
William Glass and John Smith were chosen ruling elders,
and ordained by Mr. Stewart. In 1831, William Craig
and Robert Gray were added to the session, and in the
mean time a new house of worship was erected.
The young congregation prospered finely until the year
1833, when a division occurred in the general synod to
which they belonged over the right of franchise, a part of
* General Daviea was a brother of Charles Davies, the eminent
mathematician, and both are natives of the town of Oswegatchie.
t By John Mayne.
the members contending that it was wrong to vote, and the
rest that it was right, and on this question the congrega-
tion in Lisbon also divided. William Craig and Robert
Gray — one-half the session — remained with the congrega-
tion, and the balance left and were organized into a separate
congregation, under the pro re nnta synod. The old or-
ganization, weakened but not discouraged, applied to the
presbytery for some one to administer the communion
of the Lord's Supper to them, and Rev. A. G. Wiley, of
Duanesburg, was appointed. But twelve members received
the communion, and of the number but three are now alive,
viz., Thomas Cleland, James Craig, and a sister of the latter,
Mary Ellen Craig. About 1841 their house of worship
was burned, and after this blow the society became nearly
disbanded. In 1850, Rev. Henry Gordon visited what re-
mained of the congregation, and revived them to such a
degree that in the spring of 1851 they extended a call to
him, which he accepted, his salary being fixed at |350 per
annum. He was installed as their first pastor, and during
a communion which followed thirty new names were added
to the communion roll. James Baxter and John Mayne
were added to the session. The next year (1852) their
present frame church was built at a cost of about $2500, and
Anthony Paul, Andrew M. Gray, and Robert MacDowell
were added to the session. During the year 1857, when
the number of members had increased to 125, Mr. Gordon
left them and joined the United Presbyterian church, and
is now settled in Washington county. New York. In 1858,
Rev. J. W. MaoDowell accepted a call from the church at
Flackvilie, and labored with the congregatioii'for five years, at
the expiration of which time he removed to South Ryegate,
Vermont. While he was in charge here John Chambers
and William Brown were added to the session. Rev. W.
P. Shaw received and accepted a call from this church in
1864. He stayed three years, during which time the mem-
bership was increased to 166. Rev. S. D. Yates became
their pastor in 1872, and stayed one year. He is now a mis-
sionary in Nova Scotia. Rev. W. J. Clarke became pastor
in the spring of 1876, and still holds the position. The
other officers of the church for 1877 are: Ruling Elders,
Anthony Paul, John Chambers, John Mayne ; Trustees,
Thomas Barrows, Hugh Mayne, John C. Gray, George
Kelly, George Chambers. Membership, 150. Thomas Cle-
land is the only survivor of the original society.
The church was repaired and newly seated in 1875, at an
expense of $1000. A Sabbath-school was organized in
June, 1877, with Janies Craig superintendent. It num-
bers 75, including a Bible-class, and has six teachers.
THE FIRST VFESLEYAN METHODIST SOCIETY
in the town of Lisbon was formed Feb. 14, 1843, with Jo-
seph Piatt, David Aiken, Isaac ■Storms, Thomas Martin and
John Martin, trustees, and a membership of 100. Its first
pastor was Rev. Lyndon King. During the same year (1843)
its present frame house of worship was erected, at a cost of
$800 ; it is located on lot 3, range 2 of mile square lots.
The church property at present is valued at $3000 or more.
The membership has varied greatly since the organization,
and is at present in the neighborhood of 100. The pastor
is Rev. Mr. Wightman.
276
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
■was formed Nov. 25, 1842, with 52 members, and was the
result of a revival conducted by Rev. Lewis A. Weeks (or
Wiekes), of Lewis county. The society was incorporated
March 3, 1843, with William Briggs, John Dings, James
Martin, Thomas McCarter, James Norway, and William H.
Reynolds, trustees. The church, which is located on lot 5,
range 1, was built in 1844-45, at a cost of $1000 or $1200.
The first pastor was Rev. William T. Buffett (or Wm. F.
BuflBtt), and among others have been Revs. Stephen Wil-
liams and Morgan L. Eastman, the latter installed Feb. 8,
1849. The present pastor, who has presided since February,
1871 , is Rev. R. C. Day. The church has been considerably
repaired, and, in 1870, a parsonage, including a good house,
barns, and eleven acres of land, was purchased by the trustees.
Mr. Day was the first to occupy the parsonage. The member-
ship of this church in December, 1877, was about 130. A
Sabbath-school is maintained, with a membership of about
80. Its superintendent is the pastor of the church, Rev.
R. C. Day.
SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES' ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH,
at Lisbon Centre, is a tasty brick structure, built in 1874,
at a cost, including the lot, of about $3500. The first
trustees were Bishop Wadhams, of Ogdensburg, Rev.
Father James Mackay, V. G., of Ogdensburg, Rev. John
E. O'Hare, pastor at the time, John McCarrier, and Owen
Meehan. Its membership at this writing (December, 1877)
is about 150. It is attended from the cathedral at Ogdens-
burg, and is under the care of that institution. Its pastor
at present is Rev. Father Founier (?).
We are under obligations to the following-named persons
in this town for items furnished, and herewith tender our
thanks to them for their valuable assistance : Lisbon P. 0.
and vicinity, Andrew O'Neill, Simeon Dillingham, Deacon
William Briggs, Mrs. Livingston, Rev. W. C. Lent, Rev.
R. C. Day, and others. Lisbon Centre and vicinity:
Robert Akins, Mrs. David Scott (for use of town records,
in the absence of Mr. Scott), the proprietors of the hotel,
harness-shop, steam-mill, and others. Flackville and vi-
cinity: B. W. Flaok, Esq., Isaac G. Flack, Anthony Paul,
J. Gibbons (P. M.), and others ; besides numerous others
aside from these whose names are not now recalled.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
ADABI SCOTT.
It is not often that an American citizen can trace his
genealogy backward, legitimately, to the titled families of
Europe, but he of whose life the present sketch includes a
brief outline does so, Adam Scott being a lineal descendant
of Scott, Earl of Buccleuch, an old and honorable family of
Scotland. The genealogy of the Scott family since 1622 is
as follows :
John Scott was born in the last-named year, near Green-
.och, Scotland, and emigrated to Ireland in 1643, settlins in
the town of Scelganaban, parish of Baliymore, county
Antrim ; but, on the breaking out of Tyron's rebellion in
1645, he was compelled to return to Scotland, where he
remained twenty-three years, at which date he came again
to Ireland, and took possession of his old location, which
had remained undisturbed during the whole period. So
perfectly desolate had it remained, Mr. Scott found his pot
and tongs standing beside his fireplace as he had left it.
Mr. Scott married Janet Kirk, by whom he had four sons:
Thomas, Hugh, John, and William ; and three daughters:
Janet, Jane, and Mary. Mr. Scott died in 1719, aged
ninety-seven years.
Thomas, the eldest son of John Scott, married Jane
Scott, who resided near Templepatrick, in 1709, by whom
were born to him four sons and two daughters : John, Hugh,
William, Benjamin, Jane, and Eliza. He died in 1742,
aged seventy-two years.
Hugh, the second son of Thomas Scott, was born in
1713, and married Catharine Curley, who bore him five
children, viz.: Clements, Francis, Harcilass, . Walter, and
Polly. His wife, Catharine, dying, he married a second,
Mary Scott, by whom four children were born to him :
Adam, Arthur, Jane, and Catharine. He died in 1802,
aged eighty-nine years.
Adam Scott, son of Hugh, was born in 1763, and mar-
ried Ann McAllister in 1799, eight children being the
fruits of this union, yiz. : Ann, Mary, Hugh, Sarah, Eliza,
Jane, Adam, and William. He died in 1848, aged eighty-
five years. Of these children of Adam Scott, Ann died
in 1861, unmarried, at sixty years of age. Mary married
Robert Cameron, and was the mother of seven children, and
came with her family to New York in 1852. Hugh was
drowned, April 22, 1834, aged twenty-nine years. Sarah
married Robert Forsythe, and bore three children. Jane
died at the age of eighteen years, Nov. 1, 1828. Elizabeth
married David McAdoo, in 1843, and bore him five chil-
dren. They came to America in 1848, and settled in the
town of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. William married
Ann McNair, in 1857, who bore him seven children.
Adam Scott, the immediate subject of our sketch, was
born in the town of Bryantang, parish of Baliymore, county
Antrim, Ireland, Sept. 21, 1817, and began to work at a
very tender age, assisting his father and brother Hugh, who
were weavers, and began to weave himself before he was
eleven years of age. He continued to work at weaving,
and occasionally at farming, until he was twenty years of
age, at which time, owing to the death of Hugh, the entire
care of the farm devolved on him, his father's health being
delicate. Thi.s work continued until the failure of the
potato crop in 1845-46 rendered farming no longer avail-
able for even a subsistence, and upon going to Belfast, and
seeing the wharves crowded with Irish farmers bringing off
corn raised in America to supply their own necessities, he
concluded he would go where he could raise instead of
buying food. More than one hundred and fifty of his
neighbors had reached the same conclusion, and, therefore,
one hundred and more passages to Quebec on the ship Anna,
of Belfast, were secured, and the emigrants bade farewell
to their native country, the Emerald Isle, April 28, 1847,
and landed at Quebec Mav 26 follnwino- Mv Hnnff nomp
BENJAMIN D. WHEATER.
MRS. BENJAMIN D. WHEATER.
BENJAMIN D. WHEATER
was born in the village of Hilliani, Yorkshire, England,
Nov. 19, 1822, and was the third child in a family of nine.
He received a good common school education in his native
place, emigrated to this country in 1843, and settled in
the town of Oswegatchie, on the farm now owned by
Joseph Wheater. Benjamin lived with his fatheji until
1847, when be commenced life on his own account, pur-
chasing a farm in the town of Canton.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret
Smithers, who was born in the village of Braton, Yorkshire,
England, July 30, 1831. She was the fifth child, in a
family of ten, of William and Surah (Brown) Smithers.
Her father was a shoemaker by trade, and came to America
in the year 1837, settling in Oswegatchie, where he subse^
quently purchased a farm, upon which he resided until his
death, which occurred in 18(34. His worthy wife survived
him until May, 1877, when she, too, passed to her eternal
rest.
Mr. and Mrs. Wheater have had an interesting family,
the names and dates of birth of which are as follows :
Frank, born May 18, 1855 ; Sarah Esther, born Aug. 7,
1857 ; Mary Jane, born March 1 1, 1860 ; Daniel W., born
March 24, 1862 ; Carlotta A., born Jan. 24, 1870. Two
died in infancy.
Mr. W. remained on his farm in Canton for almost seven
years, when he sold out and purchased the farm upon which
he now resides, in the town of Lisbon, which then con-
tained one hundred and thirty-two acres, and to which, by
well-directed industry and economy, he has since added
until he now owns two hundred and ten acres of well-culti-
vated land. In addition to his agricultural operations, he
takes a great and commendable interest in the betterment
of stock, and his horses, sheep, and cattle are among the
best improved and highest bred in his town. In politics he
is a stanch Eepublican, believing that the perpetuity of
American institutions is best assured by the principles ad-
vocated by that party. In religion he supports the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, and aided materially in the erection
of the edifice at Rensselaer Falls, and has done much
towards its subsequent maintenance. In character he is
upright and honest; in disposition, genial and courteous,
hospitable and benevolent ; and, by actual worth, enjoys the
confidence and respect of the community in which he re-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
277
to Ogdensburg in search of relatives, and from thence to
lleuvelton, where he engaged worlc on a farm with James
Ballcntyne, with whom he remained three yenrs, at nine
dollars per month, including board and washing. He in
the mean time bought and paid for a tract of land and cleared
up ten acres, and put it into grass, and in 1850 married a
wife, and added iifty-two acres to his fiirm, slightly im-
proved, but hardly so much as made it a habitable dwelling-
place. However, by his industry and economy, he has
brought it forward into the first rank of good farms of St.
Lawrence County, as will be seen by referring to a view of
his homestead elsewhere in this work, and contrasting it
with the sketch of the pioneer home of the first winter.
Portraits of BL-. Scott and his worthy helpmeet also adorn
another page of our work. Mr. Scott has taken for his
guidance the sentiment contained in the old couplet, —
" Honor and fame from no oondUion rise;
Act well your part, 'tis there tho honor lies."
»»« JttLl.'Tt" o—
M A D K I D.
The first immigration into the present Madrid took place
in 1801, when Cyrus Abernethy with his family located
on the west side of Grasse river, about two miles below the
site of Madrid village. His unmarried brother, Ezekiel,
came with him, and then, or soon after, made his residence
at what is now the village. Calvin Abernethy, a son of
Cyrus, then a boy of four, now a resident of Waddington,
is the oldest survivor of the first settlers of Madrid. His
brother, Luther Abernethy, of Madrid, is also one of the
earliest residents.
Solomon Lindsley also located on the site of the village
in 1801, and Ephraim S. Raymond began a clearing in the
Abernethy neighborhood. Jesse Goss is also said to have
settled at the village in 1801, but perhaps was a little
later.
By " Madrid'' we mean the territory of the present town,
as that part of old Madrid now forming Waddington is
treated of in a separate chapter.
In 1801 Madrid was not in existence as a civil town.
The old survey-township of that name, however, had been
laid out ten miles square many years before, along with the
rest of the " ten townships," as shown in the general history
of the county, and in March, 1801, it had been organized
with them into the town of Lisbon, and annexed to the
county of Clinton.
On the 3d day of March, 1802, however, the county of
St.- Lawrence was formed. The act creating it provided
for four towns, one of them being Madrid, which com-
prised the survey-townships of Madrid and Potsdam. There
were then no residents in the latter township, and almost
all the population of Madrid township was in what is now
Waddington. The first town-meeting in Madrid was held
April 1, 1802, when the following officers were elected :
Supervisor, Joseph Edsall ; Clerk, Jacob Redington ; As-
sessors, Cyrus Abernethy, Reuben Field, and Alexander
Brush ; Constable and Collector, Henry Erwin ; Overseers
of the Poor, Jonathan Tuttle and Solomon Lindsley ; Com-
missioners of Highways, John Sharp, Isaac Bartholomew,
and Ephraim S. Raymond ; Fence-viewers, Asa Freeman,
Jonathan Allen, and Cyrus Abernethy ; Pound-keeper, Ed-
ward Lawrence; Overseers of Highways (Path-masters),
Jonathan Allen, Alexander Brush, Thomas Rutherford,
Oliver Lindsley, and Solomon Lindsley. Of the forego-
ing, only Cyrus Abernethy, Ephraim S. Raymond, and
Solomon Lindsley, and possibly Henry Erwin, lived in the
present Madrid.
The territory which forms the subject of this chapter
became during the first summer of settlement (1801) the
property of David A. and Thomas L. Ogden, whose chain
of title back to the State has been traced in the general
history. In 1 803 they deeded an undivided third of the land
to Joshua Waddington. Joseph Edsall (better known as
Judge Edsall) was the agent, and land was sold at from two
to three dollars per acre, one-fourth being agreed to be paid
down, and the rest in three equal annual instalments. The
surface of the ground was slightly undulating, rising gradu-
ally each way from the banks of Grasse river. The name
of this stream is written in the old road records of 1803 and
1804 " La Grasse," showing clearly that it is of French
origin. It may mean "Greasy river,'' or it may be a cor-
ruption of the name " Riviere d, la Grace," River of Grace.
It certainly does not mean "grass," the French word for
which is " herbe." Nevertheless, custom has made the
name " Grasse river," which we shall use in this sketch.*
It enters the territory of the present town of Madrid
near the southwest corner, and runs wnh rapid current di-
agonally through it, emerging at the northeast corner.
The soil is mostly composed of dark loam in the lowlands,
changing to gravel as we climb the hills. The early settlers
found all the land covered with a heavy growth of maple,
beech, birch, bass-wood, hemlock, etc., with small quantities
of pine in some localities.
A few more settlers came in 1802, among whom were
probably Samuel Chipman and Joseph Freeman, the latter
being afterwards one of the prominent citizens of the
county. In 1803, Seth Roberts and a Mr. Clark began a
saw-mill on Grasse river, at the point now known as Madrid
village. Clark is not remembered by the earliest settlers,
but a record of December 3, 1803, mentions the laying out
of a road, beginning in the highway northerly of " La
Grasse'' river, about 15 chains from "Roberts & Clark's"
■•■■' Its Indian name was Nikeutsiako, " full of large iishes," a name
which was peculiarly applicable before the days of mill-dams.
278
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENOE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
mill, running thence south 60° E., 148 chains to the Pots-
dam Une. The only other roads then in the territory of the
present Madrid were two, which had both been laid out that
same year. One ran " up and down the La Grasse river,"
beginning in the southeast line of lot 87, adjoining Pots-
dam ; running thence north 25 chains ; thence north 30°
east 775 chains (nearly ten miles in a straight line) ; thence
north 25° east, 120 chains, to the Louisville line. The
other began at E. S. Raymond's, at the corner of lots 70,
71, 80, and 81 ; ran thence north 28° west, on the line
between lots 60 and 61 and 50 and 51, " which is gospel
and school lots," and thence on the line of lots 40 and 41
"to the centre of the big road." It will be understocd
that these roads were then probably designated only by
marked trees. If there was a track from which the sap-
lings and logs had been cut so that a yoke of cattle and
sled could possibly get along, it was considered a highway
as important as a railroad at the present time.
In this year (1803) also, the first wedding enlivened the
wilderness. Ezekiel Abernethy and Wealthy, daughter of
Solomon Lindsley, both residing at what is now Madrid
village, were engaged in marriage. Ere they were quite
ready for the nuptials the lady was taken sick with the
measles, but finally became convalescent. While she was
still feeble. Judge Edsall, the only magistrate within a long
distance, came over to visit the lands under his charge on
Grasse river. Knowing that the settlers there were not
yet provided with the more delicate luxuries of life, he
took along a pot of pork and beans for the delectation of
his particular friends. Stopping at Solomon Lindsley 's, he
found their daughter in the condition first mentioned, and
young Abernethy cheering her as best he might.
" Now, Wealthy," said Edsall, " you and Ezekiel have
been engaged a good while, and there is no use of waiting
any longer. You know there isn't a minister here once a
year, and it isn't often that even a justice of the peace makes
his appearance, especially one who brings a wedding-dinner
along with him. So, if you can get out of bed and stand up
long enough to be married, I will perform the ceremony, and
then we will all have a feast of pork and beans."
Wealthy and Ezekiel assented to the proposal. The
damsel arose, donned the blue petticoat and yellow short
gown which constituted her holiday attire, and the magis-
trate pronounced the words which constituted them man
and wife. The new-made bride immediately lay down again,
but sat up in bed long enough to appropriate her share of
the pork and beans which constituted the wedding banquet.
Such is the story of the first nuptials in Madrid, as told by
the bride herself to Blrs. Lydia Averill, and repeatred by
that lady to the writer. Jared Abernethy, the oldest son
of this couple, born in 1804, was the first child born in
town so far as we have been able to loam.
Among the earliest settlers was Dan. Simonds (grand-
father of George G. Simonds, Esq.). In company with
his son, Dan. Simonds, Jr., he made his way on horseback,
in the fall of 1803, from New.Engknd to St. Regis, crossed
the St. Lawrence, rode up on the Canada side, re-crossed
to Waddington (as now called), and then lined his own
track through the woods till he found land that suited him
two miles northwest of Madrid village. It was fortunate
that they immediately put up a bark hut, for the next
morning young Dan was broken out with the measles. He
conquered the disease without medical aid, and during a
four weeks' stay the two slashed down a couple of acres of
timber, and built a rude log house. The next March they
returned with the remainder of the family. Nearly all
moving was done in the winter or early spring, for an ox-
sled could follow a track impassable for a wagon.
The records of Madrid from its foundation are still pre-
served in the town clerk's office. Erom them we learn that
in 1803 the people voted to " pay five dollars per head for
each wolf killed in the town of Madrid, not including
Potsdam," meaning the survey-township of Potsdam,
then a part of the civil town of Madrid. In 1804, fifty
dollars was raised for the support of the poor, none of
which seems to have been required, for the next year it
was all used for general expenses.
From the first the clerk kept a separate book devoted to
" sheep-marks." In those days, when sheep ranged through
the fenceless woods, and flocks were frequently intermingled,
the marking of their ears was an important science. He
who first recorded a certain combination of slits and crops
obtained a copyright on its use while he lived in the town ;
after his death or removal another might take it.
All the old town books contain numerous sheep-marks ;
but Madrid is the only town we have noticed which had a
ledger especially devoted to that purpose. It was highly
illustrated, too, each description being accompanied by a
portrait showing the exact location of the crops or holes on
which a patent was claimed. Thus, under date of " Madrid,
Feb. 26, 1804," we find the following description, with an
illustration :
" Joseph Edsall's ' sheep-mark,' — The left ear cropped
ofi' about half way."
Another device was thus described : " Cyrus Abernethy's
mark, — A sloping crop off the upper side of the left; ear,
and a half-penny under the same."
But the finest display of ingenuity in this old-time signal-
.service was the following :
" Daniel Franklin's mark, — A full crop off the right ear,
a slit in the same ; a half-penny off the upper side of the
left."
Being desirous to be prepared for all emergencies, one of
the town-clerks filled the whole blank book of twenty-five
pages with these beautiful works of art, four on a page; so
when a farmer brought in a description, it was written down
beside one of the photographs, the requisite cuts and slashes
were made at the ears of the picture, and the work was
done. But recording marks went out of fashion before the
pages were all filled, and thus two or three dozen portraits,
with unmutilated ears and unaccompanied by records, stare
grimly at the curious investigator into ancient customs.
A good illustration of the nerve not only of the men,
but of the women and children of that period is related
by Mr. Enos L. Cogswell, from whom we have received
much information regarding early times in Madrid. His
father, Seth Cogswell, came into the woods in 1805, built
a house near where his son now resides, and then returned
to Vermont. In March, 1806, he came again with his
hired man. Not beinq; prepared to brine; his whole family,
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
279
he put his daughter Laura, only twelve years old, oti horse-
back, and while the two men went on foot, the brave girl
rode through, crossing the rivers on the ice, and kept house
for her father through the summer. In the fall they
returned the same way, fording the rivers, and it was not
till the spring of 1807 that the whole family was brought
through, young Enos being then nearly three years old.
The survey-township of Potsdam was formed into the
town of the same name on the 21st day of February, 1806,
making the town of Madrid identical with the survey-town-
ship, which size it retained till the formation of Waddington
in 1819.
As early as 1806, Mr. Roberts erected a grist-mill, and
the settlement was called Roberts' Mills. It was some-
times called Grass River Falls, but at an early period,
certainly before the war of 1812, it had received the name
of Columbia village. It seems never to have been desig-
nated as Columbia alone, but always as Columbia village.
Mr. Cogswell thinks that the first tavern there (which was
also the first in the present town of Madrid) was built and
kept by Gould Fancher. Nathan Smith afterwards kept in
the same building before the war of 1812. It was a frame
structure, standing where the Columbia House now does.
A little store was kept there at the same period by Jarah
Meach.
The first school in town of which anything can be
learned was taught at Columbia village by Dolly Fields.
Mr. Calvin Abernethy remembers that when a boy he
boarded at Nel Gray's, near where the depot now is, and
went to school to Miss Fields one season ; so it is probable
there was no school nearer home.
One of the most appalling events of the pioneer period
was the burning of Nel Gray's house, on the 4th of March,
1806, when two children, aged respectively five and seven
years, perished Id the flames.
Meanwhile, immigration steadily continued, clearings were
made in every direction, and in February, 1807, a Congre-
gational church was organized, of which a separate sketch
is given farther on. This was followed, in September, 1808,
by a Baptist church, which is likewise described by itself.
Another institution, of a decidedly different character,
though then considered entirely respectable, was a distillery,
which was built in 1808 or 1809 by Eli and Nathaniel
Hamblin and William Castle, on the river below the mill,
and which was used until about 1830.
By April, 1807, there were a hundred and sixteen votes
cast for member of assembly in the town of Madrid, of
which probably a third were residents of the present town
of that name. There was at that, time a small property
qualification required for voters, so that the number of
adult male citizens was doubtless somewhat larger than the
poll-list showed. By 1812 there were two hundred and
eight votes for assemblyman cast in the whole town.
We give below the names of some of the principal
settlers, aside from those already mentioned, of the territory
which is now Madrid previous to the war of 1812 ; Joseph
Erwin, Nathan Smith, Seth Gates, Daniel Green, John
Montgomery, Daniel Wright, John, Ira, and Alanson
Hawley, Samuel Robinson, Daniel C. Haskell, William
Wright, Caleb Butterfield, Captain John Doren, M. C.
Murray, David Brooks, Jeremiah Boynton, Levi Lockwood,
Stephen Smith, William Lockwood, Roderick E. Hepburn,
Sirene Woodbridge, Solomon Stone, Daniel Whitney, John
Baird, Richard Blood, Solomon Gray, Windsor Goulding,
Asahel Stone, Levi Bristol, Asa Low, Valentine Lovely,
Can field Averill, Joseph Orcutt.
The first supervisor of Madrid who lived within the present
town was Joseph Freeman, who served as such in 1810,
1811, 1812, and who resided on a farm close to Columbia
village. Henry Richardson, Esq., came to town in 1810,
and was a justice of the peace there for no less than forty-
four years. Dr. Robert McChesney began practice as a
physician at Columbia village in 1810, but removed the
next year to Potsdam, where he attained decided promi-
nence in his profession. He was the first ph3'sician in
Madrid of whom we can learn with certainty, though Dr.
Reuben Phillips was also there at a very early period.
Throughout the War of 1812 Madrid, with the other
towns of St. Lawrence County, was in continual fear and
excitement, for, while it was close to the enemy's frontier,
it was during most of the war unprotected by the American
armies, which were stationed in the vicinity of Sacket's
Harbor and still farther westward. The South Madrid
militia was frequently called out, and took part in several
skirmishes along the St. Lawrence. It was also employed in
guarding public stores kept in the mill at Columbia village.
Its officers were Captain Jesse Goss, Lieutenant Richard
Blood, and Ensign Daniel Richards.
In the summer of 1813 a lot of goods, partly public and
partly private, was taken by the Americans from a British
ship on the St. Lawrence, transported to Columbia village,
and stored in Captain Goss' dye-house. In the winter of
1813-14 a squad of thirty or forty British came out and
retook a part of the goods, and bore them back in triumph
across the St. Lawrence.
The British also employed secret agents, who circulated
among the people on this side, acting partly as spies and
partly in purchasing cattle for the use of their employers.
In the summer of 1814 a drove of thirty or forty head,
which had been quietly purchased in the back country by
two men named Monroe and Sherwood, was seized by the
American officers as it was about to cross at Massena Point.
Being appropriated in the name of the government, the
cattle were scattered among the farmers of Madrid and
vicinity to be kept until needed.
Later in the season a detachment of British soldiers, ac-
companied by Monroe, the spy, made a rapid raid through
the river towns, gathering up ' these government cattle.
They found a yoke of them in charge of Nathan Smith,
who lived on the farm now occupied by Mr. Enos L. Cogs-
well, adjoining the one then owned by his father, Seth
Cogswell. Smith's and Cogswell's cattle were running
together, and the British took away a yoke belonging to the
latter, along with those of the government.
The despoiled farmer persuaded Judge Ogden, of Ham-
ilton (now Waddington), to go with him to Prescott, and
intercede with the British commander. Mr. Cogswell took
with him written authority to obtain another yoke which
had been taken from one of his neighbors at the same time.
There appears, from this and other evidence, to have been
280
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
quite a friendly feeling between tlie citizens on both sides
of the line, and the British commander was unwilling to
exasperate the Americans more than was necessary. He
readily listened to Judge Ogden and Mr. Cogswell, sent for
his agent, Monroe, and said to him, —
" I told you to get government cattle, not private ones.
Now take this man (Cogswell) home with you, keep him
over night, help him get his four oxen across the river, and
bring your bill to me." This was accordingly done.
After the war, Monroe used to talk freely about having
acted as a spy among the Americans. He said that one
Sunday he lay behind a log near the school-house, where
the Madrid people lield meeting, and during the intermis-
sion the young men and women came out picking blackber-
ries, almost stepping on him in his place of concealment.
In tiie year 1814 the mills at Columbia village were de-
stroyed by fire. They were then owned by Jarah Meach,
having been sold to him by Lord & Price, who had pur-
chased them from Roberts, the builder. After the fire the
site and water privilege were purchased by Timothy Reed,
who also erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill under the same
roof.
Miss Lydia J. Stowell, now Mrs. Canfield Averill, who
passed through Columbia village in the autumn of 1814,
says there was one hotel, kept by a man named Bigelow,
four or five frame houses, and eight or ten log ones. She
did not remember any store, but Captain Goss had one
cither during the war or just after its close. Miss Averill,
then a blooming young lady of eighteen, had made the
journey from Plattsburg on horseback, having previously
crossed Lake Champlain in a boat, on the very day of Com-
modore McDonough's great victory over Downie, which she
saw and listened to as she passed. She was then on her
way to Waddington, with her father, and did not become a
resident of Madrid till several years later. Her brother
William Stowell, succeeded Bigelow in the hotel in 1815,
keeping it for two or three years.
After the war, immigration, which had been checked by
that event, resumed its course. All but a tract at the ex-
treme west end of the town, and another southeast of Grasse
river, was soon settled up. Log houses, however, were still
the rule, with almost no exceptions outside of Columbia
village, and very few in it. Hardy and industrious Scotch-
men began to make their homes within the present limits
of Madrid. There was already a considerable number of
that people in what is now Waddington, and the " Scotch
settlement" grew rapidly toward the southern and western
parts of the town.
Another Scotch colony located southwest of Grasse river,
where they have multiplied and replenished the earth
entirely beyond Yankee competition. Butter-making was
their particular forte, and in the early days the Americans
were generally unable to equal them. Butter was one of the
few things that would bring money, and their superiority as
butter-makers enabled the Scotch to obtain a large part of
what little money came into town.
The principal means that the Americans had to get money
was by making " plan-heaps,"-that is, by arraugin- a
'' p an and fellmg trees into a " heap," burning them, and
boding down the ashes into black salts, potash, or pearlash
The hardest times ever known in the town were just after
the celebrated cold summer of 1816. Flour and pork were
brought from the Genesee country, and both articles sold at
thirty dollars a barrel in cash. A great many logs had to
be burned and boiled down into potash to buy food for a
family through the winter. Even when it was made,
many a settler had not even an ox-cart with which to transport
it to the river. But if he had oxen he could dispense with
the cart. A sapling fifteen feet long, of which the small
end would go comfortably into the ring of an ox-yoke,
answered every purpose. The large end was split up for
several feet and braced open wi h a big wedge, and on this a
barrel of potash was securely bound with chains or ropes.
This unique vehicle would glide lightly over any log that
the oxen could step over ; and when the freight was landed,
if there was nothing to bring back, the primitive chariot
could be thrown away without inconvenience.
A little cash was also obtained by drawing cedar logs on
to the ice of Grasse river in winter, and letting them float
down to Montreal with the spring floods. This last practice
led to the saddest tragedy ever known in the town of Mad-
rid. In the winter of 1817-18, a large number of cedar
logs were thus placed on the ice by Asa Lord, John H.
Hawley, and others. When tlie ice went out in the early
days of April, 1818, many of the logs lodged on the upper
end of the island which divides Grasse river just above the
bridge at Madrid or Columbia village. The bridge occupied
the same position as now, but the dam was farther up,
one section running across the main branch just at the
head of the island, the other across the northwest branch,
farther down.
On the ninth day of April, two canoe loads of men went out
to loosen the lodged logs and set them afloat down the stream.
One canoe contained Asa Lord (Squire Lord he was com-
monly called), Abraham and Joseph Loomis, Ezra Bigelow,
Asa Daggett, John Seavey, and Leonard Reed ; the other
was manned by Carlostin Hawley, a Mr. Rickerson, and
several others. Several persons were standing on the shore
and the bridge looking at the proceedings, one of whom was
young Enos Cogswell, then a lad of fourteen, the only
person we have been able to find who actually witnessed the
catastrophe.
After loosening most of the logs about the head of the
island. Lord and the men -with him undertook to run their
canoe, broadside to the current, across to tlie southeastern
shore. But the spring torrent was too much for those who
wielded the paddles, and in an instant the frail craft was
swept sideways over the dam. It struck something at the
bottom and split nearly but not quite in two, IDaggett,
Reed (a youth of sixteen), and Seavey being thrown out by
the shook, while the other four still clung to the canoe.
Even then the spectators did not suppose the men would
be drowned, as several of them were excellent swimmers,
and the river was only ten or twelve rods wide. But the
ice cakes were running thick in the stream, the water was
as cold as that of the river of death itsell", and the men
seemed to have been hopelessly benumbed almost as soon
as they were submerged.
Immediately on the catastrophe being seen, the other
boat was unloaded of all its crew except Carlostin Hawley
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
281
and Mr. Riekerson, and these two gallantly followed their
unfortunate comrades over the dam in the hope of picking
them up. Thej steered their canoe " head on,'' however,
and being good boatmen went safely over. But the prep-
aration had taken a little time, and every moment was
freighted with death to those who were struggling in that icy
torrent. Young Reed, after being thrown out, exclaimed to
Seavey, " We can land on the lower point of the island."
But they were swept helplessly past, when the boy flung
up his hand, with the despairing cry, " Oh, dear !" and then
disappeared beneath the waves. Seavey happened to be
thrown across into shallow water, and managed to reach the
shore. The canoe struck one of the piers of the bridge
and split completely in two, the four who had clung to it
being left entirely without support. Meanwhile, the other
boat wiih its two oarsmen dashed on after them. They
passed Mr. Daggett, ho being so close to the shore that
they thought he must surely escape, and hurried on to
succor those who seemed in greater danger. But the
wretched man was chilled to helplessness, and quickly sank
dead beneath the icy flood.
And, strange as it may seem, every one of the remaining
four was also drowned. The moment they wore deprived
of the boat they seemed struck with death ; the best swim-
mers could hardly make a stroke, and one after another
they quickly went to the bottom ere their friendly pursuers
could reach them. Men came rushing to the shore, but
nothing could be done. Captain Goss, who was on horse-
back, rode into the stream, but being instantly chilled to the
marrow, and his horse being almost carried down the torrent,
he was glad to escape with his own life. Of the seven persons
who were carried over the dam together, all but Mr. Seavey
were in a few moments lying dead in the bottom of the
river. Seldom has a more sudden or appalling catastrophe
befallen the people of a country town.
It only remained for the survivors to recover the bodies
of their dead friends. For this purpose they made a large
raft of cedar logs, and laid it broadside across the stream,
just below the bridge. All along the upper side of this raft
stood men only a few feet apart, each having a pole with a
hook on it near the end. Then the great raft was slowly
lowered down the river by means of ropes, each pikeman
carefully raking over the ground beneath him. By Satur-
day night (the accident happened in the middle of the
week) all the bodies were recovered but that of Ezra Bigelow.
Previous to that time the remains of the settlers had
been deposited on the knoll northeast of the village across
the road from the present cemetery. Either from lack of
title or some other reason the location was not satisfactory,
and there had been talk of purchasing a new ground. The
terrible catastrophe just described hastened the people's
action, and the present cemetery, or a portion of it, was
immediately purchased, the five recovered victims being
its first inmates. On Sunday they were buried, and the
startling circumstances, together with the number of the
deceased, drew together probably the largest assemblage
ever seen at a Madrid funeral. The next day Mr. Bigelow's
body was recovered, and then he, too, was laid beside his
comiades in misfortune.
About this time a stage route was established, running
from Malone through Madrid to Ogdensburg, in place of
the weekly mail carried on horseback. Mrs. Averill, who
came into town to live in 1819, speaks of the village as
having eight or ten frame houses and as many log ones.
Dr. Caleb Pierce, who settled there in 1823, does not de-
scribe it as being any larger than that.
The venerable doctor portrays the territory of the pres-
ent town as presenting at that time a most decidedly un-
promising appearance. There was scarcely a single frame
house, nor even a frame barn, for five miles outside of the
village. Three-fourths of the county was still a forest. The
roads were nearly impassable. For miles on the southeast
side of Grasse river a log causeway was all that kept teams
and vehicles from sinking out of sight in the mud. The
doctor thinks that he is the first person who brought a
one-horse vehicle into town, and is sure there were not
more than two or three before him. Cattle and sheep were
all fed out of doors. The traveler who passed a farm-yard
in the early winter morning would see the cattle's heads
sticking out of the snowdrift in which all the re^ of them
was imbedded, while the sheep were covered out of sight.
There was a large supply of physicians when Dr. Pierce
came, — Dr. Goss, Dr. Holmes, Dr. Squires, who lived a
mile or two from the village on the Waddington road, and
Dr. Elisha Gillis, who came about 1820. For various
reasons they all went away in the course of a few years ex-
cept Dr. Gillis. In 1823 the only machinery at the vil-
lage, besides the grist-mill and saw-mill, was Captain Goss'
cloth-dressing establishment, which stood at the east end of
the bridge. There were two small stores kept by Samuel
Greenough and Charles McFarland, and that of Safford and
Horton was just being finished. There were also two small
taverns, one of which was kept by Mr. Eastman.
But shortly afterwards improvements began to appear.
Frame barns, and then frame or stone houses, were erected
in various parts of the town. In the next twelve or fifteen
years a great change took place, and at the end of that
time probably a majority of the old log houses had been
abandoned for better ones. A majority of the people, too,
had paid for their farms and taken deeds, though in most
cases they had been obliged to renew their original con-
tracts at a higher price. In some instances three success-
ive contracts were taken, and the land which had originally
been bou"ht for two dollars an acre had finally been paid
for at seven.
Land was paid for and houses built by the hardest exer-
tions. All that the farmers had to sell was low, and all they
had to buy was high. Butter was eight cents a pound ;
pork, six to eight dollars a barrel ; oats, a shilling a bushel.
On the other hand, calico was from thirty to fifty cents a
yard. Groceries were cash, and could not be obtained for
grain. Farmers paid the doctor by orders on the store
payable in " shelf-goods," for tlie merchants would not
accept them for anything else.
It must be confessed that considerable money went for
whisky. Perhaps there was not such a very gveat deaj
more drank then than now, but there certainly was a great
deal more made under the people's direct observation out
in the country. A distillery was built at Columbia village
about 1826 or '28, which flourished for many years.
282
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
When Mr. Jesse Cogswell settled at the village in 1836,
and went into the grocery business, the machinery was still
limited to the saw- and grist-mill, the carding and cloth-
dressing establishment of Mr. Goss, and the distillery,
■which last had nearly ceased operations.* Though there
had been marked increase in the population of the village
during the previous ten years, it was still less than half
what it now is. That of the farming portion of the town,
however, was almost as large as at present. If there were
not quite so many families, there were more in each family.
Mr. J. Cogswell thinks that when he came a "small
majority" of the houses in town were frames.
During the next ten or twelve years nearly all the rest of
the log houses disappeared, the farms were still further
cleared up, and the country assumed very much the same
appearance which it has since presented, though there is
all the while a gradual improvement going forward.
Eor a few years previous to 1840 iron ore was mined
near Grasse river, about two and a half miles below Colum-
bia village-, for use in the furnace at Waddington. It was
of the kind called bog ore, cost three dollai-s per ton, de-
livered, and made very good iron. Professor Beck reported
it as yielding on analysis forty-nine and a fourth per cent,
of iron, although this variety of ore seldom yields, on actual
working, more than twenty-five per cent.
In 1850 the "Northern" (now Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain) railroad was completed, running for five and
forty-eight liundredths miles through the southern portion
of the town, and crossing Grasse river nearly a mile above
Columbia village. A depot was established west of the
stream, and a beginning was made toward a new village at
that point. In 1852 business seems to have been quite as
flourishing at Columbia village as it has ever been since,
for, in the fall of that year, it was reported as having two
taverns, six stores, one drug-store, four groceries, one book-
store, two shoe-stores, two tin-shops, one tannery and shoe-
shop, one grist-mill, one saw- and shingle-mill, one furnace,
two wagon-shops, three cabinet-shops, one woolen-factory
and carding- machine, one jeweler, three blacksmith-shops,
one marble shop, and two harness-shops. It had also three
lawyers, four physicians, four churches, two district schools,
and one select school. At the depot there were at the same
time two taverns, one blacksmith-shop, and several dwell-
ing-houses. Residences were from time to time erected
between the village and depot, until it is now almost a con-
tinuous village almost a mile long.
Almost all the business of the territory of the present
town was concentrated at Columbia village, but not quite.
Anson Chamberlain kept a public-house and sold some
goods at Chamberlain's Corners, on Grasse river, four miles
below the village. He was succeeded by, Ralph Chamber-
lain, and together they kept up some public business there
for fifteen or twenty years, closing some fifteen years ago.
Meanwhile the people made up their minds that ten
miles square was a pretty large town, especially as the two
business centres (Waddington and Columbia village) at
which elections were alternately held were nine miles apart.
» Mr. Goss soon after built the stone woolen-factory which is still
standing.
Accordingly they procured the passage of a law, on the
twenty-second day of November, 1859, setting ofi' the north-
western half of Madrid into a new town to be called Wad-
dington. This left Madrid a perfect rectangle, ten miles
by five, except that in the northeast corner the Waddington
boundary runs for about two miles along the centre of Grasse
river, which bears a little to the northward of the remainder
of the line. These limits have remained undisturbed ever
since. After this time Columbia village gradually assumed
the name of '• Madrid," and the latter appellation is now in
general use.
When the war for the Union broke out the sons of Mad-
rid, whether of Scotch or American ancestry, responded
promptly to the call of their country. Their deeds are told
in the records of the regiments to which they belonged,
and their names are enrolled in the long list of the heroes
of St. Lawrence County with which this history closes.
The town, too, was as ready to vote money as individuals
were to go to the field. In 1862, before any draft was
ordered, a town-bounty of fifty dollars was voted to every
volunteer. In December, 1863, three hundred dollars was
voted to each volunteer without a dissenting voice. At
several special town-meetings, held in 1864 and 1865, boun-
ties of from three hundred to a thousand dollars were voted,
and nearly every time by a unanimous vote. Equal unan-
imity was shown in favor of the constitutional amendment
permitting soldiers to vote, two hundred and twenty-five
ballots being cast in its favor and not one against it.
Two springs, strongly impregnated with iron, and said to
possess excellent medical properties, were discovered near
the Madrid depot shortly after the war. The healthful
climate and pleasant scenery around, combined with these
medicinal waters, furnish every reason for establishing a
flourishing watering-place at this point, but the efibrts thus
far made to that end have not yet been very successful.
Doubtless the goddess of health dwells on the beautiful
banks of Grasse river ; but the goddess of fashion, a deity
with a much more numerous following, not having deigned
to make her abode there, her more modest sister is entirely
unnoticed. A post-office has been established there, called
" Madrid Springs," and the locality is sometimes called by
that name, sometimes termed " the depot," and sometimes
considered a part of Madrid village.
The population of Madrid, by the census of 1875, was
1968. The population of former years will be found in
the general history of the county. Now, as in early times,
butter-making is the principal occupation of its inhabitants,
and this product of their dairies has a wide reputation and
commands the highest price. Even cheese-making, which
plays so important a part in almost all dairying sections, is
altogether a minor business. A single cheese-factory, situ-
ated on Trout brook, opened by Henry Pelton during the
present year, is all the representation of that branch of
industry.
As to manufactures, Grasse river furnishes ample power
for their accommodation, and it is by no means unimproved.
The Bladrid woolen-mills, the erection of which by Mr.
Goss has been already mentioned, are now owned by Mr.
Bogert, of New York city, but are leased by J. D. Starks
& Son, of Madrid. They took possession in January, 1876.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
283
Previous to 1871 the mills had been operated for eight or
ten years by A. Van Siokler. The proprietors make woolen
cloth, kerseymere, flannels, etc., besides doing custom card-
ing. They usually employ about eight hands, run some
six months in the year, and turn out between three and
four thousand yards. The capacity of the mills is much
greater. Besides the flouring-mill of George Douglass,
which runs nigli't and day, the principal other manufactures
are the tannery of John Fisher and the flax-mill of John
Waite. Both of these establishments did a large business
some ten years ago, but are now restrained to more mod-
erate work by the pressure of the times.
As has been said, Madrid and Madrid Springs have by
the erection of residences between them almost grown into
one continuous village. Considering them as one, the place
now contains, besides the manufactures already noticed, five
general stores, two drug-stores, one grocery, one hardware
store, four hotels, three cabinet-shops, five blacksmith-shops,
two wagon-shops, three shoe-shops, one jeweler, and one
marble-shop. The churches will be separately mentioned.
There are also two lawyers : C. R. McClelland, Esq , who has
practiced here since 1848, and Geo. G. Simonds, Esq., whose
legal career dates from 1861. The physicians are Dr. G. W.
Reynolds, who has practiced three years in Madrid, Dr. E.
Walch, whose experience at the same place covers about ten
years, and the veteran Dr. Pierce, already alluded to.
The schools of Madrid have always been well sustained.
A mile square of land devoted to their use was sold by
trustees elected by the people, the money invested in bond
and mortgage, and the revenue divided among the districts
in the same proportion as the public funds distributed by
the State. When the town was divided, the fund was also
divided in proportion to the population. The portion be-
longing to Madrid now amounts to $4008, the annual
income being $261. The money received during the past
year from the State by the several districts was $1425, and
some of them do not find it necessary to raise any school
tax whatever ; the State and local funds being sufficient for
their wants.
There are ten school districts, the school-houses for which
are in Madrid, besides nine "joint districts," the houses of
which are in other towns. The total number of children of
school age is seven hundred and forty-five.
Madrid Union Free School District No. 1 was organized
April 24, 1867, out of the old school districts Nos. 10 and
20 ; those two districts being divided by Grasse river, and
the greater part of the population of each being in Madrid
village. The board of education consists of three trustees,
one being elected each year for a term of three years. The
first board was composed of Hugh Smith, William S.
Lockwood, and John C. Gage. For several years, however,
school was kept in the two district school-houses.
In the summer of 1873 a handsome two -story brick
school-house with a one-story wing was built on the north
side of the river, and a graded school was established. The
cost of the site, building, furniture, etc., was $8000. The
school employs four teachers (a principal, preceptress, and
two assistants), and has three grades,— the academic, inter-
mediate, and primary. The total number of scholars is
175; the average attendance is about 150.
The present board of education consists of John C. Gage,
president. Nelson W. Pike, and C. R. McClelland, clerk,
to whom we are indebted for these facts. The first princi-
pal was John A. Haig, who was succeeded by John E.
Cheetham, the present head of the school. Miss Hattie A.
Leete is the present preceptress.
The Madrid town-hall is one of the finest buildings of
the kind to be found in any town of that size in the State.
It is situated on Church street, in Madrid village, and was
erected in 1871 at a cost of $6000. It is built of brick,
is seventy feet by forty in size, and consists of one story,
and twenty-two feet high, besides a basement story, pro-
vided with a furnace for warming the whole. The main
room is finely frescoed, and amply provided with seats, and
is used for town-meetings, elections, lectures, public exhibi-
tions, and all similar proceedings. The basement is often
used for dining parties, and is even provided with a gross of
plates, cups, saucers, and all other needful articles of table
furniture. Certainly, if the Bladrid people are not suffi-
ciently social, it is not for lack of proper conveniences.
From the town-hall we pass to the town-officers. The
following is a list of the supervisors of Madrid froin 1802
to 1877, with their years of service: Joseph Edsall, 1802
to 1805 inclusive; Asa Freeman, 1806 and 1807; Alex-
ander Richards, 1808; Asa Freeman, 1809; Joseph Free-
man, 1810, '11, and '12 ; William Meach, 1813 ; Joseph
Freeman, 1814 and '15 ; Jason Fenton, 1816 to 1822 in-
clusive ; Joseph Freeman, 1823 to 1828 inclu.sive; J. S.
Chipraan, 1829 to 1832 inclusive ; George Redington,
1833 to 1837 inclusive; Richard Blood, 1838; Walter
Wilson, 1839; Geo, Redington, 1840; Alfred Goss, 1841
and '42 ; A. T. Montgomery, 1843 and '44 ; T. Lears, 1845
and '46 ; A. T. Montgomery, 1847 and '48 ; Jesse Cogs-
well, 1849 and '50; Richard Edsall, 1851 ; Francis Fenton,
1852 ; Austin J. Goss, 1853 ; John S. Chipman, 1854 ;
Jesse Cogswell, 1855 ; Cyprian Powell, 1856 ; Charles C.
Montgomery, 1857, '58, and '59 (division of the town) ;
Charles R. McClelland, 1860; Cyprian Powell, 1861;
William S. Read, 1862, '63, and '64; Henry 0. Sweet,
1865 to 1873 inclusive; John H. Robinson, 1874 to 1877
inclusive. Of those mentioned previous to the division,
Messrs. J. and R. Edsall, A. Freeman, J. and F. Fenton,
Redington, Wilson, A. T. and C. C. Montgomery were resi-
dents of what is now Waddington.
The following is a list of the present officers of Madrid:
Supervisor, John H.Robinson; Town-clerk, Judson E. Hoss-
ford ; Justices of the Peace, Geo. E. Simons, A. F. Peck,
Stephen F. Palmer ; Commissioners of Highways.Blias Nich-
ols, Adam Atchinson, Harvey C. West ; Collector, Arthur T.
Hepburn ; Overseer of the Poor, Charles L. Lockwood ;
Assessors, John Hall, David Fisher, John Smith ; Auditors,
William Cranston, H. 0. Sweet, C. R. McClelland; In-
spectors of Election, A. L. Short, W. P. Hall, M. A.
Whitney.
We close the pages devoted to Madrid with sketches of
various organizations which could not conveniently be inter-
mino-led with the main current of the town history.
The First Congregational Church. — This church
was organized on the 17th day of February, 1807, by the Rev.
Amos Pettengill, with the following ten members : Windsor
28JI
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Moulding, Cyras Abernethy, Nel Gray, Salmon Gray and
wife, Asahel Stone and wife, Mrs. Root, Mrs. Benton, Miss
Judd. For nearly twenty years it met in private houses
and school-houses, and occasionally in the old grist-mill.
The church was supplied by transient missionaries until
1809, when the Rev. Chauncey Cook was employed.
In 1811, Rev. Jonathan Winchester was employed for
four years, the call specifying that he was to receive ninety-
one dollars yearly in cash, and two hundred and seventy-
three dollars in "wheat and corn," at the going price.
Ninety-one dollars was evidently the last cent for which
cash subscriptions could be obtained. Mr. Winchester
preached with general acceptation until 1819. There was
then a vacancy of two years, the pulpit being occasionally
occupied by Rev. Royal Phelps.
A society for secular purposes, called the First Congre-
gational Society of Madrid, was formed May 8, 1820, with
Salmon Gray, A. Packard, Sr , Stephen Goodman, Charles
McFarland, William Powell, and Abner Parmalee, as the
first trustees. Rev. Joseph Hurlbut was employed in 1824,
when the scarcity of money was again pretty plainly mani-
fested. Thomas Wright subscribed a quarter of an acre of
corn ; James Efurlbut, ditto ; Thaddeus Hurlbut, ditto ;
Jonas Fuller, ten rods of corn ; Caleb M. Foote, thirty
rods; Salmon H. Keeler, twenty; John Hurlbut, twenty;
Aaron Gale, " a patch of onions."
Notwithstanding the hard times, the present stone church,
thirty by forty feet in size, was built at Columbia village
during Mr. Hurlbut's pastorate, at a cost of four thousand
dollars, being begun in 1825 and completed in 1827. Rev.
James Taylor served as pastor from February, 1829, to
January, 1838; and Rev. Samuel Wood from December,
1840, till November, 1848.
There was a remarkable revival in 1841, conducted by
the celebrated Burchard, during which seventy or eighty
persons joined the church. The parsonage was built dur-
ing Mr. Wood's pastorate.
There was a good deal of discipline in the old days, the
rules being very strict, and the violations, apparently, quite
frequent. Men were arraigned for drinking, card-playing,
swearing, " having some one else pay his debts," failing to
keep up fences, undue intimacy with a suspicious character,
and last, not least, on the complicated charge of " spending
time and money running to Montreal and back, instead of
paying his debts and supporting his family."
Rev. B. B. Parsons was the pastor from 1849 till 185G,
during which time (1850) a bell, costing three hundred
dollars, was bought by general^ubscription and placed on
this church. In 1857, Mr. Daniel Stone gave the society
the welcome gift of a wood-lot of twenty-five acres. From
June of that year until November, 1862, Rev. R. Pratt
ofiSciated as minister. After an interregnum of five years,
Rev. G. Strassenburg served from 1867 to 1873, being fol-
lowed, in 1874, by Rev. John H. Kopf, the present pastor,
who has kindly furnished the facts here given from the
church records.
There are at this time ninety-four members. There are
also about a hundred members of the Sabbath-school, of
which 0. S. Hurlbut is superintendent. The deacons of
the church are Samuel Barlow, George Dean, Sr., and
Hascall D. Raymond. The temporalities are cared for by
the following trustees: H. 0. Sweet, G. M. Douglass, Phi-
lander Hallock, 0. M. Foote, H. D. Raymond, and James
Watson, Geo. G. Simons being the clerk of the board.
The First Baptist Church. — Sept. 7, 1808, was the
birthday of the Baptist church of Madrid, and, like its
Congregational sister, it began its existence with ten mem-
bers. These were Samuel Robinson, Levi Bristol, Valen-
tine Lovely, Joseph Orcutt, Anna Robinson, Olive Higby,
Tillie Lovely, Rhoda Corey, Tamerin Newbury, and Olive
Doren. The organization was eiFected by Rev. Samuel
Rowley, at the house of Samuel Robinson.
Rev. Mr. Rowley preached occasionally for several years,
as did also Elder Roots, Rev. Isaac Sawyer, Rev. Emery
Osgood, and other missionary ministei'S.
The first regular preacher was Elder Solomon Johnson,
who was employed in 1818, and even then his services
could be afibrded only once in four weeks. The same
year Samuel Robinson and Enos C. Eastman were chosen
the first deacons. In 1825 Rev. Mr. Rhodes was employed
to preach every two weeks, and was succeeded in 1826 by
Rev. Silas Pratt. Rev. Hiram SafFord, who lived at Co-
lumbia village, being a partner in a store there, preached
frequently, though not regularly employed, as did also Rev.
Nathaniel Culver. The meetings were held sometimes at
Columbia village, sometimes at the " Upper Settlement," or
Doren school-house, and sometimes at the Franklin school-
house, four miles down the river from the village. This
most numerous cases of discipline were for intoxication,
which seems to have been the besetting sin of the day, in-
side as well as outside of the church. A small frame
church was built at Columbia village in 1836.
The records are quite imperfect, but they show that Rev.
Messrs. Dodge, Peck, Scott, Lyle, R. S. Palmer, and 0. W.
Moxley successively officiated; the latter being the pastor
in 1844. He was succeeded by Daniel Sabine, fox two
years; Kyle, two years; J. M. Beaman, two years;
H. S. G. Warren, one year; 0. W. Babcock, two years;
Chas. Elliot, two yeai-s ; 0. W. Moxley, two years, closing
in December, 1859. The church was supplied somewhat
irregularly by Revs. L. S. Baker, A. J. Frost, and 0. W.
Moxley until the spring of 1864, when Rev. J. N. Webb
was installed. He remained until September, 1868, and
was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Hickey, who served as
pastor until 1873, when Rev. Charles H. Johnson was
duly installed.
In 1869 the old church was sold to the Catholics. In
1871 the Baptist Evangelical Society, which is the name
of the secular organization connected with the church, pur-
chased a small frame church-building erected that season
for a Union church at Madrid Springs. In 1872 and 1873
a very fine brick church was built at Madrid village, at a
cost of nearly eleven thousand dollars. The next year after
its dedication (1874), Mr. Johnson was succeeded by Rev.
H. A. Connell, who remained until the spring of 1877,
when the Rev. 0. W. Moxley became, for the third time,
the regular pastor of the church.
The present number of members is eighty-one. The
Sabbath-school has about ninety scholars, and its library
contiiins near two hundred volumes. The nresent officers
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
285
are as follows : Deacons, Harlos Daily, David M. Smead,
and Erastus Wright; Trustees, David M. Smead, Oscar
Smead, John Fisher, Hampton Lovegrove, David Worth-
ing ; Sabbath-school Superintendent, D. M. Smead. The
church clerk is Mr. Samuel D. Gage, to whom we are in-
debted for assistance in learning the facts above narrated.
The First Methodist Church. — Previous to 1847
there had been a few Methodists scattered ' through the
town who had occasionally assembled to hear the word of
God expounded by traveling missionaries or local preachers,
especially by Rev. Alamanzo Blackman, then a resident of
Buck's Bridge. On the 3d day of June, in that year, a so-
ciety was organized at Buck's Bridge known as the society
of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Columbia vil-
lage, the first trustees being Solomon S. Martin, Stephen
F. Palmer, and William S. Reed ; and steps were taken to
have regular preaching at Columbia village. Rev. Mr.
Blackman supplied the pulpit for two years, he being fol-
lowed by Rev. Ira Corbin, and he by Messrs. Whipple and
Sims, who preached alternately. Afterwards, Rev. S. F.
Kenyon preached two years; E. E. Kellogg, two years;
G. P. Baker, two years ; G. G. Hapgood, one year ; C. E.
Beebe, three years; E. B. Kellogg, three years; A. G.
Markham, three years; D. B. White, two years; G. P.
Kenney, three years. The last-named gentleman is the
present incumbent, to whose courtesy we owe the informa-
tion gleaned from the church records.
In 1852 the society bought the store of Alfred Goss, and
fitted it up as a place of worship. In 1868 a commodious
and elegant brick church was erected on the same site at a
cost of about $14,000. A parsonage has also been built
near by at a cost of $1200. The church is in a very flour-
ishing condition, there being at the present time one hun-
dred and twenty-two members. There is also a Sabbath-
school with eighty-nine members and fourteen ofiicers and
teachers, Mrs. M. A. Nichols being the superintendent.
The stewards of the church are William R. Lockwood,
James Blackman, Sewell Daily, Elias Nichols, Nelson
Hamblin, Cornelius Currier, Stephen P. Palmer, D. W. C.
Douglass, and Solace E. Daily. The class-leader is Rev.
Alamanzo Blackman. The trustees are S. P. Pomeroy, D.
W. C. Douglass,. William R. Lockwood, Solace E. Daily,
Solomon S. Martin, James Blackman, Nelson Hammond,
and Erastus Bibbins.
The First Universalis! Church. — An organization
was efifected by a few Universalist settlers as early as 1814.
They employed the Rev. John Foster, who preached from
that time until 1816. After him the Rev. Jonathan Wal-
lace was sustained as the pastor about half the time for
thirteen years. For near ten years afterwards the society
was in quite a depressed condition. In 1838 there was a
revival of interest, and a reorganization of the church was
effected, William Richmond, Ansel Pain, Charles Bartholo-
piew, and Thomas Hesselgrave being appointed deacons.
Mr. Richmond is now dead ; the others still retain the po-
sitions to which they were then chosen ; and to Mr. Hes-
selgrave we are indebted for our information regarding the
church. In 1838, '39, and '40 the Rev. Mr. Garfield oflfi-
ciated as minister.
la 1841 a secular organization was eff'ected, with Hiram
Winslow, William McEwen, and Luther Abernethy as the
first trustees. The next year the society built a handsome
white frame church edifice on Main street, Columbia vil-
lage, at a cost of $3000. Rev. Darwin Mott and Rev. J.
Baker served several years as pastors, and in 1850 Rev. J.
W. Bailey was employed. A parsonage was built in 1851.
After Mr. Bailey, Rev. Asa Saxe preached for about two
years. Rev. W. H. Wagner, who was connected with the
Union army, preached in this church for several years, and
since him the ministers have been the Revs. E. M. Grant
and G. S. Perrin. There has been much occasional preach-
ing by students from Canton seminary, and there appear to
be a considerable number in town who sympathize with
their doctrines.
The Church of St. John the Baptist (Catholic).
— A mission church with this name was established by the
Catholic authorities, and the old Baptist edifice purchased
in 1869. Since then the oiBciating priests have been
Fathers John Joseph Swift and Florence McCarthy, both
being regularly stationed at Waddington. There are now
between forty and fifty families belonging to the church.
Grasse River Lodge, No. 312, P. and A. M.— This
lodge was instituted June 16, 1863, the charter members
being H. B. Richardson, Caleb Pierce, M.D., H. K. Beld-
ing, B. Lovegrove, and Nathan Crary. The Masters since
then have been H. B. Richardson, John A. Puller, Nathan
Crary, Charles R. Bundage, Hugh Smith, R. Lovegrove,
B. J. Soper, Charles H. Buttrick, William H. Easton, A.
Van Sickler, 0. C. Robinson, A. A. Wescott.
The present oificers are A. A. Wescott, W. M. ; Ira L.
C. Lockwood, S. W. ; 0. C. Robinson, J. W. ; S. P. Pal-
mer, Treas. ; R. Lovegrove, Sec. ; Edward Lockwood, J.
D. ; J. E. Horsford, Tyler; Rev. A. Blackman, Chaplain.
The facts of our sketch are obtained from the secretary.
From its feeble beginning with five members, Grasse
River Lodge has gradually grown until it now numbers
forty members, exhibiting a career of moderate but steady
prosperity. It meets at Madrid village on the first and
third Saturdays of each month.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DR. CALEB PIERCE.
In the front rank of the honorable profession of medi-
cine in St. Lawrence County, he of whom we write has
for many years occupied a prominent and -honorable posi-
tion, and deservedly and justly so. Winning this place
by skill and erudition, he has maintained it well in the
o-eneral estimation of his fellow-citizens.
Dr. Caleb Pierce is the first son of Bestor Pierce, and
grandson of Nathaniel Pierce, of Plainfield, Conn., the
family being of English descent, and claiming ancestry
amonff the Percys of Northumberland.* The first wife of
Bestor Pierce was a daughter of Eden Burroughs and
was the mother of Caleb, Collins R., Minerva, and Laura
» See Records of the Massachusotls Historical Society.
286
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Pierce. She died April 4, 1813. About the year 1816,
Bestor Pierce married Margaret MoChesney, a native of
the State of New York, who bore to him two sons, John
and Robert. The only surviving children of both unions
are Caleb, John, and Robert.
Dr. Caleb Pierce was born in Royalton, Vt., Aug. 6,
1800, and at the age of six years came with his father and
family to St. Lawrence County, and settled in Potsdam.
Pie was reared as a farmer, and attended the common dis-
trict schools until the opening of the St. Lawrence academy,
when he entered that institution, and pursued its course of
studies for three years. At the age of nineteen he evinced
a strong desire to prepare himself for the practice of the
medical profession, but owing to the limited circumstances
in which his father was placed, no assistance beyond a mere
pittance could be awarded from that source. The young
man, however, was undaunted, and had the courage and
will sufficient to face even poverty in the struggle to ac-
complish his cherished desire. He, therefore, went to
Lebanon, N. H., and began the study of medicine with
Dr. Phineas Parkhurst and Prof R. D. Muzzey, members
of the faculty of Dartmouth college. During his stay
with these gentlemen he attended three full courses of
medical lectures, and received a diploma as a doctor of
medicine in the fall of 1822, and also a diploma from the
Vermont State medical society.
In the year 1823, Dr. Pierce settled in the village of
Madrid for the practice of his profession. Here for a few
years the shades, as well as a few of the lights, of the
practice of medicine in a new country fell on his pathway.
Though he was struggling with poverty, and money was
hard to get to replenish the soon depleted stock of medi-
cines, yet he never refused to attend the calls of his chosen
profession, though they came from those unable to pay
even for the necessaries that made them whole. Rich and
poor were alike served well, and his ministrations to those
engaged in the sister profession of the gospel have ever been
gratuitously supplied, whatever their doctrines or creeds.
Soon after his arrival ia Madrid he connected himself
with the St. Lawrence medical society, of which he is still
a member, receiving from that society in 1821 its certifi-
cate of authority to practice his profession. He has been
the president and vice-president, and repeatedly one of the
censors of the society ; and has also a diploma of honorary
membership from the Castleton medical college of Ver-
mont, granted in 1848. He received also in 1871 the
honorary degree of M.D. from Dartmouth college. He
lias represented the county society many times in the State
medical society as a delegate to its annual meetings.
Thus was he thrown into the circle of cultivated and
enlarged minds at a period in his life when his enthusiasm
was enlisted in an honorable pursuit ; and the influences
then surrounding him so moulded and directed the student,
that the practitioner of later years felt and acknowledged
their power and benefit.
At the age of twenty-five years he married an estimable
lady, Miss Sarah, daughter of General James Farnsworth,
of Fairfax, Franklin Co , Vt. She was a woman of no
ordinary ability ; possessed of a finely cultivated mind, and
an ever-willing heart to lend a helping hand to those in
distress. As a wife and mother she performed her duties
and obligations with a scrupulous regard for the right, but
always full of sympathy for the poor and afflicted, a well-
chosen mate for her husband, who reciprocated her generos-
ity and charities. Her religious belief was in consonance
with her early training, coupled with her own logical
deductions. She was an active member of the Congrega-
tional church of Madrid for many years.
To Dr. and Mrs. Pierce six children have been given :
William Cornelius, James Farnsworth, Henry Clark, John
Horton, Harriet Melinda, and Granville S., of whom James
F. alone survives.
Mrs. Pierce "fell asleep" Jan. 1, 1865, leaving a large
circle of warm personal friends to mourn her loss, but who
treasure her memory with a pleasure that mitigates their
sadness. But upon her companion of forty years of life,
joys, and sorrows, a shadow fell which can never be dis-
pelled till they shall clasp hands again beyond the river in
that city, " where the Lamb is the light thereof," and tears
and partings and mournings are past.
In politics Dr. Pierce has been a life-long Democrat of
the Jacksonian school ; always active in public affairs, but
never soliciting office nor neglecting professional business
for political preferment.
As a physician of over half a century's practice in the
county of St. Lawrence, he has met with great success,
and from bare-handed circumstances has, by prudence and
economy, gathered to himself a sufficiency of this world's
goods to give comfort and ease to his declining days.
HON. JAMES F. PIERCE,
son of Dr. Caleb Pierce, was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., April 8, 1830. At the age of fifteen he entered
the academy at Canton, where he pursued the ordinary
course of study taught in such schools, remaining two years.
In 1847 he went to the St. Lawrence academy, Potsdam, to
further prosecute his studies preparatory for college, but
on account of poor health, by the advice of physicians, he
abandoned the idea of a collegiate course. He then com-
menced the study of law with the Hon. L. Knowles,- of
Potsdam.
In 1847 he entered the law office of the Hon. J. Pierson
and Beach, of Troy, N. Y., and at the expiration of two
years graduated at the Albany law school. His health
failing he returned home, serious apprehensions being had
by his friends and himself as to his recovery.
In 1853 he loft his native home for a more congenial
climate, which he found in Florida. On bis arrival at St.
Augustine he made the acquaintance of Hon. Judge Bron-
son, of that place, of the supreme bench of the State.
Judge Bronson proved a true friend, and extended to him
the privileges of his office while a resident of the State,
should he desire to occupy it. This oSer was gladly ac-
cepted, and during the three years of his stay in Florida
Mr. Pierce found the judge to be a faithful friend, and one
to whom he became warmly attached.
Judge Bronson was a Democrat of the old Jeffersonian
srrlinnl, flnH in vnnncr Pipmn hi> fnnnrl «
TnlmCii no-
oc^^c^
James F. Pierce.
>- "'•■f,.
1 4-/^* , \ w.'
residence: of Caleb pierce, m.o. MAaff/DjA/cwv-osif.
ffESlDENCE OF S.J DEWEY, Waddington , Wew Yorh
Res of JAMES RmNGTON,\NADoimoN St Lawrencl Co.N Y
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
287
litical principles were and ever had been of the true Demo-
cratic type. During his residence in Florida he also
formed the acquaintance of important State officers, among
whom were United States Senator Yulec and Governor
Broom, men of great mental worth, and life-long Democrats.
In 1855 Governor Broom was renominated for gov-
ernor of Florida, and Mr. Pierce, in company with the
governor, devoted much time in traveling through different
parts of the State, holding political meetings, and making
speeches urging the claims of the nominee for governor.
In 1857, his health being improved, Mr. Pierce returned
to Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and commenced the
practice of law with Messrs. Sawyer & Russell, as one of
the partners of that firm. During this connection he was
elected county clerk.
In 1865, wishing to find a more desirable location in
which to practice his profession, he went to New York
city, where he formed a co-partnership with Robert Sewell,
Esq., one of the most prominent lawyers in the city. By
strict attention to business they secured a large and lucra-
tive practice.
In 1870 his district, recognizing his position and service,
elected him State senator from the second senatorial dis-
trict, Brooklyn, which office he held for two years. As a
further recognition of his political services, in 1877 he
again received the nomination for senator, and was elected
by a large majority.
Mr. Pierce was married, June 24, 1856, to Miss Anna
M. Redington, daughter of Hon. George Redington, of
Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
-^"i^^&«^«—
WADDINGTON.
Waddington is a new town but an old settlement, —
one of the oldest in the county. The first white family
who made their home in the present town were Dutch, and
were found living in a hut on the site of the village, by
Samuel Allen, in March, 1797 ; every member being clad
in deerskin garments. The date of their location, their
name, and their fate are alike unknown. Mr. Allen is
believed to have been the next settler. Certainly he made
his home there during the year, for on the 14th of Novem-
ber, 1797, his son, William L. Allen, was born there, being
the first white child born in the present town. A few
others are supposed to have made temporary homes there
that year, but no land was sold until 1798. So far as
known, the first death of a white within the town was that
of Daniel Tuttle, who lived on the bank of the St. Law-
rence, a short distance above Point Iroquois.
The title of Waddington (except the islands), with the
rest of the survey-township of Madrid, which had been
laid out and patented by the State several years before, as
described in the general history, became vested about this
same time in David A. Ogden and Thomas S. Ogden, of
New York city. The islands in the St. Lawrence had not
bfeen patented by the State, because it was not known
Tfhether they would belong to this country or Great Britain.
They were included, however, in Macomb's great contract,
and were to be conveyed to him or his assigns, if finally
allotted to the United States. The principal one, lying for
three miles along the St. Lawrence, and about three-fourths
of a mile wide at the broadest point, now called Ogden is-
land, was then known as " He au Rapide Plat." It was so
called from the name " Rapide Plat," given by the French
to that part of the St. Lawrence northwest of the island,
meaning " smooth rapid," because while the river was here
quite swift, it was not so broken as to be dangerous to navi-
gation, and the fall of eleven feet extended over the whole
distance of three miles. On the other hand, the smaller
branch of the river, southwest of the island, originally made
the whole fall in about fifty rods, opposite the site of Wad-
dington village. The water rushed swiftly down a rocky
incline to the main fall, where it plunged off a distance of
nearly eight feet, rebounding as it reached the bottom so as
to cause a strong upward flow along the shore. The place
was called by the French, " Le Petit Saut," the little falls.
In 1797, Waddington was nominally a part of Herkimer
county, which, by law, extended north in a narrow strip
from the Mohawk to the St. Lawrence, but, in fact, all this
section was then almost out of the jurisdiction of civilized
tribunals.
In July, 1798, there were at least twelve or fifteen resi-
dents in the vicinity, for that number were present at a
celebration of Independence Day held at the extreme end
of Point Iroquois. Jacob Redington read the Declara-
tion of Independence, and made a short speech, and then
all the rifles and shot-guns in the settlement were fired in
honor of the day, and all the men present joined in tumult-
uous cheering. The Canadians, astonished at the uproar,
and not yet accustomed to independence days, sent over a
" flag of truce" to learn the cause, the bearers of which
quietly returned when they learned that no invasion of Canada
was meditated. The exercises closed with a ball, the voice
of Mrs. A (probably Allen) being the only music
to guide the feet of the dancers.
Joseph Edsall, a native of New Jersey, received the agency
of the survey-township of Madrid in June, 1798. The
only persons recorded as taking contracts that year were
Barton Edsall and John Sharp, though, as has been seen,
there were several other residents. Sharp is remembered
as having lived on the river, a little above Waddington
village.
The land was surveyed, or partially surveyed, by Ben-
jamin Wright in 1799, and in 1800 it appears to have been
fully opened for sale. Lots were laid off all along the river.
288
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a sixth of a mile wide on the river-front, and running back
from a mile to a mile and three-quarters. All lots back of
this were surveyed a mile square each. The former were
commonly called river-lots, the first retail price being $2.50
per acre ; the latter were known as mile-square lots, and
were sold at |2 per acre. In June, 1800, the following
entered into contracts for land, many of them having been
already there, and waiting for a chance to purchase : John
Tuttle, Benjamin Bartlett, Godfrey Myers, Benjamin Camp-
bell, Elias Dimick, Eeuben Fields, Asa Freeman, Samuel
Allen, Edward Lawrence, Asa and Jason Fenton, Alexander
Brush, James Kilborn, Jacob Carnes, Allen Patterson,
Jacob Eedington, Eobert Sample, Caleb and Cornelius
Peck, Henry Allen, William Osburne, Ira Paine, Oliver
Linsley, Joseph Orcutt, and Henry and Joseph Erwin.
John Montgomery, fiither of Horace and C. C. Montgomery,
also came in this year.
The next year (1801) the only names recorded as pur-
chasers are those of Isaac Bartholomew and Simon Linds-
ley, but it is known that there were others who settled in
town that year, though perhaps they did not buy land till
the next. Among these wore four brothers, — Andrew,
Walter, Thomas, and Eichard Eutherford, — all well-to-do
Scotchmen from Eoxburghshire, who crossed the ocean in
1801, and are known to have taken up their residence in
what is now Waddington the same year, as the next Janu-
ary they all signed the petition of the " ten towns" for the
creation of St. Lawrence County. The locality they selected
was southwest of Waddington village, and has since been
sometimes called Eutherford Ridge, but more commonly
the " Scotch settlement."
In the forepart of this year a number of settlers, mostly
residents of the survey-township of Lisbon, sent a petition
to the legislature that the " ten towns" (survey-townships)
should be formed into a civil town, named Lisbon, and an-
nexed to Clinton county. This was accordingly done, and
for a year Waddington was a part of Clinton county. This
arrangement, however, suited very few, and, on the 3d of
March, 1802, in accordance with the almost unanimous
petition of the inhabitants, the county of St. Lawrence was
erected. By the same act the survey-townships of Pots-
dam and Madrid were formed into the civil town of Madrid,
thus including all that is now Waddington, except the
islands in the St. Lawrence, which were afterwards added.
The first town-meeting was held on the first day of April,
1802, and although the name was Madrid, yet, as the people
nearly all lived in what is now Waddington, we give the
names of the ofiicers elected :
Supervisor, Joseph Edsall ; Town Clerk, Jacob Eeding-
ton ; Assessors, Cyrus Abernethy, Eeuben Field, Alexander
Brush, and Henry Erwin ; Constable and Collector, Henry
Erwin ; Overseers of the Poor, Jonathan Tuttle and Solo-
mon Linsley ; Commissioners of Highways, John Sharp,
Isaac Bartholomew, and Ephraim S. Eaymond ; Fence-
viewers, Asa Freeman, Jonathan Allen, and Cyrus Aber-
nethy; Pound-keeper, Edward Lawrence; Overseers of
Highways, Jonathan Allen, Alexander Brush, Thomas
Eutherford, Oliver Linsley, and Solomon Linsley.
Of these, all but Abernethy, Raymond, S. Linsley, and
possibly one or two more, were residents of what is now
Waddington. Tradition asserts that this first town-meetin"
was held in an open field ; the " moderator," as the pre-
siding officer was then called, being seated on a pine stump.
Mr. Edsall, the supervisor, was also appointed one of the
first judges of the court of common picas of the new
county, holding that position until 1811.
The principal roads laid out this year were the " great
road," as the commissioners called it, beginning at the
southwest corner of mile-square lot No. Twenty-six on the
Lisbon line, running thence north, sixty-two degrees ea.st,
nine miles ; thence north, sixty-five east, to the Louisville
line, and the " Upper and Lower Perpendicular roads,"
running at right angles to this ; the first starting on the
river at the corner of river-lots Forty-seven and Forty-eight,
and the other at the corner of lots Thirty-seven and Thirty-
eight. A number of settlers came from New England,
especially from Vermont, in this year (1802), and log cabins
began to rise in every direction in the forest.
In 1803, D. A. and T. L. Ogdcn conveyed an undivided
third of their land in this vicinity to Joshua Waddington,
and these three were for many years joint owners of the
territory of Waddington. In the forepart of the year a
serious diflBculty occurred with the St. Regis Indians, who
laid claim to the " He au Rapide Plat" (Ogden island),
though it had already been sold to the State. Tiie island
was covered with valuable pines, and many of these were
cut down under the direction of the Indians. Judge Ed-
sall forbade them taking them away. Much excitement
ensued, and some of the chiefs went so far as to threaten
the taking of scalps. This coming to the ears of that en-
ergetic pioneer, Nathan Ford, of Ogdcnsburg, then first
judge of the county, he called them to account so sharply
that they greatly moderated their tone. Finally, an amicable
arrangement was made, by which the Indians agreed to re-
linquish all claims to the land and standing timber, and
Edsall agreed to pay sixty cents for each tree then cut
down, if it should be decided that the island belonged to
the proprietors of Madrid. In the latter part of the same
year, Alexander Richards became agent for the proprietors
in place of Judge Edsall. A small grist-mill and saw-mill
were built in 1803 and 1804, on the site of Waddington
village, the necessary water being obtained by a short race-
way without a dam.
Immigration steadily progressed year after year, Vermont
and Scotland being still the principal fountain-heads.
Numerous countrymen of the Eutlierfords followed their
example, and the " Scotch settlement" grew and prospered,
at least as rapidly and well as any other part of the town.
While the Americans had hardly any resources to obtain
money, except the making of potash and the sending of a
little timber to Montreal, the Scotch devoted themselves
especially to the making of butter, and, whether on account
of quantity or quality, they certainly as a class succeeded
better than their Yankee competitors. Plenty of grain was
raised, too, by all classes ; but, although this would keep'
people from hunger, it would bring little or no money: it
cost as much as it would sell for to transport it to the sea-
board markets.
The first physician in Madrid, or Waddington, was Dr.
Barber, — supposed to have been Allen Barber, who came
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
289
thither in 1802. Dr. Barber was drowned on the 6th of
January, 1806, while crossing the St. Lawrence from Canada
to Louisville in a boat.
Meanwhile, whatever business was done in the north
part of Madrid, now Waddington, was done on the river-
shore opposite the middle of the " He au. llapide Plat."
The place was early named Hamilton by the proprietors,
in honor of the distinguished statesman, Alexander Hamil-
ton, who, for several years previous to his death, had been
connected in business with D. A. and T. L. Ogden. There
being already a post-office of that name in this State, how-
ever, the one at the point in question received the name of
" Madrid," being established on the 14th of December,
1807, with Alexander Richards as the first postmaster.
The next year Mr. Richards was also appointed an associate
judge of the common pleas, remaining such until 1823.
In 1808 a law was passed authorizing the proprietors to
build a dam across the south branch of the St. Lawrence at
Hamilton with a lock in it fifty feet by ten, which should
permit the passage of vessels of two feet draft. The builders
were allowed to collect toll at the rate of fifty cents per ton
for small boats, and twenty-five cents for vessels above two
tons. The whole work was to be completed in three years.
A stone dam with a wooden lock was first attempted, but
the lock was undermined before it was completed and the
work was abandoned. In 1811 the time for its construction
was extended, but the War of 1812 necessitated a further
postponement.
Meantime settlement had progressed so rapidly that,
according to the census of 1810, there were then fourteen
hundred and twenty people in the town of Madrid, of whom
probably two-thirds were in what is now Waddington.
Madrid had then a larger population than any other
town in the county, it being nearly two hundred larger
than that of Oswegatchie, and five hundred more than that
of Potsdam. There was a port of entry established at
Hamilton as early as 1810, Colonel Mathew Myers being
the deputy collector in charge. Colonel Myers was also
the first lawyer in Waddington, having been admitted to
practice in the common pleas of St. Lawrence County in
1809, while Gouverneur Ogden was not admitted until
1810. The latter was appointed surrogate in 1813, and
held the office eight years.
In 1811 a partial division of Madrid township took place
among the three proprietors, D. A. Ogden receiving, with
other lands, a tract of eleven hundred and thirty acres,
covering the site of Waddington village, also the mills,
dam, and water-privilege, and the " He au Rapide Plat."
The title to the latter, however, was still not quite deter-
mined between the United States and Canada. About this
time Mr. D. A. Ogden withdrew from his law practice iu
New York city, with the view of making his permanent
residence at the beautiful locality of which he was the
owner. The outbreak of the war, however, postponed the
consummation of his plans. Mr. Ogden was appointed an
associate judge of the common pleas in 1811, retaining the
position four years.
Immigration and improvement continued until the begin-
ning of the great international conflict of 1812, when both
suddenly stopped. There were then at Hamilton (iiccord-
ing to "Spafford's Gazetteer," issued the next year) one
hundred and thirty-five houses, two saw mills, a grist-mill,
a fulling-mill, a trip-hammer, and several shops. We are
inclined to think the number of houses is exaggerated, as
it disagrees very much from the estimates of old settlers at
a still later period ; besides, SpafFord gives other statistics
which are obvious mistakes.
After the unfortunate Dr. Barber the next physician was
Dr. James A. Mott, who began practice at Waddington in
1812. His ride extended into the adjacent towns, and he
continued his practice until his death, only a short time
since.
We give below the names of some of the prominent resi-
dents of that part of Madrid which is now Waddington, be-
sides those already given: George Rutherford, Benjamin
Raymond, Asa Penton, Christian Carnes, Jonathan Carter,
Nicholas C. Raymond, Amos Wells, Andrew Benton, Joel
Woodworth, Joseph Woodworth, Josiah Wright, Amasa
Pratt, Ebenezer Lyman, Philo J. Tuttle, Moses McConnel,
John Selbs, Samuel Browning, James Martindale, Clement
Tuttle, Luman Bartholomew, John Moffett, Chas. Richards,
John Baird, Abiram Hulbert. Most of these gentlemen
occupied various local offices, and were prominent, energetic,
and industrious pioneers.
The war caused great excitement and terror along the
river, as well it might, considering that the whole country,
with almost no military protection, was liable to raids from
the enemy, and that the lessons of the Revolution had
taught the people to expect the presence of savage Indians,
with tomahawk and torch, as an accompaniment of every
British force. In some cases men left the country with
their families, and never returned. In many others they
abandoned their homes on hearing of the declaration of
war, but on finding there was no invasion returned the
same season. Still others stood the storm from beginning
to end without flinching. The dread of Indians was
naturally very great, and a St. Regis squaw could not ap-
pear on the shore of the St. Lawrence without throwing
the whole neighborhood into a spasm of terror.
As a matter of fact, little injury was inflicted on the resi-
dents of Waddington or Madrid throughout the whole
contest. Some small raids were made through the country
for the purpose of picking up government property, and
occasionally private property was taken at the same' time ;
but these were not frequent, and^the commanders on both
sides seem to have generally discouraged the making of
purposeless excursions into peaceable localities.
A company of militia was stationed at Hamilton (Wad-
dington) for several months, at first under Capt. Bester
Pierce, of Potsdam, father of Dr. Pierce, of Madrid, and
afterwards under Capt. George R. Wells, and at one time a
sharp skirmish took place on Ogden island with a detach-
ment of invading Britons. The accounts are somewhat
vague, but as there is no evidence of the enemy's holding
possession of the island, it may be presumed they were
driven off. In one of these little conflicts on the lines,
Mr. Jacob Redington, an old Revolutionary soldier (father
of James Redington, Esq.), was wounded.
When the war closed, in the spring of 1815, improve-
ment immediately began again. The legislature again ex-
290
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tended the time for building the dam before spoken of, and
one was soon completed, with a stone look; but the latter
proved of little use, as it was too small for the ordinary
river vessels to pass through.
The treaty of peace having provided that the boundary-
line should run in the main channel of the St. Lawrence, and
that channel being unquestionably on the northwest side of
Ogden island, David A. Ogden proceeded to improve that
locality. Clearings were made, and a very large stone
house was built, with walls three feet thick, which to-day
dominates the island like a fortiacation, and which seems
likely to last for centuries, unless assailed by some hand
more ruthless than that of Time. In 1819, when the
boundary-line was run by a commission appointed by both
nations, the island was formally assigned to the United
States, as were also several others lying opposite Wadding-
ton, the principal of which were Clark's and Monk's islands,
both lying below Ogden island.
In 1816, Mr. Ogden was elected to Congress, and re-
elected in 1818, representing the Twentieth district, com-
posed of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, from
March, 1817, to March, 1821.
The means of communication through the country were
still very imperfect. Commissioners were appointed in
1816 to lay out a road from Ogdensburg through Hamil-
ton to Massena, and another from Hamilton through Co-
lumbia village to Russell ; the expense of both to be levied
on the adjacent lands.
The fact that the name of the village of Hamilton was
the same as one in Madison county caused much confusion,
and by a vote of the town-meeting held in March, 1818, it
was changed to Waddington. Several years later the name
of the post-office was changed from Madrid to Waddington,
the former appellation being transferred to a new office at
Columbia village.
Jason Fenton was appointed an associate judge of the
common pleas in 1818, and continued in the office for
thirteen years.
Mr. Horace Montgomery remembers coming into the vil-
lage from the country about this time (1818), and thinks
there was then but one store there, the village being loss
than one-quarter its present size. It was not until this
year that there was either a church organization or church
edifice in the present town of Waddington. St. Paul's
church building was erected in the summer, and the church
itself organized in the fall, — of which a separate sketch is
given farther on. The next year the people of the Scotch
settlement organized a church, and built a house of worship,
of which, also, further mention will be made.
By this time the western part of the town, where the
Scotchmen lived, was showing in place of the old lo"
houses some frame ones and a goodly number of stone ones.
For the latter material the sons of Caledonia seem to have
had a strong predilection. All through western Wadding-
ton and part of Madrid may be seen the thick-walled stone
houses built from forty to sixty years ago, most of them far
back in the fields, with an air of independence and solidity
which some might consider typical of the national character
of their builders. The eastern part of the town was still
partly un.scttled, and the houses were yet mostly of logs.
In 1820 the population of the whole town of Madrid
had increased to 1930,— a little less than half the present
population of Waddington and Madrid. It was still the
largest town in the county in point of population, having
nineteen inhabitants more than Potsdam, and nearly three
hundred more than Oswegatchie. Mr. H. W. Pratt de-
scribes Waddington village in 1822 as being about a quar-
ter as laro'c as now. About this time and during the next
ten years a large number of Irish settled in the eastern part
of the present town of Waddington. These and their de-
scendants are for the most part still residents there.
Among those who were considered especially prominent
at this period, and whose life of brilliant promise but brief
existence is still regretfully spoken of by two or three sur-
viving acquaintances, was William Henry Vining, son of a
member of Congress from the State of Delaware, and nephew
of Mrs. Gouverneur Ogden. Having studied law with Mr.
Onden, and been admitted as a counselor in 1820, he began
practice in Waddington, and both by his eloquence and legal
knowledge excited the highest hopes of all who knew him.
The next year he was elected to the assembly, but declining
health prevented him from taking his seat, and he died in
1822.
George Redington was another young lawyer of that
period, admitted in 1823, who afterwards became one of
the leading citizens of the county, both in wealth and posi-
tion. Besides Dr. Mott, Dr. Wm. A. Canfield was a phy-
sician at Waddington from about 1817 to 1825, and Dr.
Lewis Stowers, who began to practice about 1826, had a
long and successful medical career. William Ogden, ad-
mitted in 1824, practiced law in Waddington for several
years thereafter. David A. Ogden was " first judge" of
the common pleas for many years at this period, holding
from 1820 to 1824, and again from 1825 to 1829.
In 1825, young James Redington, who then returned to
Waddington after a long absence, describes the place aa a
very small village, which even then began to look " old-
fashioned." This appearance was doubtless due to the
prevalence of stone buildings, which always have a tendency
to n-ive a place a venerable appearance. A stone tannery
was built by Judge Jason Fenton, in 1827, which was con-
ducted by him and his heirs for nearly thirty years.
Among the merchants of this period were Deacon Thos.
Rutherford, a Scotchman, who, though not a relative of
the earliest pioneers of that name, had chosen the same
locality for his new-world home. Another was William
Lighterness. These were both previous to 1828. In that
year S. J. Dewey came to Waddington, where there were then
three stores,— one kept by Henry Church, one by Silver &
Gilbert, and one by Turner. The only hotel was
then kept by Martin Brydges. About the same time a
firm came from Vermont and started a paper-mill, a large
tin-shop, and a store ; the members' names were Whitcomb,
Thayer, and Wales. The paper-mill made both writing-
paper and wrapping-paper, and ran nearly twenty years.
In 1830 the population of the whole of old Madrid was
3459, — an increase of nearly eighty per cent, on that often
years before. Oswegatchie and Potsdam had grown still
more rapidly, however, and Madrid no longer had the
largest population of any town in the county. Business,
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
291
however, was lively, and men of trade and men of law botli
appeared to think Waddington a promising locality. James
Redington, admitted to the bar in 1831, is the only sur-
ving lawyer of that era.
In 1832 the connection between the lock before men-
tioned and the island shore gave way, the lock being en-
tirely destroyed, and a considerable break in the dam being
caused. Within two or three years afterwards Isaac Ogdon,
who had become the owner of the island, built a new bridge
on stone piers, the spaces being filled in with stone, though
openings were left where boats could pass. These could be
closed if desired, so as to shut off the water. The dam was
fully repaired.
A large stone flouring-mill was built in 1832, the build-
ing being afterwards turned into the present paper-mill.
Various other improvements were made during the decade
extending from 1830 to 1840. A furnace was built by the
Ogdens in 1834. It was twenty-six feet square on the
ground, and twenty-eight feet high, being what is called a
quarter-furnace, with one tuyere and one cold blast. The
ore used was " bog ore," obtained near Grasse river, in the
present town of Madrid. Some of it was made into pig-
iron, and some into castings. It cost about $3 per ton de-
livered. After the " hard times" of 1837 the furnace was
found unprofitable, and in 1840 it stopped, and has never
since been worked.
The hotel so long known as the Clark House was built
in 1835. An oatmeal-mill was erected about 1838 by A.
T. Montgomery. This was used some nine years, when it
was destroyed by fire.
In 1839 Waddington was incorporated as a village, the
following being the first ofllicers : Trustees, Walter Wilson,
(president), A. T. Montgomery, Lewis Stowers, Seth J.
Dewey, Thomas Rutherford, Jr. ; Assessors, Robert Tate,
Nathaniel Taggert, Samuel II. Dearborn ; Clerk, Stillman
Foote ; Treasurer, John S. Chipman ; Constable and Col-
lector, Robert Hatch.
The farming section of the town increased much less
between 1830 and 1840 than during the previous decade.
The population of the whole of Madrid iu the latter year
was four thousand five hundred and eleven, — a growth of
thirty per cent in ten years. This is almost exactly the
same population which now dwells in the same territory ;
for though there was at one time a slight increase, and at
another a decrease, yet the number has always swung back
to the standard of forty-five hundred.
The country, too, had assumed very much the same
appearance as now. The log houses had mostly disap-
peared, except in the eastern part of the town, and there
there are a few even yet. The land was generally cleared,
though not as fully as now, and the town had passed from the
pioneer into the farming state. From 1840 to the present
time its annals are necessarily brief and uneventful.
The large flouring-mill built in Waddington in 1832
stopped about 1840. Subsequently the building was trans-
formed into a paper-mill. In 1850, Captain Nathaniel
Taggert built another large stone grist-mill for Ilowland
& Aspinwall, of New York, who immediately leased it to
J. V. C. & H. S. Northrop, of Waddington. They occu-
pied it either as lessees or proprietors about sixteen years.
An old trip-hammer-shop, which had been in existence
before the War of 1812, was changed into a foundry about
1840 by Benjamin Bcntlcy, and has been maintained as
such ever since. An establishment originally erected as a
shingle-mill in 1835 was changed twenty years later into a
woolen-factory by Russell B. Starks. A planing-mill and
sash- and blind- factory were erected near 1847 by Dalzell &
Hill. Another large grist-mill was built about 1855.
It is evident that while all these improvements were being
made Waddington must have been steadily increasing in
population, though the farming country was not. The
mercantile business became important, and small mechanic
shops were numerous. The Waddingtouians became tired
of traveling nine miles to Columbia village to attend town-
meetings and elections every alternate year, and as this
feeling was shared by the people of the surrounding coun-
try, and reciprocated by those in the south part of the town,
a division was easily agreed upon. It took place on the
22d of November, 1859.
The old town was divided into two parts, — the north-
western and southeastern, — each being five miles by ten,
except that the boundary follows Grasse river for about two
miles, which tliere bears to the northwest of the rest of the
dividing line. The southeastern section retained the old
name of Madrid, while to the northwestern part was given
that of Waddington. The new town was organized the
next JIarch, the following being the officers :
Supervisor, Walter Wilson ; Town Clerk, Thomas Pea-
cock, Jr. ; Assessors, Charles D. Bartholomew, Joseph Dal-
zell ; Justices of the Peace, Robert Blartln, C. C. Blont-
gomery, Isaac Bartholomew ; Overseer of the Poor, Robert
Dezell ; Collector, Charles BIcRostie ; Constables, Gideon
Rutherford, Charles BIcRostie, Richard Dalton, and Wil-
liam N. H. Lewis ; Inspectors of Election, George Oliver,
Andrew Dalzell, Henry W. Pratt.
Scarcely had Waddington assumed a separate existence
ere it was called on to act its part in the great conflict which
was to decide whether America should or should not be
a nation. How well it responded to this call is shown by
the list of its soldiers and the record of their exploits to be
found in the latter part of this work.
Since the war the course of history has run very smoothly
over the gentle slopes of Waddington. Occasionally a
stone, brick, or frame house takes the place of a log one ;
that primitive style of architecture being not yet entirely
abandoned in the eastern part of the town. Occasionally,
too, a new manufacturing establishment arises at Wadding-
ton village, but only a very small fraction of the magnificent
water-power there is yet occupied. Aside from farming, the
business of the town is almost entirely concentrated at that
point. A small portion of the village of Chase's Blills
however (a tavern, store, and half a dozen houses), on the
north bank of Gra.sse river, extends over from Louisville
into the southeast corner of Waddington. Four miles
southwest of the village, too, is the Waddington butter-fac-
tory, opened by a stock company in 1875, and doing a
thriving business.
Manufactures are so important an element in promoting
the welfare of a community that we desire to make es-
pecial mention of the present condition of those in this
292
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
town. One of the most important is the paper-mill of H.
A. James, purchased by him about eleven years ago. The
main building, as has been stated, was erected for a grist-
mill forty-five years ago, but the machinery is only twelve
or thirteen years old. The mill employs about twenty-eight
hands, runs night and day, summer and winter, and turns
out between thirty and forty hundred-weight of paper every
twenty-four hours,— all used for newspapers. A flax-mill
for manufacturing flax out of the raw material was carried
on by Mr. James up to 1876, when the building was de-
voted to the use of the paper-mill.
The one-story stone tannery of Jason Fenton was pur-
chased in 1855 by Peter Dalton, who added an upper story
and out-buildings, and has carried it on ever since. It now
turns out about two thousand eight hundred hides per year.
The foundry established in 1840 by Benjamin Bentley
was burned in 1874. It has since been rebuilt, and is now
owned by Mayette & Allison. It produces plows, stoves,
and similar important articles, besides large quantities of
smaller castings.
The large stone grist-mill built by Rowland & Aspinwall
has for eleven years been owned by L. J. Proctor. It has
four run of stone, kept constantly busy with custom work.
The " Model Mill" of Bowhall & Rutherford was built in
1855 or 1856. It has three run of stone in steady employ-
ment. The flouring-mill of J. T. Iluthciford was erected
by him in 1873. It will produce a thousand barrels of
fl.our yearly.
The last-named gentlemen has also a saw-mill, built by
Richard Harrison in 1863 or 1864, with a capacity of
twenty-four thousand feet per day. In the present state of
the market its production is limited to a small fraction of
that amount. Mr. Horace Montgomery's saw-mill, built in
1860, has a capacity of a million and a half feet per year,
but is confined to a comparatively small amount.
Another important manufacturing establishment is the
large planing-mill and sash- and blind-factory built thirty
ago by Dalzell & Hill, and in which an extensive business
is now carried on by Joseph McDowell. An institution
with a modest-sounding name, but of no slight importance
in a great dairying region like St. Lawrence County, is the
butter-tub factory of Stephen Burdick. A shingle-mill is
also carried on by the same gentleman, who is thus pre-
pared to give shelter to the people and to their principal
production.
The woolen-factory established twenty years ago is still
owned and carried on by Russell B. Starks. It produces
both cloth and yarn. A carding-mill was built ten years
since by Edward Doran, which is still conducted by him.
His father, Samuel Doran, was the owner of a similar es-
tablishment, built about 1827.
Besides the manufacturing interests thus specified, the
village of Waddington contains 10 general stores, 1 grocery,
2 millinery-stores, 1 agricultural and hardware-store, 2 cab-
inet-shops and furniture-stores, 3 wagon-shops, 4 blacksmith-
shops, 2 shoe-shops, 2 harness-shops, 1 marble-shop, 1
cooper-shop, 1 brick-yard, 3 meat-markets, 3 hotels, 1
watchmaker, and 1 photographer.
We have spoken of the early lawyers. The present ones
are James Eedington, wlio studied with his brother. Judo-e
Redington, who has practiced at Waddington from an early
period, and is now consular agent at Morrisburg, Canada.
A. B. Shepard is a more recent practitioner. Besides the
physicians before mentioned, Dr. H. A. Borland pursued
the healing art at the place under consideration from about
1860 to 1870, and Drs. Silas J. Bower and John Morrison
are now active members of the same profession. The former
of the two last-named gentlemen has practiced at Wadding-
ton about seven years, and the latter three. The village
dentist is Dr. Samuel Clark.
The Waddington Pioneer, a thirty-two column sheet,
begun in the spring of 1877, is mentioned in the chapter
devoted to the press.
Before entering on the separate records of various so-
cieties, we will close what may be called the general history
of the town with two or three lists of officials. The follow-
ing supervisors of JMadrid before its division were residents
of the part which is now Waddington, the annexed figures
showing the years of service; Joseph Edsall, 1802-5, in-
clusive; Asa Freeman, 1806-7; Alex. Richards, 1808;
Asa Freeman, 1809; Jason Fenton, 1816-22, inclusive;
J. S. Chipman, 1829-32, inclusive; George Redington,
1833-36, inclusive ; Walter Wilson, 1839 ; Geo. Reding-
ton, 1 840 ; N. T. Montgomery, 1843-44, 1847-48 ; Richard
Edsall, 1851 ; Francis Fenton, 1852 ; John S. Chipman,
1854 ; Chas. C. Montgomery, 1857-59. Since the division
the supervisors of Waddington have been as follows : Walter
Wilson, 1860-64, inclusive; Chas. C. Montgomery, 1865-
74, inclusive ; Robert Dalzell, 1875-76 ; John T. Ruther-
ford, 1877.
The following arc theprescnt officials of the town : Super-
visor, John T. Rutherford ; Town Clerk, Loomis S. Wiight ;
Justice of the Peace, Silas J. Dewey ; Commissioner of
Highways, John W. McDowell ; Overseer of the Poor,
George R. Wright; Assessors, Adam J. Hobkirk, Irwiu
Jardin, and James Fay ; Collector, James W. Bailor ; Con-
stables, William C. Jardin, Joseph McDowell, Andrew F.
Jardin, James Brown ; Town Auditors, Henry D. Bar-
tholomew, Henry B. Proctor, Samuel Clark ; Inspectors of
Elections, Robert Thompson and Henry W. Pratt ; Com-
missioners of Excise, Gideon Rutherford, William Burton,
and William T. Rutherford.
It will be observed that there is but one justice of the
peace in the above list. Justices are elected from time to
time as the law requires, but for many years it is seldom
that more than one has taken the oath of office. This is
something very unusual, and speaks volumes in favor of the
peacefulness of the people, and the lack of ambition of the
leading citizens.
The following are the presidents of the village of Wad-
dington, with their years of service, those previous to 1866
having been chosen by the board of trustees, and those in-
cluding and since that year having been elected by the
people: Walter Wilson, 1839; Nathaniel Taggert, 1840;
Richard Edsall, 1841 ; Alexander Mills, 1842 ; Norman
Sturtevant, 1843; Horace Montgomery, 1844; Seth J.
Dewey, 1845; Albert Tyler, 1846; Lewis Stowers, 1847;
James Redington, 1848; Walter Wilson, 1849; Francis
Fenton, 1850-51 ; John Peacock, 1852 ; Francis Fenton,
1853- Lfiwi.si .Stnwora 1 8?iJ. . .Tnl^r. T>„„„„,.l, 1 QRH . JnVin
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
293
V. C. Northrop, 1856-58 ; John Peacock, 1859 ; James
Redington, 1860; J. V. C. Northrop, 1861-62; Henry
W. Pratt, 1863-65 ; Richard Harrison, 1866 ; Walter Wil-
son, 1867; John T.Rutherford, 1868; William Jardin,
1869; James Graham, 1870; Loomis S. Wright, 1871;
Samuel Clark, 1872-73; Robert Dalzell, 1874; James
Graham, 1875-76 ; Robert Thompson, 1877.
The present officers of the village are the following':
President, Robert Thompson; Trustees, John L. Rule, D.
T. Demorest, John S. Rutherford, and M. F. Hughes ; As-
sessors, Joseph McDowell, Gideon Rutherford, and A. B.
Parlow ; Treasurer, H. B. Proctor ; Clerk, George R.
Wright; Constable and Collector, J. B. Brownell.
As before stated, the first deputy collector in charge of
the port of Waddington was Mathew BIyers. His suc-
cessors have been Harvey Lyon, Ira Collins, Richard Ed-
sall, Thomas Short, Lewis Stowers, Alex. Mills, William C.
Pierce, Samuel Doran, John T. Rutherford, C. C. Mont-
gomery, and Henry W. Pratt. The port is the second in
importance in the district, the receipts varying from $400
to $1000 a month, besides large quantities of raw hides,
poplar wood, etc., which enter free of duty.
We now invite our readers' attention to a few brief
sketches of various associations, which could not well be
interwoven with tlie general history of the town.
ST. Paul's church (episcopal).
There is no record of any ecclesiastical organization or
services previous to 1818. The church edifice was begun
in 1816 and finished in 1818, being built at the expense of
Trinity church. New York, and of David A. Ogden. Being
constructed under the direction of Mr. Ogden, it was, like
his house, built of walls three feet thick. The building
was consecrated by Bishop Hobart on the ■22d of August,
1818, being the first church edifice dedicated to the service
of the Lord in St. Lawrence County, with the barely possi-
ble exception of a small frame building erected at Ogdens-
burg in 1818, but probably not completed till later in the
season.
The church was legally incorporated on the 19th of Oc-
tober, 1818, with David A. Ogden and Gouverneur Ogden
as wardens, and Jason Fenton, Robert McDowell, Thomas
Short, Thomas Archibald, John Dewey, John S. Chipnian,
Thomas Rutherford, and Elisha Meigs as vestrymen. The
organization had been perfected two days earlier, when Amos
G. Baldwin was appointed rector, William H. Vining clerk,
and D. A. Ogden treasurer.
At this time a commission was running the boundary
between the United States and Canada, General Peter B.
Porter being the commissioner on the part of the former
country, and Hon. John Ogilvie on the part of Great
Britain. Learning of the construction of the church at
Waddington, the latter gentleman presented it with a bell
in June, 1818, — a gift which the vestry at its first meeting
duly acknowledged by directing a commemorative inscription
to be engraved upon it.
The following is a list of the rectors of St. Paul's, with
their years of service, as nearly as they can be ascertained
from the parish records. As will be seen, there were sev-
eral interregna : Amos G. Baldwin, 1818 and '19 ; George
Otis, 1820 ; Addison Searle, 1824 and '25 ; Seth W. Beards-
ley, 1826 and '27 ; Hiram H. Adams, 1827 and '28 ; H.
S. Atwater, 1829 and '30 ; Aaron Humphrey, 1834 to
1840; John A. Childs, 1841 to 1844; John H. Hanson
(author of several once-celebrated articles, claiming that
Rev. Eleazar Williams, of St. Regis, was the " Lost Prince,''
the dauphin of France), 1846 to 1851 ; Liberty A. Bar-
rows, 1854 to 1860 ; John Everett Johnson, 1861 to 1866 ;
Walter Windeyer, 1867 to 1869 ; T. M. Thorpe, 1869 to
1870; Reeve Hobbie, 1870 to 1872; Edward Pidsley,
1872 to 1875 ; Thomas G. Clemson, 1875 to the present
time.
The present wardens are Seth J. Dewey and John T.
Rutherford ; the vestrymen. Dr. Silas J. Bower, C. C. Mont-
gomery, Charles Clark, James I. Cook, William Forsyth,
William Keyes, Henry B. Proctor, and S. S. F. Carlisle.
A glebe of three hundred acres on " mile-square lot No.
Ten," about a mile from Waddington village, contributes
largely to the support of the church, and a handsome brick
parsonage stands close beside the massive stone edifice
planned by Mr. Ogden, which to modern eyes has an air of
cathedral-like solidity and solemnity.
THE SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
We have thus, for convenience, designated this organi-
zation, though it might be more precisely described as " The
Presbyterian Church of Waddington, in connection with the
Canada Presbytery." It was organized as the First Asso-
ciate Reformed church of Madrid, on the 17th of September,
1819, with Richard Rutherford, Mark Douglas, John Mof-
fatt, John Rutherford, and Robert Rider as trustees. A
frame house of worship was erected that year, two and a
half miles southwestward from Waddington village. The
Rev. William Taylor was the first minister, ofiiciating from
1819 till 1837. After a vacancy of three years, he was
succeeded by Rev. John Morrison. The latter is still the
pastor, the church thus giving an example very rare in this
country of two ministers occupying a pulpit for fifty-five
years.
In 1837 the church was changed from Associate Re-
formed to Presbyterian, but was connected with the pres-
bytery of Canada. Another church building (frame) was
erected near the present line of Madrid about 1847, and Mr.
Morrison preached alternately in the two houses. In 1864
a substantial and commodious brick edifice was erected in
Waddington, near the Madrid line, which has since served
for the whole congregation, the frame buildings previously
used having been abandoned. Two or three years later a
handsome frame parsonage was built close by the church.
One would need but to glance at the latter edifice and its
surroundings to see that it was occupied by a large congre-
n-ation of the most substantial farmers. The large, plain,
well-built brick structure, surrounded on three sides by nearly
a score of stout sheds for the comfort of teams, altogether pre-
sent indications of thrift and thoroughness which cannot be
mistaken.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WADDINGTON.
This church was organized as a Congregational church, on
the 12th day of January, 1828, by Rev. Joseph Hurlbert.
294
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWEENCB COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The first members were Winsor Goulding, Mrs. Winsor
Goulding, Medad Sheldon, Lucy Sheldon, Lorenzo Sheldon,
Mahala Sheldon, Benjamin W. Jackson, Mrs. Sarah Jack-
son, Mrs. Shay, Amoret Rcdington, Allen B. Myers, Alex.
H. Stowell. The first minister — acting, however, only as
an occasional supply — was Rev. Joseph Hurlbert. The first
deacon, chosen in 1829, was Lorenzo Sheldon ; and it was
four years thereafter before the second one, Samuel H. Dear-
born, was elected.
The early meetings were held in the Waddington school-
house, but its narrow accommodations did not prevent the
church from having a prosperous growth. Thirty-nine
members were admitted during a revival conducted in Sep-
tember and October, 1841, by Eev. Lewis A. Weeks. A
frame church edifice, capable of seating 300 conveniently,
was begun in 1844, and completed and dedicated in 1849.
On the 12th day of February, while under the pastorate of
a Presbyterian minister (Rev. J. W. Whitfield), the church
voted unanimously to connect itself with the Presbyterian
organization. Its name was subsequently changed by the
legislature to accord with this transfer of ecclesiastical alle-
giance. A large and handsome brick parsonage was built
in 1877.
The following is a list of the pastors, with their years of
service: Joseph Hurlbert (supply), 1829; S. Williams
(supply), 1830-33; James Taylor, 1833-38; Adolphus
Taylor, 1838-40; Charles P. Halsey, 1845-50; Andrew
Phillips, 1850-55; H. N. Gates, 1855-58; A. M. Shaw,
1859-61; J. W. Whitfield, 1861-66; Andrew Johnson,
186G-69; Robert W. McCormick, 1869 to the present
time. ^
The following are the present ofiicers : Elders, James
Redington, Thomas Blythe, Alexander Dunn, James Alli-
son, William Harper, James Waddell, John Logan, William
J. Rutherford ; Deacons, Robert Wood, John S. Ruther-
f(jrd, George Common; Trustees, James Allison, James
Waddell, Robert Wood, George Common, William Short,
William Brown; Clerk, John S. Rutherford; Treasurer,
James Allison.
The church is now in a very flourishing condition,
having 159 members. There is also a thriving Sabbath-
school, with ICO members, and 300 volumes in its library,
of which James Allison is the superintendent.
ST. MARy's CHURCH (CATHOIJC).
As far back as 1825 a log church was erected by the
Catholics, about four miles southwest of Waddino-ton vil-
lage, on the Norfolk road. Services wore held there at first
only by occasional missionaries, and were attended by mem-
bers of the church from all parts of Madrid, Lisbon, Pots-
dam, and Massena. The first resident priest was Pather
Psalmon. He was followed by Pather Maguire, and he by
Pather Foley. The successor of Father Foley was Pather
James Mackey, a zealous, active, and eminent priest, now
at Ogdensburg, who remained about twelve years, closing
in 1848.
During the latter part of Father Mackey 's pastorate, and
through his eff'orts, a commodious church edifice of stone
was erected at Waddington village. Subsequent to that
time we have been able to obtain the names and years of
service of the ofiiciating priests from the parish records, as
follows : Hugh P. Quigley, D.D. (a prominent ecclesiasti-
cal writer), 1849; Patrick Phelan, 1849-55; H. Herf-
kens, 1855-67 ; John Joseph Swift, 1867-71 ; Florence
McCarthy, 1872 to the present time. There are now
about a hundred families under the care of the reverend
gentleman last named. Besides the church edifice there is
a valuable brick parsonage, the title of both being vested in
the trustees. These are the bishop of the diocese, the vicar-
general, the parish priest, and two laymen, Joseph Martin
and Michael O'Brien.
WADDINGTON CIRCUIT (METHODIST EPISCOPAL).
The first Methodist class was organized at Waddington,
about 1826, by the Rev. Mr. Sawyer. His circuit extended
from Ogdensburg to Raquette river bridge. There are no
records till a very late period, and we give the names and
order of the ministers as well as they can be gathered from
the recollections of the older members : John Dempster,
1829 ; Stoddard, H. 0. Tilden, David Chattister,
Linden King, Allen Castle, William Hawkins, Justin
Alden, S. D. White, 0. Holmes, William D. Moore, Horace
Danforth, Dr. Hopgood, Absalom Meshier, Charles Moffatt,
Alamanzo Blackman, William P. Allen, C. E. Dorr, S. C.
Goodell, and G. S. Hastings ; the latter being the present
incumbent.
During this time the immense circuit of early days has
been materially reduced in size, while church buildings
have taken the place of school-houses and private residences
as places of worship. A small brick church edifice was
begun at Waddington village in 1849, which was finished
and dedicated in 1854. Two years later another class was
accommodated by the erection of a small frame building in
the western part of the present town of Waddington, near
the Lisbon line, which is commonly called the Brown
church. Another class met at Chase's Mills, in the town
of Louisville, though a large number of the members lived
in Waddington.
These three classes now constitute the circuit under
consideration, and are ministered to by the same pastor.
Their numbers in full communion are as follows: Wad-
dington class, 63 ; Brown Church class, 25 ; Chase's Mills
class, 28. The stewards are William Thompson, William
Jardin, Augustus Savage, and William Bardon.
WADDINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL.
The schools of this town have been of the ordinary "dis-
trict" variety, except in the village, and there the change
has been but lately made. A board of education was formed
in 1866, consisting of three members.' They proceeded to
organize a graded school with four departments, using the
two-story brick building which had been constructed in
1859. The present number of scholars in the district is
314 ; the average daily attendance is 200. The board of
education now consists of H. W. Pi-att, John Morrison, and
James Parlow, Jr. The principal of the school is R. E.
Doolittle.
WADDINGTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This association was organized in 1869 as a stock society;
the stock being owned by twenty-five persons. It is not
'^^^^;^^^
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
295
confined to the limits of Waddington, but^the stockholders
and exhibitors mostly reside within that town. The society
has had a well-attended fair every year since its organiza-
tion, and is now in a flourishing condition. It owns twenty-
four acres of land near Waddington village, on which are
an " Agricultural hall," a " Floral hall," a house, barn,
seats, etc., and last, not least, an excellent half-mile track.
The officers for 1877 are as follows: President, Robert
Dalzell; Vice-President, George Rule; Treasurer, W. T.
Rutherford ; Secretary, Samuel Clark.
WADDINGTON LODGE, NO. 393, F. AND A. M.
This lodge was instituted June 23, 1856, with the fol-
lowing officers : John Peacock, W. M. ; H. B. Proctor S.
W. ; Leonard J. Proctor, J. W. ; John V. C. Northrop,
Treas. ; S. J. Dewey, Sec. ; James Z. Skinner, S. D. ;
Edwin 0. Cummings, J. D. ; Rev. L. A. Barrows, Chap. ;
James M. Bishop and James Perkins, Stewards; James
Moffatt, Tyler.
The names of the Masters, with the years of their elec-
tion, have been as follows : John Peacock, 1856 ; H. B.
Proctor, 1857 ; John Peacock, 1858-60 ; James Z. Skinner,
1861; J. V. C. Northrop, 1862; S. J. Dewey, 1863;
James Z. Skinner, 1864; William W. Fulton, 1865-66;
S. J. Dewey, 1867-71, inclusive; Rev. Reeve Hobble,
1872; S. J. Dewey, 1873-76, inclusive; S. J. Bower,
M.D., 1877. The present membership of the lodge is 48 ;
it meets at Waddington village the first and third Wednes-
days of each month.
We have now given a sketch not only of the town of
Waddington but of all the separate institutions which
exist in it. In closing, we desire to express our thanks to
all who have aided us with information ; especially to
Messrs. James Redington, Horace Montgomery, Calvin
Abernethy, H. W. Pratt, John Rutherford, William Jardin,
Peter Dalton, William Hatch, Rev. T. G. Clemson, Rev.
Robert W. McCormick, and Rev. Florence McCarthy.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. GEORGE REDINGTON.
The Hon. George Redington, the subject of this sketch,
was born in the city of Vergennes, in the State of Ver-
mont, Nov. 23, 1798. He was the second son of Jacob
Redington, a Revolutionary soldier, who emigrated from
Vermont into the county of St. Lawrence, N. Y., in the
year 1800, which was known at that time in Vermont as
" the west." After innumerable hardships, coming from
Vergennes by way of Montreal, he finally located himself
and family upon the banks of the St. Lawrence, not far
from where the village of Waddington now stands. With
the exception of a few earlier immigrants, the southern
border of the St. Lawrence was one wild wilderness,
stretching far back to the settlements upon the Mohawk
and Hudson. It was here that his father struck the first
blow in the forest, and made a home, and, in conjunction
with the best of mothers, raised a large family, who have
had more or less to do in moulding the county to its present
just influence in the State. Young George was scarcely
two years of age when he was brought from Vermont to
these new scenes. In a very early period of his life he
manifested great activity both of body and mind. Unfor-
tunately, when about five years of age, after a severe sick-
ness, for some unexplainable cause, he lost the use of one of
his legs. For this reason he was crippled for life, and was
under the necessity of using crutches. In the year 1813 his
father moved from Madrid (now Waddington) to Potsdam,
and remained there three years, during which time George
received a good academical education at the St. Lawrence
academy, under the tuition of the Rev. James Johnson.
From thence, in the year 1816, he moved to Montreal
for a temporary residence, and took his son George with
him. While there he was engaged in teaching school, and
was earnest and industrious in his duties. In the year 1819
he entered the law-ofiice of the Hon. Gouverneur Ogden,
at Waddington. While prosecuting his studies, there was
a young man in the same office, already admitted to the
bar, of brilliant attainments, able and eloquent. Between
them sprung up a friendship, and from him he received
much assistance in the attainment of his profession. Allu-
sion is here made to the Hon. Henry Vining, a nephew of
Mrs. Gouverneur Ogden. Mr. Redington, upon the com-
pletion of his studies, began the practice of his profession
in Waddington, which he followed, in connection with a
manufacturing business, until 1831—32, at which time he
gave more attention to the purchase and sale of real estate
throughout the county, gradually relinquishing the practice
of the law. He was also land agent for several proprietors
of land residing in New York and elsewhere. He erected
several mills, and engaged largely in the manufacture of
lumber and square timber, finding his principal markets in
Montreal, Quebec, Albany, Troy, and New York, and giv-
ing employment to a large number of men. He was an
active, energetic business man of great capabilities, accom-
plishing much more than many others with the advantages
of robust health and sound bodies, and was most highly
esteemed for his upright, straightforward, honest dealings
with his fellow-men. Judge Redington received a religious
training from a pious mother of the Puritan stock and Cal-
vinistic to the strictest letter, though charitable to all and
in loving fellowship with all Christians. Before he became
a member of the church he respected it, and was an habit-
ual attendant upon divine worship. But in 1840, while
in the full tide of business, his mind was more particularly
directed to the importance of the subject of identifying
himself with the Christian church and becoming one of its
members. He therefore, about this time, joined the Con-
gregational church at Waddington, and took a deep interest
ever after in the support of the gospel. He was mainly in-
strumental, by his influence and money, in the erection and
completion of the present Presbyterian house of worship,
a neat and commodious structure in Waddington. The
form of the government of the church has been changed
since his death. Politically he was a stanch Democrat.
In 1848 he became a member of the Free-Soil party, and
voted for Martin Van Buren upon the platform of that
296
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
party. In 1841 he was first elected to the assembly of the
State of New York, and served three successive terms,
closing his services in 1844. While a member of the legis-
lature he was highly respected at Albany, and had great
influence in shaping the proceedings of that body, which
was composed at the time of the most prominent and able
men of the State. He was subsequently appointed a judge
of the court of common pleas of the county, and served
several years. He had the fullest confidence of the citi-
zens of his own town, having served them as a justice of
the peace, supervisor, and in many other minor offices. He
aided very materially in the construction of the Northern
railroad from Ogdensburg to Rouse's Point, and was one of
its directors, working successfully for its advancement. On
the 28th day of November, 1827, Judge Redington was
united in marriage to Miss Amorette Stone, a daughter of
Daniel Stone, of Madrid. She was religiously educated
by her parents, who were Congregation alists. At the age
of eighteen she united with the Congregational church at
Waddington, and was one of its original members. She
took an active part in everything that pertained to the in-
terests of the church, was kind to the poor and afflicted,
and was loved and respected by the entire community. She
was particularly devoted to her husband, and her love and
care for her children knew no bounds. In 1843 she was
taken with the erysipelas, a disease then raging in the
county, and died quite suddenly on the 21st day of Feb-
ruary, 1843, while her husband was in Albany. So sudden
was the event that ho was prevented from having a final
interview, though desired by her most intensely. The chil-
dren of Judge Redington by this wife were Sarah A., Har-
riette C, Jane E., George S., Ann M., Mary E., and Henry
Vining. On the 18th day of September, 1844, Mr. Red-
ington was married to Miss L. U. Sheldon, daughter of
Medad Sheldon. She was a true-hearted, faithful Chris-
tian lady. By this marriage Mr. Redington had three
children, John J., Charles M., and Lyman W. All of the
above-named children are yet living, except George S., John
J., and Charles M. The second Mrs. Redington died
March 14, 1849.
Judge Redington departed this life on the 15th day of
September, 1850. He had been confined to his house for
a time by a fracture of his sound limb, though about the
house in the full vigor of his mind, taking charge and di-
rection of his extensive business. On Saturday, the 14th
of September, he had met several parties from Louisville
and Macomb, making lumber contracts and passing deeds
of conveyance with his usual cheerfulness and promptitude.
No particular strain was observed upon his mind or pressure
upon the brain. In the evening he pleasantly enjoyed the
society of his family, and retired about his usual time to
his sleeping- room. On the morning of the 15th it was no-
ticed by some of his daughters that father was sleeping late.
" Aunt Sally," his eldest sister, became a little anxious and
gently opened his bedroom door, and thought she saw him
in a gentle sleep and closed the door. But it was soon
found that the sleep, though gentle, was a sleep, as far as
this life is concerned, that knows no waking. He died
with a disease of the heart. He was followed to the Red-
ington cemetery by a large concourse of citizens from dif-
ferent parts of the county, filled with sorrow that their
friendly and business relations wpre forever terminated.
At his decease, Judge Redington left a large estate, which
was administered by his brother, James Redington, and
distributed to his surviving children. A portrait of the
judge accompanies this brief outline, and a view of his old
home in Waddington, now occupied by one of his daughters.
HON. JAMES REDINGTON
is one " to the manor born"' of St. Lawrence County, hav-
ing first seen the light of day on the 27th of June, 1810,
in Waddington, his father being Jacob Redington, formerly
of Vermont.
He received an academic education at the St. Lawrence
academy, in Potsdam, N. Y., and began the study of the
law with Hon. George Redington, in Waddington, in 1827.
He completed his legal studies with J. P. Cushman, of the
city of Troy, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar as an
attorney and counselor-at-law in 1831, in the supreme
court of the State, and at once began the practice of the
profession in Waddington. About this time he joined the
Congregational church in that place, and remained a con-
stant supporter of the church and an attendant upon its
ordinances until the year 18G2, when, upon petition of
many of its members, the form of government was changed
to that of Presbyterian. Since that he has remained a
member of the church in its changed form.
On the 30th of November, 1840, he was appointed sur-
rogate of the county of St. Lawrence by Governor W. H.
Seward, serving four years under _the appointment, and
in 1856 was ehcted to fill the same position.
He was a member of the Whig party during the exist-
ence of that glorious old organization, and on the formation
of the Republican party allied himself with that, and still
remains so connected. In 1861 he was elected to the
assembly, and served four successive terms as a representa-
tive of his distrist. He is at present serving the Federal
government as consular agent at Morrisburg, in the do-
minion of Canada. He was a warm supporter of President
Lincoln's administration, and an advocate for the vigorous
prosecution of the war for the Union.
In 1835, Mr. Redington was united in marriage to Miss
Charlotte G. Colfax, a daughter of Robert Colfax, of New
London, Conn. To them were born the following-named
children : Mary Chipman, who died in infancy ; Frances
A., who married E. W. Carpenter, a merchant of Potsdam,
where they now reside ; Sarah E., who married Hon. Rich-
mond Bicknell, Jr., of the law firm of Knowles & Bicknell,
of Potsdam ; James K., who was formerly law-clerk in the
Interior Department at Washington, and is now a practicing
attorney in the law firm of Smith & Redington, at Wash-
ington, D. C. ; he married Miss Emma Campbell, of the
same place; and George N. Redington, an artist in the
photograph gallery of N. L. Stone, in Potsdam.
The husband of Sarah E., Mr. Bicknell, was a young
man of rare promise and brilliant legal attainments; he
died at the early age of thirty-two years, universally re-
gretted in the community. He was buried in the Reding-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
297
ton cemetery, at Waddington, his wife surviving him nearly
four years, and dying at the age of thirty-four.
The best evidence, perhaps, of Mr. Redington's standing
in the estimation of his fellow-citizens is that borne by their
elevation of him to the various positions in their gift, and
the commitment to him of their important trusts for exe-
cution, which he has discharged to their satisfaction and his
own credit and honor.
MAJOR JOHN T. RUTHERFORD.
The gentleman, of whose life the following lines are a
brief outline, though not a soldier by profession, neverthe-
less won his honorable title on the field of war, rising from
the ranks of the private, through the several grades of the
army, to the majority. He is of Scottish descent, and has
the blood of the old Covenanters in his veins. His father,
Thomas, and grandfather, John Rutherford, were both
natives of " Auld Scotia," but Major Rutherford was born
in the town of Madrid, now Waddington, St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 23, 1823, where he was educated at the common
schools, and reared as a farmer's boy. At the age of twenty-
two years he entered the St. Lawrence academy, at Potsdim,
in the same county, where he continued two years, and then
entered Ogdensburg academy, where he graduated at the
end of one year, and began teaching school during the
winter and laboring on the farm in the summer season.
About the year 1848 he engaged in mercantile pursuits in
the village of Madrid, which he conducted successfully for
six years, serving during the time four years as postmaster
of the village under Presidents Taylor and Fillmore.
At this period in life he began the study of the law, and
was admitted to the bar in 1854, in the supreme court, and
followed the practice of the profession for two years. Being
of a speculative turn of mind, he contracted to build the
St. Lawrence university, at Canton, and removed to that
village to execute the work.
When the War of the Rebellion broke out he was among
the first to respond to the call of the country for volunteers,
and entered the service in April, 1861, as a private in the
9th New York Volunteer Cavalry, and proved himself a
gallant soldier, as the following record amply testifies. Brave
as his forefathers who fought at Culloden and Bannockburn,
he never wavered in the face of duty. Being a man of quick
perception and coolness in judgment, and persistent withal,
he was soon noticed by his superior officers as being a man
born not only to obey but also to command ; and after one
year's service in the ranks as private and sergeant, he was
promoted to the second lieutenantcy of his company, Feb.
22, 1862, for gallantry at the secbnd battle of Bull Run. He
was wounded at the battle of Berryville, Va., which disabled
him for sixty days only, and for his conduct on that occasion
he was promoted to the first lieutenantcy of the company.
Again taking his command he served until June 1, 1864,
when he received a captain's commission, in which position
he served until the close of the war, when he received his
hrevet of major.
During his service he participated in the battles of
Bull Run, Berryville, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Brandy
Station, Mine Run, Mechaniosville, Kilpatrick's Raid
around Richmond, Cold Harbor, the Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania Court-House, Petersburg, Sheridan's Campaign in
the Valley of the Shenandoah, and many others of minor
importance. He served under Generals Sigel, Pleasanton,
Buford, Merritt, Sheridan, Slocum, and others, and for a
time commanded General Slocum's escort. The company
was much of the time, while under Sigel, selected by that
commander for scouting duty.
On being mustered out of the service when peace was
declared, Major Rutherford, like the thousands of brave
men who had fought so well and so long, returned to the
ranks of the private citizen with nothing of the soldier
about him but his experience, his gallant and meritorious
record, and his justifiable pride therefor. He resumed the
practice of the law, which he followed until Sept. 29, 1866,
when he received the appointment of collector of customs
and inspector at the port of Waddington, which position
he retained until Jan. 1, 1875. He is at the present
writing engaged in milling and farming. He has given
considerable attention to the importation of thoroughbred
cattle from Scotland. He is the present supervisor of
Waddington, and is held in high esteem by all who know
him, not only for his gallant deeds as a soldier, but for his
private worth as a man.
On Oct. 14, 1855, Major Rutherford was united in mar-
riage to Belinda Castleman, by whom the following-named
children have been born to him : Winfield Scott, Clarendon,
Martin C, Eugene F., W. H. S., and James De Forest,
all of whom are living at the present time, except the last
one named, who died May 19, 1870.
HENRY W. PRATT.
The subject of our sketch traces his lineage from an
honorable ancestry having its beginning in England. His
grandfather, Captain Elias Pratt, was born at Oxford, Mass.,
Nov. 16 1743, and commanded a company of volunteer
militia during the Revolutionary War, serving until peace
was declared.
298
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Amasa Pratt, the father of Henry W., was the youngest
child of his father's family, being born also at Oxford,
Mass., May 7, 1787. He passed his youth mostly in Wor-
cester county, in that State, and learned the trade of a
hatter at Oxford. In or about the year 1 808-9 he located
in Ogdensburg, and engaged with Silvester Gilbert in the
business of his trade, in the old barracks at the mouth of
the Oswegatchie. In 1810 he removed to the village of
Hamilton (now Waddington"), where he engaged in mercan-
tile business in connection witli his former business. He
was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Connor, daughter
MRS. FANNIE PBATT-.-
of James Connor, of Amsterdam, N. Y., on June 12, 1814.
Mrs. Conner was born October 18, 1793. To them were
born five children, viz. : Emeline J., Henry W., Miriam
Amasa, and Eleanor, all of whom are now living. Mr.
Pratt died in Waddington, May 27, 1830, and Mrs. Pratt,
April 11, 1873.
Henry W. Pratt was born January 19, 1817, in the town
of Waddington (then Madrid), St. Lawrence County, and
resided with his parents until of the age of sixteen years
receiving a good common school education.
At this date he was apprenticed to the trade of his father
before him, with Field & Robbins, of Ogdensburg, and
served four years. He then removed to Waddington, and
established himself in the same trade, and followed it suc-
cessfully for two years, when he was disabled from further
prosecuting it by the loss of his right arm while firing a
salute on Washington's birthday in 1839. After this lossjlie
served three years as deputy shei-iff of St. Lawrence County.
Politically, Mr. Pratt is allied to the Republican party,
having been a member of the Whig paity previous to the
formation of the former organization. He served as post-
master of Waddington under Presidents Harrison and
Fillmore, and has been a justice of the peace of his town
fifteen years, has served on the board of trustees of the
village several years, and is at present on the board of
education of the town, in which cause he has ever been
deeply interested. At the breaking out of the war of the
rebellion he at once actively interested himself in the re-
cruiting.of volunteers to fill the quotas of his town. Durin"
the years of the war, and since, he has been engaged in
farming. He received the appointment of deputy collector
of customs and inspector at the port of Waddington in
August, 1877, which position he still occupies.
On the 14th of October, 1852, Mr. Pratt was united in
marriage to Miss Sylvia A. Pratt, a daughter of John M.
Pratt, of Dudley, Mass., he being a native of that State,
and of English descent. Mrs. Pratt in early life embraced
the cause of Christianity, and has been a zealous and active
member of the Congregational church of Madrid for many
years, working especially in the Sabbath-school.
We are warranted in the statement that Mr. Pratt and
his estimable wife are held in high esteem by those who
have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
CALVIN ABERNETHY.
Among the few pioneers of Waddington who still survive,
and look with pride and pleasure on the changes their own
hands have wrought, Calvin Abernethy is found. He was
the eldest son of Cyrus and Sally (Doolittle) Abernethy,
natives of Vermont, and immigrated to the town of Madi-
son in 1802, Calvin being then about five years of age.
He was born at Cornwall, Vt., in 1797. He was reared
and educated as a farmer, the occupation of his father be-
fore him, and has made that business his own through life.
At the age of twenty-four years he was married to Miss
Lura McKiiight, daughter of John McKnight, a native of
Massachusetts, jflr. and Mrs. Abernethy have reared a
family of seven children, viz., Sarah, Susan H., Cyrus La-
fayette, Monroe, Helen, Paulina, and Cyrus C, all of whom
are now living, except Helen, Monroe, and Cyrus L.
Politically, Mr. Abernethy was formerly a Democrat; but
owing to its extreme tendencies to perpetuate the " peculiar
institution," African slavery, he refused to serve longer un-
der its colors when the Republican party was organized,
and joined the ranks of that party, where he is still found.
Two of his sons went into the army to fight for the Union,
Cyrus L. and Monroe. The latter died in the service, at
Martinsburg, Va., and the former served until mustered out
at the close of the war.
Mr. Abernethy resides with his children, in the home-
stead that has sheltered him for more than the allotted
threescore and ten years of man's pilgrimage. His com-
panion of more than half a century passed on before him
to her rest, June 7, 1876, at the age of seventy-nine yeare.
A view of the old home may be seen on another page of
this work.
WALTER WILSON.
Amid the bloom of the heather and the tassels of the
broom of " bonnie Scotland," the land of Bruce and Wal-
lace, Walter Wilson was born July 15, 1797, and was given
the name Walter, that his father and grandfather had
borne before him ; his birthplace was also theirs — Gedburgh.
He immigrated to St. Lawrence County in 1819. He re-
ceived a good common-school education in the land of his
birth, and his first employment in the land of his adoption
was teaching. Next he entered the business of his life,
merchandising, oflBeiating as a clerk in a store for Mr. Cooper,
at Chippewan bay. His mercantile life was a successful
one, and, by thrifty habits and sound business judgment, he
amassed a handsome competency. While engaged at Chip-
pewan bay he met, wooed, and won an estimable lady.
Miss Ann Dodds, a Scotch lassie, and daughter of Thomas
Dodds. She was born in 1801, and yet survives, possessing
much of the vigor of her early days.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born the following named
children : William, Ellen M., Thomas, and Isabella. Ellen
M. is now Mrs. L. J. Proctor, of Waddington, with whom the
aged mother resides. Thomas also resides in Waddington,
and Isabella is now Mrs. J. C. Spencer, and resides in New
York city. William is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were life-long members of the
Presbyterian church, and upon his decease, which occurred
Nov. 19, 1873, he left an endowment for that society in
Waddington nearly sufficient for its entire support. He
did not confine his gifts, however, to his own favorite church,
but made a fine donation to the Methodist society of his
town also. Previous to his death he donated a parsonage
to the Presbyterian church. His interest in education was
marked and unabating, and in all matters for the public
good he maintained an interest, and took an active part in
their promotion. In politics he was i'ormerly a member of
the Whig party, and on the formation of the liepublican
organization allied himself to that party, being always a
strong opponent of slavery.
On his decease, the Ogdenshurg Journal thus spoke of
Mr. Wilson:
" Walter Wilson, one of the oldest and most respected
citizens of Waddington, died at his residence on Wednesday
morning, after a brief illness. He had just returned from
an annual hunting trip in Canada, which was one of his
favorite pastimes, a short time before he was taken ill. He
was an upright, energetic, and successful business man, and
always sustained a prominent position in the community
where he resided so many years, and is held in high esteem
by all surviving friends who once knew him."
300
HISTOEr OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
FIRST SAW-MILL
built in the town. The second mills were built by Jonathan
Culver, at a point then called Hutchins' falls, in 1812,
which were at the lowest place on Eaquette river ever oc-
cupied by mills. These mills were destroyed by fire. The
third mills in town, and the most pretentious, were erected
by Judge Atwater, on the Morris tract, in the lower part
of the present village of Norfolk, in the summer of 1816.
The first Durham boat ever run on the Eaquette river was
in this year, and was laden with mill-irons, goods, and pro-
visions from Schenectady, sent by Judge Atwater to begin
the settlement at his mills. It was drawn around Culver's
dam, and afterwards for one or two seasons performed regu-
lar weekly trips from Culver's to Norfolk, in connection
with a line below the dam, which ran to ports on the St.
Lawrence. The latter was required to be regularly furnished
with clearance papers from the collector of customs. Chris-
topher G. Stowe, Martin Barney, Milo Brewer, and several
others came in and commenced improvements in 1810, but
the families of Hall and Judson were the only ones that
spent the winter in town. In 1811 the settlement was in-
creased by several families, and each successive year brought
fresh additions to the town.
Among other early and prominent settlers of the town of
Norfolk were Moses B. and Colonel Ira Hale, father of
Oscar H. Hale,* Joel Farnsworth, Divan B. Eich, father of
Silas F. and Hiram Eich, Denis Kingsbury, Sylvester C.
Kingsley (the noted hunter), Henry, John, William, and
Aaron Blanchard, Ephraim P. Eaymond, Nathaniel F.
Winslow, Joseph Cummings, Perry C. Bixby, Amos Kimball,
C. C. Elms, Chauncey L. Shepard (the present efficient high-
way commissioner, and son of Major Bohan Shepard), Osmund
Farwell, John Patterson, Samuel Adams, David C. Clinton,
Wetmore Adoniram Lockwood, Ichabod Whitcomb, Lewis
and Daniel Small, Fisher F. Ames, Amos W. Palmer, Wil-
liam W. Grandy, Lot and Jones Bradish, William L. Glad-
ding, Ebcnezer S. Sanburn, Elisha W. Barber, Eoswell
Hutchins, Julius and James Grant, the pioneers of what
has since 1838 been known as the " Grant Settlement," on
and around lots 72 and 73.
THE FIRST BIRTHS.
The first white child born in the town was Eosoius W.,
son of Eben Judson, now residing in Ogdensburg, who was
born Aug. 7, 1810. Giles J., son of Erastus Hall, was
born March 7, 1811.
THE FIRST DEATH
was that of Eben Judson, who died June 29, 1813, and
was buried on the farm now owned by the widow of Louis
Small. Subsequently his remains were exhumed and re-
interred in the Eaymondville burying-ground. The first
physician who settled in the town was Dr. Lemuel Winslow
who came in 1811, from Williston, Vt. '
The first road towards Massena was made in November
1810, by Messrs. Hall & Brewer.
THE CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Norfolk was formed from Louisville, April 9, 1823; a
thltw"'^ '""" °' """'""'"• ^""^ '''"^'^^'^ '" '"« -^'^t-^ of
previous futile attempt to divide the towns having been
made in 1817, making one six miles square, with the present
village the centre. On the former date Louisville was
divided, embracing mile-squares 36 to 95, and all of 34 and
35 south of Grasse river. On the 15th of April, 1834,
mile-Squares 6 to 10 inclusive, and the north halves of 14
and 19 of Stockholm, were added ; and April 3, 1844, lots
36 to 44, and parts of 34, 35, and 45, were annexed to
Louisville. The town of Norfolk now contains 35,310
acres. Its surface is slightly broken and gently rolling, and
north and west of Eaquette river it is swampy. The soil
rests upon depositions of gravel and clay, underlaid by
calciferous sandstone, and is generally fertile. In the eastern
part of the town it is sandy. Its streams are Eaquette
river, which flows through the western and diagonally
across the northern parts of the town, and, near the central
part. Trout and Plum brooks, which are tributary to that
river. Eaquette river forms an abundant and excellent water-
power ; there being no less thaii seven dams upon it within
the limits of the town.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Elisha
Adams, on Monday, May 5, 1823, and the following-named
officers were elected: Christopher G. Stowe, supervisor;
Erastus Hall, town clerk ; Elisha W. Barber, Ephraim S.
Eaymond, Eoswell Hutchins, assessors ; Ebenezer S. San-
burn, Bishop Booze, John Blanchard, commissioners of
highways; Christopher G. Stowe, Ephraim S. Eaymond,
overseers of the poor; Eussell C. Atwater, Eoswell
Hutchins, Erastus Hall, inspectors of common schools ;
Benjamin Eaymond, Phineas Atwater, Eoswell Hutchins,
trustees of gospel and school lots.
"In 1828, a committee of five, to wait on the court-
house commissioners. In 1848, voted against dividing St.
Lawrence into three counties. In 1851, voted strongly
against enlarging the court-house. In 1852, voted $650
for a town-house. This was built of brick, 60 by 40, with
a piazza eight feet wide in front. It is decidedly the finest
town-hall in the county, and has cost about $l000."t
We subjoin a list of the supervisors of the town from its
organization to the present (1877) : 1823, Christopher G.
Stowe; 1824-29, Phineas Atwater; 1830-31, William
Blake; 1832-33, P. Atwater; 1834-36, William Blake;
1837, Norman Sackrider ; 1838, William Blake; 1839, N.
Sackrider; 1840-41, Hiram Atwater; 1842-45, Ira Hale ;
1846-47, Giles I. Hall; 1848-49, Calvin Elms; 1850-51,
Nathaniel F. Beals ; 1852-54, Christian Sackrider ; 1855,
Giles J. Hall; 1856, John Yale; 1857-59, Lewis Small;
1860, Horatio S. Munson ; 1861, William Glosson ; 1862
-65, John E. BrinckerhoflF; 1866-68, Edwin H. Atwater;
1869-75, Joseph C. Mould; 1876-77, Edwin H. Atwater,
The present town officers are E. H. Atwater, supervisor ;
C. A. King, town clerk, in place of I. N. Monch, moved
away ; Silas J. Farnsworth, assessor ; C. L. Shepard, com-
missioner of highways; Levi Miller, H. S. Joy, C. H.
Eobinson, A. E. Sayles, justices of the peace ; E. C. Brinck-
erhoff, collector; Alonzo Whitcomb, John Hayes, overseers
of the poor ; George E. Graves, Hugh Finnegan, I. J.
Crabb, constables ; A. D. Calkins, E. E. Foord, Ethan A,
t Br. Hough'a History of St. Lawrence Co., etc., 18*2.
Mrs.Wm,c./?awson.
Wm. C. Rawson.
( FHOTOS. BY H. L Stonc, FoTsa/^Kl. N. Y. )
SILAS WALDRON.
Photos, by Stone, Potsdam.
MRS. SOPHRONIA WALDRON.
SILAS WALDRON.
The subject of our present sketch, Silas Waldron, was
bom at Lachute Argenteuil, Canada, in the year 1804.
His father, Abiathar Waldron, was a native of Rhode Island,
and at the beginning of the Revolutionary war entered the
service of an oflScer in the Continental army as a servant,
being too young to enlist as a soldier, but before the close
of the war he was mustered into the ranks. At the cessa-
tion of hostilities he sought a home in Chittenden Co., Vt.,
where he married a wife from the Everets family, and settled
in the town of Williston. In 1798 he sold his farm, and
with others of his neighbors emigrated to Canada East,
or the province of Quebec, as it is now known, his family
then containing five children, and located at Lachute Ar-
genteuil, where three other children were added to the
family, which then consisted of five boys and three girls,
who settled in different parts of the country.
Silas Waldron, at the age of twenty-two years, was con-
nected by marriage with the Burch family, who were also
settlers at Lachute, from Vermont. Silas, with his wife,
Sophronia, resided two years on the homestead, and then
bought a small farm and began life in earnest for themselves ;
but after two years, a request came from his father to return
and manage the old homestead again, and the son dutifully
returned to assist the father in his declining years and fail-
ing health. When the Canadian rebellion, or patriot war,
broke out, the senior Waldron sold his farm (in 1838), as
also did the son, and removed to Norfolk, St. Lawrence
County, where the year following they bought a farm, and
both families moved to it in February, 1840, and there the
father died in the April following. Mrs. Waldron died some
five years afterwards. The son, Silas, has followed the oc-
cupation of a farmer from his boyhood to the present time,
satisfied with its returns, which have been fairly remunera-
tive.
Mr. Waldron has always taken an active interest in the
affairs of his town, and has held some of its offices with
credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. In busi-
ness his word is a guaranty of his faith in his undertakings,
accepted by all who have dealings with him.
In 1840, Mr. Waldron and his wife joined the Methodist
Episcopal church, of which church his father and mother
were also members ; and the pioneer preachers testify that
" Father" Waldron's house was their home whenever they
came in its vicinity, and bear witness also to his liberality
to the church. In these qualifications, also, the son and his
wife were noted, and were among the most zealous workers
for and of the church for more than thirty years. For as
long a period, too, Mr. Waldron served the church as steward,
trustee, and class-leader, working freely and actively wher-
ever the interest of the church called for his aid. His
purse was open to its temporal necessities, and his heart
and tongue gave of their best powers for its spiritual wants.
In 1867 a new church edifice was erected, and Mr. Wal-
dron was one of the building committee, and paid liberally
for its construction, which cost $9000.
Mr. Waldron and the wife of his youth have passed
through fifty-one years of wedded life together in amity and
concord, sharing its trials, hardships, comforts, and joys,
and have reared a family of four daughters and two sons.
The oldest son now resides in Nebraska, and is a farmer ;
the other son is at home with his wife, on the old home-
stead. Two daughters are married, and reside in Louisville,
St. Lawrence County ; one died some six years ago, and the
youngest one is at home with her parents, unmarried.
Though sorrow and distress have come to them in the
loss of friends and relatives, and severe illness has brought
their family at times near unto death, yet this trusting
pair have never failed to look unto Him whence cometh
their strength, with confidence and the spirit of the
psalmist, when he says, " Though He slay me, yet will I
trust in Him," and they are now passing serenely down the
stream of time, their bark guided by faith, their sails
trimmed by hope, and their horizon bounded by an endless
love.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
301
Everest, inspectors of election district No. 1 ; Silas J. Farns-
worth, M. P. Bishop, A. A. Woodard (appointed), inspectors
of election district No. 2 ; 0. H. Hale ; L. L. Atwater,
L. C. Yale (appointed), town auditors ; Alonzo Ames,
George Carpenter, Cyrus 0. Jones, excise commissioners.
NORFOLK
is the principal village in the town, the first settlement at
which was made in 1816, by Judge Russell Atwater, from
Russell, who, in June the year previously, purchased one-
half of the Morris tract, and the west half of Eighty-eight
in Louisville. This tract had been assigned to James D.
Le Ray in a partition of lands, and sold by him to Gouver-
neur Morris. A clearing of ten acres had been made for
Le Ray in the summer of 1811, in the lower part of what
is now the village of Norfolk, on which, in 1812, a crop of
wheat was raised. A large stone grist-mill, with two run
of stones, ijyas built by Mr. Atwater, the same year of his
arrival, on the site of the mill subsequently owned by
Norman Sackrider.
Among the early settlers of the village who have been
more or less identified with its moral and material develop-
ment, might be mentioned the following : Norman Sackrider
and Christian, his brother, Julius Judson, Thomas* and
Joseph C. Mould, William Atwater, M.D., Hiram Atwater,
Timothy W. Osborne, Roswell Hutchins, Solomon Sartwell,
Martin Beach, John P. and Henry A. Wetmore, Arba
and Alba Robinson.
A company styling itself the Phoenix iron company,
under the firm of E. Keyes & Co., was formed Oct. 7, 1825,
and the year following built in the village, on the north
bank, a furnace for making iron from bog ores, which ex-
isted, abundantly in the swamps of this and neighboring
towns. It passed through several hands and ran about two
hundred days in a year till 1844, when it was burned by
an incendiary. It produced about twelve tons daily, and
was lined with sandstone from Potsdam and Hopkinton.
In 1846 a forge was built by William Blake a little
above the furnace, and run two or three years, until it
was burned.
" The village of Norfolk possesses manufacturing facili-
ties which are destined to render it a place of much im-
portance. The Raquette river here has a descent of about
70 feet within a mile, passing over three dams already
erected, and affording opportunity for at least four more,
at each of which the whole volume of the river could be
used. Below the upper dam the channel is divided by an
island of about two acres in extent, which affords facilities
for the erection of dams at its head and at its foot, and the
water could be diverted to either side or used upon both
sides of the island and the main shore. At the foot of the
island the river turns to the left, and the bank on the inside
of the bend is low and flat, and but little elevated above
high-water mark, while that on the outside of the bend is
an elevated plain of easy ascent, and abruptly terminating
upon the river. This elevated bank continues, with a slight
interruption, to below the village. The left bank of the
river is low, and on this the main part of the village is at
* Now past eighty years of age, having been born Deo. 26, 1797.
present built. Throughout the whole extent the bed of
the river is formed of limestone, affording at the same time
a secure foundation for building and the materials for the
erection of walls. Lime made from this stone is of good
quality."
The village now contains four shingle-mills, owned and
operated respectively by John R Brinckerhoff, A. A. Davis,
B. H. & L. L. Atwater, and Edson Dow, which manufac-
tured 7,500,000 shingles during 1876; a grist-mill by At-
water, Bemis & Co. ; a creamery, by Henry M. Atwater,
makes about 25.000 pounds of butter per annum ; a tannery
by Horatio Robinson ; two carriage-shops, by C. A. King
and J. M. Hutchins ; one furniture-factory, two saw-mills,
a pump-factory, three blacksniithies, and three shoe-shops.
There are two general stores, kept by G. A. Mowitt and
Ambrose E. Sayles, respectively, one drug-store, by N. C.
Smith, two grocery-stores, one furniture-store, and three
millinery establishments. There are four churches, one
each of the Protestant Episcopal, Congregational, Method-
ist Episcopal, and Roman Catholic denominations. There
are two district schools, a post-ofiice, Joseph C. Mould, post-
master, a telegraph-office, two hotels, and about 600 in-
habitants. Norfolk stands preeminently as one of the
most enterprising villages in the northern part of St. Law-
rence County. The above description includes the settle-
ment known as " Slab city," which never was anything more
than a continuation of Norfolk.
RAYMONDVILLE.
The village of Raymondville was originally called Racker-
ton, but is generally known as the lower village. Its
present name was given in honor of Benjamin Raymond,
the first agent for Norfolk and Potsdam. The Indians
called it TsiiaJcoontieta, meaning " where they leave the
canoe, "f
In 1814 a bridge was constructed across Raquette river,
and in 1816, Mr. Raymond moved his family to the place.
Erastus Hall had settled in the immediate vicinity of the
place in 1810. The place possesses an excellent water-
power, which has been largely utilized for manufacturing
purposes. Among the oldest and most prominent manu-
facturers there now are Joseph Clark and William Coats,
the former engaged in the wagon and repairing business,
the latter in the manufacture of bricks. The place now
contains a woolen-factory, established as such in 1873. The
original building was erected by Joseph Clark, and used by
him for various mechanical purposes in general wood-work
until destroyed by fire in 1852. The present structure was
built the same year. There are two butter-tub factories,
grist-, saw-, and shingle-mills, a creamery, owned and oper-
ated by C. A. Clark, in which he makes about 25,000
pounds of butter per annum. It has three brick-yards, the
most extensive of which is that operated by William Coats,
and established by him in 1841. He manufactures 500,000
bricks per year ; his brother, T. S. Coats, 400,000 ; and at
the other yard are made about 200,000, making a total of
1 100,000. The first brick-yard was established in 1817,
by Erastus Hall, and was located one-half mile below the
f See Ctiilds' Historical Directory, p. 167.
302-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
village. In addition to the above there is a starch-factory,
two blacksmith-shops, two general stores, a union church
(used alternately by the Episcopal Methodists and the Con-
gregationalists), a commodiou.s school-house, a hotel, and a
post-office. Altogether, with a little more general enter-
prise among the residents of Raymondville, coupled with
the fine natural advantages the place enjoys, it might be-
come a village of considerable importance.
THE TOWN-HALL.
This building, one of the finest of its kind in the county,
was erected in 1871. It is built of brick, and its dimen-
sions are 38 by 60 feet, with walls 22 feet high. It cost
13000, and its builders were Messrs. Oral Bradley, Edwin
H. & L. L. Atwater, Chauncey L. Shepard, and E. W.
Bemis. The expense of erection was borne by the gentle-
men above named, and on completion it was sold to the town
at what was generally considered a very reasonable price.
It is located in the village of Norfolk.
BRIDGES.
The town has been equally fortunate with regard to its
bridges, particularly those spanning the Baquette river at
the village of Norfolk, which were both constructed for the
sum of $3500. They are of iron, of the style known as
trestle, and are very substantial and durable. The con-
struction was superintended by the present efficient high-
way commissioner, C. L. Shepard, and they give general
satisfaction.
RELIGIOUS.
Meetings for religious worship were held in the lower
part of the town, almost immediately after it was settled,
alternately at the houses of Messrs. Hall and Judson, who
.were members of no church, but believed that the observ-
ance of the Sabbath conduced to morality. Soon after their
arrival they agreed to hold religious meetings at their
houses, at which a sermon should be read, and that " their
families should remain and visit after the meeting was dis-
missed. Occasionally others of the settlers would come in
on the Sabbath, and these weekly meetings were kept up
for some time, when one Montague, who came on with
others to build a mill on Trout brook, having heard of these
meetings, attended, and was the first worshiper who could
sing and pray, and thenceforth they lacked none of the ele-
ments requisite in the Protestant worship." In 1811, Seth
Burt, a missionary from Massachusetts, came and left books.
The Rev. James Johnson, from Potsdam, and the Rev. Mr.
Winchester, from Madrid, occasionally visited the town, and
held meetings in the vicinity of the present village of Ray-
mondville.
GRACE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at Norfolk was begun in 1816, by Hon. Russell Atwater,
who fitted up the upper story of his grist-mill for the pur-
pose of divine worship, according to the ritual of the Epis-
copal church, and himself officiated for several years as lay
reader, and succeeded in making a few converts to the
church, instructing them in the tenets of that faith. Among
these was the Rt. Rev. L. Silliman Ives, D.D., subsequently
bishop of North Carolina. The parish of Grace church
was regularly organized in 1825 by the Rev. Seth M.
Beardsley, then acting as missionary in the country, who
also made an unsuccessful attempt to build a church. He
was succeeded by Revs. Hiram Adams and Henry Atwater,
in 1828 and 1829 respectively. From July, 1836, to March,
1842, public services were discontinued, with the excep-
tion of occasional lay reading, and owing to the want of a
clergyman, and the removal of several families, the organi-
zation of the parish was lost. A reorganization took place
March 29, 1842, when the Rev. John A. Childs began to
officiate as missionary, and he was followed by Rev. John
H. Hanson. On the 30th of July, 1845, the corner-stone of
the present church edifice was laid by the Rt. Rev. Wm.
H. Delancy, D.D., bishop of western New York, in a lot
of ground purchased by the vestry, and situated in the
centre of the village. The edifice cost $3000, and will
comfortably seat 250 persons. It is after the Elizabethan
style of architecture ; is 70 feet in length, including the
porch, 50 feet across the transept, and 22 across the nave.
The ridge is thirty-four feet high. The walls are of stone,
and very massive. At the time of its erection it was the only
Gothic structure in St. Lawrence or Franklin counties. The
present church officers are: Rector, Rev. J. L. Nesbitt;
Senior Warden, Sylvester Foord, M.D. ; Vestrymen, Ed-
win H. Atwater, C. H. Robinson, H. F. Allen, F. A. Wet-
more, Edgar Foord, S. F. Goff, A. N. Thompson. The
present number of communing members is 35 ; number of
teachers and scholars in the Sunday-school (which was
organized Nov. 25, 1877) is 28 ; superintendent, the rector.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized July 1, 1817, by Rev. Royal Phelps, of the
Cayuga presbytery, then acting as a missionary, assisted by
Rev. John Ransom, of Hopkinton; had at first seventeen
members. The meetings were first held in the loft of a
mill, and afterwards in a chamber of the tavern of J. Lang-
worthy and in the school-house. Loring Brewster was in-
stalled first pastor April 28, 1828. The society was incor-
porated February 20, G. C. Stowe, Martin Beach, E. S.
Tambling, William Blake, Philemon Kellogg, and John C.
Putnam, trustees. Reorganized Dec. 12, 1840. A church
edifice was erected in 1840, at a cost of $4000. It will
seat 200 persons. The present membership of the church
is 60. Pastor, Rev. Geo. B. Rowley ; Deacons, Benj. Glines
and J. C. Mould ; Trustees, Alba Robinson, Julius Judson,
Charles Stowe ; membership of the Sunday-school, 68 ;
number of teachers, 7 ; Superintendent, Edward' Blanchard.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
at Raymondville was first organized March 12, 1828, as a
colony from the parent church at Norfolk. The organiza'
tion had comparatively little vitality prior to the erection
of the brick church, which was built in conjunction with
the Methodists, in 1844. The building cost $3000, and
has a seating capacity for 275 persons. It has a 300-pound
bell, and is altogether one of the finest church edifices in
town. The present membership is 52. Pastor, Rev. Geo.
B. Rowley ; Deacons, A. B. Bishop and A. S. Hall ; Trustees,
M. P. Bishop, A. B. Bishop, and Thomas S. Coats. The
union Sunday-school has a membership of 12 teachers and
120 scholars. The superintendent is William Coats.
DR. WILLIAM FLOYD.
Many of the facts connected with the life and history of
the subject of this sketch are lacking, owing to the removal
by death of those of his friends and relatives who were
conversant with them. What is here given shows him to
have been a respected and influential member of society, and
an unusually successful practitioner of his chosen profession.
Dr. Floyd was born in New Haven, Addison Co., Vt., Oct.
16, 1800. On Jan. 15, 1822, he married Miss Phebe
McClenathen, daughter of Thomas McClenathen. Three
children were the result of this union. Dr. Floyd came to
Norfolk in 1829. The practice of his profession was not
confined to Norfolk, but extended to the villages of De Kalb
and Madrid. His first wife having died, he was united in
marriage to Luoretia Taylor, Feb. 14, 1842. One child
was born to them.
Dr. Floyd was a Free Mason of good standing, being one
of the charter members of the Norfolk lodge. He enter-
tained a high regard for religious matters, and was a con-
sistent member of the Congregational church. Having
been successful in the accumulation of property, he contribu-
ted largely to the support of the church. In politics he was
a stanch Republican.
CHAUNCBY L. SHEPARD.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Geor-
gia, Franklin Co., Vt, March 28, 1803. His parents'
names were Bohan Shepard and Charlotte Shepard, who
were of English descent. Chaunoey moved from Vermont to
St. Lawrence County in 1823, and located on the same farm
where he now resides. His first purchase was forty acres at
ten dollars per acre, and subsequent purchases amounting to
some two hundred acres. His parents moved here in 1828,
and Chauncey and his brother together owned prior to his
marriage some four hundred acres, three hundred of which
were cleared by himself. He was married at the age of twenty-
four to Kachael Ball, daughter of Jonas Ball, of Madrid,
St. Lawrence County, who departed this life in 1832. The
result of this union was four children, three daughters and
one son, viz.: Harriet M., Charlotte Elizabeth, Candace P.,
and G-eorge W. Shepard, all of whom are living and mar-
ried. Mr. Shepard has followed various pursuits in life.
Used to be called a good carpenter and joiner and stone
mason. Was one of the first to start the stage line through
this section, and drove the first stage through from Norfolk
to St. Ridges ; was one of the proprietors of the route. He
subsequently purchased large droves of cattle and drove
them through to Montreal and Quebec, Canada. Was at one
time superintendent of the building of the woodwork for
river and canal locks at Montreal and Beauharnois; also
superintendent of the building of the Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain raUroad, such as grading and masonry. In the
fall of 1851, Mr. S. went to California, where he remained
some two years, and endured the hardships of a life in the
mines ; took out at one time, with his own hands, a nugget
worth nine hundred and fifty dollars. Upon his return, in
1853, he commenced building, and has now one of the
finest farms in the town of Norfolk. A sketch of his resi-
dence and farm buildings can be seen on another page of
this work. He has served the town some fifteen years of
his life as commissioner of highways, and has just erected
two fine iron bridges over the Eaquette river, at Norfolk
village.
Mr. Shepard is now in his seventy-fifth year, and, al-
though past the usual time allotted to man, is as active as a
boy, and attends regularly to the duties of the farm, and
all that demands his attention.
Bridge ovtf? fiacket Riven at HoftroLH,ERtatD m fSV.ev C.L. Shufaro
Residence of H. C.FARWELL, Norfolk, St. Lawrence Co., H.Y.
H.D. Carpenter.
G£Nf. CUSrAR.17 MONTHS OLD.
FRONT VIEW OF HOUSE.
Bullet.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
303
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at Norfolk was organized April 19, 1831, with Royal Shel-
don, Laoius Chandler, Justus Webber, Hiram Johnson,
and Ebenezer Houghton, trustees. They reorganized Feb.
10, 1840, and erected their present house of worship in
Norfolk village. The present pastor is Rev. R. E. King.
Membership of the charge is 26 probationers and 153 full
members. The Sunday-school numbers 32 officers and
teachers, and 205 scholars. The pastors and others to
whom we applied failed to furnish us with the names of
the officers of the church, hence the omission.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
at Norfolk was organized in the summer of 1868, at which
time they purchased the old Methodist church and fitted it
up for a place of worship. The first pastoi' was Rev. Father
Swift ; the present incumbent is Rev. J. J. Brennan. Mem-
bership 400. Trustees, Rt. Rev. Bishop Wadliams, Very
Rev. James Mackey, Rev. J. J. Brennan, P. M. Leonard,
and James Smith. Membership of the Sunday-school, 34.
Superintendent, Father Brennan.
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
Matters of education received early attention from the
early settlers, and we find that a school was taught as early
as 1812. The progress in educational improvement has
been, in many respects, in advance of other material inter-
ests, as is shown by the subjoined statistics: number of
school-houses, 15 ; value of same, $8000 : number of teach-
ers employed, 15 ; number of scholars, 915 ; State appro-
priation, $1851 ; taxes, $577. The population of the
town for the half-decades from 1845 to 1875, inclusive, has
been as follows: In 1845, 1544 ; in 1850, 1753 ; in 1855,
1804; in 1860,2329; in 1865, 1876; ic 1870, 2441;
in 1875, 2476 ; in 1877 (estimated), 2550.
We are under obligations to the -following persons for
information and assistance in the compilation of the history
of the town of Norfolk: Dr. Franklin B. Hough, author
of the "History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties;"
to Giles J. Hall, son of Erastus Hail, the pioneer of the
town ; Julius Judson, son of P]ben Judson, also one of the
very earliest settlers ; C. L. Shepard, son of Major Bohan
Shepard ; Col. Ira Hale, now of Stockholm, and his son
Oscar H. Hale ; Lot and Jones Bradish ; H. C. Parweil,
son of Osmond Farwell ; Ferry C. Bixby ; Henry C. Wet-
more ; Joel Farnsworth ; John C. Mould ; E. A. King,
town clerk ; and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PERRY C. BIXBY.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Underbill, Chittenden Co., Vt., Nov. 9, 1802. His parents'
names were Salmon Bixby, who was of Scotch descent, and
Abigail Chamberlain, of English parentage. His father's
family moved to St. Lawrence County in the month of
January, 1811, and located in the town of Madrid, some
two miles east of Columbia village, and two years later
removed to the vicinity of the Haskall burying-ground.
Mr. Bixby was married Oct. 9, 1830, to Eliza A., daughter
of Daniel B. Beals, and on Christmas of the same year
Plioto. by N. L. Stone, Potsdam.
PEERT C. BIXBT.
moved his father and mother to the present homestead,
which was purcliased expressly for them by his son, P. C.
The old gentleman's health finally failed, and it became neces-
sary for the son to take charge of the farm and attend to
the wants of the aged father and mother, which he did, and
has succeeded in accumulating a fine property, working at
his trade, that of a carpenter, and overseeing the farm since
the date of his marriage. The original purchase was
twenty-five acres, and he now holds a deed of two hundred
and sixty acres. He has elected some two or three build-
ings annually until within the last two or three years, and,
although his infirmity forbids further business in this line,
yet he goes about the farm from day to day and works with
the energy of a boy ; and on the day prior to the writing of
this sketch, when called upon by the writer, was one and
one-half miles distant from his residence, cutting under-
brush. His family consists of a wife and ten children, — seven
daughters and three sons, viz. : — Chloe, the twins Abigail
C. and Eliza, Helen, Elsie, Lucy, and Cynthia, Daniel
Philip, George W., and Orton Bixby, all of whom are living.
The first school-house of this district was built of stone,
and Mr. Bixby carried up one corner of it for the benefit
of the district. Mr. Bixby's religious belief is to " first
reconcile thy brother.'' But few men have spent so long a
life of activity and usefulness as has the subject of this
sketch, and now, at the age of seventy-five, lives to see the
results and fruits of his labors.
0. H. HALE,
the proprietor of the "Valley Farm," — a view of which
may bo seen on another page of this work, — is also en-
gaged in the breeding of Jersey cattle and Berkshire hogs.
The farm coiitfiins twp hundred aiid fifty apres, finely
304
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
located and well watered, and under the skillful manage-
ment and intelligent cultivation of its proprietor has be-
come one of the best in the town of Norfolk.
Mr. Hale was born in Norfolk, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
Feb. 6, 1835, being a son of Ira and Amelia Judson Hale.
He was married April 8, 1858, to Maggie Gage, who was
born March 4, 1835, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y.
Her parents, Elijah B. and Esther Hoffman Gage, were
both natives of Herkimer county, and removed to St. Law-
rence county in 1844. Four children have been bora to
Mr. and Mrs. Hale, who are now living.
Mr. Hale is a successful, well-to-do farmer, and a good
citizen.
MR. CHANDLER RAWSON.
The subject of this sketch was born in Chester, Vt.,
Oct. 27, 1818, and was the third child and oldest son of
Samuel and Lydia Rawson. He had one brother and eight
sisters, three of whom are still living ; his brother resides
in Virden, Macoupin Co., 111. Mr. Rawson's parents were
of English descent, and emigrated to this country about
the year 1820. They settled in the town of Potsdam, where
they resided until their death. His father died July 12,
1833; his mother, Nov. 5, 1834. By this bereavement
the subject of this sketch was left an orphan, with seven
sisters and one brother, younger than himself All of the
family who now survive are comfortabiy settled in life. Mr.
Rawson himself has been very successful in the acquisition
of property, as the view of his residence, which appears
on another page of this work, bears evidence.
Mr. Rawson commenced life under rather adverse cir-
cumstances, being left an orphan by the death of both
parents, as before mentioned, at the tender age of fifteen
years, but by indus'try and economy has achieved a compe-
tence. He engaged to work for Leonard Ellison until he
was twenty-one years of age, and at the expiration of his
service was the possessor of $100, and attended school
through the subsequent winter. For the four years follow-
ing he worked for John and Calvin Borroughs.
He was now twenty-five years of age, and the possessor
of about $500. The next five years were similarly spent,
and at the age of thirty he was the owner of one hun-
dred and thirty-one acres of land, clear of incumbrance.
Feb. 14, 1849, he joined his fortunes to those of Elmyra
Grandy, of Stockholm, N. Y. The result of this union
was one child, Sidney G. On Sept. 6, 1853, he lost? his
faithful wife and companion, and two months later iWas
called to mourn the death of his only son. i
Mr. Rawson for his second wife married Mary Wads-
worth, of Stockholm, Oct. 25, 1854. To them four children
have been born, — one son and three daughters ; all living
except the son, who died at the age of two years.
And now, at the age of threescore years, Mr. RaWson
can review his past life with satisfaction, knowing that he
has been a faithful servant in the Lord's vineyard, and im-
proved the talents intrusted to him. Ever ready to aid in
all good works, he takes an especial interest in educational
and religious interests. He is a self-made man, and enjoys
the confidence and esteem of the community where he
resides.
PIERREPONT.
PlERREPONT was formed from Russell and Potsdam,
April 15, 1818, and included the townships of Emilyville,
No. 15; Chaumont, No. 13; Clifton, No. 10; Clare, No.
6 ; and so much of De Witt, No. 3, as would lie east of a
continuation of the west line of said township to the rear
line of Canton.
Emilyville was taken off and annexed to Fine in the or-
ganization of that town, March 27, 1844. Chaumont and
Clifton were taken from it, and a town named Clifton or-
ganized April 21, 1868. The surface is diversified, and
the soil various and well adapted to grazing. The principal
stream is the Raquette river, which runs through the north-
east corner, though the north and middle branches of the
Grasse river cross town 6, Clare. Magnetic ore and other
valuable minerals are found in the town. It derives its name
from Hezekiah B. Pierrepbnt, who owned a large share of its
area, and by the agents of whom it was principally settled.
From the field-notes of Benjamin Wright, made on the
survey of township No. 3, now Pierrcpont, the following
traditionary record is taken : "The Indians tell of a silver"
mine, near the falls on Grasse river, which wns wnrtpH «
little about 1776, but was stopped by an order of govern-
ment soon after it was begun." In township No. 3, it is
said, " The Indian line of navigation from Lake Champlain,
or from St. Regis to Black river or Lake Ontario, lies
through this town by way of Fall river.''
Dr. Hough says, —
" A part of the township of Clare was formerly owned
by Madame De Stael, the accomplished French authoress,
and virulent enemy of Napoleon. She invested her money
in these lands at the recommendation of Gouverneur Mor-
ris, with whom she was personally acquainted. On Oct.
7, 1806, he wrote to her as follows :
" ' It haa occurred to me that you would do well to purchase the
remainder of the township of Clare. It lies nc.\t to that of liallybecn
(Russell), which is rapidly increasing in population. Thus in time
a revenue will bo drawn from it, inconsiderable indeed at first, but
subsequently of great importance. Now such a provision for a son
is of more value than thrice the amount of money. The one directs
to industry and economy, the other e.xcites to dissipation, unless in-
dolence is allowed to exercise its enervating power. It would per-
haps be possible to purchase the remainder of Clare at the rate of one
dollar an acre. It certainly would not be necessary to go higher
g I
J.lNGRAHAM LEONAFD fiftSjlNCRAHAM LEONARD
( Photos BY N.L Stonc. Potsdam)
Res Ss -J INGRAHAM LEONARD, Pf£ff/fEP0Nr,5T.UwR£NC£ Co, ^ V
^
j^^4^sjg*ag«?fjj:jw|;^jg!;jit^
>^
"Waterman Hill Stock Farm" Ovff>
I^^»f it^*^-*^":"^^^^;^^:^^ .
bM.AND L. BULLIS ,PliRR€PONT,N.Y.
Horace BunERFiELO.
Mrs Horace Buitefifield.
Photos, sv Mrs Dr J Hitchcock.
Canton, N Y
/
!-i^3ii^^|;:'^i
ir, *
fF^ONf V/EW OF House
j?=nu '»**«iw
RESIDENCE S. OAtRY FARM OF HORACE BUTTERriELD, PIERBEPONT, N, r
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
305
" On the partition of lands between McCormiek and
others, 15,200 acres were conveyed to Herman Le Roy
and Wm. Bayard, in trust for this lady. They were sub-
sequently conveyed to Theodosius 0. Fowler, and in 1846
purchased by S. Pratt and John L. Russell, upon directions
to sell by the Due de Broglie and Ada Holstein de Stael, his
wife, the only surviving child of Madame de Stael. In
1847 a question of alienage of the Duchess de Broglie, and of
the operation of the New York statute of trusts, having
arisen, the legislature, by separate acts, confirmed the title
of Russell and Pratt to the Clare lands, and of Livingston
to the Clifton lands, similarly circumstanced."
Between the years 1864 and 1868, Wm. H. Sawyer and
Leslie W. Russell, of Canton, purchased for themselves and
Samuel C. Wead, of Malone, the west half of this town-
ship, since which it has been rapidly settled. The east half
of the township is owned by Marcus Ball, of Troy, and is
practically unsettled. The Pierrepont, Fine and Watson
turnpike runs from north to south, through the west half
of the town, and all the farms are upon this road. About
2000 acres of land are cleared and improved, and 2000
acres more in process of clearing. The land lying back
from the road is considered the best for farming. The
timber is mostly hard wood, with hemlock, pine, and spruce.
There is one saw-mill, owned by the estate of David C. Jud-
son, of Ogdeusburg, and it is expected that a tannery will
soon be built. There are two school-houses in the tract,
but no churches ; the Methodists and Roman Catholics,
however, have services in the school-houses. Nathan Isham
has a store in the tract. The Adirondack railroad, from
Saratoga to Ogdensburg, of which eighty miles are com-
pleted from Saratoga, will pass through the west half of
this town, following the valley of the Grasse river and pass-
ing through Canton. Thomas C. Durant has a land-grant
of about one million acres from the State of New York to
aid in its construction.
EABLT SETTLERS.
The first settlement in Pierrepont was made by Flavius
J. Curtis, who located in the northeast corner of lot 17
about 1806-7. The St. Lawrence turnpike from Platts-
burg to Carthage was surveyed and cut through the town
in 1812, and turnpiked in 1813. This was the means of
opening the town for settlement, and settlers, generally from
Vermont, came in quite rapidly. Henry Axtell came from
Vermont in March, 1813, and settled on the east side of
lot 44. In his family, the year following, was born the
first child in town, — Henry Edwin Axtell. Ritto B. Ax-
tell, another son, is now living on the homestead. Cyrus
Grannis, an agent of Pierrepont's, erected a large frame
house near the centre and opened a tavern, said to have
been the first in town. Ebenezer Tupper came in 1813,
and settled on the east side of the Raquette river, at the
point where the turnpike crosses. Soon after coming in he
also opened a tavern. Peter Ripley Leonard came from
Shoreham, Vt., and settled in Canton in the spring of 1803.
His brother, Moses Leonard, settled in Canton in the same
year. They removed to this town in 1813. Peter R. lo-
cated on lot 44, about half a mile southwest of the centre,
and his son, Charles Leonard, now owns the homestead.
Moses settled on land where the centre now is ; • a few years
later he moved to a farm on the Colton road on lot 57.
His son Moses is now living on the farm. Another son,
William, is living on the farm first located. A daughter
married Andrew A. Crampton. The same year (1813)
Zuriel Waterman settled on what is now called " Waterman
hill."
Others followed that year, of whom may be mentioned
Davis Dunton, Foster Shaw, Alanson Woodruflf, Joseph
Mather, and Clark Hutohins. Andrew A. Crampton came
from Pittsford, Vt., in 1815, and settled on lot 44, about a
quarter of a mile southwest of the centre. He resided on
this farm fifty-one years, and was familiar with the history
of the town in its rise and progress. ■ He was an earnest,
active, and industrious citizen. At the first town-meeting,
held March 1, 1819, he was elected town clerk, and has
been supervisor, justice of the peace, and held other offices
of the town. For twenty-four years he was postmaster.
Such was the trust reposed in him that he was largely in-
trusted with the settlement of the estates of his deceased
townsmen. He died Sept. 16, 1866, in his seventy-first
year, and was an honest, upright man. His son, Lucius
Crampton, now lives on the homestead. Appleton Crary
was the first of this family to settle in the town. In 1816
he located laud on lot 4, on the Canton road, and his widow,
a daughter of John Hopkins, a pioneer of the town of Can-
ton, is now living, being in her eighty-eighth year. Na-
than Crary, Jr., then living in Potsdam, taught the first
school, in 1815-16, in a log house that stood at the foot of
the hill, and back of Benj. P. Hubbard's store. He mar-
ried Catharine Averell, of Madrid, and moved into the town.
The last farm owned by him is the same now owned by
Ingraham Leonard. He was an ordained minister in the
M. E. church, and preached every Sunday to weak and
feeble churches, giving his services gratuitously. His farm
supported him, and he did good for the sake of so doing.
He preached the Sunday before his death, which took place
Oct. 11, 1861. He was aged seventy-one years, and his
wife died Feb. 10, 1874. Edward Crary settled in the
town at, and gave the name to, Crary's Mills, having built
and owned the mills there.
Orrin Crary, now living in Parishville, settled on lot 5.
Nathan Crary, Sr., moved to Potsdam in 1805, and lived
there up to 1824, when he moved into Pierrepont and set-
tled on lot 4, near where his son Stephen now lives, which
lot is a portion of Stephen's farm. Mr. Nathan Crary was
a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Smith Crary (the
poet) lives on lot 4, on the Canton road.
Ephraim Butterfield came from Vermont to Clinton Co.
about 1804. He served in the War of 1812, and in 1815
removed with his family to Pierrepont, and located in 1816-
17 on the farm now occupied by his son, Horace Butter-
field. Of a family of eleven children, nine sons and one
daughter are now living. Mr. Butterfield died in Pierre-
pont in 1847, and Mrs. Butterfield in 1874, at the age of
eighty-nine.
Christopher Leonard, father of Ingraham Leonard, set-
tled on lot 45, about a quarter of a mile northeast of the
centre, on the turnpike. Shubael Crandall came from
Royalton, Vt., in 1817, with ox-teams, the journey occupying
306
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
fourteen days. Mitchell Hamilton, born in Barre, Mass., in
1782, moved to Vermont in 1796, and in 1806 came to
this county, settling in Hopkinton, where he was in the
employ of Judge Hopkins. He also assisted in cutting out
the old Northwest Bay road, so called. In 1811 he moved
in Canton, where he lived ten years. He removed to Pierre-
pont in 1825, where he resided till his death, which occurred
in 1854. Of a family of eight children, three are now
living: Mrs. Moses Leonard, of Pierrepont, Mrs. L. A.
Harris, of Potsdam, and A. B. Hamilton, of Pierrepont
Centre. Rev. William Whitfield, paistor of the Free-will
Baptist church of this town, was born in the parish of
Clerkenwell, county of Middlesex, England. His educa-
tion was in the parish of Islington, where his parents then
resided. In the fall of 1828 he came to the town of Law-
rence, and in 1831 his religious life began. During that
year he was united in marriage with Deantha M. Axtell.
In 1838 he was licensed to preach, and in 1840 he came to
Pierrepont, and shortly after was ordained. His ministry
has been extended to towns around, and he has attended
a very large number of funerals in this and other towns,
and has united in matrimony two hundred and seventy-six
couples.
In the northeast corner of the town, on Raquette river,
the first settlement was made by Gardner Cox, from Bar-
nard, Vt., who, in 1817, bought a small tract of land, in-
cluding the water-privilege. John P. Dimick, from the
same place, purchased a piece of land adjoining. These
two persons " shantied" together several weeks and cut
over some twenty acres of land, and returned to Vermont
in the winter. In Blarch, 1818, Benjamin Cox, who had
joined his brother in the purchase, moved in with his family,
which was the first family that settled in this part of the
town. Joseph Dimick, a soldier of the Revolution, came to
reside with his son about 1820, and died here, aged about
seventy-six. He was with General Putnam when he made
his celebrated escape from the British at Horse-Neck.
Within four years from the advent of Mr. Cox's family,
many other families came in at his solicitation, and settled
on both sides of the river. Samuel Bancroft came from
Rutland Co., Vt., in the summer of 1816, and moved his
family into the town the next year. Reuben Dorothy
moved in in 1818, and Asa B. Briggs from Barnard, Vt.,
in 1820. Samuel Belding came in about 1818, and located
on lot 30, near the Parishville line. His son is living on
the homestead. Seth Hale came in about that year, and
settled near East Pierrepont. David Bradley, from the
northern part of Vermont, came in at that early day, and
settled on lot 21, near the Rexford dam. Many of the
above-named old settlers have descendants still living on the
homesteads or in the town.
In the summer of 1799, Judge Raymond and others,
engaged in surveying into townships the great northern
purchase, had a provision-camp near the village of East
Pierrepont. An incident is related concerning this encamp-
ment worthy of record. Some of his men, wearied with
the labors of the survey, which was protracted till late in
the season, became anxious to return home, and finally re-
fusing to listen to reason or argument, became mutinous,
and resolved to leave, with or without permission, and so
declared their intention. The route they proposed to take
was through the southern forest, and their guide, the com-
pass of Mr. Raymond. Hearing of this intention, the latter,
having exhausted his patience in attempting to dissuade,
resorted to another expedient, and privately stole out of the
camp on the evening previous to the day appointed for
their departure, and hid his compass. When the mutineers
had made all their arrangements and were prepared to start,
inquiry was made for the compass, but it could not be found.
Mr. Raymond, having in this manner gained control over
his men, succeeded at length in convincing them that it was
their interest to continue the survey until it was completed,
and then return home honorably ; and having obtained from
each a promise of obedience, the instrument was produced
and the labors continued till completed.
From observations, continued annually for more than
thirty years, upon the height of the spring flood of the
Raquette at Cox's mills, in Pierrepont, by the owner, it has
been noticed that, with but few exceptions, the highest water
occurred on the last week in April. One of these excep-
tions was in July, 1830, when a memorable freshet prevailed
throughout all the rivers of northern New York and por-
tions of the New England States. It was produced by
heavy and protracted rains. The water at this place was
then about three and a half feet above ordinary summer level
on the dam, while the ordinary depth in spring floods does
not exceed two and a half feet.
DOCUMENTARY AND CIVIL HISTORT.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Cyrus
Grannis, March 1, 1819. The following-named persons
were elected : Cyrus Grannis, supervisor ; Andrew A.
Crampton, clerk ; Wm. Yale, Elisha Woodrufi', Gardner
Cox, assessors ; Peter R. Leonard, Joseph Dorothy, poor-
masters ; Flavins J. Curtis, Ezra Crary, Samuel Belding,
commissioners of roads ; Richard Weller, constable and col-
lector ; Seth Hale, overseer of highways ; F. J. Curtis, Eben-
ezer Tupper, Gardner Cox, commissioners of schools ; Cyrus
Grannis, Wm. Yale, A. A. Crampton, inspectors of schools;
Jos. Dorothy, Seth Hale, F. J. Curtis, Henry Axtell, fence-
viewers ; E. Tupper, P. R. Leonard, pound-keepers. Com-
plete list of supervisors: C. Grannis, 1819; John Axtell,
1820-21 ; Ezra Crary, 1822-23; Benj. Squire, 1824-29;
Aug. 22, 1829, Gardner Cox, to fill vacancy; G. Cox,
1830-32, '40 ; Samuel Northrup, 1833-38 ; Paine Con-
verse, 1839; A. A. Crampton, 1841-42; Joshua Manley,
1843, '44, '46, '47 ; Orrin A. Howard, 1845-57, '58, '66,.
'67, '68 ; Truman Smith, 1848-49 ; Asa W. Briggs, 1850-
51 ; Peter F. Ryerson, 1852-53 ; Edwin A. Merritt,
1854, '55, '56; Benj. P. Hamilton, 1859-60; Martin
Welch, 1861, '62, '63; Ansel B. Hamilton, 1864^65; L.
Crampton, 1869-70 ; A. C. Leonard, 1871-72 ; Wm. A.
Sherman, 1873, '74, '75, '76.
The present town officers are Lorenzo Northup, super-
visor; Wm. Whitfield, clerk; Edwin Cook, commissioner
of highways ; S. B. Crandell, Chas. Drury, Aaron Colton,
justices of the peace ; Ansell Howard, A. P. Sabius, over-
seers of the poor; M. J. Barber, assessor; R. T. Wells,
constable and collector; C. R. Packard, W. W. Smith, D.
Wells, James A. Robinson, Chester Crandell, constablea;
M.L. Howard.
Mrs. M.L. Howard.
:fS.e..^;t:-: »•■..'. ~'
IS^
ffES. AND DAIRV FARM oi^ M.L. HOWARD, PiERREPONT, A/cw Voffn-
-K^
fZffA LOBDELL.
Mrs. Ezra Lobdcll.
RtS.^QAinv Farm of ELHA LOBDELL, P(Ei?ffEPONT,57.UwfftNci:Co,N.X
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
307
0. A. Howard, F. A. Morrison, L. W. Daniels, town
auditors; Carlos Carlton, commissioner of excise.
Notes from the Town Records. — 1819. At the first town-
meeting $30 was raised for the support of schools, and 1 100
for the poor. Similar appropriations were voted nearly
every year for many years. The poor funds having ac-
crued to a considerable amount, the town at the town-
meeting in 1829 appointed a committee of three to draft a
petition to the legislature praying that they might apply
this to the support of schools. Benj. Squire. Zuriel Wat-
erman, and Samuel Northrup were appointed on this com-
mittee. An act was passed April 29, 1829, malting it the
duty of overseers of the poor to pay over the funds in their
hands to the commissioners of common schools, to be in-
vested for the benefit of schools.
In 1822 $] bounty was oifered for foxes and $5 for
panthers and wolves. In 1825, 50 cents for foxes and $5
for wolves.
At the annual town-meeting in 1846 the town voted to
petition the legislature for powers to purchase land and
erect a town-house on the same. Joshua Manley, Nathan
Crary, Jr., Henry Gleason, Merritt Howard, Chileab Bil-
lings, Lucius Palmer, and Christopher W. Leonard were
appointed a committee to draft a petition to the legislature.
An act was passed April 27, 1847, directing the board of
supervisors of St. Lawrence County to levy a tax of 1800
on the town for the above purpose, and appointing the
three first named to superintend its erection. The super-
visor, town clerk, and superintendent of schools are ex officio
trustees of the town-house. A town-hall of ample propor-
tions was built near where the Canton and Colton road
crosses the St. Lawrence turnpike.
CHURCHES.
In 1816, Rev. A. Baldwin, an Episcopal clergyman, held
religious services in this town, but it is believed that Rev.
Ezra Healy, a Methodist minister, held religious services
at an earlier date. Before the year 1844 no religious socie-
ties had existed at East Pierrepont, which being only four
miles from Potsdam the inhabitants had joined with the
several religious denominations of that place.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at East Pierrepont was incorporated Jan. 3, 1844, with
Gardner Cox, Nathan Christy, Levi Fuller, John Hicks,
and Harry Train, trustees. Rev. Mathew Bennett was
the first pastor. Rev. Alex. Bramley is the present pastor
in charge. The present trustees are Gardner Cox, J. H.
Miles, C. H. McDonald, John Jenner, and Alfred Sabin.
THE PEESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized about
. The present trustees are E. H.
Sanderson, Geo. L. Crandell, Geo. Crandell, John Jenner,
and Alfred Sabin. The Rev. Dr. Plumb was the first
pastpr in charge, and Rev. E. B. Furbish, of Potsdam, is
the present pastor.
A Union church edifice has been erected, and is owned
and Occupied jointly by both societies.
A Union Sunday-school is established, of which J. H.
Miles is superintendent. The school consists of forty
scholars, and has five teachers.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
at Pierrepont Centre was organized Sept. 14, 1850, by Rev.
J. W. Lewis, assisted by a council from neighboring
churches. The names of the persons who united in the '
organization are as follows : Rev. William Whitfield, D. M.
Whitfield, Francis Whitfield, James Morrell, Sarah North-
rup, Jacob Lobdell, Nancy Lobdell, George Wells, Almeda
Wells, Samuel Crandell, Lewis Stanton, Wealthy Stanton,
Ezra Axtell, I. J. Leonard, Isaac Stewart, Sophrona
Stewart, Michael Stewart. Rev. Wm. Whitfield was chosen
pastor, which oiEce he still retains, and fills acceptably to
his people. Jacob Lobdell was chosen deacon. The so-
ciety hold their meetings in the town-house. It is expected
that a church edifice will be erected. The covenant adopted
by this church states " that the benevolent enterprises of
the day, such as missians, education. Sabbath-schools, tem-
perance, and anti-slavery, should claim the regard and sup-
port of the Christian church," and no person was admitted
to membership who could not pledge their support to these
interests. The membership for 1877 is twenty-three.
THE TREE CHURCH ASSOCIATION
of the town of Pierrepont was organized July 27, 1874.
The present trustees are Lucius Crampton, J. R. Leonard,
Geo. Gleason, Charles Leonard, A. B. Hamilton, and Orrin
A. Howard. Mrs. C. K. Pangborn devised to this associa-
tion the sum of $1125, which is to be used in building a
church edifice which shall be free for the use of any de-
nomination. The Beech Plains Free Church association
of this town was organized in 1875, with Nathan Daniels,
0. L. Taylor, Edwin Bellows, Truman Moore, John Bar-
don, F. Severn, and L. BuUis as trustees.
THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS' CHURCH
of Pierrepont was organized June 28, 1875, with Milo
Western, Orange Collar, and Arden Eels as trustees.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Pierrepont was organized Jan. 3, 1853, the meeting for
this purpose being held at the house of Joseph Martin.
The first trustees were Charles Smead, Chester Mott, John
Martin, Daniel Church, and Darius N. Curtis. The trustees
appointed a building committee, consisting of Elijah Smead,
Henry Gleason, and Lucius Palmer. This committee did
their work well, a neat and tasteful church edifice being
erected under their supervision, size forty by fifty feet, and
will seat about 300 persons. A pleasing incident occurred
during the building of this church, in 1854. A petition
numerously signed was sent to Mr. Henry E. Pierrepont,
askin"' for a donation towards procuring a bell for the first
church edifice erected in the town that bore his name.
Mr. Pierrepont responded by presenting to the society a
bell weighing 903 pounds, with hangings complete, On
the bell is the following inscription: "Presented by H. E.
Pierrepont to the Union Church of Pierrepont, 1854,"
and over the front door of the church is a marble tablet in-
308
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
scribed : " This church bell was presented by Mr. H. B.
Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, N. Y., 1854." The building
committee, as a slight token of their esteem and gratitude,
forwarded a box to Mr. Pierrepont, containing some pro-
ducts of the farm, such as butter, cheese, honey, etc. The
church was completed and dedicated in August, 1855, the
services being conducted by the Rev. Hiram Shepherd,
assisted by the pastor. Rev. A. Blaokman. This church
being a charge of the South Canton Brick church, the list
of pastors will be found in connection with that society.
MANUFACTUKES.
The first grist- and saw-mills in the town were built by
Cyrus Grannis, on a brook which bears his name. Glea-
son's saw-mill occupies the site at this time. In 1818,
Gardner and Benj. Cox and John P. Dimick got out the
frame for a saw-mill, and, in the summer of 1819, the dam
was built and the saw-mill erected. John and Joseph
Goulding, of Potsdam, were the millwrights who superin-
tended the work. In 1822, Gardner Cox erected a grist-
mill on the west bank of the river, which had a single run
of rock-stones. Two years later, a run of burr-stones was
added, and the place became known as Cox's Mills. A
bridge was built across the river at this place in 1828. In
1836, the wooden mill first erected for a grist-mill was re-
placed by the stone mill which was destroyed by fire in
18G9. At the present time (1877) it is being built up
again. In 1845, Gardner Cox erected a starch-factory,
using potatoes, which produced about thirty tons annually.
In 1858 it was changed to a corn-starch factory, and so
continued for three years, and was burned in 1872. In
1852 a large gang-saw mill was built at this place, which
had fifty saws, but was built of such dimensions as to re-
ceive double that number. A woolen-factory, furniture-
factory, wagon-factory, and machine-shop have had an ex-
istence at this place, and of all the numerous shops, mills,
and factories once carried on in this village, none now re-
main except the grist- and saw-mills. The dam built in
1819 is still standing.
EAST PIERREPONT, ELLSWORTH P. 0.,
better known as Cox's Mills, but now called Ha-na-wa
Falls, is a small village on the Raquette river, in the north-
east part of the town. The village is mostly on the east
side of the river. Gardner Cox, the proprietor, built the
first frame dwelling on this side of the river in 1819. He
built his stone house and present residence in 1838, about
which time he laid out his land into village lots. Cybele
Kelsey and Martin Welch were the first merchants, and had
an ashory, and also built a starch-factory. The first tavern
was erected about 1835, and was kept by Sidney Lunphear.
The first postmaster was John P. Dimick, in 1832. The
present postmaster is Jacob H. Miles. The valuable water-
power at this place, with the mills and factories of Mr.
Cox, made this a thrifty and growing place. At the end of
fifty years Mr. Cox sold out and retired from business.
Owing to the feeble efforts of those into whose hands the
property passed the work languished, and an air of decay
has settled upon the place. The village now contains 1
Union filiiirph 1 stnm anA nnot^r>ffioa 1 n■T^^,c^ ^;u 1 r,„™ „,;ii
and the usual number of mechanic shops. Schools have
existed here since 1822. In 1846 a large school-house was
erected with reference to its being used as a place of worship.
PIERREPONT CENTRE,
a hamlet situated at the intersection of the Canton and
Colton road with the St. Lawrence turnpike, is nine miles
from Canton and ten from Potsdam, and contains 3 stores, 1
blacksmith-shop, 1 cheese-factory, 1 cheese-box and butter-
tub factory, and 1 saw-mill. The town-house is located
here, and is used by the Free-will Bapti.st society for their
place of worship. Chauncey Thomas was the first black-
smith here, and built the first frame house at the Centre.
Benj. Squire was the first merchant, Dorus Leonard the
first carpenter, Andrew A. Crampton the first postmaster,
and held the oiEce for twenty-four years. B. P. Hubbard
is the present postmaster.
The Central cheese-factory at Pierrepont Centre is owned
by A. B. Hamilton. During the season, a little over six
months, the factory has used the milk of 400 cows and made
1817 cheeses, weighing in all about 54 tons.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HEZEKIAH B. PIERREPONT.
The town of Pierrepont received its name from Heze-
kiah B. Pierrepont, who was largely interested in lands in'
Macomb's purchase, including most of this town. Mr.
Pierrepont was born at New Haven, Conn., Nov. 3, 1768.
He entered college, but, preferring a business life to a pro-
fessional one, he left without graduating. In order to gain
a knowledge of business he entered the office of his uncle,
Isaac Beers, who was an importer of books, and remained
there until 1790, when he accepted an appointment in the
custom-house at New York. The next year he became the
agent of a firm in Philadelphia, where he amassed consid-
erable wealth, and in 1793 he formed a partnership with
Wm. Leffingwell and established in business in New York.
In 1802 he married Anna Maria Constable. From hLs
connection with her father, Wm. Constable, he became in-
terested in lands in northern New York, and by various
purchases acquired title to half a million acres. His first
purchase was Pierrepont, in 1806, and from that time until
his death, in 1838, his time was occupied in settling and
improving his lands.
MOSES LEONARD
was born in Canton, St. Lawrence County, April 14,1805,
where he resided with his parents till he was twelve years
old, when his father removed to Pierrepont, where he re-
sided for two years, when his father, with his youngest
children, Moses among them, removed to Gill, Mass., and
resided there six years, when they returned to Pierrepont
and permanently settled.
The son, Moses, the subject of this biography, at the
r\Y ftx7£>»i+T7 TTnoro riorrnn ^ha
Vinntfir
GARDNER COX
is the oldest son of Benjamin Cox, and was born in Barnard,
Windsor Co., Vt., April 15, 1794. His early life was
passed on his father's farm, a large share of the labor of
which devolved on him as soon as he was able to bear the
burden. This limited his school days to such intervals as
when he could be spared from the farm, and his early edu-
cation consequently was somewhat neglected. Nevertheless
he was persistent in his efforts to secure an education, and
was, in a measure, successful. When nineteen years old,
the prospects and advantages of the county of St. Lawrence
attracted his attention, and he resolved to make a visit to
that country. This purpose was strengthened by the en-
couragement given him by some family connections who
had settled in that county in 1806. Accordingly, his
parents having yielded consent, he left the parental roof on
March 3, 1813, for St. Lawrence County, where he spent
the summer of that year. But his experience that season
convinced him more than ever of the need of a more liberal
education, and he determined to return to his father's home,
" and, if possible, qualify himself at some public school to
engage in such business enterprises as would be in unison
with his mental and physical energies." But the second
war of the revolution was upon the country at this time,
and his patriotism would not permit him to see the liberties
of his native land endangered. He joined a battalion of
"Green Mountain Boys," and came to the rescue of his
countrymen on the frontier. He participated in the battle
of Plattsburg, and served with credit elsewhere. The
government appreciated his services, and gave him a warrant
for one hundred and sixty acres of land. Peace having
been declared, he entered the grammar school at Randolph,
Jt, and prosecuted his studies in that institution zealously
lor a year, paying particular attention to the higher mathe-
matics. He then again returned to St. Lawrence County,
where he engaged in teaching, and afterwards in the mer-
cantile business at Ogdensburg as storekeeper for a Utica
company. But his active nature demanded a more stirring
occupation, and in the winter of 1817 he purchased a water-
Power and privileges on the west bank of the Raquette
nver, m the town of Pierrepont, with a purpose to engage
in manufacturing. The following spring he cleared his
land and improved his mill-site, and in- 1819, in company
with his brother, erected a dam of wood across the stream
which remains to this day (1877). A saw-mill was soon
got into operation, and shortly after the partnership with
his brother dissolved. In 1822 he erected a grist-mill, and
soon after a factory for the manufacture of wagons and
carriages. At a later day he erected a building and supplied
it with machinery for the manufacture of woolen fabrics.
His aptitude for the mechanic arts was so strongly developed
by this work that he was able to devise and construct the most
of the machinery himself, as well as more intricate ma-
chinery at subsequent times. It has been his pardonable
boast that he kept the whole of the mill machinery
working properly for fifty years. In 1845 he began the
manufacture of potato-starch, and in 1857 erected a corn-
starch factory. His first efforts to manufacture this article
were unsuccessful, but continued experiments revealed the
secret, and for several years he manufactured it profitably.
The rebellion coming on, the factory was closed and the
work abandoned. Age having diminished the power of
Mr. Cox to such an extent that he found it burdensome to
attend to his manufacturing interests, he sold them that he
might be able to take more comfort in his declining years ;
and thus he lives near the scene of his former active life,
the weight of eighty-four years upon his head, waiting for
the summons " to come up higher." In his rehgious belief
BIr. Cox holds to the great atonement instituted by God, as
extending with sufficient redeeming force to all creatures
bearing the human form, and that God's presence is spirit-
ually manifest unto all who believe and confess him, afford-
ing happiness in this life, as well as peace in the life to
come.
In politics, Mr. Cox is a firm believer in the principles of
government, including the equality of man in its fullest
sense, which are enunciated in the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and has affiliated with the party which, according
to his idea, more nearly represented these views. But he
abominates the practices of demagogues, and has held aloof
from political conventions as at present conducted, taking
no more active interest in politics than to attend to his duties
as a voter. Mr. Cox is a man universally esteemed, and
is one of the most industrious and useful citizens of the
county.
/?£S;denc£ /ind Cheese Factorv of A. B. HAMILTON, P;£ff/?£PONr, Sr. L/iwkence Co.,N.y;
C.R.Packard.
Mrs. C.R. Packard.
Res S, Dairy Farm or C.R. PACKARD, Fierrepont,St. Lawrence Co NY.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
309
and trapper, and from that time to the present, excepting a
few years when incapacitated by sickness, he has been en-
gaged in hunting and trapping game, and is probably able
to count' up more scalps of wild animals as trophies than
any man now living in the State.
Mr. Leonard has kept no record of the number of the
diiferent wild animals he has shot or trapped, but, from the
most reliable data, thinks he has killed 300 wolves, over
100 bears, 44 panthers, from 1200 to 1500 deer, and of fur-
bearing animals, like otter, foxes, martin, etc., avast number.
Mr. Leonard, now nearly seventy-two years old, still re-
tains his passion for the wild woods, and has spent nearly
two months of the present fall (1877) in the forest, hunt-
ing deer and catching small animals for their skins ; but
he claims that in his case the infirmities of age and the
scarcity of game keep in exact ratio.
Mr. Leonard was frequently engaged in exciting encounters
with wild beasts. Notably among them was his encounter
with a large bear. Going one day in the forest, armed only
with a light axe and accompanied by his dog, he saw di-
rectly in his way a large black bear. He told his dog to
" go" for him, expecting that when Bruin was attacked by
the dog he would take to a tree, when his brother, who
would soon be within call, would come with his rifle and
dispatch him. The dog attacked vigorously, and was soon
seen in the huge jaws of the bear. Mr. Leonard, seeing
his favorite dog being killed, ran to the rescue. On his
approaching too near to his bearship, who had put the dog
" hors du combat," he turned to attack the hunter, who
met the attack with such well-directed blows upon his head
with the axe, cutting off one of the bear's ears in so doing,
that Bruin turned to escape, and was pursued for a long
distance by the hunter with uplifted axe.
Mr. Leonard, while relating this adventure to a gentle-
man residing in Lewis county, in this State, several months
after its occurrence, was told that a monster bear had lately
been killed in that county having large scars upon the
head, made with an axe, and one ear cut off. Mr. Leonard
was satisfied that Bruin had his mark ; he did not claim it,
however.
CHARLES R. PACKARD.
Abisha Packard, father of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Massachusetts, April 10, 1761. At the age of fif-
teen he entered the Revolutionary army, and served all
through the struggle for independence. At the close of the
war he settled in Charlotte, Vt., where he married Rebecca
Preston, Dec. 29, 1793, and where he resided, accumulated
a large property, and raised a family of six sons and three
daughters. He moved to New York State in 1819, set-
tling in Madrid, where he resided until his death, July 2,
1836, aged seventy-five.
Charles R. Packard was born in Charlotte, Vt., Dec. 18,
1814. At the age of five he moved with his parents to
Madrid, N. Y., where he was married to Laura M. Powers,
Oct. 11, 1836. She was born Dec. 1, 1814, at Parishville,
N. Y. ; moved with her parents to Watertown, and subse-
quently to Canton, where she resided until her marriage.
Mrs. Packard's father, Simon Powers, was born in New
Hampshire, Nov. 25, 1781, and married Melinda Sisco. He
lived six years in St. Alban's, Vt,, and then moved to Brock-
ville, Canada, where he resided until the War of 1812,
when he fled to New York rather than be compelled to
fight against his own people. He settled in Canton, but at
the close of the war moved to Parishville, where he followed
his trade, that of a mason. He subsequently removed to
Muscatine, Iowa, where he died, Oct. 1, 1855.
Charles R. Packard remained at Madrid until 1842,
when he removed to Pierropont, and has since resided
there. He has a family of six children, of whom two
daughters and one son only are now living. His eldest
son died at the age of two years. His second son, George,
enlisted in Company G, 142d Regiment N. Y. State Vols.,
August 29, 1861. He was wounded and taken prisoner at
Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864 ; sent to Libby prison, where
he died May 28, 1864. The third son died at the age of
six years.
Mr. Packard, the subject of this sketch, has always been
identified with the Republican party. His father was a
Whig until the organization of the Republican party, and
co-operated with it up to the time of his decease.
Photo, by N. L. stone, Potsdam.
[ ^ flirrn^^^^^
F. A. Morrison, of the town of Pierrepont, was born in
Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., February 3, 1841 , his parents
being John A. Morrison, of Denmark, and Laura E. Stone,
his wife, of Watson, in the same county. His father was
by trade a carpenter, but spent the greater portion of his
life in farming, and died at the age of sixty-two years, in
Rodman, Jefferson county, in the year 1867. His mother
is still living at an advanced age. At the age of fourteen he
commenced attending school at the academy in Lowville,
and at the age of sixteen commenced teaching common
school. In the year 1858 his parents moved to Jefferson
310
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
county, and in 1860, at the age of nineteen, he entered
what was then the only normal school in the State, at
Albany, where, after an attendance of two years, he gradu-
ated one of the first in his class, at the age of twenty-one
years. Returning to the home of his parents in Jefferson
county, filled with plans of usefulness in the calling he had
chosen, and with bright anticipations of success in the work
before him, he found the people of the whole country there-
abouts aroused with an enthusiastic desire to fill up the
armies of the Union and their quota under the third call of
the president for three hundred thousand men.
In these sentiments, which pervaded the minds of the
patriotic citizens of the Empire State, the subject of this
sketch fully sympathized ; and, prompted by them, he en-
tered the army as a private in Co. A. of the 10th N. Y. H.
Artillery, in the month of August, 1862, this being one of
the largest and best regiments that left the State. Here his
intelligence and faithful discharge of duty soon gained for
him the confidence and respect of the officers of the regi-
ment, and caused his promotion to corporal and sergeant,
the command in the mean time being stationed in the de-
fenses about Washington. In the summer of 1863, to-
gether with many others of the regiment, he was prostrated
with an attack of fever, combined with an affection of the
lungs, from which he has never fully recovered, brought on
by exposure on duty. To enable him to be in less active
service than that of his company, he was detached from it
as an instructor in heavy artillery and infantry tactics to
troops arriving in Washington from the western States.
Not being satisfied to remain long in this life of inactivity,
he applied for examination before a military board sitting
in Washington, and was commissioned a captain in the 41st
U. S. colored troops, and sent at once to the field with the
Army of the Potomac, where he participated in nearly all
the sanguinary fighting of that army during the year 1864
before Petersburg, Va. His regiment joined in the pursuit
of Lee after the evacuation of Richmond, and was present
at the final surrender of that army at Appomattox Court-
House, Va. The regiment then joined the expedition of
General Sheridan to Louisiana and Texas, and was stationed
for several months on the banks of the Rio Grande, at
Brownsville, Texas, viewing while there, with ill-concealed
interest, the struggle between the native Mexicans and their
would-be emperor, Maximilian. Returning to his father's
residence in December, 1865, after an absence of nearly
three and a half years, the soldier commenced again the
life of a private citizen, as a farmer in Rodman, Jefferson
county.
In February, 1867, he was united in marriage with Julia .
R. Goodenough, daughter of A. A. Goodenough, now of
Parishville Centre, in this county. Capt. Morrison came to
this county in the fall of 1868, and became interested in
the manufacture of cheese in the only factory then in the
town of Pierrepont, which was built by Mr. Goodenough,
his wife's father. Ho has been the maker of the cheese in
the Pierrepont factory every year since 1869, and has ac-
quired the reputation of one of the best cheese-makers in
the county. He has become the principal owner of the
factory, and has also a fine farm of sixty acres adjoining
the fi.ctorv.
BENJAMIN BUTTERFIELD.
The subject of our present sketch, Benjamin Butterfield,
is one " to the manor born" not only of St. Lawrence
County, but of the town of Pierrepont, where he yet re-
sides. His parents, Ephraim and MAitable (Lswis) But-
terfield, were married in their native State of Vermont
in 1804, whence, shortly afterwards, they emigrated and
settled in Clinton Co., N. Y., where they remained until
after the war of 18l2, in which the elder Butterfield was
an active participant, both in actual service and as a minute-
man on the border, subject to orders during the entire period
of hostilities. In 1815 the family removed into St. Law-
rence County, and settled in Pierrepont, locating on the
old homestead (now occupied by a son, Horace Butterfield)
in 1816 or 1817. On this farm the senior Butterfield
burned the first charcoal used in the furnaces at Canton,
the same being transported to the village with an ox-team
under the management of the eldest son. It is testified
of the senior Butterfield that he was possessed of a strong
individuality and a friendly disposition, and ruled his family
justly, without coercive measures, his children yielding
obedience to his authority with pleasure. In his parental
government he was ably assisted by his worthy helpmeet,
the mother, whose kindness and benevolence won the
hearts of her children, whose love and admiration of her
gentleness and goodness followed and guarded her faltering
steps down to the "bourne from whence no traveler re-
turns," and her memory still remains with them — a sweet
and holy thing.
The father died at the age of sixty-one years in 1847,
and the mother at eighty-nine years in 1874. There were
eleven children born to this worthy couple, all of whom
are now living, save one who died in infancy. Of the nine
living sons, all are farmers except the oldest one, who is a
mechanic. Five sons, and the only daughter, Mrs. N. C.
Howard, of Canton, reside in St. Lawrence County; and
four sons have their homes in the west.
Benjamin Butterfield was the tenth child of this family,
and was born on the old homestead, Dec. 30, 1827, where
he resided until he was twenty-five years of age, conducting
the same, after his father's death, in connection with a
brother. He received in his youth such educational ad-
vantages as were accorded by the common schools of those
days, making good use of the same for the business of his
life.
On May 11, 1852, he was united in marriage with Mrs.
Lucy E. Proctor, also a native of Pierrepont, and in the
following February purchased one hundred and fifty acres
of his present homestead, to which he has sinceadded fifty
acres. Of the first purchase some eighty or ninety acres
were cleared, but all of the improvements since then have
been added by Mr. Butterfield, and the whole farm paid
for as the result of his own industry, judicious manage-
ment, and skillful cultivation, in which he has been aided
by his admirable helpmeet, his principal business having
been dairying. He has been generally successful in his
business career, and with his family is now enjoying a
competency of worldly wealth as the legitimate reward of
B. BUnERFIUD.
( Ahotos. sr N. L 5rowf, Por5DAM )
MRS- BBUTTERnCLD.
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ffES.or BENJAMIN SUTTERRELD.r/fRREPONr, N. V .
(?£SIDEMCE Of L CRAMPJOH. PlERffEPOHT. Sr LAWRENCE: CoJ.Y.
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Residence ^F ROBERT MARKWICK,Hossi^.SZ Lawrence. CoJ.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
311
Politically, Mr. Butterfield is a Republican, having been
connected with that party since its inception. He has
never held official positions of any particular moment from
choice, yet has not been unmindful of the obligations rest-
ing upon the private citizen ; and has kept himself abreast
of the times in his acquaintance with public affairs, and
ever ready to advance the moral and material interests of
the community to the extent of his ability.
In religious sentiment he holds to the general restoration
of all mankind to holiness and happiness, basing his belief
on actual investigation of what seem to him good proofs of
that view. These views were also those of his father and
mother, whose lives of usefulness were guided by the prin-
ciples of their faith.
Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Butterfield, all of whom are now inmates thereof, save one
who died in infancy, viz., Olive R., Isadore E., Mahlon
(deceased), Myron and Minnie (twins), and Lucy I.
Mrs. Butterfield's parents, Benjamin and Olive (Perrin)
Plumley, were patives of Vermont, and settled in Potsdam
in 1811, and removed to Pierrepont in 1825, where their
daughter Lucy was born in 1831. They died in 1861,
the mother in August, and the father waiting only till
November, when he too followed the loved one gone before.
They were active members of the Presbyterian church, and
passed their last days with their daughter pleasantly and
serenely.
A view of Mr. Butterfield's pleasant home, and portraits
of himself and wife, adorn another page of our work, in
connection with the history of Pierrepont.
EZRA LOBDELL
was born in Essex county. New York, Jan. 21, 1821, where
he lived until he was twelve years old. He then removed
with his parents, Lucius and Abigail Lobdell, to the town
of Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and settled near
where Mr. Lobdell now resides. Mr. Lobdell purchased
the farm he now occupies in 1852, which was at that time
what might be called an unbroken wilderness ; but by per-
severance and industry he has succeeded in putting it under
a good state of cultivation, and has good improvements in
the way of buildings, etc.
Mr. Lobdell commenced life under rather discouraging
circumstances, he being obliged to resort to hunting to gain
a livelihood. From that pursuit alone he managed, with
the assistance of his wife, to pay for one hundred acres of
land.
Mr. Lobdell married for his first wife Lucy Ann Daniels,
of Pierrepont. About three years subsequently she died,
and Mr. L. one year later was married to his present wife,
Miss Ann Matthews, of Russell, St. Lawrence County, who
was the youngest of eleven children ; her parents, James and
Esther Matthews, were of Irish descent, but were born in
the State of Vermont, and removed to the town of Russell
about the year 1808. The result of this union is four
children, two boys and two girls.
APPLETON C. HOWARD.
The subject of this sketch was born in St. Alban's, Vt.,
Oct. 21, 1814, where he lived until he was about twenty
years of age, when he engaged with one of the line
steamers on Lake Champlain. He followed this business
for about fifteen years, as chief engineer. In 1839 he was
married to Leonora Loomis, of Milton, Vt., and immediately
after moved to Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and
settled near their present home, a view of which appears
on another page of this work.
The result of this union was three children, one son and
two daughters, of whom two are now living, Moro L. and.
Alida L. Moro L. is now managing the farm, the present
improvements of which indicate that he is a most thorough
agriculturist.
Appleton C, the subject of this sketch, was of English
descent, and was regarded by all who knew him as a man
of integrity, and up to the time of his death (which oc-
curred on the farm now occupied by his family, Feb. 13,
1861) was held in very high esteem by a large circle of
friends.
Politically he was identified with the Republican party,
and he was ever ready to lend a helping hand towards pro-
moting the general welfare of the community where he
lived. He was a generous supporter, of school and church
interests. Mrs. Howard is also of English descent ; she is
still living, enjoying good health, surrounded by many
friends, and is a very estimable lady.
E O S S I E.
KossiE was formed from Eussell, Jan. 27, 1813. The
following .memorandum, in relation to the organization of
this town, is taken from the records of the town of Russell :
" At a special meeting of the freeholders and other in-
habitants of the town of Russell, assembled on Tuesday, the
first day of January, 1811, at the dwelling-house of Moses
A. Bunnel, in said Russell, voted to grant the request of
Benjamin Pike, in behalf of the inhabitants living in that
part of Russell called Somerville, that they be set off from
Russell and annexed to the town of Gouverneur."
As originally formed it embraced townships 1, 2, and
7, or Hammond, Somerville, and Kilkenny, of tract No. 3.
Fowler and Hammond have since been taken off, and the
line between Rossie and Hammond was altered Feb. 7,
1844.
The town derives its name from Rossie castle in Scot-
land, which was owned by the husband of David Parish's
sister. Her name was Rossie, but "she was usually called
Rosa. It lies upon the southwest border of the county,
and contains 23,367 acres. Its surface is level in the
eastern part, but is broken in the west by ledges of gneiss,
limestone, and sandstone. It is much cut up by the streams
which cross it, and its business is considerably affected
thereby. The Oswegatchie crosses the town twice in the
central part, forming the ox-bow a little south of the line
in Jefferson county. Indian river and Grasse creek flow
through the north and west parts, and the central part is
also crossed by Yellow lake and a small stream which con-
nects it with the Oswegatchie.
The earliest settlement in this town was commenced in
1807, by Joseph Teall, of Fairfield, and Reuben Streeter,
of Salisbury, Herkimer county, who had contracted of
Lewis R. Morris, the nephew of Gouverneur Morris, a
tract lying between the Oswegatchie and the south line of
Gouverneur, extending to the county line. Mr. David
Parish, Dec. 2, 1808, purchased the town, the money goin"-
to G. Morris and J. D. Le Ray, who held the title pre-
viously. The land records show the following purchases
under date of Oct. 1, 1806, at which time these men came
into the town and selected lands. They were mostly from
Herkimer county: Ambrose Simons, Oliver Malterner,
Amos Keeney, Jr., Samuel Bonfy, Silvius Waters, Joshua
Stearns, Jerome Walde, George W. Pike, Benjamin Pike,
Jr., Ebenezer Bemis, David Shepard. The first improve-
ment was made by Reuben Streeter, in 1807, on a farm
about half a mile east of the present village of Wegatchie.
In 1808 he commenced the erection of a mill on the
Oswegatchie.
In the spring of 1811 the following families were living
on the Teall and Streeter tract, besides those already named :
David Freeman, James Streeter, Joseph Teall, Diamond
Wheeler, Eli Winchell, Simeon Stevens, John and Wheaton
Wilcox, and Daniel Wilcox (single). The first school in
the town was taught about a mile west of Somerville by a
Mr. Maynard.
The following additional names of families appear upon
the first assessment-roll, some of whom resided in the
portions now Fowler and Hammond : Lemuel Arnold,
Jeduthun Baker, James Barnes, Horatio G. Berthrong
(first innkeeper at Rossie), Samuel B. Brown, Truman
Bristol, Joseph Desbrow, James Haile, Samuel Hendrix,
Jedediah Kingsley, Alexander Osburne, Ebenezer Parker,
Richard Townsend, Joseph Teall, Jr., Elias Teall, Alvin
Wright.
STATISTICS OF 1850.
Total number of acres wild land, 90,575 ; tax-payers, 37
(some of them non-residents): cleared, 499 J acres; total
value, $183,754 ; value of buildings in the three town-
ships, $2990.
On receiving news of the War of 1812 the inhabitants
of the southern part of Rossie erected a block-house on the
road between Somerville and Wegatchie, about half a mile
from the latter place, for mutual protection. Thither the
inhabitants were accustomed to repair to spend their nights
on occasions of public alarm, which were very frequent and
as often groundless. The sight of an Indian, however in-
nocent his intentions, was sufficient to originate an alarm,
which lost nothing by passing from mouth to mouth, and
stories are related which reflect little credit upon the cour-
age of certain of the settlers. This block-house was well
built of hewn timbers, twenty-four by thirty feet, and stood
till about 1840. It was, however, used only in 1812. A
similar one was built of round logs near a small stream a
few rods northeast of the present village of Somerville. It
was only used a few nights.
During the summer of 1812 the mill built by Mr.
Streeter was burned in the night-time. It was at first
reported to have been done by the Indians, but is believed
to have been the work of a man who lived in the edge of
Gouverneur, who wanted a pretext for quitting the country.
He fled to New York, and was not pursued or apprehended.
The mill was immediately rebuilt by Mr. Parish, and
owned by him until sold to Mr. James Howard, about the
year 1817.
It was his wish to have the settlement at his mills called
Caledonia, and this it has in some measure retained, al-
though it has since been known by the various names of
Howard's Mills, Church's Mills, and Wegatchie. The
latter name was given it upon the establishment of a post-
ofiice, in 1849. It was intended at one time that Cale-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
313
donia should bo the name of the town. The first settlement
at the Rossie iron-works was commenced by men sent by
Mr. D. Parish, late in the summer of 1810, to erect mills
and make arrangements for settling lands. These early
settlers found traces which indicated that the English or
French had at some time contemplated the erection of some
station at Rossie. It being at the head of a navigation of
twenty-seven miles towards Port Stanwix rendered it im-
portant. A Durham boat, laden with stone, was found
sunk in the river, with every appearance of having been a
long time submerged, and an excavation, apparently for a
cellar, existed upon the site of the stone store at Rossie.
The stone store at Ogdensburg being inclosed and nearly
finished, Mr. D. W. Church, who had superintended its
erection, with seven men, one of whom was accompanied
by his wife to cook for the party, proceeded, in a Canadian
bateau, with shanty furniture and tools, to the head of
navigation on Indian river, and landed at sunset upon an
island near where the foundry now is, and spreading their sail
upon poles for a tent for the married pair, and their blankets
on the rocks under the canopy of heaven for themselves,
they spent the first night. During the following day they
erected a commodious hut, with two rooms, near where the
saw-mill now is, and by winter a saw-mill was erected and
in operation. In December the camp was broken up and
abandoned until spring. During the winter parties were
engaged in getting out timber, which subsequently was
employed in buildings then, being erected at Ogdensburg,
and in the frame of the " Genesee Packet," built soon after
at that port.
During the summer of 1811 the lumber business was
prosecuted with vigor, and in the following winter the
bridge at the foot of the Big Hill was built. The furnace
was commenced in the summer of 1813, under the imme-
diate direction of Mr. James Howard, and from this period
the settlement exhibited much life and spirit, under the
enterprising direction of Mr. Parish, its proprietor. A
road through to Oxbow had been laid out in the fall of
1810, and was cut and cleared the following summer. It
was subsequently made a turnpike under the name of the
Ogdensburg turnpike. The first male child born in town
was William Rossie Williams, March 31, 1814.
Rossie furnace was the first blast-furnace erected in
northern New York. It was built in the summer of 1813,
and got into operation in 1815. The Caledonia iron mine,
one mile and a half east of Somerville, began to be wrought
at about the same time or the year before. The ore was
first sent to Albany for trial. When first erected the fur-
nace consisted of two stacks, but only one of these was
ever got into operation. They were about thirty-two feet
square at the base, and of the same height. The agent
einployed by Mr. Parish to build and run this furnace was
William Bembo, an Englishman of great experience in this
business, but unacquainted with the ores and fuel used in
this country. The result was that no iron could be made,
and after spending large sums in experimenting, and in
building a costly mansion for permanent residence, he aban-
doned the attempt in discouragement, and returned to
England.
At this juncture, Mr. Parish met with parties from New
England, who guessed that the thing could be done, and he
accordingly offered to Messrs. Keith, Marvin & Sykes the
free use of the furnace and coal, with the privilege of using
the best of the ore upon the premises, and all they could
make in three months, if they would make a trial. The
result was that these men realized a large profit, and not
the least difficulty was found in getting iron of a good
quality and in the greatest abundance.
From this time the furnace was run by S. Fullers & Co.,
for about three years, on a contract which was to have run
five years, but Mr. George Parish having an opportunity of
leasing it for a long term, bought the contract and leased
it to Robert R. Burr, of New Jersey, who ran it two or
three years, iind left about 1827. It then lay idle about
ten years. A forge was erected in 1816, which was subse-
quently burned. The first furnace was what is technically
called a quarter-furnace, with one tewel, or pipe, for air.
A part of the time previous to 1826 bog ore was used.
The principal supply has been from the Caledonia mine in
Rossie, the Keene and Wicks mines in Antwerp, and a
small opening adjoining the Kearney mine.
This furnace has been several times burnt and rebuilt.
On the 12th day of May, 1837, it was again got in opera-
tion by Mr. Parish. A stack thirty-two feet square and
forty-six feet high was built during that year, which stood
until 1844, when the present stack, which is forty feet
square, forty-six feet high, and nine feet diameter within,
and capable of making eleven tons per day with a hot blast,
was erected. It is technically called a three-quarter furnace,
and has three tewels, or air-pipes. The hot blast was intro-
duced in 1838, by Mr. Alger, the patentee.
From 110 to 120 bushels of charcoal are required to
make a ton of iron with the hot blast, and 200 with the
cold blast. The following table will exhibit to those ac-
quainted with the iron trade an accurate idea of the opera-
tions of the furnace, and the average yield of the iron ores
of northern New York, from which a comparison can be
drawn with the results of other furnaces and different ores.
The table exhibits the number of tons and pounds of
ore consumed, the tons and pounds of pig-iron made, and
the percentage of yield of each blast since 1837.
Tons.
lbs.
Tons.
Ib.i.
1088
708
490
367
fififi
825
382
566
1.S28
992
746
136
ISftl
1048
741
1222
1580
1998
847
1747
1245
354
758
827
?078
717
1113
568
.'174
708
289
166U
1281
162
616
769
filS
810
275
ii25
S.-iSO
990
1698
1297
1782
1725
908
1570
Tons.
lbs.
Tons.
lllB.
Per ct.
1310
815
608
365
46.41
3630
11
1687
485
46.48
5297
231
2568
892
48.48
5398
1700
2724
1794
56.05
1706
1950
851
1667
49.88
1770
320
839
1656
48.00
204+
1960
1076
800
61.00
3135
1672
1434
50.05
2173
1031
1089
708
50.12
4012
1825
9.34
1000
48.21
2185
1854
1258
1210
45.20
Per ct.
45.04
67.36
66.16
69.25
53.62
60.90
53.56
50.45
60.06
44.56
47.44
50.97
The last blast at this furnace ended Oct. 14, 1867. Since
that time the works have remained idle.
IRON MINES.
The iron mines in this town, situated a mile and a quarter
east of Somerville, began to be worked iu the fall of 1812,
and have been continued most of the time since. The
amount is inexhaustible, and the yield about fifty per cent.
314
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The first ore that was tukeu to Rossie fuvuace was not
sorted, and a large amount of red stone was carried for
smelting, which was one of the principal causes of the first
failures in getting iron. Afterwards a large quantity of
middling quality was thrown away, and none but the best
was taken. From one to three dollars per ton has been
paid for drawing ore thirteen miles to the furnace, and this
business, done mostly in winter by sleighs, has enabled great
numbers to pay for their lands with their surplus labor.
The Caledonia mine, belonging to the Parish estate, and the
one that has been principally wrought, was estimated to
have furnished 100,000 tons of ore previous to 1852.
In 1865, the mines were purchased by a New York com-
pany. They have been under the supervision of Mr.
Charles R. Westbrook. Since this company took posses-
sion, the mines have been thoroughly equipped with the
most improved machinery, including engines, pumps, dia-
mond- and air-drills, etc. Nearly all of the present buildings
have been erected, and a branch railroad track, connecting
the iron beds with the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg
railroad, has been built.
The mines have, until recently, been worked with profit,
but, owing to the recent depression in the iron market, little
has been done during the past season (1877), although the
mines have been kept in working order.
The supply of iron has been shown to be inexhaustible.
The mills at Rossie were erected in 1845—16, and a large
foundry upon the opposite side of the falls in 1848-49.
A large amount of railroad castings has been made here,
and the property of chilling, which this iron possesses to a
high degree when made with a blast of cold air, renders it
peculiarly adapted for those purposes which require hardness
combined with strength.
That portion of the town of Rossie lying between the
Oswegatchie and the Indian rivers is usually denominated
the '' Scotch Settlement," froin the fact that nearly every
inhabitant within these limits is of Scotch descent. The
first of this settlement was begun in 1818 by ten families,
who emigrated from Scotland in that year, by way of Quebec
and the St. Lawrence river.
They were as follows : Robert Ormiston, James Dickson,
William Fachney, James Fairbairn, Corlan McLaser, Don-
ald McCarrie, Thomas Elliot, James Henderson, James
Douglas, and Andrew Dodds. Their destination was un-
certain ; a portion designed locating in Delaware county,
but as they were proceeding up the river in a Durham boat
they stopped a short time in Prescott, where they were visited
by an agent of David Parish, and induced to cross to Og-
densburg, with their families. The latter were liberally
provided for in the village, while the men went to view the
lands, then newly surveyed, in Rossie. It is said that they
passed up through the valleys, and across the richest por-
tions, and that the existence of hills and ledges of rock
was not known until after they had located their farms
and commenced clearings. To assist the emigrants, Mr.
Parish caused ten acres to be cleared for each, supplied
each family with a cow, seed-wheat, and provisions for the
first year, besides building a comfortable log house on each
farm, and furnished an ox-team to every two of the settlers.
For these they were to pay when thev had srot fairlv spttlpH
and were in a condition to earn something from their farms;
but prices were then very high, and the debt ran up faster
than the means of payment, at the depreciated prices which
followed, could cancel.
This settlement was increased the following year by new
emigrants from Scotland, but to these the facilities extended
to the first were not offered. In the mean time some of
the former became disheartened by the burden of debts,
which constantly increased, and some thought of giving up
their location and beginning anew elsewhere. To avoid
this, and to place them in a condition more favorable and
equal, Mr. Parish assembled these inhabitants at Rossie
village, in the winter of 1823-24, and, after ascertaining
the indebtedness of each, reduced the whole to a common
level by canceling all above five hundred dollars. This
measure met with general approbation, and his tenants re-
turned home with renewed courage. Most of the farms in
this portion of the town are at present occupied by descend-
ants of the original settlers.
In 1819 the following families settled: James Lockey,
David Storie, William Laidlaw, Robert Clark, Andrew
Culbertson, John Henderson, Andrew Flemming, John
Dodds, James Hobkirk, John Tait, and James Ormiston.
Elizabeth Fachney, the daughter of William Fachney, born
January 13, 1819, is believed to have been the first white
child born in this portion of the town. In 1820, John
McRobbie, Thomas TurnbuU and brothers, Michael, Adam,
Andrew, and William. Scotch settlers continued to arrive
until 1832. Roads had been made through the central
part of the town before these Scotch emigrants arrived,
and small beginnings made in one or two places.
ROSSIE LEAD MINES.
The celebrity which has been given to the Rossie lead
mines will add interest to their history. The Indians of
St. Regis have a tradition that their ancestors knew of the
existence of lead not far from the present mines, but the
precise locality is not known. The natives were accus-
tomed to smelt their lead by casting the ore upon a fire
built upon a piece of bark or wood, and pouring the metal,
when melted, into a groove in the sand. The bar was then
out into small pieces, and rolled into balls between flat
stones. A quantity of pure galena was found upon the
bank of the Oswegatchie, in the village of Ogdensburg
(evidently the cache of some Indian), many years before
the discovery of the mines.
It is said that lead was first discovered at Rossie among
the ashes of a log-heap, but its precise locality was not then
known. Arthur Bacon, of Rossie, is reported to have dis-
covered galena among the earth at the roots of an upturned
tree, some time before particular attention was directed to
the subject. The Victoria vein was subsequently discovered
by a daughter of Joel Jepson.
In December, 1835, Mr. Parish entered into a contract
with Mr. B. T. Nash, who professed to search for lead.
By virtue of this contract, fifty cents per ton was to be paid
for iron ore and seventy-five cents per ton for lead ore,
should mines be discovered, all the lead ore to be smelted
in Rossie. The lease was to continue for ten years. A
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
315
this contract, consisting of B. T. Nash, Joseph Barber,
Zadoe Day, Joseph Disbrow, and one other, for the purpose
of mineral explorations, and Indian traditions led them to
the Rossie district. Mr. Nash soon after sold the right to
J. C. Bush. Two companies were incorporated by the
legislature. May 12, 1837, for the working of the mines.
The charters of these two companies were alike in date,
limitation, powers, and privileges. Thoy were to continue
until Jan. 1, 1847 ; capital of each, $24,000, to be divided
into 960 shares of $25 each. The company holding the
eastern division of the Coal Sill vein was styled the " Ros-
sie Lead-Mining Company," and David C. Judson, James
Averill, Erastus Vilas, Peter C. Oakley, and Roylas Vilas
were its first directors. The western division of the same
vein was held by the " Rossie Galena Company," of which
John C. Bush, Bliss T. Nash, Elias G. Drake, Silvester
Gilbert, and David C. Judson were the first directors.
From an examination made at the time, it was inferred
that the ore contained no silver, or, at least, that the quan-
tity was too small to denote its presence by the tests em-
ployed. The lead ashes were found to consist of the car-
bonate and sulphate of lead and the carbonate of lime, in
variable proportions, formed by the action of the atmosphere.
Work was commenced upon the western section in 1836,
but systematic operations were not commenced until Jan.
1, 1837, at which time the eastern company also commenced
operations.
An immense number of laborers were employed, and the
business was carried on prosperously for a considerable
time, notwithstanding the entire inexperience of the man-
agers and miners, and the enormous expenditures for the
erection of smelting-houses and machinery, which were
afterwards found to be inefficient. Wages of laborers and
prices for provisions were very high, and the whole opera-
tion was conducted without regard to economy ; but, with
all these drawbacks, the companies made large dividends,
and stock rose to extravagant prices. The ore was prin-
cipally smelted by Messrs. Moss & Knapp, at a furnace on
Indian river, about one mile from the mines, at $25 per
ton, with a clause in the contract giving them all over
sixty-eight per cent. A reverberatory furnace was erected
at the mines, but this was found to waste more lead than
it yielded. The Victoria and Union veins were worked for
a short time by Mr. Parish. A " working" was commenced
by him on the Robinson or Indian river vein, where ore
was found upon the surface, and about three hundred
pounds of lead were taken out directly over a cavity in the
granite, which, upon blasting to the solid vein, proved to
be fifteen feet in depth. A shaft was sunk to the depth of
seventy-six feet, which yielded 1100 pounds of lead; cost,
$1600. In the branch of the Union vein two shafts were
sunk, the western fifty-five and the eastern fifty feet in
depth. A statement made by Mr. Charles L. Lum, who
kept the books of Moss & Knapp, shows that the product
of the furnace was in all 3,250,690 pounds, or 1625 tons,
of metallic lead, the average yield of the ore being 67 per
cent., or lOi tons per fathom. Both of these companies
discontinued working about 1840, and numbers of persons
lost large sums from the depreciation of stock. These lead
mines having been discontinued more than ten years, and
having reverted to Mr. Parish during the summer of 1852,
a portion of the premises were leased by Mr. R. P. Rem-
ington for ten years, with a privilege of ten years longer,
with one-twelfth royalty, and a company, styled the " Great
Northern Lead Company," was incorporated, under a gen-
eral act, Sept. 8, 1852, for a term of fifty years, for the
purpose of working mines of lead and other ores in St.
Lawrence County. Capital fixed at $500,000, in shares
of 810 each. The fir.st directors were James C. Forsyth,
Ernest Tiedler, P. Strachan, John F. Sanford, S. T. Jones,
Silas M. Stilwell, Charles G. Myers, R. P. Remington, and
James G. Hopkins.
This company erected a Cornish engine of sixty-horse
power, with improved and very perfect machinery. They
imported a large number of practical miners from Corn-
wall, England, and work was carried on quite extensively
for about three years, when it was discontinued, as they
declared themselves unable to pay the royalty demanded
by Mr. Parish. In 1861 the works were leased by Mr. J.
B. Morgan, and were carried on by him until 1868, since
which time they have remained idle.
Mr. Charles Westbrook, while prospecting for lead in
the vicinity of Rossie village, in 1865, discovered several
veins of lead ore, in one of which he removed with a stick
over four hundred pounds of galena. Mr. Parish after-
wards caused a shaft to be sunk to the depth of a few feet,
when it was found that the vein contained but little lead,
and work was discontinued.
INCIDENTS.
An incident occurred during the earlier workings of the
mines, that well-nigh resulted in bloodshed. During the
spring of 1837, nearly five hundred Irish laborers were
employed in and about the mines, who may be supposed to
have been actuated by the peculiar prejudices common to
the lower classes of that people. On the evening preceding
" St. Patrick's day in the morning," some mischievous per-
sons had suspended by the neck an effigy in Irish costume,
before a house occupied by laborers as a boarding-house,
and affixed a label, " St. Patrick," and a wish that this
might be the fate of every Irishman. This had its natural
efl^ect, and the indignation towards the authors of this act
knew no bounds. Those living near the place accused
others from a neighboring locality of doing it, and mutual
accusations led to threats of vengeance, and the whole
crowd had armed themselves with such weapons as chanced
to fall in their way, and were with the greatest difficulty
dissuaded from acts of violence. The overseers, in order
to appease them, offered large rewards for the ofi'enders.
Had the latter been discovered, nothing would have saved
them from a violent death. This gave origin to a feud,
which continued for a long time, and the laborers in the
smelting-house, in some way, became obnoxious to the Irish,
as the supposed authors of the insult. Being in constant
apprehension of an attack, the smelters provided means for
throwing melted lead from their furnace, and hot water
from the boilers of the engine, and the knowledge of these
precautions is said to have saved them from an attack.
Some time after this, two of the Irish laborers were directed
to drill a hole for a blast in the immediate vicinity of the
316
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
smeltlng-house, for the. purpose of forminp; a new channel
for the water. Strict orders were siveu not to charge the
hole in the absence of the foreman ; but this was disregarded,
and the drilled hole and a crevice in the rock were heavily
charged with powder. A third one emptied the most of
another keg into the seam, and hastily filling it up with sand,
applied a match. The blast took effect with tremendous
enero-y, casting vast quantities of rock into the air, and
jarring the ground to a great distance. A shower of these
projectiles, falling upon the roof of the smelting-house,
perforated it in many places, but fortunately the boiler es-
caped, and no one was injured by the terrible explosion.
All suspicious parties were forthwith discharged, and the
immediate authors of this infamous act having iled, the
quarrel was ended.
While workmen were engaged in repairing the old plank-
road, about three miles south of Rossie village, in 1850,
■ they discovered human bones, which had evidently been
buried many years. Various Indian relics have been found
within the town, and several teeth, supposed to be those of
the mastodon, were found near Sprague's Corners, in 1875.
In March, 1840, Henry Rodgers, who was at work in the
Victoria mine, was killed by the falling of a mass of ice,
which had become detached from the shaft above.
YELLOW LAKE
is a long, narrow sheet of water, extending nearly across
the centre of the town. It derives its name from the cir-
cumstance of its being covered with the blossoms of the
pond-lily when first discovered.
ROSSIE VILLAGE,
situated at the head of navigation on Indian river, which
affords a good water-power, and in a fine grazing country,
seven miles north of Ox Bow (Jefferson Co.), is a village of
about 400 inhabitants, and contains two churches, a hotel,
four stores, two blacksmith-shops, three shoe-shops, one
wagon-shop, an extensive stone grist-mill, with five run of
stones, one saw-mill, and a half-blast furnace, owned by the
Rossie iron company, of New York, which has facilities for
manufacturing sixteen tons of pig-iron per day, and con-
nected with which is a large machine-shop and foundry, with
facilities for doing any kind of casting and machine-work,
neither of which are now in operation.
SOMERVILLE P. 0.,
situated in the southeastern part of the town, two miles
from Keene's Station, on theR., W. & 0. R. R., contains
two churches, a store, hotel, shoe-shop, wagon-shop, two
blacksmith-shops, and about 150 inhabitants. Near the
village is a cheese-factory, capable of making about thirty-
six tons of cheese per year.
SPRAGUE'S CORNERS (SHINGLE CREEK P. 0.)
is situated in the southeastern corner of the town, near
Keene's Station, on the Rome^ Watertown and Ogdensburg
railroad, and contains two churches, two wagon- and two
blacksmith-, one paint- and one cooper-shops. The county
line divides the village about' equally, — one-half lying in
this, and one-half in Jefferson county. There are several
extensive iron mines in t.lio TjimTiifir
KEENE'S STATION,
on the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad, on the
line of Jefferson county, is chiefly noted for its iron mines.
The White Marble lime-works, located on the old plank-
road, about three miles north of Ox Bow, manufacture
about seven thousand bushels of lime per year. This lime
is said to be of a very superior quality, and held in high
repute for making a hard finish.
WEGATCHIE.
On the Oswegatchie river, two and one-half miles from
Somerville, is the village of Wegatchie, containing two
stores, a hotel, a wagon- and two blacksmith-shops, a grist-
mill, a spoke-factory, a woolen-factory, two saw-mills, one of
which was built by Daniel Church (contains a saw-mill,
shingle-mill, and cheese-box-factory), and is capable of saw-
ins five hundred thousand feet of lumber, and manufactur-
ing one thousand cheese-boxes and two hundred thousand
shingles per year ; the other, owned by Thomas TurnbuU,
also comprises a shingle-mill, and is capable of manufac-
turing six thousand feet of lumber and twenty thousand
shingles per day.
SUPERVISORS.
1814, Reuben Streeter; 1815, Theodosius 0. Fowler;
1816-18, Reuben Streeter; 1822-24, Lewis Franklin;
1829, Reuben Streeter; 1822-24, Lewis Franklin; 1825,
Ebenezer Marvin; 1826-27, James Howard; 1828, Wil-
liam Brown; 1829, Reuben Streeter; 1830-32, S. Pratt;
1833-34, William Skinner; 1835, S. Pratt; 1836-38,
Robert Clark; 1839-40, Martin Thatcher ; 1843-44, Wil-
liam B. Bostwick; 1845-46, S. Pratt; 1847-48, Henry
V. R. Willmot ; 1849, Zaccheus Gates; 1850, Adam Turn-
bull ; 1851-52, Zaccheus Gates. Mr. Gates died in April,
1852, and S. Pratt was elected in his place ; 1853-54, Solo-
mon Pratt; 1855, R. R. Sherman ; 1856-57, L. W.Bald-
win; 1858, William B. Bostwick ; 1859-63, James H.
Church; 1864-66, Thomas A. Turnbull ; 1867-69, David
McFalls; 1870-74, Thomas A. Turnbull ; 1875-77, A. E.
Helmer.
POSTMASTERS.
Shingle Creek Post- Office. — The following persons have
held the office of postmaster at this place : Daniel Wilcox,
Alexander Wright, George F. Steele, Eben Gillett, A. M.
Vedder, and L. G. Draper.
Somerville Post- O^ce.— Solomon Pratt, Martin Thatcher,
Ward P. Lewis, H. R. Albro, Chauneey B. Fell, Lyman
Merriman, Gilbert Wait, Hiram Hall, Charles Wilt, Isaac
Stacy.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Slade, formerly of Rossie village, was the first prac-
ticing physician within the town. He located at this place
at an early day, and continued in practice until 1851, when
he removed to Florida, where he died.
Dr. D. McFalls was a pupil of Dr. Slade, of Ros.sie;
afterwards graduated at the medical school at Boston.
Commenced practice 1852, at Rossie. Entered the service
in 1862, as surgeon of the 97th Regiment. At the close of
HISTOET OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
317
in practice at that place until 1873, when he removed to
Grouverneur.
Dr. P. R. McMonagle located in the village of Eossie in
the spring of 1861, and remained until the spring of 1865,
when he removed to Ogdensburg.
Dr. L. M. Giffin attended lectures at the Rush medical
college of Chicago. Graduated at that institution in the
spring of 1875, and located in the village of Eossie, where
he has since been in practice.
Dr. E. 0. Cook located at the village of Sprague's Cor-
ners in 1860, and has since continued in practice at that
place.
Dr. F. B. Hough, now of Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y.,
graduated at the Cincinnati medical college in 1846;
located at the village of Somerville, where he continued in
practice until 1852.
ORGANIZATIONS.
The Keene Comet Band, at Sprague's Corners, was or-
ganized in 1875, under the leadership of Mr. J. V. Baker,
and consists of twelve pieces.
Rossie Lodge, No. 766, /. 0. of G. T., was organized in
December, 1868, with twenty-one members.
Somerville Lodge, No. 431, /. 0. of G. T., was organized
Oct. 17, 1867, with thirty-six members.
EELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
THE FIRST TJNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF SOMERVILLE.
The Universalist society of Somerville was organized
Aug. 20, 1842, with Lyman Merriman, Alva AVeeks, and
William Ayers, trustees. In 1846 they erected a church
at a cost of about $1500. The first pastor was the Eev.
G. C. Swan. Since its organization the church has been
supplied occasionally by the pastors of neighboring churches.
The present pastor is Eev. Mr. Prazier, who resides at
Hailsborough. Services are held every second Sunday.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Somerville was incorporated Dec. 16, 1845, with Hiram
Hall, Orin Freeman, John Johnson, Freedom Freeman,
Augustus Preston, and A. C. Van Dycke, trustees. The
church edifice was erected in 1846. The succession of
pastors has been as follows: Eev. Messrs. A. E. Munson,
A. A. Blackman, B. S. Wright, Silas Slater, P. M. Crouley,
C. C. Lymes, Josiah Zimmerman, C. E. Beebe, Zehil Aus-
tin, Lewis Whitcomb, M. D. Kinney, Silas Ball, D. Simonds,
G. P. Kenney, Ralph Pierce, A. Blackman, A. C. Brooks,
Boyd, A. L. Smith, and 0. F. Nichols. The church
has at present a membership of 20 persons.
ST. Patrick's church (catholic)
was organized with 25 families in 1852, in which year
their church edifice was erected at a cost of about $2000.
It will seat about 200 persons. The first pastor was the
Eev. Michael Clark. The society consists at present of 80
families. The property is valued at $2500.
the first PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ROSSIE,
at Eossie village, was organized with eighteen members, in
October, 1855, by George Lockie and R. H. King. Their
house of worship was erected in 1856, at a cost of $1600.
It will seat 250 persons. The first pastor was the Rev.
John McGregor. The society numbers 40 members. The
church property is valued at $2000.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
at Eossie'village, was organized with 17 members in 1868)
by Eev. Lemuel Clark. The first pastor was Eev. 0. F.
Nichols. The society consists of about 30 members.
We are under obligations to the following gentlemen for
information furnished : Messrs. Charles E. Westbrook &
Son, of Ogdensburg, Michael Dodds and David Depont, of
Eossie, P. M. Crouley, of Somerville, Richard Bonfi, of
Keene's Station, Mr. Thomas Turnbull, of Wegatchie, and
many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
WILLIAM MARKWICK
was born in the parish of Hoo, near Hastings, England,
July, 1803. At the age of sixteen he started for America,
without a friend or acquaintance on board the ship or in
this counti-y. He remained two years in New York, when
he engaged in the service of George Parish, of Ogdensburg,
with whom he remained two and a half years. He then
married Mary, daughter of James Ormiston, one of the
first settlers in what is known as the Scotch Settlement in
Rossie. He at once took up land in the then unbroken forest
adjoining Ormiston's, where he continued to reside until his
death, and where, by persevering industry, he acquired a
competence.
He was honest, generous, and public-spirited. He held
important oifices in town, and was for thirty-five years a
member of the Presbyterian church of Ox Bow, and many
years a teacher in the Sabbath-school. He enjoyed the re-
spect and confidence of all who knew him. He died
Dec. 10, 1873. His farm, with some additions, is still owned
and occupied by his son Robert. •
HOPKINTON.
HoPKlNTON was erected a separate town from Massena
March 2, 1805, and included the townships of Islington,
Catharineville, and a portion of Chesterfield. Subsequently
all the remainder of Massena, in the second tract, was
annexed to Hopkinton, extending its bounds to the southern
county line, and having a width which gave it an area
large enough for a county. The formation of the towns of
Lawrence, Parishville, and Colton has restricted these
bounds to one tier of five townships, — numbers 3, 6, 9, 12,
15, — along the east county line to its southern boundary,
excepting the greater portion of Catharineville, which still
belongs to Hopkinton, and which gives the town its greatest
width in the north. The area thus comprised contains
178,968 acres, of which but a limited portion is susceptible
of cultivation, nearly all the fertile lands being found in
townships 14 and 15, in a strip extending along the east
St. Regis river, from east to west, and having a width not
exceeding five ■ miles. But these lands are not excelled in
the county for location and fertility : and there are many
excellent farms on this belt. The surface of the town is
elevated, and ascends from the St. Regis river, southward,
until it attains a mountainous condition. A fine growth of
hard wood covered it in the northern part, with a supply of
pine, hemlock, and cedar in limited quantities. In the
southern part the last-named varieties abound almost exclu-
sively. The soil varies from a loam of great richness to a
light sand, and the products are corresponding, although
the whole is well adapted to grazing, and many of the
inhabitants are engaged in dairying. The culture of the
hop and the potato also receives attention. The remoteness
from market renders lumbering unprofitable.
Hopkinton is well watered by the east and west branches
of St. Regis river and its tributary brooks, of which Lyd,
named in honor of Mrs. Lydia Hopkins, is the largest.
The St. Regis flows through dense forests, and 110,000 has
been appropriated by the legislature to improve the log navi-
gation of the stream. In the unsettled parts of the town
are a number of lakes, the chief ones being Trout, Amber,
Jordan, Tupper, and Massawappie. Thp latter is the head
of G-rasse river, and a reservou- has been constructed near
the outlet of the lake, which improves the water privileges
along the stream. The State appropriated $30,000 to
effect this purpose. At Tupper's lake is a small quantity
of fertile land and a small settlement.
The town was named in compliment to Judge Roswell
Hopkins, of Vergennes, Vermont, who, having purchased
a part of Islington, made the first settlement in May, 1802.
Judge Hopkins was born in Amenia, New York, in May,
1757, and having become a citizen of Vermont, served that
State in various official trusts in his adopted State, servino-
in the legislature from 1810 to 1813. He was a man of
318
strong traits of character, and an active promoter of the
welfare of his town.
Judge Hopkins was accompanied from Vermont by his
son Benjamin W., and by Joel and Samuel Goodell, Jared
Dewey, and Eliphalet Brush, from Washington Co., N. Y.
These six came by way of Malone, and selected lands in
the vicinity of Hopkinton village. The first tree felled in
town was on Joel Goodell's land, by Jared Dewey, who
broke the axe in the operation. Having made arrange-
ments for the clearing of a small tract of land. Judge Hop-
kins returned to Vermont in June, crossing the St. Regis
river while it was swollen by heavy rains. His horse was
partly overthrown by the violence of the current, and his
portmanteau, containing in one end his provisions for the
journey, and several hundred dollars in specie in the other,
was swept down stream and lost. The remainder of the
party applied themselves to the work of clearing and im-
proving their lands, and also returned to their old homes
in the fall. During their summer's residence, they had to
go ten miles to get washing done, and to market at Corn-
wall, Canada. In March, 1803, Judge Hopkins and his
sons Roswell D., Benjamin W., Isaac R., George, and
James G., and wife and two daughters, and Abraham
Sheldon, Eli and Asahel Squier, each with his family,
moved into the town. In December of that year Mrs.
Sheldon gave birth to a son, the first child born in the
town, who was named Hiram, and who died at the age of
sixteen. The same season, and in 1804 and 1805, the
settlement was augmented by Thomas Remington, Gains
Sheldon, Reuben Post, Eliakim Seeley, Heniy McLaugh-
lin, Thaddeus Laughlin, Horace Train, Jasper Armstrong,
Seth Abbott, and Amasa Blanchard, with a family of twelve
children, all but one of whom lived to be more than fifty
years of age.
The immigration was so large the following years that in
1807 there were 48 voters in the town, and in May, when
the first death occurred, there were 26 infants who had
been born in the town. Among those who came at an
early day may be mentioned Stephen Langworthy, Gideon
Sprague, Jonas Harwood, Caleb Wright, Phineas Durfey,
Nathaniel Rudd, Joseph Merrill, Aaron Warner, Herman
Gray, John Perry, Daniel Hoard, James Trussel, Jacob
Phelps, John Thomas, Ira Collins, Elisha Risden, William,
Miller, Artemas Kent, Rosea Brooks, Jonah Sanford, David
Henderson, and John Henderson.
The life of these settlers was accompanied with the
usual hardships, not the least of which were the privations
resulting from the severe season of 1816, when snow and
frost occurred every month in the year, and nothing could
be grown except grass and oats. Flour, which had been
plenty the year before, now sold at $22 per barrel. The
ffesiDENCE of ROVAL LAWRENCE/offr Jackson, Sr. Lawrencc CaNK
Mrs.AchsaGoodell.
Res. OF MRS. ACHSA GOODELL , Hopkinton, N /
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
HI 9
wants of the settlers were greatly relieved by the abundance
of game, a better idea of which can be conveyed by detail-
ing the exploits of that famous Nimrod, Thomas Mackand.
His accounts show that at the time of his death, in 1849,
he had killed 2550 deer, 210 bears, 77 panthers, and 214
wolves ; and it was no uncommon thing for a hunter to kill
from 5 to 25 deer per season.
In this connection the following account of the early set-
tlements by Elisha Risden, himself a pioneer and one of
the first surveyors, will be read with interest :
"■ The first settlors caiue by way of French Mills to St. Regis, and
thence up the river to Stockholm and to their destination. Previous
to 1806 the main road from the east passed through Chateaugay to
Malone, to Stockholm, and thence to Potsdam and beyond. A road
had been opened on the western side of the St. Regis river between
Islington and Stockholm, and another road from Islington, leading
northeast, crossed the St. Regis river and intersected the road from
Malone to Stockholm half a mile west of Deer river. These roads
were laid down with little regularity along the most favorable ground,
were without bridges and causeways, and mostly impassable, except
when bridged by the ice in the winter. In March, 1805, there were no
settlements between Islington and Deer river, nor between Deer river
and Stockholm. Between Deer river and Malone a few scattered be-
ginnings had been made. At the date above mentioned, several fam-
ilies moving into the county had reached Deer river, where they were
obliged to encamp, as the ice had broken up and the river was im-
passable for teams. Hearing the condition of these families. Dr.
Pettibone, of Stockholm, sent a message to Roswell Hopkins, Esq.,
of Islington, inviting the young men of that settlement to meet those
from Stockholm at the river and erect a bridge. The request was im-
mediately circulated, and, although at ten o'clock at night, they mus-
tered their forces and started on the expedition. The St. Regis river
had first to be crossed, as the ice bridge had been broken up, and
this was effected by wading on horseback at midnight and with in-
finite peril the rapid and swollen river. The night was da.rk and
cloudy. There were but three horses to transport the party of nine
men, which was at length effected at s4.\ times crossing, and the com-
pany met that from Stockholm at the appointed place early in the
morning, and at once proceeded to plan and execute a good and sub-
stantial log bridge, — the first one across Deer river, — atapoint about
one hundred rods below the present village of Lawrenceville. The
party from Islington on their return home reached the St. Regis
several hours sooner than the time appointed for the horses to be
sent to meet them, and as the river had subsided somewhat, one or ^
two of the company cut "each of them a pole to support themselves
against the current, and with their boots and axes slung to their backs
forded the river by wading. The horses were sent to transport the
remainder, and the whole party returned without accident. From
Deer river to Islington was 8t miles by the ford and 15 by Stock-
holm. From Esquire Hopkins' to the ford li miles. Mr. Hopkins
was remarkably attentive in assisting settlers to cross this ford, and
kept a watch to give notice when teams arrived, and the young men
could go down with two yoke of oxep and a strong sled, cross over to
them, fasten their sleighs with withes and ropes to the top of the sled,
k and so recross. In crossing the empty sled would float, and the fer-
rymen were obliged to wade by its side and work with all their
might to keep it from floating down stream. The sleighs were light-
ened of their contents, hoisted with levers and skids on to the sled,
bound fast, reloaded, and crossed over. Difliculty was often experi-
enced in keeping the load upright, and the screams of the women and
children as their craft veered and floundered along the angry stream
formed a picture strikingly characteristic of primitive times and
known only to pioneers. In April of this year the sleighing ceased,
l?ut people continued to arrive on horseback and on foot, who were
often disappointed at the diflioulties in crossing, and in several in-
stances travelers coming to Islington after reaching the ford retraced
their steps, and proceeded to their destination by the very circuitous
route of Stockholm. To obviate these diflBculties a foot-bridge was
built at the ferry, which, although rude and temporary, was very ac-
ceptable. The ford way road is now occupied by cultivated fields,
and its route exists only in the recollections of « few remaining
pioneer settlers."
THE WAR OF 1812
followed so closely upon the settlement of the town that any
reminiscence concerning its people will here find appropri-
ate place. The following account appeared in Dr. Hough's
History, published in 1852 :
" On the last of February, 1814, after the British party had returned
from their incursion to Malone, and had arrived at French Mills, they
learned from a citizen-spy, who acted as their guide, that a large
amount of flour belonging to the United States army was stored in a
barn in the village of Hopkinton, and that there was no guard at that
place to protect it. Upon this they detached Major Dc Heirne, of the
British regular service, with Lieut. Charlton, the second in command,
and about thirty soldiers, who proceeded in sleighs, by way of Moira
corners, to Hopkinton, twenty-seven miles from French Mills, and
arrived at that place earlj' in the morning before the inhabitants
were up. They first posted sentinels at the door of every house, and
proceeded to search for arms in every place where they might he sus-
pected to be found, and succeeded in obtaining about twenty stand,
which had been distributed among the inhabitants. It is said that
several muskets were saved by being hastily laid in a bed, which
had been occupied but a few moments previous, and thus eluded the
search that was made for them. Their case has been described by
the poet:
" ' 'Tis odd, not one of all these seekera thought,
And seems to me almost a sort of blunder,
Of looking in the bed as well as under.^
" They found some three hundred barrels of flour stored in a barn
owned by Judge Hopkins, and ocou{)ied by Dr. Sprague, but having
no teams for conveying away more than half of that quantity, they
began to destroy the remainder, but, being dissuaded by the inhabit-
ants, they desisted, and distributed the remainder among the citizens.
During the brief sojourn of this party, they conducted themselves
with strict propriety, and sacredly respected private property of every
kind, using or receiving nothing for which they did not offer com-
pensation. No parole was required of the inhabitants. Upon the
passage of the detachment of the American army through Hopkinton
on their way from French Mills to Sachet's Harbor, but a very short
time previously, the ofBcers in command were importuned by Judge
Hopkins and others for the privilege of carrying the military sup-
plies in their village farther west to a place of greater safety, dread-
ing the very event which soon after happened. They offered to take
their pay from tlie flour, at such prices as would be just and equitable,
but no one appeared to feel himself authorized to order the removal,
and it was not effected. The surrounding country would have readily
furnished volunteers sufiicient for this duty, and gladly undertaken
it, had they been allowed the privilege.''
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
The act providing for the organization of Hopkinton
fixed the place of holding the first town-meeting at the
house of Eliakim Seeley, March 4, 1806, when Roswell
Hopkins was elected supervisor; Henry McLaughlin, clerk;
Amasa Blanchard, Jasper Armstrong, Reuben Post, asses-
sors; Amasa Blanchard, Seth Abbott, overseers of the
poor ; Abraham Sheldon, constable and collector ; A. Shel-
don, R. Post, H. McLaughlin, commissioners of highways ;
Eli Squier, Oliver Sheldon, A. Blanchard, fence- viewers ;
Oliver Sheldon, pound-keeper.
The succession of supervisors has been as follows :
1806— R. Hopkins.
1807— B. W. Hopkins.
1808— Heni-y McLaughlin.
1809 — R. Hopkins.
1810— B. W. Hopkins.
1811-19— Isaac R. Hopkins.
1820-22 — Thaddeus Laughlin.
1823-26 — Jonah Sanford.
1827-29— Isaac R. Hopkins.
1830-32 — Joseph Durfey.
1833—1. R. Hopkins.
1834-35— T. Laughlin.
1836— Phineas Durfey.
1837 — Eliakim Seeley.
1838— T. Laughlin.
1839—1. R. Hopkins.
1840-41— Clark S. Chittenden.
1842-44^Elias Post.
1845 — Gideon Sprague.
1846-47— Clark S. Chittenden.
320
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1848-49— E. Post.
1850-61— C. S. Chittenden.
1862-53— Jeseph B. Duri'ey.
1854— Clark S. Chittenden.
1866 — Roawell Hopkins.
] 856-67— F. P. Sprague.
1858-59— Caleb Wright.
1860-61— David P. Henderson.
1862-63— George S. Wright.
1864— B. R. Sheldon.
1865-66 — David F. Henderson.
1867-68— Frank Kellogg.
1869-73— Jonah Sanford.
1874-75— David F. Henderson.
1876-77— Jonah Sanford.
V. 0. Chittenden, town olerk.
THE TOWN EECOBDS
contain much interesting matter, from which the following
readable excerpts are made :
1806. — Amasa Blanchard, Henry McLaughlin, and
Roswell Hopkins were appointed a committee to decide
upon a lawful fence, and reported that such a fence must be
five feet high, and the spaces must not exceed six inches.
1808. — Henry McLaughlin, Amasa Blanchard, and Seth
Abbott appointed to prescribe rules for regulating the
manner in which inoculation for the smallpox shall be ad-
ministered in town. Sixty dollars voted to buy a set of
statute laws and blank books. At an adjourned meeting in
March |100 voted for destroying wolves, 15 bounty offered ;
$250 voted for the poor.
1809. — One hundred dollars for the poor, and various
sums, often larger, in following years. Wolf bounty, |5.
1810. — Ten dollars was offered for every wolf killed in
town. Similar amounts were paid in 1811, '17, '19, '20,
and '24, and $5 the latter year for every whelp capable of
doing mischief.
1811. — One hundred dollars was voted for the destruc-
tion of wolves, and 15 was " to be paid out of the above
sum for each wolf-scalp capable of doing mischief." The
same bounty was offered in 1812, '13, '14, '15, '25.
1812. — " Voted that all ox-sleds owned in this town
shall be four feet wide ; and that any inhabitant of this
town who shall be seen using an ox-sled on the public high-
ways less than four feet wide after the 1st of January, 1813,
shall be subject to a fine of $2.00 for each offense, to be re-
covered with cost of suit by any person prosecuting the
same to effect.'' It was further provided that any money
arising from fines should pass into the hands of the super-
visor, who was to distribute it among the school districts.
There is no record of the distribution of such moneys, and
the simple enactment of the law probably secured universal
acquiescence.
1817. — Fifty dollars was voted to pay T. Meacham for
killing two panthers.
1818. — Ten dollars bounty voted for every catamount
destroyed in town.
1819. — Twenty dollars panther bounty, and $1 fox
bounty voted; in 1820, $15 was paid for panther, and in
1821, $2 for old and $1 for young foxes.
1820. — The local legislation had a wider range, embracing
smaller animals in the list for whose destruction bounties
were to be paid. The mischief a squirrel was supposed to
be capable of doing was set at six cents, and $1 per hun-
dred was paid for the destruction of mice. It is said that
$25 was paid as bounty money for the latter. This year,
also, J. Gould, Chauncy D. Thomas, Samuel Wilson, and
Henry C. Green were complimented by being elected hoff
constables. Fiftjapn vpnrn lofoi- tVio i.aciv,nno;i,:i.'i.„ ^e *i,:..
important ofiice was restricted to three persons, whose names
are to history unknown.
The citizens of the town, in common with those of other
towns, were strongly interested in the prosecution of the
late civil war. A special meeting was called Dec. 15, 1863,
to consider the best means to raise volunteers, when, upon
the recommendation of a committee, composed of D. F. Hen-
derson, Jonah Sanford, Milo Adams, Roswell Hopkins, and
Franklin Kellogg, the supervisor and town clerk were au-
thorized to issue certificates of $300 for each volunteer re-
quired from the town, and that a tax of $6500 be levied.
The subsequent calls for men caused special meetings to be
held, when similar action was taken to fill the quotas ; and
at the annual meeting in 1865, K. S. Chittenden, P. C.
Sprague, and D. F. Henderson were appointed a military
committee to make final settlement and disposition of the
funds remaining unpaid.
ROADS AND OTHER TOWN INTERESTS.
A commendable interest in the location and improvement
of roads was early manifested. At the town-meeting in 1806
two districts were formed, which were placed in charge of
Henry McLaughlin and Bli Squier, as overseers. The first
official record of a road survey is dated April 24, 1806, and
gives the minutes of the road located south from Lyd brook
to Mechanic lots, so called. B. W. Hopkins was the sur-
veyor.
In 1810 a special meeting was held in June, when it
was decided that the $500 appropriated to bridges at the
annual meeting should be given to the St. Lawrence turn-
pike company, on condition that the town be benefited by
the location of the road on a certain route ; and a special
meeting was held in 1811 to petition the legislature to tax
the town to aid the Northwest Bay road. The legislature
was also petitioned to authorize a lottery whereby the sum
of $10,000 might be raised to repair this road. In 1827
the Port Kent road was located to Hopkinton, and was, for
many years, one of the principal thoroughfares. The road
districts have been increased to thirty, and the highways
of the town are in a fair condition. Telegraphic commu-
nication is afforded at Hopkinton and Fort Jackson by the
Montreal company, over a line extending from North Law-
rence to Canton.
The town made provision for the interment of its dead
May 11, 1811, a special meeting having been called for this
purpose. Two hundred dollars was voted to clear and fence
a ground north of the village of Hopkinton, which is yet
the principal cemetery in the town, and is well kept at its
expense.
In 1841 the town made an appropriation for the repair
of the stone church, which secured its use for public meet-
ings and town purposes. This was used until 1870, when
steps were taken to build a town-hall. In 1871 an im-
posing brick edifice was completed, at a cost of $4093.12.
It is well arranged, has a spacious gallery and frescoed
walls, making it one of the finest halls in the county.
In the matter of schools the people of Hopkinton have
made a good record. In 1814, B. W. Hopkins, Amasa
Blanchard, and Samuel Eastman were appointed commis-
.; „ „u« e ™«J „„„ 1 j;„i_:.i- t_ lOin j.i._»„ j^Imoa
/M^. ^Jt^ ^. ^^y^^.-^^
iS-^i^
Res. OF JOEL WITHERELL.roRr Jackson, Sr Lawrence Count/, tiEW York.
/^a c^f ^/^ /AsyiA^^
THE HOPKINS RES/DENCE, HOPK/NTON, NY,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
321
the amount of money granted by the State was raised by a
direct tax, and in 1857 it was voted that the legislature
appropriate $50,000 to endow St. Lawrence university.
There are at present 13 frame, 1 brick, and 1 stone
school-houses in the town, valued at $7699. Five male and
27 female teachers were employed during the school year
1876-77, and paid $1953.78. Four hundred and ninety-
seven scholars attended the schools, and the total expendi-
tures for the year were $4112.66.
The pleasant little village of
HOFKINTON
is situated on an elevated plain, on Lyd brook, a mile south
of St. Regis river. The associations of pioneer life cluster
around the place, having from the first been the centre of
the town's interests, and containing its hall and offices.
The water-power of the place limits its manufactures, and
consequently its growth, there being scarcely two hundred
inhabitants. Among the families that first settled here,
and whose representatives yet remain, were the Hopkins',
Laughlins, Sheldons, Spragues, Chittendens, and others,
who came from New England, and brought with them the
ideas peculiar to that section. Hence the village has its
commons, wide, tree-planted streets, spacious door-yards,
and large lots, afibrding every resident a goodly portion of
nature's heritage, and a combination of the best features of
rural and village life.
A grist-mill, erected on Lyd brook, in 1803, by Roswell
Hopkins, was one of the first improvements. Several years
later, Mr. Hopkins caused a long race to be dug along the
brook, which gave him greater power for a new stone mill
which he erected farther up the stream. This was used
many years, but not having ample power the mill was
allowed to go down. In the vicinity of the village were a
number of saw-mills, which have also passed away, excepting
the old Roberts' mill, which is still operated by B. Collins.
George McNeal has a shingle-mill on the brook, and P.
Harper, J. Squier, and others have saw- and shingle-mills
on the west St. Regis. At the village is a starch-factory,
first started in 1858, and rebuilt in 1862, which is operated
by D. L. Merrill & Son. In 1874 the Hopkinton Union
factory was built on Merrill brook, by a company, and has
been successfully operated ever since. Jonah Sanford owns
and operates a factory in the western part of the town, which
was built about 1855. The capacity of these factories va-
ries from 12,000 to 15,000 bushels. At the village is a
tannery by R. S. Eastman, and a butter-tub factory by Cor-
nelius Kingston. There were also, formerly, clothing-works
by Truman H. Lyon, and a trip-hammer by a Mr. Frost.
The place has at present the usual number of mechanic
B. W. Hopkins was the first to engage in trade, having
but a small store ; other merchants followed, remaining but
a short period. The Chittendens established a business at
an early day, which has been conducted by father and sons
ever since, V. A. Chittenden having been engaged in trade
since 1857. In 1867 a fine stone block was erected for
the accommodation of their trade.
. The first tavern was kept by Thaddeus Laughlin, in a
double .log ■house, south .of, the .green. A.frame building
41
was soon built for the business, which he continued forty
years. Since 1842 the present hotel has been in use,
Thomas L. Howe having been a landlord many years. At
present A. Clark is the host.
The post-office was established Nov. 3, 1807, with Thad-
deus Laughlin postmaster. For more than thirty years he
held this office, his successors being C. S. and K. S. Chit-
tenden, the latter having had the office for the last twelve
years. The first mail service was from Plattsburg ; the
present is daily from North Lawrence.
The first settled physician was Dr. Stephen Langworthy,
being among the early settlers. Dr. Gideon Sprague came
next, from Addison Co., Vt., in 1811, and practiced until
his death, in 1859, when his son, F. P. Sprague, succeeded
him. Other practitioners were Doctors 0. J. Hutchins,
F. A. Cutler, and David F. Dayton, the present physician.
James A. Sheldon has been a practicing dentist for many
years.
A social library was formed in 1810, having 45 mem-
bers, who had contributed a fund to secure a number of
excellent books. The first trustees were Roswell Hopkins,
Amasa Blanchard, Henry McLaughlin, Reuben Post, Seth
Abbott, Stephen Langworthy, Jasper Armstrong, and
Benjamin W. Hopkins. After several years the library
was discontinued.
Fanny Chitman taught one of the early schools, in a
log house, which was attended by pupils from the Hop-
kins, Laughlin, Sheldon, and Goodell families. The pres-
ent house is a fine two-story edifice, erected in 1869, at a
cost of $3000.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OP HOPKINTON
was formed July 6, 1808, of five males and six females, by
the Rev. John W. Church, a missionary. Services were
held in the school-house, and on the 30th of September,
1814, a society was formed, with Amasa Blanchard, Reu-
ben Post, and Isaac R. Hopkins, trustees. These united
with the Baptist society in building a stone house for public
worship in 1815, and in December of that year Rev. Hiram
S. Johnson was ordained the first pastor. The succession
in that office since then has been Revs. Roswell Pettibone,
J. Butler, Charles Bowles, P. Montague, J. A. Northrop,
E. Wood, Simeon Gilbert, J. W. Grush, H. H. Waite,
and E. J. Beach, the present pastor. Tlie aggregate mem-
bership of the church has been very large, and at present
there are 104 members. The official board is composed of
J. A. Brush, J. A. Harran, and George Smith, trustees ;
and John Sheldon, R. H. Laughlin, and George Smith,
deacons. In 1827 a church edifice was erected by Dr.
Gideon Sprague, Aaron Warner, and Artemas Kent, as a
building committee, which in 1873 was thoroughly re-
paired at a cost of $5000. It is now one of the neatest
houses in that section. A Sunday-school was organized at
an early day, of which George Smith is superintendent.
It has 105 members and a library of 150 volumes.
A Baptist Society was also formed at this place,
which united with the above in building a house of wor-
ship in 1815. The interests of this body were transferred
to Nicholville in 1843, and its history is detailed in that
connection.
322
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The Holt Cross Roman Catholic Chukoh was
formed in 1877, and a frame edifice, 36 by 60 feet, was
begun that year, the corner-stone' having been laid July 4,
1877.
FORT JACKSON
is a small manufacturing village on both banks of the east
branch of St. Regis river, a mile north of Hopkinton.
The location for a village is exceedingly favorable, being
elevated and well drained, and the river here has a narrow,
rock-bound channel, with ample fall, affording splendid
power. This has been well utilized, but admits of further
improvement. There are, also, quarries of excellent build-
ing-stone, from which blocks of uniform shape and con-
venient size can be taken. This valuable material closely
resembles the famous Potsdam sandstone, and for some
purposes is esteemed superior to that rock. The stone also
appears in very fine ledges in the north bank of the river,
where it is dammed, and its wall-like appearance is like a
line of fortifications. This likeness, coupled with the fact
that the place was first improved in 1824, when " Old
Hickory" was prominently engaging the attention of his
admirers, suggested the name, which was accordingly be-
stowed.
Settlement was made in this vicinity nearly as early as
in any portion of the town, Samuel Eastman coming in
1803, and Noah Post about the same time. At a later
period F. Kellogg, John Witherell, F. Davis, R. Lawrence,
C. Sheldon, and Samuel Crook settled here, and became
identified with the place ; but its growth as a village dates
from 1824, when Isaac R. Hopkins erected a saw-mill,
which, after many years, was destroyed by fire ; but was
rebuilt, and is yet operated by the Hopkins heirs. A
woolen-factory was subsequently operated by Hyde & Ly-
man and others, which was replaced by a grist-mill, put up
by Francis Davis about 1855. Upon its being burned, the.
present structure, a fine frame, with three run of stones,
was erected, and is operated by T. W, Davis. A starch-
factory, with a working capacity of 300 bushels of potatoes
per day, is operated by Lawrence & Davis. A shingle-mill
of great capacity, and employing a number of liands, was
built by George Wells, in 1870 ; and a butter-tub fectory,
producing considerable work, by Samuel Cook, in 1873.
There are besides five or six mechanic shops.
The first to engage in trade were Kellogg & Wri"-ht,
who opened a store in 1847. In 1872, Kellogg erected a
fine business house, in which is a store. Here the post-ofiice
was established April 11, 1873, with Frank Kellogg post-
master. Since March, 1877, the office has been held by
F. N. Kellogg. A daily mail is supplied from North
Lawrence.
The physician of the place is Doctor Dygert, who located
in 1874.
A handsome school-house was completed in the fall of
1877, at a cost of $2500, by Joel Witherell, F. Kellogg,
and Royal Lawrence as a building committee. It is a frame
40 feet square, with a Mansard roof, surmounted by a
cupola containing a SOOpound bell. The house will be
heated by a hot-air furnace, and has accommodations for
100 pupils.
THE FOKT JACKSON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
became a separate charge in May, 1845, although a society
had been formed in the town of Hopkinton December 30,
1839, with Josiah Smith, Martin Corey, Hiram B. Sheldon,
Rufus Alden, Philip Mosher, Albert Sheldon, Bradley
Adams, John Daniels, and John L. Ransom, trustees. In
1844 a fine stone church was erected, which still serves as
a house of worship. Rev. Josiah Arnold was the first
pastor. The present membership is 60, having Rev. S.
Short as pastor, and the church property is estimated at
$3000. The board of trustees in 1877 was composed of
Asa Miller, Charles. Austin, S. Mason, L. K. Over, William
Eastman, C. Sheldon, C. W. Garvin, A. Sheldon, and
Willard Krapp.
A Sunday-school, superintended by William Shales, is
attended by 50 scholars.
THE FORT JACKSON FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in 1844, by Elders John Sweat and William
Whitfield, with 16 members. In 1847 a commodious
church was erected, which was dedicated January 2, 1848,
by Elder John W. Lewis. Elder John Sweat was the first
pastor, maintaining this relation 14 years. The last pastor
was Elder Charles Kurlin, who died on his charge in June,
1877. The church numbers 69 members, and the official
board consists of Edwin Phelps, Erastus Reeves, and Carlos
Chittenden, trustees. The house has recently been placed
in good repair, and with the parsonage is worth $3500.
A Sabbath -school having 85 members is under the super-
intendence of Milton Reeves.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOEL GOODELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in Hartford, Wash-
ington Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1781. His parents were farmers,
0^6
FKANKLIN E. KELLOGG,
son of Daniel and Mary Kellogg, was born in Shoreham,
Vt., Feb. 14, 1816. His father was a blacksmith and also
a farmer, and Franklin was thus reared. About 1833 he
settled in Kochester, N. Y., and worked at blaeksmithing.
Went back to Cornwall, Vt., and worked at the same busi-
ness, and May 24, 1838, he married Miss Parmelia Sanford,
of Cornwall, Vt. She was born in Cornwall, Vt., Jan. 17,
1819. They lived about one year in Shoreham, Vt., and
then came to Hopkinton, and settled at Port Jackson.
Since coming here Mr. Kellogg has been engaged in black-
smithing, and for the past thirty-two years was engaged in
the mercantile business. His business increased year by
year, until at the time of his death he was doing an exten-
sive business. They have had nine children, six of whom
are still living. In politics Mr. Kellogg affiliated with the
Republican party since its organization. He held various
offices of trust and honor in his town, such as assessor, com-
missioner ; was elected in 1851 as justice of the peace, and
continued to hold it until 1874. He was elected as super-
visor of this town in 1867, and served two years. By his
genial disposition he won a large circle of friends. He was
an advocate of good schools, and did his part in promoting
the best interest of his town and village. He was a liberal
supporter of the gospel in his vicinity. After a brief ill-
ness of six days, in which he suffered severely from an at-
tack of pneumonia, he passed away, having lived respected,
and died regretted by all those who knew him.
HON. JONAH SANFORD.
The father of this distinguished citizen of St. Lawrence County
was Hon. Benjamin Sanford, who was born in Litchfield, Conn., in
1756, and removed to Cornwall, Vt., in 1784. He was throughout
his life a prominent citizen of that town, and two or three times rep-
resented it in the State legislature. He married Sarah Marsh, by
whom he was the father of thirteen children.
Jonah Sanford, the third of these, was born in Cornwall, on Nov.
30, 1790. His educational advantages were very meagre, but he was
a youth of unbounded energy, and early displayed that remarkable
force of character for which he was afterwards distinguished. On
March 14, 1811, he was married to Miss Abigail Greene, daughter of
the Rev. Henry Greene, then of Cornwall, but subsequently of Par-
ishville, in this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford became the parents of ten children, — Calista,
Ozia, Cordelia, and Abigail, who died in youth ; Henry, now of Nich-
olville (who was a lieutenant in the 92d New York Volunteers, and
had four sons in the war for the Union) j Pamelia, wife of Hon.
Erasmus D. Brooks, formerly of Parishville, now of Potsdam ; Jonah,
a resident of Hopkinton; Silas, a citizen of Rochester; Celestia, wife
of V. T. Priest, of Helena City, Montana; and RoUin, who volunteered
in the 7th New York Heavy Artillery, was taken prisoner in the
campaign of the Wilderness (1864), and gave his life for his country
in Andersonville prison.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Sanford left Cornwall in search of a
suitable piece of woodland whereof to make a home. After some
difficulty he selected a tract in Hopkinton, and began the task of
making a farm in the forest with his wonted energy. In 1813 he
returned to Cornwall to remove his family from the danger of Indian
massacre. "While there he volunteered as a soldier, and took part in
the battle of Plattsburg, in September, 1814. The same fall he re-
turned to Hopkinton and renewed his arduous task of clearing and
building hira a home, amid difficulties and privations, yet with an
heroic will and untiring industry.
Ere long he purchased a few law books, and set himself to master
them in the evenings, after working all day on the farm. Possessing
a keen, analytical mind, an energy that seemed absolutely boundless,
and great readiness in debate, he became one of the most successful
practitioners in the county, and for several years devoted his entire
time to his legal business.
He was also a most ardent politician, being a zealous champion of
the Democratic party, which advanced him to many positions of
trust, — justice of the peace, supervisor, member of the legislature in
1829-30, member of Congress during the unexpired term of Silas
Wright, from Dec. 6, 1830, to March 3, 1831, judge of the court of
common pleas, and member of the constitutional convention of 1846.
In 1827 he was appointed a commissioner to lay out and build the
Port Kent road through a wilderness of fifty miles. He discharged
the duties of all these positions with strict integrity, and with the
same zeal which he manifested in everything else he undertook. Mr.
Sanford was also active in military affairs, rising to the rank of brig-
adier-general of the militia, in which position he succeeded Silas
Wright.
We pause from delineating his public career to note that his wife,
Mrs. Abigail Sanford, a kind-hearted. Christian woman, beloved by
all who knew her, died on Dec. 15, 1842. In 1845, Mr. Sanford was
married to Miss Harriet E. Barney, an accomplished lady of Jeffer-
son county, who still survives him. The children of this marriage
are Simeon, who resides on the old homestead in Hopkinton, and
Harriet, wife of Samuel B. Eastman, of the same town.
With the reorganization of parties on the slavery question, Mr. San-
ford became as ardent a Republican as he had been a Democrat, and
on the breaking out of the war for the Union his patriotism was
all aflame. He proved it, too, in "■ way which perhaps had not a
parallel in the country. In the fall of 1861, at the age of seventy-
one, he set to work to raise the 92d Regiment of New York Volun-
teers, and prosecuted it with such vigor that on the first day of Feb-
ruary, 1862, it left Potsdam for the seat of war with Col. Sapford at
its head. He accompanied it to the banks of the James river, but
age and ill health compelled him reluctantly to abandon the field.'
He survived this extraordinary efi'ort somewhat overfive years, dying
on Deo. 25, 1867.
The tireless energy, inflexible purpose, and overflowing vigor of
Mr. Sanford's nature has been sufficiently shown by this brief narra-
tion of facts, so that it would be superfluous to enlarge upon it. He
was a man of noble figure and commanding presence, a fluent and
forcible speaker, a great student. Being of large size and giant,
physical power, his endurance was wonderful. His will was indomi-
table, and once entered upon a task nothing could swerve him from
his purpose. He was fearless and tireless in whatever he engaged.
He was a man of strict integrity and of a very social disposition,
courting the society of young men, over whom he exercised a great
influence. He was the intimate friend of Gov. Wright, Judge Fine,
Judge Allen, Preston King, and many other eminent men of the
county and Slate. Taken all in all, Jonah Sanford was one of the
most remarkable men of St. Lawrence County, and his example SwH
worth will be long rememhered by its citizens. . V^
RES. OF HON. JONAH 5ANFOHD,Hophinton, Nbw York .
--yy^i^ ' "^ , ^-r/i^^'^^-T-z.,,^:^-^-?--^ (Z^^t/'ai^n^, a-^^, d^a^-^^-^-^^.a.^^-iy-
^ ■ip.>-^-^-*
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
323
afforded him little opportunity to secure an education, but
proper home training assisted him to acquire a general
knowledge of the common branches. In company with his
father, in May, 1802, he came to Hopkinton, and located
on a farm, a part of a purchase of 300 acres. He lived to
be the eldest of six that came with him. He was mar-
ried, Feb. 7, 1804, to Lydia Henderson. A family of ten
children were born, eight of whom lived to be grown men
and women. He succeeded by industry in securing a com-
petency, and bequeathed to the family an honored name and
a provision for their future. He died Oct. 21, 1869. Lj-dia
Goodell, the third child of the family, was born Oct. 29, 1808,
and was married, Dec. 3, 1829, to Rev. Silas Pratt, a native
of Essex Co., N. Y.
Mr. Pratt has been a minister in the Baptist church
since he was eighteen years of age, and has been stationed
at Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, and has successfully
served his church at the many places where stationed in
St. Lawrence County. He is a graduate of Hamilton theo-
logical seminar}-. Five children have been born to them,
viz., S. J. Pratt, A. B., J. W., Mrs. D. F. Henderson, Mrs.
E. D. Sanford. Two sons are practicing attorneys. Mrs.
Pratt gratefully remembers her father, and deems it just
that he should be represented on the pages of the history
of his county.
JOHN GOODELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Hop-
kinton, Sept. 22, 1 806. He was the second child of a family
of ten children. By attending the common schools of the
town he secured an education that enabled him to success-
fully transact the duties of an active citizen.
His father carefully trained him to habits of industry
and economy, and a fair competency was secured when
death called him away. He was a worthy and respected
citizen, with an unblemished reputation. At the age of
forty-three he married Miss Achsa Smith, daughter of
Joseph and Phebe Smith, residents of Concord, N. H.
Mrs. Goodell's mother was born April 22, 1783, and is still
living at this date. Joseph Smith was born in Massachu-
setts, 1784, and died Feb. 7, 1866. After a lingering
sickness, Mr. Goodell passed away July 16, 1874. Previous
to his death he made ample provision for his wife and
family of one daughter, adjusting all accounts and giving
wise counsel for the future use of the fortune willed them.
His wife resides in one of the most pleasant homes in
Hopkinton, and deems it just that he should be remem-
bered in the pages of his county's history. Elsewhere will
be found portraits, and view of the home where Mrs.
Goodell now resides.
JONAH SANFORD.
Hon. Jonah Sanford is a grandson of Hon. Benjamin
■Sanford, of Cornwall, Vt., and a son of the late Judge
Jonah Sanford, of Hopkinton, a sketch of whose remark-
able career appears in this work. He was born in Hop-
kinton, Oct. 24, 1821. He attended school in the winters
only^of his boyhood, and completed his education in the
St'. Lawrence academy, at Potsdam, N. Y. On arriving at
majority he spent the first four years following as superin-
tendent of his father's farm.
Feb. 17, 1847, he married Clarinda, daughter of Elisha
Risdon, of Hopkinton, one of the earliest settlers of the
town, a man of sterling integrity and unimpeachable char-
acter, and for many years a general land-agent. In this
marriage he was most fortunate. Mrs. Sanford is an ex-
ceedingly industrious woman, a kind-hearted. Christian
mother, and generous friend of the poor and lowly. The
children of this marriage are Carlton E., a practicing lawyer
at Potsdam ; Silas H., of Hopkinton ; Alice C, wife of
Lester C. Shepard, of Nicholville ; and Herbert J., of
Hopkinton. Soon after his marriage he moved upon a
small farm on the turnpike road, south of the old home-
stead, where he labored with such indefatigable industry
that he was soon able to purchase a larger property adjoin-
ing the old homestead, where he has since resided, and to
which he has added extensively.
He also turned his attention to speculation and manu-
facturing, and, by the aid of good judgment and manage-
ment, has succeeded in accumulating a competence. In
politics he was a Democrat up to the organization of the
Republican party, to which he early united and has stead-
fastly adhered. He takes an active interest in all matters of
a public nature, and his townsmen have often called him to
positions of trust. In 1862 he was appointed assistant
assessor of internal revenue, which position he held till the
consolidation of the system in 1872. As assessor he was
prompt and vigilant in the discharge of his duties, and
received hearty testimonials from the United States assessor.
In August, 1862, he was appointed enrolling officer by
the governor for his town. In 1867 some eighty enter-
prising and well-to-do farmers of the towns of Lawrence,
Hopkinton, Parishville, and Dickinson established a union
store at Nicholville, N. Y., and Mr. Sanford became its
first and still is its president. He was first elected super-
visor of his town in 1 868, and was annually thereafter for
five years, when he declined to take a renomination. He
is the first and only man who has hold this position for
more than two terms in succession.
In 1873 he was elected to the legislature from the third
assembly district of this county, and again in 1874 by an
increased majority of over five hundred votes. During
both terms he was a member of the committee on agricul-
ture and federal relations.
As a legislator he was faithful and upright, and gained
distinction in his efibrts for economy in public expendi-
tures. In 1876 he was again elected supervisor, and now
holds that position. At the board of supervisors he has
won an honorable position, and takes a leading part in its
deliberations ; is now chairman of a special committee to
provide employment for persons convicted of crimes less
than a felony, and confined in county jail. Mr. Sanford
is a man of great natural force, industrious beyond the
power of most men, and tenacious in his purposes. He
has a clear, active mind, a sound judgment, and the happy
faculty of " striking when the iron is hot." He is fond of
society, a good neighbor, and upright in all his business
relations, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his
townsmen.
324
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
CAPTAIN WM. B. EASTMAN,
son of Samuel and Sally Eastman, was born in Hopkinton,
Dec. 16, 1812. He is the youngest in a family of ten chil-
dren, all of whom lived to be men and women. His father
was a native of Hopkinton, N. H., and was born in 1769.
His mother was a native of Beverly, Mass. Samuel removed
to Lincoln, Vt., and from there to Hopkinton. Feb. 24, 1808,
bears the date of his first deed of lots Nos. 5 and 6, of one
hundred acres each, in consideration of five hundred dollars.
The farm is now owned by his son, Wm. E. Samuel East-
man continued to live on his farm till his death, which oc-
curred in May, 1852, aged eighty-three. In politics he was
a Democrat. Oct. 7, 1849, Mrs. Eastman died.
The subject of this sketch, Wm. E. Eastman, was reared
on a farm, and has always followed it in connection with
deaUng in cattle, butter, and cheese. He had a common-
school education. He was married to Miss Susan M. Covey,
a native of Cornwall, Canada, Oct. 1, 1824. Her parents
were from New England, and removed to Canada about
1815, and settled in Hopkinton in the fall of 1817, and
lived here tJl their death. Martin Covey died in August,
1842, and Mrs. Thankful Covey died in May, 1872. Mrs.
Eastman has always lived in this town, save the first ten
months of her life. Captain Eastman and wife have had ten
children ; three only are living.
In politics Captain Eastman has always afiiliated with the
Democratic party. He has held the office of assessor. When
a young man he held the position of ensign of an indepen-
dent rifle company, and was promoted to the position of
captain, continuing to hold that position for several years.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal church, of Fort Jackson. Captain Eastman has
been one of the most liberal men of that society, always
doing his part in all matters of benevolence. He is a strong
advocate of good schools. He is an advocate of temperance,
and his own family are strictly so. The captain was the
home boy, and his parents lived with him till their death.
A fine view of the " old home," and portraits of himself and
wife, may be seen in another part of this work.
Captain Eastman's farm has passed into his son's hands,
making the third generation upon the same farm. His son's
name is Samuel E., born Aug. 29, 1849.
ELIAS POST,
son of Reuben and Esther Post, was born in Dorset, Y t.,
Sept. 20, 1798 ; he was reared on a farm, and has always
followed it up to the present time. His father came to this
town about 1804, and the family came the year following,
and located at the village of Hopkinton, and lived there
till about 1812, when the family settled on the farm now
occupied by the subject of this sketch and owned by his
son, Truman E. Mr. Post was married to Miss Charlotte
Merritt, of Georgia, Vt., by whom five children have been
born, four of whom are living. Mr. Post has been the
owner of a large tract of land, but his farm properly con-
tained one hundred and sixty acres. In politics, Mr. Post
was a Democrat till the organization of the Republican
party, since which time he has been a Tfpn„>.l,oar, Ti„
has always favored good schools and churches, as is shown
by the fact that he gave his children as good advantages
for an education as his means would permit. He and his
wife are now well advanced in years, but have the satisfac-
tion of reviewing the past with no apprehension of the
future.
To their only son, Truman, they have given the charge
of the farm, who inserts this biography and view of the old
home and portraits of his parents, that their names maybe
handed down to generations yet unborn. Mr. Elias Post
has held nearly all the offices in his town, having been
supervisor seven years, and having been elected to every
other office in town.
Truman E., only son of Elias and Charlotte Post, was
born in Hopkinton, and on the farm he now owns, Feb. 21,
1834. He has always been on the farm with his parents,
save when he attended school at Potsdam. He married
Miss Harriet J. French, of Potsdam, daughter of Ira T.
French, Feb. 9, 1859. She was born in Potsdam, Feb.
24, 1838. They have one daughter, Charlotte J., who was
born May 31, 1861.
JOEL WITHERELL,
son of John and Clarissa Witherell, was born in Hancock,
Vt., July 10, 1812 ; his parents were natives of Massachu-
setts, and removed to Vermont when they had nine children.
He was a farmer and followed it through life. November
25, 1825, the family came to Hopkinton; the father came
the spring before ; the old people continued to live here till
their death. Mrs. C. Witherell died in the spring of 1843,
and Mr. Witherell died in the spring of 1867. The subject of
this sketch was reared on the farm. He worked out by the
month from the time he was eleven till he was twenty-eight,
commencing to work for four dollars a month, and the most
he ever received was fifteen dollars, and it was considered
big wages. He worked for Joseph H. Chittenden, of Or-
well, Vt., eight years ; he paid for his present fine farm by
working by the month. He also worked for T. H. Laugh-
lin's father four years. He purchased this farm in October,
1843. He married Miss Lucy R. Bond, of Orwell, Vt.,
Oct. 2, 1837. She was born Oct. 26, 1818, in Orwell,
Vt. They had two children ; one daughter, Martha M.,
wife of A. E. McEwen, of Lawrence, is now living. Mrs.
Witherell died Nov. 15, 1854. Mr. Witherell married
Miss Clara Bond, sister of his first wife, Jan. 4, 1856. She
was born in Orwell, Vt , May 30, 1821, and died May 17,
1863. Mr. W. married for his third wife Mrs. Eliza Bar-
ton, widow of A. S. Barton, of Charlotte, Vt., Sept. 13,
1863. Mrs. Witherell has had six children by her first
husband. One son, Guy C. Barton, a very prominent man
of Nebraska, is the only one now living.
Mr. Witherell has made about all the improvements on
his present farm, a view of which, and portraits of himself
and present wife above, may be seen in another part of this
work. In politics, a Republican since the organization of
the party, and before that time a Whig. He has held
various offices of trust and honor in his town. He and his
J I
^^>L^cy yf^'^^%_eX^
[Aged 9:l.]
JACOB AND WILLIAM S. PHELPS.
This family was primarily of Welsh origin, went to Eng-
land, and from that place emigrated to America, and settled
at Dorchester, Mass., in 1630. Two brothers came, William
and George, and this family descended from William. He
had six children, five sons and one daughter. He removed
to Windsor, Conn., in 1635, and died there at an advanced
age. There are six generations intervening between the first
William and the present William Phelps. All of the family
lived either in Massachusetts or Connecticut till about
1788, when the grandfather, Elnathan Phelps, a Baptist
minister, settled in Orwell, Vt. He was the first settled minis-
ter of that place. He was born in 1734, and died in Pownal,
Vt,, in 1813. He had twelve children, nine of whom lived to
be men and women grown, of which Jacob was the young-
est son. Jacob was born in Pittsfield, Mass., July 12, 1780.
When but eight years old he removed with his father to
Orwell, Vt. He married Miss Lucy Webster, of Orville,
Vt., May 1, 1803. She is the daughter of Elder Samuel
Webster, and was born Nov. 11, 1784, and removed to Or-
well when but fourteen years of age. Her father was a
Baptist minister, and took the place of Elder Elnathan
Phelps. He died at the age of sixty-five, in Middlebury,
New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Phelps have had seven children, all
born in Orwell, Vt. Five of them lived to be men and
women, namely: Alanson W., William S., Lucy W., Lu-
cinda M., and Edwin 0. Mr. Phelps was a farmer, came to
Hopkinton. and settled on the farm now owned by his son,
William S., in 1821, and upon which his widow now re-
sides. In politics a stanch Whig and Eepublican ; held
various offices of trust and honor in his town, was greatly
esteemed by his neighbors, reared his family to industry,
set them an example for honesty and frugality, left a record
worthy of iinitation for his posterity, and died April 2,
1864. His widow, now ninety-three, is hale and hearty,
memory good, and is the smartest old lady of her years we
ever saw. She recounts the scenes of the past with interest,
has still a motherly care for her children, grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren. She has living three children,
thirty-six grandchildren, and a large number of great-grand-
children. Mr. Phelps and wife were in their younger days
members of the Baptist church at Orville, Vt.
William S., son of Jacob and Lucy, was born in Orwell,
Vt., Jan. 26, 1806 ; came with his parents to Hopkinton,
June 14, 1821. Married Miss Laura Palmer, of Canton,
Jan. 4, 1830. She was the daughter of Elder Eichard S.
Palmer, who was the first settled Baptist minister in St.
Lawrence County. Mrs. Phelps was born March 30, 1811,
in Lincoln, Vt., and removed to this county in 1815 with
her parents. She was the mother of fifteen children, six
of whom are living, namely : Caroline M., Paulina S., Emeline
E., Sarah M., Orville A., and Lillie L. One, Cordelia A.,
the oldest, lived to be married, and had two children, and
died in 1865.
Mr. Phelps is one of the largest farmers in the town, having
over 700 acres of land. In politics Mr. Phelps is a Repub-
lican ; he has held some of the offices in his town. In early
life he and his wife were members of the Baptist church.
Mrs. Phelps died suddenly, July 26, 1877, leaving the
family and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mr.
Phelps takes this opportunity to identify his parents and
himself and wife upon the pages of our county history.
HISTOKY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
325
ton. Mr. W. is one of the substantial men and citizens of
Hopkinton, always doing his part in the support of schools
and churches. Mr. W. commenced life a very poor boy. By
industry and economy he has won for himself not only a
good property and a pleasant and happy home, but many
warm friends.
ROYAL LAWRENCE,
son of James and Anna Lawrence, was born in Bridport,
Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 11, 1818. His parents were natives
of New England; they had seven children, of which Royal
is the fifth. Royal left home at the age of fourteen,
and began to make for himself a fortune by working by
the month for fifteen years. About 1835 he came to St.
Lawrence County, and located in Stockholm, and continued
to reside there till May, 1867, when he removed to Hop-
kinton, and settled at Fort Jackson, on his present beauti-
ful home.
His farm in Stockholm contained about three hundred
and fifty acres. This was sold, and he now owns ninety acres.
For the past nine years he has been engaged in the starch
business with Philo Davis, of Hopkinton. He married
Miss Mary E. Elliott, of Essex Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1857.
She was born July 15, 1838. They have had one daughter,
Libbie M., who lived to be nine months old. She was born
Nov. 9, 1859, and died Aug. 4, 1860. They have reared
another girl, Lizzie, who is married to Henry P. Grow.
In politics, Mr. Lawrence is of the liberal order, not ad-
hering strictly to any particular party. He has held various
offices in this town, also in Stockholm.
Mr. Lawrence is one of the advocates of good schools,
and strongly favored the building of their fine school-house.
A fine view of Mr. Lawrence's home, and portraits of him-
self and wife, are given in another part of this work.
ISAAC R. HOPKINS,
the fourth child of Hon. Roswell Hopkins, the early pro-
prietor of the town of Hopkinton, was born in Vergennes,
Vt., Jan. 28, 1788. When but a boy he came with his
father's family to reside in Hopkinton, but at the age of
seventeen he returned to Vermont for his education, and
was a student in Vermont university, under the care of
>^; '^ President Saunders. He possessed a decided taste for books,
and reading was his principal entertainment, and to the day
of his death he was in the daily habit of reading a few
pages of Virgil's ^Eneid. He was married March 14, 1813,
to Miss Sophia Woodbridge, daughter of Hon. E. Wood-
bridge, of Vergennes, Vt. He died very suddenly of apo-
plexy, March 12, 1853, leaving four sons and one daughter
to mourn his loss. The old homestead is now owned and
J^-;, Occupied by Col. Roswell Hopkins, his eldest son. His
funeral services were conducted by the late Rev. Roswell
Pettibone, of Canton, March 15, and were attended by a
great crowd of sorrowing people. Judge Hopkins held
many official positions of trust and importance both in the
towD and in St. Lawrence County, and his death was
lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.
E. WOODBRIDGE HOPKINS,
second son of Hon. Isaac R. Hopkins, was born Dec. 17,
1820, in Hopkinton, and was educated there, with the ex-
ception of a few terms at St. Lawrence academy. At the
early age of sixteen years he went to reside as clerk with
Messrs. H. & E. M. Thomas, merchants, of Ogdensburg,
where he remained until his twenty-first year. In 1846 he
was married to Miss Marion Allen, and went into the for-
warding and commission business with Mr. Hooker, of
Sacket's Harbor, where he remained until 1849. He then
went with his brother, Dr. Prank W. Hopkins, and a large
party of friends to California, and remained there until his
death, which occurred under very painful circumstances to
his friends. He was thrown from his horse, Sept. 5, 1862,
and so internally injured that the skill of surgeon and phy-
sician was of no avail. He lingered in great pain and suf-
fering until Sunday, Sept. 7, when he calmly breathed his
life away, and his spirit took its flight to God who gave it.
The internal injuries he received were precisely the same
as killed his grandfather, Hon. Roswell Hopkins, in 1829.
The news of Mr. Hopkins' death cast gloom and sadness
over many hearts in California, in St. Lawrence County,
and in Sacket's Harbor. He was a faithful friend, and few
" knew him but to love, or named him but to praise."
T. H. LAUGHLIN.
The subject of this sketch is of Scotch-Irish origin. His
grandfather, Henry McLaughlin, was born at Lisburn, Ire-
land, Dec. 20, 1758, came to America during or before the
Revolutionary War, married and settled in Willlamstown,
Mass., Sept. 13, 1779, and removed to Dorset, Vt., where
Thaddeus Laughlin, the father of T. H., was born, Sept. 13,
1782. Henry McLaughlin died Feb. 7, 1813, in Middle-
bury, Vt. He was a farmer, besides keeping a hotel ; was
a prominent man, and held various offices of trust and
honor. His wife, Mary Dunton, was bdrn in Williamstown,
Mass., Nov. 9, 1762, and died in Middlebury, Vt., Feb. 14,
1813, just one week after her husband's death. They had
one son, Thaddeus.
The family removed from Dorset, Vt.,-to Bristol, and
from there to Hopkinton, in 1804, where they continued
to live till their death.
Thaddeus married Hannah Kent, of Dorset, Vt., Jan.
17, 1805. She was born March 30, 1783, and settled here
in 1805. They had six children, five of whom lived to be
men and women. Mr. Laughlin held various offices of
trust in Hopkinton from its organization as a town, in
1806, to the close of his life. He was elected the first
postmaster of this town in 1808, and continued to hold it
for about thirty consecutive years. He. was a farmer, and
reared his children to industry and economy. He died
June 22, 1846. His wife died March 18, 1832.
Thaddeus H. was born in Hopkinton, April 20, 1808.
He was reared on a farm, and had a common-school educa-
tion. He married Miss Maria M. Hopkins, of Panton,
Vt., February, 1833. She died June 22, 1863. Mr.
Laughlin was married to his present wife May 10, 1865.
Her name was Caroline A. Sprague, daughter of Dr. Gideon
Sprague, of Hopkinton,
326
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
DR. H. D. LAUGHLIN,
of Ogdensburg, was born in Hopkinton, Sept. 17, 1806,
received an academic education, and studied medicine with
Drs. Spraguo, of Hopkinton, and Allen, of Middlebury,
Vt. He commenced practice in Hopkinton with Dr.
Sprague, and continued seven years. He then removed to
Ogdensburg, and continued in practice there for more than
thirty-five years. He was one of the most eminent physi-
cians in the county, and won by his genial disposition and
friendly manners a large host of friends.
He held the office of supervisor of Ogdensburg for one
term. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party.
He married Miss Harriet Sawyer, of Parishville. They
had one son, who died June 18, 1865, and was buried in
the cemetery at Ogdensburg.
CLARK S. CHITTENDEN.
Among the many men who left happy homes in New
England and came here to better their conditions, and to
lay the foundations of all that we see to-day in the way of
improvement, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch.
He is of Welsh and English origin, and is the fourth son
of Solomon and Susannah Chittenden, and was born in
Benson, Vt., May 16, 1803. His early advantages for an
education were confined to the common school mostly, but
by reading and i-eflection he has acquired a good practical
education. He was on a farm till he was sixteen years old,
when he commenced to learn the tanning and currying
trade, at which he worked four summers, and attended
school winters. In April, 1823, he settled in Hopkinton,
on the place he now occupies, and where he has since con-
tinued to reside. He commenced life very poor, not having
a dollar, but with a determination to succeed. He got
trusted for some goods in New York, came here.and started
a little store, buying a little larger stock each time. As
emigration poured in, his business increased. He continued
in trade about forty years, having made liis business a
great success. He retired from business, and gave it to
his sons, K. S. and V. A., who are now doing a prosperous
business.
He was married, Jan. 8, 1828, to Miss Julia A. Sheldon,
a native of this town. She was born May 27, 1808. Her
father, Abram Sheldon, was a native of Pawlet, Vt., and
was one of the very earliest settlers in this town, and died
when Mrs. Chittenden was about one year old. Mrs. Shel-
don was born in Pawlet, Vt., and was the fir.st white lady
ever settled in town. Mr. Chittenden ha.s had five chil-
dren; two only, K. S. and V. A., are living. Mr. Chit-
tenden has been a life-long Whig and Republican, castip"
his first vote for Henry Clay and his last vote for President
Hayes. He never gave much time to politics, yet he has
been called upon to fill various offices of trust and honor
in his town, having held the office of justice of the peace
for forty-three consecutive years, and is one to-day. He
was postmaster for sixteen years, supervisor of his town for
six years, and has been a member of the State legislature
for two years, in 1859 and 1860. In these various positions
he discharged the duties of the office faithfully and to the
general satisfaction of his constituents. In 1827 he and
his wife united with the Congregational church at Hopkin-
ton, and have ever since contributed of their means to its
support. He has always been in favor of good schools.
He and his wife have walked life's journey together for
nearly fifty years, having experienced the dark side of life
as well as the bright side. Mr. Chittenden gave up the
charge of his business in 1861 to his sons, K. S. and V. A.
King S. was born in Hopkinton, Feb. 26, 1833, married
Miss Sarah E. Hopkins, of Potsdam, Oct. 9, 1859. He
has always been identified with his father in business, either
on the farm or in the store. Varick A. was born in Hop-
kinton, Feb. 6, 1838; married Miss Charlotte A. Risden,
of Hopkinton, by whom he has three children. She died
Feb. 18, 1860. He married Miss Laura A. Lawrence, of
Ogdensburg, Sept. 11, 1873, by whom two children have
been born, one of whom is living. He, as well as his
brother, is identified with their father in business.
PAEISHVILLE.
Paeishville was formed from Hopkinton March 18,
1814, and at first embraced the towns of Cookham No 13 •
the west third of Catharineville, No. 14; MatildJvale, No'
10 ; Wick, No. 11 ; Granshue, No. 7 ; Harewood, No. 4 ; and
Sherwood, No. 1. Towns 1, 4, 7, and 10 were taken ofl^
April 12, 1843, and formed into the town of Colton. In
1851, three lots or sections lying in the southwest corner
ot the town were taken and annexed to Colton.
The surface in the north part is rolling, with good soil
for farming ; in the south it is hilly and sandy. It lies east
of the centre of the county, and is watered by the St. Rec^is
river and tributaries on t,hp p»q+ °
nA I,,, ll,.
and its tributaries on the west. The town is named from
David and George Parish, who, on Decembfer 2, 1808, bought
the town of J. D. Le Ray de Chaumont, who purchased of
the heirs of William Constable July 24, 1804. The popu-
lation of the town in 1835 was 1657 ; 1840, 2250 ; 1845,
2090; 1850,2132; 1855,2114; 1860,2296; 1865,2319;
1870, 2241 ; 1875, 2043. The town of Wick, which is an-
nexed, is mostly owned by the estate of Dr. Samuel W.
Moore, of New York, who married a daughter of William
Constable. 9830 acres are owned by residents, of which
about 3000 acres are improved. Non-residents own 15,456
\
ELIPUALET BRUSH.
Phuto. by N. L. btorie, Potsdam.
JASON C. BRUSH.
ELIPHALET AND JASON C. BKUSH.
Among the very earliest settlers of this town may be
mentioned the Brush family, of whom Eiiphalet is one of
the two brothers. The subject of this sketch was the eldest
son and child of Elkanah and Alatheah Brush, and was
born in Bennington, Vt., Nov. 12, 1781. His parents were
natives of Connecticut, and they were of Scotch origin.
Mr. E. Brush is the oldest of a family of nine children,
all of whom lived to be men and women grown, and
the youngest was more than forty years old before there
was a death in the family. Mr. Brush was reared on the
farm, and always followed it for a living. At the age of
eighteen he taught school and followed it for several win-
ters. When about five years of age, he, in company with
his parents, removed to Vergennes, Vt., and continued to
live there till he came to the town of Hopkinton, in June,
1802, in company with Koswell Hopkins and several others,
and located on the farm now owned by his son, Jason.
His farm contained about 100 acres, and this he paid for
by working for Mr. Hopkins by the month till the land was
paid for. For the two or three winters following his date
of settlement here, he returned to Vermont and taught
school winters, and returned in the spring following. The
second time he came he brought a cow for Mr. Hopkins,
and the third time he brought in an ox-team and a cart,
they being the first of the kind ever in town. He struck
the first blow on his farm, chopped, and cleared it.
He married Miss Linda Pier, of Vergennes, Feb. 22,
1810. Her native place was New Haven, Vt. She was
born May 21, 1790. As a result of this marriage six chil-
dren were born, three of whom are still living. In the
spring of 1810 they settled on the farm, where they reared
their children. Mrs. Brush returned to Vermont on horse-
that beinp' thp. bfist wav tn travp.l in those earlv davs.
In politics he was a stanch Whig, and when the Republi-
can party was organized he joined it. He voted at every
election for sixty-five consecutive years, commencing in
1807, casting his last vote for General Grant in 1872. He
was a Friend, or Quaker, in early life, and later joined the
Congregational church at Hopkinton. He held various
offices of trust and honor in his town for several yeari^.
Mrs. Brush was one of the early members of the Congie-
gational church at Hopkinton. She died Sept. 15, 1861-",
and Mr. Brush died Jan. 11, 1873, and wore buried in the
cemetery at Hopkinton.
Jason C. Brush, son of Eiiphalet and Linda Brush, was
born in Hopkinton, Jan. 21, 1822. He is third child in a
family of six children. He was reared on the farm he now
owns, and has always lived here, save two years.
He married Miss Olivia Chittenden, daughter of C. S.
and Julia Chittenden, of Hopkinton, Jan. 1, 1851:). She
was born Nov. 8, 1830 ; they had one daughter, Ella 0.
Mrs. Brush died Sept. 7, 1858. Mr. Brush married the
second time to Miss Annie E. Ayers, of Lawrence, Nov.
6, 1862. She was born Oct. 27, 1841 ; two children were
born, namely, Charles H. and Grace L. Mr. Brush took
care of his parents and tenderly cared for their every want,
and they lived to be, " father about ninety, and mother
seventy two." Mr. Brush has always been identified with
either the Whig or Republican parties, and was present at
the first Republican meeting ever held in the county, at the
call of Preston King, of Ogdensburg.
He and his wife are members of the Congregational
church at Hopkinton. Mr. Brush is living on the " old
home," a view of which, and portraits of himself and father,
mav be seen above, and on the opposite page.
AETEMAS KENT.
The subject of this sketch was the son of Moses and Abi-
gail Kent, and was born in Dorset, Vt,, Aug. 31, 1787.
His parents were of New England origin, and reared their
children on the farm. Artemas Kent came to Hopkinton
in 1808, and settled on the place where he resided until his
death. His occupation was farming. He married Miss
Sarah Weed, of Hinesburg, Vt., in December, 1818. She
was born in October, 1799. As a result of said marriage
ten children weie born, eight of whom are still living. Mrs.
Kent was a member of the Congregational church at Hop-
kinton. She died April 21, 1842. [Mr. Kent married Mrs.
Rhoda Winslow, widow of Dr. M. Winslow, of Grand
Eapids, Mich., in 1845. She died June 28, 1875.
In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican. He
has been justice of the peace, and held some minor offices
in his town. He was a member of the Congregational
church at Hopkinton. He was in favor of good schools,
and did what he could to encourage the young to attend
school. He lived to be an old gentleman of ninetj years,
save ten days. He lived respected, and died regretted.
This brief biography and portrait above ai-e given by his
children, in memory of their aged father.
i-ir^-swfc^
(Photos. Br NL5roNE, PoTiinft.il.r-)
Dr. Franus Parker.
Mfs.Samh Parker,
JDTij. iFZRJk-iTOIS FJ^'R^l^ldl'U..
Among the early pioneer physicians of this county
may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He was a
native of Clarendon, Vermont, and born there July 14,
1790. His advantages for an education were very limited ;
but by study and reflection, combined with an untiring
desire for knowledge, he became well versed in his pro-
fession. He studied medicine with Dr. Ford, of Cornwall,
Vermont, and received a diploma from the State medical
society of Vermont, in September, 1815. He was a sur-
geon in the war of 1812, and was present at the battle of
Plattsburg.
He married Miss Sarah Parker (no relation), of Gran-
ville, Vermont, October 10, 1815. She was born in He-
bron, New Hampshire, March 27, 1787. They reared five
children, all of whom arc living. He lived in Peru,
Clinton county. New York, for two or three years, and
then removed to this town in July, 1819, and continued
his practice as long as he lived. At that time he was com-
pelled to ride on horseback, as there were no well-defined
roads and the country was sparsely settled. While riding
one time along through the woods in this town, his horse
suddenly stopped, when all at once he saw just before him
a bear sitting up ; he waited a little, the bear passed along,
and he went on his way. His professional neighbors were
Di-s. Kobert and John McChesney, of Potsdam, Gideon
Sprague, of Hopkinton, Baker and Clark, of Canton, and
Smith and Sherman, of Ogdensburg. He was a friend of
education, and the poor found in him a true friend by
taking them in and ministering to their necessities. In
religion he held to the Universalist faith. His faithful
wife endured all the privations incident to a pioneer life,
reared her family in the way of right, and was always
found willing to aid in any good enterprise. She, too,
cherished the faith of the Universalist.
In politics Dr. Parker was a stanch Whig, and when
the Republican party was organized he joined it. He died
May 14, 1858, and Mrs. Parker died May 13, 1871, and
both lie side by side in the cemetery at Parishville.
Photo, by Stone, Potsdam.
(fi^^^.^^ L-^^ ^,
JOSEPH BKUSH,
second son of Elkanah and Alathcali Brush, was bom in
Bennington, Vt., Sept. 19, 1783. He is one of the brothers
spoken of in the biography of Eliphalet Bi'ush. Eemoved
to Vergennes when but three years of age, was reared on a
farm, and always followed it through his active years. He
came to Hopkinton in April, 1808, and lived with his brother
Eliphalet a year. He then worked by the month for two
years for Mr. Hopkins. He was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was married to Miss Clarissa Sheldon, of Hopkin-
ton, in the spring of 1814. She was born in Pawlet, Vt.,
in 1782. They had two children, namely, Joseph A. and
George H. Mr. Brush settled on his farm in 1814, and
has continued to live there ever since. There were five
bro1>hers of them, and after seventy-one years' separation, in
which they never were all together at the same time and
place, met, June 10, 1870, at the homes of Eliphalet and
Joseph Brush, the youngest of them being 77 and the
oldest'89, and the sum of their ages aggregated 413. Mr.
Brush was a large farmer, and chopped and cleared his
home farm. He and his wife were members of the Con-
gregational church at Hopkinton. In politics a Whig and
Republican, casting his first vote for president in 1804,
and his last one for President Hayes in 1876. He is now
94 years old, and living on his " old home." For an old
man, he has good health. Mrs. Brush died Oct. 6, 1868,
and was buried in the cemetery at Hopkinton.
JOSEPH A. BRUSH.
Among the enterpri,sing men and farmers of Hopkinton
is the subject of this sketch. Fie is the son of Josepli and
Clarissa Brush, and was born in Hopkinton, May 10, 1816.
His parents were natives of Vermont, and settled in this
county in 1808. Mr. Joseph A. was reared on the farm,
and early lear-jed those principles which are ever necessary
to success. He continued to work for his father till he was
twenty-five years of age. His early advantages for an edu-
cation were confined to the common school, and when about
eighteen he attended the Potsdam academy for two terms.
He married Miss Adeline Wright, daughter of Caleb and Ros-
alinda Wright, Sept. 12, 1842. Her parents were natives
of Weybridge, Vt. Mr. Caleb Wright settled in this town
before 1808, and worked by the month ; went back to Ver-
mont ; married and brought back his wife about 1811, and
settled in Hopkinton, where Adeline was born Feb. 5, 1818.
Mr. Brush and wife commenced farming for themselves on
the farm now owned by Henderson & Brush ; lived there
for nine years, and theii settled on his present farm Jan. 1,
1852. Sir. Brush has built all the buildings on his present
farm, a view of which may be seen in another part of this
work.
In politics Mr. Brush has been a life-long Whig and
Republican. Early in life Mr. Brush and wife became
members of the Congregational church at Hopkinton, and
ever since have done their part in maintaining the ministry
and the various benevolent institutions of the church. He
is also a friend of education, and is ever ready to assist in
building up the educational interest of his community. Mr.
Brush and wife are pleasantly situated in life, and are sur-
rounded by all the comforts of a happy home.
(^;^^^'^'':^^^2-'-^<i?7i-ZA^^^'>^0
PAEKER CONVERSE,
the son of Josiah and Polly Converse, was born in Middle-
sex, Vt, Sept. 19, 1799. His father was a native of New
Hampshire, and his mother of Vermont. They had twelve
children, all of whom lived to maturity. Mr. Converse was
reared on the farm, and has continued to follow it to the
present time, and his efforts have been crowned with suc-
cess.
He settled in Stockholm March 14, 1822 or 1823.
When he commenced there all he had was forty-seven cents
in money, a yoke of steers, a cow, a colt, and seven sheep.
With this he began on twenty-five acres, and has kept
adding little by little, till to-day there is in his family more
than five hundred acres.
He removed to Hopkinton in 1835, and settled on his
present farm, on which he has made all the improvements.
He married Miss Emma Fuller, April 14, 1822. She had
six children, four of whom are living. She died about 1835.
He married Susan Western, of New York, September,
1837, by whom nine children were born, six of whom are
living. She died May 31, 1861, and he married Mrs.
Martha Benham, of Rutland, Vt., Sept. 18, 1861, with
whom he is still living.
In politics a Democrat, casting his first vote for General
Jackson, and last for Samuel J. Tilden. He is not a mem-
ber of any church, but favors the Universalist. He has
been and is very fond of hunting, and for the past twenty-
eight years has spent a little time each year in that amuse-
ment. He delights in recounting the scenes through which
he has passed.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
327
The first settlement was made under the direction of
Daniel Hoard, as agent for Mr. David Parish. He and his
brother, Silvias Hoard, natives of Springfield, Vt., had
been brought to the notice of Mr. Parish by General Levpis
R. Morris, of Springfield, and both brothers were employed as
agents; David at Parish ville, and Silvias at Antwerp. Par-
ishville was surveyed by Joseph Crary in the fall of 1809.
Mr. Hoard that fall also surveyed and cut a road from the
Potsdam line to the site of Parishville village, which is
known as the Luke Brown road, or Potsdam turnpike.
Mr. Hoard returned to Vermont for the winter, and came
again, in April, 1810, in company with Luke Brown, Isaac
Tower, and Hartwell Shuttuck, from Springfield, Vt., and
Levi Sawyer, from Massachusetts. They were employed
during the summer in clearing lands, and during the season
chopped about seventy acres, and cleared forty on the site of
the village. A Mr. Whitmore and wife came into town this
summer to board the men engaged in clearing lands, this
woman being the first who came into the town to reside.
Towards spring this family removed to other parts. During
the summer and fall of 1810 a saw-mill was built and set
in operation by two brothers named Barnes, from Oneida
county, and was used during the winter.
March 31, 1811, Luke Bro*n and family moved into
town and settled about two and a half miles from the Pots-
dam line, on a farm he had previously purchased (September
1, 1810), and commenced improvements upon it. This
was the first permanent family in Parishville. The first
entry on the survey-book of David Parish is Luke Brown,
100 acres, on lots 16, 17, 22, town 13. The first birth in the
town of Parishville was in the family of Luke Brown, in
the spring of 1812. Parish Brown is living in Allegan
Co., Michigan.
Those who located their land in the year 1810, and
moved in during the year 1811, are as follows: Richard
Newton, 90 acres, in southeast corner of lot 3, town 14.
George A. Flower, 41 acres, in northeast corner of lot 36,
town 13; he died in 1876, aged eighty-seven. His son
lives on the homestead. Joel Hawkins, on lots 42 and 50,
town 13, afterwards owned by Graton Brand. Reuben
Thomas came in from Claremont, N. H., and settled on lot
34, town 13, on 117 acres. Abijah Abbott, the first town
clerk, came in Nov. 1, 1811, and located 3 J acres on lot 6,
town 14. Otis Daggett located his land March 1, 1811,
on lot 4, town 14, taking 79 acres, but did not move in
then. Foster Brownell came in May 1, 1811, and made
choice of land on lot 4, town 14. He died in 1875, at the
age of eighty years. His sons own the homestead, but live
at Potsdam Junction. John Brownell moved in at the same
time, and settled on lots 4 and 6, town 14. Elisha Brooks
chose his farm Nov. 1, 1810, but did not move in at that
time. He took 92 acres on lot 51, town 13, which was
afterwards the W. Stone farm. Nathan Whittemore, Sept.
21, 1810, located 100 acres in the southeast corner of lot
42, town 13, but did not move in till after 1811. Harry
Train located 102 acres, Oct. 25, 1810. Chester Rockwell,
100 acres in the northeast corner of lot 3, town 14. This
last was the first farm .surveyed in the town, the date of
survey being Aug. 28, 1810. Simeon Tupper located Aug.
1-, 1511, 156 acres on lot 10, town 13. During the year
1812, the turnpike from Plattsburg to the Black river
settlements was cut through the town, and during this sea-
son the town received large accessions of inhabitants, many
of whom fled from Ogdensburg, and other places on the St.
Lawrence, from the danger they apprehended from the war.
This morbid growth gave business and life to the settlement,
which has never since been equaled ; and for a time the
village and surrounding country increased in population and
improvements, as if by magic. In 1812, James Brown
came in and chose land on lot 29, town 13. He afterwards
moved into Colton, and then to Oregon. Daniel Hoard,
the agent, took up, Sept. 21, 1810, 181 acres, in southeast
corner of lot 36, town 13 ; and Sept. 24 located 200
acres on lots 9 and 11, town 14. A portion of this farm
is now owned by RoUin S. Green. March 1, 1813, Abel
Brown and family moved in and settled on lot 34, town 13,
taking 66 acres; Nov. 1, he took 16 acres more; he died
about 1836. Rufus De Land made his choice March 1,
1813, taking 50 acres on lot 22, town 13 ; in 1815 he bought
54 acres on lots 42 and 50, town 13. Three men located
land Sept. 1, 1813,— Peter Mayhew 169 acres on lot 10;
Joseph Thomas 100 acres on lot 6 ; and Stephen Paddock
took a small farm of 41 acres on lot 10, all in town 14.
Ira and Oliver Raymond chose their land Nov. 1, 1813,
and in town 13, the first taking 52 acres on lots 22, 23, the
last on lot 16, 75 acres. Jonathan M. Derby took up 80
acres on lot 43, town 13. Oliver Forbes, March 1, 1814,
located 59 acres on lots 42 and 50, town 13. Joel Daniels
moved in April 1, 1814, and selected 79 acres on lot 41,
on south bank of the river, and west of the brook, in town
13. Joel Button, April 19, 1814, moved on lots 43 and
51, town 13, where he took up 50 acres. Moses Sellick,
April 1, 1814, settled on lot 16, and took up 75 acres, all
in town 13. Silas and Francis Tupper together took up,
Oct. 1, 1840, 140 acres, and in 1815 Francis Tupper
bought 25 acres more. Joseph Brownell, on lot 6, town
14, selected 56 acres which was afterwards owned by Sam-
uel Hoit. Peter B. Gilbert located on the Ogdensburg
turnpike, on lot 29, town 13, taking 92 acres, and April 1,
1818, he bought 79 acres more. Frank Priest took up
land in towns 13 and 14, on lots 51 and 5, taking 118 acres,
April 1, 1815. Wm. Miller Nov. 1, 1815, 100 acres after-
wards owned by Daniel P. Rose. Isaac Russell, a pioneer
of April 1, 1816, settled on lot 28, town 13, on 130 acres,
and went back to Vermont after provisions to live on. His
daughter, Mrs. E. W, Bloss, is living on the homestead.
Jacob Rosevelt took 105 acres on lots 28 and 29, town 13,
June 1, 1816. Salmon Frost, a pioneer of 1817, and still
living on the farm which he cut out of the wilderness,
settled on 79 acres on lots 21 and 22, town 13, Aug. 18,
1819. Daniel P. Rose became a pioneer on lot 4, town
14, taking 102J acres. A son, Hon. Parker W. Rose, has
served this county as member of assembly and as a. super-
visor of his town for eight years. He now owns the home-
stead. James Scott, Jr., settled on the old turnpike, March
10, 1817, on lots 7 and 8, town 13, 103 acres. It was
afterwards the property of J. F. Willis. John Hoit came
in Oct. 1, 1815, and settled on 99 acres. He was super-
visor in 1838-39. Samuel Hoit came in March 1, 1820,
and settled on lot 6, town 14. D. S. Stevens owns the
328
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
farm which he bought in 1835. Gustavus A. Wakefield,
now living in the village, located April 1, 1820, 75 acres
on lot 35, town 13. Seymour Flower located near the
Stockholm line, on lot 2, town 14, on 103 acres. Nathan
Christy was a pioneer on lot 22. Mrs. Christy is still living.
Orsamus Sellick settled on lots 22 and 23, Oct. 2, 1822.
The land is now a part of the farm of Allen Whipple,
which he purchased in 1837. David Parish carried on a
farm and erected on it a large brick barn. The farm is
now owned by Nelson Crouch.
TOWN RECOEDS.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Thomas
C. Colburn, April 5, 1814. Daniel W. Church was elected
supervisor ; Abijah Abbott town clerk ; Stephen Goodman,
Ira Ransom, Daniel Rockwell, assessors; Ephraim Smith,
collector ; Jonathan M. Derby, Stephen Paddock, poor-
masters ; Abel Brown, Peter Mayhew, Elisha Brooks, com-
missioners of highways ; Ephraim Smith, Mathew Wallace,
constables; Peter Mayhew, Abel Brown, Elisha Brooks,
fence-viewers ; Foster Brownell, Peter Mayhew, Abel Brown,
overseers of highways ; Russell Foot, pound-keeper.
Supervisors. — Daniel W. Church, 1814 ; Abijah Abbott,
1815; Daniel Hoard, 1816-21; William Allen, 1822;
Daniel Hoard, 1823 ; William Allen, 1824-31 ; John Brow-
nell, 1832-34; William Allen, 1835-37; John Hoyt,
1838, 1839 ; John Brownell, 1840, 1841 ; Ethan H. Pease,
1842-44; Sylvanus B. B'lerrill, 1845-47; Erasmus D.
Brooks, 1848, 1849 ; Nathan Christy, 1850, 1851 ; Wil-
liam F. Gurley, 1852, 1853 ; E. D. Brooks, 1854, 1855 ;
Parker W. Rose, 1856-58; Austin Willis, 1859, 1860;
Elam Marsh, 1861-63; Allen Whipple, 1864-69; P. W.
Rose, 1870-74; Edward H. Abram, 1875, 1876.
Present Town Officers. — E. H. Abram, supervisor; L.
B. Bloss, town clerk; N. W. Jefferson, justice; Alvin
Ansted, commissioner of highways ; V. R. Gates, assessor ;
S. K. Flanders, overseer of poor ; A. Estes, R. W. Barrows,
Silas Westcott, constables ; Alfred Judd, constable and col-
lector ; Rollin S. Green, George Riggs, Leander Perkins,
town auditors ; commissioner of excise, 0. J. Cook ; in-
spectors of election district No. 1 , H. N. Flowei-, A. N. Clark,
J. Thomas; district No. 2, S. Benson, C. Keenan, A. Spear ;
district No. 3, H. W. Brown, James Garlough, P. I. Nelson.
Notes from the Town Records. — 1814-16, 15 for wolves
and panthers, with half this for the young of these animals.
1818, $10 offered for panthers. 1820, $15 offered for pan-
thers, killed in town, to be proved by producing the head,
with the skin and ears thereon, and by making oath to the
same. 50 cents bounty for foxes and 25 cents for young
foxes. 1821, 115 bounty offered for old panthers, and $7.50
for their young ; $1 fox bounty, and half that sum for their
young. 1826. Voted in favor of a division of county, and
formation of a new one. 1827, this action again taken, and
William Allen and Daniel Hamlin were appointed a com-
mittee to represent the wishes of the town in a petition to
the legislature. 1846, $600 voted to build or furnish a
town-house in the village of Paiishville, to be raised in the
years 1847-48, and appointed William Allen, D. S. Stevens,
and E. D. Brooks a committee to petition the legislature
for the powers necessary for raising the tax. This measure
was not carried into effect. 1850. The town voted against re-
viving the distinction between the town and county poor.
At the annual town meeting held in the town-hall Feb-
ruary 9, 1864, resolutions of respect and esteem were
passed in remembrance of Captain Luther Priest, as a
worthy and patriotic citizen, and to perpetuate the remem-
brance of his patriotism and services. The resolutions were
directed to be entered upon the records of the town. Luther
Priest was born March 31, 182] , at Parish ville, N. Y. Com-
missioned captain of Company E, 106th Regiment, N. Y.
State volunteer infantry, Aug. 15, 1862. Died of disease
contracted in the service at Martinsburgh, Virginia, March
14, 1863.
PARISHVILLE VILLAGE
was surveyed and platted by Sewell Raymond in 1812. It
is situated on the St. Regis river, and contains three churches
(Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyteiian), three general stores,
one drug and grocery store, one hardware-store, one book-
store, post-office and town-clerk's office, one furniture-store,
one harness-shop, one hotel, one grist-mill, two saw- mills, one
eave-spout factory, one butter-tub factory, one tannery, one
starch- factory, three blacksmith-shops, one wagon-shop, and
one boat-building shop. Population about 350. The river at
this point falls about 125 feet within one mile, and affords a
considerable amount of water-power. A short distance below
the bridge on Main street, the channel is pressed into a narrow
gorge scarcely ten feet wide, worn in the primitive rock. This
gorge is about twenty-five or thirty feet in length, and through
it the river with its dark and turbulent waters rushes to a
broad basin below. In 1811 the first grist-mill was built for
Mr. Parish, by Daniel W. Church, and a distillery was erected
the same season, but was not put in operation till the spring
of 1812. During the summer of 1812, a large three-story
hip-roofed building, with a two-story back addition, was
erected by Mr. Church, for the proprietor of the town, for
a tavern stand, costing $14,000. This hotel was burned
in August, 1875. The destruction of this old landmark
was a great loss to the village. " Its like they ne'er will
see again." A forge was built and run at an early day at
this place. In 1813 this prosperity continued, and exten-
sive buildings and improvements were undertaken. During
this season a building was erected by Mr. Parish for public
purposes, and which has since been usually known as the
academy, for which use it was originally designed. It was
used as a town-hall, school-house, and place for public and
religious meetings. It was burned May 17, 1854.
THE FIRST SCHOOL
wa,s taught by Miss Harriet Bronson in the summer of 1813,
in the barn of Daniel Hoard. The barn is still standing,
and is owned by Mr. Rollin S. Greene. A school-house
was erected very soon after. Dr. Francis Parker, who
came from Peru, Clinton county, in July, 1819, was the
first physician in town. He was a native of Vermont. D.
W. Church, the first supervisor of this town, was the pio-
neer millwright and an early surveyor. He was born in
Brattleboro', Vermont, May 10, 1772, and came into this
county with Stillman Footc, of Canton, in 1801, and for
many years was actively engaged in erecting mills in yjirious
^^f>„' '^'^i
(Photos. BY n.LSToNcroTSDnu) "
RES. or DAVID DAGGETT, PAmSHvnu, NtvtYoKK
D. 5. Stevens.
Mrs. D.S.Stevens.
( Photos by N. L.Stone, /'otsojm )
'#4 ^
ANSEL S. SMITH,.
son of Ansel, Sr., and Mehitable Smith, was born in Geor-
gia, Vt., Oct. 3, 1813. His early advantages for an edu-
cation were very limited. His mother died when he was
but nine days old, and when but pine months old he was
given to an uncle, who brought him up on a farm till he
was about fifleen or sixteen, and then he was engaged by
Mr. Parish, doing principally cooper work. About the
age of nineteen he commenced attending the academy at
Potsdam, and continued for several terms. When he was
about twenty-two he commenced teaching in the town of
Potsdam. He continued to teach winters, and worked at
surveying during the summer. He married Miss Susan Z.
Shepard, of Potsdam, Jan. 23, 1840. She was born in
Waddington, St. Lawrence County, April 21, 1818. Her
parents were natives of Plainfield, Conn., and settled in
this county about 1814. As a result of this union, five
children were born, four of whom are still living.
In politics, a Kepublican from the first organization of
the party. He held the ofiBce of justice of the peace for
many years, was notary public for some time, and was school
commissioner for a number of years. But his principal
business was surveying, which he followed through life,
and at the same time was engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness for a number of years. He was emphatically what
may be termed a self-made man, independent in thought
and action ; always had an opinion of his own, and was
never afraid to express himself; came to conclusions slowly,
but seldom changed them ; had a strong constitution natu-
rally, but by undue exposure fell a victim to that dread
disease consumption.
In religion Mr. Smith cherished the faith of the Uni-
versalist, and died, trusting in his Saviour, December 16,
1874, and was buried in the cemetery at Parishville. His
widow is still living in the old home with her daughter,
Mrs. H. M. Daggart. Mr. Smith was one of the leading
men of his town, and was referred to in matters of dispute.
He had a very good idea of law, and was often called upon
to discharge the duties of a lawyer, though he did not pro-
fess to be one. He possessed a large heart, and great sym-
pathy for the poor. He was a friend to education, and
always did what he could in that direction.
He was an agent for a number of years of life and fire
insurance companies. His date of settlement in this county
was about 1815, being brought here by his uncle. This
short sketch and portrait of Mr. Smith is inserted by Mrs.
Smith in memory of him and for their children.
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
329
parts of the county. He did considerable building and
millwright work for Mr. Parish. Mr. Church bought vil-
lage lots 2 and 4 on Elizabeth street, April 1, 1813, which
were subsequently sold to Dr. F. Parker. Abijah Abbott,
first clerk of the town, bought lot 6 ; Otis Daggett, lot 4 ;
John Thomas, lot 9, all on Catharine street. Mathew
Wallace bought near the village, Oct. 1, 1811, 12] acres,
and afterwards moved to Canton ; Steph. Paddock bought
village lot No. 5, Elizabeth street ; Zina Thomas, village lot
6, John street, and No. 3, Elizabeth street. Thomas C.
Colburn, the first inn-keeper, 13 acres. J. and J. Hoit,
Jan. 1, 1820, paid $25 for water privilege for clothier shop.
Among the present manufactories of the place, aside from
the flouring-mill, tannery, and starch-factory, may be men-
tioned the saw- and lumber-mill and eave-spout factory of
Messrs. S. K. Flanders & Sons. They use each year 500,000
feet of logs, and turn out 400,000 feet of lumber and
300,000 feet of eave-spouts, linear measure. Their factory
is 130 feet long by 30 feet wide, and they employ eight
men. Simeon L. Clark has a butter-tub factory using
250,000 feet of spruce and ash lumber, and turning out
40,000 tubs annually. He employs nine men.
PARISHVILLE CENTRE
is a hamlet four miles west of Parishville village. It con-
tains one church (Methodist), a store and post-office, one
blacksmith-shop, and a cheese-factory. The brick house
now owned by J. Covey was built in 1833 by Hiram
Parker.
RELIGIOUS.
Meetings were held as early as 1812-13, and subse-
quently by traveling preachers, but the first stated ministry
was established by the Methodists in July, 1818, at the
house of Mr. Luke Brown. Baptist meetings were first
held by an Elder Johnson, from Jefierson county.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was formed Aug. 7, 1823, by a council consisting of the
Rev. Messrs. M. Parmelee, of Stockholm, Rev. Oliver East-
man, of Parishville, Mr. Constant Southworth, licentiate of
Canton, R. Pettibone, licentiate of Hopkinton, Mr. Henry
Winchester, delegate from Madrid, and Deacon Samuel P.
Reynolds, of Potsdam. It organized with eleven members.
C. Eastman, Moses Ordway, Tertius Reynolds, Wm. K.
Talbot, Bliss Burnap, George P. Everest, Milton Bradley,
Enos Wood, and Bliss Burnap have been employed as pas-
tors. A stone church was built in 1834 at a cost of $3000.
It was burned in 1854, and a new church edifice has been
erected. The society was incorporated April 23, 1827, with
Niram Rockwell, James Hardy, and George A. Flower,
trustees. The present pastor is Rev. Edward W. Fisher.
The church and Sunday-school are in a prosperous condition.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH,
situated in the southwest part of the town, was organized
Sept. 4, 1859, by Rev. Benj. Bundy, first pastor. The
church edifice was erected in 1859, and cost $2000.
A BAPTIST CHURCH
was formed in October, 1823, at Lower Falls, and consisted
of flhnnt. Klnivf,
aan momhAVB
Anril 5 1 8S1 _ n sncietv was
formed in Parishville village, and incorporated with Graton
Brand, Seymour Flower, and David Burdit, trustees. They
built a commodious church, costing about $2000, which
was burned in 1854. Elder Culver was the first pastor,
and since then Rev. Messrs. Solomon Johnson, Rhodes,
B. N. Leach, J. H. Greene, Graton Brand, L. T. Ford, 0.
W. Moxley, L. S. Baker, J. G. Goodall, H. E. W. Palmer,
C. Bailey, C. Coon have been settled over the church.
Rev. W. N. Thomas is the present pastor. After their
church was destroyed they erected a new edifice, and in
1870 a parsonage was purchased, and both were repaired in
1874 at a cost of $500. Present value of the property is
about 14000. Rev. 0. W. Moxley commenced his services
with this church in May, 1840, and continued until 1844,
when he moved to Madrid, and labored with the Baptist
church there until 1848, when he returned to Parishville,
where he continued until death closed his labors. He was
longer with this church than any other minister since its
organization. A Sunday-school is connected with the
church, P. W. Rose being superintendent. Number of
scholars, 40 ; teachers, 6 ; library, 200 volumes. Present
membership of church, about 112. In 1854 a fire, origi-
nating in a brush-heap upon a farm about a mOe south of
the village, communicated with the intervening woods under
the influence of a strong south wind which prevailed at the
time, and spread rapidly in the direction of the village.
The Baptist church was soon in flames. Great exertion
was made to save the church and prevent the spreading of
the fire, but in vain. In a short time the Baptist and Con-
gregational churches, the academy, and the sheds attached
to both churches were on fire, and all were burned to the
ground.
THE FIRST METHODIST CLASS
was organized in 1818, under the pastorate of Rev. Ezra
Healey. The first meetings were held in the log house of
Luke Brown. A society was organized March 10, 1828,
and during this year built the first church edifice erected in
this town, in the vicinity of Parishville Centre. It is re-
lated that Bishop Hedding officiated at the dedication of
this church, and in later years Bishop George preached in
it. It is said that this society was likewise favored this
year (1828) with an extensive revival of religion under the
pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Paddock. The society was
reorganized Aug. 23, 1833, and again Oct. 26, 1846.
After the latter organization the old church edifice was
removed from Cemetery Hill to the village, and repaired and
refitted at a cost of $1000. At the last reorganization, in
1846, the following trustees were elected : Dyer L. Merrill,
Rev. J. Austin, Geo. White, Rev. Horace A. Warner, and
Nathan Lockwood. This meeting resolved to organize a
legal society under the title of " The Parishville Village
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church." Previous to
this in 1832, a Protestant Methodist society was formed
from the Methodist Episcopal church, and retained its
organization until 1843, when it was absorbed by the Wes-
leyan Methodist organization and took the latter name.
In addition to the clergymen already mentioned the society
has enjoyed the services of the Revs. Royal Stratton, A. F.
Bigelow, Jos. Livingston, Wm. Jones, W. H. Blanchard,
J. De Larme, Oscar Mott, D. B. White, D. W. Thomas,
330
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Alex. Bramley, G. W. Gibson, W. H. Hawkins, W. R.
Helms, W. C. Lent, C. H. Brown, Samuel Short, and W.
E. Reynolds. In 1859-60, the present parsonage was built
by the earnest labors of Rev. D. B. White, and under the
pastorate of Rev. W. H. Hawkins the present commodious
house of worship was dedicated in 1.867. The present
pastor is Rev. And. W. Baird ; present membership, 78.
The Sunday-school numbers, officers and teachers, 16;
scholars, 130 ; library, 200 volumes ; Charles Green, su-
perintendent.
AMBEE LODGE, NO. 395, F. AND A. M.,
was organized with seven members, June 25, 1856, and at
present has 40 members. Its first officers were Levit Hatch ,
W. M. ; S, J. Lincoln, S. W. ; E. C. Culver, J. W. Its
present officers are A. A. McDonald, W. M. ; P. V. Clark, S.
W. ; B. F. Simonds, J. W. ; Milo Adams, Treas. ; A. N.
Clark, Sec. ; R. W. Barrows, S. D. ; 0. J. Pelsue, J. D. ;
A. Rasy, Tyler.
A VILLAIN AND HIS DEEDS.
An affair occurred in this town in the fall of 1812,
which created much excitement at the time. A desperate
character by the name of B , living in the edge of
Stockholm, had been charged with a crime which carried
him to jail in Ogdensburg, in the month of June of that
year. While undergoing his trial, and afterwards, he
threatened vengeance against the neighborhood where the
crime was committed, and against a Mrs. Miller in partic-
ular, who had been the principal witness against him.
Shortly after his imprisonment he succeeded in breaking
jail, and was not seen for some time till early in the morn-
ing on Monday, October 23, he was seen to cross the bridge
over Raquette river, near the line of Pierrepont. On the
Wednesday morning following, Mrs. Miller was left by her
husband in the act of rising from bed while he went some
distance from home to get fire at a neighbor's. On his
return she was not in the house, and her shoes and parts of
her clothing being left, he supposed that she was not far
distant. Nothing more was seen of her, and her absence
during the day became a subject of anxiety, which increased
till the whole country, far and near, was rallied, and a gen-
eral search begun which continued several days, and at
length given up in despair of finding any trace of the
absent one.
On Priday night several houses and barns in the vicinity
were burned, evidently by an incendiary, and on Saturday
mornibg following the jail-bird was seen to recross the bridge
of Raquette river. Suspicion rested on B , who was
followed up and arrested at Carthage, having in his posses-
sion a stolen rifle. Nothing but suspicion resting upon
him in relation to the abduction and arson, he was tried for
the theft, and sent to the State's prison, where he died.
In the following spring, a woman's head was found some
distance from a headless body in the woods about three
miles above the village of Parishville, which were identified
as those of Mrs. Miller, who in all probability had been
brutally murdered from a fiendish revenge by the ruffian
who had afterwards set fire to his own house, and another
which sheltered his wife and children.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
W. W. BLOSS.
[an AUTOBIOGRAPHY.]
I was born in Grantham, N. H., Nov. 29, 1808. My
parents were Samuel and Aehsah Bloss. When I was
three years old we removed to Irasburg, Vt., where I con-
tinued to reside with my parents till the death of my
mother Aug. 24, 1818, when I was bound out to a well-
to-do farmer, named Kittredge, in Danville, Vt., and was
to serve him faithfully ten months in each year during
M
,
n
^
1
^
Photo, by Stoue
r
Jtsd
1111.
my minority ; the other two months he was to send me
to the district school, and at twenty-one to give me one
hundred dollars' worth of grain or stock. Up to this time
I had attended school not more than twelve months all
told. At the close of my two months' school I had been
through every rule in " Adams' Arithmetic," but my
knowledge of arithmetic was as yet very superficial. Feel-
ing desirous to study grammar, an obstacle arose which to
me looked formidable, — I had no book, or money to buy
one, and my time belonged to my master. He refused
to get one, saying it would do me no good. I then ob-
tained leave to pick blackberries on rainy days, which I
did, and sold to ladies in the village for four cents per quart, ,.
and, with the money thus obtained, purchased a copy of
" Murray's English Grammar" for 75 cents. The follow-
ing winter I began its study, and, in order to keep up with
my class in other branches, was under the necessity of get-
ting my grammar lesson at home evenings. Candles were
too expensive an indulgence, therefore I was forced to get
my lessons by the light of the kitchen fire, which shone
from beneath the firestick lying upon the andirons. Thus
I spent two winters, making four months devoted to the
study of grammar at a district school. At the age of
sfcm
Samuel Willis.
Mrs. Samuel Willis.
fFHoros.BY N.L. Stone., foTSOAu ,liY)
ff£.S. OF MRS. MARY G. WILLIS, Fahishviue, S.Y.
Samuel K. Flanders.
Mrs, Samuel K.FLANOEf?s .
Samuel K.Flanders,
the subject of this sketch, son of Moses and Ruth Flan-
ders, was bom in Dorchester, G-rafton county, New Hamp-
shire, on the 18th day of March, 1815. He was brought
up and worked on his father's ferm, and received a com-
mon school education. In March, 1833, when eighteen
years of age, his father emigrated with his family to Fort
Covington, Franklin county. New York, and settled on a
farm which he carried on until 1840, in which year he
died. April 6, 1836, Mr. Flanders was united in marriage
with Miss Zipporah Trowbridge, of Bombay, Franklin
county, and continued to reside on the homestead for six
years, when he purchased a farm on which he lived until
1853. His mother lived with him up to 1851, when she
died. At the solicitation of his brother David, then living
in Parishville village, he moved with his family to this
place, and bought a half interest of his brother in his fac-
tory for manufacturing hay-rakes, clothes-frames, and broom
and fork handles. At the time of their moving in, there
were no houses to rent. But the hotel, which then belonged
to Q-eorge Parish, being without a tenant, he was induced
to take it, and thus became landlord of the St. Eegis hotel ;
continuing in this business for eighteen months, he still
continued to carry on the business with his brother, but at
the expiration of a partnership of two years he purchased
his brother's interest and carried on the business. During
this year, 1855, his factory and contents, including twenty-
fluree thousand rakes, were J)urned. He immediately set
about erecting a new factory, which was a building of sixty
by eighty feet in size, and occupied the site of Clark's
butter-tub factory. Having, carried on this business suc-
cessfully for two years, in 1857 he bought the water-power
above his factory and erected a custom saw-mill, which he
carried on a few years and then began the making of eave-
spouts. At the commencement of the War of the Rebellion,
Moses J. Flanders, the second son, enlisted in Company D,
Scott's 900, United States Volunteer Cavalry, and served
to the end of the war. Henry J. Flanders, the third son,
enlisted in Company E, 106th Re^ment New York Volun-
teer Infantry, and participated in many battles during the
war. Mr. Flanders, not wishing to be outdone in patriotism
by his sons, left his business with his eldest son, Edwin H.
Flanders, and enlisted and served in the 6th New York
Heavy Artillery. After the close of the war, Mr. Flanders
associated his sons, Edwin H., Moses J., Henry J., and
Charles P. Flanders, with him in the business, and bought
the water-power and erected the present saw-mUl and eave-
spout factory.
Mrs. Zipporah Flanders, daughter of Rufus and Lydia
Tracy Trowbridge, was born October 22, 1813, in the town
of Shelburn, Chittenden county, Vermont ; her father lived
on a farm, and ended his days on the homestead in 1822.
The family remained on the farm until they moved, in
1833, to Fort Covington, Franklin county. New York.
Mrs. Flanders' mother died in Bangor, Franklin county, in
1856. Mr. and Mrs. Flanders are identified with the
Methodist Episcopal church in Parishville.
jWffS.E.W. Bloss.
£. W. Bloss.
ffES.OF A.£. BLOSS, PARISHVILLE ,N£W Voffif.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
331
eighteen I began to think that I could do better than to
stay with my master, and effected a compromise with him,
whereby the bond was given up and I was free. I left
him Dec. 6, 1826, and Feb. 24,4827, left Danville, in com-
pany with a neighbor named Bowers, who was then removing
with his family to Farishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. I
agreed to drive his ox-team and sled, loaded with household
furniture, for the payment of my personal expenses. We
arrived in Parishville March 6, being eleven days on the road.
Soon after arriving here I engaged work on a farm for six
months, at twelve dollars per month, grain pay (no money
to be had for labor), and worked my time out, but lost one-
half of my wages. During the summer, in the absence of
a clergyman, I used to read sermons to large congregations
on the Sabbath in the old red school-house at Parishville
Centre. In August I contracted for fifty acres of wild land,
at four dollars per acre, being a part of mile square No. 16.
I went to school at the old St. Lawrence academy in Pots-
dam, and remained there till the 1 st day of December. I was
then examined by the regular board of inspectors, received
my license, and commenced school Deo. 3, 1827, being then
nineteen years old. Taught this school eight months, and
at its close was hired by the trustees in Parishville village
to teach their school for one year, closing April 10, 1830,
and averaging forty pupils per day. The remainder of the
summer I worked on my land, and built a log house upon
it. The 1st of September I went back to Vermont, and on
the 19th was married to Miss Pamelia Lovewell, who, like
myself, was an orphan, having lost both her parents at the
tender age of ten years. We began housekeeping on our
own lot Oct. 25, 1830, under trying circumstances. Our
house was only partly finished ; there were no stoves here
then, and we sufiFered much with cold and smoke. Not a
vestige of road for one mile east and two miles west, and no
neighbor in sight. Here we spent the first winter of our
married life, and again taught the Centre school. At the
close of this school I heard of a place in Canada where they
wanted an American teacher, and went to a place called
Treadwell Seignory, in the township of L'Orignal, Ontario,
Canada, on the Ottawa river, sixty-five miles above Mon-
treal. Engaged the school, returned home, took my wife
and a few articles of convenience, and started on my way
back by way of St. Regis. In a few days we arrived safely
at the place of our destination, weary and much worn in
consequence of the badness of the roads and riding in a com-
mon lumber-wagon. Here we remained for four consecutive
years, and taught the same school during the entire time.
In June, 1835, we returned to our home in Parishville,
and went to housekeeping directly. Having saved money
enough to finish paying for our land, built a barn, and with
the surplus left I now began in earnest to clear up the farm.
In the spring I was elected one of the board of inspectors
of common schools, which position I held till 1842. When
the office of town superintendent was created, in 1853,
was elected to that office for two years, and re-elected in
1855, which position I held till the office of school com-
missioner superseded that of town superintendent. In the
winter of 1856 I taught school in the district where I first
taught in 1827, making in all thirty-two terms of three
months each. I was also for five successive years one of
the assessors of the town, and in 1859 was elected school
commissioner for the 3d district to fill a vacancy, was re-
elected in 1860, holding the office over four years. I now
hold, and have for a good many years, a State license to
teach a common school anywhere in the State. Our farm
consists of 160 acres, 100 cleared, with good fences and sub-
stantial buildings, all paid for. Five years ago I divided
my real estate between my two daughters (all the children
we have). Maria H., the eldest, married Mr. W. W.
Spear nineteen years ago ; Zelia S. was married to Mr. J.
A. Kelly nine years since. We are living at home on the
old place with the last-named daughter and her husband.
In religion, I am a Methodist; in politics, was an Old-
Line Whig. At the formation of the Republican party, in
1856, 1 cast my lot with them. Have voted at every presi-
dential election since I was twenty-one years old.
DAVID DAGGART,
son of Henry and Parmelia Daggart, was born in Cornwal),
Vt., Aug. 9, 1809. His father was a native of Attle-
borough, Mass., and his mother of Cornwall, Vt. They
were farmers by occupation, and reared seven children to
manhood, of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth.
His parents came to this county in October, 1817, and
settled in Stockholm, where they lived for many years.
Mrs. Daggart died there, April 6, 1850, and Mr. Daggart
lived with the subject of this sketch in this town for
the last six years of his life. He died July 7, 1862, aged
seventy -four.
Mr. David Daggart was reared on the farm and followed
it till he was twenty-two years old ; then he commenced as
clerk in a store, and followed it for three years, getting sixty
dollars for the first year's work, and one hundred dollars for
the second. He has been engaged most of the time since
in that business, and in 1866 he gave up his business to his
son, Herbert M., who is now doing a safe business. He
married Miss Meribah C. Greene, of Cornwall, Vt., Jan. 2,
1838. Mrs. Daggart's father was a native of Wallingford,
Vt., and was born there Dec. 20, 1790, and her mother was
born in Cornwall, Vt., Aug. 24, 1794. They came to this
county in 1817, and settled in Hopkinton. Mr. Greene
died in this town Aug. 19, 1873, and Mrs. Greene died Aug.
12, 1837. Mr. David Daggart and wife have reared four
children, namely : Clarinda G., Henry L., Mary Emorette,
and Herbert M., all of whom are living.
In politics, Mr. Daggart was first a Whig and then a
Republican, upon the organization of that party. He has
been a justice of the peace for twenty years in this town.
He and his wife are now living in Parishville, in a good
two-story house, a view of which, and portraits of himself
and wife, may be seen in another part of this work. They
are surrounded by the comforts of a happy home, and enjoy
the love and affection of their children.
This brief sketch, view of home, and portraits are given
by their children in memory of their parents.
Herbert M. took his father's business at the age of twenty,
and has followed it ever since with untiring energy, and to-
day enjoys the confidence of his fellow-townsmen to an
unusual degree, and is doing a prosperous business.
332
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Photo, by N. L. Stone, Potsdam
/vm^-^^^
HON. PARKER W. ROSE.*
No man in the assembly bears a greater reputation for
sturdy honesty, and those qualities which denote the
statesman and patriot, than Parker W. Rose. His coun-
tenance, seamed and marked by rugged angularity, is an
unerring index to the clear brain and keen intellect which
it masks, and though he is not given to bold flights of
eloquence, his voice is always raised when occasion requires
in behalf of sound public policy and honest legislation.
He is the especial champion of economy in the public
service, and no measure which contemplates a needless or
wanton expenditure of the public funds can hope to escape
either his vigilance or his earnest protest,
Mr. Rose was born in Stockholm, St, Lawrence County,
March 29, 1812, and is consequently about sixty-five years
of age ; but he comes of a hardy stock, and physically and
mentally he is as vigorous as the average of men at forty-
five. His father, Daniel P, Rose, was born in Coventry,
and is of English ancestry. Mr. Rose's educational oppor-
tunities in early youth were somewhat limited, being mainly
what could be procured in the common school during the
winter season ; but he was more than ordinarily studious, and
when this was finally supplemented by a brief term at the
St. Lawrence academy, he was abundantly competent to fill
the position of a teacher in a district school, and spent
several years in that capacity ; teaching was not to his liking,
however, and he soon rehnquished it. Shortly after attaining
his majority he engaged in the pursuit in which much of
his youth was passed, that of farming; and to this, in later
years, he added that of manufacturing. All his business
affairs have been managed with prudence and sagacity, so
that he possesses a comfortable competence as the reward of
well-directed and honest industry.
Mr, Rose has been an earnest and consistent member of
the Baptist church since his youth, having made a public
confession and consecration at the age of fourteen. During
a period of nearly forty years he was superintendent of the
Baptist Sabbath-school at Parishville. He was married to
Cynthia Putnam in November, 1837. She died in Feb-
ruary, 1852, while he was a member of assembly, when
he was married in April, 1853, to Miss Julianna Beecher,
who died August 25, 1877. Mr, Rose has frequently
filled positions of a public nature. During six years he
was a member of the St. Lawrence County board of super-
visors, acting one year as its chairman. .In 1852 he was
a member of assembly, serving on the committee of griev-
ances. He was re-elected next year, when he was made
chairman of the committee on internal affairs, and also
acted as chairman of the Democratic caucus. In 1872 he
was returned under different political auspices, having
joined the Republican party at its formation in 1854; pre-
vious to that year he acted with the Free-Soil wing of the
Democratic party. During the last session, Mr. Rose was
chairman of the committee on grievances, and the sub-
committee of the whole, and a member of the committee on
federal relations. So entirely satisfactory was his course
that he was renominated in the fall of 1872, and beat his
opponent, Horace Bicknell, a " Liberal," by the very large
majority of 2120. ' He was chairman of the sub-committee
of the whole, and a member of the committee on expendi-
tures of the executive department. We can simply add, that
Mr. Rose has maintained a reputation for political and genera]
RES OF P W.ROSE, PARlSHYILL£,NiwY!iR,
ruRM /?£S. OF P. W.ROSE, PAHISHVILL£,Hew York.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
333
\ti,
r
V >
Photo, by Stone, Potsdam,
^.^^^^(^^ <^A^/4^
Allen Whipple, the fifth son of James and Sylvina (Hall)
Whipple, and grandson of Benjamin Whipple, of Providence,
R. I., was born in the town of Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt.,
Jan. 26, 1807. His father was a farmer, and died when
Allen was twelve years old. His early life was spent upon
the farm and in going to school in the common country school
of his boyhood days. After he had attained his majority he
learned the trade of cabinet-maker, which he combined after-
wards with that of carpenter and joiner, and followed up to
January, 1832, when he came into the town of Parishville
bringing with him $90 in money, a horse and sleigh worth
,$75, and a chest of tools, and followed his trade of building
and carpentering for two years ; then going to Painesville,
Ohio, where he lived two years, working at his trade, and
. Jielping to build the old Geauga county bank building. In
the spring of 1836 he returned to Parishville and purchased
the farm on which he now lives. Went to Vermont to visit his
[ mother, and returned to Parishville in the spring of 1837.
I October 3, of that year, he was united in marriage to
Elmira E. Brown, second daughter of Luke Brown, the
first permanent settler in the town. Their first residence
was in a log house which stood on his farm, and which he
replaced with a substantial frame dwelling in 1840. A
daughter was born to them Sept. 6, 1839, and named
Carolina A. She was married Nov. 13, 1856, to Merritt
Wheeler ; they live on a farm in the town of Potsdam-
Mrs. Whipple died Oct. 15, 1861. Mr. Whipple married
his present wife, Mrs. Nancy Myrick Oliver, May 2, 1863.
She had by her first husband three children, of whom only
one is living, a son, Edward P. Oliver, a merchant living
in Chesaning, Michigan. In civil life Mr. Whipple has
honorably filled nearly every ofiice in his town. He has
been justice of the peace for twelve years, being elected in
1842. He has served as supervisor during six years. Mr.
Whipple has passed an active life, and is well rewarded with
an abundance of this world's goods. He owns one of the
finest farms in the town, and has the esteem of his friends
and acquaintances. He has been strictly temperate in his
habits, has never used tobacco in any form, and has never
played any game for money.
334
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
DEACON GEO. A. FLOWER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Massachusetts,
Oct. 4, 1788. He was reared a farmer, which occupation
he followed through life. At the age of five his father
died, and left the care of a family of three children (of
whom the suhject of this sketch is the oldest) to his mother.
At the age of four he went to live with an uncle at Eliza-
beth, Essex Co., N. Y. When twelve years of age his
mother re-married, and he then lived with them in Corn-
wall, Vt., till he was twenty-one. Then he came to this
county in the fall of 1809, in company with others, and
selected the farm where he continued to live through life.
He went to Vermont four times on foot. He married, in
Vermont, Miss Hannah Kingsley, February, 1811, by whom
four children were born. She died July 28, 1822. He
married again, Feb. 18, 1823, Miss Charlotte Kelsey, of
Whiting, Vt., by whom four children were born. Mrs.
C. Flower was born in Connecticut, July 17, 1800, and
died May 10, 1870.
Deacon Flower commenced life a poor boy, but by in-
dustry and economy, assisted by his faithful wives, he be-
came one of the substantial farmers of this town. Soon
after marrying his second wife he made a profession of re-
ligion, and united with the First Congregational church of
Parishville, and for a large portion of this time he served
as deacon acceptably up to the day of his death. He was
a very liberal man in the support of the church and society,
and ever ready to aid in any good enterprise. He was a
strong temperance man, being one of the first to sign the
pledge. In politics a Whig and Republican. At one time
he was captain in the State militia. He bought and paid
for about 200 acres. He gave two of his children a college
education, outlived all of them but two, and died July 25,
1876. He lived respected and died regretted by a large
circle of friends. This brief sketch is given by his son
H. N., in memory of one whom he holds ever dear, and is
also the owner of the old homestead.
DAVID S. STEPHENS.
Among the many old representative families whose his-
tories and representation embellish the pages of our work,
none are more pleasantly situated in regard to a fine home
than he of whom we write. He is of Scotch origin. His
father, David, was a native of Windsor, Connecticut, and
mother, Mary, near by, or at Windsor also ; they were
farmers, and reared seven children, namely, Sarah, David
S., John, Betsey, Henry, William, and Alvirah, all of whom
lived to be men and women. The father lived in Fenfield,
N. H., where all the children were born, and there he died.
Mrs. Stephens died in Morristown, Vt. The subject of
this sketch was born in Penfield, N. H., Jan. 27, 1800 ;
he was reared on a farm, and remained at home till he was
twenty-one. He then worked out by the month for some
four years for about ten dollars, that being one dollar more
than die average of hands received. He then settled at
Morristown, Vt., on a farm of some one hundred acres, on
which he stayed for some six years, during which time he
•named Miss Calista Chattuck, of Sheldon, Vt., April 8
1827, with whom he lived two and a half years. She died
in November, 1829. Soon after he sold his farm in Ver-
mont and engaged in peddling tin, and then all kinds of
notions ; he also engaged others to work for him at the
same business. He married Miss Demis F. Berry, of
Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, 1834. Mrs. Stephens'
father, Ebenezer Berry, was a native of Kent, Ct., and
mother, of Lester, Vt. ; they were among the early settlers
of Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., cleared up a good farm,
reared a very large family, and he died there March 15,
1837, and mother, Mercy, died there Feb. 16, 1862. Mrs.
Stephens was born in Malone, March 21, 1812. The
result of this union was four children, one son and three
daughters, namely, Demis Y., David B., Celestia A., and
Helen E., all of whom are living. Mr. Stephens and wife
came to this county and settled on the farm they now own
in August, 1836. His first purchase was about one hun-
dred acres at seven dollars per acre, and since then has
added to it till he has two hundred and twelve acres in the
home farm, and about one hundred and ten acres more in
different parts of the county. Mr. Stephens was burnt out
in 1870, and since then has put up one of the best and
most substantial houses in the town, and has fine out-build-
ings, as may be seen by a view in another part of this work.
In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and whUe he
holds to no particular religious creed, he cherishes the faith
of the Universalist. He has always been in favor of good
schools, as is shown by the fact that he has given his chil-
dren good advantages for an education. He is now an old
man of seventy-seven, living in a fine brick house, sur-
rounded by the comforts of a happy home. His only son,
David B., is living with his parents. He married Miss
Addie A. Church, of South Canton, Sept. 26, 1866 ; they
have one son, Clinton C. Stephens.
EDWIN W. BLOSS,
son of Samuel and Achsah Bloss, was born in Plain-
field, N. H., Sept. 30, 1806. His father was a native of
Dalton, N. H., and his mother of Plainfield, N. H. They
reared nineteen children, he having been married twice.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and for
the greater part of his life has followed it. He came to
Parishville, and settled on his present farm in February,
1838. He has built all the buildings on his farm, — a view
of which may be seen in another part of this work.
He married Miss Mercy A. Russell, of this town, Jan. 8,
1840. She was born July 30, 1820. Her parents are
natives of Foster, R. I., and settled in this town in 1816.
Mr. Bloss and wife have had three children, namely, Albro
E., Orra E., and Ida A., the last of whom is dead.
Albro E. is the home boy, and the one who sees that his
parents are identified in this work.
Mr. Bloss has always been either a Whig or Republican
in politics. Before giving any land away to his children,
he owned about three hundred and eighty acres free of
incumbrance, and got this himself by industry and fru-
gality. He is now seventy-one years of age, and is living
with his son A. E.
Residence of H.N. FLOWER, FAmsHviUE, New York.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
;J35
SAMUEL WILLIS,
son of Samuel and Hannah Willis, was born in Hanover,
N. H., Sept. 7, 1814. His parents were of New England
birth, were farmers, and reared seven children to manhood,
of whom the subject of this sketch is the fifth. Mr. Willis
followed farming for a business through life with success,
owning at one time nearly three hundred acres, and at the
time of his death about two hundred acres. He married
Miss Mary Gould, of Lyme, N. H., Nov. 7, 1837. She
was born May 4, 1814. Her father, Peter Gould, was a
native of Montpelier, Vt., and her mother, Seba Warren,
of New Hampshire. Mr. Willis was the father of seven
children, namely: Ellen, an infant, Josephine, West Gould,
Rosalette, Oriana, and Lunetta, all of whom were born on
the " old homestead" now occupied by Mrs. Willis and
family. Nov. 8, 1838, Mr.Willis and wife came to this town,
and lived for two years with an uncle, and in May, 1840,
settled on the farm where he lived till his death, which
occurred March 9, 1877. In politics, he was a Republican.
West Gould, an only son, was educated for the ministry
of the Pree-Will Baptist persuasion, having graduated at
the St. Lawrence academy at Potsdam, and at the theo-
logical academy at Lewistown, Maine. He preached during
the time of his getting his education, and was a settled
pastor for only six months when he died, May 29, 1875.
GOUVERJSTEUR.
The town of Gouverneur lies in the extreme south-
western corner of that tract known as the Ten Townships,
which were laid off under the act of May 5, 1786, and sold
at public vendue in New York city, July 10, 1787. It is
joined by the towns of De Kalb, Hermon, Fowler, Rossie,
and Macomb, — the last named of which was originally
comprised within its limits, and now forms its northwestern
boundary. In portions of the town its surface may be
termed rolling, while in other places it is but a succession
of rough hills and limestone ledges, particularly in those
parts lying near the border of Macomb. This, like all the
contiguous portions of the county, was originally covered
with heavy forests of hemlock, spruce, beech, oak, and
maple, interspersed with pine.
The only stream of any importance is the Oswegatchie
river, which passes through the town for a distance of about
twenty miles, in a course so devious as to embrace every
point of the compass, entering from Fowler, then passing
in a southwesterly direction into Rossie, then returning to
Gouverneur, and, after traversing the town lengthwise,
making its exit into De Kalb. No tributary worthy of
mention joins it in Gouverneur. Beaver creek, a small
stream which forms three-fourths of the boundary between
this town and Macomb, falls into the river many miles be-
low, in the town of Oswegatchie.
The township of Cambray, afterwards the town of Gouv-
erneur, was purchased at the sale above mentioned by Alex-
ander Macomb, and to him patented by the State, Dec. 17,
1787. Prom Macomb, through a number of successive
owners, to the proprietorship of Gouverneur Morris, whose
first deed was from William Constable (20,000 acres), Nov.
17, 1798, and whose last was from David B. Ogden, July
1, 1808.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
The earliest settlement in the township was made under
the leadership of Dr. Richard Townsend, then of Hartford,
Washington county, N. Y. Six years after the first pur-
chase by Mr. Morris, he entered into an agreement with Dr.
Townsend by which the latter was to remove his residence
to the wilds of Cambray, and there to act as the proprietor's
agent in securing immigration, and in effecting sales of
land. In pursuance of this agreement, the doctor set out
on foot in the summer of 1805 to visit the lands in ques-
tion,— being accompanied by Willard Smith, Isaac Austin,
Pardon Baboock, John Alden, Ambi Higby, and Morris
Mead, his neighbors and acquaintances in Washington
county and prospective purchasers. Prom the head of
Lake George they struck boldly into the wilderness, with
but three days' provisions and a compass, which they relied
on to bring them to their place of destination. Instead of
thi-ee days they were seven upon the journey, but they were
fortunate in laying their course, for they emerged from the
woods into the Smith settlement in De Kalb. From there
they proceeded towards the southwest, striking the Oswe-
gatchie upon its right bank, above the natural dam.
After a brief examination of the vicinity they passed down
and crossed the stream near the present line of Rossie,
whence, by way of the Indian and Black rivers, they re-
turned to their homes, from which they had been absent
only about three weeks.
In the fall of the same year the leader, with several of
his party, including Willard Smith and Isaac Austin,
started on horseback to return by way of Black river to
Cambray, but were compelled, on account of impassable
roads, to leave their animals at Boon's settlement. Prom
this place they proceeded on foot, crossed Indian river,
passed Lee's tavern on the State road, and reached the
Oswegatchie about the middle of October, when all the
woods along its banks were blazing in the hues of Indian
summer. They continued up the stream until they reached
the little islands at the present site of Gouverneur village,
where they crossed upon logs, and, being pleased with the
location, halted to select lands fur settlement. The services
of a surveyor* were procured, and several tracts were laid
* Colonel Edsall, of Waddington.
336
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
off, upon which they made some commencement of clearing,
and then returned home, to prepare for emigration hither.
About the 1st of February, 1806, their party, consisting
of William Smith, Pardon Babcock, Isaac Austin, and
Eleazer Nichols, and their families, set out from Hartford
for their new home in Cambray. Mrs. Austin, who had for
many years been bedridden by reason of rheumatism, was
carried the entire distance in a crib. They drove four yoke
of oxen and seven cows, and brought a good supply of
salted meats, beans, and other stores. In due time they
reached Indian river bridge (now Antwerp village), where
the women and children were left at the log house which
Gershom Matoon had just opened as a tavern. They, how-
ever, remained here only a few days, until some kind of
shelter could be made ready for them at the new settlement.
Smith and Aldrich first built a shanty together near the
present residence of James Maddock. Babcock settled
on what was afterwards known as the Joel Keyes place.
Isaac Austin located within the present limits of the village
corporation of Gouverneur.
On the 31st of March following the settlement was in-
creased by the arrival of Isaac Morgan and wife from
Orange Co., Vt. Dr. Townsend came soon after, though
he did not bring his family until February, 1807. He
proceeded at once to lay off the lands in the neighborhood
into farms, employing for this purpose a surveyor from
Brownsville, named John Simons. During that season and
the winter of 1806-7 the population of Cambray was
swelled by the arrival of Daniel Austin, Israel Porter,
Rufus Washburn, Benjamin Smith, and Stephen Smith,
with their families. Dr. John Spencer, from Windsor,
Conn., arrived in April, 1807, and was the first practicing
physician in Cambray.*
Colburn Barrel! and Roswell Wilder arrived in 1807.
Joel Wilder, James Parker, John Parker, Ephraim Case,
Jonathan S. Colton, William Cleghorn, Henry Welch,
Jeremiah Merithew, Jesse Dewey, and Stephen Patterson,
James Thompson, James Haile, and Jonathan Paine came
in 1808 ; and among those who came in the following year
were Timothy Sheldon, Reuben Nobles, Wm. W. Rhodes,
Richard Kimball, and Capt. Rockwell Barnes, a millwright
and a carpenter, and a man of enterprise, who did much to
advance the prosperity of the town.
In July, 1806, there arrived two missionaries from Con-
necticut, who held the first religious meeting, at the house
of Isaac Austin. These were afterwards continued with
considerable regularity at the same place, the preaching
being sometimes by a Methodist preacher named Heath,
from Rich's settlement, but oftener by Stephen Patterson,
who lived in the neighborhood. These meetings, although
first held under Methodist preachers, were in no sense de-
nominational, but participated in by all the settlers,"of what-
ever views, who were anxious to enjoy here the privilege
of divine worship to which they had been accustomed in
the homes they had recently left. The first birth in the
township was that of Allen Smith,t son of Willard Smith.
The first death occurred in January, 1807, being that of
* Dr. Townsend, although an educated and well-qualifled physi-
cian, never practiced his profession except in cases of emergency,
t Born May 8, 1806; died March 9, 1871.
Emily, an infant daughter of Israel Porter. A Mrs. Mar-
tin died soon after, and the third death was that of Stephen
Patterson, who was killed in 1810 by the caving in of a well
in which he was at work. The first marriage was of Medad
Cole with a daughter of Stephen Patterson.
The settlers were awake to the importance of opening
communication with the outside world, and during the first
summer a road was cut through by voluntary labor to the
Rich settlement in De Kalb, and soon after the route to
Antwerp was made practicable. Probably these improve-
ments had their effect in stimulating settlements, for from
about that time lands were purchased and clearings made
with much greater rapidity. In the year 1809 a clearing
of 80 acres was made at the natural dam by Joseph Bolton,
for the proprietor, and a saw-mill and grist-mill were erected
there by Isaac Austin for Mr. Morris. These were for
many years known as Morris' mills, and were a great ac-
quisition to the settlers, who had before been obliged to
go to Cooper's falls for the grinding of their grain, and for
whatever lumber they found necessary. In five years from
the time of Dr. Townsend's first exploration the population
of the township had so much increased as to contain about
75 voters. J They had long been weary of their connection
with the town of Oswegatchie, and anxious to sever it.
They accordingly took steps to that end, which proved
successful.
CIVIL 'HIST03Eiy.
On April 5, 1810, Cambray was detached from Oswe-
gatchie and erected into the town of Gouverneur,§ the name
being given in honor of the proprietor, Mr. Morris.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Dr.
John Spencer, March 5, 1811, and resulted in the election
of the following of&cers : Richard Townsend, supervisor ;
Amos Comly, town clerk ; Rufus Washburn, Isaac Morgan,
Pardon . Babcock, assessors; Amos Comly, Benj. Smith,
Ephraim Case, commissioners of highways ; Jonathan S.
Colton, Israel Porter, overseers of the poor; Barnabas
Wood, constable and collector. Ephraim Case, Rufus
Washburn, Pardon Babcock, Jonathan S. Colton, and Ben-
jamin Smith were appointed a committee " to superintend
the destruction of noxious weeds," and were to be allowed
$1 per day for that service. It was also voted " that hoggs
and sheep be kept close the year round ; that rams in par-
ticular shall be kept up from the 25th day of August until
the 5th day of December," and " that a pound be built on
Isaac Austin's farm, and that the inhabitants meet early on
Saturday morning, the 16th inst., for the purpose of build-
ing said pound." Further, it was voted " that the town
clerk be allowed |10 for his services over and above what
the law provides ;'' that Isaac Austin, Esq., be allowed $6,
John Spencer $6, and Isaac Morgan, |7, for former ser-
vices ; and " that the next annual meeting be held at the
house of John Brown, at the east end of the bridge."
X Hough says that at the erection of the town it contained 223 in-
habitants, of whom but 30 possessed the qualifications of senatorial-
voters; but this is evidently u, mistake, as in the election held in
Gouverneur in the month following, the first town-meeting, the num-
ber of votes cast for senator was 57.
§ The town was reduced to its present limits, by the erection of
Macomb, April 30, 1841.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
337
The following are the names of those who have filled the
office of supervisor of Gouverneur, and the dates of their
election: Richard Townsend, 1811 to 1814; John Brown,
1815 to 1819; Israel Porter, 1820-21; Aaron Atwood,
1822 to and including 1826 ; Harvey D. Smith, 1827 to
1835 inclusive, also in 1837 ; Almond Z. Madison, 1836
and 1838; William E. Sterling, 1839, '40, '41, and '43;
Peter Van Buren, 1842, '44-45 ; George S. Winslow, 1846
to 1849 ; Charles Anthony, 1850, '51, '52 ; Milton Barney,
in 1853, '57, '58, '59 ; 0. G. Barnum, 1855 ; Charles S.
Cone, 1856; John Pooler, Jr., 1860 to 1865 inclusive;
Robert Ormiston, 1855 to 1871 inclusive; and Newton
Aldrich, 1872 to the present time. Other officers of the
town for 1877 are James W. Ormiston, town clerk ; S. B.
Van Duzee, D. A. Johnson, George Lockie, and George
M. Gleason, justices of the peace ; James Clark, Jr.,
assessor ; Alanson Thrall, collector ; Jason Smith, Myron
Cushman, overseers of the poor ; Lewis J. Haile, highway
commissioner ; Charles Anthony, A. K. Jepson, and E. W.
Abbott, town auditors.
GOUVERNEUR VILLAGE.
The commencement of this village was marked by the con-
struction of a bridge across the Oswegatchie, the first pub-
lic improvement in the township. At first the crossing of
the river at this point had been effected by means of trees
felled from either shore to the island, but this proved to be
not only inadequate and inconvenient but unsafe ; and so, as
the inhabitants of Cambray could hope for no aid in such
a matter from their town of Oswegatchie, they raised by
subscription the sum of $500, with which a tolerably good
bridge was erected in 1808, by Isaac Kendall.* The loca-
tion of this was just below the present iron bridge.
In the same year the first public-house was opened, by
Israel Porter, on the west side of the river. The point is
still known as the Porter place. Another event occurring in
that year, and of considerable interest to the settlers, was a
three weeks' visit by Gouverneur Morris, during which time
he was the guest of Isaac Austin. In nearly every summer
from this time until his death, in 1816, he made short
visits to his lands and settlers in Cambray.
The first merchant in the township was John Brown,
who, in 1809, opened a store at the east end of the bridge,
near the river-bank and on the south side of the highway.
Up to this time, and especially after the opening of Porter's
inn, the west side of the river had been the more important
point, but Brown's store changed all this and established
the location t)f the village. After a time another merchant
established here, and this was Moses Rowley.
On the opening of the War of 1812 the people here, as
in many of the villages and towns near the frontier, being
panic-stricken in the fear of Indian incursions, erected a
large and strong block-house, with an inclosing stockade, as
a refuge and defense in case of attack. It stood in the
road (now Clinton street), at a point near the present resi-
dence of F. M. Holbrook. A watch by day, and sentinels
by night, were maintained for a time ; but, as no attack or
*Thi8 bridge stood until 1820, when a new one was built in its
place by James Parker, at a cost of $1000.
43
alarm came, the precaution was soon omitted, and the people
returned to their vocations in pursuance of the advice of
Isaac Austin, who told them that if they devoted their time
to garrison duty, they would soon stand face to face with
an enemy worse than the Indian, namely, starvation ! The
block-house was soon after sold and the material put into
the dam and other structures in the village.
When rumors came of an expected attack on Ogdens-
burg, there were many here who volunteered for its defense ;
among whom were Isaac Austin, Stephen Mitchell, Stephen
Patterson, Jr., Silas Spencer, and William Panning. All
of these returned safely, but Fanning died afterwards from
the effects of the exposure. Spencer was much compli-
mented for having repulsed, single-handed, a squad of the
enemy who, upon one occasion, endeavored to effect a land-
ing at Ogdensburg.
The first utilization of the water-power at the village was
by William Downs, who, on Feb. 1, 1814, purchased from
Dr. Townsend, as the proprietor's agent, a lot 38 by 24 feet
in size, '' on the easterly island," with the privilege to erect
a dam and to use sufficient water from the river for the pro-
pulsion of carding and fulling machinery ; with the condi-
tion that such machinery should be put in operation at a
time sufficiently early to work the fieeces of that year's
clipping. The dam was built, and the carding and fulling
equipment made ready within the time stipulated. This
was operated as a clothiery for many years. After Downs
it came into possession of P]li Robinson, and then of Syl-
vanus Cone, who rebuilt it for the same use ; then it was
owned by Isaac P. Fisher, and by him converted into a
wood-working establishment. It was destroyed by fire in
1853, during the proprietorship of Mr. Fisher, who then
erected in its place the fine-grist-mill afterwards owned by
Burt & Co., and now by S. Graves.
The first saw-mill in the village was built on the west side,
in 1815, by Israel Porter, Rockwell Barnes, Raymond Aus-
tin, and Benjamin Smith, each having a quarter-interest.
After them it passed through the hands of many different
proprietors. In 1840 it was owned by Almeron Thomas,
who furnished from it the lumber for the present seminary.
In 1853 it was destroyed by fire, during the proprietorship
of John Fosgate, and was by him rebuilt. It was after-
wards purchased and remodeled by Bidwell & Baldwin, and
passed from them to the present proprietors, Starbuck,
McCarthy & Co.
Tbe first grist-mill erected was by Israel Porter, about
1820. This stood on the west side of the river, and was
equipped with two run of rock-stones from Antwerp. The
mill was burned in 1825, rebuilt by Mr. Porter, and operated
by him until his deathin 1836, after which it was owned by
Almeron Thomas, then by John Fosgate. It was again
burnt in 1853, and rebuilt by Mr. Fosgate, who owned it
until his death. It was then purchased by Edwin G.
Dodge, and is now run by E. G. Dodge & Co.
Notwithstanding the check to immigration caused by the
war, the village contained in 1816 about two hundred in-
habitants, and from that time the increase was much more
rapid, particularly for several years after 1820. As regards
the moral condition of the place, we find it mentioned, in a
published historical narrative relating to those times, that
338
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tlie firm religious principles of the first comers had so fur
pervaded tlie community as to create a noticeable supeiiority
in this particular over many other settlements ; but, on the
other hand, the Rev. N. Q. Conklin, referring to the same
subject in a sermon preached in G-ouverneur village July
2, 1876, says,—
"As is liable in new settlements, the general state of morals was
very low. We are told by those who yet remember those early times,
that the weekly exhibitions of the multitude gathered at the village
on a Saturday afternoon furnished sights and sounds fearful to wit-
ness and to hear; that profanity and drunkenness, with brawling and
fighting, seemed to characterize the masses on these occasions; that
the Saturday night was made hideous in the extreme; and that often
these orgies were continued unto the dawning of God's hallowed day
of rest. We do not wonder, therefore, that Mr. Finney, in his me-
moirs, says this was ' a place of great wickedness.' "
The time referred to was 1825 and the years preceding
it. As impartial h'storitins, we give both statements.
In the years 1824 and 1829 there arrived and settled in
Gouverneur two men whose names must always occupy
chief places in her annals, these being respectively Harvey
D. Smith and Edwin Dodge. The following in reference
to the coming of Judge Dodge is from Mr. Smith's own
pen: "In the year 1829, Edwin Dodge came as agent
of the Morris estate, by which most of the lands were owned.
The liberal and forbearing policy which he adopted as agent,
and subsequently as owner of considerable portions of the
lands, encouraged purchasers, and induced the location of
a highly respectable class of immigrants from the east, and
from Scotland." During the many years of ..their lives in
Gouverneur, these gentlemen enjoyed in the highest degree
the respect and confidence of their fellow-townsmen. Mr.
Smith died Sept. 28, 1864. The death of Judge Dodge
occurred Nov. 15, 1877.
THE. POST-OFFICE.
Dr. P. B. Hough, in his " History of St. Lawrence and
Franklin Counties," gives the date of the establishment of
the Gouverneur post-office as Aug. 3, 1824, with Moses
Rowley as first postmaster. This date is perhaps correct
as regards the official recognition of the office by the depart-
ment, but it is certain that G-ouverneur enjoyed postal
facilities as early as 1816, and that Dr. Richard Townsend
was the acting, if not the actual postmaster, and that he
continued so to act until the appointment of Mr. Rowley
at the time above named. The mails were transported
weekly on horseback, and the first mail messenger was John
Otis, of Denmark, who recently died in that town at an ad-
vanced age. Another of the early messengers, and probably
the successor of Otis, was Levi Holt. The office was then
kept at Dr. Townsend's house, where is now the residence
of P. M. Holbrook. The office under Mr. Rowley was
kept at his store. His successor was Edwin Dodge, who
held from about 1830 to 1849. Since that time the
incumbents of the office have been as follows : Chaun-
cey Dodge, 1849-1853; Charles Anthony, 1853-1855
(resigned) ; William H. Bowne, 1855-1861 ; S. B. Van
Duzee, 1861-1865 ; George B. Winslow, 18tj5 to the present
time.
GOUVERNEUR WESLEYAN SEMINAUY.
The pioject of an academical school in Gouverneur was
first agitated in the year 1526. The brick school-house,
then in the process of erection in the village, had been de-
signed as a one-story structure for the use of the common
school only ; but the proposition was now made to add a
second story, to be occupied by a school of higher grade,
the funds for the purpose to be raised by subscription.
At a meeting of the principal citizens, held March 31,
1826, the plan assumed definite shape. Subscriptions were
to be asked, and the amount so raised was to be divided
into shares of ten dollars each ; the shareholders to consti-
tute an association in which was to he vested the ownership
of the upper story of the building and the control of the
school. In pursuance of this plan, $540 was raised and
divided into fifty-four equal shares. The association met,
and decided that its'aflFairs should be conducted by three
trustees, elected annually on the first Tuesday of October ;
and it was also resolved that the new school should be
named " The Gouverneur Union Academy."
It was not until the following year that the building was
completed and the school opened under charge of Mr.
Ruger, the first principal, who not long after was succeeded
by a Mr. Morgan.
On the 5th of April, 1828, au act was passed by the
legislature incorporating this academy under the designation
of " The Gouverneur High School," and naming John
Spencer, Aaron Rowley, David Barrell, Harvey D. Smith,
Josiah Waid, Alba Smith, Almond Z. Madison, Joel Keyes,
and Robert Conant as the first board of trustees. The
authorized capital stock was $20,000, divided into 2000
equal shares. In the fall of 1828 the charge of the school
was assumed by Isaac G-reen, who was to receive as remu-
neration all the proceeds of tuitions, and was granted the use
of the school-room free during the first term.
In response to a formal application made by the trustees,
February 19, 1829, the regents of the university granted
to the high school a participation in the benefits of the
literature fund. About this time it became apparent that
more room would be necessary for the requirements of the
school, and the project of erecting a new academy building
began to be discussed. Subscriptions for this purpose,
amounting to $2755, having been obtained about the 1st of
September, 1830, it was resolved to commence the building
upon a lot purchased of James Averell, and by him con-
veyed by deed to the trustees, March 14, 1831. This was
: the easterly end of the present public park ; the frontage
of the lot on the main street being ninety feet. The funds
] already secured being insufficient to complete the building,-
the shareholders in the second story of the brick school-,
house, namely, H. D. Smith, A. Z. Madison, A. M. Rowley,
Charles D. Goodrich, David Barrell, Josiah Waid, Edward
Maddock, Wolcott Griffin, John Spencer, and Miles Turner,
conveyed their shares to the trustees of the high school,
with the agreement that the latter should sell the property
and devote the proceeds to the erection of the new academy,
and that the said shareholders should receive a like amount
of the stock authorized by act of 1828. At this time, too,
Mr. Joseph Hopkins, a graduate of Hamilton and a teacher
in the institution at Potsdam, proposed to the trustees to
subscribe $800, oii_ condition that the building should be
erected after a certain design of his own, and that he should
be employed to take charge of the school. His design was
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HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
3.39
rejected, but it was arranged that lie should have charge of
the school, receiving as remuneration all the tuition money,
in addition to the amount anpually received from the regents.
Under this modification his subscription was reduced to
$4:00. In 1832 the trustees petitioned for aid to the amount
of $1000 from the literature fund, which was denied.
The academy was a brick edifice, constructed on a plan
somewhat modified from one proposed by Philip Kearney,
Esq. It consisted of a main building with wings on two
opposite sides ; the former being 30 by 40 feet upon the
ground, and two stories in height, and the wings being
each 28 feet square and of two stories. The building faced
westwardly, down the park. It was not completed ready
for occupancy until April, 1834, when the school was
opened in it with Mr. Hopkins as principal, under the
arrangement above mentioned. His assistant teachers were
Almond Z. Madison and Mary A. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins
continued at the head of the school for about three years,
and resigned in March, 1837, at which time arrangements
were made with the Black River conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church to take the high school under its patronage
and control. The trustees, Messrs. Lewis B. Parsons, Syl-
vanus Cone, Charles Goodrich, H. D. Smith, and Ira A.
Van Duzee, agreed with the conference that lOO shares, or
more, of the stock should be conveyed to authorized persons
in trust for the Methodist denomination, on the conditions
" that a good classical school shall be opened in a reason-
able time, and continued in the academy building for at
least three years, with not less than three competent
teachers ;" and that ," if after three years said school be so
run down as that tuition shall be suspended for more than
three months at a time," excepting vacations, interruptions
for repair.';, etc., and that " whenever persons of the Method-
ist Episcopal connection shall by original subscriptions or
purchases obtain the control or ownership of the stock of
said high-school corporation, exclusive of the stock hereby
transferred," then, in either of these cases, the stock should
revert to its former owners. And a further condition was
that if at any time the Methodists should fail to sustain
the school, and by that means forfeit the transferred stock,
then the institution should be returned to the foi-mer pro-
prietors free of incumbrance. And in pursuance of this
agreement, on the 29th of March, 1837, 103 shares were
transferred to John Loveys, William C. Mason, Jesse T.
Peck, Charles W. Leet, and Reuben Reynolds, ministers
acting for the conference. The persons who made over the
stock, and the number of shares transferred by each, were
as follows; Harvey D. Smith, 15 shares; L. B. Parsons,
20 shares ; Joseph Hopkins, 30 shares ; Hiram Murdock,
8 shares ; John Spencer, 14 shares ; Sylvanus Cone, 3
shares ; William E. Sterling, 5 shares ; Edward Maddock,
2 shares; Raymond Austin, 1 share; and Charles Good-
rich, 5 shares. In July, 1840, the Methodists had, by
subscriptions among their own people, obtained and become
owners of a majority of the high-school stock, exclusive of
the shares transferred as above mentioned.
The first principal of the high school under the Methodist
regime was Rev. Jesse T. Peck,* who continued in charge
* Elected bishoD of the Methodist EnisoODal church in 1872.
up to December, 1840, and under whom the school pros-
pered until the great calamity which overtook it in the total
destruction of the academy building by fire, at midnight
on the 1st of Januiiry, 1839. It was insured for $1800
in the Jefi'erson County Mutual company, and for $500 in
a New York company The former was repudiated and
lost, the latter was collected. This, with $2600 in sub
scriptions (the greater portion of which was not yet due),
comprised all the resources of the institution, while its
'debts amounted to $4000. In this gloomy state of affairs
the town instructed the trustees to petition the legislature
for a loan of $2000, to be refunded to the treasury within
four years by tax upon the town. They did so, and the
petition was granted at the next session. Besides this, new
subscriptions were procured, and the work of rebuilding
was commenced upon a lot lying in the southeast corner of
the De Kalb and Fowler roads (now Main and Grove streets,
respectively), fronting 225 feet on the former, and 182 feet
on the latter, and purchased of Wolcott Griffin, May 6,
1839. -The building committee were Edwin Dodge, Harvey
D. Smith, William E. Sterling, and Jesse T. Peck. The
house (the same stone building which is still occupied by
the seminary) was completed at a cost exceeding $5500,
the original estimate having been $4000. During its
erection the school had not been suspended, but had con-
tinued in temporary quarters. On the 25th of April, 1840,
the name of the institution Was changed, by act of legisla-
ture, to " Goyverneur Wesleyan seminary," as at present.
In December, 1840, Rev. J. T. Peck was succeeded as
princi^pal by Rev. Loren L. Knox, who was in turn suc-
ceeded by Rev. Anson W. Cummings, in July, 1842. Rev.
J. W. Armstrongf assumed charge as principal in July,
1844. Under him the success of the institutioti was re-
markable. His successor was Prof Wm. W. Clark, who
became principal in the summer of 1850. By an act
passed in 1851, an appropriation of $2000 was made from
the general fund of the State for the benefit of the semi-
nary, by which all incumbrances were removed, and the
institution placed on a sound financial footing.
The principals who followed Prof Clark during the
Methodist management were Rev. E. C. Bruce, 1853 to
1860, under whom the school enjoyed no small degree of
prosperity; Rev. A. Roe, 1860-1866; and Rev. G. G.
Dains, from 1866 until the close of the Methodist manage-
ment.
At the April session of the conference in 1869, that
body resolved to withdraw its special patronage from the
seminary, and to transfer it to the school at Antwerp.
Upon this abandonment of the school by the Methodists
the town met, and voted to issue its bonds to the amount of
$20,000 for the benefit of the seminary, and to insure, its
continuance in Gouverneur village. The law authorizing
the issuance of these bonds was passed April 23, 1869,
and it also authorized an increase of the capital stock of the
seminary to $50,000. To carry into effect the provisions
of the act a commission was appointed, consisting of Charles
Anthony, E. H. Neary, Edwin Dodge, William H, Bowncj
■ ■ "f Now' principal of the New York State normal school at Fre-
donia.
340
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Charles G. Eddy, George Lockie, and Peleg Chamberkin.
Four thousand dollars of the principal of the bonds was
used for repairing the buildings, purchasing adjacent prop-
erty, and other improvements. The remaining $16,000 is,
by subsequent legislation, to remain, and the interest on
that sum (which is raised yearly by tax on the town) to be
applied to pay the current expenses of the institution.
The ■ stockholders' annual meeting, held September 6,
1869, was rather a stormy one. Rev. L. Clark, for the con-
ference, oflTered votes on the 103 shares of stock transferred
by Harvey D. Smith and others in 1837. These votes were
rejected. He also offered votes on other 300 shares for the
conference, which were objected to, but afterwards received.
The supervisor of Gouverneur, Mr. Ormiston, offered votes
on 2000 shares, which were received, notwithstanding the
strong objections of Rev. Mr. Clark. The whole number
of shares voted on was 2489, and the following persons
were elected trustees, viz. : Hon. Edwin Dodge, Isaac Star-
buck, Hezekiah S. Randall, Stephen B. Van Duzee, Gris-
wold E. Burt, William A. Paul, George M. Gleason, Ed-
ward H. Neary, Francis M. Holbrook.
On January 29, 1870, Rev. Mr. Dains' resignation was
accepted, to take effect at the end of his year's engagement,
and on the 13th of June, 1870, Prof M. H. Fitts was
elected principal. He remained for five years, and was suc-
ceeded in the summer of 1876 by Prof Hiram W. Hunt,
M.A., who is still in charge. The present board of trus-
tees is composed of Hon. Edwin Dodge,* Dexter A. John-
son, Hon. Newton Aldrich, Hon. George M. Gleason, Hon.
E. H. Neary, Hon. David McFalls, G. S. Conger, Dr. J.
B. Carpenter, S. BI. Parker.
The number of students at the end of the scholastic year
of 1876-77 was 165, being 92 ladies and 73 gentlemen.
The name given to the seminary at the commencement of
the Methodist regime is now a misnomer, and will probably
soon be changed.
At the request of several gentlemen we give tlie list
(taken from the earliest catalogue now known to be in exist-
ence) of the male students of the seminary for the year
ending Dec. 25, 1833.t Loren R. Austin, David Austin,
Brastus Barnes, Erwin S. Barnes, Almond C. Barrell
Francis M. Beardslee; James C. Brayton, Alfred A. Bray-
ton, Edwin M. Brayton, Wilna; William A.Brown, Rich-
ville ; Decius Bullock, Coburg, U. C. ; Harvey Clark •
Walter Clark, Watertown ; Erastus Cole, Henry C. Cone ;
Freeman Conant, Fowler; Egbert E. Colton, Charles s!
Cone, Lewis Colton, Noah B. Dewey; Harvey Easton,
Lowville; Henry L. Foster, Harvey Foster, Antwerp;
Ezekiel Fosgate, Jr., Nelson T. Foster; Charles Graves^
Charles Gillet, Ox Bow; John A. Goodrich; Whitfield
M. Goodrich, Champion ; Henry Goodrich, Fowler ; Charles
R. Goodrich, Daniel 0. Goodrich, Amos H. Haile, Andrew
Haile ; James tiaile, Fairfield ; Amos A. Haile, Fowler ;
Ezekiel Hawley; Clinton Hastings, James H. Hazleton,'
Simeon Plazleton, Jr., Fowler; Gustavus Hopkins, Rut-
land ; Charles Hudson ; Asa W. Ingalls, Rodman ; Martin
^' Now deceased.
t The place of residence, when not otherwise given, is understood
to be Gouverneur.
Johnson; Daniel Jones, Philadelphia; Lucius M. Keyes,
Royal P. Keyes ; Henry C. Kenyon, Rome ; John King,
Ebenezer D. King, Benjamin F. Leavitt; Caleb Lyon, Jr.,
Lyonsdale ; James H. Madison, John R. Madison ; John
Marvin, Watertown ; Reuben Macomber, Philadelphia ;
Thaddeus Murdock, Townshead, Vt. ; Henry M. Murdock,
Philo Parsons, Lewis Parsons, Augustus S. Parker, Charles
Parsons, Cornelius A. Parker, Origen D. Parker, Levi Par-
sons, George Parsons ; Monsieur Volney Parker, Antwerp ;
Bradley Phillips, Jephthah Porter, Alson C. Poste, Her-
man Poste, Aaron Rhodes ; Daniel Ryan ; John J. Run-
dell, De Kalb ; Ransom M. Sawyer, Charles Sawyer, Elijah
Streeter, James H. Smith, Edwin Smith, Charles B. Shel-
don, Henry Sheldon, Benjamin Smith, Orin Smith, Isaac
P. Smith, Bradford J. Smith, Benjamin Smith (2d), Avery
J. Smith, Hulbert Smith, Edward W. Smith, Eli N. Skin-
ner, Laban T. Skinner ; Lorenzo Thrall, Kingsboro' ; Emery
0. Thompson, Calvin Townson ; Jesse H. Tyler, Rutland;
John P. Vary, Elbert M. Vary, William S. Van Duzee,
William D. Van Duzee ; David Wagar, Western W. Wagar,
Le Ray ; John M. Waid. And the following additional
names from the next succeeding catalogue, commencing
Jan. 1, 1834: Charles Anthony, Le Ray; Rockwell W.
Barnes, Edwin Bond ; George D. Bell, Heuvelton ; Thomas
N. Benedict, Eli R. Colton, Henry C. Cone, Rutland ; Tru-
man Conant, Fowler; William Cummings, Sacket's Harbor ;
James M. Dow ; Eliphalet S. Earll, Edwards ; W'illiam H.
Ebblie, Lowville ; Luke Ely, Loraine ; Harvey Foster,
Henry L. Foster, Antwerp ; Thomas N. Foster, Isaac Fos-
ter ; George Fowler, Ox Bow ; A. N. Gray, J. W. Gray,
Madrid; George D. Goodale, Rutland; C. S. Grainger,
Le Ray ; Mason W. Haile, Nathan W. Haven, Manning
Haven, Isaac A. Holbrook, Charles M. Hyer; Isaac C.
Haven, Pamelia ; John Heald, Antwerp ; Benjamin Jewitt,
Sacket's Harbor ; Roswell B. Johnson, Alden King, Vol-
ney Kimball, Rutland ; Daniel B. Lawton, Fowler ; John
A. Leavitt, Samuel Sabin Murdock ; John Mitchell, Fowler ;
John Marvin, James T. Peden, Horatio Peden, Watertown ;
M. V. Parker, Antwerp; Albert Rice, Densmore Rice,
James M. Smith, Charles Smith, Reuel K. Smith ; M.
Starks, Watertown ; William Skinner, Adams ; Edwin
Shepherd, Canton ; James B. Thompson, East Poultney,
Vt. ; Henry Townsend, Sylvester Townson, Barent Van
Burcn; Albert White, Edwards; Eliphalet P. Williams,
Russell.
Many of these have gone to a better land, but a goodly
number remain ; and these will, perhaps, be glad to scan
once more the familiar roll, and to re-awaken memories of
the happy and hopeful days which they passed at the gray
old seminary.
VILLAGE INCORPORATION.
On the 8th of August, 1850, it was ordered by a court
of sessions for the county of St. Lawrence, then sitting at
Canton, that a certain described tract of land, estimated at
651 acres, lying upon the Oswegatchie river, in the town
of Gouverneur, " be an incorporated village by the name of
' the village of Gouverneur,' if the electors thereof shall
assent thereto, as provided by the act for the incorporation
of villages, passed Dec. 7, 1847 ;" and James Sherwin,
Rodney Smith, and John W. Overacker were designated as
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
341
inspectors of an election, which they were directed to notify
and hold for the purpose of ascertaining the minds of said
electors upon the matter in question, in accordance with the
requirements of the act referred to.
In pursuance of this order, an election was held on the
7th of September following, at Goodrich's town-hall in
Gouverneur, which resulted in the ratification of the in-
corporation by a vote of 30 to 4. These proceedings were
certified by Judge Edwin Dodge as having been legally car-
ried out, and were recorded in the county clerk's office
Sept. 11,1850.
The first corporation election was held in the village on
the 12th of the succeeding month, and resulted in the choice
of the following officers : Trustees, N. D. Arnot, Edwin
Dodge, Peter Van Buren, S. B. Van Duzee, and J. P.
Smith (Mr. Arnot being elected president by the board at
its first meeting) ; Assessors, H. Schermerhorn, Richard
Parsons, and 0. G. Barnum ; Clerk, Chauncey Dodge;
Collector, Zebina Smith ; Treasurer, H. D. Smith.
During the seventeen succeeding years the office of presi-
dent was filled by the following gentlemen : Peter Van
Buren, 1851 ; John Fosgate, 1852 ; Richard Parsons,
1853-55 ; Charles S. Cone, 1856 ; Whitfield M. Goodrich,
1857; James D. Easton, 1858; Gilbert L. Van Namee,
1859-60; Charles Anthony, 1861 ; Charles A. Van Duzee,
1861-62; Charles E. Clark, 1864-66; and J. B. Preston,
in 1867.
On April 29, 1868, the legislature of New York passed
" an act to incorporate the village of Gouverneur, in the
county of St. Lawrence, and to repeal its present charter."
The act describes certain boundaries, embracing the village
tract on both sides of the Oswegatchie river, " and the
inhabitants residing therein are hereby declared to be a
body politic and municipal corporation, and shall hereafter
be known in law by the corporate name of Gouverneur
VILLAGE," etc.
The first election under this act was held May 5, 1868.
The officers elected at this meeting were : President, Wm.
H. Bowne ; Trustees, Charles A. Van Duzee, Charles W.
Burt, John Killmer, and Cyrus H. Russell. Since that
time the following-named persons have been elected to the
office of president of the village, viz. : W. H. Bowne, 1869-
70 ; S. B. Stinson, 1871 ; Edwin G. Dodge, 1872 to 1876,
inclusive ; and William Whitney, in 1877. The trustees
for 1877 are William R. Fosgate, A. K. Jepson, James H.
Dickson, and Sylvanus B. Stinson ; Clerk of the corpora-
tion, C. J. Cushman.
RAILROAD, STAGE-LINES, ETC.
The Potsdam and Watertown railroad (now the R., W.
& 0. R. R., which traverses nearly the entire length of the
town) was opened to this village in 1856, the date of the
arrival of the first train from Watertown being Sept. 12, in
that year. From this time until Feb. 6, 1857, Gouver-
neur continued to be the northern terminus, and during
this period the stage-line made its connection here for Og-
densburg, but after this its connection was made at De
Kalb junction, and Gouverneur saw it no more.
These stages had passed through the village constantly
for thirty years, the line having been established in 1827,
by Reuben Nott, of Somerville, Several other proprietors
succeeded, the last of these having been Jeremiah and Isaac
Baldwin, of Ogdensburg. The stage-house in Gouverneur
was Van Buren 's hotel.
PUBLIC-HOUSES.
The first tavern, as already mentioned, was that of Israel
Porter, built in 1808. It was first a small log structure,
but afterwards a frame building larger than the original
was added to it. Then the log portion was demolished,
and a second frame was added to the first. The Porter
tavern was for many years the only one in the place. The
building is still in existence, the property of Hon. E. H.
Neary. As early as May, 1811, six persons were licensed
as innkeepers in the town, viz. : Israel Porter, Wm. Cleg-
horn, Rufus Washburn, Abraham Lewis, John Wilson, and
Truman Bristol ; but these, excepting the first, were farm-
houses, located away from the village, and were hardly to
be rated as hotels.
On the main street, near the east end of the bridge, is
the building (now the residence of Mrs. Van Buren) once
known as the brick hotel. A part of this was built, about
1818, by John Brown, the first merchant, as his residence.
This was purchased, in 1822, by Dr. John Spencer, who
enlarged and opened it as a hotel. It was afterwards pur-
chased and kept by Moses Rowley ; then sold on execution
to James Averell, by whom it was rented to Peter Van
Buren, who kept it as a hotel until 1848, when it was par-
tially destroyed by fire. It was then purchased by Mr.
Van Buren, who rebuilt it as a private dwelling.
The Spencer House, on the main street, in the east part
of the village, was commenced in 1828, completed in 1829,
and opened as a public-house in the spring of 1830 by Dr.
John Spencer, who kept it for fourteen years, and was suc-
ceeded by his son. Col. J. M. Spencer, the present proprie-
tor. Dr. Spencer died in this house Oct. 6, 1855.
The Fosgate House, on the west side of the river, was
first opened by Henry Hudson about 1845. The building,
originally the dwelling of Caleb Morgan, had been enlarged
by Hudson for the purpose. His successor was John Fos-
gate, by whom and his family the house was kept until
after the opening of the railroad.
The Van Buren House was buiit by Peter Van Buren in
1849, immediately after the burning of his brick hotel.
The east end of the building was formed by a two-story
dwelling-house, purchased from Benjamin H. Smith. Mr.
Van Buren was one of the most popular and successful of
landlords. The house continued under his management
until 1869, the year preceding his death. He was suc-
ceeded by his son, J. B. Van Buren, the present proprietor.
The Fuller House, at the northwest corner of Main and
Park streets, was built by C. T. Fuller, and opened, in 1876,
by Daniel Peck, the present proprietor.
WATER-WORKS FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRES.
The Gouverneur water-works were commenced Aug. 1,
1867, by an association or joint-stock company, these being
the same persons who were incorporated as " The Gouverneur
Water-works Company," April 17, 1868, by chap. 243 of
the laws of that year. The directors named in the act were
342
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Charles Anthony, Augustus E. Norton, Edwin Dodge, Peter
Van Buren, S. B. Van Duzee, Lyman Litchfield, and
Charles E. Clark. The capital stock was |20,000, in shares
of 1100 each.
The works were constructed on the Holly principle ; the
motive-power being furnished by means of a water-wheel
located on the island in the river, below the bridge. The
machinery aud pumps were made by the Holly manufactu-
ring company, and the first pipes were laid by the Jersey
City pipe company. The company has laid about one mile
of pipe, and put in 16 hydrants. The officers for 1877
are : President, W. A. Boardman ; Secretary and Treasu-
rer, Charles Anthony ; Superintendent, C. A. Van Duzee ;
Directors, Edwin Dodge, S. B. Van Duzee, Charles An-
thony, A. K. Jepson, W. A. Boardman, S. B. Stinson, and
A. E. Norton.
Grouverneur hose company, No. 1, was organized by act
of legislature, paaeed April 29, 1868. It was equipped
with hose-carriage, hose, hooks, ladders, etc., and did good ,
service at the various fires in the village, but was disbanded
in November, 1877. i
The experience of Gouverneur village has been rather
more severe than that of most villages in the matter of .
fires, from the burning of the old academy, Jan. 1, 1839,
until the present time. Probably the most disastrous of
these were three conflagrations which have occurred within >
the past three years. The earliest of these was on Jan. 13,
1875, when six stores on Main street were burned, includ- ;
ing the corner where the Fuller House now stands. The ;
loss on this occasion was $30,000. On the 1st of May, |
1877, seven stores on Main street, where Van Namee's ',
block now is, were destroyed by fire with a loss of 130,000. ;
The brick block at the corner of Church and William '
streets, owned by Willet Bowne, C. H. Bowne, S. B. Van
Duzee, Jacob Bechhold, C. A. Van Duzee, and Lewis Eok- ■
man, was consumed by fire Oct. 7, 1877. This was one of ;
the finest business blocks in the county of St. Lawrence. I
The working of rebuilding commenced at once, and the ex- I
ternal portion of the structure is now (Dec. 20) already i
completed. The block is in every particular equal to the ;
one which was destroyed. An exhibition-hall, second to :
none in the county, is embraced in the building. '
THE PRESS I
is represented by the Tiines and Herald, weekly newspapers, ;
the detailed history of which, and other newspapers pre- '■
viously published in the village, appear in connection with j
the general history of the press of the county, elsewhere in ;
our work. ■
MASONIC. i
Gouverneur Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 217, was organized i
Juno 9,' A.D. 1851 ; Benjamin P. Skinner, W. M. ; Josiah j
Waid, S. W. ; William Holmes, J. W. The original i
record having been destroyed by fire, the full list of first \
officers cannot be given. i
The present membership is 116 ; place of meeting. Ma- !
sonic hall. Van Duzee & Bowne's block, Gouverneur village. '■
The officers for 1877 are John McCarty, W. M. ; E. T. '
Herrick, S. W. ; S. A. Ackerman, J. W. ; Antim Meyeur, i
Treas. ; E: H. Drake, Sec. ; D. C. Drake, S. D. ; Henry i
Rogers, J. D. ; George Draper, S. M. S. ; James Nelson,
J. M. S. ; G. G. Dains, Chaplain ; William Fosgate, Mar-
shal ; M. P. Dimmock, Tyler.
Gouverneur Chapter, R. A. M. — Organized under dis-
pensation, November, a.d. 1868. First officers: George
B. Winslow, H. P. ; A. E. Norton, K. ; William H.
Bowne, Scribe ; J. A. Waid, Treas. ; A. S. Rhodes, Sec.
Number of original members, 10.
The officers for 1877 arc John Webb, Jr., H. P. ; John
M. Reynolds, King; Wallace H. Poster, Scribe; S. B
Stinson, Treas. ; E. H. Drake, Sec. ; G. G. Dains, Chaplain
J. S. Spencer, Jr., C. of H. ; George B. Winslow, P. S.
W. Prank Fosgate, R. A. C. ; John McCarty, M. 3 V.
James W. Ormiston, M. 2 V. ; Henry Rogers, M. 1 V.
M. P. Dimmock, Tyler. Place of meeting. Van Duzee &
Bowne's block.
A lodge existed here before 1828, and went down in the
anti-Masonic excitement of that time.
The private banking-house of Charles Anthony & Co.
was established Oct. 1, 1860. Proprietors, Charles An-
thony, James G. Averell, and William J. Averell. Cashier,
H. Sudds. Banking-rooms, Main street, corner of Park.
The banking-house of A. Godard & Co. was established
in 1874. The firm consists of Abel Godard and Hiram
Herring. Cashier, A. J. Holbrook. Banking-rooiils, oppo-
site the park.
THE PUBLIC PARK
is a long and nearly triangular tract of ground lying be-
tween Church, Grove, and Main streets, and opposite the
principal business places of the village. It is the property
of the seminary and of the Messrs. Averell, of Ogdensburg,
the former owning the eastern and the latter the western
portion ; but it is the intention of both to donate the
property to the village, and this has in eiFect already been
done. At a meeting of the trustees of the seminary, June
3, 1873, in was " Resolved, That all that part of the lot of
land owned by the seminary, and fenced and used as a pub-
lic park, be and the same is conveyed to the village of
Gouverneur to be used as a public park, and for no other
purpose." But this' was understood to be on condition that
the Messrs. Avei'ell should give ■ a like conveyance, which
they are prepared to do, and meanwhile the ground is in
possession of the village for the purpose specified. It Was
originally a sandy, desolate spot, but was made attractive
by fencing and planting trees, and more recently, by the
putting in of fountains. To the late Peter Van Buren,
more than to any other person, were the people of Gouver-
neur indebted for the embellishment of their park by the
planting and nourishing of its shade-trees.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.
Besides the saw- and grist-mills already mentioned Gou-
verneur contains several manufacturing establishments,
which we notice severally, as follows :
The furniture-manufactory of S. B. Van Duzee & Co;,
near the east end of the bridge, stands on a site which was
first occupied by a trip-hammer shop, built by Joel Keyes
about 1827 for the manufacture of tools and for general
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
343
blacksmithing. About 1848 it was destroyed by fire, after
which the proprietors sold the site to Asa Hunt, and from
him it passed to Mr. Van Duzee, who built the present
works in 1850.
Adjoining the above is the sash- and blind-factory and
planing-mill of Richard Grinnell. The first erection on
this site was that of a saw-mill and wood-working shop by
Captain Rockwell Barnes about 1829. It passed to the
possession of Milton Barney, who carried it on as a chair-
factory until its destruction by fire about 1840. He then
built the present works for the same business, but they
were afterwards changed to their present use by Isaac P.
Foster, from whom they passed to Grinnell.
The foundry and machine-shop of J. S. & A. Corbin
was built and put in operation by Hill before 1850.
It has since been owned and carried on by 0. S. Hill, Fox
& Rich, Litchfield & Moore, Litchfield & Corbin, and the
present owners.
On the west side of the river below the bridge is the
tannery of Wni. P. Herring & Co.,- which produces about
25,000 sides of leather yearly, and employs from seven to
ten men. This is the lineal successor of a tannery built on
the same site about 1841 by Hendrick Schermerhorn, who
continued it for about seven years, when it was burnt. It
was rebuilt, and purchased by Newell Havens in 1851.
Freedom Freeman purchased it about 1853, and in a short
time it passed to Charles E. Clark. It was again burned
about 1865, and rebuilt by Mr. Clark, who sold it to the
present proprietors. Under them it was again destroyed
by fire, and has recently been rebuilt as it now stands.
Among the similar establishments which have existed here,
but are now gone, may be mentioned as follows : The old
tannery (the first in the place), built by Allen Goodrich on
the west side of the river, was run for many years by him-
self and his brother Thomas. This died a natural death.
Another tannery was built about 1828 by Benjamin H.
Smith in the north part of the village, near where the
creek enters the river from the east. This also died out.
On the west side of the river, adjoining the Fosgate mill,
a wagon-shop, propelled by water-power, was built by
Newell Havens in 1835, was burnt in 1836, rebuilt, bought
by W. E. Sterling, who made it a cooperage-shop, and it
was again burnt with the saw- and grist-mill in 1853. It
was not rebuilt. At the spot where the water-house now
stands was a wagon-thill manufactory, built by Marsh,
and afterwards owned by Allen & Easton. It was burnt
during their occupancy, and the spot then remained vacant
until the erection of the water-works. Another wagon-
thill shop, with steam-power, was run for a time on the
west side of the river.
The mercantile changes in the village since the days of
John Brown and Moses Rowley have been far too numer-
ous to trace. The number of stores is now twenty-two, of
an average grade, which cannot be excelled in any place of
equal size in this or other counties. The population
of Gouverneur village, by the census of 1875, was 1812.
NATURAL DAM.
This is a small lumbering village on the right bank of the
Oswegatchie, 1 i miles below the corporation of Gouverneur.
The name was given from the fact that at this point nature
threw across the stream a wall of solid rock, tight, perfect,
and regular in shape, and better for mill purposes than
could have been formed by man. It was here that the
proprietor caused to be erected the first saw-mill and grist-
mill in the town, and it was here that he believed the prin-
cipal village would grow up. The place was long known as
Morris' Mills. A stone house devoid of all symmetry, and of
everything that makes a house attractive, but solid and
:nassive in the extreme, was built here by his direction at
a very early day for the occupancy of his agent,* and for
the accommodation of himself whenever he should visit the
settlement. This ancient and ungainly structure still stands
there, gray and gloomy. The saw-mill and grist-mill con-
tinued to run until the latter became dilapidated and was
demolished, and the former was destroyed by fire. The site
then remained vacant until about 1838, when Captain
Rockwell Barnes purchased it with some land adjoining,
and erected a saw-mill, dwelling-house, barn, store-house,
and a bridge. He never realized any advantage from the
enterprise, and after him the property was purchased by
F. M. Beardslee, of Gouverneur, and by him sold in 1866
to Messrs. Weston, Dean & Aldrich, who, in 1867, com-
menced the erection of their present extensive mills. The
main mill is 64 by 115 feet, and its capacity is 1,500,000
feet of lumber per month. They have also a planiwg-mill
45 by 90 feet with two machines, a clapboard-mill, and a
shingle-mill ; the capacity of the latter being 22,000 shin-
gles per day. Twenty-five thousand laths and pickets are
turned out daily.
The company own tracts of timber land, aggregating
forty-five thousand acres, from which are furnished the
logs to supply this vast manufacture ; and a railway track
li miles in length has been constructed, to connect their
mills within the line of the B., W. & 0. R. R. Their
operations at this point employ about 100 men on an aver-
age, and these, with their families, form the greater portion
of the village population, which, by the last census, num-
bered 265. There are about 30 dwellings, exclusive of
shanties, which latter are also quite numerous.
The" Mineral Attrition Mill" is an establishment located
on the river, a half-mile below the lumber-mills, and en-
gaged in the grinding of talc. The proprietors are D. Min-
thorn, B. P. Sharp, Thomas Girvan, and A. C. Smith, of
New York city. The buildings and power were first put
in and used by D. Minthorn and others, in the grinding and
manufacture of mineral paint. The talc business was com-
menced hero about the 1st of November, 1876, and has'
proved successful. The mill now runs night and day, and
produces about ten tons of the manufactured article daily.
It is sold chiefly to paper-manufacturers. The raw material
is brought from beds in Fowler, IJ miles beyond Little
York, but the company have also beds nearer to the mill, in
Gouverneur.
OTHER SETTLEMENTS IN THE TOWN.
Little Bow Corners is a hamlet of ten dwellings, clustered
around the road-crossing about a half-mile from " Little
a Roger Maddook, who succeeded Dr. Towusend as agent about the
time of the proprietor's death, occupied thia.house.
344
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Bow" in the Oswegatchie. The first settler at this place
was Benjamin Smith, who came in April, 1806, with a
wife and three sons, — Jason, Amon, and Calvin, — and who
during all his subsequent life was known as " Benjamin
Smith, of the Bow," to distinguish him from another of
the same name in the town. His brothers Rufus and
Stephen also settled near him in 1807. He soon built a
saw-mill on a small creek flowing into the river, and this
remained in his possession until worn out. A store and an
a'shery were commenced hereby Moses Rowley before 1820,
and this passed into possession of Isaac Bolton, who kept
it for some years, after which it was finally closed. Another
store was kept there by R. K. Smith for about two years,
and then abandoned. The annual town-meetings in 1818'
and 1821 were held at Little Bow, and there were those
who considered the place as a rival of Gouverneur. The
place is less important now than a half-century ago.
Olds' Mills is a cluster of about eight dwellings on the
river, in the northwest part of the town. About 1825,
Aaron Carrington settled here, and built a saw-mill, which
was burned about ten years later while owned by Hiram
Drake. It was rebuilt by Asa Hunt. Still later it was re-
built or remodeled by R. K. Smith ; then it passed to
Stephen Johnson, who sold it to Jason Smith, a son of
Benjamin of the Bow. During his time of occupancy the
place was known as Smith's Mills. From Mr. Smith it
passed to William Sudds, then to Benjamin Olds, the pres-
ent proprietor. A small grocery, first opened by Jason
Smith, has been kept up until recently, but is now closed.
A tannery was also started there by John Brown many
years ago, but was long since abandoned.
North Gouyerneur is an agricultural neighborhood in the
northeast part of the town. The first settlement here was
made about 1830, by Noah Hamblin. The next settler
was J. D. Olney, and the third Levi Northrup. A short
distance northwest of this place is the " Clinton lead mine,"
a deposit discovered some years ago by Nehemiah Wash-
burn, and then supposed to be valuable, a supposition since
disproved by the operations of a company who purchased
and worked it for a short time. There is no probability of
its reopening.
RELIGIOUS.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The organization of this church dales from Feb. 18,
1811. The number oforiginal members was eighteen. Jona-
than Paine was appointed deacon, and soon after was licensed
to preach, and ordained the first pastor of this church,
which joined the association at its first session in Stock-
holm in 1812. During the pastorate of Mr. Paine, which
continued until March, 1816, only eleven were added to
the church, but in one year from the November succeeding
his retirement sixty-one were added, mostly by baptism.
Prom 1816 to 1825 the church had no settled pastor, but
was supplied a great portion of the time by Elders Amasa
Brown, Solomon Johnston, Elisha Morgan, and licentiates
Jonathan Wade, Noah Barrell, and David Wilcox, and in
this period 102 were added to its membership.
During the first eleven years of the church's existence
the worshipers met sometimes in private houses, some-
times in the large frame barn of Isaac Austin, in the north
part of Gouverneur village, on the premises now occupied
by Adam Killmer, but most frequently in the frame school-
house which occupied a part of the present site of the brick
block of Van Duzee and Bowne. But in 1822 their first
church edifice was built, and was so far advanced as to be
occupied for their services in the late autumn of that year.
In 1825, Elder Noah Barrell was settled as their pastor,
and remained two years, during which time 111 were added
to the numbers of the church. It is recorded that at one
time baptisms were made on nineteen successive Sabbaths,
and twice on week-days in the same period. In May,
1828, Elder J. W. Sawyer became pastor, and continued
for five years. Trouble came to the church during this
pastorate, arising chiefly from the anti-Masonic excitement
of those times. Several were expelled, and these united in
a conference, styled the " Conference brethren," who held
separate meetings, but eventually returned to the church
after the glow of the excitement had cooled. In May,
1833, Mr. Sawyer left, and the desk was then supplied for
nine months by Elder Wilkie. Elder C. Havens became
pastor in June, 1834, and remained three years, during
which time 73 were added to the roll of membership. He
was succeeded by Elder W. E. Locke, who remained till
Jan. 1, 1839. In May of that year N. Broughton came to
their service, in which he remained two years, flrst as licen-
tiate, and afterwards as an ordained minister. Thirty-six
additions were made during his time. He was succeeded
by Elder Samuel Pomeroy, May 1, 1841. During this
pastorate 74 were added to the roll, and a number were dis-
missed to form the North Gouverneur church. The first par-
sonage was also built at this time. In March, 1846, Elder
J. N. Webb became pastor, and remained two years, which
were not years of concord, though the church received 76
additional members, including 19 from the North Gouver-
neur church, which had disbanded. October 1, 1848, El-
der J. W. Sawyer, their pastor of twenty years before, again
assumed charge, and during his pastorate their present house
of worship was erected and dedicated. He resigned in
April, 1851, and in the following October his brother,
Elder Conant Sawyer, became pastor, and remained till
Dec. 12, 1852.
In May, 1853, H. A. Morgan, a student of Hamilton,
came as a supply, and on June 2 was ordained their pastor.
His successor was Elder 0. W. Babcock, in September,
1855. In 1859, members were dismissed to reorganize the
church of North Gouverneur. Elder Babcock closed his
pastorate in May, 1862, and was followed by Elder George A.
Ames, who remained till June, 1864. Elder J. W. Daniels
assumed charge in the following October, and left in Octo-
ber, 1867. He was succeeded by Elder J. B. Child, Feb-
ruary, 1868. He resigned in the fall of 1871, and the
church was served by supplies till April, 1872, when J. W.
Putnam became pastor. He continued in charge until
July, 1874, and during his pastorate the present parsonage
was erected. Elder E. P. Weed became pastor in Septem-
ber, 1874, and resigned in October, 1876. In January,
1877, the charge was assumed by Rev. H. C. Townly, the
present pastor. A Sabbath-school has been maintained by
this church for more than half a century.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
345
The church at North Grouverneur, which was formed
during the pastorate of Elder Samuel Pomeroy, and which,
having disintegrated soon after, was reorganized in 1859,
hals now recently disbanded, and its members worship with
the church at Grouverneur village, though occasional services
are still held in the school-house at North Gouverneur.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This organization, first known as the First Presbyterian
or Congregational church of Gouverneur, was formed May
24, 1817, by Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, of Champion, in Jef-
ferson county. The original members were fourteen in
number, viz. : Wm. Cleghorn, Jonathan S. Colton, Elijah
Hough, Jr., William Colton, Betsey Colton, and Hannah
Colton, all from the church at Champion, and Daniel Sears,
Horatio J. Cleveland, Isaac Smith, Dorothy Sackett, Cyn-
thia Sears, Cynthia Cleveland, Abigail Smith, and Betsey
Spencer, received on profession of faith. On Sabbath-day,
July 27, 1817, the first sacraments were administered by
Rev. Mr. Dutton, on which occasion ten members were
added to the church on profession of faith, bringing their
numbers to a total of twenty-four. One hundred and fifty
more were added before 1827, making one hundred and
seventy-four received in the first ten years of the church's
existence.
The legal organization of the society as a body corporate
was effected April 13, 1820 ; the Rev. Oliver Ayers, of
Oneida county, being present, and the proceedings of the
meeting being only verified on oath before Judge Thomas
Davis, April 19. The trustees were John Spencer, Richard
Kimball, William Cleghorn, William Colton, Rockwell
Barnes, and James Parker. A house of worship was at
once commenced, and was inclosed and in a manner made
fit for occupancy during that year, though unplastered and
without heating apparatus of any kind. Prior to this, the
worshipers had met in the school-house, in private dwellings,
or, as they often did in summer-time, in barns. These
meetings were not held at stated times, but only whenever
a friendly minister or missionary chanced to pass that way,
as Rev. N. Dutton, Rev. Ruel Kimball, of Leyden, Rev.
Winchester, Rev. Isaac Clinton, and others, who occa-
sionally ministered to them during this period. On the
13th of January, 1821, however, soon after they occupied
their first rude edifice, their first pastor, the Rev. James
Murdock, came to them, and largely through his efibrts the
house of worship, commenced in 1820, was completed in
1824; a fair and convenient meeting-house,- at a total cost
of fourteen hundred dollars. Twenty years later a new
church, their present place of worship, was built, and was
dedicated Aug. 29, 1844. It has since been enlarged and
refitted, the session-room improved and modernized, and a
parsonage built. All these were paid for as they went
along, and the society is free from debt. Rev. James
Murdock* remained until 1825, and was succeeded by Rev.
Richard C. Hand 1825 to 1832. Since his time the pul-
pit has been filled by the following ministers, namely. Rev.
Jonathan Hovey (supply), 1833-34 ; Rev. John Bucknell
(supply), about six months; Rev. Robert F. Lawrence
* Died at Crown Point, New Yorlf, 1841, aged eighty-six years.
44
(supply), 1835-37 ; Rev. Simeon Bicknell, pastor, 1838-
42 ; Rev. John Orr (supply), continued about two years ;
Rev. Baruch B. Beckwith, pastor, 1843-66 ; and the
present pastor, Rev. N. J. Conklin, who came in March,
1866.
In 1863, during the pastorate of Mr. Beckwith, the
church emerged from its former condition of " Presby-
terian or Congregational" organization, and became wholly
Presbyterian. A board of elders was chosen, consisting
of George Rodger, Melville H. Thrall, Samuel Wright,
James Bfodie, Simeon L. Parmelee, Joseph Howes, and
George Lockie, who were ordained on the 17th of May,
1863.
A division occurred in this church in 1842-43, which
resulted in the secession of certain members, and the forma-
tion of the Second Congregational church of Gouverneur,
and its incorporation as such in March, 1843. The trustees
were John Leach, M. W. Smith, and Rockwell Barnes.
After many years of misfortune and struggle, it was dis-
banded, and most of the members returned to the parent
church.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the record book of this church it is written that, " As
early as 1828 the Methodist people had preaching some-
where in the town of Gouverneur, but the place of their
meetings is not known. Rev. Benjamin Dighton is reported
to have been the first preacher."
The first organization was effected in the year 1832.
The original members were " Isaac Smith and wife, Joseph
Smith and wife, Moses Kenyon and wife, and a few others."
Not long after. Dr. E. L. Beardsley and wife joined the
organization. Of all those first members Dr. Beardsley is
the sole survivor. The first services were held in private
houses ; very often at that of Richard Townsend, on Johns-
town street, and these services were frequently conducted by
Godfrey W. Barney as preacher. From the commence-
ment of 1833 until about the close of 1835, services were
held in the brick school-house, now the residence of Dr.
McFalls. The first preacher in this building was the Rev.
Lyndon King, who was also the first ordained pastor of the
society. From the school-house the congregation's place
of worship was removed to the chapel of the seminary, and
the meetings continued to be held in that building for about
three years, until its destruction by fire Jan. 1, 1839. The
brick school-house was then reoccupied.
Upon the rebuilding of the seminary it became the head-
quarters of the Methodist society, and was used as their
place of worship until 1862, when, during the pastorate of
Rev. Francis A. O'Farrell, the church edifice, which had
been owned and used by the Second Congregationalists,
was purchased by the trustees for $1000. This remained
their place of worship for more than seven years, and was
then sold and removed to give place to their present church
building, the corner-stone of which was laid May 13, 1870.
It was completed at a total cost of $13,500 (exclusive of
site), and was dedicated, free of debt, Feb. 9, 1871. The
society has also a fine parsonage-property adjoining the
cliurch, on Park street. The present board of trustees of
the society consists of Isaac Starbuok, William Whitney,
346
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
J. W. Stacy, H. S. Randall, and E. W. Abbott. The
present membership of the church is about 300. The
pastors of this church have been as follows : Rev. Lyndon
King, 1832-33 ; George C. Woodruff and James Erwin,
1834 ; John Wallace and John W. Seet, 1835 ; Reuben
Reynolds, 1836-37; Hiram Shepherd, 1839; Loren L.
Adkins and Ora Squires, 1840 ; Harvey Chapin, 1841 ;
John W. Armstrong, 1842 ; Jesse Penfield, 1843 ; Lorenzo
D. Stebbins, 1844; John N. Brown and A. E. Munson,
1845 ; Benjamin S. Wright, 1846-47 ; Herbert Graves,
1848; Silas Slater, 1849 and 1851; Hiram Woodruff,
1850; Jackson C. Vandercook, 1852 ; Benjamin Paddock,
1853-54 ; Allen Castle, 1855-56 ; Enos E. Kellogg, 1857-
58 ; Thomas Richey, 1859 ; Josiah Zimmerman, 1860 ;
Erancis A. O'Parrell, 1861-62; Benjamin E. Whipple,
1863; D. Simmons, 1864r-65; Anson T. Copeland, 1866-
67 ; Charles W. Brooks, 1868, '69, '70 ; John T. Hewett,
1871-72 ; Ward W. Hunt, 1873, '74, '75 ; and Rev. C.
W. Parsons, from 1876 to the present time. Auxiliary to
the church is a Sabbath-school, numbering about 350
scholars, under the superintendency of Mr. William Whif>-
ney.
TEINITT CHURCH (EPISCOPAL).
The first Episcopalian religious service in Gouverneur was
held in the Presbyterian church, by Rev. Wilbur E. Pad-
dock, in the summer of 1862 ; and on the 16th of April,
1866, the church was incorporated, with Benjamin F.
Skinner and Aaron B. Cutting as wardens. The vestry-
men were William H. Bowne, John S. Honeycomb, James
D. Easton, A. E. Worton, A. M. Barney, A. S. Egert,
G. E. Burt, and Thomas Jones. Their first rector was
Rev. Jedediah Winslow, whose successors in the sacred
oflSce have been Revs. Edward Dolloway, John H. Bab-
cock, W. M. Ogden, Thomas W. Barry, and Herbert C.
Miller, the present rector.
The chapel of the seminary was their usual place of
worship until the completion of their present church. The
corner-stone was laid in September, 1866, and the edifice
was dedicated free of debt July 29, 1869. It is well lo-
cated, at the corner of Park street and Trinity avenue,
upon a lot donated by J. G. & W. Averell. The cost of
the building was about $7500. In connection with the
church is a flourishing Sabbath-school, under the superin-
tendence of A. B. Cutting.
CHURCH OP ST. JAMES THE GREATER (CATHOLIO).
In 1850 there were about 25 Catholic worshipers in
Gouverneur, for whom services were occasionally held by
Rev. Father Mackay, of Ogdensburg, and after him by
Fathers Clark and Zonaque. The erection of a church
being contemplated, in 1856 a lot, located on South street,
was purchased of Judge Dodge. This was afterwards ex-
changed for a lot and building on Park street, during the
ministry of Father O'Driscoll. This building (formerly
the Methodist edifice) was dedicated December 22, 1874
and was destroyed by the great fire of January 13, 1875.
An insurance of $1000 was collected, and a new church,
their present house of worship, was erected in 1875, and
dedicated by Bishop Wadham on the 25th of November
in that year. Its whole cost was $4000. The priest now
in charge is Rev. Thomas J. Kelleher, who succeeded
Father O'Driscoll. The present membership embraces
about 40 families.
UNIVERSALIST ORGANIZATIONS.
The First Universalist society of Gouverneur and Fowler
was organized January 26, 1832. The original subscribers
to the constitution were Israel Porter and 25 others. Mr.
Porter was also one of the six trustees. Among their
earliest preachers was Rev. Langworthy.
The First Universalist society of Gouverneur and HaUes-
borough was formed in Gouverneur village, January 27
1849, with 18 members, who subscribed to the constitution.
Rev. C. Dodge was their minister in 1850, giving one-
fourth of his time to service in Gouverneur. No Univer-
salist society exists here at the present time.
CEMETERIES.
The oldest burial-ground in Gouverneur was laid out
upon a spot in the rear of the present Presbyterian church
in the village. The land was donated by Gouverneur Mor-
ris. From an article of agreement executed by him Sept.
10, 1808, we copy the following: "Whereas, the inhabit-
ants of Cambray have requested a grant of two acres of
land for a burying-ground, and. have solicited a part of lot
No. 85" (here follows the description), " I do hereby devote
the above place to the Burial of the Dead, and will execute
a grant therefor to the town when incorporated." The re-
quest made by the citizens, as recited, was hastened by the
then recent death of Israel Porter's little daughter Emily,
who had been laid to rest there alone among the hemlocks.
The next interment was that of Mrs. Martin, and this was
followed by that of Stephen Patterson. Five soldiers, who
died in Gouverneur during the War of 1812, were also
among the early interments. As the years rolled on the old
grave-yard grew populous, and at last the time came when
the growth of the village demanded its abandonment and re-
moval. A project was formed to establish a new cemetery
on the Isaac Austin farm, but the proposition to remove
thither the remains from the old burying-place met with
such determined opposition that it was abandoned, and the
ancient grave-yard remained undisturbed until after the es-
tablishment of the new and beautiful cemetery across the
river.
The burial-ground at Little Bow corners is the second in
point of age. The first interment within it was that of
Foster, whose residence had been upon the P. Kearney farm.
The second burial was that of Robert Crawford (2d). The
later burials there have been numerous.
There is also a small interment-ground at North Gouv-
erneur, commenced at a much later date than those above
mentioned.
The Riverside Cemetery is a consecrated ground lying
in a bend of the river, on its western bank, partially within
the village corporation. The " Gouverneur cemetery asso-
ciation," under whose direction the ground was laid out,
was incorporated under the general act, June 24, 1857, with
the following officers: President, Rev. B. B. Beckwith;
Vice-President, Charles Anthony; Treasurer, Stephen B.
Van Duzee 5 Secretary, Cornelius A. Parker ; Trustees, Rev.
PROP. W. F. SUDDS.
The subject of this sketch was born in London, England,
iti 1842, and at the age of seven came with his parents to
this country, settling on a farm in the northwest part of
the town of Gouverneur. Prom early childhood he mani-
fested great love for rtiusic ; but circumstances forbade his
securing competent instruction until the breaking out of
the late war, and his enlistment in a regimental band, fortu-
nately quartered in or near some large city, during nearly
the entire term of his enlistment. He was thus, to some
extent, afforded the long-desired opportunity. He was
afterwards a pupil at the Boston Conservatory of Music,
studying organ- and piano-playing under Eugene Thayer,
and harmony, composition, and violin-playing under the
celebrated Julius Eichberg, who seemed to consider him
unusually gifted, and gave him much encouragement, es-
pecially in musical composition.
He has now for a number of years been located at Gou-
verneur as a dealer in organs and pianos, teacher of organ,
piano, violin, and vocal music. His influence towards the
improvement of the public musical taste is apparent in
their hearty support of the well-known Gouverneur choral
union, a society formed for the study of the best musical
literature, and of which he is the conductor.
The success of Professor Sudds as a teacher is, to say the
least, remarkable, his class usually numbering upwards of
thirty pupils ; while his compositions for the piano and organ
may be found in nearly every musical home throughout the
country.
y^y,jiu^
EMORY W. ABBOTT
was born at Hopkinton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 26,
1819, the only son of Jonathan Bebee and Duraxa Russell
Abbott. His father dying when he was but five years old,
he was early thrown upon his own resources for support.
He received but the simplest rudiments of education, and
at the age of sixteen went into the store of Justus Rickit,
in Fowler, as a clerk, at a salary of fifty dollars per year
and board. Marrying Hannah S., youngest daughter of
his employer, in 1839, he continued in business with Mr.
Rickit until his death, in February, 1842. He continued
the mercantile business, in connection with farming, until
1867. He held almost every office of responsibility and
trust in the town ; was justice of the peace for many years,
represented the town as supervisor several years before 1860,
and from 1860 to 1864 inclusive was chairman of the
board. He represented the first assembly district of St.
Lawrence County in the legislature for the years 1856 and
1857. During the war he took an active interest in mili-
tary matters, and it was owing to his eiforts, in a great
measure, that the town of Fowler and the county of St.
Lawrence supplied its full quota of troops on every occasion.
Always duly interested in public affairs, he has been a rep-
resentative man in the community in which he has lived.
He moved to Grouverneur in 1871, and has since been
engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Hailes-
borough, N. Y., with his two elder sons. He has three
sons, J. Henry, Justus Brayton, and Vasco P.
Jonathan Henry, born in 1840, was married to Harriet
R., daughter of Silas Phillips. They have three children,
viz., E. W. (2d), Morton P., and Arthur.
Justus B., born in 1842, was married to Frances A.,
daughter of Abner Wight, in 1864. They also have three
children, viz., Abner S., Lester H., and Wight V.
Vasco P., born 1847, married in 1872 to Annie E.,
daughter of S. M. Farmer. No children living.
Henry and Brayton, after receiving a good academic
education, went into the mercantile business, and, as before
stated, are now engaged in manufacturing with their
father.
Vasco P., having graduated at Lawrence university,
taking the degree of B.A., in 1867 took a course in the
law department of Union university, where he graduated
in 1868 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, was ad-
mitted to the bar on his twenty-first birthday, and has been
practicing law since 1871 at Gouverneur. He was elected
special county judge of St. Lawrence County in 1875.
( Photos. BY Cabos Smith, OouvERnruR.)
VF.A BBOTT .
Dr.O.SFakmer.
Grosvenor S. Farmer, M.S., M.D., the subject of this
sketch, was bom in Fowler, St. Lawrence County, New
York, January 6, 1850. He was the son of Francis
Farmer, a native of Herkimer county. New York. His
grandfather was of New England birth, and of English
About the year 1840, Francis Farmer removed to St.
Lawrence County, New York, and there continued the vo-
cation to which he had been educated, — that of a farmer.
He soon after married Louisa M. Homer, a native of
Fowler, in that county, and about this time purchased a
farm adjoining the birthplace of his wife. Six children
were bom to them, of which the subject of this sketch was
the second.
Li early youth Grosvenor' assisted on the farm and im-
proved" the advantages of a district school. He was a
student at the Gouvemeur Wesleyan seminary in 1863
and 1864. In 1865, his father having removed his family
to Canton, he attended the Canton academy ; and it was
about this time that he conceived the idea of going to
college, and of leading a professional life. Having applied
himself closely for that purpose, he entered St. Lawrence
university in 1867, and was granted a diploma from that
institution in 1871. His whole time was now given to the
study of medicine and surgery. He was a student of Dr.
M. M. Gardner, one of the most reputable physicians of
Utica. After attending the New York Homoeopathic
medical college in 1873 and 1874, he passed a successful
examination before the examining board of that institution,
and before the censors of the city of New York, and
graduated with honors. He is now practicing his profes-
sion in Gouvemeur, New York, where he has a lucrative
and growing practice. He married Meriam L. Conkey, of
Canton, New York, on January 5, 1876.
It is not the object of this brief sketch to eulogize the
subject. It is common, however, for a young practitioner
in an obscure village to make the attainments of his pro-
fessional brethren in the immediate vicinity his standard of
excellence. This is not the case with the subject of this
sketch ; he looks beyond the horizon of his neighborhood
in order to learn the discoveries of the most distinguished
men in his profession. One of the most prominent traits
of his character is his sympathy for those who are afflicted.
To his patients his attentions are delicate and tender.
Another trait is his spirit of wise enterprise. He is not
a schemer, not in any sense a visionary ; but as he is not
content with the knowledge which he possesses, so he
is ready to forward any scheme for the improvement of
others. The active and fatiguing labors of his profession
do not prevent him from entering with spirit into political
and other interests which agitate the public mind.
In daily life he manifests in his deportment unaffected
simplicity of manners and affability of disposition appro-
priate to his early station in society. He thus not only
enjoys the reputation of a skillful physician, but that of an
honored and highly-respected citizen.
A^yU^XyuyA^
'9T iti^^^-y^h-i'/xaJS^ S.//u^-
HiBAM W. HtTNT, the subject of this sketch, was born in Stan-
bridge, Missisquoi, P. Q. His father, Marshall Hunt, was a native
of Bristol, England, and emigrated to Canada when about eighteen
years of age, and being well educated, he adopted the profession
of teaching, which he followed, with some interruptions, to the
close of his life. In his new home he married Lydia Gibbs,
daughter of Isaac Gibbs, a soldier of the Revolution, who, after
assisting to obtain the independence of the United States, re-
moved to Canada. It may be here worthy of remark that a sister
of Isaac Gibbs, a Mrs. Sproules, was among the early settlers of
X/isbon, in this county, where a son of hers now resides. Of this
marriage three children now remain, of whom the subject of this
Sketch is the second. His father dying when he was quite young,
he was very early in life thrown upon his own resources, and to
this is probably due some of the most prominent traits of his
character, — his self-reliance, his hatred of oppression and wrong
in any or all of its forms, and his sympathy with every good word
and work.
After the death of his father he lived with a farmer for some
two or three years, where he labored, doing the work which usually
falls to the lot of a boy around " the busy farm." Peeling that
he was not adapted to this kind of work, he was apprenticed to a
harness-maker, where he remained until he became a tolerably
skillful workman. During this time he had no opportunities for
attending school, but being a good reader (for he has been often
heard to say that he could not remember the time when he learned
to read), he made good use of all the books which fell into his hands,
and each one only stimulated his already earnest desire to grow in
knowledge.
Soon after this he went to Groton, Middlesex county, Massachu-
setts. Here he labored and attended school alternately until he
was sufficiently advanced to assume the rbU of a teacher. Here
he taught his first school, and laid the foundation of that clas-
sical learning which he has since pursued with so much distinc-
tion. He now began to cherish an earnest desire for a liberal
education, but seeing no immediate opportunity of accomplishing
his object, he removed to Argyle, Washington county, New York.
Here he again pursued his studies with unremitting zeal ; but his
progress in his studies was not so rapid as he desired, and he came
to Pulton, Oswego county, and became a pupil in Falley seminary.
Here he finished his preparatory collegiate, and entered Genesee
college in 1864, and graduated in 1869. While in college he was
known as a painstaking and earnest student, especially In his special
department of classical studies. In 1872 he received the degree of
A.M. from Syracuse university, and became enrolled among the
alumni of that young and prosperous university.
In May, 1876, he was appointed principal of Gouverneur Wes-
leyan seminary, and has since been at the head of this old and
influential institution. His ability as a teacher is abundantly
attested by the success of the institution since it has been in his
charge, and under his administration the school seems in a fair
way to resume her former influence among the educational institu-
tions of northern New York.
Katb S. E. Httnt, daughter of the late William Bwart, of
Groveland, Livingston county, was raised and educated almost
entirely in her native county. In early life she evinced none of
that fondness for study which formed so marked a feature of her
husband's character ; but, being instructed and encouraged by a
judicious mother, made creditalle progress. In June, 1860, she
graduated at Genesee Wesleyan seminary, Lima, and afterward,
desiring a more thorough knowledge of the science of teachmg,
entered Oswego normal school. Since leaving school she his
been almost constantly employed in tea^ihing, and is now precep-
tress of Gouverneur Wesleyan seminary, of which her husband
is principal.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
347
B. B. Beekwith, Hon. Edwin Dodge, Erwin S. Barnes, S. B.
Van Duzee, Charles Anthony, Cornelius A. Parker,
Thomas M. Thayer, John Bolton, Milton Barney, William
H. Bowne, Harvey D. Smith, and Richard Parsons.
The land selected by the association was a tract of 36
acres,* originally a part of the farm of Pardon Babcock,
but at that time owned by Harvey D. Smith, from whom
it was purchased for $1500. The laying out, grading, and
adornment of the ground was placed under the superin-
tendency of Benjamin P. Hathaway, of Flushing, L. I.
The first interment was that of J. Bradford Smith, Aug.
24, 1857, and the cemetery was solemnly consecrated June
23, 1858. The remains from the old burial-ground in the
village, over 700 in number, were transferred to the ceme-
tery at the expense of the town, under the supervision of
T. M. Thayer, for the town, and S. B. Van Duzee, on the
part of the association.' Such of these as were not identified
or not claimed by friends were buried in a plat of 4 acres,
which is owned by the town, within the cemetery inclosure,
purchased with the proceeds of the sale of the old grave-
yard, and kept as a place of free burial. No trace of the
little child, who was the first occupant of the old ground,
was discovered in the general disinterment. The number
of burials within the cemetery is now about 1200. The
financial affairs of the association have been well managed,
and are now in an excellent condition, their reserve now
amounting to about $5000. The officers of the association
for 1877 are as follows: President, Hon. Edwin Dodge;
Vice-President, Charles Anthony ; Treasurer and Secretary,
Wm. H. Bowne; Trustees, Thomas M. Thayer, James
Brodie, 0. G. Barnum, A. K. Jepson, Edwin Dodge,
Charles Anthony, A. E. Norton, P. M. Holbrook, Wm. H.
Bowne, S. B. Van Duzee, George Parker, and James D.
Easton.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first school in Gouverneur was commenced in the
fall of 1808, in a cabin which had been used by the work-
men engaged in the construction of the bridge at the vil-
lage, and vacated by them at the completion of their work.
The teacher employed was Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah
Sackett. In 1809 a log school-house, 12 by 16 feet in size,
was built near the present site of the Presbyterian church,
and here a school was opened in the fall of that year, by
Silas Brooks, of Antwerp, who, at the end of a week, relin-
quished his charge, on account of a severe attack of home-
sickness. The rod was then assumed by Miss Sackett, who
taught the remainder of the term. Among the earliest
teachers was Sylvanus MoMasters, who taught in a vacant
shop owned by Pardon Babcock. In 1811 a log school-
house was built on the west side of the bridge, on or near
the spot afterwards occupied by FoSgate's hotel. In this,
the first teacher was John C. Rich, of De Kalb. The first
frame school-house was erected in 1815, on a spot now par-
tially or wholly covered by the brick block of Van Duzee
& Bowne, and in this Richard Kimball taught the first
term, which is still well remembered by some of the older
•citizens. The brick school-house — still standing on the
* About three acres of land were afterwards purchased of John
Fosgate, and added to the north end of the cemetery grounds.
south side of the park — was erected in 1826, as mentioned
in the history of the seminary.
The town at present contains 19 entire school districts,
in each of which a school is taught by one or more licensed
teachers. The school in district No. 1 (Gouverneur vil-
lage) comprehends a primary, an intermediate, and a higher
department, and employs 1 male and 3 female teachers.
No. 12 (also embracing a part of the village) employs 2
teachers, both female. The time taught during the school
year ending Sept. 30, 1877, was 39 weeks in district No. 1,
32 weeks in No. 12, 31 weeks in No. 10, 30 weeks each in
Nos. 7 and 17, 29 weeks in No. 8, and 28 weeks in each of
the other districts. The whole number of children of school
age in the town was 1268, and the total average daily at-
tendance 506.10. The amount of public school money
apportioned to the town was $2763.13; amount raised by
tax, $3495.05; total, $6428.19. The amount paid for
teachers' wages was $5117.52. The teachers' salaries vary
from $3.50 per week to $800 per year ; this latter amount
being paid to the male teacher in district No. 1. The total
value of school-houses and sites is $17,825. District No. 1
has an excellent house, erected in 1870, at a cost of $5000
for building and lot.
AGRICULTURE.
In its agriculture, Gouverneur differs very little from
contiguous portions of this and Jefferson counties. But
little wheat is raised, and still less Indian corn, while the
production of fruit is scarcely thought of. But everywhere,
along the streams and between the sterile ridges, are lands
which, while they resist the plow, yield the richest of
pasturage ; and so the farmers, with an intelligent eye to
their true interests, have become graziers and dairymen.
In this town, which in the last census showed a population
of 3830, there are nearly an equal number of milch cows.
About one-seventh of the product of these is devoted to
the manufacture of butter by hand process, and the re-
mainder is made into cheese at the factories.
The cheese-factories in Gouverneur are now six in num-
ber, as follows :
The " Gillette factory," located in the village, near the
southeast corner of the corporation, commenced by A. G.
Gillette, in 1869, and now operated by W. W. Hall, has a
patronage of 900 cows.
The " Cream of the Valley factory," at North Gouv-
erneur, established in 1870, by Elias Kelsey, and now'
owned by Joseph McAUaster, of Gouverneur village, takes
the milk of 500 cows.
The " Little Bow factory," at Little Bow Corners, is
supported by about 500 cows. This was commenced about
1867, by S. W. Crandall. The present proprietor is E. L.
Bailey.
" The Pleasant Valley factory," in the northwest part of
the town, at Smith's mills, was put in operation in 1875,
by Conroy & Krake, and is now carried on by Mr. Krake
alone. Its patronage is about 400 cows.
The "South Gouverneur factory," one and a half miles
west of the village, on the Somerville road, takes the milk
of 400 cows. This was built and put in operation in 1875,
by C. W. Overacker, the present owner.
348
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
On the south side of the Oswegatchie, near the Rock
Island bridge, is the Rock Island factory, established ip
1875, by Caleb Thornton, the present proprietor. It works
the product of about 300 cows.
"The Gouverneur Agricultural and Mechanical society''
was incorporated under act of legislature Jan. 29, 1859.
The first officers were, — President, Henry H. Haile ; Vice-
Presidents, George Rodger, Milton Barney, David Day
(2d), William B. Rich, Benjamin F. Skinner, Milton G.
Norton ; Treasurer, Augustus E. Norton ; Directors, David
Hill, Edward Hartley, F. M. Beardslee, S. B. Van Duzee,
John Pooler, Jr., George Lockie ; Secretary, George Parker.
Their first fair was held in the following autumn, in Gouv-
erneur village, on grounds located in the northwest corner
of Main street and Rock Island road, which the society
leased for a term of five years, from Charles Anthony, Esq.
Their present ground is a tract of twenty acres, lying on
the northern boundary of the corporation, which was pur-
chased in 1866, from Benjamin H. Smith, at $125 per
acre, by a number of public-spirited citizens, who made up
the necessary amount, in ten shares of $250 each ; giving
the society the option to purchase the tract within a stated
time, at the price paid, with interest. This has since been
done.
The first fair upon these grounds was held Sept. 12, 13,
and 14, 1866. A half-mile track has been constructed,
with grand stand, judges' stand, etc., and commodious
buildings have been erected, consisting of a floral hall, dairy
hall, and accommodations for more than three hundred
head of stock. The officers of the society for 1877 are as
follows: President, Hon. George M. Gleason ; Vice-Presi-
dents, Newton Aldrich, William Herring, James Clark, Jr.,
Francis Hilts, William E. Bacon, A. C. Pennock, A. F.
Gates, H. White, Jr., Robert Markwick, L. Bresee, George
Smith, David Gregor; Directors, John Rodger, F. H.
Smith, George H. Carswell, S. F. Hartley, C. C. Carpenter,
A. Corbin, Jr. ; Treasurer, James H. Dickson ; Secretary,
George B. Winslow.
Gouverneur Grange, No. 303, Patrons of Husbandry,
was established March 27, 1875, with twenty-nine charter
members. The first officers were S. F. Hartley, Master ;
George S. Parsons, Overseer ; Thomas Miller, Lecturer ;
A. J. Borland, Steward; 0. E. Van Buren, Assistant
Steward ; Charles H. Smith, Chaplain ; James Brown (2d),
Treasurer ; Lott Hall, Secretary ; William J. Hilts, Gate-
keeper. The officers of the grange for 1877 are, — Horace
White, Master ; C. A. Hilts, Overseer ; George Carswell,
Lecturer; Byron Baboock, Assistant Steward; Edward
Fuller, Gate-keeper; Thomas A. Richardson, Steward;
Reuben Jones, Chaplain ; John Miller, Treasurer ; D. C.
Drake, Secretary. The grange rooms are in Egert's block,
in Gouverneur village. The present membership is 116.
We are under obligations to the following persons :
Hon. Charles Anthony, Hon. E. W. Abbott, Hon. G. M.
Gleason, Revs. N. J. Conklin, H. C. Townley, C. W. Parsons,
and Thomas J. Kelleher, Col. James M. Spencer, E. S.
Barnes, Esq., S. B. Van Duzee, Esq., George B. Winslow,
Esq., William H. Bowne, Esq., Newell Havens, Jason
Smith, Thomas M. Thayer, Esq., Walter W. Hall, Prof D.
Minthorn, F. E. Merritt, and H. G. Reynolds.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
FRANCIS M. HOLBROOK
was born in Gouverneur, July 20, 1823, the sixth child of
Henry B. and Rebecca Holbrook. His father was bom
Aug. 21, 1788, in Keene, N. H. He came to Gouverneur
in 1806 with Isaac A. Austin, and married his daughter,
Rebecca, in 1810. By this marriage there were eleven
children, six sons and five .daughters, all of whom reached
adult age except one, who died when two years old. Since
1855 one son and three daughters have died. Those liv-
ing are Mrs. Levi N. Smith, of Gouverneur ; Daniel, Ro-
chester, N. Y. ; Charles G. and John F., Hastings, Mich. ;
Mrs. Dr. James Piper, Unadalla, Mich. ; and the subject of
this sketch.
In 1813, Mr. Holbrook bought the farm, then all woods,
now owned by Amasa Corbin, Sr. The family lived there
till 1828, when the farm was sold, and another bought at
Little Bow Corners, which was owned and occupied there-
after in the family, father and son, till 1863, when it was
sold to Mr. Bailey.
The subject of this sketch worked on the farm with his
father, attending school in the winter. He taught school
winters from the age of 18 to 25. He married June 29,
1846, Arlina M. Raymond, daughter of James and Mary
Raymond, of Edwards, St. Lawrence County. Mrs. Hol-
brook was born in Edwards, April 4, 1831. Her father
was among the first settlers, and one of the leading men of
Edwards township.
Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook have had six children, viz. :
Byron D., born Oct. 15, 1847, died at Edwards, Jan. 26,
1848; Mary Eugenie, born Jan. 10, 1850, died at San
Francisco, Cal., Aug. 29, 1875. The latter was married
April 19, 1871, to N. D. Arnot, Jr., leaving one son, Ray-
mond Holbrook, two years old, the only grandchild. Of
Mrs. Arnot, a correspondent of the Gouverneur Times says,
" She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and
refinement of chai-acter, which, with her genial and lovely
temperament, made her a most pleasing companion, and
endeared her very strongly to a large circle of friends and
relatives. We can truly say Gouverneur never parted with
a brighter ornament, nor one more fully appreciated and
beloved."
Fanny Maria, born Dec. 19, 1853, living at home;
Henry B., born Jan. 24, 1856, died at Gouverneur, Sept.
9, 1862 ; James R., born March 19, 1861, died at Gouver-
neur, April 9, 1862 ; Bertha Arlina, born Jan. 24, 1865,
living at home.
For one year after marriage, Mr. Holbrook remained on
the homestead farm, then purchased and moved on to a
farm near Richville, and remained one year. In 1850
moved back to the homestead farm, having purchased it.
Carried it on till 1863, when he moved to the village of
Gouverneur. His present place of residence is one of
the old "landmarks" of the village, being at least the
second place occupied. For the past twenty years Mr.
Holbrook has been engaged as produce dealer, the leading
man during that time and at present in that business. He
has made it a success.
Hioisr. ID. j^. jOHinsrsonsr.
Hon. Dexter A. Johnson was born February 6, 1847,
at Grand Rapids, Michigan, the only son of Daniel D.
and Caroline M. Johnson. When a year old his parents
removed to Roesie, St. Lawrence County, where he lived
up to the year 1864. In the above year his parents
removed to Gouvemeur, where he attended and graduated
at the Gouvemeur Wesleyan seminary in 1868. In the
fall of the same year he was successful in a competitive
examination held at Ogdensburg for a State scholarship in
Cornell university. He eirt»red the sophomore class of the
university in the winter of 1868, remaining there one
term.
In the spring of 1869 he entered the law office of
Charles Anthony, Esq., and was admitted to the bar at
Ballston, Saratoga county, New York, in the fall of the
same year, and has continued in the practice of law, first
in connection with Charles Anthony, then by himself,
since that time. For six years last past he has served as
justice of the peace.
In the fall of the present year (1877), he received the
Republican nomination for the office of surrogate of St.
Lawrence County, and was elected, receiving almost the
unanimous vote of his own town of Gouvemeur.
Mr. Johnson was married October 16, 1871, to Harriet
A. Herring, daughter of William Herring, of Gouvemeur.
They have two children, a son, Wm. D., and a daughter.
May Bell ; the former born November 14, 1874, the latter
May 1, 1876.
Ffiancis M.Holbrook.
MRsSRANCIS }t.\\0lBROOH.
r\%
MRS.EUGLNIt ARNOT.
(DAUOmiK Of f, M.HOifiiTOOK.J
Ray H.Arnot.
(C»?ANDCM)LO Of FMHOlBffOOK.J
rANNiE M.Holbrook.
.BEIfTIEA.flOLBROOK.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
349
In politics he is a Republican. He united with the
Baptist church in Gouverneur in 1836, and has been and
is still one of the most active and influential members of
that society.
A sketch of Mr. Holbrook's residence appears on another
page of this work.
MILTON G. NORTON
was born in Lanesborough, Berkshire Co., Mass., Dec. 7,
1804, the second son of Gideon and Lucy Norton. His
eldest brother, Daniel C, was killed at the age of twelve,
being run over by a loaded sled. His father died March
4, 1826, and thereafter, at the age of twenty-two, the care
of the family and conduct of the farm devolved on him.
In 1835 he moved to Gouverneur, and settled on the
farm which he had previously purchased, and which he has
worked and occupied to the present time.
He married, Feb. 29, 1830, Marrilla E. Foster, the eldest
daughter of John and Susan Foster, of Hancock, Berkshire
Co., Mass. Mrs. Norton had two brothers and three sisters,
one of whom, Mrs. Amasa Corbin, is a resident of Gouv-
erneur. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have had five children, four
sons and one daughter, viz. : George Henry, born at Lanes-
borough, April 27, 1831, now a farmer living in Berlin,
Erie Co., Ohio ; married to Nancy A. Taitt ; children as
follows: Herbert Taitt, Frederick Spencer, and Milton
James; Melissa Helen, born Oct. 26, 1836, died April 8,
1838; Albert Marvin, born Jan. 1, 1840, died March 9,
1841 ; Frederick Harlan, born June 15, 1842, educated
at Gouverneur seminary, graduated at the Albany law
school, 1863; admitted to the bar the same year, practiced
law at Washington, D. C, two years ; made a three years'
cruise in the war-steamer Colorado, with rank of lieuten-
ant, visiting most of the countries of Europe. Upon his
return he married Matilda Gray, of Pittsburgh, to whom
two daughters and one son have been born, now settled in
Oswego, N. Y., in the practice of law ; Milton Foster, born
Aug. 7, 1850, drowned in Oswegatchie river, at Gouverneur,
Aug. 10, 1867.
In politics, Mr. Norton was a Jackson Democrat, but
joined the Republican party at its organization, and has
been identified with that party since.
At an early day Mr. Norton took a great interest in fine
blooded stock. In 1835 he brought into the county 300
Merino and Saxon sheep, the first introduced in this section.
He also dealt in Devonshire cattle for about twelve years,
and at one of the first town fairs of Gouverneur he ex-
hibited four yoke of Devons of his own raising.
Mr. Norton has never been diverted from his chosen oc-
cupation of a farmer. Possessed of a more than ordinary
physical constitution, which has been conserved by strict
temperate habits, with an intelligent application of the best
modes of making a farm productive, and in all his under-
takings seconded by the active co-operation of his wife,
no one better deserves the success which has crowned his
efforts. An engraving of his residence will be found on
another page of this work.
PROFESSOR J. ANTHONY BASSETT
was born in Denmark, Lewis Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1850, the
only child of Julius and . Chloe I. Bassett. He prepared
for college at Lowville academy, under A. Judson Barrett ;
entered the University of Rochester in 1871, and graduated
^^^Z^^^^TT-^
/S5^
<*2'«ee^5^7—
in 1875, taking the full classical course. He came to Gouv-
erneur the same year, and engaged as teacher in the Gouv-
erneur Wesleyan seminary, and at the present time occupies
the position of professor of natural sciences. Professor Bas-
sett has been connected with the academy longer than any
other of the teachers now connected with it.
A. E. NORTON
was born in Lanesborough, Mass., Feb. 20, 1817 ; the
eighth child of Gideon and Lucy Norton. His great-great-
grandfather was Charles Norton, a record of whose descend-
ants was prepared by his youngest brother, Albert B. Norton.
Of six brothers and four sisters, but two are now living,
the subject of this sketch and Milton G. Norton, a farmer,
living near the village of Gouverneur. When Mr. Norton
was nine years of age he lost his father, and thereafter
lived with his eldest brother, with whom he came to Gouv-
erneur, at the age of seventeen, and settled on the farm still
owned and occupied by his brother. He worked on the
farm till he was twenty-one years of age, attending school
in winters. He taught school four consecutive years, in
Amsterdam, N. Y. Returning to Gouverneur, he bought
a farm of two hundred acres, and worked it for five years.
He then sold it, and entered upon the business of life and
fire insurance, which he has followed ever since, represent-
ing the heaviest and best companies in the country.
Mr. Norton has brought to his business an energy, tact,
and perseverance rarely equaled, and, as a result, he has
accumulated a handsome property, which has enabled him
to surround himself with the comforts of an elegant and
refined home, and at the same time contribute his equal
share to all charitable and religious enterprises of the town.
350
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In politics Mr. Norton has been a life-long Democrat,
though never an aspirant for public office. He is a promi-
nent member of the order of Free Masons ; was for many
years Worshipful Master of the lodge at G-ouverneur, and at
one time High Priest of the chapter. He was married,
March 2, 1843, to Mary Ann Read, daughter of Wm. C.
and Lydia Read, of Gouverneur. Mrs. Norton was born in
Putney, Vt., Oct. 19, 1818, the youngest of five children.
Her parents removed from Putney to Gouverneur in the fall
of 1827, and settled on a farm on the Somerville road, in
G-ouverneur. Minnie A., wife of George P. Ormiston, is
their only child. Jessie, born Nov. 7, 1874, and an infant
son, born Nov. 25, 1877, are their only grandchildren.
His son-in-law, Mr. Ormiston, has for several years been
associated with Mr. Norton in the conduct of the business.
REV. H. C. TOWNLEY
was born at Westfield, Union Co., N. J., on Oct. 15, 1835.
His father, Isaac Townley, was a descendant of Colonel
Richard, one of the earliest settlers of Elizabethtown, in
honor of whose wife, Elizabeth Carteret, the borough of
Elizabeth was named. In colonial times this family acted
an important part in the settlement and government of New
Jersey and New York, and their history in their old world
home reaches back beyond the Norman conquest. His
mother descended from hardy Scotch Covenanter stock,
distinguished for strong religious convictions, industry, and
longevity, — his maternal gTandmother dying at the advanced
age of one hundred and one years and four months.
The subject of this sketch acquired the rudiments of his
education in the schools of his native town and in the borough
of Elizabeth, to which Westfield was originally attached. In
1854 he was matriculated at the University of Rochester,
graduating in the class of 1858. After theological study he
settled, in 1860, as pastor of the Baptist church at Peekskill,
Westchester Co., N. Y., and in 1861 married Maggie A.,
third daughter of David S. Higgins, Esq., of Cranford, N. J.,
by whom he has five children, viz. : Gracie, Mamie B.,
Maggie, Adelia Hortense, and Alfred Hudson.
In 1866 he removed to Massachusetts, serving as pastor,
successively, the First Baptist church, Woburn ; Second
Baptist church, Cambridge; and Charles Street Baptist
church, Boston, residing at Woburn through the whole
period. During his residence there he was eight years
president of the school board, and an active friend of educa-
tion, in the interest of which his voice and pen were
frequently engaged. In addition to his professional duties,
he has devoted considerable time to literature,— his reading
having been varied and extensive, both in the classics and
the vernacular. He has published newspaper articles,
reviews, papers on education, a few lectures and orations,
and an occasional sermon. Since 1870 he has been engaged
in lecturing, as time permitted, and has lectured in the same
course with Wendell Phillips, Roswell D. Hitchcock, Dr.
Willetts, Dr. Pulton, and others of that class. He is a man
of power in the pulpit, his sermons being carefully prepared,
clear and logical in style, and earnest in delivery. He came
to Gouverneur at the beginning of the present year (1877),
as pastor of the First Baptist church.
EDWARD H. NEARY
was born near Elphin, Ireland, Nov. 10, 1834. He is the
second son of Edward Neary and Bridget Brabazon, and
grandson of Tobias Neary, who lived to the advanced age
of one hundred and nine, and his wife to the age of ninety-
seven years. His father was a school-teacher and devoted
his whole life to that occupation, giving special care to the
education of his children, of whom he had seven. The
family emigrated in 1847, and within three months after
landing at Montreal the father and four children died,
leaving the subject of this sketch, a sister, and mother in
destitute circumstances.
They came to the United States in 1848, and he attended
the public schools and the academy in Ogdensburg ; taught
school several terms ; commenced the study of the law
under eighteen, and was admitted to the bar on reaching
his majority.
He served a full term as deputy county clerk, commenc-
ing Jan. 1, 1856, taking charge mostly of the legal business
of the office. At the close of his term, in 1859, he took
up his residence in Gouverneur for the practice of his pro-
fession, which he has since then pursued with untiring
zeal.
In 1860 he was appointed special county judge, and was
elected five terms thereafter to the same office, — thus holding
it sixteen years in all. He ranks among the first lawyers
of the county, and his practice extends into adjacent
counties and to the United States courts. It has been
varied and extensive, and in its performance, as well as in
the discharge of his judicial duties, he has displayed a
thorough knowledge of the law, a sound judgment, and a
clear sense of right and justice.
In addition to the performance of his professional and
judicial duties, he has devoted much time and attention to
public afiairs, especially to the cause of education, being a
trustee for many years of the Gouverneur Wesleyan seminary
and, since the retirement of the late Judge Dodge, president
of the board.
He was married Nov. 18, 1861, to Margaret, daughter
of William and Jane Cochrane, and has now three children
living, two sons and a daughter.
Judge Neary is of pure Celtic origin, and is blessed with
the endurance, vivacity, good judgment, and love of home
and liberty that characterize his race. He is also true to
his oath of allegiance, — a thorough American citizen, com-
prehending and enjoying fully the benefits of our institu-
tions, which are founded upon merit, not upon the rank of
birth.
REV. N. J. CONKLIN.
Rev. Newton James Conklin, of Gouverneur, N. Y., was
born at Mt. Morris, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1834. He was the
third son of James and Anna A. Conklin, whose family
consisted of twefve children,— eight sons and four daughters,
— eight of whom are still living.
He prepared for college at Genesee academy, Genesee,
N. Y., under Prof. James Nichols, late of Rochester, N. Y.
He entered Lafayette college, Easton, Pa., in 1857, and
y^^^^^z^ vtu^ /^
>^^^-2>t--C
Peter Van Buren was born in Mayfield, Montgomery
county, New York, November 17, 1803. His father,
Barrant Van Buren, was a relation of ex-President Van
Buren, and was at one time a member of the Columbia
county bar.
When about sixteen years of age, Mr. Van Buren came
to Gouverneur, where two elder brothers, Harman and
Thomas Harvey, had preceded him. He waa employed
as clerk by Moses Kowley, who was then a leading and
prominent man in town. Afterwards he was a clerk in
Hoskins' hotel, at Ogdensburg. He married May 12,
1831, Maria Cadwell, daughter of James and Hoda Cad-
well, residents of Lowville, Lewis county. Pour children,
one son and threa daughters, were born to them, viz., James
B., Helen A., Caroline A., and Emeline C. James B.
succeeds his father as owner and proprietor of the Van
Buren House. Helen A. married A. M. Utley, of Water-
town, and died Sept. 16, 1859, leaving three children. Caro-
line A., widow of H. K. Spencer, lives in Gouverneur. Eme-
line C, unmarried, lives with her mother at the homestead.
After marriage, Mr. Van Buren commenced the business
of his life as a hot«l-keeper, which he followed with unre-
mitting assiduity and success up to a short time previous
to his death. From 1831 to 1848 he kept the old brick
hot«l (still occupied as a home by his widow) in Gouver-
neur. In 1848 he built the " Van Buren House," which
he kept up to within one year of his death. No one in
northern New York was more favorably or better known.
He waa noted for his extreme order and neatness, and did
much to dignify and make honorable his business and pro-
fession. While attending strictly to business, he aided
liberally in public enterprises, and was ever ready to bear
his share of public burdens. The park opposite the hotel
owes its beauty, and, in a great measure, its existence, to his
enterprise. He planted and watered nearly every tree
there, and they will long remain a memorial of his fostering
care. He had strict integrity, purity of character, acted
well his part in life, and accumulated a handsome property.
He died May 24, 1870, of chronic diarrhoea, at the resi-
dence of his daughter, Mrs, Spencer.
Stephen Brown Van Dtjzee was born in Hartford, ■Washington Co.,
N. Y., July 24, 1809. He is the great-grandson of David Van Duzee, a,
native of Holland, who settled near the present oity of Hudson on seven
hundred aores of land whioh he purchased from the Indians, but was after-
wards driven from it " at the point of the bayonet" in the interest of the
Buke of York, who had acquired title to the land by a grant from the King
of England. He is the grandson of Abraham Van Duzee, and son of
James Van Dnzee and Abigail Brown, and is one of a family of eleven
children.
In 1837 he married Ruby, daughter of Deacon Jacob and Cyrene Hobart,
bom in Homer, Cortland Co., 17. Y., and they have had born to them five
children :
Cordelia Harriet, bom June 1, 1838 ; died March 27, 1841. Lucy Ann,
bom January 9, 1840, now the wife of Alexander TurnbuU, of Elmira,
N. Y. Alonzo J., born October 17, 1842; died January 11, 1870. Manly
Hobart, born September 18, 1848; died October 9, 1861. Henry Clay, born
July 20, 1852; died August 1, 1852.
His parents came to Qouverneur in February, 1813, where his early boy-
hood was spent, and he acquired the rudiments of an education in the
common school. In September, 1822, he returned to his native place and
lived with his grandfather and Uncle Brown, and assisted his uncle in the
cultivation of his farm.
In April, 1827, he went to Swanton, Vt., andjwas employed as clerk in
the store of his brother Ira, and cousin, Alfred Brown, for about three years.
He then commenced to learn a trade, working as a wheelwright. In
February, 1831, he returned to Gouvemeur and learned the joiners' trade
with his brother Alonzo, and at the age of 22 commenced the active busi-
ness of his life, which has been building and manufacturing furniture,
employing from ten to thirty men.
In 1850 he built a large manufacturing establishment, putting in none
but the most approved machinery ; and the fact that much of the propel-
ing and other machinery is now in a perfect state and constant use, stand-
ing just where it was put up, attests the rare good judgment which has
attended Mr. Van Duzee's efforts through life.
Personal supervision of business by parties interested is an element of
success never lost sight of by the subject of this sketch, and when his busi-
ness extended beyond his personal care, he associated with him, as partner
in the manufacturing department, in February, 1856, his nephew, Charles
A., son of his brother Alonzo ; and in this instance the right man is in the
nght place, he being a practical mechanic, and attending to the manufac-
turing department.
About this time Mr. Van Duzee opened a retail store for the sale of fur-
niture and builders' supplies ; and in 1863 his son, Alonzo J., and Louis
Eckman, an upholsterer, who had been in the employ of Mr. Van Duzee
for several years, were associated as partners; and in 1866 the firm opened
a furniture store in the city of Watertown, the son having charge of it
until his death in 1870. In 1865 the nephew, Charles A., became a partner
in the retail department, and in 1872 Mr. Eckman took charge of the
details of the finance, thus to a great extent relieving the head of the firm
from the close attention whioh he had given to his business for upwards of
forty years.
But the energy and courage shown in the beginning of Mr. Van Duzee's
active life was recently put to a severe test. On the morning of the 7th of
October, 1877, the paint- and finishing-shop and store-house of the firm,
together with Union Hall block, a part of whioh was the store and busi-
ness office of the firm, was destroyed by fire.
This was a fit opportunity for Mr. Tan Duzee to withdraw from a long,
active, and successful business career, and give his impaired health the
rest and quiet it so much needs. But the welfare of his business associates
and the public demanded his continuance in the firm, and the liberality
and promptitude with which he entered upon the task of assisting to rebuild
such large and substantial structures, at the very near approach of a
northern winter, is worthy of commendation. After a few days of unavoid-
able delay the work was commenced, and within thirty working days the
block, a large store-house, paint- and finishing-shop was enclosed. Messrs,
Wm. H. & C. H. Bowne are part owners of the block.
Mr. Van Duzee has ever been a consistent temperance man. For many
years his workmen were pledged not to use intoxicating drinks, and the
pledge was kept with rare fidelity, often leading men from intemperance
to habits of sobriety and prosperity.
Protection to American industries, hard money, free soil, and free men
have ever been the basis of his politics. But, while attending to the duties
of his large business, he has found ample time to give attention and patron-
age to every enterprise that contributed to the welfare of the public. He
has been a constant attendant of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal
supporter of all religious denominations ; and for upwards of thirty years
has held numerous offices of responsibility; and to the discharge of the
duties of each he has brought to bear that energy and fidelity whioh has
characterized the prosecution of his private affairs.
He has arisen to his present position as a leading manufacturer and
gentleman of ample means, not by the aid of inherited wealth, but by the
force of industry, prudence, and keen business foresight ; and we must not
forget nor overlook the fact that his faithful and loving wife has ever been
an helpmeet unto her husband, seconding, by her full share of labor and
economy, to produce the prosperity which ha.s ever attended their united
and harmonious efforts.
Hakvey DoircLAS Smith, the youngest son of Nathaniel Smith, Jr., and
Sarah, his wife, was born in Pawlet, Vt., November 9, 1789. His mother
dying in his infancy, he was adopted by his maternal grandparents. Domi-
nie and Mary Douglas, of Shoreham, "Vt., and by them carefully and lov-
ingly brought up, and given all the educational advantages within their
power. At the age of sixteen he went to Sudbury, Vt., as a clerk for D.
Layton, a merchant in that town. The two following years he was clerk for
Thompson £ Ashley, merchants, of Poultney, Vt., at which place, in the
year 1811, he engaged in mercantile business upon his own account.
September 17, 1812, he was married to Harriet Murdock, daughter of
Rev. James Murdock, of Martinsburgh, N. T. By this union there were
three children, Esther M., who married Melville H. Thrall, of Gouverneur,
N. T. ; James M. Smith, now one of the judges of the superior court of
the city of Buffalo ,* and Louisa L. (now deceased), who married Charles
Anthony, Esq., of Gouverneur. His wife died the 19th of February, 1819, of
whom he left the following record ; " She was lovely in mind and person,
amiable and confiding, pure-minded, useful, faithful, and true. All her
ways were ways of pleasantness. Loving and beloved, she lived ; peaceful
and submissive, consoled by the Christian hope^ she died; as cheerful and
quiet in the hour of death, though with full consciousness of her state, as in
any hour of her life."
January 2, 1822, he married Mary H. Preston, eldest daughter of Rev.
John B. Preston, of Rupert, Vt., who still survives him. During his resi-
dence in Poultney he held various offices of public trust. He was town
clerk and justice of the peace for several years ; also for two years a mem-
ber of the Vermont legislature.
In January, 1824, he removed to Gouverneur, St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y,,
and engaged in a general mercantile business which he continued until
about 1850, and was reasonably successful. His modest, truthful, self-reli-
ant deportment soon gained for him a place in the hearts of the people of
his new home.
Public trusts were soon tendered him, which he honorably and faithfully
fulfilled. The office of town clerk he held the greater part of his life. He
was elected justice of the peace in 1827, and held that office by re-election
until his death, a period of thirty-seven years. In 1829 he was a member
of the assembly in this State. He was supervisor of Gouverneur from
1827 to 1835, and again in 1837, In 1858 he was elected special county
judge. In 1859 he was elected surrogate of the county of St. Lawrence,
and served four years in that capacity. He gave his time and means to
promote the interests of education, and for many years waa a trustee of
the Gouverneur high school and seminary.
In 1825 he united with the Presbyterian church in Gouverneur, and was
ever ready, notwithstanding secular engagements, to fulfill the duties de-
volving upon him. As superintendent or teaoher, for more than thirty-five
years he was connected with the Sabbath-school, and for nearly the same
number of years he was deacon and olerk of the church, and one of the
trustees of the society.
His nature was sensitive and refined, and his affections ardent and endur-
ing. A man of extensive reading and fine culture, with knowledge minute
and accurate, and always at command a fund of anecdote and a rich vein
of humor, these shone and sparkled in him to the last. Great industry
and dispatch, combined with the strictest integrity, characterized his every
work, and no trust was neglected. He possessed in a remarkable degree
the confidence of the people. His opinions and advice on public questions
were sought for and generally followed. Healing- divisions in families and
neighborhoods ; hearing the complaints of the poor and distressed ; ever
ready to succor the friendless in their necessities by an unobtrusive charity,
were among his painstaking duties. He died at his home in Gouverneur,
September 28, 1864.
Maey Haven Smith, the wife of Harvey D. Smith, was born in Rupert,
Vt., December 10, 1800.
She was the eldest daughter of the Rev. John B, Preston, pastor of the
Congregational ohurch of Rupert, who died February 21, 1813.
Her brothers were both clergymen, — the Rev. John B. Preston, of the
Presbyterian church, and the Rev. N. 0. Preston, of the Episcopal church.
They are both deceased.
Her sisters married clergymen. The youngest, Marie, now deceased, was
the wife of the Rev. Stephen Johnson, and one of the early missionaries" to
Siam. Her. sister, Julia, married the Rev. George S. Wilson, and, after his
decease, the Rev. Abijah Crane. She is still living.
She was well educated, and at an early age was proficient in teaching.
She married Harvey D. Smith, January 2, 1822. To his three children by
his former wife she devoted herself with untiring oare. She had no children
of her own, but adopted John Brown Preston (the son of her brother, Rev.
J. B. Preston), who is now a lawyer in Gouverneur.
From early life she was deeply imbued with religious feelings and prin-
ciples, ond was ever a consistent Christian woman. She united with the
Congregational church in Rupert at the age of sixteen.
After her marriage she was connected with the church in Poultney, Vt.,
and from 1824 with the Presbyterian church in Gouverneur, N. T. She
was interested in all works of charity and benevolence oonneoted with the
church. Her hand waa ever outstretched to help the poor and needy, giving
them not only substantial aid, but that rarest and most precious of gifts,
a tender sympathy.
A woman of rare taste, culture, and refinement ; during the greater part
of her life gathering about her the little girls of th8 village, teaching them
to sew and make articles of taste and usefulnesa. Her presence has ever
been as sunshine to both old and young.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
351
graduated in 1861. He entered Princeton theological
seminary in 1861, and graduated in 1864.
He was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery
of New Brunswick, N. J., Eeb. 3, 1864, and was ordained
and installed pastor of the Presbyterian church, Gouverneur,
N. Y., by the presbytery of St. Lawrence, July 19, 1866.
He officiated as district secretary of the American Tract
Society, New York, from 1864 to 1866.
He has been stated clerk of the presbytery of St. Lawrence
since the reunion in 1870, and is now in the twelfth year of
the present pastorate.
He married, at Easton, Pa., May 3, 1863, Mary E.,
eldest daughter of Rev. E. Greenwald, D.D., now pastor of
Trinity Lutheran church, Lancaster, Pa. His family con-
sists of three daughters, viz., Emma Greenwald, born April
18, 1866; Anna Conover, born Oct. 12, 1867; Mary La-
vinia, born March 28, 1874. Mr. Conklin's portrait will
be found on another page of this work.
D E K A L B.
This town was formed from Oswegatchie on the 21st of
February, 1806, and embraced the original township often
miles square, being number 7 of the Ten Towns. Its limits
have since been decreased to a considerable extent by an-
nexing, in 1825,* all that part lying northwest of Beaver
■Creek, to the town of De Peyster, and on the 17th of
April, 1830, by annexing a strip one mile wide and six
miles long, lying in the southeast corner, to the town of
De Peau, afterwards Hermon.
De Kalb derives its name from a distinguished foreigner
of Revolutionary memory. The following sketch of him
is takeo from Lossing's " Field Book of the Revolution :''
"The Bairon De Kalb, knight of the royal military order of merit,
was a native of Alsace (a German Province ceded to Francef), and
was educated in the art of war in the French army. He was con-
nected with the quartermaster-general's department, and his experi-
ence in the duties of that station rendered his services very valuable
to the American army. Towards the close of the Seven Years' War
he was dispatched to the British colonies in America, as a secret
agent of the French government. He traveled in disguise; yet, on
one occasion he was so strongly suspected, that he was arrested as a
suspicious person. Nothing being found to coniirm the suspicion he
was released, and soon afterward returned to Europe. De Kalb came
to America again in the spring of 1777, with La Fayette and other
foreign officers, and was one of the party who accompanied the mar-
quis in his overland journey from South Carolina to Philadelphia.
Holding the office of brigadier in the French service, and coming
highly recommended, Congress commissioned him a major-general on
the fifteenth of September, 1777. Ho immediately joined the main
army under Washington, and was adtive in the events which preceded
the encamplnent of the troops at Valley Forge. He was afterwards
in command at Elizabethtown and Amboy, in New Jersey, and while
at Morristown, in the spring of 1780, was placed at the head of the
Maryland division. With these, and the Continental troops of
Delaware, he marched southward in April to reinforce General Lin-
coln, but was too late to afford him aid at Charleston. Gates suc-
ceeded Lincoln in the command of the southern army, and reached
De Kalb's camp, on the Deep river, on the 28th of July, 1780. In
the battle near Camden which soon followed, De Kalb, while trying
to rally the scattered Americans, fell, pierced with eleven wounds.
Ho died at Camden three days afterwards, and was buried there. An
ornamental tree was placed at the head of his grave, and that was
the only token of its place until a few years since, when the citizens
of Camden erected over it an elegant marble monument. The oorner-
* March 24.
t Retroceded by France to Germany, together with the province of
Lorraine, subseauent to the War of 1870.
stone was laid by La Fayette, in 1825. It is upon the green, in front
of the Presbyterian church, on De Kalb street. The large base,
forming two steps, is of granite ; the whole monument is about fifteen
feet in height."
The township of De Kalb was purchased from Samuel
Ogden, by Judge William Cooper, of Cooperstown, Otsego
county, N. Y., — the father of J. Fenimore Cooper, author
of the " Leather-stocking Tales," etc.
In May, 1803, Judge Cooper, accompanied by thirty-four
persons, mostly from the towns of Cooperstown and Rich-
field, Otsego county, started for his purchase in De Kalb
for the purpose of forming a settlement. A portion of the
number, with two wagons, each drawn by a span of horses,
and a cart drawn by two yoke of oxen, proceeded by way
of the Black River country and the old State road, to the
clearing of Abram Vrooman, near the present village of
Oxbow. On arriving here the road was in such a condition
that it became necessary to build boats for a part of the
load, and two log canoes, made under the direction of Jehiel
Dimick, were lashed together and loaded with a part of the
freight. This party consisted of the following persons,
viz. : William Cooper, the proprietor, Salmon Rich, Isaac
Stacy, Eseck Whipple, Richard Merrill, Elisha Cook, Wil-
liam Brown, Gardner Brown, William Stone, Asa Ransom,
Timothy and Elijah Utley, Abner Wright, Andrew McCol-
lom, Asa Ransom, Jr., James and Elijah Farr, the wife and
sister-in-law of the latter, Joseph Woodhouse, William
Woodhouse, Dr. Robert Campbell, Ralph R. Bell, wife,
sister, and daughter, Elijah Stockwell, Jehiel Dimick, John
Hewlett, and William Sloan. Of these, Dimick, Rich,
Bell, and Hewlett, came down the Oswegatchie river with
the load, and the remainder along the road towards Ogdens-
burg. The first night was spent at a deserted shanty, five
miles from the Oxbow, and in the night the party received
a great scare by the fall of a large dry birch-tree which they
had fired to keep ofi" the mosquitoes. One of the number
noticed that it was about to fall, and alarmed the rest by his
cries. They had barely escaped from the hut when the tree
fell upon it with a crash. It was consumed, together with
a portion of their bedding, which they had been unable to
save.
On the second night the party arrived at Bristol's, in the
352
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
present town of De Peyster. Here the women were left,
and the men proceeded to open a road through to their
future home. This was effected in eight days, the distance
heing seven or eight miles, and the settlement was finally
made on the Oswegatchie, just above Cooper's falls.
Alexander MoCollom, Potter Goff, and Stephen Cook,
who belonged to the original party, came up the Mohawk
with goods which Judge Cooper had purchased in Albany,
for the purpose of opening a small store, and with these
they reached the location in De Kalb, by way of Oneida
lake, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and the Oswegatchie,
arriving with the other parties on the site of the present
village of De Kalb, June 12, 1803. On the first day after
their arrival they put up the body of a house and slept the
first night without a roof to shelter them. On the second
day another house was built, and on the third a store, which,
like the other buildings, was a log structure, roofed with
bark. Groff, Campbell, and Andrew MoCollom were sur-
veyors, and several farms were run out. Salmon Rich took
up 11,850 acres in the south corner of the town ; Mr. Farr,
a larger tract in the east ; and Stacy, another large tract near
the north part. Most of these afterward reverted to Mr.
Cooper's heirs. Clearings were made in various places, and
a number of men were set at work preparing timbers, etc.,
for a mill, to be erected at the falls. A canal was blasted
and one or two houses were built. William Brown made
a clearing and sowed two acres of winter wheat. Some time
in 1803 a saw-mill was raised. Potter Groff afterwards sur-
veyed the entire town into lots and made a map of them,
which is the basis for all titles at the present time.
Three families and most of the party remained the first
winter, during which and the following spring several
families came in, among which were those of Salmon
Rich, Isaac Stacey, James Farr, Jonathan Haskins, James
and Richard Merrill, and Timothy Utley. Sackett Dodge,
Dr. J. Seeley, Barton Carver, Seth and Elias Alexander,
Elijah Pooler, James Burnett, Nathaniel Holt, James
Cooper,— a brother of the proprietor,— Elisha Griffin, and
many others also came. The year 1805 witnessed the
arrival of Philo Lord, Thomas B. Benedict, Horatio John-
son, Obadiah Johnson, Jacob Preston, William Cleghorn,
Daniel Smith and six sons, — Harvey, John, Nathaniel,
Daniel, Phineas, and Richard ; these latter from Canada.
Solomon Pratt and many others also settled that year.
The following is a list of the jurors in the town of
De Kalb for the month of September, 1806: Joseph
Anderson, Elias Alexander, Seth Alexander, Ichabod
Arnold, Isaac Burnham, Thomas B. Benedict (merchant),
James Burnett, Amos Comly, James Farr, James Farr, Jr.,'
Elisha Griffin, Potter Goff, Nathaniel Holt (shoemaker)^
Levi Holt, Jonathan Haskins, Horatio G. Johnson, Oba-
diah Johnson, Israel Porter, Solomon Pratt (blacksmith),
Solomon Rich, Isaac Stacy, Henry Smith, Nathaniel Smith^
Timothy Utley, Abner Wright, Joseph Woodhouse (car-
penter), WUliam Woodhouse, Joshua Sweet,— 28.
In 1807, Thomas B. Benedict and Joseph Woodhouse
were appointed to take the census of the electors of the
town of De Kalb. The following is the list given in their
report of December 2, 1807, and embraces, with one ex-
ception (Nathaniel Holt), the heads of families :
Joseph Anderson, Ichabod Arnold, Elias Alexander,
Seth Alexander, Daniel Barker, Ralph R. Bell, Mansfield
Bristol, Truman Bristol, James Burnett, Isaac Burnham
Barton Carver, Abraham Cole, Elisha Cook, James Cooper
William Cleghorn, Abel Cook, David Day, James Parr.
Elisha Farr, Joseph Fisk, Ephraim Pisk, Matthew Grover
Elisha Griffin, Potter Goff, Russell Goff, Nathaniel Holt
Levi Holt, Philo Hurlbut, John Jackson, David Judson
Philo Lord, Abial Lyon (ohairmaker), Richard Merrill,
James Merrill, Solomon Pratt, Jacob Preston, Samuel
Phelps, Solomon Rich, Salmon Rich, Joseph Rounds, Wil-
liam Sloan, Nathaniel Smith, Joshua Sweet, John Seeley,
M.D., Isaac Stacy, Elijah Stockwell, Marvel Thair, Josiah,
Thornton, Samuel Thatcher, Timothy Utley, William Van
Booscirk, William Woodhouse, Abner Wright, Eseck
Whipple, — 54.
Of these, sixteen were freeholders to the amount of £100
or upwards, three upwards of £20 and under £100, and
six renters, paying as high as 40s. per annum. When this
census was taken, it will be remembered that the town em-
braced its original limits of ten miles square.
In 1806 licenses were granted by the commissioners of
excise to Thomas B. Benedict and William Cleghorn, —
the former for mercantile business, and the latter for hotel-
keeping. In 1807 the commissioners of excise — Isaac"
Burnham, James Cooper, and Isaac Stacy — issued licenses
to William Cleghorn, Solomon Pratt, Thomas B. Benedict,
and Elijah Utley. In 1808, John Ross opened a coopering
establishment in town, Peter F. Thatcher a chair-shop (at
De Kalb village), and Abner Wright a wagon-shop. These
were the first established within the town. In 1809 licenses
were granted to Jonathan Haskins and Solomon Rich for
keeping taverns.
In the year 1810, Gideon Townsley settled at De Kalb
village as agent for the sale of lands belonging to the Dau-
beny and Waddell estates. A memorandum made by him
in 1814 mentions the fact of his having a tannery in full
operation, by means of which he was " accumulating money
fast." In his record of settlers and lots occupied by them,
Mr. Townsley commented upon the characters of those then
living in town, praising many for their honesty and indus-
try, calling them "good settlers, an honor to the town,"'
etc., while of others he wrote disparagingly, mentioning
them as very shiftless and indolent, fond of lounging at
the tavern in the village, lovers of horse-racing, trading,
betting, addicted to drinking and carousing, and calling
them clever, hut of no visihU benefit as settlers ! In gen-
eral, however, the town was settled by a remarkably indus-
trious, intelligent, and frugal class, rendering its advancement
sure and steady.
Mr. Townsley's son, E. P. Townsley, now living near
De Kalb village, became agent for the previously-mentioned
estates on the death of his father, and it was about thirty
years before the lands were all closed out, Mr. Townsley pur-
chasing the residue after the balance had been sold and fiiU
payments made. His father's papers are in the son's pos-
session. E. P. Townsley was born at De Kalb village, in
1813.
The population of the town of De Kalb in the year 1818
was 725, and the general land-owners at that time were
N.RUNDELL .
MRS.H. RUNOILL,
NATHAN RUNDELL.
This prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of De
Kalb was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, New York,
October 3, 1809, the eighth in a family of ten children, of
whom only three are now living. The father, Abraham
Rundell, for many years a farmer in Herkimer county, was
bom in Dutchess county, August 29, 1769, and died in De
Kalb, St. Lawrence County, in 1840, at the age of 71.
His wife, Phebe Davison, was born March 6, 1773, and
died at the residence of her son Nathan, March 23, 1859,
aged 86.
Nathan Rundell spent the early years of his life upon the
old faim in Salisbury, where his education (that of the
commou schoo^.) was obtained. In 1833 he removed with
his fether's family to De Kalb, and on the 29th day of
August, in that year, was married to Sarah H. Kennan, of
the same town, but continued to live with his father until
the death of the latter in 1840.
Upon the settlement of the estate, Nathan became pur-
chaser of the homestead farm of one hundred and ten
acres, to which he has since added adjoining tracts, and has
now two hundred and sixty acres, free of incumbrance, with
fine residence and farm buildings, a view of which, together
with the portraits of himself and wife, are given herewith.
In politics he acted first with the old Whig party, from
which he naturally became a Republican, and has always
continued such.
He has at various times held town office, though he
never sought it. In religious sentiment he favors the Con-
gregationalists, of which church his wife was a member at
the time of their marriage.
Their children have been three in number, namely : John
Milton, born June 7, 1837 ; Amos, born June 25, 1839
(died Mai-ch 28, 1842) ; and Elizabeth M., bom November
23, 1840.
-^ V*"
£. P. TOWNSLEY. MRS. £. /! T0WN5LEy .
f rnoros. by Dim, oeoENSBuno-.H y. )
/?ES or E P TOWNSLE/, fl£ /(ALB 5r Lawhe^c Co., -/J A
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
353
James Cooper, Luther Bradish, Lloyd Daubeny, Henry
Waddell, and Frederick De Peyster.
De Kalb is an interior town, lying west of the centre of
the county, and contains 49,657 acres. Its surface is much
broken by low, disconnected ridges of gneiss and white
limestone, separated by narrow valleys. The soil is fertile,
and generally in a good state of cultivation. Considerable
timber yet abounds, of the varieties common to this region.
The dairying interests are quite extensive, and numerous
factories have been erected for the manufacture of cheese.
The town is watered by the Oswegatchie river, which flows
in a diagonal course nearly through the centre ; Beaver
creek, which forms the boundary between De Kalb and De
Peyster ; Harrison's creek, flowing across the east angle ;
Fai-r, Boreland, and other smaller creeks and brooks, mostly
tributary to the Oswegatchie. Osborn's lake, in the western
part of the town, is a small body of water located in the
midst of a swampy region, and is about half a mile long
and thirty to forty rods in width. On a small stream near
it, in the vicinity of Gardner's steam mill, and on a ledge of
rock several feet above the stream, is a deep hole worn in
the solid rock, as by the grinding of some compact mass re-
volving in the water, and this phenomenon has been the
subject of much conjecture.
In the southeast part of the town lead ore (galena) has
been taken out in considerable quantities, the vein contain-
ing lead, copper, zinc, and silver. The zinc crystals are
very fine. Pyrites containing thirty-six per cent, of sulphur
and free from arsenic, and barytes or heavy spar (used in
mixing paint) are found here, the latter north of the Oswe-
gatchie. Feldspar, mica, clay, and sand are found in the
north part, and traces of iron are occasionally seen in dis-
colored earths in various portions of the town. Near Richville
station is an extensive lime-kiln, employing a number of
hands, and manufacturing annually about 30,000 bushels
of lime of an excellent quality.
The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railway traverses
the town in a diagonal direction, diverging into two lines at
De Kalb Junction, the main line reaching from thence to
Ogdensburg, and the Potsdam branch through to Potsdam
Junction via Canton and Potsdam villages. The road has
stations at De Kalb Junction and near the Richville cheese-
factory. A tram-road was at one time built from East De
Kalb to the mines of the Clifton Iron Company, in the
town of Clifton, having a length of twenty-four miles, but
finally relapsed into disuse. It was built about 1864.
The first hirth in De Kalb was in the family of Jehiel
Dimick, in 1804, and the second that of Mary Ann Rich,
daughter of Salmon Rich, born May 16, 1804. The latter
is now the wife of Harlow Godard, Esq., of Richville.
The first death was that of George Cowdry, who was
. drownfed by going over the falls in the Oswegatchie, Sept.
13, 1804, during a freshet.
The contracting parties to the first marriage were Elisha
Cook and Letta Willey, the ceremony being performed May
27, l'804, by Stillman Foote, Esq., of Canton, then the
nearest magistrate. Alexander McCollom and Olive Sprague
were married the following day by the same magistrate.
The following anecdote is taken from Dr. Hough's " His-
tory of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties'' :
45
" The early settlers were often annoyed by their horses escaping into
the woods, and wandering off in the direction of their former homes.
Several were thus lost, and an incident occurred while in pursuit of
some of these which is worthy of notice. Late in December, it being
very cold and the ground covered with snow, two men started in pur-
suit of some horses, which were tracked to a distance of many miles
to the southwest, about into the present town of Fowler. The pursuit
led them much farther than anticipated, and they had not provided
themselves with provisions sufficient for supporting the hardships of
their journey, and in returning were oppressed with excessive hun-
ger, cold, and fatigue. Yielding to these, one of them wished to lie
down and rest on the ground, a course which the other knew would
be fatal, and against it he remonstrated in the strongest manner, but
to no purpose, for the inclination to sleep was irresistible, and argu-
ments were of no avail with one who lost in emergencies of the
moment all control of his reasoning powers, and all hope of safety
by continuing on. He accordingly threw himself upon the ground
to sleep, but his companion, acting upon the principle that the end
justifies the means, provided himself with a green beech twig, of suf-
ficient length and weight to give it effect, and with this he aroused
the sleeper by several severe blows, and thus he countinued to apply
the rod as occasion indi-cated, disregarding the present effect upon the
temper of his friend, until they reached the settlements, both nearly
exhausted and famished by the hardships they had encountered."
The settlements were occasionally visited by the St. Regis
and St. Frangois Indians, who happened to be out on hunt-
ing expeditions. The Indians were always peaceable, except
when they became intoxicated. Some time in 1806, a St.
Regis Indian, named Tom, and his father-in-law, Joe, en-
gaged in a quarrel over a quart of whisky, in which Joe
was badly wounded, but finally recovered. Notwithstanding
the fact that the Indians were all addicted to drink, it was
noticed that at least one of the number would keep sober
in order to take care of the guns, knives, and tomahawks
until the rest finished their debauch.
Russell Gofi', who purchased a farm of his brother. Pot-
ter Gofi^, in 1806, was said to be the strongest man in town.
He was a mason by trade, and also built a saw-mill on his
place (lot 503) as early as 1814.
Elijah Farr, son of James Farr, built a dam on Farr's
creek, and erected a carding machine previous to 1814, the
whole costing about eight hundred dollars. The building
was sixteen by twenty-four feet, two stories high, and the
machine was run by an undershot wheel. The water was
hardly sufiicient for the purpose, as the creek nearly dried
up in the summer, and the enterprise was finally abandoned.
A saw-mill on the Salmon Rich lot (No. 495), near the
present village of Richville, was burned in the summer of
1814, through the carelessness of some of the hands, and a
new one built by the aid of the settlers in the spring of
1815. The mill lot, 2i acres, was sold by Rich to Ralph
R. Thrall in June, 1808, for "a ton of potash and fifty
dollars worth of sawing after the mill was completed."
Thrall worked with P. F. Thatcher, the chairmaker at
De Kalb village.
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING
was directed by the provisions of the statute to be held
" at the hotel in said town" (De Kalb), and accordingly it
was convened March 18, 1806, and the following town
officers elected and sworn in before James Cooper, justice
of the peace : Supervisor, Isaac Stacy ; Town Clerk,
Amos Comly; Assessors, James Buxnett, John Seeley,
Thomas Benedict ; Commissioners of Highways, Potter
354
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKBNCB COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
Goff, Timothy Utley, Elias Alexander ; Overseers of the
Poor, Eseck Whipple, Timothy Utley ; Constable and Col-
lector, Elijah Farr.
The supervisors of De Kalb from 1807 to 1876 inclusive,
have been as follows, viz.: 1807-15, Isaac Burnham ;
1816-18, Gideon Townsley; 1819-20, Elisha GrifBn ;
1821-28, Asa Sprague, Jr. ; 1829-30, Jonathan Bound;
1831, Nathaniel Martin; upon his failing to qualify, Ros-
well White was appointed to fill vacancy ; 1832-35, Asa
Sprague; 1836-39, Seth Alexander; 1840-42, Harlow
Godard; 1843-45, Asa Sprague; 1846, Dwight Spencer;
1847-49, Orin M. Fisk ; 1850, Edward H. Hopkins ; in
September, Orin M. Fisk appointed to fill vacancy ; 1851-
56, Orin M. Fisk ; 1857-60, Elias P. Townsley ; 1861-63,
George D. Hastings ; 1864, Henry Thompson ; 1865, Abel
Godard; 1866, Henry Thompson; 1867-75, Darius A.
Moore ; 1876, Thomas M. Wells.
The present officers (1877) are. Supervisor, Thomas
M. Wells ; Town Clerk, Henry Thompson ; Justices of the
Peace, E. P. Townsley, Harlow Godard ; Commissioner of
Highways, William Brees ; Assessor, Ira W. Sayer ; Col-
lector, Asa L. Poster ; Overseers of the Poor, James John-
son, William Walker ; Town Auditors, George W. Hurd,
William M. Stacy, Lewis W. Wilson ; Constables, Archi-
bald Huntress, Israel D. Smith, Nathan B. Dean, Levi A.
Totman, Asa L. Foster ; Inspectors of Election, District
No. 1, Charles Kendrew, E. W. Hellegas, F. M. Townsley;
District No. 2, J. C. Wiser, S. V. R. Hendricks, Calvin
Barker ; Commissioners of Excise, Isaac Walker, John E.
Whipple, Abner Brees.
EARLY ROADS.
The first road recorded in the town of De Kalb was sur-
veyed and laid out on the 28th of June, 1806, " beginning
at the State road on Mr. John Jackson's southwest line,
near Mud lake, thence N. 72° E. 39 ch., E. 65 ch., S. 80
ch., E. 32 oh., N. 71° E. 150 ch. to Beaver Creek bridge."
Potter Gofi', Timothy Utley. Commissioners.
Another road was laid July 7, 1806, "from Captain
Parr's to town line towards Ballybeen road. From village
to Parr's was laid out in October, 1805, by Salmon Rich
and Kelsey Thurber, surveyed as follows : " From the corner
between William Brown and Isaac Stacy, near hotel, S. 28°
E. 20 ch., S. 47° E. 101 ch., to Captain Parr's, then S.
60° E. 3 miles and 56 ch., S. 70° E. 77 oh. to town line."
Potter Gofi', Elias Alexander, Commissioners.
The first road in town was the one cut through in 1803
from the State road to the site of De Kalb village by the
settlers who came in at that time, and for some time this
was the only one, it being sufficient for all purposes until
the settlers became more scattered.
MEMORANDA FROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
1808. Voted, that the weed called tory weed (Cynoglos-
sum officinale) shall not be allowed to grow on any man's
improvements or in the roads. Penalty, |1 for every ne-
glect to destroy it, after ten days' notice. This law passed
annually until 1816. 1809. A penalty of $1 for allowing
Canada thistles to go to seed. Renewed till 1816. 1810.
S2 offered for everv wolf scaln. 181.^ A «n™^u*
pointed to enforce the destruction of thistles and tory weed,
or exact the penalty. 1818. The supervisor and town clerk
a committee to petition for a road to be laid out from Indian
river to Hamilton (Antwerp to Waddington). 1820. $500
raised for the support of the poor. $10 bounty on wolves
and panthers. Voted that all the public books in town be
sent to the town library, and subject to its regulations, but
not to be taken by persons out of town. 1823. Wolf
bounty, $5. The avails of the gospel and school lots ap-
plied to common schools. 1828. Resolved, That it is in-
expedient to pass any resolution in relation to the county
buildings. 1849. A special town-meeting called March 27,
to consider the necessity and propriety of petitioning the
legislature for a grant to pledge the credit of the town to
raise money to build a plank-road on the main stage-road,
through the villages of Richville and De Kalb. The pe-
tition was not sustained.
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-65.
At a special town-meeting, held December 15, 1863, it
was on motion
" Resolved, That we raise upon the credit of the town of De Kalb a
sum sufficient to pay each volunteer who may hereafter enlist, and
when mustered into the United States service, or any person who
may have enlisted since the 17th day of October, 1863, and when
mustered into said United States service and accredited to the town
of De Kalb, the sum of $300 to each of the said volunteers until the
quota of said town of De Kalb is raised under the last call of the
president for 300,000 men."
At a special town-meeting, convened February 27, 1864,
it was
" Resolved, That the board of town auditors of the town of De Kalb
be and are hereby authorized to raise on the credit of said town the
sum of $300 to be paid to each person who may be mustered into the
service of the United States and accredited to said town as a volun-
teer therefrom, or to any person who may be drafted and be duly mus-
tered into said service, and aooi-edited to said town, under the call of
the president of the date of Feb. 1, 1864; Provided, No more money
be thus raised by said board than will bo necessary in the manner
aforesaid to fill the quota of said town under said call."
At a special meeting, April 5, 1864, it was further
" Resolved, That the board of town auditors issue bond or bonds
of the town of De Kalb to the amount of $300 to each person who
may have enlisted or re-enlisted and been mustered into the United
States service since the 17th day of October, 1863, and properly
accredited to said town ; Provided, Such person or persons shall
have received no town bounty heretofore from this or any other town,
until the several quotas of said town be filled under the calls of the
President of Oct. 17, 1863, Feb. 1, and March, 1864.
" Resolved, That if any person who would be entitled to receive the
$300 as provided in resolution 1st has deserted the United States
service, said board of town officers are directed and requested not to
deliver said bonds of $300, or any part thereof, to said deserter."
A special meeting was held August 17, 1864, after the
call of the president for 500,000 men, and the board was
authorized to issue certificates of indebtedness to the amount
of $600 to each volunteer or substitute. Owing to some
alleged illegality in these proceedings, and the authorization
by the county board of supervisors of the payment of ai
county bounty of $400 each, the provisions made by the
town board August 17, 1864, were annulled. At a special
MffS.DANfCLO.Sr/LCS.
DANIEL 0. STILES.
GEO. W. STILES.
( fHOTOS.BY CARO iSMITH, O^OUVEHNtUI^.)
RES. or DANIEL O.STfLES, DeK^aiS, St. UwifcwcE Co, W./.
Photos, by Card & Smith, Gouverneur,
PELATIAH STACY.
MRS. JEKUSHA STACY.
PELATIAH STACY,
son of Isaac and Abigail Stacy, and the sixth in their
family of eleven children, was born in Cooperstown, Otsego
Co., N. Y., May 28, 1792, and came with his father's
family in 1804 to De Kalb, where he resided until his
death. On January 28, 1819, he was married to Miss
Jerusha Tanner. The result of their union were James A.,
born Feb. 27, 1822, died Nov. 2, 1858; Jerusha, born
March 24, 1824 ; Lydia, born March 20, 1826 ; William
M., born Aug. 13, 1828 ; Isaac W., born Aug. 25^1830 ;
John S., born May 13, 1833 ; Erastus W., born April 4,
1835 ; Mary A., born Oct. 1, 1837 ; Elisha H., born May
4, 1840 ; Maria C, born Feb. 14, 1843 ; Edson E., born
July 29, 1845, and died in the military service Sept. 29,
1864; and Charles P., born Oct. 4, 1848. Their golden
wedding was held in De Kalb, only a few rods from where
they were united in marriage, and of the twelve children,
ten were living to meet on this joyous occasion, six fine
stalwart sons and four worthy daughters.
With a natural tendency to agricultural pursuits, he com-
menced life as a farmer, in a country comparatively a wilder-
ness, and at middle life had achieved abundant success. A
resolute, strong-willed man, of good common sense, sound
judgment, public-spirited, and active in business, he was for
half a century prominently identified not only with the agri-
cultural interests of De Kalb, but with nearly every other
interest which conduced to the prosperity of the town.
Naturally public-spirited, he was never backward in render-
ing assistance to schools, churches, and other public interests,
and being upright and honest in his dealings, he enjoyed
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men.
An " old-line Whig," and after that a stanch Republican,
he was the steadfast friend of his country in her darkest
hour, and, although never an oiEce-seeker or aspirant for
political preferment, he was always deeply interested in
everything that pertained to the public good. It is not
known that he was ever absent from the polls on election or
town-meeting days from the time of attaining his majority
till incapacitated by disease and old age.
In his religious preferences, Mr. Stacy inclined to the
Presbyterian church, of which he was a life-long supporter,
and for many years a member. From her early girllmod,
Mrs. Stacy was also a member of the same church, which
profession she adorned by active Christian duties. She was
truly a laborer in the Lord's vineyard. ^
Mr. Stacy was the father of twelve children, ten of whom
are still living ; and having cared for, educated, and started
them in life, he felt that his work was done. With calm-
ness he awaited the inevitable hour, and, surrounded by
his family, quietly passed away Feb. 24, 1872. His wife
survived him, and departed June 30, 1876, aged seventy-six.
GEORGE P. CAUCKIN.
MRS. SALINA J. CAHOON.
GEORGE PRIEST CAHOON.
The subject of tliis sketch was born in Canton, St. Law-
rence County, Nov. 23, 1822. He is the third son and
now sole survivor in the family of four children of Henry
C. and Laura Sanford Cahoon.
The parents moved from Vermont to Canton in 1821,
and, after five years, removed to De Kalb, and settled on a
farm of one hundred acres, all wild timbered land, which
he (Henry C.) cleared up himself
He died in 1870, and his wife survived him five
years.
George P. Cahoon remained on the farm till the death of
his father, and then purchased of the heirs the homestead
farm.
He was married July 3, 1848, to Salina Brown, of Can-
ton. The result of their union were Amelia C, born De-
cember 5, 1849, died February 13, 1863 ; Morris P., born
April 27, 1851, died September 14, 1851 ; Dexter G., born
December 7, 1852 ; and Leland C, born October 6, 1853.
George P. Cahoon spent his youth on the farm, and was
educated in the common schools of De Kalb. In politics
he has always aifiliated with the Democratic party. In
religious sentiment he is a Congregationalist.
HlSTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW tOM..
356
of town auditors was authorized to issue town bonds to the
amount of $500 each in addition to the county bounty of
$400 each, until the quota of the town was full, bonds
payable in one, two, and three years, from March 1, 1865.
The town was afterwards taxed to pay to individuals the
amounts donated by them for the payment of volunteer
bounties. This was owing to a strong feeling among the
citizens, that those who had advanced so much money
towards the defense of the government should not go unre-
quited for their generosity and patriotism. Interest was
also paid on these, as well as the other bonds.
At a special meeting, held on the second Tuesday in
February, 1865, it was
"Resolved, That the unappropriated money in the hands of the
recruiting committee of this town, or so much thereof as may be
necessary, be applied for the payment of the taxes of such persons
as enlisted in the service of the United States in or during the years
1861 or 1862, and actually served as soldiers during the present war
until they were honorably discharged therefrom, or have continued in
said service by reason of re-enlistment or otherwise ; and also for the
payment of the taxes of the widows or orphans of such soldiers who
have died in the service ; or that portion of sueh tax as shall be the
result of the vote of said town, by a special town-meeting held in
said town on the 25th day of January, 1865, as said fund was assigned
to said town for that purpose, and the residue of said money, if any,
be added to the common-school fund of said town.''
The total amount of bonds issued by the town of De
Kalb pursuant to resolutions passed December 15, 1863,
and February 27, 1864, at special meetings, held in said
town, was $19,300; interest on same, $4075.90; bonds
issued after the war for the payment of sums loaned for
war purposes, not including interest, $9931. Total bonds
issued, $29,231.
From this statement and a perusal of the roster of soldiers
in another part of this volume, it will be seen that De Kalb
was not lacking in a deep-rooted love of country, nor a
desire to see the institutions of slavery abolished and the
Union, established by the patriots of the Revolution, remain
firm and undivided.
In De Kalb, " as in some other towns, a large amount of
poor-money had accumulated, by taxes levied ostensibly for
the support of the poor, for which there was no use after
the adoption of the poor-house system. By an act of Febru-
ary 22, 1830, the overseers of the poor in this town were
directed to pay a thousand dollars to the trustees of the
public lots, to be invested for the support of schools. From
this source, and the sale of the school lot, this town acquired
a very large fund. The location of the two reserved lots
was at first not known, and they were sold by Mr. Cooper.
This afterwards became a subject of diiference, and Simeon
Dewitt, the surveyor-general, was empowered by an act
passed April 3, 1811, to settle with the legal representatives
of William Cooper, on such terms as he might deem just
and reasonable, for any differences which might have arisen
between the State and the said Cooper, in consequence of
any mistakes committed in locating the public lots in De
Kalb. In the general law relating to the gospel and school
lots of these towns, De Kalb was excepted."*
The schools of De Kalb are in a generally flourishing
* Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence and I'ranklin Counties.
condition, the town containing upwards of twenty districts,
including a fine graded school at the village of Richville.
In district No. 23, near Osborne's lake, is yet standing one
of the primitive log school-houses, in a comparatively good
state of repair, — the only landmark of the kind in town.
The oldest cemetery in town was set off for burial pur-
poses by the first settlers, and was located near De Kalb
village, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie river. It
has long been abandoned for burial purposes.
Thomas B. Benedict, mentioned previously, was the son
of a clergyman, and was born at Woodbury, Connecticut,
Oct. 23, 1783. When a young man he came into De Kalb
with Judge Cooper, and engaged in mercantile pursuits.
In 1812 he held a colonel's commission, and had principal
charge of the military operations at Ogdensburg in the
summer of that year. During the war he was promoted to
the rank of brigadier-general. He was a man of much
ability and trustworthiness, but military experience impaired
his relish for peaceful pursuits. He died at De Kalb March
11, 1829.
Seth Alexander, also one of Judge Cooper's party, be-
longed to the militia during the War of 1812, and made
himself famous by a strict conformity to military discipline-
and a rigid obeyance of orders, the latter causing an amusing,
adventure the first time he was placed on guard duty, owing
to the carelessness of the officer in not acquainting him
with the countersign. The anecdote is fully given in the
military chapter, to which the reader is referred.
The Jirst physician who came to De Kalb was Dr. Robert
Campbell, one of the party who located with Judge Cooper
in 1803. It is impossible for us to state how long he re-
mained, or whether he ever practiced here. Following him
came Dr. John Seeley, an accomplished physician and sur-
geon, who practiced successfully for many years. At the
raising of the grist-mill at Cooper's Falls, in the spring of
1804, Asa Jackson, one of three brothers under whose
direction the mill was being built, received a severe hurt by
falling and striking on his head. Dr. Hough's history says
that Dr. Seeley "performed the operation of trepanning,
with no other instrument than a steel thimble, which was
fashioned into an annular saw and fitted on a handle. This
was the first surgical operation performed in town, and was
successful." Dr. Seeley died on the 24th of May, 1829.
DE KALB VILLAGE.
This place was originally called Cooper's village, in honor
of the proprietor, who, in 1805, erected a large hotel on
the hill above the present village. This building was sixty
feet square and three stories high, with a curb roof, and
was the first public-house in town. Around it the entire
business of the village at that day clustered. Its first
tenant was Isaac Stacy, who was succeeded by William
Cleghorn, the latter keeping it a considerable period. The
hotel finally became greatly decayed and was taken down.
In the winter of 1807 a Methodist minister named Bela
Wills taught at the village the first school in town.
A post-office was established here as early as 1820, and
possibly before. Mails were carried on horseback through
from the Black river country. The first postmaster was prob-
ably General Thomas B. Benedict. Gideon Townsley held
356
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the office at different times, amounting to several years in
the aggregate, and after his death his son, Elias P. Towns-
ley, was postmaster for about four years. Among others
were Nathaniel Holt, Asa Sprague, Stephen Slosson, John
Kingsbury, and L. D. Townsley. The present incumbent
is John Whipple. This list is given from the recollection
of an old resident, and may possibly be not entirely accu-
rate. The office was given the name of De Kalb, which it
still retains, and the original name of Cooper's village fell
finally into disuse.
The village now contains a Presbyterian church, two
stores, three blacksmith-shops, three wagon-shops, one hotel
(not regularly carried on as such, owing to lack of business),
one shoe-shop, a cheese-factory (built originally for a hotel
by Nathaniel Holt), operated by J. H. Landon, and said to
be one of the best in the county, and a population of
possibly one hundred and fifty.
COOPER'S FALLS.
At this place, located about a mile below De Kalb village.
Judge Cooper erected a grist-mill, the work being com-
menced in the spring of 1804, under the direction of three
brothers, — Cyrus, Asahel, and Asa Jackson. As has been
mentioned, Asa Jackson received severe injuries at the
raising.
A stock company, known as the Cooper Falls Iron Com-
pany, afterwards built a furnace at the place, the iron ore
being obtained at a mine in the town of Hermon, from
which a large quantity was also shipped to Buffalo. The
mine was finally abandoned, and consequently the manufac-
ture ceased at the falls. The old grist-mill has also gone
into disuse, and the water-power at the place is not at
present utilized. The village contains a small store and a
few dwellings.
RICHVILLE P. 0.
The first settlement at this village was made in March,
1804, by Salmon Rich and Jonathan Haskins, who, " having
loaded a sleigh with provisions, cooking utensils, and camp
apparatus, at Cooper's Village, with the assistance of three
or four hired men drew it by hand up the river on the ice,
a distance of ten miles, opposite the present village of Rich-
ville, where they formed a camp and commenced clearing.
On the approach of warm weather their shanty got over-
flowed, and they were driven to another stand. In April a
small log house was built by Jonathan Haskins near the
river, and in June following, P. Rich began a clearing at
the present village, and erected a log house covered with
bark."*
Haskins afterwards built a house in which, a few years
later, Joseph Kneeland taught the first school in the vil-
lage. Kneeland was killed at the taking of Ogdensburg by
the British, Feb. 22, 1813.
The first tavern in the village was established about
1807, with Solomon Pratt as proprietor. Jonathan Has-
kins received a license in 1809 to keep an inn, and opened
the second one at the place. About 1819 a building for
hotel purposes was erected by John C. Rich. This was
* Dr. Hough's History.
burned down about 1870, and the present " Godard House"
erected on the same site by Colonel Abel Godard, — the
first State senator elected from the town of De Kalb. The
present proprietor of the " Godard House" is H. D. Mallett.
The village was originally called " Rich's Settlement,"
but the name was changed in 1824 on the establishment of
a post-office. John 0. Rich was appointed the first post-
master, and held the position about twenty-five years. He
was a son of Salmon Rich, and brother to Mrs. Harlow
Godard. Those who have since held the office are Harlow
Godard, A. B. Lynde, Calvin Barker, H. G. Chandler,
Russell Johnson, and the present incumbent, Charles R.
Walker.
About the year 1810 a grist-mill, the second one in
town, was erected by Charles Boreland, a mile and a half
above Richville, on the stream which now bears his name.
The year previous a saw-mill had been built by Salmon
Rich.
The building in which the first school was kept was oc-
cupied, in 1825, by Stephen Thompson, who moved in that
year. He was the father of the present town clerk, Henry
Thompson, of De Kalb village. About 1812 a school was
taught at the settlement by Richard Merrill. The present
graded school has three departments, and an attendance of
over one hundred. For the winter of 1877-78 its super-
intendent is Prof Matteson.
The first store at the settlement was established by James
Phelps, on the road leading to the present station. He
was a shoemaker by trade, and worked at that business
while keeping store.
" Richville Lodge, No. 633, F. and A. M.," was insti-
tuted about 1864-66, with a membership of fourteen or
fifteen. Its present neat hall was dedicated in August,
1867. The present membership is about sixty, and the
officers are as follows, viz. : W. M., Horace White ; S. W.,
Harlow Godard; J. W., S. P. Soams ; Sec, George W.
Hurd; Treas., E. A. Rich; S. D., William E. Gore; J. D.,
Henry Woods ; Tyler, E. P. Griffiths.
In the spring of 1877 a grist-mill and a saw-mill owned
by James O'Connor were destroyed by fire, and have not
yet been rebuilt. The village has at other times suffered
slight losses by fire.
In the vicinity of Richville a considerable colony of
Welsh has settled. The first who located here was James
Griffiths, who, until about 1850-51, lived at Rensselaer
Palls, and finally settled at Richville. The Welsh living
here are principally from the south of Wales, and are gen-
erally farmers.
Harlow Godard, Esq., moved to the village of Richville
in 1816, when but twelve years of age. He came from
Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., and lived with his uncle, Ralph
Thrall, who had settled several years previously. In
March, 1834, Mr. Godard was elected to the office of
justice of the peace, and has recently been elected to a term
which, when completed, will close the forty-eighth year of
his services in this capacity. He has been school inspector,
supervisor, etc., of the town of De-Kalb; has held numerous
county offices, and twice represented his district in the
legislature of the State.
Richville contained in December, 1877, four church or-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTS", NEW YORK.
357
ganizations, with three churches, six stores, two blacksmith-
shops, one wagon-shop, one harness-shop, one cooper-shop,
two shoe-shops, one two-story frame school building, one
steam tannery, one Masonic lodge, a telegraph office, one
barber-shop, two cabinet-shops, one of which has an under-
taking establishment in connection, one meat market, one
hotel (the " Godard House"), two lawyers (Joseph George
and M. Conant), two physicians (Dr. Charles B. Hawley
and Dr. Morton), and a population of about 500.
EAST DE KALB P. 0.
was established in 1853, and flarvey Bartlett appointed
the first postmaster. He has been followed by Noyes W.
Smith, John Williams, J. M. Smith, and A. Richards, the
latter holding the position at present (December, 1877).
The office* is located two and a half miles southwest of De
Kalb Junction.
The first settlers at these corners were Elijah Pooler
and Chester Dewey, who located here several years before
there were any others in the immediate neighborhood.
Thomas and Isaac Tanner, John Williams, Freeman Stew-
art, and a man named Adams located in the winter of
1810-11. Isaac Tanner's son, Isaac Tanner, Jr., now
living near De Kalb Junction, was a young man at the
time, and assisted in driving the stock belonging to the
; several families. Mr. Williams' son, Ira Williams, born
in the spring of 1811, is now living at East De Kalb,
within a mile of his birth-place, and says he has always
: been a resident of the town of De Kalb. A part of the
men mentioned served in the war of 1812-15, among
them Isaac Tanner and his son. Elisha Griffin, whose
name appears in a former list, was a colonel of militia
during the above-mentioned war.
A hotel was built here at an early date by Harvey
Bartlett, and for a long time carried on by him. Noah
and James Smith afterwards conducted it, the latter keeping
this well-known stand for many years. After his death the
hotel was closed, and is now used for a post-office and
dwelling.
RICHVILLE STATION.
-This place consists of a small settlement on the Rome,
Watertown & Ogdensburg railway, and has all been built
up since the road was completed. It contains two general
stores, a cheese-factory, built in the spring of 1863, by
John W. Barker, and said to have turned out the first
factory cheese made in St. Lawrence County,f — a blacksmith-
shop, and seven or eight houses. It is distant from the
village of Richville about one and a half miles, the mail
being carried to the latter place by stage.
DE KALB JUNCTION P. 0.
This place is located at the junction of the main line of
the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg railway with the
Potsdam branch, the latter having been originally the main
line. The Ogdensburg extension was completed in August,
iv- 1.862, and trains commenced running over it on the 1st of
September of the same year, since which time the village
* Keported discontinued since this writing,
t First clieese made here May 17, 1863,
has sprung into existence ; the only building on its site
previously was a small log house on the southwest side of
the railroad.
In the fall of 1862, the first mercantile establishment at
the place was built by T. M. Craig, who opened a general
stock of goods in the building now forming the front part
of the store of G. E. Gibbons.
About 1865-67, the " Union Hotel" was built, by Patrick
Green. It is a large frame building, and is at present
managed by Messrs. Roulston and Burlingame. Two other
hotels, the " American,'' built by Israel D. Smith, and the
'■ Dorsey," built by Patrick Green, have been destroyed by
fire ; also a boarding-house, two steam saw-mills (belonging
to Joseph Ray), two dwellings and a barn, the latter three
buildings being located just outside the village.
A post-office was established here, and Israel D. Smith
received the appointment qf first postmaster, Jan. 5, 1864.
Mr. Smith has held the office since, with the exception of
about eighteen months, during which time T. M. Craig was
postmaster. This office handles sixteen mails daily, aside
from the local mail, and before the fast mail train was taken
oif it handled twenty.
The village contained, at the time it was visited (De-
cember 4, 1877), three stores, a hotel, a flour- and feed-mil!,
then nearly completed, built by A. C. Hine, one shoe-shop,
a post-office, two blacksmith-shops, one furniture-store, one
wagon-shop, a frame school-house, and about 150 inhab-
itants,
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The Methodists formed the first religious organization in
the town of De Kalb, but a legal society was not organized
by them until Feb. 25, 1839, when the
FIRST SOCIETY OP THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN DE KALB
was incorporated, with Seth Alexander, Dwight Spencer,
Obadiah R. Rundell, Orin C. Spencer, Elijah Pooler, Thomas
SpaJflFord, and John D. Smith, trustees. The church, a
frame building, which was erected soon after, at East De
Kalb, is yet standing. Services are held every Sabbath,
and a Sunday-school is well attended. The membership at
present is not large. Rev. Mr. Smith is the pastor.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN
THE TOWN OF DE KALB
was incorporated Deo. 7, 1818, with Seth Pomeroy, Joshua
Dewey, Isaac Burnham, Elisha Griffin, Isaac Stacy, Jr.,
and Jonathan Haskins, trustees. On the 18th of the same
month, Gideon Townsley was chosen trustee in place of
Elisha Griffin, who declined to serve. A missionary society
in Massachusetts had the previous year sent out mission-
aries, who succeeded, on August 30, 1817, in forming
a church. The Rev. James Johnson, then in the service
of the society, in 1817, made an appointment to preach in
the town of Russell, and at the solicitation of Seth Pomeroy,
of De Kalb, consented to visit the latter town, which he
did, and preached on a week-day, and consulted with the
people on the -practicability of forming a church. By his
recommendation a notice was given that a meeting for con-
358
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
sultation on the subject would be held the " next Lord's
Day." One of the first founders of the church thus re-
lates their trials and subsequent organization : " The people
were in general moral, but as to Christian or praying ones,
I did not know any except a Baptist elder, who preached
one-half of the time, and a-n old man and his wife, who
were Methodists. You cannot picture to yourself a more
unlikely place to form a church ; the prospect to me was
all barren and dry, and I thought there was nothing to form
a church with unless it was dry trees. It was a time of
anxiety and prayer to the great Head of the church. The
day arrived, and there came two elderly men, who were
many years ago professors of religion, but who had wandered
a great way from the fold of God. It was affecting to hear
them give an account of themselves. Their wives were also
professors, and one of them did indeed pray earnestly that
God would appear and build up his cause. Just as the
meeting was opened, a kind providence sent us a minister, — ■
the Rev. M. Bunt, from Massena, — who was of great service
to us, and before the meeting broke up it was evident the
Lord was there. The Rev. Mr. Johnson came soon after,
and the subject was pursued till we found in all seven pro-
fessors and three who gave evidence of piety, — ten in all.
These, on the last Sabbath in August, 1817, were organized
into a church, and the Lord's supper was for the first time
administered."*
Soon after a revival was held, and about seventy converts
were made, of whom forty or fifty joined the Methodist
church, and most of the balance the Baptist. Rev. Mr.
Johnson was employed about eighteen months, at the end
of which period he left for Vermont, and his place was
taken by Rev. Thomas Kennan,who ministered here about
thirty years, although he was at first hired for three-foui'ths
of his time for three years. He was the father of Mrs.
Ira Williams, of East De Kalb, at which place the church
is located. A stone house of worship was erected, which
is yet standing, although since about 1856 meetings have
not been held in it. The members attend principally at
the Presbyterian church at De Kalb village.
June 15, 1827, the
" UNITED RELIGIOUS SOCIETY,"
a cemetery organization, was formed at Richville, with Orson
White, Orson Shead, Josiah Walker, Henry C. Miller, John
C. Rich, and Marshall Allen, trustees.
THE UNITED BAPTIST AND METHODIST RELIGIOUS SO-
CIETY OE RICHVILLE
was formed March 13, 1836, with Nathan Barker, Harlow
Godard, John Chase, James Phelps, Danford Johnson,
and Russell Johnson, trustees. A church edifice was built
near the cemetery, principally by the Baptists, and on the
2d of October, 1837, the
FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY OF RICHVILLE
was formed, with Eleazer Dewey, Jacob C. Temple, Jabez
Bosworth, John C. Rich, Harlow Godard, and Simeon
Millen, trustees. Mr. Godard has ever sines been one of
» Hono-h.
the trustees of this society. After a. number of years the
church-building was demolished, and the present frame
church erected in its stead. The first Baptist pastor here
was Rev. Allen Guernsey. Rev. Cyrus M. Booth is at
present in charge. The membership in December, 1877,
was about eighty. A flourishing Sabbath-school has been
kept up for many years. In 1876, about $2500 were paid
out for repairs on the church, and the society's property
amounts to several thousand dollars.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN
DE KALB
was formed in December, 1829, and the first trustees were
Stephen Thompson, Jr., Orson White, and Marshall Allen.
In 1827-28 a church was formed in Richville, as a branch
of the First Presbyterian church in De Kalb, which was in
a year or two changed into a Congregational one. On the
11th of February, 1840, the
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY OF RICHVILLE
was formed, the first trustees being Marshall Allen, Darius
Wiser, Jonathan Barker, Josiah Walker, Orson White,
and A. V. Chandler. The first pastor was probably Rev.
Thomas Kennan, while yet the church was Presbyterian in
denomination. In 1839, the present pastor, Rev. Gorham
Cross, came to the village, and moved his family in the
following year. He has been in charge of the congrega-
tion ever since. During the year 1840 a frame church was
built, which has since been abandoned and is now used for
a shop. The present fine frame building, owned by the so-
ciety, was erected in 1859, at a cost of about $2500. The
present membership of the church is about sixty. A Sab-
bath-school flourishes finely, with a membership of about
seventy. The Methodist Episcopal society owns a fourth
interest in the church, and has about the same number of
members as the Congregational, although more scattered.
Its pastor is Rev. Mr. Dixon. The lot on which the build-
ing stands was generously donated to the two societies in
1859, by A. B. Lynde, since deceased.
THE WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY
was organized in 1856, by Rev. Thomas D. Rees, a native
of the southern part of Wales. The original number of
members was but fifteen or twenty, and meetings were first
held in the stone house owned by James Jones, standing
below the village. The present frame church was erected
in the summer of 1859, by Ebenezer GriflBths, at a cost of
1550. The present membership of this church is about
- one hundred and twenty-five, and the pastor is Rev. David
Jones, also from South Wales. A Sabbath-school, which
is connected with the church, has a respectable member-
ship and is in a flourishing condition.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT DE KALB VILLAGE.
A church was built here in 1853, and dedicated in 1854,
by Rev. James Johnson, who was its first pastor, preaching
also at East De Kalb. At present the church has no pastor,
and regular meetings have not been held since 1875. The
last pastor was Rev. G. Cross, who ministered to the wants
MRsMAftLOVf GrOOARD.
Hon, Harlow Oodard.
In the following condensed narrative of the life of Harlow
G-odard there is found no element of seductive romance, no
recital of events or circumstances other than such as may
occur to any who bring to bear the same traits of capacity,
honesty, resolution, and temperance by which he has raised
himself to independence and public honor. His parents
were Lewis Godard and his wife, Mindwell Thrall, who had
emigrated from Connecticut, and settled at Leyden, Lewis
Co., New York, where the subject of this sketch was born
April 22, 1804, the fifth in their family of six children,
and now the sole survivor. Both his father and eldest
brother were soldiers in the war of 1812 ; the former,
holding the commission of lieutenant, was captured at
Ogdensbuig, and thence taken a prisoner to Halifax, where
he remained in captivity for two years. The brother, Shaler
Godard, served at Sacket's Harbor, and died 'of wounds
received in the service.
In 1816, the boy, Harlow Godard, then twelve years of
age, came to St. Lawrence County to live in the family of
an uncle at Richville, then known as Eich's settlement.
Here he remained for about six years, attending the winter
terms of the common school, but laboring for his livelihood
both winter and summer. Later he attended the academy
at Potsdam, and afterwards taught in the schools of both
Richville and Gouverneur. On the first of January,
1828, he married Miss Mary Ann Rich, of Richville, the
first female child bom' in the town of De Kalb. To this
union have been born four children, namely : Maudana,
born Aug. 4, 1829, married Daniel A. Smith, of Low-
ville; Louisa, born July 21, 1831, died April 26, 1848, in
her seventeenth year; Abel, born June 26, 1835, who,
during the war of the rebellion, was colonel of the 60th
N. Y. Vols., and afterwards the first State senator elected
from De Kalb ; Emily, born July 30, 1838, married J. P.
Wiser, of Gouverneur, and now living in Prescott, Ontario.
After his marriage, aided by the energy, industry, and
economy of his estimable wife, Mr. Godard commenced life
in a log house, upon a partially-cleared farm of twenty-five
acres, which was paid for, and about sixty acres added to it
by the fruits of his own hand labor in the six years which
he remained a farmer. At the end of this time he commenced
in Richville as a merchant, dealer in real estate, and shipper
of lumber to Quebec. After about ten years, he relinquished
his merchandising and lumber operations, and since that
time has been chiefly engaged in the purchase and sale of
real estate. He has been uniformly successful in his various
vocations, and has accumulated from them a large fortune.
He is a member of the Baptist church of Richville
and a trustee of the Baptist society, his wife having
united with that church before their marriage. Politically,
his earliest affiliations were with the Democrats, and his
first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson ; but upon the forma-
tion of the Republican party he became one of its most
earnest supporters, and has never since swerved from his
allegiance to its principles. Though never an office-seeker,
he has been repeatedly called on to fill places of honor and
preferment. He was elected to the assembly in the years
1848, '49, '58, and '59, and was a member of the assembly
committee appointed to examine the accounts of the comp-
troller, state treasurer, and banking department. Several
times he has been designated as administrator and appraiser
of estates, and by the courts (once by the Supreme Court)
has been appointed referee for the decision of cases in
litigation. Of town offices, he has held those of inspector of
schools, assessor, highway commissioner, loan commissioner,
supervisor for four years, and elected justice of the peace
continuously for the extraordinary period of forty-eight
years, — a compliment such as few have ever received from
fellow-townsmen, and a proof of their appreciation and esteem
which is worth more to him than all his ample fortune.
Iv^'Jfe.
fi^4f
fsi
1^
Abner Brl^s.
f^RS.ABNER BREES.
RiS. OF ABNER BffEES, de kalb, 57 LmRHNCL co., «. Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. NEW YORK.
359
Richville. The frame building here and the stone edifice
at East De Kalb are still the property of the Presbyterian
society, and the former is occasionally occupied by the
Methodists. It was built for a union church, but finally
became the property of the Presbyterians.
"KENDREW" METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
is located a few miles below De Kalb village, on the west
side of the Oswegatchie river. The first class at the
locality was formed by Thomas Kendrew, Sr., and the
present frame church built in 1859, at a cost of $1000. It
will seat about two hundred pereons. The first pastor was
Rev. W. C. Lent, now attending two charges in the town
of Lisbon. It has quite a large membership ; its pastor is
the same who is in charge at Rensselaer Falls. Meetings
are held every Sabbath.
HONORABLE MENTION.
Among those who have kindly furnished data to the his-
torian, and aided him in preparing the foregoing article on
their town, are Mr. Wells, Gr. B. Gibbons, and others, at De
Kalb Junction ; Ira Williams and A. Richards, at East De
Kalb ; E. P. Townsley, Henry Thompson, and others, at De
Kalb village; E. Griffith, Harlow Godard, Esq., Rev. G.
Cross, H. D. Mallett, and others, at Richville, and numer-
ous persons in other localities, to all of whom are tendered
the thanks due them.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES BURNETT
was born in Hampton, Windham Co., Conn., Oct. 17, 1805,
being the eldest of the ten children of James and Amanda
Burnett, of whom eight are still living. James Burnett
the elder was born in Hampton, Sept. 16, 1783, and re-
moved with his wife and child to De Kalb, St. Lawrence
Co., in the fall of 1805. The younger James, the subject
of this sketch, spent the years of his youth upon the farm
of his father in De Kalb. His education was that of the
common school, supplemented by three terms at the acad-
emy, after which he taught for several seasons.
On March 24, 1828, he was married to Martha Spauld-
ing, of De Kalb. From this union have been born three
children, all of whom are living, viz. : Lester, born March
29, 1829 ; George, born Oct. 31, 1830 ; and Edwin, born
April 11, 1832. In religious inclination Mr. Burnett is a
Congregationalist, though not a member of the church. In
politics his first affiliations were with the Whig party, from
which he became, and has always remained, a consistent
Republican. Though he has often been solicited to become
a candidate for office, he has never consented to accept any
other than that of commissioner of schools. The results of
industry and perseverance may be seen in his career. Com-
mencing life with only an axe and a cow, he has become the
owner of a fine farm of two hundred and seventy acres, one-
half of which he cleared from the original forest with his
own hands A pictorial illustration of his residence and
farm buildings ia a-iven in another nart of this work.
DANIEL 0. STILES.
David B. Stiles was born in Newport, Herkimer Co., N.
Y. Fifty-four years ago he was a farmer in Oneida Co.,
N. Y. He had married Rebecca Derrino, by whom he
afterwards became the father of ten children, the eldest of
whom, Daniel 0. Stiles, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Oneida. Oct. 27, 1823. His youth was passed upon his
father's farm, and he removed with the family from Oneida,
first to Jefferson county, and twelve years later to St. Law-
rence County, where they settled in the town of De Kalb,
near the place of his present residence. On the 4th of
July, 1850, he was married to Eusebia White, of Richville.
One child only has been born to them, — a son, George W.,
born May 9, 1851, and removed by death Feb. 2, 1864, in
his thirteenth year. It was a sore affliction, but has been
borne by them with Christian fortitude and meekness.
Both are members of the Congregational church, he
having been a deacon for several years, as well as superin-
tendent of the Sabbath-sohool, in which both are efficient
teachers.
He has also held the office of school trustee for five years,
and is known as an earnest friend of education. Politically
he is a member of the Republican party. As regards this
world's goods, he commenced life almost empty-handed
upon a tract of sixty-three acres of heavy-timbered land,
purchased on credit, but cleared, paid for, and added to by
patient industry. The patrimony of his wife also materially
augmented their estate, which now embraces one hundred
and eighty acres free of incumbrance, well cultivated, and
productive. A view of their home, together with the por-
traits of himself, wife, and son, is shown upon another page.
ABNER BREES,
son of Abner Brees, who was born in Virginia in the year
1784, died February, 1843. His mother's maiden name
was Polly Sweet. The elder Mr. Brees moved to Coopers-
town, Otsego Co., N. Y., with his parents when he was
twelve years of age, and subsequently to Cooper's Falls, St.
Lawrence Co., when he was twenty-one years old, where he
purchased a farm of one hundred acres. He remained here
until Abner, Jr., was two years old, when he purchased the
adjoining farm, where the latter now resides. The subject
of this sketch was born in De Kalb, Aug. 11, 1821. He
was the second son of a family of eight children, three sons
and five daughters, of whom six are now living, one in
California, and the residue in De Kalb. His youth was
spent on the farm, and he enjoyed the privilege of attend-
ing the common school, and remained at home until he
reached his twenty-fifth year. In the first two years on
the farm, after marriage, he saved one hundred and sixty
dollars ; in the succeeding two years, five hundred dollars,
with which he purchased ninety acres of heavily-tim-
bered land, which he cleared himself, and by subsequent
purchases has added thereto until he now owns three hun-
dred and seventy-one acres. An illustration of the home-
stead, together with portraits of himself and wife, adorn
our pages elsewhere in this work. He married Matilda C.
Ayres, of Gouverneur, on Jan. 17, 1847, but never had any
360
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
children. The worthy couple adopted a son. He com-
menced life after marriage with but fifty dollars, and by in-
dustry and economy has succeeded in amassing a comfortable
fortune. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterwards a
Republican. He has been commissioner of highways in his
town three years, and overseer of the poor several terms. In
religious sentiment he is a Methodist, his wife a Univer-
salist. In character he is honest and just, charitable and
liberal, and enjoys a good general reputation in the com-
munity.
HON. DARIUS A. MOORE.
Among the truly representative men of St. Lawrence
County, whose life and character entitle them to record on
the pages of our history, the gentleman whose name heads
this biography deservedly occupies a prominent position.
His father, John W. Moore, of Scotch descent, was born in
Poultney, Vt., in the year 1800 ; his mother, Almira Farr,
was born in Oswegatchie, in this county, in the year 1811.
They were married in 1830, and had six children, — five
daughters and one son, — born in the order following:
Martha Ellen, died at the age of two years; Mary Amerett,
died at the age of twenty-six years ; Darius Alonzo, living ;
Ellen Rebecca, died at the age of one year ; Mencie Ann,
living; Louisa Arabella, died at the age of twenty-six years.
His father was a merchant, commencing business at
Russell, N. Y,, soon after his marriage; from there he re-
nwDved to Canton, N. Y., continuing in the mercantile busi-
ness ; afterwards removing to Defiance, Ohio, pursuing his
former occupation until his death, which occurred in 1842.
Darius A. Moore was born in Canton, N. Y., April 13,
1833. He removed with his parents to Ohio when about
two years old, and remained there until the death of his
father, at which time he, at the age of nine years, with his
mother and sister, returned to Richville,"St. Lawrence Co.
His mother was again married to Nathan Keyes, of Rich-
ville, N. Y., which union resulted in four children, as follows :
Martha E., Dorville A., Amelia A., and Angelia, — all living.
At the age of sixteen young Moore left his home, having
previously received a good common-school education, and
commenced clerking in his uncle's store in the village of De
Kalb, continuing in his employ for seven years, excepting
two years, which time he attended the Grouverneur seminary.
At the expiration of this time he commenced business on
a small scale for himself at De Kalb, having no capital except
what little he had providently saved from his earnings.
From that time to the present, Mr. Moore has continued in
the mercantile business, and we cannot refrain from remark-
ing here, that to his own individual exertions is attributable
the eminent success that has attended his efi'orts. The good
fortune that has attended him in all his transactions was
not in any sense accidental — it was a necessary consequence
of untiring industry, good management of his interests, and,
above all, of a firm and uncompromising spirit of personal
honor and integrity. Hard and persistent labor, diligence,
punctuality in fulfilling engagements, have been among the
essential factors of his success.
On July 17, 1856, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with
Miss Emily Beebe, of De Kalb. She was born in Gouverneur,
Aug. 6, 1834. The result of this marriage has been six chil-
dren, namely : Frank Willard, born May 31 , 1857; Asa James,
born July 26, 1858; Willie Alonzo, born Feb. 21, 1861;
Maud Louisa, born June 23, 1863; Carrie Emily, born
May 12, 1865 ; and Leon Ashton, born May 12, 1872.
These are all living excepting the latter, who died April
15, 1874.
Mr. Moore has been equally successful in politics as in
his commercial operations. On attaining his majority he af-
filiated with the Democratic party, and cast his first vote
for Horatio Seymour ; but, soon after the organization of
the Republican party, he became a Republican, and has
been a firm supporter of that party ever since. In 1858
he was elected town clerk of the town of De Kalb, which
office he filled acceptably for nine consecutive years ; he was
then elected supervisor of his town, which office he retained
for nine successive years. He was elected to the assembly
of the State in 1872, and re-elected in 1873. While in this
position he was appointed on the committee of banks,
charitable and religious societies, and was made chairman of
the committee of State charitable institutions, and of en-
grossed bills. In 1875 he was elected to the senate
by a majority of 5225, serving on the committees of finance,
commerce and navigation, and apportionment, and was also
chairman of the committee on claims and agriculture. In
these varied and exalted positions he has maintained a rep-
utation of personal rectitude coequal with that acquired in
his business life. He gave unqualified satisfaction alike to
his constituents and to the people at large. Although..not
a professor of, religion, he sustains the character of a Chris-
tian gentleman, and leans towards the doctrines of the
Congregational church, of which his parents were honored
members. He is public-spirited in his aims, in his prin-
ciples just, liberal in enterprises tending to the public good,
and charitable where aid is deserved. In his domestic life
he is a kind and aflfectionate husband and father, and has
shown in his entire career that
"Good deeds are more than coronets,
And sterling worth than Norman blood."
See portrait on opposite page.
HON. ELIAS P. TOWNSLEY.
Among the pioneers of De Kalb, St. Lawrence Co., were
the parents of him of whose life the present sketch is but
an outline.
Gideon Townsley was born May 5, 1783, in Brimfield,
Hampden county, Massachusetts, whence he emigrated to
Oneida county. New York, where he met and married, in
Sangerfield, Feb. 10, 1810, Elvira Page, who was born
Nov. 24, 1786, in Coventry, Conn. In his youth Mr.
Townsley learned the trade of a tanner and currier, and was
foreman of a large tannery at Cooperstown, N. Y., for several
years. He moved into De Kalb the year of his marriage,
and carried on his trade, also working a farm. For several
years, also, he kept a public-house, which was widely and
favorably known as a country hostlery.
Mrs. Townsley was first cousin of Harlan Page, the
eminent divine, and also of William Page, th§ noted artist.
(TTrrd
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
361
During the War of 1812, it being deemed unsafe for lier
to remain in De Kalb from fear of Indian raids, she re-
turned to Oneida county, making her return home on horse-
back, accompanied by her brother, Elias Page, and bringing
in her arms her youngest child (about a year old), her
brother bringing the other, a distance of one hundred and
twenty-seven miles, much of the way a wilderness.
Mr. Townsley died Feb. 16, 1842, aged fifty-eight years,
and the wife of his youth, and companion of his toils and
struggles in the wilderness, survived until June 15, 1852,
when she too passed to her rest, at the age of sixty-eight
years.
Five sons and four daughters were born to them, and four
of the sons are now living.
Elias Page Townsley was born in De Kalb, Nov. 8, 1813,
being the third child and second son of the above-named
family. He spent his youth at home under his father's
roof, gaining a good common-school education the mean-
while. He learned the trade of his father, and carried on
the business for a few years, running his father's tannery
for his own account.
In 1840 he commenced farming, in company with Elisha
Griffin, having a limited capital. In 1845 he bought the
farm and managed it until 1850, when, his wife's health
failing, he rented it and removed to the village of De Kalb,
where he has ever since resided. Since 1850 he has given
his attention and time principally to real-estate transactions
and surveying. In company with D. C. Judson, of Ogdens-
burg, he purchased the lands of the estate of John I. De
GraflF, deceased, in St. Lawrence County, and had the con-
trol and management of the sales, contracts, and convey-
ancing of the business. He also bought the Danbury lands,
several hundred acres of wliich had been in his care as agent
for over twenty-five years. He has also for as long a period
been the agent of several of the original proprietors of
land in the county, and by his sound business judgment and
thrift has gained a handsome competenee, which he is now
enjoying in the midst of an interesting family.
In politics Mr. Townsley was formerly a member of the
Whig party, but joined the Republican organization on its
formation, and has worked for and voted with that party
to the present time. He has held the ofiice of town clerk,
assessor, and commissioner of highways; has been super-
visor of the town four years, and postmaster for the same
number of years, and has been twice elected to the assem-
bly from his district, in 1862 and 1863. He has held the
office of justice of the peace for twenty-five years, and has
just been elected for another term.
Although not a member of any church, yet he has been
a trustee of the Presbyterian society for more than twenty
years, and has been a liberal supporter of the same.
Mr. Townsley was married May 14, 1840, at De Kalb,
to Lora B. H. Griffin, who was born in Hampton, Conn.,
Dec. 27, 1816, and was the adopted daughter of Col. Elisha
Griffin. Two sons and two daughters were the fruits of
this union, viz. : Clinton G., born Sept. 3, 1841 ; Henry
S., born Dec. 23, 1842 ; Helen T., born Nov. 17, 1846 ;
Lora E , born Aug. 17, 1850. Mrs. Townsley died Dec.
20, 1850. Helen T. married J. E. Knox, dry-goods dealer
in New York city, and resides in Brooklyn. Both sons en-
listed in the cavalry arm of the service in the War of the
Rebellion, and remained till its close. Clinton rose from the
ranks to the position of major, was in forty-seven engage-
ments, had two horses shot under him, was wounded at
the battle of Fort Stevens, and received his promotion as
major of the 2d battalion, 25th N. Y. Cavalry, on the recom-
mendation of Generals Sheridan and Merritt.
Mr. Townsley was again married April 7, 1853, to
Louisa Ellen Thompson, who was born in Richville, town
of DeKalb, Feb. 13, 1826.
Two sons have been born to him by his present wife —
Clarence Page, in 1854, and Herbert Wilton, in 1856.
Clarence is now a cadet at the military academy at West
Point, having received his appointment as such in 1877.
He was one of fifty-five appointees, in a class of one hun-
dred and twenty-eight, who passed a successful examination
and were accepted.
It is needless to add any encomium to Mr. Townslej''s
reputation as a man and worthy citizen, as the foregoing
record amply testifies to his worth, and the estimation in
which he is held by his fellow-citizens.
A view of Mr. Townsley's home and surroundings, and
portraits of himself and his wife, adorn our pages elsewhere.
JOHN HOCKENS,
son of John and Dorcas Hockens, was born in England,
Aug. 7, 1819. His father was born in the same country
in 1792, and moved to St. Lawrence County and settled in
De Peyster in 1843. He spent his youth on his father's
farm, and attended the national schools of his native land,
afterwards accompanying his parents to America, and settled
with them in De Peyster. On Dec. 24, 1850, he married
Jane Dorman, by whom he had the following children :
John D., born Oct. 5, 1851, died July 4, 1858 ; David C,
born Aug. 19, 1853, died May 15, 1875; Mary, born
Sept. 20, 1855 ; Margaret M., born Sept. 19, 1857 ; Jane,
born Nov. 13, 1859 ; Arvilla, born Blay 5, 1861 ; Elizabeth,
born June 10, 1863, died Feb. 21, 1864; Louisa, born
Jan. 17, 1865 ; John L., born May 10, 1868.
Mr. Hockens commenced life with absolutely no capital
except the knowledge of and willingness to work. After
being in the country four years he went on a farm of one
hundred and four acres, upon which was a log shanty. In
this he lived while he cleared the land of the timber with
which it was covered and got it ready for cultivation. He
has since added eighty-three acres to it, and now has a
comfortable farm, a view of which can be had by reference
to another page in this work.
Both Mr. Hockens and his estimable wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church of De Peyster, he occu-
pyin")- the positions of steward and trustee of that church.
His wife joined that church when quite young, himself
later in life. In politics he has always been a Republican ;
but never aspired to office, and would never accept any
save that of school trustee, which he filled satisfactorily.
He is a man of good general character, intelligent and
upright, and a good citizen in every respect.
362
HISTOET OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ELON G. GARDNER.
This gentleman descends from a Revolutionary hero, his
grandfather having been a soldier of Bunker Hill. His
father, Samuel Gardner, was born in Rhode Island in 1789,
and participated in the battle of Sacket's Harbor, during
the war of 1812. His mother was Mercy Olin. His pa-
rents settled in Caniillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1807.
They removed to Lewis county in 1825, and to Jefferson
county in 1857.
Elon G. Gardner was born in Camillus, Nov. 15, 1822.
He was the seventh child in a family of thirteen, — eight
boys and five girls, — six of whom are still living. He
spent his youth on his father's farm, receiving his educa-
tion at the common schools. He learned the carpenter's
and joiner's trade, completing his apprenticeship at the age
of twenty-three, and working at the trade until he was
twenty-nine years old. On Jan. 1, 1851, he married Caro-
line Doane, of Do Kalb, by whom he had the following
children, namely : Henry 0., boin May 6, 1852 ; Delia S.,
born June 24, 1853 ; Lucia A., born Sept. 14, 1854 ; Car-
rie A., born Nov. 20, 1858; Frederick E., born Aug. 18,
18G5; Delbert N., born Jan. 16, 1868. All are now
living.
After his marriage BIr. Gardner purchased a farm of
fifty acres in the town of Gouverneur, for which he paid
in four years. He subsequently exchanged for a farm of
two hundred and thirty-two acres in De Kalb, to which he
has since added fifty-four acres. After a residence of
nine years on the above-named farm, he purchased his
present homestead, containing ninety-six acres, an illustra-
tion of which can be seen on another page in this history.
It is located near the village of Bichville. In politics he
is a Republican, having first voted with the Democratic
party. Ho is a member of the Baptist church. Mrs.
Gardner belongs to the Congregational denomination.
They are generally looked upon as a worthy couple, and
are universally respected for their estimable qualities of
head and heart.
ANDREW ROULSTON,
son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Roulston, was
born in Ireland in the year 1808. His ftither came to
America, and settled in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1811, leaving
his wife and children in the old country while ho went to
work to establish a home for his family in the New World.
On July 4, 1825, Andrew landed in Ogdensburg, having
spent his youth in Ireland. He went to work at brick-
making in Heuvelton, receiving ten dollars a month for his
services. He remained thus employed for two years, and
then turned his attention to farming, for the first year by the
month, and then, in December, 1825, he purchased a wood
lot of sixty-seven acres in the town of De Kalb, on which
he erected a log shanty and cleared his land, working hard
to get it into a state fit for cultivation.
On March 22, 1831, he married Lydia Wells, of Can-
ton, and they had a family of eleven children, — six boys
and five girls, — of whom six survive. He lost his first
wife, and on Jan. 10, 1855, married Mary Jane Wallace,
by whom he had nine children, — six sons and three daugh-
ters. To his oiiginal purchase he added thirty-three acres,
which he subsequently sold, and bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty-three acres, where he now resides, to
which he has added adjoining tracts until he now possesses
six hundred acres in the houjcstead farm, an illu.stration of
which, together with portraits of himself and wife, adorn
our pages elsewhere. In addition to the above, he owns a
farm of two hundred and six acres near Bichville, upon
which one of his sons lives. Blr. and Mrs. Roulston
are both consistent members of the Presbyterian church,
with which the latter united in her native city of Belfast,
Ireland. Mr. Roulston is a trustee of that church, of
which and other religious and educational enterprises he
has been a liberal supporter. In politics he is a strong
Republican. He never sought political preferment, but
was once induced to serve as commissioner of highways in
his town. He is an honest man and a good citizen.
STEPHEN W. HEMENWAY.
The subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer Co., N.
y., in 1835. His parents were Levi and Eliza Whitford
Hemenway, the former born Feb. 16, 1803, and died on
his fifty-ninth birthday, his widow being still living. Ste-
phen William Hemenway was the only son in their family
of six childien, all of whom survive. The family removed
from Herkimer to St. Lawrence County, and settled in De
Kalb, in 1838, when he was but three years of age. His
youth was spent upon the farm, and his education was that
of the common school.
He was married in Richville, Blay 31, 1857, to Harriet
Rundell, of De Kalb. Two children have been born to
them, namely, Winifred C.,born Blarch 21, 1858 (married
F. W. Havens, of De Kalb) ; and Arthur Levi, born Nov.
24, 1862. Both arc living. In his politics Mr. Hemen-
way is independent of party, though he cast his first vote
for John C. Fremont, and for some years acted with the
Bepublicans. In religion he follows his father's belief in
universal salvation. His vocation has always been that of
agriculture, in which, from a very humble commencement,
he has come to be regarded as one of the best and most
successful farmers in the county.
After the death of his fiither, in 1862, he became pur-
chaser of the paternal farm of one hundred and seventy-five
acres, which has been added to by the inheritance of his
wife, so that their joint estates comprise nearly five hundred
acres. They arc living in competence at her father's home-
stead, an illustration of which is given in this work.
Andrew Roulswn .
Mrs. ANDREW ROULSTON.
( fnOTOS. ffy Dows /(£W Studio, Oo-densboro. )
ffEi) OF, ANDffLW ffOULSTON. De HiLB. S'' Lawrence Co,N Y
RES. or JOHN A. WILSON, MACOMB. SIM WfffNCf CO.. N. Y.
MACOMB.
This town, deriving its name from Alexander Macomb,
the patentee of Macomb's purchase, was formed from the
towns of Morristown and Gouverncur, April 30, 1841, and
made to include the district in the former south of Black
lake, and in the latter north of Beaver creek, from the line
of De Kalb to the Ogden tract, which it followed to the
Oswegatchic, and thence up that river to the boundary of
Rossie. A small tract south of the lake was still left in the
town of Hammond, which, on the 11th of April, 184:2, vfas
attached to Macomb. The proverb, that '' coming events
cast their shadow before," was truly verified in the for-
mation of this town.
The inhabitants of those portions of Morristown and
Gouverneur lying between Black lake and Beaver creek
had long felt the inconvenience of their seclusion from the
places of holding town-meetings, their only communication
with the more thickly-settled portions of the towns being
by means of newly-constructed roads, through a wild and
rocky region, and which at certain seasons of the year were
almost wholly impassable. As these portions of the towns
became more thickly settled the necessity of forming a new
town was more keenly felt. In 1837 the inhabitants of
Morristown expressed their willingness for this whenever
those living south of the lake should agree upon the
measure. Similar resolutions were passed shortly after this
by Gouverneur. A special town-meeting was held in
Morristown, in 1841, for the purpose of considering the
proposition of setting off a new town upon the southerly
side of Black lake. It was
"Resolved, That all those electors residing on the northerly side of
Black lake do now withdraw from the room in order to obtain the
voice of those on the southerly side."
Which being done, it was, on motion (with only one dis-
senting voice),
" Resolved, That that part of the town of Morristown which lies on
the southerly side of Black lake be set off by itself a new town."
The whole of the electors were then called in, and, being
all present, this resolution was again passed.
The first town-meeting was held in pursuance of statute
at the house of David Day (2d), June 1, 1841. At this
meeting the following-named ofiicers were elected : David
Day (2d), supervisor ; Bliphalet S. Pope, town clerk; David
B. Woodworth, William Whalin, and William Houghton,
assessors; Timothy Pope, Daniel Tully, and Denison Coates,
commissioners of highways ; Charlemagne Pope, collector ;
WilHam Houghton, Charlemagne Pope, and Washington
Lawyer, constables; William Mills, G. Pope, and David
Tully, justices of the peace ; George Konnan and Josiah
Sweet, overseers of the poor ; David Day (2d), John S.
I
Kinda, and Morgan Starks, Jr., commissioners of common
schools.
The town is situated upon the south side of Black lake,
in the western part of the county. Its surface is broken
by ridges of gneiss, sandstone, and white limestone, which
lie parallel with the lake and cover a large portion of the
town. The narrow intervales between these ridges are
filled with a deep, I'ich soil, which produces excellent crops,
but is better adapted to grazing. Fish and Birch creeks,
flowing into Black lake, are the principal streams. Pleasant
lake, in the western part of the town, is a fine sheet of
water, about one mile in length. It has no visible inlet,
and is not effected by freshets in the spring. The water is
cold, and so clear that the bottom is clearly discernible at a
depth of fifty feet. Hickory lake lies near the eastern
border of the town, and forms the source of Fish creek.
The principal business of the inhabitants is that of farming,
and two cheese-factories are in operation within the town.
The pioneer settler was 5Ir. Samuel Bristol, who located
upon the place now owned by Samuel Holcomb. He first
located at De Peyster, and was among the first settlers of
that place. Captain Rufus Washburn, formerly of Con-
necticut and later from Exeter, Otsego county, came into
the town when it was almost entirely new. He was a
blacksmith, and kept a public-house for many years on the
place now owned by David Pierce. He was drowned in
the Oswegatchie, April 28, 1817, while returning from a
town-meeting in the village of Gouverneur. Samuel Wil-
son, E. Wilson, and Samuel Peek were early settlers. The
improvements of this town were for many years limited to a
small neighborhood upon the State road, and no schools
were opened until the winter of 1818.
POPE'S MILLS
is a small settlement upon Fish creek, two miles from Black
lake, to which it is navigable. It contains a hotel, grist-
mill, saw-mill, two dry-goods and two grocery-stores, a
blacksmith-shop, cooper-shop, and pump-factory. It owes
its origin and name to Timothy Pope, who moved from
Oswegatchie to this place in 1818 and erected mills. He
was orin-inally from Otsego county, and settled in Oswe-
gatchic in 1804. Mr. Pope erected a dam across the creek
at this point, which caused the water to set back, forming
a shallow lake several miles in extent. In 1828 he erected
a distillery, which, however, continued in operation but a
short time, and was afterwards used as a tannery. This
building has been unoccupied for many years, though the
walls are still standing. Mr. Pope was killed Nov. 7,
1835, with Solomon Shaw, by the bursting of a defective
millstone.
363
364
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In 1837 a steamboat was built at Pope's Mills by Jlessrs.
Henry Hooker and Erastus W. White, and was used for
the five years following in transporting pig-iron and lead
from the furnace at Rossie to Oswego.
This steamer was called the " Rossie," and during the five
years that it was run conveyed nearly all of the iron and
lead produced at the furnaces at Rossie.
Situated upon Birch creek, within the limits of this
town, is a large, level tract of land, through which the
stream, having no regular channel, spreads out over a sur-
face of several thousand acres. Pursuant to a statute pre-
viously enacted, commissioners were appointed to clear and
open a channel for the stream.
By means of this improvement nearly three thousand
acres of excellent farming lands, which had before been
wholly useless, were reclaimed. The estimated cost of the
improvement was about $6000, to be paid by an assessment
upon the lands benefited.
The dam across Fish creek at Pope's Mills broke away
in 1862, and the tract formerly overflowed has been sold to
various parties, and now produces yaluable crops of hay.
The creek still supplies a water-power about eight months
in the year.
MACOxMB (P. 0.),
situated on the State road, in the east part of the town,
contains a church (M. E.), a school-house, grocery, and
steam-mill capable of cutting about 5000 feet of lumber per
day.
The town is still but thinly settled, though the greater
part of the farming lands is under cultivation. Many val-
uable minerals are found within the town, among which
are galena, mica, copper, pyrites, and blende. Stock com-
panies have been quite extensively engaged in lead-mining
at Mineral Point, on Black lake, and elsewhere.
There are two extensive cheese-factories within the town.
The principal one is at Old's mills. This factory was
erected in 1874, and during the season of 1877 manufac-
tured 81,554 pounds of cheese.
INCIDENTS.
During the fall of 1860 a severe shock of an earthquake
was felt in this town. Upon the following morning it was
discovered that a well, situated upon the farm of Mr. Tim-
othy Pope, at Pope's Mills, was entirely dry. This well
was twenty feet in depth, and had, for a number of years
previous, furnished an abundant supply of water. A short
time after this a well was dug at a distance of twenty feet
from the former, and it was not until it had been sunk to
the depth of twenty feet that water was obtained.
An incident similar to the one spoken of above occurred
upon the fai-m of Mr. Edwin Dodge, about two miles and a ■
half north of Pope's Mills. Upon the morning of the
earthquake of Nov. 4, 1877, Mr. Bellenger, who occupies
the premises, noticed that the water-works had failed.
Thinking that the pipes at the spring had become ob-
structed, he visited the spring, and was surprised to find it
dry. Upon his return he discovered a new spring at a dis-
tance of about one hundred feet from the original one.
During the war there was a great excitement over the
office of postmaster at Pope's Mills, the office being held
by four difierent persons during the year 1863.
MINES OE MACOMB.
About the year 1836 a vein of lead, zinc, blende, and
calcareous spar was discovered near the shore of Black lake,
at a place since named Mineral Point, and somewhat ex-
tensive mining operations were commenced.
The "Mineral Point Lead Manufacturing Company" was
organized Feb. 25, 1839, with a capital of $96,000, in 384
shares, of $250 each. The affairs of the company were to
be managed by five trustees. The first trustees elected
were Silvester Gilbert, James Averill, David C. Judson,
Lewis Moss, and John W. Grant. The business of the
company was to be carried on in Morristown and Brown-
ville.
A company styled the "Morris Mining Company" was
incorporated May 1, 1839, with James Averill, David C.
Judson, Silvester Gilbert, John W. Grant, Lewis Moss,
Thomas L. Knapp, and Edwin Dodge, trustees, for the pur-
pose of mining in Morristown and Oswegatchie, to con-
tinue twenty-five years ; capital, $50,000, in shares of $100
each, and to be managed by seven directors.
About the year 1836 a vein containing galena was dis-
covered on the land of Robert Wilson, near the old State
road ; a company was formed, and a shaft sunk to the depth
of about sixty feet. A few years after lead ore was dis-
covered on the same range, near the road leading from
Washburn settlement to Gouverneur; and in 1850 small
mining operations had been commenced, when, in 1851,
the right was purchased by parties in New York, and a
company formed, styled the St. Lawrence BIining Com-
pany, who became incorporated under the general mining
law of Feb. 17, 1848. The articles of association were
filed Sept. 16, 1851, in the clerk's office, and Thomas
Addis Ement, Stephen Crocker, and John L. Gratacal
were elected trustees ; capital, $72,000, in shares of $200
each ; duration limited to fifty years. At a meeting of the
stockholders in New York, May 17, 1852, the capital of
the company was increased to $360,000.
In 1852 a vein of lead ore was discovered between the
Clute and the Macomb mines, which was opened and
worked quite extensively by private parties. Mr. John
Canfield, of Morristown, who was present at the time of
the discovery, removed with a pick nearly fourteen hun-
dred pounds of pure galena.
Sliortly after this the mines were purchased by Mr. R.
P. Remington, who organized a company for the purpose
of working them. Work was carried on for about four
years under the supervision of Col. Morgan, an experienced
miner. Nothing has been done at the mines since they
were abandoned by the Remington company. It may be
safely stated that at least $100,000 has been expended for
machinery and improvements at each of the mines which
have been worked within the town.
It has been the history of these mines that when first
discovered upon the surface they presented a truly inviting
appearance, the veins being in some instances several feet
in width. Upon leaving the surface, however, they were
found to become narrower, until, at the denth of a few feet,
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
365
they were almost entirely lost. A furnace for smelting the
ore was erected at an early day, and during the time that
the mines were in operation a considerable quantity of lead
was sent to the market.
SUPERVISORS.
1841-42, David Day (2d); 1843, John Parker; 1844-46,
Enoch Taylor; 1847-50, William Houghton; 1851-53,
David Day (2d) ; 1854, Timothy Pope; 1855, Joshua P.
Houghton; 1856-57, John S. Snyder; 1858, David Day
(2d); 1859, John S.Snyder; 1860-61, John Whitney;
1862-64, David B. Woodworth ; 1865-68, David Day
(2d); 1869-71, Horace L. Woodworth; 1872-76, E. R.
Turner; 1877, Warren Hastings.
PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisor, Warren Hastings ; Town Clerk, J. V. Clark ;
Justices, James McPalls, John S. Snyder, David Day (2d),
Lyman Breakenridge ; Assessors, E. H. Partridge, John
A. Wilson, Peter Bellenger ; Commissioner of Highways,
A. C. Pennock ; Collector, John H. Graves ; Overseer of
the Poor, Daniel Graves ; Town Auditors, Richard Wood-
ward, H. L. Woodworth, Robert Robinson ; Constables, M.
H. Pierce, John Richardson, Perly Perry, Orvil Apple ;
Inspectors of Election, District No. 1, Lyman Breaken-
ridge, Frederick Prouse, Fortunatus Sayer (2d) ; Inspectors
of Election, District No. 2, John Lake, John McNeil,
Robert Laidlow ; Excise Commissioners, James Hotten,
Timothy Pope, T. C. Mills.
Dr. George Ross, of Pope's Mills, is the only practicing
physician within the town. He attended lectures at the
medical college at Edinburgh, Scotland, and graduated at
that institution in the spring of 1836. Removed to this
country the year following, and attended a course of lec-
tures at the Eclectit medical college of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Removed to Georgia, and located near Savannah, where he
continued in practice for twenty-five years. He has since
practiced in Michigan, Oswego, and Ogdensburg. In
March, 1877, he removed to Pope's Mills, where he is
located at present.
He is a member of the Eclectic medical society of the
eighteenth senatorial district of the State of New York.
RELIGIOXIS SOCIETIES.
The M. E. Church at Macomb was organized with
five members, by D. Ferguson, its first pastor, in 1841.
The house in which it worships was erected in 1870, at a
cost of 12800. It will seat three hundred persons. There
are at present one hundred members. The property is
valued at $3000.
The First Wesleyan BIethodist Church of
BIacomb, at Pope's Mills, was organized with nine mem-
bers, by Rev. R. B. Johnson, its first pastor, June 9, 1857.
Previous to 1872 meetings were held in the school-house.
During that year a handsome church was erected, at a cost
of $1200, and completed Aug. 15. It will seat three hun-
dred persons. The church property is valued at $1800.
postmasters.
I'ope's Mills. — A post-oflBce was established at this place
in 1849. The first postmaster was Mr. Russel Covel, who
held the office until 1854. Since that time the office has
been held by the following persons : Messrs. David Day
(2d), A. F. Brown, Timothy Pope, James A. Allen, and
Homer Rowland.
We are under obligations to Messrs. Timothy Pope,
John Canfield, Homer Rowland, and others, for informa-
tion furnished.
DE PEYSTER.
■De Petster was erected from Oswegatchie and De
Kalb by an act which passed the legislature on the 24th
of March, 1825, but did not take efiect until the 1st of
April following. It lies upon the south shore of Black
lake, northwest of the centre of the county, with Macomb
on the west, Oswegatchie on the east, and De Kalb on the
south.
The surface is broken in the southern part by parallel
ridges of primitive rock ; while bordering upon the lake in
the northern part is an extensive marsh, which covers a
surface of about two thousand acres, a considerable portion
of which produces cranberries. The principal streams are
the Oswegatchie river, upon the northern, and Beaver creek
upon the southern, border of the town. About two-thirds
of the land is at present under cultivation. The soil is a
rich loam, which produces excellent crops. Some of the
best farming lands within the county are situated in the
central part of the town.
It was at first proposed to name the town " Stilwell,"
from Mr. Smith Stilwell, who was at the time a prominent
citizen, and many of the inhabitants were anxious that it
should receive this name; but Mr. Stilwell declined the
honor, upon the ground that some one among the proprietors
might be willing to make the town a liberal present for the
privilege of giving it his name. A correspondence was
opened with Mr. Frederick De Peyster, of New York, who
owned a portion of the town that had formerly been a part
of De Kalb, which resulted in the selection of this name
for the new town. Its location rendered an organization
necessary, as it was separated from the greater part of Oswe-
gatchie by Black lake and the Oswegatchie river, and from
the settlements of De Kalb by an intervening wilderness.
366
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Frederick De Peyster, from whom 'tlie town derived its
name, was an extensive shipping merchant for many years
in the city of New York, and distinguished for his integ-
rity, liberality, and punctuality in business. At an early
day he purchased of Judge Cooper a part of the town
of De Peyster. Upon the erection of the Bethel Union
church in De Peyster he presented three hundred dollars
to assist it; and in 1840 his son made a present of a fine
bell, weighing about seven hundred pounds, which was cast
for the purpose, and bears the name of the donor. This
bell is now in use in the Congregational church in De Peyster
village, having been lent to the Congregational society by
the town after the old Union church had become unfit for
occupancy.
The first settlement within the present limits of De
Peyster was made by Samuel Bristol, who was originally
from Sandgate, Vt., but who had for a short time lived on
the St. Lawrence, four miles above Ogdensburg, in the
month of November, 1802. His location was on lot No.
12, on the extreme southern border of the township of
Oswecatchie, and two and a half miles from the line of
Hague.
This location had been selected the summer previous,
and he had been sent thither by Judge Ford to open a
stopping-place for the accommodation of travelers, who
about this time were beginning to come into the county,
from the central and southern parts of the State, in consid-
erable numbers. He had a large family. During the first
summer he cleared about thirty acres, and got three of
them sowed with wheat, and a house erected for a tavern.
This family remained the only occupants of the town
until the winter of 1803-4. The old State road having
in the mean time been completed, and as it extended
through the fertile lands in the central part of the town,
many of the early settlers, who had visited this section in
search of lands, were induced to locate at this place.
Prominent among those who located in 1803 and 1804
were Thomas Wilson, from Hebron, N. Y. ; Joseph Round,
Samuel Barnard, Green, Ichabod Arnold, and Robert
Hill, from Rhode Island; Frederick Plympton, from Stur-
bridge, Mass.; and David Day; most of them, or all ex-
cepting the latter, having families.
These hardy pioneers erected their rude but comfortable
log cabins in the midst of a stately forest. Meeting upon
every hand those trials and privations which are necessarily
encountered in the pioneer settlements, they toiled on un-
complainingly, looking forward to that sure reward of
industry, perseverance, and economy.
The first school was opened at the house of Samuel
Bristol, in the winter of 1805 and 1806, by Bela Willes.
He was also the first preacher who held regular meetings
(Methodist), although traveling ministers had casually hap-
pened to stop and hold meetings. Silas Kellogg, in 1806,
came in and erected a tavern upon the farm of James Av-
erill, a short distance south of the corner. The first store
was opened by James Averill (2d) near Kellogg's tavern.
Mr. Averill was then a young man about eighteen years
of age, and was established in business by his father. Capt.
Rufus Washburn, who removed in 1806 to what is now
Macomb, was among the first settlers.
In 1809, Smith Stihvell, a native of Saratoga county,
but then from Albany, where he had been engaged in busi-
ness, came into the town and purchased lands, but did not
remove his family until the year following.
Other early settlers were Mansfield and Levi S. Bristol,
Lemuel Day, Josiah Thornton, John Parker, and C. Hurl-
burt, — the latter came in 1812.
This town suff'ered its full share from the cold and back-
ward seasons which form a striking epoch in the history of
this section, and from which many of the oldest settlers are
able to date events. During the year 1816, it is said that
there was not a month during which this section was not
visited by severe frosts, and little was raised in consequence
of the cold, and most of that little was claimed by the
birds and squirrels, which were more numerous than
they had ever been known before. As a natural conse-
quence, there was a great scarcity of provisions during the
year following, and many of the families were reduced to
the verge of starvation. Flour was very expensive, and
difficult to obtain at any price. Among the families who
suffered the most keenly was that of Mr. Plympton. Find-
ing that it would be impossible to obtain food in the vicinity,
Mr. Plympton started for Canada in search of assistance.
During his absence his family were obliged,in order to sus-
tain life, to dig up the seed ends of potatoes, which had
been planted some days previous. During this year the
first barley in town (about two acres) was raised by Mr.
Stilwell. While it was still growing, it was watched by
the neighbors with great interest, as Mr. Stilwell had
promised them that as soon as it was in a condition to be
cut they might divide it among them. They would stand
by the fence which inclosed it, and count the number of
days that would probably elapse before it would be suitable
to cut, with an anxiety which proved how much their hopes
depended upon that little field for food. It was scarcely
ripe when it was reaped, and as soon as it was sufficiently
dry it was thrashed and carried to the nearest mill, which
was located in De Kalb. As there was at that time no
road to that place, they were obliged to carry the grain
upon their backs. Oats during that season are said to have
sold for one dollar per bushel, and wheat from two to three
dollars per bushel. Previous to 1811 the settlers at this
point (which for many years bore the name of Bristol's
settlement, from the first settler) were supplied with a
moiithhj mail from Ogdensburg. At that time, however,
an arrangement was made with Mr. Joseph Shaw, by which,
during the two following years, the mail was carried every
week. It was agreed that Mr. Shaw should receive a sum
equal to the postage upon the mail carried as a compensa-
tion for his services.
Settlement was first commenced upon what is known as
the " Fish Creek road," about the year 1825. Benjamin
F. Partridge and John Finch located that year, and built
the first bridge across Fish creek. Mr. Ogden allowed them
$100 upon their laud as payment for their services in build-
ing the bridge.
Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg, continued to act as the
agent of Mr. Ogden until 1830, when he was succeeded by
Judge Stilwell. The wheat crop in the town was so ex-
tensive in 1826, that durins: the winter and spring follow-
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
H67
ing it was almost impossible to dispose of it at any price.
During the spring of 1827, Mr. Stilwell liad in liis posses-
sion over eight hundred bushels of excellent wheat, and as
the crops growing at the time gave promise of an abundant
yield, he visited Mr. Parish at Ogdensburg, and with some
difficulty prevailed upon him to accept two hundred bushels,
at the rate of five shillings per bushel, as payment for land.
Within a few weeks after this occurrence the entire wheat
crop of the State was struck with a rust, which not only
destroyed the grain, but rendered the straw wholly useless.
The price of wheat immediately arose to $2 per bushel,
and a repetition of the hardships of ten years previous
was alone prevented by the immense yield of the previous
year, and the fact that the settlers had been wholly unable
to dispose of their crops. Shortly after this the settlers
became discouraged from the fact that they were unable to
meet the payments which were becoming due upon their
lands, and many of them thought seriously of abandoning
them, when Mr. Ogden consented to receive cattle as pay-
ment. By this means many were enabled to meet their
payments.
Reuben Hastings, Jonathan Curtis, William B. Wheel-
ock, Moses, Amasa, and Zenas King (the latter two were
from Vermont), Lewis Dimick, and Nothan Deans were
among the first who settled in the vicinity of King's Cor-
ners. An inn had been established at this point by Eli
White previous to 1820.
Deer were at an early period quite numerous in this sec-
tion, and still abound in the forest which extends through
portions of this town, and tlie adjoining sections of Macomb,
Gouverneur, and De Kalb. It is said that upon one occa-
sion five were shot by a hunter within a brief interval
without removing from the place where he stood.
Many of the inhabitants of De Peyster and vicinity
having been much annoyed by wolves in the flxll of 1836,
a public meeting was called on Doc. 17 of that year, and a
committee of about forty appointed to make arrangements
for a general wolf-hunt, on an appointed day. This liunt
was advertised in the county papers, inviting citizens gen-
erally to attend and participate in the enterprise.
INCIDENTS.
It is said that during the War of 1812 all of the inhabi-
tants of the town, some seventy in number, including men,
women, and children, collected at Blr. Kellogg's tavern, on
the old State road, in consequence of a report that the Ca-
nadian Indians had crossed the St. Lawrence river. This
was one of the many frights to which the border settlements
were subjected at that period.
About the year 1820, while Mr. Parker, the father of
ex-Senator Parker, of Potsdam, with a friend, were engaged
in hunting deer in the town, they saw a large panther leave
a cavity formed by the projecting roots of an overturned
tree.
Upon visiting the place they discovered two young pan-
thers, about the size of house cats. After assuring them-
selves that the mother was not in the immediate vicinity,
they started through the woods for De Peyster, carrying
■ the cubs with them. Upon their arrival the greatest ex-
citement prevailed among the settlers, for even at that early
day panthers were rarely seen in the vicinity. A general
hunt was at once organized, and the party repaired to the
place where the animal had been seen. After followino'
the track for a short distance it was discovered that she
had sought shelter from her pursuers in the top of an enor-
mous tree. A discussion followed as to who should shoot
the animal. As Blr. Mansfield Bristol was considered the
best marksman in the party, it was finally decided that he
should have the honor. The shot took effect in the ani-
mal's neck, and it was found necessary to fire the second
time. It proved to be one of the largest of the species,
measuring nine feet and six inches in length from nose to
tip of tail.
The story of Putnam and the wolf has been often quoted
as an instance of the display of courage which has elicited
the admiration and excited the interest of every class of
readers ; but an occurrence wliich happened in this town a
few months after the incident narrated above may be re-
garded as perhaps equally worthy of our attention, although
its hero never wore epaulettes, or shone in public life as a
prominent character.
William Washburn, the son of Rufus Washburn, of
Macomb, who on sundry occasions had evinced that degree
of acuteness which led to his being called by his father
" his ingenious," was distinguished for personal courage
and a disregard for consequences in the attainment of his
objects.
The lad, being about seventeen years of age, was out
with a dog and gun, hunting, late in the fall of the year.
A light snow being on the ground, he discovered the tracks
of an unknown animal, which he traced some distance to a
place where they entered a cave among the rocks upon the
eastern shore of Black lake.
Determined not to be hindered from the attainment of
his object, and finding the opening of convenient size, he
endeavored at first to send his dog into the cave, but find-
ing it impossible to do so, he crept in some distance with
gun in hand, his dog following behind him. Having reached
a part of the cave whei-e it was quite dark, he discovered
at no great distance from him two globes of fire-like bril-
liancy, which gleamed in the dim obscurity full upon him.
He here paused, and, bringing his gun to bear upon a
point directly between them, deliberately fired. His dog upon
this rushed past him to attack whatever the enemy might
be, while he retreated, and was soon followed by his dog.
Hearing no noise or signs of life within, he, after a short
delay, again ventured into the den and listened for some
time, but heard no noise, and at length ventured up nearer,
and, groping in the dark, laid his hand upon the paw of an
animal, evidently dead, which he with much difficulty
dragged out, and found to be a panther of large size, which,
on being measured, was found nine feet four inches in length.
The ball had entered a vital part of the brain and proved
instantly fiital. The truth of the above narrative is vouched
for by very respectable authority. The panther killed by
Mr. Washburn was probably the mate of the one killed
during the previous summer.
Mr. Stilwell having purchased a flock of forty sheep
shortly after he located at De Peyster, visited Ogdensburg,
where he procured a large dog, with which he returned.
368
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
thinking that the wolves would not dare to venture near
the premises while they were guarded by so fierce an animal.
During the night following the family were awakened by
the barking of the dog, which repeatedly threw himself
against the door of the house, and seemed determined to
attract the attention of the inmates.
Mr. Stilwell remarked that there was no danger of wolves
during such an uproar. Upon visiting the field in which
the sheep were inclosed, he was surprised to find that no less
than fifteen of the number had been killed during the night,
and the tracks left in the soft ground showed plainly that a
large number of wolves had been present.
DE PEYSTER IN THE REBELLION.
It will be seen by referring to the military history, in the
general chapters of this work, that De Peyster was well
represented in the late war. A company was raised in
1862, which was commanded by Capt. N. M. Curtiss, who
was afterwards breveted major-general, and was present at
the capture of Fort Fisher.
DE PEYSTER (P. 0.)
is located upon the " old State road," a little southeast of
the centre of the town, and contains two churches (Congre-
gational and Methodist Episcopal), one hotel, three stores,
two wagon-shops, four blacksmith-shops, a cooper-shop, and
has about one hundred and fifty inhabitants.
•A post-ofiice was established at this point at an early day.
The following persons have held the office of postmaster in
the order in which they are named : Smith Stilwell, Levi
Fay, William Newcomb, Lewis J. Laughlin, N. B. Thorn-
ton, and G. H. Fleetham, the present incumbent.
EDENTON (P. 0.)
is a hamlet near the centre of the west border of the town.
A post-ofiice was established in 1850. Mr. Benjamin P.
Partridge was first appointed postmaster, and has held the
office until the present time.
KING'S CORNERS
is a hamlet upon the Fish creek road, near the centre of the
town.
SCHOOLS.
There are nine school districts within the town, with an
average attendance of about one hundred and sixty scholars.
The value of school-houses and sites is about three thousand
dollars.
TOWN OFFICERS.
The following is the list of the town officers elected at the
first town-meeting, held May 3, 1825 :
Smith Stilwell, supervisor; Timothy Morris, clerk ; John
Wilson, Moses King, Horace Plympton, assessors; Jonathan
Morris and Bela Bell, overseers of the poor.
Supervisors.-~l&2f,-22, Smith Stilwell; on the 7th of
November, Luke Dean was elected to fill vacancy caused
by the removal of Mr. Stilwell; 1830-34, Horace Plymp-
ton; 1835-39, Jonathan Curtis; 1840, Abner McMurphy;
1841-43, Sylvester Johnson; 1844, Jonathan Curtis-'
1845, John Blaisdell; 1846-47, David Fuller; 1848^
Thomas D. Witherell ; 1849-51, Levi Pay; 1852-53,
Thomas D. Witherell; 1854, Alanson Tuttle ; 1855-56,
Jessie McCurdy; 1857-59, Benjamin P. Partridge; 1860-
61, Alanson Tuttle; 1862-63, John B. Chandler; 1864,
Robert Dorman ; 1865-70, John B. Chandler; 1871-72,
Thomas D. Witherell; 1873-74, Lewis W. Wilson; on
the 4th of April, 1874, William Newcomb was elected to
fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Wilson ;
1875-77, William Newcomb.
PRESENT OFFICERS.
Supervisor, William Newcomb ; Town Clerk, Millard C.
Blason ; Justices, William Newcomb, Russel Warren, and
Thomas S. Smith ; Assessors, Jessie McCurdy, H. T. Jack-
son, J. B. Fleetham ; Commissioner of Highways, James
R. Shepard ; Overseer of the Poor, Loren Wilson ; Board
of Town Audit, Levi Smithers, Horace Hurlbut, and James
Orr ; Collector, George H. Fleetham ; Constables, Warren
Thornton, Isaac Austin, Charles T. Humphrey, John M.
Burnham, and John G. Swain ; Inspectors of Election,
Emory T. Jackson, James C. Birge, and L. L. Partridge;
Commissioners of Excise, William Badger, George W.
Petrie, and Loren H. Wilson.
MEMORANDA FROM THE RECORDS.
At the town-meeting held May 3, 1825, it was voted to
raise a subscription for a town-house and church, and a
committee of three, consisting of Smith Stilwell, Nathan
Dean, and Philo Hurlbert, were appointed for this purpose.
A special town-meeting was held on the last Monday of
June to decide on the subject of a town-house, and it was
resolved to erect one at a cost not to exceed $1500. The
church in De Peyster village was erected accordingly.
1828. Voted in favor of the High falls, on Grasse river,
as a county-seat.
1841. Voted to have those parts of Morristown and
Gouverneur annexed to this town which were afterwards
formed into the town of Macomb. Various resolutions
were passed during the years 1862, 1863, and 1864 rela-
tive to raising money and means for carrying on the war.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
De Peyster Lodge, I. 0. of G. T. (No. 547), was organized
in the fall of 1876 with nine members, — Robert McBratney,
W. C. ; Sophia Mcintosh, V. T. ; John Blclntosh, W. M. ;
T. D. Wilson, Secretary; Annie Humphrey, Treasurer.
The society has at present a membership of seventy-three,
the present officers being Robert McBratney, W. C. ;
Sophia Mcintosh, W. M. ; T. Wilson, Secretary; William
Vandey, Recording Secretary; Peter Ritter, Treasurer;
Elizabeth Ritter, I. G. ; Delbert Robinson, 0. G. ; R. War-
ren, Chaplain.
De Peyster Lodge, F. and A. M. (No. 573), was insti-
tuted July 4, 1865. The original officers were Jacob
Bellenger, Master ; William Perry, S. W. ; Gates Curtis,
J. W. ; N. E. Giffin, Treasurer ; George Petrie, Secretary ;
Ephraim M. Fishbeck, S. D. ; Dwight Loveland, J. D. ;
Isaac Austin, Tyler. The following persons have held the ■
office of Master in the lodge since its organization : Messrs.
OTIS 0. JILLSON.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
MRS. OTIS 0. JILLSON.
OTIS C. JILLSON.
Among those prominently identified with the interests of
the town of De Peyster is the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch. His father, Levin Jillson, was a carpenter by
trade, and emigrated from the State of Rhode Island about
the year 1795, and settled in Booneville, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
where he resided until his death, and where our subject was
born Sept. 29, 1807. His early life was spent upon his
father's farm, sharing the privations and hardships of a
pioneer family. At the age of eighteen he learned the
trade of a tanner and currier, at which he worked for three
years, when, finding his capital insufficient to engage in the
business for himself, he abandoned it and purchased a
farm.
In 1852 he came to De Peyster and purchased, of Julius
Coffin, two hundred and three acres of land, most of which
was in an unimproved state. Since this time he has been
extensively known as a valuable citizen and an enterprising
and successful farmer. In all matters pertaining to the
welfare of his town or his brother farmers he has always
taken a lively interest, and it can be said to his credit that
he purchased and operated the first improved mower and
reaper ever used in his locality. He is liberal and progres-
sive in thought and action. In religious matters he belongs
to that school or sect which have for their watchword or
rule of action the general diifusion of knowledge and the
spiritual and temporal advancement of all mankind. Mr.
Jillson is now in his seventy-first year, and is enjoying the
fruits of a long life characterized by integrity and honorable
dealing, and is an exemplar of industry and economy.
In 1829, Mr. Jillson was united in marriage to Miss
Luoretia Halliday, of his native town, an estimable lady, by
whom he had eight children, — seven boys and one girl, —
all of whom are living but two. In March, 1849, Mrs. Jillson
was called to a higher existence, and in December following
he was again married to Miss Betsey, daughter of Isaac and
Betsey Willard, of the town of Hermon. The result of this
union has been one child, — Adelia J., wife of Richard D.
Mallery, of Ogdensburg.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg.
EUSSEL WARREN.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Guil-
ford, Vt., June 21, 1814. He is a lineal descendant of
General Warren who fell at the battle of Bunker's Hill.
When three years of age his parents died, and he went to
live with a sister, with whom he remained until he was
fourteen years of age, when, evincing an aptitude for busi-
ness, he was engaged as clerk by a gentleman by the name
of Gardiner C.-Hall. He remained in Mr. Hall's employ
for many years as general salesman and buyer. In 1847 he
came to De Peyster, and purchased several farms, aggre-
gating over three hundred acres, and for several years car-
ried on an extensive business, and also dealt largely in pro-
duce and cattle. He shipped the first consignment of butter
and cheese over the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain rail-
road to Boston. He was also the manager of the Union
store, and its principal stockholder. In 1866 he retired
from farming, and has since been engaged in trade. Al-
though Mr. Warren has been a resident of De Peyster only
thirty years, probably no one has done as much as he in
advancing the real interests of the place. He has built
twenty-two houses and barns, and the Congregational
church, which is the most creditable structure in the vil-
lage, was built mainly by his energy and liberal donations.
Mr. Warren is one of De Peyster's most liberal and public-
spirited citizens. No enterprise having for its object th9
advancement of the interests of the town but what receives
his encouragement and support, and the residents of the
place are largely indebted to him for the present thrift of
the village. In 1833, Mr. Warren was married to Miss
Electa Fessenden, of his native town, who died in about
ten years after. In 1844 he was again married to Miss
Ruth Ann Pratt, by whom he has had three children, all
of whom are deceased.
Mr. Warren has always been a business man in the
strictest acceptation of the term, and has had no desire for
political preferment. He has, however, been assessor for
twelve years and magistrate for twenty-five ; with the ex-
ception of these offices, his time has been devoted to the
cares of his business, in which he has been successful ; and
he is now enjoying a competency, the result of a long life
characterized by untiring energy, strict integrity, and hon-
orable dealing.
s
^
T4
'Ai
^f^
JOEL WAEREN.
Photos, by Dow, Ogdensbiirg.
MRS. JOEL WARREN.
JOEL WARREN.
Among the old men now living in the town of De Peys-
ter there is none more worthy of having his life's record
placed upon the " imperishable page of history" than the
subject of this sketch. He came to De Peyster before its
organization as a town, and like all other pioneers he strug-
gled with the inconveniences, trials, and hardships incident
to the settlement of a new country ; but he has lived to see
cultivated fields take the place of the forest, svfamps and
marshes changed to fertile meadows, and the beautiful
farm-house, with its modern conveniences, take the place of
the rude log cabin, and villages grow up around him, with
their stores, mills, churches, schools, and comfortable resi-
dences. Mr. Warren is a native of Massachusetts, and
was born in the town of Winchester, January 30, 1802.
His early life was replete with hardship and toil. When
twenty-one years of age he resolved to try his fortunes in
the then western country. He started from his native town
with a pack upon his back, and a slender purse in his pocket ;
his destination was the town of Macomb. On his arrival
there he had just two dollars and fifty cents. For the suc-
ceeding five years he was engaged in taking jobs in chop-
ping and working by the month as a farm hand ; in fact
he complied faithfully with the scriptural injunction of
" Whatsoever your hands findeth to do, do it with your
might." About this time he made the acquaintance of
Miss Rowena, daughter of Job and Keziah Pratt, whom he
married in the year 1827. Her parents were originally
from Vermont, and early settlers of the town of Oswe-
gatchie, where she was born September 10, 1808. After
his marriage he hired land for several years, and by dint of
the most rigid economy and hard work he saved a sum suf-
ficient to purchase a yoke of cattle, a cow, a pig, and some
farming utensils. He then contracted for sixty acres of
land where he now resides, at three dollars per acre, and
he narrates with earnestness the struggle required to relieve
his home from incumbrance. But industry and frugality
were rewarded, and to the first purchase forty-seven acres
were added, making a fine farm of one hundred and seven
acres. Mr. Warren has been reasonably successful in busi-
ness, and is enjoying a well-earned competency. He has
maintained a character for unsullied integrity in his inter-
course with his fellow-townsmen, and has enjoyed their im-
plicit confidence ; for many years he has occupied by their
suifrages some of the responsible ofiices of the town, and
will long be remembered by all as a worthy citizen and a.
good neighbor.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
369
William Perry, Gates Curtis, D. H. Giffin, William T.
Smithers, John B. Pleetham, Levi Smithers.
The present officers are L. Smithers, W. M. ; J. R. Hum-
phrey, S. W. ; William Dorgin, J. W. , G. H. Pleetham,
Treasurer ; D. H. Giffin, Secretary ; C. W. Thornton, S. D. ;
C. T. Humphrey, J. D. ; N. E. Giffin, Chaplain ; I. Austin,
S. M. C. ; M. Dorgin, J. M. C. ; James Conklin, Tyler.
The Purple Star Lodge of Orangemen, of De Peyster
(No. 141), was organized in September, 1876, with twenty
members. Meetings are held every second week. The
society has at present twenty-seven members.
The officers of the society are William Newton, Master ;
Thomas Dorgan, D. M. ; Frederick Newton, Secretary ; R.
G. Ward, Treasurer.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. G. Dart, of De Peyster, was the pupil of Dr. I. P.
Lord, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Attended lectures at the Rush
medical college, of Chicago. Located at the village of
De Peyster, where he Continued in practice until 1875,
when he attended lectures, and graduated, at the Detroit
Homoeopathic medical college. Returned to De Peyster,
and has continued in practice at that place until the present
time. He is a member of the American Institute of
Homoeopathy, and also a member of the county Homoeo-
pathic medical society.
Dr. 0. J. Hutchins, of De Peyster, was the pupil of Dr.
0. McPadden, of Massena, St. Lawrence County. Attended
lectures at the Long Island college hospital, Brooklyn,
N. Y. Graduated at that institution in 1872. Located
in Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County, where he continued
in practice until February, 1873, when he removed to the
village of De Peyster. He is a member of the county
medical society.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The First Congregational Society of De Peyster
was organized Dec. 18, 1858, with Chester Dyke, John
Fletcham, and Jesse B. Wilson, trustees. The present
church edifice was erected in 1860, the land having been
purchased the year previous. The church edifice is 44 by
60 feet, cost 13600, and is capable of seating three hun-
dred persons. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Parsons, who
held services in the old Union church several years pre-
vious to the erection of the present church. The present
pastor is the Rev. Mr. Cross. The society consists of eighty
members. The Sunday-school has an attendance of about
fifty scholars, who are under the superintendence of Mr.
Joel Barsee.
The Methodist Episcopal Society of De Peyster
was organized Oct. 23, 1827. The first trustees were
Bela Bell, Luke Dean, and Joshua Sweet. The church
edifice, which was built at an early day, was refitted in
1870, and is an ornament to the village. The present
pastor is Rev. Henry Hesselgrave, who also holds services
at the Kendrew Methodist Episcopal church in De Kalb.
We are under obligations to the following persons for
information furnished : Judge Stilwell, of Ogdensburg, and
Messrs. N. E. Giffin, Russel Warren, George H. Fleetham,
Millard C. Mason, Dr. G. Dart, David H. Giffin, H. H.
Hardv, Beniamin F. Partridee, 0. C. Jillson. and others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE ASHWORTH.
George Ashworth was born in the village of Bonby, Lin-
colnshire, England, Sept. 6, 1816. He was the second child
in the family of William and Sarah Ashworth, who were
laboring people. As soon as he was able to work he went
GEORGE ASHWORTH.
out to service as a shepherd's boy, which occupation he fol-
lowed until his father emigTated to America with his family
in the year 1830, settling in Morristown, St. Lawrence
County. Owing to his limited means he was obliged to
work a farm on shares. He was an industrious, energetic
man, and soon accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase a
farm of his own. His first purchase was sixty-nine acres,
in the town of Macomb. George lived with his father until
he was twenty-one years of age, contributing his earnings
towards the support of the family. After he had attained
his majority, he lived as a farm-hand for three years at ten
dollars per month. At the expiration of his term of ser-
vice he was married to Miss Ann Good, and commenced
life for himself He lived in Morristown one year, and
then came to De Peyster and purchased fifty acres of unim-
proved land, running in debt for the larger part of the pur-
chase money. At this time the inhabitants of the town
had to contend with almost everything in the way of priva-
tion and hardship. Mr. Ashworth made black salts in
winter and worked his farm in summer; and, although
others were in advance of him as settlers, none knew better
than he of the trials and privations of pioneer life. After
freeing his home from debt, he commenced to add to his
first purchase as his means would admit, until he became
the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres of fine land.
In 1867 his wife died, and in August, 1868, hje married Miss
Martha Cooper, of Canada. By his first wife he had two
children. — Sarah B. and William T. The son did his
370
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
country good service as a member of Company F, Sixtieth
Regiment New York Volunteers. He died of disease con-
tracted in the army, at Atlanta, Ga., in 1865. By his last
wife he has one child, George W., born May 14, 1874.
Mr. Ashworth has been a successful, energetic farmer,
and is enjoying a well-earned competency, the result of a
life of industry and economy, and can be classed among the
representative farmers of the town.
BENJAMIN F. PARTRIDGE.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Chesterfield, N. H., Sept. 17, 1803, and was the twelfth
child in the family of Amos and Sally (Harvey) Partridge,
which consisted of fourteen children. He lived with his
parents until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving a
good common-school education, which he made practically
useful to himself and others by teaching. He was educated
a farmer, and spent several years, alternating with the
season, teaching during the winter and farming during the
summer. In both avocations ho was eminently successful.
The small consideration awarded to teachers at that period
induced him to abandon the profession and engage in agri-
cultural pursuits for a permanent business. In 1825 he came
to St. Lawrence County in company with his brother-in-law.
Captain John Finch, and purchased of Judge Stilwell, the
agent for the Ogdens, the farm now owned by Richard
Fieldson. The price agi'eed upon was four dollars per acre,
and, being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to run
in debt for the larger part of the purchase money. After
making some slight improvements he returned to Essex
county, where his parents then resided, and was united in
marriage to Bliss Mary H. Wheeler. In the spring of 1826
he came on with his parents and wife and made a perma-
nent settlement. After struggling for years with poverty
and hardship, he succeeded in paying for his farm by
effecting an arrangement with the agent of the Ogdens, by
which they were to take stock, money at that day being
entirely out of the question, as the only commodity which
brought cash was black salts.
Mr. Partridge has been a successful farmer, and to his
first purchase of sixty-six acres has added from time to time
until he now owns two hundred and five acres of excellent
land, under a high state of cultivation. He has been promi-
nently identified with the town : has been its supervisor a
BENJAMIN F. PAETEIDGE.
number of terms ; its magistrate for eight years ; and post-
master for twenty-five years. In character, Mr. Partridge
is one of those genial, affable gentlemen whom it is a
pleasure to know. Liberal in all matters, generous and
hospitable, he is highly esteemed and respected by all, and
universally known as a valuable citizen and an efficient
member of society.
•■■JiBtJ i( II
MOERISTOWN.
The town of Morristown, named from Gouverneur Mor-
ris, former proprietor, was formed from Oswegatohie, March
27, 1821. The first town officers were David Ford, super-
visor ; David Hill, clerk ; John Canfield, Paschal Miller,
and Horace Aldrich, assessors; Henry Hooker, collector;
John Hooker, Daniel W. Church, John K. Thurber, over-
seers of the poor ; William Swain, Alexander B. Miller,
William R. Ward, commissioners of highways ; Powel
Davis and James Burnham, commissioners of schools ;
Erastus Northum, John Grannis, Alexander R. Miller,
inspectors of schools.
A part of Hammond was taken from this town, March
30, 1827, and a part of Macomb, April 3, 1841. It lies
upon the St. Lawrence, between that river and Black lake,
and contains 27,573 acres. The surface is rolling, rising
from either side towards the centre. Chippewa creek, flow-
ing through the centre of the town from west to east, is the
principal stream. The soil is a sandy loam, underlaid by
the Potsdam sandstone, which lies near the surface and
crops out in various places. The growth of the town has
been retarded by the deficiency in water-power, which in
other towns in the county is so abundant. This want has,
however, in some measure been supplied by the erection of
two or three substantial steam-mills.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEBNOE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
371
Its need of railroad communication is supplied by the
Black River and Morristown railroad, which was completed
to this place in 1876, and a continuation to Ogdensburg is
now in process of construction.
By a deed dated June 23, 1823, Moses Kent conveyed
the township of Morristown (with the exception of a few
small lots) to Abram Cooper. Shortly after this Mr.
Cooper sold interests in the land to Messrs. Samuel Stock-
ing, of Utica, James Averill, of Ogdensburg, and Augustus
Chapman, of Morristown.
The three last-named gentlemen afterwards purchased
the interest of Mr. Cooper, and in 1845, Messrs. Averill
and Chapman purchased Mr. Stocking's interest.
The land office, established in 1823, is still in existence,
although but a few hundred acres of land remain unsold.
A substantial stone store was erected in 1821 by Messrs.
Chapman and Averill, and was continued as a store until
1864.
The town has settled rapidly within the past few years,
and contains at present but five or six hundred acres of un-
improved land. The principal business of the inhabitants
is that of farming, and, as the soil is peculiarly adapted to
grazing, large numbers of cattle are kept. There are four
extensive cheese-factories in operation.
A survey of the town was made preliminary to settle-
ment in 1799, by Jacob Brown, afterwards Gen. Brown,
and a village plat was laid out at the present village of
Morristown, named Morrisville, and another at the present
village of Edwardsville, named Maryshwrgh, both of which
names are discarded.
The town was principally settled under the agency of
Col. David Ford, who, in the summer of 1804, visited the
town to make arrangements for improvements. He did
not, however, make an actual settlement until about the
year 1808. Arnold Smith and Thomas Hill settled at
about the same time on the site of the present village.
Mr. Ford was a native of New Jersey, and a brother of
Nathan Ford, the pioneer of Oswegatchie, as agent for the
proprietor, G. Morris. The first house in the village was
erected by him. Arnold Smith opened the first public-
house a short time after. John Canfield, John Hooker,
and Henry Hooker, son of the latter, were early settlers in
the vicinity of the village. Mr. Canfield built the first
store-house there, and in 1817 built a wharf. John K.
Thurber located upon Black lake previous to 1810, and
was the first to settle in this portion of the town. During
the year 1810, Henry EUenwood, Henry Harrison,
Ephraim Story, Benjamin Tubbs, and Benjamin Goodwin
settled in the vicinity.
The first school in town was kept, it is said, by George
Couper. Henry Bogardus, Norman Tyler, Capt. Wm. Lee,
Dr. Powell, Willard Parker, Thomas Coats, John Jonas,
and Abel Parker were early settlers in the vicinity of the
lake. Arnold Smith erected the first tavern on the site of
Edwardsville, and Henry EUenwood established the first
ferry there. A naval engagement between the Julia, of
the United States navy, and the Earl of Moira, of the
British navy, took place opposite Morristown, in July,
1812.* During the battle the greatest excitement pre-
vailed among the few settlers in the village. Mr. Ford,
with his family, left his house and hastened to the hotel.
Having secreted themselves behind a substantial stone
chimney in the basement of the building, they awaited the
result of the battle, and it was not until long after the
firing had ceased that they could be induced to leave their
stronghold.
In order to promote the settlement of the village the
agent, about the year 1817, offered to mechanics a village
lot and a park lot of five acres, as a free gift, on condition
they should carry on their trade during five years, and
within a limited time erect a house of specified dimensions.
Several lots were thus taken up ; but, except in one or two
instances, the conditions were not complied with in such a
manner as to acquire a title. It was the intention of the
proprietor to have conveyed two hundred acres for the
benefit of the Episcopal church, but his death occurred
before the legal conveyance was made, and his executors
never carried his intentions into effect. Mr. Morris, with
the above exceptions, a part of which existed in intentions
only, never gave any property for the use of the town of
Morristown.
Although the few families that have been mentioned
located at a much earlier day, it was not until the summer
of 1817 that settlement was commenced in the interior of
the town, during which year and the two following, great
numbers of settlers came in and took up lands. The sales
continued until the year 1820, when they were suspended
during the settlement of the estate of Gouverneur Morris,
one of the principal proprietors of the town. In 1823 the
lands were again opened for sale, portions of them having
been purchased by Augustus Chapman and others, and
since that time the town has increased steadily in wealth
and improvements.
During the early days of settlement the want of an ade-
quate supply of water-power was severely felt by the inhabi-
tants, who were obliged to convey their grain long distances
over rough and unimproved roads in order to have it ground.
To remedy this inconvenience, a wind-mill was erected by
Hugh McConnell. in 1825, upon a commanding elevation at
the village. McConnell had been a miller in Scotland, and
the mill built by him was similar to those in his native
country. This is believed to be the first and only wind-
mill for grinding grain erected in the county ; although at
several points along the Canada shore they have been
erected and used. This mill, the walls of which are still
standing, was used but a short time, work being entirely
discontinued upon the death of its projector, who was acci-
dentally drowned while crossing the river in a small boat in
the summer of 1826.
The central and eastern part of Morristown was settled
by English emigi-ants in 1817-18, and a portion still bears
the name of " English Settlement." They were Robert
Long, George Bell, James McDougal, Robert Johnson,
Edward Lovett, William Arnold, Willi^im Holliday (Irish),
Thomas Carter, William Willson, George Couper, William
Osburne, and Thomas Baldwin, in 1817, and John Pringle,
Thomas Young, John Taylor, Joseph Taylor, John Willson,
Joseph Couper, and a few others in the year following.
These were principally from Roxburghshire (Scotland),
372
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire (England),
and met casually without having previously been ac-
quainted.
Much suffering was experienced by the inhabitants of
this town in consequence of the cold seasons of 1815, '16,
and '17, which were unfavorable for cereals of any kind.
They were reduced almost to the verge of starvation.
During the year 1818, and until the time of harvest in
1819, almost fabulous prices were offered for grain and flour
by those who were so fortunate as to possess the means.
Many lived, to a great extent, upon esculent roots, and one
family is said to have lived almost entirely on turnips for
more than a week, when they were relieved by a grist from
the new wheat of that year, which was thrashed and sent
to the mill almost as soon as cut. Within a few years after,
wheat was so abundant that the merchants refused to receive
it in exchange for goods at any price.
A post-office was established at the Narrows, March 22,
1837, Jonathan S. Edwards being the first postmaster, and
the office from him derived the name of Edwardsville. A
ferry across Black lake has existed for many years at this
place, but never under a regular license until 1851, when
it was leased in accordance with law at the rate of forty-
five dollars per year, the income being equally divided be-
tween the towns of Macomb and Morristown, for the benefit
of schools. This point is very favorably situated for the
location of a bridge, as the lake is narrow and near the
middle divided by an island. The pi'ojeot has been brought
forward several times, but more especially in 1836, about
the time when high anticipations were entertained from
the mineral wealth of the country south of the lake, but
has not hitherto been carried into effect. The present
ferry is admirably arranged, and affords a means of crossing
adequate to the wants of the country. A union church
was erected at Edwardsville in 1847, and dedicated on the
3d of November of that year by a sermon preached by
clergymen of each of the two principal denominations who
erected the house, — the Rev. Mr. Wait, Presbyterian, and
Rev. Mr. Carey, Methodist.
NOTES FROM THE RECORD.
In 1821, Canada thistles to be cut twice in the year,
under a penalty of five dollars, to be sued for by the poor-
masters. In 1833, voted against any part of the town bein"
set off to Hammond. In 1836 efforts were made to bridge
Black lake at the Narrows. In 1844, voted against any
division of the county. Resolved to build a town-house.
In 1846, voted in favor of abolishing the office of deputy
superintendent of schools. In 1848, resolved that an ap-
plication be made to the legislature for an act granting the
ferry money received at Morristown to the support of com-
mon schools, and to give the care of the ferry to the town
officers. The same resolution was passed in relation to the
ferry across Black lake. The care of this ferry was asked
to be given to the, town officers. In 1862, '63, and '64
various resolutions were passed relative to raising men and
means for carrying on the war.
Supervisors.— 1821, David Ford; 1822, Timothy
Pope; 1823-24, Augustus Chapman; 1825-26, Paschal
Miller; 1827, Augustus Chapman; 1828-29, Jacob J.
Ford; 1830-32, Richard W. Colfax; 1833-34, John
Parker; 1835-37, Jacob J. Ford; 1838-39, Isaac Ellwood
1840-54, Moses Birdsall ; 1855, George A. Chapman
1856, Joseph Couper ; 1857-59, Charles Richardson
1860-66, Henry Hooker; 1867-72, Warren R. Pitch
1873-77, Charles Richardson.
Present Town Officers. — The following is a list of
officers elected at a town-meeting, held March, 1877 :
Charles Richardson, supervisor; Albert Rowland, town
clerk ; William V. Battel, Enoch Young, George F. Row-
land, and Erastus W. White, justices ; George S. Yerden,
collector ; John Nichol, Lewis Krake, and William John-
son, assessors ; J. P. Couper, Henry Mcintosh, and F. H.
Coats, commissioners of highways ; Henry Butrick, over-
seer of poor; Frank Chapman, Clark Tilton, and James P.
Olds, town auditors ; David McGregor, W. F. Carpenter,
Henry Caiter, Samuel Taylor, and George Ackley, con-
stables ; A. F. Carpenter and Charles Breakenridge, game
constables ; Charles Castle, Albert Proctor, and W. F. Car-
penter, inspectors of election ; Daniel Brown, James Gar-
vin, and William Collins, excise commissioners.
INCIDENTS.
It had been rumored that during the War of 1812 the
British had ^ink a vessel, laden with treasures, in Chippewa
creek, in the eastern part of the town. A stock company
was organized about the year 1854 for the purpose of re-
covering the valuables. Powerful engines were transported
to the place from the iron mines in a neighboring town,
coffer dams wei'e built in the stream, and the water was
pumped out. Upwards of fifty men were employed at the
work, and during the four or five weeks of its continuance
the greatest excitement prevailed among the inhabitants of
the surrounding country. Nothing, however, was discov-
ered, and work was finally discontinued.
During the summer of 1819 Mr. Thomas Carter, with
one of his neighbors, left the village of Morristown in a
canoe, intending to visit Ogdensburg and return. They
had gone but a short distance, when a portion of one of the
row-looks became detached from the boat and fell into the
river. Mr. Carter, who noticed it as it fell, made a hasty
movement to recover it, and in so doing capsized the boat.
At the time of the accident they were some distance from
the shore, and, as he was unable to swim, Mr. Carter was
drowned. His companion, however, succeeded in reaching
the shore, and returned on foot to the village to cai'ry the
sad news to the family and friends of the deceased. Al-
though search for the body was instituted, it was never
recovered.
Within a short time after settlement was commenced at
the village of Morristown, Mr. Ford purchased a quantity
of hay of Mr. Giffin, who was living at the time in the
neighboring town of Oswegatchie. The road through the
woods to that place had but recently been opened, and was
rough and impassable for wagons. Mr. Giffin accordingly
prepared a sled for the purpose of transporting the hay, and
everything being in readiness, he called his son David, who
at the time was but twelve years of age, and after instruct-
ing him with regard to the road, and the care of the oxen,
told him that, in case it should be late when he had- dis-
HISTOllY OP ST. LAWKBNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
373
posed of his load at Morristown, he should remain at Mr.
Ford's during the night. The load was duly delivered,
and although it was late in the afternoon, and Mr. Ford
endeavored to persuade him tq remain until the following
morning, young Giffin set out to return. He had, how-
ever, gone but a short distance before darlcness overtook
him, when, for the first time, he was reminded of the dan-
gers by which he was surrounded by the- cry of a distant
wolf. As if to add to the terrors of his situation, the oxen
seemed determined to delay as long as possible upon the
road, and despite his endeavors to urge them forward, they
would often stop by the wayside to obtain the whisps of
hay that had caught among the branches of the trees.
After gathering up the hay which had been left upon
the sled, he fastened it securely in a bundle to the small
end of a pole: He held it out over the heads of the oxen
in such a manner as to place the hay directly before them,
and just beyond their reach. By occasionally drawing the
hay back, so as to place it within their reach, and again
withdrawing it, he had little difficulty in urging them to
increase their speed, and reached home in safety.
MORRISTOWN VILLAGE.
This village is pleasantly situated upon the St. Lawrence
river, opposite the city of Brockville, Ontario, elevenmiles
from Ogdensburg, and contains about four hundred and
fifty inhabitants. It is built upon a considerable elevation,
and commands a view of the river for miles in either direc-
tion. Opposite lies the beautiful city of Brockville, while
in the distance, to the west, may be seen the first of the
Thousand islands. The river at this point is about one
mile in width, and contains three small islands, which, it is
hoped at some future day, may be used as the foundation
of a bridge. Situated upon a railroad, it is a natural outlet
for the products of that portion of Canada lying opposite,
and a custom-house was established at this point at an early
day. This office has been in charge of Mr. Henry Hooker
since 1856. The duties collected by him during the month
of October, 1877, amounted to over seven thousand dollars.
The village contains two hotels, known as The Frontier
House (William Copely, proprietor), and the St. Law-
rence House (P. M. Gleason, proprietor), an. extensive
steam-, saw-, stave-, and planing-mill, which was built by
Stephen Canfield at an early day, and was used by him as
a grist-mill. It is owned at present by Messrs. R. B.
Chapman & Son, who are doing an extensive business, and
employ forty-five men in the production of various discrip-
tions of manufactured lumber ; five stores, a printing office,
two blacksmith-shops, a carriage manufactory, and four
churches. The publication of a paper, called the Thousaiid
Island Monthly , was commenced in February, 1877, by Mr.
F. E. Scofield. It, however, proved unprofitable, and was
continued but a short time.
THE MORRISTOWN FREE SCHOOL.
This institution is of recent origin, and is under the di-
rection of the following board of education :
Henry Hooker, pres. ; J. Garvin, M.D., clerk ; C. F.
Yennie, T. D. Losee, A. F. Carpenter, A. Proctor, Henry
Russell, E. Kingsland, and Prank Chapman, directors.
The school building is new, commodious, and pleasantly
located, and contains three departments.
EDWARDSVILLE
is situated upon Black lake, directly south of Morristown
village. It contains a church, a hotel, two stores, a black-
smith-shop, and has about one hundred inhabitants.
BRIER HILL
is a hamlet situated upon an elevation southwest of the
centre of the town. It contains two churches, a hotel,
four stores, three blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, a sash-
and blind-factory, a harness-shop, a shoe-shop, two cabinet-
shops, and an extensive cheese-factory.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Joseph Boynton came from Blassachusetts at an
early day, and was the first practicing physician in the
town. He continued in practice until about the year 1834.
Dr. Solomon P. Sherwood commenced practice at an
early day. Removed to Jefierson county. Returned in
1829, and continued in practice until about the year 1850,
when he removed to the State of Illinois.
Dr. McLaren came into the town in 1850, and continued
in practice until 1855, when he removed to Burlington,
Iowa.
Dr. J. P. jMorgan, of Morristown, graduated at the Al-
bany medical college in 1825, and located in the village
of Morristown in 1826. He has been in practice for fifty-
one years, and has always been a member of the county
medical society.
Dr. J. A. Phillips, of Morristown, was the pupil' of Dr.
Guiteau, of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y. He graduated at
the Albany medical college, December, 1865. Located
at Brier Hill, where he continued in practice for four years,
when he removed to Madison county. Located in Morris-
town village in 1871, where he has since been in active
practice. Dr. Phillips has been very successful in the
treatment of cancers of the face, having during a practice
of seven years removed twenty-seven. He is the examining
surgeon for eight life insurance companies, and is a member
of the county medical society.
Dr. W. C. Doy, of Morristown, attended lectures at the
University of Michigan in 1868 and 1871, and graduated
at the Homoeopathic hospital college of Cleveland, Ohio.
After a practice of four years in Calhoun Co., Mich, he re-
moved to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and located at Morris-
town village in June, 1876. Has been very successful in
the treatment of fevers. He is a member of each of the
following societies : New York State Homoeopathic Medical
Society, St. Lawrence County Homoeopathic Medical Soci-
ety, Medical Society of the University of Michigan, and
the Hahnnemanian Society of the Cleveland Homoeopathic
Medical College.
Dr. James Garvin, of Morristown, was a pupil of Dr.
Robinson, of Antwerp, Jefferson Co. Attended lectures in
Woodstock, Vt. Graduated at that institution in 1853,
and removed to the village of Morristown the year follow-
in". He is also a member of the county medical society.
Dr. Robert Burns, formerly of Brier Hill, was a graduate
374
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of the Medical College of Glasgow, Scotland. Removed to
St. Lawrence County, and located at Brier Hill at an early
day, and continued in practice at that place until shortly
before his death, which occurred at the village of Morris-
town in 1862.
Dr. William Wilson located at Brier Hill in 1862.
After a practice of thirteen months he removed to the town
of Hermon.
Dr. G. H. Holmes, of Brier Hill, was a pupil of Dr.
Palmer, of Ann Arbor, Mich. Attended three courses of
lectures at that institution. Graduated at the Detroit
medical college in 1869. Removed to Brier Hill, where
he has since continued in practice. He is a member of the
county medical society.
POSTMASTERS.
Brier Hill P. 0. — A post-office was established here in
1853, the first postmaster being Mr. David Giffin, who
held the office for three years. Since that time it has been
held by the following persons : Charles Carter, W. R. Fitch,
and John Krake.
Morristown P. 0. — The office at this place has been held
by Messrs. David Ford, John P. Morgan, Marshall Eager,
Adam F. Carpenter, John Losee, William Congor, Horace
H. Hooker, and Henry Russell.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP MORRISTOWN
was formed by the Rev. Mr. Smart, of Brockville, assisted
by the Rev. Isaac Clinton, of Lowville, in June, 1821, and
at first consisted of eight members. A church was erected
in 1837, at a cost of $1950, and dedicated February 14,
1838, by the Rev. J. Savage. Among the early pastors of
the church were Revs. James Rogers, James Taylor, John
McGregor, Solomon Williams, Henry E. Eastman, Henry
W. Wait, Samuel Youngs, and Robert T. Conard.
The first religious union society was formed February 11,
1833, with Joel Carter, John Child, Abel Beardsley, Zenas
Young, and James Burnham, trustees.
The Presbyterian society was formed March 25, 1833,
with Stephen Canfield, David Palmer, Erastus Northum,
and William N. Brown, trustees.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized January 23, 1828, at the Narrows, and first
consisted of ten members. The first settled pastor was
Elder Clement Havens, although several had been employed
previously for a short time.
CHRIST CHURCH, OP MORRISTOWN,
was formed about the year 1830. The society was incor-
porated July 6, 1846, with George Couper and Cuthbert
Ramsey, wardens, and Augustus Chapman, Chilion Ford,
Robert Ashton, Moses Birdsall, James W. Munsell, Thos.
Boldram, John Brewer, and Henry Hooker, vestrymen.
The Revs. Aaron Humphreys, David Griffith, J. A. Bray-
ton, George A. Slack, E. J. W. Roberts, John Scovil, L.
R. Humphrey, J. H. Tyng, J. S. Clarke, T. G. Clemson,
William H. Beardslee, and W. H. Phillips have been
employed in the ministry. The church edifice was buUt
in 1833, at a cost of nearly $3000. The society at present
consists of about forty members.
THE CHIPPEWA STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized with nine members, in 1827, by Rev. Hiram
Johnson, of Canton. Their church edifice was erected in
1850, at a cost of $1000, and will seat two hundred and
twenty-five persons. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel
Young. Its property is valued at $2200. The present
pastor of the church is Rev. W. D. Westervelt. The
church has at present a membership of about one hundred.
There is a Sunday-school, under the supervision of Henry
Mcintosh, with an attendance of eighty scholars, and
supplied with a small library.
ST. John's church (catholic), op morristown,
was organized July 15, 1873. The first trustees were the
Right Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, James Garvin, and Michael
Rowland. The bishop administered baptism for the first
time within the town, July 26, 1874. Rev. John E. 0.
Haire, from Ogdensburg, was instrumental in organizing
the society. A church is being built.
THE union church AT BRIER HILL
was built in 1859 by the joint efibrts of the Baptist,
Lutheran, and Wesleyan Methodist societies, and residents
outside of these churches, each contributing one-fourth
toward defraying the expense, and each retaining one-fourth
interest in it. Its management is intrusted to nine trustees,
two from each of the religious societies and three from
those outside. Rev. Messrs. Reuben Jones, Baptist, C.
Francisco, Lutheran, and M. Johnson, Wesleyan, were the
first ministers of the respective denominations who preached
in the church. It is now occupied, and regular appoint-
ments are held by the pastors of each of the denominations,
two services being held each Sabbath.
THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
at Brier Hill was organized February 14, 1859, by Rev.
H. H. Baker, the first pastor, and erected a place of worship
in 1859, at a cost of $1250, which it still occupies. The
church will seat two hundred and fifty persons. The society
numbers seventy-five members. Since its organization the
following pastors have been employed : Rev. Messrs. H. H.
Baker, Crosley, L. V. R. Libbie, and the present pastor.
Rev. Mr. Johns.
They have a Sunday-school under the supervision of Mr.
Joseph H. Wilson, which is supplied with a small library.
The church property is valued at $2500.
BLACK LAKE CHURCH (LUTHERAN)
was organized with fourteen members August 19, 1841, by
Rev. C. Francisco, its first pastor. The house in which the
society worships was completed October 29, 1853, at a cost
of $1500, and will seat two hundred persons. There are
seventy members. The present pastor is the Rev. S. W.
Young. The property of the church is valued at $3500.
M. E. CHURCH AT MORRISTOWN VILLAGE.
The first Methodist Episcopal society in this village was
formed in 1843. The first church edifice was erected in
Photo, by Dow, Ogdenaburg.
^^yrn^rt--^
The subject of this sketch was born in Norfolk, Conn.,
Sept. 27, 1793. His father and uncle, together with sev-
eral others, purchased Burke township, in Caledonia Co.,
Vt., and in the year 1800 his father removed his family to
that township. His father was the first justice of the peace
and the first member of the assembly from that town. In
1806 his father established a general store, and several
years after sold it to a company of merchants in northern
Vermont and Canada. Young White became a clerk in
the employ of some of these merchants at the early age of
twelve years, and continued in their service until the fall of
1812, when he sold at Quebec a drove of cattle for his
company to the British troops, and while there he was ar-
rested as an American, and held a prisoner, together with
some one hundred others. He was the only one sot at
liberty by the general commanding, on account of the de-
livery of the cattle. On his return to his employers he
found that he had been drafted into the British army at
Montreal. A certificate from a surgeon cleared him, and
he left the employ of his company and went to his father's
home, located then at Danville, Vt. He remained in the
employ of a company there till the close of the war. He
volunteered with some fifty others to join the army at Bur-
lington, but the battle was over before they could get upon
the scene of action, and they were ordered home.
In 1816 he returned to Canada in the employ of his old
company. In May of that year he left his employers and
went to Quebec to work for a merchant there, and became
the niaiiao:fir nf n ^|TY^^-i^y^p^.yljffli^m:u:Qliniigp ;ind wharf, and
was also steamboat agent. In the fall of that year the store
was burned, and Mr. White engaged in other business. In
1820 he commenced business for himself, shipping grain,
provisions, etc. ; at the same time he acted as general agent
and commissioner, steamboat agent, and insurance agent for
a Hartford company for fire and inland navigation. He
was also inspector of pot- and pearl-ashes, receiving his com-
mission from Lord Dalhousie, the governor-general of Can-
ada. In 1829 he established himself in the lumber busi-
ness, which he conducted successfully. In 1817 he married
in Quebec a Massachusetts lady, by whom he had eight
children, two of whom are now living. His wife died in 1863.
In 1834, Blr. White left Quebec for Morristown, St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y. Here he entered into the mercantile
business with three other partners. This venture did not
prove successful.
During the forty-three years that Mr. White has been a
resident of Morristown, he has held the offices of town
clerk, postmaster, school commissioner, town superintendent
of schools, and United States pension notary ; a justice of
the peace for nearly twenty years, and still acting in that
capacity. Since 185-1 he has been a land agent for Chap-
man & Averill.
In politics Mr. White was first a Whig, and upon the
organization of the Kepublican party he joined it. In
1849 he was a candidate for member of the assembly, and,
though defeated by a small majority, he ran ahead of his
ticket. For the past twenty years he has been senior
warden of the Episcopal church at Morristown.
JOHN E. INGHAM.
Photo, by Dow, Ogdensbilrg.
MRS. JOHN E. INGHAM.
JOHN E: INGHAM.
The subject of this sketch is the son of Benjamin and
Anna Ingham, and was born at Greenfield, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y., July 8, 1799. In September, 1816, he emigrated
to Herkimer county, and settled at Frankford, at the home
of his brother-in-law, Joseph Collis. Here he served as an
apprentice at wool-carding and cloth-dressing. In March,
1819, he emigrated to the town of Morristown, St. Law-
rence County. He remained three months, then returned
to Herkimer, and finished his apprenticeship. In March,
1820, he came the second time to Morristown, which has
since been his home.
He was married to Miss Betsey Starling Feb. 3, 1822.
She was born in Herkimer county Nov. 26, 1799. Mr.
Ingham made his first purchase of land in March, 1823.
It contained one hundred acres, including his present home.
Mr. Ingham and his wife joined a Methodist class in Feb-
ruary, 1837, and were members of the same for more than
a year, when they received letters of recommendation to
join a Presbyterian church located near him, which was a
branch of the same church located at Morristown. Cotem-
porary with his joining this society, he was chosen and
ordained elder. They remained in this relation for twelve
years, when their little society organized under the name of
the First Congregational Church of Morristown. This
occurred in 1851. He was made deacon at the same time,
in which capacity he has ever since acted. His wife, who
joined the church at the same time, has been very efficient
for good in their community and elsewhere. They are the
most liberal in the support of their church of any in the
community. Deacon Ingham has been, and is, the main
stay in his church, and gives liberally to every good cause.
He and his wife are also active workers in the cause of
temperance. He has often been chosen to represent the
church in the different presbyteries and conventions lieldin
the county and State. They celebrated the fiftieth anni-
versary of their marriage by holding a meeting in the
church, to which all were invited. Several speeches were
made, and it proved to be the commencement of a glorious
revival.
In politics, Mr. Ingham was at first a Jefferson Demo-
crat, but when the Kepublican paity was organized he
joined it. He has held the oflftoes of assessor and com-
missioner in his town. During the Rebellion, Mr. Ingham
was found among the most liberal to aid in the raising of
bounties for soldiers, and in contributing money and pro-
visions for their families.
'-C'l^l'^CXA^-H^ ^<
OUt^-^T^
(^ residence: orJE
View of the Farm Property of JEREM/AH DAV/S,
'""RHfu, ( !\loiiRisTowN) St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
l^ESIOENCE OF HENA?Y HOOKER, MoRff/STowN, 5T.iAWff£NC£ Co., N. Y.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
375
1848, and dedicated February 20, 1849. The first trustees
were Samuel Lewis, Percy W, Hindmarsh, James Young,
Rev. John Stoddard, Nelson Wright, Cornelius Walworth,
and Richard P. Waldron. The church built in 1848 was
destroyed by fire November 18, 1850.
The present church edifice was erected in 1851, and
dedicated February 7, 1852. This building was refitted
and furnished in 1874. The present pastor is Rev. H. W.
P. Allen. There is a Sunday-school under the superinten-
dency of Mr. Melville S. Wright.
ST. LAWRENCE INTERNATIONAL CAMP-GROUND ASSO-
CIATION.
This association was organized in June, 1874, the first
officers being as follows : Rev. S. Call, president ; Rev. A.
D. Traveller, vice-president ; William Whitney, secretary ;
John Morris, treasurer; Rev. G. C. McRichie, A. W.
Furguson, William Coats, S. Manhard, H. C. King, W.
H. Johnson, J. M. Woolley, D. H. Davis, C. D. Megs,
Barney Whitney, James Miller, H. S. Tilden, trustees.
The beautiful grove occupied by them is situated upon
the main shore of the majestic St. Lawrence river, ten miles
from Ogdensburg and Prescott, and one mile from Morris-
town and Brookville. The ground contains twenty-three
acres of land, and has been beautifully fitted up by the as-
sociation with all of the conveniences required to make it a
most delightful summer resort. A wharf has been built,
at which the steamers make regular landings. The most
complete water and railroad communications lead to this
ground from every direction. The Utica and Black River
railroad, which is already completed to within one mile of
the ground, will, when the link is finished which connects
Ogdensburg and Morristown, pass directly across these
grounds. Many beautiful cottages have already been built,
the aggregate value of which is not less than ten thousand
dollars, and the constant demand for cottages to rent during
the summer months shows how well the place is appreciated
as a quiet, healthful, and inexpensive summer resort.
Some of the features of the place are worthy of consider-
ation by all the lovers of a good camp-meeting.
First, the encampment is inclosed with a good picket-
fence, six feet in height, by means of which the most
perfect order is maintained within the grounds.
Second, the large pavilion tent, lighted with gas, capable
of holding two thousand persons, provided with seats having
backs, and a good organ, insures a full congregation, and is
the most comfortable place upon the grounds in all weather.
Third, the abundant supply of water and ice, with the
agreeable shade, affords all that the most fastidious could
reasonably expect.
The present officers of the association are Rev. W. L.
Tisdale, president; Rev. A. Bramley, vice-president; Joseph
McLoud, secretary ; James Miller, treasurer ; J. M. Wool-
ley, general superintendent; H. S. Tilden, H. C. King,
Rev. A. Bramley, James Miller, D. H. Davis, William H.
Johnson, Rev. J. B. Hammond, James McLoud, Rev. S.
Call, Rev. W. S. Tisdale, D. W. C. Douglass, Rev. J. P.
Bradshaw, William Whitney, James Woolley, and William
Coats, trustees.
We are under obligations to the following gentlemen for
information furnished : Messrs. David Giffin and Charles
C. Fitch, of Brier Hill ; Dr. J. P. Morgan, Henry Hooker,
Erastus White, and John Canfield, of Morristown village ;
Mr. J. M. Woolley, of Ogdensburg, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HENRY HOOKER
was born in New Meriden, New Haven Co., Conn., July 7,
1799. He was the son of Mr. John Hooker, who was then
engaged in the manufacturing business at that place. Of a
family of five children he was the third. When at the age
of five he removed with his father to Turin, Lewis Co.,
N. Y., where he resided until the fall of 1815, when, having
purchased the hotel property owned by Arnold Smith in
the town of Blorristown (then the township of Hague), his
father removed to that place and kept the hotel until it
was burned in 1823.
Mr. Hooker was married November 23, 1823, to Miss
Melinda Canfield, the daughter of Mr. John Canfield, of
Morristown. This union was blessed with five children, —
three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Horace H.
Hooker, died in Morristown village, July 16, 1869, and his
second son, John L. Hooker, died Jan. 4, 1859 ; his youngest
son, Alfred I. Hooker, was killed in the battle of Monocacy
Bridge, July 9, 1864. "^is eldest daughter, Mary R., was
married to Mr. George A. Chapman, Dec. 23, 1845. His
youngest daughter, Leonora, is unmarried and is living with
her parents at Morristown . Mr. Hooker, shortly after his mar-
riage, located upon a farm near the village, where he resided
until 1833, when he removed to the village, and engaged in
the mercantile business as one of the firm of Miller, Hooker
& Co. He continued in this business for several years.
In 1836 he, in company with Mr. B. W. White, entered
into a contract with Mr. George Parish (who at that time
owned the blast furnace at Rossie) for transporting pig-iron
to Oswego. Having also secured a contract with Messrs.
Moss & Knight for transporting pig-lead from their fur-
naces in Rossie to Oswego, they constructed a small steamer
at Pope's Mills. During the following five years they con-
veyed all of the iron and lead produced at these furnaces to
Oswego by boat during the summer season, and by sleighs
in the winter.
In 1842, Mr. Hooker was elected to the office of justice
of the peace, and continued to hold that office until January,
1863. He was elected to the office of supervisor of the
town of Morristown in 1860, and served in that capacity
for six consecutive years. He was appointed to the posi-
tion of deputy collector of customs in 1841, and held that
position during JMr. Tyler's administration. He was again
appointed under Mr. Lincoln's first administration, and has
held the position until the present time, being the only cus-
tom-house officer in the district who was appointed under
Lincoln's administration. He has for the past thirty years
acted as the agent of Mr. Horace 0. Morse, of New Berlin,
Chenango Co., N. Y., and his brother, Truman Morse, of
West Burlington, Oswego Co., N. Y., who were at one time
extensive land-owners in this vicinity.
376
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
AUGUSTUS CHAPMAN
was bom at Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1786. His
father and mother were of English descent ; they were
poor, and could not give him the advantage of any but a
common district school education. He served his time as
an apprentice to the blacksmith trade, and then worked for
some time as clerk in a small country store owned by his
brother. Having accumulated by strict economy a small
amount of money, he started out in search of a larger field
of ,(5J)erations. He went as far as Buffalo, most of the
way on foot, stopping at the important places on the way.
The city of Rochester comprised at that time a saw-mill, a
grist-mill, a tavern, and five or six dwellings. At Buffalo
he was in negotiation for a farm of 140 acres, now in the
heart of the city, but owing to some small differences the
trade fell through. He then returned to Trenton, N. Y.,
where he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law,
Elisha Backus, and opened a store at Leyden, Lewis Co.,
N. Y., transporting their goods by wagons from Albany.
This was about the year 1810. They afterwards removed
their business to Trenton, N. Y., and continued it until
1820, when it was closed out, and Mr. Chapman removed
to Morristown, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., locating on a small
inlet on the St. Lawrence river. He at once opened a gen-
eral mercantile business, wholesaling largely in Canada, and
receiving his goods from New York by way of Oswego. In
the year 1823 he, in company with James Averill and
Samuel Stocking, purchased the large land estate of Abra-
ham Cooper, formerly owned by Gouverneur Morris, located
in the township of Morristown, lying between the river
St. Lawrence and Black lake, comprising about twenty-four
thousand acres, and at the same time making a general
partnership of his mercantile business. His business oper-
ations now opened up a very large and extensive field, and
with the inducements this new company were enabled to
offer settlers the lands were rapidly taken up, which proved
of great profit to the company. In the year 1835 the
company gave up the mercantile branch of the business,
which for several years subsequently the sons of Mr. Chap-
man carried on. Previous to this the firm changed by the
release of Mr. Stocking, the other two partners purchasing
his interest in the lands. Subsequently Mr. Chapman, with
Mr. Averill, became one-half stockholders in a bank in Cir-
cleville, Ohio, which proved very profitable, and about the
year 1833 sold out their interest there, and in the year
1854 established the Oswegatchie bank in Ogdensburg, fur-
nishing most of the capital. Mr. Chapman was its first
president, and continued in that offioe the remainder of his
life. He was stockholder and director of the Ogdensburg
bank for many years before the expiration of its charter,
and was also stockholder and director of the Star insurance
company of Ogdensburg, of the Ontario and St. Lawrence
steamboat company, of the 0. C. and Rome railroad, and
stockholder in the Suspension Bridge company, near Lew-
iston ; a stockholder in the Chicago and Mississippi railroad,
and in the Lake Ontario bank at Oswego. Upon the or-
ganization of the American express company, Mr. Chap-
man, with his usual sagacity and forethought, invested in
its stock, which has since proved a source of great profit to
his estate. He purchased stock in the Des Moines river
improvement company, Iowa, and upon the settlement by
the company received lands which are now profitably worked
as coal-beds.
Augustus Chapman was a man of sterling integrity,
thorough in business, of sound judgment, and keen fore-
sight, enterprising, and readily supported any prospect look-
ing to the necessary improvements of the age or to the good of
society. Liberal in his views, he was a ready supporter of
church and school interests, and was a vestryman of the
Protestant Episcopal church of Morristown from its organ-
ization until his death. He was a man of correct habits,
and in his social life was very genial, and held in great es-
teem by all who knew him. He never took an active part
in politics, but strictly adhered to what he conceived to he
right ; he was originally a Whig, but became a Republican
upon the formation of that party.
JEREMIAH DAVIS.
Among the representative men and successful farmers of
this town none commenced life poorer, and by a steady but
sure way have more to siiow for a life of toil, than the sub-
ject of this sketch. He is the son of Robert and Sarah
Davis, and was born in Manheim, Herkimer Co., N. Y.,
June 3, 1813. He is one of a family of eight children.
His parents were poor, and not able to assist their children,
hence they were compelled to make each for himself his
own fortune.
At the age of sixteen Jeremiah was given his time for
the sum of sixty-five dollars, which he paid by working
by the month. He has worked for as low wages as nine
cents a day, also by the month, and by the year, and by
the job. When he was eighteen years of age he com-
menced to learn the carpenter and joiner trade, which he
followed, in connection with farming, for some thirty-five
years. He and his brother Adam purchased fifty-four acres
in 1836 in the place of their birth. In February, 1838, his
parents and family came to Morristown, and settled on the
farm now owned by Adam Davis. This farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres was bought by Adam and Jeremiah m
September, 1837, and their parents lived on it till their death,
which occurred as follows: father died in October, 1872,
aged ninety-two years and about nine months ; and mother
died in January, 1871, aged eighty-eight years, five months,
and five days.
In November, 1843, the brothers, " Adam and Jeremiah,"
divided their interest. Jeremiah has added from time to
time to his farm till at one time he owned more than six
hundred and sixty-seven acres ; and to-day, after giving
away to a girl he reared and selling, he has about five hun-
dred and eight left. A fine double-page view of his home,
farm, and portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in
another part of this work.
He married Miss Clarinda Heller, of Manheim, Herkimer
county, March 12, 1837. She was born June 3, 1814.
She was a faithful wife and good neighbor, and greatly re-
spected by those who knew her best. She died Jan. 5,
1862, and was buried in the cemetery at Brier Hill, where
a fine monument marks her resting-place.
ia/7yui
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
377
He married again, July 3, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Ten-
nant, a native of Mendon, Montgomery county. She was
born June 5, 1842.
In politics, Mr. Davis has been a Ufe-long Democrat,
and cast his first vote for A. Jackson at his re-election for
president. He has never been an aspirant for any office,
and never Avould have them: In religion, he cherishes the
faith of the Universalist, although not a member of any
church ; and his interest in schools and churches is proved
by the fact that he is a very liberal supporter of the same.
FOWLER.
This is one of the five tov?ns which form the south-
western border of St. Lawrence County, against Jefferson
and Lewis. Directly on the west it joins Rossie, and on
the northwest is Gouverneur. Its north and east boun-
daries are respectively the towns of Hermon and Edwards,
and its southern and southeastern lines are formed by the
town of Pitcairn.
Its principal stream is the Oswegatchie river, which
crosses the east line from Edwards, passes through the town
in a general northwesterly course, by the village of Hailes-
borough, and enters Gouverneur a short distance below that
point. The south branch of the Oswegatchie flows into the
town at its southeast corner, and thence in a northerly
direction, turning the mill-wheels at Fullerville, and after-
wards returning into Edwards, where it joins the main river.
Both these streams furnish immense water-power, only a
fraction of which is made available. A number of small
tributaries fall into them in Fowler, the principal of which
are the outlet streams of Chub and Sylvia lakes, the former
in the northeast corner and the latter a little south of tlie
centre of the town. Sawyer's creek and Shingle creek flow
for a long distance through the western part of Fowler, and,
joining their waters, empty into the river a short distance
beyond the line, in Gouverneur.
The surface is rough and hilly, broken by rocky ranges,
which in many places are wild and precipitous. Between
the ledges and along the valleys of the streams the soil,
though stubborn, is productive. Originally, dense forests
of evergreen and deciduous trees covered it everywhere.
Fowler now embraces in its territory all of the survey-
township of Killarney, in Great Tract No. 3, and also a
small triangular portion of that of Portaferry, as mentioned
in the account of the town of Pitcairn. In the division
of the Great Tract, Killarney (or township No. 7) fell to
the share of Robert Gilchrist and Theodosius Fowler.* On
*Theodosiu3 Fowler, of the city of New York, was an officer in
the American army of the Revolution. He was commi^aionud en-
sign about the 1st of March, 1776, pvumoted to second lieutenant
August 10, 1776, and to first lieutenant Nov. 21 of the same year.
He was commissioned captain in June, 1778, and assigned to duty in
the 1st New York regiment. In 1780 ho was transferred to the 2d
New York regiment, and in this he served through all the war. He
■took part in the battles of Long Island, Saratoga, White Plains, and
Monmouth; endured the hunger and cold of Valley Forge and Mor-
ristown; accompanied the e.'cpedition led by General Sullivan against
the Indians, in 1779, and witnessed the closing scenes at Yorktown,
in 1781. From the commencement to the close of the war the time
of his absence from dutv asTEreeated only seven weeks.
the 3d of August, 1810, the former conveyed his interest
to Fowler, who, on the 15th of May, 1821, conveyed all to
his son, Theodosius 0. Fowler, under whom the settlement
of the town was chiefly promoted, though the commencement
was made while Gilchrist and Fowler were still joint pro-
prietors.
The first purchaser with view to settlement was General
James Haile, who came to explore in June, 1807, and made
selection of a tract of one mile square, comprehending the
present site of the village which bears his name. Here,
during the same year, he commenced the erection of mills,
and the prosecution of other improvements, but did not
remove his family until eleven yeare later.f Elijah Sackett
came in the spring of 1808, and settled near General Haile's
purchase. Among the earliest settlers were also Bbenezer
Parker, John Ryan, S. Cleveland, Lemuel Arnold, John
Parker, Samuel B. Sprague, Noah Holcomb, Oliver Wright,
Alvin Wright, Simeon Hazleton, Benjamin Brown, Richard
Merrill, Eben Cole, and Jedediah Kingsley.
Theodosius 0. Fowler, son of the proprietor, came to
Killarney in 1814. He was then a very young man, and
it was understood that the entire township, excepting the
few tracts already sold, was to be his, as a gift from his
father; notwithstanding which, after a short residence here,
he positively refused to make it his home unless his father,
besides giving him the township, would also build for him
a residence, which, at the same time, must be no mean or
ordinary one. To this the older Fowler consented, and about
1816 commenced the erection of a mansion-house such as
would meet his son's views. The site chosen was something
more than a mile from the south line of township No. 7,
upon the shore of a lovely sheet of water, which had been
first and not inappropriately named Lake Killarney, but
which the younger Fowler, upon his arrival here, had christ-
ened Sylvia lake, in honor of his intended wife. Miss Sylvia
De Pau, of New York. It still bears that name. It is a
body of crystal clear water, nine hundred and sixty acres in
extent, and has been sounded to a depth of one hundred
and eighty feet. It is fed by springs within itself, having
no inlet stream of sufficient size to deserve the name. In
its pure depths were great numbers of fish of the most de-
sirable kinds, largely including the spotted trout; and even
at the present day these abound, though less numerous than
at the time of which wc write. With its natural beauty.
t General Haile died at Hailesborough, Dej. 17, 1821.
S78
HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and its opportunities for healthful pleasure, by boats, baths,
and fishing;, the shore of Sylvia lake Ayas an unrivaled site
for an elegant home. The Fowler mansion was erected on
the southwesterly side, upon a spot now embraced in the
farm of John L. Parker. It was of very large size, built
of stone quarried upon the premises, and all smoothly dressed
and jointed. It was completed in about three years, at a
cost of sixteen thousand dollars. The establishment was
most complete in its appointments and surroundings, and
was the seat of a profuse and elegant hospitality for many
years.*
From the commencement in Killarney until the opening
of the war the settlements increased with considerable
rapidity. The first birth among the settlers was a child of
Richard IMerrill, whose clearing was about a mile south-
westerly from the site of the present village of Fullerville.
The first marriage was that of John Parker to Elizabeth
S. Sackett, in 1812. Parker settled on the south branch
of Oswegatchie, three-quarters of a mile below Fullerville,
and was the firet inhabitant of that vicinity. The place
where he located was on the Russell turnpike, near the
point of its crossing the river. As there was a considerable
amount of travel upon this highway, he opened his house
as a tavern, and it was kept as such for a number of years,
being probably the first public-house in the town. Mr.
Parker lived to the age of eighty-three years, and died May
26, 1866. Mrs. Elizabeth Parker died March 22, 1861,
aged seventy-six years. The first person who died in Kil-
larney was Elijah Sackett, at the Haile settlement, in 1812.
During the war with England much alarm was felt in
view of the possibility of Indian incursions, and not only
were settlements checked, but several families who had al-
ready commenced improvements abandoned them on this
account, and left the town ; but notwithstanding this, there
were enough at the close of the war to undertake and ac-
complish a separate township organization.
ERECTION OF THE TOWN SUCCEEDING OFFICERS.
By an act of legislature, passed April 15, 1816, was
erected the town of Fowler, so named in honor of Captain
Theodosius Fowler, the proprietor. It included the survey-
township No. 7 (Kilkenny), taken from Rossie, and No. 11
(Portaferry), taken from Russell. By an act passed April
10, 1818, survey-townships 4 (Fitzwilliam) and 8 (Edwards)
were taken from Russell and added to Fowler ; and on the
27th of April, 1827, these were detached and erected into
the town of Edwards, thus returning the town to its original
area, which was further reduced and brought to its present
limits by the formation of the town of Pitcairn, March 29,
1836.
The first town-meeting in Fowler was held at the house
of Noah riolcomb, and resulted in the election of the foU
lowing officers : Theodosius 0. Fowler, supervisor ; Simeon
* Mr. Fowler died in 1861. lie bad sold this estate in 1838 to
Tliouiiis D. Carpenter, from whose heirs it was purchased by the
present owner, John L. Parlier. The combustible portion of the
mansion was destroyed by fire about 1872, but the walls being com-
paratively uninjured, the dressed stones were sold for reuioval to
Gouverneur, where they now form the fronts of three large buildings
upon the main street,— the Fuller House, the store of Killmer & Morris,
and an adjoining store owned by Charles Anthony, Esq.
Hazleton, town clerk ; Noah Holcomb, Eben Cole, Benjamin
Blown, assessors ; John Parker, Noah Holcomb, commis-
sioners of highways; Simeon Hazleton, Samuel B. Sprague,
overseers of highways ; Noah Holcomb, Benjamin Brown,
overseers of the poor ; Alvin Wright, constable and collector.
Following is a list of persons who held the office of
supervisor of the town of Fowler, and the dates of their
election: Theodosius O. Fowler, 1817; Benjamin Brown
(to fill vacancy), 1818 ; Eben Cole, 1818 to 1821, inclusive ;
Justus Pickit, 1825 to 1829, 1831-32, 1837-38 ; Stillman
Fuller, 1830, 1833-34; William Hurlburt, 1835-36;
Henry H. Haile, 1839-40-41 ; Asa L. Hazleton, 1842-43 ;
Alfred Burt, 1&44-45 ; Heman Fuller, 1846-47 ; Addison
Giles, 1848-49, 1855-56-57-58; Thomas J. Hazleton,
1850-51, 1853-54, 1859, 1865 ; Emory W. Abbott, 1852
and 1860 to 1864, inclusive ; Daniel Peck, 1866 to 1875,
inclusive ; Abner H. Johnson, 1876-77. The other officers
of the town for 1877 are G. W. Kelley, town clerk ; Thomas
J. Hazleton, F. H. Davidson, E. A. Carpenter, S. M.
Farmer, justices ; Albert E. Smith, Chester 0. Carpenter,
Royal Hull, assessors ; Charles E. Carpenter, collector ;
S. H. Austin, commissioner of highways ; Andrew Wright,
D. B. Woodcock, overseers of the poor ; G. G. Johnson, Ira
A. Coats, D. W. Fuller, board of audit.
HAILESBOROUGH.
This little village lies near the northwest line of the
town, on the Oswegatchie, three miles by the course of
that stream, above Gouverneur. Its site was embraced in
the 640-acre tract bought by Gen. Haile in 1807, as above
mentioned. By the terms of his purchase he was obliged
to erect mills within one year, so that the abundant water-
power at this point might be utilized for the benefit of
settlers and the promotion of immigration to the township
of Killarney. He accordingly commenced operations at
once, and with so much energy that a saw-mill was com-
pleted and ready for work by the close of the year ; and in
the following season a grist-mill was put in operation, with
one run of stones, which were quarried from the Parker
ledge in Antwerp. The millwright employed on both was
a Captain Ward. The erection of these mills was the com-
mencement not only of Hailesborough but of the town of
Fowler. They were on the left bank of the river, below
the bridge, where now stand their successors, the grist- and
saw-mills of Clark & Howard., The old saw-mill, having
been repaired at various times, stood until 1873, when it
was rebuilt by the present owners. The grist-mill was
carried away by flood in 1809, and rebuilt in 1810 by
Timothy Campbell, millwright, for Gen. Haile. In 1819 a
second pair of stones was added, and the mill thus equipped
filled all requirements until 1844, when the present mill
was built by H. H. Haile, a son of the general. It was
started with three run of burrs, to which a fourth has since
been added, and it is now a mill of ample capacity and un-
failing power,
In 1825 works were erected here by Jasper Clark for
the sawing and working of a veined limestone, resembling
marble, which is found ip the vicinity. The business was
continued by him and his successor, Addison Giles, for a
number of years, and then Jibun^oned ; probably on account
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
379
of the coarse grain and poor quality of the stone. About
tlie same time a carding and fulling-mill was put in opera-
tion by Raymond Austin. After him it was owned and
carried on by Addison Giles, and later by James and Edwin
Mcintosh, who, about 1865, transformed it into a manu-
factory of woolen cloths. An interest with them was pur-
chased by J. H. Abbott, and they afterwards sold the re-
mainder to E. W. Abbott, Esq. This factory, now owned
and operated by J. H. Abbott & Co., employs about twenty
hands, and produces annually about 30,000 yards of cloth,
chiefly cassimeres.
About 1850, Jesse Banister commenced the business of
chair- and cabinet-making. His establishment was after-
wards owned by Seymour Sweet, who used it as a cooper-
shop. It was then owned by E. W. Abbott, Esq., then
used by Cyrus Barnes as a manufactory of axe-helves.
From him it passed to Carpenter & Tupper, who used it as
a wood- working shop until it was destroyed by fire about
1871, after which it was rebuilt by J. H. Carpenter, the
present owner, by whom it is carried on as a planing-mill,
door and sash manufactory, etc.
Jlerchandising was commenced in Hailesborough about
1825 by William Hurlbut. He was succeeded by Justus
Plckit, who continued in it until his death in 1 842 ; since
which time the store (the only one ever opened in the vil-
lage) has been kept af> different times by Horace Barnes,
John R. Stewart, Farmer & Stewart, Theodore Clark, Mat-
thias Fithian, S. D. Rich, and J. T. MeCombs.
The hotel was opened about 1835 by William Hurlbut,
Esq., who remodeled and enlarged his dwel'ing for the pur-
pose. It has since been kept by George P. Holmes, Apol-
los Leggett, and S. D. Rich, the present proprietor.
The Hailesborough post-office was established in 1858,
with S. M. Farmer as first postmaster. His successors in
the office have been S. D. Rich, George T). Morrison, and
James T. McCombs, the present incumbent.
Besides the establishments above named, the village con-
tains a shoe manufactory, established about 1865 by Ira A.
Coats, and now employing five hands ; an upper-leather
tannery, started about the same time by Morse & Carpen-
ter, a wagon-shop, three blacks.raith-shops, a union church,
an excellent school-house, about 60 dwellings, and 200 in-
habitants. The hotel and several of the residences are sup-
plied with water from the river by means of a hydraulic
ram. At and near Hailesborough the river makes a fall of
8-t feet in five-eighths of a mile, thus affording a very large
water-power, even in times of severest drought.
The bird's-eye view of Hailesborough, which is presented
to our readers in connection with the history of the village,
IS the contribution to our work by the following-named
public-spirited citizens of the village : S. D. Rich, proprie-
tor of the hotel since 1871. Charles P. Holmes, inventor
and manufacturer of the Eureka churn, patented March 1,
1870; p. 0. Gouverneur. G. D. Morrison, manufacturer
of light carriages and wagons; established in 1867. W.
0. Garrison, blacksmith- and repairing-shop ; established
I860. Clark & Howard, merchant and custom millers ;
established in 1868 ; capacity of mill, 100 barrels per day.
James T. McCombs, general merchant, established in 1870.
George W. Carpenter, proprietor of tannery ; capacity from
12,000 to 15,000 "deacons," and about the same of upper-
leather per annum. Fred. H. Haile, farmer, living on old
homestead of his father, Henry Haile, dealer in and grower
of hops ; p. 0. Gouverneur. J. II. Carpenter, planing-mill,
sash, doors, and blinds, and general builder and architect.
J. J. Carpenter, a pioneer farmer, settled in the town in
1822, and now has a fine dairy-farm, stocked with 30 to
40 cows, — a leading dairyman of the town.
LITTLE YORK.
This little settlement can hardly claim the dignity of a
village, but is perhaps entitled to separate mention as having
been, almost from its earliest days, the seat of the Fowler
post-office, and the point where town-meetings have most
frequently been held. The first settler in its vicinity was
Samuel B. Sprague, who eame from Gouverneur in 1811,
and located on the hill, a short distance to the northwest.
A little later, during the War of 1812, several families
came and formed a settlement, to which they gave its pres-
ent name in honor of the then recent capture of the town
of Little York (now Toronto), in Canada. The place has
never possessed the advantage of manufacturing industry.
Soon after the -settlement, a'small store was opened by Wm.
Lawrence, who had come from New York to take charge
of the erection of the Fowler man.sion. This stood a little
north of the present store of G. W. Kelley, which was also
built by Lawrence at a later date. He was succeeded by
Jlartin Mitchell, after whom came Justus Pickit, after
whose death the store was kept for many years by E. W.
Abbott, who sold to the present owner. Not far from the
time when the business was commenced by Lawrence,
another store was opened by Aaron Rowley, which was
afterwards kept in turn by Simeon Hazleton and by several
of his sons, but is not now in existence as a store. The
public-house at Little I'^ork was built and opened by Jason
Wright, and since his time has been kept by Simeon Hazle-
ton, Thomas J. Hazleton, James H. Hazleton, William
Swem, Daniel Peck, and James H. Austin. This house
has usually been the place designated for the holding of
the annual meetings and general elections in Fowler.
The post-office of Fowler was established Nov. 19, 1821,
with Theodosius 0. Fowler as postmaster. This was lo-
cated at Little York, and was for some years the only office
within the limits of the town. The postmasters succeeding
Sir. Fowler have been Justus Pickit, Jabez Glazier (ap-
pointed in 1842, at the death of Mr. Pickit), Emory W.
Abbott, Thomas J. Hazleton, and the present incumbent,
George W. Kelley.
A bed of iron ore, of the kind known as red hematite,
was discovered at Little York, upon land of Justus Pickit,
and was opened in 1833 by the proprietors of the Fuller-
ville iron-works, who used the ore in their furnace, paying
a royalty to the land -owner for what was taken. - David
Reamer, of Lewisburg, purchased four acres from Mr. Pickit
for mining purposes, and took out considerable quantities
of the ore, which from the first has proved of excellent
quality. It has been used more extensively at Fullerville
than elsewhere, but was formerly also used at the Free-
mansburg, Lewisburg, and other furnaces.
380
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRP]NCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
FULLERVILLE.
This village is on the south branch of the Oswegatchie,
three miles southeast from Little York, on the road to Har-
risville. It contains the Eullerville iron-works, the saw-
mill, grist-mill, and shingle-mill of Belmat & Brayton, a
store, hotel, church, school-house, post-office, and about one
hundred and fifty inhabitants.
The first improvement here was the erection of a saw-mill
upon the west bank of the river by John Parker, in 1813. It
was burned in 1 822 and rebuilt m the following year. This
stood alone, the only structvrre at the I'alls, until the coming
of the Fuller brothers, Vermonters, by whom the village
was founded and for whom it was named. They were four
in number, Sheldon, Stillman, Heman, and Ashbell, and
their firm-name was S. Fuller & Co., though Heman was
really their leader and head. They had been employed for
some years at the Rossie iron-works, and so brought with
them a considerable experience in that manufacture. They
at once commenced on the west side of the river tlie erec-
tion of a blast-furnace, which was completed in August,
1833, and put in blast on ore from the bed at Little Yoik.
Ores from the Kearney and Thompson mines were after-
wards used, as well as bog-ore fi;om Edwards and the mag-
netic ores of Jay ville and Clifton. The firm not long after
admitted a Mr. Maddook, and its name then became Fullers
& Maddock ; but this change did not bring prosperity, and
Maddock retired ; after which the firm was H. Fuller &
Co. until October, 1837, when the furnace completed its
last blast, having produced about 3500 tons of iron.
On the cast side of the river a grist-mill had been erected
by the Fullers, and this, with a tract of 15 acres adjoin-
ing, was sold by them in the year 1838 to Rockwell,
Bullard & Co.,* who, two years later, completed a forge for
the manufacture of blooms from the ore. This was oper-
ated by them for some three years, and later at intervals by
other parties, but always with indifferent success, until
about 1850, when its fires were finally extinguished. A
similar establishment was built by the Fullers adjoining
their furnace, and was operated by them for some time with
similar lack of success. Under favorable circumstances it
was capable of producing four tons of iron per week.
In 1846 the firm of Fullers & Peck, composed of Shel-
don Fuller, Leman Fuller, and Daniel Peck, rebuilt the
old Fuller furnace, using the hot instead of the cold blast,
by which change the product of iron from the ore was in-
creased and the consumption of coal diminished. This firm
continued to operate the works until the spring of 1861,
when they closed, and the furnace was cold for about ten
years, and was then repaired and put in operation by
Daniel Sterling. This time the business was continued for
less than two years, and again the works were silent. In
1875 the property was purchased by Bixby, Clark & Co.,
who put in a new tuyere, made other necessary repairs,
and commenced operations, which still continue with ap-
parent success. The present proprietor is Geo. II. Clark.
The first store in Fullerville was opened by S. Fuller &
Co. as an adjunct to their works. The next was opened by
«■ Edwin Eoclswoll, Jjuther Bullard, Che.'tcr H. Benldn, and Oliver
Benton.
Rockwell, Bullard & Co., on the east side of the river, in
1839 or 1840. The third, which completes the list, was
opened about 1865 by P. H. Davidson, the present pro-
prietor.
The first public-house in the village was opened by Chas.
Q. Edgerton, on the east side of the river, soon after the
building of the first furnace. This has been closed for
many years. A second was opened on the west side, in
about 1839, by James R. Bignall, and was kept after him
by Livingston and others until finally closed. The pres-
ent hotel, known as the Franklin House, was opened about
1850 by Truelove Brewster, who then carried on a wagon-
shop in the same building. Among his successors in the
business have been Carpenter, Samuel Clark, and
others.
The post-office of Fullerville was established in 1832,
with Heman Fuller as first postmaster. He was suc-
ceeded by Charles G. Edgerton, who was followed by
Daniel Peck. Upon Mr. Peck's resignation, in 1861, Mr.
Edgerton was again appointed. The first name of the
office, Fullerville, was, on the 6th of April, 1848, changed
to that of Fullerville iron-works, as at present. This was
done on account of frequent mistakes which arose through
the similarity of the name to that of Fowlerville in Livings-
ton county. Charles G. Edgerton still holds the office of
postmaster.
The four brothers who founded the village have all
passed away, and Fullerville has now less of prosperity
and importance than in the days of their life and activity.
OTHER LOCALITIES AND MILLS.
There are no villages in Fowler besides the three already
mentioned. West Fowler is an agricultural neighborhood,
of which the centre is at an intersection of roads, about
three miles west of Little York, where a post-office was
established, Jan. 15, 1850, with Thomas Mitchell as post-
master, but was discontinued a few years later. A church
was also erected there, as will be found noticed elsewhere.
About two miles northeast of Hailesborough, where the
Hermon road crosses the east arm of the river, is a cluster
of about ten dwellings, a saw-mill, shingle-mill, butter-tub
and cheese-box manufactory, and a blacksmith-shop, which
group has been called Homer's Mills, from William Homer,
who owns and operates them. The neighborhood has no
Other importance.
In the town, outside the villages, there are no mills or
manufactories, with the exception of saw-mills, of which
there are and have been a considerable number. The "Wil-
lard mill" is located near the town line of Hermon, on the
outlet stream of Chub lake. It was built by Thaddeus H.
Willard, and is still in use, owned by William McKane.
An old mill, called the Baxter mill, upon the river, north-
east of Little York, was built by Hiram Baxter; afterwards
owned by Leonard Powers, and still later by J. E. Hol-
comb. Upon the same dam was also a grist-mill, with two
run of stones, and good in its day. Both these old build-
ings remain, but are in disuse. Above these, upon the
river, near the Edwards line, was the Holcomb mill, built
by Obadiah Jenkins, no longer in existence. On the out-
let stream of Sylvia lake, iust above Little York, was a saw-
HISTOEY OE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
381
mill, erected by Simeon Hazleton as early as 1820, and
never passed into other hands. It was abandoned many
years ago. On Sawyer's creek, above West Fowler, a mill
was built in early time by John Frazier. This has been
remodeled into an excellent circular-mill, and is operated by
David Myers. On the same creek, at West Fowlei-, is a
circular-mill, built a few years ago by Fredeiick Gordon,
and now known as the George Draper mill. Towards the
head of Sawyer's creek, and not far below the Pitcairn lino,
is a circular-mill, now owned and run by Edwin Davis, re-
modeled from the old " Glazier mill," which stood on the
same site. A short distance above this, on the same stream,
is a. mill built since 1870 by Erastus Knowlton ; and still
above, on the Pitcairn road, is another, a circular-mill, built
about the same time by John L. Parker, and now owned
by E. H. Kellogg. On the river, just above Pullerville, is
the circular-mill, cheese-box factory, and shingle-mill of
C. H. Sprague. On the eastern channel of the Oswe-
gatchie, above Hailesborough, were the Belmat and Stypes
mills, both of which were destroyed by fire and not rebudt.
On the main river, a mile above Hailesborough, is a saw-
mill, which was built in 1852 by Charles Anthony and C.
P. Egert, and by them sold, in 1854, to Theodore Clark,
of Potsdam. It is now operated by A. W. Brown.
EDUCATIONAL.
We have no authentic account of the first school or
teacher in Fowler, though it is certain that the first teach-
ing was in the vicinity of Haile's mills. At the first town-
meeting Eben Cole, Alvin Wright, and Simeon Hazleton
were elected commissioners, and Theodosius 0. Fowler,
Jedediah Kingsley, and Richard Merrill inspectors of com-
mon schools, but no money was voted for their support, and
there is no record of any raised the following year ; but in
1819 it was "voted that we raise three times the amount
received from the State for schools." From that time until
the present the schools and school system of Fowler have
been creditable. The town now embraces 16 school dis-
tricts, 14 entire, and 2 joint with Antwerp and Diana ; and
there are 15 school-houses, one joint district having its
house in Antwerp. District No. 4 (Hailesborough) has
just completed an excellent building at a cost of about
$2000. In this is taught a school, with a primary and a
higher department. For the year ending Sept. 30, 1877,
the amount of public school money apportioned to Fowler
was $1591.27 ; the amount raised by tax was $2932.08,
and from other sources $203.75. The amount paid for
teachers' wages was $2338.01, and for school-houses and
repairs $2159.76, this including $1595.21 for the new
house in district 4, and $467 for district 12. The total
valuation of school-houses and sites is $5845. Districts 4
and 12 have employed each 1 male teacher, the others all
females. The wages paid teachers in the town vary from
$3 to $9.50 per week in winter, the average being $5.72 ;
and from $3 to $8.33 in summer, averaging $4.69. The
total number of children of school age is 584 (being a de-
crease of 27 since 1872), and the average daily attendance
IS 272.74. The time taught in the year is uniformly 28
weeks. All the districts apply their apportionment of
library money to the payment of teachers' wagps.
The Fowler library was incoi-porated April 12, 1831,
with Simeon Hazleton, Justus Pickit, George Draper,
Charles C. Edgcrton, Gaylord Graves, T. 0. Fowler, and
Reuben Wright trustees. Its practical existence ceased
years ago.
RELIGIOUS.
The earliest religious organizations in Fowler appear to
have been by the regular Baptists and the Methodists, not-
withstanding which we find the singular fact that both these
have died out, and given place, so far as this town is con-
cerned, to other denominations which came later into the
field.
The priority seems to have been with the Baptists, whose
first organization in Fowler was made Jan. 30, 1822, under
Elder Jonathan Paine, the original members being 13 in
number, viz., Benjamin Brown and wife, Ephraim Gates
and wife, Josiah T. Lawton and wife, Asa Wade and wife,
Noah Barrell and wife, James Barnes, jMartha Rowley, and
Hannah Johnson. Elder Noah Barrell became their pastor
in December, 1822. The duration of his pastorate is not
known. Elder Wm. Gorrey came in 1828, and remained
three years. Next came Elder Gurnsey, and in June, 1833,
he was succeeded by Elder M. Wilkie. In 1835 they built
a house of worship at FuUerville, at a cost of about $1200,
mainly through the influence and assistance of the Fuller
brothers, who were all Baptists. Prior to this they had
worshiped in the school-houses. In May, 1836, Elder
Brand became their minister, and served them for two
years. Elder John Peek then preached to them for two
years from the fall of 1838. Then for five years they ap-
pear to have had no regular, preacher, but Elder David
Deland came in 1843, and remained for about one year.
The three last named resided at Fullerville. Afterwards
Elder Deland preached to them again for a season, and in
1851 Eider Nichols was employed to preach part of the
time. The church was now in its decline, and from 1855
to 1870 continued in a very low state. In 1876 but seven
members remained, and worship was discontinued. Their
last minister was Rev. H. C. Dike.
The Baptist society of Antwerp and Fowler was incor-
porated Dec. 31, 1825, with Moses Burge, James N.
Graves, and Peter Sigourney trustees. They built a church
in Antwerp at Steele's Corners, but this is not now in ex-
istence, and such of the members as are living worship with
other churches, many having joined with the Free Baptists
at Sprague's Corners.
The Methodists held worship here at a very early day,
but we have no account of their organization or earliest
preachers. They had a strong society in Pullerville and
vicinity before 1837, at which time Rev. N. R. Peck was
their pastor. About 1845 they purchased the unfinished
church of the Presbyterians, and completed it as their place
of worship. They also owned a parsonage in Fullerville.
Their organization was kept up, and stated worship was
held, until about 1865. The church edifice is still standing
in Fullerville, but used for other than sacred purposes.
The Presbyterian experience in Fowler has been similar
. to that of the Baptist and Methodist churches. An organi-
zation was formed at Fullerville with about fifteen members
soon after 1830, and preaching was had by Rev. Mr.
382
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEEiSTCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Batchelor and others for some years, during which time
they commenced a house of worship in Fullerville, which,
however, was never completed by them, but sold to the
Methodists as above mentioned.
A most prominent and influential member of this church
was Mr. Luther Bullard, as in the Methodist was Charles
G. Edgerton, and in the Baptist the brothers Fuller, all
these being citizens of Fullerville, and identified closely
with its interests. And it is noticeable that, as these
churches prospered with the fortunes of the village, so also
they languished and decayed with it.
The Universalist appears to have always been the strong-
est of the churches in Fowler, and is to-day the only one
which supports a resident pastor. The first Universalist
society in the towns of Gouvernour and Fowler was or-
ganized January 26, 1832 ; Simeon Hazleton and twenty-
five others being the original subscribers to the constitution.
In June, 1833, their number had reached 72. One of
their earliest preachers was Elder Langworthy. The Little
York Universalist society was formed March 22, 1841,
Jabez Glazier, Leman Fuller, Simeon Hazleton, Albert A.
Vedder, and John P. Ryan being the first trustees. A
church edifice was built at Little York, at a cost of $1200,
furnished chiefly, if not entirely, by Simeon Hazleton. This
is still their place of worship.
" The First Universalist society of Gouverneur and
Hailesborough" was formed January 27, 1849, Addison
Giles heading the list of trustees. The original members
numbered 18. In 1851, Rev. C. Dodge was their pastor,
preaching every fourth Sabbath in the school-house at
Hailesborough. The union church edifice at Hailesborough
was erected in 1860, on land donated by H. H. Hailo, and
on January 3, 1861, a meeting was held for the sale of
pews. The record gives a list of 15 pews sold at that time,
aggregating $905. On the same day " The Universalist
Union society of Hailesborough" was organized " in the new
meeting-house," with Francis Farmer, Wm. T. Burt, and
Daniel G. Sartwell, trustees. The present pastor is Rev.
Donald Eraser, of Hailesborough, who gives a portion of
his time to the congregation at Little York. Rev. J. S.
Lee, of Canton, also preaches occasionally at Little York.
THE WEST FOWLER PEEE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in 1826, by Elders Dodge and Waite. Their
first pastor was Rev. Amasa Chandler. A church edifice
was built in 1852, at a cost of about $1300. The last
pastor of this society at West Fowler was Rev. B. P. Jef-
ferson. The members now worship with the class at Little
York or Fullerville, where the denomination holds services
with considerable regularity ; at the former place in the
school-house, and at Fullerville in the church formerly
used by the regular Baptists. The preaching at both these
places has been held by Rev. Ball until recently, but at
present tliey have no pastor. Methodist Protestant wor-
ship is held both at Fullerville and Little York, under
charge of Rev. R. K. Andrews, of Antwerp.
PLACES OF INTERMENT.
The oldest burial-place in Fowler is that at Hailes-
borough ; the initial interment in it having been that of
Elijah Sackett, in 1812. In a small cemetery on "the
island" at Hailesborough were interred several members of
the Willard family and others, who died of a singularly
fatal fever which prevailed among the settlers of the
vicinity many years ago. Another ground is at Fullerville,
and another in the extreme west part of the town, on the
road from Little York to Steele's Corners. The ground at
Little York, adjoining the Universalist church, was taken
from the farm of Simeon Hazleton. The " Gulf Burial-
Ground" is upon the road midway between Little York and
Fullerville. This is an old ground, and contains the ashes
of many of the early settlers.
AGRICULTURAL.
The husbandry of Fowler is much the same as that of
the adjoining towns. The production of cereals is not ex-
tensive, and that of fruit is still less. The lands are well
adapted to grazing, and hence attention is principally turned
to dairying and the manufacture of butter and cheese, —
the latter of which preponderates. There are at present
three cheese-factories in Fowler, namely : the Hailesborough
factory, by B. F. Coffin ; the West Fowler factory, by A.
E. Goodenough & Co. ; and the Little York oheese-factorj',
operated by a company composed of George W. Kelley and
others. These establishments manufacture the milk of
about two thousand cows, and have capacity beyond this.
Butter is made to a considerable extent, but mostly for home
use, and the farmer's chief revenue is from cheese. There
is no grange of the patrons of husbandry in the town.
POPULATION.
The population of Fowler in 1820 — four years after its
erection — was 605. In- 1825 it had increased to 1671, —
a remarkable increase, the ratio of which has not since been
sustained. In 1830 the number was 1447 (Edwards off).
In 1835 it was 1571. In 1840 (Pitcairn ofl'), 1752; in
1845,1840; in 1850, 1813; in 1855, 1^20; in 1860,
1808 ; in 1865, 1748 ; in 1870, 1785 ; and in 1875, 1633.
To the following persons, who have kindly assisted us in
the work, we would render our thanks : Hon. E. W. Abbott,
Daniel Peck, Esq., and Col. J. M. Spencer, of Gouverneur;
and Rev. Donald Eraser, T. J. Hazleton, Esq., S. D. Rich
and George W. Kelley, of Fowler.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
BENJAMIN CROSS.
One of the choice dairy fiirms of St. Lawrence County,
noted for its pi'oductions of butter and cheese, is that of
Benjamin Cross, in the town of Fowler, a view of which
farm and its comfortable buildings can be seen on another
page of this work. The master of this farm was the second
son of Abel Cross, Jr., and grandson of Abel Cross, Sen.,
the latter being a native of Vermont, where he was born
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
;{83
in 1767. He was a farmer by occupation, and married
Desire Palmer, a daughter of Samuel Palmer, of Benning-
ton, in the same State. To them were born six sons and
four daughters, Abel, Jr., being the fourth son, and born
at Shaftesbury, Vt., in the year 1798. He married Polly,
a daughter of Jonathan Cooley, a native of Rhode Island.
Mrs. Cross was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1801.
To them were born six children, viz. : Stephen, Susan, Ben-
jamin, Selinda, Sarah, and Maria, the first three named only
surviving at the present date. Benjamin Cross was born in
the town of Fowler, Feb. 13, 1824, and resided with his
parents on the farm until he arrived at his majority, re-
ceiving meanwhile a fair common-school education.
In the year 1848 he was united in marriage to Mary
Jane, daughter of Smith Cleveland, a native of Vermont,
who died July 6, 1877. Mrs. Cross's mother died in 1872,
aged sixty-six years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cross two children have been born,
Sarah Maria and Amelia Jane ; the latter now Mrs. Eugene
Goodenough. Miss Sarah resides at home with her parents.
The farm of Mr. Cross contains one hundred acres, and
is located half a mile from the village of Hailsborough.
HAMMOND.
Hammond was formed from Rossie and Morristown
March 30, 1827, to take effect on the 1st day of May fol-
lowing. Its line on the side of Morristown was changed
May 2, 1837 ; a corner south of Black lake was, on the
11th day of April, 1842, attached to Macomb; and the
Une bordering Rossie, which at first ran parallel with the
original line of Somerville, one and a half miles southeast
of it, was, on the 7th of February, 1844, changed to its
present course from the corner of the old township to the
head of Mile bay. It lies upon the St. Lawrence, in the
angle formed by that river and the southwest boundary
line of the county, and contains 35,815 acres. The surface
is generally level, but broken upon the north and south
borders by low ridges of gneiss and white limestone. A
level terrace of sandstone, forming a continuous and regular
mural wall, extends from the north shore of Black lake
through the centre of the town into Jefferson county. The
soil is very productive, and there is but little wild or un-
cultivated land. The town contains fourteen school dis-
tricts, which employ fourteen teachers. The value of school-
houses and sites is about four thousand dollars.
The town derives its name from Abijah Hammond, of
New York, who owned the township previous to the pur-
chase of David Parish. He was a brother-in-law of David
A. Ogden, and a merchant and speculator of New York,
and at one time had, in conjunction with others, a scheme
for purchasing the vacant lands then existing above the
settled parts of New York, but which now lie in the
heart of the city. In the Revolutionary War he held
a commission as captain of artillery. He never visited his
northern purchases, and took no further interest in them
than as a subject for speculation. David Parish purchased
of Hammond and wife 28,871 acres September 12, 1814.
Slight beginnings had been made previously, but no titles of
land passed to actual settlers until July, 1818, when Wil-
liam Wiley took the first contract. Loren Bailey came
into the town as an agent on the 31sfc of July, 1818, and it
then began to be settled rapidly. Mr. Bailey was after-
wards succeeded as agent by Mr. David W.- Baldwin, who
coutinued to hold the position until the office was removed
to the town of Rossie. The first actual resident in the
town is said to have been one William McNeill, from Ver-
mont, who had been in town several years previous to 1812.
He attempted no clearing, lived a hermit's life, subsisted
by hunting and fishing, his home being in a niche in the
rocks at Chippewa Bay. The first clearing was commenced
in the summer of 1812 by William Wiley, from Vermont^
at the present village of Hammond. A Mr. Barker, from
Rossie, moved in during the following year and settled a
mile south of Hammond, where he erected and opened a
tavern. At this time the Ogdensburg turnpike was laid
through the town. In the summer of 1814 an attempt
was made by a party of fifty or sixty Canadians, under
Duncan Fraser, to abduct one or two refugees who had
taken up their abode in town, and had rendered themselves
obnoxious to their former Canadian neighbors by repeated
depredations, committed in revenge for real or supposed
injuries. The party landed very early in the morning at
Chippewa Bay, and proceeded in quest of their object, but
missed their path, which delayed their arrival until sun-
rise at the inn of Mr. Barker,* where the principal object of
their search was sleeping. Alarmed by the family, this
person fled, half dressed, to the woods, narrowly escaping
the shower of balls aimed at him. The house was ran-
sacked in vain for papers, and the party returned home dis-
appointed in their pursuit. The greater part of the town
of Hammond, west of the village and in the direction of
Chippewa Bay, was settled by Scotch emigrants in 1818,
1819, and 1821. These families came over singly and
without any particular destination, and, meeting the agents
of Mr. Parish, were induced to locate upon this tract.
Most of them erected substantial stone buildings, many of
which are still standing. The following persons located in
1818: John and David Gregor, John Baird, Peter Allen,
John Hill, and James Hill, of whom all but thfe latter two
were married. A Mr. Cowan, one of the number, was killed
in the following winter by the fall of a tree, and Mr. Parish,
» The building is still standing, and is located opposite the large
stono tavern, about one mile from Hammond village.
384
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
with characteristic liberality, paid the expenses of his
widow's return to Scotland. In 1819, Thomas Caswell,
William Nioko!, James Rogers, Robert Morris, Robert and
Andrew Shields, John Mercer, Thomas Dodds, and William
Burke, an Englishman, came into the settlement ; and in
1821, John Brown. Several of the latter were single men,
and none of them past the middle of life, and the evidences
of prosperity which meet the eye of the traveler suffi-
ciently prove that they have successfully encountered the
hardships of a new settlement. A few years later others
were induced to emigrate through the representations of
those already located.
To those of the first and second year who required it,
Mr. Parish extended a similar credit with that of his set-
tlers in the town of Rossie, and thus the town early ex-
perienced a healthy growth and activity from the frugal
class of people who, by their industry and perseverance,
have amassed considerable wealth, and have proportionately
enriched the town.
The first saw-mill was erected by Asa Stone, upon a
branch of Chippewa creek.
The first school in the town was taught in the Scotch
settlement, during the winter of 1819 and 1820, by Dr.
James Scott, of Lisbon. Mr. Bailey, the agent, settled at
Chippewa Bay, three and a half miles from the village of
Hammond. Abram Cooper soon after commenced im-
provements at this place. A steam saw-mill was erected
here in 1844, by James E. Lyon.
A substantial dock was erected at this point at an early
day, and for a number of years it was the chief port for
the export of iron from the Rossie mines, and of lumber
and other produce from the surrounding country.
Settlement was commenced at Oak Point by George
Elliot. He was, however, succeeded by a Mr. Cowan, who,
in 1824, opened a small grocery-store. Earl Atwood,
Abram Schemerhorn, from Trenton, New York, Mr.
Mathews, and a few others came soon after.
In 1825 a wharf was built on a small island in the
channel, communicating with the mainland by a bridge ;
and in 1838 this was rebuilt. A post-oiEce was established
in 1840, and a custom-house existed at this point for many
years, but was afterwards removed to Chippewa Bay.
The deputy collectors of customs have been J. G. Mc-
Cormick, Benjamin Franklin, and Amos Webster. Tiiis
ofiice had previously been located at the Corners, where
Sylvester Butrick and Arnold Smith had held it. The
river steamboats formerly made regular landings at this
point.
A light-house was erected on Cross-Over island, a short
distance above, in 1847; it was refitted in 1855. The
tower is thirty-seven feet above water. It is fitted with a
number four lens, and has a fixed light, visible at a dis-
tance of twelve nautical miles.
The south part of the town, upon the military road, was
first settled about 1819, by Samuel Webster and William
Tappan, of Vermont. Jonathan King, of Herkimer county,
settled in the following year, and commenced keeping an
inn. The military road from Sacket's Harbor to Hammond
had been cut through shortly before the war, but had be-
come impassable from disuse. It was reopened in 1823
by a company of twenty-five soldiers from Sacket's Harbor,
who volunteered for the service, and drew extra pay for
their labor. They were under the direction of Captain
Ransom. The road was laid out as a highway one or two
years after, and has continued to be one of the principal
thoroughfares from Watertown to Ogdensburg.
The post-office at South Hammond was established in
1833, Mr. King being the first postmaster. The hotel at
South Hammond was erected in 1848, but has not been
kept as a hotel since 1860. On the 19th of April, 1834,
Loren Bailey, Azariah Walton, and Elbridge Gr. Merrick
were appointed commissioners to open a road from the line
of Clayton and Lyme to a road leading from Chippewa
Bay to Ogdensburg. This_ road was through the villages
of French Creek and Alexandria Bay to Hammond. The
lands adjacent were taxed to build it.
MINERALS.
A vein of ore, containing lead, copper, and gold, was
discovered in 1840, upon the farm of Mr. H. S. White, in
the southwestern part of the town, and work was carried
on to some extent. A shaft was sunk to the depth of
about thirty feet, when, the vein becoming narrow, it was
found that the work could not be carried on with profit,
and it was accordingly discontinued. During the fall of
1877 valuable ore was discovered in the vicinity, a quan-
tity of which was sent to New York city for inspection,
and was found to contain three hundred and fifty dollars'
worth of gold and silver to the ton. There is a project of
forming a company for the purpose of working the mines.
THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.
Opposite the town of Hammond, in the channel of the St.
Lawrence, lies the lower portion of the Thousand Islands,
a most beautiful and romantic group, which seldom fails to
elicit the admiration of the traveler as he threads his course
among them. They commence near the outlet of Lake
Ontario, and extend along the entire river front of Jeffer-
son county, and consist of rough, irregular masses of rock,*
which rise above the limpid waters of the great river in an
infinite variety of pleasing forms and groups, many of them
still covered with the primitive forests, and presenting a
picture unsurpassed in grandeur, and which the most skilled
artist might strive in vain to imitate. Many of the larger
of these islands, which a few years ago were vacant, or
furnished here and there the home of some secluded settler,
are now under a fine state of cultivation, and possess a fer-
tile soil. Some of them have interesting mineral localities.
These islands are mostly owned by city parties, and during
the summer months are dotted with the tents of those who
have sought this place to escape the intense heat of the
cities. The singularly romantic beauty of the group struck
in the most forcible manner the attention of the early
French voyagers, who dwelt upon the lovely spectacle which
they presented, and described in language that would apply
to the dreams of romance the picturesque forms that every-
where rose above the water, and were reflected from its
placid surface. Nor are they destitute of incident which
* Gneiss and sandstone.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
385
qives additional interest to the association ; and the events
of the early French and Indian wars and of the Revolu-
tion, of the War of 1812-15, and of the Patriot war, so
called, of a more recent period, give a charm to numerous
localities, which few who delight in the association of the
incidents of former times with present appearance will fail
to appreciate.
Among the objects most likely to attract the notice of
the traveler as he passes the south channel, from Clayton
to Cape Vincent, is a group of chimneys, which stand upon
an elevated plateau at the head of Carlton island, the re-
mains of a fortress that the English probably erected about
1759-60. Indian Hut island, situated in Chippewa bay, is
supposed to derive its name from the fact that an Indian
called " The Quaker" resided upon it at an early day.
The town of Hammond furnished one hundred and sixty-
two men for the Union army in the War of the Rebellion ;
of this number nine were wounded and seventeen died of
diseases contracted while in the service.
INCIDENTS.
During the year 1838, Mr. Ezra Brockway located upon
an island in Chippewa bay, where he lived the life of a
hermit for many years, being insane, and imagining himself
the son of Napoleon Bonaparte. He believed that he was
the rightful owner of all of the land in the vicinity ; that his
mother had been murdered in Ogdensburg, and that he, while
yet an infant, had been set adrift in a canoe upon the river;
that he was picked up by a Mrs. Bradley, upon the Canada
shore, with whom he lived until he became of mature age,
when the knowledge of his being the son of Napoleon was
communicated to him in a dream, and was afterwards con-
firmed by spirits, with whom he claimed to be in constant
communication. He refused to pay taxes upon his island,
and out of pity it was not insisted upon. Early in Feb-
ruary, 1876, a party in crossing the river on the ice,
noticed that no smoke ascended from the chimney of his
hut. Hastening to the place, the door was found open.
The snow had drifted in upon the floor, and formed fan-
tastic piles about the couch, upon which was stretched the
halffrozen, helpless form of the would-be Napoleon. He
was carried to the shore, and a physician was called. He
refused, however, to take the medicine which was offered
him, claiming to act under the dictation of the spirit Mary.
After lingering for a few days, during which time he suf-
iered severely, death came to his relief, and he was buried
in the old stone school-house cemetery.
A severe hail-storm visited South Hammond in June,
1877, by which crops of grain, fruit, etc., were nearly
destroyed.
In October, 1860, the " Buckeye," a steamer owned by
the Northern transportation company, while upon a voy-
age from Ogdensburg, struck upon a rock in the channel
near the village of Chippewa Bay. A large number of the
passengers were drowned. The boat was afterwards raised,
and is now used by the company.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisors.— 1S27-28, Sylvester Butrick ; 1829-31,
Roswell Ryan; 1832, Allen Cook; 1833, Orrin Brown;
1834-35, Loren Bailey; 1836-37, George C. Daniels;
1831, Orrin Brown ; 1839-40, Enoch Taylor; 1841, Ebe-
nezer N. Demick ; 1842, Orville E. V^ightman ; 1843,
E. N. Demick; 1844-47, William H. Wright; 1848-49,
Henry Zoller ; 1850, Sidney S. Wait; 1851, Josiah ZoUer;
1852-53, Abel P. Morse; 1854, Sidney S. Wait; 1855-
62, Jonas Moycr; 1863-64, Henry Fowler; 1865-66, Jonas
Moyer; 1867-69, Anthony W. Sigourney ; 1870-71, Jonas
Moycr ; 1872-77, James S. More.
PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS.
Supervisor, James S. More ; Town Clerk, W. T. Stiles ;
Justices of the Peace, Amos Webster, C. A. Wooster, and
Harvey Lyon ; Assessor, John D. Wilson ; Highway Com-
missioners, William A. Webster, C. A. Wooster ; Collector,
George A. Wilson ; Overseers of the Poor, William E. A.
Fachney, Alexander Allen, and F. W. A. Blackman ; Con-
stables, William Luyton, Edd Forrester, Robert Nichol, Jr.,
George A. Wilson, H. C. King, William Rodgers (2d), and
Irenus Franklin ; Excise Commissioners, William Cuthbert
and R. A. Donald.
HAMMOND (P. 0.)
is a pleasant village, situated a little east of the centre of
town. It is a station upon the Black River and Morris-
town railroad, and has about three hundred inhabitants.
It contains three churches, one hotel, four stores, two wagon-
shops, two paint-shops, one shoe-shop, one harness-shop, and
a cooper-shop.
CHIPPEWA (P. O.)
is situated upon Chippewa bay, near the mouth of Chippewa
creek, and about the centre of the west border. It con-
tains one hotel, two stores, a blacksmith-shop, and has
a custom-house. Much of the lumber manufactured in
the town seeks a market by way of the St. Lawrence from
this point. The waters of the bay are too shallow to admit
vessels of heavy draft, though the small steamere make regu-
lar landings during the summer season.
NORTH HAMMOND (P. 0.),
in the northern part, contains a store, a blacksmith-shop,
and a shoe-shop.
OAK POINT
is a hamlet upon the St. Lawrence, in the extreme north
part.
SOUTH HAMMOND
is a hamlet in the southern part.
HAMMOND LODGE, F. AND A. M., NO. 319.
This lodge was organized in 1853, under the name of
the Black Lake Lodge of Freemasons. At the time of
its organization the lodge was located at Edwardsville, upon
Black lake, in the town of Morristown. Its charter was
granted June 11, 1854. Some of the first officers were
Jacob Bellinger, M. ; Andrew Grey, S. W. ; Abram Klock,
J. W.
386
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The present officers of the lodge are E. D. Pohlraan,
M. ; George Gibson, S. W. ; Eestus Franklin, J. W. ; Rev.
J. M. Johns, Chap. ; W. W. Leonard, Sec. ; William Moore,
Treas. ; F. S. Emmes, S. D. ; E. M. Bostwick, J. D. ; D.
R. Gregor, S. M. C. ; S. M. Krake, Organist ; G. S. Rou-
land. Marshal ; W. E. A. Fachney, Librarian ; Truman
Demick, Tyler.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. John Bean was the first practicing physician in the
town of Hammond. He came into the town as early as
1820, and continued in practice until about the year 1856,
when he removed to Richville, where he died a few years
later.
Dr. Blackman was the pupil of Dr. Bean, and afterwards
practiced in the town, as his partner, for a number of years.
Dr. Morse located about the year 1824, and continued in
practice for two or three years.
Dr. Greene commenced practice in the village about the
year 1837. Removed from the county in 1844.
Dr. J. Addison Brown was the pupil of Dr. Bean, Com-
menced the practice of medicine in 1 843, and continued in
practice in the village of Hammond for three years, when
lie removed to California. He held the office of superin-
tendent of public schools in 1844.
Dr. A. R. Gregor, of Hammond village, was the pupil of
Dr. Trowbridge, of Watertown, and of Dr. Dewey, of Ant-
werp. Attended a course of lectures at the Albany medi-
cal college during the winter of 1843-44. Graduated at
the Geneva medical college in the spring of 1846. Since
that time he has been in practice in the village of Ham-
mond. Was elected to the office of town superintendent
of schools in 1847, and continued to hold that office until
it was abolished, about ten years after. He has also held
the office of coroner, and liom 1867 until 1875 was the
only practicing physician in the town. Is a member of the
county society.
Dr. C. M. Wilson, of Hammond village, graduated at
Bellevue medical college in New York city, in the spring
of 1871. Practiced in the village until 1873, when he
removed to the village of Rossie, from which place he re-
moved to Hammond village in February, 1875. He is a
member of the county medical society, and in 1876 held
the office of vice-president of that society,
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The Presbyterian society in the town of Hammond was
incoi-porated Dec, 14, 1827, with Luther Lanphear, James
Hills, and Walter Wilson, trustees. A church had been
formed shortly before, by llev. Hiram S. Johnson, of twelve
members, which was under the St. Lawrence presbytery,
and the pastoral care of Joseph Taylor. From sickness and
other causes this organization was lost.
The present Presbyterian society belongs to the Qo-dens-
bnrg presbytery, and was organized with eighteen members,
by the Rev. James Sanford, Aug. 1, 1821. Their first
house of worship was erected in 1838, and was a substan-
tial stone building. The present one was built in 1871, at
a cost of $10,000. It is a handsome wooden structure, and
is an ornament to the village. It will seat four hundred
persons upon the first floor, and one hundred and eighty in
the basement. The church has been under the care of the
following pastors : Rev. Messrs. James Eodgers, John
McGregor, James Gardner, H. B. Swift, Andrew Milne,
and D. A, Ferguson, the present pastor. The society has
recently erected a parsonage, at a cost of $3000.
There is a Sunday-school, under the supervision of Mr.
James Rutherford, with an attendance of one hundred and
fifty scholars.
A FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
was formed April 6, 1843, by Elder Samuel B. Padin,who
preached two years. It was composed of fourteen males
and thirteen females, most of whom resided in the south
part of the town. They have formed no legal society, and
have no house of worship.
TRINITY CHURCH,
in the towns of Hammond and Rossie, was incorporated
Dec. 16, 1846. Henry W. Chapman, William Laidlaw,
Sophereth Ophir, William Welch, Robert Morris, John
Burrows, and James Hill, vestrymen. This society has
never erected a church.
THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
was organized with thirty-seven members, by Prof, J, S.
Leo, Oct, 29, 1870. Their church edifice was completed
in September of the same year, at a cost of $3000. It
will seat two hundred and seventy-five persons. The church
property is valued at $4000. Rev. D. S, Libby was the
first pastor. He was succeeded Nov. 8, 1876, by the present
pastor, Rev. J. M. Johns.
The society numbers fifty members, including a large part
of the leading minds of the town, and it consequently exerts
a strong influence for good.
There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church,
under the superintendence of Mr. F. W. A. Blackman,
which has an attendance of about eighty scholars, and is
supplied with a small library.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Hammond was organized Sept.. 29, 1832, and a church
edifice was erected a few years after.
There are at present about one hundred members, who
are under the pastoral care of Rev, T, P, Bradshaw.
We are under obligations to the following persons for
information furnished; Messrs. W. A. Forrester, R, li.
Allen, and Amos Webster, of Chippewa Bay; William
Fachney, Dr, A, R, Gregor, Dr, C. M, Wilson, and William
T. Stiles, of Hammond, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE RODGER FAMILY.*
Among the very large and i ntelligent families that have
left their native homes in distant countries none have taken
a deeper interest in all that pertains to the welfare and ma-
*■ By Audrew Rodger.
Photos. Bf Dow.Ogdensbui^s.
\t if
MRS. NANCY D.HODGER.
MffS.MARY RODGER.
Residence: OF ANDREW RODGER, Hammond, St. LawrcnceCo.,N.V.
I>JIRS.WM.CUTH BEFIT.
V/m.Cuthbert.
Res. ofV/m.CUTHBERTjON CHiFPEm bay, Hammond^ST La\nrence: Co., N. Y.
Tf_.-
ReS(Denc£ or J AS. S. MORE, Hammond, St. L^wft£Ncc Co.,N.Y.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
:-^87
terial growth of society than this family. They are of
Scotch origin ; the grandfather on the male side was James
Rodger, who was born in Kelso, Bsrwiokshire, Scotland.
He married Bjtsey Riddle, by whom three children were
born: William Rodger, James, Jr., and Margarette. All
lived to old age, and each had large families. Mr. James
Rodger lived for many years in Kelso, and afterwards in
Whitridgbog, where he died. His wife died at Kelso.
William, son of James and Betsey Rodger, was born at
Kelso, April 6, 1779. He was -an industrious man, and
followed various pursuits at Whitridgbog. He married
Nancy Hill (she was born in 1782), of Roxburghshire,
in 1803, by whom thirteen children were born, namely :
James Rodger, born Nov. 14, 1803 ; married Betsey Ling,
of Kingston, Canada; no children. George Rodger, born
Oct. 21, 1806 ; married Jeanette Thompson, of St. Bos-
well's, Scotland, in 1831 ; two children born. He was an
elder in the Presbyterian church of Gouverneur. John
Rodger, born Aug. 9,1808; married Mary McGregor, of
Hammond, in 1841 ; six children born. Helen Rodger,
born July 2, 1810 ; married William Turnbull, of Kelso, in
1831 ; thirteen children born. Robert Rodger, born June
27, 1812 ; married Ann Waddle, of Waddington, St. Law-
rence County, in 1844 ; six children born. He is an elder
in the Hammond Presbyterian church, and he has a son,
James, preparing for the ministry. William Rodger, bora
June 17, 1814 ; married Isabel Shiell, of Hammond, in
1848 ; six children born. He is an elder in the Hammond
Presbyterian church. David Rodger, born Feb. 15, 1817 ;
never married ; died May 30, 1866. Andrew Rodger,
born April 6, 1819 ; married Mary Taylor, of Hammond,
Feb. 6, 1850 ; two sons. She died July 5, 1867. He
married Nancy Dodds, of Hammond, Jan. 14, 1869 ; she
had one child, and it died in infancy. She died July 12,
1874. Rutherford Rodger, born July 18, 1821 ; married
Helen Taylor, of Hammond, Feb. 2, 1853 ; five children
born. Elizabeth Rodger, born June 26,1823; married
James S. More, of Hammond, Feb. 6, 1850 ; five children
born. Margarette Rodger, born Nov. 14, 1826 ; married
William M. Wilson, of Hammond, Feb. 12, 1852; eight
children born. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church
at Hammond. Nancy Rodger, born Sept. 3, 1829 ; never
married; died Jan. 21, 1851. All of this family of
brothers and sisters were born in Scotland.
In 1828, James Rodger came to Kingston, and in 1830
John came, and they earned money to bring the family
over. In June, 1831, William Rodger and the rest of the
family came to Hammond and settled on the land now
owned by their sons, John and Andrew. Mr. Rodger fol-
lowed farming while here, reared his large family to indus-
try and economy ; was a member of the Presbyterian
church ; so was his wife. He died Jan. 1 , 1832. His wife
.died May 24, 1864.
Andrew, son of William and Nancy Rodger, was born in
Whitridgbog, Scotland, April 6, 1819. His advantages
for an education were limited. He was reared on a farm,
and early learned the value of time and money. He came
to Hammond with his parents in June, 1831. His father
dying Jan. 1, 1832, left the care of the large family to his
mother and the older members of the family. The family
was kept together for many years till they began to settle
down for themselves, Andrew now owns a part of the old
farm, and to this he has kept adding, until to-day he is
one of the largest farmers in the town, owning some five
hundred and thirty acres; the larger part is as fine land as
the town affords. A view of his home farm may be seen
in another part of our work.
He married Miss Mary T. Taylor, Feb. 6, 1850. She was
born in Methven, Scotland, March 7, 1826. Two children
were born, namely: Albert H., born July 10, 1851, and John
S., born Jan. 28, I860. Mrs. Rodger was a faithful wife
and good mother, and a member of the Presbyterian church
at Hammond. She died July 5, 1867.
Mr. Rodger married for his second wife Nancy Dodds, of
Hammond, Jan. 14, 1869. She was born Juno 7, 1828.
She had one child, which died in infancy. She died July
12, 1874. She was a devoted wife, and a kind and loving
mother, and by her kind words and generous deeds won re-
spect from all who know her. She was a member of the
Presbyterian church at Hammond.
Early in life, Mr. Rodger became a member of the Presby-
terian church, and has always done his part in sustaining
it. In polities he was a life-long Whig and Republican.
In the history of Mr. Rodger one can see what can be done
by close application to business.
Albert, son of Andrew and Mary Rodger, was married to
Miss Elizabeth Cuthbert, of Hammond, Oct. 24, 1877. Mar-
garette, daughter of James Rodger, married William Brodie,
of Yetholm, Scotland, came to America in 1834, and settled
in Hammond. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church
at Hammond till his death. His son James held the same
ofiice at Gouverneur, and their grandson, James, is preparing
for the ministry. James Rodger, Jr., son of James Rodger, of
Kelso, married Margarette Hill, and lived in Whitridgbog,
Scotland, till 1819, and in that year came to Hammond,
and was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church at
Hammond, and was soon ordained minister of the same ;
afterwards removed to Oswegatchie and labored till his
strength failed him. His son James is now an elder in the
Hammond Presbyterian church, and his grandson, James,
is a minister in Minnesota. His son Robert was an elder
at Oswegatchie, and at his death, his grandson, George,
took his (Robert's) place. Nancy, daughter of James
Rodger, married Archibald Furguson, of Oswegatchie. He
was a minister. He has a son James, who is a minister in
New Jersey, a son Robert, an elder in Minnesota, and one
son Daniel, an efficient and faithful minister of the Ham-
mond church to-day.
JAMES S. MORE.
Among the representative men and substantial farmers of
Hammond is the subject of this sketch. He is the son of
David and Christian More, and was born near Perth, Scot-
land, March 1, 1823. He is one of eight children, all of
whom grew to maturity, and are living to-day in this town.
Mr. More was reared on a farm, and early learned the car-
dinal principles of success. At the age of six (1830) he
emigrated to America in company with his parents and
388
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
family, and settled at Granville, Canada, remained there
about one year, then came to Hammond, which has ever
since been the home of the entire family. His advantages
for an education were limited to the common school, and
poor at that, but by reading and reflection he has acquired
a practical business education.
In 1847, Mr. More bought seventy-six acres of land,
which he worked, still making his home with his parents.
He married Miss Elizabeth Rodger, February 6, 1850, by
whom he has had five children, four of whom are living.
Mrs. More is one of thirteen children, twelve of whom
lived to be men and women. She was born at Whitrick,
Bogue, June 26, 1823. She came, in company with her
parents and family, from Scotland in 1830, and settled in
Hammond, where most of the family still reside. Mr.
More has kept making additions to his farm, till to-day he
has one of the best farms in the town, a view of which,
together with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in
another part of this work. He has also some village prop-
erty. He was engaged in the mercantile business from
September ], 1866, to September 1, 1869, and it proved
unsuccessful.
For nearly forty years, Mr. More has been a member of
the Presbyterian church at Hammond. In politics he was
at first a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republi-
can party he joined it, and ever since has been one of the
leading men of the town. Ho has held the ofiice of assessor
for tliree terms in succession, and refused to hold it longer.
For the past six years he has been the supervisor of the
town, and is still acting in that capacity. As a citizen and
farmer he has few equals and no superiors in the town.
MICHAEL FORRESTER,
son of Isaac and Margarette Forrester, was born at Matilda,
Canada, July 12, 1817. He is of English and Irish origin \
his grandfather was an Englishman, and grandmother was
both English and Irish. His father was a native of Maine,
and mother a native of Canada. ]\Ir. Forrester was reared
a farmer, and also engaged in the lumber business with his
father. He came to Hammond about 1827 or 1828 with
his parents. He remained with his parents until he was
about thirty-two years of age. About 1845 he came on to
the farm he now occupies, a view of which may be seen
elsewhere in this work.
He was manied to Miss Permelia Schermerhorn in Feb-
ruary, 1846, by whom two children were born, Irwin D.
and Elizabeth Maggie. Elizabeth M. died March 22, 1864.
Mrs. Forrester is a native of this town, and was born
July 14, 1825. Her grandfather was a native of Holland,
and gi-andmother of New England birth. Her father was
born near Albany, and mother in Oneida Co., N. Y., and
they settled in this town and county about 1824. Mr.
Forrester is a farmer of about one hundred and thirty-five
acres, and has one of the most delightful summer resorts
that may be seen as you sail down the St. Lawrence. In
politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
Their son, Irwin D., lives with them on the old home,
where he first saw the light of day November 1^, 1847.
WILLIAM CUTHBERT,
son of William and Janet Cuthbert, was born in Dunning,
Perthshire, Scotland, June 23, 1820. He is one of a
family of three children, namely, William, Jane, and Janet,
the last one of whom died at the age of fout in Scotland.
His mother died in 1832, and in 1834 his fVither married
again. On July 5, 1835, Mr. Cuthbert, Sr., and family
started for America, and, after nine weeks, settled in Ham-
mond, where the father died March 14, 1860. The
mother still lives in this town.
Mr. Cuthbert, Jr., was reared a farmer. He is the
owner of one of the very best tarms in the town or county,
overlooking Chippewa bay, a viaw of which may be seen
in another part of this work. He is a representative farmer
and substantial citizen of the town.
He married Miss Mai-garet Cunningham, Dec. 14, 1851.
She was born in Roxburgh, Scotland, Oct. 20, 1823. Six
children have been born to them, all of whom are living.
Sir. and Mrs. Cuthbert are members of the Presbyterian
church at Hammond. In politics, Mr. Cuthbert aflBliates
with the Republican party.
STOCKHOLM.
A RETROSPECTION of three-quartors of a century carries
us back to the time of the first settlement of what now
constitutes the town of Stockholm. Seventy-eight years,
with their momentous events and changing vicissitudes,
have passed into the silent night of eternity since the first
white settler made his permanent location withinthe bor-
ders of the town.
Although there are none now living within the scope of
our work who remember that time, yet there are those
whose years antedate the settlement of the town. Some
there are whose actual labors extend back nearly sixty years,
to a time when the log cabin constituted the only habitation
of the pioneer, and not a semblance of the present progress
and development existed. They remember the trials and
hardships endured in order to effect the marvelous change
their industry has wrought. Yet blended with the recol-
RESIDINCE or 0 .M.EMtRY, Stockholm, Si Uwrenci: Co., N. Y.
FfESlDZNCE or O.r. CROUCH, irucKHntM.Sri/, vhHK^ '.0 N V
Senjamin Reeve.
MRS. Benjamin Reeve.
^^'^ms^^rmMW'
PLC*, r^ iTn
l'%*';i^'V\|t^J?
RES OF BENJAMIN ft L^\ C , jTOf KHOLM 5T LAWHf/VCX CO ,JiLj:
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
389
lection of their hardships are memories of the broad hospi-
tality, the Christian fortitude, and the cheerfulness under
difficulties that characterized the early settlement. Indeed,
''There are moments in life that we never forget,
Wliich brighten and brighten as time steals away ;
They give a new charm to the happiest lot,
And they shine on the gloom of the loneliest day."
The imagination can scarcely depict the realities of those
days, — the unbroken woods which presented a wilderness in
every object upon which the eyes rested, except the sky
o'erhead. The only marks in all this region that gave any
evidence that the foot of civilized man had pressed the
soil were the blazed trees that denoted an indefinite path-
way. Such was this town, without inhabitants, except the
aborigine and the wild beasts of the forests, when the first
pioneers erected their log cabins amid the sea-like solitude.
Geographically, Stockholm is an interior town, lying in
the northeast part of the county, and contains 54,272 acres.
Its surface is rolling, and is well watered by the St. Regis
and its eastern branch, which unite near the centre of the
east border, and Trout, Plum, and Squeak brooks, and nu-
merous smaller streams. The soil is a rich sandy loam, and
constitutes it one of the finest agricultural towns in the
county; while the fertility of its meadows and undulated
pastures afford excellent advantages for dairying purposes,
which, it is needless to add, are eminently well utilized.
Preparations for settlement were commenced, under the
agency of Dr. Truman Pettibone, in the year 1800, in the
summer of Which year and the year following several per-
sons began clearings and other improvements, preparatory
to moving their families into the town. Subsequently, Ebe-
nezer Hulburd was an agent of the proprietor. In 1802,
the two gentlemen mentioned above, with Benjamin
Wright, Isaac Kelsey, Abram Sheldon, and others, came
into town and made permanent settlements. On the 7th
of March, 1803, seven families, of which six were from
Orwell, Vt.. moved in. The heads of these were Isaac
Kelsey, William Staples, Abraham Sheldon, Luman Petti-
bone, John and Robert Bisbee, and Benjamin Wright.
They had the first year raised some corn, oats, and potatoes,
which had been secured as well as circumstances allowed.
They came by way of Chateaugay and St. Regis, and up
that river on the ice. The houses and furniture which they
constructed were necessarily of the rudest kind, and such
as saws, axes, and augers would make. With strips of
elm bark they made bedsteads and chairs, and all their
household goods were of the simplest kind.
In September, 1804, occurred the greatest flood ever
known in the country, produced by heavy rains, which
swelled the St. Regis river far above its ordinary flood level.
Four of the seven families living near the bank of the river
were compelled to flee from their homes, which were de-
vastated by the torrent. One family, living near Trout
brook, remained within doors until the under floor was
raised from the sleepers and the wood, was floated from the
fire-place, and with the greatest peril and difficulty they
escaped with their lives.
-Samuel and Warren W'ebster, brothers, from Orwell,
Vt., each purchased 105 acres on lots 44 and 45, and com-
menced chopping in 1805, and in 1806 they moved their
families into the town. Isaac Marsh, from Sharon, Vt.,
" took up" 200 acres on lot 65, and settled upon the same
in 1806. Luther Hulburd settled on lot 33. Other early
settlers, mostly from Vermont, were Stephen A. Tambling,
Daniel Harrington (see illustration of the old homestead,
now occupied by his son, G. Washington Harrington),
Amos Bicknell, Simeon Nash, Zephaniah French, Alba
Woodward, John Graves, Alpheus Johnson, Josiah L. Hill,
Ralph P. Stearns, Reuben Kelsey, Harvey Thatcher ; the
latter settling in the west part of town. Other early set-
tlers of the west part of town were George Streight, John
Partridge, Eldad Taylor, Stiles Nelson, Martin Doud, a Mr.
Dart, Nathan Osborn, who succeeded Dr. Pettibone as agent
for the proprietor in the western part of the town, Clark
and Warren T. Phippen, A. S. Tucker, Esq., for more than
twenty years a justice of the peace, and others.
Among the pioneers of the southern part of the town
were Shubel Gurley, Pierres Paulk, who settled on the May-
hew farm, — he was accompanied by George A. Flower, a
half-brother of Mrs. Mayhew, who settled first over the
line in the town of Parishville ; Parley and Delos Dustin,
Joseph Merrill, John McNeal, Anthony Thomas, Allen
Lyman (who afterwards moved to the vicinity of West
Stockholm, where he now resides), Carlton Wires, John
Simonds, Jonathan Emery, Oliver Osgood, Samuel and Levi
Covey, Dr. Hosea Brooks (who was the first physician
in this part of the town), Benjamin Reeve, the famous
hunter,* Morgan Marsh. Samuel Newton, father of Orange
Newton, settled in town in 1815 ; was in the War of 1812 ;
died in town in the seventieth year of his age. Ara Lewis,
father of Hiram and H. H. Lewis, settled in town in 1828,
and died there at the age of seventy-five.
Among prominent representatives of the old families now
residing in town are Warren W., son of Warren Webster ;
Julius, son of Ehenezer Hulburd; George Washington,
son of Daniel Harrington ; Hosea, son of Amos Bicknell ;
Alva P., son of Samuel Webster; William, son of Alba
Woodward ; while several pioneer families are represented
in the second, and a few in the third, generations. Among
these are the Tomblings, Nashes, Kelseys, Holmes,
Thatchers, Emerys, Newells, Smiths, and others.
INCIDENTS IN PIONEER LIFE.
Durin"- the first summer of Dr. Pettibone's settlement in
Stockholm he had occasion to resort to the mill at Colum-
bia,f through a densely-wooded country, ' without roads
worthy of the name, and the trip was performed under
circumstances of peculiar hardship. The doctor and a
young man by the name of Abel Kelsey started with an
ox-team and wagon, expecting to spend the night in a
shanty which they supposed had been built, and was occu-
pied, by a settler who had commenced a small clearing on
the west side of Raquette river, almost a mile and a half
below the present village of Potsdam. They accordingly
neo-lected to take with them any apparatus for kindling a
fire. At the close of a day of toil and labor they found
» See biography elsewhere in this work.
t Now Madrid, formerly known as Grasso River Falls.
390
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
themselves on the banks of the river, and succeeded in
fording it, laying the grain-bags on poles across the top of
the wagon to keep dry; but, to their great disappointment,
the comfortable log hut and cheerful fire which they had
anticipated as awaiting them was not there, and, to add to
their misery, a drenching rain set in and continued through
the night. They had been already half drowned in cross-
ing the river, and were compelled to crawl under the best
shelter they could find, and spent the night in as wretched
a condition as possible. On the next day. Dr. Pettibone
found himself shaking with the ague, contracted in conse-
quence of exposure, and it was with the greatest difiSculty
he was able to get through to his destination.
The early settlers also often went to Canada to mill, the
journey being in part performed by canoes on the rivers,
more or less difiiculty being encountered in passing the
rapids. Amid these rude and fatiguing labors, a certain
amount of enjoyment existed. The hand of sympathy was
extended to neighbors, and any ray of good fortune that
fell across one's pathway was regarded as a common bene-
fit. If any needed a helping hand, his desire required but
the announcement, and a common interest and a hope of
better times stimulated to exertion and dispelled gloom.
During the War of 1812-15, numbers of the inhabitants
became alarmed and left the county, from fear of the In-
dians, and those that remained proceeded to erect defenses
for their protection. One of these was a double line of
pickets around the house of Dr. Pettibone, which inclosed
a square area of about a quarter of an acre, and was finished
with gate and fixtures complete. Here the inhabitants as-
sembled on a few occasions of alarm, but no real dantfor
ever presented itself Another stockade was commenced
around the house of Warren Webster, about a mile east of
the centre of the town, which was finished on two or three
sides only ; and a third was commenced around the dwcilino-
of Jonathan Sager, in the west part of town. These pickets
were timbers set upright in a trench about three feet deep,
in a double row, so that no opening existed between them.
They were about sixteen feet high, sharpened at the top,
and supported by earth banked against them on each side.
On one occasion of a di-aft, the greatest fear was entertained
fiom an attack of the St. Regix, or some other Indian tribe,
they knew not what, and a volunteer company was raised
and a guard mounted and maintained for several days on
the road which led towards Canada. Arms were procured
at the State arsenal at Russell, and distributed among the
inhabitants. From the miry condition of the roads, these
were procured with great difficulty, being borne by pack-
horses, which often i-cquired to be relieved in passing
swamps and streams. Such was the general consternation
that many left the country and never returned.
The first child born in town was William Bisbee, son
of John Bisbee, in 1803. The second birth was that of
Julius, son of Ebenezer Hulburd, April 20, 1804. The
first marriage was that of Alba Woodward and Almira Petti-
bone, daughter of Luman Pettibone, Esq., July 20, 1808.
She lived in the town until her death in the spring of 1875.
The first school was taught, in the winter of 1807, by
Ebenezer Hulburd. The first physician in the town was
Dr. Luman Pettibone, who came in from Vermont in, 1800.
He was the agent for MoVicker, the original proprietor of
the town. He did not practice to any great extent after
settling here. The first in town who devoted his entire
time to the practice of his profession was Dr. Lemuel Wins-
low, who came from Williston, Vt., and located in the town
in 1811. He has been succeeded by Drs. Newton, Barrows,
Thomas, Dunton, and others.
TOE FIRST SAW-MILL
in town was erected, in 180J-, by Samuel Reynolds, a pro-
prietor of several mile-squares, about one and a half miles
above the east village, on lot 63.
THE FIRST GRIST-MILL
in Stockholm was erected at the present village of Bickney-
ville (West Stockholm) by Amos Bicknell, after whom the
village was named, in 1811. During the first few years of
the settlement the citizens were compelled to resort to
Sheik's mill, in Canada, or to Canton, or to Roberts' mills,
now Columbia village. In 1804 a mill was got in opera-
tion in Hopkinton, which served the requirements of the
settlers until the erection of the Bickney mill, which had
but one run of stones, and was quite a primitive aflPair.
Mr. Bicknell also built a saw-mill, which had one upright
saw.
The first sheep taken into Stockholm, and the first in the
eastern part of St. Lawrence County, were driven from
Vermont in 1803. The flock consisted of about fifty.
They arrived in October, 1803. Much trouble was en-
countered in getting them across some of the streams, par-
ticularly the Salmon river, where the timbers of a bridge
were laid only. A part of the flock crossed on these, and
the rest swam the river. From this little flock the farmers
of the neighboring towns derived their stock. Much dif-
ficulty was experienced in keeping them from being de-
stroyed by wolves. Every night it was necessary to yard
them in an inclosure, well fenced against their troublesome
enemies, and during the day it was found impossible to
preserve them unless pastured in the immediate vicinity of
dwellings.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
This town was formed from Massena, Feb. 21, 1806.
It embraces township No. 2, or Stockholm, of the ten
original towns. A part of Norfolk was detached from it
April 9, 1823, and another part was annexed to that town
April 15, 1834. Tlie name was given it by the surveyors
from Stockholm, in Sweden.
THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING '
was directed to be held at the hotise of Dr. Lumao Petti-
bone ; but, as the day upon which it was to have been held
passed without an election, Nathan Walker, of Canton, and
Gurdon Smith and Benjamin Raymond, of Potsdam, magis-
trates, in pursuance of an act passed March 7, 1801, ap-
pointed the following-named officers: Ebenezer Hulburd,
supervisor ; William Staples, town clerk ; Stephen A. Tam-
bling, Benjamin Wright, Alba Woodward, assessors; Samuel
Webster, constable and collector; S. A. Tambling, Ebenezer
Hulburd, Warren Webster, commissioners of highways;
S. A. Tambling, Benjamin Wright, fence- viewers ; Eben-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
391
ezw Hulburd, pound-master; Luman Pettibone, overseer
of highways.
NOTES FROM TOWN-RECORDS.
Wolf bounties of $5 offered in 1808-9-11, until the
meeting of the supervisors, when it was to be increased or
lessened to make it $20; $5 in 1814-17; |10 in 1819-
20. On several years, panther bounties. In 1817, voted
against division, and in 1824 a strong remonstrance against
annexing a part to Norfolk. In 1828, six ballot-boxes to
be provided for town-elections, to be numbered — No. 1, su-
pervisor and clerk ; No. 2, assessors ; No. 3, overseers of
poor; No. 4, commissioners of highways ; No. 5, consta-
bles and collector ; No. G, commissioners and inspectors of
schools.
In 1830, clerk requested to endeavor to get Stockholm
excepted from law requiring one ballot-box for town-elec-
tions. In 1833, supervisor and clerk to petition for a repeal
of the law abolishing imprisonment for debt.
An adjourned town-meeting was held March 19, 1822,
to receive the report of a committee of five, consisting of
Ebenezer Hulburd, Chauncey Pettibone, N. F. Winslow,
John Simons, and W. Webster, appointed to examine into
the situation of the public lands in town. Ralph P. Stearns
and Chauncey Pettibone were appointed the first commis-
sioners of public lands. A committee was appointed to
draw up a petition to the legislature to authorize these
lands to be granted on durable leases.
An act passed Feb. 8, 1823, created the ofiice of trustees
of public lands in the town of Stockholm, who were to be
elected by the inhabitants, and to constitute a body politic
for the care and preservation of gospel and school lot in
the town of Stockholm. They were to have the powers of
similar oflScers in Madrid.
The names of those who have occupied the position of
supervisor of the town, together with the years in which
they served, are as follows: Ebenezer Hulburd, 180(i ;
Simeon Nash, 1807; Zephaniah French, 1808-9; Stephen
A. Tambling, 1810-11 ; Warren Webster, 1812-13; Na-
thaniel F. Winslow, 1814-22 ; Chauncey Pettibone, at a
special meeting in 1823; Chauncey Pettibone, 1823-29;
Shiveric Holmes, 1830-32 ; Joseph Sanford, 1833 ; Ben-
jamin Holmes, 1834; William T. Osborne, 1835-36;
Joseph H. Sanford, 1837-38; Dorus Pettibone, 1839;
Thomas Dunton, 1840; J. H. Sanford, 1841-42; Ziba
L- Smith, 1843-45 ; Sidney Kelsey, 1846 ; B. Holmes,
1847; Allen Lyman, 1848-49; Daniel P. Rose, 1850-51 ;
Hiram Hulburd, 1852-55 ; Harvey Merrill, 1856 ; Daniel
Shaw, 1857-59; Hiram Hulburd, 1860-63; Ira Hale,
1864-65; Hiram Hulburd, 1867; Philo Abbott, 1868;
George N. Culver, 1869 ; Jason W. Stearns, 1870 (died in
ofiSce, and E. S. Crapser was appointed to complete term) ;
E. S. Crapser, 1870-77. The present town oflicers are
E. S. Crapser, supervisor ; C. L. Bicknell, town clerk ; E.
L. Brush, Wm. R. Gurley, S. M. Reeve, asisessors ; Henry
Munson, highway commissioner ; A. S. Tucker, S. M.
Cook, Daniel Shaw, B. N. Burnap, justices of the peuce;
H. B. Parmelee, C. Z. Ellsworth, overseers of the poor ;
George H. Prichard, collector ; J. W. Culver, Elias Bell,
Henry J. Knapp, town auditors ; J. N. Livingston, H. K.
Needham, M. R. Knapp, inspectors of election district
No. 1 ; L. D. Wheelock, A. C. Ainger, 0. W. Elmore,
inspectors of election district No. 2 ; A. J. Page, William
Wadsworth, L. C. Elliott, George H. Prichard, R. H.
Fitch, constables; Erastus R. Reeve, commissioner of excise.
WEST STOCKHOLM,
locally known as Bickneyville, located on the west branch
of the St. Regis, in the southwest quarter of Stockholm,
and almost half a mile south of the direct road from Pots-
dam to Malone, was first begun in 1811, by Amos Bick-
nell, originally from Barnard, Vt, but since 1806 a resident
of Potsdam. In May, 1811, he removed to the present
site of the village with his family, consisting of his wife,
six sons, and three daughters, of whom but one — Hosea
Bicknell, Sr. — remains, and commenced the erection of a
grist- and saw-mill, which were completed and put in ope-
ration the same season.
Among other early settlers in the village and vicinity
were Luman Newell, Roswell and Stiles Nelson, Thomas
and Benjamin Knowlton, Benjamin Bisbee, Martin Doud,
John Thatcher, Abner Dodge, Eli Parkwell, George
Straight, Samuel Culver (father of J. W. Culver), and
others.
About 1815 the proprietor, Mr. Pierrepont, expended a
large sum in opening a road from Parishville to Norfolk,
which, from its importance as a communication by which
potash from the new settlements could be taken to the
navigable waters of Raquette river, was called the " market
road." This road was originally laid about one mile east
of this place, but eventually the principal travel from the
back towns passed through by BicknelFs mills, and some
portion of the original road has been discontinued.
The village has gradually developed into quite a manu-
facturing centre, which, with the fertility of the surround-
ing country, makes it a place of considerable importance.
Its history is principally confined to its
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
About 1815 a carding machine was put in operation
here by Luman Newell and Amos Bicknell, the former as
overseer, the latter as proprietor. It was subsequently
operated by Newell and Jason Bicknell, the former after-
wards disposing of his interest. About 1830 the building
was converted into a woolen-factory, which was conducted
by Amos and Jason Bicknell. It remained in the Bicknell
family for a number of years, and was subsequently pur-
chased by Stafford & Soper. In 1872 it came into the
possession of the present firm of Clark & Stafford, the latter
bein" the son of the former part owner of the establishment
of the same name. The firm employ, on an average, six
hands ; their products are cassimeres, flannels, and tweeds.
The foundry and machine-shop of Carlton Smith was es-
tablished in 1846, and has been continuously operated by
him ever since. In 1863 the old wooden buildings were
partially demolished, and the present substantial buildings
of brick and wood were erected. He manufactures all
kinds of agricultural implements, particularly the " Hercules
rock-lifter," an invention of his brother, Silas Smith, which
was patented by the latter in 1 870. It is of the most pow-
392
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
erful construction, having a lifting capacity for twenty tons.
The mechanism of the machine is simple, being the practi-
cal application of the well-known mechanical powers, lever
and screw. With it two men can lift and move into any
desired position bowlders containing a square cord of stone.
The machine has been comparatively little introduced, but
where used is spoken of very highly. Some of them have
been sold in Chili, South America, and in various parts of
this State.
There are a variety of other manufacturing interests in
the village, among them two butter-tub factories, one owned
by L. W. Wellington, and the other by Bartlett & Smith ;
a shingle- and saw-mill, owned by George N. Gibson ; a
grist-mill, operated by Capt. Warren Gibson ;* a starch-
factory ; a cheese-factory, owned by John Hayes ; one
wagon- and two carriage-shops ; two boot- and shoe-shops ;
three blacksmithies, of which those of Decker & Parmelee
and Sutherland & Son are the principal ones. The business
interests of the place are represented by three general stores
(of which that established by Bicknell & Pinney is the
principal one), and one hardware-, tin-, and stove-store, kept
by C. L. Bicknell and Isaac P. Vance. The present post-
mistress is Mrs. Myra Trussell. There is a chuich of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, and a good departmental
school, made such from district school No. 4 in 1856.
The estimated population of the village is 300.
SOUTHVILLE POST-OFFICE
is located on the south line of the town, three and a half
miles from West Stockholm. The first settlers there were
Pierres Paulk, Shubel Gurley, Daniel Harrington, Dr.
Hosea Brooks, John Langdon Mayhew, and others. The
post-office was established there about 1825, and Dr. Brooks
was appointed the first postmaster ; he also kept a small
store there at one time. The present postmaster is J. H.
Jarvis. The place contains a blacksmith-shop and a cluster
of dwellings.
STOCKHOLM.
The village of Stockholm (Stockholm Depot post-office)
is located near the confluence of the east and west branches
of the St. Regis river, on the Ogdensburg and Lake Cham-
plain railroad. The first settler there was Isaac Kelsey,
grandfather of Henry Kelsey. A post-office was established
there in 1852, and Philo Abbott was appointed the first
postmaster ; the present incumbent is Daniel Shaw, Esq.
The village now contains four general stores, one black-
smith-shop, wagon- and paint-shop, harness-shop [kept by
the Jenkins (twin) Brothers], a hotel, public school, depot,
telegraph- and express-offices, of which A. T. Richey has
the management, together with purchasing grain and other
produce. The first store in the village was opened, about
1850, by Culver & Stearns. The place has an estimated
population of 200.
Among its influential citizens are Daniel Shaw, Esq., who
has been in the mercantile business in the place for twenty-
three years. He was a member of assembly in 1855-56,
supervisor from 1857 to 1860, and has been justice of the
peace seven years. Ebenezer S. Crapser has been super-
* See Military History.
visor of the town since 1870; is a merchant, manufacturer
of lumber, shingles, lath, and starch, proprietor of Brasher
Palls custom and flouring-mills, and owns several hundred
acres of land. Julius Hulburd was born in the town in
1804, and has continuously resided there since.
EAST STOCKHOLM.
The earliest settlement in the town was made on the
present site of this hamlet, by Dr. Luman Pettibone and
Ebenezer Hulburd. The place contains one store, a black-
smith-shop, a wagon- and cooper-shop, a saw-mill, owned
and operated by Burnap & Gibson, a Congregational church,
a common school, a resident physician, Cornelius H. Buck,
M.D., and about 75 inhabitants. Stockholm is the name of
the post-office.
SKINNERVILLE
is a hamlet situated on the St. Regis river, one mile and a
half west of Stockholm depot, and contains a grist-mill,
saw-mill, a shingle-mill, a blacksmith- and wagon-shop,
starch-factory, harness- and shoe-shop, tannery, a school-
house, and about 110 inhabitants.
BUCK'S CORNERS
was named after Asahel Buck, who settled there about 1825.
It is located two miles south of Stockholm, and contains
two churches, — one each of the Methodist Episcopal and
Wesleyan Methodist denominations, — a school-house, a saw-
mill, a starch-factory, and a few dwelling-houses.
KNAPP'S STATION,
so called after Moses Knapp, who settled there in 1828, is
located on the Ogdensburg and Lal^e Champlain railroad
and on Plum brook, in the west angle of the town. The
name of the post-office is North Stockholm, established
there since the railroad was constructed ; the postmaster is
Benjamin Chapman. The hamlet contains two general
stores, a steam saw-mill, built in 1863 by Moses R. Knapp,
and now owned and operated by. Austin L. Dike; a saw-
and shingle-mill, a blacksmith-shop, a depot, express- and
telegraph-offices, and about 120 inhabitants.
BROOKDALE POST-OFFICE,
locally known as Scotland, was first settled by John Grandy.
It contains two churches, — one Methodist Episcopal and one
Wesleyan Methodist, — a school-house, a general store, black-
smith-shop, a saw-mill, and a few fiimilies. The present
postmaster is David Tryan.
SANDFORDVILLE
is a small settlement on the St. Regis river, one and one-
fourth miles below West Stockholm, containing a Congrega-
tional church edifice, a school-house, shingle- and saw-mills,
and a cluster of dwelling-s.
The dairying interest is fast becoming the prominent and
leading one of the town. Two cheese-fiiotories were cstab-
tablished in 1867, — one owned by John Hayes and the
other by Washington Harrington. Each manufactures
RESIDENCE of G. W. HARRINGTON, ST0CKH0LM,5r.UwR£Nc£ Co,N, /.
LUTHi^ PCLSUC.
Mfi'S/.UTHfl? FELSUE.
/?CSI0£NC£ Of JAS.B.PELSUE.,N0RTH Siockholm.St.Uwrence Co.N.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
393
50,000 pounds per annum and uses the milk of 300 cows.
One dairy-farm makes 2500 pounds per annum. There
are also two creameries in the town, which manufacture
20,000 pounds of butter each per annum.
RELIGIOUS.
As soon as the most necessary arrangements had been
made by the early settlers, conducive to their temporal com-
fort, matters of a religious character occupied their next
attention. We find that as early as May, 1803, they com-
menced holding religious meetings on Sundays. The first
sermon preached in town was by a Baptist minister. Elder
Webster, from Orwell, Vt. (text. Acts xiv. 9) ; and in 1806
the Rev. Amos Pettengill, and in 1807 the same, with the
Rev. E. Hibbard, from Brandon, Vt., came and spent a
few Sabbaths with the people, which resulted in the forma-
tion of a Congregational church of two male and five fe-
male members, at the house of Ebenezer Hulburd, March
10, 1807. These members were Dr. Luman Pettibone
and wife, and Ahnira, their daughter, Stephen A. Tambling
and wife, Miss Elinor Nash, and Mrs. Rosalinda Jlurray.
In summer the meetings were held in barns, and in winter
in private houses. In 1813, they employed the Rev. Hiram
S. Johnson, who preached half of the time till 1819. In
1821, the Rev. Moses Parmolee was hired until 1824. For
twenty years after this they had no pastor, but were most
of the time supplied with preaching. In 1845, Rev. Philo
C. Pettibone was installed over the congregation. In 1829,
a church edifice was erected. June 6, 1837, the society
was incorporated, with Sidney Kelsey, Ashbel Skinner, and
Calvin T. Hulburd, trustees. The first settled pastor was
Rev. Moses Parmelee, who succeeded Rev. Hiram S. John-
son, in 1824, the latter having devoted half of his time to
the congregation from 1821 to 1824. The society now
numbers 83 members. Its present pastor is Rev. A. L.
Green. The church property, including the parsonage, is
valued at $4000. Present trustees, C. W. Tambling, C.
Z. Ellsworth, and G. C. Smith : Deacons, B. BI. Holmes,
B. N. Burnap, and R. T. Wheelock. The Sunday-school
has a membership of 8 teachers and 75 scholars, and its
superintendent is B. N. Burnap. Its library contains 300
.volumes.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WEST STOCKHOLM
Was organized in 1828, though a class existed there prior
to that date. Sept. 21 of the above year the circuit was
formed, under the title of the " Parishville circuit," with
B. G. Paddock presiding elder. Aug. 24, 1833, it was
changed to " Hopkintown circuit," with S. Chase presiding
elder, J. W. Barney preacher, and Martin Doud secretary.
A society existed at Harrington's as early as 1 820, but died
out, and was resuscitated at West Stockholm, as above stated.
Loren Ashley was class-leader. Among the early members
were Loren Ashley and wife, H. B. Sumner and wife,
Martin Doud, and others. The society was incorporated
Nov. 19, 1840, with Loren Ashley, Ziba Smith, Ruel Lin-
coln, Roswell B. Webb, Horace Doud, Martin Strait, Henry
B. Sumner, Norman Ashley, and Joseph Pago, trustees.
The present pastor is Rev. D. F. Pierce ; present member-
ship of the charge (including North Stockholm appoint-
50
ment) is, probationers, 10; full members, 145. The
Sunday-school, under the super! ntendenoy of Brooks
Strait, is in a flourishing condition; it numbers 18
oSicers and teachers and 120 scholars.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
in North Stockholm was organized with about 50 members,
in February, 1865, by Rev. Joseph Smedley, its first pastor.
It became a part oPthe West Stockholm charge, and is now
under the pastoral care of Rev. D. F. Pierce. The fine
church edifice was erected in 1867, at a cost of $2800, and
will comfortably seat 200 persons. The present member-
ship is 75. The church property is valued at $3000.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at Buck's Corners was organized with 80 members, Jan.
10, 1872, by Rev. A. F. Bigelow, and was placed in the
Fort Jackson charge. A brick house of worship was
erected the same year, at a cost of $3500, the present
value of the church property. It will seat 250 persons.
Rev. Samuel Short is the present pastor. The membership
of the church is 90 ; the number of teachers in the Sun-
day-school, 13 ; scholars, 83. Both church and Sunday-
school are reported in a flourishing condition.
THE FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH
of East Stockholm was organized in the fall of 1843, with
8 members, by Rev. Orange Newton. The society was in-
corporated Oct. 11, 1852, and the following year the meet-
ing-house of the society was erected, at a cost of $1343.
It has a seating capacity for 250 persons. The church
property is valued at $2000. The first trustees were Ira
Beach, Stillnian Austin, Elias Jenkins, Hugh Allen, and
James Kelsey. The present ofiicers of the society are
Charles W. Newton, John P. Trask, Alfred Blartin,
Chandler E. Dike, Emanuel Steinbarge, trustees ; and
Ashley S. Riggs, clerk. The ofiicers of the church are
Rev. Richard Delarm, pastor; Aaron Riggs, class-leader;
Joseph Page, A. Orletus Riggs, Almon L. Newton, Jacob
P. Nay, stewards ; Ashley S. Riggs, church clerk. The
Sunday-school superintendent is Almon L. Newton ; the
number of teachers, 5 ; scholars, 30 ; also a Bible-class.
THE SECOND WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH
at North Stockholm was organized in 1843, by Rev. Hiram
McKee. A frame meeting-house was erected in 1867, at a
cost of $1500, which is a little more than tlie present value
of church property. It will seat about 250. The first
pastor was Rev. N. E. Jenkins. The present incumbent is
Rev. Richard Delarm. The present membership is 75.
The Sunday-school is under the superintendency of M. W.
Alden ; it has 7 teachers and 40 scholars. The present
trustees of the society are Edgar E. Streeter, M. W. Alden,
Franklin Ware. The trustees of the parsonage are John
Curtis, Daniel Dodge, and J. W. Curtis.
There is a class of this denomination in the Jenkins set-
tlement, of which Abel Gage is class-leader. They meet in
the school-house. They have a flourishing Sunday-school
of 25 scholars and 3 teachers, of which Calvin Burnap is
the superintendent.
394
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHUECII
of Stockholm, at Stockholm Centre (Hojmes' Hill), was or-
ganized some years prior to 1812. The society was incor-
porated May 25, 1822, with Ralph P. Stearns, Warren
Wehster, and Luther Fuller, trustees. The church was re-
organized Jan. 7, 1839, by Rev. Joel H. Green, the first
pastor after its reorganization. The society now has but
few members and possesses but little vitality. It is without
a regular pastor, although occasional worehip is held. The
church building will seat about 175 persons.
The Free-Will Baptists were organized into a church
in June, 1839, by Elder Samuel Hart, but are now scattered.
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized at Sanfordville at an early day, but has not
held active service of late years. A church edifice was
erected, but is now very seldom used for public worship.
A church of the Christian order was gathered by Elder
Palmer, many years since, which once numbered 40 mem-
bers ; but they have had no regular existence for more than
a quarter of a century.
EDirCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
General interest in the subject of education was evinced
by the early settlers. The first school in town was taught
in a primitive log school-house, in 1807, and the first school
district was organized in 1809. The town is now divided
into 28 districts, and lias 27 school-houses, — 23 frame, 3
brick, and 1 stone, — valued, with sites, at $11,023. The
number of scholars attending school in 187G-77 was 1025.
and file number of teachers employed 40. Teachers'
wages, $4311.60. Total cost of schools, including repairs
and improvements for 187G-77, $5907.36.
The population of the town for the halfdecades from
1845 to 1875, inclusive, was as follows: In 1845, 3293;
in 1850, 3661 ; in 1855, 3790 ; in 1860, 4074 ; in 1865^
3770; in 1870, 3819; in 1875, 3550.
To the following persons we are indebted for information
concerning the liistory of the town of Stockholm :
Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Coun-
ties," Geo. W. Harrington, Julius Ilulburd, William T.
Osborne (now of Nori'olk), Benjamin Reeve, Mrs. Lucinda
Mayhew, Warren W. Webster, Benjamin G. Lewis, Hosea
Bicknell, Martin Doud, Warren T. Phippcn, Col. Ira Hale,
Oliver M. Emery, Newton B. Burnap, Daniel Shaw, Esq.|
Dr. Thomas Dunton, and others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
COLONEL IRA HALE.
Among the representative citizens of St. Lawrence
County, and notably of the towns of Norfolk and Stock-
holm, the subject of this brief sketch holds a prominent
position. He was the elder of a family of eleven children
of Moses and Freelove Hale, and was horn in Rutland, Vt.,
•n the year 1800. For thirty-four years he filled the office
of land-agent in the town of Norfolk, wliich potition lie
characterized by his ability and integrity. Ho was com-
missioned colonel of the New York militia under General
Jackson's administration.
In February, 1823, he was united in marriage with
Amelia Judson, and the same year removed to the town of
Stockholm. Three children were born to them, namely:
0. J., Oscar H., and Diantha L. 0. J. married Amelia
Diefendorf, and lives in the west ; Oscar H. married
Maggie Gage, and resides in Norfolk ; Diantha L. married
Mr. Knapp, of Stockholm, since deceased.
Mrs. Hale died March 2, 1848, and Colonel Hale after-
wards married Mrs. Adelia M. Herring, a native of Franklin
Co., Vt. In addition to the positions above enumerated.
Colonel Hale was assessor of Stockholm for twelve years
and was postmaster at North Stockholm fourteen years.
For several years he was engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness, but his chief occupation has been farming. He is a
member of the Congregational church of Norfolk, havin"
been affiliated with that body for thirty-nine years. In pol-
itics he is a Republican. In character, Colonel Hale is a
genial, whole-souled gentleman, honest and upright in his
dealings with his fellow-men, straightforward in every
business transaction, and he very deservedly enjoys an ex-
cellent reputation in the community in which he resides.
(See illustration and portraits elsewhere in this work.)
JOHN LANGDON BIAYHEW
was born in Rumney, Grafton county, New Hampshire,
October 1, 1801. In 1812 he moved with his parents to
Malono, Franklin county, New York, and the year follow-
ing to Parishville, St. Lawrence County. There he lived
during his minority. He located in Southville, a neigh-
borhood in the south part of the town of Stockholm. On
the 1st of February, 1827, he was united in marriage with
Miss Lucinda Janes, of Cornwall, Vermont. The first day
of February, 1877, the worthy couple celebrated their
golden wedding, and on the 27th of June following the
husband of half a century was called to his eternal home.
His recital of the events of frontier life was entertaining,
and caused much merriment among the numerous guests
assembled on this occasion. He had nothing to commence
life with but an honest heart and a healthy body, capable '
of great endurance, and a heroic will to succeed by honorable
and persevering industry. Through the blessings of God
and by his own strong arms he removed " tangled wildwood"
and forest-trees from his land and converted it into fruitful
fields, fruit-bearing orchards, and vegetable-producing gar-
dens. Log cabins, which are common to frontier life, he
saw supplanted by commodious houses for himself and
family. He contributed of his time and substance to ad-
vance society in intelligence and virtue. He loved and
served his God, and for near a quarter of a century he was
an acceptable member of the Congregational church in
Parishville. He left a bountiful home for his much-be-
reaved widow and sorrowing daughter; but the richest
legacy he bequeathed to them was liis unsullied character.
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and
loving favor rather than silver and gold."
Mr. Blayhew and wife had two children,— -Adeline A.,
— Col. Ira Hale.
Mrs. Ira Hale. —
Residence or IRA HALE, Worth 5TocKHoLM,5T.l.flw/?ENC£:Co.,W.K
J. L. MAYHEW .
i¥~ '■,?■*
^^^^^v^%^.n " : -t^^s^^^Tr?f^^\s
Late RzsIOEIICES J. L. MAYH£W,now owned by henry JARVIS, (Southviue PO.; Sj. Lawrcnce County. NewYoRK-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
395
born November 2, 1837, died February 23, 1843; Emma
J., born June 18, 1842, murried J. Henry Jarvis, Sep-
tember 29, 1863. Tlicy have one interesting and intelligent
daughter, Minnie M., who was born September 15, 18G4.
Mrs. Mayhew still lives, and is a lady very highly re-
spected and esteemed by all who know her, and, like her
admirable husband who has " gone before," she has emi-
nently typified in her life and character the essential qual-
ities of the pioneer settler and the Christian. That she
may live many years to enjoy the fruits of their joint in-
dustry and prudence is the heartfelt wish of her many
friends. An illustration of the residence and portrait of
Mr. Mayhew adorn our pages elsewhere in this work.
GEORGE WASHINGTON HARRINGTON,
fourth son of Daniel and Sallie Harrington, — the former of
whom was born at Winchester, N. H., Oot. 26, 1782, the
latter at Londonderry, Mass., Feb. 4, 1786, — -was born on
the old homestead where he now resides, in the town of
Stockholm, Oot. 21, 1817. His father was one of the
pioneers of the town, and suffered the many privations
that fall to the lot of the first settlers of all localities. At
one time he carried eighteen pounds of wool to Madrid, a
distance of twenty-one miles, to have it prepared for spin-
ning, two days being occupied in the trip. He located on
the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, in the
year 1810, and in 1812 built a barn, which he filled with
produce. It was burned the same night that the British
entered Ogdensburg.
On the 20th of September, 1848, Mr. Harrington married
Miss Nancy Harrington, the result of their union being three
children, namely : George L., born Oct. 16, 1849 ; W. W.,
born Sept. 16, 1851 ; Horace 0., born May 27, 1855, and
died in infancy. Both George L. and W. W. reside with
their father. Mrs. Harrington died June 18, 1855, and on
the 19th of the following October Mr. Harrington married
Lydia Harrington, sister to his first wife. He purchased the
old homestead farm, then containing one hundred and twenty
acres, at four dollars and a half per acre, and has added thereto
until he now owns two hundred and seventy acres of well-
improved land, which he and his two dutiful sons cultivate.
In religion, Mr. Harrington is a Methodist ; he was licensed
to preach the gospel, but never held any special charge, yet
he has spent much time in dispensing religious truths in
his native county. Ho is an exemplary Christian and an
earnest follower of the Lord. In politics, he is a Republi-
can, having been an adherent of that party since its organ-
ization. In business transactions, he is honest; in social
life, amiable and courteous ; in the domestic circle, kind
and affectionate. He is a man very generally respected for
his many estimable qualities of head and heart. An illus-
tration of the old homestead, together with portraits of
himself and wife, adorn our pages elsewhere in this work.
OLIVER M. EMERY.
Among the respectable pioneer families of the town of
Stockholm, none stand higher in the estimation of the
community than that of Aaron Emery. He is a native of
Cheshire county. New Hampshire, where he was born in
the year 1798. His wife, Susan Emery, was born iu 1803.
This worthy couple still live, making their residence with
their son, Oliver M., the subject proper of this sketch.
They settled iu Stockholm in the year 1832, when the
country was new, and at a time when unremitting industry
and enterprise were the requisite qualifications to insure
success. By hard labor and economical management of
their interests, they redeemed the wild land upon which
they located, and made of it a well-cultivated farm, which
is now occupied by Charles Emery. Tliis elderly couple
enjoy good health, the result of an industrious and tem-
perate life, and bid fair to live many years.
Oliver M. Emery was born in Walpole, Cheshire Co., N.
H., July .9, 1827, and was the second son of Aaron and
Susan Emery, above mentioned. When but five years of
age his parents moved to this county, a.s before stated, and
he was reared in the mijst of a new country, so that he
was early inured to toil and hardship. He was soon taught
those lessons of industry and self-reliance that have mate-
rially tended to his subsequent success. He attended the
district school during a few winters, being obliged to work
on the farm in the summer months.
In January, 1849, he married Miss Lucinda Gurley,
daughter of Joshua Gurley, one of the pioneers of Stock-
holm. She was born May 6, 1825. This union was blessed
with four children, namely, Jennie L.,born April 17,1853,
married Willie Belknap, April 17, 1872 ; Miles J., born
April 26, 1855 ; Willis C, born November 17, 1856 ; Belle
E., born December 19, 1858. These all reside at home
except the elder daughter.
In March, 1851, Mr. Emery removed to his present
farm, which then contained but fifty acres and a primitive
Ion- house. By industry, coupled with a commendable per-
severance, he has added to his original purchase, until he
now has a well-cultivated farm of one hundred and fifty
acres, adapted alike for raising domestic crops and for dairy-
ino- purposes. His Residence and out-buildings are among
the finest and most substantial in the town, and are a monu-
ment to his thrift and good taste. He is con.sidered one of
the best practical farmers in the neighborhood in which he
lives. He is a man who enjoys the respect of every one
on account of his accommodating disposition, and the spirit
of enterprise which he possesses and uses to the best ad-
vantage alike to himself and the interests of his town. In
politics he is Republican ; in religion liberal, though a
ren-alar attendant of the Universalist church. In character
he is upright and honest, his personal integrity being co-
equal with his energy and enterprise.
BENJAMIN REEVE.
Among the hardy pioneers of the past, of the town of
Stockholm, is he whose name heads this sketch. Not only
was he an early settler, but he also became renowned as u,
hunter and trapper, and his exploits in the woods constitute
an interesting episode in the history of the town.
Benjamin Reeve was born in Addison Co., Vt., Sept. 2,
1807. and has consequently passed the allotted threescore
years and ten. He was the son of Erastus Reeve, who
396
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
died in Lawrence in the year 1839, where the latter and his
family had settled as early as 1821, and subsequently
located at what is now Fort Jackson, in the town of Hop-
kinton. Benjamin settled on the farm where he' now resides
in 1832. It was then woods, and it and the surrounding
wilderness gave an impetus to his love of hunting, which
was aun-mented by the plenitude of game that then existed
in this part of the county. In addition to clearing his
farm, he has hunted every fall consecutively until within a
few years, and it is creditably said of him by those in a
position to know, that he has killed in the neighborhood of
eight hundred deer, besides trapping and killing one bear
and several panthers, among the latter one that measured
seven feet from the tip of its tail to the end of its nose, and
a large assortment of smaller game. It was quite recently
that Mr. Reeve sold one hundred pairs of horns, which he
had preserved from the many deer he had slain.
On the 1st of November, 1832, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Eastman, by whom he has had three
children, namely: G. Milton, born April 23, 1835, mar-
ried Harriet J. Bisbee, Sept. 23, 1857, has two children,
Helen May, and Milo E. ; Helen R., born Oct. 1, 1838,
married Phelps S. Wells, of Hopkinton, in March, 1857,
has two children, Carrie E. and Carrol E. ; Erastus B.,
born June 13, 1843, married Lois A. Nichols, May 8,
1865, has two children. Rose B. and Mary A.
Mr. Reeve was once elected justice of the peace, but
failed to qualify, preferring to remain a private citizen to
holding an official position. He cast his firet vote for Andrew
Jackson, but subsequently he became a Republican, which
he still remains. In religion he is liberal. He is generally
considered a worthy and upright citizen. (See illustration.)
B. G. LEWIS.
Among the self-made men and successful farmers of the
town of Stockholm, the subject of this sketch occupies a
prominent position. Himself closely identified with the
early history of his town, he naturally feels a deep interest
in all things pertaining to its prosperity, and has admirably
typified in his life and character the true qualities of the
hardy and self-sacrificing pioneer.
Benjamin Green Lewis, the fifth son of Captain David
Lewis, was born in Vermont, in the year 1803. His father
was a native of Pepperell, Mass., whence he removed to
Vermont, in 1788, and died of fever contracted during his
service in the war of 1812. Mr. B. G. Lewis left Ver-
mont in 1825, and took up his residence in Essex Co.,
N. Y.', where he taught school three terms, having been
previously engaged in the same laudable vocation in his
native town. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Miss
Phila Pierce, of Essex Co., N. Y., and the same year re-
moved to Stockholm and settled on part of the farm upon
which he now and has since resided. A family of eight
children blessed" his marriage, namely : Harriet M., Fred-
erick C, Sarah L., David J., Harri.son, Hannah N., Lucian
R., and Benjamin P. Harrison died in the service of his
country during the war of the rebellion at Pairfex Court-
house, one of the thousands of martyrs to patriotism which
our country's peril brought forth. David J. was accident-
ally killed by the cars while riding on a locomotive at Min-
neapolis, Minn. Mr. Lewis commenced life with nothing
but his health, his industry, and his ambition, but, by dint
of energetic perseverance and a desire to succeed, he has
been enabled to secure a fair competence. His first pur-
chase consisted of fifteen acres, to which he has since added
until he now possesses one hundred and seventy-two acres
of well-cultivated land. His first lot was " in the woods,"
and nearly all he has he improved himself
For more than half a century he has been a consistent
and exemplary member of the Congregationalist church, to
which and other religious and educational interests he has
been a liberal patron. In politics he is a Republican, be-
lieving that the principles advocated by that party are best
for the government and polity of our country. In char-
acter he is honest and upright ; in disposition, courteous
and gentlemanly, and his name stands high in the commu-
nity for probity and. fair dealing. He and his excellent
wife are generally esteemed as a trulj' worthy couple in
every respect, and as such their portraits, together with an
illustration of their residence; are inserted elsewhere in this
work.
JAMES B. PELSUE.
Judging men by the true worth of their achievements
rather than by any fictitious glare which may surround
them, there are few who have accomplished more praise-
worthy results than the plain farmer whose name heads this
article. His father, George Pelsue, a native of West
Chelmsford, Mass., moved to Stockholm at an early day, and
was married there, in 1818, to Blrs. Phoebe Chase, widow
of Edmund Chase, a gallant young pioneer, who had been
drowned two years before in trying to rescue two children
from a watery grave in the St. Regis river.
Mr. Geoi-ge Pelsue after his marriage removed to M''alling-
ford, Vt., where his sixth child, James B. Pelsue, was born
on the 16th day of February, 1829. His parents returned
to Stockholm in 1832, and there the subject of this sketch
has since passed his life. His father being in poor health
and very unfortunate, young James, when only thii'teen years,
told him that, if he would make another attempt to obtain a
farm, he, James, would try to pay for it. The elder Mr.
Pelsue then contracted for twenty-five acres, and James
made the first payment of twenty-five dollars by working
out at four dollars and a half a month. After that, sickness
in the family retarded his progress, and until he was twenty-
one he was only able to keep up the interest. Afterwards
he supported his father and mother and grandmother, and
has now acquired a farm of a hundred and fifteen acres,
thoroughly improved and with good buildings. This
doesn't sound very large, but it is a task which would have
proved too much for many a man who makes a much greater
show on account of the advantages of his youth.
Mr. Pelsue was married on the 26th day of October, 1856,
to Mi,ss Luthora J. Marsh (born Jan. 25, 1834), eldest
child of Lewis and Almira Maish, of Stockholm. They
have been the parents of five children : Hattie L., born
Aug. 25, 1857 ; Edson J., born Jan. 2, 1859 ; George L.,
born Nov. 3, 1861 ; Joel M., born Jan. 22, 1864; and
Earl BL, born June 19, 1873.
B.G: Lewis.
Mrs.B.G-.Lewis.
Res. or B.&. LE WIS, North Stockholm, St. Lawrench Co., N. Y.
MonGAU Marsh.
Mrs. Morgan Marsh
RESIDENCE or ff.R.SEAVER, Stockholm, NY.
ALLEN LYMAN.
MES. BETSET LYMAN.
ALLEN LYMAN.
This gentleman stands prominently before the community
as a philanthropist, and his many acts of charity and be-
nevolence are themes that are dwelt on and cherished by
many of the recipients of his munificence. Mr. Lyman
was born in Walpole, Cheshire Co., N. H., Oct. 22, 1794.
He is the second son of Simeon Lyman, who came from
Northfield, Mass., where the family settled at an early day.
He was educated at the district school of his native town,
but his advantages for scholastic attainments were limited.
He commenced at an early age to work upon his father's
farm, and continued so to do until he reached his twenty-
fifth year. At this period in his life, and in the year 1819,
he left the paternal roof, and, in company with his brother
Jesse, commenced life for himself They crossed Widow
Barber's ferry, in Essex Co., N. Y., and went on a hunting
expedition in the Fifty-Miles' woods, having previously heard
that hunting was profitable there. It turned out not to be
as paying an operation as it was predicted, so they discon-
tmued it as a business, and went to hunting land of which
to make a farm. In November, 1819, they arrived in
Hopkinton and stayed over night with an old hunter named
Meacham, whose habitation was fifteen miles from his
nearest neighbor. Mr. Lyman subsequently settled in
Stockholm, on the farm now occupied by 0. F. Crouch.
Here he erected a log shanty, 16 feet square, in which he
lived three years. His elder sister came out at this time
and kept house for him, and afterwards taught school one
year. He took up fifty acres of land and cleared it, and
built a frame house in 1823, which was 26 by 36 feet,
and also a barn 32 by 45 feet, which were among the
largest in town. His brother was killed by the falling of
a tree in 1821.
In January, 1824, he married Miss Betsey Bicknell, by
whom he had four children, of whom but one son survives.
His wife died in 1860. She was the second daughter of
Amos Bicknell, the pioneer of Bicknellville.
In 1848-49, Mr. Lyman served his town as supervisor,
to the general satisfaction of the people at large. He now
resides in Bicknellville, where he enjoys the fruits of his
industry and prudence. In politics he is a Republican ;
in religion liberal, leaning towards the Universalist faith.
In the distribution of his charities he is actuated by no
sectarian motive, and governed by nothing but the necessity
of the case. His general character is too well known to
need extended comment from us. Portraits of this gentle-
man and his estimable wife (deceased) are given herewith.
LOUISVILLE.
Louisville is a town geographically situated in the
north part of the county, its northern boundary being the
St. Lawrence river. It contains 33,424: acres. The sur-
face is diversified, being level and rolling. The soil is gen-
erally a fertile loam, underlaid by calciferous sandstone.
The town is watered by Grasse river, which flows through
the central part of it, about parallel with the St. Lawrence.
The town embraces several islands in the St. Lawrence, of
which the principal ones are Croils and Goose-Neck. These
will be fully described in their proper connection.
The earliest settlement of which any record exists was
made a little more than seventy-eight years ago, and the re-
demption of the wild land from the primitive and dense
forest to a fertile and highly productive agricultural state
was a work of considerable magnitude, and fraught with a
great deal of toil and care. But the pioneers of Louisville,
like those of other new sections, were a hardy and indus-
trious class, and sought to establish their homes with the
greatest possible expedition. The process was naturally
slow and laborious. But dilisenoe and unremittina; labor
triumphed, and we behold to-day in the well-cultivated
farms and comfortable dwellings the flattering results of the
work of their hands and the benefits of their intelligence.
The first white settler who penetrated the wilderness of
which Louisville was originally constituted was Nahum
Willson, from Peru, Chnton county, but immediately pre-
ceding his arrival in this town from Canada, where he re-
sided one year, who came with his family April 15, 1800,
and settled on the lot next east of the one now occupied by
his grandson, Jeremiah Willson. He was accompanied by
Aaron Allen and two sons of the latter. They raised the
first crops in the town, first of corn, and the following
season one of wheat. Mr. Allen and Samuel W. Willson,
son of Nahum, cut the first tree for a clearing. They
erected the first house, on the place now occupied by John
Whalen. Samuel Warner Willson, who came soon after-
wards, was a soldier in the War of 1812. He acted as
pilot on the Salmon and St. Lawrence rivers, and carried
ammunition to the troops engaged in the battle of Chrysler's
field. John Willson was the next settler, coming from Ver-
mont in the spring of 1801. Lyman Bostwick, Elisha W.
Barber, M.D., and several brothers, Grifiin Place, Joseph
Bradford, Alexander Loughrey, Charles Whalen, Jube Day,
Jeremiah Wood, and others, soon followed.
Nahum Willson, Sr., Charles Whalen, Samuel Wells,
Jeremiah Willson, Robert Loughrey, Thomas Bingham,
C. S. Willard, Ephraim Wood, Daniel Haws, Amos Un-
derwood, Levi Cole, — whose widow still resides at Cole
creek, — Samuel Bradford (son of Joseph Bradford and
fatherof Hon, William Bradford), — whose widow lives with
her son William, — and Dr. Marsh are among the oldest set-
tlers, most of whom are still residents of the town, some
having departed for the " better land."
A MELANCHOLY AND AFFECTING INCIDENT
occurred on Jan. 6, 1806. It appears that four persons —
Dr. Barber and Mr. Chapman, from Madrid, and Messrs.
Powell and Alexander, of Louisville — were accidentally
drowned while crossing the St. Lawrence, about opposite
the centre of the town. They had been over to Canada,
where they were detained by the roughness of the river,
occasioned by a strong east wind. Towards night, the
wind having abated, they attempted to cross in a log canoe,
but their boat capsized, and two of their number are sup-
posed to have drowned immediately. The other two clung
to their boat and endeavored, by cries, to obtain assistance.
These cries were heard on both sides of the river, and to a
great distance below as they floated down, but no one paid
any particular attention to them, not realizing that they
proceeded from persons in distress, and these two also per-
ished. Three of the bodies were found several miles below,
and the fourth a great distance from the place of the cap-
size, among the islands. A large dog who was aboard had
been bound to keep him quiet, and he is supposed, in his
struggles to get free, to have overturned them. This sad
accident spread a gloom through the settlements, and was a
cause of unavailing regret to those who had heard the cries
without hastening to their assistance. No blame was at-
tached to any one, and the darkness of the night and rough-
ness of the river were such that aid could scarcely have
been aiForded had the situation of the suiFerers been appre-
ciated. A touching incident that occurred in the morning
of the day on which the accident happened was rendered
peculiarly affecting by the fatal event. As one of the num-
ber was about leaving home, a little daughter, who evinced
great fondness for her father, came to him in a manner
unusually affectionate, tenderly embraced and kissed him,
and exacted of him a promise that he would certainly return
before night. She seemed to have an instinctive foreboding
of evil, and by the artless innocence of childlike entreaty
endeavored to prevent it.
THE FIRST CAPITAL OFFENSE
in this county, of which the law took cognizance, was com-
mitted by Louis Gerteau, who, on the 22d of February,
1816, entered the house of Michael Scarborough, a resident
of this town, during the latter's absence, for the purpose of
robbery, and sought to conceal that crime by the murder
of Scarborough's wife and infiint child and a French lad
named Macne, his own brother-in-law, who was in the em-
398
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ploy of Mr. Scarborough. He also wounded a second child.
The details connected with this brutal tragedy are too
horrible and sickening to relate. He was, after conviction,
publicly executed at Ogdensburg, July 12, 1816.
THE CHOLERA
visited the town in 1832, but was not epidemic. About
ten cases occurred, of which but one was fatal. A board
of health was formed, who appointed Dr. Ira Gibson health
officer, and designated the shores of the St. Lawrence, be-
tween Robert Crawford's and Allen McLeod's farms, as
quarantine grounds. The quarantine regulations wore not
enforced, for the intercourse with Canada stopped of its
own accord. The alarm passed oflF in a few weeks.
The early settlers of Louisville, in an especial manner,
were indebted to their Canadian neighbors for many kind-
nesses, which relieved them from those extremities that
settlers of other towns less favorably situated endured.
The St. Lawrence can here be crossed at most seasons in
safety. Mills existed at various points along the north
shore ; and the inhabitants, mostly of German descent, who
had been driven from the Schoharie and Mohawk settle-
ments for their adherence to the king's interests in the
Revolutionary war, had already, in their own sufferings for
want of that assistance which may be derived from neigh-
bors, forgotten the bitterness of former times in their
anxiety for better. Previous to the declaration of war
the most friendly relations existed ; families exchanged
visits with as much freedom and frequency as if the river
was but a common street, and they were constantly in the
habit of borrowing and lending those articles which their
limited means did not allow each one to possess. The war,
for a season, made each suspicious of the other, and entirelv
stopped all intercourse for a time, but necessity led them
ere long to look back with regret on the customs of former
times, and secretly long for their return. During the first
summer of the war many of the Canadian men were called
off to perform military duty and labor on the fortifications
at Prescott, and their families were left to provide for them-
selves as they might best be able. Provisions became
scarce, and want stared them in the face. Pressed with
hunger, the children of one of their families, remembering
the homely but wholesome fare which they had formerly
observed on the south shore, one night entered a boat, and
being skillful in its use, crossed over, and humbly begged at
the door of a house at which they were acquainted for food.
The family were overjoyed at the visit, and on their return
they sent back an invitation for their parents to come over
on a certain night and renew their old acquaintance. They
did so, and never were people more delighted than these
when they met, exchanged salutations, and learned by those
expressions that come from the heart that although the two
governments had declared them enemies, they were still
friends. The livelong night was spent in agreeable festivi-
ties, and with the approach of dawn they returned. News of
this was confidentially spread, and these midnight visits be-
came common ; being at first strictly secret, but towards the
close of the war quite open, and performed by daylight. One
loyalist, however, who felt the spirit of the olden°time re-
turn when called upon to sustain the interest of his kino-
although a very kind-hearted man and strongly attached by
tics of friendship to his American neighbors, sternly refused
all renewal of acquaintance from a sense of duty, and dis-
countenanced it among his neighbors. One evening an in-
habitant of the south shore resolved to attempt to conquer
this spirit by kindness, and boldly visited his house as Jiad
been his former custom. Finding him absent, he followed
him to a neighbor's, and warmly saluted him with a cordial
grasp of the hand and friendly chiding for so long and so
obstinately withstanding the claims of neighborship. This
appeal to the heart overweighed the decision of the head,
and the salutation was, after a moment's hesitation, re-
turned with a cordiality that showed him sensible of the
truth that man is by nature a social being and intended to
live in concord with his neighbors. Peace was thus de-
clared along this frontier long before the fact was estab-
lished by diplomatists, or published by the proclamation of
the president.
Early in the summer of 1812 the inhabitants of Louis-
ville, for their own protection, organized a volunteer com-
pany of about forty men, who constituted the male portion
of the town capable of bearing arms. They elected Benja-
min Daniels, one of their number, " high sergeant," whom
they agreed to obey, in all matters touching the common
interest. Soon after their organization they received ordei-s
from General Brown, at Ogdensburg, to bring to all crafts
passing the river. In pursuance of these instructions tjiey,
on one occasion, hailed and brought in a raft, and found in
the cabin a large amount of valuable groceries, etc., the
greater part of which was forwarded to the collector of the
district. During the summer a regular company was formed,
with Benjamin Willard captain, which drew arms from the
arsenal at Russell, and was kept in service from August to
November. They were ordered to allow Indians to pass,
but to stop all other crafts and learn their business. At
times they had rumors of hostile visits from the north
shore, but they were not made .
The first birth in the town was that of Nahum Willson,
Jr., son of Nahum Willson, the pioneer settler, who was
born Oct. 28, 1801.
The first marriages in Louipville were those in which
Sylvester Drake and Lucinda Cole were the contracting
parties, — the ceremony having been celebrated in the year
1809, and the marriage of Joel Case and Lucy Haws,
which was consummated the same year, and some doubts
exist as to which is entitled to priority.
The first death. — Relative to this event, also, a discrep-
ancy exists, — some of the pioneers remaining averring that
it was that of Ethan Allen, Sr., and some (notably Mrs.
Polly Shoen, a daughter of Asa Baxter) that it was a man
named Moore, who died of smallpox at an early day.
The first school was taught by Elisha W. Barber in 1808
or 1809, in ti log school-house in the Willson neighbor-
hood.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The town of Louisville was erected from Massena,
April 5, 1810, at first ten miles square, but in 1823 di-
vided in the formation of Norfolk, and a part of that town
reannexed, April 3, 1844, without the knowledge of the
citizens, it is said. The first town-meeting was held at the
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
399
house of John Willson ; the poor-moneys were to be equally
divided, and the act to take effect Feb. 1, 1811.
"In December, 1811, at a special town ■meeting, the
legislature was petitioned to take some action by which the
public lots might be sold or leased.
"In 1819 a wolf bounty of $10, and in 1821 a fox
bounty of $1, were voted.
" In 1823, two notices for the division of the town given ;
one of these was to have a town six miles square from Lis-
bon, Madrid, Stockholm, and Potsdam, having the present
village of Norfolk as its centre ; the other asking for the
division of the town of Louisville, as was done by the
legislature subsequently.
" In 1828, Samuel Stacey, Otis G. Hosman, and Samuel
Bradford appointed to wait upon the commissioners about
to locate the court-house, and represent the interests of the
town.
" In 1849 it was resolved that the notice given for an-
nexing a part of Louisville to Massena be laid itiider the
table."
The list of supervisors from 1816* to 187Y, inclusive,
comprises the following names, with the years of their service :
SUPERVISORS.
1816, Elisha W. Barber; 1819, Christopher G. Stowe ;
1820, Benjamin Raymond; 1821, Timothy W. Osborne;
1822-23, C. G. Stowe; 1824, Samuel B. Anderson ; 1825
-28, Wm. Bradford ; 1829, Sept. 19, Gould, to fill
vacancy from Bradford's death; 1829-33, Jube E. Day;
1834, Allen McLeod, Jr. ; 1835, J. E. Day ; 1836, Allen
McLeod; 1837-40, Samuel Bradford; 1841-42, John
Doud ; 1843, Thomas Bingham ; 1844, S. Bradford ; 1845,
T. Bingham ; 1846-47, Nathaniel D. Moore ; 1848, John
Gibson ; 1848, March 25, Levi Miller, Jr., to fill vacancy ;
1849, Levi Miller, Jr.; 1850-54, John Gibson; 1855,
Mark A. Moore; 1856-57, Samuel Bradford; 1858, Wil-
liam Miller ; 1859-60, Samuel Bradford ; 1861, Levi Mil-
ler; 1862-63, John Whalen; 1864-65, James Miller;
1866-68, William Bradford; 1869, Otis H. Wells; 1870-
71, John Whalen; 1872, James Miller; 1873-77, Wil-
liam Bradford.
The present (1877) town officers are William Bradford,
supervisor ; P. A. Campbell, town clerk ; James Mulhol-
land, John Whalen, John Murdy, assessors ; William Mien,
James Miller, Michael Power, Charles D. McLeod, justices
of the peace ; A. G. Taylor, collector ; Homy Power, high-
way commissioner ; Aaron C. Allen, Samuel Thompson, Jr.,
overseers of the poor ; S. B. Squires, Albert Whiting, W.
T. Phelps (app'd), town auditors; H. H. Wing, T. G.
Willson, J. B. Willson, inspectors of election ; A. C.
Stearns, C. S. Willard, Hugh Short, J. C. Baker, Oscar
Taylor, constables ; Patrick Gaynor, excise commissioner.
LOUISVILLE,
locally known as Millerville, from Rev. Levi Miller, a
licensed preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination,
who came from Massachusetts, but immediately from Turin,
Lewis county, N. Y., as agent for James McVicker, the
* Records for first five years lost or mislaid.
purchaser from Macomb of the tract, including the site of
the village.
Mr. Miller arrived with his family in March, .1823, but
had been preceded by Oliver Ames, who had made a small
clearing there three or four years before. A bridge was
constructed across Gra.sse river here, about 1820, and the
foundation for a saw-niill, which latter, however, was not
completed.
Louisville is pleasantly situated on Grasse river, about the
geographical centre of the town. The first improvements
were made by Mr. McVicker, who, among other things,
built the stone part of the present grist-mill in 1833. In
1837, George Redington came in and purchased the water-
power, of which Rev. Levi Miller owned one-quarter, com-
pleted the building and put in the necessary machinery for
a grist-mill, which he immediately put into operation. Prior
to this, and as early as 1805, Asa Day had erected a log
dam and small grist-mill, about one mile below, on the site
now owned by Alonzo Whiting, where the pioneers got
their corn and wheat ground. Redington owned the mill
till his death in September, 1850, after which it was rented
by his heirs to Francis La Fountaine, who was killed by
being caught in the machinery. It was then rented to and
subsequently purchased by W. S. Wilder, and, at his death.
Oct. 20, 1876, passed to his heirs, and is now managed by
his son, W. D. Wilder, At first it had two run of stones,
it now has four, and a capacity for 300 bushels per day.
Among other manufacturing interests is Sullivan's
carriage-factory, established in 1853. Mr. Sullivan has
earned an excellent reputation for the durability and neat-
ness of his work. He does a general business in carriages,
buggies, and sleighs, employing eight hands in his factory.
The place also contains a saw- and shingle-mill, owned
by James Miller ; cooper-shop, two blacksmith-shops, and a
harness-shop. Its business is represented by two general
stores, kept by William Miller and William F. Phelps &
Co. respectively ; two groceries, by Ira 0. Bailey and L. F.
Baker ; a boot- and shoe-store, by A. G. Taylor ; one Meth-
odist Episcopal and one Roman Catholic church, and a good
district school. The estimated population of the place is
300.
The post-ofiice was established there in 1827, and Rev.
Levi Miller was appointed first postmaster. The present
incumbent, is L. F. Baker.
CHASE'S MILLS
was first settled by Alden Chase, after whom the place re-
ceives its name. Other early settlers in the immediate
vicinity were Eben and Varnom Policy, James and Elijah
Stearns, each of whom have descendants now residents of
the town. For many years the place contained nothing
but a grist-mill, but the excellence of the water-power, fur-
nished by Grasse river, induced some enterprising citizens
to establish other manufacturing interests there. The first
"■rist-mill was erected in 1834, and burned about 1845.
The present mills were erected by Elijah H. Stearns, in
1860. They are now owned and operated by H. & M.
Russell, .aud have . three, run .of stones, and sl capacity^fai.
300 bushels per day. The tannery is owned by George
400
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Graves & Son, of Rutland, Vt., and successfully managed
by J. H. Shaver. Its capacity is 15,600 sides per annum.
The shingle- and saw-mills are operated by W. W. Tuttle,
and have a capacity, the former of sawing 2,000,000 feet,
and the latter of 1,400,000 shingles, per annum. Other
manufactories of the place are a pump-factory, operated by
Haggett & Son ; a butter-tub factory, by J. T. Young ; two
blacksmitheries, one wheelwright- and paint-shop, one shoe-
shop. It also has two general stores, — one kept by L. E.
Barnott, and the other by James Curry ; two millinery and
two dressmaking establishments, a hotel, a jMothodist Epis-
copal church, used by various denominations; and a good
public school. The place enjoys the facilities of a daily
mail and stage, thanks to the exertions of Mr. L. E. Bar-
nett, the efficient postmaster and merchant. The population
is fairly estimated at 275.
In 1867 the first store in the place was erected by L. E.
Barrett, a young man of fine busines.s abilities and great
enterprise. It was a substantial brick structure, which was
subsequently destroyed by fire, proving a great loss both to
its owner and to the village. Nothing daunted by his ill
fortune, Mr. Barnett established himself in his present
quarters, where he does a good general business.
LOUISVILLE LANDING,
a post-village and port of entry, situated on the St. Law-
rence, on the northern boundary of the town. It contains
two general stores, a hotel, post-office, with James Matthews
as postmaster, and custom-office, of which Stephen Sharpe
has been collector since January, 1874. He makes a very
efficient officer. There are about 10 families and 50 inhab-
itants in the place.
CROIL'S ISLAND.*
" This island is variously named upon Burr's map the
"Upper Long Saut;" by the French, lie au ChamaiUes ;
by the Indians, Tsiiowenokwalcarate ; and by the present
settlers, Baxter's, Stacy's, and Croil's, from the names of
successive owners. Previous to the establishment of the
boundary-line, in 1818, this island was considered as Brit-
ish territory; and under this supposition, in 1812, Asa
Baxter, who then owned it, was drafted into the British
army, and upon his refusal to serve it was confiscated. Mr.
Baxter deserted the army, and took refuge in Vermont
where he remained until the close of the war, when he re-
turned with his family to the island, and was immediately
arrested as a deserter and confined in jail at Cornwall
where he remained from April, 1814, to the following
August. He again escaped the officers, while being taken
to Kingston for trial. After an understanding was arrived
at between the two governments respecting the jurisdiction
of the island, Mr. Baxter delivered himself up for trial at
Cornwall, but as the court had no jurisdiction' over him he
was released, and he again removed his family to the island
and lived there several years. He was dispossessed by the
purchase of the islands in the St. Lawrence by Judge Ogden,
owing to a misunderstanding between the land-commis-
* Prom Child's "Hiatorioal Directory," 1873-74.
sioners and the surveyor-general ; but a recompense was
subsequently made. Goose Neck, Chrisler's, and Chat's
islands belong to this town."
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
There appears to have been no church organization in
the present limits of Louisville earlier than 1820. There
was a church in Raymondville, which was then in this
town, but it was rendered difficult of access by reason of
the swampy nature of the intervening country. Religious
meetings were held, however, at an early day, by ministers
from Canada, whence also came many of the temporal com-
forts of the early settlers. So far as accessible information
goes, the first efibrts to establish a church society were
made by Benjamin and Peter Powers. They canvassed
the town with this object in view, and established the fact
that only five persons held letters from other churches, viz.,
Joseph Gould and wife, Peter and Elizabeth Powers, and
Ephraim Wood. Permission was obtained to hold meetings
in the house near where John Whalen now lives, and there
Levi Miller formed a class. The church, however, was not
organized until 1839, when the first Methodist Episcopal
society was instituted, and on the 3d of June of that year
the following trustees' were elected : Levi Miller, Levi
Miller, Jr., Israel G. Stowe, John Power, and John Doud.
In June, 1841, the number of trustees was increased from
five to nine, in accordance with the recommendation of the
discipline of that denomination, and the names of Ethan
Allen, A. C. Allen, Allen McLeod, and one other, were
added to the above list. Tiie house of worship now occu-
pied by the society was erected in 1840, at a cost of about
$1500; it will comfortably seat 250 persons, and is now
valued at $4000. The first regular pastor was Rev. D.
Chidester ; the present incumbent. Rev. A. B. White. The
board of trustees consists of Joseph Elliott, Henry Power,
Joseph Mulholland, James Miller, Zenas Nichols, and
Henry McConnell ; the stewards are Arthur Nichols, H.
H. Wing, Joseph Elliott and James Mulholland. • The
membership of the charge is 132. There are three Sunday-
schools in the circuit, which jointly number 24 officers and
teachers and 162 scholars, and a library containing 250
volumes.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY
at Louisville Landing was organized with forty members,
principally from the Louisville church, in 1852, by Rev.
H. Chittenden. The church edifice was erected the same
year. It has a seating capacity for 200 persons. It is now
valued at $1400. Statistics included in the above sketch
of the First church.
THE SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
at Chase's Mills was organized, with about 22 members,
July 12, 1869. The first officers were L. E. Barnett,
Robert Bardon, R. C. Allen, ApoUos Jones, and I. A. Har-
riman, trustees ; William Bardon, treasurer ; and L. E. Bar-
nett, clerk of the board. The house in which services are
hold was erected the same year, and finished and furnished
in the modest modern style the summer following, at a cost
of $2400. It is built of brick, and is 32 by 42 feet, and will
scat 250 persons. The means for its construction were con-
,0 ~ Xs
'.
\
V
^ >.
SAMUEL TRACY.
MRS. SAMUEL TRACY.
SAMUEL TRACY
was born in Windham, Windiiam Co., Conn., Jan. 30, 178i>.
His father was a native of Norwich, where the family origin-
ally settled. The elder Tracy was a merchant ; in fact, the
entire family, as far back as we have any knowledge, were
engaged in trade. As was the custom in those days, Samuel
remained with his father until he attained his majority, re-
ceiving a good common-school education, and assisting his
father in the store. His first speculation was in the grow-
ing of hemp, in which he was unsuccessful. Being ambi-
tious, and wishing to retrieve his losses, he resolved to " go
west," and in 1815 came to Oswego. Here he remained
about one year, when he came to Massena and purchased
seventy-three acres of land, which is a portion of the farm
now owned by his son, Daniel Tracy. He then went back
to his native town and shortly afterwards, with his wife and
three children, returned to Massena, traveling with his own
conveyance, a span of horses and wagon ; the wagon was
said to be the only one at the time in the town. The town
was at this time sparsely settled, and the inhabitants had
their full share of toil and privation. This was especially
true with Mr. Tracy ; but being a man of indomitable will
and perseverance, he overcame all obstacles, and to his first
purchase of seventy-three acres added nearly three hundred,
and at his death, which occurred Dec. 8, 1871, he was con-
sidered to be one of the prominent and successful farmers
of the town. He was a man of a very positive character,
devotedly attached to his family, and perhaps a little exclu-
sive ; very methodical in business matters, and with a very
high regard for his word, which was considered to be as
good as his note. He was a devout member of the Second
Congregational church of Massena, and contributed liber-
ally towards its support. In December, 1812, Mr. Tracy
was married to Miss Theda Snow, daughter of Levi and
Lydia Snow, of B'ecket, Mass. She was born Dec. 3, 1788,
and is now living on the old farm at the advanced age of
eighty-nine. Mr. and Mrs. Tracy were blessed with ten
children, five sons and five daughters, seven of whom are
now living. The old homestead is owned and occupied by
their son, Daniel, who is one of the town's most enterpris-
ing and successful farmers.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTV, NEW YORK.
401
tributed by the inhabitants, oP all denominations, to the
amount of $1000, leaving a debt of $1400 on the day of
dedication. It may hero be rcmai-ked that tiic house was
built against more or less silent and outspoken opposition.
Before it was begun, " it could never be built," and when
completed, forsooth, " it never would be paid for." How-
ever, the strong hearted wavered not; knowing that "it
is good to be zealously afFuetod always in a good cause," they
got together on tlutt memorable dedication morHuiff,imd re-
solved, witli the same strong faith that had characterized
their efforts and sacrifices all through, that, with tlie bless-
ing of God, the remaining indebtedness should be paid that
day, and so it was ; for the church was that day freed from
debt, and dedicated amid the rejoicings of the donors. It
is DO fault of those who did well that the success of the
enterprise was largely due to the untiring perseverance of
L. E. Barnett, the successful young merchant of the place,
then but 26 years of age, who, all through the enterprise,
exercised as much diligence and care as he does in his own
business, fulfilling the Divine command, " Whatsoever thy
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." The church
has continued to be largely attended by all denominations
each Sabbath and other days, and the desk is occupied by
pastors of difiFerent religious faiths. The first of these was
Rev. E. A. Merritt; the present, G. S. Hustings. The
membership has changed materially by deaths and removals,
and is at this time about the same as at first, — 22. The
present officers are L. E. Barnett, Robert Bardon, I. R.
Harriman, J. H. Shaver, and I. A. Ilarriman, trustees,
and William Bardon, treasurer. A very successful Sabbath-
school is sustained, with L. E. Barnett, superintendent;
J. H. Shaver, assistant ; and 10 other officers and teachers,
and 80 scholars.
ST. LAWEENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
at Louisville was organized, with G4 families, Oct. 2, 1869.
A meeting for the purpose of the formation of a Catholic
church was held in the town-hall at Louisville, on the date
above mentioned, at which John B. Whalen presided and
Michael Power acted as secretary. The church edifice was
erected, in 1871-72, at a cost of 8T000,— its present value.
Its seating capacity is for 350 persons. The first trustees
wore Rt. Rev. Wadhams, bishop of the diocese. Very
Rev. James Mackey, Vicar-general, Father Welsh, pastor in
charge, John B. Whalen, and Michael Power. The pres-
ent trustees are the two ecclesiastical dignitaries as above,
Rev. J. J. Brenuan, pastor, James IMcNulty, and James
Carroll. The present membership is 300.
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
The education of the youth was a subject of paramount
importance with the pioneers of Louisville ; hence we find
primitive arrangements for teaching inaugurated at an early
day in the history of the town. As early as 1808, Elisha
W. Barber taught a school in the Willson neighborhood ;
and, later, Levi Miller taught in a rude building near the
village of Louisville. Educational matters have made rapid
strides since then, as the number and quality of the school-
houses, the ability of the teachers employed,. and the sub-
joined statistics show. We find, within the limits of town,
14 school-houses, 15 teachers, 577 scholars; valuation of
school property, $G540 ; amount of State appropriation,
$1645 ; amount raised from taxation, $2255. The popu-
lation of the town, for the semi-decades from 1845 to 1877,
was as follows: In 1845, 1970 ; in 1850, 2044 ; in 1855,
2120; in 1800, 2310; in 1865, 2237; in 1870,2132;
in 1875, 2039.
We acknowledge our indebtedness to the following for
assistance in the compilation of the above history of Louis-
ville: Dr. Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin
Counties," Jeremiah Willson, William and James Miller,
Mrs. Samuel Bradford and son, Hon. William Bradford,
Mrs. Polly Shoen, John B. Whalen, C. S. Willard, L. E.
Barnett, Elon Taylor, Robert Loughrey and wife, Michael
Power, Esq., James Matthews, Stephen Sharp, and many
others.
M A S S E N A.
The extreme northeast town of the county bears this
name, which was bestowed in honor of Marshal Massena,
of the French army of the first Napoleon. It was erected
by the provisions of the act forming the county, March 3,
1802, a large portion of Great Tracts 2 and 3 being at-
tached to its present area, which area was never a part of
the Macomb purchase. By the formation of the towns on
its south and west Massena has been reduced to its present
Umits, — 30,671 acres. The town borders on the St. Law-
rence river, and includes among its territory the islands of
Long Saut and Barnhart, lying in that stream. Its sur-
face is level, partaking to a large extent of the characteris-
tics peculiar to an alluvial formation. Dense forests of pine
formerly existed in its limits, affording excellent ship tim-
ber; and spars, from 80 to 100 feet long, were often ob-
tained, and rafted to Montreal. A limited quantity of this
timber yet remains. The various hard woods, as well as the
elms and basswood, also abounded, and at present consti-
tute the chief growths on the uncleared lands. The soil,
generally, is very fertile, being a dark loam, or a loam with
an admixture of clay and sand. Wheat was formerly an
important product, but its culture has been supplanted by
the grazing interests ; and the products of the dairy and
cheese-factories, of which there are three in town, aggregate
402
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
thousands of dollars annually. Hence, also, liye-stock forms
one of the chief exports. In 1875 the town possessed
4079 milch cows.
Massena is liberally watered by Grasse and Raquette
rivers, which flow through the town from west to east,
south of the centre, and about a mile apart. The latter is
a turbulent mountain stream, rising in the Adirondack re-
gions, and cannot be utilized in the town for water-power.
The Grasse is more sluggish, but has natural fulls in the
western part of the town, which have been improved so as
to produce excellent power. Below these, from the centre
of the town to the mouth of the river, at Cornwall island,
the current is scarcely perceptible. To this point the river
is navigable, and a ship-canal has been proposed to the head
of Long Saut island, thus avoiding the famous rapids, whose
current is twenty miles an hour, and whose waves are lashed
into foam like the surges of the sea. In September, 1833,
sixty persons subscribed various sums to pay G. Ogden and
U. H. Orvis for undertaking a preliminary survey in ascer-
taining the practicability and probable expense of a canal
from Long Saut to the still waters of the Grasse, but the
building of a canal around the rapids, on the Canadian side,
prevented further action.
Both the Grasse and Raquette rivers are subject to the
influence of the backwaters of the St. Lawrence, whose
peculiar actions, and the efiects attending it, are thus de-
scribed by Dr. Hough in his history of the county :
" From the commencement of the rapids to the head of
Lake St. Francis, at St. Regis, the St. Lawrence seldom
freezes suiBciently to allow of crossing on the ice, although
at particular seasons, and for a short time, there has been a
bridge of ice sufficiently strong to support teams. The
waters, however, being chilled by snows drifted into them,
and obstructed by anchor ice, or masses formed at the bot-
tom of the stream, as is common in running water in our
climate, will commence forming a dam or slight obstruction,
usually near St. Regis, where its surface is covered with
solid ice ; and this, being fixed by ireezing, and increased
by cakes of floating ice and snow, will accumulate at suc-
cessive points above, raising the surface, and causing still
water just above the obstruction, which allows the freezing
process to take place. This has occurred duriijo- severe
snow-storms and intensely cold weather so rapidly as to
raise the waters of the St. Lawrence, at certain points, fif-
teen feet in as marty minutes; and the Long Saut rapids,
where the waters usually shoot downwards with the swift-
ness of an arrow, have been known to be as placid as the
surface of a mill-pond from obstructions below. The de-
scent of the water is of course the same, but the rapids are
cmKA farther down stream, and still water occurs at points
where it is rapid at ordina)y seasons. The extreme differ-
ence of level hitherto observed from these obstructions is
&\)OTit twenty-five feet in Robinson's bay; in Massena, about
nine miles above St. Regis, and in Grasse river, it has been
known to rise to an equal height. No winter passes with-
out more or less of these ice-dams and reflex currents, which
usually happen towards the latter part of winter, after the
waters have become chilled, and ice has formed below.
Above the head of the Long Saut they are seldom or never
noticed. Similar occurrences happen at Montreal at certain
seasons, and have oflen caused serious accidents. The ap-
parent solidity of the obstructions thus temporarily formed
is seldom trusted by tho.se acquainted with the river, al-
though there have been those fool-hardy enough to venture
across the channel upon them. They will sometimes form
and break away with astonishing rapidity ; for such is the
irresistible force of the mighty current that no obstruction
can long withstand its power. In 1833, a bridge at Mas-
sena Centre, supposed to be placed sufficiently high to be
above the reach of all floods, was swept away from this
cause, the waters having aiisen nearly five feet higher than
had been before observed, and it has been found quite im-
practicable to maintain bridges below Massena village across
Grasse river. The water has been seen to pour over the dam
at Haskell's mill wjj stream for a short time, and the dam at
Massena village has been preserved against the backwater
with extreme difficulty. The lower dam on Grasse river is
built to resist the current from both directions, and the
level of this river, as well as the St. Lawrence, is from this
cause higher through a portion of the winter than its
normal level."
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
It is generally believed that the first settlement in Mas-
sena began as early as 1792, by the erection of a sawrmill
on Grasse river, on the site now occupied by Haskell's
mills. These lands were claimed by the St. liegis Indians,
in common with others along the river, and a mile square
at what was then known as the falls (Haskell's) was re-
served for them by the treaty of 1796. The saw-mill was
erected by a Frenchman, and was afterwards occupied by
Amable Foucher, from old Chateaugay, who retained pos-
session until 1808. His first dam was swept up stream by
the backwater of the St. Lawrence, before described. The
settlements which followed were made on what was known
as Revolutionary land-grants, which were surveyed in the
fall of 1798 by Amos Lay, who afterwards became the first
supervisor of the town. In 1799 a road was surveyed from
Oswegatchie to St. Regis, and partly opened.
The early proprietors and settlers experienced much an-
noyance from the St. Regis Indians, who continued to roam
over the town, to and from their reservation, as will be seen
by the following documents :
" To the Hmuralle Ihe Legislature of the State of Jfew York, in
Senate and Aaeenihly convened:
" The petition of Ihe subsoriber humbly showeth : That he, together
with a number of others, his associates, did (at .sundry times) locate
on several tracts and pieces of land, and obtained grants for the same,
on Ihe southeast side of the river St. Lawrence, and easterly of and
adjoining the township of Louisville. That your petitioner and as-
sociates were induced to this distant object, >•«(, to be clear of inter-
fering with other claims, and, aecondly, by a stream of water passing
through the middle of the said collected several tracts, then called
and known by the name of Little Black river, and noted in a map of
the State, published at the time of the Revolution, by the name of
Ejienmwye, and now called by the St. Rerjia Indiana Grasse river.
That your petjtioper and associates attempted last season to com-
mence settlements on the premises aforesaid, and were prevented
from taking po.ssession by the St. lieyia Indians, who alleged that
the said Black river and one half mile on each side thereof is reserved
by treaty, and confirmed to them by the eommissioners of the United
States and the State of New York. That your petitioner, therefore,
to investigate the claim, applied to the record of the State, and found
the original treaty there deposited, dated May U, 1796, whereby it
appears the premises so surrmJered liy the eonomissioiiers ftforefaid
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
403
is about eight square miles, being the most valuable part of the prop-
erty held by your petitioners, etc., under the solemn grants of the
State, in the years 1788 and 1790. A copy of said treaty and cession
aforesaid is hereunto annexed, together with a map of the several
grants oortified by the surveyor-general. That your petitioner, pre-
vious to the discovery of the cession aforesaid, did subscribe, and is
accountable to contribute, a considerable proportion towards a road
from Plattsburg, jointly with the proprietors of Louisville, and is now
without the prospect of deriving the least benefit therefrom. In case
thus ciroamstanced with the St. Begin Indians, who are not amenable
to the laws, your petitioner and associates arc induced to apply for
legislative aid in the premises, and pray that they will be pleased to
grant such relief as they in their wisdom will judge equitable and
just.
*Jer'. V. Rensselaer.
" Himself and Associates.
'Albant, Jan. 17, 1799."
" To His Excellency, John Jmj, Esq., Governor of the Slate of New
York, in council :
"The petition of the several persons whose names are hereunto
subscribed, settlers in the townships of Massena and Louisville, on
the banks of the river St. Lawrence, in the State of New York, Hum-
blj representeth : That the Indian chiefs and wai-riors of St. Kegis
are possessed of a tract of land, chiefly wild meadow, extending from
the mouth of Grasse river, in the township of Massena, up to the
falls, which is about seven miles. That your petitioners, having set-
tled in the said townships of Massena and Louisville, are greatly an-
noyed by the said Indians, who threaten to kill and destroy their
cattle unavoidably trespassing upon these meadows, they being ex-
posed chiefly without tHaoa, and several of their cattle are missing.
Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray your excellency, in council,
to take such measures of accommodation with the said Indians as
shall seem meet, in order to secure to your petitioners the peaceable
enjoyment of their lands and property against the depredations of
the said Indians. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc.
"Signed, Amos Lay, Mamri Victory, Calvin Plumley, Kinner New-
comb, Samuel Neweomb, G. S. Descoteaux, William Policy, Anthony
Lamping, Aaron Allen, and two illegible signatures. Dated June
24, 1800."
In consequence of these memorials, the State purchased
the Indian reservation, paying more for the lands than was
afterwards realized from their sale.
The first land-agent was Henry Child, who was succeeded
by Amos Lay, and he in turn by Mathew Perkins. Among
those who came as settlers before 1803, and who had come
principally from Vermont, were Mamri Victory, Calvin
Plumley, Bliss Hoisington, David Lytle, Seth Reed, Leo-
nard Herrick, John Ballard, Jacob and David Hutchins,
Nathaniel Kezar, and Elijah Bailey. The latter kept a
pioneer tavern on the St. Lawrence. A two-story house,
erected for this purpose at a later day, still remains. In
1803, Daniel Robinson brought on his family, having pur-
chased land the year before, and Uved in town until his
death. He reared five sons, three of whom — Horatio N.,
Luther H., and I. H.— still live in town. The elder Rob-
inson erected a saw-mill on a small creek near his place, in
1815, which was used many years. In 1803, Royal PoUey
joined these settlers on Massena Point, and, in 18 J7,
Thomas Steadman. The immigration had increased their
number to such an extent that, in 1807, there were ninety-
eight voters in town. Many of these had been brought
here by the lumbering interest, and removed when that
declined. They were, moreover, a class that had but little
respect for law, and believed in an exemplary justice, modi-
fied by the law of might. Hence fighting was of frequent
occurrence, and was generally the court of appeal for the
settlement of personal grievances. • In those days this un-
written statute was termed the " Blue Beech Law," and he
who commanded the most muscular strength was the better
magistrate. Even after courts were established this prac-
tice was not entirely ignored. It is said that on one occa-
sion a man, having been convicted before a magistrate for
fighting, was sent to Ogdensburg jail, in the custody of a
constable. To sustain the journey they took along a jug of
rum, and both partook freely of its contents, until, becoming
nearly intoxicated, they fell to blows, and, both being badly
beaten and gory with blood, returned. The keeper of the
prisoner then offered to again start, and the latter promised
peaceably to go, on condition that their jug should be re-
plenished. The account does not relate whether this very
reasonable ofier was complied with on the part of the worthy
magistrate.
A better class of citizens followed, among whom were N.
Denison, E. M. Denison, Elijah Flagg, E. Howard, L. A.
Robinson, D. Tracy, J. C. Stone, Enos Beach, John E.
Perkins, John Garvin, Lemuel Haskell, Calvin Hubbard,
W. S. Paddock, John B. Andrews, U. H. Orvis, Benjamin
Phillips, and L. K. Waterbury.
The first school was taught, in 1803, by Gilbert Reed,
at Massena village. Royal Phelps was one of the first
preachers, in 1806.
The population of the town iu 1875 was 2701.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
The official records of the town have been twice destroyed,
the first time including all the records up to 1808, and the
last time by a fire in the fall of 1853, which included all
the documents which had accumulated up to that period.
This part of the history, therefore, will necessarily be brief
and fragmentary.
At the annual meeting in 1808 the following were elec-
ted : John Wilson, supervisor ; John E. Perkins, clerk ;
Elisha W. Barber, Thomas Steadman, Enoch French,
assessors ; Aaron Wright, collector ; Benjamin Willard,
Jsrvis Kimball, Enoch French, commissioners of highways;
John Reeve, Aaron Wright, constables ; Grifiin Place,
John Garvin, fence-viewers; John BuUard, Grifiin Place,
pound-masters.
Since the town has been formed the following has been
the succession of supervisors : 1802. Amos Lay ; 1808-9,
John Wilson; 1810-11, Thomas Steadman ; 1812, Calvin
Hubbard; 1813-17, Willard Seaton ; 1818-19, John E.
Perkins; 1820-21, John Stone, Jr. ; 1822-24, John B.
Andrews; 1825-26, Chester Gurney ; 1827-28, Lemuel
Haskell; 1829-30, Ira Goodridge ; 1831, John B. An-
drews; 1832-33, L. Haskell; 1834-37, Ira Goodridge;
1838-39, John B. Judd ; 1840-41, Benjamin Phillips;
1842-44, John B. Andrews ; 1845, E. D. Ransom ; 1846,
Allen B. Phillips; 1847, E. D. Ransom; 1848-49, Allen
B. Phillips; 1850, Willson Bridges; 1851-52, J. B.
Andrews; 1855-60, Guy B. Andrews; 1861-62, Luke
Carlton; 1863-64, Guy B. Andrews; 1865-66, H. S.
Ransom ; 1867-OS, Joseph E. Clary ; 1869-72, Henry B.
White; 1873-75, John 0. Bridges; 1876-77, Henry B.
White.
Excerpts are made from the town records in 1808, when
a petition was voted for the erection of Louisville.
404
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In 1809 a wolf bounty of $3, and in 1810 of S3. In
1818, $500 voted for the poor. In 1820-21, a fox bounty
of 50 cents. In 1825, voted to let the Deer river settlers
liave $200 out of the poor funds, in case they are sot oflF,
and no more. In 182G, voted in favor of allowing
that part of No. IG still belonging to Massena to bo at-
tached to Brasher, and of allowing $10 of poor money to
be allowed them. In 1828, J. B. Andrews, Jolin E. Per-
kins, and Lemuel Haskell appointed to wait upon the
court-house commissioners and represent the interests of
the town. The location at Columbia village advised. In
1849, voted to raise $100 to build a float, and furnish
wires for a ferry on Grasse river, near the centre of the
town. In 1850, voted not to make a distinction between
the town and county poor; and in 1851, against a tax for
repairing the court-house.
In 1866, it was voted that the town protest against in-
creasing the fees of the county clerk.
The late civil war called forth the following town action :
At a special meeting Sept. 15, 1862, after a discu.s.sion of
the purpose, it was voted that $2500 be raised by taxation
" to pay all the members of Capt. Chamberlain's company,
enlisted from this town, $10 each ;" and all others enlisted
since July 2, 18G2, were to receive a like amount. Volun-
teers after the date of the meeting were to receive $50
each.
A special meeting was held Dec. 22, 1863, when the
supervisor and town clerk were authorized to issue interest-
bearing certificates of $300 each, to be countersigned by a
justice of the peace, for every volunteer required to fill the
quota of the town. The subsequent calls for men elicited
l^inlilar action, the appropriations voted being sufficiently
liberal to meet the demand.
ROADS AND OTHER TOWN INTERESTS
have received proper attention from the electors of Massena.
Owing to the rive^-s flowing through the town, and IJie settle-
ments along them, the highways partake of their general
direction, from west to east ; and although but few roads
cross the streams, it has been a burden to the town to keep
them bridged.
In 1803 tlie first bridge over Grasse river was built at
the village, and has been replaced several times. Tlie
present structure, a covered bridge, was erected in obedi-
ence to a vote of a special meeting, July 18, 1862, when a
tax of $4000 was authorized. A bridge was built across
this stream, at the Centre, in 1832, which was soon swept
away, and no means of crossing there is at present afforded.
In 1863 the legislature was petitioned to authorize the su-
pervisors to levy a tax of $4000 to build a bridge across
Kaquotte river, and Oct. 27, 1877, $8000 was voted to
bridge the same stream at Massena Springs. It; is pur-
posed to erect an iron truss bridge, over 200 feet in length,
in the spring of 1878.
Among the most important roads of the town were the
old Plattsburg road and the ones located by the commis-
sioners appointed for this purpose in April, 181G, from 0"-
densburg to Massena, and from the latter place to Russell
via Potsdam.
Tho Norfolk, Raymondville and Massena plauk-road
company was organized Feb. 14, 1851 ; but only six of the
ten miles composing the route were ever planked. After a
few years the company surrendered its franchise, and the
road is now used as tho principal highway to the railroad at
Norwood.
Steps were taken in 1856 to build a town-hall, and $800
appropriated to effect this purpose. A commodious brick
house was erected in the village, which has been remodeled
and repaired by subsequent appropriations. In 1875 the
town erected a house of detention in the village of Mas-
sena.
AVitli one exception, the cemeteries of the town are in
its charge, and a hearse is also provided at the expense of
the town.
Massena is well provided with schools, having thirteen
districts besides those on the islands, which are supplied
with a fair class of buildings and requisites. There are ten
frame and six brick school-houses in the town, valued, with
their sites, at $17,623. In the year 1876-77 there were
employed 34 teachers, who received tho sum of $4734.93
for wages; 1843 scholars attended the schools. Total ex-
penses for the year, $5674.60.
LONG SATJT ISLAND,
in the St. Lawrence river, formerly known as the Isle au
Long Sault, is of very irregular shape, being about five
miles long and from half a mile to a mile in width. Its
area comprises about 2000 acres, none of wliicli is subject
to overflow, and all admitting of cultivation. Tho surface
was originally covered with forests of pine, beech, and
maple, the latter being most abundant. About 500 acres
of the island are yet timbered. The soil is generally fer-
tile. Tliis body of land was not included in the sale of the
St. Lawrence islands to the Ogdens in 1823, but was re-
served by the State on account of its supposed importance
in a military point of view. The lands were sold to indi-
viduals by the surveyor-general, in pursuance of a statute
taking effect May 5, 1832.
The date of the first settlement is somewhat obscure, the
first residents having been temporary ones. Among the
early actual settlers were John, Blichael G., and William
Cline, the Dodges, John and Thomas Delaney, Stephen
Miller, John Hutchins, and Dennis McCarthy.
The inhabitants number twenty-three families, who are
engaged chiefly in agriculture, although the sturgeon-fish-
ing on the northern shore receives some attention.
MASSENA CENTRE
is a village of a few dozen houses near the centre of the
town, and at the head of the still waters of Grasse river,
which at this point has not sufficient fall to afford water-
power. Some of the first settlers of the town located here,
among them being Nathaniel Kczar, Arad Smith, Perizo
Smith, Ephraim Hyde, Samuel Dana, Thomas Dodge, Israel
Rickard, Ira Goodrich, K. Bailey, and in the vicinity. Pea-
body Kinney, Willard Seaton, Hiram Anderson. At a
later day, Hiram Fish, Moses Russell, and a few others,
were prominent additions to this place. A few of the
original settlers survive, and nearly all of them have de-
seendants livina in this. locality.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
405
Epliiaim Hyde opened a puhlic-lionae on his farm near
tlie place at an early day, and Samson Wheeler in the ham-
let about 1835, both having long since been discontinued.
Aside from a few groceries, no goods were ever sold in the
place, and the manufactures have been limited to the pro-
ducts of wheelwright- and blacksmith-shops. The fiist to
engage in the latter trade was Israel Rickard, in 1816.
It has been carried on by himself and sons to the present day.
Samson Wheeler built a wagon-shop about 1820, in
which he plied his trade until his death, in 1871.
Augustus Wheeler was appointed the first postmaster,
July 13, 1851. Since that time the office has been in
charge of Ira Goodridge and his son, Ira A. There is a
tri-weckly mail from Massena village.
A praiseworthy interest has ever been taken in schools, —
one having been tiiught at an early day in the old block-
house, formerly used by the American garrison, and which
was not destroyed by the British with the other buildings
at the place at tlie time of the invasion, when the citizens
requested its use for school and religious purposes. The
present fine edifice, erected in 1871, contains a good school
of 50 pupils.
Union hall is a neat building for public meetings, with
capacity fur 200 persons, which was converted to this pur-
pose from the Baptist parsonagi? in 1872.
The Massena Centre meeting-house was erected by the
joint contributions of several religious denominations in
183G. It is a plain brick structure, with 300 sittings, and
is worth $2000. At present it is controlled by a board of
three trustees, selected by the Congregational, Baptist, and
Advent societies, each having an interest in the property.
The trustees are Hiram Fish, H. Goodridge, and Daniel E.
Stearns.
A union Sunday-school, organized about thirty years
ago, is still continued ; Horace Goodridge, superintendent.
This house is the home of the First Congregational
church of Massena, which is the oldest religious body in
town, and was organized Feb. 15, 1819, by Rev. Ambrose
Porter, of Dartmouih college. Among the twelve members
composing the church were Peabody Kinney, Rufus Good-
ale, James G. Steadman, Jacob Chase, Abigail Barber,
Sally Kinney, and Dorothy Smith. ^ The sacrament of the
Supper was first administered Feb. 21, 1819, at a meeting
held in the school-house. The church at Jlassena village
was formed out of this, and has taken away the greater in-
terest. The members at the Centre, numbering 23, have
services at stated periods by a pastor secured by both
churches. Among the early clergy were Revs. Montague,
Taylor, Northrup, and Demming ; and, later. Revs. Bene-
dict, Burnap, Nelson, Beckworth, and Olney Place, the
present pastor.
The first Congregational society was incorporated in con-
nection with the above church Aug. (j, 1825, with John
E. Perkins, Benjamin Phillips, Charles Gurney, James G.
Steadman, and U. H. Orvis, trustees. To the efforts made
by this society may bo credited the first church edifice
before mentioned.
The Adventists used the house as a place of worship
until their church at the village was built, since which
their meetings have been discontinued.
The Baptists have maintained services in this house since
its completion, and had at one time a very flourishing
church. This also has been divided, the greater interest
being at the village, and the Baptist church history will be
detailed in that connection.
RAQUETTE RIVER POST-OFFICE
is a small cluster of houses on both banks of the river, about
six miles below Massena Springs. It contains a few stores,
shops, and a post-office, which was established about 1830,
with A. Ransom, postmaster. The oflSce has also been
held by Peter Vilas, H. S. Ransom, M. A. Vantine, Wm.
Ilaggett, and John Bacon, the present official. There is
also a church of the Methodist order, established and served
in connection with the church at Massena village.
Settlement was begun in this locality by Willard Seaton,
and about ISO-l he built a saw-mill on the Raquette, which
was carried off by a freshet before it was put in operation.
Another attempt to erect a mill, made by A. Ransom, about
1830, was also abandoned. The Chase family followed
soon after Seaton ; and the Earles, Paynes, Tuckers, Bar-
neys, Youngs, Hitchoocks, Smiths, Bayleys, and others
were among the pioneers. A man by the name of Belden
was the first to engage in trade, probably in 1825. He
ended his business career by shooting himself Others in
trade were A. Ransom, P. Vilas, Hitchcock and Bacon ; the
latter two continuing in business at the present time.
In 1827, Captain Wilson Bridges opened a hotel which
he continued twenty-five years. Up the stream, towards
the western part of the town, lived, as pioneers, Herman
Reed, R. Messenger, the Judds, the Colburns, the Wells',
David Kellogg, Thomas Flaherty, Jacob Gould, Stephen
Reed, Jewett Bowers, William Nightingale, and Captain
John PoUey. The latter lived in the immediate locality of
the
MASSENA SPRINGS,
whose health-giving properties have proved a boon to large
numbers. These celebrated mineral springs are on the
north bank of Raquette river, near the verge of the stream,
a mile from Massena village, and four miles from the St.
Lawrence. Their presence was noted by the early survey-
ors in 1789, the water flowing copiously from the river
bank, and so strongly charged with sulphur that the odor
was perceptible many rods distant. The earth around had
been trodden into a miry place by the elk and deer, which
used to resort thither to drink, being extremely fond of the
water. This taste also extends to domestic cattle, they
havino- been known to swim across the river to drink from
the flow of the spring. The water is clear, cool, and spark-
ling, with an odor of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. At first
the taste is a little unpleasant, but most persons evince a
fondness fo'r the waters after using them a short time.
They are peculiarly refreshing and satisfying in their nature.
It is generally believed that the Indians used these waters
for sores and ulcerations, and as early as 1815 their efficacy
for the cure of cutaneous diseases was tested by the whites,
provina; a sovereign remedy for salt rheum and kindred
diseases. But when a case of black scrofula, contracted by
a French priest in Egypt, yielded to their infiucnce, it was
no longer doubted that they are a most valuable and potent
406
HISTORY OF. ST. LAWEBNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
therapeutic. This established their worth, and, under medi-
cal direction, increased their use, generally with the most
gratifying results. It was found, also, that their range as a
specific is more comprehensive than was at first supposed ;
and a partial analysis demonstrated the fact that they pos-
sess the most valuable constituents of the most noted min-
eral springs of America. Invalids flocked hither, and, in
1822, Captain John Polley erected the first accommoda-
tions. Six years later the old and well-known Harrowgate
House was erected by Ruel Parsons, and was kept many
years by David Merrill. A number of private houses were
built soon after, and the springs improved by curbing them
and erecting a pavilion which kept them from the rays of
the sun. Benjamin Phillips having become proprietor in
1848, built a fine and commodious brick hotel on the hill
overlooking the springs, whose fame as a hostelry, added
to the repute of the waters, attracted hundreds annually for
pleasure as well as a relief from sickness. The reputation
of the "United States" hotel was preserved until its de-
struction by fire in 1871. A bathing-house was also con-
structed, and appliances prepared for the external use of the
waters by warm and cold baths. Their use in this manner
was also attended with good efieets, and some almost mar-
velous cures were eifected. Exhaustive analyses were now
made by competent chemists, which not only corroborated
their curative properties, but showed their similarity to even
the famed Spa at Baden, in Austria, and the Eislen springs
in Germany.
The following is the analysis of the waters by Professor
Ferd. F. Mayer, of the New York College of Pharmacy.
At the temperature of 60° F. the specific gravity is 1.0317 ;
that of water 1.000. The following exhibit shows the com-
position of the solid and gaseous ingredients, — A in one
litre ; B in one gallon :
(A.) (B.)
Grammes. Grains.
Chloride of sodium I..3B79J 79.792
Chloride of potassium 0.00871 0.608
Chloride of magnesium 0.61308 29.927
Bromide of magnesium 0.01165 0.673
Bicarbonate of lime 0.08319 4.852
Bicarbonate of iron 0.00838 0.488
Sulphate of lime 1.04116 60.931
Sulphate of soda 0.061103 3.501
Phosphate of soda 0.02203 1.320
Hyposulphite of soda 0.07210 4.205
Sulphurate of sodium 0.02410 1.405
Silicate of soda and organic compounds 0.19160 11.176
3.40448 198.478
Sulphuretted hydrogen | ?' f''^^.: rr"V Ml}-- I 22.373o.c.
•^ ■' " \ h. halt combined. 0.01,0 j
Per gallon, 5.307 cubic inches.
The complaints for which these waters are specifically
used, producing either a permanent cure or great relief, are
obstinate cutaneous diseases of neatly every description,
scrofula, dyspepsia, affections of the kidneys and liver,
chronic rheumatism, chronic ophthalmia, calculous affec-
tions, chronic diarrhoea, and general debility arising from
want of exercise and close application to sedentary employ-
ment, as well as the diseases peculiar to the female constitu-
tion. In short, thoy have been found effective agents for
the cure of all diseases arising from a disordered condition
of the blood, but aggravate pulmonary affections, and have
proved injurious in some cases of that nature.
Recent improvements have placed the springs in a fine
condition, with good facilities for bottling the waters, which
enables the superintendent, Gilbert P. Smith, to ship them
with their medicinal properties unimpaired.
Aside from their curative virtues, the springs are in a
country abounding with beautiful scenery, and the Adi-
rondack regions, as well as the St. Lawrence, are close at
hand, thus lending them additional popularity as a summer
resort. The accommodations for visitors are ample and
good, there being, besides numerous boarding-houses, the
Harrown;ate, Bentley, Wheeler, and Hatfield hotels. The
latter is a magnificent edifice, erected on the site of the old
"United States," in 1872, at a cost of $75,000. For
architectural beauty and massive proportions it is unex-
celled in northern New York. In it may be found all the
conveniences of the modern city hotel, and all the appoint-
ments are first-class. Massena Springs has also a store, a
telegraph-ofiice, and about 75 inhabitants.
MASSENA VILLAGE.
This flourishing place is pleasantly located on both banks
of Grasse river, principally on the south side, and extend-
ing almost to the springs, a mile distant from the business
centre. It contains many fine houses, and is the seat of an
active country trade, whose importance is increasing annu-
ally. The inhabitants, numbering about 800, are noted for
their zeal and interest in educational and religious matters.
Among the first to make a beginning at this point were
Calvin Hubbard and Stephen Reed, who erected a dam and
saw-mill at the falls in 1803. Other pioneer settlers were
Benjamin Phillips, U. H. Orvis, J. B. Andrews, J. Clark,
L. E. Waterbury, W. S. Paddock, H. A. Campbell, M. P.
Crowley, John Stone, Royal Polley, and E. F. Taylor.
Although early a place of importance, its growth as a
village began in 1831, when 35 acres were plotted into 71
lots, upon which a number of buildings were soon after
erected. Until that period the mills here, and a mile
below, were the most prominent features. In 1808, Hub-
bard and Reed built the first grist-mill, — a small structure,
with a single run of rock-stone. In 1810, James McDowell,
of Montreal, who held the lower property, purchased the
upper mills also, which he owned until 1828, when U. H.
Orvis became the proprietor. Two years later Orvis built
a stone mill, with three run of stones, and in 1848 the
present mill, built of brick, with four run of stones. The
lower property was improved by L. Haskell, and the mills
erected by him and his family are widely known. The old
stone mill was changed into a woolen -factory, which has
been continued. A large stone structure was put up for a
starch-factory, which has been supplied with machinery for
wood-manufacturing purposes. There are, also, a tannery,
several carriage-shops, a furniture-factory, marble-works,
and mechanic-shops. A cement-bed near the place was
profitably worked a number of years about 1837.
The mercantile interests of the village were first repre-
sented by Benjamin Phillips, U. H. Orvis, J. Clark, and J.
B. Andrews, who were in trade many years ; and most of
whom were succeeded by their sons, who are yet in business.
J. 0. Bridges, one of the leading merchants, has been in
trade since 1853. There are at present about a dozen
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
407
stores, representing the various branches of trade, occupying
substantial business blocks.
The hotels of Massena have attained a wide celebrity for
their excellence and size. As early as 1810 a large three-
story house was erected for this purpose, where John Stone
and others kept an inn which was the boast of the country,
H. A. Campbell erected an opposition house, which was
afterwards favorably known as the Eagle hotel. Upon its
destruction by fire, in 1864, the proprietor, H. B. White,
erected the present structure, an imposing brick, three
stories high, the main building 66 by 36 feet, and a wing
of the same height, 32 by 71 feet. The house is con-
veniently arranged, with accommodations for 75 guests, and
is still under the proprietorship of Mr. White. In 1876,
the Allen House, also a fine brick, and with good appoint-
ments, was erected by A. A. Allen.
The medical profession has been ably represented, Dr.
W. S. Paddock having located here at an early day. Others
of equal eminence followed, among them Doctors J. H.
Ripley, E. Whitney, J. H. Gnnnell, 0. McFadden, and A,
L. Gagnon. All of the latter named still reside in the place.
A custom-house oflBce was established many years ago.
Since 1866 W. S. P. Garvin has been the collector, with
the main oflBce at White's hotel, and sub-office at Massena
Point and Dodge's Landing, on the St. Lawrence. The
business of the office is increasing, and it ranks as one of
the most important outside of larger places.
The post-office was established Sept. 19, 1811, Calvin
Hubbard, postmaster. His successors in office have been
John Stone, J. B. Andrews, A. H. Andrews, Wm. M.
Fuller, Silas Joy, C. Barney, J. 0. Bridges, H. S. Ransom,
E. F. Taylor, and 0. McFadden.
August 1, 1870, it was made a postal money-order qffice,
and the amount of its business is considerable. The office
has a daily mail from Norwood, with which place the vil-
lage has also stage communication. The Montreal tele^
graph company has a line to the town, and offices at the
village and Springs.
MASSENA LODGE, NO. 513, P. AND A. M.,
was chartered June 19, 1861, having worked under a dis^
pensation the previous year with about a dozen members,
and M. J, Chamberlain, W. M., Orson Davis, S. W., and
W. S. P. Garvin, J. W. Regular meetings have beeri
held since that period, and there are at present seventy-five
members, with 0. H. Tilden, W. M., D. A. Fuller, S. W.,
and J. Patterson, J. W.
This is the second Masonic lodge organized at the vil-
lage. Some time prior to 1810 there was a flourishing
lodge of the mystic brotherhood, which erected a large hall
for the use of its meetings, and which embraced as members
the principal citizens of those times, but who have long since
passed off the earthly stage '' from labor to refreshment."
This lodge met the fate common to such bodies during the
Morgan excitement, and its meetings were never resumed.
Its records also have been lost, leaving its history obscure
and conjectural.
A short time after the formation of the lodge a chapter
of Royal Arch Masons w^s institute^, which was trausr
ferred-to Potsdam.
PINE GROVE CEMETERY
was formed, in 1874, by an association bearing the same
name, and composed of H. H. Andrews, Richard Stearns,
J. L. Hyde, Horatio Clark, H. B. White, and William W.
Goodrich, trustees ; Hamilton Andrews, president ; and J.
0. Bridges, secretary. Seven acres of elevated ground,
with superb natural drainage, on the north side of the
river, and overlooking the village, were purchased, and
about 13000 expended in its improvement. The plan con-
templates a buvying-vault, walks, drives, and lawns, which,
in connection with the noble pines planted by the hand of
nature, will make it a lovely spot. Three hundred and
thirty lots have been located, and the first interment was
made Oct. 17, 1874, when the remains of Harriet H., con-
sort of L. B. Shepard, were mingled with the quiet dust of
Pine Grove.
MASSENA UNION FREE SCHOOL
was formed, under the general act, of districts Nos. 2, 11,
and 16, April 11, 1866, and the following board of educa-
tion chosen ■ H. F. Crooks, J. 0. Bridges, W, H. Pad-
dock, E. Whitney, J. L. Hyde, F. P. Balch, Cephas Night-
ingale, H. S. Ransom, and L. E. Waterbury. Measures
were at once instituted to erect a suitable school edifice, and
a beautiful tract of three acres, on the divide between the
rivers, was selected for its location. Here a commodious
and handsome three-story brick structure, with a well-pro-
portioned tower, was completed in 1868, under the super-
intendence of W. S. P. Garvin, at a cost of $14,000.
The first regular session of the school was held in 1869,
under the principalship of Thomas Kinney. Subsequently,
Principals Peck, Ball, and J. A. Haig have been employed
and appropriate departments formed, As at present con-
stituted, these are known as primary, junior, intermediate,
and academic departments, the latter being under the con-
trol of the State board of regents, and has well-graded
courses of study, its graduates being prepared to enter col-
lege. The attendance in all the departments is more than
two hundred, with an increase from abroad. The school
has a cabinet of philosophical apparatus, ample for prac-
tical purposes, and a library of four hundred volumes of
standard books, including the " New American Encyclo-
peedia" and " Chambers' Cyclopeedia."
The present corps of teachers is composed of J. A. Haig,
principal; Miss J. S. Haig, intermediate department; Miss
Amanda Blartin, junior department; and Miss Florence
Stearns, primary department. The school board is com-
posed of W. S. Paddock, president ; H. Anderson, secre-
tary, and J. D. Bridges, Cephas Nightingale, W. W. Good-
rich, Henry Douglas, Joseph E. Clary, H. G. Taloott, W.
H. Cubley, trustees, who are active in promoting the wel-
fare of the school and advancing the cause of education.
THE BAPTIST CHUECH OF MASSENA.
Ministers of this faith held services in town as early as
1825, among the pioneers being Elder Parr. About 1827,
U. H. Orvis erected a frame house in the village for religious
meetings, which was nominally owned by the Baptists, and
was used by them many years.
The first record of a regular church organization bears
date Sept 20, 1843, although it is probable that one may
408
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
have existed a number of years previous, whose records
have been lost. At the date above mentioned, a council of
Baptist ministers was called to examine Elder Nathaniel
Martin and his church in doctrinal points, who reported
that they were worthy of fellowship ; thenceforth they were
regarded as the regular Baptist church of Massena. There
were 21 members, of which number C. Clark and Earle
Stone were deacons, and Ephraim Hyde church clerk.
Other prominent members were Moses B. Russell, J. B.
Stone, and H. J). Hyde. Rev. E. Goodspeod succeeded as
pastor, and meetings were held in the church at the Centre
and at the school-house near Dr. Paddock's. In the mean
time several societies had been formed in town, with doc-
trines so nearly allied to the regular church that it was
deemed advisable to effect a union upon some basis which
would not compromise the Christian standing of the regular
church. A union was effected February 22, 1850, and
the articles of faith and church covenant of the St. Law-
rence association were adopted. Thirty-six names were
appended to this agreement, and on the 8th of March
Earle Stone and Peter Ormsby were chosen deacons, and
J. B. Stone clerk. Services were now alternately held at
the village and Massena Centre, being essentially one church
with two places of worship. This practice yet prevails,
with some modifications.
The present village church edifice was erected in 1859,
the corner-stone having been laid June 23, 1859. It con-
tains the names of the then pastor, J. H. Walden ; Deacons
Stone, Ormsby, Ru.s)3ell, Clark, Squire; Clerk, R. J. Horton ;
Trustees, Hiram Fish, Moses Russell, Allen W. Russell,
Peter Ormsby, Stephen R. Squire, William S. P. Garvin,
R. J. Horton, J. E. Clary, and J. E. Orvis ; and also the
names of more than 150 members. The house was opened
for services in 1860. It is a substantial brick, tastily fin-
ished. Id 1875 a parsonage was built, the one at the Cen-
tre meanwhile having been sold, which with the church
adjoining is worth §10,000.
The entire membership of the church is 147, which is
under the pastoral care of Elder J. T. Seeley. The present
trustees are S. R. Squire, L. F. Baker, J. C. Stone, Her-
bert Robinson, E. W. Kinney, and David Hennegan.
A Sjbbath-school is under the patronage of the church
having a membership of seventy. W. H. Cubley is the
superintendent, and Miss Hattie A. Seeley secretary.
ST. John's episcopal church op massena.
Occasional services were held by visiting Episcopal clergy-
men many years ago, but it was not until June 21, 1868,
that an effort was made to establish the work of the church.
At that date Rev. J. F. Winkley, of Norfolk, commenced
regular services in the town-hall, and there the first com-
munion was held, Mrs. Joseph Harrison and Miss Eliza A.
Taylor being the only communicants. The members were
organized into a parish Sept. 13, 1869, as the Church of
the Great Shepherd, Harvey H. Chittenden and Henry
F. Clark being elected wardens ; George A. Snaith, H. F.
Crook, J. E. Clary, J. 0. Bridges, Joseph Harrison, and
William N. Gibson, vestrymen. The certificate of incor-
poration was recorded Sept. 15, 1869. On the 21st of
the same month Rev. John F. Winklev was chosen rector.
and about a year later the parish was admitted into the
diocese of Albany.
Sept. 28, 1871, the name of the corporation was changed
to ■' The Wardens and Ve.strymen of St. John's Church of
Massena," Rev. E.G. Prout being the rector. During his con-
nection the old Methodist chapel was purchased by the parish,
and has since been used for services. On the 1st of August,
1874, Rev. Joshua N. T. Goss .succeeded to the rectorship,
and still serves the parish. Under his ministrations the com-
municants have been increased to seventy, and the parish
extended to Barnhart's island, Helena, Hogansburg, and
Long Saut island, having communicants at each place.
Steps have been taken to erect a handsome chapel at the
village in 1878, at a probable cost of $6000 ; the movement
which led to this purpose having been inaugurated by the
Cliildren's Aid society.
The present official members of the parish are : Wardens,
H. T. Clark and H. H. Chittenden ; Vestrymen, J. 0.
Bridges, G. A. Snaith, H. F. Crooks, J. E. Clary, G. W.
Bayley, and L. Fowler.
The Rector's Ladies Aid association was organized
June 6, 1875, with Mrs. Wm. M. Bayley, president; Mrs.
Mattoon Smith, vice-president ; Mrs. J. N. T. Goss, secre-
tary ; and Mrs. H. B. White, treasurer. It is an active
working body, having twenty members and maintaining
regular meetings.
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF MASSENA.
Here, as well as elsewhere, the Slethodists were among the
first to occupy the country. Missionary servic&s were held in
many pioneer homes and humble school-houses at an early
day, and classes were formed at the village and at Raquette
river. In 1843 these formed a part of the Louisville and
Massena circuit, which then had eighty members, and was
served by Rev. Isaac Puffer. Five years later, while Rev. I.
L. Hunt was the elder of the then constituted district, Mas-
sena became a separate circuit, the class at the village having
34 members and the one at Raquette 23. Rev. E. Pease
was the pastor in charge. From this time the existence of
the work became well defined, embracing as its general in-
terests the two classes mentioned ; and these yet form the
principal charges of the circuit. The first quarterly meet-
ing was held at Raquette, Oct. 14, 1848, when an official
board was constituted of J. Payne, B. Payne, C. Cooper,
Wm. M. Bayley, Ethan Allen, John Magowan, John Dar-
ling, John Wilson, Lemuel Southworth, and Alfred R.
Colburn. The meetings at the village at this time were
held in a very small building, but a brick chapel was com-
menced in 1848, and completed in 1849, which was used
twenty years, and then sold to the Episcopal society.
The increased membership necessitated a larger house,
and in 1809 the present commodious edifice was erected, —
a brick structure, 40 by 60 feet, with a basement and tower
containing a fine bell and a first-rate clock. Including the
parsonage, the church property is estimated worth $14,000. .
This society and the one at Raquette have 225 members, f
and Rev. E. E. Kellogg as pastor. The present trustees
are H. S. Tilden, J. L. Hyde, John Magowan, Levi Payne,
John M. Kinney, Wm. M. Bayley, S. M. Benson, and A.
L. GaLrnon.
f?s?^
Hii?AM Fish
Mrs. Martha M.Fish.
^^s^SESs^gf^^ss^rs^^^ss
BP53^ss^-o'*^'K^«=*v^*^^^At^i^.'^'^^ <4*-^i;^yu^i^^y ^ jj^ >«rWi. ij',»^^^_^
ffES. or HIRAM FISH, M/^sseha.St.Lawrenoe County, N.Y.
Dan\ll Robinson.
H.N, ROB/NSON.
RESIDENCE or H.N ffOB/NSON, MAS5CW Sr LAWRfUCl CO N Y
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
409
A Sunday-school of 130 members, having Ivan Burney
superintendent, is connected with the church at the village.
THE SECOND CONOREGATIONAL CHURCH
of Massena was formed in the village Sept. 4, 1834, of
33 members. It was then, as now, under the pastoral cure
of clergymen serving this and the First Congregational
church. The first meetings were held in the school-house
and other places, but in 1844 a commodious brick church
was completed, in which worship has since been maintained.
In 1868 this house was thoroughly repaired, at a cost of
$2000, and it now presents a neat and attractive appear-
ance. A parsonage, costing $3000, was erected in 1874,
making the aggregate value of the church property about
$8000. The membership of the church has been reduced
by death and removals to about 60, over which Rev. Olney
Place presides as pastor. The Sunday-school is superin-
tended by J. A. Haig.
On Oct. 15, 1844, the "Second Congregational society"
was incorporated, with Silas Joy, William S. Paddock,
Samuel Tracy, Benjamin Phillips, Robert Button, John B.
Judd, and J. B. Andrews, trustees. The society has en-
joyed a successful existence, and is at present officered by
H. S. Ransom, H. Andrews, L. C. Howard, William
Alden, Henry Nightingale, trustees ; and J. H. Grinnell,
clerk.
ST. Peter's roman catholic church
•was formed, in 1838, by Father John McNulty, of twenty
families. The same year a frame house of worship was
erected a little north of the village, and the business inter-
ests of the church were represented by John Flaherty, Wm.
Quinn, and Dennis McCarthy, trustees. The building was
subsequently enlarged to 24 by 48 feet, and the member-
ship had a flattering increase under the spiritual tutelage
of Father James Keveny. A cemetery of two acres was
inaugurated in connection with the church, and is still used.
In 1873, measures were taken to erect a new church,
and Thomas Flaheity, Joseph Patterson, and James Fox
were appointed a committee, under whose direction the work
was begun. An acre of ground was purchased near Massena
Springs, and the foundation laid that year. The house was
completed by an official board composed of Bishop E. P.
Wadhams, Vicar-Gen. James Mackey, Rev. J. J. Brennan,
Jere. O'Niel, and Dennis Farrell. It is a handsome brick,
46 by 90 feet, and 25 feet high, and was dedicated, July
27, 1875, as the " Church of the Sacred Heart." There
are 400 communicants, under the spiritual direction of
Father J. J. Brennan.
THE christian ADVENT CHURCH OF MASSENA.
The seeds of this faith were sown in Massena, in 1843,
by missionaries who proclaimed the second coming of Christ
with such zeal that many favored the doctrine. The marked
preaching of Elder S. J. Mathewson, about 1868, resulted
in the conversion of thirty persons, who were formed into
a church with the above name, and Royal Policy and James
' Danforth chosen deacons. Services were now held period-
ically at Massena Centre by evangelists, and in April, 1871,
Rev. Cornelius Pike was called as pastor, which relation is
yet maintained. As most of the members lived nearer the
52
village, it was decided to erect a church at that place, and,
on Nov. 14, 1874, a very tasty chapel, costing $3600, was
dedicated, free of debt, by Elder J. Couch. A year later,
a good parsonage was built on the same lot, for $1400.
The membership of the church has increased to 60, and a
Sabbath-school, having J. CUne as .superintendeut, is main-
tained. The official board is composed of W. H. H. Jones,
Holland Smith, and Gardner Earl, trustees; and Royal
Polley and Franklin Atwood, deacons.
THE WAR OP 1812.
Although living upon the Canadian border, the people
of Massena were not often subject to hostile incursions from
the enemy's countiy ; on the contrary, though nominally at
war, the friendly intercourse between the people living on
the river was continued, and the neighborly offices were
exercised as before ; and thus were relieved many privations
which are inseparably connected with war. Yet this sec-
tion was not without its episodes, brought on by the struggle,
and the following incidents, related by Dr. Hough, are
worthy a place in the history of the town :
"Early in the summer, 1812, an American Durham
boat, on its way up from Montreal, was stopped at Mille
Roche, a corporal's guard was put on board, and it was
ordered to Cornwall. The militia officer (Mr. Grant), being
somewhat a stranger to the river and its channels, gave up
to the captain and crew of the boat its management, and
the latter in running it down steered across the foot of
Barnhart's island, and before the guard on board had time
to realize their situation, they were moored to the shore
and taken prisoners by the inhabitants, who, seeing the boat
approaching and comprehending the movement, had seized
their arms and rushed to the water's edge to await them.
The boat's crew had, moreover, carelessly spattered water
upon the guns of the guards, rendering them entirely use-
less. A militia training was then in progress at Massena
village, and thither a messenger was dispatched for help,
but before they could arrive the boat and the guard had
been secured, and the latter were on their march to the
village as prisoners. Their leader thenceforth bore the title
of ' Commodore Grant,' and the thing was looked upon as
a good Yankee trick. The boat was never recovered by the
British, but the guard, having been handsomely treated,
were dismissed on parole.
" During the same summer the inhabitants of Massena
village, by voluntary labor, undertook to inclose a portion
of their premises with a stockade. This was built of timber
set into the ground, with two sides hewed to make the joints
somewhat perfect, and the tops cut off about twelve feet
from the ground and sharpened. A difference of opinion
having arisen in relation to where the line of pickets
should run, and what premises should be included, the work
was abandoned, and of course never afforded any protection,
if indeed any was in reality required. Quite an amount of
labor was expended on this work. During the months of
July and August of the same year a barrack was erected at
Massena Centre, north of Grasse river, at the expense of
the government, under the direction of Lieutenant Emerson.
It was a frame building, about one hundred feet in length,
pnd occupied by militia of the county, under the command
410
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOllK.
of Colonel Faneher, of Madrid, for about three months.
The numbers posted here were about 200 or 250. At the
expiration of this period a part of these returned home
and a part repaired to Ogdensburg.
"In September, 1813, a company of some 300 provincial
militia of the county of Stormont. in Canada, and under
Major Joseph Anderson, crossed the St. Lawrence in the
night, burned the barrack, and took several prisoners, who
were subsequently released. A building which had been
used as a store-house for provisions, etc., was spared, on the
representation that it was private property. They also de-
stroyed several Durham boats that had been sunk in the
river, and which were partly exposed by the low water.
This party crossed at the foot of Barnhart's island, and re-
turned by way of Grasse river, up which the boats that had
brought them over had been sent to meet tliem."
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HIRAM FISH
was born in Ira, Rutland Co., Vt., Sept. 3, 1805. His
parents. Preserved and Abigail Fish, were natives of Mas-
sachusetts. They were farmers in good circumstances, and
extensively and favorably known. The elder Fish was not
only a thrifty and successful farmer, but largely identified
with the political history of his county and district. He
filled the ofiioes of selectman, magistrate, and assemblyman,
and that he was very popular and discharged the duties im-
posed upon him to the entire satisfaction of his constituents,
is evident from the fact that he was member of assembly
seventeen years, magistrate twenty-one years, and selectman
for the same time. He was blessed with a flmily of twelve
children, eleven boys and one girl. Hiram was the eighth
child, and remained with his father until he attained his
majority, when he was engaged by a paper company, in
whose employ he remained one year. At the expiration of
that time he purchased a farm which he carried on with
profit for three years. His next venture was the purchase
of a hotel ; but the business not proving congenial to his
tastes, he sold it and came to Massena and purchased the
farm where he now resides, a view of which, in connection
with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in another
part of this volume.
Mr. Fish is now living, at the advanced age of seventy-
two, and still retains much of his former energy and vigor.
He has been successful in all his operations, and has secured
a well-earned competency. He was instrumental in the
organization of the Farmers' National Bank of Malone,
and is at present one of its principal stockholders. In all
matters devoted to the interests of his town, Mr. Fish has
taken an active interest. He is a consistent member of the
Baptist church of Massena, and contributed liberally to-
wards the construction of the present church edifice.
In 1827, Mr. Fish was married to Miss Maria Newton,
of his native town. She died in 1831. He then married
Minerva Chapman, by whom he had three children, two of
whom died in infancy ; the third, Marcus, grew to man-
hood, and at his death, which occurred in 1876. ho was
deacon in the Baptist church. In December, 1846, he
was again married to Miss Martha M., daughter of Jesse
D. and Betsey (Bradley) Rice, of Franklin Co., N. Y.
Mr. Rice was a native of New Hampshire, and one of the
prominent farmers of the town of Dickinson, Franklin Co.
By his last marriage BIr. Fish has had four children
George P., Betsey N., Hiram R., and Jessie M. Fish.
HORATIO N. ROBINSON.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Massena, April 17, 1806. He is the eldest son in the
family of Daniel and Esther (Kilborn) Robinson, which
consisted of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity.
The elder Robinson was a natiye of Barry, Berkshire
Co., Mass., where he was born in 1774. In 1799 he was
married, and in 1802 emigrated to the town of Massena
and purchased three hundred and fifty acres of land, to
whicih he afterwards added seven hundred acres. Mr.
Robinson was an energetic farmer, and one of the valuable
citizens of the town ; he died in July, 1855, preceded by
his worthy wife, who died in 1828. She was born at Bel-
lows Falls, N. H. Horatio has always resided upon the
old farm. In 1837 he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary M., daughter of Ira and Chloe Goodrich. They came
into the town in 1825, from Sutton, Caledonia Co., Vt.
Mr. Goodrich was an able man, and extensively identified
with the politics of his native State ; he was a member of
the Vermont legislature in 1822 and 1825, and was an
officer in the war of 1812. He was supervisor of the town
of Massena for five or six years ; he died in Massena in
1871. We present in another part of the work the por-
traits of Mr. Daniel and Horatio N. Robinson, in connection
with a view of the farm.
LUTHER H. ROBINSON.
The subject of this sketch was the second son in the
family of Daniel and Esther Robinson, one of the old and
prominent pioneer families of the town of Massena. He
was born on the old homestead, December 19, 1808. His
early life was spent upon his father's farm, receiving as
good an education as the district schools of that day af-
forded. His father was a very energetic man, and taught
his boys those lessons of industry, integrity, and economy
which have been instrumental in giving them the honor-
able positions they enjoy in their social and business re-
lations. When twenty-nine years of age his father deeded
him one hundred acres of land where he now lives. It has
never been the desire of Mr. Robinson to attain anything
more than a reputation of being an honest farmer and a
reputable citizen. He' has been reasonably successful in
his business, and is enjoying a competency, the result of a
long life of industry, economy, and honorable dealing. In
December, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Lu-
cinda M., daughter of Sparrahawk and Perca Burpee, living
at the time in Massena, but originally from Essex Co., N. Y.
rx/R V/EW" THE ffESIDENCE 5? 4. J. BARNHART, BARNHARTS ISLAND, STLAWRENCECOM
BAENHAKT
This beautiful island lies near the head of St. Francis lake, very near
the Canadian shore, and much of it north of the 45° of north latitude.
From its situation it was regarded as English soil, and its inhabitants were
treated as British subjects until after the treaty of Ghent, when the island
was assigned to the United States as an offset for the half of Grand
island, at the outlet of Lake Ontario, which in justice would have been
divided. It is about three miles long, with an irregular shape and width,
containing about two thousand acres, and was named after George Barn-
lisrt, of Cornwall, Canada, who, in 1795, leased it for nine hundred and
ninety-nine years of the St. Regis Indians, at a rental of thirty dollars
per year. Ten years later the Indians became dissatisfied, and insisted
upon a renewal of the lease at an increased rent. Accordingly, a per-
petual lease was secured for a consideration of sixty dollars yearly. It
was customary for the British government to grant patents upon the issue
of similar leases, and it would doubtless have done so in this instance if
proper application had been made.
In 1804, George Barnhart, Jr., o, son of the lessee, came as the first
eettler, and was shortly afterwards followed by his brothers, John and
Ueorge, and other settlers, who at once began improving the island. In
1806, George and Jaoob Barnhart erected a saw-mill on the north shore,
wnere the channel of the river was narrow, and a few years later a grist-
ffliU and a woolen-fa«tory at the same point. These were largely patron-
«ed, being the first mills in that section of Canada, and the islanders
were in a prosperous condition. The settlers at this time held their
Ittds by deeds granted by Barnhart.
1823 this island, in common with others in the St. Lawrence, was
purohased of the State by David A. and Gouverneur Ogden, upon their
Mpresentation that it was ujioccupied. Having obtained possession of the
itle, they gave the settlers Iftie alternative of leaving or suffering an eject-
"S ISLAND.
ment. As they did not comply with the terms, the State ejected them
and in 1849 they applied to the legislature for redress. An act of that
body, passed April 10, 1850, commissioned Bishop Perkins, George Red-
ington, and John Tine to examine these claims, who awarded the peti-
tioners $6597, distributed among the following claimants : George Barn-
hart, $1475 ; Jacob Barnhart, $3284 ; George Robertson, $1127; George
GoUinger, $402; and George Snetzmyer, $309. These amounts being
deemed inadequate for the damages sustained, a further remuneration was
asked, and was granted several years later.
A career of prosperity again returned, and the improvement of the
island went on apace. The soil is very fertile, affording comfortable
homes for the twenty familes composing the inhabitants.
In 1832 the mills erected by the Barnharts were swept away by an ice
freshet, whose peculiar action at this point is explained in the history of
the town. The saw-mill was rebuilt, but was again destroyed about 1850.
In 1830, Seth Fenton opened a store on the island, which he continued
several years. Others in trade were E. Miner, George W. Campbell, and
James Averell. The building is at present a farm-house. In 1846, A. J.
Barnhart opened u. store on the east end of the island, which he still
continues.
About 1816 the Barnhart brothers erected a two-story edifice in the
northern part of the island, which was designed for a school-room and an
Episcopal ohapel, and is still used for these purposes. Church services
were held by visiting oleigymen, without an organization, until April 12,
1876, when The All Sainle' Miation was formed, cenneoted with the diooese
of Albany. There are thirty-five communicants, served by Rev. Goss,
Rector of St. John's church, Massena. The vestry are Daniel Barn-
hart, senior warden ; W. D. Sheldon, junior warden and clerk ; James D.
Bsirnhart, vestryman and treasurer.
Asaph J.Barnhart.
VfM. G. Bapnhart, Sen.
WM.Gr.BARNHART.
fARS.WM.&.BAKNHART.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
411
Mr. Burpee was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was
engaged in the battle of Plattsburg. He was a gentleman
in all that the name implies, and highly esteemed by all
who knew him for his integrity and moral worth. He
died in Massena, in June, 1854. Mr. Robinson is now
living in the home of his father, at the scriptural age of
threescore and ten, having been identified with the interests
of the town for more than an average lifetime.
THE BARNHART FAMILY.
The noted family of whom we write is one of the oldest
and most honorable in the county of St. Lawrence. From
father to son, for four generations, its whole record has been
marked by zeal, energy, and unbounded hospitality. The
doors of the paternal mansion on Barnhart island have for
more than threescore years and ten swung wide to troops
of friends, who have ever found beneath its sheltering roof
the most generous entertainment and welcome ; and when
the messenger of the dark and shadowy wing has brooded
over its halls, these friends have testified, by their presence
and sympathy, how strong an abiding place these old-time
companions and hosts have found in the hearts of the
people.
The family is of German extraction, an ancestor having
emigrated from the fatherland some years previous to the
American Revolution, and settled on the banks of the Del-
aware, where George Barnhart, the grandfather of the im-
mediate subjects of this sketch, was born. But little is
known of the early history of George Barnhart, save that
he was a man of worth and ability. About the year 1780
he removed with his family to Cornwall, Canada, where he
lived until his death, which occurred in 1811. He was a
farmer by occupation, and with a keen appreciation of the
beauty and fertility of the island which now bears his
name, and foreseeing its future value, he secured a per-
petual lease of the same from the St. Regis tribe of Indians,
who then claimed it. The history of this transaction, and
the suKsequent action of the government concerning it, is
given in the history of the town of Massena.
William George Barnhart, Sr., son of the last
named, was born in Cornwall, in 1780, and was a man of
great energy, keen foresight, and excellent business tact,
and was, per consequence, a successful farmer.
Previous to coming to the island in 1804, he married
Miss Mary Gray, of Salem, N. Y., by whom ten children
were born to him, seven of whom survived him, his death
occurring on the island, in the old homestead, in 1870,
when he had entered the last decade of a century from
the date of his birth. In 1804 he came to the island as
the first white settler, and began its permanent improve-
ment, erecting flouring-, saw-, and woolen-mills upon the
north part of the same. At this time the island was a
wilderness, and these mills were the only ones of the kind
in all that section of the country.* They were destroyed
by an ice-freshet in 1832. Soon after he came, his brothers,
* Jehiel Hawley, of Millo Roche, built a nail-faotory in 1826.
Jacob and John, came also to the island, and with him
devoted themselves to its improvement. In 1811, on the
death of their father, the sons inherited the lease of the
island ; but on the action of the Ogdens in securing the
title to the island, as detailed in the town history of Mas-
sena, rather than repurchase his own rights, John trans-
ferred his interest in the island to his brothers, and retired
therefrom, locating in Toronto, where he became one of
the prominent men of that city, and where he died. Jacob
and George repurchased the island, and, with the exception
of one hundred and fifty acres, it is at the present time en-
tirely owned by this family. Jacob resided upon the island
until his death, leaving a large family, many of his de-
scendants being still located thereon. The brothers built,
in 1816, an elegant building for church and school pur-
poses, which is still standing, and is used for the same pur-
poses; the Episcopal society of the island, of which this
family has ever been devoted members, holding its services
therein.
Asaph J. Barnhart, the fourth child of Wm. G. Barn-
hart, Sr., was born on the island, Oct. 12, 1812, and passed
his boyhood days thereon till the age of sixteen years,
when he left home and engaged as a clerk, which position
he filled until 1846, when he entered business on his own
responsibility. In 1846 he married Miss Catherine, daugh-
ter of Austin and Sophia (French) Shearer, by whom he
has three children, Mary, Catherine, and Francis A. Mrs.
Barnhart died in 1863, and in 1865 Mr. Barnhart again
married, his present wife being formerly Marcia M. King,
of Nashua, N. H., and a niece of the Governors Washburn,
of Maine and Wisconsin, and the other noted statesmen of
that name in the Union.
Mr. Barnhart is a gentleman of good native abilities, is
finely cultured, and has gained an enviable experience by
extensive travel ; which, together with his genial nature and
lavish hospitality, makes him a most entertaining compan-
ion and excellent neighbor.
William George Barnhart, Jr., was born on the
island, April, 1809, where his youth -was passed. At twenty
years of age he entered the mercantile trade, to which he
added subsequently the business of contractor and farmer.
In 1850, and four following years, he prosecuted successfully
the claims of the family for compensation for the rights of
which they had been despoiled by the conveyance of the
island to the Ogdens, spending five or more winters in Al-
bany in so doing. He was one of the prominent farmers
of the county, and carried off the highest pi'emium awarded
to farmers at the county agricultural society for several
years. He was president of that society for several terms.
He was a devoted member of the Episcopal church, and
died in that communion in 1872, leaving four sons and one
daughter, of a family of seven children born to him, viz.,
James 0. and Samuel L., now in possession of the old farm,
William N., Harvey P., and Adelaide 0., now Mrs. H. D.
Thatcher, of Potsdam.
Two other sons of William George Barnhart, Sr., David
and Daniel, still reside on the island.
B K A S H E R.
Brasher embraces the greater portion of the original
townships of Grange and Crumack, and was erected, from
Massena April 21, 1825. Its bounds were enlarged, April
11, 1827, by the addition of the northern part of township
No. 16, but which was again set oif in 1828, when the
town of Lawrence was formed, leaving its area 54,026
acres. The act of erection provided for the pro rata di-
vision of the poor moneys, and fixed the time and place
for holding the first town-meeting. It was the intention
of the petitioners that the town should bear the name of
Helena, and as such the assembly reported the bill ; but
the senate altered it and bestowed the name of Brasher, in
honor of Philip Brasher, of Brooklyn, a large land-holder
in the town, and who had been a member of the legis-
lature several years previous to the passage of the bill. In
the division of land among the original proprietors this
town was divided into three portions, running north and
south. The eastern part, containing 12,235 acres, was con-
veyed by McCormick to Samuel Ward, Dec. 15, 1794, and
passed thence to Samuel Havens, of Dedham, Mass., Dec.
6, 1806. In 1834 the tract was surveyed into 33 lots, and
sold, Aug. 10, 1842, to T. P. Chandler, of Boston. It
was densely timbered, and but a limited portion has yet
been brought under cultivation. The middle tract was
conveyed to Joseph Pitoairn by McCorniick, by a deed
dated July 6, 1818, who took immediate steps to settle it;
and on this tract the first improvements were made, although
it was then supposed to be on the Haven tract. The west
third was confirmed by McCormick, Constable, and Ma-
comb to Harrison and others in a partition executed Jan.
19, 1801. It ultimately became the property of Thomas
Marston, and later, by inheritance and purchase, of Philip
Brasher, Mr. Marston's son-in-law. The latter had ac-
quired his title from G. V. Ludlow, master in chancery,
March 18, 1809, the tract thus conveyed having been set
off to Jonathan Dayton, July, 1801, in a division among
Dayton, Gilchrist, and Fowler.
The surface of the town is level, and in many places
swampy, and was originally well timbered with pine, cedar,
maple, beech, elm, and other woods, which were for many
years the principal source of revenue of the settlers ; and
the lumber products of the town yet form an item of con-
siderable importance, probably one-fourth of the area re-
maining uncleared. The annual forest fires have greatly
diminished the value of timber property, thousands of acres
having by this means been rendered almost worthless, and
farm-property in their vicinity has .often been endangered
and destroyed. The soil of the town is a sandy loam, va-
rying in localities from a stiff clay to a light sand, and dif-
fers greatly in fertility. Although producing the cereals, it
412
is better adapted to grazing, and dairying is the chief occu-
pation of its inhabitants, who numbered 3485 in 1875.
Brasher is well watered by the Deer and St. Regis rivers,
which enter the town from the south and flow through it
in a general northerly direction until the latter stream re-
ceives the waters of the Deer, when it takes a northeasterly
course. Both afford water-power and give the contiguous
country good drainage. There are also a number of brooks.
Squeak, in the northern part of the town, flowing north
and emptying into the Raquette river, in Massena, being a
fair-sized stream.
A saw-mill, erected on Deer river, a short distance above
the iron-works, by G. B. R. Gove, in 1815, was the first
improvement in town ; and on the 17th of March, 1817,
the first settlement was made near Helena village by a com-
pany of men brought on by the proprietor of that tract,
MoCormiok, through his agent, Russell Atwater, of the town
of Norfolk. The accessions were slow, and in May, 1819,
when Benjamin Nevin came to the town, con.sisted of the
following, who were regarded as permanent settlers : Wil-
liam Johnson, Amos Eldridge, Jeremiah Sohoffs, Enoch
Hall, Francis Brown, and Francis Nevin, most of whom
resided in the vicinity of Helena ; and then were made
the beginnings which characterize every new country. At
this place, too, was born the first child, a son in the Schoffs
fiimily, Nov. 11, 1818, who was named in honor of the
proprietor, Joseph Pitcairn, and who is yet a resident of
the town. The first wedding, it is said, was that of Henry
Evans and Sophia Hilliard, several years later. Robert
Means was the first blacksmith, James Nicholson the first
miller, and James Piatt the first carpenter. The first
sermon was preached by Squire Chase, a Methodist mis-
sionary.
After Mr. Pitcairn's purchase a number of settlers came
on, whose names will be given in connection with the vil-
lages near which they resided, and the people soon required a
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
Agreeably to the act of organization, the first town-meet-
ing was held at the house of Benjamin Nevin, June 6,
1825, when the following officers were chosen :
Benjamin Nevin, supervisor ; Daniel McMurphy, town
clerk; William Stowell, Jehiel Stevens, and Benjamin
Watts, a.ssessors; John Burrows, David Richardson, and
Peter Corbin, commissioners of highways ; Benjamin Watts,
constable and collector ; Francis Nevin and David Richard-
son, overseers of the poor; Luman Kibbe, Jehiel Stevens,
and Francis Nevin, commissioners of common schools;
David McMurphy, Benjamin Nevin, and William Stowell,
inspectors of schools.
t?ES. OF MAHALON LOWELL, Br/^sher. rAits.H.Y.
w
Res. OF J. F.ST/^FFORD,Brasher.STLawrenceCo.,N.Y.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
413
The supervisors since the town was formed have been :
1825.
Benjamin Nevin.
1852-53.
Hannibal Andrews.
1826-28.
Jehicl Stevens.
,1854-55.
Oren Partridge.
1829.
B. Nevin.
1856-58.
Horace Houghton.
1830.
J. Stevens.
1859-60.
C. T. Hulburd.
1831-33.
Benjamin Nevin.
1861.
Joseph A. Jacobs.
1834.
Johiel Stevens.
1862-64.
David Nevin.
1835-36.
David Biohardson.
1865-66.
Jehiel Stevens.
1837-38.
Nicholas Watts.
1867-68.
Barnaby Lantry.
1839-41.
Jehiel Stevens.
1869.
C. T. Ilulburd.
1842-43.
John Phelps.
1870-73.
Barnaby Lantry.
1844-47
Joseph A. Jacobs.
1874-77.
George Kingston.
1S48-49
John Phelps.
William
H. Co.x, town clerk in
1850-51
James H. Morse.
1877.
In October, 1860, the town was divided into two election
districts, and the places of holding elections fixed at Helena
and Brasher Falls.
A special meeting was held May 19, 1846, to determine
whether the sale of spirituous liquors should be licensed ;
75 voted no license, and 60 for license. April 27, 1847,
the matter was again submitted to the electors, when out
of a vote of 155 a majority of 9 decided in favor of no
license. At present (1877), the excise commissioners of
the town grant license.
A special war-meeting was held at Brasher Falls, Aug.
30, 1862, to consider the military situation of the country
and to take action to raise the required quota of volunteers.
David Nevin, 0. D. Edgerton, Joseph A. Jacobs, Elijah
Wood, C. T. Hulburd, Harrison Lowell, and W^illiam Cur-
tis were appointed a committee to report what action should
be taken, and who advised that a tax of 13500 be levied to
secure volunteers. At another meeting, Dec. 21, 1863, a
committee of twelve reported a measure whereby the super-
visor and town clerk were authorized to issue certificates, to
be countersigned by a justice of the peace, granting $400
to each volunteer, provided that the amount of such orders
do not exceed $16,000. The legislature was petitioned to
authorize the supervisors' of St. Lawrence County to levy
a tax upon the town to defray the issuance of such orders.
Subsequent war-meetings resulted in the adoption of simi-
lar measures.
EOADS, TELEGRAPHS, AND STAGE-LINES.
Owing to the level nature of the country the early roads
of the town were poor, and in some localities almost impass-
able. But measures were taken at the first town-meeting
to improve them. Seven districts were formed, and Enoch
Hall, Henry Hammill, Francis Nevin, Minor Hilyard, John
Keenan, Joseph Macumber, Justin Bell, and William
Arnold were appointed overseers. These districts have
been subdivided, until at present they number forty-eight ;
and although there are more than a hundred miles of roads
in the town, they have been worked into a fair condition.
Liberal appropriations have been made for bridging the
streams of the town, and the structures erected from time
to time, numbering six, more than a hundred feet in length,
are models of strength and beauty. The bridge across the
St. Regis river, at Helena, deserves especial mention. It
IS a wrought-iron King's pattern, with two spans of 142
feet each ; the structure was completed in 1871, at a cost of
$10,875.65, exclusive of commissioners' fees. There are,
also, similar smaller bridees at the Landing: and at the
Iron-Works. The Montreal Telegraph company affords
facilities of that nature at Brasher Falls and at Helena ;
and a stage-line through the principal places communicates
with the railroad at Stockholm depot.
" Some importance was at an early day attached to the
navigation of the St. Regis river, in this town, and a boat
capable of carrying ten barrels of potash was run between
Hogansburg and the Landing, seven miles below Brasher
Falls. The inhabitants of Stockholm and Hopkinton
availed themselves of this communication in reaching mar-
ket. To promote this, an act of March 25, 1828, made it
the ' duty of the assessors of the town of Brasher to desig-
nate in their next assessment all lands lying west of and
within two miles of the St. Regis river, and above the place
usually called the Landing. The board of supervisors were
authorized from this to levy a tax not exceeding twenty
cents on an acre, in addition to the ordinary tax, to be ex-
pended by the road commissioners of the town in improving
the roads through these lands."*
SCHOOLS
were taught in different parts of the town at an early
day, and the support voted was always equal, and in some
cases double, the aid given by the State. In 1877 there
were 19 school buildings in the town, valued at $5418 ; and
the number of children between the ages of five and twenty-
one years was 1411. From this number a daily attend-
ance of 1001 pupils was secured. There were lU male and
25 female teachers employed, and paid $3054.62 ; and the
total expenditures of the year were $3868.96. One of the
most notable schools was that taught in
THE QUAKER SETTLEMENT,
about 1830, and the years following. A plank building
was erected by a number of individuals, who thus secured
its use for religious meetings, in which Lemuel Munson,
Mary Staples, Beriah Ames, Horace Chamberlain, and other
teachers taught a hundred pupils daily ; and the instruction
here received helped to shape the destiny of many of the
citizens of the town.
Settlement at this point was made in 1824, by Peter Cor-
bin, John Phelps, and David Blowers, who came from
G-rand Island, Vermont. A company of Quakers had pur-
chased a tract of land several years previous, with a view of
founding a colony of this faith ; but only a few came on,
and the project was abandoned. To these settlers were soon
added Aaron Chamberlain, E. and U. Pease, Thomas Kin-
ney, Samuel Chambers and his sons, — Charles, James,
George, and Thomas,— Samuel, Thomas, George, and Wil-
liam Kingston, Richard Tyner, Elijah and Abiah AVood,
Asa Tyler, Abel Kelsey, and others. Joseph Merrill having
located here in 1830, opened a small store, which was con-
ducted a short time in connection with an ashery.
A class of Methodists, of which the Chamberlains,
Kingstons, Phelps, Peases, and Chambers were members,
was ort'anized at this point, a parsonage erected, and ser-
vices were held many years in the old plank school-house.
Most of these families have removed, and the work was long
ago abandoned.
* Dr. Hough.
414
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
HELENA.
This pretty hamlet is situated in the northern part of the
town, at the mouth of Deer river, whose descent into the
St. Regis affords a water-power which has been well util-
izsd. The latter stream flows placidly by, forming a beau-
tiful view in connection with the surrounding country,
whose fertility and adaptation for farming purposes is very
seldom surpassed. The place received its name from Helen,
only daughter of Joseph Pitcairn, the proprietor of this
tract of land, whose purpose was to spend his summers in
this locality. With this view, he caused to be erected a
large stone mansion, on the left bank of the St. Regis, over-
looking the settlement which was formed on the right
bank, but domestic affliction in his family prevented him
from carrying his purpose into effect. Under the agency
of Russell Atwater, of Norfolk, Jeremiah Sohoffs, Morris
Gehan, Niel Mclntyre, John Bonar, Robert Means, James
Nicholson, and a few others settled here in March, 1817.
Francis Nevin ca-ue shortly after, and was followed in Blay,
1819, by his brother Benjamin, who succeeded as agent.
The father, John Nevin, and his sons, Holmes and David,
came in 1820. The latter is still a resident of the village.
After several years, the Brown, Wait, and Hall families,
and Amaziah Jacobs, with his son Joseph A., then a lad of
fourteen, from the State of Vermont, came to Helena and
vicinity. Among early settlers were James Piatt, Benjamin
Watts, David McMurphy, the Lantry and the Houghton
families.
In 1817, Joseph Pitcairn caused Mr. Atwater to build a
saw-mill on Deer river, which soon after had a run of stones
added. This was used for grinding purposes until Benja-
min Nevin had built a regular grist-mill. Upon its destruc-
tion by fire, in April, 1828, he immediately rebuilt it, and
it remains to-day, in most respects, as it was erected.
Lantry and Kingston are the present proprietors. An oat-
meal mill was operated several years in connection with the
grist-mill, but was found unprofitable. The saw-mill oper-
ated by A. & John Eldridge is the third which has occu-
pied that site.
A. and L. Burgett had a tannery on the brook, near the
village, which was carried on about thirty years.
A store was opened in 1823 by Stowell & Burrows.
Among other merchants of the place were L. Gory, Joseph
Hall, and S. C. P. Thorndyke. Before these opportunities
to trade were offered, the settlers were accustomed to go to
Cornwall, Canada ; and for a number of years a United
States custom-house was located at Helena, over which the
genial William Wright presided. He was in sympathy
with the toiling settlers, and often winked at the advantao'es
which a trip across the border afforded them.
The only house of entertainment the place has ever had
is the present hotel, changed from a residence about 1840,
by Ezra Ballard.
The post-office was established Feb. 13, 1827, David
McMurphy postmaster. His successors in office have been
B. Nevin, D. Nevin, Hannibal Andrews, Joseph A. Jacobs,
A. Mears, and Wm. H. Hamlin. The mail service is daily
from Stockholm to Hosransbursr.
Dr. M. B. Buck was the only resident physician the
place has ever had.
The first school was taught in a frame house, erected for
this purpose by Joseph Pitcairn in 1826, the teacher being
a Mr. Smith. Jehiel Stevens followed as one of the early
teachers. The present school building was erected in 1853.
In addition to the foregoing, there are three stores and the
usual number of mechanic-shops in the place, which has
nearly two hundred inhabitants.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH
of Helena was organized June 1, 1837, with Benjamin
Nevin, Linus Kibbe, and Grant Johnson trustees. A neat
frame church was built in 1838, and services held by Revs.
Deming, Howe, Jones, and others as stated supplies. The
present board of trustees is composed of David Nevin, Jos.
A. Jacobs, and Linus Kibbe. The hou.«e was renovated
and repaired in 1868, and is worth three thousand dollars.
No regular worship is maintained.
BRASHER CENTRE,
three miles below the falls on St. Regis river, is a small
cluster of mills and houses of those engaged in operating
them. The beginning at this point was made in 1832 by
John Crapser, who built a saw-mill on the east bank of the
river. Among the settlers were the Johnson families,
Jonas Crapser and his son E. S., and Stephen Curtis and
his sons, William, Otis, and Lafayette.
There is a good saw-mill and a starch-factory, having a
capacity of 40,000 bushels of potatoes annually, both owned
by E. S. Crapser. A forge was erected in 1850 by John
Crapser, which, after being operated five years, was discon-
tinued and the building demolished. A short distance
above this place is a complete lumber-manufacturing estab-
lishment, containing shingle-machines, a planer, and a
matcher, operated by Crapser & Wilkinson.
Joseph Hall sold goods at this place about 1837, and
was succeeded in trade by Jonas and Michael Crapser, and,
in 1858, by William Curtis, who closed up the business in
1876.
BRASHER CENTRE LODGE, NO. 640, I. 0. OF G. T.,
was organized June 12, 1868, with twenty-six members.
This was increased to a membership of eighty before the
lodge was discontinued, several years later.
THE NORTH BRASHER M. E. CHURCH
was incorporated in 1848, Downer Wait, G. Carter, Benj.
Bell, Luther Carter, and Thomas Andre trustees. Rev. E.
Arnold was the first pastor. A small church was erected,
west of the Centre, in which services were held, the mem-
bership of the church having been fifteen. The work has
been abandoned.
At the Centre a class of seventy Methodists, worshiping
in the school-house, have services at stated times by the
pastor of the church at Brasher Falls.
BRASHER IRON-WORKS
is a small hamlet, on Deer river, two and a half miles above
Helena. The first beginning here was about the 10th of
September, 1835, by Stillman Fuller, formerly from Fuller-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
415
ville Iron- Works. Mr. Pitcairn had known of the exist-
ence of bog ores in this town, and induced Mr. Fuller to
come and examine the ores and, if practicable, to erect a
furnace. The first contract ran ten years, and allowed Mr.
Fuller the sole right of digging ores on his tract by paying
a tribute of twenty-five cents a ton. The furnace at Nor-
folk had previously been in part supplied from this town,
but the new contract cut them ofi' from all further supplies
from this quarter. A furnace was erected on the left bank
of Deer river, which was thirty-one feet square on the
ground, of the same height ; inside diameter, seven feet ;
lining, sandstone from Potsdam, which was found to an-
swer the purpose of a firestone admirably. It was made a
quarter furnace, and at first fed by a cold blast. It was
got in operation and the first casting of iron made on the
29th of October, 1836. The first blast continued till the
last of January following, without delays or accidents, and
about two hundred and fifty tons were made on the first
trial. At the end of the second blast, in the latter part of
1837, the premises were sold to Isaac W. Skinner, from
Bufialo, and R. W. Bush, of Ogdensburg, under the firm-
name of Skinner & Bush, who continued about three years.
At this time, Wm. H. Alexander, of Syracuse, took the place
of Bush, under the firm-name of Alexander & Skinner, and
the business was thus conducted until 1855, when Mr.
Skinner assumed exclusive control of the works, and directed
their operation until his death in 1874. The furnace was
run exclusively on bog ore, whose yield was about twenty
per cent, of iron of a good quality. At first this was ex-
ported in the pig, but was afterwards manufactured into
stoves, castings, etc., on the premises. Two cupola fur-
naces were erected for remelting the iron for castings, and,
in 1843, a machine-shop was put up for finishing mill-
irons and other articles, which did a large amount of busi-
ness. The furnace was four times burned or seriously
injured by fire, and was fed with charcoal produced near
the place.
" An accident happened at the furnace in September,
1843, which destroyed the building and fatally burned one
of the laborers. This was caused by the blowing up of the
furnace, an accident to which those supplied by loam ore
are more liable than others, and against which nothing but
the greatest care of those having charge can eflfectually
guard. It is caused by the clogging up of the inside, by
which the mass of ore and fuel does not settle down as the
parts below waste away before the blast, thus forming a
cavern of inten.sely glowing heat. When the mass above
becomes detached and falls, the water in the damp ore being
instantly changed to steam, expands with terrific violence,
always throwing out of the furnace whatever it contains,
and usually setting fire to the wood-work on the premises,
and effectually putting a stop to the blast. On the occa-
sion of the blowing up of this furnace in September, 1843,
the liquid iron at the bottom was thrown out by the violence
of the explosion, fatally burning one of the firemen, who
died a few hours after in the greatest agony.
" In 1856 the blast furnace again exploded, fortunately
injuring no one, and as ore had become scarce in the locality,
the smelting of iron from ore was discontinued.
" In 1849 the place was overrun by a very destructive
fire, which spread through the woods from Norfolk across
the towns of Brasher, Bombay, Fort Covington, and West-
ville, taking in its course everything combustible, and kill-
ing most of the standing timber, which still remains, a
dismal monument to its ravages. Many thousands of dol-
lars' worth of pine and other choice timber were destroyed ;
in some places everything valuable of the soil was burned,
fields of grain were overrun, miles of fences swept away,
and many houses and barns burned. The work of destruc-
tion continued several weeks, but was most violent and un-
controllable about from the 15th to the 20th of July. The
efforts of the inhabitants succeeded in some instances in
checking the conflagration, but in other cases human efforts
were unavailing, and the flaming surges swept onward with-
out restraint. The scenery of the burning forests, especially
at night, is said to have been awftilly sublime and impres-
sive."*
In 1856 the place was again visited by a fire, which de-
stroyed property worth $21,000 ; and on the 25th of May,
1857, a forest fire swept over the place, enveloping in the
short space of three hours every building in the place but
three, and caused the destruction of the furnace, shops, and
residences, valued at 152,000. Nothing daunted, Mr.
Skinner began at once to rebuild his works, — and what
remains at present was erected that year, — immediately
giving employment to the workmen, who had been ren-
dered homeless by the fire. For sixteen years he carried
on an extensive business, manufacturing stoves, threshing-
machines, farming implements, and mill machinery. The
shops were idle from 1874 to 1877, when J. F. Skinner
resumed work with eight men, and is engaged in manufac-
turing stoves and farm machinery, using imported iron for
this purpose. Mr. Skinner is a nephew of the late I. W.
Skinner, and came to this place in 1852. The latter had
settled here in 1839, and removed to Ogdensburg in 1849.
He was born Sept. 20, 1793, and was a pioneer manufac-
turer. In Cayuga county he assisted Jethro Wood in
bringing his celebrated cast-steel plow before the public,
and there, in 1821, he sustained the first of nine losses by
fire, any one of which would have discouraged a less per-
sistent man. His death, June 7, 1874, was greatly
mourned by his employees, and those who had formed his
acquaintance.
The saw- and shingle-mill on Deer river, at this place,
was swept away by a flood in 1875.
A store was put up soon after Mr. Skinner's settlement,
which is at present conducted by J. P. Skinner. In con-
nection with it a post-ofiice was established July 14, 1849,
and I. W. Skinner appointed postmaster. The oflSce has
subsequently been in charge of Angus McDonnell and J.
F. Skinner.
A hotel was erected in 1846 by Samuel Fletcher, which
was replaced by the present house in 1857, and is con-
ducted by C. H. Farwell.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Brasher Iron-Works was incorporated March 7, 1859,
with I. W. Skinner, J. F. Skinner, R. W. Thickens, W.
* Dr. Hough.
416
HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
H. HamiltoD, and M. B. Dreene, trustees. Through the
munificence of I. W. Skinner, a neat frame church, costing
11600, was erected the same year, and Rev. E. Briggs
secured as pastor. The membership numbered twenty, and
regular services were maintained, but which have been dis-
continued. . The present trustees are R. W. Smith, M. B.
Dreene, A. C. Bristol, E. G. Holcomb, and J. P. Skinner.
BRASHER PALLS.
This flourisliing village of six hundred inhabitants is
situated on both banks of St. Regis river, about a mile
below the junction of its branches, from which place its
descent is marked by a series of rapids which culminate in
a succession of falls at the village, — whence the name.
The volume of water is large and never-failing, and admits
of repeated use within a short distance. A well-constructed
dam and a series of trunks, or flumes, on both sides of the
stream supplies power, having a level of from eight to
eighteen feet, which gives the place especial facilities as a
manufacturing point; and its proximity to the railroad,
being about a mile from Stockholm depot, gives it easy
access to the market.
The first improvement was made by John Crapser, in
the fall of 1826, who, being attracted by the advantages of
the place, built a dam and saw-mill on the falls, and made
an effort to found a colony. With this view he induced a
number of Hollanders to come on, and provided for their
maintenance by erecting buildings and supplying tools to
carry on their avocation. The newness of the country dis-
couraged them, and nearly all left within a year. But
Crapser remained, operating the mill, and inaugurating
other enterprises, which soon brought in a permanent class
of settlers. Among those who came to this locality at an
early day were William and Joseph Stevens, Orin Patridge,
Joseph Estes, David Blowers, Asa Winters, Ethan John-
son, the Merriam fiimily, Jehiel Stevens, Justin Bell, Sam-
uel Blodgett, Amariah Harrington, and David Richardson.
William Stevens erected a block-house on the road to
Stockholm, which yet remains as the dwelling of 0. Pat-
ridge. The place was originally a pine forest, and its settle-
ment was slow and unremarkable until 1840. The year
before, Calvin T. Hulburd had purchased six hundred acres
of land, including the water-power and the village site,
which he at once began to improve. Mr. Hulburd and his
brother, E. S., came from the town of Stockholm, where
their father settled at an early day, and brought with them
that energy which pioneer life so strongly develops. The
former is still a resident of the village, and although his
usefulness has extended beyond the limits of the town, he
continues to manifest an interest in its affairs.
In 1841 the Hulburds erected a good stone grist-mill
with four run of stones. This, with some modifications, is
the present structure. Above the mill, on the site of the
old saw-mill, a saw- and shingle-mill of large capacity was
erected in 1876 by E. Church. A woolen-factory was
built below the mill in 1845 by Joseph Merrill. It was
subsequently enlarged, and is at present operated by Moses
Rich and J. B. Stafford. There are three hundred and
thirty spindles, and about twenty-five thousand yards of
cloth are produced annually.
Parther down the stream, Davis & Co., from Maine,
established a manufactory of agricultural implements and a
foundry in 1852, which was extensively and successfully
operated for a number of years. In 1873 several of the
shops were destroyed by fire, and liave never been rebuilt.
Dishaw and Kennehan at present use the main shop for
the manufacture of farm implements, and for general
foundry purposes.
In 1857, H. M. Hulburd & Co. erected a potato-starch -
factory, which at present occupies several large buildings,
giving the factoiy a capacity of three hundred bushels per
day.
A fork- and hoe-factory was established on the east side
of the river in 1846 by P. and T. R. Taylor, the business
having been transferred from Bickneilville, to give it better
facilities. The manufacture of these articles was begun at
Parishville in 1831, and increased steadily until, at Bra.sher
Palls, from 20,000 to 30,000 forks, and about 15,000 hoes,
were produced yearly, and shipped to every part of the
country. In 1857 their manufacture was discontinued,
and the shops converted for other purposes. In 1862 a
fire destroyed them, and their site is at present occupied
by Home's furniture-factory and other shops.
In 1867, L. C. Hall erected a pump-factory, whose
yearly products are from 3000 to 5000 pumps ; and a large
shop, built in 1877, by J. Gr. Taylor, is intended for a
novelty-shop. There are also a tannery, with 25 vats,
operated by G. W. Ryan, and the usual complement of
mechanic shops, some of which are supplied with water-
power.
John Crapser was the first to engage in mercantile busi-
ness, about 1828, having only a small stock of goods. In
1834, Joseph Merrill opened a store in a long frame house,
one part of which he occupied as a dwelling. Subse-
quently he kept a store on the east side of the river, and
C. T. Hulburd sold goods on the west side. J. H. Morse
soon followed, and carried on a large trade for a number of
years. Nathaniel Buck and others came soon after, and
H. M. Hulburd has been engaged in business continuously
since 1852. In 1876, E. S. Crap,ser erected a very fine
two-story brick block, which contains three stores. In ad-
dition to these the place has several more stores and shops
devoted to trade, transacting, in the aggregate, considerable
business.
John L. Stevens erected a tavern in 1840, in which for
thirty-five years he presided as host, retiring in 1875.
This house, at present kept by A. Aldrich, is the only
tavern ever kept in the place.
The first to heal the sick was Martin Smith, but he
was no regular practitioner. Dr. Nathan L. Buck located
about 1842 as a regular physician. The profession is at
present represented by Doctors Chaynon, Sprague, and
Hall ; and the law has a representative in L. C. Lang,
former attorneys having been R. A. Wilcox and Gr. A.
Kingston.
The post-ofl5ce was established July 22, 1840, and the
succession of postmasters has been C. J. Hulburd, N. L.
Buck, Jehiel Stevens, A. Newland, T. W. Wells, and H.
Wells, the present incumbent. It is a postal money-order
office, and the amounts drawn are about $550 per week';
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
417
paid, S379. About 100 letters are sent, and an equal
number distributed daily, while the number of papers
received weekly aggregates 400.
THE NORTH AMERICAN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
was organized at Brasher Falls, July 1, 1851. Up to Oct.
1, 1852, it had issued 1386 policies, and had at that time at
risk $897,562.50. It has been closed up for several years.
BRASHER PALLS LODGE OP GOOD TEMPLARS
was organized October, 1872, with 18 members, and Moses
Rich, W. C. T. The membership had been increased to
70, but was diminished, and the lodge discontinued in
1875.
BRASHER FALLS LODGE, NO. 541, P. AND A. M.,
had its dispensation granted in 1863, and was chartered
June 10, 1864, with nine members, with H. F. Taylor,
W. M. ; N. W. Baker, S. W. ; and Chauncey Buck, J. W.
The lodge-room and property, in the Kingston block, were
destroyed by fire in 1876, but a new hall has been secured
in the Crapser building. The membership of the lodge is
70, and H. F. Taylor is W. M. ; W. J. Waugh, S. W. ;
and H. Caple, J. W.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Brasher Falls was organized by Rev. Elijah Wheeler,
at the house of William Stevens, in January, 1827, with
David Richardson class-leader. Among the pioneer mem-
bers were the Stevens, Richardson, and other families, who
maintained worship in school-houses and private residences.
A society was formed April 10, 1848, with David Richard-
son, Heman Holmes, Joseph Estes, Ethan Johnson, and
John S. Hall trustees, and steps taken to erect a church.
In 1851, Rev. Hiram Shepard dedicated the present house,
which was repaired in 1875 at a cost of $1500, and re-
dedicated by Rev. Samuel Call. It is a neat edifice, with
300 sittings, and, with the parsonage, is worth $5000.
The pre.sent trustees are S. B. Herriman, J. P. Stafford,
L. R. Smith, Piatt Palmer, and Henry E. Russell. Rev.
William H. Bury is the pastor, and there are 80 members.
A Sunday-school, maintained by the church, was organ-
ized about 1840, is under the superintendence of the
pastor, and has a membership of 50.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP BRASHER PALLS.
The following sketch of this body is compiled from a
sermon by the pastor, J. Leonard Waugh, A.M. :
" On the 8th day of July, 1844, was organized the first
Presbyterian church of Brasher Falls. The Rev. Mr.
Birge, then preaching for the Congregational church of
East Stockholm, had preached in the school-house for the
year previous. The history of the organization is thus
given in the session book of the church : ' On the 8th of
July, 1844, twenty-four persons, presenting articles of faith
and letters of commendation for their union in a church of
Jesus Christ, were solemnly constituted the first Presbyte-
rian church of Brasher Falls. Deacon Alvin T. Hulburd,
of their number, was elected ruling elder, and accepting the
office was thereupon duly ordained by prayer, with the lay-
ing on of hands. The Rev. B. B. Hotchkin, in behalf of
St. Lawrence presbytery, the Rev. B. B. Culter, of St.
Lawrence consociation, and the Rev. S. S. Howe, of Che-
mung presbytery, wore the ministers who officiated by par-
ticular request on this occasion ; whereupon the church
thus constituted authorized the Rev. B. B. Hotchkin to
communicate this request to St. Lawrence presbytery, and
asked to be taken under its care. The presbytery, at a
special meeting at Helena, Aug. 20, 1844, accordingly re-
ceived the church under their care.'
" The names of the twenty-four original members are as
follows : Calvin T. Hulburd, Mrs. Jane I. Hulburd, E. S.
Hulburd, Mrs. Lorinda Hulburd, Hubbard G. Kelsey, Mrs.
Lucy Kelsey, Wm. B. Hubbard, Mrs. Lucina Hubbard, Syl-
vester Pettibone, Mrs. Eliza Pettibone, Edward Munson,
Mrs. Philomela Stevens, Martin Smith, Sidney K. Smith,
Rodney Smith, Mrs. Julia Kelsey, Hiram Holcomb, Mrs.
Lucinda Holcomb, Anah Dewey, Roderick Soager, William
Hubbard, Nelson T. Hubbard, Stephen Smith, and Mrs.
Harriet E. Smith.
" A meeting of fourteen persons was called Feb. 24,
1845, to form a Presbyterian society. Hiram Holcomb
and Justin Bell were elected trustees for one year, E. S.
Hulburd and Sidney Kelsey for two years, Jehiel Stevens,
Martin Smith, and Elijah Wood for three years. Jehiel
Stevens has continued to hold the office of trustee of this
society, being re-elected at the expiration of every term of
service. At the same meeting the society appointed a
building committee to take into consideration the erection
of a church edifice, and to circulate a subscription in con-
templation of that object. That committee consisted of the
trustees, with Joseph Merrill and C. T. Hulburd added.
" The footing of the subscription paper amounted to
$1995. The seats were afterwards sold, and the proceeds
applied to the building fund. The site was presented to
the society by E. S. Hulburd, and the building begun, and
was dedicated June 9, 1848.
"In May, 1871, the church was closed for repaira, and
work was commenced Jine 1, 1871. About $5000 were
expended in repairs. The form and somewhat of the di-
mensions were changed. The audience-room was erdarged
and entirely refitted, and the comfortable and beautiful
structure was rededioated for God's worship Feb. 14, 1872.
The sermon was by tlie Rev. Andrew M. Millar, of ftlalone.
Remarks were 'also made by Rev. Dr. Miller, of Ogdens-
burg, and by Rev. Dr. Bush, of New York.
" The following have been trustees of the first Presbyte-
rian society of Brasher Falls: Hiram Holcomb, Justin
Bell, Ebenezer S. Hulburd, Sidney Kelsey, Jehiel Stevens,
Elijah Wood, Martin Smith, Joseph Merrill, Stephen
Smith, Thomas W. Wells, J. H. Morse, Ira Bell, N. L.
Buck, Henry M. Hulburd, S. Wilder Davis, Henry F.
Taylor, James G. Taylor. The clerks of the society have
been Calvin T. Hulburd, Hiram Holcomb, and Thomas W
Wells. The clerk of the session has been, since the organi-
zation, C. T. Hulburd."
The Rev. Samuel Storrs Howe was the first pastor, and
had a number of successors in that relation. The present
pastor has occupied the position since July 3, 1873. The
Sabbath-school is under the superintendence of Calviu T.
Hubbard, and has eighty members.
418
inSTOilY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ST. PATRICK S WOMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH,
of Brasher Falls, was organized, with about sixty families,
in 1850, by Father James Keveny. A church was erected
east of the Tillage the same year, having seven hundred
sittings, at a cost of $3000. Father John McDermott had
the first spiritual care of the church, and was followed by
Father Michael Maleny. After an interregnum of six
months, Fathers J. R. Scanlan and Welch succeeded.
Upon the close of the latter's pastorate, Father Haire, sec-
retary of the diocese, ministered to the church until August,
1876, when Father James Smith succeeded to the pastoral
office. The membership of the church is one tliousand,
and the board of trustees is composed of James Smith,
Patrick Murray, and J. Kailer. The cemetery by the
church was formed in 1850, and is under the control of
the trustees. The other cemeteries of the town are in the
care of individuals living in their respective localities.
Besides the churches and religious societies mentioned
in the foregoing pages, the Baptists and the Free-Will
Baptists had formed small societies in Brasher, which were
soon discontinued.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
MRS. HELEN RICH.
The lady whose name appears at the head of tliis article
is the wife of Moses Rich, and has attained to a consider-
able eminence as an authoress and lecturer. The notices of
the press are very flattering in their commendations of her
readings and lectures, which have thus far included the fol-
lowing subjects : " Modern Heroism,'" a poem ; " The
Times," a temperance poem ; " The Wills, Won'ts, and
Can'ts of History," "Home and Temperance,'' "The Tem-
perance Reform," " Our Best Society."
We here append a beautiful poem written by her, as a
good specimen of her abilities in the realm of poesy :
" A DREAM OF THE ADIRONDACKS.
" 0 mystic mountains ! sleeping in the dim
Celestial blue of yonder throbbing haze,
Purpling horizon's cloud-oaressing rina.
Fading to mist before my yearning gaze.
Speak to my spirit of thy beauty wild :
Wiift me the sighs of piney monarchs old ;
Whisper thy legends, never yet defiled
By breath of fashion or debasing gold.
" TeJI me bold deeds of huntsmen, brave and grim ;
Swart Hiawathaa, in the deadly strife
Of love with famine, till my eyelids swim,
And soul stands quivering 'mid the woes of life,
Sick of the shallow nothingness that fills
The idle sails of folly's airy bark,
Pleading for nature, and for truth that thrills
The brain with fire from its immortal spark.
" Chant me, ye breezes, as those torrents hymn
Sublimest praises to the Father there,—
While the rich blossoms fairy lakes shall limn,
Angels may stir with breath of holy prayer.
Waft me the incense hoarded in the cells
Of saintly lilies, as the ' aves' float
From glens responsive to the song that swells
From shining waters, or eomo bird's soft throat.
"Snow-lighted mountains, somewhere in the rifts
Of splintered gorge, or on thy summit calm,
In elfin grotto, boldest thou the gift
Of perfect rest, of sorrow's precious balm ?
Within the silence of thy columned fane,
Deep in thy sylvan solitude, there lies
A charm to bring forgetfulness of pain,
And sleep serene to weary, waiting eyes.
"Where some fierce Titan, smiting from his throne
The sceptered king of all the mountain world,
Crushed in the conflict, maketh saddest moan
Beneath the wreck of granite masses hurled;
Or, poised in heaven, above the eaglet's scream,
To trace the river, faint as silver bars;
Of life beyond to ponder and to dream;
At night to feel the heart-beat of the stars;
" To float on waves as virgin as the rook
Where Alpine flowers bedeck the brow of storm ;
To smile exultingly above the shock
Of thunders terrible, in dusky form ;
To hold high converse with primeval things;
Alone with awful mysteries, to press
The pulse of centuries ; to fold the wings
Of restless thought in Heavenly blissfulness.
"Never to thee, thou white and peerless thing,
Whose golden heart the crystal waters lave.
The hot, fierce breath of monster steam shall bring
Destroying whisper where thy banners wave.
Oh, gorgeous linden ! golden to the tips.
Of leaves that flutter in the azure tide,
No murky shadows on the breast that dips
The cloud with songful joyousness and pride.
" Forever barred, ye flaunting, soulless forms,
Shaming our nature with the sickly growth
Of all that braves the bitter, biting storms
Of Fortune — victims of consuming sloth.
Never the drawling lisp, the brainless speech.
The laugh unmeaning, the envenomed shaft
Of slander to those fair abodes shall reach,
Nor shrewd diplomacy employ his craft.
"Hoar Adirondaeks! sentinels to me,
Guarding the realm of poesy, where lies
The pure, the beautiful, the grandly free !
The slumbering heart of Nature ! prophecies
Of Time's fulfillment of man's broader life,
The unstirred depths of being, love divine
O'ermastering selfishness, and deathful strife,
Mind's own enchanted and enchanting clime.
"Thanks to His power, the weird and dusky fells.
Heights inaccessible, the tangled ivies drape,
Shield the great oracle that yet repels
All that the world's weak vanities would ape —
One sacred shelter from the rushing mart,
One august temple consecrate to Him
Before whose majesty the human heart
Trembles to see earth's pageantry wax dim.
"Within these shades the poet, yet to be.
Some bard, like Avon's swan, divinely taught,
Probing thy secrets, — rook, and shell, and tree, —
All the sweet wisdom science vainly taught,
To his clear vision gloriously revealed.
His harp repeat the melodies that stir
The myriad forms of loveliness that yield
Supreme delight to reverent worshiper.
, "In the far ages hence — the peaceful days
Of men who reach 'the stature like to His,'
And walk secure in. God's illumined ways.
While all love prayed and sighed for surely is —
This our Arcadia, fresh and green as first
In the creation's glad, effulgent morn.
Its crowning peaks in lofty splendor burst,
And all of vast sublimity was born."
MRS MOSES mCH.
MOSES ff/CH.
( PHOTOS. «T N. L. Stoke. Potsdam. )
RESrOENCE OF MOSES RICH, Brasher, New Vork.
LAWRENCE.
This town is the third frem the north of the eastern tier
of towns, and borders on Franklin county. Its name is de-
rived from William Lawrence, of New York city, who, after
a successful career as a merchant and business man in this
and foreign countries, retired from trade and, to relieve the
tedium which attaches to an inactive life, purchased the
unsold portions of the town of Chesterfield. The title is as
follows: The proprietors to Harrison, Jan. 1, 1801, and
from the latter to Lawrence, Feb. 17, 1820. Mr. Lawrence
passed a portion of his time in the summer on his demesne.
He died in New York, in 1824, when his son, D. Lynch
Lawrence, inherited a part of the estate in the town. This
has been sold to actual settlers by his agents.
Until its erection as a separate town, April 21, 1828,
Lawrence formed a part of the towns of Hopkinton and
Brasher.
" The act of organization provided that the poor-moneys
be equitably divided, and a part of the town having been
formerly set oflF from Massena to Brasher without their
knowledge or consent, and without any division of the poor-
fund, it was also made the duty of the supervisors of Law-
rence and Massena to meet and divide this fund in the
same manner, and subject to the same appeal as above
stated."*
The area comprised by this division is 28,479 acres, most
of which is susceptible of cultivation. The surface is level
in the northern part, but is somewhat undulating in the
east and the south, with intermediate low ground. This
was originally covered with dense forests of cedar, beech,
elm, maple, and other woods. The ridges were more lightly
timbered, and were, for that reas-on, selected as the places
for the first settlements. The soil is a sandy loam, more or
less mixed with clay, and in the lower places is a rich allu-
vium, which is especially adapted to grazing. Hence dairy-
ing and stock-raising are among the chief industries, the
conditions for these occupations being rendered especially
favorable by the many springs and brooks which liberally
water the town. Besides these smaller streams, Deer river
flows through the eastern part of the town in a northerly
direction, and the east branch of the St. Regis bounds it
for many miles on the south, both affording water-power,
which has been judiciously employed, and which engages
many of the citizens in manufacturing. Hop-culture also
receives considerable attention, many fine yards and dry-
houses abounding; and the general crops can be profitably
cultivated.
" The first settlement in Lawrence was made by a man
named Brewer, who came, as a sub-agent for the proprietor,
* Dr. Housh,
to show lands to settlers, and located on the farm now owned
by Carlton McEwen, where he erected a shanty in the sum-
mer of 1801 and remaiiied till the summer following, when
he sold out his interest and agency to Samuel Tyler. In
the fall of 1806, Joseph and Samuel Tyler, from Piermont,
N. H., Joseph St. Clair and Avery Sanders, from Middle-
sex, Vt., Ephraim Martin, from Bradford, Vt., and Abijah
Chandler, from Lebanon, N. H., came in and selected farms,
but did not move their families till the next spring. Hav-
ing made a bargain with the agent, Judge Bailey, of Chat-
eaugay, for land, Abijah Chandler and the others above
named moved in to reside, most of them having families.
Mk. Chandler was the first white woman who came into
town. 9^
" These families first came to Uopkinton by sleighs, and
proceeded thence to their destination after the snow had
gone. Most of them settled in the central and northern
parts of the present town, except Mr. Chandler, who settled
a short distance from the present village of Nicholville.
In May, 1807, these families were followed by Ira Allen,
James and Jonathan Pierce, and Sidney Dunton. In June,
Jonathan Stevens, Ambrose Lewis, and families, and Jona-
than Hartwell, without his family, located in town. The
latter moved on in the following spring.
"In July, 1807, Jonathan, Green, and James Saunders,
and D. C. Bastin, and in the same year John Howard,
Asa Griffin, and John Prouty came in. In 1808-9 the
settlement was largely increased from Vermont and New
Hampshire, and continued till the war, when every family
but five are said to have left, and most of them never re-
turned. From this time the settlements languished, and
the pioneers were exposed to unusual hardships from the
difficulty of reclaiming their lands and bringing them under
cultivation. This arose from the very level surface, which,
when covered by forests, was wet and swampy, but which,
now it is cleared up and cultivated, forms one of the finest
and most valuable agricultural districts in the county.
Deer were unusually plenty, and consequently wolves. An
old lady, in relating these hardships, added, that, ' had it
not been for the deer, they must all have starved, as veni-
son was often the only food they had.' "f
The first framed house was built in 1808, by Samuel
Harris, who came the year previous from Middlesex, Vt.
It was constructed of basswood " shakes," so adjusted as to
form a fi-ame. David Harris lives on the homestead where
this was erected.
The first school was taught in 1810, by Miss S. Tyler.
Meetings were held in 1808 by a Quaker from Peru, N. Y.
t Ibid.
420
HISTORY OP ST. LAM^EENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
After the cold season of 1816 the influx of settlers stead-
ily increased, among them being the McEuens, the Mer-
chants, EUithorpes, and many otliers mentioned in con-
nection with the villages of the town.
The population in 1875 was 2641.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
According to the terms of the act organizing Lawrence
from Brasher and Hopkinton, the first town-meeting was
held on the first Monday of March, 1829, at the house of
Carlton McEuen, when the following officers were chosen :
Carlton McEuen, supervisor; Myers G. Peck, town clerk ;
James Trussel, Nathaniel Smith, N. H. Lampson, asses-
sors ; Enos Burt, collector ; James Trussel, Myron G. Peck,
overseers of the poor ; Giles Hart, David S. Murray, John
Ferris, commissioners of highways ; Enos Burt, Warren
Day, constables ; Georpce P. Farrar, Samuel Bent, James
Ferris, commissioners of schools ; Dwight N. Higgins, David
S. Murray, Levi H. Powers, inspectors of schools.
Since the town has been formed the following have been
the supervisors: 1829-32, Carlton McEuen; 1833-34,
George P. Farrar; 1835, Carlton McEuen; 1836, Myron
G. Peck; 1837, Luther Whitney; 1838-39, Walter
Smead ; 1840, no choice ; J. F. Saunders a,nd C. McEuen
each having received 140 votes, the justice appointed the
latter, who declined to serve; and a special meeting was
hold March 30. when J. F. Saunders was chosen ; 1841,
J. F. Saunders; 1842-43, Lucius Hulburd ; 1844, J. F.
Saunders; 1845, Jude Clark ; 1846-48, Carlton McEuen ;
1849-50, Milo L. Burn h am ; 1851, Peabody Newland ;
1852,Noah D.Lawrence; 1853-54, Lyman Day; 1855-56,
Carlton McEuen; 1857-58, John Ferris; 1859-60, Wm.
Romaine; 1861-62, William Fortune; 1863-64, Henry
Stickney; 1865-66, George A. Burt; 1867-70, Tiras H.
Ferris; 1871-74, Rufus S. Palmer; 1875-76, A. E.
McEuen ; 1877, Sumner Sweet.
From the town records we learn that in 1833 fence-
viewers were lo be compensated at the rate of twenty-five
cents a day; this liberal remuneration was reduced to
nothing in 1836.
A special town war-meeting was held Dec. 18, 1863, to
devise means to raise volunteers to fill the president's call
for 300,000 men. 0. P. Shepard, Sumner L. Hazen, and
T. H. Ferris were authorized by n unanimous vote of the
electors assembled to issue certificates of $300 for each
volunteer required ; and the legislature of the State was
petitioned to authorize the supervisors of St. Lawrence
County to assess the town of Lawrence to raise the money
to pay any certificates issued by the committee or their suc-
cessors in oflSce. At subsequent special meetings like
bounties were voted, and the above committee was appointed
to audit expenses.
EOADS, STAGE-ROUTES, AND RAILWAYS.
A few roads had been surveyed and were partially worked
while the town was yet a part of Hopkinton ; and a State
road from Port Kent to Hopkinton, through the southern
part of the town, was located in the spring of 1827, by
John Richards, Ezra Thurber, and Jonah San ford. In
1829, §25,836 was voted by the State to aid in its construc-
tion.- Toll was charged on this road, gates having been put
up, but which were removed as soon as the towns were able
to keep the road in repair. A line of stages was inaugurated
on this road in 1833. Another stage thoroughfare, known
as the Northwest Bay road, also passed through the town.
At the first town-meeting $250 was appropriated to im-
prove the roads, and the town was divided into 7 road dis-
tricts. These have been increased more than fourfold ■
and there are about 90 miles of roads in a fair condition,
and having good bridges where they cross streams. Deer
river is spanned by wrought-iron bridges at Lawrenceville
and North Lawrence, whose combined cost is nearly $4000.
These structures were erected in 1876.
The Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad was com-
pleted through the town in the fall of 1850. The line runs
from east to west 7.70 miles in the town, and the road-bed
is about 330 feet above tide. Tiie grades are easy, and the
road is in good repair. Its completion gave value to the
lands of the town, and aided largely to develop its resources.
By this means a ready market is afforded for the dairy pro-
ducts and live-stock, nearly a hundred car-loads of the latter
being shipped annually from the station at North Lawrence,
where the company has erected a depot 50 by 100 feet, a
small repair-shop, and a wood and water station. Large
quantities of merchandise are discharged as freight, and the
United States and Canada Express Company has an ofiice
at the depot. Telegraphic communication is afforded at all
the villages of the town by the Montreal company.
LIVE-STOCK AND DAIRY INTERESTS.
Lawrence is pre-eminently a dairy town, its lowlands
being more profitable for grazing than for general farming
purposes. There are many private dairies, and the number
of milch cows in 1875 was several thousand. A cheese-
factory is operated at Lawrenceville, and Ellithorpe and
Parks have a large creamery on Deer river,, two and a half
miles east of Nicholville, using the milk of 300 cows.
B. D. Babeock's butter-factory at Nicholville manufactures
35,000 pounds per year.
Attention has been paid to improved live-stock by Wil-
liam Kingston, E. M. Dana, who breeds the Jersey strain,
and by Cyrus Merrill.
EDUCATIONAL.
The town is divided into thirteen school districts, each
having a school-house, eleven being frames and two brick,
and all valued, with their sites, at $6245. Twenty-three
female and six male teachers were employed for the school
year of 1876-77, and paid $2451 .66 ; 670 scliolars attended
the schools. The total expenditures for the year were
$2972.90.
NORTH LAWRENCE.
The first improvement at this point was made by Chauncey
Bristol, who built a small shanty in 1826, and commenced
the erection of a saw-mill, but which was swept away be-
fore it was completed. In 1827, John W. Bean, from
Orange Co., Vt., came on and made the first actual settle-
ment. The place was then an unbroken forest, and was
generally spoken of as a cedar swamp. Bean built the first
frame house, about 1830, near the spot where it yet stands.
WT"
Photu. by Sarony, Niw Yuik.
/^
Cy /¥, (^/^a^^T-r-t^
T. H. FERRIS.
The subject of this sketch was born at Williston,
Chittenden county, Vermont, February 12, 1834. He
removed at an early age to Lawrence, St. Lawrence
County, New York.
He was educated in district and select schools, at
Bakersfield academy, Vermont, and the State normal
school, Albany.
In 1856 he was appointed by the board of super-
visors school commissioner for the third assembly district.
In 1857 he was elected to the same position, resigning
in 1859 to accept the appointment of deputy county
clerk, in which capacity he remained three years.
From 1863 to 1870, he was engaged in mercantile
pursuits at Lawrenoeville. He was for several years
a magistrate of the town of Lawrence and supervisor
of the town during the years 1867 to 1870 inclusive,
and chairman of the St. Lawrence County board twice.
He was executive clerk of the New York State senate
during the years 1868 and 1869.
In the fall of 1870 he was elected county clerk of St.
Lawrence, and re-elected in 1873, serving in that position
for six years.
^i^^iy(^ cAyy^'^U^'^* Jo:^f<:*yi^
WILLIAM S. TAGGAET,
son of Samuel and Ann Taggart, was born in Charlotte,
Chittenden Co., Vt., September 29, 1824. His father,
Samuel H., was born in Antrim Co., Ireland, in December,
17!)4 ; whose father was born in Scotland, and emigrated to
Ireland. William S. Taggart's mother was born in Antrim,
Ireland, June 12, 1800 ; her parents emigrated from Scot-
land to Ireland. Samuel H. Taggart and wife were married
in 1816, and emigrated to America, and settled in Chitten-
don Co., Vt.,in 1819, and conlinued to live there till 1839,
when they removed to St. Lawrence County, and settled in
Lawrence. They reared eleven children, ten of whom
lived to be men and women, and nine are still living. Sam-
uel fl. was a farmer, and reared his family to industry.
At his death he was buried in Hopkinton. The widow is
still living.
William S. Taggart is the iburth of a family of eleven
children. His early advantages for an education were very
limited, indeed, but after he became of age he attended
Franklin academy, at Malone, three summers and taught
school winters. He taught school four winters, and in
1840 went into the mercantile business at Lawrencevilie,
During this time he was in com-
and continued till 1855.
pany with his brother Hugh. In 1855 he began to deal
in general produce and real estate. In 1860, he added to his
business by forming a co-partnership with Jas. Sherar in
the mercantile trade at Nicholville. Continued four years,
and then closed his partnership with Mr. Sherar. He mar-
ried Miss Jenuette M. Lobdell, of Hopkinton, November
28, 186(1. She was born September 18, 1835. Her
parents were from Plattsburg, New York, and settled at
Canton, St. Lawrence County, when Mrs. Taggart was
about nine years old. By this union of Mr. and Mrs.
Taggart, two daughters, Agnes B. and Anna L., have been
born, and are now living with their parents.
Mr. Taggart is a large representative farmer of Lawrence,
having now 641 acres, besides doing an extensive business
in his general produce trade. Mr. Taggart was at first a
Democrat, but upon the organization of the Republican
party he joined it. He has always been deeply interested
in schools, and has done what he could to make our common
schools better. A fine view of his place may be seen opposite,
and portraits of himself and wife above this biography.
HON. 0. F. SHEPARD.
Among the intelligent and representative men of Law-
rence none deserves a better mention upon the pages of our
county history than the subject of this sketch. He is of
English origin ; his ancestors emigrated to America and
settled in Massachusetts prior to the Revolutionary war.
His father, Heman, was a native of New Huntington, Vt.,
and was born Nov. 3, 1789 ; his mother, Lorette Rockwell,
was born in Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt. They were
married about Jan. 1, 1813, and settled at Middletown.
By this union eight children were born, of whom the sub-
ject of this sketch is the eldest. On Nov. 17, 1826, the
family settled in Lawrence. Heman Shepard was a farmer,
and reared his children to industry and economy. Mrs.
Shepard died June 8, 1844 ; then followed five children.
Mr. Shepard died July 31, 1874.
0. P. Shepard, son of Heman and Lorette, was born in
Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt., Nov. 15, 1813. He re-
ceived an academic education, having graduated at the
Potsdam academy in the fall of 1836. He taught school
for twenty-two consecutive years, and gave general satisfac-
tion. Immediately after leaving school he commenced sur-
veying, and has followed it more or less ever since. He
married Miss Elizabeth A. Wilber, a native of Grand Isle,
Vt., September 17, 1838. She was born April 13, 1818.
By the above union three children were born, all of whom
are still livino-
March 14, 1839, Mr. Shepard located on the farm where
he now resides, working the farm during summers and
teaching during winters.
Mrs. Shepard was a member of the Congregational
church at Lawrenceville. She was a faithful wife and an
affectionate mother, and, after a brief illness of three days,
died Feb. 10, 1874, and was buried in the cemetery at
Lawrenceville.
" How sweet she shone in social life,
As mother, sister, friend, and wife.''
Mr. Shepard married, for his second wife, Mrs. Jane A.
Romaine, widow of Wm. Romaine, of Lawrence, Feb. 24,
1876. Mr. Shepard has made all the improvements on his
farm, a fine view of which may be seen in another part of
this work. In politics Mr. Shepard was at first a Democrat,
but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined
it, and has ever since adhered to it with unswerving fidelity.
He held the ofiice of town inspector of schools for many
years, and for the last twenty-four years has held the ofiiee
of justice of the peace, and is holding the same to-day. In
1857 he was elected from the third district as member of
the assembly, and again re-elected in 1858. He was one
of the most influential men of that body, both on the floor
of the house and as a permanent member of the standing
committee on claims, the second year being elected chair-
man of the same. He is an advocate of temperance, and
he and his wife are members of the Congregational church.
TTo la on infolli(Tonf liHTipst. atTaichtforward citizen.
,^^^1/^^^>^^..^^W.
M. B. CONLIN.
A true record of a successful life merits careful consid-
eration. Much may be learned of profit in the history of
a man who commences life under adverse circumstances,
and unassisted secures a competency, and a reputation for
integrity above reproach.
The subject of this sketch was horn in Longford Co.,
Ireland, Oct. 1, 1830. His father, Michael Conlin, was
a farmer, and followed this branch of industry during life.
He was a native of Ireland, born Oct. 1, 1787, and lived
to the ripe age of eighty-three, and was buried in the
cemetery at Potsdam. His mother, Mary Plannagan, was
born May 10, 1793, and is still (1877) living. When
he was two years of age his parents emigrated to America,
May, 1833, and located at Shelbourne, Vt. In 1838 they
removed to Franklin county, and a few years later settled
in Lawrence, St. Lawrence County. Here Mr. Conlin
passed his early years at work on his father's farm. He
was also employed by the month for a time, and proved
himself a valuable and willing employee.
His opportunities to secure an education were limited,
never having attended school a full term. Mr. Conlin's
early experience, privations, and personal efforts merit a
fuller mention than limited space wUl permit. By careful
husbanding of means he secured a nucleus of a competency
and by the proper employment of leisure time he secured
an education that fitted him to make an engagement as
traveling salesman with Goodwin, Holden & Co., of Water-
town. He continued in this firm's employ for a period of
three years, and later represented the house of C. P. Clark,
of Ogdensburg. He served his employer in an accept-
able manner for a period of seven years. At the expira-
tion of that time he made an engagement with Arnold &
Co., of Ogdensburg, and represented them until he estab-
lished himself in business at North Lawrence. Mr. Conlin's
traveling experience reaches over a period of seventeen
years. In 1867 he was seriously disabled by a railway
accident on the Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain railroad,
and in a manner that has prevented him from making active
business exertions since that date. He was married March
29, 1860, to Miss Mary Blount, daughter of Benjamin and
Mary Blount, residents of Canton, St. Lawrence County.
Mrs. Conlin's father was a native of Lancaster, England,
and was born July 20, 1805. His wife, also a native of
Lancaster, England, was born 1806, and died July 16, 1848.
Mrs. Conlin was born Jan. 6, 1844. Two children gladden
their home,— Fred. B. and Robert Emmett, aged respectively
eleven and five.
In politics Mr. Conlin is a Democrat, and labors for the
best interests of his chosen party. Liberal in his views, he
is the friend of every measure that has for its object the
improvement of the best interests of society. He has
donated freely to the building of the several church buildings
in his village, and takes an active interest in the educational
interests of the country.
Mr. and Mrs. Conlin reside in one of the most pleasant
homes in North Lawrence, surrounded by all the comforts
of life, the result of well-directed industry and commendable
economy. In connection with this biography appears Mr.
Conlin's portrait, that the future may remember him a
successful business man, esteemed and respected, and weU
deserving the place he occupies in the history of his county.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
421
It is now the dwelling of C. Alvord. Bean is yet a citizen
of the town. Bristol rebuilt his saw-mill in 1831, and
operated it a number of years. He died in town in 1870,
aged ninety-three years. A Mr. Barlow, another aged cit-
izen, has attained his ninety-eighth year, and was married
the second time when he was ninety-seven. His family
was noted for its longevity, not a death occurring for sev-
enty years, when his first wife departed her life. Zebulon
Moore, A. H. Barnes, John C. Williams, and Simon Austin
settled here about 1832. The village was begun on lands
owned by A. H. Barnes, and was merely a small mill set-
tlement until the railroad was built, in 1850 ; since which
time its growth has been quite rapid, having at present a
population of 600, who are employed principally in the
mills and factories of the place. The location of North
Lawrence, on both banks of Deer river, has given it some
prominence as a manufacturing point, there being five dams
across the stream within a mile. A gang-saw mill, having
thirty saws, was erected in 1849 by T. P. Chandler, which
has been changed into a circular mill, and is operated by
Moses Quinell. A large shingle-mill is below this dam. A
pail- and tub-factory, farther down the stream, was established
in 1862, and produces 20,000 tubs and 10,000 pails yearly,
employs six hands, and is operated by Garfield & MoHollister.
The first grist-mill was erected in 1 855 by Amasa Townsend &
Co., and had three run of stones. It was destroyed by fire
in 1875, but was rebuilt the same year. The present mill
has four run of stones, is supplied with improved machinery,
and is the property of E. S. Crapser. A potato-starch fac-
tory, having three large buildings, was put up, in 1877, by
E. S. Crapser. Above the village a stave-factory and a
butter-tub factory were erected about I860,' which were
lately discontinued. There are also a number of wheel-
wright- 'and blacksmith-shops operated by water-power.
The first smith was Timothy Draper, an Advent preacher.
Dennis Toomey has been located here since 1854. E. C.
Newcomb was the first wagoner, in 1852, and still conducts
a shop. ' A store was kept below the village, about 1847,
by J. W. Hakins and N. W. Baker. In the village, R.
Barnard sold the first goods, in 1848. Andrew Mon-
trait waa-the first to open a good store soon after, continu-
ing in trade until 1860. There are at present 3 general
stores, 1 'hardware, 1 furniture, 2 drug-stores, 3 groceries.
Edson Crawford was the first to open a hotel, in 1850,
building a part of the present " Union House." Here
James Brownell served as host twenty-three years. James
Caul succeeded in 1872. There are two hotels at present.
The professions had a representation in the person of
Dr Bowman at an early day. The present practitioners
are Drs. Graves and Dunton. C. A. Hosford is a dentist ;
and N. P. Hays and M. S. Scanlan are attorneys.
The post-office was established Dec. 12, 1850, John H.
Conant, postmaster ; the office has since been held by N.
W. Baker, L. R. Townsend, and Miss C. E. Bean. It was
made a postal money-order office, July 1, 1871. The orders
drawn in 1877 amounted to 15093.84; paid, $1830.80.
The first school was taught in 1834, by Miss S. Mix, in
a small plank house. The present school-house is a hand-
some two-story brick edifice, erected in 1869, and the school
is well attended.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OP NORTH
LAWRENCE
was organized Aug. 17, 1852, among the members being
Deacon H. A. Barnes, J. H. Conant, J. W. Bean, Joseph
Eggleston, and seventeen others. Rev. George B. Rowley
was the first pastor. The society of the above church was
formed Sept. 4, 1852, with sixteen members. Jacob Wil-
liams, S. H. Barnes, and Nelson Williams were chosen trus-
tees. A frame church was erected in the southern part of
the village in 1853, at a cost of $1400. An interest in
this building was sold to the Free-Will Baptist society,
April 21, 1867. The Congregationalists have discontinued
their services, and at present have but twelve members.
THE NORTH LAWRENCE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHaHCH
was formed in 1853, a class having existed some years pre-
vious, including among its thirty-one members D. H. Davis,
Reuben Clark, David Finney, and Wolcott Broadwell.
The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Richey, the present is
Rev. Wra. C. Goodwin. The membership of the church is
sixty, of the Sunday-school ninety, and Edward Smith is
the superintendent. A very fine church, costing $4600, was
erected in 1858, and destroyed by fire in 1865. Worship
is held in the vestry-room. The church property, includ-
ing a fine parsonage, is estimated worth $2000.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
of Lawrence was formed July, 1838, by Elder Benjamin
Bundy, with five members. Samuel Newell was one of the
first pastors. Services were held in school-houses until
1867, when an interest in the Congregational church was
secured. The society was reorganized May 25, 1867, and
H. J. Perry, Ira Butler, and Leman Bristol elected trustees.
The pastors have been Mark Atwood and Richard Parks.
The church has thirty-five members, and is without a
pastor.
THE ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
of North Lawrence was formed in 1875, by Father John
O'Haire. Dennis O'Lara, Jeremiah Shinnook, and James
O'Connor were appointed trustees. A handsome brick
church, 65 by 40 feet, costing $6000, was erected in 1876.
Father James Smith is the present pastor of the sixty mem-
bers comprising the church.
MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY
is controlled by an association bearing the same name,
formed May 24, 1872, of fourteen members, with Henry
Austin, A. N. Trussell, Julius Martin, H. Butler, J. D.
Hakins, and Walter Follet, t)-ustees. Three acres of ground
were purchased for a cemetery, half a mile south of the vil-
lage, which have been neatly improved. Hugh Taggart was
the first interred, July, 1872. The present officers are N.
P. Hays, president, and M. B. Conlin, secretary.
LAWRENCEVILLE
is near the centre of the town, on both sides of Deer river,
where crossed by the main road from Malone to Potsdam.
The location is pleasant, and, being in a rich agricultural
422
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
district, the place has considerable business. The popula-
tion is about five hundred. The first improvement at this
point was a saw-mill, by Ephraim Martin, in 1809. A
freshet took away the dam, and nothing further was done
until 1821 ; but a settlement was made in this locality
about 1807 by Asa and Joseph Tyler, who had an orchard
bearing apples in 1813, and, to prevent the British from
eating the fruit, chopped down all the trees. Greorge
Everett, Morda Lavery, James Ferris, David C. Bastin,
Luther Ferris, Jacob and Josiah F. Saunders came soon
after; and Beriah M. Newland, Amasa Harrington, Heman
Shepard, Nathan Mallory, Ezra Terrell, William Hulburd,
Luther Whitney, J. C. Rockwell, George Wilber, James
Johnston, A. Reid, Carlton McEuen, George McEuen,
Asa Ballard, Eben Mix, James Bentley, Enos Burt, P.
Newland, John Shepard, David Blish, and many others
came prior to 1830. The first settlers had to go many
miles to get their supplies, and six miles to mill, following
wood paths, the one horse in the neighborhood being re-
quired to perform this service almost daily ; and at a wed-
ding in those days the feast consisted of pea soup and ven-
ison, the table cutlery being limited to one set of knives
and forks, which had to serve the entire company. Better
times and greater prosperity came about 1820. The year
following Charles Kellogg built a saw-mill on the site occu-
pied by the present structure In 1822 he got into opera-
tion a corn-mill ; and about 1835, Luther Whitney put up
a grist-mill, with three run of stones. The present mill is
the third erected on this spot, and was completed in 1865.
It is operated by F. Brewster, and has a capacity of 300
bushels per day.
A tannery was built by William Taylor, which is at
present carried on by Delano & Raymond, dressing 3000
sides annually.
A potato-starch factory was built by L. Hulburd in 1847,
who is the pioneer in the business in the eastern part of the
county. He has had three factories destroyed by fire, and
erected the present one in 1873. Its capacity is 25,000
bushels of potatoes a year.
David Blish was the first wheelwright, and a shop has
been carried on by him or some member of his family ever
since his settlement. James Pearl came in 1842, and has
worked at the wagoner's trade ever since. Hardin Clark
was one of the first smiths, and he and his son James have
carried on the trade many years.
A store was opened in 1822 by Josiah F. Saunders,
who remained in trade a long period. In 1848 a union
store, No. 399, was opened by 30 members, and 0. F.
Shepard, James Harris, Peabody Newland directors. R.
McEwen closed up the business in 18C3-, paying a dividend.
In 1871 a union stock company was formed, with 21 mem-
bers, to carry on a store at the village. 0. F. Shepard,
Lucius Hulburd, and R. McEuen were chosen directors'
and the name of Lawrenceville Union selected as the title
of the firm.
In 1872 the company erected a commodious two-story
brick store-house, 40 by 50 feet, in which they opened a
store that year, and have conducted it successfully ever
since. There are 16 members ; L. Hulburd, president ; and
Wm. C. Blish, secretary.
John Shephard had an inn about 1820 in a log house.
He afterwards kept a hotel in a frame. The present tavern
was used for this purpose since 1842, and by M. & M. V.
Barney since 1855.
Dr. John Inman settled here in 1828 as the first physi-
cian in town. In 1830, J. P. Carpenter commenced his
practice, and remained until his death. At present Doctors
H. H. Carpenter, H. A. Boland, and Luther Hawkins are
the practitioners. D. L. Buiibje is the attorney of the vil-
lage ; other lawyers were Wilson, Lamb, and Lang.
The post-ofiice was established April 7, 1829, Josiah F.
Saunders postmaster. The ofiioe has been held since then
by L. Hulburd, J. Galusha, and E. M. Dana. There is a
daily mail from North Lawrence to Port Jackson.
Lawrenceville has 2 general stores, 1 drug-store, 2 milli-
nery establishments, and eight or ten shops for the various
trades. A seed-farm is near the village, on which are an-
nually raised several thousand pounds of beet, turnip, oar-
rot, and flower seeds. The business was established in 1853
by J. C. Rockwell, and has since his death been conducted
by L. M. Rockwell.
. NORTH STAK LODGE, NO. 107, E AND A. M.,
was organized at this point previous to the anti-Masonic
times, and has been removed to Moira.
DEER RIVER LODGE, NO. 499,
of the same order, was chartered at Nicholville, July 3,
1860, removed to North Lawrence, and finally located at
Lawrenceville. J. P. Saunders was the first Master. There
are forty members, and the present officers are M. V. Barney,
W. M. ; George A. Kastner, S. W. ; J. P. Saunders, J. W.
DEER RIVER CHAPTER, NO. 197, R. A. M.,
had a dispensation granted in 1864, and was chartered in
1866. Josiah P. Saunders was the first, and is the present
H. P. The chapter has twenty-four members.
THE LAWRENCEVILLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was formed in 1862, with a general membership of the citi-
zens, who chose P. Newland, J. S. Saunders, L. P. Ferris,
Horace Bugbee, W. C. Blish, and E. M. Dana trustees.
The association assumed charge of the ground, deeded for
burial purposes to P. Newland, by Lawrence, in 1843, and
has improved it to its present condition.
Miss D. Meads, now Mrs. J. P. Saunders, taught the
first school in 1823, in a log hut where the academy now
is. She had a large school for those times, having as pu-
pils nine children belonging to the Tyler family, who had
but one pair of shoes among them. Her wages were one
dollar per week, payable in corn, which cost her one-half of
what it was worth to get it to the market. The present
school of the village is well attended, and is taught in a
good house, rebuilt in 1877.
LAWRENCEVILLE ACADEMY
*
was established to supply the demand for higher education,
by an association formed March 6, 1860. The capital was
not to be loss than $3000, distributed in shares of $25 each.
Prom one to ten shares each were taken bv sixtv-five citi-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY^ NEW YORK.
423
zens, among the most iictive promoters of the project being
P. Newland, William T. Hall, 0. P. Shepard, W. C. Blish,
L. Hulburd, and S. B. Goff. On the 29th of March, 1860,
trustees were chosen, consisting of Miller Heath, P. New-
laud, W. C. Blish, 0. P. Shepard, L. Hulburd, G. B. Wil-
bur, Joel Hitchcock, Enos Burt, William Romaine, N. R.
Miller, J. W. Ncwland, and H. J. Thomas. An eligible
location of two acres of ground was secured, and a fine
three-story brick edifice, 36 by 60 feet, was erected in 1860,
at a cost of $4500. The house is surmounted by a belfry,
and is a conspicuous object for miles around. March 25,
1861, application was made to the State regents for an
academic charter, which being granted, the trustees were
increased to twenty-four members. The school was opened
in the spring of 1861, with John B. Young principal, and
Mrs. Young preceptress. From the first it has been well
attended, and at present numbers one hundred and thirty-
five students. The academy is well supplied with apparatus,
and has the nucleus of a fine library. Three departments
of study — namely, the preparatory, the academic, and the
classical courses — were formed ; and each department has
been thoroughly graded, requiring from three to five years
to complete the studies. The present officers are Lucius
Hulburd, president, and W. C. Blish, secretary of the
trustees ; and the faculty is composed of Barney Whitney,
principal ; Miss C. Swift, preceptress ; Rev. W. W. Staples,
professor of languages ; and Miss Abel, teacher in the pre-
paratory department.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY
of Lawrenceville was incorporated Aug. 3, 1840, with
Heman Shepard, Avery Collins, and John W. Bean, trus-
tees. Rev. B. B. Cutler was one of the early pastors. The
pastoral ofiice is at present filled by Rev. Thomas GriflBth.
The church, a frame structure, 36 by 50 feet, was thoroughly
repaired and refitted, at a cost of $2000, in 1877, and is
very attractive in its appearance. The membership of the
church is 71. The present trustees are 0. F. Shepard,
L. Hulburd, and A. K. Rowell. A Sunday-school of 50
members is maintained ; D. L. Bugbee, superintendent.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
of Lawrenceville was formed in 1827, with seven members,
among them being Beriah Newland, Seth Bond, and Ed-
mund Merchant. Worship was held in school-houses until
1841, when a plain frame church, which has since been
changed to a dwelling, was built in the village, by the " First
Baptist Evangelical Society," which was formed Nov. 19,
1840, and reorganized May 14, 1842. The first trustees
were Peabody Newland, Walter Smead, and Stephen Ham-
mond. The present board are A. D. Thayer, George Kast-
ner, and Joseph A. Farrington. The present church was
erected in 1868, and is valued at $4000. There are 300
sittings, and the church has 62 members. Rev. W. W.
Staples is the pastor in charge. A. D. Thayer is the super-
intendent of the Sunday-school, which has 30 members.
THE M. E. CHURCH
of Lawrenceville was incorporated April 6, 1842. David
Blish, Joljn Shepard, Charles Kellogg, Samuel Mcacham,
Chase S. Wise, John P. Carpenter, and Thomas Hale,
trustees.
A frame church was built soon after, which has been re-
paired and renovated, and a tower built in front. The
property is valued at $2500. Barney Whitney, George
Nash, and H. Meacham are the present trustees. The
members number 68, and Rev. William C. Goodwin is the
pastor. A Sunday-school was organized at an early day,
having at present 40 members, and R. Hawkins for super-
intendent.
THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was erected in 1874, under the supervision of a building
committee composed of Rev. Mr. Randall, William King-
ston, and James Whiteside. It is a very fine frame edifice,
with a well-proportioiled tower, and cost $4200. The work
is a mission, was begun in 1870, and has for some time
been without a rector, Rev. William Cooke having last
served in that capacity. The communicants number 35,
and William Kingston is the senior warden. A Sabbath-
school was organized in 1871 by Blilton Heath, super-
intendent.
NICHOLVILLE.
This enterprising village of 500 inhabitants is situated
in the southern part of the town, on the east branch of the
St. Regis river. The stream is crossed at this point by the
old turnpike, and a portion of the village is on the Hop-
kinton side, settlement having first been made there. For
many years the small cluster of buildings around the saw-
mill erected in 1817 by Samuel Wilson was known by no
Other name than " Sodom ;" as the place grew, and extended
across the river, it was named Nicholville, in honor of E.
S. Nichols, the executor of the estate of William Lawrence.
Besides Wilson, Eli Bush, Chester Armstrong, Calvin Con-
verse, and Horace Higgins purchased and settled here about
1820. Other early settlers at this point and vicinity were
Thomas Day and his sons, — Lyman, Joel, Warren, Russel,
and Hosea, — Joseph Stearns, Jude Clark, Beriah Sweet,
Elihu Ayers, Dennis Stacy, Lyman Page, Abijah Chand-
ler, with six sons and six daughters ; Otis Farrar, John
Thomas, James Trussel, Myron G. Peck, Royal Smith,
Andrew Squier, Elisha Spencer, Asa Miller, Hiram
Blanchard, James Sherer, and John W. Witters.
The St. Regis, being a rapid stream, with a deep narrow
channel, affords good water-power, which has been utilized
to a considerable extent. In 1822 a grist-mill was put up
by Samuel Wilson, wliioh was carried away by a flood in
1830. William Lawrence caused a stone grist-mill to be
erected in 1826, which was used until 1863, when the
upper part was removed and the present frame superstruc-
ture added by A. N. and H. N. Woodard, producing a
mill 45 by 60 feet, with four run of stones. This is
operated by B. D. Babcock. Below this mill is a saw- and
shingle-mill and a sash- and door-factory, giving employ-
ment to 10 men, conducted by L. Page. On the opposite
bank Page Bros, have a starch-factory, with a capacity for
workin" up 300 bushels of potatoes daily ; Griffis & Son
have a tannery, with 20 vats ; Ezra Hyde operates a card-
in"- and fulling-mill, *hich was erected many years ago ;
424
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and S. B. G-off has a large shinglc-fiictory and saw-mill.
There are also several carriage-shops in the same locality.
Several miles above Nioholville, on the St. Regis, A. L.
Blake & Co. have a very extensive stareh-factory, a large
circular saw-mill, and 3 shingle-machines ; and on the oppo-
site bank Harvey Day has an English gang-mill and a
shingle-machine. These mills produce several million feet
of lumber annuall}'.
C. Palmer built the first house on the north bank of the
river at the village in 1827 ; S. Stevens and Daniel Hun-
ger built soon after. All the buildings were of wood, until
1866, when the Merritt block was erected. This is an im-
posing brick structure, three stories high, 54 feet front and
45 feet deep. Subsequently fine blocks of the same mate-
rial were put up by James Sherer and Hiram Smith.
The first store in Nicholviile was kept by Zephaniah
Piatt, in 1828. Lyman Day began trade soon after, and
continued many years ; James Sherer, in 1846, and was in
active trade until 1874; and Sumner, Sweet & Co. have
traded continuously since 1857. The New England Pro-
tective union store, No. 301, was opened in 1846, and dis-
continued in 1867. In April, 1868, 70 persons associated
themselves and formed the present Co-operative union
store company. Jonah Sanford was chosen president, and
Gr. A. Burt secretary. The store is at present managed
by J. A. Martindale, and its aggregate sales amount to
$30,000 per year. The village enjoys an enviable reputa-
tion as a trading-point, and has 3 dry-goods, 1 hardware, 1
furniture, 3 drug, and several fancy-goods stores, and the
usual complement of shops and mechanic establishments.
James Trussel built the first hotel, in 1830, on the site
of the present house, which was erected upon the destruc-
tion of the former by fire in 1866, and is the only tavern
in the place.
Dr. Henry Sprague was one of the first to engage in the
practice of medicine about 1843. Dr. H. Smith has been
here since 1856.
The attorneys have been Silas J. Pratt, Mark White,
and D. S. Gr. Stacy, who has an office here at present.
The post-office was established Jan. 7, 1831, C. C.
Palmer, postmaster. The office has been held since by
George Farrar, Dennis Stacy, Mark White, and by Mrs. M.
White. There is a daily mail.
ELK LODGE, NO. 577, P. AND A. M.,
C. A. Fisk, W. M., and G. 0. Merrill, Sec, meets in a fine
lodge-room in the Merrill block.
NICHOLVILLE LODGE, NO. 260, OP GOOD TE.MPLARS,
was organized Oct. 17, 1874. There are 52 members, and
E. J. Sanford is the W. C. T.
The first school at this point was taught in a board
shanty, in 1843, by Sallie Farrar. The present school
building, the third that has been erected for this purpose,
was built in 1869, is a roomy two-story brick, with I
cupola, and the school is attended by 100 pupils.
THE MOUND HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was formed Nov. 10, 1862, with eighteen members. Royal
Smith, T. S. Simonds, Russel Day, Geo. Everett, B. F.
Hilliard, Warren Day, Lyman Day, Hosea Carr, and Richard
Araadon were elected trustees. The old burying-ground, of
which M. G-. Peck, E. Ayers, and Wm. Ellithorpe were
trustees, was secured and enlarged to its present dimen-
sions. The cemetery is neatly improved, has 312 lots, and
is well managed. The first interments were made in 1833,
Mrs. Lyman Day and Mrs. Joseph Stearns being inhumed
the same day.
THE NICHOLVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
was formed at Hopkinton, Sept. 11, 1808, by Elder
Samuel Rowley, with siz members ; and on the 12th of
the same month the sacrament was administered for the
first time. Among the pioneer members were Abijah
Chandler, Asa Moon, Seth Abbott, Samuel Eastman, Seth
Putnam, and Thomas Remington. A society was formed
soon after the church, with A. Chandler, Jonah Sanford.
S. C. Kelsey, and Samuel Eastman, trustees, which united
with the Congregational society, in 1815, in building a
union house of worship at Hopkinton. In 1831 a small
church was built at Nicholviile, which was used until the
present edifice, erected in 1852, took its place. On the 5th
of August, 1843, the Hopkinton part of the work was
abandoned, and the church permanently, located at Nichol-
viile. The present church was dedicated in 1853, has 300
sittings, and a membership of 84. Among the pioneer
pastors were Solomon Johnson, B. H. Leach, and Silas
Pratt. Rev. A. K. Sutton at present sustains this relation.
A Sabbath-school with 110 members, and a library of 175
volumes, is superintended by J. A. Martindale.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH
of Nicholviile was organized about 1840, with 42 members.
Rev. Justin Alden was the first pastor. For many years
the society worshiped in the union church, but in 1876
the present spacious and handsome edifice was erected, at a
cost of $5000. The house was formally dedicated in Feb-
ruary, 1877, by Revs. I. S. Bingham and I. Call. Rlv.
J. Fletcher Brown is the pastor, and the church has a
membership of 164. The trustees are H. Hedding, A.
M. Hawkins, B. D. Babcock, Almon Bibbins, and E. J.
Sanford. Titus S. Simons is superintendent of a Sunday-
school having 76 members.
THE UNIVEUSALIST SOCIETY
of Nicholviile was organized about 1840, some of the prin-
cipal members having been James, John, and Guy Ferris,
Elisha Ayers, Hiram and Silas Wood. A Rev. Mr.
Squires was one of the first pastors. The society was re-
organized in 1872, and was under the spiritual tutelage of
Prof J. S. Lee until 1876, when the membership was 50.
An interest in the old union church, which was rebuilt in
1857, is held, and occasional services are there maintained.
RESfDENCE or GEO. BEPf?Y,/<oRTH Lawrence., flEwYoPK
Cap'" CA/fLTON M9EUE.N.
J^Ayfl-^-^-^u^^
{fHmas.Bt H.LSiOHE.Porsotu)
ff£5. OF A.C.Mv EUEN, Lawuckcc.Si Lawreuce Co., «. K.
MRS.D.L MEF(fflLL.
( Photos. Bi H.L.Sjonz. Potsdam. H.Y )
D L. MLf^l^iiL.
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Res.&Storz of D. L.MlRRlLL.NiCHOLViLLE, Hiw York
[NORTH LAWRENCE.]
Hon. Rufus S. Palmek was born, of New
England parentage, October 11, 1835, in Bangor,
Franklin county, New York. He has resided in
Lawrence, St. Lawrence County, New York, since
1839, with the exception of two years.
He received a common-school education, and
taught schools in winter when quite young. He was
brought up a farmer, along with his four brothers.
His father, Leonidas Palmer, was one of the early
settlers of the town of Lawrence.
The subject of this sketch began clerking in the
mercantile business in 1856, which trade he followed
till 1862. He was deputy clerk of Franklin county.
New York, in 1863. He was a successful merchant
from 1864 to 1870, from which tilne he has dealt in
produce, real estate, and securities. In 1867 he was
elected justice of the peace, which office he has held
since. He was elected supervisor in 1871, '72, '73,
and '74.
Mr. Palmer has always voted with the Republican
party, and served as a member of the Republican
county and district committees. He was elected a
member of the assembly as a compromise candidate
in 1877, with a majority of 1402, against Sumner
Sweet, Democrat; but Mr. Palmer never sought
nor asked for any office.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
42.1
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
A. E. McEUBN,
son of Carlton and Phebe McEuen, was born in Lawrence,
Jan. 17, 1834. His father, Captain McEuen, was born in
Hiriesburg, Vt., March 25, 1791. Captain Carlton Mc-
Euen is of Scotch origin. His father, Ueorge, was one of
the pioneers of Hinesburg, Vt , removing there, at the close
of the Revolutiouary War, from Shaftesbury, Vt. He had
come originally from New Milford, Conn., his (George's)
grandfather having emigrated from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Captain Carlton McEuen was one of seven children, all of
whom lived to be men and women ; he was reared on the
farm ; he married Miss Wealthy Calkins, of Hinesburg,
Vt., February, 1816. She was born in Hinesburg, Vt., in
1797 ; they had three children ; two of them (George and
Wealthy R.) are living. She died May 10, 1826, in
Lawrence, N. Y. Mr. McEuen married Miss Phebe Mil-
lington, of Lawrence, March 11, 1833. She was born in
Fairfax, Vt., Sept. 27, 1799, and removed to Lawrence in
1832. By this marriage four children were born ; two only
(A. E. and Robert H.) are living.
Mr. Carlton McEuen settled in Lawrence in 1825, and
located on the farm where he continued to reside till his
death ; it is now owned by his son, A. E. His first pur-
chase was four hundred and fifty-five acres, which he con-
tinued to hold till he gave some to his children. He made
all the improvements on his farm in Lawrence, a view of
which may be seen in another part of this work, together
with his portrait, and that of his son, A. E.
He was a deacon of a Free-Will Baptist church, and
continued to hold it till old age compelled him to resign,
and his son, George R., was elected in his place; his wife
is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. McEuen was
one of the most influential and liberal men in his town,
and in his death society lost a true friend ; he did what he
could to make society better. In politics, was at first a
Whig, then Abolitionist, and then a Republican. He has
held all the important offices of his town, being justice of
the peace and supervisor for a great many years ; was also
a candidate for member of assembly on the Abolition ticket
when that party was in its infancy. He hold the position
of captain of State militia, and was known as Captain
McEuen. After living a long and useful life, having lived
to see the abolishment of American slavery, for which he
so long and so earnestly prayed, he passed away Feb. 2,
1866, and was buried in the cemetery at Lawrence Centre.
His widow, now aged and infirm, is still on the " old home."
She has had several partial paralytic strokes, and is therefore
impaired in mind and body.
A. E. McEuen, son of Captain McEuen, was reared on
the farm, received a common-school education, and was
married to Miss Martha Witherell, of Hopkinton, March
14, 1860. She was born in Orwell, Vt., Oct. 7, 1841.
They have had three children ; one son, J._ W., died at the
age of thirteen, Aug. 27, 1876. Mr. McEuen has held
several offices in his town, among which is supervisor ; was
elected to that position in 1875, and served two years. He
is living in the same house built by his father, and owns
the " old home" of two hundred and eighty acres. He
has always affiliated with the Republican party since its
organization. He sees that an honorable mention is made
of his parents in this work ; also portraits of his father
and the " old homo" in memory of them.
DYER L. MERRILL
was born in Tunbridge, Vt., on June 10, 1809, and was
the second child of seven children. His grandfather, John
Merrill, emigi-atod from England about the year 1750, and
settled at Concord, N. H. He served in the Continental
army during the war of the Revolution. Two years before
the war closed he married Sally Robinson, of Concord, N. H.,
by whom he had six children. The oldest, John Merrill,
Jr.. the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Con-
cord in 1784. When John Merrill, Jr., was seven years
of age the grandfather removed to Tunbridge, Vt, where
he died in 1812. John Merrill, Jr., married Sally De
Graw, of Half Moon, N. Y., in 1804, and shortly after-
wards removed to Tunbridge, Vt., and resided there until
1832, when he emigrated to the town of Franklin, Frank-
lin Co., this State. During the war of 1812-15 he was
captain of a Vermont militia company, and participated in
the battle of Plattsburg. He was also stationed there for
six months. He was a justice of the peace of the town of
Franklin, and represented it on the board of supervisors for
several years. He died at Franklin in 1874.
Dyer L. Merrill, the subject of this sketch, resided with
his father at Tunbridge until he was of age, when he left
his home with nothing but a new suit of clothes, then called
a " freedom suit." He lived in Vermont until he was
twenty-three years of age, when he removed to the town of
Franklin, where he had the year before located, and taken
up 200 acres of land. In 1837 he married Susan C. Lam-
son, daughter of Benj. P. Lamson, Esq., a justice of the
peace of Franklin. The same year he removed to Hopkin-
ton, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and within five years after-
wards settled upon the " Baldwin farm" of 230 acres, and to
which he afterwards added 110 acres of adjoining land, con-
stituting one of the best farms in town. Upon this farm
seven children were born to them, four of whom are now
living. In 1858 he built on the farm a potato-starch fac-
tory, using steam for power, and was engaged extensively
in manufacturing starch there until 1865, when he sold his
farm and factory, and removed to Nicholville, N. Y., where
he now resides. Shortly after removing from the farms he
purchased a starch-factory at Dickinson Centre, N. Y., which
for several years he carried on successfully. He and his son,
Geo. 0. now own and carry on the starch -factory at Hop-
kinton village. The year after he removed to Nicholville
he and a Mr. Kellogg built a large three-story brick build-
in" on Church street, known as the Merrill and Kellogg
block.
His oldest son (now living), S. W. Merrill, is engaged in
business at Nicholville as a furniture and crockery dealer,
occupying one-half of the above-named block. Is married
and comfortably settled. His son, Geo. 0. Merrill, the
youngest child (now living), is a farmer, and manufacturer
426
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
of starch. Is married and resides in Nicholville. The old-
est daughter married S. P. Reynolds, a farmer, who resides
near Nicholville ; and Sarah M., the youngest daughter (now
living), married M. R. Page, an extensive manufacturer of
potato-starch, and resides in Nicholville.
Mr. Merrill has also buried three children. James Hiram
Merrill, the eldest son, was a graduate of the State normal
school at Albany, N. Y., at twenty years of age, and one of
the most promising yonng men of the town of Hopkinton.
He engaged in teaching, but died at the early age of twenty-
one years, lamented by all who knew him.
He had also two daughters, — Thurra Merrill, aged six-
teen years, and Emma S. Merrill, aged three years, — whose
deaths were singular and unnsual, both being taken sick
with typhoid fever, and died so suddenly as to be both
buried in the same coffin, leaving their fiiends plunged in
the deepest grief
Mr. Merrill and wife are now living in one of the
pleasantest residences in Nicholville, and are enjoying the
fruits of their early labors and eoonoiny. They furnish
another example of that Yankee pluck, perseverance, and
economy which, starting in life without a dollar, accumu-
lates at middle life an ample fortune.
GEORGE BERRY,
son of Samuel and Rebecca Berry, was born in Bra.sher, St.
Lawrence Co., Oct. 8, 1838. His parents were born in
Cork, Ireland, and were farmers by occupation. His father
was married three times, the last wife being the only one
of them who had children. They had nine, seven of whom
are living. Five of the nine were born in Ireland. Samuel
Berry and wife emigrated to America in 1831, and settled
in Brasher, and followed his occupation till his death, which
occurred Dee. 11, 1872. Mrs. Berry died in May, 1875.
They were both buried in the Maple Grove cemetery, at
North Lawrence.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and re-
ceived a common-school education. About the age of
twenty-two he commenced dealing in live stock, and this,
in connection with farming, has been his occupation ever
since. In May, 1869, he purchased his present fine home,
and rebuilt the same in 1875. He married Miss Mary
Keeler, a daughter of Wm. C. and Rosanna Keeler, June
24, 1869. She was born in Augusta township, Grenville
Co., Ontario, March 31, 1845. Mrs. Berry's grandparents
moved fi'om New Jersey to Canada in the year 1794. Her
father was a native of Ontario, and her grandfather, James
Keeler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving
under General Washington. Mrs. Berry's mother was a
native of Lewis Co., N. Y. They had eleven children, of
whom Mrs. Berry is the sixth. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have
two children, Watson Banks, born June 29, 1870, and
Blanche Stella, born Aug. 30, 1872. Mr. Berry removed
into his present home in November, 1869. He has one of
the finest homes in the town or county, a fine view of which,
together with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in
another part of this work.
In politics Mr. Berry has always affiliated with the Re-
publican party, and has filled some of the town offices.
Mrs. Berry is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Berry
is an advocate of good schools, and helps to build up the
best interests of society.
RUSSELL.
This town derives its name from Russell Attwater, who
had made land purchases of McCormick in 1798 in this
part of the county, and who explored it with the view of
settlement in the summer of 1804. As formed by an act
of March 27, 1807, from what was then Hopkinton, the
town embraced the whole of great tract No. 3, except so
much of township No. 3 as is now included in Pierrepont,
which by this act was attached to Potsdam. By the for-
mation of other towns, this area has been reduced as fol-
lows: Rossie was taken off Jan. 27, 1813; a portion of
Fowler, April 15, 1815; Pierrepont, April 15, 1818; and
a portion of Fine, March 27, 1849. The territory of Rus-
sell was thus limited to a part of De Witt, the north half
of Sarahsburg, and the whole of Ballybeen,— about 58,000
acres. The latter township was called after MoCormiok's
native place in Ireland, and it was his wish that the new
town should bear this name,. but the preference was given
to the name which it now bears.
Russell is south of the centre of the county, and extends
southward into the highlands of the same, the sottthern
portion of the town being rather mountainous. In shape
it is nearly rectangular, its width extending from east to
west, and is bounded on thenorth by the town of Canton.
The general surface is elevated, and somewhat broken by
hills along the water-courses, whose summits are often
crowned with bare rocks, some of them rising to a great
height, and bearing evidence of volcanic phenomena, with
traces of mineral wealth.
The northern part of the town is the most level, and
this entire section was originally heavily timbered with
the various hard woods of this part of the State. South
of Grasse river was a considerable quantity of pine, cedar,
and hemlock, as well as the hard woods. The soil is gen-
erally very fertile, especially in the small valleys. Indeed,
it was the evidence of its great fertility which attracted the
early immigrants, some corn planted among the logs by
those first coming in haying yielded enormously. The
cereals can be profitftbljy cultivated, and hops are successfully
RES. 57 O.G,W£5TON, Russell. St.UwFimcE Co..N /
^ f
] I
/i<^a^
/^o^7ZMZ_ /^^^^^^ ffi..>vt&^!r-
Mill of HIRAM BARTLIJT, FIusscll.St LAWfiENC£ Co,N Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
427
grown on the uplands, but the town is especially adapted to
grazing, and dairying has become the principal interest.
Russell is well watered. Grasse river flows nearly diag-
onally through the town from the centre of the east line,
where its branches unite and receive the waters of Plum
creek and numerous tributary streams. Elm creek, in the
western part of the town, flows north, and Van Rensselaer
creek, in the northeastern part, has a similar course. All
these afibrd water-power, and their basins have suflicient
descent to secure excellent drainage.
"Of the purchases made in town by Mr. Attwater, all
but the north half of No. 5 was reconveyed to McCorniick,
and subsequently became the property of Joseph Pitcairn.
The Attwater tract comprised about 13,600 acres, and was
purchased at about forty cents per acre. This land was
surveyed in 1805 by Timothy Blair, from Blanford (Mr.
Attwater's home), and on it the first settlements were made.
The party, consisting of Attwater, Blair, Nathan Knox,
Heman Morgan, Elias Hayden, Loren Knox, Reuben Ash-
man, Jesse Bunnell, Elihu Morgan, and David Knox, who
came in the spring and built a shanty in which they lived,
on a place east of the village, on land at present belonging
to Enos Gordon, getting their provisions from Canada.
The entire season was spent in making a small clearing and
surveying and opening roads. Nathaniel Higgins was the
first to bring on his family, settling in the same neighbor-
hood; and in the fall Joel Clark, from Granby, Mass.,
settled on Plum creek. These families spent the winter of
1805-6 in town, the surveyors and young men having
returned to Massachusetts in the fall.
" In April, 1806, Mr. Attwater returned with many
others who proposed ti form a settlement, and proceeded by
way of the Black river country and the State road to
Washburn's, in Macomb, and thence crossed to Foote's
settlement, in Canton, and proceeded thence to their desti-
nation in the present village of Russell. A Mr. Alvin
White, from Granville, Mass., lived near the south line of
Canton, and was the only settler on the route. Deacon
Joseph Hutchinson, of Shoreham, Vt;, Michael Coffin, of
Vt., Philip and Sampson Viall, John Potter, and John
Cooper, from Willsborough, N. Y., Calvin Hill, and a few
others joined them.
"The settlement was increased in 1807 by the addition
of the following families : Simeon Stiles, Elihu Phelps,
Samuel Clark, John Watson, Horace Dickenson, Euos
Bunnell, Luther and David Phelps, Philetus Clark, and
others.
" Calvin Hill and Harriet Knox were the first persons
married in town. The ceremony was performed in the
summer of 1806 by the Rev. Royal Phelps, wlio also held
the first religious meeting in Russell. The first child born
was Russell Attwater Ashman, iu October, 1806, who grew
to manhood and removed to Ohio. A daughter was born in
N. Higgins' family in the May following." *
The favorable reports of these settlers induced a large
immigration, and as several public works were carried 6n
soon jafter— from 1810 to 1816 — many were led to locate
m town. There was an activity and enterprise apparent
* Dr. Hough.
which was not excelled by any settlement in the county.
Many even predicted when the arsenal was erected that the
court-house would also be located at Russell. Prosperity
reigned on every hand, and the usual lot of the pioneer was
much lightened by the conveniences which soon abounded.
A season of adverse fortune followed. In an unfortunate
business transaction, Mr. Attwater was induced to mortgage
his lands to the Mohawk Valley bank. Not being able to
meet the payments a foreclosure ensued, and this was the
first intimation the settlers had that their titles were also
affected. Disappointment and gloom prevailed, and it was
only with the utmost persuasion that many could be induced
to remain and redeem their lands. And it has often been
remarked that if it had not been for the sturdy pioneer
mothers, who preserved their courage better than their
husbands, Russell would again have become an untenanted
wild. Happily, the lands had passed into the hands of the
philanthropist, Gerrit Smith, who exerted himself to induce
the settlers to remain, and did not resort to any oppressive
measures to retain his own before giving them an oppor-
tunity to secure good titles. After a few years of denial
and privation, prosperity and contentment were again re-
stored, and the development of the town went on apace.
Among those who became identified with the interests of
the town as pioneer citizens, at a later day, were RoUin
Smith, Philip Viall, Ezra Moore, Stephen Kimball, James
Williams, Timothy Kimball, Enos Wright, Consider Hall,
Benj. Gibbons, James Mathews, John Boyd, Anthony C.
Brown, Enos Green, David Loop, Wm. Danforth, Elanson
Ray, Thomas Gibbs, Royal and Justus Stiles, Eriistus
Lloyd, H. Van Ornam, Charles and Benjamin Smith, — the
latter came to the county in 1805, settling in the town of
Potsdam. He is yet in active business at Russell village.
Still later came the Hosfords, Fannings, Farmers, Grays,
Kelseys, Reeds, and Van Broeklins, to swell the population
and improve the town.
The comparative population of the town for the past thirty
years is as follows: 1845, 1499 ; 1850, 1808 ; 1855, 2108;
1860,2380; 1865,2625; 1870,2688; and 1875, 2417.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
By the terms of the act forming the town, the first meet-
inn- was held at the house of Reuben Ashman. The officers
elected were as follows: Russell Attwater, supervisor;
Reuben Ashman, town clerk; Ezra Moore, Joseph Hutch-
inson, Philip Viall, assessors; Calvin Hill, constable and
collector; John Knox, Joseph Hutchinson, overseers of the
poor; Samuel Eaton, John Watson, John Knox, commis-
sioners of highways ; John Watson, Thomas Gillmore,
fence-viewers; Azel Clark, Simeon Stiles, Elihu Morgan,
and Joel Clark, overseers of highways.
The supervisors, since the formation of the town, have
been: in 1808-9, Russell Attwater; at a special meeting,
March 27, 1809, Reuben Ashman ; 1810-14, Reuben Ash-
man ; 1815-17, Anthony C. Brown ; 1818, Reuben Ashman ;
1819-21, Phineas Attwater; 1822, Reuben Ashman;
1 823-27', James Williams; 1828-33, RoUin Smith ; 1834-
38, Elihu Phelps; 1839-40, Holmes Nevin ; 1841-42,
Ro'llin Smith; 1843-46, Benjamin Smith; 1847, Rollin
Smith ; 1848, James Williams ; 1849-50, Nelson Doolittle;
428
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
1851-54, RolliD C. Jackson ; 1855, Nelson Doolittle ; 1856,
Wm. B. Rose ; Sept. 27, 1856, John Goodside was elected
to fill vacancy; 1857-59, Joseph H. Gibbons; 1860-61,
Charles Smith; 1862-66, Julius M. Palmer; 1867-68,
Wm. E. Boyd; 1869-70, Benjamin Smith; 1871-76,
Hiram Bartlett; 1877, Wm. H. Lewis, Jr.
The records of the town have been preserved from the
time of the first meeting, and contain much interesting
matter. The following extracts deserve a place in this
connection :
1809. — ;It was voted that the second town-meeting be
held at the hoase of John Knox. $250 was raised for the .
support of the poor.
1810. — A pound-master elected, and " the hovel belong-
ing to John Knox be improved for a pound, for the present."
S250 was raised for the poor, to be lent on good security ;
$150 for wolf bounties, to be paid in $5 each for every wolf
killed in town. At the State election, April 24, 1810,
Jonas Piatt received 17 votes for governor, and Daniel D.
Tompkins 20 votes for the same office.
1811. — The same wolf and poor taxes were raised as in
1810. "Voted, that the books sent to the town of Rus-
sell by the Hampshire missionary society be left in the care
of Moses A. Bunnell, and to be returned to him within
three months after being taken away.'' " Voted, that a
sled shall be four feet wide ; a fine of $2 shall be inflicted
for going on the public highway with a sled that is not
four feet wide." The same rule was re-enacted in 1812.
At a special meeting, January 11, " Voted, to grant the re-
quest of Benjamin Pike, acting in behalf of the citizens in
that part of the town called Sonierville, for annexation to
the town of Gouverneur."
1812. — At the general election this year 47 votes were
polled ; $5 wolf bounty was voted, and |100 to be raised
for this purpose ; $250 for the poor ; $1 penalty for know-
ingly letting Canada thistles go to seed.
1813. — $5 wolf bounty, to be paid out of moneys pre-
viously raised.
1814. — $250 to be raised for the poor.
1818.— "Voted, that the town clerk's fees be $10 this
year." Fifty years later the salary was not more liberal.
1820. — $5 bounty for wolves, payable from the money
raised for this purpose in 1810, 1811, and 1812; and the
following year a committee of three was appointed to exam-
ine and see if there is any money in town raised for the de-
struction of wolves in the years mentioned. " Resolved,
That such balance as may be found due shall be collected
and paid to the supervisor for the purpose of paying a
bounty on noxious animals, at the rate of $2.50 for each
wolf, panther, and bear, and $1 fur each fox. The next
year this balance was ordered to be paid for work done on
roads and bridges; and in 1823 "voted to give up to
Reuben Ashman $150 of the money raised in 1810, on his
securing the remainder of the amount raised."
1830.— At the general election 145 votes were polled
for governor.
1832.— "Voted, that the territory called Scriba and
Bloomsfield be set off into a separate town, on condition-
that they will not call for any of the public funds on hand,
except road money."
1838. — The electors remonstrated against the petition of
the inhabitants of the town of Edwards "to have townships
12 and 14, now belonging to Russell, set off to the town of
Edwards."
1843. — " Voted that all orderly neat cattle may lun at
large after the 10th day of May next until October 10."
1849. — " Voted, to separate from the county, in the
support of the poor, and the town support its own poor or
paupers."
1867. — " Resolved; That the supervisor be instructed to
oppose any measure that may entail upon the town any
portion of the $35,000 that is by law authorized to be
apportioned for the construction of the building for a
normal school at Potsdam."
1876. — At the State election, in November, Edwin D.
Morgan, Republican, received 373 votes, and Lucius Rob-
inson, Democrat, 211 votes, for the office of governor, a
total of 584 votes; an increase of 547 votes since 1810, in
a much smaller territory than the town at that time
comprised.
ROADS AND OTHER PUBLIC INTERESTS.
The first official road surveys were made in November,
1807, by Philip Viall, John Knox, and William Merri-
hugh, commissioners of highways. Five roads leading to
the principal points of the town were located. Number
one is thus described : " Beginning at a stake on the north
bank of Grasse river, 70 rods (as the north bank of the
river runs, from the western extremity of the rock at the
falls) eafct of the falls, near the centre of township No. 5,
and running north 100 rods; thence N. 29° W., 34 rods;
thence N. 10° E., 10 rods; thence N. 37° E., 43 rods;
thence N. 30° E., 49 rods ; thence N. 5° W., 55 rods ;
thence N. 16° W., 48 rods; thence N. 260 rods; thence
N. 20° W., 291 rods; thence N. 796 rods to the south line
of the town of Canton. The other roads varied from a
straight course fully as much as this, all following, as a
rule, along the hollows leading to Grasse river and its
tributaries. Later surveys have somewhat modified the
direction of these roads, but, in the main, their original
course is well preserved. Provision was early made for the
improvement of the roads, arid liberal appropriations were
frequently voted to bridge Grasse river. At present this
stream is spanned by wooden bridges at Russell village and
at the Wood farm. The town has increased its road dis-
tricts from 4 to 60, and its highways are in a fair condition.
Several of the most important State roads of the county
were located through Russell, and at one time there was a
prospect for its having the principal thoroughfare to the
southern part of the State. Provision was made for lo-
cating such a route, by a law of April 1, 1808, by taxing
the lands adjoining the road, from Canton to Chester, in
Essex county. The State appropriated further sums, from
1810 to 1814, and caused the road to be opened under the
direction of Russell Attwater. A number of miles were
made passable for teams, and the route indicated by blazed
trees to Lake George, by which name the road was known.
Not being improved its entire length, it soon fell into disuse.
Another road was directed to be opened, from the foot of
sloop navigation of the St. Lawi'ence to Albany, June 19,
WiERS FOHDHAM
Mf^S WiERS FOFIDHAM.
CHUKLES F.FOffDHAM.
f rnoros Sv MPS Off. J f/ircHCocK, C*Krow.)
Res. OF WIERS FOROHAM.Russeu.ST.UwuENceCouNTYj.Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
429
1812, which for several miles followed the course of the
other road, south through Russell, then bore to the right,
towards Albany. This was also improved by Sir. Attwater,
about 1816, but was never completed, and was soon aban-
doned.
The St. Lawrence Turnpike Company, incorporated
April 5, 1810, and the first organization of the kind in the
county, in locating its route from Malone to Carthage,
passed through the town of Russell, following along the
foot-hills of Grasse river, and crossing that stream at Russell
village. The route was favorable for a good road, and from
its southern location was the most important thoroughfare
from east to west during the War of 1812. This road,
like the others, was constructed under the direction of Mr.
Attwater, and gave employment to many laborers, some of
whom became residents of the town. But the more rapid
settlement of the river towns, and the increased navigation
of the St. Lawrence, caused the turnpike to lose its import-
ance, and in 1829 it was divided into road districts by the
towns through which it passes. The name of Russell turn-
pike still attaches to it, and it continues to form one of the
chief roads of the town. Other State roads were located
in Russell in 1816, but were never much improved, nor
specially remarkable as highways.
The Montreal telegraph company constructed a line
through town about 1870, establishing an office at the
village.
At the annual meeting of the town, in 181.3, Reuben
Ashman, Moses A. Bunnell, and Horace Dickinson were
appointed a committee to improve the cemetery and procure
a deed for the same from Russell Attwater, and in 1817 a
committee of ten was appointed to alter the burying-ground.
This cemetery at present occupies a part of the lot known
as the commons, on which the old arsenal stands, and is
kept up by individual subscriptions, although nominally
controlled by the town.
THE SCHOOLS, PAST AND PRESENT.
Believing that "education is the bulwark of the nation,"
the early settlers established schools at the same time that
they built their own humble homes. The first house dedi-
cated to this purpose was a commodious log building, at
first roofed with bark, in the Knox settlement. Phineas
Attwater was the first teacher of the nineteen pupils from
the Knox, Clark, Merrihugh, Hutchinson, and other fam-
ilies. The school was also attended by several young set-
tlors, who had taken lands the fall previous. Miss Emeline
Clark taught one of the first summer schools, and RoUin
Smith followed as one of the early teachers. In 1809,
$250 was raised for the support of schools, and from
1815-19 the town voted three times the amount of the
aid received from the State for the encouragement of edu-
cation. In January, 1814, three school districts were
formed : " No. 1, containing all the land south of the divis-
ion line between townships No. 5 and 3, as designated on
the map, and known as No. 3, of Macomb's purchase." Dis-
trict No. 2 included " all north of townships 5 and 3, and
the south line of the town of Canton. District No. 3 was
along the St. Lawrence turnpike, from Higgins' land to the
Fitz Williams tract." These bounds have been modified,
and at present there are 19 districts in town, employing 20
teachers. The amount paid by the commissioner to these
districts was $1985.85, in 1876, and the number of chil-
dren in town, between the ages of 5 and 21 years, was 861 ;
the average daily attendance, 348. Most of the districts
are provided with fair school buildings.
IJVE-STOCK AND DAIRYING INTERESTS.
Russell being pre-eminently a dairy town, considerable
attention has been paid to the improvement of live-stock,
and there are some fine herds. Among these may be men-
tioned the herd of Jerseys, belonging to 0. G. Weston ;
the Ayrshires, bred by A. Doolittle, J. L. "Clark, and others ;
and the short-horns, by C. Halstead and Chauncy Clark.
There are many private dairies whose products have a
good reputation, and a creamery, established in 1877, by D.
C. Gray and George Gilman, at North Russell. East of
this factory is the North Russell cheese-factory, established
in 1869, by C. M. Clark, and at present operated by Leo-
nard Clark. The products in 1877 were 65,000 pounds.
The Beach Grove factory, north of the village, was es-
tablished in 1865, by Bent & Cottrell. The products are
75,000 pounds per annum, and C. H. Brown is the pro-
prietor.
The Russell factory, at the village, was also established by
Bent & Cottrell, in 1868, and is at present operated by P.
G. Carr. The milk of three hundred and fifty cows is used,
and the arrangements for manufacturing are very complete.
The settlement north of the village to the Canton line,
and generally known as
NORTH RUSSELL,
has from the first been one of the most important in town.
Here settled the Knox family, with nine members, of which
Calvin H. and Harry P. still remain as descendants of John
Knox, who, in 1805, brought their father, Chester Knox,
to this locality ; and here, the following year, Joseph
Hutchinson found a home in the forest wild. A son, Ben-
jamin Hutchinson, remains near the old homestead. In
1807 came Samuel Clark, making the journey from the
" Green Mountain State" with an ox-team, with his sons,
Samuel, Edmund, Lester, John, James, Chauncey, Linus,
and his daughters Emeline, Hepzibah, and Rhoda, all of
whom settled along the Canton road, and became well-known
citizens. Nearly all have passed away, after a life of toil
to make the country what it now is ; but James L. still
lives as a representative of John's fiimiiy, and Chauncy M.
and Edmund of the family reared by Edmund.
At a later day came RoUin Smith and Dr. Elanson Ray,
the latter practicing medicine many years, as well as foUow-
inn- agriculture. North of these, in the town of Canton, yet
near enoush to share the interests of North Russell, was
Alvin White, from Granville, Massachusetts, living in the
last house south of Van Rensselaer creek. On this stream,
half a mile south of the town line, Jacob Huchins erected a
los; f rist-mill in 1806. He was an ingenious man, and of the
rix-ht stamp to make a pioneer. Not only did he construct
the mill, but also the machinery, getting his " burr-stone"
from the ledge near by and dressing it with such rude tools
430
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
as he could command. The mill had but one run of stone,
and was used for grinding corn only.
At a later day, Joseph Pitcairn caused Dr. Ray to erect a
saw-mill at this point, which was swept away after several
years' operation. The present mill is known as Gillman's,
and is complete in its arrangements for manufacturing lum-
ber and shingles. At the same point are blacksmith-, cooper-,
and paint-shops, where these trades are carried on. Farther
up the stream, near the Pierrepont line, are two saw-mills,
known as Prue's and Robinson's, both now operated by J.
MoFadden, and west, on Grasse river, is H. S. Hart's mil).
The post-ofiBce at North Russell was established Feb. 17,
1848, at the house of John Clark, and his son, Linus A.,
appointed postmaster. Subsequently the ofSce has been
held by John Ray, C. M. Clark, and James L. Clark, the
present incumbent. At present the mail is carried by the
neighbors from Canton, the government having discon-
tinued the old route to Russell.
The North Russell cemetery is a beautiful little tract of
ground, on a knoll by the highway, and was deeded for this
purpose by E. Ray, about twenty years ago. It has been
tastily improved, and contains many fine monuments. The
cemetery is controlled by a board of trustees, selected by
the citizens of this locality. The present board are Edmund
Clark, Wm. Moon, and James L. Clark.
The school in the neighborhood has been reputed one of
the best in the commissioners' district, and has added much
to the character of the town. The house is also used for
religious meetings by the Methodists and other denomina-
tions.
RUSSELL VILLAGE,
near the centre of the town, is a flourishing place of several
hundred inhabitants. It is located on both banks of Grasse
river, the valley at this point widening to afford ample space
for improvements on both sides, and the stream affords good
water-power. This, in connection with its being the last
village north of the wilderness, causes it to be the seat of
an active and increasing trade. There are several fine busi-
ness houses, and a number of comfortable residences. The
first settlers located near this place in 1805, and Nathaniel
Higgins made a permanent home that year just beyond
the village. Russell Attwater and his family came on the
following year, and settled on the south bank of the river.
Reuben Ashman, Nathan, David, and Loren Knox, Jesse
and Moses A. Bunnell, Arba Collister, and a few others
came the same year. In 1807, the Phelps brothers, Horace
Dickinson, John Watson, and Dr. Goddard were added to
the settlers. That year the manufacturing interests of the
place began by the erection of a saw-mill by Russell Att-
water. This site has been occupied ever since for similar pur-
poses, the present mill being owned by R. W. Judson.
Previous to the erection of Attwater's mill, Joel Clark had
a saw-mill near the place, on Plum creek, which was put
up in the fall of 1805. On this stream are at present lum-
ber-mills operated by R. B. Gates, J. W. Palmer, and E.
Whitemarsh ; and on Grasse river, at Monterey, Mr. Pal-
mer had a large establishment, which was destroyed bv fire
in 1877.
About 1810, Russell Attwater put up a small grist-mill
at the village, near the present mill. Thisstructure is a fine
brick, 40 by 50 feet, three stories high, with a four run of
stone, and a large flouring capacity, and was erected in
1863, by the proprietor, Hiram Bartlett.
Close by a large building was put up for a fanning-mill
manufactory, which has been converted into a general ma-
chine-shop by Palmer & Boyd.
About 1828 a man by the name of Skinner carried on
a small cloth-dressing business, which was taken in 1832
by George L. Hosford, and enlarged. The trade is at present
carried on in a small way by M. Yan Brocklin. In 1825,
Acastus Warren, a tanner, located at the village, and for
thirty years carried on his trade, as well as shoemaking, in
a building near the bridge.
A forge was erected in 1845, by Benjamin Smith, which
was operated several years. It had two fires, and was capa-
ble of making 400 pounds of bar-iron a day. It was
worked with magnetic and bog-ores, procured from Clifton
and Van Rensselaer creek, and scrap-iron. An axe-factory
was established in 1850, to which a small furnace was
added. These have long since been discontinued. The
mechanical pursuits are at present limited to the ordinary
trades, carried on in half a dozen shops.
Anthony C. Brown, afterwards a lawyer at Ogdensburg
and a county judge, was the first to engage in mercantile
pursuits, opening a store about 1814. William Danforth
and J. P. Moulton came soon after as pioneer merchants, •
and, later, John Goodrich engaged in trade, remaining
many years.
Subsequently, Hiry Derby and J. M. Palmer estab-
lished themselves, and have remained ever since, being at
present leading merchants. Charles Smith and 0. Baker have
also been in trade many years. A destructive fire in 1874
laid many of the business houses in ashes, but they have
been replaced by the fine blocks herein illustrated. The
place has ten good stores in the different branches of trade,
and the merchants are reputed enterprising men.
The first tavern in the place was a good-sized brick, put
up in 1812, by Moses A. Bunnell, and kept by him a num-
ber of years. Other hosts at the old stand were Nathan
Knox, George L. Hosford, E. Phelps, and Benjamin Smith.
This house shared the fate of the neighboring buildings
in 1874, and was burned. The present hotel was erected
on the same site in 1875.
Dr. Pliny Goddard was the first physician in town,
locating at the village in 1807. He remained in practice
a number of years, and was followed by Doctors Ames and
Ashley, and in 1845 by Doctor J. 11. Gibbons, who prac-
ticed from that period until 1876. He died in town in
1877. Dr. Derby and others were also in practice a short
time. The present practitioners are Doctors F. S. Baker,
L. J. W. Miller, and J. S. Howard.
The post-office was established June 27, 1812, with Pliny
Goddard postmaster. The office has since been held by
Elisha Phelps, Reuben Ashley, J. P. Moulton, H. Knox,
Benjamin Smith, Nelson Doolittle, Hiry Derby, and J.
M. Palmer; the latter has been the incumbent since 1868.
There are about 90 money-letters registered per quarter,
and 400 papers distributed per week. The mail service is
daily from De Kalb Junction.
Daniel c.GffAy.
MffS. OflNIELC.GffAY.
<
Res. OF DANIEL C. GRAV, Russzu. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y
A.B.SHAW.
MffS.A, S.SHAW.
ff£S. or A. B.SMAW, ffussat.Sr. Lawrence Co., N. y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
431
THE ARSENAL.
" An act was passed Feb. 24, 1809, which directed the
governor to cause to be deposited, if he should deem neces-
sary, an amount not exceeding 500 stand of arms, in such
place in St. Lawrence County as he should select, with such
quantities of ammunition and military stores as in his opin-
ion would be necessary in case of invasion. The village,
from its being interior and on the St. Lawrence turnpike,
was selected, and a building erected. It stands on a com-
manding elevation, a little north of the village, on a lot
given to the State by Mr. Attwater for the purpose of an
arsenal, and is a massive stone building, three stories high,
30 by 50 feet on the ground, and originally surrounded by
a high stone wall, bristling with iron spikes. The lower
story was designed for artillery, the second for small arms,
and the third for ammunition. During the war, a guard
was posted around the premises for its protection, but since
that period no further supervision has been maintained than
the care of a keeper, who was a citizen residing in the vi-
cinity. In the summer of 1850 the arsenal building was
sold at auction, in pursuance of a general law, for the sum
of $525. The arms, amounting to four hundred stand, and
some twenty thousand cartridges, were sold in small lots at
the same time.''*
It had been purposed to convert the building into a high
school, and one Col. (?) Miller took it with this view. After
a short career as a principal, it was found that he was simply
an adventurer, with no other credit or qualifications than
polished manners and an unlimited amount of assurance.
After remaining unoccupied for some time the building was
purchased by the school district, and has since been used for
its purposes, although select schools are occasionally taught
there. The house is yet in a fair state of preservation, its
massive walls being unaffected by time, and with its wooden
figures of cannon and shot on the upper portion of the build-
ing is a striking memorial of the exciting scenes of 1812.
Although Russell was thus made an objective point for the
incursions of the British, very little fear of an attack was
apprehended, and the guard before alluded to felt itself
adequate for the defense of the place. As near as can be
recollected, this guard was composed of Corporal Horace
Dickinson, Aaron Pratt, Henry Hill, C. Phelps, Benjamin
Hutchinson, Joseph Hutchinson, and John Hutchinson,
and perhaps a few others.
RTISSELL LODGE, NO. 566, E. AND A. M.,
was organized under a dispensation in 1864. On the 26th
of June, 1865, it was duly chartered, with Samuel V.
Padget, W. M. ; W. L. Derby, S. W. ; Smith Chase, J. W. ;
F. S. Baker, Sec. ; Hiram Bartlett, Treas. ; P. G. Carr,
W. E. Boyd, H. Derby, and a few other members. The
lodge has increased its membership more than fivefold,
numbering at present 58. The officers are, S. V. Padget,
"W. M. ; J. A. Jenney, S. W. ; James Sheridan, J. W. ;
W. H. Lewis, Sec. ; and Hiram Bartlett, Treas.
J • ^ The lodge-room and all its fixtures were destroyed by
^e, July 26, 1874, but a new and spacious hall has been
i
* Dr. Hough,
erected by the members, giving them a room equal to any
found in country villages.
THE PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL CHCECHES
OP RUSSELL.
The first religious meetings in town were conducted by
the Rev. Royal Phelps, a Presbyterian missionary, in 1806,
at the house of Russell Attwater. Occasional meetings
were subsequently held, and a religious society of this faith
formed. After the lapse of several years the Congrega-
tional usage was adopted, and an effort made to establish a
church of this creed. Among the members who were thus
associated were Deacons James Williams and Enos Wright,
Eli Stewart, Thomas Gibbs, B. Boyd, John Lampson, Geo.
L. Hosford and wife, Sirs. Jonas Knox, and Mrs. Nathan
Knox. The pastoral ofiioe was filled by Revs. Montague
and Graves, meetings being held at stated times, in connec-
tion with their labors on other charges. The membership in
1840 was about 30, and the formation of a society to
erect a church was contemplated. But the removal of
some of the leading members prevented this purpose, and
the services were soon after altogether discontinued.
THE SION EPISCOPAL CHURCH
of Russell was formed April 10, 1819, with Russell Att-
water and Jesse Bunnell, wardens ; Justus Ives, Levi
Frost, John Boyd, Moses A. Bunnell, Reuben Ashman,
Phineas Attwater, William Attwater, and Nathan Knox,
vestrymen ; and a small membership from the above- '
named families. The first meetings of this denomination
were held in 1807, by Bishop Hobart. The church never
had a regular rector, and after a few years the work was
abandoned.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OP RUSSELL
was organized July 15, 1809, with seven members, by the
Rev. Samuel Rowley, a missionary. An Elder Shaw had
previously preached in town, the early meetings being held at
the house of Philip Viall. At a later day they were held in a
school-house. In 1 845 a small frame church was erected,
being the first church edifice in town, which was formally
dedicated Oct. 15, 1845. A society connected with this
church was incorporated Dec. 29, 1846, with H. Van Or-
num, William G. Gibbons, and Gilbert Stewart, trustees.
The present board is composed of C. V. Gale, C. P. Smith,
and A. E. Barbour, trustees, and J. M. Palmer, clerk.
In 1874 the old church was thoroughly reconstructed, a
basement and tower added, and finished off in fine style.
This improvement was rendered possible by the munificence
of one of the members, J. M. Palmer. The house was re-
dedicated in August, 1874; by the Rev. A. W. Barnes, and
bears favorable comparison with any village church. It is
estimated worth $4000. The membership of the church is
at present 78, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. E. E.
Brown, of Hermon. Other pastors of the church have
been Revs. Baker, Wilder, Brand, Maine, Barker, Sheldon,
and L. G. Brown.
A Sabbath-school connected with the church has 86
members, and is superintended by Warren Earle.
432
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONTEREY
was organized in that settlement, in June, 1877, by Rev.
L. S. Baker, with about 25 members, most of whom had
withdrawn from the above church for this purpose. A.
Colton and A. A. Baker were elected deacons. Services
are held in the school-house, and the membership is steadily
increasing under the pastoral labors of Elder Baker.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP RUSSELL
was formed in 1847, of the following eight members:
Champion Reaves and wife, Caleb Aldricii and wife, Mala-
chi Van Brocklin and wife, and Orrin Case and wife. Prior
to this. Rev. Wm. D. Moore had preached in town, but Rev.
Silas Kinney came as the first regular preacher, holding
services at the village of North Russell and at Elm Creek.
In February, 1851, the society connected with the church
was incorporated, wth Hiry Derby, M. Van Brocklin, and
Charles Rundell, trustees, and the same year a parsonage
was erected in the southern part of the village. In 1857
a substantial frame church was built, and dedicated in the
fall of that year by Elder C. L. Dunning, the Rev. William
Harrison being the pastor in charge. Since that time the
house has been renovated and a session-room added. The
church has 250 sittings, and with the parsonage is worth
$2500. The official board is composed of Trustees Richard
Bennett, Hiry Derby, William B. Hamilton, I. J. Hamil-
ton, Elijah Law, and Clerk, William Bevitt. The member-
ship of the chiirch is 160, having Rev. M. R. Pierce as
■ pastor, and preacher in charge of the Russell circuit, with
appointments at North Russell, Silver Hill, Belleville, South
Russell, and Monterey school-houses, members of the church
residing in these localities.
Among the clergy who served this circuit were Revs.
Kinney, Hitchcock, Graves, Brown, Harrison, Danforth,
Parker, Lent, Woodward, Smith, Holmes, and Pierce.
There are on the circuit several prosperous Sunday-schools,
the one at the village having 100 members. Geo. H. Knox
is the superintendent.
The Universalists and other denominations also maintain
services in town, without an organization.
REBELLION RECORD.
The history of the town would be incomplete without an
account of its record during the late civil war. Every
effort was made to assist the government, and probably a
greater proportion of men and money were furnished than
by any other town in the State. From the report of the
treasurer of the volunteer fund we learn that
" Russell claims to be the Banner Town of the State of New York,
and to sabstatitia,te that claim presents the following statement: She
has had in actual service in the field 31 commissioned officers, as fol-
lows: 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 8 captains, 8 first
lieutenants, and 12 second lieutenants. She has furnished 423 vol-
unteers, as follows : From the commencement of the war to the 1st
of July, 1862, 155; under the calls of July 2 and Aug. 4, 1862, 98 ;
under the draft of July, 1863, 22 responded in person or paid the
commutation of $300; under calls of Oct. 17, 1863, Feb, 1, and
March li, 1864, 71; under call of July 18, 1864, 54; and under call
of bee. 19, 1864, 23. Of the above number 72 enlisted for one your,
22 for two years, and 329 for three years, making in all 1103 years'
service.
"The following amounts have been raised by subscription, or paid
by individuals, aside from all State, county, or town taxes:
" July 13, 1861, subscription for benefitof soldiers' families... Sl,065
Aug. 22, 1861, for the Ellsworth Regiment 40
Sept. 13, 1862, subscription to indemnify town committee.... 2,580
Commutation paid by individuals 4,500
Paid for substitutes by individuals 5,400
Sub. bounty under call of July 18, 1864 3,200
Sub. bounty under call Dec. 19, 1864 4,084
Aid to Sanitary .Commission 600
Total amount $21,369
" The valuation of real and personal property in the town for the
year 1863 was $276,000. The entire enrollment-list, as completed in
the spring of 1863, numbered 318. The population of the town in
1860 was 2380. The largest vote polled in the town was in the fall of
1860, numbering 618. Thus we have furnished to the government
one-sixth of our entire population, ten-twelfths of the legal voters,
and 105 more than the entire enrollment-list.
" In addition to the large town and county bounties which have
been paid by tax, the inhabitants have paid by subscription and
otherwise eight per cent, of our entire valuation.
" Had all the towns in the State furnished the same proportion of
men as Russell, it would have made an army of 675,000 volunteers.
And the same ratio of subscription would have constituted a fund of
$116,366,385.
" Seventij-ime of our brave boys are now sleeping in soldiers'
graves, which is a good evidence that our volunteers were always
found at their post."
Besides these individual contributions and efforts, the
town as a corporate body has made a good record. A special
meeting was held Aug. 30, 1862, when $2500 was voted
to encourage enlistments, to be paid in bounties of $50 for
each volunteer required. A committee of five was ap-
pointed " to select a committee to see to this tax," who re-
ported the names of twenty-eight of the leading citizens of
the town to be charged with this duty.
Feb. 29, 1864, at a special meeting, $300 bounty was
voted for all volunteers raised under that call ; and March
29, 1864, the above bounty was reaffirmed, and the town-
board authorized to issue bonds of indebtedness to cover all
amounts necessary to fill the quota. It is also worthy of
note, that so liberal had been the individual contributions
that at the close of the war the treasurer, J. M. Palmer,
had a surplus of nearly $1000, which was returned to the
subscribers.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JULIUS M. PALMER.
Among the prominent business and representative men
of St. Lawrence County, Julius M. Palmer, of the town of
Russell, occupies an honorable position. He was born in
Wilna, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 11, 1830, and at the age
of seventeen years removed with his parents to Russell, St.
Lawrence Co., in which town he has ever since resided. He
received a good common-school education, and at the age or
eighteen years commenced the study of surveying with the
Hon. Benjamin Smith, and practiced the profession more or
less for some years. At the age of nineteen years he en-
tered the service of Captain Hiry Derby, as clerk in a dry-
goods store, and soon after purchased a half-interest in the
business, which he retained two years, when he disposed
of it.
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RES. Sf J. M. P4LMEf?,fl'USS£LL,S:MW/f£NCCC0.,N.y.
— t-i*
Calvin H.Knox.
f/lRS.CALviN H.Knox.
KES.oi CALVIN H. KNOX, Russcu. St. Lawrence Co. N. Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWUENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
■l.i-A
On April 25, 1852, ho married Mary, a daugliter of
Harry Van Ormun, and in the same spring built a residence
on a farm two miles southeast of the village of Russell, and
removed thereto, where he remained two years, and then re-
turned to the village and re-entered mercantile life, which
he has continued in to the present time. He occupied the
store on the corner of Main and Mill streets until 1860,
when he sold that location and built a new and more com-
modious store on the latter street. This store was destroyed
by the disastrous fire of 1874, together with its contents
and a new store unoccupied, entailing a loss of $12,000, no
insurance being c.irried on tlie same. Previous to this fire
Mr. Palmer had associated with him in his mercantile busi-
ness his son, Harry F. Palmer, which partnership continues
at the present time.
Immediately after the fire, a temporary structure was
erected for the post-office, which Mr. Palmer then held as
postmaster, and a new block, now occupied by Smith Bros,
and Daniel Colton, was begun, completed, and occupied by
Mr. Palmer in October of the same year. In the spring
of 1877 the brick block adjoining was built, and occupied
by the firm, August 1 following, which is at the present
writing as pleasantly and conveniently arranged as any store
to be found in the county.
In the summer of 1868, Mr. Palmer built his present
residence in Russell village, a view of which we present to
our readers on another page of our work, together with
portraits of himself and worthy helpmeet.
Mr. Palmer has also been an extensive dealer in real estate,
having purchased, since' 1869, five thousand five hundred
acres in the town of Russell, the greater portion of which
has been resold, or is now under contract for sale. He li:i.s
also been extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber,
and is now the proprietor of two saw-mills, planing-mill,
etc., in the southern part of the town, and also a joint
owner of the cheese-box and rake manufactory and planing-
mill in the village.
He has always taken an active interest in the growth and
prosperity of the town and village, and on the occasions of
the several conflagrations that have laid waste the busi-
ness of the village, has been prompt and active in restoring
the former prosperity of the place.
He aided largely in rebuilding the very neat house of
worship of the Baptist society of the village, of which so-
ciety he has been a member since 1853, and chorister for
the past twenty-four years.
In politics Mr. Palmer is a Republican, having been con-
nected with that party since its organization. He has held
, the office of town clerk of Russell for six consecutive terms,
J from 1856 to 1861 inclusive. In 1862 he was elected
supervisor of the town, and was re-elected for five consecu-
tive terms, and, although unaminously nominated fur the
^ seventh term, declined further service. As supervisor, he
; discharged many important trusts satisfactorily to his own
townsmen, as well as to the people of the county at large, —
Mftably his action on the equalizing commission of the
pillard of supervisors of 1866, being the author of the re-
port of that commission. As supervisor, he was chairman
of the bounty fund of Russell, and recruiting officer of the
" town during the Rebellion, and was earnest and efilictual in
55
filling the quotas of the town, leaving the town free from
debt at the close of his official term, with a surplus of
eight hundred and thirty-six dollare returned to subscribers
to the fund.
He was appointed postmaster of Russell by President
Lincoln in May, 1861, which position he has ever since re-
tained, with the exception of the time between November,
1866, and May, 1869, when he was removed by President
Johnson. In 1867, Mr. Palmer was chosen a member of
the assembly from the second as.sembly district of the
county, receiving a majority over W. H. Sawyer of 2121
votes. He was re-elected in 1868, and again in 1869. In
1868 he was chairman of the committee on internal affiiirs
of towns and counties, and served on other important com-
mittees during his entire term of service. He is now notary
public and acting justice of the peace.
Mr. Palmer and his family spend a portion of the sum-
mer months at the Thousand Island Park on Wellesley island,
in the St. Lawrence, near Alexandria bay, he having built
the first cottage erected on the grounds of the association,
and being one of its first purchasers in 1875.
Mrs. Palmer is the daughter of Harry and Zilpah Van
Orraun, and was born in Russell, December 12, 1832. Her
mother died when Mrs. Palmer was about four years old, and
shortly after her father removed to the village, where she
resided at the date of her marriage. Mr. Van Ormun is
one of the oldest settlers of the town, having removed there
in the year 1813, when he was but ten years of age. Mrs.
Palmer is the mother of five children, three of whom still
survive, aged lespectively twenty-three, fifteen, and ten
years.
WIERS C. FORDHAM.
Among the substantial and solid farmers of the town of
Rusfsell, the subject of our sketch holds a prominent posi-
tion. He is the son of Jesse Fordham and Lydia Allard,
the former- born in Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1794 ; the latter
in New Hampshire, in 1796. His parents settled in Rus-
sell, when he ( Wicrs) was about ten years of age, on a small
farm of twenty-one acres, upon which they erected a primi-
tive log shauiy. The land was covered with timber, and
required the hardy toil and perseverance of the pioneer to
bring it into a state of cultivation. His father remained
an honest farmer until his death in 1862. His mother
followed her husband to the grave in 1864. They had a
family of eight children, — four sons and four daughters, —
all living but one.
Wiers was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., Feb. 21, 1816.
He spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the dis-
trict scliool in Russell ; but at the age of seventeen went to
Syracuse, where he engaged in boiling salt, remaining there
about three years. He then removed to New York city,
and embarked on a whaling cruise, and followed that
hazardous calling for eleven years. After this he settled in
New York, and remained there sixteen years, acting as
stevedore for John H. Jones, the owner of a line of vessels.
In the fall of 1868 he removed to St. Lawrence County,
and settled on his present farm in the town of Russell,
which he had previously bought and paid for. He now
434
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
owns a finely-cultivated farm of two hundred acres, supplied
with every modern agricultural implement now in use. An
illustration of his buildings, with portraits of himself, wife,
and adopted son, can be seen elsewhere in this history.
On April 14, 1861, he was united in marriage with
Alma, daughter of Smith B. and Mima Layton, of Long
Island, N. Y., who still survives. They have had no children
of their own, but adopted a son, Charles F., a promising
young man, in whom the worthy couple take a parental in-
terest. He was born in Lowell, Mass., Aug. 31, 1859.
Mr. Fordham is a stanch Republican, and is liberal to all
religious and educational enterprises, though not a member
of any church. He is honest and fair in his dealings with
his fellow-men, and hence is greatly esteemed by all who
know him.
CALVIN H. KNOX
was born Dec. 3, 1824, in the town of Russell, and is a
member of the Chester Knox family, and a grandson of the
late John Knox, who immigrated from Blanford, Mass., in
1805. His boyhood was spent under the parental roof;
but when he attained his majority Calvin began life for
himself by serving as a farm-laborer at a monthly stipend
of from ten dollars to twelve dollars per month. This prac-
tice was continued until he was thirty years old, when he
applied his earnings to the purchase of a farm of one hun-
dred and ninety-three acres, at thirteen dollars per acre.
The land was but slightly improved, and the present con-
dition, as shown in the illustration elsewhere, was brou<>-ht
about by the industry and perseverance of Mr. Knox,
who is a thorough-going farmer and business man. His
taste and energy extend beyond his own interests, and have
resulted to the good of his community. Mr. Knox is an
active, earnest citizen, and has a deep interest in the wel-
fare of his town, whiuh he has served in various trusts.
His domestic relations began March 2, 1858, when he
married Priscilla Barker, having by her two children, Ella
C. and J. E. He was bereft of his consort, March 9, 1864,
but was again united in marriage, March 8, 1865, with Lu-
cinda, daughter of Hiram and Mary Barber, who settled in
Potsdam in 1828, who has assisted in making one of the
most comfortable and pleasant homes in the town.
HARRY F. KNOX
Is the oldest son of Chester and Sophia Knox. His father
was a son of the well-known John Knox family, and was
but a lad six years old when he came to Russell, having
been born Oct. 21, 1799, and grew to manhood in that
then new country. His advantages for obtaining an educa-
tion were very meagre, and limited to the pioneer school ; but
he applied himself to study so faithfully that he was fairly
educated, and able to discharge his duties as a citizen in an
intelligent manner. On Nov. 26, 1820, he married Sophia
Fannmg, who was born in Russia, N. Y., April 1(1, I797
and who still survives her husband, who died April 15, 1872^
The family which this worthy couple reared was com-
posed of Harry F., born July 19, 1822; Calvin H., born
Dec. 3, 1824; G«orge C, born Oct. 26, 1827 ; and Elsie,
born May 27, 1834. The first three are still living, and
the first named forms the subject of this sketch.
Harry F. Knox was bred to the life of a farmer, and has
always pursued agriculture on the old homestead, which is
herein illustrated. He is a man of plain, unassuming man-
ners, devoted to his occupation, and has the respect and
confidence of his fellows. He was married July 19, 1862,
to Sarah L., daughter of Warren and Nancy Read, of Her-
mon. Mrs. Knox was born Sept. 6, 1831.
HIRAM BARTLETT.
The subject of this sketch was born in Le Ray, Jeiferson
Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1821, and is the third son of Phebe
and Levi Bartlett. They were natives of New England,
and finally settled in the town of Russell in 1840. Here
the mother died July 26, 1850, and the father, Nov. 12,
1873. At the age of seventeen Hiram began life for him-
self working by the month, and served in this capacity for
ten years. After this he worked in a saw-mill until he had
accumulated enough to purchase a grist-mill in'1856, asso-
ciating his brother Charles with him for this purpose. This
partnership was continued two years, since which Hiram has
continued alone in the business. In 1863 his mill was de-
stroyed by fire ; but with characteristic pluck, and that in-
domitable perseverance which has marked all his actions, he
rebuilt it, and soon had the satisfaction of possessing it free
from every incumbrance, as well as a neat balance to his
account.
This same business tact and energy has placed him among
the representative men of one of the foremost counties of
the Empire State. Mr. Bartlett is a Democrat in politics,
and has served his town as supervisor with credit and effect.
On December 1, 1857, Mr. Bartlett married Mrs. E.
Clark, a widow, whose maiden name was Knox, one of the
oldest families in town.
ABIJAH B. SHAW
was born in Hartford, Washington Co., N, Y., March 20,
1817. His father, Samuel Shaw, was of English descent,
and a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. Tiiere he married
Delight Barker, whose family was of Scottish origin, and
engaged in his life avocation, — farming. When young
Shaw was two years of age his parents moved to Warren
Co., N. Y., where they abode four years, and then became
residents of the town of Russia, Herkimer Co., remaining
until 1851, when they again moved to their final home in
Russell, St. Lawrence "Co. Here the mother died Nov. 17,
1856, and a year later, Jan. 12, 1858, the father followed
his faithful consort to their heavenly home.
Of the family of nine children given to this worthy
couple, Abijah was the fourth son, and remained with his
fiither until he had attained his seventeenth year. He now
hired out to do farm work at eight dollars per month, the
wages being paid to his parents. At the age of twenty-one
he purchased his first tract of land in Herkimer county,
Several years later, March 12, 1843, he was united in mat-
fnyri^ 2J.^-^y
CAPTAIN HIRY DERBY.
Captain Derby can trace a line of honorable descent, reaching back on hia
mother's Bide to the "Mayflower" and "Plymouth Rock," and coming down
through Kevolutionary sires on both sides of the family tree.
The Rev. Charles Brewster, the ancestor of Captain Derby's mother, was chap-
lain of the first Plymouth colony, coming to the Rock with the first Purifcins ;
and his grandfather Brewster and grandfather Derby were both at Quebec, — the
former with Arnold, as an officer of infantry, and the latter with Montgomery,
as major of artillery. At the death of Montgomery, Dec. 31, 1775, he fell into
the aims of Major Derby, who was with the gallant officer when he breathed
his last.
Captain Derby waa the sou of Benjamin and Polly (Brewster) Derby, and was
horn in Huntington, Chittenden Co., Vt., Sept. 18, 1817, and with his parents
removed to Jefferson county when eleven yeara old. His father had accumulated
considerable property, of which be waa stripped by unfortunate indorsements
for friends. He entered the United States army, and held a commission therein
as first lieutenant.
Captain Derby res'ded in Wilna, Jefferson Co., until 1848, at which time he
purchased a large tract of land of Gerrit Smith in Russell, St. Lawrence Co.,
and removed to that town, where he has since resided. He has dealt exten-
sively in land since then, having purchased up to the present time seventy-five
thousand acres. In 1849 he commenced the mercantile business, in which he
has been continuously engaged, with the exception of about one year and a
half. While a resident of Jefferson county he taught school, having prepared
himself for that profession by an academic course of instruction. He also tauglit
for a time in St. Lawrence County, and for five years was one of the auperin-
tendenta of schools in the latter county, and is still connected with schools in
niS town, and has been ever since his first residence therein to a greater or less
Captain Derby did not prove recreant to the blood in his veins in'the Mexican
war or in the War of the Rebellion. When the former war was declared, and
vohinteers were called for, a company of cavalry which he commanded in Le Ray
offered their services as such troops ; but the offer was declined by the war de-
partment unless they would serve us infantry. Thid the company declined to
do, and before the application could be reconsidered the necessity for troops was
ended by the cessation of hostilities.
In the war for the. Union, Captain Deiby recruited several squads of men in
St. Lawrence County for different commands; and being offered the command
of a cavalry company raised to its maximum in Jefferson county, he took the
offer under advisement for a week, v hen, it, becoming known, a company was
recruited in Russell before the week expired, and Captain Derby waa tendered
the command, which he accepted, and led the company to the field. It waa
known as Company L, 9th New York Cavalry. He, with it, participated in the
Peninsular campaign, being at Yorktown and West Point, and with Sigel's
lltli corps at Antietam.
Having become enfeebled in health, be tendered his resignation on the day
after the battle last named, and, thnugh urged by his superior officers to with-
draw it and accept of detached service in Washington, declined to do so, not
wishing to leave his company while he remained in the service. He accordingly
left the army nfter about a year's service, returned to hia home in Russell, and
re-engaged in business.
In political affiliations Captain Derby is a Democrat, and entered the ranks of
the army to preserve the Union his grandfathers fought to create and his father
to vindicate.
His official stations have been tliose in the town, which he has filled with
satisfaction to his townsmen, who elected him to the positions though opposed
to him politically.
His business ventures have generally proved successful, and he has amasseda
handsome property, mostly, however, the result of his real estate business.
On Nov. 1, 1838, Captain Derby was united in marriiige with Ann Davidson
Wood, a daughter of Jonathan Wood, of Jeffei-son Co., N. Y. She was born in
Deerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1819. Ten children were the fruits of this
marriage, viz.: Washington L., Dewitt C, Edmund Eugene, Benjamin F., and
Edmund D , now deceased ; Helen E., Laura A., Mary E., Earl, and H. Stanley,
now living.
Washington L. married Martha A.Spaulabury ; Helen E, married Truman G.
Hamlin, now deceased, and has since married Edgar S. Burnbam ; Laura A. mar-
ried Newman J. Alexander; Mary E. mariied Frank R, Jndson; Earl married
Nettie J. Harris.
The great sorrow of the lives of Captain and Mrs. Derby was the death of
their second son, Dewitt C, who was accidentally killed while on a hunting ex-
cursion in vacation, while preparing for college. His older brother, Washing-
ton L., waa with him at the time, and, in his ha'^te to carry the terrible news to
his father and procure assistance, overheated himself, and died from the effects
of his exhaustive efforts on that day about twelve years later.
Captain Derby has spared no trouble or expense in giving his children an
excellent and superior education, and is gratified with the results of his endeav-
ors in that direction, so far aa his plan.s have not been interfered with by that
power whom no^ earthly hand can stay or foresight elude. Mr. and Mrs. Derby
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, having connected themselves
therewith in early life. \
GEKRY KNOX.
MKS. GERRY KNOX.
GEKKY KNOX
was the third son of John and Anna Knox, and a brother
of Harvey Knox, of Canton. He was born in Blanford,
Mass., and removed with the family to Russell in the
spring of 1806. Here he at once took a leading position
among the pioneers of the county, and remained until his
death one of the most prominent men of his neighborhood.
In social life his character was stainless, and his public con-
duct was above reproach. His fellow-citizens recognized
these admirable qualities, and elected him to the office of
justice of the peace for twenty-four consecutive years. His
decisions as a magistrate were characterized with so much
good sense and sound judgment, that he was frequently
called upon to adjudicate difficulties among his neighbors.
Nor was he consulted only as a magistrate. His clear con-
ception of a case, and his strong love of justice, fitted him
eminently as an arbitrator, and as such his services were
sought with satisfactory results, often avoiding recourse to
a trial according to law. Mr. Knox also served his towns-
men in other capacities, and always represented them fairly
and honorably, and was a captain in the State militia.
In his domestic life Gerry Knox was a pure and temperate
man. He early took a positive position against the use of
intoxicating liquors, and was known for fifty years as a
decided and outspoken temperance man. His sobriety char-
acterized all his relations in life, and made him a loving
husband and a kind and devoted parent.
Mr. Knox was married August 24, 1814, to Mariam
Brooks, who had come to St. Lawrence County with her
brother's family in 1813. She was the daughter of Joel
and Mariam Brooks, of Cheshire, Connecticut. After
their marriage the Knoxes settled on a farm, then in a com-
parative wilderness, and which they lived to see changed
from a forest to the bloom of well-cultivated fields and
gardens, and which from the privation of the pioneer'^ home
was changed to one of comfort and plenty. Three children
came to bless this home and add joy and happiness to the
family circle. One of them, Harriet, died in childhood ;
the other two, also daughters, attained mature years, and
have become worthy wives of well-known citizens. Elvira is
the consort of Hiram Bartlett, and to her is due the honor
of perpetuating the memories of her parents by means of
this memoir. Mary 0. is the wife of William M. Griffin. ^,
Mrs. Knox ended her earthly pilgrimage August 6, 1872,
mourned by a large circle of friends to whom she had be-
come endeared for her amiable disposition and Christian
virtues. Five years later, on the 27th of July, 1877, Gen^',
Knox followed his devoted wife, and thus terminated the ,
life of a very useful man and worthy citizen.
HARRy F. Knox .
M R5.fi ARify F.Knox..
RES. or HARRY r. KNOX, Russell, St. Lawrehcc Co.NV-
EzRh Stiles.
Mrs.kra Stiles.
i I fc*=
^ W^^'s
ff es. OF EZRA STILES, Russell, 5t. Lawrence Co, N,/
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
4.3,-)
rimony to Mary J. Dodge, of Wilna, Jefferson Co., the
daughter of Ebenezer and Susan Dodge, of Booneville,
Oneida Co., and who were natives of New Hampshire.
Mi-s. Shaw was born Nov. 17, 1818, and was twenty-four
years of age at the time of her marriage. Their union was
blest with five children, three of whom are yet living. A
daughter, Ellen M., is the wife of Wm. Stewart, of Elyria,
Ohio ; and Jennie A. and Charles D. yet live at home.
Commencing life as a farmer in Herkimer county, Jlr.
Shaw had no other capital but that furnished by willing
hands and a sound judgment; yet he has prospered, owning
at different times twenty-four farms, and is now reputed one
of the solid men of St. Lawrence Co., having a pleasant
home, with all its attendant comforts. A view of the home-
stead appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Shaw has resided
at this place since 1874, having removed from the town of
Potsdam, where he had lived since 1848. He is eminently
a self-made and self-reliant man, and although having many
business transactions outside of his chosen calling, his deal-
ings have always been attended with success. In politics
he is a Republican, having belonged to that party since its
organization.
EZRA STILES
was to the manor born, in St. Lawrence County. His
parents at that time resided in the town of De Kalb,
where, in 1837, Ezra was born, the first, of four children.
The following year they moved to their present home in
the town of Russell, where three more children were added
to the family, named Niles, Aaron, and Henry.
When Ezra was twenty-one years old he was united in
matrimony with Juliet Clark, of Canton, who was at that
time aged eighteen years. They at once began a home
for themselves a short distance from the Stiles homestead,
where they have since resided, honored and respected as
good neighbors and worthy citizens. Mr. Stiles has always
been engaged as an agriculturist, and his success indicates
skill, prudence, and enterprise, as well as industrious, per-
severing habits. Three children have come to bless the
family relations of Jlr. and Mrs. Stiles, who were born in
the following order: Bertie, May 23, 1861 ; Frank, Sept.
10, 1863; and Addie, Oct. 1, 1877.
A view of the Stiles homestead, and portraits of its
master and mistress, may be seen on another page of our
work.
H E R M O N.
Hermon is an irregularly-shaped town situated south-
west of the centre of the county. It was originally organ-
ized under the name of Depeau, after Francis Depeau, of
New York, who was the proprietor of a large tract of land
in Jefferson county. He was also interested in the middle
third of this town, which had passed from McCormick to
George Lewis, July 12, 1804, who sold to John and Curtis
Bolton, Aug. 1, 1823, and the latter sold to Depeau, June
li, 1828, and Depeau conveyed to Sarah, wife of John
Bolton, May 3, 1830. It originally embraced the town of
Fitzwilliam, on township No. 4, and a strip one mile by
six, from the southeast side of De Kalb. On the 17th of
November, 1852, the board of supervisors annexed a tract of
the southeast corner of the town to Edwards, leaving the
area of Hermon 32,686 acres.
The name of the town was changed from Depeau to Her-
mon, Feb. 28, 1834, owing to the similarity of the former
to Depeauville, in Jefferson county, which led to frequent
errors in the transmission of the mails. A post-office,
called Hermon, had been established in what is now the
northeastern corner of the town, Dec. 20, 1828. The name
IS derived from the Scriptures, being Hebrew in its origin,
and signifying, in that language, cursed, but the bounties
iMi Providence have been beitowed on the town, regardless
^f the signification of its name.
"The surface of the town is generally rolling, in places
oilly, particularly in the south part, where it is broken and
sterile. The soil is sandy loam interspersed with tracts of
sand, and is admirably adapted to grazing. It rests upon
a substratum of gneiss and white limestone, in which occur
some interesting minerals. A vein of hematite extends in
a southwest and northeast direction, and crops out at inter-
vals for several miles. Mining operations are carried on,
reference to which is made farther on in the history of the
town.
No extensive streams exist in the town, — Elm, Tanner,
and Carter creeks being the only water-courses of import-
ance. Trout lake, so called from the abundance of trout
it contains, is located in the south part of the town, while a
little southwest of it is a portion of Cedar lake.
THE EARLY SETTLEMENT
of the town constitutes the most important and interesting
part of its history. A large portion of its pioneers came
from Vermont, and were an industrious, hardy, and thrifoy
class of people. They underwent the usual hardships and
trials incident to pioneer life in every now country, and, by
perseverance and unremitting toil, surmounted every obstacle
which lay between them and success. At first they were
content with the primitive log cabin; by degrees, and as the
country developed through their efforts, the log habitation
gave place to the comfortable frame house or the substantial
brick dwelling, which now abound on every hand, monu-
ments to pioneer enterprise and industry.
436
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEAV YORK.
Tlie first white man to break the silence of the forest by
the sound of his axe was James Taylor, -who began a small
clearing, in the western part of the town, about the year
1805. Philemon Stewart, Ariel Inraan, and Rufus Hop-
kins soon followed, but, on the breaking out of the War of
1812, they left, and never returned. Thomas, father of
Harry Tanner, came in March, 1809. He is now the
oldest resident of the town, was born April 28, 1789, and
has lived in this town for sixty-nine years. He has held
various town offices, — notably that of supervisor, in 1834,
'35, '36. For a man in his eighty-ninth year, he is re-
markably well preserved, both physically apd mentally, and
]'emembers very distinctly many events in the early history
of Hermon.
Among other very early settlers were Pavid McCoUum,
who came in from Canada in 1812; originally from Rut-
land Co., Vt., and who has four sons — Martin, John, Jef-
ferson D., and Samuel — and other descendants in this town,
and various parts of the county. Samuel now occupies the
old homestead; Roger Story, in 1813; Germain Suther-
land, in 1816; whose son, Moses H., resides in De Kalb,
and his daughters, — one the wife of H. B. Hamlin, Esq.,
and the other the wife of Rosalvo Healey, of Hermon vil-
lage ; Joseph H. Baird, Orle Gibbins, who has descendants
living in the town ; William Teall, the first supervi.sor of
the town ; Benjamin Healey, first town clerk, whose repre-
sentatives are numerous in the town ; Clark Main, Ralph
Fisher, Lorenzo H. Sheldon, Chester Winslow, Shubael
Parker, Benjamin Healey, father of Rosalvo Healey, Wilkes
Richardson, one of the first assessors of the town, and Fer-
dinand* and King R., his sons — the latter deceased — his
son Adolphus T. resides in the town; William D. Gilmore,
William H. Underwood, Henry Reed, Orlando Babbitt, Dr.
H. Alexander, Reuben L. Willson, John Gardner, and Asa
his son, Frank Matteson, Ransom and John Day, Noah
Hamilton, Ezra Leonard, Alexander Brown, Almon and
Amos V. Farnsworth, Silas Williams, A. F. Gates, a prom-
inent dairyman and ftirmer, William Rasbaok, Thomas
Thornhill,* Alvin A. Corey, William A. Scripter,* E. J.
Stewart, son of Philemon Stewart, an early settler.
The first farm opened in the town of Hermon was by
James Taylor, in the west part of the town, in 1805.
The first road opened through the town was from De
Kalb to Russell, just prior to the War of 1812. The sec-
ond road was from the present village of Hermon to De
Kalb, in 1818.
The first store was opened by William Teall, in the
northern edge of the town, in 1823.
The first school was kept in the dwelling of David Mc-
Collum, by Wm. D. Moore, in the winter of 1817-18.f
The first marriage was that contracted by Asahel Tryon
and Harriet McCollum, July 4, 1821.
The first death was that of Peter, infant son of Germain
Sutherland, in 1818.
The first post-office was established Dec. 20, 1828, at
Hermon village. The first postmaster was Benjamin
Healey. The mail-route was from Hermon to old De Kalb,
*■' See in biographical department of cur worlt.
tSoo uDder head of " Educntional ond Statistieiil."
and the mail was carried on horseback, by Harry Tanner,
his compensation being the proceeds of the postage, which
was very little in those days. The mail is now carried from
De Kalb Junction by stage, which connects at Hermon
with a daily route from Russell. Four trips a day from
the former place to the Junction are made, and a daily mail
from all parts on the line of the railroad is received and
forwarded. The stage-line is operated by Elisha Burn-
ham & Son. The present postmaster at Hermon is B. R.
. Stone.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Hermon was formed from De Kalb and Edwards, April
17, 1830.J The first town-meeting was held at the school-
house near Nathaniel Kent's, May 4, 1830, and the sub-
joined is a list of the first town oflScers elected at that time :
William Teall, supervisor ; Benjamin Healey, town clerk ;
Wilkes Richardson, Isaac C. Pool, Silas Williams, assessors;
Martin L. Cook, John Matoon, overseers of the poor ; Si-
meon Peterson, Jesse Worden, Shubael Parker, commissioners
of highways ; Wilkes Richardson, Robert Gotham, Harry
Tanner, commissioners of schools ; Benjamin Healey, Aaron
Teall, C. D. Morehouse, inspectors of public schools;
Charles C. Redfield, collector ; Ariel Wrisley, Charles C.
Redfield, constables.
SUPERVISORS.
The names of those who have filled the office of super-
visor from the organization of the town to the present
(1877) are as follows: William Teall, 1830-32; Reuben
L. Wilson, 1833; Harry Tanner, 1834-36; Silas Wil-
liams, 1837; Henry P. Cook, 1838-39; Nathaniel Kent,
1840 ; H. P. Cook, 1841-42 ; Silas Williams, 1843-47 ;
Seymour Thatcher, 1848-51 ; David W. Weeks, 1852-53;
William E. Tanner, 1854-55; Orlando Babbitt, 1856-57;
Horace Barnes, 1858; Clark Maine, 1859-60; William
E. Turner, 1861-04; Alanson A. Matteson, 1864-67;
Dolphus G. Lynde, 1868-70 ; Otis Earle, 1871 ; A. A.
Blatteson, 1872-73; Z. W. Babcock, 1874; A. A. Mat-
teson, 1875-77.
PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS.
A. A. Matteson, supervisor; John J. Haile, town clerk;
William G. Brown, E. B. White, Jnstus B. Pickit, Heze-
kiah B. Hamlin, justices of the peace; Joseph L. Arnin,
Henry Gale, Abram F. Gates, assessors ; Asa Gardner,
commissioner of highways ; Stanley John.son, overseer of
the poor; James H. Graham, collector; Jay W. Cleghorn,
Clark Main, William D. Gilmore (appointed), inspectors of
election ; AVilliam W. Matteson, George V. Scofield, L. W.
Campbell (appointed), town auditors; Stanley Johnson,
De Grass Foster, Charles D. Ric6, James H. Graham,
Spencer PI. Ladd, constables.
DAIRY INTERESTS.
The rolling nature of the surface of the town of Her-
mon, together with its general adaptability to grazing pur-
poses, makes it one of the best dairying towns, its arei
considered, in the county. There are six cheese-factories iii;
X See further dopoription, ante.
""!<:
^^nhyQalc.
Business Block of D.S.LYNDI: . Business Block or DK.E.&.SCfMOUF.
Hermqnville.SjLawrenccCo.HY
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
437
the town, the agitvegate annual product of which is about
700,000 pounds of cheese. The names of these factories,
with their owners, number of cows used by each, and
products, are as follows, viz. :
Factory. Ownor. No. of Cowa. Pounds of Cheese.
Hermon Village Charles Risley 760 200,000
Hermoii Centre A. F. Gates..
West Ilornion A. F. Gates..
South Herman Geo. La Lone.
Porter Hill Dnniel Hill
Parker Factory Asa Parker
760
500
450
400
375
100
2.576
140,000
120,000
llO.OtIO
100,000
30,000
700,000
MINING INTERESTS.
The mineral facilities of the town of Hermon are being
developed, and the immense deposits of hematite ore that
abound in it, and the towns of De Kalb and Rossie, are
being utilized. Mining operations on an extensive scale in
this vicinity were commenced by Mr. J. W. Lowden, an
eastern capitalist, in 1864, who, in addition to his mining
enterpi'ises, erected a furnace at Cooper's Falls, in the town
of De Kalb, and utilized the magnificent water-power that
there exists. To accomplish this, and to bring his vast un-
dertaking to a successful issue, required not only a large
capital, but also great energy and business ability and acu-
men. All of these qualities Mr. Lowden possesses in a re-
markable degree. In 1872, Mr. Lowden sold out his in-
terest to the " Union Iron Company, of Buffalo," Buffalo,
New York, of which Aro Pardee, the millionaire coal ope-
rator, is president ; George Beals, treasurer ; T. Guilford
Smith, secretary ; and James Jenkins, superintendent. John
Webb, Jr., of Gouverneur, acts as local agent for the com-
pany.
The superior quality of the ore found hereabouts is
shown from the subjoined analysis, made by a professional
assayer :
Peroxide of iron (yielding metallic iron, 67.30).... 96.15 per cent.
Silica 2.50
Carhonatc of lime 35 "
" " magnesia 22 "
Sulphur BO "
Moisture and loss 10 "
100.00
From an experimental blast for one week, made by Mr.
Lowden, 58J per cent, of iron was obtained, and the gen-
eral average is about 57 per cent. Blaterials for mining
were brought into Hermon, and twenty-five men were em-
ployed, a shaft sunk to the depth of 175 feet, and opera-
tions continued until recently, when, owing to the general
stagnation of the iron trade, operations were temporarily
suspended. The engines, lifting- and pumping-gear, and
the rest of the paraphernalia requisite for mining on an
extensive scale, are at the mines, and about 8000 tons of
ore aro upon the surface. When the demand for ore returns,
operations will doubtless be resumed.
Too much credit cannot be bestowed upon Mr. Lowden
for the development of the vast mineral wealth of this sec-
tion of country, and to him it is right and proper to ascribe
the honor on the pages of this history.
HERMON VILLAGE
is pleasantly situated on Elm creek, in the northeast angle
of the tojrn. The first settlement on the present site was
made by Roger Story, early in the year 1816, who imme-
diately on his arrival began to build a plain log house,
which was the first hou.se in the village. He was soon fol-
lowed by Germain Sutherland, who came in the same year.
He left two daughters now residing in the village, one the
wife of Rosalvo Ilealey, the other the wife of Hczekiah B.
Hamlin. E.sq., who has held the ofiioe of justice of the peace
for about twenty years. Among the early settlers in the
village might be mentioned Alexander Brown, Nehcmiah
Barker, Thomas Gilmore, Elisha Burnham, David Wesley;
Saiuuel McCollum, William D. Moore, and William Mar-
tin, the latter having opened the first store in the place in
1823. From the erection of the first store to the present
the village has continued to grow steadily, and has become
a place of considerable business importance. Its prosperity
has been greatly retarded by the visitation of fire, two ex-
tensive conflagrations having occurred within a few years,
notably the " great fire" of April 27, 1 875, when nearly the
entire business portion of the village was laid in ashes, in-
volving a pecuniary loss of upwards of 1 100,000. With
promptitude and energy the people of Hermon, whose
property had been destroyed, immediately commenced to I'C-
build, and that, too, in a more substantial manner than be-
fore. As an evidence of the general thrift displayed, it is
only necessary to point to the elegant structures erected by
Hon. D. S. Lynde and Dr. E. G. Seymour, the lower por-
tion which is now occupied by them for their respective
stores, and the upper part for various purposes, especially
Dr. Seymour's hall, for amusements, and similar enterprises.
An illustration of this beautiful block adorns our pages
elsewhere.
The village of Hermon was incorporated by a vote of the
citizens, which resulted 75 for incorporation and 31 against;
and the first election of ofiicers was held Nov. 17, 1877, at
which the following were chosen to serve in the ofiices op-
posite their names respectively : W. W. Matteson, presi-
dent; Elisha Burnham, Martin R. Folsom, William M.
Green, trustees; James K. Hale, treasurer; John J. Haile,
collector.
The business interests of the village are represented by
22 stores and places of business, classified as follows: three
dry-goods and grocery stores, of which D. S. Lynde's is the
principal ; one dry-goods store ; three drug-stores, of which
the most extensive is that of Dr. E. G. Seymour ; four gro-
cery-stores, the leading one being that of John J. Haile ;
one hardware, one furniture, and one merchant-tailoring and
clothing stores, two boot and shoe stores, two millinery es-
tablishments, three harness-shops, one butcher-shop, and
two livery-stables.
Its manufactories are one tannery, operated by J. Har-
wick & Son ; one cheese-factory, by C. H. Risley ; an exten-
sive carriage-fitctory, by James Kelley ; planing-mill, by G.
v. Scotield; grist-mill, by T. A. Sheldon; saw-mill, by
John Grandy; four blacksmiths, and various other me-
chanics. It has three church organizations,* and two
houses of worship ; a Temperance Reform club, a lodge of
F. and A. M , a semi-monthly newspaper, a well-managed
o-radcd school, three resident physicians, three ministei-s of
« See pages 438, 439.
438
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the gospel, three lawyers, two dentists, and one barber.
The population of the villago is fairly estimated at 800.
Hermon is rightly entitled to. a prominent position among
the most flourishing villages of the county.
GRIST-MILLS.
The first grist-mill in what is now the village of Hermon
was erected by Milton Johnson in 1819, and stood on the
east side of Elm creek, about opposite the present mill ; he
also built a distillery at the same time, both of which enter-
prises have long since ceased to exist. The present grist-
mill was built by John Stokes, and was operated by him
several years. In 1865, T. W. Sheldon purchased the
property, and has since continued to operate the mills.
There are four run of stones, and he ground during 1877
thirty thousand bushels of grain for flour and feed.
THE HERMON TANNERY
was first erected by J. H. Harwiek, in 1853, and was de-
stroyed by fire in 1861. It was rebuilt on the original
foundation by Solomon Powell, since which time several
additions have been made to it. The present proprietor is
F. D. Harwiek, son of the founder ; and two thousand
sides were tanned in it the present year.
CHEESE-FACTORY.
The Hermon village cheese-factory was built by Charles
Risley, its present proprietor, in 1868. Its annual average
capacity is two hundred thousand pounds, and the average
number of cows of which the milk is used is seven hundred
and fifty. It is a very successful and important enterprise.
HERMON LODGE, NO. 500, P. AND A. M.,
commenced work under a dispensation granted by the
Master of the Grand Lodge April 4, 1860. A charter was
granted on the 6th of July, of the same year. The first
officers were A. P. Sherwin, W. M. ; W. D. Gilmore, S. W. ;
E. T. Chancy, J. W. ; George Converse, Treasurer ; 0. A.
Hine, Secretary ; J. Dillenback, S. D. ; M. R. Folsom,
J. D. ; Robert Moore, Tyler. The present officers are D. S.
Lynde, W M. ; E. T. Chancy, S. W. ; Stanley Johnson,
J. W. ; James Graham, Treas. ; J. J. Hale, Sec. ; James
Graham, S. D. ; H. N. Scott, J. D. ; C. E. Page, Tyler.
The present membership is seventy-five. The lodge meets
over Conant's drug-store, on the first and third Wednes-
day of each month from March to September, aud every
Wednesday night the balance of each year.
THE HERMON REFORM CLUB
was organized Dec. 22, 1876, with forty-five members. The
first officers were James Kelly, president; Edward T. Cha-
ncy, vice-president; C. P. Day, secretary; E. B. White,
corresponding secretary ; John J. Haile, treasurer ; Rev.
J. B. McCuUough, chaplain. The present (1877) officers
are James Kelly, president ; E. T. Chaney, vice-president ;
Dr. 0. Bliss, secretary ; J. J. Haile, corresponding secretary ;
Cyrus Fuller, treasurer; Rev. J. B. McCullough, chaplain.
Membership, one hundred and eighty-three.
THE HERMON CORNET BAND.
The Hermon cornet band was organized on the 1st of
January, 1877, with fifteen members, namely, Charles W.
Hall, leader ; L. H. Fuller, E. 0. Reynolds, John Wil-
liams, W. R. Ormiston, W. A. Leonard, L. A. McCollum,
Alden Morgan, M. A. Green, Thomas Given, James Given,
D. E. Green, Willie Johns, D. M. Dow, and Charles Craig.
HERMON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was incorporated Jan. 18, 1851, with Peter Clintsman,
Calvin Rhodes, P. D. Miller, Chester Winslow, J. B. Miller,
and R. M. Hall trustees. The cemetery grounds are located
on the road from Hermon to Russell, and contain four and
a half acres, which are ornamented by a number of beau-
tiful and tasty monuments. The present officers are W. W.
Matteson, president ; Z. W. Baboock, .secretary. Benjamin
Cleghorn, James Kelly, John C. Gibbons, A. A. Matteson,
Harrison Maine, William M. Green, Eli Beard, and the two
officers above named compose the board of trustees.
CARRIAGE-MANUFACTORY.
Among the important industrial establishments of Her-
mon is the extensive carriage-manufactory of James Kelly,
which was established by him in 1856. He employs eight
hands, and has a capacity for twenty-five. The work he
turns out is excellent in every particular, and has acquired
an enviable reputation wherever used.
MARSHVILLE
is a hamlet, situated on both sides of Elm creek, almost one
mile south of Hermon. The second saw-mill in town was
erected hereabout 1825, by Abram Fisk. ,In the following
year Amos Marsh, father of Horatio Marsh, bought the
premises and built a grist-mill. From him the place re-
ceived its name. Among the early settlers here were the
Marshes, Clark Main, William H. Dodge, L. W. Campbell,
J. M. McCollum, and others.
THE MARSHVILLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
was one of the earliest institutions in the place. It was incor-
porated March 11, 1850, with Edmund Allen, Sr., Martin
McCollum, Clark Main, Ralph Fisher, Isaac C. Sherwin,
Thomas Campbell, trustees. The last election of trustees
occurred March 14, 1853, when the above were re-elected,
with the exception of Isaac C. Sherwin, who was replaced
by Alfred Barnett. Since this time the corporation has
been allowed to die out.
The place now contains twenty -three dwellings, a church,
belonging to the Christian denomination ; a common school,
a saw-mill, a cheese-box-factory, two cooper-shops, a black-
smithing- and carriage-shop combined, a paint-shop, a car-
penter-shop, a millinery establishment, and almost one
hundred inhabitants.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP HERMON
was formed at an early day, probably about 1820; the pre-i;
cise date, owing to the absence of the records, is not obtain-
able. That there were religious services in this town,
according to the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal'
Y/M.M.ScmnzR.
Mra.WM. M.SCHIPTCR.
Res. of Wm. SCfffPTER, Hehmon . St. Lawhence Co,, iV. Y.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
439
church, soon after the cessation of hostilities with Groat
Britain, there exists no doubt, but the regular organization
of a class did not occur until about the date above men-
tioned. Preaching was had in the house of Roger Story,
by Rev. Mr. Goodwin, in 1816. The society proper was in-
corporated as the "First Society of the Metliodist Episcopal
Church of Hermon," November 1, 1847, at which time
Samuel I. Bingham, Seymour Thatcher, Col. Joseph H.
Baird, Lorenzo H. Sheldon, Orin Nichols, Timothy B.
Hatch, and Daniel Mclntire were elected trustees. The
year following the incorporation of the society they erected
their present church edifice, to which they subsequently
added a fine-toned bell. The house cost originally about
S1400. Its present value is $3000. It will comfortably
seat 325 persons. The present trustees are Joseph McLean,
'Solomon Bixby, Alvin Corey, Charles Loucks, John
Loucks, Jacob Harwick, and Joseph Firth. The present
pastor is Rev. J. B. McCullough, under whose ministra-
tions there have been added to the church 68 members,
making the present number 180. The present stewards are
Jacob Harwick, John Merrill, John Loucks, Joseph Firth,
Elmer BloCollum, David Amos, K. W. Hale.
There is a flourishing Sabbath-school connected with the
.church, which has 30 officers and teachers, and 200 scholars.
Its superintendent is Solomon Bixby.
" Kent's Appointment" is in the Hermon charge. It
has no house of worship, but the meetings are held in the
school-house. Its membership is 50. The stewards are
Benjamin Parker and Darius Briggs ; pastor. Rev. J. B.
McCullough. The Sabbath-school has a membership of 10
officers and teachers, and 40 scholars. Superintendent,
Benjamin Parker.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHUHCH OF HERMON, ,
at Hermon village, was organized in January, 1818, having
at that time thirteen members, A council was called from
the churches of Gouverneur, Oswegatchie, Russell, and
Madrid, for the purpose of forming the Hermofi church,
some of the early members of which belonged to the
churches of Gouverneur and Russell. The society was in-
corporated December 3, 1845, with Horatio Marsh, Daniel
K. Babcock, Edward Maddock, Wm. E. Tanner, Theo-
dorus Frisby, and Orle Gibbons, trustees. They erected
their house of worship in 1849 ; it has a seating capacity
for about 400. The first pastor was Rev. Elder Payne ; the
present incumbent is Rev, E, E, Brown ; the present mem-
bership is 95 ; number of officers and teachers jn the Sun-
day-school, 13; scholars, 100 ; superintendent, Charles W,
Hall. The present trustees of the society are E. Baird, E.
B. Rhodes, Burton Blandon, and A, M. Philbrick ; deacons,
E. B. Rhoades and W, E. Haskill ; church clerk, A. M,
Philbrick.
THE CHRISTIAN CHtTRCH OF HERMON
was first formed by Elder Spooner, in 1826, and in 1827
we find it with a membership of 30. Elder Spooner was
followed in the pastorate by Elders Peterson, Smith, Wood-
ward, and Joseph Starkey, the latter having served the
church for the past forty years, excepting a short interval
which was filled by Elders Worden, Sayleg, aud Wsrren.
Among the early lay members were Messrs. Day, Reed,
Cook, Carpenter, and Einons, and in later years, Allen,
Fisk, Barnet, and Smith.
In 1859, a meeting-house was erected, which has .since
served the congregation. It is of wood, and located at
Marshville. The records show the names of 300 members,
but death and removals have left the present membership
at about 30. The present deacon is J. B. Smith ; clerk,
Edmund Allen.
THE UNIVERSALIS! SOCIETY
was organized March 8, 1858, with ten members, namely,
William Freeman, George A. Sheldon, Hubbard Risley,
Rosalvo Healey and wife, A. P. Sherwin, Saoket Comstock,
Charles Bissell, Edward T, Chaney, and M. R. Folsom,
The congregation meets in Seymour's hall, and have regu-
lar worship there. The present pastor is Rev. F. S. Rice ;
membership, 26, The Sunday-school has 8 officers and
teachers, and 30 scholars ; Superintendent, Edward P.
Chaney. The trustees of the society are Benjamin Clag-
liorn, John Westcott, and Henry W. Haile; Clerk, Dr. 0.
Bliss. The society contemplate erecting a house of worship
as soon as possible,
A CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WBS organized in Hermon about the year 1835, and its
members used to worship in White's school-house. Elder
Eastman was the first regular pastor. Among the early
members of this society, which is now disbanded, were
Wilkes Richardson and wife, Ezra Leonard and wife, John
Matoon and wife, and others, most of whom subsequently
aflSliated with the Richville church, which most of those
professing the Congregational faith now attend.
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.-
The first school taught in this town was in the house of
David McCollum, near the present village of Hermon, by
William D. Moore, in the winter of 1817-18, and the fol-
lowing winter a school was taught in the same place by
Wesley McCollum. In 1826 a school was taught in the
present village by Miss Huldah Wickerson, the main feature
of interest being the primitive nature of the heating appa-
ratus. It appears that an inverted potash-kettle, with a
stove-pipe inserted in a hole through the bottom, was made
to answer the purpose of a stove. The first school district
or"-anized in the town after its formation was district No. 1,
formed on the 10th of June, 1830. It included quite an
extensive territory, namely, " from the southwest corner of
lot 4 ; thence running south to the southeast corner of lot
42 • thence west to the southwest corner of lot 47 ; thence
north to the town-line of De Kalb ; thence along the lino
to the corner of lots 17 and 8 ; thence along the road to
the corner, near Smith R. Tucker's, at the corner lots 5, 6,
12 and 13 ; thence east in the town-line to the place of
beo'inning." The formation of other districts has mate-
rially altered the above. The present number of school
districts is 13; number of school-houses, 13; number of
scholars, 629 ; number of teachers, 15 ; amount of State
appropriation, $1558; amount raised by taxation, $1979;
value of school property, $6000. The village of Hermon has
440
HISTOKV OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTS, NEW YORK.
a departmental school, with three teachers, and is governed
by a board of education. It was organized Oct. 13, 1868,
and the first board consisted of A. M. Spalding, Otis Earle,
Harris Bartholomew, W. W. Blatteson, and Z. W. Bab-
cook ; the present board is composed of E. B. White, H.
C. Main, Benjamin Cleghorn, John C. Gibbons, and W.
W. Matteson.
The statistics of the village school are included in those
of the town, as above given, but we divide them so as to
show the relative status of the town and village schools.
Number of teachers, 3 ; number of scholars, 205 ; amount
of State appropriation, 1430 ; amount raised by taxation,
$750 ; value of school property, S2000. The population
of the town of Hermon for each lustrum, from 1845 to
1875 inclusive, has been as follovrs: in 1845, 1580; in
1850, 1690; in 1855, 1648; in 1860, 1690; in 1865,
1667; in 1870, 1792; in 1875, 1806.
We are under obligations to the following authority and
persons for information and assi.stance in the compilation of
the above history of the town of Hormon, namely. Dr.
Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties,"
Harry Tanner, the oldest pioneer, Ferdinand Richardson,
C. C. Leonard, Noah Hamilton, Wm. H. Dodge, A. M.
Philbrick, J. J. Haile, town clerk. Dr. 0. Bliss, Wm. M.
Soripter, A. P. Gates, John McCollum, John Gardner,
Rosalvo Healey, H. B. Hamlin, Esq., Z. W. Babeock, A.
A. Matteson, James Kelly, Asa Gardner, Tliomas Thorn-
hill, Wiers C. Fordham, Rev. J. B. McCullough, Elisha
Burnham, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
FERDINAND RICHARDSON.
This gentleman comes of a long line of distinguished
ancestors, dating back in English history several centuries
and in the annals of American history for more than two
hundred years. In the American branch of the family are
included such men as Wm. A. Richardson, seeretai-y of the
treasury under President Grant, several soldiers and patriots,
jurists, and other noted personages.
Ferdinand Richardson was the third son in a family of
nine children. His father, Wilkes Richardson, was born in
Barre, Mass., in 1 772 ; removed to Hermon in 1826, and was
elected one of the first three assessors of that town at the
first town-meeting. May 4, 1830. He died April 22, 1867.
He was preceded to the grave by his wife, Mehitable, who
died Dec. 24, 1863.
The subject of our sketch was born at Champion, Jeffer-
son Co., N. y., July 28, 1811. He moved with his father
to Hermon in the spring of 1826. On Oct. 28, 1834, he
was united in marriage with Louisa Matteson, who was
born in Clarendon, Vt., Aug, 8, 1811, and removed with
her parents to Rodman, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1822.
They had no children of their own, but adopted the follow-
ing: Chase, born July 3, 1836; married Emma Stevens;
has two children, Albert and Allie Belle. Ida, born June
4, 1864; now living at home; attends school.
Mr. Richardson placed his adopted son, Chase, on a
fine farm of 150 acres, located near his own homestead.
The dauglitcr he Ls educating in a manner which speaks
well for the young lady's future.
By occupation, Mr. Richardson is a farmer, and for many
years held the position of deacon in the Congregational
church of Richville (formerly of Hermon). He has been
assessor, justice of the peace, and always an important and
worthy member of society. His wife is a lady of kind
heart and generous impulses, and, with her husband as a
ready coadjutor in charitable enterprise, docs much good.
An illustration of the homestead, with portraits of Mr.
and Mrs. Richardson and their daughter, adorn our pao-es
elsewhere in this work.
WILLIAM MANNING SCRIPTER,
son of John Soripter, who was born in New England in
1788, and settled on a farm in the town of Oswegatchie,
at what is known as the " Vermont Settlement," in 1822,
and there resided till his death, which occurred on Jan. 5,
1831. The mother of William M., Elizabeth Haywood,
was also of New England birth.
William M. Soripter was the third child and second
son of a family of eight children, — four sons and four
daughters, — five of whom are now living, three in St. Law-
rence County, one in Wisconsin, and one in Kansas. He
was born in Massachusetts, Sept. 4, 1815. He spent his
youth on his father's farm, and attended the common schools
in Oswegatchie. On Feb. 23, 1843, he was united in
marriage with Tirzah G. Piack, of Lisbon, who was born
in that town on April 23, 1815. Her parents, John and
Tirzah Flack, were among the pioneers of Lisbon. Their
union has resulted in the following children, namely:
Marion V., born Dec. 21, 1843, married William Hale,
of De Kalb; William M., born Jan. 2, 1846; Lavonia S.,
born March 24, 1847, married H. J. Richardson, of Her-
mon; Oscar W., born Aug. 15, 1849, died March 6, 1852;
Warren C, born Oct. 5, 1854, died Dec. 25, 1854; Tru-
man F., born Jan. 28, 1856, died April 1, same year.
On attaining his majority, Mr. Soripter left his father's
farm, and purchased a piece of woodland in Heuvelton,
from which he took the timber. He continued to live on
this land until after his marriage, when he removed to
his present farm, which he had previously purchased from
his savings in 1842. It contained 60 acres, to which he
has added by subsequent purchases adjoining tracts, until
he now has a comfortable homestead of 230 acres, of which,
with the substantial buildings thereon, an illustration, with,
portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Soripter, can be seen elsewhere
in this work. Whatever they possess is the fruits of tlieir
individual labor and economy. In politics, Mr. Soripter is
a Republican, to which party he has belonged since he be-
came a voter. He never sought political preferment.
Religiously, he believes in universal salvation. His mk
was a member of the Presbyterian church at the time of
Ferdinand Richardson.
5)i
'%^ \
Uns. FEffoiNAND Richardson.
|^?«"K^f.M.ww.y-.Ai^'.--;-;:j'.--
ffE5. or TERD/N^ND RICHARDSON.Hwmow, ST.i^w/?mcf Co,W.v:
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
441
her marriage, and leans towards the doctrines of that faith
at present.
Mr. Scripter is a good, practical farmer, and an acoommo-
datinc neighbor, and a man of general good character.
As such, he enjoys the respect of the community in which
he resides.
THOMAS THORNHILL
was the third son of a family of six children of John and
Mary Thornhill, of Lincolnshire, England, of which family
he is the sole survivor. He was born in the town of Lud-
dino'ton, Lincolnshire, England, June 9, 1803. He spent
THOMAS THORNHILL.
his youth on his father's farm, in his native town, and at-
tended the national school of Luddington. In 1823 he
married Sarah Backus, of Appleby, in the same shire, and
remained in England until he arrived at his twenty-seventh
year. His marriage resulted in two children, namely,
Mary, born in England, June 14, 1827, died in Hermon
in 1867 ; Hannah, born in De Peyster, Sept. 21, 1832,
married R. U. Silsby, of Stockholm. His wife died in
Ogdensburg in September, 1833. On the 19th of April,
1834, he married Sarah Bean, of Oswegatchie, but formerly
of England, by whom he had the following offspring,
namely : Thomas, born June 14, 1835 : Harriet, born April
25, 1837, married Lorenzo Monroe, of Worth, Jefferson
Co., N. Y., died April 27, 1875 ; John, born Nov. 25, 1839 ;
Sarah, born April 18, 1842, married John Holder, of Fine,
died Oct. 6, 1865; Albert, born May 11, 1844; Henry,
born Jan. 3, 1848, died Feb. 20, 1848 ; Annette, born Aug.
6, 1849, married Judson Dewell, of Hermon ; Emma J.,
born Nov. 13, 1851, married Stanley Pickard, of Hermon.
56
In 1830, Mr. Thornhill came to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,
and leased a farm in the town of Oswegatchie, where he
remained until 1835, when he removed to Hermon and
settled on the farm upon which he now resides. It then
consisted of seventy-seven acres of timbered land, which
he cleared up himself, and has by various purchases added
thereto until he now owns two hundred and thirty acres of
well-improved land in a body, and has also other lands
amounting to seventy-six acres. When he commenced he
had no capital but his health, industry, and ambition, which
he rightfully utilized, with the present gratifying results.
In fact he was a little in debt when he commenced, but is
in quite comfortable circumstances. His farm is a fine
one, while his residence and buildings are substantial.
In polities, Mr. Thornhill is a Republican, having joined
that party at its organization. He served as commissioner
of highways in his town for two terms. In religious senti-
ment he is a Methodist, but not in communion with any
church. He is a man of unblemished character, of a public-
spirited disposition, and enjoys the respect of the commu-
nity in which he resides.
HENRY GALE
was born in Houndsfield, Jefferson Co., Nov. 21, 1819. He
was the fifth son in a family of six children, three of whom
are now living. His father, Nehemiah Gale, a descendant
of Solomon Gale, was born in Sutton, Vt., Aug. 24, 1788,
and settled in Champion, Jefferson Co., N. Y., at the com-
mencement of the War of 1812. He soon enlisted in the
United States service, and was engaged in frontier service
at Sacket's Harbor, and was also in the attack made on
Prescott. At the close of the war he settled in Hounds-
field, and in 1829 removed to Le Ray, where he died June
9, 1844, in his fifty-sixth year. Henry was ten years of
age when his father removed to Le Ray. Here he spent
his youth on the farm and in the common schools, except
the last two years, during which he attended the academy
at Evans' Mills. On Jan. 12, 1848, he married Miss
Edith R. Griffin, of PameKa, Jefferson Co. The result of
this union was Lucy A., born Blay 8, 1849, married J. W.
Cleghorn, of Hermon, died Oct. 30, 1875; Alonzo D.,
born June 30, 1851, died Jan. 10, 1863 ; and Henry P.,
born Dec. 13, 1859.
After his marriage, Mr. Gale settled in Canton, St. Law-
rence Co., on a farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres of
partially cleared land. Here he remained till the spring of
1855, when he sold his farm and removed to the village of
Hermon, where he has since resided.
In early life he was a Whig, but joined the Republicans
upon the formation of that party. He has filled the office
of assessor of his town for seventeen years, and has been
elected justice of the peace for four years. As a citizen
and neighbor, Mr. G. is honored and respected by all who
know him.
EDWARDS.
In Great Tract No. 3, of Macomb's purchase, one of the
fifteen townships into which it was divided received the
name of Edwards, in honor of Edward McCormick, a
brother of Daniel McCormick, the proprietor to whom the
township was assigned in the division. The township
(numbered 8 of the tract) was a square, of which the four
boundary lines indicated the cardinal points of the compass.
The survey-townships which adjoined it were, Fitzwilliam
on the north, Sarahsburg on the east, Portaferry on the
south, and Killarney on the west. The first named of
these is now Hermon, and the last is Fowler. Sarahsburg
is divided between Russell and Fine, and Portaferry is the
town of Pitcairn ; while Edwards retains the name and
(excepting a small extension at the northeast corner) the
original boundaries of the township.
The main branch of the Oswegatchie enters at the south-
east, from Fine, and flows through the town .for a distance
of more than ten miles; first in a northwesterly course past
the villages of South Edwards and Edwards, and then, after
doubling upon itself in one of the abrupt bends for which
this stream is so remarkable, it turns at nearly a right angle
and passes out across the west line, after receiving the waters
of the south branch, which comes down from Fullerville,
entering Edwards only a half-mile above the confluence.
In the southwestern part of the town are Bonner, Beaver,
Mud, and Clear lakes, out of which flow small afiluents of
the Oswegatchie ; and on the Hermon line, partly in Ed-
wards, is Cedar lake, which sends its tribute to Grasse
river.
In the best parts, along the river and the branches of
Elm creek, the surface is rolling, but elsewhere it becomes
more rugged and broken ; and in the northwestern and
southwestern sections there are vast uninhabited areas,
which have never been considered eligible for settlement.
The township was patented to McCormick in March,
1795. It was surveyed in 1806, by Reuben Ashman, of
Russell. McCormick transferred it to Joseph Pitcairn
about 1816. Mr. Pitcairn died in the summer of 1844,
bequeathing his interest in these lands to Alexander 0.
Brodie. It was under the proprietorship of Mr. Pitcairn
that the settlement of Edwards was chiefly made, though
commenced under that of McCormick.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Before any white man's habitation had been built in
Edwards, the Russell turnpike was laid out across its terri-
tory ; and it was the construction of this road which brought
the township into notice, and hastened its settlement. The
original route of this highway crossed the west branch of
the Oswegatchie, about three-fourths of a mile below where
Fullerville now is, and running thence in a northeasterly
course, crossed the island and the two channels of the main
river at the present site of Edwards village. The section
embracing Edwards was built by Enos Chapin, contractor,
who commenced the work in 1810, and completed it in
1812. In January of the last-named year, Asa Brayton,
the first settler, brought his family to the town and settled
on the south side of the new road, near where it crosses the
creek, about midway between the two branches of the Os-
wegatchie. During that season and the following winter,
three families named Johnson, and those of Guy Earl,
Samuel Jones, John Britton, Joseph M. Bonner, Elijah
Jones, and some others, located and built dwellings. Among
those who came at that time was a Mr. Partridge, whose
residence here was destined to be but short, for he was
killed by the falling of a beam, at the raising of a building,
in 1813. This was the first death among the settlers,
though it is said that a Mr. Shipman had died in the town-
ship two years before, while engaged in the construction of
the turnpike. The first birth in the settlement occurred
in the fall of 1812. The child was a son of Asa Brayton,
and was named John B. He is now living in the village
of Fullerville. The first marriage of which there is record
was that of George Allen and Sally Chapin, in 1821.
In 1813, Orra Shead came in from Russell and com-
menced preparations for the erection of a grist-mill, which was
completed the following year, and was a great acquisition to
the settlers. It was located on the east bank of the river,
where the turnpike crossed it. Five years later he built a
saw-mill just below this, on the spot now occupied by the
Rushton saw-mill at Edwards village. These were the first
mills in the township.
About 1816, Phineas Attwater became Mr. Pitcairn's
agent for the sale of lands and the promotion of settlements,
being the first who acted in that capacity for the proprietors.
In 1819 he was succeeded by George Allen, who came in at
that time and located at Shead's mills.
In 1818 and 1819, Edwards received a considerable ac-
cession by the arrival of a number of Scotch immigrants
who settled chiefly in the north and northeastern portions
of the township. Among these were James Grieve, Roberi
Watson, John Whitehead, Alexander Noble, Willian
Andrew, Alexander Kerr, James Wilson, Alexander Laid
law, William Cleland, and Robert Brown. The two las
named are still living in the town, at very advanced age, bu
the others have passed away, Mr. Grieve having died durinj
the present year (1877).
From 1819-20 the increase was quite rapid, but th
settlements were confined almost exclusively to the vicinit;
of the river and the line of the Russell turnnike. — a p«
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK.
443
culiar feature which has been noticeable in Edwards until
the present time. In fifteen years from the entrance of the
first settler the population had become sufiioient to accom-
plish a separation from the parent town of Fowler.
TOWN ORGANIZATION — LIMITS — OFFICERS, ETC.
By act of legislature, passed April 7, 1827, Edwards was
erected a town " comprising the original township of Fitz-
wllliam and Edwards, formerly included in the town of
Fowler, in the county of St. Lawrence." At the first an-
nual meeting, held at the house of William Martin, May
1, 1827, the following-named officers were elected : Orra
Shead, supervisor ; John C. Halle, town clerk ; James 0.
Haile, Asa Brayton, Jr., and William Teall, assessors ; Ros-
well Lillie, Arba Collister, Peleg Haile, commissioners of
highways; Warren Streeter, Guy Earl, overseers of the
poor.
By the erection of the town of Depeau (afterwards named
Harmon), April 17, 1830, the township of Fitzwilliam was
taken from Edwards, thus leaving the boundaries of the
town identical with those of survey-township No. 8 ; and
so they continued until November 17, 1852, when, by act
of the board of supervisors, a rectangular 'block of land,
embracing subdivision lots Nos. 32 to 37 of the Ashman
survey, was taken from Hermon, and added to Edwards,
upon the north line, and at the northeast corner of the town,
thus establishing its present limits.
The office of supervisor of Edwards, from the time of its
organization until the present, has been filled by the follow-
ing persons, viz. : Orra Shead, 1827-28, 1830, '31, '32, '33 ;
Wm. Teall, 1829 ; Hubbard Goodrich, 1834-35 ; John C.
Haile, 1836 to 1840, inclusive ; J. B. Pickit, 1841-42,
and 1850 ; Ingraham Winslow, 1843, '44, '45, and 1848 ;
James Noble, 1846-47; Elijah Shaw, 1849 and 1851;
Horace Barnes, 1852; Mark W. Spaulding, 1853-54;
Joseph Brodie, 1855, '56, '57, '60, and '68 ; George Smith,
1858-59, 1869, and 1870; Thomas Todd, 1861-62;
Henry Rushton, 1863, '64, '65 ; L. M. Gardiner, 1866-67 ;
Cornelius Carter, 1871 to 1877, inclusive. Other town
officers for 1877 are Cornelius Carter, Ira A. Hammond,
Charles Murray, and C. K. Raymond, justices of the peace ;
John Cousins, town clerk ; Charles H. Brown, assessor ;
William Grant, collector; J. McFerran, highway com-
missioner; J. H. Winslow, Alexander Kerr, overseers of
the poor ; Henry Webb, B. F. Noble, David Noble, board
of audit; Amos Newton, A. P. Sherwin, K. McCollum,
board of excise.
VILLAGES AND SETTLEMENTS.
The erection of Orra Shead's grist-mill, in 1814, was the
commencement of the village of Edwards. The site was
the most eligible in the township, for it possessed not only
the advantage of the great highway, but also of the ample
water-power of the Oswegatchie at that point. In a new
settlement every one is compelled to visit the grist-mill,
and thus its vicinity becomes a proper point for the estab-
lishment of trade ; and this was the case at Shead's, where
a store was opened soon after. Then came the building of
the saw-mill, and, in the same year (1819), the arrival of
Mr. Pitcairn's agent, George Allen, who established here
his residence and the land-office ; all of which materially
augmented the importance of the place.
The first store — a small establishment — was started by
Mr. Shead, who was also the first postmaster, appointed at
the establishment of the Edwards office, Jan. 4, 1828.
One of the most enterprising men of the early days in
Edwards was William Martin, who opened the second
store, the first hotel, and also a distillery, at the northeast
end of the present village. The next store was opened by
J. B. Picket. The second public-house (and the principal
one in Edwards until the erection of the present fine hotel)
was opened by Nathan Hunt, on the island, where it is
still standing, though no longer open to the public. After
Hunt, it was kept by J. B. Picket, Horace Barnes, W.
A. Livingston, S. M. Farmer, Earle & Allen, and others.
For many years after the opening of this house the island
contained a great part of the business of the place,
and there were many who believed that this advantage
would be permanent ; but it became evident that the space
here was too circumscribed, and so the population and in-
dustries of the village gradually established themselves on
its present proper and natural site. It now contains more
than 400 inhabitants, and is the centre of a prosperous
local business. Its hotel, the Rushton House, standing
upon the main street, is one of the largest and most costly
public-houses in the county. It was built about 1860, by
Henry Rushton, and its first landlord was E. E. Brand. It
afterwards passed to the proprietorship of George Converse,
whose successors have been Baker, John Cole, and
William Burlingame.
The mill, standing on the east bank of the river, and now
operated by Padget & Co. as a planing-mill and sash-, d&or-,
and blind-factory, was built and put in operation by Henry
Rushton, as a grist-mill, a successor to the old Shead mill,
which stood a short distance above it. It is still owned by
Mr. Rushton. The saw-mill and shingle-mill adjacent to
the above-mentioned is also owned by Mr. Rushton. This is
the successor (and stands upon the site) of the Shead saw-
mill, built in 1819. The new and excellent grist-mill, with
four run of burrs, standing upon the island, and taking its
power from the western channel of the river, was built
about five years since, by Mr. Rushton, who is its proprie-
tor at the present time. The tannery of Gilbert & Co. is
upon the west side of the river, opposite the island. It
was built and put in operation by Gilbert & Carr, in 1864.
In 1871 it was rented to Rice & Emery, of Boston, Mass.,
and by them operated until 1874. It is not now in
operation.
Besides the business above mentioned, the village con-
tains four stores (including drugs), one hardware- and tin-
store, two harness and saddlery, two blacksmith-shops, and
one wagon- and cabinet-shop. The cheese-factory, the
school-house, and the church we notice elsewhere.
' South Edwards village is near the southeast corner of
the town, upon the main Oswegatchie, five miles above Ed-
wards. The first settler here was Job Winslow, who,
having explored the locality in 1823 and noted the advan-
tages offered by the immense water-power of the river at
this point, purchased the land around the falls, removed his
family here from Potsdam in 1824, and erected a saw-mill.
444
HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
In the following year he also built a grist-mill, and these
became the nucleus of a village. The successors of Wins-
low in the ownership of these mills were John Austin and
Pasco Whitford, from whom the property passed to
Woodbury, then to Almeron Thomas, then to Spaulding
& Pratt, and was burned about 1850. It was rebuilt in an
excellent manner by Chester Van Ornum, but was again
destroyed by fire a few years since. The first merchant was
Elijah Shaw, who, with his brother Noah, came in 1825.
Elijah soon became the most influential man in the settle-
ment, which received on this account the name of Shaw-
ville, by which it is still known. Shaw afterwards took a
Mr. Sears as partner, and they engaged in the manufacture
of potash and other business outside of the store. Then
Sears purchased Shaw's interest, and the latter retired to
his farm, a little north of the village. Sears afterwards re-
moved to Canton, and the business passed to other hands.
The post-office of South Edwards was established under
John Quinoy Adams' administration, Sept. 16, 1828,
through the influence of Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg. The
first postmaster was James C. Haile. Among his immedi-
ate successors was Roswell Lillie, under whom the office
was for a time kept at the Pond settlement instead of Shaw-
ville. Afterwards the appointment was held by Abraham
Van Ornum. The present postmaster is Ira A. Hammond.
A carding-mill and clothiery was built at an early day by
Ingraham Winslow. In the course of events its business
died and the machinery was removed, after which the
building was destroyed by fire. The hotel was built by
Mr. Woodbury, the successor of Austin & Whitford in
the store. In 1871, Messrs. Dickinson & Lawrence, of
Bangor, Franklin county, built and put in operation here a
mill for the manufacture of potato-starch, which is still in
operation under the same proprietors. Its annual consump-
tion of potatoes is over 30,000 bushels. Besides this fac-
tory, the post-office, and the hotel above mentioned, South
Edwards contains a saw-mill, by Jonathan Hendricks, the
grist-mill of G. & E. Lumley, one store, and two or three
mechanics' shops. As a village its importance has decreased
in the past twenty-five years.
On the main river, four miles by its course below Ed-
wards, is a point which was once known as the village of
Freemansburgh, a name received from Capt. Alfred Freeman,
who erected a furnace there in 1830. It was operated on
ores from the Little York ore-bed, and also on those from
the Kearney mine, with bog-ores obtained in Edwards. In
1843 a forge was added for the manufacture of blooms, but
was not continued in operation for more than three years.
A store was also opened by Capt. Freeman in connection
with his works. The furnace was destroyed by fire in
1847, and since that time no business of any kind has been
done at this place. It is still the residence of Geo. W.
Freeman, a son of the proprietor of the iron-works.
The Scotch settlement, or " Scotland," is a locality in thfe
northeast part of the town, peopled by the thrifty de-
scendants of the Scotch immigrants of 1818. The " Creek
settlement" is a neighborhood located about two and a half
miles southeast of Edwards village, on the road to South
Edwards and Fine. The " Pond settlement" is in the
southeast part of the town, along the Pitcairn road. Con-
stant Wells was one of the earliest settlers in this vicinity
he having settled here as early as 1823.
MASONIC.
Wildwood Lodge, No. 477, F. and A. M., was organizei
July 6, 1859. The officers under the charter were Amo
Newton, W. M. ; Otis Earle, S. W. ; Joseph Brodie, J. W
The present membership is sixty-two. The officers fo
1877 are James H. Winslow, W. M. ; Amos Newton, S
W. ; Alva P. Brown, J. W. ; Harvey Woolever, Treas.
Charles Brown, Sec. ; William Grant, S. D. ; Henry Webb
J. D. ; Cyrus Cleveland and Percival H. Brown, Masterf
of Ceremonies. The lodge meets in Masonic Hall, Edwards
village.
RELIGIOUS.
The only dedicated house of worship in the town of
Edwards is the Union church in Edwards village which
was erected in 1850, at a cost of $1000, by Methodists
Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Universalists
by whom it is owned at the present time. It is open to
all denominations of Christians.
The earliest worship in Edwards was by the Methodists,
their first services having been held in 1819 by Rev. Elijah
Morgan, a local preacher of the town of Russell. Their
first class, consisting of five persons, was formed by Rev.
Ezra Healey, at the " Creek settlement," in 1823. The
first class-leader was Nehemiah Payne. Their first preach-
ing was by Rev. E. Morgan. Rev. Hiram May came in
1825, and was succeeded by Rev. Godfrey Barney. The
class at Edwards village was formed by Rev. E. Morgan in
1826, with Asa Brayton as first class-leader. Henry New-
ton was made leader of this class in 1831, and so continued
until his death, in 1855. In 1 831, Rev. Nathan Crary was
their preacher, and was succeeded by Revs. Lyndon King
and James Erwin in 1832 and 1833.
The records of the church were destroyed by the burning
of their parsonage in 1852, and on this account the names
and time of service of the different ministers cannot be
given with absolute accuracy ; but among those who have
served this church since 1833 may be mentioned the Revs.
John Wallace, Reuben Reynolds, H. Shepherd, L. L. Ad-
kins, Ora Squires, J. W. Armstrong, Jesse Penfield, L. D.
Stebbins, A. E. Munson, Benjamin S. Wright, Herbert
Graves, S. Slater, Woodruff, J. C. Vandercook, Benj.
Paddock, E. E. Kellogg, Richey, Zimmerman,
B. E. Whipple, and D. Simmons. The present pastor is
Rev. Henry Ernst. Their early meetings were held in
school-houses, dwellings, and sometimes in barns ; but since
the erection of the Union church this has been their regu-
lar place of worship. At South Edwards their meetings
are held in public school-house No. 4, The present mem-
bership is about 50. A Sabbath-school was established in
1831, with Jacob Green as superintendent, and this has
lived and prospered until the present time.
The Baptist church in Edwards was organized in Jan-
uary, 1822. Among the few original members were Aaron
Pratt, Silas Pratt, and William Pratt, and their wives.
One of their first preachers was Elder Stephens, and others
following him were Elders E. J. Davis, H. Maine, R. Jones,
and S. Maltby. Their present pastor is Rev. H. C. Dike,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
445
who commenced to serve them Jan. 1, 1866. Like the
Methodists, they held their meetings in residences find
school-houses for more than a quarter of a century, until
the erection of the Union church, which has since been
their place of worship. At South Edwards their meetings
are held in school-house No. 4.
THE rNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
Universalism was preached only a few times in the
school-houses, by Rev. 0. Wilcox, Rev. G. Swan, and Rev.
Mr. Hickock, before the erection of the Union church in
1850. This church was owned by the four societies, —
Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Universalist, — as
above named. Rev. Gr. Swan preached the sermon in be-
half of the Universalists at its dedication. Among the
Universalists who aided in building the church, and in
maintaining meetings in it, were James Wilson (2d),
Alfred Freeman, John C. Haile, Joel White, Guy Earle,
William Robinson, Joseph Brodie, Harvey Woolever,
Horace Barnes, Roswell Lillie, Asa P. Brayton, Albert
White, Geo. W. Freeman, John Rushton, Henry Rushton,
J. B. Picket, and Otis Earle. The ministers who have
preached here since the church was erected are Rev. G.
Swan, Rev. G. S. Abbott (12 years). Rev. J. T. Good-
rich, and Rev. Prof J. S. Lee, D.D. (13 years), who is still
supplying. The theological students of Canton have also
occasionally supplied. The society numbers some 20
families.
A Union Sunday-school has been kept up for many
years. Universalists, instead of maintaining a school of
their own, have joined with this, and supplied it with
scholars and teachers.
The Presbyterian sentiment was brought in by the
Scotch settlers, and was formerly very strong in the town.
The " First Congregational Church and Society in Ed-
wards," an organization composed of Presbyterian and Con-
gregationalist members, was formed May 10, 1828, with
Robert Brown, Levi W. Gleason, of Pitcairn, Robert Wat-
son, Calvin Phelps, John Whitehead, Arba Collister, and
Orra Shead, trustees. One of the deacons was Constant
Wells, now living in Pitcairn. From 1830 to 1837 they
were very flourishing in point of numbers. In 1852 they
had diminished to 18. At present they have neither or-
ganization nor worship in the town.
The Christian church was organized in South Edwards
in 1827, under Rev. Isaac Banister, who remained their
pastor until his death in January, 1852. At that time the
society numbered more than 25 members, but it has since
disintegrated, and ceased to maintain public worship.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The most ancient of the burial-grounds in Edwards was
located upon a spot nearly opposite where the church now
stands in the village. This has long since been removed.
A later ground was established near the river, below the
main street, and is the present place of burial for Edwards
village and vicinity. The " Edwards cemetery association,"
an unincorporated body of citizens, enlarged this cemetery
by the purchase of additional ground in 1876, and it is to
be improved and beautified in accordance with the modern
ideas of cemetery adornment.
The " Pond settlement burial-ground," in the south part
of the town, near the Pitcairn line, was commenced as early
as 1825, and contains the ashes of many of the old settlers
of that section. The " Harmon burying-ground," in the
Creek neighborhood, the '' Gates burying-ground," on the
Pitcairn road, in the southeast part of the town, and the
grave-yard on the elevation a little north of South Edwards
village, are of somewhat more recent date, but have become
quite populous.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in the township was taught in a log
house at Shead's settlement, about 1814. A few years
later a stone school-house was built, which at the time was
regarded as exceptionally excellent and commodious. It may
still be seen standing on the southeast side of the main
street in Edwards, but has long since ceased to shelter ped-
agogue and pupil.
From the first, the inhabitants of Edwards evinced a
rather unusual spirit of liberality in the provision made for
the support of schools. At their first annual meeting it
was " resolved, that the town raise all the school money for
the support of common schools that they can lawfully."
At the same meeting James C. Haile, Asa Phelps, and
Wilkes Richardson were elected commissioners, and John
C. Haile, George Allen, and William Teall, inspectors of
common schools, these being the first school ofiioers of the
town. In 1839 it was voted to raise for schools '■ as much
as the law will allow," and this vote was repeated at each
annual meeting for many years ; but is thought by some
residents in the town that in the later years this liberal
spirit has experienced a material diminution.
For the school year ending Sept. 30, 1877, the number
of children of school age in the town was shown to be 418,
and the total average daily attendance at school 188.77. The
amount of public school money apportioned to the town
was 1993.62. The number of school districts is 9. Both
male and female teachers are employed, but the latter pre-
ponderate. The highest salary paid is $60 per month, and
the wages paid to female teachers range from $3.50 to 17
per week. District No. 1 (Edwards village) owns an ex-
cellent school-house, erected a few years since at a cost of
about $2500.
AGRICULTtrRE.
The town of Edwards contains 38,583 acres, but its area
of cultivated land is comparatively small. The methods
pursued by the farmers in their vocation differ but little
from those employed by their brethren in the other elevated
portions of the county. The production of grain is not
great, while that of fruit is still less ; and if more attention
is given to the cultivation of the potato here than in many
secrions, it is because of the demand created by the manu-
facture of starch within the town. The ordinary crops are
produced to a limited extent for home consumption, but
the source of revenue most relied on by the farmers is the
manufacture of cheese, which is here a rapidly-growing in-
dustry, though there are as yet but two factories in Ed-
wards.' These are the North Edwards cheese-factory, in
446
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
the northeast corner of the town, carried on by Mr. Mott,
aad having a patronage of about 350 cows, and the factory
owned and operated by John D. Kingsbury, at Edwards
village, which takes the product of about 750 cows.
The Patrons of Husbandry have no organization in the
town.
POPULATION.
The population of Edwards three years after its erection
as a town was 633. In 1835 it had increased to 739. In
1840 it was 956 ; in 1845, 1064 ; in 1850, 1023 ; in 1855,
1180; in 1860, 1287; in 1865, 1180; in 1870,1076;
and in 1875, 1094.
We are under obligations to the following : Hon. E. W.
Abbott, Grouverneur ; Dr. B. F. Drury, Gouverneur ; Hon.
Cornelius Carter, Esq., and John Newton, Edwards ; Rev.
H. C. Dike, Diana, Lewis Co. ; Rev. J. S. Lee, Canton ;
Constant Wells, Pitcairn.
ri N B.
This town lies in the extreme southwestern corner of St.
Lawrence County, against Herkimer and Lewis, the towns
of Pitcairn and Edwards adjoining it on the west, and Rus-
sell and Pierrepont forming its northern boundary. Its
territory was included in Great Tract No. 3, of Macomb's
purchase, embracing the entire survey-townships of Scriba,*
Bloomfield, and Emilyville,f and the southern half of Sarahs-
burg. Various proprietors succeeded Macomb, and among
these were William H. Averell, of Otsego, Frederick De
Peyster, of New York city, and Hon. John Fine, of Og-
densburg, who, associated in partnership, became purchasers
of the eastern half of the township of Scriba, then an un-
broken forest, which bore no mark of civilization, and
through which there echoed no sound but the weird voices
of the wilderness and the monotone of the tumbling Oswe-
gatchie.
The object of these proprietors was, of course, to promote
settlements on their tract ; and, on the 24th of October,
1823, they effected a contract with Elias Teall, in pur-
suance of which the latter entered upon the land at a point
on the south side of the Oswegatchie, above the mouth of
Little river, and near the east line of Scriba, where he
made a clearing and erected a rude mill. This bold com-
mencement had the natural effect to attract other immi-
grants, and for a time it seemed as if the foundation of a
permanent settlement had been laid ; but they soon sick-
ened of their remote and isolated location, and one by one
they abandoned their meagi-c improvements to seek other
and more congenial homes. After a time Teall himself fol-
lowed their example, and the mill, the cabins, and the clear-
ings were left silent and desolate in the solitude of the
woods.
Five years after Teall's entrance upon the tract James
C. Haile, of Edwards, made a similar contract with the pro-
prietors (Sept. 6, 1828), under which he erected a saw-mill
on the main river, and built a house and barn. He also
soon after built a small grist-mill, with a single run of
stones, made from the rock of the vicinity, but without bolt
or equipment for flouring, which indeed was hardly neces-
* Named in honor of George Scriba.
t Named for Emily, daughter of William Constable.
sary, as the settlers who followed him raised little or no
wheat, depending for food wholly on their small patches of
Indian corn and potatoes, and upon the wild game, which
was abundant and easily taken. Very little thrift or enter-
prise were exhibited by these settlers, and there seemed to
be little in their surrounding circumstances calculated to
develop these traits. This second attempt at settlement
proved not much longer lived than its predecessor, and, in
May, 1833, 4 years and 8 months after his commence-
ment, Mr. Haile, having been already deserted by his fel-
low-settlers, turned his back upon the place, and left it
again deserted.
Amasa I. Brown, afterwards a well-known citizen of Fine,
was undismayed by the two preceding failures, and on the
28th of March, 1834, removed with bis family to the clear-
ing and buildings vacated by Haile, he having purchased
these improvements and an additional tract of land from
Averell, Fine & Co., and being constituted by them their
resident agent for the sale of their lands and the promotion
of settlements. More than 10 miles of pathless forest in-
tervened between him and his nearest neighbor at the
Shaw settlement in Edwards, and he must have possessed a
resolute spirit to plant himself there upon a spot marked
only by failure and disaster. But before the summer came
a Mr. Luther had settled near him ; and during the siic-
ceeding autumn about 20 others had contracted for lands
in the neighborhood, of. whom two came on immediately,
making a community of 4 families, who remained there
through the winter of 1834-35. Several of the purchasers
of the preceding year came in the spring of 1835, and it
appeared as if at last a permanent and prosperous settlement
had been founded ; but the season proved unpropitious, the
scanty crops planted by the new-comers turned out badly,
and these discouragements, augmented by the severity of
the succeeding winter, caused some to abandon their im-
provements, so that in the summer of 1836 only 3 families
remained in the township, these being Amasa I. Brown, his
nephew Amasa Brown, and George Robinson, all living in
the vicinity of the place where Haile had located in 1828.
From this time the number of settlers slowly increased, and
there was no subsequent general abandonment. In due
time a road or track of some sort was cut through along the
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
U1
valley of the river to Shawville (now South Edwards), and
by 1843 there were in the present limits of the town some
45 voters, besides several male adults of foreign birth who
were not naturalized.
The population having thus increased, the project of
separate town organization was agitated, and a petition to
that effect was presented in 1843, but refused. In the fol-
lowing year it was again petitioned for, and this time suc-
CIVIL HISTORY.
The town of Pine, embracing the territory within its
present boundaries, was erected by act of the legislature
on the 27th of March, 1844. It was partitioned from the
towns of Russell and Pierrepont, and received its name in
honor of Judge Pine, before mentioned as one of its prin-
cipal land proprietors.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Charles
Scott, June 18, 1844, and resulted in the election of the
following officers, namely, Amasa I. Brown, supervisor ; Jo-
seph M. Beckwith, town clerk ; James Marsh, J. M. Beck-
with, and Elijah C. Hill, assessors; Amasa I. Brown,
Joseph M. Beckwith, and Elijah C. Hill, justices of the
peace ; John K. Ward, collector ; William H. Perkins,
John Marsh, and George Young, commissioners of high-
ways.
SnCCEEDING OFFICERS — TOWN-MEETINGS.
PoUowing are the names of the persons who have held
the office of supervisor in Pine, and the dates of their
election: Amasa I. Brown, 1844-45, 1849, and 1851;
Daniel Truax, 1846^7-48, 1850, 1852, and 1853 ; Michael
Griffin, 1854; William P. Smith, 1855 to 1860, inclusive;
Joseph Anderson, 1861 to 1867, inclusive; H. E. Ander-
son, 1868-69 ; P. L. Whittier, 1870-71-72 ; and Archi-
bald Muir, 1873 to 1877, inclusive. The other town
officers for 1877 are J. H. Church, town clerk ; L. L. Gay,
P. L. Whittier, and Charles Williams, assessors ; William
Muir, commissioner of highways ; J. H. Church, Eliakim
Pickett, Myron Brown, and Marcus 0. Carr, justices of
peace ; Eliakim Pickett, overseer of the poor ; David A.
French, collector; E. H. Bowling, Thomas Miller, and
Charles I. Colby, "board of audit.
The town-meetings and general elections in Pine were
for years held at the house of Charles Scott. The town
has never erected a hall for this use, and the meetings have
continued to be held at the hotel until the present time.
SMITHVILLE,
the only village in Fine, has usually been designated as
Smithville, from William P. Smith, one of its earliest citi-
zens. Another name which has sometimes been applied to
It is that of Andersonville, but its post-office bears the
name of the town. Its location is five miles southeasterly
fi'om South Edwards, upon the north side of the Oswe-
gatchie, and its main street is nearly, if not exactly, on the
old township line between Scriba and Sarahsburg.
The first improvement here was a saw-mill erected by
William Hosford, upon the Oswegatchie, at the extreme
easterly end of the present village. In 1853 this passed
into possession of William P. Smith, who also opened a
store adjacent to it. In this store was located the first and
only post-office of the town, established in 1853, with
Mr. Smith as first postmaster. His successors have been
Stowell Brigham, Benjamin C. Brown, Marcus 0. Carr,
William H. Bradt, and Edwin H. Dowling, the present
incumbent. The location of the office is now a considerable
distance farther down the river, in the central part of the
village. The old saw-mill erected by Hosford was rebuilt
about 1873, and is now owned by Nelson Mabie.
The first building erected in what is now the business
part of the village was the dwelling-house at present
occupied by Nelson Mabie. This was built in 1855 by
Marcus 0. Carr, Esq., who came from Russell, and located
here as the agent of Messrs. Spalding & Butterfield, pro-
prietors of a large amount of land in Fine, originally
belonging to the Pitcairn, or Brodie, tract, but by them
purchased from Oliver A. Morse, of Otsego county. The
Brodie lands were sold about 1868 to John H. Gilbert &
Co., of Otsego, who are the present owners.
The next improvement in the village was a saw-mill and
manufactory of boat-oars, started by Spencer, Anderson &
Co., in 1858. Four dwelling-houses were also built in
connection with these works. Their water-power was pur-
chased from Spalding & Butterfield. The establishment is
now carried on by Joseph Anderson.
A grist-mill was built about 1858 by Henry Rushton, of
Edwards. Various inhabitants of the village and vicinity
contributed towards the enterprise an aggregate of $500.
The mill was afterwards sold to Zaccheus E. Ladd, and
remained in his possession until destroyed by fire in 1875.
It was equipped with three run of stones and two bolts.
The town has now no grist-mill.
The principal manufacturing establishment of the village
and town of Fine is the " Scriba Tannery," owned and
operated by Rice, Emery & Co., of Boston, Mass. This
firm purchased in the fall of 1871, from Joseph Anderson,
a property lying on the river in the easterly part of the
village, consisting of twenty-six acres of land, with a saw-
mill and buildings which had been erected and used for the
manufacturing of butter-tubs and shoe-lasts. The last
machinery had been taken out and removed to Utica, and
the tub-factory was not in operation. The purchasers
demolished the buildings (except the saw-mill), and in 1872
erected in their place the extensive works of the tannery,
with the necessary buildings, and ten dwelling-houses for
those employed in the establishment. The works were
located at this place on account of the inexhaustible supply
of hemlock-bark furnished by the neighboring forests.
Four thousand cords of this article are consumed annually,
and this production is no insignificant item in the material
resources of the town of Fine. Fifty thousand sides of
sole-leather are annually manufactured here from foreign
hides, which are brought by railroad to De Kalb Junction,
and thence transported to the tannery by horse-teams, which
return the manufactured leather by the same route. The
property of Rice, Emery & Co., in Pine, is valued in the
town assessment at |60 ,000. Their tannery employs thirty
men, besides numbers of others whose main support is
derived indirectly from them, such as those engaged in the
transportation of stock, and in the peeling and hauling of
448
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
bark, etc. ; from which facts it may easily be seen that the
Scriba tannery contributes far more to the prosperity of the
town than all its other manufacturing industries combined.
The establishment is under the superintendence of Prank
M. Burdiok, Esq.
The first public-house was opened and kept by Charles
Scott. The present hotel, the Oswegatchie House, was
built" in 1874 by Charles A. Scott, whose successors have
been Lewis Knox, David French, and Richard Allen.
There is no other public-house in the town.
There are at the present time about 30 dwellings and
150 inhabitants in the village, which contains, in addition
to what has already been mentioned, 1 school-house, 1 phy-
sician, the Fine post-office, 2 blacksmith-shops, and 4 stores.
In the hunting and fishing season its life and activity is
increased by the presence of sportsmen from abroad, who
make this a point of departure and a base for their oper-
ations in the great south woods.
The progress of the town in population has been as fol-
lows: In 1845, the year succeeding its organization. Fine
contained 243 inhabitants; in 1850, 293; in 1855, 316;
in 1860, 519 ; in 1865, 487 ; in 1870, 603 ; and in 1875,
760 ; a very encouraging rate of increase.
OSWEGATCHIE LODGE, NO. 687, F. AND A. M.,
was chartered in 1868 ; the charter members being as fol-
lows : A. P. Sherwin, Seth Curtis, Lorenzo L. Gay, E. H.
Dowling, David Anderson, Richard Allen, Charles A. Scott,
and Zaccheus E. Ladd.
The first officers were Azariah P. Sherwin, W. M. ; Seth
Curtis, S. W. ; Lorenzo L. Gay, J. W. ; E. H. Dowling,
S. D. ; David S. Anderson, J. D. ; H. E. Anderson, Sec. ;
Joseph Anderson, Treas.
The lodge meets in the Masonic hall, Anderson's build-
ing, Smithville. Present membership, 32. The officers
for 1877 are Archibald Muir, W. M. ; W. J. Hitchcock,
S. W. ; D. A. Stevens, J. W. ; Joseph Anderson, Treas. ;
F. L. Whittier, Sec. ; D. A. Powell, S. D. ; Edmund
Chase, J. D. ; Isaac French, Chaplain ; Silas Marshall,
Marshal ; Albert Forsyth, S. M. C. ; Lorenzo L. Gay,
J. M. C. ; E. G. Evans, Tyler.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school in the town was at the Amasa I. Brown
settlement, and was taught by his daughter. Miss Lucia
Brown. The first superintendent of common schools was
William H. Perkins, elected in 1844.
By the commissioner's report for the year ending Sept.
30, 1877, it is shown that the amount of public school
money received by the town was $743.61, and that the
amount raised by tax was $669,83 ; total, $1436.41 ; which
was apportioned among eight* school districts, in each of
which school was taught, by licensed teachers, for a period
of 28 weeks, excepting district No. 7, in which the time
taught was 30 weeks. No male teachers were employed.
The wages paid in winter were from $3.50 to $7 per week,
averaging $5.56. In summer the range was from $3 to
* A ninth district has been organized, but too recently to bo in-
cluded in this report.
$4.50, making an average of $3.81 per week. Total
amount paid for wages, $1136.57. Paid for school-houses,
sites, etc, $104.31. Total valuation of school-buildings
and sites, $3400. The total number of children of school
age in the town was 290.
RELIGIOUS.
The first religious worship in Fine was held by the
Methodists, who organized a class in the town, about 1845.
One of their first circuit preachers was Rev. Thomas D.
Mitchell, and a little later came Rev. M. R. Pierce, now of
Russell. They have no church building, but, in common
with other denominations, have always held their worship
meetings in the difi'erent school-houses. They are now
held chiefly in the house at the village, but occasionally also
at the school-houses in the Colton and Scott neighborhoods,
and at Vrooman Ridge. The present membership in Fine
is about 60, and the Rev. Henry Ernst, of Edwards, is the
preacher in charge.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN FINE
was organized Oct. 11, 1874, under Rev. H. C. Dike, who
is still in charge, and has been their only pastor. At its
organization, the church consisted of seven members,
namely, Joseph and Mary Irwin, Albert and Anna Kil-
bourn, Lana Stevens, Anna Austin, and Charles Colby.
The present membenship is 22. Their meetings are held in
the Smithville, Colton, and Vrooman Ridge school-houses.
They have no Sabbath-school.
In the west part of the town are a few of the denomination
known as Seventh-day Baptists, and these hold occasional
worship under preachers from abroad. There are no or-
ganized Presbyterians or Universalists in Fine, and the
town has no church edifice.
BURIAL-PLACES.
There are three interment-grounds in Fine, viz. : one
about one and a half miles from Smithville, on the road to
Pitcairn ; a second about three miles above the village, on
the right bank of the river, the lot having been purchased
from the farm of John Walts. A third is the Colton
burial-ground, on the south side of the river, and about
three and a half miles above Smithville. Neither of these
are very old grounds.
AGRICULTURE.
Fine has never held a high rank as a farming town.
Though perhaps moderately well adapted to the raising of
wheat, comparatively little of that royal cereal has ever
been produced. The principal crops raised are Indian corn,
oats, potatoes, and maple-sugar, though the last-named be-
longs as much in the list of manufactures as in that of ag-
ricultural products. It is stated that in some of the sugar-
orchards in Fine as many as 1500 trees are annually tapped.
In the predominant interest of St. Lawrence and Jefferson
counties — dairying — the town of Fine takes scarcely any
part. She has no cheese-factory, sends no cheese to mar-
ket, and nearly the same is true in regard to the article of
butter. Her forests are still a principal source of revenue,
both the bark and the sap of their trees being turned to
profit, and their wild game being still largely relied on for
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
449
food. Tlie cleared area is yet comparatively small, and
there are vast tracts of dense woods where the hemlock
shadows are as dark as they were when Elias Teall first
invaded them more than half a century ago.
To the following persons we would express our obliga-
tions for information furnished: Marcus 0. Carr, Esq.,
J. H. Church, Esq., Frank M. Burdick, Esq., and E. H.
Bowling, of Pine ; and C. Carter, Esq., of Edwards.
PITOAIRN.
The north and northwest lines of Pitcairn are formed
by the towns of Edwards and Powler, its southwest line
by Lewis county, and its eastern and southern sides join
the town of Pine. Its principal stream is the south branch
of the Oswegatchie, which enters across its southwestern
boundary from Lewis county, and flows through the town
in a general northerly direction into Edwards. Several
small tributaries fall into this stream in Pitcairn, the prin-
cipal of these being Big creek, which takes its rise in Pine,
and in Portaferry lake, near the northeast corner of Pit-
cairn, and flows thence in a southwesterly course into the
main stream. Black creek and Clear creek enter it from
the west. The southeastern portion of the town is a wil-
derness, and nearly the same is true of large tracts in the
north and northwest. The surface is rough and rocky, and
the natural features generally wild and forbidding, though
the valleys of the streams in many places are exceptions to
this rule.
This town was a part of Great Tract No. 3 of Macomb's
purchase, and is identical with the survey-township of
Portaferry* in that tract, except that in the division of
Pitcairn from Fowler the northwestern point of Portaferry
was retained by Powler, viz. : " a triangular portion lying
west of a line commencing three miles southeast of the west
point of said township, and running at right angles to the
southwest line till it intersected the line of number 7;" the
number 7 referred to being the survey-township of Killar-
ney, from which the town of Powler was formed. In the
division of the Macomb tract the township of Portaferry
■was assigned to Daniel McCormick, was patented to him in
March, 1795, and was in 1816 or 1817 transferred by him
to Joseph Pitcairn, in honor of whom the present name of
the town was given. Mr. Pitcairn was born in Pifeshire,
Scotland, the son of a clergyman of that country. In early
life he came to the United States, and subsequently for
several years resided in the East Indies. At one time he
held the office of consul for our government at Paris, from
which office he was removed by JefiFerson. Most of his life
was spent in the capacity of a merchant, at Hamburg, in
Germany. In 1817 he came into the northern part of the
State, appointed agents, and took measures for commencing
settlements in Pitcairn, Edwards, Brasher, and other places.
At one time he contemplated making the village of Helena,
*So called bj the proprietor from a town in Ireland, his native
country.
in Brasher, his summer residence. He died in New York^
in June, 1844, and by his will, dated May 9, 1837, made
Alex. 0. Brodie his executor and heir to his estate, includ-
ing these lands. The Brodie interest was sold, in 1868, to
John H. Gilbert, of Otsego.
SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS.
The first clearing in the woods of Portaferry was made
by James Streeter, of Fowler, in the fall of 1824. He
did not, however, remove his family upon his improvement
until the following year. It is reasonable to suppose that
his pecuniary circumstances were somewhat straitened, as
was usual with the pioneers in the wilderness in those days,
and it may not be uninteresting to recount how he had at
once replenished his purse, and also gained great fame as a
hunter, by an exciting and fortunate adventure in these
same woods during the previous winter.
He, with one or two companions, had come up from
Fowler for a deer-hunt, and had encamped in the vicinity
of Big Creek, a little distance to the northeast of the hamlet
of Pitcairn Forks. Streeter was hunting along the frozen
water-course, and apart from his comrades, when, in the
snow, which lay deep upon the ground, he saw the well-
known foot-marks of the panther. Upon a closer examina-
tion he found that no less than five of these beasts had been
there, and had crossed the creek upon the ice. Without a
moment's hesitation he followed on their tracks, which led
him to a spot where they had pawed a basin in the snow,
for their lair of the previous night. A short distance
farther on he started a large male panther, which took to
a tree, but was brought down by the first ball from Streeter's
rifle. A little beyond a cub was treed, and killed at the
second shot, and soon after another young one was found in
a spruce-tree, and brought to the earth by a single bullet.
Two of the monsters remained, but darkness came on and
they had not been found. Streeter returned to camp, carry-
ing three panthers' heads as trophies, and at daylight on the
following morning returned, with a comrade, to renew the
pursuit." It was not long before they started an old female,
and dispatched her without difficulty. The remaining
brute was now soon brought to bay, and proved to be a
male, of extraordinary size and ferocity, and of such tenacity
of life that it was not until he had been shot through again
and again that he yielded his head to the hunters. As the
bounty on panther scalps was then |25, Streeter probably
450
HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
realized more money from this hunting expedition than
from the yearly product of his farm.
A considerable number of other settlers came to select
lands during the autumn of 1824. Among these were
Nathaniel, Elisha, and Joseph Lamphear, Joshua Sloper,
Aaron Geer, Dayton Merrill, George Peabody, Levi W.
Gleason,* Nathaniel C. Scovil, and Nathan Dickenson, with
bis five sons, — Nathan, Justin, Anson, Leonard, and Hub-
bard Dickenson. Most of these came from Potsdam. The
elder Dickenson located in the northeast part of the town,
on lot No. 4, where E. W. Gleason now lives, a short dis-
tance west of the East Pitcairn post-ofBco. The lands of
his sons were taken in the same vicinity. Levi W. Glea-
son also selected a location in lot No. 4, a short distance
northwesterly from Dickenson. N. C. Scovil purchased a
little farther south, on lot No. 7, land now owned by E. W.
Gleason. The Lampheara settled on the east side of the
river, near the mouth of Big creek, in the immediate neigh-
borhood of the spot selected by James Streeter. Aaron
Geer located on the west side of the river, above Clear
creek, and not far from the southwestern line of the tuWn.
His sons, George, Lorenzo, and Richard, are still living in
the vicinity.
Most of those who came in 1824 made small clearings,
and- commenced the erection of log dwellings, but none
brought their families to occupy them in that year except
Justin Dickenson, who removed to his new home in Decem-
ber, and was the only actual inhabitant of the township of
Portaferry through the winter of 1824—25. And to-day
he is the only one remaining in Pitcairnf of all those first
settlers. He is now eighty-two years of age, and resides
with his daughter, Mrs. Penton, at East Pitcairn, near the
place where he settled more than half a century ago. Mr.
Constant Wells, who camato Pitcairn only two years later
than BIr. Dickenson, is still living in the same neighbor-
hood, and is the only one remaining of the immigrants of
1826. Samuel Gustin, George P. Burdick, Samuel Wall-
ing, and Freeman Anderson were among the settlers of
1827, and Stephen Seabury came in the following spring.
The first white male child born in the town was Calvin
Scovil, son of Nathaniel C, Scovil, born in June, 1825.
He became a physician, and died in Michigan. The first
female child was Harriet, daughter of Levi Gleason, born
Sept. 24, 1825, and now living in Mendota, III. The first
death among the settlers was that of the wife of Daniel
Woodcock, in 1828. The first marriage was that of Aaron
Bingham to Caroline, daughter of Nathan Dickenson, in
1830. Mrs. Bingham died in Michigan, in May, 1877.
For a considerable time after the commencement of settle-
ments they were most numerous in the Gleason neighbor-
hood, in the northeastern part of the town ; but the ad-
vantage in this particular was aftei'wards gained by the other
portion along the river and Big creek. No locality within
the town, however, has ever attained to the importance
of a village, and scarcely any industry but that of agricul-
ture has been prosecuted. The erection of grist-mills usually
® Mr. Gleason died at Gouverneur, in November, 1875, aged seventy-
eight years.
t The writer has been informed that Mr. Nathaniel Lamphear is
BtiU living at Carthage, Jefferson county.
follows close upon the planting of new settlements, but
there are none of these in Pitcairn, although water-power
has not been lacking for the purpose.
A SAW-MILL,
the first in the town, was erected in 1828, by Maj. P.
Jenne, upon the creek which now bears his name, a short
distance above its confluence with Big creek. Another,
known for many years as the " Charles Harris mill," was
built a few years later on a small, failing stream near East
Pitcairn. Mills are still in operation on both these sites,
and a good saw-mill has recently been completed and put
in operation by Lorenzo D. Geer, Esq., on the river, in the
southwesterly part of the town. These are the only mills
now in Pitcairn.
A PUBLIC-HOUSE
was opened at a comparatively early day by Nathaniel
Lamphear, and was kept by him and others who succeeded
him for seveial years. This house was frequently designated
as the place for holding town-meetings. It stood, and still
stands, at the road-crossing on the east side of the river,
near the line of Lewis county, but it has ceased to be kept
as a public-house. The project of a hotel was started a few
years ago at " the Forks," by two brothers named Griffiths,
but was abandoned before completion, and still remains as
they left it. There is now no public-house in Pitcairn. A store
was in existence for some years near the Lamphear tavern,
and another at " the Forks," which last named still survives,
— the only mercantile establishment in the town. At this
point, which, on account of the store, is more important
than any other at Pitcairn, there is also a blacksmith-shop,
a wagon-shop, and a saw-mill, — the successor of that built
by Maj. Jenne in 1828.
CIVIL HISTORY.
Although no villages were formed and few industries
established other than that of agriculture, new immigrants
slowly spread themselves over the limited portion of Porta-
ferry township which was eligible for settlement, until, at
the end of twelve years from the commencement, they had
become, as they believed, sufficiently numerous to demand
a separate town organization. Steps were, therefore, taken
in that direction, and on March 29, 1836, the town was
erected, with its present name and boundaries, as mentioned
and described above. The first town-meeting was held in
June, 1836, at the house of David Brown, near Pitcairn
Forks, and resulted in the election of the following persons
as officers of the new town, namely: John Sloper, super-
visor ; Stephen Seabury, town clerk ; Levi W. Gleason,
Sylvester Bacon, and Aaron Geer, justices of the peace;
Samuel Gustin, Almond Howard, and Robert Leach, as-
sessors; Matthew M. Geer, collector ; John Williams, Geo.
P. Burdick, and Levi Gleason, commissioners of highways;
George P. Burdick and Almond Howard, overseers of the
poor; Matthew M. Geer and Constant Wells, constables. The
succeeding incumbents of the office of supervisor, and the
dates of their election, have been as follows : John Sloper,
from the first election to the year 1840, inclusive; Sylves-
ter Bacon, 1841-42; Horatio N. Dickenson, 1843-44;
Asaph Green, to fill vacancy in 1844, '45, '46, '47, '51,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
451
'52, '53, and '54 ; Eli R. Paul, 1843, '49, '50, and 1855 ;
Lorenzo D. Geer, 1856, '57, and 1869 ; Volney M. Cartter,
1858, '59, and 1870 to 1877, inclusive ; G. M. Glcason, in
1860, '64, '65, '67, '68 ; Joel Manchester, 1861, '62, '63 ;
and Thomas P. Geer in 1866. The town officers for 1877
are, Lorenzo D. Geer, supervisor (appointed in place of V.
M. Cartter, who was elected, but declined to serve) ; Aaron
Hosmer, clerk ; E. W. Gleason, A. G. Shipman, Safford
Koyoe, and Lorenzo D. Goer, justices ; John W. Luidlaw
and George Miller, assessors ; Hermon Parmelee, collector;
Wm. W. Siver, coiumissioner of highways; Aaron Hosmer,
E. A. Lamphear, overseers of poor ; Simeon Wells, Charles
Harris, auditors; Vincent Lamphear, Silas Bacon, oomniis-
sioners of excise; C. L. Bacon, N. J. Hosmer, inspectors of
elections ; J. H. Siver, D. 0. Manchester, C. JNL Manches-
ter, Hermon Parmelee, constables ; William Lawton, game
constable. Pitcairn has no town-hall. The meetings and
elections have at various times been held at David Brown's,
at Nathaniel Lamphear's hotel, at Reuben Streeter's, at
John Miller's, and other houses ; also at the school-houses
at East Pitcairn, at the river, and at the Forks. They are
now held in the building erected by Griffiths Brothers at
the Forks.
POST-OFFICES.
There are two post-offices in the town, Pitcairn and East
Pitcairn. The former was established June 5, 1840, John
Sloper being the first postmaster. The position has been
held by several persons since that time, among whom may
be mentioned Henry C. Pierson, Eli R. Paul, and the pre-
sent incumbent, George Miller. The office is now kept in
Mr. Miller's' store at Pitcairn Forks, but has in past years
been sometimes located on the river-road near the Lam-
phear tavern. The East Pitcairn office was established
Jan. 15, 1850, with Charles Bowles postmaster. His suc-
cessor was Levi W. Gleason. Afterwards the office was
kept by Mrs. W. R. Chadwick, and at the house of Porter
Johnson. The present postmaster is Simeon Wells, and
the office is located in the northeastern part of the town,
near the point of the first settlement by Justin Dickenson.
RELIGIOUS.
For more than half a century from its first settlement
the town of Pitcairn contained no church edifice, and all
denominations met for worship in private houses, barns, or
school-houses. But in 1875, Mr. Constant Wells, one of
the oldest settlers, impelled by public spirit and a sense of
duty, erected a building which he designed (to use his own
expression) " as a house for all who love and try to serve
God," and which he named " The Union Church of East
Pitcairn." It is a building 40 by 26 feet, of which the
cost was $1000. It stands in Bast Pitcairn, upon a lot of
one acre donated by Charles H. Bowles for the purpose, and
this, with a contribution of six dollars from a gentleman of
Brooklyn, was all the aid received by Mr. Wells in the
construction of the church, all the remainder having been
furnished by him from his own resources. It was com-
pleted early in 1876, and was dedicated June 9 in that
year, with a very numerous attendance, the services being
conducted by Mr. Streeter, of the Methodist denomination.
Mr. Wells has since deeded the church, as a gift, to the
three adjacent school districts, to be used as a free house
of worship, and it is so used for all religious meetings in
that part of the town.
The first religious organizations here were by the Bap-
tists and Congregationalists The first Baptist church was
formed in 1826, with the following members: Rev. Jona-
than Paine, Pattie Paine, Nathaniel C. Scovil, Betsey
Seovil, Anson Dickenson, Eliza Dickenson, Caroline Dick-
enson, Charles D. Merrill, and Jonathan Paine. Jr. Their
first preacher was Rev. Jonathan Paine. Their church
existence continued for about seven years, the last recorded
meeting having been held Aug. 31, 1833.
The present Baptist church was formed in Pitcairn, in
1812, by Rev. Samuel Pomeroy, of Gouverneur, with Ho-
ratio N. Dickenson and wife, N. C. Scovil and wife, Susan
Fenton, and Miranda Hosmer as members. Their first
minister was Elder E. J. Davis, who was succeeded by
Rev. R. Jones. In 1852 their membership was twenty-
four. In 1855, Rev. H. C. Dyke was ordained their pa.stor,
and is still serving them, in connection with the churches
in Edwards and Fine. The present membership is
seventeen.
The Congregationalist church in Pitcairn was organized
about 1829 by Rev. James Murdock, of Gouverneur.
Constant Wells, and about fifteen others, were original
members. By death or removal, all are gone, except Mr.
Wells, and there is now no Congregational worship in
Pitcairn.
A Methodist class was formed in the town about 1830,
by Rev. Godfrey Barney. There is no record found of the
succession of preachers. The society at present numbers
about twenty-five, who worship in the union church, and
are under charge of Rev. Henry Ernst.
A society of the denomination known as Disciples exists
in the west part of the town, under the preaching of Rev.
Mr. Cooper. About 1872 their number had reached sixty,
but has since decreased materially. There are also a small
number of Free- Will Baptists, who hold occasional meetings
for worship.
BURIAL-QROUNDS.
The two oldest burial-places in Pitcairn were located one
on the spot where James Streeter made the first clearing,
on the road which runs along the east side of the river, and
the other in East Pitcairn, on the farm of Chas. H. Bowles,
upon the road leading from Pitcairn Forks to Edwards. In
both these the pioneers of the town were laid to rest. The
former is still in use, but the last named has been discon-
tinued, and the remains transferred to a newer one, which
was laid out a little farther to the northeast, on the road to
Fine. A burial-ground has recently been commenced on
the road, a little to the eastward of Pitcairn Forks, on land
purchased from Mrs. McDonald by individual subscriptions.
The first interment here was that of Mr. N. A. Cartter, in
1876.
SCHOOLS,
The first school in the township of Portaferry was taught
in 1826, in a log building, erected for a dwelling-house, not
far from the present school-house of district number three.
The first teacher was Caroline Dickenson, afterwards Mrs.
Bingham, who died in Michigan during 1877. Among
452
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUJSfTY, NEW YORK.
the earliest teachers there were also Miss L. Griffin, Miss
Lydia Bacon, Hastings Bacon, and a Miss Barlow.
A liberal spirit, as regards the maintenance of public
schools, has, from the first, been manifested by the people
of Pitcairn. At the first town-meeting it was " resolved that
we will raise double the amount of money which we receive
from the State for the support of schools." This amount
was probably not large, but it should not be forgotten that
the resources of the few inhabitants of the little town, which
was two-thirds wilderness, were necessarily small. Constant
Wells, Jonathan Paine, and Elijah Anderson were at that
time elected the first commissioners of common schools, and
Sylvester Bacon, Jonathan Paine, and David Brown school
inspectors.
By the report to the school commissioner for the year
ending Sept. 30, 1877, it is shown that there are in Pit-
cairn eight entire school districts, in each of which there
was supported a school, taught for an aggregate period of
twenty-eight weeks, by licensed teachers. The total number
of children for whom the town receives an appointment of
public school money is 326, and the total number who at-
tended school during the year was 251 ; the total average
daily attendance being 126.54. The whole amount of
public school money apportioned to the town was $811.46 ;
amount raised by tax, $338.72 ; total, $1150.18, of which
$1078.45 were paid for teachers' wages. Two male and
12 female teachers were employed during the year; the
wages paid in the winter term ranging from $4.50 per week
(in district No. 6) to $10.50 per week (district No. 3), the
average being $5.91. For the summer term the range was
from $3.50 per week (district No. 3) to $4.60 (in district
No. 7), averaging $3.96 per week through all the districts.
Each district is in charge of one trustee. The total valua-
tion of the school-houses and sites is $2640. For a town
of the size, resources, and location of Pitcairn, her schools
are very creditable.
MINERALS.
Deposits of minerals, which may in time become valu-
able, are known to exist in various parts of the town, but,
with the exception of some excavations for lead, which only
resulted in pecuniary loss, and the experimental working of
a bed of iron ore, no development has been attempted. The
ore bed referred to is located in an unsettled portion of the
town, near the southeast corner, and was opened a fevr
years ago by Fullers & Peck, of the Fullerville iron-works.
The ore is of the kind known as magnetic or primitive ore,
and produced good results in the furnace, but the working
of the bed was found unprofitable, and was abandoned by
the firm about 1861. A little ore has since been taken out
in the vicinity by Z. H. Benton and others, but work has
been suspended for some three or four years, and now seems
unlikely to be resumed.
AGKICITLTURE.
Though Pitcairn cannot be said to hold a high or even a
medium rank as an agricultural town, it contains a number
of good farms, these being chiefly along the valley of Big
creek, — a narrow region extending diagonally across the
town from the northeastern to the southwestern part. In-
dian corn, oats, hay, and potatoes are the principal products,
and some wheat is raised. Maple-sugar is produced in
some portions to a considerable extent. In the neighbor-
hood of East Pitcairn attention is being turned towards
dairying, and a cheese-factory, the only one in town, has
been started under the management of Mr. Bates. The
proprietors of this are Messrs. W. & J. Grant, of Edwards.
The town has no grange of the Patrons of Husbandly.
POPULATION.
The population of Pitcairn at the end of each lustrum
since its organization has been as follows : in 1840, 396;
1845, 553; 1850, 503; 1855, 531; 1860, 577; 1865,
558; 1870,667; 1875,868; these last figures being very
gratifying, especially as contrasted with those of some of the
neighboring towns, which in the same time show an actual
decrease.
Our thanks are due, for information furnished, to the
•following: Hon. G. M. Gleason, Daniel Peck, Esq., Gou-
verneur ; V. M. Cartter, Esq., L. D. Geer, Esq., Mr. Con-
staYit Wells, Pitcairn ; Aaron Hosmer, Esq.
■> ijacuji. 1
C L I F T o jsr.
The town of Clifton was organized by act of legislature
passed April 21, 1868, being taken from the town of Pierre-
pont, and consists of the townships of Clifton and Chau-
mont. It is an interior town, lying south of the centre of
the county, and contains 61,930 acres. It is watered by
the Grasse and Oswegatohie rivers and their tributaries.
The first town-meeting was held in the school-house
owned by the Clifton iron company, in accordance with the
provisions of section 1 of the act of organization, and Gen.
G. R. Myers, D. W. Baldwin, and E. W. Kingsland were
appointed by the provisions of said act a board to preside
at the first town-meeting, which meeting was held on the
first Tuesday of June, 1868. P. H. Kennedy was appointed
clerk of said meeting. The following-named officers were
duly elected at that time: Eneas Ingerson, for justice of
the peace ; John Negus, for assessor and collector ; John
Baker, for constable ; Alexander Ellwood, for constable ;
Wm. R. Bishop, poor-master; and Walter Robb, P. H.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
453
Kennedy, and Wm. E. Bishop, inspectors of election. The
meeting failed (by a tie vote) to elect a full board of town
officers, and on June 30, 1868, at the office of Benjamin
Smith, in the town of Russell, a meeting was held for the
purpose of appointing the officers for the town of Clifton
which were not elected. The following-named justices were
present at said meeting: Benj. Smith and Wm. E. Boyd,
of the town of Russell, and Eneas Ingerson, of the town of
Clifton. And the following-named officers were appointed
viz., Charles C. Snell, for supervisor; Hugh M. Gordon,
for town clerk; Charles C. Snell, Wm. D. Murray, and
Col. Chas. R. Brundage, for justices of the peace ; for com-
missioners of highways, John De Lalancett and Chas. R.
Brundage. There were 27 votes polled at the first general
election held in the town of Clifton. The first school dis-
trict was organized Oct. 31, 1868.
The first white settlers were the men brought by the
Clifton iron company to work their mines, in 1866, and
the first men who took up farms were Joseph Carlyle and
Chas. Gotham, in 1866. The first log house was erected
in 1865, the first hewed log house and the first frame
house in 1866. The first road survey was made, Au". 29,
1868, by D. W. Baldwin,- Esq.
The first saw-mill was built in 1866. There are no
flour-mills in the town. The first iron-furnace was built in
1866, but, owing to the depression in iron, is idle at pre-
sent, operations ceasing in 1870. The first stores were
kept by H. M. Gordon, Hubbard & Snell, and Charles R.
Thompson & Co. The first hotel was kept by Guy Dun-
ham. First blacksmith-shop was built by the owners of
the furnace, the Myers Steel and Iron Wire Co. The
first physician was Dr. L. B. Baker. The Clifton iron
company built a Wooden railroad from East De Kalb to
their iron mines, which was completed in 1868, but, prov-
ing a failure, was discontinued in 1870. There is a small
village in Clifton, called Clarksboro', from which the post-
office is named. There has always been a good school
kept, generally 32 weeks in each year, since the district
was first organized. There are no churches of any de-
nomination in the town, and never were.
There are extensive iron mines in Clifton. The Clifton
iron company opened their mine, but never did much
underground mining, doing principally surface mining.
The mines are now owned by the Clifton mining company.
J. D. Judson, of Ogdensburg, owns a good iron mine in
the town of Clifton, known as the Parish ore-bed. There
are good roads in the town. Grasse river runs through
the town, and there are several fine water-power privileges
on said river, all owned by the Clifton mining company.
Some of the falls are 50 feet in height. Inhere is bo^-ore
and excellent brick-clay on the land owned by the Clifton
mining company. There is not over 1500 acres of cleared
land in the town. Population in 1870, 220 ; in 1875, 85.
While the iron-works were in operation, the population of
the town was about 700.
t
We are indebted to James Sheridan, Esq., the super-
visor of Clifton, for the foregoing sketch of the town.
C O L T O N.
This town was formed from Parishville by an act of the
legislature, April 12, 1843, and embraced towns No. 10,
Matildavale, No. 7, Granshue, No. 4, Harewood, and No. 1,
Sherwood. The town of Parishville at the town-meeting
of 1843 voted for the formation of a new town, to be named
Springfield. Colton derives its name from the middle name
of Jesse C. Higley, an old and esteemed citizen of the
town. A post-office, called Matildavale, had been previ-
ously estabjlished, but was soon changed to agree with that
of the town. In November, 1851, that part of Parishville
known as mile squares, or lots, Nos. 1, 6, and 12 were
taken from that town and annexed to Colton. Again in
February, 1876, on petition of the inhabitants of this town,
towns No. 8, Hollywood, No. 5, Jamestown, and No. 2,
Oakham, were taken from the town of Hopkinton and an-
nexed to Colton. It is now the largest town in the county.
It contains 220,084 acres.
Town 10, or Colton proper, is well adapted to grazing.
The surface is liilly and rocky, and the soil is sandy, the
land lying back from the river, on each side about one mile,
being the best and most productive. The timber on the
tills IS maple and beech ; in the valleys elm, pine, and cedar.
The principal business of the inhabitants is dairying and
lumbering.
The Raquette river runs through the centre of the town
in a west and northerly direction, and at the various falls
and rapids affijrds excellent water-power. Towns 7 and 8
are sparsely settled in the northern parts. These and the
other towns, 1, 2, 4, and 5, are covered with forest, and
watered by the Raquette, Oswegatchie, and north, middle,
and south branches of Grasse river and their tributaries.
Cranberry lake is the principal lake in the southern part.
The earliest settlement in this town was that made by
Abel Brown and his son, James Brown, who moved in
from the town of Parishville in March, 1824. They moved
from Vermont into the latter town in 1812-13. In Colton,
then Matildavale, they located on lot 7, on the west side of
the Raquette river, about one mile above what is now the vil-
lage. James Brown must have been something of a rover,
as he afterwards moved to Oregon. Soon after the Browns
came, Asahel Lyman, from Vermont, moved in and settled
on the east side of the river, on lot 2, at what is called the
Corners ; also Wm. Bullard, from Potsdam, where in 1807
he was projector and agent of a community styled " the
Union." When this dissolved he moved to Colton, and
settled at the Corners. It is related of him that he dug a
well on his place, and when nearly completed, as the work-
men were laying the stones on the top of the wall and the
454
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
old man was leveling the dirt about the well, he fell in,
head first, falling nearly fifty feet, but was " fished" out
more scared than hurt. He lived several years after that.
Pliny Hepburn, father of Mrs. Simon D. Butler, came into
town in April, 1825, and located on lot 2. He was one of
the officers elected at the first town-meeting, in 181:4.
Zina Hepburn came in at the same time with his brother
Pliny, and settled near him on lot 2. His son, Hon. A.
Barton Hepburn, is the present member of assembly from
this district. The present is his third term, having been
re-elected the present fall. Another son, Hawley S. Hep-
burn, is a druggist, and also the postmaster in the village.
The homestead is in possession of the family.
Jesse Colton Higley was a pioneer, and located his land
—98 acres — on lot 7, Nov. 10, 1824. Another old settler,
and who is yet living on his farm, is Abial Smith. He lo-
cated on lot 7, on the west side of the river, about one mile
above the village. Hiram Pierce, another of the early set-
tlers, and yet living, came in in 1826, and bought property
on the east side of the river. He has held various ofiioes
of trust in his town, all of which he has filled to the satis-
faction of the people and with personal credit. Paine Con-
verse, an early settler, settled on the east side of the river,
near the end of the bridge. A daughter, Mrs. S. Harvey,
is living at Crary's Mills, in Potsdam. Mr. Converse was
the first supervisor of the town, and for many years super-
intendent of the poor of the county. Silas Hawley was an
early settler, moving in in 1 832. A blacksmith by trade,
his ability and industry placed him in comfortable circum-
stances. He was prominent in all public improvements, and
served his town as magistrate and as supervisor for several
years. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic
lodge. When he died he had nearly completed the " three-
score years and ten," and was buried with Masonic honors.
Among the pioneers of South Colton also may be men-
tioned Ezekiel French, who moved from Potsdam in 1836,
and settled on Cold Brook. The farm is now in possession
ef his son.
Silas Wait moved from West Potsdam in 1837, and is
still living in the village. R. C. Miles, an early settler, is
living on the Colton road, on a farm on lot 21. Simon D.
Butler lived on lot 21, and carried on milling and general
merchandising at South Colton, and now lives at Colton
village.
Hiram Leonard, now living in the village of Colton,
moved from Pierrepont in 1837. He has the reputation of
being the first white male child born in the town of Canton.
He was the first constable and collector of this town. He
is now in his seventy-fifth year, and still possesses the
activity of a much younger man.
From the town records we take the foUowin"- •
c
The first town-meeting was holden in the town of Colton,
on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1844, for the purpose of appointing
town oflScers for such new town. Paine Converse was ap-
pointed by the legislature of the State of New York to
preside at such meeting, and Jesse C. Higley and Hiram
Pierce were appointed by the town as his assistants; James
H. Bridge was appointed clerk by said board. The follow-
ing were the officers elected :
Supervisor, Paine Converse; Town Clerk, James H. '
Bridge ; Justices, Zina Hepburn, Silas Hawley, Hiram
Pierce; Inspectors of Election, S. Hawley, J. C. Higley;
Assessors, J. C. Higley, J. S. Ellis, C. D. Norris ; Superin-
tendent of Schools, J. C. Higley ; Commissioners of High-
ways, Israel C. Draper, Pliny Hepburn, H. Gibbins;
Overseers of Poor, Zina Hepburn, Hiram Pierce ; Consta-
ble and Collector, Hiram Leonard ; Sealer of Weights and
Measures, Wait Perry.
In 1844 the poor-moneys coming from Parishville were
voted for the support of schools. In 1848 the town voted
against the division of the county.
Supervisors. — Paine Converse, 1844 ; James S. Ellis,
1845, '46, '47 ; James H. Bridge, 1848-49 ; Silas Hawley,
1850-51 ; L. Chamberiain, 1852-53; H. Averell, 1854-55;
M. F. Collins, 1856 ; J. F. Bugbee, 1857, '58, '59 ; E. H.
Butler, 1860-61 ; Geo. T. Stuart, 1862, '63, '64, '65 ; Wm.
N. Jaquis, 1866-67; E. H. Butler, 1868, '69, '70; Silas
Hawley, 1871-72; C. B. Fisher, 1873, '74, '75, '76.
Town Officers for 1877. — Supervisor, C. B. Fisher;
Town Clerk, J. A. Ayres; Justices, Charles Ansted, E. H.
Butler; Commissioner of Highways, Simon D. Butler;
Assessor, R. F. Flint ; Collector, A. M. Robertson ; Over-
seer of Poor, Geo. W. Stuart ; jConstables, Caniel Dailey,
Robert H. Cooper, B. F. Reade, M. A. Jewett, Edson
Potter ; Inspectors of Election, district No. 1, Silas Hawley,
J. W. Morrison, J. W. Spears ; district No. 2, J. L. Arm-
strong, Wm. Close, E. Jenney ; district No. 3, S. C. Cha-
ncy, I. H. Bixby, W. H. Ober ; district No. 4, Jesse Irish,
M. G. Dodds, John Cook ; Town Auditors, James P. Howe,
James Cook, Wm. Potter ; Commissioner of Excise, D. L.
Flint ; Game Constable, Joseph Mathews.
COLTON VILLAGE
is situated on both sides of the Raquette river, in the north-
west corner of the town, ten miles south of Potsdam and
thirteen miles southeast of Canton. The river here has a
fall of about sixty feet in forty rods, and is said to have a
fall of two hundred feet within one mile. The wildness
and grandeur of these rapids, when the river is swollen by
the spring freshets, cannot be sufficiently admired. In
favorable circumstances, the roar of these falls may be
heard to the distance of six or seven miles. The village at
present contains three churches (Baptist, Roman Catholic,
and Methodist), one hotel, nine stores, one grist-mill, saw-
mill, butter-tub factory, tannery, starch-factory, furniture-
factory, and also the usual number of mechanic shops. The
first frame house in the town was built by James Brown,
and is still standing at the west end of the bridge. The
second frame house, a large one and two stories high, was
built by Hiram Pierce on the east side of the river in
1820, and is still standing. The first school in town was
taught in the wood-shed of this house by Miss Young, in
1826. The first death was in 1829, and was a child of
James Brown. The only accident occurring at the falls
was that of Silas Barker, who, while at work on the tim-
bers of the boom, was caught between the logs of the boom,
and in the efibrt to release him the rope broke and he was
carried over the falls and drowned.
The population of the village is about 700.
Maiiii/nctures.— In 1825, Horace Garfield, from Pots-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
455
dani, became proprietor of the land on the west side of the
river at the falls. He laid out his land into village lots,
and erected the first saw-mill. In 1828, Jonathan Culver
erected the first grist-mill. Samuel Partridge, also from
Potsdam, built a forge at the head of the falls, on the east
side of the river, in 1828, which had two fires. In 1829
it was purchased by Hiram Pierce, who kept it in operation
until 1840. The products of this forge were flat and square
bar-iron, made chiefly from magnetic ores. Bog ore was
some used, but proved unprofitable, and was abandoned.
Grood ore has been lately taken out of the hill about a
quarter of a mile southwest of the village. The Messrs.
Parish in selling their lands reserved all the mineral rights.
In 1844, Mr. Pierce built the first potato starch factory
erected in the State. It was run a few years, and made
about thirty tons each year. At this present time a new
factory is in operation here, employing seven men, and
turning out about the same quantity. The factory is owned
by parties at Bangor, N. Y. The completion of the North-
ern railroad gave a fresh impetus to the lumbering interests,
and the immense forests in the south part of the county
became of increased value. The excellent water-power at
Colton and other points on the Raquette river were made
available, and the village more than doubled its population
in two years. In 1850 a gang-mill, having about seventy
saws, was erected on the east bank of the river. This mill
turned out a large amount of lumber daily. In 1852 an-
other large gang-mill was built on the west bank of the river,
which had sixty saws. It was burned a few years after.
The first mill is still standing, empty and idle, its machinery
having been removed. In 1852 a gang-saw mill was built
on the west bank of the river, two miles above the village.
The logs which supplied these mills, and others on the
river, came from the remote recesses of the forest on the
south border of the county and from the counties adjoining.
The logs were cut and banked on the Raquette and on
the streams tributary, and were run down in the spring
floods. The decay in the lumbering interests of this vil-
lage is owing to the distance which the manufactured
lumber has to be hauled by teams before reaching a ship-
ping-point. The Supply of logs seems to bo undiminished.
They are now run down the river to the railroad, and there
sawed into lumber.
Tanning now takes the place of lumbering, and is exten-
sively carried on here by E. Spaulding, of Boston, owner
of the St. Lawrence tannery, one of the largest in the
State. The main building is 400 feet long by 42 feet
wide. It contains three leaches, each 18 feet in diameter,
8 feet deep, and capable of holding 22 cords of bark.
There are 320 vats in the building ; 35 men are employed,
and 5000 cords of hemlock bark are used annually. Sole
leather is made exclusively. The capacity of the tannery
IS 40,000 hides per year. A large number of buffulo-hides
are tanned here, some of them coming from Calcutta, India.
Uver 10,600 were received from the western plains in
1877. The tannery is warmed throughout with steam, and
IS under the superintendence of Mr. Alexander Young.
The population of Colton town, in 1845, was 406 ; in
1850, 506; in 1855, 1040; in 1800, 1400; in 1865,
1481 ; in 1870, 1719; in 1875, 1586.
The first religious meetings were held by the " Christian"
sect, at the house of Asahel Lyman. A Mormon mission-
ary found his way to this town, and in course of time suc-
ceeded in making a number of converts, who were duly
baptized by immersion in the river.
The Universalists organized a society Dec. 15, 1851,
and chose as trustees Alonzo Squares, E. H. Butler, and
J. S. Ellis. In 1852 they erected a church edifice, but
being few in numbers, they discontinued services, and their
house of worship was sold.
St. Patrick's Chuech (Roman Catholic) was or-
ganized with 144 members in October, 1864. The society
purchased the Universalist church at a cost of $1200, with
a capacity to seat 275 persons. Rev. P. J. McGlynn was
the first priest ; the present priest in charge being Father
McDonald, of Potsdam.
The Baptist Church (Regular) was organized Feb.
25, 1860. J. H. Dorothy, Abel Turney, and J. Reynolds,
Jr., were the first trustees. They had then 15 members.
I. N. Hobart was the first pastor. A church edifice was
built in 1870, at a cost of 12500. At the present time
they have no pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal church edifice was erected
in 1852. At this time they were connected with the Par-
ishville circuit. July 26, 1856, they separated, having
then seventy members. The first presiding elder was Rev.
Peter D. Gorrie ; the first pastor. Rev. D. Ferguson. The
present charges connected with this circuit are High Falls
and South Colton. The following have been pastors since
the organization : Revs. A. S. Barter, R. E. King, F. C.
Millington, G. W. Elwood, W. R. Helms, Alex. La Clair,
W. H. Goodwin. The present pastor is Rev. E. Briggs.
The church was erected at a cost of $2000, and will seat
300 persons; present membership 110. The Sunday-school
is under the charge of Geo. Stuart, superintendent, and
the number of pupils in attendance is 150.
HIGH FALLS LODGE, NO. 428, F. AND A. M.
The only secret society of the town is in Colton village.
High Falls Lodge was organized in 1854. The lodge-room
and papers were destroyed by fire in 1873. The present
officers are M. B. Hawley, W. M. ; A. M. Robertson, S.
W. ; James Cook, J. W. ; J. W. Morrison, Treasurer ;
George A. Whitmarsh, Secretary ; L. B. Casey, S. D. ;
M. Cardinall, J. D. ; Silas Hawley, Tyler.
SOUTH COLTON VILLAGE,
about five miles above Colton, was formerly known as Three
Falls. The Raquette river here at the falls is wild and
picturesque. Christopher Ripley was the first purchaser of
the village site. The first saw-mill was built by Edward
Crary, from Pierrepont, about 1837. The first tavern was
built by a man named Knapp. The first school in this vil-
lage was in a log shanty, and taught by Nelson Gurley,
about 1841. J. C. and J. Irish built and kept the first store.
The post-office was in this store, and Thomas Magary was
the first postmaster. The present postmaster is L. Robin-
son. Albert Town built the first grist-mill, in 1861. The
village contains 1 union church, 4 stores, 1 tavern, 1 grist-
mill 1 saw-mill, and mechanic shops of various kinds.
MILITARY HISTORY.
LIST OF BEVOLUTIONABY PENSIONERS— EVENTS OP THE WAR OF 1812-15, WITH LIST OF SOLDIERS
— THE PATRIOT WAR IN CANADA, 1837-40 — WAR OP THE GREAT REBELLION, 1861-65, WITH
MUSTER ROLLS.
This chapter has been made as complete as all the means of
information at our command would allow. The list of Revo-
lutionary pensioners living in the county in 1840 is from Dr.
Hough's history, and is compiled from the United States
census returns for that year. Additional information con-
cerning these veterans of the "days that tried men's souls"
will be found in the histories of the several towns where they
resided. This list may possibly include some of the pensioners
of the War of 1812-15.
NAMES, AGES, AND KESIDBNCES OF PENSIONERS.
ParishviUe. — Jo.seph Armsby, 76; Hepsebah Mitchell, 78;
Simeon Howard, 79; Elijah Allen, 82.
Hopkinton. — Solomon Crittenden, 78.
Stockholm. — Ephraim Knapp, 83; Mercy Dunham, 78;
Lulie Fletcher, 81 ; Martin Brockway, 79 ; Rhiida Skinner,
83 ; Wm. Burrows, 81 ; Thomas Scott, 80 ; Elizabeth Whis-
ton, 83.
Lawrence. — Elizabeth Sanders, 78 ; Sarah Barnes, 74.
Norfolk. — Daniel Bradish, 79; Tryphena Collamer, 79;
Theodorus Woodard, 79; Elizabeth Lawrence, 81; Elijah
Brown, 84; Jemima Sawyer, 75; Griffin Place, 78; Guy
Carpenter, 56; Russel Attwater, 79.
Massena. — Daniel Kenney, 80; Elijah Flagg, 80; Daniel
Kinney, 80; John PoUey, 79; Ebon Policy, 53; John Pol-
ley, 55.
Louisville. — Asa Day, 80 ; Oliver Barret, 79 ; Asher Blunt,
81 ; Elias Kingsley, 79.
Pierrepont. — Frederick Squire, 45; Reuben Butler, 45;
Joseph Dirnick, 73; Nathan Crary, 78; David Bradley, 81.
Hussell. — Miles Cook, 75; John Knox, 81; Samuel Bar-
rows, 73; Abraham Wells, 83; Gilbert Ray, 76; John Gill-
more, 87.
Fowler. — Ebenezer Parker, 84; Jacob Deland, 78.
Edwards. —Ahe\ Pratt, 83; Comfort Johnson, 87.
De Pei/ster. — Joseph Shaw, 79 ; Jonathan Fellows, 78.
Oswegatehie. — Sarah June, 81; Benjamin Salts, 78; Esther
Dollestun, 78; Richard Van Ornum, 82; Noah Spencer, 87;
Daniel Chapman, 81.
Morristown. — Phineas Maxon, 85; M. Demming, 80;
Slephen Smith, 84; Sarah K. Thurber, 91 ; Wm. Lee, 74.
Hammond. —Emanuel Dake, 86.
Jiossie. — Henry Apple, 86.
Gouverneur.—Johu Garrett, 85; Polly Hulbert, 72; Solo-
mon Cross, 82; Eli Skinner, 81 ; Stephen Porter, 79.
Herman.— David Page, 57; Asher Williams, 79.
Be Kalb.—John C. Cook, 27.
Lisbon.— Isnac Mitchell, 80; Samuel Wallace, 80; Hughcy
Willson, 84 ; Amon Lawrence, 49; Jane Turner, 89.
Cantere.— Asa Briggs, 88 ; Eber Goodnow, 75 ; Joshua Con-
key, 80; Lucy Tuttle, 95; Isaac Robinson, 79; Lydia Low,
72; Olive Tuttle, 67; John Daniels, 80.
Potsdam.— Wm. Carpenter, 87 ; Eunice Perigo, 93 ; Elijah
Ames, 79; Ebenezer Alwood, 74; Mary Aikins, 74; John
Bowker, 85; Jane Dailey, 88; Stephen Chandler, 86; Lucy
Chandler, 76; Daniel Shaw, 86 ; Nathan Estabrook, 80 ; Na-
thaniel Parmeter, 54 ; Nathan Parmeter, 81 ; Ku h Brush,
456
77; Dyer Williams, 81; Giles Parmelee, 76; John Fobes,
78; John Moore, 82; Ammi Courier, 75; Sylvanus Willes,
84 ; Thomas Palmer, 80.
Madrid. — John Erwin, 59; Samuel Daniels, 78; Abiram
Hurlbut, 76 ; Peter Eaton, 68 ; Rebecca Packard, 66 ; Lucy
Byington, 80; James Corry, 78; Isaac Buck, 77; Manasseh
Sawyer, 81; Isaac Bartholomew, 78^ Margaret Allen, 86;
Jacob Redington, 81. — Total number, 118.
EVENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812-15.
The county of St. Lawrence furnished quite a large number
of troops for the War of 1812-15, many of the stirring in-
cidents of which occurred within or near her borders.
Subsequent to the war several acts for the relief of volun-
teers, in various forms, were passed by the State legislature.
The first was passed April 21, 1818, and entitled " An Act for
the relief of certain volunteers and militia called into service
for the defense of the frontiers of the State in the late war,
and for other purposes."
Another act was passed, April 9, 1819, entitled " An Act to
authorize the payment of claims for services rendered and
supplies furnished by the militia and volunteers of the State
called into service during the late war." Laws were also
passed by the United States in 1850, 1855, and 1856, entitling
soldiers to bounty lands.
An act was passed covering the above subjects by the legis-
lature, April 15, 1859, of which Sec. 3 reads as follows:
"The proof to authenticate such serviceB and expenses sliall be the state-
ment, on oath, of the services rendered and expenses incurred by tlie peraon
claiming compensation, stating the time of such service,- the place or places
where such service was rendered, and the names of the officers commanding,
and that the claimant has received or is entitled to bounty lands by virtue of
the laws of the United States, passed in the year 1850 and the years 1855 and
1850, to be stated to the satisfaction of the adjutant- and inspector-generals,
wbicli may be verified before any officer authorized to take affidavits, to be
read in tlie Supreme Court of the State of New York, and such other proof a3
the adjutant- and inspector-generals may deem necessary in order to obtain the
facts relating to said services and expenses." — Laws of iN'ew Yorfr, 1859, chap.
176, page 425.
It would appear that under this act a large number of the
men who had been in the service made application for the re-
lief provided for; not strictly as relief, but as a matter of
right. We herewith furnish the names and residences in
1860 of one hundred and sixty-one of these applicants from
St. Lawrence County, obtained from the records of the> adju-
tant-general's office at Albany. This does not of course in-
clude all those who served during the war. Many of the
soldiers of 1812 will be found mentioned in the history of the
various towns.
SOLDIERS OF 1812.
Alexander, Jatnes, Morristown.
Allen, Nathaniel, Russell.
Ames, Elijah, Jr., Canton.
Ames, Steplien K.
Armstrong, Robert, Lisbon.
Austin, Isaac, Hopkinton.
Babbet, Samuel G., Ilermon.
Bacon, Jacob P., Canton.
Bailey, Ansel K.
Barker, Daniel, Macomb.
Bedell, Seneca, Brasher.
Beebe, Richard, Fine.
Belmont, John D., Fowler.
Berry, .iohn, Pierrepont.
Bigclow, Ira, Hammond.
Bingham, Samuel, Canton.
Bowhiill, David, Uermon.
Bowhall, Demarkia, Madiid.
Boynton, Epiiraiui, Jr., Potsdam.
Briggs, Joseph, Ilaniinohd.
Oath of allegiance of eakly militia omC£f?s.
i;o^iH^<M4U'^A^-'X^-£^f^^ /^^^T^WwC (^c:C^ol£0 m^^M^u/ ^yTnA^ csf^^^L^ ^o-n^.
K^^^^ 2?^^,^^ ^^^^^ ^^l^ ,^^^,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
457
Biirlingham, Alfred, Eussell.
Bnsh, Joseph, Hopkinton.
Clark, SliuUael, Canton.
Clark, Warren, Potsdam.
Cole, Ira, fowler.
Conkey, Asa, Canton.
Cotton, Woodly, Potsdam.
Cnmdall, Francis, Gouverneur.
Culver, Amos.
Daile.y, Benjamin, Potsdam.
Daile.v, Hazen, Potsdam.
Dako, Shadnich, Macomb.
Daniels, Aaron, Pierrcpont.
Daniels, Michael S., Ogdensburg.
Davis, Joseph N., Potsdam.
Day, Beiyamin, Fowler.
Be Land, Dav:d, Edwards.
De Long, Fr.incis, Hammond.
Dewey, Eleazer, Gouverneur.
Dewey, Lucius, Potsdam.
Dickinson, Justin, Pi teal rn.
Dings, Peter, Lislton.
Danlap, Robert, Potsdam.
Ehle, Jolin, Morristown.
Ellsworth, Lyman, Canton.
Everts, Jesse, Stockholm.
Farmer, Kbenezer, O.inton.
F.ii-mer, Levi, Russell.
Farmer, William, Fowler.
Faville, Cors., De Kalb.
Fuller, Levi, Parishville.
Gill, Hugh, Edwards.
Gillet, Jehiel, Fowler.
Guodenough, Jonathan.
Goolden, Thomas, Madrid.
Gotliam, Enoch, Canton.
Gould, Joel, Hopkinton.
Greene, .Tohn, Fowler.
Griffin, Nathaniel. Pierrepont.
Haskins, Jonathan, Gouverneur.
Hawley, Je'se B., Madrid.
Hepburn, Roderick C., Madrid.
Hepburn, Patrick, Parishville.
Higgins, Archibald, Hermon.
Hildreth, Amos, Fowler.
Hilts, George G., Gouverneur.
Hitiuan, Benj. (Ad'x), Waddington.
Her, Peter, Gouverneur.
Hoiigli, Erastus A., Eacketville.
Hutchinson, Benjamin, Russell.
Johnson, Stephen, Madrid.
JudsoD, Francis N., Oswegatchie.
KeUey, Sidney, Stockholm.
Kennedy, James K,, Rnssell.
Killoier, William, Gouverneur.
Kingsbury, Ziba, Gouverneur.
Klock, Abraham, Morristown.
Knox, Nathan, Russell.
Krake, John, Morristown.
Lawyer, David, De Peyster.
Lent, John, Morristown.
Lol)dell, Jacob, Pierrepont.
LobdelT, Lucius, Pierrepont.
lockwood, .Toscph.
Lullier, Martin, Fine.
Lytic, James I., Lisbon.
lytle, William, Lisbon.
Mathewaon, Andrew, Canton.
Matlison, Thomas, Fine.
Miller, Thomas, Morristown.
Uinnick, Elias, Fowler.
Moore, Samuel M., Russell.
The following account of operations along the northern
•border during the war with Great Britain is taken from Dr.
Hough'sHisloryof St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, with
additions and corrections :
On the 5th of April, 1805, a, regiment was formed in St.
Lawrence County, with Alexander J. Turner, lieutenant-
colonel commanding; Joseph Edsall, first major, and David
I'ord, second major; and on the 11th a brigade, embracing
■Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties, was formed,
having 'Walter Martin its brigadier-general. He had previ-
ously been lieutenant-colonel, and his place was supplied by
Jonathan Collins, of Turin. . April 3, 1806, the following ap-
Moore, CImrles E. (by Ad'x), Lisbon.
Nelson, Roswell, Stockholm.
Nichols, Aaron, North Potsdam.
Northrup, Ersistus, Morristown.
O'Biley, John, Massena.
Page, Elias C, Canton.
Paige, Isaac C, Canton.
Parker, John, Fowler.
Parks, Elijah, Morristown.
Patridgo, Jacob, Stockholm.
Payne, Pardon, Fowler.
Payne, Summons, Massona.
Phelps, Samuel W., Do Kalb.
Polly, Ebeu, Massena.
Polly, Jolm, Massena.
Potter, William A., Gouverneur.
Proctor. John, Madrid.
Randall, Samuel (by Ad'r).
Ratiglit, .Tactib, Morristown.
Ricl\, Christoplier C, De Kalb.
Richards, Joseph, Massena.
Robinson, John, Rossie,
Robinson, Samuel, Morristown.
Russell, Chester.
Sanders, Jacob B., Lawrence.
Sawyer, William M., Madrid,
Scarborough, Michael, Massena.
Sclioughton, James, Rus.-ell.
Scott, Josepli, Lisbon.
Scriptur, Benjamin, Lawrence.
Sears, Elijah, Madrid.
Shaver, John, Gouverneur.
Shaw, Salmon, Potadatn.
Sheldon, Timothy, Gouverneur.
Shipman, Frederick, Pierrepont.
Sly, John, Dc Kalb.
Sniitli, Stephen, Gouverneur.
Smith, Tliaddeus, Mas-ena.
Starling, Adam P. (by widow), Morris-
town.
Stephens, William F., Massena.
Sterrburgh, Peter, De Kalb.
Stewart, Eli, Russell.
Stewart, James S., Massena.
Stewart, Nicholas, Pitcairn.
Stowe, Christopher G., Norfolk.
Taggert, Joseph, Canton.
Tamblin, Timothy, Canton.
Tanner, Harry, Hermon.
Tannei", Isaac, Jr., De Kalb.
Timinerman, J. C. (by Ad'r), Potsdam.
Tucker, Joseph, Massena.
Turner, Miles, De Kalb.
Turner, Reuben, Lisbon.
Tutliill, John, Gouverneur.
Van Buren, Thomas H , Gouverneur.
Van Zant, Joseph, De Kalb.
Wagner, Jos. P. (by widow), De Kalb.
Walling, Almou, Gouverneur.
Warren, Cyrus D,, Potsdam.
Wheeler, John, Waddington.
Whipple, Ellsha, De Kalb.
Winne, Cornelius, Hopkinton.
Winters, Asa, Braslier.
Woodliridge, Jos. E. (by Ad'x), Wad-
dington.
Worden, William, Potsdam.
Wortben, Nathan, Potsdam.
Worthen, David, Potsdam.
Young, John C, Morristown.
Young, Robert, Masseua.
pointments were made in Turner's regiment. Isaac Bi'ach,
adjutant; John King, paymaster; D. W. Church, quarter-
master; Joseph W. Smith, surgeon; Powell Davis, surgeon's
mate; Louis Hashrouck, Timothy Pope, Timothy Cross<'t,
Nathan Stone, William Perry, Thomas B. Benedict, Solomon
Linsh'V, Jr., Isaac Bartholomew, Richard Flack, Elisha
Deniston, and Benjamin Stewart, captains; Jehiel DIranmck,
Kelsey Thurber, Samuel Armstrong, Martin Philips, Medad
Moody, Potter Goff, Seth Gates, John Hawley, John W.
Lyttle, Ctilvin Hubbard, and Benjamin Bailey, lieutenants ;
and Jacob Arnold, Jr., Thomas Lee, John A. Armstrong,
Abner "Wright, James Parkil, Jr , Joel Woodhouse, Daniel
Greene, Nicholas Reynolds, Robert Jackson, Seth Matthews,
and David French, ensigns. An artillery company was formed
April (), 1807, with Alexander Richard, captain ; Amos Wells,
first lieutenant; Joseph Freeman, second lieutenant. A bat-
talion of four companies, under Alric Mann, major command-
ing, was formed in Franklin county, June 4, 1808, and be-
longed to Gen. Benjamin Moure's brigade. Our space forbids
the useof the detiiils collected in relation to subsequent organ-
izations. The location of our counties upon the frontier
made them the theatre of events that will be briefly enumer-
ated, and checked their growth and settlement to a most
lamentable degree; not so much by the actual as the dreaded
evils of war, and the entire ces^ation of trade, which had
mainly found an outlet by the St. Lawrence. With business
stopped, the industry of the country palsied, and the brightest
prospects of the future blighted, it is not surprising that the war
was to a considerable degree unpopular, especially with those
classes whose business was interrupted by the measure, and
whose property was depreciated, and, in some instances, ren-
dered valueless, by its occurrence. The measures which pre-
ceded and led to hostilities belong to our national history.
Grievances had existed for several years, and efforts had been
made to settle the difficulties between the two nations by dip-
lomatic arrangements, but these failing, a resort to arms be-
came the only means effectual in attaining these ends which
could not be accomplished peaceably.
Doc. 22, 1807, congress laid an embargo upon all ships and
vessels in the ports of the United States, and directed that no
clearance should be furnished to any ship bound to any foreign
port or place, except under the immediate direction of the
president. In the event of the suspension of hostilities between
the belligerent powers of Europe, or of such changes in their
measures as would render the commerce of the country safe,
the president was authorized, by an act passed on the 8th of
April following, to suspend in whole or in part the operations
of the embargo. Tliis applied to the lakes as well as the sea-
board. Early in 1809, Capts. Samuel Cherry and Thomas
Anderson were stationed at Ogdensburg to enforce non-in-
tercourse, and occupied temporary barracks erected for their
use. The.se two companies of troops are represented as the
worst setof men that ever lived, and were charged with being
needlessly officious in searching persons crossing the river,
which led to ji'alousies that almost ripened into hostility with
the citizens. The latter, for their own protection, organized
a nightly patrol to protect their gardens and hen-roosts; and
thus, between the preservation of national and personal rights,
the village bore the discipline of a camp until, to the great
joy of the citizens, the news arrived that the soldiers were to
be withdrawn. This was too desirable an event to pass un-
noticed, and preparations were made to celebrate it, which
coming to the knowledge of the other party, an attempt was
made in the night-time to seize an old French cannon, belong-
ing to the village, which was to be fired on their departure, and
to throw it from the bridge into the river. The plot was dis-
covered, and the party sent was arrested by the citizen guard,
and in the morning marched back to their quarters, and re-
leased at the solicitation of their officers. As they were leaving,
a citizen, who went down to their boats to recover some stolen
458
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
property, was seized and thrown overboiird, which instantly
Tiiised an excitement, and, as they left, they were followed by
the liootings and cries of the irritated crowd. The old iron
cannon, and the discordant music of a hundred tin liorns with
as many eowhells, asi:isted in expressing the general satisfac-
tion. The books of a mercantile firm show an unsettled bal-
ance of $300 against one of these worthies. Congress, April 10,
1812, requiied 100,000 men to be raised in anticipation of the
war, which were to be officered with present militia officers,
paid at the same rates as the regular army, and were not com-
pelled to serve longer than six months after arriving at the
place of rendezvous. It was stipulated that no non-commis-
sioned officer, musician, or private should be subject to cor-
poral punishment by whipping, but stoppage of pay, confine-
ment, and deprivation of rations should lie substituted. One
million dollars was appropriated for this purpose. Gen. Jacob
Brown, whose brigade included .the county, wrote. May 2,
1812, to Col. Benedict, to raise 43 men, including non-com-
missioned officers, to be held ready at a minute's warning, and
two competent men as lieutenant and ensign. These he re-
quired to be embodied and stationed in the vilhige of Wil-
liamstown [De Kalb], as soon as possible. Col Stone, of
Herkimer county, was also instructed to raise 37 men and one
lieutenant, to join the above. A company was accordingly-
raised, of about 80 men, with Darius Hawkins, of Herkimer
county, captain ; John Policy, of Massena, and Elisha Griffin,
of De Kalb, lieutenants. These were sent on to Ogdens-
burg.
These troops arrived on the last of May, and for a few days
were quartered in the court-house. The citizens, from their
former experience, disliked the idea of having troops among
them, and it is said that difficulty was ex|ierienced in getting
their bread baked from this cause. The declaration of war,
in June, 1812, was made known by the arrival of Major Darby
Noon, to erect barracks, which were temporary, and located
a short distance below the village. No sooner was the news
of the declaration of war received, than the greatest alarm
was immediately created on both sides of the lines, from mu-
tual fears of hostile incursions from the other side of the
boundary.
In St. Lawrence County, especially, this fear was greatly
increased by rumors that parties of Indians were about to fall
upon the settlements, then young and feeble, and lay waste the
country with fire and tomahawk j but before the close of the
season the minds of the settlers had become accustomed to
these rumors, and they were but little regarded.
As soon as war was declared, Gen. Brown drafted six com-
panies in the regiments of Cols, Benedict and Stone, whiih
were under Capts. Griffin, of De Kalb, Armstrong, of Lisbon,
Cook and Hovey, of Lewis county, and Bell and Weaver, of
Herkimer county. Oliver Bush, of Turin, was first major,
and Whitman second major, of Benedict's regiment.
Col. Stone's regiment arrived soon after with several com-
panies, among which was an independent rifle company, under
Capt. N()adiah Hubbard, of Champion. The militia captains
on duty during ,i considerable part of the summer of 1812
were as follows, in the order of their commissions: Nathan
Adams, Nathan Cook, Imri Case, Jost Bell, Moses A. Bunnell,
Howland, Jacob Hovey. When war was declared,
eight schooners wore in Ogdensburg harbor, which, on the
29th of June, attempted to escape to the lake. Mr. D. Jones
an active partisan, residing near the present village of Muit-
land,on the Canada shore, seeing the movement, and appre-
ciating the advantage that would result to the British interests
if this fleet could be prevented from reaching Lake Ontario,
raised a company of volunteers, and pursued them in boats till
he overtook them near the foot of the Thousand islands, above
Brockville. Two of the vessels, the " Sophia" and " Island
Packet," were taken without resistance, as they were fitted for
trade only, and had on board no armament. Several emigrant •
families, on board, with the crew and a part or the whole of
their efifects, were set on an island, and the vessels burrii'd.
The crews of the remainder immediatelj' steered back td
Ogdensburg.
Very soon after, the " Prince Kcgent," a new vessel of 10
guns, came down from Kingston, and fears were apprehended
that an intention of attacking the town was entertained. Oh
the 20th of July, Brigadier-Gen. Stephen Van Kensselaer ar-
rived, and a rumor prevailed that two more vessels were
coming down to destroy the fleet. As afterwards appeared,
several plans were laid to take the vessels, but none were at-
tempted ; as a further security, they were taken above the
bridge, and during an armistice that occurred in summer
were got up to the lake. Soon after the arrival of the " Prince
Regent," the " Earl of Moira" and "Duke of Gloucester,"
the former of 18 and the latter of 10 guns, arrived at Prescolt.
A scheme was laid for destroying the "Duke of Glou-
cester" on the night of July 23, and from the original vol-
unteer list before us it appears that about 60 men offered
themselves for the service, who were to act under Cols. T. B.
Benedict and Solomon Van Rensselaer. Three parties were
to co-operate, but before night the vessel changed her position
and the attempt was not made. In July, Gen. Brown dis-
patched the schooner "Julia," of the navy, armed with one
18- and two iron 6-poundeis, and laden with military stores,
under the command of Lieut. H. W. Wells, of the govern-
ment brig " Oneida," and accompanied by Capt. Noadiah
Hubbard, with a rifle company, in a Durham boat. She sailed
July 29, and on arriving at Morristown she was met at three
o'clock on the 31st by the "Earl of Moira," which, soon as
they came alongside, dropped their anchors, brailed up their
canvas, and commenced a cannonade which lasted three and
a quarter hours without intermission, but, singularly enough,
without loss of life, and with but little injury to the vessels.
The "Earl of Moira" was hulled a few times, and the "Julia"
received a slight injury from one shot. Near dark, the enemy's
vessels were warped up to Elizabethtown (now Brockville),
and the guns taken out and placed in battery on shore. The
"Julia" weighed anchor and fell down the current, and by
being towed by the Durham boat and the schooner's yawl,
reached Ogdensburg before morning. She lay off in the
stream, between Prescott and Ogdensburg, until the 5th of
September, under the command of Capt. William Vaughan,
sailing-master in the navy ; Samuel Dixon and Abr&ni Shoe-
maker, volunteers, acting master's mates. Lieut. Wells re-
turned the day after the affair to Sachet's Harbor.
A scout had been sent to notify the "Julia" of her danger
from the two armed vessels, but did not arrive seasonably.
The firing being heard at Ogdensburg, and the occasion of it
being surmised. Adjutant Church was sent by Col. Benedict
to proceed with a party of volunteers to offer any assistance
that might be possible. 1 hey hastily marched to the scene of
the engagement, but did not arrive until after the affair was
over. Prom Mr. Church the foregoing account was derived.
Samuel Dixon, who was on board the "Julia," and partici-
pated in this affair as a volunteer, had buen in the employment
of David Parish, as captain of the schooner " Collector." The
principal merchant vessels on the lake were bought up by
government on their reaching the lake, and fitted up with an
armament. Capt. Mayo's schooner, the " Genesee Packet,"
had its name changed to the "Hamilton." "The Experi-
ment," one of Mr. Parish's vessels, became " The Growler."
About the middle of September it was learned that a num-
ber of bateaux were coming up the river, laden with stores,
and a party under Capt. Griffin, in a Durham boat, accom-
panied with a gun-boat, having eighteen men and a brass
six-pounder under D W. Church, left Ogdensburg in the
evening, and late at night landed on Toussaint island, oppo-
site the town of Lisbon, and near the place where the enemy
lay. The only family on the island was secured, but the man
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
459
managed to escape by swimming and gave tlie iilarm, and the
provincial militia were hastily rallied. The bateaux lay under
the porth shore, behind the island. The party under Capt.
Griffln took a position near its head, while Church was di-
rected to station his fjun-boat near its foot. A sharp firing soon
began and was continued for some time, when the boat was
abandoned with the loss of one man (Macomb), and one
woHpded It drifted down the channel, and was taken up by
the enemy before it reached the foot of the island. The gun-
boat about sunrise came to anchor, and was immediately tired
upon, at the second discharge having five of the eighier'n
wounded; but before the third shot the cannon was brought
to bear, and very shortly after the regulars, who accompanied
tl}eenemy'sboats,broUeandran. Failing in its object the party
returned by land, and the gun-boat was sent to Haniilion.
Adjutant Filz Gibbon was said to have charge of the British
party, two of which at the time were reported killed and
several wounded. We had but one man killed.
Towards the close of the seasun Capt. Benjamin Forsyth,
with a company of riflemen, arrived at Ogdenshurg. Gen.
Brown was frequently in the place. On the "2d of October
^bout forty British boats, escorted by two gun-boats, were
proceeding up the river towards Prescott, wlien a cannonade
was commenced from the enemy's batteries upon the village
to cover the boats, which was returned a short time, until it
was found that long shots had but very little effect. On the
3d the firing was renewed, but not answered. On Sunday
morning, the 4th, an attack was made by twenty-five boats
aad two gun-boats, which had proceeded up the river nearly
a mile, and were then seen to turn their course towards the
village. The morning parade had just been dismissed, but
the order to rally was instantly issued, and a wooden battery
near the stcme warehouse was manned with the brass six-
pounder, under Adjutant Church, and an iron twelve-pounder,
under the orders of Joseph York, a volunteer citizen. There
was but one embrasure, which was occupied by the brass piece,
the other being stationed at its end, and without protection.
The regiment, undcsr the orders of Gen. Brown, and Forsyth's
riflemen, which then lay encamped west of the Oswegatchie,
was drawn up with the militia. The Americans numbered
1200 men. Firing commenced from the enemy's batteries
with the embarkation of the troops, and continued as they
advanced, and was returned by our troops as soon as the boats
arrived within musket-range. The flotilla approached to
within a quarter of a mile, when, one of their gun-boats
having been disabled and twj of their number killed, they
returned to their own side. It was reported that one of their
bateaux was sunk, but of this fact the author's informant was
not certain. Not a drop of hlood was lost on the side of the
Americans, but some little injury was done to property and
buildings by the shot of the enemy. About thirty rounds
were fired from each of the two pieces at the wooden battery.
The firing continued nearly two h(mrs. The assailants in this
attempt were commanded by Col. Lethbridge, and, according
to the accounts published by the British, they numbered 7uO
men.
After this unsuccessful attempt of the enoiny nothing further
of consequence occurred till the close of the year. The winter
set in early, and was very severe. The drafted regiment re-
turned home, and left the place under the protection of Capt.
Forsyth, with bis rifle company, and a small detachment of
Capt. Kellog's artillery company of Albany volunteers. The
remainder of that company had been detached to Sacket's
Harbor.
On the 6th of February, 1813, about a fortnight before
'he attack upon Ogdcnsburg, Captain Forsyth being told,
h spies and friends in Elizabothtown (Brockville), that a
'"fgo number of Americans were confined there in jail, and
pressing news being repeatedly received that they were treated
with severity, that some wore claimed as British deserters,
although they had become citizens of the United States, and
that some of these would be executed by the authority of the
British courts-martial, it was resolved to attempt their rescue.
A party con.'^isting of Capt. Forsyth's company, and citizen
volunteers to the number of about two hundred, was organized
and ready to start about nine o'clock in the evening, and,
leaving the town in the care of Capt. Kellog, of the Albany
volunteers, and a few citizens, they proceeded on foot and in
two or three sleighs (the latter in the rear) to Morristown.
Tlie expedition took along one light gun, but wee obliged to
leave it on account of great fissures in the ice. Having halted
here a few moments and procured a guide,* they crossed in two
divisions, marching in open order on account of the weakness
of the ice, Capt. Forsyth leading one division and Col. Bene-
dict the other. Flank-guards were dispatched to each side of
the town, to arrest such as might attempt to escape, while the
main body marched into the village and stationed themselves
in the square in front of the jail, which then occupied the
same site as at present. Adjutant Church was ordered to
detach platoons from the main body and station them at the
corners of the streets and those points best calculated to pre-
vent resistance or a combination of forces. Lieut. Wells com-
manded the right flank-guard, and Lieut. Johnson the left.
Sergt. Foster, of the main-guard, who had been stationed with
a few men on one of the corners, on hearing the approach of
a company of men, hailed them with the challenge, " Who
comes there?" He was answered by the reply, " Not friends
of King George." Not hearing tiie first word in the reply,
he fired and wounded one man. The party proved to be the
left flank of the Americans, and an understanding was soon
regained. Meanwhile Capt. Forsyth, with a few men, entered
the jail and demanded the keys, which were surrendered with-
out resistance, and every prisoner, with the exception of one
confined for murder, was removed. He naturally begged hard
to share the fortune of the others, but was left. Some of the
more prominent citizens were taken prisoners and (with the
exception of one physician, who was paroled at Morristown)
taken to Ogdcnsburg, at which place the party arrived before
daylight. The rescued prisoners and citizens brought back
numbered about fifty-two, of whom six or seven were officers.
One man was wounded by a shot from a window, with which
exception no resistance was oflfered. The countersign of the
party on this affair was Americn.ns. Amung the prisoners was
Miij. Carley, three captains, and two lieutenants.
The following is a list of those taken, except ofiicers:
Stephen Chipman, David Wheeler, Charles French, Benja-
min Gould, Wm. Graves, Winthrop Tufts, Zea Castle, Ichabod
Wing, George Allen, Henry Staats, Timothy Buel, Abram
McCuo, Thomas Daehnham, Alex. Campbell, John Davis,
Daniel McMullen, liicbard McBane, Joseph Trader, Isaac
C (name illegible), Uri Stone, Archibald Ladd, David
Wheeler John W. Easton, Peter Whitman, Joseph Howard,
Levi Stone, Thomas Thornton, Isaac Mather, Samuel Elliot,
Jose[)h Woolley, James Smith, Horatio Bradshaw, Gamaliel
Tuttle, John Green, Joseph Kyon, Norris Loverin, David
Stevenson, Jehiel Smith, Thomas Kambley, Wm. Robinson,
Richardson Cameron, Henry Smith, Cleveland SafiFoid, John
Joy, John Whitlesy. Total, 45, besides ofiicers.
They also seized and brought away one hundred and twenty
muskets, twenty rifies, two casks of fixed ammunition, and
some other public stores, but no private property was either
taken or destroyed.
This affair led the enemy to take measures for retaliation,
and it was determined that Lieut.-Col. Pearson should pro-
ceed the ensuing morning to Kingston, while Lieut.-Col.
McDonnell, second in command at Prescott, should make a
demonstration upon the ice in front of Ogdenshurg, as well
with the view of engaging the attention of the troops as, by
> Arnold Smith, who kept a public-house in the place.
460
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
drawing out their forces, to ascertiiin the strength of the
garrison.
To afford the data from which to estimate the relative merit
of the defense, the following account of the armament and
force in garrison at Ogdensburg is given, as derived from the
memories of citizens then in town. It had been learned from
spies that the JBrilish were preparing to attack the town, and
Capt. Forsyth had written to Gen. Coarborn, at Plattsburg,
soliciting assistance. To this Gen. Dearborn sent word that
he could afford him no help, and that he must do as well as
he was able. If he could not defend the place, he was at
liberty to evacuate it, and it was left optional with him to do
this before or after making an attempt to defend it. In his
letter he said that the loss of the place might arouse the
American spirit, intimating that the town was to be made a
sacrifice for the good of the country.
Upon receiving this letter, Capt. Forsyth assembled the
officers around him, to whom he read the letter of Gen. Dear-
horn, and solicited their advice. The result of the deliberation
that ensued was, that it was expedient to defend the place as
long as appeared practicable, and to abandon it only when
compelled.
The defenses of the place were as follows : Near the inter-
section of Ford and Euphamia (now State) streets stood an
iron twelve-pounder, under the command of Capt. Kellog, of
the Albany volunteers. It was mounted on a wheel-carriage,
and was one of the trophies won in the Kevolutionary war
from Burgoyne at Saratoga. In front of the arsenal,* in Ford
street, was a brass six-pounder, on a wheel-carriage, belonging
to the State of New York. It was under the command of
Joseph York, with a few men, mostly citizens and volunteers.
A short distance north of the northeast corner of Parish's
store was a rude wooden breastwork, defended by an iron
twelve-pounder, which was mounted on a sled-carriage. It
was also one of the trophies won from Burgoyne, and was
under the command of Capt. Joshua Conkey, of Canton, but
it is said was not fired, although it was so placed that it might
have dime the enemy much injury, and perhaps have checked
them altogether. On the point where the light-house now
stands was a brass nine-pounder, which is said to have been
mounted on a sled-carriage, and was under the command of
a sergeant in the company of Capt. Kellog. This piece was
fired repeatedly with effect, and its commander was one of the
last who retreated when the place was finally evacuated. Back
of the old stone garrison were two old-fashioned iron six-
pounders, which were mounted on sleds. They had formed a
part of the armament of some gun-boats that had been dis-
mantled the fall before. These pieces were under the orders
of Daniel "W. Church and Lieut. Baird, of Capt. Forsyth's
company. In front of the gateway, between the two buildings
which formed the stone garrison, was a six-pound brass piece,
on a sled-carriage. This piece had been in the village during
the summer, and for some lime previous had been used in their
exercises by a company of flying artillery then being formed,
but which was absent or scattered at the time when the place
was taken. About twenty feet to the left of this was a six-
pound iron cannon, on a sled-carriage, which had been taken
from a gun-boat. Besides these, there were several cannon
which had been thrown from gun-boats upon the beach in
front of the stone garrison, which were frozen into the ice,
and which, together with all of those above enumerated, were
taken by the enemy, and were never recovered.
Below the town, and not far from the present brewery, was
an unfinished redoubt, which hud been commenced towards
the close of the season previous, but which was at the time
not occupied or defended. It had been commenced under the
orders of Gen. Brown, and was planned by M. Eamee, a
French engineer, who had been in the service of Bonaparte,
* A Blore on the west side of Fold, between State and Isabella streets.
and was to have been quadrangular in form, and bore the
name of Fort Oswegatchie.-j-
The drafted militia had long since returned home, and Capt.
Forsyth's company alone remained. Lieut. Lytle had received
orders for-raising a company of volunteers, and Joshua Conkey,
of Canton, had arrived a little before with thirteen men to-
wards a company. On the evening previous to the attack, an
arrangement had been made that, in this ease, Adjutant
Church was to have charge of the piece at the garrison, and
Sheriff York the brass six-pounder near the arsenal. Early
in the morning of Feb. 22 the governor departed, and at the
same time Lieut. -Col. McDonnell marched out on the ice in
two columns, with an inlention, as stated by British authori-
ties, of only making <i demonstration, but which ho turned
into a real attack. One of these, said to be 500 strong, directed
their march to a point where the breastwork had been thrown
up below the village, but which, at the time, was without
defense, and the other, of about 300, approached from a
point above the stone garrison. Besides the regulars, there
were not more than 50 to show their faces to the enemy. Capt.
Forsyth had drawn up his men in the rear of the garrison
and facing the column that was approaching from that quarter,
and, when within half musket-shot, he walked down in front
of his men, and directed them to reserve their fire until the
word of command was given. Near the right of the line
Lieut. Baird was stationed with an iron six-pounder, and
Adjt. Church was about two-thirds the way down the line,
with a brass six. No order was given to fire until the enemy
had nearly reached the bank, where the snow had drifted
about knee-deep, and here they first fired, hut without effect.
Capt. Forsyth then ordered his troops to fire, and a volley
was at once discharged from the rifles and the two cannon.
Upon hearing the order, the soldiers of the enemy fell pros-
trate, and immediately after the discharge the company
jumped up and ran off without ceremony, leaving eight of
their number dead on the ice. This detachment consisted of
jirovincial militia and volunteers, under British oflacers. The
column of 500 from below, under McDonnell, marched into
the village without resistance. York and Kellog each fired
upon them, but the gun of the latter was disabled by the
breaking of the elevating screw at the first fire, which pre-
vented it from being again used. York continued to tire till
two of his menj were mortally wounded, and himself and
party taken prisoners. Kellog and his men, after the accident
which deprived them of further means of resistance, retired
across theOswcgatchie, and joined Capt. Forsyth. Meanwhile,
the greatest confusion and alarm prevailed throughout the
village, and numbers of citizens were hastening away, most
of them in the direction of Heuvelton. The nine-pounder,
which was posted on the point under the charge of a sergeant,
was fired with eft'ect upon the first column, the moment they
began to show disorder and commence retreat, but its position
was such that it could not molest the other lower body. Capt.
Conkey surrendered himself without resistance. These three
cannon being in their possession, together with the village,
the enemy next directed his efforts towards the position of
Forsyth.
There were pkinted in front of the stone garrison, occupied
by him, one iron and a brass cannon, both sixes. These were
loaded by Church and Baird, but when about to be fired a
white flag, borne by two men, was seen approaching. One of
tile hearers was Duncan Frazer, and the other Jonas Jones,
who has since filled a high judicial station in Canada. The
t " The tioops stationed licro have been employed since last Thursday In build-
ing a fort; it progiessos pielty fast, considering the number of men employed.
It is believed, however, that it will not be finished before the winter sets in.
The plan of the fort, we understand, was the production of Mr. Ramee, a French
gentleman, who resides in this village."— Ogdonsbuig Palladium, vol. ii. No. Wi
Nov. lu, 1812. ■ ,
tJoseph lineeland and Hyde, both citizens.
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
461
object of their visit was to present the complirnents of Col.
McDonnell, and the conditional alternative of " if you sur-
render, it shall be well ; if not, every man shall be [Ut to the
bayonet." Capt. Forsyth promptly replied, "Tell Col. Mc-
Donnell there must be more flfjhling done first." The bearers ■
of the communication immediately returned, and had no
sooner entered the ranks, which were drawn up in Ford street
near the Hasbrouck place, when the two cannon before the
gateway were immediately discharged. The brass piece was
loaded with case-shot, and disabled eight men; but being a
little too elevated, it had but little of the effect that would
have been witnessed had it been properly pointed.*
Immediately after this discharge the enemy retreated bo-
hind the stone store of Mr. Parish for shelter. Up to tliis
time there had been none of Forsyth's company killed, and as
there remained no enemy in sight the latter ordered his men
within the gates, as the British began to fire at his company
from behind various objects, by which several were wounded,
among whom were men by the names of Squires and Clark.
They were not so badly wounded but that they were alile to
retreat. Lieut. Baird lingered behind after the order for re-
treat was given, and only retired when a messenger was sent
with a second command for him to leave. Soon after some of
the party, among whom were Church and Baird, went out to
load the cannon in the rear, which had been first used, hoping
that some chance might occur for discharging them with ef-
fect, but on returning both were wounded, the latter severely.
Deeming further resistance useless, Capt. Forsytli issued orders
for his men to retreat and to rendezvous at Thurber's tavern,
on Black lake, and thence they proceeded to De Peyster Cor-
ners, where they arrived in the evening. The British took
prisoners all the men in the hospital, eight in number, and
Sergt. Carr, who had, care of the arsenal. Lieut. Baird was
too badly wounded to retreat, and was conveyed to the house
of Judge Ford, where he was taken prisoner. Adjutant
Church, with the assistance of two of Forsyth's men, re-
treated. None of this company were killed, and with the
above exceptions none taken prisoners. There were on the
side of the Americans five killed and eighteen wounded. As
the enemy were marching down Ford street some of the num-
ber, on entering the store-room u.sed as an arsenal, were met
by a lad at the door, by the name of Jones, from Canton, who
discharged a musket and severely wounded one of their num-
ber, and was in the act of reloading his piece when the soldiers,
enraged at this resistance, fired a volley upon the courageous
boy, and finished their work with him by a thrust of a bayo-
net, which pinned him to the counter. Further resistance not
being offered, the enemy proceeded to ransack the town for
public property and pillage, carrying off or wantonly destroy-
ing private property to a great amount. Fifty-two prisoners
were taken over to Canada, where citizens were mostly pa-
roled and allowed to return home, excepting those who had
been found under arms. Conkey and his men, Sergt Rogers,
Lieut. Baird, and a few others, believed to be about twenty,
were sent as prisoners of war to Montreal, and thence by
water to Halifax, until exchanged, except fourteen, of whom
Rogers was one, who escaped from jail at Montreal and re-
turned home.
The enemy continued through the day to seek and carry
away whatever commodities their caprice or their wants in-
dicated, among which was a large quantity of provisions from
the stone store, of which they were said to be much in need
and for which they paid the value. The prisoners in the jail,
upon their own assertion that they were confined for political
* The anecdote is related, tliat as Mr. Cliurcli was about to fire this cannon,
Capt. Foreyth stepped foi-ward and ordered him to elevate it more. Tlie former
replied that it was high enough; but the commander, impatient of contra-
diction, peremptorily renewed his ordi^r, which was sullenly obeyed. It has
been suggested that an additional turn of the screw was given to prove tlie
soundness of his argument, and thus tlie lives of many of the enemy were saved.
reasons, were set free; but upon a true representation being
made afterwards, several were pursued, recaptured, and given
up to the sheriff.
The wanton destruction of private property, which is said
to have extended to every house in the village except three,
was perpetrated by swarms of the abandoned of both sexes
from Canada and by numbers of the dissolute class who be-
longed to the Ameri.'an side, and who seized this opportunity
to gratify a morbid passion for gain and for wanton ruin.
The barracks were burned, and an attempt was made to fire
the bridge, but without effect, as it was covered with ice and
snow. The citizen prisoners captured at this incursion were
exchanged for those taken at Brockville. It is but just to ob-
serve that the wanton plunder of the enemy was disclaimed by
those in command, and some efforts were made to procure the
restoration of a few of the articles stolen.
The British official actount of this engagement gives the
losses as follows: "1 sergeant, 6 rank and file, killed ; 1 lieu-
tenant-colonel, 2 captains, 4 subalterns, 3 sergeants, and 38
rank and file, wounded. Names of officers wounded — Glengary
Light Infantry, Lieut. -Col. McDonnell, Capt. Jenkins, se-
verely; Lieut. McKay. Militia — Capt. J. McDonnell, Lieut.
Empy, severely ; Lieut. M'Lean, and Lieut. M'Dermott."
Capt- Forsyth announced to the secretary of war the event
at Ogdensburg in the following letter, dated Feb. 22, 1813:
"Sir, — I have only time to inform you that the enemy, with a very supe-
rior force, succeeded in taking Ogdensburg th'S morning, about nine o'cloclc.
They had about two men to our one, exclusive of Indians. Nnmliers of the
enemy are dead on the field. Not more than twenty of our men killed and
wounded ; Lieut. Beard is among the latter.
" I have made a saving retreat of about eiglit or nine miles. I could not get
all the wounded off.
"We have killed two of the enemy to one of ours killed by them. We want
ammunition and some provisions sent to us, also sleighs for the wounded. If
you can send me three hundrpd m n, all shall be reUiken, and PrescoU too, or I wjU
lose my life in the attempt.
" I shall write more particular to-day.
'■ Yours witli due re^jpect,
" Benjamin TonSYTH, Cap. RiHe reg. com'g."
The following extracts convey additional facts in relation to
this affair, and from having been written soon after the occur-
rence of the events, possess additional interest. The first is
from Mr. Kosseel, and the second is understood to have been
written by JMrs. York to a brother in New Turk, and was
published in Niles' Weekly Register :
"By the raiddleof the afternoon, having rigged out an apology for a one-horse
sleigh, I left Ogdensburg, with the land-office papers, to rejoin niy family, who
left it the moment the place was being taken, and came within an ace of re-
ceiving the contents of a 32-ponnder,t loaded witli grape and canister, wliich
stood at the Four Cornei-s (near St. Lawrence tavern), in front of which tiie sleigh
in which my family were was driving furiously along, undistinguished from
the enemy, and the dread effect of wliich discharge I witnessed from my window.
Several of the BritisI: fell at the corner of Mr. Parisli's premises (in the fence,
of which, what remains, may yet be seen to this day the marks made by tlie
grape-shot). I had received from General Arnold, of the militia, wlio was here
prisoner on parole, a commission for Capt. Forsyth, that he prepare for an at-
tack tliat night. Forsyth and his rifle corps were at Kellog's [about a mile
southwe.stof De Peyster Corners, on State road], and I found the militia at
Bemiugton's (Heuvolton]. They would not allow me to go fartlier till I told
them ray errand. The teamster who drove me was very di-unk, and never
minded tlie challenge from the pickets placed here and there along tlie road,
whicli was narrow, I sonietimea feeling their rifles touching our bodies. At
Kellog's I found almost all Ogdensburg, soldier and civil an, all pell-mell. But
after I communicated to Capt, Forsytli my message from Gen. Arnold, the sound
of the bugle cleared the room of riliemen, and the people lireathed more freely.
After placing my family in safety, I returned to Ogdensburg, between which
place and Kossie iron-works my attention was divided."
The following extracts are from the letter above mentioned,
dated Feb. 26, 1813 :
" I did not leave the house until the British were close to it, and not till they
had shot a great number of balls into it. I took nothing with me but some
money and my table-spoons, and ran as fa4t as possible, with a number of other
women • our retreat was to the distance of about fifteen miles. The next day I
\ This gun was a 12-pounder.
462
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
returned ; our house was plundered of almost everything, and my hnshand a
prisoner on the other side. You can easier imagine my feelings than I can
describe them. They did not leave any article of clothing, not even a hand-
kerchief,—they took all my bedding but left the beds ; they broke my looking-
glasses and even my knives. Thus situated, Idetemined to go overto (lanada,
and accordingly went to a flag of truce, which was then in this village, for
permi8.sion, which I obtiiined. I went to one of my acquaintances on the other
side, where I wai favorably received. I applied to the commanding officer for
the purpose of ascertaining whether I could procure any of my clothes ; he
assured me tliat I should have them if I could find them, but did not trouble
himself to make any inquiry. My journey was not lost ; I procured the release
of my husband, who was paroled and relurned with me. Mot of the houses
in the village were plundered. . . . You will be astonished when I tell you that
they were not contented with what the Indians and soldiers could plunder during
the battle, but after it was over, the women on the other side came across, and
took what was left."
The partisan spirit of Mr. York, which was well known to
the enemy, may have rendered his house an object on which
to expend their antipathies.
Captain Forsyth having retired Vith his company to De
Peyster, the place was thereby left defenseless, and the same
day evacuated by the British. Gen. Brown having received
news of the affair arrived the next day, but did not enter the
town, and soon returned home, and Forsyth proceeded to
Sacket's Harbor, in order to join the forces at that place,
which a few months after participated in the descent upon
Little York.
Most of the citizens who fled on the attack returned home,
and the place was left entirely without military defense or
any semblance of resistance during the remainder of the war.
This defenseless condition occasionally exposed them to insult,
and in May, 1813, some deserters having come over from the
enemy, an officer was sent across with a flag, with a threat to
commit the village to the flames if they were not restored.
To this requisition Judge Ford, with his usual promptness,
replied that they would do no such thing, for no sooner should
he see them landing, than with his oicn hands he would setjire
to his own house, rally his neighbors, cross the river with
torches, and burn every house from Prescott to Brockville. The
British officer seeing the consequences that might ensue, after-
wards apologized for his conduct.
The following additional items were furnished by Mr. James
W. Lytic, a citizen of Ogdensburg, still living, in his eighty-
fourth year, who was a soldier and an actor in the events of
those days. During the winter of 1812-13 a company of horse
under command of Capt. Jehiel Diniick was stationed at Og-
densburg, and performed patrol-duty for some time on the
river-roads and on the ice. On one occasion two men, J. W.
Lytle and Joseph Brooks, were sent out on the regular patrol
ifor the night. They proceeded up the river to Millis' tavern,
about four miles above Ogdensburg, where they found two
moyinted men, one named Hanson, an officer in Capt. Forsyth's
company of regulars, and the other named Drunimond, who
nominally belonged to Capt. Dimick's horse company, and
became afterwards quite distinguished. After a short time
the four men mounted and crossed over to the Canada side,
and rode for some distance down the river, where they struck
on the ice and moved down towards Ogdensburg.
They had not proceeded far when they discovered a party
of fifteen or twenty men approaching upon the ice from an
opposite direction. The larger party hailed, " Who comes
there?" "Friends I" replied one of the smaller party.
"Friends to whom?" Fearing they were British, and hoping
to conciliate or escape them, Hanson answered, "Friends to
King George!" In an instant the whole party fired upon
them, killing the horses of Hanson and Brooks, and wounding
the former by a buck-shot in the leg. The horse of Lytle
sprang into the air, as the old gentleman ex()ressed it, " about
fcurfeet, and made the best time he ever knew away from the
spot," while Drummond immediately rode forward towards
the firing-party and, by timely explanation, prevented any
additional damage. Quite a number of the veterans of the
Kevolutiun had assembled at Ogdensburg, and were doing
duty as volunteers somewhat independentof military restraint,
and this party was composed of a portion of them.
Mr. Lytle had beenengaged intheatfair atBrockville, where
he captured a Col. Sherwood in a cellar, and, notwithstanding
.his liberal offer of money, turned him over as a prisoner to
the commander of the expedition.
Hanson eventually recovered from his wound and did good
service at Sacket's Harbor and other places, though he re-
mtined ever'after somewhat crippled by the shot.
Robert Lytle, the father of James W. Lytle, was a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and resided at the breaking out of that war in
Washington county, N. Y. He was engaged in the battle of
Bennington, and served in the campaign which ended with
the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, in October, 1777. He
was among those who turned out to do duty at Ogdensburg,
where he contracted a cold which terminated in sickness »liat
caused his death in January, 1813, at the age of fifty-four years.
The family were originally from Ireland, havrng emigrated
to this country about the year 1768. At the time of the War
of 1812 they resided in Lisbon, St. Lawrence County.
In the fall of 1813, Col. Luckett, with a regiment of dra-
goons, forming a part of the regular service, was sent in
advance of the army of Gen. Wilkinson, to examine the coun-
try and report. He is believed to have been instructed to
make no demonstration that would create alarm to the enemy
or lead to anattack. On the day of his arrival, Oct. 11, 1813,
the town was filled with people, who had come to attend court,
which was to commence its session on the following day. It
was secretly reported the same evening, to persons still living,
that there would be a flurry next day, the m<'aning of which
in due time became apparent. The c(nirt met and had begun
business, Benjamin Raymond presiding as judge, assisted by
Daniel W. Church and John Tibbits, assistant justices. The
grand jury had received their charge and retired, and a case
was being tried, when a cannonade was heard from the fort
at Prescott, which led to much uneasiness, and, after a little
discussion, the session of the court was interrupted for theday
by the withdrawing of a juror, and the room was hastily
evacuated. The grand jury also hearing the cannonade, ad-
journed for the day, and left the house. Their room was
above the court-room, in what is now a Masonic hall. In pass-
ing out the room was hardly cleared, and the last person of
the number in the door, when a 24-pound shot entered the
room, shattering an end beam in the house, cut obliquely
across the seats, — but a moment before occupied by the jury, —
and lodged in the partition beyond. Fortunately, no one was
injured by the cannonade, but some damage was done to
houses. As soon as the firing commenced Col. Luckett re-
tired into the back countrj', and there are those who believe
that a display of his force was designedly made to get up an
excitement with the enemy.
In August, 1813, a direct tax of $3,000,000 was apportioned
throughout the United States, of which |770 was drawn from
Franklin, $3000 from St. Lawrence, $4610 from Jefferson, and
$1960 from Lewis counties.
Early in 1813 a plan of operations for the reduction of Can-
ada was discussed in the cabinet. Gen. John Armstrong being
the secretary of war, and Maj.-Gen. Henry Dearborn at the
head of the northern armies.
July 8, 1818, Gen. Dearborn was withdrawn from the com-
mand of the northern army, and on Aug. 5 a communication
was addressed to Gen. James Wilkinson, proposing a plan of
operations, which he approved and undertook to execute.
This was to bring a combined force upon Canada, a part to
descend the St. Lawrence, and another portion by way of Lake
Champlain, which were to unite and co-operate as circum-
stances might dictate. The former of these was to be under
the command of Gen. Wilkinson, and the latter that of Gen.
Wade Hampton. It remained to be discussed whether King-
ston was first to be reduced, and in the advice of the secretary
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
463
of war tliis nu'usiire wiis strongly rccomnipndfid. Gen. Wilk-
insim arrived at SaekeL's Hiirbor towards the last of August,
and proceeded to the head of the lake to make preliminary
arrangements for concentrating his forces. A series of un-
pardonable delays hindered him from effecting this object or
of returning to Sacket's Harbor liofore the 4th of October.
The secretary of war was at that post, and on the day follow-
ing a discussion was held betwei-n Gens. Armstrong, Wilkinson,
Lewis, and Brown, at which the reasons for and against mak-
ing Kingston the first point of attack were brought forward
and examined in detail, but at length abandoned. The same
delays and embarrassments continued, and were increased by
the storms incident to the lateness of the season. The forces
assembled at Grenadier island.
The following account of the progress of the expedition
down the St. Lawrence is derived from the journal of Dr.
Amasa Trowbridge, of Walertown (who attended in a profes-
sional capacity), and occasionally from the published diary of
Gen. "Wilkinson :
"On the 29th Gen. Brown's brigade, with the light and
heavy artillery, embarked and proceeded down the St. Law-
rence, the entrance of which was about six miles from Bason
harbor, and arrived .safe at Prench creek the same evening.
On the 31st orders were issued directing the remainder of the
army to follow, but a severe storm prevented the embarkation.
The winds continued unfavorable until November 2, when
the whole embarked and arrived at Cape Viment, nine miles,
the same day, and encamped. Gen. Brown, with the van of
the expedition, had been attacked by the enemy's armed
schooner and gun-boats, but were repulsed with loss, and were
compelled to move up the river, and take a position eiglit
miles below Cape Vincent. In the evening, about ten o'clock.
Com. Chauncey came into the river from the lake, and an-
chored near the encampment. The army appeared much
gratified at the appearance of the fleet.
" On the 3d the fleet weighed anchor and stood down the
river. At seven the troops embarked and followed, with a
favorable wind, and at nine passed our fleet at anchor, at the
junction of the British channel with that on the south, in
such a position as to oppose the enemy should they attempt
to annoy the army in descending. At three P.M., joined Gen.
Brown at French creek. The 4th was spent in waiting for
boats with provisions and troops from Sacket's Harbor, and
making necossarj' arrangements for the expedition. The 5th
Was a charming day, and in the morning orders were issued
for sailing, and at six the whole army was under way, in about
300 small, crafts and boats, and arrived the same evening at
Morristown, a distance of forty miles ; a favorable landing
was selected, and the boats put in good order. On the 6th
the expedition proceeded on to within three miles of Ogdens-
burg, and preparations were made for parsing the fort at
Prescott. At this place Gen. Wilkinson issued the following
proclamation to the Canadians :
"'The anny of the United State3, which I have the honor to command, in-
vadea these provint-ea to conquer, and not to de-troy ; to subdue the forces of his
Britannic majesty, not to war against hia unoffending subjects. Tliose, tliere-
fore, among you wjio remain auiet at home, sliould victory incline to tlje Amer-
ican standard, shall be protected in tlieir peraons and property. But those who
are found in arms must necesaarily be treated aa avowed enemies. To menace
is inyUBt, to seduce dishonorable ; yet it is just and humaiie to place these alter-
natives hefore you.
'"Done at the headquarters of the United States army, this sixth day of No-
vetnber, 1813, near Ogdensburg, on the river St. Lawrence.
(Signed) " ' James Wilkinso.v.
"' By the general's command,
(Signed) "'N. Pinknkv,
" ' Major and J id-de-camp.''
"The powder and fixed ammunition were debarked and
placed in carts, to be transported by land, under cover of the
l>ight, beyond the enemy's batteries. As soon as the general
returned, otfders were issued for the debarkation of every man
(except so many as were necessary to navigate the boats), who
were directed to march under cover of the night, to save use-
less exposure to the enemy's cannon, to a bay two miles belosv
Trescolt, and arrangrmerits were made at the same time for
the passage of the flotilla by that place, the superintendency
of which devolved on Brig. Gen. Brown, the general officer
of the day. About eight o'clock p.m. we had so heavy a fog that
it was believed we could pass the British fortress unobserved,
and orders were accordingly given for the army to march
and the flotilla to get under way. The general, in his gig,
proceeded ahead, followed by his passage-boat and family;
but a sudden change of the atmosphere exposed his passage-
boat to the garrison of the enemy, and near fifty-two twenty-
four pound shot were fired at bur without efiect, while the
column on land, discovered by the gleam of their arms, were
assailed with shot and shells without injury. General Brown,
on hearing the firing, judiciously halted the flotilla until the
moon had set, when it got into motion, but was perceived by
the enemy, who opened upon it, and ccmtinued their fire from
front to rear for the space of three hours ; and yet, out of
more than three hundred boats, not one was touched, and only
one man was killed and two were wounded. Before ten next
morning, the whole of the flotilla, except two vessels, reached
the place of rendezvous."
Another account states that the general resorted to the ex-
pedient of sending some old boats forward, on which the
British expended their long shot ; and the army passed harm-
less, except from one shot, which killed two men and wounded
three others.
" About noon this day. Col. King, adjutant-general of the
army of Gen. Wade Hampton, arrived, and waited on the
commander-in-chief, whom he informed that he had been to
Sacket's Harbor, with a dispatch from Gen. Hampton to the
secretary of war; that he had no communication, written or
verbal, from Maj.-Gen. Hampton (the commander-in-chief),
but that not finding the secretary of war at Sacket's Harbor,
he had thought proper on his return to call for any commu-
nication which he (Gen. Wilkinson) might have to make to
Gen. Hampton. The general had intended, in the course of
the day, to send an express to Gen. Hampton, with an order
to him to form a junction of his division with the corps de-
scending the St. Lawrence, and availed himself of the oppor-
tunity presented by Col. King to send the order. In passing
Prescott, two of our largest vessels, loaded with provisions,
artillery, and ordnance stores, either through cowardice or
treachery had been grounded in the river near Ogdensburg,
and opposite Prescott.
" The enemy kept up so constant a cannonade on them that
we found it difficult, and lost half a day to get them out. Vy[o
perceived the militia in arms at Johnstown, directly opposite
us, and several pieces of field-artillery in motion. Under-
standing that the coast below was lined with posts of musketry
and artillery at every narrow pass of the river. Col. Macomb
was detached, about one o'clock, with the UiU corps of about
1200 men, to remove those obstructions, and the general got
under way about half-past three o'clock
" Pour or five miles below, we entered the first rapids of the
river, and soon after passing them, two pieces of light artil-
lery, which Col. Macomb had not observed, opened a sharp
fire upon the general's passage-boat, but without any further
effect than cutting away some of the rigging.
■'Lieut.-Col. Eustis, with n party of our light gun-bargps,
came within shot of the pieces of the enemy, and a cannonade
ensued without injury to either side. In the mean time Maj.
Porsyth, who was in the rear of the elite of Col. Macomb,
landed his riflemen, advanced upon the enemy's guns, and had
his fire drawn by a couple of vedettes, posted in his route, on
which their pieces were precipitately carried off.
"The general came to at dusk, about six miles below the
town of Hamilton, where he received a report from Col.
464
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Macomb, who liad routed a party at a blc)ek-hou=e about two
miU'S below, and captured an officer."
On tlie miirning of the 7lh, information had been received
that the enemy had taken a position on the river above Ham-
ilton, at a narrow pass, and had fortifieil it to annoy the flotilla
in passing. These were dislodged by Maj. Forsyth A body
of dragoons had assembled here for crossing, and the whole of
the 8th and following night were devoted to transporting these.
About noon, advice was received that two armed schooners,
and a body of the enemy in bateaux, estimated at 1000 or
1500 men, had descended the river from Kingston, and landed
at Prescott; that they had immediately sent a flag of truce
across the river to Ogdensburg, and demanded the surrender
of all public property there, under the pcmalt}' of burning the
town. Not long after, information was recoivoil tliat the enemy
had re-embarked at Prescott, in their bateaux, and were fol-
lowing with seven gun boats.
While the expedition lay at the narrows near Hamilton, on
the 8th, a council of war was held, — Gens. Wilkin.-on, Lewis,
Boyd, Covington, Porter, and Swartwout being present,— in
which the commander-in-chief stated that his force consisted
of 7000 men, and that he expected to meet 4000 more, under
Gen Hampton, at St. Kegis ; that his provisions amounted to
ten days' bread and twenty days' meat; that from the best of
his information the enemy's force was 600 under Col. Murray,
troops of the line, at Coteau de Lae, strongl}' fortifled with
artillery; 200 on the island opposite, with two pieces of ar-
tillery, and about the same number on the south shore, with
two pieces of artillery ; 200 or 300 men of the British line of
artillery, but without ammunition, at the Cedars; at Mon-
treal, 200 sailors and 400 marines, with the militia, numbers
unknown ; no forlificalions at that city or in advance of it;
2-300 regular troops expected daily from Quebec; the militia
on the line reported at 20,000 men, Canadians chiefly. This
information was procured by Col. Swift, who employed a secret
agent for the purpose Under those circumstances, Maj -Gen.
Wilkinson submitted to the council the following proposition,
viz. : Shall the army proceed with all possible rapidity to the
attack of Montreal? The above information was given by a.
confldential agent of reputed integrity, who left Montreal on
the 3d instant; it was added that two British armed vessels,
with sixty bateaux with troops, had arrived at Prescott this
morning, and that 400 were the last evening at Cornwall,
about thirty-three miles below this point. With these facts
before them, the question was asked, "Shall we proceed to
attack. Montreal?" to which Lewis, Boyd, Brown, and Swart-
wout decided in the affirmative, and Covington and Porter
expressed strong apprehensions from want of proper pilots,
etc., but saw no other alternative.
A body of 300 provincial militia had the evening before the
arrival of the main army been driven by Forsyth from a
block-house, with two 6-pound cannon, and this he had
burned. On the evening of the 8th the passage of the cav-
alry to the north shore was accomplished, and on the 9th, at .
six A.M., the 2d brigade, with two companies of the 2d artillery,
the rifle-corps and cavalry, commenced their march by land to
Williamsburgh, and in the afternoon the flotilla moved down
the river. Very early in the morning, the enemy in the I'ear
had a slight skirmish with the riflemen, in which we had
one man killed, and the enemy retired. The object of Gen.
Brown's being sent forward with a part of the army was to
clear the shore of any annoyances which the enemy might
have erected opposite the rapids and narrow defiles of the
river. The flotilla passed down eleven miles, and anchored in
the river, and the army encamped on ground selected by
Gen. Boyd, guards were posted, and all remained quiet for the
night. The enemy continued to follow up the rear, and on
arriving at Hamilton sent to that village a peremptory demand
for the restoration of some merchandise that had been cap-
tured under the following circumstances:
In October, 1813, some six or eight bateaux laden with mer- .
chandise, and owned in King.ston and Toronto, were passing
along up the river, under the Canadian shore, and were moored
for the night, not far from opposite the head of Ogden's island,
when they were surpri.-ed, while most of the crews were sleep-
ing, and captured without resistance. This expedition was
planned and executed mo-tly under the direction of Benjamin
Richard.^, of Hamilton, acting under a letter of marque, and
assisted by a volunteer party of citizens. A part of the cap-
tured goods were stored in a warehouse in the village, and the
cloths and lighter articles were taken to Madrid (Columbia
village) and in other parts of the town for greater security.
Soon after Gen. Wilkinson with his army had passed, Col.
Morrison, of the army which hung upon the rear of the
Americans, stopped at the village, landed a part of his force,
and demanded a surrender of the merchandise. No resist-
ance could of course be offered or attempted, and he was pro-
ceeding to take what might be found of the property. While
engaged in this, he heard a cannonade below, which made
him impatient of delay, and he hastily spiked a 6-pound iron
cannon which he found in the village, and ordered the goods
and building in wliich they were to be set on fire. The day
was beautifully dry and sunny, and the building, if burned,
must have consumed a considerable part of the village. The
principal citizens begged of the commanding officer of the
enemy to consider this, and succeeded in getting the order
countermanded, under the stipulation that all the goods in the
village which had been captured should be the next day
landed on the Canada shore.
This agreement was fulfilled, but the portions which had
been sent back to the Grasse river were still in the hands of
the captors. Some barracks belonging to the village of Hamil-
ton, and which had been used by detachments of troops, were
burned.
On the morning of Nov. 10 information was received that
the enemy had collected at or near the foot of the Long Saut,
determined to oppose the passage of the flotilla. To dislodge
these. Gen. Brown was sent forward, and about noon was en-
gaged by a party of the enemy near a block-house on the Saut,
erected to harass the flotilla in its descent. At the same time
the enemy were observed in the rear, who commenced a can-
nonade, which obliged the general to order two 18-pounders
to be run on shore and formed in battery, which soon com-
pelled them to retire up the river. These operations had so
far wasted the day that the pilots were afraid to enter the
Sunt, and they came to anchor opposite the pn'mises of John
Chrysler, about nine miles above the head of the Long Saut
rapid. At four p.m., a party of 50 men, under Capt. Burbank,
fell in with a party of the enemy in a. grove about a mile in
the rear of the camp, who were dispersed by a few volleys,
losing one man and killing two. A few minutes after this, a
small body of mounted men appeared in the road near the
river, who were fired upon by our rear-guard of gun-boats,
and dispersed. At five o'clock, a body of men appeared at the
same place, with two 6-pounders, and opened a fire on our
gim-boats, which was returned, and kept up for some minutes.
Gen. Boyd advanced against these, w]io retired. As it was
considered important to hear from Gen. Brown whether the
passage was clear before committing himself to the Saut, from
which there was no retreat, the American flotilla fell down a
short distance, and came to under Cook's point,* about a
mile below Chrysler's.
During the whole voyage, and especially nt the time of the
battle. Gen. Wilkinson was very ill, and much of the time
confined to his cabin. Word having been received about ten
o'clock that Brown had dislodged the enemy and was pro-
* The river at this place is very narrow, and in tlie following summer a small
fort.of earth and timl.or was erected. It inclosed a quarter of an acre, and was
built under Lieut. Ingles, from whom it received the name of Ingles' fort. It
has since been leveled.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
4C5
cceding down, orders wero issued for tluj flotilla to sail, wlien
eightof tbe enemy's gun-boats appeared in the roar, and com-
nuenced a smart fire upon the n-ar-i^uard of jijun-bouts. Sev-
eral shots wore directed at tbe flotilla, but none took effect.
•■A large row-guUoy, carryiiii^ a 32-pomid carronade, was the
most formidable in the enemy's line. Tbe following is an
extract from Gen. Wilkinson's official account of the events
of the 11th of November:
"A variety of reports of their movements and coiuiter-movemonts wero
bronglit to me in succession, which cunvincecl nie of their determination to haz-
ard an attack wlien it could be done to lUe greatest advanrage ; and therefore
1 resolved to anticipate them. Directions were accordingly sent by that dislin-
gui.^hed officer, Ool. Swift, of tlie engineers, to Brig.-Gen. Boyd, to thruw the de-
tachments of his command assigned to him in the order of tlie preceding day,
and composed of hia own, Covington's, and Swartwoiit's brigades, into three
columns, to march upon the enemy, outflank them, if possible, and take their
artillery. The action soon after commeuced witli the advanced body of the
euemy, and became e.xtremely sharp and galling, and with occasional pauses,
not sustained with great vivacity in open space and fair combat, fjr upwards of
two and a half lioiirs, the adverse lines alternately yielding and advancing. It
is impossible to say witli accuracy what was our number on the fit-Id, because it
consisted of indetiDltedetacliments taken from tbe boats to render safe tbe pas-
sage of the Saut. Gens. Covington and Swjirtwout voluntarily took part in the
action, at the head of detachments from ther respective brigade-', and exhibited
the same courage that was displayed by Brig.-Gen. Bnyd, wlio liappened to be
tbe senior officer on the ground. Our force engaged miglit have reached IGOO
or 1700 men, but actually did not exceed 1800 ; that of tlie enemy was estimated
from 1200 to 2000, but did not probably amount to more than 1500 or IGOO, con-
sisting, aa I am informed, of detachments from tlie 49th, 81rh, and 104tb regi-
ments of the line, witli three companies of the Voltigcurand Gleugary corps, and
the militia of the country, wlio were not included in the estimate.
" It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give a detailed account of tlie
affair, wliich certainly reflects high honor ou tlie valor of the American soldier,
as no examples can he produced of undisciplined men, witli inexperienced offi-
cers, braving a fire of two houi-s and a half without quitting the field or yield-
ing to their antagonists. The information is derived from officers in my confi-
dence, who took active parts in this conflict; for, though I was enabled to order
the attack, it was my bard fortune not to be able to lead the troops I commanded
the disease with which I was assailed on the 2d of September,ou myjourneyto
Fort George, having, with a few short intervals of convalescence, preyed on me
ever since; and at the moment of this action I was confined to my bed, and
emaciated almost to a skeleton, unable to sit on my horse, or move ten paces
without assistance. I must, however, be pardoned for trespassing on your time
a few remarks iu relation to the affair.
"The objects of the British and American commanders were precisely op-
posed: the last being bound by the instructions of bi-i government, and the
most solemn obligations of duty, to precipitate his design^? on (he St. Lawrence
by eveiy practicable means, because, this being effected, one of the greatest
difficulties opposed to the American arms would lie surinounti'd ; and tbe fir^t,
by duties equally imperiou-!, to retard and, if possible, prevent ^uch descent.
He is to be counted victorious who effected his pui'pose! The Britisli com-
mander, having failed to gain either of his objects, can lay no claim to the
honors of the day. The battle fluctuated, and seemed at different times in-
clined to the ontending corps. The front of the eneniy were at first forced
back more than a mile, and though they never regained tbe ground they lost,
their stand was permanent and thidr courage resolute. Amdst these charges,
and near the close of the cont'.'st, we lost a fiebl-piece by tbe fall of an officer,
who was serving it with the same coolness as if be had been at a parade or a
review. Tliia was Lieut. Smith, of the light artillery, who, in point of meiit
stood at the head of his grade. Tbe enemy having halteii and our troops
being again formed into battalion, front to front, we resumed our pos.tiou on
the bank of the river, and the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were
re-embarked and proceeded down the river without any fiirtlier annoyance
from the enemy or their gun-boats, while the dragoons, with five pieces of light
artillery, marched down the Canada shore without molestation.
"It is due to hia rank, to his worth, and his services that I should makepir-
ticular mention of Brig.-Gen. fJovington, who received a mortal wound directly
through the body while animating his men and leadmg tliem to the charge.
Befell where he fought, at the head of his men, and survived but two days.
The next morning the flotilla passed through the Sant, and joined that excel-
lent officer, Brig.-Gen. Biown, at Barnhart'i^, near Cornwall, where ho bad
been instructed to take po-t and await my arrival, and where I confidently ex-
pected to hear of Maj.-Gen. Hampton's arrival on the opposite shore. But
immediately after I halted, Col. Atkinson, the inspector-general of the division
under Miij.-Gen. Hampton, waited on me with a letter from that officer, in
which, to my unspeakable regret and surprise, he declined the junction ordered,
and informed me he was marching towards Lake Champlain by way of co-
operating in the proposed attack upon Montreal. This letter, together with a
copy of that to which it is an answer, was immediately transmitted to a coun-
cil of war, composed of my general officers and the colonel commanding the
^lil^, the chief engineer and the adjutant-general, who unanimously gave it as
their opinion that the attack upon Montreal should be abandoned for the pres-
ent season, and the army near Cornwall should be immediately crossed to the
American shore for taking up winter-quarters, and that this place afforded an
«ligble position for such quartwrs.
"I acquiesced in thes? opinions, . . . because the loss of the division under
Maj.-Gen. Hampton weakened my force too sjrisibly to justify the attempt. In
all my meiisuroa and movements of moment I have taken the opinion of my
general officers, which have been in accord with my own.
"I remained on the Canada shore until next (biy, without seeing or hearing
from the 'powerful force' of the enemy in our neighborhooti, and the same day
reached the position with tbe artillery and infantry. The dragoons have been
ordered to Utica and its vicinity, and I expect are fifty or sixty miles on the
march. Yon have under cover a summary abstiact of the killed and wounded
in the affair of the llth inst., which shall soon bo followed by a particular re-
turn, in which a just regard shall be paid to individnal merits.
" The dead rest in honor, and the wounded bled for their country and deserve
its gratitude."*
The losses were: Killed, 102; wounded, 237; total, 389.
The fallowing are the mimes of the commissioned officers
killed and wounded: Kiilod, Lieut. Wm. W. Smith, of the
light artillery; Lieut. David Hunter, of the 12th Infantry;
Lieut. David Olmstead, 15th Infantry. Wounded, Brig.-
Gen. Leonard Covington, mortally (since dead) ; Maj. Talbot
Chambers, slightly ; Maj. Darby Noon, aid-de-camp to Brig.-
Gen. Swartwout, slightly ; Col. James P. Preston, of the 23d
Infantry, severely, his right thigh fractured; Maj. W. Cum-
mings, Sth Kegiment, severely; Capt. Edward Foster, 9th
Infantry, slightly; Capt. David S. Town=end, 9th Infantry,
severely (taken- prisoner) ; Capt. Mordecai Myers, 13th In-
fantry, severely; Cupt. John Campbell, 13th Kegiment,
slightly; Capt. John B. Murdock, 25th Infantry, slightly;
Lieut. William S. Heaton, llth Infantry, seveiely; Lieut.
John Williams, 23d Regiment, slightly ; Lieut. John Lynch,
23d Regiment, severely (taken prisoner) ; Lieut. Peter Pelham,
2lst Regiment, severely (taken prisoner); Lieut. James D.
Brown, 25th Infantry, slightly; Lieut. Archibald C. Crary,
25th Regiment, severely, in the skirmish the day before the
action.
The British offii'iat account of this battle, dated Nov. 15,
1813, placed their loss at 1 officer, 2 musicians, and 19 privates,
killed; and 1 captain, 9 subalterns, 6 sergeants, and 131 rank
and file, wounded.
The preceding reports were made the subject of severe com-
ments by the American press generally.
The following account of the battle was prepared by Dr. A.
Trowbridge, of Watertown, N. Y., who was present:
"Night came on, and all schemes for meeting or attacking the enemy wero
changed for making suitable arrangements for the s.ifefy of the camp. The
troops were marched back and posti'd on tbe sime ground tbpy (.ccu|iied the
night before. Strong guards were sent out in different directions, the troops
were posted in lino of battle, and directed to sleep on their arms. Tbe night
piiBscd uninterrupted by alarina. It appeared evident from the movements of
the enemy that a considerable force wad advancing to attack us or pass our
rwirby land. The morning of tbe llth was spent in making the usual prepara-
tions for marching. At 10 orders were issued for detachments of Geneiuls
Boyd'a, Covington's, and Swartwout'^i brigades, with 4 pieces uf light artillery,
and the remaining body of dragoons, to march to join Gen. Brown, who, it was
understood, bad dispersed the enemy and taken a position at Cornwall. The
niuvenieuts had begun when the rear was attacked, the boats were brought to,
and Ceiieral Swartwout sent back to meet tbe enemy. Uo diished into the
wood.s with the 2d Regiment Iitfmtry, commanded by Col. Ripley, who, after
a short skirmish, drove them back to a ravine, where they kept up a bharp fire
upon our advancing columns, which charged upon the enemy, killed and
wounded several, and took 2(J prisoners. The ene.ny retieated in a scattered
condition iu various directions. The main body of tbe enemy were now seen
advancing in colnmns on tbe west extremity of Chrysler's field. They opened
a fire of musketiy, and'frum a six-pounder, which was heavy and galling upon
ourtroitps, composed of tbe l^t Ki-giment and a d.-tachment from the first
brigade, commanded by Col. Cole. This body was now ordered to flunk the
enemy's left. This was pronuitly done under a heavy fire from the euemy.
Geii. Covington having been ordered up, now took tbe po<irion just left by
Ripb-y and Coles, ueaily iu front of the enemy and within rifle-.>liot distance.
The fight now became general and quite stationary. Gen. Covin;;ton soon re-
ceived^a mortal wound by a rifle-shot. Col. Preston, next in command, was
soon after woundedin the thigh by a ball, fracturing tbe bone. Major Cumins
was ne.tt wounded, and was obbeed to retire. Many platoon officers wero
wounded or killed, aud within 3n minutes after, the whole brigade was in con-
fusion and left the li.'ld. A few minutes previous 2 six-pouudei-s were brought
up by Lieut. Smith and posted near some houses occupied by the enemy. Tht ir
positibn was favorable, and their fire destructive to the enemy, but the lieu-
tenant was soon killed, and mo.t of his men wounded, by musketry from the
h.uHcB, and our piece taken. The enemy's fire was now turned upon Ripley
,uid Cole's flanking party, retiring from their position. About this t.me a
466
HISTOllY OF ST. LAWEEKCE COUKTY, KEW TOEK.
squadron of -iragoons, commHiided liy Maj. Wooflfoi d, took a poBitii.n in the
rear and siiiTered much frum the eiiemy'6 lire. They iv ere finally oideicd 10
charge the enemy. This ivas made in tlie road n pon the enemy in houBfS and
behind lioard fences. The whole body soon retnmed with 30 horses vilhout
riders. Tlie enemy's attention was so mncli diverted from Hipley and Cole's
retreating detiicliment that, by pa'sing, partly covered by theft ren, they made
good their retreat. The gnard left at the bo.ils was oiilered np, commanded by
Col. Upham. They occupied a posiiion a few minutes in front of tlie enemy,
who remained stationary in column, keeping up a steady fire from 2 six-pound-
ers upon everything that appeared on the fielil to annoy Iheni. Many of our
wounded had lieen taken back to the boats; about 40 were left in a ravine
and takeu by the enenjy. Gen. Boyd was the senior oflicer ort the ground.
Gen. "Wilkinson was sick and confined to his lioat and bed, and nnaljle to mus-
ter forces without assistance. Gen. Lewis, next in command, was bick and un-
able to do duty.
" The American troops were stationed on the margin of the river, near the
flotilla, and were re-einbarked with Ihe wounded and sick, and proceeded down
the river without further annoyance from the enemy or llieir gun-boats, whilo
the dragoon^, with fifteen pieces of artillery, marched down the Canada sliore
■without molestation. The flotilla arrived at the bead of the Saut at 9 o'clock
P.M., and encamped on the American side of the river. The badly wounded
were placed in barns and log houses, and made as comfortable as circumstances
would permit. The weather was cold, with snow and sleet, with storm and
wind. The next morning the flotilla passed tbeSant and joined Gen. Brown at
Barnhart's, near Cornwall. A council of ofBcers was called, which soon unani-
mously gave their opininn that the attack on Montreal slioiild bo abandoned,
and that the army should be immediately crossed to the American shore for
taking up winter quarters. The dnigoons were recrossed and marched fur
Utica the same day, and the flotilla proceeded directly to French Mills, where
they arrived the sime night at 3 o'clock A.M. On the arrival of Ihe army at
French Mills the weather became intensely severe,and remained so till the 23d
Df January. The soldiers have been subject to great fatigue; niany had lost
their blankets and extra clothing. The sick and wounded had nn covering or
shelter, except tents, in the severe latitude of 45 degrees. In the vicinity of
French Mills the country was a wilderness. Provisrons were scarce and of a
bad quality. Medicine and hospital stores were not to be found, and a supply
could not be obtained short of Albany, a distance of 250 miles. It was ascer-
tained that these stores wore abundantly provided at Sacket's Harbor, but were
instead of being placed on board of separate boats, distributed tlioughout the
boats of the flolilla, for which no officer could be made accountable. The want
of these necessaries for the sick and wounded was severely felt. Under these
circumstances sickness and mortality was very great, and excited general
alarm."
On November 11, Hiimpton wrote to Wilkinson that he
would be unable to moet him at St. Begis, but would return
to Lake Champlain and co-operate by a descent from that
place. "This reached Wilkinson at Barnhart's island. A
council was convened, and it was resolved to cross to the
American shore and take up winter quarters at French Mills
and accordingly the flotilla entered Salmon river and took
possession. There a frightful mortality occurred, which is
described by Dr. Lovell, a surgeon, as follows: 'The weather
soon became intensely cold, and remained so all winter. In
addition to the great ftUigue to which the soldiers had been
exposed, especially the division from Fort George, most of
them had lost their blankets and extra clothing on their
march or in the action of the 11th. Even the sick had no
covering, except tents, from the period they debtirkcd at the
Mills until the lit of January, in the severe latitude of 45°.
Provisions were scarce and of a bad quality. Medicine and
hospital stores were not to be found, having been lost or de-
stroyed in the passage down the St. Lawrence. Under these
circumstances the sickness and morttility were very great. A
morning report now before me gives 75 sick, out of a small
corps of 160.'*. . .
"In the vicinity of the French Mills the country was a
wilderness. Huts and hospitals were necessary to render the
army comfortable. The erection of these was a work of great
labor, and required several weeks to complete it. A supply
of hospital stores could not be obtained nearer than Albany a
distance of 250 miles. The want of these necessaries for tile
support of the very wretched and enfeebled soldier was most
severely felt. The poor subsistence which the bread of the
first quality afforded was almost the only support that could
be had for nearly seven weeks. These accumulated evils the
army encountered with much patience and heroic fortitude "
_For supplying the army of Gen. Wilkinson an immense
* Haun's Medical Sketches, p. 119.
quantity of .stores had been forwarded from Plattsburg and
Sacket's Harbor at great expense. A porti( n of the latter
was deposited at Hopkintim and Malone, and these were con-
stantly arriving whin the oider to evacuate the place was
received. On the week before leaving about 1400 barrels,
of pork and beef, ICO casks of whifky, and other parts of
rations, were sent by James Campbell, as-sislant store-keeper
at the Mills. About 60 urns of hard biscuit, being considered
not worth removing under the circumstances, was sunk in
Salmon river, in a hole cut in the ice, besides which about ten
tons were distributed among the inhabitants, to keep from the
enemy, but much of this was soon after seized by the British.
The troops on evacuating burned their boats (H'lS in number)
down to the level of the ice, together with their barracks.
The expenses to government during the time that the army
tarried at French Mills is said to have been $800,000.
" On February 9, 1814, orders were issued to leave the can-
tonment. One division, under Gen. Brown, moved up the St.
Lawrence to Sacket's Harbor ; the other, under the immediate
command of the commander-in-chief, directed its march to
Plattsburg. In consequence of the retrograde movement of
the army from French Mills, the hospital at Malone, at this
time under good regulations, was broken up, and the sick were
ordered to proceed on routes destined for their respective regi-
ments. . . The few accommodations on the routes were
wretched. The inhabitants, although kind, were not under
circumstances to furnish means to render the situation of the
sick men even comfortable. Nothing was omitted within their
abilities to meliorate their miserable condition. Knowing that
so large a detachment of sick and invalids could not be covered
at night if they, moved in a body, the sleighs that transported
them were successively put in motion in small divisions. Their
line of movement, three days forming, extended the whole
diatance from Malone. The first division arrived at Platts-
burg, the place of their destination, aLout the time the last
commenced its progress. About 20, very sick, who were left
in the hospitals, under the care of a citizen physician, were
made prisoners of war by the British, who immediately ful-
lowed the retrograde march of the army as far as Malone.
Those left in hospitals were not molested in their persons, but
were only obliged to sign their paroles, the greater part of
whom, after live or six weeks, joined the hospital at Bur-
lington.
" The. last of the American army had scarcely left French
Mills, and a few teamsters were employed in removing what
they might be able of the stores, when a detachment of British
troops, marching in columns, and preceded hy a horde of rav-
ages, entered the village to plunder wha,tever of public prop-
erty might be left.
" One unlucky teamster, having lingered behind, was shot by
the officer who commanded the Indians. The ball lodged in
the muscles of the neck, and still remains ; the man, contrary
to all cjspectations, having survived. He still live.s to relate
the narrow and hagardoiis escape which he ran. An account
of this incursion was published, soon after, lu the paper from
which we quote the following ;
♦" On Saturday, the 19tli, the eneiny, bearing that our troops had marched,
ventui-ed to cross the St. Lawrence, with a motley tribe of regulars, provin-
cials, and a (letachment of the devil's own,— sedenbiry militia, and their breth-
ren, a band of :Bjivages. This martial body amused themselves at French Mills
until one o'clock r.M., and then marched, with eight pieces of artillery and two
cart-loads of Coiigrevo rockets. At the fork of the roads, eleven miles from
the mills, a detachment was sent off to Malone, and the main body passed on to
Ohateaugay, where it arrived about four o'clock in the morning of the 2(ltli.
There, it is reported, a scene of plunder began, which greatly distressed several
of the inhabitants, and every panicle of beef, pork, or flour, with every drop
of whisky which could he found, was seized ou as puMic property and carried
away. By this gleaning, without discrimiriatiou between the individual and
the public, it is believed the enemy carried oflF between 150 and 200 barrels of
provisions of all sorts, — good and bad, public and private.' "
During the winter some ten or fifteen teamsters had been
hired in Lewis county, and manv more from Jefferson, to
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
467
cnnvey flour from Sacket's Harbor to French Mills. Tlioy
performed one trip, and were returning, when they were
pressed at Chateaugay, and again compelled to return to
Plattsburg, with loads of provisions and stores. This they
accomplished, and had got as far as Chateaugay, where thirty-
two teams had stopped at a tavern in the village for the night.
There was a report in circulation that the enemy were over,
and the horses were left in their harness, ready for instant
retreat if necessary. Meanwhile the party within, unmindful
of danger, were singing and drinking to pass away the night,
for sleep among such a crowd was out of the question, when
their gayety was suddenly arrested hy the entrance of a
British officer (Major Sherwood), who inquired of the land-
lord who these gentlemen were, and, on being told that they
were American teamsters, he informed them that they were all
prisoners of war. There were but twenty-eiglit British sol-
diers, who were under the immediate command of Captain
Conklin. The night was spent in searching for military stores
and provisions, which were placed in the sleighs, and in the
morning they commenced a retreat with whatever they could
pick up of public property.*
Gen. Hampton's movements have been alluded to. He had
been ordered in September to proceed to Burlington, and raise
recruits to join Gen. Wilkinson in his proposed operations.
He advanced a short distance into Canada, and returned to
Chazy, from whence he proceeded to Chateaugay.
His artillery consisted of 8 six-pounders, 1 twelve, and 1
howitzer, but was deficient in military supplies and pro-
visions. On the 1st of October an attack was made with
300 or 400 regulars, and as many Indians, upon Col. Snelling,
an outpost, but was repulsed. On the 21st of October an in-
cursion was made into Canada, but without accomplishing its
object. An intervening forest of eleven or twelve miles
existed before reaching the Canadian settlements on the Cha-
teaugay, and the obscure road through this had been blocked
up by fallen timber, and was defended by the Indians and light
troops of the enemy. The following is an extract from the
offiuial account of Gen. Hampton:
"Brip.-Gen. Izard, with the light troops ami one reg'mant of the line, was
detaclied early in the morning to turn these iiniieiiiments in fl mlt, and to seize
tile more open country below, while the army, preceded by a strong working
party, advanced on a more circuitous route far a road. The measure completely
succeeded, and the main body of the army re.iched the advanced position on the
evening of the 22d. The 2Jd and 24th were employed in completing the road
and getting up the artillery and stores. I had arranged at niy departure, under
the direction of Maj. Parker, a line of communication as lar up the St. Law-
rence as Ogdensburg, for the purpose of hastening to me the first notice of tlie
progress of our army down. I liad surmounted twenly-four miles of the more
difficult part of the route, and had in advance of me seven miles of open coun-
try, but at the end of that distance commenced a wood of some miles in extent,
wliich had been formed into an entire abatis, and filled by a succession of
wooden breastworks, the rearmost of which was supplied with ordnance. In
front of these defenses were placed the Indian force and light corps of the en-
emy, and in the rear all his disposable force. As the extent of this force de-
pended on his sense of danger on the St. Lawrence, it was a cause of regret
tliatall communication from yourself or Maj. Parker seemed to be at an end.
As it was, however, believed tliat the enemy was hourly adding to his strengtli
in this position if free from the apprehension cf danger from above, an effort
was judged necessary to dislodge him, and if we succeeded we slionld bo in i)or-
Besflion of a position which we could hold as long as any doubts remained of
what was passing above, and of the real part to be assigned us. Our guides
assured us of a shoal and practicable fording-place opposite the lower flank of
the enemy's defenses, and that the woods on the opposite side of the river, a
distance of seven or eight miles, were practicable for the passage of tlie troops.
Col. Purdy, with the light corps and a strong body of infantry of the line, was
detached at an early hour of the night of the 25tli, to gain this ford by the
morning, and to commence his attack in the rear, and that was to be signal for
the army to fall on in front, and it was believed the pass might be carried before
the enemy's distant troops could be brought forward to its support. . . . The
array was put in motion on the morning of the 2(ith, leaving its baggage, etc.,
on tlie groundof encampment. On advancing near the enemy it was found that
the column on the opposite side was not as far advanced as hiid been anticipated.
* Among other stores they took offa large cask, supposed to contain rum, but
which, when they reached French M.lls, was found to hold nothing but waler.
The unfortunate cask was instantly knocked in the head, much to the amuse-
ment of the teamster*
The guides hid ni'sled it, and finally failed in finding tlie 'ford. We could not
communicate witli it, but only waited the attack below. At 2 o'clock the firing
commenced, and our troops advanci-d rapidly to the attack. The enemy's light
troops commenced a sharp fli-o, but Brig,-Gen. Izard advanced with his brigade,
drove him evorywhorn behind his defenses, and silenced tlie fire in the front.
This brigade would have puihod forward as far as courage, skill, and perse-
verance could have carried it, but on advancing it was found tliat the firing
had commenced on the opposite side, and tlie lord had not been gained. The
enemy retired behind his defense", but a renewal of his attack was expected
and their troops remained some time in their position to meet it. The troops
on the opposite side were e.vcessivoly I'atigued. The enterprise had failed in its
main point, and Col, Purdy was ordered to withdraw Iiis column to a shoal four
or five miles above, and cross over. The day was spent, and Gen. Izard was or-
dered to withdraw his brigade lo a posilion three miles in tlie rear, to which
place the baggage had been ordered forward. The slowne-ss and order with
which Gen, Izard retired witli his brigade could but liave inspired the enemy
with respect. Tliey presumed not to venture a shot at him durinf? his move-
ment, but the ungiiardedness of some part of Purdy 's command exposed him to a
rear attack from tlie Indian?:, which was repeated after dark, and exposed liim
to some loss. Tliese attacks were always repelled, and must have cost the enemy
as many lives as we lost. Our entire loss of killed, wounded, and missing does
not exceed fifty. In its new position, witliin three miles of the enemy's post,
the army encamped on the night of the 20tli, and remained until 12 o'clock of
the 28th, All the deserters, of whom there were four, having concurred in the
information that Sir George Provost, with three other general oflBcers, had ar-
rived with the whole of his disposable force, and lay in the rear of these de-
fenses, and a letter from Major Parker (by express received in the evening of
the 2(ifh) liaving informed me tliat no movement down the St. Lawrence had
been heard of at Ogdensbur;r, and for some distance aliove, the following
questions were submitted to the commanding officers of the brigades, regiments,
and corps, and the beads of the general staff, in a council convened for the pur-
pose ; 'Is it advisable, under existing circumstances, to renew the attack on tlie
enemy's position ? and if not, what position is it advisable for the army to take,
until it can receive advices of the advance of the grand army down the St. Law-
rence?' The opinion of tlie council was expressed in the following words: 'It
i.* tile unanimous opinion of this council that it is necessary, fir the preserva-
tion of this army and the fulfil linen t of the ostensible view.H of the government,
that we immediately return by orderly marches to such apusition (Chateaugay)
a.s will serve our communications with the Un'ted States, either to retire into
winter quarters or to be ready to strike below.' In pursuance of this opinion
the army has returned by stow marches to this place, and now awaits the order
of tile government,"
As soon as news reached Plattsburg that the enemy had fol-
lowed, a body of troops was sent back to meet them, but they
were soon informed thatthe invading party had retreated. In
our accounts of Hopkinton, Malone, and Port Covington, are
given the details of this aifair.
The unsuccessful issue of the military operations of the
northern army in the campaign of 1813 created much dissat-
isfaction throughout the Union, and the conduct of the gen-
erals who had conducted the enterprises became the subject of
severe censure, and both became the subject of investigation
by courts-martial. That of Gen. Wilkinson was, by an order
of the secretary of war, assembled at XJtica, in January, 1815,
and adjourned to Troy. He was charged, 1st, with neglect of
duty and unuflicer-like conduct, stated in eight particulars;
2d, with drunkenness on duty, with two specifications; 3d,
condtict unbecoming an oflBcer and gentleman, with six in-
stances; iind 4th, in countenancing and encouraging disobe-
dience of orders. To all of these he plead not guilty, and
after a protracted trial, during which, his actions and motives
were severely canvassed, he was discharged. The official cor-
respondence of the campaign was published by order of con-
gress.
On the 25th of March, 1814, the citizens of Franklin
county held a public meeting at Malone, to unite in a petition
to the legislature for protection against the insults and ravages
of the enemy. With glowing and expressive language they
represented their mi-eries, and invoked aid to protect their
property from ravage and themselves from insult.
By an act of April 6, 1814, the sheriff of St. Lawrence
County was directed to remove the prisoners in the county
jail to the Lewis county jail for safe-keeping.
In the summer of 1814, Capt. Thomas Frazer crossed the
St. Lawrence at Haminond with sixty men, and proceeded to
Kossie to apprehend some horse-thieves who were said to be
lurking in the vicinity. Mr. James Howard was at the time
holding a justice's court, which was hastily dissolved, and the
468
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
parties sought wore not secured. They made inquiries into
the operations of the furnace then building, and are said to
have exacted a pledge that munitions of war should not be cast
there. In returning, several persons volunteered to row them
down the lake to the narrows, from -whence they crossed to
Canada. A plan was formed to attack them as they passed
down the river, but this was discountenanced as only calcu-
lated to excite retaliation. This event, occurring at about the
time of the taking of Washington, gave rise to the presage,
"that since the head and tail of tlie nation had both been
captured, the remainder of the body would follow as a natural
consequence."
The War of 1812-15, which principallj' grew out of the
British claim of the riglit of search, was prosecuted on land
with very little energy on the part of the American govern-
ment during the first two years of the war. In the west
Gen. Hull disgraced his profession and the land of his birth
by a most cowardly surrender of an important post and garri-
son ; and with the exception of the gallant defense of Sacket's
Harbor by the few regulars under Gen. Bnjwn, and the cap-
ture of Little York (Toronto) by the lamented Pike, the cam-
paigns of 1812 and 1813 were little calculated to kindle the
)iride of the American people. The operations of the army
along the northern frontier of New York were especially dis-
astrous, and the names of several commanders are to this day
spoken of with anything but respect. In fine, the operations
on the whole line of the St. Lawrence demonstrated nothing
save the unreliability of the militia and the imbecility of the
commanders, and it was not until Gen. Harrison's defeat of
Proctor, late in 1813, and the crowning victories of Brown at
Niagara, and Macomb at Plattsburg, with the accompanying
naval triumphs of Perry and McDonough, that the American
people began to hold up their heads.
It was found, after bitter experience at Port Meigs, Niagara,
and Sacket's Harbor; that the militia enlisted for a few
months, no matter whether educated or ignorant, are not
soldiers, and are as useless against disciplined veterans in the
field a? an unorganized mob. The success of Brown at Ni-
agara was simply due to the hard and constant drilling of the
troops for months under competent officers. The same lessons
were learned in the War of the Rebellion, where success only
followed systematic organization and thorough discipline of
the troops.
The War of 1812 left the frontiers of New York, and es-
pecially the four northern counties lying along the St. Law-
rence and the Canada line, in very impoverished circumstances,
which it required years of patient labor to improve and re-
place with a better order of things. Many of the best por-
tions of these counties were comparatively deserted, and the
consequences were apparent for many years. The war was
entered into without adequate preparation, and for nearly two
years badly conducted in the field ; in fact, along the whole
frontier it may be summed up as having been a series of pi-
ratical reprisals and counter-reprisals across the noble dividing
stream which should forever " go ujivexed to the sea."
THE PATRIOT WAR OF 1837-40.
Many of the exciting incidents, and the most con.^iderablo
battle of this military faux pas, occurred in the vicinity of
Ogdensburg, and there was probably more excitement and
more interest manifested in St. Lawrence County than perhaps
any other along the whole frontier. Much bitterness was en-
gendered upon opposite sides of the St. Lawrence, and it is pos-
sible that had not the civil and military oiBcers of the United
States Government promptly interposed with acompetent force
bloodshed would have resulted, and even war between the two
governments. The presence of the governor of New York,
and such officers as Gen. Winfleld Scott and Col. W. J.'
AVorth on the American side, and of Governor Arthur, Col
Young, and others on behalf of the British government, un-
doubtedly prevented open hostilities, and allayed the passions
of the reckless portions of both nationalities, and happily
averted a storm which might have involved the most serious
consequences. We find in Dr. Hough's history of the county
an interesting and very reliable account of the difficulties in
this region, and make the following abstract for the benefit of
our readers :
There had existed for several years in the Canadian pro-
vinces a party which labored to obtain certain reforms in
government, among which were the extension of the elective
franchise and the procuring of a responsible elective council.
This aroused a bitter feeling, and late in November, 1837, the
press of the reformers was destroyed by a mob, which but in-
creased the excitement, and at length the aid of the military
force was called out to arrest certain prominent leaders of the
reform ]iarty. The )iris(ms became filled with persons charged
with treason; martial law was proclaimed in the lower pro-
vince, and numerous instances of wanton violence on the part of
the scddiery occurred. Numbers fled to the States for an asylum,
and the popular riots that ensued wore only aggravated by the
eiforts made to suppress them. It is not our purpose to nar-
rate the details of the causes or merits of the movement, but
however much justice there may have been in the demands of
the reformers, it will be the duty of the future historian to re-
cord the fact that the pretext was seized by sundry American
citizens as a favorable opportunity to push forward their pri-
vate schemes of personal aggrandizement and pecuniary specu-
lation, and the planning of enterprises which they had neither
the honor nor the courage to sustain when their support in-
volved personal danger. The masses who acted in these move-
ments were doubtless actuated by sincere motives, and were
blinded and misled by a few designing villains. The sympa-
thies of our citizens have ever been on the side of political
liberty, and our past history is filled with examples of its ex-
pression towards those seeking it ; and this was the more sen-
sibly felt from the vicinity of the arena of operations, and
the belief that the sentiment of revolution, and aspirations
for an independent republican existence, were entertained by
the masses of Canada. Refugees from the provinces were
scattered through the northern States, who related, with ex-
cited language, their version of the movements, and these
causes, wiih many others concurring, led to efl'orts having for
their avowed object the independence of the Canadas. The
destruction of the American steamer "Caroline" Deo 29,
1837, excited this feeling to an extraordinary degree, and pdb-
lie meetings were held throughout the country to express an
honest indignation at the outrage, and invoke the executive
arm to protect our national rights. In this movement there
was no political or sectional feeling. The subject became the
absorbing topic of the press, and every mail was eagerly
awaited to learn the news from the seat of the disturbances.
Feb. 12, 1838, Wm. L. McKenzie, a prominent leader of the
movement, addressed the citizens of Ogdensburg on the Cana-
dian question, and in the evening and following morning a
cannon was fired several times, with a view of honoring the
speaker, but with the eifect of assembling crowds of excited citi-
zens. In the evening several persons from Prescott crossed to
ascertain the cause of the firing, who met a company of the
Patriots (as the friends of the movement were called), who
arrested and detained them till morning. This illegal pro-
ceeding irritated the Canadians, and increased the hostility.
Feb. 18, 1838, the State arsenal at Watertown was robbed,
and a reward of $250 offered for the burglars. Active meas-
ures were taken to assemble arms and munitions of war along
the frontier, and secret associations, styled Hunters' lodges,
were soon formed in the large villages, to organize a plan
of resistance, and circulate early intelligence of the move-
ments.
On the night between the 29th and 30th of May, 1838, the
British steamboat "Sir liobert Peel," on her passage from
IIISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
469
Presi'ott lo tlio head of tlie lake, while taking fuel at Wells'
isliind, in .left'erison county, was bdiirded by a company of
armed men, the crew and passengers driven on shore, and the
steamer burned.
An outrage so flagrant as this could not pass without the
notice of government, and the most prompt and decisive
measures were adopted by the authorities, on both sides of the
St. Lawrence, for the arrest of the authors of the act. The
loader of the party that boarded and burned this steamer
publiely acknowledged the act, with the motives which in-
duced him to the attempt, in the following proclamation, that
was circulated through most of the newspapers ;
" To all whom it woy concern: I, "Willinm Johnpton, a niitnrjil-born ritizen of
Uppor Canada, certify that I hold a commission in the Patriot service of Upper
Canada, as conimunder-in-cluef of tlie Itiival forces and flotilla. I commanded
the expedition that attacked and destroyed thesteanier 'Sir Roliert Peel.' The
men under my cimimand in that expedition were nearly all natural-born
Engl^^h Ruhjects; the exceptions were volunteers fur the expedition.
'' My headquarters were on an island in tlie St. Lawrence, without the juris-
diction of the United States, at a place named hy me Fort Wallace. I am well
acquainted with the boundary line, and know which of the islands do, and
which do not, belong to the United States, and in the selection of I he island I
wished to he positive, and not locate within the jurisdiction of the United
States, and had reference to the decision of the commissioners, under the Gth
article of the treaty of Ghent, done at Urica, in the State of New York, l;ith of
June, 1822. I know the number ol islands, and by that decision it was British
territory.
"I yet hold possession of that station, and we also occupy a station some
twenty or more miles from the boundary of the United States, in what was his
majealy's dominions, until it was occupied by us. I act under oiders. The
object of my movements is the independence of the Canadas. I am not at war
with the commerce or property of citizens of the United States.
"Signed this 10th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-eight.
"WiLLi.\M Johnston."
On the 4th of June, 1838, Governor Marcy issued a procla-
mation ofl'ering a reward for the arrest of certain persons,
alleged to be concerned in the burning of the " Kobert Peel,"
viz. . for William Johnston, $500; for Daniel McLeod, Sam-
uel C. Frey, and Robert Smith, each §250; and $100 each for
the detection and delivery of other offenders. In a letter to
the secretary of war, dated Watertown, June 3, 18.38, he ad-
vised the co-operation of the government of Canada with
the United States, in endeavoring to clear the St. Lawrence of
the Patriot forces, said to be lodged among the Thousand
islands.
It was estimated that at least 500 men, well armed, and ac-
commodated -with boats adapted to the object to be acooni-
jilished, would be required to effect this purpose. The governor
of Canada also offered a reward of £1000 for the conviction
of any person or persons concerned in the outrage.
On the morning of the 2d of June, 1838, the American
steamboat " Telegraph," while leaving Brockville, was hailed
by two sentries belonging to the volunteer militia, and fired
upon with balls, three of which struck the steamer. About
the same time, several shots were fired frimi another wharf.
Upon an examination which ensued, it appeared that the firing
was not justified by orders, and it was asserted that no inten-
tion to hit the steamer existed. The sentries stated that they
fired them as ahirm-guns. Tliey were discharged, and no
further action was taken in relation to the matter.
In a message from President Van Buren to congres=, June
20, 1838, it is stated that the outrages committed on the steam-
boat " Sir Kobert Peel," and upon the " Telegraph" at Brock-
ville, had not been made a subject of formal demand for re-
dress by either government, as these acts were considered
criminal offenses, committed within the jurisdiction of tribu-
nals competent to inquire into the facts and to punish those
engaged in their perpetration.
Directly opposite the present depot of the Ogdensburg and
Lake Champlain railway at Ogdensburg, stands a tall but
massive stone tower, with a tin-covered dome, whose enor-
mous butidilapidated appendages indicate the purposes of its
erection as a wind-mill. This has been the theatre of a san-
guinary conflict, the details of which were as follows :*
Early in November, 1838, the Patriots, who had previously
rallied in clubs and secret lodges, which had free and constant
communication with each other, began to exhibit an intention
of making fresh demonstrations ujion Canada, at some point
which was known only by those who were in their conBdence.
Unusual numbers of strangers were seen about Syracuse, Os-
wego, Sacket's Harbor, Watertown, etc., and large quantities
of arms, many of which were of most beautiful workmanship,
were collected and concealed.
About the 10th of November, two schooners, named the
" Charlotte of Oswego" and the " Charlotte of Toronto," were
noticed as being freighted at Oswego, from boats that had ar-
rived frcmi Syracuse, by the Oswego canal, under circumstances
that were suspicious. After being laden tliey left the harbor,
taking a northerly course. The steamer " United States" had
been in port from Tuesday, t)ie Gth instant, undergoing some
repairs, which were not completed till Saturday the 10th. The
"United States" left Oswego sibout 9 o'clock on Sunday
morning, the 11th instant, to continue her regular trip down
the lake and river. On her leaving Oswego, she took about a
hundred and fifty passengers, according to the testimony of
Wm. Williams, the first mate. All of these, except one, were
men passengers, without any baggage, except small budgets,
and two or three trunks. Tliere was a nail-keg put on board,
which fell in handling, and the head came out, when it was
found filled with lead bullets, which rolled over the deck.
There was also a number of boxes taken on board, marked for
Cape Vincent- The steamer arrived at Sacket's Harbor between
one and two o'clock, and lay there three-fourths of an hour,
and here about twenty or thirty passengers came on board, all
of whom were men.
The " United States" passed the " Telegraph" (then in the
service of the United States government), about eleven miles
from Sacket's Harbor, opposite Point Peninsula. The passen-
gers were on deck, and in open view of those on the govern-
ment steamer. The mate of the " United States" testifies that
he heard some of the leaders of the men tell them to keep out
of sight. The steamer stopped at Cape Vincent about half an
hour, and here some ten or eleven passengers came on board.
On arriving near the foot of Long island, below Millen's bay,
the two schooners that had left Oswego on the 10th were dis-
covered, and Capt. James Van Cleve, upon the request of a
respectable-looking passenger, who represented that they
belon2;ed to him, and were freighted with merchandise for
Oo-densburg, consented to take them in tow. These schooners
were lashed one on each side of the steamer. The steamer
touched at French Creek a few minutes, and seven or eight
men came on to the schooners. Soon after leaving this port,
the nature of the business of the passengers became evident,
and swords and pistols were openly taken from boxes on board
the steamer. The boxes on board the steamers were here
transferred to the schooners, which had not been long in tow
before great numbers of men came from the latter on board
the steamer. A consultation was now held between the cap-
tain and two of the owners of the steamboat present, and
Hiram Deiiio, one of the bank commissioners, who was on
board as a passenger, as to what was best to be done under the
circumstances ; and it was concluded to stop at the wharf at
Morristown (the next American port), and cause information
to be given to a magistrate of the character of the passengers
on board of the steamer, and of their supposed objects, and of
the steamboat having towed down the schooners, and also to
send an express with like information to Ogdensburg, with
instructions to communicate the same to the marshal, if he
* The old wind-mill has since been stuccoed, and remodeled into a govern-
ment light-house. Most of the buildings tbat stood near have been removed,
and consi.lerablo of the cedar which once covered the slope of the bank has
been cut away.
470
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
should be there, or if not, to a magistrate ; and for the said
steamer to remain at Morristown until the express should
have had time to arrive with the intelligence.
Just before the steamer reached Morristown (about 11
o'clock on Sunday night, Nov. 11) the schoon^s were unfast-
ened and dropped astern, and were seen no more by those on
board the steamer until their arrival in Ogdensburg on the
next morning. An express was sent on, as had been agreed
upon. It is also believed that information was sent over to
the village of Brockville, to the same effect. It had now be-
come quite certain that Prescott was the point against which
the expedition was to be directed. The "United States" re-
sumed her course to Ogdensburg, where she arrived about
three o'clock on Monday morning. The fires were put out
immediately on entering the port, as usual, and the hands,
with the exception of the customary watch, retired. The
schooners, after parting company with the " United States,"
proceeded on their way, and, the wind being favorable, reached
Prescott during ihe night. They contained, as has been above
suggested, and as afterwards appeared, a military armament
under the command of Gen. John W. Birge, but which were
under the more immediate command of one Von Schoultz, a
Polish exile, who had seen much of military operation^ in his
own country, and who doubtless had been induced to join this
expedition from sincere motives, to promote a cau'^e which he
had been made to believe was just and honorable. Upon their
approaching Prescott, <me of the schooners was made fast to
the upper wharf, and Von Schoultz urged his men to land,
with bayonets fixed and muskets unloaded, march into the
village, and take possession of the fort at once. A hesitation
on the part of some of the leaders, and a difference of opinion
as to the mode of attack, arose, which led to a delay, and the
schooner was soon after oast off. Those who were conversant
with the condition of the town, and the strength of the garri-
son at Fort Wellington at that time, have expressed an opin-
ion that but little difficulty would have been experienced, at
the first moment, in taking eft'ectual possession. Soon after,
the "Charlotte of Oswego" grounded on the soft slimy delta
of mud which the Oswegatchie has deposited in the St. Law-
rence at its confluence with the great river. About sunrise,
on Monday morning, a crowd assembled on the dock at which
the " United States" was moored, and, from the movements
and conduct of those who took a leading part in the proceed-
ings, it was evident they intended to seize tliat steamer, in
order to assist in primioting their enterprise. Early in the
morning, an iron six-pounder cannon, belonging to the village
of Ogdensburg, and a brass four-pounder, belonging to the
State of New York, and in charge of an artillery company
under Oapt. A. B. James, were seized by the Patriots, and
afterwards conveyed across the river, in a scow, to the wind-
mill. Several of the owners of the steamer, upon pereeivini'
that the demonstrations on shore, and the movements of the
armed men, threatened the seizure of the boat, endeavored
to obtain of the civil and military authorities assistance in
preventing it. The marshal of the district was absent ; the
collector (Mr. Smith Stilwell) made strenuous and diligent
efforts to prevent the proceedings which ensued, but without
effect. Meanwhile the streets were filled with armed men,
and it was perceived that the village of Prescott was alive
with the bustle of preparation to resist the movements which
were in progress against them. The leaders of the Patriots
in Ogdensburg proceeded to muster a volunteer company to
man the steamer, and openly derided the efforts of the civil
authorities in preventing them. Having obtained a crew,
partly it is said by volunteers and those whom they hired of
the crew, and partly by those from on shore, the fires were
kindled, and as soon as steam could be got up they left the
wharf, with loud cheers from the crowd, to go to the assistance
of the schooner that had run aground. The schooner " Char-
lotte of Toronto," after casting off from the upper wharf, fell
down the stream,, and took a position early in the morning,
nearly opposite the wind-mill, about a mile below. The walls
of this were thick and massive, and the interior was divided
into several stories. It had been formerly used as a grist-mill,
but for several years previous to this time it had been deserted,
and its machinery had fallen to ruins. Here, from the schooner
and from a number of small boats that crossed the river, a
lodgment was made, and a portion of the armament of the
schooner was landed. The steamer " United States" did not
succeed \n gettini; off the grounded schooner, and presently
returned to the American shore. The " Experiment," a
Briti>h steamboat, was lying at this time at the wharf at
Prescott, and being armed with cannon, fired upon her with-
out effi'ct. Additional hands were now procured to navigate
the steamer, which had herself grounded for a short time on
her first trip, and she was again worked into the river, near
where the schooner " Charlotte of Oswego" lay aground, and
soon after again returned. A demand was here made, from
one on board to those on shore, for a longer hawser, which
was promised from ii neighboring store, and a quantity of
bread and other provisions was conveyed aboard. On again
leav ng the dock, she went out into the channel, going between
the grounded schooner and the British shore, and passed down
the river nearly or quite to Wind-Mill point, and was twice
fired upon by the "Experiment," but it is believed without
effect. After arriving at Wind-Mill point she remained
there some time, and about this time the ' Charlotte of To-
ronto," having remained opposite the wind-mill till about the
middle of the day, sailed up the river, and came to anchor near
the American shore, not far from where the other schooner
subsequently anchored, and remained till dark. The move-
ments of the "United States" had consumed nearly half of
the daj', and she came up at about the same time with the
" Charlotte of Toronto," and apparently with a view to cover
her from the fire of the British steamboat. She again went
down to Wind-Mill point, at each time' of passing receiving
a fire from the " Experiment," which shots were cheered by
those on board, who were assembled on the promenade deck ;
hut as she was c<miing up on her last trip, with great speed
and apparently under a great press of steam, a cannon-shot
from the British steamer entered the wheel-h-ouse, and in-
stantly beheaded a young man by the name of Solomon Foster,
who stood as a pilot at the wheel. Upon arriving in port this
time, the "United States" lay during the remainder of the
day near the wharf. During this time the boat was appar-
ently under the orders of one Oliver B. Pierce, and had on
board John W. Birge, of Cazenovia, Madison county, the re-
puted commander of the invading forces. Hiram Dimio, who
was personally acquainted with the former, was requested by
the owners of the boat to go on board and solicit the peaceable
surrender of the property, which, after some consultation, was
done, and the parties who had taken possession withdrew
from it.
During the last trip which the steamer made it was particu-
larly observed that but a small part of those who went over
returned. The others were, it is said, landed at or near the
wind-mill.
Nathaniel Garrow, of Auburn, the United States marshal
for the northern district of New Tork, arrived from Sacket's
Harbor between seven and eight o'clock on Monday evening,
and between eight and nine made a formal seizure of the
steamer " United States." In the afternoon of Monday, the
" Paul Pry," a small steam ferry-boat, went over to the
stranded schooner, in charge of a company of the Patriots,
and succeeded in hauling her off. Not long after being re-
lieved, she passed down and took a position near the other
schooner, and in performing this service encountered a brisk
fire from the steamer "Experiment," which was returned with
small arms. In the evening she was also seized for a violation
of the neutrality of the frontier. During' the whole of Mon-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
471
diiy there was frequent crossing of the river in sniull boats,
and no attempt to prevent it was made or deemed practicable
by the civil authorities. During the night everything re-
mained quiet, but reports of cannon were heard at long
intervals.
Rumors of every land floated through the town, and a
meeting was held to concert measures for defcns<', but such
was the novel and perilous crisis that had arrived, thai nothing
was eifected. Some of the citizens warmly sympathized with
the movement, while another part, embracing most of those
of intluence and property, looked upon the proceedings as
tending to nothing but ruin, and as calling upon the patriotism
of every good citizen to aid in discouraging the prosecution
of the enterprise, and in protecting the national honor and the
interests of the village. Such, however, was the influence of
the armed strangers in the streets, that this senliment could
scarcely be found to operate in etficient exertions. Monday
night was spent by the Patriots at the wind-mill and adjacent
premises, in fortifying it, as they might be able, under the
direction of Von Schoultz, upon whom, in the absence of the
superior ofBcers, devolved the defense of a position which, it
has been strongly insinuated and firmly believed, those who
had incited and encouraged them to it had not the courage to
share with them.
On the following morning, Nov. 13, the two schooners were
seized at about 10 o'clock by the marshal. They at this time
lay in the American waters, about thirty or forty rods from
the pier or abutments of Creighton's brewery.
The " Charlotte of Oswego," at the time of her seizure, had
on her deck two or three cannon, also boxes and small casks,
which contained guns and munitions of war. There were
about half a dozen men, who were the captain (Sprague) and
crew. The other vessel had on board some barrels of apples,
but most of the munitions had been removed from her and
landed at the wind-mill. Capt. Quick and three or four
men, supposed to be her crew, were on board. These were
put in charge of Col. W. J. Worth, of the 8th U. S. Infantry,
who had arrived in the steamer "Telegraph" on Monday
evening, and subsequently sent to Sacket's Harbor for sale-
keeping.
This steamer had visited the place on Saturday to bring
Cols. Totten and Thayer, of the engineer service, and was
under the command of Capt. Hill, of the U. S. Army. After
the " United States" had been seized her machinery was taken
apart, so that she could not be used without the assent of the
owners. The efforts of the military authorities were directed
to the prevention of all further communication with the Pa-
triots and the American thore, and the arrival of the troops
afforded the first means that the authorities had possessed of
enforcing the laws. The testimony that was taken in a case
growing out of this affair concurs in proving that on Monday
the arm of the civil law was powerless, and that there did not
exist the means of preventing the proceedings which ensued.
Col. Worth had under his command two companies of govern-
ment troops. On Tuesday the British armed steamers " Co-
Durg" and " Victoria" having arrived at Prescott with a rein-
forcement of troops, at about 7 o'clock, they, together with
the " Experiment," opened a discharge of cannon, and com-
menced throwing bombs at the Patriots in the wind-mill,
who fired with field-pieces from their batteries on shore in
return. These exciting and novel proceedings very naturally
drew a large crowd of spectators from Ogdensburg and the
adjacent country to Mile point, the present site of the railroad
depot, and the most eligible point from which to observe the
doings of the British in their attempt to dislodge the Patriots.
On Tuesday morning a detacliment of 40 men of the 83d
' reginient, under Lieut. Johnson, and 30 marines under Lieut.
Parker, were landed, and joined by detachments of militia.
At 6.45 the British advanced in two columns. The left, under
Col. D. Eraser, consisting of the marines, Capt. G. McDon-
nell's company of L. G Highlanders, Capts. Jones' and
Fraser's companies of 2d regiment Grenville militia, and 100
men of Col. Martle's regiment of Stormont militia. The right
column was led by Col. Gowan, of the Queen's borderers, and
100 of Col. Martle's regiment. Soon after a line of fire
blazed along the summit of the hill, in the rear of the mill,
for about eighty or a hundred rods, and the report of small
arms made an incessant roar. The morning being dark and
lowering, the gleam of the discharges became the more ob-
servable, and tended to heighten the horrors of the dramatic
events that were transpiring. The Patriots were mostly pro-
tected by stone walls, and comparatively secure, while the
Briti;;h were fully exposed in the open field, and suffered
greatly from the sharpshooters that were posted in the upper
stories of the wind-mill. The officers on horseback were seen
distinctly to fall here and there on the field, and the ranks of
the soldiers to waste away under the unequal contest. The
British did not at that lime have at Prescott guns of sufficient
weight to make a sensible impression upon the massive walls
of the tower, and their shot rebounded from the surface with-
out producing effect.
After twenty or thirty minutes one party gave way, and
retired out of sight over the hill, and at about 9 o'clock the
firing had ceased, apparently leaving the Patriots in possession
of their stronghold, but without the ability to pursue or to
return to the American shore, or to maintain their present
position for any great length of time, from want of provisions
and munitions. At the time when the action commenced, the
Patriot forces are supposed to have numbered about 180, but
during the engagement a party consisting of 52, who had
pursued the retreating militia over the hill, were separated
from their comrades, scattered, pursued, and captured in
detail. The Patriot loss on this occasion is said to have been
5 killed and 13 wounded, while that of the British was said,
at the time, to have been about 100 killed and as many
wounded. The official return of Col. Young gave 2 oflScers
and 11 rank and file killed, and G7 wounded. It has been
generally believed that their loss exceeded this number.
Finding that the stronghold of the Patriots resisted any
means of impression which they possessed, the British re-
solved to await the arrival of heavier cannon, and took pre-
cautions meanwhile to prevent any reinforcement of the
invaders. From 9 till 3 there was but little excitement. An
irregular firing was kept up on the wind-mill, and a body of
regulars fired an occasional volley at a stone house, in which
a portion of the Patriots were established. At 3 o'clock in the
afternoon a barn was burnt by the Patriots as sheltering the
British. During this time the Patriots occupied the wind-mill
and several of the houses adjoining, and the brow of the hill.
On the evening of the 13th a requisition was sent to Sacket's
Harbor for more troops- to be ready, if necessary, to assist
those already at Ogdensburg in restraining any attempt at
reinforcement. Lieut. W. S. Johnson, of the British army,
belono-ing to the 83d regiment, was among the killed. The
dead and badly wounded lay on the field till the morning of
the 14th (Wednesday), when the British sent a flag of truce
for permission to bury the dead, and both parties were for a
short time engaged in collecting and carrying off from the
field the slain. The night between the 13th and the 14th was
quiet, and the wind blew so rough that all attempt at crossing
the river, had nothing else prevented, would have been
hazardous. At half-past 9 troops were again marched to Fort
Wellington, but no engagement ensued. In the forenoon of
Thursday, Col. Worth sent for several of the prominent ciii-
zens of Ogdensburg to come on board the steamer, who ac-
cepted the invilati(m. His object in doing this was to ask
their opinions and advice on the propriety of a course which
he proposed, of applying to Col. Plomer Young, the British
commander, to ask of him the privilege of staying the further
effusion of blood, by being allowed to remove the Patriots,
472
PIISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and become responsible that they should attempt no further
di.-iturbiince on this frontier. The humane intention of this
measure commended itself to the approbation of tliose to
whom it was explained, and a citizen of high standing in the
community, who was personally acq.uainted with Cul. Young,
offered his services to procure an interview between Cols.
Young and Worth, and accordingly visited Prescott, where
he was politely received by the British officer, who accom-
panied him back to the steamer, and a private interview was
held between the two officers. The delicacy of the measure
proposed and the obvious charges that would be brought
against the official character of an officer who would consent
to the escape of an enemy who was entirely within his power,
rendered the compliance with the request a thing to be not
for a moment entertained. He pointedly denied the favor
asked, but from an intimation that was dropped, either from
inadvertence or design, that the machinery of the " Experi-
ment" (the " Cuburg" and "Victoria" having gone up the
river the night previous) needed repairs that would prevent
her being used until 2 o'clock the next morning, it was very
naturally inferred that no means of annoyance would be in the
possession of the British during the early part of the night.
This opportunity Col. Worth wished to have improved, and,
having consulted some of the citizens on the subject, it was
understood that early in the evening the steamer "Paul Pry"
should be at the service of « party of volunteers, who might
safely approach the wind-mill and rescue the inmates if they
could be induced to improve the opportunity. This delicate
and responsible service was intrusted to Preston King, the
postmaster of the village, who was selected as possessing the
requisite qualifications for the duty.
A sufficient number of volunteers was raised for the occa-
sion, and the steamer repaired to the vicinity of the wind-
mill. Among the volunteers was a man connected with the
Patriots, who was said to be an officer of their organization,
and to know their pass-words; he was for these reasons recom-
mended as a suitable person to open the communication with
them, and was sent on shore in a small row-boat, to com-
municate the errand of the steamer.
By subsequent information it was ascertained that some
person, who went ashore in the first boat, reported that a
reinforcement of men and supplies might soon be expected by
the Patriots, and they were advised to maintain their position.
Mr. King then took a small boat, with one man, and
repaired himself to the wind-mill, made known the nature of
his errand, stated the folly of looking for reinforcements
which there was no reason to expect, and earnestly requested
them to avail themselves of the only chance of escape that
would be offered.
The delusive hope and divided councils arising from the
report of reinforcements produced delay and uncertainty in the
movements of the Patriots to avail themselves of the oppor-
tunity to retire from their position. The men on board of the
steamer became impatient at the delay, and insisted on the
return of the steamer to Ogdensburg. Jlr. King was thus
reluctantly compelled to return without having accomplished
his purpose, further than to bring off 6 or 7 men from the mill,
one of whom had been wounded in the thigh by a musket-
ball. He had scarce returned to port, when the British armed
steamer was seen going down the river, and all chance of pass-
ing between the American shore and the mill was cut off.
The persons first sent on shore to communicate with the
Patriots did not return to the steamer, but were left, and
returned to the American shore in their row-boat.
During the time the "Paul Pry" lay near the wind-mill,
firing along the line by the British picket-guards was kept up
by musketry, which rendered the men on board the steamer
impatient of inaction and delay. Had it not been for the
false expectation of reinforcements, it is believed the Patriots
might at once have availed themselves of the opportunity
offered for escape, and the sad events which subsequently fol-
lowed might have been avoided.
On Thursday evening, the steamer " United States" (Capt.
Van Cleve), in charge of Capt. Vaugliaii, sailing-master of the
navy, with a party of troops under Capt. Wright, started for
Sacket's Harbor, having alongside in tow the two Patriot
schooners, and manned by a company of United States troops.
The schooners had on their decks the c^innon which had formed
a part of their armament. Apprehending that they should
meet a British force expected from Kingston to complete the
capture of the wind-mill, and believing it to be prudent to be
provided against any emergency that might arise, Capt. Wrio'ht
had caused the cannon to be loaded, and the military to be
held in readiness. When they had arrived at n point just
above Oak point, they met the British steamer " Brockville,"
having two gun-boats in tow. The "United States" was
hailed, and ordered to " lie to and send a boat aboard."
The peremptory and insulting tone in which this was ex-
pressed forbade compliance on the part of the officer who had
thefiolilla in charge, and the reply was made that they might
"come aboard." The demand was again repeated, and an-
swered with a coolness and pointedly laconic brevity that did
the highest credit to the courage and ability of Capt. Wright.
The parties having passed, the British steamer turned and
followed for some distance, but no further notice being taken
of her by the " United States," the pursuer shortly resumed
her original course.
On the morning of the 16th (Friday), the British having
been reinforced with a regiment of 400 regulars, and by gun-
boats armed with ordnance sufficient for the redueticm of the
place, set themselves at work systematically for this purpose.
An 18-pounder was posted back of the mill, under Maj. Mc-
Bane ; a gun-boat was posted below the mill, and a heavily-
armed steamer above it, so that the shot from these three
points might not interfere with each other, and still have the
mill in their focus. They were beyond the range of rifie-shot,
and sufficient to accomplish, ere long, the demolition of the
tower.
During the wh(de of Thursday » white flag had been dis-
played from the mill, but no attention being paid to it, it
was finally fastened on the outside. Three or four flags were
sent out, and the bearers shot down as soon as seen, as the
British appeared to be inclined to receive no terms. At length,
on Friday in the forenoon, the firing ceased, and an uncon-
ditional surrender being made, the prisoners (for as such they
were received and regarded) were marched out between files of
regulars and conducted to Fort Wellington, from whence they
were sent to Port William Henry, at Kingston, for trial. Had
it not been for the interposition of the regulars, the prisoners
would have been torn in pieces by the enraged militia, who
exhibited a vindietiveness and animosity that has scarcely
found a parallel in the annals of French and Indian warfare.
Every species of abuse and insult was heaped upon the un-
fortunate band. During the firing that ensued in celebrating
the surrender Capt Drummond, of the Briiish army, was
accidentally shot. The British burnt, at once, four dwellings
and two barns in the vicinity of the wind-mill. Von SchouUz
was said to be opposed to ottering the enemy a flag of truce,
and besought his men to rush upon the enemy and die in the
contest, but their ammunition and provisions were exhausted,
and the fatigue of five days and nights incessant watching and
labor had made them indifferent to their fate.
The British loss in the action near Prescott, Nov. 13,
1838, was as follows: Killed, 2 lieutenants, 11 rank and file.
Wounded, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 ser-
geant, 62 rank and file.
The board of supervisors were in session at Canton at the
time, and the cannonade of the battle was distinctly heard at
that place. Some of the board were warm sympathizers in
the movement, and resolutions condemning British tyranny,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
473
and expressing sympathy with the Patriots, were brought for-
Wjard for action repeatedly, but failed to pass. On one occa-
sion the resolution of Isaac EUwood was called up, but, on
motion of Mr. Buclc, seconded by Mr. Doty, it was " Resolved,
that the above resolution lie on the table until the same shall
be a^ain drawn up." The resolution was never called up from
the table.
Bill Johnston, the avowed loader of the party that boarded
and burned the " Robert Peel," had been seen publicly in the
streets of Ogdensburg for several days, and no one ventured
to arrest him until, on the 17th, shortly after the surrender of
the band in the wind-mill, he was seen to enter a boat with
his son, and leave the harbor ; the collector of the district
seeing him depart called the attention of a deputy marshal to
his movements, and advised that an attempt should be made
to arrest him. Failing in this, he entered a boat belonging
to the office, hoisted the revenue flag, and pursued him, in
company with several others. Johnston and his son landed
about three miles above the village, was pursued, headed, and
finally induced to surrender, on condition tliat his arms might
be received by his son. He was armed with a Cochran rifle
and two large rifle-pistols, with several smaller ones, and a
bowie-knife. The merit of arresting Johnston has been
claimed by different parties, and the bounty offered for his
apprehension is said to have been paid to C. T. Buswell and
A. B. James, who pursued on horseback as soon as he had
landed, and were present when he surrendered his arms. The
steamer " Oneida," in the service of the United States govern-
ment, was in the river when the boat in which Johnston and
his son were escaping was run on shore, and the captured
party was conveyed on board the steamer and taken to Sacket's
Harbor.
On the Monday after the capture the Hon. John Fine, in
company with Charles G. Myers, consented, at the solicitation
of some of the friends of the prisoners, to visit Kingston to
carry a contribution of several hundred dollars to supply their
wants, make inquiries into their condition, and offer legal
counsel. The season of travel being past, and there being no
direct communication with Kingston, they wrote to Col.
Worth, at Sacket's Harbor, asking if he could be sent over
from thence, and furnished with a letter to the commanding
officer at Kingston ; both of these requests were declined.
They then crossed the river to Prescott, to confer with Col.
Young, and, on being escorted from the wharf to his quarters
by a sentinel, they were kindly received, and furnished with a
note of introduction to Col. Dundas at Kingston. The next
morning they called upon Col. Dundas, who stated that he
had delivered the prisoners to the care of the sheriff, and that
application must be made to him. He was told that the sheriff
had positively refused, underany circumstances, any interview,
under orders from the governor, to several similar applications.
They then added, as a last resort, that, being both lawyers,
they had some right to serve the prisoners in the capacity of
legal counselors, having been employed by their friends for
that purpose. It was the boast of the English law, which the
Americans had inherited from the mother country, that every
one was presumed innocent of a crime until proved to be
guilty, and that the prisoners had a right to legal advice in
this case, and the privilege of obtaining witnesses for their
defense. Upon this the colonel arose and accompanied them
to the fort, introduced them to the sheriff, and requested that
they might be permitted to see the prisoners. The sheriff said
that the governor had sent orders that no one be permitted to
visit them, but the colonel said that he would risk the respon-
sibility, and requested the keys, which were given him.
Several military officers were introduced, and joined in the
visit to the different rooms. These were above ground, large,
cleanly, and contained about fifty prisoners each. Inquiry
was made of those from St. Lawrence County, of their want
of clothing, etc.. which was afterwards procured and sent to
them. They said that they were furnished with good and
sufficient food and were well treated. In one room was a
company of about fifty boys under twenty-one years of age,
and some as young as sixteen. Several of them alluded to
the late events, and the causes which had induced them to en-
gage in the foolish enterprise, with sobbing and tears. Several
of the ofliicors present were much affected, and proposed to
leave. The Ogdensburg citizens remarked to the boys that
there was hope in their case. The power of England was not
so feeble as to fear the loss of Canada by the hands of boys,
and the glory of England would not be enhanced by their
sacrifice. They were advised to plead their infancy, and throw
themselves upon the mercy of the government.
The court-martial was organized, and one of the prisoners
was on trial. Solicitor-General Draper conducted the exami-
nation of the prisoners with fairness. He allowed the accused
the opportunity to state all the extenuating circumstances,
which he wrote down, and said he would send to the governor.
In the evening an interview was had with Mr. Draper, at the
rooms of the council, and, at the suggestion of some of the
citizens, an application was made to the governor-general of
Canada, through the medium of Judge Jones of the Queen'.s
Bench, for the pardon of the boys." An answer was returned
that if the friends of the boys would exert their influence to
prevent further aggressions, they should be released, and, as
an earnest of the performance of this promise, six were set
free. Prom time to time others were liberated, until most of
those under age were allowed to return to their friends.
The issue of this expedition did much to render the Patriot
cause unpopular, and a healthy reaction was soon felt along
the fiontier, but a spirit of jealousy and hostility had been
engendered that led to much difficulty. On Dec. 21, the village
trustees resolved to organize a company, to be held ready at
a minute's warning, to act in preserving order, and repel if
necessary any aggression. Arms were to be procured for them
from Russell. On Dec. 31, a crowded meeting was held to
unite in a petition to congress for protection of the frontier
and intervention in favor of the prisoners. In support of the
latter they asserted for our government an equal merit in the
capture, inasmach as the Patriots had been cut off from their
supplies by the official seizure of the schooners and armament.
A becoming tribute was paid to the valor and courage of the
misguided youths who had been seduced into the measure.
Jan. 2, 1839, another public meeting was held to discourage
all further invasion of Canada. The call for this was signed
by nearly seventy prominent citizens of all parties, and it was
addressed by several of the inhabitants and by Maj-Gen.
Winfield Scott, in a very able manner. In his address. Gen.
Scott, after conceding that a feeling favorable to Canadian
independence pervaded the country, went on to inquire what
act of that people had evinced their desire for a change, and
pointed out in a masterly manner the folly of attempting to
force upon them a measure which their acts proved that they
did not desire. A series of resolutions was passed embodying
the sentiment of the considerate of all parties, and appealing
to all good citizens to aid in putting an end to these proceed-
ings so destructive to the public peace and so perilous to our
national welfare.
As the steamboat " United States," Capt. Whitney, was
leaving Ogdensburg, on the evening of April 14, 1839, with a
large number of passengers, from six to ten rounds of musket-
shot were fired from a wharf in Prescott, at which a crowd
was assembled, but a subsequent inquiry failed to fix upon any
one as the culprit, and the same evening she was fired upon
from the wharf at Brockville. These insulting measures were
greatly aggravated by a high-handed outrage upon the schooner
■' G. S. Weeks," on May 17, 1839, at Brockville, where she
had stopped to discharge some merchandise. The usual papers
were sent to the custom-house, and a permit to unload was
issued by the deputy collector. There was lying on deck
474
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
a six-pound iron cannon belonging to the State, consigned to
Capt. A. B. James, to replace the one that had been seized by
the Patriots, upon discovering which an attempt was made to
seize it, but was resisted by the crew until the collector of the
district came up, and took possession of the vessel under some
alleged irregularity of her papers. The gun was then taken
by the mob, who paraded the streets with it, and fired it
repeatedly. Word was immediately sent to Col. Worth, at
Sacket's Harbor, who repaired without delay to the place, in
the steamer " Oneida," and sent a respectful inquiry to learn
on what grounds the schooner was detained. To this the
deputy could give no direct answer, and, from what he could
learn, Col. Worth inferred that the seizure was without jus-
tification, and resolved to vindicate our national honor in
recovering the cannon that had been taken from it. Oh Satur-
day evening he repaired to Prescott, and peremptorily de-
manded of Col. Frasier a release of the vessel and her cargo,
to which at 10 o'clock the next day answer v/as given that the
vessel and her cargo should be released, but doubts were ex-
pressed whether the cannon could be got from the mob. To
be prepared with an intelligent and prudent witness in case
the necessity for extreme measures should arise, the colonel
invited Bishop Perkins, a legal gentleman of high standing in
his profession, to accompany him to Brockville. He had on
board a company of about 100 regulars, who were well sup-
plied with a double number of muskets and ammunition suffi-
cient for the occasion. The steamers took up a position along-
side the schooner, and a demand for the restoration of the gun
was sent. The wharves and block-house were densely crowded
with an excited and furious mob, many of whom were armed,
and all of them partaking of the excitement which the occa-
sion called forth. The civil authorities endeavored to procure
the restoration of the piece, but found themselves incapable
of persuading or compelling the rabble to surrender it quietly.
Had any of the crowd on shore in the excitement of the
moment fired upon the steamer, there is little reason to doubt
but that the fire would have been promptly returned by the
regulars on board the "Oneida," and the effect upon the
crowded masses upon the wharves must have been signally
fatal. Matters thus remained several hours, during which a
collision was momentarily expected. At 4 P.M., a steamer
from Kingston, with British regulars, arrived, which had been
sent for by the magistrates of the town, with the aid of which
several of the ringleaders of the mob were arrested and lodged
in the guard-house. Having waited suflBciently long. Col.
Worth notified the authorities for the last time that the can-
non must be instantly returned, which was done with the ut-
most haste, and the prize was released. Col. Worth expressed
the opinion that the civil magistrates evinced commendable
zeal in their efi'orts to restore order and recover the cannon,
but the utmost insolence was shown by the rabble towards
the bearers of messages from Col. Worth. The tidings of
this event brought his excellency Governor Sir George Arthur
to Brockville, where he was presented an address signed by
206 persons, as an attempted justification for the recent out-
rage. They protested against the manner in which the gun
had been given up at the demand enforced by the presence of
an armed steamer in their harbor, and declared that they sub-
mitted only through the improper interference of some of his
excellency's prominent and courageous oflScials in civil au-
thority. In his reply the governor admitted that the seizure
was illegal, and regretted that greater caution had not been
exercised before that act. The step once taken he regretted
that the seizure was abandoned without due authority, and
more especially under the circumstances, although he admit-
ted that some magistrates had acted with honest zeal and from
a sense of public duty to advi-se the measure. He declared
the seizure and firing of the cannon after it had been taken
by the revenue officer was a lawless proceeding, and regretted
that personal abuse had been oft'ercd to the foreign officers who
had entered the country on public duty. It is due to the
Canadian press, and the more considerate portion of the in-
habitants, that they mostly denounced the seizure as wholly
unjustifiable. The collector of Brockville was removed from
office by Governor Arthur.
On Tuesday, June 25, 1839, a party from Prescott attempted
to abduct a deserter from Ogdensburg, but their plans being
discovered, the gang was surrounded by a large concourse of
people, covered with tar, and marched back to their boat under
an armed guard. The leader of the gang was said to have
committed suicide the next day. The British steamers com-
menced touching at Ogdensburg in the latter part of June, and
were well received. It was hoped that a renewal of friendly
intercourse would do much to allay the animosity existing
between the border inhabitants of the two nations.
As the American steam packet " St. Lawrence" was passing
down on her regular trip, Aug. 4, 1839, she was fired upon by
an armed British schooner lying in the stream opposite Brock-
ville. The particulars of this infamous outrage, committed not
by a lawless rabble, but by a government vessel, became the
subject of a correspondence between the officers of the two
governments in command of the naval and military forces
along the frontier, a copy of which is before us. It appears
that the steamer, having numbers of passengers of both sexes,
was passing at about 5 p.m., when, on approaching her ma-
jesty's armed schooner " Montreal," she was hailed and ordered
to show her colors, which being disregarded, several musket-
balls were fired by order of W. N. Fowell, commander. This
being communicated to Col. Worth, an explanation was de-
manded, and the act was feebly attempted to bo justified on
the ground that they were afraid the steamer contained Patri-
ots, that thoy wanted to know to what nation it belonged,
etc. These frivolous excuses, some of which would have
been applicable on the high seas, when applied to the St. Law-
rence became extremely ridiculous.
On Aug. 10, 1840, Gen. Scott arrived at Ogdensburg in the
" Telegraph" steamer, then in the service of government. He
was on his way to Plattsburg.
The continuance of secret lodges for the agitation of the
Patriot question led President Tyler to issue a proclamation
Sept. 5, 1841, calling upon all good citizens to discountenance
them as tending to evil consequences.
LIST OF THE PRISONERS TAKEN AT THE WIND-MILL, AND TRIED
AT KINGSTON.
The following notes and abbreviations are used : <?., plead
guilty ; n. g., plead not guilty ; i., transported to Van Diemen's
Land ; h., hung at Fort Henry ; a., acquitted ; w , wounded in
the battle ; r., released without trial ; p., pardoned. Numerals
denote the ages of prisoners. All, except those in italics, were
sentenced to be hung.
Dorephus Abbey, 47 (Watertown), re. g., h. Dec. 12 ; Philip
Alger, 23 (Bents, N. Y.), w., r. ; Charles Allen, p.; David
Allen, 24 (Volney), t. ; Duncan Anderson, 48 (Livingston Co.),
h. Jan. 4; Oliver Aubre (Lower Canada), w.,i . ; Samuel Aus-
tin (Alexandria, N. Y.),^. ; Thomas Baker (Winder, N. Y.),
t; Hiram W. Barlow, 19 (St. Lawrence Co.), p.; Bouse Ben-
nett, 17 (Herkimer Co.), p. ; Ernest Berentz (Poland, Eu-
rope), p. ; John Berry, 40 (Columbia Co.), t. ; Orlin Blodget,
23 (JeflTerson Co.), g., t. ; George Bloudeau, 19 (Canada), jo. ;
John Bradley, 30 (Ireland), t. ; John A. Brewster (Hender-
son, N. Y.),p.; Charles S. Brown (Oswego Co.), jo. ; George
T. Brown, 23 (Le Ray, N. Y.), re. g , t. ; Bromley (died of
wounds in hospital) ; Christopher Buckley (Onondaga Co.),
h. Jan. 4; Chauncey Bugbee, 22 (Jefferson Co.), t. ; Hugh
Calhoun (Ireland), t. ; Paschal Cerventes {Y ermoni), p. ; Levi
Chipman, r. July 29 ; Truman Chipman, p. ; Culver S. Clark,
19 (Fulton Co.), p.; Eli Clark (Oswego Co.), p. on account of
age and infirmities ; Robert G. Collins, 34 (Ogdensburg), t;
Philip Condrat (Germany),^.; Hiram Coultman, 19 (Jefier-
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
475
son Co.), w., r. ; Peter Cranker, 19 (Jefferson Co.), p.; John
Cronkheit (Otsego Co ),t. ; Charles Grossman (Jefferson Co.),
p; James Gummings (Canada), )-. on account of insanity;
Lysander Curtis, 33 (Ogdensburg), w., t. (died in Van Die-
men's Land) ; Luther Darby, t. ; Leonard Delino, 25 (Jeffer-
son Co.), i. ; William Denio, 18 (Lo Eay), g.,p. ; Joseph Dodge
(Montgomery Co.), p.; Aaron Dresser, Jr., 22 (Alexandra,
N. Y.),t (released in 1843) ; Joseph Drummond (OswegoCo.),
p. ; David Dufeld, 22 (Upper Canada) p. ; Moses A, Dutcher
(Dexter, N. Y.), t. ; John Elmore (Jefferson Co.), p. ; Shelah
Evans, 35 (Jefferson Co.), r. ; Ebon Fellows, g., i. ; David
Field (Granby, N. Y.) ; Lorenzo F. Finney, 21 (Watertown),
w.; Michael Friar, 23, t. ; Francis Gagnion, 18 (Canada), p. ;
Emanuel Garrison (Vermont), t. ; William Gates (Lyme, N.
Y.), i.; Daniel George (Lyme), A. Dec. 12 (pajmiaster) ; John
Gilman,!; Cornelius Goodrich (Siilina,N. Y.),jo., seven years'
penitentiary; Gideon A. Goodrich (Massachusetts), t. ; Price
Gould, 21 (Jefferson Co.), p.; John Graves (Plattsburg), r. .?
Jerry Griggs (Connecticut), t. ; Nelson J. Griggs (Onondaga
Co.), t. ; Hiram Hall, 15 (Jefferson Co.), seven years' peniten-
tiary, p.; Jacques Herod (France), to., •/•. ; Garret Hicks, 27
(Jefferson Co.), t. ; Edward Holmes (Syracuse), p. ; Charles
Hovey (Lyme), p. ; David Houih, 24, t. ; Daniel D. Hustace,
27 (Watertown), t. ; James Ingles (Scotland), t. ; Henry Jant-
zen, 29 (Germany), 7). ; John M. Jones (Philadelphia, N. Y.),
p.; George H. Kemble, 18 (Brownville), w., p.; Jolm 0
Koinski (Cracow, Poland), 7?.; Hiram Kinney, 20 (Onondaga),
p.; Oliver Lanton (Albany),^.; Sylvester A. Lanton, 23
(Lyme), A. Jan. 4; Andrew Leeper, 42 (Jefferson Co.), t. ;
Joseph Lee, 21 (Oswego), p.; Joseph Lefort, 19 (Cape
Vincent), i. ; Lyman N. Lewis, ■«. g. ; Daniel Liscomb
(Lyme), t. ; Samuel Livingston (Lisbon, N. Y.), r.; Hiram
Loop, 26 (Oswego Co.), n. g., t. ; Foster Martin (Ox Bow),
<.; J. H. Martin, i. ; Calvin Mathers (Salina), 1 ; Chauncey
Mathers, 24 (Onondaga Co.), t. ; Frederick Meals, 21 (serv-
ant of Von Schoultz, w., died of wounds) ; Alonzo Mlgnoteth,
r.? Phares Miller (Watertown), p.; Justus Meriam, 17
(Sacket's Harbor), r. ; John Marriset, 26 (Canada), w., t.;
Andrew Moore, 26 (Malta, N. Y.), w., t. ; Peter Meyer (Syra-
cuse),?-.; Sebastian Meyer, 21 (Bavaria), />.; Joseph Norr is,
u.; William O'Neil, 38 (Alexandria), n. g., a.; Alson Owen,
24 (Oswego), t. (died in Van Diemen's Land) ; Jacob Paddock,
17 (Jefferson Co.), t ; Joel Peeler, 50, «. g., h. Dec. 22 ; Law-
ton S. Peek, 20 (Jefferson Co.), p. ; Ethel Penny, 18 (Jefferson
Co.),p ; Russell Phelps (Watertown), A. Jan. 4; James Pierce
(Oneida Co.), t. ; Ira Polly (Jefferson Co ), t. ; Lorenzo Phin-
ney, w., r.; D S. Powers (Brownville) ; Gaius Powers, r. ; Asa
Priest, 43 (Auburn), w., t. (died in Van Diemen's Land) ;
Jacob Putnam, 19 (Montgomery Co.), p.; Levi Putnam, 21
(Montgomery Co.), p.; Timothy P. Ransom, 21 (Alexan-
dria), jo.; Solomon Reynolds (Salina), t. ; William Reynolds
(Orleans), t. ; J. B. Razeau (Lower Canada), r., very young ;
Asa H. Richardson, 23 (Oswego), t. ; Andrew Richardson
(Eossie), jo. ; Lawrence Riley, 43 (Vermont) ; Edgar Rogers;
Orson Rogers, 23 (Jefferson Co.), r.; Hiram Sharp (Onon--
daga Co.), t. ; Henry Shaw, t. ; Truman Shipman {M.ott\&-
town); Andrew Smith, 21, p.; Charles Smith (Lyme), p.;
OwenW. Smith, 26 (Watertown),;!.; Price Senter, 18 (Ohio),
n. g-,p. ; James L. Snow, 21 (Oswego Co.), r. ; William Steb-
Wns, 18 (Jefferson Co.), j». ; Joseph Stewart, 25 (Mifflin Co.,
Pa.),t; Thomas Stockton, 26 (Felt's Mills), ;!.; John G. Swan-
Wg (Alexandria, N. Y.), t. ; Dennis Suete (Alexandria, N.
Y-)i «■ g., t. ; Sylvanus Sweet, 21, g., h. Dec. 22 ; Giles Thomas,
34 (Onondaga Co.), w., r. ; John Thomas, 26 (Madrid, N. Y.),
t- ; John Thompson (England), p. ; Abner Townsend, 17 (Jef-
ferson Co.), g., p ; Nelson Truax, 20 (Antwerp) ; Oliver
Tucker, 17, n. g.,p. ; George Van Ambler, 17 (Jefferson Co.),
?■; Charles Van Warner, 21 (Ellisburg), p.; Martin Van
Slyke (Watertown), a. ; Hunter 0. Vaughan, 19 (Sacket's Har-
!""■)> p. (from intercession of father) ; Nils Szoltoreky Von
Schoultz (general),^., h. Dec. 18; Joseph Wagner (Salina),
jt). ; Saul Washburn (Warren Co.), t ; Simeon H.Webster,
p. ; James M. Wheelock, 22 (Jefferson Co.), w. ; Patrick White,
22 (Irish), t.; Riley Whitney (Vermont), t. ; Nathan Whit-
ney (Connecticut), t ; Hosea C Wilkie (Orleans, N. Y.),p. ;
Charles Wilson, p.; Edward A. Wilson, 23 (Pompey), t ;
Sampson Wiley (Watertown), p. ; Charles Woodruff, 19 (Sa-
lina), g.,p.; Martin Woodruff, 24 (Onondaga Co.), A.Dec. 19;
Beman Woodbury, 24 (Cayuga Co.), w., t. ; William Wool-
cot, 20 (Madison Co.), w.,p.; Stephen S. Wright, 25 (Den-
mark), t., released 1843.
All of those who were transported were after several years
pardoned, and most have since returned. While detained in
the penal colonies they suffered incredible hardships, and
numbers of them died. Those who survived mostly came back
with impaired constitutions from privations and the hard labor
to which they had been subjected.
WAR OP THE REBELLION— 1861-65.
St. Lawrence County, in common with every other in the
State, contributed her full quota of men in the service of the
Union. Her patriotism was at flood-tide, and her gallant
sons turned out promptly at the call of the government, and
well maintained the renown won on the battle-fields of 1812-
15. The total number of troops furnished was about 5300 in
the three arms of the service. A large proportion of this
force perished in the field and the hospitals, and some in the
pri,son-pens of the Confederacy. The following pages contain
the history of the different organizations, from the most
authentic sources of information obtainable.
SUPERVISOKS'PEOOEEDINGS— FUNDS EAISBD AND DISBURSED.
On July 19, 1864, a general recruiting committee was ap-
pointed by the board of supervisors, consisting of the follow-
ing gentlemen: Calvin T. Hulburd, Hiram H. Peck, Charles
Shepard, George Robinson, and John R. Brinckerhoff. A
finance committee was also appointed, as follows: Ela N.
Merriam, T. S. Clarkson (2d), and Charles Anthony.
This finance committee in the discharge of their duties dis-
bursed 5)1,008,350, for which they negotiated the bonds
of the county, or at least the greater part of them. Upon the
final settlement of their accounts they produced vouchers for
every penny disbursed, their books showing every transaction
clear and explicit. In this connection T. S. Clarkson, who
acted as secretary and cashier, performed his duties to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned.
Bonds were issued by the county covering the entire amount
disbursed, as before stated, all of which have been called in and
cancelled, with the single exception of one of the denomina-
tion of $100, held by a lady, and not yet matured. The total
amount of interest paid on these bonds has been about §358,000.
This is a remarkable showing, and exhibits the determination
of the people to carry the war to a successful termination, no
matter what the cost might be.
The indignation manifested at the attack upon Port Sumter
proclaimed everywhere throughout the land that the rebellion
would be put down at whatever cost; that the attempt to
found a slave oligarchy in the southern portion of the Union
could never succeed. Meetings were called, or rather assem-
bled, spontaneously at various points in St. Lawrence County ;
but perhaps the first, and certainly among the first, was the
one at Ogdensburg, on W^ednesday evening, April 17, 1861.
It was held in Eagle hall, Hon. John Fine presiding.
Speeches were made by Hon. C. F. Hurlburd, R. W. Judson,
I C Spencer, D. Magone, Jr., and others, and the enthusi-
asm was at fever-heat. It was proposed to raise a corapany
at once, and David A. Nevin opened a recruiting office A
second meeting was called at Lyceum hall, at which large
numbers assembled. Music and banners paraded the streets,
and business was suspended to give attention to the all-absorb-
476
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ing question. At the second meeting Gen. Koscius W. Jud-
son presided. The ball was filled to overflowing, and the
assembly showed at a glance by its earnest demeanor that
bicsiness was on hand, and there must be no trifling.
The object of the meeting was stated, in few words, to be
the raising of men and means for the war. The president
led with a subscription of |100 ; others followed rapidly, until
about 13000 was subscribed, and forty-four men enlisted at
once. These were believed to have been the first enlistments /or
the war in St. Lawrence County. Meetings were continued,
and in three days from the beginning of enlistments Gapt.
Kevin's company left for the seat of war, and was subsequently
assigned to the 16th New York Infantry Volunteers, in whose
ranks it did good service.
16TI1 INFANTBY.
This regiment was organized at Albany, May 10, 1861,
from companies recruited in the northern part of the State,
and was known as the " First Northern New York Kegiment."
The following companies were raised in St. Lawrence County,
viz. . Company A, at Ogdensburg, by Capt. D. A. Nevin ;
Company B, at Potsdam, by Capt. J. M. Pomeroy ; Company
D, at Gouverneur, by Capt. George Parker ; Company P, at
Potsdam, by Capt. J. C. Gilmore ; Company G, at De Pey-
sler, by Capt. N. M. Curtis ; Company H, at Stockholm, by
Capt. "W. Gibson. These companies were accepted by the
State as follows: Company A, on the 24th of April ; B, on
the 30th of April ; D, on the 2d of May ; P, G, and H, on
the 7th of May. On the 9th of May the regiment was ac-
cepted and numbered, and an election of field-ofBcers ordered
to be held. On the 10th the election of Thomas A. Davios as
colonel, Samuel Marsh as lieutenant-colonel, and Buel Palmer
as major, was confirmed, and on the ISlhitwas mustered into
the service of the United States, by Capt. L. Sitgreaves, for
two years. May 30 the regiment was sent to " Camp Mor-
gan," near Norman's Kill, in the town of Bethlehem (Albany
county), and while here was partially supplied with arms and
ammunition, but was not completely armed until the 24th of
June, when four hundred smooth-bore muskets, pattern of
1842, calibre 69, were issued to it in addition to the three
hundred previously received ; and on the same date one
hundred common and eighteen wall tents were ordered, but
not fully issued until the regiment reached "Washington.
Most of the companies, through the liberal assistance of the
communities in which they were organized, received colors
before their departure for Albany, at which place they were
furnished clothing, knapsacks, and general outfits from the
State.
The regiment left Albany June 25, 1861, and proceeded by
steamer to New York, where, on Washington parade-ground,
it received a pair of flags from Mrs. Joseph Howland through
Mr. Kobert S. Hone. Prom New York it proceeded, via
Blizabethport and Easton, to Harrisburg, and leaving that
city on the 28th, passed through Baltimore and reached Wash-
ington in the forenoon of the 29th. At Washington the regi-
ment went into camp, on a plain three-fourths of a mile dis-
tant from the capitol, and for nearly a fortnight remained
under instruction. It was then assigned to the second brigade
(Col. Davies) and fifth division (Col. Miles). Crossing the
Potomac from the navy-yard on the 11th of July, it landed at
Alexandria and encamped a short distance west of the city,
under the guns of Port Ellsworth. It was scarcely settled in
its new camp, however, when it was ordered to join the ad-
vance against the enemy at Manassas. In this movement it
was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Marsh, Col. Davies being in
command of the brigade. It marched from camp on July 17,
by way of Braddock road, and encamped near Fairfax station.
On the march it had some skirmishing with the enemy's pick-
ets, and came upon the camp of the 5th Alabama regiment,
which had been ab.indonod and partially destroyed. It biv-
ouacked on the night of the 17th, and marched early the next
morning to Little Eock run, near Centreville, and halted until
the morning of the battle, but took no part in the action of
the 18th. On the morning of the 21st it marched over Cen-
treville Heights and down to Blackburn's ford, where the
reserve (the fifth division, of which it was a part) held the,
left bank of Bull Eun until dark. It was but slightly engaged,
the movement of the enemy in the direction of the ford having
been checked and driven back by the artillery. It arrived at
Centreville about dark and took position for the night, but at
10.30 v.M. was ordered to retire towards Alexandria, which
order was obeyed, and the regiment reached its former camp
at 9 A.M. of the 22d.
In September its camp was changed to Port Lyon, where it
was assigned to the second brigade (Gen. H. W. Slocum) of
Gen. Pranklin's division. This brigade was composed of the
16th and 27th New York, the 5th Maine, and the 96th Penn-
sylvania, and was not subsequently changed during the period
of service of the 16th, except by the addition of the 121st New
York early in September, 1862.* The position of the brigade
in the Army of the Potomac, however, was changed. Under
the organization of March 13, 1862, it was the 2d brigade
(Slocum's), 1st division (Franklin's), 1st corps (McDowell's).
In May following it was the 2d brigade, 1st division, 6th corps
(Franklin's) ; and'in this last relation it remained until it left
the field, at which lime Gen. Bartlett was in command of the
brigade, Gen. Brooks. of the division, and Gen. Sedgwick of
the corps.
The winter of 1861-62 was spent at "Camp Franklin,"
near Fairfax seminary, the former location having proved
unhealthy. After various movements the regiment, on the
19th of April, 1862, embarked on the "Daniel Webster No.
2," from Maine, and was transported to Ship Point, near the
mouth of York river, where it landed on the 22d, and re-
mained on shore until the evacuation of Yorktown, May 3.
On the latter date it re-embarked and moved up to Yorktown,
where it remained until the battle of Williamsburg, on the
5th. On the 6th it moved up the York river to West Point,
landed at Brick House point, on the south side, just at night,
bivouacked near the shore, and sent out a detachment on
picket. On the 7th was fought the battle of West Point.
Companies C, F, G, and K were, upon that occasion, on picket
and engaged as skirmishers, and the remaining six companies
of the regiment were engaged in supporting Ayer's battery.
The only losses were among the skirmishers, of whom six
were killed and sixteen wounded.
The 16th wore straw hats, presented the men by a friend of
the regiment, and were therefore easily dis_tinguished from
other ro'giments. In the battle at Gaines' Mills, June 27,
1862, it was actively engaged, — distinguishing itself in a
charge by which it recaptured two guns of a battery, which
had previously fallen into the hands of the rebels. In this
battle the regiment lost about 230 in killed, wounded, and
missing. On the next day (June 28) the 16th was on picket
on Garnett's hill, and the line was attacked and driven in by
the enemy with a loss of 2 killed and 4 wounded. The rebels
were finally repulsed, however, and the line re-established.
At Charles City Cross-Eoads, on the 30th, the regiment sup-
ported the 1st Massachusetts battery, and had two men killed
and seven wounded by one of Hexamer's guns, but sustained
no loss by the enemy. The 16th marched about midnight and
reached Malvern Hill, but took no part in the battle, the divi-
sion having moved on and established a picket-line near James
river. On the 3d of July marched to Harrison's Landing,
where it remained until the 16th of August. By subsequent
marches and by steamer, it proceeded through Charles City
* Tbo brigade was at this time compoBed of tlio 16th, 26lh, and 27th New
Yorlc and the 5th Maine. A few weeks later the 26th waa assigned to some
other brigade, and the 96tli Pennsylvania touli itsrlaoo.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
477
Court-House, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Newport News
to Alexandria, and afterwards to Annandale (August 28) and
Fairfax, taking dinner at the latter place on the 30th. That
night it stood on picket on the left of Warrcnton turnpike.
Having fallen back to Centreville Heights, Fairfax Court-
House, and Alexandria, it went into camp at the latter place
Sept. 1, at Fort Lyon. The regiment was not permitted to
remain inactive, and, after several days' marching, became
engaged at South Mountain on the 14th of September, losing
in the early part of the day one color-bearer killed and one
wounded, and two sergeants and one lieutenant wounded. In
the charge ordered by Gen. Newton (temporarily in command)
at 6 P.M., the 16th was the first to reach the crest of the moun-
tain, and the first to drive the enemy down the west slope.
This charge was made by the division in three lines. In this
action the regiment lost 63 in killed and wounded, and cap-
tured the fiag of an Alabama regiment. On the 17th the
battle-field of Antietam was reached at noon. The corps was
not engaged here, but was considerably annoyed by sharp-
shooters, who killed one man and wounded three in the 16th.
The regiment, aftiT various movements, was finally engaged
in the attack on Fredericksburg, on picket duty and skirmish
line. On the 19th it went into winter camp, and remained
until the " mud march" of January, In which it participated.
It then returned to camp, and remained till April 29, 1863,
when it again went into active service, crossing the Rappa-
hannock at Pollock's Mills under fire, and moving with the
division against the rebel rifle-pits, from which the enemy
was driven. In the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, the
16th met the enemy at Salem Church, having its position in
the front line, on the right of the brigade. In this engage-
ment the regiment lost 20 killed, 49 missing, and 87 wounded.
Early in May the regiment was ordered home, and left Fal-
mouth by railroad on the 10th. It arrived at Albany on
the 14th, and was mustered out May 15, 1863. It went out
with 798 men; received 163 recruits; had 587 killed and
wounded, and returned- with 281 men, leaving its three-year
recruits in the field, in a battalion with similar recruits from
the 18th and 27th regiments, under Capt. C. S. Hall.
50th infantry.
St. Lawrence County furnished » number of men fur this
regiment, which was organized at Elmira, N. Y., in the sum-
mer of 1861, by Col. Charles B. Stuart. It was afterwards
changed to the 50th Engineers. The regiment was mustered
into the United States service Sept. 18, 1861; and, after the
22d of October, was detailed, by order of Maj.-Gen. McClel-
liin, for duty as sappers, miners, and pontoniers, and spent
the time until March 19, 1862, in perfecting its men in the
ponton drill, in sapping and mining, in the construction of
batteries, and fitting them in every way for the service to which
the regiment had been detailed. They were actively employed
during the siege of Yorktown, and greatly exposed to the
enemy's fire, though no serious casualties occurred. The 50th
participated in all the operations in front of Eichmond under
McClellan, and throughout its entire service acquitted itself
nobly, winning many compliments from officers. In Decem-
ber, 1863, more than three-fourths of the men re-enlisted for
the war. After much trying service in the campaigns of 1864
and '65 the regiment was sent to Elmira, where it was mus-
tered out on the 30th of June, 1865.
18th infantky.
Company K of this regiment was raised at Ogdensburg,
St. Lawrence County, and mustered in with the regiment at
Albany, May 17, 1861. The organization left Albany on the
18th of June, and proceeded to New York. At Jersey City
it received its arms (Enfield rifles), and at once continued to
Washington, by way of Philadelphia and Baltimore. At
New Bridge, on the peninsula, Springfield rifles were fur-
nished in lieu of the Enfield, and no further change was made
while in the service. Moving to Alexandria on the 12th of
July, the regiment encamped at " Camp Myers," and on the
16th joined in the advance against the enemy at Manassas
Junction. On the 17th, Company K, with Companies A, B,
and G, were thrown forward as skirmishers, and were soon
engaged with the 5th Alabama regiment, which was in retreat
before the advancing column of Union troops, yet keeping
up a constant fire. Sergt. John Waterson, of Company A,
and Sergt. John Allen, of Company K, were killed. In the
engagement of the 21st, the regiment, with the balance of the
2d brigade, was engaged as a support for Green's and Hunt's
batteries of the 2d U. S. Artillery. The loss of the 18th was
three men prisoners.
At the battle of West Point, May 7, 1862, Company K was
again placed on the picket line. The regiment suffered no
loss in this engagement. At Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, the
18th lost 180 men in killed, wounded, and missing. In the
battle of Charles City Cross-Eoad.s, June 30, the 18th sufTered
no loss At the second Bull Run fight, August 30, they were
again engaged. At South Mountain, Sept. 14, the 18th was
savagely engaged at Crampton Gap, and, according to the re-
port of Lieut. -Col. Meyers, displayed great gallantry and
heroism. Its loss was 1 captain (Horsfall) and 10 men killed,
2 lieutenants and 40 men wounded, and 2 men missing. The
regiment here captured a flag and about 100 prisoners. At
Antietam the loss was slight.
After numerous engagements of more or less importance,
it was sent to Albany in May, 1863, arriving at that city on
the morning of the 16th, the term of service having expired.
Its three-years' men, about 30 in number, had been trans-
ferred to the 121st N. Y. During its entire service, the 18th
had lost but 15 men by sickness, but its ranks had been re-
duced by the casualties of war to 425 men. It left Albany in
May, 1861, with 834 men, and had received a considerable
number of recruits, and its return was with a most honorable
record of arduous and faithful service.
OOTH INFANTRY.
The 60th Kegiment N. Y. S. Vols, was formed under an
order issued by Gov. Morgan to Col. Charles E. Bourdage,
July 5, 1861, to rendezvous his regiment (the 33d N. Y. S.
Militia) at Ogdensburg. The work of recruiting began at once,
and the regiment was organized as follows, by companies:
William B. Goodrich, William Montgomery, and Capt.
Benj. E. Clark recruited in the towns of Canton, Hermon,
Potsdam, Eussell, Madrid, Colton, Parishville, and Gouver-
neur, St. Lawrence County, and reported at Camp Wheeler
with'405 enlisted men, 101 of whom were accepted and mus-
tered. This company, designated as Company A, was organ-
ized by electing William B. Goodrich captain, Benjamin E.
Clark 1st lieutenant, and William Montgomery 2d lieutenant.
Capt. David Day (2d) and Lieut. John Snyder recruited in
Macomb, Gouverneur, and De Peyster, St. Lawrence County,
and went into camp with 40 men. Designated as Company B.
The company organized by electing David Day (2d) captain,
John Snyder 1st lieutenant, and James Horst 2d lieutenant.
John C. 0. Eedington, a private in the 18th N. Y. S. Vols.,
Thos Hobart, a private in the 7th Mass. S. Vols., John E.
Wilson, and Nehemiah Wiley recruited in Hammond, Morns-
town dswegatchie, Edwards, Eossie, Eussell, and Fowler, St.
Lawrence County, and reported with 32 men. Designated as
Company C. The company elected J. C 0. Eedington captain,
James Young 1st lieutenant, and Thomas Hobart 2d lieu-
tenant.
Lieut James M. King, Winslow M. Thomas, and George
M Gleason recruited 33 men in Eussell, Edwards, Pierrepont,
and Canton, St. Lawrence County. Company D was organ-
ized by the election of Winslow M. Thomas captain, James
M King 1st lieutenant, and George M. Gleason 2d lieutenant.
478
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
William H. Hyde, P. Shelly Sinclair, and George J. Cor-
nish recruited 51 men in Malone, Bangor, and Brandon,
Franklin county. Wm. H. Hyde was chosen captain, P. S.
Sinclair 1st lieutenant, and Hosea C. P^eynolds 2d lieutenant,
Company E.
Thomas Elliott, a private in the 7th N. Y. S. Militia, re-
cruited, under special order of the president, 54 men. He
was elected captain, John Delaney 1st lieutenant, and Mil-
ton F. Spencer 2d lieutenant, Company F.
Capt. Hugh Smith recruited 27 men in Madrid, Wadding-
ton, Louisville, Massena, and Norfolk, St. Lawrence County.
He was chosen captain of Company G, with Orson M. Foot
1st lieutenant, and John Dundon, Jr., 2d lieutenant.
James M. Eansom, Lowrey E. White, and Marcellus L.
Fitch recruited 45 men in Champlain, Mooers, Ellenburg,
Altona, Ghazy, and Saranao, Clinton county, and Lisbon, St.
Lawrence County. James M. Eansom was elected captain,
Lowrey E. White 1st lieutenant, and Marcellus L. Pitch 2d
lieutenant, Company H.
Eev. Jesse H. Jones and Guy Hogan recruited 55 men in
Lawrence, Stockholm, and Brasher, St. Lawrence Co. Jesse
H. Jones was made captain, Guy Hogan first lieutenant, and
Lyman M. Shedd second lieutenant. Company I.
Abel Godard and Capt. Henry C. Eastman, of the 34th N.
Y. S. M., recruited 42 men in Stockholm and Richville, St.
Lawrence Co. Abel Godard was elected captain, Henry C.
Eastman first lieutenant, and Abner B. Shipman second
lieutenant. Company K.
On Oct. 25, Hon. Wm. B. Wheeler, for whom the camp
was named, presented to the regiment a national flag. On
Tuesday, Oct. 29, Col. William B. Hayward, late of the 102d,
reported at camp as the commander of the 60th. Oct. 31,
Hon. John Fine presented a State banner to the regiment, on
behalf of the ladies of Ogdensburg. The regiment left Og-
densburg for the seat of war Nov. 1, 1861, and shortly after
reaching Washington was assigned to duty in guarding the
railroad between Baltimore and Washington. Jan. 12, 1862,
Col. Hayward was honorably discharged, having tendered his
resignation to the War Department, and on Jan. 27, Col. Geo.
Sears Greene, a graduate of West Point, took command. In
May, Col. Greene received a brigadier-general's commission,
and Liout.-Col. William B. Goodrich succeeded to the com-
mand, Maj. Brundage becoming lieutenant-colonel, and A. B.
James,* adjutant of the 50th N. Y. S. V., receiving a com-
mission as major of the 60th. May 11, 1862, Companies A,
D, E, F, H, and K were ordered to Harper's Ferry, leaving
Companies B, 0, G, and I on railroad duty. On June 21
these four companies joined the regiment. Brig. -Gen. Greene
had returned and taken command of the brigade, in place of
Maj. -Gen. Sigel, relieved.
The 60th suffered severely from sickness during the hot season
of 1862. It shared in the retreat of Gen. Banks through Vir-
ginia, and in September was engaged in the memorable battle
of Antietam, where the gallant Col. Goodrich was killed by
a rifle-ball in the right breast. Lieut.-Col. Brundage made
the following report of this engagement, and the part taken in
it by the 60th :
" HE.VDdUAETERS TniRD BbIGAHE, LoUJJON IlEIOHTa, Va., St^t. 25, 1802.
" To Baio.-GEN. Geokqe S. Greene, commanding 2d Division^ l\th Army Corps :
"I have the honor to report that on the morning of Sept. 17, 1862, Col. Wm.
B. Gooiiricli, being in command of this bvigade, was ordered to take the brigade,
then composed of the 60th and 78tli N. Y. S. V., 3d Delaware, and I'urnell
Legion, into the field on the right of the line of battle. Before getting into
po.sition, the Pnrnell Legion was ordered to some other position in the field,
which reduced the line of this brigade to the three flrat-named regiments.
On getting iiito position skirmishers were thrown out on the right and left,
who cleared the woods of the enemy's shaqi-shootcrs. While thus engaged,
and about an hour after the commencement, the colonel coinmanding was mor-
tally wounded and borne from the field. The commanil then devolved on
''■ Gi\en in anotlier place as Eilwaril C .fain
Lieut.-Gol. Austin, of the 78th New York, who remained in command during
the day. About an hour and a half from this time orders were received to
withdraw the brigade from the field. This was done, and the line shortly after
reformed about a mile to the rear of its former position. The brigade remained
in the line till near dark, when they were ordered by yourself to rejoin the
division. This report is made from recollection only, no data being kept, as the
command was not handed over to me till late in the evening. I deem it just,
however, to make honorable mention of the coolness and bravery of the officers
and men in action, especially of the true soldierly bravery of Col. Goodi-ich
the daring and courage of Lieut. -Col. Austin, and the valuable services of Capt.
Bedington, of the BUth New York, and first Lieut. McQreggor, of the 78th
New York ; the two latter having charge of the skirmishers.
"Respectfully submitted,
"CHAKIiES B. BRUNDAGE,
" LieuUnmit-colonel, commanding 3d brigaded
Early in November, 1862, Lieut.-Col. Brundage resigned,
and Capt. J. C. 0. Eedington was promoted to take his place.
At this time the 60th was a part of the 2d division, 12th army
corps, and was brigaded with the 140th and 195th New York,
the 3d Delaware, and the Purnell Legion, under Gen. A. J.
Jackson. Maj. Godard resigned in December, and Capt. W.
M. Thomas was appointed major.
On the morning of May 1, 1863,f the regiment had just
begun mustering for pay, when the sound of artillery firing
was heard but a short distance away, and the men were ordered
into line and were soon marching in the direction from whence
the sound came, which was towards Bank's Ford. After
coming up so as to be under an uncomfortable fire they were
ordered to fall back, and after retiring about a mile threw out
skirmishers and drew back towards camp. Soon after they
repulsed a fierce cavalrj- charge on the right, and immediately
after a second attack on the left. In the night a line of rifle-
pits was dug and breastworks constructed, their only tools
being two or three spades, as many axes and picks, the bayo-
nets of their guns and tin plates from their haversacks. On
the 2d the regiment rested until about 4 p.m., when it became
engaged again, the enemy having attacked away on the right
with great fury. They were finally repulsed and driven around
nearly in the rear of the Union troops. The cannonading at
this time and during the night, the rebels massing their forces
and twice attempting to force our lines, is mentioned by an
eye-witnessj as " the most fearfully grand sight he ever
beheld." The following day (Sunday, May 3) witnessed the
most severe fighting of the battle, and the slaughter was great
on both sides. Maj. Thomas and Capt. Elliott, of the 60th,
were slightly wounded, and later in the day a grape shot
struck the steel scabbard of the adjutant's sword and severely
wounded him, although the scabbard undoubtedly saved his
life. The regiment fought against overwhelming odds, and
was obliged to fall back, but did it gradually, contesting every
inch of ground. On the 4th they were again in the trenches,
which they repaired and greatly strengthened. Heavy skir-
mishing was going on at the right and an attack was momen-
tarily apprehended, but the enemy was repulsed and held in
check, so it did not come near the intrenchments of the 60th.
" At this time Gen. Kane, of the 2d brigade, came down and
congratulated us on the completion of our breastworks, and
said he would like to see five thousand of the enemy attack
that position, held just by our regiment alone. Said he, 'I
have hi-ard of the valor displayed by you in the field yester-
day ; you were not contented to dance with the girls all day,
but had to go down below and smoke in the enemy. J' "
On July 2, 1863, the 60th moved towards Gettysburg, in
cnmmand of Col. Godard, with Lieut. Nolan acting adjutant,
and 10 line officers and 255 enlisted men in action. In the
battle of this day it captured 2 flags from the enemy, and 66
prisoners, including 2 officers. In the battle of the 8d 2 en-
listed men wore killed, Lieut. Stanton mortally wounded,
•|- Battle of Chancellorsville. Loss of regiment during the three days was 11
killed and 50 wounded and missing.
X li. A, Mi^rritt, regimental quartcrmastpr.
g.Ijn ruil nf (iuarri-;nni.ste ■ ^M'r.itt.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
479
and another lieutenant and 19 men wounded more or less
severely. On this day the 60th occupied position on the ex-
treme left of the 12th corps, joining the right of the 1st
corps. In the fight of the 2d 9 men were killed and 16
wounded.
Sept. 25, 1863, the 60th Kegiment was transferred, with the
12th army corps, to the department of the Cumberland, par-
ticipated in the battles of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain
(where it lost 5 killed and 32 wounded), and captured Gen.
"Walthall's sword, his battle-flag, 2 pieces of artillery, and
about 200 prisoners. At Missionary Ridge, Perine Creek,
and Ringgold, the regiment won high praise, losing in the
latter battle 4 killed and 13 wounded. It re entered as a
volunteer command Dec. 24, 1863, and served under Sherman
in the battles of Eesaca, Mount Hope Church (where it had
Skilled and 52 wounded), and Peach-Tree Creek, and it was
the first regiment to plant its banner over the court-house of
Atlanta, contesting for that honor in a race with the lUth
Pennsylvania Volunteers.
At Chancellorsville the 60th was in charge of Lieut.-Col.
Kedin"-ton, but in all the subsequent battles above mentioned
it was commanded by Col. Abel Godard. On the march from
Atlanta to Savannah it was commanded by Maj. Thomas
Elliott, and was one of the first regiments to enter the city of
Savannah, belonging, as it did then, to the 3d brigade, 2d
division, 20th army corps.
This regiment was proudly remembered at home as the "St.
Lawrence Kegiment," and no better tribute can be paid to it
than that embodied in the following letter, addressed to Gov.
Seymour by Hon. E. W. Judson, in transmitting its war-
worn flags to the adjutant-general after the re-enlisted "vet-
erans" had marched a second time to the defense of their
country :
" Ogeenbbdbo, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1804.
" To His ExcELiENcy Gov. Seimohb ;
" Ool. Godard, the able commander of the gallant 60th Regiment N. Y. Vet-
eran Volunteers, at the re-enlistment of his regiment and their departure ior
the seat of war, confided to my care their tattered and battle-scarred flag, to be
transmitted to our capitol and placed in the archives of our State.
" It may not be inappropriate for me to say that the brave men of the 00th
parted with their flag as from a friend indeed. When first they marched with
it to the field, they loved it for its brightness and beauty, and the kind feelings
that attended its presentation ; aud.as they bore it homo scarred and torn with
the hostile implements of war, their love strengthened into saoredness and de-
votion. It had been their companion through years of hardship and suffering;
for its defense many had fallen. It had waved its defiance to rebels on the
Moody fields of Anlietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Ring-
gold, and Lookout Mountain.
"The eoth was a regiment of bravo and noble men, and their record is with-
out blot. They have borne the brunt of battle and ravages of disease without a
murmur of discontent. Many, very many of their original number sleep with
the fallen on the battle-fields of the Union, and the noble veteran remnant of
that once large body of men oonfido to your care this monument of their glory
and record of their honor.
"With feelings of pride and pleasure I perform my trust, and in the name
of those heroic men who have gone again to fight the battles of their country,
and stand as a wall of fire between us and those who seek to destroy our goodly
land, I now commit, sir, this war-worn banner to your care.
" I have the honor to be,
"Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
"R. W. JUDSON."
78th INFANTRY.
Companies G and H of this regiment wore partially re-
cruited in St. Lawrence County. The organization of the
78th was commenced in the fall of 1861, by Col. S. Mc-
Kenzie Elliott, of New York, under the synonym of " Cam-
eron Highlanders." It was subsequently consolidated with
companies recruited by Gen. G. A. Scroggs, at Buff'alo,and by
Col. Daniel Ullman, for the Eagle Brigade, and took the field,
under the ofliicer last named, in the spring of 1802. Its regi-
mental organization was continued until July 12, 1804, when
it was consolidated with the 102d N. Y. Veteran Volunteers.
The 78th served with distinction at Harper's Ferry, in the
uctions of May, 1862, and at Cedar Mountain, Sulphur Springs,
Centreville, South Mountain, Antietam, Winchester, Chan-
cellorsville, Gettysburg, and several skirmishes in Virginia.
In the fall of 1803 it was transferred to llie west, and took
parts in the battles of Wauhatchio, Lookout Mountain, Kesaca,
Dallas, Lost Mountain, Pine Knob, Kenesaw, Peach-Tree
Creek, and Siege of Atlanta. Was one of the first regiments
to enter the city of Savannah; shared in the Carolina cam-
paign.
92d infantry.
This regiment was organized at Potsdam, St. Lawrence
County, and was made up principally of men belonging to
the county, although numbers enlisted from the adjoining
county of Franklin. The 92d left the State Feb. 17, 1862,
and that portion of it which remained to be mustered out re-
turned Jan. 10, 1865. The regiment was mustered in Jan. 1,
1862, and out, by reason of expiration of term of service, on
Jan. 7, 1865. It was engaged in 16 battles and in several
skirmishes and reconnaissances, and repeatedly received the
special commendations of its commanding generals for the
gallantry of its men. In its lists of engagements are num-
bered the following : Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Chickahora-
iny, White-Oak Swamp, Jones' Ford, Bottom's Bridge,
Charles City Cross-Eoads, Black Water, Kinston, Whitehall,
and Goldsboro'.
98th infantry.
This regiment was mostly made up of men from the coun-
ties of Franklin and Wayne, but contained a considerable
number of St. Lawrence County men. The regiment served
in the Peninsular campaign, and formed the advance-guard of
the 4th corps in the preliminary occupation of Seven Pines,
suff'ered severely in the battle of Fair Oaks, and was engaged
in the Seven Days' battles in the Wilderness. In December,
1863, it accompanied the expedition under General Foster to
South Carolina. Here it was consolidated into five com-
panies. In the winter of 1863-64 it re enlisted and came
home with General Ledlie's brigade, received several new
companies and recruits, and again took the field in the cam-
paign against Eichmond as a part of the Army of the James.
It was in action near Fort Darling (May 16, 1864), at Cold
Harbor (May 1, 2, and 3), and in several minor engagements,
and was the second regiment that entered the city of Eich-
mond on its capture. It was engaged at White-Oak Swatnp,
Drury's Bluflt, Gaines' Mills, Petersburg, Chapin's Farm, and
other and less important actions. The original members, ex-
cept veterans, were mustered out on the expiration of their
terms of service, and the balance, composed of veterans and
recruits, mustered out, in accordance with orders from the
War Department, on Aug. 81, 1865.
1G2D INFANTRY.
To this regiment, which was organized in the city of New
York, St. Lawrence County sent a few men. The 102d was
for a short time at Harper's Ferry, in command of Lieut.-Col.
William B. Hayward, afterwards commanding the 60th for a
time At Cedar Mountain the regiment was exposed to a
heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and lost 141 officers and
men in killed and wounded. At Antietam it was under hre
for four hours. At Chancellorsville it captured 3 ofBcers and
40 men, together with the color-sergeant and the battle-flag of
the 12th Georgia. At Gettysburg it was one of the New York
re<^iments that successfully resisted Ewell's corps, and left
more of the enemy's dead outside the rifle-pits than there
were defenders in them. In September, 1863, the regiment
accompanied its corps (the 12th) to N^shviUe, Tenn., and
subsequently took part in the battles of Lookout Mountam,
Missionary Eidge, Einggold, Eocky-Faced Eidge, Eesaca,
Dallas (w'here it was seven days and nights in the trenches,
and expended 20,000 rounds of ammunition), Altoona Bndge,
Acwor h Village, and Pine Hill. In this campaign the
480
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
regiment lost over one-fourth of its wliolo number of fighting
men. On July 12, 1864, about two miles from Atlanta, it
was consolidated with the 78th N. Y. S. V. (the new organi-
zation retaining the old number, — 102), united in the siege of
Atlanta, marched from Atlanta to Savannah, and served in
the subsequent movements of the army under the command
of General W. T. Sherman.
105th INFANTEY.
This regiment received but a small detachment of men
from St. Lawrence County, the recruits being principally
from the counties of Madison and Genesee. It was raised
in the fall and winter of 1861-62. It loft the State March 31,
1862, and, before it had been in the field nine months, partici-
pated in nine battles. It became greatly reduced in num-
bers, and was finally consolidated with the 94th N. Y. S. V.
106th infantry.
This regiment was organized at Ogdensburg, N. Y., to
serve three years, and was raised almost entirely in St. Law-
rence County. It was mustered into the service of the United
States Aug. 27, 1863, and participated in the battles of Pair
Oaks, Martinsburg, Wapping Heights, Wilderness, Spottsyl-
vania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Opequari,Pisher's
Hill, Cedar Creek, and numerous skirmishes. It was mustered
out of service June 22, 1865, in accordance with orders from
the War Department.
142d infantry.
This regiment was raised by R. W. Judson, of Ogdensburg,
principally in the counties of St. Lawrence and Pranklin. It
was mustered into the service of the United States Sept. 29,
1862, and on October 6, thirty-five days from the time re-
cruiting was begun, it left Ogdensburg for the front. Orders
had been received from the governor to march at ten o'clock
A.M., and to give notice that the regiment would leave at
noon. This was done in order to avoid a crowd. As it was,
those who assembled to witness the departure of the men
numbered 5000 or 6000. The regiment embarked on twenty-
eight cars, and proceeded to House's Point over the Northern
railway, thence by boat to Whitehall, and from there by train
to New York, where it was quartered in the City Hall park.
Proceeding to Philadelphia, it met with a warm reception
and was given a good breakfast. From Philadelphia the route
was via Baltimore to Washington, thence across the Long
bridge to Camp Chase, on the south west side of the Potomac.
After moving to Upton Hill, Munson Hill, and the Chain
bridge, it stayed at the latter place nearly a year, and was then
assigned to the command which engaged in the operations
around Charleston, S. C, and was transported to Polly island.
It was afterwards assigned to the Army of the James, under
Gen. B. F Butler. Col. Judson returned home, and in Feb.,
1863, N. M. Curtis was appointed to the command of the
142d. He was afterwards promoted to the rank of brigadier-
general, and the command of the regiment devolved upon A.
M. Barney. The 142d participated in the battles of West
Point, Cedar Creek, Chapin's Farm, Port Fisher, Drury's
Blufl', Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Port Gibson, and
numerous minor engagements. The men were mustered out,
in accordance with orders from the War Department, June 7,
1865. On their return home a grand reception was given in
their honor, and speeches were made by Gen. Judson and
others, and the occasion was one of much enjoyment.
164th infantry.
This regiment was organized in New York city, to serve
three years. The companies of which it was composed were
raised in the counties of New York, Kings, Erie, Niagara,
and St. Lawrence. It was mustered into the United States
service Nov. 19, 1862; participated in the battles of Suffolk,
Black Water, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Pe-
tersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station,
and Boydton Eoad, and was mustered out, in aooordanoe with
orders from the War Department, on July 15, 1865.
193d infantry.
This regiment was organized at Auburn, N. Y., to sei've
for one, two, and three years. The companies of which it
was composed were raised in the counties of Cayuga, Oswego,
Onondaga, Oneida, Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Franklin. It
was mustered into the service of the United States from April
6 to July 2, 1865. It was mustered out of service Jan. 18,
1866, in accordance with orders from the War Department.
2d ("BLACK HORSE") CAVALRY.
The second regiment of cavalry, known as the " Black
Horse Cavalry," was organized at Troy, N. Y., to serve three
years. The companies of which it was composed were raised
in the State of New York at large, Company D consisting
partly of men from St. Lawrence County. The regiment was
mustered into the service of the United States from Oct. 8 to
Nov. 6, 1861, and was mustered out, in accordance with
orders from the War Department, on March 31, 1862.
6th CAYALRY— "2b IRA HARRIS GUARD."
This regiment was organized at New York city, to serve
tliree years. The companies of which it was composed were
raised in the counties of New York, Dutchess, Columbia,
Rensselaer, Washington, Jefferson, Allegany, Broome, Mon-
roe, Steuben, and St. Lawrence, Company K being recruited
in the latter. The 6th was mustered into service from Sept. 12
to Dec. 19, 1861. The original members (except veterans) were
mustered out on the expiration of their term of service, and the
organization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in
service. On June 17, 1865, it was consolidated with the 15th
New York Cavalry, the consolidated force being known as the
2d New York Provisional Cavalry. The list of engagements
in which ihis regiment participated embraces the following:
South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania,
Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Middleburg, Upperville, Get-
tysburg, Brandy Station, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run,
Mechanicsville, Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Hawe's Shop,
Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar
Creek, Appomattox Station, Siege of Uichmond.
Hth CAVALRY— " SCOTT'S 900."
The companies of which this regiment was composed were
raised in the State of New York at large. Companies D, I,
L, and M were made up partly from men from the county of St.
Lawrence. The regiment was mustered into the United States
service in June, 1862. On the expiration of their term of
service the original members, except veterans, were mustered
out, and the regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, re-
tained in service. They were consolidated into a battalion of
four companies, and mustered out Sept. 30, 1865, in accordance
with orders from the War Department.
12th CAVALRY— "3d IRA HARRIS GUARD."
This regiment was organized at New York city, to serve
three years. The companies composing it were raised in the
counties of New York, Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Clin-
ton, Franklin, Oswego, Onondaga, Erie, and a portion of
Company B from St. Lawrence. The 12th Cavalry was mus-
tered into the service of the United States from Nov. 10, 1862,
to Sept. 25, 1863, and was mustered out, in accordance with
orders from the War Department, on July 19, 1865.
13th CAVALRY.
Companies G and H of this regiment contained men from
St. Lawrence County, while the balance of the regiment was
made up of men from the counties of New York, Albany,
Franklin, and Erie. The 13th was mustered in from Febru-
ary, 1863, to March, 1864. On June 23, 1865, it was consoli-
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
481
dated with the 16th New York Cavalry, and the consolidated
force known as the 3d New Yorlt Provisional Cavalry.
Among the engagements in which the 13th took part were
Aldie, Fairfax Station, Centrevillo, Culpepper, and Pied-
mont.
16th (" SPKAGUE LIGHT") CAVA.LKY.
This regiment was organized at Plattsburg, N. Y., to serve
three years. The members from St. Lawrence County be-
longed principally to Company T. The balance of the regi-
nieht was recruited in the counties of Clinton, Erie, Now
York, Westchester, Monroe, Oswego, and Rensselaer. It was
mustered into the United States service from June to October,
1863. June 23, 1865, it was consolidated with the 13th New
York Cavalry, the consolidated force being known as the 3d
New York Provisional Cavalry.
18th (" CORNING LIGHT") CAVALRY.
This regiment was organized at the city of New York, for
the term of three years. The companies of which it was com-
posed were raised In the counties of New York, Albany, Jef-
ferson, Lewis, Franklin, Herkimer, Erie, and a few men from
St. Lawrence, in Company L. The regiment was mustered
into the service of the United States from July 18, 1863, to
Feb. 3, 1864. On June 12, 1865, it was consolidated with the
14th New York Cavalry, retaining its original number (18th),
and remained in service until May 31, 1866, when it was
mustered out, in accordance with orders from the War
Department.
20th {"McClellan") cavalry.
This regiment was organized at Sacket's Harbor, Now
York, to serve three years. Recruits from St. Lawrence
County were assigned to Companies H and I, and the balance
of the regiment was recruited in the counties of Jefferson,
Lewis, Oswego, Onondaga, and Albany. It was mustered
into the United States service from Sept. 3 to 30, 1863. July
31, 1865, it was mustered out, in accordance with orders from
the War Department.
26th ("FRONTIER") CAVALRY.
This regiment was organized in the States of New York,
Vermont, and Massachusetts, under special authority from
the Secretary of War, to serve on the northern frontier for
one year. Five companies were raised in New York, in the
counties of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Clinton,
Essex, and Erie. The 1st and 5th companies contained men
from St. Lawrence County. The regiment was mustered into
the service from Dec. 29, 1864, to Feb. 22, 1865, and was mus-
tered out by companies from June 29 to July 7, 1865, in
accordance with orders from the War Department. The
duties of this regiment were light, and small squads were
stationed at different points along the frontier to watch sus-
])icioHS characters in the shape of rebel sympathizers, " bounty-
jumpers," etc., which infested especially the northern portion
of the State of New York.
IST ARTILLERY.
This regiment was organized at Elmira, New York, to serve
three years, and consisted of men recruited in the counties
of Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, Chemung, Steuben, Monroe,
Wayne, Erie, Niagara, Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, and
Herkimer. It was mustered into the service of the United
States from Aug. 30 to Nov. 19, 1861. The 14th New York
Independent Battery was assigned to this regiment Sept. 7,
1863. On the expiration of its term of service the original
members, except veterans, were mustered out, and the organ-
ization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in service.
• Battery D consisted principally of St. Lawrence County
men, and stands recorded as having participated with merit
in the following engagements: Yorktown, Williamsburg,
Seven Pines (battle of Juno 25, 1862), Peach Orchard, Savage
Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Freder-
icksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station,
Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolo-
potomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad,
Chapel House. The battery was mustered out, in accordance
with orders from the War Department, on June 16, 1865.
13th ARTILLERY.
This regiment was organized at New York city, to servo
three years. St. Lawrence County was represented by men
in Company G. The regiment was mustered into the United
States service from August, 1863, to September, 1864. The
organization was consolidated into a battalion of five com-
panies and transferred to the 6th New York Artillery June
27,' 1865.
14th ARTILLERY.
St. Lawrence furnished men for nearly every company of
this regiment, although volunteers were also raised for it in
the counties of Monroe, Jefferson, Lewis, Steuben, Oneida,
Livingston, and Cattaraugus. The regiment was organized
at Rochester, and mustered into the service of the United
States from Aug. 29 to Dec. 17, 1863. It participated in the
battles of Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar
Spring Church, Cold Harbor, and Hatcher's Kun, and was
mustered out Aug. 26, 1865, in accordance with orders from
the War Department.
16th ARTILLERY.
This regiment was raised and organized in the State of New
Y'ork at large, St. Lawrence County having volunteers as-
signed to Companies A, D, and H. The regiment was mus-
tereJ into the service of the United States from Sept. 28, 1863,
to Jan. 28, 1864, and was mustered out, in accordance with
orders from the War Department, on Aug. 21, 1865.
MEMORIAL DAY.
" And who is he for whom to-day
We group ourselves in grand array,
And on whose tomb these honors lay ?
What name incites this love of all ?
What deeds these sympathies enthrall ?
Why does his grave these tributes claim?
How has he linked himself to fame?
What did he do ? How did be die ?
List to the question and reply.
" Fell he in the front of battle,
Pressing through the deadly fight,
Breasting bold the musket's rattle,
Dashing On the bayonet bright?
Died he on the instant stricken,
Act and thought at once t
Leaving neither word nor token
As he sank to sudden rest?
" Dropped he on his hidden picket,
Smitten by a random ball ?
Crept he to the quiet thicket,
F.ir from reach of comrades' call ?
Died he then so lonely, aching.
Wrestling with his fearful-pain,
Moans alone the silence breaking.
Until all was still again ?
" Lay he like so many others.
Nursed by gentle woman's hand.
Where the wounded were as brothei-s
To the daughtoiB of the land ?
Sick and weary, though befriended,
Slowly sinking day by day;
Vain all skill ; his sorrow ended.
Did his soul thus pass away ?
i, » * * * *
'* Friend, I know not, and I care not;
Light I view the shrine of fame ;
He is crowned as monarchs are not,
Union SoLDiEtt was his name.
All this world contains of merit
This young hero died to save ;
All our children may inherit
Takes its title from his grave.
482
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"Bring then Nature's rarest token,
Garlands weave of varied hue,
For the lives so early broken.
For the men who died for you.
And forever and eternal,
While the fire of freedom burns,
Blessings pure and flow'rets vernal
Briglit shall rest upon their urns."
Gen. John Tuson, Quincy, 111.
The citizens of St. Lawrence County faithfully observe
" Memorial Day," and decorate with choicest flowers the last
resting-places of the fallen heroes who are turied in the
respective cemeteries. At no place in the county, perhaps, is
the day more sacredly observed than at Ogdensburg, and we
give an extract from the account of the proceedings at that
city on the occasion of the sixth annual observance of Deco-
ration Day, May 30, 1874.
"The work of the soldier is ended.
His limbs are forever at rest.
And, its hues with the foliage blended.
The grass billows green o'er bis breast.
Then tender we fears for the fallen,
And cover their tombs with bright flowers,
AVhose language speaks eloquent volumes
For these lowly-laid heroes of ours."
"At 2 P.M. the soldiers and sailors who had served in the
recent war for the Union assembled at the town -hall to the
number of fifty. Among them were four who hobbled on peg-
or cork-legs, and two with only one arm each." A procession
was formed of soldiers, civilians, and the Ottawa Independent
cornet-band, and in its midst were a fine American flag and
the battle-flags of the 106th and 142d Infantry regiments, all
draped in mourning. "The surviving soldiers hereupon their
shoulders each a large wreath of evergreen? and choice flowers,
and carried in their hands handsome bouquets." Proceeding
to the solemn tread of dead-marches, by way of Ford and State
streets, to the Ogdensburg cemetery, the exercises were there
opened with a dirge by the band, prayer by Kev. H. W. Beers,
D.D., and an opening hymn by the choir, after which the
graves of the following-named soldiers were decorated :
Jn Ogdensburg Cemetery. — Maj. S. N. Sherman, surgeon of
volunteers; Col. S. P. Judd, 106th IST. Y. ; Maj. J. S. York,
nth TJ. S. ; Capt. Stephen Cornell, IT. S. steamer "Chase;"
Adj. Ebenezer Bacon, 78th 111. ; Lieuts. James W. Hopkins,
Charles W. Shepard, and W. A. Merry, 106th N. Y. ; Lieuts.
Charles A. Vilas and R. F. Ewart, 142d N. Y. ; Lieut. James
Wheelock, 113th Ohio; Lieut. Charles S. Glass, engineer
steamer "Brooklyn;" 2d Lieut. Gardner B. Chapin, Co. B,
78th N". Y. ; Sergt. John S. Allen, 18th N. Y. ; Sergts. Frank
Bartlett, Kobert Shaw, and Otis C. Goodrich, 142d N. Y. ;
Private James Green, 16th N. Y. ; Privates Frank Jones,
David Lawler, and George B. McAuley, 24th N. Y. Cav. ;
Privates Kobt. Aust and Samuel Paine, 106th N. Y. ; Pri-
vates John S. Olmstead, Newell Abar, Charles Burt, Alfred
Pearson, C. Farnsworth, and Joah Seeley, 142d N. Y. ; Pri-
vate Andrew Truell, 8th Ind. ; Private H. Nichols, 14th N.
Y. Heavy Art. ; Private Louis Harbison ; Private A. A.
Kelly, 30th N. Y. ; Boatswain Aaron Silver, U. S. steamer
"Chase."
In Catholic Cemetery.— C-Apt. John Delaney, 60th N. Y. ;
Lieut. Austin Gibbons and Private George Hatfield, 24th N.
Y. Cav. ; Private Frank Goodness, 16th N. Y. ; Privates James
Spring and John O'Hagan, 142d N. Y. ; Private Timothy
O'Neill, 14th N. Y. Heavy Art. ; Private Joseph Monehan,
11th U. S, ; Private M. Ryan, 142d N. Y. ; Private John
McCall, 18th 111.; William F. McLaughlin, 142d N. Y. ;
George Mullany, U. S. steamer " Mississippi.
In Potter's MeM.— Private John Bishop, 142d N. Y. ; Pri-
vate William Stevens, 92d N. Y. ; Private D. McMurray, U.
S. steamer "Chase;" Lieut. Charles Monroe, 106th N. Y.
Fre7ich Cemetert/.— Private Philip King, 88lh N. Y. ; Pri-
vate John Marceau, 142d N. Y. ; Private Anthony Gokey,
10th N. Y. Art.
On returning to the speaker's .stand. Gen. R. W. Judson was
introduced, and delivered the following oration :
" Friends, — What mean all these scenes passing before us?
This music and song, these banners and flowers, this long pro-
cession, this mass of people, from prattling infancy to trem-
bling age, — man in all his strength and vigor, woman with her
sympathy and grace, — this solemn and impressive invocation
for a blessing from our common Father ? What mean these ?
The answer is in all our hearts :
" * Four hundred thousand men,
The brave, the good, the true,
In tangled wood, in mountain glen,
Lie dead for me and you I
Four hundred thousand of the brave
Have made our ransomed soil their grave
For me and you I
Good friends, for me and you I'
" Comrades, citizens I It is a mournful yet pleasing duty
we have assembled to perform. The brave men whose resting-
places we have just strewn with flowers have gone from among
us forever. But a few short years ago they went out from us •
in the full tide of glowing j-outh and vigorous manhood.
They took their lives in their hands, and marched at the call
of their countr}', to meet a powerful and brave, but alas! a
misguided and not always a generous foe. They, with thou-
sands of others, left us, and in southern prisons^ on the picket
line, in hospitals, and on hundreds of battle-fields they fell,
and they sleep the sleep that knows no waking. And all over
our broad and beautiful land, in every city and village, town
and hamlet, lie in deep and silent sleep the men who bravely
fought and nobly fell that you and 1 might enjoy the price-
less heritage bequeathed us by our fathers. Our purpose in
assembling here to-day is to honor the memories of those of
our country's defenders and martyrs who repose in this beauti-
ful city of the dead, and though they are far from needing our
help, yet it is a graceful and appropriate tribute of gratitude
that we to-day pay to their memories. For them their work
here is done. Their battles are all over. Some duties yet
remain for us, and we are now performing one of them.'
" ' And every patriot's heart will swell
"With thoughts no human tongue can tell.
As bending o'er each lowly grave
We pay our homage to the brave.
Should War's dread clarion sound again,
Their ears were silent to the strain,
And Freedom's voice no more can thrill
These pulseless hearts, bo cold and still.'
"There is a language more potent than words. Actions
often speak that which words strive to conceal. Labor, suf-
fering, and sacrifices speak the language of sincerity. How
have all these fallen proved their sincerity I How great the
sufiering I How noble the sacrifice !
" Surviving soldiers of the War of 1861 1 You do well to
be here to-day to devote at least one day in each year to per-
petuate the memories of those who stood side by side and
shoulder to shoulder with you on many bloody fields and
long and tedious marches. And while it was your lot to pass,
if not unharmed, at least with life, through the dangers that
surrounded you, it was theirs to fall. They gave all they had
for their country, even life itself. They acted on the principle
that
" ' Whether on the scaffold high,
Or in the battle's van,
The fittest place for man to die
Is where he dies for man.'
" What wonder that our dear land is so beloved by all her
own patriotic citizens, — that we all prize as a rich legacy the
privileges and freedom wo enjoy? If the old Roman could
so justly rejoice in the title of a ' Roman Citizen,' with how
much more of just pride and dignity can we exult when we
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
483
exchiim ^ I am an American CitizenP And to miiintftin our
rights and preserve our liberties, our nation, tliougli in its in-
fiinoy, has passed through throe long and cruel wars. First,
the War of '76,— the Eevolution, — for the establishment of our
Nation; second, the War of 1812, for the maintenance and
perpetuity of the liberties achieved in the Eevolution ; third,
and I trust the last, the War of 18G1, which all cannot forgot
to remember, — that for the suppression of the most gigantic
and cruel rebellion the world evi'r saw. The heroes of our
first war have all long since passed away, and they now live
in history and in the hearts of every American. Standing
upon the old battle-lields, we call the roll of honor, and the
hills reply that they have passed away I
*' ' That on old Bunker's lonely height ;
In Ti'entoQ and in Monmouth's ground,
The grass grows green, the harvest bi-ight,
Above each soldier's mound.'
" Of the many thousands of gallant men who participated
in our second war but few remain. Only two or three are
here to-day to honor, by their presence, this great occasion.
And here lie, side by side, the defenders of our country in
these throe great struggles for the rights of man. And I am
glad to meet so many of the noble men who left business and
pleasure, friends and sacred home, and, under the guidance of
a benign Providence, were the saviors of our Kepublic. It is
well that congress has appointed and set apart one day in the
year to this sacred duty, and that our legislature has made this
a holiday, and thus signalized it for this solemn purpose;
and may it never be forgotten I But as years roll by let this
sacrod duty ever be performed.
"'Cover them over, — yes, cover them over.
Parent, husband, brother, lover;
Crown in your hearts these dead heroes of ours.
And cover them with beautiful flowers.
Cover them over with beautiful flowcre, —
Cover them over, these heroes of ours.'
" Fifty-three resting-places of our heroes have been strewn
with flowers. Ah I how many chords of sympathy and love
are touched? Acquaintance, friend, lover, uncle, aunt, cousin,
brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, father, and mother
dear. Oh, how many hearts have been wrung with anguish
by the contemplation of the scenes by which we are surrounded I
Butthoughtsof the principles for which they fought and fell, and
the numberless blessings coming to us and ours, to our beloved
country, and to the oppressed and down-trodden of every land,
through their valor, tend to assuage our grief, and turn it into
half-joy, as we stand here amid these scenes, — the mournful,
half-suppressed song, the slow, measured notes, the muflSed
drum, the solemn prayer, numbers of comrades with us, some
hale and strong, but many feeble in health, broken in consti-
tution, unsteady in gait, battered and bruised, limbs shattered
and body pierced, many with empty sleeves, and others hob-
bling through life upon their crutches ; flowers and wreaths,
and crosses and bouquets, in rich abundance, strewn upon
these mounds, and- over each are bright emblems of that en-
sign under which they fought and conquered. And here,
resting so quietly now, are the precious old flags of two of our
gallant regiments, the 106th and the 142d,— gifts of affection
and love, — draped in the garb of woe for their fallen defend-
ers, always borne aloft, and under the shade of the glorious
old banners, pierced with bullets, and marred by hard service,
and while rallying around them many of your comrades fell.
All these speaU more than tongue can tell of the wonderful
events through which we passed in the gigantic struggle to
preserve our Union, and the debt of gratitude due to the heroes
of those times who survived the contest, and the martyrs who
scaled with their lives their devotion to their countrj'.
" And such scenes are at this moment being witnessed in
thousands of cities, and towns, and villages, and hamlets in
our land,— yes, from the Pine-Tree State, where the sun rises.
to the golden gates of Ciilifornia, the land of perpetual flowers.
Patriotism and affection of the purest kind, gushing warm
and fresh from the heart, are performing these sacred duties
of decorating the graves of the ' heroes of the Republic,' and
all, often searching in vain here and there among the mounds
'nameless,' or marked 'unknown,' not knowing where to
place the sweet flower or drop the tear in memory of the
loved and lost I All these scenes speak to us to cherish, as the
palladium of our country's glory, the liberties and blessings we
^"joyi purchased at so great a sacrifice of blood and treasure.
And oh, if it be permitted them to mingle in the affairs of
mortals here below, with what joy, methinks, do the sainted
spirits of our country's martyrs mingle in these sacred scenes,
bending, as it were, from the battlements of heaven to view
the sublime spectacle of a great nation bowing down at the
graves of their departed heroes I In all the dangers and perils
through which our beloved country has passed, happy is he
who can lay his hand upon his heart and solemnly say, 'I did
what I could for my country.' No matter what our calling,
our creed, our standing, or our official position, patriotism
knows no royal rank, no noble blood. All who ignore self,
whose motto is 'Ood and our country,' stand side by side upon
an upraised platform, in defense of right, truth, justice, and
the sacred and eternal rights of man. Such, pre-eminently,
were our comrades, whose memories we this day perpetuate.
Here lie our heroes, representing all arms of the service, and
every sect and creed and party, together in sweet repose ; hus-
band and father, son and brother, lover and friend, every name
enrolled high on the scroll of fame. And may the green
leaves and bright flowers which we have left on their lowly
mounds be symbols of the ever fresh and green and bright
memories in all our hearts, — of their wonderful achievements,
their heroic deeds, arid their glorious deaths.
" 'A debt we ne'er can pay
Totliem is justly due;
And to the nation's latest day
Our cliildren'B children then shall say.
They died for me and you.'
" Yes, —
" ' Four hundred thousand of the brave
Miide this, our ransomed soil, their grave.
For me and you,
Good friends, for me and you.'
" And here by the graves of our fathers, among the tombs
of patriots and statesmen, with their monuments looking
down upon us, and surrounded by warriors and heroes living
and dead, let us all renew our devotion to our dear old land!
Ye honored dead I A nation's benediction will be yours to
the end of time. May your gallant deeds, your toils, your
sufferings, and your sacrifices in your country's cause ever be
remembered by a grateful republic. Let your meniories be
cherished in the heart of hearts by every one rejoicing in the
proud appellation of 'American Citizen.' As years, centu-
ries, and ages march down the long line of time, your deeds
of valor and patriotism shall be held in grateful remembrance.
We thrice honor ourselves by honoring you who so heroically
fought, so nobly died. Kest in peace, ye honored braves!
Your work is done; you have fought your last battle; you
have suffered your last defeat; your last victory is won.
Heroes of '61, hail and farewell !"
After General Judson finished speaking, a closing hymn
was sung, the benediction pronounced, and the procession re-
formed and marched back to the city, where it broke up.
" The regimental flags borne at the head of the procession were
the same that were presented to the regiments mentioned,
near the close of the war, by the ladies of St Lawrence and
Franklin counties, where the regiments were raised, and were
never the property of the Slate. By mistake, that of the
106th was deposited in the military archives, at Albany, at
the close of the war. It was reclaimed by resolution of the
484
HISTOEY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUJ^TY, NEW YOEK.
legislature, and properly returned to the custody of the sur-
viving members of the regiment. The flag of the 142d had
been in the custody of General Barney, and appeared without
soil or blemish. It did not reach the regiment till the close
of the war^ and, consequently, was not taken into action. It
is believed these were the handsomest flags in the service."
EOSTER OF SOLDIERS.
16TH INFANTRY, N. Y. S. VOLS.
Thomas A. Davis, colonel ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Samuel Marshy I ieuten ant-col oael ;, enrolled May !15, 1861.
Buel Palmer, major ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Joseph Howland, adjutant ; enrolled May 15, 1861,
Arthur Dewirt, quartermastei ^ enrolled May 15,. 1861.
Wm. B. Crandell, surgeon ; enioUed May 15, 1861.
John H. Moore,. absistiiut-Burgeon ; enruUed filay 15., 1861.
Frederick A. Tapley, sergeant-major ; OLroUed May 15, 1861 .
Charles F. Moore, quarteraiaster-sergeaivt ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Howard B. Utter, drum-mHJori enrolled May 1£», 1861.
David Witherby, fife-major ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
CAPTAIN DAVID A. KEVINS COMPANY (A).
DaTid A. Kevin, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
peter K Yanne8S,lieuteniint ;, enrolled May 15,1861.
Charles L.Jones, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Isaac T. Merry, first sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Oliver B.FIaggj sergeant; enrolled May 15,1861.
Hill H. "Wilson, sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Michael Cos, sergeant ^ enrolled May 15, 1861.
Henry C. Spaulding, corporal : enrolled May 15, 1861.
"Wm. H. Daniels, coi poral ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
J. Newton Caiver^ corporal ; enrolled May 1.0,1861.
Henry V. K. PiUtereon, corporal ; enrolled Way 15, 1861.
"William Bean, musician ; enrolled. May 15, 1861.
John H. Stafford, musician ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bartlett,Frai>ei3 M., private - en-rolled May 15, 1861.
Bario, Jolin,piivate;, enrolled May 15, 1861.
Butler, Frederick A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Burgess, Thomas, priviite ;. enrolled May 15,1861.
Bewa, Alexander, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Blair, J. Charley private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brown,Elias^C., private;, enrolled May 15,1861.
Colvin, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Carroll, Henry, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cater, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Clements, J anies, pi'ivHte - enrolled Miiy 1&, 1861.
Cavanaugh, Charlesj private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Crowley, Dennis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cowan, Josepli, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Dixon, "William A., private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Doran, Isaac, private ; enrolled May 15,1861.
Dempsey, Michael, private;, enroHed May 15, 1861.
Edgar, Benjamin, private ; enFolled May 15, 1861.
Ellsworth, Delos, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Fallon, James, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Faveran, Alfred, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Freeling, Leopold M., private; enrolled May 15, 186T.
Godden, John, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Godden,Gleorge, private;, enrolled May 15, 1861.
Green, Charles S., private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Gri&wold,Boi»ert, private; enrolled May ^5, 1861.
Morton, James E., private; enrolled Miiy 15,1861.
Huntington, Cliarlea 'W.,.piiivate;, enrolled May 15,1861.
Hurley, Jaaaes A., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hill, Charles W., private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Johnson, James, piTrate; enrolled May 15,1861.
Lyon, John L., private ;, enrolled May 15, 18ai.
Merry, Henry, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
McClelland, John, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Marceau, Simon, private; enrolled May"l5, 1861.
Mitchelly J(jhn A., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Mitchell, John, private;, enrolled May 15, 1861.
MacBroonve, Simon, private;: enrolled May 15, 186T.
Myers, Joseph, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Nowland, Joseph, privato; enrolled May 15, 1861.
^lowland, Peter, Jr., private; enpoBedMay 15,1861.
Pops,James, private; enrollefl May 15,1861.
Pero, Michael, private,- enrolled May 15, 1861.
Payne, Charles A.,. Jr., private ; onsolled May 15, 18GI_
Quagan, James, private;, enrolled May 15,1861.
R.osp,<ieorge-S., private; enroUetl May 15^1861,
Kyan, Timotliy, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Kyan, John, piirate ; enroITed May 15, 18&1.
E-ussell, Stephen B., private; enrolled May 15,1801.
K')89, Thomas, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Itear8haw,FratK'is, private; enji-oHecl May 15, 1861.
Smith, Charles A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Symonds, FdwimI, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Service, Henry H,, private ; ennolh-d May 15, ISOlT
Swaitsfiger. John, private ; enrolled Mav 15, 1861.
Sul ivan-, Michael, private'; eiuolVd May 15,1861.
St'ong, David, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Trickey, Uenrv' C, private;, enrolled May 15, 1801.
Todd, James, private ; euroUed May 15, 1861.
"Weller, "Wflliam, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
White, Geurge, private ; enrolled May 15,1861.
Waterman, Erskine C, private; enrolled Mny 15,1861.
Wright, Robert, private ,- enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wall, James, piivate ; eurulied May 15,1861.
CAPTAIN JAMES- M. POMEROY'S COMPANY (B>.
James M. Pomeroy, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wilson Ilopkin-s, lieutenant; enrolled May "15, 1861.
George L. Eastman, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Genrge W. Marden, first sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
X<\\v\n C. Krrapp, sergeant; enrolled May 15,1861.
Jerome Eddy, sergeant; enrolled May 15. 1801.
Washington Marsh, sergeant; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Wm. KHcsselgravf, corporal; enrolled May 15,. 1801.
Charles N. Munson, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Roswell A. Darling, corjioral; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Alonzo Fuller, coiporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
James W. Itiihards, musician ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Joseph M. Church, musician; enrolled May 15,1861.
Barnes, Charles P., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Beach, Alva, private; enrolled Ma}' 15, 1861.
Baldwin, Benjamin F., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Botsford, William H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bottom, Henry, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Baird, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861,
Bradley, Aaron, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barclay, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barton, John, private : enrolled May 15, 1801.
Bradley, Orlando, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Collins, Enoa S., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Church, Mil*-8 F., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Call, Charles B., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cluff, Harvey, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Currier, Theodore F., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cornish, Allred, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Clark, George J., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Colin, Adin, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Davis, Theodore W,, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Desmond, Edmund, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Deshaviie, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Duukin, John S., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Folsome, Frank H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Fuller, Nelsun, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Follett, Martin G., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ford, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Goodrich, Isaac, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gladden, Loren, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Grennen, Miles, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861 .
Grennen, Francis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Grennen, William H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hume, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hutchins, Bradley G., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Johnson, Simon, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
King, Oliver B., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Laniere, Octave, private ; enrtjlled May 15, 1861.
Marden, Hector M., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Marden, Hart, privsUe ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Morton, Calvin, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
McFee, Alexander, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Nesbit, Matthew, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Noble, Alexander, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Page, Orlando B., private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Perry, Sherman C., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Packard, Truman H., private ; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Perry, Jdspph, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Powell, Julius H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Patterson, Abrain, p/ ivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Parker, John F., piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Perkins, Leonard B., private; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Raymond, Horace H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Seaver, Orrin D., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sprague, Pursho B., private ; enlisted May 15, 1861.
Smith, Abrnn, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Smith, William A., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sargeant, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Traver, Peter, private; eni-olled May 15, 1861.
Tilley, Hiram H,, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
White, George, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wilcox, James A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brewer, Dennis, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Chase, Joseph, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Lavine, Nelson, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Paredy, Francis, private ; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
CAPTAIN GEORGE PARKER'S COMPANY (D).
George Parker, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Albert M. Barney, lieutenant ; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Robert P. Wilson, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
William H. Walling, first sergeant; enrolled May 16, 1861.
William H. Morris, sergeant ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Frederick H. Haile, sergeant; enrolled May 16, 1861.
William W. Hutton, sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Orville R. Shipmnn, corporal; enrolled May 15,1861.
J. Harvey Winslow, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Samuel M. Whitney, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Harrison Mnin, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Thomas Parker, musician ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
James Barnes, musician ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ayers, Lucius J., private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Adams, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Babcock, George M., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barnes, Erwin H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Burr, Solomon, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Clark, John C, private; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Cole, Elliott, private: enrolled May 15, 1861.
Conistock, Irving, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Cunant, Charles H., private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Douscy, Richard H., private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Drown, George, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
DruT-y, Ira W., piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Eager, John E., i)rivate; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Fredenburgh, Ji,hn S., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Fredenburgh, Jason A., private; enrolled May 16,1861.
Fairbanks, Alden. private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Gardner, Charles I., private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Gale, Henry R., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gore, John H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Grothier, Edward, piivate; enrolled May 15, tSOl.
Hill, George. Jr., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hill, Thomas, private ; enrolled 3Iay 15. 1861.
Hines, Herman, private; enrolled Mav 15, 1801.
Hilts, Theodore W., private; enndledMay 15, 1861.
Holland, Daniel, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
HurelJ, Fiiink, private; enrolled May i5, 1801.
Jenne, Charles H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Johnson, D. Ward, private; enrolled Mny 15, 1861
Jones, David, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Jones, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Lashbrooks, George N., private: enrolled May 16 1861
Lyndo, James H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
485
MHrsliall, Jobii, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Mitchell, James 51., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Monthrop, George 11., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
McClelland, Madison, private; enrolled May 15, 1801,
Mc.Comba, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
O'Connell, Matthew, private; enruUed May 15, 1861.
Parkinson, John N., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
I'erig, Truman, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Pettice, Miles, private; enroUedMay 15, IbCl.
Pool, Kzi-a James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Quill, David, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Kayniond, Lewis S., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bice, John W., private ; enroUod May 15, 1861.
■Robertson, James H., private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1.
Robinson, Henry E.., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bogera, John W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Scott, Kdward K., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sliaver, Andrew J., private ; enrolled May 15, lh61,
amith, Charles M„ private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Smith, B, Orlow, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Stom,Bnidford, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sneni, Charles, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Tie, Michael, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Tliayii, John, private; enndled May 15, 1861.
Thayer, Robert, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Thiiyer, William, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Tompkins, Ansel W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Van Ornum, My^n, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Whitford, Sydney A„ private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wiei', William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wing, John M., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wood, "Virgil 0., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
.CAPTAIN JOHN C. GILMORE'S COMPANY (F).
John C. Gilmore, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
X John A. Vance, lieutenant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Joseph Holbrouk, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Henry T, Sanford, first sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Heury H. Adams, sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Smith S. Thomas, sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Asiiph Dodge, sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1^61.
William R. Helms, corporal ; enrolled May 15, ls61.
Bliss Holliday, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Warner J. lirvin, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Julius R. Whitney, corporal ; enrulled May 15, 1861.
John Dike, musician ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
John Crowley, musician ; enrolled May 15,1861.
Abbott, Sylvester, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
^danis, John, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Adams, Williams, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Allen, William D., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Allen, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
An^ted, Charles W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Austin, Oliver, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Butler, Loren, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bruce, Joseph Ji., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Berdick, James D., private ; enrolled May 15,1861,
Briiwnal, George C, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brown, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Baugal, Elick, piivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bichup, Kdwin 11., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Butterfteld, John W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brace, Samuel G., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barnhart, Alexander, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Caidmal, Joseph, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Uopeland, Edward, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cunninghaui, Giles N., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Couk, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
OroBsman, Edgar, private ; enrolled May 15,1861.
Grossman, Edward, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Devlin, Isaac, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Dove, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Day, William W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
EUerson, Leander, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
J'rary, David, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Farrell, Timothy, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Fuller, David A., private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Fulton, James M., private ; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Griswold, Reuben B., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gladden, Alonzo L.. private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gwin, Allen A., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Goodcourage, William, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Griswold, Robert B., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hodgskins, Charled H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Howard, Lyman, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hodges, Nathan S., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Holliday, Henry, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hodges, Zimri, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Harvey, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hammond, Hiram C, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hai-vey, Calvin, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Holbrook, Edward, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ives, Charles, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Kelly, Levi, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Kellerson, Andrew, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Lalone, Joshua, piivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Love, George J., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ploof, Pe:er G., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Potter, Lutherian, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Roach, David, private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Richards, Danus, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sharp, Joseph, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Stevens, Sidney, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Shales, Robert J., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sbaugbnessey, David, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Trudell, Franklin, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Webb, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
.Woodruff, Elard A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Washburn, Henry C, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wait, Martin, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
.Woodard, Uoran T., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
CAPTAIN N. MARTIN CURTIS' COMPANY (H).
N. Martin Curtis, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Simon C. Vedder, lieutenant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
William L. Best, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
John I-I. Austin, first sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Edwin O. Betts, sergeant; enrolleil May 15, 1861.
Leo L. I'atriilge, sei'geant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Andrew C. Bayne, sergeiint; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Daniel Auutin, Jr., corporal ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Julius C. Bishop, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Charles Wickwire, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
James Murphy, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Charles S. Blood, musician ; enrolled Slay 16, 1861.
Charles B. Jillson, musician; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barney, William, private ;. enrolled May 15, 1861.
Baxter, Samuel, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bostwiuk, Emerson, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barker, John L., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Barton, Louis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861,
Breyam, Louis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Backus, David, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Benpoii, Amos H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bant'ord, David, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Durham, RoUin, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ballantine, Hugh, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brown, George, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Curtis, Thomas W., private ; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Deinpsy, Robert, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Dclack, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Dean, Amos H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Elliott, George B., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Earl, George, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861,
Fleetham, George H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Forsyth, George H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Fieli'iston, Thomas, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Goodison, Benjamin, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gtiodison, Jtihn, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Gore, William E., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Grenier, Ctdestier, private ; enrolled May l-"^, 1861.
Gardiner, Charles H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hulett, Edwin H., private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Hyde, Abel, Jr., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Hicks, William I., private; enrolled Mny 16, 1861.
Heely, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Haygete, John, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Johnson, Gilman L., private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Keeley, Robert, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Kennedy, Andrew, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
King, George W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Liscom, Rodolphus, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Laro, Francis, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Mills, Henr.v, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
McRelvey, James, private ; enrolled May 16, 1861.
McDaniel, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Merrice, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Matoon, Vincon, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Mayne, William, privHte ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Orlena, Knpbael, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
O'Connor, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Pierce, Charles, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Parker, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Parau, Louis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Parsons, Joseph, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Putnam, Thomas B., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Patim, Adolphus, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Phillips, Elisha, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Roberts, Joseph, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Russell, John F., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Raven, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Stephen, Thodon, private; enrolled Msiy 15, 1861.
Simmon, John, private; enrolled May 16, 1861.
Turner, Denny, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Washburn, James H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Warden, Samuel, private ; enrolled Mny 15, 1861.
Weston, Joseph H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wallace, William F., private ; enrolled May lo, 1861.
Wamoth, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Worless, George W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
CAPTAIN WARREN GIBSON'S COMPANY (H).
Warren Gibson, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1861-
Alanson M. Barnard, lieutenant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Archibald S. Tucker, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 1»G1.
Alex. D. Kimberly, first sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
William Nolan, sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Francis U. Clark, sergeant; enrolled May lo, 1861.
Orrin W. Elmore, sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861.
James M. Hamilton, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
James Guriey, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
David McAllister, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Harris R. Durkee, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Isaac G Ribus, musician; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Daniel Sails, musician ; enrolled Mny 15. ISJl-
Adams, Lorenzo, private; enrolled May 15,1861.
Berry, Charles 11., private; enrolled May lo^ 1861
Breckenridge, James F., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Brown, George M., private ; enrolled May 15. 1861.
Be-lell, Eari, piivate ; enrolled M»y 15, l»61.
Brimming, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Bell, John, private; enrolled May 15, 18bi.
Bradley, Chester A., private ; «p™Bed May 15, 1861.
Bush, Joseph, private ; enrolled May 15> 1«61.
Collins, Daniel, private; e?™}'^^ ^'^y ^^'Xli. ....
Cniik-hank, Hugh, Jr., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Cooper, OrviUe, private; enrolled May lo, \f\-
Coon. Jonathan A., private; «"^?"^^„f^!^y ^Vef
Coon, Boswell B., private; enrolled Mn.v 15, 1861 •
Corbau, Cassius B., private; ^"^^^^^.f *yi^'/,^.f\s6i
Converse, Jeremiah P., private; enrolled May lo 1861.
Daniels, Martin W., private ; ^n^o led My lo, 1861.
Downey, Robert S., private; enroled May lo 1861.
Eldrid!?e, Orrin. private; enrolled ^ay 15 .IS^g^-^
Edwards, George, private; «"'-°>'?f ,^£i iS 1861
Finch, William H., private; ^"^^^ij^^J^^-^Sfll
Graved, Ira R., P'^^^^e; enrolled May 15,1861
Gaffney, Barnard, private; enrolled May 15, \f\
rCburi, Darwin A., private; ?Xv'l6 1861 '
Hayes, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
486
niSTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOEK.
Haywood. Elien A., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Irish, Corles D., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Lewis, David J., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Lacourae, Jacob, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Locke, Andrew J., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Lawber, Nelson, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
McEwin, Nelson, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Morrill, Willis, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Marsh, Joel M., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Magin, Loughlin F., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Miller, Cornelius, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Norton, William W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Osgood, Leroy B., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Pelsen, Norrel 0 , private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Page, Peorril P., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Pierce, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Rockwood, Levi, private: enrolled May 15, 1861.
Runions, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Keed, Stephen L., private; enrolled May 15, 18C1.
Kicbards, Hiram S., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Reynolds, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Ross, Roswell, Jr., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Russell, Isaac A., private; enrolled May 15, 1801.
Sumner, Clark H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sartwell, Levi, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Sharp, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Strong, George W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Spears, Charles D., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Storrs, Henry [t , private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Smith, George E., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Thayer, Moses A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Trupell, Nelson L., private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wight, George A ., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Webster. SamnelW.. private ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Woolcott, J. Willard, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Walstone, Rnfn-i, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wilkins, George L., p"ivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Willdns, Riley E , private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
Wilkins, Ephraim, private; enrolled May 15, 1861.
18TH REGIMENT RECRUITS.
Ale.\ander, Robert, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdcnsburg.
Brown. Daniel, private; enmlled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdenpbnrg.
Blaisdell, Aliram, private; enrolle.l Oct. 17, 1861, at O^^densburg.
Conway, Michael, piivatu ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Ogdensbnig.
Denning;, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Diuss, Ashbel, private ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Eitch, William, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Fagot, Adolphus, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Goodel, Thos , private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hasbon, Chas. William, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Haler, Winfield Scott, private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Haakins, Joel, private; eurttlled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McCoon, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McDonald, Archibald, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Richards, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pierce. Richard, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Palen, Robert, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tonkin, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
50TH INFANTRY (STUART'S REG'T INDEPENDENT VOLS.).
Edward C. James, adjutant; enrolled Aug. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
CAPTAIN WM. 0. SMALLEY'S COMPANY (B).
Elkanah F. Shaw, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Proiity, Luther H., private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.'
CAPTAIN BOLTON W. O'GRADY'S COMPANY (D).
Mack, James, private : enrolled Sept. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Walling, Robt. R., private; enrolled Aug. 3", 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wand, Philip, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Wells, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN PORTIUS C. GILBERT'S COMPANY (Pj.
Richardson, Jas. F., private; enrolled Aug.24, 1861, at Potsdam,
Richardson, Seth F., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ricliarrison, Hiram H., private; enrolled Aug. 24, 1861, at Potsdain.
Soper, Lewis E., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN EDWARD 0. BEERS' COMPANY (H).
John B. Caldwell, corporal ; enrolled Aug, 17, 1861, at Canton.
Biundt, Frederick, private; enrolled Aug. 31, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Burnham, Henry A., private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chamberlain, James, private; enrolled Aug. 12,1861, at Potsdam
Dainey, Chas., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Duryee, Orrin A., private; enrolled Aug. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hartford, Dennis M., private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1861, at Potsdam
Hindman, Andrew W., private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg
McCarthy, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Martin, George W., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1861, at Pot-dam
Page, Lorenzo S., private; enrolled Aug. -ZZ, 1861, at Potsdam.
Palmer, Ezra C, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
60TH INFANTRY.
Wm. B. Hayward, colonel ; commissioned Oct. 25, 1861; resigned Jan 8 186''
George S.Green, col.; com'd Jan. 18, 1862 ; promoted to brig,-gen April 28 1862
Wm. B. Goodrich, col. ; promoted from lieut.-coL May 13, 18G.J- died Sept 17
1862, of wounds received at Antiotam. ' ^ • »
AbelGoddard, coL; promoted from major Dec. 31, 1862; dis. Sept 13 1864
Winslow M. Thomas, col. ; com'd capt. Nov. 2, 1861; promoted to major Dec
30,1862; to lient.-col. Jan. 11, 1864 ; to col. Oct. 1, 1864; not mustered- re-
signed April 3, 1865, '
Lester S. Wilson, col. ; com'd 2d lieut. Oct. 3, 1862; promoted to adj Nov 17
1862 ; to capt. Aug. 2,1864 ; to lieut.-col. Oct. 1, 1864; to col May 17 1865 ■
notmustered; mustered outwithregt. July 17,1865; brev bno-'gi-n U S v'
Charles R Brundage, lieut.-col. ; com'd maj. Nov. 2, 1861; promoted'to lieut-col"
May 13, 1862 ; di.scharged Nov. 6, 1862.
Jolin C. 0. Redington, lieut.-col. ; com'd capt. Nov. 2, 1861 : promoted to lieut -
col. Dec. 16, 1862 ; dis. July 18, 1863 ; brevet colonel U S V
Abner B. Sbipman, lieut.-col.; com'd 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 1861; promoted t^ 1st
^'Ta^^'''}1 %' ^^"^ = ^" '^^P*- ^'"''' "• ^^^2 ; to maj. Feb. 28, 18G5; to lieut -
col. fliay 17, 1865 ; not mustered ; mnsti-red out with regt. July 17 1865.
Michael Nolan, lieut.-col.; com'd let lieut. Feb. 25, 1861; promoted to capt.
July 20, 1863; to maj. May 17, 1865 ; to lieut.-coL June 5, 186.> ; not mus-
tered as m)j. or Ueut-col. ; brevet major U.S. V. ; mustered iiut with regt.
July 17, 1H65.
Bihvard C. James, major; com'd May 13, 1862; promoted to colonel 106th N. Y.
Vols. Aug. 29, 1862.
Thos. Ell iott, major ; com'd capt. Nov. 2, 1861 ; promoted to maj. Jan. 23, 1864 ;
resigned Jan. 17,1865.
Rollin C. Gale, adjutant; com'd Nov. 2, 1801 ; promoted to captiiin and a. a.-g.
Aug. 25, 1862.
Loren W. Fuller, adjutant; com'd Oct. 31, 1864; promoted to capt. Feb., 1865;
mustered out with regiment July 17, 1865,
Edwin J. OIney, adjutant; coiu'd Feb. 18, 1865 ; mustered out with regt, July
17, 1865.
Robt. A. Church, ailjutaut; not mustered as adjutant.
Edwin A. Merritt, quarternia<tei-; com'd Nov. 21, 1861; discharged June 30,
1864; brevet major N. Y. Vols.
John Scholl, quartermaster; com'd Aug. 2, 1864; mustered out with regt. July
17. 1864.
Dewitt C. Pei'ry, quartermaster; not mnstered as quartenmxster.
James S. Gale, surgeon, commi-sioned Nov. 11, 1861; discharged Jan. 17, 1863. ■
Henry B. Whiton, surgeon; com'd Feb. 17, 1863; inustered out on expiration
of term of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
Smith H. Mapes, surgeon ; com'd Nov. 21, 1864 ; mustered out with regt July
17. 1865.
Wm. B. Chambers, assist, surg. ; com'd Nov. 2, 1861 ; discharged March 4, 186-J.
Chas. H. Burbeck, assi'st. surg. ; com'd Aug. 8, 1862 ; promoted to surgeon 102d
N. Y. Vols. Nov. 4, 1864.
John E. Comfort, assistant surgeon ; commissioned Dec. 27, 1864 ; mustered out
with regiment July 1, 1865.
Richard Eddy, chaplain; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861; discharged Feb. 17, 1863.
William Montgomery, captain ; com'd Nov. 4, 1861 ; discharged Feb. 8, 1863. '
Duncan M. Robertson, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. Nov. 17, 1862: capt.
Feb. 25, 1863; discharged Feb. 2, 1864.
David Day, captain ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861; resigned Aug. 9, 1862.
John Snyder, captain ; commissioned 1st lieut. Nov. 2, 1861 ; capt. Nov, 17, 1862;
resigned Jan. 29, 1863.
John Delaney, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. Nov. 2, 1861; capt. Feb. 25,
1863; mustered out on expiration of service Oct. 31, 1864.
Patrick H. Brockway, captain; commissioned 1st lieut, April 14, 1864; capt.
Feb. 18, 1865; niusten-d out with regiment July 17, 1865.
James Young, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. Nov. 2, 1801; capt. Feb. 5, 1863;
mustered out on expiration of service.
Volney M. Carter, captain ; commissioned Feb. 5, 1863; resigned May 31, 1863.
William H. Fitch, captain; commissioned July 20, 1863; brevet lieutenant-
colonel N. Y. Volunteers; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1865.
William H. Hyde, captain; commissioned Nov. 2, 1801; dia. Jan. 29^ 1803.
Percy S. Sindair, captain ; com'd 1st lieut. Nov. 2, 1861; capt. Feb. 25, 1863;
mustered out on expiration oC service Apr. 11, I860; brevt-t maj. U. S. V.
Alfred W. Skiff, captain ; commissioned Ist lieut. Feb. 18, 1865; not mustered as
captain ; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1805.
Hugh Smith, captain ; Cfimmissioned Nov. 2, 1861; mustered out ou expiration
of service Oct. 29, 1864.
Lelfert L. Buck, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. Aug. 2, 1864; capt. Feb. 18,
1805; brevet-raajor N. Y. V.; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1805.
James W. Ransom, captain; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861; dis. Feb. 2, 1863.
Oreon M, Foote, captain; commissioned let lieut, Nov. 2, 1861 : capt. Feb 26
1863; discharged Nov. 22, 1864.
James Brown, captain ; commissioned 2d lieut. July 20, 1803; 1st lioiit. Oct. 9,
1863 ; capt. Feb. 18, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1805.
Jesse H. Jones, captain ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; discliarged Jan. -^i?, 1801.
Thomas Hobart, captain ; commis'iioned 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 1861; 1st lieut. Feb.
5, 1863 ; capt, April 14, 1804; brevet lieut.-col. N. Y. V. ; mustered out with
regiment July 17, 1865.
Edwin R. Follett, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. Oct. 31, 1864; capt. July 5,
1805 ; mustered (mt with regiment July 17, 1865.
Benjamin R. Clark, Ist lieut. ; died Aug. 5, 1862, at Little Washington, Va- of
disease.
Norris M. Dickenson, 1st Kent. ; commissioned 2d lieut. April 9, 1802 ■ 1st lieut
Oct. 3, 1862; discharged Feb. 14, 1863.
Darius A. Nash, 1st lieut.; commissioned Feb. 18, 1865; mustered out with
rcg.ment July 17, 1805.
James Hurst. l-.t lieut. ; commissioned 2d lieut Nov. 2, 1861 • 1st lieut Nov 17
1862; resigned Jan. 29, 1863. ■ ■ »
Henry FaiTell, 1st lieut ; conmiissioned June2, 1863 ; discharged July 27, 1863.
Cliarh^s B. Murrell, 1st lieut ; commissioned Feb, 18, 1866 ; mustered out with
regiment July 17, 1805,
Edwin H. Partridge, 1st lieut; commissioned; nut mustert-d.
James M. King, Irit 1 eut; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; resigned Nov. 15,1802.^
Eugene Diyen, 1st lieut; commits oned Dec. 2, 1862 ; resigned Oct 2, 1864. ■
George F. Ryan, 1st lieut; commi&sioued Dec. 19, 1864: mustered out with
regiment July 17, 1865.
Myron D. Stanley, 1st lient; commissioned Feb. 25, 1863; died July 7 1863 of
wounds received at Getty.-.burg, Pa,
John C.Wilson, 1st lieut; commissioned Oct 9, 1863; killed near Galgothe,
Ga.. June 18, 1864. fa »
Lewis F. Carnithon, Istlient; commissioned July 20, 1803; dis. Aug. 26, 1864.
Edward ^L. Crane, 1st lieut; commis:=ioiied ; not mu.^tered.
DennisG. Seeley, Istli^-ut; commissioned 2d lieut July 20,1863: 1st lieut Oct
9, 1863; discharged April 5, 1865.
E. B. Stancliflf, 1st lieut; commissioned July 5, 1805; not mustered
Lormg E. Wliite, 1st lieut; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861; died of disease July
'^6, 1802, near Little Washington, Va.
Mitrccllus L. Fitch, 1st lieut.; comuii.'fsioned 2d lieut Nov. 2, 1861: 1st lieut
Oct. 3, 1802; discharged Feb. 21, 1863.
Steward G. Corni.^h, 1st lieut; comniisMoaed June 2, 1861; brevet major U. S.
Volunteers; discharged April 20, 1805.
Williiim S. Gurley, 1st lieut; commissioned June 30, 1865; not mustored.
Guy l-Iogan, 1st lieut. ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; died of disease Aug. 4. 1862,
ii(*;ir Little Washington, Va, s 1 »
■^^"l'-^,*l^^"'^'"'"i' ^^* ^^*'"*- ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; died of jJisease March
8, 1802. near Baltimore.
Edward A Rich, lat lieut; commissioned 2d lieut April 9, 1862; IstlieutNov.
17, 1862 ; resigned March 6, 1863,
James E, Kidaey, 1st I ieut ; commissioned 2d lieut. Nov, 17, 1862 ; Ist lieut July
■nr- I ' niiistered out on expiration of service Oct. 31 1864
William C, Lewis, Ist lieut; commissioned July 5, 1805 ; not mustered.
George Newman, Ist lieut,; commissioned July 26, 1865; not mustered.
LMngdon Clark, 2d lieut. ; commissioned Nov. 17, 1862; discharged Feb. 21, 1863.
^dwardU Crane, 2d lieut; commissioned June 30, 1865; not mustered.
Ph^rr'^T?- J""^' u"; ^'^ of »*■ ' '^oniniissioned July 15, 1865; not mustered.
Charies H. Houghton, 2d lieut,-, commissioned Nov. 17, 1861 ; res. Mar. 5,1863.
John R. Mills, 2d lieut. ; commissioned June 30, 1805 ; not mustered
W m S m a" m V"'*"' ^V\^,^^-[ '^"'"missioned Feb. 5, 1863; dis. April 12, ISO'i.
Gfoige M. Glea.on, 2d lieut ; com'd Nov. 2, 1861 ; discharged Nov. 27, 1802. ,
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
487
Stephen Adams, 2(i lieut. ; com'cj Dec. 27, 1862 ; difcliarged April 22, 1863.
Horace T. Smith, 2d lieut. ; coni'd June 30, 1865 ; iKjt muste ed.
Hosea C. Eeynolds, 2d lieut. ; com'd Nov. 2, 1861 ; died of diHea>.e at Wa.sliiiie-
. ton, D. C, Octol.er 24, 1862. ^
Edward Sinclair, 2d lient. ; comM Juno 2, 1S63 ; not muatered.
Jay Fairbanks, 2il lieut. ; com'd July 5, 1866 ; not mustered.
Milton r. Spencer, 2d lieut. ; com'd Nov. 2, 1861 ; resigned Juno 26, 1862
Edward Donnelly, 2d lieut. ; com'd July 6, 1865 ; not mustered.
John Dundon, Jr., 2d lieut.; coni'd November 2, 1861 ; dis. February 21, 1863
Byron T. Bordwell, 2d lieut. ; com'd June 2, 1863 ; discharged Nov. 3 1863
Henry A. Castle, 2d lieut. ; com'd June 30, 1866 ; not mustered. '
Charles H. Dickenson, 2d lieut. ; com'd Oct. 3, 1862 ; dis. Novemlier 30, 1862
Jolin H. Ingram, 2d lieut. ; coni'd December 20, 1862; dis. ffebruary 21, 1863.
George Newman, 2d lieut. ; commissioned June 30, 18Go ; not mustered.
Gardner Smithj 2d lieut. ; commis^sioned July 16, 1865 ; not nmstcred.
Lyman M. Shedli, 2d liout. ; com'd November 4, 1861 ; resigned June 123, 1862.
A. G. Luther, 2d lieut.: commissioned July o, 1865 ; not mustered.
Samuel Kichards, 2d lieut. ; commissioned June 30, 1866 ; not mustered.
KEGIMBNTAL BAND.
Wright, Henry S., principal musician ; enrolled Oct. 3, 1861, at Ogdensbiirg.
Bonner, James M., musician ; enrolled October 3, ISOl, at OgdeusLjurg.
Ciiburn, George W., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ugden-buig.
Crowley, John F., musician ; enrolled September 0, 1861, at Canton.
Conway, Henry, musician; enrolled Octobers, 1861, at Ogilensburg.
Packard, Dwiglit C, musician ; enrolled October 3, 18B1, at Ogdeiisburg.
Bies, George K., musician ; enrolled September 11, 1861, at OgdeiisLiurg.
Biu'toii, 'William H., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensbut-g,
FoUett, Marvin M., musician ; enrolled October -1, 1861, at Ogdenslturg.
Gieen, Sanford A., mus.cian ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Millis, John L., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pasha, Peter S.,musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
'Wood, John A., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cair, Thomas, musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kirkliam, Henry E., musician ; enrolled October 3, 18(il, at Ogdensburg.
LockwooJ, Edward L., musician ; enrolled September 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McClellan, Lewis, musiciiin ; enrolled October 3, 1861; at Ogdensburg.
White, Melvin J., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hamel, Augustin, musician ; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM B. GOODRICH'S COMPANY (A).
William B. Goodrich, captain, enrolled September 9,1861, at Canton.
Beiljaniiu R. Clark, first lii'Utenaut, enrolled September 9, 1S61, at Canton,
William Montgomery, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled St-ptember 9, 1861, at Canton.
Langdon Clark, 1st sergeant ; enrolled Seittember 9, 1861, at Canton.
Lester S, Wilson, 2d sergeant; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
M. H. Crowley, 3d sergeant ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
D. M. Robertson, 4t!i sergeant ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
N. M. Dickenson, 6th sergeant ; enrolled Si'ptember 9, 1861, at Canton.
William H. Fitch, Ist corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
B. A. Chrrch, 2d corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
H. R. Byron, 3d corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Leffert Buck, 4tli corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
S. W. Smith, 5th corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
'William M. Brooks, Gth corpoi-al ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Abiam Fisk, 7th corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Henry F, Tanner, 8th corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton
Aldous, Stephen, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Allen, Theodore, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Abel, Charles C, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Bissell, Linden, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Bissell, Charles V., private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Bissell, Elliott, private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton,
liniseaen, Peter, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Blount, Silas P., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Bunney, Walter B., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Balcoiie, M. K., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Barber, Charles B., private ; enrulled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Crane, Edgar L., private ; enrolled October 5, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Crowley, Patrick, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
CooD, S. H., private ; enrolled Septemlier 9, 1861, at Canton.
Crowley, John F., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Clark, Otis E., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Covey, Henry, private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Carpenter, 'Winfield S., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Clianey, Richard B., private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Carsun, Andrew, private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Cliamplain, Fred. J., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Caiit'in.
Chamberlain, C. C. F., private; enrolled September 9, 11^61, at Canton.
Cagle, Nelson F,, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Cooke, George L.. private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Cleland, Thomas, private ; enrulled Septemlier 9, 1861, at Canton.
Chaney, James B., private ; enrolled September 0, 1861, at Canton.
Dailey, James T., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Dupra, Lewis, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Dupra, John, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Davenpt,rt, Albert, private ; enrolled Septemlier 9, 1861, at Canton.
Ellis, John, private ; enrulled September 9, 1861, at Canton.
Eiislow, S.las H., private ; enrolled September 9, 1S6I, at Canton.
Kliiier, Russell S., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Fitch, James C, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1H61, at Canton.
Fiiiley, Edward S., piivato; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Ford, Edgar W., private ; enrolled Sejit. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Cray, A. P., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
GeUi, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Gates, Luther L., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton,
Havens, E. G.., private; enrolled Sept. 9,1861, at Canton.
Hart, David E.,priv,if; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Harlow, Hiram, Jr., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Haskell, Samuel, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton ,
Harper, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Kellogg, Georgo H., private; enrolled Sept. 9,1861, at Canton.
Kelley, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Lasier, .loseph, Jr., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801. at Canton.
Lusello, Sunmcr W., private ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton.
Liickwood, Daniel B., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Lagnoa, Lewis II., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
McCorniic, James, private ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
McKee,Eloii G,, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
McMonegal, Jame.'', private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
fflcDonal, Dougal A,, private ; enrolled Seiit, 9, 1861, at Canton,
McEwin, Lewis, priv.ite ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
North, Edwin D,, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
Olin, Winslow N., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Preston, John C, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Perry, De Witt C, private ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
1 elton, Henry E,, private ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1801, at Canton
larker, Dean, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1661, at Canton
lenningtoii llonry, piivato; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Robinson, Albert C, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton
Mobinsoii Erwin W., jirivate ; eniolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton.
Royal, William H,, private ; enrolled Sept, 0, 1861, at Canton,
Robinson, James A., private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1801, at Canton,
Kooe, lllderkiu, private ; enrolled Sept, 23, 1861, at Camp Wheeler,
bbepard, Onn, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Stom, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton,
Sturtevant, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 18C1, at Canton,
bniith, Wallace, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton
Stevenson, Ezekiel W„ private; enrolled Sept.U, 1861, at Canton.
Steplienson, Pbilo, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton.
Smith, Horace T., private: enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Severance, Charies H., private; enrolled Sejit. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Shanaliun,Tbomiis, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton.
Seevey, Jidiiisoii, private ; enridlrd Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Tilley, William N,, private; enrolled Sept, 9, ISOl, at Canton,
Taplin, William 0,, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1801, at Canton,
Tupper, Lyman, private; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
Thompson, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
Whittbrd, Ira B., private ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
Worden, John S., pi ivale ; enrolled Sept, 9, 1861, at Canton,
White, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton,
Wait, Forrest H., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton.
CAPTAIN DAVID DAY, JB.'S, COMPANY (B .
David Day, Jr„ captain ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Jidin Sn.vder, iiist lieutenant; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensbnrp,
James llinst, second lieutenant; enrolled Sept, 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg,
Charles H. Houghton, first sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogden.-burg.
George W. Newman, serge.mt; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensbuig,
E. F, Fishback,scrfieant; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at 0;idensi.urg.
John Sberwin, sergeant; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Wilbur E, Sterling, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Charles S. Cnniining, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbui g,
Daniel Corbitt, corpiiral ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at t)gdensburg,
J. M, Roberts, corpnral; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
John Loan, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Abraham D. Lawyer, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10. 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Edwin 11. Katridge, coiporal; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
George H. Kniglits, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
De Eloert Ruunds, drummer ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Norman House, filer; enrolled Sept, 18, 1861, at OgdensOnrg.
Silas W, Diiy, wagoner; enrolled Sept. 10, 18(il. at Ogdensburg,
Aylwai d, James, priv.ite ; enrolled Oct, 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Bolton, Eugene E,, private; enrolled Sept, 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brasie, George, private; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brasie, Alonzo, private ; enrolled Sept, 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Ballou, Miron S,, private; enrolled Oct, 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bishop, George, private; enrolled Oct, 21, 1861, ut Ogdensburg,
Clements, David, private; enrolled Sept. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Congor, Noel W,, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Cuniiingbam, J, H,, private ; enrolled Sept, 10. 1861. at Ogdensburg,
Cammongs, Joseph A,, private ; enrolled Sept, 27, 1861, at OgdensOurg.
Charter, Nelson, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Daily, Samuel, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Dana, David B., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Delong, Chester, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Delong, Mial E,, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Dorigan, John, private; enrolled Sept, 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Duncan, John, private ; enrolled Oct, 21, 1861, at Ogiieiisbiirg.
Downey, Thomas J., private; enrolled Oct, 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Foster, 'Theodore, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fishbaclc, Simeon, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Finley, .-Mvin, private; enrolled Oct, 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Farder, John, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Graves, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hicks, Artemas E,, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Houghton, George W,, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Hyde, Alexander, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Hyde, Martin, private; enrolled Sept, 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Johnson, William, private; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
King, John, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Lake, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lake, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mason, David G., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
McGregor, John, private; enrolled Sept. 30. 1801, at Ogdensbuig.
Mead, Michael, private; enrolled Sept, 20, 1861, at Ogdeusliurg,
More, Harrison, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Peck, Luther, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbuig.
Quinlin, James, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbuig.
Raven, James C, pi ivate ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Raven, Jeremiah, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Ross, Stephen, private; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Rounds, Joseph, priv,ate; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Russell, Martin, private; enrolled Sept. 10,1861, at Ogdensburg,
Sayer, Charles, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861 , at Ogdensburg,
Sbapn Francis, private; enrolled Sept, 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg,
Sisson' Charles H., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Smitbers Glasgow, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Sober Thomas H., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Storiing, William, private; enrolled Oct, 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Trnnibull Corydon, private; enrolled Sept. 26, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Valley Peter, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ward Willard, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdenslinrg.
Ward' James, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wells George private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Washburn, Simon, private; enrolled Sept. W, 1«61 at Ogdensburg.
Washburn Alonzo, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Willaon Robert J., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
■Works Wright, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Works Luci° n, private; enrolled Sept, 10, 1801, at Ogden.=bnrg,
Wright James, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Ward, Augustus, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
OAPT-AIN JOHN 0. 0. EEDINGTON'S COMPANY (Cl.
John C. 0. Eediiigton, captain ; enrolled Sept. in, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Janes Young, first lieutenant; enrolled Sept, 1(1, 1801, at Ogdensburg
Smas H "ba'rt, second lieutenant; enrolled Sept in, 1861 at Ogdensburg,
George Olitik, first sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Georle W H II, sergeant ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdc^tisburg
Geole M Eastman, sergeant; enrolled Sept 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
lohn White sergeant; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
S^iemiafw ley, sergeant; enrolled Sept, 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
488
HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
John E. Willson, corpornl ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbiirg.
Thomas Phillips, second cuiporal; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbiirg.
Lyman A. Rose, third corponil ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
John W. Burns, fourth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Anthony Weaver, fifth corporal; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lewis Thoma.s, sixtli corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
George F. Ryan, seventh corporal ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Benjamin Austin, eighth corporal; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Joseph Pickert, musician ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Henry W. Powers, musician ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Janii's Yordin, teamster; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Backus, Sylvanus, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barber, Lyman, private; enrolled Sept 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
liarney, John H., private ; enrolled Sept. lu, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Breen, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brown, Stephen S., private; enrolled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Burdick, Stephen F., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Burnham, Amos H , private; enrolled Sept. SO, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barsee, Allen, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bush, Nathan, private ; enrolled Sept. 2'i, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brewster, Chir es, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Carlisle, IBenjamin, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Churchill, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 4, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Collins, Martin D., private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Collins, Walter E , private; enrolled S^-pt. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Corbin, Sylvanus, private; enrolled Sept. 2:j, 18CI, at Ogdenaburg.
Crawford, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clark, Chiirles, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Drum, Henry W., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Dinsmore, James M., priviite ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Dygert, Killer, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Elderkin, George E., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Enslow, George R., private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fitch, Frederick M., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdent^burg.
Fox, George W., private ; en tolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fox, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gates, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, att)gdensburg.
Glazier, J:ibez, private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Goodwin, George It., piivate ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gourley, William S., private; enndled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harder, Charles J., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Haskin, Gideon, private; enrolled Oct. 4, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Hnynii, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Holliday, David, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hyde, Norman, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Knox, Lewis J., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Lamphear, Seymour G., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Larselle, John A., private ; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lesnre, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Lewis, Francis C, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lyon, David H., private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Macia, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McDaid, Lyman D., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mclntyre, William A., private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McWilliams, Harvey, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Morrison, David, private; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mitchell, Harrisnn, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensbuig.
March, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lewis, James, privjtte; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Niel, Chauncey, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
O'Niel, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Petrie, George, piivate ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Petrie, Jo-seph, private ; enrolled Sept. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Petrie, Marcu-!, private; enrolled Oct. 4, 1861, at Ogdenabuig.
Reed, William J., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 18C1, at Ogdenaburg.
Robinson, John F., private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Rock, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861^ at Ogdensburg.
Schuyler, Orvilic, private; enrolled Sept. 28, ISOl, at Ogdensburg.
Severance, Gershom, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, sit Ogdensburg.
Sherman, George, priviite; enrolled Sept. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sibbits, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 18G1, at Ogdensburg.
Soper, Levi M., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Starr, Julius M , private; enrolled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
St. Jame;*, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tyler, Lafaytt*', private; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogden.sburg.
Van Tassell, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Vroman, Norman, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Willis, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Warner, Benjamin F., priviite; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
WHtson, George, private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Edward, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Worden, Horatio N., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 18C1, at Ogdensiuirg.
Yerden, Solomon H., private; enrolled Sept. lo, 1861, nt Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN WINSLOW M. THOMAS' COMPANY (D>.
Winslow M. ThomjiB, captain, enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
James M. King, first lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. '
George M. Glea-^on, second lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Volney M. Carter, first sergeant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdenslinrg.
Stephen Adams, second sergeant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William W. Clark, third sergeant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Loren W. Tiiller, fourth sergeant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg."
Joseph Stephenson, fifth sergeant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.'
Thomas Ivors, first corpoial ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensi)urg.
David Robinson, ancond corporal ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lorenzo Cramer, third corporal ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William W. Dawson, fourlh corporal ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Willard R. Witherell, fifth corporal; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ozias Noble, sixth corpora! ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Isaac S. Cramer, seventh corporal ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Joseph Colton, eighth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John K. Gray, musician ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sylvanus J. Titus, musician ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdenslinrg.
Allen, Asa, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Annis, George, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogilensburg.
Ayres, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Ayres, Martin, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bennett, George, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bromaglin, Alexander, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Brill, Nelson L., private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Brill, Oliver P., private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bullock, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barnes, Horace, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Billings, George, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brown, John, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brown, Donald, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cavenaugh, Jamea, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clark, George R., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cardinell, Franklin, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cardinell, John, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Carpenter, Geo., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Carpenter, Noah, privat(i; enrollei Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Comstock, Lewis E., private; enrolled Sept. 12,1861, at Ogdensburg.
Colton, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Casey, Thos., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cole, Jas. M., private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Daniels, Learider, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Erles, Wm., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Flack, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Furgeraon, Milo, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Furgerson, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Furgeraon, Israel, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gleason, Luke, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Geer, Aarnn, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gavlin, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hoffman, Nicholas, private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Havens, Wright, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hutchinson, Richard, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hai-mer, John, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harris, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lamphear, Edwin, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lillie, Joseph N., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lawrence, Manson, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lawton, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lawton, Wm., private; enrolled Sept, 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Lawson, Gates S., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
King, George W., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Knapp, Solomon, private; enrolled Sept, 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Manchester, Gordon S., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McAllaster, Jesse, piivate ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Morgan, AsaG., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Miller, Moses, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Makee, William, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Merihew, Chas. 15., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Meriihue, Valentine, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Moore, Jerome D., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Morrill, Chas. B., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nelson, Edward, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Nelson, Robt., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Norman, Silas C. F., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
North, Norman, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Oliver, Wesley, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Platney, Oliver L., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Palmer, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Rockwell, Levi, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Rice, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Richards, Samuel E., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reed, Edgar, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reed, Livingstone, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Scott, Philo, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Streeter, Jamea, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stafford, Jabez, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
SafFord, George, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Taylor. Richard, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tnimblee, Wm., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tupper, Sylveater, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wella, Abraham, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wells, George, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wells, Joel, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, nt Ogdenaburg.
Wirt, Albert, private; enrolleil Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wood, Silas, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Wellington, Saral. A,, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wethertl, Darius B., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861. at Ogdensburg.
Wflls, Constant, private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bach, Enos, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Robinson, David, private ; enrolled Oct. 16. 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gleason, Henry, private; enrolled Oct, 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. HYDE'S COMPANY (E).
Wm. H. Hyde, captain ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, nt Ogdensburg.
P. Shelly Sinclair, 1st lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hosea C. Reynolds, 2d lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Myron D. Stanley, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, 186], at Ogdensburg.
Joseph How, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Loreston Fellows, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wm. Park, sergeant; enndled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
James 0. Raymond, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Henry N. Page, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Emory A. Thompson, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbui^.
Wm. H. Kimpton, corporal; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William H. Bentley, corporal; enrolled Sept 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Page, M. Evins, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Benjamin K. pei igo, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lewis E. Benware, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John N. Ferris, corporal; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Allen, Hiram E., private ; enrolled Sept. 19, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Annett, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Berry, James M , private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Burns, Timothy, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Burns, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barton, Levi J., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brand, Albert L., private ; enrolled Sept. 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bigelow, Anson D., private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brayton, Job, private ; enrolled Oct. 1. 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Briggs, Allen, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Blake, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Curtis, Oliver, private ; eniollod Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Oanifield. Henry F,, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Collins, Steplien, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chase, Oliver, private; enrolled Sept 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cheany, Charles, private; enrolled Sejit. 10, 1861, nt Ogdensburg.
Coopy, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cheany, George, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Call, John M., private ; enrolled Sept. 2 \ 1861, at Ogdensburg
Cheneauvert. Antoine, private; enrolled Sept, 20. 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Cornish, George G., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Chase, Homtio M., private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburff
Clark, Leonard, private; enrolled Oct, 2, 1861, at Ogdensbure
Curlia, John, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensbnrc
Crocker, Marshiill, private; enrnlted Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensbure
Davenport George H private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Daily, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNT F, NEW YORK.
489
Baterbrooks, ■William, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Earl, Wm. H. H., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, ISGl, at Ogdensburg.
Gage, Luther S., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gooia, Frank, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, iit Ogdensburg.
Graves, Fayette, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Greene, Lewis, private; enrolled Sept 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Greeno, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gallagher, Francis, private; enrolled Sept, 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gabrn, William, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Goodrich, Zeb., private ; enrolled Sept. 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Handley, James, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Herichy, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Hinman, Benjamin, private ; enrolled Sept, 20, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Hoyt, Alfred, private; enrolled Sept. 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hathaway, Hiram J., private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogilonsburg.
Lee, Newell F,, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
lee, Lewis L., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Low, Eufua G., privatt* ; enrolled Sept. 20. 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lamson, Tyler A., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mooran, Barnard, piivate; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Melvin, Samuel P,, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Moony, John, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Morehead, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mahar, Philip, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
MulhoUand, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mahan, Edward, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensbui-g.
Mortlemer, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Place, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Park, Charles N., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Prairie, Oliver, private; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Place, Hiram, private ; enrolled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Bamsdell, Robert, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
KussbU, Deforest, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Baustin, Theodore, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Biley, John, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Steinberge, William, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
St. Antonie, Gilbert, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Somers, Austin, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Somera, Benjamin C, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Silsbee, James A., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sancomb, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, Andrew, private ; enrolled Oct, 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sabins, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, Gardner, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stancliflf, Riifus R., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Skeels, William C, private ; enrolled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Sherdon, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Skiff, Alfred N., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tiiro, Frederick, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Thompson, Seth R. C, private ; enrolled September 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wasburn, George, private ; enrolled September 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wood, Frank, private ; enrolled September 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Willcox, Alonzo H., private ; enrolled September 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Willard, Charles D., private; enrolled September 25, 1861, at Ogdensl)urg.
Weller, Henry 6., private ; enrolled October 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wolohan, Benjamin, private ; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN THOMAS ELLIOTT'S COMPANY (F).
Thomas Elliott, captain ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
John Delaney, 1st lieutenant ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Milton F. Spencer, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
George B. Elliott, Ist sergeant; enrolled October 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Michael Nolan, 2d sergeant; enrolled September 13, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Louis F. Carnathan, 3d sergeant ; enrolled September 13, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Jay R. Fairbanks, 4th sergeant ; enrolled 1861, at Ogdensburg.
David W. Giffen, 5th sergeant ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
John M. Warden, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
James R. Fifield, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Daniel W, Smith, corporal ; enrolled September 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
filisha R. Turner, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Jacob Schuyler, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
John C. Hydron, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
James Oonklin, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton,
Edward Donnally, corporal; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William P. Hulett, musician ; enrolled October 7, 1861, at Heuvelton,
Mortimer Stevens, musician ; enrolled October 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Matthew Leonard, wagoner: enrolled October 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Adams, W. John, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Adrian, Hugh, private ; enrolled September 8, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Ames, Lucas B., private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Allen, Ira, private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bagott, Joseph, private; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Boyd, Thomas, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Barker, William J., private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heiivelton.
Bayett, Louis, private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bayett, Stephen, private; enrolled October 14, 1861, atOgdensbuig,
Barber, Alvin, private ; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Besett, Joseph, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clark, John G., private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Chilton, James B., private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Cozins, Clark, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Oozins, Carlton B., private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cleland, William, private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cloland, George, private; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chambers, Thomas, private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chambers, James, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
w)ffee, Anthony, private; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Donnelly, Edward, private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Downs, John W., private ; enrolled September 13, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Downs, Hannibal, private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Daniels, Harvey, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Durham, Adam, private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
JSgleston, James, private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
^redingburg, Russell, Jr., private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
J|armer, Brayton, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
j; annegan, John, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
J annegan, Hugh, private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
^lask, Harrison, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
wulfoil, Martin, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton,
wdon, William H., private; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
^nmshaw, John, private; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
■gibbons, Patrie, private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
«otham, John, private ; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
J-uiliI, William A,, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
neath, Henry F., private; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
neath, Sylvanus, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Havens Henry, private; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Jlavorstock, Charies A., private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Head, Moaes, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton
KelliBon, John, private ; enrolled October 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Keyse, John, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Kennedy, John, private; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg
McDonald, William, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Mfthony, Peter, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton
Mill, Joanes M., private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Murphy, James, private ; enrolled October 20, 1861.
Pruuso, Fred. W., private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
1 runer, Alexander, private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Palmer, Henry S., private ; enrolled September 12, 18G1, at Ogdensburg
Paye, John F., private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Robinson, James, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Ryon, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reavas, John, private ; enrolled Sept, 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reid, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Reilley, Francis, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Beise, Clark S,, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stephens, Hiram, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Santo, Antoine, private ; enrolled Sept. 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Santo, Charles, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Stewart, George, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdenslmrg.
Stewart, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sayers, George, private; enrolled Oct, 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stone, Newton, private; enrolled Oct, 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stork, Ira, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Spring, Matthew, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Smithers, Albert, private; enrolled Sept. 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Thayer, Elisha, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Thompson, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Turner, Dana, private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861,
Wriglit, John, private; enrolled Sept. 7, 1861, at Heuvelton.
Waliath, Albert, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
"Waymouth, Charles, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN HUGH SMITH'S COMPANY (G).
Hugh Smith, captain ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Orson M. Foot, first lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
John Dundon, Jr., second lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Matthew Johnson, first ser^-eant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Miidrid.
Cornelius Foot, second sergeant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Andrew J. Lomiss, third sergeant; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Solon R. Bird, fourth sergeant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid,
Dennis G. Seeley, fifth sergeant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, atMadrid.
Gardener How, first corporal ; enrolled Sept, 11, 1861, at Madrid.
William Miller, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Charles Horton, third corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Lyman Wilson, fourth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
James E. Miller, fifth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Charles E. Dana, sixth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
James T. Merzs, seventh corpoiul; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Charles Thompson, eighth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
John R. Welsh, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Adams, Albert, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Arney, John, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Algnard, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Boyce, William G., private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Ciimp Wheeler,
Boland, John, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Bordwell, Byron T., private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler,
Bremner, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Bromley, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Barnard, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Gamp Wheeler.
Bird, Owen, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Borzee, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Madrid.
Curry, Alexander, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Caple, Marvin, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Corbino, Luis, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Corey, Samuel, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wlieeler.
Corey, John, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler,
Champion, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Dundon, Patrick, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Dane, Joseph H., private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Darfsee, Napoleon, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Doran, Edmund, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Forley, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Grant, George, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Giunt, Norman, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Gardener, Louis, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Graham, Archibald, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Hatch, John C, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Hediling, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept, 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Hepburn, Arthur, private; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Isner, Adolphus, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Johnson, Isaac, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Jolinson, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Jordin, Wm. C, Jr., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Keenan, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Caoip Wheeler.
Lavier, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Lytle, Albert E., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Lytle George, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Laybery, Htram A., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Lewis W. Clinton, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Lanway, Louis, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Lockwood, Edward L., private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Mead, Hiram, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Murry, Felix, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
McNemarra, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
McNeman-a, Robert, private : enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Camp Wlieeler.
McCloud Norman, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
McDowell Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
McCabe, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
McNalley, John, private; enrolled Oct. ^1, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Miller, Datus, private ; enrolled Sept. 29, 1861, at Camp "Wheeler.
Morrison, Danford, private ; enrolled Sept. 29, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Miller, Samuel, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Myres Simon, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Nichols, Benjamin, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Rickey, HoracG, private; eurollodbept. , ■ „ . ..
Roice, Albert, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
Rnsai, Louis private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Ma.!ri(l.
Sa in lore OliVcr W., private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid.
490
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Shannon, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 18G1, at Camp Wheeler.
Shaen, Ashley, private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Camp "Wheeler.
Sutton, Alhert, private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Camp Wliecler.
Smith, Robert, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Short, ThoB. C, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Turner, Hug^h, private ; enrolled Oct, 5, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Tomlinson, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wliecler.
Taylor, Benjamin F., private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Turner, Henry C, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Wilson, Leonard, private ; eni-olled Oct. 26, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Wait, John S., private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Whitney, Ephraim, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Woodley, James E., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Camp Wheelei-.
Woomack, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Wright, Ephraim L., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Wilson, Alexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
Welsh, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Camp Wlieelcr.
Ward, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler.
CAPTAIN JAMES M. RANSOM'S COMPANY (H).
James M. Ransom, captain ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburp;.
Loring E. White, 1st lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Marcellus L. Fitch, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chaa. H. Dickinson, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John Ingram, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, atOgdensbuig.
John C. Stearns, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
P. H. Brockway, sergeant; enrolled Oct 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wm. H. Finch, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John McAvoy, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harmon Wilson, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
James Cox, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Jacob H. Wisher, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bennett Gannon, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John Maglone, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensbni-g.
Alexander F. Hubbell, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogden-sburg.
Amos G. Luther, corporal; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wm. T. Masury, musician ; enrolled Oct. 17, 18G1, at Ogdeusbuig.
Geo. W. M. Masury, musician ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Alvah S. Howes, wagoner; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ayres, Philetus, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Aller, Alfred L., private ; enrolled, Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ackerson, Daniel M., private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Blanchard, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brooks, Benj. F., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdf-nsburg.
Buckman, Hiram H., private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barcomb, Touaant, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bruce, Wm., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bond, Lester M., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bully, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Baker, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clark, Wm., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Curtis, Chas., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chase, Robt. A., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cain, James, private ; enrolled Oct, 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Dixon, RoUin, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Dukett, Edward, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Davis, Alvey, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Denacore, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ebare, David, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Guinnuss, Arnold W., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Guinnuss, Andrew A., private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Huckins, John A., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hayward, Moses M,, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hayford, Jesse, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harding, Washington C, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Heuel, Paul, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harbison, Frederick, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kirby, Thaddens, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kelly, Martin, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lasua, Silas, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Long, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
LatouDtain, William, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Lezott, Baptist, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Long, Samuel, private; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
La Blue, Alexander, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lavanway, David, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lapage, Alfred, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lafountain, Oliver, private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mobs, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Moss, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Miller, Frederick, private; enrolled Sept, 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Myers, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mayo, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Malhinch, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Monett, George, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Megin, James, pi-ivate; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nichols, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nichols, David, private; enrolled Oct, 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Neill, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
O'Connell, John, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pasaenay, Solomon, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdnnsburg
Porter, Edwin H., private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Powers, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 18G1, at Ogdensburg.
Ploof, Georgea>rivate; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pray, Albert H., private; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pickle, John, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Premo, Benjamin, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Rider, Sidney, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Rubadeau, Michael, private; enrolled Sept, 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Rubadeau, George, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. *
Rogers, Andrew, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Rogers, James, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stone, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stacy, Percy, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tees, William, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Trudell, Bossell, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Thurber, James H., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tryon, Myron M., private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Traner, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensbui-g,
Upton, William, private; enrolled Sept, 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Upton, Edward, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Vanghan, Albert, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Allen, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wells, Chauncey, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
White, James E., private; eni'olled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Welch, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdoufbui-g.
Witherell, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg."
CAPTAIN JESSE H. JONES' COMPANY (I).
Jesse H. Jones, captain; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Guy Hogan, first lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Rollin C. Gale, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
James Brown, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Edgar A. Kent, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chauncey B. Wood, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fred Hoxsie, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Jarvis P. Blount, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Joseph King, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Thomas J. Stearns, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Charles Grey, corporal; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William Leahy, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fred. S. Winslow, corporal; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nelson Daggett, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Truman Hamlin, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lewis Peck, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sanford Blaisdell, fifer; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
William W. Knowlton, drummer; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Edgar Curtis, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bashaw, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bashaw, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Blaisdell, Addison, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Barnes, Jonathan A., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Babcock, Laban, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Brownson, James M., private; eui'oUed Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogden^burg.
Curtis, William H., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Courtney, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
ChiifFer, Cliarlee P., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
ChafTer, Nelson J., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensbuig.
Curtis, Lyman P., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Chase, Nathaniel P., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
DeCarr, David, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Daggett, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
De Carr, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Davis, Henry N., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Eldridge, Edwin, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fiske, Aaron, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fiske, Bateman, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensbtirg.
Fiske, Rufus, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Flanders, Richard, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Forbes, Samuel, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Fairfield, Antoine, pi-ivato ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Grifiin, Levi C, private ; enrolled Sept. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Gray, Francis L., private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hartsen, Palmer, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Holmes, Nelson, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Harvey, Jonathan, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Humphrey, Wesley, private ; enrolled Oct. 12,1861, at Ogdensburg.
Johnson, FoUett, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kimball, Hollis D., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kirby, Charles, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Leahy, Dennis, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Le Brake, Samuel, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Larama, Andrew, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Malia, Patrick, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Morgan, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McCarty, Timothy, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Murphy, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Murphy, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McDonald, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McCauslin, William, private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Meacham, Washington, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nash, Darius A., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Nobles, Judson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pease, Chauncey O., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Pease, Cyrus, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Poquet, James, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Peck, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pt'ase, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pettes, Richard R., private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Quagin, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Remington, Horace, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Rising, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reagan, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Shedd, Lyman M., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sanford, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Shampine, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sheldon, Philo, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, Henry J., private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sweeney, John, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Shampine, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Townsend, Amaaa R., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tyner, Richard, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Whitman, David P., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
. Waist, Charles E., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wood, Angus, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wiird, Myron, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdenabnrg.
Whitman, Hiram, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wilbur, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN ABEL GODARD'S COMPANY (K).
Abel Godard, captain ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Richville.
Henry C. Eastman, first lieutenant; ourolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Abuer B. Shipman, second lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Richville.
Edward A. Rich, first aorgeant; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Kichville.
John S. Parker, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
James E. Kelaoy, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John 0. Conlin, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdeusbiirg.
John Dwane, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
John R. Mills, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Richville.
Wm. M. Ludd, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Richville.
Ebenezer Peck, third corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Martin H. Haywood, fourth corporal; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Oedensbuig.
George Newell, fifth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Daniel R. Freeman, sixth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Artemas.Steenberge, seventh corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenal)uri
Henry A. Parker, eighth corporal ; enrolled Oct, 6, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Charles P. Davis, musician ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861. at Richville.
Gideon W. Ellis, musician ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Joseph Preston, teamster; enrolled 1861, at Ogdenabnrg
AldouB, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Angus, John, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 18G1, at Ogdenai urg
Austin, Jared, private ; enrolled Oct, 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Balon, Sylvester, private; enrolled Oct, 19, 1861, at On-dcnsburg
Barker, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Riciivilln
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
491
Bivrnhart, Elijah, iiriviite; enruUed Sept. 25, 18G1, at Ogdensburg.
]31ancbard, Klihu, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdyn.s))urg.
BuUia, Mariaus, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Iliciiville.
Bowen, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Buttles, Hiram W., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ugdunsburg.
Bruce, Allen, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogilonsburg.
Bruce, Orlin 0., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Boyed, Robert, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Castle, Henry A., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdonsl)Urg.
Catura, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensbiirg.
Chapin, Joseph, pvivate ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Oorlin, Jamea, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Carrier, Israel, private : enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdeusbui-g.
Chanibei-s, Harvey, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Chambers, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdoiisbui-g.
Cieflin, Oscar, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Crawford, Levi, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Currier, Hugh, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Danton, Ozro 0., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Richville.
Doarn, Simeon, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Duffy, Francis, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Daily, K. H.. private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Daniels, Benjamin E., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Daniels, Alphonzo, private ; onroUed Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Ellis, W. Peter, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Ersou, John, priyate ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Fielila, James F., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at EichviHe.
Fellett, E. K., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Force, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Forward, John L., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Ford, Myron S., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Force, Curtis, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Griffis, Enoch P., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Kichville.
Gleason, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Bichville.
GiUin, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Gurley, William D., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Hickey, Michael A., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Hicks,' Samuel S., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
How, David H., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbui-g.
How, Webster L., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Harrington, Lorenzo C, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Heywood, Ephraim, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hudson, Darwin A., private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Hanks, Leicester, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Liskum, Washington, private ; enrolled Sept. 25,1861, at Ogdensbui-g.
Lull, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Luden, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Luuway, Joseph H., private.
Meiicham, Holey E., private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mayhew, Joshua, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Maaon, Edmund, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Merritt, Joaeph, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Miller, William, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Maaou, Lester, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
MuQBon, Philo A., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Miller, Alexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Perry, John W., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Page, Frank S., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Preston, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Potter, Lewis, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pprry, James T., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Eush, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reed, Darwin, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bowley, H. B., private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stewart, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stoddard, Silas, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Snllivan, John 0., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Sheldon, Harmon, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Stevens, John D., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Shampine, Lewis,, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Tripp, Busaell, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Thomas, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wheelock, Gideon S., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
Waki'Seld, Wm. N., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
White, Orrin, private ; enrolled October 19, 1861, at Ogdenaburg.
Webster, Eraatus, private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Whiting, George W., private; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
75TH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN LANSING POETBR'S COMPANY (I).
Harris, George F., private ; enrolled November 2, 1861, at Ogdonsburg.
78TH INFANTKY.
CAPTAIN ALBAN B. BOTSFOED'S COMPANY (G).
AileD, Albert, sergeant, enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clegg, Thomas, private; enrolled February 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Camiston, William, private; enrolled March 6, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Davis, John, private ; enrolled February 22, 1862, at Ogdenaburg.
Forsyth, William, private ; enrolled March 20, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Holbrook, George W., private ; enrolled January 3, 1862, at Ogdonsburg.
Kelloy, Daniel, private; enrolled March 24, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Ladne, Edward, private ; enrolled December 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Osborn, Joaeph H., private ; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Pelon, John, private; enrolled February 28, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Stockin, David B., private ; onroUed March 13, 1862, at Ogdensbui-g.
Territt, Thomas, private ; enrolled February 4, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Edward, private ; enrolled March 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Ward, Jamea, private ; enrolled February 25, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Young, Albert, private; enrolled March 7, 1862, at Ogdonsburg.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM N. HALL'S COMPANY (H).
BuBhaw, John, private ; enrolled November 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
86TH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN HENEY G. HAEEOWBE'S COMPANY (F).
Issacher Mourhess, sergeant, enrolled October 8, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Warren Beeman, corporal, enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Mmund Stevens, corporal, enrolled October 24, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Ailen, Zephaniah, private ; enrolled September 14, 1801, at Lawrenceville.
Adams, Joseph, private ; enrolled October 7, 1861, at Lawrenoovilio.
Ijeeman, Charies, private; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrencovilje.
Urown, Lyman, private ; enrolled Septembei' 14, 1801, at Lttwronceville.
Cooiier, George Y,, private; enrolled November 14, 1801, at Lawrenceville.
Case, Charles, private ; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Congdon, John 0., private; enrolled October 7, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
llowland, Jerome B., jirivate ; enrolled October 20, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Murdoch, George, private ; enrolled October 1, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Phippen, Curtis, private; enrolled September 21, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Phippen, Horace, private ; enrolled September 26, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Page, John, private ; enrolled September 14, 186], at Lawrenceville.
Page, Alvin S., private; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Eifle, Iliram, private ; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Stewart, Edward, private ; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Siuitli, William M. C, private; enrolled October 8, 1801, at Lawrenceville.
Smith, Lafayette, private ; enrolled September 14, 1801, at Lawrenceville.
Wright, William L., private; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
White, Simeon, private ; enrolled September 26, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
Warren, Lewis E., private ; enrolled October 24, 1861, at Lawrenceville.
92D INFANTRY.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Jonah Saiiford, colonel, enrolled September 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lafayette Bingham, lieutenant-colonel, enrolled Dec. 14, 1801, at Potadam.
Thomas S. Hall, major, enrolled 1801, at Potsdam.
Charles P. Boswell, adjutant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cyrus 0. Hubbell, reg. quartermaster, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Henry Hewitt, surgeon, enrolled 1861, at Potsdam.
Mlal E. Pierce, chaplain, enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chester S. Eockwell, sergeant-major, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
William Z. Clark, quartermaster-sergeant, enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
A. Brainard McClie.sncy, commiasary-sergt. ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Polsdam.
Albert Keynulda, liospital steward, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wilton P. Crowley, drum-major, enrolled 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN HIEAM ANDERSON'S COMPANY (A).
Hiram Anderson, captain, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Richard F. Cleary, lieutenant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potadam.
E. L. Hobbs, lieutenant, enrolled October lU, 1801, at Potadam.
A. E. Howard, sergeant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
E. G. Stowell, sergeant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potadam.
Charles P. Gray, sergeant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potadam.
M. C. Goodell, sergeant, enrolled November 11, 1861, at Potadam.
John Gray, sergeant, enrolled October 15, 1801, at Potsdam.
Charles A. Kirkham, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Byron Dimage, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
I. A. Taylor, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1801, at Pot&dam.
Adam Nimocks, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
0. P. Banson, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10,1861, at Potsdam.
Wm. Clark, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Geo. Barnes, corporal; enrolled Oct. So, 1861, at Potadam.
E. W. Kinney, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
John A. Alden, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Abraham P. Alden, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
A. M. Crowley, musician; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen, A. U., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Andrews, Fulton E,, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bell, Solomon, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1801, at Potsdam.
BelluB, Chas. A., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bush, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bradshaw, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Beala, Edward M., private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barnhart, Archie, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Champion, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Champion, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Oarbino, Chas., private; enrolled Oct. 10,1861, at Potadam.
Carbine, Joa., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Polsdam.
Carbine, Levions, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Carter, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Carter, Wm., private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam,
Clark, Hugh, private : enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark Hudson, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1801, at Potsdam.
Clark, Sidney, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Davia, Warren B., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potadam.
Derricka, Francia, private, enrolled Nov. 7, 1861, at Potsdam.
Doyle Christopher, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
Dugal, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Elliott, Henry H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Elliott, Ephraim, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsoam.
Eager Gerry, private ; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Edmokds, Wm., private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Farrell, Dennis, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
Fenton Elihu, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1801, at Potadam.
Gillcapie, Wm., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Garrino, Lewis, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Garrino, Mazera, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Goodell Hollia M., private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Po sdam.
Goodell Wilber S., private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gonver, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hannegin, John, private ; en rolled Oct. 23, 1861 , at Pofedam.
Hilliard, Elijah, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
HoUida^, Harvey, private ; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861 at Potsdam.
Holliday Medad, private; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Howard, L. A., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hylaud, Chas. private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Svis, Joseph private enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Judd Wesley, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1S61, at Potsdam
Johnson, Tb^os.'n,, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 86 , a Potedam.
Johnson Francis, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
King Heu'-y. P''™'" : """^^^"^ O'^*' 1"' 1*"' "' ^°S''^T
La Grave, Wm., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
La Grave Eli. private ; <=°™ll'>'» Oct. 10 1861 at Po tedar,.
La Grave, Dennis, private; euro ed Oct. 10 1861 ^^t P"'!"^"^
- TambAn»lice, private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at lotsaain.
iwood Ar™ B.,'^private; enrolled Oct. 10, l?", at Potsdam
La J
Lockwood, Alva I
Lockwood' Alva G., private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861 at Potadam.
lSo™ Jostph, pri/ate ; »Volled Oct 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
rofHo:ii^irp™°aLT"n^^otenc\°iri8'«
T von' Homer K private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
SfleirD. U private; enrolled Nov. 26, W«, at Pote am.
Mansfield, David, private; enrolled O'l'-f ■,}«,'^l;f "p^Sm
Mansfield, Reuben, private ; euro led Oct. 10, 1861, at 1 ° sdam.
Miller, Stephen S., private; ™';';"i'd„0'='v,^Vfii'^Vpot°dim
Mattioe, Wm. G., private; enrolled Oct. 16 1861, J* P°'™'*^■
McDonnell, John, private ; enrolled Nov. '■ 1^?« • ''^ j^X™'
Hf ,.T <.nn Wm orivato ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at l-oisuani.
McEwen, Georg'o, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam,
492
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COtlNTY, NEW YORK.
Moiiso, Michael, private ; eurolletl Nov. 19, 1861, at PotBdam,
JMumley, A. S., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Prue, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Qainell, Moses, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
liichards, James H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Russell, Eoyal, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Raymond, Sidney, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reed, John J., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reynolds, Patrick, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kickard, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stevens, Alexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Snow, W. H. H., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Tilden, T. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Talcott, Marlon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Van Dyck, Aaron, private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wait, Byron, private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
White, Thomas, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potadiim.
Wilson, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN T. A. MERRIMAN'S COMPANY (B).
T. A. Merriman, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles P. Boswell, lieutenant; enrolled Oct. lU, 1861, at Potsdam.
Valorous S. Huntley, Jieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sylvester B. Partridge, second lieutenant ; enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Randolph C. Goodrich, sergeant; enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Francis Clement, sergeant ; enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Andrew Michael, sergeant; enrolled Jan. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
Lorenzo Lampman, sergeant; enrolled Jan. 10, 1862, at Potsdam.
Henry M. Scott, sergeant; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nathaniel Stearns, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Washington Lampman, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Earl T. Percy, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam,
Alonzo Kent, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
George G. Taggart, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
John Peltier, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jefferson L. Sherman, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Samuel DoUofF, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sidney T. Hodges, musician; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bli Kent, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Beeker, George W., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Blanchard, Amos 0., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Belonga, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Blow, Moses, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bellows, Henry W., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bennett, Alexander D., private ; enrolled Dec 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Billings, David S., private ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bowhall, Nathan, private ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bushre, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark', George W., private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Carpenter, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Carpenter, Warren, private ; enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark, Warren, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Coffee, Rufus, private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam,
Collins, Nicholas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Connell, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Curtin, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dame, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam,
DoUoff, Wellington, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Downs, Nehemiah, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Drew, Levi, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Douglas, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fifield, William, private ; enrolled Oct. lU, 1861, at Potsdam.
French, Noah, private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Garrano, Lewis, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gan-ano, Nazera, private; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Geddes, Charles H,, private ; feni'oUed Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hubbard, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Huntington, Ira, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Johnson, Alexander, private ; enrolled Dec. 31, 1861, at Potsdam,
Knapp, Seth M., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lyman, Peter, private ; enrolled Nov, 17, 1861, at Potsdam,
Lampman, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lampman, Daniel, private ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potedam.
Lavanway, Silas, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lampman, Michael S,, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lewis, Orville B., private ; enrolled Dec. 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
McCabe, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Merrill, William S., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
McCarty, Robert, private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pattee, Oliver T., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pregart, Israel, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Perham, La Fayette, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parks, Joseph M,, private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam.
Powers, William, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pitta, Charles H., private ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Robbins, Ezra A., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Robbins, George W., private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reed, Hiram, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Riges, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Spafford, Sidney, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Starks, Joel H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith, John H., private; enrolled Nov. 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sutherland, German H., private; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Titus, Lumas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Trefren, Victor H., private, enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam,
Thacher, Philo, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wheeler, Alden H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Welch, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wood, Edmund, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1801, at Potsdam.
Washburn, John M., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
White, Ezekiel, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potadam.
Woods, Alfred, private ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Young, Almon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Young, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN C. A. BURNHAM'S COMPANY (C).
C. A. Burnham, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
G, S. Buttolph, first lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
James Pierce, second lieutenant; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Oscar W. Cutler, first sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Henry Fuller, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Robert Philpot, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Frank M, Hawley, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
S. B. French, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 24,1801, at Potsdam.
Charles Lang, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
R. E. Sprague, corporal; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Emmet Goodale, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
W. M. Wellwood, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
John D. Benson, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen Bump, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Harrison J. Pierce, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
John Roche, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Potadam.
George Olmsted, musician ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Joseph Haren, musician; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Burnham, J. D., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Blane, Alexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bliss, Bnos H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Bouker, S. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Brownell, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 18G1, at Potsdam.
Bashaw, David, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bump, Andrew, private; enrolled Nov. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Beach, J. M., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barrett, Solomon, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barrett, Abiather, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Brannan, Edwin, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam,
Banister, William, private; enrolled Dec. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark, Edwin, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Courier, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Crawford, G. W., private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Potsdfim.
Carbnow, Alexander, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861. at Putsdam.
Carbnow, Henry, private; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam,
Carbnow, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Castler, Isaac L., private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potadam.
Carlisle, Allen, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Potsdam.
Douglass, Robert, private; enrolfed Oct. 17, 1861, at Potsdam,
Deneen, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 1,1861, at Potsdam.
Drown, Benjamin, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potadam.
Daily, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 18B1, at Potsdam.
Drake, Spelman, private; enrolled Dec, 26, 1861, at Potsdam,
Estell, Samuel, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Enslow, D. M., private ; enrolled Dec. 22, 1861, at Potadam.
Fifield, Nathan, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Potsdam,
Follett, Theodore, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fish, Kelly, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Griffin, George H., private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Potsdam,
Griffin, 0. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gilmore, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Green, Elias S., private ; enrolled Dec, 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Genae, Ezra, private ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Howard, Allen C, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hartson, George, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hutchins, Delavan, private ; enrolled Oct, 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hubbpll, Freeman, private ; enrolled Nov. 22, 1861, at Potadam,
Jones, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Johnson, Elijah, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kellison, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Leittlebrant, Wm., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lavine, Nelson, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam,
Lawrence, George, private; enrolled Oct, 31, 1861, at Potsdam.
Miller, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Manor, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Myers, Andrew, private ; enrolled Nov. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Manly, Newton, private ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Miller, Levi, private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Potsdam.
Maxham, C, E., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potadam.
McGill, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 1, 1861, at Potsdam,
McNulty, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Myei*s, Edwin, private; enrolled Dec, 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parmeter, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Potadam.
Patterson, Abram, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Potsdam,
Paige, Martin V., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Patterson, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Russell, N. F., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at PotsdHm.
Rexford, L. L., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Roche, Dennis, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sullivan, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stickney, Elon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Shoen, Ebenezer, private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Shoen, Israel, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potadam.
Sloan, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sullivan, Daniel, private; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
White, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potedam,
Waste, E. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 14,1861, at Potadam.
Wood, Marshall, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
White, S. P., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wood, Alfred, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potadam.
York, Daniel, private ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
CAPTAIN CHARLES R. KNOWLES' COMPANY (D).
Charles R. Knowles, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cyrus 0. Hubbell, first lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Royal I, Whitney, first lieutenant; enrolled Nov. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles B. Church, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Hobart E, Searle, first sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
James B. McCabe, second sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
Lucien Wood, third sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles A. Moaher, fourth sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles H. Leonard, fifth sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
H. H. Willey, first corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Daniel A. Packard, second corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chaa. W. Jordan, third corporal ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potadam,
Hiram D. Leonard, fourth corporal: enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Horace Lee, fifth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
G. S. Oady, sixth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
George S. Thompson, seventh corporal ; enrolled Nov. S, 1861, at Potadam.
L. W. Gillott, eighth corporal ; enrolled Oct, 28, 1861, at Potadam.
E. H, Smith, musician ; enrolled Nov. 18,1861, at Potadam.
Holland Merritt, musician ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reuben Hill, wagoner; enrolled Oct, 10, 1861, at Potadam,
Baker, William H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potedam.
Blanchard, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barnhart, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ball, Wilson F., private ; enrolled Nov, 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Colby, Myron, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Colby, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadam.
Collins, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Courrier, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam
Cad.v, S. D., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Collins, Norman, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potadam.
Cooper, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam
Clinton, De Witt, private ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potadam
Chamberlain, C. E., private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
493
Dolameter, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISUl, at Potsdam.
Davis, Ira, private; enrolled Oct. 10, IbOl, at Pulsdain.
Dewey, Oajsar, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1802, at rotadaru.
Drake, H., private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at Potsdam.
Drake, H. B., private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kygabroad, Peter, private; enrolled Nov. 3, 1861, at Pot.<dam.
Foot, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Green, Cortland, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potailnni.
Gnyette, Francis, private ; enrolled Nov. U, 1801, at Potsdam.
Gujette, David, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Glass, Franklin, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Potsdam.
Howe, Seymour, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam,
Hare, Alva, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hewitt, Ira, private; enrolled Nov. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Johnson, William, private ; enrolled Doc. 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kennedy, Stephen, private; enrolled Oct, 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Keeler, J. D., private ; enrolled Nov. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lankey, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Leonard, G. Q., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lft Flaunt, Augustus, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Linzey, Benjamin, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Linzey, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lobell, Henry, private ; enrolled Doc. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lyman, Peter, private; enrolled Dec. 3,1861, at Potsdam.
Levis, D. B., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Levis, Albert, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
McMurray, John, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
McKenuey, Wm. H., private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Potsdam.
Merrltt, Isaac, private ; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Mardow, Jacltson, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Potsdam.
Milhgan, J. R., private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Norton, Matthew, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nichols, Stephen S., private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Potsdam.
Osgood, George, private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ormsby, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pearaon, H., private ; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Perkins, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801, at Potsdiim.
Pool, Mahlon, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reynolds, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1801, at Potsdam,
Boacli, Edward, private ; enrolled Dec. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sampson, H. K., private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Spears, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Selleck, W. D., private; enrolled Oct. li, 1861, at Potsdam.
Seabury, Smith, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Potsdam.
Swift, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Speidel, Christian, private ; enrolled Nov. 20, 1861, at Potsdam.
8tone, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stone, Joseph, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Taylor, Norman, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Weston, J. D., private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Willey, Philo, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Walker, Luman, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Potsdam.
Willmarth, Charles, private ; enrolled Doc. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
White, Charles D., private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN THOMAS S. HALL'S COMPANY (E).
Thomas S. Hall, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Oassius H. Bobinson, first lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Saxon J. Arnold, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
James S. O'Neil, first sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kollin J. Hall, second sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles H. Scott, third sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Henry R. Worthen, fourth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jason Butler, fifth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Johu Fuller, first corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, at Potsdam.
Seymour H. Cornish, second corporal ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Aaron Blanchard, third corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Horace S. Richards, fourth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Ira H. Sessions, fifth corporal ; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wm. H. H. Bartlett, sixth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chauncey M. Hall, seventh corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
William G. Bates, eighth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1801; at Potsdam.
Charles Smith, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ansel Smith, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Philip Bixby, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen, Giles, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Benjamin, Daniel H., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Blodgett, Andrew J., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barkley, Simon, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barden, Humphrey, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cherry, John, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark, William H., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cambridge, Wm. A., private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clemens, Andrew, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Crawford, Hiram, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Drawtime, Henry, private ; enrolled December 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dimiok, Philo K., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dusham, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Duncan, James E., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dusham, Jeremiah, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dusham, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dimick, Neill, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Duncan, Anson A., private; enrolled Dec. 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gadban, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gadban, Julius, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Galusha, Jerome, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Griffis, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 31, 1861, at Potsdam.
Greenbush, Frank, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gibson, John C, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Harden, Daniel, private ; enrolled November 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hall, Frank W., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hanimau, Thomas G., private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at Potsdam.
Hammond, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kinpbury, Darius, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kingsbury, Ira, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kmgsley, Alphens, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kingsley, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Potsdam.
Kingsley, Simon, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam,
laid, George B., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
hong, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Long, William, private ; enrolled November 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
McNamara, John, private ; enroHed October 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Mouty, William, private ; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Money, John M., private ; enrolled November 9, 1861, at Potsdam,
aalamey, John, private ; enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Molott, John, private ; enrolled November 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Mitchell, Robert, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Morris, Hugh, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ni'iitown, Louis, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
0 Neil, Barney, private; enrolled November 1, 1861, at Potsdam.
O'Brien, Cornelius, private; enrolled November 16, 1861, at Pot-dam.
Piercp, Seymour B., private ; enrolled October 111, 1861. at Potsdam.
Pierce, Mial R., private ; enrolled Octubcr 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reynolds, Donald P., private ; enrolled October lU, 1861, at Polsdani .
Roynolds, James, piivate; enrolled October 10, 1861, at I'otsdam.
Russell, John, private; enrolled November 1, 1861, at Potsdam.
Roynolds, William, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
R.van, Richard, private; enrolled December 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
Saunders, Albert H., private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith, Edward, private; enrolled October 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Shufelt, David E., private; enrolled Octolier 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith, George L., private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stienburjih, Alexander, private ; enrolled November 18, 1861 , at Potsdam.
Stienburgb, William, private; enrolled November 18, 1861, at Polsdain.
Sartwell, Solomon, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Pofsdanj.
Sartwell, Daniel W., private ; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Putsriam.
Stiles, Alnmn B., private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Scott, James, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Schufelt, William, private; enrolled December 2, 1801, at Potsdam.
Stiles, James A., private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sanders, Darius, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Turner, Louis, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Turner, Warren, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Varier, John, private ; enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Worthen, Charles, private ; enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wilkins, Darius, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN OBANG. NEWTON'S COMPANY (F).
Orang. Newton, captain; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
B. H. Webster, 1st lieutenant; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Henry A. Mimsoii, 2d lieutenant; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
W. D. Peck, 1st sergeant ; enrolled October 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Person Selleck, 2d sergeant ; enrolled October 15, 18(il. at Potsdam,
L. B. Granby, 3d sergeant; enrolled November 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Samuel A. Gillett, 4tli sergeant; enrolled November 4, 1801, at Potsdam.
J. P. Nay, 5th sergeant ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Asa More, 1st corporal ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
R. W. Collier, 2d corporal ; enrolled November 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
H. F. Swift, 3d corporal ; enrolled November 4, 1801, at Potsdam.
T. L. Wilkinson, 4th corporal; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
T. J. Bloevers, 5th corporal ; enrolled October 15. 1861, at Potsdam.
Milo Ober, 6th corporal ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Russell Smitii, 7th corporal ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam
T. E. McGiblion, 8th corporal ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Roswell Nichols, fifer: enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
J. W. Fletcher, drummer; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Drake, Isaac, bugler ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barlow, Levi, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barlow, Eli, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bates, Jabez P., private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Brink, Harry, piivate; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Besaw, Francis, private; enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Blaisdell, Myron, private ; enrolled December 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Coon, Thompson, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dudy, David, private; enrolled Novemtier 8, 1861, at Potridam.
Doughty, Henry S., private ; enrolled November 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Durands, Joseph, private; enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Egin, John, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Eldridge, Walter, private; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fossia, Joseph, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Field, Hiram, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fletcher, Doughas, private ; enrolled November 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ford, Malry, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861 , at Potsdam.
Frost, Leonard, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Funia, Eliaa, private; enrolled November 18, 1861. at Potsdam.
Gibson, Nehemiah, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Galbraith, John Henry, private ; enrolled November 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Grandy, McKenzie, private ; enrolled November 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Goodrich, T. A., private ; enrolled December 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Goodrich, D. A., private; enrolled December 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Huntly, Columbus, private ; enrolled November 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Irish, Millard F., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Irish, Vilas E., private ; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jones, Vranous, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kinipton, William N., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kimball, T. L., private; enrolled Oct 22, 1861, atPotsdam.
Kellogg, Albert, private ; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kingsley, C. L., private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kingsley, Ira, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lynch, Daniel, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Murray, Eber, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Moiiey, George, private; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Morehouse, William, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Munson, Francis, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Murry, George, private; enrolled Nov. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nickerson, Myron, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nichols, Aaron, private; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ober, Henry H., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ormsby, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Paul, Canadee, private; enrolled Dec. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Peck, Otis W., private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Partridge, William, private ; enrolled Oct 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parker, James M., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rivei-8 Theodore, private; enrolled Oct 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rockwood, J. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Reynolds, Billings, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Potsdam.
Reynolds Dean E., private; enrolled Oct 16, 1861, atPotsdam.
Reed, Simeon G., private ; enrolled Oct 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rockwood, Levi, private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rowell, Rufus H., private; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rose Alfred, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam
St Louis, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stevens, Hiral^E., private; enrolled Oct 21 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith George 0., private; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stroeter Edlar E.^ private; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
Severanc Calvin l"., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861 at Potsdam.
Mlivan, Henry, prirate ; enrolled Oct, 15, 1801, at Potsdam.
TreTstillman, private ; enrolled Oct 17, 1861 at Potsdam.
Turner OrviUe G.f private; enrolled Nov. 18,1861 at Potsdam.
Varney, Edgar, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Va ney John, private ; enrolled Oct 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
494
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Wilkinson, L. L., private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wolcott, Loron P., private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN A. P. WALCOTT'S COMPANY (G).
Andrew P. Walcott, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Silas A. Smith, first lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potadani.
Henry B. Sanfurd, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
William A. Hamlin, first sergeant; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsilam.
H. S. Richards, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Elisha Walcott, sergeant; enrolled Oct. lU, 1861, at Potsdam.
William Howe, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
John S. Willson, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Potsdam.
Stephen M. Lavery, corporal; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
William H. Allen, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdani.
William C. Hammond, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Emory Hamlin, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Pot-^dam.
James Smith, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Thomas Noble, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stanford Bugbee, corporal; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Potsdam.
Peter Miner, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
George Russell, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jotham Hall, musician; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Adsitt, Franklin E., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Adsitt, Nelson, priva.te; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam.
Andrews, William W., private ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdani.
Bigelow, Nathan, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barnes, Sylvester, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bowen, Theodore, private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Besaw, Nelson, private; enrolled Nov, 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Broeffle, George H., private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Butler, William W., private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Brown, William, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Beldin, George A., private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Pot^idiim.
Conger, Reuben, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chase, Jeremiah, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cheney, Wyatt, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cook, David, private ; enrolled Oct. ID, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cole, Edgar L., private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Chenette, Jared, private ; enrolled Oct. IG, 1861, at Pot-=dam.
Chenctte, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cook, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Coffee, George C, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Pnlsdam.
Clark, Franklin, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Clark, Newell, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Potsilam.
Davenport, Warren, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Day, Luther B., private ; enrolled Nov, 21, 1861, at PotsLlam.
Drake, Eugene S., private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861 , at Potsdam.
Ducatt, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Farrer, Columbus, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potslam.
Forbes, Edwin, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Pottdam.
Fuller, Dustin, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fuller, Major, private ; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
Graves, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Griffin, Samuel V., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Goulding, Orley J., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Putsdam.
Goodnow, Henrj', private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Haskell, Martin, private; enrolled Oct. ID, 1861, at Potsdam.
Haynes, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hewett, Orson D., piivate ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam.
Hewitt, Samuel, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Johnson, Emer, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Joidiin, John, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1801, at Potsdam.
Kendall, S., private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lowell, Oliver, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Martindale, George C, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Merritt, Horace, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Miner, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. ID, 1861, at Potsdam.
Martindale, Warren S., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Putsdam.
Putter, Henry W., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Powell, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam,
Pool', Elijali, private ; enrolled Nov, 15, 1861, at Potsdam,
Preston, Willis G., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Powell, John A., private ; enrolled Nov. 31', 1861, at Potsdam.
Peabody, Charles B,, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Puwell, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Patran, Joseph, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam,
Rockwell, Chester S., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rockwell, Milo, private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1S61, at Potsdam.
Rockwell, M. S., private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rickey, Warren, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Salter, James C, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Supry, Frank, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Sampson, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stiles, Alfred, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sprague, Darius, private ; enrolled Dec, 9, 18G1, at Potsdam.
Stevens, John, private; enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
Van Norman, I. E., private; enrolled Oct. ID, 1861, at Potsdam.
Willson, Charles W., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN HARRY C. FAY'S COMPANY (H).
Harry C. Fay, captain ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
T, W. Smith, first lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdani.
B, F. Rolfe, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct, 15, 1861, at Potsdani.
S, B, Partridge, first sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Greonleaf Dorr, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dennis Kearney, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Justice Pickit, sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
N. W. Johnson, sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam,
Henry Babcock, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdani.
Andrew Clark, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
James Forsythe, corporal ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
E. Phalings, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
W. B. Barlow, corporal ; enrolled Nov, 14, 1861, at Potsdam,
G. B. Wilson, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
J. A. Kelley, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
B. F. Abel, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen, Russell, private; onroUed Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Babcock, Allen, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bartlett, H. D., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bouvee, Alexander, private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bouvee, A., Jr., private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barnes, C. A., private; enrolled Nov, 26, 1861, at Potsdam,
Call, W, E., private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Crandall, F., private; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cook, W. M,, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Caswell, M. A,, private; enrolled Dec. 10, 1801, at Potsdam.
Clark, William Z., private; enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Dewey, N. H., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Denny, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ducatt, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 1, 1861, at Potsdam.
Durham, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Durham, Isaac, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Foss, Stephen L., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fowler, A., private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fowler, J. K. P., private; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fowler, T. 0., private ; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fanning, Vaniah, private : enrolled December 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Griswold, A., private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gibbons, Abner, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdani.
Grant, Thomas, private ; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hamblin, Leroy, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Potsdani.
Hill, William, private ; enrolled November 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hayze, John, private ; enrolled November 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hail, I. R., private ; enrolled November 14, 1861 , at Potsdam.
Hall, B. W., private ; enrolled December 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hunt, Suranus, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jacobs, J. S., private ; enrolled December 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kearney, John, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Larock,' Mitchell, private ; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Laroe, Joseph, private; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lamere, Michael, private ; enrolled November 4. 1861, at Potsdam.
Lamee, Joseph, private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam-
Marshall, James, private ; enrolled November 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Miles, J. A., private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Manning, Patrick, private^ enrolled Novembers, 1861, at Potsdam.
Murphy, J. I., private ; enrolled November 14, 1861, at Potsdam,
Moffatt, John, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Miller, William, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam,
McMunegal, David, private ; enrolled December 6, 1861, at Potsdam,
McChesney, A. B., private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
McClennen, James, private ; enrolled November 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
McFeriun, Thomas, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Noble, Thomas, private ; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdani.
O'Brien, James, private ; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parr, A. W., pi-ivate ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Perry, Lees, private ; enrolled November 18, 18G1, at Potsdam.
Perry, Peter, private ; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pettys, Charles, private ; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Piirks, John, private; enrolled December 7, 1861, at Potsdani.
Ransdell, Randall, private ; enrolled November 17, 1861, at Potsdam.
Rollin, John, private; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Shipman, M. R., private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Strait, Charles, private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, gt Potsdam,
Snyder, Gregoir, private ; enrolled October 22, 1S61, at Potsdam,
Schlosser, John, private ; enrolled November 2-1:, 1861, at Potsdam.
Strong, A. A., private ; enrolled November 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Socia, Lewis, private ; enrolled November 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Scott, J. B., private ; enrolled November 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Thickens, T. B., private ; enrolled November 14, 1861, at Potsdam.
Taylor, John, private ; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wilson, J. H., private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam.
Williamson, R. W., private ; enrolled December 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
Williamson, H. A., private ; enrolled December 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
Yeddow, Milo, private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM McKEAN'S COMPANY (I).
William McKean, captain, enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Myron Cushman, Ist lieutenant ; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdafti.
Charles Fox, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled December 7, 1861, at Potsdam. .
H. H. Smith, Ist sergeant ; enrolled November 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
John E. Whipple, sergeant ; enrolled November 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
William MuFarren, sergeant ; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Calvin' Conger, sergeant; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Darwin Farmer, sergeant ; enrolled December 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Robert Hewitt, corporal ; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Samuel Smith, corporal ; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Israel Sprague, corporal; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nelson Gebo, corporal; enrolled December 26, 1861, at Potsdam.
II. E. Mix, corporal ; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Foster Carey, corporal ; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lorenzo D. Cole, corporal ; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
W. E. W. Collins, corporal; enrolled December 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Nathan Ward, musician ; enrolled November 28, 1861, at Potsdam,
Theodore Gebo, musician ; enrolled December 21, 1861, at Potsdam.
Allen, J. J., private; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Anderson, Benjamin, private ; enrolled December 30, 1861, at Potsdam
Allen, Horace D., private; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ayree, Orville E., private; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bateman, George, private ; enrolled November 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Barker, Charles, private ; enrolled November 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
Biishey, Joseph, private; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bridges, Charles, private ; enrolled November 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bromley, Heman, private ; enrolled November 12, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bero, Paul, private ; enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Boi'dwell, Horatio, private ; enrolled December 17, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cowan, Hamilton, private ; enrolled December 28, 1861, at Pptsdaui.
Carey, Orville, private ; enrolled November 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Carey, Charles D., private ; enrolled Nov. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cole, William B., private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cooper, C. C, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Courier, Andrew, private ; enrolled Dec. 6, 1861, at Potsdam.
Cbavalloy, Louis, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Conner, William, private ; enrolled Doc. 7, 1861, at Potsdam,
Fosgate, William F'., private • enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fort, Solomon, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fort, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at I'otsdam.
Fields, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gore, George H., private ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Glazin, Ward, private; enrolled Nov. 7, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gordon, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Grundy, George, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gibbons, Reuben A., private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam.
Heath, Guy C, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hall, Walton, private ; enrolled Nov. 7, 1861, at Potsdam,
lloald, Alvin D., private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hewitt, John C, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hills, D. N., private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ingerson, David, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Knights, J, S., private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lewis, Morgan J., private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lower, Oliver, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Morrison, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
495
McDoniild, J. M., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, iit Potsdam,
llansflold, W. (J., private; enrolled Nov. 22, 1801, at Potsdam,
Nott, Justus, private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 18G1, at Potsdam.
O'Mealey, Michael, private; enrolled Dec. 7, 18G1, at Potsdam.
Oliver, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Porter, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Porter, Stephen, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Porter, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parkinson, Truman, private ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Premo, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Petre, Abraham, private ; enrolled Doc. 19, 1861, at Potsdiim.
Pevier, P. N., private ; enrolled Dec. 19, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ronden, Thomas, private; enrolled Deo. 28, 1861, at Potsdam,
llisley, Jeremiah, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdiim,
Koe, George, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, 1801, at Potsdam.
Bobinson, D. D., private ; onrollcd Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam.
Hoed, Edwin B., private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam.
Spragiie, W. H., private; enrolled Dec. 30, 18G1, at Potsdiim.
Smith, Wilbur, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam,
Smith, J. J., private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith,Munson, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith, Lorenzo, piivate ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Pot»diini.
Stevens, Albert, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdiiui.
Smith, E. B,, private ; enrolled Nov. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Sheldon, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Spalding, John, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potadum.
Stodard, K. B,, private ; enrolled Nov, 30, 1861, at Potsdam,
Savage, Alexander, private ; enrolled Dec, 6, 1861, at Potadiuii.
Vanclake, William, private ; enrolled Nov, 2, 1861, at Potsdam,
Williams, Francis, private ; enrolled Nov, 28, 1861, at Potsdiim,
Whipple, D. P,, private ; enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN LEVI MILLBK'S COMPANY (K).
Levi Miller, captain ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Joel B, Sears, first lieutenant ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potadam.
John Peacock, second lieutenant ; enrolled Oct, 30, 1861, at Potsdam,
Ellas Nichols, first sergeant; enrolled Oct, 22. 1861, at Potsdam.
Wm. J. Wells, second sergeant ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Tliomaa H. Common, third sergeant ; enrolled Nov, 4, 1861, at I'otsdam,
Cyrus W, Scott, fourth sergeant; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Osilvie S, South worth, fifth sergeant ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Robert B. Gilmore, corporal; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Benjamin Wood, corporal ; eurcHed Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Willard Loughrey, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, tit Potsdam.
Lafayette Fairbanks, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Timothy Dismond, corporal; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at Potsdam,
James Carnal, corporal ; enrolled Dec, 9, 1801, at Potsdam,
Henry Stacy, corporal ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Alonzo C. Shoen, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Charles Colburn, fifer ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam,
Charles Duffy, drummer ; enrolled Dec, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
Adams, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, 1861, at Potsdam,
Becker, George W,, private ; enrolled Nov, 21, 1861, at Potsd.am.
Ballou, Chester, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdiim.
Bissell, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Boals, Paschal, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Bancroft, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Common, James, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam,
Cross, George, private; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Canniff, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdani.
Champion, Francis, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Potsdam,
^rey, Ira W., private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam.
GtfKy, Ronald, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Pignan, Francis, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Dodd, John, private; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Drake, William F., private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Deaucatt, John, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam,
Goodwin, William C, private; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Gregour, Louis, private; enrolled Nov, 15, 1801, at Potsdam,
Qreymour, John, private; enrolled Dec, 2, 1861, at Potsdam,
Gilbo, Joseph, private; enrolled Dec, 9, 1801, at Potsdam,
Hanna, John, private ; enrolled Nov, 8, 1861, at Potsdam,
HItsman, Emery, private ; enrolled Nov, 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Jesmer, Levi, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kerr, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam.
Kerr, Hugh M., private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam,
Knipe, John D, J., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Lavier, David, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 1801, at Potsdam.
Livingston, Antoine, private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam,
Lowry, Solon, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam,
Moffitt, James, private; enrolled Nov, 4, 1861, at Potsdam,
Magraw, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1801, at Potsdam,
MeOurry, William J,, private ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1801, at Potsdiim,
MoGninniss, James, private ; enrolled Nov, 4, 1861, at Potsdaiii ,
McMillan, David, private; enrolled Nov, 8, 1861, at Potsdam,
Munroe, James, private ; enrolled Nov, 18, 1861, at Potsdiim.
MoRobbie, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, 1861, at Potsdam.
McCoy, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam,
McKath, Robert, private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Ormsby, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Ormsbee, Amos, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Peniberton, Charles H., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Phillips, John S., private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parker, James, private; enrolled Dec, 12, 1801, at Potsdam,
Richards, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Richards, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
RoBseau, Thomas, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1801, at Potsdam.
Bookie, Edward, private ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Potsdam,
Shoen, Ronald, private ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1801, at Potsdam.
Sutton, David S., private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Shoen, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Smith, William, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdiim,
Scott, Edward J., private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdiim.
Sutton, Alva A., private ; enrolled Nov, 16, 1861, at Potsdam,
Stone, Alexander, private; enrolled Nov, 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Stone, Alexander, Jr., private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam,
Segcr, Fayette C, private ; enrolled Dec, 9, 1861, at Potsdiim,
Thomas, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Taylor, Nahuin, private ; enrolled Oct, 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Tobin, William, private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wood, John, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wadaworth, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam,
Wilson, James, private; enrolled Nov, 4, 186], at Potsdam,
Walbridge, Clark S,, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1801, at Potsdam.
Walbridge, Johiel, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at P..tsdam,
Wing, John T., private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1801, at Potsdam.
Wilson, Thomiis 0,, private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam.
Wilson, John, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Potsdam
Willis, John, private; enrolled Dec, 9, 1801, at Potsdam,
Willis, Jiimes, private; enrolled Dec, 10, 1861, at Potsdam.
93D INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN GEORGE B, MOSHIER'S COMPANY (F).
A. 0, Bristol, sergeant ; enrolled Oct, 15, 1861, at Ogdensbiirg.
Anderson, Henry, private; enrolled Nov, 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Bnckley, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct, 25, 1861, at Ogdeiisbiiig,
Fletcher. Matthew, private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at OgdensUurg.
Fryett, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 20, 1861, at Ogdeiisburg.
Haven, Harlow, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Jerome, Franklin, private; enrolled Nov. 1, 1861, at Rensselaer Falls.
Kennedy, Joseph, private ; enrolled Dec. 0, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
McGiiyro, John, private; enrolled Nov, 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Bobbin, James B,, private ; enrolled Nov, 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Sunderland, Darwin, private; enrolled Nov, 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg,
Thomas, Loron C, private ; enrolled Nov, 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
98TH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN RUSSELL'S COMPANY (B),
Jiisnn 0. Ross, fifth sergeant; enrolled Nov, 11, 1801, at Kiiapps,
Wolcott Broadwell, drummer; enrolled Nov, 21, 1861, at North Lawrence,
J;iy Andrews, fifer; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Busselltown,
James McCarter, wagoner; enrolled Nov, 14, 1861, at Lawrence,
Broadwell, Darwin, private; enrolled Nov. 22, 1801, at North Lawrence.
Demiiss, Isaac, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1801, at Lawrence.
Heaton, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Norfolk.
McCarter, Robert, private; enrolled Nov, 11, 1861, at Lawrence,
McCarter, Hinckly H,, private; enrolled Nov. 29, 1801, at Lawrence,
McCarty, James, private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Lawrence.
Bess, Samuel J., private; enrolled Nov. 2, 1861, at Stockholm.
CAPTAIN PARRIT B. WOLFF'S COMPANY (G).
Francis Holmes, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Bruce, Timothy, private; enrolled Jan. 4, 1862, at Lawrence.
Bellows, Horace, private; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Nichulville,
Bruce, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 20. 1801, at Hopkintoii.
Crowley, Charles, private; enrolled Nov, 28, 1861, at Brasher Falls.
Cheeiiy, Judson, private; enrolled Nov, 12, 1801, at Hopkinton,
Goodenough, Harvey, private; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Nieholville.
Goodenough, Hiram, private; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Nieholville.
Giflin, Martin, private; enrolled Nov. 20, 1861, at Hopkinlon.
Grandy, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec, 29, 1861, at Nieholville.
Hannan, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1801, at Nicliolville.
Harman, Lafayette, private ; enrolled Nov, 20, 1861, at Hopkinfon,
Meecham, Elam S,, private; enrolled Dec, 10, 1861, at Nieholville,
Mcecham, Samuel, private; enrolled Dec, 10, 1861, at Nieholville,
Sheldon, Silas P., private ; enrolled Oct, 20, ISOl, at Nieholville,
Taylor, Aaron, private ; enrolled Dec, 1, 1861, at Nieholville.
White, William, private; enrolled Dec. 15, 1861, at Hopkinton.
CAPTAIN CHARLES W. CRABY'S COMPANY (H).
Archibald Simpson, second corporal ; enrolled Nov, 21, 1861, at Waddington.
Clirist,v, John, private; enrolled Nov, 1, 1801, at Waddington,
Hickey, John, private; enrolled Dec, 20, 1861, at Waddington,
Lngrow, Robert, private; enrolled Dec, 1, 1861, at Waddington,
Loomis, Chester, private; enrolled Nov, 21, 1861, at Waddington,
Nickerson, E, H,, private; enrolled Jan, 1, 1862, at Waddington.
RifFe, Alexander, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Waddington.
lOOTH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN DANIEL D. NASH'S COMPANY (A).
Carpenter, William B,, private ; enrolled Oct, 14, 1861, at Cigdensburg,
Kelly, Peter, private; enrolled Dec, 13, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Lane, William H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
102D INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN J. WOODRUFF LEWIS' COMPANY (K).
Horace D. Combs, second corporal ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Thomas F. Gorman, eighth corpoi-al ; enrolled Jan, 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
Robert, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov, 6, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Driscoll, Jerry, private ; enrolled Oct. 26, 1801, at Ogdensburg,
Dennin, Michael, private; enrolled Oct, 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Martin, Paul, private; enrolled Nov. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Mcllvoy, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
McGrath, Peter, private ; enrolled Nov, 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Donnelly, John, private ; enrolled Nov, 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Scantlebury, Thomas, private; enrolled Nov, 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
McLallin, John T., private; enrolled Dec, 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McBride, Michael, private; enrolled Dec. 3, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Jameson. William, private; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kelly, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Townes, Orenzo, private ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Mills, Leander D,, private ; enrolled Dec, 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Edgar, George, private ; enrolled Jiin, 10, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Jackson, Alvin, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Branshaw, Joseph, private ; eniolled Jan. 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Fogarty, Patrick, private; enrolled Dec. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Evans, William, private ; enrolled Jan, 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
Brunshaw, Charles, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Hucheson, William, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
105TH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN JOHN G. McMAHON'S COMPANY (G).
Brown Ilarion, private ; enrolled Feb. 6, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Clark Andrew, private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Haves Michael, private; enrolled Feb, 6, 1802. at Ogdensburg.
Hoiliff'er Tliomas, private ; enrolled Feb. 4, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Jacob Michael, private ; enrolled Feb. 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
llyan,' William, private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN PATRICK W. BRADLEY'S COMPANY (H).
Dowis Frederick, private ; enrolled Feb. 6, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Donovan, William, private; enrolled Feb. 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Bo insor, John, private ; enrolled Feb. 6, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
496
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
106TH INFANTRY.
riELB AND STAFF.
Schuyler F.Judd, colonel; Calvin L. Skinner, surgeon ; Fred. H.Pettit,asii8t-
iint surgeon ; Thomas C. Atchison, quartermaster ; Cliarles Sheppard, sergeant-
major; Orson S. Cleveland, quartermaster-sergeant; Charles L. Simpson, com-
misaary-aergeant; Henry T. Canfield, hospital steward.
CAPTAIN EDWAKD M. PAINE'S COMPANY (A).
Edward M. Paine, captain ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Hiram W. Day, first lieutenant; enrolled July 17, 186i, at Oswegatcliio.
Sflden C. Judson, second lieutenant; enrolled July 17, 18G2, at Oswegntiliic
William A. Nerry, first sergeant ; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Oawegatcliic.
Robert H. Cox, sergeant; enrolled July 19,1862, at OewcgJitchie.
James W. Hopkins, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 1, 1H62, at Oswegatchie.
Morgan V. Collins, sergeant; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Oison Tallman, sergeant; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Russell.
Henry Cormono, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Ed^on J. Barber, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Thomiis Sci-anton, corporal; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Canton.
David Young, Jr., corporal ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Fine.
John A. Morgan, corporal ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Russell.
John C. Masury, coi'poral ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Martin A. Folsom, corporal; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hermnn.
Samuel F. Henderson, corporal; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Pitcairn.
Charles W. Sherman, musician ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Elijah Barney, musician ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1S62, at Canton.
Edwin W. Dimmick, wagoner ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Russell.
Armstrong, Abner, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Armstrong, Thomas, private : enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Beardsley, Henry C, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Backus, Erastus R., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Russell.
Bordy, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Brouse, John, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Canton.
Barter, Elam, private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Lisbon.
Bassett, Orlin, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Hei'mon.
Brown, Orrin 0., private ; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Russell.
Brown, Thomas, private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Canton.
Bell, William W., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Barney, James S., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Colton, Luther, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Ctilton, Franklin, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Colton, Henry H., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Craft, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hernion.
Coopei-, Allen C, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Pitcairn.
Canfield, Franklin, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Clark, Elliott A., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Hermon.
Coniatock, Edwin, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hermon.
Dorathy, Willard G., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Deviney, Samuel, private ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Hei-mon.
Durham, Cummings, private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Russell.
Finley, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Fuller, Lewis H., private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Hermon.
Fisber, Owen, private ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Hermon.
Ford, Theodore, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Canton.
Farmer, Samuel, private; enrolled July 22,1862, at Oswegatchie.
Graves, Fayette D., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Canton.
Gage, George W., private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwards.
Gratton, Ludgic, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Givins, Robert, private ; enrolled , 1862, at .
Hall, Charles W., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hermon.
Hall, James R., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hermon.
Houghteling, Harvey, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Hermon.
Hatch, George S., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Heimon.
Harrington, Welcome C, private ; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Pitcairn.
Henderson, Bernard L, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwiirds.
Hurd, Cyrus H., private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Canton.
Irish, Scott L., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Colton.
Irish, Reuben, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Russell.
Irvin,Hugh M., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Kehoe, Timothy, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McAUester, William C, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Mighella, Thurston, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Hermon.
Manning, Jeremiah, private; enrolled July26, 1862, at Canton.
Miller, Alexander, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Canton.
Mclntyre, John D., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Fine.
Marsh, Henry D., private; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwards.
Newton, Charles N., private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Brasher.
Northrop, Myron, private ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Russell.
Orford, William C, private; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
O'Hara, Anthony, private; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Pike, Christopher C., private; enrolled August 11, 1862, atOswcgntcIiie.
Porter, Albert A., private ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Hermon.
Quigley, Patrick, Jr., private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Norfolk.
Reynolds, Edward, private; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Hermon.
Ralph, Martin, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Canton.
Silby, Rivernus V., private ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at StuckholTii.
Shepard, Charles W., private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Sumner, William N., private ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Rus.fell.
Spicer, John, private; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Russell.
Siver. John H., private ; enrolled August G, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Siver, William W., private ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Siver, James W., private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Oswegatrhie.
Shippee, Orrin, private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Russell.
Show, Samuel, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwards.
Smith, Morris, private ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Hermon.
Stewart, Gilbert, private ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Slettery, John, private ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Spencer, Tyler, private; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Hermon.
Sherwell, Thomas W., private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Soy, Richard, private ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Tanner, Franklin, private ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Tambling, Eli, private; enrolled August 6, 18G2, at Hopkinton.
Walker, David, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwards.
Whitford, James W., private : enrolled July 24, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
White, Enoch, private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Willard, Robert, private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Russell.
Whitney, Philip, private ; enrolled August 1, 1862, at Pitcairn.
Westcotr, Almeron, private; enrolled August 13, 1862. nt Canton.
Williams, John, private ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Hoimon.
White, Erastus A., private ; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Ruasell.
CAPTAIN A. N. MCDONALD'S COMPANY (B).
Andi-ew N. McDonald, captain.
James Peacli, first lieutenant.
Charles S. Glass, second lieutenant.
Alfred J. Hooker, first sergeant; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown.
liobert Riddle, sergeant ; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Hammond.
John Watson, sergeant ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb.
William T. Bolton, sergeant ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
James Bayne, sergeant; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Morristown.
Frank Petrie, corporal ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown.
Wilniurth Wallace, corporal ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Lisbon.
John P. Cougar, corporal ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
George F. Perry, corporal ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Morristown.
George Gibson, corporal; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Morristown.
Barza Kinyan, corporal ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Charles H. Wilson, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown.
William S. McWilliama, corporal; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morii-town.
Adams, William, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Lisbon.
Bernard, George, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Motristown.
Bellinger, Allyn L., private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Morristown.
Bush, Lucius, private; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Morristown.
Bakei-, Benjamin, private ; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Morristown.
Birge, James C, private; enrolled July 11, 1862, at Morristown.
Birge, Roswell, private ; enrolled July 12, 1862, at Morrietown.
Bostwell, Johnson, private; enrolled July 29, 1SG2, at Murristown.
Booth, William A., private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Morri>tuwn.
Bolton, Joseph K,, private ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Ogdenbbiirg,
Bolton, Joseph, private ; enrolled August 1, 1862, at Morristown.
Campbell, William, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown.
Church, De Witt C, private; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Morristown.
Collar, Charles, private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Moriistown.
Cioss, William N., private; enrolled August 5, 18G2, at Morristown.
Clark, Smith, private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Dillenbeck, Charles M., private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Murri^town.
Duckloon, John, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morriatown.
EUlredge, William, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Lisbon.
Fuller, David, private ; enrolled August 10, 1862, at Lisbon.
Flock, HaiTison, private ; enrolled July 31, 18G2, at Lisbon.
Forr, Morgan, private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Forr, Melvin, private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Gibb, James, private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Morri--town.
Goliver, Thomas, private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morristown.
Gregory, Benjamin B., private; enrolled July 28, lfc62, at Lisbon.
Gregory, Charles L., private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Lisbon.
Gray, Joseph N,, private ; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Lisbon.
Gordon, Gilbert B., private; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Morristown.
Green, James W., pxivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Morristown.
HoUiday, Adam, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morri.stown.
Huchinga, George H., private; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown.
Haydoni, Sanford, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Hill, Robert, private ; enrolled July 29, 18G2, at Morristown.
Ivers, Thomas P., private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown.
Jerome, Joseph, private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Morristown.
Jiizor, Abram, private; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Lisbon.
Kelley, Patrick I., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Morristown.
Kells, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Lavine, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Lackie, George, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Morristown.
Mitchell, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Morristown.
Marder, James, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Lisbon.
Marshall, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Morristown.
McFarling, John, private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McLaren, Daniel, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
McCord, Joshua, private ; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at Morristown.
Northrop, Nelson, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Lisbon.
Putnam, William D., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Morristown.
Putney, Elmore, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Lisbon.
Pye, John, private ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Pope, James B., private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown.
Palmer, Dayton, private ; enrolled Aug. fi, 1862, at Morristown.
Phillips, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hammond.
Phillips, George, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Morristown.
Ryan, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Lisbon.
Robertson, Henry, private; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Morristown.
Robinson, Nathan C, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Robinson, John L., private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Morristown.
Robinson, Cephas C, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Rodigan, Thomas J., private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Hammond.
Shaver, John, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Lisbon.
Sheenan, John, private; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown.
Smith, William, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Morristown.
Swain, James J., private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Morristown.
Strapp, John, private ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Salisbury, Amaaa R., private ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Hammond.
Thompson, James, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morristown.
Tennant, Joseph, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Hammond.
Tennant, Robert, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Hammond.
Taylor, Francis, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Taylor, William, private ; enrolled July 9, 1862, at Morristown.
Thomas, Erastus A., private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Morristown.
Turner, Samuel, private ; enrolled July 2-t, 1862, at Hammond.
Vroman, John S., private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Wilson, Orpheus, private ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Wolehan, Benjamin, private; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown.
Ward, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Wells, Charles, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Lisbon.
Wells, Hury, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Lisbon.
Woley, John, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Ward, Henry, private ; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Morristown.
Witham, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Yeardon, Robert D., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Morristown.
Yeardon, Henry H., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Morristown.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL PARKER'S COMPANY (C).
Samuel Parker, captain ; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Peter Robertson, first lieutenant; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Frank Corbett, second lieutenant; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Macomb.
Charies Snyder, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb.
George D. Powell, sergeant; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Robert Kelley, sergeant ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Do Pcyster.
Rollin Burnham, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at De Kalb.
George Fieldran, sergeant; enrolled July 25, 1862, at De Peyater.
Edward Bucknuin, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Morristown.
John Ward, corporal ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb.
William A. Porrin, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at De Peyster.
William Martin, corporal ; enrolled July 23, 18G2, at Macomb.
Frederick H. Mills, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Frederick Chapter, corporal ; enrolled July 27, 1802, at Macomb.
Andrew J. Hitchcock, corporal; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at De Kalb,
Henry H. Wilran, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at De Peyster'
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
497
jTiiyetto Thornton, musician ; enrolled Aug, 4, 18C2, at De Puyster.
liorin H. Wil-'on, musician ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862. at De Poydter.
Ab.ier Ci'oss, wagoner ; enrolled July 2:1, 1862, at Macomb.
Adams, Benedict, private; onrolli-'d July 29, 1862, at Miicomb.
TJalintine, Hugli, private ; enrulletl July 21, L862, at De Peystor,
Bfliich, John, private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Do Kalli.
Berritt, Michael (1st}, piiv.ite; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at-De Kalb.
Berritt, Michael (2d), private ; enrolled Auf^. 12, 1862, at De Kail).
Broinling, Martin, private; onrolUul Aug. 10, 1862, at OswegaUliio.
Bi-uinling, Tlionias, private; enrolled Aug. 16, 1802, at Oswegatchle.
Byrnes, William, private; enrolled July 29, 18G2, at Do Peyster.
Beeboe, Albert, p.ivate; enrolled Aug. II, 18G2, at Dti Kalb.
Bellinger, t)harl<-a, pr.viite; enrolled Auj;. 12, 1862, at De Peysti-r.
Bollinger, Braytuii, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Macumb.
Brooks, Henry M., privitte; enrolled Aug. 4, t80:i, at De Kalb.
Beardaley, Edward, private; enndled July 2t», 1802, at Oswegatehie.
Binnet, Jacob, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at De Kalb.
(Jlark, LCrederick, private; enrolled July 25, 1862, at De Poyster.
Clark, George, private ; enrolled July 25, 1S02, at De Pcyeter.
Carr, Henry, private; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Del*eyster.
Cole, Melvin, private ; enrolled Aug. l:i, 1862, at Oswegatehie.
Onvyford, James, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at De Peyster.
Cater, Henry, private; enrolled July '^9, 1862,at Oswegatcliie.
Chamberlain, John H , private; enioUed July 25, 1862, at De Peyster.
Covey, Chauncey, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at De Peyster.
Charter, Stephen, private; enrolled July -lH, 1862, atMacotnb.
Dana, Krancis, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Hammoinl.
Djina, Theodore IT. M., private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Hammond.
Dalen, Putrick, private; enrolled July 27, 1862, at Macomb.
Klliott, Andrew, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Oawegatchie.
Eustis, George D., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Peyster.
Elliott, Samuel, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at De Peyster.
Fargusjn, Thouia-^, private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at De Peyster.
Furden, Jamea, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 180.!, at Oswegatcliie.
Fishbeck, Hezekiah, private; enrolled Aug. l;i, 1862, at Macomb.
Finley, Rodney, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Macoinb.
Fetterley, William I., privatf ; eni'olled July 23, 1862, at Macomb.
Gaddis, James, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at De Peyster,
IJaiuys, William, private; enrolled July 23, 1R62, at Macoinb.
Hutchinson, Carlton, private; enrolled July 25, 1802, at Mon-istown.
Uiirlon, Henry, pr.vate; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Blacomh.
Hitchnian, Titfauy, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at De Kalb.
Hearns, Peter H., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Macomb.
Harney, William, private; enrolled July 12, 186i, at Oswegatcliie.
Julindoii, Thomns, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Oswegatchie.J
Keck, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 186i, at De Peyster.
Liscomb, Harrison, private ; enrolletl Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb.
Leary, Patrick, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Macomb.
Miiyne, James, private ; enrolled July 25, 1802, itt De Peyster.
MilU, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb.
Miller, Robert, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at O-iwegatchio.
Natt, Thomas H., private ; enrolled July 24, 1802, at Macomb.
Tyler, David C, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at De Peysti-r.
Phillips, Wilrani, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb.
Picker, Francis, privsite; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Hnmmond.
I'ldUips, Henry, pi'ivate ; enrolled July 25, 186^, at Morristown.
Pliilpot, William, private; enrolled Aug. 14,1862, at Macomb.
Itussell, John A., private-; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb.
Reynolds, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Macomb.
Kae, William, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Macomb.
Read, Preston Ji., private; enrolled July 24, 1802, at Oawegatchie.
Rounds, Levi, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at De Peyster.
Biie, John, private ; enr.dled July 20, 1862, at Macomb.
Rubertson, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at 0-jwrgatchie,
Riiurids, Everye K , private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Do Peyster.
Rounds, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at De Peyster.
Rich, Thomafl, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Oswegatehie.
Scribner, Thomas, private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown.
SayerSjThiima.^ private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Macomb.
Sayers, Edward, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb.
Snyder, John H., private; enrolled July 23, 1S62, at M icomb.
Seymour, Abram, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Macmnb.
Staples, Jeise, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macoinb-
Simderland, Darwin W., private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, at Oswegatehie.
Tyler, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Otswegatchie.
Tanner, John, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb-
Teinple, CharleSj private ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Morristown.
I'ownsend, Kenneth, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802. at De Peyster.
Thompson, John, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at M.icomb.
Wright, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at De Peyster.
Wilson, Lewis W , pr.vate; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Peyster.
Wilson, Virgil M., private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Oswegatehie.
Washburn, Lloyd C, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Peyster.
Williams, John, private ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Macomb.
Wright, William, private; enrolled July 20, 1802, at Hammond.
CAPTAIN ROLLIN C. JACKSON'S COMPANY (D).
RoUin C Jackson, captain ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Alvah W. Brigga, first lieutenant; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Osdenaburg.
Albert Walker, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at De Kalb.
David C. CI irk, lat sergeant; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Do Kalb.
Thom;i9 Sliaw, sergeant; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Otis W, Goodrich, sergeant; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Philander Wella, sergeant; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Lisbon.
Daniel Holland, sergeant; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wm. Wqods, corporal ; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Saml. L. Morse, corporal; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Adonijah Fulton, corporal ; enrolled July 28, 1862. at Lisbon.
James Winters, corporal; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Chaa.W^. Jackson, corporal; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Win. K. Best, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Albert Haskell, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Francis Kearney, corporal ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Austin, Giistavus H . private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at De Kalb.
Bedford, Stephen, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Broadwell, Henry, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Lisbon.
Bosworth, John C, private ; enpolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lisbon.
Beckhart, Wm., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Barzee, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Lisbon.
Brown, David D., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb.
Bosworth, Albert, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb.
Bates, Miiton W., private ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at De Kalb.
Barzee, Wm. H., private ; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Lisbon.
-J^oieman, Peter, private ; enrol led July 30. 1862, at Ogdensbu rg.
Church, Benj.H., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
bleveland, Orson L., private ; enrollod July 21, 1862, at Osden.-sburg.
Cook, Robt. R.. pi ivate ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Lisbon.
Cook, Robt., private; enndled , 1862, at Lisbon.
<;ook, Fayette M , private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Clark, Wm. B., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at DeKalb.
Cullina, John P., private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Russell.
C impliidd, Henry F., [irivatu ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Ogdensburg
Dillinghiim, Edward C. D., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862. at Lisbon.
Damphier, Theophilus, private; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Dugan, Michael, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Lisbon.
Eddy, Frank D., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kallt. '
Ellswortli, FernaiuUi, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Canton.
Finch, Eugene, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, iit Ogdensburg.
Foster, John H., private; eni'olled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Goodrich, Eli, private; enrolled July 25, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Getty, Freeman, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Lisbon.
Goodrich, Jas. D., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Gorman, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Graham, Orpheus J., private ; enrollod Aug. 5, 1862. at Ogdensburg.
Hanna, Adams, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at LisFjon.
Hall, James G., private; enrolled July 28. 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Heckles, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Lisiion.
Hackett-, John, private; enrolled July 27, 1862, at Lisbon,
Holdi^n, Jonathan, private; enrolletl Aug. 8, 1862, at Lisbon.
Hayes, Chaa. B., private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at De Kalb.
Hamblin, Elijah, private; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Canton.
Johnson, Ephraim (2d), private; enrolled Aug, 17, 1862, at De Kalb.
Kemp, George D., private ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Russell.
Kearney, Micliael, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Knapp, Zera, private; enrolled July 13, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Kubly, John Jacob, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Lockwood, Daniel, private ; enrolled Aug', 11, 1802, at Lisbon.
Lockwood, Benj., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Lisbon-
Miller, Jos., private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Lisbon.
Miller, Jacob, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
McDonald, Wm,, private; enrolled Aug, 4, 1862, at Oj:densljurg.
McCarthy, Cornelius, private; enrolled July 21, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Martin, Robert, private; enrolled Aug, 5, 1862, at Lisbon.
Mai-tin, Jos., Sr., privale; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, at Oy;densliurg.
Maroeau, Simon, private; enrolled July 23, 1862. at Ogdensburg.
Martin, Jos., Jr., private; enroUed Aug. 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
Martin, John, private; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Menthew, Gilbert, private; enrolled Aug, 12, 1862, at De Kalb.
McGuire, Patrick, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb,
Murphy, Moses, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
McCloy, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Myei's, Clias. E., private; enndled July 25, 1862, at Lisbon.
Nugent, Audiew, private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
Perry, .Tuhn, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Phelps, Saml. W., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Pooler, Wm. R., private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at De Kalb,
Pooler, David, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Robinson, John, private; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Li-;lion.
Rigan, Daniel E., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 18G2, at Ogdensburg.
Rich, Geo. A., pnvate; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Sullivan, Cornelius 0., private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Simpson, Charles S., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Shales, John, privnt^*; enrolled Aug, 5, 1862, at Lawrence.
Smith, Charles H,, private; enrollpd , 1802.
Smith, Lucius, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1802, at De Kalb.
Spicer, Charles, private; enmlled July 23, 18G2, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, Thomas, pnvate; enrolled Aug. 21,1802, at Ogdensburg.
Sutton, O^car F., private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Russell.
Turner, James M., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Tripp, Russell, priv-ite; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at De Kalb.
Tuttle, Jerome B., private; enrolled July 11, 1802, at De Kalb.
Wright, Oliver, private; enndled , 1862.
Wood, Jesse I., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Walker, Edwin, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Weston, William, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at De Kalb.
Wright, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug, 9, 1862, at Lisbon.
White, Lester B., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Lisbon.
Walker, Moses, private; en lulled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb.
CAPTAIN LUTHER PRIESTS COMPANY (E).
Luther Priest, captain ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Potsdam.
Joseph B. Austin, first lieutenant; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Potsdam.
Samuel V. Barnes, second lieutenant; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802.
Elliott Brown, Jr., first sergeant; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Panshville.
Oliver C. Cleveland, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, at Potsdam.
Haviland L. Sweet, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Colton.
Hirara Johnston, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Potsdam.
George Frain, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Wm H. H. Coolage, corporal; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Potsdam.
Page J. Smith, corporal; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Parishville.
Charies B. Rathbone, corporal; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Potsdam.
Nathan Wheeler, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 11. 1862, at Potsdain^
Mvron E. Howard, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 12. 1862, at South Canton.
Benson B. Marsh, corpoml ; enrolled Aug. U, 1862, at Parishville.
John Kingston, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Lawrence.
William Nesbit, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1862, at Potsdam.
Robert H Johnson, musician ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Camp Wheeler.
Jnsephus B. Scott, musician ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Pa-isliville.
Wm C Chapin, wagoner; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Brewer, Nelson I, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Barber, Darius, private; enrolled Aug. 11. 1862, at Lawrence.
Blair. Lorenzo D., private; enrolled Aug. 11,1862, at Parishville.
Burke, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Bates, Harrison private ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Brownell,J.hn private; enrolled Aug 9, 1S62 »t Pamh^lle
Chilton, Stephen W., private ; enrolled Aug. 8 1862 at Potedam.
Cameron, James, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, nt Coltnn.
Collins, Asa L., private; enrolled Aug. 1V,^?S'>''\^p'S ;
Cramer Silas P., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Potsdam.
ChaTe Antlmny B., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Potsdam.
Sollins. Henry pri'vL ; enrolled Aug. ^8. 1S62 at Potsdam
Cheriv James A., private; enndled Aug. 11, 1862, at Pan^hvme.
CveyElwnB. private enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Ogdemburg.
C dworth Otis J, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862 at PanshviUe.
Sase Soy, pri^a'te; enrolled Au^^^^^^^^
Coffee, Charies N., private ; .«nrolled_Aug._ll, 1862. at Panshv.He. ^
Caroe'Ater Robert P., private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Panshville.
fSn David private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Potsdam
dSL A^ahe a priva e; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Par.shv.lle.
uraite, ^i. 111(^1 --^ 1 . i , , . ,„ -,Qp.o nt, Ofi"den.sbur
no, rfltTTurat D private ; onrolT.d AuR. 18, 1862, at OgdBn,,b<.rg.
Se^^Mh.3 W pdva eTem-ollod Aug. 11, 1863, at Potsdam.
Soratl y Ti.o^na^., private; enrollod Aug. 6, 1862, at Potsdam,
498
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Denny, Jaseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Potsdam,
rianders, Henry J , private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, nt Pai ishville.
Gibbons, Ira, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Putsiiam.
Gray, Jopiah, private; enrolled Aug. i;3, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Hubert, Abram P., private ; enrolled Aug. 4, If 62, at Potsdam.
Hopran, 'Willmm, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hoyt, Geor;:e C, jirivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at I'arishville.
Hopkins, Albert B., private; eoiolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hazelgrove, Abram, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18(i2, at Potsdam.
Hamlin, Dennis, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Harriman, Lynuin, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Parishville.
Hoxie, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hoxie, William, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Fazelgruve, Watson, privatn ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Parishville.
Hall, Charles, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hall, Calvin T., private; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Parishville.
Harris, Edward, priv:ite; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Howe, Ira D., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Parishville.
Inman, Addison, private; enrolled Aug. 16, 1862, at Potsdam.
Ten, Stephen, private; enmlled Aug. 2,1862, at Potsdam.
Kirt, OlivfT M., private ; enrolh^d Aug. 12, 1862. at Potsdam.
Lamere, Moses, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Potsdam.
Lands, Stephen, private; enn.llpd Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Mack, William 0., priv.ite; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Munroe, Cbarles S., private; enrolled An>>:. 9, 1802, at Potsdam.
Malikie, Timothy, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Potsdam.
Martin, Nathan, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Canton.
McArthur, Orrin, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Parishville.
Moi'gan, William P., private.
McDonald, Allen P., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Potsdam.
Morgan, Oscar P., private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1862, at Potsdam.
McKinn, George C, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Mansfipld, Lewis L., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawieiice.
McArfhur, Amos, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Parishville.
Mole, William H., private; enmlled Aug. 11, 1S02, at Parishville.
Pulsiler, Henry, private; enrolled Ang. 11, 1882, at Hopkinton.
Page, Alonzo J., piivate; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Pratt, Jobii S., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 18&2. at Ogdensburg.
Powell, William M., private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Cnlton.
Powers, John F., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Potsdatn.
Robins, Newell C, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1872, at Potsdam.
Royal, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Potsdam,
Russell, Mniison W., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Suutli Canton,
Rofkwood. Ilemnn, jirivate; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Rith, Josepb, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Lawrence.
Russell, Steplien S., private; enrolled Aug. 19, lSti2, at Potsdam.
Russell, George, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, fit Parishville.
Riitman, Charles S., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Potsdam,
Royal, Thomas H., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Parishville.
Radway, Fi-anci.s, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, a( South Canton.
Robinson, Daniel, private ; enrolled Aug, 14, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Spinks, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Sanjnle, Peter, pi-ivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Potsdam.
Stratton. Byron, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Pari-hville.
Smith, Wilbur, private ; enr-dled Aug. 11, 1862. at ParishvilP*.
Senter, William R., private; enrolled Aug, 14, 1862, at Ogdensbui-jj.
Stratton, Charles, private ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Potsdam.
Willirims, Josiah, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Lawrence.
Williams, Alonzo, private; enrolled Aug:, 12, 1802. at Lawrence.
Williams, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN MARTIN J. CHAMBERLAIN'S COMPANY (F).
Martin J. Chamberlain, captain ; enrollfd 1862.
Henry N. Clark, first lieutenant, enrolled 1862.
Charles C. Jones, second lieutenant ; enrolled 1862.
Melvin J. Stearns, first sergeant; enrolled Jnlv 24, 1862, at Massena.
Thomas Hodge, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Lnuisville.
Gideon G. Vantine, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 8, 1S62, at Norfolk.
OtisH. Wells, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 11,1862, at Louisville.
Hiram J. Wilson, sergr-ant; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Massena.
Edwin R. Andrews, ctirporal, enrolled Awg, 8, 18C2, at Brasher.
Horace Wing, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Louisville.
Olin H. Tilden, corporal ; enrolled Aug, 1, 1862, at Massi'na.
David PL Patterson, corporal; enroHed Aug. 8, 1862, at Massena.
Charles Rngley, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862. at Massena.
Alexander Laughley, corporal ; enrolled Ann. 7, 1862, at Louisville.
Sandy Hodge, cnrpnral; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862. at Louisville.
Bumhard Speid, corporal ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Massena.
Horace B. Ellsworth, mnsician ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Massena.
Charles H. Boynton, musician ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Allen, Edwin D., private; cnndled Aug. 8, 1862, at Massena.
Abar, Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Brasher.
Brangle, Joseph, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Massena.
Brangle. Lewis, private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Massena.
Boyle, James, private ; enrolled Aug, 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Boyle, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Madrid.
Burke, John, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Brasher.
Bangle, John, private ; enrolled July 27, 1862, at Massena.
Bush, Ama«a, private; enrolled Aug, 9, 1862, at Massena,
Barber, Solon, private; enrolled Aug, 9, 1862, at Massena.
Bennett, Reuben, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Massena.
Burdick, Joel B., private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Brasher.
Bell, Alanson, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1862, at Massena.
Bush, Pariey, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
Camp, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
Cburrhill. Nathan M., private ; enrolled Aug. D, 1862, at Brasher.
Crowley, Timothy, piivate; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Brasher.
Cari.inan, Levi, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Mussena.
Cawley, James, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Louisville.
Ci-amer, William A., private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Massena.
Dewptt, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Louisville.
Dis Lan, Benjamin, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Norfolk.
Dilcox, William, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1862, at Masst^na.
Davey, Thoma", private ; enrolled Aug. 11. 1862, at Louisville.
Dnrant, Justus, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1862, at Louisville.
Dis Lan, Julius, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862. at Massena.
Elliott, Henry W., private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1862, at Norfolk.
Fitzgerald, Michael, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Louisville.
Grant, Ch-iries, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862. at Norfolk.
Goeway, John C, private; enrolled Aug, 1, 1802, at Miissena.
Nosmer, Oirirk, privnte; enrolled Jnly"20. 1802, at Massena.
Hepburn, Alphonso D., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Massena.
Hanigan, David, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Massena.
Hurlpy, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Brasher.
Hall, Joseph H., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Massena.
Ilogle, Robert, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Ma-^sena.
Hutchinson, Orvjlle, private; enrolled Aug, ^7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Hall, Nelson F., private ; enrolled Aug. 19, 1862, at Ogdensburgs
Jacy, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
J:issmer, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at Louisville.
Jassmei-, Antoine, private ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Brasher.
Jassnier, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Massena.
Jones, Clrirles C, private ; enrolled Aug, 5, 1862, at Brasher.
Lagra.n, Joseph, private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Massena.
La Roche, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massend.
Lavene, Paul, private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Mat^sena,
La Clair, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Massena.
La gone, Clirlstopber, private ; enrolled Aug, 7, 1862, at Massena.
Lead, William, pri\ate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
Morrell, William, private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Massena,
McLeod, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Louisville.
McLenin:;, William, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Brasher.
McCue, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
Pratt, Adonison J., private; enndled Aug. 8. 1862, at Massena.
Portus, Williiim, priVHte; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Norfolk.
Patterson, Ephiaim, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Massena.
Palmer, Amos, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Massena.
Myers, John A., private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Massena.
Richard, Joseph, private ; enndled Aug. 8, 1862, at Massena.
Rivers, Isaac, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Brasher,
Suachall, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Sutton, Charles B., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at L(pui8ville.
Showen, William A., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 18ti2, at Massena.
Sanborn, Moody M., private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Brasher.
Scri|tture, Lorenzo, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Brasher.
Socese, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Massena.
Sharp, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Massena.
Sergant. J(ihn. private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1862, at Louisville.
Schnor, Franz, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Brasher.
Smith, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Bi asher.
Tirpy, Martin L., p ivate; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Louisville.
Tobin, Jidin. private; enrolled Aug, 8, 1862, at Ltjtiisville.
Wright, Wilbur W , private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Louisville.
Young, Elijah, private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN JESSE COGSWELL'S COMPANY (G).
Jesse Cogswell, captain ; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Madrid,
Amos Mathewf^, first lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Stockholm.
Gilbert W. Hathaway, second lieutenant; enrolled, 1862, at Waddington.
Myron W. Levings, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. i>, 1862, at Madrid.
Warren J. Ives, sergeant; enrolled Aug, 6, 1862, at Stockholm.
Edward Squares, sergeant ; eniolled Aug, 7, 1862, at Stockholm.
William Sawyer, sergeant; enrolled Aug. G, 1862, at Stockholm.
Aaron Blackman, sergeant ; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Madiid.
Daniel Landon, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Edward L. Wr.ght, corporal : enrolled Aug, 9, 1862. at Madrid.
Rnfus Allen, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Stockholm.
Augustus E. Wright, cor|)oraI ; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Madrid.
George Na-sh. corporal; enrolled Aug. fi, 1862, at nr)pkinton.
John Haskell, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid,
Daniel Thurston, corporal ; enndled Aug. 4, 1862, at Stockholm.
William B. Gille.-pie, c rporal ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Madrid.
Seymour Adams, musician ; enrolled Aug. 4,1862, at Parishville.
Abernathy, Monroe, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1862, at Madrid,
Belgad, Adojphus, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Bailey, William W., private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at L<misville.
Brown, Williajn, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Louisville.
Carson, Phineas P., private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Corben, Melzer, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Buck's Bridge.
Ciiire, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1S62. at Hojikinton.
Cornell, Orlando, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at-Madrid.
Call. Ephraim, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Stockholm.
Carroll, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Madrid.
Cole, Myron S., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862. at Stockholm.
Cole, Simeon, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Stockholm.
Chapman, Julius, private ; enrolled Aug, 1 1, 1862, at Lawrence.
Cole, Sylvester P,. private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Constine, Geo., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madiid.
Crosby, Cyrus R., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Denien, Daniel, private ; I'nrolled Aug 13, 1802, at Madrid.
Earl, John, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Fuller, Ezra, private ; enrolled Aug, 18, 1862, at Stockholm.
Folsom, Alfred, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Stockholm.
Griffiths, Evan E.. private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Gadbow, Chas,, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Gladden, Cyrus R., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Stockholm.
Gaddis, George, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Stockholm.
McAnna, Christopher, private; enrolled Aug. 19, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Hicks, E. J., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Stockholm.
Heath, Martin, private ; enrolled Aug. 8,-1862, at Stockholm.
Hawlcy, Ira D., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Madrid.
Huntly, Frederick, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Stockholm.
HuntIy,A. P., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Stockholm.
Honnedew, Nathaniel, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Hutchison, Leonard, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 186^, at Stockholm.
Hesselgrave, Thos., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862. at Madrid.
Horsford, Judson E., private ; enrolled Ang. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Jordan, Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Louisville,
Lyman, George P., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Madrid,
Livermore, Henry W., private; enrolbd Aug, 12, 1862, at Stockholm.
Millard, Robt. A,, private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Morrison, John, private ; enndled Autr. 13, 1862, at. Madrid.
Miller, Samuel, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Stockholm.
Miller, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Stockholm
Mead, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Potsdam
McGinn, Wm,, private ; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Waddington.
Mead, Daniel, Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Madrid.
Mead, James P., private ; enrolled Aug, 2, 1862, at Madrid.
Nash, Geo, W,, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Hopkinton
Nulty, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 15. 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Newton, Warner, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Page, Wm. E., private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Stockholm.
Petei-son, Almond R., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802. at Madrid.
Powers, Anthony, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Waddington.
Perry, Alexander, Jr., private : enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Perry Eli, private; enndled Aug. 6, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Powell, Frederick, private; enndled Aug. 13, 1862. at Madrid
Paige, Carlos W,, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Stockholm.
Paxton, Benj private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Richmond, Thos., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid
Richai-dson, Eugene, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 16C2, at Stockholm.
Read, Chas. E., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Stockholm
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
499
Rusftn, Wm., private ; pnroUed Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Rutherford, John A., pyivate ; enrolled Aug, 12, 1862, at Madrid.
Sloan, Thoa., private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Madrid.
Smith, John, private ; eproUed July 31, 1862, at Waddington.
Shufor, Aaron, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Stockholm.
Sutton, Webster, private; enrolled Aug, 7, 1862, at Lniiisvillo.
Seai-8, Andrew J,, private ; enrolled Aug. 13. 1862, at Madrid.
Shales, George, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hopkinton.
Strong, James, private ; eproUed Aug. 11, 1862, at Stockholm.
Sheldon, Oscar, private; enrolled July 27, 1862, at Madrid.
Taylor, Thoa., private; enH^^d Aug. 9, 1862, at Stockholm.
Thomas, John, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Madrid.
White, Julius, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hopkiuton.
Westiuvay, Wm., private ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Madrid.
Wheeler, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Uopkinton.
Wheeler, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. VA, 1862, at Madrid.
Winne, John C, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Hopkiuton.
White, Adney P., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Ilopkintou.
Weston, Frederick, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Stockholm.
CAPTAIN CHARLES J. RIDER'S COMPANY (H).
Ohnrles J, Rider, captain.
Asahel A. Brunaon, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Lawrence.
Lorenzo H. Chandler, corporal ; enrolled^ Aug. 14, 1862, at Nicholville.
Napoleon B. Benham, corporal j enrolled Aug. 16, 1862, at Lawrence.
John W. Carter, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 16, 1862, at Lawrence,
Truman Wescott, corporal; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Lawrence.
Bnmch, Oscar B., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at OgdensUurg.
Chandler, Lewis P., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Outwice, Frank, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Lawrence.
Day, Henry H., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Lawrence.
Day, Webater D., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Day, Geo. W., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Fflrris, Wiirren J., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Nichnlville.
Hoyt, Chamberlain, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Lawrence.
Hoxie, Edgar, private ; enrolled August 4, 1S62, at Lowrenco.
Hicks. Aaron J., private ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Irish, Abel J., private ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Lawrence.
Keys, Everett, private ; enrolled August 11, 1802, at lawrence.
Russell, Frank, private; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Lawrence.
Kichnrds, Daniel, private ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Wilaey, Abram L., private ; enrolled August 12, 186^, at Lawrence.
CAPTAIN PATRICK H. SHIELDS' COMPANY (I).
Patrick H. Shields, captain.
A. K. McMurry, 1st lieutenant.
H. P. Field, 2d lieutenant.
Cimpbell, Alexander, sergeant; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Monroe, Robert C, corporal ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Bailey, Hugh, private; enrolled July 26, 1862. at Ogden.sburg.
Brout, Lnrenza N., private ; enrulled August 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Brower, John, private; enrolled July 81, 1862, at Ogdeu'iburg.
Cochlin, John, private ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdonaburg.
Dupraa, Peter, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Eile, Perry, private ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Edwards, John, privat'' ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Eyckich, D. White, private ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Oedi'usburg.
Frau, Edward A., private ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Fleming, James A., private ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Griffiths, James, private ; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Green, James, private; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Gansley, Alexander C, private; enniUqd July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Haggarty, Patrick, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Isaac, William, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Johnson, John, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Jones, William, private; enrolled August 9, 186-', at Ogdensburg.
Lashure, Joseph, private ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Leary, John, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Laviere, David, private; enroUnd July 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
McDonald, John, private; enrolled Jiity 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
McKnight, John J., private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
McCup, Joseph W., private; enrolled July 21, 1862. at Ogilensburg.
McFarland, Michael, private; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Piircell, James, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Ogden^^burg.
Peck, Jason, private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Peck, Nelson, private; ennolled July 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Peck, Stephen, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Perry, Robeit, private ; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogrlensburg.
Parrington, George I., privute; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Peck, Richard, private ; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Powers, James R., private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Rowe, James, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Kegati, Maurice, private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
8titeB, George, pi-ivfite; enrolled July 26, 1«62, at Ogdensburg.
Snider, Walter S., private; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Ogden-burg.
Snufh, Zadock, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Trickey, Hartwell N., private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Tunnant, William, private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Van Klick, William, private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wilder, Henry, private : enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wells, SHmuel E., private; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wells, Thomas G., private; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Moore, James, private; enrolled July 18,1862, at Ogdensburg.
Phelps, Richmond D., private; enrolled July 18, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Spaulding, Henry, private; enrolled July 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wood, William E., private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER BINGHAM'S COMPANY (K).
Alexander Bingham, captain.
John D. McBroom, 1st lieutenant.
Daniel Peck, 2d lieutenant.
Horace Pickets, lat sergeant, enrolled August 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Sumner J. Barber, sergeant; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Canton.
Hawley S, Hebborn, sergeant ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Coltpn.
Hackley Day, sergeant ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Canton.
Merron Martin, sergeant; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Colton.
Joseph C. Robinson, corporal ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Canton.
Charles C. Caldwell, corporal; enndled August 11, 1862, at Canton.
James L. Sprague, corporal ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Kdwin A. Goodrich, corporal ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Canton.
John L. Sayles, corporal ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Colton.
Allred Day, corporal ; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Canton.
Baniel Booth, ci*rp6ral ; enrolled August 2, 1862. at Edwards.
LuciRn Mathews, corporal ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Canton.
Sjiomon R. Benham, musician ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Colton.
William N. Leonard, musician ;-enrolled August 9, 1862, at Colton.
Edson Potter, musician ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Colton.
Buck, Irancis M., private; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Edwards
Barber, William J., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Canton
^anuaster, Azro I., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards
Barber, Ira C, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Canton.
JJi-own, Harvey, private; enrf)lled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Hartley, John, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Colton.
Brimaon, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Canton.
Billings, John W., private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Canton
Cole, Andrew M., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Fowler
Carroll, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 6, lB62, at Fowler.
Copeland, A. C, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Colton.
Cardinal, Martin, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Colton.
Chdiosey, Jame<, private ; enrolled Ang. 9, 1862, at Colton.
Clark, Williiim G., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Canton
Detaiuable, Motts, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Fowler.
Davis, Daniel, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Fowler.
Daniels, Ileury, private; enndled Aug. 11, 186:i, at Edwards.
Downs, James IJ., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Edwards.
Dcramons, Charles E., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Edwards
Elliott, John M., private; enrolled Aug. 4. 1862, at Colton.
Earl, Perry, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Canton.
Earl, Eli P., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Edwards.
Ferdham, James H., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Fairchild, William B., private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Canton.
Gates, Harvey W., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Gates, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Edwards.
Glazier, George, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Fowler.
Gordon, Justus P., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Gordon, Squire C, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 18G2, at Edwards.
Gaddis, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Gotham, WiHiam, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Edwards.
Gleason, Harvey, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Canton.
Gotham, David, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Edwards.
Hunt, Suiranus I., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Eilwards.
Haile, George K., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Hooper, Robert F., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Cantou.
Ives, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Edwards.
Johnson, A. C, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Fo"ler.
Jones, Levi 0.. private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Fine.
King, Lucius A., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Edwards.
Loop, Leman, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Edwards.
Loop, Spaulding, private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Canton.
Leonard, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Pierrepont
Loop, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Russell.
Littlejohn, Silaa, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Coltnn.
Maltby, H. S., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Edwards.
McFerron, James, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Edwards,
Mathews, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Murry, Asa, private ; enruUeil Aui;. 4, 1802, at Colton.
McFalls, William, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, iit Canton.
Nicker.ion, Orson, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Canton.
Niekersuu, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 9. 1862, at Canton.
Norman, S. C. F., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Oakley, Henry, private; enrulled Aug. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Pamselle, Erskine,priviite; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Eilwards.
I'elsue, Orson, Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Pelsue, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Porter, Charles H., private; enrulled Aug. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Paine, Kdwiu R., privute; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Cantou.
Remington, Charles H., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Richiirds, George C, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Robertson, John, private; enrolled July 19, 1862, at C;inton.
Sampson, Alonzo M., private ; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Sayles, Israel, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Colton.
Stowe, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Culton.
Stuart, Michael, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Seaver, George L., private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Colton.
Spaulding, Ira S., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Severance, Edward, private ; enrolled Ang. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Spencer, Ozias W., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Edwards,
Thayer, Bingham C, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Van Osnum, James E., privute; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwiirds.
Van Osnum, James B., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Russell.
Vati Wurt, John II.. private; enrolled July 21, 1802, at Canton.
Woolever, Frederick B,, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Edwards.
Wuolever, Hiram, private; enrulled Aug. 2, 1862, at Edwards.
Wiiit, Simon, privute; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Cantt)n.
Wiifiht, Warieii M., private; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Edwards.
Wait, WaiTCn B.. private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Colton.
White, Is.iac, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Canton.
We-tgate, Friincis, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Hermon.
Wilson, Andrew, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Canton.
142D INFANTRY,
FIELD AND STAFF.
Koscius W. Jiidson, cidonil ; enrulled Sept. 29, 1862, at Ogdensbui-g.
George A. Whitney, adjutant; enrolled Sept. 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
David McFalls. surgeon ; enrolled Sept. 29, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Herman A. Bnland, first assi-tant surgeon; enr. Sept. 29, 1802, at Ogdensbui^.
Westley T. Rice, second assistant surgeon ; enr. Sept. 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN EDWARD A. HURLBUrS COMPANY (A).
Edward A. Hurlbut, captain.
Jonathan Hougliton, firpt lieutenant.
Joseph H. Hays, second lieutenant.
George Simpson, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Oswegatchie.-
Arthur H. Montgonierj', sergeant; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb.
John Sitts, sergeant; enrolled Any:. 5, 1862, at Macomb.
Lewis W. Brown, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
Laforest Murks, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Canton.
Erastus W. Stsicv, corporal; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
William R. Chaffee, corporal; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
George Ferguson, corporal; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
Henry Stone, corporal; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Marvin H. Hilts, corpoiul ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Luther Dart, corporal ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at De Kalb.
James L. Home, corporal; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Willi'im H. Hiizleton, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Gouverneur.
Martin T. Cross, mupician; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Andrew J. Rounds, musician ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Oswegatchie.
Adkins Joseph, private; enrolled July 24, 1802, at Macomb.
Adkinsi Lorenzo, private; enrolled July 24, 1862. at Macomb.
Backus John, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802 at De Kalb.
Baker, John, private ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Potsdam.
500
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Bartlett, John H., piivato ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Hermon.
Bassptt, Henry A., pi ivate ; enrolled Auji. 8, 186'2, at Canton.
Beach, James G., private; enrolled Ang. 21, 186:', at De Kalb.
Beard, James, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Breese, 'William, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 18G2, at De Kalb.
Briggs, William D., private; enrolled Aur. 11, 1862, at Macomb-
Brown, William, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at De Kalb.
Bromley, Henry, pi-ivate ; enrolled Aug. 11,1862, at Hermon.
Ciirney, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at De Kalb.
Carver, Barton, i)rivate ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
Chapman, Ro^-sell, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Dp lialb,
Childs, Sylvaiius, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Canton.
Clifflen, Joel E,, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, nt Ciinton.
Cook, James ¥., private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at De Kalb.
Cole, Frank, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Cro<B, Emory, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
Crossmon, Sylvester, private ; enrolled Aug. U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Crozier, Willard L , private ; enrolled Aug. i:^, 1862, at Macnmb.
Diivenport, Dan,, private; enrolled Aug, 15, 18G2, at Oswegatcbie.
Davis, Charles E,, private ; enrolled Aug. Vi, 1862, at Hermon.
Durham, Jeliiel V., private; enrolled Aug. 7,1862, at Canton.
Dauo, Peter E., private; enrolled July 25, 18(2, at Canton.
Ellis, Allen, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, iit Canton.
Ellsworth, Mason, private; enrolled Ang. i:i. 18G2, at Macomb.
Evans, Benjiimin F., private; enndled July 31,1862, at Canton.
Kr.iKer, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Goiiverneur.
Fitzpatrick, Patrick, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Canton.
Geary, John, jirivate; enrolled Aug. 1o, 1862, at Oswegatcliie.
Goodale, Orin, private; enndlud July 25, 1802, at Macomb.
Harris, John, pr.vate ; enridlerl Aug. 13, 1862, at Ciinron.
Haven."", Li)ren,piivate; enrolled Ang. 12, 1862, at De Kalb.
Henry, Asiihel L., private ; enroUeil Aug. 14, 1862, at Oswegatchie-
Hunter, James, p; ivate ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb,
Hdye, Hiram, private ; enrolled Aug, 6, 1862, at Macoud).
Hyde, Nathaniel, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb.
Harrigan, Michael, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Canton,
Jenkins, Hugh, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at De Kalb.
Laraby, Bobeit, private; enrolled July 29,1862, :it De Kalb.
Lathrop, Andrew, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Cantun.
Lawi'ence, William, i)i ivate; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Do Kalb.
Lyman, George Z., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at C<dton.
liOW. Clinton A., pii^ate; enrolled Aug, 9, 1862, at De Kalb.
McAd<im, William, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at De Kalb,
McClure, Mathew, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Macomb.
McDaid, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Macomb.
Mclnto-sb, David A., private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Gouverneur.
McMiun, John, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862. at De Kalb.
Mirick, Jacub ¥., private ; enrolled Aug. fi, 18(2, at Fowler.
Morrison, John, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Colton.
Morse, Jaiues B., private ; enrolled Ang. 5, 1862, at Fine.
Muir, Archibald, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Fine.
Newman, Loren, private ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Macomb-
Urmsliy, James V., private; enrolleil July 30, 1862, at Macomb.
Ornisby, Wra., private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Macomb,
Parkhnrot, Noiih, private ; enrolled Aug. D, 1862, at De Kalb.
Pearl, Benj., private ; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Canton.
Pearl, Geo., private ; enrolled Aug 13, 1862, at Macumb,
Perry, Saml., privale; enrol ed July 19,1862, at Can tun,
Quesnell, Jos,, private ; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Canton.
R:iven, Jeremiah W., private; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Macomb.
Reed, Allred, private; enrolled Ang. 11,1862, at Gouveineur.
Kice, Seth, piivate ; enrolled Aug, 22, 1862, at De Kalb.
Rice, Lewis, private ; eni'olled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatcliie.
Kitcbie, Tbos., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Sayers,Chas. W,, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at De Kalb.
Smith, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Macoinb.
Stacy, Elisha H., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at De Kalb.
St. John, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Stratton, Jason J., private ; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at De Kalb.
Tliayer, Levi W., private ; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at De Kalb.
Thayer, Lewis F., private ; enrolled Jnly 31, 1862, at Gouverneor.
Truax, Milton J., private ; enrolled July 3i>, 1862, at Macomb,
Tully, JoH., private ; enrolled Jnly 28, 1862, at Macomb,
Vaughn, Martin E,, private ; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Fine.
Ward, Spencer B., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Fine.
Washburn, John M., private ; enrolled Aug; 11, 1862, at Macomb,
Wetherup, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1862, at De Knlb.
Whitcomb, Warren, private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Canton.
WJiiteford, Jnhn, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1862, at De Kalb.
Yeardon, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug, 6, 1862, at Gouvenieur,
CAPTAIN DANIEL D. JOHNSON'S COMPANY (B),
Daniel D. Johnson, captain ; enrolled Aug, 22, 1862, at Rossie.
Geo. P. Tait, Ist lieutenant; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at Gouverncur.
Geo, F. Doolitlle, 2d lieutenant; enrolled Aug 22, 1862, at Ros-sie.
Adam F. Cai-pentnr, let sergeant; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Morristown,
Emory Drury, 2d sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Rossie.
Edwin L, Drake, 3d sergeant; enrolled Aug, 15, 1802, at Gnuverueur.
MaxinjUB L. Loomis, 4th sergeant; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Gnuverneur.
Nahum W. Thomas, 5tli sergeant; em oiled Aug. 1,1 Oi, at Rossie.
Frank M. Buss, 1st corporal; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Hammond,
Wm, S. Delong, 2d corporal ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at Rossie.
Clias, Ellsworth, 3d corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1802, at Rossie.
Benj. Harden, 4th corporal ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Ro'-sie.
John L. Krake, 5th corporal ; enrolled Ang. 20, 1862, at Morristown.
Peter Patterson, 6ih corporal ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Roi-sie.
Tbos. S. Rulherford, 7th corporal; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862. at Gouvenieur
Seth Van Namee, 8tli corporal ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, iit Gouverneur.
Chas. S. Reed, musician; enndled July 20, 1802, at Rossie.
Hoisted S. Fold, musician ; enrolled Aug. 8. 186:i, at Morristown.
Aldoes, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug, 12, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Allen, John, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at Hammond.
Bnrliani, Chas., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Rossie.
Bates, John, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Hammond.
Blackburn, Robt. N., private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Bnyer, John C, private; enrolled Ang, 7, 1862, at Rossie.
Baker, Phirandy, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Rossie.
Baker, Geo. W,, private; enrolled Ang. 3n, 1862, at Hammond.
Backus, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Hammond.
Bur-h, Geo. A., private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at Hammond.
Cellars, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Calhoen, John, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Hammond.
Culbertson, Edwin A., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Rossie.
Connelle, Chas., private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Gouverneur.
Carlisle, Joseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Hammond.
Drury, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Rossie.
Dulack, Michael, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Rossie.
Eustis, George T., private ; enrolled Aug. 11,1862, at Hammond.
Forrester, Erastus F., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Hammond.
Farnham, Wm., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, atRos&ie.
Foot, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hammond.
Fuller, Lewis, private ; enrolled Ang. 12, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Graves, John, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1862, at Macomb.
Hutton, James, Jr., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1862, at Macomb.
Hunter, James, private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Rosf^ie.
Hammond, Isaac, piivate; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Hammond.
Hammond, Ethan, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Hammond.
Haydon, Tbos., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Hawkins, Geo. S., private; enndled Aug. 12, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Hall, Robt. (2d), private; enrolled July 22, 1802, at RosHie.
Hunter, James W., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Hammond.
Holden, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Hammond.
Hall, Walter, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Jepson, George, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Rossie.
Jepson, Eli, private ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Rossie,
JacksAi, John, private ; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Gouvenieur.
Johnston, Franklin, private; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Judson, Solomon C, private; enrolled August 19, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
King, David, piivate ; enrolled September 2, 1862, at Rossie.
Keyse, Robert, private; enrolled August 27, 1802, at Macomb.
Keyse, William, private; enrolled August 19, 1862, a,t Rossie.
Kenyon, William H., private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Rossie.
King, OLver, private; enrolled August 14, 1£G2, at RobSie.
Kenyon, Henry, private; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Rossie,
Knowlton, Lewif, private; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Kenville, John, private; enrolled August 21, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Leary, Patiick, private; enrolled September 1, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Lawton, George W., private; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Hammond.
Laberdee, Jof-eph, private; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Gouvenieur.
Labor, Lewis, private; enrolled August 8, 1862. at Gouverneur.
Lasure, Oliver, private ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Lee, Morris, Jr., private ; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Rossie.
Lyons, Wallace, private; enrolled August 15, 1862, at Gouverneur,
Nelson, Josejih, private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Rossie.
Nelson, Alexander, private; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Rossie.
Noiton, William W., private; enrolled August 30, 1862, at Hammond.
O'Connell, James, piivate; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Ro.-sie.
Peeler, Christopher, private; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Rossie.
Pierce, Lambert, private; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Hammond.
Parmeter, James, private; enrolled Axigust 11, 1862, at Rossie.
Pai'nieter, John W., private ; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Rossie.
Parmeter, Benjamin, private ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Rossie.
Patton, Andrew H., private; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Rossie.
Patton, Thomas, pi-ivate ; enrolled August 2, 18G2, at Rossie.
Pettys, Jeremiah, private ; enrolled Ir^eptember 1. 1862, at Hammond.
Reed, Truman, private; enrolled September 6, 1862, at Hammond.
Robinson, Gardiner B., private; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Rossie.
Rol, George, private ; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Rcxford, Aaron P., private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Rossie.
Robb, Robert, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Rossie.
Simons, Benjamin W., private ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Rossie.
Small, IVIichael, private ; enrolled September 11, 1862, at Morristown.
Stoll, Hiram, private ; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Gouverneur.
Seaver, William H , private ; enrolled July 26, 1862, at Rossie.
Smith, Elias D., private ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Gouvenieur.
Turnbull, John C., private; enrolled September 2, 1862, at Hammond.
Thompson, James, private; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Vaunamee, Albert H., private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Gouverneur.
Vaniiamee, Charles B , private : enrolled August 7, 1862, at G<iuverneur.
Wilder, Amasa C, private ; enrolled August 6, 1802, at Gouverneur.
Watson, George, private ; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Rossie.
Wilson, James W., private; enrolled August 14, 1862. at Rossie.
Wight, Orville E., private; enrolled August 8, 1862, at Fowler.
Wilson, Franklin B., private ; enrolled August 11, lf-'62, at Fowler.
Yerdon, Oliver, private ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Rossie.
CAPTAIN JOHN D. RANSOM'S COMPANY (0).
John D. Ransom, captain.
William Dalzell, 1st lieutenant.
George H. Godden, 2d lieutenant.
Amos Wells, Ist sergeant; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Tlioma.s G. Alison, sergeant ; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Waddington.
Ezra H. Austin, sergeant; enrolled August 11, 1802, at Waddington.
Charles Kennedy, sergeant; enrolled August IS, 1862, at Waddington.
Michael Behan, sergeant ; enrolled August 18, 1862, at Waddington.
James A. Gilmonr, corporal ; enrolled August 13, 18t2, at Waddington.
Hiram Alguire, corporal ; enrolled August 11, 1802, at Waddington.
Jared B. Burdick, corporal ; enrolled August 16, 1802, at Waddington.
Moses Joyce, corporal ; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Waddington.
Charles Butterworth, corporal; enrolled August 15, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
William H. Richmond, corporal ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Waddington.
Henry W. Common, corpoi-al; enrolled August 11, 1802, at Waddington.
William H. Wagner, corporal ; enrolled August 23, 1862, at Lisbon.
William Fogarty, musician ; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
David Scheff, musician ; eni-olled August 11. at Waddington.
Ashley, John, private; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Abar, Newell, private ; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Arnold, George W,, private ; enrolled August 23, 1862, at Lisboo.
Andrew.<, Frank E., jirivate ; enrolled August 8, 1802, at Pierrepont.
Brannon, Patrick, private; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Bcbati, James, private; enrolled August 11. 1862, at Waddington.
Bresett, Joseph, private; enrolled August 14, 1802, at Ogdenf-buBg.
Baker, William H., private ; enrolled August 20, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Bowland, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Waddington.
Burt, Charles C, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Briggs, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 16, 1802, at Lisbon.
Burdick, Lindon, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Waddington.
Common, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Waddington,
Champion, David, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Waddington.
Cunningham, Andrew, private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Waddington.
Cramer, George P., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Stockholm.
Dodds, Richard, private ; enixdled Aug. 15, 1862, at Louisville.
Diganon. William, private; enrolled Aug. IS, 1862, at Waddington.
Dowdall, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Eagan, Michael, private ; enrolled Aug. 19, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Elliott, Henry J., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Elliott, William, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Ogdensburg.
Endersbee, Jofieph, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Louisville.
Finn, James, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Flack, Napoleon B., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Lisbon.
Graves, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Guyott, Charles, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Ogdenaburg.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiNCE COUNTY, NEW YOIIK.
501
GiU)OW, John, privHte ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, nt "Warldington.
Ho.>t, George, private ; enrolled Ang. 11, 18G2, at Waddiiigton.
Hoyt, Joseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at Waddingtun.
Hoard, Lorenzo, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Louisville.
Hickey, James, private; enrolled Ang. 22, 1862, iit Waddington.
Hoy, John A., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, nt Louifiville.
Hargrave, William, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Hitchman, Ira, private ; enrolled Aug. 1:,;, 1862, at Waddington.
Heselgrave, Juhu, private; enrolled Srpt. 4, lb62, at Ogdensbnrg.
HughfS, Matthew, private; enrolled Auk- 13, 1862, at Madrid.
Henry, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, nt Waddington.
Jack, ThoinHH, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Juyce, John, private ; enrolled Ang. 12, 1862, at Waddington.
Kennedy, Miuhacl, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Waddington.
Kanouft; William, pnvate; enrolled Aug. lU, 1862, at Waddington.
Kninht, Williiim, private ; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, nt Waddingtun.
Lapert, Snmuel, piivate ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862. at Waddington.
iHpert, Joi^epli, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Laelalr, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdenaburg.
Murphy, Thomas, private : enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
McDonald, Myron, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensljutg.
McUuugal, Charles, private ; enrolled Ang. 14, 1862, at Ugdensburtr.
Millard, Albert W., private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 18G2, at Lisbon.
McKaw, William, pnvate ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Waddington.
Uuwniyei-s, Finton, privnte; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Ugdonsburg.
O'Neil, Jitmes, private; enrolled Ang. 18, 1862, at Waddington.
O'Ned, Thomas, pi-ivate; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
OLeary, Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Waddington.
Olin>tead, John S., private ; enrolled Ang. 3t), 1862, at Ogdentsburg.
Price, William, private ; enrolled Ang. 13, 1862, at Louisville.
Pickup, Robert B,, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Porteous, Samuel 11., private ; enrilled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Perrigo, Walter B., private ; enrolled Aug. 2U, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Powers, Hubert D., private; enrolled Ang. 14. 1862, at Louisville.
Pearson, Alfred W., private; enrolled Aug. ail, 1862, at Ogdenbbnrg.
Rutherford, George K., private ; enrnll<-d Sept. 4, 1862, at Waddington.
Bebar, Alexander, J r., private ; enrolled Aug. 16, 186:i, at Ugdensburg.
Kutley, James, pr.vate; enrolled Ang. 13, 1862, at Louisville.
Richmond, John, Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Louisville.
Shove, Jacob, piivate; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Waddington.
Short, William T., private; enrolled Aug. 19, 1862, at Madrid.
Sawyer, John H., pnvate ; eni-ullcd Aug. IJ, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Sturtevant, Santbid L., pnvale; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Santaws, Michael, pi ivate ; enrolled Si-pt. 1, 1862, at Waddingtun.
St. Andrews, Charles, private ; enrolleu Ang. 4, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Tiernan, Michael, pr.vate ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Waddington.
Tuomey, Jerry, private ; enrolled Aug 13, 1862, at Waddingtun.
Vilas, Charles A., private ; eurolteil Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Wheeler, Hiram 0., privati-; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Waddington.
White, Nelson W., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
AVeathcrston, Adam, private ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Lisbon.
Walker, Adam, Jr., private; enndled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Wilson, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Waddington.
Wilkes, George, private; enrolled Ausi. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Walker, Thomas M., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Madrid.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. JONES' COMPANY (D).
Couney, James, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM WHEELER'S COMPANY (E).
William Wheeler, captain.
Hiram J. Goodno, first lieutenant.
David H. Wells, second lieutenant; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Richard F. Ewart, fii-at sergeant; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Oiwi'gaichie.
Amos B. Countryman, second sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 7, 1862, at tiswegatchie.
John Rjinkm, third herneant ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Do Peystor,
Andrew Richardsun, fourth sergeant; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Ue Pe^ster.
George Plumb, fifth sergeant; enrolled Aug. 2U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Robert Shaw, first coi-poral ; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Henry H. Bo^worth, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
John Weller, third corporal ; enrolled Sept. 6, 18G2, at Oawegatchie.
FrAnk M. Bartlett, fourth corporal ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Simeon Plantz, filth corporal ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Hummond.
Rofiwell H. Ryan, sixth uoi-poial ; enrolled Ang. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Adrian V. S. Olute, seventh corporal ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
James McUonald, t-ighlh corporal ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Edward E. Brown, drummer ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at O-swegatchie.
Aiineson, Frederick W., private ; enrolled Ang. 2i, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Adams, John, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Lisbon.
Asliwood, John, private; enrolled Sejit. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Backus, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1862. at Edwards.
Bishop, John, private ; enrolled Sept 22, 1862, nt Oswegatchie.
Berkeley, Amos J., private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at Ue J'eyster.
Best, John H., private ; enrolled Ang. 2.'>, 1862, at l)e Peybter.
Cumbs, Albert, private; enrolled Sept, 4, 1802, at Oswegatchie.
Como, Ethan A., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Gumming-', David, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Cadier, Joseph, piivaie; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Campbell. Duncan, pnvale; enrolled Sept 3,1862, at Oswegatchie.
Conway, John, pnvate ; enrolled Aug. SivJ, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Casey, Willinm, privnte; enndled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Cliildrt, Asa B., private; enrolled Aug. 3U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Collins, P trick, i>rivate ; enrolled Aug. 25, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Corb.t, Patr.ck, private ; enrolled Sept. 8, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Bohoney, Michael, private; enrollerl Si'pt. 5, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Bempiey, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Oswegntchie.
Beney, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 17, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Burttis, John, private; enrolled Ang. Zl, 1862, at Do Peyster.
Eaton, Frank W., piivate ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, al Oswegatchie.
Karl, Arthur, private ; enrolled Aug 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Freed, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Farnsworth, Cariton B,, privnte ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Freligh, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862. at Oswej-'afchie.
Fuller, Job R., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Giffin, Sylvester, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Gunn, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 18G2. at Oswegatchie.
Gordon, George C, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Gariieau, Mitchell, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Hopkins, Moody, private; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Holmes, James B., private ; enrolled Sept. 1,1862, at De Peyster.
Hamlin, Smeon. private ; enrolled Ang. 23, 1862, at Lisbon.
Hill, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Kesseday, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, atOswegatcliie,
Keegan, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
KnauCf, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Kirk, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Laird, David, private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, nt Oswegatchie,
Little, George, private; enrolled Sept. 19, 1862, nt Oswcgntihie,
M;.jur, Jnspph, pnvate; enrolled Sept. 16, 18G:', at O-wegntcbie.
Marsh, Charics II., private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1862, nt Oswegatchie.
McNamey, Robert, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Mashua, John, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Murj-an, David H., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Odwegatch e.
McOready, Robert C, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Hammond,
McGraw, George W., private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Melnti'sh, John, private; enrolled Sept. G, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Muraii, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 18G2, nt Oswegatchie.
McKechnie, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Mason, Vermila A., piivate ; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at De Peyster.
McCoy, Daniel, private; enrolled Ang. 27, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
McGill, R chard, privnte; enrolled Sept. 23, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McLaughlin, William F., private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Murray, William, Jr., private; enrolled Ang. 3U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McLano, Robert, private, enrolled Aug. 31, 1862, at 0.swegntchie.
Noland, Peter, pr.vate; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
O'Neil, Patrick, privdte; enrolled Sept. G, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
O'Hagan, John, private; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Osvvegalcliie.
Olds, Carlos, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Porter, George, privnte ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Piercy, William II., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 18C2, at Oswegatchie,
Perry, Hugh, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at O-iwegaichie,
Patterson, Oliver, private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Pond, Edwin, iirivnti- ; enrolled Sept, 2, 1862, at 6.--wcgatcliie.
Pctrie, Edward, private ; enrolled Si^pt, 1, 1862, at De Peyster.
Qua, Jnmes, private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at !n.sbon
Qua, Alvin, private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Lisbon.
Reed, William, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1862, at Lisbon.
Robinson, John G., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862 at Oswegatchie.
Rogers, John, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1862, at Oswegati hip.
Keddingtoii, .John, private; i-nrolled SeiJt. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Reed, Edward f<'., privnte ; enrolled Ang. 3(1, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Ryan, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Oswfgatchie.
Sharp. John, piivate ; etirolh-d Se^it. 2, 1862, at 0-.wcgatchie.
Sawyer, Piatt R. H., private; enrolled Sept. G, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Spralt, James, private; em oiled Sept. 5, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Sceley, .Joab, piivate; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Swift, T. 0., private ; enrolled Sept. 4. 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Scheiister, Andrew, private; enrolled Ang. 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Sbay, W.U am E., Jr., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie,
Tutile, Altrt'd B., private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at De Peyster.
Teniti, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Van DycU, Levi S., private; tiirolled Sept. 1, 186-', at 0^wegat^■ll e.
Woodrow, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Wright, James S., private ; enroHed Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatcliie,
Wood, David B,, piivate; enrolled Aug. 30, ISG2, at Oswegatchie.
Wiehy, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1^62, at Oftwegatchie.
Wells, David H., private; enrolled Aug. 29, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Yurt, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 2'J, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
CAPTAIN MARVIN POTTER'S COMPANY (F).
Edmund B. Ayres, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
John H, Martindale, corporal ; enrolled Ang. 12, 18G'i, at Lawrence.
Bryant, Vilas E,, private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Day, Noble E., private ; enndled Aug. 12, 1862, at Lawrence.
Faikner, Dennis, p'ivate; enrolli^d Ang. 22, 1862, nt Lawrence.
Gnlay, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Lawrence,
Martin, Nicholris, private; enrolled Aug. 24, 1862, at Lawrence.
Pratt, John H., private; enroHed Sept. 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Yaughen, George B., private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at Hopkinton.
CAPTAIN JOHN McLAREN'S COMPANY (G).
John McLaren, -captain.
William P. Johnson, Jr., first lieutenant.
Henry H. Hogan, second lieutenant.
Thomas H. Robison, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Charles E. Hawkins, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
James Johnson, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Lisbon.
Janie<i A. Hubbard, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at O'^wegatcbie,
William Appleyard, Jr., corporal ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, nt Oswegatchie,
Joiin Mayne (,4tli), corporal; enrolled Ang. 29, 1862, Oswegatch.e.
John McNair, corporal; enrolled Aun. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Ira C. Hinsdale, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 18H2, at Canion.
Adrain, Andrew, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Adraiu, Robeit, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Appleyard, Thomas, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 186-', at Oswegatchie,
Allin.-on, William, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Ames, Eiinias M., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1H62, at Canton.
Ames, Joseph F., private ; enrolled Sept. 5. 1862, at Lisbon,
Backus, Matthew, private ; enrolled Aug, 2'i, 18(^2, at 0-wcgatchie.
Backus, George W., privnte; enndled Ang. 2;», lSt.2, at Oswegatchie.
Backus, John (3d), private; enrolled Aug. 29. 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Backus, Samuel, private ; enrolled Aup. 29, 1862, at Oswegnti hie.
Backus, Joseph, private; enrolled Ang. 29, 1R62, at Oswegatchie.
Bristow, Samuel J , private; enrolleil Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Backus, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Best, Isaac, private; enrolled Aug. 3U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Besaw John, private ; mrolled Aug:. 28, 1862, at Lisbon.
Bvin-^on Henry S., pnvate; eniolled Sept. 5, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Backus, Edward, pri\ato; enrolled Sept. 6, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Craton, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Lisbon.
Dustin' George W., private ; enroll(>d Aug. 29, 18G2, at Oswegatchie.
Freden'biirg William E., private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Graves, George K., private ; enndled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Gitlin Dan S., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, nt Oswegatchie.
Hutchinson, William B., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Head James, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Harvcv Elbridge, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Johnson Hugh, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Lisbon.
Jennis Edward, pnvate; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, nt Lisbon.
Leir- Era«tus J., private ; enrolled Ang. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McLellan THoma-, private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McDonald, Archibald, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1862 at Lislion.
McKeever Rnbert, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Lisbon.
Mayne Aloxaudei private enrolled Aug 29 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Miller James, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Me ri Francis, private; enrolled Ang. 30, 1862 at Oswegatchie.
Pero John, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Penard, Pe er, private ; enrolled Ang. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
502
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Ross, John, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Rose, Wm., private ; enrolled Sept. H, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Robert, Joseph, private ; enroUeil Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie.
Raby, Geo., Jr., private; enrolled Kng. 29,1862, at Oswegatchie.
Spring, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Smitht-rs Wm. S., private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Smithers, Samuel, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Smitliers, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Smithers, Edwin R., private ; eni-oIIed Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Sayei-a, Theodore, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Sniithei-s, Jos. G., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 186i, at Oswegatchie.
Stewart, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Savage, John M., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Saver, Samuel, privHte ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Oswegatchie.
Stilwell, .Jacob V. B., pilvate; enrolled Sept. 21, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Taterul, David B. S., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Van Waters, George, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Warden, Wm., Jr., private; enmlled Aug. 30, 1862, atDe Peyster.
"Wilson, George, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Oswegatcliie.
"Wilson, Chiirles, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Wilson, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862. at Oswegatchie.
Washburn, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER LINDSAY'S COMPANY (H).
Denny, Oliver, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Kirk, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 3U, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
McLane, Robert, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM S. P. GARVIN'S COMPANY (Ij.
William S. P. Garvin, captain.
James M. Elliott, 1st lieutenant.
Ova S. Hurlbut, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 1,1862, at Massena.
Thos. D. Smith, Ist sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena.
Martin B. Warren, sergeant ; enrolled July 16, 1862, at Russell.
James Dewey, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena.
HoracH D. Robbins, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 21, 1862, at Parishville.
Wm. Sboen, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Waddington.
Martin W. Tripp, corporal ; enrolled ^ept. 1, 1862, at Waddington.
Andrew Fisher, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Madrid.
Lawrence V. Cole, corporal; enrulled Aug. 30, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Miles M. Sheldon, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Waddington.
Cnarles Freeman, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Waddington.
Wm. H. Sloan, corporal; eiimlled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena.
John Elliott, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
George Rutherford, Jr., coi'poral ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Waddington.
John Deloah, musician ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Wm. Jonetj, musician ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena.
Amos, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
Aquin, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept, 4, 1862, at Louisville.
Annis, Isaiah, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Parishville.
Andrews, Parley H., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Allen, Robert, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Hammond.
Allen, Win., Jr., privfite; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond,
Barrows, Robt. W., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Madrid.
Bush, Charles W., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Bellows, Brooks, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Bell, Richard J., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Burns, Bai'ney, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Lisbon.
Crump, John H., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Madiid.
Grossman, Julius, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Cro-ssman, Maicus, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Pierrepont,
Coon, Heinan, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Deshan, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena.
Dodge, George J., private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Massena.
Derosia, Alexandei-, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Massena.
Deros;a, Chas., private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena.
Dorwin, Sylvan A., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond.
Empy, George, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Louisville.
Earl, John, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Morristown.
Fisher, William, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Madrid.
Ford, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam,
Galliher, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug, Si8, 1862, at Potsdam.
Goldie, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
Greenbusli, Levi, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1802, at Massena.
Gravel, David, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Gleason, Hiram, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Hamilton, ThuDiai, private ; t-nrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Louisville.
Hall, John, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hiisman, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Waddington.
Hall, Julius, private; enrolled Sept.l, lts62. at Hammond.
Henry, Andrew, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1862, at Potsdam.
Kirkia, Lt-wis, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862, at Massena.
Kirkia. Francis, private ; enrolli-d Sept. 1, 1862, at Masnena.
Lonkey, Francis, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Donkey, John, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Massena.
Ijerene, Joseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena.
Lerene, Gilbert, priviite ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Massena.
Lawrence, Lemuel, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Madrid.
Lagrave, Josiah, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
Lewif5, Rockwell, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Magowan, William 0., pr.vate; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena.
Mann, Charles, private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond.
More, John, private ; enrolled Aug 27, 1862, at Hammond.
McCleai', James, piivate; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Morristown.
Nettles, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena.
O'Neil, Barney, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Massena.
Ozier, Moses, private ; enrolleil Sept. 5, 1862, at Waddington.
Ozier, Lewis, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Waddington.
Oliver, Robert, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam.
Purves, John A., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Madrid.
Pheley, Tliomas R., private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond.
Packard, George A., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Riley, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Waddington.
Reed, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Reed, Harrison K., private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Pierrepont.
Snyder, Corupllus, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Waddington.
Sloan, George E., piivate; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena.
Stubbs, Edwin, private ; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862, at Louisville.
Swain, Lafayette, piivate; enrolled Sept. 5,1862, at Hammond.
Swaney, Coraelius, private; enrolled Sept. IS, 1862, at Potsdam.
Turner, Nicholas, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Tfickey, Hiram, private; enrolled Sept. 26, 1862, at Ogdcnsburg.
Walker, James H,, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Waddington. '
Wood, John, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Massena.
Ward, Aaron, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Hammond.
'Winchel,Seth, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Pieri'epont.
Watson, Robert, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Madrid.
CAPTAIN LUTHER S. GOODNO'S COMPANY (K).
Luther S. Goodno, captain.
Charles C. Hill, first lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
William Dodge, second lieutenant; enrolled 1862.
Jesse McKee, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
David Hutchinson, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Robert Stephenson, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Melville Richardson, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Jerome Collins, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton.
William Allen, corporal; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at RusseU.
John L. Burns, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Edgar S. Williams, coi-poral ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Canton.
George Peck, corporal; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at RusseU.
Jonathan D. Farr, corporal ; eni'olled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
"William H. Barlow, corporal; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Michael B. Kelly, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton.
Johnson Hutchinson, corporal; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Alvin Paine, drummer; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Peter Clintsman, drummer ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Russell.
Amone, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Ash, David, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Arnold, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Byrne, Herbert, Jr., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Beldingi James E., private; enrolled Sept. J, 1862, at Canton.
Bullis, Leonard, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at Canton.
Bigelow, Levi, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell,
Brooks, Felix, private; enrolled Sept. 5,1862, at Russell.
Burrs, John, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Pieirepont.
Brown, Martin H., private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Russell.
Boutwell, Martin M., private; enroll'^d Sept. 6, 1862, at Russell.
Chambers, Thoma-', private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Cook, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Clark, Alonzi* B., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton,
Copeland, Leroy, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Congdon, Joseph, piivate ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton.
Cook, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Clark, Edgar S., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Chase, John W., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Rus-ell.
Chatten, Andrew, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Colson, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Russell.
Cheney, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Russell.
Clintsman, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 5. 1862, at Ru^sell.
Colson, William, private; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Ru.-'SoU.
Dusham, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Earles, Stephen, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Fl.maghan, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Fuller, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Fortune, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Grimshaw, George, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton.
Grimshaw, Clark, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862. at Canton.
Guy, Andrew, private; enrolled Sept. 17, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Hedding, Cutler, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Hatch, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton.
Hall, Erwin, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Russell.
Harvey, Mai-shall, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862. at Pierrepont.
Hamilton, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Rtissell.
Jonson, William, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
King, Judson A., private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Larock, James, piivate; enrolled Sept. 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Ludrick, Moses, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Lewis, Charles W., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Lamb, Sherburne, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at RusseU.
Moi lis, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
McDole, David, private ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Canton.
McConkey, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Murry, Felix, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Murry, Charles W., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Russell.
Marshall, Thomas, private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Marsh, George P., private; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Russell.
Northrop, Myron H., private; enrolled Aug. 30,1862, at Russell.
O'Leary, Patrick, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1S62, at Canton.
O'Bryne, Peter, piivate; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Russell.
Pitts, Giles, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Pierce, Leroy E., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Peck, Alpheus S., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Robinson, Albert M., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Rhodes, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell.
Stockman, James, private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Sharps'tone, Albert J., private ; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862, at Canton.
Sinmions, George, private; enndled Aug. 30, 1862, at RuHsell.
Shippee, Samuel, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at RusseU.
Shaw, Horace, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at RusseU.
Stephenson, Ruhert (1st), private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at RusseU.
Turner, EUis F., private; enroUed Aug. 30, 1862, at RusseU.
Vincent, John, private ; unrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Canton.
Watson, James L., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Woodly, James, private; enrolled Aug. 26,1862, at Lisbon.
Weston, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Watson, William, private; enrolled Aug, 30, 1862, at Russell.
White, Charles E., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Walker, Lewis, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton.
164TH INFANTRY.
CAPTAIN JAMES O'CONNOR'S COMPANY (A).
James O'Connor, capta'n ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Potsdam.
Thomas Hickey, first Heuienant ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Potadam.
James D. Dardis, second lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862. at Potsdam.
Edward McCafi"rey, first sergeant ; eni-oUed Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
"William Jovy, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
James Gaffney, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862. at Potsdam.
James Fox, sergeant; en rolled Sept, 6, 1862. at Potsdam.
Dennis Gary, sergeant ; enroUed Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Allen Davis, corporal; enroUed Sept. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Michael T. Power, conioral ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1862, at Canton.
John Doyle, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Thomas Haney, corporal; enrolled Sept. 25, 1862, at Potsdam.
Daniel Lynch, corporal; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Potsdam.
Thomas Flood, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 2,1862, at Canton.
Hugh Conoray, corporal; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Angus, John, private; enroUed Sept. 29, 1862, at Potsdam. ■«
Bell, Abraham, private ; enrolled Sept. 22, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Crowley, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 15, 1862, at Potsdam.
Crowley, Richard, private ; enroUed Sept. 5, 1862, at Potsdam.
Carl, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
503
Calalian, Cornelius, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, ]8G2, at Canton.
Casey, Juhn, private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1S62, at Potsdam.
Casey, Parrirk, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 18U2, at Potsdam.
Crawforrl, William, private ; enrolled Sept. a, 18G2, at Oswegatchio.
(Castle, H. A., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Oswe^atchio.
Davis, Ira, private ; enrolled Oct. '61, 1862, at Potadam.
Davis, William, pi-ivate ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Dowdle, Peter, private; eni-olled Sept. 6,1SG2, at Madrid.
Dwire, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Flood, John, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Finnigan, James, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Farrell, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. lU, 1862, at Oswt'gatchie.
Gunlis, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Hayes, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Hurley, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Holland, Tliomaa, private; enrolled Ang. SI, 1862, at Potsdam.
Keegan, William J., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1862, at Potsdam.
Kelly, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Potsdam.
Kelly, John, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1862, at Canton.
Lockwood, Edgar, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1862, at Potsdam.
Lalone, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. at>, 1862, at Potsdam.
Lalone, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Potsdam.
Larnan, William M., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Potsdam.
Love, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 13, 1862, at Potsdam.
LauK, Boliert, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Uswegatchie.
McGilvery, John, private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at \ otsdam.
Mui-pliy, Duncan, private ; enrolled Sept. 22, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Meibert. F. Eugene, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1862, at Oswegatcliie.
Maloney, Tlioma-*, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont.
Maloney, Bartholomew, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pieriepont.
Moore, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
McGuoy, James, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1862. at Oswegatchie.
Morris, Patrick, private; enrolled Sept. C, 18G2, at Potsdam.
Murry, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Potsdam.
Nugent, Patrick, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1802, at Potsdam.
O'Niel, Francis, private; enrolled Oct. 22. 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Powers, Huhhard B., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1802, at Canton.
Pracy, Charles, private; enrolled Sept, 3, 1862, at Pot-^dam.
Quin, Edmond, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1802, at Potsdam.
Rodie, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 26, 1862, at Canton.
Reynolds, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Sheilds, Edward, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam.
Sheehaii, Bartholomew, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potadam.
Sheehan, Garrett, private; pnroUed Sept. 5, 1862, at Potsdam.
Smith, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Canton,
Stewart, John Henry, ptivate ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1862, at Potsdam.
Stone, James, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at 0-iwegatchie.
Young, Isaac, private; enrolled Oct. 29, 1862, at Potsdam.
193D INFANTRY.
COMPANY B.
Alley, John S., private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Hormon.
Ayers, Samuel M., private ; enndled Feb. 14, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Baker, Edward, private ; enrolled Feb. 24, 1865, at Potsdam.
Hartley, James, privnte; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Macomb.
Bartlett, Charle- D,, private ; enrolled Felt. 13, 1865, at Colton.
Berry, Myron E., private ; enrolled Feb. 25, 1805, at Brasher.
Berry, John N., private; enrolled Feb. 18, 1805, Ht Lisbon.
Bayette, Joseph, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Hermon,
Blanchard, Cliarles, private; enrolled Feb., 18. 1865, at Hermon.
Brf'ck en ridge, Jamt'S F , private ; enndled Feb. 14, 1805, at Hammond.
Brown, Malcom, private; eni'oUed Feb. 14, 1805, at Pierrepont.
Buyer, Josepli, private ; enrolleil Feb. 22, 1805, at Louisville.
Bohannon, William B., private; enrelleil Feb. 24, 1865, at Stockholm.
Boyea, Oliver, private; enrolled Feb. 24. 1805, at Louisville.
Bostau, Daniri W., private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1805, at Madrid.
Bassett, Sylvanns, private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hammond.
Butler, Albert S., private ; enrolled Feb. 14, 1865, at Colton.
Boyea, Frederick, private; enrolled Feb. 22, 1865, at Louisville.
Branlt, David, private ; enrolled Feb. 17, 1805, at Waddington.
Burt, Calvin, private ; enrolled Feb. 21, 1805, at Edwards.
Carbine, John, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Louisville.
Conner, Edward, private ; enrolled Fob. 24, 1865, at Louisville.
Center, Ed{far A., private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Potsdam.
Chatraud, Andrew, private; enrolled Fel>. 23,1865, at Brasher.
Clute, James W,, private ; enrolk'd Feb. 20, 1865, at Macomb.
Cline, Hush, private; enrolled Feb. 22, 1865, at Colton.
Croft, WiUiam H.. private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hermon.
Coyer, John, private; enrolled Feb. 2(», 1865, at Colton.
Corey, Allen, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865. at Louisville.
Coffee, James F., private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Hermon.
Cox, Daniel W., private; enrolled Fet». 15, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Bawd, Charles P., private: enrolled Feb. 17, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Elliott, Ephraim, private;' enrolled Feb. 2o, 1865, at Colton.
Exford, Michael, private; enrolled Feb. 21, 1805, at Potsdam.
Fjnley, Andrew, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Macomb.
Gardner, Joseph, Jr., private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1805, at Hermon.
Gonlden, Johtt, private; enioUed Feb. 18, 1805, at Hermon.
Griffin, Merrill T., private ; enrolled Feb. 21, 1865, at Louisville.
Gore, William, private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Gott, Samuel, private; enrolled February 18, 1805, at Louisville.
House, Adolphus, private; enrolled February 13, 1865, at Biasher.
Hawes, William, private; enrolled February 14, 1865, at Potsdam.
Helmer, Fnink, private; enrolled February 17, 1865, at Waddington.
Hewetr," Robert, private* ; enrolled February 20, 1865, at Macomb.
Hendrick, William H.. private; enrolled February 16,1865, at Hermon.
Hendrick, Jonathan, private ; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Hermon.
Huckle, Thomas, private; enrolled February 14, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Hosmer, William, private; enrolled February 29, 1865, at Edwards.
Hoyt, Luther E., private ; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Potsdam.
Hobart, Abial M., private ; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Jones, Hiram T., private; enrolled February 18, 1865, at Louisville.
Kerr, Joseph, private; enrolled Febniary 24, 1865, at Lisbon.
Kerr, Andrew, private; enrolled February 20, 1865, at Hermon.
Labell, Ezra, private; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Morri.stown.
l-abell. Joseph, private; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Hammond.
Liiidsey, Richard P., private; enrolled Februnry 10, 1865. at Colton.
Loomi'*, James H., private ; enrolled February 17. 1865, at Waddington.
Mandigo, John, private ; enrolled February 17, 1865, at Hermon.
McCnen, Robeit, private; enrolled February 24, 1865, at Potsdam.
Moore, James D., private ; enrolled February 15, 1805, at Pierrepont.
Neddo, John, private ; enrolled February 22, 1865, at Edwarila.
Patridge. William, private; enrolled February 20, 1865. at Macomb.
Powell, William W., private; enrolled February 13, 1806, at Colton.
Itosenbarker, Hiram, private; enrolled February 16, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Raven, George P private; enrolled February 20, 1865, at Macomb
llavon, John V. B private ; enrolled February 21, 1805, at Macomb.
IJaven, Abraham C., private; enrolled February 20, 1865, at Macomb
Kobcar, John, piivate ; enrolled Februarv 16, 18G5,nt Potcdam
Robert.-, Andiew, private; enrolled Febiuary 20, IbGS, at Hermon.
Robertson Cady, private; enrolled February 14, 18G5, at Hammond.
Sevey, David N., private; enrolled February 13, 1805, at Colton.
Scott, William, private ; enrolled February 21, 1865, at Edwards *
Scannell, Florence, private; enrolled February 15, 1865, at Potsdam.
Smith. John, private; enrolled February 22, 1865, at Morristown.
Snjith, Patrick, private ; enrolled February 24, 1805, at LouisviUe
Spear, Albert, private; enrolled Febiuary 20, 1865, at Pieirepont.
Sharp, Henry, private ; enrolled February 21, 1805, at Massena.
Stone, Alexander, private; enrolled Fi-bmary 22, 1865, atDePevster.
Tucker, Albert, private; enrolled February 21, 1^65, at Edwards,
Tobin, John, private ; enrolled February 24, 1865, at Louisville.
Wright, Diodorus, private; enrolleil Fi-biuary 11, 1865,at Colion.
Wait, Rolla L., private; enrolled February 10, 1805, at Colton.
White, Henry, private; enrolled February 22, 1805. ai Potsdam.
Wood, Andiew, private; enrolled February 2o, 1865, at Ruhsell.
Warden, Sheron L., private ; enrolled February 14, 1865, at Hammond,
Warden, Horatio N., private ; enrolled February 14, 1865, at Hammond.
Young, Jefferson, private; enrolled February 13, 1865, at Colton.
Young, Jackson, private ; enrolled February 13, 1865, at Colton.
COMPANY F.
James H. Hitchcock, captain.
Richard P. Lindsay, 2d lieutenant.
Abbott, James D,, private ; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Fowler.
Armstrong, Edwani, piivate; enrolled March 1, 1805, at Brasher.
Austin, Mark F., privnte; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Brasher.
Ames, George B,, private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Ilopkiuion.
Barrett, John, private; enrolled March 5, 1865, at Brasher.
Rrooks, W illiam. private ; enrolled March 13. 1865, at Lisbon.
Blake, Azro L., ptivate; enrolled March 13, 1805, at Lawrence.
Bean, James H., private; enrolled March 8. 1865, at Lisbon.
Beseau, Alexander, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Brasher.
Busli, Tlioiiias, private ; enrolled March 8, 1865, atRossie.
Barrett, Nathan W., piivate; enrolled Feb. 28. 1805. at Hopkinton.
Colby, Henry, private ; enrolled March 0, 1865, at Fowler.
Chri-sty, John, private; enrolled Feb. 9, 1*^65, at Louisville.
Center, Lewis, private ; enrolled Feb. 1 , 1865, at Waddington.
Chatrand, Joseph, private ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1865, at Bnisher.
Cutler, Calvin L., private ; enrolled Feb. 18, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Cady, Myrtle D., private; enrolled Feb. 27, 1805, at Hopkinton.
Derham, John B., private ; enrolled March 0, 1865, at Rossie.
Davis, Gibson, private; enrolled March 7, 1865, at Burke.
Durham, Suel, private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1865, at Fowler.
Daniels, Charles J., private ; enrolled Feb. 20, 1805, at Pierrepont.
Farnind, Lewis, private; enrolled Feb. SJ, 1865, at Brasher.
Fuller, Daniel A,, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1805, at Madrid,
Fetherly, Charles H., private ; enrolled March 2, 1805, at Macomb.
Farwell, Dosus, private; enroUfd Feb. 2i>, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Godrad, Frank, private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Brasht^r.
Green, Alonzo C, private; enrolled Marcli 13, 1865, at Lawrence.
Ganebin, Eugene L., private ; enrolled March 15, 1^05, at Pierrepont.
Goodale, Spencer, private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1865, at Hopkiniou.
Graves, Solon B., private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1865, at Colton.
Gothier, Francis, private; enrolled March 8, 1805, at Lawrence.
Hudon, Louis, private ; enrolled March 14, 1865, at Lisbon.
Hazleton, David E., private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1805, at Lawrence.
Holmes, Henry, private; enrolled March 14, 1865, at Louisville.
Hoan, Daniel W., private; enrolled March 3, 1865, at Rossie.
Hod.'i:kins, Phiiieas, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Jones, George W., private ; enrolled Feb. 25, 1805, at Macomb.
Keeler, James, private; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Lisbon.
Kelley, Michael, private ; enrolled March 14, 1865, at Louisville.
Lagrave, Dennis, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Lobdell, Howard S., private ; enrolled March 7,1865, at Lawrence.
Lavire, William, private ; enrolled March 14, 1865. at Lisbon,
Linzy, Charles A., private ; enrolled March 13, 1865, at Colton.
Lagrave, William, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler,
Lazure. Oliver, piivate; enrolled Feb. 27, 1805, at Macomb.
Mc Loud, Nelson, private; enrolled Feb. 17, l'-65, at Hopkinton.
Midvana, James, private ; enrolled March 7, 1805, at Lawrence.
Meagher, John, private; enrolled March G, 1865, at Fowler.
Moss, Elias W., private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Newell, George H., private ; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Lawrence.
PatDo, Edward, private; enrolled Feb 20, 1805, at Louisville.
Pierce, George K., private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 1805, at Hopkinton.
Parker, George L., private; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Louisville.
Parmeter, Joseph, private; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Lawrence.
Patten, Thomas, private; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Macomb.
Potter, William, private; enrolled Feb. 24, 1865, at Colton.
Rutman, Deforest, private ; enrolled Feb. 18, 1865, at Parishville.
Reeves, Wm, T., private ; enrolled March 7, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Rockwood, Henry A., private; enrolled Feb. 18, 1865, at Hopkiuton.
Ryan, Isaiah, private; enrolled March 0, 1865. at Fowler.
Sheffer, William, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Sauford, Darwin E., private ; enrolled March 7, 1865, at Lawrence.
Stearns, Henry J., private ; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Louisville.
Swift, Eugene, private; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Fowler.
Sterling, John M., private; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Macomb.
Steams, Henry W., private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Thessaia, Thos., private; enrolled March 14, 1865, at Lisbon.
Tucker, Nelson, private ; enrolled Feb. 24, 1865, at Brasher.
Ward, Charles, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Rossie.
Walls, Cha les P., private ; enrolled March 7, 1805, at Oswpgatchie.
Woodworth, Adolphus P., private ; eni-olled March 1, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Young, Hawley F., private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Hammond.
COMPANY G.
Armstrong, Frankl'n H., private; enrolled March 21, 1865, at Lisbon.
Adams, Dana C, private; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Barnhait, Edward N., private; enrolled March 17, 1865, at Stockholm.
Brooks Chnrles M., private; enrolled March 29, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Bowell, Makim, private ; enrolled March 25, 1865, at Lisbon.
Bohaman, S. R., private; enrolled March 20, 1865, at Stockholm.
Barber Frank, private ; enrolled March 4, 1865, at Fowler.
Barrett, Horace, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Barlow George W., private; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Broadwell, Hamilton H., private; enrolled Feb. 28, 1865, at Lawrence.
Crooks Deforest C, private ; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler.
Donohue, Patrick, private; enrolled March 13 1865, at Lisbon.
Eaton Henry A., private ; enrolled March 13, 1865. at Rossie.
Eldrid'ge Harvey, private; enrolled March 17, 1865, at Stockholm.
504
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Forkey, Jolin, private ; enrolled March 26, 1865, at Rossie.
Fox, Jame-!, private ; enrolled March 18, 18G5, at Macomb.
Fish, George K., private; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Lawrence.
Grant, Norman, private; enrolled Marcli 27, 1S65, at Massena.
Goodell, Clark, private ; enrolled March 2U, 1865, at Rnssell.
\Gihaon, Benj. F., private; enrolled March 27, 1865, at Russell.
Hill, William, private; enrolled March 10, 1865, at Lisbon.
Hill, Frankliil, private; enrolled March 17, 1865, at Stockholm,
Jenkins, John, private; enrolled Mavih 22, 18G5, at Lisbon.
Johnson, David, private ; enrolled March ^7, 18(35, at Knssell.
Kennison, Wellman, private ; enrolled Marcli 25, 1865, at Bn-Jpell.
Kennedy, Patrick, private ; enrolled March 27, 1865, at Waddingtou.
Little, Myron W., private ; enrolled March 27, 1865, at Waddint;ton.
Lidcoml), Cliarlea W., private; enioUed March :-iii, 1865, at Rusaiy.
Monaghan, John, private; enrolled March 25, 1865, at Rnssell.
Mandagan, George W., private; enrolled March 15, 1805, at Lisbon.
Marshall, Robert, private ; enrolled March 15, 1865, at Lisbon.
Moiebonse, Wra., private ; enruUed March 23, 1865, at Stockholm.
Market, James A., private ; enrolled Marcb 26, 1865, at Lisbon.
Morel], Edward, privato ; enrolled March 30, 1865, at Ru^ssell.
McDonal, John P., private; enrolled March 25, 1865, at Stockholm.
McGibbon, James, private ; enrolled March 28, 1865, at Lisbon.
Piatt, Obidua K., private ; enrolled March 29, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Parlow, Alfred B., private ; enrolled March 27, 1865, at "Waddington.
Ril(\v, John J., private ; eni-olled March 29, 1805, at Pierrepont.
Rich, Antliony, piivate; enrolled Marcb 15, 1865, at Lisi'on.
Smith, Joseph, private; enrolled Marcb 3, 1865, at Bi-asher.
Shaw, John, private ; enrolled March 8. 1865, at Waddington.
Senerence, Unrico, private ; enrolled March 17, 1865, at RiiaBell.
Tobin, William, private; enrolled Marcb 24, 1865, at Stockbolm,
Towsley, Harmon, private; enrolled March 3, 1865, at Macomb.
Towsley, Albert, private ; enrolled Marcii 2, 1865, at Macomb.
Wells, Charles, private; enrolk-d March 8, 1865, at Fowler.
2D CAVALRY.
CAPTAIN JAMES CRUMWELL'S COMPANY (D).
Henry H. Boswortb, first sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 15, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Albert K, McMurray, sergeant; enrolled Ot-t. 6, 1861, at Ogdenslmrg.
Horace Wood, sergeant; emidled Sept. 18, 1861, at Ogdeiiaburg.
Leonards. Cliapiiiaii, s -rgeant; enndled Oct, 1, 1861, at Ogden.slmrg.
Tha'ldeus Bellen^er, corporal; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
William Biiyee, mnsitian; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Ainaham P'j'eeman, farrier; eni'olb-d Oct. 9. 1861, at Ogdensbnrg,
Joseph Lamunt. eariiUer; enrolled Oct. 1, 1S61, at Ogdensbnrg.
Emory, Curtis, private ; enrolled Sei)t. 28, 1861, at Ogdensbui-g.
Fiancis, Saninel, private; enrolbd Sept. 17, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
FanlkriLM-, Denn s, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensbni'g.
Griswold, Jo-epli, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Ladeanx, Moses, private ; eniolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Labrake, l^onis, pr.vate; enrolled Oct. 13, 1861, at Ogdenslmrg.
Lamareaux, Hun -y, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg.
Morrow, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 4, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
McKinnon, John, piivate; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Nicholson. Peter, piivate; enrolled Oct. ], 1861, at Ogik'n>bnrg.
Powers, J.imes It., privati-; enrolled Sept. 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Reynolds, William, private; enrolled Oct. 11, 1801, at Ogden-sburg.
Smith, Daniel, private; enrolled Oct. 4, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
6TH CAVALRY.
C.\PTAIN RILEY JOHNSON'S COMPANY (K).
Riley Johnson, captain; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensbn?-g.
George W.G din, first lienrenant; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Newcomb J. Weston, sergeant; enroUnd Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Ell W. Dewey, quartermaster-sergeant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg
Charles M. Olin, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 28, ISGl, at Ogdensbnrg.
Henry L. Johnion, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Henry H. N. Johnson, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Thomas LesJin, serg<^ant; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Owen McKenzie, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdenslmrg.
John W. Ryan,corp:nal; enrolled Oct. 1.5, 1861, at Ogdon-ibnrg.
Hugh M. Rea, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861, at O^nlensbnrg.
Cyrns S. Goodwin, corporal ; ennUed Oct. 25, 1861, at Osrdensbnrg.
James Philpot, corporal; enrolled Oct. '2S, 1861. at Ogdensbnrg.
Lnrins C. Briggs, corporal ; enroll d Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
William M. Robinson, corporal; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at'Os^densburg.
George W. Andrews, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861. at Ogdensbur''-.
Robert Burner, blacksmith ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg. *
Henry H. Bird, bugler ; enrolled Nov. 1,1861, at Ogdensburg.
John Harper, bugler; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Anderson, Samuel, private ; enrolled Oct. 2-2. 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Babcock, Stephen, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg.'
Babcock, Benjamin, jirivatc; enrolled Oct. 15,1861, at Ogdensburg.
Branch, Sidney, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Coyme, John, private; enrolled Nov. 1, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg.
Casson, James, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Cheautemniot, Louis, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Combs, Joseph E., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg
Chambers, George, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Cook, Martin D., private ; enrolled Oct. 28,1861, at Ogdensburg.
Clitr, John, private; enrolled Dei;. 4, 1861, at Lisbon.
Dixon, William, private; enrolled Nov. i!8, 1861, at Ogdensbur"-
Delude, Jo^ieph, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Dempsey, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 22. 1801, at Ogdensbnrg.
Dawson, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Derocb, AiitoiuH, private; enndled Nov. 1, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg'
Galla-iber, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 25. 1861, at Ogdensburg
Gotham, James, private; enroll d Oct. 22, 1861, at Ou'densburg
Glancev, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Kimball, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Lvtle, William, private; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.'
Mnlhall, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McCrae, Donald, piivate; enrolled Oct. 26, 1861. at Ogdensbnrg
Moore, Benjamin, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg
McGurk, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, l'861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Meade, Lucius C, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Ogdenslmrg.
Newton, Richard R,, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Osgood, Marvin, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Canton.
Porter, Thomas, private ; enrolled Dec. 4, 1861, at Lisbon.
Roberts, Samuel F., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Rea, William H,, private ; enndled Oct. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sullivan, Dennis, private; enrolled Nov. 1,1801, at Ogdensburg.
Ste'ling, John, iirivate; enrolled Nov. 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Stilwell, .James, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg
Sjiearing, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdeuhburg
Scraton, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 18G1, at Ogdensbnrg.
Twi.sB, Francis, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensburg,
Warner, Ruswell H., private; enrolled Nov. 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Watson, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Webb, James, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogden-biirg.
Walker, Frank, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Wheeler, Cummings, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Wallace, Henry W., private; enrolled Nov. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Whitcomb, Warien, private; enrolled Dec. 22, 1861, at Canton.
IITH CAVALRY— "SCOTT'S 900."
COMPANY D.
Cyrua P. Gipson, first sergeant ; enndled Dec. 18, 1801, at Canton.
Simeon Wells, quartermaster-sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Pitcairn.
George W. White, fii-st duty-sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 13, 1861, at Potedam.
Charles E. Clark, second duty-sergeant; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
John H. Mills, third duty-sergeant; enrolled Dec. 8, 1861, at Cant^in.
Nathaniel P. Bruce, fourth duty-sergeant; enrolled Dec. 22, 1861, at Colton.
Jason Barber, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Seymour W. Morton, corporal ; enr(dled Dec. 18, 1801, at Hermon.
Silas W. Carey, corporal ; enrolled Jan. 11, 1862, at Canton.
Jay W. Childd, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Naham W. Kelly, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Thurman R. Ellis, corporal ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Lawrence Campbell, corporal ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
James Munroe, bugler; enrolled Dec. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
George E. Shaw, bugler.; enrolled Dec. 26, 1861, at Colton.
Harrison Brundige, larrier; enrolled Dec. 30, 1801, at Potsdam.
George Chalmers, farrier; enrolled Jan. 26, 1862, at Potsdam.
John W. Bruce, wagoner; enrolled Dec. 22, 1861, at Colton.
Bridge, Marsden, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Bennett, George, private; enndled Dec. 18,1861, at Canton.
Brill, Henry, iJiivate; enrolled Feb. 3, 1862, at Canton.
Boyce, Abraham, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Cassidy, Felix W., private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton,
(^lark, Darwin, private ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1802, at Potsdam.
Champion, William, private; enrolled April 19, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Card, Caleb, private ; enrolleil April 19, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Develin, Patrick, private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 1862, at Canton.
Develiii, Isaac, private ; enrolled Feb. 13, 1862, at Canton.
Dano, Cliarle:', private ; enrolled Feb. 13, 1862, at Canton.
Duncan, John S., private ; enrolled Jan. 23,1862, at Potsdam.
Ell wood, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Frenette, Andrew, private ; enrolled Dec. 13, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fednlan, Nelson L., private; enrolled Dec. 16, 1861, at Potsdam.
Fifield, Fred. C, private; eniolled Jan. 10. 1862, at Pot-idam.
Flanders, Moses J., private; enrolled Feb. 13, 1862, at Potsdam.
Goodwin, Gorbam S., private ; enrolled Dec. 23, 1861, at Potsdam.
Graft, Oliver, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Gillette, Daniel B., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Haydeii, Eilmund D., private; enrolled Feb. 1-i, 1862, at Potsdam.
Helmer, James, private; enrolled April 19, 1862, at Ogdensburg.
Jones, Owen, private; enrolled Feb. 13, 1862, at Potsdam.
Kincle, Thoma«, private; enrolled Jan. 14, 1862, at Canton.
Latlin, Virgil B., private; enndled Dec. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Linton, R.ibert, private; enrolled April 19, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Loukey, Joseph, private; enrtdled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam,
Lurroe, Norman B., private; enndled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Love, Robert, private ; enndled Jan. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Morgan, Solon C, private ; enrolled Jan. 13, 1862, at Colton.
MehaTi, James, private; enrolled Feb. 6, 1862, at Canton.
Mosher, Luman E., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Morse, Stephen, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Osier, Henry, private; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Potsdam.
Parmetcr, Luther L., private ; ennilled Dec. 25, 1861, at Potsdam.
Parker, Lewi-", private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
Patten, Rollin 0., private; enrolled Dec 27. 1861, at Pot-dam.
Patten, George W., private; enrolled Dec. 27, 1861. at Potsdam.
Pennnyer, Orange, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862,' at Colton.
Powell, John H., private; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
Roynohh, Thomas, private ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Reynobis, James, pr.vate; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Spencer, Albert D., private ; enrolleil Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Starkey, Thomas, private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 1862, at Canton.
Tupper, Jason, private; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Tisdale, Will am F., private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Woolcot, Philo, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton.
White, Chauncy L., private ; enrolled Jan. 14, 1S62, Ht Canton.
Waite, Almon Z., private; enrolled Fob. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Welcli, Michael, private; enrolled Feb. 3,1862, at Canton.
Wheeler, Peter, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam.
COMPANY I.
John Jourdon. sergeant, enrolled Ap -il 2, 1802, in St. Lawrence County.
Allen, Mason S., private, enrolled Feb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Barnes, Orange S., private ; enrolled March 27, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Carroll, Daniel, private; enrolled March 26, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Cobb, Stephen V. R.. private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Edgar, Hubert, private; enndled Feb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence C/Ounty.
Hall, Samuel, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County,
Hultand. James, private; enrolled April 2, 1S62, in St. Lawrence County.
Maxiner, JuHmm A., private; enrolled March 26, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Root, Nel-on, private ; enrolled Feb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County.
Shipiiee, Silas, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1802, in St. Lawrence County.
COMPANY L.
Brown, George A., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1802, at Canton.
Brown, Adolplius S., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Canton.
Berry, Myron J., private; enrolled Sept. 13, 1862, at Canton.
Dnfley, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1802, at Canton.
Gilson, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Potsdam.
Smith, Webster N., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, atGouverneur.
COMPANY M.
Armnrong, George E., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Ainsworth, Samuel, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Boyntoii, Charles H., private ; enndled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Bean, Levi M., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Bean, Henry I., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Barnhart, Simon 0., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Blodgett, James B., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler.
Brown, Gilliert A., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler
Branch, William F., private; enrolled Aug. 28, 186:^, at Canton
Clark, Gideon E., private; enn lied Sept. 3. 1862, at Canton
Clark, Harmon I., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton
HISTORY OF ST. LA.WRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
505
Clark, Ini W., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Clark, Theodore L., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862. at Canton.
Dayton, Eli W., private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton.
Dove, William G., private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Canton.
■Deriteia, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton.
Downing, Sprague, private; enrolled .\ug. 2:1, 1862, at Gonvernenr.
JSi'Win, Cliarles J., private : enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Potstiam.
Kinery, Alpheua W., prlvjte ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Foster, Elea/er B., private ; enrolled Aug. 2.i, 1H()2, at Canton.
Fanner, Mortimer A., private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Fowler.
Gordon, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler.
Goodenongli, William A., private; euroUud Aug. 31), 18G2, at Fowler.
Hatch, Martin B., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Canton.
Hadding, Charles B., private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton.
Hanes, Adam L., private ; enroU-'d .\ug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
Huddleston, George, private; enrolled Aug. 3(1, 18B2, at Fowler.
Ives, Robert H , private; enrolled .\ug. 26, 1862, at Gonvernenr.
Kenney, James, private: enrolL'd Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton.
Kerr, David B., private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Canton.
Keyes, Levi H., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler.
Kerr, George P., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Canton.
Lansing, Martin L., private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Lewis, Frank A., private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
McDonald, Clement, private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Canton.
Patterson, Charles A., private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton,
Strait, Burton, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton.
Sheldon, Robert C, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler.
Smith, Royal W., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler.
Shaver, John, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 31, 1862, at Gonvernenr.
Sellick, Freeman M., private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton.
Sanders, Oliver W., private; enrolled Sept. 7, 1862, at Canton.
Thomas, Henry 0., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Canton.
Williams, Meyer, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton.
Wood, Edwin 11., private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton.
12TH CAVALRY.
CAPTAIN R. FERGUSON'S COMPANY (B). ,
Charles Halford, orderly ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Edwin Benscoten, 2d sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
W. L. Armstrong, third sergeant; enrolled Dec. 1, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
James Watson, fourth sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 7, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Brock Holden, quartermaster sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 6, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Fred. Haye.i, seventh corporal ; enrolled Jan. 5, 1863. at Ogdensbnrg.
Anilwrson, J-imes, private; enrolle I Nov. 14, 1862, at Ogdeusburg.
Ashley, Charles, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Barcley, Jacob, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Clark, James, private ; enrolled Jan, 7, 1863, at Ogdensbnrg,
Daviaon, Alexander, private; enrolled Dec, 27, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Dent, George W., private ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg.
Jimmo, Joseph, private: enrolled Nov 6, 1862, at Ogdcnsburg,
McDerniott, Duncan, private; enrolled Nov, 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
McKey, John, private ; enrolled Nov, 25, 1862, at Ogdensburg,
Murrey, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov, 27, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg,
MeCuUen, Lawrence, private; enndled Feb, 24, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Potter, William, private; enrolled Feb, 16, 186-!, atOgdensbnig.
Potter, Thomas, private; enrolled Feb, 20, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Warner, William, private; enrolled Dec, 29, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg,
Warner, John, priva e; enrolled Dec, 31, 1862, at Ogdensbnrg,
13TH CAVALRY.
CAPTAIN JOHN L, LOCKWOOD'S COMPANY (O),
Persho B, Sprague, quartermaster sergeant ; enrolled June 2, 1863, at Potsdam,
Uarvey ChiJF, commissary sergeant; enrolled May 2 i, 1863, at Potiidam,
Andrew Kennedy, sergeant ; enrolled June 11, 1863, at Oswegatcliie,
James A, Sergeant, sergeant; enrolled June 30, 1863, at Oswegatcliie.
Mathew Fletcher, sergeant; enrolled June 10, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Ellas C, Brown, corporal; enrolled June 19, 1863, at Oswegatcliie,
Orson A. Bradlej', corporal ; enrolled June 15, 1863, at Potsdam,
Alexander Tait, 'corporal ; enrolled June 13, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
William Fletcher, corporal ; enrolled June 19, 186:!, at Oswegatchie,
Ira Ros.", corporal; enrolled June 20, 1863, at Potsdam,
Samuel R, Bell, corporal; enrolled June 15, 186), at Potsdam,
Samuel McBroom, corporal; enrolled June 15, 186 i, at Oiwegiitchie,
Bell, Alonzo W,, private; enrolled June 12, 1863, at Pot-dam,
Adams, Henry, private; enrolled June 31, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Barney, Joseph, private ; enrolled June 19, 186), at Oswegatchie,
Benson, Frederick, private ; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Brewer, Dennis, private; enrolled June 3, 1863, at Oswegatcliie,
Brown, A, John, private ; enrolled June 17, 1863, at Potsdam,
Carpenter, Noah, privat) ; enrolled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Cormick, Lawrence, private ; enrolled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Clark, John, private; enrolled June 19, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Dutton, Carlyle, private; enrolled June 12, 1803, at Potsdiiin,
Delmetter, Chirles, private; enrolled June 20, 1863, at Potsdam,
Darragh, David, private; enrolled June 13, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Drake, Spolman, private; enrolled June 27, 1863, at Potsdam.
Dedude, Joseph, private; enrolled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Delcal, Charles, private; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Potsdam.
Dorman, David, private ; enrolled June 27, 1863, at De Peyster.
Eldridge, W. Henrv, private; enrolled June 2, 186.1, at Potsdam.
Forsyth, James, private ; enrolled June 18, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Graham, Archibald, private; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Hicks, Samuel S., private; enrolled June 8, 1863, at Stockholm.
Helmer, George, private; enrolled June 19, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
How, L. Webster, private; enrolled June 23, 1863, at Parishville.
Johnson, Jame.s, private ; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Kendall, Hollis D,, private ; enrolled July 7, 1803, at Potsdam,
Laugblin, Edward, private; onridio I June 11, 186!, at Potsdam,
Mar. hull, John, private ; enrolled June 18, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Prouse, Charlfs, private; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Preston, William G,, private; enrolled June 22, 1863. at Potsdam.
Pedd, Peter, private ; enrolled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Robs, William J,, private ; enrolled June 17, 186!, at Oswegatchie.
Ribbot, Joseph, private ; enrolled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Riley. William, private; enrolled June 26, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Sprague, Darius, private ; enrolled June 30, 1863, at Oswegatchie,
Snllivan, Michael, private; enrolled June 15, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Sannders, B. Martin, private; enrolled June 11, 1863, at Potsdam.
Tutlle, Duane, private; enrolled June 16, 1803, at Oswegatchie.
Todd, James, private; enrolled June 13, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Thorn, Charles, private ; enrolled June 29, 1863, at Potsdam.
CAPTAIN JAMES P. BATTBRSON'S COMPANY (H).
Abraham Freeman, first sergeant: enrolled April 16, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Henry T. Smith, third sergeant ; enrolled July 2t, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
W. H. Vosburg, eighth corpor-al; enrolled July 9, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
John Rotton, saddler; enrolled July 9, 1863, at Waddington.
Biirnhart, Alexander, private ; enrolled July 8, 1863, at Potsdam,
Crowley, Florence, privat"; enrolled July 16, 1863, at Potsdam.
Call, Ira, private; enrolled July 21, 186;!, at Potsdiim.
Johnson, Alexander, private; enrolled June 23, 1803, at Potsdam.
Orr, William H., private; enrolled July 9, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Redisko, Henry E., private; enrolled July 14, 1863, at 0^'den8burg.
Reynolds, John, private; enrolled July 21, 1863, at Potsdam.
Stilwell, Smith, private ; enrolled July 15, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
White, Walter A., private; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
16TH CAVALRY.
CAPTAIN JOHN .1. SCHLAEFER'S COMPANY (F).
Andrew Slorah,q.-in. sergeant; enrolled July 15, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Armstrong, James, private ; enrolled June 30, 1863, at Ogdensbnrg.
Barnnm, William F., private ; enrolled July 21, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Clark, James, private ; enrolled July 4, 186!, at Ogdensbnrg,
Dachner, Stephen, private; enrolled July 8, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg.
Gillespie, Wm,, private; enrolled Juny 23, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Henry, Louis, private ; enrolled June 27, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Main, Lyndiin, private; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Canton,
Moore, James M., private; enrolled June 2:!, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Moore, Wm, J,, private; enrolled July 2, 1863, at Ogdensbnrg,
Quilt, Timothy, private; enrolled July l;i, 186:!, at Ogdensburg,
Sharps, John, private ; unrolled June 27, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Shnr|i8, Peter, private; enrolled June 29, 1863, at Ogdensbnrg,
Wright, James W,, private; enrolled June 29, 1863, at Ogdeusburg.
18TH CAVALRY.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH H. SIMPSON'S COMPANY (L).
Corey, Iiu W., private ; enrolled Dec. 31, 1863, at Louisville.
Champion, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1803, at Massena,
Champion, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1803, at Massena.
Duffy, John, private ; enrolled Dec, 22, 1863, at Waddington,
Day, Horace A,, private; enrolled Dec, 24, 1863, at Lisbon,
Eager, John C, private; enrolled Jan, 4, 1864, at Massena.
La Lond, JoAna, private ; enrolled Dec, 21, 1803, at Waddington.
McKenzie, Wm,, private ; enrolled Dec, 28, 186 i, at Lisbon.
Sharp, W, H ,, private; enrolled Dec, 24, 1863, at Waddington,
20TH, "MoCLELLAN CAVALRY."
CAPTAIN J. BOWER PRESTON, JR.'S, COMPANY (H).
Ayres, Orville E., private; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Allan, George F,, private; enrolled Aug, 11, 1803, at Edwards,
Allan, Russell, private ; enrolled Aug, 31, 1863, at Edwards.
Beeinan, Charles, private; enrolled Aug, 31, 1863, at Fowler,
Bancroft, Simon B , private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1863, at Fowler,
Barney, James, private ; enrolled July 21, 1883, at Fowler,
Burt, Joseph H,, private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Fowler,
Bruiier, Robert, private; enrolled July '27, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Bi-uner, Richard, private ; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Gouverneur.
Britton, Levi, private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Crawford, Levi, private; eiirolbd July 25, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Collins, Martin D., privute; enrolled July 31, 1863, at Fowler,
Carroll, John D , private; enrolled Aug, 21, 186.3, at Gouverneur,
Collins, Oliver, private; enrolled Aug, 28, 1863. at Fowler.
Cassey, Michael, private; enrolled Aug. 24, 1863, at Pitcairu,
Close, John H,, private; enrolled Aug, 28, 1802, at Antwerp,
Doolittle, Orriii D,, Jr., private; enrolled Aug, 13, 1863, at Macomb,
Daniels, .isa, private; enrolled Aug, 20, 1863, at Edwards.
Donalsoii, James, private ; enrolled Aug, 5, 1863, at De Kalb.
Eari, Royal F., private ; enrolled Aug 6, 1863, at Edwards,
Fort, Alfred, private ; enrolled Aug, 31, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Fuller, John, private ; enrolled Aug, 21, 1863, at Gonvernenr,
Fergason, Israel, private; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Greeves, Broddie, private ; enrolled Aug, 3, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Garrison, Beta, private; enrolled Aug, 24, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Gallea, Wm, H,, private; enrolled Sept, 1, 1863, at Antwerp,
Heaton, Alfred, private; enrolled .\iig. 25, 1863, at Edwards,
Holmes, Gilbert C, private ; enrolled Aug, 12, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Holmes, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug, 31, 186!, at Pifcairn.
Honk, Wm,, private; enrolled Aug, 31, 1863, at Gouveineur,
Honk' Thomas, private; enrolled Aug, 31, 1863, at Antwerp.
Hazletoii, Andrew J,, private ; enrolled Aug, 27, 1863,_at Fowler,
Holmes, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1803, at De Kalb,
Heath, Guy C, private; enrolled Aug, 21, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Heaton, Ira, private; enrolled Aug, 27, 186:!, at Russell,
Hills David N,, private ; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Gonvernenr,
Kelly, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug, 3, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Kenada, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 186!, at Russell,
Kellv Martin,' private ; enrolled Aug. 21, 1863, at De Kalb,
Livingston, James R,, private ; enrolled Aug, 10, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Lashine, Joseph, private; enrolled July 22, 1883,
La Lond Frederick, private; enrolled Aug, 31, 1803, at De Kalb,
Laushway, Albert, private ; enrolled Aug, 23, 1803, at Gouverneur,
Miller Wm T,, private; enrolled July 18, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Miller^ Robert M,, private ; enrolled Aug, 3, 186:), at Gouverneur,
Mattice, Gilbert, private ; enrolled Aug. 26, 1863, at Russell.
Martin Francis, private ; enrolled Aug. 26, 180 1, at Gouverneur.
Miller Benjamin M.. private ; enrolled Aug. U, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Peck Jason, Jr., private; enrolled July 28, 1863, .at Gonvernenr.
Picki't Eari, private ; enrolled Aug. 31, 1863, at Antwerp.
Perrin Francis, private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Peck Orange, private ; enrolled July 28, 1863, at Goi.vernenr.
Perrin Marcus, private ; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Parkinson, Winfleld, private; enrolled July 21, 1863 at Fowler.
Parker Tliomas. private ; enrolled July 21. 1863, at Fowler.
OniU David, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 186:1, at Gonvernenr
aidsou,V'Lhn, private; enrolk;d July 15 1863, at G^^^^^^^^^
Roderick Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 2i, 1863, at lowlei.
Shodos Ran om E , private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Revnol I Gdbert, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1863, at Antwerp.
Sose J soph S., private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1S03, at Gouverneur.
Rose Anthony private enrolled Aug. 18, 186:i, at GjDuverneur.
Shaffer Saiifo'rd, primte; enrolled Aug. 31, 1863, at Fowler
iSn'd:Henry', private'; enrolled Aug. 14,_186:!, at De^Kalb.^
Seymour, Wasson, private-
Shene, Lawrence, private;
Sellers, Robert, private ; e
nroUed Aug. 27, 1863, at Macomb.
Shene, Lawrence, private; enrolled '^;'S, "' ;««• ■Jj'^^t:;'.:,^,^;.
ssollora Robert private; enrolled Aug. 31, 1803, at uouveriiciii.
Sm thCse 1 R private; enrolled Aug. 10, 1803, at Gouverneur.
imith; Sen" "private; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Gouverneur.
506
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Tripp, Nathan, private ; enroUeil Aug;. 26, 186:^, at Fowler.
Yetber, John, piivate ; enrolled Ang. 10, 1863, at Edwards.
Walker, Charles "W.. priviite; enrolled Aug. 4, 1^63, Fowler.
Wells, Consxant, private; enrolled Ang. 27, laea, atGonvcrnenr.
Woodcock, Asa B., private; enrolled Aug. 29, 18G:J, at Fow.er.
Whitford, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 186:i, at Edwards.
Wood, Virgil 0., private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1863, at Fowler.
CAPTAIN J. J. CARROLL'S COMPANY (I).
Allen, Benjamn, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 186!.
Cole, James F , private ; enrolled July 21, 186i.
Campbell, John, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1863.
Durham, William, private; enrolled Sept. 13, ISGi, at Fowler.
Hastings, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1863.
Heald, George, private; enrolk-d Aug. 13, 18(53, at Gonverneur.
Houghton, Ira, private; enrolled Aug. 15, 1863, at Autwei-p-
Market, William A., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1863.
Marshall, Antoine, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 18&3.
Newton, George W., private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 18G3, at Gouverneur.
Piteher, Oscar, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 18G3.
Phelps, John G., private; enrolled Sept. U, 186 i, at Gouverneur.
Porter, Stephen, private ; enrolled Sept. lU, 18G3, at Gouverneur.
Peck, Chester, private; enrolled S^pt. 1, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Smith, Barney, private; enroll -d Sept. 28, 1863.
Spaldini:, Evetill, priv.ite; enrolled Ang. 0, ISGIi.
Tearney, Jame-^, private; unrolled Sept. 10, 186 J.
Tripp, James H , private; enrolled Ang. 8, 18G3.
Thayer, Alfred, private ; enrolled Sept. IG, 1863, at Gouverneur.
26TH, "FEONriEB. CAVALRY."
CAPTAIN DAVID A. PJERSON'S INDEPENDENT COMPANY ^No. 1).
Aiiderdon, Hugh, private ; enrolled Jan. 3ii, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Brown, Henry, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Osw egntchie.
Baker, Napoleon, private ; enrolled Jan. 26, 18(>5, at Oswegatchie.
Blair, James C, private ; enrolled Jan. 3U, 1865, at Oswegatchie,
Boyea, Moses, private; enrolled Jan. 3(1, 1865, jit Oswegatchie.
Branshaw, Francis, private ; enrolled Jan. 30, 1865, at Oswegatchie,
Barret, Matthew, jjiivate; enrolled Veb. 3, 1S65, at Canton.
Baldwin, Sidney D., private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 18Go, at Oswegatchie.
Bardon, John, private : enrolled Feb. 6, 1865, at Pierrepont.
Bush, George A., private ; enrolled Feb. G, 1865, at Canton.
Butler, Frcderit k A., private; enrolled Feb. G, 1865, at Oswigatchic.
Bntler, Thimias W., private; enrolled Fel>. 9, 186.3, at Madrid.
Backus, Sylvanns, private; enrolled Feb. IG, 1865, at Russell.
Bean, James, private; eniolled Feb. 16, 1805, at Heimon.
Bacon, Thoma-s, Jr., privnte; enrolled Feb. 21, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Campbell, William, Jr., private; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Clark, Charles A., private; enrolled Feb. y, 1865, at Oswegaichie.
Cheverall, Frederick, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Chapin, John Q., private ; enrolled Feb. 22, 1865, at Oswegatcli.e.
Daily, Henry W., private; enrolled Jan. 3U, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Dings, Thon)a9 A., private ; enrolled Jan. 30, 18GJ, at Oswegatchie.
Davis, James W., private; enrolled Feb. G, 1865, iit Madi-.d.
Dewey, Oscar J., private ; enrolled Feb. 13, 1865, at De Kalb.
Drake, Frederick C, private ; enrolled Feb. IG, 1865, at HupUiuton.
Faulkner, Joseph, private; enrolled Feb. 2U, 1865, at Lisbon.
Fiirsyth, Alexander, private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at De Peyster.
Fallon, Hugh, private; enrolled Feb. IG, 1865. at Poisilam.
Files, Calvin, private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Fitts, Clark, private; enrolled Jan. 30, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Gadbaii, Alexander, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, fit O-iwegatchie.
Graham, Oinn K., private; enrolled Jan. 30, 1865, at Stockholm.
Gordon, Charles P. G., private ; enrolled Feb. 6, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Gracey, Edward G., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Gracey, James H., private; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Gwin, Highland, private; enrolled Feb. ;j, lf-'65, at Oswegatchie.
Harris, David H., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Morton, James E., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oaweyatchie.
Howard, John C, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Hiirbinson. Lonis, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Harbinson, George H., private; enrolled Jan. 30, 186.5, at Oswegatchie.
Hnnnewell, William S., private; enrolled Jan. 30, 1865, at Lisbon,
Hariiinson. Frederick, private; enrolled J.in. 30,1805, at Oswegiitchie.
Hellmer, Elins R., private ; enrolled Feb. 15. i860, at Oswegatchie.
Hellnier, William, private ; enrolled Feb. ll', 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Kellogg, Duane H., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Lightfoot, James, private; enrolled Jan. 25. 1805, at Oswegatchie.
Lavarier, Jo eph, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865. at Oswegatchie.
Lampheer, Gilb'-rt C. private; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at Morristo' n.
Lasp aunce, Jtdin, private ; enrolled Feb. 8, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Lewis, Jack, private; enrolled Feb. 6, 1865, at Canton.
Morris, Jusepli, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Myers, Andrew, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G5, at Oswegatchie!
Mead, Henry L., private; enrolled Jan. 26, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Maltby, Edward, private; enrolled Jan. 30, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Mumery, William H., private; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at De Peyster.
Marclan. James, private ; enrolled Feb. 8, 1862, at Oswegatchie.
Moore, Franklin S., private ; enrolled Feb. 11, 18G5, at Lisbon.
McDermott, Joseph, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
McArn, Edward M., private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 18G5, at Waddington.
McMannus, John, private; enndled Feb. 16, I8fi5, at riorrepont.
McKenzie, John, private; enrolled Feb, 20, 1805, at Oswegatchie.
McKenzie, Roderick, private ; enr.dled Feb. 20, 1865, at Oswegatchie
Mahoney, Peter, private ; enrolled Jan. 28, 1865, at Oswegatchie,
McCormick, Jnbn, privnte; enrolled Feb. 6, 1865, at O.'^wegatuhie
McGill, James H., private; enrolled Feb. lo, 1865, at Lisbon.
Mason, Josiah, private; enrolled Feb. IG, 18G5, at Mmristown.
Ncwland, Peter J., private; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Orr, Andrew J., private ; enrolled Jnn. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Olmstead, Lorenzo, private ; onmlled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Pendergast, James, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Peinard, Louis H., private; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G5, at OswegaU-liio.
Pfitton, Joseph, private ; enrolled Jan. 30. 1865, at Lisbon.
Pigeon, Francis, private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1805, at Oswegatchie.
Peinnrd, William H., private ; enrolled Feb. IG, 18G5, at Oswegatchie
Pelo, Cerill, private; enrolled Feb. 16, 18G5, at Oswegjitchie.
Qua, Henry J., private ; enrolled Fel'. 10, 1865, at Lisbon.
Qua. Samuel K, private; enrolled Feb. 21, 1865, at Lisbon
Rauley, John, private; enrolled Feb. 6, 1865, at Canton.
Rice, Thomas, private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Lisbon.
Swanton, John, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Shay, Andrew, private; enrolled Jan. 2% 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Sixby, Jefferson, private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Stnrtevant, Frederick, private; enrolled Feb. 3, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
Smith, Sanford H., private: enrolled Fob. 16, l8G5, nt Mt,r:istown.
Simpson, Joseph II., private ; enrolled Feb. 10, 1865, at Lisbon.
Van Valkenbnrgh, Sobeiski, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G5, at Oswegatchie.
Wilson, William J., private ; enrolled Feb. 9, 1865, at Madrid.
Wood, Abnim, private: enrolled Feb. 19, 1865, at Lisbon.
Wheelock, George H., private; enrolled Feb. 21, 1865, at Oswegatchie.
CAPTAIN NEWTON H. DAVIS' INDEPENDENT COMPANY (No. 5)
Kilev, M.chael H., private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1865, at Hopkinton.
Thorndikc, Allen D., private; enr.dled Feb. 17, 1865, at Hnpkioton.
Boyce, Wesb-y A., private ; enrolled Jan. 27, 1865, at Massena.
Barney, Martin P., priviite ; enrolled Jan. 31, 1865, at Masseiia.
Brown, Henry N., private ; enrolled Feh. 11, 1865, at Massena.
Brand, Jasper, private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1865, at Madrid.
Benwari', Eli E., private ; enrolled Feb. 14, 1865, at Madrid.
Clark, John V., private; enrolled Jan. 27, 1865, at Massena.
Clarey, Frank, private; enrolled Feb. 1, 18G5, at Massena,
Chappel, Josepli, private ; enrolled Feb. IC, 1865, at Morristown.
Defram, Joseph, private ; enrolleil Feb. 10, 1805, at Massena.
Dopp, David, private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Hammond.
Elliott, Ch;iries,pr.vate; enrolled Feb. 13, 1865, at Madrid.
Elliott, John, private ; eiindled Feb. 16, 1865, at Hammond.
Elliott, Alexander, private; enrollerl Feb. 16, I860, at Hammond.
Fay, George W., private; enrolled Feb. 16, 1805, at Morristown.
Finn, John H., private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1865, at Massena.
Forsyth, Robert I., private; enrolled Feb. 10, 1865, at Massena.
Fountain, Jerry, private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hammond.
Fayette, G Ibert, private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hanimonil,
Foy, Patrick, private ; enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, at Potsdam.
Gordon, Gabriel, privjite; enrolled Jan, 28, 1865, at MaKsena.
Graham, Thomas, private ; enrolled Jan. 31, 1865, at Ma,-sena.
Getty, Albert 0., private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1865, at Lisbon.
Grono, Charles L., private ; enrolled Feb. 14, 1865, at Madrid.
Garland, Alexander, private; enrolled Feb 16, 1865, at Hammond.
Hatch, Wallace, ]irivate; enrolled Feb, 10, 1865, at Massena,
Jones, Nelson, private ; enrolled Feb, 10, 1865, at Madrid.
Lamaka, Andrew, private; enridled Jan. 31, 1865, at Potsdam.
Laiirave, Eli. private; enrolled Feb. 10, 1865, at Massena.
Millard, Frank L., priv'te ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Pierrepnnt.
McGowan, Sheridan, private ; enrolled Jan. 28, 1865, iit Massena.
Pitts, Charles H., private ; enrolled Feb. 13, 18G5, at Madrid.
Perry, Da\id, private; en n died Feb, 13, 1865, at Madi'id.
Spanlding, William, pr.vate; enrolled Jan. 27, 1865, at Massena.
Shanoah, Antoine, private; enrolled Feb. 10. 1865, at Madrid.
Stewart, Laure ton, private : enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Madiid.
Wilsnn, Asher D., private; enrolled Feb. 13, 1865, at Madrid.
Williams, .Tames, private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865, at Madrid.
Robnrge, Eilward, private ; enrolled Feb, 17, 18G5 at Morn'stown.
Jenkins, Ralph, private; cTirolled Feb. 22, 1865, at Edwards.
1ST AETILLERY.
CAPTAIN THOMAS OSBORN'S COMPANY (D).
George B. Win-low, first lieutenant; enrolled Ang. 10, 1861, at Gouverneur.
John F. Huichins, first sergeant ; enrolled Ang 3ii, 1861, nt Russel].
Benjamin R. Can-, quartermaster's serg-ant ; enrolled Ang. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Darms Chapin, ser;ieant; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Charles D Ronlston, corporal ; enrolled Aug 23, 1861. at Russell.
Edward W. Anderson, bugler; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Berc, William, private; enroll d Ang, 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Bere, John E., privjite; enrolled Aug. 26, 1861, at Gouverneur,
Boutwell, Henry W., private; eniolled Aug. 24. 1861, at Russel'.
Bout well, Enos E., private; enrolled Ausr. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Bromley, Sylve.'^ter F., pnviite; enrolled Ang. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Bromley, Hiram, private; enrolled Ang. 30. 1861, at Hermon.
Carr. Henry T., private; enrolled Aug 23, 1861, at Russell,
Cummings, John, pi-iva(e; enrolled Ang. 27, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Day, Lewis W., piivate; enrolled Aug. 27, 1801, at Gouverneur.
Dean, Henry C, private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, nt Russell,
Dike, Harmon C, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Pitcairn.
Dike, Noah, private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Pitcairn.
Ferguson, Ezra, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Force, Abel F., private; enrolled Ang. 20, 1861, at Gouverneur.
French, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 23, 18G1, at Pitcairn.
French, Lewis, Jr.. private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Pitcairn.
Garrison, Kmanuel E., private; enndlcd Aug. 27, 18G1. at Gouverneur.
Grebler, George, private; enrolled Ang. 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Hall, Lewis F., private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Hatch, Henry, private; enrolled Aug 23, 1861. at Russell.
Hudson, William G., private; enrolled Aug. 2G. 1^61, at Gouverneur.
Hard, Cbaries W., private; enrolled Ang. 23. 1861, at Russell.
Jones, Robert W., private; enrolled Ang. 19, 1861, at Gouverneur,
Jones, Stephen, private ; enrolbd Aug. 27, 1861, at Hadesborougb.
Kelsey, Byron ; private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Rnssell.
Kinney, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 19, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Lashine, Andrew W., pi jvafe; enrolled Aug. 19, 1861, at GouTerneiir.
Lashine, Lewi.**, private; enrolled Ang. 27. 1861, at Gouverneur,
Lawrence, Edwin, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Long, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Lyiide, William Elliott, private; enrolled Ang. 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Martin, William, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1861. at Gouverneur.
Minnirk, Simeon V., private; enrolled Ang. 20, 1861, at Pitcairn.
Mitchell, Calvin, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Morris, Andrew J., Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1861, at Rirhville.
Morris, Charles F.. private ; enrolled Ang. 27. 1861, at Richville.
Orrord, William C, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1861, at Pitcairn,
Piiyne, Anrelius P., private; enrolled Aug. 2(t, 18G1, at Pitcairn.
Piper, William H., private; onndled Aug. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Porter, George, private; otiiolbd Aug, 29, 18G1, at Gduverneur.
Sawyer, Petej-, private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1861, at Pitcairn,
Searey. Norman D,, private ; enrolled Aug. 19, 1861, at Gouverneur.
Starkey, Alninn E. J., private ; enrolled Sept. 23, 1861, at Rnssell.
Streeter, William, private; enrolled Sept. 27, 18G1, at Gouverneur.
Webb, Henry S., private; enrolled Sept. 23, 1861, at Russell.
Wilbird, Charles S., private; enrolled Sept. 23, 1861, at Russell.
13TH ARTILLERY.
CAPTAIN JESSE LAMB'S COMPANY (G),
Betts, Reuben, jirivate; enrolled Jan. 5, 1864, at Potsdam.
Daley, Milon, private; enrolled Jan. 6, 1864, at Norfolk.
Lana. John, Jr., private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1863, at Potsdam.
McGillivary, John, private ; enrolled Jan. 2. 1864, at Potsdam.
Philips, Joseph, private; enrolled Jan. 2. 1864, at Stockholm
Tait, John B., private ; enrolled Jan. 2, 1804, at Parishvillp
Worthey, Frank, private; enrolled Dec. 21, 1863, at PotPdaiii
Wakefield, Nathan, private ; enrolled Jan. 3, 18G4, at Pofdnm
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
507
14TH ARTILLERY.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM W. TEOWBEIDGE'S COMPANY (A).
John A. Wood, Ist lieutenant ; onrolled July 2J, 1S63, at Ogdonsjburg.
Jolm F. Hutchlns, 2d lioutenant; enrolled July 3U, 18G;!. iit Ogdenaburg.
Harry H. Service, quartermr-sorgt. ; enrolled July 21), 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Jamea McKelvey, sergeant ; enrolled July 30, 1SG3, at OgUensburg.
Jolin Dolack, sergeant ; enrolled July 28, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Solomon H. Yerdon, sergeant; enrolled July 28, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Morris Fitcli, sergeant ; enrolled July 21, 1803, at Ogdonsliurg.
John O'Connor, corporal; enrolled July 21, 1803, at Ogdensliurg.
George W. Clark, corporal; enr<dled Aug. 28, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Chester Delong, corporal ; enrolled July 18, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Harvey W. Truml.le, corpoml ; enrnlled Aug. 1, 1803, at Stockliolni.
William Weller, corporal ; onroUod July 27, 1803, at Ogdcnsburg.
Hir.im Steveua, corporal ; enrolled July 2 i, 1803, at Ogdcnsburg.
John G. Riley, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
John B. McClelland, corporal ; enrolled July 10, 1803, at Ogdon,sburg.
Allen, Cyrus N., private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1883, at Ogdcnsburg.
Adama, Henry, private ; enrolled July 25. 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Adama, Anthony, private ; enrolled July 21, 1863, at Ogdenslairg.
Biasell, Cliarles IJ., priv.ite ; enrolled July 21, 1863, at Ogdenabuig.
Baird, Jolm, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1803, at Ogilenaburg.
Buurke, Thomas y., private; enrolled July 29, 1863, at Ogdeusburg.
Brown, Tliomas, private; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Ogdeiisburg.
Briley, Charles, private; enrolled July 25, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Butler, James B., private ; enridled Aug. 1, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Barter, Daniel S., private; enrolled July 10, 18G3, at Ogdeusburg.
Briley, George H., private; enrolled July 27, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Barr, Henry A., private; enrolled July 28, 180 i, at Ogdeusburg.
Cooper, George, priv.ate ; enrolled July 25, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Carter, Charles C, private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdeusburg.
Crateaenbcrg, Abram, private ; enrolled July 30, 180 i, at Ogdensliurg.
Cliurch, Arthur, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 181)3, at Ogdeusburg.
Dimmick, Elijah, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1863. at Ogdeusburg.
Dixon, William A., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1863, atOgdeusburg.
D.ivenport, Chnrles H., private; enrolled zVug. 5, 1803, at Ogdcnsburg.
Daniel, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1863, at Ogilenaburg.
Kliuore, Orrin W., private ; enrolled July 29, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Elliott, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Farrell, Patrick, private ; enroUeil July 29, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
I'lalier, Kobert, private ; enrolled .\ug. 18, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Foley, Peter J., private ; enrolled July 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Fluck, Walter, private; enrolled August 1, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Fitch, Charles C, private ; enrolled .Inly 28, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Gonlt, Charles, private ; enrolled July 24, 1803, at Ogdensliurg.
Orant, .Amos, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Gibbons, Clinton, priv.ite; enrolled July 9, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Gray, Elmer W., private ; enrolled July 28, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Grant, Samuel, priv.ite ; enrolled July 1 '., 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Grant, Andrew, private; enrolled Aug. lo, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Gibson, Churles B., private ; enrolled Aug. .'">, 1863, at Potadam.
Giuy, Silas W., private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Gilroy, George, private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Goodcourage, Elward, private : enrolled July 9, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Hew tt, John C, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Herriott, William, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1803, at Norfolk.
Harwick, Felix !>., private ; enrolled Aug. 4. ISO i, at Ogdenaburg.
Havens, William S., iirivate ; t-niolled Aug. 12, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Holienliack, Henry, privite ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1801, at Ogdensburg.
Hodgkin-, William S., private ; enrolled July 29, 180 i, at Ogdensburg.
Holmea, Henry H., pr.v.ite ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Judaon, David, private; enrolled Aug. 2.i, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Jordan, Nathaniel P., private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Johnson, Isaac, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Johnson, William (lat), private; enrnlled July 2."i, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Juhnaon, William (2di, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 186 1, at Og lenaburg.
Jolinaon, William W., private; enrolled July 9, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Keyes, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Lanagau, Michael, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 186.i, at Ogdensburg.
Lovely, Samuel, private ; enrolled July 30, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
taflare, John, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Market, Wm. H., private ; enrolled Aug. 19, 186 i, at Ogdensburg.
Munson, Lyman,. private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McGregor, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1803, at Waddington.
McCarthy, Owen, private; enrolled Aug. 17, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McFadden, Ezra, private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McFadden, Wm., private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McGregor, David, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 186 t, at Ogdensburg.
Mitchell, Robert, private ; enrolled July 24, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Moror, Joaeph, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
McGre T, Stephen, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 180 1, at Ogilenaburg.
Mills, Henry, private; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Ogdeusburg.
Murphy, Timothy, private; enr.dled Aug. 5, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McCooley, Michael, private; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Myers, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 186 i, at Ogdensburg.
McKennon, Alexander, private ; enrolled July 21, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Miles, Sophin S. K., private; e irolled July 9, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
McGuyre, John, private; enrolled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Micrs, Chester, private; enrolled July 21, 1863,-at Ogdensburg.
Nichols, Orison K., private; enrolled July 20, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
O'Niel, Timothy, private ; enrolled Aug. 17, 186!, at Ogdensburg.
Osier, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Palmer, Henry S., private; enrolled July 30, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Plumsted, Simon P., private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Paine, Moses, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Phelps, George S., private ; enrolled July 29, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Prithard, George, private ; enrolled July 17, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Pieraon, John, private; enrolleil July 28, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Pace, Chiirlea E., private ; enrolled July 17, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Parr, William, private ; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Rickard. John, private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Rice, Albert, private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Shauipinc, Charles, private; enrolled Aug, 20, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Spencer, Robt. H., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, John C, private; enrolled July 30, 1803, at Ogilensburg.
Stone, Wm, F., private ; enrolled July 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Smith, George, private ; enrolled July 25, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Smithers, Charles, private; enrolled July 26, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Simpler, James, private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Story, Levi, private ; enrolled July 9. 1863, at Ogdensliurg.
Starling, Frederick G., private ; ennilled July 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg.
Sanford, Charles, private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 186!, iit Ogdenaburg.
Simpsnn, Archibald, private; enridled Aug. 8, 1863, iit Ogdensburg.
Shannon, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Scholield, Percy, private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Sigourney, Charles, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Shieil, Andrew, pr.vate ; enrolled July 24, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Stebbius, George, private ; enrolled July 20, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Shales, Wm. F„ private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1802, at Ogdeusburg.
Trussoll, Nelson L., private ; enrolled Jul v 27, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Talbnt, Andire, private ; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Thompson, Henry, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Thomas, Jacob, private ; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Vaiideliiider, John, jirivate ; enrolled July 30, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Vernillior, Jerome E., private ; enrolled July 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Vronian, Solomon, private; enrolled July 24, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Miller, Moses, private ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Jiilnes A., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Wright, George, private; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Wendell, Hiirniou H., in-ivato ; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Wickwire, Alexander, private; enrolled July 29, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Withersoii, Thoinaa, pi iviite : onndled Aug. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Edward, private ; enndled July 18, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Warden, Samuel, private, enrolled Aug. 10, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Walroth, Hoiiice D,, enrolled Aug. 12, 186 1, at Ogdensburg.
Wright, Geo. A., private; enrolled July 31, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Williams, John B., private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Young, Lewis C, private, enrolled July 30, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN HENRY R. RANDALL'S COMPANY (B).
Ackerman, Leonard, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1803, at Oawegatchie.
Barber, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 1863, at Waddington.
Champion, Francia, private; enrolled .\ug. 24, 186 i, at Waddington.
Ellsworth, Deloa, private ; enrolled July 0, 1803, at Oswegatcbio.
Hornby, Richard, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1863, at Oawegatchie.
Miilart, Janica C, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1863, at Oawegatchie.
Nichols, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1863, at Oawegatchie.
Statu, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 1803, at Waddington.
Varney, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Wilkins, George L., private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 1803, at Oswegatchie.
Wolcott, Joseph W.. private; enrolled' Aug. 24, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
CAPTAIN GEORGE S. GREEN'S COMPANY (0).
Billings, F. M., private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Beckett, Joseph, private; enndle-l Sept. 7, 1803, at Osweg.atchie.
Barton, Albert E., private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Coats, Seth, private; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Eble, Henry, private; enndled Aug. 4, 1863, at Oawegatchie.
Elliott, Edward, private; eurollod Aug. 6, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Fox, Napoleon B., private ; en lolled Aug. 30, 1803, at Oswegatchie.
Griifin, Henry, private; enrolled .luly 3n, 1803, at Oswegatchie.
Hodgkins, Samuel, private; enrnlled Aug. 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Lang, Francis, private; enrolb-d Aug. 24. 1863, at Waddiiniton.
Stevens, Hiram, private; enrolled July 23, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Thibo, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1863, at Waddington.
CAPTAIN OLIVER B. FLAGG'S COMl'ANY (B).
Charles W. Hill, quartermaster's sergeant ; enr. Aug. 27, 1873, at Ogdensburg.
Isaac W. Doran, first aergeait; enrolled Aug. 7, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
Stephen B. lluaaell, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 7, IKO:!, at Ogdensburg.
Henry W. Helms, sergeant; enrolled Jiilv 31, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Eli H. Nichidson, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 27, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Riley E. Wilkins, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 17. 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Horace H. Raymond, corporal; enrolled July 31, 1803, at Norfolk.
John Corey, corporal; enrolUd Sept. 4, 1803, at Ogdensliurg.
Chillies S. Blood, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Benjamin G.'odwin, corporal; enrolled July 28, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Willard Lonshry, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Bowman, Benjiimin, private; enrolled July 29, 1803. at Ogdensburg.
Birt, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 3,1803, at Rnaaell.
Currier, Charles C, private; enrolled Oct. 8, 1803, at Ruasell.
Cook, Anlhonv, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1863, at Canton.
CluiT, Sylvanu'a, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1863, at Canton.
Dimmick, Pliilo K., private; enrolled Ang. 13, 1863, at Norfolk.
Davis, Cornelius, private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Dane, Frank, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1863, at Potsdam.
Dane, William, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1863, at Potsdam.
Ford, Orville C , private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Fuller, Williiuii, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1803, at Russell.
Ferk, Joseph, private ; enrolled Ang, 24, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
FiiirlMiika, ILirvev, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Green, Charles S.,"private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Hepborn, Algern.in S., private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Haven", George W,, private ; enrolled .luly 17, 186 i, at Og lensburg.
Haves, James, private ; enrolled Aug, 28, 1863, at Norfolk.
J.ilinston, Matthew, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1863, at Ogdenaburg.
Kellar, A-a, private ; enr.dled .luly 28, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Leland, Edwiird, private; enrolled Oct. 1. 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Leland, John, private ; enroll d Oct, 1, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
McCarthv, Patrick, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1804, at Ogdensburg.
Murrav John, private; enrolled Sept, 10, 1803, at Ogdenaburg.
O'Neill, Mich lel, Iirivate; enrolled Aug. 20, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Pbilnot, Thomas H., private ; enr.illed Aug., 1.S6.!, at Potadam,
Severance, Harvey H., privat'; enrolled Oct, 16, 1863, at Russell.
Savers, Thomiis, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Stewart, Lorenzo, private; enrolled Ang. 6, 1S63, at Ogdensburg.
Territ Thomas, private; enrolled July 29, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Trim Willi.am, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Williiims, George E., private ; enrolled Oct, 5, 1863, at Russell.
Wbitcomb, Asivbel, private : enrolled Oct. 13, 1863, at Russe .
West, William H,, private; enrolled Sept 21, 1861 at Rusacll.
Wi'Stgiite, Andrew K,, private ; enrolled Oct, 12, 1863, at Euaaell.
Young, Amzo, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1863, at Russell.
CAPTAIN JOHN WEED'S COMPANY (F).
Campbell, James, private; enrolled Oct. 9, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN DAVID JONES' COMPANY (G).
Oaelv John J., private; enrolled Nov. 17, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
DSey Micl ael, private ; enrolled Oct. 3, 1803, at Ogdensburg.
Uislev George, p Ivate; enrolled Nov. 23, 1803, at Potsdam.
Mathers, Gu'stiins, private; «"™'•':rtJ''-^^'i^- V^'^o™ '
Martin, Alexander, private; •'"™V,'''',?,°r-f k,^ it r?issoU
Stockwell, William, prlv.ite; enrolled Oct. 3, 1803, at Russell.
CAPTAIN W. A. IREADWELL'S COMPANY (H),
Winsbnv N, Orlin, sergeant; enrolled Oc^t- 8 1803 at Canton.
Alvah Beach, corporal; enrolled Nov^4 1863 »* Can'°n.
Loren D. Lo/ewell, corporal; enrolled Oct, 12, 1863, at canton.
Henry Cirr, corpoi'al ; enrolled Oct. 17 1803 a Caij^oi^
Stephen Aldons, corporal; enrolled Oct. 6, 180!, at Kussell.
508
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
■William Bencraft, corporal ; enrolled Nov. 5, 1863, at Riissell,
Sylvester F. Bromley, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 19, 186:^, at RusBell.
Charles Blanchard, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1863, at Kusaell.
Hiram Bartlett, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1863, at Potsdam.
Isaac W. Bigelow, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1863, at Potsdam.
Byron Bartholomew, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1863, at Canton.
Burrows, Samuel, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1863, at Canton.
Cole, William J., private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1863, at Gouvernenr.
Colton, Stephen, private; envulled Oct. 13, 1863, at Potsdam.
Cole, A. L., private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1863, at Canton.
Collar, Wm. H., Jr., pilvate ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1863, at Rossie.
Campbell, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1S63, at Stockholm.
Eastman, Fi-anklin A., private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1863, at Pierrepont.
Flmer, John, private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1863, Ht Canton.
Ellis, John K., privHte ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1863, at Ogdensbnrg,
Foot, John, private; enrolled Oct. 27, 186 J, at Ciuilon.
Foot, Leslie E., private; enrolled Dec. 13, 1863, at Canton.
Green, Asii B., private ; enrolled Nov, 9, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Green, James G., private; enrolled Nov. 9, 1863, at Gouverneur,
Hill, William J., private ; enrolled Nov. 16, 1863, at L'sbou.
Hodges, Erastus, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1863, at Morristown.
Hammond, James H., private ; enioUed Oct. 9, 1861, at Stockholm,
Hart, H.S., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 186:3, at Canton.
Moyer, Joseph F., private ; enrolled Nov. 6, 1863, at Canton.
Northrop, Gilbert, private; enrolled Nov. 11), 1863, at Canton,
Perkins, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov, 4, 1863, at Colton.
Perry, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1863, at Colton.
Peck, Chandler C, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 186:i, at Bn.ssell.
Kunions, Abram, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 186.3, at Gouverneur,
Russ, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 19, 1863, at Russell.
Rhodes, Wesley D., private; enrolled Oct. 30, 18611, ht Hermon.
Rhodes, Squire I>., p ivate; enmlled Oct. 21, 18f>-i, at Hermon.
Severance, Benjamin F., private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1863, at Russell,
Sharpstine, Myron, private; enrolled Oct. 12, 186:5, at Ginton.
Steinberg, Win. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1863, at Ogdtnsburg.
Thomas, Rasell, private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1863, at Russell.
Thomas, Wm. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 6, 1863, at Russell.
ThuvstOD, Albert 1),, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1863, at Stockholm.
Turner, Henry C, private ; eurolled Oct. 19, 186:1, at Canton.
Wbitcomb, Paul, private ; enrolled Nov. 2, 1863, at Russell.
CAPTAIN CHAUNCEY WILKIE'S COMPANY (I),
Thomas Fieldson, sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1863, at De Peyster.
George T. Hall, sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at De Peyster.
Timothy Ryan, sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 3, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
James R.Ames, corporal; enrolled Nov. 9, 186:i, at Hermon.
Wm. F. Rundell, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at Dc Kallt.
Jeremiah Declaine, corpoi'al ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at Noiiblk.
Adkins, Charles H., private ; enrolled Dec. 8, 1863, at Macomb.
Austin, Henry €., private ; enrolled Nov. 17, 1863, at De Peyster.
Abell, Charles C, private; enrolled Dec. 17, 186:j, at Hermon.
Aldrick, Wallace N., private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1863, at Rupsell.
Beach, John S., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at De Kalb.
Browght, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Broat, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 6, 1863, at Oswegntcbie.
Brown, Elbert E., private; enrolled Nov. 28,1863, at Hermon.
Bush, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1863,at Ogdensburg,
Chio, John, private; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at De Kalb.
Claflin, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at De Kalb.
Chase, Sanford, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1863, at De Kalb.
Carbino, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 186:1^ at Madrid.
Castle, David, Jr., private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Nortolk.
Carpenter, George, private; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Norfolk,
Denley, William, private; enrolled Dec. 1, 18tj3, at Rossie.
Daniels, Joseph F., private; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at Hermon.
Fletcher, Anthony, private ; enrolled Dec. 16,1863, at De Kalb.
Finley, Albert, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1863, at Macomb.
Foster, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1863, at Rossie.
Ferris, Roljert M., private; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Potsdam,
Gray, Sterling, private; enrolled Dec. 14, 1863, at De Kalb.
Glassford, Jame^j P., private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1863, at Rossie.
Gladden, Amos L., private; enrolled Dec. 11, 1863, fit Potsdam.
Gillmour.Delormey, private; enrolled Dec. 3, 1863, at Hermon.
Griswold, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, IS&t, nt Canton.
Glines, Eugene, private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Canton.
Hall, Walton, private; enrolled Nov, 28, 186:1, at Rosbie.
Hodges, Georjie, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1863, at Lawrence.
Hall, Ira F., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1863, at Russell.
Ingram, James P., private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1863, at De Kalb.
Jordan, James, private; enrolled Dec. 1, 1863, at Rossie.
Jacques, Aiiolphus, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 186:1, at Oswegatchie,
Keyes, Lucius, private ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1863, at Hermon.
Loron, Moses, private; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at Norfolk.
Loron, Lmis, private; enrolled Dec. 17,1863, at Norfolk.
McKee, Uri, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Hermon.
McCune, David, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1863, at Potsdam.
Nettles, George, private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Norfolk.
O'Brien, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Pierce, David F., private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Norfolk.
Peck, Franklin A., private; enrolled Dec. 18. 1863, at Norfolk,
Parker, Heni-y, private ; enrolled Nov. 17, 1863, »t Potsdam.
Pierce, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1863, at Potsdam.
Peck, Norman, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1863, at Canton.
Ratchford, Thomas, private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Norfolk.
Bushton, John, private; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at Hermon.
St. Dennis, Geoige, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Norfolk.
Sterling, Gilbert S., private; enrolled Nov. 16, 1863, at Macomb.
Sisson, Almeron, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1863, at Macomb.
Smith, Bently I., private ; enrolled Nov. 9, 1863, at Hermon.
Thomas, George, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Hermon.
Vansant, Wm., Jr., private ; enrolled Dec. 19, 1863. at De Kalb.
Yansant, George W., private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at De Kalb.
Wallace, Robert, private ; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at De Kalb.
Ward, Isaac, private ; enrolled Dec. 8, 1863, at Macomb..
Wright, Wm. B., private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Walker, Benj. F., private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1863, at Hermon.
CAPTAIN JEROME COOPER'S COMPANY (K;.
Charles Dority, corporal; enrolled Nov. 23, 1863, at Roseie.
Apple, Hiram, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1863, at Rossie.
Apple, Ziichariah, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1863, at Rossie.
Bordwell, Dexter E., private ; enrolled Dec. 11, 1863, at De Kalb.
Bogardua, John E., private ; enrolled Dec. 4, 1863, at Macomb.
Class, Levi, private; enrolled Dec. 16, 3863, at Gouverneur,
Curtis, James H., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at Norfolk.
Caliino, Antoine, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1863, at Madrid.
Fields, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1863, at Hermon.
Goodfellow, Robert, private; enrolled Dec. 19, 1863, at De Kalb.
Howard, Wm. H,, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1863, at Rossie.
Hazleton, Charles, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Jewett, Proctor, private; enmlled Dec. 14, 1863, at Gouverneur.
Jern, John, private; enrolled Dec. 22, 1863, at Oswegatchie.
Popp, Marion, private ; enrolled Dec. 4, 1863, at Macomb.
Yerden, Wm. H., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1863, at Gouverneur.
CAPTAIN C. H, HOUGHTON'S COMPANY (L).
Agnew, F(-'lix, private ; enrolled Nov. 17, 1863, at Rossie.
Blake, Thomas, pi ivate; enrolled Nov. 23, 1863, at Rossie.
Bennett, Alexander D., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, at Hermon.
Brown, Franklin R., private; enrolled Dec. 11, 1863, at De Kalb.
Blake, Philip, private; enrolled Nov. 23, 1863, at Rossie.
Carr, Wm. H., private; enrolled Dec. 14, 1803, at Rossie.
Clark, David, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at De Kalb,
Carlos, Edwin M., private; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at De Kalb.
Chapmitn, Benjamin, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1863, at De Peyster.
Foidham, Austin G., private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Hermon.
Farrell, Percy, private; enrolled Dec, 16, 1863, at Morristown.
Holmes, Peter, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1863, at De Kalb.
Killey, Robert, private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 1863, at Russell.
Lake, John J., private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1863, at Rossie.
Lassell, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 23, 1863, at DeKalb.
Lashare, AVm,, private; enrolled Dec. 10, 186:i, at Gouverneur.
Russ, Harvey, private: enrolled Dec. 19, 1803, at Hermon.
Range, John, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1863, at Rossie.
Roberts, Jacob M., private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1863, at Macomb.
Smith, James A., private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at De Kalb.
Steward, Wm., private; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at De Kalb.
TurnbuU, Corydon, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1863, at Rossie.
CAPTAIN LUTHER KIEFFER'S COMPANY (M).
Austin, Levinus J., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 1863, atPotsdam.
Butler, John M., private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 1863, at Potsdam.
Badger, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 14,1863, atPotsdam.
Carbinaw, John, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1863, at Madrid.
Carbinaw, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1863, at Madrid,
Dayton, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 1863, at Potsdam.
Golden, David, private; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863, at Potsdam.
Giffin, Rufns T., private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1863. at Potsdam.
Giffin, David H., private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1863, at Potsdam.
Grinnon, Wm. H., private; enrolled Dec. 12, 1863, at Potsdam.
Gaffney, Thomas, private ; enrolled Dec. 23, 1863, at Stockholm.
Gray, James H., private ; enrolbd Dec. 19, 1863, at Parishville.
Hough, Sylvester E., private; enrolled Dec. 15, 1863, at Potsdam.
Hood, Robt. A., private; enrolled Dec. 12, 186;i, atPotsdam.
Looby, Rody, private ; enrolled Dec. 23. 1863, at Potsdam.
Macomber, Wm. H., private ; enrolled Dec. 8,1863, at Parishville.
Marsh, Lewis N., private; enrolled Dec. 21, 1863, at Stockholm.
Newberry, John C, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1863, at Stockholm.
Oimsby, Benj. F., private; enrolled Dec. 17,1863, atPotsdam.
Owen, Chas. G., private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 1863, at Potsdam.
Richards, George, private ; enrolled Dec. 26, 1863, at Potsdam.
Wires, Calvin F., private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 1863, at Potsdam.
16TH ARTILLERY.
CAPTAIN JAMES B. CARYL'S COMPANY (A).
Dunn, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1863, at Ogdensburg,
Hague, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Huston, Charles M., private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Johnson, William, private; enrolled Aug, 19, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Leduc, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 31, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Mitchell, John M., private; enrolled Aug. 17,1863, at Ogdensburg.
McFall, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Newcomb, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Reed, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 17, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Rosaw, David, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Rosaw, Joseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
Vanuoman, Ricliard, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN CHARLES E. PEARCE'S COMPANY (D).
Empey, Silas, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
CAPTAIN HENRY 0. THOMPSON'S COMPANY (H).
McKie, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at Ogdensburg.
NAMES OF CITIZENS
WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY,
WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS.
OGDENSBURG.
Adams, C. M., Farmer, also Dealer In Groceries and Provisions, Now York ave.,
li. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1829.
Allen, W. B., Dealer in Hardware, also Dealer in Grain and Produce, Water st ,
b. Michigan, s. 1828.
Armstrong, Wm., Vice President Judson's Bank, Washington st.,b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 8. 1834.
Atcheson, Robt., Hats, Caps, Furs, etc., cor. Pickering and Fayetle ats., b. Ire-
land, s. 1833.
Ames, J. E., Drugs and Medicines, cor. Elizabeth and Washington sts., b. Mass.,
6. 1850.
Austin, Jobn, Dentist, Greene at., b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1815.
Arnold & Co., Brewers East India Pale Cream Ales and Porter, Greene st.,b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833.
Algie, W. C, Book-keeper with J. W. Wilson, Montgomery St., b. St, Lawrence
Co., N. Y,, s. 1840.
Austin, J. H., Dry Good.s, Carpets, etc.. Ford St., b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855.
Bacon, Jno. F., Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Seymour House, b. Mass.,
s, 1851,
Britton, Wm. D., General Hardware, with the fiim of C. A. Davies & Co., 32 Ford
St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1845,
Biiilie, Saml,, Carter, Knox st,, b, Ireland, s. 1842.
Barbour, W. J., Music Dealer, Greene St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843.
Babcock, A. A., Mfr. and Dealer in Wooden Pumps, Montgomery St., b. Jeffer-
son Co., N. Y., 8. 1855.
Burt, F. N., Mfr. and Dealer in Leather, also in Pelts and Wool, Main St., b. Jtflfer-
son Co., N. Y., s. 1860.
Baird, Wm., Dealer in Liquors and Cigars, 28 Ford St.. b. Vermont, s. 1860.
Benton, J. H., Physician and Surgeon, State st., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1852.
Blodgett, S. S., Dentist, State St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826.
Boyd, R. H., Physician and Surgeon, State St., b. Canada, s. 1872.
Bell Bros., Dealers in Amer.can and Swiss Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, etc., 16 Ford
St., business organized 1818, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Bridges, Z. B., Physician and Surgeon, Ford St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826.
Baird, W. M., Traveling Agent for Arnold & Co., 56 Morris St., b. St- Lawrence
Co., N. Y., a. 1841.
Bowen, D. H., Leader Ogden.aburg City Band, also House and Sign Painter,
Morris St., b. Cliesbire, England, s. 1846.
Bell, George. Gas Engineer, cor. Jay and Water sta., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,,
a. 1855,
Chapin, J. Y., Attorney-at-Law, Greene at., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1843.
Chiipin, A. B , Dealer in Butter and Cheese, Morris St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., a. 1821.
Chapin, E. J., ex-Sheriff, cor. Greene and Franklin sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., s. 1827.
Curtis, N. M., Farmer, Oswegatchie township, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835.
Chatterton, Hiram, Livery and Sale Stable, State St., b. Canada, s. 1837.
Curtis, Gates, Mfr. and Dealer in Curtis' Plows, also Mfr. of Curtis' Water
Wheel, cor. King and New York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , s. 1822.
Calaghan, A., Mfr. and Dealer in Carriages, Waihington at., b. Franklin Co., N.
Y., a. 1853.
Child, N. N., Physician and Surgeon, 76 Caroline St., b. Vermont, a. 1803.
Church, H. F., General Freight Agent 0. and L. C. R. R., cor. Knox and Caroline
sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824.
Dunton, N. R., Engineer 0. and L. C. R. R. Elevator, Morris St., b. Essex Co.,
S. Y., a. 1868.
Darrow, G. F., Editor of Wi-eMy Advance, Jay St., b. Madi>on Co., N. Y., a. 1877.
Day, S. W., Miller, of the firm of Pliilips & Bay, Greene st., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1846.
DaniMs, W. H., Mfr. Crackers and Confectionery, Stiite at., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y,, a. 18tO.
Davidson, Chaa. P., Painter, Pickery St., b. Montreal, Canada, a. 1852.
Kddy, Geo. A., Gen. Eastern Agt. N. T. Co., 102 South Water St., b. Ohio, a. 1852.
Egert, Chaa. G., Broker, Ford st., a. 1847,
Foote, Stillman, Attorney-at-Law and Surrogate, Ford st,, b, St, Lawrence Co,,
N. Y„ », 1817,
Flack, Geo, W,, Lumber Merchant, State at,, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832.
Foster, Geo., Mfr. and Dealer in Harness, Saddles, and Saddlery Hardware,
Washington St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835.
Felt & Bell, Dealers in Granite and Marble, 8 State St., organized 1876, b. St.
Lawrence Co.. N. Y.
Furniss, Wm. E., Miller, cor. Jay and Caroline sta., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
a. 1847.
Frank, Nathan, Dry Goods, Carpeta, etc., Greene at., b. Germany, a. 1857.
Findlay, J. H., Gas Engineer, Ford at., b. Scotland, a. 1875.
Foster, Daiil. F., Proprietor Patterson at. Garden, Pattoraon at, b. St.'Lawrence
Co., N. Y., a. 1817.
Gibbs, Calvin W., Dry Goods, Carpets, Paper Hangings, etc., cor. State and
Washington sts,, b, Maine, s. 1854.
Goer, C. P., Agt. for American Ex. Co , also Agt. for D. S. and Canada Ex. Cos.,
Washington St., b. Vermont, a. 1850.
Goodrich, J. C. (retired), 71 State at., b. St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, s, 1827,
GoodnO, H, G,, Crockery and Glassware, State st,, b, Vermont, a, 1851,
Holbrook, E, M., Attorney-at-Law, Franklin St., b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1861.
Higbee, 8. H., Dealer in Stoves and House-furniehing Goods, Washington at.,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832.
Hastings, J. W., Dry Goods, Carpets, etc., Washington St., b. Mass., a. 1851.
Hannan, Jno., Mfr. and Dealer in Cigars and Tobacco, Franklin St., b. Ireland,
8. 1848.
■Halbert, V.W., Gen. Ticket Agent N. T. Co., Greene St., b, Vermont, s. 1871.
Herriman, Alric M., Mfr. and Dealer in Furniture, and Undertaker, Ford at.,
b. Franklin Co., N. Y., B. 1836.
Haabrouck, L., Jr., Attnrncy-at-Law, Main at , b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1840.
Hendei-son, D. J., Clerk Grand Trunk R. R. Ticket Office, cor. Haebrouck and
Greene sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1863.
Ives, Jas. L., Dealer in Groceries and Crockery, New York ave., b. Columbia
Co., N. y., s. 1850.
Idler, J. G., Foreman with the firm of Skillinga & Whitney Bros., Knox St.,
b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1860.
James, A. B , Attorney and Connselnr-at-Law, ex-Justice of Supreme Court,
and Member of Congress, Caroline St., h. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., s. 1831.
Johnston, J. P., Architect, 1 Congresa at., b. Vermont, s. 1842.
Jones, Harvey L., Mfr. and Dealer in Lumber, Sliingles, etc.. Mill St., b. New
Hampshire, s. 1851.
Jttd-,on. J. D., President and Owner of Judson's Bank, cor. Caroline and Greene
sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811.
Judaoii, B,W., Attorncy-at-Law, 40 Franklin St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1810.
.lames, H . R., Proprietor Ogdninburg Journal, and Mfr. of Paper, South Water St.,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 6. 1839.
Knnx, W. J., Job Printer, 39 Ford St., b. Ireland, s. 1867.
Lord, Alex. H., Supt. City Water Works, b. Canada, a. 1S64.
Lee, M. S., Foreman with the firm of Skillinga & Whitney Bros , cor. Ford and
Hamilton sts., b. Vermont, s. 1871.
Lowrv, R. n., Attorney-at-Law, Ford at., b. Province Quebec, s. 1856.
Leonard, Harrv, Groceries and Provisions, New York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y.,s."l818.
Lovejoy, Henry, ^Ifr. and Dealer in Sa'ih, Doors, and Blinds, and Farmer, New
York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825.
Lyon, Chas., Mfr. and Dealer in Lumber, also Dealer in Real Estate, cor. Water
and Greene sta., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1814.
Ly tie, Jas. H., Mfr. and Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Caroline St., b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1850.
Laevison, A. M., Merchant Tailor and Dealer in Ready-made Clothing, Morris
at., b. Germany, a. 1873.
Lankton, P. V., Wholesale Dealer in Pure Kerosene and Lubricating Oils, and
General Glassware, 239 Ford St., b. Ireland, s. 1817,
Lytele, N. H,, Local Editor Of/densburg Journal and St. Lawre' ce County }tej7Ub-
lican, Elizabeth St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826.
La Rose, P. 0., Pastor St. John's Catholic Church, b. Montreal, Canada, a. 1872.
Lawrence, H. F., Booka, Stationery, etc., Greene St., b. Mass., s. 1825.
Morgan, J. H., Dealer in Groceries and Liquors, cor. Washington and Elizabeth
sts., a. 1852.
McBostie, D. 0., Dealer in Groceries, China, Crockery, and Glassware, 82 Ford
St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 18.il.
McCarter, A. S., Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, etc., Washington st., b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1837.
Merriam, E. N., Cashier and General Manager of the Bank of Averil, Chapman
& Bean, Franklin at., b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1854.
Matheson, Alex., Deputy Collector Internal Revenue 21st District, N. Y., Frank-
lin St., b. Canada, a. 1830.
Menard, Alfred, Mfr. and Dealer in Furniture, and "Undertaker, firm of Moore
& Menard, Lake St., 1>. Province Quebec, s. 1863.
Moore, Samuel J., Mfr. and Dealer in Furniture, and Undertaker, firm of Moore
& Menard, Lake St., b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1821.
McGiuer & McTavish, Mfrs. and Dealers in Boots and Shoes, 26 Ford St., organ-
ized 1869, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Merriman, C. A.. General Insurance Agent, 63 State St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., s. 1861.
McCurdy, Del os, Attorney-at-Law, Elizabeth St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1846.
Mulligan, Thos,, Dealer in Groceries and Liquors, Isabella St., b. Sligo, Ireland,
s. 1848.
Myers, Clias. G., Attorney-;it-Law, cor. Knox and Caroline sts., b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1810.
Magone, D., Attorney-at-Law, Caroline St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829.
Miller, L. Merrill, Pa-stiir First Presbyterian Church, 43 Franklin at, b. Roches-
tor, Monroe Co., N. Y., a. 1861.
Miller Hngh, Supt. N.T. Co. Ship Manufactory. 1011 Main St., b. Scotland, s. 1854.
Northrop, II. D., Mfr. and Dealer in Flour Barrels, Butter Tubs, Staves, etc..
New York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1829.
Newell J T Dentist, Ford St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836.
Normand J. H , Hats, Caps, and Furs, 8 Ford St., b. Canada, a. 1838,
Oswell Geo. B., Grand Trunk R. E. Agent, Elizabeth at., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
ir. Y., a. 1830. , „, .^ , ,, ....
Philips, Z. C, Dealer in Fruit, Confectionery, and Cigars, Franklin St., b. St.
LawreneeCo., N. Y., s. 1845. „ , „ .. „ ^ , , c.
Piercy, J. W., Auctioneer, and Dealer in Yankee Notions, New York ave., b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. y., a. 1829. . , o* t
Parker, Jaa. W., Miller, of the firm of Brown, Bill & Co., Franklin St., b. St. Law-
Philips,'^G S., Miller, of the firm of Philips & Day, Washington st.,b. Rensselaer
Pope S.°G., Mfr'.' and'^De'aler in Sash, Doors, and Blinds, Paints, Oils, and Hard-
' ware Pickery st b. Mass., a. 1851.
Peters, Wm'., Attorney-at-Law, Seymour House, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.1842.
Proctor, H. I., Mfr. and Dealer in Lumber, 223 Ford st., b. New Hampshire s. 186. .
Petrie, J. B., Gen. Manager of 0. and L. C. E. R. Elevator, Hasbrouck St., b. St.
Eomingl'on,Tr.foolfe'ctor of Customs, Hamilton St., b. Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,
Eichar<islfn,°'A., Collector of Customs, cor. Morris and Knox sts., b. St. Law-
EosseirJno°F'.,^A J™?' P^Ssh Estate, Washington St., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
Eeed, H.' A.','Mf "and Dealer in Cigars and Tobacco, Mill St., b. Province Quebec,
RaIph,'L"D!'D6aler in Ready-made Clothing, Pickery at., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N.Y., s. 1833.
509
510
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
stone, Jno. W., Attorney-:it-Law, Seymour House, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
s. 18«.
Soper, L. M. k L. K., Attorneys-at-Law, 3 Ford St., organized 1872, b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. y.
Sigou rney, J. H., Groceries and Liquors, State St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1823.
Seymour, Geo. 1)., Forwarder, Water St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1821.
Spooner, Eli, Mfr. and Dealer in Furniture and Upholstery, Main st., b, Canada,
B. 1854.
Southwick, D. E., Physician and Surgeon, State St., b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1851.
Bherniau, B. F., Physician and Surgeon, Elizabeth St., b. Verniout, s. 1836.
Seely Si Son, Jno. F., Dealers in American and Swiss Watches, Clocks, Silver-
ware, Fine Jewelry, etc., Franklin St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823.
Smith, A. E.,Gen. Insurance Agent, Elizabeth St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1842.
Sprague, J. C, Drugs and Medicines, Caroline St., b. Ontaiio Co., N. Y., s. 1848.
Service, R, B., Book-keeper for Arnold & Co., 93 New Yol-k ave., b. Oswego Co.,
H. Y., B. 1837.
Tallman, N. J.,Gioceries and Provi.-.ions, King St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1847.
Tanner, Joseph, Watcb-nniker, Jeweler, and Engraver, Greene St., b. Canada,
s. 1864.
Thompson, Joseph, Drugs, Books, and Medicines, Ford St., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1830.
Turner Bros., Importers, and Wholes.ile Liquor Dealers, Ford St., organized 1872,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Vilas, Eraslus, Mfr. and Dealer in Leather anil Hides, and Pelts, 25 New York
ave., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y , s. 1850.
Watermiin, U. B., Attorney-at-Law, 191 Foi d St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1850.
Wheeler, William, Dealer in Flour and Grain, of the firm of Egert & Wheeler,
Franklin St., b. Vermont, s. 1851.
Wilson, J. W., Dry Goods and M iUinery, Elizabeth St., b. Ontario Co., N.Y., s. 1857.
Wheelock, W. B., Ketired, Patterson St., b. New Hampshire, s. 1824.
Wing, F. C, Foreman with S. G. Pope, 67 Morris St., b. Vermont, 8. 1828.
Wooley, N. P., Importer and Wholesale Liquor Dealer, Ford St.
Warner, Joel S., Dealer in Jewelry, Cutlery, and F\incy Goods, cor. Morris and
Greene sts., b. Vermont, s. 1862.
Waterman, C. E., Mfr. and Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Washington St., b. Jeffer-
son Co., N. Y,, s. 1840.
BRASHER.
Aldrich, A., Proprietorof Aldrich House, Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
W. 1'., s. 1847, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Barlow, Wm., Farmer and Dairyma.n, Helena, p. o. add. Helena.
Babcock, B. A., Miller and Superintendent Brasher Falls Grist-mill, Brasher
Falls, b. Franklin, N. Y., a. 18G5, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Bell, Warren, Fanner and Dairyman, Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. T.,
s. ISoo, p. 0. add. Brasher Falls.
Bell, Mrs. Lucinda, Brasber Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1803, p. o. add.
Biaslier Falls.
Ballard, B. A , Retired Farmer, Brasher Falls, b. Vennont, e. 1827, p. o. add.
Brasher Falls.
Ballard, Mrs. B. A., Brasher FaUs, b. England, s. 1828, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Ciiambers, Lucina M., Farming, b. St. Lawi'ence Co., N. Y., s. 18^2, p. o. add.
Brasher Fall'.
Dishau, Joseph, Wanfr. of Thrasbitig Machines and Agricultural Implements,
Brasher Fall^, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o.add. Brasher Falls.
Ellsworth, H. R., Gen'l Merchant and Druggist, also Dlr. in Country Produce,
Brasher Falls, b. Franklin, N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
French. H. E., Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Braahei
Falls.
Hulburd, Hon. Calvin T., Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1809, p. o.
add. Brasher tails.
Hulburd, H. M., Dealer in Dry and Fancy Goods, Groceries, Hardware, etc.,
Braslier Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Jacobs, Joseph A., Farmer and Dairyman, Helena, b. Vermont, 8. 1827, p. o. add.
Helena.
Lang, Hon. L. C, Attorney-at-Law, Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a.
1843, p. 0. add. Brasher Falls.
Lowell, Mahalon, Farmer, Brasher Falls, b. New Hampshire, s. 1847, p. o. add.
Brasher P'alls.
Merrill, Mrs. Almeda, Brasher Falls, b. Canada, s. 1843, p.o. add. Brasher Falls.
Nevin, David, Helena, p. o. add. Helena.
Rich, Moses {Rich & Stafford), Manufacturer of Woolen Goods, Brasher Falls,
b. St. Lawieiice Co., N. Y;, s. 1822, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Rodgers, L. D., Manufacturer of Carriages and Sleigli", Brasher Falls, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Stafford, J. P. (Rich & Stafford), Manufacturer of Woolen Goods, Brasher Falls,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Bra-her Falls.
Sheldon, J. A., D.D.S , Dentist, Hupkintun, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830,
P u. add. Hopkmton.
Stevens, John L., Retired Hotel-keeper, Braslier Falk, b. New Hampshire, 1801,
8. 1817, p. 0. add. Brasher Falls.
Stevens, Squiie Jeliiel, Retired Farmer, Brasher Falls, b. New Hampshire, 1801,
8. 1821, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Skinner, John F., Proprietor of Brasher Iron-Works, and Mnfr. of Stoves and
Agricultural Iiiipleuient-;, Brasher Iron-Works, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1852,
p. o, add. Brasher Iron-Works.
Smith, Jas., Pastor R, C. Church, Brasher Falls, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Taylor, J. G,, Machinist and Mnfr. of Light Hor.se-po were, also Mnfr. of Taylor's
Patent Churn, Butter Wnrker, and Cooler comliined. Brasher Falls, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add. Brasher Falls.
Wells, W. H., Postmaster, Merchant Tailor, and Dealer in Groceries, Brasher
Falls, b. St. Lawience Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p, o. add. Brasher Falls.
Waugh, Rev. J. L., Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Brasher Falls, b. Oneida
Co., N. Y., 8. 1855, p. 0. add. Brasher Falls.
CANTON.
Aldrich, Mrs. Alice D., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1849, p. o, add.
Canton.
Atwood, L. B., Farmer and Dairy, b. Chittenden, Vt., s. 1856, p. o. add. Rens-
selaer Falls.
Allen, Henry N., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add.
Canton.
Aldrich, H. C. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849.
Baldwin, S., Justice of Peace, b. Burlington, Vermont, s. 1824, p. o. add. Canton.
Barber, N., Manufacturer and Dealer in Harness, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1833, p. o. add. Canton.
Bockus, N. A., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. Canada, a. 1862, p. o. add.
Rensselaer Falls,
Brown, J. W., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. Wicklow, Ireland, s. 1845, p. o.
add. Rensselaer Fall^.
Barber, G. W., Fanner and Dairy, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1823, p, o. add.
Canton.
Blount, S. 1'., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y,, s. 1845, p, o. add. Canton,
Barber, H., Farmer and Dairy, b. Litchfield Co., N. Y., s. 1807, p. o. add. Canton.
Barber, A. S., Farmer and Daii-y, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1824, p. o. add.
Canton.
Barber, L., Farmer and Mechanic, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1836, p. o, add.
Canton.
Barber, R. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add.
Canton,
Brondey, H. H., Proprietor Hodskin House, b. Clinton Co,, N. Y., a. 1877, p. «.
add. Canton.
Barrows, Aaron, General Merchant and Postmaster, b. Bennington, Vermont, 8,
1816, p. 0. add. Crary's Mills.
Boyden, W. D., Farmer and Wool Carder, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1820,
p. o. add. Crary's Mills.
Bnllis, Henry, Farmer and Dairy, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Canton.
BulUs, J. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Canton.
Barnes, T., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1814, p.o. iWd. Canton.
Butterfield, S. A., Farmer and Cheese-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., s, 1852, p. o.
add. Canton.
Bridge, G. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1822, p. o. add.
Canton.
Brown, H. C, Farmer and Mason, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Crary's
Mills.
Conkey, J. S., Druggist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1*^17, p. o. add. Canton.
Chamberlin, C. E., Attorney-at-Law, b. St Lawrence Co., M. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add.
Canton.
Chiimberlin, C. A., Attorney-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add.
Canton.
Crehore, J., Pastor IJniversalist Church, h. Middlesex, Mags., s. 1873, p. o. add.
Canton.
Champlin, G. E , Carriage Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1834, p. o.
add. Canton
Gaboon, G. P., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add.
De Kalb Junction.
Cahoon, H. C. (deceased), b. Caledonia, Vermont, s. 1821.
Gaboon, W. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., 8. 1843, p. o. add.
Canton.
Cahoon, F. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1853, p. u. add.
Canton.
Cahoon, J. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1839, p. o. add.
Canton.
Conkey, A. N., Farmer and Dairy, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add.
Canton.
Church, Ashley, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1828, p. o.
add. Crary's Mills.
Clark, Orvill, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1807, p. o. add.
Canton.
Clark, E. G., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1809, p. o. add.
Canton.
Church, R. E. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add.
Crary's Mills.
Crane, 0. W., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. u. add.
Canton.
Driscoll, Father James 0,, Pastor Catholic Church, b. Cork, Ireland, h. 1871,
p. o. add. Canton.
Doty, J. J., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1847, p. u. add.
Rensselaer Falls.
Davis, J. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s, 1850, p. o. add. Canton.
Diury, A. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b, 1842, p. o, add.
Canton.
Delance, D., Farmer ahd Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add.
Canton.
Ellsworth, R. B., Merchant Tailor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Canton.
Ellison, Wm., Dealer and Manufacturer of Boots and Shoes, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. 0. add. Morley.
Fether.s, 0. H., Attorney-at-Law, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., h. 1875, p. o. add.
Canton.
Flood, J. Q., Dealer in Boots and Shoes, b. Ontario, Canada, 8. 1870, p. o. arid.
Canton.
Freeman, Royal, Farmer and Dairy, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,». 1845, p. o.add.
Canton.
Fields, Thomas, Architect, Builder, and Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1836, p. o. add. Canton.
Fowler, Albert, Farmer and Axe-maker, b. Stenbeu Co., N. Y., a. 1858, p. o. add.
Canton.
Fenton, L., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1817, p. u. add.
Morley.
Fenniniore, Jnshua W. (retired), b. England, s. 1832, p. n, add. Morley.
Gunison, W, R., Professor of Latin and Literature, b. Chenango Co., N. Y., a.
1871, p. o. add. Canton.
Gardner, James, Pastor of Presbyterian Church, b. Antrim, Ireland, a. 1852, p.o.
add. Canton.
Goodno, L. S., General Insurance Agent, b. Addisou, Vermont, a. 1850, p. o. add.
Canton.
Gill, G. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. Windsor, Vermont, a. 1832, p. o. add. Canton.
Hitchcock, J. B., County Searcher, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., s. 1874, p. o. add.
Canton.
Hodskin, B., Ileal'Estate Dealer, b. Chenango Ck)., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Canton.
Havens, R. P., Dry Goods, h. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1862, p. o. add. Canton.
Hosley, Fred., Denial Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o, add.
Canton.
Healey, J. C, Cutter and Foreman in Shoe House, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
8. 1847, p. o. adfi. Canton.
Hitchcock, J., Dental Surgeon, b, Frontenac, Canada, s. 1865, p. o. add. Canton.
Hilts, J. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. add. Canton.
Hall & Tracey.
Jackson, R. K., b. Stratford, New Hampshire, a. 1835, p. o. add. Morley.
Jewutt, Proctor, Grist- and Flouiing-mill, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1860, p. o.'add.
Canton.
Jiidd, Spencer, Proprietor of Hodskin House Livery, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
8. 1851, p. 0. add. Canton.
Kimball, S. D., Banker, b. JefTorson Co., N. Y., s. 1875, p. o. add. Canton.
Kimball, W. H., Banker, b. Illinois, s. 18(>9, p. o. add. Canton.
Kelly, G. H., Prop'r Cigar- and Fnnt-store, b. Canada, s. 1872, p. o. add. Canton,
Lincoln, John, Farmer and Dairy, b. Chittenden Co., Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add.
Canton.
Lowdcn, .T. W.
Leonard, E. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1836, p. o. add.
Canton.
Lep, Prof. J. S., Founder of (JoUege Department, b. Vermont, s. 1859, p. 0. add.
Canton.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
511
Miller, John, Deputy County Clerk, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., b. 1824, p. o. ndJ. Canton.
Marlftt, F, H.
MalTenier, P. C, Farmer and Dairy.
McCoi-mifk, P. H., PrupY of Hotel, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 18.11, p. o. add.
Rensselaer Falls.
Marshall, C, Harness-maker, b. Canada, s. 1872, p. o. add. Canton.
Matthews, C. L., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add.
Canton.
Mead, L. B., Prop'r of Cheese-factory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1837, p. o.
add. Canton.
McBride, James, General Merchant, b. Antrim, Iioland, s. 1850, p. u. add.
llensselaer Falls.
McKelvey, Thomas, Merchant, b. County Down, Ireland, s. 1865, p. <>. add.
Rcnssehier Falls.
Marks, J. B., Fanner and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. u. add.
Canton.
Moody, L., Retired Steamboat Captain, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1806, p. o.
add. Canton.
Moure, Orvill, Aixbitect and Builder, b. Jeffei-son Co., N. Y., a. 1854, p. w. add.
Canton.
Martin, Tyler.
Mead, Henry, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 18G7, p. o. add. Crary'a Mills.
Newby, Ellis', Tailor, b. England, s. 1850, p. o. add. Morley.
Nims, A. F., Station Agent, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. add. Canton.
Nickelson, Charles, Insurance Ag't, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. ISG^i, p. o. add. Canton.
Newton, J.
NHsh, A. D., Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Rensselaer
Falls.
Pust, W. A., Attorney-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Canton.
Ptickard, M. D., Merchant and County Treasurer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s.
1829, p. o. add. Canton.
Pearce, J. L. A., Pastor of Kpiscopal Church, h. London, England, s. 1877, p. o.
add. Canton.
Post, H., Dealer in Groceries, b. St. Lawi-ence Co., N. Y., s. 1821, p. b. add. Canton.
Piukert, George, Faimer and Dairy, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. arid.
Canton.
Perry, Wm., Jr., Farmer and Dairy, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p, o. add.
Canton.
Perry, Wm., Sr., Farmer and Dairy, b. Massachusetts, s. 1804, p. o. add. Canton.
P«ge, Daniel, Farmer and Dairy, b. Vermont, s. 1844, p. o. add. De KalU Jnnc.
Pitt, S. W., Farmer and Dairy, b. Vermour, s. 1828, p. u. add. Crary's Mills.
Potter, J. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1800, p. o. add. Canton.
Pike, J. B., Farmer and Dairy, b. fc'ranklin Co., N. Y., s. I87;i, p. o. arid. Canton.
Picket, A., Farmer and Dairy, b. Lewiri Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Ciinton.
Pink, Prof. J. B,, Prof, of Modern Languages and History, U. Germany, s. 1875,
p. o. add. Canton.
Rus-sell, L. W., Attorney, Supervisor, and County Judge, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1840, p. 0. add. Canton.
Ralph, M. N., County Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Canton.
Rood, Stephen, Fanner and Dairy, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add.
Canton.
Koulston, R. H., General Fire, Life, and Accident Insurance, 24 Main Street,
p. o. add. Canton.
Rushti'n, J. H., Fancy Boat Builder, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1843, p. o.add.
Canton.
Rowland, J. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lrtwrenco Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. u.
add. Rensselai-r Falls,
Sawyer, W. H., Attorney-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o, add.
Canton.
Sherman, R. R., Druggist and Physician, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1821,
p. o. add. Canton.
Sumner, 0. M. & Sons.
Storrs, Ij. B., Merchant Tailor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1816, p. o add.
Canton.
Stevens, E. E., Insurance Agent, b. Jefferson Co., p. o. add. Canton.
Siruth, A. B.
Smith, Harry, Drugrt and Groceiies, b. Meredith Bridge, s. 1830, p. o. add. Canton.
Simmons, A. A., Groceries and Diy Goods, b. St. Lawicuce Co., N. Y., s. 1814,
p. o. add. Canton.
Stickler, H., Sash, Blind, and Door Mannf'r, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852,
p. o. add. Canton.
Sanderson, E. L., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., o. 1839, p. o.
add. Canton.
Southworth, E. H., Farmer and Dealer in Produce, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
B. 1827, p. o. add. Canton.
Sanderson, N., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1817, p. o. add.
Canton.
Sqnire, W. 0., Farmer and Daii-y, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1822, p. o. add.
Crary's Mills.
Smith, J. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add.
Canton.
Shaw, J. B., Pr..prietor of Grist-mill, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o.
add. Canton.
Scruton, Wm., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add.
Morley.
Stem, L. F. M., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add.
Crary's Mills.
Townsley, G. L., Keeper of Poor-honae, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1821, p. o.
add. Canton.
Tallman, W. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add.
Canton.
Tuttle, Moses, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add.
Canton,
Taylor, Jame.-«, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add.
De Kalb Junctinn.
Turner, A. R., M.D., Physician and Surgeon, b. Franklin Co. , N. Y., s. 1873," p. o.
add. Morley.
Tracy, E. J., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1821, p. o. add.
Canton.
Van Allen, F. W., Jeweler, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add. Canton.
Van Brocklin, J., Dealer in Boots and Shoes, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o.
add. Canton.
Wright, J. S., Wheelwright and Cabinet Maker, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827,
p. 0. add. Morlev.
Willson, E., Merchant Tailor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Canton.
Whitney, J. C, General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add.
Morley. , ,
Walker, A., Drugs and Groceries, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add.
Rensselaer Falls.
Wilson, R. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Alban's, Vt., s. 1852, p. o. add. Canton.
Wdlianis, E. S., Carpenter and Veteiinary Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
B. 1837, p. 0. add. Canton.
Wilson, J. W., Farmer and Dairy, b. Vermont, a. 1853, p. o. add. Canton.
Walrath, S. Z., Farmer and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add.
Canton.
Wait, M. R., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jeiferson Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. add. Canton.
Warner, I. T. (deceased), b. Vermont.
COLTON.
Armstrong, J. L., Hotel Proprietor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1814, p. o. add.
Sontli Colton.
Butler, S. D., Proprietor of Wild Land, b. Vermont, s. 1838, p. o. add. Colton.
Hepburne, A. B., Attorney-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add.
Colton.
Pierce, Hiram (retired), b. Washington Co., N. Y., 8. 1826, p. o. add. Colton.
Potter, P., Lumber Merchant and Bntter-Tnb Factory, b. Washington Co., N. Y.,
s. 1S48, p. o. add. Colton.
Potter, William, Lumber Merchant and Butter-Tub Factory, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1860, p. 0. add. Colton.
Potter & Son, Proprietors, p. o. add. Colton.
ReynublH, J., Farm and Land Owner, b Canada, s. 18^5, p. o. add. Colton.
Tupi)cr, N. W., Blacksmith and Justice of Peace, b. Massachusetts, s. 1867, p. u.
add. Colton.
Young, A., Agt. of St. Lawrence Co. Tannery, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., s. 1866,
p. 0. add, Colton.
DE KALB.
Ames, L. W., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o.
add. Hermon.
Acres, George W., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1814, p. o.
add De Kalb.
Barber, Calvin, Livery and Mail Messenger, Richville, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y.,
B. 18:i2, p. 0. add. Richville.
Barber, J. W., Prop, of Cheese factoi-y, Kichville, b. Berkshire Co., Mass., s. 1825,
p. o. add. IticliviUe.
Barry, E. D., Blacksmith and Carriage-maker, Richville, b. Brockville, N. Y., s.
1870, p. 0. add. Richville.
Brees, Abner, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1821, p. o. add. De Kalb.
Beard, Isaac, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Antrim, N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. De Kalb
Junction.
Bigelow, Mrs. F. M., Farmer and Miller, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1853, p. o.
add. Richville.
Bristol, M. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o.
add. Richville.
Burnett, James, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Windham Co., Conn., s. 1806, p. o.
add. East De Kalb.
Barker, Jonathan, Farmer, b. Berkshire Co., Mass., s. 1823, p. o. add. Richville.
Conant, R. T., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., 8. 1829, p. o. add.
Richville.
Carpenter, A. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 1828, p. o.
add. Richville.
Clark, Alexander, I'armer and Dairyman, b. Canada, 8. 1845, p. o. add. Richville.
Cross, Perry, Merch.ant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Cooper's Fall-*.
Doane, Mrs. H. H., fanner, Richville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add.
Richville.
Ells, Thomas W., Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o add. Richville.
Foster, C. G., Farmer and Caipenter, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add.
Richville.
Fairbanks, E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o.
add. Richville.
Gilson, James, Farmer, b. Windham, Vt., s. 1828, p. o. add. De Kalb.
Godard, Harlow, Justice of Peace, b. Lewis Co., N Y., s. 1816, p. o. add. Richville.
Gardner, H 0., Merchant, Richville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. add.
Richville.
Gardner, G. D., Merchant, Richville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add.
Richville.
Graves, F. N., Saddler and Harness-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855,
p. 0. add. Richville.
Green, Aai on. Blacksmith, Birhville, b. Leeds, Conn., s. 1871, p. o. add. Richville.
Hockens, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 1842, p. o. add. De Peysler.
Homonwav, Stephen, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., a. 1836,
p. o. add. De Kalb Junction.
Hine, A. C, Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. De Kalb Junct,
liigbee, Charles, Prop, of Hardware Stoie, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1849,
p. o. add. De Kalb.
HendrioU, S. V. K., Farmer, b. Hampshire Co., Mass., s. 1855, p. o. add. Richville.
Hawley, Dr. C. B., Physician and Surgeon, b. Canada, s. 1850, p. o, add. Riihville.
Johnson, W. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1827, p. o.
add. Richville.
Johnson, A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Franklin Co., Mass., b. 1831, p. o. add.
Richville.
Johnson, B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add.
Merithew, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., B. 1836, p. o.
add. Richville.
Morris, George L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. y., 8.1830, p. o.
add. De Pevster. ,- ,rr loco
McBrier, A. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., o. 1853, p. o.
Meritll'ew,' A."., Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., K". Y., s. 1828, p. o. add.
De Kalb Junction.
Moore, D. A., Senator, P.O. add. De Kalb. ,-, „ v . io-jc
Overacker. Lester, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 183b,
p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Page, H. D., Leather-Manufactory, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. Rich-
Poolei\'6.V., Prop, of Grocery-Store, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o.
Patridge' Amos', Famer and Dairyman, b. Hampshire Co., Mass., s. 1837, p. o.
add. De Kalb.
Perrv, Ira (retired), b. Windhnm, Vt., s 1820 p. o. add. De Kalb
Perry, H. M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1826, p. o.
Pbelps^sy, 'station Agent, b. St. Lawrence Co NY s. 1814, p. o. add. Richville.
Rowlaid. J., Fi,rmer,b. Wales, s. 1854, p. o add. R>ch«lle.
Rundoll, N., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. De
Smith 'w'p Justice of Peace, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Richville.
IcottHN.; Carpenter, b. Jeffei-son Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. add. Hermon^
Smith Anthony Fanner and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838,
Smitli
Stiles, 'D.°6.rFarm:r'rd -Dairyman, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Kich-
p. 0. add. Kichville.
■illo.
Stile=, S., Farmer and Dairj'man,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1809, p. u. add.
b. St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y,, s. 1816, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Tyler, N., Farmer and Dairyman,
Todd, Sanfuel! Farmer and Dairyman, h. Lincolnshire, Eng., s. 1834, p. o. add.
De Peyster.
512
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Thompson, B., Farmer, b. Franklin Co., Mass., s. 1829, p. o. add. RichviUe.
Tliompsoii, H., Justice of Peace and Surve,vor, b. Franklin Co., Mass., s. 1825,
p. 0. add. De Kalb.
Townsley, E. P., Justice of Peace and Land Agent, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
s. 1813, p. 0. add. De Kalb.
Wells, T. M., Merchant, h. Ireland, s. 1854, p. o. add. De Kalb Junction.
Walker, C. L., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Richville.
White, P. K., DrugKist, b. Baldwiusville, N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. add. Richville.
Whipple, J. E., Postmaster, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. De Kalb.
Wells, G. 0., died in Army, never beard from, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s.lS52.
DE PEYSTER.
Ashworth, Geo., Farmer, b. England, 8. 1830, p. o. add. De Peyater.
Crawford, Jas., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Castle, A., General Mei'chandise, Castle & Day, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1832,
p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Dean, L. D., Fanner, b. Vermont, a. 1824, p. o add. Be Peyster Corners.
Day, Lewis R., General Merchandise, Castle & Bay, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
a. 1854, p. 0. add. De Peyster.
Fleetham, Jno. B., Farmer and Assessor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. u.
add. Be Peyster.
Fieldson, Wm., Farmer, b. England, s. 1853, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Fieldson, Rich'd, Farmer, b. England, s. 1852, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Fleetham, B. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Be Peyster.
Humphrey,J.B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1848, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Haseley, H. H., Farmer and Justice of Peace, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o.
add. De Peyster.
Hurlburt, H., Farmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 182G, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Humphrey, C. T., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Jillson, Otis 0., Farmer and President County Agriciiltuial Society, b. Oneida
Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Edenton.
Lewis, A., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1841, p. o. add. De Peyster Corners.
Lawyer, Phillip, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1832, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Monison, Thos., Farmei', b. Ireland, s. 187U, p. o. add. De Peyster Corners.
Morriss, H.H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.1835, p. o. add. Be Peyster.
McCurdy, Jes-e, Farmei' and Assessor, b. Boston, s. 1821, p. o. add Heuvelton.
Orr, James, Farmer and Town Auditor, b. England, s. 184U, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Patridge, L. L., Fa;mer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add. Edenton.
Patridge, Benj. F., Farmer (retired), b.N. Hampshire, s. 1825, p. o. add. Edenton.
Ritter, Levi, Ulieese Manuf., b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1874, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Ricket, Moses, Farinei', b. JefFeison Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Be Peyster.
Smithers, Wm. T., Farmer, b. England, s. 184u, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Steel. Jno., Slioe and Hai'nenis Maniifr., Ij. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Warren, Rnssel, Ju--tice of Peace, Merchant and Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s.
185n, p. o. add, De Peyster.
Warren, Joel, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1822, p. o. add. De Peyster.
Wilson, J. B., Farmer, b. Maa-'achusetts, s. 1852, p. o. add. Be Peyster.
Witberell, H. H., Farmer, b. Lester, Vt., s. 1836, p. o. add. Be Peyster.
Witherell, Tbos. D., Farmer (retired), b. Lester. Vt., s. 1836, p. o. add. De Peyater.
Warden, Samuel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1841, p. o. add, Heuvelton.
Widrick, Geo J., Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add, De Peyster.
EDWARDS.
Brown, R., Jr., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, a, 1834, p. o. add. Edwards.
Biahop, W. R., Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o, add. South Edwards.
Bnrlingame, W. I., Hotel Proprietor, b.St. Lawrence Co,,N. Y., s. 3836, p. o.add.
Edwards.
Cleland, Tbos , Ist (retired), b. Scotland, s. 1821, p, o. add. Edwards.
Gee/,, Maria S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. FuUerville.
Haile, C. Y. (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o, add. Edwards.
Harmon, C. L., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1S56, p. o. add. Edwards.
Havens, Joseph, Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Soutli Edwards.
Hainion, W. P., Farmer and Bairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
South Eilwaids,
Hendricks, J., Lumber Mills, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add. So. Edwards.
Noble, Thomas, Farmei", b. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o. add. Edwards.
Noyes, W. H., Undertaker and Carriage Manufr,, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1857,
p. o. add. Edwards.
Pratt, Eliza, Farmer, b. Utica, N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add. Edwards.
Perkin.", A. H., Faruier, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Edwarda.
Rushton, H., Miller, b. England, s. 1829, p. o. add. Edwarda.
Raymond, C. K., Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add. Edwards.
Rice, Silaa, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Edwarda.
Smith, Geo., Faimer and Merchant, b, St. Lawrence Co,, N. Y., s. 1821, p. o. add.
South Edwards.
Sherwin, A. P., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N,Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. So, Edwards.
Webb, H., Farmer and Bai ry, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1849, p. o. add. Edwards.
Woolever, Haivey ( retired), b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Edwards.
Winslow, J. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., r. 1834, p. o. add. Edwards.
Woocock, J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o, add. Edwards.
FOWLER.
Austin, Samuel A., Farmer and Bairyman, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1838 p o add
Fowler.
Austin, S. H., Hotel Proprietor at Little York, and Commissioner of Highways
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Fowler. '
Absolon, Peter, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Lorraine, France, s. 1832, p o add
Fowler,
Burt, Alfred, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N, Y., a. 1822, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Baxter, C. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y,, a. 1832, p. o, add.
Haileaborough.
Baxter, H. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Go,, N. Y,, e. 1840, p. o. add.
Hail esbo rough.
Balmat, Chas., Farmer and Bairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p.o. add.
FuUerville,
Bigarel, Nicholas, Farmer and Bairyman, h. Lorraine, France, s. 1833, p. o. add.
Shingle Creek.
Blgarel, Joseph, Farmer and Bairyman, b. Lorraine, France, s. 1833, p. o. add.
Shingle Creek.
Barnes. J., Farmer and Bairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add.
Fowler.
Cross, A., Farmer (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1824, p. u. add. llallesborough.
Cross, Stephen, Farmer and Bairyman, b, Jeffei-son Co., N. Y,, a, 1824, p. o. add.
Ha iles borough.
Cross, Mrs. Stephen, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1829, p. o. add. Haileaborough.
Cross, Benj., Farmer and Dairy [nan, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 182 f, p. o.add.
Ilailesborough,
Clark, Chad. A., Merchant Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1836, p. o. add.
Haileaborough.
Carpenter, G. W., Proprietor Haileaborough Tannery, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,
8. 1861, p. o. add. Hadesboi-ough.
Carpenter, J. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b, Montgomery Co., N. Y,, b. 1822, p. o.
add. Hailesliorough.
Carpenter, C. C, Breeder of Ayrshire Cattle, and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1830, p. 0. add. Hailesborough,
Coffin, B. F,, Proprietor Haileaborough Cheese Factory, b. Oneida Co., N. Y,,
a. 1857, p. 0. add. Hailesborough.
Bavidson, F. H., Merchant aiid General Store, Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y , a. 1831, p. o. add. FuUerville.
Biiy, John B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. 1835, p. o, add.
Haileaborough.
Fosgate, Ezekiel (retired), b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Fowler.
Farmer, S. M., Farmer and Justice «jf Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1820
p. 0. add. Hiiilfsborough.
Farmer, I. G., Farmer and Bairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., K. Y., s. 1832, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
GoodenouKh, A. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Windham, Vermont, b. 1831, p. o.
add. Sliingle Creek.
Howard, Nelson H,, Merchant Miller, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o.
add. Hailesborough.
Holmes, Chas. P., Traveling Salesman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. add.
Hailesboniugh.
Haile, Fred. H., Farmer, Dairyman, Grower and Dealer in Hops, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., B. 1844, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Hilts, C. A., Farmer and Dairyman, Assessor, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Hilts, Francis, Farmer and Dairyman, b, Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1847, p. o. add.
Hailesbonmgh.
Hogeboon, Jas., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Albany, N. Y., 8,1822, p. o.add. Fowler.
Hogeboon, Mrs. Jas., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. add. Fowler.
Herrick, R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Fowler.
Johnson, Abner H., Merchant, General Store, and Supervisor, b. Jefferson Co
N. Y., B. 1834, p. 0. add. Fowler.
Johnson, G. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y,, a. 1834, p. o. add.
Fowler.
Kelley, G. W., Tuwn Clerk and Postmaster, Merchant, and General Store, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Fowler.
Kelley, S. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o.
add. Fowler.
Kpyes, L. H., Farmei- and Dairyman, b, Franklin, Mass., s. 1854, p. o. add. Fowler.
Kilburn, Wm. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., B. 1843, p. o.
add. Fowler.
McComba, Jaa. T., Merchant and GenemI Store, and Postmaster, b. St, Lawrence
Co., N. Y., a. 1812, p. o. add. Hailpsborougli.
Rich, S. B., Proprietor of Hotel at Haileaborough, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y.,
s. 1831, p. o. add. Hailesborough.
Rhodes, Beloved, Farmer and Dairyman, b..Ieffrrson Co., N. Y., s.1826, p. o. add.
Fowler.
Rice, Joel W. C, Farmer, Dairyman, and Local Preacher, b. Jefferson Co., N.Y.,
B. 1839. p. o. a"Ul. Fowler.
Shippee, Peter J, D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1839,
p. 0. add. Shingle Creek,
Sartwcll, B. G., Farmer and Bairyman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 183G, p. o. add.
Haih'fiborough.
Sweet, Jaa. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o, add.
Hailesborough.
Shippee, Mary, Mother of P. J. D. Shippee, b. Mass., s. 1838, p. o. add. Shingle Creek.
Waldo, Shubael, Retired Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1807, p. o. add. Hailee-
borough.
Wight, Abner, Farmer and Dairyman, Proprietor of Little York Talc Ore Beds,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Fowler.
GOUVERNEUR.
Abbott, V. p., Attorney and Connselur-at-Law, also Banker, Main at, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Anthony, Charle-J, Attorney and Ooiinselor-at-Law, Main St., b. Jeflferson Co.,
N. Y., s. 18;i2, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Aldrich, N., Manufacturer of Lumber. aKo Supervisor, Main St., b. Warren, N.
Y., s. 181J7, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Ackernian, Willis, Manufacturer of Brick and Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,
8. 1871, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Bassett, J. Anthony, Professor of Natural Sciences, Grove St., b. Lewis Co., N.
Y., s. 1875, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Barnes, G. B., Dental Surgeon, Main St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Bowne, C. H., Dealer in Hai'dware, William St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ».
1829, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Barnes, E. S., Scliool Com., First District, cor. Barnes and Park sts., b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. y., s. 1814, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Baldwin, G. E., Physician and Surgeon, Maiu St., b. Essex Co., N. Y., a. 1873, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Bodniaii, S., Fa' iner and Gardener, Johnstown road, b. Bampshire Co., Mass., ».
1857, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Bailey, Oscar W., Manufacturer and Dealer in Cheese, Little Bow Corners, b.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Brown, B. F., Farmer and Dairying, Carney road, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ».
1836, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Beainan, G. P., Farmer and Dairying, b. Jeifersou Co., N. Y., s. 1870, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Bailey, Benjamin L., Farmer and Dairying, b. Windham, Vt., s. 1857, p. o. add.
Gouvernour.
Bolton, John, Farmer and Dairying, b. Berks Co., Pa., a. 1809, p. o. add. Gou-
verneur.
Blaiidon, Lyman M., Farmer and Dairying, b. Putney, Vt, o. 1823, p. u. add.
Gouverneur.
Brown, J. C, Faimer and Stone Mason, now deceased, b. Scotlaud s 1829.
Card & Smitli, Photographera, Park St., p. o. add. Gouverneur
Cutting, A. B., Dealer in General Hardware, Main St., b. St Lawrence Co., ».
1S3G, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Clark, James, Jr., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co , s 1832 p. o. add.
Gouverneur. '
Conkliij, N. J., Presbyterian Clergyman, b. Livingston Co N Y s 1860 P.O.
add. Gouverneur. t • -, • t i
HISTORY OE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
513
Cin'penter, A. S., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1824, p. o.
add. Gouvernonr.
Carpenter, J. B., Pliysician and Surgeon, b. Amsterdam, N. Y., 8. 1S21, p. o.
add. Goiiverneur.
Cotton, B. L., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add.
Gouvernour.
Corbin, Amasa, Farmer and Dairying, b. BerkBliiro Co., Mass., ». 1830, p. u.
add. Gouverneur.
Cox, F. L., Editor of Gouverneur IZera/d, Park St., b. Oiilpopor, Va., s. 1872,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Dickson, J. H., Morchant Tailor, Main st., b. St. Lawrence Co., a. 1844, p. o.
add. Gouvernonr.
Draper, George, Stoves and General Tinsmith, Main st., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,
8. 1S61, p. 0. add. Gonvernonr.
Dean, Orison, Manufacturer of Lumber, Natural Dam, b. Orange Co., N. Y., s.
18G6, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Daily, Allen, Superintendent of Sliinglo-mill, Natural Dam, b. Tioga, Pa., a.
1870, p. o. add. Gouvei-nour.
Drake, Benjamin, Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825,
p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Dawsey, Joseph, Proprietor of Store, Smith's Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
■ " ' s. 1838, p. 0. add, Gouverneur.
Daily, Henry, Farming and Dairying, b. Lisbon, s. 1853, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Dodds, Robert, Farmer and Dairying, now deceased. Smith's Mills, b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., B. 182a.
Dodge, Edwin, Attorjiey and Connselor-at-Law, li. Litchfield, Conn., a. 1829,
p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Kaaton, Jas. B., Black smithing, Carriage-Ironing, Wagon-Yoking, and General
Jobbing, Smith's Mills, b.BrockviUe, Canada, b. 1869, p.o. add. Gouverneur.
Jiggleston, Joel M., Farmer and Dairying, Carney road, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,
s, 1875, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Farmer, G. S., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1850, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Fredonburgh, Geo. T., Farmer and Dairying, Johnstown road, b. St. Lawrence.
Co., N. Y., 8. 18:i(), p. o. add, Gouvernour.
Fi'y, A., Farmer and Dairying, Carney road, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Freeman & Farley, liivery and Sale Stable, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Godard, A., Presidi-nt of A. Godard's Bank, Main st., p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Goodrich, C. M., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851.
Griffith, W. S., Fanner and Dairying, Griffith's Bridge, p; o. add. Gouverneur.
Hill, Anilrew, Farming and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Hunt, H. W., Principal of Gouverneur Wealeyan Seminary, Grove st., b. Mis-
sisque Co., Canada, s. 1876, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Hoover, H. H., Livery and Sale Stable, Clinton St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1859, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Herring, William, Farmer and Dairying, Johnstown road, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1832, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Herring, W. & Co.,Manufacturei's and Dealers in Leather, Main st., b. Jefferson
Co., N. Y., a. 1870, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Holmes, A. J., Superintendent of Mills, Natural Dam, b. Westford, Yt., 8. 1844,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Hall, Barnabas, Farmer and Dairying, b. Niagara Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Hall, Edward, Farmer and Dairying, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Hartley, S. F., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 1838, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Hilts, W. J., Farmer and Dairying, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Hill, James, Farmer and Cabinet-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1820,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Johnson, John, Farmer and Dairying, b. Fulton Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add.
Somerville.
Jackson, S. J., Groceries and Provisions, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Jepson, A. K., Dry Goods, Groceries, etc., Main St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
s. 1843, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Johnson, D. A., Attorney and Counsolor-at-Law, Main St., b. Kent, Mich., b.
1849, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
LashbrookB, E., Farmer and Dairying. Carney road, b. Jeffei-son Co., N. Y., s.
1830, p. o. add. Wegatchie.
Merritt, F. E., Main street.
Maclean, A. M., Physician and Surgeon, Main st., b. Ontario Co,j N. Y., ». 1875,
p. o. add. Gouverneur. '
Murray, Andrew, Farmer and Dairying, b. Berkshire, Scotland, s. 1834, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Mcintosh, James, Farming and, Woolen Manufacturer, Johnstown road, b. Al-
bany Co., N. Y., 8. 1853, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Mix, Henry 0., Farming and Dairying, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add.
Gouverneur.
Manson, Alick, Tailor and Farmer, b. Scotland, a. 1860, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Norton, A. E., Insurance Business, Main st., b. Pittsfleld, Mass., p. o. add. Gouv-
erneur.
Nichols, G. W., Farmer (now retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. ISll, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Nichols, W. H., Farmer and Dairying, Iv. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. u.
add. Gouverneur. ^, „ „
Olds, P., Farmer, Saw- and Grist-mill, Smith's Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1857, p. 0. add. Gouverneur,
Peck, Daniel, Proprietor of Fuller Houbg, Main St., b. Rutland, Vt., s. 1^37, p. o.
add. Gouverneur. _ ^
Parker, 0. A., Attorney and Counselor-at-Law, Main st., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1821, p. 0. add. Gouvernour. ,
Potter, Anson A., Clerking, Main St., b. Jeffoi-son Co., N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. ada.
Gouverneur. n v v
Beynolda, J, M., Jr., Watch-maker and Jeweler, Main st., b. Jefferson Co., J\ . i .,
B. 1865, p. o. add. Gouvernour.
Rhodes, A. S,, Photographer, Main st., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 181b, p. o.
add. Gouverneur. ,, ., ^
Reynolds, H. G., Editor of Gouverneur Herald, Park st., b. Jefferson Co., JN. i.,
8. 1873, p. o. add. Gouverneur. „
Spencer, James, Jr., Dental Surgeon, Main Bt., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. i., s.
1845, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Spencer, Mrs, H. K. (retired). Main st., p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Smith, F. H., Farmer, Johnstown road, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., b. 1857, p. o. add.
Gouverneur. „
Seaman, Wallace, Superintendent of Planing-mill, Natural Dam, b. Jelterson
Co.. N. Y., a. 1846, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Shaw, Fred. W., General Foreman, Natural Dam, b, Warren Co., N. i ., b. ieuo,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur. ~ ,,
Sloat, E. C, Superintendent of Shingle-mill, Natural Dam, b. Jefferson Co., JN.
Y., s. 1874, p. 0. add. Gouverneur,
Seaman, Alfred, Farming and Dairying, Little Bow road, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Smith, Samuel, Farming and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s. 1833, p. u.
add. Gouverneur.
Sudds, W. F., Music Deyler, also Composer, Main st,, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Smith, Henry, Farming and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1815, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Smith, R. C, Farming and Dairying, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1846, p.o. add.
Gouverneur,
Smith, J. E., Fanning and Dairying, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add.
Richville.
Taitt, G. P., Dry Goods, Groceries, Hats, Caps, etc.. Main St., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., 8. 1839, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Thompson, J. H., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., o. 1820, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
TurnbuU, J. C, Carriage Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Townlcy, H. J., Pastor of BaptistChurch, Church st., b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 187G,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Vaughn, John, Cutting and Tailoring, Main st., b. Longford, Ireland, o. 1858,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Van Buren, J. B., Proprietor of Van Bui'en House, Main st., b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., 8. 1845, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Van Buren, Wm., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1821,
p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Vernon, W. H., Superintendent of Talc Works, Natural Dam, b. Lancashire,
Eng., 8. 1876, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Van Buren, Maria 0. (retired), Main st., b. Lewis Co.,N. Y., ». 1831, p. u. add.
Gouverneur.
Whitney, Wm., Druggist, President of Village, Main st., p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Willson, W, B., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Alban's, Yt., s. 1862, p. o. add. Gouv-
ernour.
Whitney, T. J., Marble- and Stone-Cutting, Barnes, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1850, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
Walling, Wm., Shoemaker (retired), Natural Dam, b. Washington, s. 1819, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Willson, Robert, Farming and Cleariug Land, b. Yorkshire, Eng., s. 1822, p. o.
add. Gouverneur.
Whitney, D. J., Marble- and Stone-Cutting, Barnes, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
8.1848, p. 0. add. Gouverneur.
HAMMOND.
Allen, Thomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1839, p. o. add. North
Hammond. „ „ ,,
Allen, Stewart, Farmer and Owner Allen's Dock, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1840, p. 0. add. North Hammond.
Allen, Alex., Merchant and Salesman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.
add. Hammond.
Allen, Peter, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Hammond.
Burns, William, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1846, p. o. add. Hammond.
Blackman, F. W. A., Proprietor of Tannery, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823,
p. o. add. Hammond.
Blackman, G. B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add. Hammond.
Cuthbert, William, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1836, p. o. add. Hammond.
Carpenter, A. C, Merchant and Salesman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., o. 1834,
p. o. add. Hammond. , , ^r ..r ti .. i
Ellsworth, C. E., Miller and Drnggist, Hospital Steward 142d N. Y. Begt., b.
Morristown, N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Hammond.
Evans Keuben, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Hammond.
Forrester, W. A., Merchant and Custom Officer, Chippeway Bay, b. Canada, s.
1830, p. o. add. Hammond. j , ,t ^i
Forrester, Michael, Farmer and Lumberman, b. Canada, s. 1830, p. o. add. North
Faichney W. E. A., Carriage Manufacturer and General Blacksmith, b. Jefferson
Co.' N. Y., s. 1873, p. o. add. Hammond. . ^ ^ ^ r. tt it-
Foster, H. A., Prop. Hammond Sandstone Quarries, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
B. 1839, p. o. add. Hammond.
Qregor, David, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o. add. Hammond.
Grolor Dr A. K., Phys. and Surg., Graduate Geneva Med. Coll., N. Y., 1846,
b. Scotland, B. 1818, p. 0. add. Hammond. , ^ ^, , io,a „ „ .,ij
Gregor, Ale.x., Farmer, Overseer, and Poormaster, b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o. add.
Hamm"™ Ethan K., Farmer and Miller, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add.
North Hammond. , , tt i
Henderson John, Farmer, b. Scotland, 8. 18.11, p. o. add. Hammond,
iende -soS; Andrew, Famler, aged 82, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Hamn.ond.
Henderson James, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Hammond.
K?nff H 0 Farmer b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Hammond
IZyki^Is! Fanner aSd Cheese-make^, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1866, p. o. add.
Langhlirai™!T«ii*er, School Com. 12 years, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
Lvon Harve^v(°mPVSS?L™ber-andSteam-mills, Justice two terms,Elder
^ ' Frosb Church, b. Wi^hington Co., N. Y., s. 1813, p. o. add. N Hamn.ond.
Miller Samuel, Farmer and Machinist, b. Scotland, s. 1843, p. o add. Hammond.
More Jam" s'. Merchant, Farmer, Superyisor six terms, b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. 0.
^..JuJrt ^F^™e? b Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. North Hammond.
Iil3l&^d^ss^u^^»sj^«^
Norton Annie, Wife of Jeremiah Norton, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 1845,
Phillip's-, "samuefFaXfand Teacher, b. St. Lawren ceCo., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o.
Parmeter'-D^'enZ^ut I'l-P- Hammond Sandstone Quarries, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
•NT V H 1815 D o. add. Hammond. , , tt i
Hammond. , „^ ■^^g^n ^^ Hammond.
3iaSS?Sle»i»^^^^^— -^
Shields WimamTSler and Trustee First Presb. Church, b. Scotland, s. 1820,
514
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Storie, Theodore D., Prop. Sawing-, Planing-, Sliingle-, and Feed-mills, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1876, p. o. add. Hammond.
Storie, Frederick J., Prop. Sawing-, Planing-, Siiingle , and Feed-mills, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1876, p. o. add. Hammond.
Wilson, Dr. C. M., Phya. and Surg., Grad. Bellevue Med. Col., N. Y., b. St, Law-
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add. Hammond.
Wilson, William M., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1830, p. o. add. North Hammond.
Wright, S. B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Hammond.
Wilson, John 1)., Farmer, Assessor seven years, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s,
1835, p 0. add. North Hammond.
Young, Sam'l, Oong'l Minister, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. add. N. Hammond.
Zellai-, H. F., Farmer, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Hammond.
Zellar, A. F., Farmer, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Hammond.
Zellar, Charlotte, Wife of H. F. Zellar, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1823, p. o,
add. Hammond.
HERMON.
Barnum, 0. L., Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Hermon.
Bliss, Dr. 0., Dentist, b. Esaex Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. add. Hermon.
Babcock, Z. W., Cabinet-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1848, p. o.ndd.
Hermon.
Brown, W, G., Attorn ey-at-Law, b. Canada, s. 1846, p. o. add. Hermon.
Burrows, L., Blacksmith and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Brown, E. E., Pastor of Baptist Church, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.
add. Hermon.
Ciuig, F. W., Carriage Painter, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1851, p. o. add. Her-
mon.
Campbell, L. W., Farmer and Carriage Painter, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1849,
p. 0. add. Hermon.
Cory, A. A., Carpenter, Joiner, and Farmer, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Dodge, W. M. (retired), b. Kent Co., Conn., s. 1837, p. o. add. Hermon.
David, Ira, Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N Y., s. 1850, p. o. add. Hermon.
Day, H. W., Lawyer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add. Hermon.
Day, John, Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Hermon.
Earle, C. P., Printer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. add. Hermon.
Farle, 0. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826.
Farnsworth, A..V., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Gardner, John, Lumber Merchant, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. u. add.
Hermon.
Gardner, Asa, Lumberman and Contractor, Trout Lake, h. St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., 8. 1848, p. 0. add. Hermon.
Gilmore, W. D., Carpenter and Joiner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o.
add. Hermon.
Gilmore, F., Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1861, p. o. add. Hermon,
Gates, A, F., Cheese-factory and Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Heal3', R., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1816, p. o. add. Hermon.
Haile, J. J., Grocer and Town Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add.
Hermon.
Kelly, James, Prop, of Carriage Manufactory, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. s. 1831
p. o. add. Hermon. ' *
Lynde, D. S., General Merchant, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. Hermon
Matteson, A. A., Dealer in Hardware, and Supervisor, a. 1857, p. o. add. Hormon'
Morgan, E. D. (retired;, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1818, p. o. add Hermon
Morgan, E. (deceased), b. Massachusetts.
McColUini, John, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1812, p. o. add. Hermon
Rosbeck, Wm., Farmer, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Hermon
Stewart, A. J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add Hermon
Stewart, P. (deceased), b. Massachusetts, a. 1810.
Scripter, W. M., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. Hermon
Thornhill, Thos., Farmer, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Hermon.
White, E. B., Attorney and Counselor-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y a
1833, p. 0. add. Hermon. '* ' '* '
Wood, C. D., Meat-market and Builder, b. St. Lawrence Co , N Y s 1829 n n
add. Hermon. » • ■> • » i ■ •
HOPKINTON.
Converse, Parker, Farmer, p. o. add. Hopkinton.
Chittenden, Clark S., Merchant, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add Honkinton
Eaatinan, Wm. E., Retired Farmer, p. o. add. Fort Jackson
Henderson, D. F., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1830, p. o. add. Hopkinton
Hopkins, Judge Koswell, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., 8. 1814 p o add Hon-
kinton. if- • 1
Kellogg, F. N., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Fort Jackson
Lawrence, Royal, Farmer and Starch Manufacturer, p. o. add. Fort Jackson.
Laughlin, I. H., Retired Fanner, p. o. add, Hopkinlon
Phelps Miss L. M., Retired Teacher, b. Vermont, s. 1821, p. o add Honkinton
Bowell, Mrs. M. A. (husband Harness-maker and FarnierXb. New Yo?ks 1830
p. 0, add, Hopkinton, , ,o, iuuu,
Sheldon, Mrs, Sarah D,, p, o, add. Fort Jackson,
Sheldon, Asa U., Farmer (deceased), b. New York s 1808
Smith, George, Farmer, b, Vermont, s, 1837, p, o. kdd. Hopkinton.
LAWRENCE.
Ainsworth, R. R., Painter, b. Vermont, s. 1843, p. o. add Nicholville
Ainsworth, Mrs E. E., Milliner, b. Vermont, a. 1826, p. o. add. NicholviUe
'"'"'awre^dnie"'^ '"' Counselor-at-Law, b. Vermont, s^l842,' p. o.' add.
''"'^t Y.,"s:i'8e'6^p°;?dnfc™i':^ire"'' ^"«" Manufactory, b. Essex Co.,
ml°%- n "ri' ^''''i",:,''- 1""^°°'. »• "Oa, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Blish.W.C. Retired Merchant and Carriage Manufacturer, b. Clinton Co. N
X., B. laJO, p. 0. add. LawrenccvUle
""^^p^i. ^tSwrSvilfe 1'''™""^'-"'"" -'1 I'-"-, b. Vermont, s, 1836,
""'■ ^•o^LdrLawl'cTil^."""'''"'""' "• «'• ^"^-""^ «"■■ ''■ ^- - 1«2«.
Berry, George, Stock Merchant and Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, s, 1848 p o
acid. rJorth Lawrence. )*'■"•
'^''^'"i^^w' ^"^°»tur« Merchant and Broker, b. Ireland, s. 1837, p. o.add
North Lawrence. ' *
Chandler, Philo S., Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1803, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Carpenter, John F., Physician and Surgeon (deceased), b. Washington Co., N. T
6. 1830.
Carpenter, Mrs. Emily B., b. Clinton Co,, N. Y., b. 1830, p. o. add. Lawrencevilh
Dupee, Israel, Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer and General Blacksmith h
Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. add. Lawrenceville.
Dana, E. M., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add
Lawrenceville.
Dunton, Harlow E., Physician and Surgeon, b. Vermont, b. 1877, p. u. add
North Lawrence.
Day, Lyman, Merchant and Starch Manufacturer (retired), b. Vermont, b, 1814
p. 0. add. NicholviUe.
Fortune, Wm., Farmer and ox-Supervisor, b. Essex Co., N. Y., a. 1841, p, o. add
NicholviUe.
Fortune, Carr, Retired Tanner, and Farmer, b, Essex Co., N. Y,, s. 1844, p. o. add
NicholviUe.
Fortune, Huldah, b. Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. NicholviUe
Ferris, T. H., ex-County Clerk and Superintendent Schools, b, Vermont, s. 1840
p. 0. add. Lawrenceville.
Griffith, T. H., Pastor Lawrenceville Congregational Church, b. Wales, a. 1873,
p. o. add, Lawrenceville.
Graves, Newton, Physician and Surgeon, b, Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1877, p. o
add. North Lawrence.
Hill, J. P., Retired Merchant and Farmer, b. Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1843 p. o.
add. Lawrenceville. '
Hedding, Harley, Farmer (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1826.
Hedding, Harley, Farmer, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Hurlburd, Lucius, Starch Mnfr. and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. s. 1813
p. 0. add. Lawrenceville. '
Hurlburd, Luther, Farmer (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1806.
Lancto, J. Henry, Agent on Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad, b. Jef-
ferson Co., N. Y., 8. 1857, p. o. add. North Lawrence.
Merrill, Dyer L., Farmer, Mnfr., and Merchant, b. Vermont, 6. 1840, p. u. add,
NicholviUe.
Martindale, J. A,, Retired Merchant and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y s
1832, p. 0. add. NicholviUe. ' '
McEwen, Ransom, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1831, p. o. add. Lawrence\ille.
McEuen, A. E., Farmer and ex-Supervisor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834
p. o. add. Lawrenceville. '
McCoUester, C, Prop. Butter-tub and Pail Factory, b. New Hampshire, b. 1877
p. 0. add. North Lawrence. '
Newland, Peabody, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1829, p. o. add. Lawrenceville.
Olin, Joseph, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1803.
Phelps, Luman J., Retired Farmer and Prop. Meat-market, b. St. Lawrence Co.
N. Y., 8. 1840, p. 0. add. North Lawrence. '
Pratt, Mra. L. G., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. NicholviUe,-
Pratt, Rev. Silas, Minister Baptist Church, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add.
NicholviUe.
Palmer, Hon. R. S., Merchant and Retired Farmer. Member Assembly, and Jus-
tice, b. FrankUn Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o. add. North Lawrence.
Rockwell, L. M., Druggist and Prop. Seed Farm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1829, p. 0. add. Lawrenceville.
Stacy, George B., Attorney and Counselor-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y.,
s. 1835, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Smith, Hiram D., Physician and Surgeon, b.Vermont, s. 1856, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Sherar, James, Produce Broker, Farmer, and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1832, p. 0. add. NicholviUe.
Sanford, E. J., Wagon and Carriage Mnfr., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842,
p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Simonda, Emma and Eva, Milliners and Dress-makers, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
8, 1854, p. 0. add. NicholviUe.
Shepard, Hon, 0. F,, Farmer, Surveyor, and ex-Member Assembly, b. Vermont,
8. 1826, p. 0. add. Lawrenceville.
Smitb, Charles B., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., b, 1836, p. o. add. Lawrenceville.
Taggart, Wm. S,, Farmer and Produce Broker, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add.
NicholviUe.
Witter, Henry C, Farmer and Lumberman, h. Vermont, s. 1840, p. o. add. Nichol-
viUe.
Wood, Hiram, Retired Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1838, p. o. add. NicholviUe.
Whitney, Barney, Superintendent Schools and Retired Farmer, b. Franklin Co.,
N. Y., 8. 1857, p. 0. add, Lawrenceville.
WithereU, L. J., Clerk Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad, b. St. Law-
rence Co., a. 1854, p. o. add. North Lawrence.
LISBON.
Axtell, H. B., Farmer, b, St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y„ s, 1814, p, o, add, Lisbon.
Akin, David, Farmer, b. Vermont, s, 1801, p, o, add, Lisbon,
Akin, Gilbert, Farmer, b, St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, a, 1829, p. o, add. Waddington.
Arnold, Thomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1806, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Akin, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p, o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Armstrong, T. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Baldwin, George S., Farmer and Teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843,
p. 0. add. Lisbon Centre.
Briggs, Wm., Farmer and ex-Member Assembly, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b.
1808, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Bailie, Jaa. W., Farmer and Bui Ider, b. Ireland, s. 1843, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Bennett, Andrew, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1844, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls.
Bush, John C, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1820, p. <i, add, Flaokville,
Baldwin, George, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y„ s, 1811, p, o. add. Lisbon
Centre, . . > r
Boice, Wm,, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, s, 1806, p, o, add, Lisbon Centre.
Boothroid, Wm,, Farmer, b, England, s, 1827, p, o, add, Flackvillo.
Craig, J, F., Farmer, b, England, s, 1826, p, o, add, Lisbon Centre.
Craig, Henry, Farmer, b, England, s, 1861, p, o, add, Lisbon Centre.
Oraig, Wm,, Farmer, b, Ireland, s, 1809, p, o, add, Lisbon Centre,
Cruikshank, Wm, H,, M,D,, b, Ireland, s. 1861, p, o, add, Lisbon Centre.
Chambers, J, S., Farmer, b, Washington Co., N. Y,, s, 1842, p, o, add. FlackvlUe.
Chambers, John, Farmer, b, Washington Co,, N, Y,, a, 1805, p, o, add, Flackville.
Chambers, George, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,,s, 1811, p.o. add. Lisbon
Centre,
Cady, C, S,, Farmer, b, St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, s. 1856, p, o. add, Lisbon Centre.
Cady, H. N,, Farmer, b, Connecticut, s, 1834, p. o. add, Lisbon Centre.
Olino, Patrick, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add, Lisbon Centre,
Crane, James, Farmer, b. Vermont, s, 1849, p, o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Clark, .John R., Merchant, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Dillingham, Simoon, Farmer, h. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Doud, Ihomaa, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1835, p. o. add. Ogdeasbiirg.
Dol ar, Thomas^ Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1840, p. o. add. HeuveltoS.
Dol ar, R. H., Fanner, b. Ireland, s. 1840, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Dailey Samuel W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y,, s, 1845, p o. add. Lisbon
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
515
Flack, G. P., Farmor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. add, Lisbon Centre-
Flack, Wm. v., Farmer (deceased), b. St, Lawience Co., N. T., b. 1817.
Flack, Julia A., Faimer, b. St. Lawience Co., N. Y., a. J819, p. o. add. Flackville.
Forbes, Ctiauncey R,, Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y.,a. 1851, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Flack, Wilber 0., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1846, p. o. add. Fliickville.
Flack, John, Farmer, It. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1810, p. o. add. Flackville.
Forsyth, Walter W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Fulton, David, Farmer (deceased), b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1803.
Fulton, Alexander, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 180;i, p. o. add. Morley,
Fairburn, Wm., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1840, p. o. add. Ogdenaburg.
Gray, Wm., Farmer, b. Ireland, s, 1849, p. o. add. Waddington.
Goodell, George, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1830, p. o. add. Morley.
Graham, James, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1825, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Hanna, Dayid, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre
Harper, Thomas, Farmer, b. England, a. 1857, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Harper, Jas. J., Farmer, b. Ireland, s, 1833, p. o. add. L'sbon Centre.
Harper, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1833, p. o, add. Lisbon Centre.
Harper, Albert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Haig, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add Lisbon Centre.
Heckles, Buth, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1837, p. o. add. Morley.
Hodge, John D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S24J p. o. add. Moiley.
Jones, Artemas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1822, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre,
Jones, G. W., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Morley.
Jones, Josiah, Minister (deceased), b, Massachusetts, s. 1835.
Kenyon, T. K., Wagon and Carriage ManuCacturei-, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1866
p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. *
Kent, John, Proprietor Flouring-milla, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p, o.
add. Lisbon Centre.
LytlSj^David G., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1807, p. o. add. Lisbon
Livingstone, Wm.B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1850, p, o. add. Lisbon.
Lytle, Wm. R., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Lytle, David, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1816, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Lytle, Andrew, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1816, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Lowry, H, N,, Farmer, b. Canada, s.1847, p. o, add. Ogdensburg.
Liddell, Jas., Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add, Ogdensburg.
Liviogston, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add. Morley.
McFa4den, John S,, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add. Liabon
Centre.
Martin, Alex. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p, o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Moncrief, Augustus, Farmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add, Flack-
ville.
Madill, Arlesta, Farmer, b. Connecticut, a. 1836, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
McFadden, Samuel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1808, p. o. add. Liabon
Centre.
McCormick, Adam, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1834, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. ■
McFadden, George, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1816, p. o. add. Liabon
Centre.
Mackley, Stephen, Farmer, b. England, a. 1818, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Martin, L.K., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s.l844, p.o.add. Liabon Centre.
McFadden, Mrs. Heater, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add.
Heuvelton.
Mackey, Patrick, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1826, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls.
McCullough, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. add. Heu-
velton.
Mcllwee, John, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1849, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls.
Mcllwee, S. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Rensselaer
Falls.
Montgomery, A. H., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1859, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Martin, James, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1816, p. o. add. Liabon Centre.
Martin, Robert, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1831, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Martin, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add. Liabon Centre.
Martin, Jos., Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 180-t, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Martin, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Mayne, Thomas, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1839, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
McBath, Thomas, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1822, p. o. add. Morley.
Newby, John, Farmer, b. England, a. 1823, p. o. add. Morley.
Nootli, James, Farmer, b. England, a. 1833, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Nightingale, Alfred, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1828, p. o. add. Renaaelaer Falls.
O'Neill, Andrew, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. add. Lisbon.
O'Brien, Cornelius, Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1837, p. o. add. Morley.
Piatt, O. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, a. 1841, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Powell, John W., Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1822, p. o. add. Liabon
Centre.
Paul, A., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1837, p. o. add. Flackville.
Putney, John L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Richardson, Peter, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1842, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Reynolds, W. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1809, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Robinson, Joseph E., Farmer, b.New Hampshire, s. 1854, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre,
Ray, H. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Flackville.
Roger, Lilly, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1820, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Sanderson, Oamon, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1818, p. u. add. Wad-
dington.
Scott, J. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1831, p. o. add. Lisbon.
Soper, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. Liabon Centre.
SlieldoD, J. W,, Farmer, b. S t. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1830, p. o. add, Lisbon Centre.
Sheldon, John V., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. Liabon Centre.
. Sheldon, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1816, p. o. add Lisbon Centre.
Scott, Adam, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1847, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Sheldon, Isaac, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1813, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Simpson, Henry J., Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1846, p. u. add.
Lisbon Centre.
.Spofford, Thomas, Fanner, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. o. add. Liabon Centre.
Tuck, Andrew, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1833, p. o. add. Flackville.
Todd, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Morley.
Thompson, John W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Lia-
bon Centre.
Taylor, Robert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1822, p. o. add. Liabon
Centre.
Tait, Robert S., Farmer, b, Scotland, a. 1834, p. o. add. Morley.
Veitch, David, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1825, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Wells, Samuel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1823, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
"Wood, Wm., Farmer, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Waddington.
Wood, Wm., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1846, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Wood, W, H., Farmer, b. Canada, a. 1844, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Whitney, Isaac (deceased), b. Massachusetts, h, 1805.
Whitney, Hiram, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1808, p. o. add, Morley.
Wright, Thomas (deceased), b, Connecticut, a. 1814.
Wnght, T. W., F.-irmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Morley.
Wb<^(iter,B6nj. D.. Parmer, b. England, .<?. 1843, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls.
Wa ace, Ira, Farmer, b. V(irmont, s. 1830, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
Walace, Natlian, Fanner, b. Vermont, s. 1S30, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre
Wallace, David, Farnipr, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. Flackville
Wallace, Samuel, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. Flackville
Wells, Elizabeth, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., q. 1840, p. o. add. Fbickville
Young, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Fliickville
LOUISVILLE.
Bradford, Hon. Wm., Farmer, Supervisor, and Assemblyman, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 8, 1834, p. 0. add. Louieville.
Branon, Richard, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Louisville.
Barnett, L. E., General Merchant, Notary Public, and Postmaster, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., S.-1832, p. o. add. Louisville.
Power, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Louisville.
Lawrence, George, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1812, p. o. add. Louisville.
Miller, W,, General Merchant, b. Lewie Co., N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. add. Louisville.
Miller, Jas., Lumber Merchant and Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., N Y.,
a. 1831, p. 0, add. Louisville.
Sharp, Stephen, Custom-House Officer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o, add.
Louisville.
Wells, H. H., Hotel Prop'r, b. St. Liiwrence Co., N. Y., a. 1843, p. o. add. Louisville.
Wilson, J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1806, p. o. add. Louisville.
MACOMB.
Bellinger, Peter, Asseasor, Farmer, and Daiiyman, b. Herkimer Co., N.Y,, s. 1832,
p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Bogardus, H., Boot and Shoemaker, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o, add.
Pope's Mills.
Bell, Arch., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Scotland, s. 1852, p. o, add. Ox Bow, Jeffer-
son Co., N. Y.
Bell, Mra. Arch., Farmer and Dairy, b. Scotland, s. 1852, p. o. add. Ox Bow, Jeffer-
son Co., N. Y.
Cleveland, W. D., Farmer and Dairyman, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o.
add. Macomb.
Charter, Stephen, Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, a. 1837, p. o. add. Bessie.
Cane, Thomas, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, s. 1839, p. o. add. Rossie.
Day, David (2d), Justice of the Peace, Postmaster, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1809, p. o. add. Macomb.
Day, Rufus L., Proprietor of Steam Saw- and Planing-Mill, also Manufacturer of
Lumber and Shingles, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Macomb.
Dart, Lyman, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p, o.
add. Rossie.
Dudy, Obadiah, Retired Farmer, b. Clinton Co., N.Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Fleming, Walter, Farmer and Dairyman, also Manufacturer of Lime, b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Fetterly, A., Carriage Ironing, and Blacksmith in g in all its branches, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Graves, John H., Farmer and Dairyman, also Town Collector, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. 0. add. Pope's Mills.
Graves, Daniel, Farmer and Dai lyman, also Overseer of the Poor, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s, 1843, p. 0. add. Pope's Mills.
Hastings, Wanen, Supervisor, Farmer, and Dairyman, also Dealer in Stock, b.
Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Hurst, James, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Macomb.
Honeycomb, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 1852, p. o. add.
Macomb.
Johnson, James A., Farmer and Daiiyman, also Proprietor of Birch Creek Cheese-
factory, established 1875, b. Canada, s. 1850, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Laidlaw, Robt. D., Fanner and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1851,
p. 0. add. Ox Bow, Jefferson Co.
McNeil, John H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., o. 1829,
p. o. add. Macomb.
McNeil, Mrs. John H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1833,
p. 0. add. Macomb.
MurtoD, James, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1835, p. o.
add. Macomb.
Murton, Mrs. James, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1825, p. o.
add. Macomb.
McFalls, James, Justice of the Peace, Farmer, and Dairyman, also Dealer in
Horses, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Rossie.
Olds Benj., Farmer and Dairyman, also Proprietor of Saw and Giist-Mills, Olds-
villo, b. Canada, s. 1836, p. o. add. Pope's Mills,
Perry, E. H., Proprietor of Fish Ci-eek Hotel, Pope's Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., 1828, p. 0. add. Pope's Mills.
Pope, Timothy, Farmer and Dairyman, Proprietor of Saw- and Grisl-Mills, Pope's
Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Partridge, Edwi n H., Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
1828, p. 0. add. Rossie.
Partridge, James H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1835,
p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Ripley, M. H,, Proprietor of Macomb Cheese-factory, b. Jeffei-son Co., N, Y., b.
1874, p. o. add. Roasie.
Rowland, Homer, Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, also Dealer
in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes, and General Merchandise, Pope'a
Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Scott Geo Farmer and Dairyman, b. Scotland, s. 1850, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
SittB,'juhn, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o. add.
Sinher Polly, Farmer and Dairy, b. Sheffield, s. 1836, p. o. add. Pope's Mills.
Snyder, John S., Justice of the Peace, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. Canada, s. 1831,
p. 0. add. Edenton. ^ -kt -<r -.o^^
Snyder, Mrs. John S., Farmer and Dairy, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o.
Turner, E. R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, 1840, p. o.
add. Pope's Mills. ^^.^ ,, ,^ ,
Thraves. John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 18o5, p. o. add Macomb.
Williams, Joseph, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence Co , N. Y., 1827, p. o.
Woodworth, H. L.', Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1S32, p. o.
Ward jIfhZXmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 1836, p. o add. Pope's Mills.
Wolrath, Andrew, Farmer nnd Da rynian, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. .).
add. Edenton.
516
HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Woodwortli, S. L., rariner and Dealer in Stock, b. St. Lawi-ence Co., N. Y., b. 183(1,
p. 0. add. Pope's Mills.
Wilaon, John A., Assessor, ITarmer, and Dairj'nmn, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
1833, p. o. add. Gouverneur.
Young, W. S., Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes, Flonr, Hardware,
and Eeady-made Clothing, Young's Corners, b. Canada, s. 1826, p. o. add.
MADRID.
Barnard, A. B., Farmer, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., b. 1867, p. o. add. Madrid.
Barnard, F. F., Farmer, b. Franklin Co., N. T., s. 18G7, p. o. add. Madrid.
Beckwith, Perrin, Farmer, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Madrid.
Cogswell, E. L., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1807, p. o. iidd. Madrid.
Denean, Daniel, Fanner, b. Ireland, s. 1848, p. o. add. Madrid Springs.
Foote, F. N., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Madrid
Springs.
Fisher, James, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. Madrid.
Fisher, Wm. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Madrid.
Fisher, J. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., b. 1837, p. o. add. Madrid.
Fisher, 'VVm., Jr., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Madrid.
Fisher, John M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Madrid
Springs.
Foote, 0. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1827, p. o. add. Madrid
Springs.
Hesselgrave, Thomas, Farmer, b. England, a. 1829, p. o. add. Madiid.
Hargrave, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., b. 1821, p. o. add. Madrid.
Howe, Allen, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. Madrid Springs.
Howe, Heman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855.
Hall, John, Farmer, b. St. La-wrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Madrid.
Kopf, J. H,, Pa-itor Congregational Church, b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1871,
p. 0. add. Madrid.
Middlemass, Andrew, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1833, p. o. add. Madrid.
Murray, Alex., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o.add. Madrid.
Pierce, Caleb, M.D., Physician and Surg., b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. Madrid.
Purves, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o. add. Madrid.
Pearson, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add. Madrid.
Kead, Wm. L. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1814, p. o. add. Madrid.
Eobinson, John H., Gen'l Mdse. and Supervisor, b. Canada, s. 1861, p. o. add.
Madrid.
Kutherford, Robert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Madrid.
Eutherford, A. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1837, p. o. add. Madrid.
Rutherford, Wm. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1825, p. o. add. Madrid.
Kobson, Alex., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Madrid.
Short, Geo. (2d), Farmer, b. England, s. 1818, p. o. add. Madrid.
Short, Geo. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Madrid.
Smith, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Madrid.
Thompson, Jesse, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1834, p. o. add. Madrid.
Todd, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o, add. Madrid.
Walker, A. S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1846, p. o. add. Madrid.
Whitney, A. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Madrid
West, H. C, Farmer, b. Washtenaw, Mich., s. 1860, p. o. add. Madrid.
Young, Jesse, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b, 1827, p. o. add. Madrid.
MASSENA.
Andrews, M. B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., e. 1821, p. o. add. Massena.
Bridges, J. 0., Merchant, b. Windsor Co., Vt., s. 1826, p. o. add. Massena.
Beach, Enos, Justice, b. Windsor, Vt.. s, 1815, p. o. add. Massena.
Bayley, J. B., Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt., s. 1838, p. o. add. Massena.
Barnhart, A. J., Farmer and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., e. 1812 p. u.
add. Massena. ' » • ■
Barnhart, J. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Massena.
Barnhart, S. L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add. Massena
Bayley, W. M., Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt., s. 1834, p. o. add. Massena.
Balch, F. P., Farmer and County Superintendent of the Poor, b. Franklin Co
Vt., s. 1847, p. 0. add. Massena. ''
Bentley, J. S., Proprietor of Bentley's Hotel, at Massena Springs b Jefrui-son
Co., N. Y., 8. 1808, p. o. add. Massena.
Clark, H. T., Merchant, b, Vergennes, Vt.,B. 1831, p. o. add. Massena.
Crowley, Isaac N., Farmer, Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1826, p. o. add. Massena.
Denison, E. M., Farmer, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s.l813, p. o. add. Matsena.
Donaghue, A. F., Farmer, b. Windsor Co., Vt., s. 1851, p. o. add. Massena
Earl, F. J., Miller and Lumber Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1830 p. o.
add. Eaquette River. '
Fish, Hiram, Farmer, b. Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1840, p. o. add. Massena.
Garvin, W. S. P., Farmer and Collector of U. S. Customs, b. St. Lawrence Co
N. Y., 8. 1818, p. o. add. Massena. '
Goodridge, Ira A., Farmer and Postmaster, b. Caledonia Co., Vt., «. 1825 p. o
add. Massena Centre.
Hopson, B. M., Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o.add. Massena
Hacket, Jason, Farmer, b. Rutland Co., Vt., a. 1832, p. o. add. Massena
Hacket, Ira, Farmer, b. Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1832, p. o. add. Massena.
Hacket, Alvin, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Maasena
Howard, Lyman C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Cc.N. Y., s. 1840 p. o add
Massena. > • •
Horton, R. J., Farmer, b. Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1840, p. o. add. Massena.
Hitchcock, E. L,, Merchant and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co. N. Y b 1837
p. o. add. Eaquette River. •»..,. ,
Kinney, E. W., Assessor and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 8.1843 p.o.
add. TVTiiHOdn!) 1 i'" •
Kinney, Lydia, Faimer, b. Hillsboro', N. H., s. 182Y, p. o. add. Massena
Policy, Boyal, Eotired Farmer, b. Cliestor, Vt., s. 1803, p. o. add. Massena
Eobinson, Lucius A,, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1816 n o add
Massena. > i ■ ■
Eobinson, H. N., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1800, p. o. add Massena
Eobinson, L. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18U8, p. o. add Massena
Eussell, N. T., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add Mas.sena
Smith, Warren, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., s. 1820, p. o. add. Massena
Stone, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add Massena
Taylor, E. F., ex-Postmaster and Druggist, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1830, ii o add
Massena.
Talcott, G. H., Assessor and Farmer, b. Wiishington Co., N. Y., s. 18'H p o
add. Massena, '
Tracy, Daniel, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N, Y,, s, 1824, p. o. add. Maasena
White, H. B., Supervisor and Proprietor of White's Hotel, Massena village 'b.
Chittenden Co., Vt., s. 18r4, ji. o. add. Massena.
Wheeler, Irvin B., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1861, p. o. add. Massena
West, A Frank, Merchant anrl Clotliier, b, Syi-acuso, N, Y , s. 1877, p. o. add.
Massena.
MORRISTOWN.
Ames, Jeremiah, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., s. 1825, p. o. add. Edwardsville.
Ackerman, A., Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. Brier .Hill.
Battel, W. v.. Justice of the Peace and Merchant, Brier Hill, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 3. 1823, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Battel, James (deceased), Brier Hill, b. Massachusetts, 8. 1818,
Bellinger, Josiah, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1821,'p. o.
add. Edwardsville.
Copley, Wm., Prop'r Frontier House, Morriatown, b. Canada, b. 1850, p. o. add.
Morristown.
Chapman, Henry A. (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1850, ,p. o. add Mor-
ristown.
Cox, Jas., Farmer, b, Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1803, p. o. add. Morristown,
Charle- worth, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b, Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1843
p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Cox, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add.
Edwardsville.
Coonradt, P, M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s 1823, p, o,
add. Brier Hill,
Coonradt, H. P., died in 1864, b, Rensselaer Co., N, Y,, s. 1820.
Coupor, Joseph, Eetired Farmer, b. England, a. 1818, p. o. add. Morristown.
Couper, Jos. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o.
add. Morristown.
Crysler, Geo, M., Proprietor of Steam Saw-mill and Lumber Manufacturer, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1843, p. o. add. Edwardsville.
De Mott, Cbas. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848,
p. 0. add. Edwardsville.
De Mott, J. E., Postmaster and General Merchant, Edwardsville, b, St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 8. 1854, p. o. add. Edwardsville.
De Mott, Isaac, Eetired Farmer, Edwardsville, b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1820
p. o. add. Edwardsville.
Dorn, John, Farmer and Daii7man, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8.1835, p.o,
add. Morristown.
Dorn, Isaac I., died Apr. 10, aged 84 years, b. Fulton Co., N. Y,, s, 1827,
Davis, Absalom, Ret'd Farmer, b. Herk. Co., N. Y., a, 1849, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Davis, Adam, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1830, p. o.
add. Brier Hill.
Ehle, Reuben, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o.
add. Edwardsville.
Ehle, Morgan P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o.
add. Edwardsville.
Ehle, John, died in 1857, aged 64 years, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., 8. 1836.
Fitch, Chas. C, General Merchant, Brier Hill, b. Jeff. Co., N, Y,, s. 1836.p. o. add.
Brier Hill.
Ferguson, D., Farmer and Dealer in Produce, b. Scotland, s. 1821, p. o. add.
Morristown.
Farrell, James (retired), b. Ireland, s. 1833, p. o. add. Morristown.
Goodwin, Nathan, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1827, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Goodwin, Henry, Farmer,b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 1839, p. o.add. Brier Hill,
Gilmour, Allan, Farmer and Dai ryman, h, Scotland, s. 1820, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Gilmour, Jas., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s, 1829, p..o.
add. Ogdensburg,
Gibbins & Robertson, Prop'rs of Brier Hill Sash and Door Factory andPlaning-
mill, Brier Hill Depot, established 1876, p, o. add. Brier Hill.
Hooker, Henry, Deputy Collector and Custom-House Officer, b. Connecticut,^.
1816, p. o.add. Morristown.
Hill, John, Retired Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o, add. Brier Hill.
Hadlock, Edwin, Cooper and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1826, p.o.
add. Brier Hill.
Hadlock, Orlando, Eetired Farmer, b. Massachusetts, e. 1819.
Ingham, J. E., Eet'd Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N, Y., s. 1819, p. o, add. Brier Hill,
Jamieson, Alex., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Scotland, s. 1820, p. o.add. Ogdensburg.
Jamieson, Wm., Baker, b, Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Jamieson, Arch., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o,
add. Ogdensburg.
Johnson, Wm. H., Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
B. 1835, p. o. add. Morristown.
Kingsland, E., Pat. Med., b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1867, p. o. add. Morristown.
Krake, John, Jr., Brier Hill, Justice of tlie Peace, Postnuister, and Merchant, b.
Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Krake, S. M , Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Hammond.
Krake, A. C, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co , N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Hammond.
Krake, L., Assessor and Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1836, p, o, add.
Brier Hill.
Krake, John (deceased), b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1836.
Long, Robert M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y., s. 1830, p.
o. add. Morristown.
Long, Robert, b. Scotland, s. 1817, died in 18C4.
Long, Elizabeth (retired), b. Scotland, s. 1821.
Lyon, Harvey, Retired Farmer, b. New Jpi-sey, a. 1796, p. o. add. Morriatown.
Lowery, Thos., Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 1856, p.o.add,.Brior Hill.
Morgan, J. P., Retrreil Physician, b. Connecticut, s. 1826, p. o. add. Morristown.
Mead, H. C, General Merchant, Brier Hill, b. Greene Co., N. Y.,s.l818,p. o.add.
Brier Hill.
McFalls, C, Proprietor Saw-mill, Manufacturer of Cheese-boxes and Shingles,
b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Hammond.
Mcintosh, J. H., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1858, p. o.add. Brier HilL
-Moore, D, A., Farmer, b. Scotland, a. 1840, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Marsales, A., Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y,, a. 1838, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Marsales, Sarah, Farmer, b. St. linwrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1837.
Miller, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., 8. 1826, p. o.
add. Morristown.
.Miller, George, Eetired Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Brier Hill.
McNeal, Cornelius, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y,, s. 1834, p. o. add. Brier
Hill.
Olds, James, Farmer and Wagon Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., s. 1822,
p. 0. add. Morriatown.
Proctor, A., General Merchant and Produce Dealer, b. Canada, s. 1869, p. o. atld.
Morristown.
Pohlman, Laura (retired), Edwardsville, b. Otsogo Co., N. Y., s. 1805, p. o. add.
Edwardsville.
Pauter, John, Farmer, Brier Hill, b, Montgomery Co., N. Y,, a. 1845, p. o.add.
Brier Hill.
Pautor,. Dowitt, Farmer, Brier Hill, b. Montgomery Co,, N. Y., s. 1845, p, o.
add. Brier Hill.
Petrie, Henry, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. y„8. 1838, p. o. add,
Brier HiU.
Rowland, George A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add.
EdM'ardsville.
Rowland, Harvey, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1833, p. o. add. Ed-
wardsville.
Rowland, George F., Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add.*
Edwardsville.
Rowleo, T., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. u. add. Morristown.
HISTOEY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
517
Beese, Stephen, Fiirmer and Diiii-ymiin, b. Mojitgomei-y Co. N. Y., s 1837, n o
add. Brier Uill. i ■ ■ .
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1821, p. o. add.
Eogoi-a, Christiana, Farmer, b.
•Morristown.
Scofield, 0. W., Farmer, Carpenter and Joiner, and Boat-builder, b Oneida Co
N. Y., s. ISliO, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Sbirling, G. F. (retired), b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 18.31, p. o. add. Brier Hill
Smith, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1843, p. o. add, Morriatowii.
Smith, Kobert, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1843, p. o, add. Morristown.
Smith, Da-vid, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1843, p. u. add. Morristown.
Stout, William, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y. s. 1822 p o
add. Edwardsville. ' > t ■ -
Stevenson, Aaron, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y s 1827
p. 0. add. Brier Hill. ■ ■> ■ >
Stevenson, .James, b. Ireland, s. 1818, died in 1847, aged 64 years.
Taylor, J. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Morristown
Tilton, Clark, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Brier Hill
Tapliu, Clinton, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833 p o
add. Edwardsville. '
Vert, Wm., Fanner and Dairyman, b. Canada, s. 1831, p. u. add. Morristown
Vert, James, b. England, a. 1818, died September 3, 1809.
White, Squire E. W., Justice of the Peace, b. Connecticut, s. 1834, p. o add.
Morristown.
Wilson, G. E., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. I8.0I, p. o. add
Morristown.
Ward, J. W., General Merchant, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., o. 1847, p. 0. add.
Morristown.
Worden, H. E., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Brier Hill.
Worden, N., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1824, p. 0. add. Brier Hill.
-Wooley, J. M. (retired), Ogdensburg, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1817, p. 0.
add. Ogdensburg. r
Weaver, Joseph, Farmerand Dairyman, b. Moatgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1837 n o.
add. Brier Hill.
Weaver, Eoyal, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1864, p. 0.
add. Brier Hill. '
Yennie, C. F., Druggist, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., 3. 1875, p. 0. add. Morristown.
NORFOLK.
Atwater, E. H., Supervisor and Lumber Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
s. 1834, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Atwater, L. L., Firm B. H. & L. L. Atwater, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836,
p. 0. add. Norfolk.
Allen, H. F., Deputy Sheriff, Furniture Dealer, b. Burlington, Vt., p. o. add.
Norfolk.
Bowhall, S. E., Merchant Miller, b. Tompkins Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. 0. add.
Norfolk.
Brinckerhoff, E. C, Collector of Taxes and Druggist, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., a. 1853,
p. o. add. Norfolk.
Brinckerhoff, J. K., District Attorney, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add.
Norfolk.
Bradley, B. A., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18BG, p. o. add. Norfolk,
Bixby, P. C, Farmer, b. Chittenden Co., Vt., a, 1811, p, o, add. Norfolk.
Brenuan, J. J., Priest Roman Catholic Church, b. Clinton Co., N. Y,, s. 1873, p. o.
add. Norfolk.
Carpenter, H. D., Assessor aud Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt,, a, 185G, p. o. add.
Norfolk.
Coats, Wm., Brick Mfr., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 1842, p. o. add, Baymondville.
Cummins, P., Farmer, b. Cork Co., Ireland, a. 1852, p. 0. add. Baymondville.
Clark, C, A., Butter Mnfr., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,,s. 1848, p. o. add. Kay mond-
ville.
Clark, Joseph, Carpenter and Joiner, b. New Hamp. hire, 1802, s. 1837, p. o. add.
Baymondville.
Durkee, A. H., Farmer, b. Windsor Co., Vt., a. 1838, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Durkee, C. S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Noifolk.
Farwell, H. C, Farmer, Butter Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1827, p. o.
add. Norfolk.
Glines, Benj., Justice, Farming and Lumbering, b. Peru, N, Y,, s. 1850, p. 0.
add. Norfolk.
Grandy, A. G., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Grant, Geo., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Raymondville.
Gladding, W. L., Farmer, b. Addison Co., Vt., s. 1826, p. 0. add. Norfolk.
Hale, 0. H., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1836, p. 0. add. Norfolk.
King, C. A., King Bros., Harness Mufrs., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. 0.
add. Norfolk.
King, W. B,, King Bros., Harness Mnfrs., b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1850, p. u. .
add. Norfolk.
Kingsbury, L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Lawson, Isaac, Prop. Lumber-mills, b. Albany, N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Lowery, R. J., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. 0. add. Norfolk.
Mould, J. C, Postmaater and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o.
add. Norfolk.
Mowitt, Geo. A., Merchant, b. England, s. 1854, p. 0. add, Norfolk,
Palmer, A. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., a. 1837, ii. o. add. Raymondville,
Robinson, C, H,, Justice, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. 0. add. Norfolk.
Eodgers, Saml., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s, 1854, p, o, add. Norfolk.
Bawson, W. C, Fanner, b. Windsor Co., Vt., a. 1820, p. o. add, Norfolk.
Rogers, Wesley, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add Norfolk. ;
Rogers, James, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. 0. add. Norfolk.
Eodgers, Ira, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1 860, p. 0. add. Norfolk. |
Eickard, A., Fanning, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o, add, Raymondville. |
Sayles, A. B., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. 0. add. Norfolk. ,
Smith, N. 0., Druggist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Norfolk.
Shepard, C. L., Commissioner of Highways and Farmer, b. l'rar)klin Co., Vt,, ». j
1823, p. o. add. Norfolk. '
Vernal, J. W., Farming, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o add. Norfolk.
Waldron, Silas, Farmer and Assessor, b. Canada, s. 1840, p. o. add. Norfolk.
OSWEGATCHIE.
Anderson,. JamcB, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Auderaon, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1840, p. o..add. Ogdens-
burg. *
Arnold, George, Farmer, b. Rhode Island, s. 1803, p. 0, add, Ogdensburg.
Buell, Ezra, Churn Mfi-., b. Canada, s. 1844, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Ballantine, Hugh, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1828, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Bell, Jas., Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1847, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Bickes, J. W., Fai-mer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y., s. 1838, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Barber, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1822, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Backhns Andrew, Farmer, b. England, s. 1822, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
rS'Z' t;= V i?""!;' ^- St- Lttwence Co., N, Y., a. 1817, p. o. .-idd. Heuvelton.
Ohallee, Jas B., Hardware Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s 1839 n o
add. Heuvelton. 1 1 ■ ■
Clark, Samuel, Farmer, b. Chester, Vt., s. 1831, p. 0. add. Heuvelton
Delany, Joseph, Farmer, b. Ireland, s, 1824, p. 0, add, Heuvelton.
iJoud, Patnck, Farmer, b. Ireland, s, 1826, p. 0. add, Ogdensburg
Doud, Patnck, Jr., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 18,33, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg. 1)1 b
Davis, Jacob, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y„ e, 1827, p, 0, add. Ogdensburg.
Davis, Reuben, larmer, h. Herkimer Co., N. Y,, s, 1837, p. 0. Ogdensburg.
S'?°,",' ^"?-' ^'™'"-' I'- St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1834, p. o.add. Heuvelton.
Jiheld, Robert, Caliiiiet Mfr. and Undertaker, b. New Hampshire, s. 1823 n 0
add. Heuvelton. 1 1 •
Flight, Benjamin, Farmer and Cheese Mfr., b, England, s. 1850, p. o add Heu-
velton. = > .1
Furness, Anthony, Farmer, b. England, s. 1832, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
lield, Wm. T,, Farmer, b, Vermont, s, 1842, p. 0. add, Heuvelton
Field, Joseph W,, Parmer, b, Vermont, s, 1842, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
lurness, , Farmer (deceased), b. England, s. 1631.
Furness, Margaret, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1822, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg
Fergnsson, John A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. 0. add Og-
densburg. "^
Giffln, N. v.. Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co , N, Y., s. 1805, p. o. add. Heuvelton
Giifin, Dan. S., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o.add. Heuvelton.
Gray, W. E., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. 0, add, Heuvelton
Gray, Isaac, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1807, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Gilmour, Thomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Gardner, Thomas, Farmer, b, Iielaud, s, 1827, p. 0, add, Ogdensburg.
Gardner, Wm,, Farmer (deceased), b, Ireland, s, 1827.
Green, John, Farmer, Ij, Ireland, s. 1838, p, 0, add. Ogdensburg.
Hutchinson, Tliomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1838, p. 0. add. Heu-
velton.
Hoi-ton, C. G.,Faimerand Purser, b. Oswego Co., N. Y,, s, 1874. p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Hutchinson, M,, Prop. Heuvelton Flouring-mills, b. Canada, a. 1830, p. o. add.
Heuvelton.
Hutchinson, John. Farmer, b. England, s. 1830, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Havens, Horace, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1804, p. 0, adil. Ogdens-
burg,
Hay, John,Famipi-, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y., s. 1823, p. 0, add, Ogdensburg.
Haggart, Daniel, Farmer, b, Scotliind, s, 1822, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Hutchins, S. B,, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1837, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Hntchius, David, Farmei-, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Judsoii, S. D. v.. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. ai^d. Ogdens-
burg.
Johnson, Robert, Farmer, b. England, s. 1830, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
.lohnston, John (deceased), b. Ireland, s. 1858.
Johnston, Sarah, Farmer, b, England, s. 1837, p, o. arid, Ogdensburg.
Kate, John P., Farmer, b, St, Lawrence Co., N. Y"., s. 1S49, p. o. add. Heuvelton,
Kanoff, Adam, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1816, p. 0, add, Ogdensburg,
Lammond, J, P,, Fanner, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1848, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
McLaren, John, Blacksmith and Carriage Mfr., b. Vermont, s, 1835, p. 0. add.
Heuvelton.
McCullough, Andrew, Groeeryman and Livery, b. Ireland, a. 1867, p. o. add.
Heuvelton.
Mayne, Hugh, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1833, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Morrison, Beniall, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1844, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls,
Mayne, John (2d), Farmer, b. Ireland, s, 1839, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
McBane, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. 0. add. Ogdena-
burg,
McCloakey, Frank, Principal Schoola, Canton, b. Ogdenaburg, s. 1862, p. o. add.
Heuvelton.
McVean, Jas., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co,, N, Y,, s, 1832, p, 0. add. Ogdensburg.
McCall, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y,, s. 1831, p.o. add. Ogdenaburg.
McCall, Daniel, Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y.,s. 1840, p.o. add. Ogdensburg.
MeArthur, Peter, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 1829, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
McGoey, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o.add. Ogdensburg.
McGiven, Patrick, Jr., Farmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1832, p. 0. add,
Ogdenaburg.
McGoey, Mary, Teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s, 1843, p, o, add, Ogdenaburg.
Magone, Sarah, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Maltby, Wm., Farmer, b, England, s, 1851, p. o, add. Ogdensburg.
Miller, Jonathan, Farmer, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y.,s. 1837, p. o.add. Ogdensburg.
Mayne, Alexander, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. 0. add.
Heuveltcm.
McSorley, Catharine, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1827, p. o.add. Ogdensburg.
McSorley, Patrick, Farmer (deceased), b. Ireland.
Nobles, Wm. (deceased), b. Ireland, a. 1817.
Noblea, El iza. Dress-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N Y., s. 1825, p. 0. add. Heuvelton,
Northrup, Lewis, Farmer, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., s. 1814, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Pickens, -John, Postmaster and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1837,
p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Pickens, Walter J., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., o. 1832, p. 0. add.
Heuvelton.
Pierce, Amasa, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y,, s, 1800, p, o,.add, Ogdensburg.
Rosegrant, N., Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., a. 1824, p. o, add. Ogdensburg.
Rosegrant, M. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1830, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Rosegrant, P. G., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1833, p. 0. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Rowell, Stillman, Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt.,a. 1824, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Ritchie, Thomas M. (deceased), b. Scotland, s. 1832.
Ritchie, Mary L., Fanner, b. Scotland, s.1832, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Robison, Henry, Farmer and Asses8or,b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Stevens 'Mary E., Dress-m.aker, b. Scotland, s. 1842, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Short James, Farmer, b. St. Lawi-ence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Stillwell, James, Farmer, b. Albany, N. Y., s. 1813, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Smithei-s, Joseph, Fanner (retired), b. England, s. 1830, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Smithers, John, Farmer (retired), b. Bnghiud, s. 1830, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Sanborn Lewis, M.D., b. Vermont, s. 1820, p. o.add. Heuvelton.
Smithers J. B,, Farmer and Merchant, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Smithers! Sarah D., b. Canada, s. 1842, p. 0. add. Heuvelton.
Smithers Thomas E., Farmer, b. England, s. 1837, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Smitlrei-8, John E., Farmer, b. England, a. 1840, p. 0. add. Ogdensburg.
Smithers Mary, Farmer, b. England, s. 1844, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Smithers, Frank B., Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1854, p. o, add.
Heuvelton. „ ,. .rr ..n,« u yt i^
Smith Thomas Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co,, N. Y., a, 1817, p. 0, add, Heuvelton.
Sweet' J M Farmer, b, Jefferson Co,, N, Y., s, 1867, p, o, add, Ogdensburg.
Sharp' j' S Farmer, b. Columbia Co., N. Y., b. 1826, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Turner, isiisha R. (rleceased), b. Mtussirchusetts.
518
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Turner, Julia A. (retired), b. Eensselaer Co., N. T., s. 1830, p. o. add. Ogdensbiirg.
Thompson, Jane W., Teacber (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o.
add. Ogdensburg.
Thurston, Ira, Fanner, b. Vermont, s. 1827, p. o. add. Ojidensburg.
Thurston, Jolin, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 182^1, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Tallman, Royal, Farmer, b. St. Lawience Co., N. Y., a. 1836, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Tallman, Frank E., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1839, p. o. add. Og-
densburg.
Tallman, J. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Thurston, Wm. C, Hotel-keeper (retired), b. Vermont, a. 1822, p. o. add. Heu-
velton .
Thornton, Nelson, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. Heu-
velton.
Volans, Thomas, Farmer, b. England, p o. add. Ogdensburg.
Wright, E. L., Merchant (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
WoodBide, S. C, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., b. 1856, p. o. add. Heuvelton.
Wheater, Joseph, Farmer, b. England, s. 1844, p. o. add, Rensselaer Falls.
Wari], Wm. (deceased;, b. England, s. 1831.
Wheater, Jane, Farmer, b. England, s. 1844, p. o add. Ogdensburg.
Wheater, W. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1856, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Wheater, George W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Og-
densburg.
Wilson, Jacob, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y,, s. 1826, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Wilson, Abraham, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Witherhead, Robt., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Witherhead, Hugh, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add, Og-
densburg.
Woodslde, Abraham, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add, Heuvelton.
Wheater, Daniel, Farmer, b. St, Lawience Co., s. 1833, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Wilber, Henry C, Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
Wilber, Chas. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Ogdens-
burg.
Zeller, Jas., Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Ogdensburg.
PARISHVILLE.
Barrowe, R. W., Constable and Deputy Sheriff, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1839,
p. o. add. Parishville.
Bloss, A. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add.
Parishville Centre.
Clark, F. V., General Merchant, b. Vermont, s. 1837, p. u. add. Parishville.
Clark, S. L., Butter-tub Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1844, p. o.
add. Parishville.
Crouch, N. C, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. Parishville.
Durfey, J. B., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add. Parishville.
Daggart, H. M,, General Merchant and Notary Public, b. St. Lawrence Co N
Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Parishville. '
Flanders, E. H., Manufacturer Eave Spouts, and Saw-mill, b, Franklin Co N
Y., s. 1853, p. o. add. ParishAille.
Flanders, M. J., Manufacturer Eave Spouts, and Saw-mill, b. Franklin Co N
Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Parishville. ''
FurnesB, G., Miller, b. England, s. 1834, p. o. add. Parishville.
Fisher, E. W., Clergyman, b. Ohio, s. 1872, p. o, add. Parishville,
Flanders, S. K., Lumber and Eave Spout Manufacturer, b. New Hampshire a
1853, P.O. add. Parishville. '
Flower, H. N., Farmer, p. o. add. Parishville.
Goodale, S. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1846 p. o.
add. Parishville. > • ■
Herriman, M. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. New Jeraey, s. 1840, p. o. add. Parish-
ville Centre.
Healey, J. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1809, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Hart, Henry, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1824, p. o. add. Parishville
Hart, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., g. 1830 p. o
add. Parishville. '
McDonald, A. A., Blacksmith, b. Canada, s. 1864, p. o. add. Parishville
Parker, M. S., Phyaician, b, Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o.add. Parisliville.
Parker, B. G., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1863, p. o. add Parishville Centre
Rarey, Alex., Harness Manufr.,b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Parisliville.
Rose, Hon. P. W,, Retired Farmer, s. 1812, p. o. add, Parishville.
Shattuck, E. A., Prop. Shattuck Hotel, b. Vermont, a. 1854, p. o. add. Parishville.
Stephens, David S., Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1836, p. o. add. Parishville
Stone, Jamea (retired), b. Ireland, a. 1823, p, o. add. Pariahville.
Stone, Edward, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.' Y., b. 1854 p. o
add, Parishville. '
Smith, Mrs. A. S., business of deceased husband. Merchant and Surveyor b
New York, b. 1818, p. o. add. Pariahville. '
Whipple, Allen (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1832, p, o. add. Pariahville Centre
Wheeler, Peter, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. b. 1838 p o
add. Parishville Centre. ' ' » ■ ■
Weller, Harry, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1854 p o
add. Parishville. '
Willis, Mrs. Mary G., deceased husband, Farmer, b. New Hampshire.
PIERREPONT.
Atkina, Joseph I., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pierrepont
Butterfield, B., Farmer, Crary'a Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828 p o'
add. Crary's Milla. '
Butterfield, H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Pierrepont
Bullis, L., Farmer, b. Clinton Co , N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Canton.
BuUis, M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., a. 1849, p. o. add. Canton.
Boody, Joseph, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1838, p. o. add. Colton.
Burt, H. W., Parmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Hannawa Falls
Crary, Stephen A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1812, p, o. add. Pierrepont
Crary, R. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1850, p. o. add. Pierrepont
Crampton, L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1825, p. o. add. Pierrepont
Crossman, M , Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1843, p. o. add. Pierrepont
Curtiss, S. C, Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1830, p. o. add Crary's
Mills.
Carpenter, Henry G., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Crarv'a
Mill-*,
Carpenter, Rjilph, Farmer, Hannawa Falls, h. New Hampshire, s.l806 p o add
Hannawa Falls. > • ■
Crandell, Chas., Farmer, Hannawa Falls, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. Hannawa
Falls,
Crandell, G. (deceased), Hannawa Falls b. Preston, s. 1823.
Ciandell, S. B., Farmer and Surveyor, Hannawa Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., 3. 1836, p. o. add, Hannawa Falls.
Crandell, Capt. G., Farmer, Hannawa Falls, b. Vermont, a, 1817, p. o. add. Han-
nawa Falls,
Daniels, L. W., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s, 1833, p. o, add. Pierrepont,
Gleason, Henry, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Gleason, G. W., Farmer and Mechanic, b, Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p, o. add.
Pierrepont,
Hubbard, B. P., Merchant, Postraaater, and Agent of N. T. Co., b. Vermont, h.
1849, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Hamilton, A. B., Prop. Cheeae-factory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o.
add. Pierrepont.
Howard, M. L,, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Leonard, J. Ingrabam, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add.
Pierrepont.
Leonard, A. C, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Lubdell, Ezra, Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Morrison, P. A., Farmer and Cheese-factory, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1869, p. o. add.
Crary's Mills.
Morrill, P., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. Pierrepont.
Northnip, L., Farmer and Supervisor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. u.
add. Pierrepont.
Sabin, A. P., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. Hannawa Falls.
Sabin, D. (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1839.
Stewart, W, A., Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1816, p. o. add. Colton.
Wheelock, John, Farmer, b. Maasachusetta, b. 1843, p. o. add. Pierrep int.
POTSDAM.
Ashley, Norman, Merchant, Norwood, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. Norwood,
Ashley, Philena M., Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1813, p. o. add. Nor-
wood.
Ashley, Loren (deceased 1866, age 66 years), b. Vermont, s. 1823.
Anstead, G. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1848, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Austin, 0. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1816, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Billings, C, Farmer and Dauyman, b. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1825, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Benson, Seth, Sr. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1820, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Brooks, B. D., Merchant, b. Vermont, a. 1819, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Bonney, G. W., Wholesale Dealer BeSned Petroleum, b. Mass.,s. 1853, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Bridge, S. D., Proprietor American Hotel, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Brown, H. D., HomcEopathic Physician, b. Canada, s. 1862, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Banister, II. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Benson, N. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Benson, B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Barrows, Aaron, General Merchant and Postmaster, Crary's Mills, b. Vermont,
s. 1816, p. 0. add. Crary's Mills,
^atchelder, 0. B., Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N Y ,
8. 1847, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Barnum, Ezra (deceased 1871), b. Massachusetts, s. 1807.
Barnum, Wm. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1808,
p. 0. add. Potsdam.
Barnum, David (deceased 1850), h. Massachusetts, s. 1807.
Blood, Amos (retired), b. Massachusetts, s. 1830, p. o. add. West Potsdam.
Bacon, M. B., Parmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Brownell, J. F., Proprietor American House , Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., B. 1824, p. 0. add. Norwood.
Barnhart, H. P., Druggist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Bramley, A., M. B. Minister, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 1876, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Bixby, C. N., Lawyer and Segister in Bankruptcy, Norwood Village, b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Norwood.
Crary, Edward, Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Crane, S. C, Magistrate, b. Maine, s. 1854, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Clarkson, T. S. (retired), b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1862, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Olarkson, Mrs. E. (retired), b. New York Oitv, N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Cole, a. P., Retired Physician, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Clark, N. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Cahoon, D. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o.
add. Potsdam,
Cox, J. A., Merchant, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Cameron, D. E., Merch., Norwood Village, b. Canada, s. 1870, p. o. add. Norwood.
Currier, Ammi (deceased), b. New Hampshire, s. 1806.
Currier, S., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1800, p. o. add. Petsdam.
Chaney, Wales, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1842, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Dayton, G. S., Cheese Mfr. and Farmer, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Dains, Smith, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1835, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Dains, F. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1863, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Dains, Anson (retired), b. Connecticut, s. 1835, p. o. add. Potidam.
Dayton, L. H. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1817, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Dayton, Isaac (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1817.
Dow, J. M., Physician and Surgeon, li. Canada, s. 1869, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Dutcher, J. J., Merchant, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1862, p. o. add, Potsdam.
Daat, D. B,, Farmer and Dairyman, b, St Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1850, n. o. add.
West Potsdam.
Ellis, Iseao, Retired Famier, Norwood, b. Vermont, s. 1807, p. o. add. Norwood.
Erwin, Geo. Z., Lawyer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Eastman, G. L., Merch., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1836, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Foster, E. W., Real Estate Agent, b. Connecticut, s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam.
lay, E., Postmaster, b. Vermont, e. 1863, p. o. add. Potsdam
S",'!'''-?,''',,?- ?;' '''"'°'' Presbyterian Church, b. Maine, s. 1872, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Fell, E. W., Mont Merchant, b. Canada, s. 1850, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Fay, F. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , a 1833 D o add.
Potsdam.
French, WP, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1836, p. o. add. Petsdam
Felton, L. E., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y . s 1848, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Felton, S. A., Merchant, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Potsdam.
HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
519
Freeman, 0, (retired), b. Vermont, a. 1816, p. o. add. Potsdftnl.
Goodale, L. L., School Commissioner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add.
Fotadam.
Goggin, John T., Insurance Agent, b. Ireland, s. 1852, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Gerrie, P. D., Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, b. Scotland, s. 1847, p. o. add..
Potsdam.
Green, R. C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1825, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Goodale, F. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o.
add. West Potsdam.
Hine, 0. A., Railroad Station Agent, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., ii. Y., s. 1839,
p. 0. add. Norwood.
Howard, H. B.., Episcopal Clergyman, b. Maine, s. 1871, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Heaton, Charles, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1841, p o. add. Potsdam.
Hopkius, A. T. (retired), b. Vermont, b.1825, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Harter, H. L., Prof, in State Normal School, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1869, p. o.
add. Potadam.
Heath, Milton, Land Agent and President of Village, b. Vermont, s. 1867, p. o.
add. Potadam.
Hale, J. A. (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Howe, H. H., Livery and Sale Stable, b. Vermont, s. 1866, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Healey, Jabes (deceased), b. Connecticut, s. 1804.
Healey, Versul, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1804, p. o. add. Potsdam,
Hawley, T. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Oneida Co., N. Y,, s. 1836, p. o. add.
Potadam.
Holt, L. A., Captain on St. Lawrence Biver, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1857, p. o.
add. West Potsdam.
Howe, Brlgham (deceased), b. Vermont, 8. 1836.
Howe, Fred., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. W. Potsdam.
Hall, G. J. (retired), Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o.
add. Norwood.
Hall, Erastus (deceased), b. Massachusetts, s. 1808.
Hall, A. H., Magistrate, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add.
Norwood.
Hodgkins, G. M., Merchant, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1877, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Hall, H. B., Land Agent, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1815, p. o.add.
Norwood.
Hakins, G. B,, Dentist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add.
Norwood.
Jonea, Truman, Stock Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Knowles, H. L., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1815, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Lane, Chaa., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Landers, W. A., Merchant, b. Ontario, Canada, s. 1877, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Loucks, A. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Lockwood, A. L., Potato-Starch Mnfy., b. Vermont, a. 1819, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Lane, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o.
add. West Potsdam.
Lee, William, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. u. add.
Potadam.
Lockwood, John (deceased), b. Canada, s. 1800.
Lockwood, John M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819,
p. 0. add. Madrid Springs.
Matteson, J. J., Prop. Matteaon House, b, Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
McVicars, M., Prin. State Normal School, b. Scotland, s. 1869, p. o. add. Potsdam.
May, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vei-mont, s. 1836, p. o. add. Potsdam.
May! S. G. (deceased), b. New Hampshire, s. 18U7.
Meacham, A. M. (retired), b. Vermont, a. 1822, p. o. add. Potsdam.
McCarty, C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, s. 1855, p. o. add. Potsdam.
McCuen,'N., Fanner and Blacksmith, b. Canada, s. 1846, p. o. add. Potsdam.
McCuen, G. L., Farmer and Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., s. 1854, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Moore, Tniman (retired), b. Canada, s. 1815, p. o. add. West Potadam.
Martin, George, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1817, p.o. add. Potsdam.
Merritt, E. A., Surveyor and Civil Engineer,b.Vermont, s. 1841, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Matthews, Wm., Mason, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Matthews, David (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1822.
Mclntyre, John G., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Owen L S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. W. Potadam.
Olmstead, Joel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Genesee Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add.
Potsdam. , , ^
Parker, A. X.. Attorney, b. Vermont, s. 1838, p. o. add. Potsdam. ^ „ ^
Pease, T. A., M.D., Physician and Surgeon, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T.,
s. 1824, p. o. add. Norwood. , , „ rr -kt a
Pearson A M H , Mfr. of Broom-handles and Children's Toy Hoops, Norwood,
b.* Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1869, p. o. add. Norwood.
Peck, C. M., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Pickert, H., Mnfr. of Cheese, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Potadam.
Partridge, C. B., Merchant, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Potsdam
Phelps, S. K., Prop. Whitney Hotel, Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
a. 1838, p. 0. add. Norwood. , , t^ ^ j
Pert, George, Butter and Cheese Merchant, b. England, s. 1834,p. o. add. Potsdam.
Peck, F. H., Merchant, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 185o, p. o. add.
Norwood. „ „ „ _„__ ,■,
Parker, B. G., Job Printer, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. add.
Norwood.
Perrin, Ira (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1808.
Perrin, P. (deceased), b. Vei-mont, a. 1816.
Perrin, K. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 18^7, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Perrin, A. (deceased), b. Connecticut, s. 1816.
Partridge, L. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add.
Post, G.*S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1835, p. o. add.
Potsdam. , , „ ^ ,
Post, A. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1802, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Quigley, J. F., Heading Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1854, p. o. add.
Eiley, Thomas' Gravestone Dealer, b. Ireland, s. 1863, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Eeyiolds, Jesse, Physician, b. Clinton Co., N. Y a. 1847, p- o. add. Potsdam.
Redway, S. A., Ins. Agt., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s 1845, p. o. add. Potadam.
Reynolds, Wait, Lumbering, Building Material, and Merchant, Norwood, b.
Vermont, a. 1850, p. o. add. Norwood. , „, .^ ^ xr v
Seeley, J. H., Books and Stationery, Merchant, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., a.
1828, p. 0. add. Potsdam. , , ti i. j
Swift, Theo. H., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Sweet, George H., Proprietor of Courier and Freeman paper, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N.Y.,s. 1838, p. 0. add. Potsdam. ,, -r^ ^ ,
Sanford, C. B., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, P-o-a(id. Potsdam.
, Stone, N. L., Photographer and Artist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18db, p. o.
add, Potsdam. , „ . . , „ ^ ..* loan
Sparrow, A. J., Sash, Door, and Blind Manufacturing, b. Massachusetts, s. 18b^,
Sanford, X H., Stock Ser, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Slemsoii, F. G., Merchant, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1870, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Stanton, A. B., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1849, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Swift, Norman, Mechanic, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1824, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Swift, Geo. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Sayles, S. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Sartwell, 0. J., Farmer and Dairyman, Crary's Mills, b. Vermont, s. 1865, p. o.
add. Crary's Mills.
Sargeant, Amos (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1824.
Sargeant, H. A., Farmer and Daii-yman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o,
add. Potsdam.
Senter, 0. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1823, p. o.
add. Potadam.
Swan, G. B., Merchant and Manufacturer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1853, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Simmons, P., Merchant and Postmaster, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p.
0. add. West Potsdam.
Smith, Wra. (deceased), b. Massachusetts, a. 1804.
Smith, Wm. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1804, p. o. add, Potsdam.
Smith, S. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Senter, H. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1825, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Slater, 0. R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p, o.
add. Madrid.
Smith, G. R. C, Merch't, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Stickney, J. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam-
Tappan, C. 0., ex-County Judge, Justice Superior Court, b. Vermont, s. 1853,
p. 0. add. Potsdam.
Tappan, M. V. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1873, p. o. add.
Potsdam.
Timerman, J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y,, s. 1853, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Thomas, N. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Thomas, C. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co,, N. Y., a. 1864, p. u.
add. Potsdam.
Thatcher, H. D., Druggist, b. New Hampshire, s. 1852, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Tupper, A. N., Superintendent Water- Works and Machinist, b. St. Lawrence
Co., s. 1815, p. 0. add. Potsdam.
Usher, Bloomfield, Banker, b. Herkimer Co., N, Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Vance, John A., Attorney and Justice of the Peace, h. Ontario, Canada, s. 1859,
p. 0. add. Potsdam.
Vilas, Peter (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Wadleigh, L. E., Attorney, b. Vermont, s. 1856. p. o.add. Potadam.
Welch, H. M., Dentist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Wheeler, Merritt, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833,
p. 0. add. Potsdam.
Wait, M. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Wood, Ansel (deceased), b. Vermont, a. 1837.
Wood, J. 0., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. ]837, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Willson, C. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1853, p. o. add. Potadam.
Wires, J. C, Merchant, West Potsdam, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o.
add. West Potsdam.
Winslow, J. H., Scroll Sawyer, b. Canada, s. 1835, p. o. add. Potsdam.
Worden, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., a. 1852, p. o. add.
Madrid.
Westaway, S. W. (deceased), b. England, a. 1817.
Westaway, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p.o.
add. Morley.
Wright, 0. (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1806.
Wright W. H. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1806, p. o. add. Madrid Springs.
Waller, J. J., Druggist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add.
Norwood. ^ ^^,^ , ,
Waller, G. C, Druggist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, a. 18ol, p. o. add.
Wait, M. L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.1833, p. o. add. West Potsdam.
Waller J. J. & Son, General Insurance Agencies, Norwood, p. o. add. Norwood,
ROSSIE.
Albro H. B., Justice of Peace, b. Hartford, Conn., s. 1829, p. o. add. Somerville.
Allen' Wm., Miller, b. Scotland, s. 1826, p. o. add. Eossie.
Bolton Jas. H., Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1829, p. o. add. Wegatchie.
Bell, Alphonzo, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1829, p. o. add. Shingle
Backus, Geo'., General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1828, p. o. add.
Baxter W H Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co , N. T., s. 1837, p. o. add. Somerville.
Crowley, P. M., Carriage Manufacturer and Postmaster, b. Vermont, 8. 1822,
p. 'o. add. Somerville. „ .», .^ lonn
Church, Daniel, Manufacturer Woolen Goods, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 1809,
D o add. Wegatchie.
Clark, John II., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , s 1836, p. o. add Ox Bow
Crary, J. P., Manufacturer and Dealer in Lumber, b. Jefferson Oo., J!> . I ., s. 1850,
n 0. add. Rossie. ,, r,, . . ^ ,
Clark P P Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1864, p. o. add. Shmgle Creek.
Draper, L. G., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1837,
p'. 0. add. Shingle Creek. ' , , „ .
Drummond, .Tas., Farmer, b. Scotland, 8. 1830, p. 0. add. EosBie.
DktoM A A Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Ox Bow.
Dougherty,' John, Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1828, p. o. add. Bossie.
Emmons Chauncey, Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1823, p. o. add. Somerville.
ISmons; Eugene, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1860, p. o. add. Somer-
Fost crawl's., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1877,
i). 0. add. Somerville. , „, , r. w v . lasn „ „
Giffin, L. M., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1860, p. o.
add. Kosaie. , ^ , t. .
Tinll Tlohprt Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1834, p. o. add. Rossie.
5unter!jamer™me' Manufacturer and Farmer, h. Ireland, s. 1828, p. o. add.
Tenon ^AnseT Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., S. Y., b. 1834, p. o. add Eossie.
mnne'v 0 D, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1860, p.o add. Somerville.
Saw, James, Farmer, b. Scotland, 8^1832 p. o.add. Wegatchie.
Lawton E M., Prop. Keene's Station Hotel, b. Jefferaon Co., N. Y., s. 1865, p. o.
Lockie"'j1i'n«f fitSfb. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o. add. Wegatchie
L«™a'^ Wm W , Justice of Peace, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add.
LeonaJd! w"'w.. Dealer in General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s,.
1834, p. o. add. Kossie.
520
HISTOKY OP ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Laidlow, J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Rossie.
Mcintosh, J. W., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. Sanitoga Co., N. Y., s. 1857,
p. o. add. Wegatchie.
Miirkwick, Robert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,.N. Y., 8.1839, p.o. add. Ox Bow.
McLaren, Alex., Farmer and Mechanic, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 182;^, p. o.
add. Rossie.
Myers, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Shingle Creek.
Pike, Adam, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1824, p. o. add. Shingle Creek.
Pike, H. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Somerville.
Russell, Morton, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Ox Bow.
Robb, James, General Merchandise, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add.
Storie, D. W., Farmer and Jobber, b. Scotland, s. 1829, p. o. add. Wegatchie.
Spragne, D. W., Dealer in General Merchandise, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., n.
1830, p. o. add. Shingle Creek.
Storie, Thos., Farmer, b. Scotland, B. 1829, p.o. add. Ox Bow.
Shippee, Henry, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1841, p. o. add. Shingle Creek.
Turnbull, Thos., Landholder, b. Scotland, s. 1820, p. o. add. Wegatchie.
Turnbull, Thos. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co,, N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Ox Bow.
Tenney, Clark, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Shingle
. Creek.
Wait, Gilbert fretired), b. Vermont, s. 1835, p. o. add. Somerville.
RUSSELL.
Bartlelt, H., Miller, b. Jefferioii Co., N. Y., s. 1810, p. o.add. Kussell.
Baker, O. M., Druggist, b. Illinois, s. 18G7, p. o. add. liussell.
Baker, L. B., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add .
Russell.
Brown, C. H., Farmer and Cheese-factory, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 18C5, p. o.add.
Hermon.
Colton, Daniel, Furniture and Undertaker, b. Antwerp, Jefferson Co N Y s
1847, p. 0. add. Kussell.
Clark, J. L., Farmer, Justice of Peace, and Postmaster, North Kussell, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. North Russell.
Clark, J. (deceased). North Russell, b. Massachusetts, s. 1807.
Clark, C. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Russell.
Colloton, James, Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1851, p. o. add. Russell.
Doolittle, S. W., Hotel Proprietor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840 n o add
Russell. . f ■ •
Derby, Hiry, Merchant and Justice of Peace, li. Vf., s. 1848, p. o. add. Russell
Dunham, P. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. aild Rus.«ell
Farmer, Oeo., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1861, p. o. add. N Russell
Farmer, Alonzo, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. N Russell
Fanning, Caleb, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1864, p. o. add. Russell
Fanning, \Vm. (deceased), b. Rhode Island, s. 1827.
Gordon, H. M., Hotel-keeper, Clifton, b. Canada, s. 1868, p. o. add. Clifton
Gore, James, Harnessmaker, b. Canada, s. 180:), p. o. add. Russell.
Gore, Mrs. J., Milliner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Russell.
Gray, D. C, Farmer and Butter-factory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y s 1833 p o
add. Russell. > f •
Oilman, George, Farmer and Butter-factory, b. Vt., s. 1855, p. o. add. Russell
Gray & Oilman, Proprietors Butter-factoiy.
Gibbons, Win., Farmer and Hop-raiser, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y s 1845 p o
add. Russell. ' , i • •
Gibbons, W. S., Farmer and Hop-raiser, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. » 1845 p „
add. Russell. ' j f- ■
Hunkins, John, Farmer and Cattle-buyer, b. Canada, s. 1841, p.o. add Hermon
Jenne, J. A., Merchant and Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y s 1843
p. o. add. Russell. ' '' ' *
Knox, C. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add Russell
Knox, H. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1823, p. o. add. Kussell
Knox, Chester (deceased), b. Massachusetts, 8. 1811.
Kelsey, Ira, Farmer and Stone-mason, N. Russell, b. Mass., s 1837 p o add N
Russell. n • ■ ■ .
Lewis, "VV. H., Jr., Supervisor and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y „ 1846
p. 0. add. Russell, , - •, ■ ,
Miles, S. K., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence (>)., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o add Russell
Mills, J. R., Farmer and Mechanic, b. Canada, s. 1849, p. o. add. Russell
Palmer, J. M. & Son, Merchant, Postmaster, and Assemblyman b JetTerson Co
N. Y., s. 1847, p. 0. add. Russell. ''
Power, B., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1821, p. o. add. Kussell.
Ritchie, Thomas, Farmer, Clifton, b. Scotland, s. 1859, p. o. add. Clifton
Reed, Mrs. Jane, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p o. add. Russell
Reed, L. J. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837.
Keed, Judson, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. add. Russell
Smith, Charles, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p.o add Russell
Smith, BenJ., Merchant and Justice of Peace, b. Oneida Co N Y s 1805 n o
add. Russell. ' " ' i ■ ■
Shaw, A. B., Money-loaner, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add Russell
Sheridan, James, Supervisor and Land-agent, Clifton, b. Canada s 1868 p'o
add. Clifton. j i • •
Stiles, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add Russell
Stiles, Ezra, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add Russell '
Weston, 0. G., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. adil. Russell
Wetherell, C. A., Cheese-factory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y s 1843 n o add
Russell. , 1 • •
STOCKHOLM.
BenJamin.Wm. J., Produce and Dealer in Stock, West Stockholm b St Law-
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. West .Stockholm.
Bicknell, C L., Town Clerk, Mfr. of and Dlr. in Tin, Glass, and Hardware, Cook-
and Parlor-Stoves, Fanning Utensils, Cutloi-y, etc.. West Stockholm, b St
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. West Stockholm ' '
Bicknell, Hosea (2d), Merchant, West Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y s
1833, p. o. add. West Stockbolm.
Burnap, B. N. Merchant, Notary Public, and Justice of the Peiico, E. Stockholm
b. Franklm Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Stockholm.
Brush, E. L., Assessor, Faimer, and Dairyman, b. Franklin Co N Y s 1836
p. 0. add. North Stockbolm. "' ' '
Clark, C, Mfr. of Cassimerce Tweeds, Grays, Flannels, etc.. West Stockholm, b.
^ ,v. ?'-J'*'l';'""^S,?.°- J?- ^■' =• l****' P- "•^'W- West Stockholm.
Cobb, J. H Mfr. of Tin Brass, and Copper Ware. W. Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 8. 1839, p. o. add. Wo.st Stockholm
Crouch, 0. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1801, p. o, add. Southvillo.
O^r/f^r i' ^mT"" r-;^,*^"^™,' ^- ■^''™™'. «• 1821. P- »■ add. Southville.
Crapser, E S., Mfr and Dlr. in Lumber, also Mfr. of Potato Starch, Proprietor of
Gnst-.VJills Supervisor and General Merchant, Stockbolm Depot b Wy-
, omng Co., N. Y., 6. 1843, p. 0. add. Stockholm Depot. ' '
Cook, S. M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1338, p. o. add. N. Stockholm
Decker, Orrison L., Blacksmithing and General Jobbing, West Stockholm, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Dewey, Frank P., Mfr. of Potato Starch and Fai-mer, Southville, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N Y., 8. 1852, p. 0. add. SouthTille.
Dutton, Willard, Retired Farmer, b. Yermout, s. 1841, p. o. add. W. Stockholm.
Dutton, Ira, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co.,N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. West
Stockholm.
Decker, A. C, Farmer, West Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1869, p. o.
add. West Stockholm.
Davis, H. R., Farmer and Land-agent, Stockholm Centre, b. Essex Co., N. Y.,
8. 1839, p. o. add. Stockholm Centre.
Davis, Mrs. H. K., Stockholm Centre, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add.
Stockholm Centre.
Doud, Geo. C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s 1840, p. o.
add. West Stockholm.
Dunbar, Mrs. L. C, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. W. Stockholm.
Dike, Tlieron, Farmer and Bl'kamith, b. Vermont, s. 1861, p. o. add. Stockholm,
Doud, Martin, Retired Farmer, West Stockholm, b. Vermont, s. 1826, p. o. add.
West Stockholm.
Emery, 0. F., Farmer and Dairyman, and Dealer in Stock, b. New Hampshire,
s. 1846, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Emery, Chas., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1827, p. o.
add. Southville.
Ellis, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add,
Stockholm Depot.
Fletcher, Mrs. Fidelia, Residence Knapp's Station, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s
1826, p. o. add. North Stockholm.
Gibson, Geo. N., Mfr. of Lumber and Shingles, West Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 8. 1846, p. 0. add. West Stockholm.
Gibson, Capt. Warren, Prop'r of Orist-Mill, b. Vt., s. 1837, p. o. add. W. Stockholm.
Gurley, W. R., Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, West Stockholm, b. Essex Co
N. Y., s. 1821, p. o. add. West Stockholm. '
Griswold, J. M., Farmer and Dairyman, Southville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
s. 1833, p. o. add. Soutliville.
Gage, Abel, Farmer and Dairy., b. Canada, s. 1838, p. o. add. Stockbolm Depot.
Grandy, L. B., Farmer .and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, p. o.
add. Brook Dale.
Hayes, John, Farmer and Mfr. of Butter- and Cheese-factory, estab. 1806, West
Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1843, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Harrington, Geo. W., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. I8I7'
p. 0. add. Southville. '
Huntley, A. P., Farmer audDairyman, b. Vt, 8. 1846, p. o. add. Stockholm Centre.
Hayes, M. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1862, p. 0. add.
West Stockholm.
Hayes, J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,b. 1856J p. n. add.
West Stockholm.
Hayes, W. D., School-teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. add. West
Stockholm.
Hayes, C. L., School-teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., s. 1860, p. o. add. W. Stockholm.
Holmes, Ransom, Prop'r of Holmes House, Stockholm Centre, b. Vermont, s!
1821, p. 0. add. Stockholm Centre.
Holt, Lucian S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. 0.
add. Stockholm.
Hale, Col. Ira, Residence Knapp's Station, b. Vt., 8. 1823, p. 0. add. N. Stockholm.
Jarvis, Henry, Postmaster, Farmer, and Dairyman, Southville, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. y., s. 1834, p. 0. add. Southville.
Jennings, Wm., Farmer and Dairyman, Stockholm Centre, b. Ireland, s. 183]
p. o. add. Stockholm Centre.
Jenkins, E. S., 1 n..„i_, J Harness Mfrs., Stockholm Depot, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
Jenkins, A. T.,/ ■^>""», | N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Stockholi Depot.
Kellam, Sam'l E., Fanner and Dairyman, b. Vt.,s. 1814, p. 0. add. W. Stockholm.
Kellam, Sam'l, died in 1850, age 60 yeai-s, b. Vermont, s. 1844.
Knapp, Moses, residence Knapp's Station, b. New Hampshire, s. 1812. 0 o add'
North Stockholm.
Kimball, T. L., Farmer and Millwright, b Vt., s. 1865, p. 0. add. N. Stockliolm.
Kelsey, H. G., Farmer, Stockholm Depot, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. 0.
add. Stockholm Depot.
Lyman, Allen (retired), residence West Stockholm, U New Hampshire 1794
8. 1819, p. 0. add. West Stockholm.
Lenney, Henry, Sr., Farmer and Dairyman.b. Ireland, s. 1838, p. o.add. Potsdam.
Lenney, Gorman, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o.
add. Potsdam.
Lenney, Wm., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p.o. add.
Potsdam.
Lewis, B. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., s. 1828, p. 0. add. North Stockholm;
Lewis, H. U., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1832, n 0 add.
North Stockholm.
Lewis, Hiram, Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add. North Stockholm.
Lewis, Mrs. Hiram, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. 0. add. North Stockholm.
Lytic, Hiram W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p, 0. add. North
Stockholm.
McOovern, Patrick, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, a. 1820, p. o. add. West
Stockholm.
Miller, Calvin, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s 1841, p. o. add.
West Stockholm.
Mayhew, Mra. Lucina, res. Southville, b. Vermont, e.l827, p.o. add. Southville.
Mayhew, J. L., Southville, b. N. Hampshire, 8. 1812, died June 27, 1877, aged 76.
Mareb, Morgan, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. 0.
add. Stockholm Centre.
Morgan, D. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. 0.
add. Norwood.
Morgan, M. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. a 1840 p 0.
add. Norwood.
Morgan, Charles G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831,
p. o. add. Norwood.
Morgan, Joel, b. Vermont, 1801, died in August, 1847, aged 46 yeara
Munson, Henry, Manufacturer of Potato Starch, and Farmer; factory at Skin-
nerville, established 1871 ; factory at Norfolk, established 1874; b. Con-
necticut, s. 1820, p. o. add. Stockholm Depot.
Moulton, Soth, Carpenter and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , a 1826 p 0.
add. West Stockholm.
Moulton, H. A., Carpenter and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1862 D 0.
add. West Stockholm.
Moulton, George A., Carpenter and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co N Y s 1853,
p. 0. add. West Stockholm.
Munson, Edward, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Connecticut, ». 1820 p. 0 add.
Stockholm Depot.
Nye, John M., Furnaceman, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. Vermont s 1866 p 0
add. West Stockholm. ' ' ' ■
Newton, Orange, Clergyman, b. Vermont, s. 1810, p. 0. add. Stockholm
Newton, Samuel (deceased), b. New Hampshire, s. 1815.
Newton, Charles W., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co , N Y s 1836,
p. 0. add. Stockholm.
Needham, H., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1842, p. o. add. North Stockholm
Norton, William H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ohio, s. 1866, p. o. add. Stock-
holm Depot.
HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
521
Ober, William, Fiirmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., a. 1831, p. u. add-
West Stuckholm.
Ober, I., b. Essex Co., N. X"., s. 1831, died in 1805, aged 78 years.
Page, Jos., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., s. 1834, p. o.add. Stoclcbolm Centre.
Pelsue, J. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., s. 1832, p. o. add. Nortli Stockholm.
Phippen, Warren T., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. o.
add. West Stockholm.
Eose, D. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1800, p. o. add.
WcrftStockbolm.
Eeevo, Bonj., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1832, p.o. add. Ft. Jackson.
Reeve, 11. E , Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o.
add. Fort Jacltson. '
Beove, S. M., Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s.
1835, p. 0. add. Fort JacksoTi.
Riggs, Francis 0., Mctclianic and Rlanufuctnrer of Lumber, etc., b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Stocltholm.
llichey, A. T., Station, Express, and Telcgrapb Agent ; also Dealer in Produce,
Stockholm Depot, b. Fnmklin Co., N. Y., s. 1S69, p. o. add. Stockholm
Depot.
Smith, Carlton, Proprietor of Iron Foundry, Bartlett & Smith, lessees, West
Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. W. Stockholm.
Suthorlaud, O. L., Carriage Ironing and Blacksmithinp; in general, AVest
Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. We.st Stockholm.
Seaver, Robert R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p o. add.
West Stockholm.
Schellis, Stewart R., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. ndd. W. Stockholm.
Smith, Ozro A., Carpenter and Builder. W. Stockholm, b, Franklin Co., N. Y.,
s. 18G4, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Stearns, A. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. u.
add. Stoclcbolm Centre.
Stearns, J. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. u. add. Stockholm
Centre.
Stearns, R. P., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1809. p. o. add. Stockholm
Centre.
Stearns, H. W., Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, Crockery, Boots,
Shoes, Hats and Caps, Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, etc., Stockholm, h. i
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. Stockliolm Centre. '
Smith, Hai'ry F., Fiim^ei" J^nd Dairyman, b.St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., a. 1831, p. o.
add. West Stockholm.
Smith, Mrs. Harriet, I). Connecticut, s. 1823, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Shaw, Sfiuire David, Justice of the Peace imd Merchant, Stockholm Depot, b.
Vermont, s. 1847. p. o. add. Stockliolm Depot.
Tucker, Squire A. S., Justice of tlie Peace, West Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y., 1828. p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Thompson, Samuel, Farmer, b. Now Hampshire, s. 1833, p. o. add. Southville.
Traak, J. P., Farmer and Hop Grower, b. Vermont, s. 1843, p. o. add. Ft. Jackson,
Taylor, Caleb, Farmer, West Stockholm, b. Vermont, s. 1811, p. o. add. West
Stockholm.
Trnssell, Moses, Farmer and Mechanic, b. New Hampshire, o. 1827, p. o. add,
Stockholm.
Tryon, Micajah, Farmer and Dairyman, Brook Dale, b, Franklin Co., N. Y., =.
1844, p. o. add. Brook Dale.
Tryon, Mrs. M., Brook Dale, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o.add. Brook
Dale.
Thatcher, C. M.. Farmer and Dairyman, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o.
add. Stockholm.
Vance, Isaac P., Manufacturer of and Dealer in Tin, Glass, and Hardware,
Cook and Parlor Stoves, etc. (Bicknell & Vance), West Stockholm, b, St.
Lawrence Co., s. 1810, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Wellington,L.W., Dealer and Manufacturer of Cheese-Boxes, Butter-Tubs, Sup-
Buckets, etc., West Stockholm, b. New Hampshire, s. 1850, p. o. add.
West Stockholm.
Wellims, Seldon, Farmer and Dairyman, AVest Stockholm, b. Vermont, s. 1833,
p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Wadleigh, W. C, Farmer and Dairyman, West Stockholm, b. Vermont, s. 1838,
p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Wires, L. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o.
add. Southville.
Westurn, Thomas, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837,
p. 0. add. Southville.
Wait, W. Z., Manufacturer of Lumber and Shingles, Mechanic and Farmer, b.
Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. West Stockholm.
Webster, W. W., Retired Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., b. 1807, p. o. add.
Stockholm.
Webster, Warren, b. Vermont, s. 1806, died in 1869, aged 88 yeai-s.
66
WADDINGTON.
Austin, Henry B., Dlr. in Cabinetwuru, b. Ohio, s, 1869, p. o. add. Waddington.
Brown, John R., Farmer, b.St. Xjawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Lisbon
Centre.
Burton, Wm., General Merchandise, Waddington Village, b. Yorkshire, Eng., a.
1832, p. 0. add. Waddington.
Burtch, J. M., Mnfr. (.f Hay -hoops, b. Albany, N. Y., s. 18G2, p. o. add. Wad-
dington.
Clark, Wm. (retired), Waddington Village, b.New Hampshire, s. 1830, p. o. add.
Waddington.
Clark, C. C, Superintendent H. R. .Tames' Paper-mill, Waddington Village, b.
Vermont, 8. 1865, p. o. add. Waddington.
Clemson, Rev. T. G., Rector of St. Paul's Church, Waddington, b. Chester, Pa.,
s. 1867, p. 0, add. Waddington.
Dewey, S. J., Druggist and Grocer, Postmaster, .lustice of the Peace, Wadding-
ton Village, b. Utica, N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add. Waddington.
Dalzell, Robert, Contractor and Builder, Waddington Village, b. Irelandj p. u.
add. Waddington.
Fay, Mrs. Thonuis L. (Thos. L. Fay, Farmer, died Jan. 6, 1874, leaving 5 chil-
dren), b Ireland, s. 1825, p. o, add. Waddington.
H;ill, Walter, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1832, p. o. add. Waddington.
Hatch, A S., Farmer, b. Vermont, 1818, s. 1829, p. o. add. Waddington.
Hunter, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Waddington.
Hunter, Wm., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1837, p. o. add. Louisville, N. Y.
Hobkirk, .\dam, Carpenter (deceased, 18(34), b. Roxburghshire, Scotland, B.1830.
Hobkirk, Adam, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1839, p. o. add. Wad-
dington.
Hughes, M. F., Mnfr. and Dealer in Carriages, Wagons, and Sleighs, b. St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., 8. 1844, p. o. add. Waddington.
Jardin, Andrew F., Mnfr. and Dealer in Cabinetware, Waddington Village, b.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Waddington.
Kerr, Bobt.. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre.
McCarthy, Rev. Florence, Pastor of St. John Baptist and St. Mary's (R. C.)
Churches, b. Cary, Ireland, s. 1868, p. o. add. Waddington.
McCormick, Rev. R. W., Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, b. Down, Ireland,
s. 1869, p. o. add. Waddington.
McDowell, Joseph (1st), Mnfr. of Sash, Doors, and Blinds, Waddington Village,
b. Sr. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. add. Waddington,
McFarland, C. A., Ed. of Waddington Pioneer^ Waddington Village, b. Canada,
s. 1877, p. o. add. Waddington.
Martin, Thomas, Merchant Tailor, Waddington Village, b. Scotland, s. 1843, p.o.
( add, Waddington.
Montgomery, Horace, Dealer in Lumber and Surveyor, Waddington Village, b.
St. Lawi'cnce Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o add, Waddington.
Morrison, J., Physician and Surgeon, Waddington Village, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N, Y., 8. 1842, p. 0. add. Waddington.
Murphy, Henry J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1837, p. o. add. Wad-
dington.
Porteous, Samuel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1836, p. o. add. Wad-
dington.
Pratt, Henry W., Deputy Collector of Customs, Waddington Village, b. St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add. Waddington.
Proctor, L. J., Merchant and Proprietor of Howland Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co.,
N. Y., s. 1S25, p, o. add, Waddington.
Rand, John P., General Blacksmithing and Edge-Tools, Waddington Village, b.
St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1827, p. o. add, Waddington.
Redington, James, Attornpj'-at-Law and Real Estate Agent, Waddington Vil-
lage, Consular Agent at Morrisburg, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1810,
p. 0. add. Waddington.
Rutherford, J. T., Attorney-at-Law, also Farmer, Miller, and Supervisor, Wad-
dington Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Waddington,
Rutherford,Wm.J.(2dl,Miller, of the firm of Bowli all & Rutherford, Model Mill.
Waddington Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Wad-
dington.
Shcpard, A. B., Attorney-at-Law, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1841, p. o. add.
Waddington,
Thompson, Robert, Firm of R, Thompson & Co., General Merchandise, b. Brock-
ville, Canada, s. 1870, p. o. add. Waddington.
Witherbep, L. D., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
8. 1848, p. o. add, Waddington.
Wright, George R., Hardware, Stoves, and Tinware, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
B. 1846, p. o. add. Waddington.
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