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^ PAPERS
READ BEFORE THE
HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
DURING THE YEARS
J 899, 1900, 1901, to July 1, 190Z
VOLUME TWO.
COMPILED BY ARTHUR T. SMITH,
SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY.
HERKIMER AND IIJON, N. Y. :
CITIZEN PUBI^ISHING CO., PRINTERS
1902
i;:;: ;^i■\v yurk
PUBLIC LIBRARY
233329B
ASTL.:, ; -.- .
TILDEN FOrXDATiONS
R 1913 L
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^^
INTRODUCTORY.
Tlic I Icikiiiici- County llisloi-iciil Socioty was or>j;aiiiz('(l at a itulilic
iiiccliim licld at the ("ourl 1 louse in 1 1 crkiiiKT, January li, IS'Jt;.
Till' ittijfcts of till' Society are to discover, collect, i)reserve and imh-
lish the history, historical records and data of and relating to that
l^ortion of the State of New York formerly known as Tryon and hiter
Heikiiiier county; the collection and presei-vatiiui of books, ni'wspa-
pers, pninphlets, maps, ,u.eneaolo,i;ies, portraits, paintinj,^s, relics, manu-
scripts, letters, journals, lield books, and any and all other
materials, which may establish or illustrate such history, oi- the
uiowtli and progress of population, wealth, education, auiicuiture. arts,
manufactures and eonnnerce in Herkimer county; and also to discuss
and treat subjects of s'eueral history.
The iiienibership consists of Kesi(h'nt, Life and lionorary niemhers.
Resident ineinliers pay annual dues of two dollars, a life incinhership
costs ten tloUars.
The papers read before the Society during the years 18!H!, ]S!)7 and
^j.^ IS'.IS have been printed and bound iu book form. Coi»ies of tlie .same
-^ can be oht.iined by addressing the secretary at Herkimer, N. Y. Copies
• bound in cloth cost .$1.00 and paper-bound, fifty cents. If to be sent
■vk li.\ mail, lifteeu cents should be added for ])osta.iiX'.
J^ This volume contains not only the addresses delivered before
the Society for the past three and a half years, but also six prize essays,
the writers being awarded prizes of .$2;"), JplO and -$5 each, otfered by
■^ lion. Robert lOarl of Herkimer and Albert N. Kussell of Ilion. for the
•V3 hist essays on historical subjects offered by Judge Earl, and like prizes
<^^-^ offeied liy Mr. Russell for essays on "Our Common Free Schools."
-^ The iiresent otiicers of tlu' Society are lion. Robert I';.irl. Ilerkliner,
^ president; Albert N. Russell. Iliou. Frank R. I'arkhurst, Frankfort,
Mrs. 1*. C. Raldwin. Little Falls, vice-presidents; Arthur T. Smitli,
Herkimer, recording secretary; CJeorge W. Smith. Herkimer, corres-
\jk Itonding secretary: .Tolin l>iydrn Henderson. Herkimer. tiiMsurer:
William M. Dutton, Ileikiiner, librarian; William C. Prescott. Ilerki-
,r^ mer, John V. Schmidt. Ilion, J. II. J. Watkins. East Schuylei'. John
'' 1). Henderson, Herkimer, Kieliard Lohrman, Herkimer, executive com-
mittee.
THE NEW YiWiK
PUBLIC LffiUCY
AKTOK. LENOI AND
TiLUBN FWUNJJM'IONS
B ^
^* '■
HON, ROBERT EARL, LL, D,
First "President of the Herkimer County Historical iiociety.
THE WAR OF 1S12, ITS CAUSP:S AND
CONSEOUKNCKS.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBRRT KARI^, OF HRRKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, January lo, 1S99.
At the coimneneenipiit of the Hovolutionary crii of our country. :i
lai'ge majority of thoujihtful men wfi'c oiiimscd to separation from
England. They were and had ))een for some years eontendin^ for
what they chiimed to be fundamental rij^hts of En.i;lishnnMi — not for
indept'ndcnee, but mainly for the doctrine that taxation and repre-
sentation should go together — for tlie rigid of the peoi)le throuu'h iheii-
representatives in their Colonial Asseml)lies to regulate all forms of
taxation affeeting them. The stubborn an<l arbitrary conduct of Eng-
land eml)ittered the Colonists; and the Declaration of Independence
came only after they became satisfied that they could not obtain, as
an integral part of the British Empire, the rights which they claimed.
The conduct of the war on the i)art of I'higland, with her Indian and
'J'ory allies, was by the i»atriots considered so unjust and cruel that :i
bitter sense of wrong and feelings of great aniiiiosily survived the
successful issue of the contest and the tieat\ «)f jteace. Suli.seciueiit
to the treaty, there were freijuent causes of fi-iction between the two
countries. There were great delays on the part of Englaml in sin-ren-
dering territory and forts as stipulated in the treaty; ;inil when siic
liOcame involved in wai' with I'lance. n«'w causes of irritation arose.
The French had been our allies in the Ivevolutionary war. and the sym-
pathies of the great bulk of our people were with them in the titanic
struggle growing out of tlu' I'rench Kevointion and the ambition of
Napolean to dominate all Europe.
At first the commerce of this country was greatly stimul.ited by the
European Avars. But .soon England and France issued orders and
decrees which together in form blockaded all the i)orts of Europe
against neutral commerce; and they both issued letters of in.-ir<iue to
privateers who under one pretense or ■•mother lui-yed ui>on neutral
commerce. The result was embargo, non-importation and uou-iuter-
6 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
course acts by our Congress, and for the time the practical destruction
01" nearly all of our commerce. England in effect, even as early as
1803, blockaded our ports, and .English frigates cruised along our coasts
and at the mouths of our harbors waiting for Frencji privateers and
searching our mercfiantmen for contraband goods and British seaman;
and in this business many outrages were committed upon the rights
oi our citizens. The most fruitful cause of complaint on the part of
our go\ernment was the right asserted and exercised by England to
search for and to impress seaman claimed to be English subjects. She
^\•as engaged in a gigantic struggle in which she needed all her sea-
uien; and she contended for the right to take them wdaerever she could
find them and place them in her service on board of her war vessels.
This right she based upon what was then the generally recognized
principle of international law, that a subject could not change his
national allegiance and thus escape any duty he owed to the govern-
ment of his birth. She asserted, as a fundamental legal axiom, that
an Englishman by birth always remained an Englisliman. Thus she
claimed the right to English seamen wherever they might be, the riglit
to seize them wherever she could find them, and to search for tliem
wherever she suspected them to be. In the exercise of this right to
take her seamen she claimed the right to stop our ships upon the ocean,
war vessels and merchantmen, and search them for English seamen
and to forcibly take such as she found. This brought on frequent col-
lisions between our vessels and hers, and created mucli bitterness and
aroused much indignation throughout our country. In this way sev-
eral thousand sailors were forcibly taken from our vessels and ti-ans-
ferred to English war vessels. There w^ere a large number of P]ngiish
seamen on board of American vessels attracted there by tlie larger
pay and the more agreeable service. As our seamen and the English
seaman looked alike and spoke the same language, it frequently hap-
pened that by mistake our sailors were thus seized and impressed
into the English service on board of English war A^essels. But this
action was not always, not even usually due to mistake, as frequently
colored seaman, and Dutch, Danish and others manifestly not English
vt'ore arbitrarily seized.
I will liere give two typical cases of these outrages which did much
to arouse a determined spirit of hostility toward England. In April,
ISOf), the Leander, an lOnglish war ship, had long lain near Sandy
ITook at the entrance to the port of New York, stopping coasters,
searching merchantmen, seizing ships and impressing citizens of the
United States, when a coasting sloop, The Richard, came along. Sud-
denly three shots came screaming toward her from the Leander, one
of which carried off the head of John Pierce, the helmsman. The
Richard made her escape and reached New York; and thei-e the news
of the outrage threw the whole population into commotion. In .Tune,
3807, llic frigate Chesapeake was in the Hampton Roads just starting
on a voyage to Europe in the ser\'ice of our government, when she
TUK WAR OK 1813. 7
\v;is (i\('i-Ii;nil<'(l hy tlir I'limlisli \v;irslii|). 'I'lic I.coimnl, which (h'iiiiiinl-
('(1 I he ri,i;li( lo sc;m-<Ii licr Ini- lOimlisli sr;iiii:ni :iti<l dcsciMiTS. 'IMii-
tit'iii.ind iKil litiii- I'diiiplicd Willi, 'I'lic l,ci)|i;iii| (lisrh:iruc(l iTprjilcd
l)ii(;idsid( s iiild lici :iiid dis.il'lid lin-, killinu lliicf inrii :iiid wdiliidiliK
ci^hli'cii. I'lic ( 'lirsiipc-iUf was (il)li^«'d to haid down lic|- ilaji Jiiid
sunciidri-, as she was not [n-cparrd Tor i)altl('. Slic was thrri scan-h-
('<l and four scanirii were lakiai lioin \\l^\\ three of wdiom were not Kwn-
lish sMiiJccts. WlicrcNci- I hroui^liont oni- connii-.x Ihr news <d' this oul-
lai;*' went, it (iralcil the jirealesi indif;iiation. I Mirin;;- several years.
IroMi lime to time, our iiovernmeid protested against tliese repeated oiit-
ra.ncs and insults of l<;nulisli war vessels, and endeavoi'ed hy ne^oiia-
liiui to olit.-iin rrdr>'ss for lliem. and lo induce i^nuland lo fore.L'o or
surnMuh'r the I'iuht of search and iiiipressinent so orfeiisively elaimi'd
and i>raeticed by her. Hid no redress could he obtained and no satis-
factory treaty could be nei;()tiated; and mainly on account of these
outrages linaljy war was declared by Congress. .lune ism. isii;.
The war was iiopulai' with the jireat mass of our i jde. Tlieir
Latr(>d of lOp.y'.aud came (h»wu from Kevidutionary times. The declar-
ation of war was apjtroved with ui-eat unanimity by the friends of
.leffei'son and Madison. c;iiied Ueiiubiicaiis; and it was disap|irovcd
.ucnerally by tlie Fedei'alists who were mainly rcsidenis of New Kuix-
land, Nc^w York and Now Jersey, and wlio thought there was just as
much cause for war with France as with England. In Couirress. all
(lie represeutiitivos from Khode Island and (.'onnecticnt. eiirht of the
fourteen rei)resentativ(>s of Massachusetts, eleven ol' the fourteen ii p
iisentatives of New York, foui- of the six representatives of
New Jersey voted aiiainst tlh' declaration; and all the rep-
resentatives of South Carolina, (ieor.uia, Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, sixteen of tlie eiuhteeii reiueseiitJitives of Pennsylvain;!. six
of the nine repi-es(>ntatives of Maryland, and fourteen of the nineteen
re])reseidatives of Viriiinia voted for it. 'i'lie miinsters of reii.uion.
unlike their attitude in the I'evolutionary w.ir. the war of the Rebel-
lion, and tlie late \\;ir with Spain, generally o])|iose(l the w.ar: and it
was very uiii)oi)ular in most parts of N(>w l->ii.uland. There the news
of the declaration of war was received with public ni.anifestations of
fi'rief. P.ells were tolled, shojis closed, business suspended, and town
meetinus were called to denounce the war, as they had some years
earlier been called in the same re.uion to denounce Endiar^o acts.
Although we had been m;idu;illy driftiu.Lr into war with Enirland for
several years, at tlie lime of its declaration, our country was from cul-
pable n.(\nlect quite unprepared for it. The nation.al treasury was
almost emi»ty. Our nvuular army was but six thou.sand soldiers poorly
e(iuii)i)e(l and enervated and demoralized by thirty years of peace. ^Ve
had '20 larj^e vessels and a few ij:un boats tos'i'ther carryin.i; three hun-
dred .i;iuis. ^Ve had li\(' hundred na\al (.llicers of all grades :ind live
thousand two hundred .seamen, and but five of our vessels were ready
for sea. At the same time. th(> lOnuiish had <uie thousand vessels of
8 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
war manned by one hundred and forty thousand seaman and a large
army, trained and disciplined in the gigantic wars Avhich had been
■waged on the continent of Europe. We had a population of seven
millions two hundred and tifty thousands which had grown to that
number from three millions two hundred and fifty thousands at the
close of the Revolutionary war, while the population of Great Britain
was eighteen millions.
The war Imviug been declared, active and vigorous efforts were at
once made to meet its responsibilities. Congress passed acts increas-
ing the regular army and calling for volunteers. Enlistments in the
army were dilatory and volunteers came in slowly. The president
called for militia from the States, and the governors of three States,
iVlassachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island absolutely refused to
obey the call. They claimed that the constitution authorized the pres-
ident to call out the militia for three purposes only, to-wit: to repel
invasion, to put down insurrection, and to execute the laws of the
United States; and these governors claimed the right to determine
each for himself whether any of the constitutional conditions existed
for making such a call; and each determined that there was no ground
for the call; and during the war our government was further embar-
rassed by the refusal of the militia to invade Canada on the gi'ound
that they could not be required to go outside of the United States.
The president wns singularly unfortunate in his selection of the
prominent officers to command our soldiers. The historian McMaster
says that: "As a class they were old, vain, respectable and incapa-
ble." General Scott who knew them well stated in subsequent years
that: '"Of the old officers, many were suidc in sloth and manv ruined
by intemperate drinking; that of the new appointments, some were
positively bad and others indifferent and that as a class the officers
v^'ere swaggerers, political dependents, poor gentlemen, who. as the
phrase went, were fit for nothing else." The most prominent among
these officers were Generals Dearborn, Pinckney, Wilkinson, Hull and
Hampton; and wherever they were in command disaster befel our
nrms.
While Pi'esident Madison was a genuine and useful patriot during
tlie Revolutionary war, a good political thinker and writer, and of great
intellectual ability, I am inclined to think that it is the verdict of
impartial history that as an administrator of the government he was
a conspicuous failure. It umst, however, be put to his credit that he
Avas forced into the war by the clamor of the .lingoes of that day as
President McKinley was prematni-cly forced into the late war with
Spain by the clamor of the same class.
It is not my purpose to give a detailed account of the war upon land
cr sea, as the exigencies of this occasion forbid it. At the commence-
ment of the war it was the plan of our government to invade Canada
and take it from the British. Repeated attempts were made to that
end, but were always attended with failure. Whtle our troops made
TUE WAR OK 1812. 6
Iciiipoi'iiry lodiiiiicnts in r'aiuidii, flicy wwrc soon (ililiy:ci| to ii-lirc, mikI
llio Iti'ilJsh I'orccs iiiviitlcd our tcniloi'.v', r:i|iliii-(i| Dclidil Mtnl Ihii'iiimI
tlie villMj,'('s ;it Ni!iji:iira FjiIIs, IMiick IJock :in(l Itiil'tMlo; iinil :il lln- closr
of lilt' WAV tli('\' slill held some of our tcnitory ou our .Norllniu iioii
liiT.
While llic I'.iilish forces iind lor some titiie I liicMleiied our ii:ition:il
cMpitol, il w.is iiol put in ;i sl.ile ol' ;ide(|n;ile dercuse and in .\ut,'usf,
1S1I il was caiylured liy llieui: and Hie (■;ipitol. e\cruli\-e niaii>ion and
nearly all the other ptdilic l)uildinj;s were Imrnetl. tiie presidenl and
his cahinet havinj;' lied from the city. Indeed, liiere w.is no eonsi)icu-
ous snecess of the American forces upon land nnlil liie battle of New
Oi'leans, fouuht on tlie Mh of .lannai-y. 1S1."». Tliere (leneral .lai-kson
had under his eoniniaud about live thousand soldiers from tti." Soulli
Western frontier, juaiidy from Tennessee and Kejitucky, who wen-
Indian li.uhters, expert marksmen, eourayeous and fearless, made heroic
by the U'adership of tlie lieroic genei'al. The Hritisli soJdieT-s. nnmber-
inj? about 12,000, were veterans who had fouj?ht under Wellinjiton in
tlie Peiunsular ranipaifiii and were commanded l)y his brother in-law.
(ieneral I'ackin.i;ham. Tlie battle l.-isted about twenty-live nunutes,
.•md in that time seven liundred of the I'.ritish, including; their general,
were killed, 1,400 wounded, and live hnndied were taken i)risoners.
( H' our forces, but eight were killed and Ihii'teen wounded. The result
of th.at battle nuide (ieneral Jackson a national hero; and of all the
generals in our army, he came out of tlie war with the gre.ntest repu-
t.ition. The battle was actually fougiit after the treaty of peace h.id
been concluded between the two countries at Ghent on the 24th day
ot Decemlier, 1S14, news of which liad not yet reached New Orle.ans.
Upon the sea our navy gained great glory. Our sailors wei-e Ii.irdy
and skilful and were not surpass(>d, proli.-ibly not ('(piaUi'd. by ;iny in
the woi-ld; and our naval eomman(h'rs, I'ortei-. Kogei's. lliili. r.,iin-
bi-idge, Jones, Decatur, Perry and xMacdonongh, will always linxc a
high place in the annals of naval warfare. They were nearly always
victorious and even in defeat <'.\hibited the hei'oism wliicli has excited
the admiration of their countrymen ever since. The inspiring words
of Captain Lawrence, after he was mortally wounded and his vessel
rendered helpless, "Don't give up the shi])!" will iiever be forgotten;
and the laconic dispatch of Terry announcing his si)lendid victory on
Lake Erie, "We have met the enemy and they are ours" — paralh'led
only by the famous dispatch of Julius Ceasar to the Koman Senate.
veni, vidi, vlci — stil! awaken enthusiasm as they did thi-oughont the
country when first read ]\y the Amei-icaii peoide. His il.igsliip in that
biittle was named The Lawrence, and she carried at lur mast lic.id
a Hag on which was emblazoned the talismanic words. ••Don't give up
the ship." 'l'hes<^ hei'oic cominandei^s wert' the successors of our n.aval
hei'oes of the Revolutituiary ix'i'iod, and they remind us of .bilm r.-iul
Jones, who. wlu'U in command of the r.on Ilomme Kicli.ard in 17TU,
10 HERKIMER COtJNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
liiilitiiiti' the English war vessel, The Serapis, when his vessel was
shikins;- nnder him, and when asked by the English commander. "Have
>ou striK-k your colors," replied, "I have not yet began to fight;" and
ill a l)ricf time the English shii) surrendered and liis own battered
\essel helplessly went down in the waters of the ocean.
])uriug the war, there was never at any time more than thirty
Ihousand fighting men in our army; and in no battle were there more
tlian .j,0(K) soldiers. The nuinber of men killed in the Avar on land
\v:is under 1,()00, and the wounded were under 3,500. Tlie expenses
oi' the war were about one Imndred million dollars, and at its close
our national debt was about one hundred and twenty million dollars.
Diu-ing the war there was intense animosity between tlie Republicans,
Avho favored the war, and the Federalists, who opposed it; and
between men of the two parties there were not infrequent collisions.
The first blood shed after tlie declaration of war was drawn in Balti-
more in a riot caused I)y the successful attempt of a Republican mob
to wreck a Federal printing office, just as the first blood in the war of
the Rebellion was shed there by mob violence when Union troops at-
tempted to march to the defense of our national capitol.
This Avar, like the otlier wars in Avhicli our country lias been engaged,
made a resort to extraordinary taxation necessary to raise tlie needed
levenuo. Among other internal taxes, there Avas a stamp tax, as there
AA-as after the Revolutionary AA^ar during the administration of John
Adam^, during the war of the Rebellion, and as there now is as a con-
sr-<|uence of the late Avar witli Spain — four times since tlie adoption
of our Federal Constitution.
In this AA-ar, as in the Revolutionary war and the war of the Rebel-
lion, our cui'rency became badly deranged. In 1814 all the banks sus-
pended specie payment. The best currency disappeared and the poor-
est came into use. Specie disappeared and thus there AA^as no small
change, and all kinds of people, merchants, tradesmen, manufacturers,
stage OAvners, tavern keepers, ferrymen, cities, towns, and all kinds of
coi-poi-ations issued paper bills, sometimes as small as one cent, to
supply the needs of the people. After many futile efforts in various
Slates and by tlie general government to force the banlcs to resume
specie payment, r(>sumption did not come until lS17,Avlien it was brought
aliout ni.iiuly by the Charter of the United States bank, which com-
menced business early in that year Avith a capital of .1^,8.3,000,000.
It Avas during the Avar that Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel
Webster laid the foundations of their great careers in American pol-
itics. The two former Avere among the most active supporters of the
war, and the latter opposed it. Clay Avas speaker of the House of
Representatives during the war and weilded much influence in shaping
Ihe legislation of Congress.
The closing of the wai' Avith the lirilliant victory at Ncaa' Orleans
after so ni.iny liiiniilit.-iting disastei's u]>()n land in other places, made
TIIK WAK <il IH12. 11
IJciicrMl .iMcksdii (Im-iiiii his wlioir life llic ixtitiil.ir idol t,i llic Am<'ii<Mii
people. No iimii ;i ny wlirrc Mioiiscd so iiiiii'li eiilliiisiiisni. mik! no polit
i(;ll ii'.uicr Imil moll' (Icxulrd I ollo\\c|-S.
I'rcsidciil M.idisoii was. .•i(<oidiiii; to llic polilicil i-lassili<-it ion of
his day. a Kcinddiran ; and Immhc Ih' and Ihc war had Ihi- su])
port ol' the Kcpuliliian |iail\. and llic opiiosilion <d" the Ki'di-ral pnrly,
wliicli was nH>st doniinanl in llic .\cw lan^land Slates. 'IMiosc Stntcs
more lai^cl.N' llian an\' ollieis were en;4ai~ed in <(>ninieiTe. naviK"^'**"
a.nd lishiiij;-, and to llicin Hie ctnliarmi, non-iiitereoiirse and iioii-iinpor-
tation acts followed 1>.\ Hie w.ir weic most disastrous, jiroducinu iin-.\\
distress and discontent. They were backward and unwilliim to aid
the uoxernment willi either men or money to c;irr\' on Ihc war. Thi-y
were dissjitistied with tlieir jiosition in (he imioii, and their coMdMcl
was sneh that .Madison and his friends eaiiie to enleitaiii a suspicion
that many of theii- inHiienlial citizens contemplated a separate itcaeo,
secession and a union with Canada under the I'.ritish < Jovcrnnient.
Tlielr c-omplaiuts were most rife in the darkest days of the war after
n'any disasters to our armies aud tlu' capture and destruction of our
national eapitol. In tlie MassachuscMIs leuislalure. the voice of disaf-
I'lction was loudly heaid and nieiiiliers (h'nounced the adminisi ration
and tlie wai' in the most violent terms, and demanded amendments
of the Fe(h'ral Constitution aud a national convention for tliat jun-pose.
To forward tlie pro.ject. they favored a conference of the New lOu!;-
land States; and foi' tliat piirpose the le.uislatuic in October. lsl4.
passed a resolution calling a convention to meet at Hartford on the
mth day of December — tlie famous Hartford ('onv(>ntiou, which played
sucli a prominent part in the politics of our country for many years
thereafter. The syovernor appointed twelve delejrates to that conven-
tion, and by a circular letter invited all the otlier New Enj,dand States
t(» do the same: and Connecticut and Itluxh" Island alone I'esponded
favorably and api)ointed dele.iiates. The delegates, twenty-three in
number, convened at the a]>pointed time and jilace. They s;it and
deliberated with cl()sed doors for three weeks, 'i'liey fi-:inied .1 leiiirlliy
I'citort whicli was ma(h' i)ublic and they adjourned suli.ject to the c.-ill
of their president. In th«Mr rejiort they set forth their uriev.-inces in
most vi.t;'orous terms and recommended anions;- other thinus that if tln-y
were not redressed liy pro]ier ainendments of the eonstitntion ;ind in
other ways, "a se])aration by eciuitable arrant;-ement will be preferable
to iin alliance by constraint amonu' nominal friends l)Ut real enemies:"
and they recommeiKh'd a second convention to meet in Iloston on the
3rd day of June then next. The Massaclmsetts Gener.il Court assem-
bled and within a few days adopted the report, approvini; eacli rei-om-
niendation thereof and seh>eted thr(>e commissioners to carry lier com-
plaints to Washin.uton and tlier(> demand of the frovernnn'ut cd' the
rnited States that Massachusetts be allowed lo delend herself, enter
into defensiv(> alliances with lu>r neij;iibors, and retain a reasonable
share of the Fed(>ral rev(Mines f,'athered within her boundaries and use
13 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
it to pay an army to bo raised by herself. Connecticut added two more
connnissioners, and early in February the five set out. What made
the situation of these commissioners embarrassing and to some extent
even absurd and ludicrous Avere the facts unknown to them that a
treaty of peace had been concluded on the 24th day of December, while
the Hartford Convention was in session, and that the splendid victory
of Jackson at New Orleans had been achieved on the 8th of January.
When the commissioners reached Washington, they were confronted
with these facts and they were there silenced by ridicule and they took
n(j action to further the object of their mission; and the proposed sec-
oinl convention was never held.
In consequence of the Hartford Convention and their hostility to the
war and their apparent leaning in favor of Great Britain, the Feder-
alists were made so odious throughout the country that they soon dis-
appeared as a party from our politics, most of them in the end being
merged in the Whig party upon its formation. For more than a gen-
eration after the war, to have been a Federalist was as odious as it
was after the Revolutionary war to have been a Tory.
The Hartford Convention was held during the most discouraging
period of the war, when our national capitol had been burned, our
currency was completely deranged, when taxes were pressing heavily
upon our people, when business and conjmerce were prostrated and
general distress prevailed; and if the war had continued for another
year the schemes of the Federalists engaged in the Hartford Conven-
tion might have been carried to success and the Union thereby dis-
rupted.
When peace came, it was hailed with great joy throughout the
country. It was peculiarly acceptable to the Federalists, as they had
always opposed the war; and however dissatisfied the Republicans
might be with the terms of the Treaty of Peace, they became recon-
ciled because the war had been inaugui-ated by them and the peace
concluded l)y their administration. It Avas truthfully pointed out by
th.e Federalists that the English did not in the treaty surrender any of
the things for Avbich the war was commenced. Not one word was said
in the treaty about the right of search and impressment. But it can-
not be said that the Avar was fruitless. The achievements of our naA-y
iind our victory at Ncav Orleans gaA'e us character and improved our
standing among the nations. While England did not surrender her
right to search our vessels and impress scanuMi therefrom, she has
never exercised the right since in a single instance. She learned to
respect our proAvess upon the ocean and that she was not invulnerable
there.
T'ntil recent years, the hostility of our people to England engendered
by this war and the war of the Revolution survived and seemed to
li" iiioic potent tlian the unity of blood and language and the inher-
itance of a common lilci-aturc and of similar free institutions. But of
late years, this hostility has been gradually disaj^pearing, and now
THE WAlt OK 1813. 13
Kiiyliiiul and AiiKTica, \vliih> not bound lo^'ctln'i- \>y any rornuil alli-
aiHV, iivv drawn louftlici- l>y rcrlin;is of most coi-dial I'l-iriidsliiii. War
between them is now liardly a iciiiolc possiliilily, and it slioiild lie llic
anient wish of every ithilantln-opisf tiial Ihcy may ever (•o-oi)eratt!
in s]ireadin;;' tlie Christian reiiuion, free instil nt inns .ind AimloSaxoii
civilizalion throuyhont the world.
1 must not close this papei' witliniit somi' rcl'ci'cncf to ilic |i;ii-t taken
by soUliers from Herkimer (,'ounty in the war.
This State was ealled upon 1o lurnish by (h-alt tfoni its militia
1o.r>dU men; and the term of service was three months. 'I'liis <-onnly
furnished its fnll (piota of soldiers. There was a case of conspicuous
patriotism Avlueli disserves connm-moration. (Jeor^e \\'i(b-i,i;' was a
prominent citizen of tliis eounty, residint:- in the town of I'^raid^fort, and
lie was major y;en(>ral of militia, lie aiiplied to have his whole division
ealled into the service; and failin;: in that, and on account of liis r.ink
being unable to get any other position, he took the only one he could
get, that of teamster, and s(>rve(l in that capacity during one campaign.
He was a man of sound judgment and practical ability, although (inite
unlettered; and I was told by I»r. llarvey W. l>ooliltle. who was a
surgeon in one of ihe regiments that was sent to Sackells Harbor, that,
the superior othcers being to some extent incompeteid and inellicient,
(.Jeneral \Mdrig"s advice was souglit. and tliat lie ri-stored order out of
chaos, and rendered valuable services in quartering and providing for
the soldiers who. lacking other accommodations, were (luartered in
dwelling houses, stores, shops and barns.
Christopher 1'. Bellinger, a prominent resident of Little Falls and
for many years one of its most distinguished citizens, was the colonel
of a militia regiment of this county, and he was. in M.iy. 1.S12. before
the declaration of war, ordered witli liis regiment to Sacketts Harbor
and other placts on our Northern Frontier to watch the r.iitish, to
protect the public property accumulated tliere, to enforce the Ihnbargo
and non-intercourse acts, and to prevent smuggling. After the declar-
ation of war in the following month, his regiment was reinforced by
a draft from the militia of this county. He served under General
Brown, who, in letters to Governor Tomjikins, spoke of him as "a brave
officer and worthy man;" and said he was "one of the best of nu-n."
'•The more I have seen of Colonel Bellinger, the mori' I am pleased
with him. He is disposed to do everything for the best."
As the term of one regiment expiri'd. another was called into the
service; and in September, 1814, the militia of this county was ordered
out en masse and marched to Sacketts Harbor. That place was a very
important one, being a depot of supplii's; and when it w.as attacked
i)! May, ISli], by the Bdtish, its garrison was largely composed of men
from this county.
Colonel M.-ittiiew Mayers of this village, a line looking .and dashing
officer, was in command of one of the regiments sent to Sacketts Har-
bor, and in his regiment the late Major Bellinger of Mohawk served
14 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
as a captain. At one time Colonel Forsyth was Colonel Myers' super-
ior, and for some allegofl hisiibordination demanded bis sword, and
was promptly informed that he could not take it unless he took it
point first, and be did not take it.
Tburlow Weed, the Warwick successively of the Whig and Repub-
lican parties, who was a journeyman printer here at the time under
Mr. Stone, the publisher of the Herkimer American, being then under
eighteen years of age, went as a volunteer with the militia to Sacketts
Harbor; and his cheerful and humorous disposition made him a great
fivorite with his comrades.
Most of the able-bodied men liable to military duty who resided in
this county were sent to our Northern Frontier; and for many years
.■ifterward they had many stories to relate of their campaigning, and
had many jokes to tell of each other. Of one, a prominent citizen
of this village, who was a captain or major in Colonel Myers' regi-
ment,, it was frequently told that when a battle Avas imminent at
Sacketts Harbor he crawled into a cellar to get out of the way of harm,
and said, in terms of great distress, that he wished he was home "wid
his wife Katrine." He always denied the charge and was at all times
ready to back up his word by combat. Of another well known citizen
of this town it was told that, finding fault with his rations and the ser-
vice, he said he would rather be home and eat "suppon and milk with
his buppy dog Towser." These and many other similar stories were circu-
lated Avhen I was young and they could only be fully appreciated by
one acquainted Avitli the subjects of them. Our returned soldiers were
also fond of telling this authentic story: "In the fall of 1814, Sir James
Yeo was in command of the British fleet which appeared at Sacketts
Harbor, made threatening demonstrations and sent a flag of truce
demanding its immediate surrender. General Brown, in command of
the American forces, sent one of his officers, a Frenchman, to meet
the flag. In reply to the demand for the surrender, in decided French
accents, he said: "Sir, you return to your ship and say to your master
if he wants Zacketts Zarbor he must come and take him. He no run
away." Then turning his horse he galloped back to headquarters and
the Bi-itish fleet soon sailed away.
The men from this county who went into the service had the repu-
tation of being brave and good soldiers. Such has been the character
of Herkimer soldiers in all the wars in wliicli our country his been
engaged; and so may it always be! In civil and military life may
Ihe men of Herkimer always in every emergency stand by their gnus
and do their duty.
THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICEvS OI' GEN.
FRANCIS E. SPINNER.
AN ADDRKSS BY ALUKRT I.. HOWHI.L, OK MOHAWK,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, March ii, 1S99.
In sk( tchinii' sonu" of tlu' i)rincii);)l evoiUs in tlu- life nf tiiis iTUiurk-
.-iltly interesting;' num. pleasant nieniories are awakened. .V Hfe-lonfr
aciinainlance prejiares the wriler to pen some of tlie le.idiii!. events
which eharaeterized his youthl'n! and)ition. to heeoine a nseful man.
To relate in detail of his suhsetjent and interesting lite wonld eonsuino
too much space in this paper.
HIS BHiTHPLACE.
Comparatively but few of the present day liiiow the early history
of the Spinner family. especialUy the subject of this sketch. He was
the eldest son of the Rev. John P. Spinner, and was born in the hnm-
bh' home of his parents in the town of (Jerman Flats, wliere the vilL-iu'e
of Mohawk is now situated, on I)(>cember 21st, ISOl. The house stood
on "glebe land," belon.uiny to the Reformed Church, of German Fl.its,
near the southeast corner of ]Main and Colundiia streets. Just one week
after his birth the house took lire and burned. The tire occurred on a
winter's niffht, his mother, barefoot and in her ni,i;ht-clothes, with her
babe in her arms, waded throusih the deep snow to their nearest nei.nh-
bois. the Campbells, then situated but a short dist;ince west of the
pri'sent old "General Spinner house."
His father soon after this misfortune, moved to the town of Her-
kimer, about one mile east of the villa;;e, on the turni)ike road. Sub-
seqmnitly he purchased a three-acre plot of land at the foot of Pros-
pect street in Herkimer and built the house that still stands there. where
the rest of the children, consisting of five boys and three uirls, w*>re
born and reared.
The lands and dwellinj; of my father Joined th;it of the t;-enerai"s
father on the south. And for about thirty years we were their nearest
neighbor.
16 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
HIS LOVE FOR BOOKS.
At an early age young Spinner evinced a love for books, and the
meager education he received in the district schools of those days, up
to the age of fifteen years; his reflective mind began to take in the
situation in regard to the store of knowledge he possessed, to prepare
him for a useful life work. And (to use his own words) found he was
comparatively an "ignoramus." He resolved at once to commence self-
odncation. In order to carry out his plan he made it a rule never to
associate Avith those who did not know more than he did, so that each
day should add something to the desired fund of general information.
And to this end he chose to be in the company of men.
APPRENTICED TO LEARN A TRADE.
His father seeing his inclination for books had no desire it should
lead him to follow his calling, that of the ministry, and acting on the
rule universally applied in the fatherland (Germany) that every boy of
tlie proper age, and who might be spared from home, should learn
some trade, he bound him to a manufacturer of confectionery in Al-
bany. The father finding that he still continued the study of books
much more than learning a trade, set aside the indenture and bound
him to a harness maker in Amsterdam. Here young Spinner's greatest
oppportnnity presented itself for the reading of good books.
A SHAREHOLDER IN A LIBRARY.
He managed to become a shareholder in the circulating library of
that place. He improved all his spare time by reading, until he had
read every book In the library; and had read more books than all the
other shareholders combined. When he had served out his term of
apprenticeship, he in company with a fellow apprentice, set up business
for themselves, in a small way, at a settlement near Amsterdam. And
subsequently alone, started in the same business in Herkimer village.
He still continued the liabit of reading and read Blackstone and other
law liooks, and all the cases in the supreme courts of the state of New
York. So well informed did he become that lawyers frequently con-
sulted him on legal matters.
HELD PUBLIC OFFICE.
At the age of twenty-seven he was appointed deputy sheriff of
Herkimer county. x\nd during the six years service as deputy, the
duties of the office were so satisfactorily rendered that in 1834 he
was elected sherilf, Avhich office he tilled for three years. His popularity
had so increased that his fellow townsmen were ready to bestow upon
him further honors for his capabilities as an executive officer.
He was the organizer of the 2r)th N. Y. State Artillery, being chosen
its first lieutenant, and subsequently attaining to the rank of Major
General of the third division of artillery. The organization of the
"La Fayette Guards" was due to his efforts, the finest military com-
pany as to tactics and equipment in the state. ^
OEN. FRANCIS E. Sl'INNIilt. 17
III ISrtS Ik' wms jippoinlcd l».v (Jovcnior IVTjircy one of (he coiimiissioii-
«'rs for the liiiildiii.^^ of (lie shilc liiiiiitic ;is.vliiiii ill riif:i. A posiliiui
ho (illcd with liis clininilcrisdc ('iicrK.V- In l"^-'!'.*, U|ioii tin- or;r;ii liga-
tion of (lie Moii.Mwk \';illc\ I'.-iiiiv, lie was ciillcd to tlic olticc of casliiiT
of that institution, wliicli jtost \\r lillcil witli iioror foi- twenty years,
as eashi«'r or i)resi(lent, and Ity his able liii.aiiciei'inL;, ;inil Ids system
of oondnctin.ii- alT:iirs of the institution, lie lelt it on a stalile founda-
tion, wliieli it li.ns ever sinre maintained.
In lS-ir>, at the solleltation of Miehael lloffman of Herkimer, naval
officer of the port of New York, tlu> Ceneral was appoInt«Ml auditor
and (U'puty naval otlieer, which position lie held for four years, but
still retained the presidency of the Mohawk Valley I'.ank.
THREE TERMS A MEMUER OF COXCiRESS.
In 185-1 he was elected to Congress upon the Democratic ticket. And
durini; tins. Ins first term, he served on many important committees.
In IS.'x; lie w;is re-elected by tlie Repubiicaii party, which party he
helited to oriiaiii/.e. and with which he was ever after identified. lie
was re-elected for a thii'd teiMii in 1S.">S. by the l.-ir^est majority uiveii
any member of those two Congresses. Reing an out and out fi-eesoiler
and strongly opposed to the ext(Misioii of slavery into new territory,
lie b*>c:inie the huinlile insti'timent in liringing aliout the h.-iiipy r»>sult
of the (lection of Nathaniel 1'. Ranks for speaker of the house, after
a struggle of two months' voting. In this he acted as one of the
advance guards on the first battle line of the war which soon followed,
and brought to an end human slavery in our nation.
UNITED STATES TREASURER.
In Ism, through the recommendation of the secretary of the ti-eas-
niy. Salmon I*. Cluise. he w:is ;ippointi'<l by rresideiit I/nicolii. liiiled
Slates treasurer. Upon assuming the ottice at the commencenient of
the war of the Rel>ellion, 1h> found the treasury of the government
empty and with no funds to carry on the war. Rut through his able
advice to the secretai'y of the treasury, a system w;is adopted which
relievcMl the immediate needs of tlu> government.
P.eing the custodian of millions, he was allowed to call around him
men for the different departments who were iiersonally known to him,
to till resiionsible positions as accountants, clerks, etc, as he w.-is :i
bonded orticer by Congress .ind responsible not only for the f.iithful
performance of his own dutii's, but the hundi'eds of those in his
employ. The work was so systeni;iti/.ed th.al every one had their
specific duty to i)erform. And so faithfully ;ind honest were they
rendered that of the millions that were received and disbursed daily,
not one doll.nr was ever lost.
The Hon. Hugh McCuUogh. his old-time companion in the ti-easury.
thus speaks of the Cener.-il in his "Men .nid M(>asnres of Half a Cen-
tury:" "A more trustwoi'thy. conscientious, upright man tli:in I'l'ancis
E. Spinner never held an otiice under this government or any other.
18 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL, SOCIETY.
And his name slioukl be inscribed liigli on the roll of honor, for meri-
torions services at a time when the government was greatly in need
of such services as he was able to render. Until I knew him I had
not met a man with more disposition or capacity for hard work than
myself. He worked constantly from nine to ten hours a day and often
this was extended to twelve or fifteen hours. Seemingly he never
slept, as by day and late at night he could be seen at his desk, and
the last one to leave the office at night."
The General naturally inherited a splendid constitution to stand the
long hours and overwork, together with the mental strain Imposed
upon him in the every-day duties of the office in detail, which would
be considered very trying to most men.
HIS UNIQUE SIGNATURE.
That peculiar signature of his was first practiced on while he held
the office of sheriff in 1835, and was used dxiring the period of his office
as commissioner, at the building of the state lunatic hospital at Utica.
It was brought to its greatest perfection when he was United States
treasurer, as the constant use of his pen in signing the greenbacks
and fractional currency caused him to execute it perfectly. The daily
and long continued use of his pen at one time caused a partial paral-
ysis of the hand. But after a short rest he resumed the work, on to
the time he was relieved by his signature being printed. The General
never left his post for a vacation, only for a few hours spent in a row
boat up the Potomac in the summer time, to enjoy a lunch on some
mossy bank by the river side.
ACTING AS SOLDIER IN THE TREASURY BATTALION.
Among the many incidents of the General while in the treusui-y,
none seemed to demonstrate his loyalty and patriotism more than the
formation under his auspices of the Treasury Battalion, to aid in the
defense of Washington against tlie raid of the rebel General Early,
in the summer of 18G4. He earnestly requested that the male force
employed in the treasury should join this battalion, and set the exam-
ple by shouldering a musket and drilling in the ranks as a private.
No one knew better than the General Avhat the result would be if the
capital of the nation should fall into the hands of the confederate
general and its treasury taken. He planned to put all the money
in mail bags and, should it become necessary, put them aboard a tug
and steam down the Potomac.
THE FIRST FEMATiE CLERKS EMPLOYED IN THE U. S.
TREASURY.
It was duri'ig the third year of General Spinner's term as U. S.
tu'asurer that the first female clerks Avere employed in the different
departments. And it was said that this innovation of his proved a
wise one, as the ladies' department Avork was that Avhich gave the
best satisfaction for correctness and dispatch. Female clerks are still
employed. ""
GEN FRANCIS E. SPINNER 19
RErUKSKXTATIN !•: Ol' Till': « ;( )\' i:i;.\ M KNT 'l"<> IMMtOl'K.
W'liilc lie \\;is Mctiiii; as treasurer, he was sciil to l}iii(ip(! (o rcju'e-
seiit tliis ,L;i)\crniiieiit in solicit Iiil;' lorci.n'i eajiila lists to invest in our
.:;'o\ ci'iiniciil seciiiilic s. Ilis mission was snccessfnl and ne was cxM-fy-
wliere cordially incl. with lail one except ion, wlii< li t he < lenera 1 relai'd
at'tei'ward. It occurred at the hank of the Kothschilds in London,
iie ha\in,u' called and sent in his card, and, after a Ion;;' .and
p.-ilicnt w.ait, left the huildiuu- A in('ssen.i,'ei' was sent .alter him hnl
he could not he pre\ailed niton to return, sayin.:^', "Tell tliem I will not
I ('turn, as such treatment as 1 li.ave met with would not be given ii
do.u- I)y any American under simil.ar circumstances." Promptness in all
business matters was a virtue with liiin. He was <(ulck and firm in
his decisions lint w.is excr I'e.idy to yield ;i jioint if there was good
rea.son for it. No personal inconvenience was too great when a friend
was to l)e helped. Tlie oi)en hand of eliarit.y was ever extended to
help tlie needy and distressed.
THE GENERAL AS A SL'EECH MAKER.
A few years previous to the war of flie Itebellion and duiini;- liis
second year in Congress, being at his home in Mohawlc duilng tlie stir-
ring campaign of IS.KI, ;i Kepnblican meeting was lield at the ohl court
house in Herlsimer, tlie (Jeneral being present and li;ii)i)eiMng to enter
tl)e crowded court room ratlier late, was obliged to take a standing-
seat (as well as tlie Avriter, who stood a f<>w feet from him). His pr*'s-
ence when seen on the floor was the occ.asion of (|uite a sensation, he
being called upon for a speech. Tli(> (lenei-ars forte not being speecli-
Uiaking. lie was rather backward in resjionding. But the cry of "Spin-
ner, Spinner," rang out s*o forcibly and the occasion of the nie(>ting
being of a national character, the (Jeneral yielded to the situation,
and still standing in his place upon the floor, in well chosen words.
delivei'cd one of the most famous and iirophetic si)eeclies ever listeiic'd
to. It was in substance a forecast of the inevitable struggle which
would b( caused Ity the slavery (piestion between the iioi'th ;ind south.
'!'he prophetic sentences lie then uttered were fulfilled in ISiil.
THE WATCHDOG OF THE TREASURY.
This sobriquet given the general w:is not misplaced. As his vigil.int
ey(> W.MS ever on the alert for tli(> s.ifety of "TTncle S.am's iiocki'tbook."
Coupling this with his uniciue sign.nture, which constituted a striking
feature of every greenback and fr.-iction.il currency, brought him prom-
inently before the American people. Many visitors to \V;isliington
during the years he was treasurer wen> sure to make a visit to the
treasury building to see th(> man wlio wrote that wonderful signature.
HIS rv:tii;e.mi"xt imio.m titr.lio life.
vfter nearly a scoi'e of yeai's .as the "watchdog of tlie ti'easury," lie
retii-ed from active ])ul)ii(' liCe and chose to spend the rem.iining vars
alloted to him in a nioi'c congeni.il climate. He left his old home in
20 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Mohawk and joined th.-it of his daughter, Mrs. Schumacher, and lier
husband. James M. Shumacher, in Jacksonville, P^'lorida, where his
declining years were happily spent, surrounded by his children and
grandchildren, in the pursuit of scientific subjects of Avhich he was
always fond, as his old home in Mohawk attested. His large library
contained a fine selection of books; also one of the best private col-
lection of mineral and geological specimens, petrifications, etc., in the
State, together with a fine collection of fresh and salt water shells,
all of which were mostly of his own collecting.
His southern home being situated on the banks of the beautiful St.
John's river, afforded him enjoyment in boating and fishing, which
pastime added much to the comforts he enjoyed in that genial climate.
But at length a fatal disease fastened upon his stalwart form and, after
a protracted illness of nearly two years, prepared him for the "Reaper."
He passed on to the higher life December 31st, 1890. in his 90th year.
His funeral obsequies took place in his old Mohawk home, January
4th, 1891.
THE GENERAL'S LIFE ONCE IN PERIL.
A daring attempt was once perpetrated on the life of General Spin-
ner, during the first year he was cashier of tlie Mohawk Valley Bank.
A plot was lain by a gang of robbers to possess the keys of the bank,
knowing the General always closed tlie bank at night and carried the
keys on his person. The scheme was to be consummated on a cer-
tain night on his way home, and the place selected to commit the deed
(by assassination if need be) was but a short distance from his home,
at a by-path he usually took to shorten the distance, it being at that
time a rather secluded place, surrounded with trees and shrubbery,
with a line fence to be crossed by steps. On the appointed night the
General was confronted by a man at this fence crossing, and. strange
as it may seem, there was no attempt made by the man to possess the
keys or injure him, but he immediately fled. The man's courage failed
him, as the sequel aftem'ards proved, as a letter soon after this was
found by a friend of the General's, in Albany, giving a detailed account
of the plan, which was sent to him. After that he went prepared and
on the alert.
GENERAL SPINNER'S FATHER.
In penning briefly some of the principal events that occurred in the
life of General Spinner's father, we Avill speak of those preceding and
after his coming to this country from Germany in ISOl. The Rever-
end John P. Spinner was bom in Werbach, Germany. .January 18th.
ITCS. In early life he was dedicated to the Roman Catholic priest-
hood and received a preliminary education prep.-iratory to entering the
University of Mentz. In 1789 he was admitted to exercise the office
of a Roman Catholic priest, and for eleven years continued in the
priesthood 'of that church. During this time Ee took part in the
OEN. FRANCIS E. SPlKNER. 31
fuiiprals of Emporor .Toscpli liiid, Loopold iiiitl and other dlstiii^'uished
l»('rsoii;if,'<'s (if llijit country.
In 1S(X) he chaiijit'd his rt'liyious vii'ws and hi'cani*' a protcstant,
which creatod tpiitc a s<Misation at Meiitz. By his eU»«|ii«'nt aiipeal to
the p<'()i»lf in defonsi' of his new failh, and possii)iy in taking this
stfj), it may liavc ('nj;fn(l('r('(l sonic 111-fccJlnu toward liiin by many,
and lie resolved to cmij;rate to America. The restri<-tion of ceiiltacy
IxMUK removed he selected his life partner in the person of Miss Mary
Maythilene Fidelis Bruiiicnt. she hcini; also a convert to tiie prcttestant
taitli. which left nothinj; to interfere to tlieir liecominjj happily mated.
They were soon after united in marriaj^e, wliich to<»k jilace just prior
to their euiharkini; for America, May 12tli, 1S(H. After a tedious voy-
age of over two months (which was rather a proloujred bridal tripi,
tliey arrived in New York. and. having letters of introduction to John
.Tacob Astor, he being known by the up-country peoph'. and mainly
tlii'ough his influence the yoiiiig and talented preacher and his bride
wended their way u]» tlie valley of the Mohawk and cast their lot
with the people of his native country, in CJerman Flats.
It was not long before he was called to the pastorate of the old Fort
Herkimer church, he being the successor of Abraham Rosecranz
(brother-in-law of General Herkimer), who served the parisli for thirty-
one years, and whose death occurred in 1700.
His engagement as pastor of this old historic church bears date of
July 4th. ISOl, which is on r(»cor(l in the county clerk's otiice in Her-
kimer, stipulating that services shall be held alternately in the places
of worship, designated in German Flats and Herkimer, twice on each
Lord's day. The salary was fixed at two hundred pounds in good and
lawful money, together with thirty bushels of wheat, and he was
looked upon by his parishioners as hohling (piite a lucrative position.
Howsoever it was considered by the young preacher, he continued to
serve his jieojile uji to the year of his death, which occurred in 1S4.S.
In personal appearance the dominie was tall and very dignitied.
having a large head, a massive forehead and long, flowing locks, and
his countenance revealed tlie strength of character he possessed. His
giirb was always of the ministerial order, at home or abroa<l. His step
was measuri'd and deliberate and he never seemed in a hurry on any
occasion.
He was fond of horticulture and this afforded him out-door exercise.
Whenever his parochial duties permitted, he might be seen busily
engaged in cultivating his garden an<l extensive orchard of tine fruit.
The trees he transplanted from his own nursery and afterward grafted
upon, with the best scions of fruit obtainable.
He was much sought after on public occasions and outside the
pulpit was popular from the fact of his remarkable versatility, and a
certain dry humor and sparkling wit, which often found expression,
together with a fine, sonorous voice, made him widely popular. He
22 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
was an excellent linguist and was more or less familiar with eight dif-
ferent languages.
About the year 1S40. on the occasion of ex-President John Quincy
Adams' visit to Plerkinier, he was selected to meet him on tlie arrival
of the train and escort liini to the steps of the llailroad House, where
the people could greet him with a handshake. On his arrival lie was
met by the dominie and arm in arm they proceeded to the steps, in
tiie mean time they Avere conversing in German. The parting words
were also spoken in Cre|;n^an, the ex-president being known to the
dominie as a linguist, and the pleasing incident of their meeting on
this occasion, no doubt, was long remembered by tlie ex -president.
GENERAL SPINNER'S MOTHER.
In closing, we will speak briefly of the General's mother. She was
one of that type which characterizes every true and devoted wife and
mother. Having reared a large family of six sons and three daugh-
ters, most of her younger days were necessarily devoted to the domes-
tic duties of her household, and she was seldom seen from it, choosing
rather to be in the lioine witli the husband and children. Slie was a
most estimable, lady of both mind and heart, and many of the good
qualities that characterized the General were inherited from her, as
he was always her favorite boy. The others never caused the father
any anxiety on the score of too much "book lore," neither had they
any desire to follow his calling, that of the ministry.
LAST LETTERS AND AUTOGRAPH OF GENERAL SPINNER.
^Ir. Thomas Cunningham of Mohawk has many mementoes of Gen-
eral Spinner, being a life-long friend of his; they are highly prized.
Amoi^g the many souvenirs, we will make mention of two remarkable
letters, tlie last ones' he wrote or dictated. One was written bj' him
to a friend in Mohawk, several months previous to 'his demise, giving
instructions in regard to his funeral, which would sooner or later occur
there, as the wasting disease would soon "loose the silver chord." The
other Avas dictated hj him and written liy a grandson to his brother
Jacob in Mohawk, a few days before he passed away, with his last
au/tograph. It shoAvs the feeble' hand and the blinded sight in its
execution, and is hardly recognizable, compared to the ones he was
enaliled to execute so perfectly in the bye-gone years, a fac-simile of
Avhicli is inscrilVed on the granite monument in the burial plot in the vil-
lage cemetery at ^FohaAvk, with no other inscription following this fam-
ous signature, to perpetuate in memory tlie life of this remarkable and
self-made man. I5eing a co-adjutant of the immortal Lincoln during the
struggle of '()! to "C"), their work aa^TI long survive the crumbling mon-
uments erected to their memories. Requiescat in pace.
JOSEPH BRANT-THAYENDANKGEA.
AN ADDRESS RV EDGAR JACKSON KLOCK, OF EAST SCHUYLER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, April 8, 1899.
Thorc are two clnsses of pcoplo who, i;i<livi'lu:illy. :u'o very unrcliM-
lilc l)io,nTaph(M's--i)rrsoiiiil ciicuiirs and i.crsoiial friends. W.' would
s(arc('ly export to tind the true characttn- of Washiii.uton ti-anscribed
liy the avera,i;-e KiiL^lisliniaii ol 1777: no.- weie iliere many American
patriots of the same date who wonld have tiiven Kini;- (ieorg" a fair
ratinu:. On the otluu- hand a i>ersonal friend is apt to ne.ule(.-t to chron-
icle the mistakes and shortconuniis of their heroes, while they are more
than apt to overestimate their virtues. Tlie true liioifrapher, there-
fore, should be neutral; like the good cook, he must use the i)roper
amount of vinegar as well as sugar, nor forget the salt, the .-^pice. or
the pepper. In gathering his information he must blend accounts of
friend and foe, considering existing circumstances, the time, the age.
and the motives of individual actions and form his estimates with the
one all-imiiortant ide.a, that he is writing of a mortal and not of (lods.
If Satan, the Prince of Hell, had had but (me single friendly biographer
from his own i-anks to have left a counter-v(>rsion of his satanic char-
acter. I doubt if that l)lack lecord of unmitigated sin might not have
had some silver lines; his biographers, however, have been his foes
and he is. therefor(>, known to us accordingly.
Nearly parallel is the case of the American aborigines, untutored
children of the clias<'. the early Indians knew but little of the use
of the jien; traditions alone make up tlicir early history, and while
their stirring elo([uence, excelled in depth of thought and beauty of
expression by that of no other race on the face of the earth, has often
been heard around their own council tires and even in our legislative
chandlers, pleading their iiopeless cause and vainly reciting their
wrongs, it is to be regretted that their histories have lieen written in
most part by the Avhite man, their worst foes and bitterest enemies.
Those pale-fac(Hl brothers tii'st engiafted nixm rhis iMnre simple race
of the forest wilds, sins of which they were before entirely ignorant;
then began that pushing, crowding and diivinu of tlieni inland; do-
24 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
fraiiding- them when practicable and stealing their lands where fraud
Avould not suffice, until thej' were almost entirely driven from the
homes of their fathers and the hunting grounds that the Great Spirit
liad given them. It is but little wonder that in this desperate state,
they retaliated and it is less to be marveled at that from this race
that was often made to feel the sting of the tomahawk and scalping
knife, the Indian has had only bigoted biographers.
In this paper I shall give a brief sketch of the life of one of those
American Indians and at the same time try to present some evidence
to vindicate a character that I believe has to some extent been mis-
represented and misunderstood. The subject of this sketch is Joseph
J '.rant — Thayendanegea, the Washington of his people; a leader who
never deserted his race in peace or war, in victory or defeat.
The parentage of this celebrated chief of the Mohawks is more or
less shadowed in uncertainty, for, inasmuch as the Indians left no
written record of the paternity of their people, high or low, we have
to again resort to tradition. I think, however, it has been fully estab-
lished that Brant was born of pure Mohawk blood, in the year 1742,
on the banks of the Ohio, where his father, a full blooded Mohawk
of the Wolf tribe, was camping with his family during a hunting trip
which, as was customary, extended over a period of several years.
After the death of Tehowaghwengaraghkwin, his father, who was
by some supposed to be the Nickus Brant, "Old Nick" and "Old Bi'ant,"
so often referred to by Sir William Johnson in his letters and papers;
young Brant's mother returned with her two children, Joseph and
Mary, to their family home at the middle castle of the Mohawks, at
Canajoharie. Joseph was quite young at this time, Mary being the
elder by sevei-al years. Soon after the return of the family to their
native valley, the mother married Carrihogo, an Indian whose Eng-
lish name was Barnet or Barnard, contracted by some to Brant;
whether the children took their name from this step-father or from
their own lineal parent is a question of dispute which will probably
iicNcr !}i' Inlly settled. Certain it is, whether young Brant inherited
his chieftainship as a birthright; or, if his name came from his foster-
father and he won his position by personal actions, he was most wor-
thy of the distinction and never dishonored the name. At about the
time of the mother's second marriage, Mary Brant or Molly Brant, as
she was more familiarly known, went to live with Sir William John-
son, of Johnson Hall, Who had shortly before been left a widower in
tlie prime of life. Whether Sir William ever married "Miss Molly"
according to the church rites or whether she lived with him as his wife
;irtci' the usages of the Indian marriage is not known, but it is certain
that they lived together in perfect harmony until his death in 1774,
several chiidi-en were born to them and he always spoke of her with
affection Mill] pride, and took an unusual interest in her brother,
Joseph.
Young Brant, at a very early age, with his tiTbe of warriors under
Joseph buant-tiiayendaneoka. 25
tlu' bravo old llciidrick, fullowi'd Sir William in tiial iiMinni.ihlc Uat-
tlo of Lake (leorjxo. where William won his lillc and llnidricU lusl
his life; the youn;; brave also was willi Sii- William in the Niauiii'ii
(ampaJKii of IT.V.t. and when, after the death of l'i-ideau\, Sir William
took coiiiiuaiid, he greatly distin;iuislied himself for braveiy.
At al)out this time Sir William, who had interested hims<>ir to a
lar;;e extent in the improvement, mentally and socially, of the Mo-
liawks, at the request of Uev. Kirklaiid, selected I'.ranI, tojieliiei- with
several other Indian youths, and sent them to tli»! "Moor Charity
School, at Lebanon, Conn., wlmre the youth lay down the toin;ihawk
for the duties of the school room under the diri><-(ion of \n-. I^leazer
Wheelofk, afterwards presich-nt of Dartmouth College." Whether
Itrant entere<l or left the school in 17<n is a <iuestion of dispute. b\it
he probably left in that year, as only two of the Indians thus sent out
by the Baronet ever received honors at the College. After I'.ranfs
school days he wwit on many important missions for Sir XN'illiam, and
also with the liev. Chas. Jeffrey Smith, as interpreter anion;;- the
Mohawks; but still when the war came on between tlie back Indians
and the Euf^lish, which drove Snuth out of the country. I'.rant remain-
ed behind and soon took uj) arms, proliably aj^ainst the ^;reat Ottoway
chief, Pontiac.
ThayeudaneKca's first wife was the daughter of an Oneida chi»'f.
Of the exact date or circumstances of this marriage but little is known,
farther tlian th.at it must have lieen prior to 1705 and the last six
years if not all of this married life was sp«'nt at the ancestral home at
Cauajoliarie, where, probably he was enjoying tlie peace that had come
to the country during that period. During the winter of 1771 Dr. Stew-
art says lie visited Thayendanegea at the old family liome and found
Inm living there with liis two children. Isaac and Christiana, and his
first wife, who was dying with consumption; soon afti'r occurred her
death and Brant removed to Fort Hunter, wiiere he resided with tlie
Doctor, assisting liim in translating and revising the Indian prayer
book, a brief history of the liible and a part of the Acts of the Apos-
tles, togetlier with an explanation of the church catechism in the Mo-
hawk tongue. In the winter of '72-;j, Stewart refusing to perform the
ceremony on account of forbidden relationshii), Br.mt w.is wedded to
his first wife's half sister by a (Jerman nunistcr. By this marriage he
had no children.
After tlie death of Sir William, June 24th, 1774. liis son. Sir John.
succeeded him as major general of the Tryon County militia: his son-
in-law, Col. Guy Johnson, who had been Sir W'illiam's assistant as
deputy, became General Superintendent of the Indian I)ei)artment and
lie in turn was assisted by another of the Baronet's sons-in-law. Col.
Daniel Claus. Their inllueiice with the Indians and whites were less
than that of the father, but they were materially aided in their work
by the superior talent and knowledge possessed by Molly Brant and
26 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
'•ill \ir
also by Joseph Brant, wlio was at ouce advanced to the position of sec-
retary to Guy Johnson.
Ever loyal to his pledge of eternal friendship to the Johnsons, Brant
followed Guy westward as the times and circumstances forced them,
and eventually, at the beginning of the seven-year struggle, he went
with him to Canada, never for a single moment forgetting his sacred
pledge of friendship, and also ever mindful of tluit other pledge given
to the English. Had it not been for this Indian idea ever present with
him, that sacreduess of a given promise, I sometimes like to think
that he might have been as ardently ready to have fought for the strug-
gling colonies and their liberty, as he was loyal to the king, and in that
case, perhaps, the history of the Six Nations and the whole Indian
race in America might have been different. Be that as it may, he
remembered those pledges and threw his whole energy of mind and
muscle on the side of the old government. If his methods of warfare
seem to us cruel and unnatural, we must remember that he only fought
according to the teachings and necessities of his race; we must remem-
ber, also, that the Indian's implements of war were much inferior to
those of tlie wliites, their numbers were much less and for tliose rea-
cons they could not contend with tliem in tlie open field but must
resort to ambuscades and deceptions to accomplish any tiling. They
had no forts into which tliey might retreat, or jails to hold tlieir pris-
oners and so their warfare must be that of extermimition. Brant
believed in those metliods, but not in the common Indian practice of
torture and notwithstanding the fact that all the cruelties practiced
by liis savage warriors are often attributed to liim, directly or indi-
rectly, the real truth of the matter is tliat he often exerted himself
to stop such atrocities, sometimes in vain, but often with success.
Some historians, mainly English, claim that Sir Guy Carleton did not
favor the employment of the Indians against the colonists. To refute
those assertions, and also to express the Indian's motives for arraying
themselves on tlie side of tlie king, we here quote from a speech of
Krnnt, delivered in 1803 and preserved by Stone in his "Life of Brant."
It is as follows:
"We were living at the former residence of Guy Jolinson, when the
news arrived that war had commenced between the king's people and
ilic Americans. We took lint little notice of tliis first report; but in
a few daj''s we heard that live hundred Americans were coming up
to seize our Superintendent. Such news as this alarmed us. and we
immediately consulted together as to wiiat measures were necessary
to be taken. We at once reflected upon the covenant of our forefatli-
ei-s as allies to the King, and said. It will not do for us to break it,
let Avhat will become of us. Indeed, it is a long time since the Gover-
nor (Sir Guy Carleton) said to us: I exhort you to continue your
adherence to the King and riot to break the solemn agreement made
by your forefathers; for your own welfare is intimately connected
with your c-onlinniiig the allies of his majesty. 'He also said a great
J0SKIM[ lillANT-TIIAYICNDANKORA, 27
(l'';il iiKirc lo llic sjiiiii' purixisc; ainl cm lliis mir iiiiiids wi'ic IIm' more
liriiily lixcd, for we ;ickii()\vl('(l,L;('(| IIm I il wuiild ccrl.i iiil y lie the hcsl
ill Ilii" cml. lor oiir rmnilii's ;!ii(l ourselves to reiiiniii iinilec Ilie Kiiiy's
protection, \\ll;lle\('l' (lillicullies we mi,i;iil li;l\e to eollteli(i willi. * *
* * A (•oiiiicii \v;is next eoiiveiu'd :il Moidrenl, in July, ITTo, ;it wldeli
the S('\iii .\;iti(Uis (or ( 'auulmn \v;ij;:isi were ju'eseut ;is well as onr-
seht's, tli(> Six .X.itions. ( >u this (x-easion (Jen. 1 l.i Idiina nd told us wli.il
liad hefallen the Kiuy's suh.jivts, ami said now is tlie time lor you to
help tlie Kinjr. The war has oomnienced. Assist the Kiny now, and
you will find it to your advantaiic (Jo now and liyht for your jtosses-
sions. and wliat«'ver you lose of your property durin;;- the war, the
Kinj;- will make up to you when peace returns. This is the suhst.inre
of what (Jen. TIaldimand said. The Caii,ulin;i wa.na Indians then Joined
tiiemselves to us. We immediately commenced in good earnest and
did our utmost during the war."
About tlie tini(> of his ai'rival at Montreal with Johnson, Brant pro-
bably assumed the title of i)riiicipal war chief, held at home by Little
.\biaham. who succtH'ded llendrick nearly 20 years before and who had
remained in the Mohawk with those few of the Nations still favoral)le
to the colonies; and thus in full command and also having fornied a
compact with Carletoii; yet this Indian diplomat hesitated to take up
the hatchet until he had seen the "Great King," and his resources.
Accordingly near the close of ITTo he made his first visit to England.
wlier(> he was received with inaiked distinction by the first men of
state. In March or early April he returned, landing near New York,
fully determined to fulfill his part of the contract with Gen. Carieton.
Stealing his way through the country of the enemy, he returned to
Canada, and first appeared on the scenes as a leader at the battle of
the "Cedars," where he lead his dusky Avarriors to victory. Contrary
to some writers, afterwards he exerted himself noMy to prevent the
cruelties of the massacre that followed Ma.jor Shurburne's sui'render:
a single ex.ample of whicli was his heroic rescue of C.-ipt. McKinsti\v
from the stake by supplying an ox in his stead; as proof of this we cite
the fact that the Captain contractcMl a warm fiMendship for the great
chief during his captivity and. returning to his Manor at Hudson, afti'r-
wards, often welcomed I'.rant there as a dear friend.
On the 10th of January, 1777, it was announced by a si)eecli of the
Oneida chiefs that tlie council f.re at Onondaga, the capital of the Six
Nations, had been extinguished and would no longer burn. The mean-
ing of this announcement is not altogether clear, but lirant. returning
from Canada in the spring with a body of warriors, came to Oghkwaga,
at which place his following was greatly .augmented. From there he
went to Unadilla to attend that memorable conference with Gen. Her-
kimer in .Time or July, during which Herkimer presuming on his old
friendship with F.i'ant. they having bi-en neighbors before the war.
attempted to trap and kill the Indian chief and his attend.ints with
the aid of one, Joseph Waggoner, whose manuscripts substantiate the
28 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
truth of the attempt. Owing to the native cunning of Brant, the
scheme failed and only the attempt and not the deed remains to mar
the character of Gen. Herliimer. This was the last conference held
with tlie liostile Mohawks. Soon afterwards, probably in response to
an invitation from Guy Johnson to a general council of the Six Nations,
r.rant withdrew his forces from the Susquehanna and soon united with
the tory and refugee forces of Sir John Johnson and Col. John Butler,
at Oswego. From the date of tliis conference Brant was the aclinowl-
edged chief of the Six Nations and owing to his native hardihood and
sagacity, combined Avith the advantage of education and civilization,
he soon became the master spirit of the motley force in the valley of
the Moliawk.
During the summer Brant and his warriors were active with St.
T.eger, who had been dispatched by w^ay of the St. Lawrence, Lake
Ontario and Oswego to form a junction with Burgoyne on his expected
arrival at Albany. Herkimer County people are all familiar with tlie
facts of this campaign and the seige of Fort Schuyler (or as it ought
to have been known. Fort Stanwix). j\Iany of us can trace the names
of lineal ancestors on the battle monument at Oriskany; in our local
liistories the year 1777 is pregnant with reminiscences of that sturdy
old Dutch General who received his death wound upon that same bat-
llefleld and whose neglected grave this great patriotic nation and
Empire State have but recently remembered, after an elapse of nearly
a century and a quarter. Following close after this battle occurred
that semi-coniedy in which Han Yost Schuyler, the half-witted but
shrewd convict-traitor, succeeded w^here an armed force liad failed;
having previously sliot holes tlirough his garments, he carried conster-
nation into the Indian camp before Fort Stanwix by indicating the
number of Arnold's approaching troops, from wiiom he was supposed
by the Indians to liave barely escaped with his life, as like unto the
leaves on the forest trees and straiglitway the seige w^as raised, and
Tories and Indians fled in terror. Returning with their scattered
forces to Oswego, St. Leger and Brant proceeded to Lake Champlaln,
passing up as far as Ticonderoga to join Bui'goyne.
In the sprhig of 1778 we find Brant with his warriors back again
to his former liannts on tlie Susquelianna; many a field was devastated
iuid many a family wiped out or crippled by his savage horde, and
then on the 3d of July followed "Wyoming," one of the blackest pages
in the history of the world. That Brant's warriors took an active part
in this bloody tragedy there is no doubt, but from liis own statements
and those of the British, Brant was al)sent many miles away at the
Time of the massacre. Certain it is that many years afterwards, his
son. John Brant, when he had succeeded Iiis fatlier as cliief of the
Six Nations, crossed the ocean that he might lay proofs of his fatlier's
absence and vindicate his memory from this calumny before the Eng-
lish people and the world. Campbell, the poet, who wi'ote "Gertrude
of Wyoming," in which Thayendanegea was denounced as "The Mou-
JOSEPH BRANT-THAYENDANEQEA. 29
stcr Urniit, " tluis t'lilly coiin iiiccd of I'.riiiifs iilisciicc, milillv f\(piiii;itiMl
liiiii by ptlhlisliiliK !' root-uotc to tlic cirrct that Ilic iiainr r.ianl as
used, liiul MO personal si^iiilicat ion, only rrfcn-iii;: to tin- linliiii war-
riors in ;;*MH'ral. The iiocni. however, remained the same lor Inline
f^enerntions to read, wliile tliat foot-note lias ioiij; since heeii I'oi-ol ten,
and this ,i,Mves anotlier illustnition of tlie ^;('iiei-osily iVi of the liidian's
Willie lilo.uriiphers,
inirini;- the rest of tht' summer Ki-aiit and his followers conlined
thi'Uiselves to the plnndei-ini.' of small settlements: striUin;; the lirst
blow July ISth, at a little hamlet called Amlriis town, six iiiil"s soiilli-
east of the (Jei'inan I'Mats. The last of Anuiisl or lirst of Scidemlicr
lie devastated (Jerman Flats, hut warned by John llelmer, the only
survivor of four scouts wlio had been sent towards I'nadilla to le;irn
the movements of Itrant, most of the inhabitants escaped the ni,i,'ht
before to Fort Ilerkinn'r and Fort Dayton and only two Ihcs were
lost. Later in the season occurred that bloody day at Cheny N'alley,
where the pi,ii;-headedness of Col. Allen, conunandini;- at the fort, in
refusintr to believe a warniuf;; of the approach of the enemy, cost thai
beautiful town so much life and property. In this mass.icre ajraln
Brant has been cited as the leader, while in reality he was but a subor-
dinate under Walter X. Butler, a white-skinned, black-hearted savaj.'e.
This ended the cauipaiiiii for this year, but early in May. 177!). Brant
was out again on the war-path and on the L'oth plundered and laid
waste Miuisink, in Orange county, from whence Count I'ulaski had
just withdrawn his forces to join Lincoln's army. Being piu'sued by
the Goshen militia and others to the fording pl.-ice near the mouth of
the Lackawaxen. by strategem and a counter-march, the Indians soon
surrounded their pusurers and almost wiped them out. Thence by a
rapid march Brant returned to the south bank of the Moh.-nvk and
resumed operations there, fulling on small towns for plunder and pris-
oners.
It was during the summer of this year that occurred Sullivan's suc-
cessful campaign against the Indians and Tories and the Inittle of
Chemung, where Brant was the animating spirit of the Indians. I'ol-
lowing up his victory, Sullivan marched to Catherine's town, wliich
he pillaged: destroying everything on his route, houses, crops, orchards,
etc., he advanced through Kanadseagea. Schoyere. the beautiful and
prosperous Kanandaigua. Ilineoye, far into the fruitful valley of the
(Jenesee; every tree, field and village Avas laid waste. The army
returned by the same route it had advanced and on September 3()th
r(>ach(>d Tioga, destroying their works rud(>ly constructed when they
concentrated their forces th(>re at the op(>nlug of the campaign; re-
tm-ned to Easton, October l.lth, and end"(l one of the most destructive
campaigns in the Indian territory during the war. The Indians were
driven from their cultivated lauds to Niagara, "their habitations left
in ruins, their fields laid waste, their orchards uprooted and their altars
and the tombs of their fathers overthrown." During this winter, how-
30 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
ever, Brant siiecetcled in driving the unlrieiully Oneidas from tlieir
homes doAvn to the wliites. wlio permitted tlium to settle near Sclie-
ueetady. where they supported them until the close of the war.
At about this time Brant was married to his third wife, Catharine,
by whom he had seven children, Joseph, Jacob, John. Margaret, Mary
and Elizabeth, and by whom lie was survived just thirty years to a
day. she dying at Brantford on the Grand River, November 24, 1S37,
at the age of 78.
Early in April 1780 Brant took to the war-path: with a small band
of Indians and Tories and on the 5th or Oth surprised and destroyed
llarperfield, from whence it was his design to proceed lo the upper
fort of Schoharie; but on the following day. falling in and taking a
liarty of sugar makers under Capt. Harper, who were at work in the
■•Bush," the wily chief was for once deceived by Harper, in believing
that 300 Continentals had arrived only the day before to garrison
the fort, and so lie turned back with his prisoners to Niagara.
By the 2d of August Brant was again in the valley of the Mohawk.
Circulating rumors of his intended invasion and capture of the stores
destined for Fort Stanwix and even of the fort itself, he saw tlie
militia called from the lower part of the valley for the defense and
then swinging around to the rear he fell upon the defenseless valley
at Canajoharie and its neigliboring settlements. Being sole leader of
this expedition, and no Tories with him. it certainly should add
another item of importance to the final summing up of his character
to know that while the country was left as desolate as was that of the
(xcnesee by Sullivan, yet there was no instance of wanton cruelty and
not a single act of outrage offered to defenseless women and children,
excepting the carrying of them into captiAaty, wliich to him was one
of the necessities of Indian warfare. Later on. still smarting under
the memory of devastated Genesee, the Indians under Brant and the
famous Seneca half-breed. Corn-Planter, joined with the forces of Sir
John .Johnson and invaded Schoharie. Successfully passing the upper
fort unperceived. Imt failing to take the middle fort at Middleburg.
which they attacked on the IGtli of October, they proceeded toward
Fort Hunter. Attacking the lower fort at Old Schoharie with like
results, withdrawing they laid waste everything on the way, except-
ing the buildings and property known to belong to loyalists. Dividing
their forces they proceeded up the MohaAvk as far as Klock's Field,
where the memorable battle Avas fought resulting in tlieir complete
defeat. And here had it not been for the Indians and Brant, their
leader, who, though wounded in the head, still directed their course
and captured Vrooman's troops that had been sent out from Fort
Scliuyler to cut off .Johnson's retreat. Johnson, probalily. wouUl never
have reached Oswego in safety.
And so this undaunted red man fought to the end of the war. appear-
ing and disappearing like a will-o-the-wisp in true Indian style, using
those methods inborn and bred with his racer^conflning his field of
JOSEPH BRANT-THAYKNDANEORA. 31
oiK'nitioiis uiostly to (he valley of llic .Moli.iwk aiul tlial iiiiiiinliah-
tfiTilory. with wliich lie was as faiiiiliar as tlic scholar is with his
A. !'.. <'."s: and w in-n the slni^'ulo was over and th<' <;irat Kini:, uilli
whom he had cast his lot, was whi|iitt'd. with his iit'o|>lf he ci-ossed
into thai Kinu's tciTitory. di'votiiii,' the nst of his lite to the interests
of ills own iieiov.'d race. Xo sacrilice was ev( r too nindi or labor too
ureal IT niil.\- he could ad\ance their inleresls. ite|iealeilly visilini:
(jnei)ec. lie secui'cd for his jieople ironi Sir l"reilericj< llaldiniand in
tlic name of liie crown all that tract i>\' land, '•upon the hanks of th •
river ()tiise. conimonl\ called (Jrand Kivei-, rnmiiim- into Lake lOrie.
of six miles hreadth from each side of the river, heuinnin;: at I-ake
lOiie. and e.\tendinu in that proi)ortion to the head of said river; which
till' .Mohawks and others of the Si\ .Nations who had either lost their
I'.osscssioiis in the war, or wished to retire from them to the I'.ritisli,
with their jKisterity, were to enjoy forever." I'.rant. however, did not
reliiKpiish his ])osition as cliief of that part of the Six Nations reinain-
in-- ill the I'liited States, and postpoiiiii.u- a visit to EiiKhiiul in behalf
of war claims of his people in Caiiaila. he was activo in the councils
that broufi'bt alMHit tlie Indi.in treaty at Fort Staiiwi.x, l.ate in 1TS4,
relative to the lioundary lines of the Indian territory. In ITSo that
.iouriu'y across the Atlaiitic Ayas niidertakcn. He arrived at Salisbury
early in December and was received ;iiid very eordially reco^iiiized
by many of his old companions in arms, distinguished persons and
evi'ii roy.ilty. :Meetinii- him at a royal reception, the Baroness Reidesel
afterwards thus speaks of him in her memoirs: '"I saw at that time
the famous Indian chief. Captain Brant. His manners are polished;
he expressed himself with fluency, aud was much esteemed by Gen.
llaldimand. 1 dined once with him at the (leiieral's. In his dress he
showed off to advantage the half military and half savage t-ostunie.
His countenance was manly and intelligent, and his disposition very
mild." Among the anecdotes related of him during this visit to Eng-
land was one that occurred at a grand masquerade. Brant as the guest
of lOaii .Morra was present, "dressed in the costume of his nation, wear-
ing no mask, but painting oiie-h;ilf of his face. His plumes nodded
as proudly in his cap as though the blood of a hundred I'ercies c<mrsed
through his veins and his tomahawk glittered in his girdle liki'
burnished silver. There was, likewise, in the gay and gallant throng
a stately Turkish diiilomat of rank, accompanied by two luniris, whose
attention was i»articularly attracted by the grotesque appearance of
the chieftain's singular and, as he supposed fantastic .attire, which,
being n.itural. appeared to be the best made up. He scrutinized the
chief very closely, and mistaking his complexion for a painted visor,
the Turk took the liberty of attempting to handle his nose. Br:int
h.id. of course, watched the workings of his observation, and felt in
the humor of a little sport. No sooner, therefore, had Hassan touched
his facial point of honor, under the mistaken ide.-i that it was of no
better material than the parchment nose of the Strasburgh trumiieter.
32 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
than the Chieftain made the hall resound with the appalling war-
M-hoop. and at the same instant the tomahawk leaped from his girdle,
and flashed around the astonished Musselman's head as though his
good master, the Sultan, in a minute more would be relieved from any
future trouble in the matter of taking it off. Such a piercing and
frightful cry had never before rung through that salon of fashion:
and breaking suddenly, and with startling wildness. upon the ears of
the men-y throng, its effect was prodigious. The Turk himself trem-
bled with terror, while the female masquers — the gentle shepherdesses,
and fortune telling crones. Turks. Jews, and gypsies. Siiltans. nurses and
Columbines, shrieked, screamed and scudded away as though the
Mohawks had broken into the festive hall in a body. The matter, how-
ever, was soon explained; and the incident was accounted as happy
in the end as it was adroitly enacted by the good-natured Mohawk."
Early in the summer of '86 Brant returned to this country and in
December attended the council in the country of the Great Lakes.
Wherever a council was called to advance the good of the Indians,
during that unsettled period after the Avar, there you found Brant.
At Huron Village in December, 17S(J. and at the councils of the west
he was active. ]\Iuch of his correspondence with the officials of this
government relative to these councils has been saved and is published
in "Stone's lafe of Brant." He devoted much time also during this
period to translating the Bible or parts of it into his own tongue and
establishing missionaries among his people. On the 4th of November,
IT'.Jl. however. Brant was one of the leading spirits in the defeat of
St. Clair in the Northwest, notwithstanding the fact that all his pre-
A'ious efforts in the difficulty had been on the side of peace. Why
he took an active part in this battle is not known, but probably he
saw a possibility of perfecting his long-cherished scheme of uniting all
the Indian tribes of this country in one great confederacy with him-
self at the head. Be that as it may, on the 2.3d of May. urged by
Secretary of State Knox, he accepted an invitation to visit Philadelphia
and to attend a conference on Indian affairs. In June, while making
the journey through the valley of the Mohawk, several attempts to
take his life were made by Germans, whose relatives had fallen at
Oriskany 15 years before. On June 20th. he arrived safely at the
national capital, and with the exception of the Germans above men-
tioned, was treated with distinction at every point.
During the conference at Philadelphia he emphatically refused sev-
eral tempting offers from the United States Government to buy his
influence in their difficulty of adjusting the boundary line with the
Indians, but readily consented to carry any offer of peace made to
those Indian tribes. Acting upon this situation the whole affair was
fully explained to him and invested with power from this government
and from the tribes of the Six Nations, he met that great number of
Indian deputations from all parts of the country at the Rapids of the
Miami and spoke much in the frequent counciTs that followed; but
JOSEPH BRANT-TUAYENDANK«iEA. 33
inrtnciifcd. citlicr by tlic Hritisli (Jovi'inii'.ciit or (liss.itisficd with tin-
riiial result, r.iant and the Six Nations lailrd to si^ii tin- ultiniatuni
that the other tribes liiially sent to the cttninilssioners. During tlie
eanipai^rn of Wayne. I'.rant was auain a<tive in in-iiair oi" tiie Indians,
either in the tieid or as a dusky diplomat. Imt the end of this ih-struet-
ive war ended his military «areer.
Layinir ^l<>^vn the tomaha%\i\. Tiiayeudaiiivura (Ie\oted the rest of his
life to advanrini; his in'ople. morally and inlelleciualiy. It is a stranjre
faet that the first Christian churrh e\ t-r built in up|>er ('ana<la was
erected by him, a chief of a once paiian race, and the lirst bell that
ever ran?; to call the people to worship the true (Jod in that country,
was carried there l)y him. At the council fires and bi'fore the white
man he always exerted himself to adjust the dithculties reu'ardin;.' then-
lands in New York, and on the Ohio, in Connecticut as well as on their
jrrant in Canada and only once in all his efforts for his people was his
zeal ever (juestioued by tlnni. \Vorked upon by parties je.ilous of his
success iu securing tlie grant; and through the instrumentality of
his arcli-enemy. Red Jacket, and a few kindred spirits who were anx-
ious to occujty his position, in 1S()3 he was illegally and contrary to
their national laws, deposed. Oidy for a brief time, however, were the
eyes of Ids people blinded: when lie stood before them in ,ill his dis-
interested glory, tlie scheme was more than evident to them and he
was again placed at their head. After this time and while he was at
work adjusting his people's land claims, he was alike busy upon their
religious and educational advancement; through his instrumentality
scliools were established for his people and missionaries brouglit among
thv'in and lie lived to see his work beginning to bear good fruit.
Regarding the closing days of his eventful life, we quote the follow-
ing from Stone: "A few years before his deatli. Captain lirant built
a commodious dwelling-house, two stories high, on a tract of land pre-
sented him by tlie King at the head of Lake Ontario — directly north
of the beach which divided the lake from the sheet of water known
as Burlington I!ay. The situation is noble and c-ommanding. affording
a glorious prospect of that beautiful lake, with a fruitful soil and a
picturesque country around it. At this place on the I24th of November,
1S()7, he closed a life of greater and more uninterrupted activity for
the sp.'ice of half a century. th;in has fallen to the lot of almost any
other man ^\•hose name has been inscribed liy the muse of history.
He was a steadfast believer in the distinguishing doctrines of Chris-
tianity and a member of the Episcopal church at the time of his
decease. He bore his illness, which was painful, with patience and
resignation. He died in the full possession of his faculties, and. accord-
ing to the belief of his attendants, in the full faith of tin- Christian
religion. His age was M years and eight months. His remains were
removed to the Mohawk vill.-ige. on the (Jrand River, .and intencd
by the side of the church which he had built. The interests of his
people, as they had been the paramount object of his exertions through
34 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
life, were uppermost in his tlionglits to the end. His last words that
have been preserved upon this subject, were contained in a charge
to his adopted nepliew: 'Have pity on the poor Indians; if you can
get any influence with the great, endeavor to do them all the good you
can.'" In summing up his character the same author said of him:
"He was ambitious — and so was Caesar. He sought to combine many
nations under his own dominion — and so did Napoleon. He ruled over
barbarians — and so did Peter the Great." And to this let me add.
He was ever first in the hearts of his countryman — and so was Wash-
ington.
At his death, according to the unwritten laws of the Mohawks, which
is that the superior chieftainship descends to a son of the direct line
on the mother's side, by her appointed; Catherine, the wife of Brant,
named as his successor. John, her fourth and youngest son. .John and
his youngest sister, Elizabeth, remained at the Brant Mansion, while
the mother, always partial to the manner of living and customs of the
Indians, soon returned to the village on Grand River, where she after-
wards lived mostly with her other children: and yet at John's death,
in 1829, this venerable Indian princess did not name his successor from
among her grandchildren in the Indian settlement, but selected for that
place the infant son of Elizabetli. avIio had married William Johnson
Karr, a grandson of Sir William Johnson and "Molly Brant," and who
still occupied her father's old home.
Perhaps it would not add interest to this paper, which is already una-
voidably too long, to nanu' any of the intermediate chiefs, but to show
how this remarkable family is still interwoven with the destiny of the
Six Nations. I will say that the present Superior Chief, or as the title
is now called, the President of the Council of the Six Nations, is Oron-
hj^ateklia, M. D.. S. C. R.. a graduate of Oxford; a personal friend of
the Prince of Wales. He is a prominent politician and a well-known
doctor of Toronto: is the head of the Independent Order of Foresters
of tills country, witli the title of Supreme Chief Ranger; a thirty -third
degree ^Mason, and is the liusband of a granddaughter of Joseph Brant.
For the facts embodied in this sketch I am principally indebted to
the works of StoiiP. Campbell. Benton and Heckwelder: from which
I have freely copied; and also to letters in my own personal corres-
pondence witli Dr. Oi'onthyatekha and otliers of the I'ace in Canada.
THK TOWN OF LITCIIKIKLD.— INCIDENTS AND
ANECDOTES OF THE EARLY SETTLERvS.
AN ADDRESS BY MRS. E. G. VAN HOUSEN, OK HERKIMER,
FORMERLY OK LITCHFIELD,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, May 13, 1899.
Tlie towns of LitclilU'ld and Frankfort mhtc taken from German
Flats and incorporated by an act of the h'.irislntni-e. l-'eliruaiy ">tli,
171KJ. A part of the town was t;il<cii u\Y ;iii(l iiicoipnratcd in (he tuwn
of \\inlield, in 1810. Litchtieid was named by Addison Combs' mand-
father. wiio came from Tatclilield. ronnecticut.
The surface is hilly; the hij^hest land in the county, south of tlftJ
Mohawk river, being Wheelock's hill, which is 5(X) feet above the
river.
The soil is well adapted for dairyin.t;, which is the main industry
at the present time. A watershed commences on West l>ry liill and
extends easterly, through North Litchtieid to East Dry hill, thence
soutlierly to the south bounds of the town. The streams south of Iliis
divide discharge their waters through the Susiiuehaun;i ; while those
having their sources north from it, flow through the Mohawk and
Hudson.
Tl'c I TV hills are elc\atc<l jt-latteaus of scNcral hiiiidred aci'es eaeh,
in the western and southern i).irts of the town. They were once the
M(»liawk Indians" hunting ground and contained several ponds where
lite Indians tishcd and shot ducks. A canoe was rec«Mitly found at
Smith's jiond. All the ponds h;ive disapiie;ired except Smith's pond.
There are no springs, as there is no land in the vicinity higher than
they.
There are numerous caves. Some contain water. One near Goodier's
Corners is so large a man lived in it for several yeai's and the remains
of a tireiilace can still be seen.
Tlie first settler of the town of r>itchfiel(l iV; believed by some to have
been Elijah Sriow, and by others to have been David Scott. Mr. Snow
was a native of Westbnry. .\b-iss., and c.nme in ITSi; and settled on
Wlieelock's hill, then known as Snow's hill or Snow's Bush (the word
bush meaning woods). It remained that name until after the I'resby-
36 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
teriaii church was organized and there had been a religious revival
there, then Ebeuezer Goodale named it Jerusalem Hill, by which name
It is still known.
As near as I can learn, in 1787. William Brewer and Ezekiel Goodale
came from Massachusetts, John Andrews, Christopher Rider, John and
Eleazer Crosby fi'om Connecticut. Ebenezer Drewrey and John Everett
from New Hampshire, settled in the town. In 1788 came Samuel Miller
from Connecticut and James Gage from New Hampshire. In 1791
came Nathaniel Ball from Temple, New Hampshire, and Marshall and
Selah Holcomb from Simsbury, Connecticut.
Mr. Hall brought four sons, the oldest but 12 years of age, and an
invalid wife, using his own conveyance. As it was a long, cold jour-
ney, how could he keep his wife warm? He purchased a beautiful dog
with her two babies, and placed them at his wife's feet, kept her com-
fortable all the way.
Their house was built of logs, the roof of bark, curled a little and
extended from ridgepole to eaves, laid the inner side up. The next
course was placed the bark side up, each strip meeting in the center
of the under course, making a waterproof roof.
Mr. Ball brought the first apple seeds and distributed them among
his friends. Selah Holcomb moved his family and all his goods on
an ox sled. He settled near the present Talbot farm. As he cut the
trees for his log house, they fell in the form of a triangle and he built
his house in that shape. He used to catch fish for his breakfast, carried
his grist to mill on his back and rocked two of his children in a hollow
log. He was an industrious and economical farmer and accumulated
considerable property. He made wooden laud sides for the "old bull
plow," and sold his wheat to the new settlers for $3 per bushel. He
frequently lield town offices.
The Townsend family came in 171)2. when there was but one frame
house in Utica. As soon as they could clear a spot large enough and
build a log cabin, they Avere all vaccinated for the small-pox. They
were put on a diet of mush and molasses and came out of it very easy
and said '"It Avas not as hard as the •'itch." The trees were so close to
the cabin, they used to stand out of doors when they were felling them
for fear they would fall on the cabin and kill them.
In 1793, Kev. William Underwood and two brothers. .Jului ind Na-
than, came AAith their families from Connecticut. One ox sled was
used for the people and one for their goods. They had great difliculty
in crossing the Mohawk river. Grandmother Norton was one of those
children, only four years of age. At this time William was a Baptist
minister, but afterward became a Universal Restorationist. John was
the father of Judge John C. Underwoo<^l. who married a niece of Stone-
wall Jackson. He died in Virginia.
In March, 1794, Rev. Aaron Goodier. wife and infant son. his brcither,
Henry, and wife came from Newton, Christian eounty, England. They
came up the Mohawk on a raft, poling it along and using ropes to pull
TUE TOWN OF LITCHKIEI.D. 37
il wlicrc ii('c('ss;ir.v. 'riicic were bill fiiiir ImildinKs in nic;i. It wan
cnllcd "l-'ort Scliii.\ Iit."" A( New 1 l.irt ford, tlir> l)(»uj;ht r)(M) .•icrcs of
land ill liilclilicld. coiiiiii;; lii'ic on lout, followiiiu :i Mik' of inarkc*!
Irccs. They luiilt .-i loi; lioiisc. Jii ISOS. A;iroii was licensed as a local
Methodist preacher, I'.ishoiis Ileddiiij;- and Asliiifv each siK'iiii;-' a
license. He preached all ab.int this locality for many years. At the
(•(Mitennial celeliration of his seltlcnient in town, in IMK. it was found
his actual (h'sceiidants nuinhered l*r»t: To had married in the family,
makinsi- .'52!), of whom l!tT were then livin.i;.
In I7'J4. Kev. Archiliald Parker of Kliode Isilaiul, came with his :i;,'ed
parents, wife and three children. As there w<M-e no palace cars, they
came witli an o.\ team, settled in the forest with Ix^irs and ])anthpr5?
for their nei.nhltors. When a spot of land Jiad been cleared, Mr. Parker
walked 12 miles to tlie Molnnvk river rials and purchased one-lmlf
bushel of oats for seed, carr.YinK it home on his liack, and received
.ur.'itis, a sort of a le.i;acy. in tlie form of (piack seed that has yielded a
dividend yearly, much to tlie annoyance of the generations wiio fol-
lowed. Ten children grew to man and womanliood. One night, late
in tlio season, one of tli(> older sons was sent after tlie cows Avliich
were pastured in tlie forest: darkness came before lie could find them
and he lost his way home. To be out of the reach of wild animals he
spent the ni.ght in il sm.all tree, swaying the top to keep warm. Arch-
iliald, Jr., the seventh son, was born and spent his entire life on tliis
farm, dying in 1S85. He was well known throughout the county as a
man of strong character and personal worth. IT(» held many respon-
sible places of trust in the town; was supervisor in the sixties. The
Parker homestead passed into tlie possession of T. P. Parker, who still
owns it. It is now occujiied ))y Archibald E. Parker, only son of T. P.
Parker, and representin.ii the lifth generation of Parkei's who !i id lived
on his same farm.
Samuel Alattlunvs came from North Prooklit'ld, Massachusetts, in
1795.
Judge Bougliton Everett, son of the original settl(>r of that name,
was born in latchtield in 3798. He Vias well known and highly
respected throughout Herkimer county. He was a man of dignified
and courteous manners, always ready to helj) his fellow-men by advice
or in a pv'ciiniaiy way and held the esteem and confidence of his
neighbors to a marked degree, .ludge Everett ran for member of
assembly, but was defeated by Col. Standish Karry of Newport. He
was su]iervisor of the town in IS.li. He died in 1S71, rii>e in years and
good works, and was buried in the c-emefery at Jerusalem Hill, where
now I'est representatives of five generations of the Everett family.
The Warren family, while not among the very earliest settlers, came
to IJtchfield from Conn(>cticut about 17'.t(». Elisha. the father of the
family, was born in Massachuselts, where the name of W.nrren is
held in honor. P.oston in i)articular, has perpetuated it in numberless
ways in memory of (Jen(>ral Josejih WarrcMi of P,unk(>r Hill fame.
38 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Elislia Warren was a very near relative of the Revolutionary hero, a
fact which his descendants remembered with pardonable pride. Four
generations of this name lived in Litchfield, intermarrying with many
of the prominent families of the town, among which were the Snow,
Ryder, Wheolock, Underwood and Fish families.
Julius C. Warren, grandson of Elisha, was a man respected in liis
d:iy and generation. Ho occupied various positions of trust in his
native town (he was born in 1804) having been at different times super-
visor, justice of the peace and captain of militia. He was successful
in business and owned and occupied the same farm fifty-two j^ears.
After his retirement from active affairs he removed to Ilion, where
he died in 1878.
Henry L. Easton, who was born in ^^'ilmington, Vt., in 1794, became
a resident of the town in 1817, settling at Cedarville, where for fifty
years he was a prominent and lea'ding citizen. He was a practical
surveyor and for a nund)er of years a teacher. For a series of terms
he filled the office of justice of tlie peace and in 1837 was a member of
tlie legislature. He died in 18(!7. His brother. Dr. Charles L. Easton,
who was a graduate of the Fairfield medical college, practiced his
profession at Cedarville for many years, prior to 1850.
Other early settlers were Aimer Rising and family, from Massachu-
setts; Nathaniel Fish, Silas Hamilton, John Locke, William Hadley,
Ira Wilkinson, Timothy Ii^'nller, Harry Crane, John Ross, William Bray-
ton, Daniel Ellsworth. John S. Avery, David Beals, John I'addock,
James Schooley, Samuel Brewer, Ethel Judd, John Ingersoll, Ezekiel
Smith, and two Richard Smith's, Russell and Ezekiel Norton, also the
Gilletts, Kinnes, Mattisons, Riders, Gaylords, Burpees, Harveys, Wash-
burns, Condons, Brown and Bennetts.
When John Ingersoll came from Connecticut, two other families
accompanied him with their oxen and sleds.. Mrs. Ingersoll, being an
iiivalid with a l)abe in her arms, rode in a rocking chair.
In 1800, Eliphalet Remington, Sr., AA'ife and three sons, came from
Connecticut and settled at Cranes Corners, later living near Ilion. At
that time Eliphalet, Jr., was seven years of age. He was founder of
the Ilion armory.
Wheelock's pond, the source of Moyer creek, was named after Alvin
Wheelock, who came from Massachusetts and settled near it in 1791.
The first white daisies were brouglit by Benjamin Wood from Con-
nect icnt. in soiii(> liay in his sleigh, and they have replenished the town.
Till' first setllers received (heir mail once in three months. It was
brought from Connecticut by a man on horseback, who acted as a
guide and escort to anyone Avishing to make the journey. Indeed,
iiKillicis with a cliild in tlicir anus often made the journey in tliat
manner.
The lirst stoi'<' was kcjit by D.-ivid Davis. Joseph Sheppard kept the
tirst inn. John Littlejohn built the first grist mill, and one Talbot the
first saw mill, in IXdC, or 1S07. Jeremiah lOverett taught the first school.
THE TOWN OF LITCHFIELD. 89
In tlu' cjiily twenties lliere was an aea»lem,\ ImiMin;; (iii .lerusaleiii Hill,
three stoi'ies liiyli. where a school was iiiaiiitaiiied some yeai's. Init it
was soon a li.i iiilMiied and lib' Uuildin^ sold to Lyman (Jayloid. who
demolished it and in IS|L' erected the hricU honse. which is still stand-
Tiie Litehlield I'maiace ('ompany was cstahlished by a Joint stock
((imi)any, aliout ISlC. Their pi-odtict was |iotash-ketlles, hollow-ware
and sncli artieU's as the ]»eoide riMiiiired. The ore this company smelted
was lironyht from ("linton. As mineral coal was not in use here, the
tnrnace t'nrnished a market for \ast (inantities of charcoal, which the
settlers burned Just to .uct the timber out of tiieir way. 'I'here was at
one time a store on .lenisaleni Hill, kept by Laui'cn Clai-k. Cynis
Norton had a gallery in pai't of the stoi-e. whi'i'e he look ambrolyiies
of peoi)le.
The first settler of ('edar\ille was Ileiu'y 1 >even(h»rf. in ISlC!. He
kept the first tavern in ISIl. The tirst store tliei-e was opened by .bdin
and Thurston Mabbit. in IS'j;!. .Tohn Mabbit was made the ti:-st post-
master lliere, the same yi-ar. \N'illiam Hosford started a tannery in
Cedarville in 1824. It consisted of six vats. Boards placed on poles
laid across crothces, th<' only roof.
Cranes Corners was named after Harry Crane, who kept n tavern
there about 1S2S. .Tohn Ecker kept a store, and Colonel Koswell Chani-
l)ion carried on a tanner.v there. Other industries have l>een eis:lit or
ten saw mills, several cider mills, two tiour mills, clothin.i;- mill, shinjile
mill, four hotels, six stores, a stay-e route, several lime kilns and other
iiulustries. In IT'Jl there was but one road throuuii the town. Marked
trees guided elsewhere.
The first road laid out ami recorded after the incoipoi-ation of the
town was surveyed by Israel Porter, recorded May 1<», ITiXi. It is
described as "a road from Aai'on Rudlonii's to .T. Shepperd's." The
old Utica and INIinden tui'iipike crossed the town: it was incori)orated
al)out ]S24. It w;is nevei- completed and its charter lapsed. Tlie Ctica
and Uurlin.uton i)lank road crossed tlu- t(»wn. endini;- at I'.ui-lin.titon
Flats. The Ilion and Cedarville plaidc road was built in 1,S4S: it was
a toll road until ISdS. The tirst birth w.ns that of Laki> Andivws. in
1790, son of John Andi'ews, named .after .b)hn C. I^ake, of Xew York.
The first bridegroom was .Iosei>h Hay. whose marriage occurred in
1798.
According to some records, the tirst death was a yong man. in IT'.M.
and his funer.al w.as held in the ojten air. under an elm tree, near the
Jerusalem Hill cemetery. Other accounts are that Betsey Burns wa.«?
the tirst death, aged lo years, in 179;{. Tier funeral was held in the
open air n«'ar Jerusalem Hill. The collin Avas made of rough boards
painted black, and rested on a stump during the service. The first
religious services were lu'ld in 1794. The lirst Baptist chni-ch ot" Litch-
field was organized M.arch l.~), 17'.»."'>. at the honse of .Xathaniel B.all.
Meetings were held in different houses untd the school house at North
40 HERKIMER COtJNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Litchfield was finislied in 1815. Their first church edifice was erected
about 1834, costing $700. Elder Harris was their first pastor. No ser-
vice has been held there in years and the building is rapidly decaying.
A Congregational cliurch was organized in Norwicli Corners in 1799
Avith 82 members. Their first church was erected in 1802, costing
."fS.OOO. In 1810 it was struck by lightning and burned. In 1811 another
Iniilding was erected, which is still in use and in good condition. The
lirst pastor was Kev. John Eastman, of Massachusetts, who i-emained
ton years. In 1870 the society united with the Jerusalem Hill church.
On August 13, 1790, a Congregational churcli Avas organized, but its
history cannot be found. In a school house near John Underwood's,
on the 24th of December, 1804, the Litchfield First Congregational
Society was formed. April 11th, 1813, the church united with the
Presbytery of Oneida, and tooli the name, of the liitchfleld Presbyterian
Society, wliich it still retains. At this timt; Rev. Thomas Mills was the
pastor and remained till 1820. This church is situated on Jerusalem
Hill. The first church was built in 1804; it was a huge building, framed
of hard wood and took two days to raise the frame. Matthew and
Calvin Keith were the builders. It cost $2,050. About 1834, William
Brewer gave the churcli a bell and left the use of a legacy to help sup-
port preaching in this church, wliich they still receive. Cyrus Norton
made an image of Gabriel blowing his horn, which was on top of the
belfry many years. Some hunters passing, shot it, and it fell to the
ground. June 7, 1874, the belfry containing the bell fell to the ground;
the bell was not injured. Later the old church was sold and demol-
ished. In 1890 the church standing on the other side of the street was
moved on the site of the old one, a belfrey added and the bell rehung.
The Methodist Episcopal clmrch at Cranes Corners was formed very
earlj in this century, as a ■v^'ooden building 40x90 feet, owned in part
by this society, was standing there in 1804. It remained unfinished a
few years, and Avas warmed (?) by coals placed in a large kettle. In
1814, P.ishop :McIvendree spent a Sabbath here when Abner Chase was
pastor. Thomas Kinne gave this church a bell. A new church was
Iniilt in 1802 or 18G3, costing $3,000.
The Methodist Episcopal society was formed at Cedar Lake previous
to 1813. In that year Aaron Goodier, a pioneer and an esteemed
preacher, was oi'dained a deacon. A church was built in 1838 and ded-
icated l)y Aaron Goodier and Zachariah Paddock. This was burned
in 1858 and another built in 18(52 or 1803, costing $4,000.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Cedarville was organized early
in the century. The first church edifice was erected about 1820, costing
$1,500. In 1870 it was removed and converted into a village hall. The
society is extinct.
The Lniversalist society of Cedarville Avas organized October 27,
1829. Tlie first church was erected in 1829, costing $2,500, and dedicated
in 1830. Rev. Dolphus Skinner preached the dedication sermon.
The Universalist society of North Litchfield ATas' organized May 19,
The town op litciifikiJ). 11
ls;{S. the ciuiiTli liiiill ill l.sKi. costing .f;5,(MMi. .lolm ;iii(l M.iis Ami
Kmiiism.v jiiivc llu' ImikI on wliicli tlii' climcli stjiiids. mi loiiditidii it lie
used (iiily foi- ;i I ' iii \ risn list cliiinli. Tiic U<'\s. holpliiis Skiiiiirr ;iiiil
'I'. 1 >. Cook wtTc iiinoiiji its p.islois. I'or iii.iiiy vc.iis no srrvitcs iiavc
l)('i>n licid tlu'ri> and it is now olTcrcd for s.ilc.
Anioiif^ tlif iii'oniincnt men niiscd in I.itclilicid \vcm' K<'\s. Clinrlcs
Mills ol' SyrMcusc. Moses 10. I )iinli,i iii of Wliileslown. Oliver 1'.. r.e;ils
ol" New York. ('ii:irles M. I >od.i;o of Oriskaiiy, Charles (J. Matteson of
Loiijj: Island, K. Watson <!oodl(>r of Connecticut, and John Ponahoc.
Joel 'P. and IMiineas lladley were distinunished authors. Anionj; th(>
lawyers were Delano T. Smith. William A. Mattesoii, Chai'les J. Ever-
ett, James W. ]{ayhill. Francis S. Wilcox, Wadsworth Z. (ioodier, P.i-ad-
loy Fulh'r, William K. Harvey, the present city .jud.u:e of TJtica; Volney
Owen and Irviui: Ilolcomh wero sent to the state letiislature; Ijcvi C.
Smith w;is county clerk. Amonj; school commissioners were .Tudson
Joslyn, Earl P. West, John Champion, Oliver Reals, Alonzo Goodi«'r,
Chas. Wheelock and S. liincolu Fish. Henry Symonds taught siujiinj;
school for years. Charles T. r>arnes was a leadiny" school teacher, and
other good teachers were Abigail Jind Salina Cowles, and a half sister,
Claris.sa Merrill, also Mary, Sarah and Ellen Parker. Philander Rewry,
Matthew J. Everett, Morgan Hooker and Frank Kayhil! were nn>r-
cliants in Utica; I). G. Koss a merchiuit in Ilion. Alonzo Fish shipped
the first cheese ever sent to England. Thaddeus Harrison moved to
Oregon and became a successful bxisiness man and prominent office
holder. ]Melville C. Smith, a prominent railroad man in New York, and
many others. The Itev. Dana W. I>igelow, of Utica, began preaching
in Norwich Corners' church. The noted Universalist preacher, E. H.
Chapin, of New Yoi-k, preached his first sermon in the North Litchtteld
school house. At one time eight settled ministers were here, and sev-
eral doctors; among them were Drs. Gaylord, White, Randall, Thomas,
Maltby, Skinner and others. There were many hardships among the
early settlers.
All produce sold was drawn to Albany and wheat was carried there
to be ground. All supplies came from theiv. The roads were terrible.
Some were built of logs laid close together cross-ways. The country
was all forest and the men woi'ked hard to fell the trees and prepare
the land for crops. The women work(>d hard, spun and wove all the
material for the garments of the family. Once a year the cobbler and
tailoress came to each house and made the shoes and clothes for the
family. One lady s;iys shi' had but one utensil to cook in for the fam-
ily when she kept house and got along nicely. It was an iron basin
with a cover. Gourds were made into dippers and dishes. Each family
dipped their own candles, made their own starch by grating potatoes
on the tin lanti'rn. Their soda they made by burning cobs to ashes;
they called it pearl-ash. There w^ere no matches or stoves. The cook-
ing was done on a crane in the fireplace and in a brick oven. If the
lire went out they had to borrow hre of a neighbor.
42 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Everybody attended the "general trainings" wliic]i were held yearly
at Norwich Corners. The horse soldiers wore bine coats with steel
liuttons. leather caps trimmed with bear skin and a long white plume;
they carried saddle bags with two pistols and a sword. On one occa-
sion an attempt was made to get a minister's son drunk by pouring a
glass of brandy over his rice pudding; it failed, as he did not eat the
(ludding. Thomas Goodier, Mr. Townsend, Mr. Truesdale, John Ray-
mond. Silas Hamilton and Richard Smith were in the war of .1.S12, and
r.early starved on their return from Sacketts Harbor.
A man found his cow and a bear grazing quietly together in a clear-
ing. While after his gun the bear disappeared. While after the cows,
two small girls were frightened at a bear. Calling the men with their
gnus, they surrounded the bear. Avhich proved to be a large black
stump. Mrs. Munn. wlien a young lady, had a calico dress from
Albany costing ?1 a yard; it Avould be called poor cloth now. She wore
it to a party with "Crosby." two on one horse, her mother spreading
her apron on the horse to keep the dress clean, charging her not to fall
off and spoil the precious dress. Miss Gillett, the mother of D. G.
Ross, of Ilion. wore a pink cambric dress to a party: it was the dress
of the party. Traveling was done in lumber wagons and on horseback.
People rode to church, two on one horse. ]Mrs. William Underwood
was so homesick she went on horseback to her old home in Connecticut,
carrying a small child with her. Mrs. Marshall wanted some johnny-
cake so much she carried a peck of corn on her back to Whitestown.
in miles, to get it ground, walking on snowshoes and marking the trees
to find her way home. It is i-emembered how Joseph Ball fell into the
creek on his way home from calling on a widow.
February 3d, 1805, Russell Norton and Nancy Underwood were mar-
ried at her home by a justice of the peace, in the presence of three
ministers. The bride's father was a minister, and two others chanced
to call to spend the night there and were present at the ceremony.
They were the grandparents of William and Charles Norton and E.
O. Van Housen. I have the stockings the bridegroom wore, and part
of the bride's gown. !)4 years old. He raised the first building in town
at which no liquor was used, but served pie and doughnuts instead, and
it went up as nice as could be desired.
Captain Cowles was a great talker. One morning he borrowed a
plow of a neighbor Avhich he must return at noon. On his way homt-
with the plow on his shoulder, he met a neighbor. They talked a while,
when Mr. Cowles made a move to put the plow on the ground, then
the neighbor made a moA'e to start on. Mr. Cowles kept the plow on
his shoulder and tht^y kept on talking. Every time Mr. Cowles started
to put down the plow the other man would make a move to start on.
In this way they talked until noon, when Mr. Cowles had to return
the plow without using it.
It was said if Lyman (iaylord got his foot on the hub of a wagon,
there was no way of getting away from him Tor half a day. Early
THK TOWN OK LITCHFIELD. 48
in (he ((Mitiiry u iii.ins U.uti w.is Ininicd l»y li^'lltIlirlL^ Tlif jicoplo
built Iniii ;i new i);ii'ii: tin'ic wric ii few i)i('C('S of tiiiilxT left. 'I'lic
IK \t year his iicxl iici^lilior's Iimiii w.is lniriii'd by li^litiiiiiK- So llic
iiciulihni-s l)iiill n li.-iiii lor liiiii. Wlicii tiny ;iskc<l lor lln' liinlici-s Utft
()!' tlu' lirst li.irn. tlif old iii.-iii replied: "I rciilly don't i\iio\v, I liiid
tiionuht of Iniildiiiu' ;i slicd of Ihcin.'" A sister of LyiiiMii (Jiiylord lost
her \\;iy in the woocls. and ctiniini; to a place whei-e ineii had lii'en
(•l»i)pi)iii,i;, waited until they i-etuin(d fi'oni dinner-. ( )ne of the men
yuided her where she wished to j;(i, and later niai'iied her. His name
was Samuel Feryuson. the founder of that family in \\'est Frankfort.
A sclioolhouso stood near the road on the hill hack of tho jitoiie iiouse
now o\\ ne<l by (Jeor.^e Holland, l-yman ilayhird wished it mo\ed neai
liis home, where <i. (Jrillitiis now livts; Mr. Crosiiy wished it mo\:ed
n^'Jir Ids place, where 15. Talbot now lives. One day each hitched four
yoke of oxen to each of two coiners: as .Mr. Crosby's oxen pulled the
stron.iicst lie yot the sclioolhouse where he wished.
The [x'opli' o](posed the building of tlu' Tltiea and Minden turni)iko.
They woi-ke<l all one night with over thirty yoke of oxen, putting a
large I'ock in the road .just west of Jeriisaleni Hill. Before noon tlie
next day the road builders had it sunk in the grotnid.
The Spencer's often negk'cted their farm work to iMi.loy hunting and
tishin.u'. Wood-bees, liusking-bees, paring-bees, singin.g sehools and
spelling scliools were freqin-ntly held. No anmsements were allowed
at a chni'ch donation. 'Aliicli wei'e attended in the .afternoon by tlie
older people and in tlie evening by the young people. On one occasion
tlie Rev. Mr. Mills reluctantly consented to allow the young peoiMc?
to march al»out the room in jiairs to the music of a flageolet.
The churches li;id ik* means of being w.irmed, .ind the people cai'ried
small foot-stoves, containing live coals, to keep them warm. Services
were held in the forenoon ;ind .afternoon, tlie peojjle carrying .a lunch
with them.
One Sabbath when Elder Loomis was i>reachin.g, one of his sni.all sons
began playing. He paused iu bis sermon .in<l said, "Keep still, George."
Another Sabb.ath when he reached home from church he found he h.ad
left one of his boys at the church and had to return for him. Among
remarks m.ade in a hot anti-slavery meetin.g, Mr. Willi;im Smith, a
sl.'ive owner, became so indign;int he left the house. There w.as one
da.v so d.ii'k the peoi)le thought the world was coining to an end. They
had to light caudles in mid-d.ay. The hens all went to roost and the
Indians were so frightened tliey came to the honu-s of the white
people.
One season was called the "year without a summer;" there was a
frost every month except August. No crops could mature and once
that summer they h.id to dig the l.inibs out of tlie snow to save their
lives.
There was great excitement when the Millerites came preaching
the end of the world was at hand. Uev. Augustus IJeach and wife
44 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
held the meetings. Some gave up all work, expecting to see the end
of the world. Mrs. Beach was a flue singer. A portion of one of her
pongs is remembered, as follows:
"The chariot, the chariot, as its
Wheels roll on Are,
As the God is descending
In the pomp of His ire,
Lo! self-moving He rides
On the wings of His cloud,
And His angels with the God-head are bowed."
In 1842 a Fourth of July celebration was held in the old church on
Jerusalem Hill, in the forenoon. Thaddeus Harrison was marshal of
the day. The oration was by Rev. Edward M. Wooley. In the after-
noon, the exercises were in the grove back of the church. Samuel
Wells of New Hartford was the orator, and the Old Litchfield brass
band furnished the music.
PIONEER TIMEvS ON THE ROYAL (iRANT— WITH
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THREE
GENERATIONS.
AN ADDRESS BY GEORGE L. JOHNSON, Ol' IMON,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical vSociety, June lo, 1S99.
The lioyal (Jrant was opened to scttliMiUMit by the Conunissioners
of Fort't'iture, in September, 17S4. A few lots were sold that fall, but
there had been no permam-nt settlement from New Enj,dand, or by
one who spoke En.uiish, previous to that time.
The three German families. Maltanner, tJoodbradt and Shaffer, who
s<>ttled near the jjreat sprinj;-, and head of the brook Maltanner, near
the present village of Fairfield, in 1770, had been driven out by the
Indians, in 177t). There was also a German settlement in the south-
east part of the town, before the Revolution, upon what has been called
Top Xotch. near the town line, and about foiu" mil(>s north of Little
Falls. Among these German families were the Kellars, Windeekers,
Piekerts, and others, not of the Buruetsfield patentees, but who eame
up from the lower Mohawk valley and seated themselves in Glens' Pur-
chase. When I collected the ta.xes in Fairtield, about 1S."')2 or '."3. I
found sons of these, and some of the best tax payers in the town.
Mr. Cornelius Chatfield arrived with his family, March 24th, 1785.
and settled at or near the spot where the village of Fairlield now is.
He is sujiposed to have l)een the first seltler from New England who
came into the county after the war, for the purpo.se of settling on the
Royal (irant.
Asa Chatlicid. the father of the late I >r. Clinton Chatticld (dentist),
had his liome a mile or more north of the village, on tlie road to Nor-
way. I reuKMuber Asa Chatfield well. In IS-IS he was presidential
elector. That year 1 cast my first vote, to elect Zachary Taylor presi-
dent.
Abijah Mann, the father of Abijah Mann, .Ir., Ch;is. A. and William
Mann, arrived in May following, and locate<l a little west of the vil-
lage, on the present road to "Aliddleville. There was upon or near the
46 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
lands taken up l)y Mr. Mann a small Indian orchard, and the Indians,
many years after the war, would cluster around it as a loved and ven-
erated spot. A1)i.jah Alanu. .Ir., became a lawj^r vt note and settled
in Frankfort. He represented the district in Assembly In 1828, '29, '30
and 'oS. ^Ieml)er of Congress in 1832, re-elected in 1834. Chas. A.
studied law in Utica. became prominent, and a useful citizen there.
lie represented his district in Assembly and Senate. William remained
on the farm a while. My first recollection of the Mann homestead was
about 1838 or '40. William was then there.
3Iason Morey, father of F. A. Morey, merchant, of Fairfield, owned
and occupied the place many years. I think Charles Xeely has it now.
Except Chatfleld and ^lann and one or two others, the first settlers
from New England took up lands southwesterly of the village. Josiah,
David and Lester Johnson came into the town from Connecticut in
ITSG. A Mr. Whipple and Christopher Hawkins, from Newport, K. I.,
in 1786, made an effort at clearing for a home in Norway, but did not
prosecute their enterprise. It should be remembered that this was all
Norway until 179G, when Fairfield was taken off and set up a town
by itself.
This Royal Grant was an inviting field for the people of New Eng-
land, and they now came quite rapidly. John Bucklin, Ben1. Bowen
and two brothers, William and Ephraim, and David Benchley, all from
Newport, R. I.; John Eaton, Nathaniel and William Brown from Mas-
sachusetts, and Samuel Low came in 1787; also the Potter family from
Rhode Island came this year, and settled about one and one-half or two
miles northwesterly of Norway A-illage, on a tract known as the Hur-
ricane. There is a A-ery good story in reference to this family, and as
it illustrates incidents in frontier life so well, I hope my hearers will
kindly be willing to bear with me four or five miniites to repeat it.
They had opened a small clearing and built a log hut to shelter them
from the frosts and snows of winter. Their whole store of provisions
to carry them through their first long northern winter was a crop of
potatoes, with some salt. Forest game had to supply the residue of a
meager subsistence. A gun and suitable ammunition were indispen-
sable to a frontier forest life and they were of course provided. A
severe tempest had prostrated a strip of the forest near the place
where this family had made their clearing and this spot in those days,
and now, is called the Hurricane, and here was found the white forest
rabbit in abundance. The snow had fallen to the depth of four of
five feet, banking up the outside walls of the log hut. rendering it
(luite comfortable during the Avhole winter. The men were employed
procuring fuel and hunting game. One cold, frosty morning, Fi.sher
and Jeremiah str.-ippcd on their snow-shoes, took their guns and went
into the Hurricane after raljbits. They had a small dog with them,
only useful to start up the small game.
While earnestly intent on ol)taining something wliidi would render
their potatoes and salt a little more savory and p.ilatable, and
PIONEKU TIMES ON THE ROYAL ORANT. 47
SdiiH'w li.i I iiiiiif iiiiiiiisliinL;. Ilic\ (lisciiN rinl ;i linir in ilif siiiiw, nearly
iis lai'i^c MS a i|nail cup. fXicndin.L; tl<>\\ ii t'nni- ur li\c U-r\ (lci'|>. Tlir
siili's III' this linlc were liai'd and coscii'd willi wliilr trnsl tlakfs. show-
Ill!; that there was some heat heluw. the exhalations fioni whieh
cscMiicd tliroiii^h this aiieraliire and kept it open. \\'hale\-ei- it iMi;.'lit
lie our iiioneers were not lia<l;\\ aid in lindinu it ont, and l-'ishcr cou-
veftinu liis snow siioes into a slioxci. witli riL:ht uood will, (Jul: away
th«' snow, down to a mass of hendock houulis, and al'tei- removimr a
portion of lh(-m. a consich'i;! hie en\it\' was disco\-ei'( d in the earth
helow, liut iiotliin.u' more. A ipiesiion ol' some importanee now pie-
seiited itself, whether they should mieover the caxit.x' fiiither or resort
tt) otliei- means. The services of the little (jo^- were ])tit into rtMpii-
sition. lie was l)roiii;ht to thi' liole and after laklii.u two or three scents,
barked valorously. i)iit kee]'iii.i;' lumself ready to iiial^e a safe retreat
if needful, 'fhis iiimsual disliirliance roused the hahitaiit lie!ow from
his tol•llidit.^■, and he gave evident tokens of dis(piiet. Iii the meantime.
Fisher, believin.u' that he had imcovered an aiumal that would re(|uire
8oinething more than rabbit shot to (|uiet him, stepjied back a few
paces from the hole and cluirucd his t;uii with a ball, and then both
were ready for the encounter.
15rnin not intimidated by tlie noise, liad resolved to ])unish the in-
truders ti]ion liis domiuions. witli a few hard sipiei'/es, if he could
catch them, li;id presented his conu'ly \isa,i:'e at the hole of his den,
\\ hen I'Msher. pi'esentinji' the muzzle of his ■j:\\\\ within a few feet of his
bearshii)"s head. .i;av«' him the whole char.m'. The bear was killed, and
beinj;- large and fat, and the meat temU'r. was worth more tlian his
weight in white rabbits to the famishing family.
The informant who possessed a remarkably clear and accurate re-
collection of tlie incidents atteiidiii.g the lirst immigration of the \ew
Engianders into the county, said, "he saw old yiv. Potter :ind his sou
Fisher when they first came out of the woods the si)riiig after the in-
cident above related. He said Fislier was a tall man. but lean .ind
gaunt, his complexion sallow and he ajipeared very much as though he
had been nearly starved." Old Mr. Potter said, "that killing the bear
was a lucky thin.a- for the family, and proliably saved them from star-
N'ation, .MS their other i>ro\isions. potatoes and rabbits (when tlie.v
could kill any) were getting (luite short." Mr. Potter lived to a .u'ood
old age and died in 181.".. The Potters were the first settlers in the
present town of Norway. The centeniual celebration, Inul in ISST,
was in accordance therewith.
Now returnin.u- to and continuing in reference to the town of Fair-
field. Elisha. W.vnian and Comfort Katon, came from Massachusetts
in 1788. Jeremiah P.:iilard from Massachusetts in 17S!t. There in.iy
have been others, and probably ^\•el■e, whose names we lune not ob-
tijined. William lUicklin, the Arnold families. Daniel Fennie. Nathan
tained. William P>ucklin. the Arnold families, Daniel Fenner, Nathan
Smith, Nalium Daniels, Amos and James Ilaile, most of these from
48 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Massachusetts in 1790. (Observefl only one dwelling in Little Falls at
this time.) Peter and Bela Ward in 1791. The Neelys in 1792.
The Batons. lirowns. llailes, Arnolds, Wards and Bncklius
seated tlicmst'lvt's ;it .iinl near the present village of Eatonville. In
1793 came the IMathers, Seamans and Charles Willard, a lad with his
father, like all the Y;iidcees, always pnshing Avcst, settled west of the
village of Fairfield al)unt one and one-lialf jniles, on the table land
since known as the platform. . In 1791 came .Tohnathan Buell with
his family, from near Saybrook, Connecticut, and settled farther down
the platform, toward Middleville; George and Luther, were sons of
Jonathan.
Reckoning from the school house, district No. 3, as a centre of the
platform, north toward Hardscrabble, district No. 2, first was Col.
Charles Willard, as I knew him. He had a large family. His oldest
daughter Avas the mother of the late Dr. C. W. Hamlin, of Middleville.
The second, Ann, the wife of the late Dr. A. E. Varney of Middleville.
The third, Louisa, the wife of the late Dr. Daniel M. Holt, of Newport,
and four sons, George N., William, Charles W. and Samuel. Next
nortli of Willard was Gilbert Corey, father of the late Jeremiah Corey,
who kept the tavern at Middleville so long and was sheriff of the
county one term; also was the grandfather of E. W. Corey the music-
man. Next beyond Corey Avas Joshua Bushnell, succeeded by his son
Joseph. East from tlie school was Griswold and Kelsey; south Benja-
min Stevens and the Buells; west Mr. Vischer, Davies Safford and
John Boss, the two last also from Connecticut. In reference to the
name "platform," I have heard it associated with Saybroolc. I liave
seen, and know personally very many of these old first settlers, Avhicli
I have named and others I shall name, and also their families, parti-
cularly their sons.
Now let us for a moment, consider conditions, circumstances and sur-
roundings.
All this royal grant Avas an unbroken forest, Avilderness, in March,
1785, wlien Chatfield came. Very heavy timber, indicating good soil,
I'cady tf) pi'oduce any croj). adapted l<i tliis latitude, as soon as <-]eared.
The people coming Aveie not generally Avealthy, but tiuite the reverse.
Many of tliem had put their all in a cart, draAvn by a pair of oxen,
and thus they came trudging sloAvly along on roads far different from
Avhat they ai*e now, juTliaps :\ week or more on flieir Avay. My grand
parents aiid my AA'ife's came in aliout lliis way, and they had ])lenty
of associates. Cliatfield must have liad sinnething different from a
cart if the Marcli Avas like this of l.si)9. Those Avho had been here
ill till' I'';ill ;iinl ]iiil up ;i caliiii e.ime early in tiie Sjii'iiig AX'ith sleds.
WJiere was lliere a mill to get lumlier even lor a sliaiilyV Tliere had
lieen soiiu- mills l)efore the war, about German Flats, eight or ten
miles aAvay: one at Jjittle Falls, and one at Kheimensnyder's Bush,
about four iiiiirs iiortii of Little l''alls. All bunied diiriiig the Avar.
The first thing needed, of course, Avoidd be some sort of a cabin, or
PIONEER TIMES ON THE ROYAL GRANT. 49
!mt. as licfoic iiuicd in icrcitiicf in the I'dlttTS. If one liail a uimldW
and a liw nails, fdur tixtls would sullict' to Imild a coinfortahli' place
of al»ude, viz: the axe. saw. .lujiiT and liainiiier.
I was Iwru in a loi; luiuse. in Newport, in ISL'T. I lived in another six
miles east of Kockford. in northern Illinois, in 1S^^ ami ISl."!. Ko<'k-
ford then rontained ."><X) oi' •■•mi inhiiltitaiits. Now it h.is ov<;r .'51.<HK).
C'hieaj,'0, wlieii I went, in J.S14. eoiitained neeordiiif; to history, the
immense numher of S.OOO and next year reaelu-d 12.(mh) inhal>it;ints,
and now it has about 1.T.")((.(kmi. There were many loj; houses at that
time between Belvi(iere and Uotklord. 'I'ln" best eitizen.s lived in them.
I helped raise cue there in the spring of 184."), and liad the honor
of notehintr the logs at one corner. It only needed .-i little expertness
in the use of the axe. The next fall I went to ISelvidede to learn the
carpenter's trade as a regular apprentice, and have worked continuously
since, in some branch of wood work. The body of tlie log house being
up. next in order were the gables, and as they went up poles vv-ere laid
'jorizontally in notches in the gable in such a manner as to form the
pitch of the roof, to be covered with bark or shakes laid on the poles.
Shakes were split from timber in a similar manner as staves for cooper
work. Shakes were used in Illinois, and if the work was well done,
made a good, durable roof from the oak there u.sed. For a tloor, pun-
cheons were laid, AAliich were planks split from the log and liewn a
little with the axe if necessary, and next came the door of similar
materials, hung with wooden hinges, of course; a hook and eye hinge,
made with axe. saw and auger. The latch, also of wood, lifted by a
string pulled through a hole above tlie latch and hanging on the out-
side. Thus the saying in reference to the hospitable man, his latch
string is on the outside. The latch string being pulled in at night left
intruders out. The "Cliinkin." bits of wood driven into the cracks and
spaces lietween logs, and "Daultin," puttying cracks with clay mortar,
completed the house.
Now we have the family sheltered, we will clear a spot in the forest,
preparatory to raising a croi) for food. Timber is worthless nearly;
cut it down and burn it. out of the way. The ashes are of some value,
furnishing potash in the soil to feed growing crops. Later, asJies were
gathered and manufactured into potash of commerce, thus robbing the
soil of a needed element. There was method in clearing, by falling
the timber in winrows. to facilitate burning. An axe man. or chopper,
as they were called, after viewing the piece to be cut or chopped,
would cut in the side of the trees, nearly to the point of falling, in the
line selected for the winrow. and leave them standing, on both sides
of a center line, so that they would fall toward the center, on thai
that line. Tlie last tree in the line he would fall against the next,
which would break over and fall against the next, and so on through
the whole line, falling in one grand crash .as many rods long as was
desired. Then another winrow along the side and parallel, and so on
until the whole piece desired to be cleared was prostrate iu winrows.
50 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
All cut in the winter and burned off in tlae spring, was ready for
sprinj,' wlieat, corn and potatoes, and other vegetables, but for winter
Avheat he would continue cutting through the summer until August.
After the first burning, getting rid of the brush and fine stuff, what
there was left in large brands, and some, perhaps, quite large logs,
luid to be rolled together and piled in lieaps to continue tlie burning
until all was flnislied, furnishing plenty of black for hands, face, and
clothing. I have seen my father do it, when I was about eight or nine
years old. Thus, when all was cleared off and ready, the pioneer Avith
hoe and rake worked in seed among the stumps for a crop. Potatoes
and other vegetables were of finest quality, better than we usually get
uow.
Just to show how a pioneer family may live for a time Avithout
access to a grist mill, I Avill repeat a little story.
As before mentioned, Jeremiah Ballard caiue in 1789 and located
about two miles northeast of Fairfield village. He left his family the
first winter, and returned to Massachusetts, where he remained until
Spring. The informant said: "This family had nothing to subsist on
during a long and dreary winter but Indian corn and rabbits, if any
could be killed. There being no mills then in the country, and if there
had been any they could not be reached except by the use of snow-
shoes aiid carrying the grist on one's back. Having no hand or other
mill to crack or break the corn in, a moi-tar was the only thing they
could resort to, and even this they were destitute of. The family pro-
cured a large hardwood log and having no tools suitable to tlie object,
they burned a hole or hollow in it by concentrating the fire, sufficiently
deep to answer their purpose. After this it was an easy task to make
a pestle out of some hard wood, and crack corn to their stomachs' con-
tent." By these means the resolute and noble mother carried her family
through the winter, while the father was absent, and it sliould be
hoped, Avas detained by sickness, at his former liome in Massachusetts.
It AA^as very evident that at that time mills AA'ere a great necessity,
especially for sawing lumber and grinding grain. We AAall start out
from ^Nlr. Boss's place, on the AA-estern pai-t of the platform, to folloAv
the pioneers, hunting for Avater poAA'er and mills, if there are any, in
1790. Going north a short distance, perliaps half a mile, and near the
present fine residence of V. O. Phillips, Ave com*^ to Mill Creek, The
discoverer might say "Eureka! Here is a boon for the settlers" The
eastern part of Fail-field AA^as not Avell supplied AAith Avater poAvers;
but liere Avas the best in toAvn. A fine stream in tliose days, rock bed
."nd falling in a succession of falls 100 feet or more in half a mile,
above and east of this point Avas the saAv mill of KoAvland Phillips,
grandfather of V. O. Phillips, and Avhose present fine home is on a por-
tion of the old Phillips homestead. BeloAA' and AA'est a short distance
Avas the home of liowland I'hilJips, Avhu came in 180() and established
himself here. Noarl)y on the bank of the creek, at a fine fall, Avas his
bark mill an<l tannery, in operation in 1834, ^hen I first kncAv the
PIONEER TIMRS ON Till!: liOYAL OHANT. 01
plMcc. 'riic liiiiisc llii'ii yi'llow, is still st;iti<liii^', pMiiid-d y<'li(»\v, mikI is
now kiKiwii :is liu' oM vcllow iioiisc, (>c(iii)ic(| now l».v (!i'or;;c Law.
Mr. riiiliips raisid a lar^c lainily licrc, some of tliciii scliooliiiatt'S ^>t
iiiv Catlu'r. .\lioiil IN.'IS or ';;'.i Mr. I'liiliips liad tiic icd lioiisc iniilt,
rnrtluM- cast, tiic silc of il on liu' premises of \'. < ). riiilli]»s, near liis
lutuse. To tills \vi\ lionsc old .Mr. Hiillips and Ids wifi- retii-ed, ieav-
inn' some of tlieir cliiidren at llie yellow lions<' to manage tlie farm,
nntil IS.'iS or "".» (more tlian .'•(» ye;irs on this t'ai'mi he passed away.
Down tile Inll a little west, a I'oad d'osses .Mill Creek northerly toward
.Norway. On tlie nortli liank of the ere''l; and west side of llie njad
is llie white s<'ho()l house (d" tlie ■■H\i\ Citv." district .\(). 4, Fairlield and
Newport. 'I'his is tlie tliird school lionse on this site. The first oik?
Iinrned when my fatlu'r was a school hoy tliei'e. .\o. 2, built to take
its i)lace. remained in use until ISoS, when il was demolished and tills
one built on the same site. L. I?. Arnold was my teacher In the winter
of 1S;U and '5 in house No. 2. .lolin V. Criilin. a liii;- boy there also.
.Inst above the bridge, on that little falls, was the dam for the saw
mill, which was on the baidv, south side, at that consi(h>ral)le fall.
below tlie school house and brid.ue. This was run by .Mr. Sannud
l''ortuiie many years after he came in ISOC, but was tioinu to decay in
]S;!4. .\ little below this, on toi> of tlie lii^li falls, was the (him for
the f;ris( mill, water being taken out on the north si(h' and carried
along the precipice over the hill, higher than the roof of tlie mill, which
stood on the site of the present John A. (Iruinby's barn; he tore down
wh;it remained of the old grist mill, after ISGS, and ereeteil his liarn
on the sauii' si)ot, just at the end of the bridge. There were two over-
shot wheels, one above the other. Just below the pit for those wheels,
but above the road bridge, was the dam for the fulling iiilll and card-
ing works, which was Just below on the other or west side of the
road, also on the north ])ank of the creek. The race was uinU'r the
bridge. This mill building was one of the old time lieavy timl)er fr;iines
hewn with the a.\'(> from tlie forest timber when it w,is plenty and
cheai). .\s;ihel Harris comliig into possession of this property alioiit
IS-IO. had repaired this mill building, covering it entirely new, 1 Hiring
the great flood here in August, 1S!),S, the severest known In-ri', the north-
ern end of the stone arched bridge. al)('\e which liad recently been
built, gave away, letting the whole forct' of the Hood against the under-
liinning stone walls of this building, which soon crumbled !ik»' dirt:
till- mill tii)p<'d over into the raging torrent and was instantly carried
down stream. This and the grist mill had been run. doing business
luilil about 1838 or '39, and this one the last remaining of the old time
mills of the Old City.
immediately below this was the dam for the bark mill, tannery and
potashery of Jonathan (\ard, which was on the south side and just
below this was the dam for Leonard l''ortune's gnu shop, which was
on the north side. This is not so old and is. or was recently, ptill stand-
ing. Below this on the south side on tlie lower falls, was the i\ax mill.
52 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
ran by a 14 feet overshot wlieel, recently built by Wm. R. Baker, who
usade a failure of it. I used the same from 18G0 to '63 for sash, bliads
doors and general builders' jobbing in lumber. After I left it in 1868
it was changed into a cheese factory, about 1870. After some years
burned and not rebuilt. The gun shop and flax mill were in Newport.
AW the rest in Fairfield. All these mills above mentioned I have seen,
except the Card tannery and potashery. I have been told there was a
trip hammer, also, but I have failed to locate that. I had all this old
mill property from the school house down for several years. The old
deeds showed the water power rights. Here were eight dams and mills
in about a mile, seven of them in half a mile. In those days the mills
were mostly on small streams, requiring less capital to build and oper-
ate them. My Grandfather Johnson said that "Before the Bowens
got started at Newport, tlae City was quite a place of business." Other
old settlers and their descendants give the same testimony. Besides
the mills mentioned, they had stores, taverns and mechanic shops. I
have seen manj- of them. There was a shoe shop occupied as late as
1848. I have seen dancing in the "ballroom" of one of the old taverns,
known as the Carpenter House. I think the late Hon. A. M. Ross was
born there; liis parents had lived there some time and he might at that
time mentioned have been five or six years old.
1 have before noted that Christopher Hawkins, the Bowens, Bench-
leys and some others from Newport, R. I., liad come about 1787 and '88,
and stopped in the present town of Fairfield. They were to be the first
settlers of Newport, as I shall soon sliow.
In July, 178G, Daniel Campbell, of the City of New York purchased
of tlie Commissioners of Forfeiture the lands where the present village
of Newport is. In 1788-9 the Bowens before mentioned purchased of
Mr. Campl)ell tlie water power and land for tlie village of Newport.
In 1790, a Mr. Lawton made a small clearing and put up a log cabin in
Newport, which he abandoned. In the fall of 1791, Christopher HaAV-
kins removed into the present town of Newport, Avith a view of mailing
a permanent settlement. He obtained title through a 'SLv. Yischer, of
tlie Commissioners of Forfeiture. In the spring of 1792, Hawlvins
erected for the Bowens upon their property a small house and Benj.
Bowen seated himself there tlie same year, and the next year built a
(l;nii and saw mill, and the next year, 1794, a grist mill. I have taken
some pains to learn where that house was, what it was made of,
wliether of logs or sawed lumber, and if sawed, how and where ob-
tained. I think Hawkins occupied the cabin built by Lawton tempor-
arily until he could liuild for himself. Old Mrs. Barry, widow of the
late Standish Barry, ex-county clerk, etc., now i-esiding at Newport
with her daughter. I\Irs. Pomeroy, in the old Barry homestead, is the
daughter of Benj. Bowen. She is also the grandmother of Frank G.
and Theodore Barry of Herkimer. She Avas too aged and infirm more
tlian two yeai's ago to give me any information. I commenced this
paper more than three years ago for my children only. I found tAvo
MONKEH TIMES ON THE llOVAI, (JUANT, ■'»:}
iiifii liviii;;' w lioiii I li;i(l kiiiiwii Inr'ly in- tills' yi'iirs. 'I'Ih'.v wci'i' Imni
ill iSdlt, tiiiis !io .\('iirs old. llciiiy 'riKuiilun li.iij worked for" J'.owi'ii
ill iiis mill, lull \v;is then, over two yciiis ,i.i;(i, in bed mihI Ii.ms sIiu-c j^oik;
over llic lixtT. SliiTiii.iii W'oostcr, son of Jiidi:*' Slicnii.-iii Woostcr,
;i|i|i;irciilly in uiiod licnUli ;iii(l l>ii,i;lil. ••I'':ii- iniMiiory ;iii(l coulil li'll
.•ilioiil tiic lirst sclllcniciil oT Xcwport, said: "•Vrs. I knew ( 'iii-isto]plici-
Hawkins very well. I didiTt like school. ;iiid my fatlH'i- said if I
woiiidn't fio to school I should work. I woi'kcd r<tr Hawkins and ln'
used to tell mc many lliiims .-ilioiit the oarly days n{' Xcwport. I Jiavc
been in thai house he hiiill I'or liowiMi many a time. It was of sawed
Itimlicr. He .yot it ;it the <»ld City, brought it over •Woodcliiick hill"
on that ohl First road from tlie City to Newport. It was tlie central
i-ear i)art of that >;:r('at Waterman mansion, on the hill. The house was
not l.ar.nc; it had a ^I'c.-it kitchen, and lai'.u'e lire-place, to I'oll in ^re.-it
lof-s. and room to pile on lonj;- wood in front. When he had raised some
firain for food he put some in a sack and on tli(> back of a f::entle ox he
liad and took it over to the ("ity and liot it K>"<)und." That settles the
point for me. 'IMiere were mills at the City before ITML*. and they were
Mmonji- the earliest, if not the very earliest in this part of tlie country,
and ])erformed a very important part in tlie settlement.
r.oweu's dam and mills at Newport were the lirst on the sti-eam by
many yi-ars. Aceordin.u' to Mr. .1. N. Walters, of Kussi.-i. there mi.uiit
have been one above Trenton Falls, and one below five or six years
later, say about 17'.»S. There was in early days a small affair on the
east side of the creek below the i)resent ISIiddleville. at a sharp turn
in the stream, opposite the home of I'.ela W;ird, wlm was succi'eded li.v
his son, Henry Iv. Ward, on land lonji owned by David Ford, and now
by ins son. A. W. Ford. There was no dam across the creek, the water
beiiij,' run into a ditch, and thus down to the mill. There was notliing
of mills yet at Middleville and not until islo.
Now, as to that old First road over •'Woodchnck hill," from the City
to Newport. I suppose that with the exception of the little clearini;
made by Lawton, in IT'.ld. it was an unbroken forest wihh'rness. beyond
and west of the White Creek, when Hawkins went in ITltl. Starting
out from the City noi'tli. the road soon turns westerly, to th" coriu'r
oceupieil many ye.ars by the late Wm. K. Morey. Amoiiii' the earliest
settlers were three f:imilies by the name of I'ost, from White Creek.
Washiufjton county. N. Y.. but oriuiiiaUy Irom Connecticut. Tlie cor-
eer iiliovi' mentioned was t:iken by Dan Tost. Fsii., and was his home-
stt'.ad more than fifty yt'.ars, or until 1S47, when he sold it and retired to
Newport village, Nathaniel took up hinds farther north. His home-
stead lias been just across the roadway south of the stone school
house, over seventy years, or until his de.ith, about l.SnO, at 96 years
of aue. He is known to have voted at Norway in ISC.^. for V. S. Grant,
which was all these years his voting- place. The other bi'other settled
on the farm on tlie north side of the White Creek and adjoining it
about a half mile from its mouth, now owiietl by .loseph Spellm.in.
54 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The house was near the creek; the bam is there yet, farther back in
the meadow. Dan's farm adjoined the oreelv, about fifty rods, whicli
also ran through Natliauiel's. Continuing Avest from Dan Post's to near
White Creek, the i-oad turned, just west of Spellman's house, directly
north, across tlie creek, passing Post's house; ran on and up over tlie
hill to Hawkins' place, where he made his settlement by the side of
the West Canada, below Newport village. The Hawkins lands were
held and occupied by his son, Christopher, and George B., a grandson
now dead, about 100 years. The property now is owned by Mrs. Julia
Crumby, widow of the late David Crumby. There Avere at one time
five houses on that road, between Hawkins' and White Creek. His
brother, Stephen, lived in one, nearest his, and three between Stephen
and Post. Sherman Wooster gave me their names. I used to see the
pits where cellars had been, and apple ti-ees nearby. My father and
gi'andfather had bought of Post's widow and heirs the land he had and
then after buying another lot, between it and Hawkins; the two farms
joined, and contained all of the old road, less than two miles. Four
of the houses had been on ours. It had been the only road to Newport
for some years. I am told that my grandfather's brother, Silas Johnson,
lived at one time on Woodchuck hill. He was the grandfather of
Alexis L. Johnson, of Schuyler. When I first knew Uncle Silas he
lived at Eaton's Bush, now Eatonville.
About 1789, Oliver Lawton came on to the Royal Grant from New-
port, R. I., and settled on lot No. 1, of the second allotment. He had
five sons, David, Benjamin, George, Joseph and Oliver, and one daugh-
ter, Polly. They had 500 hundred acres of land. Hence the name Law-
ton street on which they Avere settled. It is the road up the hill directly
east from the City to the State road, intersecting it, westerly of Ayres'
place, in school district No. 1>, Fairfield. It is about midway between
Fairfield and Norway, and they were seated west of that main road
crossing, toward the City. I knew George and Joseph; they remained
on the street, kept their farms and raised up families. George was the
grandfather of Levi A. Lawton, of Herkimer. Continuing on the same
Lawton street road east toward the State road, we come to the Tan-
ners, who also came from Rhode Island, at about the same time. Mr.
Tanner, I think his name was Thomas, had three sons, Thomas, Perry
and Smith. They had 400 acres, divided among them. Thomas' place
Avas that of the late Warren Buck, noAv Voohres, of Newport, on the
LaAvton street road. Smith was on the Jerseyfield road; is noAv the
estate of the late Jarius iNIather, merchant, of Fairfield; and Perry's
place AA^as not on any road, but between all three, viz., Jerseyfield,
LaAvton street and the State road. It is noAV oAvned and occupied by
Miss F. Norton, daughter of the late Morgan Norton, Avho AA'as the son
of .lames Norton. The old Noi-ton honiestend is on the State road
noi'th, in plain sight.
Perry Tanner was my mother's father. She Avas born there in 1803.
She said her father built there before the roads were laid, and thus
PIONEER TIMES ON TDE ROYAL ORANT. 66
^((( left out; ;ilso lli.il w lirii I'll irlicld \\:is divided riurii Xnrw.-i y. in
IT'.ti;. lie \v;is ill I'.iii-licld. I lliiiii^ llic Inwn liiir is tin- mutii line of llic
r.-inii. It is s;iid llinl the .lcrsc\ licld rn;id \v,-is llic lirst l.-iid in llir town
(if l'\-iirl'n'ld. It w.is t'l'diii sniin- liiisli (I li;i\c lni-::ul ten llic n.iiiic) \>vi>-
i>;il>ly Kliriinciisydcf's I'.iisli. It is imftli of tlic river, jind ;i ro.id t'loiii
it runs into Little l";ills. UnnniiiL; tlieiiee noi-| h pnst 'Pop Noteii, the
l»nt(li sclticnuMit. passes Harlow I Mil. on its eastern side, ci-osscs the
toad. l'\aii'(ield fo Salishui'v. at tlie W'liiiipie school house; the late
Smith 'l\-iniiei''s jiiaee. tiie site ()f the .\drth {''airlield cheese faclofy.
and is cfossed by the State foad (laid in ls(i.",i ;it tiie homestead of the
late Xatlianiel S. Ilendeisoii. fatliei- of .lohii I ». Henderson, and con
tinuiiii.; north on a line of lots, now ncafly all the way. readies .lersey-
lield near Wcstefu's mill (whicli I lliiuk is now I'.ennetfs) on the I'.lacU
Creek. ''IMie Canadians and Indi.ans in the I'^rench w;ii' and also in
the Revolutionary wai". in some of their r;iids came by wa.v of the
r.!;icU River and .lerseylield. about on this line. Ross ami I'.ntlcr. in
their famous raid and retreat at the time lUitler was killed, were on
this route.
My first I'ecollect ion of ni.v (irandfatlier Johnson was wlieii I was
seven years old, and his telliufj' me somethint; that occurred when he
was seven years old. He was out in the woods where his people madi-
su.nar, and heard the firing of .i^nns. It was. in fact, the nuMuorable
l'.)th of Api'il. the d,iy of the battle of Lexint^tmi and Concord, in ITT."*.
lie was a few miles west of Concord, in Worcester county. Ilis father.
-\sa Johnson (in the fifth ;;'eneration, in our line, from Capt. Edward,
who came to Boston, in Wiiithroi)"s ex])edition in 1(')."5()). eidisted and
served three short terms in the Revolutionary war (see Revolutionary
N. Y. arvhives, secretary's ottiee. Com., Mass., liostoui called I'meruency
terms. lie had 14 chihh'en, IL* of them born before the war; the oldest
son then onl.v 14 years old. The next recollection of yrandfather was
in reference to that old tirst canal at Little I'alls for the river boats.
lie said: "1 struck almost the hrst blow struck on that work." 1 don't
think he came for that: as he was soon settled on a tine farm .just over
the hill west of Eatonville, on the road to ]\Ii(ldleville. as it now is.
The oldest son of a lai'.i;*' f.amily was born there, in IT'.'-"', the same yt-ar
the canal w.ns finished. Also three more sons and three daughters were
liorn there, my f.ather beint: the younu'est son. There was another
notable tij;ure on that canal work. Mr. Samuel Fortinie, an English
milhvri.ulit, came from Enjiland to build those locks, which were of
wood, and had char.ue of the work. More about him later. We may
observe that two .years before this canal work was couimem-cd there
was only one dwellin.ii- house in Ijittle Falls.
In 1795, Joseph Renchley removed from Fairlield to Newport. Be-
tween this time and 1708, Wm. Wakc^ly. Mr. Burton. Stephen Hawkins,
brother of Christopher, (Jeorne Cook. Xalium H.-iniels. Edward (^otfin,
John Nelson, John C (Jreen. John Churchill, (icor.u'c Fenner and Wm.
Whipple made permanent locations in the town. These families were
56 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Ishand. 'Sir. Wakely kept
the first tavern and George Cook the first store. Coffin, Green, Nelson,
Churchill and others purchased lands on the west side of tlie creek, in
Walton's Patent.
The first town meeting took place in 1807. Doctor Westel Wil-
loughby, Jr., was the moderator. Christopher Hawkins was chosen
supervisor and Phineas Sherman, town clerk. Dr. Westel Willougliby,
Jr., was a prominent personality, in l>otli town and county, for 50 years
or more. He was getting to be old, when I used to see him, in 1835 to
1840. Benjamin Boweu also was prominent and it was said of him
that he was a business man, but his enterprises in Newport were not
successful. I can surmise that his outlay of capital was too heavy for
the times. Too many mills on small streams with small capital in com-
petition.
The territory of the town was taken partly from Norway and Fair-
field. The boundary, as described, places the northeast corner at the
northeast corner of lot No. 23, in the second allotment of the Royal
Grant, adjoining Norway. It is a little north of tlie State road, near
the residence of Chas. Hines, running south; tlience crosses the road
east of Hines" house, on a line of lots, down the White Creek valley,
crossing and re-crossing the road as it turns either way, and some of
the way in the road, to the southeast corner of lot No. 42 in the said
second allotment. That point is the southwest corner of Norway and
the northwest corner of Faii-field. From thence on a line of lots,
directly east to Salisbury, is the line between Norway and Fairfield.
The late Dean Kelly had on White Creek, near his residence, a cheese
box shop'. On the same site had been previously the shop of Joshua
Howell, a wooden clock maker. Mr. Howell used water power from
the creek to run a circular saw, turning lathe and such other special
machinery as was considered needful in the manufacture of clocks.
He made good clocks. I heard of one in that high ease style, standing
on tlie floor and reacliing to a low ceiling, which was recentlj* running
right along and keeping good time. His residence was on the east side
of the road, directly opposite. There was a story current when I was
a school boy at the stone school house, in 183G to 1842, that Mr. Howell
could sleep in one town, his wife in another, and botli in the same I)ed
at the same time. Mr. Howell had a son, Julius, and two daughters,
liaura and Mary, who Avas my school teacher.
Josiah Harris, a blacksmith, and one of the best of men, lived near
the stone school house, on the west side of the road, in Newport, and
had a stone shop down Ity the creek, with water power, for a trip ham-
mer, grindstone, polishing wheels, turning lathe and a special wheel
to blow his bellows. Agricul1in-;il iniplciiH'nt nianufaetnrc^ was in its
infancy l)efore 1850. Mr. Harris not only shod the farmers' horses, but
made their implements in iron, steel and some of wood, viz., axes, hoes,
forks, rakes (some scythes, not many), spades, ^-owliars, chains, etc.
Also cai"penters' tools, chisels, adz, hatchets, axes and hammers. It
PIONEEK TIMICS ON TIIIC UOYAL UUANT. -U
iu\}xht (iiil\ 111' s.iid 111' iimili' ill! kinds liiil poor nms. I Iwul a st't of his
riir|>i'ri(rr tools. I nr\i'i' isiicw Jiiiii to iiial;i' a iMior our. (Jcttin;; ail-
vaiHTii ill yrais ami his tlii'i-i' sons. Kdwiii A., \V. Irxiii^: and .lolm not
wisliin.u lo I'ollow in tlir loolsli'its of Ihi'ir latiirr, on llir dralli of i,iiin.s
\;\\r. at .\i'\\|iorl . tiir invi'iitor and romidcr of the ^^ilr lock, tln'.v
Icasod tilt" shop, iciti'iits. tools and lixturcs and inn that, nnti! I-iniis.
.Ir., had inado arranm'nii'nts cast to have thi' joiks niadi- on a lai;,'i'|-
si-ah'. .Mr. llaiiis. his tii'st wifi' lii'in;; dead, and hi' liad niarrii'd a
si'i ond, sold out his honii'strad tiirrc, iiirlniiinu shop and tools, and hav-
ing i)ri'viousl.v 1)111 rhasi'ii the llowi'll lionii'stcad (a small fanii) n'mo\i'd
the old Ilowoll house and about ISUT built hiiiisi'lf one on the samo
site. Mr. Harris had a1 thi' above mentioned pJaeo been a resident of
Xcwiiort for .'{o years or moir. inTJiaps -10. His postoftiee, his rhiirch
and voting place were Newport. He did not now wish to change his
resi(h>nce, although nearly all tlie Howell huid was in Norway. He
carefully planned the house, with the bedroom so located that he could
slei'i» in Newport and his wife, who had been a Norway woman, on the
other side of the bed in Norway, and thus Mr. Harris could honestly
retain his residence in Newport. He was a true ('hristian and I nev*'r
knew a child on White Creek that did not love him. Th<> town's corner
aforesaid is neai- this spot. I think the Howell lot. that ]iart of it in
Norway, runs to and is the town's corner; continuing thence south,
on the same line of lots as heretofore, through the City on its Avestern
side to the Canada Creek at tlie bridge near the house, heretofore or
late of Obediah Kniltin; thence west to the middle of the creek, thence
down the middle of the creek, etc.
That point is opposite the homestead of the late Nicholas Smith,
now of his son, A. (J. Smith, one mile from .Middleville. My father and
my wife's father, George Ruell, used to tell me about that bridge and
how it was c.irried away by ice in a flood. There was none built to
replace it, as one had been liuilt at Middleville in ISIO. and thus travel
to I'tica and in general also, was diverted. Over that bridge and direct-
ly on and up over the Hassenclever hills as the road now runs into
Schuyler, and on through Deerfield, was the route for many years from
this section to rtic;i and Whitestown (now Wliit<>sboro) the county seat
of Herkimer county from its organization in JTUl to the organizalion
of Oneida in 17!)S.
In 1S02 the Kev. John Taylor of Massachusetts in:ide a missioii.-iry
tour through tliis section, and kept a di.-iry, or journal. In it he wrott>.
.July 20th: "I this morning left Norway for Utica, and arrived there
aliout 5 o'clock, liaving traveled 23 miles. I passed through a corner
of Schuyler into Deertield, upon the Mohawk." He luoiiably came
down through the City and crossed this bridge. I liavi' no icU'a there
Avas any other way he could go. It was the hrst and only bridge over
the creek for some years. A notable personality, on this Roy.-il (irant in
]sol, was the Kev. Caleb Ale-xander. He was a native of Northlield.
Mass., graduated at Vale college, and having been admitted to the miu-
r;8 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORJCAL SOCIETY.
istry. settled as pastor of the churcb at Mendon. Mass. Benton says:
"He came into \\'estern New York, as a missionary, in 1801, and I am
enabled, through the kindness of one of his descendants, to consult his
Journnl, from wliicli I have made some extracts. He visited various
localities on the North River and many places on the way to Onondaga
and Ontario counties, and finally reached Norway in this county,
November 10th."
Th(> first entry copied is August 10th, 1801: "Having received my
connnission from the Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D. D., president of the
Massachusetts Missionary Society, having obtained consent of my
church and congregation, and committed myself and family to the direc-
tion and disposal of God. I began my missionary tour to the people in
the western part of tlie State of New York."
He remained in this vicinity until the 23d of November, thirteen days,
visiting and preaching at Norway, Fairfield and Salisbury, and kept
a daily journal. I infer from his journal that he was a Congregation-
alist. There were cliurcli organizations but no church buildings. Re-
ligious meetings Avere held in school houses and private houses. Preach-
ing mainly by Baptist and Methodist. On the 18th, at Fairfield, he
wrote: "In Fairfield is a Congregationalist church of 24 members;
some attention to religion. This town contains 2,065 souls; no min-
ister. Some Baptist, and some never attached themselves to any de-
nomination. Salisbury, FairQeld and Norway contain 3,()0(i souls, and
no minister. The county of Herkimer contains 14,503, and no minister,
excepting illiterate Baptist preachers."
During the thirteen days he liad been in this vicinity, he had been in
Fairfield five different days and had made arrangements to have a
building erected during the winter, for tliie purpose of opening a school
in the Spring. A frame building Avas erected and in ]May, 1802, lie
rctui'ned with his family from Massachusetts and commenced in good
cai'iiest to lay the foundation of an institution wliich gave birth to
Fairfield Academy. During tlie whole period of his engagement at the
head of the Academy, ten years, he preached alternately at Fairfield,
Norway, Salisbiiry and other places in the northei'n part of the county.
He left Fairfield in 1S12.
Mr. Alexander in his missionary tour in 1801 closed the work at Fair-
field, and on Monday, November 23d, he wrote: "Set out from Fairfield
on my journey homeward; cold weather; rode seven miles to the Little
Falls with a view of taking a boat, to fall down the river to Schenec-
tady. Found the ^Mohawk River covered with ice. Then rode up the
river seven miles to German Flats, to take the stage. Finding that the
stage is not to run luitil to-morrow, I crossed the Mohawk to Herkimer
Coiirt House, two miles.
"Around the Little Falls the country is hilly and A'ery rocky near the
I'iver. On the noi-tlicni bank is a canal Avith scA^en (fiA'e) locks for the
conveyance of boats. Here is a village of forty houses, several mer-
chant stores, mechanic shops and a ucaa' meeting house of octagonal
riONEHR TIMKS ON THE ROYAL GRANT. 59
coiislnicl iiiii. 'I'lic ii('<i|il(' ;irr iirincipallx IOii.:,'lisli. .iiiil llic.\' sflilnm Imvi-
pn'Mcliiiii;. Till' pl.icc nlmtinils in vice, cspcci;! Ily proC-iiiity. Siiii-<- my
.•ii'!M\ al (III llic v'wi'V I li,i\i' licani iiioic ciirsiiii,' and s\\•(■al•iIl;-^ limtid
oatlis and iiiiprccations. Iliaii in ti-ii years past. Tlicy fi'll fliiclly li'diii
llu> lips of liontiiuM). In sotnc taverns wei'e Kii.u:lisli ami i»Mt<li faruiers
drinlviii.u and s\veaI■in.l,^ and llic ihii^lisli appeared te he llie most aliaii-
doned. 'IMiey regard nel tlie presem-e n[' a cli'ruyma n. tor tiie Iteminie
(lrinl<s and sweais as iiuicli as the eoninion people. At (lerman i'lats
I ()l)serve(l an old Dutch stono chapel. There is a Idilili clei-^yman
who i)r(>aches to the i)eople every socoml Sahhath."
'Phis was nndnuldcdiy the Kev. John Spinn<'i-. tiie lather and fonnth-r
of the Spinner I'annly in Herkimer — F. E. Spinner and others. .Mr.
Sjiinner from (lermany had h-uuhHl in New Yoi'k on the llJth of .May.
ISdl. Soon after he was called to the si)iritnal char.iic of the (lerman
coiiurciiations at Ilerkimei- and (Jerman I'Mals. and commenced his pas-
toral functions in Septcmher and his connection with these clinrciies
{•ontinned forty years.
Conlinuinu-. .Mr. AlexaiKh'r said: •'On the Hats in the town of Herkimer
is a handsome tlourisliinu village. Nine years since.viz., 17'.)2. there were
only two Dutch huildiims in the place. 'Pliei'c is now a handsome
sti-eet. a nieetinu house, a court hous(\ a jail, a printin.i;- ollice. meivliant
stores, about thirty i'le,t;aut dwellin.ns and several mechanic shops. No
minister. Religion appears to have no footin.tr here. In the whole
county of Herkimer there is neitlier a Presbyterian or a Conj^regation-
alist nunister. The people in i;'eneral si'em to be jirowin.u up i'l iynor-
a.nce and wickedness.
'•Tuesday, 24th. Took the sta.u:e at Herkimer and passed throuiiii
the (lerman Flats and IMiinh'U, to Canajoharie. twenty-shx: miles."
Observe that at tins time tlie stai;es fi-om heiv to Schenectady ran on
the south si(h' of the river, passinjj Little Falls over Fall hill. The
Kev. .John Taylor, missionary in 1S()'2, before mentioned, I think also
was a Connresiationalist. When in Xorw.-.y h(> wrote in his journal:
"A youui,^ yent by the name of Johnson l:as preaclied in this town sev-
eral Sabl)aths, and the people have hired liini for three or four to come;
but it is in this town, as in all these parts, there is a mixture of Bap-
tists. Alethodists. I ni\ ersalists and Dicsts. In th(> various parts of
the town there is preachin.i;- by sectarians of almost all kinds, every
Sabbath. There is one .Methodist church, prosperous: two P>aptist, and
liart of a third. Xo meelintf houses. The peo]>le almost uinvers.-illy
inclined to hear pi'eachin.n of their various sects." Thus we have a pict-
ure of what Herkimer and Little Falls were 9S years auo, and also 107
years a,i;o, when there were two Dutch buildinus in Herkim(>r and one
dwelliiiii in Little Falls.
About IT'.Mi t(» 1S(M), roads centen'd at the City fi-om all i>oints and
business was boonuny. The Hi'rkinuu' county clerk's ottice was burned
in the Spring of 1S04. Thus Xho oldest (h>ed I found recorded on prop-
erty at the City was 17U9. I'eleg (.'arc! was the first grantor of mill
60 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
property, which I found record of. Wm. Card was an early purchaser
of land. Jonathan Card, before mentioned, bought the mill property
on the south side in 1802. He was the father of Mrs. Graves, wife of
the late Jnd.ce Ezra Graves of Herlvimer. She was born in 1803, proba-
bly on that property. When I lived there she told me of her girlhood
days, playing around on those grounds. She has been known to visit
the spot as a loved one. There was a disposition at one time to call it
Card City. I think that, besides the tannery and potashery, he had a
store of general merchandise. Elijah Holmes, the grandfather of Mrs.
A. L. Howell, of Mohawk, was one of the early grantees in 1800. Caleb
Sheldon another. Mr. Holmes had mill property and land. Thus things
went on until ISOO. when 'Sir. Samuel Fortune, that English millwright
who had done those wooden locks at Little Falls, was purchaser of the
mill property and established himself here for 25 years or moi-e, raising
up a large family. Rowland Phillips, before mentioned, came this year;
also Shefheld Kenyon, whom I knew as late as 1851, and who was the
father of the late Yarnum S. Kenyon, merchant and manufacturer, of
Middleville, came this year, ISOG, and obtained title to land for Middle-
ville, and that same year a tavern was built on that corner and kept by
Mr. McMitchell, where J. Cory kept so long. It is now kept by Spell-
man. In 1807 Samuel Stevens built a tavern a little farther west and
nearby was the mechanic shop of Eber Stevens. I first knew the spot
as the home of Shibney Nichols, and later, of Wm. Griswold, who liad
retired here from Fairfield village. He had quite a family, four sons
and three daughters: Samuel, a merchant at Middleville; George, Wal-
ter and William, three farms on the west side, above Middleville;
Rebecca, the wife of V. S. Kenyon; Almy. the wife of E. T. Tefft, a
New York merchant; Eliza, the wife of Rev. David Chassell, D. D.,
principal of Fairfield Academy over twenty years; retired to the Oxbow
farm, toward Newport, after 1840.
Middleville got its name in 1808. Streeter had a blacksmith shop;
first 1)ridge and saw mill, 1810; school house. 1813; John Wood, tan-
nery, 1815. John Wood was the grandfather of Geo. H. Thomas; post-
office and "weekly mail," 1810; L'nion church, 1828.
February 29th. 1808, my Grandfather Johnson was still on the farm
he took up in the south part of Fairfield, about fifteen years ago, but
this day conveyed it (108 acres) to Stephen Brayton. The next day,
March 1st, grandfather obtained title from Joseph Waldo to 107 acres,
which he held about thirty years, about one and one-half miles westerly
f)f Middleville, and about half a mile southerly from the City. My
father was then three years old. This corner has been occupied by
H. W. Dexter the last 50 years.
Stephen Brayton and three of his sons removed into Newiiort, west
of the village, and became large land oAvners, viz.. Smith. Stephen and
Renssalaer. Daniel remained on the Johnson farm his lifetime, or
until about or after 1800. His daughter, Maria, ^ow ISIrs. M. C. Crist,
of Middleville, still holds it, or her husband does.
PIONEER TIMFS (»N TlIK ROYAI. UUANT. 01
As NcwiuM't ;nl\ Jiiifcd in |m(|iiiI;iI inn ;iii(l wrallli ,i iMttcr rd-id. rintn
tlic cast was needed than I h,i\c deseiihed Slartiiiu from uraiid
father's eoiMier ahevc named, as now I>e.\lei-'s, I he new road ei'ossed
.Mill ('reek, near its nientli (when 1 first Ixiiew it in js.'lli on a line stone
inched l)ridL'(' of two arelies on lied roel<. ilMirinL; the Lcreal tlood
of Anuust. IS'.IS those were eut onl ehan.i ( 'ontinnin;;' on it crossed
tile Wiiitc CrecU near its nioutli. and lajoe to tiie eiay slip lianl<. by
llie side of West Canada ('reel<. A road was eiil alonu it a few f< et
ahox'e tile water line, and eontinned on thence to Xewimrt. Thai
clay slip hank proved vi-ry trotildcsonie. After heavy rains, oi- in spiiii;,'
when the fi'ost came out it would slide and till the roadway or carry
all into the crock. l'"or a time it was abandoned, and a road made
over the hill farther east, in a little cut or jiass and aloim down i he
side hill west, into the road l»etore nicntion^'d, near the creek. I'.ut
this road was also troublesome on the side hill west of the i»ass, bcin^
clay also, like the othi'r, it would slide and spoil the road, and thus
things went on until 1S25. That hill beinu' so hai'd to climb and
troublesome about sliding, the people of Newport, in lS2r>, set to work
in ,uood earnest to oi)en the du.u way road a.aain, which they did pcr-
luaneiitly, although the clay bank was troublesome many years. About
]S40, or a little after a retainin.u wall was built, next the water and as
the bank had slid down so much as to make the .nr.-ulc better, not so
much dilficulty is experienced now. Thus a pretty .uood highway
was ojien to Littk' Falls. A bridyc beluti' built at .Middleville. in ISIO.
thus a road was open down throULih the Farmer Sctthnieid (now
Hildreth's) and over Osboiai hill, to Herkimer. L.-iter a roail was
worked along those two slip banks (dug ways) where the railroad
now runs.
In 1S4.S and 1S4<J a great improvement was made in the road from
Newport to Herkimer by tilling hollows, grading down liills and mak-
ing cross cuts, to avoid hills and bad places, also to shorten the dis-
tance, thus cross cuts were made preparatory to the laying of plank. Tlie
lirst change of route from Newport was commenced just west of Mill
Creek, by grading down, very near its mouth ;ind below the old stont>
arches, and crossing on a low bridge to the ttat. and thence c(.ntiiiu-
ing along side the West Canada to the old road a,i;ain, at tlie old bi-idgc
place, opposite Nicholas Smith's. Next cutting down from where the
Countryman cheese factory was built later, aci'oss the tlat by the side of
the West Canada to the dug way. Countryman built his white house
on the plank road in 1S.V2. Next below, at the upper end of the lowi'r
dug way. a bridge was built, and the road made across the tlat to the
east end of the Kast brid.ge. .and last .iust beyond the present cheese
factory a cut across the tlat to near Folfs by the brick school housi-.
The whole completed, and plank laid and in use in 1S.")0. TIkmi the
mail route was changed. Warren Galusha was the lirst to cany the
mail on the new plank ro;id route with two horses. L.-iter (Jeorgc W.
Payne pift on a tallyho. and sometimes four horses if more than two
62 HERKIMKR COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
wore needed; going- down in tlie morning and bacli in tlie afternoon,
bringing the daily mail except Sunday. The mail route had been Little
Fajls to Trenton, tri-weekly, going up one day and down the next,
except Sunday. The route and stations thus: Little Falls to Eatonville,
Fairfield, Middleville, Newport, Poland, Cold Brook, Russia, Gravesville,
Trenton Falls and Trenton, connecting therewith the Black River route,
Utica to Boonville and Watertown, run by John Butterfield; talllyho,
coaches and four. When the plank road was new, Newport to Herki-
mer, they used to run it, going down I'rtjm Middleville, eight miles
in 50 minutes. Thus we of the Kurayahoora valley Avere doing a little
something to keep up with the improvements of the age. In Febru-
ary, 1851, there was a good Avooden bridge with shingle roof, over the
creek at Middleville. I have before noted that the first bridge was
built there in 1810. This may have been the same. If so it had only
been there 40 or 41 years. It was same style as the one below
Dempsters, built in 1848, for the plank road, which has been there
50 or 51 years and appears good for 50 more years. The Avinter had
been cold and the ice on the creek thick and strong and the snoAV
deep. A protracted thaw had caused a high water and broken up the
ice in the creek aboA^e Newport, except in the pond above the dam,
Avliich broken ice had come doAvn to the upper end of the pond and
lodged there. Also beloAV the dam tlie ice had gone doAvn to the pond.
aboA'e Middleville, and lodged there. Friday it was stil) raiiiing. Sat-
urday night it turned cold. Sunday morning Avas cold, Avith a north-
wester. At NeAvport, beloAV the dam, on the east side, next the Aallage,
and above the bridge, of the same style as the one just mentioned, on
a point there, stood the little stone blacksmith shop of Ezekiel Angell.
He had a trip hammer and grind stone, etc., run by Avater poAver. On
Sunday afternoon following tlie Friday mentioned, the dam near
Angell's shop, gave AA-ay, and then the terrible break up occurred.
Soon the Avhole body of ice Avas moving and doAvn the stream it Aveut
as fast as a horse could run, with a SAvell of Avater in front of it two or
three feet high, noted l)y those Avho saw it. The ice at MiddleAalle
could not stop this and thus that AA-as lifted and loosened and started
on down stream at a furious rate. For a little Avhile it Avent under the
bridge, but soon the stream Avas so full of ice, piling higher and higher,
it lifted the bridge from its foundation and carried it away boflily on
the ice. Many bystanders saw it go. and some that night folloAving
Avalked eiglit or ten miles to get home. Angell's shop Avas demolished,
completely ruined, and never rebuilt.
In the great flood of August. 1898, the Wliitc ("reek caused ti'onble
on the old i>l;uil< road route, near its iiKnilli and east of the dugway.
The iron bridge over it Avas undermined and carried doAvn stream,
AA-arped and tAvisted as if it had been tin (ir lead. Also the creek cut
across the road, some rods Avest, toAA-ard the dugway, an entire ncAV
channel, Avherc the <i('('l< now runs, cnii living into the West Canada
some distance nearer the dugway. making it necessary for the toAvn to
PIONEEK TIMES ON THE KOYAL OKANT. '.
Iiuilil two liHii;. Iir.isy illiil <-i>sll.\ ilDii l)i'i(lL;cs. 'I'lic sIdiic .irrlicd l)|-i(|;;c
;lt Xl'W poll W.IS l)llilt .llpnlll lS.">l-(;. II WMS .lllrr Milicll. IS.";;. ;MI(1 WilS
two ()!■ iiioiT yc.-iis ill liuildiiii;'.
S:uinicl l''()rluiii'. Iicfoi-c iii'-iitioiicd iis t'sl;il)lislii(l in tlic mills ;il tii<'
City ill ISOC, li;i(l )'((iir sons ;iiiil tiircc or more (Ijiu^'litcrs, as I knew
lliciii .loliii. Mli, I.roiiani aii.l IjIw .iid. Tlic il.ni^jflitcrs were the .Mrs.
I'.iitcs. ('olliiis ;iih1 I'ciiiH'i-. 'I'iit' soils ii.'iii .-issislcd tlicir l':iliiiT in l!i"
imsincss. .lolin. the oldest, had married my I'atlici's sister, Liify. aed s t-
tlnl (»n a line farm ai)uut two miles northwesterly of Newport, on the
old road to I'ol.ind. l']li remained for a time witli his father at tiie mills.
linildiliL;' llinisejf ;i lionie III! liie snlllll side (on tile premises t'orniel'iy
oeeupii'd l>y .lonalh.in Card), tlie wiiite liouse which I occupied ten
.\('ars, 1S.")S to isr.s. and A\'liicli was burned three or foni' ye-ii's a.uo.
Occasionally he and his father would yo out and do some Joh of mill-
wii.i;ht work. Later he renio\ed t<i a small snl>nrli;in farm at Newport,
on the west side. Leonard i;iii the saw mill some of the time and I
suppose assisted in a iieueral wa.v in all of the mills: I flunk he was
conipeteut to run an.v or all of them. He li\c(l in the old house on the
north side of the ci'cek. l>elo\\' the road </n the west side: his shoii on
the bank of the creek. Later he becanu' a gunsmith and cariaed on the
business of niakiutr sh.-irp-shootinu:- sportin.u' rilles, ji'ettin^ his barrels
of old Mr. E. Heminyton. at the "For.^'e." as he used to sa.v when iroini,'
for bari'els. (Dayton K(tss. f.-itlier of the late Hon. .V. .M. Itoss. nia(h'
the stocks). Iliou was not named then and not until after he (piit busi-
ness there, about 1SJ8. lie rifled and finished the barrels by hand. He
v/as an a.thlete and expert in anythin,u' he iittempted. 1 have l)een told
that old Mr. E. Remington, the founder of the jiun works at Iliou. had
watched there at Fortune's shop for hoin-s to obtain some of his process,
which may be in use to-day in the Kemin.uton works in reference to
drilling and straightening barrels. At a niilitar.v parade in Norway,
in 1825, when there was a sham tight going on. liis ritle barrel burst,
destroying his left hand. .My father was with him and went for the
doctor, who pei'formed the amputation just above the wrist .joint. That
did not stop him from work. He nnide an a]tpliance to strap on the
stub of his for(>arm with an iron socket, with a set screw in the side,
in which he would put his fork to be held while eating, and also he
used it in the shop, holding man.v tools, etc. He was a violinist, or as
peoi)le used to sa.v, a "liddlei'." After losing his hand he reiiuired
some one to hold the instrument and linger the strings while he drew
tlie bow. Nathaniel I'ost, a son of l».tn Post. lOsej.. a near neighbor, also
a tiddler, would i)erform that duty for Ifnn. Also he had a son. Henry,
(about ni.v age), grow up, and beeonnng a violinist. I have seen him
perforu! that service for his father. .\t the raising of franu's for build-
ings, like a squirrel, with ins one hand he was always on tojt. No man
could do more, if as much. At playing bi;ll aftei the raising, he was
a match for tho smartest; and also in jiin)pin.2: he took the leuL He
invented and built a machine for turning axe helves. Sold out at the
64 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
(?ity aud about 1842 or '43 removed to St. Lawrence county. Time aud
ypace will uot allow me to say more of him.
Edwai'd was also something of an expert when a lad and companion
of my venerable cousin, Alexis L. Johnson, of East Schuyler, who was
then, in 1825, fourteen years of age, living at my grandfather's, on the
corner. Edward would make a cross-gun and with it kill a scpiirrel or
a pigeon. They were very much more plentiful and not as wild as now.
I have seen pigeons in flocks of thousands, and at nesting time in
spring, when they came out of the woods to find food, walking over a
meadow of spring grain they would cover acres thickly. For the ben-
etit of the young people I will try to briefly describe the cross-gun. The
bow and string, much like that used by the Aboriginal Indians. The
stock shaped somewhat like any gun, with a groove in the upper side,
capped over, to help guide the arrow and prevent it flying out. The
bow framed into the stock, crosswise near the muzzle end. The string
under the cap drawn to a notch in tlie place for a lock, strained the
bow. The arrow slid down the groove under the cap and resting
against the string, and all was ready. A trigger released the string
from the notch and drove the arrow flying. Edward settled in Lapier
county, Mich., aud was there about 18G0. When I first knew old Mr.
Samuel Fortune he had retired some little time before, 1834, to a com-
fortable home very near to his son, John; was only a few rods away.
He was able to work some io the garden and there with his good wife
the venerable pair lived in quiet peace, enjoying the fruit of labor.
Referring to Jonathan Buell and his family, before mentioned, on
the platform just above the present Middleville. He had four sons and
four daughters, George, Luther, Jonathan S. and Charles, Mrs. Cook,
Wright, Safford and Paddock. After paying for land they had bought
for a home, they learned that the title was worthless. They then bought
over again of the real owner, causing a hard struggle. George became
an expert carpenter and builder; Luther worked Avith him awliile after
1808. There were no machine made nails at the time. The nails they
did have were all forged by a blacksmith on the anvil imder his ham-
mer and cut off without heads, and could be bought in that form by the
one hundred pounds, the heading being an after consideration. They
then could be headed and straightened and the points fixed up a little
if necessary. They bought their nails in this way, without heads, and
did their own heading in Winter time or any other odd spells. I have
been enabled to see the old account book they were using in 1817. They
had an assortment of sizes, as now. No. 3s, f>s, 8s, 10s, etc., the price
according to size. Small sizes the highest priced, as now, thus. No. Os,
or penny, 17 cents per pound; 10s, lo cents, etc. I bought 3 penny
iron nails in 181J8, for $2.45 per 100 pounds at retail; that is, single hun-
dred Aveight, and not by the ton. That same size in 1817 would have
cost about !f20 ]ter hundred weight.
One of their ventures was to piu'chase some stock in a manufa<'turlng
enteipdse, to be at Newport. I think it was to be a cotton mill, proba-
PIONICEH TIMICS ON THK IJOYAI, (JItANT. Gl
lily ill I'.owcu's (hue. I li.ivc liranl my wilVs I'al Imt. (Jcdriri- HihII. Ir||,
but ilo iml iriihiiilicr pall iciilais. I'.ut I ilo icimiiilici' ihat llic.v lost
wliiit tli(',\' |Mil ill. Some dl' tli'isc 1)1(1 wiiilli) ss ct'iM i lica Ifs ran lie seen
now. After a wllile i.illller reMi((\((l lu llie \ieiliity of the rest III' the
fiimil.N', ill <>ii(iii(ia.ua eniinly. just west of ( 'a/.eiio\ia. where his father
and a [xdiioii of I he fauiil.\ had pres ioiisly i;'oiie. Some years a;,'o I
read in the Norlhern ('hrislian .\(i\oeate a skeleli of early liislory.
of llie organization and foiiiidiii.^ of ("azenovia Seminar\. I.iither
r.iiell's name was ^^ivcii as one of tiie lirst i»ronioters. lie li\cd nearl>y
tlii're, ill roiiipey. (»iiuiidai;a eoiinly. and liis name was iiroiiiiiieiit ly
mentioned, lie had (luite a liiisincss tuiii and later estalilisht'd liiinself
in Miaiiufaetnrinn' In woolen and mercantile eiiteriirises at oi' near
Manlius, Oiioiidana county. Ilattie K. lUiell. the wife of his son. W'il-
lar<l, besides other [)oems, wrote the poem entitled, "'riie Cliild of a
King." the music to wliieli was written by Kev. .1. 15. Sumner, of the
Wyomiiii;' conference, liy whom I liavo boon entertained, with my son,
Kev. 11. 1'. .lohnson. (Jeorue alone retained the homestead farm an<l
besides niana.t;in,i;' it, continues the building; biisiiuss (iiiite extensixcl.v.
bocomin.u' a noted cliurch builder. Il(> luiilt a I'.aptist church at .Nor-
way, a ITiiion church at Uussia, a Union church at .M iddlevilh'. and ;i
Methodist lOpiscopai church at Fairlield. ]\Ir. lUu'l. after forty or fifty
years of active life in carpentry and farming, bought an addition to
his farm on its western side, known :is the son Kber Stevens i)lac'e. '
To tliat he retired, leaving his second son. (ieorge S., to inana.ge the
farm awhile, and later, Trnm.-in B. took his place. Although (piite
active and in health for one of his age. Mr. r>uell liad liecome very
ne;irl,v Itliiid, about is.'yS, and sold his farm ;ind retired to a home in
Middlevilh', not far from the church, to which he could go with others,
a i)rivilege he en,joyed many years, a much esteemed and resjjected
citizen to ISTl, and at 90 years of age he passed over oh the other side,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO
SLAVERY.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, September 9,
1899.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the world's greatest characters. He
was so unlike other great men commemorated in history that it is dif-
ficult to make a comparison between him and them. We cannot well
measure him by the same standards which we use in estimating the
characters of Julius Ceaser, Napolean Boneparte, the great Prince of
Orange, Oliver Cromwell, or even of George Washington. He was
unique in his endowments, and stands alone in his glory. He was self-
cultured, self-reliant, and wise beyond the wisdom of most of the
contemporary statesmen.
His real career commenced with the culmination of the anti-slavery
agitation in this country, and his permanent fame depends largely, if
not exclusively, upon his attitude towards slavery prior to and during
the Civil War. He was not a great general, and his knowledge of and
insight into military affairs were not greater than those of many other
civilians then in public and private life. His interference with the
Union army in the field was often unwise; and it was not until he
left the Union generals untrammeled in the management of the armies
that the telling blows were dealt which finally crushed the rebellion.
The story of his relation to slavery will always be an interesting one,
and I will here undertake to give its brief outline.
He was by nature a humane man, opposed to wrong and cruelty
in all their forms; and a fair and just man, and any unfairness and
injury were quite sure to arouse his indignation and call out his active
interference in favor of the weak and oppressed. Hence we find him
at the age of fifteen reading a composition on "Cruelty to Animals,"
in which he maintained that to give pain to dumb animals was con-
temptible, cruel and wicked. In early life, he saw in Kentucky some-
thing of slavery in its mildest form; and it did^not take him long to
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO SLAVERY. 07
roncli tlif coiichisioii tli.it ,i iicj^fo w.-is ii fclNtw iii.iii. .iikI tlmt it wmh
wi'oiii;' ti) ciishnc liiiii. In is;!(t, wlicii li<' \\;is iiiidci' LI I yrais old, Ik?
went down tlic .Mississi|i|ii Iliscr in ;i Ij.il hd.it, .iiid ;il .New (M'li'Miis
he witiu'sscd llic sale of sl,i\('s in ail its r('\'ol)inL;' ddails; and it so
aroused ids indi.unadon and olTcndcd his sense of ri;j:lit and justico
that lu' said to n eoniijanion with ,i;reat (Mnotioii: "John, if ever I >^ct
a chance to hit that iustitutiun, I'll hit it hard"; and so he did many
limes.
About ISoCi, the anti-slavory men of the north he.i;an to raise a loud
clamor a,:,'ainst slavery, claimin.t,' that the fj:eneral f^overnment should
cease to he resixinsiblo for it in the District of Cohunliia, and in all
other jilaces undei' its control. Xewspapers were est.-ililished, i-'ocieties
orj;ani/A'd. jjublic addresses made, and petitions sent io C'ongress to
liu'ther the aims of the agitators. This agitation aroused .u:reat indi.i^-
nation ;it the south, and excited f,n'eat animosity even in the nortli.
An abolitionist \v;is almost as unpopular throuj;iiout the north — in
Boston, Illinois, and Herkimer county — as in the south. At this time
IJncoln was a member of the Illinois Leiiislature. and there a member
introduced a series of resolutions, similar to tliose about tliat time in-
troduced into Congress and the legislatures of nearly all tlie northern
States, deprecating :niy discussion of slavery by tlie people, and de-
nouncing the Abolitionists. Lincoln did not like the spirit of the reso-
lutions, belit'ving that tlie people had the right to freely discuss any
question; and he took the ground then, which he maintained to the
end of Ills life, tliat tlie institution of slavery was founded on both
injustice and bad policy; that Congress had tlie right to aliolish it in
the District of Columbia, but that it ought not to exercise tlie right
except with the consent of tlie people of the District; and standing
almost alone — but one other member joining him — lie wrote a protest
against the resolutions which was his tirst public expression in ri»;ard
to slavery.
At this time no one could speak against slavery in the South with
impunity; and it was almost e(pially dangerous to do so in the North.
A clergyman in New Hampshire was offering prayer at an anti-shivery
meeting wIkmi the sheriff entered the pulpit and dragged him down
the steps and out of doors. In lioston, Octi^ber 21st, IS.")"), a mob seizi-d
Williaiii IJoyd (iariison at an abolition meeting, and dragged him from
tlie building in whicli the meeting was held into the street with a rope
around his neck. On the same day, an abolition meeting in Utica was
broken up by a mob of men st)me of whom were from tliis village.
During this time, Mr. Lincoln, at the risk of his personal popularity,
stood for fair play and free speech. A negro wiis lynched in St. Louis;
and Kev. Elijah V. Lovejoy, publishing a i);iper there, denounced the
lynching, and a mob destroyed his printing press, and he was obliged
to flee from the city. He went to Alton, in Illinois, not far from the
home of Mr. Lincoln, with the intention of publishing his paper there;
and there, again, November 7. 1S.'>7, a mob destroyed liis press and also
68 HERKIMER COUNTT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
took bis life. These acts of violence greatly aroused the indignation
of Mr. Lincoln, and he fearlessly denounced them.
He always took the side of freedom against slavery. The census of
1840 shoAved that there were some slaves in Illinois, although it was a
free State. In 1841 a slave was sold there, and a note taken for the
purchase price; and the note not being paid, it was sued and a recovery
had upon it at a Circuit Court. An appeal was taken to the Supreme
Court, and there Mr. Lincoln was brought into the case for the defense.
He took the ground that the ordinance of 1787 prohibiting slavery in
the Northwest territory, and the prohibition of slavery in the State
Constitution, made the note illegal and void; and he procured a reversal
of the judgment. In the same year, or about the same time, a free
negro boy went from Illinois to New Orleans as a cabin boy on a
steamboat. There he went on shore Avitliout a pass, and he was arrest-
ed and put in prison, and would soon have been sold into slavery. Mr.
Lincoln interested himself in the case. and. finding no other remedy,
raised two hundred dollars and procured his release.
He was elected to Congress in 1846, and he there supported the
Wilmot Proviso, prohibiting slavery in all the territory to be acquired
from Mexico in the war then pending. While in Washington he saw
slaves in chains marched away to be sold in the southern States; and
he looked upon this as a national disgrace. He favored a Congressional
act not only prohibiting the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
Imt also making free all slave children born after July 1, 1850, pro-
viding for the purchase by the Government of all slaves which their
owners were willing to sell, and that the act should be submitted to the
popular vote in the District before it could become operative. But
he failed to get much effective support for his A-iews.
During all tliis time, the anti-slavery sentiment in the North was
spreading, and the time had come before 1848 when people opposed to
slavery could get a hearing in any part of the North. The Free Soil
party had been formed; and in 1848 it placed before the people a pres-
idential ticket upon a platform of opposition to the extension of slaiv-
ery Into any of the territories of the United States, and the abolition '
of slavery in the District of Cokiniliia. The public conscience at the
north had become awakened concerning slavery; and the agitation
North and South was so fierce that many citizens began to Lear that
it might result in the disruption of the Union. To avoid such a direful
catastrophe, and to give peace to our distracted country, Clay. Web-
ster, Cass, Crittenden. Douglass, and other leading statesmen, North
and South, evolved the compromise measures of 1850. which it Avas
hoped Avould put at rest the troublesome ((uesfion of shiA-ery for a long
time at least. But they failed to accomplish their purpose. In the
minds of a constiuitly incivasing numlier of people at the North slavery
was wrong, and they Avould tolerate no compromise Avith it; and the
slave holders AA^ere constantly on the alert to protect and intrench the
institution of slavery, and to extend its dominiorfT And tinallv, to lay
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RKLATION TO SLAVERY. (iU
(he ;;host of ilic sl;i very (|iicslioii ;i;;;iiri, n new scliciiic wns hroiiulit
forwiinl in tlir K;iiis;is-.\c1hmsU;i I'.ill of lsr>l. Tli.-it I'.ill rrpcnlcd (lie
.Missouri ( "(Hiiprdiiiisc ul' ISl!n. ;ini| ppdv iih d |i-niloi-i;i I ;;i)\rniiiii-iils loi"
Kniisjis and Xcluaska, dt'claiinj; I'oi- n<in intervcnl iun \>y CoUKi't'SS with
siavci-y in the States and 'rcnitm-ics. and asst'rtini; dial it was the true
intent and meaning <•! Iln' aii "nut to lc;,^islatr slavery into any terri-
tory or State, nor to e\<iude it liierelroni, Iml to le;i\e tlie jjeoph;
tlu'ivol' perfectly Tree to I'orni .ind re^ul.•lle tlieir domestic institutions
in tlKMr own way, suiiject onl\ to tl:e ( 'onstitntion." I'.y the rejieal of
the .Missouri ("oiui)i-onnse. tiien was oix-ned to slavery territory larger
in e.xlent tli.in the orii^inal thirteen States. The act was ciirriod
through Congress laruely by the efforts of Slei)hen A. Doughiss, then
ScMiator from Illinois; and it emliodied what came to he known a»
the doctrine of •"Popular Sovereignty." sometimes c.-illed '■S(Hiatter
Sovereignty." It was the last effort hefoic the Civil War to conipro-
niise Avith sla\'ery. It was the culmin.-it ion of the anti-slavery agitation
and marks a great era in the history of American politics.. It was
followed by the compIet<" destiiiction of liie Whig party, and the for-
niatio!) of the Hepuhlican party, which soon hec.-ime donun;int in nearly
all the northern states. A majority of the iiorthei'u jx'ople saw in ft a
fresh evidence of tlie determination of the slave holders to strengthen
their power l)y the extension of slavery into tlu- tertitories. Donglass,
more tlian anyone else tlie author of the hill, lost some of his p(»i)ularity
in liis own State: ;ind nixm his return home at the close of the Con-
gressional session of ]sr>4. he deemed it important to attemiit to stem
the rising tide of indignation against him. He, therefore, made
speeches at Chicago and at Springfield, defining his position as to slav-
ery and defending his course in Congress, lie was one of the lireatest
debaters, and one of the ablest popular or.-itors in this country. Mr.
Lincoln, who had ne\er me.-isuicd swords witli him in debate, was a
listener to his Springtield address and annonnced tliat lie would speak
in rei)ly the next cNcning. On th.it ex'eiiing. ;i l.irge ;iudience gathered
to hear him. He sjKike for four hours with only ;i scrap of paper
before him, and is said to have made a m.-isti'i'ly rei)ly to .Mr. Donglass,
and to have stirred his hearers to a high state of enthusiasm. Mr.
Douglass ri'iilied in a siteech of two hours; ;inil In- afterward spoke
at Peoria, and wns followed there by .Mr. Lincoln, and the debate then
ended. In those deb.-itts. the whole merits of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill
were thoroughly discussed, and .Mr. Licolu's attitude towards slavery
fully defined.
P.y the Kansas-Nebraska P.ill, the Geneinl (Jovernmeiit was pledged
to absolute^ indifferenci' to the ipiestion of slavery in tlie territories;
and that (pn^stioii was relegated absolutely to the people of the terri-
tories for tluur determination. Slavery l'.;id lieeii kejit out of Kansas
by the Missouri Compromise of 1S2(); and that Compromise being now
repealed, the sl.-ivi' liolders of the South at once inaugurated strenuous
efforts to introduce it there. Societies were formed in the North to
70 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
counteract these efforts, and Mr. Lincoln was a member of tbe exec-
utive committee of one of the societies. The result of these efforts
was civil war in Kansas, and great excitement throughout the country.
Emigrants were hurried into the territory from the North and the
South armed and sometimes marching in militarj^ array. Those fi'om
the North, as they marched into the territory, were sometimes heard
to sing a song composed by Whittier:
"We cross the prairies, as of old
The pilgrims crossed the sea,
To make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free.
We go to rear a wall of men
On F'reedom's southern line.
And plant beside the cotton tree
The rugged northern pine.
We go to plant her common schools
On distant prairie swells.
And give the Sabbath of the wilds
The music of her bells.'"
The North, having the greater resources and being the most populous,
won the race, and finally secured Kansas for freedom. But the battle
was not won without many interesting episodes. The Dred Scott
Decision came the day after the inauguration of Mr. Buclianan, as
President, in March, 1857, holding that slaves were property, and that
their owners were entitled to protection in their possession as such in
the territories. This was regarded by many people in the North as
another bold step on behalf of the South to bolster up and fortify the
institution of slavery; and it added fuel to the flame already sweeping
over the Nortli to the destruction of slavery. At the South, it was
hoped that with the repeal of the Missouri Compromise this decision
would secure to slave holders the right to take their slaves iuto any
of the territories and hold them there, at least until they should become
States, when and not before by their sovereign action the peojile could
prohibit or abolish slavery — thus giving the South the advantage of
having slavery planted in the soil of a territory befoi'e any attempt
could be made to root it up.
We now come to the year 1858, and the anti-slavery fight was on
with constantly increasing vigor. In June of that year, Mr. Lincoln
made his famous speech, a model of forcible, terse and felicitous ex-
pression, before the Republican State Convention at Springfield, 111.,
in which he fully defined his attitude toward slavery, making the nota-
ble announcement that "a house divided against itself cannot stand.
I believe that this government cannot endure permanently half slave
and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved. I do not
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS UKLATION TO SLAVERY. 71
cxiX'ft tin- lidiisc to liill, l»ut 1 (Id expect it will eease to lie <livl«le(l.
It will become all one tiling, <>i' nil the other. lOither the oi)poiientH of
slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and jdaee it when- the
public luind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate
extinction; or its advocates will push forward till it shall become alike
lawful in all the States, old as well as new, Nortli as well as South."
Before its deliveiy, he read the speech to a few pelccted friends, and
they advised him that it would be unwise for him to deliver it, and that
it wouhl (h'feat his election as United States Senator and with iiim
the Republican party in his State. Rut he replied: "My friends, I
have given much thoujiht to this question. The tinu^ has come when
those sentiments should be uttered. If it is decreed that I shall go
down because of this speech, then let me go down linked with it to the
truth. Let me die in the advocacy of what is just and right." This
was about four months before William H. Seward, in ()ctol)er of the
same year, made liis famous speech at Auburn in this State in which
he took substantially the same ground as Mr. liincoln in the announce-
ment of his doctrine of "the irrepressible conliict" l)etween freedom and
slavery. In concluding tliat speecli, Mr. Lincoln, with tlie foresight of
a seer, expressed his confidence in the triumph of the cause he advo-
cated as follows: "We shall not fail — if we stand firm we sliall not
fail. Wise counsels may accelerate, or mistakes delay it, but sooner
or later, the victory is sure to come." He was there nominated for
United States Senator to succeed Mr. Douglass, whose term of office
was al)out to expire. On the 24th of .Tuly thereafter, he challenged
Mr. Douglass to a joint debate before tlie people, and his challenge
was accepted. That debate was the most interesting and notable joint
discussion before the people ever held in this country. Audiences of
from ten thousand to twenty thousond people came out to hear the
distinguished orators. There were seven joint deliates, and their argu-
ments readied nearly the whole people of Illinois, and also many thous-
ands through the entire North. Slavery in all its phases — tlie Missouri
Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Biil, the Doctrine of Popular and
S(]uatter Sovereignty, tlie power of th(> jieople over slavery in tlie ter-
ritories, the Dred Scott Decision, tlie Fugitive Slave Law, and tlie
violent and extraordinary efforts made to introduce slavery into and
to keep it out of Kansas were discussed as never before with mas-
terly ability. Mr. I.,incoln in his arguments and statements was reason-
able, conscientious and practical. He did not play the role of a mere
idealist, dreamer, or philosopher. He did not advocate the uncondi-
tional repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law, but objected to some of its
features. He did not alisolutely oppose the admission of more slave
States, but said: "If slavery shall be kept out of the territories during
the territorial existence of any one given territory, and then the people
shall, having a fair chance and a clear held, wIkmi tliey come to adopt
their constitution, do such an extraordinary thing as to adopt a slave
constitution, unintiuenced by the actual presence of the institution
72 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
among them, I see no alternative, if we own tlie countrj% ,but to admit
tliem into the Union."
-He said he would be "exceedingly glad to see slavery abolished in
the District of Columbia," that Congress had "the constitutional power
to abolish it there.; i)ut that lie would favoi' the measure only upon con-
dition: 'First, that the abolition should be gradual; second, that it
should be on a v^te of the majority of qualified voters in the District:
and third, that compensation should be made to unwilling owners."
He held that Congress had the right, and that it was its duty to pro-
hibit slavery in all the territories, and reiterated his belief that slavery
was "a moral, a social and a political wrong." He said more than once
that he would faithfully stand by the guarantees and compromises of
the Constitution in reference to slavery, and that he had "no purpose,
directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery where
it existed; that he had no lawful right to do so and no inclination to
do so;" that he was not in favor of the social and political equality of
the' Negro with the white man, but that he was in favor of allowing
him "to eat the bread, without the leave of anybody else, which his own
hands earn;" and that in that respect "he was the equal of every livi»g
man." With a magnimity and charity which characterized all his sul)-
sequent career, he said: "I have no prejudice against the southern
people. They are just what we would be in their situation. If slavery
did not exist among- them, they would not introduce it. If it did exist
among us, we would not instantly give it up. * * * n- does seem
to me that systems of gradual emancipation might be adopted; but
for their tardiness in this, I will not undertake to judge our brethren
of the South." "If all earthly power were given me, I should not know
what to do as to the existing institution." In these debates, he advo-
caHed a scheme for the colonization of the freed Negroes, and their
deportation to Africa; and he declared that it would be "best for all
concerned to have the colored population in a State by themselves."
Colonization of the Negroes was with him a favorite sclaeme in all his
after life. He frequently recommended it while he was President, and
attempted to enforce his views upon Congress and tlie people of the
border States; and he never seemed to n^alize its utter impracticabil-
itj". In nil other respects, so far as I can discover, his views regarding
slavery, and his treatment of it were eminently feasible and practical.
'But, apparently, he never perceived how impossible it would be to
transport and colonize four millions of Negroes, and how ruinous it
v.duid 1)6 to the s]n\e States to lie thus drprived of almost all tlieir
laboring population. He seemed to sum up the discussion in these
forcible phrases: "The real issue in this controversy — the one pressing
upon everj- mind — is the sentiment on the part of one class that looks
upon the institution of slavery as a wrong; and of another class that
does not look upon it as a wrong * * * No man can logically say
he does not care whether a wrong is \oted up ^or voted down. He
(Douglass; contends that whatever community wants slaves has a right
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS UELATION TO SLAVEUY. 78
to li.-ivr llicin. So tlicy li;i\('. if it is not wnm^'. I'.iil if it is wroiitr, Ik-
(•;iiiiiot say people lia\e a ri:;lit to do wi'oiil;. He sa.\s that, upon a seor-e
ol' (Mpiaiily. slaves should lie allowed to uo iiilo :i new leiTilory like
olliei- pro|>erty. 'I'liis is sti'icliy loiiieal II' there is no ditTeien<e Uetweeii
jl .-ind otlier pi-op''i't.V- * * * r.ut if you insist tiiat one is wron^^
and llie othef rii;ld. tliefc is no use to institute a (•onii»ai-ison lietween
riuht and wfoni;. * * * 'I'liat is tin' real issue. 'I'hat is tlie issue
that will continue in this country when these | r lonunes of .Indu'o
l)ou.i;lass and myself sliall l>e silent. It is the eternal sti'U^itrie lietween
these two iiriiiciples, ri,uli1 and wroii^. t lu-ou.i;iiout the woi'id. Tliey
;in> the two iirinciples that have stood face to face I'roni the lic^^iiinin^'
of lime, and will ever continue to stru.y-.ule. The one is the common
ri.uht of hunianity. and tlii' otlier the divine rij;iil of kiiij;-.s. It is the
same ]irineipU^ in whatever state it devcdops itself. It is the same spirit
that says: 'You work and toil and earn bread and I'll eat it.' 1 ask
you if it is not a false philosophy V Is it not a false statesnianshiji that
iniderlakes to huild up a system of i)oliey upon the basis of earinj:
liothin.i; about the \ery thinus that everybody does euro most about."
Ill these debates he indulged in little humor or Avit. for whieii he had
j.vreat ajilitude. He seemed to regard the matter in hand as too mo-
mentous to be dealt with exeejit in the most earnest, serious and solemn
manner, lie wished to present the ri,iiht. and the moral aspect of the
(lueslions discussed, antl to fortify his position by the best aruunients
he could make, and thus fin-nish to the thousands who heard and should
read his speeches, food for tliou.nht :ind nflection. Onee durinii the
debate he said to a friend: "■Sometimes in the ext-itenient of speakini;-.
I seem to see the end of slavery. I feel that the time is soon comin;;
when the sun shall shine, the rain fall on no man who shall iro forth
t<i unretiuited toil. How this will come, when it will come, by whom
it will come, I cannot tell, but that tinu' will siu'ely come."
These debates with the most conspicuous and popular Democrat in
the country, afterward his competitor for the presidency, attracted the
attention of the whole l.-ind. and uave .Mr. Lincoln a n.itional reputa-
tion. While his candidates for the legislature ;it the election received a
p(»pular majority of about four thousand, the friends of Mr. Douglass
were in ;i majority in the le.uislatm;e, and he was chosen TTnited States
Senator. Afterward writing to ;i friend of the contest he made for the
office, Mr. Lincoln said: "I am gl;id that I m.-ide the i-.ace. It g:ive
nie a hearing on the (luesl^ion of the a.ge which I could have had in no
other way; and thou.yh I m.ay sink entirely out of mind, .and shall be
forgotten, I believe 1 luive made some remarks which will tell for the
cause of liberty wlien I am gone." And to another friend he wrote:
"The tight must go on. The cause of civil liberty must not be surren-
dered .at the end of one or even om- thousand defeats." Dm--
in.g this great discussion, as in all his after life, he h.nd no unkind
words for slave holders, and manifested no animosity toward them.
Over tliem his great heart threw the mantle of charity. But he de-
74 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
iioiiiicecl the institution of slavery. Spealsing of tlie debate aferAvard,
Mr. Douglass said of Mn Lincoln: "He is an able and honest man,
one of the ablest men in tlie nation. I have lieen in Congress sixteen
years, and there is not a man in the Senate I would not rather encoun-
ter in debate."
In May, 1859, in answer to an invitation from Boston to a festival
In honor of Jefferson's birthday, referring to the language of the Declar-
ation of Independence that "all men are created equal" and have cer-
tain "inalienal)lo rights," and claiming then, as he always did, that these
words condemned slavery, he said: "This is a world of compensation;
and he wlio would be no slave must consent to have no slave. Those
who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under
a just God cannot long retain it."
In the fall of the same year, Mr. Douglass went to Oliio where a
canvass for the office of Governor was pending, and made some
speeches there; and Mr. Lincoln followed him, and also spoke there,
his main topic being the exclusion of slavery from the territories, and
the effect of the Dred Scott Decision; and he added to his reputation
as a debater and an anti-slavery champion. And in December, he made
several speeches in Kansas, and there gladly met the men who had
imperiled their lives in the battle for freedom stimulated somewhat
by the eloquent words which he had uttered. In February, 1860, he
went by Invitation to New York, and adrressed a large meeting in
Cooper institute, presided over by William Cullen Bryant who introduced
him simply as "An eminent citizen of tlie West, hitherto known to you
only by reputation." His audience contained Horace Greely, ex- Gov-
ernor John A. King, David Dudley Field, and many others of the most
I)rominent men of the city. It is safe to say that never before had the
questions then pending relating to slavery been presented in a more
forcible and convincing style. He there reiterated the views he had
expressed in the West; and he also went to Massachiisetts, Rhode
Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, and spoke to large and enthu-
siastic audiences, everywhere presenting his views upon the pending
slavery questions -with a force and freshness never before experienced
by the people of the East.
Down to this time, his reputation depended wholly upon his relation
to the anti-slavery discussion. He was not distinguished above some
others in liis own state as a lawyer. He had held but two offices, mem-
ber of the Illinois Legislature, and member of Congress; and in these
positions he had not achieved any peculiar success. He had not become
prominent in the treatment of questions of finance, of tariff and other
matters to which statesmen give much of their time. He had become
one of the ablest and most conspicuous champions in tlie country of
the anti-slavery cause as embodied in the platform of the Republican
partj'. He was i)robably the best and fittest representative in the coun-
try of the wise, conservative, practical, and at the same time, deter-
mined, earnest, and fearless anti-slavery menr~ It is not, therefore,
'ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN 1118 RELATION TO SLAVERY. 75
woiKlcrful that, at a tiiiK^ wlicii slavci-.v was tlic all ahsorhiiiK toiiif
for (li.sciissl(ni everywhere, iioitli and soiitli, he slionld have received
the nomination of the IJepnliliean pail.v U>i- I'residenl in .May. isi'.n.
After his nomination, lie did not say much lor tlie i)ul»iic ear until lie
delivered his liianiiural aildress. lie did, liowever, say to a friend
hefore tlie eleetion: "I luiow there is a (Jod, and that He iiati-s injus-
tice and slavery. • * j hnve tnlil tliim tiiat a house divided
against itself cannot stand. Clu-ist and reason say tlie same, and tliey
will tind it so. Dou^dass doesn't care wliether slavery was voted up
or down. Hut (Jod cares, liumanity cares, and 1 car(>. With (lod's lielp,
I sliall not fail." As the time approaclied for his in.iiiuuration. he saw
witli alarm a tendency, even among tlie memlters of his own party,
for furtlier compromises with slavery, and against tliis lie protested
most vigorously. He wrote to a iirominent llepuljlican meniher of Con-
gress from his own State: "Entertain no propositions for a compro-
mise in regard to tlie extension of slavery. Tlie instant you do, they
have us under again; all our lalior is lost, and sooner or later must
bo done over again;" and he wrote to other members of Congress, and
to Horace Greely to tlie same effect. To all efforts made during these
days, under many specious pretexts. l)y editors, public men, and other
citizens, to get from him some new or furtlier expression of his views
upon the subject of slavery, he generally replied by referring them to
his record made in his public speeches, and to the platform of the
Republican party. Upon one point more tlian any other he was inflex-
ible, and that was his opposition to the extension of slavery into any
of the territories.
Down to this time, and at all times thereafter, Mr. Lincoln, in all his
views on slavery, and in all the measures he proposed in reference
thereto, kept within the constitution. Where slavery constitutionally
existed, he would leave it untoucli(>d. What rights the slave holders
had under tlie constitution, he would always respect: and so he w.-is
not popular with the genuine Abolitionists w^ho denounced liotli the con-
stitution and the Union. Wendell Phillips spoke of him as "The slave
hound of Illinois." lie liad tAVO forces to contend with in tlie North —
those Abolitionists who really wanti-d the Union dissolved so as to have
no further responsibility for slavery or association with it: and .i large
body of citizens who wanted furtlier compromises with slavery to save
the Union; and we shall see how he dealt with tliese forc(>s. and with
llie people of the border States who wanted to save both the Union
and slavery.
When he was inaugurated, March 4, ISfil, seven of the southern
States had in form seceded from the Union, and the Coiifeder.ite (iov-
ernment had been establislied; and secession was tiereely agitated in
the other southern States, all but four of wliich, Delaware. Maryland,
Kentucky and Missouri, soon formally Joined llie seceding States. No
stat«>snian ever befor(\ uiioii enti'ring otiice, w^as confronted witli gr.-iver
problems for solution. The key note of his inaugural address was the
'/6 Herkimer county historical society,
preservation of the Union. It was conciliatory in its language, and at
this day, separated by many years from the passions and prejudices of
the times when it was delivered, we Avonder that its touching appeals
did not reach more hearts in the south, and to a larger extent disarm
tliat resentment which the fiery leaders of that region were en.deavor-
iug to foment. In that address, he said: "Apprehension seems to
exist among the people of the southern States, that by the accession
of the Republican administration their property, and their peace, and
personal security are to be endangered. There has never been any
reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evi-
dence to the contrary has all the while existed, and been open to their
inspection. It is found in nearly all the public speeches of him who
now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches where I
declare that: "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere
with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe
1 have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.'
Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that
I made this, and many similar declarations, and have riever recanted
tliem; and more than this, they placed in the platform for my accep-
tance, and as a law to themselves and to me the clear and emphatic
resolution which I now read: 'Resolved, that the maintenance invio-
late of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State
to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own
judgment exclusively is essential to that balance of power on which
the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend; and we
denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State
or territory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of
crimes.' " There was more to the same effect, including the recogni-
tion of the duty to enforce the clause in the Federal constitution as to
the rendition of fugitive slaves on the claim of their owners; and he
concluded with this forcible, pathetic appeal: "We are not enemies,
but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have
strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords
or memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every
loving heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell
the cliorus of tlie union when again touched, as surely they will be, by
the better angel of our nature."
Difficult problems, as to the treatment of slavery and the slaves,
soon after his iiiauguiation, came before him for solution. On the one
band were the old-time Abolitionists, with some recent allies, who
were urging upon him radical action — the freeing and arming of slaves
so far as he could. On the other hand, were the people of the border
States, the great mass of Democrats, and many of Ms own party urging
him to touch the institution of slavery as little as possible, and to malie
the restoration of the Union the sole issue of the armed contest.
Of advice, much of it very bewildering, there was great alnindance;
and througli the clash of discordent opinionsr'he had a hard task to
ABRAHAM IJNCOT.N IN Ills UKI.ATIdN TO SL.WKKY. 77
sli'cr liis WAV. lie itil!iu<li;i trl\ .iduiilcd llic ii|iiiiii)ii lli.il he li:iil llic
ri.i;lit to iiitiTlVrc with sl;i\('r\ in tlii' ic\ ulicd Sl.-ilcs niil_\' ;is :i \\:\r
iHC'isiirc; .■iihI Ih' t'.-ii'lv rrlusi'd lu use llic w.ir iiciwrr. rxccpl so f.-ii"
,is he could he s.ilisiicd Ih.il it would aid liii' I'liioii raiisr; and lie did
not at any time, so tar as 1 tan perceive, lei his feeliii.us i>i' iM.stility
to sla\('r\', or niotiscs of juu'e liinnaidty inlhience his action, lie set
liel'ore him the tasl; of saxin.L; and resloniiL; the I'nion. and he kept
his eye sinuh' iijion that end.
'I'lie (piestion vt'ry soon arose, what slionld lie (h)ne with sl.i\(s that
came within the linos of the Union aiinyV .\nd he foi-hade their return
to their masters; and the question, what should he done w iiii slaves
used for cai'ryin.u on tlie wai- of tlie Uehelli(mV And tli.il was answer-
id 1>\' the p.Mssa.t;*' of tlie congressional act of Au.nust (itli. ISH!. tfeein^
such slaves. He feared that the armiui; of N'eji-roes to liyht in the
I'nion cause would alienate tlu' |ieo](le of the horder states whom he
\\as most solicitous to keep on the side of the I'liion. or at le.isl neutral;
and so. when in Octoher. ISC.I. Secretary of War Camerini issued an
order to (Jeneral Sherman, then at Port Koyal. anthorizin.i;- him to
onijiloy Xe.trroes in any cai)acity which he iniuht "deem most heneticial
to the service," he interlined in the order: "This. howeNcr. not to mean
a general arniin.u- of them for military service." A few months later
the same secretary inserted in his report, which was to accomp.niy the
rr<-sidenfs annual message to Congress, tins lan.nuaf;e: "As the labor
and service of their slaves constitute the chief pi-operty id' the reliels.
they should share the common fate of war. * * * It is ck-arly a
right of the government to arm slaves when it becomes necess;iry. as
it is to use gun powder tal\en from the enemy. Whether it is exjiedient
to do so is purely ;i military (piestion." When this l.-inguage came to
the I'resident's knowledge, he onh'red the secretary to omit it. and
insert in its place these words: "Slaves on captured or abandoned
plantations sliould not be returned to their masters, but withheld to
lessen the eiu'iiiy's military resources." About th;it time he w:is much
bothered witli what should be done with slavt's wlio should in any
way become free; and his general views in reference to the emanciii.i-
tion of slaves, so far as it C(nild be acliieved. were these: Xdlnutary
action of the individual sl.ave States liy tin exercise of their sovereign
power; compensation of slavi' owners; and colonization, and the appro-
l)riati(Mi of money by Congress for acipiii'i'ig' territory for that purpose.
When Ceiieral Fremont, in the l'\all of ISC.I. while commander in
Missouri, iiroclaimed the slaves of rebel o\\ ners free, the rresideut set
aside the proclamation. When (leneral I'.utler went with his expedi-
tion to New Orleans, knowing his meihllesome disposition, he told him
not to interfere with the institution of shncry. In May. ISCL'. (leneral
Hunter, in commai.d id' the I )ei)artmeiit of South Carolina, (ieorgia
and Florida, issued a proclamation freeing all tlie slaves in liis depart-
ment, and the President set it aside by ;i proclamation, in which he
78 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
said: "Whether it be competent for me, as Commander-in-chief of the
army and navy, to declare the shaves of any State or States free, and
Avhether. at any time or in any place, it shall become a necessity indis-
pensible to the maintenance of the government to exercise such sup-
posed powers, are questions which, under my responsibility, I reserve
to myself, and which I cannot feel justified in leaving to the discretion
of commanders in the field," closing with the following most urgent
and tender appeal : "To the people of the border States, I now earnestly
appeal — I do not argue; I beseech you to make the arguments for
yourselves; you. cannot, if you would, be blind to the signs of the
times. I beg of you a calm and enlarged consideration of them, rang-
ing, if it may be, far above personal and partisan politics. This pro-
posal (referring to the joint resolution of Congress adopted March 6)
makes common cause for a common object, casting no reproach upon
any one. It acts not the Pharasee. The change it contemplates would
come as gently as the dews of heaven, not rending or wrecking any-
thing. Will you not entertain it? So much good has not been done by
one efCort in all past time as, in the providence of God, it is now your
privilege to do. May the vast future not have it to lament that you
neglected it." In these acts, the mass of northern people sustained
the President. But Fremont and Hunter became tlie idols of most of
the radicals, and they denounced him. William Lloyd Garrison said:
"All honor to General Hunter. With cheer upon cheer, the welkin
rings. Shame and confusion of face to the President for his halting,
shuffling, backward policy. By his act. he lias dispirited and alienated
the truest friends of freedom universally, and gratified the malignity
of the enemies of his administration w^ho are at heart rebels."
In his annual message delivered to Congress, December 3, ISGl, he
again advocated his pet scheme of compensation for slaves made free
by the voluntary action of slave States, and for the colonization of
such and other colored persons in territory to be acquired by the United
States. In a special message sent to Congress, March Gth, 1862, he rec-
ojumended, giving his reasons therefor at some length, the adoption by
Congi-ess of the following joint resolution: "Resolved, that the United
States ought to co-operate with any State which may adopt gradual
aliolislnnent of slavery, giving such State pecuniary aid to be used by
such State in its discretion to compensate for the inconvenience, public
and private, produced by such change of system." This resolution was
introduced into the House of Representatives by Roscoe Conkling, and
was passed by large majorities in both houses.
In April, 18(i2, Congress passed an act abolishing slavery in the Dis-
trict of Columbia, providing for compensation and colonization, and
the President approved it. He was so anxious that his views should be
kept before the people that he sent to Congress a special message in
which he said: "I am gratified that the two principles of compensation
and colonization are both recognized and practically applied in the
ABKAIIAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO SLAVKKY. 79
act." In .luius Coiiurcss pnsscd nimt Iht .ict. .•i|>|iin\c(l liy the I'ri'sidi'iit .
securing freedom to ;ill juTSdus wittiin tlir trn-itm-ics nl' ilic l'iiili-il
States.
On the Hth of July, tlie President sent to Congress :i <lnift of ii bill
to make eomiten.sation to States which would alioilsli slavery, and rec-
ommended its passage. Jiefore sending the draft. .Inly 12tii, he invited
the members of Congress from the border Stales to a conference with
him; and he sui>niitted the draft to them, and made an earnest aitpeal,
expressed in the forcible language he was able to use. to al)olisli slav-
ery in their States, receiving compensation for the slaves so freed, say-
ing to them: "The incidents of war cannot be avoided. If it continues,
as it must if tlie object is not soont-r attained, the institution in your
States will be extinguished l)y mere frictUui and abrasion. It will be
gone, and you will have nothing valuable in lieu of it. Much of its
value is gone already. * * * How much l)ett"r for you as seller,
.and the Nation as buyer, to sell out and buy ou{ tliat witliout which
the war could never have been tlian to sink botli tlie tiling to be sold
and the price of it in cutting one another's throats." He
spoke of the dilliculties which sui-rounded him a ml the pressure
wliich was Itrought to bear upon him agjiiiist slavery, and of the dis-
satisfaction created by his recent repudiation of General Freemont's
proclamation of freedom. What he earnestly asked of them was to
vote a sum of money for purch.asing the slavi's in their respective
St.ites sullicient to fully compensate the owners. But he failed to con-
vince them. A in.a.jority of tliem claimed that the people of their
States had the right to hold slaves; and they were not ready to give
up slavery. About this time he said to two members of Congress: "Oh,
if tlie border States would accept my proposition! Then you, Lovejoy,
and Arnold, and ;ill of us would not have lived in vain! The labor of
your life, Lovejoy, would be crowned with success! You would live to
see the end of slavery."
On the 17th day of .Tuly. Congress passed an act which was approved
by the President, "to suppress insurrection, to punish trciison .•md re-
bellion, to seize and conhscate the property of rebels, and for other
purposes," which, among other things, provided that the slaves of per-
sons convicted of treason, and of all peisons thereafter convictt'd of
inciting, setting on foot, assisting, or engaging in rebellion against the
United States should be liberated; tlnit all slaves of pei'sons who
should thereafter be engaged in the rebellion, or who should give aid
or comfort thereto escaping from such itersons and taking refuge with-
in the Union lines, and all slaves captured from such persons or de-
serted by them and coming under the control of the government, and
all slaves of such persons found or being within .any place occupied by
rebel forces and afterward occupied by the forces of the United States
should be deemed captives of war and forever free; that no slave
escaping into any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia from
any other State should be delivered up unless tlie person claiming the
80 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
fugitive should first make oath that he is the owner and that he had
not borne arhis against tlie United States in tlie rebellion nor in any
way given aid and comfort thereto; and no military officer should
assume to decide on the validity of the claim of any person to any
fugitive slave, or surrender up such fugitive on pain of being dismissed
from the service; that the President should be authorized to employ as
many persons of African descent as he might deem necessary and
proper for the suppression of the rebellion; and for this purpose he
might organize and use them in such manner as he might judge best
for the pul)lic Avelfare; that the President should be authorized to
make provision for the transportation, colonization and settlement in
some tropical country beyond the limits of the United States, of
such Negroes made free by the act as might be willing to emigrate.
There had been great clamor on the part of the radicals in favor of
arming the freed Negroes of the South to fight against their former
masters, and to free the slaves of those engaged in the rebf^llion or
in giving aid and comfort thereto; and this was the first act to accom-
plish these ends. The President had been reluctant to use the war
power to accomplish tliese ends, fearing to exasperate the people of the
rebel States, to suppress the Union sentiment there, to alienate the
people of the border States, and to prejudice the Union cause at the
North. The radicals were beginning to denounce him in unmeasured
terms, were clamoring for the emancipation of the slaves in the south-
ern States, and were pressing him to issue an emancipation proclama-
tion. He resisted the pressure, and bided his time, waiting for the
opportune moment when he could issue such a proclamation with tell-
ing effect upon the reblHon, at the same time doing as little harm as
possible in otlier directions. He had meditated much and anxiously
upon the subject, and finally reached the conclusion that he ought to
issue the proclamation; and on Sunday, July 13th, the next day after
tlie conference with the border State Congressmen above referred to,
Avhile riding in a funeral procession in a carriage with Secretaries
Seward and Wells for the burial of a son of Secretary Stanton, after
saying, among other things, that he had given much thought to the
matter of issuing a proclamation of emanci])ation, he said: "I have
altout come to the conclusion that it is a military necessity essential
for the salvation of the nation. This is the first time I have ever men-
tioned it to any one. What do you think of it?" They replied sepa-
rately in substance that the subject was so vast that they must have
time for reflection ; and that the measure might be justifiable and nec-
essary. He replied that he wished them to give the <iuestion careful
consideration, for "something nmst !>(> done." Congress had then finish-
ed its session and adjourned. It had passed the act referred to con-
fiscating the property of those in rebellion. Slaves were property and
under the act they might l)e seized and used for the beiieflt of the gov-
ernment; and they were so seized and used: and Mr. Uincoln con-
cluded that the time had come to give them their freedom. His Cab-
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS KFLATION TO SLAVFRY. 81
inct wiis ill session on llu" •J'Jiid (l.iy of .Inly. Mu'li 1 1 k'lit IiikI Kivon
iiini M linn conclusion. Tlic rebels in s|)ile of ;ill his !ipi>e:ils clun^' to
tlie institnlion of sl.iveiy, an.! were tieleruiined and a^'^'n-ssive. 'riii<-k
clonds inii>"n(led over tlie I'nioii cause. Willi the uienihcfs of his Cah-
iuet sealed around him. he took from his th-sU Ihe draft of his emaiici-
jtalion proclatnation. and read it to them. They listened In annize-
nient. 'IMie slU!>enduoiis scheme of Kivlu},' freedom to four millions of
slaves clialien.ij,( (i their faith and in-rpicved their minds. They sat as
if dazed. Lincoln with self-contained confidence, and a vision insiiired,
eahnly said to them: "l have not called you toficthor to nsk your
advice, but to lay the subject before you. I sliall be pleased to hear
any su,L;.i;(stions from you." It was criticised souie. Mr. Chas«' wanted
the l.Mi.uuauc stronger. Mr. P.lair said it would cost the fall elections.
.Mr. Seward approved the proclamation, but tliou^^lit the time had not
yet come to issue it— that many reverses to tlie I'liion arms liad caused
great depression in the public miud— tliat it might l»e viewed as a con-
fession of weakness and evidence of despair, and that he had better
defer it until it could follow some military success. Mr. liincoln
acceeded to this view. Some months later he said of the proclamation:
"It had to come. Things had gone from bad to worse until I felt tliat
we had r( aclicd the end of our rope on the plan of operations we had
been pursuing, that we had played our last card and must change our
tactics, or lose the game. 1 determined on the emancipation procla-
mation, and without consultation with or knowledge of the Cabinet,
I prepared the original draft; and after much anxious thought, called
a Cabinet meeting ui)on the subject." On the same day, July 22nd, he
issued ;in order to the military commanders within tlie States of Vir-
ginia, South Carolina, (Jeorgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louis-
iana, Texas ;nul Ark:insas that they should "employ as laborers
within and fioni said States so many persons of African descent as
cjin lu' advantageously used for military or naval purposes, giving them
' reasoii;ibI(> wages for their labor."
At that time, in .Inly. 1S(>2. there was much vigorous i-riticism. even
by members of Mr. Lincoln's party, of his treatment of the in.stitution
of slavery, and of the conduct of the w.ar; and the fault finding was
paiticularly I'ife in Congress. Mr. ,7ulieu, a prominent liepublican
memlier of Congress, afterwards said: "No one at a distance could
I'ave formed .iny adeciuate conception of the liostility of Republican
members tow.-irds .Mr. Lincoln at the final adjournment (the middle of
July), while it was the belief of many that our last session of Congress
had been held in Washington." Senator Wade of Oliio said: "Tlie
country w;is going to hell, mid that (he scenes witnessed in the French
Kex'olutiou were nothing in comp.-irison with wh;it we should see here."
At that time .\ew Orleans w.is in possession of the Union troops,
under the command of General Ilutler. and Negroes were, to the great
dksgust of the peoi)le of that city, armed .and drilled as soldiers.
Reverdy Johnson of Maryland had been sen( thei'e on public business,
82 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and he wrote to Mr. Lincoln, deprecating the arming of the Negroes,
and saying that it would have a depressing effect upon the Union sen-
timent in that locality. To this Mr. Lincoln replied: "The People of
Louisiana, all intelligent people everywhere, know full well that I
never had a wish to touch the foundation of their society or any right
of theirs."
In August, 1862, Horace Greely had published a letter in his own
paper, the Tribune, criticising Mr. Lincoln and the conduct of the war.
To this letter he wrote a reply, which at the time excited much com-
ment, in which he said: "If there be those who would not save the
Union unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not agree
with them. If there be those who would not save the UuIoti unless
they could at the same time destroy slavery, I do not agree with them.
My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and it is not
either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without
freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all
the slaves, I v,'ould do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and
leaving others alone, I would also do that. What I do about slavery
and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union;
and wliat I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it helps to save
the Union. * * * i intend no modification of my oft-expressed
personal wish that all men everywhere could be free."
The battle of Manassas, usually called the second battle of Bull Run,
resulting in the disastrous defeat of General Pope, and spreading con-
sternation throughout the loyal North, was fought the latter part of
August. 1862; and soon after, a delegation of ministers from Chicago
reached Washington to urge the President to do something to abolish
slavery. Among other things, he said in reply: "Gentlemen, you
know I am powerless to enforce the constitution in the States now in
rebellion. Allow me to ask if you think that I can enforce a proclama-
tion of emancipation better?" The delegates interpreted the question
as indicating reluctance under any circumstances to issue such a proc-
lamation; and one of them replied: "What you have said compels me
to say that it is a message of the Divine Master, through me, com-
manding you. sir, to open the doors and let the oppressed go free."
"Well, that may be," said the President humorously, "but if it is as you
say a message from your Divine Master, is it not a little odd that the
only channel of cummunication to me must be by the roundabout way
of that awfully wicked city of Chicago?" And thej"^ departed without
having obtained any satisfaction.
All this time. ]\Ir. Lincoln was keeping from the public his own coun-
sels; and he had locked up in his desk the proclamation which at the
proper time he would issue. That time soon came. The battle of
Antietam was fought on the 17th of September, and resulted in a great
victory for the Union army. The tide of rebel invasion was stayed, and
confidence was awakened, and enthusiasm aroused throughout the
North. The time had come when he thought he could safely and effect-
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO SLAVERY. 83
i\oly issue tlic in-dcl.-iiii.ilion of ciiiaiiciii.ilioii .iml lie r.tllcd ;i iiM'ctiii;^
of his (';il)iiu't nil MoiuIm.v. Sci>tciiil»('r •-••Jiid. lie icikI tn lliciii !iis proc-
l:ilii;itinii : Mini llicii wlial ttml; pl.nc ;il this. Ilic most iiiuiiiciitdiis <'iih-
im>t iiH'i'tiiif; ever iK'id in \\;ishiii,ut<>ii, iii.iikiiiu iiii fpocli in tlic wiiriti's
liistor.v. must he sLilcd as siil»si'(Hi<'iitl.v rchitcd liy Mr. Sccrctni-.v Weils,
wlio was present: "The I'resiih'Ut slated tliat th»' (pu'stiini was finally
decided tlie act and tlie eoiiseqiienees wert- his— lint that he felt it due
to us to nial^e us aetiuaiutiMl with the facts and to iiiviti; critieisni on
tlie paper w liicli lie had prepared. Tliero wore, lie had found not uiiex-
peeledly, some differenres in his ("ahinet; hut he had, after aseertain-
in.u in his own way the views of each and ail, individually and colleet-
i\(ly. foiiiicd his own conclusions and made his own decision. In the
course of the discussion on this paper, which was lonjr. earnest, and
on the general itrinciples involved, harmonious, he remarked that he
had made a vow — a covenant — that if God gave us the victory in the
approachini; battle, he would consider it an indication of Divine will,
and that it was his duty to move forward in the cause of emancipation.
It mi.yht he thou.uht stranije, he said, that he liad in tliis way sulimilted
tlie disposal of matters wlien the way was not clear in his own mind
what he should do. God liad decided this question in favor of the
slaves. lie was satisfied it was ri.iiht — was confirmed and strenjrth-
eiH'd in Ids action by the vow^ and the results. His mind was fixed, his
decision made, hut he wislied his paper announcing his course as cor-
rect as it could he made witliout any change in bis determination."
The proclamation awakened much entliusiasm in the North gener-
ally, although there were very many wlio thought it untimely and
unwise as a matter of public policy. With the exception of the procla-
mation of Alexander II.. the Czar of Russia, issued about eighteen
months earlier. March 3rd, l.SCl, the day before the inauguration of
ISIr. Lincoln as I'i'esident, freeing more than twenty millions of serfs,
this was the most momentous proclamation ever issued by any ruler
in the world. It aniujunced freedom to four niillions of slaves, and
transformed the character of our governinent and changed the whole
future history of our country.
In the proclamation, he stated that the war would, in the futin-e as
in the p.ist. be prosecuted for the restoration of the Union; that it was
his purpose to again recommend to Congress, at its next meeting, the
adoption of a practical measure tendering pecuniary aid to the free ac-
ceptance or rejection of all slave States, "(he people whereof may not
then be in rebellion against the United Statesand which States maythen
have voluntarily adopted, or thereafter may voluntarily adopt imme-
diati' or gradual abolishment of slavery within their respective limits;
and that the e.*Tort to colonize persons of .\frican descent with their
consent upon this continent or elsewhere" will be continued; and he
proclaiiiKd ■"tliaf on the 1st day of .Ianu;iry. A. D.. ISCi,"',, all persons
held as slavi's within any State or designated part of a State the people
Avhereof shall then be in Kebelliou against the United States shall be
84 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
then, thenceforward and forever free; and the executive government
of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof,
will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do
no act or acts to repress such persons or any of them in any effort they
may make for their actual freedom." "That the executive will on the
1st day of Januarj' aforesaid hj proclamation designate the States and
parts of States, if any, in wliich the people thereof respectively shall
then be in rebellion against the United States."
On the last day of December, 18G2, he delivered his second annual
message to Congress in which again lie called attention to the language
of his inaugural address, and recommended certain amendments of the
Constitution providing for compensation to States In which slavery
should be voluntarily abolished before January 1st, 1863; and he en-
forced his viCAvs recommending emancipation of slaves with compen-
sation and colonization at considerable length; and he closed with this
eloquent appeal: "Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of
this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of
ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or
another of us. The fiery trial through wliich we pass will light us
down in lionor or dishonor to the latest generation. We say we are
for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know
how to save the Union. Tlie world knows Ave do know how to save it.
We, even we here, liold the power and bear the responsibility. In giv-
ing freedom to the slaves, Ave assure freedom to the free — honorable
alilve in wliat we give, and in what Ave preserve. We shall nobly save,
or meanly lose the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed;
this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just— a way
Avhich, if followed, the world aa^II forever applaud, and God must for-
ever bless."
The 1st of January was drawing nigh. There was much to discour-
age the President. Tliere was want of liarmony in liis Cabinet, and the
success of the Union arms had not been all that could be hoped. But
undismayed and resolute in his great purpose he went forward, and on
that day issued his final proclamation of freedom of the slaves in
the States and parts of States then in rebellion which he designated,
closing AAith these words: "And upon this act, sincerely believed to
be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military
necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the gra-
cious faA'or of Almighty God."
About this time it came to his attention that the Confederates were
disposed to disregard the ordinary rules of civilized AA'arfare in the treat-
ment of captive colored soldiers, and their wliite oflScers; and, deter-
mined to giA'e protection to such soldiers, he issued the following order:
"That for every soldier of the United States killed in violation of the
laAA's of AA^ar, a rebel soldier shall be executed; and for everj^one
enslaved by the enemy or sold into slavery, a rebel soldier shall be
placed at hard labor on the public Avorks andT-ontinued at such labor
AlUi.VlIAM l.INC()I,N IN HIS itKI.ATION TO SLAVKIIY. 85
until the otlicr slnill he rclcnscd miiiI rf<-civc llir trcMtiiicnl iliH' to a pris-
oner of war." At'tcrwuid, in llic Spriiii; oC l.s<;4, spciUiiiK •)!' the col-
oretl soUliers, lie said in an address at r.altiiiiorc: "At tlic liej;iiiiiinj4
of tln' war and lor sonic time, the use of colored troops was not con-
ti'iuplated; and how the ciian^ic oi ])iirposc was wrought I will not now
take time to explain. Upon a clear con\iction of dnty I resolved to
turn that element of stren^lh to account; and I am responsihie I'oi- if
to the American people, to the ("Inistian world. lo liistoi-y, and, in m.v
final account, to (iod. Having ddci'mincd lo nsc the .Xeyro as a sol-
dier, there is no way hut to give him all tlie protection given to any
otlier soldier." His judgment as to the use of colored soldiers was vin-
dicated hy events. During tlie war, mostly during the last two years,
18(5,017 colored soldiers were enlisted, and at the close of tlie war there
were of such soldiers in the ranks of the army 123, 15().
In August, ISCi.'j, the President was invited to attend a mass meeting
of unconditional Union men, at Springtield, HI.; and on the 2r>th of that
month he wrote a characteristic letter to Hon. James C. Conkling,
stating his inability to attend, and defending with great vigor his eman-
cipation proclamation at consideral»l(> length. The letter is a notable
one, and will well repay perusal. About this time, speaking to Governor
Aforgan of what had been done in reference to slavery, and of the
impetuosity of some of his friends, he said: "We are like whalers who
have been long on a chase; we have at last got the harpoon into the
monster, but \ye must now look how we steer, or with one flop of his
tail he will send us all into eternity."
On the 8th of December, he sent to Congress his third annual mes-
sage in which he said: "The policy of emancipation and of em[)loying
black soldiers gave to the future a new aspect about which hope and
fear and doubt contended in uncertain conflict. According to our polit-
ical system, as a matter of civil administration, the general govi'rnmcnt
liad no lawful power to effect enumcipation in any State; and for a
long time it had been hoped that the rebellion could be suppressed
without resorting to it as a military measure. It was all the while
deemed possible that the necessity for it might come, and that if it
should, the crisis of the contest would then be presented. * * * of
those who were slaves at the beginning of the rebellion, full one hun-
dred thousand are now in the Inited States military service, about
one-half of which inunber actually hear arms in the ranks. * * * i
may add at this point that while I remain in my present position I
shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proc-
lamation; nor shall 1 return to slavery any person who is fri-e by the
terms of that proclamation, or by any of the acts of Congress. * *
The movements by State action for emancipation in several of the
States not included in the emancipation proclamation are matters of
prof(unul gratulation. And while 1 do not rep( at in detail what I have
heretofore so earnestly urged upon this subject, my general views and
feelings remain unchanged; and I trust th.-it ("ongi-css will omit no fair
.86 HERKIMER COtJNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
opportunity of aiding these important steps to a great cousumation."
Accompanying tlie message was an amnesty proclamation in which
he offered pardon to all, with a few exceptions, who had participated
in the rebellion, upon condition that they would take an oath, among
other tilings, that they would "abide by and faithfully support all proc-
lamations of the President made during the existing rebellion freeing
slaves so long and so far as not modified or declared void by the de-
cisions of the Supreme Court." And he said: "And I do further pro-
claim, declare and make known that any provision wlaich may be
adopted by such State government in relation to the freed people of
such State which shall recognize and declare their permanent freedom
and provide for their education, and which, may yet be consistent as a
temporary arrangement with their condition as a laboring, landless and
homeless class will not be objected to by the national executive."
Congress just before its adjournment in July, passed a bill for the
reorganization of the rebel States which, among other things, required
that the conventions in those States should adopt the following pro-
vision in their State constitutions: "Ins'oluntary servitude is forever
prohibited, and the freedom of all persons is guaranteed in said State;"
and the twelfth section emancipated the slaves in the rebel States, and
declared them and their posterity forever free. This bill was present-
ed to the President less than an hour before the adjournment of Con-
gi'ess; and he did not sign it, and it did not become a law. He issued a
proclamation to which he annexed a copy of the bill, giving his reasons
for not signing it, in which he stated he was unprepared "to declare a
constitutional competency in Congress to abolish slavery in States,"
but at the same time he sincerely hoped and expected that a constitu-
tional amendment abolishing slaverj' throughout the nation would be
adopted. He never believed that Congress had authority to abolish
slavery in any State, but claimed, as Commander-in-chief of the army,
that he could free the slaves in a State in rebellion as a necessary war
measure.
During the j^ear 1803 and subsequently, whenever negotiations for
peace or terms of peace with the rebel States were suggested or taken
in hand by any one, he firmly and always insisted upon two conditions:
the integrity of the Union, and the abandonment of slavery. In May,
1804, he said: "There have been men base enough to propose to me to
return to slavery our black warriors of Port Hudson and Olustee, and
thus win the respect of the masters they fought. Should I do so, I
should deserve to be dammed in time and eternity. Come what will, I
will keep my faith with friend and foe."
In 1804 the President wrote to Mr. Hodges, a southern citizen, about
slavery as follows: "I claim not to have controlled events, but con-
fess plainly that events have controlled me. Now at the end of three
years' struggle, the nation's condition is not what any party or any
man expected. God alone can claim it. Whither it is tending seems
plain. If God now wills the removal of a great wrong, and wills also
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO SLAVERY. 87
tliiit we of tln' Noitli, as well as you nl" (lie Soiitli, shall |iay fairly fur
oui- coinplifily in lliat wrori^-, iniip.iii iai history will litid thcrfiii new
cuuscs to attest and rovero the just ice and j^'ooilni-ss of (iod."
The time had come when he eainestly desired the abolition of siav-
erj- in all the slave States by eonstilutional methods, lie was brought
slowly and >j:ra(lually to this position. The Keimblicau national eon-
vention was about to convene. Juno 8, 1804. And he s.aid to Governor
AForgan, who was exi)ected to call the convention to order: "I would
like you in your address when you call the convention to order, as its
keynote, .'iiid to put into its platform as its keystone, the amcudment to
the constitution abolishing slavery." Governor Morgan in his address
calling the convention to order accordingly said: "We shall fail of
accomplishing our great mission unless we shall declare for such an
amendment to the constitution as will positively forbid African slavery
in the United States;" and Kev. Robert J. Breckenridge, who was
chosen temporary chairman of the convention, in his address said: "We
must use all power to exterminate the institution of slavery whicli has
raised tlie sword against the Union;" and the convention adopted a
resolution, demanding an amendment of the Constitution pro-
hibiting slavery in any part of the Union. In his reply to tlie
committee which notitied him of his nomination, Mr. Lincoln
said: "I approve the declaration in favor of so amending the Consti-
tutioin as to proliibit slavery throughout the nation. Such an amend-
ment is a necessary conclusion to the linal success of the Union cause."
Shortly after this, Frederick Douglass, who had been a slave, was in
Washington, and was invited to take tea with the President, and was
taken to the White House in the I'resident's carriage. He afterward
said: "The President is one of the few men with whom I have passed
an hour who did not remind me in some way that I am a Negro."
At the election in November, lSt;4. Mr. Lincoln was again elected
President; and December ti, lu' delivei-ed to (Congress his fourth annual
message in which he strongly recommended the adoption of the pro-
posed constitutional amendment abolishing slavery throughout the
Union, and announced his determination to adhere to his emancipation
proclamation, and not to return to sl.-ivery any person made free by
that procl.-imation or by any act of Congress, saying: "If the people
should by whatever mode or means make it an executive duty to re-
enslave such persons, another, and not L must be their instrument to
perform it." He w.-is not content with what hi' said in his message.
He used his personal intiuence with members of Congress in favor of
the amendment; and it w;is finally carried through Congress in Janu-
ary, lH>>~y, and was subseiiuently ratilied by the States; and thus it be-
came what is now known as the Thirteenth Amendment of the Consti-
tution. The formal ratification of the amendment by a siilhcient num-
ber of States came after his death in Deccmbi'r. ISC"). Hvit he lived to
foresee the certain accomplishment of a i)urposc> he had very much at
heart during his last year upon earth. It is clear from his public
88 HEKKI-MER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Utterances that in the early stages of the Civil War, he did not contem-
phite tlie abolition of slaverj^ in any of the States. He gradually reach-
ed the conclusion that he could and should abolish it in the rebel States
as a war measure; and it was only after the war had been waged for
two years or more that the conviction was forced upon him that slav-
ery must absolutely die in all the States, and that to accomplish that
end the constitution ought to be amended.
Preceding his second inauguration as President, on the 4th of March,
1865, there were negotiations for peace with the rebel States conducted
with the sanction of the President, but always on the two fundamental
conditions of the restoration of the Union and the abolition of slavery-
He would not recede from any of the positions he had taken in refer-
ence to slavery. In his second inaugural address, he said that at his
lirst inauguration, one-eighth of the whole population of the country
were colored slaves; that all knew that slavery was somehow the cause
of the war; that neither party to the civil strife expected for the war
the magnitude or the duration which it had attained; that neither party
anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even be-
fore the conflict itself should cease; that "both read the same Bible aiid
pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It
may seem strange that any man should dare to ask a just God's assist-
ance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces. But
let us judge not that we be not judged. * * Fondly do we hope,
fervently do we pray that this mightj^ scourge of war may speedily
pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled
up by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil
shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall
be paid by another drawn with the SAvord, as was said three thousand
years ago, so still it must be said: 'The judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether;' " and this large-hearted, generous man, not
embittered bj^ the long and bloody strife, and the many misconceptions
of his own character and motives, closed with the following beautiful
and generous sentiments: "Witli malice toward none, with charity for
all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us
strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds,
to care for him who shall have borne tlie battle and for his widow and
his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting
peace among ourselves and witli all nations."
In less than six weeks after the utterance of these beautiful words,
forever a part of the best literature of our language, he fell a victim to
the hate, bred of the civil strife. His work was done. The measure of
Lis fame was full, and he became one of the world's immortals. It is
useless to speculate as to what would have been the course of events
in this country if he had survived to servo out his second presidential
term. A careful studj' of his acts and of his character leads me to
believe that he would not have favored the re-construction of the
revolted States in the precise way it was subsequently accomplished.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN HIS RELATION TO SLAVERY. 80
I do not hrlicvo tli:it lie would Ii;ivr f.Mvorcd d<'i)riviim llic kiciI Imlk
ol the wliitcs in tlic soiit hern St;itcs ot (lie ri;rlit to vote, .-iiid i-oiil'iTi-iim
tli;if lii^lit upon nil tlio cnriaiicliiscd Xfj^rocs. lie \\;is iic\ci' In favor
of (•ourcniim uiii\ crsal sulTniUf upon jirrsous of color. lit! sct'iiis to
li.'ivi' Ix'cu in I'.-ivor ot i;i\in;;; the rij;iit to \'otc to vcr,\- iiitclli;;i'id N'oui'ooh
and cspcfially to tliosc wlio liad t'ou;;ht in the I'nion raid;s.
I must hero liriun' this |ia|>ci- to a close, tor fear I may traiisccn<l IIk'
limits w liicli the occasion jnits upon me. tinally sa\iim that this study
of Mr. Lincoln's r('latii>n to slavery has ^i\('n ine a more exalted esti-
mato of Ids character, and of tlie endurinj; valiU! of tlie worlv lie
achieved.
THE FRENCH IN CANADA AND OUR OBLIGATION
TO THE IROQUOIS.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. J. DRYDEN HENDERSON, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, October 14, 1899.
Much has been written, and some of it A'ery well written, about those
Frenc-hmen, and their descendants, who settled Canada, explored the
country about the Great Lakes, the valleys of the Ohio, the Illinois and
the Mississippi, and for nearly two centuries struggled with our Brit-
ish ancestors for the mastery of the American continent.
"The French in Canada!" What visions of forest adventure, what
instances of devoted piety, what tales of heroic sacriiice, what quiet
days of happiness, what wild nights of terror, what hardships endured,
what cruelties perpetrated, what glorious triumphs, and what miser-
able failures the words suggest.
The P'rench based their claim to Canada and the Northern Atlantic
coast on the alleged discoveries of Verazanno, in 1524, entirely ignoring
the previous voyages of John and Sebastian Cabot in 1497 and '98, along
the same shore. England claimed under the Cabots, and also by virtue
of treaties with the New England Indians, and later witli the Iroquois.
None but Spain of the Eiu-opean nations made permanent settlements
in North America during the Kith Century, and for more than a hun-
dred years after the discovei-y of the continent, no attempt of conse-
([uence Avas made to civilize or Christianize the savages. But early
in tlie 17th Century the struggle for the possession of America began.
England founded colonies in Virginia and in New England. Sweden
tried her luck in New Jersey; Holland estjiblished herself in New
York, and France took possession of Nova Scotia and entered Canada.
Jacques Cartier, an adventurous Frenchman, in 1534 sailed up the
St. Lawrence as far as Anticosti, and in 1535 to the palisaded Indian
town of Ilochelaga (now Montreal). He returned to Stadacona (Que-
bec) and spent the winter; twenty-five of his men died of scurvy, and
in the Spring he treacherously took and carried off to France several
of the natives, all of whom were baptized and died abroad.
THE FRENCH IN CANADA AND OUU OIIMQATION TO Till; lUOQL'OIS !)1
r.-irlicr (••■imc hiick in I.'.IO willi KdhcvMl's i'.\p<'<litioii, .-iiiil !ittriii[(tc(l
.■1 culoiiy, bill llic IiidiMii ii'iiiciiilicrcd liis rdniicr ((iikIiicI .-itiil two til'
liis ini'ii wvvv killed. Ciirticr iihaiiddiicd Kolx.'Viil. ik-mt (Jiiclifi-, in Hh;
niylit, hut nwuv h.-ick .m.iiii in l.")!,"',, iind took .-iwiiy llic rcnm.int nf
Hobi'VJil's folony. Not until l.'.'.ts did the I'lriicli try :i;;:iin. when Dir La
Uoclic nu't with failure in Acadia.
When Chaniitlaiu canic in ir.(t:{. lu- I'onnd tlif Indian town of IIoclic-
la.ua a ruin, and aliandoncd. .\n cidii-cly dilTcrcnt nation of Indians
Iroui (hose Cartier found there in I.kU occupied the country. Chani-
l.lain, too, Avas a different kind of a uiau from Cartier. 11(> was hravu,
adventurous and honorable, and may well be I'e^^anU'd as tin? founder
of Canad.-i, or New France, as it w.as then (•■•lUed. In KiOH Chani])lain
founded Quebec, building throe houses, suri-ouuih-d by a wooden wail
for defense, and outside the wail a moat likt! a Euro])ean fortress, lie
gained the friendshii) of his Algontiuin neighbors, and, in the siunnier of
1U(»!), joined with thorn and tho llurous in an expedition against tlie
lro(iuois.
How long before the Dutch came to Now York the Iroijuois liad occu-
pied and dominated the territory from Niagara to tlie Hudson river no
one can tell; tlieir traditions furnish no reliable information; with tluni
it was the stone ago and thei'c is no written history of (heir carei-r up
to that time. Wlien tho Dutch canu> in 1C.0'.>, tliey found the live
nations, or Iroiiuols. in possession, firmly established, feared l)y all tlioir
neighbors and leagued together against the Hurons and otlior Canadian
Nations on tli<' north, tlie Algonquins on the east, tlie Creeks and Choro-
koos on tho south, and tho Sioux on the west.
They were the most powerful confederation of savages on (he conti-
nent. They wore hunters and eaters of men, levying continual war
from Niagara to the Mississippi; from (ho St. Lawrence (o Hudson's
Bay; from the Hudson River to tho Atlantic coast and from tlieir own
southern boundary to Georgia and tho Carolinas. They killed, scalped,
tortured and ate their onomios, and while in some respects much
superior to tlieir neighbors, they were tho liercest and most savage of
American Indians.
Those wild men welcomed the Dutch to New Amsterdam and Albany
because they bought their furs and sui»pliod them wi(h guns and pow-
der. The Dutch were traders and came in peace, and a linn .ind lasting
friendship was established wiOi (h(> Moliawks. whidi continued during
the entire Dutch occupancy, r.nd under their English successors.
Champlain and the French came as enemies, allies of the hated
Ilurons, and the manner of their coming was never forgiven or for-
gotten. The same summer tliat Hudson sailed up the gn>;it liver which
boars his name, Champlain w'itli two Frenchmen, and a large party
of Ilurons and Algoiniuin warriors, came up the St. Lawrence ;ind tlie
Sorel. entered tliat beautiful lake now called Champlain. and. paddling
along its slioro, met a large party of Mohawk warriors, who were cin
their way to invade the country of tlieir northern neighbors. The
§2 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Hiirons and the three Frenchmen were greatly outnumbered, but the
Mohawks then knew nothing of fire arms and after two discharges of
the guns of the Frenchmen, the Iroquois fled in terror, and Cliamplain
and liis allies returned to Quebec in triumph. He soon after returned
to France Init came back in 1(511, made another expedition into Lake
Champlain against tlie Iroquois, and attempted a settlement at Mon-
treal, but it did not thrive. Champlain also ascended the Ottawa to the
Huron towns, thinking that he miglit by that way reach Hudson's Bay
and perhaps find tlie long sought Northwest passage to India, but he
met with so much difficulty that he turned back and did not get even
to Georgian Bay, until his next trip up the Ottawa, in 1614. Thence
coasting southward, along the eastern shore of that bay, he reached
the Huron towns overland. One of the zealous Keccolet missionaries
had already begun work among the Hurons, and the Indians had built
him a chapel of bark; the first mass was said in this chapel after
Champlain's arrival. He then joined these Hurons in a campaign
against the Iroquois, crossing Lake Ontario, and attacking them at
Onondaga. Here they found a fortified town and were defeated. The
Hurons returned to their own country and refused to allow Champlain
to go back to Quebec until the following summer.
The French liad made another attempt at settlement in Acadia. Port
Royal was founded in 1G04, abandoned in 1607 and again occupied in
1610. The Mlcmac Indians all became Christians, and they with the
Abonakis, allies of the French, and later on the scourge and terror of
the English settlements of northern and eastern New England.
In 1622 the Iroquois attempted to exterminate the French in Canada
because of the help they had given their enemies, and an army of sav-
ages attacked the convent and fort at Quebec, but they were defeated
and secured only a few Huron prisoners.
Aside from these raids of the Iroquois, tlie new settlers had troubles
of their own, Jesuits and Reccolets could not agree in Quebec any bet-
ter than they could in France, and the colony did not prosper. In 1627
Cardinal Richelieu put the control of New France into the hands of
"The Company of One Hundred Associates," but the attempt to farm
out the colonies in Canada was not more successful tlian in other parts
of America. In 1626 war broke out between France and England.
The French colonies in Acadia had been partially destroyed by an Eng-
lish expedition from Virginia in 1613 and in 1629 Captain David Kirk
ascended the St. Lawrence and captured Quebec. It was restored to
France in 1633 and in 1635 its founder, Samuel De Champlain. died. Set-
tlements were established along the St. Lawrence, and some interest
was awakened in France in the project of Christianizing the Algonquins
and the Hurons. There was a continual state of war with the Iroquois,
;iiid the houses of the Frencli habitants were liable to attack at any
time day or night. The Jesuits obtained the controlling influence in the
colony. Their missionaries penetrated the interior and estaldished them-
selves in the Huron villages, and while they made no serious attempt
THE FRFNCH IN CANADA AND OUR OBLIOATION TO THE IKOQUOIS 93
to civilize, llic.v i>jii»tiz<'(l (lif s;ivii.ucs ;iii<l cillcil tliciii ( 'liiisti.ins; the
(•uiivcrls in'cninc tiir liiiii I'lifinis of tlic i'lfiich mimI licni-jy t'<)ii;.'iil llic
(•oiimioii ciiciuy, tlu' Iroquois.
'I'iit' .Icsuits (liscoura^^cd the ciiiinili;!! piari ire oi ciliii;,' inisoiicis. lull
thoii;;iit it well ciioui;!! to toftui-c and iiiiiii tliciii, iti-ovjdcd a .Jesuit
priest could liajilize the victiui jusi Ueloi-c he -a \ c uji Ilie uliost. so as
to ins\ire his salvatiou froui eternal lire.
In Ki'tO, the Iro(|U()is attacked the IIukmi villa.ues located hetween
Luke Ontario and the <;eor^;ian I'.ay, and nearly (h'Stroyed the entire
nation, nuniherinu ahout li.ddd iicople.
A remnant took refuse on an island in tlie Hay aiul later went farther
Wi'st and were known as Wyandots. A few weid anion.i,' the Aljiou-
(]uins, and under the walls of (.Quebec found conip.-irative safi'ty, iiut
evi'U there the Irixpiois piusued them, and the I'rencli themselves
esfupod destruction only itocause of their .icun.s and wooden walls.
.I(!suit i)riests were taken, tortured and nnu'dered, and died n-Joicin^^
that they had been found worthy of martyrdom.
Among these were Goupil de None, Daniel, Coulure, (iarniei', ("ha-
baueau, I'.reheuf and L.illemant. No braver nn'u evi-r lived or died in
the service of the Savior.
I'arkman says: •'The movement in western Europe known as the;
Kenaisance, was far more than a revival of arts and letters — it was an
awakenin.u of intellectual, moral and reliiiioiis life, the offsprinj;- of cause
long in action, and the pari'ut of other movements in action to this
day. "The Trotestant reformation was a part of it. That revolt a.i,'ainst
Konie produced a counter ren.iisance in the J)osom of the ancient church
itself. In i»resence of that peial she awoke from sloth and corruption,
and gird(.d herself to beat back the invading heresies, by fraud or by
craft, by in(iuisitorial tires, by the arms of princely and impi-rial allies
and by tlie self-sacrilicing enthusiasm of her saints and martyrs.
"That time of cliange produced the exalted piety of Xavier and the
intense, thouglitful y.eal of Loyola. After a century had passed, the
llame still l)urned and it never shone with a purer or brighter radiance
than in the early missions of IS'ew I'^rance. I'.ut before tlie end of the
ITth Century the functions of tlie Canadian .Jesuit had become .is mudi
Itolitical .as religious."
In IC.'m; the Canadians yielding to the solicitation of the Irtxiuois.
and accepting tlieir invitations, fornu-d a colony at Onondaga. They
were received with a])parent friendship and the Indians listened to
the teaching of the priests with seeming inten-st. but the wlutes were
soon convinced that tliey were being (h'ceived, and that in the end the
Indians intended to torture and destroy them. Then followed for more
than a year a great game of dissimulation. The French deternuned
th.at they would not w:iit until the lires were lighted for their sacrifice,
but would escape if possil>le and return lionie.
Tlie.y secretly began the liuilding of boats in their house by tlu' lake
siiore, and at the same time usetl every effort to Hatter and cajole the
94 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Tudians. Finally one night late in Marcli, 1658, as soon as the ice had
.eone out of the lake and river, they gathered the Indians to the rear
of their great bark building and gave them a feast. It was the Indian
custom to gorge themselves with food at these feasts so as to be almost
unable to m.ove, and on this occasion wlien the Indians were thus
gorged and sleeping off the effects of the mighty meal, the French
quietly placed their boats in the lake and all started for Canada. When
the Indians awoke, their intended victims had escaped; how, the
Indians could not tell, as they knew nothing about the boats and the
fugitives had left no trail. The fleeing French had a perilous passage,
mid snow and ice, by lake and river, but finally arrived in safety at
^Montreal.
The French built a fort at the mouth of the Sorel, and maintained a
garrison there, but it was easily avoided and the enemy coming down
Lake Champlain simply carried their canoes around the fort, and
launched them below on the St. Lawrence.
Many hostile raids were m.-ide in the df ad of winter, and every man
who laid down to sleep in his forest camp kne^v that he was lial)le to be
killed before morning.
In IGGO, Adam DoUard and 17 Frenchman with 40 Hurons, learning
of a threatened Iroquois invasion, took quarters in an old fort at the
foot of the Long Sault on the St. Lawrence. The enemy came, laid
seige to the fort, and after several days of very severe fighting, in which
many of the beseigers were killed, all but one of the Hurons desert-
ed, the Iroquois entered the fort and Dollard and 10 of his Frenchmen
Avere butchered, but the victorious Iroquois were discouraged by this
brave resistance, and by their own losses, and turning back, abandoned
the enterprise.
In the Winter of 10(J5 and 'G, Courcelle, then Governor of Canada,
took the offensive and invaded the Mohawk valley. The western con-
federates had suffered gi'eatly in the Hiu-on and Shawnee wars and
had made peace with the French, but the Mohawks and Oneidas were
constantly raiding into Canada, down the Sorel, and about Montreal,
at which place since 1G42, the French had maintained a convent, hos-
pital and garrison.
This expediton of Courcelle reached the Mohawk valley but accom-
plished nothing. In the Fall of IGGG, Tracy, with the first regiment of
regular troops that ever came to America, numbering 1,000 men, and a
large body of Canadian and Indian allies, came by the usual route,
up the Sorel and through Lake Champlain, and carried the war into
our fair valley. The towns of the :Mohawks and Oneidas were burned
and their crops destroyed.
The Indians fled before the invading French without striking a blow,
and they received such severe treatment that for twenty years the Can-
adian colonists enjoyed peace and prosperity and multiplied exceed-
ingly.
During these years of comparative peace, Fathers Allouez, Dablon,
THE FRENCH IN CANADA AND OUR OBLIGATION TO THE IROQUOIS ft'j
.MMr(|ii<'Ui' and I lriiiii'|iiii lauulit .ukI liapli/.cd tin' lii-allii'ii ami i \ plori'il
111*' ui't'al West. I'^allirr l»()llici' I »c ('assoii was aiiollicr (jcxoliil |iii<'sl
\\ii(» liKiirt'd ill iii.iiiy an expedition tif tilal and iiardsliip. lie was llie
lirst white man to sail throiiiili Lakes lOrie and St. Claif. A i,nant in
statniH', it is said tliat In- could stfeleii Ids afins anil hold a man on
«'acli hand: tender heaited as a woman, lie nnis( d the sick, shrived
tlie d.\in,u and was ;;i-eatl.\' lielo\((l by his associates, the soldi<rs and
tin' people.
Louis .loliet travei'sed the upiier .Mississijipi coimlry, and the i'e.i;ioii
about Lake Wiuinpej;' and ac(H)niitlishe<l ninch as an e.\i)lorer. I5u1
lifeatest of all was lioI)ert Dt- La Salle, who alter repeated trials and
many failures, overcame all obstacles, imshed his way down the Illi-
nuis and the Mississipi)i to its moutli, claimed tin- wliole coimtry west
of the Ohio and the Mississippi for the Kinj; of France, fotinch'd a
colony in Texas, and at last in the solituch-s of tliat lonely region fell,
murdered by his own men.
lie it was who th'st proi)osed tliat vast scheme of continental empire,
which, for a hundred years was the dream of France, and tlu; menace
of the American colonies. With her sliips on the (ireat Lakes and he-
forts along the Ohio and the Mississippi reaching from the St. Law
rence to the (luif of Mexico, France hoped to i)ush the English coloni(-.s
into the Atlantic, but between these scattered settlements, straguliiig
along the coast, and the armies of France advancing from Canada,
stood the Iroquois, like a wall of tire, ever to be reckoned with, and
never overcome.
In 1(!<1'.» the Massachusetts Indians made their last liostile raid into
our valley and were cut to pieces and driven out by the Mohawlcs.
The French made some attempt to secure the friendship of and to
Christianize the Iro(iuois and sent missioiiari(>s among them.
No prospect of torture could deter the zealous Jesuit priests from
these enterprises; and Father .Joques, after having been mutilated by
the Mohawks and held by them for more than a year in a most terrible
slavery, escaped by the assistance of the Dutch at Albany, went to
l<"rance. obtained liberty from his liishoj) to celebrate the nia.ss with
his mutilated hands and returned to Canada, to again take up his work
and die a martyr's death at their hands. The scene of his linal suffer-
ing has become the shrine at Auriesville. and is visited by many pious
Catholics who revere his memory.
In this period l'"'rontenac nded Canada lis lirst term and loyally he
served the grand monai-(iue. Louis the lltli. in that policy of paternal-
ism which sapi)ed the life blood of the State and fostered the tyranny
of the Church. Proud and arrogant, he (piarrelcd with the Hisliop and
the .Jesuits and like other Canadian governors, sought to enrich him-
self at the expense of the colony.
But he was bold and able; the Iroipiois fean'd him. He established
forts and trading jiosts upon the frontier, and kept o])en the avenues
of trade so that the colony prospered.
96 HERKIMER OOUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
Parkuiaii says of Frouteuac: "Many surpassed him in cruelty; none
('(lualled liini in capacity and vigor."
Before the reign of Louis tlie 14tli, tlie entire wliite populiition of
Canada did not exceed 2.500. In IGGS it was 5,870 ,and during tliis
reign every effort possible was made bj' the King to increase the num-
ber.
Girls were sent out from France by the ship load as wives for the
colonists and when they arrived, as an old writer says: "Bridegrooms
chose their wives as a butcher choses sheep out of the midst of the
flock." The marriages took place at once, and the next day the Gov-
ernor gave each new couple an ox, a cow, two hogs, two fowls, two bar-
rels of salt meat and eleven crowns in money.
Young men were required to marry at twenty, girls at sixteen. No
mercy was shown to odburato batchelors; they were forbidden to hunt,
fish, trade with the Indians, or go into the forest under any j>retense
whatever, and were excluded from all offices. In spite of these aids to
matrimony, many young men took to the woods and refused the wives
so kindly furnished by the King.
De Casson tells of a widow who was married afresh before her late
husband was buried. Bounties were paid for large families: For ten
children, 300 livres; for twelve, 400 livres, and for fifteen, 1,200 livres
per year. Yet with all this stimulation and encouragement by the gov-
ernment in half a century the gain was only 20.000.
The people were regarded as the children of the King. Lands were
held liy feudal tenure, and this sj^stem Avas not entirely abolished in
Canada until 1854.
The Governor, and the intendant, who was always a mere spy on the
Governor, each wrote long letters, from forty to sixty pages, home,
giving their views of the situation and complaining of the conduct of
the other. The power of the Governor, intendant and council was
absolute, and only limited by the will of the King. No foreign trade
was allowed. All trade was in the hands of the government, prices on
all articles and the per cent, of profit allowed to a merchant were fixed
Ijy the council, home traders were favored. Huguenots and Protestants
were forl)idden to exercise their religion, or to remain in the colony
during Winter without special license. Not an enterprise was set up
without a petition to the King for aid, and it was rarely refused.
The instructions to Gov. Talon in 1(!0(! from Colburt, the French
I'rime Minister contains the following Avords:
"As the King regards his Canadian subjects from the highest to
the loAvest almost as his own children and wishes them to enjoy
e(iually with the people of France the mildness and happiness of his
reign, the Sieur Talon is to solace them in all things, and encourage
them to trade and industry, and seeing that nothing can better pro-
mote this end, than entering into the details of their households, and
of all their little affairs, it Avill not be amiss that he visit nil their
settlements, one after the other in order to learn the true conditions,
THE FKENCn IN CANADA AND OUR OULIOATION TO THE IROQUOK. 97
l)i(.\i(lc ,is iimcli ;is jjossililc loi- tlicii' w.iiits .iiid pi'i ruriiiiiij,' ilii' duly
of :i uood lif.id of .1 laiiiily pul tliciii in tlic u;iy of iii:ikiii|,' some
pi dlil."
The Kiiitr did cvcrytliiiit;-, tlir people did iiolluiitr for tliei'iselvcs.
The festivals of llie Cluircli liecniue so iiuiuei'oiis that not iduety work-
iii.u: (lays were left in the whole worUiii.u season. I'.eaver ;i iid moose skins
were used lor iiioiiex' and wheat was made a !e;;al lender. At one
time there was an issue of pdayiuj; cards stamped as money and the
selieme of liat money was fully developed. A candid Mtudy of the liis-
tory of those times ou.nht to satisfy the most rabid inllatioiiist of our
day. A writi'r of that a.ue says: "It is the si;,Mi of a si;;n, and has no
value as the representative of money." Yet it bore the government
stamp of value. Would fiat money be any better now? The beaver
trade, and the law against batehelors produced "Coureur de bois;"
young men who adopted the customs of the savages, and became wilder
than Die Indians themselves. At one time eight hundred out of a popu-
lation of less than ten thousand were living in the woods, aiid when
these men canie into the settlement, "There was a hot time in the ohl
town."
The government outlawed these wild lovers, but the governor and
his business partners foimd it prolitable to maintain friendly relations
with them, and they could always be depended on as volunteers in ex-
peditions against the English colonies.
The Jesuits oppposed balls, dancing and the sale of liquor to the
Indians, they tried hard to draw the Iroquois away from the Dutch
and English, and to divert tlieir trade to Canada. The first temper-
ance meeting in America was held in 1048 at the Jesuit missions of
Sillery, but the priests could not break up the trade in rum.
The plan of the Jesuits was "for the cliurch to rule the world, the
roi)e to rule the churcli, and the Jesuits to rule the Pope."
I.aval be<'ame "Bishop of I'etraea," Vitar Apostolic of Canada, in
l'ir>'.>. at the age of .">(■), an<l a( once had i bitter contest with (,)ueyius.
the Sulpitian I'riest of Montreal, who opposed him, and who would not
admit his authority: but the Jesuits sided with Laval and after seven
years of strife, Queylus submitted.
Laval was a Montmoraney and could brook no divided authority.
!!<> (inarreled with Covernor after Governor and drove one after anoth-
er from the colony. The Jesuit princiiiles were never better exjilained
than by one of their own number as late as IST'i, tlie Kev. Father
I'.raiin. in a sermon at Montreal: "The supremacy and infallibility of
tlie I'opi', the independence and liberty of the church, the subordination
and submission of the State to the church: in case of conflict between
them, the church to di'cide, the State to submit; for whoever follows
and defends these principles. lif(> and a blessing: for whoever rejects
iind combats then!, death iind a curse." Lav.al alw.ays acted upon this
theory of ethics and his succ;'ssoi's followed him.
Tlie English succeeded tlie Dutch in New York and Albany in 1604,
98 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and maintained friendly relations with the Iroquois. During the years
of peace with tlie Frencli, tlie Iroquois recruited their strength; they
destroyed the Illinois in 1G80. the Eries and Andastes in 1682 and in
1G84 again defied the Frencli. Denonville fought the Senecas in their
own country in 1687, and when the war between France and England
broke out in 1688 the contest became general and New York and Can-
ada again a battle ground.
The Iroquois attacked Montreal in 1680 and massacred many of the
inhabitants. Count Frontenac after an absence of ten years 7'eturned
as Governor of Canada in 1689. He was seventy years old, but he
entered upon the defense of his country with all the energy of his youth-
ful days. He immediately laid plans to capture New York and Boston,
but did not receive the expected aid from France and the scheme was
abandoned.
Among those hardy Frenchmen who made Canada their home was
Charles LeMoyne, a man of great courage and ability. He was the
father of eleven sons, at least five of whom, Serigny, Chateaugay, St.
Ilelene, Bienville and Iberville, left great names behind them.
The three last named were with Mantel in February, 1690, at the burn-
ing of Schenectady. During a terrible storm on the night of February 8th,
the palisade of that town was entered by a party of three hundred
French and Indians, the houses fired and the inhabitants murdered as
they ran from their beds. The town was completely destroyed and
only a few escaped to tell the dreadful tale.
B"'our of the LeMoyne brothers were engaged in the attack on Fort
Nelson on Hudson's Bay. Iberville was educated in France and was
regarded as the most skillful captain in the French navy. While com-
manding the French frigate "Pelican," in 1697, he sailed into Hudson's
Bay and fought in those icy waters that remarkable battle with three
English ships in which he destroyed them all and added to his own
fame.
He also ravaged the English settlements of New Foundland, terror-
ized the Atlantic coast, founded a French colony in Louisana, and
finally, as he was preparing for an attack on North Carolina died of
fever at Havana, at the age of forty-five. Bienville was twice Governor
of Louisiana and had a great career in that colony. St. Helene fell
during the British attack on Quebec. Captain John Schuyler led a
pai'ty of English and Indians into Canada in 1690, and destroyed the
village of LaPrarie, near Montreal, but the Boston expedition up the
river against Quebec was a complete failui'e.
In January, 1(>93, an army of nearly seven hundred Canadians came
out of the forest near Schenectady, burned the houses of the settlers,
destroyed the IMohaAvk towns and having captured some three hun-
dred prisoners, retreated.
They were pursued by Captain Peter Schuyler with a small party of
militia and Indians. He came up with them near Saratoga, killed about
twenty of them and harrassed them until they reached Lake Cham-
;i
THE FUKNCII IN CANADA AND OUR OBUOATION TO TUF. IROQUOIS. 09
l)l.iiii, when llicy csmpi'd (Ui llic ice. lull iii.in\ of llinn [iriislicil willi
ciild oil I licir w :i \ to < ";i ii;i(l,i .
The sfltlriiiciils of noil liciii New IOii^^l;iii(l siilTcnMl tcrrihly in tliis
\v;ii-, low II iillci- lowii Wiis Ininifd and destroyed, and tlie p(M)j)le iiiiir-
dered or cm rii d iiih" captivity. Inil it is not my piiriiose to tell tlie tale
of lilood and lire, outside oiir own valley. 'I'lie .MassaciiMsel Is •■'eii
lelali.iled on .\<adia. and (he lroi|nois and Ni'W YorkiTs on ('anada.
.\ siii-le incident of the New Eiij;iaiid troiililc will sulHr-c. In K'.'J",
ll.iverhill. in .Massaehnsetts. was attackid by the Canadian Indians
and the Dustaii lionse bnrned. Hannah jtuslan and Many S>'IY wei'c
l;ikeii prisoners. .Mis. hiislan's li.iliy, one week old. was iiiiirdere<l be-
fore her eyes and (he i»risoners .started lor Canada. One niiiiil .Mrs.
Dustan, who had planned an I'seape, insi)ired .Mary -Neff and a white
boy taken at Woostor, to attack their caplors. Itisinjr quietly, the boy
and the two woineii each look a tomahawk and strikiiii;- rapidly killed
ail of the sleeping Indians but a little boy and a S(|uaw, who escaped
v.onnded into the woods. :Mrs. Dustan retin-ned to her desolated home
with a canoe, gun, tomahawk and ten Indian scalps as trophies of hor
valor.
Frontenac crossed Lake Ontario in lOOH and attacked Onondaga with-
out doing very mucli damage. He returned to (Canada and died in
IC.'.IS. His successor. Calliei-e. made peace with the Iro(iuois, but war
broke out auaiii in ITo.". and lasted until 1712. During these years New
York did not suffer as much as did New England. In 1712 the Outag-
armies of l'\).\ Itiver, Wisconsin, formed an alliance with the Irotpioisand
attacked the western outposts of the Freiu-li, but did not destroy them.
r.y the peace of Utrecht, France and England each restored captured
territory and the Iroquois were recognized by France as being within
the English domain, but the Inxiuois themselves acknowledged no
mastc'r. Tliey sinqily called the English brothers and the King their
father. Parkiiian says that in 1701, "The power of the Iroipiois^ was
so far broken tli;it they were iie\'er again vi'ry formidable to the
French. Canada ha.d c(Milirnied her Indian alliances and rebutted the
English claim to sovereignty over the live tribes with all the conse-
<iueiici's that hung upon it:" and also in a note. "That the Ti'oquois
iinnibered twenty-live hundred warriors in blOK: twelve linndred ••ind
tifty in Ki'.IS, and twelve hundred in 17ol. .Vfter th(> Tuscaroras Joined
them in 1720, they numbered two thousand."
In their best days tliey never could muster more than live thousjind
warriors, and La I'ollierie says of them: "Strange that four or five
thousanil should make a whole new world trendde. New Englaiul is
but too happy to gain tlu'ir good graces. New Franc(> is often wasted
by their wars and our allies dread them over an extent of more than
tifteen hundred miles."
.\cadia was ceded to England in 1713.
^Vfter 1712 the lOnglish colonies increased in iioi)Ulation inucli more
rapidly thau did Canada. The Iroquois adopted a ixilicy of ueutrality
100 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
and had it not been for the great influence of the Schuylers and of Sir
William Jolmson they miglit have yielded to the solicitation of the
Jesuit priests and joined France against the English; but the Mo-
hawks and Oneidas generally stood tirm and acted with the English
in the wars of '45 and '56.
The French priests labored diligently and somewhat effectively to
win the friendship of the Iroquois, but in 1738. William Johnson came
from Ireland into tlie Moliawk valley and settled among the Mohawks.
He was tlie nephew of Sir Peter Warren. He learned the language of
the Iroquois, adopted their mode of living when among them, and
became the most able and efficient Indian Agent that England ever
had. How much tliis valley owes to Sir William Johnson no one can
know without a diligent study of his life and the historj' of those
times. It was tlu'ough him. more than by any other influence that the
Six Nations were kept in alliance with the English, and eventually that
the tide of liattle was turned against the French. Some Iroquois were
drawn away and became mission or praying Indians, settling near Mon-
ti-eal. They joined tlie Frencli in tlieir attacks on tlie English settle-
ments and murdered, scalped and burned their poor captives just as
if thej- had not been Christianized. Mercy to heretics and protestants
had no place in the French creed of those days.
Saratoga was destroyed and thirty families slaughtered in 17-17, and
a shaiii battle with a party of French and Indians fouglit near Schenec-
tady in the summer of 1748. The Frencli were defeated and retreated,
taking the unusual route via the Sacondaga, and thus escaped a party
lying in wait to cut them off.
The English took Louisburgh in that war. but much to the disgust of
the colonists, by the peace of 1748, captured territory, except Acadia,
was again restored to France and for a few years more there was a
nominal peace until the flual struggle began in 1754. Eacli party liad
tried to strengthen itself bj' building forts in tlie disputed territory.
The French at Ticonderoga. Crown Point. Niagara and down the Ohio.
The English on the eastern border of Maine, in New Hampshire, at
Fort Edward and at Oswego.
The Iroquois urged the English to action and in a council held in
1754 at Albany, for the common defense. Itetween the Governors of the
several colonies and the chiefs of the Six Nations, a Mohawk chief
said: "Look at the French; they are men: thes' are fortifying every-
where. It is but one step from Canada hither and they may easily come
and turn you out of doors."
One is reminded by the words of this savage orator of Cato's "Car-
thago est delenda" in the Roman senate. There had been skirmishing
all along the disputed boundary and P'rench priests were constantly
trying to stir the Acadians to revolt, and to violate their oath of alle-
giance to the British crown.
So, almost at the beginning of the struggle the Acadians were ex-
pelled from the peninsula and driven into exile. '^Ve see now that the
THE FRENCH IN CANADA AND Otllt OULIGATION TO THK IltOQUOIS. lOl
exile of the Aciulijiiis was exciisjible if not justilialili-, hut it lias fur-
nished foundation for many a itatiictii- talc, hotli in prose and iioctry.
and is rc^Mnlctl as our of tiic saddost in(id<'nts in liistory.
l.atc ill Xoxciiihrr. IT.'.T, ('a|itaiii I'.dlft ic. wilii llin-c liiiiidrid I'rcncli
and Indians, attaciccd tlio (Icrnian settlement wlicic Hcrkinu-r villas"'
is now sitnati'd. I'ricndly Oneidas and Tuscaroras had warned the
settlers l)nt the warning for some reason was uidieeded and the settle-
ment was iiniirep.ired.
In the Doc. History of Xew York. A'ol. X. iiage (;72. there is a
translation of the Freneh ('ai)tain's oliicial report of his exploit.
Whether or not hv was a great lighter, lie was certainly a gi-eat liar.
He says lie burned sixty houses, killed forty English, took one hundred
and fifty prisoners and a large amount of plunder; that one Indian
alone secured .$c..(i(M» in money, and that the mayor of the town lost
.s,su.(M)0 worth of property. We all know there was no such auiount of
wealth here at that time.
The inhabitants of the village tied to Fort Herkimer, across the river.
Some were kill(>d, nearly one hundred can-ied into captivity and their
property and homes burned and destroyed. The enemy did not attack
the fort, but after securing their plunder, took the back track for Can-
ada.
On April 30th, 1758, a party of eighty Indians and four Frenchmen
entered the valley and appeared near Fort Ilei-kimer. This time they
attacked the settlements on the south side of the river and killed some
thirty of the Inhabitants, but were driven off by Captain IJlair an<l his
rangers from the fort.
That the French were thoroughly posttd on the situation through
the Valley may be seen from the following translation of a document
in the Friench archives at Paris. Doc. History. Vol Id. page (ITS: "Fort
Kouari is situate on the right bank of the Mohawk river, on a small
hill on the scarp of the river. It is a large three-story stone house, with
port holes at t'ach story and likewise in the basement, for the purpose
of cross tii-iiig.
"The Palatine village, which consisted of thirty houses, has been
entirely desti-oyed and burnt by a detachment under M. de lU'lletre's
orders. The inhabitants of this village' formed a company of one hun-
dred men bearing arms. They reckoned three hundred persons, men.
women and childien. one lunidied and two of whom were made pris-
oners and the remainder lied to Fort Kouai-i. except a few Avho were
killed whilst fording the river. From the I'alatine villa.ge to the Little
Falls, still continuing along the banks of the river, is estimated about
three leagues. In this distance there had been eight houses, which
have been abandoned. The inhabitants of these houses compose a
company with those of Fort Kouari, at the opposite of the river."
Also in a note, page tJSO. from another French document, we get this:
'•In the whole country of the river Corlae there were nine companies
of militia under the command of Colonel Johnson, eight only remain,
102 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
that of the village of the rakuitiiies beiug no longer in existence, the
greater portion having been defeated by M. De Belletre's detachment.
Colonel Johnson assembles these companies when he has news of any
expedition which may concern the Mohawk river. He did so in April,
1757, and with twelve hundred, in all two thousand men, entrenched
himself at the head of the Palatine village when the French went up
the St. Lawrence to re-enforce the beautiful river (Ohio)."
The Shawnees and Delawares, though vassals of the Iroquois, went
over to the French, but the Cherokees were faithful to the English.
Braddock's defeat was a great disaster and many of the wavering
Indians, especially Senecas. thinking that the French would be vic-
torious, took sides with them. Johnson's victory at Lake George in
1755, in which two hundred oMohawks took part and Hendrick, the
Mohawk chieftain, fell, slightly stemmed the tide. Montcalm took and
destroyed the English fort at Oswego and obtained entire control of
Lake Ontario in 1756. Lord Loudon and General Abercrombie made a
miserable failure of the campaign against Ticonderoga in 1757, so that
at the close of 1757 the French were triumphant all along the line.
They were fortified at Ticonderoga and CroAvn Point, had destroyed
Fort William Henry and Oswego, were in possession of the valleys of
the Ohio and Mississippi, had won over many of the Iroquois, and even
the Cherokees had begun to waver. But now the elder Pitt became Pre-
mier of England. A vigorous policy was adopted, all quarrels with the
colonies about raising funds were put aside. Lord Loudon was recalled
and able commanders with large English armies were sent to America.
In that war England sent more soldiers to assist the Americans to con-
quer Canada than she did later in the Revolutionary war to attempt to
maintain her own supremacy.
At the close of 1757 the victorious French, however, had begun to
feel the exhaustion of Avar: the fields had not been tilled, for the men
had been with Montcalm in the enemy's countrj^ the crops failed; no
supplies came from France and the English colonists far outnumbered
the French.
Fort Stanwix was built in 1758 and Colonel Bradstreet with twenty-
seven hundred provincials and one hundred and fifty Iroquois marched
in September from that post, crossed Lake Ontario from the site of
Oswego and took and destroyed Fort Frontenac.
In November of the same year General Forbes and Colonel George
Washington took Fort DuQuesno and changed its name to Fort Pitt.
General Amherst and Admiral Boscawen captured Lonisbuig, and a
French army of five thousand six hundred and thirty-seven men, in
July, 1758, and here General Wolfe distinguishrd himself. General
Amherst then tui-ned his victorious army to help Al)ercrombie on Lake
George against the liitherto invincible Montcalm. In a preliminaiT
skirmish at Ticonderoga, Lord Howe, a man of great ability, and from
Avhom much was ex]>ected, had been killed, ojid later Abercromlne,
who had little capacity, and no faith in his provincial officers, Putnam,
THE PRENCn IN CANADA AND OUR OBI.KJATK )N TO THE IROQUOIS. 10 J
Stark, I'.i-.kIsIiccI and Ko^i'i's, Imd siilVcicd 'Icrciit with the loss of two
lliousaiKl iiHMi. lit' retreated to the site of Foil Williaiii Henry and
even ])i-eitared to tlee to Albany and New Voik. I)nt wlien Andiersl
I'aine the sitnatioii was changed.
In .inne, ITo!), (Jeneral Andicrst with an overwlielniini; foicc pioccrd
ed aj;ainst Tieonderoiia and <'rown Point, wincli posts the l^'icndi aiian
doned, and retreated down the lake. Andierst was slow .'iliont iniisn-
inji'. and Avhen in SeitfendxT he was ready to follow the I'lcnch, it
was too late to proceed ai;aiust .Monti-e;il. Sii- Williaiii .luhnsim with
his Iroquois allies, and CJeni-ral I'l-ideanx with two i'.ritish regiments
-went to Xiaiiara in the suninier of IT.V.i and took the fort. I'l-idcanx
was killed early in the sei;;i' and .Johnson obtained all the ,i;lory of the
victory, as his Moh.iwks were of jireat assistance in the b.attlc which
preceded the surrender of the Fort. Colonel lioqiiet took the French
forts at I'restpie Isle. Venanyo and Le Uoef and Colonel lluldeinand
sncci'ssfully resisted a French attack on Osweyo. The French com-
mander at Toronto burned his buildinjis and took his j;arrison to Mon-
treal. General Gage, although ordered to attack the French post at
Ogdeusbui-g, failed to do so. Captain Rogers with his rangers attacked
the village of St. Francis Indians about midway between Montreal and
Quebec. They had been great freebooters and had often ravaged the
New England settlements. lie found them holding a feast, and wait-
ing until about 3 o'clock in tlu' morning when they were all asleep,
entered the town and killed two hundred Indians. He returni'd to the
settlements by the way of the Connecticut River.
Late in June, 1750. Wolfe arrived before and laid seige to Quebec,
and on the 12th of September he fought that battle on the Plains of
Abraham, which sealed the fate of New France, and gained for him
the glory of a soldier's deiitli. Montcalm, the ablest genera! l-'rance
ever had in America, was mortally wounded .nnd died Septembci- 1 Itli.
DeLevls, who succeeded Montcalm, attempted in April. lH'.d. to retake
Quebec, he moved down from Montreal with about ten thousand men,
defeated Gi>nei'al Murray on the Plains of Abraham, and invested the
town; but on the !»th of May a I'.ritish ship arrived with relief and
other vessels came on the lOth. DeLevis raised the seige and retreat-
ed up the river. General Andierst came down from Oswego and invest-
ed Montreal on the Cth of SeptenU)er. .Murray came up from Quebec
and Havil.-ind from Crown Point, and on the Nth of September, ITtUt,
Vaudreuil surrendered all Canada to the English. I'ontiac in ITCili was
able to draw only a few of the Senecas into his conspiracy, and .Tohu-
sou held through that trying tinu> nearly all of the Iro(piois, as firm
friends lof the English king, so that our valley did not suffer again
until the Revolutionary Avar,
The treaty of peace was sign(>(l in 17<;'J and (\Mnada, Nova Scotia and
Cape P.reton were ceded to (Jreat P.ritain. Frence res(>rved Louisiana
and, the territory west of the Mississippi, but soon .illci- ceded it to
Sixain, and Spain, later on, ceded to Napoleon, who sold that whole
104 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
territory to the United States when Jefferson was President, in 1803^
Thus just two hundred years after France began the settlement of Can-
ada she finally retired and gave up forever tlie scheme of empire in
Nortli America, but what a terrible tale of blood is the liistory of those
two centuries. The contest with France was the school in whicli the
American colonies learned their own strength when united in a com-
mon cause.
In the battles witli the French they learned to figlit, and there such
generals as Starlv, Herkimer and Washington were educated.
It is no wonder that the Iroquois generally sided with tlie King in the
war of the Revolution. The King of England had been their friend
for many generations, his agent Johnson was like one of their own
nation, he was their brother, liis sons were loyalists and they cast in
their lot with them. In that struggle they lost their homes and their
country.
We have been so accustomed to blame tlie Indians for tlie cruelties
perpetrated on the patriots, during that war, that we have foi-gotten
the long period of more than a centurj^ in wliicli the land of tlie Iro-
quois stood an almost impassable barrier between the hostile French
of Canada, witli tlieir Indian allies on tlie one side, and the weak set-
tlements of New York on the other. Now we know tliat we are undei-
great obligations to the Iroquois. More than once they saved the set-
tlers in tills valley from destruction, and what is better still, tliey saved
the continent from Jesuit domination, and French civilization.
Let us give tliem tlie lienor tliey deserve, and remember that they
were true friends of om* fathers when our fathers most needed friends,
and although they were savages and heathen, tliey loved the valley of
the Mohawk, and the places where we delight to dwell.
CHRONOI/)(n^
AN ADDRESS HV HON. ROIUCKT RARI,, OF HRRKntER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, November ii,
1899.
Cluoiiolojiy and g('<),i;i'ai»hy ar(! .said t(» b(,' the two oyes of history.
The student wlio wouhl properly understand and appreciate tlie story
of any people must consider tlieir relations in time and space to otlicr
pe()i)ie and other countries.
The science of Chronology deals witli time in its succession; and
many Chronological systems formerly prevailed and several still pre-
vail. Among all nations having Chronological tables, time has always
been computi'd from some important event in their history. In ancient
IJome, it was computed from the founding of Home by Itonuilus, in
753 B. C, in the fourth year of the sixth Olympiad. In Grece, the Olym-
pic Games were great national (>vents. They wert> instituted in honor
of Jupiter to exercise the Grecian youths in various athletic contests
and combats. They took place near Olympia in the I'eloponesus, now
the INIorea, every four years; and hence an Olympiad was a period of
four years. The victor in those games was honored with a crown of
wild olives and sometimes he became a national hero. In 77(1 B. C.
Coro(>bus, one of the contestants in tlie games of that year, achieved
great and conspicuous success, and hence the Olympiads were reckoned
from that date. The Mohammedens (except in Tersia) reckoned time
from the Hegira, the flight of their prophet from Mecca to Medina,
July 10, A. D. 022. The Jews reckon time from the date of the Creation
as they learn it from their Bible. Biblical scholars differ widely as to
that date, their computations depending upon the Biblican versions
they use and upon their views of the facts there recorded. Their esti-
mates vary from 301G the time usually accepted by the Jews, to (iOS4
j'ears before Christ. The ordinarily received Biblical chronology is that
of Archbishop Usher, who put the date of the Creation at 4004 B. C.
Among some of the older nations of the East, there is a remarkable
coincidence in the commencement of their chronologies, which are all
106 HERKIMER COtJNTT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
based upon very little if any data of facts even authenticated by any
established traditons. The Hindoos in their count of time reach back
G174, the Babylonians 0158 and the Chinese 6157 years before Christ.
The year has not always had the same length. In Rome it was at
one time 354 days, then 3G0, then 3(J5; and finally the calendar was
reformed under .Julius Ceasar, and the year was made 365 days and
one-quarter, and that has been called the Julian Year. It was divided
into tAvelve months. .laniiary. March. ^Nlay, July. September and Novem-
ber Having 31 days, and all the remainder but February having 30 days.
February had 29 days except every fourth year, when it had 30 days.
As July, named after Julius Ceasar, had 31 days ,the Emperor Augus-
tus, who succeeded Julius, determined that August, named after him,
.should also have 31 days; and he caused the calendar to be rearranged
as to the lengths of the mouths, as it now Is.
There have in different ages and countries been different times for
the commencement of the year. Among the Latin Christian nations
it began variously January 1st, March 1st, March 25th, December 25th,
and at Easter. In England, from the Fourteenth Century until the
change from the Old Style to the New, in 1752, the legal and ecclesias-
tical year began on the 2.5th of March.
Among the ancients, astronomy was a very imperfect science. The
I'tolemaic system, Avhich placed the earth in the center of the universe,
with the sun and all the other planets revolving around it, prevailed
until the present Copernican system, due to a better knowledge of
astronomy was established in the early part of the Sixteenth Century.
At the time of the establishment of the Julian year, 45 B. C, the in-
struments for measuring time were very primitive and imxjerfect.
There were then proba1)ly no clocks operated by wheels or springs as
we now have them. There were three means of measuring time, to-
wit: Sun dials, the hour glass, and vessels holding water, which was
permitted to run out through an orifice. Caesar, therefore, in his ref-
ormation of the calendar made a mistake in the precise length of the
year; and when he made it 3(;5 days and six hours he made it about
eleven miinites too long, the more accurate measurement of modern
times making the true length of the mean solar year 365 days 5
hours, 49 minutes and 46 seconds. The consequence of this error in
the length of the Julian year was a constantly increasing discrepancy
between the calendar time and the true .solar time; and by the year
1582, this discrepancy amounted to about ten days — the calendar time
being so much behind the solar time. Astronomical science had made
such progress that the error was discovei'ed, and Pope Gregory XIII
determined that the calendar should be reformed; and, therefore, he
issued a Bull on the 15th day of October, 1582, advancing the calendar
Ki (lays and calling that day the 15th; and the calendar as thus reform-
ed was adopted in all the countries which acknowledged the supremacy
of the Pope; and this mode of computing time^came to be called the
"New Style," and this reformed calendar was called the "Gregorian
CHRONOLOOY. ' 107
rnloiul.'ir." to disfiiii^uisli it frniii tlic 'Jiiliaii f:ilcii(l:i r." It \v;is nor
adoptrd jr) .-ill the I'rotcsfMiil st;itcs ol (Jcniiiiny :ni(l iiorllicni lOiimix-
iiTilil 177 1. It \v;is .idoiitiMl by act of railijiiiicid in I^n^daiid in 177,2.
atid iHiw is ill use in ilic wlioic of lOtiioiic cxcriii itiissia. wlicrt- llif
Old Style, tlif .liiliaii caicndai'. is still used. Hut iiicasurt's liavc
i-ccciitly lifcii taken there to (•liaM;;-e to the \e\v Style on the 1st day of
.lanuaiy, I'.Hil.
Ity the time the \e\v Style came to li(> adopted in lOiiKlaiid the dis-
ci-epaiicy between it and the Old Stylo was t-levon days, and lionee tlu;
calendar was advanced eleven days, the ."Ird of tlie montli hoint; culled
llie llth. 'I'iie discrepancy remained eleven days niitil ISUO, and since
then it has been twelve days, and after I'.Klo it will be ]."] days.
These changes in the calendar and contlictin.;; methods of eomputinf:
time lias introduced some confusion into history, and liistorians differ
in their records of many imi»ortant events as to the precise dates wlien
they occurred.
The system of countinj; time fiom the foundation of Rome ami by
the Olympiads Avas continued until about tlie middle of the Sixth ("<"ii-
tury of the present era, wlieu Dyouisius Kxiyuus, a Itomaii Abltot,
introduced into Italy the method of counting time from the birth of
Christ, which accordin.u' to lii« computation occuiTcd in the fourth year
of the one hundred and ninety-foiu-th Olympiad and tlie 7r>;jrd year of
llie foundation of Kome; and this method came into vogue in other
parts of Europe at later periods. More accurate calculations since
liave sliown that lie made a mistake and that he placed tliat event
about four years too late; and hence its date must b-e placed in the year
4 B. C. Therefore, counting from the birth of Clirist. as now ascer-
tained, this is the 15)03rd year from that event.
The system of reckoning time from the supposed birth of Christ has
universally lieen adopted among Christian nations, and since its adop-
tion lias been departed from but once. l>ui'ing tlie French revolution,
when the churches were closed, and religion was abolislied by law, and
reason enthroned in its stead, a new calendar was introduced, counting
time from September 22nd, 1792, the first year being the "tirst of the
French Republic." Tlie Cliristian calendar was n>stor(>d tliere after tlie
madii(>ss lired of the revolution liad passed ;iway in ISOC.
The change from tlie Old to the New Style was not made in England
VN'itliout considerable agitation and opposition. Tope Gregory XIII
was from various reasons very odious to tlie Protestants throughout
Europe; and they were very reluctant to follow his lead in the ri>for-
mation of the calendar. Tlie reformation was carried through Parlia-
ment on the initiative of Lord Chesterfield, who introduced the act into
tlio House of Lords, in the nMgn of George II, wliile tlie Duke of New-
castle was Prime Minister. Lord Chesterfield liad the assistan«'e of tlie
eminent matlieniaticians. Lord Macelsfieid and Mr. Bradley. The
Prime Minister, dreading an explosion of poimiar feeling, entreated
Chesterfield not to "stir matters that had long been (luiet," or to med-
108 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
die with "new fangled things;" and his apprehensions were to some
extent realized, as a widespread irritation was for a time aroused. By
the opponents of the measure, much was said about tlie profanity of
altering Saints' days and immovable feasts. Many of the common
people felt as if eleven days had been taken out of their lives as they
went to bed on the 2nd of September and wolve up on the 14th; and at
the next election one of the most popular cries of the mob was, "Give
us back the eleven days we have been robbed of." Hogarth, the great
caricaturist, in one of liis pictures representing an election feast, in-
troduces a banner carried by one of the crowd, bearing the inscription,
"Give VIS back our eleven days!"
When many years later Mr. Bradley died of a lingering disease, his
sufferings were supposed by the populace to be a judgment due to the
part he had taken in the "impious transaction;" and in subsequent
years, when a bill was pending in Farliament for the naturalization of
the Jews, it was said in debate: "It is no wonder he should be for
naturalizing the devil who was one of those that banished old Christ-
mas." And there was a ballad against the bill with these lines:
"In seventeen hundred and fifty-three
The style it was changed to Popery."
Tlie change to the New Style was, indeed, an achievement of infinite
difficulty. Many statesmen shrank from the undertaking, and Lord
Chesterfield found it essential to prepare the public by writing and
publishing papers on the subject. After he had made a speech in the
House of Lords in favor of his bill, he wrote to his son: "I had not
even attempted to explain the bill to them: I might as soon have talk-
ed Celtic or Slavonic to them as astronomy. They would have understood
it full as well." No better illustration can be found than the popular
clamor in England over the change to the New Style to show tliat ignor-
ance is the foster mother of superstition and bigotry. We are fortu-
nate to live in an age when the CTy of most intelligent men and women
is Fiat Lux in the pursuit of trutli wherever it leads.
ARFHAXED LOUMIS— HIS CARKHR AND PUBLIC
SERVICES.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. GKO. W. SMITH, OK HKRKIMKR,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, Deceiiiberg, 1S99.
'rh<' subject of this slsctcli \\;is in ni.iii\' respects tlic Inrcuiost l;i w yri-
o<' llcrkinuT county. Jind in whiit wms iiis distinjiuishin^- line iTi Juiis-
lirudencc, he was one of the most truly eminent in the state ov nation.
There are lawyers and lawyei's, some who are jioverni'd only by i)re-
cedent. They abide by the mediaeval sii|)erstition that all wisdom
was of the ancients: they are wholly bound by "ita lex seripta est."
an.d think it temerity to attempt to be •'wise above what is written."
'J'here are others who better deserve the i;laudits and gratitude of pos-
terity. These discern the evils perpetuated by precedents, they reeoj:^-
nize the truth that the latest experience is the sum of our knowledfie;
to them, errors and abuses ar*' not venerable, though imbi'dded in usa^e
and sanctioned by tradition. l)Ut thin.ns to ])e attacki'd and abolished.
They realize that every human institutit)n should be informed and niod-
iiied by the enlightened spirit of tlu" age. be made flexible to tln" move-
ment of events and adjusted to new conditions. Such minds do not hes-
itate to consign outworn and oltstructive forms to the lindio of things
useless and the obsolete.
To this latter class Arpluixed Loomis belonged, and guided by the
ideas of men of that school, he was instrumental in producing the
greatest reform in the exercise of popular self-government and in the
.-idministiMtion of the law that h;is been accomplished within any cen-
tury since written constitutions and laws have existed.
Mr. Loomis at an early day pointed out the necessary restriction of
the legislative power to impose i)ublic debt upon the ])eoi)li>. ;ind the
necessity for <'nlarging the same i>ower over the corporations which
it created. The limitation of legislative power was rei)Ugn:int to gen-
(M'ally accepted ideas. The representation of the peoi)le by their agents
in the legisl.ature had been regarded ;is the vi-ry palhulium of the public
safety, the safety of the public purse, and of most of the citizens"
110 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
riylits. But experience had shown that this delegated power had often
been exercised to the public detriment in expending the public money
ana should be limited. Indeed, when a government is dictated by the
popular Avill. the most essential provisions of the organic law are those
which limit the power of the people themselves or of their agents.
There is no human sovereignty, whether of monarch or people, but
must be restrained by some higher law than any present impulse of
mere desire or will, either autocratic or jjopular.
It was said against this check upon the debt creating power that it
discredited the representative system. Daniel S. Dickinson, addressing
tlie graduates of Hamilton Law School in 1S52, attacked this provision
and said that it •'practically concedes that popular representative gov-
ernment had proved a failure — that no persons can be found possessing
sufficient wisdom and integrity to discharge faithfully the representa-
tive office, or if such exist, that the electors have not the honesty or
discernment to select them. * * * So long as representative gov-
ernment is upheld, legislation should, said he, be permitted freely to
exerci.se its functions upon all legislative subjects, leaving its errors to
be corrected, its abuses restrained, not by constitutional fetters, but by
elevating the representative standard, and holding the servant to a
sti-ict and fearful accountability, etc. This superficial reasoning of a
statesman, more superficial than profound, practically advises allowing
the abuses which are known to be incident to legislation, to go on, and
then look to a responsibility that has no practical existence, and, in
short, to "lock the door after the horse is stolen." Wiser men than Mr.
Dickinson had learned that there must be checks on legislative power,
and that they were nowhere more necessary than where they were ap
plied to the debt making power.
The compelling the reference of the question of incurring debts to
the vote of tlie people liable to pay them, is a provision second in sal-
utary effects to no other ever adopted in this state, and such a "refer-
endum" now gaining favor in popular government, might well be re-
quired on other questions of general public concern, even if it should
imply some discontent with the manner in which legislative agents
discharge their representative trust.
Mr. Loomis' eminent constructive faculties as constitutional and legal
reformer provided the means of checking the imposition of public debt
upon the State, and the means of correcting corpoi-ate abuses by enlarg-
ing the control of the legislature over their charters, a control before
al)ridged by a series of decisions beginning Avith the Dartmouth College
case, and he initiated and more than any other carried forward the sim-
plifying of tlie legal procedure by Avhich rights are asserted and AVi-ougs
• redressed. Tractice and pleading are the law, practically applied, and
Charles O'Connor held this to l)e the chief department of jurisprudence.
To these great objects Mr. I^oomis devoted a large part of his life,
his deafness having precluded him. in a great degi'ee. from tlie more
active pursuit of his profession. His persevering efforts for constitu-
ARPIIAXED LOOMIS 111
tioiinl .■mil Ic^jil rcfdiiii wcri' :iii imscllisli l.-ihur. I'oi" this ilcs'utiiiii of
his ('ii<'r,!4ics .uid a l.ifuc pari of his lilc U> Ihcsc ^ri'fat imlilic (tlijccis.
IhtTi' was no iiu-ciilivr of ixTsoiial aiiihilioh or of |MTiiTiiaf.\ ;;aiii. Ills
I'lTorts were Troiii tho iiiiiHilsc of a patri(;(ic imlilic si)ii-it. his ii'uard
was Ihc iclh'clion tliat he liad fouftTri'd jirt-at and enduring iicnt'lil.s
npon liic w'iioh' State.
'iMicrc h;i\t' hern many nindi .'iiijilandiMl c-irci'is in tlir Scn.'ilr and in
tlic lichl, noisy with a imiilic I'.inic, wliich Ii.inc IcI'I no nionnnn'nt tii;il
suiz'^it'st any cndiifin.^ or I'cai pniilic scr\ic( . Mr. i.ooniis' name is writ
lar.uc npoii an iniproxcd constitnt itni .and npon a rclornicd Jndici.i ry.
iidopti'd by L;i\'at nuinht'i's of onr own .and in forriun states, and wlii<-h
li'fofnis arc cn.i^raflcd n|»on tlic proccdnre of tliat .am-icnt tcniido of
Aiii,do-Saxon hiw, \\'cs(ininst»'r Hall.
Arphaxoil Looniis was horn at Winchester. Conn., Ai)ril '.». ITJKS. His
ftither, Tliaddous Loonii-s, and his mother, Lois ((iri.swohl) Loouiis.
settled in Salisbury. Herkimer county, when he was three years old.
His father's nn-.-ms were sni;ill ;ind he liad a lar;;c f.amily. and in his
younger days Aipli.i.xcd worked on his father's f.-irm. His f.ither's
he.ilth was not tiood: he w.as considerably occupied by his duties as
.justice of tlie pe.ace, and the laboi- of his sons was reijuired to aid in
the support of the f;nnily. Mr. IjOouus. Sr.. was afterw.ards one of the
associate judges of tlie ("onnuou Pleas, held at Johnstown, then the
county seat for Salisbury, and known as "Judge."
At the age of fifteen Arphaxed was "hired out" by his f.ather ;it first
to tench school three months at ifti.OO per month and board "around,"
after the custom of those days. The school house was distant eiglit
miles from Ins home, in the town of Norway. His father gave him his
time and wages, about all that he was able to afford, and Arphaxed.
by teaching school in Winter, obtained tlie means of paying Ids way
at Fairfield Academy in the Summer. He entered tlie Acadi'iny in ISl.'t
.and attended there Summers until 1818, boarding himself, doing the
little cooking required ou a box stove, and bnn.ging most of his provis-
ions from liome. Among his associates were AIl)ert H.-irnes, author of
the "Notes" on the liiblical writings, and Hiram Deiiio and Addison
(i:\rdner, who afterwards bec.'ime Judges of the Court of Appeals. :ind
lie fully ranked with tliein in scholarship. The Academy was then in
charge of Rev. Virgil H. Uarber, a in;in of learning, who creati'd :i sen-
sation by announcing liis conversion to the Koman Catholic church,
resigning Ms position as principal and temporarily breaking up tlie
school.
Arphaxed remained at Fairlield, except when te.Mching, until 1.S18,
when he began the study of law with William I. Dod.ue of Johnstown.
In December he went to Watertown, continued teaching there, ;ind read
law in tlie office of Ford & Bucklin. He then spent a year ,ind n half
in the law office of Alfred Lathrop, at Champion. Jetferson county.
Here, too, for a time sojourned the celebrated Henry K. Storrs, Judge
Moss Kent, brother of the Chancellor, and Judge Egbert Ten Eyck,
112 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
fatlier-in-law of Jiidge Joseph Mullen, Avbo were attracted to that place
l>y the project for making it a county seat for Jefferson county.
Mr. Loomis finally finished his preparatory legal course with Justin
Butterfield. an eminent lawyer at Sacketts Harbor, in whose office he
remained for three years. He was admitted to practice in January,
1822, at Albany, his diploma being signed by Chief Justice Ambrose
Spencer.
On his admission, he practiced law with Mr. Butterfield for about
two years and then returned to Salisbury. In 'Slaj, 1824. he went to
Sacketts Harbor and from there sailed for Rochester, finally extending
his trip to Buffalo, Pittsburg, Louisville and NashA-ille, with a view of
finding a suitable location for practice. He visited General Jackson,
at the "Hermitage." near Nashville, who hospitably entertained him
and gave him a horse-back ride by his side to attend an old fashioned
Fourth of July celebration. In July. 1824. he abandoned his purpose
of a western location, and returned to Little Falls, with somewhat
broken health, in September. He remained at his old home in Salis-
bury some months to recover his health and then revisited Sacketts Har-
bor, thinking he might resume practice there, but finally decided to
begin his life work at Little Falls, where he opened an office March
4, 1825, taking the small law business of Oran G. Otis, then about to
leave that place.
A great obstacle to the growth of Little Falls at that time was the
policy of Edward Fillice, who owned most of the lands north of and ad-
joining the river. On the south the lands were owned by General Bel-
linger and non-residents of the Herkimer family. Ellice resided in
England and had never visited Little Falls. He rented his lands on
long leases and refused to sell. Only four or five of the residents had
deeds in fee of their lands, and fifty of sixty held under leases, reserv-
ing a rent of $3 per year for lots GO by 120 feet. But relief was found
in a clause inserted in the law giving Ellice's heir authority as an alien
to take and convey real estate, forbidding Edward Ellice to lease, and
this prohibition Avhicli had been overlooked, was found by Mr. Loomis
and pleaded as a l)ar in an action brought by P^^llice's agents to recover
rent. The citizens organized an anti-rent war against the Ellice policy
by public meetings, petitions to the legislature, etc., in Avhich Mr.
L<M)mis took a leading part, until Ellice was driven to make a sale of
liis lands in fee, which he did to six persons. This event was cele-
brated as a popular triumph, lots and water power were sold at auc-
tion, and the futui-e prosperity of Little Falls was assured.
In 1828, Mr. Loomis was api)ointed surrogate by Governor Clinton, one
of the few appointments made by Governor Clinton of Democrats. The
compensation of the sui-rogate was then by fees, which amounted to
aliout .$.''>00 to .*t;(;()0 i>('r annum, the surrogate providing his own record
Ixioks. blanks and stationery. In 1S;J5 jNIr. Loomis was ap-
pointed first judge of the Common IMeas, and held that office
until 1840. The compensation lor discharging the duties of
ARPHAXED LOOMIS. 113
this (illico w.is M pel- diciii of !f2 per tl;iy when lioldiiig court,
.■111(1 some siiinll frcs. the wiioic hciiij;- less lliaii .flnu |icr .vr;ii'. II is siiH;
to say that lar.m' sahiiirs have uuviT scciiicd a hi-tliT or iiion- satisfao
lory pci-forinaiice of the thilics of these oMices in this <-oiiiity, or olse-
wiiere. The lioiior and di;;iiity of these positions sullh-ed for tlie noith?
and iiealthy aiiilHtion nf ihal lime, and tlioy seeiired the servirrs of llie
highest order of talent.
On the 'J."»th of October, is;;i, .ludgo Looniis was nnirried to Ann 1'..
daughter of I>r. Slepln-n Todd, of S.ilishiiry, the fanuly resideiict- lieiiig
the wvU known -Todd Tlace," hiter the "Carr IMace," abotit two nnles
froiii the residence of Judge Looniis' father. Dr. Todd, Member of
.\ssenibiy in 1S2"J. was the leading physician of that section and one
of the pioneer dairymen of the country. Judg<; Looniis and his wife
in Xovember following took up their residence in Little Falls, where
the rest of their lives was spent. Of their eight children, three survive.
Watts T. Looniis, .Miss .Vdcliiie A. Loomis and Louisa L., wife of David
II. Burrell.
In 1884 Judge Lo(»niis was appointed by Governor Marcy a commis-
sioner to investigate the sul>ject of the management and discipline of
tlie State's prisons, and especially in regard to the enii»loynient of ])ris-
oners in mechanical iiidustrii-s. Judge Loomis' report to the legislatur(>
on that subject became the basis of the State's prison system until
recent changes.
In ISoC) he was elected to Congress for the twentieth district and took
his seat at the extra session called in Septi'udjer, J8o7. At this session
he was appointed chairman of the Conunittee on Patents, and at the
regular session, IS.'JT-.'JS. iie Avas on tlie conunittee on Private Land
Claims. At the third session he was on the committee on I'ublie Lands
and there advocated the just policy of limiting the sales of public lands
to actual settlers. At this session he introduced resolutions looking to
tile abolition of the franking system ;ind the reduction of the I'ates of
postage. He served but one term in Congress. The other county of
the district was TjCwis, a)id as Herkimer had had the repres<;ntative
since 1S24, the claims of I>ewis were allowed and Andrew W. Doig was
elec'ted from th.it county for the succeeding term.
In 1S34, when Judge Nathan ^Yilliams, of Oneida, was retired by
age. Judge Loomis, then about thirty-five y«>ars of age, was nomin.atcMl
to tlu' Senate by (Jovernoi- Marcy as his successor. Put senators know-
ing .Judge Loom!,-;' dilHciilty ol hearing, brought the (ioveiMior's atten-
tion to that fact, and the nomination was for that reason withdrawn.
These senators uiiit( d in a kind letter to Judg(> I>ooniis. saying that his
doafness was the sole cause of their action, and but for this, tliev would
have promptly contiinied the iKunination.
Could .Judge Loomis liave gone upon the bench, he would Iiave stood
in tlie hi'st rank of the Jurists of this country, but wliile he might have
actjuired greater reputation as a lawyer in a strictly judicial career,
Ms services could not have been so widely useful as were those he gave
114 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCTETY,
to the great subjects with which his name will always be connected.
To those subjects he devoted strong originating and constructive pow-
ers, and in that field he justly ranks as a lawgiver, adjusting political
and legal systems to the wants and conditions of the age, and to a
rational and salutary progress.
As stated in the chapter on the "Herkimer School," the subject of
legal reform, as well as that of limiting the creation of public debt, be-
gan to engage the attention of Mr. Loomis as early as 1835. In that
year a series of resolutions, the joint product of Mr. Loomis and Dud-
ley Burwell, were adopted by the Herkimer Count j^ Democratic Con-
vention, and those portions which are from the pen of Mr. Loomis.
embody the germs of the signal reforms in matter of State finance and
of control over legislative charters, which were incorporated in the
Constitution of 1846. Mr. Cambreling referred to these resolutions in
the debate on the Constitution of 184G, when he said: "It (the Consti-
tutional limiting of debt) was from this State, originating in the pro-
ceedings of 18o5, (in Herkimer county), and later years, which demand-
ed the 'People's Resolution' and the act of 1842," and he referred to the
fact that this feature had then found its way into the constitutions of
the several States.
In 1842, as chairman of the Assembly Judiciary committee, Mr.
Loomis reported three bills which contained the substance of the new
system of legal practice and procedure. David Dudley Field had be-
stowed his labors upon very similar lines of legal reform and these two
original and constructive minds, each without communication with the
other, laid a comprehensive basis for the new system. Mr. Field,
after Mr. Loomis had prepared his bills and report, sent to a member
of the committee an essay, and three bills upon the same subject.
These Mr. Loomis attached to his own report and they were printed
together in number 81 of the Assembly Documents of 1842. These bills
did not pass. As Mr. Loomis remarks in his historic sketch of law
reform, "public opinion was not yet ripe for the reforms which at a
later day it demanded and achieved in a more extended and efficient
form." The constitution of 1846 enjoined upon the legislature, at its
first session after the adoption of that constitution, the appointment
of three commissioners to revise, reform, simplify and abridge the prac-
tice and proceedings of the courts of record. The legislature of 1846
created a commission for this purpose, consisting of Arphaxed Loomis,
Nicholas Hill and David Graham. The commission proceeded to its
work in April, 1847, and in the following September Mr. Loomis
presented a working code governing civil actions and a general out-
line of a plan abolishing mere forms of actions, and uniting the pro-
cedure in law and equity. Mr. Graham coincided, but Mr. Hilll dis-
sented and soon resigned, because he thought it impracticable to ad-
minister law and equity under one system, and he regarded Mr.
Loomis' propositions as dangerous experiments. Mr. Hill claimed too,
that this was the view generally taken by judged and lawyers. While
ARPHAXKD LOOMIS. 115
Mr. Hill still actod with the coiimiission ho had given his assent to
the vital piMncijile of the new plcadiuLT set Torth by Mr. TiOnniis.
"Ought it to be sdllicicnt to state siibslaiil ially for the eause of action
or defense, so far si't forth as to inloriii the other ])arty of the j^'ounds
of action (II- defense witliout misleading hiiuV" All the coniinissioners
answered this intiniry in tlie alliiiiiative. The work of Mr. Looinis,
pi-esented at this session, contained the essential pilnciples of the sj'S-
ti^n tliat w.is tiiially framed in more extended detail. At the same
time lu' suhmitted his guiding itriuciples in woi'lciug out the comtem-
plaled reform in tliese proijositions:
1. "'A new system of practice and pleading to be cstaljlished, and
not a system of mere amendments to the existing practice."
2. "None of the present forms of common actions to be retained,
but every action, as well of a legal as of an equitable nature, to rest
on its own facts and the law applicable to them without regard to any
legal delinition of the kind of action, the remedy to be applied as the
nature of the case may reciuire."
3. "The aflirmative pleadings to be confined to the complaint and an-
swer, allowing a replication only to deny matter alleged in the an-
swer."
4. "All existing remedies and rights to be retained, but the distinc-
tion of legal and equitable forms not to be retained. The remedy to be
adjudged as the case when proven nniy reciuire."
Mr. Looniis was asked to name a colleague in the place of Mr. Hill,
and he selected David Dudley P^'ield and he was soon after chosen.
The commission, now including Mr. Field, met in January, 1848. The
work allotted to each, the manner of proceeding and the labor of Mr.
I.oomis upon the common subject, are more fully stated in the chapter
on the "Herkimer School." where the error of the "Bench and Bar"
in ascribing the preparation of the celebrated code of civil procedure
to Mr. Field, as if it were his more special production, is corrected.
The facts show that Mr. Loomis was the original projector of this re-
form, suggested all the essential features of the new s.vstem and con-
tributed as much of service, at least, in working out its details, as
either of his associates. ^Ir. Loomis, in the sketch before referred to,
says: "For myself, after it became a law and went into use, I felt
that a laj'ge share of the odium and censure bestowed on its instigators
and authors, seemed to fall upon me as the supposed chief offender."
But what was odium, finally became an enviable fame. The cen-
sure of a generation of lawyers whose toilsome study of special plead-
ings made them regaid tlu'ir knowledge of pleas, replications, rebut-
ters and surrebutters, and the other venerable cobwebs of the law, as
valuable possessions, and necessary to the attainment of justice, now
gives place to a sense of gratitude to a clear sighted jurist who did
so much to simplify legal methods, to substitute truth for fiction, and
to make practical common sense, the foundation of practical law.
This salutary system of administering the law, after some years, was
116 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
adopted in twenty-seven states and territories, and it is destined
to accompany everywhere Anglo-Saxon legal institutions, and to form
the connnon-sense method of inA'oking legal remedies.
Such men as Loomis and Hoffman, saw in 1842, that complete legal
reform and financial security demanded radical changes in the or-
ganic law. A large and growing debt had carried state stocks from
above par to twenty per cent below par. State bankruptcy impended.
These two tribunes of the people, self devoted to this task, then re-
solved upon measures for restoring the credit of the state. Both were
elected to the Assembly of 1841 on account of their known views on
the subject of the state finances, and they divided the requisite labor
which was thus committed to them. Mr. Hoffman undertook the en-
actment of a law to stop the present increase of debt and provide for
the payment of that which then weighed down the credit of the state.
Mr. Loomis' part was the more far-reaching measure for preventing the
recurrence of state debts, except by the will and direct voice of the
people. In the Democratic Herkimer County Convention in 1835, Mr.
Loomis by a resolution presented by him and there adopted, proposed
the initiative proposition for checking the creation of state debt. This
was to require the annual interest of state loans to be levied by direct
tax, so far as they should exceed the income of a proposed improve-
ment, thus forcibly warning the tax payers of the effects of growing
debt, and the resolution called for the engrafting of a clause into the
constitution requiring such a provision in all state loans. In 1837 this
proposition was further matured in tlie mind of Mr. Loomis, so as to
embrace a submission of the question of public debt to a vote by the
people and in that form it was adopted by the Democratic County Con-
vention. This resolution, at first known as "Loomis' Resolution," was
afterwards styled the "People's Resolution," at Mr. Loomis' request,
and it was kept standing at the head of the radical press of the State.
He continued the discussion in favor of this measure in the Mohawk
Courier and other publications, until it was presented in the Assembly
at the session of 1841. It then failed but had a majority in 1842, but
still not the two-thirds vote requisite for its submission as an amend-
ment to the Constitution. ]\Ir. Loomis continued to urge it upon public
attention in leading journals until it was made a part of the Constitu-
tion in 1846. As finally framed it required every law creating a State
debt to specify the purjtose of the expenditure, which could not be
diverted to any other object; that it should embrace but one object
and that specifically stated, and that it should not take effect until sub-
mitted to, and approved by the people at the next general election, but
the provksions did not apply to laws for raising money in case of insur-
rection or hostile invasion. The finanical article in the Constitution
of 1846 gave effect to these provisions. It prohibited the sale of the
canals, devoted their revenues to paying the State debt and to the sup-
port of the government, and any surplus to canal improvements.
The delay in the adoption of this measure by amending the Consti-
ARPHAXED LOOMIS. 11
tiition was, as Mr. Looniis su^'j^csts, in-oiiiiiu'iit anion;.' tlir iinliiccnK'nts
for callin^r the Coiistitutional Coiivciilinn. In NovcnilMT, is}."',, Mr.
IlotTnian made an elaborate speerli in a nieelin;;' at Albany in t'avoi-
of sweoi>inH: chanKt's in the Constitution, t-nibi-acing tliosc conteniidated
l).v tlie "reopli-'s Kcsolution." and othei's. wliieli fould only be niiidf.'
elTectivc by a new Constitution. In isil both houses of the I.e;,nsla-
ture adoptod resolutions for submitting to the i)eople the (piestion of
(>nibodylnj? the act of 1842, and the substance of the "IVople's Resolu-
tion." in the (Constitution. The Senate, in ISl.^). adopted those amend-
nients by the re(iuired two-thirds vote. The riulicals. however, tlion;:lit
these amendments inadequate and they withheld their votes in the
Assembly for the reason that the adoption of the amendments would
nullify many of the grounds upon which the calling of the convention
was urged. On the advice of Mr. Loomis and Mr. llolfnnin, ^Ir. Wil-
liam C. Crain, then a member from this county, brought in a bill in the
session of 1845 for calling a convention, which passed, by the radicals
voting with the Whigs. In the convention of 184(), Mr. TiOomis was a
leading member of the judiciary committee, composed of thirteen mem-
bers. His colleague, Mr. HolTman, was chairman of the committee on
linance, and among the most important of his efforts were those carry-
ing through the constitutional restrictions on State indebtedness, con-
ceived, matured, and so long advocated by Mr. Loomis. His sugges-
tions on all the details of the topics relating to law reform and to State
finances, were elaborated in committee, and enforced Ity lucid state-
ment and argument by Judge Loomis on the floor of the convention.
In their special fields of action, the two representatives from Herki-
mer county were the most impressivi' and powerful members of that
body. One of its prominent members said at the close of its labors that
"the finger marks of Mr. Loomis in the Constitution as adopted, were
moi'e perceptible than those of any other."
Mr. Loomis was again elected to the Assemldy in 1S.")3. He was nom-
inated in view of the exigency arising from the passage in 1852 of the
.$9,000,000 Loan I'.ill. Large contracts liad been made under this law.
and the Court of Appeals had declared it to be unconstitutional. This
law was an attempt to get around the constitutional barrier against
borrowing or creating a State debt, by a scheme to raise money, by
pledging the canal revenues for its repayment, although the Consti-
tution had applied those reveinics to tlu' payment of the debts of tne
State. The Legislature had invented, as Mr. Loomis said, "a form of
certificate by which the State could promise to paj' money out of its
treasury without calling it a debt." The decision of the Court pro-
nouncing this device null and void, enibari'assed the treasury. Tlu-re
had been raised and expended .*t!l,5tK),000, and contracts had ))ee»i made
involving .$8,000,000 or more. Mr. Loomis accejited the nomination,
being anxious that "measures of refoiaii with which our i)ast history
is identitied, sliould be effectual to obvi.ate the evils, and prevent the
abuses they were designed to meet." He was further constrained to
Il8 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
accept the nomination by the fact that much of the work reported to
carrj- the law reform measures into harmonious operation liacl not been
acted on by the Legislature. His increased deafness would make his
labors in the Legislature very difficult, and his return to the public
service involved a great sacrifice of his pri\ate interests, but he deemed
his acceptance an act of public duty. The Senate and tlie House were
not in political accord and could not agree upon any measure to meet
the urgency of the situation. In this state of the affair, Mr. Loomis
proposed an amendment to the Constitution which would give relief
to the treasury and to the public creditors without violating the consti-
tutional provision against increasing State liability by mere legislative
act. It was passed by the present and the succeeding Legislature, and
adopted' by the vote of the people.
At the session of 1853, Mr. Loomis introduced a resolution impeach-
ing .John C. Mather for misconduct as Canal Commissioner. It was
adopted and Mr. Loomis was chairman of the committee to appear and
represent the Assembly before the Court of Impeachment. He had as
associates on the trial. ^Nlr. Hastings, Mr. Champlain and Mr. John K.
Porter. The charges were sustained by a majority of the Court, but
not the two-thirds necessary to sustain an impeachment. Mr. Loomis'
last appearance before the public as a candidate for office was for dele-
gate to the Constitutional Convention of 1SG7. his associate nominee
being Judge Robert Earl. Tlie slavery ciuestion and the war of the
Rebellion liad thrown a large majority in the county to the adverse side
and the Llepublican candidates were elected.
Mr. Loomis had for many years an extensive legal practice, and was
employed in many important litigations. He was thoroughly grounded
and versed in the law, and notably accurate in tlie application of legal
principles. He had as jiartners. Hiram Nolton, in 18.30, Powers L.
Greene and William M. Griswolld were associated Avith liim alwut 184.5,
the firm name being Loomis, Green «fc Griswold. James Hart was af-
terwards associated witli Judge Loomis, but retired when Watts T.
Loomis and Sidney Loomis became partners with their father. Sidney
Loomis died in 1879, and upon the death of Judge Loomis, Watts T.
Loomis became surviving member of tlie firm.
In the j-ear 1854 Mr. Loomis successfully defended the occupants of
Sussanna Johnson's tract against tlie claims of descendants of Sir Wil-
liam Johnson's Indian children. His opponent was David Dudley
Feld, his former colleague on the revision of the system of Pleading
and Practice. This case is move fully staled in the chapter on the Royal
Grant, and it is found in 31 Barbour's Reports, 180, and 21 N. Y. Re-
ports, 20G.
The impression which force of intellect and character makes upon con-
tempories is seen in the per.sonal titles bestowed upon them. Tlius in
the debate in the Constitutional Convention of 184(i, Mr. Archer, of
Wayne, an earnest adversary of the policy of Herkimer's representa-
tives, speaks of Mr. Hoffman as the Ajax Telem^h of the debate, and
AUMIAXKl) LOOMIS. 119
of Mr. Looinis ns tlic TTIyssos wlin nidod Iiini witli stnlistirs and sufr-
fifcstioMS :is lie itrocccdcd- ;i (lilmtc to tlic lorcc :iiid wisdimi of llicsii
iiH'ii, wliicli is ,1 sliikiiiu iiroof nl' tlicii' prr ciiiiiK'nt sfMiidiii;; in ;i hody
which was illusi rimis for its men of in.iik .iih! iiiti'llcii iijiI power. In
IS").! tilt' New Voik AssocJMt ion. an orj;:iii of tlic "llards." styled Mr.
Looinis as tiie "Anti-Canal AJax" — an appellation misleading as to his
real attitude toward the canals, sinee he uniformly advocated the pol-
icj' in that hclialf. which he dceiiied the most pnidcnt and judicious for
maintainiim' their prosperity and iiernianent u.sefulness, and our canal
history contirms the soundness of the jndj;inent on which he acted.
.Tudjje Loomis was alert to detect public wronjrs. In the New York
World of Apiil 17, IST.l. he iiointcd out that the i)atent laws, a sul)ject
studied by him when a memhei- of the committee on patents in Con-
juri'ss. were an obstruction to real improvement, that they gave no de-
sirable or needed stimulus to invention, liut were often made use of to
extort from the community wide-spread exactions. He alludes to the
fact that really useful inventions are clofjrged l)y numberless patents for
petty (h>vices, wliich would readily occur to those using the original
invention, petty patents that operate to the detriment of the original
patentee and of those using the riglit. The facility with which pat-
ents are obtained leads to great abuses. It is said that a patent may
be obtained for the manner of cutting off a nail, A I'ack for the stand-
ing of a bicycle is now said to be covered by a patent, and $5 demanded
for using that trivial .and wholly obvious device. When the owner of a
patent, held in ambush, it Tuay be, salli(-s forth against the unwary
infringer, he points to the pains and penalties of the patent law. The
defendant soon learns that suits in some distant Tnited States Court.
Federal injunctions, and the enormous fees of patent lawyers are fear-
ful things. Once the patentee has. by whati'ver means, obtained from
whatever judge a de(a"sion that his patent is valid, the whole country
is laid under contribution. In this way parties have been enjoined
under penalty from the use of their own inventions.
It has truly been saiil that "it is the age that invents:'" on<' inven-
tion may be the conseiiuent ial outcome of many ])receding inventions.
Mr. I.oomis denied that useful inventions were appreciably promoted
by the patent laws. Indeed the most valuable inviMitions spring from
some felt necessity, from the sixintaneons love and f.aculty of inven-
tion, from the desire and instinct to give effective form to nu'Utal con-
ception, rather than from the expected rewards of a monopoly. What-
ever may be urged in favor of securing to inventors a reward for their
ideas, the fact remains th.at they seldom reaji any considerable com-
pensation, and that some speculating assignee taking advantage of
their Tieeds. obtains the patent and the means of exploiting the commu-
nity by enforcing new, and in many cases vexatious monopolies. It is
a misfortune that Mr. Loomis" [iregnant suggestions njion these abuses
have not attracted the attention of the public. The patent laws, in-
junctions in favor of ])at(>nte(>s. and the enoi-mons pow(>r of a single
120 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
.iudge in making decisions as to the validity of patents Avhicli become
armories from wlaicLi numberless injunctions are drawn, now consti-
tute an oppressive arm of tlie federal jurisdiction.
'SLv. Loomis' self-reliant character was manifest in his early life.
The judgment upon which he acted was lus own. An eminent citizen
who knew him well, said of him, that he was pre-eminently an original
thinker, one whose ideas were his own and thought out for himself.
His mind was of a large mould, it was comprehensive, profound, saga-
cious, penetrating and creative. Largelj' deprived, almost at the begin-
ning of his professional labors, of the sense which, next to sight, is the
most receptive of all the senses, he was isolated from the ordinary com-
merce of thought, and from liearing public discussions. Thrown upon
his own studies and reflections, his native self-reliance became a still
stronger element of his character. This isolation also led to assiduous
study and reading by which he became familiar with a wide range of
topics in general literature, and he acquired an extensive knowledge
of useful and scientific subjects and attained a high degree of intel-
lectual culture. He had a mental impulse to go to the bottom of -an
inquiry and his mind was never satisfied by superficial views. /An
example of this tlioroughness is found in his complete Ivnowledge of
water power. When he came to own this kind of property, it was a
matter of course with laim to make himself familiar with the principles
and practical facts connected with the use of hydraulic power,_ and he
could not be content with the reports of others. On this subject, like
all others which he specially studied, he became an authority.
His inventive and constructive faculties led him, at various periods,
to occupy himself with mechanics, which were largely in use on his
numerous properties. He had a marked taste for tlie. beautiful in art,
and a sympathy witli nature, wliich attracted him to agriculture and
to inquiries in tliat pursuit.
Judge Loomis was a model of public and private integrity. His pub-
lic duties and trusts engaged his devoted and paramount attention.
There was never a suggestion that he ever neglected any public duty.
His eminent services in reforming the Constitution and laws, to which
so much of his life was given, were performed with as deep a sense of
obligation as that which he felt in discharging the duties he owed to
clients or the public in other capacities. What Judge Loomis himself
says in his "Reminiscences" as to the spirit and motives that animated
liis labors, had the concurring voice of his contemporaries: "While I
was in public life, say from 1827 to 1854, I enjoyed tlie performance of
my duties. I was never liappier than at those times, when I felt a con-
sciousness that my labors were devoted to the work of improving the
laws or otherwise promoting the public good. I am entirely conscious that
my work in the legislatui'e, and as one of the commissioners to prepare
the Code of Legal Trocedure, and in the constitutional convention of
184G, and in my previous labors to call that convention into existence
to reform the organization of our courts and advance by these means
ARPHAXED LOOMIS. 121
reform in our system of ]fj::\\ in-ocrdinc I \v:is :i<-tu;ili'(l not ii.v IIk-
l)cciini;iry rowiinl of ollico. nor liy the l<)\c of f: so miidi :is liy ;i
sinrcrc desire lo ;i(lniinister justice. ni;il<e l;oo(| i;i\vs, iind lo effect smIu-
tiiry reforms. |>r:iet icnl ;iiid useful." Tiie efforts inspired l>y sucli mo-
tives liis own u-euenitioii [ironounced sueeessfid. ;ind otiier jxeneriit ions
count his Mchievemeuls muiouu: the uuist Viihi;il)le of tiie letrjieies tnins-
mltted to tliem liy the iirofound tliou^ht ;ind tiie imsellisli l;ihors of
tilt ir ure.-it iiuhlie IxMiefju-tors.
Few uieu \v,\yr hd't sueli a stamp of persouality ou tlie history of tiieir
tinu'. or so uiauy evidences of well direeted pidilie services. For many
years .ludjjc Loomis wrote lar.eely for the .Mohawk ("oui-ier and th(»
local press, for the Washiufiton I'uion, tlie New York Kvi'uing Tost.
the New Yoik NN'orld. th(^ Albany Arsons, and the Albany Atla«^, on the
subjects to which he had directed his eminently retlective intellect, and
they widely impressed the public mind. For many years he took a
I>rominent part in the discussions of the Little Falls Farmers' CluV).
which (>ff<'cted important icsults in eoiuiection with dairyinir and farm-
ing;.
Judixe I.oomis" early observation of slaveiy made it repugnant to him,
but he foresaw tliat the Union could not long survive sectional assaults
upon slavery in the States. He was strou.uiy attached to the Union.
He knew the difficulty of composing the conflicts of sectional interest
in forming the Union, and that the slavery compromises were the price
of our nationality, and that the fruits of the revolutionary stru.ggle
would have fallen futile from the divided and feel)le arms of discordant
States. These facts were familiar to the statesmen of his time, and
they dreaded the effects of renewed and more violent dicords. The
Union and the compjomises upon which it r(>sted were politically saci-ed
— to assail them was to violate the Ark of the Covenant. The Democ-
racy asserted and the .great mass of the people accepted with its full
vi.gor the doctrine of the reserved rights of the States, and tl)at the
Constitution was the shield of slavery. The southern Oli.uardiy had
not then fully disclosed their intention to make the South perpetually
equiponderant in the Senate, and slavery the special ward of the Fed-
(>ral government. It was still hoped that a possible modus vivendi
mi.ght be maintained by the two sections.
If the saving of tlie Union was the supreme interest, the rejection
of petitions asking Congress to act against slavery in the States was
logical and expedient. Such ])etitions were barren of results except to
create sectional strife. The ri.ght to ask Congress to act on a sid)ject
on whicli it had no i-ight to act, was not vital to the right of petition,
but was rather its perversion. When tlie majority in Congress adopted
the Atherton resolutions, they believed tliat these impractical and irri-
tating appeals imperiled the Union, and Mr. Loomis shared that belief.
They wove guided by the light of their time, and an ancient i>roverb
says that "men are more lik(> the times they live in, than they are like
their fathers." On the other irand, the right of petition must exist
122 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
under the most despotic forms of government, and it involves principles
so fundamental, and rights so inherent in all men, that no remote dan-
ger could justify its suppression; but many patriotic men then thought
that the rejection of these petitions was a compromise necessary to
avert immediate disaster to the Union. The truth was not yet appar-
ent that such compromises would not stop short of the complete subju-
gation of the government and of the country to the will of the southern
Oligarchy.
But ten years later this ominous fact was palpable. When the issue
for the exclusion of slavery from free territory was raised, Judge
Loomis took a firm position along with Tilden, Church. Gardner, John
A an Buren, Bryant, Dix, Grover, King, Kei-nan, the Manns, Ward Hunt.
Stanton, and others in asserting the competency of Congressional con-
trol over the territories in respect to slavery, and these men regarded
him as one of the profoundest thinkers and safest advisers among them.
He supported Van Buren in 1848 against Cass. When a re-union of the
party was attempted at Rome in 1849, and the Hunker convention,
presided over by William L. Marcy, and managed by Samuel Beardsley,
Daniel S. Dickinson, Chancellor Walworth and Daniel E. Sickles, sought
to impose a pro-slavery creed upon the Democratic party. Judge Loomis
was among the foremost in resisting that attempt.
While at Washington in 1854, writing to the Wasliington Union, he
asserted the power of Congress over the status or non-status of slavery
in the tertitories, tliat freedom was the normal condition and that slav-
ery could not exist except by force of some contrary law. Writing to
the All)any Atlas in 1855, on the repeal of the ^Missouri Compromise, he
said: "This solemn but delusive compact and pledge was abrogated and
repudiated by tlie votes of the .same South, aided again by a few north-
ern doughfaces. The Missouri compact so odious to the North in its
inception as the price of its humiliation and treacherous defeat in .the
first gi-eat struggle against slavery encroacliment. had hitherto been a
dead letter, for all practical purposes; and when at last, after thirty-
three years of acquiescence in tlie fruits of that defeat, its time had
arrived as a barrier to furtlaer encroacliments, it is rudely assailed and
trodden under foot liy the same South, which had given it as a price
and a pledge against future aggressions."
Touching upon the Douglass doctrine of "popular sovereignty," he
writes: "It is not the principle of the right of self-government that is
souglit to be enforced, l)ut it is the perversion of the principle to justify
a pun)ose * * * to overthrow under its shadow, the policy of the
fnthei-s of the Republic, that of denationalizing the institution of slav-
ery in tlie name of liberty in the territories."
Against such a measure Judge Loomis protested, and declared that
.•idministrative patronage should not thus pervert Democratic principles.
His idea of the proper action of Free Soilers in respect to the Demo-
cratic party was to remain in it, and he .shared at least in part, the
purpose expressed by John Van Buren "to makel:he Democratic party
ARPIIAXED LOOMIR. 123
of N'cw ^■ol■l^ the ;iii(i-sl,i\ciy i):ii-ty of .New \i>vU. .mikI lo iii.mUc the
DciiKiiT.-ilic p.-iiMy of the liiioii tlif ^rc:il ;i iil i-sl;i \ fi y |),iily of tin,'
liiiioii." In wriliii.i: to .Mr. .h'tTci-snii 'I'illiiijiiiast, Si-pU'iiilxM- I'.Mli. IS.'..".,
lu' Siiid: "I liiivt' ii(i( licsil;i(tMl to rdiKlcimi llii' course of llie .\;il ioiuil
(riei-ce) :i(lminist!-:iti(.n in r.-lMlii.ii to the .\el.r:isk:i-KMiisMS (lueslii.ii.
* * * * \V(> c-iii (witliiii the p.-iityi e.\ereise inure iiitliienee
\\itli our friends - witli eur own |>:irty, than W(! can slan<l-
inu outsi(h' as antagonists. 1 sympathize with ni:iny warm
and sincere friends wiiose feelings liave been (.ntnmed by
the I'u.i;ili\-e Sl.ive Law .and tlie decisions under it, by tiie
Kansas-\ebrasl<a measures and otiier recent a<lvances of slavery in-
tUieiice to a deiiree that tliey h.ave come te the conclusion to le.ivc ail
other political ([uestions to their fate, until thes(> thinjis are rij^hted,
but I cannot .as yet go so far. such, in uiy .juduineut is not tlio most
effectu.al nie.ans of redress for that grievance. * * * Let us be bold,
frank and lirm in statinji' what wo beliove and in retlectinj;- the senti-
nu'Hts of those wo represent * * * and if the Democratic ropresen-
t.atives of other States who think differently from us on slavery, shall
for our opinions on this subject, exclude us from a voice in selecting
candidates for National sutTrage. let them do so, but let them remember
th(> i-esult of such a course in 1S48."
It was because Mr. Loonus tliought tiiat el'fectu.-il resistance could
be m.ide within the Democr.atic lines to the demands of the slaveholders
Ih.it he refused to join the Fusion or Kepublican movement in this
county in IS.^..'".. lie had always been opposed to Mr. Seward at all
points except on the slavery (juestion. .iml he could not consent to sup-
port a movement to sustain wh.it he regarded as a special endorsement
of Mr. Seward's general policy. In that year, in view of the exclusion
s\igg<'st(>d as likely to occur of Free Soilers fi-om the counsels of tlie
[fart.v, he wrote what was prophetic of the fate of the Denuxa-atic )tarty
for many ye.ars lo come: "If those who .are in a iiosition to lead the
DeUKxa'.alic iiart.v are mad enou.iih * * * to exclude nnai * * *
btH-ause they hate slavi'ry and honestly say so, * * * then indeed
will it prove true th.at the political org.aniz.ation heretofore known .as
the Democratic i>arty * * * h.as become (>xtinct all but in name,
and defeat is inevitable. Quem Dens vnlt perdere. prius dementat.' "
Judge Loomis' habit of profound thought suii])lii d .a reserve of power
which g.ave great sti'(>ngth to the expression of his deeper convictions.
He was thoroughly committed to the suppression of the rebellion, but
ho as strongly insisted th.at in its suppression the constitutional secur-
ities of individual liberty should be ui)lH>ld. In the Democratic St.ate
Convention of 18(>2 the celebrated Ninth llesolution of the series adopt-
ed in committee, denounced arbitrary arrests made by the order of the
Secretary of St.ate and the Se(a-et.ary of War. ^I.any citizens of the
State had l)een imprisoned in Fort Lafay<'tte. and otlua' prisons by
arbitrary order, without an.v cause assigned, or any opitortmiit.v of
tlctense. It was said at that time that the Secretary of State had
1^4 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
declared that by the "tinkling of a bell" he could order the arrest of
any citizen. As the State of New York was still under the protection
of the Federal and the State constitutions, its courts open and exercis-
ing their ciA'il functions, and not under the ban of martial law, Judge
Loomis held these violations of personal liberty to be uncalled for and
that they should be rebuked by loyal men.
When the Ninth Resolution became known to influential politicians
like Dean Richmond and others tliey feared that this resolution would
bo branded as disloyal, although the other resolutions of the series
emphatically sustained the war, and congratulated the coimtry on the
success of its arms. They procured the committee to be hastily recon-
vened, and by a majority of one this resolution was expugned, against
Judge Loomis' protest. He tlien gave notice that lie would appeal to
the convention to restore it. When the resolutions were read to where
the expungned resolution had stood, Judge Loomis, in the midst of much
confusion, gained recognition and moved the insertion of the Ninth Res-
olution. He was nervous from the critical responsibility he had assum-
ed, but as he proceeded lae rose to the height of the occasion. He de-
nounced as unworthy of a Democratic convention the rejection of a
resolution asserting the liberties of the people against unlawful invas-
ion. Such a retreat from tlie already published declaration that citi-
zens must not be arrested without due process of law, would subject
the convention to public contempt. He declared that such a" declaration
was due to the sanctity of personal liberty. In vigorous and eloquent
words, enforced by his great weight of character, he appealed to the
convention to vindicate the old time attitude of the Democratic party
as the cliampion of popular freedom and to sustain his motion. His
bold and impassioned appeal — an inspiring protest against the striking
down of personal liberty that was full of the spirit of the parliament
that established the Petition of Right — electrified the convention. He
was followed by Francis Kernan and by Levi H. Brown of Jefferson, in
support of his motion. It was opposed in a fervid expression of war
patriotism by Mr. Lanning of Buffalo, but it was adopted by an almost
unanimous "aye" and Judge Loomis was at once the center of applaud-
ing congratulations. This attitude of the convention, favoring a loyal
and vigorous prosecution of the war, but insisting upon the constitu-
tional rights of loyal citizens against arbitrary power, was salutary, and
illegal arrests were seldom resorted to from that time. Judge Loomis'
severelj' disciplined mind and taste made him wholly averse to mere
oratorical display, but on this occasion his strong appeal for the sanctity
of the rights of the citizen has been seldom surpassed in parliajneutary
debate. In the serene air, in what Bacon calls the "dry light" of pure
reason and argument, his clearness of statement, his cogent unfolding
of his sul)ject and a natural strength of logic, were always conspicuous.
Mr. Henry B. Stanton said of him: "He was not a magnetic orator;
he had no glistening qualities. Yoii might as well apply this term to
a block of granite, but like granite he was solidlill the way through."
AUPIIAXED LOOMIS. 125
Tlu> I'sscntiiil political history of llciUiiiicr ((iiiiily. tidiii isi'T lo
isr»4, is traced in the career of Arphaxed I.ooiiiis ami .Michael IIolTiiiaii.
and Iheii' Joiul lahois. iiiore than those of any two men. have iiionlijiij
the Constitution and laws of the Empire Stati'; so tine is It that the
chief history of all States is found written in the hio.yraphy of their
.:;reat men. Otliers have .i^iven impulse to jiical matei-ial iiro.jecis, hut
none ha\e done more to make fundamental laws ,i security for the ;;en-
eral welfare. The school which tlie> founded has been called the St.
Lawrence and Herkimer School of I'olitics. Silas Wrij;ht impressed
upon the pidtlic mind ideas similar to those hrouj^ht into ]tronMnence
liy these Herkimer statesmen, Samuel Voun.i;, Azariah ('. I"la,i;,n.
Churchill C. Candu'eiini;- and others ably advocated theui, hut the
nu'asin'es for carrying;' them into practical effect were conceived liy
Herkimer county statesmen and they were the principal advocates that
secured their ultimate adoption. Human ,i;ovei-nnient. .Mr. Looinis in-
sisted, should be the simple incori)oration of human i'i.nhts. and that
all its a,n'encies should be under the strict control of the pi'ople. Simple
foi'uis to .uive eilect to the popular will, strict limitations upon di'le-
|L;ated power and economy in aduuuistration, void of pomp and display,
were ins ideals in popular j;overnment. These he rej;arded as the essen
tial methods of s^overnineut "by the people for the people."
In May. 1SS2. thirty-six members of the l»ar. in a letter addr-'-^sed to
.ludjje Loomis, expressed their hi,uli estimation of his .-ibilities. his ser-
vices on the bench, in the National and State Legislatures, in tlu' con-
stitution.-il convention and in the cause of law reform, as well as their
I'cspect for his personal and profesbioual character, and requested
him to sit for his likeness, to be placed in the court house of the county.
He complied in aijpi'ecia.tive and feeling terms, and the faithful Mkeness
now in the court room was painted by Mr. Henry Harrison, in compli-
ance witli this request.
This correspondence appeared in the journals of the ct)uuty and in
the "Herkimer Democrat," of September ]3tli, ISSl*, it was pref.iced
by the following article by the writer of this sketch:
"TIUIU^TK TO HON. AKl'HAXEl) LOOMIS.
"A Ijirge number of the bar of Herkimer county, mindful of the use-
ful and distinguished career of Hon. Ari)ha\ed Loomis in luofessional
and civil life, in our county. State and Nation, liave taken nu-asures to
perp(>tuate on the walls of our court hous(> the venerable figure of the
jurist, civilian and citizen, who has givtn lustre to his profession,
renown to his county and a noble example to all the coming generations
of the republic.
"In this nieuH)rial tribute. carntHl by personal worth, and great pidi-
lio services rendered without ostentation. ;i memori.-il due to a si>otless
private character, ami a constant example for the emulation of !iis fel-
low citizens for more than half a century, all our iteoi)le will join with
cordial ai)i)reciation and resjiect. All classes will rejoice that this rec-
ognition of the oldest, the most esteemed of the citizens and represen-
126 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tiitives of our county has not been too long- deferred. The venerated
form, the retleeted presence of Judge Loomis. will titly lead the portraits
of all the lawyers and jurists that the reverence of our bar may perpet-
uate by the pencil, for the admiration and regard of coming genera-
tions."
Judge Loomis died at Little Falls September ir)tlt. 1885. in the 88th
year of his age. At the Herkimer circuit in November, a meeting of
the bar was held in respect of that event, at which Hon. Irving G. Vann
presided, and Judges Earl, Hardin and several members of the bar
spolie appreciatively of the deceased, and Mr. Samuel Earl read an
excellent memoir of liis life and worlj, from which much of the data of
this sketcli is taken. Appropriate resolutions drawn "by Judge Hardin
were adopted; and thereupon tlie court, as a mark of respect for the
distinguished deceased, adjourned. The resolutions were presented by
a committee charged witli that duty, consisting of George W. Smith.
Clinton A. Moon and George F. Crumby, and tliey were inserted in the
minutes of the court, by its order. A more full history of Judge Loomis'
public activities will be found in the cliapter entitled. "The Herkimer
School, Political and Legal." Space will be taken here for only a
tiibute paid to him in tlie columns of the Journal and Courier at the
time of his decease.
"His private life among his intimate friends, his home life in the
loved family circle, was so pure, gentle, affectionate and kind as to be
especially notcAvortliy, and even during the later years, when infirmities
are wont to come with irritability and impatience, his disposition
seemed to grow more lovely and his thouglitfulness for otliers more
constant. He delighted in his garden, in fruits and flowers. * * =?
His private cliarities were numerous and large, made without ostenta-
tion and distributed with a wise and careful discrimination. Much of
his entire life was occupied as the friendlj^ adviser of his neighbors,
and his associates, of men in trouble, widows, and of young men. * *
* xVlthougli not a member of the church, he gave evidence of a Chris-
tion faitli, a Christian life, and a Christian example, in observing the
outward forms of religion in liis home * * * seeking tlie approval
of his own conscience rather tlian the applause of the multitude; happy
in th(! gentler duties and enjoyments of life, rather than in the excite-
ment of public life; proud of his participation * * * in the reforms
of his profession, rather than in any selfish emoluments; firm and stea-
dy and true in lichalf of right rather than for any mere personal choice
or prejudice; sympathetic and enthusiastic in behalf of great principles
rather than in the petty excitements of tlie hour — Judge Loomis has
left the most honoraI)le record that it is the privilege of a man to trans-
mit to posterity."
Such was the character Avhich men who had observed all its features,
depicted as so wholly admirable. No enmity detracted from the coii-
cui-ring tribute of his cotemporaries, no ci'iticism dimmed the reflected
light, and a succeeding generation confirms tlie^estimatc' both of his
ARPIIAXED LOOMIS, 127
personal worlli and nl' liis ciiiiiM'iit |)ulilir scr\iiTS. llic liiiils nl' wliii-li
they sec still ciKluriim in tlif iiist ilnl ions ol' <inr Slair ami lr;;:il |i(>lic.\.
Ilorc was a lilc thai may be likened lu the slinnu Ijdw of a steadv
slrcaiii, wliieii in its coursi' iclreshes many exteiMh'd and varidiis lields;
'•Tlutugh deei), yi't c-ioar; though gciitk', yet not dull; struii;,' wilhonl
i:i;::('; without oN'rllowiiij;. full."
W'lien the old i'resliyteiian ehui-eh was dedicated in ISIM. Mr. Looinis
wrot«' a "Letter to I'osterity," which was de|»osited in the corner stone.
At the huildinf,' of the new ehurch it was l»ron,:,dit to li^'ht and deimsited
with other papers in the corner stone of the new edifice. It is well said
in the obituary notice referred to: "When this edilice siiall have ciaun-
bled and fallen, and this (h>cunient shall be revived a.L;ain. the intluence
of his life and of his life worli, will still remain in this community,
and the record of his name, his example, his virtues and his j;-ood ch-eds.
will have become established, even more lirndy than now in lln' history
of his day and j;eneration." (The fore^oiu-j.? references to ihai)ters are
to those contained in "Uiouaphies and History of Central \ew York,"
by George \V. Smith. j
INDIAN SCALPING.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, February lo, 1900.
The North American Indians were the most barbarous and savage
people anywhere to be found. They delighted in savage cruoity, and
mercy was an unknown virtue generally regarded as evidence of weak-
ness and effeminacy. In their forays and wars they did not ask mercy
for themselves nor grant it to others. Prisoners Avere tortured and the
killed were mutilated. In these characteristics, the Iroquois v\'ho in-
habited this State surpassed all the other Indians; and they dominated
all other Indian tribes with whom they came in contact. The whites
living near them were frequently the victims of their merciless ferocity;
and nowhere did they inflict more suffering than upon the whites in
and about the Mohawk valley.
The Iroquois not only tortured and scalped their victims, but fre-
quently cooked and ate them. In 1757. Rev. Claude Godfrey Cocguard,
a Jesuit priest living among them, writing to liis brother, said that in
the war with the English "the Indians do not make any prisoners; they
kill all they meet, men, women and children. 'Every day thoy have
some in their kettle, and after having ambushed women and maidens
they shiughter or burn tliem;" and he stated that "we have received
letters from the Commandant at Fort Duquesne stating that the
Indians in December, 1750, had 500 English scalps."
It Avas one of the Indian customs to scalp their Avounded and dead
enemies. In this bloody AA'ork they became A-ery expert. They would
generally run the scalping knife around the croAvn of the head, and
then tear off the scalp, sometimes liy seizing the hair AA'ith their teeth,
and in the case of AA'omen by AA'inding the long hair around a hand.
The scalps when numerous Avere generally strung upon poles and car-
ried in the rear of the marching column of Indians. They were carried
in ti-iumph to their homes, and exhibited witli great acclaim: and the
Avarrior Avho secured the largest number received a great ovation and
was proclaimed the greatest brave. It Avas quite usual for the warriors
to indicate by notches on the handles of theii- tomahawks and scalping
LVDIAN SCALPINO. 129
laiix'cs llic iimiilicr of sculps (liry li.-id t.ilscii. ScmIjis wn-c sonK-tiiiics
(l('li\ci'c(l to li:(li;iiis who li.id lost rcl;ili\('s in luiUlc lo rfpfcsciit or
iciilncf siicli icl.ilivrs. Tlicy wcic kepi ;is ;jh;istl.v tropliii's to deronite
liiiliaii loducs. They were stretched on hoops :iiid dried, fre<nieiitly
with the h.iir oii. and soiuetinies dccuraled witli i)aint and also by
iiiaiics for i<lentirK ation.
!Scali)in,n- was encouraged l>y liotii i)arties in tlie En;j;lis!i and I'l-ench
wars caified on in tliis eounliy. In tiiose wars the Iroijuois adiiere<l
(*- tile I'hiulisli ea\ise, inuh-r llie intluenee of Sii' William .lolmson; and
nearly all the oilier Indians joined the French; and the Indians on both
sides were stiinnlated to ac-tion by bonnlics offered for s<'al])s. The
Indians who sided with the French j^eiierally took their sea]i)s to .Mon-
treal and were there rewarded byj;it'ts of money or rum; and the Inilians
who sided with the Enjilish took their scalps to Albany or New York,
or to Sir William Johnson, at Fort Jolinson. and were similarly reward-
ed. The French Indians took scalps of wlntes in various parts of this
Stati", mostly al)out the Mohawk valley and tlie waters of the upper
Hudson, and aonietimes in New Jersey, New England, I'ennsylvania,
and evi-n as far soutli as Virginia; and the Euglisli Indians made forays
into Canada and took the scalps of Frenclimen there; and Indians on
both sides scalped Indians.
The records and otlier documents relating to tlie Colonies contain
many accounts of Indian scalping, to some of which foi- illustration I
will refer:
In KiSS the flovernor of Canada offered the Indians in alliance with
the French ti-n beaver skins for every scalp of hostile Indians or Chris-
tians. In lt)98 and in 1700 the French paid their Indians for scalps
lifty crowns each. In ITol ^Massachusetts in her wai' with the Indians
offered £15 for the scalp of a male Indian ovi'r twelve years old, and
iJO for each child or woman captured. These bounties were subse-
quently increased, and in 1724, a man's scalp was worth as much as
£100, and a child or woman c.-iptured, £50, to persons in the public ser-
vice, and the double of I'uch sum to volunteers.
In Novendjer, 1745, the New York Coloiual Assembly oft"ered the
Indians bounties for scalps; and in 1748, Governor Clinton recommend-
ed to the Colonial Assemlily that they should provide bounties for
scalps. In 1740 some of the Irocpiois scalped some French Indians near
Montreal and brought their st-alps to Albany for the reward. In July.
1747, Governor Clinton n'i)orted to the Duke of New Castle, Prime .Min-
ister of England, that Colonel Johnson ha<l sent st-veral parties of
Indians into Canada, and that tlu-y several times brought back pris-
oners and scali)s. In the same year. Sir William Johnson reported to
Governor Clinton that he had paid £(»0 for si.\ scalps l>rought from
Crown Point, and he asked for more money foi- the same purpose. In
()ctt)ber, 174(!, some of the Iro(|nois exhibited French scalps in New
York City for which they received l)ounties, and they were handsomely
treated by the Council, the gentlemen of the city, and the Colonial As-
130 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
seinbly. In 1754 the French Indians murdered twenty-one Englishmen
and carried their scalps to Cape Breton, where they were rewarded.
In 1755 the New York Colonial Governor issued instructions to Sir Wil-
liam Johnson to urge the Six Nations to go against the French and their
Indians, and to assure them that they would be rewarded for scalps.
About this time at a council held at Oneida by Sir William .Johnson
and the Indians, to condole over the death of the Chief Sachem of the
Oneidas, the ceremonies of condolence were conducted with eleven belts
and three strings of wampum, and a scalp of the enemy to replace the
deceased sachem, and a glass of rum all around to wash down all sor-
row and gi'ief.
At the battle of Lake George, in 1755, in the French and English war,
the Indians of the Six Nations, fighting under the English, brought to
Albany a number of scalps for the bounties. In August, 175G, at a
council of the Six Nations with Sir William Johnson at his home, a
Seneca Chief with great solemnity delivered over three scalps — one
scalp belt in the room of a Tuscarora killed at Schenectady by the sol-
diers of the 44th Regiment, another scalp belt for a Tuscarora killed
in the engagement at Fort George, and still another in the room of a
Seneca, a great friend of Sir William.
Vaudreuil, the French GoA'ernor at Montreal, in April, 1757, wrote to
his home government that the Indians in New Jersey (the Delawares)
"had carried out his instructions to the best of their ability, and burned
forty English homes with the crops in their barns, and had returned
to Niagara with six scalps of soldiers killed in a New Jersey fort.
In July, 1756, Sir William Johnson held a conference with the
Indians at Onondaga and on his return homeward he called at the Tus-
carora Castle, and he entered it with two French scalps, which one of
the young men there briskly seized and then sung the war song, carry-
ing them in his hands around the Castle. He also stopped at the Oneida
Castle, and there gave the Chief Warrior of the Oneidas a war belt,
insisting on his going to war with the French and bringing to him
either prisoners or scalps to give him in the room of some friends he
had lost; and the chief accepted the belt and promised as requested.
In a wai" with the Indians in Pennsylvania in 17(J4, .John Penn, succes-
sor and grandson of William Penn. the friend of the Indians, Avho lived
in peace with them, offered by proclamation in the city or Philadelphia
bounties for the capture of Indians or for their scalps, as follows: For
every male above the age of ten years captured, one hundred and fifty
dollars; scalped, being killed, $134; for every female Indian enemy,
and every male under ten years captured, $130; for every female above
the age of ten years scalped, .$50. This was a wide departure from the
policy pursued by the philanthropic founder of Pennsylvania.
During the French and English war, whenever the Schoharie Indians
who were on the side of the French, came home with the scalps of
Mohawks or other hostile Indians, a cannon was fired for joy to cele-
brate the event.
INDIAN SCALPING. 131
Tlu" CoNfiiu.r of (".iii.id.i orfcnd llic Indians :i bounty for the ficalp
of Sir Wiiiinin .lolinson, whose niiistcrful t.-nt and sagacity kf'iit tlic
Iroquois on the side of tlit' lOu.ulisli.
Ill pi'fp.-nalioii for (ln' IJcx-oiutioiiai-y war, tlic l^ii.udlsli had sfpuri'd
as auxiliaries nearly all (he Indians, and at the outlti-eak of hostilities,
they incited tlieni to savauc forays upon the colonists. This was set
foith in the l>ee!aratioii (d' Iiuhpendi'iiee as one of tlio ^M-ievanecs of
the colonists. The eliaruf was tiiat the Kiiii: "had endeavored to bring
on th(> inliabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose
known rule of warfaic is an undistinguished destruction of all ages,
sexes and conditions." The colonists endeavori'd to secure the neutral-
ity of the Indians. In this they were foiled mainly through the intlu-
ence of the family of Sir William Johnson, he having died previous to
the outbreak of the war.
When it was proposed by Lord Suffolk, Secretary of State, in the
r.ritish rarlianu'iit, to employ Indians against the Americans, he made
a speech in which hi' said "that they had a right to use all the means
that God and nature h:id put into their hands to conquer America."
Agjiinst this scheme Pitt, then the Earl of Chatham, delivered a most
impassioned and menun-able speech which ranks among the most elo-
quent in the English langua,ge. Among other things lie said': "My
lords, we are called upon as members of this house, as men, as Chris-
tian men, to protest against such notions, standing near the throne,
polluting the ear of majesty. 'That Cod and nature put into our hands!'
I know not wh.-it idea that lord may entertain of Cod and nature; but
I know tliat such abominable ])riii(iples are equally abhorent to religion
and humanity. Whatl to ;ilti-iliute the sanction of Cod and nature to
the massacres of the Indian scalping knife, to the Cannibal savage tor-
turing, murdering, roasting, eating, literally, my lords, eating the man-
gled victims of his barbarous battles! Such horrible notions shock
«'very precept of religion, divine and natural, and every generous feeling
of humanity. And, my lords, they shock every sentiment of honor:
they sliock me as a lover of honorable war and a detester of murderous
ba.i'barity." And Edmuiul IJiirk. who said he had learned that the
natural ferocity of the Indians far exceeded the ferocity of all bar-
barians mentioned in history, declared in the House of Commons that
"they were not tit allies for tlie King in a war with his subjects."
While (General lUiruoyne was ;idvancing in his campaign in the Col-
ony of New York, in 1777, the Indians brought in ten scalps. Tlie next
day he held a conference with a large number of Irociuois and other
Indians: and he made them an address in which he told them "that
aged men. women, children and prisoners must be held sacred from
the knife and tlu' hatchet, even in the time of actual contlict. You shall
receive compensation foi' ]nisoners you take, but you shall be called to
account for scali»s. Your customs have affixed an idea of honor to
such l)adgcs of victory. You shall be allowed to take the scalps of the
dead when killed by your tire in fair opposition. But on no pretense
132 HKRKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
are tliey to be taken from the wounded or even dying.
The savages fighting with Burgoyne inflicted their cruelties indis-
criminately upon patriot and loyalist; and this soon served to madden
the yeomanry and array against the invaders wliatever wavering senti-
ment had hitlierto remained in the country. Among the savage cruel-
ties which followed General Burgoyne's address was tlie killing of
Jennie McCrea, wliose tragic death and cruel scalping lias been so often
repeated in prose and poetry. She was killed and scalped by one of the
Indians addressed, and her death aroused the indignation and nerved
the arms of the yeomanry of Northern New York, Vermont, and West-
ern Massachusetts, which boded disaster for Burgoyne. When the
echoes of this address reached England, it was angrily ridiculed by
Burk, who took a sounder view of the natural instincts of the red man.
"Suppose," said he, "that there was a riot on Tower Hill; what would
the keeper of his majesty's lions do? Would he not fling open the doors
of tlie wild beasts, and then address them thus? 'My gentle lions, my
humane bears, my tender hearted hyenas, go forth I but I exhort you
as you are Christians and members of civilized society to take care not
to hurt any man, woman or child!' " The House of Commons was con-
vulsed over this grotesque picture; and Lord North, to whom it sound-
ed irrisistibly funnj^ to hear an absent man thus denounced for meas-
ures which he himself had originated is said to have sat choking with
laughter, while tears rolled down his great fat cheeks.
The effects of the employment of the Indians by General Burgoyne
was soon seen. Soon after this address to the Indians, while he was
still on the banks of tlie Hudson, the Indians brought in twenty scalps
and as many captives, and he approved their incessant activity. About
the same time, to prevent the desertion of his soldiers, he announced
in orders to reach the regiment that the savages were enjoined to scalp
runaways.
This scalping went on in Wyoming, Andrustown, Springfield, Cherry
Valley, Schoharie, on the upper Hudson, in this vicinity, throughout the
Mohawk valley and in many other places, stimulated by the rewards
paid tlie Indians by the British in rum, goods and money. I have been
unable to find that the British distinctly and directly offered bounties
for scalps, although it is so recorded in some histories. If they had done
so. it would have aroused such a vigorous and indignant protest by
Burk, Chatham and their associates in the Parliament as the ministry
of that day would have been quite reluctant to meet. But while they
did not directly offer bounties for scalps, they in one way or another
paid for them, and thus stimulated the Indians in their cruel work. It
is authentically recorded that Colonel John Butler, a British oflScer and
notorious Tory, promised certain Indians to pay them ten dollars each
for scalps from an American officer, Captain Greg, and a corporal, at
Fort Stanwix, while they were out hunting pigeons. Captain Greg
was shot, tomahawked and scalped. He feigned death, was rescued
through the fidelity and sagacity of his dog.^nd survived the war
INDIAN SCALPING. 133
many years. Tlu- scalps takon horo niid thcro tl\roiij,'li()uf fl xposcd
scKlciiiiMits were very imiiicnms. So it ai>iK>ars froiii a letter t'i'diii Cap-
tain Coin-isli of tlie .New lOnylaiMl militia, dated Alhaiiy. .\lar<li 7, ITSli,
fouiid in <"aini>l>eirs .\nnals of Tryoii County. The Cai'l.iin mentions
an expedition, evidently in inn'snit of some Indians in which his parly
took from the Indians ;i lar,t;e amount of peltry and also ei;;lit packa;ces
containiTii;- nearly one tlioiisand seali)S of nun, women and children taken
in the llii'ee preceflinji' years fi'oni the inhabitants on the froiiliers of
New York, New .lersey. I'ennsylvania and \'ir,ninia, which wei'c heint;-
carried to the (Jovernor of Canada, With these scaljis they found a
letter addressed to the (iovenior. in which the writer said: "At the
i-e(pi(>st of the Soneca chiefs, I send herewith to your excellency * *
* eiiiht packs of scalps, ciired. dried, hooped and ]»ainted with :ill tlio
Indian triumphal marks;"" and then follows a minute descripticm of the
scalps I'ontained in each pack, the writer sayin;,': "Fathi'r, (meaning
the (Jovernor of Canada) we wish you to send these scalps over the
water to the (Jreat Kinii that he may ren-ard them and he refreshed, and
that ho may see our faitlifulness in destroyinj;- liis enemies and he con-
vinced that liis presents liave not been made to un.ni'ateful i»eople."
Tliese scalps tell a pitiful story of men. women and cliihh'eii mm-dered
and mutilated, of shrieking victims, of burning- homes, of smouldering
ruins, of unmentionable Indian atrocities. These scalps at least did
not reach the Great King for his refreshment!
The barbarities of tlie Indians left a l)itter feeling among the inhab-
itants of the Moliawk valley for many years after the close of the liev-
olutionary war. Some of tlie scalped survived, living witnesses of the
Indian criielties. In this town. Mrs, Joseph Smith, the great gr.and-
motlier of (Jeorge Smith, a residi'ut here, was tomaliawked and scalped
by an Indian on the east side of the West Canada Creek, near where
her descendants now live. She w;is left for d(>ad, but revived, was rt'S-
cued and lived many years after the war.
Tlie Indians wlio liad been hostile during tlie war occasionally visited
the Moliawk ^'alley after the wai'. Their appearance aroused mem-
ories of Indian atrocities and fre(iuently stirred the surviving p.itriots
to gr(>iit indignation and furor. JNIa.jor Nicholas Stoiier soiiu>time .after
the war met an Indian in a tavern at .lolmstown wlio showed a knife
with nine notches in the handle indicating the number of scalps he had
taken, and pointing to one tli.it w.is cut deeiier tli.an the r(>st. he said
that was "for the scalp of old Stoner.'" The ma,jor stung to fury by
wli.'it he saAV and heard, sprang to the lire place and seizing a hot
andiron hurled it at tlu' head of the Indian, striking him a hard, if
not deadly blow; and it is not known whether that Indian ever re-
turned to Canada.
Some years after the war. .John Adam Ilartman. a daring Indian
tighter during the war whose family had sutfiM'cd much from the In-
dians, some of whose descend.-mts still live here, met ,\n Indiin in a
tavern near the western limits of this town; ,ind the Indian stiniul.ated
1S4 herKimeb county historical society.
by fire -water boasted of his achievements in the war, of the , number
of rebels he had killed, and of the scalps he had taken. He exhibited
a tobacco pouch made of the skin taken from a white child's arm and
tanned or dressed witli the nails of the fingers and thumb still hanging
to it. Hartman maddened by what he heard and saw at once came
to the resolution that the Indian should do no more boasting. So he in-
quired where he was going, and when informed, said he was going in
the same direction; and lie offered to carry the Indian's rifle as he
also "had a pack. They went west together, and the Indian was never
seen alive after he entered a swamp with Hartman. About a year
afterwards, his body and pack were found in the swamp and liis rifle
in a hollow tree. Hartman was asked where the Indian was and he
replied that when he last saw him lie Avas standing on a log a few rods
in advance of him and that he fell from the log as if liurt. He was
afterward indicted for the murder of the Indian and tried at Johns-
town; and, altliough there was no reasonable doubt of his guilt, such
was the prejudice against Indians still lurking in the minds of the peo-
ple that he was acquitted, as Nat Foster was many years after for kill-
ing an Indian on the Fulton Chain.
In this State there was no instance, so far as I have learned, where
a white man scalped an Indian, althougii in General Sullivan's cam-
paign against the Indians in the western part of this State in 1779 a
few liostile Indians were scalped, presumably by friendly Indians
marching with the American General. I have found but one case in
the Revolutionary war where an Indian fighting for the Colonists scalped
a white man; and tliat man was the cruel Tory, Walter Butler, who
was sliot and scalped by an Oneida Indian who was with Colonel Wil-
let in his pvirsuit of Ross and Butler with their Britisli, Indian and
Tory followers upon their retreat up the West Canada Creek in 1781.
There is one case at least related in New England annals where a
white woman paid the Indians in their own coin. In March, 1G98, Mrs.
Hannah Dustin, lier nurse and infant child were taken prisoners by the
Indians at Haverhill in Massachusetts. The child was murdered, and
she and her nurse -were taken to an island in the Merrimac River, now
called Dustin's Island, in New Hampshire; and there she was placed
in a family of eleven Indians. With the aid of her nurse and a captive
white l)oy, she killed all the Indians in their sleep except a squaw and
a little l)oy who escaped; and she returned to her home with a canoe,
a tomaliawk and ten Indian scalps as trophies of lier courage and
prowess.
The custom of scalping wounded and dead enemies, so rar as I can
learn, was confined to a portion of the North American Indians — mainly
to the Iroquois and tbe tribes with which they came in contact. I liave
not found that it prevailed anywhere else in tlu> world.
To my great surpi'ise, I find that the Indians fighting for the English
jn the war of 1S12 did some scalping, stimul.'ited thereto by the expec-
tation of reward. It is recorded in Vol. 4 of Scribner's History of the
INDIAN SCALPING. \S^>
Hiiilcd Stntcs III pMiiC ISS ||i:i| III (h.il wir Cipliiiii .\:illi;iii llr.ild \v;is
ill (•(iimii.-ind ol' l'"(>rl I >c:irl><>rii. wiicic < 'liirnpn imw sl.-iiids. iiiid tli;il l»y
order <>r < it'iKM'.'il Hull he w.-is ('oniiiiiindi'd In :ili:iiid(iii llic rml : niid lie
Willi liCty soldiers :iiid several laiiiilies lel't the I'oi't. and widiiii wliat
is now llie city limits lie was attacked by a force of Indians, and the
women foimlit as lirnvely as the men; hut tliey w<'re defeated. A
wa.ii'on load of twelve children were all (oni.-iha wked by one Iiidi.Mii.
The survivors sui'rendered, and ;ill the wounded were scalped. The
British Colonel I'roctor, stationed at Maiden, in Canada. ha<l offered a
premium for American scalps.
We iimsl not Judiic the men of tiio ei^htetnith century by the stand-
ards of the closing years of the nineteenth century. Such has l)eon
durinj; this century the advance of civilization, with all its reliiiiu'r and
elevatinj; iiiHuences. and sucli the .urowth of noble, .u'enerous and
humane sentiments even amonji- lieliu-ereiits that such barbarous prac-
tices as I have detailed will never aiiain be tolerated in warfare between
civilized nations.
LIFE OF JOSEPH BRANT.
AN ADDRESS BY AI,BERT L. HOWELI,, OF MOHAWK,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, April, 14, 1900.
There is no section of the United States more rich in historical inter-
est than the valley of the Mohawk. The events of the war of the Rev-
olution were nowhere more marked for cruelty and desolation at the
hands of the Indians and Tories. Of all the noted personages that
figured so prominently as allies of the British crown, none held a more
influential position than the subject of this sketch — Theyendanegea,
Joseph Brant.
This famous Indian Chief of the Mohawk, whose remarkable career,
during the war of the Revolution, history accords him as one of the
master spirits, as a leader of men. Possessing rare attainments which
qualified him to take such a position, he became a potent factor in the
interest of the King against the colonies.
He was born in 1742, on the banks of the Ohio, whither his parents
had emigrated from the valley of the jNJohawk, and where they so-
journed several years; his father having died there when Theyanda-
negea was an infant. His mother finally returned with him and his
sister, Molly, to their home at Cauajoharie, the center of the castles of
the Mohawk valley.
His father was a full blooded Mohawk of the Wolf tribe, and accord-
ing to the early history of the tribe, was a direct descendant of one of
the Mohawk chiefs who visited England in 1710, during the reign of
Queen Ann. His mother was married again soon after their return to
Cauajoharie, to an Indian of the Mohawk tribe.
Of the boyhood days of Brant there is no record; other than his going
to school. At the early age of thirteen years, under the direction
of Sir William Johnson, he was at the memorable battle of Lake
George, in which the Mohawks were engaged and led into battle by
tiieir celel)rated chief, the brave old Ilendrick, who was slain.
In after years, when relating an account of this his first experience in
battle, "he. said he was seized with such a tremor when the firing com-
menced that he was obliged to take hold of a small saphng to steady
LIFE OP .TOREPH BRANT. l37
himsolf ; but tliiit nftor tlic <liS(liiirf;o of a few volleys he rccovcri'd the
uso of his linil)s, iiiid coiiipostirc of iiiiiid, Ix-conrmfi Hint of -i brave,
which Wiis his ;iinl)ition in (he fiidU'c to bccoiiic."
It was said of him om-v in after life, when tho conversation was on
the suli.jeet of music, lie mad(> the remai-k: "I like the liarpischonl
well, and the orjian still l)etter, but I like the dnnu and trumpet best
of all, for they maki" my heart beat ([nick."
Theyandaneii-ea's early education commenced at the Moor cliarity
school, established at Lelianon, (Connecticut, under the sniiervision of
Uev. Eleazer Wheelock, who later was President of Daiimouth ("olleK*'.
It Wi\fi through the exertions of Sir William .Fohnson to improve the
moral and social condition of his Mohawk nei.t;hliors, that yone.;;- Thcy-
andaneyea, together with other young Mohawks, were sent to this
school. The precise year he was placed at school no date is given, as
the school was opened for the reception of pupils in 1748 ;• and doubtless
he entered soon after its opening.
After receiving his education there he was pai-ticularly noticed by
Sir William Johnson as a youth of great promise, and was subseciuently
employed by him in public business. Distinguished alike for his tine
address and activity, as he grew to manhood possessing in i)oint of stat-
ure and symetry of person, the advantage of most men, even of his
own well-formed race; tall, erect and majestic, with the air of one who
was "born to command," having been schooled in warfare from his youth,
he was a tower of strength among his own warriors. Still more exten-
sive was his influence rendered liy tlie cirumstances that lie had been
much employed in the civil service of the Indian department under Sir
William .Johnson, by wliom he was often sent upon business among the
tribes of the confederacy, and those yet more distant upon the lakes
and rivers of the Northwest, which gave him accurate knowledge of
the wdiole country and its peo]ile, for the prosecution of the border war-
f.Tre. The oflicers of the crown could scarcely have engaged a more
valuable auxiliary. The lad was in the future to l)ecome not only
a distinguished war chief, but a statesman and associate of the King's
agents in this country, and to be courted by the chivali'y and nobility
in England.
In the progress of events Thayendanegea liad been advanced to the
place of principal war chief of the confederacy. How he secured this
important place, history does not inform us. Hendrick. the last of the
MohaAvk chiefs who had borne the title of King, fell at tlie battle of
Lake George, under Sir William Johnson, twenty years before. The
sachems of eacia trilie of the Six Nations were usually chosen in the
assembly of the chiefs and warriors w'henever a A'acanc.v hapi)ened by
death or otherwise. ThayoTidanc^gea being a descendant from a family
of chiefs, his birthright may have contributed to his elevation. His
family and official connection with the Johnsons, whose name was so
potent with the Indians, no doubt facilitated his advancement as the
chosen chief.
138 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Subsequently an agreement was entered into with ttie officials of the
crown that his tribe were to talie up the hatchet in the cause of the
King-. In the autumn of that year, 1775, Brant resolved to make a
visit to England. The object of this visit he did not then disclose. It
was quite probable, however, that notwithstanding the agreement so
hastily formed by his tribe to espouse the cause of the King, the
sngacious chief may have judged it prudent to pause before committing
himself too far by overt acts of hostility against the colonies.
The Oneidas were evidently inclined to espouse the colonial side, if
any; the river Indians had already ranged themselves on the same
side; the Delawares had determined upon neutrality, and some of the
chiefs of the Caughnawagas were in the camp of Washington.
These circumstances were certainly enough to make the chieftain
hesitate as to the course he would take, and dictated by true wisdom
he resolved to know for himself. His predilections from the first inclin-
ed liim to espouse the cause of the King. He maintained that the
ancient covenants of his people rendered it obligatory upon him to do
so. In addition to which he was bound by the strong ties of blood,
association, and gratitude to the family and interests of the Johnsons.
Thus situated, the chief may have found his position so embarrassing
as to induce him to visit the parent country and appear in tlie presence
of tlie "Great King," before he should finally determine wliether to
actually take the field with his tribe or not. By making the voyage he
would liave the additional advantage of studying the resources and the
power of the parent country, and would thereby be the better able to
determine for himself wliether success was likely to crown his maj-
esty's arms in the end, or whether by a scrupulous observance of an
ancient stipulation of alliance, he should not with his people be rushing
upon certain destruction. But, after due deliberation, lie sailed for
England toward the close of 1775, and reached London early in 1776.
Only a brief account of this, his first visit to England was ever found.
He was not only well received, but his society was courted by gentle-
men of rank and station, statesmen, scliolars, and divines. Possessing
but little of the savage malve-up of his people in his countenance, aside
from his color, wherein he differed from other men. In person he was
graceful and dignified, his stature being five feet eleven inches; of
fine form and proportion, possessing great muscular power, his eyes
brilliant and expressive; in short everything in relation to his person-
ality was engaging and prepossessing. On state occasions he appeared
in court, clothed in the costume of his native tribe; at all other times
he appeared in the dress of the European.
At the reqiiest of one of his most intimate friends he sat for his por-
trait; he was painted in his native garb; and the picture was highly
l>rize(l by him. The tomahawk worn by him when he was clothed in
liis full Indian costume, was a very beautiful article, polished to the
very highest degree, upon which was engraved the first letter of his
christian name, with his Mohawk appellation, "Thaj'endanegoa." He
LIFE OP JOSEPH BKANT. 139
(lid not remain in Ensiliind many montlis. Iiut nlniind louaid ihc close
(if .Mai'cli oi- early in April, ITTC. and ai'rivi-d on the coast near tlie liar-
Ixii' ol New ^drU. after a short |»assiif^(.'.
llavinti determined fully to fullill Ins stii)idiilion with (leneial f'aile-
ton. and take up the hatchet in the cause of the crown, he had to per-
foini a very liazardous .journey to Canada: and was ()l)li;;cd to steal
his way tlironuli a hostilejinpulal imi until lie could reach the forest of tlu"
iMohawk. lie had taken the precaution in PInjiiand to provide for the
id(>ntity of his body in case of disaster, or his fall in any of the battles
by procurint;- a .yold lin.ner-riuf;- with his name engraved ther('on at
length.
What were the particular arguments used by the King on the occa-
sion of r.rant's visit, to impress him that the P.ritish arms Avould in the
end be victorious in the C!Olonies. is not known. It is certain, however,
that whatever doubts he might have entertained were dispelled; and
in taking leave it was understood that lie pledged himself to embrace
the royal cause; and promised to take the field with three tliousand
wari-iors of his race. In regard to the principle by which he was gov-
erned in his decision, a letter was written by him to the under Secre-
tary of State, when in England, after peace was declared in 17S3.
••lie stated that when he joined the English in the beginning of the
war, it was purely on account of my forefathers' engagement with the
King. I always looked ui)on those engagenuuits, or covenants, lie-
tween the King and the Indian nations as a sacred thing: I assuredly
had no other view of it from the beginning."
It was during the early part of the year 1775, while it was yet con-
sidennl doubtfiU which side the Mohawks would linally espouse; and
it was desirable to ascertain the views of Brant in regard to it; Pres-
ident Wheelock was applied to as a medium of communication with
liis former pupil. The reverend gentleman, accordingly to Tradition,
wi-ote him a long epistle upon the aspect ol the times; and urged upon
him those considerations which appeared most likely to win him over
to luMitrality, if not liis friendship, to the colonists. Ilrant replied very
ingeniously. Tie referred to his former resid(Mice with him, and recalled
the happy hours he had passed vnider his roof: and the family devo-
tions to whicli he had listened. He said he could never forget those
prayers: and one passage in particular was so often rep(\ated: "that
they nught be able to live as good sid).jects, to fear (iod, and honor the
King." If doubt existed among the colonists before as to the direction
of the channel in wliich Iris inclinations Avere running, there were
surely none left after the perusal of this letter.
General Herkimer still cherislu^d the belief th.at he might detach the
dusky warrior from tlie course he had espoused: at least he might not
be disinclined to- relin(iuish it; their former fi-iendship, as well as
being near neighbors, miglit p(>rhaps have some l)earing toward his
rescinding the course as planned.
Subseriuently the General made an appointment to hold an interview
140 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
with Brant at Unadilla; the time and place for the meeting was decid-
ed upon. The design of Herkimer, no doubt was, if in case of failure
to win him over, to seize his person. But the wily chieftain was on the
alert for any such proceedings (if really intended), as was proved soon
after they met.
The scene exhibited at this interview was novel, and imposing; the
hostile parties were encamped about two miles apart. About midway
between, a temporary shed was erected, large enough to seat two hun-
dred persons. By mutual agreement, their arms were to be left in
their respective encampments. Brant and his five hundred warriors
remained at their camp; in the meantime Brant dispatched a courier
to General Herkimer with a message desiring to know the object of
his visit. General Herkimer replied that ho had only come to see and
converse with his brother, Captain Brant. The witty messenger in-
quired if all those men with him wished to talk to the chief, too! On
taking his leave he said to tlie General that he would carry his talk
back to the chief: and soon an arrangement was made for the meeting
of Herkimer. Brant appeared in the edge of the distant forest with an
escort of about forty warriors, and proceeded to the place of meeting;
after a little parleying a circle was formed, into which Brant and Her-
kimer entered together. After the exchange of a few remarks, the
chieftain, keeping an eagle-eye upon his visitor, inquired the reason of
.his being thus honored! General Herkimer replied that he had come
on a friendly visit. And all these had come on a friendly visit, too!
replied the chief. All want to see the "poor Indian." It is very kind,
he added with a sarcastic smile. General Herkimer expressed a desii'e
to go forward to the village; but the chief replied he was quite near
enough, and that he must not proceed fin-ther. Whether the wary
chieftain entertained any suspicion of perlidy was never Ivuown. but
certain it was that his precaution and his l)earing when he arrived at
the place of meeting were such as to wanant him to be able to frus-
trate any such proceedings, if really intended. In addressing the Gen-
oral he drew himself up with dignity and spoke as follows: "I have
live hiuidred warriors with me, armed and I'eady for battle: you are in
my power; but as we have been friends and neighbors. I Avill not take
advantage of you." and continni'd liy saying that the Indians liad con-
cluded to take up the war hatchet in favor of the King, and they
would not violate their pledge. Therefore he advised Herkimer to go
back to his home, and thanked him for his civility in coming to see
him; that perhaps lie might some time return the compliment. At a
signal a host of his armed wari'iors darted forth from the forest, paint-
ed and leady for the onslaught, with the well known war-whoop re-
sounding through the forest, but with no hostile intention against Gen-
eral Herkimer.
The chief then said that he would go back to the village; in the
meantime the General might rest assured that nji hostilities should
for the present be committed by the Indians. Brant then turned
LIFE OF .lOSEI'II BltANT. Ill
])r(m(ll\' .iway tliimmli the forest; wliilr I lti-Uiiiirr >iiii(U liis tcnls aiid
rcdinii'd to the v.illcy of tlic MoliawU. 'l')iiis ti'niiiiiatfd lliis piost siii-
;;iilai' coiifcrciicc; the last tliat was Ih-IiI iM'twccii (Jciinal I loi-Uinit-r
and llic Mohawk cliicl.
AfdT Iliis, scenes of a stiiriiii; ehaiaeter soon took pLo-e in 'rf.von
county, and especiallx' in the valley of the .Moliawii: in \\hii-li the lead
ers of this noted meeting at llnadilla heeanie active paiticijiants.
.Most historians, in deserihinn' the evi-nts that oceviiTed, i\sr{\ nin<li
of liction and e.\ai;.i;('i'ation. .\o donlit the ciMide \crlial a<'connls that
found their way into the reports of military ollicers, and others without
examination or .-luthentie material for history, were instrumental in
inllamin.u the peoi)le: in short, they were written at too early a day tor
an imp.irti.-i! account.
Tlus master spirit of tlie Indians tluis engajjfed in tlie Hritish service,
durini: the war of the Itevolution, not only were all tlie liorih-r m;is-
sacres (•har.ii'ed directly upon him, but upon his head fell all tlie acts of
atrocity^ wiiich marked that saniiuiiiary contest: wliether committed
by' Indians or Tories. In many instances ureat injustice was done
r.rant. In regard to the affair of Wyoinin.u', which lias been reuiirded
as beinj;' one of the most cruel events in the history of the Kevolutioii,
it is certain in tlie face of every historical authority, Hritisli and
American, that so far as Brant's being engaged in this affair as a
leader, he was many miles distant at the time of its occurrence. Such
was the iniiform testimony of the British officers in that expi'ditioii;
and such was always the word of Tliayendanegea himself.
In a correspondence between \Vm. L. Stone and Samuel C. Frey, of
upper Canada, a son of Philip K. Frey, who was an ensiuii in a regi-
ment which was engaged in the campaign and battle of Wyoming, and
who died at ralatiiu'. .Montgomery county, in 1S2."J; it was his testi-
mony that I'.rant was not at Wyoming; that there was no chief of
noti' with the Indians on that expedition, and that they were led by
one Captain Bird, of the Eighth regiment. Joining the Indians placed
under him with a detachment of his regiment, to Butler's Uaiigers.
They conceivi'd and carried out tlie descent upon Wyoming. Rarely
does it happen that histoi-y was more at fault in regard to f.icts. th.in
in this case at Wyoiniiig. that I'.rant was the leader.
A correct history assures us that the bloody scenes that were enacted
at Chei'ry \'alley, should not be coupled with the nanu- of Brant. That
he was not the commander of that expedition; but tli.it it was led by
the notorious Walter X. lUitler, whose fatlu-r was grieved at the <-on-
duct of his son on that melancholy day; because the expedition was
entirely of his son's undertaking. Brant's conduct on that fatal day
was not that which some histori.-iiis made it .-iiipear. On the contrary
he did all in his power to prevent the shedding of innocent blood. His-
tory records the following incidents that took place. On the morning
of the attack he left the main body of Indians and endeavored to
aiTive at the home of a Mr. Wells, for the purpose of affording protec-
143 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tion to the family; lie being an intimate friend of liis, but he arrived
too late; the entire family were killed. On entering a certain house
nearby, he found a woman employed in lier household work. Brant
thus accosted the woman: "Are you thus engaged." in(iuired the
chief, "while all your neighbors are being murdered?" The woman
replied that they were in favor of the King. "That plea will not avail
you to-day! They have murdered Mr. Wells' family, who were
as dear to nie as my own." "But," continued the woman, "there is one
Joseph Brant; if lie is with the Indians he Avill save us!" "I am Joseph
Brant," was the quick response. "But 1 have not the command, and I
know not that I can save you, but I will do what is in my poAver." At
this moment he observed the Indians approaching. "Get into bed,
quick," he commanded her, "and feign sickness." The woman obeyed,
and when the Indians retired he rallied a few of his Mohawks by a
well known signal, and directed them to paint his mark upon the
woman and her children. "You are now probably safe," he i-eijiarked,
and departed. One other incident in point to substantiate the noble
trait in his character. On entering a house where Butler ordered a
woman and child to be killed. Brant interfered, saying: "What! kill
a woman and child! No; that mother and child are not an enemy to
the King: long before the child will be big enough to do any mischief,
the dispute will be settled." They were saved.
Tlie whole conduct of Brant on that memorable day demonstrated
he was not the cruel monster he was represented to be. History de-
clares that Brant Avas no less humane than he was braA'e. He was an
Indian and led Indians to fight upon their own principles and usages of
war. Bold and daring, sagacious, and wily, he often stnick when least
expected, watching Avith sleepless Aagilance for opportunities of action.
But no instances of AA^anton cruelty, treachery, or the murder of pris-
oners, or others, Avas ever permitted by him in cold blood. It was said
of him that iiotAAitlistanding all his martial fire, and heroism, he pos-
sessed a sensibility of soul that Avould weep at a tale of woe.
In justification of the practices of Indian AA^arfare, Brant's course of
reasoning Avas "that the object of each party when engaged in Avar
Avas to destroy his enemy, or to weaken and intimidate him so much
as to force him to peace. Tlie Indians, he said, Avere destitute of means
and also of implements of Avar Avhicli the Avhite people possessed. They
could not successfully contend AA^ith them in the open field, because
they had no artillery, so indispensible and destructive in a field fight.
That the Indians had no forts to resort to for protection; no depots or
prisons to secure their prisoners. The simple and necessary principle,
therefore, of Indian AA'arfare, Avas extermination. To destroy as many
of the enemy and their supplies, and save as many of themselves as
])ract1cal)le; and for these results to resort to ambuscade, strategem.
jiiid every species of deception to effect the object." And a nation is
yet to be discovered that Aviil not fight foi- th«>ir homes, tlu^ graves of
their fatliers, aiid the f.-imily altars. Cruel as maj^-seem the mode of
UFE OF JOSEPH BUANT. 148
IiidiMii wiiilarc. llu'\' were not so roiisidncd li\ ihosc who |>i;i<M ii-c(l
tliciii, mill was held in tlicir csl ini;i t ion ;is licinu nol more iiiU'l Mi.in lln'
wlioU'salc niiii'dcr laid down in iiooUs, with all the t'n;iinfs of dfstiiic-
tioii whirli the in;;ciiuity uf llic wlilto man lias couei'ivrd, to cll'i'ct this
purpose.
The ci'Url act of scalpin.i; by the Indian was i^^i-catiy anunicntcd,
owinj;- to the bounty yivcn for such scalp hy the Kin.u's aucnts.
It was a matter of pulley on the part of the crown, as a means to the
end, of suli.ju.Liatiuii the people of the coloiues.
Many instances are related li\' I'.rant in sa\'in,i; the lives of innocent
children, their mothers, the ayed and inlirm, from cruel death at the
hautls of his people, lie said their impetuosity in the e.\citement of
war was often hard to be kept under contiol. And his own life was
many times imiieriled in shiehlini;' such as wei'c noncondi.itants: thus
demonstrating the humanitarian spirit that actuati'd this famous Indian
chief, luider the circumstances in which he was placed, as a leader
of hostilities in favor of tlie King. In tlie domestic relations of I'.rant.
his home was the abode of kindne.ss and hospitality, lie was thrice
married: l)y his first wife, the daughter of an Oneida chief, he had
two children, a son and daughtt'r; by his second wifi' (who was a sis-
ter of his first wife) he had no children; by his third, he had seven.
His great solicitude for the well being of his children, is attested by
his desire that they might all receive a good education, and liecome
useful and honored citizens. The purity of his private morals were
never (luestiom-d. In his dealings and business relations he was prompt
and honorable. lUit one cloud ever obscured the I)rightness of his
family circle. It was the wayward son of his first wife, Avhose un-
timely death was c-aused by his intemperate habits.
The natural indolence of the Indian race in all matters excepting tlu'
war-path and the chase, was not the characteristic of Brant. On the
contrary, the histoi-y of man scarcely supplii's a parallel instance of
such active public service in the council as well as in the field, from the
day of his youth at Lake George until his death, more than half a cen-
tury afterward. The termination of the war brought none of the inac-
tivities of life to him.
His correspondence was voluminous; all his letters and writings,
that were preserved as history of the events in which he was an active
participant, breathed the spirit of the true gentleman: they were
always couched in fine language, becoming a scholar and student of
human nature.
In 17S4, a few years previotis to the death of llrant, he built a tine
dwelling on the tract of land in C'anaila, presentt'd through him to the
Mohawks, and the others of the Six Nations, as their i)ossessions for
loyalt.v to the King. The district of country thus granted was alike
beautiful and fertile; lying upon the hanks of (Jrand Kiver. being six
miles in width ou each side of the river, by about one hundred in
144 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
length. The situation of his home afforded a fine prospect of Lake
Outiirio, witli a fruitful soil and picturesque country around it.
At this home on the 24tli day of November, 1807, died Thayenda-
uegea, Joseph Brant, at the age of 04 years 8 months; whose life was
made famous for the space of over half a century. He w^as a stead-
fast believer in the distinguished doctrines of Christianity and a mem-
ber of the Episcopal church at the time of his decease; and was buried
near the church which he built at the Mohawk village on Grand River.
It is an interesting fact that this, the first church erected in upiX'r
Canada, was liuilt by Brant, the chief of a people who were previously
Pagan in belief. The first bell which summoned the people to this
house of prayer in the province, on the Christian Sabbath, was carried
thither by Brant.
STAMP ACTvS.
AN ADDRESS UY HON. ROBERT EARI., OK HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, May iS, 1900
Stamps Cor llic imritosc of taxation and rovonuc wore first l)roiij::lit
into use liy (lie Dutcli in Holland, in lc>2i. Tlioy were first used in
Knfiland In IC'Jl to raise revenue to carry on the war with France; and
they have l)een part of the revenue system of that country ever since.
TlHMc they coveicd a .ureat variety of subjects, and, among other feat-
ures which characterized tliem, they were avowedly so arranged as to
discoura,ue journalism, which it was feared might foster diseonfcnt.
sedition, and the reforming spirit among the people. The governing
classes fi'arcd cheap newspapers which would reach the common peo-
l)le, and stimulate tlicii' minds, and bi-ing about concerted action for
the assertion of Iheir rights and the ri'foiin of their grievances, Ac-
cordingly, down to the early part of this century, the stamp duty
amounted to four pence on every copy of a newspapei* issiu'd,
besides a hea\y duty upon the blank paper; and there was
a tax of six pence on every advt'rtisenuMit contained in a
news])ai»er. Thus it was very dillicult for anyone except a
cipitalist of large means to i)Ublisli any newspaper, and
impossible to publish a cheap one. Later the stamp tax was reduced,
and in IS.'ii;. it was brought down to a penny, represented by the red
stamp of the government on every copy. About ISCO, under the stimu-
lating leadership of Mr. (JIadstone. the jjajier duty, after nuich oi»po-
sition. i>artieu]arly from the House of Loi'ds. was entii-ely abolished:
and thus cheap newspa|iei's were made possible in England.
It may be notiet d lieri' ])arenthetically that during the Second lOmpii-e
in I'rance, stamp duties were imposed upon newspapers purposely to
discourage the publication of cheap newsi)apers which might arou.se
agitation and insiiljordination among the iieople, and thus end.-iiiger
the throne of the Third r.onap.arte. A free press which can reach all
the peoi»le of an.\- country will always in the end undernnne autocratic
or despotic power.
The project of raising revenue in the colonies of America by stamps
10
146 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
had for some years been agitated among the statesmen of England, and
finally what came to be known as the Grenville Stamp Act was passed
by the English Parliament on the 22nd of March, 17G5, to take effect
November 1st of that year. It passed in the House of Commons by a
very large majority, and in the House of Lords unanimously. There
were some English statesmen, however, like Pitt, Camden, Barre and
CouAvay who denied the right of the Parliament to tax the colonies
because they were not represented therein. They contended in a de-
bate conducted with great ability and which left nothing to be said
(what the colonists always maintained), that taxation and representa-
tion should go together, and that as the colonists were not represented
in the parliament, it had no right to appropriate their property by way
of taxation; and they predicted the momentuous conseciuences which
would flow from an enforcement of the act. The act was very sweep-
ing in its provisions. It imposed stamp duties upon all legal papers
and documents of every kind, upon all licenses, shipping bills, bonds,
notes, evidences of debt, contracts and even upon pamphlets, newspa-
pers, almanacs and calendars; and the tax was double on all papers
and documents not in the English language.
Throughout the world, in all of the struggles of the masses for great-
er freedom, the lawyers generally have been found on the side of the
people against despotic power. So it was in ancient Greece and Rome;
and so it was in France at all times of the uprising of the people to
achieve greater protection from and a larger share in their government,
and, conspicuously, in England in every great crisis in her Iiistory. And
so, with the exception of the lawyers who held oflice under the crown
or expected royal patronage, the great mass of the lawyers in America
were patriots and staunch supporters and leaders of the people in their
struggles against English tyranny. Therefore, as Trevelyan in his his-
tory of the American Revolution, says: "A secondary, but an evident
and even confessed object of a Stamp Act was to impose a prohibitory
tax upon the manufacture of legal documents, and thereby to injure
and pare down the gains of those unofHcial lawyers among whom were
to be found the most skillful and stubborn opponents of the crown."
When the news of the passage of the Stamp Act reached this country
it aroused everywhere the most intense excitement and indignation.
Meetings were held in the principal towns and cities, and the act was
denounced as an invasion of the fundamental rights of freemen; and
resolutions were adopted to resist its execution. It suddenly converted
thousands of staunch royalists into patriots. A congress of the colonies
was called to meet in New York in October to effect a union among the
colonies for resistance to the attacks of the Parliament upon the liber-
ties which they claimed as their English birthright. When the first'
day of November arrived on which the act Avas to take effect, the his-
torian Bancroft describes the situation as follows: "It (the day) broke
upon a people unanimously resolved on nullifyingjt. From New Hamp-
shire to the far South, the day was introduced by the tolling of muffled
STAMP ACTS. U7
b^lls; iiiiniKc mills were lircd mid iiciiiiiils linistccl lialf sImIT; or :i
( iilo.ny was pi-oiKiuiicfd on lilicrty, and licr kiicll sounded; .-ind tln'ii
iii;:iin (lie note clian^vd as if she were rcslori'd to IHc; and wliih' plras-
in-<' shone on every countenance, men sliouted confusion to licr eiieniies.
("Iiildrcii liardly .ililc to speak cauiilit ni> the i;eii( ral clionis and went
ak)nf;- the stri-ets carrolinK, "Liberty. Property, and No Stamps." Mer-
<'liants baiHh'd to,n-ether to ri'fuse the iniiiortation or sah', wliile tiie a<-t
was in force, of any ji'otids from Kn^Iand; and citizens resolveil not to use
any .yoods so imiiorted. Staiii]) a.ii'eiits we-re forced jiy tlireats and vio-
lence (o resi.iiii their ollices. Stamps were s«'ized and destroyed, and
e\en tlu- luiiidinus in wiiich they were stored or offered for sale were
also destroyed. When news of the act first reached New York, hand
bills containing a copy of the stamp act with a dejith's lie.-id allixed
were hawked about the streets under the title of "The Folly of Eiij,^-
land and the Kuin of America;" and on th(> T.lst day of October a news-
paper made its aitpearance there in monrninj;-, lieaded liy th(> following
prologue: "A Funeral Lamentation (m the Death of Liberty, who final-
ly Expires on this 31st day of October in the Year of our Lord
MIXH'LXV, and of our Slavery I." It was aliout this time in a debate
in the Ilcmse of liurgesses of Virginia over the Stamp Act that I'atrick
Henry made his famous speech in which lie said: "Caesar had his
Brutus, Charles 1 his Cromwell, and George III (Treason! cried the
Speaker. Treason ! Treason, echoed from every part of the house)
may profit by their example. If tliat be treason, mal^e the most of it."
The agitation against the act was so fierce and determined in this
country, and also in England by I'itt and others who thouglit it not only
unwise and inexpedient, but also an invasion of tlie English Constitu-
tion, that it was repealed by tlie Parliament on the ISth day of March,
ITUC). During the time it was in force, the stamp duties realized
amounted to only four thousand iioiinds. not enough to pay the cxjieiises
of collection. A majority of tlie members of Parliament who voti'd for
the repeal did so on the ground of exix'diency. The repeal would have
been more satisfactory to tlu> colonists, but for the fact th.-it it was
accompanied with the declaration that the English Pailiaiiieiit had the
right by its acts to impose taxes upon the colonies and to bind them
in all cases.
The repeal was nevertheless hailed here everywhere with great man-
ifestations of .loy. Toasts were drunk to the royal family and to Par-
liament. Hells were rung, cannon tired, banners displayed, and illumi-
nations by night lighted cities ;uid villages; and in Bo.ston, im])risoned
debtors were released by subscription. John Adams wrote th;it "the
repeal of the stamp act has composed every wave of popular discontent
into a smooth and pe;iceful ocean." In celebration of the event the
first liberty pole in America was erected by the Sons of Liberty in
New York, and thereafter such poles became the symbols of liberty
among the American people, and the rallying point of patriots.
The Stamp Act set in motion the causes which led to the American
148 HERKDIER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Revolution aud the independence of our country. But tlie colonists had
other grievances which would undoubtedly have led to the same results
unlessEnglaudchauged her policy toward tlie colonists. In her legislation
and her treatment of them, she disregarded their interests and exploited
them for her benefit. Navigation laws prohibited trading and com-
merce between the colonies and other countries then England. Every
branch of consumption here was so far as practicable secured to Eng-
lish manufacturers. Every form of competition by colonial industry
was discouraged or forbidden. No colonist of English blood would
have patiently endured these invasions of tlieir natural rights, if there
had been no Stamp Act aud no asserted right to impose taxes upon them
by act of Parliament. What the colonists claimed was the regulation
of their own internal, domestic affairs, including taxation, through their
own legislative assemblies, aud they would have been satisfied with
nothing less. Their leaders had thoroughly studied the science of gov-
ernment, and the principles upon which that science should be based
were never more thoroughly and ably discussed than by the patriots of
the Revolution and their friends in the English Parliament.
A generation had scarcely passed, and the memories of the Stamp
Act, and the bitterness and animosities which it aroused had not gone
from the minds of men before another Stamp Act was enacted by Con-
gress during the administration of John Adams, July 6th, 1797, a sim-
ilar act having been rejected by Congress during the administration of
Washington. It provided for stamps on legal paper, licenses, evidences
of debt, and other private documents. The license of an attorney
required a stamp of $10; and a certificate of naturalization, a stamp of
$5. The act was a Federalist measure passed at a time when the
Federalists had control of Congress, and it was bitterly opposed and
assailed by the Republicans of that day. They accused Adams and
his friends, the Federalists, of a leaning toward Great Britain, and
some denounced the act because it imitated the British way of raising
revenue. Many denounced it on sentimental grounds, associating with
it the odium of the British Stamp Act of 1705, and the momentous
struggles against that act; and others claimed that the raising of x"ev-
(!nue by stamps was not a proper function of the general govei'nment.
but one to be exercised by the States. The act provided for the sale
of stamps by agents to be appointed for that purpose. General Michael
Myers, a leading Federalist, was appointed the stamp agent for this
locality. He lived where Robert E. Steele now lives, and he placed at
his house a sign indicating that he had stamps for sale. That sign
aroused the animosity of the Republicans in this neighborhood. They
had not forgotten the British Stamp Act of 17()5; and as the patriots
of that time forcibly resisted that act, they determined so far as they
could to resist this, even by violence. So a number of them, all of Avhom
had been Revolutionary soldiers, in the Fall of 1797, assembled at a
tavern which stood at the corner of Main and Mary sti-eets, where the
Monroe building now stands, aud they marched in military array to
STAMP ACTS. 149
the rosidcTK'C of CcihtmI Mycis, .ind tlicic flicy lore down the sijjii ami
Ciirricd it awiiy in tiiMnipli. 'I'liis wiis not done witliont sonic show of
rcsislancc Ity Ccnci-al Myers. (Mic of his n('jj;ro slaves was arnn-d witli
an axe. which he llourislied in deleiise of liis master. His. son. Tctcr,
(hew iiis swoid : hul tiiesliU'dy Kcpnhlicaiis wim had iii:iii\' times tared
f,'rcatcr (hinjicrs, w»'rc not intimidated and completed tiieii- work. For
this riotous conduct th(> particiitants were indicted in the Federal
Court and were suhseiiuenliy .-u'rcsted and taken to .\li>any. Tlioro
they emi>loyed Aaron I'.urr \i> dclcnd them. He tcml. the prisoners in
charge, liad them shaved .and brushed up so tliat they would make a
f;ood appeanincc in Com-t: and in some way. just how I never learned,
he f,'ot them olT. licnton in his history of Herkimer county, says it was
throu.yh the intervention of Govciiutr .lay, who was a Federalist. This
was a ureat m.atler at th.it time in the Mohawk valley, and the riot-
ers retmaied home the heroes of tlie hour. My si"andfather (Dr. Fetry)
who lived where my brother's family now live, within a few rods of
General Myers' residence, was among the men who marched from the
tavern; and just before the si.mi was torn down his eldest daiighter, a
resolute woman, fearing that he. an old man. might be injured, went
from her home and took him by the arm and led him away; and so he
escaped indictment with his compatriots. Another incident illustrating
tlie intense feeling of the times may here be related. General Myers
had some Guinea hens who used to get upon the division fence between
his lot and Dr. Fetry's, and there utter their natural cackle, which
sounded very much like Stamp Act! Stamp Act! Stamp Act! and he or-
dei'ed one of his sons to kill them, as he would not have those con-
founded Guinea hens crying Stamp Act at him.
This act was so odious to the Republicans that it was repealed when
they came into power during the administration of Thomas .TefTerson,
in 1802.
In the war of 1S12. with Great Britain, stamps were again resorted
to for the purpose of revenue under an act of Congress passed in 1S13.
The act was ji IJepublican m(>:isure. devised to raise moTi(>y to defray
the expenses of what was at that time calU'd by tlie Federalists a
i;e]iubli(an war. and it was violently opposed by the Federalists, as
were sulistantially all thi' war measures passed by the Re]iubllcan
party. It is thus si'cn that siibse<|uent to the administration of .lohu
Adams, the two 'parties had reversed their position on the question of
stamp taxation. This taxation was .abrogated soon after the close of
the war.
In tlie war of the liebelliou. the enormous expenditures made a
resort to nearly every species of taxation necessary to meet the needs
of our Government; and stamps were extensively used as a means of
revenue under an act of (^ongr(>ss passed in 1S(',4. The main i)rovisions
of tliat .act remaiiKMl in force until l.SS.">. when nearly .all its provisions
were repealed. l<'a\ing oidy stani]) ta.xes upon beer, distilled liipior.
cigars and cig.arettes. And now again to meet the expenses of the late
150 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
war with Spain we have a system of stamp taxation whicli, in conse-
quence of the large increase of our national expenditures, I believe has
come to stay.
This kind of taxation has ceased to be a political measure, dividing
political parties. It is generally approved by writers on political econ-
omy and the science of taxation on the gi'ound that sncli a tax is less
burdensome and more easily collected than most others. Such taxes
imposed by the representatives of the people no longer arouse any fears
or opposition. A self governing people have very little reason to com-
plain of taxation which they themselves through their representatives
impose. Systems of taxation may be and sometimes are imperfect and
even mischieveous. Time and experience will perfect them, and the
vigilance of the people should be mainly directed to the manner in
which their servants dispose of money thu.« taken from them.
THE HERKIMER HYDRAULIC CANAL.
AN ADDRKS.S HY HON. \VII,LIAM C. PRESCOTT, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, June 9, 1900.
The Hcrkiiiifi- hydrnulic miial h;is conlrihntcd very liirj^cly to the
growth and prosperity of the villaiie of Herkinier, therefore a state-
ment of some of the facts in reference thereto and a brief sketch of
the industi'ies coniu'cted therewith may be of interest to many persons
and may have some historical vahie.
Before this canal was built the water power of the West Canada
Creek had not bcH'ii utilized at Herkimer to any ji'reat extent. In 1S83
there was a canlin.i; and fulliny mill and a saw null near where Terry
G. Wires now lives, operated by Elisha l'.isl>y. The fullinu and carding
mill was afterward conducted by Chestei' W. Palmer. Sr. At about
the same time the saw mill was operated by W. A. Caswell. Soon after
tlie hydraulic canal was l)uilt a new tail race was constructed by War-
ren Caswell, Sr., and Nathaniel Ethridge, which passed thr<)U:.;h iajids
lately owned liy Dr. Peter Pryne and lands now owned by William
W. Parse, and discharged into the West Canada Creek near Mr. Parse's
cider mill. A saw mill and clover mill were erected near this tail race
on the Parse place and Willard A. Gray, fatlier of (Jeorge H. (Jray, and
Kellogg Hubbard mainifactured brooms and bi'oom handles.
On the other side of the creek nearly opposite Pisby's mills was a
saw mill and carding mill, owned by Lawrence P., Frederick L. and
Jacob L. Harter. The coxirse of the tail race from these mills is still
visible. This luopcrty was sohl by the llartcrs to the Ilj'draulic Com-
pany in 1S,'U and the mills wi're abandon(>d.
Xear the west bank of the West Canada Creek, a short distance north
of the old toll gate on Albany street, were a saw mill, a grist mill and
distillery, at one time owned by Windsor Maynard and Sim(H)n Ford
and afterward by the Manhattan Company of the city of New York,
which company conveyed that and other proi)erty along the north side
of the Mohawk turni)ike (now Albany street 1 to the Hydraulic Com-
[>any in 1S34. George Smitli. son of .Xicliolas G. Smith. s;iys that when
a small boy he went on horscliack with gi-ain to be Liround at this grist
163 HERKIMER COUKTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
mill. These mills, after tlieir purcliase hy the Hj^draulic Company,
were abandoned.
The tail race discharged into the West Canada Creek near the rail-
road bridjje. It has never been filled up and at the time of the over-
flow of the West Canada Creek in the winter and spring of 1809 a
large amount of water passed down this channel and into the creek.
About the 3^ear 1831, some of the leading citizens of the village of
Herkimer, with a view of developing manufacturing industries, consid-
ered tlie subject of diverting the waters of tlie West Canada Creek
through an artificial channel which was to pass through or near the
village and empty either into the West Canada Creek or the iNIohawk
River. .John B. .Jervis, civil engineer, was employed to make surveys
and measurements of the quantity of water floAving into the creelv when
the water was low. He surveyed several different routes, all of them,
however, passing through what was then called the "Little Lake." By
one proposed route the canal would empty into the West Canada Creek
between German street and the power house now owned by the village.
By anotlier route into the Mohawk River, but at a point at a consider-
able distance west of the present place of discharge. By this route
the canal would have passed through the northern part of the village
near the head of Main street and run through the Bellinger flats. The
present route was finally adopted and about April, 1832, a blank form
of deed for a rigiit of way Avas prepared. It was arranged that the title
to lands necessary to be accpiired should be taken in the names of
Charles Gray and Harvey W. Doolittle. Charles Gray was a lawyer,
and afterwards became a .Justice of tlie Supreme Court of this State
and was for one year a Judge of the Court of Appeals. He was the
father of :Mrs. Mary Grosvenor, Miss Catherine Gray and Mrs. M. G.
Palmer, and lived on ]Main street where his daughters now reside.
Harvey W. Doolittle was a doctor and was the father of Dr. Andrew
F. Doolittle, who lived where C. R. Snell now lives, and of Judge
Charles H. Doolittle of Utica.
Quite a numljer of deeds were prepared in May, 18.32. The preamble
contained in the printed form of the deed was as follows: "Whereas,
the said Harvey and Charles and others, their associates, propose to
divert a part of the waters of the West Canada Creek from their nat-
ural channel, and to conduct the same into the 'Little Lake,' so called.
and from thence across the lands of various persons to the Mohawk
River or West Canada Creek, in such manner as shall be considered
most proper in order to create water powers to lie used in in.inufac-
turing and other hydraulic purposes; and wliereas, in conducting the
said proposed operations it will be necessary to iise and occupy such
parts of the lands of the said parties of the first part as are hereafter
described; and whereas the con.struction of the aforesaid work will
rofiuire the expenditure of large sums of money, and, if completed,
will be productive of great public benefit, and will also promote the
Individual interests of the said parties of the first part, Now, therefore,
THE HERKIMER HYDRAULIC CANAL, 153
ill (•oiisidcraliiiii id' llic prciiiiscs, with ii \ iiw to (■iiconrM;^^ ;iiiil nioiimtc
the (•(HistfUction ol' tlif nforcsji i<l wnrU. .-iiid tor the coiisidfi-Mtioii o|
our (lollnr piiid to the s.iid p.iily of the liisl p.iil," etc.
Ill ordci- to cMi-ry out the i»i-o,jcctcd ciitfi prise ;i coiiipimy was iiir-or-
por:it(>d April 17, ls;!;{. liy ("liaptcr IC." of the laws of lliat year. Tlic
ol>.icct of tlic fiitt'i-prisc is stated in the act. Section one is as follows:
'•l''i-ederick !'. r.ellin^cr, Harvey W. Doolitlh-. Xicliolas SiiiitJi. Cliarii'S
CJray, and such other persons as may i»e associated witli tiieiii, are
h(n-e)iy declared t*) he a liody corporate, by the name of "Tlie Herkimer
Manufacturinu; and Ilydr.-uilic Comp.-iiiy.' for the imniose of ereetiiiK
a (lam across the West C'anada Creek, in tho town of Hei-kimer, In
the county of Herkimer, at some convenient point nortliwai-dly from
the villa.<i(' of Herkimer, and to conduet tho waters of the said creek
in sucli canal as they may eonstrnet, near to the said villaj;(', and to
dischai.uc thi' same into the .Mohawk Itiver. or West Canada Creole, or
both, at such place or places as they shall deem most convenient, there-
by to create water [lower for drivinj; all kinds of machinery; and to
carry on the mannfactnr(> of cotton and woolen jroods and machinery
(at Herkimer ami not ejsewliere) or eitlier of them separately, and to
dispose of such water power as shall not be used by them."
The capital stock was made .$1()0,(M»0, lint the company was autlior-
ized to commence operations when ."f.'Jd.OOO had been snbscrilied. The
directoi-s for the first year were Frederick P. r.ellinjj,er, .lohn I>. Jervis,
Harvey W. Doolittle, Nichol.-is Smith, Frederick Bellinyer, Charles
Gray and William Small. The election of directors was to take place
the lirst Monday of September annually. The company could not take
lands without the consent of the owners, and were made liable to pay
the owners of mills and mil! ])rivi]e.i;es actual damages sustained l>y
them; the stockholders were made individually liable to the extent of
their stock and the duration of the corporation was to be twenty years.
Tlie ouly chauiie made in the charter was by Chapter 130 of the laws
of lSir>, which provided that the time for the aniniiil election of direct-
ors should be chaiii^cd to the first Monday of May. and prescribed the
manner of liivin.i;- notice of such election. Frederick P. lielliniicr (com-
monly called "Scpiire" P.ellinjier or "Colonel" l>ellin,a;er), was chosen
president of the company and held the office until Heceiiiber. 1S30,
when he resi.u;ned on account of his purchase of the lower droji. He
was the father of the late Henry H. P.ellinger and Peter F. P.ellinger
and of jNIrs. Elizalx^th Ilarter, who now lives at the old homestead on
German street.
In the summer of 1S33, when the success of the enterprise seemed
to be assured, ground for the can.-il was luoken and a gr(>at celebration
was had. The exercises were held near the head of Lake street, the
principal sjiejiker was Simeon Ford, one of the leading Lawyers of the
village and county, who stood under :i huge hickory tree. The people
nsseinbl(>d on the site of the canal and upon the rising ground now
owned by Clark A. Miller. At the close of his address Mr. Ford tools
154. HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
a shovel and remoA'ed the first earth for the canal, a cannon was fired
and a great deal of enthnsiaRm was manifested. Refreshments were
served (both solid and li(iuid) to the multitude of people who had as-
sembled to take part in the celebration. Colonel James A. Suiter saj's
that he was working for John D. Spinner at the time and drove his span
of white horses attached to a two wheeled caisson which contained pro-
visions instead of ammunition. He has reason to remember the occa-
sion because he tipped over in descending the hill on the upper side of
the proposed canal. Albert L. Howell, now of Mohawk, although then
a boy only eight years of age, says he also has reason to remember the
celebration on account of the hard cider served to him.
Among those now living in the village who remember the celebration
are Hon. Robert Earl. Isaac Dockstader, Jacob P. Harter, Mrs. William
Benchlej^ and Mrs. A. M. Gray.
iNIost of the work was performed by contract, each contractor taking
a different section. Among the contractors were Michael F. Myers
(the father of Mrs. A. H. Prescott), Homer Caswell, Adam Rasbach,
Major Frederick Bellinger of Mohawk and Abijah Osborne. Most of
tlie work was done by Irishmen and there was sometimes considerable
rivalry between the employees of different contractors. In one case it
culminated in a fight between two large and powerful Irishmen, one
employed by Mr. Caswell and the other by Major Bellinger. A ring
was formed near Bisby's mill and the men fought until one of them,
who had but one eye, was blinded by blood running into his remaining
eye. Jacob Harter says that he witnessed the fight. On another occa-
sion he says that William A. Caswell made a wager that he could load a
wagon with dirt quicker than any two Irishmen and won the wager.
Isaac Dockstader says that he drove a team from the beginning to
the end of the work, working a considerable part of the time on the
embankment at the foot of Mirror Lake.
It became necessary to obtain deeds fi-om all the owners of land
through Avhich the canal was to pass and also to obtain consents and
releases from persons owning lands along the West Canada Creek be-
low the dam, because the proposed canal would divert the greater part
of the waters of the creek and destroy the usefulness of water powers
between the dam and the Mohawk River. Commencing at or near the
dam across the creek, the following persons executed conveyance, either
to Charles Gray and Harvey W. Doolittle in trust, or to the Herkimer
^Manufacturing and Hydraulic Co.: Geo. L. Harter, Henry G. Harter,
Frederick Dofkstader, Henry DcCamp, Mary DeWolf, jNIaria Bell, Geo.
I. Hilts, Nicholas Smith, John, Nicholas and George Smith, Peter M.
P'olts, Jacob P. Weber, Joshua B. Aldridge, Nicholas Smith, Mathew
Smith. John, Nicholas and George Smith, George Hilts, John Harter,
.1. P. Weber, the Executors of the will of Samuel Merry. John Nich-
olas ,iud George Smith, J. P. Weber, Peter M. Folts. J. P. Weber, Philo
M. Hackley, Joshua P.. Aldridge, Enoch B. Talcottt. Andrew .nnd Har-
vey W. Doolittle, the Manhattan Company, Ja^b Burrill, Jr., Henry
THE HKUKIMKK HYDRAULIC CANAL. 155
I'clry. .1. 1'. WcIkt, .loliii. Xiclidhis iind Ccoruc Siiiilli, Croi-^c Hilts,
llcmy rrti-y, 1'. !'. i'.clliiiKfi-, .1. 1'. Wclici-, Xicliolas Sinitli. .loli!), Xicli-
(il.-is niid (icoruc Smilli.
Some (tf t\\v i>i'rs(iiis mIioxc ikiiikmI owned I;mds ;it diCrci-ciit points
nloii^- (he course of tlie (■.•iii.il, lieiice the repetition of tlieir iiiinies.
r.esides eoiixcyinu land for the e;in;il iind its enilin iiknK'nt John, Nicli-
olns .Mnd (ieorj^'e Snntli eonxcyed li\'e neres of liind on the nortli side
of (ierin.-in Sti'eet, just iihovc Mrs. Tlieodoi'e Hilts', and four acres on
the south si(h> of (lernian Street just cast of the canal. It was ex-
pected that water would he taUi'u from the ni.iin can.il across those
lots for the use of nianufacturiui;' estalilishments to he located (hci'con.
The Manhattan Company. Jacob I'.urrilU, .Ir.. and llcni'y I'otry also
conveyed considerable land to the Company, most of which was laid
out in lots called water lots on the map made by J. K. Jervis. Several of
the iiersons above named and Elish;i I'.isby. Teter (J. llarter, Silas Shep-
ard, Frederick Stevens and Peter P. Harter executed releases of their re-
spective rijiiits. claims. iTiter(>st and property "of, in and to the waters
of the said \\'est Canada Creek and the liowing or Howin^s thereof in
their natural channel ■•ilon.i;- the lands now owned and belonging to
them" — with leave and authority to take and divert the waters of the
creek from their natnr.al cliannel.
The canal was substantially completed at the end of the year 1835
at a cost of about thirty-five thousand dollars. Judge Earl says that
when the water reached the upper drop a cannon was lired to cele-
brate the event. After tlie completion of the canal an effort was made
to induce manufacturers to buy water power and locate on or near the
canal, a maj) showing- the entire route of tlie canal, all tlie property of
the company and the village of Herkimer was prepared and lithograph-
ed and copies were distributed. On this map was a note whicli de-
scrilied so well the advantages for manufacturing purposes poss<>ssed
by the village of Herkimer that I quote the whole of it.
"Tlie water power of the Herkimer Manufacturing and Hydraulic
Company is situated on tlie West Canada Creek, at th<? village
of Herkimer, New York. From a measurement of the str(>am ;it the
lowest stage of the water in ISoH, it was calculated by John P.. Jervis.
Esq., civil engineer, that tlie hydraulic power of tlie conii)any. assum-
ing that a ten horse power is adequate to operate one run of stones,
was competent to drive one hundred and thirty-eight runs of fifty-four
inch mill stones. The power for one run of stones is estimated to lie
equal tliat required for one tlioiLsand cotton spindles, making this power
therefore sufficient for one hundred and thirty-eiglit thons.ind siiindles.
The water is conducted through a canal of capacity sutlicient, in a time
of extreme low water, to adnnt the whole water of the stream. The
entire fall is 37 feet, divided into two falls, one of 22 feet, the other of
15 feet, the water to be used twice over. The ground at the two sites
is peculiarly favorable for the erection of mills of any kind, and a very
small expense will be incurred in taking the water from the canal to
156 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
the wlieel. It is hardly possible to have a location of ground more
advantageous for the occupation of water or any other power and for
building generally, than occurs in this case. The buildings will be en-
tirely secure and free from exposure to floods. The village of Herki-
mer is the county seat of the county of Herkimer, and is situated on
one of the most beaiitiful, fertile and extensive plains in the valley of
the Mohawk. It is 15 miles below Utica and SO west of Albany, on the
immediate route of the great thoroughfare between, the Atlantic and
Western States. It is surrounded by a fine and extensive agricultural
district, which is penetrated by good roads in various directions. The
Utica & Schenectady railroad and the Mohawk turnpike pass directly
througli it and within three-fourths of a mile and with which through
the company's tail-race, it is to be connected by a navigable water com-
miinication, is the grand Erie canal, extending from the Hudson at
Albany to Lake Erie, at Buffalo, and from which at different points
diverge the Champlain, Chenango, Oswego, Cayuga, Black River and
Genesee Valley canals, communicating witli extensive and important
districts of country, all of which conspire to render this a location
highly advantageous for a manufacturing town. The Herkimer &
Trenton railroad, extending from the Erie canal and intersecting the
Utica & Schenectady railroad at the village of Herkimer, will open a
direct communication by way of Trenton Falls, a place of extensive
fashionable resort, into the Black River country, and render accessible
the vast and valuable lumber and iron regions of the nortli. and thus
become another important acquisition to the many other advantages
which this place unites. The water of the West Canada Creek is soft
and well adapted to the manufacture of woolen. The climate is in a
high degree healthy. Fuel, building materials and all kinds of provis-
ion are abiuidant and cheap, and it is believed tliat nothing more is
wanting than an examination, to satisfy manufacturers and the public
in general, that the location and advantages at this place, are eminently
favorable for conducting manufacturing operations. The company now
offer the whole or any part of the power for sale; and persons desirous
to embaik in manufacturing enterprise. Avill not. it is believed, find a
more favorable location. And whether regard is had to the convenient
occupation of sites for building mills and all other buildings, the fer-
tility and natural resources of the surrounding country, healthiness of
climate or facility for extensive communication with both Atlantic and
Western markets, this situation is truly advantageous and eminently
attractive.
'•Connnunicatious upon this subject addressed to J. A. Rasbach,
Esqr., P. M., Secretary of the Company, at the village of Herkimer, will
be jiromptly attended to. Reference in the city of New York, T. B.
\\':il<('inan. Esqr.. Corresp'ng Sect'ry. Amer'n Institute, 1S7 Broadway."
The .T. A. Rasbach referred to in the note at that time lived in Her-
kimer and was postmaster, as well as secretary of the company. He
subsequently moved to Uion, where he died a few^^ears ago.
THE HElUvIMKR HYDRAULIC CANAL. IS?
Oil lliis iiiMi* i( is sl;i(('(l ms fdlldus' ".M ill ( ':i ii.i I. '2~> ft. widi' .il Imt-
I'lni. !<• !'(. wide ;il {n\t w.-itiT line. miiiI wilcr .". li. (|cc|i." 'I'Ih' '!<|i|Ii (pI
Wilier ill .Miridi' L.iivC is.sl;ilr(l lo lie '2'2 ft'it.
Noxi'iiilicr ■_'!. ls;il., tiic 1 1 \(li;iiilic ( '((iii]i;iii\- ;i III limi/.rd .inliii S ScIjct-
iiici'lioni 1(» sell tlic iiiHMT (Iroj) lor •$."l(».(Mi(i. aiid I lie lower dni|i Im- ."flio,-
(KKI, .111(1 lie W'MS to li;i\(' :i coiiiiiiissioii of live |i( r iriil. loi- iii:ikiiiLC ;i
sale, and in case lie was the iiiircjiasci' lio was lo he allowid |o turn in
his slocU lo ;i|i|'l.\' on llic piircliasc pi ice. II is said llial Mr. SclicriiM'r-
Imrn inlfi'cstcil New JOiinland caidtalists and was alioul roriniii;-; a coiii-
l>aiiy for llic purpose of ercciinu- a codoii iiiill at tlic lower drop wiieii
tile Hydraulic (\)n!i>aiiy sold the lower drop and .ill llie pro|(e;iy ((Jii-
neeted tlierewilli to ("olonel Frederick 15. I'.elliimcr. lor .-<l*r.,Of lu. 'i'jie
principal reason yiven for niakiui;' the sale lo liini instead of to liie par-
ties rci)reseiite(l l»y Mr. Schernierliorn was that he d'elliniicn would at
onco erect a urist null and that a .urist mill was more needed at Herki-
mer llian a cotton mill. The deed to Col. Uellin.ucr is dated l>icemlMT
1. LSoi;. It contains a description of sev<"ral jiarcels of real estate, con-
veyed all the interi'sts of the company, i \cept beneliciary inteicsts. in
the banks from (Jeruiau street to the lower drop and the undivided one-
lialf thereof from thence to the Mohawk Iliver, provided that the canal
could be used by both parties for the purjiose of navigation, tliat tlie
com]iany should pay two-thirds of the expense of repairs, m;iinten;ince
of bridiics, etc., above German strei>t, and Colonel Bellinyer one-third.
e.'icept that the structure called the "Upper Drop" should be kept up at
the expense of the company; that Colonel lU'llin.yer slionid pay all tlie
e.\p(Mise of repairs, maintenance of bridiies, etc.. .nt tlie lower drop;
that li(> should keep the water in the second level at a heit;ht not ex-
cecdini;- live feet al)0ve the bottom of the level as originally surveyed;
that each part.v should li;ive the rigiit to construct a railroad on the
bank of the canal through its whole extent or ;iny iiart tliereof; that
all the covenants in the deed should run witli tlie land and th;it the
owners or occui);iuts of the property should also be li:ilile therefoi'. ;iiid
that a striji of land forty feet wide from Washington strt'ct to tlie
"King's road" should be left open for us(> of both parties.
Colonel P.ellinger first located this strip ovei- lands now owned by
I'eter W'itherstine. but subseipieiitly changed it to its ])res(Mit location.
it being now the westerly end of Eastern avenue. Colonel l!ellinger
at once erected and eiiniiiped the stone grist mill which is now owned
by G. M. Ilelmer. It was furnished with three oi' foiu' runs of mill
stont>s. and the water used was tlischargt'd below the lower ih'oii. on
land now owned by tlie Standard l<"'urniture Company.
Tlie next convey;uice of water jiower m.ade by the ll\(lrau!ic ( 'om-
p;iny was to .fared H. IMoss, by deed dated July IS. 1S412. It conveyed
some real estate at the upper drop, several riglits of way, enouuh w.-iter
to be taken from tlie basin at the uppi'r drop to propel w ith an overshot
wheel four runs of lift.v-four inch mill stones, with the necessary iiia-
cluuery for the manufacture of tlour. the quantity, if not agreed upon,
158 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
to be fixed by J. B. Jervis, civil engineer. Mr. Moss agTeed to erect
before January 1, .1843, a building not less than three stories high or
less than GO by 40 feet, and by November 1, 1843, put into operation
enough useful luaeliinery other than a custom grist mill or a saw mill
to use one-half of the water granted and by November 1, 184G, enough
to use the whole of it. Mr. Moss erected a building and intended to
run a cotton mill and bought some second4iand machinery for that pur-
pose. He was not able to carry out his plan and the building he erected
was used by Burdick & Orr for the manufacture of hat bodies. D. O.
IMills, formerly of California, now of New Yorli, was bookkeeper for
Burdick «fc Orr.
.Tared B. Moss conveyed the property to Addison H. Laflin, November
G, 1847. In 1S53, the Hydraulic Company conveyed more land and
water power to Addison H. and Byron Laflin and the quantity of water
they were entitled to use was agreed upon as 150 horse power.
In 1859, tlie Herkimer Manufacturing and Hydraulic Company went
into the hands of Volney Owen, receiver, and on the 21st day of July,
1S60, said receiver sold all the property then owned by the company to
Frederick P. Bellinger.
The Herkimer Paper Company became tlie owner of all the property
owned by the Lafiins and on April 20, 1887, the heirs of Frederick P.
Billinger conveyed to said company all tlie property at the upper drop
conveyed to F. P. Bellinger by said Receiver, except tlie four acres on
south side of German street, next to the hydraulic canal and also
conveyed to the Paper Company all the water power and water rights
at tlie upper drop. This property is now owned by the International
Paper Company, except the five acres of land on the north side of Ger-
man street.
Conveyances of land and water power at the lower drop were made
by F. P. Bellinger, as follows:
(1) Octol)er IG, 1841, to William A. Caswell, property and water power
on west side of tlie canal now owned by the Standard Furnitui'e Com-
pany. The water power conveyed is described in said deed as fol-
lows: '"So much water and no more as by the most advantageous and
present approved application thereof, regard being had to economy and
power upon Jolmson's reacting water \vheel shall be sufficient to saw
out or cut four thousand feet of ordinary inch stuff in twenty-four
hours."
This water power was afterwards divided and in a deed from Rod-
man Wood to George P. Folts and Windsor D. Schuyler, in 1SG8, the
water to be used on the premises conveyed was described as follows:
"The right and privilege to take from the said hydraulic canal and
convey through the said trunk to the said flume one hundred and
twenty-six squMic iiichcs of water to be taken from the said flume and
applied to the water Avheel upon the lands hereby sold find conveyed
substantially the same as where the same is now applied, and fh.e quan-
tity to be ascertained by measuring the water where it is discharged
THE HEKKIMKK HYDRAULIC CANAL. 159
from tlu' water wheel located sn1)staiitiiill\ as the presi'iit ualcr- wlieol
is. It is exi)i'essly iindri'stdod liy and hclwccii (he iiatlics hc'cto tiiat
(he paiiics (if (lie second pai( arc mil to lie eoiilined to (he iii'eseiil
wa(ef \\ liccl iioi' (o one ii!<c i( and (he pTcseiU \\ lice! and Ms loe.itioii
are reCenn'd (o simply as a means of liind iii.ii' and dcscriliin;; (he ipian
tity of water hen-liy intended to he conveyed."
This jii'operty and water power, which was a part ot (hat -'aneyed
by l'\ 1'. r.ellinticr to \\'illiam A. ("aswell as aiiove stated, is now owned
hy the Standard l<'nrnituri' Company.
(11) Au.nnst 5. 181!S, to David Davcniiort and William D. KicUerlson.
Property and water power on the cast side of the canal. 'I'he w.iter
power is described as follows: "The iirixileuc of takim; frem s.iid
canal above said bnlkhead at all times as much water as will pass
throu.u'h an orilice of the size of a scpiare foot for the nse of m.ichinery
on said water lot and for all other purposes." This property was
divided .liiiie bj, 1855, when \\'illiam .V. Caswell, who then owned the
entire i)roperty. sold wliat was called the Plaster Mill property to Cor-
nelius Maxtield. The water power conveyed was di'scribed as follows:
"The water power now used Avith the said plaster mill, it beinj;- sutticient-
^^■,•ltcI■ power or ([U.-mtity of water to di'ive or run a water wheel of the
style now used in said mill, or to use or drive any other style of wheel
which shall not re(iuire a lart;er power or quantity of water to (p-ivt' or
propel it than the present wheel." This part of the property is now
owned by John \'. Ilemstreet. The remaining part by Meuuing A.
Deiiuel.
(3) January 27, 1S()0, to George Broondiall, property and watei i)ower
on the west side of the canrd now owned by the Standard F'.i'-niture
Company. Tlie w.-iter power conveyed was described as follows:
"\\'ater to be taken from the hydraulic canal on the west side ab\)ve the
bulkhead of tlie lower drop between tlie tube of the flouring mill and
tube of Swift tV: (Cray's null, and to be conducted to the lot hereby
conveyed tlu'ough a tube or flume put into the bank (.if the said
hydraulic canal at such depth as to be on a level with the tulie which
conducts tlie water to Swift iK: (Cray's saw mills, the water to be con-
ducted in a tight tube or tlume, and to be such a (piantity as will run
through an oritice twelve inches stpiare to be measuredat a point twelve
ane one-lialf feet below the surface of tlu' hydraulic canal at its oidi-
nary height above the lower drop."
(1) March 13. IStUj. to Elisha Washburn. The grist null property and
Avater power on the west side of the hydraulic canal now owned Iiy
George M. Helmer. This deed conveys wh.it is called "the stone flour-
ing null propert.v. and all the water piavilcges and rights belonging to
said mill." The (in.-intity of water was not sp(>cilii'd. but w;is iti-oliably
sufficient for the thr(>e or foui' runs of mill stones then in s.-iid mill.
(5) July 13. INTO, to A.aron Snell and Xorman Folts. all the rem.-tining
l:ind, w.-iter and water power ;it tiie lower dro|) which \vas o^vned by
said Bellinger. Aaron Snell convi'yi-d land and water power as fol-
160 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
lows: (1) July 15, 1871, to Morris Mark and Michael Elias, the prop-
erty and water power on the east side of the canal now owned by the
^[ark Manufacturing Company. The water conveyed is described as
follows: "Three square feet of water to be run through a round tube
or tubes in such a manner as to prevent any leakage from said tube
or said hydraulic, to be measured in a square box or boxes Avliere it
flows upon the water wheel or wheels, th<} same to be taken from said
hydraulic canal and run through said round tube or tubes into a flume
or penstalk and from thence measured in such said square box or boxes
as aforesaid, and the orifice of the said S(iuare box or boxes
shall have the same measurement at each end so that tlie aperture
where the water enters into said square box or boxes sliall be of the
same size as where it leaves the same." The water used at tliis mill
is discharged through a tail race running under the N. Y. C. »fc H. R.
railroad and empties into the canal between the premises owned by J.
V. Hemstreet and ]M. A. Deimel. In this conveyance Mr. Snell reserves
"the prior right to use four square feet of water and water power."
Tlie deed provided that said property should never be used for saw mill,
planing mill, sasli, blind or door manufactutory or grist mill purposes
without the consent of the parties of the first part.
(2) November S, ISSC. to James A. Clark and I>eujamin D. Lyon, prop-
erty and A\'ater poAver on the east side of the canal now owned by
James A. Clark and Leonidas F. Clark. The deed conveyed "eiglity
S(iuare inches of water to be taken from said hydraulic canal." This
right of water was stated in tlie deed to be next prior to the water
right and power conveyed to Mark and Elias.
(3) January 1, 1889, to William Horrocks and Michael Foley, prop-
erty on west side of the canal formerly owned by William A. Caswell.
This deed conveys "water and water power to be taken from tlie hy-
di-aulie canal above tlie lower drop and to be conducted through a tube
or tubes or flume or flumes put into the banks of said canal, but not at
a depth below tlie level of the tubes conducting Avater to the premises
now owned by said Horrocks & Foley to those owned by B. C. Munson
and to the premises above conveyed, viz: such a quantity of Avater
as will flow thi-ougli an opening equivalent to 280 square inches
to be measured at a point on a kn-el Avith the water in the tail races
below the loAver drop at its ordinary level, said opening to be construcr-
ed in the most approved and favorable form and manner for the dis-
charge of Avater." The deed states that this water power is to lie next
in priority after power granted to Elisha Washburn. By this deed and
a deed given to Horrocks »S: Foley liy Volney Eaton and E. C. ^lunson,
dated January 27, ISDU, Horrocks & Foley became the oAvners of all
the Avater poAver conA'eyed by F. P. Bellinger to William A. Caswell as
alioA'e stated.
(4) March 7, 1880, to Cornelius K. Snell and Henry A. Deimel, prop-
erty and Avater i)o\A'er on the east side of the canjjJ^noAV OAAMied by the
Gem Knitting Company. Tliis deed conveys "one foot and one-half or
THE UEKKIMEIt IIYDKAULIC CANAL,
101
two Imiidnil 111(1 sixteen scjiiiire iiielies nl" waliT to Ix" t.'ikeii from tlit;
liydiaiilie e.-in.il ;il)ove tlie lower (hop niid to he coiKluctcd tlir(Ml;j;li a
lube (>!• lulies or lluiiie or Ihmies i)iit into Hie li;iMk of said canal, hut
not at a de|>tii Ik'Iow tlie level of Hie tiilxs eoiidiielin.i;- wal''- to tin;
pieniises owned \>y Ilorroeks \- I'"oley or E. C. Munson. The i|uantil.v
of water hereiiy eoiiveycd is sneli a (|uanlity as will How throii;;li an
(ipeninu' e(iuiyaI(Mit to two linn(lre(l and sixteen s(|uare inches to he
measured at a ])oint on a level with the watei' in Hie tail races helow
the lower (iro|i at its ordinary level, said opening td he eonelruet-
c(l in the most approved ;ind f.ivorahle I'orm for the discharj^e
of water." This water power was declared by said deed to be next
sul)se(pn"nt to that gnuited to Ilorroeks &, Foley by the deed above
nu'utioned.
This deed also conveys "all the surplus water and water powei-, if
any, after all the grantees of water and water power at the lower drop
have received anil used the full .•unouiit ixnd (luantity of water and
water power they are entitled to receive and use on the 7th day of
March, ISS!).''
In the deeds above mentioned the grantees assumed a certain portion
of the liabilities for keeping the dam and canal in repair. The liaiiil-
ities of the owners of water power are now (June t), lUttOj as follows:
Upper drop. Lower, drop.
International l'ai'<'i" Company 00-90 none.
Mark Mfg. Company 0-UO 12-00
J. A. & L. F. Clark 1V2-90 3-(J0
Gem Knitting Company 2V1.-90 5-00
G. M. Ilelmer 10-90 20-00
J. \. Ilemstreet 1V2-90 3-00
Herkimer Mfg. Co. (M. A. Deimel) iyo-90 3-00
Standard Furniture Company 7-90 14-00
\\'hen V. V. liellinger bought the property at the lower drot) in 1.S36
hv- gave back a mortgage for a portion of the purchase price. A tlis-
imte arose between him and some of the stockholders as to the amount
unp.aid on the mortgage. In 1S.13, when it became necessary to get a
new charter for the Company, a number of the stockholders presented
a memorial to the State Legislature asking that if anotlier charter
should lie granted it should provide that Mr. llellinger and all persons
not holding ;it least six shares of stock should be excluded from being
directors or that the compiiny should be dissolved and its property
sold. In this m(>morial the petitioners charged that F. P. Kellinger
had condiined with one liurdick to purchase a majority of the stock,
that r.urdick represented that he was the agent of some eastern men
who wished to establish cotton and woolen manufactories but that they
insisted that they must liave a majority of the stock in order to control
the opei'ations of the comiiany, that IJurdick cl.-iimed to have purchased
Mr. Bellinger's stock, about sixty shares, at eiglity cents on a doll.ir,
tlKit in this way liurdick and Bellinger secured a majority of the stock,
1 1
162 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
that Burdick turned over forty-two sliares purchased hy him, to Mr.
Bellinger, thus giving him control of the company, that at the annual
election in May, 1846, Mr. Bellinger voted on a majority of the stock
of the company and elected himself and six others directors, of whom
live were not and never had been stockholders of the company, that
on April 22, 1848, Mr. Bellinger and his directors liquidated the indebt-
edness of Bellinger to the company for a less sum than was actually
due from him, that Mr. Bellinger had continued to control the board
of directors and that only two of the seven directors were then or had
been stockholders.
The Legislature did not extend the charter of the Company and on
the IGth day of May, 1853, an action in the Supreme Court, in which
Charles Gray, John B. Jervis, George Smith, William Smith, Alexander
M. Gray and George Smith, Trustees and Testamentary Guardians of
George Smith, John M. Smith and Nicholas Smith, infants, were plain-
tiffs, and Frederick P. Bellinger, Peter F. Bellinger, Charles A. Burton,
George W. Pine, John D. Spinner and Jacob J. Christman were defend-
ants, was commenced for the purpose of recovering from F. P. Bellin-
ger the amount claimed to be unpaid by him on the mortgage and for
the appointment of a receiver. In this action Volney Owen was ap-
pointed receiver. The case was referred to William Tracey of Utica.
On May 30, 1859, he made his report. He reported that Mr. Bellinger
was not entitled to be credited upon the mortgage with the thirteen
shares of stock, formerly owned by J. F. Schermerhorn, which he sur-
rendered to the company in 1837. That he was not a director in the
company from 1836 to 1846, when he elected himself and six others,
directors, only one of whom held stock In the company, that one hun-
dred and ninety-six shares of stock had been paid for, which were
then owned by the following named persons: J. B. Jervis, 10; Fredericlc
P. Bellinger, 61; Charles Gray, 51; Nicholas Smith, 13; George Smith,
10; H. F. Ilelmer, 1; Jacob J. Christman, 1; Loadwick Burdick, 42; H.
W. Doolittle, 7.
John H. Wooster of Newport was then appointed referee to compute
the amount due from Mr. Bellinger upon the mortgage upon the prin-
ciples laid down by Referee Tracy. He made his report in 1802, and
found that on March 4, 1802, there was impaid on the mortgage
$3,440.53. The decree was signed by Judge Bacon, September 26, 1862.
Kernan, Quin & Kernan Avere attorneys for the plaintiffs; Charles A.
Burton Avas attorney for tlie defendant F. P. Bellinger at the com-
mencement of the action and was succeeded by Ezra Graves.
As previously stated, Volney Owen, the receiver, sold the property
of the company at public auction, July 21, 1860, to F. P. Bellinger, the
purchase price was .i;5,400. The sale was confirmed July 24, 1860, and
the deed was executed July 26, 1860.
June 30, 1869, Frederick P. Bellinger commenced an action in th^
Supreme Court against Erwin A. Munson, Erwin C. Munson, Charles
Ingelsoll, Charles Putmau and James Pufman, who were then the own-
THE HERKIMER HYDRAULIC CANAL, 1C3
ors of tlu' water power and inoperty \vlii<li liad hceii sdid l>.v Mr. Rel-
lin,u«'r to l>av(Mip<n-t i^ KicUeilsoii. Mr. Itclliiiiii'r claimrd tliat I lie de-
rt>iidaiits were usiiiu iiKire water lliaii lliey were eiitille<I to use, and
broUKl't the art ion to determine liow nuicli lliey were entilled lu use
and to recover dania.ues I'er the use of tht; exeess.
The action was referred lo Hon. Arphaxed Loouiis of J.ittle Falls.
A nuniher of experts in hydraulic matters wore sworn. Tiu; referee
made his report Fe])rnary S. IST'J. and found that '•the i)ropri<'toi-s of
the plaster null i)reniisi's art> entitled to an etpial one-third i»art of the
entire ([uantity of water i;rant<'d and conveyed by the plaintiff to Dav-
enport \- Uickertson. and that the other two-thirds part contained iu
the saw mill pi-emises heloni;('d to the ownei's thereof."
He also found that the plaintilt: was the owner of unsold water tiow-
iui;- into the hydraulic canal and that in .yrantin^- null lots adjacent
with tlie riyht to draw from the canal a limited iiuantity of water the
grantees were limited to the amount expressed in tlieir conveyances
and tliat the owners and occupants of mills adjacent who drew water
fi-om said canal in excess of tlie quantity autliorized by tlieir grants
became lialile to pay damages to tlie plaintiff for such excess. He
found tliat tlie plaintiff was entitled to recover '^1~)2, damages against
E. A. & E. C. Munson, Jf21G against the defendant Charles Ingersoll, and
.$73 against tlie defendants (Miarles Ingersoll, Charles rutni.ni :nid
James I'utman.
Peter B. Myers afterward became tlie owner of the plaster mill
property, at tlie time of this litigation owned by Charles Ingersoll,
James and Chas. Putnian. and in order that there might be no (piestion
as to the quantitj' of water lie was entitled to use a the plastei- mill, lie
procured a pattern of the wheel in use in said mill at the time it was
conveyed V)y William A. Caswi'll to Cornelius Maxfield and had a wheel
made and placed in the mill.
At about the same time l'"'i'ederick V. r.ellingi'r also commenced an
action against Aaron h>nell and others to recovi'r damages for using
more water than they were entitled to use.
This action was also referred to Hon. Arphaxed Lotniiis and after
considerabh- evidence had been taken the action was settled.
E. V. liellinger sold all the remaining property at the lower drop to
Aaron Snell and Norman Folts on the 13th day of July, l.STO, for the
sum of eleven thousand dollars.
The settlement was a good one for Mr. Snell, for he soon sold a por-
tion of the property for more than he gave for the whole of it, iiiid
saved the payment of damages to Mr. Bellinger.
INDUSTRIES ON THE HVDKAULIC CANAL.
ITPPEK DROP.— PAPER MILL.
As already stated, .Tared B. ^loss ])ureliased a i)or1ion of the ])roperty
in 1S4(I and Burdick ^: Orr manufactured hat bodies for several years.
In 1847 Mr. Moss sold to Addison II. Lallin. A. II. and Byron Latlin
164 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
purchased more property and water power and for many years manu-
factured a liigh grade of writing paper. In July, 1857, they sold the
pioperty to Richard Bainbridge and Henry Jeroliman of New York,
who at once transferred it to the Kent Mills Paper Company.
Mortgages given by Bainbridge and Jeroliman were foreclosed and
July 25, 1859, the property Avas bid in by the Laflins. The Laflins
failed and the property passed into the hands of Dean Burgess, Henry
F. Alexander and Thomas Colt, as trustees. May 9, 18G5.
June 1st, 18G5, they conveyed the property to Charles Hutchinson,
Henry Churchill, Sr., Charles H. Roberts and Warner Miller. The
property was managed for a time by Warner Miller & Company, then
by Warner Miller, and January 1st, 18()9, Warner Miller and Henry
Churchill formed a co-partnership, which continued until the Herkimer
Paper Company was incorporated in 1875.
Warner Miller was president and Henry Churchill secretary and
treasurer of the Company. Miller & Cliurchill and the Herkimer Paper
Company manufactured paper for newspapers, making it first from
straw and then from rags and wood pulp, and later from chemical wood
pulp and ground wood pulp. The mill was burned in 18G7 and again
in 1879. The capacity of the plant was increased from time to time
under the efBcient management of Heni-j^ Churchill, and the output
increased from twelve tons of paper a week to one hundred and eiglity
tons.
In January, 1898, the property was sold to the International Paper
Company, which now manufactures manila paper and fibre paper and
newspaper. Max Miller was superintendent of the Herkimer mill and
was succeeded by the present superintendent, George M. Dunham.
About ninety hands are now employed at this mill by the Company.
This Company owns and operates over thirty paper and pulp mills.
Most of the carting for the Company is done by Syllaboch Bros.
John E. Freeman liad a machine shop in the paper mill from about
18GG until 1877, when he put up a building east of the paper mill. He
sold to Austin B. Klock and Jerome F. Sheaf in 1878. Mr. Sheaf sold
out to Mr. Klock in 1890, who is now conducting the business.
A foundry was started just east of the paper mill by Charles H.
Warburton and Jn.red Petrie, in 1878. In about a year Mr. Petrie was
succeeded by Mr. Warburton, who continued the business until the fall
of 1897. The business was continued by his wife until September,
1S99, when it was leased to Samuel Jess and William E. Warburton,
who are now conducting it. The machine shop and the foundry are
both run by water power furnished by the Paper Company.
Ice has been taken from Mirror Lake for the use of the villages of
Ilf'rkimer and Mohawk for many years. William W. Barse conducted
the business for several years and was succeeded by the Mirror Lake
Ice Company. The business is now conducted by Philip H. Brown.
He employs five or six men in the summer and about thirty-five men
when the ice is harvested. --
THE HEKKIMKR HYDRADLIC CANAL. 165
MAKK MANUFACTURING COMTANY.— K MITI .\( i MIM..
The property aiul water power owned by tliis ('oiiii».iiiy was [(ur-
cliased l)y Morris Mark and Michael Klias, in 1S71. Monis Murk piir-
cluised file interest of Mr. Kli:is, Noveii)l)er -7, 1S,S2. lii .Ndveiiilier,
]SS1), the j»r()i)erty was conveyed to llie Mark iV Marsii Ma niil.ict uiin;,'
Company. Mr. Andrew K. Marsh retired from the Conii>any and on
I'ehriiary 11*, ISD'J. Hie name was chanfi'ed to the Mark .Manufactnrinj,'
Company. Uuder the nianaycment of Morris Mark tlie Inisiin ss lias
been very successful. The principal business eufiaged in lias been the
manufacture of woolen underwear and sweaters. About 3(M» hands are
employed. The present officers of flie Company are, Morris Mark,
Itresident; Hon. Robert I'^arl, vice-president, and Howard Mark, secre-
tary and treasurer.
.T. A. .^- L. F. CLARK— MA.CHINE SHOP.
This property was conveyed to .Tames A. Clark and Benjamin D. Lyon
in November, ISSti. The machine sliop was conducted by Mr. Clark.
Mr. Lyon manufactured builders' materials and was a contractor. In
November, 1S!)2, the property was conveyed to James A. & Leonidas
I''. Clark, who now own it. Since 1892, it has been used as a machine
siiop and from seven to eight men are employed.
GEM KNITTING COMFANY.
This Company was formerly a co-partnership. The property was
purchased by Henry A. Deimel and Cornelius R. Snell, in March, 18.S9.
April 1st, 180."), it Avas transferred to .Tames H. Eveans, Henry A. Dei-
mel, Cornelius R. Snell and Menning A. Deimel. Henry A. Deimel
retired from the business in November, ISIXn and Menning A. Deimel,
in September, 1898. The company was incoriioraled December 2(1, 189S,
and Mr. Soell and Mr. Eveans conveyed their interest in tlu" property
to the Company. The Company manufactures cotton ribbed underwear
and employs from I. 10 to 2(¥) persons. The present ofticers of the Com-
pany are, C. R. Snell, president; Max Miller, vice-president, and Guy
H. Miller, secretary, and treasurer.
GEORGE M. HELMER.— GRIST MILL.
This mill was imilt by Frederick F. Del linger, in 18;i9, and was owned
by him until March 13. 18r)r), when he conveyed it to Elislia \Vashburn.
Mr. Washburn conducted the mill two jcars .before he purchased it.
In August, 1892, Mr. \Yasliburn conveyed an undivided one-half inter-
est to George M. Ilelmer and he purchased the otiu'r half of the execu-
tors of Mr. Washburn, in March, 1894. Mr. Helmer has been identified
with the mill since 1872. It is now operated by five turbine wheels. A
Robinson lightning grinder constitutes a part of the equipment. Mr.
Helmer will soon have ready for opi'ration an electric motor of thirty
horse power, the power being furnished by the electi'ic liglit i)laiit own-
ed by the village. Besides doing grinding, lie carries a stock of Hour.
166 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
feed, grain, meal, midcllings, land plaster, cement, steel roofing, salt,
baled hay, straw, shavings, clover and grass seed and seed gi-ains. He
employs from six to ten men.
PLASTER MILL PROPERTY.—.]. V. HEMSTREET.
This property was sold to Davenport & Rickertson in 1848, who built
the plaster mill. William A. Caswell purchased it in 1851 and sold it
to Cornelius ^laxfieM in 1855. It was owned for a short time by Sam-
uel and Stephen Carpenter and by John L. Smith. Elisha Washburn
conducted it for a time as assignee of Smith. John H. Myers, Jr., be-
came the owner by mortgage foreclosure in 1866, and sold the property
to Charles L. Ingersoll, who sold an undivided half to James N. and
Charles Putman. The mortgage given by Mr. Ingersoll was foreclosed
and the property was purchased by Peter B. Myers, in October, 1876.
In 1888, Mr. Myers sold the property to George E. Bedell, who tore
down the old plaster mill and erected the present stone building, where
he manufactured spring beds, mattresses, etc., for several years.
Mr. Myers again became the owner of the property by foreclosure of
a mortgage, and his executors sold it in October, 1899, to John V. Hem-
street, of the Standard Furniture Company .and the building is noAV
used for the manufacture of excelsior.
HERKIMER MFG. COMPANY.— M. A. DEIMEL.
The property now owned by Mr. Deimel was a part of that which
was conveyed by F. P. Bellinger and wife to Davenport & Rickertson,
in 1848. They contracted with Lewis Jones and Daniel Bell to erect a
saw mill on the property immediately below the plaster mill. The con-
tract provided that the mill was to be built "large enough to saw tim-
ber from 30 to 35 feet long and to be finished and furnished with one
good saw and cant hook and a pair of bars, also to put up a good Imzz
saw and to be carried by a belt from the said plaster mill." The saw
mill was conducted by Jones & Bell, and by ^Ir. Jones until the mill was
burned in 1859.
William A. Caswell became the owner of the property in 1857 and
sold it to Volney Eaton in November, 1859. About 1860, INIr. Eaton
built a new mill and the business was conducted for a time by Mr.
Eaton and E. C. Munson. In 1865, Mr. Eaton sold the property to Erwm
A. and Erwin C. Munson. The mill was burned again in February,
1871, at which time the plaster mill was burned also.
S. L. Black conducted a shoddy mill on the property, about 1865.
George L. Johnson occupied the upper part of the saw mill from about
1868 until the fire and did planing, and furnished builders' materials.
Mr. Munson conducted a steam saw mill on the east side of the lot
for about three years, when he sold the machinery to George Sperl,
after which the propei-ty remained idle until it yas sold to Henry A.
Deimel and Cornelius R. Snell. in 1883. George E. Bedell commenced
the manufacture of cots and spring beds in the large building north of
the freight house. He formed a co-partnership'with H. A. & M. A.
THE HERKIMKR IIYDKAULIC CANAL. 167
ricimcl, under tlio Onn iiiiiuc of tlu' U('(1<'11 Mffj. fV)., in XovotiiImt, 1HS2.
Tlu'y crc't'tcd a wnodcu Imildinu on the iiliovi' nK'ntioncd siiw mill lot,
about 188.'{, and niaiinraclnrcd si>rin« hods, cots, ni.ittroRSOS, etc.
About ISSd. Mr. I'.cdcll retired from tlie lirni and the bnsiness was oon-
dneted iiiider (lie name of the Ilei'kinier Mfj;. Co., composed of ('. It.
Snell and M. A. Deimel. Two lar«e i)riek l)uildinKs have been added
to the phmt. in ono of which the (Jem Knitting ("o. iliil i)Us!neKs nntil
the iiuildini; it now dccnpies was erected. At one time Giesy &. Uoborts
had a niacliine shop in tho basement of the northerly 1)rick bnildinf,'
and Ilenocksburuh &: Ronda manufactured stocking's foi' a time, under
the name of tlie T.ilxM'ty Knit tiny- Mills.
C. U. Snell retired from the lirm in ISiic. A large and successful
business is now conducted by M. A. Diemel. An excelsior plant with
fourteen machines has been added. Woven wire and other mattresses,
spring beds, cots, otlice desks, and other articles are now manufactured
at this plant. Al)out fifty-five hands are employed.
STANDARD FURNITURE COMPANY.
This company owns the prciperty and water power which was con-
voyed by F. P. Bellinger to William A. Caswell iu 1841, and that
eonvi'yed by F. I*. R(>llinger to George Broomhall in 18G0.
CASWELL PROPERTY.
Mr. Caswell built a saw mill on his pi'operty and ran it for about 13
years. lie sold the property to Peter Witherstine and William A.
Swift in 1855. He became the owner of the property again in 1801,
and at once sold it to Francis Popper and .Mary Gray, the wife of Wil-
lard A. Gray, in 18(;l. A new building was put up north of the saw
mill property on what was afterward called the Munson lot. about 18()0.
Popper and Gray sold to Rodman Wood, in 1807. Rodman Wood made
cheese boxes. Rndm.'in Wood conveyed the saw mill portion of the
property to Aaron Snell, .Taiuiary 1st. ISO!). Mr. Snell conducted a
saw mill and at on<» time ground feinl. He also had a sash and blind
factory. Th(> biiilding was bui-ned twice: after it burned the second
time nothing but sawing was done, .bumary 1st. 1SS;», lie conveyed
tlie property to William Ilorrocks and Michael Foley.
Rodman Wood conveyed the other portion of the property (th(> Mun-
son propi'rt.vi to George P. Folts and \\'iiidsor I>. Schuyler, in Novem-
ber, 18(58. They manufactnied cheese boxes and liead linings. Folts
and Schuyler sold to Munson and Patrick in 187.5, but Mr. Patrick had
an interest in the property but a short time. Mr. Munson at tlrst man-
ufactured carpenter's supplies. About 1S79. he commenced the manu-
facture of chamber furniture, wliich he continued until the property
was sold t(» William Horrooks and Michael Foley, in lS!)(t.
BROOMHALL PROPERTY.
There was a wooden building on this juoperty before Mr. Broomhall
bought it, in which .Tames and .loel MacComber made lasts. Kingston
168 HEEKIMER COtJNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Brothers also made lasts, and broom handles were also manufactured
here. R. S. Hamilton, father of Mrs. F. E. Easton, of Ilion, manufact-
ured French bedsteads and other articles.
Mr. Broomhall erected a stone building south of the grist mill for a
malt house, in 18()0. It Avas originally only a story and a half high.
The first planer and matcher used in Herkimer was put in this mill, in
1S60, and was run by George T. Woodin, Sr.
In 1SG5, an interest in the property was conveyed by Broomhall to
B. D. Lyon. Mr. Lyon bought sash and blind machinery which had
been used by Zenas Green, Joseph Folts and B. Patrick, on a portion
of the Caswell property ,and engaged in the manufacture of sash and
blinds, and also sold lumber. Mr. George T. Woodin at one time owned
an interest in the property.
William Horrocks and Michael Foley became the owners, in August,
1886. Horrocks & Foley manufactured the wooden parts of the Rem-
ington Typewriter, and made desks. In 1890, the Company was incor-
porated. William Horrocks retired from the Company and started in
business for himself, in 1893.
The present oflicers of the Company are, Michael Foley, president;
John V. Hemstreet, vice-president; F. F. Lathrop, treasurer, and
Charles S. Brewer, secretary. They now manufacture a gTeat variety
of office desks, cabinets and other work for typewriters. They employ
about 450 men at Herkimer axid turn out from five to six hundred desks
per week. They also employ a large number of men in Kentucky.
They have agencies in London, Paris and Berlin, and special agencies
in the principal cities of Europe. The business is very large and con-
stantly increasing. .
The foregoing are the industries operated wholly or in part by water
power from the Hydraulic Canal. Manufacturing at these plants has
increased to such an extent that all the Avater of the West Canada
Creek does not now furnish power enough to run them all. Steam is
also used by many of the manufacturers, especially when the flow of
water is obstructed by anchor ice and in times of drought.
OTHER INDUSTRIES IN HERKIMER.
There are some industries in Herkimer not connected with tlae Hy-
draulic Canal, but it has been thought best to refer to them l)riefly in
this article.
H. M. QUACKENBUSH.
Mr. Quackenbush started in business in 1871, in a small building
on the back part of his lot on the west side of Prospect street. The
liusiness increased rapidly, several buildings have been erected by him
on the east side of Prospect street and he now has one of the finest
and best equipped plants in the country. He manufactures Safety
cartridge rifles, bicycle rifles, air rifles, targets, darts and slugs, stair
carpet rods, foot lathes, nickle and silver plated nut picks and cracks,
and employs from 75 to 100 hands.
THE llERKlMKR HYDRAULIC CANAL. ' 169
C. It. SNIOLI..
About; 1S7S, Henry A. DU'incl mimI Coiiiclius U. Siicll ('iiKii«<'<l in the
lunilxT business nt Herkimer, utider th" liiui n:iine of Heimel vV Snell.
Their l.-iruc -awiI extensive i)i;nit \v;is on tiie nnrtli sidr of .\ll>.Miy street,
next I., llie mill of llie Marie M f.u-. Co. -Mr. IMmiel retired in ISDT, and
tlic: biisiness is now conducted i)y Mr. Snell. He d.'als in huid.er smd
inMuulnetures materials for house buildini;. He em|)loys aliout 20
men. '^ *
JOHN ArETZLKU.
Mr. Metzler's i)lace of business is on tlie westerly side of Second ave-
nue. He is a contractor and manufactures window sash and doors.
He emiiloys about 35 men.
ACAHO I'Al'IOll I'.OX (H).
This Company is (Micagotl In the manufncture of paper i>o.\es in the
buildinu on the west side of Main street, owned by John Stewart, and
connnenced business about May 1st, 1000. The company consists of
Charles Stewart, Robert IT. deed, Morris Marriott. Frank Slielliorn Is
suiierintendent.
IIOIHIOCKS DESK COMrANY.
After \\'m. Ilorroeks retired from tlio Standard Furnittu'e Co., lie
commenced the manufacture of ih'sks, etc., in a buildintr on the south
side of Smith street, which he leased from E. C. Munson. This build-
ing was destroyed by tire. July 15, 1S!);5. A corporation was then oi-iian-
ized, called the Heikimer lUiildiug Co., which erected a brick l)uilding
on the north side of German street, near the residence of William Ilor-
roeks and leased it to him. The business was conducted by Mr. Hor-
rocks until Hecember, 1S!)4, wlien the Ilorroeks Desk Co. was incorpo-
rated. Wm. ilorroeks is president, Hi-nry (I. xMunger, vice-president,
and George W. Searles, secretary and treasurer. They have been
compelled by their rapidly increasing business to enlarge tlie plant,
and run day and night. They maiuifaeture roll and Hat top desks,
typewriter cabinets and tal)les, ollice tables, copy press stands, tiling
cabinets, and the wood parts of typewriters, and employ from IGO to
17.") h.inds at Herkimer, besides (piite a luunlter at Cliillicotlie, Oliio.
I h.-ive obtained most of the facts contained in this article from rec-
ords and papers on file in the Herkimer County Clerk's otliee. and from
persons who are now or have been engaged in the industries mention-
ed. For some of tlie information I am indebted to oltl residents of the
village and particularly to Col. James A. Suiter, who, although in the
eighty-fiftli year of his age, has a bett(>r memory tlian younger people
and gives events that iiappened more than st'veuty years ago and dates
with great accuracy.
THE RELATION OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY TO
THE MAKING OF THE REPUBLIC.
FIRST PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ROBERT EARL CONTEST, WRITTEN BY LESLIE
KIRKE RICHARDSON OF LITTLE FALLS,
Read before the Herkimer County Historical Society, September 8, 1900.
Too little is known of the intluence which the Mohawk valley wield-
ed in the history of our nation. Its historic past should be household
knowledge in every American home. For if the valley has been worth
in no small measure our existence as Americans and not Frenchmen or
Eng-lishmen, as I shall later prove in this essay, surely it should also
be worth our most careful and conscientious study.
Its relation to the making of the Republic is a two-fold one; first,
up to the year 1783. it helped to preserve this country from French
thraldom and English control, and so make possible our Republic's
birth; and secondly, from the year 1783 till to-day, it has aided largely
in building up and developing what it helped to preserve.
Let us now study in detail, how the Mohawk vnlley once helped to
preserve our country from its enemies.
A glance first, then, at the valley's early inhabitants. For narrow
indeed would l)e our idea of this valley if it failed to include the people
in it. Indeed, what has helped so greatly to make the American peo-
ple the power they are to-day. is the cosmopolitan element in their pop-
ulation; and the Mohawk valley's share in this element, though other
nationalities were represented, consisted chiefly in the early Hollanders
and Palatines.
The Hollanders came up the valley in inni. and founded Schenectady.
They had been under the Patroon system, but soon hating it. because
under it they coidd not hold land in fee simple, bought from the In-
dians lands in the "Woesting," as this region was then called, where
Ihe fruits of their labors would be entirely their own.
Now this opening up of the valley to the white man, marked an im-
jiortant chapter in the development of American freedom. For fifty
years these Hollanders struggled with the aristocracy of Albany, for
THE MOHAWK VALLEY. 171
the fivciloin of tlu' fur tradf witli tlu' Imli.iiis. ami in ITliT, wen their
cause. Tims, in tin- throat of tlu> Moliawk valley, f-entiirics ajro- this
slurdy people adiiciiiiL; to tlie ideas of iilieity tiiaf have since made
America, tiii.iily triuiiipiied over the I'orce.s representing the feudalism
of Europt>.
Soon following' tliese Pntcii piuneers were tiie Palatines of <!ermiuiy,
whose p(>aeeful homes in tlie Kiiine valley had been desolateil by cruel
relijiious wars. Ohtaininii a refu.t;e in America from <^ueen Anne of
England, they dwelt first upon lands now embraced in Columbia and
rister counties in New York State; but wronj^ed here for years, finally
emigrated to the Scholiarie valley, where also, they were unjustly
treated. So later, tlu-y emi.urated to the Mohawk valley, havinj; their
fxreatest concentration at Talatine Bridge, Little Falls and Herkimer.
In peace and in Avar these people made the best sort of colonists.
Accustomed to hardship, brave. (Jod fearing and industrious, they
could endure everything except tyranny. Against this, they rebelled
and were a constant thorn in the sides of the aristocracy and self-cen-
tred Koyal Governors, and by their opposition to injustice in any form,
and by their love for freedom, helped to pave the way for the American
Revolution.
Not only did they love freedom but also religion. This land needed
then as it needs now a strong religious sentiment. The i'alatines had
that sentiment.
In the inter-colonial wars, they bore with the Mohawks the brunt
of the French invasion; and their descendants in the Revolution,
though beset on the one hand by the emissaries sent to persuade them
to join the crown, and on the other fully knowing not only their homes
might be destroyed, but they themselves, if they i-emained true to their
adopted land, yet fouglit, suffered and died like heroes for right and lib-
erty.
Of their blood are many distinguislied figures in American Iristory
who did great service for the colonies; among them is .Tacob Leisley,
wlio dared not only seize the reins of government, when the people
were waiting for Sloughter to come over, but even in tlie face of the
crown and power of tlu' aristocracy, supported the wishes of the peo-
ple. For this, all of him but his nol)le example was hanged; but that
lived on to inspire the people to greater love and efforts for freedom;
also, Peter Zenger, who triumphed in this struggle for fre(>dom of the
press, thus marking one more important episode in the history of
American freedom; also Nicholas Herkimer, a staunch patriot and
brave soldier, who commanded the Tryon county militia in the Oriskany
battle. Thus, in the marked influence for right and freedom of these
early Hollanders and Palatines, in their brave defense of home against
French invasion, and in the lives not oidy of the great but also ordi-
nary men they produced, who did such valiant service in promoting a
love for real freedom to the preserving and hence making of our coun-
try.
172 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Next let US view the geographical and physical advantages of the
Mohawk valley. By the map. we notice that it extends from the center
of New York State to the Hudson valley, joining that highway between
Troy and Waterford. But note its chief physical feature. At Little
Falls, the vallej' cuts clear through to the base, a huge mountain bar-
rier that attempts to cross its path, thus forming an almost perfect
highway from the Hudson river not only to the heart of New York
State, but via short land carries on to the Great Lakes and far west.
Nor does Nature end her work here. The head waters of the Mohawk
interlace with streams that join the St. Lawrence river. The head-
waters of the Hudson, into which flows the Mohawk, also connect with
waters that join the St. Lawrence, and sweeping southward from the
Mohawk are streams that by the Susquehanna river finally empty into
Chesapeake Bay, and not far from the Mohawk's source are streams
that lead to the Ohio and Great Lakes, by which the Mississippi River,
Great Gulf and far west are soon reached.
Thus from the highlands that protect the Mohawk and Hudson val-
leys, the waters by diverging valleys flow not only into the St. Law-
rence river, but almost into every part of our Union.
Small wonder, then, that the Iroquois Indians, driven south of Lake
Ontario by the fierce Algonquins of Canada, should inhabit this natural
fortress. By means of the Mohawk valley and all its approaches that
lead to other watei'S, they could journey into what are now twenty
States. All the other Indian tribes were separated from each other by
high mountains and vast tracts of land, thus making union difficult.
v%'hile the Iroquois themselves united, by means of their natural adA'an-
tages just mentioned, could attack their enemies suddenly and singly.,
What was the result? The Iroquois soon became lords of the continent
and the fiercest of tribes became their vassals.
Thus do we see how this valley took an important step towards the
helping to make possible our Republic's birth, in becoming the home
of the Iroquois, thereby together with all its approaches becoming also
the chief source of their mighty power which not only conquered all
the other tribes, but upon the coming of the white man was to decide
in favor of the English the most important question of that age, name-
ly: Whether Latin or Teutonic civilization should dominate America.
And we now arrive at that period of history known as the Hundred
Year ^^'ar. Now while the main issue at stake in this war between
England and France, in America, was the conquest of North America,
yet the underlying one and that which involved the former was the
securing the aforementioned power of the Iroquois.
Let us now .see why it was so vitally important for the English to
secure this power, by stating an event that no doubt would have hap-
pened had the Iroquois joined the French: and in connection we will
see, too, by being the real key to the situation in New York State, how
the Mohawk valley was a protection to the entire land.
Had the Iroquois joined the French, the former would have swept
THE MOHAWK VALLEY. 173
tlirouj^li this valley with fire and tomahawk, dcsolatin;; Scliciicctad.v
and Ailiany. caplnrin;; next (he Iludsctn Nallcy and tlicii most of Nordi
Amt-rica. l-'or wcd^M'd in l)t'tw»'oii tlio New lOnuland Stales and tiu'
southern ones, witii this State once tal<en, tiie Atlantic sealioMtd wonid
have been sliced in two; mighty Frencii and lioiinois exiiedjtions loi-
lowin^j out the old diver,:,dn.i; pathways of tiie Irtxiuois, would then
v.'itli matchless quickness have attacked one l»y one the othi'i- colonies.
which sooner or later must also have succundxd. I'.nt witii the .Mo-
hawk valley in the hands of the .Mohawks, standin,^- liiiii foi' the Kwj;-
lisii, it was an iusurnmuntable hanaer to French invasion in tli" lOnipire
State and, therefore, a strom;- shield to the whole country.
Ilavinjjf shown how this valle.v, along with its approaches, liec.-ime
the oliief source of the Iroquois' power, and having shown wh.it a de-
ciding factor in favor of the French, had the latter secured it, that
power would liave become, and in connection having seen how this
valley protected our Nation as long it was defended by the Inxpiois,
let us now state and answer tlie question, what w;is it that inlluenced
tliese red men to .join the P]nglisli and not the French. Because Cham-
plain tired at and killed .some Iroiiuois in KJOUV No; for we are dis-
tinctly told that their feeling of enmity toward the French for that
deed had nearly died away l>y lc.(i4. There is but one gi'cat and true
reason, namely: the Mohawk valley, and iiowV Why, in the lives of
Arendt Van Curler and Sir William Johnson, who lived in it. These
men stand high among the preservers of America from Frencli do-
minion. Let us see why.
Sailing to this country in the year 1G30, Van Curler at once became
ac(|uaint»>d with the Indians in the "Wo(>sting," and from first to last
ti-eatcd them kindly and justly. Mastering their customs and visiting
tlieir council fires, the chain of friendship between the English and
the French that was forged in 1617, he made strong and enduring.
And because he did this, a well-known historian has said of him:
"The most momejitous and far-reaching (luestion ever at issue on this
continent, namely, who of the white conciuerors should be the owner-
ship of North America, was settled by the peaceful and diiiioniatic
policy of Arendt Van Curler."
In later years, William .Tohnson continued what Van Curler beg;in.
This stalwart young Irishman came over in 1734 to manage ins uncle's
estate in the Mohawk valley. To do this etficientl.v. he built a large
stone mansion, named .Tohnson Hall .that is still standing at Akin.
Montgomery count.v. Here he became extensively acciuainted witli the
Mohawks, studying their character, imitating their customs, .•^.(•(luiring
their tongue, dressing in their clothes, entering heartily into their
games, feasting and counciling them at his home, and even marrying
one of the women, Mollie Brant, sister of the renowned war chii'f. By
these ways, but chietly because lie was honest, did he g.iin inibounded
influence over them.
We see what an important ligure in American history Johnson was
174 HERKIMEK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
find tbe extent of his vast power over the red men, when we note the
tremendous odds he had to Avork against; there were the Royel Gov-
ei-nors of New York, who, with tlie exception of Burnett and Dongon,
^^ ere self-centered and tj^rannical. Tliey considered the Iroquois mere-
ly as fit tools to work out their own selfish ends, and treated them
more as beast than as "Romans of the far West."
And see how stupid they were. For instance, the Duke of York
regarded so little the power of the Iroquois, that he actually invited
the French to sprinkle among them their Jesuits, who though often
Christ-like, yet more often desired with their cunning lies to gain the
Iroquois' promise to serve France than their souls to serve God.
These Governors alone were enough to make the Iroquois aid the
French.
Again, the English army officers were inexcusal3ly slow with their
campaigns, and as a result badly worsted, thus discouraging the Iro-
quois who, great warriors themselves, loved quick attacks and decisive
victories.
Yet, to oppose these odds, that would have overwhelmed any other
man than himself, and to renew afresh their love for his cause. Sir Wil-
liam was always on hand. We see him in 1748, 1763, 1766 and 1768,
assembling the Iroquois to especially important councils, giving them
rich presents and overcoming French influence over them.
Hence it is only just to say that had it not been for the Mohawk val-
ley, in the lives of Van Curler and Sir ^^■illiam Johnson, the Iroquois
would have joined the French and that nation to-day would be control-
ling a great portion of this country.
Before leaving this important era, we must not omit this valley's
vital A-alue in being a highway for the commerce of that time. This
commerce, because the European women of that day, like the Amer-
ican of this, had a wild craze for wearing furs, and were willing to
pay the most extravagant prices for them, and since the forests east
and Avest of the Allegauies Avere teeming Avith fur-bearing animals,
consisted mainly in the fur trade. This trade soon became the very
life of a colony and if it once should die, so sooner or later must the
colony.
See how rapidly the French were monopolizing that trade. In the
years 1640 to 1700, their trading posts lined the banks of the Mississippi.
St. Lawrence and Ohio rivers, and the circuits of Lakes Brie and Onta-
rio. They Avere even extending their posts far up the Great Lakes, and
it looked as though the complete monopoly of the trade must soon be
theirs, the prosperity and stimulus of Avhich Avould have threatened the
security of the English possessions.
But in 1722, the AAnse Burnett established a trading post at Oswego,
Avhere, giving Ijetter bargains than the French, soon diverted much of
the trade from Montreal, the headquarters of the French trade, to Al-
bany, the headquarters of the English.
But here is the important fact: the principal links in the chain of
THE MOHAWK VALLEY. 175
\v';i(('r\\;iys liclwccn this iiiiporlaiit lidiilicr post iiiid .\ll>;iiiy. rtDiii
n^Ihtc imisl cdiiu- supplies nf nil kimis, w.is this valley, oi- hmhi spe<-ili-
ciilly till' Molia wk Kivcr. 'I'liis was tlie only loiilc loi- llie little bateaux
laden with lOuropeaii ln'ie a-lnae ami rum hnuiid lor Oswej^o. ur with
costly I'lirs bound lor Alliany. Alou.i; this same highway must eomi',
too, provisions for the tradiuL; post, oi' clsf it must soon have peiished.
So, the Mohawk \alley may lie said to hasc dixeited miieh of the j'nr
trade from the Freneh to the English, in the days when that eummeriv
was a deeidinj;' factor in the life or dcutli of a colony.
Let us now pass on to the most critical period of our Nation's life,
the Itevolutionary war.
It is jiH'uerally supposed tliat the Mohawlv valley in the openin.ir years
of this stru.n^li'. "\\':is of no more value to our Nation than the North
Pole. A j,n*eater mistake, however, can not l)e nuide. No section of our
country was more actively engaged in the plans of the colonists and in
moulding a sentiment against the mother country, tli;in tlie :\Iohawk
valley.
And though Guy and .Tohn .Tohnson, relatives of Sir Willi.am, who
has since died, at .Tohnson Ilall, and elsewliei'e alon.ii- the valley, did
their best to make Tories of the valley's iidiabitants, and in some cases
!succe«'ded, yet tlie ma.jority felt in their heai'ts, worked out in their
brains, and later shot with tlieir guns, what a committee they appointed
wrote to one at Albany: "In a word, gentlemen, it is our fixetl resolve
to support and carry into execution everything recommended by the
Congress and to be free or die."
Rut the year in which the Mohawk valley reached the zenith of its
usefulness towards helping to preserve our nation from its enemies and
to make possible our RepuVilic's birth, was 1777.
In that year. Parliament conceived of a gigantic plan to conquer the
colonies. To effect this task, three mammoth expeditions were to be
employed; one to come from the Noi-th, under Burgoyne, over the old
Lake Chaniplain route; another, under I.crd Howe, was to march up
the Hudson valley from New York city; and the third, under St. Leger,
was to start from Oswego, capture Fort Stanwix, sweej) through the
Mohiiwk valley and unite with the other two at Albany. And thus,
with this State conquered, the New En.gland States would have been
separated from the others in such a way as to prevent .ill effectual
union. Then great English expeditions with their vanta.ge ground be-
tween Ontiirio and Chaniplain would have swept into every colony and
the "rebels" must soon have been van(iuislu'd.
But those three armies never united .iiid that which hindered them
was the Mohawk valley.
The latter did this in two ways; first, by havin.ir :it its head on a
portion of the present site of Rome, and that which must lirst fall,
before the valley could be c:iiitured. Fort Stanwix; this fort was gar-
risoned by Colonel Peter Gansvoort with a few hundred militia, when
176 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Barry St. Leger laid seige to it, August 3cl, 1777, with his horde of
blood-thirsty Tories and heartless redskins; and secondly, by having
upon its soil, hundreds of brave Palatines whose fathers, generations
before, had by their intense love for freedom, helped to pave the way
for this very Revolution in which they were now to light and perhaps
die. These Palatines formed the majority of the eight hundred iMohawk
valley heroes who fought with Herkimer in the ravine near Oriskany.
And upon them must fall the eloquent praises of a grateful republic,
for their heroic bravery in tlie battle of Oriskany.
Of all that happened before that memorable conflict, of the fight
itself, of the final rout of the enemy and the reason why, and of the
long siege and gallant defense of Fort Stanwix that followed, need not
be retold here. But let us note what resulted from this campaign
that in the gallant defense of the E'ort Stanwix militia, and in the inval-
uable services of Herkimer's Palatines, tlie importance of this valley
in preserving at that time our country, may appear in its fullest light.
Of course the most important result was the closing to the English,
the Mohawk valley. Otherwise. St. Leger with liosts of villians would
have swept through it and reinforced Burgoyne. What then? Gates
would have at least been crippled and perhaps been crushed. ^ The
Hudson valley then would have gone English and next the state; and
following these the colonies, according to reasons mentioned before In
this essay.
Another vital result was this. A way was paved for an American
victory at Saratoga, which victory is conceded by all prominent his-
torians, to be one of the fifteen decisive victories of the world.
We see how the campaign did this in five distinct ways; in the first
place, the victory at Oriskany enabled all the militia in the valley to
hasten back to Saratoga and reinforce Gates; secondly, it rendered
useless the British-Iroquois alliance; thirdly, it fired the hearts of the
men who hadn't fought before, to fill their powder pouches and rush
to the front; fourthly, the Oriskany victory especially, came at a time
when victory was most needed. The Americans had met defeat after
defeat and the final ridiculous retreat of St. Leger filled and thrilled
all the colonies witla new joy and hope; and in the fifth place, though
indirectly, the Oriskany victory with the long defense of Fort Stan-
wix which that victory insui-ed by the weakening of St. Leger's forces,'
pi'evented a great Tory uprising in the valley and hence was a great
moral victory. .Johnson had boasted that at his approach the Moliawk
valley settlers would flock en masse to his standard, and there is little
doubt l»ut that his words would have proven true had it not been for
the American successes.
"Yes, there at Oriskiiny, the wedge first was driven.
By which British invasion was splintered and riven;
Though at Hoosic and 'Saratog," the Avork was completed,
THE MOHAWK VALLEY. 177
The Olid w;is iiiadc clear with St. Lv^vv (Icrcati-d,
Nor can boast l)o disproved on Oriskaiiy's shore '
Was worked tlie ^riiii lu-olileiii iiivolvcd In (lie war."
During tin- rest of tlie war, at dilTereid intervals, owint; to the ruth-
less ravafjces of Urant, lluth-r and theii' followers, in and alimil Herki-
mer, Little Falls, and the lower valley settlements, this region literally
ran with IiUhxI, .uainin,i;- the name of "Dark and bloody ground." Hut
by reason of the stout resistance of the valley folk from within tlieir
block houses, Kn.niand gained nothing beyond satisfying Brant's hifn-
ger for scalps and lUitler's thirst for blood.
With the pfai-e of ITS.'J that brought independence to the colonies,
began tlie other relation which the Mohawk valley bears to the making
of our Kepulilic, namely: how it has helped to build up and develop
what is helped to preserve.
We see in no slight degree how it did tl>'<s in 1783; in the first place,
by being an almost perfect highway, it allowed to swarm into it and
beyond, many New Englanders; and secondl}', since these people made
the valley their homes, we are liound to notice what they achieved.
Tliey were thrifty, honest, shrewd and Iceenly alive to the newest
and best improvement. They made give way before tlieir own, the old
ideas and crude customs of the Palatines, who now that tyranny and
war were over, had si'en their days of ablest service, clinging as they
did to antique ways and abhorring new ones. Finally, this new and
up-to-date blood contributed to the development of Central New York
and awalvened not only tliemselves but thousands, aye millions of oth-
ers to the fact, tliat hidden treasures were lying unused in the unex-
plored west of tlie Empire State.
Passing on to the year 1792, we see anotlier striking instance to
prove tills valley's other relation. In that year was incoriJorated the
Inland Lock Na\igation Company of New York, whose canals in 1797
were ready for use. This canal removed by means of its loclvs, river
obstructions; and by its canal from the Mohawlc to Wood Creek, al-
lowed large craft to go from Schenectady to Oswego witliout unloading,
hence it was a stimulus to greater commerce and larger emigration,
and in those days was consid(>red a remarkable achievement.
The next notable event in which the Mohawk valley figured promi-
nently in the process of building up our republic, was the digging of
the Erie canal. The valley was virtually connected with tliis gigantic
improvement in three ways; two direct, the third indirect; in the
hist place, by being such a perfect channel, it allowed the canal to be
built almost throughout its entire length; in the second place, though
indirectly, had it not been for the Mohawk valley, the Erie caual could
not, or to say the least, would not liave been built. We should assume
tl»s for two reasons; firstly, any other wnx than diroctlv from the
12
178 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Hudson to Buffalo, avouIcI have entailed enormous outlays of money
and time; and next, even with the advantage of having right at liand
an almost perfect highway for the- canal, there was such firm and bit-
ter opposition to the measure for its construction, that DeWitt Clinton
had all he could do to pull it through. What would that opposition
have been, if there had been no Mohawk valley? Finally, even though
the valley allows the canal to come through, yet the latter could not be
operated, were it not for the ]Mohawk River which the Mohawk valley
contains, and why? The Erie canal must be constantly fed; and the
water whicli feeds it must come from the Mohawk River.
Since tlie Mohawk valley Avas in three ways so vitally connected
with the building of the canal we should note the latter's influence and
then clearly shall we see how the former aided in building our Republic ;
lirst, cheaper, easier and quicker communication between the Great
Lakes and Hudson River. In the days of the small bateaux and navi-
gation company's canals, it took ten dollars and three weeks to haul
a barrel of flour from Albany to Buffalo. With the Erie canal com-
pleted, that barrel with only thirty cents charges, could be received
at Buffalo one week after it had started from Albany.
Also the Eastern markets became at once cheaper for Western agri-
cultural products and the later markets became cheaper for imported
goods from the East. Thus, for both sections of the Republic, the Erie
canal was a vital means of untold wealth.
As a result of all this, vast armies of immigrants poured into this
valley fi"om New England and Europe; armies, that unlike former ones,
did not mean war. but the best there was in peace; not the overturn-
ing of old states, but the building up of the new ones. On they march-
ed to the West and Northwest, building up as they marched, great agri-
cultural communities whose farm products to-day are floating down
to the ocean upon the calm bosom of the Erie canal.
In these days, there is much talk of building a ship canal. Where
Avill the route lie? The Deep Waterways Commission has already de-
cided that it shall extend through the Mohawk valley.
This valley also permits the greatest four-track railroad in the world
to run through it, as well as the West Shore railroad. The advantaged
of tliese are too well known to be restated here.
I could not bring this essay to a close AA'ithout a brief but grateful
tribute to the noble heroes who in 1812, "61 and '98, went forth out of
this valley from homes of plentj^ and from their dear ones, to fight
and if necessary to die like men, in defense of their Republic. I can-
not state the exact number of these soldiers; but all must acknowledge
that no section of our land in proportion to its population, sent more
defenders to the front than the Mohawk valle5^
Such, then, is the relation; or rather are the relations of the Mohawk
valley to the making of the Republic- ^
THE MOHAWK VALLEY. 17!)
Lot llic novelist aiid the poet adiuirc il for iis unsiirpiisscd beauty;
let tlic ranucr dcliylil in its rcrtilc soil; Iml Id him who lovos all the
elements that have coiiihiiit'd to make secure unci to build uji lli«- Knilid-
ost Nation on tin- tace of the ^loite, revere the Mohawk valh'v for its
historic past.
TRYON COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
SECOND PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ROBERT EARI, CONTEST, WRITTEN BY
JAMES H. GREENE OF HERKIMER,
Read before the Herkimer County Historical Society, October 13, 1900.
In 1772, the Colonial Assembly, through the influence of Sir William
Johnson, passed an act partitioning what was then known as Albany
county into three parts, called respectively, Charlotte, Albany and
Tryon counties. The last named, which is to receive attention in this
paper, was named in honor of William Tryon, then governor of the
colony of New York.
The eastern boundary of Tryon county extended due north from a
point near the present site of Hoffman's Ferry on the Mohawk River,
to the St. Lawrence at the confluence of the St. Regis River. From
this point the boundary followed the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario to
the Oswego River, thence along the Oswego, Oneida Lake and Wood
Creek, along the eastern boundary of the Indian possessions to the
Delaware, and up the western branch of the Delaware in a north-
easterly direction to the starting point. This large tract included what
are now known as Montgomery, Fulton, Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Her-
kimer, Lewis, Jefferson, Oneida, Oswego and Otsego counties, as well
as parts of some others.
At the request of Colonel Schuyler, Sir William Johnson divided the
county into five districts, as follows: The first, or Mohawk district;
the second, or Stone Arabia district, afterward called the Palatine dis-
trict; the third, or Canajoharie district; the fourth, or Kingsland
district; the fifth, or German Flats district. The names of the last
two districts were soon after reversed.
We find the people of Tryon county taking their first active part in
the struggle against the crown on the 27th of August, 1774, about six
weeks after the sudden death of Sir William Johnson, the leading land
owner and chief promoter of the interests of the county. Their action
was the formation of a committee of safety, whose services to the
county will be considered in another part of this paper. Sfr John
TRYON COUNTY IN TIIK REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 18.1
,Ii»hiison had at lliis lime succeeded to his lather's estates, 'iiid the
county was in a \ery prosperous condilion. It owned a hue couit
house and Jail situated at .loliustowu, wliose const luct ion had born
provided for at tlie tiuu- of tlie or;;anizat ion of the county. Johnson
Hall, (he home of the Johnson fanuly, was also situated at Johnstown.
The Mohawk Uiver afforded ;i waterway through the county, and thi;
transportation facilities were incroasort i)y several roads.
The conditions which coidrouled the patriots in Tryon county were
very untavor;il)l(>. nH)re so. i»erhaps, than in any otlior section of the
colonics. The Tory clement w:is very strong, all the county otHcers
heinj;: servants of the crown and dependent upon it for their position
and income. Large numbers of Indians had their homes in the county,
and through tlie upright and generous dealing of Sir William Joluison
toward them. w(>re friendly to the Tories ratlier than to the patriots.
The sturdy patriot farmers, however, were not the men to be daunted
by such odds as these, and showed, when the time came for action,
that they had lost none of the steadfast courage that carried their an-
cestors through the years of persecution winch witnessed the destruc-
tion of their peaceful farms by the green banks of the Rhine.
The Tryon county committee of safety was composed of delegates
from each district of the county. At first the meetings were held sepa-
rately by the delegates from each district, but they afterward united
in a single committee. The first committee meeting of which there is
any record, was held by tlie I'alatine district, and although the other
districts of the county doubtless held similar meetings, w^e do not hear
of them until they united with the Palatine district to form the county
committee.
The members of the Palatine district met at the house of Adam
Loucks at Stone Arabia, on August 27, 1774. and a set of resolutions
was drawn up, in which the members decl.ared their allegiance to the
King, but protested against the unjust taxation of tlie people, express-
ing sympathy for the peoiile of P.oston. whose h.Trbor had been placed
under an einbargo, and declaring their intention to aid them by every
means in their power. The commiltee ,iiso expressed approval of the
formation of acontinental congress .-ind tli" election thereto of live dele-
gates from New York colony, and bound themselves to abidi^ by the
resolutions ])ass(>d by this congress. They appointed a standing com-
mittee of four. whi( h w.ns .afterwards increased to twelve, to join with
the committees of the other districts of Tryon county in conveying the
sentiments of the county to New York . In later meetings the I'alatine
committee communicated with that of Albany, informing them of their
Intention to form an association, similar to those in other parts of the
State, by requesting all sympathizers with the cause of the colonies
to sign their names to a docuiiuMit setting forth their sentiments. In
their letter to the Albany committee, thi' Palatine committee told of
the high-handed measures of the Tories in the county, and declared
1S2 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
their intention to be free or die. The inhabitants of the county were
advised to have notliing to do, in the way of trade or otherwise, with
persons refusing to sign the association.
On .June 2. 1775, a meeting was lield at the home of Warren Tygert
of Canajoharie district, at which every district in the county was rep-
resented, 43 members being present, among whom were Nicholas Her-
kimer. Cliristopher Yates and .John Marlott.
The most important business of this meeting was the preparation of
a letter to Colonel Guy .Johnson, who, on account of his position of
Indian superintendent, was looked upon as foremost among the up-
holders of the Tory cause in the county. In this letter the committee
defended their right to hold meetings for considering the dispute
between themselves and the mother country, saying that they had only
followed the example of others throughout the colonies. They also
made a statement of what they considered their rights and protested
against the oppressions which they had suffered at the hands of the
loyalists, among which they mentioned the disregard of the British
ministry for the petition of the continental congress. A committee
was appointed to deliver this letter to .Johnson.
In answering the letter of the committee. Colonel .Johnson said that,
however reasonable it might seem to the colonists that their petition
should be recognized, it appeared in a different light in a country where
no authority not established by constitution was allowed. He stated
that the King had said in his speech to Parliament that he was willing
to consider the grievances of the colonists whenever tliey should be
laid before him by their constitutional assemblies.
Although this letter appears .straightforward enougli at first sight,
the Colonel's dependence on the favor of the British governroent for
his position, seems in this case to have led him somewhat aside from
the plain statement of facts, for no offer to interfere in behalf of the
Americans by King George, is to be found in any historical record.
In defense of his course in fortifying his premises, Colonel .Johnson
said that he had been informed that a large body of men intended tak-
ing him prisoner.
The committee held meetings at frequent intervals during a period
of about six months. They appointed two delegates to serve In the
provincial congress at the request of that body. Christopher P. Yates
and Jolin Marlott were the ones selected. The furtlier services of the
committee consisted in assisting and regulating the attempts of the
people of the country to form the county militia, treatment with the
Indians with a view of preserving their neutrality, procuring ammu-
nition from Albany and Schenectady and settlement of disputes aris-
ing among the people.
Much more remains to be told of the services to Tryon county of this
committee, but these services are so intimately connected witb all the
affairs of the county, that it is impossible to give a complete account
Til YON COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 183
of tlioin lu'i'c witliodt ;i rallicr full ti-caliiiciil nf mattcis wliirli have
lif<'ii I'cscrvcd for trciitiiicnt umlcr aiKitln-i- licad.
II must luil lie sui)ii()sc(l tliat the 'I'ory iiilialiilaiits of 'I'l-yoii county
Axcrc less actixc than tlicir iici.^liliois in ii|ilinl(liiiii llifir sidi- of the
disinilc. Acluatcd by ihoIIncs ciiually poicnt, lli(iiii;h l<>ss SL'lf-forgetflll,
and doulitlcss. in sonu' cases, with an c(iual laitii in tin- riKlitcousiicss
ol their cause, ih<'y used evcr.y means in llieir power to further the
intorcsts of tiicir inoliicr country.
Tlu'lr action in upiioldinL; Ilicir own side of tlie controversy could
iiardly be condemned, were it not for the fact that their measures were
unfair and despotic . Men wliose jjositions at the head of affairs had
hceii jiiven them that they mii^ht furtlu'r the interests of the people.
tmncd tlieii' inlluence ajiaiiist the caus*; of liberty and used thoir posi-
tions as weapons against those whom they should liavo protected.
In Ai)ril, 17T."i. tlie Tories of the county drew up a declaration oppos-
ing the proceedings of the continental congress, wliicli was at that time
about to reassend)ie, and obtained the signatures of most of the grand
jurors and magistrates of the county . This action aroused the indig-
nation of the people, and many public meetings were called, and com-
mittees appointed in different ]iarts of tlie county, to express the loyalty
which was felt by the majority of the people for tlieir representaties
in Congress.
The first of these meetings was attended by 300 persons, all unarmed,
and an attempt was made to raise a lil)erty pole. Before this was ac-
complished, Sir John .Jolinson rode up, accompanied by Colonels Guy
.Tohnson, Clans and Butler. Sir .Tolin immediately liegan a speech to
the people in wlii<li he dwelt on the hopelessness of the cause of the
Wliigs, and finally l)ecaine abusive. His hearers bore with him for a
while, but at last Jacob Sammons interrupted tlie speaker, calling
him a villian and a liar. Jolmson seized Samnions by the throat and
returned tlie insult . In the scuffle that followed, Samnions was knock-
ed down with a iieavy whi]). He wished to continue the tiglit. but was
overpowered by nund)ers and severely beaten. When he was allowed
to rise he found that he liad been deserted by most of his friends. Saift-
mons was the first patriot to receive a wound in the war in Tryou
county.
One of the most energetic loyalists was Colonel Guy Johnson. TTis
position as Indian superintendent gave him a great influence over the
savages, and this infiiience he used to turn them against the patriots.
He did not accomplish his pin]tose by fair means, for the Indians were
inclined to be neutral, especially the Mohawks, who inhabited Tryon
county, and the colonists took every opi)ortunity of expressing tlieir
friendship for them, although they did not attempt to employ them
against the liritish. Colonel Johnson poisoned tl>o minds of his charges
with false rumors concerning the intentions of the colonists toward
them, saying that a massacre of the Indians had bt-en planned.
184 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Complaining that his councils with the Indians were interfered with',
Colonel Johnson removed to Canada and continued to influence the
Indians, directing their depredations and distributing large amounts
of money among them as rewards for their services. Many Tories,
however, still remained in the county and found an active leader in
Sir John Johnson, whose home was the principal place of meeting of
the tories.
These loyalists tried by every means which their ingenuity could
devise to shake the faith of the people in their county committee, pro-
nouncing its actions arbitrary and illegal and ridiculing it at every
opportunity.
The office of sheriff was at this time held by Alexander White, who
made himself very obnoxious to the provincials by his threats and
illegal arrests. He arrested John Fonda on account of a quarrel with
one of his servants, and placed him in jail, whence he was rescued by
a party of patriots, under the leadership of Sampson Sammons. 'Mie
county committee finally deposed White, and appointed John Frey in
his place. The feeling against White was so strong that he ^as caih-
pelled to leave the county, and was arrested while trying to escape to
Canada, and sent to jail in Albany. Bowen and Clement, the compan-
ions and guides of 'White, while on his way to Canada, returned to
their homes in Tryon county. They were arrested and araigned before
the county committee, who sentenced them to a term of imprisonment.
As it was know that Sir John Johnson claimed that the county jail
was his property, the prisoners were sent to AlbanJ', but were refused
admittance to the jail at that place and sent back to Tryon county.
The committee then sent a messenger to Sir John to -ascertain whether
he intended to allow the'- people to use the jail. He replied that per-
sons who were legally convicted might be imprisoned in the jail, but
as his father had paid £700 toward the expenses of building it.
he would consider it his property until that sum was paid him. The
piisoners were then sent to Johnstown, with the provision that if they
were refused admittance to the jail, they should be returned to the
committee.
After the flight of Colonel Guy Johnson, it was riniiored that Sir
John Johnson was preparing fortifications at Johnson Hall, to be gar-
risoned with 300 Indians. This rumor was reported to Congress and
General Schuyler was sent up the valley with a force of 700 men to
put a stop to any hostile preparations. The Indians were much con-
cerned at seeing so large a force entering the county, but a messenger
was sent to them, telling them that the purpose of the expedition was
not to make war but to presei-ve peace, and desiring them to inform
th6. tribes further up the river that no harm would be done tlu'in. The
Indians, however, were alarmed, and asked that the expedition be
postponed, offering to go to Sir John and ask him to be peaceable,
TRYON COUNTY IN THF. UKVOH'TIONAHY WAK. 185
;illh(Hi,i;li tlicy were in coiistiiiil l'c;ir lli;il :i pnrty was coiiiiiiK from
New Kii;;Iiiii(l to liiUc Sir .Iulm prisoner.
(Joiu-ral Sciuiylfr did not wait for tiic rctiirii of llic iiicsscn^icr itut
proceeded on liis mission. At Sciieiieetady tiic party was met hy a
depulation of Indians nnder a eliief called Little Alualiam. wlio ad-
dressed the General at f;reat length, sayinji tliat tln^ Indians had sent
a messenii'er with the i)i-o])osal that six men shonid he sent to inves-
tif;ate the affairs at Johnson Ilall, and had refi-ained from Kivinic the
other trihes General Schuyler's messajre until they should hear whether
their reipiest was acccMh'd to. Having' received no reply, and tinding
that the trooi»s were actually on the nnirch, the Indians had «h'cided
to meet them and come to an understandin}^ ahout their intentions.
Little Ahraham (h'sired General Schuyler to he prudent and take care
tliat no lilood was shed. lie said the Indians considei-ed themselves
mediators hetween tlie kinji's party and the patriots, and were desir-
ous that the path ni)on wliich tliey were travelinf,^ to which he referred
as tlie "path of peace," should l)e kept open, and undetiled hy tlie hlood
of either party. Further he declared that Sir .Tolm had assured them
tliat in the event of open hostility hv would not he the aggressor, but
if atacked, would defend himself ,and added that although Indians
Avere constantly going to and from Johnson Hall, they had ohserved
no preparations of a warlike character. The chief then asked for an
answer, saying that in spite of the advice of the sachems, the young
warriors were inclined to resist tlie approach of the trooi)s, and were
awaiting the answer that should he sent them.
General Schuyler answered the Indians, saying that he did not in-
tend to close the patli, but to keep it open, Init as the men in the county
A\ere likely at any time to be called upon to go to th(> aid of their
brothers in the East, it was necessary that no body of men should be
left who should i)e able to destroy the wives and children of the absent
soldiers. He then said that instead of going to Johnstown lie would
ask Sir John to jneet him at some point between Johnson llall and
Schenectady, to discuss the situation, thus preventing hostile action by
either party. The Indians assented to this proposition and s::id that
they would he present at the meeting.
A letter w^as accordingly sent to Sir John, stating the ol).iect of the
expedition, and asking him to meet them. The meeting took place IC
nnles above Schenectady. Terms were offered to Sir John and after
some objections, agreed to. Sir John gave his parole not to take up
arms against the Americaiis, and to remain in such p;irt of the coun-
try as Congress should designate. Sir .Fohn and the other Tories were
to give up all arms and presents for the Indians in their possession.
The Indians withdrew when they saw nnitters wer(> being settled peace-
ably and (buieral Schuyler left soon afterward, leaving Golonel Herki-
mer, who had joined him with the county militia, to make the conclud-
ing arrangements. Sir John did not cease his eftorts to incite tUe
186 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
Indians to hostility against the colonists, and at length, hearing that
restraint was to be put upon his actions, he fled to Canada, accom-
panied by some of his tenants. They suffered terril)ly in tlio wilder-
ness before reaching their destination. During the war Sir John com-
manded a regiment Ivuown as tlie Royal Greens, composed partly of
the Tories from Tryon county. The list of prominent Tories might be
continued to a much greater lengtli if space permitted. Among those
who will be remembered in this connection are Colonel John Butler and
his son. Walter, and Colonel Glaus, a brother-in-law of Sir John
Johnson.
There is one other, however, T\-ithout some account of whom any
article on Tryon county would be incomplete. I allude to Joseph Brant
or Thayendanegea, as he was called by the Indians. His parentage has
been much disputed, and though it has been claimed that he was a
half-breed, it is probable that he was a full-blooded Indian. In his
youth he was sent to school by Sir William Johnson, who afterwards
employed him to fight against the hostile tribes in the outlying coun-
try. Combining as he did tlie intuitive cunning of his savage ances-
tors, with the trained skill of his adopted neighbors, he became a most
dangerous and unscrupulous foe. He followed the example of his Tory
benefactors in fleeing to Canada and was given the leadership of large
numbers of Indians in the following campaign. Although it would
seem that a man capable of being a leader in the kind of warfare or
rather slaughter which was carried on by the Indians, must needs have
been totally lacking in all sentiments of humanity, yet many acts of
generosity and kindness have been credited to him. As he himself
said: "I do not war against women and children. I am sorry to say
that some engaged witla me in the service are more savage than the
Indians are." After the war Brant resided in Canada, near the head
of Lake Ontario, where he spent the remainder of his days in the
management of affairs pertaining to the Indian lands.
The Tryon county militia was organized on August 2(5. 1775. through
the action of tlie county committee. It consisted of four battalions
of from seven to nine companies each, every district being represented
by a battalion except the Kingsland and German P^lats districts, whose
soldiers were Included in a single battalion of nine companies. The
county committee, who cliose the officers of the militia, gave to Nicholas
Herkimer the position of colonel of the Canajoharie battalion, with the
title of "Chief colonel and commander for the county of Tryon." About
a year afterward, on the recommendation of the committee, the pro-
vincial congress gave Colonel Herkimer a commission as brigadier
general.
We linve seen what the people of Tryon county accomplished during
the early part of the war in pi-eparing for the invasion which they
knew was inevital)le, and Ave now approach the period which showed
that it was among the wilds and marshes of Tryon county no less
TUYON COUNTY IN THK REVOI.L'TIONARY WAR. 187
tllilll Mt tllc liislniic bridge, tli.lt "'I'lir iiiili.i 1 1 led iMfliHTS sliMxl ;i|irl tired
tlu' shot heard 'louiid tin- world."
The batfk'.s of ( »ri.sivaii.v !iii(l I'^ort Schuyler did for St. LcKor'.s i>xi»e-
detion wliat Saratojiu did for limj^-^oN lie's, and it was the Tryoii county
militia, under tli.it prcntost of the .Moliawk valley's heroes, fJeneral
Nieliolas llerl<inier, that stood in the path of the iii\adei-. ami made
impossilih' the meetiii;; of forces wliicli was to destroy American lilierty
forever.
St. Leger besan his invasion in the latter part of .Inly, 1777, witli
1.000 Indians under r>r.int, and 700 troops, including Johnson's Royal
Greens and Butler's Rangers, as well as some Gorman troops. Cross-
ing Gneida Lake, St. I.eger proceeded to the attack of Fort Schuyler.
Colonel (iansevoort. the conim.ander of the fort, had obstructed Wood
Creek with felled trees, fornung an obstacle which delayed the enemy
and gave the patriots time to prejiare feu- a seige. St. Leger arrived
on August 3, by which time the fort had been fully stored. St. Leger
was confident that the garrison of 750 men would surrender without
resistance, but received no reply to the insolent demand which he sent
to the fort.
Meanwhile the Mohawk valley was thrown into consternation at
the approaching invasion. General Herkimer called on the coimty
militia, and all others who were willing to volunteer, to meet at Fort
r>ayton, in the present town of Herkimer. Several regiments responded
and among the Aolunteers were most of the members of the county
committee. Gn August ath, the force encamped near Grisknny and
sent word to General Gansevoort that they were coming to his relief.
In order to divert the enemy's attention from the attack of the relieving
force, Colonel Gansevoort planned a sortie on the enemy, to be com-
manded by Colonel Willet. General Herkimer was informed of this
plan. The enemy, meanwhile, had been informed of General Herki-
mer's approach and sent out a detachment to meet him. (Jeneral Her-
kimer was compelled to advance .against his ow^n better .iudgment. by
the taunts of his own inferior officers, who accused him of cowardice.
His reply, "March on; a few hours will tell which are the brave," was
amply justified by later events. The column had proceeded but a few
miles, when the front and fiank guards (which, by the way, (Jeneral
Herkimer did not neglect to provide) were suddenly shot down, and
from the surrounding forests burst the savages, whose yells were the
signal for a general attack. The Indians were under the comm.and of
Brant. Early in the action General Herkimer's leg was shattered and
his horse killed by a bullet. He had his saddle placed against a tree,
and leaning against it he continued to direct the battle, smoking his
pipe as if there was no danger. The Americans hid iH'hind trees to
guard themselves from the Indians, and when a man had discharged
his gun, the sav;ig(>s would run up and tomahawk him. The com-
mander then ordered two men to a tree, and stopped that practice,
188 HERKIMER COUKTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Soon after, a leinforcement of Johnson's Greens came np, and, furious
at the sight of tliese Tryon county loyalists, the Americans rushed out
and engaged them in a hand to hand fight. Tlie battle was interrupted
by a storm, and an hour later was renewed. At length the sound of
guns was heard from the direction of the fort, and the British, seeing
they had been outwitted, fled and left the Americans victors.
Colonel Willett made his sortie from the fort with great success.
The enemy took to the woods with heavy loss in killed "and prisoners,
and Colonel Willett carried his .spoils into tlie fort by wagon loads.
When the enemy returned the siege was continued. An attempt was
made to intimidate Colonel Gansevoort, but he dismissed the messenger
Avith scorn. Sir John Johnson sent a messenger through Tryon county
threatening tlie inhabitants if they did not compel the surrender of
the fort. Colonel Willet and Major Stockwell set out from the fort and,
after great hardship, reached Fort Dayton. Thence they went to Al-
bany and met General Arnold, whom General Schuyler had sent with
a relief expedition. It was by none of these means, however, that the
siege was raised. Arnold having captured a half-witted lad named
Han Yost Schuyler, promised him his liberty if he would alarm St.
Leger's camp witii stories of the great numbers of the American relief
force. This lie readily assented to, and shooting his clothes full of
bullet lioles, he made his way to the camp, accompanied by an Oneida
Indian friendly to the Americans. When he arrived at the camp, he
said he had just escaped from the Americans, and when questioned
as to their number, he pointed to the leaves on tlie trees, as if to say
they could not be counted. He was taken before St. Leger, to whom
he unfolded a pitiful tale, giving an exaggerated account of the num-
ber of the Americans. Meanwhile the Oneida Indian went among
Brant's followers, telling of the great force that was coming against
them. Between them, Han Yost and the Indian created such a panic
that it was decided to abandon the siege, and both Tories and Indians
fled precipitati'ly. When the relief force arrived, they found the enemy
gone, and Colonel Gansevoort in possession of most of their luggage,
which they left behind. St. Leger fled northward and joined his forces
with those of Burgoyne, thus abandoning the plan for an organized
invasion of the Moliawk valley. Sir John Johnson and Colonel Butler,
liowever. were not willing to pass liy their former neighbors witlioul
paying them a visit, so they planned an invasion of tlie valley in com-
pany with the Indians whom they won to their side by large presents.
The Americans tried to win back the Indians, but failed, not being able
to give them such rewards as the British gave.
During the years between 1777 and the close of tlie war. Brant and
the Indians made the county the sc6ne of the most horrible atrocities.
Their principal nets were the destruction of the settlement of Cherry
Valley by fire and massacre of its inhabitants, and the burning Of
German Flats, now Herkimer. -^
TRYON COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 189
The county militia did not coaso to resist (lie iiivMsioii of tlicir Ikhucs.
IMicy went fi. 'Ill wMlunit t lioii.uhl c»r ;;;iiii or ^Im-y, Iml willi Ijill' in tin-
])i-iiu-ipl(> of the liberty and (Miuality ol' uiMiiUiiiil. Ii;iiili'<i. ;iii<l lil( il nml
died, uidi! victory crowned their efforts, nnd the ^;i;isp nt (lespoi ism w.-is
lorovor loosened fronj the land they loved.
WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
THIRD PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ROBERT EARL CONTEST, WRITTEN BY
M. LOUISE CHAPPLE, OF EITTLE FALLS,
Read before the Herkimer County Historical Society, November lo, 1900.
We can never fully realize the Immeasurable influence of the home,
and home sentiment, on the founding and preservation of our Republic.
The home — where the first impressions are received, the first lessons
of life are learned — there where "heart co-operates with mind and affec-
tions with reasoning power." and where character is moulded, whether
good or bad, by which our lives, the lives of others, and that of our
country is largely determined.
The home is the best of schools, and the results of its training are
unbounded; but over the home, teaching by example, encouraging by
ready sympathy, stimulating to good deeds by silent approval, and
instilling virtue in the hearts of those about her is the woman; and
the home is her kingdom, her monarchy, her own true sphere, where
slie may reign with undisputed authority; strengthening sons and hus-
bands to fight life's battles. Surely she may claim a share in the glory
of their victories.
We cannot comprehend the immensity of woman's influence in the
great struggle for liberty. It was the encouragement of the home
Avomen, which sent their brave men forth to war, impelling them to
great deeds, and that stirred up the less zealous ones to follow their
examples. .Tohn Adams in a letter to his wife remarks, "Upon exam-
ining the biography of illustrious men. you Avill generally find some
female about them in the relation of wife or mother, to whose instiga-
tion a great part of their merit is to be ascribed. I believe the two
Howes have not very great women for wives; if they had, we should
suffer more from their exertions than we do. A smart wife would liave
put Howe in possession of Philadelphia a long time ago." Thus .John
Adams acknowledges woman's influence.
It wa.s the women who encouraged those Avho came out boldly for
their struggling country, and who frowned down the indifferent ones.
THE WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 191
Even Itcfort' tlio wjir, tlic Wdiiu'ii, by tlicir coiivfrsMlidii mimI cxiiiiiid*',
nerved and |ii-e]>:ired Uii' lu-arts of the nn-n to eiidnre the cuniin^' trials;
and, w lien (lie lilaekness of desi)aii" setth'<l o^■eI• the land, and a'l seem-
ed lost, it was these faitlil'nl women, In eamp and al home, wlio eiieered
on and insjiired willi liope, tlie dlshe.i riened soldiei's. And when ail
was i)eaee a;;ain, woman's intliu'uce, so imi)ortanl a factor dminj; the
war, was eiiually imiioitaut after its elose. in restoriny to society all
the .yood of former times; and especially when tiie land liad Ueen
VhrouKh sucli a crisis. Everythint;- was cliaiiged — precedent of ranU
aholished, and "all men created eqiiall" With society in this rhan^'ed
state, oidy woman's tact could i)lace all classes on an amiealile stand-
in.i;-.
Comparatively little is known, howevei'. (d" women's lives in this
tryiu.u; timi' — women whose tireless zeal and noble acts helped to
estahlisli American Independence. This is dne lari;ely to the lack of
female education at that tim(>; an average jiirl's education consisted
chiefly in .1 thorouuh knowlediic^ of household duties, with just enonuh
reading and writiui; to enable her to say she "knew how."
Of course, many women were fcnnl of literar.v pursuits, and they
were considered highly accomplished. So only from the individual
instances of female heroism and endurance, can we understand the
patriotic spirit of the wonu'n in general. The women who worked for
our coUTitry, who gave their all — sons, husbands, property, and often
their lives, for the cause, who endvnvd liardshii)s uncomplainingly and
gloried in tlie name of "rebel" — these we must take as t.vpes of the
[{evolutionary women. They are the representatives of the class.
15ut in thinking of them, let us not forget the others, the thousands
who suffered in silence, and who worked for no reward, unknown
and noAv forgotten. Their sacritices gladly made, and gentle intliu'iice
all helped, for they carried out in practice the principles for wtncli the
patriots were fighting. They could not fight — a woman's i)art in troub-
lous tinu's is to passively Avatcli a course of events which c;in win for
her no fame; she can take but the part of a spectator.
Those women living near the scenes of battle and bloodsln-d fi)und
an outlet for their enthusiasm — they were offered chances of becom-
ing heroines. But there were other women, whose less showy heioism
was just as effective, whose unseen influence, exerted only over their
own families, was not without its effect on the nation's future. Their
quiet, unol)served intlnence sent waves of energy through the land,
strong and invigorating. And these (juiet women .-ire the umthers —
who kept American principles pure in their sons' hearts, .and when the
storm broke, sent them forth strengthened for the battle.
They received the richest reward for their sacrifices — the -sons in
whose hearts they had sown the first seeds of patriotism, they lived
to see become the strength of the nation I
Such a woman was the mother of George Washington, for the well-
192 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
known character of her son is the reflection of her own. All praise
be given this mother, who gave to lier country such a son!
These motliers "nursed the infancy of Freedom." How many re-
joiced in the thought that their sons whom they loved with the unfath-
omable love of a mother, and whom they had fired with their own
patriotic zeal, were willingly giving up their lives for freedom! And
in this they gloried!
This was the spirit of Elizabeth Martin, who, hearing the incessant
boom of the cannon at Charleston, and knowing her sons were there
with the army, could lift lier hands to Heaven and cry, "Thank God!
they are children of the Republic!"
This same spirit enabled the women of those stirring times to bear
griefs and insults that else would seem insupportable.
A British officer one day rode out of his way to tell Mrs. Martin of
the death of her son; he had seen him die a soldier's death at Augusta
and wished to gratify his hatred by the sight of a woman's grief.
Riding up to the house, he inquired of Mrs. Martin if she did not have
a son at Augusta. Being answered in the affirmative, a malicious joy
spread over his face, and eagerly watching for some sign of her agony,
he said: "Then I saw his brains blown out on the battlefield!" Crush-
ing as the shock must have been, and aggravated by his brutal pleasure
in telling it, the spirit of patriotism rose undaunted, and not a sign
of weakness did she show, as with a firm voice she answered: "He
could not have died in a nobler cause." The officer, much chagrined,
rode away — wondering!
Mrs. Martin's two daughters-in-law, wives of soldiers, did their part
in serving their country. One night, news came to their home that a
British courier carrying important messages, was to pass by the house.
These brave women determined to waylay the courier and his attend-
ant guard, and at the risk of their lives, obtain the dispatches. So,
armed and dressed in their husband's clothes, they left the house and
c.'ime to the highway; here tliey hid in the shrubbery and waited breath-
lessly. Soon they hear the sound of horse's feet — nearer and nearer,
until their hearts seem throbbing in their tliroats; now the horsemen
come in sight — the men's voices can distinctly be heard- — nearer and
nearer, until the unsuspecting guard is right at hand, when up the
women spring, i)resent arms and cry "Halt!" What though the gruff
voice sounds a little feigned — the guards, too startled to resist, give
u]i the papers, and are allowed to go on parole. The women, elated
with the success and free from danger, hurry home with the precious
dispatches for which they risked so much. Safe there, they lose no
time in sending them to American headqiiarters, and sit down to talk
it over.
The guard, on their return, stopped at the Martin house, where they
found the two women, now in their own clothing. The men, not rec-
ognizing their captors, told the story of their arrest. Needless to say,
THE WOMEN OF THE KEVOLUTIONARY WAR. 193
the liulics t'iij().\t'(l lii-iii-iii;,' it, and probably rallitd tln' disiunititcd
solilii'vs for tlu'ir la< k of intrepidity.
The States of .Xoiili and South Carolina arc noticealile for their many
Revolutionary heroines. These States were the scenes of much blood-
shed — in fact, a sort of f;ueril!a warfare was froinj? on there continu-
ally. Sumter. Marion and rickens— tlu' three wliose very names
struck terror to r.rilish hcaris— wci-e the j)rincipal leaders, and many
were the iiair-breadth escapes and thrilling incidents accompanying
tlieir raids.
The freiiueni and unexpected attacks of this partisan warfare gave
opportunities for a greater display of woman's heroism than was offer-
ed in other States.
It is such wild and stirring times that bring out the strength of
character which in times of peace avouUI have lain dormant and un-
not«'d.
We all know the story of Elizabeth Steele, how, on General Greene's
long and arduous retreat through the Carolinas, after the battle of
Cowpens, the retreat on whose issue the fate of the South was hang-
Hig, his over-burdened heart was cheered and comforted by the kind-
ness of this one woman. She had heard him say he was penniless.
She had seen his dejected face and rain-soaked clothes, and her kind
heart was touched. Going to him while he was at supper, she drew
from under her apron two bags of her own hard earned money, and
bade him take them, as he avouUI need them more than she did' And
even better than this timely aid, she gave him encouraging words and
kind sympathy, until his saddened heart was refreshed and comforted.
The General remembered to his dying day this good woman and her
willing sacrifice.
Needless to tell of Nancy Hart, a Georgia woman — "the honey of a
patriot, but the devil of a wife!"' as she was described by her Whig
neighbors. Poor Nancy! ignorant, cross-eyed and ungainly, she had
the heart of a patriot and was a dear lover of liberty and the 'iiberty
boys," as she called the Whigs.
In taking the five British soldiers as her prisoners, Naiu-y's crossed-
eyes were even of service to her! The soldiers, thoroughly frightened
at seeing this determined Amazon standing over them, a musket at
her shoulder, ready to tire at the least movement, could not tell at which
one she was looking and each imagined himself the object of her
terror-strikhig stare; they all surrendered without delay. Then Nancy
called her husband and the neighbors from the cane-break where they
had been hiding, and gave her prisoners up to them, offering the sug-
gestive hint that shooting was "too good for such." They were taken
out and hung just outside her gate; and safe to s;\y. Nancy gloried In
the thought that she had been the means of jiutting five more British
soldiers out of the world.
Jane Thomas was another prominent Carolina woman of this time.
13
194 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
One day while visiting her son and husband in prison, she overheard
the conv^ersation of some Tory women who were discussing a proposed
attack on Cedar Creek, arranged for the next night. She realized that
no time was to be lost, and leaving the prison immediately, she sad-
dled her horse and rode the sixty miles to Cedar Creek, arriving in an
exhauted condition, but in time to warn the Whigs. She then rode
back, rather more leisiu'ely than she had gone!
The loyalists, confidently advancing on the litle camp, fell into the
ambush prepared for them, and, though greatly superior in numbers,
were completely routed, and suffered a great loss.
The brave spirit j\frs. Thomas showed in defending the powder left
in her charge, may well be taken as an example of the spirit of many
Revolutionary dames, in defense of store for the suffering army.
A quantity of arms and ammunition had been left at Colonel
Thomas' house, for any emergency on the frontier which he was com-
manding. Word came that a large band of Tories were advancing
toward the house. But Mrs. Thomas had resolved to keep the arms
at any cost; so, taking her daughters, her son-in-law, and a small lad
who had worked on the farm, all with her to the upper story of the
bouse, they prepared for a defense.
The Tories riding up to the door, demanded admittance. Their call
was answered by a sharp fire from the upper windows. The British,
thinking a large force to be in possession of the house, and not know-
ing that a few women were loading the guns which but tAVo young men
were discharging so rapidly, withdrew as quickly as their wounds
would permit. The amunition saved was afterwards the principal
supply at the battles of Hanging Rock, and Rocky Mountain.
Many victories have been due largely to the amount of powder saved
by woman's wit and bravery.
How many women, botli North and South, did the British tempt to
use tlieir influence over their sons and husbands? The cunning Tories
realized what an unbounded influence the women possessed over the
soldiers, and they tried to use it for their own advantage. Ten^pting
bribes they offered. If the women could only get their husbands to
join the Loyal troops, a commission would surely be given them, and
relief sent to their suffering families! This may seem but a slight
temptation, to us, but then, when the Avomen Avere every day suffering
insult and abuse from British and Hessians, and their little ones AA^ere
starving, Avhen all seemed lost, the AA^hole land Avas disheartened, and
there was no hope of success, a roj'al commission and British protec-
tion meant peace and plenty!
But these stern dames never weakened. Quickly they gave the dis-
comfited officers to imderstand that they gloried in the name of "rebel,"
and that, to them, the rank of priA-ate in the good cause Avas more to
be preferred than commander of the oppressors^ entire army.
So Dorcas Rich.ardson, a Carolina avouiu n, thougli she and her children
THE WOMEN OF THE KEVOI.UTIONAUY WAR. lOrj
were sick from wmit ol lood, aiid had Ix'fii plundorcd uf aliuoKt all
their clutliiiii;, sent word to licr liusimiid in (he jiriiiy tiiat tlu- family
was well and liad an al)niidanci' of cncrythin;;'; fcarin;;', if lie should
be olTiTcd protection, jn'ovided lie joined the King's men, lie would .du
so, to .^i\'e I'eliel' to ills sni't'ei'ini; lannly. ' ""
A iiieat nnniliiM' of women devoted themselves to brightening Ihe
gloom of camp lift'. JOsi)ecially in tlie cold months, when the ai'niy
was in winter (juarters, did these helpful souls establish themselves
by their husband's sides, enlivening those about them, eneoui'aging and
cheering everyone. They bore ail the discomforts and jtrivations of
camp life uneom])lainingly ; the soldiers could not murnmr at the suf-
ferings which th(>se women bore without conii)laint.
Martha Washington was the best known of this class of wonu-n.
Few of her sex have been placed midst scenes so varied, but in war
and in peace, her gentle dignity, good sense and true heai't won for her
the love and respect of all. She was Washington's "best friend," as
he so often called her, liis counsellor and helpmeet. In the gloom of
nnsfortune she sustained him, and in better times, made his victories
the sweetei' by lier sympathy.
Leading a domestic life, she has left but little for a biographer; her
sacrifices were made .and tiials borne, not for the world's api^laufte.
Each year, as soon as the army was settled in winter quarters, Mrs.
Washington's coming was eagerly awaited and her arrival always
received a hearty welcome. She was at Valley Forge with the chief,
the winter of '77-'78 — that "time which tried men's souls!" Many an
old grey-haired soldier, long years after, has related some incident of
her benevolent kindness, that brought the tears to his dim eyes..
Her example was imitated by many of the officers' wives, bringing
hope and good spirits to the patriots, soothing the distress of sufferers,
and by their own patient submission to privations, shaming into silence
those most apt to complain.
The story of beautiful .Jane McCrea, whose sad fate aroused such a
storm of indignation against the British, may well be taken to illus-
trate the great intluence of the murder of an innocent woman, a victim
to political hatred.
Burke's gloAving description of the murder of this young woman,
made her name familiar throughout Europe, and popular indignation
ran high, that a civilized nation sliould employ such savage allies!
Thackeray says: "The murder of Jane McCrea did more harm to
the loyal cause than the loss of an army or of a battle." Certain it is,
that this murder, so uncalled for and ouira.gcous, contributed much to
the Whigs' success. Men hastened to the c;unp and soldiers eagerly
Wiiited for some chance to avenge her death.
Her pitiful story has been written again and again, in both poetry
a I'd prose. How, on the day which was to have been her wedding day.
she was cruelly murdered and scalped l»j the Indians whom her be-
196 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tro-AKsa tfed sent to escort her to Burgoyne's camp, where they were to
have been married. The savages probably looked on Miss McCrea as
a eaptlve; they could not have understood her relation to their em-
hloyer. Instead of returning with the lovely bride, they presented her
liorr.oF-strlcken lover with her bloody scalp. His agony cannot be im-
agined; the thought that she had fallen a victim to her trust in him.
W4s added to his sorrow; he did not long survive her, but died, a bro-
ken hearted man, pitied by all who knew his sad story.
Some one has said that Jane MeCrea seems to have been selected by
Providence as a sacrifice to rouse the drooping spirit of Liberty, in the
midsummer of '17. The influence of this sacrifice was unbounded, and
we can never know liow far that influence went toward winning the
decisive battle of Saratoga. By such single incidents might the fate
of a nation be decided I
In speaking of the women who suffered much in the great struggle
for American freedom, let us not omit those who endured the horrors
of pioneer life in our own wild Mohawk valley, when the wolf of hun-
ger stood at one door of the rude cabin, and the stealthy savage at the
other. Every farmer in these trying times liad some place of conceal-
ment for his family, where they could go for safety at the first alarm
of an Indian attack.
Our great-grandmothers have often told, how, at the cry of "to arms,
to arms," fathers caught up the musket and frightened mothers ran
Avith their little ones to the woods, the way often times lit up by burn-
ing homes and hay-stacks. While lying there concealed, what agonies
they must have suffered! Not knowing at wliat moment the child
might be snatched from her breast by some pitiless Indian; not know-
ing but that the next gun-shot might mean the death of her husband;
hoping against hope that her little home miglit be spared from tlie
flames!
Sometimes a whole family would be wiped out in an attack, as in
<:he-"pa8t of the Knouts family, of what Is now Freysbush. Brant —
the terror of every heart in the valley — with his Indians had been roam-
ing over tlie Canajoharle district, all through the August of 1780. One
party o.f them came to the Knouts' home. Tlie father was taken cap-
tive and soon afterwards liilled; Mrs. Knouts, who was in the garden,
hearhhg tli© screams of her children, entered just in time to see one
struck- down by an Indian's tomahawk ,and scalped. Because she
pleaded for mercy from this merciless foe, she and the three other child-
ren met the same fate. The house was then fired and she with the four
children about her were left on the door-step, probably as a warning to
the other settlers.
Such was the fate of many throughout the whole valley. Hard and,
comfortless as life M'as, at best, on the frontier, it was rendered doubly
so by the war. .^
For every scalp delivered at British headquarters, a price was paid,
THE WOMKN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WaU. 107
aiul lUJiiiy were the l)loo(ly tropliios broiifilit in by the Iiuliau Wiinlors.
That a (.'ivilized nation <()iil(l cinploy sncji means to gnln their end, in
almost beyond ln'iicf; but tlie unfortunate settlers found it only too
true.
Tlie Kentucky frontier also was not without its heroines — sorae, to
whom opportunities were offered, doiniy: noble deeds, and others lews
actively engaged, helping by their influence. All bore the tvthle and
dangers of such frontier life with fortitude and bravery.
The name of lOlizabetli Zane is inseparably connected with the his-
tory of the Kentucl<y frontier. This brave girl's heroism saved a fort
from capture. The Indians in large, numbers had been stortolnj tlie
litle fort all day. Its garrison of settlers liad defended it we'ti, but Uic
powder was almost gone, and without it they must soon sruru»nder..
There was a supply secreted in the Zane cabin, but men w5b«r:e few, and
tlie loss of one would be felt. During a lull in tlie hostilities, when the
men were discussing wliat ought to be done, Elizabeth Zane steppM
up to the conunander, and insisted tliat slie must go for the powder,
as tlie loss would not be felt. After much pleading, she was allowed
to go — the gates were opened and she ran out. The Indians did aotrnti^
her flying figure until she was coming back, the powder In her apron.
Providence seemed to ward off every whistling bullet, and the intrepid
girl reached the fort in safety, with the precious powder.
With such an act to inspire them, the little band could not fall; they
succeeded in keeping off the foe until assistance came, and they wero
safe.
Such incidents, the records of which are not a few, serve to show the
general spirit of the women at that time. From them we may judge
of the other women's lives, which, though not as eventful, were lived
in a spirit of loyalty to what they knew was right, and if needed, were
willingly, if not often gladly, given up to help on the good cause — some-
thing of the same spirit wliicli inspired tlie martyrs of old.
Almost every American woman liad her share of trouble in the Rev-
olutionary Avar, some, of course, more than others. It is useless to evfef?
try to give many individual instances of female heroism and endurance;
the few must stand as types of the many.
Those women wlio exerted a great influence over thei-r fellow coun-
trymen by their literary abilities, were helping greatly in their own
particular way.
Mercy Warren, well educated and talented, had a great InfltiCtnce
through her letters, on many prominent men of her day. He.r ftdVfee
was often sought on matters of state, and, when given, was Kiglily
appreciated.
Many women living near the coast visited the prison-ship.s — those
graves of living death — bringing humble comforts and cheering words
of hope to the suffering prisoners.
Some women melted and moulded into bullets their cherished pewter
198 HERKIMER COtTNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
dishes — -heirlooms lu the family, much of it brought over from the
old world, and kept, spotlessly bright, in the most conspicuous corner
of the house. _ It must have been a painful duty to these patriotic
women, melting this shining pewter, their greatest pride; but the sac-
rifice was willingly made — it was all they could do, and they did it.
Many of the farmers' wives, when they had sent their sons and hus-
))ands off, to the war, found the entire care of the farm fallen on their
shoulders. But they never shrank, going oftentimes into the field
themselves, and managing so well that, besides having enough to keep
their families from starvation, they could send some of their produce
to the nead'-by camps.
The PhHadelphia ladies were generally engaged In cutting bandages
and scraping lint to send to the wounded soldiers. Washington, appre-
ciating tliis work, writes to a committee for the relief of the soldiers:
'>* * ■*• nor can it (the army) fear its interests will be neglected
When espoused by advocates as powerful as they are amiable." Mrs.
R^ed, the wife of Governor Reed, was the leader in this charitable
work.
"Sbmfe" Vi'omen, living near the scene of military operations, would
take cooling^ drinks and bandages to the battle-field, where many a
sufferer's last moments were made easier by these angels of mercy,
and their death made sweeter by words of Christian comfort.
Others visited the camps where fever and pestilence raged, nursing
the sick and wounded , softening the hardships of sickness in camp, and
bringing something of a home atmosphere to the weary sufferers.
' In our day, when the trials and privations of such a war are un-
known, we cannot realize their sufferings, nor the imcomplaining way
in- -which they bore them; perhaps, were we, their descendants, placed
in a similar position, we might show the same strength of character,
the same patriotic spirit which sustained them — but excel them —
never!
They -have rightfully been called the "back-bone" of the Revolution;
but' for their effectual efforts and encouragement our Independence
would never have been won. Their home influence prepared and
strengthened the hearts of the men for the great struggle; their ready
sympathy and willing aid all through the war encouraged them, and,
when tranquil peace once more reigned o'er the land, their great good
sense, and their woman's tact, did as much toward starting and keep-
ing society in the right way, as did the lengthy councils and well laid
plans ^of Congress.
Let us give honor, then, where honor is due — not only to the bi"ave
men who won for us our freedom, but also to the brave women, those
freedom-loWng American dames, at whose inspiration the noblest deeds
were done!
RAILROADS IN HERKIMER COUNTY.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer Count)- Historical Society, November lo, 1900.
Tlie first railroad operated by steam put in practical and roijiilar use
for the carriage of passengers anywhere in the world was in England,
between Liverpool and Manchester. The opening of that road in 1829
caused a great sensation in England, and its successful operation gave
a gi-eat impetus to railroad building there and in this country.
Prior to the year 1848, all railroad companies in this State were
organized by Special Acts of the Legislature. But in that year a gen-
eral act for the formation of railroad corporations was passed, and
sirce that time such corporations in this State have been organized
under that act and the General Railroad act of 1S50, and their amend-
ments.
The first railroad company in this State was chartered by an act of
the Legislature in 182G. It was called the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad
Company, and was organized to build a road from Schenectady to
Albany, a distance of about 17 miles. Twelve miles of that road was
constructed by IcSoO, at which time there were only 3() miles of railrojul
in the United States, and 200 miles in the whole world, while now there
are about 192,000 miles in the United States, and 450,000 miles in the
whole world. The road was completed and fully opened for use in
1831, and the first locomotive for it was imported from England and
was called the "John Bull," weighing four tons. Now some locomo-
tives are used which weigh about '.»(i tons.
The first company created to build a railroad touching this county
was "The Black River Company," chartered by act of the Legislature.
April 171h, 1832, to build a railroad or canal from the Erie Canal at
Rome or Herkimer or at any intermediate point, to the St. Lawrence
River. There was some surveying done under that charter, but noth-
ing more.
The Utica & Schenectady Railroad Company was chartered by an act
of the Legislature in 1833, with a capital of two million dollars to build
200 HEBKTMER COrXTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
a road from Schenectady to Utica. Xathanial S. Benton of Little Falls
was one of the commissioners named in the act to receive and appor-
tion subscriptions to the stock. The company was authorized to use
animal or mechanical power, or any combination of them, and to cliarge
not to exceed four cents per mile for the carriage of passengers with
their ordinary baggage. For fear of injurious competition with the
Erie canal, it Avas not allowed to carry any freight, and that it might
not by the operation of its road inflict great loss upon the IMohawk
Turnpike Company, whose road extended from Utica to Sclienectady
through this county, it was required to purchase the stock of that com-
pany. It was provided, as it was in nearly all the early railroad char-
ters, that at the end of ten years and Avithin fifteen years, the State
should have the right to take the railroad by re-lmbursing the com-
pany for its expenditures. The charter required that one of the direc-
tors of the company should be selected from each of the counties
through whicli tlie road passed, and Mr. Benton was the director taken
from tills county, and he continiied a director until 1853. Books for
subscriptions to the stock were immediately opened, and subscriptioas
were made throughout the Mohawk valley. The stock was largely
over subscribed, and was apportioned pro rata among the subscribers
by the commissioners named for that purpose in the act. The construc-
tion of the road was commenced in 1833. and it was completed and
opened for use through to Utica by August 1, 1836, when the first pas-
senger train passed over tlie road on tliat day from Schenectady to
Utica. There were great demonstrations all along the route, people
gathering from long distances to see the train. The road with its
equipment had cost less than the amount of its capital stock. In 1837,
by an act of tlie Legislature, the road was authorized to carry any arti-
cles of property belonging to an owner, who was a passenger on the
same train. But so careful was the legislature to guard against any
competition with the Erie Canal that it required such property to be
caiTied without any charge. This condition remained until 1844, when
an act was passed authorizing tlie road to carry freight for compensa-
tion, during the suspension of navigation upon the Erie canal, but
requiring the company to pay to tlie State the same tolls that were
chargeable for tlie transportation of similar property upon the canal.
And so the law remained until 1851, when by an act of the legislature
all railroads were allowed to carry freight without the payment of any
tolls to the State.
Between 18.3G and 1853, railroads had been built by various railroad
companies to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and under an act of the Legis-
lature, passed Api*il 2d, of the latter year, all those companies were
authorized to consolidate ; and they were consolidated in May of that
year, under the name of the New York Central Railroad Company,
which was limited by the consolidation act to a fare of not exceeding
two cents per mile for the carriage of passengers. Among the com-
RAILROADS IN HKRKIMKR COUNTY. 201
panics tlnis consolidated, was '"Tljo Mohawiv \allcy Uailioad C!onipa-
ny," orj;anizod to iiuild a laiiraod iii,iiiil\ oii tlic soutli side of tli*-
Molia\vl< Uixcr I'mni Mica to Scliencctady. Among its directors were
InMiJaniin ("arvci- of Moliawic and Kliplialct Kcniiii^Mon of Ilioii; and
anionic tlic prime movers in tlie orj,'ani/.ati(in of tlie company was Gen-
eral F. E. Spinner of Mohawk. Among the original sul)scril)er8 to the
stock of the company who signed the Articles of Association were
E. Remington of I lion, and tlie following citizens of Mohawk: F. E.
Spinner, B. Carver, L. L. Merry, lOlias Koot, J. F. Brown, Ezekicl Spen-
cer, Cornelins Devendorf, M. Shoemaker, .Tolin Bellinger, R. IT. I'om-
eroy, and Chauncey Johnson. The road was surveyed ajul mapp«'d and
estimates of its costs were ma(h', but no other work toward its con-
strnction was done . James A. Gray of this village, long since deceased,
and David D. Spencer, now of Mohawk, were engaged as engineers
on tlie snrvey of the road. The stockholders of that road had paid
upon their stoek but ten per cent., and yet they were taken into the
consolidation on a footing of equality with the stockholders of the
Utica & Schenecta<ly Railroad Company, to-wit: At the rate of ?155
for each share of $!()(), they being required, however, to pay the balance
of 90 per cent, unpaid for their stock; and thus the enterprising men who
organized that company realized large gains. The New York Central
was capitalized at $22,858,000, with some outstanding bonds convert-
ible into stock, which when converted brought the capital stock to
$23,085,000. In J8tJ9, by an act of the Legislature, the New York
Central was consolidated with the Hudson River Railroad Company,
and the consolidated company has since been known as the New York
Central & Hudson River Railroad Company; and in 1874, the number
of tracks on the road were increased to four and it is now the only
four track railroad for any considerable distance in this country, and
so far as I know in the world. The capital stock of the company is
now one hundred million dollars.
For many years after 1880, repeated efforts were made to penetrate
the Adirondack region with canals or railroads and to connect the St.
Lawrence River with the Mohawk valley. Those efforts seem to have
been made by men who had no ade(iuate knowledge of tin* difliculties
to be surmounted and hence their schemes were generally imprac-
ticable and aliortive. It is only in recent j'ears, that with better knowl-
edge and more ample means the early schemes which were then little
more than dreams, have been carried to practical success.
In 1834, an act was passed, "To Incorporate the Manlieim & Salis-
bury Railroad Company," to build a railroad from the I'tica and Sche-
nectady Railroad, betu'een Little Falls and the East Canada Creek, to
Nicholsville, since called Deverau.x. in the town of Salisbury. Jeremiah
Drake, D. B. Winton and Andrew A. Fink and their associates were
made a body corporate with a capital stock of $75,000. Jeremiah
Drake, D. B. Winton, Jacob I'owell, Gideon Snell, Luther Pardee,
20S HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Andrew A. Fink, and E. P. Hurlburt, were named in the act as com-
missioners to receive and apportion subscriptions to the stocli. In 1836,
the capital stock ot the company was by an act of the Legislature
increased to three hundred thousand dollars, and the time for the
commencement and completion of the road was extended. By that
act, also, the company Avas authorized to connect its road with the
Erie canal, between the points named in the first act, and to extend
the road through the town of Stratford, Fulton county, to the westerly
branch of the Sacandaga River, and also from Nicholsville, up the East
Canada Creek to Morehouse Lake, In the town of Morehouse, Hamilton
county. It was also authorized to construct navigable communication
by means of canals, locks, dams and other works from the terminus
of the i-oad through Piseco Lake and Lake Pleasant, to the outlet of
Lake Pleasant, in the county of Hamilton, and to use the natural
channel of any lakes, ponds or streams on the route; and it was
authorized to charge tolls and to appoint collectors for that purpose.
A good deal of surveying was done upon the line of this projected
road, but nothing more toward the completion thereof. In 1837, the
name of this road Avas by an act of the Legislature changed to the
Mohawk & St. Lawrence Railroad Sz. Navigation Company, and the cap-
ital stock was further increased to one million dollars, with liljerty to
increase It to one million five hundred thousand dollars. By that act
it was authorized to continue its road from Nicholsville to Piseco Lake
and thence to the southern end of the lake connected with Long Lake;
also to construct a canal and slack water navigation from the end of
the lake connected with Long Lake through and along Long Lake and
the waters connecting with the same to the outlet of Long Lake; thence
down the Raquette River, including Tupper's Lake, to the High Falls
in that river in the county of St. Lawrence; and from thence by rail-
road or canal and slack water navigation to the River St. Lawrence.
Henry Fine. Gouverneur Ogden, Andrew K. Morehouse, Henry Dever-
eaux and Ezra Thompson were associattd with the commissioners
named in the prior act. The routes named in these acts were clearly
impracticable, and nothing was done under either act lint some sur-
veying.
In ]s;)(;, an act was passed, "to provide for the Construction of a
Railroad from Herkimer to Trenton," with a capital stock of !f200,000;
and the following persons -were named in the act as commissioners to
' receive subscriptions for stock and to distribute the same among the
subscribers: Frederick P. Bellinger, Charles Gray, Francis E. Spin-
ner, Watts Sherman, Gideon M. Davidson, Daniel Jackson, James Free-
man, Standish Barry, Henry Waterman, John Graves, Michael Moore,
Jr., Luther Giteau and John Billings. In 1837, by a legislative act the
time for the comminencement of the construction of the road was
extended to January 1, 3838; and in 1839, another act provided that
the road should be commenced within three years arnd completed Avithia
RAILROADS IN HERKIMER roUNTY. 203
six yoiirs. Soon after the passage of tlio first act tlic pcrsfdis iiitcr-
(•st(Ml in this projected rt)ad took measures looUiiij; to its construction.
Conunittees were ai>])oint('<l alon;,^ tlic rotile to estiniate and report on
tlie amount <>\' Iravcl and trallir tliat niiylit Ijc exi>ectt'd for tiie road,
and to raise nioncy {<> pay for surveying tlie route. I have before me
tlie repi'it made 1>y a conunittee at Trenton, wiiicii was sent to Charles
(Jray. of tiiis village. It is dated \ovend)er KUli, l.s;',(;. and is signecl
by .folin Hillings. Harlow llawley. Alexander Frasier and M. Moore,
Jr.. as a committee. They say in their report that tliey were apixiinted
a committee "To report their opinion of the amount of travel and al.so
the amount of produce, merchandise, etc., etc., which would he con-
veyed and transported upon the contenii)lated r.-iilroad from the Erie
canal, near the village of Herkimer," to Trenton. They reported tliat
the number of visitors to Trenton Falls during the season then past
from Utic-a and T>ittle Falls was 4,490, and they concluded that with
the increased facilities of travel furnished by the railroad, the visitors
would not fall short of 8.080 annually; that at four cents per mile each
way for 22 miles this would bring to the railroad .'^1.5,804. SO; and they
estimated that otlu>r travel would bring this sum up to $20,732.80.
They estimated that there would be 1,280 tons of freight over the road
north to Trenton, at $2 per ton; and that there would be 2,r)00 tons of
freight south from Trenton, at $1.25 per ton, bringing the sum total
for passengers and freight up to ii>2(!,417.80, besides the travel and
traffic to and from intermediate stations; and they reported that $70
would be contributed at that end of the route toward the expenses of
surveying. Subseiiuently, Timoth.v 15. .Tervis. a brother of the cele-
brated engineer, John B. Jervis, was employed as the engineer to
survey the route and make estimates of the cost of construction, and
he made liis report February 1, 1837. by which it apiiears that the
survey commenced at tlie Erie canal, between this village and Mohawk,
and that the line went through Main street in this village, then up the
west side of the West Canada Creek to Middleville. where it erossetl
the creek, and then went on the east side of the creek through New-
port and Poland, to the Russia and Trenton bridge, Avliere it crossed
the creek to the west side and thence to the village of Trenton. The
whole length of tlie line surveyed was 2().00 miles and the whole ascent
from the surface of the Erie canal was 388 feet. The grade was pro-
nounced very satisfactory, as the average ascent per mile was only
14.42 feet and he estimated the entire cost of construction at $175.-
151.92. He concluded his report as follows: "Permit me to state that
the fertility of the valley of the West Canada Creek and the almost
unlimited extent of water power and the facility of using the same
which it presents, together with the increased means of access to the
beautiful and romantic scenery of the proposed railroad would otTer.
present inducements for investment in the stock of your road which
should not and doubtless will not -be overlooked by capitalists." Aside
204 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
from the survesing and estimates, no work was done upon the road,
and the project for a raih'oad from Herkimer north was to sleep for
many years yet.
In 1837, a company was chartered to build a railroad from Trenton
to Sacketts Harbor, and Arphaxed Loomis of Little Falls was one of
the commissioners to receive and distribnte subscriptions to the stock;
and thus by these two roads — from Herkimer to Trenton and from
Trenton to Sacketts Harbor — there was expected to be a continuous
line from Herkimer to Sacketts Harbor.
In 1S4G, a company was chartered by an act of the Legislature "To
provide for the Construction of a Railroad and Slack Water Naviga-
tion from or near Port Kent on Lake Champlain to Boonville," upon
the following route: From Port Kent, in Essex county, to some point
on the Saranac River: thence by river, canal and lake navigation
through Saranac River, Raquette RiA^er, Long Lake, Crochet and
Raquette Lakes, also the Moose Lakes to some point on the Moose
River; from thence by railroad to the Black River Canal at Boonville.
A portion of this road, if constructed, would have passed through the
extreme northern part of tliis county. Tlae route was wholly imprac-
tical)le and nothing was done toward the construction of the road.
The Sacketts Harbor and Saratoga Railroad Company was chartered
by an act of the Legislature, in 1848, to build a railroad from Sacketts
Harbor to Saratoga Springs, passing through the northern part of this
county. By the act of the Legislature, it was authorized to buy from
the State at five cents per acre 250,000 acres of land lying along tlie
route of its road in the counties of Hamilton and Herkimer. It sur-
veyed the route, did some grading thereon, but never completed the
road. It, nevertheless, obtained the land, which Avas probably the main
object of its organization.
In the latter part of 1852, there was some agitation and discussion
in the counties lying between Boonville, Oneida coimty, and French
Creek, now called Clayton, on the St. Lawrence River, on the subject
of a raih'oad from the latter place to connect witli the railroad and
Erie canal in the Mohawk vallej-; and the terminus of such road at
Herkimer seems to have been very generally favored. The agitation
resulted in a call numerously signed for a public meeting at the Bost-
. wick House in Lowville. January 8th, 1853. The call was signed by
thirty-eight persons residing in tlae counties of .Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida
and Herkimer. The names signed to the call from this county were
Oenei'al Charles Gray and .Pudge Ezra Graves, of this village; Jere-
miah Coi-y, of Middleville; J. H. Brown and William Benchley, of
NcAvport. Tlie call was printed in the form of large posters and they
were circulated in the four counties; and the purpose of the meeting
was stated to be, "For the purpose of taking such preparatory meas-
ures as shall be deemed expedient to secure the immediate commence-
ment of the Avork. We hope to haf e a generrtT representation from
RAILROADS IN IIEUKIMEK COUNTY. 205
lIcrkiiiKT to French Crci-U. Scxcral spciikcrs will Mildi'css llic iin'i't-
in.u." ( >n the day iijiiiumI. .laiiuary stli, (Jciicnil di-ay :\\\i\ I went to
Ii(pw\ill(' Id allciid lliis meet iiii;'. We wmiI liy rail in Kuiin' aiid llicii
on a very cold day we drove in a rutter from that point to Louviiie.
'Pile meeting was i»re.si(h'<l over l)\' .Mr. I'.ostwieic. Several sjieeehes
were made and the nieetint;' was »inite entlmsiast ie. 'i'liere wei'e no
persons present from Kome oi- I'tiea at that meetiim', and no mi liom
llerl<imer connty l»nt (Jeneral (Ii'ay and myself. 'IMic resnlt of the
meeting was a call of anotlu-r iiieetiniL;' at Uoonville, on the 2i;th of .Ian-
nary, at the llnrlburt House; and a <-all for that mi'eting- was adver-
tised 1).\' jiosters nnnuTously si.niH'd. The nann-s of the followin.L; per-
st)ns from this eoindy were attached to the call: (leiieral <;ray, .Indgo
Graves, Peter Countryman, Fi'ederick 1'. Bellinger, and Robert Earl
of the town of Herkimer; and William S. l?enchley, Varnum K. Ken-
yon, David Ford, Jacob Howe, Robert lleJmer, Richard Herrendeen,
J. H. Wooster, Jeremiah Cory and Orrin Brown, citizens of the county
living north of Herkimer. rrei)aratory to the ]?oonville meeting and
for the purpose of arousing interest in the i)roi)osed railroad along tlie
route thereof in this county, posters were printed and circulated call-
ing a meeting at the Benchley Hotel in Newport on the 22nd day of
January. There were over 100 names signed to the call. Those from
this village were as follows: James Hoffman, General Gray, Judge
Graves, F. V. Bellinger, S. W. Stimson, W. Caswell, J. I). Spiniu'r, H.
H. Morgan, H. Huyck. C. C. Bellinger, E. Taylor, J. G. I'.nrrill, S.
Barry. J. H. Rasbach. H. Doolittle, William Smith, C. A. Burton, J.
Spooner, II. Cas^vell, W. A. Caswell, C. Spinner, E. A. Munson, P. S.
P'.ellinger. A. Snell, C. C. Witherstine, Wni. Howell, Jr., E. C. Clelaml,
I. Quackenbush, P>yron T>atlin, I). P]lwood and Alexander Hall. I believe
all the nunu'rous persons from tliis and other places who signed that
call are now dead except David H. Rasbach, who now lives at Canas-
tota ; J. G. Burrill and myself, and possibly Byron Latiin. of whom I
have not heard in many years. That meeting was held and the result
of it was favorable to the construction of the road, and as many per-
sons as could go were urged to attend the Boonville meeting. Before
the Boonville meeting, oh J.anuary 22nd, a meeting was also held at
Rome, attended by the leading citizens of that ])lace, to ])romote the
construction of the road to that place. That nu'eting was i)resided over
by Edward Huntington and was addressed l)y Hon. Henr.v A. Foster
and others. Articles of association for a railroad from French Creek
to Rome were there drawn uii, and committees were ;ippoii.'ted to
attend the Boonville meeting, of wlii<h sm-h well known citizens as Fos-
ter. Beach, Armstrong, Boardm.an, and Spriggs were mmnbers. The
citizens of Ftica also woke up to the enter])rise and m.ade arrange-
ments to be represented at the l*>oonvill(» nn-eting by some of their
leading citizens. The day of the Boonville meeting. Jamiary 2(;th. was
very stormy and cold. General Gray, Harvey Doolittle, S;imuel Earl.
206 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Robert Earl and others from Herkimer, General Spinner and R. H.
Pomeroy of ^Nloliawk, and some from Little Falls, drove in sleiglis to
Boouville and so did many others from the northern towns of this
county. The meeting was numerously attended by ijeople from this
county, from Boouville and its vicinity; from Lewis and Jefferson
counties, and from Rome and Utica. It was organized in a church,
whicli was densely crowded. E. N. Merriam, of Boouville, called the
meeting to order and on his nomination, Henry Graves of that place
was chosen chairman; and among the vice-presidents were Jeremiah
Corey and Henry Waterman of this county, and Harvey Doolittle of
this village was one of the secretaries. On motion of Robert Earl, the
call for the meeting was read, and then he moved that a committee of
five from each of the counties along the route of the proposed road be
appointed to organize a company to construct "a road from French
Creek to Herkimer, and to nominate directors." This resolution be-
came the storm center and at once encountered the vigorous opposi-
tion of the friends of the Rome and .Utica routes, and from that time
forward the proceedings of the meeting were of the most lively and
tumultuous character. Judge Foster made a vigorous speech in favor
of the Rome terminus. John Butterfleld and Spencer Kellogg, of Utica,
spoke for the Utica terminus. Those speakers were answered by John
H. Wooster, of Newport, and by Judge George W. Smith, our honored
townsman, then of Boouville, in favor of the Herkimer route. The
speeches of Mr. Wooster and Judge Smith were very able and eloquent
and aroused much enthusiasm. The following is a description of Judge
Smith's speech and its effect as I find it in the Rome Sentinel of Janu-
ary 28th: "George W. Smith, of Boouville, having obtained a stand-
ing on the top of a pew, made a speech full of zeal and rhetoric in
behalf of the Herkimer terminus, quoting classic Greek against the
Romans, and denouncing them as hypocritical in their friendship for
the road, and expressing a very poor opinion of the 'barren moor' be-
tween Boouville and Rome as a route for a railroad. The meeting here
degenerated into a row and it was a long time before the president
even could make himself heard, the friends of the Herkimer route sur-
rounding him and insisting that he should put the question at once."
After several amendments were A'oted down the Sentinel continues:
'•With the noise like the roar of many waters and the audience stand-
ing on the tops of the pews of the church, the chair put the question
on Mr. Earl's resolution, which Avas carried with a yell, and then the
president, without any motion or vote to that effect, declared the meet-
ing adjourned to 7 o'clock." At the evening session the president an-
nounced the committee under the resolution, and the five members of
the committee from this county were, Robert Earl, Herkimer; Francis
E. Spinner. Mohawk ; Stewart Perry, NeAvport; Jefferson Tillinghast,
Norway; F. W. Stanton, Russia., anrl then the meeting adjourned until
the next day at a. m. In the meantime the committee held a meet-
RAILUOADS IN HERKIMER COUNTY. 207
iiig and KobtTt JOarl pn-iiaivU and siilnniltfd lo tlirin ;i drMl't of arti-
cles of association for llic road to Ilcrkiiiici', and to tin' lOiic iMnai at
Mt)lia\\U. wliicli were aduptcd. 'I'lir li'iii:lli of tlic rontc wiis stated
to be out' Imndrrd and twenty miles an! IIh- (Mpit.ii stocl< w.is fixed
at $1.20(1.0(1(1; ;ind tliii'tceii dir('et()rs were named, aniom;- wiiom were
I'en.janiin ("arver t)f .Moliawiv, :iml nai'\'e;v I>ooliitle, of Ilei-jcimer. A
nn>(ion was made to adopt the report and tiien these proeeedinu:s t(H)k
jilace iiecoi-dini;' to the IJome Seiitintl: ".Messrs. Sjieneer and r.ultei--
lichl arose to address the meetin.t;. hid were put down l>.v cries of "(tues-
tion.' Air. Pooper of TJtica moved to amend the icixtrt hy iiisertini;
the names of Spencer Kello.iiy and .lolm lUitterlield of Ftiea .-is addi-
tional directors. Hut he was greeted with noise and coid'tision. II. 1).
l*'alluH'r of Boonville, rennnded tlie meeling of tlie jtronnse to hear
gentlemen from Utica, after the report was read. lUit lu' was also met
with cries of 'question.' Mr. Eastoii of Lowville mov<'d to adjourn
until two o'clock, but the chairman ruled out of order all motions and
amendments after the motion to a(h)id the report of thi' conmdttee;
and the (luestion being pressed on the report of the connnittee. it was
adopted." The picture of the Sentinel is probably sonu'what over-
drawn and it may be said, in palliation at least of the vigorous ( ondnct
of the friends of the Herkimer teianinus. that they regarded the meeting
as called to organize a company to build a raili-oad from Fi'cnch Creek
to Herkimer, and tliat they looked upon the men from Home and TUica
as interlopers. After the adoption of tlie report, tlie meeting a(l.journed
and the people from Mohawk and Herkimer and the valley of the West
Canada Creek returned to tlieii' homes in a state of great satisfaction
witli their work. Companies were at once organized to build roads to
lionie and Utica; and it soon became evident that it would be difficult
if not impossible for Herkimer to compete with those points. The peo-
ple north of Boonville very soon came generally to favi>i- one oi- the
other of those places for the terminus of the road. 'J'he ])eoiile all along
the route engaged in earnest and sometimes heated discussions over
the route of the road; and the Rome Sentinel, the Observer and Herald
of Utica, and the Herkimer Democrat, then edited by Robert K-\v\. took
active parts in the discussion. Soon a committee of 4d jx'rsons liviim
l)etween Boonville and the terminus of tlie road at French Ci'eek was
appointed to act for the jieople living ;il(*ng that portion of tlu' route,
to determine which terminus they should favor; and they ma(h' a
thorough investigation. They asked the people favoring Rome, Utica
and Herkimer respectively to submit pledges of the amounts they
would raise for the construction of the road. Finally, in Miirch, the
Romans pledged good privat(> subscriptions for .>?;}00,000 and the sub-
scription by the village for ^loO.OOO. i:tica pledged, including a city
subscription of $2r)(),000. $(>riO,UOO: and then the committee •ame to
Herkimer and here they met a number of people interested in the
terminus here. In their report they stated that "through the polite at-
208 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tention of Messrs. Wooster, Carver, Earl, Perry, Root, Spinner and
otliers, the information sought by your committee at this point was
readily procured." At a previous meeting of citizens of Hei'lvimer,
Molunvlv, P^iirfield, Newport and Norway, on the IGth of March, a
formal pledge was made of subscriptions for $500,000 of tlie stock of
a road with its terminus here by persons living soutli of Boonville.
After receiving these pledges and investigating the advantages of tlie
several termini, the committee of 46 attempted to settle the matter of
a terminus. The higlaest number of votes Herldmer received Avas 11,
and the balance were about equally divided between Rome and Utica.
On the final ballot taken by the committee, Rome got 23 votes, Utica 22
and Herkimer 1; and as there was not a majority of the committee for
either terminus, tlie committee adjourned without making a selection.
Meetings were held along the route in this county and between $2(X),-
000 and $300,000, of the stock was subscribed. But Utica and Rome,
with tlieir superior resources and some natural advantages pushed
forward their several projects and soon turned most of the people along
the route in the northern counties against Herkimer as a terminus; and
the friends of this route in this county, foreseeing disaster if they enter-
ed upon the construction of the road, discontinued their efforts and
abandoned their organization, and tlius saved their money. The
Romans entered upon the construction of tlie road to that point and
after spending about $500,000. failed and abandoned the enterprise and
lost all the money they thus expended. Utica with its superior
resources pushed the Black River road to completion. But the stock-
holders lost all their stock, as a mortgage on the road for the benefit
of bondholders was foreclosed and tlie road sold. But Utica got tlie
road, which is now operated to its great advantage by the New York
Central under a lease.
The Utica, Chenango & Susquehanna Valley Railroad Company was
organized in January, 1806, to build a railroad from Utica to Bingham-
ton, and a branch from Cassville in Oneida county, passing through the
towns of Winfield and Columbia, in this county, to Richfield Springs.
Richfield issued bonds in aid of the road for $100,000; Columbia for
$40,000, and Winfield for $75.0(M;). Work was commenced on the Rich-
field branch near Cassville, in 18(;!), and it was opened for use in May
or June, 1870. The whole road was leased to the Lackawanna &
Western Railroad Company in April, 1870, and it has since been oper-
ated by that road.
In 1870, the New York. Utica .S: Ogdensburg Railroad Company was
organized to build a railroad which with connecting roads would ex-
tend fioni New York to the St. liawrence River. The road in this
county was finally expected to be built south of the Mohawk River to
the village of Mohawk, and thence through the village of Herkimer,
up the West Canada Creek valley and by means of connecting routes,
to the St. Lawrence River at Ogdensburg. The claims and advantages
RAILROADS IN IIEHKIMER COUNTY. 209
of this road wen- alily prcsciitcd to llu' citiy.ciis of this comity iiy Mr.
('uiiiiniii,i;s, at inihiic iiicctiii.^s licld in various (owns; and h-mr tiie
road canic to lie known as (lie ■'('nniminiAS I'oad." Several of the towns
in this fouiity ah^ni; llie roiile of the proposed road were iiidm-ed to
taki' proceedings to issue town lionds in aid of the coiistnictioii of the
i(»ad. as folh>ws: Starl<, ifr.d.oiMi; tattle Falls, ^^(MMMJU; (Jermaii Flats,
."flCO.tind: llcriunier, .$(iu,(i(i(i; l''airliei(l, .^oU.OtJO; Newport, $0fi,()O(i; Nor-
way, ."*;•_*(), (i(K); Ivussia, $.'!(i,(Mi(i. The town of Gerinah Flats issued and
delivi'red to the railroad conii>any .^."'J.OOO of its bonds, dated .Tanuaiy
1st. 1S71. which are still outstaiidiuy, drawing 7 per cent, interest, 'i'iie
company did some .liradin.n uixui the route of its road in the town of
(Jerm.in I'lals up the I'^ulmei' Creek valley and also a small amount,
iuNolvin.i; an expenditure of aI)out -l^riU, at iMidtileville; and so far as I
can learn it did no oth(>r work ujton its route and the enterprise was
ah.andoncd. The other towns which agn-ed to issue bonds in aid of
the ro:id did so upon conditions not complied with, and hence they with-
held their bonds .ind thus escaped being swindled by wluit appears to
have l)e(>n a chimerical if not in large measure a swindling scheme.-
And so again the project of a railroad up the West Canada Creek val-
ley failed.
Ill 18?;^ or 1.S74, the I'.oston \- Ontario Railroad Company was organ-
ized by lioston capitalists to l)uild a railroad from Boston to Oswego
via tlie Iloosac Tunnel, crossing the Hudson River at Johnsonville,
passing through ISallston, Jolnistown, entering this county at Ennnons-
burg, passing through vSalisbury Center, north of Salisbury Corners,
up Spruce Creek to within three or four miles of Gray, crossing lilack
Creek, running down Pdack Creek through Grant, and leaving this
county at Bottsford Bridge, thence through I'rospect to Boonville and
on to Oswego. The route was surveyed and map thereof maih'. but
nothing more was done. Watts T. Loomis of Little Falls was engiiged
upon the survey.
In 1877, the Boston, Ilonsiitonic Tunnel iV Western Railroad Com-
pany was organized to build a r;iilroad having its western terminus .-it
Sodus Bay. on Bake Ont.nrio. Its rtmte was through this county in the
Mohawk v.-illey. and it was known here .as the "Burt road." Th.at was
also an enter])rise of Boston capitalists. Some work was done on the
road at and west of Canastota, in Madison county; and subsetpiently
its construction, at least through this county and west of this county,
was abjindoned.
In ]87'.», Thomas W. Spencer, an engineer of Utica, connnenced to
agitate the building of a narrow gauge railroad from the village of
Herl^inu■r to Poland, and made endeavors to interest the people along
the route in th(> ])r()ject: .and as ;i result of his efforts, larg(>ly aided by
Major E. M. Burns of Middlevill(>, .Tune 2t), 1880, the Herkimer, New-
port iV- Poland Nari'ow G.auge Railroad Comp.any was organized, with
a capital stock of .$88,U0(), which was subsequently Increased to $120,-
14
210 HERKIMER COUNTY BISTORT CAL SOCIETY.
000, and again to $250,000. The following persons constituted the first
board of directors: Thomas W. Spencer, of Utica; William Smith,
John W. Yrooman, and Warner Miller, of Herkimer; S. R. Millington,
W. A. Braj'ton and John Hemstreet, of Poland; H. D. Burlingame,
I-I. W. Dexter and Newell Morey, of Newport; George H. Thomas, W.
W. Mosher and Edward M. Burns, of Middleville. The first oflScers
were: President, Thomas W. Spencer; vice-president, S. R. Millington;
secretary and treasurer, George H. Thomas; assistant engineer and
afterwards chief engineer and superintendent, Albert Wilbur, now of
Herkimer. Major Burns succeeded Mr. Spencer as president of the
road, and was at all times its most active and efficient friend and pro-
moter. The company issued its mortgage bonds to the amount of §66,-
000. The length of the road was 16.73 miles. It was completed to
Middleville in the fall of 1881, to Newport by Januai-y 1st, 1882, and to
Poland early in the summer of the same year, at a total cost with its
equipment of $200,178.12. About 1891, Dr. W. Seward Webb, by the
purchase of its stock at 50 cents on the dollar, became the owner of the
road, and he subsequently converted it into a standard gafuge road;
and by his energy and abundant resources, he extended it to Malone
in Franklin county, where it has connection with a road to INIontreal.
By consolidation with other organizations, January 22, 1892, it finally
came to have the name of the Mohawk »S: Malone Railway Company,
under which name it was leased to the New York Central & Hudson
River Railroad Company, on the 1st day of May, 1893, which guaran-
teed the payment, principal and interest, of $2,500,000 of four per cent,
mortgage bonds; and also assumed the payment upon certain terms
and conditions of the interest up to 5 per cent, upon $3,000,000 of what
are denominated income bonds. The road is very prosperous;" and is a
great benefit to the portions of our county Avhich has access to it.
The New York, West Shore & Buffalo Railroad Company was organ-
ized in January, 1881, to build a railroad from New York to Buffalo, on
the west side of the Hudson River and the south side of the Mohawk
River, a distance of four hundred and ninety-five miles. In the same
month it was consolidated under the same name with the "New York
& North Ri\er Railroad Company," a corporation organized under the
laws of both New York and New Jersey. The road was built mainly by
the proceeds of bonds, and its construction was carried through with
great vigor. It was opened for use through this county about October
1st, 1883; and through its entire length early in 1884. The company
soon defaulted upon the interest of its bonds, and in actions by the
trustees for the 1)ondliolders. January 9, 1884, Horace Russell and Theo-
dore Houston were appointed receivers of its property. They managed
the road until December, 1885, when they sold it to J. Pierpont Morgan,
Chauncey M. Depew and Ashbel Gi-een. They organized the West
Shore Railroad Company and conveyed the road to it; and on the 5th
day of December, 1885, it leased the road to the New York Central &
RAILROADS IN HEKKIMER COUNTY. 211
Hudson liivcr Ka ilro.id ( '(iinpaii.N', siilijcci to a liuiidrd imlrliiidin'ss of
$r>(l,(l(Kt,0(»0, which (he h-ssfo coiiipaiiy assiiiiicd and Kiiaraiilct'd.
The liiltk' Kails, l)(>l;;vviih' vV- I'iscco Lake Kailroad ("oiii|»aii.v was
»M-,i;aiiizcd February .'{rd, 1SS.'{, fo huild a railroad from liittic Kails to
I'iscco l.aUc. ill Haiiilllon county, widi a capital ()f !jil20,()(M). Judj^e
Hardin, of Littk' Falls, was president of the company. Ten per cent,
of the ca]»ltal was paid in by the subscribers to the stock, and !f.'{,l(;(;.(;(;
was expended for enj,;ineeriujj; work u])ou the route, and nothiuK more
\vas done. In voluntary proceedinj;s for that purpose, It. S. Whitman
was api>ointed receiver of (he (iroperty of the coini);iny; and he wound
U[) its affairs and paid back to the stockholders 74 i)er cent, of the
moneys they had paid ui)on their subscriptions.
In ISSS and 1SS!», a road called the Fulton Chain Railroad was huild
by <;. II. P. Could, Colonel S. F. Carnion. and Dr. A. II. Crosby, from
the Moose Kiver tannery, on the Moose Kiver, to Minnehaha, on the
south branch of the Moose River, where it connected with steandjoat
navij;ation upon the Fulton Chain of Lakes, conducted by \V. S. De-
Camp. The road was ei;?ht miles long- and cost about !f2(),()(t(). A pecu-
liarity of the road was tliat the rails were wooden; but it was operated
by a steam locomotive wei.nhing- eighteen tons. It transported passen-
j;-ers and freijilit, l)ut was not operated in the winter. It was use<l
until the fall of 1S!)2, until the opening of the Mohawk A: Malone rail-
ro.Md, wlieii its operations was discontinued as no longer useful or
road, when its operation was discontinued as no longer useful or
profitable.
The Little Falls. Viin Homes viile i^ Otsego Lake Narrow (Jauge
Railroad Company was organized in ISSO, with a capital stock of $l(i(),-
()(•(), to build a railroad from Little I<"alls through Van Hornesville to
Otsego Lake, a distance of 21 miles. In 1SS8, subscriptions to the
iiinoimt of .'f;2.' ;,()()(:» were made to the stock of the company, $10,000 of
which came from Little Falls. The tim(> for the constriu-tion of the
road was extended. The line of the road has been surveyed and noth-
ing else toward its construction has been done. The friends of the
road at \'an Hornesville have not yet given up hope that the ro.id will
be converted into a standard gauge road and constructed; but the Lit
tie Falls people are mulerstood to have lost all interest in the enter-
prise. The present plan seems to be to cli;mge the southern terminus
and make a connection with the Cherry \alley, Sharon ^: Albany r.iil-
road near Cherry Valley, and thus obtain a through route to Albany.
The i>resent dire<'tors are .1. .\. Kikes, J, S. Young, Moses Sliaut, A.
Tilyou, W. R. Thomson. L. Springer. D. S. Tilyou, B. W. \'an .Vucki'U
and (lersham Smith, all of \an Hornesville: N'ictor Adams iind 10. V.
Decker of Little Falls: Cola Itoof of Starkville. and D. F. Eck(>r. of
Deck. D. S. Tilyou is president of the company.
The Little Falls & Dolgeville Railroad Company was organized in
1891, with a capital of $250,000, to build a railroad from Little Falls
212 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
to Dolgeville, a distance of about 12 miles. Amoug its first directors,
thirteen in number, were Alfred Dolge, Edward A. Brown, Titus
Sheard. .T. S. Barnet and .J. J. Gilbert, of tbis county. The construction
of the road was commenced in- May, 1891, and it was completed and
open for use in October, 1892. Two mortgages were placed upon the
road to secure bondholders — a first mortgage of .$250,000, and a second
mortgage of $100,000, upon which only .$75,000 of bonds were issued.
The -Metropolitan Trust Company of New York is the trustee for the
bondholders under both mortgages; and for default in the payment
of interest on the bonds under the second mortgage, it commenced an
action for the foreclosure of that mortgage in May, 1899, and Charles
Sullivan was appointed the temporary receiver of the road. The fore-
closure action is still pending and the road has not been sold therein.
The Kingston tfc Utica Railroad Company was organized INIay 14th,
1892, to build a railroad from Kingston to Utica. passing through this
county; but I cannot learn what, if anything, was done under its char-
ter.
The Fort Plain & Richfield Springs Railroad Company was organized
in 1891, with a capital stock of $000,000, to build a railroad from Fort
Plain to Richfield Springs, passing through Van HornesviDe. a distance
of thirty miles. This route would bring Richfield Springs by rail about
fifty miles nearer to New York than it now is. The right of Avay for
the road has been all obtained and substantially all the grading for
the road has been done. But nothing was done upon the road for sev-
eral years and the enterprise for the lack of financial aid seemed to be
in a state of collapse until within a few days, when work upon the road
has been resumed.
The Fulton Chain railroad, about two miles long, Avas constructed in
1896, to connect the Mohawk & Malone railroad with the Fulton Chain
of Lakes. Its chief promoter was Victor Adams of Little Falls.
The Racjuette Lake Railway Company was incorporated in February,
1899. with a capital of .$250,000, to build a railroad from Clearwater
Station, on the ^Mohawk & Malone railroad, to Raquette Lake, a dis-
tance of 19 miles in Herkimer and Hamilton counties. Its first direc-
tors were \Yilliam Seward Webb, Chauncey M. Depew, William C.
Whitney. J. Pierpont Morgan, Collis P. Huntington, H. P. Wliitney,
Samuel Callaway. W. West Durant, Robert Bacon, I. B. Gates, Charles
E. Snyder, EdAvard M. Burns and John A. Dix. It commenced work
on the construction of its road in May, 1899. and completed the road
in June, 1900. It began to run its trains regularly June 25th, 3900. It
was organized as a street railway and is authorized by law to operate
its locomotives by steam generated by the use of coal oil as fuel. The
chief organizer and promoter of this road was Charles E. Snyder, of
this village. It is someAvhat distinguished for a small road by the great
Avealth of its directors. ^_
There Avere several other steam railroads projected touching or pass-
HAILUOADS in HEUKIMEU COUNTY. 2V-i
iwis (lii'(<u;;h tliis coiiiity upon w liidi iiu work except in some canes eiij;i-
iioeriii;:: \v;is doiie. Aiiioim lliciii were Hie rollowinir: (JeiicscK' iV Hud-
son Kailionil ( 'oiiipaii.N'. oi'.uaiiized alioul iSoll, ami map lili-d in tiie
fierUs oflice, .lanuary 20tli, ],sr»r>; Nt>\v York, Uiclilield SjninKS A:
Coopei'stown Kailroad Coniiiaiiy. oriiaiiized in Decemher, ISS'J, with a
capital stock of ."fCdO.doO; Mohawk \- Sus<inelianna Kailroad Company,
oijianized abont 1SS7. to Imild a raili'oad Ifoni Koi't IMain to Uichficld
Si)rin,L;s and Cooperstown. and map tiled in the clei'k's ollice, October
Stli. ISST; I'tii-a, Adirondack tV- Saratof;a Kailroad C'onipany, orK.Tnize*!
in May, l.SSS, to build a r.-iilroad into and throuj;h the Adirond.acks, of
which Hon. II. .1. Cookin.iiham, of TUica, was president; Atlantic <.V:
Ontario K.nilroad ("omjiany, organized in 1871. to build a r.-iilroad from
IToosac or Pittstowu through Hallston Spa and Johnstown to some
point in S:ilisbury, about TO miles, with a capital of ^.500,000; The
I'.oston, Komo A: Oswejio Kailroad Company, organized in September,
1871, Avith a capital of .$.S,(M )().()( 10, to build a railroad from Hoosac or
Pittstown, through Koine, to \ienna. 120 miles; The Koston, Saratoga
A: Western Kailroad Company, organized in 1870, with a capital of .^5.-
000,000, to build a railroad from a point at or near Saratoga, or a junc-
tion on the Adirondack railroad at or near Jolmsburg, to Sacketts Har-
bor or Oswego, with a right to construct a branch to Utica, a distance
of about 150 miles; the Forestport Railway Company, organized with a
capital of $100,000. .May 1st, 1808. to build a road witli wooden or other
rails, not over 25 miles in lengtli in Oneida. Lewis and Herkimer coun-
ties, a section of wliich in Forestport was built witli wooden rails.
There may have been other railroads projected into or througli this
county whicli liave escaped my attention. Several of the roads I have
referred to wei-e projected by Boston p(>ople in their effoi'ts to get rail-
road communication controlled by tliem, between Boston and Lake
Ontario and the St. Lawrance River.
There were three street railways in this county for many years oper-
ated by horse power — Herkimer A: Mohawk. Mohawk iV- llion. and Ilion
and Frankfort. Tlie Mohawk iV: Ilion Street Railway Company was
organized April 12. ISTO, Avith a capital stock of .$15.(tO0, of which the
village of Mohawk took .$10.0<»0. and issued its bonds therefor; tiie
Herkimer iV: ^Mohawk Street Railioad Comp.my was organized March
25th, 1871. The village of Herkimer took .1^12.000 of the stock and issued
its lionds for that sum. The Frankfoi-t A; llion Street Railway Com-
pany was organized May nth, 1871. with a capital of $20,000, of which
the village of Frankfort took $2.0(>(i. and issued its Iionds for that sxun.
These roads all passed under the control of the i)resent trolley com-
))any in 1805. The three villages ultimately sold their stock and retired
tlieir bonds at a very handsome profit.
A few more facts not imme(bat(>ly connected with m.v subject, I
trust, will be of some interest. As the facts I have already given show.
there were from an early day various projects to penetrate from the
214 HERKTMEB COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCTETY.
^loliawk valley the Adironrlack forests and to reach the River St. Law-
rence and Lake Ontario. It was at first intended to build what has
since become the Black River canal from this village; and tlie survey
by State officials for that purpose was made in 1825, under the direction
of Mr. Geddes, who w^as one of tlie chief engineers in the construction
of the Erie canal. The route surveyed was from the Mohawk River
south of this village, up the valley of the West Canada Creek, through
Middleville, Newport and Russia, crossing the West Canada Creek
north of Trenton Falls, into Oneida county, and extending to the St.
Lawrence River at Ogdensburgh, a distance of 160 miles. The excava-
tion for the canal \^'as to be seventy miles in length, and the
balance of the route, ninety miles, was upon the Black River,
Indian River, Black Lake and other waters to the St. Lawrence River.
The summit level was found to be at Remsen at 840 feet, and the
descent from that point to the St. Lawrence River at Ogdensburg was
found to be 990 feet; and thus we learn that the St. Lawrence River
at Ogdensburg is 150 feet lower than the Mohawk River south of this
village. The Black River canal on its present route was constructed
under an act of the Legislature, passed in 1836.
In the early stage of railroad building, the State gave its aid to the
building of several railroads by the loan of money. I give the names
of the railroads thus aided, with the dates of the acts authorizing the
loans and the amount of the loans:
New York & Erie railroad, April 23, 1836 ? 3,000,000
Auburn & Syracuse Railroad, April 18, 1838 200,000
Canajoharie & Catskill Railroad, April 18, 1838 200,000
Ithaca & Owego railroad, April 18th, 1838 250,000
Auburn & Rochester railroad, April 29, 1840 200,000
Long Island railroad, April 29, 1840 100,000
Hudson & Berkshire, April 29, 1840 150.000
Tonawanda railroad. May 1, 1840 100,000
Schenectady & Troy railroad. May 14, 1840 100,000
Tioga Iron Mining & Mfg. Co., May 14, 1840 70,000
The money thus loaned was raised by the sale of bonds by the State
and the companies aided were bound to repay the money as the bonds
fell due. All the money thus loaned was repaid to the State except
the Erie loan of $3,000,000, which was cancelled and released by the
State, and except the loan of the Canajoharie & Catskill Railroad Com-
pany, which was lost, the road never having been completed. The
people of the State have grown wiser and now it has become the set-
tled policy of the State that the building of railroads and other private
euteiprises shall be left to individual efforts.
1823. GLEANINGS FROM A HERKIMER
NEWSPAPER.
AN ADDRESS BV HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, January 12, 1901
It is well, now and then, to take our stand at .sonic point of time.
and note the changed conditions that have occux-red since. In 1S23.
there were no railroads for the carriage of passengers anywhere in
the world. The Erie canal was under construction, but had not yet
been completed; and the most important event in my life, my birth,
had not occurred. .Tames Monioe was President of the United States,
Joseph C. Yates was governor, and Erastus Root, liieutenant-governor.
Stephen Hallet. whose daughter married the late Xerxes Willard, the
distinguished agricultural writer, was sh(>riff of the county, and I'at-
rick Mahon, son of ,Tohn Mahon, of this village, who was afterwards
Clerk of Oneida county, was Under Sheriff: Henry Brown was lirst
.Judge of the county, and Sanders Lansing, the grandfather of the lat(>
Mrs. Samuel Earl, Rufus Crane, grandfather of Hon. I). .Tones Crane
of ^^'arren. and Edmund Varney, grandfather of Mrs. Ilazlehurst, of
this village, and .lohn Mahon, who was step-father of Mrs. Ronchley
of this village, and who lived on the corner where Mr. Trenbeth's
grocery now is, were the associate jud.ues of the county. Nathaniel
S. Ronton, of Little Falls, was Surrogate, and .Tabez Fox. grandfather
of Charles Fox, of this village, was County Clerk. Nathan ^Yilliams,
the grandfather of Mrs. T. R. Proctor, of ITfica, was Circuit .Tudge.
I am led to this topic by having in my possession two copies of the
Herkimer American — a newspaper published in this village — one dated
May ir>th, 1823, and the other dated October .30th. 1S23. I will here
give some facts gleaned from the earlier paper: I tind in the New
York prices current the following: Beans, for seven bushels, $S.(M);
hogs' bristles, per pound, from 30 to 50 cents; butter, first quality, per
pound, from 12 to 15 cents; butter for exportation, per pound, 10 cents:
cheese for shipping, per pouiul, 12 cents: New York sup(>rior tlom'. per
barrel, $7.25; American feathers, per pound, 45 cents; North River
216 HERKIMER COUNTV HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
hams, per pound, 8 to 9 cents; bog's lard, per pound, 8 cents; American
honey, per pound, 9 cents; hops,' first and second sort, per pound, 12
cents; Indian corn, per bushel, Gl to 70 cents; oats, per bushel, 37
cents; North River wheat, per bushel, .$1.37 to $1.40; whiskey, per
gallon, from 29 to 33 cents.
We see from these figures that some articles of farm produce were
then worth more and some worth less than now. The cost of trans-
portation then was so great that there was great difference between
the New York prices and the prices paid to the producers in the coun-
try. Wheat was then grown throughout the Moliawk valley and the
towns adjacent thereto; and what was quoted as North River wheat
was doubtless the wheat which reached New York over that river.
'I'he best flour then and for many years thereafter was made from
wheat grown in this State. The produce from this region was trans-
ported in boats upon the Mohawk River or carried in wagons and
sleighs to Albany, and from that place it was taken to New York in
sloops upon tlie river. The cheese sold in the NeAV Y''ork market was
probably from tliis county, as at that time very little cheese reached
that city from any place but from this county; and it must be noticed
that cheese was exported then as now. The manufacture of cheese
was first introduced into tlie northern part of our county, and it had
grown to considerable proportions in the year named. The editor of
the papers says: '"One of the farmers of that part of the county in-
formed me a few days ago that he should be able to dispose of about
twelve tons of cheese this year, the product of liis own farms."
Practically the only currency at that time (except silver used for
small payments) was the bills of State banks; and the bills of country
banks ^\'ere nearly all at a discount in New York, at from one-half to
three-quarters of a cent on a dollar.
At that date the house now occupied by the Stimsons in this village
was a tavern, called the "H. S. Whiting Stage House," at which the
stages passing over the turnpike from Utica to Schenectady, stopped
for the exchange of horses and the refreshment of passengers.
In the month of May was held the first session of the County Court
of this county, under the Constitution of 1821, then called the "New
Constitution." At that time the judges of the County Court were em-
powered to appoint tlie District Attorney; and at that term, the judges
appointed Michael Hoffman, afterward eminent in the politics of this
State, District Attorney of this county, in the place of Simeon Ford,
who was then the leader of the bar in this county. Mr. Ford remained
in this county for a number of years after that event, and then moved
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he practiced his profession until his death.
Jacob Burrlll, .Ir., was then and for many years afterward a general
merchant here. He was the father of J. G. Burrill, now residing here.
His first wife was a daughter of Gaylord Griswold, who was the first
lawyer In this couuty, and who led a distinguished career until his
1823 OLEANINOS FROM A HKHKIMRK >fEWSl'APltU. 21'7
('.•irly (Iciitli in 1S(H». Mr. Uiii-iill's second wife was a ilaii;;litiT of Kcv,
.Ic.liii 1'. Spiiiiicr. 10. A: S. l''ai'\\('ll were also iiici-ilia ills lirif, lia\iiiK •'>
store oil llic conicr w licii' I >r. Suitor's rcsidciK'c now is. 'I'liry siilisc-
(|iifntl.v moved to lUiea, and u son of one of tlieiii heeanie u nn^at iiier-
elinnt in C'hlcajjo, and prominent in Imsiness and polities tiuTo. Hlooni-
fleld TTshor carried on tlio business of inanufacturinfj: and selling hats
and caps. Messrs, llackley iVI: P.aninm ami James Uyers were also
merchants here, the latter being the grandfather of Mr. Frank r. Addy.
At that time passiMi.irers were carritul in ])oats upon tin- MoliawK
Hiver; and oti the loth day of May it is recorded that Henry I.ock-
wood. who was on his way from Schenectady to Uussia, in tliis county.
a passenger on a lioat. was drowned in tlie Moliawk Kiver l)y falling
from the boat.
From the paper dated October 30th, 1 gli'an the following facts;
William Small advertised as a merchant, and apparently succeeded the
Farwells. lie subsequently united with John. Nicholas and Georgfc
Smith in building Avhat is now the Masonic Block; and he took for
his share the southerly store, now occupied l)y Spicer & Weber, and
there for m;iny years carried on a general mercantile business; and
then lie engaged in business as a merchant in New York until his
death. lie owned and lived in the house now occupied by Dr. Kay.
Dr. r. Van Ruren advertised that "All calls made In the line of his
profession, embracing physic, surgery and the dentist's art shall receive
punctual attention." His ottice was just north of the Stimson home.
It is doubtful whether his dentistrj' extended beyond the extraction
of teeth. The first regular dentist residing in this village was the late
Dr. Chattield.
It was mentioned editorially that the yarn for a piece of cloth exhib-
ited at the agricultural fair for that year was spun by two ladies, one
of whom was 12 and the other 73 years old. I am inclined to think
that at that time men and women were older at those ages than they
are now, as in these days men and women of such years are not con-
sidered very old.
As I have stated above, there must have been then a large (piantity
of cheese manufacturi>d in this county, as it was stated in a commu-
nication to the paper that "The dairies of the north part of our county
have long been celebrated for the excellence of their cheese."
There Avere then as now many advertisements of patent m(>dlcines;
and also of the drawing of lotteries, which were absolutely prohiliited
in this State ten years later. At that time the population of our vil-
lage could not have been mucli, if any, over 5(X); and yet it was tlie
largest as well as the oldest village in tlie county; ami among its
citizens were the men of dominant influiMice in the affairs of the
county.
I have made these brief gleanings in hope that they may contain a
few kernels of grain, and I trust they will be found of some little inter-
est to the students of our local history.
INDUSTRIES OF FRANKFORT.
AN ADDRESS BY FRANK B. PARKHURST, OF FRANKFORT.
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, February 9, 1901.
Benton, the local historian, intimates that in 1757, French and Indians
destroyed a grist mill and a saw mill, which stood on the banks of "a
creek next east of the village of Frankfort." The statement is not
explicit, but suggests that the nameless stream was the Moyer creek,
for long after that year it ran "next east" of the village. But so far
as our research extends, and we have been quite diligent, the sites
remain in obscurity. If the mills stood on the Moyer Creek and were
rebuilt before the Indians and Tories made their great raid on the Ger-
man Flats, the structures must have been again destroyed by the torch
twenty-one years after 1757. for when in the autumn of 1778. Brant
and Butler with their murderous horde, came down into the valley
of the Mohawk to massacre, pillage and burn, the lynx-eyed savages
must have discovered every patriot's building nestling in the wildwood;
and even if it Avere not so, the Tories, familiar with the vicinage, would
have directed the ruthless liand in their havoc and spoliation. The
propei-ty of the Whigs for miles wont up in fire and smoke. Such Avas
the fate of the log house that stood on the lands of Jacob Folts. less
than a mile, as the crow flies, from the jNIoyer Creek. Whatever the
supposition regarding the sites of the above mills, and a second confla-
gration, we have indubitable evidence that a saw mill was built by
John Ilollister on the Moyer Creek in 1794. nearly a mile from where
that stream has its junction with the ^MohaAvk River. This is the first
industry that definitely appears in the region where now stands the
village of Frankfort. And let us not ignore the old rude American saw
mill, for it has been the precursor of all other industries; it has opened
a AA'ay for the husbandman and for commerce; it has preceded the
plow, the forge and the loom. and. indeed, most of the appliances to
subdue and control nature haA'e played a second part to this simple
liarbinger of progress. The old Yankee contrivance had a gigantic
Avork to perform in clearing the wilderness, and like most plain inven-
TNDUSTUIRR OF FRANK POUT. 2ld
tions, it (lid its work well. Tlioro wore several mills of like descrlp-
tion a( an early period in tho western and soutliern parts of tlio town,
wliicli, it slioiild he reiiieinhered, was not organized until February,
njtC.. Its limits extended to Genese(> street, Utiea, and possibly beyond.
It was named after Lawrence Frank, an early settler, who lived on the
('arm now owned by .John Keese, and its first supervisor was James
Kipp, wiio r(>slded wiiere Bajj^K's hotel now stands. The villa^'e was
ineorponited May 4, 1S()3.
At the time John Ilollister erected his saw mill near the Moyer
Creek, [)eaee and prosperity had (hiwned upon the rol)<ist jx'ojde who
had bravely and successfully withstood the wrongs of that terribh,'
epoch which closed with the pea<'e of 17S:{. The echoes of civilization
reachiuK the solitudes, warned the hostile savage and wild beast to
retire into the forest. The dim Indian trail south of the river which
had been traced through the thicket, where now stands the village of
Frankfort, was being transformed into a bridle-path by the procession
of adventurers who were then pushing westward from New England.
And finally the pathway widened to a turnpike, along which were scat-
tered a few buildings among the timber, and the clearings on the
woody slopes and swampy lowlands began to broaden. We may read-
ily imagine that at this time the trusty flint-lock hung dust-covered
over the rude chimney piece, that tlie cheery shout of the pioneer could
be heard guiding his ox team, that the hum of the spinning wheel
came peacefully through the doorway. And this was but one of the
many exhibitions of the thrift and contentment of a people, who,
throughout the colonies at the end of the 18th century began that won-
derful development, a people whose sagacity, integrity and hardiluxxl
not only stimulated them to win the battles for civil freedom, but pre-
pared them to organize the township, the county, the state, the repub-
lic. They were the forermniers of a mighty race, in whose hands rest
the destiny of the representative system, in whom repose the highest
expectations of the civilized world.
We learn that the population of Frankfort was not above otic hun-
dred and twenty-live souls in 1S24, and AA'hile there is some conjecture
regarding the industrial pursuits in the village and vicinity before
that year, nevertheless, we have been able to glean several interesting
facts relative to the manufacturing interest of the early inhabitants.
Joseph Ingham estal>lished the old carding mill, situated on the south
side of West Main street, in 1S07; this was twenty-one years before
Kliphalet Remington began his manufactory at the place now called
llion; it is said to have been the first woolen factory erected in Herki-
mer county. This mill did a large business in carding and making
cloth for many years. Many of the sturdy agriculturists of the vicinity
maintained Klie(>p; after the wool was carded into rolls it was often
spun and made into cloth by the busy housewives and their d.aughters.
Joseph Collis followed Mr. Ingham in the management of the factory;
220 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Lis sons, Curren and William, were proprietors after their father, and
William conducted the plant alone after Cnrren withdrew and went
into the same vocation in Jefferson county. In 1865, after the decease
of William Collis, Robert Kerr purchased the property of his widow.
The old landmark was consumed by fire In the siimmer of 1899.
In 1809, on the bank of the Mohawk Ri^er, north, and not far from
Insrham's mill, was built by James H. Rathbone the grist mill now
known as the Hoard mill. Tradition informs us that the hewn frame
of beech, which was part of the structure, was cut in the immediate
vicinity of that building. We learn, also beyond doubt, that prior to
1824 most of the ground now included in the village, south of the Erie
canal, was woodland, and if we are to be guided by the probable story
of the old beech frame, we may easily surmise that at that period
much of the soil upon ^^-hich now lives a thi-iving population was then
shaded by the primeval forest. In rank of proprietorship of the Hoard
grist mill were James H. Rathbone; Timothy I. Campbell. Leonard E.
Downie; Daniel Mason, Joel Pruyne and Augustus King. James and
Robert Pearson, H.W. Bridenbecker & Co., Samuel and Lafayette Hoard
and Lafayette Hoard alone. The mill was ruined by fire in April, 1896.
The saw mill Is still intact.
The enterprise of the inhabitants at the beginning of the century
is evinced by their cutting a raccAvay from the Moyer Creek, Intersect-
ing the natural stream near the lands now owned by Charles E. Star-
ing, running across what is now the linen mill grounds to the Mohawk,
for the accommodation of manufactories. At the enlargement of the
Erie canal in 1846-7, the Moyer Creek was changed from Its natural
bed — it previously ran across East Main street about Avhere Balda's
market stands — and directly to the west of and nearly parallel with
I,itchfield street, crossing the lands of Caleb Budlong and William
Baker to the river, just west of the Hoard mill. But the old raceway
was not changed so as to effect those below; it Avas simply shortened
and conducted around the head of the locks, through a diving culvert,
and thence to the riparian owners. This raceway was originally made
(>i\, or before 1807; it remains in part, a mark of the enterprise of those
who haA'e gone before. There was a drydock in 1830 on the south side
of the Erie canal, and near where the ^loyer Creek ran. on the ground
now occupied by Russell's lumljer yard. This locality was then outside
of the village.
While the A'illage contained but one rude tavern in 1824 — managed
by one Weaver and situated near where now stands the Register princ-
jiig otRce — the town could boast In addition to the industries already
mentioned. Bliss & Mathews' turning and chair factory, located on the
j-Tound afterwards occupied by the Gates match establishment; a
tionrishing tannery, situated on the south side of West Main street,
built by John P.. Dygert. He wa followed by ^^"m. Steele and Chaun-
ccy Devendorf, who were apprentices of Dygert;'^fter doing a paying
INDUSTRIES OK I'KANKKOHT. 221
ItiisiiH'ss for :il><>ut five ycnr^^, Dcvcndorr withdrew rroiii tlie co-ii.irt-
lUTsliii* Mild iM'iiim m;nmf;icturiiif,' cxtcnsivt'ly Itoots ;iMd slmi's iii ;i
hnildiiij;- wliicli stood on tlif coniei- of .Mill .ind Main streets, .■iiid nlso
on the second lloor of iiis store, in tiie Imildinu now owned liy .1. II.
Iloiird; it is presume*! tliat tlie I ts and slioes were made from h-athei'
I)rei>:ired at tlie tannery. W tliis tinu" Ceortje Henry— afterwards fam-
(.ns as ilie "I'.jind I'rearlirr." niannlactiirc d s]ei.i;li bells, dinner lirlls
and cow hells; lie did not seem to aspire to the ni;ikiiiL; of <liiii-eli hells;
his place of hiisiness was in the rear of tlu- hriek residence and w.-i^on
shop ol Wiliam Wiclieiis, ad.jaceiit to tlie K'ound wliei'eon .Joseph M.
I. yon and William li. Holmes ]irinted tlie Frankfort Democrat in 1S}2-
41. Henry also employed several youiij; women making; le.-ither pocket-
books.
About four miles to the south of the vilhif^e in the town of Frankfort
t'ourished in 1821 and several years before, the famous Frankfort fur-
nace. It was on the banks of the Moyer Creek; it employed about
thirty men; the smelting was done liy charcoal; ore was l)i(HiL;ht over
the hills from Clinton. Oneida county, by ox and horse teams, a jireat
waste of ener.uy in view of modern facilities for transportation.
Adam I. Campbell erected the "yellow" grist mill in the southern
part of the village in 1808. It was afterward owned by Jeremlali
Bridenbeeker, who did a profitable Imsiness there. It burned under
his ownership in 1853. Daniel Mason and W. R. Stevens purchased
the site and erected a buildin.ii- for manufacturing wrapi)ing paper.
Mason bought the interest of Stevens and in company with Henry
Johnson, operated a grist mill ;uid distillery there. The business was
closed in the panic of 18.')T, and subseiiuently came under the control
of William Gates, who managed it as a grist mill, also making patent
work tables and ornamental wood fixtures. Stephen Birch i)urchased
the property of William Gates' sons, and is now conducting it with his
son as a gi'ist mill.
Matthew and ^lichael Myers built in the early part of the century,
an ashery on the bank of the Mohawk river, near where stand the
ruins of the grist mill. They mad(> for many years large (piantities of
potash from field ashes brought to tliem by farmers who were clearing
their lands. Near the same spot and .-ibout the same tini(\ Alvin
Maxom conducted a distillery.
Edwin Adams, one llannas iind others formed a conip:iiiy !)etween
1830 and 1S35. for the purpose of making stoves. i)low points, etc.
Their foundry stood but a few rods south of the canal on the west
side of Litchfield street. They did considerable business at one time,
but in 18,38 the building was abandoned.
Charles Clow ownicd and supervised a factory for making hand
rakes, fanning mills ;ui(l cradles, the latter for harvesting grain, not
for rocking those who were to become citizens of the republic. Clow
employed a numlier of men and possessed a steam engine, a rare ad-
232 HERKIMEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
junct iu those days. His steam factory stood on the spot now occupied
by J. S. Putman's store, opposite the Central Hotel. Next door west-
ward was the wagon shop of Frederick & Jeremiah Myers. About
midnight. May 31st. 1S42. the people of the village were startled by
tlie cry of fire, when it was found that the basement of Clow's factory
was in flames. There was considerable wind and nothing but an old
inferior hand engine to check the consuming element. It was than
that William Steele, captain of the fire comi^any, performed pi'odigies
that rank high in the history of the hamlet. But ere the flames could
be subdued every edifice between the Masonic building and Wickens*
house lay in blackened ruins. That was long known as Frankfort's
greatest disaster. William Steele was born iu 1812, in the town or
German Flats. He came to reside at Frankfort when twelve years of
age, and is said to be the oldest resident. He remembers seeing
bateaux navigating the IMohawk Hiver. He informs us that the old
structure owned by A. W. McGowan in East Frankfort, was about
1822. a hotel, and a popular place for river boatmen to rest for the
night.
In 1837, Amasa Mann, brother of Abijah Mann, M. C, made wagons,
circular hay rakes and wheelbarrows in a building located on the old
raceway north of 'Slain street, and not far from the woolen mill. Mr.
Mann lived to an advanced age; we recall him as an intelligent and
agreeable old gentleman. We also recall that Abijah Mann told the
writer that he assisted in laying out a corduroy road through a dense
swamp, from the village to the railroad depot. The station was at first
at the East Schuyler crossing, but after a short time it was located
opposite the village.
Silas D. Clark had a saddlers and harness shop on the second floor
of a Iniilding standing where the postotfice now stands. His saddles
and harnesses were known far and wide, for strength and finish:
hand-made saddles and harnesses like hand-made shoes, were then in
vogue. .T. S. Putman. an apprentice of 'Slv. Clark. folloAved in the same
pursuit.
Warren Clark, a tailor and brother of the above, catered to the fas-
tidious gentry of Frankfort and Aicinity. by following the latest styles
in cut and pattern, while John Dodge, in rooms next to the Masonic
hall, figured as a rival. In those halcyon days the fashions and cus-
toms of the eastern and southern sections of the State began to appear
in a marked degree among the staid denizens of the upper Mohawk
valley; every public house then must needs have its ballroom. Indeed,
the grand climax of social enjoyment at that period seems to have been
the public l)a]l. From authentic reports, it is a question whether we
moderns could eclipse in dross and manners those who tripped "the
light fantastic." on the waxed floor to the sweet strains of Littlewood's
orchestra; those social gatherings are said to have been par excellence.
INDUSTRIES OF FKANKFOKT. 223
ir tlu' tiistc ;unl chiiracttT of a i)t>(>pk> can Ix' incasiiriMl \>y tlii'ir coiKlui't
in tho midst of tlu'ir rciaxatioiis, we niiisf irraiil, at Irasl an ciinal
placo, in tlu' soi-ial scale ti> those who acted on tlie sta;;c in tliis vicin-
ity in lSt'ir)-45. 'I'lieii' dlNcrsions seeiii to iinxc iiecn ;is deioions ami
iicaitlirul as the amnsenieids of this a;;'e.
THE GATES MATCH FACTORY.
During the year 1S43, there came to the village of I'ranlvfort n i)!aiii.
nnassnininji' stranjicr, a man wliom vicissitudes liad not emliittered
nor discom'aued. l>ut ratlier de\t'lo[ied tiie goodness and eneruy witliin
lijni. ( M' a meclianii'al turn of mind lie soon learned tlie miller's trade.
This vocati()n not satisfyinj^' him, he enjiafifd in mercantile Inisiuoss;
failini;- in tins, he left SaratogJi county, N. Y., and sou.ulit his fortune
in the West. After l)eini? schooled in adversity there, ht' returned to
the State of his birth and temporarily located in Fraidcfort. hut he soon
moved his family here and began repairing clocks and watches. During
the winter of 1843-4 he traveled as a salesman for a lirm in Westlield.
Massachusetts. Somewhere in New England he received a hint, which
in his practical brain ctilminated in wonderful inventions. He returned
home and began experimenting in making friction matches, which were
rare then. His lirst essay was rude, l)ut i)y persistent labor he manu-
factured a few by hand, which he attempted to sell in the city of
Utica. Strange as it may seem, people were skeptical and he had dif-
ticvdty in disposing of his meager stock. But he toiled on, erecting a
small building near the Cottage Hotel. He now employed a man or
two and i)ushed his enterprise with vigor. In 1844, he purchased lands
on the Moyer Creek, on the west side of Litchtield street, about lifty
rods from the Erie canal. There began the protitable match factory
of NVilliam Gates, who is now known as one of the few who stood in
the forefront in the match business in America. Tlu' business increas-
ed rapidly; his matches were in great demand, being used throughout
the Northern States from Maine to Iowa, and in the Mississii)i)i valley
down to New Orleans. His foresight and geiuus prompted tlie inven-
tion of machinery, the work of winch was marvelous: thesM labor-
saving appliances were patented in the United States and in England
and the British IM'ovinces. Fraidcfort was now made famous l)y this
ingi'nious citizen and his wondrous industry. In seeking perfection
in his line, his experiments did not cease until near the end of las
career. Space forbids following in detail tins interesting subject. We
may add, however, the following signilicant facts: The establishment
Wiis eight times enlarged, beginning with a twelve-foot-s(iuare building,
and ending with nineteen buildings, with 34,718 square feet of tioor
room. The machinery was driven by the water of Moyer Creek, assist-
ed by a 4(>-liorse power engine. The .innual consumption of lumber;
in 187t) was l.T7().80U feet. Of this, l,12t!,8t)0 was for matches alone.
Of sulphur, 300,000 pounds, or 180 tons, were aTinually used. For
224 HERKIMER COITNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
small boxes, 48,000 pounds of paper per year were used, and 130 tons
of strawboard was manufactiu'ed into large boxes. At one time, three
hundred hands Avere employed, but later, because of additional machin-
ery, but one hundred people were required. The annual product in
1879 was 375.C>00 gross of matches, reckoning 100 as a unit. A revenue
of one cent on every box of one hundred matches, paid to the national
government, aggregated between 18G4 and 1877. nearly ^S.OiXt.OCO.
Mr. Gates died July 28th. 1877. aged 69 years, lamented by all. The
business was transmitted to his three sons, William B.. George W. and
Frederick, active and worthy men. The firm Avas organized on August
1st. 1S77. as William Gates' Sons. They joined their interests with the
Diamond Match Company in ISSl. Soon after. George W. was called
to superintend the company's extensive branch at Oshkosh. Wisconsin;
Frederick folowed as manager at Frankfort. Emory Eaton surx-eeding
him. and Frederick Eaton was the last superinteudeiit there. The
factory was closed and the machinery moved to Oswego, nearer the
lumber region of the North, in 1803.
While William Gates was fortunate in having sons in whom he could
trust, the brothers were also foitunate in havinj: an exemplary, inde-
fatigable and Ingenious father. ISIr. Gates was a man of sterling qual-
ities, somewhat reseiwed, but outspoken to a friend or when liis convic-
tions were assailed. He was decided, reliable and just. A man who
stood high in the estimation of considerate people, he retained the con-
fidence of the public to the last. Self-reliant and attentive to his own
interest, he yet had sympathy for the unfortunate, as many can attest.
He Avas too deeply engrossed in his owii affairs to know much about
other people's business. Like all men of his class, he required those
connected with him to be prompt and exact. It is said that he never
let a payday pass in his long career but that he paid his employes, and
that confusion was never found in his shops or office. Such a char-
acter is of ine.stimable value to a community, not only in a material
sense, but because of his example. His factory aided greatly in the
gi-owth of Frankfort, and its removal was seriously felt in the village.
Powder mills were established by Samuel Phillips and James Pear-
son in the gulch on the Moyer Creek south of the village, sometime
after 1845. The business was afterward controlled by Peter J. Hotal-
ing and Lambert Hensler. They made blasting powder. About 1854,
the buildings were ruined by an explosion. The vibrations, although
the occurrence was two miles away, aroused the sleeping people of the
town, many thinking it was an earthquake. We distinctly remember,
as a lad, that in our bewilderment, it was a question whether the world
had not come to an end.
John Thomas followed Amasa Mann In the wagon ti-ade in 1842.
He sold to Daniel Tisdale and David Morris. Next came E. M. Tisdale
and Chester Abbott. They did an extensive liusiness in making car-
riages, sleighs and farm wagons.
INDUSTRIES OF FRANKFORT. 225
Engk'liart DitleiibaclRT and Julin I.itze. at the iiistij,'ati<Jii of Wil-
liam (Jatt'S, oanio from Geiiiianj' about 1852, Dii-ffenhachor to manu-
facture retorts, while Litze was to superintend tin- making of phos-
phorus for Mr. Gates. But tlie experiment proved impractieahle, and
Dieffonbacher oi»ened. in 1S54. a pottery on the w»'St side of Lit<hlield
street, north of the Abram Grants place.
Litze, after returning from the war of the Rebellion, purchased chem-
ical apparatus .md made ammonia and other distillations for a time
on Canal stret't. near the Litchfield street bridge. There was also a
pottery built by I. W. Sheldon on the north side of Orchard street, in
18(10. William Uhrlow, a professional German potter, purchased the
premises and lixt\n\s in 1873, enlarged the plant and built up a good
trade.
About ISnO. Elias Palmer was manufacturing grain cradles in the
rear of his residence, corner of Main and Frankfort streets. Palmer
was a genius in mechanical arts. It was at this time that Alpheus
King, brother of Augustus King, made furniture moulding in a build-
ing located near the Hoard sawmill upon the bank of the raceway, and
Henry Looniis operated a factory on the east bank of the Moyer Creek,
a mile and a half from the river, wherein he made bedsteads, clock
cases, etc. And it was also abuut this time that Andrew F. Clark
manufactured boots and shoes near the bridge on the west side of
Litchfield street. Delos M. Kenyon followed not many years after.
P.oth Clark and Kenyon did a lucrative business. It will be remem-
bered that there M-as no machine-made footwear then in the country.
It is not strictly within our province to notice collateral institutions
and occui)atious, but we may here briefly chronicle that the old Frank-
fort bank began business the l.'tth of May. 1854. with a capital of ?10<:>,-
(100, on the second floor of the lirick building which formerly stood on
the corner of Main and Litchfield streets. A banking house was erect-
ed nearly opposite on Main street the same season. The I'oard of
directors did not decide to continue under the National banking system
and the l>ank was closed soon after l.STO. The present banking organ-
ization purchased the building and began business November 8th. 1.88(3,
with a capital of .$50,0<X). It has paid an annual dividend of six per
cent, to the stockholders since it began, and now has a surplus of
.?20,000.
In 18G8, .James llorton. associated with his son, Wallace N.. manu-
factured cigars quite extensively in a building which formerly stood
wliere Steele's drug store now is. Wallace N. went to Little Falls,
thence to Albany, and is now one of the leading manufacturers in his
line in the State.
Henry Marsh bought in 1870 the property once owned by Henry
Loomis. on the Moyer Creek, nad manufactured step-ladders, wheel-
barrows, extension ironing boards, etc. William Steele joined him as a
partner in 18.80. The establishment burned September, 1891.
15
226 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
WEST SHORE SHOPS " "
Soon after the completion of the New York, West Shore & Buffalo
railway, it was whispered that the corporation might be induced to
locate their car shops in the village of Frankfort, the ground being
ample and admirably situated — the location midway from the termi-
nals of the system. Meetings were called in Frankfort and Ilion to
consider the project. The proposition incited the people to immediate
action; great enthusiasm was manifested. A committee was appointed
to interview the officials, who encouraged them to tender the necessary
territory to the company. This was a mile in length, of sufficient width
and consisted of about 214 acres of land. The report stimulated every
man and woman to enlist in the work of subscriptions. Never did a
community respond with greater liberality; everybody contributed,
and many more than they could afford. The sister towns, mindful of
the advantages of such an enterprise located in the immediate vicinity,
nobly aided in the stupendous work. Frederick Gates, Albert N. Rus-
sell and David Lewis were appointed trustees of funds, and Addison
Brill designated treasurer, and they all performed their onerous task,
by aid of many others, in a creditable manner. A sum approximating
877,000 was pledged, arrangements made with the landowners, and the
committee reported to the company — tendering the land. An agree-
ment was signed by the parties, March 31st, 1883, whereby the entire
shops of the road were to be permanently located in Frankfort. Bands
discoursed enlivening music, flags were thrown to the breeze, whistles
sounded, and cannon proclaimed the success that had crowned the
efforts of the people. And well might they rejoice, with the surety of
such a plant locating within their midst. They had reason to think
that, if such a vast industry would bring burdens, the addition of a
busy population, togetlier with the liui:»lreds of thousands of dollars
of invested capital, would more than recompense in increased valua-
tion. They were told that within two years from fifteen hundred to
two thousand artisans would be employed in the works.
An exhaustive paper on the industries of Frankfort would include a
detailed description of the dimensions and capacity of each of the cat
shops, but that is impossible here. The immense shops, built from the
most improved plans, were erected during the summer and autumn of
1883. There are eleven buildings in all. The cost of the entire num-
ber we have not at hand. The contract prices for the first erected
were as follows: Hound house. .'^52.000; blacksmith shop, -$23,500;
planing mill, .$35,000; offices, .$22,500; store house, ^12.000; boiler shop,
foundry and erecting room, .$177,000. It is said that there were about
seven million bricks used in the buildings above mentioned, and seven
thousand cubic yards of stone. We may judge something of the capac-
ity of the plant by referring more specifically to the main erecting
shop; our figures are taken from a report of the bids and specifications
INDUSTRIES OF FRANKFORT. 227
at the liiiu- of rrci-tioii. Tlu' iiboxc iiaiucd .slioi) is .'52.'i by 11.", fvi-t on
the Ki'oiiiul. 'JMic main part is 44 fcrl liif,'h and the sides, w liirh me in
tlie shape of wiims, '2i\ I'eet hi^li- It is ol' hrici,, with an iron inof. and
lighted l»y windows a story in lieiglit; tliey, as well as the windows of
most of tlie otluT hnildiuKs, are in >,'roups of three, with a lirielc arch
spanning eaeli groui». Tlie gronps are V2 feet wi(k^ and l'> feet high.
They are placed (juite near together, and thns inakf this and tlie other
buildings among the liest lighted workshoi)s in the country. A main
track ran through the center of the building: each si(h> of this were
side tracks which ran paralh'l to the main track and stopped just
inside the walls. On the top of massive wrought iron columns were
laid iron girders, carrying a continuous track on which I'an a traveling
crane with a lifting capacity of o.j tons. This very easily lifted an
engine from the main tracks. Between these tracks were two pits,
eight feet deep. They were covered by a sectional floor and entered
by stairways at the ends. When a disabled engine was brought into
the shop it was first lifted over on one of the side tracks, then it could
be taken apart and such portions as needed repairs sent to their
respective departments. There was also another track on the north
side of the building provided with a walking crane. On the south side
there was a narrow gauge track for moving tools and machinery. It is
said that this building could accommodate four hundred workmen.
All the other shops were equally Avell arranged and ecjuipped to do
their work. Many of the fi.xtures were removed to accommodate recent
industries.
Scarcely had work commenced within the shops when there were
vague rumors in the air, but they were considered idle vajior-
ings, and all moved onward absorbed in their toil and build-
ing homes. In LSS,"). it was learned that the effects of t!ie com-
pany had gone into the hands of a receiver, and the people were still
more amazed Avhen they learned that the competitor of the road — the
New York Central and Hudson Kiver Kailroad Company — had leased
for a long term the entire West Shore system. A committtH* was im-
mediately dispatched to New York; they reported on their return that
the shops would continue running as under the former regime; this
appeased for a time, but a doubt was created that was never entirely
dissipated. There were many who considered the condition ominous;
after operating thirteen years, not many over seven hundred workmen
Were employed, instead of fifteen hundred or two thousand, promised
within the first two years. But all were thankful for what they had
under the circumstances, for they had now assumed public burdens,
such as bonded indebtedness of ^tlfi.OlO for a new schoolhouse and
about $t)(J,()tKJ for a water system, to say nothing of individual obliga-
tions for homes and ventures in trade. During the latter part of the
winter of 1897, a large number of men Avere disrharged. ;ind when
228 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
upon investigation it was learned that all the shops were to close, ex-
cepting the foundry, and the machinery transferred to Depew, the peo-
ple stood aghast; a vast shadow settled upon the devoted citizens of
Frankfort when they knew that the car shops, their mainstay, were
to be taken from them, that the monthly payment of over $30,000, the
support of tlie town, was to be cut off; then it was, figuratively speak-
ing, that tlie door was not only closed in our faces, but our hands were
caught in the jamb. But even this reverse did not force the people into
permanent dejection; they arose as one determined man in the advo-
cacy of justice, and never was self-control more highly evinced under
like circumstances, and, in justice to tlie company, we must add tliey
took a more equitable course than many predicted. A compromise was
effected whereby the indebtedness for the school house, and about one-
third of that of the water works was assumed, while a lease of the
shops and grounds was given for 99 years, with the right of obtaining
manufacturing plants, sul:)ject to the approval of tlie company. To be
sure, tills was not what the good people of Frankfort and their friends
bargained for with the original company in 1883, iiut is was seemingly
the best course. An appeal to a court of equity would have involved
delay, doubt and expense. When we revert to that time with its dis-
appointments and humiliations, we feel that the incidents, like all
serious things of this world, left valuable impressions. We have gath-
ered wisdom from that peculiar experience, our failures have broad-
ened our understanding and increased our hopes, the stern lessons have
brought this recompense; we have learned that variety is strength, that
to rely upon a single plant for support is hazardous. The clouds are
lifting, once more the bright sky appears in the zenith; we are no lon-
ger in "the mysterious presence of a brooding past."
A. M. Lints, H. H. Ingham, J. J. Dudleston, G. I. Seaman, S. S. Rich-
ards, G. H. Watson and G. N. Lehr were constituted trustees
to close with the railroad company; after consideral)le nego-
tiations the shops have been occupied by manufacturers. It is
expected that the ground, so well adapted for new buiklings.
will ere long contain other plants requiring skilled labor that will
greatly increase the material strength of the town and all concerned.
Never was there a better situation for manufacturing plants, broad,
healthful, plenty of pure water, good drainage and convenient to u
great trunk railway. Frankfort has been blessed in this regard and
by wise action may confidently bide her time.
The industries now occupying the car shops are as follows: Main
erecting shop, Continental Tool Company; blacksmith shop, Pratt's
Chuck Company; store house, Utica Steam Gauge Company; boiler
house, Michigan Condensed Milk Company; planing mill, Acme Road
Machinery Company; foundry, N. Y. C. & H. R. R. Co. There has
been some negotiation with reference to releasing the large main office
INDUSTRIES OP PllANKFOKT. fSHQ
buildinn to (lie railioiul coiiipjiiiy, wiiicli tlicy woulil use in coiiiu-ction
with tiic fouiHlry. Tlu>iv arc at tliis writinn aitout 'MiO individuals
employed In th(> buildings.
Another illustration of the energy and liberality of the people of
Frankfort in the reeent past, was their action in atten>i)ting to secure
a valuable plant which they were told was to be removed from the
city of Utica. Conferences were held, the reiiuisite amount — ));28,(MK) —
was pledged in a very short time, as well as the additional cost of a
plat of ground, for the above. Hut the plant was not removed from
Utica. And so the i)eople, according to the old adage, "h:id their labor
for their pains."
Charles K. Myres, the aeronaut, purchased, in 1889, the so-called
"Gates Mansion," and fitted tlie same for manufacturing lialloons and
other aerial apparatus. The est.-iblislunent contains a chenncal labor-
atoi-y, a machine shop, carp.'uter shop, and other necessary adjuncts.
He was for a time connected with the government in rain-fall experi-
ments; seventy-four hydrogen balloons of various sizes for meteorolog-
ical observations and for explosions were supplied during the season
of 1891-2, a single order of ten having In an emergency been completed
within live days. The professor is an enthusiast in his business. He
has devoted much time to experimenting with air ships and flying
machines, and has invented a vessel called a "skycycle." He lias been
a voluminous writer for the press along these lines.
During the winter of 1893-4, one W. A. Ingram, a linen manufacturer,
had several interviews with the citizens relative to establishing a linen
plant at Frankfort. After deliberation it was decided to form a joint
stock company of $50,000 capital. About $47,000 stock was taken; the
company organizi'd and purchased the valuable site owned by the
Diamond Match Company, the main building put in proper shape, and
lirst-class machinery (costing over $20,000) placed in the same. This
w^as made in GlasgoAV, Scotland, the tirm sending over an agent to
superintend setting it up. The plant was put in operation in the
autumn of 1894. The industry employed about one hundred people,
mostly women. Crashes were productnl which, when placed in the
market, gave satisfaction, but it found there was a strong competition
from foreign-made fabrics. The mill is capable of turning out 1,000,000
yards of crash toweling per year. Hem-y (^hurchill purchased a con-
trolling interest in December, 1898. The l)nsiness never paid a divi-
dend, and thus the stockholders "reckoned without their host." The
mill was closed last autumn, and Mr. Churchill was appointed receiver
in December last. It is hoped the embarrassment is but temporary.
In gazing backward to Hollist(>r's rude industry on the baidcs of the
forest stream, we observe objects along the avenue of time, simple
though many of them are, that are worthy of thought. It is by delib-
erating upon local characteristics that we gain historical interest and
knowledge. In short, to ignore these is to debar oursi>lves from appre-
230 HERKIMER COtJNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
eiating grand results. The advancement for one hundred and six
years, in the section to Avhich Ave refer, is but a single example of the
progress achieved hj struggling humanity in every borough upon this
broad land. Bancroft in his broad and philosophical treatment was
ever mindful of local traits and conditions, and it was acquaintance
with these individual examples that enabled Van Hoist, McMaster, and
E"'iske, to delineate so vividly our national growth, a growth which Is
replete with lessons of honor, patriotism and industry.
We are rapidly approaching not only intellectual but material and
industrial supi'emacy. It is true the inventive spirit of this phenon-
enal age has brought forth economic problems whicli will require
patient deliberations and wise statesmanship to solve. But, cognizant
of the necessity of wholesome strains and immunities, rational, and
patriotic citizens, of whatever class or calling, will seek adjustment
in right reason and just laws — each and all will, in this enlightened
time, duly respect the true nature of our republican institutions; Indi-
vidual expansion of mind and heart in consonance with the needs of
the hour, will continue to uplift American citizenship.
OUR COMMON FREE SCHOOLS.
KIRST PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ALBERT N. RUSSELL CONTEST, WRITTEN BV
ESTELLE ADELAIDE LEACH, OK ILION.
Read before the Herkimer County Historical Society, March 9, 1901.
Chapter 1. — The evolution of the idea of free schools for all children
traced from the earliest colonial times.
Chapter 2. — State supervision and support.
(^.hapter 3. — Means of professional training of teachers.
Chapter 4. — The elements leading educators have contributed to the
system.
Chapter 5. — The influence of a properly developed school system upon
the larger life of the state and nation. • j . j
CHAPTER I.
In reviewing the history of Sparta, one is impressed with the fact
that she based her safety and prosperity on the education of every
child in the conuuunity, and in Athens there were pulilic school--, for her
free citizens. But not until more recent limes and not until the birth
of the American free States do we see the prin<-iple carried out to its
fullest extent- -the principle involving the free education of all chikl-
ren of all classes in the common schools.
In setting up a new government in a new country, amid new envi-
ronments, our fathers set aflame that sense of freedom which had lain
dormant so long din-ing the contest with European oppression and
which has l)een woven into the very fabric of the pidilic schools of our
older States. We see the fundamental ideas which had become com-
mon in the Old World transplanted to New England and the common
run of English thought oti educational matters combined Avith the prej-
udices of our Puritan fathers against all who were not of their relig-
ious faith made the starting of elementary schools common to all a
little slow. •■
If, as has been said, two heads are l)etter than one in determining a
wise course of action, so two nationalities workir.g together are better
233 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
than one in deciding the trend of educational life. The educational
career of New York State shows not only the influence of the Dutch,
but also of the English. The Dutch exerted a stronger and more dem-
ocratic influence, possessed a deeper love of religious freedom, quicker
appreciation of the rights of the individual and, therefore, a readier
grasp upon the doctrine of universal popular education. This gave rise
to the first elementary school in America supported at common ex-
pense, managed by common authority, and free to all.
A sturdy independence, frankness, love of liberty, and earnestness
characterized the Dutch colonists of New York, who brought from
Holland ideas, customs, and institutions, among Avhicli tlie church and
the school were of paramount importance. With them intellectual
food ranked equally with material food, while education and liberty
were synonymous.
The first official act relating to public schools in this State was in
the charter of 1629, in which we read that the patrons and colonists
should "in the speediest manner endeavor to find out ways and means"
whereby they might supply a minister and a schoolmaster. Constant
concern was manifested among the Hollanders of the fatherland as to
the proper education of their alienated children.
One of the articles drawn up in respect to the West India Company
states that each householder must be taxed for the proper maintenance
of the school and master and, although in 1640 the company was in-
structed to furnish suitable schoolmasters, they paid little heed to it.
In 1652, the directors established a school in the city tavern in New
Amsterdam.
The West India Company was present in the colony for purely com-
mercial objects, caring little or nothing for education. This, of course,
was in direct opposition to the ideas of the Dutch, who first planted the
seeds of our present system.
Under the Dutch rule, the idea of State support was prominent, the
schools being maintained out of a common treasiu-y, and up to tlie
time of the English occupation tlie fundamental idea was free scliool.
There were, at the time of the surrender to the English, schools In
most every town and city in the colony, a fact due to the persistency
of the colonists.
There were obvious reasons why a decay in popular education began
after the English took possession of the colony. It was at the time of
the Stuart reign in England, and under this regime, as we know, the
ignorancf! of the masses was encouraged. Besides this, the settlements
were all Dutch, with the prevailing religion that of the Church of
Holland and, as liberty of worship was granted the colonists, the
school continued to hold the same relation to the church as formei-ly.
Notwithstanding this, the very next year after the capitulation Gover-
nor Nicolls licensed John Shute to open an English, school in Albany.
.Warfare and sectarian feeling served to hasten the decay of the com-
OUR COMMON FREE SCHOOLS. 233
moil schools lit this tiim' ;is well :is the ;iiisti)«M'iiI ii- rlciiicnt so jn'oiii-
iiH'iit iiiiion^ the Eiiulish.
( H' all the Kii^lish pivcnioi-s, Loi'd ('onilniry was the niost zoaloUK
and af^^i-i'sslvc in hrlialf of tin- p]iij,dish clninli and scliool; lie asHumed
imicli aiitliority and boldly i-xtTciscd it, while on the other hand. AiKh'os
and Fletcher endeavored to accomplish thronuh )tersiiasiv)n. I'nder
('oriil)ury, the first lejilslative act (ITOL'i i'( latino to i)nl)lic schools was
l>ut in t'orc<'. This act ciiconraKC'l a j:raniniar free school in New York
city. It instituted tlic school foi- only seven years, but it did not last
even as loiiK «s tliat on account of tlie liostility of tlie wealthy class.
For the few succoedinji' years no IcK.'il provision for schools seems to
have been made.
In 1704, the society for tlie propagation of tlie gospel estiiblished a
scliool at Kye and in 1710, one called Trinity School of New York.
The number of schools established by this society show what beneficial
work it accomplished, having founded at the close of the colonial period
twenty-one schools in seven counties.
An act of 17^2 encouraged the free public school in New Y'ork City
for instruction in Latin, Greek and Mathematics, which proved to be
the nucleus of Columbia (-ollege of later years. The institution of this
seems to be the one bright spot in the English rule. From this date
to the close of the Revolutionary war, little was done in regard to
public education. However, in 1773, one more public school appears,
but only for a short time, passing out of existence as the one of 1702.
Before continuing the story of the common schools after the Revolu-
tion, let us consider for a time a simple portrayal of the schools of which
we have just been studying.
Banish from your minds any modern conception of our presont ideas
on education and picture to yourself a little unattractive log structure,
covered with bark and situated in the most undesirable spot in either
the country or the city, a low, swampy place, if you choose, or the
dullest, dirtiest and most dreadful part of the city. Bare walls, seats
which made even the thought of standing a delight, upon which were
seated children of all descriptions facing the walls, for the desks were
planks projecting therefrom. The pupils are engaged in studying, that
is, one eye is on their spelling, reading or number book, while the other
eye is fastened upon the rod held in readiness by the master, who, in
connection with the fireplace, endeavors to keep the children sufficient-
ly warm. Compare these conditions with those of the present day and
can we help increasing our admiration for the brilliant men whose boy-
hood received its first instruction in such a place?
As might be expected, after the Revolution there was a long lapse
of time in which little was done toward educational matters. Con-
fusion, poverty, discouragement and apathy ruU>d the people and much
praise is due our early governors for fanning the little spark of popular
education into a mighty blaze.
234 HERKIMER COtTNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Governor Clinton, the first goA'ernor of New York, saw the necessity
of immediate action on the part of the legislature toward the education
of the children, and through his persistent efforts the foundation of our
present sj'stem was laid.
In 1784, one long step was taken in establishing the regents of the
university of the State of New York, and in 1789, when the legislature
set aside in each township public lands for gospel and school purposes.
The regents were established for higher education, but they soon saw
that that was impossible without elementary education, and accord-
ingly set about agitating the question of common scliools.
The result of all of Governor Clinton's repeated entreaties was reach-
ed when in 1795 the Legislature offered the annual appropriation of
$50,000 for five years. Commissioners and trustees were chosen and
provision was made for the establishment of scliools throughout the
State. When the term of five years was completed the Legislature
seemed indifferent toward its renewal, but under the governorship of
Morgan Lewis, the Legislature appropriated the net proceeds from the
sale of 500,000 acres of State lands for school support. This formed
the corner-stone of the present common school fund, which will be
mentioned in the succeeding chapter.
There came into existence in 1805, a society which accomplished much
in the way of stimulating imblic opinion in the matter of popular edu-
cation, the society for the establishment of a free school in New York
city.
In 1811, under the leadership of Governor Tompkins, a decided ad-
vance was made by a report describing a plan of a good common school
system. It recommended State supervisioTi and contained the essential
•points of our present system. In the same year the legislature passed
an act providing a permanent fund for the support of common schools,
and has been enlarged by subsequent appropriations. In 1811, meas-
ures were taken to provide for the distribution of the interest from this
fund and in the following year, 1812. the present system was estab-
lished under the direction of a superintendent of common schools. But
it was during the administration of Nathaniel Benton, of Herkimer,
about 1847, that the idea of free schools was established on a firm
foundation, when this principle was adopted: "Universal education
in public schools, free to all."
There are two systems of education, the higher and common school,
the connecting link of which is the union free school. The matter was
made possible under the law of 1853, which authorized school districts
to combine into union free school districts and to establish a graded
school, with an elective board of trustees.
CHAPTER IL
In colonial days the schools were usually supervised by the church
authority, who often had the assistance of some civic officers. It waa
OUR COMMON FURE SCHOOLS. 235
I'.ot until statcliodd Hint N(>-\v York iiianmifntcd a rcmilar syKtcin of
suiR'i'vision.
Tlio onrlicst rccdrd of supriv ision is round in llic law of 17'.i">, which
stated that each town sho\ild clcrt thi'cc or more coiuinissioncrs hiiving
general charge of the school. The inhahitants of the district were
authoiized to elect trustees, employ teacheis and provide for the
school. l?y an act of 1812, three commissioners of common schools
were to he electt-d by each town. Besides these oflicers. it further au-
thorized the town to elect from one to six inspectors, who, together
\^ith the commissioners, had cliai'ge of the school and <>xamination of
teachers. The otlice of state superintench-nt of common schools was
created by this law, which office only lasted until 1S21, when the sec-
retary of state, ex-orticio. Avas made superintendent of common schools.
The year 1841 gave birth to the otlice of deputy superintendent and
county superintendent, with limited powers. In 1843, the oltice of town
superintendent was sul)stitul:ed for those of town commissioners and
inspectors. In 1847, the ofiice of county superintendent was abolished
and the state superintendent from that tinH> on must hear all appeals.
The culmination was reached in 1854, when the depiirtment of public
instruction was estal)lished, at the head of which the Senate and As-
sembly elect a superintendent of public instruction. In 1856, tlie sys-
tem of supervision was fully perfected, when school commissioner's
oiHce was created instead of town superintendent.
Although these oflicers have a certain amount of control, the system
is so arranged that the state superintendent of public instruction has
almost autocratic power, both in his executive and judicial duties. It
is a perfect system, comprising the superintendent, supervisor of the
town, school commissioners and school trustees, all endowed with cer-
tain powers, but all looking to the superintendent for final decisions.
The history of the origin of our present system of school support is a
most interesting one and worthy of some attention.
The first effort on the part of the State to establish a common school
fund was in 1799, the result of the efforts of Jedediah Peek, of Otsego,
and Adam Comstock, of Saratoga. In 1790 and 1800, the .flOO.OOO ap-
propriation was never distributed. Further means for school support
was provided at this later date by lotteries,, and tlie law of 1812 appro-
priated $50,000 annually to be distributed among the counties of the
State, provided the towns should raise a sum equal to their portion.
The amended act of 1814 authorized the trustees to make good any
deficiency in the payment of teachers' wages by the use of the rate
bill system, whicli levied a tax on the parents of the children attending
school. This naturally encouraged absence and truancy.
There are at present three soun-es of State school moneys, tlie United
States deposit fund, the common school fund and tlie free school fund.
The first originated from the surplus money in the United States treas-
ury which Congress in 1830 voted to be placed in the State treasuries.
236 HERKIMER COUNTY SlSTORlCAL SOCIETY.
iSew York's share amounted to $4,000,000, and one year later this was
apportioned among the counties of the State, to be loaned on good
security. The income was to be used for school purposes and now
amounts to $75,000.
The second was created by a law of 1805, directing that the income,
when it reached $50,000 yearly from the sale of 500,000 acres of State
lands, should be applied for school purposes. From the revenue of this
fund, $170,000 is annually appropriated.
The third sum, the free school fund, is annually raised by taxation;
this sum about the year 1870 became fixed each year.
The amount paid out for school purposes during the time from 1805
to 1845 was less than the amount now paid out each j-ear. This ques-
tion of common school support is the most momentous one which our
legislature has to encounter and one with ever increasing demands.
CHAPTER III.
In colonial times, under both the Dutch and English rule, the teach-
ers had no preparatory training for their work, their education in many
cases having been obtained in the school where they began to teach.
It was not until after the Revolution that the question of the teacher's
preparation was agitated.
Before this time, Prussia had adopted and enforced special training
of teachers, and from Prussia the idea spi-ead over Europe and finally
to America.
The increase of schools in the early eighties in New York naturally
led to a demand for teachers, and through sheer necessity, thoughts
turned toward training teacliers for tliis especial work. The first result
was the Lancastrian school, thus economizing by using the pupils as
teachers.
In 1834, the Legislature provided training classes in eight academies,
one in each senatorial district of the State. These continued with slight
changes until 1844, Avhen their support was withdrawn and a normal
school established at Albany. The renewal of training classes took
place five years later and have continued ever since, forming our prin-
cipal nurseries of district school teachers. The requirements have in-
creased as well as support and is now a well organized system.
The stormy times which followed the first few years of the normal
school show how inherent was the doctrine of some of our fathers, that
teaching depends wholly on an instinct which will appear at the proper
time. It was not until the Oswego normal school (established in 1801)
had been organized some time that the American public became con-
vinced that this sort of school had a place in our educational system
which was both justifiable and useful.
At the present time we have in New York eleven normal schools
and one normal college, Albany normal having been changed to a nor-
mal college in 1890. These schools, in their chronological order of estab-
OUR COMMON FREE SCHOOLS. 237
IrshiiHMit, nrc situated at All)aiiy, Oswego, r.n)ck|H>rt, I'icdoiiia. Corf-
laud and Totsdam, Gencseo and IJuffalo, New rait/,. On la, F'lalts-
\mrix and .laniaica.
Tho normal schools an* controlled by trustees aiiiMtinfed for life l»y
llic stat«> superintendent of public instruction. Tliese have local sviper
vision, subject to the superintendent.
These schools ;ire niaint;iincd by apiirojiri.'it ions from tiic State, tin-
ordinary expenses in runuiuK the schools varying from $22,(Ki() to $.'{"),-
(KM) annually i)er school.
As yet the normals cannot supi)ly ail the teachers re(iuire(l. but it
exerts an infiuence in increasing; the dem;ind for better teachers and
introducin.ti' tlie knowledge of better methods of instruction.
The teachers' institute, established in \XVi. furnishes a valuable
center of instruction for teachers as well as do tlie state uniform exam-
inations in raising the (pialitications of teachers. Thus we tind font-
agencies affecting the training of tlie teacher — tlie uniform examina-
tions, teaclaers' institute, the training class in the academy, and the
normal school.
CHAPTER IV.
When we come to reviewing the subject of leading educators, we en
counter one both lar.ire and formidable, for not only is praise due -to
men who have contributed large plans, l)ut. studying carefully the
intluence of lesser personages, we see how often the little tliey advanced
resulted in balancing the scales on tlie side of our perfected system of
common schools.
To no one are we more greatly indebted for our present system than
the men wlio Avere at the liead of affairs at the l)eginning of our state-
liood, and we can get no clearer idea of their influence than by menti(Mi-
ing some of the elements of our system inaugurated by them.
It has been said that it is a blessing to the child that tlie tirst super-
intendent of schools in New Yorl<, Gideon Ilawley. was a graduate of
Union College under Dr. Nott. Ills administration from 1Si;{ to 1S21
was probably more diffcult than that of any succeeding suiierintendeiit
but his perseverance resulted in the foundation of our jiresent system.
The most notable feature of liis term was the introduction of the I-an
castrian School, then so successful. Under him sc1i(h)1s sprang up all
over the State and a new impetus wjis given to educational life.
Superintendent Yates endeavored to inaugurate a system of school
celebrations, but to Governor Clinton we owe the giamm.ir .ind high
school program of to-day.
Azariali r'lag.g, in 1S2(). made the tii'st approach toward the system
of visitorial inspection of schools. Vet more important was his sti'ong
ojiposition to confining the work in school to the one text liook method.
To Superintendent Dix (1S88-1S31)) we owe the district liluary and the
238 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
establishment of the eight training classes, and to Wetmore the estab-
lishment of a separate department of public instrnction.
Through Governor Marcy's efforts a portion of the United States
deposit fund was applied to the suppoi't of common schools and district
libraries. In 1839, Governor Seward recommended a thorough normal
system.
The death of Page, of the Albany normal, was a severe blow to all
education, for which he had contributed so much, not only by his "The-
ory and Practice of Teaching," but by his interest and earnest .en-
deavors.
Under Christopher Morgan (1848-1851) the free school system was
adopted and also the free school fund.
But we must not omit the name of Dr. Eliphalet Nott, who in directly
benefiting Union College, indirectly helped on the struggle for common
free schools.
CHAPTER y.
The fact that along with the development of the State, Nation and
idea of democracy, the common free school has kept pace, shows that
the school, the nursery of citizenship, is essential to a progressing na-
tion, especially to a democratic one.
In the earlier days of some nations under an aristocratic government,
only the education of the ruling classes was considered an obvious
necessity. In later days, when Prussia was an absolute monarchy, she
considered the education of the standing army a guarantee of national
strength, and after she had been so gloriously successful in warfare
the other nations of Europe began to wonder and inquire wherein her
strength lay. In consequence of these inquiries many countries which
had no efficient educational system straightway established such. It
has been said that under the best of military management, the illiterate
soldier is not so efficient as the educated soldier. If universal and com-
pulsory education is necessary in monarchies, where the duty of the
masses is simply passive obedience, how much more is it necessary in
a democracy, where the masses have not only to obey but also have
legislative duties, and in a democracy where leaders appear at any
time I
Thomas Jefferson, the father of democracy, set forth again and again
the idea that the democracy must educate its leaders and that a gov-
ernment will be Avise and liberal as those who administer it are edu-
cated in a broad and liberal humanistic sentiment.
The views of the two great Grecian philosophers, Plato and Aristotle,
apply to our government to-day as to the Greek nation of their day.
Some of their ideas are worth noting. To live together with one's fel-
lowmen involves Jitness so to live, and tliis fitness is the result of disci-
l>liue and education. The highest type of the individual life is the com-
OUR COMMON FREE SCHOOLS. 239
iimnity of lift", llicrcforf lln' cdnciidoii ot the iiidiv idiui I insures tin*
oduciitidii (if tlic Stiilf.
At the liciulit III" (ircccc's power the ediir.-ited m.-in was taiiL;lit that
partiripatioii in iiolitical affairs was his (hit.v and tliat tiie lionor of liis
State lay with himself to a certain extent. In tlie I'nited States today
the educated man. as a rule, holds himself aloof fiom i>olilics as some-
thint;- beneath him, in a <'ounlry where politics should atti-a<t him rather
than repel. The remedy for this lies with tlie common school, for tin-
ditliculties of a democracy are the opportunities of the school. If our
schools should place due stress n]nn\ the individual's res])onsiliility : in
the development of the nation; in the social and political imoui'css; if
tliey would noui'ish a jiatriotism deeper than shells an<l cannons, tlieii
would a pure democracy be the outirrowth of our connnon school
system.
The future welfare of our nation lies in the hands of the conuug
generation and if that generation comes into its inheritance with ignor-
ance and vice as its characteristics, how soon the corruption and disso-
lution of our government will take place would be easy to imagine.
I'resident Garfield has said: "The only remedy for illiteracy in
voters is by universal education." And in answer to IMacaulay's asser-
tion that a government like ours must lead to anarchy, he replies that
there is no answer to this prophecy unless the schoohuaster can give
it — w-ho has the future of the American republic in his hands.
In this republic, where the people are the government themselves,
Ood si)eed the day when the public school shall have done its work
and the ])t'ople shall have come into their own inheritance.
COMMON SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK.
THIRD PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ALBERT N. RUSSELL CONTEST, WRITTEN BY
MISS KATE MORAN, OF ILION.
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, April 13, 1901.
"Flow fair beside the Palisades, flow. Hudson, fair and free,
By proud Manhatan's shore of ships and green Hoboken's tree.
So fair yon haven clasped its isles, in such a sunset gleam.
When Hendrick and his sea-worn tars first sounded up the stream,
And climbed this rocky palisade, and resting on its brow.
Passed 'round the can and gazed awhile on wave and shore below;
And Hendrick drank with hearty cheer, and loudly then cried he:
' 'Tis a good land to fall in with. men. and a pleasant land to see!' "
This prophecy of Hendrick has indeed come to pass, for there is no
fairer land than that of our Empire State. Her sons and daughters
have learned that "knowledge is power." and no matter how humble
the hamlet, the Stars and Stripes are found floating over a school-
house.
Go back with me and take a l)rief sui'vey of New York under the
old Dutch rulers. We find quaintly built farm-houses, where the great
rafters overhead looked down upon tiled fire-places and rows of wooden
and pewter dishes, the delight of the thrifty housewife. Where the
floors were scoured and sanded, and big fraus and even little fi-auleins
carded and spun the linen for which they were so justly famous.
"Honest days in which every woman stayed at home, read her Bible,
and wore capacious pockets." Washington Irving says, that in these
good old days, "The very words of learning, education, taste and talents
were unheard of — a bright genius was an animal unknown, and a blue-
stocking lady would have been regarded as a horned frog or a fiery
dragon." In time, all this changed, for these good Dutch people ceased
to be forgetful of their schools. In KGl. the colony was enjoined "to
find speedy means to maintain a clergyman and a schoolmaster."
Kach householder and inhabitant was enjoined "to bear such tax and
public charge as should be considered proper for their maintenance."
COMMON SCHOOLS IN NEW YOHK. 241
Four years later we (iiul the expense of the seliooliiiaster to be 300
llorius. In 1(!'J3, a professional selioolniaster was brouKlit over from
the Dutch mother eountry and tau;;ht the little Hans and K:iliiii;i lo
read and write. A few years later, "New Amsterdam," witli a jxiiyula-
tion of 800, engaged two teachers for the children. "The excise moneys
siem tt) have been set apart to pay teachers, and they were in i)art, at
least, paid out of the pui)li<- treasury. On one occasion the governor
of the colony parleyed witli the Indian chiefs and urged them to send
their sons down to New Amsterdam to school. After taking a week to
consider, they diplomatically answered that they were powerless to
accept the invitation, for the boys were altogether under the control
of their mothers." These schools were often maintained and super-
vised by the churches. Indeed, the teacher was sometimes .sexton,
precentor, psalmetter, and a comforter of the sick. It is claimed that
the first school in the State was founded by the Dutch Reform Church
at New Amsterdam, in lO^J^.
Under the English rule the people did not show the s.inie interest in
education that the Dutch did. Those of means sometimes had
their children educated at home, and freciuently sent them to the little
colleges that have since b(>conie Columbia and Princeton, colleges in-
ferior to the grammar schools then in existence in England. Occa-
sionally the wealthy and ambitious sent their boys to Oxford or Cam-
bridge, but these boys generally returned far less fitted, despite their
learning, to play a man's part in the real work of American life, th.-ni
the home-staying brother.
In our country, the 18th century was marked by Indian raids, l)y the
French and Indian war, and finally by the Revolution. Under such
circumstances it is hardly to be expected that education would make
any rapid advance. Aside from New England and some ports of New
York, education depended entirely upon private schools. The teachers
were men of little knowledge and narrow views, often recruited from
the failures in other vocations. They opened schools for lack of other
employment, or as a stepping-stojie to something more agreeable. The
instruction imparted was meagr(\ consisting of the three R's, yet it
must be admitted that the youths of that day made effective use of
what they had. Reading matter was scarce, as well in the homes .-is in
the schools, so the little that was :it hand was perused until mastered.
The specimens of penmanship which exist in the old copy-books still
pr(>served by old families, show that beautiful writing was not uncoru-
mon. In the latter part of this same century great progress was made
throughout the State. The poimlation was nearly doubled, many new
counties were formed, and villages begaTi to spring up along the rivers
and lakes, especially in the Mohawk and Genesee valleys. This natur-
ally had its effect ui)on education, for we find at the first me(>ting of
th" general assembly held after tlu> adoption of the Constitution of
New York, Govfjrnor Clinton Sf\idr "Neglect of education of youth is
16
243 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIliTY.
one of the great evils consequent upon war. Perhaps there is scarcely
anything more worthy your attention that the revival and encourage-
naeut of seminaries of learning, and nothing by which we can more
satisfactorily express our gratitude to the Supreme Being for His past
favors, since piety and virtue are generally the offspring of an enlight-
ened understanding." As a result of his efforts, we have the act in
1784, establishing the body known as the "Regents of the University of
the State of New York."
One author says of New York at this period:
*'I see on ail the strands,
Old Europe's exiled households crowd, and toils unnumbered hands,
From Hessenland and Frankenland, from Danube, Drave, and Rhine,
From Netherland, my sea-born land, and the Norseman's hills of pine.
From Thames, and Shannon and their isles, and never, sure, before, .
Invading host such greetings found upon a stranger's shore."
Of course with people of so many nationalities there must have been
great religious and political differences, so it is not to be wondered at
that they could not agree upon any definite system of education. At
first the Board of Regents met with much opposition and they were
content to say their object was to "improve and unify the loose system
of private and denominational academies and schools." (At the pres-
ent time the Regents occupy a high position in educational matters.
They grant charters to colleges of the State, receive annual reports
from them, admit secondary schools under their supervision and in-
spection and also have many duties pertaining to higher education.
The regents examinations date from 1828, and since 1870 all papers
have been sent to Albany to be reviewed. In June, 1878, examina-
tions were first held in tlie higher branches. Now, a student must hold
in this State, regents certificates of different grades to enter upon any
professional course offered in the State.)
King's college collapsed during the early years of the Revolution,
and later became Columbia college, and was in fact tlie only college in
existence at the close of the war. Union college was founded in 1795
and gained mucli prominence while Nott was president. We of to-
day have no conception of the illiteracy existing at that time, the few
schools were in a deplorable condition, and the legislature had no de-
finite plan of action. Gov. Clinton advocated the instruction of the
children in the lower branches. He would have them obtain a knowl-
edge of their native language, and enough writting and arithmetic to
fit them for practical life. His aim was to establish schoools that
would benefit the poorer classes. He said "while it is evident that the
general establishment and endowment of academies are to be com-
mended yet it cannot be denied that a large portion of tlie community
is excluded from their immediate advantages. -The establishment of
public schools throughout the State is calculated to remedy this in-
COMMON SCHOOLS IN NKW YOKK 248
convt'iiit'licc." 'Pile li'^isliiliirc of IT!'.") (^ivcii 17ii"_* li.\' soiin' :ml Imril ics)
r('c*Of;iuz('(l the liulil of ,ill incii In .ui (■(liif.i ( imi hy pinvidim; lliat a
sum ol" .'<.")(), ooo he ,ip|>!<iiiri,ilt'tl I'ln- l\\r \c.irs I'm- the cxpicss ]»iiri)()S(?
of (Micoiir.-i.niiit;' ;iii(l in;i iiitn iiiiiiL;' si-liools in sc\cr;il rilics niid towns
of the State. In these schools instinct ion w.-is to l>e ^ivcn in sneh sub-
jects as wouhl niaki' a .nood lOn.ulisli e(hication. 'I'liese scIkxiIs were
to be distributed aecordinj;- to the taxal)U' population of tlie towns.
The supervisor of each town was to raise l).v tax a sum ('(iiial to one-
half of wliat was re('(>ive(l fi'om tiie State. 'I'liis ad was rejicaled In
ISOU. It was not until ITUi) tliat the lirst practical effort was made to
establisli a school fund, and from tliat date until ISlO may justly he
called a transition pei-iod. The people absolutely refused to be taxed
for universal education. 'Tis said "all things come to him who waits"
for in ISll or 1812 Gov. Tompkins was authorized to afipoint five com-
missioners to Avork on the ori;anization of a system of i»ublic schools,
and as a result the State assuuu'd a larger I'esponsibility ni The care
of her schools. The i-eport of these connnissiouers dealt with many
phases of the school question. I'erhaps the most vital one was tne
intimate relation existing between education and a state where the
people are self-s'overning. The stability of the government depends
largely upon the intelligence of the masses. There was also a need for
better teachers, and improved text-books. Their report closed with
these forceful Avords: "God a\ ill smile on the efforts of the peo))le in a
cause peculiarly His OAvn."
It AA'as a gi'eat blessing to the children that the first superintendent
of schools of NeAA' York w^as Gideon HaAvley. He came of good old
New England stock, and displayed the soundness of judgment and skill
in affairs found in many of NeAv England's sons. A laAvyer in Albany
and alAvays interested in the common school (piestion he seemed the
man for the place. He was elected in 1813 and serA'ed eight years.
Tills office Avas abolished in 1821, and the Secretary of State assumed
the duties of Superintendent of Schools. It AA'as now (piite e\ident that
the common school had come to stay. From 1820 to 1840 many import-
ant changes toook place, the most important being th(> groAving sup-
port of the schools by the mass of people.
In 1830, Avhen Seward became Governor of the State the school pro-
perty was valued at $2,000,000 and there Avas an annual e.xpenditm-e of
$1,000,000 for the instruction of 500,000 children. John ('. Spencer AA-as
Seci-etary of State and as such assumed the responsibility of the Super-
intendent of Scliools, these two men Avith Eliphalet Nott, president of
Union college, formed a strong triiunvirate. SeAvard in one of his re-
ports says, "For this evil of our scliool system tliere is a remedy, sim-
ple, economical, and effectual, tlie establishment of a dei);irtment of
education to be constituted by a superintendent api)ointed by legisla-
ture and a board to be composed of delegates from subordinates of
boards of education to be established in several counties." These
244 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
oflBcials were to serve without pay. Previous to tliis time tlie State
liad no reliable source from which she could gain information regarding
her schools. The only official upon whom there was any responsibility
resting were tlie local supervisors, and they were generally men upon
whom the duties of the office sat lightly. About the first thing tliat
was done by Spencer Avas the appointment of a board of visitors whose
duties were to visit the schools and make a report of the work to the
State. Tlius for the first time the people were to know something
about tlie workings of the schools. These visitors made many discov-
eries, they found many schools over whicli there had been no super-
vision, many incompetent teachers, because the examinations had been
so slight and superficial. They advised the appointment of a suitable
deputy in each county, the establishment of a normal school in each
county, more uniformity in text-books, the introduction of vocal music,
the formation of teachers' associations, and graded schools under a
normal school at AlbanJ^ under the immediate supervision of the Leg-
islature. In May, 1843, a convention was held in Utica at which forty-
two out of the fifty-nine counties were represented. This remained
in session three days and was attended by the leading educators of
the day and many vital questions were discussed. It is said that never
before or since has so much been done in so short a period for the
advancement and improvement of our common schools as was done
during the time of Seward.
Each day the incompetency of the ones who had the training of their
children was brought more forcibly before the people. Something had
to be done to remedy this defect. The administration of John Dix
brought about a partial solution of the difficulty. It was voted to dis-
tribute a sum of $12,000 among the academies that were willing to take
up the work of training teachers. Several schools were selected, each
one receiving .$400. Their work was simply a failure; they could not
adapt their course of study to tlie professional training "of teachers.
Many totally neglected the work, and others performed it in a per-
functory manner. The State continued subsidizing these academies for
this purpose until Superintendent Young lost faith in the efficacy of the
plan. He suggested that four of the best be allowed to continue the
work, and one central normal school be provided. Much interest was
manifested in the establishment of the normal school at Albany, after
a visit by some of the educators to one in Massachusetts. New York
was beginning to feel the crying need of proper training for her teach-
ers. Spencer says: "What is to be ex])ected when one of the most
Intricate of problems is undertaken by those who have given scarcely
a thought to the principles on which its solution depends? For shoe-
making, or housebuilding, for the management of a ship, or a locomo-
tive-engine, a long apprenticeship is needed. Is it, then, that the un-
folding of a human being in body and mind is so cumparatively simple
a process that any one may superintend and regulate it with no pre-
COMMON SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK. 245
paratioii :\t mHV If not if flic i)ro<'('ss is with oik' cxo'iition more
ooinpli'X tliiiii any in iiatin'c. ami the taslv of adiniiiisti'i-iiiK it oik; of
surpassiiij;- ditliculty, is it not niatlnoss to make no i»rovisioii for such
a taskV"
Finally a iiili was passed in ISU, cstaltlishinK the Allianj' normal
school. Ten thousand dollais a year was plcdj^cd liy the State, and
Albany af;i(>c(l to provi(h' shelter for four years. It was to he under
the control of the Hoard of Regents. The rules and regulations were
to he made by that iuidy, and a staff of live jirofessors, with the State
superintendent, were to control it. David li. Pajje was appointed its
principal. Of this man it is said he had "the hai)py talent of always
sayiuK the right thing at the right time. He was more than ordinarily
prepossessing— of good lieight and fine form, erect, and dignified in
m.anner, scrupulously neat in person, and easy in a(hlress." Twenty-
nine teachers immediately appeared for instruction, and soon one hun-
dred were wltliiu its walls.
In 1845, it was put to a vote that "the Legislature shall provide for
the free education and instruction of tlie State in the common schools
now established or which shall be established therein." At this time
the school moneys received from the State were supplemented in the
school districts by rate bills, in which the deficiencies were apportioned
among the iiatrons of the schools in proportion to the number of days
of attendance of their children. It is estimated that there were 50,000
illiterate children at this time because their parents were not willing
to be rated as paupers. In 1849, "an act establishing free schools
tluougliout tlie State" was voted for by the people. The opposition to
the bill was strong, the liCgislature was swamped with protests and
as a result the law was again sul)mitted to tlu- i»eopie, and was sus-
tained by a small majority. The rural districts were bitterly opposed
to its passage, and the bill was saved by the votes of New York city.
Such pressure was brought to bear upon the Legislature that they
either mistook or (lelil)erately misinterpreted public oi)inion by declin-
ing to pass the bill. It was not until isr.7 tliat the public schools liave
been sui)ported wholly by funds received from the State and from local
taxation, making instruction in them free to all children living in tlieir
districts.
In 18.^4. the office of superintendent of education was restored and
Victor M. liice was made the occupant of the office. Between that
time and 1808. Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, Troy. Kochester. Albany,
Auburn, Oswego, and Syracuse establislied scliools witU n liigh school
attached.
The work begun by the Albany normal has gone steadily on until
to-day we have ten normals in the State, (Miuipping our schools with
one thousand graduates annually. These institutions hav(> done much
to elevate ediicational standards, and to advance the interests of the
teachers themselves. This State realizes "as the well e(iuipped citizen
246 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
is the central figure of our system of government so the ti'ained teacher
is and ever Avill be the unit of force in education." In 188G, of the
twenty-tAvo thousand two hundred and forty -teachers employed for
the legal term, only nine per cent, held any form of professional certifi-
cate. Gradually the number increased and in 1898, forty-two per cent,
held some form of professional certificate. Of course, the school sys-
tem of the State feels the influence of this work, for it is said, "The
school system is like an electric wire — touch it at any point and every
other point feels that touch."
The teachers' training classes have become a source of much good.
Within the past few years more than four thousand of their certificates
have been issued to young men and women. The rural schools cannot
help but be bettered by the work of these earnest teachers, who have
received a year's careful training. They have put into practice the
trite saying, "Gladly would he learn, and gladly teach." The compul-
sory attendance law passed in 1895 has had a most salutary effect
upon education in the State. Each year we find fewer people who
care nothing for the education of their children and who resist the
efforts of the State in that direction. It is not possible for us in small
towns to fully appreciate the benefits to the children of the large cities
by the passage of this bill. Children of tender years were often forced
to earn their daily bread among surroundings most corrupt. That
period of life which should be the happiest was filled with gloom, and
It is not to be wondered that many of them became discouraged and
trod the downward path. "Education begins at the bottom and grows
as the tree grows, gaining strength from the earth, the air, and the
sunlight. Take care of the children and men and women will take
better care of themselves."
For the support of her schools the State has several funds. In 1784,
the board of commissioners of the land office of the State was em-
powered to reser-\'e a lot of 300 acres for the use of a minister and one
of 390 acres for a school or schools. The first was marked "Gospel
and Schools," and has become the nucleus of various school funds;
the second Avas marked, "For Promoting Literature," and has become
the nucleus of the literature fund. The common school fund had its
origin in 1805, when the net proceeds of 500,000 acres of unappropri-
ated land of the State were given toward the support of the common
schools. The fund at the present amounts to about four million dol-
lars, the income from which is about one hundred and seventy thousand
dollars. The United States deposit fund came from the national treas-
ury, by an act of Congress during Jackson's administration. The sur-
plus in the treasury, Avith the exception of .i?l,O00,O0O, was divided
among the States; New York received over four millions. This she
applied to her common schools. The Free School fund is the term
applied to the money raised liy the State tax.
It is not to be denied that there are weak points in our system, the
COMMON SCHOOLS IN NEW YOlUC 247
most iiiiportnnt l)oin,ir that more stress is laid ii])()ii instruction than
upon tlu' clcv(.'loi)nu'nt ol' diaractfi'. l^'roni tiiis dcrcct si)rintr many
ovils, i)ul)lic and private, of wlneli Ave licar cdiistanl ((iiiipla iiil<. It is
very true that, "Education in lioolcs is only one-third of an cduiat ion ;
education in the ways of tlie world and ;i knowledge ot human nature
is another third, and education or tiainin.i; of tiie will is the other
third." When the schools of New York appreciate that "The one sole
desi.un of education when propci-ly understood is not to make a ,L;cntlc-
nian, or a lawyer, or a mechanic, or a fanner, hut to draw out to their
utmost limits all the susceptihilities of our three-fold nature: and the
l)roduct of this true discipline is not a scholar, nor a pliilos(jphcr, nor
an artist, l)Ut a fully developed man," she may truthfully say hi-r
common schools are doing their best.
PATRIOTIC DELUSIONS.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, April 13, 1901.
Among all peoples, there has always been a disposition to place the
Golden Age in the past. The era of greatest patriotism and virtue has
always been placed at some remote time in a nation's history; and
national heroes have not infrequently been depicted as demigods. In
these respects, the people of our country, like those of many other
countries, ancient and modern, have fallen into the same delusion.
We have been taught to believe that our forefathers were more patri-
otic than their descendants, and more unselfish in their devotion to
their country. But I am fully convinced that this is an error, and I
will give some facts, among many others I could adduce, for the foun-
dation of my belief.
At this time, it is unthinkable that a general of our army should
prove a traitor to his country; and yet in the Revolutionary war. Gen-
erals Arnold and Charles Lee, at critical periods in the war, became
traitors and came near to bringing disaster to the American cause;
and the generals and other otFicers engaged, with utter seltisliness in
what is called in history the "Conway Cabal," not only showed a lack
of patriotism, but came dangerously near to absolute treachery to the
cause of their country.
There were frequent cases where inferior officers and the common
soldiers refused to obey the commands of their superior officers, where
they mutinied, and sometimes deserted to the enemy. In November,
3777, General Putnam wrote to General Washington "that upwards of
one hundred of his men had deserted to the enemy."
There were frequent wrangles over pay, over the expiration of en-
listments, and over precedence in rank among the officers. In Novem-
ber, 1777, General Putnam in another letter to General Washington,
written from Fishkill. in this State, said: "I am sorry to inform you
that for want of pay. General Poor's brigade of ^Continental troops
refused to cross the North River. The troops mutinied, the officers
PATUIOTIC DELUSIONS. 249
ciidi'.'ivoriiiy to si]i)i)r('ss tliciii, and tlicy wen; so dctfPniln*^ to go
lioiiK' that a captain in thi> execution ol liis dnty ran a soUlicr throuKli
tiu' hotly, who soon cxpiicd, but not bofoic lie sliot th<; caitUiin tliroiigh,
wlio is since (h'Md. 1 lia\c got several of them in provotjt gunrd and u
general court nuiitia! setting for their trial. About 20 of them have
made their escape home. 1 have sent oil' some Liglit IIorBe and oflicers
of the brigade to bring them back."
A letter written by Major Talmadge, in November, ITSO, says: "Since
the new establishment of the army has come out in General Orders,
the Held otlicers of the dill'erent lines have been very busy In tixing
on those who command the new regiments for tin; war. The provision
for the retiring ollicers is so ample that I am sorry to say there seems
to be an emulation among our Easteru Officers who shall go home
rather than continue in the service."
In July, 1777, General Schuyler wrote to Mr. Van Cortlandt: "I am
exceedingly chagrined at the pusillanimous spirit which prevails in
the county of Tryon." In a letter from William Livingston, written
from IJeverwick (near Albany jin May, 1781, to Captain Webb, he said:
"There has been a mutiny in the Pennsylvania line in York, previous
to their marching. Wayne, like a good officer, (juelled it soon as
twelve of the fellows stepped out and persuaded the line to refuse to
march in const^juence of the promises made to them not being com-
plied with. Wayne told them of the disgrace they brought on the
American arms when in Jersey, in general, and on themselves in par-
ticular; that the feelings of the officers on that occasion were so
wounded that tliey had determined never to experience the like, and
he begged they would now lire either on him and them, or on those
villains in front. He then called to such a platoon. They presented
at the word, tired, and killed six of the villains. One of the others,
badly wounded, he ordered to be bayonetted. The soldier on Avhom
he called to do it recovered his piece and said he could not for lie was
his comrade. Wayne then drew his pistol and told him he would kill
him. The fellow then advanced and bayonetted him. Wayne then
m;irched the line by divisions roinid the dead and the rest of the fel-
lows are ordered to be hanged. The line marched tlie next day
Southward Mute as Fish."
Washington wrote Robert Morris in May, 17S2, that "the privates
of tlie Connecticut Line were the otlier day ujion the eve of a general
Mutiny. The vigilance of the officers discovered it a few hours before
they were to parade and the ringleaders hijvo been tryed and executed."
In a letter from General Stark to (ieneral Gates, dated at Albany,
May 31st, 1778, I find the following (luaiiit passage, showing the state
of the popular mind of the period: "1 have applied to General Ten
liroeck for his militia and he has promised to assist me as soon as
Church is over; he cannot do any lUisiness before for fear of Fright-
ening the Town into tits." General Ten liroi'ck in a letter to Governor
250 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Clintou, written from Albany, in July, 1778, in which he speaks of
luiving received news of tire destruction of Springfield and Andrustown
by the Indians and Tories, and of his efforts to rally the militia, says:
"To my great surprise the Detachment at Jolinstown, consisting of
about 50 men where Colonel Livingston commanded wliom I sent
Orders to march to Cherry A'alley, the Colonel writes me the men Pos-
itively Refused to march, alleging their month was up; all tlie exer-
tions of the Officers had no Effect and last Saturday they liave most
Shamefully deserted tliat Post."
Washington more than once complained that under the organization
of the army by Congress, every Commission was monopolized by the
four New England Governments, and when a change in this respect
was effected, there was much dissatisfaction in those colonies. It was
jealousy of General Philip Schuyler on the part of the New England
people that caused him to be superseded by Gates, a less capable Gen-
eral.
General Spencer, a Connecticut officer serving with General Wash-
ington, was so dissatisfied that General Putnam was appointed Major
General by the Continental Congress, giving him precedence over him,
that he immediately went to his home without leave of General Wash-
ington, refusing to serve under Putnam. lie afterwards changed his
mind, however, and returned and expressed his willingness to serve
under him.
In a letter from Ebenezer Huntington, a meritorious officer among
the Connecticut soldiers, dated December 1st, 1775, he says: "The
Connecticut men have this day taken the liberty to leave the Camp
without leave (I mean some of them). Maj. Trumbull and Captain
Chester are sent after them to bring them back. They have not yet
returned tho eight o'clock. A party went from Cambridge in the same
manner. Among them was a Sergeant whom the General has deter-
mined to send to Connecticut in Irons with a Label on his back telling
his crime — to be dealt with as the Authorities of the Colony sliall tliink
proper. The men universally seem desirous of mutiny because the
men had not a bounty — the General is about ordering in Minute men
to supply the places of those persons who shall so Poltroon like, desert
the lines."
In a letter written from the lieadquarters of the army in Pennsyl-
vania, Col. Webb wrote: "I hope sure I am the Lads of that Country
(New England) will not behave in the damed cowardly, rascally man-
ner the People of this country (Pennsylvania) have."
Col. Humphrey wrote to General George Clinton in August, 1777, as
follows: "Agreeably to order, I met Col. Graliam on the 5th in St., and
agreed to raise 74 men. On 8th I lia'd the battalions together and draft-
ed the number, and ordered them to appear at Poughkeepsie on the
12th inst, and appointed one Captain and one Lieutenant. Accordingly
the officers met at Poughkeepsie, and finding a small number of men
I'.VTUI >T1(J DKl.LSlUNS 251
;il)|it';n'. Ilii' (';i|iI;iiM w.is iliss.i I islicd ;iihI 1i:is rcsiLTiifd his coiiiniissioii.
1 llu'ii MpiJoiiilcd niKitlicr ( ";i|it:iiii iiiiil sent in tin si\ii;il ( 'jiptMiiis of
tlic Itiittnlioiis 1() niustci' tlicii' ilnil'lt'd iiicn; llicy smt me word |li;it
llic chict' ji.-iii of tlicir im-ii wcic uoiic .•i\\;iy m- coiicc'ilcd. I then wi'orc
\\;i rr;i Ids In cidi ( ';i|it;i in In send nut miai'ds ;iiid sc.-in-li I'nr Ihcin iiiid
iil)i)()int((l llii'iii and the ("ajytaiii and l>it ulciia nl In mccl and inarcli
A\itli as many as we cniild lind: and all tliat wmild i-cl'iisc to un srnd
llicni In tlu' county Jail, tliorc In rcniaiii until they were willing' to
inarch nr hire a man in Ihcir place. We raised a bounly nf nine ]pouii(ls
per man and ha\'e i>aid -~ the liount\' and sexcral t'aiineis hare given
.'!() pounds to men In lio in their i)lace. On the HiUh inst.. I met tliein
wlieii 40 men apiieared with the oUu-ers at the house of Captain liey-
noUls. The uieu se(Mue(l williiii; to march, when the Captaiii told mo
he would not march unless he had lifty m(>n. I went out in order to
tell the men 1 woiUd get another Captain and ordered them to be ready
to inarch on the shortest notice, lint when tliey found the officers
(h'cline they dispersed and 1 could not get them together again any
more."
At the battle of Bunker Hid .wliere our soldiers on tlie wliole behav-
ed with conspicuous gallantry, there were some notable exc<>ptions.
In the cei-respondenee of Samuel B. Webb, compiled and pu1)lished liy
his grandson. Dr. W. Seward Wel)b, I find in reference to tlie conduct
or some soldiers and otlicei's in that battle, a letter written by Captain
Chester, in whose company Weill) was a lieutenant, from wliicli 1
extract tlie following: "Our Retreat on Saturday was sliameful and
Scandalous and owing to the Cowardice, ^Misconduct and want of lieg-
itiarity of the Province Troops. Though to Do them justice there was
a Number of these Officers and men that were in the fort and a very few
others that did honor to themselves by a most noble, manly and spir-
ittd Effort in the heat of the engagement, and 'tis said INIany of them
tiie flower of the Province have sacriliced their lives in the Cause.
Some say they have lost more Officers tlian men. (Jood Dr. W.irren.
God rest his Sonl, I hope is Safe in ITeavenI Had many of their Offi-
cers the Spirit and Courage in their Whole Constitution that he had
in his little finger, we had never retreated. Many considerable Com-
panies of their men I saw that said that there was not so much as a
Corporal with them; one in I'articular f"!l in the rear of my Company
and marched with us. The Capt. had mustered and ordered them to
March and told them he would overtake them directly, but they never
saw him till next day. A vast number were Retreating as we ^Marched
up and within a qiiarter of a mile of the scene of Action. If a man
was woimded, twenty men were glad of an Opportunity to carry him
away when not more than three could take hold of him to advantage.
One cluster would be sneaking down on their Bellies behind a Rock
and others behind Hay cocks and apple trees. At last I got pretty
near tlu' action and I met a considerable Company with their officei'S
252 fiEBKIMER COtTNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
at their Head retreatiug. I spoke to Lieutenant Webb and told him
it would not do to see so many going Back and that we must stop them.
By all means says he. I then inquired of the officer why he went back.
He made no answer. I told him to proceed if he Dare. He still went
on. I ordered my men to make Ready very Loud and told him if he
went another step he should have the fire of my whole Company. My
men declare they would fire if I ordered them, but the Poor Dogs were
forced to Come Back like Dogs that had been stealing sheep. But
after the retreat when we came to rally and attempt to form again we
found it impossible for they all most all said they had no Officer to
head them. In short most of the Companies of this Province are com-
manded by a most Despicable set of Officers."
In another letter written to Silas Dean, three days later, July 22nd,
Captain Chester, writing of the Battle of Bimker Hill, after stating
that he Avas ordered to march to Bunker Hill, said: "We soon marched
with our frocks and trowsers on over our other clothes (for our Com-
pany is in Uniform wholly blue turned up with red), for we were loth
to expose ourselves by our dress, and down we marched. I imagined
we arrived at the hill near the close of the battle. When we arrived,
there was not a Company with us in any kind of order, although when
we first set out, perhaps three Regiments were by our side and near
us; but there they were scattered, some behind rocks and haycocks and
thirty men, perhaps, behind an apple tree, and frequently twenty men
around a wounded man retreating when not more than three or four
could touch him to advantage. Others were retreating seemingly with-
out any excuse, and some said they had left the fort with leave of the
officers because they had been all night and day on fatigue without
sleep, vitals or drink; and some said they had no officers to head them
which indeed seemed to be the ease. At last I met with a considerable
Company who were going off" rank and file. I called to the officer that
led them and asked why he retreated? he made no answer. I halted
my men and told him if he went on it should be at his peril. He still
seemed regardless of me. I then ordered my men to make ready.
They immediately cocked, and declared if I ordered them they would
fire. Upon that they stopped short, tried to excuse themselves, but 1
could not tarry to hear him but ordered him forward and he complied."
After the battle of Bunker Hill. Washington was appointed Com-
mander-in-chief of the Continental Army; and on the 2(»th of August.
1775, he wrote from Cambi-idge to Lund Washington, who had charge
of his Virginia estate, among other things, as follows: "The people
of this government have obtained a character which they by no means
deserved — their officers generally speaking are the most indifferent
kind of people I ever saw. I have already broke one Colonel and five
captains for cowardice or for drawing more pay and Provisions than
they had men in their Companies — there is two more Colonels now
under arrest and to be tried for the same offense — in short they are by
PATRIOTIC DELUSIONS. 253
no moans such Troops in any respect as you ;in' led 1<p h.licv.- fn.in
(he acc<»uiits whicli .-ire pul)lislic(l. hut I need iiol iinikc iii.vscll' ciiciiiit's
anion;;' Iheni hy this (h'cl.-iratioii aUli()U,L;li il is (•(insistciil witli truth.
I (l.-irc say I lie men would li^ht very well (if proinTly (illu-eredi
••illiiouuh they arc exceedin^'ly dirty and ii;isty pcdplc. W.ni llicy hccii
proiK'ily coiahicti'd at Hunker Hill (on th(> 17th day ot .lunei or tliose
that were there properly supported, the Heindars (the I'.rilislii would
have met with a shameful defeat and ;i much more considei-alile loss
than they did which is now known to he e.x.ictly l.iC.7 killed and
wounded. It was for their l)eha\ior on that occasion that t!ic .iliovt-
ollicers wer(> lii'oke. for 1 never spai'ed one that was accused of cow-
ardice hut lirouuht "em to inuncdiate Tryal."
At the hattle of Oriskany, where (he hulk of the Tiyon County
Militia, with (heir hemic commander at tlieir licid. fought with ^'rear
courage and tenacity in the terrihie amhuscade in which they were
caunht. tlie rear guard, consisting of about one-third of the forces,
turiu'd and tied on the first fire of the enemy, and thus abandoned their
struggling comrades.
In March. 177(!. Captain .T. K. De Witt, in a letter to (imer.il George
Clinton, declared "That unless he could have his proper i-ank Camong
the Captains) according to the date of liis Connuission he would never
appear in the field with his Company."
In the same month, Captain .Tohn Crage wrote to General Clinton
that he had laid down his commission .and that he would never serve
in the militia as an otflcer unless he could have his place, for he wou'd
"not be twice superseded and still serve." Other records of the jieiiod
show that thei-e wei'e fi-e(|uent mutinies of the soldiei's and inferior
officers upon various jii'dexts, that it was nearly alwjiys dithcult to
till up (lie I'.anks of the army by eidistments, and that the militi;i some-
times refused on the call of the proper officers to march against the
enemy. an<l that they resorted to all kinds of artifices to avoid service:
and all tliis in tinu's of great peril to the country. .Vnd framls in the
commissary and (iii.artermasters' departments were not uncommon.
I'npatriotic conduct was not confined (xclusively to the atniy. but
men not in the .-iiiny could not be kej)t from trciicherous communica-
tions with the enemy, and from selling to them sui»i)lies gre.-itly needed
by tlie iKitriot army. Sil.as I>e:in, tlu' lii'st dii>lomatic .agent sent from
this country to Europe, betrayed his trust and ()i)eued trcisonable cor-
respondence on the <ither sid(» of the ocean with the Knglish.
These eases of unpatriotic conduct cannot be i)aralleled in (he his-
tori<'s of all tlie wars in which oui' country has been engaged since the
Revolution. I have not found tli.it liistory recoids a single instance
in all such wars of treachery ou the ]);ir( of any officer or eveii of any
priva(e of our army. I know of no case in such w.iis of desertion from
our army to the enemy. In the Civil war. while more (luiii 2..")(MI.000
soldiers were enrolled on the- Union side, there is no inst;iiicc known
254 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
to me where a single soldier or officer betraj'ed his flag. And in all
these wars there Avas but little trouble to fill up the ranks of our army.
It is safe to say that there are no people in the world among whom
there is so much patriotism as there now is among the people of the
United States. This grows largely out of the fact that our people
have the best government in the vrorld in which they govern them-
selves, and enjoy greater felicity and prosperity than any other people.
Under such circumstances, patriotism is a natural, inevitable growth
like family ties, love of home and parents and children.
It is a common delusion that the battlefield is the sole, or at least the
main theatre for the display of patriotism; and nearly all the com-
memorative monuments erected in the public places of our country
are in honor of soldiers. We too frequently forget that those who in
civil life devote their time and means to purify and elevate private and
public life, to improve the conditions of the poor and the suffering, to
spread learning, intelligence and religion among the people, to develop
the resources of our country, and to carry oiu" civilization to higher and
higher planes are as true patriots, as worthy of honor, and at least
as useful as those who face danger upon the field of battle.
Within the past few j-ears, a law has been passed in our State re-
quiring our national flag to be displayed at every school house, and
encouraging patriotic exercises in connection therewith for the pro-
fessed purpose of inculcating patriotism. This, in my judgment, is
another delusion. Patriotism is not inculcated in that way. The flag
can be made too common. It is an adage more than 2,000 years old,
founded upon a true philosophy of the human mind, that "familiarity
breeds contempt." These performances T^ith the flag may and doubt-
less will stimulate tlie war spirit, but it never will in any appreciable
degree imbed in youthful minds true patriotism. The war spirit is now
too rampant in our land. Great masses of men are always too ready
on the least supposed provocation to figlit England or any other nation,
or even the whole world combined. Our youths should be taught thai
"Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than war."
When I read tlie warlike speeclies uttered on the platform, and in
legislative halls by shouting jingoes, to catch the popular breeze, I am
reminded of the saying of Dr. Samuel Johnson, uttered in reference
to such men, that "Patriotism is tire last resort of a scoundrel."
It has not been my purpose in what I have written to call in question
the patriotism of the most of the people of the Revolutionary period,
but to show that it is a delusion to believe that they were more patri-
otic than the people of this day, and tliat their descendants, while ad-
vancing in nearly all other respects, have deteriorated in their pati'iot-
ism. My facts, I think, incontestably show thatH:here were many more
cases of unpatriotic conduct during the Revolutionary period tinm dur-
rATKIUTIC DKLUSIONS. 255
ing all the wars in mir nalioiial liislory since. Arid yet that ihtIoiI was
(illi'd with illiisti'ioiis examples of devoted jtatriotisni whii-ii will never
be for^iutU'ii; and it ^mvc to the world (JeorKf Washington, one of the
frroatost and most imsellish patriots the world has ever known, whose
(•h.aractcr and acliie\ cnients cannot be studit'd too cioselN- l)y tiie youths
of onr conntrv.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND ARBITRARY POWER
DURING THE CIVIL WAR.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society, May ii, 1901.
Were those who criticised and condemned the arbitrary acts of Pres-
ident Lincoln during the Civil war chargeable with disloyalty?
To properly answer this question, a few antecedent facts of history
must be referred to so as to show the political training and the envi-
ronment of the men of tliat time.
The writ of habeas corpus is one of tlie great political heirlooms of
our race. It is nearly as old as the common law, and has always been
regarded as one of the bulwarks of civil liberty. Its pui-pose is relief
from illegal restraint and imprisonment, and defense against arbitrary
power. Without it, the proA'ision in Magna Charta, and in the consti-
tutions of our country, tliat no person shall be deprived of liis liberty
without due process of law, Avould be shorn of much of its value.
During the whole of English history, no sovereign has assumed tlie
power formally to suspend the writ; and for more than three centuries
no Sovereign of England could have suspended it without arousing a
contest with the people which would have endangered the crown.
Charles the First defied the writ and refused to permit its operation
in certain cases, claiming tliat he was above the law: and his arbitrary
acts in this respect were among tlie causes which led to his destruction.
There it has always been recognized that the power to authorize the
suspension of the writ is a legislative power vested exclusively in
I'arliament; and in all the times of turmoil and rebellion tliere. that
body never authorized its suspension but three times — once in 1744,
when a French invasion was feared — once at a time of great peril in
1817, and again in the 29th year of Victoria on account of the disorders
in Ireland. This writ and the trial by .jury have always been regarded
as the two great palladiums of English liberty: and they do not exist
elsewhere outside of the English speaking peoples.
In this country.' the founders of our Republic, -e^'er alert and Avatch-
ful to guard against arbitrary power, and to protect the liberties they
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND AKUITRARY POVVKK L'57
ll.ld won l)\ llicir |):lllii»l ir S.lcli lircs illld \ :l lor, i lisclli'd in (lie l'"rilcrill
( "oiistiliilioii llic iHoxisinii IliMl ■■|li<' |iii \ ili'ur of Ihi' wiit of Imbcas
corpus slmll nut lie suspcmli'd, unless \\ lirn in <;isf of rrju'llion or iuva-
siou, the public safety may i-i'(|iiirc il." I'-cJorc the ('ivil war, our coiiu-
ny had i)assed throu.uli the ltevolutionai-y war, the War of isiii with
Great I'.ritain, and the .Mexican war, and the writ liad never been sus-
lienih'd. Laws, bolli l''e(h'i'al and Slate, had been i)assed undei- wliieji
any person huprisoued could easily and readily obtain tli<' writ from
some Court or Jud.ue, and have the cause of his imprisomneni inves-
ti.Liatcd aiul procure his release if illegally detained.
It was one of the fundamental i)i'inciplcs for which our liberty-loviut;
ancestors always contended that the military should he subordinate
to the civil power; and our nation be,t;au its life in ITTC by a i)rotes«.
in the Det-laration of IndepiMuh'Uce against military usurpations. Dui-
ing the Revolutionary war, in which the patriots staked "their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor, "" on the result of the strusj^le,
they always asserted and enforced the sul)ordination of the military
to the civil power; and in most of the states such subordination was
franu'd into their constitutions. Thou.cli General \Vashin>,Mon was
clothed with almost dictatori.al power, even in the dai'kest days of the
Kevolutionary struggle, he never presumed to override the civil law,
or to disregard the orders of tlu' Courts except in extreme (>mei-gen-
cies by express authority of Congress or of the States. During all the
prior wars in which our country had been engaged, martial law had
not anywhere been proclaimed or enforced except by General Jackson
iu 1815 at New Orleans; and his arbitrary acts there, although appear-
ing at the time to be necessary, wei-e never afterward .iustitied as legal
even by himself.
By the people of our country of all shades of political opinion, a large
standing army was considered dangerous to liberty. \ye had all been
educated in t.hat w^ay. In the history of nations, large armit's had
always been the tools of usurpers and tyrants used to oppress the peo-
ple; and hence our regular army had ahvays been kept small. At tlu>
commencement of the Civil war, it was less than ir),()()0. But .lanuary
1, 1862, it Avas over 575,000. March 31, 18o2, it was over 037,000. .Tanu-
ary 1, 1803, it was over 918,000; and when it was mustered out at the
close of the war it AVas more than l,(ioo.ooo; and in addition to all these
soldiers Avas the force belonging to the navy. Of these enormous
forces, Abraham Lincoln was the Commander-in-chief. They were sub-
.iect to his orders and obedient to his Avill. What did our people then
know about him? Before the war, he had never been much tried in
public life. He Avas simply known as a prominent Bepublican poli-
tician, Avho had become distinguished as an eloquent and zealous oppon-
ent of the extension and dominance of slavery. How dangerous he
might become to the liberties of our country, whether he Avonld become
a Washington, or a CrouiAvell, or a Bonaparte, Avhether he Avould be-
17
258 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
come intoxicated witli ttie power be possessed, wlietlier he would use
his power solely for the welfare of his country, or for the aggrandize-
ment of himself or of his party, comparatively few men could then tell.
He was not then generally known, as we know him now after the rays
of history have beat upon his character showing him to have been" a
humane, patriotic ruler, whose sole purpose was to discharge his duty
and save the Union. Then again, he was the chief of a political party
bestoAving his vast patronage upon his partisans, many of whom were
filled Avith fanatical hatred of those who did not share in their political
faith.
With these antecedents; and under these circumstances, the people
of the North found themselves in 1861 and afterAvard involved in the
Civil war, AA^ith soldiers eA'erywhere mustering for battle, and the
strains of martial music, in all the States, saluting the rising and the
setting sun. It was not, during the war, questioned by anyone that the
President, or any commander by his authority could proclaim martial
law, and thus suspend the Avrit of habeas corpus in any of the rebel
States, and in any other part of the country where the Union armies
were actually operating against the enemy. The power to do these
things is founded somewhat upon the maxim inter arma silent leges;
and it belongs to all military commanders operating against enemies
in a country which is the theatre of war. President Lincoln was crit-
icized, and by many condemned for arbitrary acts in loyal States far
from the theatre of war, and it is with these acts that I am now
concerned.
April 2.5th, 1861, the President issued an order authorizing Grcneral
Scott to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland; and two days
later, an order authorizing him personally or through a subordinate
commander to suspend it "at any point on or in the vicinity of any
military line which is now or which shall be used between the City
of Philadelphia and the City of Washington." July 2nd, 1861, he
issued a similar order for the suspension of the writ "on or in the vicin-
ity of any military line" between the cities of New York and Washing-
ton; and an order October 14, thereafter suspending the writ in any
place betAveen Bangor in Maine and Washington. On the 2nd day of
December, 1861, he issued an order authorizing General Halleck, com-
manding the Department of Missouri, to suspend the writ within the
limits of his military department, and to exercise martial lav/ as he
found it necessary in his discretion "to secure the public safety and the
authority of the United States." It must be remembered that Missouri
neA'er seceded from the Union, and that many of its citizens were in
the Union armies during the entire war fighting for the Union.
Prior to February 14th, 1862. many citizens of loyal States had been
arbitrarily arrested and confined, and denied the privilege of the writ
of habeas corpus; and partially to silence the clamor made on account
of such arrests, on that day, the President isstTed an order directing
ABRAHAM I.INCOI.N AND AUIUTUAKY POWER. 2VJ
tl.iit "'nil pdlil ici I inisoiicrs now held in inilil.ii\\ fiisloily Im' ri'N-ascd
on their sulisrriiiiiii; In ;i ikiioIc cii^a^iiii; tlirin in i-cii(lir n.i aid or
lonifort to tlie eiu'UiU's in hostility to the United States, 'i'lie Secretaij
of Wiiv will, however, in his discretion, except from the erfect of this
order any persons detained as si)ies in the s( i'n ice of the insnri'ection,
and others whose release at the present niomeiil may lie deemed incom-
patible with the puhllc safety;" aiul on ti:e 2Tlh of the same mniilii
Jie issued an order appointim;- a special eouiniission consisting; of (ien-
eral Dix and Edwards I'lerrepont of Xew York, "to examine tlu- cases
of the State prisoners remaining;' in the military custody of lli" I'nited
States, and to determine whether in view of llu- piililic safety and the
existing febelliou they should be dischar^itd or remain in military cus-
tody, or be remitted to the ci\il tribunals for trial;" .and they were to
liear the cases ex parte and in a summary manner.
At that time many of the persons who had been arbitrarily arrested
in loyal States without warrant, and without the exhibition of any
charges against them, were cpnlined in Fort Lafayette, near New
York, and Fort Warren, near Boston, and in other prisons; and one
of the circumstances that made their condition hard was that they were
frequently not permitted the benefit of counsel. :ind that access to the
civil courts was practically denied to them. They were in fact given
to -understand that the emi)loyment of counsel wouhY prejudice their
cases. In December, 1801, Seth C. Hawley, who w':is then Chief Clex'k
of the Metropolitan Police Commissioners of New Y''ork, acting, as he
, stated, under order of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, read to
the prisoners confined in Fort Lafayette the following paper: "I am
.instructed by the Secretary of State to inform you that the Dep.artment
of State of the United States will not recognize any one as an attorney
for political prisoners, and will look with distrust upon all apidicatious
for relief through such channels; and that such applications will be
regarded as additional reasons for declining to release the prisoners-,
and further, that if such prisoners wisli to make an.v communication
to the government they are, at liberty and are requested to make it
directly to the State Department." Thai was the first time, at least
in our country, when tlie employment of counsel by a prisoner was lield
to prejudice his case. It is not strange that sucli a papi'r should have
. emanated from that source, as about that time Mr. Seward, in a con-
versatfbn with Lord Lyon, then ambassador to this country from Great
Britain, said: "My Lord, I can touch a bell on my right hand, and
order the arrest of a citizen of Ohio; I can touch a bell again, and order
the imprisonment of a citizen of New York; and no power on earth
except that of the President, can release them. Can the Queen of
England do as much?" The noble Lord could have humiliated the
i
great Secretary revelling in his. newly assumed power by (luoting the
language of the P'arl of Chatham, uttered in the English Parliament:
260 HERKlMEll COUNTY HISTOKICAL SOCIETY
"The poorest man in his cottage may bid defiance to all the power of
the crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow
through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of
England cannot enter. All his power dares not cross the threshold of
that ruined tenement."
The order of the President to Secretary Stanton of February 14th,
•was a delusion, because it authorized him to retain in prison all per-
sons, whether guilty of any crime or not, whose release he, in the exer-
cise of his sole arbitrary discretion, "deemed incompatible with the
public safetj'." In the same order, however, to prevent Mr. Seward
from touching his bell too often, he provided that "extraordinary
arrests will hereafter be made under the direction of the military
authorities alone."
On the loth day of April, 1862, the President issued an order to Gen-
eral Dix, commanding at Baltimore, in a State which had not seceded,
authorizing hi}n to "arrest and imprison disloyal persons, declare mar-
tial law and suspend the Avrit of habeas corpus in the city of Baltimore
or any part of his command, and to exercise and perform all military
powers, functions and authority that he ma y deem proper for the safety
of his command or to secure obedience and respect to the authority
and government of the United States." This order gave the command-
ing general absolute power over several hundred thousand people, de-
priving them of all redress under the civil laws for any of his acts. He
was the sole .ludge of what was disloyal, (which in the nomenclature
of that day was a very comprehensive term), and of what acts were
dangerous; and all this in a community where a majority of the people
were loyal, where there was an ample military force to preserve order
and support the civil power; and where all the courts were open for
the discharge of their regular duties.
On the 2Gth day of July, 1862, Mr. Secretary Stanton issued to H. H.
Hoxie, United States Marshal of the District of Iowa, the following
order: "You are hereby authorized and instructed to arrest and im-
prison any disloyal person or persons in your district who shall do any
act or make any declaration or publication to discourage or prevent
the enlistment of volunteers to suppress the rebellion, or to afford aid
and comfort to the enemies of the United States. * * * ^^^y pgj..
son or persons arrested under this authority you will transport in safe
custody to the Military Governor of the District of Columbia." This
cruel order which authorized the marshal in the exercise of his discre-
tion to arrest any person and take him more tlian a tliousand miles from
his home for confinement must have been intended to intimidate those
persons in Iowa, a State nearly a thousand miles from the theatre of
actual war, who were opposed to the party of the President. A copy
of this order was apparently sent to S. J. Kirkwood, Governor of the
State of Iowa, and he sent it to his friend Lower^' with these endorse-
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND AUUITaAKY I'OWEU 201
incuts upon it: •"Hcjul the within i-arcfully, and if any oik- in your
rof^ion conu-s witliin its terms, write to lloxie." 'T. S. — There are
persons, if I niistake not, in WajH'llo county tliat need atten<lin;,' to."
Two more extraordinary orders were issued l)y Secretary Stanton
by direction of the I'resident, both on the sth (hiy of August, 18()2,
one autliorizinj;- all marshals, d(>puty marshals and military olHcers of
the United States to arrest all persons liable to be tlraftcd who ai<-
about to depart from the United States, and "to suspend the writ of
habeas corpus in respect to all persons so arrested and (IctaiMid, and
in respect to all persons arrested for disloyal practices;" another order,
"First, that all United State marshals and superintendents and chiefs
of police of any town, city or district be and they are hereby authorized
and directed to arrest any person or persons who may be enf,'i^f,'ed by
act, speech or writing in discouraging volunteer enlistments, or in any
way giving aid and comfort to the enemy, or for any other disloyal
practice against the United States. Second, that immediate report be
made to Major L. C. Turner, Judge Advocate, in order tliat such per-
sons may be tried by a military commission."
These orders were to operate throughout the United States. No com-
munity, however loyal and however distant from the held of warlike
operations, was outside of their scope. Every marshal, every deputy
marshal and every military officer, however low his grade, and the
police officers named could arrest any person who lie supposed to be
liable to any draft or Avhom he suspected of disloyal practices, giving
their own definition to disloyalty; and all such persons when arrested
were deprived, by the suspension of the writ of liabeas corpus, of any
redress in the courts although tliroughout the North they were at ail
times open and in the full discharge of their regular duties. More arbi-
trary orders were never issued by any ruler in any civilized country
during the last three centuries. A distinguished jurist of this State
who had aided in founding the party of Abraham Lincoln, told me
that he stood by his party, and supported the acts of the President
until the issuing of these orders, when he felt obliged to leave his party,
and join the opposition to the President, believing that the liberties of
our country were in danger, and fearing that he might be arrested by
some minion of power for some judicial act conscientiously piMt'ormcd.
About this time, Lyman Trumbel, United States Senator from Illinois.
an early and staunch friend of the President, and one of the ablest
statesmen and jurists of the nation ,and with him many other mem-
bers of the President's party, began to ci'iticise these arbitrary acts,
and to deny the power of the President to suspend the ,vrit of habeas
corpus or declare martial law in loyal States. Among these critics was
Benjamin R. Curtis, of Boston, who in the United States Supreme Court
delivered the famous dissenting opinion in the Dred Scot case. He
was one of the ablest jurists this country has ever produced. Among
other things he said: "It has been attempted by some patriotic jour-
262 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
nals to raise the cry of disloyaltj^ agaiust any one who should question
these executive acts. But the people of the United States know that
loyalty is not subserviency to a man. or to a party, or to the opinions
of newspapers; but that it is an honest and wise devotion to the safety
and welfare of our country, and to the great principles which our con-
stitution of government embodies, by wliich alone that safety and wel-
fare can be secured; and Avhen these principles are put in jeopardy
every truly loyal man must interpose according to his ability, or be
an unfaithful citizen. Tliis is not a government of men, it is a govern-
ment of law, and the laws are required by the people to be in conform-
ity witli tlreir AvilT declared by the Constitution. Our loyalty is due to'
that will, our obedience is due to those laws; and he who would induce
submission to other laAvs springing from sources of power not oi'iginat-
ing in the people, but in casual events, and in tlie mere will of the
occupants of places of power does nof exhort us to loyalty, but to a
desertion of our trust." But these criticisms were unavailing; and'
on the 24th day of September, 18G2, the President issued a most extra-
ordinary proclamation that, "First, during the existing insiirrectiorir
and as a necessary war measure for suppressing the same all rebels
and insurgents, their aiders and abettors, within the United States, and
all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting military drafts
or guilty of any disloyal practices , affording' aid and cornfort to rebels
against the authority of the United States shall be subject to martial
law, and liable to trial and punishment by a Court Martial or Military
Commission. Second, that the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in
respect to all such persons arrested, or Avho are now, or hereafter dur-
ing the rebellion, shall be imprisoned in any fort, camp, arsenal, mili-
tary prison, or other place of confinement by any military authority'.'
or by the sentence of any Court Martial' or'Military Commission."
This proclamation still more sweeping in its labguage than the prior
orders aroused much clamor in the loyal States, It placed the liberty
of every citizen in the absolute power of the President and the officers
of every grade acting under liim or by his authority, and closed all the
Courts against the victims of arbitrary power. It aroused a'uch ad-
verse criticism throughout the North and Avas much denounced in Con-
gress by the Democrats and some Republicans. The right of the Pres-
ident to suspend tlae writ of laabeas corpus was denied, and it Avas
claimed that, under the federal constitution, tlie Avrit could be suspend-
ed only by authority of an act of Congress,' and it was strenuously con-
tended that neither the President "no;- any military commander could
declare or enforce martial laAV anywhere except AA'here actual war
existed with hostile forces in tlie field." '"these 'criticisms Avere so forci-
l)le and the clamor against arbitrary arrests, martial laAV and the sus-
pension of the writ so loud and general' that on the third day of March,
1803, Congress passed an act authorizing the Pi-esident, during the
rebellion, to suspend the Avrit of habeas corpus throughout the United
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND AUBITUAUY I'oWKR 268
States; and on tlif l.'th day of ScptcnilxM' llirirnfter. I In- I'l-csideiit
issued a proclanialion under that act suspendini; the will in ii!l eases
where by his authority military, naval and civ il nlficers of tlu- I'nited
States "held jxTsons in tlieii' custody, i-ilhcr ;is pi-jsoncis of wiir, spies
or aiders or abettors of tlie enemy," and other yer-sons described.
There is no dispute now that before the passage of this ;ict the Pres-
ident liad no power under the Coi'slitution to suspend the writ of
habeas corpus. All commentators on the Constitution and all ilic Judi-
cial authorities are to that effect. And it is e(inally well settled that
neither lie nor any army otlicer had the rij^iit to declare and enforce
n\artial law or set up a military eouuuission for the trial of any i)erson
in any State or district where there was no war, which was in no sense
the theatre of war, and where tlie civil ciurts wt>re open and in full
discharge of their duties. It was disputed whether, even under this
act, the rresident could suspend the writ in peaceful and orderly com-
munities far from the seat of war. But arrests by United Stales civil
and military officers went on. It was easy to bring nearly all the per-
sons who differed from the President, or criticised his acts, oi- ques-
tioned the civil or military policy lie pursued, or denounced unwar-
ranted arbitrary arrests and martial law, witliin tlie broad and con-
venient phrases, "'aiders and abettors of the rebellion," "giving aid and
comfort to the enemy." Many who were not arrested, were 'ilanned,
«
intimidated and exasperated; and it is easy to see now. that these
arbitrary measures worlied more harm than good to the Union cause.
Subordinate military commanders were not slow to follow these
examples of arbitrary power set by the Commander-in-chief. On the
loth'of Api-il, 18G3, General Burnside, then in command of the Depart-
ment of Ohio, with zeal fired and judgment warped bj^ his recent dis-
graceful defeat at Fredericksbiu-g, issued an order. No. 38, announcing
that "all persons found Avithin our lines who commit acts for the bene-
fit of tlie enemies of oiu* country will be tried as spies or traitors, and
if convicted, will suffer death;" and he announced among the acts com-
ing within the scope of liis order, "the habit of declaring sympathy
for the enemy;" and he declared that "Treason, express or implied,
will not be tolerated in this Department." \Miat was meant by "de-
claring sympathy for the enemy," "by acts for the beiK^lit of tlu- en-
emy" and by "implied treason?" These phrases contain the sting of
this extraordinary order and made it so comprehensive that a large
portion of the people of Ohio could, if desired, be brought within its
scope. This order aroused great apprehension and bitter criticism.
not only in Ohio, btit throughout the Northern States; and :\Ir. ^'alan-
digham, who had been a prominent Democratic member of Congress,
denounced it in strong terms at a Democratic meeting which lu* and
otliers addressed. For this he was arrested by a company of armed
soldiers at his home in Dayton, who forced their way into )ms house
for that purpose. He was carried to Cincinnati and put in prison and
264 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
kept in close conlinement unlil he was brought before a Military Com-
mission organized by General Burnsicle for his trial. He protested
against the AA'hole proceeding. But he was found guilty of the charges
against him and sentenced to imprisonment in some military fortress
during the war. This proceeding was approved by the President ex-
cept that he, Avith grim humor, modified the sentence to deportation
into the Confederate lines. All this took place in a loyal State, where
the civil courts Avere open and where a military commission was abso-
lutely without authority to try any citizen not in the army, as it was
afterward held by the Supreme Court of the United Statgs in the case
of ex parte Milligan 4 Wallace 6.
These proceedings created a profound sensation throughout the coun-
try. They were assailed in public meetings, in speeches, editoiials and
pamphlets; and some of the most loyal supporters of the administra-
tion joined in the attacks. One of General Burnside's own staff offi-
cers, Colonel Cutts, wrote to the President that "Order No. 38 has
kindled the tires of hatred and contention." To a public meeting called
at Albany to take action in reference to the arrest of Valandigham,
Governor Sej'mour Avrote, saying among other things: "It is an act
which has brought dishonor upon our countrj-; it is full of danger to
our persons and to our homes. * * * It is not merely a step toward
revolution, it is revolution; it Avill not only lead to military despotism,
it establishes military despotism." The resolutions adopted at this
meeting were sent to the President, and he replied in a lengtliy letter,
justifying the action of General Burnside; and he never revoked or
modified Order No. 38.
But there was still a greater stretch of poAA'er by the Pres-
ident Avhich no historian or jurist has yet attempted to justify.
On the 17th day of May, 1864, some person desiring to influ-
ence the stock markets forged Avhat purported to be a proclamation
of the President calling in terms of exaggerated depression for four
hundred thousand troops; and he took it to the newspapers in New
York for publication claiming to ha^-e obtained it in Washington. It
luid the appearance of being genuine, ;ind the New York World and
the New York Journal of Commerce were deceived and in good faith
published it. Then the President, without any inquiry, issued an order
to General I)ix, who had charge of the military forces in and about
New York, commanding him "to arrest and imprison in any fort or
militai-y prison in your command the editors, proprietors and publishers
of the aforesaid newspapers; and all such persons as, after public notice
has been given of the falsehood of such publication, shall print and
publish the same Avith intent to give aid and comfort to the enemy;
and you Avill Jiold the persons so arrested in close custody until they
can be brought to trial before a military commission for their offences.
You will also take possession l)y military force ot the printing estab-
lishments of the NeAV York World and Journal of Commerce and hold
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND AHHITKARY I'OWEU. 2G5
tile sniiK^ until rui-Ilicr orders ;iml inoliiliil .■my rui-tluT imlilii-iitioiis
tlu'i-cri-din." Tliis (irdi'i' \\;is dbcycil li,\ ( icin'i-.-i 1 l>ix. ;iii<l tlic i)iil)lic:i-
tion of llic Iwt) iMiKTS \\;is sus|)cn(li d \'i>v luo (l;iys, wln'ii tli'' Inili-d
States .lullinrilics liccoininu satislicd tlial Ilic publication of tin- iiro-
c-laiuaticn was duo to ndstake rclcasi'd the persons arfested and tlie
newspapiT t'slablishuK'nts. and the publication of the papers was re-
sumed. Tliese extraordinary acts created jjreat excitement in tliis
State, .and liiu'.-itio Seymour, then .uoxcn'or. called public attention
to tlieni ;ind denounced tin in as .-irbitr.-iry invasions of the fun(himental
1 i.uhts ol' lil)erty and property.
Tlie l)revity reciuired for this occasion forliids that I shi>uld specify
many of tlie lumdreds of cases of arbitrary arrests made witliout war-
r.-iiit in loyal States f;ir from the theatre of wai". Tlie victims were
generally carried lar iroiii ilieir homes, and coiilined in vile in'isoiis.
and finally discliiirgei) witliouL trial or excii tlie exhibition of any
charues against them. 1 will refer to but .-i few cases which from their
liet-uliar cinicumstant-cs ;ittr;icted most attention in this State.
October •J2nd, ISC.l. Hon. Francis D. flauders and .Judge .Joseph
Flanders, of :\r;iloue, in this State, were arrested by four deputy mai-
shals under a special order from William II. Seward, directing the
United States marshal to arrest them and convey them to Fort Lafay-
ette. Th(>y were t.aken to that foil, and after confinement th- re. they
were conveyed to Fort Warren in the Boston harbor, and there they
were confined until February •22nd. when they were discliarged without
any trial, or even a hearing upon any charges.
Rev. Judson D. Benedict, a Campellite minister, born .and reared in
the State of ^'ermout. who had not voted for fifteen yeais. in August.
1SG2, preached a farewell sermon to. his congregation at East Aurora,
hi this State, taking liis text from Christ's sermon on the niouu-t. Like
the Quakers, he was conscientiously opposed to wars of any liind. and
so told his people. For preaching this sermon he was arrested by a
deputy marshal. His counsel obtained from Fnited States .Tudge Hall
a writ of habeas corpus; and upon the hearing on the return to that
writ, the Judge, giving a very able and elaborate opinion, discharged
him. Before he could leave the court room, tlie marshal again by a
special order from the Secretary of ^\'ar directing him to disobey any
writ of habeas corpus, rearrested liim, and hurrying him off, conveyed
him to Washington, where lie was contined for several weeks in the
old Capitol prison, when lie was taken before the Judge Advocate and
without any trial or the exhibition of any charges against him. he was
discharged. In answer to his inquiry why he was arrested and impris-
oned, the Judge Advocate replied: "Oh. it was only to show the people
that the military power is now al,)ove tlie civil power."
The crowning outrage, so far as this State was concerned, is yet to
be stated. It relates to the arrest of several itrominent citizens of this
State who were concerned with the vote,? of soldiers from this State
266 HERKIMER COUNTY mSTOEICAL SOCIETY.
in the field near Washington. In 1SG3, a law was passed by the Legis-
lature of this State anthorizing the Governor to appoint suitable agents
to provide additional relief for the sick and wounded soldiers from this
State, and to perform such other duties for the relief of the soldiers
as he might direct. And in April. lSi54. an act was passed enabling
our soldiers in the field to vote. Under these acts. Colonel Samuel
North of Otsego county, one of the most respectable citizens of our
State, Major Levi Cohn of Albany and Lieutenant Marvin M. Jones of
Ftica. were appointed by Horatio Seymour, then Governor, to go to
Washington to discharge their duties under these acts. They went to
Washington to discharge their duties, and there they opened an office;
and while engaged in giving relief to the soldiers and aiding them under
the law of this State in preparing their votes, they were arbiti'arily
arrested the latter part of October. 1SG4. by the order of Mr. Dana.
Assistant Secretary of War, which contained the statement that it was
issued by order of the President, and whieli directed the seizure of all
the papers of the agency and all their private papers at their lodgings.
Under this order they were taken and confined in the old Capitol prison
and their papers, official and private, were seized. When news of this
outrage reached this State there was much excitement and indignation.
Governor Seymour at once appointed Judges William F. Allen and
Amasa J. Parker and Hon. William Kelley. three of the most eminent
citizens of our State, to go to Washington to investigate the matter
and to employ counsel to defend the prisoners. They immediately went
to Washington and found the prisoners in a loathsome prison; they
could not obtain free access to the prisoners, nor could counsel employ-
ed on their behalf. The accused were finally arraigned for trial Novem-
ber 3rd, before a military commission, charged "with conduct preju-
dicial to the military service of the L'nited States, and in fraud of
the election rights and duties of the soldiers and officers of said ser-
vice." The accused were defended by William A. Beach, of Troy, and
other counsel employed by the State. Their objections to the jurisdic-
tion of the Commission were forcibly presented, and in his reply to
their arguments, the Judge Advocate, aniong other things, made the
extraordinary assertion that "in times of war a great many provisions
of the Constitution which were intended for times of peace are pro
tanto suspended. The constitution, or rather the mass of its details is
intended for time of peace; but in time of war the general powers
therein delegated to Congress and to the President take the place of
the general provisions in time of peace." These objections which no
one will now dispute were well taken, were overruled and the trial
proceeded; and early in February, after about three months of cruel
confinement, the accused were found not guilty and discharged.
There were many other cases of arbitrary arrests within this State.
But I have no time to deal with them now. As we look back from
this time, it must be a matter of surprise that under the exercise of
ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND ARBITRARY POWER. 207
such arbitrary powers the people were as patient aiul docile as tliey
nearly ahvays were. There were millions of soher-minrled, patriotit;
men who conld not snbscrihe (o tlie docti'ine that any part of tlu; Con-
stitution was silent in tlic time of wai' in the loyal States, and so the
Courts finally held.
I have thus called attention to these acts of arbitrary power, but
not for the purpose of detractinjj from the great merits of Aliraliain
Lincoln, who will always have a place among the greatest characters
of his time. Mankind are too prone to idealize their hci"o(>s and to
endow them with qualities little less than divine. A perfect picture
upon any canvass must have both shadow and light; and the charac-
ters of great men will be more instructive if delineated with their
human limitations. History teaches by examples, some of which are to
be imitated, and others shunned; and if the lessons are to be worth
anything, they must be founded upon the truth. There M-as doubtless
palliation for many of Mr. Lincoln's arbitrary acts. Some of them were
(hiubtless due to the solicitations and urgent advice of others who were
less patient and humane than he was. He was engaged in a gigantic
and desperate struggle to save the Union, and his responsibilities and
distractions were such as have rarely come to any man. In the din,
excitement and perils of a great war, he did not see as clearly as wo
now can, the significance of current events, and the character and qual-
ity of his own acts, an^ the acts of other men. I have referred to them
for the purpose of answering the question Avlth which I started. Those
men, Ilepublicans and Democrats, who criticised these acts were not
disloyal for so doing. By protesting and by insisting upon the great
hSndmarkfe of liberty for which our race had struggled for centuries,
they rendered a great service to their country and to posterity. We
can see to-day that these arbitrary acts did not in fact aid the Union
cause-, but that their tendency was to injure it by alienating from the
support of the public authorities much active sympathy and assistance
whit'h they would otherwise have received. Impartial history will do
justice to all the actors in the great drama, and will assign such men
as Horatio Seymour and Samuel J. Tilden as well as President Lincoln
and William H. Seward each to his proper place for what he did in his
sphere of action for the salvation of the Union, and also for the pres-
erviation of liberty regulated by law.
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS.
SECOND PRIZE ESSAY IN THE ALBERT N. RUSSEI,!, CONTEST, WRITTEN BY
MISS I^ORETTA O. DOUGLAS, OF lUON.
Read before the Herkimer County Historical Society, June 8, 1901.
The founders of our republic were men wise in their own generation,
far-seeing in their provisions and enactments for the welfare and pros-
perity of the State. To become wealthy was not their aim, but to build^
up a government whose strength should be in the liberty given to the^
people. But if the people were to govern themselves, they must have
intellectual enlightenment and moral training. What, then, could be
wiser than to give to each man a liberal education?
The echoes of the Reformation were still reverberating through
Europe when some sturdy Dutchmen embarked to establish a homo
in the New World, where their most cherished ideals might be realized.
The educational sj^stem of New York State is indebted to Holland foi-
its underlying principles, "self-help and perfect freedom, but according
to law," for these early settlers brought with them thoroughly engraft-
ed in their hearts the deep underlying principles of that great era in
history when men for the first time dared to shake ofC servitude, to
stand for free untrammeled manhood, to learn the great lessons of
self-mastery and co-operation.
Hardly were the Dutch settled in New Netherlands when education
for the people was demanded. One of the first duties of the patroons
was to find speedy means for maintaining a clergyman and a school-
master. With Van Twiller, in 1633, came Adam Rodlandsen, the
pioneer schoolmaster of the Empire State. His pedagogical duties
were supplemented by his occupations as grave digger, sexton and con-
soler of the sick. A little later Peter Stuyvesant's petition for a Latin
school was granted. Dr. Carolus was its first principal. His salary
was .$187.50, use of house and garden and in addition he had the priyi-
loge of practicing medicine. That the schools flourished under the
Dutch regime is attested by the fact that before the middle of the sev-
enteenth century New Amsterdam, with a population of 800, had fifteen
teachers.
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS. L'Oii
It wns unt'ortiiii.-ilc lor tlic cmusc of i dinat imi lli.il tin- ••li.intrt' of
governors occurred wlicii tlic lyi-;iiinii-nl Slu.irts occupied ilic i;ii;ilisli
tlirono. The royal Koveruors discouraf^cd any attcniiit.s on tlic uart ol
th<' i)(M)i)lo to hotter their intellectual condition lest they shonhl iteconie
dissatisfied with the existini; order of tilings. lOdncafion suffered a
serious decline because in all its plans lor wealth and jii-ospcrily the
New York colony never entertained the idea of free schools foi- the
people. However, to this period the cans*' of hij;her education is in-
debted for the foundation of Kind's ColleK(\ now Columbia.
Colonial schools afforded a stronj? contrast to those of to-day, in that
no women were found anionj; the teachers. If the nient.-il cult\u-e of
the boys received little attention, that of the girls received still less.
To-day fully five-sixths of the teachers employed in tlH> schools of Ncav
York State are women who have proved their litness to till the im-
portant position, the training of future citizens. They likewise differed
in anotlier respect, that these public schools were not in any seiise free
schools.
But if the condition of scliools Avas dubious previous to the Kevolu-
tion, no conspicuous improvement was nuuU' during the years imme-
diately following. It took the country a long time to recover from the
.effects of war and naturally the schools were last to receive the atten-
tion of the State. Washington Irvlng's picture of Ichabod Crane and
Ids temple of learning is a fair rendering of the pedagogue and tlie
schoolliouse of the time. He presents quite a contrast to the many cultur-
ed gentlemen wlio govern our schools of to-day and liis log schoolhouse
looks very small and paltry compared with the ornate and elegant
educational institutions of the present century. "These years tilled by
the rich with money making and by the poor with a struggle for a mere
existence, were dark ones for education." Years of wise planning,
intelligent foresight, wonderful organization and sul)lime courage were
needed before our system was brought to its present state of perfection.
Early in tlie administration of Governor George Clinton, he laid the
foundation of our present school system. In his message to the legis-
lature he said: "While it is evident that academies are to be com-
mended, yet their advantages are confined to the children of tlie opu-
lent. The establishment of common scliools throughout the State is
happily calculated to remedy this inconvenience and will, therefore,
engage your early and decided attention." Again and again he appeal-
ed to the lawmakers in the interest of common free schools, but only
indifference or a positive refusal met him. Still undismayed, he persisted
in his purpose, the uplifting of the masses through education. The body
of regents, of which later mention will be made, united with the governor
in an appeal to the Legislature in 1793 for common schools, but these
wise men, Avhile they agreed that education for the masses Avas a good
thing, did not in any way bestir themselves until 1795, Avhen an act
for the "encouragement of schools for the instruction of branches nee-
270 HERKCMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
essary to complete a good English education," became a law. This act
made an annual appropriation of $50,000 for five years, apportioned to
the various counties according to the number of assemblymen and the
taxable population. Taking into consideration the population and con-
dition of the State, this was quite a sum. The county supervisors were
required to raise by tax upon each town a sum equal to one-half that
raised by the State. All beyond was to be supplied by personal tax.
In 1800, the appropriation expired, but now the practical, clear-headed
Jedediah Peck, of Otsego county, took up the work. He never relaxed
his efforts until he compelled the legislature to do something. The first
step toward establishing a common school fund was a lottery by means
of which $100,000 was raised. This was a favorite method of raising
school money until the abolishment of lotteries in 1821. , .
Again Governor Clinton declared that the diffusion of knowledge
was so essential to the increase of virtue and the promotion of liberty
that arguments were unnecessary to excite the Legislature to perse-
verance in this laudable pursuit. He further observed that education
by correcting the morals and improving the manners tended to prevent
those evils which are beyond the sphere of education. But his eloquent
words fell on unheeding ears. He did not live to see the realization
of his hopes, the common school system of our time.
Once more we meet that sturdy champion, Jedadiah Peck, who per-
sisted in his labors until, under Governor Tompkins' administration,
the legislators considered his statement of the needs of the schools and
the most practical method of supplying them. State care and super-
vision were suggested. In short, the vital points of the present system
were mapped out. As a result of his labors, the first state superintend-
ent, Gideon Hawley, was appointed. It was extremely fortunate for
the cause of popular education that such a capable, far-seeing man,
such a remarkable organizer, should have been the appointee. When
he assumed the duties of his office, education was in a chaotic state,
but he succeeded in laying broad and strong the foundation of our admi-
rable system.
A notable feature of Mr. Hawley's administration was the Lancas-
terian system of education. The school was divided into classes. Each
class into pairs of pupils, each pupil acting alternately as the instruc-
tor of the other. This system had its strong' supporters, but it has
long since given way to better methods. The compensation Gideon
Hawley received for his splendid services is worthy of note, $300 annu-
ally and his removal from office.
This impolitic move created so much controversy that the office of
superintendent was abolished and the schools placed in charge of the
Secretary of State until 185.3. when the department of pul^lic instruc-
tion was reorganized, with Victor Rice at its head. In 18G7, the obnox-
ious rate bill against which there had been a long and memorable strug-
gle for "universal education in our public schools, free to all," was
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS. 271
;il)iilisli('(l ;iii(l IIk' sciiools innilc ;i lisolutcl y I'lcc. Imli'i'il, il \v;is during
tlic ;uliniiiistr:iti(iM of -IihIi;!' lii'iidiii. ol' oiu- own (•(nirils', Ili.il Mir Ivt-y-
iiote was striK'U.
Tlio rato bill, so \ouix a proniiiii'iil rcntiirc of llic (Mlucatioiial system,
providi'd that all iiKiiu-y needed <>\ci- and alii)\e ihat aiipn.iii'iati'il l)y
llie Stale slionld lie raised l>y taxing jiarenls in in'opurt inn In the num-
ber of days their ehildi'en allended. 'j'liis .L:a\'e rise In all sorts of sub-
terfu.uos and practically placed learning;' beyond the reach of the poor.
Upon its abolishment, u common scliool education was made I'ree to all
and tlio system readied its hijiliest development.
The growtli of the department ol' public insti'Uclion has been sinijily
marvelous, attesting the worth and executive ability of the men who
have been its several heads. The mana.aement of our imblic school
system after all tliese years lias resolved itself into this.
For the purpose of primary education, the State is divided into 112
commissioner districts, which are subdivided into 11,750 school districts,
the smallest territorial divisions of the State. At district meetings the
voters elect from one to three trustees. A collector, librarian and clerk
are also elected, who serve one year.
Under the law of 18.jo, school districts were authorized to combino
into union free school districts and to establish graded schools, to be
maintained by general tax. The schools are under the managt^ment of
boards of education, whose powers and duties are similar to those of
district trustees. These union free schools are important because in
them the two systems of education in this State meet.
Triennially, at the general election, a commissioner is cliosen. His
duties are: to lay out and regulate boundaries between school districts,
to apportion public money, to exercise supervision over school districts,
to examine and license teachers and candidates for normal schools, to
make an annual report to the State superintendent.
But the chief executive of this great system is the State superin-
tendent, which office has been held by a series of able men from Gideon
Hawley to the present incumbent. Charles R. Skinner. He is chosen
triennially by the joint ballot of the Assembly and Senate. In the dis-
charge of his manifold duties he exercises an almost autocratic power.
He appoints the working force of his own bureau, makes appointments
of State pupils to the institutions for the instruction of the deaf, dumb
and blind. He also has charge of the Indian schools. He allots the
?-l ,000,000 of public money, compiles reports of the school commission-
ers and the city superintendents. He also has supervision of all agen-
cies for the training of teachers, uniform examinations, institutes,
training classes and normal schools. He also determines the grade and
issues certificates to teachers. Besides these duties, he is the final
arbiter in all misunderstandings and disputes that may arise over any
point in the school law. He is ex-otticio a trustee of the University of
the State of New York, and of Syracuse and Cornell Universities.
273 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The evolution of the idea of free schools in New York State was some-
what dehiyed because of uneducated sentiment, but now the people are
in fullest sympathy with the theory that a State has the right to insist
that every child shall be educated for citizenship. To put in practice
this theory a compulsory education law has been enacted which is suc-
cessful. It does not follow that every child of school age in New York
State attends school IGO days of the school year, but a great gain is
being made and through a Avise and just enforcement of this statute
the State has reason to expect that the acceptance of her educational
privileges will be more ready and spontaneous.
The Empire State's system of education is unique from the fiict that
within its boundaries is a dual system. In 1787, the Regents of the
University of the State of New York were incorporated and they kept
alive through its most discouraging years the cause of education.
"The history of higher education has the interest of age and of historic
incident, and is closely connected with the history of the State." To
give an extended historical account of this admirable organization,
which is a decided innovation in educational progress, is quite impos-
sible. Briefly, the university comprises all the institutions of a higher
character which are or may be incorporated together with che State
library and museum. It consists of several hundred institutions, more
than half of which are academies and high schools. It is the latter
which are the bone of contention between the two systems. The gov-
ernment is invested in nineteen elective regents chosen by the Legis-
lature, and in the Governor, Lieutenant-governor, Secretary of State
and state superintendent of public instruction. The regents elect their
own otftcers: a chancellor, who serves without pay, and a secretary
and treasurer. The institutions composing the University have no
representation on the governing board. The regents have power to con-
fer degrees, establish examinations, grant diplomas, maintain lectures
and give and take away charters. The object of the University is to
encourage and promote higher education and to inspect all institutions
under its care.
The affairs of the University have always been in able hands. George
Clinton was its first chancellor, Alexander Hamilton and Ezra L'Hom-
medieu its originators. The roll of its regents is bright with illustrious
names.
It rendered invaluable service in the development of the common
free schools when it declared that secondary education w;is impossible
without a firm and Avell-laid foundation, which could be obtained only
by universal education. Training classes tor teachers flourished under
its fostering care. Its system of examination keeps pace with all mod-
ern ideas and are an inspiration to teacher and pupil.
We come now to another division of our subject, the support of the
common schools. They derive their support from three sources. First,
the free school fund. This is the amount raised annually by tax for
I,l)f>
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS, 273
schools, tlif rate, one mill on a dojlai-, liciii;; lixcij hy (he Ii(';,'islatiirf.
The Jiuiuial appropriation is now thn't- and one-half millions.
The common school fnod is tlic ontcomc of the sale of Slal" lands.
In 1S05, r>U(),()()0 ncri's of State land, al the sui^^cestion of (^loveinoi'
Lewis, Avore sold and th(» proceeds set .aside .as ;i permanent fund for
the s/ipport of the common schools. When the annual revenues reached
$uO,000, the first distribution was niiuh-. Tlie original capital has now
increased to nearly live niilliou dollars.
Tlie United States deposit fund originated in the distribution to the
several Stat(>s of the surplus revenues in tlie rnited States treasury.
The portion I'eccived by New York amounted to four million dollars,
the proceeds of wliich were apportioned aniony- the counties according
to population.
The superintendent niakes the following; appropriations: Cities and
incorporated villages of not less than 5,000 inhabitants, employing a
local superintendent, receive JfSOO. The reraai)uler of the school money
is apportioned according to population. These sums appear very large,
but only one-fifth of the actual scliool expenses are paid by the State.
The remainder of the .'jSS.'iOOO.OOO annually expended for the common
' free schools is raised by local tax.
One of the greatest difficulties the champions of free education en-
countered was the incompetency of the teachers. De Witt Clinton
first suggested that the academies organize classes for the training of
teachers. Naturally these first agencies for the instruction of teachers
were under the control of the regents, who brought them to a high
development. Tlie act whicli authorized tlie consolidation of several
school districts into union free school districts also authorized the
establishment in these union scliools of academic departments. These
departments were recognized as of equal grade with the academies
and hence were placed under the supervision of the regents and thus
they, too, could have training classes. In 1889, the supervision of these
classes passed from their hands into tliose of the State superintendent,
with this object in view "to In-ing all the instrumentalities for the train-
ing of common school teachers under one head." Several thousand
young men and women are now enjoying the advantages of these
classes.
The school receives $1.00 a week for each pupil and in return gives
instruction in the elementary branches, methods, history of education.
United States history, physiology, school law and psychology. The
members of the class also practice and observe in the grades of tlie
school. By this means (lualified teachers are obtained for the lower
grades and for the rural schools.
One of the first means employed for the betterment of the ceacher's
mental equipment was the institutes, the first one of Avhich was h-^ld
in Ithaca, in 1843. Their growth has been remarkable and the imprc ce-
ment in metliods and manner of instruction hardly less so. One insti-
ls
274 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tute is held in each commissioner district yearly. Attendance of teach-
ers is compulsory, but no deduction is made from their salary if the
school is closed "because of institute." These meetings are of real
value to instructors for their ideas are broadened and fresh courage
and inspiration come from contact with other teachers. Summer insti-
tutes are also held at the Thousand Island Park and Chautauqua,
where teachers may combine rest and instruction. Still another agency
for the training of teachers is found in»the normal schools. Governor
Clinton was the first one to suggest some means of professional train-
ing for teachers, but it was not until 1849 that his idea took shape in
the form of the Albany Normal School, now a State Normal College.
For nearly 20 years it was the only institution of the kind, but its
success finally influenced the legislature to establish a similar school
at Oswego. There are now in tiie State twelve of these really valuable
schools where men and women who plan to teach may receive instruc-
tion at the expense of the State. These schools have given instruction
in subject matter but the idea is growing that they should be profes-
sional schools for those who have completed a satisfactory course of
study. I\Iodel schools are a feature where the pupils under the super-
vision of competent instructors put in practice their professional in-
struction, and their ability to impart knowledge is made a condition of
graduation. The influence of these schools is widespread and powerful.
The standard is being raised and the State is assured that the grade
of teachers is higher and better every year. Nearly every common
school now insists that its teachers be at least Normal graduates.
The system of uniform examinations is another instrument to create
better and more competent teachers. The idea is constantly growing
that with the means provided, teachers not only should be better equip-
ped mentally, that they should not only possess administrative ability,
but that they should represent and embody the best types of American
womanliood and manhood; that they should possess the power to
inspire to high and noble living.
But who have reared this great educational structure, a system of
common free schools far surpassing the world-famed public schools of
England, which are not free schools? New York State numbers among
her statesmen and warriors the brightest names in the country's his-
tory, nor is this less true of her educators. Governor George Clinton
laid broad and strong the foundations of a school system so splendid
and wise, spreading its influence that it reaches to the Pacific Ocean
and even to Europe. John Jay, Alexander Hamilton. Ezra L'llomme-
dieu, Philip Livingstone and a long series of wise statesmen and able
administrators make bright her educational history. De Witt Clinton's
services in the establishment of free schools are sufficient to forever
perpetuate his name and fame. To no individual in the State is com-
mon school education in its infancy more deeply indebted than to Gid-
eon Hawley. At a time when everything depended upon organization
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS. 275
niui iiiiiniic suprrsisioii, he i)r(i\c(l llir iii.iii lUr llic jicriod, i'i|iic-al iiiK
stMitiiiK'iiI, and liiiii^iiiu- order oiil of cliaos.
Win. 11. Seward, one of our most brilliant governors, bciicvod that
education was a traininj^ of the mind and character and not u mere
suporticial ac(iuirement of knowkHlj,'e. He >vlso believed that education
is the chief of the State's responsibilities, exerting a wider and <leeper
mtiuence than an^' change in policy or physical improvement. He pro-
posed that the department of public instruction be m charge of a super-
intendent appointed by the Legishilure. His advanced ideas were the
inspiration of much that is good in our piilili<' schools.
To trace the influence of each man and woman who has contributed
of his best life to the betterment of his fellowmen, however pleasant a
task, is impossible, to even recapitulate the names and services of those
mentioned in tliis article would take too long. No cause has ever been
taken up so unselfishly, none has ever had to combat greater opposi-
tion nor taken so many years to bring about the accomplishment of its
ends. All honor to those noble sons of the Empire State who sowed
what they could never reap, who undertook a great cause unselfishly
and worked it out because of love for their fellowmen.
The century that has just closed has been a great advancement in
education; free schools have been established, compulsorj' education
enacted, professional training schools opened, fi'ce libraries instituted,
in short a steady growth in ail lines pertaining to hiteilectual enlighten-
ment which cannot be without its influence upon the State and Nation.
The seers of the various periods in our State history realized the vast
importance of education for these master spirits appreciated the fact
that intelligent. God-fearing citizens are the life and strength of a state,
the source of its progress and influence. The relation between educa-
tion and civic prosperity is close and vital. The latter depending almost
entirely upon the former, but of transcendent importance is the higher
life which comes through the training of the nJental faculties, the de-
velopment of the moral and spiritual (lualities. A State may have ma-
terial prosperity without education, but ignorance is the mother of
crime and such a prosperity can be neither lasting or influential. Any
State to become a permanent factor in the world's progress must have
thoughtful, law-abiding and intelligent citizens. Where are the citizens
to receive such training if not in the public scliools?
Our government is of the people and by the people. How necessary
then that the masses who are the dominating power be uplifted and
receive proper training for citizenship and statesmanshiit. Intelligent
understanding of the principles of our government and of its place
among nations, an educated conception of freedom is essential to the
permanence of our institutions.
Then, too, education quickens a man's mental activity and arouses
in him a sense of the world's progress. A desire to become a factor in
that progress is engendered in his being and from such decisions come
276 ' HERKIMER COUNTY mSTORICAl, SOCIETY.
the m^n of the times who think and observe wisely and judiciously.
Then, too, educated men are tlie ones who solve the gi'eat problems
of the age and demonstrate the ascendency of mind over matter.
The training of our schools makes better working men and enhances
the dignity of honest labor, not because they are taught trades but
because of the mental training received and the habits inculcated.
"The most precious gift of education is not the mastery of the sciences,
for which special schools are provided, but noble living, generous char-
acter, the spiritual delight which springs from familiarity with the
loftiest ideas of the human mind."
In our schools patriotism is taught, not a sickly sentimentality for
the Stars and Stripes, but an educated patriotism that understands
the underlying principles which the starry flag represents. The pupils
become patriotic from a knowledge of the' principles of government
and their proper application. ' Their trained intelligence makes them
better citizens because patriotism is not an abstract conception but a
living love for their country.
Individuals compose the State, and upon their intellectual, moral and
spiritual condition depends its welfare. In our schools is a course or
training which can but develop the higlier qualities so essential to
citizenship. There ideas of future usefulness are created and habits
of mind developed which contribute to the making of American men
and women in whose" hands rests the welfare of our Empire State.
SOME PHASES OF TPIE EARLY AGRICULTURE
OF OUR STATE.
AN ADDRESS BV HOX. ROBERT EARL, OF HERKIMp:r,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society September 2i, 1901.
The early ajrricnltnre piirsuod in this State was that which was intro-
duced in Holland; and the earliest fruit trees, garden vegetables and
flowers were brought from that country by the Dutch settlers. Agri-
culture was a vocation of prime importance, as the great bulk of the
settlers became farmers. Down to 1800. about 11-12 of the people of
this State lived upon farms, and the scientific men, statesmen a Tid lead-
ing members of all the professions generally took an interest in farm-'
ing.
The first State society for the promotion of Arts and Agriculture was
organized in the City of New York in 17(11, by some of the most prom-
inent citizens of that portion of the Province. A committee Avas ap-
pointed by the society to correspond with gentlemen in other parts of
the province to interest them in its objects. That committee issued a
circular in which among other things they urged the formation of local
societies tliroughout the province to gather and furnish to the parent
society such information as might be useful for the purpose- of promot-
ing and fostering agriculture and the useful arts. One of these circulars
was addressed to Sir William Johnson, who was then an<l for scA'eral '
years afterwards the foremost man in the Mohawk valley. H'"- took a
great interest in agriculture and did more for its promotion in and
about the Mohawk valley than any one else. He replied to the circular
in a letter dated at Johnson Hall, February 27th. 17()5, in wbicli he
stated among other things that the state of agriculture was very lo".v.
that wheat Avas the principal crop, and that it must soon beconii' a drug;
that befoi'e he set the example, no farmer raised so much as a single
ton of hay. but that then some raised above 100 tons: that the farmers
were entire strangers to sheep until he introduced them. He thought
"the high Avages of laborers and the great number of tippling houses,"
needed regulation; and that bad roads were a great obstruction to gocKi
husbandry.
278 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
That first society seems to have become extinct during the Revolu-
tionary war, and a new society for the promotion of argiculture was
organized February 26th, 1791, at the Senate Chamber in the City of
New York, which was then the capitol of the State. At that date a
committee consisting of Chancellor Livingston, Simeon DeWitt. and
Samuel L. Mitchell, which had previously been appointed at a meeting
of citizens presided over by Hon. Ezra L'Hommedieu, to prepare and
report rules and regulations for the government of the society, made
their report, which, after some amendments, was adopted and became
the constitution of the society. It provided, among other things, that
the society should meet annually at the place where the Legislature
met, on the Tuesday next after the convening of both houses; and
that its meetings should continue by adjournment dui'ing the session
of the Legislature; that no person should be admitted as a member
unless he had been nominated at least seven days previous to his elec-
tion and elected by a majority of the members convened; that every
member on his admission should pay to the treasurer .$2.00 and there-
after annually a half dollar; that the objects of investigation of the
society should be Agriculture, Manufactures and Arts, with such suTd-
jects of Inquiry as might tend to explain or elucidate their principles;
that the society should parcel the State Into districts and elect a secre-
tary for each district, whose duty it should be to convene the members
of his district, to inquire into the state of Agriculture and Manufactures
within the same, to receive communications relative to the objects of
the Institution, and to correct, arrange and transmit them to the presi-
dent, to be laid before the society; that the society should once in every
year elect a committee to be called the Committee of Publication, whose
business it should be to select such of the transactions of the society
as might merit publication, prepare them for the press, and from time
to time publish the same; that honorary members might be admitted
from among persons not residing within the State whose talents and
characters might add to the respectability and usefulness of the soci-
ety; that in order to prevent Imposition, the secretary should reject
all doubtful and suspicious facts ,and to each article of intelligence
transmitted to the society annex the name of the person offering it.
Down to 1793, the society was unincorporated. But on the 12th day
of March in that year, it was incorporated by a special act of the Leg-
islature. The preamble to the act sets forth the objects of the incor-
porators, among whom were the following eminent citizens of the State:
Robert R. Livingston, .John Sloss Hobart. Samuel L. Mitchell, Samuel
Jones, Melancton Smith, David R. Floyd Jones, George Clinton, Ezra
L'Hommedieu, Egbert Benson, John P. DeLancey, John Watts, .Tosiah
Ogden Hoffman, Corneluis J. Bogart, Richai'd Varick. John .lay. Gilbert
Colden V.'lllett, Jonathan N. Havens, Edward Livingston, Jeremiah
Tan Rensselaer, James Duane, Simeon DeWitt, David Ogden, John
Delafield, Horatio Gates, Samuel Jones, Jr. In 'the Act, Chancellor
SOME PHASES OF EARLY AGRICULTURE OF OUR STATE. 279
Livingston was Jippointfd presidcMit, .lolui Sloss Hol)iirt, vice-president,
Saniiiel Jones treasnrer, and Samuel J.. Mitchell and Samuel Jones, Jr.
secretaries. It was furtlier provided tlial the iiieinhers of tlie Legisla-
ture, wlio sliould not l)e stated nienihers of tlie corporation, sliould nov-
ertlieless, by virtue of tlieir stations, l)e lionorary members witli the .
right to sit, but not to vote for officers or liave any voice in the distri-
bution of the corporate funds.
The persons engaged in organizing and in incorporatin;,' the society
were among tlie most eminent men of the State, wliose biographies
would constitute the liistory of the State for at least the first '<iO years
of its existence as a State. Several of them served the State as Gover-
nors, as Chancellors, as Judges, as Attorney Generals, as members of
botli branches of the State Legislature, as members of Congress and in
otlier liigh public stations.
In pursuance of the constitution of tlie society, the State was divided
into districts, and John Meyer was elected the secretary of tlie Herki-
mer district. He resided in tliis village and was one of the most prom-
inent men in this county. He was one of the county judges in ISOO, and
in 1802 lie was one of the State Senators.
Immediately after the first organization of the society, it entered
upon its active labors by issuing a circular setting forth Its purposes,
which among other things tvere stated to be "to supply the wants and
relieve the necessities of manlvind and tliereliy to render human life
more comfortable; to multiply the productions of the land, to shorten
or facilitate the toils of the laborer, and to excite a spirit of honest in-
dustry whereby riches may become more abundant, and. by inculcating
the importance of ordinary and common things and of practical every-
day truths, to store their understandings with solid knowledge so that
happiness, wealth, and wisdom may keep pace with each other and go
hand in hand." For tlie purpose of gathering information, there were
inserted in the circular certain queries upon a variety of matters to
which I will briefly allude: 1. Manures, as to the value of marls,
plaster of Paris and lime as fertilizers, and the mode of their use. 2.
Soils, as to sandy, clayey and loamy soils, and the mode of their treat-
ment, and the crops to which they were respectively best adapted. 3.
Tillage, as to depth of plowing, and how weeds can best be destroyed,
and the soil be made mellow for the reception of seed. 4. Stock, as to
the comparative advantages of horses, mules and oxen; "would the
breeding of mules be beneficial in this country? Do horses draw best
by collars or hames? Are oxen capable of doing most work when draw-
ing by the liorns or by the withers? How are sheep best managed?
What management is best adapted to make the wool fine and plenti-
ful? How can the breed be improved? How tlie mutton made sweet
and savory? Can anytliing be gained by shearing lambs the first year?
Might also sheep lie slieared oftener tlian once a year? Whicli Is the
cheapest method of raising calves? In what manner and at what age
280 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
is the best veal produced? Whicli are the most approved methods ot
making and preserving butter and cheese? How are cattle best relieved
when choked by apples or potatoes, etc.? Would it be advantageous
to introduce goats into this State? Cannot wild ducks and teal and
heath-hens and wild turkeys be tamed and domesticated?" 5. Grain.
"Which variety of wheat is tlie most productive — the red, white, yel-
low, bearded or bald? In what proportion does winter wlieat excel sum-
mer wheat? Is barley well adapted to our soil and climate? Is any
part of our country adapted to the raising of rice? Can millet and spelts
be cultivated witli success and advantage?" 6. Grasses. "What grasses
do you find to atford the best pasture? Which makes the best hay?"
7. Fruit Trees. "What kinds of apples afford the best cider?" etc. 8.
Forest Trees. "Do you know any facts concerning the propagation of
the locust tree?" 9. Vermin. "How are moles to be guarded against?
How can the bugs be destroyed which eat up your cucumbers, melons
and pumpkin vines? Is there any way of preventing the ravages of
the wheat insect?" 10. "Have j'ou any improvements in the manage-
ment of bees? Can the silk worm be profitably introduced in your
neighborhood?" 11. Manufactures. "What is the best method of mak-
ing sole leather? Are there any other barks than oak, hemlock and birch
for tanning? Have any improvements been made in the liianafacture
of steel? Do you know of any new method for the making of paper?
Can yoU suggest anything capable of raising the reputation of our flour
in forieign markets? Are tliere any coal mines? What can be done
towards the manufacture of cotton?"
These are a few of the queries contained in the circular; and they
are very significant of the state of agriculture and manufactures at that
date — niore than one hundred yeasr ago. The learned and patriotic men
engaged in the work of this society were endeavoring to develop the
resources and increase the wealth of our country and add to the hap-
piness and comfort of our people.
Di'. Samuel L. .Mitchell was appointed to deliver the first aniiual ad-
dress before the society. He was one of the most learned scientists in
this country, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The
address was delivered in New York, before the members of tlie society,
including the members of the Legislature. It is interesting reading
now for the many thoughts it suggests. Among other things, ho stated
that farming could not economically or profitably be carried on in this
State with slave Labor. He said: "Upon taking a survey of the slave-
holdei-s with whom I am acquainted, I find those who have the greatest
numbers to be men of considerable hereditary estates in land, or of a
handsome capital acquired by marriage or bequest. But I cannot name
an instance of a man of small property ever getting rich upon the
profits of slave labor. Therefore the kitchen establishments of those
who Ivcep fifteen or twenty negroes are not to bej:'onsidered as matters
of revenue, but of expense, just after the manner of a stud of super-
SOME PHASES OF EAKLY AGRICULTUKE OF OTHl STATE. 281
iiuiucr.i ly lidiscs kept citlici' Id indiiluc llir luidc or in m-nlify lln- lircj-
U(lir(> of llicir n\\ nci'. II is ;i <-nii\ id iun of the iiii]M)licy ;iii(l expensive-
Dess of lilis kind ol' si'l'N ice l:lliliT lli.ili lo ;ili\ m(il';ll ni- ri'jjjifimiS con-
si(l('f;i(i()iis 1)11 llic siiitjcct lli.-it lilt' (Iccliiic of sl.Mvery is i)iMiiri|i;iIly to
!)(' ntlriliulcd." He i-ccoinnH iidrd the |iliiiitiii^ of locust trees. lie
s;iid it "is (Hic of Ilic most \ .■iiii;ili!(> ti'ej's now cidtivMted. Tliey jjrow
I'est in \v;irni s:ind\- l;ind .-ind licconic lil lor liiniici- in iiiioiil !'."• or 30
years;" liuil "their ;;ri'iitest use is for ship Ininnds. Ii'iice posts, mill
cogs and lire wood. A well j^rown tice is woilii t(» the owner as it
stands .^iit.Od; lli.il for fence posts they iU'e sui)erior in j)oint of dura-
liilit.N' to almost any known wood." Indcr Ilic slimulns of this society,
locust trees were introduced into this county and llourishod here
until some destructive worm oi' Insect practically destroyed thein.
An effort was also made l)y this society lo introduce silk cullure into
this State, and the mulherry tree was cultivated and silk worms pro-
pagated. But our climat<' was not adai)ted to the exjieriment and it
failed. The cultivation of the poppy plant for opium and medicinal
purposes was also atti'mpted but failed for the same reason.
At that early day much attention was also given to the raising of
barley. In this same address. Dr. Mitchell said: "It is undoubtedly a
subject of serious regret that Avhile our farmers exhaust the strength
of their fields by impoverishing r-rops of oats, they neglect the more
profitable culture of barley, and thereby necessitate tlie brewers to
import their grain from the neighboring States or from foreign parts,
or drive our citizens to the less wholesome and more expensive use of
distilled spirits. The practice of raising barley is to be considered more
lucrative to the farmer as being a better emidoynunit of his labor and
capital and likewise more advantageous to the State by preserving the
morals and industry of its people from the injurious effects of rum and
other ardent liquors." At tlint time there were a large number of large
breweries in New York, and none in the New England States where
most of the barley crops were raised. lie also dwelt upon the improve-
ment of the breed of sheep. lie said: "In point of salubrity, I am bold
to say that wool far exceeds linen or cotton, and in our variable climate
is so peculiaiiy calculated to guard the l)ody against the viccisitudes of
the weather that every valetudinarian should wear flannel to regain
his health, each well person to preserve it. A llannel shirt may be
called the palladium of health."
Prior to 1800, and for many years thereafter, wheat was the first
staple of the trade and wealth of the middle States; and the first seed
drill in this country was invented and used by a farmer in New Jersey
more than one lumdred years ago.
The society took great interest in introdticing into tlu> counlry new
trees, plants, and animals from abroad; and hence its president. Chan-
cellor Livingston. December 5, 1793, addressed a letter to the Chamber
of Commerce of the Citv of New York in which he said: "There can
282 HKRKIMEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
be little doubt that the profitable commerce of this country must be
founded upon its agriculture, and that its agriculture derives new vigor
from the extension of its commerce;" and he requested that the Cham-
ber of Commerce would instruct all captains of vessels sailing to Asia,
Africa, the north of Europe, or the southern or western parts of
North America to procure specimens of the grain and animals raised in
those countries for introduction here.
Agriculture was held in much higher estimation by the statesmen
Tiud scholars of our country one hundred years ago than it is now.
There was not so much then as now to attract the intelligent, ambitious,
enterprising young men from farming, la ^ie annual address delivered
4M^fore the -society by Chancellor Livingston in 1794, he said: "As agri-
culture is the basis of arts by furnishing the materials upon which they
Avork, so it is the parent of science by uniting men in civil society who
Avithout its aid would have continued to be wandering savages but lit-
tle advanced in improvemeiit beyond the beasts of the forest that afford-
ed them a miserable and scantj' subsistence. It is for this reason that
the mythology of most nations have made their golden age consist in
the enjoyment of rural happiness, and placed the inventors of agricul-
tural improvements among the number of their gods. * * * The
idea of a rural retreat in the evening of his days accompanies the
mechanic to his shop, the merchant to the exchange, the lawyer to the
bar, the physician to the sick bed, and the divine to the pulpit who sees
even there his earthly paradise upon the confines of heaven, and hardly
Avishes to enter the celestial mansions by any other path. * * * -phe
intriguing politicians and the Avordy orators of the present day aauII be
buried with their principles and their parties in eternal oblivion, when
the man who has introduced a new plant or eradicated a destructive
Aveed, Avho has taught us to improve our domestic animals, or to guard
against the raA'ages of noxious insects, Avhc has invented a ne^x imple-
ment of husbandrj' or simply determined the angle the mould-board
should make with the plowshare will be remembered with gi'atitude as
the benefactor of. society. * * * As Cicero sums up all human
knowledge in the character of a perfect orator, so we might with much
more propriety claim every virtue and embrace every science when we
draw that of an accomplished farmer." Comparing the agriculture of
this country with that of England, he said that while here the average
price for hired farm laborers with board and lodging was $60 per year,
in England it was only $40; and he closed his address, one of the most
elegant and eloquent ever delivered in this State, in these words: "When
the hero, the patriot, the statesman, Washington, does not disdain to
guide, who can refuse to venerate the plow?"
NoA'ember 8th, 1790, the distinguished jurist, Chancellor Kent, deliv-
ered the annual address before the society in the Assembly Chamber
in the City of NeAv York. He spoke of farming "as the absolute means
of our subsistence, as the source of nutriment to the arts, of freedom,
SOME PHASES OF EARLY AORICULTURE OF OUR STATE 283
energy, comnierco and civilization to nianlvind; and, in short, as the
firmest basis of national inosperity." He said, "Tlnit the InniKe of tran-
quility and haj)i)iness whic-h under fr<>v«>rninentH of only a tolerai)le ad-
ministration everywhere appear among the cultivators of the earth
must always present itself to the eye of henevolence with attractive
charms; that although the remark l»c perhaps too strong that cities
are the graves of the human species, yet it is obviously true that the
f.'irmer's life, from the use of the wholesome air, alnnidant exercise,
moderate pleasures, and simple diet, is b.\ far the most favorable to
health. Jongevit.v and population." He spoke of the Mohawk as the
second river in size in tlie State, and among the tirst for the richness
of the soil through which it flows, and as navigable from Schenectady
to Fort Stanwix for batteaux, a distance of nearly 1(K) miles.
On February 7, 1T9S, Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell again addressed the
society and both houses of the Legislature at their annual meeting in
Albany, which had then become the capital of the State. He spoke of
the unsuccessful efforts to tind coal in this State, and said: "Fortun-
ately for our peace and happiness, no sources of gold and .silver appear
to have been detected. It is to be hoped our country contains none but
those of productive labor and active industry." The men of his gener-
ation did not foresee the enormous production of gold and silver in our
country which has added so largely during the last fifty years to our
national wealht and prosperity.
In March. 179o, Ezra I/Hommedieu read a paper before the society
entitled, "Observations on Manures," in wliich, treating of tish as a
manure, he said: "New methods are now used as well for taking the
fish as for preparing the land by this manure. Very long seins a'-e made
use of, and it is not uncommon to see twenty ox-cart loads of the Men-
haden or Mossbankers taken at one draught. When the ends of the seine
are drawn to the sliore. and the fish crowded close together, an ox-cart
is driven into the water among the fish and two or tliree hands with
scoop nets soon load the cart, which is drove off and another is drove
in and filled in like manner, and so one after another until the whole is
carried away. And then the carts are driven onto the lan^d and the fish
thrown out, and the whole land covered with fish about eighteen inches
asunder."
In April, 1797, \oah Webster, the great lexocographer, wrote a letter
to Dr. Mitchell, secretary of the society, in which he spoke of agricul-
ture as "the first and best occupation of man," and made some useful
observations on the growing of potatoes, and gave some of his experi-
ments. He recommended that the seed potatoes should be those of full
growth, and said that it had been fully demonstrated that cuttings
produce more than wliole potatoes.
Prior to 1797, but little was known about the Onondaga salt splngs.
They had almost escaped the notice of naturalists and philosophers, and
nothing of consequence had been published concerning them. About
284 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
that time Dr. Benjamin DeWitt, fellow of the American Academy of
Ai'ts and Sciences, and one of the secretaries of the society, contributed
a memorial on those springs, in which he described them and the nature
and quality of their salt in a very interesting manner.
.February 20, 1799, Simeon DeWitt, who was then Surveyor General
of the State, delivered the annual address before the society and the
members of the Legislature, in the Assembly Chamber at Albany, in
which among other things he recommended the culture of fruit, and
mentioned this. interesting fact: "The Spitzenbergh apple, which may
challenge the world to match it, was first discovered as an accidental
production in the neighborhood of this city (Albany). Fortunately it
fell into the hands of a .man of taste, who made its superlative excel-
lencies, known to others, and gave perpetuity to its kind. But for this
accident, it must again have retreated into eternal oblivion." This apple
has gratified the taste of all the succeeding generations of men, but in
late years has begun to suffer from the decrepitude of age. This
address is full of beautiful passages, some of which I must quote:
"Even the pre-eminent political purity of that great man under whose
auspices we rose as a nation will not retain an unsullied whiteness
under everj" historian's pen. The best of statesmen and warrio]-s have
the blessings of their memories mixed with curses. Their deeds may
astonish the world for a while, and their fame dazzle like the blaze
of a meteor with a xnomentary glare; but the fathers, friends and guar-
dians of useful arts have their untainted memories embalmed, and urn
their ashes in the hearts of posterity. As long as time continues its
current their works and their names together float along with it, and
are gratefully recognized by ages following ages without end." It must
be remembered that this was written while Washington was living.
At the time Mr. DeWitt spoke, the State Agricultural Society had
attained a standing and influence which have not since been main-
tained. He said:. ."The society of which I now stand the representa-
tive, is without question the most consequential in the State. Which
beside it receives any notice from abroad, or is calculated to excite it?
Barren as our printed transactions may appear to the unprejudiced eye
of, those, who liave not condescended to compare them with others, I
will venture to affirm that they have as good a complexion and are
fully as interesting as those of a similar kind by which Europeans are
climbing up to greatness and ascending the ladder of philosophic fame;"
and he clo.sed his address with this enthusiastic panegyric upon agri-.
cultural pursuits: "The Elysium of Pagans, the Paradise of rdahomet,
and perhaps, also the heaven of Christians would to the view of mor-
tals lose much of their attractions, were not the descriptions of them
decorated with agricultural sceneries. Indeed, they almost necessarily
mingle with our ideas of consummate bliss. While passions like demons
tear the heart of the politician, gnaw like vultures on his vitals, spread
a gloom o.ver his prospective. and embitter his days, the hea,rt of the
SOME PHASES OF EARLY AOIUCITLTUKE OF OUR STATE. 285
philanthropist cxpaiuls witii a sciMjiliir Joy. Imumls wilii God-like jiai-
pitations, ami feels emotions of eestaey Ineffaldy «'X(iuisite, as his vyv
roves over fields where the j^olden harvest luxuriantly waves to the
wind, where every shrub and i»]ant is loaded with dainties, where every
tree bends under its fruit, and all thiufis seem to invite us to partake
of these bounties .-ind be hapi)y. If, then, tiicse things are pure, uncon-
taminated foiuitains whenee human happiness Hows, surely we cannot
contemplate them with stoical indilference, but as citizens, as Chris-
tians, as legislators, must join our endeavors to clierish and support
them."
During the first 200 years of our national historj-, the statesmen of
our country and other leaders of thonaht with great unanimity l)elieved
that agricultural pursuits were the best for the welfare of our peoi)le
and the safety and greatness of our Republic. Franklin- said that agri-
culture was the only honest way to acquire national wealth. As late
as 1814, Daniel Webster, in a speech in the House of Representatives,
wlien tariff legislation for the fostering and protection of manufactures
was under discussion, said: "I am not, generally speaking, their enemy;
I am their fi'iend. But I am not for rearing them or any other interests
in liot beds. I would not legislate precipitately even in favor of them.
I feel no desire to push capital into extensive manufactures faster than
the general progress of our wealth and population propels it. I am not
in haste to see Shefflelds and Rirniingliams in America. Until the popu-
lation of the countrj- shall be greater in propoi'tion to its extent, such
establishments would be impracticable if attempted, and if practica-
ble, they would be unwise. I am not anxious to accelerate tlie approach
of the period when the great mass of American labor shall not find its
employment in the field; when tlie young men of tlie country sliall be
obliged to shut their eyes upon external nature, upon the heavens and
tlie eax'tli, and immerse themselves in close and unwholesome work-
shops; when they shall be obliged to shut tlieir ears to tlie bleatings of
their own flocks upon their own hills, and to the voice of the lark that
cheers them at their plows, that they may open them in dust and smoke
and steam to the perpetual whirl of spools and spindles, and the grating
of rasps and saws."
Chancellor Livingston, ever alert to discover something in the animal
or vegetable kingdom for the advancement of agriculture and the im-
provement of rural life, during the closing years of the eighteenth cen-
tury made experiments to domesticate the elk, which then abounded
in our forests. He said in a paper read before the society that the elk
was larger than the reindeer, and when taken young was as domestic
as the ox, as he found they would run with his cattle and appeared to
be as much attached to them as to their own species. He attempted
to break two of them to the harness and bitted them, and found tliem
as docile as colts would be at the same age. These two were thirteen
hands high two years old, and he said that in their native woods they
286 HEBKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
would grow to fifteen hands high, and that their thighs were as mus-
cular as those of a horse, and that he believed that in a state of domes-
tication they would grow much larger, and that they would not only
furnish flesh to eat, but milk for the dairy. He also believed the moose
could be domesticated; and he said that he Avas well satisfied that with
the exception of the horse, no animal was so well fitted for every pur-
pose of labor as the moose; that he had seen one not more than eighteen
months old that was 15^^ hands high, and that he thought they would
grow to more than 20 hands high. To make such experiments a success,
it would be necessary to continue them during successive generations
of the animals; and I have not been able to learn how long the Chan-
cellor continued his experiments nor what their results were.
The eminent men then Interested in agriculture were alert to dis-
cover improvements. They experimented in raising sheep and other
live stock, with manures, fruit trees, grasses, grain, potatoes, silk
worms. It would be well if some of their enthusiasm for agriculture
and rural life could be Infused into the people of this day, and if the
farm would have greater attractions for the young men who now swarm
to cities and villages to engage in less wholesome vocations and to lead
less useful and happy lives. It will be a fortunate time for our Republic
when there shall be a reflux wave of population from the cities and
villages to the country. The time will certainly come when our people
will learn that with the same amount of probity, industry and talent,
farming will prove to be on the average as profitable as other vocations
and much more wholesome and satisfactory.
NOTE. — Many of the facts for this paper, I have found In the first
volumn of the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society, a revised
edition published at Albany in 1801. It is a very rare book and the only
volume I know of belongs to the Herkimer County Historical Society.
It is of real value and is full of interest.
THE TOWN OF WARREN.
AN ADDRESS BY DUNHAM JONES GRAIN, OK CUI.LEN,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society October 12, 1901.
The physical features of the town of Warren are somewhat related
to its early history. I shall, therefore, refer to them briefly.
The tract comprising the township contains upwards of 23,(X)0 acres
and with the exception of a narrow belt along the northern border, is
drained by two creeks. One of these begins its course within a mile
of the northern boundary, and flows southwesterly a distance of about
bix miles in ^^'arreu, and then crossing into Kiehfield, tinds its way into
Lake Canadaraga. This creek is the Ocquionis. The name signifies
in the Indian tongue, "He is the bear," and was probably that of an
Indian chief who at some period dwelt upon its banks. This is the
opinion of Vv'illiam Wallace Tooker, well known as the author of the
"Algonquian Series," and a recognized autliority on Indian languages.
The other creek referred to as draining the territory of Warren )-ises in
the easterly part of the town, about midway between its northern and
southern boundaries, and flows southwesterly into Weaver's Lake,
thence a short distance into Young's Lake, and from the last named
flows southerly about two and one-half miles across the boundary of
Warren into the town of Springfield, and then on into Lake Otsego.
Thus it will be seen that the streams Avhich drain Warren are tribu-
taries of the Susquehannah — one the Osquionis, by Lake Canadaraga
and Oaks Creek — the other by Lake Otsego, the outlet of which is
accounted by geographers and historians as the beginning of the Sus-
quehannah. The creek which I have mentioned as emptying into
Otsego has been called by the white inhabitants different names, one
of which is "Gilchrist," from a family of that name; but the Indian
name has been for the time being lost. I am hoping by further research
to bring it to light. The Indian name for the two lakes mentioned by
me as Young's and Weaver's Lakes, is "Waiontha," which in the Indian
tongue means, "The Twins," a very appropriate name, as the two lakes
are nearly of the same size and not more than 300 rods apart. The
village of Little Lakes lies between them.
288 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAl, SOCIETY.
The surface of Warren is for the most part at an elevation above the
sea varying- from 1,300 to 1,800 feet, and at Mount ^Yaiontha, near
\oungs' and ^Yeaver's Lakes, reaches an altitude prohablj' of 2,500
feet. This surface is made beautiful bj- the graceful outlines of its
hills, generally extending easterly and westerly, and its rich forests.
On different roads at varying elevations the most pleasing scenery
comes into view. Looking North, we have the beautiful valley of the
iMohawk, with its industrial villages, and turning to the South we look
uiion the picturesque basins of the Otsego and Caniaderago.
Warren is embraced by the water system of the great Susqueliannah,
a river whose length measured by its bed from its extreme source,
Lake Otsego, to its mouth, is estimated at 416 miles. It is a part of
the territory which became the subject of negotiations in 1683 between
Governor Penn and Governor Dongan, and which in their correspond-
ence was designated "the Upper Susquehannah Region." ' The streams
which from this northern region were feeding the Susquehannah
abounded in beaver and other wild animals whose furs were in great
demand in the markets of Loudon, Amsterdam and Paris. Governor
Penn's fur traders had made a strenuous effort to draw this trade
down the Susquehannah River. They were having some success. The
fur traders of New Orange (Albany) were making an equally persist-
ent effort to draw the trade to that trading post. The efforts of Penn
to effect this purchase created consternation at New Orange, where
the authorities drew up a remonstrance addressed to Governor Dongan,
in which they stated that this sale to Penn, if consummated, "would
tend to the utter ruin of the beaver trade, as the Indians themselves
do acknowledge, and consequently to the gTeat prejudice of his Royal
Highness' revenues and his whole territory in general," and they fui'-
ther stated, "We presume that there hath not anything ever been
moved or agitated from the first settling of these parts more prejudicial
to his Royal Highness' interest and the inhabitants of this government
than this business of the Susquehannah River. The French, it is true,
have endeavored to take away our trade piece-meal, but this will cut
it off all at once."'
The attempts by Governor Penn to buy the upper Susquehannah
region failed, but one cannot help contemplating the change in the
political and social associations of the region in which is situated War-
ren, had it been successful.
The correspondence to be found in the Documentary History of that
State also discloses that this upper Susquehannah region had white*
inhabitants at a very eaiiy period. The French authorities in Canada
had been requested by the Oneida tribe as early as 1666 to send Jesuit
priests, French families, and trading merchants into this region. In
1686, Governor Van Cortlandt, at a council held with the Indians at
Albany, requested the Indians "not to permit any French or Engllsn to
go and live at the Susquehannah River without the Governor's pass;
THK TOWN OF WAKKIiN. 289
l)iit ill i;is(> (Ik'.v do so, the ludiaiis .iic lo hiiii^ lliiin to Alluiiiv ;iinl
dolivt'i- (liciii to tlu' Town House Cor pUMisliiiiciil." I'lic ( ;o\ ciiioi- iiiadf
one exception, liowcvcr, to lliis rule, to wit: '•Tlic Indians were not
to brinf; the priests and tliey were not to intcirnc wiiji diic n.an witli
each or either of said ])riests, even tliou!j:h one of Ihi^ni siionid he mar-
ried to an Indian scpiaw." In otliei- correspondence of iliis period there
is evidence tliat .lesnit fathers, ;ind i''rencii faniiiies accomiian.vin^'
them, were scattered o\-ef llie njijier Snsiinelianna li I'c-ion, and that
tlie heads of tliese French families bec;nne ti-appcrs and liadcrs in
peltry. Dr. Henry A. Ward, in liis "Annals of Kichlield," in meidlon-
inj? these French traders and trai)])(>rs, says: 'W little settlement of
these was located at tlie site of the !,;ike Honse (referring- to .a hotel
on the east shore of Lalve Canudiiraga, about lialf a nule from Kichtield
Springs), on both sides of the l)roolv wliie-ii seelss llie lake at that point,
and was doubtless the home of the first -white settlers in this vicinity.
One of these Frenchmen and his Indian wife remained as late as 1805
or 180G; but the others left subsequently to the time of the survey
of the three land patents embracing the shores of Canadaraga Lake."
Fennimore Cooper, in his "Chronicles of Cooperstown," refers to these
French traders and trappers as havinj? been upon Lake Otse^co. It is
iiardly supposable the.se early French traders and trappers and priests
were in ignorance of the beautiful lakes and sti-eams of Warren, so
near Otsego and Canadaraga, and forming part of the same water sys-
tem, especially as the numerous beaver dams on those streams prove
that they abounded in valuable furs. There is still a chance that in
the archives of the Jesuit College at Quebec documents exist which
will yet afford interesting information upon the residence of French
priests and traders in this part of the upper Suscpiehannah region.
Tlie tirst step tending to the establishment of an organized commu-
nity of whites witliin tlie present boundaries of Warren was luuiues-
tionably the granting of the great patents to Petrie, Henderson and
Theobald Young, which instruments embrace all the land within tlie
town. These patents enabled men of moderate means to obtain titles
to farms who would have stood no chance of obtaining grants from
the colonial government, where then as now, "intlueiice"' was neces-
sary.
Letters patent dated August 24th, 17.">0, were granted in t!ie name
of King George the Second to James Henderson, John Kelley, and
James Henderson the Younger, and on October 24th, 17.39, to Philip
Livingston, John Joost Petrie and John DePeyster of tracts which
taken together under the name of "Petrie's purchase and Henderson's
patent," cover the whole north part of Wai-ren and extend over its
western boundary into Columbia to the extent probably of l.ODO acres,
and over the eastern boundary into Stark to a less extent. The
patent to Theobald Young and others, dated August 25tli, 1752. which
covers all the south part of the town, is bounded on th<' north by the
19
290 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
before mentioned Henderson patents. The starting point in tlie bound-
ing or the patent is the hole in the ground a little east of Caswell Cor-
ners, in the present town of Springfield, called by the German settlers,
"Kyle," which means hole, and by the Indians, "Theogsowone," the sig-
nification of which I have yet to learn. The southerly and westerly
boundaries of this patent as far as they extend, are the boundanes
separating Herkimer county from Otsego. I am informed that the.
patentees named Henderson were never upon the grants bearing their
name, and tliat they were first visited by their descendants about the
jear 1S25. Since that date, Mrs. Harriet Douglas Cruger, a descendant
of James Henderson, and Mrs. Douglas Robinson, her niece, have
maintained uijon this tract the beautiful summer residence known
as the Henderson Home. Both the Henderson and Young patents were
grants as expressed therein, "in free and common soc age as of our
Manor of East Greenwich in the count j' of Kent witliin our Kingdom
of Great Britain," and reserved a yearly rent of two shillings and six
pence for each 100 acres payable "at our Custom House in our City of
New York unto our collector or Receiver General, being on the Annun-
ciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, commonly called 'Lady Day.' " It
was provided in tliese grants that they should be v6id in case the
grantees should destroy or suffer to be destroyed trees fit for masts,
planks, knees, etc., for "our Royal Navy."
A rental of two shillings, six pence per 100 acres seems but nominal,
and even this was extinguished by the result of the Revolutionary war,
so that these grants must be regarded rather in tlie light of gifts from
the Crown. It Avould seem that certain shrewd and far sighted men
of the Mohawk valley, such as John Joost Petrie of tlie German Flats,
and the Youngs of Canajoharie, had in conjunction with capitalists in
Albaiij' and NeAV Y'ork, to wliom they pointed out tlie desirability of
obtaining these grants.
In the case of tlie Henderson patent, about seven men, heads of fam-
ilies, setled near its northern limit and formed the little colony called
Henderson. It is almost certain tliey settled there after the date of
the patent, for they would not have built houses or cultivated land
without some title to the soil. We Icnow they Avere tliere before May
22nd, 1758, for the New York ^Nlurcury of that date describes the flight
of four of these families from Henderson's purchase to the German
Flats, and the slaughter of some of tlie party by the Frencli and Indians
near Fort Hercliamer. The names of these families were Hayes, Star-
ring, Crim, Osterhout, Bull and Leopard, and tliey continued their res-
idence in Henderson, suffering as is well Iviiown in the Revolutionary
war at the hands of the Indians under Brant. The situation of these*
Henderson settlers Avas not one of complete isolation prior to tlie Rev-
olutionary Avar. To the cast at a distance of two miles AA'as the Ots-
quago settlement, AA'here lived the Bronners, ShaiTls, Fikes and Feath-
erlys, to the southeast about three miles the Eckler settlement on the
THE T>)\V.\ OK VVAKKEN. 291
Kyle, iliiccdy soiilli \\\r mil. s, \(.uiif,'s' scttlciiiciil. coiniinscd t,{ about
six I'nuiilics, incliKliii-- 'riicohald Voiiiii;, llir itatciitec; Id the west not
inure than lliicc niih's, the ('((onruds-towu scttlcnient, cDinin-isinK the
families ol" Conrad Oi-enchn'l". ("oin-ad Franlv. ("oni'ad I''ninicr, Kix-dcrick
Clii-islUKiii. '{"iiiKdhy lM-ani<. .\i<-iinlas i,i,:;hl fall, .hisrph .Mayer and
Homy i"iini<. .Mdic distaiil. Inil reasonably accessible, were the old
settU iiicnis oi: Sprinulield and Cherry \'alley. I'.eyond any doubt tUere
was a nut infretiuent interchange of s(K-ial and itusiness visits b(>tween
these ancient settlements, and the people of Henderson and Voung"s
pnicuts do Hol n'(|uire onr coniniiscration in thai respect.
Up to Mareh V2, 3771'. the territory in Wan-en was iiu-lndcd in the
county of Albany and of course deeds of lanil in our town were recorded
at Albany, and the inhabitants of Henderson and of Young's settlement
■were within the jurisdiction of Albany county. On :March 12th, 1772,
Tryon county was erected, and those inhabitants came under the Juris-
diction of Tryon county, with Johnstown as the county seat.
In .March, 1773, the rrovincial Legislature enacted that there be held
and kept two fairs every year at Johnstown, one to be held three consec-
utive days in .lune and (he other three consecutive days in Novembei",
and to be managed by a Governor and Kulers. As the business ordi-
narily transacted at the county seat must have drawn our Henderson
and Young settlers fretiuently to Johnstown, it is not to be doubted
they competed for prizes offered at these fairs, and not infreiiuently
had the satisfaction of driving their stock homeward iu» the hills deco-
rated with red and blue ribbons.
At this early period the count.y of Tryon was divided into districts
instead of townships. These were called respectively the ^lohawk,
Cana.ioharie, German Flats and Kingsland districts.
Warren's territoi'y was at hrst included in the Kingsland district and
this was described in the act of March 24th, 1772, as follows:
"All that part of said county of Tryon which is comprehended within
the foUowing boun(htries: On the east by Canajoharie district, on the
north by the JMohawk Uiver, and southerly and wi'sterly l)y tin,' limits
of this colony."
The same act recpiired tln' freehohh-rs of each district to elect and
appoint one freeholder to be a supervisor, two freeholders to be asses-
sors, one freehoUUn- to be collector, two freeholders to be overseers of
the poor, two fence viewers and one clerk. Subsciiuently on March S,
1773, the Provincial Legislature changed the namt>s of the Kingsland
and German Flats districts, giving to each the other's name, so that
the district in which is the Warren territory became the G(>rmaTi Flats
district.
I will not detail I'urllicr in this paper the changes affecting the ter-
ritory of \\'arren by the erection of counties ami towns, nor dwell upon
the massacre perpetrated l>y P.rant at Henderson, the destruction by
292 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Americans of the disloyal settlement at Youngs, nor the alleged haul-
ing of artillery over the road leading from Fort Herkimer to Young's
settlement for the use of General Clinton's army, then embarking upon
Lake Otsego and the Susquehannah to join General Sullivan, but will
speak of events in the early history of the established tovrn of Warren.
The great migration from the Eastern States which began in a mod-
erate way about ITS-i, reached its full volume by 1794, and by the year
1800, had given Warren and the purely agricultural towns, east, south
and west of it, a population numerically equal if not superior to that
which they now possess. At this time, before the introduction of rail-
ways and canals, the turupilve was considered the most potent instru-
mentality for advancing the wealth and comfort of the public.
The most notable enterprise in the early history of the town, nnd one
productive of great benefits was the building of the "Third Great
Western Turnpike," from Cherry Valley to the foot of Skenneatlas
Lake. The charter for this road was obtained in March, 1803. It pre-
scribed that the road should pass westerly between Youngs and Wea-
vers Lakes in the town of Warren, thence through the towns of Rich-
field, Plainfield, Bridgewater, Sangerfield and Hamilton to the village
of Cazenovia, thence to intersect the Seneca turnpike near Cob's tav-
ern in the town of Manlius, or through the towns of Pompey aTid Mar-
cellus to intersect said turnpike at or near the outlet of Skenneatlas
Lake. The members of the corporation named in the act were John
Lincklaen. John Moore, Asahel Jackson, Samuel demons, Eburean
Hale, Oliver Norton, Joseph Farwell, Daniel Rindge, John Pray, Rufus
Leonard, Lemeral Fitch, Nathaniel Farnham, Samuel Craft, Abner
Cook, Luther Rich, Elleaxer Ibbotson, Calvin Cheeseman and Charles
R. Webster.
The charter required this road to be six rods wide and not less than
thirty-three feet between ditches, whereof twenty-eight feet were to
be bedded with stone, wood or gravel and faced with pounded stone
rising toward the middle by a gradual arch. It directed mile stones
to be erected, one for eacli mile, with tlie distance from Albany in-
scribed on each stone, and guideposts to be put up at every intersecting
public road, with name of town to which the intersecting road led, and
a hand pointing to such town.
The tolls were as follows: Every score of sheep or hogs. 5 cents;
every score of cattle, horses or mules, 12i^> cents; every horse and rider,
4 cents; every sulkey chair or cliaise, with one horse, 121/2 cents; can
with one horse, 4 cents; every chariot, coach, coachee or phaeton, 25
cents; every stage, wagon or other four-wheeled carriage drawn by
two horses, mules or oxen, 12^^ cents, and 3 cents for every additional
horse, ox or mule; cart with two horses, mules or oxen, 6^/4 cents; ad-
ditional horse, mule or ox, 2 cents; every sleigh with two oxen, horses
pr mules, 6 cents; every additional horse, ox or'ffiule in like proportion.
THE TOWN OF WAHREN. 298
It was enacted tliat ii(t toll sliouhl l)e collected from a person n<i\nii
to or returning,' from public worsliii), his farm, a funeral, a blacksmith
shop or a physician.
Only onc-tliird of tlie forc^poing toll was to lie collected in case the
wajion or otlier cai'ria.m" had felloes or trade of wheel nine indies
wide; and whi>re the felloes or track of wlieel was twelve inches wide,
no toll whatever was to bo collected.
The cnnipletion of this road made a cdntinnons line nf tnnipike from
Albany to the western conlines of the State, connectinK with other
roads throuuh Ohio and MichiK<'iii. The effect was immediate and sur-
prisiiif;-. Droves of oxen, sheep and swine at once l)ej;an to move from
Michigan. Ohio and Western Xew York oxer this ronte to supply New
York and other cities of llie East. An old and intellifrent resident on
the line of tliis turnpike states it was estimated that as many as ten
thousand head of cattle had passed a given point on the line in cue
day. These droves required rest and pasturage and food and shelter.
Inns were fre(|Uent for the drovers and their helpers. It is said there
was at one time a tavern for every mile of the road between Skenne-
atlas and Albany. The business of keeping these droves was a profit-
able one for the farmers on the line in the town of Warren. In addi-
tion to the animals before named there were droves of liorses and not
infrequently large flocks of turkeys and geese en route to the eastern
markets. Usually it reciuired from three to five men to a drove. In the
case of cattle and swine a man in a single wagon preceded the drove
by one day to arrange for tlieir pasturage, yarding and food.
The mail coaches of ^Messrs. Sprague ».V- Thorpe of Rochester trav-
ersed the road twice in each direction every twenty-four hours, and the
horn of tlie drivers calling for relays at different stations echoed mer-
rily among the hills of Warren and Richfield in the days of our an-
cestors.
The impetus to l)usiness along this road is illustrated by tlie fact
that in Cherry Valley after the turnpike had gotten under full head-
way, there were eight blacksmith shops giving employment to about
fifty men, and at one time lOS stage horses were kept there. Stages
Avere usually drawn by six horses, though eight and even ten were used
at times. Regular freiglit transportation lines were also run l)etween
Albany and Bufl"alo. Huge wagoTis carrying from three to four tons
and drawn by seven horses were used on these lines. These wagons
had tires so wide that they passed without toll as allowed by the char-
ter, and they v\-ere considered ;i benefit to the road by fillinu^ in the
ruts made by ordinary wagons. This great trattic caused such a de-
mand for horses that the price of those animals advanced from twenty-
five and thirty dollars in ISdO to seventy-five and one hundred and
fifty dollars in 1820. There wore in (Mierry A'niley at one time tifteen tav-
erns and between Albany ;nid (Mieriy Valley. a distance of fifty-two miles,
sixty-two taverns. (History of Cherry Valley, by .Tohn Sawyer. Esq.)
-9-* HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The business of this great thoroughfare Avas largely diverted by the
building of the Erie canal, and was finally virtually destroyed by the
railways. The period of greatest prosperity for the tovrn of Warren
was unquestionably when the traffic of the "Third Great Western" was
at its maximum of volume.
So signal liad been the success of the "Third Great Western" that
the inhabitants of the northern part of Warren and along its parellei
east and west naturally took up the project of building a turnpike
which should benefit them. So in 1812, a charter was procured from
the Legislature for the "Utica and Minden Turnpike Company." This
road, starting at Utica, passed through Litchfield, Columbia, Warren
and Stark, in Herkimer county, and thence into Minden, in Montgom-
ery county. T have not examined the charter, but liave read a large
number of documents relating to the Utica and Minden Turnpike Com-
pany, found among the papers of Rufus Grain, who was president of
the company, from which I judge the enterprise created great expec-
tations among land owners and others along the line. Those expec-
tations were doomed to disappointment, for this turnpike diverted no
traffic from the "Third Great Western," and created very little for
itself.
The spirit of war created by the Revolution was kept alive by con-
tinued outrages and provocations on tlie part of Britain. Those of tliis
generation can but imperfectly realize the intensity of feeling with
whicla the military organizations of the State were raised and main-
tained. Warren partook of tliis enthusiasm and sent a considerable
number of her sons to tlie northern frontier in the war of 1812.
I wish to refer to two troops of horse belonging to a squadron of
whicli Rufus Grain was major, in the Sixth Regiment of cavalry, of
^\'lli(•h ^lattliew Myers was colonel. One of these troops was com-
manded by Captain Cliarles Fox. the other by Captain John Mix. They
contained a large proportion of tlie al)le-bodied men in Warren. Many
of them were men of marked intelligence, decided individuality and
that forceful, rugged manner wliich distinguished tlie New Englanders
of the day. I have talvcn great interest in tracing in a voluminous cor-
respondence the movements of this regiment as illustrating the time
and money and labor devoted to the military in that day. Orders from
James Lynch, Brigadier Genei'al. dated at Syracuse, required this regi-
ment to appear not infrequently at distant places like New Hartford,
Utica and Deerfield for review and inspection, following a' parade of
the day previous and necessitating an absence of the men from horar
for at least three days at a time. The uniform of this regiment was t
helmet of lustrous leather, surmounted Iiy fur, with fore-piece, coat ot
scarlet, with lilark velvet facing, crossed Avith gilt liands. and trouse"
of dark blue.
Knowing as I do the convivial nature of these^ cavalrymen, ma
of whom I Avell remember, and picturing to myself these gallant reu
THK TOWN OF WARREN. 295
coals jiatlit'riiij;- I'l-oiii llic liiuliwnys .■iiid liyways (pf Wai-rcn Tor i\ dc-
scout in force u]Hm sonic \ill:i.L;c in Hie \alicy. I am |M-ci)arc<l to tliinU
llicy paiuttMl ihc lihldcss place vcr.\- red diirin;; liicir uutiiig of tlircc
days.
Couit maflials weic rre(|nent. inoxoralijc in llic infliction of fines
uiion dclintinents, and apiiarciil ly iici'i'cct ly succcssfnl in collecting,'
llieni. It slionld he iiolcd ihal uiu' Iroopeis from Warren, as i)art of
llie Tliii-d squadren of liie Si.MJi Ke-inienl nf ca\ali-y. were jn-esent at
Utica oil the occjisioa of the rece])ii(in nf (ionenil the Mai-(|nis de
Lafayette. .Tnno 10th. IS'J.".
The social customs in Ihal early period were in stron.t;- contrast to
those of the i)r(>sent lime. I'.alls were then given at one and two o'cioc-lc
in the day instead of at ni.uht.
You will deem it remarkable In view of tlie slow methods of travel
in those early times that men should travel .ureat distances for pleasure,
especially from rural disti'icts like ^^'arren: yet between 1S12 and isi'O,
three of our townsmen visited distant countries.
. John liolton spent the summer of 1S]."» in the City of Mexico and
towns between it and Vera Cruz.
John Williams visited Venezuela in ISlC, and devoted considerable
time to Caracas and other points of interest. Both these men were
observinu', had .ureat desire to see foreign countries and were extremely
entertaining when relating their experiences abroad.
Sturges Brewster, identified with Wanen all his life, was perhaps
the lirst person from Herkimer county to visit P^urope strictly as a
tourist of pleasure and observation. He embarked from New York
August 3oth, 1815. for Bordeaux, in the sailing packet, Blooming Rose.
Stephen Trowbridge being the captain. He paid .'?l."ii for his jiassage
and had for fellow passengers two Swiss gentlemen. :\Ir. Cowing of
South Carolina, and Mr. Jackson, of Georgia. In a lull on tlu^ I?anks
of Newfoundland they fished for two hours and caught eleven tine cod,
which were served .at different dinners and greatly relished. Si>eaking
another packet, they first learned that the Allies had entered Paris.
Barely escaping sliii)wreck in I'.iscay. they reached B.ordeaux on the
tOth of September, the ^oth day of the voyage. Ten days after landin.g.
Brewster saw a reniarkabU- sight. I will (piote him: "Understand-
ing that two of the generals of Bonaparte were to be executed near
the City to-day, we determined if possible to be present. At half-past
10 o'clock we went to the i)i'ison Avhere they were confined, a stone
building called the I*..istile of Bordeaux. The two victims were twiu'
brothers 5() years of ;ige. and resembling each other so nearly that one
could hardly be distinguished from the other. Theii- name was Fonche.
and both were generals of equal rank in the army of the Revolution.
Latterly one had been a member of the National Assembly, the other
the mayor of the town near B.ordeanx. We found assembled at the
prison about 5,000 of the military and gens d' armes. At about 11:30
296 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
they (the Fonches) were brought out, passing through the mihtary and
ari immense concourse of citizen spectators.
"They were conducted to the center of a large square, bounded on
one side by a high stone wall. The guards formed on the other three
sides. The Fonche brothers stood in the center, dressed In white flan-
nel and without hats, firm and undismayed. They looked upon the
people and their murderers with apparent indifference, and seemed to
smile in the faces of the blood-thirsty crowd that surrounded them.
Twelve gens d' armes advanced from the line with an officer and took
their stand ten paces from the Generals, who refused either to kneel
or^to be blindfolded. The muskets were presented, the fated word given,
and they both at the same instant fell dead."
Brewster at this time was about 20 years old, and carried letters of
introduction which enabled him to see the home and public life of
persons of distinction in both France and England, and embarked July
14th, 1816, in the ship Mynerva Smyth, from Liverpool for New York,
reaching the latter place August 26th, 1S16, after an absence of one
year and eleven days. Among the passengers on this homeward voy-
age was the distinguished Dr. Francis, of New Yorl<;.
Tlius far I have not touched upon anything political, because that
subject, like several others, could not be brought within the limits of
this paper. But I will mention one affair so that I may inti'oduce an
extract from a letter Avritten by one of Herlvimer's disinguished citi-
zens.
The Presidential contest between AndreAv Jackson and John Quincy
Adams in 1828 was characterized hj an intensity of partisanship un-
equalled before or since in tliis country. The Republicans (now known
as Democrats) had nominated Rufus Grain, of Warren, as Presidential
Elector, the electors at that time being chosen by congressional dis-
tricts.
The supporters of Adams with intent to introduce confusion in the
Republican ranlvs, nominated his brother-in-law, Jacob Marsliall, living
in tlie same liouse, for tlie same office.
The contest between Marshall and Grain resulted in tlie election of
the latter. At this stage, Micliael Hoffman wrote Grain a letter, dated
November 14th, 1828, to which I have already alluded, and from which
I will read an extract, illustrative of liis piquant style:
"Every man knows the uncertainty of life but does not always act
accordingly. In this case our dangers are of a different kind, viz., bad
roads, broken bridges, broken limbs, sickness. The only preventive is
to start from homo in due time to recover from all these evils and yet
reach your destination. I advise you by all means to be in Albany at
least one week before the end of this month. Go so early that a bad
road may be repaired, a broken carriage mended, a bridge rebuilt (or
a substitute found), a broken linil) set, and a sicli^man borne upon a
litter.
THE TOWN OF WARREN. 297
"Yoii will ;ii)i)i'(>ciat(> this precaution wlion you viow tho dcspcrjitloii
of our opponents. They leave nothinj; iHidone. They will l»e In Albany
early to a man. or^ianize at the hour, and if they are a majority will
immediately till up all vacancies with their fiiends." This letter closes
tlnis:
"I may add that the Democracy of the State has ti'inniphed, and If
the anti-Masonics liad not divided us, we should have routed and beaten
the aristocracy horse, foot and dragoons."
SOME DUTCH CHARACTERISTICS.
AX ADDRESS BY HON. JOHN W. VROOMAN, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Societ}- October 12, 1901.
"God prospers the good man's resolve." A Dutch proverb, of which
my friend. Secretary Smith, is a living illustration.
He resolved, for some reason unknown to me and for reasons I fear
sorrowful to yourselves, to secure my presence to read a paper before
this society, and here I am, a plain business man, possessing no special
qualifications as a student in historic research, such as Judge Earl and
others of your society possess in full measure, and yet I do possess
one qualification characteristic of the Dutch blood which flo^ws in my
veins, a heart full of loyalty to the county of my birth and full of love
for my friends.
I pause a moment to congratulate Herkimer county upon having a
society to perpetuate its history, to honor its heroes and to educate the
young to appreciate the sacrifices of those who lived and labored in
other days to establish our political, educational and religious institu-
tions. Inquiry is sometimes made concerning the practical purpose of
this and kindred societies and the permanent good accomplished by
them. A mistaken idea frequently prevails that they are too general
in purpose and too limited in usefulness to warrant continued interest
of the member and permanent value of the organization. I am a firm
believer, however, in the abiding good to individual and community
of any society that gratefully remembers the labors and sacrifices of
our ancestors; that reviews with pride the struggles and successes of a
community; that keeps in tender recollection father, mother and home-
land; that cultivates affectionate feeling for friend and fireside: that
draws Inspiration for the present from contemplation of what has made
a glorious past.
The Herkimer County Historical Society was born to further such
purposes and liA'es, to cultivate such principles. Believing in them my-
self, I offer this contribution to the broad and unselfish work in which
you are engaged.
SOME DUTCH CHARACTERISTICS. 29!)
"(>i-;iiiji' Ikjni'h" I'p Willi ( >i-;iii.t;c lil kim 11 \- 1 r;i iisi;i(o(l iiiciii'.s that It
is cli.iiactciisi ir <ir ihc jtiiicli to he on iiip. Tin- Oraiijrc coiui-s stand
l'(ir (•dura.uc .mikI ri-iciHlsliip. Wcaiiii:;- tliciii has even hccn jiroof of
loyalty aicd inlc.m'il .w ol' unity and power.
in !(;•_'.■;. a I>nt(h ship hrounht .'Id l»\Ui-li I'aiuilics tf» Maidiattan Island,
when- they found a ui-w houu' and l'ouu(U'd New Ainstcrdaui, liow New
York. At the sauH> time IS I Milch t'.inulics from tho samo ship found
a now iionio and founded I'oit (»rain;c now Alli.any. I'oliowinf^ this,
other Piilch settlements .iloiiL;' the Hudson and Moliawk Klvtrs were
be.u'un in the old Iloll.ind way. 'I'here w(re common lands Avhcro the
cattle were jiut out daily to i>astur(> and ,i common point of assembling
for defens(>. as illustrated liy our old Fort Herkimer and otlier forts
throughout the \alley. 'Phis is brou.uiit to our notice from the fact
that almost every farm in tlie ^Moliawk valley liad a narrow frontage
on tlie rivei', extending some distance l)ack on the hillside, thereby af-
fording the early settlei's opportuiuty for locating their houses near
each other on the flats foi' mutual iirotection. Referring to common
lands, we mention that in Albany in olden time the Dutch settle:* owned
his home and took pi'ide in the garden and the little green surrounding
his house. The family also owned a cow, which was fed iu a common
pasture at the far end of the town. In the evening the cows returned
by a patli known to each one and it is stated that these cowpatbs
afterward formed the streets in the city of Albany, famous for the reg-
idar irregularity in which they ai'o laid out.
The Dutch names of New Amsterdam and Fort Orange should never
have been changed to English New York ;uid Albany. It is not my
purpose to praise the Dutch at 'the expense of the English, but I am
bound to state as matter of history that it was an English and not a
Dutch Governor of the Colony of New Y'ork who became so unruly at
its capitol that the Assembly granted him a salary for only a limited
space of time, without promise of rencAval, that they nnght be able to
hold a club over him for political purposes. It was one of these Eng-
lish Governors who said, regarding the Colony and the people: "This
is the finest air to live upon in the universe, and if our trees and birds
could speak and our Assemblymen be silent, the finest conversation
also." He further said: "'According to the ri'ports of the country, the
sachems are the poorest of the people."
My friends, let us never forget that while the early Dutcli settlers
of this country brought the Orange colors in one hand, they brought the
Bible in the other, representing their characteristics of plu<k .ind prayer
and thank God these characteristics .ire leHected in the ]\Iohawk ^■;llley
Dutch" of to-day. Some of these settlers requested ;iuthoi-ity from Eng-
land to plant a colony iu ^■irgilua. but the King refused, as they asked
him to couple witli the charter a clause guaranteeing religious liberty.
Knowing that in a Dutch colony their rights would be jirotected in that
regard, they concluded negotiations with Holland with the residt that
300 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tliey settled in New Amsterdam, in Fort Orange and in tlie Moliawli
valley, as well as other places. Let it bo noted in passing, tliat the
Dutch did not obtain their lands here by conquest, but by purchase
from the Indians. It was an Albany Dutchman whose influence com-
manded the respect and confidence of the Five, afterwards the Six
Nations, to such a marked degree that for more than a hundred years
Albany was protected by a treaty with the Mohawks that was never
broken and when attempt was made to win the Indians from the Dutch-
man, it failed because he always "dealt fairly with them." Someone
has well said that there is no more glorious page in the history of this
country, no grander exhibition of the quality of our Dutch ancestors,
than was manifested by the influence of the sturdy Dutch people in the
valleys of the Hudson and Mohawk. They preferred free soil and they
protected people's rights. When they came to this colony they honor-
ably secured land from the Indians and in this way Van Curler pushed
out from Albany and founded Schenectady. With other plucky Dutch-
men they maintained their rights throughout the Mohawk valley by
treating the Indians justly, and in appreciation of this just treatment
the Indians for a long time called the Governors of New York by the
general name of "Corlear," and many of their descendants living in
Canada still call the reigning sovereign of England by the name of
Corlear.
One of the most interesting facts in Dutch history is found in the
influence for good that for centuries Holland sent forth throughout tlie
world. If you study the history of the majority of the foremost men
who came to this country in its earliest daj^s, you will find that some-
how, some way, somewhere, they received a Dutch training. For exam-
ple, the name of William Penn will go down through the ages as one
of our best and broadest of men because his Dutch mother made this
possible.
In the town halls in Dutch cities liberty bells were hung, and from
the "Liberty Bell" placed in Philadelphia by Pennsylvania Dutchmen,
on July 4th, 1776, freedom was proclaimed "throughout all the land and
to all the inhabitants thereof."
In those early days many Palatines went to Rotterdam and other
places in Holland to find refuge and a home and from thence a large
number came to this country, bringing Holland influences. These Pal-
atine Dutchmen gave us some of our bravest men in the war of the
American Revolution, notably Nicholas Herkimer. In this connection,
I record with pride the statement that in 1710, Johan Jost, Madalana
and Catharina Herkimer came from Holland and finally settled in the
Mohawk valley in 1721. The first land they occupied is now a part of
this town. General Herkimer was the eldest son of Johan Jost and
some of us present this afternoon are numbered among the descendants
of Madalana and Catharina. It may also be of interest to note that
one of the first of the Livingston family went from England to Rotter-
bOMK DUTCH CUAHACTEHISTICS. IJOl
(1:1111, where lie olil.i iiied liis ediicit ion. lie Inter ejiiiie to this country,
settled ill All>:in.\' iiiid iiiairied a sister of I'eter Sehiiyler. She w.is llie
widow of I>oiuiiiie \';in Keiisselaer, a l)iilehiiia ii of lii^li repute. 'I'lie
tirst Mayor of New York, \aii (."ortlaiidt, a 1 )ut(liiiiaii, also married
a Schuyler.
If 1 had tho time and you the patience, mention could he readily
made of a number of our old Moliawk \'alley Dutch families, whost-
ij;ood inriuences have lielped to make this i)ar( of our country distin-
guished for many of its grand cliaracteristics.
The brief half liour at my disposal this afternoon will permit only a
hasty sketch ()f a few Dutch characteristics, wliieh largely conti'ibuted
to give us tlie Constitution of the United States, to instill a love of
liberty in our citizens, to preserve their homes, to upbuild their schools
and establish their religion.
A few illustrations maj' serve to present some Dutch characteristics
inherited from our ancestors. One, love of libert.y. Our forefathers
who came from Holland brouglit with them two things of supri>me
importance, their freedom and tlieir religion, and these beneficent influ-
ences have done mucli to make every citizen of this republic a sovei*-
eign. As an evidence of their love of liberty, recall the long and bloody
war with the Spaniards and the challenge tluit went forth fi'om the
brave Hollanders in the midst of their suffering. They were then as
now true to themselves and to their countrj-. Listen to their v/ords of
dehance to the Spaniards — they will go down through the ages: "As
long as there is a living man left in the country we will contend for
our liberty and our religion." Wlien they formed the heroic resolution
to break down the dykes to destroy the enemy, which would destroy
their homes also, and a protest was made, the replj^ quiclvly came: "Bet-
ter a drowned land than a lost land."
The descendants of sucli liberty-loving. God-fearing men settled on
the banks of the Hudson and the Mohawk. They possessed the Dutch
characteristics of pluck, not luck; of action, not accident; they labored
to create rather than to criticise. Do you wonder that such a devotion
and bravery gave birth on the hills and in the valleys of New York to
homes, school-houses and churches? May we of the present preserve
these institutions bequeathed us by our loyal ancestors because they
stand for liberty, the bulwark of our national life; for love of human-
ity, wliich educates us to better fellowsliip and closer friendship; for
the old-fashioned religion of our fathers represented by the old-fash-
ioned family Bible.
Referring to the Spaniard, what a parallel in the defeat of Spain in
her war with Holland which ended in 1G48 and her war with the United
States, wliicli ended in 1S9S. In the Spanish-Dutch war, Spain buried
i!50,000 of her soldiers in Holland and spent millions upon millions,
nearly ruining herself financially in order to destroy liberty. In her
then defeat she sank to the level, of a fourth-rate country. That was
302 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
the result of lier war against liberty centuries ago. The result of her
recent war with the United States in again attempting to destroy lib-
erty need not be retold.
My friends, let us gratefully remember that Dutch love of liberty
was so great that the British government declared war against Holland
because she saluted the American flag, Avhich was the first foreign
sahite, and because she helped our American privateers. Holland help-
ed us because of sympathy, not selfishness.
Another illustration of the Dutch standing for liberty may l>e noted
in the fact that the loyalty and courage of gallant Dutchmen largely
contributed to check the British plan of campaign in the war of the
Revolution, which resulted in the enemy's defeat and our imperishable
victory. We honor the sturdy, liberty-loving sons of Holland who
fought at Oriskany and elsewhere in the valley of the ^Mohawk and of
the Hudson I
We proudly speak of the heroism of a Dewey at Manila and a Samp-
son and Schley at Santiago, but this heroism was fully matched by the
courage of Dutch Admiral Peter Heyu, who two hundred and seventy-
five years ago in a great naval battle with the Spaniards, destroyed
twenty-six of their warships and in a later engagement captured the
balance of the Si)aDish fleet of nineteen vessels, with millions of dollars
of treasure.
Another illustration, love of home. INIy friends, some people live in
houses. The Dutch live in homes.
"A house is built of bricks and stones.
Of sills and posts and piers;
But a home is built of loving deeds.
That stand a thousand y6ars."
Thank God, not only the Dutch people of other days, but the Amer-
ican people of to-day believe in preservation of the home in all its hap-
piness and purity. To perpetuate such a home we must chiefly depend
upon woman's tact, woman's sacrifice, woman's love. A good home
is the world's hope and to preserve and beautify and dignify a Chris-
tian home is life's greatest mission and a pure and noble woman can
most faithfully and successfully fulfil that mission. God bless her!
Coupled with a Dutchman's love of home is his characteristic wel-
come and hospitality, and so it was that the Dutch introduced into this
country holiday customs and especially New Year's calls and celebra-
tions. May we never depart from that old-fashioned Dutch hospitality
which always brought good cheer and filled one's life Avith sunshine.
I think a Dutchman must have inspired this sentiment:
"The under side of every cloud
Is bright and shining,
And so I turn my clouds about.
And always wear them inside'l)ut.
To shoAV the lining."
SOME DUTCH (JUARACTEIUSTICS :503
It WilS iMitc'li i'!i('ci- ;iii(l siiiisliiiic HimI iiuliirrd W i 1 1 i,'i ii i I'.ri'wsl im'. a
l)i'ijiiit and l)i:i\c Ndiini; I :ii;:lisliiiia ii. In s|.(iii| ,-i iIm/.cii years in Hol-
land, lit' was so pleased willi Hie hiihli liniiies and lin'ii- JKisnilality
Dial lie illllllelleed IliailN' of (he I'ilul'iln I'alhel-s Id seek a linnie in lldl-
Iiiiid and lliese Imnies made possilile a l'lyni<inlh Udck, niadi' eerlain a
Doclaration of 1 ndi'jiendeuee.
\()t only did liie IMileli lielieve in a honic. but tlicy believed in own-
in.i;- that home, and when in eaily days they were ci-ainped by the limi-
tations of the little eounlry eapliired from the sea, they pushed out as
pioneers to secure homes in new lands, until Holland of loda.w wilh an
area of about lo.ddO s(iuare niik's and a poi)ulalion of about live mil-
lions, controls colonies with an area of more than I hree-(inarlers of a
million of square miles and a pojiulation of more than thirty millions.
In establishinij.- new homes, it was their :iniliiIion nol to foruct the old
ones and hence it Is characteristic of the Dutch peojile to be the very
best colonizers for a n(>\v country. And wiiyV P.ecause they take from
tlie old liome to tlie new the school-house ;uul the church.
Did you ever stop to think that no foreifin missionaries were over
called to convert a Dutcli colony. Do you ask the reason? The Dutch
schoolmaster always accompanies the Dutcli farmer, and the Dutcli
minister always accompanies the Dutch mercliant in their onward
march of civilization. They are all missionaries.
Again, let it not be forgotten that in Holland it was an I'.xception to
find a person wlio could not read and write. It is an historic fact that
the first English translation of the Bible was pul)lished in Antwerp in
1535, and in those early days no\Yhere in the world was the Bible so
generally read as by the Hollanders and the English people who settled
there. Thank God, love of the Bible is a Dutch characteristic of to-day
as well as former days.
The Dutch who settled in this country, while never forgetting their
forefathers nor the land of their birth, becann' loyal Americans and
faithful in the last degree to our beloved land. While we re.ioice that
many of our citizens of various nationalities have renounced allegiance
to foreign governments, let us never syinp.alhize with that mistaken
sentiment occasionally found in tliis day whereby some adoi^ted citi-
zens for public notoriety not only renounce but denounce a foreign gov-
ernment, and fre(iuent!y swear fealty to our reiuiblic in boisterous
words, rarely followed by honorable deeds. May Ave as lovers of this
hmd of liberty, descendants of every nationality, ever I'emember that
vociferously crying the word "American" does not always make an
American; tliat the denouncement of other governments is not evidence
of loyalty to oui- own government; that the best evidence of true citi-
zenship is found not in empty words but in worthy deeds.
To be a good American is to be a good citizen, and to be a good citi-
zen is to be a good person in the home. True' manhood of ahy nation-
{ility, W'ithout distinction of class, without aristocracy save that of
304 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
merit, is tlie measure of Americanism, while good behavior is the devel-
opment of such manhood.
Class distinction was once tried by the Dutch in New Amsterdam,
250 years ago. It has never been tried since. They then attempted to
divide into two societies, called Great Burghers and Small Bui-ghers.
This plan to create an aristocracy was abolished after a trial of about
ten years, the Dutch women doing their full share in bringing about
the change and from that time on to the present the only Dutch class
distinction is one of merit, founded upon good behavior. That the
Dutch people did not depend upon class distinction is further witnessed
by the fact that shortly after the classes of the Great and the Small
Burgher were disposed of, a Governor of New York, in writing to a
friend in his home-land, complimented the Dutch residing hei-e upon
their refinement, and among other things he said: "I find some of these
people have the breeding of courts, and I cannot conceive how such is
acquired." Ah! my friends, this Governor did not appreciate the fact
that the foundation of Dutch character in the mother-land was good
behavior, and upon such a foundation only can refinement be builded.
May we always extend to true manhood the same inviting welcome to
this country that was extended by the Dutch Court of Leyden, centuries
ago. It was then as now the best invitation any country has ever given
to the oppressed or the ambitious. History tells us that more than two
centuries ago a proclamation was issued by the burgomasters and the
Court of Leyden, "Refusing no honest person free ingress to come for
residence in that city, provided that such persons behave themselves."
All hail to dear old Holland, where the only price of citizenship Avas
good behavior! Do you wonder that our Pilgrim Fathers received their
best teachings of love and liberty, of education and religion, from Hol-
land? Do you wonder that with such broad proclamation and brotherly
sentiment the first street of old Plymouth town, Massachusetts, was
named Leyden street? Do you wonder that the immortal principles
of freedom, equality and liberality were placed in the Declaration of
Independence as a result of Dutch influence? In contributing to the
elevation of manhood and the encouragement of enterprise, in battling
for civil and religious liberty, in triumphing over despotism and diffl-
cultj', and in upbuilding practical religion of love to man and love to
God, the little country of Holland has ever stood front and foremost
among the nations of the earth.
I have referred among the characteristics of the Dutch to love of
liberty because it makes imperial manhood; to love of home because it
elevates that manhood and to good citizenship because it educates that
manhood.
Thrift and honesty are also Dutch characteristics. I want to ask
a question and invite your Society to make inquiry preparatory to an
answer. How many Dutch people can be counted as inmates of the
poorhouses here or elsewhere owing to lack of thrift? How many can
SOME DUTCTI CIIARACTICUISl ICS IW)
lu> (•(iiiiili'd ;is iiiiii.-ilcs (if i)|-isuiis lici'c 111' clscwlici-c (III .-ii-i-oiinl of lacU
*tj" hoiR'SlyV
'riuM'c arc still oilier chai-acliM'islics. I'aticiicc and i)(>rsr>v(>raiico.
l"(ir (•(Milniics llic l»ul(h pafii-JJtly fouiiiil Ihc (ki'mh |i> secure llieir
ie(iunli-.v : llieii I'lir eighty yeajv; lliey persistent ly I'oimlil the Spaniards
for llieir lilieily. and as sojjk' one lias said liotli patieiitl\ and jiei-slst-
(iilly they always t'outiht the ch-vil for their reliuidii.
That the early Dutch settlers in New Aniserdaiii jiossessi'd huiuaii
as well as sjiiritual oliaractorist ies may Ik noted li\- the fact lliat one
o{' the lirst bnildinus erected in New Anisteidain was, to qiKjte (he
lan.unaj;e of the Dutch ollicial who nuuU; the tirst subscription, ".i re-
spectable church,'" which h(> said was needed. A few days alter the
sl;HiiiiK of this subscription, a dau,i;hter of Dominie I'.o.uardus was mar-
rje<l and at llie wedding repast after the wine liad been freely passed
jironnd. the Church subscription paper was circulated with such genei'-
a)us results that the buildins;- was shortly after erected. Doinim'es then
jis now (xccasionaily preached practical sermons. It is said that Bogar-
tuus had a bit of trouble with the Dutch Governor and after some angry
words had passed between them the Dominie stated that he would
preach the Governor such a sermon the next Sunday that it would make
him "shake in his shoes." No harm how(>ver resulted from tlie ser-
mon as the anger of both men subsided. Those were fraternal days
lietween the churches; the Church of England and the Dutch Reformed
Church worked together in brotherly love, holding services in the same
meeting house, one in the morning, the other in the evening.
The Dutch possess in a large degree ambition and enterprise. I
make bold the statement that their characteristics are and always
have been largely misunderstood in this regard even by those who ought
to lie familiar with them. Stubborn facts as proved by history, teach
us that man for man no country of the same size and population ever
produced better leaders of thought, braver pioneers of connuerce, more
conservative statesmen, more uoble patriots, more shrewd financiers,
more enterpi'ising persons in all that goes to make u]t the best all
around men. Wnen the Dutch tirst came to America, they were un-
(loul)tedly the foremost commercial people in the world and introduced
many successful elements in our business life as well as in our educa-
tional affairs that have alwa.vs been of sn]ireine imiKutance.
Pausing a moment to speak of educational matters, we not>' that to-
day more tlian hfteen millions of pu[)ils and teachers are at work in
cnr common schools. The common school system is a product of Hol-
land. Tlie first free school in this cotmtry was opened by Dutchmen
on .Manhattan Ishnid, and of .•ill tin early settlers her(^ the Dutch alone
believed in the free publii- school, offering education not as a charity
l)Ut as a right. They had it al home; tlu\v established it hero.
Disten to a statement made by .John of Nassau, brother of that typi-
cal Dutchman, William of Orange: "Soldiers and patriots educati'd in
20
306 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Tree schools are better than all armies, arsenals, munitions, alliances,
and treaties that can be had or imagined in the world."
Let us not forget that throughout the centuries all classes in Holland,
rich and poor, boys and girls, attend the public schools together, and
thus the public school system in Holland prepares men and women to
bravely cope with the world. Thank God our own beloved State has
profited by the wisdom of our Dutch Fathers and our public school sys-
tem of to-day is as broad and practical as that of Holland.
In the industrial world, in flue arts, in higii scholarship, in inven-
tion, in various other great undertakings, no nation has ever produced
better results, or has ever been more ambitious or more enterprising.
More ambitious? Where will you find a nobler specimen than in the
person of the great Admiral Van Tromp. Read the inscription on his
monument: "He ceased to triumph only when he ceased to live." More
enterprising? Where will you find a better local illustration than in
the person of Patroon Van Rensselaer, as may be witnessed by the
fact that he erected upon an island in the upper Hudson a fortified
ci-TStom house and proceeded to compel every incoming or outgoing ves-
sel to pay a duty for passing by, or then and there unload its cargo
and sell to the customers of the place, which usually resulted to his
pleasure and profit. Talk about Dutch enterprise; it looked then as it
looks now, that Dutchmen, ancient or modern, want their full share
of what is passing by, either of ships in the night time or men in the
daytime.
An enterprising person is a cheerful person and it is a Dutch char-
acteristic to be cheerful and we must thank our early Dutch ancestors
for setting apart a considerable number of holidays to dispense good
cheer and good fellowship. They were perhaps the leaders in a desire
to give evidence of joy and celebration by the holiday sj^stem which
they adopted and which Ave have in later days largely followed.
Another illustration of Dutch character, toleration in all things. The
Dutch believe in the doctrine of "live and let live," and they apply this
in matters of business, government and religion. In other words, a
Dutchman does not demand the whole thing; he is willing to give a
portion to tlie other fellow. In business a Dutchman does not hold to
Ihe one talent of doing nothing, nor to the five talents of doing only the
big things, but he belongs to the large class of ostentatious, substantial
people who possess the two talents. He is the average man who makes
up the real bone and sinew of tlie land.
While simplicity is a Dutch characteristic, nevertlieless I am bound
to state that our early ancestors desired to dress well and the women
were no exceptions to the rule. It is recorded that they wore much
finery and expended much money for expensive articles in the home.
We should remember that our ancestors loved to dress well and to live
well as well as to act well.
In government, little Holland successfully controls her great colonies.
SOMKUUTi'll CIIAICM riMtlSTICS. 307
I linvr .■ilrcndy rcfcriTd In llic f.-ni ih.ii ;i II lioiiuli jicr iiniiit f.v is jiIkiUI
oiii'-thinl tlic size 1(1' New YorU. conlniiiiiii; .iImiiiI I wo-tliirds its iiiucli
popiilntiuii, yd slic siitisfiictorily directs llic uii\ rninicnt (if licr <'()loiiic'S
which coiitniu ;in area lifly times i;realei- lli:iii lur own and a iiKjuila-
tion six times larger. Her (|iieeii, llie only sce|iiei-e(| one in tlii' workl.
is not afraid of assassination or re\olnlion. neithei' <d' wiiich is a
Dutch characteristie. On her wechlin.^ (hiy, a lillle more tiiaii a year
aj;o, in au t)]teii carrlaKO, without protection, \vil!ioui fear, she proudly
passed throu.uh tlio lines of many thousands of lier sulijeets, who receiv-
ed her witli liearty cheers and honest e.\]>ressions of affection.
It would be out of place for me to mal<e coni!)ai'ison with the wed-
dinj; of another royal persoiia.ue which occurred about th(< same time
hut under entirely different circumstances: in the one country the peo-
ple have always been .uovei'ned I)y toleration in all thins"s. in the other
bj' fear. Confirming this 1 may state that Holland was the lirst Prot-
estant country that allowed the private exercise of Uoman f'atholic
relijfion and the one first perniittinir tlie open celebration of its ritual.
For a lonj; time it Avas the only country where the Jews Avere allowed
full liberty of reli.uion.
It may also be of interest to note that the Dutcli not only founded
the first day scliool. but also the first Protestant church in the United
J^tates.
Desiring to give my old-time i»olilical friends who honor me witli
their presence this afternoon a bit of ancient Dutch advice, good, how-
ever, for tlie present day, I want to say tliat we liave a Dutch precedent
for tlie promotion of trusts or corporations, for tlie existence of the
political boss, for an excise law, a tariff law, and a good dinner at pub-
lic expense.
One of the first great corporations or trusts was founded by a Dutch-
man, and its shares were dealt in like our modern stock exchange. We
are told tliat tlie Dutch lOast India Company was the first great joint
stoclv company whose sliares were bought and sold from liand to hand.
Afterwai'd. another great company, the Dutch West India Com-
I)any. was organized. This differed from some modern trusts in that
the original subscription books were open to everybody. Dutchman and
foreigner alike, who desired to b(>come a stockholder.
Speaking of the political boss, our old Dutch Governor I'eter Stuy-
vesant instituted a boss system '27)0 years ago that would put to blush
even tlie Ross of New Yoric or Pennsylvania. Wiieii tlu' peojie of that
da.v desired to elect a council of nine men to aiil in providing for tlie
general good of the commiinity. Stuyvesani consented, but he so directed
affairs that tlu> council would be iiermitted to assist in the government
only wlieu he (Stuyvesanti "called upon them." It is needless to say
that Stuyvesant's calls were as few and far between as the calls of
any modern boss. \\'e might add by way of a foot-nott' that bribery
was not entirely unknown in that day. A Dutch rjovernor once at-
3U8 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tempted to obtain the influence of the English Governor of a neigh-
boring colony, by sending him two Holland cheese and a box of sugar
as an inducement for him to stop trading with the Indians.
Our high tariff friends can quote a precedent from our Dutch ances-
tors, who levied the first tariff in this country by what was then known
as "staple right," which required all vessels to pay a duty for passing
the port of New Amsterdam. An English ship once attempted to evade
this tariff law, escaped the customs oflicers and proceeded to Fort
Orange, where a large cargo of beaver skins was obtained. The New
Amsterdam Dutchmen sent a couple of ships up to Fort Orange to
escort the English ship to Sandy Hook and thence on her way home.
She proceeded, however, without any cargo because the Dutchmen con-
fiscated the whole thing. The most expert customs officials of to-day
could not do more or better.
It is probable that the first excise law Avas promxilgated in >,ew Am-
sterdam by putting a tax on wine and beer and penalties were espec-
iallj' placed upon excessive drinking. A tavern keeper who sold liquor
to a drunkard or i)ermitted quarrels upon his premises was liable not
oi\ij to a fine but to the loss of his propei'ty as well. We are also told
that a large number of drinking houses were located on ^Manhattan
Island and for the purpose of reducing the drink habit to a minimum,
when a drunken man was found, if the authorities failed to discover
the particular house where the liquor was sold, in order to be sure of
finding the real seller, they would impose a specific fine upon every
drinking house located on the entire street.
I mentioned a dinner at public expense. In this respect our modern,
like our ancient friends in New York and elsewhere possess about the
same midriffs, including the same tastes. So far as I am able to learn,
both the Dutch and English of two centuries ago and their descend-
ants of to-daj' expend about the same proportion of money to secure
the same proportionate good thing. In proof of this statement, I quote
from an 'ofliclal account of the expenditure for a banquet given by
Xev\- Amsterdam officials to an English Lord more than 200 years ago.
Here are the principal items:
£ s. d.
Beef and Cabbage 7 6
I'ork and Turnips T 3
Mince Pies 1 4
Fruit, Oheese and Bread 7 G
31 Bottles of Wine 3 2
Beer and Cider 12
As proof that the New Amsterdam case is not an exceptional one, I
cite anotJier from New Jersey. Here is an authentic copy of a l»i]l over
a century and a quarter old, the original of v/hich may be found in the
lilji-ary of Princeton University, formerly known__as the New Jersey
College:
SOMK mncil CIIAKA(.TKklSTI(,-S. 300
••'I'lic TiMislccs or Xcw .IiM'scy ("ollc^ic, Dr.,
'I'.) Will. llirU."
1771. S(|it. -27.
£ s. (I.
To '.M (liiuicrs \ VJ i;
To L'.'! r.oltlcs of W'iiic ;i( .Is .-, i.",
To S Hottlcs I'oilcr ](i
To (•> Hollies of lU'ci- ()
To .'! double liowls Punch ;»
To :! (loul.lf howls Toddy C,
To Tea lor 1:5 (icntlouieii i;;
n-i
V\ rr
To prove tho .-.utluMif icity as well as Ihc correctness of the jiill, tlif
Ilovorend Pi-esident ol' the Colle.sie, John W'itherspoon. appends to the
liill o\cr his own si.unature. the followhi.s,' statement:
'•Tlie ahove aiiKUiiil I believe to be .ius(." Whether the ".jus)" jiart
of it refers to "dinners for o7" or "tea for l.'i," or whether it refers to
tile other li(]uid refreshments is not stated.
I will not ^^•eary you A\ith otlier important cli:ir;irteristics tliat have
conspired to pl.-ice lilt!(> lloll;ind in Hie front ranlv of tlie procession of
progressive nations. P.enjamin Franldin once snid: "Holland has been
our .irreat e.\;imi>le in love of liberty and bravery in def(>ndin,i,' it."
Wliat a world of thou.t;ht is contained in one of Holland's mottoes:
"By concord, little things liecome great."
We have borrowed from this our own motto: "In union there is
strength." and Union College, which is a product of a Dutch church,
follows this thought A\ith its motto: "In thin,gs necessary, unity: in
things doubtful, iilierty: in all things, charity."
In conclusion, ni.iy we not from these and other characteristics learn
a lesson of v.ilue I'.ir ])resent duty and future possibility?
In the hasty iireparation of this paper I have endeavored to prove
from the record of the past that although Holland is small in territory
and population, yet. measured bv manliood, no race ever developed
gr;ii)(h'r cl'.;ir;icte)s: measured l)y bravery, no nation (>ver produced
more courageous protectors; measured by discovery, no land ever gave
birth to men more progressive or more desirous of civilizing every hab-
itable part of the earth: measured by success in commerce and finance,
no business center of the globe ever achieved better reputation or ac-
complished better results: . measured l)y love of cotmtry and love of
CiOd, no peo])l(> since the dnys of Holy Writ h:ive ever been better,
broader, truer, nobler!
Fellow members and ft iciuls. in this electric age we hear much about
the new times, new methods and new countries. We hear litth> about
the old times, old methods, old countries. These are well-night forgot-
ten. But. thank God. this society and kindred societies stiM keep
sacred and will forever keep sacred the old times out of whicli Avere
born the new. Even au electric age will honor any society living to
i'.lO HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
perpetuate the memory that lingers around the old countries whose
liberty-loving sons obtained for us this new and glorious heritage;
around the old home, the old father, the old mother whose prayers have
ever given inspiration to new manhood and new devotion to duty and
whose old-fashioned religion is represented by the old-time family
Bible. Are we preserving it on the table or in the heart?
Appreciating our duty and responsibility born of love of country and
home, of loyalty to ancestor and society, let us here and now pledge
to both the old and the new, never forgetting the one in the favoring
of the other. May we forever unite them in fraternity between the
aristocracy of blood and the aristocracy of merit; in fellowship, where
we may meet as equals but always with the equality that elevates; and
in friendship, binding heart to heart with love to man and love to
God.
1828-1832. GLEANINGS FROM TWO HERKIMER
NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER MATTERS.
AN ADDRESS BY HON. ROBERT EARI,, OF HERKIMER,
Delivered before the Herkimer County IJistorical Society, December 14, 1901.
The Herkimer American was established in this villa.iic in 1S]0, as
a Federal paper, l)y .John H. & H. Prentice, and was puldishcd by
successive publishers until 1832. It opposed the election of AndreV
Jackson for President and supported John Quincy Adams, and after-
wiivd Henry Clay, for that office. H. Prentice was the father of Miss
Lucretia Prentice, for many years a well-known I'esident of this vil-
lage. The Herkimer Herald was established as a Jackson paper in
3828, the fii'st number bein«- published on the 1st day of Octol)er in
that year; and its publication was continued until sometime in 1830.
Its founder and publisher was John Carpenter, who married v si.ster
of the liite :Mrs. James C. Lawton of this village. There is now in the
custody of this society numl)ers of the Herald for the years isi>s and
182!), and the American for the years 1831 and 18.32.
In looking through these papers, I have found many facts that can-
not fail to interest the menil)ers of this society. They give a vivid
view of the business and social conditions of Herkimer in those days
and of the politics of the county. State and Nation. They bring before
us the names of many men, prominent here and in other parts of the
county seventy years ago. who have long since passed away. They
show a thriving, bustling little village of not uioi-e than live Innidred
inhabitants, located at the center of the State. The business men gen-
erally advertised their business, and I find advertisements of merchants
as follows: Small iV: Strong (afterward succeeded l)y Isaac Small, late
of Little Falls). Jacob P.urrill, Jr.. father of J. G. I'.urrill of this village:
Philo M. Hakley & Son, J. A. Rasback iV: Co.. Thomas G. Barnum.
James Van Antwerp, Brown <Sc Crist. The merchants generally kept
general assortments of goods such as groceries, dry goods, hardware,
liquors, and patent medicines. There were several tailors and black-
smiths who advertised their business, and several taverns were adver-
312 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
tised, one of Avhicli ayjis called the Coffee House, and another was
called the Eagle Tavern, all quite famous hostelries in their day.
In those days regularly indented apprentices to all kinds of trades
and farming were quite common; and they not infrequently ran away
from their masters who, to protect themselves against liability for their
support and misconduct, advertised them; and thence I find several
notices (now no more seen) of "one ceut reward" for runaway appren-
tice.
Lotteries were advertised, as they continued to be allowed by law
in this State until 1S33; and also, as now, many patent medicines.
There were from year to j^ear several private schools in the village,
recommended In advertisements by the leading citizens. Among them,
there was a select school for infants in which the charges were $1.50
per quarter, and 12i/o cents per week; also a school for boys and young
men where mathematics, Latin, Greek and French were taught; and a
Ladies' Academy where all kinds of instruction usual in such schools
were given.
Cast iron plowshares "of forty different varieties" were advertised
by Moses Wadleigh of Frankfort, in September, 1831; and Col, F. P.
•Bellinger of this village advertised for sale "Warren's newly invented
Threshing Machines," which could be seen in operation on his farm
here. These must have been the first threshing machines introduced
into this county. Prior to that time and for some years thereafter,
grain in this county was threshed by flails in the hands of men and
women, and by horses driven around on the straw upon the barn floor,
thus stamping out the grain. Instead of horses, some farmers took a
round log, put pegs or sticks into it, and then fixed it into sidepieces
so that it could revolve, and then horses would draw it revolving about
the barn floor over the strrtw, and thus the grain would be threshed
out.
Wives seem in those days to have been much more unruly and more
disposed to abandon their husbands than now; and so all these papers
contain notices by husbands to the public, forbidding credit to runaway
wives. There Avas at least one occasion \A'hen the wife got even with
her husband, as these notices which appear in juxta-position in the
Herald show:
"NOTICE. . . '
"Whereas my wife Nancy has left my bed and board without
just cause or provocation, I do hereby forbid all persons harboring or
trusting her on my account, as I shallpay -no debts of her contracting
after this date. ' Aaron Frazee.
"Columbia .Sept. 8. 1829." . ..
"NOTICE EXTRA.
"I have been compelled through the cruelty and inattention of my
husband to leave his house and find a home at my father's, and there
(iLKAMNtiS FROM TWO IIKUKIMKK NKWSl'AI'KHS. 3i:{
fore forhid nil p.'isoiis rnim IimiIkhIiiu: of I nisi in;; hini (A:irfm I' r;i /,(•«•;
on my .•iccoiiiit. as I shall pay no dclits of his cotilractinu ■•i!"l<'r lliis
dutc. Xancy riiizeo.
"Coluuihia, Srpl. 1 I, 1SL'!»."
In every jiapci' tlicic wa.s a lon.i;- iist of liaiiks in this aiid otli;-!- States
sii.owinfr the value of their eiiculatin;;- nott-s, somo of them heiii;;r wortli
pai' and others at a discount often of between tlii'ee and four per cent.
p]vei\v pai)er also contained the wholesalo New ^'ork ]iriees for pi'oduce,
Jind I find in the American the following' prices for .May, l.s;{l : llntter.
first (lunlity, 1.'! to 10 cents, and for exi)ortation. 7 to 11 cents. «liowin.LC
tliat the poorest (piality was exported; shijipinu cheese. 7 I'cnts jier
pound; tloui", $5.75 per ]).nrrel; lioi)s, S to 12 eents per pound; corn. 50
to (!0 eents, and oats. 31 cents i)er Inisliel; uiu. ]>er ,i:allou. '.'A eents;
Avliiskey, per ;iallon, 21 to 22 eents.
Now, niort.nafio foreclosures and sheriffs" sales of real estate under
judgments are «inite nncommon. Then they were very numerous; and
1 find many niort.i;ages foreclosed by l.iwyers as assijinees, leading me
to suppose that they purchased tlieni to make tlie statutory costs of
foreclosure. And there were frequent legal notices f©r the dis-
charge of debtors from their debts, as at that time debtors could be
imprisoned for their delits. .ludging from these notic(\s. 1 conclude tliat
there were more insolvent debtors then than now. Lists of uncalled
for letters were constantly advertised, and William Small, quite a fam-
ous character here, was postmaster for several ye:>rs. Postage was
high then and letters few. As late as ISjo. I remeudier tliat a few
pigeon holes in the coi'uer of a store were sufiicient to acconunodate
all the mail that came here.
In those days, and earlier, and also later. Independence Day was
more commonly celebi'ated than now. Now there are other national
holidays which have weakened its hold upon the popular miud. One
of the features of all Fourth of July celebrations, so long as Revolu-
tionary soldiers lived, was their presence. They were always drawn
in carriages and given places of honor upon platforms and at b.anquet
tables. I find an account in the American of a l-durth of .Tuly celebra-
tion here in 1831. There was a procession escorted to the Dutch
clnn-ch by Colonel Francis E. Spinner's regiment of artillery. Revolu-
tionary soldiers in carriages. At the church there was prayer by Rev.
Mr. Snyder, minister of the Dutch church, and then ;in anth.em was
sung. Aaron Hackley read the DiM-laration of Independence, and li.
M. ]V|ortpn delivered the oration. The procession then returned to .lolin
Couch's hotel, wliere dinner was served. After the cloth was removed,
tlie company drank the following among otlier toasts;
"Tlie day we celebrate — May it ever be lield iu grateful and joyful
remembrance by the American people.
"Nine cheers — 'Hail Columbia.'
314 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
'•The sui-viviiig officers and. soldiers of the Revolutionary army — May
they obtain benefits more substantial than the thanks of their country.
"Xine cheers — 'Auld Lang Syne.'
"The memory of the immortal Washington.
"Standing — "Solemn Dirge."
"The memory of the soldiers and statesmen of 1776 — May the heroes
of Poland emulate their glorious example.
"Standing — 'Freedom March.'
"Charles Carroll of Carrollton — the last of the signers of the Declar-
ation of Independence.
" 'Life let us cherish.'
"Our Country — The refuge of the patriotic and oppressed of the
world.
"Nine cheers — Swiss Guard's March.
"Liberal principles in Europe — Destined like the religion of Mahomet
to be inculcated at the point of the sword.
"Three cheers — 'Rural Felicity.'
"The Polish nation — Let their independence be this day recognized
by the American people and our government will sanction the act,
Humanityl patriotism and religion, all demand it of us.
"Three cheers — 'Scott's wha ha.'
"Education — The keystone of all our institutions.
"Nine cheers — 'Clinton's March.'
"The militia of the State of NeAV York — Preserve them from the
hands of vandal reformers.
"Three cheers — 'Tompkins' March.'
"The Girls — True patriots in every age and country, they love not
only their country, but those who love it.
"Thirteen cheers — 'The girl I left behind me.'
"By the Vice-president (Caleb Budlong), Louisiana — Saved by a hero
from falling into the hands of our enemies.
"By J. B. Hunt, Esq. — Martin Van Buren: The proudest son of the
State of New York.
"By F. E. Skinner — The American Fair: May they never embrace a
coward, or bear a slave.
By F. Clark (a Revolutionary) — The committee of arrangements:
They have the thanks of the soldiers of '70.
By L. M. Morton — The French nation: May their next revolution be
as glorious in its results as their last Avas auspicious in its commence-
ment.
"By T. Barlow — The American Fair: Mingling their sympathies
with, and sending their aid to the oppressed and struggling Greeks, they
have won an unfading laurel to crown their virtues.
"By .1. Burrill— The State of New York: The proudest daughter in
tlic family."
ULICAMNOS FUOM TWO IIKHKI.MKU NKWSI'AI'KKS lilT)
'I'lic (l.-i\- was cliiscd liy lii'iim ol' en niKui. In IIm' cvcniiiL: Hut,- w.ms m
lirilliniit display of fireworks.
I'l-csidciit .lauifs .Monroe died .lnl\ llli, is;!), just live years al'ler
Adams and .lelferson died, and liie Aineiiean I'oi- .lidy I.'Uli, was in
niournin.i;-.
.\l some early d.-iy, a deliatinj;- society was organized in I his \ill;me.
and durin.u the years covered by these jiaiiers its meetings toj:;etlier
with the (|Uestions to he (h'liafed wei-e reyiilarly adveftised. 'I'liere
were also del latiliff societies in I'^ranUfort and Colundda. and in .M.ircji.
182i), tliose three societies held a .joint nieelin.u- at a ta\'ern in (;ernian
Flats, and discussed tliese (luestions: "nave mor.il causes inuie inllu-
ence in fonniiii;- national chai-acter than natural and iihysicalV "lias
the abdication of Napoleon P.onai)arte been henelicial to the worldV
These societies must liave lieeii vry I'cneticial t;> the younu men of that
period. We may well iina.uine that the deli.ates conduite(| hy sm<Ii men
as Hoffman. Hunt, liartow. Spinner and others were very interest in;;-.
In the Herald, which advertised these debates. I lind the following;
story whih nmy have been published as .-i pointed illustration of the
style of some inexperienced, poorly e(iuip])ed deb.-iter. It was said to
be a literal copy of a speech delivered at a debating;' society in one of
the western towns of Pennsylvania: "Well — the sul).iect to be excussod
is whether ardent spirits does any ^ood or not. I confer it don't, .list
think of one's ancestors in future day.s — they lived to a most jiiimerons
age — so th;it I think that whiskey nor ardent spirits don't do any
good. (Long- iiause.l Well — the question to be excussed is whether
ardent spirits does any good or not — so that I conclude it don't (Long
pause.) I can't get hold of the d d thing."
Debating societies were continued in this village with some int<'rv:ils
until after 3840. Now there is not one, so far ;is I know, in this county.
In August. 1S31, a Lyceum (whatever that may hav(> meant tli(>ni was
organized here as appears from the following publication in the Herki-
mer American:
"HERKIMEK LYCEUM.
"At a meeting of the young men of the villa.ge of Herkimer, for the
purpose of establishing a lyceuni. Fi'ancis E. Spinner was called to
the chair, and .lohn liartow appointed secretary. It was
"Unanimously resolved, th.nt a Lyceum be established in this village,
and that a committee be appointed to prepare a constitution to be sub-
mitted to the consideration of the society at its next met>ting; ;ind that
this meeting ad.iourn until Tuesday evening next, at 7 ]t. iii.. at the
school house, at which tim(> and pl.-ice all who feel an interest in the
subject are respectfully invited to attend. F. 10. S])inner. Ch'n.
"John Bartow, Sec'ry.
"August IGth."
But the literary aspirations of this village were not confined to its
316 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
sc-liools and debating societies. As early as 1809, a Library Association
here was organlzod under the name of "The Herliimer Library." We
have no record of its AA-orlv. Again in 1829, an effort was made to
start a library here. As Ave have no record of it subsequent to that
date, it is probable that the effort did not prove successful. Good
select schools for both boys and girls were kept here until 1838, when
the Herkimer Academy was incorporated and inaugurated with Mr.
Garfield as its first principal, and he AAas succeeded in 1840 by Rev.
David Chassell, D. D., one of the most successful teachers in this State.
This Academj' AA-as located on the southeast corner of Court and Wash-
ington streets, upon a lot which extended west on the south side of
Court street to the county lot upon Avhich the clerk's office now stands.
It was conducted under successive principals, (among them mj^self for
two years, in 1845, lS4(i and 1847), until about 1848, when it was aban-
doned. There I and other young men were prepared for college. Dur-
ing most of its existence there was a female department connected with
it, with a lady principal.
In 1831, steps were taken for the organization of a bank. On the
10th day of September of that year, a notice was published in the
American of an application to the Legislature for an act incorporat-
ing a bank to be located here and to be called "The Herkimer County
Bank," with a capital of .5100,000. This notice was signed by John
Mahon, Alfred Putnam. Henry Ellison, .Tonas Cleland, James K. Hunt,
W. C. Grain, Abijah Beckwith, X. Cleland, Stanton Dennison, William
Small, Nicholas Smith, Jacob Burrill, Jr., P. M. Hackley, Charles Gray,
John A. Rasbach, C. C. Bellinger, John Farmer, and H. W. Doolittle.
That project for some reason not now known failed. The first bank
in the county Avas organized in Little Falls in 1833, with a capital of
$200,000, and that was called "The Herkimer County Bank;" and under
the National bank act that was converted into the existing National
Plerkimer County Bank of Little Falls.
Subsequently, in 1839, the Agricultural Bank was organized here,
with a capital of .$100,000, and it was conducted imtil 1857, when it
failed and Avas wound up.
It appears from the advertisements in these papers that there was a
large A'ariety of business for a small village carried on here. Besides
the ordinary trades of blacksmithing, tailoring, shoemaking. cabinet
making, carpentering, saddlery and harness making, (in which latter
trade Francis E. Spinner was then engaged), there were severnl distil-
leries, tanneries, a grist mill, saAV mill, fulling and wool carding mill,
a manufactory of cow bells, of hats, of baskets, and of barrels. There
had for many years been a distillery, grist mill and saw mill OAAmed
by the IManhattan Company on the West Canada Creek just west of
the bridge across the creek east of this village; and in September, 1831,
Michael Hoffman, as agent of that company,-adA'ertised that pioperty
for sale, together Avith the AA-ater power and 31 acres of land and two
GLEANINOS FKOM TWO HEUKIMEK NEWSl'AI'EKS ;jl7
iiiid a half villa.i;(> lots. cxtciKlini; I'l'oiii tfic villa^'c on the north side
of what was tlicii the tiinii)ikc, now Albany street, to and across the
creek.
At thai time iliere w.-is some agitation for Imildim;- ;i r.-iih-o.-iil .alfeet-
iiiu'tliis locality. In Seplemlier. IS.'ll. there was |inhlisliei! in the ,\mer-
ican a notice of an aiJplii'ation to the l.,i'j;islatnre for an act incorjtorat-
ini;' a railroad coaipany, with a e.-ipital of .'vT.tMio.ddit. t(» Iniild a road
from the Hudson Kiver at Ail>,in\- to P.nffaht. .N'otliini,' came of tlio
;ipiilic;itioii. (Ml An.ynst 1st. IS."!, the railro.-id frnm Alliaiiy to Sclien-
eetaily was opened, and that was the lirst raili-oad opei-.iled in this
Slate. About the same tini(< there were other railro:id projects alfecl-
iug this locality, as I lind this notice in the American:
"KAILKOAD NOTICE..
"Tlie citizens of tlie town of ITerkiiiier are recpiesled to meet at W'il-
iard's Hotel, in the villaye of Herkimer, on Friday next, at '> o'clock
p. m., for the purpose of adopting such measures as will induce the
Legislature to construct a railroad from Sclienectady to Itic.i, and from
the village of Herkimer up the West Canada Ci'eek to the stone (inar-
ries.
"August ord, ISol."
The result of this movement here and at other i)!aces was the incor-
poration of the Utica & Schenectady itailroad Company, by an act of
the Legislature passed April 17th, 1<S:j2, and the incorporatioe. on the
same day, of the P>lack River Company to build a railroad or can;il
from the Erie canal at Rome or Herkimer or at any other intermediate
poiid to the St. l>awrence River. Under this latter charter there was
t«ome surveying done, but nothing else.
In the summer of 1S:>2, cholera prevailed in Albany with fatal results
in many cases; and it is said in the ximerican that there were 21 cases
in two days in July. On account of the prevalence of cholera in Albany
the Senate as a CoiU't of Errors adjournid to the city of New York:
and there in that summer William H. Maynard of Utica. a man of great
talent and promise, elected senator in 1S2.S from the district inchuling
this county, died of cholera while engaged there as a meml)er of the
Court of Errors.
The Herald contains the proceedings of the Repnblic.m (which would
be better understood now if called Democratic) State convention, held
in this village September 24th, 1S2S. The convention convened in the
Court House, and Edward P. Livingston, of Cohunbia county. ])resided,
arid Sila.^ Wright was one of the secretaries. Among the delegates in
attendance from other counties who were then or su))se(piently became
prominent in State politics were Azariah C. Flagg, Alva Hunt. iOdward
1'. Livin.gston. Erastus Root. Joslah Sutherland. Heman J. Redfield.
Mitchel Sanford. Gulian C. Yer Plank, Churchill C. Cand)relling. Mor-
dicai M. Noah, Samuel Beardsley, Ileiu-y \^'a.ger. Schuyler Crippen,
318 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Jouas Earl. Jr.. Thomas W. Taylor, Silas Wright. Jr.. Bishop Perkins,
A. B. Dickinson, James McCall. The delegates from this county were
Michael Hoffman, Julius C. Nelson and xVtwater Cook. Michael Hoff-
man was a member of the committee to select candidates to be present-
ed to the convention, and the following nominations were made by the
convention : For Governor, ilartin Van Buren, of Albany, and for Lieu-
tenant-governor, Enos T. Throop, of Cayuga. A few days afterward,
in October, a State convention of Democratic young men was held here.
It convened at the Dutch church. There were representative young
Republicans here from all parts of the State, and Augustus G. Beards-
ley of this county, the father of Guy R. Beardsley, of East Creek, was
chosen to pi-eside. The convention adopted resolutions, and an address
to the people of the State and ratified the nominations previously made.
A few days later there was a Jackson Democratic meeting of young
men held in the town of Columbia, consisting of about 100, among
whom were John W. Beckwith, Philip Haner, Alanson Reynolds. John
Clapsaddle, Jr., Jeremiah Miller and others who subsequently became
somewhat prominent in the affairs of that town.
That year. 1828, Andrew Jackson was the Democratic candidate for
President, and John C. Callioun for Vice-president. John Quincy
Adams was the opposing candidate for President and Richard Rush for
A ice-president; and the political contest was very lively and bitter.
Newspaper vituperation of public men far surpassed anything to be
found in what are called the yellow journals of this day; and news-
paper editors treated each other with scant courtesy. The American
for October 26th, 1831, contains the following in reference to the editor
of the People's Friend, published in Little Falls: '"Six cents will be
given to any person who will inform us whether Editor Griffing was in
earnest when he charged us with having prostituted our columns to
promulgate the vilest, grossest and most unprovoked slanders of a
female."
Herkimer was then so central and accessible, and the influence of
Michael Hoffman and other Democrats in this county so potential that
in 1830 the Democratic State convention vs'as again held here, and Enos
T. Throop was nominated for Governor. And here, also. William L.
Marcy was nominated in Democratic State conventions for Governor
in 1832. 1834, 183(3 and 1838. Here also in 1832, when General .Jackson
was again the Democratic candidate for President, there was a State
convention of young Democrats, presided over by the late Judge Amasa
J. Parker of Albany, then of Delaware county.
The Democratic Senatorial convention for the fifth Senatorial district
which included this county, was held in 1828 in the village of Utica,
and there Daniel Wardwell Avas nominated for Senator. His opponent
on the Adams ticket was William H. :Maynard of Utica before men-
tiouetl. At that time there were no cities in this State Avest of Schen-
ectady.
Ol-EANINQS FUOM TWO HEHKIMKU NKWSI'Al'EKS, :jlU
The Dcmocralic CMiKlitlntc for prcsidi'iitiMl clccldi- in IsiiS was Dr.
Uufus ("rniic, of NN'aircn, nnd the Adams cniKliilatt' fur tin' same (dlicc
was his iirotlicr-in-la w , .l,i(<-l/ Marsliail. of the saiin- l<>\\ ii. Iiotli iiviii;?
ill llic same iiousc. 'I'lu- I >('iiiiiri-,il ic ruiiiiiy i-oiii III i 1 1 cc liial year was
fomiMiscd (if ( '. 11. r.clliimcr. All'ird I'lil n.i in. |iiii|!cy r.iirwfll. .Xidiolas
Smith. Charles (iray ami .lames 1'.. lliiiil. .ill residiii;;' in the town of
Herkimer.
In the fall of ISL'S. Michael lloffm.-in was nomin.-iird for < 'on^^ress,
.lohn (iia\'es for Sheriff, .\liijah IJeckwith for ('iiiiiit\' ("lei-U. and .Miijah
Mann, .Jr., of FairlleUl. ("ornelius Sloii.iihter of Stark, and .lohn I'>.
Dyii'ort of Frankfort, for Memhers of Assembly. Stark was then a
new town, havin.u hecn created in March of that yeai- from a portion
of the town of D.imilie. and laltle l';ills was then a part of Herkimer,
and bocamo a separate town in that same.vear.
The. Diunoerats carried this eonnty that year (ISl'Si by CS."', nuijority.
and elected -() of the ."'i; electors in the State, lliey beinj;" eho.sen by
district.s for the last time. \'an r.mcn earried the State for Governor
by 30.;>T(): .-iiid in all the States. .Jackson liad 1 IS electors and .\dams 83.
iMicliael Hoffman was elected to Consress in 1X24. 1S2(;, 1828. and 1S3(),
and diirinir those years IlerkinuM- alone constitnted a C'on.L,n'essional dis-
trict.
At that time (182Si it is noticed in the Herald that .lohn .Tay was the
only snrvivin.ti' member of the first American Congress of 1774. Charles
Carroll the only survivor of tlie Congress of 177<> which adopted the
Declaration of Independence, and James Madison the only survivor of
tlie convention of 1787 which adopted the Federal Constitution.
In 1828. Webster's Di<'lion:iry was tirst published in two volumes,
and it was represented to contain 70.000 words — 12,000 more than any
other dictionary. Now. showing the growth of our Language, tlie latest
dictionaries have about double that nunilx r.
T find that the present village of Poland was tirst called Danielsville;
and in 1S2;i. it took its present name, and it was then the postotfice
address of the Sh(>riff, John Graves.
In the Herald dated June 30, 1829. I find this notice: •■M.irried yes-
terday in I'tica, by tlie Uev. Mr. Spinner. Mr. Is.nac Small of the firm
of Small \- Stron,i;-, of this village, to Miss Susan, dau.ghter of Thilip
Knapp of Utica." These were the parents of .Mr. Frederick I. Small
of Little Falls.
Ezra Graves, for many years Judge of this county, was the son of
the Sheriff, John Graves, and came here before he studied law, as the
jailor under his father. Keligious meetings were then held in the
Court House, and either because they Avere crowded or boisterous, some
damage was done to the building; and hence I find in the Herald the
following notice: "The stibscribei- would give notice that in conse-
quence of the damages sustained by the holding of religious meetings
820 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
in the court room, iii the future they will be discontinued except on
funeral occasions. Ezra Graves, Jailor.
••June 30th, 1829."
This notice seems to have continued in force until September there-
after, when the following notice appeared:
"NOTICE.
'•The subscriber would give notice that for the future the court room
will be open to the meetings of any denomination of 'Christians, pro-
vided some responsible person Avill become liable for all damage done
the room in consequence of such meeting. E. Graves, Jailor.
'•Sept. 1, 1829."
During 1829 and onward, Francis E. Spinner was one of the depu-
ties under Sheriff Graves. In 1829, the Anti-Masonic party was very
rampant and was engaged in a bitter fight against the Masonic order
and its friends and supporters. In March of that year, Martin Van
r.uren resigned the office of Governor to accept the office of Secretary
of State in President Jackson's cabinet.
Homes Caswell was married in this village, September 2nd, 1828, to
Miss Margaret Rebecca Usher, daughter of Bloomfield Usher, by Rev.
Mr. Ercanbrack. They were prominent citizens of our village for many
years tliereafter.
In 1829, TliurloAV Weed, at an early day a resident of this village,
was publisliing the Rochester Inquirer. Ho subsequently became fam-
ous as the editor and publisher of the Albany Evening Journal, and as
the leader of the Whig, and afterward of the Republican party in this
State.
In June, 1828, William H. Maynard, before mentioned, the candidate
of the Adams party for Senator in the fifth senatorial district, com-
posed of Herkimer, Oneida, Jefferson and other counties, published
in the Utica Sentinel and Gazette a libel against Judge Samuel Reards-
ley, of Utica, charging him with misconduct as United States District
Attorney, for which Mr. Beardsley sued him and recovered $44G.
In my early days, it was not uncommon to see dogs in church. They
evidently disturbed the devotions or sensibilities of some people, as
under date of October 13th, 1831, 1 find in the American this notice:
'•If the gentlemen .of our village have not decency enough to keep their
dogs from meeting, my family shall not attend." B. A.
There is in the Herkimer Free Library a history of the'State of New
York, by James MacCauley, who in 1832 and for many years thereafter
was a lawyer residing in the town of Frankfort, in this county. The
book is very rare, is now little known, and very rarely read, and yet it
is a pains-taking and valual)le history. In February of that year he
published the prospectus of liis book, to be sold by sul)scription at $2
and .?2.2.5. _
During all the years from the beginning of 1828 to the close of 1832.
GLKANINdS VllOM TWO IlK.ItKIMKK NKWSPAI'KHS. 321
ji.-iit.v coiid'sts wcfc coiKhiclcd Willi iiiiirli \ inilciicc niiil \ itiijiiT.-il ion ;
and bitter icutisansliip (HTasiunally iiivatlod tlu' pulpit. lOxtrcnie utter-
ances heeaine conunt)!). Soon after tlie coniincncenicnt of tlie Le^'isla-
tive si'ssion of is:;:;, llrv. .lames K. Wilson was chosen one of th<- diap-
iains of till' Lejjislaturc. Soon tiiereafter iic piihlishcd two sei-mons in
panipldet form, in wliidi lie spoke of Georf:-e Wasinn^^ton as folJcAvs:
••Wasliiniitou did pray, it is said, in secret, on liis iviiees. durin;; tlie
liattle of I'.randywine. Tliat may lie true, and yet, like Thomas Taine,
who is known to have prayed, he may have been an unbeliever. Is it
prolialiie tlial he would have attended balls, theatres ,and tlie card
t;iiile, had he lii'eii a disciple of ChristV liosseau, an avowed iutidel,
has said mort' in honor of Christ, than is known to have been uttere<l
by Washin.uton. lie was a slave holder, which was doinj^ "evil in the
sis'ht of the Lord." His Sabbaths were not spent as the 'fearers of the
Lord" employ that holy day. His death, as recorded by Dr. Ramsey, is
much more like a Heathen philosopher's than like that of a Saint of
God."
And of Jefferson as follows:
■".Mr. Jefferson, the svicce.ssor of 'SLr. Adams, was an avowed infidel
and notoriously addicted to immorality. To the common decency of
Washington's or Adams' moral deportment he had no pretensions. His
notes on A'irginia contain very satisfactory evicU-nce that the author
when he composed that work was an enemy to revealed religion, and a
\ ii'ulent foe to the church of God. Had the people of the United
States known the immoralitj- of his private life, and the scorn wjth
which treated the reliiiion of Jesus, it is surely impossible that he
could have been elected to the first office in their gift."
And of Madison as follows-
"Madison, to the grief of his parents, fd)andoned the study of theol-
ogy, and entered the office of the infidel and libertine Jefferson, as a
student of law. Though Mr. Madison has pledged himself neither in
public or private, to the belief of Christianity, yet he is not known to
have employed his inliuence, like Jefferson, in attempts to abolish the
Christian faith. The value of a religious education is strikingly illus-
trated in the private character of James Jladison. JetTerson probably
made him a deist, and yet liis moral deportment, as it regards the sec-
ond table of the law. has been respectable. All the influence of the
infidel creed, and the profligacy of morals about court, have not been
of sufficient force to demolish utterly the fal)ric of a religious educa-
tion. For tlie lionor of the country, we may hope that he will not con-
trive to die on the 4th of July."
This shocking language used in reference to three of our greatest
public men aroused much indignation and Mr. Wilson was removed
from his office as cliaplain.
In the fall of is;]2, Andrew Jackson w.is the Democratic candidate
for rresident and Henry Clay was the opposing candidate. A Jackson
21
323 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
meeting- was called tiere and the American spoke in this manner in ref-
erence to that meeting:
"The paper calling a Jackson meeting for this town has at length
made its appearance, after being circulated for about the matter of five
weeks, (Sundays not excepted), with about three hundred and fifty
names, enumerating those whose names are on tAvice, those who belong
in other towns, those who are not voters, and about seventy-five, who,
if they vote at all, will record their votes against the administration."
'•The bull-dogs of the party here, have hesitated not to trample upon
all laws human and divine,- tliey have hesitated not to enter the pre-
cincts of the sanctuary to attain their unhalloAved purposes, viz., pro-
curing signatures for the call for a Jackson meeting."
"Deception and falsehood of the basest description has been carried
on by the bull-dogs, in collecting and accumulating the 'long string' of
names to the Jackson paper in this town. That they might the more
effectually deceive the honest Germans, they have employed their own
native tongue, and under tliis cover, themselves and their falsehoods
have been screened from exposure."
'"The miserable hirelings of power were busy on Sunday last, in this
town circulating their paper for signatures amongst the Germans who
were here attending church. They took advantage of this opportunity
to carry into effect their wicked purposes. It is worthy of the cause
in which they are engaged."
I have made these quotations at some length to show how much
more decently political contests are conducted now than thej' were
seventy years ago.
The following notice shows the beginning of an enterprise which has
proved of great value to our village:
"NOTICE.
"Is hereby given that an application Avill be made to the next
session of the Legislature of the State of New York to incorporate the
Herkimer Manufacturing and Hydraulic Company, with a capital of
?100,000, and with liberty to extend the same to $300,000.
"May 15, 1832."
The act applied for was passed by the legislative session of IS33, and
the construction of the hydraulic canal was inaugurated July 4th, of
that year, and the canal Avas completed in 1834.
In those early days, 1828-1832, there were temperance societies in
this county. toAvn societies and a county society, to promote the cause
of temperance, of which I find repeated notices in these papers; and
public temperance addresses then and for many years afterwards were
delivered in A'arious towns in the county. These societies no longer
exist and temperance lectures as such are rarely heard. The press and
tlie pulpit have taken the places of these instrumentalities for reform,
and the mass of people with growing intelligencte and civilization liaA'e
become much more temperate than they AA^ere during the first half of
OLEANlNnS FROM TWO HKKKIMKR NKWSl'AI'ICUS. 32:3
tlw Ins( ('('iilui-y. Tlii'ii' is iiiuii' l;('Mi'i-;iI iiitrlli;;ciicc ;iiniiii;i llic jd'oiilc
than there was seventy years n^o, and more i-t'liiii'iuciii. In those (hiys
there were political leaders but no iiolitiral hosses in Ihc niodci'n sense.
The latter are the .urowth of <inilc modern times.
Conelndin,u; my paper. 1 \vill simiilv say tlial tiic only interest in il.
as my hearers must haxc oiiscr\t'd. is in I lie facts stated, imd I liope
they will be found interestinj;' and of some histoi-ical vahie. It is
always interesting to learn the political feelinjis. the business employ-
ment, the educational and social conditions, and the absorbini; inter-
ests of past generations; and nowhere can these be so well lem-neil
as in the newspapers of the period.
.)\
HERKIMER COUNTY PEOPLE AT THE NATIONAL
CAPITOL.
AN ADDRESS BY DR. P. H. EATON, OF WASHINGTON, D. C.
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical Society January ii, 1902.
In undertaking to wiite something about the Herkimer county people
who, from time to time, have lived in Washington, it seems an abso-
lute necessity to toii' li upon the history of the United States Treasur-
er's office.
From the foundation of the Government to the breaking out of the
slave-holding Rebellion in ISGl, the force of the office had grown from
four to twenty employes onlj\
Up to ISGl, there is no record of a Herkimer county man having at
any time held position in that office or any other, excepting that of
Representative in Congress.
The Congressional district, of which Herkimer county formed a part,
had sent Hon. Alexander H. Buel to Congress in 1850. Mr. Buel was
born in Fairfield, received a limited education, was a prominent and
successful merchant at the time he was elected and served to the date
of his death, which occxirred at the National Capital June 30th, 1853.
The county was next represented at Washington by Hon. Francis
E. Spinner, of Mohawk, Herkimer county. General Spinner vras born
in the town of German Flats, January 21st, 1802. He was mostly edu-
cated at home under the eye of his father, a highly educated German
clergyman.
For twentj' years General Spinner was the executive officer of the
Mohawk Yalley Bank. He held all the commissions from the Gover-
nors of A'ew York from Lieutenant to Major General of State artillery;
was Sheriff of his county, and Commissioner for building the State
Lunatic Asylum. From 1845 to 1849, he was Auditor of the naval office
at the port of New York.
In 1854, he was elected to Congress, and re-elected to the 35th Con-
gress, serving as a member of the committee on accounts. He was re-
elected to the Snth Congress. ;ind made Chairman of the committee on
HEKKIMER COUNTY I'EOPLK AT TIIK NATIONAL CAl'ITOJ, ii2^)
ncfounls. In lliis. .-is well ;is in tlic prcccdirifj Conffi'essos, lie iiiadc a
reputation .is a (|"i''l '"H lii'clcss worker, never takiuf,' anytliiiiK for
j;raiiteil, liut always IdokinK earefully into everytliin;; wiili which he
liad to do. Ix'fore Liivin.y it liis approv.al.
In l.SCd, li(> W.MS ai)i)ointod Treasurer of tlie United States by Pres-
ident Lincoln, his previous experience as l);iiiker. auditor atid con-
gressman having peculiarly fitted him for the position.
For fourteen of the most eventful years in the history of our country
he held the otlice. Men of all classes, who hiid the welfare of the Union
at heart, looked upon Friineis E. Spinner, as a rock of intefrrity against
Tvliich the waves of corruption, r.-iscality. treason and dishonest}' beat
in vain.
When he took cliarge of the Treasurer'.^ office, the departments were
honey-combed with treason and the offices filled with traitors. The
credit of the .government had l)een destroyed and its limited receipts
stolen to advance the cause of treason. United States securities went
begging at 12'/2 per cent, discount, but when the old watch-dog of the
Treasm'y retired from office, tlie credit had been restored, and tlie in-
terest-liearing securities were eagerly taken at 3 per cent.
Not a littl(> of tlie net result was due to the unbounded faith of the
people in the man who lu'ld the keys to the treasure vaults of the Goa'-
ernment.
Assuming charge of the office under the ;idverse conditions detailed
above, liow natural for the General to turn to his own home county for
help, for men upon whom he could rely in aiding to carry out the vast
ffnancial plans about to be inaugurated.
It was in pursuance of this policy that Colonel Standish Barry.
Judge II. G. Root, Allen W. Eaton, LeRoy Tuttle. Edward O. Graves,
and many others of old Herkimer county, Avere early called into ser-
vice.
Colonel Standish Barry was a resident of Xewixirt lor many years.
He was elected Clerk of the county in 184G, and again in 1840. March
3d, ISfiS, Congress passed a law creating the office of Assistant Treas-
urer of tlie United States at Wasliington, and Colonel Barry v. as nom-
inated by President Lincoln and confirmed by the Senate of the United
States, as its first incumbent.
A man of fine presence, coiu-tly manners and a kindly h(>;irt, the Col-
onel was loved and respected by all who knew him. He held the office
to the date of his death.
His widoAV, Mrs. Lydia Barry, still survives him at more than ninety
years of age. She is a lady whom to know is to lovr Her nolile. kindly
face comes before me as I write.
Colonel Baiiy was succeeded as Assistant Treasurer by another Her-
kimer county man — LeRoy Tutthv :Mr. Tuttle eanie to INFohawk from
Otsego county, about ISoO, and was employed in the Mohawk Valley
Bank under the supervision of General Spinner, probably as a book-
326 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
keeper, as lie was a fine penman, and an accomplished accountant. Mr.
Tuttle held the office for a number of years, and finally retired, and
devoted his entire time to a growing real estate business. He had pur-
chased a large tract of land on Kalorama Heights, immediately over-
looking Northwest Washington, where the ground rapidly enhanced
from a few cents to a dollar a square foot, thus making Mr. Tuttle a
rich man. He continued in business until his death, a few years ago.
The recent suspension of the Omaha Trust Company, at the head of
which was a former United States Treasurer, A. U. Wyman, recalls an
incident in the life of Mr. Tuttle and another Herkimer county man,
who held a clerkship in General Spinner's office — Abram Zoller.
Mr. Zoller had a few hundred dollars in an old State bank m which
Mr. Tuttle was interested. The bank failed; Zoller gave Tuttle no rest
importuning for a settlement. Finally Tuttle told him that if he would
shut his mouth he would transfer to him a piece of land in the neighbor-
hood of Omaha in settlement. The offer was accepted. Zoller held on
to the ground. _ Omaha grew to and around it, tempting offers began
to come in. The land-boom struck Omaha. Finally an offer equivalent
to ^400,000 was made by a banking and real estate institution, but Zol-
ler would not sell. The bottom of the boom fell out, and left Mr. Zoller
high and dry on a lee shore, so to speak. The same adverse tide took
the foundation from under the Omaha Trust Company. (Moral: Sell
when a good price is offered, even if you do let the other fellow have a
chance to make a few dollars).
Edward O. Graves, son of Hon. Solomon Graves, formerly of the
town of Russia, was the next Herkimer county man to hold the ofiice
of Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Graves entered the Treasurer's office in
the closing years of the war. He rose rapidly through all the grades
to the position of Chief Clerk of the office, at .?2,500 per year. In 1874,
when the National Bank Redemption Agency was provided for, he was
made its first superintendent, at $3,500 per year, and subsequently ap-
pointed Assistant Treasurer of the United States. Graves was Chief
Examiner of the Civil Service under President Grant, and when Cleve-
land was elected President, he made him Chief of the Bureau of En-
graving and Printing, one of the most important offices under the Treas-
ury Department. In this gretit establishment, employing several thous-
and people, are prepared and engraved all the plates, etc., from which
are printed all United States currency and bonds, postage and revenue
stamps, as well as the hundreds of millions of notes issued by the
National Banks of the country. When INIr. Cleveland was succeeded
by President Harrison, Mr. Graves retired, went to Seattle, Washington
State, started a bank, and began to make money. He held many
positions of honor, and some of profit. He recently retired from busi-
ness, and is still living.
Allen W. Eaton, of Little Falls, owner and editor of the old "Mohawk
Courier," of antebellum days, was early called to General Spinner's
UliUKIMER COUNTY PEOPLE AT THE NATIONAL CAPITOL 327
assistance. He wns ;i line iiciiiii.i II. ;i iiKiii of foiisidcrabh? ('(lucation, of
i-i^oo-,.,i li()iic.s(y, ;iinl iiiir of (iciicial Siii 11 iht's iiiost triistf'd ciiiidoyt'S.
lie. a coiitidciitial ail\ iscr ol' llic 'I'rcasui'cr, was not wiiat liiiK'lit Iti*
called a lavorite. Iiecausc his Iduiil. .'^I r.ii.ulit -furward \\:iy of staling;
tile (iiilli was iiol always acceplnlile.
Mr. llaldii wdiked his way rapidly up tlii'ou;;h all tlie ;;i-ad(s to Uw
position of jiiiiicipal hookkecpcr of Ihu ollicc, and I'roni thence was i»i"o-
motod to the ipositioii of Chief of the Division of National Hanks, tluis
liecduiinu the custodian of hundreds of millions of dollars in ,L;'o\ci'n-
nieiit lioiids deiK, sited by llic banks as security lor llieir circulating
notes.
Mr. lOatoii held this position with credit to liiniseU" and advantage to
the service until .iolm C. New. of Indiana, succeeded Treasure;!- Spin-
ner, wlieii lie relir-d. and was appointed receiver of public
moneys :it Oxford, Idaho, throu.uh tlie Inlluenee of Hon. War-
Jier Miller., which position he held for nniny years. When at leisure,
he frequented the trout streams of mountainous sections of the State,
landing many ;i speckled beauty. He died out there hist year — 1900 —
at the ripe aye of S3.
Hon. H. G. Hoot, one of .Mohawk's most respected citizens, "was one
of the first of Herkimer county men to enter the Treasurer's otlice. Ho
was tlie tirst chief id' the issue division — an extremely important branch
of the oltice. In this division was handled and counted the ur.lold mil-
lions of greenbacks and fractional currency issued and put 'n circu-
lation to aid in the suppression of the Rebellion. This division has
now grown to more than five times the size of the Treasurer's office,
when (Jeneral Spinner tirst took charge of it. In it is now finished all
the paper money issued by the United States; that is to say, the seal
is here added, and the notes are separated, trimmed and put up ready
for issue. ]More tlian half a million notes ai-e thus daily treated,
requiring the services of at least 125 people in the process. The assist-
ant chief of this division at the present time is an ex-New \ork sol-
dier — a Herkimer county man, and tlie writer of this article. He was
born in Little Falls, enngrated to the West when an infant, returned
to Herkimer wlu>n (iint(> a small l)oy. lived there until the outbreak
of the Rebellion, entered the 14th New York volunteers, recruited a
company for tlu' ISth New York cavalry, passed exanunation and ac-
cepted a comndssion in .a black n^giment. saw service in Virginia,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabauni and Texas, and at the close of the
war entered the otlice of the Treasurer of the United States, upon the
recommendation of Hon. Roscoe Conkling and Hon. Addison H. Uafiin.
Judge Root continued at the head of the issue division until (leneral
Spinner ceased to be Treasurer. Avhen lie retired, and returned to Mo-
hawk, where he spent the remainder of his days. He needs no eulogy
at the writer's hands, for those who knew him best respected him most.
Hon. Addison II. Latlin, next after General Spinner, represented
328 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Herkimer countj' in tlie National Legislature. He Avas born October
34tli, 1823, in Lee, Berlisliire county, Massaclausetts, graduated from
Williams College in 1843, and moved to Herkimer where lie engaged
extensively in the manufacture of paper. In 1857, he was elected to
the State Senate. In 1864, he was elected to the 39th Congress, and
was made a member of the committee on printing. He was re-elected
to the 40th CongTess, and selected as chairman of the committee on
printing. His experience as a paper manufacturer was of much ad-
vantage to the Government. He took an active part in debate, and
came in for high praise in the leading New York papers. Upon Mr.
Laflin's retirement from Congress, General Grant appointed him naval
officer at New York, His death occurred a few years later. ]Mr. Laflin
was pleasant and afCable in his treatment of men, and he made friends.
He served in Congress at a time when such statesmen as Conkling,
Blaine, Logan, Garfield, Thad. Stevens, Colfax, Butler, Carlisle, Ran-
dall and many other brilliant men impressed their ideas upon the legis-
lation of the times. All of them members of the House — in their elc:
ment, AAiiere they gave and took bloAvs in the effort to correctly repre-
sent their A-arious constituencies.
Major Alfred R. Quaiffe taught music, and gave lessons on rhe piano
in all the leading towns of the county, preA'ious to the war of the Rebel-
lion. When the 152nd regiment was organized, he entered the ranks,
and with his regiment went to the seat of war in Virginia. By a close
attention to and an intelligent comprehension of duty, he rose through
the A'arious grades until Avhen he left the service he AA^as made Major
by brevet, for meritorious conduct. He entered the office of the United
States Treasurer at the close of the war, and by the same zealous and
intelligent attention to duty, rose rapidly through the various classes
to the position of assistant teller, at $2,500 per annum. When Mr.
Cleveland was elected President, he induced Congress to pass a law
creating the position of vault clerk, at a salary of ?2,500 per annum,
to which Major Quaiffe was appointed and which position he still holds.
liaA-ing immediate charge of all the cash A'aults in the United States
Treasury. Two of these vaults contain nearly $160,000,000 in coin,
mostly silver dollars, held in trust as security for a like amount in
silver certificates in actiA-e circulation. The Major is something of a
scholar, the official poet of the office, and withal a faithful government
officer.
George Schermerhorn, of Mohawk, Avas one of the earlier appointees
of the Treasurer's office. Hn Avas not a brilliant scholar, but in com-
puling interest, in correctly figuring out the exact value of a given
number of coupons, he AA^as the lightning calculator of the offce. No
one could approach him in that respect. This was at the time, a val-
uable qualification and undoubtedly had much to do Avith his appoint-
nient. ^
George Avill be recalled by the older residents of Herkimer as a news-
IIKUKIMER COUNTY PEOPLli AT THE NATKJNAI. CAl'lTUL. 32'J
paper vihIci-, wlio Jiisl prc\i<ins t(i tlic wjir was ciiKaLrrd in a contest
to si't' who tituld place I lie Xew Voik <lail.\ papers' in Kiclilield Springs
lirst. This created ixviwi local (>xcif("iiieiit at the time, iclays of horses
cxteiiiled nil the way lo Ui.'lilicld Spiiiift-s — Sclieiiiierlinni. I IiolJPVP,
was the vicliir. lie was a \rvy small man pliysica ll.w Imt what he
lai-ked in size he made up in self-esteem.
Jt is told of (Jeor-e iliat once upon a time, while on leave of ab-
sence up wher(> the Mohawk .uently Klides. he wrote a veiT p:itriotic
letter to General Spinner, .and in the course of his denunciati'.n of the
• 'iToi-f to destroy the liiion, he broke out as follows, viz: "General!
the South has attempted to sever the juj^ular vein of our lii)ertics, as
with a carvinj;- knife — will she live, or will she dieV I think she will."
Schermerhorn was a liorn patriot, and after many years of faithful
service, he died, full of honors and in harness.
Some Iiesitation is felt in approachiiii;- the next subject, and yet a
historian should write the truth or not at all.
Oliver Cromwell was once sitting for his portrait. lie was not a
handsome man, and to make mattei's worse, his face was disfigured by
a number of ugly looking warts. The portrait painter thinking to im-
l)rove the looks of his patron Avas leaving off the warts. When Crom-
A\ ell noticed what he was doing, he broke forth in great indigjiation as
fellows: "Damn you, sir; paint me as I am — w-arts and all — or not
at all."
Seth Johnson came from Mohawk; he was a man of considerable
al)ilitj- — a good penman, an excellent accountant, and as a result, soon
worked his way up to a position of responsibility. As interest teller,
he paid out and handled daily many thousands of dollars. He Avas
trusted and fell, less from dishonesty than the baleful infiuence of the
times. It AA'as during the gold craze, when the premium went so high
that speculators won or lost fortunes — sometimes in a day. Johnson
thought he had a sure thing on the market, and invested and lost his all.
In a fatal moment, thiid^ing he was sure to win, he ni.ade the one false
move of his life. He took money from his till, and invested it, thinking
to recoup his losses. He lost. Then in his desperation, he again in-
vaded his till, this time in a frantic effort to replace the Government
money lost, and lost again. Then from liad to Avorse — loss upon loss
resulted, until he could no longer cover up the condition of his cash —
exposure and i)unishment followed.
With liis reputation blasted, his life ruined by a false steji — he return-
ed to the world. He lingered along, doing the best he could to make
an honest living, and a few months ago he Avent to that far off country
from A\'-liose bourne no traveler ever returns.
James H. Stevens, an old Herkimer A-eteran, Avho of the older men
of Herkimer does not recall "Jim" StevcnsV — by trade a tailor — and
profession a telegraph operator.
^•^30 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Stevens was of Euglisli extraction. He enlisted, probably in the
"I52d, and after the war came to Wasliington and succeeded in getting
an appointment in General Spinner's office. He procured a pension,
purchased a small place at tlie town of Arlington, near tlie Heights in
Virginia, and entered politics. Some years later, he lost his position
under the Government, retired to the shades of his little Virginia home,
and resumed his occupation as a tailor.
His habits became somewhat irregular, he was divorced from his
wife, and some years later died.
General Spinner did not at first appear to comprehend the magnitude
of the task before him. wlien he accepted the office of Treasurer. The
first issue of greenbacks he attempted to sign with a pen. Those who
remember tliat famous signature of his can form some idea of the
extent of the undertaking. He soon lamed his wrist, and nearly par-
alyzed his arm in the effort. Then in dispair, he had a number of
clerks designated to sign for him. Soon this was abandoned, and the
plan now in use was adopted — that of having his signature engraved
on the plate from which the notes are printed.
It was about this time that women were first employed in tlie de-
partments, and to General Spinner belongs the credit of their first intro-
duction to the government service. "God bless General Spinner," they
pay, and in proof of their gratitude, they will one day erect a monu-
ment in his honor. They have already raised the money, and only
await a suitable site to begin its erection. Many anecdotes might be
related, which -sA'ould be of interest — a few must suffice.
Whenever a union victory was reported, the clerks of the office would
be called out into the corridors, and then all would cheer for the Union.
The General did not mean tliat their patriotic ardor or unionism should
get cold. In 1864, the force of the departments was organized into reg-
iments. General Spinner took position in that of the Treasury depart-
ment, as a high private in the rear rank. Not because he was afraid
to go to the front; he wanted to be where he could see that others did
their duty.
One day immediately after the official close of the war, a fellow who
had been an officer in the United States Army, and had deserted to the
Confederate side, entered General Spinner's office with Andrew John-
son's pardon in his pocket, and made some inquiries about the pay that
was due him at the time he deserted. Then up rose the old Mohawk
Avar horse, and swore a little. He had something of a Ben Wade repu-
tation in Ills line, and lie added to it.
As the rehabilitated deserter backed off. he undertook to more forci-
bly present the strength of his claim by pointing to President Johnson's
pardon. The eye of the old INIohawk Dutchman glistened, his brow
wrinkled more and more, his mouth got longer, as he burst out: 'I'll
see j-ou and the President both in h— 1 first, and then I won't." In the
HERKIMKR COUNTY PEOl'LH AT THE NATIONAL i AllTOL. ;W1
roDi.M .-It tlir lime was a iiiiiiistcr of (he ^iuspi-l, liis wife :iii<l i!iiii;,'liti'i*.
\vh() liiul liccii (liivni riniii I'ctt'rslmr;;' :il the oiilhi'rak of llic Krlicl-
lion on account of their I'liioii senliiiicnts.
'I'lie iH'eaclii'r walked up (n (leueial Spinner, and idaejuL;' Ins hand on
the old lelidw's slioulder. said;
'"ticni'ial, you know how I (h'lu-ccaic inolanlty. I nnisl say. how-
ever, that I never he.-ird it sound so luucli like i)rayiii;;' heloi'e."
A letter w'.is one da>' reeeixcd lidui some ( "onfederatc sympa I hi/.er,
(Mlclosiny a .$r>n(( ('onfeder.-lle note I'ol- I-e(lemp1 ion with Ihe s1;ilenient
tliat inasmuch as the Iniled Sl.iles had made it impossililo for the ("on-
fo(l(M'att' States j;-ovcrnmeut to rc(h'em its oldi.ual ions, lie felt that the
United States (Htvernnu'Ul should do it instead.
(Jeueral Spinner rea<l the letter over ([Uite carefully, and then tui'uini:
to the then chief clerk of his oflice, M i-. K. < ). Graves, said: "Answer
that letter; inform the gentlenient where tlie Confedernte fiovernnient
has j,M)ne to, and tell liim to go down tliere and present liis hill."
In ISTo, the (xeiieral resigned his position as Treasurer of the Tnited
States. m;iiuly because he and .Mr. Secretary I'.ristow could not agree.
Ih' h.-ul inn tlie oflice in liis own way for fourteen years, and when
someone else undertook to do it for him. he would not submit, and
resigned. It was subsetinently stated tli.-it had (Jeneral Grant under-
stood the situation, he never would have ;iccei)ted General Spinner's
resignation. '\
\A'arner :\Iiller was born at Hannibal. Oswego county, August 12th,
lSr>S, the son of Hiram and Mary Ann Warner Miller, lie grew to man-
hood at Xorthville, Fulton county, working on the farm in summer and
attending school in winter. He entered Union college in 1S."»(;. working
his own way through that institution, graduating with honor in IStJO.
After graduation, he taught Uatin and Gr(>ek in Fort ICdward Institute
for a year, and then entered th(> army. In October. ISiH. he joined
Company I, of the 5th Ne\y York cavalry, as .a i>rivate soldier, and w;is
soon after made Sergeant ^NFajor of his regiment. lie was taken pris-
oner by the rebels at Winchester, Virginia, and later (in 1Si;2) was
paroled.
Mr. :Miller early took an active p.-irt in politi<-s. ;ind was f',r many
years chairman of the Republican county commiltee of Herkimer
county. Was a delegate to the National Republican convention at
riiiladelphia that renominated rresident Grant. He was elected to the
lower House of the State Legislature in is?.".-!, and on the ways and
means and canal committees in 1875.
In 1S7S, he was elected to tlie icth Uongress from Ilu' li'nd Congres-
sional district, composed of th(> counties of Herkimer. .Jefferson and
Lewis, and re-elected in ISSO. In the House of Repre.sent.-itives he
served on the committee on militia.
July Itjth, 1881, he was elected to the United States Senate, succeed-
ing Thomas C. Piatt.
332 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
In the Senate, Mr. Miller was a tireless worker, a close student, a
believer in common sense methocls, and never shrank from any task
which tlie welfare of his great constituency assigned to him. In 1882,
he was appointed member of the committee on commerce, postoffices
and post-roads. In 1SS3. he was made a member of the committee on
education. In 1886, he was made chairman of the committee on agri-
culture, which afterwards included forestry.
From these committees emanated some of the most important legis-
lation of the period covering Mr. Miller's services.
His retirement from the Senate as a result of political machinations
was a distinct loss to the whole country. He had grown to be an all-
around statesman, with constantly broadening views. His treatment of
all National questions was able and patriotic, and while Now York
may have had more brilliant men in the upper house of Congress; from
a business and common sense point of view, it can be safely fcaid that
the State has seldom been more ably represented than when Warner
Miller was in the United States Senate.
Mau3' other Herkimer county people have undoubtedly sojourned in
Washington from time to time since the close of the war of the Rebel-
lion, but so far, the Avriter has been unable to secure tlie data neces-
sary to give them proper notice. .
The people mentioned served at a time of great interest to tlie older
residents of Herlcimer county, and most of them in an office of great
importance to the countrj-, and under a man thought much of by those
who IcneAv him best.
Alas! they are nearly all dead and gone. Those who remain, but a
meager number, will soon pass from tlie stage, only to be remembered,
if at all, by deeds done and character made.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HERKIMER
COUNTY.
AN ADDRESS HV WIIJJAM IRVING WAI.TER, OF ST. JOHNSVII.I,E.
Delivered before the Herkimer County Historical vSociety February S, 1902.
The Lutheran chm-ch was established in New Amsterdam very early
in the history of the New Netherlands. A congregation of Low Coun-
try adherents of the Augustana was organized and had erected a
church I'dilice there about ItJ.jt), the lirst congregation of that denomina-
tion in America. The Lutheran immigration to America began to take
a substantial shape during the war of the Spanish Succession (1704-13),
when the country of the Upper Khine was devastated by the contend-
ing armies. In 1708, Kev. Joshua Kockerthal, a Lutheran clergyman,
with his family and congregation, to the number of fifty-two persons,
came to the province of New York under the patronage of the govern-
ment of Queen Anne, and this was the beginning of the German immi-
gration to America. The story has been told and re-told of the settle-
ment of these pioneers on the Hudson, their dissatisfaction and the
removal of some of their nund)er to Schoharie, and ultimately to Penn-
sylvania and I0 P.urnctstield. It is with these latter and witli their
descendants that the present paper deals.
While in Europe, the line between the adherents of Luther and those
of Zwingll had since the abortive conference at Marburg been sharply
drawn, often to the detriment of l)oth: in America the case was differ-
ent. The Germans of the Reformed persuasion found a denomination
already estal)lished. iiractically identical in creed and church govern-
ment, and speaking an allied tongue, also having denominational allies
among the dominant English-speaking colonists. Under these circum-
stances it is not strange that many of the immigrants found tliemselves
disposed to minimize theological dehnitions. and that the Reformed
church was greatly re-enforced by the new arrivals, and also that the
pioneei's directing tiieir efforts more to siiliduing nature and establish-
ing homes for themselves and their families than to the technicalities
of organization, that ;ni interval of forty years exists between the set-
334 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
tlement of Burnetsfield, and the first account of au organized Lutheran
congregation.
In 1764, Peter Hassenclever, a native of the duchy (now Ivingdom) of
AA'urtomburg. .joined his fellow countrymen on tlie upper MohaAvk within
the limits of the present toAvn of Schuyler. Engaging in the manufac-
ture of potash, he united with his neighbors and co-religionists on Sun-
day in worship, occupying his ashery for that purpose. This was un-
questionably the first Lutheran organization in Herkimer county.
In 1809, a building was erected on the present site of the school-house
in district No. 4, which was used for many years both as a church and
school-house. In 1878, the frame was still standing, the building being
then used as a wagon house. The society also owned a parsonage at
one period. In 1836, this building gave place to one used exclusively
for school purposes, the remaining members of the society, which was
greatly diminished, having united the previous year with the Methodist
Protestant society and others, in the erection of a Union church build-
ing, which stood about thirty-five years. In 1868, it gave place to a
Union church built by the Free Methodists and others, open to clergy-
men of all denominations. Of tlie first board of trustees of the Union
church, the venerable Alexis L. Johnson was a leading member. The
brittauia chalice used in the administration of the Sacrament was in
1878 in the possession of Hiram L. Johnson.
A Lutheran congregation existed in tlie town of Warren (which at
that time included Columbia), in 1803. In that year it united with the^
Reformed and Congregational societies of Warren in the erection of a
Union church, the Congregationalists haA'ing an interest of one-half,
the Keformed of five-twelfths, and the Lutherans one-tAvelfth. This
building gave place in 1840 to the present Reformed church of Col-
umbia.
In "1815-16, a Union churcli was erected in the town of Warren, on
tlie "Crain" or "Baker" farm now owned by T. Clark Swift, about a
mile east of Jordanville, in Avhich the Lutheran denomination was in-
terested.
We have no information as to tlie length of time that the building
was occupied. The dismantled frame was standing in the late sixties.
We haA'e no records of the clergymen who oflficiated in these churches,
Avith the exception of traditionary accounts of "Dominie" Garner,
Avhose last settlement was in Schuyler. His descendants are still living
in the county.
Anotlier pioneer organization was at Otsquago, or the "Osquawck."
Tills was the first center of population in the town of Stark. This con-
gregation, in connection Avith tlie old Minden or "Geisseberg" church
near Hallsville, Montgomery county, was from 1792 to 1817 under the
pastoral care of John Christopher Wieting, a native of Brandenburg,
Cei-many, Avho may with propriety be styled tlie father of the Lutheran
church in Central Ncav York. Although his residence was in JNIontgom-
THE LUTHERAN CHDUCH IN HEKKIMEll COUNTY. 'Xir)
ory county, liis inlliicncc niid lli.-il i>\' liis sun. I'liilip, r\ IcihIimI iiii<, lid-.
kinuT ;ni(I ullicr couiilics. ninl is iml cxlinci vd.
Joliii ( '. Wii'iiim' \v;is one of llic ( iiTiii.-i lis siild \>y ilicir nnlivc i)riiic(!
1(1 (lie niiiiislry of (Jcur^c 111.. In aid in suli.in^atin;;- llic ('((loiiics. Tjikcii
lirisonci- at Saratoga, he prcrcn-cd to cast his lot with Ids couni r.s nnii
iii Anu'iica, ratlu'f than lo retain aiic.uiancc to IIh' intiy tyiaid who
sohl Ids sTil).j('>.'ts like catlic.
Hero we must be Milowcd In make a W'w fcniarks. wiilmnt an undcr-
staudinu' (d' the siihicct wliich wc arc cniisidcfiii:;- is inipossil)l( . When
the I'rotcstaiits, as they were termed, presented their confession of fjiitli
at Aniisbnr.t^-, in ir>o.">, tlii' wordin.y of the articles was delej::atcd io Philip
Mehiiicthon, wliose pacilic disposition induced him to mininnze the dif-
ferences between the Catholic cliui'i'h and the reformers, as far as pos-
slbh>. The abandonnieid of the hopes of ivconciliatinii. and a.ttempts
to harmonize diffi'renccs aniony the reformers themselves resulted in
the production of the "Smalcal articles," in LjOT, and the "form of Con-
cord," in ITtSO. About a century later the piestistic movement in Ger-
many, led by IMiiliti .lames Spener and Au.nust Herman Kranke, created
new divisions winch are not yet healed and are strongly marked In the
Lutheran church in America. The pietists, who Insisted on personal
and experimental relij^ion, were held by those AVho adhered strictly to
the letter of the confessions as schismatics, the more intemperate
the letter of the confessions as schismatics, the more intemperate among
them retortin.u' on the conservatives as formalists and leji-alists. In
the period now under consideration there was no semblance of central
authority in the American Lutheran church. Muhlenber.ii- had organ-
ized the Synod of Pennsylvania in 1748, and the Synod of New Yoi-k
had been formed in 178(3. The poverty of the country, the imperfect
means of communication, and the transition in lan.uuat;'(> from German
to Englisli, left these frontier churches in great measure to work out
their own destiny.
The church at Ots(iua.go existed until aftei' IS-lo, havin.i;- in connec-
tion with the Minden church participated in 18;;o in the organization
of the Ilartwick Synod. Events which we shall rehearse later led to
the olditeration of the society and tlie demolition of the edifice, which
stood on the "Holmes farm," near the cemetery. The last siu-viving
member, Loadwick Springer, grandfatluM- of the preseid supervisor of
Stark, died in June. 18r>7, aged eighty-three years.
The name of Palatine. Montgomery county, the name of which i-om-
memorates the native district of the pioneer settlers, formei'iy included
the town of Manheim and the eastern p.irt of tlu- city of Little Falls.
Reimenschneider's Bush, in the extreme western part of the town, was
one of the pre-llevolutionary settlements, and at one time of great local
importance. On September 1st. 1821, a reli.gious society was or.ganized
at Reiniensnyder's Push undei- the title of the "German Evangelical
Society of Herlvimer County." This society was composed of members
336 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
of both the Lutheran and Reformed communions. The nearest Luth-
eran organizations were those at Stone Arabia and Palatine on the east,
Schuyler on the west, and Otsquago on the south. The Reformed
churches of Suell's Bush and German Flats (Fort Herkimer) were the
closest neighbors of that denomination, while at Little Falls the only
existing organization was the Presbyterian, the English representative
of the Reformed.
In 1S22, a Union church was erected on land donated by members of
the Keller family. The first trustees were Peter B. Keyser, Henry F.
Keller, John Pickert, John Bellinger, Jost D. Petrie and Peter P. Xellis.
The cost of this building, long known as the "Old Yellow church," was
§1,600. It was'-dedicated October 29th, 1822, the officiating clergymen
being Rev. John P. Spinner, Reformed, of German Flats; Rev. X.
Domayer, Lutheran, of Stone Arabia, and Rev. Stephen W. Burritt,
Presbyterian, of Little Falls. Rev. John P. Spinner was the first pastor
for the Reformed and Rev. X. Domayer for the Lutherans. In 1847,
the congregations was incorporated by legislative act as '"The Dutch
Reformed and Lutheran Fnion Church," and in 1868, during the pastor-
ate of Rev. George Young, the organization of a distinctively Lutheran
congi'egation was effected. Since the pastorate of Rev. Domayer, the
following Lutheran clergymen have had pastoral charge here: Rev.
I^ambert SAvackhammer, 1834-43; Rev. Chauncey Francisco, 1843-6;
Rev. Stephen W. Champlin, 1846-7; Rev, A. L. Bridgeman, 1847-9; Rev.
Benjamin Devendorf, 1853-6; Rev. Conrad Ochampaugh, 1867-71; Rev.
A. L. Bridgeman, 1871-3; Rev. J. W. Young, 1876-99; Rev. H. D. Hayes,
1899 to January 1st, 1902. Rev. Hayes resigned to accept the pastorate
of the church at Chatham, Columbia county, and the congregation has
called as his successor, Rev. R. J. Van Deusen, of St. Johnsville, a licen-
tiate of the Franckean Synod, who is at present pursuing his studies
at Hartwick Seminary, but Avho expects to enter upon the discharge
of his duties April 1st, 1902. The church building was thoroughly re-
paired in 1852-3 at a cost of §1,500, and rededicated January 20th, 1853,
Rev. G. W. Hemperley, of Minden, delivering the dedicatory discourse.
In 1883, the present structure was completed and dedicated January
18th of that year, the venerable Rev. X. Yan Alstine officiating. For a
short period before Rev. J. ^Y. Young's incumbency the church was sup-
plied by Rev. M. G. Webster, pastor of the M. E. church of Little Falls.
In 1S83 and 1893, the Franckean E. L. Synod held its annual sessions
here, and at the former date the Synodical W. H. and F. M. S. was or-
ganized, Mrs. Willard Keller, an active member of the church, being
then and since a prominent member and indefatigable worker in that
body. At the last meeting of Synod, sixty-eight communing members
were reported, also church property, including parsonage, valued at
$4,000, and a Sunday school of nine officers and forty scholars, and the
expenditures for all objects aggregating §696.1(3^
During Rev. Mr. Swackhammers incumbency of the Manheim pas-
THE LUTJtKUAN CHURCH IN HEHKIMKK COT'NTY. 337
torati', lu' iinrtcip.itcil in tin- (ii-ii;nii/„iii<(ii of ihf I'l-jiiicUoan Lutheran
Syiioil. 'I'lic pi'iind riuin ISod to islo was one of unrest and iii)lu'aval.
■•Tlu' era of yood rcclinu" had lie. mi r<ill(i\\cd hy llie cxciliiiK !)()ntical
contests aecnnipan yiii;; and muwin- cnii oi' ihc Presidential eh-clion ot
\S'2A. the acriniunidUs disputes o\'er the admission cil' Missouri i.ad in
ducetl discussion of tiie slavery MUeslion. the total ahstineiice aLiilatioii
was exertini;' a i>o\vert'ul inthtence, and anii-.Masouic a^ntation>. threat-
ened the pultlic peace in some instances, and philanthi'u;jic visionaries
were oryanizinjr peace sctcieties and ciamorinjr for the almlitiou of cap-
ital piuiisliineiit. 'These eliullitions of pojiular feeling- were acco'.iipanied
l»y and in ureal part th(- results of periudsof religious excitement liuown
as revivals, and iTsulted in the formation of many new organizations,
and tlie ilismidiou and loo often tlu' obliteration of existing ones. In
the reaction which often followed, extreme liberal opinions were em-
braced by many, ;ind I'niversalist organizations were the result. A
meeting was lield at the new Lutheran cluu-cli at .Miuih'H. Alonigomery
county, May •J4th, 1837, to taki' into consideration the organization ot
a new Lutheran Synod. Four ordained clergymen were in attendance,
Kev. .Tolm I). Lawyer of Ilensselaer comity. Kev. i'hiliii Wieting of
Scholiarie county. Kev. \Villi;ini Ottmau of Freysbush, Montgomery
county, and Itev. Swackliammer (d' Mauheim. whose ])astorate at that
time included- Minden and .\ewville ;ind hauulte (Iiulian Castlei.
Plii!ii> Wieting. son (d' .lohn Christoithei- Wieting, previously men-
lioued. was no ordinary m.in. While lu vei- a i-esi(h'nt <d" Herkimer
ccuinly. his iutluence was too strongly m:trked to I)e ignored in any
historical sketcli of tlie southern part of tlu' county. P.orn in tli" Halls-
viUe neighborliood. .Mindeu. Se])tember 'SA. ISdtt. lu' from cluldhood felt
and exi>ressed :\ lu'eference for the legal jn'ofession, while his mother,
a mendier of the Crotf family of Montudiiier.v county, was eciually de-
cided th;it he should devote himself to the ministry, llartwick Sem-
inary was fouud'd in ISI.".. two years pi'ior to the (h-niise of th'> senior
Wieting. Here youni; Wieting was for some ye.-irs a slmhuit. and while
hcr<' his cxinriences litted him for a leader (U' uuui. .\ wild, reckless,
aiid wayw.ird youth, lie. in advance of the day of temperance pledges
and temperance orgamz:iti(ms. re.ilized the danger of indulgence in in-
toxiciints. and aiijured their use. Tlu" e;irly reviv.al mov(>menrs inter-
ested him, and aftei- an experience whicii lelt imffacealile impressions
on him and those with whom he canu» in contact, he ab;indoned all
thoughts (d' a le^al cireer and devoted himself to liie gosi>e! nnn-
isti-y. lie was licensed by the .New York Miiusteriuni. Sei>ten!bcr tJth
182."), and ordaiiu'd September 1st. isi'ii. .\ strong, ferveiu and earnest
exhorter, he was noted as a reviv.il preacher, but his stiiuig conunon
sense kept him in the pastorsil work, where the results of his labors
were gathered and presei'ved. His lirst clerical experiences were in
Jtiferson and Lewis counties, Init on Septeml)t'r 1st, 18"J.S. he took
charge of the Sharon pastorate, Schoharie county, where he sepeut the
338 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
remainder of his life, which closed September 7th, 1869. His last pub-
lic appearance outside of his immediate neighborhood, was on Sunday,
June 6th. 1860, in the now demolished church at Fort Herkimer, where
he addressed the communicants at the Syuodical Communion.
On February 9th, 1831, Rev. Wieting organized a congregation of
forty-one members at Southville (now StarkvilleV the first movement
in the county of the '"New Measure" Lutherans, as they were termed.
On July 20, 1834, Rev. Swackhammer had organized a Lutheran con-
gregation at Newville. The original members were: Abraham I. Wag-
ner, John Spool-, John Deusler, Philip Baum, Philip Baum, Jr.. William
Walter, Abraham Doxtater, and Henry Ostrander. The last survivor
of these was William Walter, who died November, 1895. in his eighty-
seventh year. The following year (1835), Rev. Swackhammer organized
the present Lutheran society at ^ilinden (long known as Fordsbush, to
distinguish it from the old Minden. or Geissenbergh, church, now for
many years extinct), with the following cliarter members: Mr. and
^Irs. Adolph Walrath. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac House. Mr. and Mrs. David
Moyer, Mr. and Mrs. John Abeel, William Abeel, Lucinda Cress, Nancy
Hawn, Christina Short, Elizabeth Nellis. Many of them were residents
of Danube, and a large share of the membership of the congregation
has always been found in that town.
The church edifice at Newville was erected in 1835, as a Union
church, by the Lutlieran. Universalist and Free Will Baptists. We
also find at tliis time a Lutheran organization at Danube (Indian Cas-
tle), which in 1839 was merged in the Minden congregation. The
Franckean Synod was a distinctively "New Lutheran" organization.
The inciting cause was tlie desire to form a synod which would favor
revivals, tlie anti-slavery, total abstinence, and anti-Masonic move-
ments, and license preparatory to ordination young men of piety
ability and discretion who had not had the advantages of a thorough
theological training.
It may be interesting to note now the enthusiasm with which theo-
ries adopted by earnest men with high ideals adapts itself to unforseen
situations. Among the reforms much agitated about this period was
the peace movement, which the Synod heartily endorsed. At the an-
nual meeting in 1845, it adopted a resolution condemning the practice
of clergj-men officiating as chaplains of militia regiments at the annual
■parades. In 18(3.3. they approvingly spread on their minutes a letter
from Rev. Justus Steinmetz. a young licentiate, who had enlisted as a
private in the volunteer army,and unanimously voted to renew his
license. In the follo^nng year it spread on the journal a higlily eulo-
gistic tribute to his memory, he having fallen at the battle of Chicka-
mauga.
At the organization of the Synod, the lay delegates from Herkimer
county were: Minden. Abraham I. Wagner, John P. Smith; Newville,
John M. Gardinier, Henry Ostrander, John SpoorT Jacob Walter; Dan-
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HERKIMER COUNTY. 339
uIk', .Idliii l>;i\.v. .Inliii Davy, Ji'., W'illiiiiii l>;i\y. Alii;i ham SliaviT:
Soutlivill<'. Henry 1. I >('Vt'ii(l()rl'. I X-lojiatcs liad liccii a piiuiiilid Iroiii
.Ma nliciiii. lull (lid iml alli'iiil. lli'iiry ( 'ruiil^itc. .Inlm C < 'ri>iil<it«',
and Adnlpli Walralli ol I»aiinlif. were present as advisory inemlKTs.
( >n the rollowiiiL; day llie lirsl session of tlie new Synod was iield.
In is;;s. Kev. Swackhanuner resi.mieil liic riiarue of tiie .Minden. Nf'iv-
vilie and I»anulie cluirches, and in IS}."!, that of .Maidieini. i'or a llifie
1r located at (ieinian \'aliey. New Jersey, hut failing heultli ohli;;<'d
him to reliiKiuisii tli.-it charm-. In 1>^-U', lie resigned liis nieniiXM'shiit
in the Synod and returned to the llartwick Synod, in which lie pemaAii-
ed unlil his decease, which occurred lietwocn ISot) and 1S.")S. Mxi-ni'j
Kev. .lohii 1 >. Lawyer was called from Rensselaer co,inty to tho'jyrfs-
toiate of Minch'n, Xewville and Dannhe, in .1838. residing at A'lHiVlen.
He retained charue of this district for only one year, pre.-icliiiiir after-
ward at H.-irtwick, Otsego county, and Argusville, Scholiarie county.
He was a man of great ability, but of erratic character. He hart left (the
liar for the pulpit and resigned the presidency of the HartWick' Syiiod
to join tlie new organization. In 1848, questions were I'alsed tm^'ard
the identity of his views with tliose of the denomination as foi'mnlated
by tlie Synod, wliich liad embodied in its constitution, "Ariiclefe of
I-'aith," making no reference by name to the symbolical IwokK 'of the
church. After some correspondence relati^-e to an invefftiijation of the
niiitter. he took the irregular course of withdrawing from the f^yiiod.
abandoning the clerical, and returning to the legal profession. In this
lourse he failed to do justice to his talents, and his after life bitterly
disappointed his friends. ^li biaii
The congregation at Starkville was at the time of the organization
or' the Synod served by Rev. William Ottman, in union with the church
at Freysliush (organized in 1884). In 1838, Rev. David Ottman Uicensed
at the initial session of the Synod), assumed the charge of the^ district.
In the following year, a third member of the Ottman family. Seffremts.
acc(i)ted a call from Xewville and Starkville. On March 28, 1840, Rev.
S. Ottm.an organized a society in what was then the .south pait of the
town of Little Falls, hut it is now a part of the town of Stark. This
congregation, which assumed the name of Bethel, numbered twenty-
one original members. Since the establishment of a po.stofRce at that
l)oint a few years ago. it has been known as Deck. A church edifloe,
which is still in use, was dedicated December, 1841. by Rev. P. Wiet-
ing. Ke\s. \'an Alstine, Swackhammei', .1. S. Robinson. D. Ottman and
S. Ottman iK'ing present and participating. In ISHJ, • thte eongi'egji-
tion reported forty -one memln>rs, after which it began to decline. It
occupied part of the territory of the old Otsqiiago churcli, and it* organ-
ization drew the life from the parent body. A few yettrs kitor the
otsipiago church building was destroyed by a lot of rowdies, an act of
sacrilegious vamlalism which reflects great discredit ui>on the 'Com-
munity. ' '- J"
340 HERKIMER COU^'TY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The congregation at Bethel suffered a severe loss in 1845, in the
death of Jacob L. Springer, who came to it from the Otsquago congre-
gation, and who was prominent in organizing the society and building
the church.
On March 27. 1S41, Rev. S. Ottman. at the school house at Fort Her-
kimer, organized the following persons into the Lutheran church of
German Flats: John Spoor, Catherine Spoor, William Wormuth and
wife, and Jacob Rasback. These have been admitted by letter from
other organizations; fifteen more were admitted by confirmation. The
first election of officers was held November 26, 1842, when Bernard
Christman and Samuel J. Palmer were elected deacons and Jacob Ras-
back and William Wormuth, elders.
In July, 1848, a church building located a little west of the old stone
church, on the opposite side of the highway, was dedicated. Revs. P.
Wieting. N. Van Alstine and S. Ottman conducting the exercises. John
Spoor was one of the founders of the Xewville congregation, and at this
time resided very nearly the location of the West Shore station at Jack-
sonburg. He returned to Xewville within a few years, where he died
in 188.5, the last of the founders of the Franckean Synod. His removal
and the tragic death of Bernard Christman were severe blows to the
society. The highest number of members it reported was thirty-six,
in 1846. In December. 1843, Rev. S. Ottman having previously resign-
ed the care of the church at Starkville, resigned that at Bethel, and in
February, 1844, that at Xewville. retaining German Flats until 1848.
During his incumbency at Xewville, in June. 1842. the Franckean Synod
held its first meeting in Herkimer county. His clerical labors after-
wards were performed at Middletown (Penn.i, Worcester. Otsego coun-
ty, and Rush, Monroe county, removing in 1855 to Sodus, Wayne
county. His ministerial career terminated in 1855, in a manner dis-
tressing to his friends, unworthy of his own abilities and calculated to
throw reproach on the cause to which he had solemnly devoted his
talents.
fhe' congregation at German Flats suffered a gradual decadence.
Occasionally services were held by Rev. C. Ochampaugh, Rev. X. Van
Alstine and possibly by others, but continual losses reduced the member-
ship numerically and neglect and ill-usage nearly destroyed the build-
ing.
In 1867 Rev. George Young, who was in charge of Manheim. began
holding services in the school house. The membership was increased
and the church thoroughly repaired and in June. 1869. the Franckean
Synod held its annual convention there. The society had suffered a
heavy, loss in December, 1868, in the death of Adam A. Steele, for many
years the leading member of the congregation, and at the time of his
decease a delegate-elect to the biennial convention of the general synod,
a position that was filled by his son, James H. Steele, now a resident
of Herkimer. Other causes for discouragementr followed, and shortly
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HERKIMER COUNTY. 341
jiCtiT thf session of synod. Ii('\'. \'oiin,i;' rcsi:;ni'(l iln- pMslorMlc. :\ coiirsr'
necessitated in i;re;il pMil li\- ids own indisc-i-ei ions.
One by one the iuend>ers died or removed to otlier localities, and
within a few years a tempest destroyed the <lilapidate<l Innldinj.'. Rev.
\ Cinifi reinoveil in 1S71 to I'.oin-k"s II ill, Inindas eonnty. Oidario. where
in 1S78, the sc;ind:il wliicli li.id for some time been whispered eoneern-
nm- his charaeter matrrinli/cd. and his connection with the church ter-
nuiiated in a iiianner not at all to his credit.
In IStl. Kev. Jesse S. Kobinson Avas called from the Sand T.ake dis-
trict. Itensselaer comity, to take charc'e of Freysbiish and Starkville.
In IS 11, he took charjic of I'.etliel ;ind relimiuished Freysbush. During
this jieriod the congregation reached its maximum, reporting, in 1.S44,
!•! members.
I have been unable to obtain any data concerning the erection of the
I^nion church at Starkville. It was originally the joint property of
the Luthei-ans and I'ree W"\\\ I'.aptists; the latter society becoming
extinct, their interests were purchased in l-STti by the rniversalists.
Rev. Robinson resigned the Starkville district in ISJ."! and removed
to St. .lohnsville. Here his carelessness in financial matters became
so pronotinced that it could no longer be ignored, and in 1S48 the s.vnod
f<Mt compell(>d to sever all relations with him. He afterwards secured
a position in the initnstry of another denomination, as did Rev. George
Young, a (luarter of a century later.
In August. 1S4(;. i;e\-. Ii'nfus Smith, a native of .Tefferson county, then
serving the St. Lawrence county pastorate, accepted a call to Starkville
and Bethel. This arrangement, although \-ery natur;il and convenient,
failed, notwithstanding the unquestioned al)ilities of the pastor to btiild
lip the nunu'rical strength of the congregations. In l.S.")!. he removal
to Rayniertown. Rensselaer county, and after several years to Sharon.
^^^•llwol■1h county. Wisconsin. Here and in Illinois he passed the bal-
ance of his life. His religious zeal and dislike of narrow denomina-
lionism carried him in his later years into the other extreme of the re-
pudiation of ;ili denominational ties. These views h;id obtained some
footing in the section under consideration, those who held them being
denoniin.-ited "rountrym.inites." from the Countryman brothers, .John
I., of D.-innbe. and Isaac, of Stark, who were prominent in tlie advo-
cacy of anti-denominational theories, and who in carrying out their
peculiar ideas had withdrawn from the congregations of Minden and
Starkville.
In 1844. on the resignation from Newville of Rev. S. Ottman, that
society resumed its relations with Minden, whicli congregation had in
1S.30. called as the successor of Rev. .Tohii D. Lawyer. Rev. Nicholas
\an Alstine. then settled over the congregations at Summit. Schoharie
county, and South Worcester, Otsego county. Rev. Mr. A'an Alstine
was born in Sharon, Scholiarie county, in 1814. Having .araduated
from Hartwick Seminary, he was present at the organization of the
342 HERKDIEB COUNTY HISTOEICAL SOCIETY.
Franckean Synod, aud received license to preach at its first session, his
congregations also uniting witli the new Synod. He was ordained at
Clay, Onondaga connty, .June. 18.35. and the follo\-s-ing year removed to
Minden. where his formal induction into the Christian ministry had
occurred and with which locality his connection did not terminate until
his decease. Under his pastorate the denominational interests pros-
pered, the Newville congregation reporting 94 members in 1847. The
friction which was unavoidable between three societies occtipying the
same building, and the inconvenience conse<iuent upon services lield
only iu the afternoon were obstacles which materially interfered with
the advancement of the New%-ille congregation. In 1850, Rev. Van
Alstine resigned to accept a call to West Sand Lake and East Sehodack.
Rensselaer county.
The Minden and Starkville congregations extended a call to Rev. G.
W. Hemperley. of .iefferson county, who assumed charge October 25.
1851. Rev. Hemperley was an able, poptilar aud successful preacher.
but the result at Starkville demonstrated that services heid solely in
the afternoon do not attract people as much as is desirable. Her. Hem-
perley closed his services at Starkville in 1857 and at Minden in 1859.
After Rev. Tan Alstine's resignation. Newville remained vacant as far
as the Lutheran denomination was concerned tmtil November. 18.52.
During that time the B.iptist congregation secured the services of Rev.
Charles Cook, who was ordained there in 1851.
He resigned in 1852. and in November of that year Rev. M. W.
Empie,' Avho had for some years been engaged in missionary work in
Illinois and Wisconsin, took charge of Newville. Freysbush and Bethel.
Rev. Empie "^vas a man of great ability and strength of character, and
is affectionately remembered in every locality where he ministered to
the spiritual needs of the people. He entered the ministry in 1845. and
during his missionary work assisted in organizing the first Norwegian
Lutheran church in Chicago. He remained at NewvilU- until October.
1854, devoting an equal share of his tiniM tn Freyslm-h. iirpat-hing at
Bethel but one year. Circumstances unnecessary to refer to here in-
duced him to consider favorably a call to the .Jefferson county charge,
where he labored earnestly and successfully until 18r;i, when he suc-
ceeded Rev. N. Van Alstine at West Sand Lake and East Scuodack.
After a pastorate here of more than eighteen years he resigned in 1879.
Having supplied the congi'egations at Starkville and Freyslmsh for
several years, he accepted a call to Churchtown and Taghkanic. Colum-
bia county, where he served acceptably and successfully until his de-
cease in .July. 189H. at the age of seventy -two. He received in isr»5.
the honorar,v degree of I). D, from Hartwick Seminary, In Noveml)er,
1858, Rev, C, Ochampaugh, of Rush, Monroe county, accept* d a call
to Newville, Starkville and Bethel, This arrangement continued but
one year. While no one questions Rev, Ochamijaugh's sincerity, he
was not of the proper temperament to win success under the circum-
THE M'THERAN fhriKII IN HKnKIMKK COINTY 343
staiircs cxistiim tlifii iiiul then!. At ilic close of llic yc:ir lie .iccciitcil
n call to MaiilM'iin ,ms previously stated. Tliis was his last reKular
liastorate. At tlie close he fetifed alioiit 1SS7. having teniponirily su]»-
I>lie(l Canada and .leffersoii. and jxissildy oilier pastorati-s.
»)ii the resignation of Rev. .Mr. Ileinperley. in IS.")!), the conKrejjution
at .Miiuleu extended a call to Krv. .Mr.\ an.Msline.who accepted it. taking
(•harjrp in Deeendter. lSi;u. proaehiiij; every alternate afternoon at New-
ville. Avith occasional services at Bethel. (Jernian Flats, and St. .Johns-
\ille. lie remained at Minden and Xewville until Decend)er. 1870, but
through the ininieions and rapid changes, and possibly other causes,
the church at Newville seemed to have lost its hold on the people. The
Civil war and the excited political discussions preceding, accompanying,
and following it. were not favorable to religious effort, and notwith-
standing Kev. A'an Alstine's unselfish and determined efforts, the con-
gregation at Xewville was no stronger at the close of his pastorate
than at the beginning. In 1S70. he removed to Raymertown, where he
held the pastorate for the phenomenal period of twenty-nine years, clos-
ing on October lo. IS'j'j, an active ministerial and pastoral career of
sixty-three years. His last days were spent with his son. S. M. Van
Alstine. at Little Falls, where he passed away. November 3. 1900, in
his eighty-seventh year. He was a man of phenomenal talent and
ability, and before he retired from active pastoral work. Hartwick
Seminary honored itself by conferring on him the honorary degree
of D. D.
In November, 1871. Rev. ,1. H. Weber of Avoca. Steuben county, filled
the vacancy caused by Rev. Van Alstine's resignation. Young and en-
thusiastic, he proved a popular pastor, and lioth congregations increas-
ed in numbers and in intiuence. In 1877. he began holding services at
Bethel and the following year reorganized that society, which since the
death of its only active male member, Levi Acker, in March, 1869. had
been considered extinct. At the expiration of eight years a proposition
to renew the relation failed to obtain the necessary two-thirds vote
ii. the congregational meeting at Minden. A propositi to retain him
as pastor at Newville and Bethel was (h^clined by him on the ground
that it would tend toward the disruption of the Minden congregation.
He accepted a call to Ashland. I'a.. and is now pastor of a large and
nourishing society at Sunbury. Pa., and an intluential member of the
Susquehanna Synod. Immediately on Rev. Weber's resignation, the
congregations at Newville and Bethel entered into an arrangement with
Rev. William E. Churchill, of Avoca. Steuben county, who had received
license in 187<5. and who had had a rather unfortunate (>xperience with
the congregations at Bouck's Hill and Avoca.
Mr. Churchill, who was a native of England, was a man of small
literary attainments, plausible manner and address, retentive memory,
and apparently with little or no conception of the qualifications neces-
sary for a minister of the gospel. His administration at Bouck's Hill
344 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
had proven so unsatisfactorily, that a committee of investigation, com-
posed of the ablest members of the Synod, liad' reported on it very
nnfavorably, and he only escaped severe censure, if not dismissal from
the clerical profession at that time, by submission and apologies. But
while apologizing- to his superiors, his conduct as pastor was entirely
unimproved. Having located at Newville, it Avas not long before he
and the church otficials were in a condition of irreconcilable liostility,
and the pastor had lost tlie confidence of that portion of the community
from which tlie cliurch drew support. Complaint was entered to tlie
synodicai officials, and at tlie session for 1880. held at Avoca, in June,
v.'here he liad hoped for ordination, the extension of his license was
nnanimously refused, and he was dropped from the rolls of synod. He
refused to recognize this action and blustered about an appeal to the
general synod, a course impossible by the constitution of that body.
He continued to occupy the pulpits of the churches on Sundays, but
after a few weeks he was left without auditors. The society at Bethel
compromised with him on liis claims for services, but at Newville,
where he had resided, the feeling was intense, and a bitter litigation
was the result, in which the uncertainty of a recourse to the courts and
the exurberance of the plaintiffs imagination Avere both demonstrated,
While claiming to retain his position in the Lutheran ministry, he, with
gieat theological impartiality, sought admission to denominations as
divergent as the Methodists and L'niversalists, Finalh' tactily dis-
carding his clerical pretensions he engaged in newspaper Avork and en-
deavored to become a political factor, n^siding successively ;;t Little
Falls. St. Johnsville. M.ohaAvk and Frankfort. Having Ix'gun in pol-
itics as an enthusiastic and intolerant Republican, lie in ISS'.), figured
as a shining prohibition light, and in 1S!)() accepted the Democratic
nomination for school commissioner in the soutliern district. It is
needless to say that that district formed a striking exception to the
genera] Democratic triumphs throughout the country that year. The
following year Avhile publishing a weekly paper ;it I'rankfort he in-
dulged in some severe strictures on the nuniMgenient of the c.-nials in
Herkimer county. Summoned to Albany to ni.nke good his diarges
before a legislative investigating committee he, to the surprise and dis-
gust of tliose who had endeavored to retain conttdence in him, tamely
retracted his allegations. Having thus lost the confidence of nil classes
he removed to Wayne county, where his checkered career closed n few
years ago. Prior to his death he re-entei'ed the cleric;il jirofission by
way of the Ba])tist denomination. Some years liack he had addressed
Dr. Van Alstine by letter, ex:])ressing his regret and ])enitencc' for his
conduct, and hinting at a wish to make a different record, hut leceived
no encouragement to hope th.-it the lAitluM'nn denomination wonld ever
risk a duplication of its experience with him.
The unfortunate ministerial career of Mr. Churchill was a severe if
not a fatal blow to the congi-egations at NewM'ille and Bethel. Since
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HERKIMER COUNTY. 'M^
tli.'il pci'inil ilifir li.isi' liccii ciiily ()cc:isi(pii;i I srr\iccs lii'icl ;il ilmsc
idllCCS l)y lllr slli-|-('Ssi\C |i;lSt(>l'S III' lllc .MJIhIiMi rn|i;;rc;^;i I i<i|is. \\ilii-||
tins liccii scrxcil li\ the Inllnwiim n.-iiiii'd udii Iciin'ii ; issnl, ltc\. \'.i\
win Poller: iss-J-j. \U'\ . I.c-iiidn' I'dkI: I vs.", 7. Ki'v. ('Ii:irl('s I.. i'.;in-iM
^■(M■: isss-'.iL'. K<>\. II. A. str.-iil: isitj. i;c\, i;, i;. I'mUc. D. I). In iss;;.
riiili|i Spriuiirr. w Im li;i(l l>fcii (•nmicrhil during' llif iiiosl ol' liis lilc
Willi till' (•(inm-cu;il inii ;ii I'.cihcl. rcinmcd lo Itiddicld SpriIiL:s, niid
w'liiic writiiiu' liicsc lint's inii'lliuciu-c \\;is i-fccixcd nl' his dc.-iiji. Suli-
sc'incni li> his ri'MHiN ;i I. liic dr.-illi i)\' Wa- \ cnrr;! lih' .Idhii .M . .Morrisiui.
sonic years liacl.;. t(Mil< I'l-oni llu' sciciety its last earl lily pi'o;i. Al'ler iiie
Knll'eian society ol' hanulie liad lieeii nief^ed in tliat of .Minden. in
ls;>!t. tile (lenoniinat ion. altlioimii relainint:' a nominal intei'esi in the
<lmreh l)nil(lin.t;, made no attempt al Imildiny- np an oi-.uanizatioii iiien.
liuiitini;' its work to holding oeeasional serviees. I'or some yeai-s there
was a Methodist society at that point, and iti ISC.il. Kev. \{. M. Staii-
broii.tr]i of the .Manheiin Kct'oi-med elmrcli ert'eeiid an or;j;ainzation
there. At'tcf Kev. Stanhroufih's resiuiiatioii in ISCT. this fell into ■■in-
nocuous (h'snelnde." and in Jtine. IS'.iS, heeame eiitifely extinet by the
deatli of its last siii-vivin.i;' UKMnher, .Miss Sally Ann Cramer.
The building', which hail lieeii repaired and rededicaled in IN."!.'), was
necasioiially occnpicd by clergymen of (iitTerent deiiominal ions. In
1S!)4. a T'uion Sabbath school was oryani'/.ed by the residents and Itev.
r.. E. Fake be.yan liohlin.i;' reunlar ser\ic(s. l"or these pnri)oses tlie
scliool house of district .\o. ;; of Dannlie uas utilized, the chur'-h beiiii:
entirely out of repair. 'IMie people of the coininnnit\' united and con-
tribut((l the necessary funds and labor, and thi>roUKhly renow.ted the
historic <(liliee. On April 1st. IS'.),"). Rev. IS. K. Fake organized .-i society
of eleven nieiniieis which, at the Synodica! session of l!)Ol. had increas-
ed to twenty-live, and whidi the latest a.ci'ounts re|)resent as still in-
.•leasinu'.
In June. ISlC). the church was rededicaled by Ivcv. l''ake, \i.'\. V. K.
Strong, of the !*.ai>ti^t cliurci; al Little Falls, preachin;; the d"dicatory
scjinon. l.'evs. I'. 1 >. Leete. .M . K.. and \'. 10. Tomlinsou. Fniversalist.
of LittI" I-'alls. and Hew K. Morrell. Christian, of St. .lohnsville. i)resent
and assistiim: Hon. 'ntus Sheai'd of Little l'"alls dclixeriiii;- an abl(\
aitjn^opriate and instructive historical address. The building; is now
a Uni(Ui church in which the Lutherans, rniversalists. Ket;ul,'ir Hap-
tlst. UeforiiHMl. Presbyterian and Methodist lOjiisi'djia 1 denoniMi;it ions
la\e interests, ••ilthouuh the four latter bodies ha\e very few adher-
ents in that locality. After the resi;;iial!(Ui of Kev. Counul Ocliani-
paujih. in IS.")".*, the couy-re.ti'atiou at Starkville sec\u'ed the services of
I{ev. (J. Vouui;-. a licentiate, who also had iiastoral charu'e or Freyshush.
Kev. Youu,i;'. who was ordained ,il .\i';:us\ille, Schoharie county, in
.lune. isc.l. retaimd this char.ue until l.vc,7, when he reiiHived to .Man-
lieim. He was succeeded by Kev. O. 1>. S. Marcley. w'no was licensed
in ISf.T and or(hiined at Minden. in 1S(;S. In lSf)D. he removed to Jef-
346 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
fersou cDUnty. and some years later to Ashland, Pennsylvania, where
his labors closed with liis life.
On May 1st. 1S7(». Itev. W. H. Sheila ud snceeded Rev. Marciey. and
remained Until December. 187iJ. The district was then supplied until
3884 by Rev. M. W. Empie. during which period in Septem])er. 1883,
occurred the death of John R. Hall, a st;iuncli and devoted adherent
of the cluu-ch. Since 1884, only irregular services have been held at
Starkville.
In February. 1888. the weak organization suffered an additional loss
by the death of David B. Elwood. Since Rev. Dr. Fake's incumbency
at Mindeu. he has bestowed a great deal of labor on Starkville and
Newville. Within a few years German lAitheran congregations con-
nected with the Synod of New Yorli and New Jersey, and served by
Rev. C. A. Schroeder, have been organized at Herkimer. Little Falls
and Dolgeville.
For some years there existed in the town of Ohio a German congre-
gation of the ^Missouri Synod, a very exclusive High Church body,
which has adherents in nearly every State and Territory in the Union
and in Canada. Concerning these societies, I have been unable to
secure any data. I hope that in the future some other investigator may
be more successful.
The question arises, why have so much labor and financial outlay
left so few visible results? The one reply that comes within the pro-
vince of these investigations is that the drift of population to the cities
and large villages is demanding great changes in church work, as well
as on political and economical lines. The city is the center from which
all work, moral and religious, as well as educational and business, must
radiate. Not only the numerical ratio of population as between urban
and rural conditions, l)Ut the composition and moral surroundings of
many rural localities have undergone great changes.
JOHN in^AXK, HIvS CONTKMPORARIKvS AND HIS
ACCOUNT BOOK.
AS" Miimrss KY IldN. HdHKKT F.AIU. IIF IIKKKIMF-K.
Delivered before the Herkimer Cmint}' Historical Society February 8, 1902.
.loliii Frank \v;is iiorn in tlie i)resi'nt town of (Jerniaii Fiats. March
12H. IT'iC. and lived until .-ilxiut the year 1S40. lie became a Jiistice of
Ibe peace .-md on.' of tlie county judges of tliis county after tli" ori^ani-
/.ation of our State uovernmeid. He was an active patriot during the
itevoliiti*)nary war ;iiid a nicnd)er of the committee of safety in the
lierman Fiats ;ind Kinusland district: and he foufi'lit in the hatttle of
Oriskany. lie o\\i!ed and lived upaii the farm south of this village
wiiicli is now owned by .h>hn (.'. and Uartley Manion: and he was known
to his contemporaries as .ludge Frank. His house occupied the site
where the brick liouse now stands, and there before the Uevolulionary
war and subsequently, be keiit a store and tavern and carried on his
fiirm.
I ha\e before me bis ;ici'ount book, which belontis to the Herkimer
("oimty Historical Society, whi(?h 1 believe is the oldest account book
in (."entral .\ew Vork. The earliest entries therein bear the date of
Mil. At tliat lime and for many years afterward, as I find from old
a.ccoiint books which 1 lia\'e seen, all country mercli;ints sold nun and
otlier li(iuors l)y measure and by the drink; and in this book the
charges for litpior of some kind are many times more numerous than
all other charges combined. The principal liquors sold were rum
brandy and wine.
Judge Frank's house seems to have been a rende/,\-ous for his neigh-
bors on both sides of the Mohawk liiver; and 1 am sure that the robust
men of those days had many hilarious drinking bouts there. a>-- I lind
in the book several charges for broken wine glasses, broken bowls and
broken window glass, r.oatnieu and passengers upon tlieMohawk river
nndoubtetlly stopped there on their. iourneys up and down, and fretiuently
had meals and lodging there. I'rior to this century, there was no stage
line, and the mail for this region was undoubtedly brought up on the
river and. left there that the people might come and obtain the same.
348 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
There was no bridge across the Mohawk River in this county prior
to ISUO except one where what we call the lower river bridge now is,
and that was built by Jiulge Frank and others about 179B. There was
no bridge between this village and ^Ioha>\k until about the year 1816.
Tlie charges in the book Avere kept in pounds, shillings and pence,
and 1 will refer to a few which will give us some idea of the state of
society and of the business as well as of the scale of prices at the time
when they were made. It must be remembered that a pound was
twenty shillings, and that eight shillings Avas one dollar. The oldest
account was against Conrad Frank, who must have l)een the father or
brother of John:
s. d.
i774 May 13. To V2 gallon New Rum 2 6
July. 14 pint Rum 6
October. 1 quart New Rum 1 4
December, 28. To 1 quart Old and 1 (juart New Rum. 3
1775 April 18. To 4 bowls Toddy 4
June 24. 1 pint Wine 1 fi
July 13. To 1 quart W. I. Rum 1
Sept. 18. 1 gallon New Rum 5
Dec. 20. To IV2 gallons New Rum for David Schuyler 8
1770 May 15. To cash paid Dr. Retry for 1 glass of balsam
and bleeding 5
Aug. 20. To 2 schippels of wheat and 1 (piart of W.
I. Rum 4 6
Sept. To 3 schippels of Wheat, 2 gills of Rum 1 6
Nov. To Cash paid John Smith for 1 pt. T{nm when
you was wounded IR
This John Smith was undoubtedly the grandfa.ther of the late Wil-
liam Smith of this village. A schippel of wheat was a trifle more than
a peck. On the credit side of the account under date of November,
1774, was 1 fat cow, 3 pounds and 18 shillings equal to !?9.75.
Judge Frank dealt in furs, and I find Duncan McDougal charged in
December, 1775, with one Otter skin. 24 shillings, and one Martin skin,
!» shillings. ]\IcDougal must have been a heavy drinker, as in the same
account for three days, March 1, 2, 3, 11 SH, he was charged Avith 12
bowls of Toddy, 12 shillings; 2 slings, 1 shilling: 2 quarts of cider, 1
shilling, while for three meals he Avas charged 3 shillins^s.
Liquor evidently circulated freely on election days, as I find charged
1') Henry Herkimer. Sr.. under date of May, 1778, "Liquor in Club for
(;«)\ cnidi', shillings and -4 lu'iice,:' and also at meetings of "The Lib-
erty Boys." as I find from several charges in the book.
Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer must have been very fond of cider,
as 1 find him charged as folloAvs: 1779, from the 2(;th of August to the
2f;th of September, to 82 mugs of cider, 13 shilliiigs and 4 pence; Nov.
19, 21 mugs cider at different times, 8 shillings and 9 pence; December
.TOHN FRANK, HIS CONTEMPORARIKS AND HIS ACCOUNT BOOK. 349
lilt, 2 baiTcls (if cider, L'l .sliilliii.^s. .•iiid I '(Mriiilicr L'r.ih. 71^, muKs dl'
cider, .'5 sliillin,i:s niid !'•_• police. In tlic ^;iilllc ;i<-c(iiiiil lie wms cliiii";;(.'d
witli "J I scliippcls (if w iiilcr .iiipics ;il 1 siiilliim ;iiid f, pence p( r scjni)-
pcl. with p.-isluiin.u Imisc II days. ." sidllinj;s, .-ind wiili \:irn \'i>\- fnil
tens, '2 shillings.
In ITS'i ;iiid 17S(>, ("(inrad (". I''ttlts, annniu i-liarucs litr }i\\\s of nim
•.wni nips ol' urou-.I lind cliarucd as Inllnws: 1 razor, 4 slnllinvs; 1 wdoI
li;ii. 1"_' siiillin'^s and ;i pence- 1 y.nrd c:ilice. s sinllinK^-
hi an ;uH(Hinl a.uainst ids l)r<iliicr-iii-l;iw. (leor.ne NW'bcr
nininnf;' rrt)Ui ITSt to jT!»'_*, ;nnon,L; charjies lor nun, brandy,
wine, slinii". howls of toddy and ni])s of si"o.a;. tliore are these
cluirffos: Bl.ack silk liandkerchiid", 13 shilliny-s; Yj 11>. of le.a
2 sliillin.us and 1) pence; 1 pair of buckles, 4 shillings; 1
yard of lace, 4 shillings and pence; 1 skein of silk, 1 shilling.':; 2 ells
of fine linen, 2 siiillinus; bonnet paper, i» jience; and paid foi- making
bonnets, 2 shillings and 7 pence; 1 lawn handkerchief, t! shillings and
C) ])ence; ."> knives and .". forks, ;> sliillings; 3% ells blue serge. 11 shil-
lings and 5 pence; ly^ ells linen, 4 shillings and 10 pence; 2 doz. small
Inittons. 2 shillings; 2 ounces of snutT. 9 pence; 4 ells corduroy. 24 shil-
lings; 1 ell blue shalloon. 3 shillings and G pence; l^A doz. gilt buttons.
2 shillings and 3 pence; 1 stick twist. 9 pence; 2 skeins thread. 4 shil-
lings. It must be noticed that an ell measures a yard and a ipiarter.
On the other side of the account. Mr. Weber is credited with 1 slave
boy bought of him, 9 pounds, ecpial to $22. ."3U; with epaulettes. :V2 shil-
lings, and with 2 (^uires of paper. 3 .shillings.
In an account with Willi.im Quin, commencing in 1791, the debtor
side is made up almost exclusively of liquor by measure and by tlie
nip. He must liave l)een a school teacher, as lie is credited with the
schooling of three children for the year 1790, 3 pounds, and of two child-
ren for the year 1791, 2 pounds and 4 shillings.
In 178G, George Demott is charged with one paper of pins. 1 shilling
and six pence, and credited with 9io i>out!ds of ginseng at 2 shillings
per pound.
In tlie account, of P"'rederick Weber, commencing in 17S(;. 1 lind
charged 1 bowl of Sangaree, 2 shillings; 1 ell of Lawn. C shillings and
9 pence; 22 panes of window glass. 10 shillings and G pence; 1 pair
of stockings. G shillings; 4 Almanacs. 5 shillings; 1 bowl of Samjison.
1 shilling; 21^/4 lbs. of beef at 3 pence per pound. He must have been
a ■'high roller." Judging from the liquor of all kinds charged to him.
and from several brok(>n wine glasses, a broken bowl and n broken
window pane also charged to him. He was prob.nbly a bl.-icksmith. ;is
he is credited with some blacksmith's work.
In the account of John Smith, commencing in 1T7S. besides many
items for liquor by ineasure and by the nip. I lind such items as these:
4 pounds ten penny nails, 5 shillings; 1 paper of ink powder, 1 shil-
ling and 6 pence; iVj gallons of new rum had by Mr. Campbell, "when
350 HERKIMER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
he went Avith your Gingseng to Schenectady;" 1 knife and fork, 2 shil-
lings and 9 pence; liquor for 6 jurymen ''in your trial;" 200 lbs. Gin-
seng roots, 400 shillings, and 20 lbs., 1 shilling and six pence per pound.
On the opposite side of the account he is credited among other items
with one piece of Irish linen, 27 yards, 4 shillings per yard.
In Henry Miller's account, commencing in j.787, I find charged 1%
yards of calico, 12 shillings. 4% pence; Si/., ells of Broadcloth, 54 shil-
lings and 3 pence; 1 cow bell, 8 shillings; and he is credited with 8
pounds of Ginseng roots at 2 shillings and 6 pence per pound ,and 30
lbs. at 3 shillings per pound.
In Conrad P. Folts' account, commencing the same year, there are
charges for 1 yard bonnet lace, 4 shillings and 6 pence; 1 yard cap lace,
three shillings and six pence; lawn for cap. 4 shillings; 1 skein silk,
9 pence; 1 sheet bonnet paper, 9 pence; 2% ells calico, 13 shillings. 11%
pence; 2 oz. Indigo, 2 shillings; 1 grass Scythe, 6 sliillings and 6 pence;
8 panes of window glass. 8x10, 9 shillings; and he is credited with 20
lbs. Ginseng, 3 shillings per pound.
In Susannah Small's account, I find charged 1 hat, 9 shillings; 2 lbs.
tea, 2 shillings and 6 pence; 1 pair of scissors. 2 shillings; leather for
shoes, needles, wintering two sheep, 10 shillings; 18 sheets writing
paper. 2 shillings; 2 pounds alum, 8 pence; 35% pounds of flour, 6 shil-
lings; i/2schippel of salt, 4 shillings; 1 pound of tea. 5 shillings; cypher-
ing slate. 2 shillings. She is also charged with P/o gallons of rum, 8
shillings; 1 pint West India Rum, 1 shilling and 3 pence, and 1 nip of
grog; 6 pence; and she is credited with 1% days binding wheat per
Polly (presumably a slave). 3 shillings and 6 pence, and 1 day's work
per Polly, 12 days' spinning, per her daughters, 9 shillings, and 7 days'
carding wool, 5 shillings and 3 pence, and one day's work helping his
wife when slaughtering, 1 shilling, and for several items of Ginseng.
These items bring before our minds the kinds of farm work the women
of that day did, and the fact that they indulged in rum and nips of
grog.
In 1788, I find John Fox credited 1 shilling for 2 young fowls, and
about the same time Frederick Shoemaker was credited with 1% days'
work in harvesting, 7 shillings; 1 day mowing wheat. 4 shillings, and
two items of Ginseng, and one Martin skin. In the account of Phineas
Allen, I find ope loaf of bread, charged in TtSi), at 2 shillings.
In an account against Dr. William Petry. my grandfather, commenc-
ing in 1788, among numerous charges for cider, rum. nips and bowls
of gi'og and slings, there was a charge for use of horse to ride through
the Mohawk River. 1 shilling. I find John Andrews credited in 1788
with 35 pounds of leaf tobacco, 23 shillings and 6 pence, and in 1789,
with 1,000 shingles, 40 shillings. Jost Hess was credited in 1788 with
1 Cub skin, 2 shillings. In an accoimt against Frederick Bellinger,
commencing in 1790, among many charges for rum and other liquors,
he is charged with two pairs of Indian shoes, 6 shillings, and credited
JONH FRANK. HIS CONTEMPORAHIES AND HIS ACCOUNT BOOK. 351
witli (•iii'iicnlcr wdik at 7> shillings pt-i' day. and willi diawiiij; 1 lioj^s-
licad (d' rum fioiii Schenectady. 12 shilliii.iis. Mary Small is credited
with 11 days" s|iiiiiiiii,u'^ at '.» jK'Uce per d;iy. I liiid 'riiiiolliy I''raid<. Ins
l»rotlier,aiic»'st()i' of Frank W. ("hristnian of tliis vilhiKf. <'liarK<'tl in ITlto
witli 'S ell calico, .". sliilliii.u:s ;iiid 4 peiict'; 1 (|iiire of writintr uaper. 1
and t; pence; I alm.anae. 1 and li ])eiice: and in IT'.M. ci'editi-d with '.i
pounds of liulter. C. shillin.ys and !• pence, :ind one ox. 4 pounds, lo shil-
linjis. in 171M). l^'rederick Oiviulorf is chai'f^fd for v}Xix ])unch, 1 sliil
linii. and about tlu' sauie year in .Tunc, credited with i; shillint;s fur 40
vjj^gs. In an aeconut with .Tohn Fox eoiuuKMiein^ in ITS'.* there wviv
inany eharfies for cider, rum and other liipior, and these anioni; other
credits; 17i»(), Se]>t. 7, I'layin.u "the Fittle on my hee," TJ shilliuus; 17'.>4,
\\\ix. Kt, Jack your iiejiro playing for a company, K{ shillin^is; Oct. 4.
the siinie, S and f. ponce; Dec. 27. the same, 12 shilliiifis.
In an account comnioncinfi' 17.SS ('hrlstoi)her Fox was charjjjcd witn
one pair plated shoe buckles, 4 shillinfis; i/_> lb. tea, 2 shillinss; 1 Castor
hat. 14 shillinjis; 1 wool hat. 7 shillings; 1 scythe, 11 shillings; breaking 1
l)0wl, 1 shillini;-, (I pence. In 17!)1 and 1792. Edward Walker was credited
tor 8,08S pounds of nia;)le sugar at »i pence iter pound. July 8, 1790, an
jiccount was opened with John Brussler who agreed to work for Mr.
Frank for one year for 18 pounds, and the debtor charges are mostly
for grog.
There is an account against Adam Hjirtman. the famous Revolution-
ary soldier, mostly for grog. Paul Seckner, a masou woi'ked for Mr.
Frank in 1791 for 4 shillings per day; and November 16, 1795, Frederick
Fox agreed with Mr. Frank to work for h.im until the first day of the
following June for 9 pounds, "victuals, drink, lodging, washing and
mending included." Adin Fancher, in a.n account commencing 1791.
among other things, is charged with board for 5 days, 7 shillin.gs and <J
pence, and for four w^eeks and three days' board, two pounds, and he,
evidently a blacksmith, is credited with making staples, w^hiffletrees,
a <'rane, shoeing horses, mending flesh fork, andirons, gridirons; and
with four days' work going and coming Avith a raft of boats on the
Mohawk River from Whitestown. 14 shillings. In an account with
Nicholas Wolever, commencing in 1790, lie is chargi'd with 3 shillings
and three pence "'when the Club was on a frolick." and tw'o shillings
for "liquor lost running horses," and six schippels of oats. 12 shillings.
I find several hints in these accounts of the exist(>nce of a club which
met at Mr. Frank's house, and also of wagers of li(iuor on horse races.
Those were hilarious men.
Samuel Robertson was a doctor and was char.ged with tlie usual
round of drinks, and he is credited with doctoring Mr. Frank 4 jour-
neys, 2 pounds and Iti shillings, and for medicines, 2 pounds and four
shillings. 1792, December 2t)th, John Smith is charged with "breaking
one wine glass which you borrowed of me when you married," one
shilling; and in 1793. he is credited with two patents for military lands.
352 Herkimer county historical society.
fifty pounds. Robert Beeb, evidently a laborer, is charged with drinks,
and is credited witli labor at about two shillings i)er day. The last
entry o 
