USA > New York > Delaware County > History of Delaware County, and border wars of New York, containing a sketch of the early settlements in the county > Part 1
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Gc 974.701 D37g 1340282
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01150 0458
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofdelawar00goul
Engrave 1b, JC Buttre
a.f. Parker.
HISTORY
OF
DELAWARE
COUNTY
AND
Border Wars of Nem Hork.
CONTAINING
A SKETCH OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN THE COUNTY,
AND
A HISTORY OF THE
LATE ANTI-RENT DIFFICULTIES IN DELAWARE,
WITH
Other historical and Miscellaneous Matter,
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.
Gc 974.701 D37g
BY JAY GOULD.
ROXBURY : KEENY & GOULD, PUBLISHERS. 1856.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord 1856,
BY JAY GOULD,
In the District Court, for the Eastern District of New York.
Robb, Pile & M'Elroy, Pr -. Lodge Street, Philada.
1340282
TO THE
HON. A. J. PARKER,
This work is respectfully Dedicated, BY THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
IT is usual for authors, in the preface to their productions, to cite to the reader all the good qua- lities of their writings, and especially those which their own imaginations suggest, and which, unless mentioned, might otherwise have been passed over unnoticed.
I shall then deviate from this ancient established usage of writers, for various, and to myself obvious reasons, the most prominent of which is, that I esteem that class of persons into whose hands this work may fall, as an intelligent and reading people, better prepared to pass judgment than myself, who, if they utter criticism, will base their opinions upon the merit of the work itself, aside from the self- eulogistic encomiums of the author. I do not claim
B
ví
PREFACE.
that this work is free from error; perfection, in a history of this character, where much of the infor- mation to be relied upon is of an oral and indefi- nite nature, is an impossibility. I have been care- ful to weigh all the statements presented-to dis- criminate between truth and fiction-and have suppressed much apparently interesting 'matter, which lacked the proper authenticity, or conflicted with truth ; still, doubtless, there is room for im- provement.
I claim no honor for having been the tell-tale of the past. The having simply told what others have done, is far from implying, that had we been placed in the same situation, and affected by the same circumstances, we would have acted the same noble part. It is one thing to write, another to do :- " Give honor to whom honor is due." And if, after perusing what we have been enabled to glean of the history of the acts and actors of the past, you are enabled to discern in them anything noble-anything worthy of your admiration and emulation, then treasure up for the hardy and in- dustrious pioneer a kind and grateful remembrance -then cherish in sincerity, long after the author
vii
PREFACE.
has said his say, a fond appreciation of those Spartan sires, whose ashes are now mouldering in the tomb, and whose tongues have become silent and speech- less, palsied by death.
I would take this opportunity of returning my sincere thanks to all who have interested themselves in furnishing material for the completion of this work.
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.,
- 1 History-Its origin-Causes of its development-Its Influence on a free government-Divisions of history in point of time-Divisions in regard to subject-General history-Particular history-History of Delaware county; a particular history-Early purchases made of the Indians-Their dissatisfaction-Deed of purchase of 1768- Extent of the purchase-Consideration paid-Effects produced by the final adjustment of Indian claims-Commencement of emigration.
CHAPTER II., -
- 13
Indian character-Suppositions of the origin of the race-Enume- ration of the Six Nations, who formerly owned a large portion of the State-Their union in cases of emergency-Date of the admis- sion of the Tuscaroras into the confederacy-Power and influence of the Iroquois-Success in battle-Agriculture prosecuted to some extent-Love of war-Torture of their victims-Weapons of war- fare-Introduction of fire-arms among the Indians-First settlement at Albany-Estimate of the number of Indians east of the Mississippi at that period-Number of distinct languages-Enumeration of the different tribes-English Settlements in 1664-Conquest of New Netherlands by the English-Its capture-Dutch again obtain pos- session of it-Its final restoration to the English the following year- English conciliate the favor of the Indians by presents-Early missionaries among the Indians-Information derived of the Indians respecting the Susquehanna country-Indians desire the English to establish trading posts on the Susquhanna-Jealousies of New York in relation to Penn's trading with the Indians-Final adjustment of the difficulty.
B*
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III., -
- 24
New York in 1770-Total population of the colony at that period- Tryon and Charlotte counties erected-Their extent-Population of Tryon-First settlement German Palatines-Settlements made by them-Heldeburgh Hills-Origin of the name-Schoharie valley- Its settlement-Settlement at Cherry Valley-Privations of the set- tlers the first winter-Hair-breadth escape from starvation-Suc- cored by a friendly Indian-Nativity of the early settlers-Harper family-Settle in Cherry Valley-Their influence with the Indians -Harpers found a new settlement-Called Harpersfield-Obtain a patent-Surveyed-Mrs. Harper, the first white woman in the town-Constructs a log-house with her own hands-The first house in Harpersfield-Privations the following winter-Providential re- lief from starvation-Slow progress of the settlement-Reception of new settlers-Settlement in Middletown, before the Revolution- Death of Dumond, by the Schoharie Guard-Brugher shot by the Indians while threshing buckwheat-His son taken prisoner-Re- lease and return of the son to Middletown-Drowned while cross- ing the Delaware some years after-Indian villages on the East Branch-Milling stories-Indian hunting-grounds-Beaver ; pecu- liarities of the animal-Ancient apple-trees; anecdotes concern- ing-Pakatakan, an Indian village-Supposed signification of the name Tribes of Indians who occupied Papagouck and Pepacton, other Indian villages-Historical communication of Dr. O. M. Alla- ben.
CHAPTER IV., - - 52
Revolution-Early conflicts-Eloquence of Pitt in parliament-Advo- cates the cause of American rights-His efforts unavailing-Pro- vincial Congress assemble-Eloquent appeal of Patrick Henry- Effect of his speech-Resolution of continental congress-George Washington unanimously chosen commander-in-chief of the Ame- rican forces-His acceptation-Meetings of the inhabitants to express their sentiments-Vigilant committees-Organization of, in Tryon county-Influences brought to bear-Sir Wm. Johnston espouses the royal cause-His sudden death-His successors in office-Patriot- ism of the inhabitants of Harpersfield and Cherry Valley-First
xi
CONTENTS.
open act of hostility-Organization of a vigilant committee in Harpersfield-Their service to the American cause-The names of members-The chairman-Col. John Harper dispatched by Con- gress on a mission to the Indians-His apparent success-Reception by the Indians-Great feast and other ceremonies-Harper returns -Intimacy between Brant and Harper-Copy of a letter-Indians prove treacherous-Affidavit of the Rev. Wm. Johnston-Driven with his family from Sidney Plains-Obituary notice of Capt. Hugh Johnston-Effect of the intelligence communicated by Johnston along the frontiers-Letter from Harpersfield vigilant committee- Herkimer's mission-Singular interview between Gen. Herkimer and Brant-Speech of Brant-Failure of the expedition-Evacua- tion of Harpersfield-John Moore an early settler-Warned of dan- ger-Journey to Catskill-Accident-Enumeration of the inhabit- ants before the war-Scotchmen settle in the Valley of Wright's Brook-Story of the Scotchman and his gold-Capture of a party of Indians by Col. Harper-McDonald, a tory, invades Schoharie- Exposed situation of the settlement-Harper volunteers to go to Albany-Procures a company of cavalry-Marches to Schoharie- Disperses the enemy-Letter from Harper to Congress.
CHAPTER V., - - - 80
St. Leger Cowley-Contention between himself and a tory-Dispute settled by his wife-Capture of Cowley and Sawyer on the West Branch-Indian sports-Journey of the captives toward Niagara- Murder of their captors-Pursued by the Indians-Miraculous escape-Narrowly escape starvation in the wilderness-Arrival at a frontier settlement in Pennsylvania-Recruit and return to Schoharie-Procure a company of troops to aid in the removal of their families-First grist-mill on the West Branch-Death of Cow- ley-Indian revenge-Murder of McKee family-Capture of Miss Anne McKee-Compelled to run the gauntlet-Fort Niagara-Re- taliatory expedition to the Indian territory-General Sullivan appointed to command-Detachment under Clinton-March down the Susquehanna-Union of Clinton and Sullivan near Tioga Point -Complete annihilation of Indian settlements-Expedition of Sul- livan an expedition of discovery-Minisink an ancient Indian set- tlement-Massacre of the inhabitants-Battle of the Delaware-
xii
CONTENTS.
Defeat of the inhabitants-List of the killed-Burial services per- formed in 1820-Statement of Benjamin Whitaker-General out- lines of the campaign of 1779.
CHAPTER VI., - - -
-
- - 104
Repose of the frontier settlements-Scout under Colonel Alexander Harper-Sent out to Harpersfield-Harper returns to Schoharie- His return to Harpersfield-Capture of the party by Brant-Recog- nition between Brant and Harper-Death of several of the party- Inscription on the Hendrys' tombstones in the Harpersfield burying- ground-Young Lamb attempts to escape-Is overtaken and cap- tured-Questions put by Brant to Harper-Harper's shrewd reply- Indian Council-Debate in regard to the fate of the prisoners- Party decamp for Niagara-Obtain provisions of a miller on the Delaware-Inhumanity of this man and his daughters to the pri- soners-Incidents of the Journey-Murder of Mr. Brown-Arrival of the party at Fort Niagara-Harper finds friends-Prisoners run the gauntlet-Expedient of Brant to alleviate their sufferings-Reception of the party at the Fort-Imprisonment in Canada-Return of the survivors of the party to Harpersfield. Punishment afterward in- flicted on Beacraft, a tory-Bennett family-Early settlers-Capture of by a party of Indians-Incursion of the Indians into Colchester- Capture of Rose-Interesting incident-Correspondence in relation to the war-Indians capture Beach and family-Encounter a scout below Hobart-John Hagidore wounded-Company of troops pur- sue the Indians-Overtake and release the captives.
CHAPTER VII., -
- -
-
- 137
Declaration of Peace-Its joyful reception by the colonies-Early Settlements at Sidney Plains and along the Susquehanna-Incon- veniences to which the inhabitants were obliged to submit-Ruins of an ancient Indian fort-Sidney Plains-First death that occur- red in Sidney-Great famine in 1787-First grist-mill on Susque- hanna-First raft of lumber on the Susquehanna-Geographical boundaries of Sidney-Origin of the name-Ouleout Creek-Indian signification-Original land-owners-First settlements in Franklin -Information derived principally of Joshua Pine, in relation to
xiii
CONTENTS.
early settlers in Walton-Account of a duel fought in Walton- Early settlements and settlers at Deposit, Chehocton, and in the Western part of the country-Dickinson's City-Hunting stories- Indians who remained after the war-Old Abraham-Canope, Ben Shanks and Haycou-Tragical murder of the former and latter.
CHAPTER VIII., - -
- 182
Adventures and final settlement of Timothy Beach in Sidney-Remi- niscences of John Wickham, an early settler of Harpersfield-Names of early settlers-Privations to which they were subjected-Adven- ture of James Gordon with a bear, while crossing the Charlotte River-First Church in Harpersfield-Manner of its erection- Church-raising-Whipping-posts and stocks erected in Harpersfield -Other whipping-posts in the county-How Harper caught his wife-Persons punished by this ordeal-First settled minister in Harpersfield-Maple-sugar-making-Scotchman's idea of making maple-sugar-Information derived from Stephen Hait of Stamford -Settlements made in 1789-Information derived from David Squires-Discovery of and first settlement in Roxbury-Interesting information in relation to-Anecdotes-Information derived prin- cipally from Cyrus Burr-Early settelements in Middletown and Andes-Hall's adventure with Mr. Earl-His discovery that he had neighbors-Catamount-killing in Andes.
CHAPTER IX., -
-
- 207
Increase of population in the interior of the State-Necessary alter- ations of the civil divisions from time to time-Erection of Otsego in 1792-Petition for the erection of a new county in 1796-New county erected in 1797-Called Delaware-Number of towns at the erection of the county-Enumeration of the other towns in the order of their erection-Names of the first supervisors-First re- presentatives to the assembly-First court held in the county- First judges-First sheriff-Court-house and jail erected-Murder of Cameron and McGilfry-Arrest of the murderer-Escape of the prisoner from jail-Re-arrested on Cabin-hill-Tried and found guilty-Sentenced to be hung-Execution a public one-Descrip- tion by an eye-witness of the execution-Execution of Foster in
xiv
CONTENTS.
1819-Burning of the court-house and jail-One man burned- Legislative act-Erection of the Delaware Academy-Its founder- Manner of its endowment-Geological society formed in Delhi-Its short existence-Matter in relation to the formation of the county- Extract from the Diary of Judge Foote-Obituary notice-List of assemblymen since the formation of the county-Surrogates and county judges-sheriffs-county clerks.
CHAPTER X., - - 226
The lost manuscript-Early organization of religious societies-Report of the first missionary-Summary of report-Different sects in the county-Educational interests of the county, and other information.
CHAPTER XI., - - 242
Anti-rent difficulties-Early grants of land within the limits of the county-Hardenburgh patent-Dispute in regard to the western limits of the patent-Survey of the patent-Protest of the Indians -Indian deed of the land between the branches of the Delaware to Johanus Hardenburgh-Bradt patent-Enumeration of the other patents in the order in which they were granted-Land monopoly- Early restrictions placed upon grants-How eluded-Views of the early legislatures- Recognition of the grants prior to the revo- lution-Validity of the manorial titles-Leasehold system-Sys- tematic classification of deeds-Durable lease-Redemption lease- Three life lease-One and two life lease-Yearly lease-Seven year proviso-Claims of the tenants-History of the excitement- Grievances of the renters.
CHAPTER XII., - - 260
Introduction of the excitement into Delaware county, 1844-Roxbury- First public meeting-Description of the costume worn by an Indian -Molest John B. Gould-Second attempt to enforce submission- Tar and feather H. More-Tar and feather T. Corbin-Sheriff's papers taken and destroyed-First equal rights' convention-Legisla- tive proceedings-Passage of an act preventing persons appearing in disguise-Copy of the same-An act of D. W. Squires-Extract
XV
CONTENTS.
from a letter to the adjutant general-Organization of an armed force by the sheriff-Steele in limbo at Andes-His defence- Letter to the sheriff-His release-Antipathy of anti-renters against Steele-His courage-Their threats-Shacksville battle-Particulars of the same-Names of prisoners-Sale in Andes-Painful death of Steele-His last moments-Extract from the correspondence of the Albany Evening Journal-Funeral services-Indignation meetings at various places-Resolutions passed-Summerset of anti-rentism.
CHAPTER XIII., - 283
Action of the Executive-Proclamation of county in a state of insurrec- tion-Copy of the same-Its reception in Delhi-Arrival of Adjutant General Farrington-Organization of an armed force-Officers chosen-Extract from a letter-Mode of operating-Erection of tem- porary log-jails-Convening of the court-Grand jury-Judge Par- ker's able charge-Allusion in the same to the demoralizing influ- ence of the excitement upon the county-Result of the trials-num- ber of convictions-O'Connor and Van Steenburgh convicted of mur- der-Sentence of the prisoners-Court adjourns-Attempt on the life of a guard-Reprieve of the sentences of O'Connor and Van Steen- burgh-Revocation by the governor, of the declaration "declaring the county in a state of insurrection"-Close-Closing remarks.
CHAPTER XIV., - - 305
The following sketch of the services of the late Timothy Murphy in the border warfare of the revolution, were kindly furnished the author, and although in some respects they deviate from what he conceives to be truth, in the main he has ascertained them to be correct.
CHAPTER XV.,
- - 344
The following interesting production, from the pen of a daughter of E. B. Fenn, Esq., is inserted, at the request of numerous friends.
xvi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI., - 357 Obituary notices-Captain Abraham Gould-Aaron Hull-Gabriel North-Rev. Stephen Fenn-Hon. Roswell Hotchkiss-Rev. Daniel Shepard-James Hughston-Hon. Samuel A. Law-Daniel Gould -Col. Adam Shaver-T. H. Rathbun-Simeon McIntosh-Richard Peters-Thomas Hamilton-Major Joseph Duren-William C. Chris- tiani-Abel Gallup-Jacob Every-Pierce Mitchell-Margery Walcott -Edmund Kelly-Abram Thomas-Gen. Orrin Griffin-Claudius Flansburgh-Levi Hanford-Abigial Marvine-Hon. Selah R. Hobbie -Frederick L. Hanford-George B. Foote-Peter Penet-William Holliday-Col. Amasa Parker-Joel T. Headley.
APPENDIX, - 393 - Delaware Gazette-The Central Sun-The Deposit Courier-The Deposit Union Democrat-Delaware County Courier-Bloomville Mirror-Weekly Visitor-Delaware Bank-Deposit Bank-Secret organizations ; Freemasonry, Odd Fellowship-Iodine Spring- The Delaware Literary Institute-Fergusonville Boarding Academy -The Social League.
HISTORY
OF
DELAWARE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
History-Its origin-Causes of its developement-Its influence on a free Government-Divisions of History in point of time-Divisions in regard to subject-General History-Particular History-History of Delaware County; a particular History-Early purchases made of the Indians-Their dissatisfaction-Deed of purchase of 1768-Extent of the purchase-Consideration paid-Effects pro- duced by the final adjustment of Indian claims-Commencement of emigration.
HISTORY with the more and more extensive meaning acquired by the advancement of civilization, by the diffusion of education, and by the elevation of the standard of human liberty, has expanded into a grand and beautiful science. It treats of man in all his social relations, whether civil, religious, or literary, in which he has had intercourse with his fellows. The study of history, to a free government like the one in which we live, is an indispensable requisite to the improve- ment and elevation of the human race. It leads us back through the ages that have succeeded each other in time past ; it exhibits the condition of the human race at each respective
1
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HISTORY OF
period, and by following down its pages over the vast cmpires and mighty cities now engulphed in oblivion, but which the faithful historian presents in a living light before us, we are enabled profitably to compare and form a more correct appre- ciation of our own relative position.
It is the saying of an eminent historian that "Liberty and History go hand in hand, the health and vigor of the one dependent upon and coexistent with that of the other." And it is certain that the more enlightened and free a people become, the more the government devolves upon themselves ; and hence the necessity of a careful study of history, which, by showing the height to which man as an intellectual being is capable of elevating himself in the scale of usefulness and moral worth, teaches that the virtues of the good man are held in sacred emulation by his countrymen for ages succeeding, long after the scythe of time has gathered the earthly remains of the actor to the silent grave. Such thoughts, or rather such reflections as these, inspire within the human bosom an ardent desire to attain that which is good and shun that which is evil, an honest and laudable ambition to become both great and good; or as another has beautifully written, "Great only as we are good." To illustrate more fully, Who would not be a Washington ? whose name and virtues are virtually asso- ciated with those eventful times, that chaos of the last century, from which sprung what was afterward destined to become the mightiest republic on the globe; "it was the hand of Wash- ington that lit the flame," that flame which baffled the skill and prowess of the engines of the old world to extinguish, and which for seventy-nine years has spread as with a magic wand, North, East, South, and West-spreading and burning still ; while kings and haughty monarchs pause, behold and tremble, as they sit upon their tottering thrones, lest a burn- ing spark from the unquenchable fire of freedom should strike root in the stronghold of their own despotism, and deprive
3
DELAWARE COUNTY.
them of their titles and their power. One of the great bene- fits of history to our own Government is by studiously com- paring other modes of rule with our own; the defects of both become more visible, and we are enabled thereby to profit by all former times.
The history of the world is divided into three great divi- sions; Ancient History, from the creation of the world to the Christian era, the Advent of Christ; the History of the Mid- dle Ages, extending to the discovery of America by Colum- bus, in 1492; and Modern History, which comes down to and embraces the present time. The history of the United States and of the whole Western hemisphere, is embraced within the sphere of modern history. With regard to the subject, history is either general, where a whole nation is treated of, or particu- lar, where a sub-division of the same government is assumed as the basis of a history. Thus, the history of the United States would be general, while that of the State of New York would be particular ; and as such, would contain much matter relating to her alone, of the utmost interest and importance ; which in the general history, would be put down as improper and out of place. To say that the legislature of the State of New York in 1855, passed the Maine law, with the attendant circumstances of its execution, would, I venture to say, be as much out of place in the general history, as one of the Black Foot Indians of Kansas territory would be in the halls of Congress at Washington.
The territory then which we have chosen as the basis of this history, characterizes it as one of the particular kind; and while at the commencement we exhort those into whose hands it may fall, who are perhaps better informed than ourselves, not to be too particular in their criticisms, we shall at the same time strive to be particularly correct in all our assertions, nor leave any stone unturned, that will add any thing of inte- rest to those who may read its contents.
4
HISTORY OF
The American Indians were the original proprietors of the soil. At the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, the entire American continent was the birthright, and by the uni- versal law of nations, the property of the Indian. The whites then were eminently intruders in founding settlements upon the shores of the western world; but the policy of aggran- dizement which characterized the maritime powers of Europe, recognized no other law than "might makes right," and con- sequently had no conscientious scruples against the acquisition of territory, even by an offensive and unjust war. It was the Spaniards in particular, who have left an indelible stain upon their national character, by their ignominious and cruel war- fare waged against the Montezumas of Mexico, and the Incas of Peru. The English, although far from being guiltless, nevertheless pursued for themselves a more judicious, and at the same time a more humane policy. They opened a successful commerce with the Indians-they attempted to introduce some of the arts of civilization from Europe, and all the vices, especially that glaring monster, intemperance, which sounded the death knell to so many of the "tall trees" of their race. This evil increased with such fearful rapidity, that the Indians at last themselves became startled, and knowing their utter inability to withstand the temptation, demanded of the whites what the whites now demand for themselves,* that no liquor should be brought amongst them. The following speech was delivered by the great Chief Hendrick, at the Congress held at Albany in 1754, of which Benjamin Franklin was a member :
" 'Brethren-There is an Affair about which our Hearts tremble and our minds are deeply concerned ; this is the selling of Rum in our Castles. It destroys many of our Old and Young people. We request of all the Governments here pre-
* Maine-law men.
5
DELAWARE COUNTY.
sent, that it may be forbidden to carry any of it amongst the Five Nations.
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