USA > New York > Livingston County > A history of Livingston County, New York: > Part 2
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Thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty militia
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were asked for, as the quota of New York State under that first requisition for troops. Twenty thousand men responded in regimental organization. Ten days after the fall of Sumter, thirty thousand New York volunteers were authorized, and in thirty days from that cannonading call out of Charleston harbor, thirty- eight (38) regiments of our State troops were under orders.
It is easy to write the figures, not difficult to imagine the importance, of such swift results, following loyal effort throughout our commonwealth. But the work at headquarters, necessary to accomplish the bare offi- cial impulsion toward those results, from day to day, is not to be pictured, and hardly to be fancied. I allude to it, because Col. Doty's position as Private Secretary of Governor Morgan, who was commissioned by the National Government as a Major General of Volunteers, placed him in the very vortex of conver- ging demands and interests, centering in the Exec- utive Chamber at a crisis when-to quote from a Re- port of his, years afterwards-" multitudinous messa- ges of alarm and counsel kept the electric wires in constant action, throbbings of the great heart of the people, spontaneous, irrepressible."
During Governor Morgan's eventful second term, Colonel Doty remained the active amanuensis, in voluminous correspondence, and the "ready refer- ence," in matters of immediate moment. His unflag- ging zeal, as a " worker," and affability as a medium of intercourse between citizens and their Chief Magis- trate, and between State volunteers and their Com- mander-in-Chief, on duty at Albany, made his name familiar ; and, at the Governor's home, as in his "military family," he enjoyed the pleasant relations which his due respect for authority, and his own self- respect, conjointly deserved. He has spoken to me,
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with emotion, of the matronly kindness extended to him, through years, by Governor Morgan's estimable wife ; within whose elegant domestic circle at Washing- ton, during her husband's service as U. S. Senator from our State, he continued to be welcomed, as the Senator's Private Secretary.
But his Governorship, which brought Gov. Morgan into vital connection with our imperilled National Government, was calculated to try, as by fire, the metal of public servants and distinguish pure ore from dross. If EDWIN D. MORGAN passed the crucible without a stain upon his record, as Governor or Sen- ator, not less did his Private Secretary, LOCKWOOD L. DOTY, come out of the furnace without "the smell of fire upon his garments." Governor Morgan survives ; and he may be called to more exalted dignities than have yet been conferred upon him by his countrymen ; his faithful coadjutor has passed to the hope of higher and eternal recompense for deeds done. May the clear name for official honor enjoyed by him, who still .dwells with us, and the bright memory left by him who has passed to another life, be influences of good in all our places of official trust and distinction.
The close of Governor Morgan's four years saw a revulsion in the political affairs of our State, through the election of HORATIO SEYMOUR, but the change did not affect Colonel Doty's valued service, nor the esti- mate of it by statesmen of varying politics. Colonel Doty's hard work, however, began to affect his con- stitution ; and symptoms of the disease which ulti- mately became fatal, began to alarm his family and friends. He was not a man to yield, in flesh or spirit, while life subsisted ; but successive attacks of hemor- rhage, prostrating him for weeks, made rest necessary. Under his physician's advice, a change of climate, was advisable ; and he was tendered the position of Amer-
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ican Consul at Nassau, N. P .- then a most important point, because of its use as a rendezvous for Confed- erate cruisers and blockade runners. Increased pecu- niary compensation was thus assured to him, in a climate where healthful air, and needed quiet, might recuperate his jaded system. But he declined the consulate, and remained, a while, Private Secretary under Governor Seymour's administration. Certainly, as Col. Doty gratefully acknowledged, no higher com- pliment could be paid to his worth than Gov. Sey- mour's wish to retain him in the position he had held with Governor Morgan. For a time, to facilitate pub- lic business, Col. Doty continued to act as Private Secretary under Governor Seymour ; and, meanwhile, a special and congenial position had been made for him by legislative act, in the providing for a " Bureau of Military Record." "The best man to be at the head of such a Bureau," Governor Morgan had said to Governor Seymour, before the latter entered upon office, "is Col. Doty ; but you can't appoint him." To.which pleasant reminder of party demands, Gov. Seymour answered-" That is so, but you can appoint him before your term expires, and I will keep him." So the "Bureau of Military Record" became, with new and manifold duties, the only "change" for health Col. Doty was to enjoy : while the salary set apart for "Chief of Bureau" did not reach the pay of a volunteer officer holding rank as Colonel.
But, though prudent and careful as a business man, for his family wants, Col. Doty was not covetous of high rank or of undue emoluments ; so often the quest of undeserving public men. More than once, in youth and in mature years, he sought to leave the ex- acting toils of office for pursuits of business life more in accord with his love of home and children. But he was to "die in harness;" to be remembered for
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undeviating integrity in public service, more than for success in amassing private gains ; and to leave to those dependent upon him a modest competence and the rich bequest of a good name ; inheritance far more to be prized, after a father's death, than the millions left with no record upon them but the career of a " suc- cessful " business man.
Throughout Governor Seymour's term, Col. Doty occupied his busy mind and hands in what was to him a "labor of love ;" gathering data concerning our State Volunteers, and statistics regarding the patriotic co-operation of New York civilians in cities, towns and villages of our commonwealth. To his quick dis- cernment, wide correspondence, and characteristic "persistency " of work and research, our military archives are largely indebted ; and, although that of- fice of value and necessity created by the foresight of Governor Morgan, and sustained by Governor Sey- mour, was not retained by Col. Doty to the day of his death-as it ought to have been-the fault lay not in his own decrease of interest in its objects or means, but in the unwise action of a subsequent legislature, and in the mistaken views of other officials who sur- mised a conflict between the powers and duties of a simple Statistical Bureau and the authority pertaining to members of the Governor's Military Staff. I make passing mention of this matter, because no one knew better than myself, his successor as Chief of Bureau the motive which impelled Col. Doty to tender his resignation of an office originally designed for his ten- ure and made important, from its beginning, through his zeal and application.
The assumption of a conflict, between that Bureau and the Adjutant General's department-an assump- tion without foundation-led to a change in its rela- tions, by constituting the Chief a Staff officer and a
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clause in the bill ranked the Chief of Bureau as Brig- adier General ; but that provision was subsequently erased. When the bill passed, Col. Doty tendered his resignation. Yet he had, during his incumbency, matured comprehensive plans of search, of collection, of preservation, and of record, in the aggregation of data for our State Military History ; data easily ac- cessible in those years ; valuable as adjuncts to gen- eral history, and priceless as memorials of patriotic service for numberless households within our State borders. Two years after Col. Doty left it, the Bu- reau ceased to be an office of independent work, and was attached to the Adjutant General's department.
Lockwood L. Doty should have been permitted to continue, as he so earnestly began, his "labor of love " in that Military Bureau. Under his administration of it, more than one hundred and twenty connected regimental narratives, reciting the part taken by New York State troops in the War for our Union, were put in manuscript order, together with, at least, one hun- dred thousand military notices of private soldiers ; full histories of the first thirty-eight regiments organ- ized in our State ; and a mass of data concerning regiments, batteries, companies, ships and gunboats ; wherever New York soldiers and sailors represented their State in defense of the Republic ; while frag- mentary statistics, letters and notes, contributed by volunteers "at the front," on land or wave, and by volunteers returned, after peace, to their homes were filed ; and facts regarding the work of TOWNs through- out the State, in mustering and organizing their quotas, furnished verifications of that vast pouring forth of private liberality, in those years of patriotic WILL and EFFORT, which saw successive volunteeer levies in the State of New York swell to a quarter of a million of men, and the flow of her treasure for sol-
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ยท dier's needs, aggregate to the enormous sum of one hundred and twenty million dollars-contributed by towns and counties, and from private means of civil- ians, men, women and children.
That an official, of the high reputation won in all stations by LOCKWOOD L. DOTY, should have been en- vironed by circumstance, which impelled him to re- sign his office, while its work was uppermost in his devoted mind, presents one of those illustrations of false views which originated the remark, not always true, that " Republics are ungrateful."
Republics are not ungrateful. The PEOPLE, in a commonwealth, left to themselves, will be true to themselves. If no untoward dictation had been brought to bear upon the Bureau of Military Record, it would now be a valued depository of statistics re- garding State action in the war, completing its work in a noble "Hall of Record ;" the gift of patriotism ; wherein our children and children's children, might pause reverently amidst our thousand regimental flags. And under Providence, I may add, the gentle face, the graceful head of LOCKWOOD L. DOTY might be, at this day, still bending over his "labor of love ;" as Chief of a Bureau founded to be his field of work, so long as God might spare him in the service of our State.
Returning to Geneseo, Col. Doty hoped to remain in his native county as a private citizen, but more promising health afterwards induced him to accept the position of Deputy Collector of Customs in New York City ; which he held, however, but a short time ; resigning it, to become again the Private Secre- tary of his friend Ex-Governor Morgan, then repre- senting New York State in the U. S. Senate. He remained at Washington until the Senator finished his official term.
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In 1869, Col. Doty was appointed, by President Grant, Assessor of Internal Revenue, for the Sixth District in New York City'; but once more, the warn . ings of overwork and failing health counselled a re- turp to his home, and he resigned office to seek the quiet of Geneseo. Purchasing the " Livingston Re- publican," he entered upon the editorial field in a spirit which promised, with business success, an en- couraging avocation for the future. He likewise began to print the first pages of his HISTORY ; dividing busy days, between proof reading and writing on this work, and his journalistic duties. I recall, in mem- ory, that sanguine entry of the honest public servant on his task of making an honest political newspaper. Had he seen the way clear, Livingston County Re- publicans would have had an able and candid expo- nent of their views, while Democrats might have found nothing in his editorial course but fair and open dealing. In 1869, he was elected a member of the Republican State Committee, and chosen Secre- tary of that body ; which again involved him in State affairs. At this juncture, Ex-Senator Morgan, hav- ing become interested as a banker in the " New Or- leans, Mobile and Chatanooga Rail Road," invited him to become its Treasurer ; and he disposed of his publishing establishment, in order to accept the post of a financial officer ; but left the company after a few months of connection with it. Senator Morgan and other friends, were, at that time, desirous of placing so experienced and reliable a man at the head of a spe- . cial banking house, to be organized under his knowl- edge of financial operations. But his apprehensions of enterprises in which large investments might be staked, in view of reliable management, dissuaded him from accepting monetary responsibilities, even at an assured and liberal salary as the President of a
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bank. He turned again to the work in which he had formerly been so zealous-the service of Soldiers-and entered on the double duty involved by consolidation of two Pension offices in New York City, under his direction, in April, 1871, as " Pension Agent," by ap- pointment of President Grant.
There can be no more exacting post, if its duty be performed, than the Pension Agency of New York City, under existing laws. Col. Doty sacrificed him- self, to accomplish its labors, through personal and untiring effort. No one, who remembers his presence in that dark, damp basement of the Custom House, used for audit and payment of Pension claims; no one, who saw his slight form bowed daily, over the books he kept in all cases himself, could help the mental conviction that those protracted labors in an unhealthy atmosphere, were accelerating causes of the disease, which struck him down at his last post of service. Col. Doty became disabled in ;; that service, and died from his disability, with no less title to the name of "Veteran " than those soldiers and sailors whose certificates he audited with kindly smiles, and whose complaints he ever sought to answer by what- soever help his own authority could assure them.
LOCKWOOD L. DOTY was born in Groveland, Living- ston county, May 15th, 1827. He married, in his 25th year, on the 19th of March, 1852 ; and his death took place at Jersey City, January 18th, 1873. The pul- monary disease, to which his active life succumbed, prostrated him about three months before the final hour ; and his spirit departed, at that hour, so softly that its passing away, amid watching friends, was scarcely perceived. Though sadly anticipated by those who knew of his declining health, and the suffer- ings he had long borne, at intervals, the report of his decease fell suddenly upon that wide circle of acquaint-
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ances who knew him only as a public man, in the. prime, as it seemed, of his natural life. A general feeling of earnest regret was manifested in many notices of his demise which appeared in the public press. We might fill pages with those expressions of respect for the dead, and sympathy for the living, who deplored the loss of husband, father and brother. But where all united in deep commiseration, no single tribute of memory need be recalled, beyond the quo- tations with which I conclude these notes of a good man's life, and which are added because they relate to fruits more grateful than the returns of public office and to influences more endearing than popular plaud- its, merited though they be.
The "Methodist Sunday School Union," of Albany, of which Mr. Doty had been a former member, adopted minutes from which we extract the following :
" Especially do we remember him as a most carnest worker in the labor of the Sunday School. Ho took an active part in the organization of West Mission Sunday School, and was an indefatigable laborer both in Hudson Avenue and Washington Avenue church schools. His cheerful presence carried with it everywhere the heartiest encouragement. No one could fall out by the way, while he was assisting ; for he made toil a pleasure, and the severest work, in the way of duty, a delight."
Colonel Doty's remains were conveyed by special car from Jersey City to Geneseo, where the last offices of affection and respect found place, at their burial from the Methodist Episcopal church, where "a large concourse of people assembled, and deep gloom over- hung the community."
From the eloquent funeral discourse of Rev. G. W. PADDOCK we make our concluding extract :
"We now go to pay our last tribute of love and esteem to Lockwood Lyon Doty, our friend and brother beloved, who is now with the "blessed dead." We know he wrought well. Perhaps no higher eulogium can be spoken than that 'He was a christian gentleman.' In all the relations of life a true man and worthy of imitation. A faithful, affectionate husband, & tender, indulgent father, a filial, warm-hearted brother, an incorruptible pol-
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itician, an honest man, a true, humble christian. In his death the govern- ment has lost a most valuable, trustworthy servant, society one of its bright- est ornaments, the poor and unfortunate a sympathizer and helper, this church a worthy and honored member, his wife a true husband, his children a noble father, his family at large a worthy representative, who has never brought dishonor on the family name, and who has left a legacy of priceless value in his inspiring example, blameless life and christian death. All may learn that a man may maintain a character unsullied, through all the tempta- tions and corruptions of political and public life: may keep the flame of piety glowing, and die the death of the righteous."
LOCKWOOD L. DOTY is at rest-after his life-long work ; but his EXAMPLE, abiding with us, as a
" Memory of the just, Smells sweet, and blossoms in the dust."
Peace be his, forever, in Heaven ! as he loved " peace on Earth," with his fellow-men, and sought fraternity in all good deeds. May his devotion to right-cher- ished by his children-and may his unselfish MANHOOD -imitated by his fellow-men-remain his worthy
IN MEMORIAM.
No head more gentle ever bowed o'er toil ; No nock more yielding bent to duty's yoke. No lure could tempt him, no seduction soil ; Because his heart went with the word he spoke: And God still guided him on MANHOOD's way !
Well said wise Shakspeare-"To thyselt be true :
And it shall follow, as the night to day, Thou can'st not then be false to any man!" And thus, in oneness with his Nature's plan, He wrought whate'er his hand might find to do- With all his strength, his heart, his mind, his will ! God rest him! May his sweet EXAMPLE still Stir, like the air of Liberty, which waves Our starry flags, and wooes our soldiers' graves !
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EDITORIAL CARD.
Sixteen years ago the History which is now offered to the public was first projected by its lamented author, and the expectation was that the work of preparation would occupy only a short time-but a few years at the most. As it progressed, however, it grew in interest and importance. New facts came to light, and the field of inquiry and research was ex- tended, until at last what was designed for publication in a few months, became the author's life-work. Those who knew Mr. Doty are aware of the devotion with which he pursued his favorite and self-imposed task. They remember how enthusiastic he grew in searching out new facts ; how patiently he pored over musty and voluminous documents, or gathered from the lips of the few surviving pioneers their stories of early times and attendant hardships, and how, in time, this work came to be a labor of love. None will ever know how great was the care bestowed upon this work by its author, but it should remain a lasting memorial of tireless patience and devotion. .
At the time of Mr. Doty's death, two hundred pages of the history had been printed, and materials gath- ered and partially arranged for much of the remaining portion. These materials were put into my hands with the request that I prepare them for the press. How well this work has been done, the reader must judge for himself. It has been my endeavor, however, to carry out the anthor's original plan, so far as was possible, and, wherever practicable, to use his own language. So rigidly has this determination been ad- hered to, that, with the exception of a portion of the chapter on the War of 1812, and other portions here-
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inafter mentioned, the entire History is substantially and in fact, the work of Mr. Doty.
It is proper to state, however, that that part of the work comprised in pages 337 to 469, inclusive, embrac- ing a history of the county from 1821 to 1860, together with a brief reference to Livingston's part in the War of the Rebellion, I have written myself, Mr. Doty having done nothing on this portion of the History. This explanation is due to him as well as to myself, as it would be manifestly unjust to hold him responsible for any faults that may exist in these chapters. The same remarks will apply to the biographical sketches of James Wadsworth, General James S. Wadsworth and John Young, which have been carefully prepared, but under some disadvantages.
The Town Sketches are, what the title implies, sim- ply historical sketches, not complete histories. They are intended to give a general view of the commence- ment and growth of settlements in the several towns, together with brief biographical sketches of some of the more prominent of the early settlers. In this connection it may be well to state that the difficulty has been to decide, not what to put in, but what to leave out of the History, as, with the materials in hand, these personal sketches might have been multi- plied indefinitely, had not the limits of the work forbid.
In conclusion I may state, without any impropriety, that the public are indebted to the deceased author's brother, Edward E. Doty, for the publication of the History. He has expended his time and money liber. ally in this work, and his energy and perseverance have overcome the numerous serious obstacles which blocked the way to succe-s. Through these efforts the History of Livingston County is now in the hands of the people, by whom, it is sincerely hoped, it may be kindly received.
Lima, N. Y., May, 1876.
A. TIFFANY NORTON.
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PREFACE.
"A dozen years more and a faithful history of Liv- ingston County cannot be written." "And where- fore ?" "Simply because the end of another decade will find most of our pioneers gathered to their fathers, and no effort is making to preserve their recollections, which will have passed into oblivion."
To this conversation, occurring just before the Re- bellion, between two citizens of the County long well known but now no more, the writer was a listener, and is constrained to own that since then, as day by day the roll of those from whom the annalist could best draw his materials has been abridged, the assertion has returned in augmenting force. A history was at the time suggested, and he who ventures this volume was asked to undertake its preparation. The request was more than once repeated, but accident rather than design finally determined him to attempt it.
A word of apology may be indulged. The writer's portfolio has been enriched with many a local tradi- tion and interesting relation, which will be found but dull as rendered in these pages. "But you must re- member," as Frank Osbaldistone is made to say, "that the tale told by one friend and listened to by another, loses half its charm when committed to paper."
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To gather and digest the materials of a county his- tory, which must in great degree be drawn from original sources, and to harmonize the all but endless discordances of fact, is no ordinary task. To go further and attemptanything so ambitious as a picture of early days, is doubly hazardous, for in the public's eye a truth left out, or a part over-colored on such a page, is an offence little short of the unpardonable one. In surrendering to the fascination that attaches to the story of pioneer life, the writer is liable to lose sight of those examples of fortitude and self-denial which are the most profitable lessons afforded by the record of early times. Another danger besets the writer : Pioneer days are now just far enough re- moved from the passing hour, and just sufficiently tinged with romance, to tempt him to draw upon fancy in making up his relation. But the veracious annalist may give way to no such allurements. He must allow the early indwellers of the region to ap- pear in their own garb, to speak and act for them- selves, and to use their own phraseology ; they must be permitted "to show us over their houses, to seat us at their tables, to rummage their old-fashioned wardrobes, and to explain the uses of their primitive furniture." For the reader wants the homely truth.
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