USA > New York > Oneida County > Annals and recollections of Oneida County > Part 15
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The water power for the factory at this place was obtained in a manner different from the ordinary mode. The flats of the Oriskany at this place are wide, and instead of confining the stream to either side by a dike, a heavy wall of masonry, about fifty feet in length, laid in hydraulic cement, was raised some twenty feet, near the centre and crosswise of the valley, a few rods from the channel of the stream just above the site of the factory. From the ends of this wall heavy parallel embankments of earth were carried so far up and into the stream, as to raise the water nearly to the top of the wall. Although expensive, a power was thus obtained suf- ficient for the machinery of a large factory.
One of the earliest Sunday Schools in the county was established in this village. Warren Converse, Esq., then superintendent of the factory, and Mr. Isaac Pixley, were
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mainly instrumental in getting up the school. It was started early in 1817, and it had a two-fold object: first, instruction in the Scriptures; and, secondly, to give those destitute of other means, an opportunity to acquire the rudiments of education. Some were found, even thirteen years of age. without a knowledge of the alphabet. Instances can be given of young men who have succeeded well in life, and have made respectable members of society, who in this school received their entire education. . Although at its commence- ment it had to encounter prejudices, it is continued in its usefulness to the present time.
HAMILTON ONEIDA ACADEMY.
This Institution was incorporated by the Regents of the University, by charter, dated " the thirty-first day of January, in the seventeenth year of American independence." [1793.] This charter is written upon parchment, and is in a good state of preservation, having been kept in a tin case.
The preamble of the charter sets forth that, "Whereas Samuel Kirkland, Jonas Platt, Eli Bristoll, Erastus Clark. Joel Bristoll, Sewall Hopkins, James Dean, and Michael Myers, by an instrument in writing, under their hands and seals, bearing date the 12th day of November. in the year of our Lord 1792, after stating. among other things, that they are founders and benefactors of a certain Academy in Whitestown, contiguous to the Oneida Nation of Indians. in the County of Herkimer. in the State aforesaid, who have contributed more than one half in the value of the real and personal property and estate collected and appropriated for the use and benefit of said Academy, did make application to ns, the said Regents, that the said Academy might be incor-
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porated and become subject to the visitation of us and our successors, and that we would signify our approbation that Alexander Hamilton, John Lansing, Egbert Benson, Dan Bradly. Eli Bristoll. Erastus Clark, James Dean, Moses Foot, Thomas R. Gold. Sewal Hopkins, Michael Myers, Jonas Platt, Jedediah Sanger. John Sergeant, Timothy Tuttle, and Samuel Wells, named in the said application, and their successors, might be a body corporate and politic. by the name and style of the Trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy." The Regents then proceed to "signify their approbation" of said Trustees of Hamilton Oncida Academy, ute. This charter is signed by George Clinton, Chancellor. and N. Lawrence. Secretary:
Of the persons named above as petitioners and trustces, " is believed that not one is now living; certainly not more han one or two.
,
In 1794. a large and commodious wooden building was rected for the Academy. and partly completed The corner stone was laid with much ceremony. The Baron Steuben was present by invitation, and to him was given the honor . of placing it in proper position. He was escorted to Clin- ton, and from thence to the "Hill," the site of the Academy, by Capt. George W. Kirkland and his troop of Clinton Light Horse. My informant says he wore his military hat -- the one worn in the Revolution-upon the occasion. If speech could have been given it, what an "o'ertrue tale" it could have told, of suffering witnessed, of hard service, of battles fought and victories won in the cause of the United States.
In the latter part of the same year, a school was com- menced, under the preceptorship of the Rev. John Niles, and during a portion of the time he had the charge of the school, the Rev. James Murdock was associated with him.
13
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Mr. Niles was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Porter. Mr. Porter was succeeded by the late Professor Seth Norton. who remained but one year, and then returned to Vale College, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Robbins, who remained a year, when Professor Norton returned and resumed the charge of the school, and continued at its head until the college charter was obtained, when he was elected Professor of Languages in that Institution. As long as Mr. Kirkland lived, he continued the benefactor of the Academy.
Within the past year a travelling pedlar called at the residence of the author, to dispose of some of his wares. and while present produced a small package of papers, which he said he had found in the road near New Hartford village. On examination, they were found to be dated in the latter part of the last century. mostly of a legal character, and of no possible use at this time to any one. One paper. how- ever, as a relic of Mr. Kirkland's devotion to his favorite Institution, is worth preserving. It was under the hand and seal of Mr. Kirkland. and in a short preamble he sat forth that the trustees of Hamilton Oneida Academy were de- sirous to borrow three or four hundred dollars to complete the Academic building, and then proceeds. by promising. for value received. to make himself personally responsible to any person who would loan the money to said trustees. Comment is unnecessary.
In its time, Hamilton Oneida Academy performed well its part. Many of the sons of Central New York left its halls with their all of classical education. to become eminent in the pulpit, at the bar, and in the medical profession Among the contributors to its funds may be found the names of almost every inhabitant of Clinton. and many from the adjoining towns. Thus useful and prosperous, and thus fostered, it soon became apparent that, at no distant
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day, a wider field of usefulness was opening before it. A subscription was again opened, to raise funds to endow it as a College. This subscription was headed by that excellent man, -the then patroon of Albany, -the late Stephen Van Rensselaer, who gave $1,000. The late Daniel D. Tomp- kins-then Governor of the State, and afterwards Vice President of the United States-gave $500. They were followed by many generous donors, until a sufficient sum was raised, added to the prospective bounty of the State, to warrant an application to the Regents of the University for college charter. The prayer was heard, and on the 26th of May, 1812, a charter was granted to Hamilton College.
The trustees named in the charter were, Henry Hunting- ton, George Brayton, Morris S. Miller, Nathan Williams, James S. Kip, James Carnahan, Jedediah Sanger, Joseph Kirkland, John H. Lothrop. Thomas R. Gold, Jonas Platt, James Eells, Asahel S. Norton, Ephraim Hart, William Hotchkiss, Joel Bristol, Henry McNiel, Peter Smith, Dirck C. Lansing, Jasper Hopper, Obadiah German, Arunah Met- calf, Simcon Ford, and Walter Fisk. Of the above twenty- four trustees, all that survived at the time of the annual commencement, July 1849, were James Eells, Asahel S. Norton, William Hotchkiss, Direk C. Lansing, Jasper Hop- per, Arnnah Metcalf, and Walter Fisk.
The Rev. Azel Backus, D. D., was elected first President. in 1812. This selection was most fortunate. The college, under his auspices, was fast rising in usefulness and public favor ; but his connection with the institution was soon severed by death. Dr. Backus was born in the town of Franklin, near the city of Norwich, Conn., on the 13th of October, 1765. His father died while his only child was in infancy. The death of the father was an almost irreparable ' loss to the son, for he particularly needed in youth those
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[CHAP.
restraints which none but a father can so well impose. His ardent temperament required a firm and steady control, and his early years were marked with great licentiousness of opinion. His companions were rude, ignorant. and disso- lute. His mind became poisoned with infidelity, and he often spoke of himself "as a brand plucked from the burn- ing .?
While engaged in his studies. preparatory to his admission to college, he began an intimate acquaintance with his uncle. the Rev. Charles Backus. of Somers, who soon won the affections of his nephew. The influence thus obtained, he employed to promote the eternal welfare of his young kins- man. He was successful, for the infidel was arrested. and trembled in view of his danger, and the arrow fastened in his heart. Guided by the Spirit, he bowed to the sovereignty of the God he had denied. Religion softened his heart and subdued his will. After the completion of his preparatory studies. he was admitted a member of Yale College. While in college his insatiable thirst for knowledge often led him into a desultory course of reading, and through life his learning. though extensive, in some degree lacked system. The completion of his collegiate course hal exhausted bis patrimony, and left him to some extent indebted to friends. -Is yet. he had not selected his profession. With but few friends. and no pecuniary resources, he was almost discou- raged. and at one time he had decided to abandon the farther prosecution of literary pursuits, and join the army. Here again his unele stepped in as a guardian angel. and rescued his wayward nephew. A change of purpose was effected. and a resolution formed to enter upon the study of divinity. His first occupation after leaving college, was the charge of the grammar school in Weathersfield, where he was associated with his classmate. John H. Lothrop, Esq .. and in the divi-
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sion of duties, the care of the young gentlemen devolved ou Dr. Backus. His superior talents as an instructor were here developed. He was licensed and commenced preaching in 1789, and soon afterwards was invited to preach to the congregation then lately bereaved by the death of Dr. Bel- lamy. He afterwards received an unanimous call to become the pastor of the church, which was accepted, and his talents and character did not fail to render him acceptable and use- ful to his congregation. He was a faithful pastor. In his intercourse with his people, he was candid and affectionate : as a preacher, he was sound, original, attractive, and instruc- tive. His imagination was brilliant and chaste, producing some of the boldest combinations and brightest specimens of intellectual creations. His pen never did justice to his talents as a preacher. In 1798, he preached the annual election sermon, by the appointment of Gov. Wolcott; and in 1799, he preached Gov. Wolcott's funeral sermon. Soon after his ordination, he opened a select school in Bethlehem. the principal object of which was to prepare young men for college. He continued this school as long as he resided in the State. He was peculiarly qualified for a teacher, by the clear and direct manner in which he explained and illus- trated first principles, and adapted his ideas and language to the capacity of his pupils. He always acquired and re- tained the affection and respectful regard of those under his care. His selection and success as President of Hamilton College, have been noticed. In the midst of his career of usefulness, he died of typhus fever, December 9, 1816, aged fifty-two. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Norton. The corporation of the college, as a token of their respect for their departed President, erected over his re- mains in the college cemetery, a handsome monument to his memory. The inscription is in Latin.
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In person, Dr. Backus was of the middle stature, robust. and athletic ; though corpulent, he was active.
He buried several children before he came to this State. and four survived him. Two have since deceased: Wealthy. wife of Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro, and Albert. who died in Franec. where he had gone for the benefit of his health.
The Rev. Henry Davis, D. D., succeeded to the Presidency in 1817. He had previously been President of Middlebury College, Vermont. For the first five years he was success- ful. and the institution prosperous. Here it would be grateful to the feelings of the author, were a thick veil drawn over its history, never to be raised; but such is not the case. The decline and almost extinction of Hamilton College are remembered by those who survive.
In November, 1823, an occurrence took place of the most astounding character. A small cannon, heavily loaded and plugged, was fired and burst. at two o'clock in the morning. on the fourth floor of one of the college buildings. It was placed in the hall, by the side of a room occupied by a tutor. who. at the time, was asleep in an adjoining room. Although some of the students had a pique against the tutor. yet it was never suspected that there was any intention to take his life ; still, his escape was almost miraculous. His coat. which was hanging on a chair at the foot of his bed, was so rent as to preclude repair. The fragments of the caunon were thrown in every direction, some through the roof. and others through all the floors, quite into the basement. Some of the windows in that section of the building. were almost annihilated, sash as well as glass. The side of the tutor's chamber was entirely swept away, and the door was found erect against the opposite wall. In the end. this event brought the institution to the very verge of dissolution. although such a result did not necessarily follow such a
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cause. It is believed that, if there had been harmonious action between the board of trustees and the faculty, its prosperity need not have been disturbed; but such was not the case. The faculty believed that, by the college by-laws, its government was vested in them ; the trustees, or at least a majority of them, thought differently, and at a meeting of the board. a committee was appointed to investigate the matter. This committee made no progress in obtaining the names of the authors, although, providentially. the faculty were soon in possession of all the facts, and the names of the nine students concerned. The reader need not be carried through the long labyrinth of troubles which fol- lowed. A portion of the trustees wished the President to resign, which he distinctly refused to do, on the ground that his reputation was too deeply concerned to permit such a. course. Year after year of crimination and recrimination passed between a majority of the board and the President ; and as a house divided against itself can not stand, so, in the years 1829 and 1830 there was no graduating class. During a portion of these years, the college was reduced to nine students, and & part, perhaps all of these, were induced to remain to save the charter of the institution. " New measures," as they were termed, for producing religious revivals and excitements in Oneida County, became inter- woven with their troubles. The Western Education Society had erected, in the vicinity of the college, a large boarding house, for the gratuitous boarding of its beneficiaries ; and as another of the evils the institution had to encounter. these students were a source of jealousy and annoyance to those who were able to defray their own expenses.
After being thus brought to the very threshold of disso- lution, better counsels prevailed. A portion of the trustees resigned, and others of different views were appointed.
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"Charity Hall," as said boarding house was called, was sold, and became a private dwelling. The prospects of the college began to brighten. In 1831 there was a graduating class of mine, in 1832 of eleven, and in 1833 there were ninety-three students in attendance, and a graduating class of twenty.
In 1832. Dr. Davis resigned the Presidency, but it was not accepted until the appointment of his successor, the Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, D. D, in 1833. Dr. Dwight con- tinued in the Presidency but two years, and in 1835 he was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Penny, D. D., who, in 1839, was succeeded by the present incumbent, the Rev. Simcon North, who had been for the previous ten years Professor of Languages in the institution. Since President North entered upon the Presidential duties, the college has been constantly gaining in public confidence. Indeed, it was never as flourishing as in 1849. This year the catalogue shows a
Senior Class of 51
Juniors - 10
Sophomores
.1.1
Freslimen -
23
Total
. 158
Of the Seniors, forty-seven graduated at the annual coni- mencement of this year, the largest number of graduates since the incorporation of the institution.
Notwithstanding the clouds and darkness which have at times overshadowed this institution, the future in prospec- tive is most cheering; it is one of the bright and sunny spots in Central New York ; improvement is visible in its course. Some little change in the course of studies, such a. experience may dictate, to bring it up to the standard of the age, and it will be all that its fondest friends can wish, or its founders hoped.
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We are gratified that, on commencement day, the ludicrous chapeau and gown no longer disfigure the form of the President, but he appears in a plain suit of citizen's black. On the last commencement, when the atmosphere was rang- ing near 110ยบ Fahrenheit, the audience was not tortured with Greek and Latin exercises; and it is fondly anticipated that, at no distant day, we shall hear the degrees conferred in plain Anglo-Saxon, that language of which it has been said, "Wherever it is spoken, there the rights of man are best understood." The dark ages are past, when the gaping multitude supposed that something supernatural is conferred in a collegiate degree. Now, it is believed that, in connec- tion with a thorough course of studies pursued in disciplining the mind of the student, it is rendered almost priceless ; but it is not believed that four years spent in college in idleness and dissipation, and, if he is so fortunate as to receive one, a degree conferred in Latin, and a parchment inscribed in the same language, very well qualify the possessor for the active duties of after life.
This history of Hamilton College can not be closed in any way so satisfactorily to the author, as by inscribing the following address of A. M. Stowe at the last commencement. Mr. Stowe was a member of the graduating class, and kindly furnished a copy, by request :-
" Benignant Heaven did smile propitiously, and gave us proof of love to man, when, with Almighty hand, He made these rolling hills, and this delightful valley. I would ask those here to-day who have strolled in foreign lands,-lands where the muses sang most sweetly, I would ask, Where, in all thy rounds, didst find such scenes as these ? Stroll through these groves, and climb the rugged hill with mne, and, from the summit of some lofty brow, feast well thine eyes on Nature's most exquisite volume.
"I come to speak at first, of those once lords of this fair land, ' whose foot-prints in the sands of time' we have washed away, I
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would point you to their graves, if I knew where to find them. Their graves! They are all about us; we tread each day upon the dust of noble men. We meet to-day where brave Oneida's sons once met in councils wise. Here curled the smoke, here ran the deer, and here the arrow flew. The war-whoop's deafening yell was heard from hill to hill, from glen to grove, most fair; but cries like these were most unusual; Oneida's sons loved peace, and only when pro- yoked to deeds of bloody hue, would they go forth in dread array; but when their ire was up, not one of all the five remaining nations dwelling round could stand before them. Like as the lion, when roused from peaceful rest by some intruder, they would make the earth to quake, and heaven's broad arch to ring.
" A crude idea they had of the Great Spirit; to it they bowed with reverence. They bowed when it was seen in blasts terrific, prostra- ting mighty forest oaks; they bowed when lightnings flashed across their path, and thunders pealed on high ; they also bowed when death, the mighty foe of all, unnerved their neighbor's arm, and laid his icy hand on tongue and vitals. But worshipped they not as the understanding Christian worships. For ages, no volume well inspired to them was known ; no true idea of duty, God, or final retribution. Their ideal heaven was in Elysium's plain, where game is found in great abundance, and fleetest hounds, and arrows true, secure them richest food. To such delightful home they hoped to go when the Great Spirit called them. In yon fair valley dwelt Oneida's tribe for ages out of mind, and each successive generation stronger grew, till numbering many hundreds.
"In this condition Samuel Kirkland found them. When quite a youth, he left the halls of Princeton, from whose doors scores, not a few, have gone, to bless the world, and with a heart burning to be useful. he gave himself away, as give the men of God in this our own day, who go to foreign land to teach the 'way of life.' Oneidas' habits soon he learned, their language too; and then methinks I hear him say, 'O, noble son of nature's wild domain, thon should'st. not die without the truth ; the image of the Holy on thee is stamped : with thee I'll spend my days, and count it pleasure.' One friend he had to comfort him; save her, for years, he seldom saw the face of Saxon blood; but saw he something better,-he saw the natives turn their faces heavenward, and ask for merey. Such faith and works as he possessed can not but succeed. His step was always welcome to the rudest wigwam ; the chiefs in him confided.
" Skenandoa, whose powerful intellect and native eloquence is on
1 the lips of all, loved Kirkland much ; loved as those alone can love who worship God sincerely. He lived till five score winters whistled through his locks, and died,-died as a Christian dies. His monu-
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ment, plain, simple, time-worn, you will find on yonder hill, where sleeps the dust of some well-versed in classic lore.
" England, with strong desire to make us pay a tax on tea, swarmed on our coasts by king's command. Of nations dwelling round this tribe, some joined our foe, and used their influence strong to make Oneida's sons rush to the bloody fray. On council ground the chief's of neighboring nations met. In harangues long and eloquent in their euphonions language, (so unlike our own,) they spoke succes- sively. Oneida's tribe did waver ; it felt the force of sophistry, which seldom is without effect in this our day, when men of intellect per- verted speak to the people. It seemed that one more burst of elo- quence would turn the scales. The keen, discerning eye of Kirkland saw the crisis, and rose to make the final speech. His brow was calm as evening's placid waters. In their own language, which he spoke most beautifully, he led them back to time when first he knew them; afterward, with careful step he traced his way up to the present then, and drew the contrast. When the Great Spirit dictates man, he must prevail : no eloquence like that which comes from lips moved by the Great Eternal. Kirkland never dreamed of failure ; his faith and hope were strong. He did prevail. From that momentous hour, Oneida's sons buried the tomahawk, and always proved our friends.
"With self-denial more than we can know, this holy man did labor, labored till auburn hair had blossomed white, and his firm step be- came uncertain. He sowed the seeds of truth, he reaped a glorious harvest. To see the natives 'look and live' was all his heart's de- sire, and this he saw.
"Should I pass by one certain act of that good man, you would think it wrong. Turn then your thoughts far back, to that propitious day when Kirkland laid the corner-stone of our beloved college; and as they gathered round, natives and all, his prayer went up like in- cense pure, that it might prosper. May be, his spirit hovers o'er to-day; delightful thought ! Would you know where his ashes sleep ? On yonder hill side, go with me, my friends, and drop a tear ; not that he died, but that our path, compared with his, has been so crooked. But where is the tribe he loved so well, and for whose weal he saeri- ficed so much ? Time would fail to tell; it would take a volume of octavo size to state their wrongs. The peeled and scattered rem- nants will reply."
Rev. Samuel Kirkland was born at Norwich, Conn., on the 1st of December, 1741. His father, the Rev. Daniel . Kirkland, was the minister of that part of the town of Nor-
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